thenovelartist

[thenovelartist]

What do you think about Dan Heng and March 7th's new forms?

I'M OBSESSED!

Though, maybe not as much their designs as their lore.

March, I'm super curious about, because what do you mean our chipper bubblegum girlie gets a dark makeover. Who is she? What's her powers, her backstory, her reason for existing and traveling with us? And now that she's going to be back in one piece are we going to lose her from the Express? Questions, questions.

Dan Heng's form is actually kinda interesting to me. I know a lot of people are upset because he looks so similar to his other forms, but I think that's why I like it. He's still our Dan Heng, embracing both his powers as a Vidyadhara while still hanging on to his position as Astral Express guard. It's like he's accepted both sides of himself. He's not hiding either side of him anymore.

Also, his backstory? He waits for us in every timeline? If that's not some serious food for my DanStelle heart, I don't know what is.

[thenovelartist]

Cycle of a Vidyadhara and his Starlight - Honkai: Star Rail fanfiction

Amphoreus, but DanStelle Series #12 - <<Previous - Next>>

Disclaimer: I take a lot of creative liberties with this one. It's nearly a standalone AU, just technically part of this

Leaving Dan Heng had shattered her heart. She cared for Amphoreus and all the people she met here. Truly, she did. But there was a very selfish part of her that wondered if she should throw it all away and chase after him. They could go back to the Express, back home, and start their life together.

Regrettably, she was aware she couldn't. Amphoreus’s citizens aside, the dangers of a Lord Ravager being created and released into the universe at large were too extreme to ignore.

Hence, she was marching toward the Vortex, where Phainon and Lygus were talking.

Stelle felt nails of ice claw up her back. Lygus: the cause of all their troubles. Right now, he was prattling on and on, like a cocky, narcissistic villain in a corny cartoon. For an intelletron that was as old as he was, that was a rather pathetic display.

“Partner.” Phainon turned to Stelle with some surprise. “You… you’re here.”

“I am. Lucky for you,” she retorted, maybe a little more snippily than intended.

Guilt twisted Phainon’s expression. “Listen," he began, contrite. "I’m sorry for not realizing that you wouldn't be able to leave. But... didn't you swear to stay by Dan Heng's side until..."

He couldn't finish. Stelle didn't want him to.

Instead, she felt some of her anger subside. Phainon, for all his faults, had a bleeding heart. He wanted his friends to escape, to survive. Instead, he watched as they fell one after another. With the world growing increasingly heavy on his shoulders, it was easy for him to lose track of the finer details. Heck, she hadn’t realized the consequences of taking on the coreflame of time until it was too late. She couldn't blame him if that realization hadn't occurred to him, either.

“It’s fine,” she said, none of the previous aggression in her tone. “It’s not your fault. Besides, things have changed.”

His brow furrowed. “How so?”

She shrugged. “Let’s just say my people from the outside brought me a miracle.”

Lygus hummed, clearly upset over being ignored. “A miracle, you say?”

Stelle smirked. “In an intelletron versus intelletron battle, I put my money on the genius society.” She pulled out the chonocognitive anchor, watching the blue light of a dice-like object twinkle in the disaster zone.

Lygus stared at the thing for a minute before a dark chuckle escaped him. “Well… I stand corrected.”

“What is that?” Phainon questioned, looking at the anchor.

“Don’t ask me for specifics,” she answered. “I’m no genius. But all you have to know is that it means you can start the Era Nova without worrying about me.”

Phainon straightened, his shoulders relaxing as he stood a touch taller, almost as though a weight had been taken off them. “Well then, Partner… join me. The time has come for us all to face oblivion... or embark on one final grand journey.”

She stepped up to stand by Phainon's side. She watched him pull out the coreflame, the symbol of Kephale glittering inside. She extended her hand, feeling the warmth of the flame as they let it fall into the basin together.

And then the world was spinning.

Faster and faster still.

Until it came to a sudden and jarring stop.

Her knees gave out from under her, and she collapsed backwards. Yet, instead of hitting the ground, she plopped like a rag doll into a plush chair.

Before her stood Lygus atop a stage. This place was pitch black, the only light being the spotlights beaming upon him.

“Like my little trick?” Lygus questioned, looking down at her. “It is my favorite part of the Era Nova. But this time, I’m honored to have a new audience member.”

“What the hell?” she grumbled under her breath, looking around her as though trying to get her bearings. Her head was throbbing, her chest aching. Something about this world was not right, and not just because it so suddenly appeared.

“Mermoria is a… magical thing. And here, it bends to my will. So, dear flameholder of time, shall we travel through it together? There are some questions you, as the newest titan of Amphoreus’s never-ending cycle, ought to know the answers to.”

He chuckled, taking a deep bow. “And I am more than happy to answer them.”

~~~

Her head was swirling and foggy, yet she forced her heavy eyelids open. As her mind began piecing together what had happened before now, the urge to fall back asleep grew. Maybe the next time she woke, it would be in her bed on the Express, proving this whole thing would be a dream.

But she knew better than that.

Sucking in a deep breath, she forced herself to sit up. Alright, where the heck was she? Because this sure wasn’t the Vortex or anywhere on Amphoreus that she knew. In fact, if she didn’t know any better, she’d say she was on the Xianzhou. All the little details around this room—the wooden flooring under the futon she lay on, the thin curtains glowing with the silhouette of a round window, the decorative hanging scrolls and vases—all looked like they belonged on the Luofu.

When she tried to stand, her legs tangled in the blanket lying over her. She pushed it off, only to freeze at the sight of her. These were not her clothes. Confused, she ran her hand over the skirt, floor-length with a thigh-high slit. The bodice wrapped tightly on her torso, secured with a large sash around her center, yet the neckline draped off her shoulders.

Never had she seen these clothes before, adding to the strangeness of it all. Yet, there was something else strange she couldn’t quite pinpoint. Maybe because she was in a dream, she felt disconnected from her own body, like it wasn’t quite responding to her thoughts.

“Starlight.”

She gasped, her heart racing at the all-too-familiar nickname. Dan Heng? Where was—

Ice suddenly cooled the warmth in her chest. The man standing in the doorway was very much not Dan Heng. Yet, there was an undeniable resemblance that creeped her out even further. She blinked once, twice. She recognized all the pieces that made up this figure. The long, black hair tinted with the slightest blue tone. The vibrantly glowing eyes rimmed with red. The horns that he wore like a crown. Even his stance seemed familiar, his hands tucked into the sleeves of his long, white robes as he stood tall and proud.

“Imbibitor Lunae.” The name rolled off her tongue, despite her being speechless. Furthermore, what was wrong with her voice? Why did it sound entirely unfamiliar to her ears?

The vidyadhara before her—who was most certainly Imbibitor Lunae, even if she herself couldn’t recognize him—frowned, his shoulders slumping in disappointment. “My love, we are alone.”

…Sorry, she must have misheard. Whose love? Because he was not hers.

After closing the door behind him, he approached her, kneeling before her futon. With a gloved hand, he reached out to stroke her cheek.

Excuse you? What are you doing? Yet, despite the urge to put some distance between them, her body wouldn’t move. On the contrary, she ended up leaning into his gentle touch.

“From you," he spoke, voice surprisingly gentle, "I do not want to hear that title.”

Well, that was fine and dandy, but what else was she supposed to call him?

He tugged on a lock of her hair, pulling the lengthy piece forward and pressing a reverent kiss to the end of her brown locs.

… Brown?

Stelle wanted to scream, her confusion only growing by the second. This was a dream. It had to be a dream. Now, how was she supposed to wake up?

“Unless,” the dragon continued, slowly growing sullen. “You use that title now as a way to put distance between us.” He dropped the lock of hair. “Have you come to say goodbye?”

Her initial reaction was “yes, you aren’t my incarnation. Give him back.” Yet, there was a part of her that was saddened by upsetting this stranger. Maybe his similarity to Dan Heng was messing with her emotions.

“Why would I say goodbye?” she questioned.

He blinked, confused. “Is that not why you’re here? I thought… the elders…”

Oh, hey, she knew about those jerks and how much trouble they caused for Dan Heng. Her body buzzed with agitation. “What about them?” What did they do this time?

“Did they not cause you trouble?” he questioned.

She scoffed. “When don’t they?”

That wasn’t what Stelle had wanted to say, yet she couldn’t disagree with that sentiment.

“Yes, but…” He took that lock of hair again, weaving the ends between his fingers.

She leaned forward, cradling his jaw in her hands. She tilted his chin upwards, forcing him to meet her eyes. She hadn’t the foggiest as to what she was doing, but when those blue eyes locked on hers, her heart shattered.

Mine. She thought, her heart skipping a beat. From this close, his face blurred, the features morphing to more familiar ones. She had to remind herself this wasn’t her Dan Heng, yet…

Yet it was.

“I don’t care about the elders, or the preceptors, or anyone else who thinks they have the right to stick their nose into our business,” she said, voice firm. “I care about you.”

“And I, you,” he returned. “But it’s not fair of me to put you in the spotlight of their scrutiny.”

“For you, I’d stand there.” She no longer knew the difference between this body moving on its own and her own thoughts. They were one and the same as she spoke these words to a man who wasn't even here. “Proudly and unabashedly.”

Something in his heart broke at those words. She could tell by the waver of his eyes. “Starlight,” he began, that voice so devastatingly sweet she felt herself melt into it. “It is not just their slander that I fear. These incarnations will not budge on their belief the High Elder should remain celibate. To this day, I haven’t the foggiest idea where they got that belief, yet…” He sighed, his piercing eyes closing while his shoulders sank under an invisible weight. “If they were to bring any harm you, I would not know what I’d do.”

She mulled over his words, struggling to put the information together. The man who stood before her now was the High Elder, a past incarnation of Imbibitor Lunae. He was calling her "Starlight", and Stelle would assume this body she inhabited was his lover. But what was this about celibacy and the elders with their heads up their rear-ends? Now, that last part was nothing new, but the first part was strange. Why would celibacy be important? It wasn't like the vidyadhara could reproduce. Was it some religious speculation? No matter the reason, it sounded like nonsense to her.

“Do you want me to leave?” she challenged. “And don’t give me some noble answer. I want the truth.”

He shakily inhaled. “I feel as though I stole a shooting star from the sky. If I keep you here, I worry that I will be punished for being so greedy.”

“Not an answer.”

His eyes finally opened, revealing a blazing intensity that was going to knock her back onto the futon. “What will you do if I am greedy? If I beg you to stay?”

“Stay, obviously.” That was the answer she’d give Dan Heng. Clearly, it was the same for this Imbibitor Lunae’s lover.

He reached up, wrapping his hands around her wrists. Gently, he coaxed them down, cradling her hands by his heart. “Then let me make something very clear to you. Should you stay and become my mate, I will never be able to let you go. You will be my one and only. Are you truly ready to accept the dangers you may face should you stay? You will likely never be able to escape the judgment of the elders.”

“Will you be at my side?” she challenged.

“You have my vow that I will do everything within my power to protect you. Even if I must rebel against the elders, I will do so.”

Her heart fluttered. How could it not? This might not be her incarnation, but he had one heck of a way with words.

“That said,” he continued. “This will be your last chance to leave. To return to the stars where you came. I won’t trap you here should you wish for your freedom.”

If this was her Dan Heng, she’d have thrown herself into his arms by now. So she couldn't say she was surprised when the body she possessed did just that. Like a puppet on a string, she felt her body pulled forward, wrapping her arms around Imbibitor Lunae's neck in an embrace. “My Moon, my train has already departed. If I were going to leave you, I wouldn’t be here now.”

His hands settled tentatively at her waist, as though fearful to embrace her. “Then you’ve truly decided to stay?” he asked pleadingly. “Even knowing about the dangers?”

“You promised to protect me from them. Why shouldn’t I believe you?”

“Even though it means surrendering your adventures?”

“My adventures have led me to you. If you are to be my final destination, I have no reason to complain.”

He suddenly engulfed her in an all-encompassing embrace. Warmth spread out to the farthest reaches of her extremities. Even though Stelle knew this was a dream, that this was not her man, she felt safe and protected in his arms. Whoever this incarnation was and whatever body she inhabited, their love was genuine. A passionate, burning fire she felt herself melting under.

Then he pulled away, and Stelle felt a twinge of regret. Was it hers? Or was she feeling the emotions of this other person?

Imbibitor Lunae tucked his hand into his sleeve, pulling out a hairpin before bowing deeply before her as he presented the gift. “If you accept me,” he said. “Then please, accept this gift of engagement.”

She looked over the delicate hairpin in awe. Her body moved on its own, taking the pin. She gingerly brushed her fingers over the silk petals forming a lotus flower.

In a snap, her mind went blank. Engagement gift. Something with lotus flowers.

Her garter.

Her heart skipped an anxious beat. She wasn’t in her garter, was she? The engagement gift that Dan Heng had presented to her. The one with lotus blooms, just like the silk flower on this hairpin. She recalled Dan Heng saying that this was the traditional form of engagement gifts. As beautiful as it was, it felt lacking compared to the garter Dan Heng had commissioned for her.

But maybe for this woman, this was the most special thing in the world.

“Will you put it on me?” she coyly asked.

He sat up again, revealing a calm smile. It wasn't overly bright or excited. It was just like the one Dan Heng wore when he was completely at peace. “It would be my honor.”

She turned around, her back now facing him. She heard fabric rustle behind her, and then something pressed into her hand. She looked down, sneaking a glance at her thigh in the process. No garter, but the slit was also on the wrong side. Then her eyes glanced toward what this dragon had given her.

Gloves. Not just any gloves, but his. She could see the long nails of his slender hands retreat behind her. It was a beautiful show of unwavering trust.

Even though this dream still confused her, she couldn’t stop her heart from racing or the blush creeping up her cheeks. She and March would have a swoon-fest over a love story like this.

And then she felt his hands in her hair, his touch gentle and soothing as he finger-combed her hair back.

Her eyes fell closed as she leaned into the touch.

“I love you, my Starlight.” And then she felt a kiss at the back of her neck.

She gasped, her head spinning.

No, her entire world was spinning.

And then she was falling, falling, falling—

Bam!

She opened her eyes with a shocked gasp, lungs begging for air. Yet, she shut her eyes just as quickly, the blazing afternoon sun beaming straight into her eyes. More carefully this time, she cracked her eyes open, squinting against the sun.

Only once her breathing evened out did she sit up, the golden grass she lay in rustling with her movements. She looked around, taking in her surroundings. The scenery was full of warm autumnal colors. Even the sea before her held a warm glow. Where was she this time?

No. More importantly, who was she this time?

She looked at her clothes. Her clothes. She ran her fingers through her hair, noting the familiar choppy cut and gray ends. Then her eyes locked on her garter. She ran her fingers over the vibrant teal band, over the embroidered white lotus flowers dancing along the surface. She even pushed the band down, revealing the red bruise of a kiss mark Dan Heng had left on her before departing. This truly was her body. A wave of relief washed over her so hard she nearly fell back into the grass.

Heavy footsteps sounded behind her, throwing her on alert. “Esteemed guest,” an insufferably smooth tone spoke. “When the director puts on a show, it is not polite for the audience to fall asleep before the curtains are even drawn.”

She scoffed, setting aside her confusion over the dream she’d just had. Immersive theater, Lygus had said. Well, that was certainly immersive, but she didn’t think that was what he wanted to show her. “Maybe you’re just that boring.”

“How can you say that before it even begins? After all—” Lygus pointed out a familiar figure. “—the man of the hour has arrived to collect you.”

She looked toward the indicated man. Phainon. Well, it seemed like the true immersive performance was about to begin.

~~~

As the actual immersive theater scene came to a close, Stelle was thrown out of the world, collapsing into a chair to watch helplessly as Phainon slaughtered monster after monster, leaving only him behind. The curtains soon closed, Phainon’s screams of anguish echoing through the darkness.

In a flash, twin spotlights illuminated a certain intelletron who stood all too proudly upon his stage. Stelle resettled herself in the odd chair, the only one in this vast yet empty room. She wondered if it even had walls, as there was nothing beyond this spotlit stage.

Lygus then took a bow. Wonderful, was his monologuing over?

“And now, we go to act two.” His arms outstretched, he opened his hands, summoning mermoria crystals around him. “Do try to stay awake, yes?”

“No promises,” she sassed, right before a wave of mermoria crystal shards washed over her.

~~~

Ugh, she knew she meant to be snarky with that retort, but she really was having trouble waking up again.

“Starlight?”

The name squeezed her heart, beckoning her to open her eyes despite her head pounding like a bell. When she finally did get them open, she was greeted with the sight of a Vidyadara.

Dan Heng?

As her vision came into focus, her heart sank. No, not Dan Heng. Not even the vidyadhara from the last dream, at least as far as she could recall. Yet, those features were once again familiar, as though all three dragons were brothers.

“Imbibitor Lunae.”

Just like last time, this vidyadhara looked hurt at that name. Somehow, she instinctively knew he would. If she addressed Dan Heng like that, it would be akin to taking his fragile heart, throwing it on the ground, and laughing as it shattered. She wasn’t even being dramatic. So even though she regretted addressing these dragons as such, she didn’t exactly know their names. Maybe a nickname, then?

“Apologies, my Moon.”

She inwardly froze at the endearment that rolled off her tongue. She’d intended to use just a plain ‘sweetheart’, yet that one was ripped out of her as though she had no control over a voice that wasn’t her own. Just like the last dream, she had no control over this body.

The hurt in those striking blue eyes faded. “How do you feel?”

Like crap. However, she wasn’t sure that was the right answer. She looked down at her body, as though checking it over. When she tried to lift the blanket that was laid over her, she noticed her hand was wrapped quite heavily. As she slipped out from under the blanket, she saw her legs were also wrapped.

Once again, she wasn't in her clothes. She wore a dress with two high slits, revealing that she wore no garter here, either. Stelle wasn’t as stressed about it this time, though. “Well, I look like I went toe-to-toe with an aeon.”

The vidyadhara did not laugh. In fact, his expression darkened considerably. “You give the elders too much reverence with such a jest.”

The elders? Wait, did something happen to her—er, this body—because of them?

“What has their panties in a bunch?” she challenged.

His expression pinched with pain, he reached out to brush a lock of hair behind her ear. When he pulled away, her hair trailing behind in his fingers, she noticed the dull red color. “You know why,” he answered, voice heavy with remorse.

“They hate me, don’t they?” It was a statement, one she shouldn’t have known with such certainty. Yet, Stelle couldn’t say she was surprised. The body she inhabited clearly wasn't surprised, either.

Imbibitor Lunae's lack of response was confirmation enough.

She scoffed. “They don’t get to tell the High Elder he can’t have a mate.”

Well, Stelle couldn’t disagree with that, either. Just what was their deal?

“Yet, you will never know a moment’s peace if you become mine,” he answered.

“I travel all over the universe on a train with a bunch of idiots who like exploring for the sake of adventure. I already never have a moment’s peace.”

Stelle wanted to laugh. How could she relate to something so much?

Wait… why was that so familiar?

He glanced away. “They tried to kill you just now,” he said. “You're lucky all your wounds are superficial. Next time, I doubt they will be."

"There will be no next time because someone will get a slap to the face before that happens again."

Dang, Stelle liked this body.

The vidyadhara before her did not look remotely amused. "You cannot be considering staying.”

“Well, I wouldn’t if it was just a trailblazing mission." She then reached out, cradling the vidyadhara's cheek. "But you’ve never been just another mission to me.”

Stelle’s mind reeled from the words. A trailblazing mission? A train traveling the universe? Was it possible for this woman to have been a Nameless?

Stelle suddenly thought back to the first dream, where that woman had also mentioned a train, one that already left. She thought about how that vidyadhara had thought he’d stolen a star from the sky and stopped her adventures. Was that woman a Nameless, too?

What was going on?

The dragon clung to her wrist, nuzzling her palm. Yet, his words were sullen as he spoke. “Maybe it would have been better had I just stayed a mission.”

She sat up further, Stelle's head starting to spin and her world beginning to blur. The features on this dragon’s expression shifted. Suddenly, Stelle swore she was looking at Dan Heng, all his insecurities laid bare before her.

“Well, had I made that choice,” she said, once again speaking to a man she knew wasn't here, even if the illusion of him was right before her. “I would have regretted it.”

“And do you regret it now?”

“No.” Never for you.

“They will try again,” he said. “They separated the last incarnation from his mate.”

They did? Stelle recalled the warmth shared between the two lovers in her last dream. The love that was so palpable between them. The unspoken trust. And the elders separated them?

“Finish the story,” she demanded, her voice calm even though Stelle felt anxious. “Remind me, how did that end?”

He looked away from her as though guilty. “She fought against the galaxy to return to his side.”

Stelle felt like she could breathe a sigh of relief. So they had a happy ending, then. At least, that’s what she would believe. “Exactly. A happy ending. You think I would not do the same?”

His expression twisted in agony. “Why? Why would you put yourself in danger for me?”

Once again grabbing his cheeks, she forced him to face her, to look her in the eye. Her heart skipped as that blue gaze locked on hers. No longer was this simply a stranger talking to her Imbibitor Lunae, but rather Stelle talking to Dan Heng. “Because you are worth it," she insisted. Even though she wasn't in control of her words, Stelle felt her heart pouring into them anyway. "You are worth every ounce of effort it would take. And then some.”

“Then,” he shakily started. “Then if I asked you to stay…”

“Yes. I would gladly leave everything behind to stay by your side."

His eyes widened in surprise. “You would abandon your life for me?”

Aeons above. If this was Dan Heng, she’d kiss him senseless right about now. Drown him in affection until he no longer worried about this nonsense. She knew Dan Heng hid so much of his inner turmoil from her, turmoil he held because of his background, the elders, the preceptors. She wanted to take away that turmoil, but if she couldn't, then the least she coudl do was be his safety in the storm.

Surely, this woman felt the same towards her man.

“Would you be willing to carve out a spot in your life for me to land in?” she asked.

He sighed, frozen for a moment.

For some reason, Stelle grew worried.

Finally, he pulled away. Only to kneel before her. From his side, he took an object from his sash and presented it to her with a deep bow.

“I will give you the blade,” he said. “And with it, you may carve out whatever spot in my life you see fit.”

She blinked, looking at the dagger in a decorated leather sheath. Lotus blooms were pressed and painted into the purple-ish hide. 

An engagement gift.

“As for the elders,” he continued. “We must be careful, knowing their schemes. But if you are at my side, then I will have the confidence to face them, to judge them for their crimes. I will not let them harm the bride of the High Elder, or any High Elder that comes after me. But I can only do that if I know I’m not alone. I hardly feel worthy of you. Because of that, I strive to prove that I can stand beside a blazing star. The irony is... it is easier to face that possible future if you are by my side. You give me courage.”

Her heart broke. Once again, she found herself completely enraptured by this love story.

Ignoring the engagement gift, this body she inhabited threw herself out of bed and at the dragon before her, both of them collapsing to the floor in the process. “Idiot,” she said, tears coming to her eyes. “I’ll always be by your side.”

If only Stelle could tell her incarnation that. To remind Dan Heng of how grateful she was to have him by her side, and how happy she was to travel by his in return. It mattered not what dangers came because she knew they could always face them together.

Clearly, this woman felt the same.

Slowly, the dragon engulfed her in an embrace, one warm and comforting and safe. And when he stroked her hair, she felt like she could melt. “Then I will strive to become the kind of man that is worthy of your sacrifices, my Starlight.”

She closed her eyes, relishing the warmth of this embrace. Stelle had long stopped being able to tell if these were her feelings or the feelings of the woman she inhabited. All she knew was that she felt warm and fuzzy.

Maybe… a little too warm and fuzzy.

Her head was full of static now, the world spinning around her as she tumbled through the gray clouds.

And gasped awake with a jolt of lightning, that warm and fuzzy feeling replaced by the brutal chill of stone.

A long-suffering sigh echoed from behind her. “I had no idea you were so severely impacted by mermoria. An unfortunate miscalculation on my behalf.”

Stelle sat up, looking over her body once again. Yup, those were her clothes, her hair, her garter engagement gift. This was reality.

Well, relatively speaking.

“What do you mean?” she asked, only half paying attention to Lygus as she tried to get her bearings. She was now in a building, sprawled out not in a field like last time or a futon like one of the dreams, but rather a cold concrete floor.

“Do you not know?” he questioned. “Considering you are the keeper of time, I thought you’d be immune to the drowsy side effects often caused by mermoria.”

Drowsy side-effects, huh? At his words, she recalled her last trailblazing mission to Penacony, and how she’d fallen asleep on the train, only to dive into the strangest dream. She’d had to be woken from the outside, only for the others to explain that some people had a lower tolerance to the effects mermoria than others. That day, Stelle learned that on the entire train, she was the one most strongly affected by mermoria. Part of her had been disappointed to learn this weakness, and logically, she shouldn’t be happy knowing Lygus had the ability to knock her unconscious at will. For now, she’d just take the win knowing that her narcolepsy irritated the crap out of this robot. Surely that counted for something.

“Oh, poor you,” she sassed, getting to her feet and brushing off the dust on her clothes. “How does it feel to be wrong?”

He grunted in a way that definitely would have resulted in a nasty sneer had this statue been able to move his mouth. “It’s quite the insult for the audience to fall asleep in the theater. Tell me, is my show truly so boring?”

She smiled, feeling rather smug. “Insufferably.”

“Maybe I should drop you in a battlefield,” he quipped. “Fighting monsters would be true ‘immersion’, would it not?”

“If you kill your audience, who would you have to brag to?”

He dipped his chin ever so slightly, saying nothing.

Yes, she should definitely look at the bright side: the more she irritated Lygus, the more time she bought for everyone. At least, that's what she'd tell herself.

“I’d hate to keep the actors of the stage waiting any longer,” he said, turning his back to her. “Do try to stay focused now.”

“I already told you: I’ll make no promises.”

~~~

Once again, she was ripped out of reality, back to this seat in front of a stage that Lygus was all too happy to stand upon.

When the curtains closed this time, Stelle propped her elbow on the seat’s arm, leaning her cheek against her fist as she dramatically crossed her legs. “So, everything seems to be going smoothly. Power of friendship, found family, all that.”

“If you know anything about story structure, then you should know it’s the third act to fear," Lygus retorted. "The question is, are you ready?”

She faked a yawn, mockingly patting her hand over her mouth. “I don’t know. I don’t have much hope this third act will redeem the story.” A lie, admittedly. She’d read too many romance novels with March. She knew the third-act break-up trope, the “all was lost” moment, the crushing of all hope and dreams. If Lygus was telling this story, then she could only imagine the trauma it held.

“Then, let’s find out together, shall we?”

She waved her hand dismissively, making a show of settling into her chair. “See you after my nap.”

Lygus grunted, insulted.

Stelle couldn’t help but smile.

That smile didn’t last long. She felt herself tipping back, back, back, sinking into the seat.

And then she felt herself being yanked down, as though someone had grabbed her from behind.

With a start, she threw herself forward in an attempt to catch herself. Only to collapse to her knees against the ground.

She heaved for air, mind reeling. Rolls of white bandages tried to escape her, rolling across the wooden floorboards.

“Starlight?”

That name again. Stelle began to wonder if the past Imbibitor Lunaes truly used that nickname or if that was to fill in the gaps in her own knowledge. Yet, with as much new information that had been presented, surely she would have heard the actual names, right?

Blinking, she looked up, curious to see this incarnation, only for her stomach to drop. This vidyadhara seemed hauntingly familiar, more so than the others, but it wasn’t because he bore any more of a resemblance to Dan Heng. Instead, she swore she’d seen this particular man before, though she knew that to be impossible.

“Imbibitor Lunae.”

Unlike the last two vidyadharas in her dreams, this one didn’t appear upset by the name. Instead, he looked around as though looking for something. Then, painstakingly, he began to bend down.

“No, no,” she said, reaching up to slap a hand on his chest. His movement halted, but he also flinched at her touch. “I got it. I’m fine. Go sit back down.”

He froze for only a moment, then turned around and shuffled back into the room. His movements were stiff and awkward, the same way Dan Heng walked when he was trying and failing to cover an injury.

She turned her attention back to the floor, gathering up rolls of bandages. Suddenly, their presence made sense. If this dragon was anything like hers, then he’d kick up a fuss about tending to his own injuries. Hopefully, she wouldn’t have to start a fight with him.

As she gathered the rolls into her arms, she noticed the clothes of this body she inhabited. A skirt with no slit, and pants underneath. No checking for the garter now, though she supposed that was a pointless exercise anyway. A cape draped down from her shoulders, along with two twin braids. This time, the color matched Bailu's hair. A stray thought lingered in the back of Stelle’s mind: should she grow out her hair, seeing as all these women who loved Imbibitor Lunae before her seemed to have lovely, long hair. Although, the red-haired woman didn't have hair much longer than Stelle's...

Whatever. What was more important was the medical equipment in her hands and the dragon she was going to caretake.

She entered the room, closing the door behind her. “We should probably—”

“Baiheng,” this incarnation purred, his voice surprisingly sultry. He'd materialized right before her, his fingers curling under her chin and tipping it upwards to force her to meet his gaze. His eyes were strikingly blue, moreso than Dan Heng’s slightly greener hue. “What have I told you about that name?”

What na—

Wait… forget his name. Did he just call her by name?

Huh. This woman actually had a name this time. If names weren’t off the table, then did that mean the past Imbibitor Lunaes actually called their women “Starlight”?

There was a part of Stelle that was saddened that the nickname wasn’t unique to her. She’d assumed Dan Heng meant it because of the blazing stellaron in her chest. Yet, it seemed all the past Imbibitor Lunaes had a fondness for that name. Hence, it could be said that it was unique to the high elder’s beloved. If she thought of it that way, shouldn’t that nickname be special in its own right?

Her thoughts were scattered when she felt this body move, just like a puppet on a string. She reached up, tapping the nose of the vidyadhara. “That I should call you that as frequently as possible,” she teased. This voice was higher-pitched compared to hers, yet held just as much sarcasm. Stelle liked this woman already.

He growled, his smile curling upwards in an almost predatory fashion. “How insufferable. What am I to do with you?”

“We’re in a room together alone, My Moon. What are you going to do with me?”

The corners of his lips warbled. “Not half as much as I wish to.” And then he kissed her forehead, the gesture so painfully sweet and gentle and tender that Stelle felt a little weak in the knees. Throughout all these dreams, one thing was for certain: these vidyadharas knew how to treat their women.

The body she inhabited was not unaffected by the gesture, either. Its ears dipped with pleasure, its tail swishing. Oh, she was foxian this time around? Cool. If Stelle had any control over this body, she’d probably be playing with these new appendages.

The vidyadhara pulled away, making his way to the raised bed in the corner of the room. Slowly, he eased himself down on it, his expression taunt with pain.

“It kills me to see you like this,” she muttered, setting the bandages on the side table. Stelle couldn’t help but agree. If that were Dan Heng, her heart would be in tatters.

“Don’t let Xingying hear you say that,” the vidyadhara taunted, forcing a smirk.

“Let me change your bandages. Robes off.”

“So demanding,” he flatly commented, yet still acquiesced to her demand. He began undoing the sash at his waist, the one holding his robes closed. “If I didn’t know any better, I would say you just wanted me out of my clothes.”

She shucked her gloves and threw them at him, the thin leather smacking him in the chest.

He chuckled as they fell into his lap. He took them in hand, then slid out of his robes, revealing a criss-cross of bandages across his chest and arms. A mottle of muddy colors sprawled across the visible skin. If it was this bad, then Stelle worried what his wounds were like.

As she sat down on the edge of the bed, she began unwrapping the bandages on his upper arm. This dragon was well-toned, his form very similar to Dan Heng. Stelle supposed she shouldn’t expect anything less.

“I didn’t intend for you to wear these into battle,” he quietly commented.

She glanced down at the gloves, catching sight of what looked to be lotus blooms embroidered on the cuffs. “They were a gift from my beloved,” she answered, this body talking for her. “You think I wouldn’t wear them into war? All the more reason to wear them.”

Stelle’s mind immediately went to her garter. How did those words echo her own thoughts—her own heart—so well?

She pulled off the bandages, revealing three parallel wounds, all stitched together. “It’s healing nicely,” she commented. “Now, if you could stop your sparing sessions with Jingliu and Xingying, they’d heal faster.”

“Jing Yuan’s plans demand my participation, and I cannot keep in fighting form if I take even a moment’s rest.”

Stelle startled at those names, ones that were familiar to her. Jingliu and Xingying only faintly rung a bell, but Jing Yuan was an entirely different story. If this Imbibitor Lunae was mentioning him…

Finally, the pieces fit together. This wasn’t just any incarnation. This was Dan Feng. The man whose punishment for his sins had fallen onto Dan Heng. The man under whose shadow Dan Heng continued to drown.

Stelle’s first instinct was to hate this incarnation for making her incarnation suffer. Yet the body she was in prevented her from causing harm, to force him to experience even a fraction of the pain Dan Heng had been forced to endure. How cruel of this dream to make her play the part of this man’s lover. Maybe this was her punishment for tormenting Lygus.

“You can take time to rest, you know,” she said. That was the opposite of what Stelle wanted to say. If she had control over her mouth, she’d demand he push himself ten times harder, to the point of breaking.

“Baiheng, I cannot rest. The same way you cannot be kept from the skies.” He then reached for her thigh, giving it a squeeze.

And making her hiss, her body seizing in pain that Stelle could not feel.

“I am not the only one injured, yet I seem to recall you gladly hopping into a starskiff every day for the last week.”

“That’s different,” she protested.

He hummed, clearly unconvinced.

“My stitches hurt, but you can’t even bend right now because Jingliu mopped the floor with you today. I’m not getting hurt in a starskiff.”

At that, he looked away, pouting in irritation.

Rolling her eyes—what a dramatic dragon—she grabbed a clean bandage and began wrapping his arm again. Their silence gave Stelle time to think, to process everything. Baiheng. That was the name of this incarnation’s lover. The woman whose body Stelle inhab—

Oh.

Oh, aeon’s above.

Stelle recalled everything she knew about the High Cloud Quintet, which wasn’t much considering Dan Heng hardly liked to talk about it and Jing Yuan’s recounts were always filled with such regret and angst that he never got very far. What she knew about Baiheng was limited to the fact she’d been a foxian pilot, and a wicked talented one, at that. Thanks to Jing Yuan's quiet mutters aboard the Astral Express, Stelle knew Baiheng had been a Nameless, but she never asked for clarification, not when it brought pain to Jing Yuan's eyes. Yet, that piece of information was enough to start her down a different rabbit trail. How bizarre that all these lovers, all these “Starlights”, made references to being Nameless.

But the most critical piece of information she knew about this elusive Baiheng was that her death was what pushed Dan Feng to commit his crimes in the first place.

Her eyes glanced toward the gloves again, the ones with the lotus blooms indicating their engagement. Dan Heng had told Stelle before that vidyadharas, being scions of the permeance, mate for life. What he’d left out was how devoted these vidyadharas seemed to be to their women. It sparked the question: how far would these men be willing to go for them?

Stelle’s stomach twisted. She recalled this story would not have a happy ending, with Baiheng flying her starskiff into an abomination, likely wearing those very gloves given to her by her beloved. Stelle's mind drifted to Dan Heng, and how he'd been torn to pieces over her temporary death. How much more Dan Feng over Baiheng's actual demise?

Suddenly, Stelle no longer wondered what Dan Feng’s motivations were for his sins. In fact, her heart started to hurt a little, despite her desperation to cling to her anger.

“I just want you to be okay,” she finally whispered.

He scoffed. “Better me to bear the injuries than you.”

“I disagree.”

“I will not give you the option.”

She scoffed, her lips twisting into a sneer. Stelle couldn’t blame the girl. Self-sacrificing shields, their men were.

Having finished wrapping Dan Feng's arm, this body then moved on its own, plopping into the dragon’s lap before unraveling the bandages on his torso. Embarrassment hit Stelle like a starskiff. If this was with Dan Heng, that would be a different story entirely. She’d proudly sit on his lap just to get a rise out of the man.

She supposed this lover felt similarly, putting Stelle in a rather awkward position.

Dan Feng grinned wolfishly. “And pray tell, what do you hope to accomplish with that?”

“Answers.”

“You’re going to have to be more specific.”

She finished unwrapping the bandages across his chest, revealing the beginnings of a nasty scar ripped diagonally across his pectorals. Considering the damage, Stelle thought for sure this woman would be careful with her lover. Instead, she shoved her hands against his chest, pushing him back onto the bed. She slapped her hands on either side of his head, pinning him there. “You can’t keep doing this to me, pushing me away only to reel me back in in private. So why?” she whimpered. “Why can’t we be together? I don’t understand why we have to hide it.”

Dan Feng’s face had been tight with pain when he’d landed on the bed, but it had since eased, his expression growing somber. “Starlight,” he coaxed, reaching up to cradle her cheek. “The past incarnations of High Elders experienced pushback with their chosen mates, and because of the High Elder's justified retaliation in the past, the elders are more critical of me. If I am to protect you, I must be more strategic than Jing Yuan himself. But more than that…”

He slowly sat up again, his face becoming dangerously close to hers in the process. “After you crashed that starskiff last year, I can’t begin to describe my horror. If anything were to happen to you, if I were to lose you…” He sighed. “Starlight, you already hold me captive. If I were to take you as my one and only, I’d burn the world for you.”

Stelle felt her heart thump in her chest, her cheeks burning. She really could not tell if that was her emotions or Baiheng’s. If Dan Heng swore those words to her, Stelle would likely melt into a puddle of goo.

Her body scrunched back, trying in vain to put distance between them. It was even more pointless when Dan Feng wrapped a bandaged arm around her back. “The prideful vidyadhara admitting his weakness? What has the world come to?” Baiheng said it teasingly, though her shaky voice betrayed her bashfulness.

“Only to you,” he spoke, softly stroking her cheek. “I wouldn’t dare give anyone else reason to doubt me. I have to put those insufferable elders in their place should I wish to bring you to my side, and I can't do that if they have a weak point against me.”

"And how much longer is it going to be?" she asked. "I'm sick of waiting. I don't care if I have to keep fighting—"

"What kind of man would I be if I could not protect my mate?" he cut in, effectively silencing her. "We have one more push in this war, then I have no doubt we’ll put the abundance in their graves. That will surely give the elders reason to fear me as I am instead of fearing my retribution because of my mate. The last High Elder was blamed for being weak, manipulated by his woman because he grew bold by her side. They refuse to acknowledge his actions were justified, punishing the elders who’d attempted to kill his mate. Meanwhile, I refuse to let them believe you have that level of control over me. Let their anger be directed to me, not you.”

Stelle thought back to that pair, the lovers from her last dream, and felt a swell of pride for them. That vidyadhara had been on the timid side. Good to know he’d grown a spine for his woman. Love really does change a person. She would know.

“Even if we can’t announce it publicly," Baiheng continued, "Then remind me, why can’t we tell the others, why?”

Dan Feng grinned, smug. “Because I want to see Xingying suffer in the meantime.”

Her jaw fell open, Dan Feng's smile growing more smug. She proceeded to smack his chest, causing him to grimace. “So cruel.”

“The woman tormenting me via her position has no room to talk.”

She started scrambling out of his lap. “Well, fine then. See if I—”

He grabbed her by the waist, forcing her to sit back down. “What's this? I've never known you to abandon what you start. Where's your pride?”

“You have enough pride for the both of us.”

“Fine.” He threw his arms around her, his hand grabbing the back of her head.

Stelle did not like where this was going. Because while she had maybe a touch more sympathy and understanding for Dan Heng's past incarnation, she drew a firm line at kissing him. Especially in another woman's body when said woman clearly had no interest in opposing this impending gesture.

“Then I shall finish it for you.”

Stelle closed her eyes just as the kiss landed against her lips.

Although this body seemed to melt, Stelle recoiled back. This was not Dan Heng. She couldn’t even mistake Dan Feng for him if she tried. Never once during this dream had his features blurred, tricking her into believing Dan Heng was the one before her. She was too aware of this immersive theater to even delude herself into thinking it was just a dream.

A dream where she now felt herself falling back, back, back. Out of his arms and into nothingness.

I would burn the world for you.

The air started crackling around her, heat wafting upwards like a fire raging higher and higher. Had she landed in the moment Dan Feng had lost Baiheng? Was she about to witness his torment? To feel pity for him? Force her to believe that he was not the reason for Dan Heng’s suffering, that it was the elder's fault?

She wasn't ready for any answer, but most of all, she wasn't ready to watch a vidyadhara lose his Starlight. Not when she'd lived it herself.

Instead, when Stelle turned around, she saw not the Xianzhou, nor were the bodies that littered the ground those of the abundance. She was back on Amphoreus, surrounded by corpses of the black tide.

Was it wrong of her to feel relief at such a gruesome scene?

“And the dreamer is kind enough to wake just in time for the performance,” Lygus’ insufferably smooth voice spoke. “Act three is just about to begin.”

~~~

As the scene came to a close, Stelle expected to be dropped into the theater once again, to lounge in that lone chair as the sole audience member in this cracked shitshow. Instead, she turned around, finding herself in the shadows of the Vortex.

I’m back?

She walked forward, back up to the spirit basin where Lygus was waiting, surrounded by eight dancing mermoria crystals.

“Now, we draw the curtains on the past and prepare to set the stage for the future. The Vortex of Genesis, where the world begins and ends. What could be a more fitting stage for the encore of this marvelous show?”

“Something tells me you just don’t want me falling asleep again,” Stelle snarked, so much information clogging her mind. How was she supposed to focus on the problem at hand, the mess that was Amphoreus when the memories of Dan Heng’s past incarnations were far too tempting a distraction? “You seem like the kind who’d rather be on stage.”

“Believe me when I say that this could not possibly be a better stage.”

She’d take that as him refusing to admit she was right. “Whatever you say.”

“If you were not immersed enough, then I’ll offer you one last concession.” With a wave of his arm, he gestured to the eight mermoria crystals. “Take your time to look around as much as you desire, unless I am to believe you find the content of your dreams more interesting than my carefully crafted theater.”

She did. Infinitely. Yet, she'd play along for now. Keep Lygus happy so he wouldn't do something else insane.

Yet, as she walked to the first memory crystal, she promised herself to discuss these dreams with Dan Heng when the world finally returned to normal. Together, maybe they could make sense of them.

Before she could wave her hand through the first mermoria crystal, an icy chill raked up her back, followed by an overwhelming feeling of being watched. Almost akin to when she'd caught the gaze of aeons in the past, just without the strange sensation of the world changing, of a path opening up to her.

She spun around, spying a figure moving in the inky black shadows around the vortex, almost like a dragon slithering away. Then, like a ripple in a river, it was gone.

Strange. However, she would ignore it for now. Not because she wasn't curious, but because if she was going to go searching for a dragon, it better be hers.

She hoped that the next time she saw Dan Heng, it would be the beginning of a happily ever after for the vidyadhara and his starlight.

[thenovelartist]

I BEG YOUR PARDON????

I…

Wha…

HOW???

I have the most garbage luck for ages and this it how it repays me?

… okay then.

[thenovelartist]

Let the Skyfall - Chapter 2 - Honkai: Star Rail

<<Previous Chapter

Dan Heng had an ominous feeling that this enemy might be the last he’d ever face. He wanted to chalk it up to being worried about Stelle, but there was more than that. Confident as he was in his abilities and blessed as he was to be in a bath house, he was also aware that this was the enemy that took out Mydei, Castorice, Cipher, and countless others.

I will live, he repeated in his head as he called upon the waters that surrounded him. I promised Stelle, I will live.

“Delve Hidden Moon!”

The waters raged at his call, slapping away all the Reaver’s summoned clones.

Alone, the Flame Reaver lunged at Dan Heng, swinging both a sword and sickle. The sun and the moon. Just like Stelle and him.

Dan Heng dove away just in time, summoning his spear. Now wasn’t the time to defeat this monster. He just had to delay it long enough for Phainon and Stelle to reach the Vortex, to start the Genesis.

The Reaver lashed out with its sword, Dan Heng blocking the heavy blow with his spear. He slid back across the wet floor, unable to hold his ground against an enemy of its overwhelming strength.

If he was going to survive, he had to be smart. This enemy was fast, powerful, and had numbers on its side. Yet, the Reaver had mentioned Dan Heng’s power was unfamiliar. The only way Dan Heng was going to be escaping this fight was if he pulled out a variety of tricks.

Which would not be easy.

“Come on, Dan Heng.”  He could hear Stelle's voice in his head, recalling her usual encouragement whenever she'd stumble upon one of his failed attempts at controlling his Cloudhymn magic. She'd always pair it with a pat on the shoulder. “Try again. I believe in you.”

He’d always been thankful for Stelle’s overwhelming support when it came to embracing his power, just as he was thankful for all the times she promised to keep his disasters secret, particularly from Pom-pom. And even though it frustrated him to no end, he was now thankful he was whenever she purposefully kicked over a bucket of water to force him to practice. Ironically, that forced proficiency might be the thing that saved him now.

The Flame Reaver launched at him again.

Dan Heng called for the water in the Chrysos Heir's baths behind him, slamming the wave down on top of the Flame Reaver. He tried holding it within the waters as long as he could while rounding the enemy, escaping the corner he'd been backed into.

His eye never left the Reaver, buried under the water bubble. Strangely, the water roiled, steam rising from the top like a tea kettle.

Dan Heng barely had time to prepare himself again before the water prison exploded, the Reaver launching itself upwards into the sky. It shook off the water like it was a Xianzhou diting before summoning more clones. Its movements were slow, shaky. Dan Heng almost believed the water had done something to the creature. This monster had certainly had a strange effect on the water.

As the new round of summons descended upon Dan Heng, he called upon all the water puddles before him. With an upwards flick of the wrist, every puddle was suddenly an arrowhead flying skyward. One after another, the summons vanished before they could get close to him.

The Flame Reaver didn’t move, simply watching on. Dan Heng kept a tight grasp on his spear while once again reaching out for the water around him. Whatever this thing did next, Dan Heng would not be unprepared for.

The Reaver reached out, a move meant to call more summons, yet no portals opened around the Reaver itself.

Behind him, Dan Heng could hear a strange whoosh, not unlike Tribbie summoning a gate. Sparing only a glance over his shoulder to confirm his suspicions, he threw up a wall of water like a shield at his back. The turbulent water was enough to disintegrate any that attempted to stab him from behind.

The Flame Reaver had yet to move. Instead, it almost seemed to be checking itself over. Dan Heng did question then: what had the water done to it? And could he do it again?

In a blink, the Flame Reaver was suddenly before him. Dan Heng blocked with his spear, being shoved back into the water wall. His shield weakened, allowing a summon to get a strike in on Dan Heng.

Arm burning from the hit, he shoved the water wall backwards with such a force it disintegrated all remaining summons. He would ignore the blood that was now streaking down his left arm. He’d been lucky that the hilt of the sword, the tines of a sun, had only scraped the outside of his flesh and not dug into the muscle near the bone. The refraction of the water must have thrown off the summon because that hit could have been a lot worse than it was.

Again, the Reaver struck at him, cleaving his sword down from above. Dan Heng grabbed at the water behind him, thrusting it forward to strike like a spear against the Reaver. While the Reaver dodged, Dan Heng reached out for the water behind the monster. He simultaneously ducked a strike from the sickle while yanking the water forward.

From behind, the water pierced the Reaver’s left arm, and the sickle fell from its grasp.

Dan Heng snatched the sickle, his eyes remaining locked on his enemy. The Reaver was clawing at its arm, golden blood oozing out from between its claws for hands. Yet, that hiss the wound emitted… that was not a person in pain. That was water striking a hot skillet and vaporizing immediately.

Flames. The Flame Reaver. Not just because it collected coreflames. It was made of fire.

Suddenly, Dan Heng found himself at a touch more advantage.

The Reaver didn’t nurse its wound for long. Slowly, the monster straightened, bloodlust pouring out of this monster of destruction. It heaved a breath, its fists clenching around the hilt of its sword. “Cyrene.”

Each syllable was pronounced slowly. Angrily.

Dan Heng suddenly wanted this moon sickle out of his hands.

The Flame Reaver was a cloud of smoke, encircling Dan Heng like a wildfire. No longer did Dan Heng feel like he had the edge. His water would not extinguish this vengeful fire. It was far more likely this fire would vaporize him.

Before the Reaver could strike from this misty circle it was creating, Dan Heng called for another water shield, a dome that would cover him from all angles. He had to buy himself some time. In this smoke that masked the portals, he wouldn’t be able to tell where a clone appeared from until it was too la—

Slash!

Dan Heng shouted, the dome collapsing around him as the pain in his side intensified. In the rush of the crashing wave, he lost hold of the sickle, and it floated away in the tide. He clung to his bleeding side, the warm liquid making his grip on the wound slick. It bled intensely for a shallow cut. He’d been lucky the Reaver hadn’t picked up on its last mistake: not calculating for water refraction.

Tauntingly slow, the Reaver gathered the sickle, twisting it in its hand like an over-practiced habit.

Dan Heng grit his teeth. “Delve hidden moon!” He threw all the water he could gather at the Reaver, slamming into the monster like a tidal wave and throwing it halfway across the room.

Hand still pressed against his side, Dan Heng gasped for air. Think! he mentally screamed. What tactics could this thing employ next?

Portals opened, more summons pouring out.

He slammed his hand into the puddle at his feet, once again shooting a barrage of arrows upwards. Pssh Pssh PSSH! The summons vanished in puffs of smoke. He lifted his head, only to discover the Flame Reaver had made its escape.

Dan Heng’s heart started pounding as he frantically searched around. Dammit. Where did it—

“Dan Heng!”

A fiery lance slammed into the ground beside him, the concrete shattering under its tip just as the Flame Reaver’s blade descended. The shrieking clang of impact was painful on the ears.

“I leave you alone for one second,” Stelle cried, bracing her lance as she stared daggers at the retreating Reaver, “And this is the trouble you get into?”

Was it just him or was her lance glowing brighter than normal?

No matter. He was just happy to see her.

The Reaver stared down Stelle as though studying this new variable. Stelle didn’t take her eyes off the monster, her hands like a vice grip on the hilt of her lance.

Shakily, Dan Heng crawled to his feet. Holding in the pain, he stepped to her side. “You came just in time.”

“Well, if the world is going to end, I’m spending it at your side.” Her eyes, burning with sincerity, locked on his. “Until death do us part, right?”

Despite the situation, despite the pain, despite the danger, he smiled. “Either that, or we’re going together to the grave.”

“I like the first option better.” Her eyes fell to his side, all mirth vaporizing. “You good to keep fighting?”

“Do I have a choice?”

The Reaver launched forward.

“Delve Hidden Moon!”

With Stelle at his side, a fresh burst of fighting spirit flooded his veins. He called the water to once again swallow the Reaver, slamming the monster down into the middle of the baths with such a force that water splashed up to the ceiling.

An impressed curse slipped from Stelle’s lips as she pulled her lance out of the floor. “You’ve been working on your powers. Nice.”

He preened under her praise. "Against my will, mind you."

"You're welcome."

He could have reveled in this teasing banter had it not finally occurred to him that she should not be at his side. “Where’s Phainon? Why aren’t you with him?”

Anger radiated off her. “You don’t even want to know what he said to me!”

Water was bubbling from the pool, boiling under the pressure of the Reaver.

Dan Heng fought to keep the monster submerged, begging the water to act as a riptide, perpetually pulling the Reaver down under. “So you just left him alone?”

“He’s at the vortex. That asshat is fine.”

Despite all efforts, the Reaver managed to fight the water. With Dan Heng already weakened, he couldn’t say he was surprised when his attempts at an underwater prison ultimately failed.

“Get ready for round two!” Stelle shouted, getting into a fighting position.

The Reaver was ticked now, waving its hand to call forth multiple clones.

“I’ve got the clones!” Dan Heng said, calling forth the water even as his vision blurred. The Reaver had done a number on him, and that wound in his side was affecting him more than he wanted to admit. “Keep an eye on the main one.”

“I’ll treat it like it’s Phainon.”

He really wanted to know what Phainon said, but now was not the time.

Dan Heng spun around, facing the summons coming from behind. Before he lunged forward, he leaned back against Stelle, their shoulders touching. It gave him the courage to press forward. “Delve Hidden Moon!”

The waves crashed around them, the clones disappearing in a flash. Unused to using his powers this extensively for so long, Dan Heng found himself quickly tiring out. More clones were beginning to slip through the cracks. He raised his spear, lashing out at the clones until he was no longer using his powers at all. His side burned, his vision growing increasingly fuzzy, but knowing the woman he loved most was behind him, he refused to surrender. He was her shield. He could not fail.

Behind him, he could hear Stelle’s lance crashing against weapons, blocking attack after attack. He trusted her to keep it together. He knew she’d always have his back. Just as he’d have hers.

There was a particularly loud clang, followed by a grunt from Stelle.

Followed by a scream.

He whipped around. The first thing he saw was the reaver’s sickle stuck in Stelle’s shoulder.

The second was the sword coming straight at him.

Fire engulfed his abdomen, yet all he could think about was Stelle. How she dropped her lance, how she fell to her knees, how blood poured down her arm as the sickle was ripped from her shoulder.

And then the sword was yanked from his abdomen. He collapsed, not realizing it had been the only thing keeping him upright. The moon taken by the sun; the star struck by the moon.

Everything hurt. He could scarcely move. Yet, he begged the water beneath him to answer his call, to protect Stelle. She would live. She couldn’t die here.

Even if he did.

The water rose from beneath him, the droplets stained red. No longer was he controlling water but the blood that poured from him. Unlike the chrysos heirs, his blood was not shimmering gold, containing a mystical beauty. It was a haunting red, demanding attention. It was with that red he’d get off one final shot on this monster.

He raised his hand, eyeing the Reaver. “Delve…” That one word, and a metallic taste coated his mouth as blood came up with the raspy breaths he took. “Hidden…”

He couldn’t finish the sentence. Yet he didn’t have to. The Reaver had frozen, sword raised ready to strike, its waving cloak stiff as though made of plastic.

One second, two, and yet the monster still didn’t move.

Dan Heng’s hand limply splashed against a shallow puddle at his side.

“Dan Heng!”

He blinked, a long, slow blink. It was a struggle to open his eyes back up amidst the pain that tore through him with each shuttering breath.

Like an angel, Stelle hovered over him, her gray hair illuminated from behind like a halo. Her expression was twisted in helpless horror as her panicked gaze flitted everywhere. “Aeon’s above. No no no. This isn’t happening.”

His eyes fell to the red that streamed down her shoulder, staining her shirt and jacket, trailing in rivulets down her arm. With great determination, he raised his hand, reaching for her wound. His fingers touched her jacket, slowly pushing it away to reveal the deep crimson stain blooming across her shirt. “Your…” He choked before he could finish that sentence, a new wave of metal coating his mouth.

“Just stay quiet,” she begged, voice cracking. “You don’t have to talk. Just… just stay still and… oh aeons, what do I—"

“Stelle!” a little voice squeaked. “Calm down.”

He could see the tears forming in Stelle’s eyes, eyes that were locked on his.

“Remember,” Mem said. “You’re the coreflame holder of time. Maybe there’s a way to fix this!”

“Of time…” Tears tumbled down Stelle’s cheeks, yet her gaze flicked to his fatal wound. “I can… what if—”

She threw her hands over Dan Heng’s wound. If she was in pain over her shoulder, she didn’t show it. “Oronyx!” she shouted, voice warbly and tight. “Heed my prayer!”

A blue began emitting from her hands, just as it did whenever she rewound time.

Pain exploded in his body, his eyes slamming shut as a scream ripped from his throat. Under Stelle’s touch, he could feel himself being stitched back together. It was so intense, so overwhelming, the sensation of his flesh, his muscle, his organs all fusing back together. A cacophony of scattered light patterns flashed behind his lids, black spots threatening to overwhelm him. He gritted his teeth, desperate to fight off the blackness’s siren call. His mind was empty except for one thought: if the blackness takes me, I will never escape.

I will never return to Stelle.

Right before he thought he’d have to surrender, it finally stopped.

Sharply, he inhaled, his body begging for oxygen as though he’d been deprived of it for hours. His chest heaved with heavy breath after heavy breath, the sudden absence of pain strangely painful. His nerves buzzed with an uncomfortable numbness. Not even the lightning tingles he got in his arm because Stelle fell asleep on his shoulder could compare to this.

“Dammit, Dan Heng,” Stelle said, her voice warbling with tears. He could feel her frantic hand cradle his jaw. “I told you you weren’t allowed to die on me.”

Only once he was sure the blackness wasn’t coming back was he able to open his eyes. The first thing he was greeted with were Stelle’s tears, dripping out of the corners of her red-rimmed eyes. Despite the odd, floaty feeling engulfing his body, he reached up to brush her tears away. “Sorry, I… I tried.”

“You’re never allowed to scare me like that again.”

A weak smile tugged at his lips. Somewhere in his mind, he figured he should retort, as was the way with Stelle, but he couldn’t find the words.

“Stelle, stop moving!” Mem cried out. “Your turn.”

“Just wait—”

“No waiting!” Mem insisted.

He agreed with Mem’s assessment. Yet, knowing he was still recovering from whatever the hell Stelle did to him, he reached up to wrap a hand around the back of her head and slowly pulled her down to lie over his chest.

Her body was stiff, as though protesting the position. It had become a habit to rub little circles with his thumb on the nape of her neck, knowing she’d melt into his touch. This time was no exception.

Mem then floated above Stelle’s injured shoulder, paws extended. “Oronyx, heed my prayer.”

A blue light emanated from both Mem’s paws, but he watched in surprise as streams of blue light erupted from Stelle’s shoulder. Stelle’s body tensed, a cry escaping her. Dan Heng kept his hand on her head, unmoving so as not to overstimulate her. It was just to hold her steady, to remind her of his presence. It was all he could do to help her through the next few seconds.

The light streams disappeared as Stelle’s wound stitched together. Once healed, the last of the blue light from Mem’s paws faded away.

Stelle was now the one huffing, her face absent of color.

“Breathe,” he coaxed, stoking her hair again.

“Trying,” she weakly answered.

He couldn’t sit up yet, not with Stelle on his chest and his own body still weak, so he surveyed the area around him. The Flame Reaver remained frozen in time, like a paused boss in one of Stelle’s video games. Its pose was still menacing enough that Dan Heng wanted to move as far away from this beast as quickly as possible.

“Stelle, can you move?”

Her breathing was still heavy as she answered. “Y-yeah. But…” She slowly pushed herself up off him. “I should be asking you that.”

He brushed his hand over where the Reaver’s sword had pierced him, yet there was nothing more than a spot of ripped fabric there. He slowly sat up, almost worried he would rip himself open if he moved too quickly. Yet, nothing happened. There was no pain, no open wound. Even that strange tingle in his nerves had faded to a manageable threshold. “I think I’ll be okay.”

“Good.” Stelle swiped at her splotchy cheeks with the heel of her hand. “That’s good. You’re not allowed to die on me until you marry me, remember?”

“That goes for you, too.” He reached for her shoulder, toying with the long tear in her shirt collar and jacket sleeve. Crimson still stained the white fabric, yet there was no wound on her skin. Not even a scar as far as he could tell. It was strange that Oronyx’s miracle didn’t extend to their clothes, but now really wasn’t the time to question it.

Stelle glanced away, her gaze lifting to the Reaver. “We really need to move.”

He could not agree more.

Awkwardly, they got to their feet. It took a second for Dan Heng to get his bearings, the world spinning around him as he stood to full height.

“You good?” Stelle asked, grabbing hold of his arm to steady him.

“Y-yeah. I think so. Are you dizzy at all?”

She shook her head. “You're not gonna black out on me now, are you?"

“I’ll be okay in a moment.” His eyes shot to the frozen Reaver. “Let's just move for now."

Stelle laced their fingers together. “Then tell me if you need to slow down.”

She began walking away from the Reaver, slowly picking up the pace to a brisk walk. They reached the reception desk when Dan Heng felt like the edge of dizziness had passed. Only then did he pick up the pace to a jog.

“What even happened to that thing?” Stelle questioned, easily keeping pace with him.

“I don’t know, but what I do know is we shouldn’t take it for granted.” They weren’t going to be outrunning the Reaver any time soon. Even in good shape, they weren’t able to do so, but with as battered and beaten as they were now, they definitely weren’t.

“Where to?” Stelle questioned. “Phainon’s likely at the Vortex by now, so we just have to bide our time.”

“The railcar is fixed,” Dan Heng said. “And with Hyacine having taken over the sky, our situation might have changed. By the time we get there, the Genesis will have undoubtedly started, which might change things further in our favor. I suggest we attempt to get back in contact with the Express. From there, we can plan our next move. We need more information.”

“On that note, I have a suggestion.”

The sudden voice startled Dan Heng more than it should have. Habitually, he summoned his spear again, placing himself between Stelle and the threat.

A threat that looked quite familiar.

“Mr. Screwllem?” Dan Heng almost dropped his spear at the sight. While not in the flesh—rather, the robotic equivalent of—the projection was undoubtedly the genius society member.

Stelle, on the other hand, did drop her bat. “Holy crap, I’ve never been so happy to see you in my whole life.”

Dan Heng felt much the same. “What… how?”

“I apologize, but time is limited,” Screwllem spoke. “Firstly, your injuries look in dire need of treatment.”

“They’re fixed,” Stelle said, tugging bashfully at her bloody shirt. “Just… leftover.”

Screwllem nodded. “Then I'll keep this brief. Madam Herta and I have been researching Amphoreous since Mr. Yang came for help regarding the two lost Nameless. From our studies, we learned the place where you stand is a world constructed from data and mermoria; an experimental field of a certain Aeon. Currently, this isolated sandbox world is rapidly falling into a different Path — Destruction. Conclusion: If Amphoreus continues unchecked on this course, a Lord Ravager will complete its evolution and metamorphosis, emerging from the surging tides.”

Normally, Dan Heng would be able to keep up with all that information, but his head felt fuzzy as he processed the words. The appearance of Screwllem had offered relief, but with that relief came a slight adrenaline crash. As such, his body was screaming from minor injuries and overexertion.

Pull it together, he warned. He had just survived death. He could focus a little longer. “You’re saying… this is a simulation.”

“Correct.”

“Aeons!” Stelle protested. “And I thought I was getting a break from Herta’s project! You know how nice it’s been not having to be at her weekly beck and call?”

“Coincidentally,” Screwllem said, “Madam Herta’s Simulated Universe and Amphoreus are the antithesis of the other. One remains merely data in the pursuit of the Erudition, while the other, if left unchecked, will result in the destruction of the Erudition path.”

“Nous?” Dan Heng asked. “You’re saying this Lord Ravager will target Nous?”

“Affirmative.”

How did something so bad grow even worse?

“As a result," Screwllem continued, "we are actively fighting against its completion. In order to do so effectively, it would be best if one of the Nameless would be willing to stay and witness the fate of this world — or to push it along when necessary.”

The weight of what Screwllem was asking slammed into Dan Heng like a train. “Only one?” he asked, hoping he hadn’t heard correctly.

“Why not both?” Stelle asked, reaching for Dan Heng’s hand. She laced their fingers together and clung tightly, a gesture he returned. "Trailblazers don’t split up in times like this.”

Screwlem looked down at their entwined hands. “I beg your pardon. I had not taken into consideration the matter of your marriage. That particular data was not factored into my solution, as I have only just acquired that data moments ago. My apologies.”

“Huh?” Stelle's brow furrowed. “How'd you know we were married?"

“Madam Herta and I visited Amphoreous multiple times in order to find your data signatures. As we were digging through mermoria, we learned of your previously unknown relationship. Mr. Yang did inform us that you two were not in a relationship when you left for Amphoreous. Conclusion: any relationship must have progressed in the time you were trapped on this planet.”

While processing Screwllem’s explanation, one particular point stuck out to Dan Heng. “So, Mr. Yang likely knows about our relationship?”

“Affirmative.”

“I’m sure they’ll love that bomb,” Stelle muttered.

“It will save us having to explain,” Dan Heng said. “That said, what’s this about not being able to stick together?”

Screwllem answered, “Unfortunately, I cannot recommend it this time. The Chronocognitive Anchor is able to keep the data of one person. It cannot extend to the two of you.”

Dan Heng’s stomach dropped. Not even because the prospect sickened him, but he just knew—

“Then I volunteer.”

—that Stelle would do the one thing he wished she wouldn’t.

“Absolutely not,” Dan Heng growled. “I’ll stay.”

“Why am I not surprised?” she murmured.

“You’ve already died once on this planet. I’d rather you not risk it again.” Correction: he couldn’t. If he had to stand back while Stelle actually did perish this time, there would be no recovery for him.

With a sigh, she turned to him, her golden eyes soft and gentle as she reached to cradle his cheek. “My Moon. It has to be me.”

That was a new name. He loved it; he hated it. It hurt too deeply, yet he’d happily let her call him that forever. “Why?”

“Because I’m the holder of time. I’m already tied to Amphoreus. You aren’t.”

Damn it all.

“I’m right,” she said, rubbing slow circles on his cheek. “And you know it.”

He grabbed her wrist, clinging to it like a lifeline as he leaned into her touch. “I hate that you are.”

“Then it had been decided?” Screwllem asked. “I fear I’m running out of time.”

Much to Dan Heng’s deep regret, Stelle stepped toward. His skin was icy where her touch had lingered. “I’ll stay.”

Screwllem handed the chronocognitive anchor to Stelle with some instructions. Dan Heng specifically picked out that it could be used to communicate, meaning that even if he was forced to leave, he should be able to keep in contact with Stelle. Furthermore, it would preserve Stelle’s data within this chaotic world. Would that mean it would prevent her from becoming a titan? If that was the case, then it was worth the risk.

Screwllem was already fading, trying to get out some final information before he vanished. The first piece: Lygus was the primary culprit behind everything. And the second…

“Wait.” Stelle grabbed Dan Heng’s hand again, her eyes shooting wide. “What did he mean by March being drawn into Amphoreus? Is she here?”

Dan Heng’s brow furrowed, mentally running through all memories of March’s integration onto the Express. “When we first found March, she was encapsulated in ice. Considering that she grew ill again once she was near Amphoreous, I wonder… if she’s tied to this simulation.”

“Was her sickness actually her being pulled back in?”

“Likely.”

Stelle worried her bottom lip. “Okay, then here’s the plan: you go home, give Mr. Yang and Himeko the biggest hugs for me, and I’ll scour this damned place for our resident ice princess.”

He pursed his lips, his heart shattering. He didn’t like the plan, but when it came to alternative options…

Stelle attempted a brave face, but the cracks of fear were obvious to him. “Don’t give me that look. There’s no choice. And for heaven’s sake, this is the most hope we’ve had in ages.”

“I know,” he said, grabbing hold of her hips and tugging her close. “I know this. I just…”

“I know. I don't like it, either."

He more than didn't like it. That was far too mild a term for the ocean of sheer loathing he was drowning in right now.

“I’m sorry to break up the moment,” Mem cut in. “But we don’t have time to waste.”

“Mem, do me a favor?” Stelle asked. “I don’t want to make Dan Heng run back to the room—"

“I’m seeing you off, like it or not,” Dan Heng insisted. With a hand on Stelle’s back, he pushed her toward the palace once again, back to their room for what likely was the last time. “Besides, Mem’s right: you don’t have time to waste if you’re to catch up with Phainon.”

“I can still go ahead and start packing!” Mem offered.

“I’d appreciate it, Mem.” After all, the fastest pace they could manage right now was a jog.

“Got it!” And with that, she zipped away.

~~~

Stelle really hated running. Yet, here she was again, running through the halls back to their room. “You know,” she complained, “for rings that were meant to keep us together, we’re sure doing a whole lot of splitting up.”

“I’ll get you a new ring if it means sticking together,” he growled.

“Those are called handcuffs, Dan Heng.”

He shot a scowl her way.

She forced a cheeky grin. She probably shouldn’t joke about that with Dan Heng, knowing his past and how sensitive he pretended he wasn’t to things like that, but she wasn't fully thinking right now. Not when another goodbye loomed ahead of her.

When they arrived back at the room, Dan Heng opened the door first, affording them a view of their demolished room.

The horror at the sight was akin to getting hit with her own bat.

“It’s a mess!” Mem cried, shoving a wad of fabric into the overnight traveling bag Stelle had gotten back when she’d first headed to the Grove with the others. “Dan Heng’s books were dusty, and the covers were a little scratched. Then the boxes with Aglaea’s outfits were smashed, but it doesn’t look like anything is damaged. The dromas plushie… it doesn’t look that much different, but it was covered in rubble.”

“Everything is dusty,” Stelle agreed, picking her way through the disaster that was their room. “A dirty plushie is the least of our problems.”

“Right!” Mem cried. “The worst of our problems is the basin!”

Stelle looked into the bath, noting the constant rush of the overflowing basin was absent. With no small amount of fear did she realize that was because there was no water in the basin at all. “It’s empty?”

“But… Phainon had to travel there, didn’t he?” Dan Heng asked.

“Try to look into the past,” Mem suggested. “He had to have some way of doing so.”

Dan Heng gave Stelle's hand a squeeze of silent encouragement. Then pulled away to help Mem finish packing.

Summoning her powers, Stelle searched around for any little bit of mermoria she could find. Waving her hands through familiar blue-purple shards, she conjured up images of her and Dan Heng. Each one shattered her heart a little more. This place… it had been their home for so long. Now, that home had disappeared. Stolen out from under them.

Finally, she found a fragile piece of mermoria that didn’t turn to her or Dan Heng. She shoved as much of her power into it as she could, trying to pull up a clear projection of just what had happened. Trinnon had been here, using the last of her powers to open a gate for Phainon.

The vision shattered from around her, and Stelle’s eyes went to where Trinnon had been standing. She clawed through the rubble, spying a red-haired doll lying there.

“Oh, Aeons. Trinnon.” She fell to her knees, cradling the doll in her arms. The world seemed to fade away around her. These goodbyes… they were coming too fast.

“Stelle.” Dan Heng was by her side again, hands on her shoulders.

His touch brought her back to reality. “We…" Her voice broke. She clung to the final remnant of Tribios, begging her voice to steady as she tried again. "We’re going to have to rewind time. Trinnon summoned a gate to the Vortex. Mem and I will have to jump through it in the past."

“We don’t have a choice,” Mem said. She tugged the straps holding the bag together, squishing the dromas plushie that was protruding from the top. “Say your lovers goodbye. I’ll be right outside and count to sixty, okay? Sorry, I can’t give you more privacy this time.”

Stelle stood to her feet, carefully setting Trinnon down on the bed. “It will have to be enough.”

After patting Trinnon on the head, Mem shot outside.

Without any hesitation, Stelle threw her arms around Dan Heng, kissing him as though it would be their last.

He clung to her, his fingers digging into her skin as proof of his unwillingness to release her. “Come back in one piece,” he begged, lips against hers.

“I’ll be fine,” she assured, nuzzling him. “I’m the galactic baseballer, you know.”

“You’re also my wife.”

“Almost wife,” she murmured shyly.

He bit her lower lip and tugged, eliciting a whimper from her. If that hadn't been enough to stir a fire in her heart, the way his fingers slipped beneath her garter certainly was. “We should have fixed that earlier.”

His possessive touch was lightning, fueling the emotional side of her, the side that regretted not fulfilling their vows. It was hard to clear the fog away from the lesser-used logical part of her that knew they’d made the right choice. “We’ll fix it later. And it will be one hell of a reunion.”

His eyes darkened with desire, turning her insides to jelly and firmly clouding that logical part of her brain. “Remember how you owe me?” he asked, voice husky.

She swallowed. “Y-yeah.”

He grabbed her thighs, a squeak escaping her as he hoisted her onto the bed. She collapsed flat against it, and he used the leverage he had on her leg to keep her there.

“Then allow me this,” he said, fingers tugging down her garter belt. He leaned down and bit her skin.

She gasped, her eyes fluttering shut as a deadly combination of shock and pleasure rolled through her.

Just as quickly as it started, it was over. “You are to return to me before that fades.”

That was one sexy threat. “I-is this gonna be a thing with you?” she airily questioned as he pulled her back into an upright sitting position.

“If it is?”

Then I'm happily screwed for all eternity. “Uh… not opposed. Not at all. Just…” she blew out a breath, her cheeks warmer than she’d like them to be. “Just make sure it’s inconspicuous. I don’t have make-up to cover it.”

He scoffed. “I think if you’re going to be alone with Phainon, a conspicuous place is best.”

She blinked once. Twice. Wait…

She quirked a brow up at him, a bit of mischief tickling her. “Are you jealous?”

He froze.

A strange sort of pride flooded her. Oh, he so was.

Now, what leverage could she have on him with that information? Decisions, decisions...

Her eyes fell to the open hole on his chest. “Well…” Deftly, she slipped her fingers into the hole, tugging on the fabric. “I mean, fair’s fair.”

She pushed the fabric aside, trying her best to squeeze a kissmark of her own on his chest somewhere above his heart.

She could feel his sharp inhale, the quivering of his skin.

Power flooded her body. Oh, she could get used to reactions like that.

“I gave you to one hundred!” Mem shouted, rushing in just as Stelle pulled away. “We really gotta go.”

That was extremely unfortunate. Yet, she knew Mem was right.

Dan Heng helped her stand, pulling her in for one last brief hug before pulling away.

“Oh!” she said, having felt Dan Heng’s hand hit something hard at her back. She pulled out March’s camera. Though they’d filled up the camera ages ago, Stelle carried it around with her like a safety blanket. A good-luck charm. Knowing her friend had entrusted this piece of herself to Stelle, it just never felt right to leave it in the room. “That should go back where it belongs.”

Dan Heng glanced down at the camera, his gaze dim. “Find March, and bring her back.”

“Will do. In return, tell everyone I miss them!”

"I promise."

"Good luck."

“You need the luck more than I do.”

As Dan Heng took the camera to the backpack, shoving it underneath the dromas, Stelle summoned all her powers to find that little shard of mermoria once again. Grabbing hold of it, she dug deep into her powers to turn back time.

Around her and Mem, time warped, the world turning a strange shade of blue while purple shards encircled her in a cyclone. Finally, after pushing her powers to the limits, a small, very weak, red-haired figure appeared out of thin air. Their little hands shook violently as a portal appeared before them.

Though Stelle wished she could give Trinnon one last hug, she knew that there was no time. The only time she had was to dive into that open portal headlong

And hope for the best.

[thenovelartist]

You mentioned before that you'd be shocked if they weren't at least a little co-dependent after this.

And you are 110% correct. On both accounts. These two are trauma bonded now.

Dan Heng's gonna have a new source of nightmares keeping him up. The fact Trailblazer hasn't had an existential crisis yet is shocking, but after this, surely everything hits them like a truck. Raccoon is not THAT silly-stupid.

After Amphoreus is actually over and we're all back on the Astral Express... Dan Heng and the Trailblazer are never letting each other out of their sight again

[thenovelartist]

The Reasons Herta Hates Mermoria - Honkai: Star Rail fanfiction

Amphoreus, but DanStelle Series #10 - <<Previous - Next>>

Herta was not happy.

As was the case when an experiment goes array in a way that sets back her countless hours of research. As was the case when an answer was within her reach, only for her to be dragged away on a completely ridiculous errand. As was the case with the simulated universe sitting with a perfectly functional new update, and her preferred little guinea pig wasn’t around to test it. The little twerp had to go get herself lost in a hidden world that not even Herta knew about! Did she not realize how busy Herta was right now trying to contact Nous? Something a slight bit trickier without the new data from aforementioned perfectly functional new update. The timing of this misfortune could not have been worse. After everything Herta had done for that imp, this was how she repaid her? How incredibly inconsiderate!

However, it had to be done. The Astral Express had practically groveled at her feet, and Herta couldn’t risk angering them. They were such a convenient tool, and if she wanted her experiments to go smoothly, she could not afford to neglect the maintenance of tools that made her world run.

Hence, she found herself cracking open one of the strangest mysteries that had fallen into her lap in several amber eras. A world looked upon by multiple aeons, only to be hidden from the cosmos for who-knew-how-long. How dare this inconvenience be fascinating. She couldn’t even be mad!

Her first attempt to crack the barrier of Amphoreus had been a minor success. With her data spirit technology, she’d managed to take a quick peek around and find traces of Stelle and Dan Heng. Then everything fell apart with the appearance of that non-organic lifeform, Lygus. Arrogant robot, assuming to know her well enough to manipulate her. His last threat had been that of a Lord Ravager. It was a calculated warning that would have been sufficient for most people.

But when ever had she been ‘most people’? Ha!

If only to cover her true motives, she’d pretended Lygus had won the argument and retreated with her tail between her legs. In truth, even a genius like her couldn’t be flippant of a Lord Ravager. However, the opposite side of that coin was that a Lord Ravager was able to be defeated or avoided. A true deterrent, it was not. Simply a puzzle that needed to be carefully cracked. A bomb that needed to be strategically disarmed. And who better to ask about bombs than Screwy?

Other than Chadwick, but that was neither here nor there.

Hence she brought Screwllem into the fold, and the two dove into their research head on. Yet, that research… she was not liking where this was going. Noting the characteristics observed from Amphoreus, Screwllem hypothesized that this world was tied to an Emperor’s Scepter.

Aeons above, who would have guessed the thing that slipped through the cracks would grow to become a tragedy ready to explode all over the cosmos? As much as she wanted to dive headlong into this mystery, tackling that vile little piece of equipment, she agreed with Screwllem that their priority was to remove the Nameless asap then solve this mystery before it was too late to stop.

Seeing as her first attempt to enter Amphoreus was even more limiting than she’d originally thought, she and Screwllem organized a second attempt at entry. With Screwllem’s previous research into the innerworkings of another rogue scepter, Herta felt quite confident this entry would be far more successful. After imputing all previous data from her first entry, from Screwllem’s research, and the launch data from the Astral Express itself, Herta and Screwllem projected themselves into Amphoreus.

Herta looked at her surroundings, at a crushed temple barely lit by a couple torches. “What. A. wreck!” she cried, kicking at the rubble by her feet. It didn’t move, of course. She was just a ball of data here with the mission of collecting further data points to more accurately pinpoint the two missing Nameless. “Can’t these people clean up a bit? They have geniuses walking among them.”

“Herta.”

“Yes, Screw—”

She turned around. There, plain as day under the night sky, was the Astral Express car perched on a pile of rubble.

“Well, good to know they had a smooth landing,” she sarcastically drawled.

“Mermoria is often strongest when tied to an intense emotion, and strong emotions often accompany large events,” Screwllem spoke. “Given the appearance of a most unfortunate landing, it is highly probable that the two nameless left imprints within this area we can collect data from.”

“I already see some,” Herta mentioned, pointing out faintest of blue-purple threads trailing out of the train car. Following that smoke-like ribbons that glimmered with chintzy pieces of mermoria, she could see clouds of similarly blue-purple crystal shards that dancing in the air. Gather enough of those shards together, and memories would play out like holographic projections.

With a wave of her hand, Herta managed to interact with them. Mermoria, after all, was simply data, same as she. And data could always affect each other.

The shards collected, forming into a figure of Dan Heng carrying a lifeless Stelle in his arms.

“Their crash was not without catastrophic consequences,” Screwllem said.

Herta’s lips pursed as she watched the memory. “It’s a good thing I saw them alive at another point. That Twerp isn’t allowed to die on me. She’s become too valuable to my research.”

The scene faded, but the mermoria was still strong in this area, dancing like little crystals around. The whisp of a ribbon trailing off form this memory to the next.

“Ugh, why does Fuli have to leave such disasters everywhere,” Herta whined. “You’d think someone who likes recording memories would be more organized.”

“From another perspective,” Screwllem countered. “Their system is organized via location rather than person.”

“It’s inefficient.”

“What is efficient to one might be contrary to another. Fuli’s followers live on an alternate plane of reality, and it is possible that the differing dimensions factor into the efficiency of their organizational system. Logic: the Garden of Recollections system might be more organized due to their altered existence.”

“Yet another reason I hate the Garden of Recollection. Cheaters.” She stirred the next closest ball of mermoria together, hoping to come up with another memory imprint.

This time, Stelle was alive and well, hovering over Dan Heng as she leaned over…

They were kissing.

“Uck!” Herta swished a hand through it, halting the scene. “I did not need to see that. If this is how the Astral Express starts its missions, it’s a wonder you get anything done!” Her sharp eyes scanned the scene, noting the mermoria ribbon leading away from the scene. “Let’s go, Screwy. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover and limited time.”

“From my calculations,” Screwllem spoke, marching quickly after Herta. “I believe we have anywhere from ten to thirty minutes before a breech in the firewall is detected.”

“Wow, all the time in the world.”

They hurried along a path, finding a few more mermoria pockets to gather and collect. One depicted a character suddenly disarming both Stelle and Dan Heng. Well, well! He’d be a fascinating specimen for the simulated universe with that speed and agility. Then entered a second character, one much smaller, who was able to manipulate time.

“How interesting,” Herta commented, grin growing as she hustled onwards. They had much ground to cover, still. “Powers granted by gods? I wonder if they corelate to the aeons that gazed upon this place.”

“It is possible the scepter is only emulating those gazes,” Screwllem countered. “With as limited research as we have and as unpredictable this place has become due to the addition of an Emperor’s Scepter, I believe it best to take all previously known data as speculative.”

“A fair point. The scepters were designed to simulate and aid in the destruction of organic life. Could it be they wished to calculate what the direct contribution of aeons could add to that equation?”

“It is too early to form a solid hypothesis on the matter.”

They kept traveling along the marked mermoria trail, going for a while before finding yet another solid mermoria point.

“Huh. Strange,” Herta murmured, noting the mermoria cluster looked more like a log than a ball. “What’s this mess?”

“Judging on the shape this mermoria pile had taken on, it is likely the Nameless were traveling while this memory took place.”

“Again, this is why I hate memokeepers.” Herta stuck her hand into the middle of the line of mermoria, calling it together.

 The words of this memory, though strong, were distorted a bit, forcing Herta to keep swishing the crystals together until she got a clear enough picture.

“… cover story include?” Dan Heng spoke.

Ah! Finally.

“Let’s start with our first kiss.” Stelle answered. “You said we’d talk later. It’s later.”

“Again?” Herta flatly complained. “What is it with you two and smashing faces?”

She didn’t wait for Screwllem’s input before moving down the line and trying again. Maybe she’d get some actually useful information.

“…details of our marriage.”

“On your homeworld, with their customs,” Stelle swiftly answered. “But… ugh, the sky secret again. Um… your hometown.”

Dan Heng nodded. “So that if there’s any significant item that signifies a marriage here, we can simply say it’s different where we came from?”

“Yeah, I guess that, too.”

“Marriage?” Herta cried. “Since when did that little Twerp get married?”

“I cannot recall of any conversation or profile data indicating such,” Screwllem answered.

Herta scoffed. “We all would have known. Even if that twerp didn’t tell me, she would have told Asta. And Asta wouldn’t have been able to shut up about it.”

“I believe there was a more important piece of information demanding our attention. What is this ‘sky secret’ they mention?”

“Good catch, Screwy. In context, it seems they are not able to talk about Dan Heng’s homeworld.”

“Is it possible that any information beyond the sky is taboo here?”

“It would make sense for a hermetically sealed world to want to stay that way.”

They kept going, Herta dragging her hand through the mermoria at various points as they went. Once again, that speedy fighter from before appeared.

“She clearly trusts you a lot, too,” the newcomer mentioned.

“I’d hope so, considering we’re married.”

Again, when did that Twerp get married? It was actually irritating to know her knowledge on her favorite test subject had holes. Hopefully, the twerp wasn’t planning on retiring or whatever now that she was hitched. There seemed to be a strange correlation between marriage, pregnancy, and turn-over rates among researchers at this station. And do you know how inconvenient it was to have to replace people?

Not that she did it, but any flux within the pace of research did not go unnoticed.

“Huh. Sorry, I didn’t realize. But then again, I guess I’m not the romance titan.” The fighter chuckled nervously.

“The previous mermoria character also mentioned a titan,” Screwllem remarked, watching the mermoria crystals scatter about as the memory disipated. “Could these titans be the equivalent of aeons in this experimental world?”

“What powers could a romance titan hold?” Herta questioned. “Did Idrila see fit to cast her gaze upon this world?”

“Hypothesis: each of these mentioned titans correlates to an aeon. The Emperor’s Scepter could include the direct intervention of each aeon in their calculations, much like your Simulated Universe.”

“Now that’s an interesting hypothesis, Screwy. If we had the time, I’d help you test that theory. But, better question: any way we can speed up travel a bit? I worry this is going to take longer than we have.”

Screwllem pulled up a screen before him, typing in something Herta couldn’t see nor cared to pay much attention to. Screwy knew what he was doing.

In the blink of an eye, the setting changed. Darkness gave way to a red sky, and the calm yet empty pathways were a stark contrast to the current chaos and screaming.

Herta ignored the people who were running past them in droves. They couldn’t see her, anyway, and even if they could, she doubted they much cared than anything other than escaping the apocalypse. “Burning skies, shattered statues, corpses strewn everywhere... What a mess. If this is what the inside of ‘Amphoreus’ looks like, it's truly shocking. I wonder how the Nameless were able to survive in this disaster.”

“Considering the state of chaos amongst the people, it appears this situation was altered shortly prior to our arrival.”

“It wasn’t that long since I last arrived.”

“Counterpoint: the Emperor’s Scepter alters the flow of time itself. Therefore, what could have been a short time to you might have been different for Amphoreus.”

“That is true. If the flow of time is different, I wonder what the conversion rate is. If it’s too fast, we may be too late to save the Nameless.”

“We should still try to locate their mermoria,” Screwllem stated. “If this is the state of Amphoreus as of present, then it is imperative to extricate the Nameless.”

“No kidding. We needed to pull them yesterday. It’s not the first time I wish science could be rushed.” Herta reached for the closest pile of mermoria, connected to the trail they were following. With a swish of her hand, she called the shards together, the crystals forming into the missing duo.

“Are you sure?” Stelle asked.

“I don’t like it,” Dan Heng confessed. “But this is for the best. Phainon and Mydei need all the help they can get so they can deal the final blow once you return.”

“Well, it seems they were fighting something,” Herta mentioned. “But with the state of the world, can’t say I’m surprised. At least the twerp would be in fighting shape when they retur—"

… they were kissing again.

Was that really necessary?

Thankfully, they kept it brief. Herta would have waved them away had it gone on any longer. Instead, she watched as they marched off to their awaiting group who looked grave, as though preparing for facing a battle. The next instant, a portal appeared, summoned by the tiny red head, and the nameless plus one of the other fighters disappeared through it.

“Teleportation? Oh! How fascinating.”

“Could that power also be tied to a titan.”

“Which one?” Herta questioned, her eyes practically sparkling with curiosity. “If we had the time, I’d go scavenging the city for an answer. A shame.”

The trail of mermoria here was much stronger than where they’d previously landed. Herta had a good feeling as they followed the trail deeper into the heart of the chaotic city, and that good feeling was confirmed when the trail proceeded to spread out in every which direction.

“Alright, Screwy. Question: How do you untangle a trail that looks like a ball of yarn that Ruan Mei’s creations batted across the space station?”

“A ball of yarn has a beginning and end. One would start at one end and patiently unravel it until they reached the other.”

“And when the hourglass is ticking?”

“Logic: the strength and pattern of mermoria trails indicate the Nameless inhabited this city for an indiscriminate amount of time. Conclusion: the strongest mermoria trails will lead to their place of residence.”

“Sound reasoning. Let’s try to find the strongest trails, shall we?”

Seeing as they didn’t know how much time they had left in this space, they had to hurry. They managed to weave their way through the markets, ones emptying out as people ran for whatever form of safety they could find. By the time they found a teleporter to a higher ground, the city was practically a ghost town behind them.

Upon taking the transporter, Herta decided to start waving her hand through the streams of crystals, seeing if one strong memory would form and give them yet another data point. Considering the strength of mermoria trails here, the Nameless had walked this way countless times. Surely there was one memory that would stick out over the others.

And what do you know, Herta eventually conjured one. Either it had to be recent or it was an impactful memory.

“Dan Heng!” Stelle ran up the path to Dan Heng. He turned around, catching her in his arms. “I’m glad you’re—”

And then he tilted her back and kissed—

“Good Nous, do you two do anything else?” Herta hissed.

“I cannot say I understand the emotional component behind romantic relationships. However, I acknowledge this is common behavior among couples.”

“It doesn’t have to be this common.”

“You’re okay,” he spoke, a statement that demanded confirmation.

“Y-yeah, I’m…” She released a breath. “Well, I’m fine after that. Wow.”

An old warrior Herta didn’t recognize cleared their throat. “Forgive my interruptions, but… did you get the message?”

The warrior from before that Herta wanted for her Simulated Universe project looked very distressed. “What do you mean Lady Aglaea is deceased?”

Herta knew they only had limited time, but she stopped to listen to the old warrior ramble about how this woman, this “Lady Aglaea” was pushed off the top of the bathhouse. Dan Heng asked how communications were still up, to which the two other warriors mentioned this lady’s powers still functioned somewhat, her remaining connections keeping Amphoreus running, although it was now on a strict time clock.

“So, without this woman, everything fell apart at the seams,” Herta muttered, watching the memory fade away. “Fascinating. If her powers correlate to an aeon, then which one would she be? How do they work if this entire world seems to demand she stay alive.”

“Considering this memory came up as opposed to others,” Screwllem speculated. “It is possible this is very recent. Hypothesis: the death of this ‘Lady Aglaea’ is in direct connection to the current state of this world.”

“I’d believe that.”

Herta and Screwllem pressed further into the large bathhouse. Threads were everywhere here, so they followed whichever direction seemed to hold the most threads at any given time. Then came a spot where the thread split off into two directions, one heading up to a bath elevated above the large one here and another trailing deeper into the palace.

“Do you think they stayed up there?” Herta asked, looking up toward the second floor.

“From my perspective, the second level houses a tier of baths above the rest. My assumption would be that space houses and provides for leaders or important dignitaries.”

“Good point. Doubt our Nameless would earn such a title. Then again, they’ve surprised me before.”

“Calculation: though there are more mermoria crystals in the path leading toward the second floor, there are more threads leading the opposite direction.”

“Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

The duo marched further into the bathhouse, weaving through hallways and various outdoor spaces until—

Aha! Jackpot. “Found you.”

That door held countless threads. This was undoubtedly their lodgings. Herta pushed open the door, finding mermoria everywhere. The bath, the bed, the balcony. The threads and crystals of mermoria clogged the entire space.

She held her hand in the air, ready to stir together some memories before she hesitated. The last mermoria she’d scrapped together had been a kiss, declaration of marriage, a kiss, and a kiss.

And she was about to stir up memories within the confines of their private bed chambers.

“If I see you two doing the horizontal tango,” she grit out. “I am leaving you two to your doom.”

“Regardless of what is conjured,” Screwlem spoke. “We cannot abandon them. Furthermore, it is us trespassing into their private rooms. We are the intruders and therefore cannot be upset by the information we stumble upon.”

“My point still stands, Screwy! I’m not the one who can conveniently erase pieces from her memory!”

With a wave of her hand, a memory came together, revealing the duo standing in what suspiciously like wedding attire.

“Cerces tree,” Stelle commented, toying with the capelet that draped down from one of Dan Heng’s shoulders.

“Aglaea seemed very fixated on that metaphor.”

“It’s kinda growing on me.”

“Stelle, may I see my bride?”

Her hand fell away as she took several steps back. “Yes. What do you think?”

“I think your ass would look better in the simulated universe than it does in that dress,” Herta snipped, dismissing the memory in a wave. “When I get you two back, you’ll be my guinea pigs for life. My life; not yours.”

“Madam Herta, you cannot expect indentured servitude over the equivalent of multiple amber eras in exchange for this. The trade is not equal.”

“How about one amber era?”

“Considering the numerous dangerous curios the Astral Express has obtained and transported for you, as well as the intensity of several simulated universe runs, I would once again argue the trade is unequal.”

“Half of one?”

Screwllem did not answer, yet she could feel his disappointment.

Oh, for Nous’ sake. How could a non-organic lifeform silently express disappointment so clearly without facial features? That was just infuriating.

Ignoring him, Herta marched to the balcony, looking out upon Amphoreus. From here, she could see that the landscape had already changed from when they’d first arrived to this city. The evacuations must be nearing completion, at least for the city, yet she could still hear the cries that made their way down the mountain as the red sky grew more oppressive. It was as though this world was collapsing in on itself.

“Herta,” Screwllem said, stepping up to her side. “I believe we are out of time. As much as I’d love to indulge your curiosity for more—”

“I understand,” she said. “The Nameless are our ultimate objective, but even after we extract them—that is, if we can—we cannot leave this place alone.”

Their data began to fizzle out, and when Herta once again opened her eyes, she was back on the space station. “Were you able to track our data, Screwy?”

Screwllem tapped away at his screen. “Yes. My calculations were able to collect the mermoria data points and trace a path between them Furthermore, it was able to accurately lock on to the home base of the Nameless.”

“Good. We can use those points as anchors to return, correct?”

“If need be, yes. With the collection of these data points, our transportation of our data entries will be increasingly accurate.”

“Good to know. Since we’ve all but confirmed your hypothesis of Amphoreus being an Emperor’s Scepter, I have no doubt we’ll need to transport ourselves back yet again. After we get those Nameless off, of course.”

Screwllem gave her a nod. “We should report to the others. They are eagerly awaiting information on their companions.”

~~~

With Sunday marching at his side, Welt walked back to the Astral Express, his mind reeling with the information he’d learned from Madam Herta and Screwllem. First and foremost, Stelle and Dan Heng had landed safely on Amphoreus, and there was evidence that the duo were still okay for the time being. That above all else was the most important piece of information he’d gotten from that whole conversation.

However, that’s not to say it was the one that occupied the majority of his thoughts.

“By the way, when did the gray twerp and gloomy guard get married? I know everything about her, but that is new information to me.”

The bomb Herta had dropped on him had confused him only momentarily. “Ah, they must be pretending. Considering they lost signal with us, they might have decided to put on a united front for the time being. It’s not the first time such a protective measure has been employed by the Nameless while exploring unknown territory.”

Herta had not looked convinced. “They sure did a whole lot of kissing for a pretend couple.”

That had thrown Welt through a loop. Even if pretending to be a married couple, a public display of a kiss was hardly necessary, nevermind multiple displays. There were many other ways to show closeness, and Welt had no doubt Stelle would make up for where Dan Heng lacked. They were close enough to present a convincing act as a married couple if they put their minds to it. Yet, hearing that not all their displays had been made in public settings indicated there was more to their story than a pretend marriage, which confused Welt even further.

It wasn’t an understatement to say Welt walked back to the Express in a bit of a daze. Sunday seemed to be just as overwhelmed, but Welt doubted it was simply from the confusing information regarding the nature of Stelle and Dan Heng’s relationship. The news of an Emperor’s Scepter and a Lord Ravager were extremely concerning.

Welt found it regrettable that Sunday had only just joined the Nameless crew, only for this overwhelming incident to occur. This was far from how he wished to welcome Sunday into the group, yet if he looked back upon the track records of how the other trio joined their ranks, Welt couldn’t say they had a smooth transition, either. Maybe a chaotic entry was just par for the course.

When they arrived back at the train, Welt headed toward March’s room. Himeko rarely left March’s side anymore, so if he wanted to inform her of what he’d learned, that was where he’d go. It would have the added benefit of telling March, who may not be conscious but was still part of the crew. It felt wrong to leave her out, even considering her current state.

“You don’t have to join me,” Welt told Sunday. “If you want to lay down for a while, feel free. That was a lot of information to take in. I don’t mind relaying it to Himeko.”

“If you don’t mind,” Sunday answered. “I think I’d prefer to join you. I’m still… a bit confused.”

“What on?” Welt asked, walking through the halls.

“Um… most things. I’ve lived in the realm of Penacony for so long that most of this is new to me. I’m still trying to rationalize it. Furthermore, I still worry about Stelle and Dan Heng. If anything, I fear for them more after learning what Madam Herta and Master Screwllem had to say. The memories they relayed were also… confusing.”

“Yes, I have to say they are one of the most confusing parts of that entire conversation.” Welt knocked on March’s door before cautiously peeking in.

Himeko turned in her seat to meet his gaze. Her smile didn’t erase even a trace of the weariness from her countenance. “You’re back.”

“Yes,” Welt said, entering the room. Sunday trailed after, politely shutting the door behind them. “Has there been any improvement?”

Himeko shook her head. “I can’t say so. If anything… she’s grown worse.”

Welt looked over March, noting the way her six-phased ice had almost blanketed her entire body. Icicles even protruded from her bed like fortress guards. He reached out, slowly stroking her hair. It was times like this he understood the pain of parents seeing their children in a hospital bed. This broke his heart, seeing March in this state once again.

“Did you learn anything hopeful?” Himeko asked.

Welt straightened, turning to Himeko and Sunday. “I’ll put this in as basic terms as possible: Amphoreous is likely created by an escaped Emperor Rupert’s Scepter—a rogue genius’s dangerous creation—” He explained to Sunday specifically, “That had escaped notice. Herta speculates this scepter is handled by an intelletron by the name of Lygus, and this character likely controls the fate of Amphoreus. As of their last visit, the world seems to be in an apocalyptic state. This is not a surprise seeing as the scepters are used to simulate or aid in the destruction of the human race. Right now, the current situation stands thusly: Madam Herta and Screwllem must find a way to break the test tube known as Amphreous’s simulation while also not releasing the Lord Ravager that is contained within. Whether that Lord Ravager was contained by the scepter or created because of the scepter’s simulations have yet to be determined. Either way, it’s a precarious situation.”

Himeko frowned. “What of Stelle and Dan Heng?”

“Madam Herta has found traces of Stelle and Dan Heng on Amphoreus. They have landed successfully, and they seem to have found a place to settle and made tentative allies.”

“That’s at least a little relief.”

“Yes, well… there’s…” He cleared his throat. “A bit more to the story than that.”

Himeko quirked a brow. “Oh?”

“Do you remember, back before we had the other three aboard, when we were trapped in the wilderness without connection to the outside world?”

For a moment, Himeko mulled Welt’s words over before recognition sparked in her gaze. “I recall that. One of our more adventurous missions. You had to pretend to be my husband to keep the village elder from wanting to take me as a concubine.”

Welt sighed, this story already making him feel exhausted all over again. “To this day, I worry it was hardly believable. I am much older than you.”

Himeko waved a hand of dismissal. “The village elder was even older than you. What you believed to be doubt was most certainly jealousy. I must say, it was quite fun playing it up.”

Warmth bloomed in his cheeks, recalling the flirtatious way Himeko had publicly treated him during their stay. “At least you covered my poor acting skills.”

“From my perspective, you played the part of cautious and careful husband to a tee. I promise, you were the envy of every man in that village. And I appreciate you sacrificing your comfort for me. It showed, but it was to our advantage.” With that, she shot him a wink.

He simply shook his head. He was thankful they’d never needed to employ that tactic again.

“Anyway, if you’re bringing that story up, my guess is Dan Heng and Stelle took a page out of our book? Actually, I can’t say I’m surprised. It would be a wise idea, given the circumstances.”

“Of that, I agree. However, Herta found multiple memories that seemed to suggest that they… were not pretending.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Sunday, for the first time, interjected, “From what Madam Herta and Master Screwllem described, Dan Heng and Stelle were a real couple. I never suspected they were in such a relationship, but it seems neither of you suspected that, as well?”

Welt certainly hadn’t. From what he saw, Dan Heng treated Stelle and March as a protective older brother. Vice versa, March and Stelle were overly affectionate younger sisters. They were an almost inseparable trio, and at a glance, some might suspect the trio knew each other for far longer than they had.

“I can’t say I never suspected it,” Himeko answered. “Stelle was rather obvious. It was Dan Heng I could never get a read on.”

“Really?” Welt questioned, surprised. “That’s news to me.”

With a sigh, Himeko quietly muttered, “men.” She sat up straight. “I do have to wonder what sort of memories Herta saw to suspect such a thing.”

Welt chose to ignore her snide remark. “Well, kissing in private is rather convincing evidence, given what I know about both of them.”

Himeko’s eyes took on a sparkle that slightly camouflaged the bags under her eyes. The woman needed some sleep, and Welt had every intention of sending her out to get some as soon as he could slip it into the conversation. “They are definitely together, then. Oh, March will be sad she missed this.”

Speaking of which. “Himeko, why don’t I watch over March? You should go get some sleep.”

“I’m fine.”

“Correction: you need to get some sleep.”

She sighed, her shoulders instantly sagging under the weight of the world upon them. “That obvious?”

“Unfortunately.”

“But you two are certainly tired.”

“I would be happy to watch,” Sunday offered. “I am not the one who has been playing nurse nor the one reasoning with geniuses. I’ve been a spectator thus far. Please, allow me to assist.”

Welt and Himeko shared a glance. Although Himeko clearly wanted to protest, Welt shot her a warning look.

Glancing away, Himeko relented. “Alright. I think that would be wise. Thank you, Sunday.”

“Of course. Get some rest, both of you.”

“Thank you, Sunday,” Himeko said as she left the room.

Welt pat Sunday’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

“Of course.”

They left the room, shutting the door behind them. Although, they didn’t go far seeing as Himeko’s room was right next door.

Before she slipped into her room, Welt put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “She’ll be fine. I have to believe it. We managed to pull her from her ice once. I’m sure if need be, we can do it again.”

The sigh that escaped Himeko was heavy with exhaustion. The way she crossed her arms in front of her made her appear small. The fact Himeko was usually so brimming with confidence made this action appear even more drastic. “It’s not just her.”

Welt pursed his lips to keep them from turning into a frown. “I know.”

“Would it be weird to say… I feel like we’re about to lose all our kids?”

“Only if it’s weird for me to admit I understand the sentiment a little too well.” Despite Dan Heng likely being older in years, Welt took pride in being regarded as the elder of the Express, and as such, he felt responsible for taking care of the others. And he knew that Himeko, being the one who brought the Express to life, the one who called everyone aboard and started them off on adventure, also felt personally responsible for every single person aboard the train. They may have pretended to be a married couple once before, and they joked about being parents more than once. But as of this moment, it wasn’t all just pretend.

“Get some rest,” he softly encouraged. “We’ll need it to keep fighting for ‘our kids’.”

“Oh, we’d fight without sleep,” Himeko tiredly teased. “It’s just easier with sleep.”

[thenovelartist]

I’m, like, actually ticked. Because I’m playing that rabbit collecting event in Tears of Themis. And this rabbit appears.

and the translation team missed so hard when they could have called this bunny

JACKED RABBIT

[thenovelartist]

TheNovelArtist Honkai: Star Rail Masterlist

Written works can also be found on AO3

Artwork

"Tears of Honkai"

"Life After Destruction"

Dan Heng vs Dan Feng Comic

Headcanons

Yaoqing Trio - eye for an eye

Yaoqing Trio - med kits

One-Shots

The Collector - DanStelle

A Heart that Beats for You - DanStelle

Clipped Confidence - DanStelle

The Unfortunate Amnesiac - Light DanStelle

Mistletoe Mishap - DanStelle

The Coffee Conundrum - Astral Express Crew- General

For Shits and Giggles - Jiaoqiu & Moze - General

Multi-Chapter

Life After Destruction - DanStelle - Completed - 11 chapters

Order in the Chaos - Sunday and Astral Express Crew - Completed - 10 chapters + intermission

"Amphoreus but make it DanStelle" Series

Kiss Me Like the World is Ending - DanStelle

The Best Lies Start with the Truth - DanStelle - 3 chapters

Battle Scars and Medicine Jars - DanStelle

The Mydei Difficult Art of Patience - Mydei & Phainon, Light DanStelle

Words Left Unspoken - DanStelle

Death Cannot Stop Love (All it Can Do is Delay it) - DanStelle - 4 chapters

When the Clock Strikes Midnight - Castorice-centric - Mydei/Castorice - Light DanStelle

Don’t Shoot the Errand Boy - DanStelle

The Balance of Romance and Reason - DanStelle

The Reasons Herta Hates Mermoria - Herta-centric, Parental Welt & Himeko, referenced DanStelle

Let the Skyfall - DanStelle - 2 chapters

[thenovelartist]

TheNovelArtist Otome Game Masterlist

(Fanfictions are full stories, all one-shots unless denoted otherwise.)

(Headcanons are a series of bulletpoints. Will include scenarios for multiple love interests)

Bustafellows

Pansy - General

Code:Realize

Winter Wonderland - Victor x Cardia

Snow - Van Helsing x Cardia

Snow Day Duo Disaster - Van Helsing x Cardia (With Delly and Sisi)

Ikemen Sengoku

In My Arms Again- Ieyasu x MC - Childhood Friends AU

Ikemen Prince

~Fanfiction~

Revenge is Best Served Upside-down - General

The Costco Calamity - Modern AU

The Mystery Man- Gilbert x Emma - Single Mom AU

Not Everybody Wants to be a Cat - Shifter AU

~Headcanons~

Modern AU (Based off my Costco Calamity story)

Twins with Twins

Jin, Luke, Clavis as Fathers

Yves, Chevalier, Leon as Fathers

Childhood Friends AU

Mystic Messenger

Drunk Wedding

Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice

~Fanfiction~

All Over Again - Gavin x MC

Christmas Drabbles

Bells - Gavin

Fireplace - Gavin

Candles - Kiro

Naughty or Nice - Kiro

Gingerbread - Victor

Presents - Victor

Cookies - Lucien

Stars - Lucien

~Headcanons~

Office Meeting

Childhood Friends

Late Night Snuggles

Meeting their Daughter’s Boyfriend

Boys with their Sons

Pocky

Wedding Nights-SFW

Pregnancy Reveal

His Greatest Gift - Historical AU

Jealousy

Jealousy - Shaw watching MC pick Gavin

Tears of Themis

~Fanfiction~

Unlocking the Tragic Backstory - Vyn

His Best Drunk Decision - Vyn x Rosa - Drunk Wedding Series

Mistaken Drink; Drunken Mistake - Artem x Rosa - Drunk Wedding Series

The Drunken Vow - Marius x Rosa - Drunk Wedding Series

I Wasn’t that Drunk - Luke x Rosa - Drunk Wedding Series

Give and Take - Vyn x Rosa

Princess Rosa Surrendering her Crown for Love - Drabbles for All Boys

The Fine Line of Loving You- Luke x Rosa (7 chapters, Complete)

I’m Dreaming of a White Kissmas - Luke x Rosa

When Rosa is #DONE - General

~Headcanons~

Childhood Friend Card

Jealous Vyn (Partial Collab)

Good in My Shirt

Play For Me

ABC Fluff Headcanons - Luke Pearce

ABC Fluff Headcanons - Vyn Richter

Only One Bed

Boys as Dads

Caring for a Pregnant MC

Caring for their Sick Infant

Boys Watching MC Chose Another

MC with Bad Taste in Jokes - Vyn and Artem only

Comforting a Terrified MC

Puppy Surprise

Rosa Upset with the Boys

Jealous Boys

Jealous Rosa

Finding Rosa’s Baby Photos

Clingy - Artem Only

Comforting a Crying Rosa

With a Quiet MC

With a Motherly MC

Tie Tug

Drunk Marriage - After stories

Comforting their Adopted Kid

Meeting their Daughter’s Boyfriend

[thenovelartist]

So! I have officially discovered the limits of links in a single post. (100)

And my master list has exceeded it.

… have I written that much fandom stuff? Wow, I have no life.

Anyway! I’ll rework that post, so it’s gonna look different now. 😆

[thenovelartist]

Let the Skyfall - Honkai: Star Rail Fanfiction

Amphoreus, but DanStelle Series #11 - <<Previous - Next>>

Next Chapter >>

Today was the day. Today they would fight god.

Actually, they’d fight their third one. It was becoming a surprisingly common occurrence.

Yet, despite her growing confidence in her capabilities, she didn’t want to go. Dan Heng was lying on his back in bed, so Stelle figured there was no better place than snuggled up at his side, her head on his shoulder and arm draped over his torso.

“I don’t want to move,” she muttered.

“We still have time.”

“That’s unusual for you. Normally, you’d be all ‘We don’t have time to waste lying in bed,’ and you’d make us get up.”

The arm she was lying on reached behind her, his fingers toying with locks of her hair. “Not today.”

Far be it from her to argue with that. Instead, she reached for Dan Heng’s free hand and lazily laced their fingers together.

For a while, they stayed just like that, relishing each other’s presence. Sharing a bed had long since become the norm, to the point she didn’t think she’d be able to sleep without him by her side. The knowledge that the person she loved most was there helped calm her body enough to fall into the deepest, most restful of sleeps. And when those sleeps were the opposite of deep and restful, he was there to chase away her nightmares.

When it was him on the receiving end of those nightmares, startling awake in the middle of the night, she was always there to return the favor. However, she’d noticed that it had been happening less frequently. Maybe it was egotistical of her, but she wondered if her presence was enough to chase his nightmares away. Regardless of ego, Dan Heng getting uninterrupted sleep was important, and if she could fix that, she was happy.

The most obnoxious sound in the world suddenly filled their room: a quietly beeping alarm. Stelle had never wanted to throw a phone out the window more.

Untangling their hands, Dan Heng reached over to turn off the ringer.

“No.” In protest, Stelle wrapped her arm around Dan Heng’s torso, clinging tight as she buried her face deeper against his shoulder.

“That’s the ten-minute alarm.”

“The what?”

“It’s the alarm that allows me ten minutes to convince you to get up before I have to force you.”

“All I’m hearing is that I have ten minutes more snuggle time before I have to pick a fight.”

“I’d much prefer to reach an agreement so we can have ten minutes of quiet time.”

“Good, we’ll agree to argue.”

“Stelle...”

She snickered. To further her point, she wrapped one of her legs around Dan Heng’s. “Agreement reached.”

“As long as you promise to get out of bed.”

“And if I don’t?”

“Then I’m afraid I’ll have to resort to drastic measures.”

“Is it weird to say I’m more turned on by your threats than not?”

Dan Heng heaved a sigh. “I can’t get anywhere with you.”

"You love it; don't lie."

"It's certainly one of your many charms."

"I could have taken that compliment without that side of sarcasm."

True to his word, an alarm rang ten minutes later.

Stelle hated that alarm more than the first. In protest, she sprawled out on top of him, hands on his chest, legs caging him in. “I refuse.” And she stuck her tongue out to make a point.

Instead of arguing, Dan Heng fondly shook his head. His hands came to rest on her hips, and his eyes took on a softness that lured Stelle in. Those gray irises were usually icy and distant, but today, that dull blue almost seemed warm.

Surrendering to the siren’s call, she reached up, her thumb tracing the red mark on his left eye. His eyes shut under her ghost of a touch. “Stelle,” he spoke, his voice low and husky. “We can’t linger.”

“Is there any way I could convince you?” To stay here. To be wrapped in each other’s arms. To pretend the world wasn’t falling apart. To pretend all that mattered was the two of them caving to the desire to solidify that vidyadhara mating bond or whatever it was called. The thing that meant they’d be together for life. The thing that meant kisses would no longer be the most intimate thing they shared.

“Mem will come get us eventually, you do realize.”

Mem. Stelle didn’t mean this personally, but she really didn’t want to see the little magic creature right now. Or today. Tomorrow…

Ever.

Okay, that was mean. She did love Mem, and she was exceedingly thankful for the excessive amount of privacy Mem had given Stelle and Dan Heng. Mem had even taken to ensuring Bubbles was cared for, or once again, out of the room when Stelle and Dan Heng were being flirty faux-newlyweds. “Ugh. I’m mad that you’re right.”

“I’m sorry that I am. Now, as much as I enjoy this, we do need to go.”

She knew it. She really did. With a sigh, she wiggled upwards just a bit, just enough to box Dan Heng’s head in with her hands. “Hey.”

With all the loving patience in his body, he looked up at her, waiting for her to finish instead of cutting her off. The way his thumbs were drawing little circles on the skin above her pants waistband made her wonder if he was entertaining her because he didn't want to leave yet, either. “Hmm?”

“We’re going to survive this," she began.

“I’d certainly hope so.”

“And we’re going to fix this world.”

“That is the goal.”

“And then we’re going to escape the sky.”

“Yes,” he fervently agreed. “We’ve been trapped here far too long.”

As much as she’d enjoyed exploring, as much as she cared about the people she met here, Stelle couldn’t help but agree. Ardently. “Abso-freaking-lutely. How long has it even been?”

“Months,” Dan Heng answered in an atypically inaccurate way. “Too many months.”

“That’s way too long for a trailblaze mission.”

“It’s the longest one I’ve been on.”

“Really?”

“By…” He paused, brow furrowing in thought. “Two weeks. And a day.”

She snorted. He would know the exact length of their stay. “Well, it won’t be much longer. And then we’re gonna bolt out of here like our tails are on fire.”

Dan Heng snorted, his lips picking up in a lopsided smile. Oh, be still, her heart. She was not in a position to be able to see that and resist reacting. And she meant that literally, seeing as she was straddling Dan Heng at the moment. “Trailblazers don’t run with their tail between their legs,” he told her.

“Rules are meant to be broken.”

That got a chuckle out of him.

“And then,” she continued, her own smile doubling in size. “We’re going to get back to the Express, hunker ourselves in our room, and celebrate our escape by defiling our bed.”

She was blessed with watching his cheeks take on a rosy hue. “Defile?”

“In the hottest way possible.”

He tried to cover his blush by turning his head away and running a hand down his face. Unfortunately for him, his ears were also traitors, the tips blazing a bright pink. Adorable.

She wanted to bite them.

She should.

“Correction,” he spoke before she could give in to the urge.

Dang it, she missed her chance! “Oh?”

“It’s not defiling if it’s a marriage bed.”

Her own cheeks warmed. He wasn’t wrong, she supposed. “So… christen? That makes it sound like we’d need champagne to send a ship off to sail.”

She thought he’d shake his head at her. Instead, he paused. “I have an idea where to get some good wine.”

Wine? Dan Heng was not a drinker. He only partook in a single glass on a few select occasions, and she’d seen a few times where he’d take only a sip before pouring the rest out. Him willingly offering booze was a surprise. “Oh? We’re getting fancy for the christening?”

“It’s customary when exchanging vows.”

Her eyes widened, words failing her as she realized what he was implying.

“I think it would be nice,” he shyly admitted. “To partake in that tradition. And… include the others in a small celebration of sorts. They’d be upset if we didn’t. March would want to take pictures. And… you’d be a beautiful model in your dress.”

A giddy, fluttery feeling flooded from her heart to the tips of her toes. She tapped his nose. “Silly. You’d be in those pictures beside me. I can already think of a perfect place to put them.”

“You can show me when we get back.”

“You can bet on that.”

“But before we can do that… we have a job to finish.”

Warm, fluttery feelings gone. What a disappointment to come crashing down after flying so high. “I know.”

“Meaning we need to get out of bed.”

She groaned. “Fine. You make a convincing argument.” She then leaned upwards, taking hold of his cheeks and kissing him.

He responded, movements slow yet brimming with adoration.

“I love you,” Stelle said, her lips a hairsbreadth away from his.

“I love you, too.” His whisper rolled over her lips, sending shivers through her.

She pressed one last longing kiss to his lips. Before she moved off him, she slipped lower, nuzzling her nose underneath his jaw. On automatic instinct, he tilted his head back, allowing her easy access to kiss his adam’s apple.

“That’s for not thinking you’d be in any pictures,” she muttered. She then sank lower, pressing a kiss to the hollow of his throat, going as far as to press her tongue into that little dent. She was rewarded with a quiet inhale from him, his hands gripping her hips tighter. “And that’s because I’m a brat.”

He heaved a sigh. “Why are you like this?”

“Counterpoint: you know I’m like this and still chose me.”

“An unfortunate decision on my part.”

“There are no refunds on this, by the way.”

He scoffed in amusement.

Feeling like the victor, Stelle finally crawled off him. She dug into their shared dresser, gathering her clothes and getting changed. Her trailblazing outfit had been stitched up by Aglaea a few times by now, and it was getting ragged from being worn so heavily, particularly in battles. She’d had these clothes ever since coming to the Express, but it seemed that Amphoreus would be their last stop.

In contrast, the newest piece—the embroidered garter Dan Heng had given her, the one that signaled they were engaged by vidyadharan standards—looked extra bright and out of place. She could still feel the way his fingertips had brushed her skin as he'd slid it on her the first time. Her nerves blazed to life at the mere thought of him having kissed her knee.

She couldn’t lie; she’d been ready to throw herself at him right then. Consequences be damned, she'd been tempted to dive straight into the deep end and go out with a bang. One single brain cell warned her to keep it together and not give in so easily. She had to applaud that brain cell for working overtime. Real Employee of the Month, it was.

Or maybe not because it had been really disappointing to bring that saucy make-out to a screeching halt.

Still, the uncertainty that loomed ahead worried her. In an ideal world, they’d both see the Flame-Chase Journey to completion and get off the planet. Worst case, they both died. But with things sliding downhill as fast as they were, Stelle worried about the very real possibility of being separated forever. The finish line for the Genesis was fast approaching, and they still hadn’t found anyone to take her coreflame from her. She’d watched Dan Heng suffer from losing her once, yet that had only lasted for fifteen excruciating days. How could she subject him to a lifetime of that?

She wanted to give him the best chance possible at mourning her loss, hence her reluctance to take that final step. She couldn’t stand to hurt the love of her life. But her greatest fear was that they were already too entwined and it was already too late.

She stepped out from behind the partition wearing a forced smile. “You’re up.”

He finished tapping away at his phone before heading behind the partition. “Phainon will be waiting for us at Dawncloud. We should eat some breakfast before we go.”

“Sounds good,” she said, plopping down on the edge of the bed as he hid behind the partition. “You want to pick?”

“I’m not picky.”

“I’m trying to be a nice wife, you know.”

“I know, but I’m a little too used to following my wife’s lead on these things.”

“Are you saying I wear the pants in this relationship?”

“More ‘the dog walks the owner’ on this occasion.”

She gasped in mock offense. “Are you calling me a dog?”

“I’m simply saying you need to be kept on a leash.”

“Oh, ouch.” Though he couldn’t see her, she pantomimed being stabbed in the heart. Yet, she couldn’t be mad. Dan Heng had grown into an incredible banter partner. That’s not to say he wasn’t capable of throwing out a sarcastic barb every now and then, but he’d loosened up so much since being in a relationship with her. To the point she might even use the word ‘playful’ when describing him. She loved it. She treasured it. If the stars aligned and saw fit to grant them a positive fate, then she’d gladly accept him harassing her for as long as they both lived. “Just for that, I’m going to choose your least favorite place.”

He scoffed. “I doubt you’d be willing to suffer a terrible meal just to make a point.”

She wouldn’t. “How dare you know me this well.”

“You’re my wife,” he said, coming around the corner while straightening his jacket. “It would be an offense to not know your habits and quirks.”

And just like that, he switched the mood from teasing to affectionate. How did the isolationist introvert become a master at conversation?

She walked up to him, throwing her arms around his shoulders. “Fine, we’ll go somewhere good for breakfast. But one condition.”

“Oh?”

“Before we go off to war, I want a good luck kiss.”

His gaze softened as he wrapped his arms around her, embracing her with tender affection.

And he kissed her. Firmly. Longingly. Adoringly.

Repeatedly.

He poured a little extra spice into that last kiss, tipping her back and giving her one last squeeze before pulling away. “Is that sufficient?”

She grinned, a fluttery warmth swelling in her chest to chase away the chill of fear. “Yes.”

~~~

The flameholders of today become the titans of tomorrow. Anaxa’s horrifying proclamation rang repeatedly through Dan Heng’s head as they traversed through the Eye of Twilight. Under normal circumstances, Dan Heng wouldn’t think anything of it. He might even find it fascinating, that is, if Stelle wasn’t one of those flame holders. And he liked to forget about that fact as much as possible.

Unfortunately, she did not let any one of them forget today.

Stelle used her powers of time with such effortless ease that it scared him. She was a natural, to the point it was almost inherent. Phainon and Hyacine were charmed by her abilities, watching each trick with awe. In contrast, Dan Heng felt his gut sink and heart crack a little more each time.

“You’re getting good at this, Partner.” Phainon bumped his fist encouragingly on Stelle’s shoulder at her last feat.

Something in his soul protested at the sight. He clenched his fists, warning himself to calm down. Dan Heng's jealousy toward Phainon was like an ocean tide, rising then ebbing. He hadn’t been as jealous as he’d been when they’d first met Phainon, when Dan Heng had proudly proclaimed Stelle as his wife as a warning for the man to keep his eyes off her. But it was impossible to ignore the fact that Stelle and Phainon had grown quite close.

He wanted to believe it meant nothing, but that dragon in him didn’t settle easily.

“Are you okay, Dannie?” Hyacine asked, surprising him by appearing at his side.

No, he was not. He wanted Phainon to take about five steps away from Stelle, to drop that ‘buddy’ and ‘partner’ nonsense. But he would be rational. Phainon wasn’t the one Stelle was waking up next to every morning. Phainon wasn’t on the receiving end of Stelle’s kisses. Phainon wasn’t the one who’d given her that ring on her finger or the garter on her thigh, both items she wore with pride.

Phainon wasn’t the one who’d put a mark on her back. Thinking of that settled him a touch.

“I’m fine,” he said, doing his best to keep himself composed. “Why do you ask?”

“Because you don’t look fine.”

Stelle and Phainon had turned around by now. Dan Heng's stomach dropped, but he resisted the urge to duck away from being the center of attention. “I’m fine,” he repeated.

“If I didn’t know any better,” Phainon teased. “I’d think you were jealous of Stelle.”

Jealous of… Stelle? His brow knit in confusion. Jealous, yes, but Phainon had mistaken the target. Probably for the better. He did not want to have that conversation. “And pray tell, why?”

“I mean, who wouldn’t be?” Phainon continued, unphased. “Stelle’s the only one of us with cool superpowers.”

Hyacine tilted her head. “Dannie’s got powers.”

In a split second, two sets of surprised eyes were locked on him. Phainon’s shock gave Dan Heng a sense of pride, Hyacine’s words having knocked the man off his high horse. But Stelle…

Stelle’s golden gaze burned like all-consuming stars.

Dan Heng glanced away, all his pride vanishing under her scrutiny.

“Since when?” Phainon questioned.

“He doesn’t like talking about them,” Stelle answered, crossing her arms. “Like… ever.”

That accusatory undertone in her voice heaped guilt upon him, though he doubted that was her intention.

“Really?” Hyacine prodded. Her eyes darted around between everyone, clearly sensing the tight atmosphere and attempting to defuse it. “Because he was really helpful when there was a huge water spill in the courtyard. The janitors were taking out the dirty water buckets when they tipped. The water filled the main hallway. Thankfully, Dannie was there to clean it right up with a swish of his hand before someone slipped.”

“Huh,” Phainon turned to Dan Heng. “Have you been learning from Phagousa’s water tricks or something?”

“I have, upon Hyacine’s suggestion,” Dan Heng answered. “But these powers are ones I was born with.”

Phainon’s face clouded. “Oh, I remember you talking about your past. You never mentioned your powers, though.”

“I didn’t see it necessary. However, I did debate about using them if you and Mydei had chosen to compete over who could stand the coldest bath the longest.”

Hyacine tapped her foot, hands on her hips in an attempt to be intimidating. “Phainon,” she warned, more disappointed than angry. “Were you and Mydei really going to attempt that again after the incident in the hot baths?”

Sheepishly, Phainon chuckled. He rubbed the back of his head, cowering at the short doctor’s scolding. “It was one of our ideas. Though, I didn’t want to cross Lady Aglaea so soon after the first incident.”

“Honestly,” Hyacine sighed, shaking her head. “You and Mydei shouldn’t cause trouble for Dannie. He was already gracious enough to watch you for Lady Aglaea’s sake.”

“In the end, we didn’t,” Phainon explained, as though that would salvage the situation. “We wouldn’t have wanted Dan Heng to have to… you know… remove the water in the pool or something.”

“Had you attempted that foolhardy challenge, I would have had to.”

“He’s not kidding,” Stelle confirmed, giving Phainon a warning look, hand propped on her hip.

For the second time today, Phainon’s jaw hit the floor. “Wait, he can do that?”

“He can split the ocean in two. A little pool is child’s play.”

“Don’t exaggerate, Stelle,” Dan Heng dismissed. “Even my power has its limits.”

She scoffed. “Okay, whatever you say High Elder. It’s not like I saw you do it with my own two eyeballs, but sure. You can’t split the ocean.”

Dan Heng shot her a glare. In response, she shot him a cheeky grin.

Phainon grimaced. “As much as I’m curious, I’m glad you didn’t use your powers on Mydei and me.”

“I’m glad I didn’t have to,” Dan Heng returned.

They reached the second celestial globe, allowing Hyacine to try and start it. However, like the first globe, this one did not respond either. “The celestial shift... didn't work?”

That wasn’t a surprise. This place was in massive disrepair. But like the first globe, surely they could find a way to activate it again. “It looks like there’s corrosion from the black tide,” Dan Heng pointed out. “The circuits don’t seem to be functioning.”

“I bet those Prophecy Tablets can help us out,” Phainon suggested.

Dan Heng nodded. “Hyacine, Phainon, you take the one on the right. Stelle and I will head left.”

“Sounds good.”

“Call if you need help.”

With that, they split into two groups.

Stelle did not waste a second. “So,” she began, bumping her shoulder against Dan Heng’s the moment they were out of earshot. “Were you gonna tell me you revealed your secrets? Or were you going to keep that secret, too?”

He didn’t know how to answer that. Though he told her he’d taken an interest in studying under Phagousa’s priests, he hadn’t told her why. He should have. He didn’t know why he kept it secret. Maybe he just didn’t know how to bring it up when she was spinning epics of how she helped a child talk to Kephale, only for a guard to pretend to be the titan so as to give the child an audible answer, or how Stelle was appointed as a passing judge for one of the most ludicrous cases Dan Heng had ever heard.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I should have told you. I just… didn’t know how.”

“You can tell me anything,” Stelle said. “Aeons only knows what you listen to me rant about. When I ask you about your adventures, I want to know.”

He knew this, but it still felt strange, in some regard. It wasn’t as though he didn’t know Stelle would be supportive of anything he did—for heaven’s sake, she moderated any commentary on his published research papers, concocting the most offensive insults for those who invalidated his work; he might have also learned on accident that she’d roped Silverwolf into doxxing a particularly aggressive commentator—but his cloudhymn magic had always been a sensitive topic he found a hard time bringing up. Even to Stelle. “I’ll be more open next time.”

“Promise me,” she pleaded.

“I promise.”

She seemed to grasp his sincerity because her tense expression eased. “I’m more surprised you revealed your powers at all, to be honest. You don’t like using them, much less publicly.”

He didn’t. Yet, the movement had come so automatically that he hadn’t realized what he did until he did it. “It’s because of you,” he confessed.

“Pardon?” She leaned in closer as though she hadn’t heard him clearly.

He looked over to her. “It’s because of you,” he repeated, watching her eyes widen in surprise at the confession. “The Nameless may have all been accepting when the truth was revealed, but… when it came to actual practical application, you have always been my biggest supporter.”

“I… nah, I didn’t do anything.” She shook her head, refusing to believe it.

“It’s the truth,” he confirmed, thinking of the several times he was standing in a puddle in the Express, her telling him to give his magic one more try, only to whoop and holler when he succeeded. “You were always the one encouraging me to practice my magic, and even when I failed, you ran interference with Pom-pom for me so I wouldn’t get chastised. I would not be where I am without you. So… thank you.”

For a moment, she was shocked speechless, only to break the stillness when she threw her arms around him. “Dang it, I can’t be mad at you now.” She then pulled away, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I’m so proud of you.”

He felt his lips curl up in a smile, his chest warm and fuzzy from her praise.

“But from now on, for every story I tell you about catching beetles for the Garmentmaker, I want to hear one about you cleaning up mop water. It’s only fair.”

“Understood.”

With a smile, she turned toward the Prophecy Tablet. “As a sign of no hard feelings, I challenge you to a race: who can figure out this puzzle faster.”

Just like that, everything was water under a bridge, washed away and all new. “Alright.”

“Prize to be determined by the winner later?”

He saw many ways that could go wrong, but he also saw many ways it could be abused for the benefit of both parties. And should it be the latter, he wouldn’t be opposed. “Fair enough.”

He solved it in ten seconds. Sassily, Stelle stuck her tongue out at him.

Grinning, he leaned over to whisper in her ear, “I hope you realize I’ll collect later.”

“Well, if it's gonna be like your last collection, I doubt I’ll mind paying up."

~~~

As the four marched to the opposite side of the Eye of Twilight to hunt down the cowering Aquila, Stelle could tell that Hyacine was feeling down after learning part of Seliose's past. And when the bubbly one of a group was down, the silence felt twice as oppressive.

She was wracking her brain trying to find a topic to fill the silence, but to her surprise, Hyacine beat her to it. “Hey, Dannie, Grayie. What do you plan to do after you return to the sky?”

What didn’t she plan to do, was the better question. “Hug our friends,” Stelle answered, counting off on her fingers. “Make sure March is okay. Take a nap. At this point, I might even drink Himeko’s coffee.”

“Is… that a bad thing?” Hyacine questioned.

“Yes.” Her answer was echoed by Dan Heng.

Stelle added on, “I love Himeko to death, but her food? Her coffee? At best, you can manage to drink some with a straight face. At worst, it could be used to torture prisoners.”

That got a giggle out of Hyacine. Stelle would take it as a win.

“What about you, Dannie?”

“Check the archives," he answered. "Update them on everything I've learned here. Then insist that Welt and Himeko take the next mission.”

Stelle snapped her fingers before shooting finger guns at Dan Heng. “That.”

Phainon chuckled. “After all your help, you deserve that much. Thank you.”

“It’s what we do,” Stelle said with a shrug.

“That trailblazing spirit is truly admirable.”

“If it were possible, I’d be extending an invitation to join us.”

“If I could, I would take you up on it," Phainon chimed with a sunny grin. "Seeing all those new worlds, extending a helping hand... sounds like a fulfilling life.”

It was. It might sound cheesy to say, but the trailblaze truly imbodied the idea that adventure is the memories you made along the way rather than the destination.

“Out of curiosity,” Hyacine spoke, “Did you two adventure somewhere exciting for your honeymoon?”

Stelle snorted. “I mean, this place has certainly been ‘exciting’. Don't get me wrong, it’s a great place, and we’ve met a lot of cool people—present company included—but I wouldn’t call this a proper honeymoon.”

“Then maybe you two can go somewhere nice for your anniversary.”

An anniversary trip? Stelle liked the sound of that a lot more than she should. Although, they had to actually get married first. “Maybe,” she answered, playing along, “if I can get Dan Heng to swing for it.”

“I think being home right now would be preferable,” he answered.

She avidly agreed with that, but that wasn't the point. “Yeah, but… an official anniversary,” she said with a wink, hoping he’d get the hint. “A first anniversary, to celebrate the fact we made it a year of marriage.”

He gave a sage nod, proving he picked up on what she was implying. “I’ll consider it.”

“Well, I’ll take what I can get.”

“But choose wisely because we aren’t getting a second chance.”

“Ohh, the pressure is on.”

Hyacine grinned at their antics, but it soon turned sheepish. “Um… this might be overstepping…”

“Ask away,” Stelle encouraged. What were boundaries, anyway?

“Have you two considered starting a family?” she tentatively asked. “Or as adventurers, are you not? I think you two would make great parents, but I understand if your lifestyle doesn’t allow it.”

Stelle and Dan Heng shared a look of surprise. Kids? That hadn’t even crossed Stelle’s mind. Without prompting, her imagination ran wild. A child with pointed ears, Dan Heng’s black hair, bent over a novel. One with silver locs screaming ‘rules are meant to be broken’ while waving around a spear.

But her thought bubble popped thanks to the pin of reality. And reality was: vidyadhara did not reproduce.

Dan Heng cleared his throat, composing himself. “Due to the effect of certain aeons…” he cryptically explained, “we’ll simply say children are not an option for us.”

The atmosphere instantly chilled, guilt falling over Hyacine’s expression. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

“Of course you wouldn’t,” Stelle reassured, trying to keep some levity in her voice. “We’re not offended or anything. Isn’t that what every couple gets asked at some point? It’s like a rite of passage?”

“I guess so. Still, I‘m sorry to bring it up if it was a sore spot.”

“It’s not.” Dan Heng assured.

By then, they arrived at the third celestial globe, Lunabis waiting at the side for them. And once again, they found the thing didn’t work. Stelle couldn’t say she was surprised. Heck, she noted Dan Hegn was already searching the room while Hyacine mucked around with the thing.

“Those massive objects look like hard drives," Dan Heng said, pointing out some things sticking out of the wall. "I bet if we reinsert them, the energy source will be restored.”

Phainon looked around before sighing. “And there’s a Hand of Zagreus waiting for us.”

“Still don’t like those?” Stelle teased.

“I’ll set aside my judgment for as long as they serve a purpose.”

“Don’t worry. Dan Heng and I will take care of it. It looks like Hyacine is talking with Little Ica and Lunabis, anyway.”

“Thanks, Partner. I’ll stay by her side, just in case.”

Hence, they found themselves splitting up once more.

The mechanism was just a hop, skip, and a jump away, but still far enough away to hold a private conversation. “Do you think she feels guilty?” Stelle asked Dan Heng. “About her question.”

“I doubt that’s what’s affecting her. Hyacine is very good at putting on a brave face, but I believe the main issue is she hasn't fully recovered after losing Aglaea.”

“Well, you don’t mourn in a day,” Stelle said, placing her hand on Zagreus’ controller, the hand in the sky suddenly springing to life.

“And not a mentor you were that close with,” Dan Heng added on. “That along with the weight of responsibility she’s taking on by becoming the coreflame holder for the sky is likely weighing on her heavily. That question just made her feel awkward.”

If Stelle didn’t know any better, she might be jealous of how well the reclusive Dan Heng knew Hyacine. Yet, it was hard not to have a soft spot for a bubbly pink-haired girl who loved cute things. She made Stelle miss March. Dan Heng likely felt the same.

Okay, even with that explanation, she still felt a little jealous. She tried to remember that she had a mark on her back courtesy of the man next to her. A man that had called her ‘his’.

Yeah, that helped tamp the jealousy down.

Having maneuvered the hand to the first hard drive, she readied it to strike. Shockwaves vibrated through the room from the hit, but she watched happily as the hard drive slid into place.

“Stelle,” Dan Heng began as she moved the hand to the next target. “We probably should have had this conversation long before now, but… did you want children?”

Zagreus’ hand stilled in the air, mirroring the way her own body froze. After a second, she made some final adjustments before powering it up for a second strike. “It’s irrelevant now.”

“It’s not,” Dan Heng said.

The floor shook again, alerting to the second successful hit. “It is,” she countered, moving the hand to the final chip. “Because I’m staying by your side regardless.”

He sighed, not content with her answer. “I didn’t mean to take that away from you if you wanted it.”

She took her time lining up the next shot. It gave her time to think, too. “I don’t really know what I want. I may have gotten back memories of the past, but it’s an incomplete picture. When it comes to ‘what I want out of life’… I don’t remember anything outside of the memories I've made since joining the Nameless. But I can say pretty confidently that I never thought of romance being part of the equation.”

“And now?”

She activated the hand, smashing in the last chip. The room shook, then buzzed with energy. “To put it in Dan Heng terms, you were an unexpected variable.”

He snorted, his lips quirking up in a half-grin.

Good. He should be amused; she was proud of that pun.

“Besides,” she said, moving the hand around the room for no other reason than to prolong their conversation. “What if this stellaron in me means I can’t have kids, either?”

He paused. “I… hadn’t considered that.”

“I’ve blown up several times; it’s a shock my body is still in one piece.”

“Can we not talk about that right now?”

Absolutely. She didn’t want to remember it, either.

“So what does it matter?” Stelle said, navigating the hand still higher. “I already promised to stick with you through thick and thin, and I’m not taking that back. Besides, you have your hands full with one raccoon. Do you think you could handle two?”

“I fear I’d go gray in worry.”

She tried to picture Dan Heng with gray hair. Weirdly, she could picture it quite clearly. Silver on the sideburns, like fine threads glittering through his dark locs…

Ohh, she wanted to see that. Meaning she had to live long enough to do so. When they got back to Ohkema, she'd have to seriously start searching for someone to take this blasted coreflame from her. “I mean, you would look dashing either way.”

He shook his head dismissively, then turned his attention to the hand she once again powered up for a strike. “What are you doing?”

“Mucking around.” She sent the fist flying, smashing into the black tide monster perched high up in the room. She could almost hear the sound of an achievement go off, and she preened in satisfaction. “Okay. I’m good.”

“Who needs a child with you around.”

She shot him a wink. “Exactly.”

~~~ 

Saying goodbye to Hyacine was harder than Dan Heng expected it to be. Yet, Hyacine, ever the brave girl she was, turned to face her future with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face. Stelle had previously mentioned she hated these goodbyes. This goodbye finally made Dan Heng realize the depth of his anguish over the losses. As the pink-haired girl headed toward her destiny, part of him wanted to go up to her and assure her he’d be by her side, to tell March she didn’t have to face it alone—

No. Not March. Just… the friend he found that filled the ‘little sister’ hole left in his life. It was unfair to treat Hyacine as a substitute, though he knew that wasn’t all she was. It had just been those similarities that had made it easy to open up to Hyacine as quickly as he did.

The most he could do was send her off with a smile, however forced it was, and an encouragement. “We believe in you, Hyacine.”

She’d shed a couple of those tears at his words. “Thank you, Dan Heng.”

The moment they descended from the sky, it was like they’d landed on a whole other planet, one ravaged by the apocalypse. Dan Heng had harbored his suspicions, but now he was more confident than ever that the black tide was caused by a stellaron, led by the destruction. Seeing the destruction here in Ohkema, the last bastion of safety and hope... it meant that their time had officially run out.

Stelle’s time had officially run out.

They raced down the pathway to the debate arena to collect Kephale’s coreflame. Phainon was like a wild beast, using Dawnmaker to cleave through enemy hoards ruthlessly. Stelle even used her powers to pause time, freezing the enemies and thereby saving them the hassle of having to fight.

When they made it to the debate arena, they were greeted by one of the last people they wanted to see.

“Is that…” Dan Heng questioned, not even sure if he could believe his own eyes.

“Caenis,” Phainon hissed through gritted teeth.

This woman was more trouble than she was worth, and she certainly wasn’t worth the time she was wasting, rambling on and on about aeons-only-knew-what.

“Alright,” Stelle said, propping her hands on her hips. “Time to avenge Aglaea.”

Dan Heng was used to her saying nonsense things. This was not out of left field.

What was out of left field was Phainon looking at Dan Heng like a little lost puppy, his pleading eyes seeming to say ‘Just give the command, Master’. Behind him stood Stelle, looking at him like a little child waiting for permission from a parent.

Really? Was he the adult of this group?

… nevermind. Yes, he was. He always was. “We don’t have time to waste on her.”

Disappointment weighed heavily on the two of them. Honestly, a part of Dan Heng regretted turning them down, but Phainon was carrying too much weight on his shoulders right now. Dan Heng would not let the man take the life of a defenseless woman in cold blood. Revenge did not taste that sweet. Forcing Caenis to face justice would weigh less heavily on Phainon’s heart, but they did not have time to properly hand down a death sentence to the accused.

They only had time to grab the coreflame and run toward a new future.

A future without Stelle.

Dan Heng could have cursed the world, the stars, the aeons themselves. Dammit all.

~~~

They avoided the Flame Reaver once already, but Stelle wasn’t sure they’d avoid it a second time. Mydei and Castorice were the Flame-chase Journey’s strongest last line of defense. If the Titans of Calamity failed…

Stelle ignored that thought. Her body was burning oxygen, and she did not need to waste it thinking up worst-case scenarios.

Besides, the Absolute Worst Case of her becoming a titan was already imminent, and she didn't want to think about that at all.

They were so close. So close to the basin, making a beeline for her and Dan Heng’s home—

Only to see the Falme Reaver.

Stelle had learned many superlatives from her last three stops, and all of them were rolling through her head right now.

She summoned her lance, ready to fight and defend, ready to send Phainon and Dan Heng on the rest of the way. She was already trying to conjure up her powers, wishing she hadn’t worn them down stopping petty black tide soldiers. She didn’t have to buy them that much time. Just enough to make it the short distance to the basin. Just like the other Chrysos Heirs turned Coreflame Holders before her, she would fall. That seemed to be her destiny.

But then Dan Heng stepped forward before her, and everything except him faded from her world.

“Phainon, take Stelle to the Vortex of Genesis. I will stay here and hold them off.”

No. Hell no.

Yet, words clogged her throat, preventing her from protesting.

Instead, Phainon spoke for her. “Dan Heng, you…”

“Don’t hesitate, Phainon,” Dan Heng warned. “You still shoulder the mission of the Era Nova. Stelle will protect you from whatever is up ahead.”

No. No. No.

And did she mention NO?!

“Dan Heng,” Stelle choked, grabbing hold of his left hand, the wedding ring she’d given him what seemed like forever ago still worn on his third finger. In that moment, she regretted not speaking more vows. But on the other hand... would she have been able to honor them had she done so? “You are not allowed to do this to me.”

“You’re not allowed to do this to me, either,” he countered, giving her hand a squeeze. “But I’m the better option here—” In a flash of cool light, he appeared in his vidyadhara form. Stelle could feel the dampness in the air suddenly stilling, drying out, then collecting around him. “—where I have all I need to fight.”

The band on her thigh seemed to be tightening, but it was her whole body growing numb instead of just her leg. She wanted to argue, but that look in his glowing eyes said she couldn't win. “You are not allowed to die on me, you hear,” she warned. “You have to marry me for real. You promised.”

“I will do everything in my power to survive.” Yet the apologetic look in his eyes seemed to contradict his words.

She was going to lose him.

Aeons above, she was going to lose him.

Forget Amphoreus. It was her world that was crumbling.

“Now, go,” he instructed. “Trust me.”

She did. She trusted him blindly, to her detriment, to her destruction. “I love you, Dearest.”

“I love you, Starlight.”

She felt like she could cry. Or scream. Or argue. Or any one of a million different things. Anything other than going with Phainon.

This felt like cheating.

This felt like betrayal.

This felt like the end.

Instead, Stelle would pretend to believe that this meant she proved her trust in Dan Heng. She grabbed Phainon, yanking him along, only to hear the ocean in her ears.

“Delve Hidden Moon!”

Phainon glanced back, his eyes shooting wide just as Stelle heard the crashing of waves colliding on the shore. She even felt the spray of the sea in her hair.

“What the hell was that?” Phainon yelled.

“That was Dan Heng being an idiot. Now move.”

She heard Phainon swear under his breath. Yet another superlative to add to her repertoire. “When you said he had powers, I didn’t realize he could do that!”

“When I said he could split the sea, what did you think!?”

“Well, I didn’t think he was Phagousa!”

She rolled her eyes.

“Any other useful secret powers I should know about?” he asked.

“I have a bomb in my chest that could end Amphoreus’ Genesis Cycle for good.”

“Kephale almighty…” he muttered under his breath.

Yeah, that was an appropriate reaction to that.

“And what do you mean you’re not married?”

How’d he know tha…

Nevermind. She was an idiot. It hadn’t crossed her mind to keep that secret. “Look, we had our reasons for lying. But no, we’re not actually married.”

“Why would you need to lie about that?”

“We crash-landed on a planet, I died, then some weirdo came over and instantly disarmed the two of us before dragging us off to some strange city.”

“Okay, ouch!”

“It was a safety-in-status thing! Dan Heng suggested it. And I’ve had a crush on that man for the better part of two years. You think I was gonna say no?”

“Point taken.”

“And it’s not all a lie,” she countered. “We started dating right after we crashed here. We’re engaged now.”

“I bid you two my congratulations. And you can celebrate your honeymoon… by getting off Amphoreus.”

The door was right in front of them now, the door to the re-set of this world. The door to her doomed future. She slid to a stop, barely registering the fact Phainon was giving his final directions to the guards that stood in front of her room.

Because what did he mean by "celebrate a honeymoon"? Did he not realize this was her end?

With the guards directed off to different places, Phainon turned to her.

“What do you mean ‘getting off Amphoreus'?” she growled.

His eyes narrowed with a fierce intensity. “When Mydei and I were under house arrest with Dan Heng as our guard, he regaled us with tales of your adventures, of the spirit of trailblazing. In those stories, I’ve come to realize that you two have people you’ve never even met before waiting for your arrival, waiting for your help. But more than that, you have people you love who are desperately awaiting your return home. They told you 'see you tomorrow' without realizing the weight behind their words. The lie we all know it to be. So you and Dan Heng need to get off Amphoreus.”

She crinkled her nose, every bit of anger bursting forth like an uncontained Lord Ravager. “You think I have the option?”

"Why wouldn't you?"

“I am the coreflame holder of time. I am tied to Amphoreus whether you like it or not. What made you think for even a second we can just hop off this planet like nothing is happening?”

"We have all the coreflames in the Vortex of Genesis. With you off the planet—"

"The coreflame of time has no owner, and is it possible to start the Era Nova without a titan?"

Finally, Phainon blinked, slack-jawed as though he'd been slapped.

She didn’t care that her words were barbed. If anything, she got a twisted satisfaction from the pain on Phainon’s face. It distracted her from the tears building along with her anger. “Go save this world, Deliverer,” she spat, turning her back on him. “My husband is fighting for you, for everyone, all while knowing he's going to lose me. So if this world is going to end, if my future is going to be taken from me, then I’m going to go fight by his side one last time before you hit the reset button on this aeon-forsaken hellhole.”

Then she ran. Away from reality. Back to Dan Heng’s side.

The trailblaze path was a siren’s call, beckoning those who were lost to blaze their way through the unknown. It promised that the sky was the limit. It never warned about what would be taken, only what would be gained.

Well, Akivilli could go to hell. Because the sky may be the limit, but if the sky was collapsing, then it proved the limit could, in fact, be reached.

And it was far too close for her liking.

[thenovelartist]

I know you don't draw all that much, but after reading your latest story, I need to see a visual drawing of Stelle and Dan Heng's new outfits.

I have an idea lingering in the back of my mind for a specific scene I want to write about them in their wedding outfits. However, considering the twists and turns happening, I worry about it being applicable when the time comes. I already had to give up a previous idea about Aglaea officiating DanStelle’s marriage thanks to this patch so I should know better about planning ahead.

Hence, having officially been prompted, I might just have to draw the scene I have in mind before it no longer fits in the story. I’ll try to carve out the time for that in the upcoming weeks.

[thenovelartist]

The Balance of Romance and Reason - Honkai: Star Rail Fanfiction

Amphoreus, but DanStelle Series #9 - <<Previous - Next>>

“Hypothetically, Lord Dan Heng, if I could open up a path out of Amphoreus that circumvents Aquila's divine punishment... would you consider ceasing your support for the Flame-Chase Journey?”

Dan Heng bristled at Lygus’s words. Dan Heng had long known better than to trust anyone completely, but there had always been something about Lygus that set him on edge. This only proved his suspicions correct. If Lygus was capable of bypassing Aquila’s judgment, then there was more to Lygus than met the eye. It begged the question of what he was capable of, and what else he had up his sleeve. “Does the Council of Elders possess some secret means of counteracting divine punishment?”

“It's best if you don't delve too deeply into that question, my lord. All you need to know is, I can make it happen.”

He rubbed his thumb over his ring, Stelle coming to mind. There was something inherently tempting about taking Lygus up on his offer. Dan Heng had watched the love of his life die in his arms. He'd spent days worrying over her when he learned she was but a shadow of herself, slipping away like sand in an hourglass. He’d only just gotten her back, their shared room once again beginning to feel like home. There was no place he wanted to protect more than the home they were building together.

It would be a lie to say things were going smoothly for the flame-chase. Even though the debate had allowed the flame-chase journey to continue, there was still plenty of unrest in the markets, and the Chrysos Heirs themselves seemed to be growing more uneasy. Dan Heng had the impression that things were going to blow up in his face soon, and that scared him. Not because he didn’t think he could handle it, but because he couldn’t lose his home again. He couldn’t stand to watch it be blown to pieces, to be picking up the remaining shards and clinging to them despite being cut. He’d do anything to protect Stelle.

But Stelle wouldn’t want that.

This woman he wanted to protect so fiercely that he’d lay down his own life for her… she’d do the same for him. She was no porcelain plate that would shatter if dropped. For heaven’s sake, she’d cheated death more times than he cared to count. And she’d be the voice of reason insisting they finish this mission through, for their newfound friends and for the Astral Express. It was the nature of the trailblaze.

“Lord Lygus, it would behoove you to remember that my wife is currently one of the holders of the core flames.”

“Yes, I am aware. Considering your esteemed companion is currently tied to Amphoreus, she would be required to renounce her status before I grant her passage back to the stars. You would be free to go, with or without her.”

Dan Heng saw red, his fist clenching.

“Marriage is only fruitful should both parties walk along the same path,” Lygus continued. “Should they diverge without hope of finding a crossroad… divorce is a reasonable solution.”

That word made Dan Heng’s stomach churn. Even though their marriage was in name only, the thought of telling Stelle he wanted to willingly separate from her, to denounce her as his wife, made him want to vomit. He fought to temper his anger as he responded, “It is clear to me now you do not comprehend the value of emotions or attachments in your equations.”

“The introduction of Pathos does upset the solidity of Logos, I will admit. Pathos is the most unstable and unpredictable mode of persuasion, yet no less relevant. Am I to understand that you do not see divorce as an option?”

“I do not.”

“By that logic, you would stay by her side even to your own destruction?”

“Yes.”

Lygus hummed. “Then I shall take that into account.”

Before Dan Heng could come up with a retort, the hair at his nape bristled. They were not alone.

He summoned his spear just in time to watch four masked strangers appear. “Is this a trap? Is that why you accompanied me here?”

“Please don't misunderstand, Lord Dan Heng. As the Theoros, I have no allegiance to their plans nor am I obliged to obstruct them. I am neutral.”

Neutral, he claimed, all while trying to insinuate Dan Heng should divorce his wife and leave Amphreous. While sitting on the council of elders yet claiming to hold enough power to bypass the powers of titans.

“Just to confirm: if things turn ugly later... will you help?

“I will not. As I said, I remain neutral.”

Dan Heng snorted, not bothering to hide his opinion as he readied his stance against these assassins. Lygus may be a neutral party in this fight, but a true neutral, he was not. This Antikytheren had his own plans, and Dan Heng worried they went against both the flame-chase and the council.

~~~

Lady Goldweaver deceased. Please return to the holy city at once.

That text sent shockwaves through the entirety of Okhema. Even Stelle, an outworlder, felt those shockwaves as powerfully as any other Okheman citizen. While she and Phainon were busy dealing with those “cleaners,” just what had been happening back at Marmoreal Palace?

The ring on her left hand suddenly felt cold. Dan Heng had gone out to the train car today, meaning there was a likelihood that the cleaners had come after him, too. Was he okay? Not that he wasn’t fully capable, but a numbers game sometimes made all the difference.

So when she saw him at the entrance to the baths talking to Krateros, her heart sang in relief. She couldn’t help but run up to him, arms outstretched. Even though she knew he wasn’t a fan of PDA, surely she’d allow him this. “Dan Heng!”

He turned around just in time for him to catch her.

“I’m glad you’re—”

He didn’t give her a chance to finish before grabbing the back of her head, forcing her to look up so he could slam his lips to hers in a fiery, possessive sort of kiss.

… well, damn. She should be in danger more often.

They parted with an audible gasp, Stelle’s chest burning as she scrambled for air. To be fair, those two might not have been related. Breathless as she was, her chest was warm for an entirely different reason that may or may not have to do with the way Dan Heng was possessively clinging to her, his arm wrapped tightly around her back and his fingers digging into the flesh at her hip.

“You’re okay,” he spoke, a statement that demanded confirmation.

“Y-yeah, I’m…” She released a breath. “Well, I’m fine after that. Wow.”

Krateros cleared his throat.

That brought Stelle back to reality. Much to her disappointment, Dan Heng allowed her out of his embrace. However, his hand on her lower back still lingered, his fingers clinging firmly to her hip like he didn’t want to let her go.

She was fine with that, but somewhere in the back of her mind, she did wonder what caused that kind of reaction out of him. After all, he’d just laid claim to her in public with no provocation on her part.

Krateros was the one to explain what had happened, from finding Dan Heng surrounded by cleaners to Aglaea having fallen from the Heroes’ Bath. The more Stelle heard, the sicker she felt. Dan Heng’s hold on her was no longer solely possessive but rather the pillar of support keeping her upright.

They headed to the Heroes’ Bath to speak with both Hyacine and Tribbie in hopes to shed more light on the situation, but it was doubtful the pain would ease. If anything, Stelle could only see it growing worse with more information, like a knife digging deeper and twisting around. She’d grown fond of all the Chrysos Heirs since arriving, but to lose one of them like this with no warning whatsoever felt like a baseball bat to the chest.

When they arrived, Hyacine was the first to greet them. Her eyes were redder than her dress, clear proof she’d been crying.

“You’re back,” she cried, hurrying up to them.

Dan Heng was the first to approach her. “Are you all right?”

Hyacine’s smile was warbly. “I… I’m fine.”

Before she could break, Dan Heng laid a comforting hand on her head. It was like the button that caused the tears to shed, streaking down her pink cheeks. She held her sleeve against her face, hiding the tears, but when that grew too much, she leaned into Dan Heng and let loose a few sniffles.

Stelle’s heart broke for Hyacine. It was evident she was trying so hard to keep it together. Apparently, Dan Heng was the catalyst that caused her to break. If Stelle didn’t know Dan Heng was head over heels for her, she might be a bit jealous. Instead, she knew Dan Heng had forged a bond with Hyacine, and Hyacine had leaned on Dan Heng as a friend in return. Dan Heng’s actions now were simply his bodyguard switch being flipped. He’d do the same for March or anyone on the Astral Express, really.

With a steadying breath, Hyacine straightened again. “Sorry,” she murmured.

“Take your time,” Dan Heng assured. “The loss of a mentor is very hard.”

Hyacine swiped her eyes. “Declaring her death was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do as a doctor.” Taking another deep breath, she turned to Phainon.  “Lord Phainon… don’t push yourself. I know how close you were to Aglaea, and I know how hard this must be now that you're carrying a heavier burden. Please, don’t fall...”

“It's fine," he said. "I can handle it.”

Yet Stelle could tell those words were a front. Phainon would push himself to the brink and then a step further. She leaned over, bumping their shoulders together. “She means it,” Stelle warned.

A weak smile crossed his lips. “Come on, Partner, you know me by now.”

“I do, which is the problem.”

He hesitated, clearly unable to come up with a retort. Instead, he turned back to Hyacine. “How are Tribbie and Trinnon?”

Hyacine shook her head. “Not well. You should go see them. They need someone with them right now.”

“Go rest, Hyacine. You deserve it.”

“I’ll try,” she said.

Dan Heng gave her a pat on the head. “Remember the tea you gave me? I would recommend a hot cup of that.”

“I think that would be wise. Thanks, Dannie. I’ll see everyone later.”

Stelle's heart broke watching Hyacine leave the baths. She looked even shorter than she was, her shoulders hunched over under the weight of sorrow. She had such a vibrant, bubbly personality that was infectious. This felt as though that part of her had temporarily died with Aglaea.

Stelle looked to Dan Heng, who watched Hyacine with concern. Surely his thoughts mirrored hers.

"Let's go see the others," she said.

With a sigh, Dan Heng turned toward the gardens. "Let's."

They headed away from the baths, Phainon in the lead. Stelle stuck behind with Dan Heng, who had slipped his hand into hers. “You’re really okay?” he asked her. "After crossing the cleaners?"

“Yeah. You?”

“Not a scratch.”

She smiled. “Let’s keep it that way.”

When they arrived at the garden, Phainon approached Tribbie and Trinnon. But before he asked if they were okay, before he could apologize, he bent a knee, and the three huddled together in tears.

Dan Heng and Stelle hung back, allowing them to have their moment. Though, Stelle’s hand tightened on Dan Heng’s.

After some time, the trio parted, Tribbie directing Phainon to the side. He marched away, a scroll in hand.

That’s when Stelle and Dan Heng approached. Like Phainon, Stelle knelt, taking the remaining duo into her arms. They’d cried themselves out on Phainon’s shoulders, so they didn’t do much more than sniffle on Stelle's. But a few extra tears escaped them when Dan Heng came to lay a comforting hand on both their heads.

“Thank you,” Tribbie said.

“Both of you,” Trinnon agreed.

“We’re so sorry,” Stelle said.

“We knew,” Tribbie sniffled. “We knew this would happen.”

Dan Heng spoke up, “That doesn’t make accepting it any easier.”

“It doesn’t.”

After a moment, they pulled away. Stelle glanced to the side, spying Phainon still reading a scroll while his hands scrubbed at his face in a motion that could be mistaken for trying to relieve a stress headache instead of swiping at tears. Knowing the weight of the world was on his shoulders, he might be trying to accomplish both.

“We have a confession to make,” Tribbie spoke. She looked halfway composed now.

Stelle asked, “Do I dare ask what it is?”

Tribbie and Trinnon shared a guilty look before Trinnon confessed. “Aglaea knew you two weren’t actually married.”

“Before you get mad,” Tribbie said. “She only told us. The others don’t know.”

Stelle’s heart skipped a nervous beat. That had not been the confession she’d been expecting. Yet, the more she thought about it, she couldn’t say she was surprised. “What gave it away?”

“Being the titan of romance, Agy can see threads of emotion. But more specifically, she could see threads of love. There are eight different types, ranging from familial to love of others to romantic. From the threads connecting your Vena Amoris, she knew you two were not married.”

Beside Stelle, Dan Heng let out a disappointed hum.

Stelle couldn't blame him. She felt the same. Not disappointed at Aglaea, per se, but for naively believing they had gotten away with their lie. “Well… so much for that.”

“We’re not mad,” Trinnon assured. “We figure you had your reasons for doing so. You don’t have to explain.”

“I think it’s only fair we do,” Dan Heng said. “When we crashed on this planet, we had no idea what we were getting into. We agreed that pretending to be married would give certain protections. I thought that having traveled with Stelle for so long, we could at least make a convincing act.”

“The fact we agreed to start dating immediately before arriving in Okhema helped,” Stelle chimed in, daring to bump her hip against his.

“Then Agy’s explanation makes sense,” Tribbie said. “The threads she saw binding the two of you were called Storge and Pragma, with only a hint of Eros.”

“Storge is familial love,” Trinnon explained. “Pragma is a love that is built through compromise and companionship. A long-term love. It’s Eros that is the romantic love, and that was the love that hadn't yet bloomed.”

Stelle withheld a grimace. “Wow, so we had no chance of pulling the wool over her eyes.”

“To your credit,” Tribbie said. “You successfully deceived the rest of us. We never would have guessed. There were times we even wondered if Agy was wrong, but every time we commented on it, Agy would simply say ‘That’s because Eros is growing.’”

“Well, if it makes you feel less crazy, we are engaged.”

Tribbie and Trinnon gave soft smiles. “Then I think the gifts Agy left behind for you will have a use after all.”

Before Stelle could question it, Phainon then appeared at their side again. “Dan Heng,” he asked, his voice rough with tears. “Could I ask a favor of you?”

Dan Heng didn’t hesitate. “What do you need?”

“I need you to get a message to Krateros.”

Stelle didn’t have a chance to listen in when Tribbie and Trinnon each took one of her hands and led her away.

“We won’t tell Phainon,” Tribbie said. “Come. Agy left the gifts with the Garmentmaker.”

Stelle followed them over to the side, where a garmentmaker floated solemnly. On the table at its side were two boxes stacked on top of each other. On top rested a golden butterfly, one of the several Stelle had rounded up around Okhema.

“These were gifts from Agy,” Trinnon said. “But… we feel we must thank you, too.”

“For?”

“Agy knew she was losing hold on her humanity for many years, so she always sought out things to help her keep a grip on what little humanity she had left. You and Dan Heng were one of those things. To her, you were a puzzle, with your different loves so entwined yet changing. She enjoyed watching your love for each other evolve. So even if you weren’t aware of it, thank you for being a tie that kept her grounded. She was rooting for you two.”

Stelle didn’t know how to feel about Aglaea being their biggest shipper. But then again, maybe that was an honor for the holder of the coreflame of romance to look down so favorably upon them. It felt like a good omen.

“That’s why she was hurrying to try and get this done,” Trinnon finished. “She spent many sleepless nights finishing her last garments, meant just for you.”

Stelle looked over at the boxes again, her eyes wide. “Wait, so… those are outfits that the Lady Goldweaver, the ultimate seamstress who stopped sewing ages ago, made for us?”

Tribbie giggled weakly. “She may have stopped working for the masses, but if something caught her eye, she wouldn’t be able to resist. It’s just… those garments never really made it public.”

Stelle looked down at the gifts, ones that took on a whole new weight. “I’m… really honored. Dan Heng would say the same.”

“We hope you like them,” Tribbie said.

“We thought they were quite pretty,” Trinnon added.

“I’m sure you’re right.”

Tribbie glanced behind Stelle. “Snowy looks like he wants to talk.”

“Then go,” Stelle said. “I’ll leave you all be. But if you ever need a friend, I’m always there to talk.”

“Thanks, Little Gray. For everything.”

She watched as Tribbie and Trinnon walked over to Phainon, their energy far subdued from usual. Stelle reached for the boxes, but when she picked them up, the butterfly leaped into the air. No, not just one, but two, fluttering in a helix up into the sky. They'd tricked her.

Gifts in hand, Stelle departed the garden, her heart heavy but curiosity growing. A part of her feared that whatever was in these boxes would make her cry, but she also thought there was no better way to honor Aglaea than to open the gifts and treasure them.

She met back up with Dan Heng at the lower level of the baths.

"What did Phainon need?" she asked.

"Phainon intends to give a speech tomorrow, so he asked me ask Krateros to organize the Ohkeman guards and inform the people."

"Looks like things are going to pick up here soon."

"I think this is going to force our hand and collect the last two coreflames earlier than anticipated."

"Makes sense. Looks like we're going to be busy soon."

Dan Heng nodded, his eyes drifting to the boxes in her hands. Without a word, he took one of the boxes. "Are these from Aglaea?"

"Apparently, they're her last works. Just for us.”

Dan Heng’s gaze softened. “That is… very kind of her.”

“Don’t you think it would be nice to open them?”

With his agreement, they walked back to their room together. Once inside, Stelle set the box she held on the bed, then plopped down on the edge. Her knees just couldn’t seem to support her any longer.

“Are you okay?” Dan Heng asked, taking a seat beside her.

She leaned her head on his shoulder. “I’m getting really tired of these kinds of goodbyes.”

Dan Heng wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. She, however, took it as an invitation to crawl into his lap. He put up no resistance, simply accepting her hug when she curled up against him.

“We’ve been here so long,” he said. “It’s become easy to become attached to the people here.”

“Too easy,” Stelle agreed. “And I know I should be used to goodbye but… I’m not. It’s just not fair.”

There was no retort of ‘life not being fair’ because ultimately, they both knew that. It didn’t make it any easier to accept. Dan Heng just hugged her tighter, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Speaking of kiss…

“Hey, what was that kiss earlier?” she asked. “Not that I’m complaining, but that’s… very unlike you.”

He sighed. “You remember I was going out with Lygus to inspect the car?”

“Yeah. Something happen?”

He tensed. “He said that he could provide a passage out of Amphoreus if we wished.”

Stelle pulled away, her eyes wide. “How? Aquila guards the sky.”

“He said he could pass the titan’s judgment.”

Stelle scoffed. “Because that’s not sketchy or anything.”

“I still don’t know what his angle is. He says he’s a neutral party, but I worry that he has his own objectives independent of both the flame-chase and the Council of Elders.”

“Great. More mysteries. You didn’t take him up on that offer, right?”

“No. His condition would be we have to stop our assistance of the flame-chase.”

“Yeah, we’re already this far. And I’m kinda a wielder of time, so like…”

“That’s why,” Dan Heng grumbled, his voice taking on a growly tone. “When I reminded him of our ties, he said we would have to cut them. And if you didn’t… then he insinuated that I should divorce you and leave myself.”

The word sent her gut spiraling into knots. “Please tell me you told him to go to hell.”

“Close enough. That said, I don’t particularly feel comfortable with the thought of you being alone with Lygus.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Hopefully the next time we face him, I’m by your side. We’ll see if he has the audacity to say that to my face.”

“I don’t plan on meeting him again without you.”

“Good.” She scoffed. “Divorce. As if. You marry me; you’re stuck with me for life.”

“I should be the one saying that to you,” he said, referencing an earlier conversation where he informed her Vidyadharas, being scions of the permanence, mate for life. “If you find those terms unacceptable—”

She didn’t let him finish. She grabbed him by the cheeks and kissed him with a similar fervor he’d kissed her.

“Don’t even,” she warned, pressing kisses to both his cheeks and then the tip of his nose. She loved the idea of being this man’s life partner, of having him by her side through all sorts of Trailblaze missions and chaos or just in the quiet moments in the archives. She wanted it more than words could describe. If she could, she would mark him herself right now. Alas, he was the one setting the pace for their relationship. He was the one who’d been hesitant. Because she loved him so much, she was willing to follow his lead. “By the way, you’re absolutely allowed to kiss me like that whenever.”

“I prefer to keep those moments private. They don’t need to be seen.”

“Only when someone tells you to divorce me.”

“I have learned there are exceptions.”

“Then I’ll keep that in mind that PDA from you means you’ve got tea to spill or an ass to kick.”

That got a snort of amusement out of him.

She pressed one last kiss to his forehead, playfully claiming him as hers, before turning her attention to the two gifts by their side. “We should open those. I’m really curious.”

Dan Heng looked between the boxes, each white wrapped in a wide, gold ribbon and tied with a bow. Under one of the ribbons was a small, cream-colored scroll.

He took that out first, unraveling it and reading it off.

Dear Trailblazers,

I write this with the utmost regret we could not have more time together. However, the Flame-chase Journey had already written my destiny, and I cannot oppose it. To do so would be opposing my life’s work. So I have no choice but to embrace it with open arms, even though that embrace will cause far more pain than comfort. If you must cry for me, make it brief. I have lived a fuller life than I deserve. Furthermore, I do not want to hold anyone back from moving forward into the future. It might be too much to ask for, but I ask anyway.

I confess I knew about your fictitious marriage. From the moment Stelle and I first talked in the Heroes’ Bath, I saw the threads that bound your two hearts were not that of a married couple. That is not to say married couples always have the same threads. Love comes in many forms, and no two relationships are exactly the same. But the one thing all married couples possess is a certain glow to the thread of Eros (the thread indicating romantic love) that proves two souls are bound in the deepest sense. On the contrary, your thread of Eros was tentative, indicating a budding romance with no physical ties between you. Yet, your bonds of Storge and Pragma (familial love and long-lasting balanced love respectively) were already so brilliant. I couldn’t resist the temptation to watch your hearts grow closer and your romance blossom. I am sorry to have sneaked as many looks as I did, but it was one of the last true joys I found.

Although presenting a façade is hardly a way to foster true friendship, I understand you two must have had your reasons. I never saw a need to ask, particularly as you two proved yourselves to be trustworthy allies over time. Truth be told, I did wonder if I should reveal myself, particularly toward the end when your threads of Eros glowed so beautifully. I had wanted to offer to be an officiant for your wedding, to allow you two the opportunity to let those lies you’d spun become reality. Alas, I feared that should I do so, you would begin to ask too many questions, and I could not risk any of my plans being revealed.

I wish you both a happy marriage. I wish I could be there to see it, to bestow blessings befitting Mnestia upon you two on your wonderful day. We will have to settle for those wishes to be written here instead of spoken in person. Different you may be, Romance and Reason have always been drawn to each other. The heart and the mind may seem at odds, but together, they guide one body. When the two achieve a balance, the body thrives. Such is the case with you two. Dan Heng, the voice of reason, may you guide Stelle with wisdom through both your trailblaze missions as well as your daily life. Stelle, the voice of romance, may you remind Dan Heng to revel in the moments he leads you through. I’m certain your union will only enrich each other’s lives. Such is the fate of Romance and Reason. As far as I know, there are no exceptions to this rule. Not the previous titans, and not the current. Not even you two.

Now, for a most selfish request. Please support the Flame-chase Journey until the very end. Phainon will need your help. I know he is capable of great things, and he is ready to take on this task, but the heart takes the hardest of hits when it comes to loss. I don’t want him to be left alone. So if you please, watch over him.

I wish you a safe journey back home. May your travels among the stars be rich with adventure, joy, and love.

Sincerely, Aglaea

Stelle felt her eyes burn, and she swiped at the tears forming. Aglaea’s words were so heartfelt, so genuinely kind. Though Stelle knew the kind of cold detachment Aglaea was capable of, it was moments like these Stelle wondered if Aglaea truly had lost as much of her humanity as she claimed.

She looked toward the gifts, happy for the distraction. “Am I opening my gift first?”

“I would assume so.”

“Well, would you like to?”

Dan Heng shook his head. “No, you will get more joy out of it.”

“Can’t say I didn’t offer.” She grabbed one of the boxes, the taller one, looked for a name. She'd happened to guess correctly, her name written on the tall box in her hands.

Carefully, she undid the golden ribbon holding it together, then pulled the top off the white box. Inside was a folded white garment, but she could see the shimmer of silver and gold folded within. She pulled it out, unfolding the fabric to reveal…

Her heart skipped a beat, her eyes wide. A wedding dress.

“Oh, Aglaea.” She felt like she was going to start crying all over again. “It’s so pretty.”

The dress was sleeveless with a high neck. The curves spoke of a highly fitted dress, one that would hug her hips before flaring out. What would March call this? A mermaid fit? That seemed about right. A slit ran all the way up to the thigh, landing right where the slirt flared. From the straps flowed two long pieces of fabric that shimmered like starlight, draping to the ground. They almost looked like wings, particularly with the way metallic thread ran along them mimicking the veins in a butterfly’s wings.

Sliding off Dan Heng's lap, she stood before him, pressing the dress to her front as though to get an idea of how it would look. She ran her hand down the fabric, savoring the silky feel. “Okay, I can’t resist.” She turned it around to show Dan Heng the back. “It laces in the back. Help me get it on.”

He blinked at those words. Only then did she realize he’d been frozen, staring at her. “Oh, um.” He cleared his throat. “Okay. Go put it on. I’ll help you with the back.”

Excitement flooded her as she skipped behind the room partition, dress in one hand and box in the other. After all, the box seemed too tall for the dress to be the only thing inside.

“Oh, hey!” she called out. “You should open yours! I bet it’s a groom’s outfit.”

“That would make sense.”

“Surprise me!”

He sighed. “Alright.”

With a smile, she slipped behind the partition. Tossing the dress over the top of the partition, she turned back toward the box. A closer look revealed that there was a false bottom. Once removed, she was greeted with a note. Underneath that was a layer of golden accessories.

She turned her attention to the note, one covered in elegant, looping handwriting.

Love comes in many forms, blooming and changing, then emerging from its cocoon to its full brilliance. That is why Mnestia and butterflies have always been intertwined. May your wings take you among the stars of the heavens safely.

But butterflies always need a place to land. That is why we are drawn to the safety of Cerces tree. Don’t forget to come down from the stars every once in a while.

I hope you enjoy the dress, as well as the accompaniments.

She looked at the dress again. So they really were butterfly wings. Aglaea had not skimped on the Mnestia references.

Not that she minded.

Setting the note aside, she pulled out the other gifts one at a time. First, a golden circlet made of leaves, but on the back where the two branches crossed ends was yet another butterfly.

Then the shoes. These held no butterfly reference. Instead, they were made of a series of complex golden straps. They were so intricate and detailed compared to the simple paneling of her dress.

Then there were a few gold and silver bracelets, ones in various sizes that she realized would trail up both her arms. Lastly was one last piece of gauzy, lacy fabric. A veil, maybe?

She pulled it out…

No. Not a veil.

Not even close.

Her face flamed at the little at the lacy negligee, one so see-through it was hard to imagine it covered anything. But then again… that was the point. Though she and Dan Heng talked about marriage, Stelle knew it was really a euphemism at this point. An official marriage would have to be done when they got back to the Express and signed whatever IPC documents were necessary to make it legal. Stelle was happy to do that, but until then, their marriage here really came down to the vows they were already living out and… well, the ‘consummation’ part.

It wasn’t like Stelle didn’t want it. The longer they lived here and the more moments they shared together—moments like seeing Dan Heng bare-chested in the bath, waking up in the morning in the morning tangled in his embrace, sending him off on explorations with a good luck kiss, or having him begin to flirt back with her when she made playful passes—only fueled her desires. She was beginning to struggle reining in those errant thoughts of Dan Heng pushing her to the bed and having his way with her. To be wrapped up in those arms. To let hands wander wherever they wanted. To not have to keep their kisses tame. To be completely vulnerable yet safe in Dan Heng’s embrace. She knew what she was asking. She was ready for that step. So why did Aglaea's gift of a saucy wedding nightwear set light her cheeks ablaze?

That’s when a line in her other letter sparked to the forefront of her mind. About Eros not burning brightly, about physical ties…

Mortification burned deep within her chest. She wondered if somewhere up above them, Aglaea was laughing at her. Aeons, the titan of romance knew way more about Stelle’s sex life than she had ever wished they would.

~~~

While Stelle was behind the partition, Dan Heng opened his own gift. Confirming his suspicions, a suit lay in the bottom.

He first pulled out the groom’s outfit, laying it on the bed to examine. It was a tunic and pants with little gold and silver embellishes on them, both cords and embroidery. But it was the sash, one that wrapped around his waist and draped like a cloak down the back of the tunic, that truly set it apart. It mirrored Stelle’s dress, glittering silver and gold, but unlike her dress, the bottom of his drapery was covered in leaves like that of Cerces’ tree. It was like a tree reaching out toward the stars.

But the box seemed too tall for this outfit to be all the contents. He pulled out a partition, revealing a note.

In the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, you must constantly be absorbing the world around you. As you grow, you will soon find yourself more stable as you spread your roots. This is why Cerces and trees have always been intertwined. May you always find the answers you are searching for on your journey among the stars.

But even the greatest of trees get lonely, so do not object when a butterfly wants to make their home among your safe branches.

I hope you like the garments. Furthermore, I hope the garter you were searching for is to your liking. I wish I’d had the time to get your opinion on it before now.

Underneath the note lay a pair of shoes, a golden leaf circlet, and a vivid teal object. He grabbed that first, unfolding the woman’s garter to look it over. He recalled the brief conversation he’d had with Aglaea. It had started out as a simple recommendation for a seamstress and embroiderer. Upon revealing what he wanted, hidden under the guise of simply wishing to get a replacement present for Stelle, it had been Aglaea who’d offered to take on this project request.

He ran his hands over the delicate silk embroidered with lotus flowers, silver circles surrounding them like little ripples of water. A vidyadharan engagement gift: something with lotus blooms. Though the garter was an unconventional choice, it would suit Stelle better than a more traditional hairpin.

The dress Stelle draped over the room partition suddenly disappeared. His cue to dress in his own outfit.

He was halfway dressed when Stelle asked if he was ready.

“Almost,” he answered. It was taking some time to figure out the sash, weaving it into the gold cords around the tunic and making sure it was secure around his waist.

Finally, he got everything fastened, smoothing out the fabric with a brush of his hands. “Alright. I’m ready.”

“Turn around,” she told him. “This is basically the first look.”

The first look? What was she thinking of now? “Don’t you need help lacing up the dress?”

“I mean… yeah, but I did the best I could on my own, and the first look is important.”

“Is it really?”

“Yes! March is always freaking out over how important it is when we watch reality shows. It’s basically the moment the groom sees his bride for the first time in the dress, and you can’t take it back.”

“You do realize reality shows aren’t reality, correct?”

“I mean… yeah but…” her words drifted off, her voice meek when she continued. “I kinda get it now. I want to see your reaction.”

She’d see his reaction just fine when she appeared around the partition. But if this was what she wanted, there was no reason for him not to acquiesce. “Then I won’t look until you tell me.”

“You turned around?”

“Yes.”

He could hear Stelle shuffle out from the partition behind him. And he was vividly aware of every step she took to close the distance.

Then she laid a hand on his shoulder, his nerves lighting on fire. His heart hammered in his chest, but he didn’t turn around. He’d made a grave miscalculation on just how much this would affect him. Logically, it was just a dress. Yet he suddenly realized this moment was far more than that. 

“Cerces tree,” she commented, toying with the capelet that draped down from one shoulder, one that sparkled with silver and gold.

“Aglaea seemed very fixated on that metaphor,” he said.

“It’s kinda growing on me.”

Her hand on his shoulder was killing him. Maybe there was something to this ‘first look’ nonsense. “Stelle, may I see my bride?”

Her hand fell away as she took several steps back. “Yes.”

He turned around, only to fall speechless at the sight of the woman before him.

It wasn’t like Dan Heng was ignorant of the fact that Stelle was a woman, that she had feminine charms, that she had a pleasing figure or beautiful features. But in that dress, she was no longer that wild raccoon that took on the galaxy like a whirlwind. She was every bit a stunning woman who could take his breath away.

“What do you think?” she asked, hopeful yet hesitant.

He didn’t even know if he was thinking at the moment. He tried to take her in, the way that dress hugged her figure, the way the golden leaflet crown matched her eyes, the wings that hung behind her, the signature slit skirt that reached up to her thigh.

His eyes lingered there a second longer than they probably should have, only then did he realize why. Her garter, the teal band he’d grown so used to seeing—and more recently, sneaking glimpses at—was nowhere to be found.

His grip tightened around the embroidered garter in his hand.

“Stelle,” he finally said. “You’re beautiful.”

Finally, she relaxed, her shoulders easing as a smile split her face. “You think?”

“I do.”

“You look really handsome, too,” she said. “I mean… you always look handsome but…” She cut herself off. “I’m gonna not ramble. I’m just gonna say… Aglaea knew what she was doing.”

“She did,” Dan Heng agreed. “She was not called ‘Lady Goldweaver’ for nothing.”

“Yeah.” Stelle wrung her fingers together shyly. “I guess if she was kind enough to make us, like, the nicest wedding attire ever, I can’t be too mad that she figured us out.”

Dan Heng couldn’t either. His emotions were all over the place, lighting his nerves on fire and stealing his breath away while also flooding him with joy. Today alone, he’d been faced with the prospect of divorcing Stelle, then once again, he was faced with loss, with death, and his fear over losing Stelle grew all-encompassing. Now, he was standing in front of his bride, the prospect of forever demanding attention.

He was supposed to be Cerces in this pair, but right now, he felt much like Mnestia. Stelle was here, she was safe, and the longer they waited to take that step into forever, the more distance they’d have to put between them. All he wanted was her close by his side, and he’d do anything to secure her position there. Even if it meant taking a terrifying risk.

“Stelle.” He took a step closer. “If I asked you to marry me now… what would you say?”

Her eyes widened, a lovely little blush tinting her cheeks. The desire to kiss her suddenly doubled.

But then she glanced away, pain pinching her brow.

His stomach sank.

“Dan Heng,” she spoke, regret weakening her voice, “if you’d asked me earlier, I probably would have jumped at the chance. But now… I don’t think it’s the best time.”

“May I ask why?”

She took a deep breath, nibbling at her lip nervously. “Because much as I’m mad at Lygus, he brings up a good point. I’m the coreflame holder of time. Anaxa said that the coreflame holders of today become the titans of tomorrow, right? Meaning that unless we can find someone to take over soon…” She paused, as though she didn’t want to finish that sentence.

Which was fine. He didn’t want to hear it.

“And with Aglaea gone,” she continued. “I have the feeling… things are gonna start going really fast. Like you said, Phainon has two coreflames left to gather, then… yeah. So it’s not like I want to say no to you. But… ugh, let’s call it as it is: you said vidyadharas mate for life. So if we make love, only for me to disappear…" She shook her head. "I can’t do that to you, Dan Heng. I just... I can't be the one to hurt you."

He hissed a sigh through gritted teeth. “Since when have you been the rational one?”

She shrugged. “Maybe Cerces and Mnestia are bound to rub off on each other. That’s what makes them so perfect.”

He was loathe to admit he agreed. She'd brought so much into his life, opening up a whole different world for him. He couldn't imagine his life without her now.

He took her into his arms, holding her tight. She returned the embrace, laying her head on his shoulder and nuzzling his neck as she clung to him. He stroked her hair. And for the second time that day, planted a hand at the nape of her neck and tilted her head upward in order to kiss her. This kiss was much tamer, but not any less needed as it turned from one kiss to two then three. With each one, Stelle melted in his arms a little more.

Like a comet out of the blue, it hit him that it was already too late. His heart had chosen his mate, whether they’d been intimate or not. Losing her wasn’t an option to him.

But not respecting her wishes for him was also unfathomable. It seemed they'd just have to compromise.

“Then,” he whispered against her lips. “If you’re going to be the rational one, then let me be impulsive.” And with that, he took a step back, getting down on one knee.

She gasped, her eyes instantly taking on a glassy sheen. “Dan Heng—”

“Marry me.” He presented the garter to her. “Or at least… agree to it.”

“Idiot,” she scoffed, tears gathering at the edges of her eyes. “I’m not going to say no. But what about—”

“We’re not going to worry about that right now,” he interrupted. “I refuse to accept we won’t find a solution. But… if on the off-chance we can’t defy the odds this time, then I want to mark you, so you realize you will always be mine.” He ran a thumb over one of the embroidered lotus flowers. "Do you remember what I told you about vidyadharan engagement gifts?"

"Yeah."

"It's not traditional, but... it suits you."

She blinked, allowing a tear to escape. She caught it quickly, swiping it away.

"So, will you marry me?"

Then, she smiled, and his nervousness eased. “Yes.”

He felt himself grinning, too, even while his heart squeezed painfully. “May I put it on you?”

Pink bloomed on her cheeks. “Suggestive much?”

“Possibly.”

He got a certain satisfaction over watching her falter when faced with his confidence. He didn't know how he managed to catch the overconfident raccoon off-guard, but it felt like a win.

“Well," she agreed, a pleased twinkle in her eye. "Who am I to refuse?”

He stood, motioning toward the bed. “Sit.”

She walked to the bed, the wings of her dress fluttering behind her with each step. She looked like a fairy that belonged among the stars.

When she sat, she took care to settle herself into place, ensuring her dress nor her wings were caught or crumpled. It gave her a certain elegant air that once again took Dan Heng’s breath away. It never ceased to surprise him what this woman was capable of.

He loved seeing all these new sides of her. He wanted to find new sides of her until there were no more left to uncover.

Once again, he knelt before her, thankful for the slit in her dress that afforded him the ability to do this easily. With all the care in the world, he took hold of her ankle, carefully sliding the garter up her leg. He grew hyper-aware of the way her breathing quickened, her muscles twitching under his touch as he slid the garter to her upper thigh.

There was a scar on her leg, the one he’d sewn up after Nikador’s battle. He had no idea how it had transferred from her memory form to her physical one, but it pained him all the same. He trailed his fingers down the scar, relishing the way she reacted to his touch. He only followed the scar to her knee, then dared to curl his fingers under it. She rewarded him with a soft gasp, her knee jumping in reaction. He wanted to press kisses along her thigh, under her garter. He wanted to leave a mark, to make a statement. But the rational part of him kept that thought pinned down. Instead, he laid a soft kiss to her knee.

When he looked up, meeting her gaze, he was hit by a desperate urge to kiss her anew. The rosy flush of her cheeks set off her pink lips. And her eyes were warm honey beckoning him to drown in.

She heaved a sigh, muttering under her breath. “Dammit, Dan Heng.” Then, in a clear voice, she demanded, “Screw it. Kiss me.”

He was happy to oblige. He launched up just as she threw her arms over his shoulders. His hand still gripped the back of her thigh, pulling it upwards as further leverage to tilt her back against the bed, relishing the way she clung to him as their lips came together in fervent passion.

When they parted with a gasp, he trailed kisses down her cheek to her over her pulse point. With each kiss he pressed there, he could feel her heart racing faster. But the mere fact it was beating, proving she was alive and well and here, was enough to satisfy him. As he kissed lower down her neck, she tossed her head back in pleasure, her body arched up against him. He gripped her knee tighter, earning a moan from her.

“You’re making this really difficult on me,” she whined.

“Tell me to stop,” he said, his lips hovering above her collarbone. However hard it was on his sanity, he wouldn’t kiss her again until she gave him the okay.

“I don’t want to. I’m scared to leave you.”

“I’m not going anywhere. And neither are you.”

He raised his head, and their eyes locked, allowing him to see tears forming in hers.

“Can I tell a secret?” she whispered.

“Yes.”

“I might have been tempted by Lygus’ offer to get off this planet, to throw all this away if it meant I could be with you. Does that make me a terrible person?”

He shook his head. “I was tempted, too.”

“Do you regret not taking it?”

“Tempting as it is, I think both of us would have regretted taking that offer.”

She frowned. “I think you’re right. Pisses me off.”

“I’m sorry.”

She sighed, somehow shrugging. “I am, too.”

They stayed there a moment, Dan Heng breaking the stillness by brushing her hair behind her ear. Her hair was wild as ever, flaring out in every direction like a silver halo.

“I’m also sorry,” she said, “for telling you to get off me before I do something I regret.”

Though a part of him was disappointed, another more rational part of him understood her desires a little too well. He pushed off of her, his fingers trailing over her skin as he pulled his hand away from her knee. Without her so close, a chill crept over him as he helped her stand up again. “Go change,” he instructed. “But leave the garter on.”

“Oh, I don’t plan on ever taking it off.”

He smiled, a possessive part in him cheering.

“Can I tempt you with one last little thing?” She turned her back toward him, pulling her hair over her shoulder to reveal the long corset-like ties that shaped the dress to her figure. “Help me loosen the ties of my dress?”

Aeons, she was really going to test his patience. “If I must.”

“You can make me pay later. It’s just easier if you help.”

He began pulling at the laces, loosening them bit by bit. He was intently more focused on the task than he knew he should be, to the point he noticed the panel under the dress sliding enough to reveal a little line of skin on Stelle’s back.

Mark her.

He knew vidyadharas were possessive. It was something he never really understood, always having things taken from him since the moment he was reborn. Stelle was the first thing that had ever tapped into that long-repressed desire. She’d been slowly pulling it out of him since they started dating, and it was growing harder to keep those tendencies under wraps. Worse yet, he was growing tired of resisting the urges.

Mark her.

“May I pay now?” he asked.

She stiffened. “W-what?”

He slid the panel to the side, stretching the laces apart to reveal a bare section of skin on her back. And then he kissed it.

She gasped, leaning forward as though thrown off balance.

He grabbed her abdomen, keeping her upright as he nipped at the skin.

Mark her.

Fine.

He sucked the skin, pressing his teeth lightly into it. A whimper escaped her, one that shook him down to his core. It egged him on, encouraging him to finish this mark. Then he pulled away, pressing one last kiss of apology onto the love bite.

“Mine,” he growled.

He heard her swear under her breath.

Pride flooded his body like a tidal wave.

“You’re going to be the death of me,” she said, breathless.

He grinned. “I can accept that.”

[thenovelartist]

Don't Shoot the Errand Boy - Honkai: Star Rail Fanfiction

Amphoreus, but DanStelle Series #8 - <<Previous - Next>>

Dan Heng had better places to be than here at the Twilight Courtyard. However, he hadn’t known he had better places to be until this morning when Stelle announced she was going to sign up for the preliminaries of the game tournament being hosted in Okhema. This shouldn’t have been a surprise; she was the kind to dive headfirst into competitions. He just hadn’t been sure she’d be up for participating considering she was still recovering from her experience being ‘mostly dead’, as she called it.

But now, she was in the middle of the action while he was not even in the city. Furthermore, he’d promised Hyacine his assistance in the courtyard today in exchange for her previous guidance around the grove.

“Dannie! We have a bit of a problem!”

Dan Heng couldn’t say he cared much for the childish nickname, but he’d grown accustomed to it. Hyacine liked adding that “-ie” sound to the end of just about everyone’s name. It wasn’t a personal slight, nor did it imply anything untoward. “Did something happen?”

She heaved a tired sigh, the workload beginning to wear on her perpetually cheery demeanor. “One of our critical care patients managed to escape. Even with your assistance, we’re still severely short-staffed, so he must have found a break in the guard. Would you please go retrieve him before his condition worsens?”

“Of course. I doubt someone from that ward would have been able to make it far.”

“You’d be surprised how well patients can rally in the face of hope. Perhippies has been speaking non-stop about attending the Seal Slammers tournament, especially after meeting a sick seal who also wanted to participate. Both of them are missing, but I have a pretty good guess as to where they’re heading.”

A clear destination certainly made things easier. “I’ll hurry.”

“Thank you so so sooooo much!”

~~~

The crowd for the competition was much larger than Dan Heng anticipated. And much louder. This was Stelle’s scene, for certain. And it was a scene he liked to avoid unless it was necessary for a mission. The ‘Cold Dragon Young’ incident would haunt him for years to come.

He found an announcement board posting all the match-ups, and there were many. He gave it a look over, knowing to be looking for the name Perhippies, but every name that started with an S stood out to him. He couldn’t help but be curious about a certain chaotic raccoon who took these things both very seriously… and not seriously at all.

In moments like these, he wondered why he was so drawn to her. Of course, it was a worthless question that wouldn’t take long to answer. The aforementioned chaotic raccoon had many good points to her, which in turn endeared him to all sides of her, including this one.

He happened to catch Stelle’s name first. She’d already won one preliminary, and her next opponent was—

“Gather 'round everyone!" An announcer cried. "The contestants this round are Stelle and… Perhippies?! Gah! Someone inform the Twilight Courtyard!”

… well, that made his job easier, didn’t it?

With a spattering of apologies, Dan Heng pushed his way through the crowd to the nearest competition pool. Upon reaching the front, he was greeted with the sight of his fiancée facing off against a guy who couldn’t even stand up on his own.

For the life of him, Dan Heng did not understand why someone who looked like death warmed over would leave a hospital for this.

“Excuse me,” Dan Heng proclaimed, finally making it to the contestant’s side. “I’ve been tasked to track down this escapee and return him to the Courtyard. I think it best to pause this match for now.”

“Nooo!” Perhippies whined, his voice weak. “I won’t go back. I worked so hard to escape. Do you know how far the Twilight Courtyard is from here?”

“Ahh.” Dan Heng narrowed his eyes at the man. “So you know how far I had to run.” And how far he was going to have to carry this walking—er… crawling corpse back. The bandaged seal in the pool didn’t look much better, to be honest.

Dan Heng was not looking forward to this.

“But I like Seal Slammers too much!”

Exasperated, Dan Heng looked across the pool at Stelle, who looked like she would rather be anywhere else than participating in this particular match-up. Even from here, he could see the concern in her eyes.

Yeah, I don’t like this either. This was going to result in permanent injury if Dan Heng didn’t put a stop to this.

“The dead know no fear!” the bandaged seal cried. “Just let him go. We’re but using each other to achieve our goals.”

… And with that, Dan Heng had the strangest feeling of déjà vu. A certain unhinged stellaron hunter flashed through his mind. For a moment, he was tempted to turn his back and walk away from this mess. If he hadn’t promised Hyacine, he might have left these two suicidal beings to their own devices.

Logically, he should yank these two kicking and screaming back to the Twilight Courtyard for their own benefit, but that prospect sounded atrocious. Meaning the only other option was to let them play. Once again, he looked at a hesitant Stelle, who was looking at him for any sign of what to do next.

At that moment, Dan Heng made a decision. He wanted the return trip to the courtyard to be as painless as possible, and while he hated to say it, the only way he would achieve such a thing was if this man’s spirit wasn’t just crushed, but obliterated.

Stelle could do the job quite nicely.

“Alright, Stelle. Get this over with quickly.”

Surprise flickered in her eyes only momentarily before it hardened to determination. She gave him a theatric bow, a promise that this would be a performance to behold.

And it was.

She was efficient, deadly, and quick. Very quick. It didn’t take more than three minutes for this match to be decisively over.

Seeing he was playing both jailer and lifeguard to the man on the ground, Dan Heng didn’t dare move from his position. However, that meant he couldn’t personally congratulate Stelle for her work.

So the moment Stelle was lining up her winning shot, Perhippies and his seal already curled in heaps at their near-defeat, Dan Heng pulled out his phone to send her a quick text.

Dan Heng: Good job. Proud of you.

Dan Heng: And thank you for ending this quickly.

He put his phone away as the announcer proclaimed Stelle’s victory before lamenting the state of the injured.

Even though he knew the two losers at his feet would at least put up no protest on their trip back to the Twilight Courtyard, Dan Heng was still not looking forward to this.

~~~

Balancing two injured patients, Dan Heng flagged down a dromas. He wasn’t going to carry them any farther than he had to.

His phone had buzzed while he helped the injured competitors onto the back of the dromas. Some bystanders kindly offered their assistance, along with healthy doses of concern. Only once the two patients were safely settled in the carriage did Dan Heng check his phone.

Stelle: (Blushing Emoji)

Stelle: I’ll be sure to bring honor to the Astral Express. ;)

Stelle: BTW, good luck with him. I hope all THAT goes smoothly.

He smiled. But with one glance down at the very injured passengers, he wondered if he was too late. The seal in particular looked like death was right around the corner.

Dan Heng: I’m going to need that luck.

Dan Heng: And I have no doubt you’ll win the tournament. I’m rooting for you.

Stelle: Hey, do I get a kiss if I win?

Stelle: Wait, do I get a kiss for EVERY win???

Fondly, Dan Heng shook his head. Before he could even think up an answer, there was a tug on his sleeve. “H-hey…”

Putting his phone down, Dan Heng looked toward Perhippies. “Do you need something?”

He grunted, his face growing paler with each step the dromas took. “Can’t miss out… Seal Slammers.”

Dan Heng resisted the urge to roll his eyes. It seemed he’d completely miscalculated this man’s obsession. “You are in no condition to argue your point. And your seal companion is in an even worse state. Even if you are just using each other, I cannot in good conscience allow either of you to continue this madness.”

“Participate… in my place.”

Dan Heng raised a dubious brow at him. “And pray tell, why?”

“Want a chance… championship....”

And with that, Perhippies proceeded to pass out.

With a sigh, Dan Heng once again pulled out his phone, this time sending a message to Hyacine.

Dan Heng: I have the patients. Neither are in good condition.

Dan Heng: You were right. They were at the competition. I hired a dromas to carry us to the Twilight Courtyard.

Hyacine: You’re a lifesaver, Dannie!

Hyacine: what’s your ETA? I will have staff on standby.

~~~

The man had regained consciousness by the time they arrived at the Twilight Courtyard.

The seal, however…

Dan Heng didn’t want to think about the seal.

As promised, Hyacine was at the front of the courtyard, assistants and stretchers by her side proving she was prepared to take the patients back immediately.

Dan Heng brought the seal off the dromas first. The moment he set it on one of the stretchers, staff rushed it back. While he hoped the seal would be okay, he didn’t want to get his hopes up. That seal did not look like it was going to stay on this side of heaven much longer.

Next was Perhippies, groaning all the while as Dan Heng and Hyacine assisted him down from the dromas and onto the stretcher.

Before they could take the man back into the clinic, Perhippies grabbed Dan Heng’s hand with surprising strength.

“I won’t go!” he insisted.

Dan Heng felt exhausted all over again. “Your escape worsened your injuries. You must get treated.”

“I refuse!”

Hyacine looked extremely distraught by the proclamation. “Please, Perhippies. I understand you are upset—”

“Please,” Perhippies begged, staring at Dan Heng. “Take my place. I won’t get treatment until you promise to win this in my place!”

Dan Heng withheld his protests. This man was not stable; not physically, mentally, or emotionally. He needed treatment, preferably with a strong sedative and perhaps some restraints.

Dan Heng could insist Perhippies receive treatment anyway, but consent was key to a doctor’s ability to treat a patient. Hyacine would not ignore this man’s refusal no matter how reluctant she was do to so. Hence, if only for her sake, Dan Heng relented. “If I agree, will you accept treatment?”

Relieved, Perhippies loosened his death grip. “If I must.”

Dan Heng helped Hyacine guide the stretcher toward the clinic.

“You have to win this competition in my place,” the man continued to ramble. ���Prove to that gray-haired girl that we have what it takes to win."

Hyacine’s brow furrowed. “Gray-haired girl…” Slowly, her expression turned bemused. “Grayie?”

Perhippie's expression contorted. “You know her?”

Hyacine was soon all giggles.

Dan Heng, not so much. “My wife,” he flatly explained.

“Huh?”

“Stelle, the woman you went up against, is my wife.”

“O-oh…”

“And they’re so cute together,” Hyacine cooed. “And I know Dannie here wanted to see her in action. What better way than to start a little friendly competition between husband and wife?”

When they got to the double doors Dan Heng knew he was not allowed past, they passed the man off to the awaiting staff. The double doors swung shut behind them, leaving Dan Heng and a tired Hyacine in the hallway.

“Thank you,” Hyacine said. “I appreciate your sacrifice.”

“I apologize for having to leave,” he mentioned. "Unless, you're okay with me lying to the man, but I doubt you'd agree."

"You're right: I couldn't stand for a lie. Furthermore, I fear what he'd do if he learned you didn't compete."

"Then, I should return if I'm to make it in time to sign up. Will you be able to manage without me?"

“We'll be fine. As we always are. I'll miss having you around, though. You're great company."

“One problem,” Dan Heng said. “I don’t have a seal to compete with.”

“We’ll figure something out,” Hyacine said. “If worse comes to worse, you can take Little Ica.”

That’s when the double doors swung open, a stoic nurse appearing. “Doctor Hyacine,” he greeted. “I have some… interesting news on the latest seal patient.”

~~~

Dan Heng was not planning to put much effort into this. That’s not to say he would do the competition a disservice by putting in no effort at all. He’d simply adopted the mindset that should he face a decent competitor, he’d take the loss and walk away.

The same could not be said for his teammate. The ghost seal was determined to put in twice the effort to make up for Dan Heng’s lack thereof. Hence, Dan Heng was content to allow the seal to take the lead and play to its heart’s content. He only offered advice and guidance when called upon. Considering no one else knew exactly how to handle the undead seal—the concept creeped him out and was undoubtedly going to give him nightmares about Stelle’s ordeal—this seemed to be the only thing that could be done for it.

It seemed the seal was going to make its dying wish happen no matter what, because next thing Dan Heng knew, he had made it to the championships.

“Hehehehe!” the ghost seal at his side chuckled, its focus never wavering. “We are winners. We will be the winners. There is no other option.”

Dan Heng sighed. It had been a very long day.

Curious to see who his first competitor was, he checked the matchup board, only to spy a familiar name.

He smirked. Heh. Well, this was promising.

“It’s herrrrr,” the ghost seal growled. “This time, we will not be defeated. We will be the victors. It is time for our revengeeeee.”

Most of his amusement faded. This seal’s mental state was beginning to take a toll on his own. While there was a competitive part of him excited to be facing Stelle down, there was a much larger part ready for her to take him out of the competition. If he was to lose to anyone, he could lose to her with pride.

“Alright! I give up.”

Dan Heng whipped his head around, surprised to see Stelle standing there. Her eyes were narrowed, her smile ruining any attempt at an intimidating glare. “How did you make it all this way without me noticing?”

“It’s herrrrr!” Ghost seal bounced agitatedly at Dan Heng's side. “You will not triumph this time, gray-haired fiend! There can only be one winner in this competition. And it shall be meeeee!”

Stelle blinked down at the seal at his feet. “Um…”

“It’s a long story,” Dan Heng dismissed. “Don’t take anything personally. Its mental state is… fragile.”

Stelle gave a slow nod. “Got it. So, you and… this seal decided to make an appearance without telling me?”

He shrugged. “I kept a low profile.”

“No kidding! I just didn’t know that ‘low profile’ included not telling your wife.”

“It was a last-minute decision.”

“Too last minute to tell me?” she bemoaned with a theatrical pout.

“Yes,” he sarcastically deadpanned, playing along. “I purposefully forgot to inform you. It was all a setup to take the trophy out from under you.”

“I knew it. How dare you.”

His facade broke with a dry chuckle.

It brought a smile out of Stelle. Appeased, she propped her hands on her hips. “What made you want to compete anyway? You never agreed to join gaming events in the past when March and I were practically on our knees begging you.”

“Do you remember Perhippies?”

She grimaced. “The man who couldn’t even stand upright? Yeah. How’s he doing, anyway?”

“He’s alive, but that’s about all I can say. He said he’d only get treatment if I participated in his place. And the bandaged seal here… didn’t make it. It's a ghost now, fueled by its undying obsession to win. No one really knew what to do with it, and I needed a partner, so it came with me to fulfill Perhippies request.”

“Aww, big softie Dan Heng couldn’t say no.”

Warmth touched his cheeks only for a moment, more because of her cooing praise than the teasing.

“Will the competitors approach the arena?” the announcer shouted.

“We’re up.” Stelle bumped their shoulders together. “Hope you know that I’m not going easy on you.”

“I hope not. Please give me a reason to end this.”

“Only if you promise to give it your all,” she said, offended. “Don’t even think about going easy on me.”

“I wouldn’t do you the disservice.”

“We will wiiiiin!” Ghost seal chanted. “We. Will. Win. We. Will. Win—”

Dan Heng sent Stelle a pleading gaze. “Please save me.”

Stelle grimaced in pity. “Will do my best.”

He then took out a pair of sunglasses he’d bought with the purpose of keeping a low profile. It had been a happy accident that he'd worn traditional Okheman clothes today, preferring to blend in at the courtyard rather than stand out. It had been a conscious decision to avoid getting blood or other stains on his clothes. They were already tattered, and he didn’t want them falling apart any more.

“What’s with the glasses?” Stelle asked.

“Um, let’s just say out of sight, out of mind.”

“Well, you’re certainly channeling the Seal Slamming spirit. I have them, too!” She pulled them out of her coat, sticking them on her head before striking a pose. “How do I look?”

He grinned. Her joy was infectious. “Prepared to win.”

She giggled. “Prepare to go down, Dan Heng. I’m about to cash in a lot of kiss rewards.”

“I never agreed to such conditions.”

Theatrically throwing a hand to her chest, she gasped. “You wound me.”

His fond smile widening, he affectionately shook his head. It was his greatest misfortune to be so enamored with this woman. It was also his greatest blessing.

~~~

After losing to Stelle—he snuck a kiss to her cheek afterwards as thanks for finally ending this nonsense—he stuck around the competition just long enough to watch her take the championship title. Thankfully, the competitors were few, meaning Dan Heng did not have to endure the ghost seal’s whining for more than an hour before he had to take it back to Twilight Courtyard for further observation.

When he handed over guardianship of the creature to the nurses, he was hit with overwhelming gratitude for his freedom. The seal talked a little too much like… someone he’d rather never think about again.

“Dannie! I heard you’d come back.” Hyacine skipped up to him. “You were a huge lifesaver today. I owe you big time.”

“I’m glad I could be of help.” That was true. Hyacine had been nothing but help to him, so even if this task had been miserable, he’d been happy to repay her for her assistance.

“Huge help. Perhippies is settled in for a long treatment and we don't have to worry about him fighting us every step of the way. He's disappointed you didn't win, though."

"I tried my best."

"Grayie is really something else, isn't she? Anyway, I'll let you get back to her so you two can celebrate. Have a good evening, and give Grayie my congratulations for winning the tournament!”

~~~

The walk back to his private bath chambers was blessedly silent. Blessedly. No one was needing him. No one was seeking him out. No one was rambling about an unhealthy obsession with a game. He was finally able to hear himself think.

He might have taken the long way back just to relish the silence.

When he got back to his temporary residence, he opened the doors to what he half expected to be an empty room. There was a good chance Stelle was out celebrating with her friends.

Instead, he was met with a pillow to the face.

Stunned, he stumbled a half-step back as he attempted to close the door behind him.

“That’s for not telling me you were competing,” Stelle cried. Then she smacked him in the chest with the pillow. “And that’s for not informing me I needed to root for you.” She tried to smack him again, but he caught it before it hit his face. “And that’s for once again keeping secrets.”

He didn’t let go of her choice of weapon, trying to process how to best disarm her while also appeasing the feral raccoon he’d just walked in on. “I wasn’t aware this counted.”

“One hundred percent.” She wiggled the pillow out of his grasp, giggling all the while. “I’m your wife. Who else gets to be your number one fangirl but me!”

She swung out at him again. Seeing as she wasn’t seriously upset, he found himself chuckling as he dodged her assault. “Lay the pillow down, Stelle.”

He loved that wicked little gleam in her eye. “Make me.”

He’d been “making people” all day. What was one more?

She swung out at him again. He ducked under the weapon, tackling her by the waist. She squealed as he threw her over his shoulder.

Okay, he was getting a lot more enjoyment out of this than he originally thought.

One well-placed swing, and the pillow whipped around his head and smacked him in the face again.

“Do that again," he warned, "and I will drop you.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

He wouldn’t.

Instead, he threw her onto the bed.

With a laugh that sounded more like a squeak, she bounced on the mattress, preforming a half-roll that landed her on the other side of the bed, still wielding the pillow. “This is not over, Dan Heng.”

His grin grew. “Oh really?”

“Better believe it. I will be the champion of both games today.”

Deciding to humor her, he grabbed the other pillow on the bed. His reward for the movement was her entire expression brightening. Ironically, she looked happier right now than she had at the tournament all day.

He felt the same.

Stelle quickly rounded the bed, pillow aimed to strike. He didn’t swing at her, instead using his pillow to block hers while he waited for an opening.

Bap. Bap. Bap.

There.

He swung the pillow, getting her in the face and sending her laughing. A few more blocks, then he got her a second time on the back. He was about to move for a third strike when she ducked. The next second, he felt himself lifted from the floor.

A dirty move, grabbing his legs like that. Off-balanced, he fell back onto the bed.

“Raccoon attack!” she shouted, immediately straddling him and proceeding to hold the pillow over his face.

In a surprisingly automatic reaction, he grabbed her sides, eliciting a shriek from her as she curled in to protect herself. Having caught Stelle off-guard, he rolled her over so she was the one pinned to the bed. He grabbed her wrists, pinning them above her head so she couldn’t strike out with her pillow.

“How dare you,” she said, her cheeks rosy with amusement.

He chuckled. “Now now, you can’t be mad at me playing dirty when you start.”

“Me?” she innocently cooed. “I’d never play dirty.”

Fondly, he shook his head. “What am I supposed to do with you?”

She batted her eyelashes at him. “Well, you’re the one who has me pinned to the bed. The question is, what are you going to do with me?”

It took a second to realize the suggestive nature of their position.

And it took her a second to catch his hesitation. “Here’s a hint,” she faux whispered. “You’re supposed to kiss me.”

His smile widened. She’d been fishing for a kiss all day. To give her what she wanted now would mean surrender, and he refused to cave so easily. “Oh, really?”

She made a show of nodding.

“That seems like too much of a reward for assaulting me with a pillow and then trying to smother me.”

“Oh?” Her eyes gained a mischievous twinkle. “So if I don’t get a reward, does that mean I’m in for a punishment?”

He hung his head. Nevermind, it seemed there was no winning this round. “Don’t make that sound so suggestive.”

She giggled.

When weighing the options, Dan Heng decided the only way to win this battle was to withdraw. Shifting his grip so he had her wrists pinned with one hand, he grabbed her pillow with the other.

And returned the smothering favor by slapping it over her face.

She was laughing even as he crawled off the bed, removing himself from their intimate position. Only when he released her could she remove the pillow he’d slapped over her face.

His heart warmed at the sight. He should try to be playful more often. She may have been the one talking about getting a reward from him, but he felt like he was the one receiving a reward.

“Congratulations on winning the tournament,” he finally said. “I knew you could do it.”

Slowly, she calmed, her cheeks flushed a healthy pink as she clutched the pillow to her chest. “Can I please have a reward now?”

“Maybe.”

“Oh? Maybe.”

“I’ll treat you to dinner.”

“Oh! A date. I like dates. But do I get more than a date?”

So retreat was not an option, either. She wasn’t going to let him escape. Meaning his options were to cave… or to cave.

Fine. He supposed it wasn’t the worst thing in the world.

He curled a finger under her chin, tilting it up to lay a brief kiss on her lips. She beamed under his affection.

“Is that a good enough start?” he asked.

She hummed, her silver eyelashes fluttering open. “For now. Maybe not later.”

“We can save that for after dinner.”

“I like the sound of that.”

~~~

Her trophy was huge.

And strangely light.

He knew there had been chaos courtesy of Cipher having swiped the trophy, and it wouldn’t be impossible to believe she had a fake lined up.

“Are you certain that’s really the trophy?”

“No,” Stelle admitted. “But it’s shiny, so good enough.”

That was so very Stelle of her. Yet, the thought of her getting slighted out of her due prize irritated him. “Are you sure you’re okay with that? You tend to like monetary gains.”

“What’s that about mixing business and pleasure? Don’t do it? Anyway, what does it matter? It’s just a game and the trophy is just the momento. That's where it's worth lies.”

He admired her perspective. It was a balance between logic and sentimentality, of not being greedy while also attaching personal meaning to items, thereby adding immeasurable value to them. That too was so very Stelle of her, said woman managing to give meaning to items abandoned and thrown out while also resisting the pull of shiny things in shopfronts.

“Besides—” She pointed to the two glasses underneath it. “—these are more important to me, my dear competitor.”

Although he still didn’t quite get the point of growing attached to objects, there were times he could more easily put himself in her shoes. He’d never had the chance to see the true value of such an object until her. Until she’d given him salvaged books to add to the archives knowing he always sought to expand his knowledge. Until she’d given him a decorative wedding ring, laden with vows. Until she set two pairs of matching glasses side by side next to a picture of them ‘supporting Team Astral Express.'

Those mementos meant nothing until they recalled memories that meant everything. The same went for her trophy, whether it was real or not.

He smiled. “As long as you’re happy.”

Instead of answering immediately, she leaned against his shoulder, wrapping her hands around his arm. “I’m happy with you.”

Her touch sent warmth blooming in his chest, spreading out to the furthest extremities of his body. “I’m happy with you, too.”

“Then, you’re okay with me setting the trophy there?”

“Funnily enough, it makes the room seem reminiscent of your own.”

“Huh?”

“Despite having lived here for so long, you’ve refrained from putting knick-knacks everywhere. Even though one trophy hardly compares to your displays in your room back home, it does add a… homey touch to the place.”

The longer she stared at the trophy, the wider her smile got. “You’re right. But you know what else would make this room feel like home.”

“Oh, pray tell, what would that be, and should I be scared.”

“No… maybe…”

Okay, now he really was scared. “Out with it.”

“Can we adopt a pet?”

“A pet?” he flatly repeated.

“Yeah, but instead of a digital warp trotter or a cat cake… would we adopt a chimera?”

“Ah, you mean Bubbles.”

“Yeah. I miss my Bubbles at home, and this Bubbles fills the hole. It doesn't have a place to stay, and it doesn't want to return to the grove.”

“I thought I already agreed to it staying here.”

It was Stelle’s turn to blink. “You did?”

“I overheard the conversation you two had and Bubbles asking to stay by your side. When you were pulled away by the announcers for a moment, I had a talk with Bubbles agreeing to the arrangement. It went to grab some things before moving in.”

Her eyes lit up, and suddenly, all his reservations about accepting Bubbles into their temporary home faded.

With a grin, she threw her arms around him in a hug. “Thank you!”

He chuckled, returning the favor. “But only this exception. We are not bringing home every animal you find.”

“That’s to be determined.”

“Stelle.”

Despite his warning, she giggled. “Okay, okay. I know my— er, our room on the Express is big, but I don’t know how many pets will fit, anyway.”

He paused. "Our room?"

"Yeah." She pulled away to meet his gaze. "I mean... you're moving in with me when we get back home, right? Better than me moving in to the archives when I have a perfectly functional bedroom."

Her proclamation caught him off-guard, even though he knew it shouldn't have. "I... hadn't realized you'd thought that far ahead."

She quirked a brow at him. "We're gonna be married. Why wouldn't I? I'm planning our whole future."

Words failed him, and in the end, he surrendered the struggle to wrangle them as a smile split his face in two.

"I'm already trying to think about what shelf to clear out so you can organize your notebooks," she continued. "And I can move over my things in the bathroom for you. And do you want your blankets on the bed or mine? We can replace anything—"

"I'm happy with anything," he cut in. "I think what you already have is perfectly fine."

She scrunched his nose at him in disapproval. "I know you're just trying to be practical, but you're allowed to put your fingerprints on the room, too, you know. I want it to be your home as much as mine."

She was already his home. The details of where or what didn't much matter to him. But she wasn't just extending that offer, she was making a plea with him. He didn't exactly know how to fulfill that request, but there was a piece of his heart determined to make that happen. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it, okay? But I promise, I’ll try."

That must have been a good answer, because her expression brightened. "That’s good enough for me.”

[thenovelartist]

Death Cannot Stop Love (All it Can Do is Delay it) - Chapter 4 - Honkai: Star Rail fanfiction

<<Previous Chapter

Excitement coursed through her veins sitting by Dan Heng’s side as they flew down to a new planet. An entire world of uncharted territory, and she and Dan Heng would be trailblazing it Excitement coursed through Stelle's veins as they flew down to a new planet. An entire world of uncharted territory, and she and Dan Heng would be trailblazing it together. The entire prospect was thrilling, especially considering she’d be going solo with the man she’d had a crush on for ages, a man who’d been sitting on the sidelines far too long for her taste.

Then the car caved in, and their smooth descent instantly turned to anything but.

The jostling hurt more than it should have, and when they crashed, she flew from her seat. The air was knocked from her lungs, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t seem to get it back.

She was choking, liquid dripping from her mouth. With each wheezing breath, red spattered her vision.

Blood?

“Stelle!”

Whose voice was that? It sounded… so very far away.

“Stelle!”

Dan Heng soon filled her vision. She tried to say his name, but the words were caught in her throat. She coughed, more metallic liquid coating her mouth and dribbling down her lips.

“Stelle, can you hear me?” he asked, brushing a hand over her face. “Stay with me.”

Even though she was struggling to breathe, his panicked face scared her more. Hand shaking, she tried to reach up to touch, to swipe that panic from his expression. Yet, the movement hurt too much to accomplish.

Dan Heng grabbed hold of her half-raised hand. Instead of the pleasant warmth she’d expected, it was very… sticky.

“Stay still,” he instructed, reaching for her clothes.

“Dan—” She couldn’t finish his name. Pain ripped through her like a fire.

She choked on a scream, her vision growing black. In the faraway distance, she could hear Dan Heng muttering to himself, something that sounded an awful lot like a string of curses and maybe a prayer.

But she couldn’t hear much more after that. Nor was she able to see much else than a hazy blackness as the pain slowly ebbed…

You’re not leaving this place.

That voice sounded so strange, yet… familiar. Her own chest started growing hot, a ball of fire simmering angrily within.

This will be your final resting place.

No. No, she couldn’t. She hadn’t told Dan Heng she loved him.

Did you think a vessel for the Destruction could be with a scion of the Permeance?

Yes, she wanted to say. She and Dan Heng couldn’t be reduced to those labels nor were they defined solely by what aeon had gazed upon them.

Permeance is ever-lasting, you fool, that voice continued to mock. And Destruction makes sure nothing ever is.

No, no, no. She wanted to tell that voice to shut up.

An all-too-quiet voice rang through the ever-oppressive darkness, one that she longed to hear.

“I’m going to get you out of here.” Dan Heng sounded so very distant now, like she was trying to hear him talk from the opposite side of a canyon. “Hang on, Stelle. Please, hang on.”

She would. She would. For his sake.

But then pain burst through her so powerfully that everything slipped from her grasp.

And that damned, mocking voice echoed.

You won’t.

“NOOO!” She screamed at the top of her lungs, flailing out as her body protested that death sentence with every fiber of her being. But she was fighting a losing battle against the restraints, her limbs trapped and torso weighed down. Her breathing came in rapid bursts, her heart pounding, her mind screaming for an escape.

“Stelle!”

Something squeezed her torso tight, the movement shocking her to stillness. Unable to move, she finally caught sight of her surroundings. Oh, her vision was no longer black. It was actually really bright.

Looking around, she realized the sheets were tangled around her limbs. Extracting her hands from the sheets, she stared at them expecting to see red, but they were completely absent of blood. And her torso…

“You’re okay,” Dan Heng’s soothing voice echoed behind her. “You’re okay.”

She pushed past his hold on her to sit up, her hand clawing at her stomach. No pain, no blood, no stickiness. The plain white shirt she’d stolen from Dan Heng’s side of the wardrobe was unmarred by any injuries.

Dan Heng sat up beside her, now running a hand in slow, soothing strokes along her spine. “Breathe,” he gently instructed. “Just breathe.”

With Dan Heng’s grounding touch, Stelle slowly came back to reality, her breathing evening out as a result. It was just a nightmare. She was alive now. Dan Heng was here with her. It was just a nightmare.

It was just a nightmare.

“You’re going to hurt yourself.” Dan Heng warned.

Next thing she knew, he stopped his soothing ministrations on her back, curling his arm around her chest. He grabbed one of her wrists, pulling it away from her collarbone. Only then did she realize she’d been clawing at her skin as though that would ease the pain, as though that would make it easier to breathe. He rubbed his thumb over the underside of her wrist, and she could feel her intense pulse thrum under his thumb. Yes, she was alive. She wasn't bleeding out. She wasn't dying.

With a sigh, she leaned into him, her free hand coming up to rest on his forearm. He pulled her back against him, his other arm wrapping around her torso. She allowed herself to be swallowed by his embrace, curling up into the smallest ball possible as if that would make her easier to hold. Her heart rate slowly stabilized, her body sagging with relief as it gradually accepted the fact she was safe.

“Better?” Dan Heng asked.

“Yeah,” she said, her voice a touch breathless.

“Want to talk about it?”

Her initial reaction was to tell him no. She didn’t want to talk about her death, nor did she want him to relive that moment. It would be better for both of them if they could forget that horror ever happened.

Stelle, you hide things too.

Castorice’s words came back to haunt her. Didn’t she promise no more hiding?

Ugh, that was a harder promise to keep than she’d realized. But if she wanted Dan Heng to meet her in the middle, she had to take the first steps.

“I died.”

Dan Heng stiffened behind her.

She tightened the hold she had on his arm. “It’s like a memory I didn’t have came back.”

“I wonder if it returned because you got put back together.”

“I didn’t even consider that.”

“My guess is that memory returned because you somehow lost it when you… died…” That word was spoken with a fair amount of pain. Frankly, Stelle was pained to even hear that word come from his mouth. “And now that your body is finally whole, it recalled that memory of when your soul split. Or there might be other memories you unlock on top of this. I can’t say for certain which one, and given the lack of information I was able to find on your condition in the first place, I doubt there’s an answer to be found.”

She mulled over his words. “It might be one memory of many. Um… when I caught Fuli’s gaze, some things from my past kinda returned.”

He didn’t answer right away. Understandable. How would he have known if she hadn't been honest? “You never mentioned that.”

“I know. Sorry. There really wasn’t any time to tell you then. And afterwards, I didn’t know how to bring it up because it’s… complicated.”

He gave her a loving squeeze. “I’m happy for you. To have unlocked some of those memories.”

His embrace only worsened her guilt for not telling him sooner. What else did she expect other than full support from him?

But then a darker fear crept into her heart. Would he still think that way after she told him the truth about her origins?

Instead of worrying about it, she snuggled back into his embrace. He just continued to hold her.

“Sorry for waking you,” she murmured.

“Never feel bad. I wake you far more frequently.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“Nor is this yours.”

She hummed. “I guess we’re just going to have to call it even, then?”

“I suppose,” he reluctantly agreed.

“It will just be the quirk in our relationship.”

He huffed. “A rather unfortunate quirk, wouldn’t you say?”

“That’s why it’s called a ‘quirk’.”

He heaved a sigh, but he sounded more bemused than anything. “I’m glad you feel well enough to crack jokes.”

She smiled, her body finally relaxed. She was safe, and no nightmare, however real it was, could touch her. Especially in Dan Heng’s embrace. But at the same point, she didn’t feel like she was going to fall back asleep any time soon. Which begged the question of how she was going to fill these early morning hours.

Er… was it early morning? This all-day sun really threw off her sense of time. And to think there'd once been a time she'd been complaining about the circadian rhythm lights on the train. She'd never touch those again.

Not that Dan Heng would let her. She distinctly remembered the last time she'd tried, he'd thrown her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and carried her to the archives, forcing her to sit in a chair where he could keep an eye on her for three hours straight until she fell asleep. He'd threatened to knock her out the next time. She'd never been so scared of Dan Heng in her life.

“What time is it?” she asked.

Dan Heng let her go, which was regrettable. She should have kept her mouth shut.

Phone in hand, he tapped the screen. “Just after three.”

Oops. “Sorry.”

“What were you saying about apologizing?”

His gentle tease proved there were no hard feelings. Maybe they really would get used to this unfortunate quirk in their relationship. “Nevermind."

He set his phone down. “I’d suggest going for a walk, but I fear it’s too early for that.”

“Then… how about we talk secrets?”

That certainly garnered a strange look from him. Not that she blamed him. She made it sound like she was wanting to drag him to a slumber party with March instead of opening up a long overdue honest conversation. This might be a terrible way to start the day, or maybe now was the perfect time to clear the air.

“I have a confession," she continued.

His brow knit together in worry. “And dare I ask what that is?”

At the fond exasperation in his tone, her lips quirked up at the edges. “Probably not, but I feel guilty.”

“Knowing your lack of shame, I fear what you’re going to confess.”

“Hey! I’m not that shameless.”

“You are more shameless than most.”

She rolled her eyes.

“I’m curious now,” he continued. “What could possibly make you feel guilty enough to confess this early?”

“Did you know that in Penacony, you can pay to listen to people’s dreams?”

Stelle watched his expression shift from confusion to disapproval to horror to reluctant understanding as he comprehended her words. His shoulders then slumped in disappointment. “I see where this is going.”

“Sorry,” she said. “I couldn’t help it.”

“That is… horrifically unethical.”

“I know. But if it makes you feel better, I couldn’t make it past Blade saying ‘of five people’.”

“How is that supposed to make me feel better?”

“I could have listened to more.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Do you have that dream a lot?” she asked. “Of Jing Yuan and Blade?”

The discontented sigh he heaved out made her wonder if he’d give her an answer at all. She honestly wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t, not after she’d just admitted to violating his privacy on the deepest of levels.

Eventually, he did admit, “Yes.”

“At the risk of pushing my luck, is that nightmare what wakes you here?”

For a moment, he stared at the bed. But when he looked up to meet her gaze, she felt pinned under the intensity of it. “No. It’s of you dying.”

Scenes from her nightmare flashed through her mind one after another. Her heart picked up its pace to a jog, and her stomach tied itself in knots. “O-oh.”

An uncomfortable silence stretched between them before Stelle forced a sheepish grin that looked more like a grimace. “This trip’s kinda been a bust, hasn’t it?”

“In terms of trailblazing missions, this one certainly lands at the bottom of the list,” Dan Heng agreed.

“Minus, you know, getting together with you.”

She’d meant it as a joke, but Dan Heng’s somber expression didn’t change. “I’d argue that’s what makes everything about this trip worse.”

Though she wasn’t quite sure how he meant that, the strain in his voice caused her to clam up.

When he met her gaze, the tightness in his features softened. He reached for her hand, slowly weaving their fingers together. "I didn't mean it like that," he said. "I meant that it's unfortunate something as wonderful as being with you has to be tainted like this."

She slid her hand into his, holding tight. “Hey, Dearest…”

“Hmm?”

“That wasn’t my only confession to make.”

His intense gaze locked on hers for a few heartbeats. Then he sighed, his eyes closing. “Should I make some tea?”

Stelle couldn’t say she cared for tea at the moment. However, if he had extended the offer, there was a chance he wanted it, and if tea would make him more willing to be open and honest, then she’d follow his lead here. “Sounds great.”

~~~

Stelle was not her usual self, and Dan Heng doubted it was strictly due to the nightmare she’d awoken screaming from. Though he was used to their conversations taking weird turns, he felt this was more a confessional than a conversation. Like Stelle was wanting a bunch of things off her chest. It was impossible not to worry about the possible reasons behind her behavior.

As he made tea, he tried not to mull over the dark thoughts swirling around the back of his mind. The greatest of which was if the version of Stelle before him now was even the real Stelle. And if she was, what if she didn’t agree with the way ‘memory’ Stelle had been living? Was the Stelle he’d been living with the last few months purely her? Or was she an illusion crafted by his own desires?

More than anything, he wanted to believe the woman before him was the real Stelle. But her strange behavior, including the uncharacteristic way she’d woken screaming, unsettled him.

He tried to think of the warmth of her shaking body as he held her, calming her from her nightmare. She'd been able to hold him, strenght in her grasp, and he'd felt her pulse, strong and steady. But it didn’t take long for that memory to become mangled with the one of her lifeless in his arms, her blood on his hands, her pulse dying beneath his touch. Since the moment he’d reawakened after the crash with a perfectly alive and well Stelle hovering over him, life had felt like a dream. In his haze, he hadn’t been able to resist the urge to check her over for injuries. He hadn’t been able to resist the urge to pull her against him, to hold her tight, to have her torture him with her breath on his neck.

He hadn't been able to resist the urge to kiss her.

But what if all of that had been an illusion? What if this, all of this: the relationship, the fake marriage, going on dates, sharing a room… what if it still was?

He hung his head, slamming his eyes shut as though to block out the world. He needed to rein in these errant thoughts.

Finishing the tea, he took the two steaming mugs out to the balcony where Stelle was. Dan Heng slowed his steps as he looked out the door, taking in the sight of her as she leaned against the railing, staring up at Kephale’s statue. When she’d gotten ready for bed, she’d dressed in his night clothes instead of her own. She was tall so his shirt didn’t appear too oversized on her, nor were his pants too long or large for her. Seeing as this was their first night with her in one piece, he’d let it go. Besides, a part of him liked this view.

Siding up to her, he held the mug out in front of her.

Upon catching sight of it, a warm smile replaced her momentary surprise. “Thanks,” she said. Their fingers brushed as Stelle took the mug from him, then proceeded to wrap her hands around it.

Dan Heng leaned back against the balcony railing, focusing on his own tea. He swirled it twice before taking a sip, finding it didn’t taste as strong as he’d expected. The color proved he’d steeped it long enough, so he doubted it was his error. But then again, he didn’t even feel much like drinking tea. It was just a distraction from the discomfort caused by the deviation in their normal routine. A distraction from thinking of the ‘confession’, whatever that entailed.

One more look at the tea, and his stomach protested. He lowered the cup, setting it on the wide railling. Unable to meet Stelle’s gaze, he stared at their feet, instead. “What was it you wanted to say?” he asked, accepting there was no escaping this.

Stelle took a sip of her tea, holding the mug against her lips a little longer than necessary. She didn’t look his way, either, instead staring off toward Kephale.

His dread was growing by the second.

Finally, she lowered her cup and turned around, mirroring his posture of leaning back against the railing. “I thought I’d know what to say by now, but I still don’t know how to start this, so bear with me.”

“Take your time.”

Her gaze fell to the floor, and she began nibbling her raw lip yet again.

Instinctually, Dan Heng reached over, curling his hand under her chin and pulling her face toward him so he could rub his thumb against her bottom lip. “You’re going to bite that raw again.”

Her golden eyes were wide in surprise, but as he pulled away, her expression quickly shifted to one of longing.

“How do you go from cold to sweet?” she murmured.

“Pardon?”

She shook her head. “You… there’s so many good points about you,” she spoke, voice now loud enough to hear clearly. “You’re so talented and intelligent, and you can be so sweet and protective, and I love every bit of it.”

Then pain flashed within her golden eyes. “But then you can be so cold and secretive and you just… refuse to open up, and it kinda pisses me off.”

Her words felt like a stab to his gut. “Is this because I kept your death a secret from you?”

“It’s not just that,” she said. “There’s a bunch of other times, too. And I don’t want to pressure you because I know you are a private person and you like your alone time, but it bothers me that you won’t lean on me. Us. The Express. Like, at all.”

His gaze sank back to his feet. “I didn’t realize it bothered you.”

“It does. A lot. I don’t like watching you carry those things on your own. I feel really useless. But… I kinda got called out recently, so can we make a truce?”

“What kind of truce?”

“I told you I got some memories of my past. They’re weird and warped, but I’ll tell you. And in return, would you tell me about the letter you got back on the Luofu? You disappeared and then locked yourself in your room for days. It took me forever to get you back to reality, and it’s always bothered me.”

The letter? What lett—

Oh… that letter.

“It was related to the High Cloud Quintet,” he answered. If she wanted answers, then he should give them. Never had Stelle demanded more from him than he could give, and never had she done so without proving she was someone he could lean on first. Even though he really didn’t want to talk about it, he would for her sake.

He stood straight, trying to meet her gaze even though all he wanted to do was shy away from it. “It was, for lack of a better term, an invitation to Dan Feng to meet with the others once last time. Jing Yuan, Blade, and Jingliu were in attendance.” He paused, thinking of the fights he’d witnessed, and the anger that had not been laid to rest. Anger that likely would never be laid to rest. “This might be strange to say, but when I was exiled, there was a certain freedom in it. Even while knowing that I took on a punishment that wasn’t mine, I also knew I wouldn’t be Dan Feng’s substitute any longer. Yet… in that moment, that’s all I was. Jing Yuan might have tried to separate the two of us, but it’s not easy for him, and it was even harder during that time. I was glad when I got to leave because if felt less like closure and more like... I was dragged into something beyond me. There’s not much more to tell beyond that.”

As an uncomfortable silence rang between them, Stelle reached over to lay her hand over his. She was as speechless as he was, yet still found a way to tell him loud and clear he wasn't alone. He relished that reassurance. “Anything else you wish to know?”

His question surprised her. “Wow, I thought I was going to have to fight for that.” The words slipped from her lips so quickly he wondered if she even realized she’d been speaking.

“I can’t… don’t want to go into everything,” he confessed. “Nor do you need to know. But with few exceptions, I won’t keep secrets if you ask. In return, I expect you to keep it quiet from the others if I ask. You are different from the rest. Is that an acceptable compromise?”

Stelle mulled over his words. “I promise to be your confidante only if we can add on that you can come to me for anything that’s bothering you. And I don’t want you to consider it a burden if you do.”

“I will make an attempt,” he said.

“From you, I’ll take it.” Slipping her hand out of his, she extended her pinky finger toward him. “Promise?”

A gentle warmth settled in his chest as he hooked his pinky around hers. “Promise.”

Life sparked in her eyes, her entire expression brightening. The tightness lingering in his gut slowly untangled.

“My turn, isn’t it?”

“You did promise.”

She hummed, their hold on each other breaking in favor reaching for their tea mugs again. Stelle curled her hands around it, taking a little sip.

Dan Heng did the same. The tea had cooled a touch, but it at least tasted like something now.

“What would you do if I told you I was a Stellaron Hunter?”

“It wouldn’t surprise me.”

“Really?”

He nodded, lowering his cup. “Considering the way Kafka in particular seemed to be watching over you, I’ve always assumed you were connected to the Stellaron Hunters in some way. And now that theory is confirmed.”

She pouted. “Well, geez. I didn’t realize this revelation was so anticlimactic.”

“It’s not anticlimactic for you to finally have an answer to the past you wondered about.”

“I guess that’s true. But even then, everything’s really hazy. I wouldn’t say the memories have returned, per se. Only that I have bits and pieces.”

“Is that a good thing, or a bad?”

Grimacing, she shrugged. “Both? Like, I’m happy to know, even if I have my reservations. But I also don’t want it tainted with the Astral Express. It’s weird having a memory of you telling Himeko that you’re tired of her making offal. Firstly, you don’t mind offal. Secondly, we all know to never directly voice our true opinions about her food to Himeko. And thirdly, we all know to hide the offal from her because she has somehow mastered the alchemical formula to turn gamey meat into tire rubber.”

Dan Heng snorted, unable to hide his growing grin.

“A memory like that only makes more sense when it’s Kafka and Blade. It’s really unsettling to hear Blade’s voice come out of your mouth, by the way. Like… all kinds of creepy. So I have memories warped like that. Or when the Stellaron Hunters finally are themselves in the correct bodies and all, we’re hanging out in places I’ve been to, usually the Astral Express.”

A part of Dan Heng cringed upon hearing Blade’s name, but now was not the time for bringing that up. Not when Stelle was warring with mixed memories of Blade appearing as him. He shuttered at the thought. “I’m happy to be here to listen. Always.”

“I know. I just… don’t even know how to talk about it. The Stellaron Hunters are trouble, but I was one of them. I have these skewed memories of them like... telling me what a great job I did thinking on my feet and leading them out of a mission gone wrong. Or—and you might laugh at this one—I have a really faint memory of sitting on Blade’s shoulders as a little girl, walking through the underground streets of Belobog. Then I have one painting Firefly’s nails in March’s room. Of playing with Silverwolf in Herta’s Space station, with the games up on the big screen. Of Kafka trying to teach me how to do my make-up in Penacony.”

Stelle rubbed her hands down her face. “I really don’t know how to process it, and I’ve kinda thrown it on the back burner for now because I don’t want to think about how these people who are so at odds with the family I have now were the family I had before. And I turned my back on them, but how was I supposed to know? It makes me feel like a traitor.”

Dan Heng was used to Stelle rambling, but the touch of insanity in her voice set him on edge. He reached over, laying a hand over her thigh above her knee. “You’re not a traitor,” he told her. “Not to the Nameless. And not to the Stellaron Hunters. When they left you on Herta's Station with no memories or any clue as to your past, that was on them. And they’re smart enough to accept the consequences of their actions. As for the Nameless, we knew you might be harboring secrets, but you never gave us reason to doubt you in all these years. Even with these memories, you still haven’t.”

The tight set of Stelle’s shoulders eased, and soon she leaned against his shoulder. “Thanks.”

He wrapped an arm around her back, hand resting on her hip. With her this close, he nuzzled against her hair, enjoying the peace of this moment.

“I do have one last confession to make, though,” she said.

This time, he wasn’t worried about what she had to say. “I’m listening.”

She clinked her fingernails against her mug. “I want to marry you for real.”

His eyes shot open, his heart skipping a beat.

“I got to thinking about a lot of things when I thought I was dying, and I thought about that one a lot. I really love you, and I love being with you and fighting alongside you and… and all the other things that I can’t think of—I’m tired; cut me some slack.” She sat up, meeting his gaze. “I really don’t want to pretend anymore. We’re dating, and I don’t want a future with anyone other than you, so I don’t see a reason to keep dragging this on. Unless…” She pursed her lips, hesitant. “You don’t want that. If you’re gonna dump me, just hit me with it because I want to know if you think you’d be happier with someone else—”

“Stop. What… where did that even come from?” he questioned, breaking into her rambling. He took a second to try and decipher her words because he swore he couldn’t understand what direction she suddenly took this conversation. “I’m not… Stelle, I’m not going to dump you. What even makes you think that?”

She shrugged. “Sometimes, I wonder if you’d be happier with someone who shares your hobbies because I worry that one day, you're just gonna get fed up with my… raccoon-ness.”

“That’s not…” With a sigh, he hung his head. “Nevermind, I’m not correcting your vocabulary. Stelle, I don’t want to break up with you. And... if I'm being honest, you aren’t the only one who’s been thinking of marriage. I’ve been considering it, too.”

Her eyes widened in surprise, the gold of her irises glittering brighter than dueling suns. “And when were you gonna tell me?”

“After your trial,” he confessed, his stomach dropping. He didn’t want to continue, but she’d asked for his honesty. He’d promised her he’d come to her with his concerns, meaning that even if he didn’t want to hurt her with this, he couldn’t turn back. He owed it to Stelle. “But then the truth of your condition came out and… I feel like I can’t trust anything in front of me anymore.”

Her brow furrowed, that light in her eyes dying.

This is why he didn’t want to tell her; it hurt more than a knife to his back.

“You’ve been having second thoughts?” she asked.

“I…" The words caught in his throat, guilt welling up in his gut. "I want to believe you’re back in one piece, alive and well in front of me, but I've thought that for the last few months. I watched you die, but then you were hovering above me, waking me up as though nothing happened. Then everything after that felt like a dream. We were together and happy and…” and I wanted more. I wanted everything. “Then overnight, I learn I’ve been holding a shadow of you for the last couple months. You were dead, Stelle, even though you stood right in front of me. I don’t even know what to believe is real anymore.”

He sighed, the next words hard to get out. “I still wonder…  if everything that happened between us was real or my own disillusionment. You were a ball of memories, so were you a figment of my imagination? I can only assume it wasn’t because you wanted to share a bath last night, and even insisted curling up in bed the way we’ve been doing for weeks.”

She had to pick up her jaw from the floor. “Aeons, you idiot.” Slamming down her mug on the balcony, she stood, then proceeded to throw her arms around him in a hug akin to a vice grip. “I’m here. For real. Everything that happened between us was real. And I know because I was there for all of it. It may have just been my memories, but I was there.”

He’d set his own mug aside by now, wrapping his arms tightly around her.

“I didn’t even know I was dead, but I sure questioned if I was dreaming because I didn’t realize you liked me like that, too. I'd been thinking about how great it would be to be with you for months before this Amphoreus trip, and then suddenly, you kiss me out of the blue and then everything else fell so nicely into place it felt too perfect. So geez, Dan Heng, I hope this isn't a dream."

He hoped it wasn't either. Because if it was...

He didn't even want to think about it.

"By the way, this is the kind of thing I want you to tell me from now on.”

“I will.”

“But I’m mad at you for keeping it secret this long.”

“You didn’t need to know.”

“Were you ever going to tell me?”

That was the question. One he wasn’t sure he could answer. “I don’t know.”

She groaned. Wiggling out of their embrace, Stelle grabbed hold of his jaw, forcing him to face her fiery glare. “Look. Just because I was in crisis over being 'mostly dead' doesn’t mean I don’t want to know these things eventually. I’m lucky I wasn’t all dead because being slightly alive meant Castorice could work a miracle and bring me back. I just didn’t realize that when she told me I had to live happily ever after with you, it would start with yelling at you for being an idiot.”

He sat there, stunned and speechless.

She then exhaled loudly, her eyes shut as though taking a moment to calm down. “After everything I just experienced, I'm going to believe I'm back in one piece. And I hope you can believe it, too, because I don't know how else to prove it to you. So please, Dan Heng. Don’t hide these things from me anymore. We can work through them together.” Her voice was gentle now. Pleading.

Conflicting feelings warred in his chest. “Your well-being will always come first to me. You being okay again mattered far more than my fears. I won’t hear any argument.”

She pursed her lips in deliberation. Then her hands fell from his jaw to his shoulders. “I care about you, too, you know,” she grumbled.

“I never doubted that.”

“And we’ve talked about me, meaning I get to put you first now.”

"As per our deal, yes.”

“Then I’m asking one more thing,” she said. “You were really going to ask me to marry you after the trial?”

“Had things gone as planned, yes.”

“Can I say yes now?” she asked, her eyes shining with a tentative hope.

He paused, hesitating.

She must have caught it because that hope dimmed.

Ugh, he hated that look on her. Taking a fortifying breath, he gently extracted her hands from his shoulders and gave them a gentle squeeze. “Vidyadhara are the scions of the Permeance,” he explained. “As such, when it comes to lovers… we bond for life. If I take you as my wife, you will be my one and only.”

She blinked, absorbing those words. “So… you’re saying I won’t just be your soulmate, but your sole mate.”

“Yes,” he confirmed. “And I thought I was ready to take that jump with you, but watching you die…” He looked down at their entwined hands. Despite the abundance of clean white, gray, and blue tones, he saw red. “I am terrified of losing you early. I’m terrified that… I’m going to wake up and realize this was all a dream, that you weren’t really there. That I’m going to leave this city, the illusion will wear off and you won’t be by my side on the trip back home. And I’ll be pining the rest of my life after someone who I never really held.”

She took a half step closer, bending down to put herself in his line of sight. “Dearest…” she said, her voice trailing off as she gave his hands a squeeze.

He lifted one of those hands to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “I do want to be married to you,” he said. “But… I want a bit of time. I want time to hold the real you.”

“I’m right here,” she said. “And I don’t plan on going anywhere. Being your forever… I like the sound of that.”

His heart eased.

“Though, it sounds a little funny saying that, holding a stellaron from the Destruction and all.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

She shrugged. “Can the everlasting and the neverlasting co-exist?”

He was about to question what was going through her head, but he quickly understood. A scion of the Permeance and a vessel for the Destruction. When she put it that way, they were at odds.

“They can if they are both treading the trailblaze,” he spoke instead.

Those must have been the right words, because any sign of her discomfort vanished. “Does that mean I get to call you my fiancé now?”

Her words struck him in the chest, even though they shouldn’t have. Fiancé. It was a strange new title, but as lovers who’d agreed to marriage, however roundabout it was… what else would they be?

“Yes.”

A conspiratorial glimmer sparked to life in her eyes. “Hey,” she whispered. “Our little fake story had a two-month engagement, right? You were the one who said the best lies stem from the truth.”

For some reason, he found himself smiling. “I did say that, didn’t I?”

“So, wouldn’t it be easier to keep our story straight if, I don’t know, we made those lies reality?”

He should have expected no less from this woman. There were times he’d wondered if she’d left her brain on the space station they found her on, but then there were times she was a sneaky, conniving little thing. A true raccoon.

He hated how much he loved that side of her.

“We’ll see.”

[thenovelartist]

Did you hear that they changed Stelle's voice actor?

I heard the news yesterday, and then when I was playing today, I got to listen to her Remembrance path battle lines. She's gonna take some getting used to because she has a slightly more... (how do I say this) "aggressive" tone compared to the someone gentler/soft tone Stelle spoke with before.

But ultimately, it's really nice to have her voice back. I'll be anxiously waiting for Dan Heng's replacement, too (as I doubt his OG VA is going to suddenly return now.)

[thenovelartist]

Death Cannot Stop Love (All it Can Do is Delay it) - Chapter 3 - Honkai: Star Rail fanfiction

<<Previous Chapter Next Chapter >>

On the day they were supposed to travel to Styxia, Stelle woke groggily. As was her habit, she reached over to Dan Heng’s empty side of the bed, expecting to run her hand longingly over the cold sheets.

Instead, her hand hit Castorice’s shoulder.

Oh, right. She had Castorice over for a slumber party. And they’d stayed up late. No wonder she was still groggy.

Beyond talking about boys and teasing Castorice to pieces, they’d taken a bath, Stelle did Castorice's hair, and then Castorice had taught Stelle a dance from her childhood. Stelle had never seen Castorice brimming with such unadulterated joy before.

After that, it had taken some convincing to get Castorice comfortable sharing a bed. Stelle was loathing this whole cold bed thing, so it would have been nice to not be alone. She'd told Castorice that sharing a bed was what she and March did all the time at slumber parties, but Castorice only acquiesced when Stelle assured her she wasn’t getting any deader.

Actually, that wasn’t true. She could get deader, and that was something she wanted to avoid. With a shred of hope finally in her grasp, Stelle felt it was easier to cling to life. Not that the prospect of spending a long life with Dan Heng wasn’t convincing enough to keep pressing on, but when the clock was ticking down with no leads to be found and Dan Heng away for research, she began to wonder what point there was to fighting. If she couldn’t spend the rest of her days with Dan Heng, what did it matter?

Curious as to the time, Stelle reached over to grab her phone. Under the clock was a notification informing her of a message from Dan Heng.

Dan Heng: I’ll be home today. I’m sorry, but I haven’t found anything pertinent to your case. Have you had any luck on your end?

Stelle: Castorice and I might have a lead to Thanatos. We’ll be leaving this morning, so I won’t be here when you arrive.

She waited for a text back in response. Instead, her phone lit up with a call. Her ringer blared in the quiet space, and Stelle slapped the accept button, desperately hoping the sound didn’t wake Castorice. “Hello,” she whispered.

“It’s me,” Dan Heng spoke. “How are you fairing?”

Stelle crawled out of bed, intending to take the call outside. She glanced over to Castorice. That girl could sleep like the dead, couldn’t she? She hadn’t so much as flinched, still clinging to her dromas plushie. Oof, that thing was… well-loved. “I’m hanging,” she answered, quickly shuffling out of the room to the balcony. “By a thread, but I’m hanging.”

“Don’t break yet,” he said. “You’ve got this.”

Those words, however simple they were, strengthened her resolve. “I’m the galactic baseballer. Of course I’ve got this.”

“That’s my girl.”

And those words, in contrast to the first, broke her. What she wouldn’t give to be called “his girl” for the next several decades to come.

“What’s this lead you and Castorice have?” he asked.

“Apparently, Styxia had been found. You know, the land of the dead.”

“That does sound like a promising lead.”

“Aglaea is forcing one of the Chrysos Heirs to take us there this morning.”

“So you’ll be setting out soon?”

“Yeah. Sorry I won’t be here when you return.”

“That’s why I called," he quietly admitted. "I wanted to hear your voice.”

She felt tears prickling her eyes as she slid down the wall to the ground. “I’m glad I got to hear your voice, too. I've missed you.”

“I've missed you, too.” His voice was warm and gentle, like a blanket Stelle could wrap herself up in. She'd prefer to be wrapped in his arms, but she supposed this was the best she could get for now. “Do you have to leave now, or do you have time?”

“No, I think we’ve got another hour and a half before we have to meet Cipher. Enough time for breakfast and to get ready. Though, I have a feeling waking Castorice is going to be worse than waking March.”

“Have you not been able to reach her?”

“It’s not that,” Stelle said. “We had a sleepover. Oh, so everything is going to be a mess when you get back.”

“That’s fine,” he assured, not a hint of the exasperation Stelle had been expecting in his voice. “Did you have a fun time?”

“I liked not being alone,” she admitted. “It’s really not the same without you around.”

He sighed, a pause lingering in the air between them. “I felt the same when you left to the grove.”

“I realize that now. I’m sorry.”

“It’s in the past. And we both needed that time.”

She still felt a little guilty. “Hey, Dan Heng.”

“Yes, Stelle?”

She paused, fighting for the right words. Absently, she began twisting her wedding ring around her finger. “When I get back… I… can we promise not to leave each other alone? I mean… we got married for a reason. I don’t want to be separated again.”

“I don’t, either,” he agreed. “When you return, we’ll stick together from then on.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

A small smile graced Stelle’s lips as she curled into a ball, knees to her chest. A gentle warmth bloomed from her heart. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

They chatted absently for a while longer before Stelle heard an alarm go off behind her.

One that turned off suspiciously quickly.

“Sorry,” Stelle said. “That’s my cue to go.”

“Stay safe, Starlight,” Dan Heng said reverently. “And… come back.”

Stelle’s entire chest tightened. What had she been thinking? That she could just slip quietly away without a trace? The guilt piled on her shoulders. No matter how many deaths she faced, either hers or others, she had to keep trekking on. She couldn’t leave him to continue this arduous journey alone. “What’s a moon without his star to illuminate it?” she said, her voice cracking. She took a breath to steady herself. “I’ll be back. I promised to fist-fight an aeon for you, right?”

“You did.”

“So a titan shouldn’t be a problem.”

There was a touch of mirth in his voice as he answered, “Right. Go. I’ll be waiting for your return.”

“I can’t wait. Love you.”

“I love you, too.”

She didn’t say goodbye, nor did she wait to hear his. She didn’t want to hear those words at all. They seemed too final with her life hanging in the balance, the scales slowly tipping out of her favor. She would go battle Thanatos, and when she came back, she’d be the greedy little trash thief she was and steal everything. The fights, the kisses, the wars, the victories, the injuries, the quiet times, the date nights. There would be nothing remaining of Dan Heng that wouldn’t belong to her. She wanted a life with him. A real life. Their marriage was fake, and their courtship was obscured by them playing pretend. Just like her presence here, it was just an illusion.

Castorice's words last night haunted her, but she'd been correct. It was time to be truthful. From here on, Stelle refused to entertain anything fake. They would be real, or not at all.

Toying with the ring on her finger, she stood and walked back into the room. First thing she noticed was Castorice on the bed, flipped over with her back now toward the balcony.  

“I woke you, didn’t I?” Stelle asked.

Castorice slowly sat up. “No, it’s fine. I'm sorry; I wasn’t trying to listen.”

Stelle shrugged. “Not exactly state secrets going around.” Luckily, she didn’t mention anything about their marriage being fake. But at this point… she wondered if it mattered. The original point of their marriage was protection, but now they knew they could trust the people here, more or less. Would it matter if their marriage secret was revealed now?

“We should get ready to go,” Stelle suggested. “We can eat breakfast on the way. I don’t really want to keep that fickle feline waiting.”

“That would not be a wise idea.” Castorice then looked at her things and frowned. “Oh, we’ll have to take a detour to my house—”

“Don’t worry about it. You can come back to get them when we return.”

“Are you sure? Isn't Dan Heng coming back?”

“I told him you were here. It will be fine.”

“If you’re sure.”

“Totally. Just be sure to give your dromas a good pat on the head and tell it goodbye.”

Castorice chuckled, hugging said plush close to her chest. “It would probably appreciate that.”

Stelle dressed first, letting Castorice collect her things and put them in her bag.

Then, while Castorice dressed, Stelle sent off a text to Dan Heng. If on the off-chance it was to be the last thing she texted him, she wanted to leave no regrets.

Stelle: We’re heading off. Castorice’s things will be here when you get back and the bed will be a mess. Sorry.

Dan Heng: That’s fine. I don’t mind.

Stelle: I love you.

Stelle: And I love being married to you. Even if it’s only pretend.

Dan Heng: Don’t say that like it’s the end.

Stelle hesitated. But… what if it was? She absently thought. It wasn’t a happy thought, but there was a chance…

Dan Heng: Please come back to me.

He was right. She needed to return. She needed to. But she also knew there were no promises in this life.

Stelle: I will.

Stelle: I love you.

Dan Heng: I love you, too.

Okay. She could die with that. Not that she wanted to. Or was going to. Because she needed to keep fighting.

Just a little longer…

She took a breath as she put her phone away, turning to see Castorice waiting.

“Ready?” Castorice asked.

Stelle nodded. She could hang on just a little longer, and then one way or another, this nightmare would all be over. “Ready.”

~~~

The headache came on so fast and hard that Stelle almost collapsed.

Her time was almost up.

But Castorice was flying off to Thanatos. They were so close.

So… close…

“Just hang on!” Mem cried from her side.

It was the last thing Stelle heard before she did fall to her knees. She didn’t have much in terms of processing power, but one horrible, haunting thought ran like a scrolling marquee across her mind.

You are going to die.

Her heart was in shambles. No. She couldn’t die. She just couldn’t. She couldn’t leave Dan Heng. She wanted to marry him for real. She wanted to travel the galaxy with him. She was supposed to spend years by his side. She couldn’t leave him alone, not when he’d lost so much already.

He told her he loved her.

He’d given her a pet name.

He’d protected her and cared for her and cherished her.

This wasn’t how their story was supposed to end.

She felt something wet run down her cheeks as she collapsed to the ground, sprawled flat in the dirt. She couldn’t leave him. She couldn’t leave Dan Heng.

I have to go home to him. I promised.

That last text suddenly wasn’t enough. Their last call wasn’t enough. Their parting, the last time they saw each other, wasn’t enough. Nothing was enough.

She'd been naive to think she'd leave with no regrets. She regretted everything.

Until her head hurt too much to regret any longer.

~~~

“Stelle?”

The stabbing headache slowly faded. Once she felt her breathing even out, Stelle opened her eyes. A bed of flowers greeted her. This was not where she’d fainted. So was she… dead?

Her body felt heavy, her movements sluggish. Castorice knelt before her, hand extended. Thankful for the assist, Stelle took hold, allowing Castorice to pull her to her feet.

“Are you okay now?” Castorice asked.

“Y-yeah,” Stelle stuttered out. Then it clicked in her mind. “Wait, did you…”

Castorice smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. “Allow me to reintroduce myself. I bore the name Castorice walking among the mortal realm, but now I stand before you as Thanatos, the living side of death. Welcome to my realm, where the west wind ends.”

Stelle looked around at the sea of flowers. Yet, she could not appreciate its beauty, not when her heart still ached. “Does this mean I’m… officially dead?”

Castorice shook her head. “No. I shall open the gate of the nether realm and return you to the land of the living.”

That promise settled Stelle’s churning stomach, slowly easing the weight on her shoulders. “So… I can go back home?”

The smile Castorice gave Stelle was reassuring and full of promise. “Yes. I promised to do everything in my power, didn’t I? Consider this a one-time exception for the one life—the only life—I can save. But you must resist the sweet allure of the whispers of death, or they will pull you back here. In return, I ask that you take the coreflame of death with you to complete the flamechase journey.”

She wasn’t dead. She could go home. Her life was hers to live.

Her life was hers to give to Dan Heng.

Stelle's knees were so shaky she could collapse again, this time from relief. A smile stretched across her lips. “That’s a pretty fair exchange for letting me have my second chance. But… I guess that means you’re not coming home with me.”

Sadness touched her expression as Castorice shook her head. “I won’t. But I leave with no regrets.”

Once again, separation. As a trailblazer who'd met so many people, Stelle knew that every hello would eventually result in a goodbye. But the goodbyes she bid here… these were ten times worse knowing they were final. “I’m beginning to really hate this ‘parting of ways’ thing.”

“I… shouldn’t have an opinion.”

“But?”

Castorice heaved a sigh. “I hate it, too.”

“You’re allowed to feel that way, you know.”

“Even though I am the demigod of death?”

“I think that’s what makes you the perfect demigod of death. If you didn’t have mercy and kindness… you’d be no different than the black tide.”

Clearly her words had surprised Castorice, but slowly, her surprise morphed to acceptance. “As always, you never fail to surprise me. I shall hold on to that.”

Stelle grinned. “Well… I should clarify that you’re almost perfect as the demigod of death.”

“Oh?”

Tears started to well in Stelle’s eyes. “Because it means you have to leave and I’m gonna miss you.”

For a moment, she thought Castorice’s eyes turned red, too. “I’m going to miss you, too.” Castorice then reached out to hug Stelle. “Forgive me, but if I may steal one last embrace…”

“Pshhh.” Stelle threw her arms around Castorice, holding her tight. “As if you have to ask.”

“Thank you, Stelle. For everything.”

“No, thank you, Castorice. For everything.”

~~~

Upon leaving the nether realm, Stelle couldn’t stop thinking about how she was going to burst through the doors to her shared room with Dan Heng, run up to him, throw herself into his arms, and hold him tighter than she’d ever held him before.

Instead, she found herself staring at the doors, hesitant to even touch them. She’d promised Castorice she would cherish the relationship she had with Dan Heng. That she’d never take it for granted.

It hurt to acknowledge that she’d been doing just that.

Stelle knew what she wanted, what she needed. This ring on her hand needed to mean more than what it already did, meaning she needed to be truthful with Dan Heng. So why was she hesitating? All she had to do was open the door and ask Dan Heng to marry her for real. It was so simple.

And she was so scared.

He's waiting for you.

With that thought in mind, she forced herself to place her shaking hands on the door. Baby steps, she told herself. Instead of a proposal, she’d say whatever came out of her mouth first. She was good at that. It was one of her many talents.

With a fortifying breath, she shoved open the doors and marched into the room.

And her ability to speak suddenly vanished. So much for her talent.

The creak of the hinges was extra loud in her ears. As was the thump of the doors closing behind her. Dan Heng was on the chaise lounge by the scrolls, book in his hand. His eyes were wide with surprise as he stared at her. “Stelle…”

Emotion hit her like a train. She now knew exactly how much damage Sunday took when Pom-pom had driven the Astral Express into him.

She lifted her hands in an almost shrug, not knowing what to do with them. “I’m alive.” Her voice cracked at the end, her lip quivering too strongly to pronounce those two tiny words clearly. She could feel her face heat from the exertion of trying to keep it together, but her vision was already beginning to swim with tears.

Dan Heng practically threw his book aside as he stood from his seat, striding up to her.

With two steps, she closed the distance between them. She’d never know who threw their arms around the other first. She only knew she shattered when he did. Fisting her hands into his jacket, she clung to him as her knees buckled beneath her. The sobs she’d been withholding clawed out of her throat, choking her in the process as rivers of tears flowed down her cheeks.

Dan Heng tightened his fierce embrace around her, yet even he hadn't the strength to keep them upright. Slowly, they sank to the floor until they were a puddle of entangled limbs.

All the emotions she’d been holding back these last fifteen days for his sake finally made themselves known in the loudest, ugliest way possible. In contrast, Dan Heng's tears slipped free in a much quieter manner. Or maybe he wasn’t all that quiet and she was just loud enough to cover them.

Stelle didn't know how long they stayed like that, Dan Heng slowly rubbing her back and stroking her hair until she settled. By the time she'd let loose the worst of her withheld heartbreak, she'd found herself cradled safely in his lap.

“Welcome back,” he finally said, his own voice breaking at the end.

She sniffed. Absently, she hoped she wasn’t snotting all over Dan Heng’s shoulder, but she really couldn’t bring herself to care at the moment. “I’m back.”

In the moments that followed, Stelle decided that any confession she had intended to say could wait. Not because she didn’t want to say anything. Not because it didn’t need to be said. Not because she didn’t cherish him enough. But rather because right now, she was alive, she was here with Dan Heng, she was home,

And there was nothing more important than that.

~~~

Stelle was struggling to keep on her brave face. Her lips and cheeks were raw from how hard she was biting them in an attempt to ground herself. By her side was Dan Heng, who was holding her hand tightly in his. It was the glue holding her together when all she wanted to do was collapse to pieces. She needed another day or two to fully pull herself back together.

But she didn't have that time, hence she marched to the Vortex with her head held high as she prepared to present Thanatos’ coreflame in Castorice’s place.

“Aglaea!” an all-too-cheery Phainon called out. “We’re back! Come welcome our great hero reborn from the ashes.”

She forced her smile to stretch wider than it should have. While she was happy to be back, the terror of having died wouldn’t let go of its icy grip on her spine. She normally ran hot, courtesy of her stellaron, but currently, she was chilled to the bone.

Aglaea looked them over, her empty eyes ironically sharp. Stelle felt like if anyone was going to notice her inner turmoil, it would be Aglaea. Part of her was terrified that a golden thread would dance its way to her and disintegrate her carefully crafted illusion.

Stay strong, she warned herself. Phainon hadn’t seemed to notice anything out of the ordinary when he’d come to collect them, and Stelle doubted Anaxa cared enough to point out anything strange. Meaning she only had to fool Aglaea and Trinnon. With her luck, Trinnon would be too meek to mention anything and Aglaea too wise to make a comment.

Thankfully, Aglaea didn’t make any remark as she looked them over. “I don’t see Castorice among your number.”

Stelle’s heart squeezed in her chest. She bit her lip, the metallic taste of blood hitting her tongue.

The silence was loud enough to answer.

“It looks like she not only helped me prove my theory,” Anaxa said, “but helped you fulfill your mission as well.”

Stelle hardly recalled how she answered. It was a struggle to keep her voice from wavering. Her emotions were all over the place, and it took everything she had to rein them in. It was a blessing when she had to submit the coreflame, her back to everyone so no one could see her smile slip. Trinnon’s chanting filled the silence, helping take Stelle mind off sad things.

But then an echo of Castorice had to appear and test Stelle’s resolve.

“Onwards, for your path to the future is bright.”

Stelle took a deep breath. That’s right. Even though Castorice’s loss stung, she hadn’t sent Stelle back to the mortal realm to mope. She’d done so for Stelle to live a fulfilling life.

I can do this, Stelle told herself. It was just enough of a steadying echo to temporarily fortify her quaking resolve.

“I suppose it’s my turn,” Anaxa then spoke.

While he shared one final conversation with Phainon, Stelle slipped back to Dan Heng’s side.

“You’re doing great,” he whispered to her.

She slipped her hand back into his and leaned on his shoulder. “Don’t make me break it.”

“Little Gray?”

At Trinnon’s voice, Stelle straightened. “What is it?” she asked, hoping her voice didn’t warble.

“It’s okay,” Trinnon said. “We all miss Cas. You don’t have to pretend for our sakes.”

Stelle felt herself sink a little, releasing the smile she was so tired of forcing. “Am I that obvious?”

“We’re so used to Little Gray being sunny that it's clear when you’re not.”

Well, that was disappointing. “Sorry. I guess… everything that’s happened…”

“You don’t have to explain,” Trinnon kindly assured. “We understand all too well what it means to lose a friend.”

While that wasn’t all that was bothering her, Stelle didn’t feel like elaborating. “Speaking of Castorice, she gave me a message to pass on to you. And Tribbie, but you can pass that on.”

“Oh?”

“She told me to tell you that Trianne was there with her. And that she’s still as tenacious as ever.”

“She is?” Trinnon’s gaze hit the ground, and she curled in on herself, her already small presence shrinking in half.

“I saw her, too,” Stelle confirmed. “I… can confirm she’s still her bright and shining self.”

For a long few seconds, Trinnon wrung her small hands together. Then, she took a deep breath before lifting her head. “Thank you.”

Knowing she would break if she tried to say anything, Stelle knelt instead, reaching forward to hug Trinnon.

And Trinnon returned the favor, clinging tightly. “Thank you for befriending her.”

“Don’t make me cry.”

Trinnon sniffed.

Ugh, dang it. Stelle felt a stray tear slip out the corner of her eye.

They stayed like that for a moment before parting. Both of them ended up wiping their eyes at the same time. The exact mirror of their actions caused mirthless chuckles to escape both of them.

“The journey goes on, right?” Stelle said.

“It does,” Trinnon agreed.

Despite being so afraid to cry, it was like half of her fears escaped with that one little tear. She wasn’t alone. Obviously, she had Dan Heng by her side, a fact she would never cease being thankful for. But she had others, too. That meager comfort strengthened the glue holding her together.

When she looked up, she noticed the others had stopped their conversation. Though, it took her a second to realize that because Dan Heng had kindly positioned himself as a shield for Trinnon and Stelle.

Stelle's heart warmed. He knew what she needed before she even did. She placed a hand on his back, both as thanks and to alert him his guard duties were no longer necessary. “Uh, sorry,” Stelle said.

“Take all the time you need,” Aglaea assured. “You’ve been through an incredibly difficult trial.”

“The titans certainly take pleasure in their tests,” Anaxa remarked. “They won’t relinquish their coreflame to just anyone, but that’s no small wonder. I suppose it is their duty to ensure only the correct Chrysos Heir is capable of taking their place.”

Though it was brief, Phainon’s expression wavered. His attempted trial with Strife proved Anaxa's words.

“Well, I suppose that’s enough of the pleasantries,” Anaxa said. “My time has come to a close. Farewell, everyone.”

There was a round of farewells, mixed in with blessings from Cerces. Absently, Stelle wondered if he actually needed them considering the titan was already housed within his body.

However, she hardly had time to ponder on it. Anaxa had approached the well, ready to submit his coreflame, but instead of simply surrendering it, Stelle watched in horror as he ripped it from his chest. Blue flames licked his body, their light dancing around the Vortex like an eerie omen as his body dissolved in a mix of blue and gold. His last laugh, one arrogant and proud, sent chills up her spine. She doubted that echo would leave her head any time soon. It was a stark reminder that his hourglass had been running out the same as hers.

But unlike her, his time had come to an end.

The painful pinpricks of goosebumps engulfed every inch of her skin, that eerie chill overtaking her entire body. Aeons, that could have been her.

Dan Heng gave her shaking hand a squeeze, a reminder that he was there by her side. That she wasn't alone. That she wasn't dead.

With her other trembling hand, she clutched Dan Heng's jacket sleeve.

There was a wave of silent horror that swept across the room. Aglaea stood tall and proud, but Trianne was cowering at Stelle’s other side, and Phainon’s gaze was locked onto the floor. Only the splash of the coreflame entering the well broke the silence.

“Forever the performer,” Aglaea spoke.

Dan Heng waited a moment for anyone else to make a comment before saying, “We will take our leave. I fear Stelle is still tired from her journey.”

Yes, please, she thought, itching to escape this horrible place. The fact Dan Heng knew, that he had a plan of escape… Stelle swore she fell in love with this man all over again.

“Yes, please get some rest,” Aglaea assured, turning to Stelle. “You’ve had a taxing time.”

“Thank you,” Stelle said.

“Before you go,” Aglaea continued. “I wanted to thank you for what you did for Castorice. She looked so happy last night.”

Ah yes. They’d run into Aglaea during their slumber party activities. Castorice had promised to show Stelle a dance, one she'd learned from the girls in the village she'd grown up in. Castorice had remarked that it was done in a circle around a fire, and Stelle wasn't going to let that detail slip. Hence, Stelle had dragged Castorice out to collect some Living Flames of Georios, only to cross paths with Aglaea in the process. “We had a good time.”

“And it looks like she returned the favor for doing her hair.”

Stelle ran her hands over her twin ponytails, tied off with golden bows. A parting gift from Castorice before she’d sent Stelle back to the mortal realm. Stelle had gotten the ribbons a couple weeks back from the chimeras she’d worked with. They’d been a thank you for her hard work, but with Stelle only just learning of her condition, she hadn’t been in the mood to do anything but kindly thank them for the gift. She’d put the ribbons away, unsure when she’d ever use them. But last night, when she had braided Castorice’s hair, she’d been thankful she had them. The gold had looked striking against her purple hair.

Now, these golden ribbons held a new meaning. Castorice had been beaming as she returned the favor and styled Stelle’s hair. Even though her hair was in a basic style—they hadn’t the time for anything as elaborate as Stelle’s work on Castorice’s hair last night—she didn’t want to remove them. “Yeah. She said I needed to take my things with me.”

“It looks good on you,” Aglaea said. “You’re glowing.”

Her heart squeezed, and her throat tightened. Stelle took a breath to steady herself. “Castorice had a message she wanted me to pass on to you. She told me she wanted to thank you for everything.”

Aglaea’s eyes softened, and in that rare moment, she no longer looked like a golden statue that led the Chrysos heirs. She appeared so very… human. “She’s most welcome for it. It’s been the greatest pleasure knowing her.”

Stelle hoped Castorice knew that. Somehow, someway.

“As a thank you for entertaining her,” Aglaea continued, “I sent someone to clean your room for you. They offered to return Castorice’s things, however, I instructed them to leave them with you. Her dromas plush... it holds very special meaning to her."

“She told me about it,” Stelle replied. “I was thinking about giving it a new owner.”

Aglaea smiled. “I think she would have liked that. There are a few other things of hers I think she would appreciate you have. I will get them to you at the proper time.”

“Uh, about that…”

“Fear not,” Aglaea continued. “Cipher will keep to her deal of eighty percent of Castorice’s things. But, she will only get that eighty once I’ve had a chance to distribute her most precious things to a select few people.”

“So you did hear that.”

Proudly, Aglaea smirked. “I have my golden threads everywhere, particularly when it comes to that particular thief. Those same threads are keeping her at bay from Castorice’s home for now.”

Of course she did. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise that Aglaea was on top of things.

“But that will wait for another day. Go rest. You’ve earned it.”

Stelle felt like she could sleep for ages. Her body ached, and she was so weary. All of the tears she’d been holding back for weeks, the ones that finally made an appearance once she’d been stitched back together, had drained any strength she’d had remaining.

But as she turned, she saw Phainon standing off to the side. Right, she had one last message. “Phainon.”

“Yes?”

“Castorice told me to tell you she wishes you the best of luck on your flame chase journey.”

He smiled, but she swore his eyes grew a little glassy. “She’s so sweet, even to the end. I wish I could have bid her off.”

“I’m sure she knows. She respects you a lot.” Maybe not as much as Mydei, but you’re up there, dude.

“I’m honored. It’s been… a privilege to know her. Now, you should go rest. I’m certain traversing the nether realm takes quite a toll on one’s soul.”

It did. And she’d like to never ever do it again.

In silence, Dan Heng led Stelle back to their room. They didn’t need to fill that silence. The way his hand held hers communicated enough.

Only once they were back at their private chambers did Dan Heng speak. “You did well.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “I’m proud of you.”

She heaved a sigh, her entire body feeling so very heavy.

Before she could collapse, his finger curled under her chin, gently tilting it upwards so she would meet his gaze. Yet, his gaze seemed to be focused a little lower. Tenderly, he brushed his thumb over her bottom lip. “We won’t be making any public appearances for a while. So you can take your time and let that heal.”

It started to quiver under his touch, her eyes beginning to burn a bit. How contradictory that his hand in hers was holding her together while his touch was tearing her apart. “Kiss it better?”

His eyes softened just enough to spark her hope. His hands found her hips, pulling her closer. Stelle came willingly, their chests pressing together she leaned against him. Then he lowered his head, indulging her in a soft, lingering touch of his lips.

When Dan Heng regretfully pulled away, it took Stelle a second to find the strength to open her eyes. She wanted time to stop, for this moment to last forever.

But time didn’t work that way, even with her titan’s power. There was only one way to get what she wanted.

“Dan Heng…” His name came to her easily. The rest of the words, not so much. “I… love you so much.”

He smiled. “I love you, too.”

“I…” I want this to last forever. I want to be your wife. I want everything.

His expression softened, and the way he rubbed slow circles on the small of her back stole the words from her mouth. “Do you want anything?” he asked. “It’s a little early in the evening, but I think an early night would be preferable. Is there anything I can get you for dinner?”

His offer made all the words clogged in her throat vanish without a trace. Maybe now wasn’t the time to reach for more. Maybe now was the time to cherish what she already had.

Tomorrow, she decided. Tomorrow, when she wasn’t haggard and exhausted from tears. Time waited for no one, but she’d just escaped the clutches of death. Surely it would wait until she had her wits about her. “I’d like that. But, I’m not all that hungry tonight.”

“Then a smaller portion?”

“I think I’d like a bath first.”

“Then, should I go get something so you can have it when you finish?”

Tempting, but she thought of something she’d rather have. “Join me?”

It wasn’t likely he’d accept her offer. He’d been keen on turning it down ever since Nikador’s trial. Of course, she knew what she’d been requesting, and never had it been wholly innocent. It had been her way of pushing the boundaries of their relationship.

And he likely knew it. That’s probably why he was the one to slow their kisses, to keep the boundaries where they were. Stelle hadn't let it bother her too much; she was happy to move at whatever pace he’d set as long as they could keep moving forward together.

Yet, as he sighed, his smile turned a hint indulgent. Like when she was digging through trash and he was exasperated but he let her because he knew it made her happy.

A hopeful spark ignited in her heart.

And then it soared when he gave her an answer. “As you wish.”