Sparkle trailer dropped so this chapter dropped.
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Boobs.
This topic has been coming for a while so let's get this out the way because Relon knew, and any cosmic deity living on another realm viewing his life out of sheer enjoyment knew, that this topic was coming.
He, a male, a powerful Aeon Child, a lucky guy with two girlfriends, a lucky guy to have punched in his V-card some time ago, and a guy who has recently been told that the application of more family members is now acceptable; is currently in a predicament. One he has oddly found himself in before. The only difference is the last time he walked in on someone with a piece of their flesh exposed, it was Silver Wolf fresh out the shower. After they were already together.
This was not the same. Combined with the jovial and mischievous hints left behind by his friend and lover respectively, the far reaches of his mind had suspected something to be amiss. That thought was put on a brief hold upon arriving at Asta's room and beginning their discussion for it to return and realize the trap he had walked into.
Relon is a firm believer in all sizes being great. He is an avid supporter and member of various groups. The "flat is justice platoon," the "oppai & thigh gang," even the "all size makes the wood rise syndicate." Many groups of such caliber understood the importance of human attraction but the issue lied in where that importance lied on the line known as respect. For groups that Relon is a part of, they understand and respect the anatomy in full. For others scattered across the cosmos, not so much.
Of course, showing such status online would have himself found out before long by Silver Wolf. Even he had his own private life away from it all. He is just a normal member. Not something so high up on the social ladder but not necessarily low either. To him, breasts prevailed over butt. Now, that didn't mean he didn't not like a nice butt. He always has a fondness for a cute bubble butt like Silver Wolf's or March's. But breasts prevailed everytime.
The world of breasts seemed limitless as opposed to the usage behind one's rear. Innerboobs, sideboobs, underboobs, sizes both small and large, sportswear outlining the shape without any need to imagine versus layered clothing that one only could imagine the treasure chests that lied underneath; so much could be done. Still, this was just an opinion. He's seen debates within previously mentioned groups explaining in great detail on why one's butt is the noblest of prizes to acquire. To each their own.
Is he down bad for a pair of boobs to the point he'd do whatever he would want? Of course not. He has restraint. He's not down bad, down horrible, down terrible, down horrendous, down cataclysmic, down catastrophic, down apocalyptic, or even down bad on a universal level. On no level would an infinite amount of tits or ass make him succumb to such an unhinged level. Unlike… others that he has had the displeasure of meeting.
Why was he thinking about disgust and boobs at the same time again?
"Relon…"
Oh yeah. He was currently trying to respectfully not stare at Asta's beautiful looking underboob. Silver Wolf and Arlan had set him up knowing of her attire's condition and used her own physical exhaustion as a deliberate distraction. How he didn't realize or recall earlier during the fight evaded his mind. Still, the rise in both his heart and his nether regions was not good in this situation.
He had tried to look away in his defense but the earnest young woman beckoning him to look forward didn't help his impending doom.
Once more, he wrung his eyes away from the mesmerizing sight. No matter how great it looked, he couldn't bring himself to awe out of the sheer respect he had for Asta. They've been through a lot together including Arlan and he wouldn't do anything to ruin the friendship they've forged over the last few years.
"Asta, I swear I didn't know," he began calmly.
Though Arlan and Eina have some explaining to do if I get out of this alive.
Hearing the sudden shuffling coming from likely Asta, he closes his eyes expecting to be hit. One second, two, three; nothing comes. Carefully, his eyes open. Daring himself to peer an eye her way, he watches as she shy away into the confines of her sheets.
Despite the grim situation, which he was beginning to question, Relon couldn't help but find the sight confusing and… oddly cute?
"Um… Asta-"
"Don't look!" She exclaims raising the cover to shield her face.
Jerking back from the exclamation, he offers a worried glance to the side.
"Asta, hey…" Watching her body stiffen, he hesitates before moving past her shield to the blushing mess she's wearing. "Uh…"
"I didn't expect things to go like this..." Apprehension departing, confusion remains.
"What do you mean?" He was less worried and wondered the meaning behind not her words but the way she said it so… defeated.
"Arlan and Eina said all I had to do was keep you looking at me but I had no clue what they meant by that. Now that I do…" She sighs.
Keep my eyes on her? Why would-
Then it clicked.
"Oh…"
The absence of anger at him surrounding their debacle, the odd hints left by Silver Wolf and Arlan, the oddness that carried when he mentioned checking on her. Normally, said two would go with him. Arlan because Asta is his dear friend and co-worker and Silver Wolf because, well, where he goes so does she. The fact that Acheron stayed without him having to specifically say anything to her. He could suggest that she was staying by Silver Wolf's side because she was the more vulnerable of the two. This also is not taking into account their history of friendly encounters. Still, with all of these combined meant only one thing. Something he was surprisingly oblivious to despite claiming to have decent experience in such a field.
She liked him.
Suddenly, a lot of things began to click into place. It was all a ploy the moment he reawoke, likely planned by Silver Wolf herself. The eagerness in her tone the moment he perked himself back up, could have been according to her calculations. Her care was still genuine but the antics that hid beneath the surface were as well.
"Asta, did Eina-"
"Tell me about your whole 'family' plan? Mhmm."
"And… you're up for it?" This time, no sound comes. The crimson adorning her cheeks along with a slow but firm nod does however. "Then, do you-"
Knock knock knock.
"Lady Asta? Are you awake? It's me, Topaz!"
Unfortunate timing.
Somehow, I blame you.
His luck in timing was truly a mess at times.
"Damn it, if she sees me…!"
"Relon!" Head snapping back to Asta pointing, his eyes trace over to her bathroom door.
"You're a lifesaver, Asta!"
Wasting no time, he manifests a key before rushing at the door, chucking said item, and vanishing without a trace. Lingering on where he once stood, she finally drops her sheet as her body drops against the bed. Only the sound of a sigh could be heard as a hand goes to her chest.
"Do I tally this as another failed attempt or…?"
Master Control Zone
Bursting out, the sudden momentum causing his quick steps to mingle between an awkward sprint and hop, he eventually comes to a stop.
"Oh, you're awake."
Head whirling, he's greeted by the sight of Himeko.
"Ms. Himeko? Where are the others?"
"They should be around here somewhere. I, myself, just returned from some work on one of the upper floors when I ran into them. Judging by Eina's jovial self, I'd hazard a guess that something happened?"
Fear rising, he snaps his eyes downward to feel a wave of relief wash over. Had his little him been awake this entire time, he would never be able to face her again.
"You… could say that. Though I'm still wrapping my head around the hold thing."
"Oh? Would it have something to do with the idea of expanding upon you small, or rather, growing home residency?"
Gawking at the woman as she moves to settle down on a small bench, she pats the spot next to her. Accepting her offer, he purses his lips.
"I take it the girls brought it up?"
"With how excited March was when Eina told her, no one could doubt the excitement brimming from her. Eina herself was clearly excited so I'm curious about your thoughts."
"Well, Eina did drop the sudden news on me yesterday so…" Understandably, Himeko's own expression becomes surprised. "Yeah, we haven't exactly talked much about it. She abruptly brought it up while we were relaxing so it caught me off guard."
"Hmm, I see. What are your thoughts if you don't mind my asking?"
"I… don't know." He sighs, leaning against the small walk to pear at the workers on the platform afar. "I'm not against it completely but I'm just worried of the effects that'll follow. What rulesets apply to those we recruit? Who exactly is on this list of Eina's? Are they people that mix well or contrast? What problems follow? Too many things have been running through my head ever since."
"Can I ask you something?"
"I'm all ears."
"Do you think we of the Astral Express are compatible with one another?"
"Of course, you all work so well together both on and off the field."
"What about before we know each other?"
About to answer, he halts to look at the smiling woman.
"There is a time when each person is naive to the aspect of meeting someone new. The mysteries that linger in the future should we continue to interact with this person. It can be quite a frightening experience."
"Which is why we try to avoid the unknown."
"Which is why we move forward towards that unknown."
"Huh?"
"See, that is the difference between us. Not in a bad sense I might add. Let me ask you this, what do you think it means to be a trailblazer?"
"Judging off of March-"
"No, I want your answer."
Jerking slightly, he hums adorning a thinking posture.
"To move forward through any trial while leaving my footsteps behind. Footsteps that make impacts on the life around them."
"Hmm, I see." She nods to rise.
"Was that a good answer?"
"There is no right or wrong answer. It is all about perspective."
"Perspective?"
"Yes. Just as that is how you think about the meaning of our sacred term, so too does Eina on what it means to be listed within a 'family.' I'll leave you with that as a hint to help." She comments glancing at her watch. "It's almost time. She should be arriving any moment now."
"Wait, but, she?"
"I've only been gone, what? A few months? And the space station is already in such a state?" A familiar voice speaks, drawing their attention.
Looking at the newcomer, all thoughts grind to a halt.
"Welcome back, Herta." Himeko greets.
The true master of the space station. Genius Society number 83, Herta. Of course, were either to state such an introduction out loud, she'd likely give a mild rant demanding the list of "outstanding achievements" she's done.
The space station? Hers. The people on board? Her workers. That included Asta and Arlan. Meaning…
"We need to talk." Relon glowers for the puppet to return with one of her own.
"Indeed we do. How could you allow something like this to happen?"
"Huh?!"
"Please, both of you, let's take this somewhere more private."
Not responding immediately, both snap away with crossed arms. Manifesting a key, he wordlessly tosses a key.
"Ouch! What the heck?" Eyes going forward, the three find Caelus rubbing his forehead. "Watch where you're throwing that, would you?" Behind him, the rest of their group including the orchestrators of his little 'check-up' with Asta.
"Oh joy, more twerps," Herta complains, not a care in space.
"Hey, who are you calling a twerp you… you…"
"Comeback, bro."
"Uh, are you a puppet?"
If there was ever a time for a universal facepalm, it would be now.
Herta's Office
"So tell me, how's Asta, Arlan?"
Portalling through into her office, the silver metal transitioning to intricately-designed hardwood is all too familiar to the Aeon Child. Watching her reach the top of the short staircase to turn facing everyone, her eyes go to the dark-skinned worker.
"Lady Asta is still recovering. She's been pushing herself following the attack so we requested that she recuperate in her room.
"I see. And I take it the Stellarons are now inside these two. I'll have to take a good look later."
"What do you mean by that?" The ever quiet Stelle wonders.
"Hmm, I built this whole space station to just contain the Stellaron and keep the Blue from disaster and yet someone was able to achieve that with these two twerp's little body. Just how could they have done it I wonder…?"
"And my question is ignored." Stelle sighs.
"The Blue?" March wonders.
"Twerp?! Who are you calling a twerp?!" Caelus barks to point. "If anyone is little here, it's you! No offense Arlan."
"I… don't know if I should take offense or not."
"Moreover, the Stellaron is still very stable in both Stelle and Caelus' bodies." Welt notes adjusting his frames.
"Who?"
"Caelus and Stelle," Silver Wolf repeats, gesturing to said two.
"You two? Hmm. Alright, Caelus and Stelle. Got it. I'm still calling them little twerps just like the rest of you. The space in my brain is too valuable to store people's names. Especially with the current status of my station."
"You… Tch, same as ever." Relon scowls.
"I feel like some form of thanks are in order but I don't want to say it out loud and disrupt the direction things are going." Himeko whispers to the dripped-out male who nods in agreement.
"Uh, Madam Herta?" March speaks up. "We kinda need your help regarding Caelus and Stelle."
"Who?"
"Grr."
"Easy, boy." Silver Wolf sighs gripping his torn jacket as does March. "Getting mad at her is pointless. Remember last time?"
"Sure as hell would have felt good if I could get through it." Relon huffs.
"The twins, Madam Herta." Dan Heng intervenes.
"Normally, I'd be formal and ask to bring you both in for research but seeing as we're in my office, I'll assume you both consent."
"Wait what?" Caelus blinks.
"Eina…" Relon twitches an eye irritation. "I'm gonna hurt her. Don't stop me this time."
"My lord, I do not believe that act would not bear any fruit."
"Yes it will. I'll be satisfied knocking some sense into her."
"I'm still trying to figure out how she's taking away our consent." Stelle frowns.
"Yeah! Explain that!" Caelus agrees. "You're acting like some Aeon or something! That or certainly want to be one…"
"The only one that wants to enter that realm of crazy is Ruan Mei." Silver Wolf snorts.
And once again, that sensation of disgust and boobs returned. Only now he realized why.
"Who's that?" Caelus wonders for Relon, Arlan, March, and Welt to shiver.
"Ahem, she's… erm." Welt sounds.
"Some batshit crazy woman the equivalent of Kafka that tried to do unspeakable things to Eina and myself in order to 'transcend' into aeonhood. Whatever the hell that is," Relon scoffs. "Next time she tries anything to either of us, it's on sight."
"Furthest thing from the family list I put together."
"Speaking of which, I haven't heard from Dr. Ratio in a while…" Relon mumbles.
"Hey! Don't conversate in my office unless I am involved!" Herta barks for both Aeon Children to look at her before returning their attention to the other. "Hey!"
"There's certainly a lot of animosity, huh?"
"Relon and Eina have… an interesting history with Madam Herta and other members." Himeko explains.
"Those two certainly seem like celebrities with the big names they seem to be mentioning." Caelus surmises.
"Speaking of…" Dan Heng mumbles, stepping towards the protagonist. "I believe now is a good time to explain things."
In an instant, the room goes quiet as the banter between the Lucinance Household and Herta ceases.
"You're referring to those two's backgrounds, aren't you?" Arlan asks.
"It makes sense." All eyes go to a now stoic Herta. "Knowing who they are is both a liability and a privilege. Given the events that have transpired, I take it that these new faces meet the requirements?"
"They do." Silver Wolf answers, beating Relon. "Go on, you can explain things for us."
"Giving me orders in my own office, I'll make you regret that later. Hmpf, to save time and get on with our lives, just listen."
Receiving nods from all around, she ignores the reality-breaker take a seat on a cube to withdraw gum from her pocket before passing pieces around.
"Aeons. The almighty beings that reign above all. Nothing compares to such divine entities. Not a thing, not anyone in the known cosmos. Only an Aeon can kill another closest known being that had even the smallest of chances… are Aeon Children."
"Aeon Children…" Dan Heng repeats to himself.
"Are Relon and Eina children of Aeons?" Caelus wonders with a raised hand.
"You, hush. But no. Now listen. An Aeon Child or Children are individuals based on luck first and foremost. From our partnered research, we've gathered the following."
Looking around to ensure all are still retaining their attention, she snaps her fingers for monitors to appear to both sides of her.
"One; each being born, whether a creature, human, or something else entirely is given a predetermined path in correspondence with an Aeon. Nanook, the Aeon of Destruction. IX, the Aeon of Nihility. The list goes on. Two; to claim such a title, said being has to come within direct contact with their corresponding Aeon. We hypothesize that a fragment of an Aeon that radiates a high concentration of their power may also work but this has yet to be proven so take this piece of information how you will."
"Wait, contact?" Stelle repeats, looking at the two quiet teens. "As in direct contact?"
"Yup, that's right." March nods, her usual jovial energy having now simmered as she grasps their hands in support.
"Bearing witness to a God's power and surviving… It's…"
"Luck. Nothing more." Herta cuts off Dan Heng. "Relon's body was born to match Nanook and Eina was born to match IX. Their luck is on an unfathomable level unlike anything I've ever witnessed. Which leads me to my third and most important point. You have to survive the encounter."
"Survive?" Caelus furrows in confusion. "Didn't you say that just being near them can make you an Aeon Child? What's the problem?"
"What did I say about interrupting?" She snaps. "Also, what else did I say had to occur?"
"Their bodies have to match the Aeon." Stelle answers.
"At least someone is listening. You're now likely wondering what happens to those whose selected path don't match when they come into contact with an Aeon. Well, it's quite simple. They die. Either through direct contact or the aftereffects, poison basically, that damages their body due to the Aeon's mere presence."
Just like that, the tense atmosphere drops to a cold point. Even Dan Heng couldn't hide his guard being caught off from the sudden and rather simple news.
"Huh?" Caelus and Stelle both sound out.
"Yup. That was Arlan and Asta's reaction when we got to this point."
"You already knew?" Stelle asks the dark-skinned male who nods.
"It's actually because of Relon that I have my Destruction powers. Like an Aeon, Relon and Eina can spread their paths to others that match. Of course, they have no control over it so the longer they're around certain people, the more likely any that match their paths will manifest powers. Thankfully, their potency is non-lethal like a normal Aeon."
"So then Blade and that Kafka woman…" Dan Heng grimaces as do both.
"Yeah." Relon breathes out. "Until they came along, we hadn't been around anyone in particular so they were the cause to us learning we could even do this."
"So that's what he meant by being gifted such power…"
"Yeah…"
"Again," Herta takes over. "An Aeon Child is a being based on luck. "They have to be lucky to be born of the same path as well as survive their encounter. Even one compatible with an Aeon can die due to collateral damage. Or say, their planet becomes destroyed. In summation, a person is given a specific path, they have to come into contact with that path's Aeon, and they have to survive. By achieving these three requirements can one unlock powers similar to such Gods."
"I'm still lost on why you mentioned their luck being so… different." Stelle raises her hand this time.
"Because both survived their encounter with two Aeons at the same time in the same place!"
Accepting their likely fate, both glance at the greater stunned looks of their companions.
"Yeah, that was my look exactly."
Heads snapping to the entrance, all take sight of Asta in a clean outfit.
"Asta, you should be resting!" Arlan insists approaching her as does March.
"He's right! You've pushes yourself plenty already so…"
"I'm fine, honest. I've rested plenty. I can't sit around when there's work to be done." She reassures with a gentle smile.
Eyes lifting to catch Silver Wolf's, a silent exchange occurs for Asta's eyes to shift to Relon. It was subtle but clearly, a warmer expression was gifted to him as she joined the fray taking a spot next to said male.
"Apologies for my absence, Madam Herta."
"Are you sure you should be back so soon? I've returned so you can take it somewhat easy."
"I'm sure." She nods for Herta to hum.
"Very well. If you collapse, I'll tell your feelings to your crush," she dismisses nonchalantly.
"No need to worry, I think I managed to get my feelings across. Kinda."
The confidence exuding from her seemed fully brimmed. No weariness or hesitation seemed to exist like when he first checked up on her.
Still.
That sentence alone confirmed what he thought. Which led his inner turmoil into a mess. Though nowhere near as worse as the time he had to sleep alone with Kafka or Ruan Mei nearly finger him and Silver Wolf. No further context would be given and he would never recall of those cursed images his mind shoved away into the further corners of his conscience.
At least one was somewhat wholesome. The other was just a horrendous experience with the unfathomable beautiful-but-batshit-crazy woman.
"Good. Here's to hoping he accepts." Eyes snapping back up to meet the puppet eyeing him right back, she dismisses the staredown as though it is of little interest. "Moving on from the topic of 'Aeon Child' back to 'Stellaron.' You two, I'll pay you both if you allow a little research."
"Deal!"
"Caelus, why?" Stelle sighs.
"Financially motivated, respect." Herta nods with crossed arms. "Given I'm interested, there's practically nothing I won't accommodate. A Stellaron in your bodies, how interesting is that?! Be grateful that I'm offering to help you two out. A service like this is something even the IPC can't buy."
"Ugh, those guys." Silver Wolf says unclear distaste. "Damn taxpayers."
"I know right?" Herta copies. "Bad enough some of their members were onboard when the attack happened. Another headache to tend to later."
"Were they?" Relon mutters to no one in particular.
"Remember that white-haired girl with the trotter?" Asta comments having heard. "She's one of the higher-ups with the IPC."
"Huh…" He inwardly blinks to realize he's still staring at the director to stiffen before facing forward.
"Alright, enough chit-chat. I am working on a big project with a few colleagues."
"Ruan Mei likely." Silver Wolf spits out.
"Included." Herta confirms for the hacker to make a 'bleh' sound. "If we succeed, it will answer the ultimate question that's been puzzling us for thousands of Amber Era: the truth about Aeons."
"Don't you already have info because of Relon and Eina?" March wonders.
"Unfortunately no. More questions only came because of them once we tended to the definition of an Aeon Child."
"More questions came after you guys got answers?" Caelus arches a brow. "Must have been a lot then."
"You have no idea." Relon shakes his head in remembrance.
"Hey! Think about it. Mystical existences such as Aeons that were once ordinary humans obtained power beyond our imagination! Mysterious though they are, not to mention powerful, they are also silent and terrifying! It's somewhat hard to explain everything surrounding them. How were they created? Why were they created? What is their cause? Too many to list and far more to question."
"You two don't have any hints or clues?"
"Just because we're Aeon Children doesn't make us experts in all things Aeon-related, Caelus." Relon deadpans earning amused chuckles.
"The four geniuses of the society wrote a program together." Herta speaks up. "See this big machine? It contains a universe like what we live in now. Just more streamlined and customized. I call it the 'Metaverse.'"
"Oh? This I gotta see." Silver Wolf grins with clear eagerness.
"Milady, do remember the point in this is to assist Caelus and Stelle."
"Oh, Acheron, you're no fun sometimes. Lay back, relax!
"Apologies. I shall do as you command."
"Good. But Metaverse, eh? Hmm, Simulated Universe seems too official of a name. How about 'Minecraft' or 'Roblox?'"
"Roblox I somewhat understand as the basic building blocks of something is its origin but Minecraft?" Relon tilts his head.
"In a universe, they crafted it and everything in it so we'll likely have to go in and mine info." She smirks for not a single face to seem agreeable with her claim.
"Simulated Universe it is." Relon sighs for all to nod.
"Hey, come on, those are great suggestions!"
"Ignoring that, go and experience it for yourselves. I will act as your guide to make sure nothing happens to any of you."
"So of course, my first priority is our well-being. How many can enter the S.U.?"
"We've made it so the maximum of eight can enter. There will only be minor glitches should that number be the case."
"With Eina, I'm somehow not worried about glitches."
"Let's see…" March begins counting off. "Caelus and Stelle are a given so that's two, myself makes three, Dan Heng makes four…"
"I think I'll-"
"You're going." Relon, Silver Wolf, Caelus, and even Stelle state in unison.
"Teehee, that's unanimous then. Relon and Eina make six…"
"Welt and myself shall oversee from here." Himeko chimes in. "What about you Acheron?"
"I shall remain here as well, for milady has commanded it."
"I'll stay back as well." Arlan adds to eye his director who seems about to comment only to refrain.
"So will I. No point in ending up how I was."
Acknowledging her words, the six step forward up the staircase and onto the pad. Turning back, they face the rest.
Once again, his eyes trailed down to Asta. That innocent smile adorning her face once more. His thoughts regarding her felt like a sudden maelstrom. Regardless, to escape his worries, he'd first need to confront the topic that's eluded him since hearing about it.
"How does this work exactly?" March voices.
"Just stand there still and the computer will read your brainwaves, then automatically generate an immersive simulated experience."
"Gear set, into the vrains!" Silver Wolf smirks. "Get it? Vrains? Brains? Because it's a computer and we're entering it?"
"Is that a Yu-Gi-Oh reference?"
"Are you judging me?"
"Do I ever?"
"Yes."
"Then there's your answer." Relon chuckles at the bland look she gives.
"Hey, I just thought of something." Caeulus muses.
"What is it?" Dan Heng asks.
"If I'm based on Eina's Nihility Stelle off Relon's Destruction, since we were technically just born, wouldn't that make them our parents?"
"Wouldn't that make this Kafka woman our surrogate parent then?" Stelle wonders aloud.
"So would I have two moms then? Also, would that make Relon your dad? Would it be weird to call him daddy and Eina mommy? And if so, wouldn't that mean we're already a part of their family?"
"Send us. NOW!"
"Alright, keep all hands and feet inside at all times, hopefully you all end up at the same place. If not, then oh well."
Unable to voice a response, all their visions go white.