Seems that people like this so I'm going to keep the meal going.
Alright, full disclaimer: I utilized chatgpt to write this chapter.
Well, not completely. The bulk of it, like 95% is all me while the rest of it is little detail polishing to make it all flow a bit better. It might seem lazy to feed this through an AI to get results, but I don't exactly have a beta I can hire to look over this. And we live in a digital age - might as well take advantage of the tools we're given, yeah? I won't be relying on it to write my chapters, merely to handle improvements with structure, language, prose, all that intricate shit.
All that being said, this chapter will look and feel worlds different from my usual work so please enjoy and leave a review. Would love to know what y'all's thoughts are so far.
Honkai Star Rail is property of Hoyoverse. I own nothing.
No matter how many times he visited, the Everwinter City never failed to leave Caelus in awe.
It was the last human bastion on the frigid, desolate world of Jarilo-VI, a sprawling metropolis that stood as a monument to the endurance of those who called it home. Its towering buildings, though impressive, stood as solemn sentinels against the encroaching desolation.
Yet, the stark reality was that many of these structures had been abandoned, their once-vibrant halls now silent victims of the creeping menace known as the Fragmentum. It was a blight that had plagued Belobog for generations, a relentless force that twisted and consumed all in its path.
The people here had fought bravely against the inhuman, genocidal monsters that it spawned, creatures that swelled their ranks with the fallen.
Valor and honor were revered among the Silvermane Guards, but such sacrifices often felt tragically futile against the unyielding tide of darkness.
Caelus dismissed those glum thoughts, exhaling a visible plume of breath into the biting cold. The frigid air seeped into his bones, a constant reminder of the harsh reality outside the city's protective walls. Here, within the boundaries of Belobog, life was precariously livable, perhaps even pleasant on a good day.
Beyond, however, in the frozen wastelands that consisted of much of the planet, certain death lurked for anyone not rigorously trained to survive such extremes – and even then it was a coin toss.
Someone like him would never have made it to Belobog without some sort of cosmic handicap. Were it not for the stellaron within him, a gift and curse in equal measure, he might have succumbed to hypothermia by now.
Snow crunched under his shoes as he made his further into the Restricted Zone. He glanced around idly, noting the Silvermane Guards on patrol; they acknowledged him with respectful nods but did not engage with him. Most of them were familiar with his presence by now and perhaps even relieved to see him here once again.
It wouldn't be the first time I've stepped in to help, he mused, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Oh, it's you!"
The voice caught him off guard, pulling him from his thoughts. He turned to see a bespectacled girl in a beret, her sharp eyes fixed on him. "Hey, Pela. Did you need something?" he asked, looking down at the petite but formidable intel officer.
"That depends on your answer as to why you're here," Pela replied smartly, adjusting her glasses with a practiced flick. "I take it Madam Bronya called you?"
Anyone else might have questioned how a Silvermane Guard like Pela possessed such insight.
But this was Pela Sergeyevna, the eyes and ears of Belobog. There was very little that escaped her notice, and if something did, it wouldn't stay hidden for long.
"Yeah, I got her message," Caelus confirmed, nodding. "She told me to meet her here. Is she at the camp?"
Pela nodded, her gesture as precise and measured as her demeanor. "Follow me," she instructed, turning on her heel and leading him through the snow-dusted streets. As they walked, a few guards noticed their approach and stopped to gawk, but a stern look from Pela sent them back to their duties.
Caelus couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"Is there something amusing, Trailblazer?" Pela's glare turned on him, her eyes narrowing into slits of icy reprimand. Despite her diminutive stature, she could be profoundly intimidating when she chose to be – which happened to be 90% of the time, actually.
"N-no, Ma'am," Caelus stammered, the chuckle dying on his lips.
"Hmph. In any case, we shouldn't keep Madam Bronya waiting. Come along now," Pela commanded, her tone brooking no rebuttal.
Caelus followed her through the labyrinth of the city's streets, his sneakers crunching on the snow-covered cobblestones. All around them guards were hard at work, some on patrol, others performing maintenance on their weapons and armor. A few had even seized brief moments of respite, leaning against walls or huddling in the rare cozy nooks for a semblance of rest.
Each of them bore the marks of exhaustion, their faces etched with the lines of fatigue and the weight of relentless vigilance.
The ceaseless battle against the Fragmentum demanded sacrifices with each passing day, all so those back in the administrative district as well the Underworld could live safely.
And how many of them will live to see tomorrow? Caelus wondered grimly, the thought casting a shadow over his heart.
As they continued, the oppressive cold seemed to draw ever closer, whispering its icy promises of despair. Yet, within the heart of Belobog, amidst the courage and camaraderie of its defenders, there flickered a small but steadfast flame of hope.
Caelus could feel it, even now, in the unwavering steps of the guards, in the determined stride of Pela before him, and in the silent resolve that filled his own soul as he braced himself for whatever lay ahead.
In this frozen city on the edge of oblivion, they were all bound by a shared destiny, fighting not just for survival, but for the fragile promise of a future.
What else was he to do but admire and honor such resolve?
The main camp appeared in the distance, where three imposing figures stood in the center in a loose formation – two of whom he could confidently call close friends by this point.
Even from this distance, he could easily pick out Gepard Landau, the newly appointed commandant of the Silvermane Guards. His resplendent armor, adorned with shards of glistening ice, seemed to catch and reflect the weak, wintry sunlight, making him appear as a beacon of resilience amidst the frosty landscape.
Beside him was a young woman with drill-like locks cascading down her back – Bronya Rand, the supreme guardian of Belobog and de facto ruler of Jarilo-VI. Her presence, almost ethereal against the snow-laden backdrop, radiated a quiet authority that belied the weight of her responsibilities.
Both seemed to be engaged in an intense discussion with another guard, an officer judging by the intricate configuration of his armor.
As Caelus and Pela drew nearer, Pela started to lag behind which brought Caelus to a halt. "Not coming along?"
"I have some reports to file that have been backing up, so the last leg of this will be up to you. I'm leaving Madam Bronya in your care."
"No pressure or anything," he quipped.
Pela smiled deviously, the sunlight glinting off her glasses. "But of course, since you know what will happen should anything untoward happen to her. I know Lynxey has been clamoring about another survival course with you, and I might just let her know you're interested."
Caelus felt all the color drain out of his face for reasons that had little to do with the cold. Taking Lynx up on her offer was one of the most painful things he'd ever gone through, all because of a favor to her worried older siblings.
"Uh, right! Better get going then! Don't wanna keep Her Excellency waiting or anything, hehe."
"Smart boy. I'll see you around then."
With the young guard now departed, Caelus turned and headed in the direction of the camp, arriving just in time for the final words of the trio's discussion to reach his ears.
"…dangerous, even more so than usual. I insist on taking a few extra men just to be safe, Your Excellency," Gepard was saying, his gloved hand gesturing toward a cluster of guards standing at attention nearby.
"I do not wish to put this excursion more at risk than it already is, Gepard," Bronya responded firmly, her voice steady and composed. "You and Captain Dunn are the only exceptions I'll make regarding security, and that is solely because you vouch for him," she added, turning to the officer with an apologetic wince, "no offense, Captain."
"None taken, milady," the officer, Dunn it was revealed, replied reverently. His voice carried the seasoned confidence of one accustomed to the hazards of leadership, a beacon of strength to all the weary souls surrounding him. "Though if I may, who is the final member of our escort? You mentioned there would be three of us, and you have already stated the two of us will be the only ones from the Guard."
"Indeed," Bronya said, her stern demeanor softening into a smile as she spotted Caelus and Pela arriving. "And here he comes now. Fashionably late, as usual."
"I'm not big on punctuality," Caelus shot back with a playful grin, ignoring the shocked expressions of the nearby guards. However, Gepard's stern gaze quickly reminded him of the formalities. "Ahem, I mean, greetings, milady," he added, attempting a more respectful tone.
Bronya sighed, a touch of exasperation flavoring her voice. "That's quite enough, Gepard. I'm not one to stand on ceremony anyway, not like…" Her voice trailed off, her expression momentarily distant before she shook her head, dispelling whatever memory had surfaced. "Anyway, I'm glad you could make it, Caelus. I hope you weren't too busy."
"Nothing that can't wait," Caelus assured, his gaze searching her face. "Is everything alright? You look tense… Wait, did the Fragmentum spread?"
Bronya's eyes widened at his query, her alarm mirrored in the tensing shoulders of the guards around her. She quickly waved her hands dismissively before a panic could spread. "No, no, nothing like that! If anything, the spread has slowed to a crawl recently, giving our forces some much-needed breathing room. No, the reason I called you here isn't for anything official."
"Then why the secrecy?" Caelus asked, his curiosity piqued.
Bronya hesitated, her fingers fidgeting as she gathered her thoughts. "I have… a personal favor to ask of you. I need an escort through the Corridor of Fading Echoes."
Caelus's heart skipped a beat, a jolt of alarm surging through him. His reaction mirrored that of the other two men, though Dunn's expression remained hidden behind his helmet.
"The Corridor?! My lady, with all due respect, that sector is deep in enemy territory. We've lost countless men there!" Dunn protested, stepping forward, his concern palpable even through his armor.
Bronya's gaze turned icy, her eyes narrowing into slits as she met Dunn's outburst with an unyielding stare. "I am fully aware of our losses, captain. I see the casualty lists every day. Do not forget, I served alongside many of your peers." Her voice, though calm, carried the weight of unshed grief and steely resolve.
Dunn's shoulders sagged under her gaze, but before he could respond, Gepard intervened, his voice measured and respectful. "I can assure you, Captain Dunn meant no offense, madam guardian. His thoughts align with my own regarding your safety."
There was no doubting the loyalty and dedication of these men. They would willingly lay down their lives to protect her, no matter the situation. Caelus admired their unwavering commitment, even though he knew the full extent of Bronya Rand's strength and capabilities: she wasn't the former commandant for nothing.
"With the three of us together, we won't have to worry," Caelus interjected with a reassuring smile, trying to ease the tension.
Gepard exchanged glances with Bronya and Caelus, his hesitation giving way to reluctant acceptance. "Very well. My shield is yours. What say you, Captain?"
Dunn was silent for a moment, the weight of the decision pressing heavily on him. Finally, he sighed, the sound somehow much louder from within his suit of armor. "When the madam guardian's mind is set, there is little to be said. And though I am still wary of her venturing near that wasteland, having my fellow captain and our esteemed trailblazer with us does ease my worries somewhat. After all, a knight's word is his bond."
Caelus turned to Bronya with a teasing glint in his eye. "Anything else to add, madam guardian?"
Bronya flushed slightly, though she masked it with a practiced flick of her hair. "Nothing of relevance. If that's all, we should get going. No use wasting daylight."
The Corridor of Fading Echoes.
Once a thriving district on the outskirts of Belobog, its streets bustling with life and its homes filled with laughter, now it stood as a desolate wasteland. The icy wind howled mournfully through the empty streets, whispering tales of the countless souls who once resided there.
Now, only the damned roamed these forgotten avenues, their ranks swollen by the relentless onslaught of the Fragmentum.
Fragmentum monsters, twisted and grotesque, shambled through the ghost town, their bodies draped in the tattered remnants of fallen guards.
These abominations, known as shadewalkers, mimicked the movements of their former hosts, brandishing pikes and halberds of fire and ice. Their hollow eyes glowed with an unholy light, and from a distance, they appeared like phantoms performing their old patrols.
Around them flitted frost and flamespawns, their wings a blur of chilling blue and searing orange against the backdrop of ruin.
"It never ends," Dunn muttered behind Caelus, the heavy shuffle of his armor barely audible over the mournful wind.
"One day, my friend," Gepard replied, his voice a steadfast promise as he gripped the handle of his shield tightly. "For now, all we can do is thin the horde."
Caelus glanced at Bronya, who knelt beside him, her rifle poised and ready. The bangs of her hair framed her face, the determination in her eyes as sharp as the cold steel in her hands. "Should we go around?" he asked softly.
Her head shook slowly, drill-like tendrils swaying with the motion. "There's no telling what might be lying in wait if we take another route. This is the most direct path. Besides," she continued, her grip on the rifle tightening until the metal creaked, "I can't stand to see these fiends using the lost to claim more."
"Then, ladies first?"
"Such a gentleman," Bronya quipped, her voice carrying a hint of grim amusement as she squeezed the trigger. The rifle barked, and a shadewalker crumpled to the ground, its torment finally ended.
"For Belobog!" Gepard and Dunn roared in unison, charging forward with the fervor of men on a sacred mission.
Caelus summoned his lance, the weapon blazing with righteous fury as he leapt into the fray alongside them.
The Fragmentum monsters hissed and howled, converging on the intruders with a malevolent fury. The spawns darted through the air, their fiery and icy forms weaving erratic patterns above the melee.
Bronya's sharpshooting cut through the chaos, each shot finding its mark and bringing down the aerial threats, while the shadewalkers fell beneath the combined might of the trio's assault.
An incineration walker lunged at Dunn, its blazing axe swinging with lethal intent. Dunn met the attack head-on, his spear thrusting forward to impale the creature, its form disintegrating into ash within moments.
Two more shadewalkers closed in from behind, but Gepard's massive shield swept them aside like leaves before a storm. Pivoting smoothly, he raised the shield just in time to block a dive-bombing spawn, its icy claws scraping uselessly against the reinforced surface.
Bronya's rifle barked again, and more enemies fell to her expert precision. Not a single round was wasted – each one hit its mark.
Caelus practically danced around her, his lance a fiery blur as he incinerated two frostspawns that dared to come too close. The heat of the weapon was a comforting presence, its flames a beacon in the frozen gloom.
A sudden, ominous whirring noise caught Caelus's attention. He turned just in time to see a heavily damaged automaton, a seething prowler, lurch into the plaza.
"Dunn, watch out!" he shouted, his warning just in time to save the knight from being bisected by the machine's massive blade. The force of the blow knocked Dunn back, but he remained miraculously intact – he wouldn't be for long if he faced it alone.
"Go! I'll cover you!" Bronya commanded, her voice cutting through the din of battle.
Caelus didn't argue, trusting her to keep the airborne threats at bay as he rushed to Dunn's aid. Spawns swooped down towards him in an effort to stall him but fell quickly to Bronya's precise shots.
With a quick nod of gratitude to her, Caelus tightened his grip on his lance and surged into the melee. He spotted Gepard engaged in a fierce struggle, surrounded by a fresh wave of Shadewalkers that threatened to overwhelm him.
Meanwhile, Dunn was holding his ground against the Prowler, the knight's defiance unyielding despite the odds.
"Here stands the Silvermane Guard, and here we stay!" Dunn bellowed, his voice echoing through the ruins. "Bring your worst, wretch, and I shall answer in kind!"
The prowler's blade began to glow with searing heat, the air around it shimmering with the intensity. Caelus could feel the scorching temperature even from a distance. Dunn's shield bore the brunt of another strike, but it was beginning to show signs of stress, intricate cracks spreading across its surface like a spiderweb.
Caelus quickened his pace, desperation lending speed to his steps.
The knight let out a battle cry and lunged forward, his lance piercing the machine's torso with a solid strike.
The Prowler stumbled back, momentarily disoriented.
"Dunn!" Caelus called, rushing to his side.
"Just in the nick of time!" Dunn grinned, lifting his lance in salute. "Help me dispatch this pile of rust!"
Caelus slid into position beside Dunn, his lance raised defensively. The prowler's eyes glowed malevolently, and it roared back to life, its flames rekindled. "If I keep it busy, can you target its weak spots?" Caelus asked, his voice steady despite the pounding of his heart.
"That I can!" Dunn replied with a laugh, his pike tapping the ground with a loud clang. "But mind you don't take any unnecessary risks, got it?"
"Shouldn't that be my line, Captain?" Caelus shot back with a smirk, eliciting a bark of laughter from Dunn.
"Consider yourself lucky you're not part of the Guard, kid. I wouldn't tolerate such cheek from any of my men."
The crack of Bronya's rifle brought them back to the task at hand.
Caelus sized up the massive mech before them, determination hardening his features. The heat from Alisa Rand's lance surged, wrapping around him like a protective cloak. Taking a deep breath, he closed the distance and engaged their foe, hoping to draw its attention.
The prowler's blade descended towards him with deadly precision. Caelus braced himself, blocking the strike with his lance. The impact forced him to one knee, but a sudden surge of strength allowed him to shove the flaming weapon aside, gaining precious distance. The mech lumbered after him, its joints groaning with the effort.
Dunn seized the opportunity, his pike plunging into the prowler's arm, causing it to emit a thick cloud of black smoke. The machine swung its blade towards Dunn, but Caelus intercepted the attack, his lance deflecting the blow with relative ease.
Just as he began to find his rhythm, the mech's leg suddenly rose to stomp him, its foot crashing down with a force that left deep gouges in the pavement. It left him staggered, struggling to regain his balance for a good moment or two. A wave of blistering heat signaled the descending blade, and he barely raised his lance in time to avoid being crushed.
The force of the blow drove him to kneel on one knee, the ground meeting him with a jarring impact. He growled in frustration, his muscles straining under the pressure.
The prowler loomed over him, its sensors glowing with mechanical malevolence. But then, with a screeching noise that grated on his ears, the machine went limp and collapsed, revealing Dunn standing triumphantly behind it, the tip of his pike coated with machine oil.
"Guess I owe you one," Caelus gritted out, attempting to rise only to lose his balance and mutter a curse under his breath.
A gauntleted hand appeared in his field of vision, strong and steady. "Consider us even, Trailblazer," Dunn said, offering him a hand up. "I'd have been in real trouble if you hadn't stepped in. Now, on your feet – you're making yourself look bad in front of the madam guardian."
Caelus chuckled ruefully, accepting Dunn's hand and allowing himself to be pulled to his feet.
"Are you two okay?" Bronya called out, her voice carrying over the desolate expanse as she rushed toward them with Gepard in tow.
The young commandant's blonde hair was tousled, and a fresh gash marred his cheek, a crimson streak against the pallor of his skin.
"Perhaps such concerns should be directed to the young commandant here," Dunn remarked, gesturing to his own cheek with a wry smile. "That's quite the nasty scrape. I hope you gave as good as you got."
Gepard grimaced, wiping his face with a gloved hand and inspecting the blood with a mix of annoyance and resignation. "I might be a bit out of practice. I'll double my training regimen once we're back."
Dunn chuckled, clapping Gepard on the shoulder. "Lad, there's no need to be bashful. Even veterans like us get knocked around from time to time. Isn't that right?"
Caelus nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "Yeah, don't stress over it too much. You held your own out there and then some."
"The two of them are right, Gepard," Bronya added, her voice softening with an encouraging warmth. "Even I got my fair share of scrapes when I was with the guard. Don't get discouraged. I know Serval believes in you, just as I do."
Gepard ducked his head bashfully, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks as he coughed into his gloved fist. "I-if that's all, should we get going? There might be more lurking nearby."
"Yes, that would be best. The path is clear now, so let us proceed," Bronya said, as she gestured for them to move on.
Caelus fell into step with Gepard and Dunn, the trio closing ranks around Bronya despite her clear displeasure. He kept a wary eye on the shadowy alleyways and ruined buildings, ever alert for the lurking threats of the Fragmentum.
But beneath his vigilance lay a gnawing curiosity.
Why had Bronya brought them here? It was one thing for her to continue overseeing the guards, even after passing the command to Gepard, but this felt different. This was a personal quest, and he had a sinking suspicion it had everything to do with her mother.
As their trail led deeper into the area, their encounters with Fragmentum creatures grew infrequent, the eerie silence broken only by the occasional skirmish. At one point, a frigid prowler emerged from the shadows, but they managed to convince Bronya to let them sneak past rather than engage.
Fighting those things was a nightmare even when those skilled enough were present.
Eventually, they reached the base of a long stairway, its steps leading deeper into the heart of Fragmentum territory.
This was Everwinter Hill, a place that sent a shiver down Caelus's spine that had little to do with the cold. The memory of their battle there was still raw, a dark stain on his soul.
"Bronya… why are we here?" Caelus asked, his voice laden with suspicion.
The young guardian paused, her back to them, and for a moment, he thought she wouldn't answer. But then she turned, her expression composed yet tinged with sorrow. "As I said, my reasons are personal… though I suspect you've figured it out by now."
Caelus's heart sank.
I hate it when I'm right.
"You wish to… pay your respects to Madam Cocolia?" Dunn interjected, his tone a mix of surprise and caution.
"Yes," Bronya replied, her voice steady but filled with a profound sadness. "I understand this is very selfish of me, but it would have been even more so to come alone without informing anyone. That said, if any of you wish to turn back, I will understand."
Caelus exchanged glances with Gepard and Dunn. They shared a silent conversation, their eyes reflecting the same resolve he felt.
This place held dark memories, but it was also where he had gained the power to protect those he loved. He couldn't let Bronya face this alone, wrestling with her demons in the cold silence.
"It would be foolish to come this far only to turn back now," Caelus declared, his voice firm with determination.
Bronya's eyes widened, a gasp escaping her lips. "Caelus…"
"The lad's right, milady," Dunn added, stepping forward with a nod. "The path may be treacherous, but we would dishonor the uniform if we let you go on alone. Besides, I've always wished to bear witness to the apex of the Fragmentum's corruption."
"What about you, Gepard?" Caelus asked, turning to the young commandant.
Gepard stared up the stairway, his face a mask of conflict. But then his expression hardened into one of cold resolve. "As commandant, I cannot let our ruler proceed unescorted. And beyond that, I must fill your shoes somehow, Lady Bronya."
"Spoken like a man deserving of his position!" Dunn chortled, clapping Gepard on the back, causing him to stumble forward slightly.
Caelus chuckled at their camaraderie, turning his gaze back to a speechless Bronya. Awe and gratitude filled her delicate features, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Well then, my lady: shall we?"
Bronya seemed to snap out of her reverie, nodding her head with a deep bow. "Thank you, everyone. Let's not waste any more time then – the climb is steep, and night will fall soon. I don't think any of us want to be around for that."
The heart of the Fragmentum was a realm of haunting desolation. Mangled and warped houses lined the path, their windows glowing eerily as if their inhabitants still lived within.
But the reality was far grimmer. The Stellaron's influence had rendered the climate inhospitable, either driving out or dooming those who once called this place home.
Scattered among the ruins were the frozen remains of Anti-Matter Legionnaires, their lifeless forms posed like macabre statues.
Though long dead, their presence sent shivers down Caelus's spine. Dunn and Gepard gave the bodies a wide berth, weapons at the ready, and Caelus couldn't blame them. Each step near the legionnaires seemed to echo with the crackle of ice, a reminder of the still-lingering threat just waiting for release.
While Dunn and Gepard bantered, occasionally drawing Caelus into their conversation, Bronya remained uncharacteristically silent. Her usual composure was replaced by a brooding introspection, her eyes fixed firmly on the path ahead. Caelus knew the reason for her turmoil, but it wasn't his secret to share.
Cocolia had been gone for some time now. Bronya had grieved, had shed enough of her tears over it, so why now? Why visit her mother's grave at this moment?
Only Bronya herself could provide such revelations and until she did, he wouldn't pry.
As they ascended another set of stairs, the bodies of legionnaires became more frequent, their frozen forms casting long shadows in the waning light. Caelus felt a familiar thrum within his bones, a lingering echo of the Stellaron's corruption that had once gripped this place. Though the malign influence had been purged, its spectral presence remained, a ghost haunting the mountain.
Bronya halted suddenly, her gaze fixed on the top of the stairs. She opened her mouth as if to speak but seemed to think better of it, her face contorting in a grimace of unspoken pain.
She doesn't want to bare her soul to them like this – especially since they don't know the full truth.
Dunn, sensing her hesitation, took the initiative. "…Madam Bronya, Gepard and I will remain here and secure the area."
"Dunn…?" Gepard questioned, looking to his fellow captain.
Dunn met his gaze with a silent, understanding look.
Realization soon dawned on Gepard's face. "…Right. Caelus, please escort the madam guardian further. We'll ensure nothing follows you."
"Gepard, Dunn…" Bronya murmured softly, just loud enough for Caelus to hear. "Don't take any risks. This won't take long, I promise."
"Take all the time you need, milady!" Dunn declared, his voice brimming with conviction as he drove his pike into the ground, splintering the stone beneath the snow. "Nothing shall disturb you. You have my word."
"We shall be your shield and sword, milady. Please continue," Gepard insisted, standing resolutely beside his fellow captain.
Bronya's eyes glistened with emotion as she nodded, her gaze lingering on them with gratitude. She turned to Caelus, a silent invitation in her eyes. With one final glance to the two men, he followed after her, the cold biting deeper as they ascended.
No words were exchanged during their climb. Even when Bronya stumbled, Caelus caught her by the arm, steadying her with a gentle touch. She merely offered him a grateful look before continuing, her steps resolute and unyielding. It was almost like she was possessed by something.
This isn't like her, he thought, worry gnawing at his heart.
They reached the final set of stairs leading to the stellaron containment zone, now a shattered remnant of its former self. The plateau where they had once battled Cocolia spread out before them, littered with the frozen figures of legionnaires, even that of a void trampler.
At the far end stood the twisted remains of the stellaron's cradle, broken and scarred from the climactic fight that had unfolded here.
The sight of it made Caelus's chest itch with a phantom ache.
"Seven hundred years of that thing's influence," Bronya began, her voice carrying a mournful reverence as she approached the ruined device. "The first guardian traded her soul and Belobog's future for a brief reprieve, for all the good it did. Guardian after guardian was tested by it, many of them stalwart and defiant… until my predecessor. The first supreme guardian in history to nearly doom us all for the hope of a new world."
"Bronya…" Caelus called softly, the weight of her words pressing heavily on him. How could he offer comfort when he was the reason her mother was now gone?
Bronya's laugh was a bitter, hollow sound, devoid of joy. "It's strange. At the time, I couldn't understand why my mother, someone I aspired to be, would willingly abandon her people for a sliver of salvation. But standing here now… I think I'm beginning to see."
Alarms flared within Caelus's soul. "Bronya, what are you saying?"
"Nearly a millennia of endless war and sacrifice," she continued, her voice calm yet laden with despair. "All to protect this last bastion of humanity. Generation after generation gave their lives, hoping that Belobog would become the core of a new world – a world they would never see. Perhaps that's why my mother succumbed to the snake's whispers, promising salvation. If our roles had been reversed, her fate could have been mine."
"You aren't your mother!" Caelus shouted at her, his voice rising above the howling wind. "Cocolia gave in – you didn't."
"Only because I had no choice but to open my eyes," Bronya replied, unfazed by his intensity. "You, the Astral Express, Seele, and everyone from Wildfire showed me the truth my mother sought desperately to hide. Had we never met… perhaps I would have followed her path."
Caelus struggled to find the right words, but every denial felt hollow to him.
Because all of it was true. The old Bronya had been on that path, until Sampo's rescue had changed her course. It had not been an painless road for her but she had walked it nonetheless, coming out stronger than ever – stronger than Cocolia had ever been.
"You would have woken up one day," he insisted, desperate to comfort her, to remind her of her own worth.
But Bronya shook her head, a rueful smile on her lips. "No, I wouldn't have. I'm not strong. I never have been. I thought my mother was strong and aspired to be her – that's why my people have suffered. Someone strong would have seen the truth she tried to hide. Someone strong would have understood the pain they were causing. Someone strong… would have saved my mother."
Caelus stared at her, at a loss. What could he say? Any words of apology would sound hollow and insincere, and he couldn't lie to her.
She didn't give us a choice, he thought, his resolve crumbling under the weight of his friend's sorrow.
The vision of Cocolia's final moments haunted him, flashing between that and the one from his dream. IT only deepened his inner turmoil.
Why didn't you give us one?
"Do you know today is her birthday?"
Caelus stilled, the revelation hitting him like a punch to the gut.
"Some might find it pathetic to visit a grave only on a birthday, but I couldn't muster the courage until now," Bronya said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. "The events of that day still haunt me. I'll forever see my mother taking that damned Stellaron to the grave every time I close my eyes. Yet, I'd like to believe that her last act, however selfish, was to protect us from its destructive force." She let out a long, shuddering sigh, lifting her gaze to the aurora above. "Happy birthday, Mom."
The golden-tinted aurora shimmered high above, a brilliant display of light that danced across the sky. For a moment, Caelus could almost believe Bronya was admiring the celestial beauty. But he knew it was a nothing but a poignant reminder of her mother's legacy, a bittersweet farewell to the woman who had both saved and nearly destroyed them.