Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Aeons... Majestic, divine beings of the universe. They're powerful and just— truly difficult beings to please. All of them have a path they're bound to, as the orphanage taught us.

Having an aeon to looked upon you is a blessing itself, it means they grant you the power to wield and walk their path. Which is an impossible feat, i mean— even the strongest and smartest people I've met weren't even looked upon by an aeon. And i am no exception.

As he was dropped off aggressively, he found himself sitting at dried concrete while looking out the water where he saw a man. Floating upside down.?

'What. The heck.!?'

He decided to help the man as he immediately dived and swam the man back to safety. A few minutes later the man woke up. Slicking his brown hair to position.

"... I lived."

The man said in a quiet voice before looking irritated,

"You. Were you the one that disturbed my peaceful rest?"

'H...HUH!?'

"Hey— what do you mean!? I just saved your life! The least you could do is thank me!"

The brunette man stopped what he was doing as he pulled out what seems to be glasses and placed it over the bridge of his nose as he took a deep sigh.

"I didn't asked to be saved you know. But I suppose i should apologize for troubling you."

"Huh?"

"You see my ideal way to go is to go without any pain nor disturbance to others."

"But wouldn't the people that care about you worry?"

"... you're actually right. Hang on I'm gonna call my partner."

He pulled out a phone as he opened and dialed a number he memorizes by heart as he placed the phone to his ear.

'Maybe I should just rob him while he isn't looking... i- i would have to kill him if he doesn't comply and I don't want that! But he doesn't seem to care whether he gets robbed... AHHH WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ATSUSHI STOP THINKING ABOUT ROBBING PEOPLE.'

"Mhm. Yes, yes dear i know— why not?? I think it suits you! Ah- me old!? Excuse you i am just 2 years older than you!— wah— how rude! Here i am on my way to get that cough medicine for your ward! Okay okay geez I'm sorry please don't burn my charger how would i be able to call up on you? Okay. Sure, bye."

Before the screeching from the other line could continue, the taller man had put his phone back to still see the white haired boy meekly staring at him.

"Um..."

"Ah, are you hungry? Unfortunately my wallet is gone but i hope you don't mind if we go back to the Astral Express?"

"Astral.. Express?"

"Yeah, its this train that travels to every world to reconnect with them. All you have to do is explain yourself to the Conductor and Navigator and they'll allow you to stay with us."

"R-really.!?"

A train that travels to every world? So— they travel to galaxies?!

"Yep. Now come on, i better pick up that medicine less he'll hang me upside down again—"

"Who.?"

"The Navigator... *sigh* you might think of them as a child because of their height, but i must warn you, this Navigator was the same person that invented our machines in the express."

O-h wow-!?

Before the boy knew it, the man was already ahead, gesturing with his hand for him to walk with him.

"Ah right!"

With that the two settled on their mini journey to pick up said medicine.

•••

"Now that I thought about it, I haven't introduced myself no? My name is Dazai Osamu, and you are?"

"Ah! My name is Nakajima Atsushi, sir!"

"Atsushi..."

For Dazai, he never would have thought he'd meet everyone he remembers from the past long gone to this futuristic universe...

The two had collected the supplies from the space station as they headed straight to another area where a boy or girl? Was standing with a blazer-cape thing over on one shoulder, a corset on the waist, with a very long cape at the back that reached the floor almost, they were also wearing a black sleeveless top as the chest part had a v sweet line, crossing over from right over left. They were wearing black pants? Leggings? Something tight Atsushi guesses, as their shoes were slightly similar to boots except a bit more mechanical and longer than the normal kind. Their hair was ginger that curled around his face shaping the sharp features of his to light, as they also had a three star pin on their hair. The back hair was thin and tied with a star-band.

They looked at the incoming figure, the brunette and the albino.

"There you are! I've been waiting for so long already! Its been 2 hours!"

The brunette smiled apologetically to the shorter and prettier figure. Ah so its a male with how raspy the voice is.

"My apologies Chuuya. I accidentally found myself drifting the river banks once more but i got found by this young boy here."

The shorter's brow raised as their eyes wandered over the other. Ignoring the excuse in favor of a younger boy.

"Is this the new passenger you want to join the Express?"

"Yep!"

"He looks like he could barely pull his own weight."

Those words immediately sent a shooting meteor through Atsushi's chest at the comment, he's aware he could barely even be able to stand on his 2 feet but did he really have to point it out? The brunette just chuckled fondly at the younger's comment. Even in this universe he supposes, Chuuya will always have that inner bluntness.

"Now, now, don't insult him, he's still young and similar to me when we first met!"

The younger rolled his eyes at the brunette,

"Yeah but you were 24 years old when we first met, you were a depressed lonely man who lives in an inhabitable land."

"Ah.. i could still remember when you first dropped by my universe. You were just so surprised to learn I was still alive even after living in the stellaron ridden place as you call it. Along with the fact i got strong because of it."

"*snorts* strong is the most dumbest word i heard from you. You couldn't even counter my attacks that day."

The taller just pouted as he just looked at the younger who smugly smiled at him.

"But Chuuuuyyyaaaa!! You just summoned some sort of nuclear star out of nowhere! My laser can only destroy skyscrapers!!"

The boy was still silent even after they finished 'fighting' as the ginger stared at him.

"I better leave now. Ryuu must still be waiting for his cough medicine. Also, go change your outfit, and eat some food before you go onboard. Wouldn't want to travel space with an empty stomach no?"

"Ah- right!"

"See you two later."

The ginger left the two figures as they head onto the express.

[Inside the Astral Express...]

A girl was sweeping the floor as she looked across where the door was and saw two people enter. One a veteran passenger who she met over for the past 5 years. And a kid that seems to be her ward's age.

"Ap, ap, ap Mr. Dazai! No stepping over the floor! I just finished mopping and the floor is still wet!"

She immediately warned the man who was about to step over, until he looked down to her boots and smiled at her.

"Sorry Arisa-kun, i should have known there was a reason you decided to wear your personal cleaner shoes."

"Hmph. Do you need something? We still have a few hours before leaving."

"Yes, actually! I need some clothes from Akutagawa Ryuunosuke's wardrobe. This boy here will be a new passenger."

"I see, ofcourse Mr. Dazai, i will fulfill your request in a span of 5 minutes."

"Take your time."

The girl that was sweeping had put back the broom back to its place and disappeared off to who knows where Atsushi knows? She looked like a kid and is around barely shoulder height. But what he did noticed the most is the way Mr. Dazai talking to her with so must hidden distaste.

"Um.. Dazai-san?"

"Hm?"

"I- I don't mean anything offensive when I'm going to ask, so i hope you forgive me if it's personal but... Why did you.. well, sound um.. how do I describe this? Disgusted or hateful when talking with the girl?"

The older man just continuously stared at him, looking at the younger boy with a lot of questions as the said younger lad looked nervous. He felt like being looked at judgmentally.

"No, I am not judging your question, Atsushi-kun and it's not that personal, you're the first person who noticed my distaste and i was just surprised of how you knew. Not even Chuuya— the one you saw earlier even never noticed my hatred, tho I suppose he probably knows it and ignores it in favor of making sure all of us get along. So. How'd you know?"

The man stared curiously as Atsushi felt like a prey. Curiosity is a powerful weapon of knowledge. Can be used for negative and positive results and process. And at this, it was more negative curiosity. As if Dazai didn't want to be found out.

"Well— um..."

A little click was heard as the two looked at the door far from them. There it was the same girl carrying a folded pair of clothes it even included a box of shoes, some gloves and a few accessories? For the outfit.

She was intimidating so to say, short but terrifying is what he can probably guess. She gave him the clothes as he stretched out both hands to hold it. Before thanking her for it.

"No problem feel free to change at Mr.Dazai's cabin."

"What!? Arisa-kun what did i do to you???"

"Consider this as punishment for almost killing all of us! What were you thinking bringing a plant that kept springing pollen everywhere!? Where did you even find it!?"

"It was supposed to be a decoration!"

"But you knew what kind of plant it is and what it does don't you??? I had to clean every single corners and spots just to make sure all of the pollen are gone! Poor Akutagawa-san had to cough like some loud ass train!"

"Where did you throw the plant!?"

"I threw it out because it was my founder's orders you insolent rizzless man."

"RIZZLESS!??? MIGHT I REMIND YOU I RIZZED MY WAY TO YOUR FATHER??"

"STOP SAYING IT LIKE YOU FUCKED HIM"

"MAYBE I DID!"

"THATS IT YOU'RE NOT GETTING YOUR BED UNTIL YOU MATURE OLD MAN!"

"FINE!"

"FINE!"

The two just 'hmph' as they separated their places. With Dazai leading the teen to change in his room otherwise he'll be fully evicted to space, while the girl just continued cleaning the now dirty floor grumbling under her breath of his immaturity.

[Cabins]

"I apologize for Arisa-chan immediately sending a bad impression, she's still pissed at the fact i took home a plant."

"Right..."

The two had just continued talking while Dazai was reminiscing and Atsushi was changing.

And the sound played by the phonograph continued to play, lulling through every corner as it played.

Chapter Text

[Inside the Astral Express]...

A ginger haired man walked inside the express while assisting a black haired boy with white tips at the end of the front hair,

"Do you need anything Ryuu? Gin isn't here to assist you because she's catching up with Tachihara, you should go back to your room first and rest. I'll have Gin sleep in my room so she won't get affected by your coughing."

At the reach of the lounging area, both newcomers saw the brunette looking at his phone for any information to help the orphan. While said orphan was meekly eating on the couches, enjoying the chazuke made from the Synthesizer. The girl had nothing left to do as she was just brushing off any dust or left over pollen for that matter. She looked around and smiled as she stopped cleaning and walked forward.

"Welcome back, Sir Nakahara and Sir Akutagawa."

"Hello, Arisa, may you please guide Ryuu to his room? I have to talk with our new guest and we're in a rush while waiting for Gin."

"Yes— ofcourse, please follow me sir."

The little girl had guide the coughing boy to his room for a self quarantine as three people were left in the main express. All three were just silent as the owner of the express took a deep breath, not really excited as he looked distressed.

"Kid."

"Ah- um, yes, sir?"

"Tell me, do you perhaps know what you're getting into?"

"Um.."

"Or atleast even aware of what you're joining?"

"No... I honestly don't... all i know is that if i joined— maybe i could be of help around here and pay back the help i was given.."

"...You prick. You didn't tell a literal teen what we're facing?"

"I'm sorry.?"

The ginger haired man had looked at the younger with a straight eye, the albino one was shrinking himself deeper into the seats, intimidated by the man's aura and power.

"This thing you're joining is called Trailblazing, traveling to different universes and reconnecting with the aeon Akivili's path to every world of each aeons. Our responsibility is to stop a cancer like destruction called a 'stellaron' a dangerous thing that manifests into a world and slowly plunges it to doom, the Aeon of Destruction, Nanook is responsible for such matter. Along with the opposing side which are stellaron hunters, avoid them at all cost, wait until either Gin or Ryuu will restrain them until either Dazai or I come, or both of us."

"Yes, sir!"

He saluted while standing as the ginger before him just closed his eyes and smiled in such a serene way that when they shook hands all he felt was warmth,

"Welcome aboard the express, young one. Let's have a re-introduction shall we? I am Nakahara Chuuya, or preferably just call me Chuuya. I am the Astral Express Navigator, i overlook the stars and the universes we're in. I also like to build and travel."

"It's— its really lovely meeting you, sir! My name is Atsushi Nakajima and i'm.. 17! I like Chazuke? And my senses are really heightened so i can actually also sense a person's aura, i can tell you're absolutely kind and understanding."

"Aren't you quite the sweet talker hm?~ your room will be finished in a day, while roaming the sea of stars, you're free to do anything you want. Just make sure to clean up afterwards."

"Understood, sir!"

"Good, good... feel free to do whatever you want here, I'm gonna go out and wait for Gin."

"Yes, sir, goodbye."

The man nodded and left the express as the girl from earlier came back, and looked at him.

"If you want anything feel free to call me by name Arisa and ask."

"Oh- thank you Arisa-san!"

The girl seemed to have vanished from his sight as he turned his head and body to go to Dazai who was playing chess on his own. Deep in thought and contemplating his next move. He decided he wanted to know the world better

"Um.. Dazai-san?"

"Yes, Atsushi-kun?"

The man moved a piece as the chessboard's turn was next. Letting it take its time to make a move. Turning to the younger still standing.

"I have some questions i would like to ask..."

"What would you like to talk about?"

(The game system choice)
[About:Galaxies]
>[About:Passengers]
[About:Dazai Osamu]

Dazai:About the crew? Sure.

>[About:Passengers]
-[About Akutagawa Gin]
-[About Akutagawa Ryuunosuke]
-[About Chuuya Nakahara]
-[About Arisa Nakamura]

>[About Chuuya Nakahara]

Dazai:So you want to learn more about Chuuya? I already predicted he's probably the main attention to get to know about, but sure, other than being a Navigator, he's actually the real boss here, we only joke about Arisa being the conductor, but without Chuuya, there wouldn't even be an Astral Express. He's also the tech-y type, so if you come across any broken machines its best to ask him, anything that you want to be fixed you can just ask him.

>[About Akutagawa Ryuunosuke]

Dazai:The male Akutagawa is the older brother, he's quite the sickly child, a year older than you but a bit timid and really fierce if he wants. Tho be prepared, he's usually prickly like a space cacti when he's sicker than usual you two might get along soon who knows?

>[About Akutagawa Gin]

Dazai:Ahh Gin-chan! She's the younger sister of Akutagawa, they're both really attached to each other, and her boyfriend works as one of the chief guards at the space station. She's really quiet so excuse her if she doesn't talk to you.

>[About Arisa Nakamura]

Dazai:You want my honest opinion about her? Sure. She's a bit of a brat, childish and short tempered. However I must admit, she's a good kid, too good, she's the one protecting the Express whenever were out to prevent a stellaron from continuing its disaster. She's also the one taking care of the express cleaning any mess so Chuuya wouldn't have to worry about the maintenance of the express.

Dazai:What else would you like to know about?

[About:Galaxies]
[About:Passengers]
>[About:Dazai Osamu]

>[About:Dazai Osamu]
-[About Dazai's friends]
-[About Dazai's enemies]
-[About Dazai's world]
-[About Dazai's life]

>[About Dazai's world]

Dazai:...

Dazai:You want to know where i lived? Huh... well, alright. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to indulge your curiosity, but my world was not really normal, we had powers, or, well, abilities there is what we call it.

Unfortunately, my world met a despairing end, i was the only survivor left.. ... I hope this is enough for you, Atsushi-kun. That experience and remembering it drained me.

>[About Dazai's enemies]

Dazai:My enemies? Tsk. That woman wouldn't dare come after me. She's the kind of person waiting for fate to collide with mine. ... she already took the world i lived in. And everyday i had to be on guard to make sure our paths wouldn't cross. Less i want a repeat of the past events i endured.

>[About Dazai's life]

Dazai:My job? It wasn't that special, i was a detective in the past, quite the weird story don't you think? A detective turned into this. My past self would have been irritated at the fact we reached the age of 32.

>[About Dazai's friends]

Dazai:I used to have two best friends who lived to the very end with me. I also used to have a group of friends, family is a better way to define us by the children of our group. That's all i can still remember.

"I see... thank you very much for indulging in my questions, Dazai-san."

"I'm more surprised you didn't asked about the Aeons you know? You just seemed rather clueless."

"Well I— not really! I'm a bit aware of the otherworldly beings in the galaxy... which is why I didn't ask."

".. It's great to study young to avoid any confusion no?"

The two just chatted while the older is still playing chess, with Atsushi asking questions about how did everyone end up the express and Dazai giving a long explanation.

The express opened up its doors once again and appeared the waited guests,

"Welcome back, Gin-chan and Chuuya."

The girl a bit shorter than Atsushi had went to Dazai as she whispered something to his ear. It was fortunate that Atsushi's senses are quite sharp so he just heard her whisper her greetings as she head onto the cabins to rest. While the shorter male had now finally boarded the express. Completely.

A voice seemed to echo out of nowhere a female high pitched voiced an announcement,

"Attention all passengers! The Astral Express will now be departing from Elize Incorporation Space Station to our next destination!"

[Outside the express]

A steam of smoke made its way through the outside of the express, as the train itself started moving where the rail ways were driving to outer space.

[Back inside the express]

All Atsushi can do was stare outside the express' windows as the train passed by multiple stars, calling it a sea of stars or an ocean of them, wouldn't be enough. Varying in different lights from dimmest to brightest, colors red, white, blue, green, yellow, pink, sizes from the smallest to biggest. All the stars outside has their own destination and space.

"Wow..."

"Enjoy stargazing?"

He looked to his back and saw the Navigator himself sitting on the couch across Atsushi while closing his eyes as he felt the express move along.

"Yeah.! I always knew the universe is really vast, but it seems to be an underestimation..."

"Ofcourse it is, even i, who had traveled to a lot of worlds and saw many stars, cannot even count nor fathom the number of stars for the universe is wide and spacious."

"That's.. thats really cool..."

"It truly is... the vast space and wonders of it will never fail to bore me."

"I... want to know something— if you don't mind me asking!"

"Sure, what would you like to talk about?"

>[About Express]
[About Universe]
[About Passengers]
[About Chuuya]

>[About Chuuya]
-[About Chuuya's life]
-[About Chuuya's friends]
-[About Chuuya's world]
-[About Chuuya's experience]
-[About Chuuya's job]

>[About Chuuya's world]

Chuuya:My... world? Well, my world was inhabited by an unknown energy that wasn't a stellaron surprisingly. Hah... even to this day i still have no idea what corrupted my world..

>[About Chuuya's life]

Chuuya:You want to learn about me? My— there wasn't really anything interesting about me, i used to fight said corrupted energy that has the potential to destroy and reset all again... my life was a bit boring you know? Same old, same old... so when i found the express, I became attached to it, repaired if and left my duty back home.

>[About Chuuya's friends]

Chuuya:I used to have many friends, we were a group of 11, with my former father as the leader. I used to work in an organization with them, unfortunately they met an unfortunate end... in the end, my last meeting of them was literally me almost dying... not exactly a good reunion.

>[About Chuuya's experiences]
-[About Journey]
-[About Trailblazing]
-[About Exploration]
-[About final lesson]

>[About final lesson]

Chuuya:To live with no regrets, and to support one's decision and push them to the right tracks. As a former mentor, what i want is for my students to live as freely as possible with nothing to shackle them down.

>[About Trailblazing]

Chuuya:Following the path of Akivili, the Aeon of Trailblaze, our job is to reconnect with all the worlds like how the Aeon once did. But after death, that connection broke.

>[About Exploration]

Chuuya:Don't be afraid to venture into the unknown. We'd be there to guide you even if we don't know the unknown.

>[About Journey]

Chuuya:All journeys are like a huge feast, they all come to an end soon.

"I have no more questions"

"Feel free to sought me out if ever you want to know something."

"I will!"

A sound once again made a noise as the voice announced,

"Attention all passengers! We are about to trailblaze through our next destination! Please sit on the couches as instructed and hold on tight! It's gonna be a trippy ride!"

Atsushi gripped onto the couches as he closed his eyes, while the conductor started a countdown,

"3!"

"2!"

"1!"

And before Atsushi knew it, everything turned dark.

•••

Everything felt oddly quiet... no sounds, no.. light, no nothing.. And Atsushi somehow felt a bit at ease and at discomfort. He was venturing the dark mindscape of his, nothing to remind him of bad memories. Just, endless walking. It was peaceful, all until he felt like he bumped into something as he stumbled to maintain balance but failed to do so as the void that was stable broke and pulled him in.

Waking him up he saw other people standing, A black haired girl, Dazai-san and Chuuya-san. Discussing something with Arisa-san.

"Chuuya-san.. he's awake..."

He heard the girl whisper to the other as the shorter man went forward and checked the boy.

"Atsushi were you alright? You took quite the heavy tumble after trailblazing the light you know? Arisa had to provide you some medication for your headache."

"Right.. that happened.. thank you.."

The boy himself had drank the medicine and liquid he was given as he stood up to join in the meeting.

"Unfortunately Chuuya-san, the train was abruptly stopped by the detector! It seems we can't really leave not unless the problem is removed."

"Looks like its time for us to investigate this matter, don't you think, Chuuya?"

"Hmm.. not quite. Say Atsushi."

"Yes?-"

The ginger looked at the white haired boy as he was oozing mischief, and gradually softened as opening his mouth Atsushi decided maybe it wasn't too late to jump off the express.

"I've decided I'm going to hand this case to you, Gin and Arisa."

"WHAT?-"

It was at this moment Atsushi should have really consider about his decision, but he did want to pay the kindness he was given so... he'll take it, yeah- yeah he- he will take this case and live. Or he hopes he can still live.

Chapter Text

[Inside the Express]

"Before you set off in your journey. Remember the objective, to stop the stellaron from worsening. If you managed to do so. Leave it to me and this old man."

"Ignoring that, i have a feeling there are things that might possibly go south. Be careful in making your decisions."

The teen just nod at the oldest's words. As Chuuya looked at two teens and one child.

"Are you ready to step into the land of snow?"

>[I'm ready]

[Not yet]

"I'm ready Chuuya-san!"

"Alright then, Have fun!"

<+><+>

As the express lands onto the snowy landscape, the doors opened as the trio set out on their journey.

•••

"Brrr... it- it's freezing out here! *achoo!*"

"I don't think it's really cold Arisa-san.. and aren't you a puppet?"

"For your information Gin-san my joints are not fully attached!"

"Oh.. you still haven't fixed it.."

"I know."

While the two girls walked the path Atsushi came to a halt seeing some black thing, as he walked forward to it and took a picture.

-----------

Dazai

–Bill nye want to suicide~-

Mr.Dazai, What's this thing? 

[Shows a picture of a standing flower]

Dazai:That is a Calyx flower,

All of them come in different

forms or colors, they hold

A reward in each different calyx.

So its a reward flower?

Dazai:Yes.

Why don't you three try it?

I'll cover you from Chuuya

if you managed to score

double reward.

Sure?

I hope Chuuya-san forgives us for wasting our time.. 

Dazai:Don't worry,

He'll forgive you since this is

your first time trailblazing

[Sticker of a thumbs up bunny]

-----------

As he put his phone back to the pocket the two girls were already waiting on him as the youngest smiled at Atsushi.

"Did something caught your eye Mr.Nakajima?"

"Oh- no nothing, let's continue walking."

The trio had just continued walking until Atsushi tumbled because of the lump of snow that stood in their way. He was fortunate Gin grabbed his elbow and prevented his fall from the cold snow.

They all heard a groan as the lump started rising and they all whipped out a weapon except for Atsushi because now that he realized it, he did not have a weapon prepared.

[Inside the Express]

"I feel like i'm missing something..."

"Chuuya with how many things you've been creating even I don't know what's missing. I'm too busy keeping track of your stress making."

"And you're an asshole, really. I feel like I usually do this to people."

"Hm... offer them drinks?"

"No... something more weirder?"

"Detaching your umbrella blade and threaten people?"

"No that's for difficult people. I mean something I usually do. Like usually do."

"Okay, when does it happen?"

"I think whenever we get a new passenger?"

"Ah, Chuuya, you usually give our new passengers a weapon you've designed and created so whenever they go on a trailblaze expedition they will carry protection from the dangers of monsters."

"... Wait so that means—"

"You're pretty slow for someone who immediately creates weapons! You haven't gifted Atsushi a weapon!"

"You knew!?"

"Ofcourse i did! I was observing you to see if you're that tired! And i was right!"

"You prick! No wonder why i was designing a spear with white components! It was because it reminds me of Atsushi!"

"Now you understand!"

"I have to call them back—"

"No need~! What if we just gift Atsushi this weapon after his mission? That way he truly knows he's now apart of the express!"

"You want to test him!? Haven't i told you not to do that after what you did to poor Ryuu??"

"He's still alive you know!"

"Yeah but he got ptsd."

"... Still alive!"

"*sigh*"

[Back at the Outlying snow plains]

The trio had engaged in a combat against people known as Silvermane guards that was looking for a criminal. Which was the orange haired man they've encountered earlier.

"We don't even know him! We swear!"

"Alright then. Let's say I believe you, what is your objective then?"

The captain of the guards, namely John Steinbeck, asked his arms crossing over as the men were pointing their guns.

"Our main objective is to get to a city and talk with a leader about the never ending snow—"

"Believe us, sir, we don't want to cause harm to your city. We just want to help end the problem! We're trailblazers and our duty is to help every world with the crisis circling around the main destruction."

"Alright then. I will take you to the city, but don't think you're off the hook. You've came to this lands, hide a criminal and even so acting suspicious. I'm afraid i might have to arrest you for it if the supreme guardian told me so."

"That's fine we'll do it."

"Alright then. Follow me."

While following the guards and their captain they came to a halt as the blizzards started to disappear, standing at the top they can see the entirety of a city surrounded by walls with the center having a huge space.

"This is it. Welcome to Belobog."

"It's so huge!"

"Our makers, the Architects created the barriers to prevent the cold from extinction for us. For 700 years ever since."

[Inside the city].

"Don't stray too far from me."

All three nodded as they followed the man from behind with guards following them to prevent their escape. Meanwhile, the citizens were whispering to each other about never to be seen guests wearing odd outfits and being brought in by the silvermane guards.

[Qlipoth fort]

"But Supreme Guardian Fitzgerald! Please listen to me! The underground shouldn't be barricade the possibility of us having no where to run if the winter overcomes our barriers is a huge risk for the citizens! And—"

"*sigh* Silent. Louisa. Have some faith in my judgement. The cold wouldn't reach the city. Not for as long as the creations of the architects still live on."

*knock* *knock*

"Supreme Guardian Fitzgerald i have brought in 3 guests that wish for an audience with you."

The door opened as a blonde walked in with the three guests, one a short a girl with green scheme, a black haired girl wearing white and a white haired boy. Hm...

"We'll talk later Ms.Louisa. For now i have to entertain some guests."

"... Yes Supreme Guardian Fitzgerald."

The girl timidly left but not before looking at the guests as she exited the office. The supreme guardian smiled at the young blonde,

"Thank you for bringing them, Steinbeck. You may also leave."

"Yes Supreme guardian."

The blonde had also left, there were just four people in the room, a man standing with authority and three different people with different reactions.

"So... what do i owe to you for this meeting to happen. Dear guests?"

It was at this moment, the kind words offered to them felt more colder. As cold as the blizzard can be. Atsushi thinks he's the only who realizes the man's reaction. Along with Gin. While Arisa only stayed oblivious to the cold tension.

Chapter Text

"First before we proceed with our meeting, allow me to introduce myself, I am Francis Scott Fitzgerald. The Supreme Guardian of Belobog. And i would be more or so delighted if you can tell me as to why you have come."

The man started off smoothly as he gave them a smile that shouted 'authority' so much it made Atsushi's inner self shrink due to its superiority. Forgive him but he easily submits to fear if anyone stands in front of him holding so much confidence, power and control. Not only that, Arisa, the youngest one in their group had also decided to boldly radiate an energy almost similar to Chuuya's.

"We want to help you, Mister Supreme Guardian!"

Atsushi just looked at her, waiting for the next sentence relating about the problem, only to deadpan when she forgot what she was going to say because she can't remember. Gin sighed at this behavior as if used to it, Arisa is suited for anything because of her terrifying knowledge regarding offense, defense and especially cosmology. However she is incredibly forgetful so it leads to awkward situations. Such as this for example.

The Supreme Guardian patiently waited as the girl with black hair continued for her.

"What my companion means to say is, We came here for something called a stellaron."

"A Stellaron?"

"Objects that fell out of the blue on multiple separate words. Their appearance spells disaster, Many worlds we have visited suffered from its effects."

Gin took a moment to reconsider the choices of her words, as she looked at the Supreme Guardian eye to eye,

"Your General mentioned how for seven hundred years, Belobog has been protected by those walls, yes?"

"That is correct..."

"During our walk to your office, he mentioned about how there was an invasion caused by the Antimatter Legion, Soon after their arrival, the planet had been suffering from the Eternal Freeze. During that time, the phenomenon known as 'Fragmentum space corrosion had began to occur. Correct?"

"Correct once again."

Atsushi decided to join in since Arisa told him about general knowledge about the stellaron. Where and who it came from.

"The Stellarons were casted by the Aeon of Destruction."

Arisa, finally remembering what was she was supposed to say, continued for Atsushi,

"Thus the reason for the Stellaron and Antimatter Legion to show up together! Worlds seeded with Stellaron give birth to Fragmentums. For the Eternal freeze... it's caused by the Stellaron, leading your environment to continue whirling blizzards outside the walls!"

Catching up on his seniors(listen, he means that they're more experienced— he knows they're younger than him), he continued,

"The Eternal Freeze is a product produced by the Stellaron. They bring about different kinds of disaster on different worlds, and in every world that has a stellaron is able to give birth to the Fragmentums!"

"Well in other words, you can just see us as... um.. kind hearted interstellar public servants! Lending a free hand to the worlds affected by a stellaron!"

'Even though it's my first time on this mission—'

The Supreme Guardian gave it some thought as he looked at the outsiders from beyond.

"Your analysis of the current circumstances of our world is correct, We have indeed suffered from these disasters you speak of, some of which prove vexatious even to us to this day... but why should this be your concern?"

The younger ones simply stared at the Supreme Guardian who rejected their help. And only at that time, Atsushi felt like something was wrong. But he couldn't place what was wrong while having a discussion with the Supreme Guardian.

"Even if this disastrous Stellaron you speak of did bring disaster to this planet, I fail to see its connection with you. I truly don't believe anyone would go through such lengths to help a world unrelated to them— less they have something to gain."

Gin, the ever calm one in many situations (minus if her brother is sick or in danger), chose the selection of words to use since talking with someone with a high status is like walking on thin ice. One wrong word and you'd have the whole battalion after you.

"You're indeed correct Sir, we did not come here for an entirely pure selfless reason, if we do not seal the Stellaron, then we cannot be able to leave this planet."

"Let us help you, Sir!"

"Yeah! FYI it's also our duty to do so, please help us locate the Stellaron!"

Though the Supreme Guardian still looked a bit unease, he relaxed upon hearing the next words.

"If we can get rid of the Stellaron, Your planet will be able to flourish once more!"

"You.. know how to seal something destructive?"

The trio looked at each other, already feeling victorious at convincing the Supreme Guardian.

"We have the relevant means to do so."

The Supreme Guardian had nodded his head,

"Very well, i believe you. If the Eternal Freeze is caused by this so called 'Stellaron'. Then your arrival is the very hope the city had been awaiting for the past seven hundred years. I am willing to expand my subordinates to search further more about the location of the Stellaron."

Looking outside, the day had dimmed down, the Supreme Guardian looked at the three guests from beyond,

"It's getting late and you must have been tired. I will arrange for you to stay in our most prestige hotel, rest and get a good night sleep. Tomorrow noon, i will send someone to escort you three here so we can continuously discuss this urgent matter in greater detail."

"Thank you, Sir Supreme Guardian."

"It should be me thanking you, visitors beyond the sky."

"We'd like to take a look around— if you don't mind!"

"Why of course, you are our honored guests, you are free to roam the streets of Belobog. Since i too need some time to think further more about this disaster, I will also recover any information that can relate to the Stellaron. Please excuse me if i can not escort you any further."

The Guardian had turned his back to face the window in deep thought, while the trio were walking towards the door, Atsushi paused and looked back at the blonde man. He can't shake off the feeling something was wrong. But he didn't do anything and left the room with the other two.

"Of course, I understand. Do not fret, i have a way."

[Administrative District]

"It seems the Supreme Guardian holds you in high regards. I have received orders that you can freely move without having be watched by the Silvermane Guards. Have a good stay here, Travelers from beyond."

"Thank you very much Captain Steinbeck."

"Not a problem. I'll leave you to it."

The man left as the trio had decided to check out the places. And some alleys, Atsushi himself separated and promised to meet the others after roaming around to search for possible escape plans.

[Back at the Parlor Car]

Two adults currently were staring out the window, the view gave them an almost clear view of the cold planet as the younger had a hand on his hip, while the older stared down at the planet.

"I'm starting to think i made a decision error of sending them to this mission. Especially for Atsushi."

"You do realize even the other children when they first joined never even know what a stellaron is."

"Yeah but when we found them all of their worlds were infested with a stellaron. A stellaron always leaves a faint mark on those that were exposed to it. That faint mark will deepen if the exposure became too long. Just like Gin's. But it's rather thankful that she and her brother were born with resistance that not even the cancer itself can affect them fully yet. Unfortunately Gin is still a human. And has been exposed to the dangers far more longer due to mistreatment."

(My hc About stellaron since it is a literal cancer. You get this faint lines at first on the hands or feet.)

"The stellaron will just continue stirring trouble. The worst case we deal with after sealing the stellaron permanently is the irreversible damage it brought. No matter if we stopped the crisis from worsening if the damage has been far long gone then it's done. There is nothing we can do. Just like.. she. We have no choice but to seal her if the day ever comes."

The older said in a dark voice as he remembers similar occurrences in the past, while Chuuya can just pat on his arm, sighing at the man's dark nostalgia.

"Which is why i still exist. I'm still here to find an answer you know? And Mori-san will turn you immortal if you let something bad happen to me."

The brunette just chuckled as he placed his other hand on the former's hand.

'In the past where Mori never cared for a singular life. This universe grants me a chance to see even the cruelest man turning into a welcoming boss. I'm... glad..."

"Ahh Mori-san is just so cruel! He's not your dad is he!?"

"No he's not."

"Phew! I thought he was, with how much he's been asking me to talk with him privately! He's been telling me to make sure you get back to the station safely, to take care of the express if your on an expedition, to handle any mess... such a demanding in-law!"

"Maybe he's telling you to actually clean your mess. You've been leaving that duty to Arisa even tho I already made a schedule."

"But-"

"Yosh, yosh, That's enough grandpa you're already having a stroke its time to rest."

[Administrative District]

After a full day on exploring Belobog they went inside the Grand Goethe hotel as they were handed keys with their own rooms. And with that they all separated for the night.

Atsushi looked around the room and found many interesting things from it. He found a closet. His mind tempting to get inside in the closet or go to sleep. Thinking he can just get in the closet in the morning, he climbed to his bed and slept on it. Dead tired to consider taking off his shoes. And once he fell into a deep slumber, he was having dreams.

In his vision, he could see a young blonde figure who looked a bit out of it, he looked like he was going to break as he was on the ground, hyperventilating. What Atsushi realized was that the room looked like an office.

"Fitzgerald..."

A voice made its appearance murmuring the name into the panicked stricken blonde, who looked up and moved his eyes from left to right, and at any angle available.

"Wh— who are you.? .. What are you..? What do you want from me.?!"

"We are allies... allies of past guardians through generations..."

"Generations..?"

"To.. rebuild this... dying.. world..."

The blonde had put down the ears that covered his ears as he heard the next words. Eyes a bit widened.

"To help... you.. achieve yo...ur.. wish..."

"My... wish..."

And before he can continue listening in. A knock is being heard, loudly banging at the door.

On the first night of his trailblaze expedition, he couldn't sleep as soundly and peaceful unlike in the express. It wasn't because he got comfortable with the express, but due to the fact that there were a bunch of troops making loud ass noises.

Should— should you go outside and investigate?

>[Open the door]
[Stay inside]

Chapter Text

>[Open the door]

Atsushi opened the door as he was greeted by Arisa and Gin looking ahead just as concerned.

"It seems our escorts are here.."

"Yeah, but, they don't look too welcoming.."

"I wonder what's going on..."

The three of them had agreed to check out the noise as they went outside, only to be met with a lot of Silvermane guards, Captain Steinbeck and a girl— who they saw that talked with the Supreme Guardian, hiding shyly behind the man.

"Freeze and face your punishment! By the order of Supreme Guardian Fitzgerald, you three are arrested for a crime against the Supreme Guardian!"

The blonde yelled looking on the three outsiders who suddenly stance theirselves to fight, One with a glaive, high quality metal, and a ton of energy, one with a mystic fan, that circled the figure as they have their monocle on the eye with an aim target lock, and the last one having nothing but his bare fist after he learned he actually punches real hard.

Right immediately the guards formed a circle with their guns at them, the head walking towards the trio.

"How dare you try to form a plan and overthrow the Supreme Guardian? You outsiders have nothing but trouble and i knew it."

The captain's eyes narrowed at the outsiders, pointing his finger, he ordered,

"Cease the outsiders at once!"

Then their little fight began as all of them evaded the Guards shootings, Atsushi himself had been up and running towards a few guards, knocking the guns out of their hands by throwing it away somewhere, Same went with the duo holding the weapons, Gin's reaction were rather fast as each bullet that tried to shoot her or any of her companions were immediately blocked by her glaive as she expertly deflected the bullets. Arisa was also making a quick work out of the guards by using her fan, as her aim was precise enough for her to also knock every gun far from the guards hands all the while deflecting the bullets to shoot it near the guards. (Although a few almost hit Atsushi, thankfully Gin as said above protected her companions.)

They didn't want to hurt anyone, that much was obvious, if they did, they would easily be more of a threat and if that happened, they wouldn't be able to find the Stellaron any quicker and the world might forever be destroyed due to said cancer.

The trio had made quick work out of the last guards as Gin hold the bottom part of her spear— and use the tip of it to sweep the enemies feet while grabbing Arisa's hand and running first. Atsushi had punched one of the guards real hard as he followed the two women to run. A mirroring portal had made its place as they decided to risk it all and jump in.

When the only guards were pointing their guns at the outsiders, they triggered their weapon only to look at it and realized ice was covering the bullet's outing.

The Captain had walked forward to the portal with the girl behind him. The remaining standing guards looked at their superior.

"Captain Steinbeck, Commander Alcott, what shall we do?"

"Hm... please— let me handle the outsiders myself, maybe this time.."

"Understood, Commander Alcott. I shall station myself back to my grounds for more incoming Fragmentum monsters."

"Ofcourse!— Captain Steinbeck, I shall leave you to it."

The man nodded as he left casually to another direction.

[Backwater pass]

The trio were panting as even Atsushi drop to the cold ground catching his breath.

"We— we actually escaped?— wait– does that mean we're wanted criminals now.!?"

Gin straightened her body and look down at Atsushi, nodding her head at his words,

"It seems so... But our escape was naught but a lucky one. We should be more careful for our next escape."

Now that the guards are gone, it gave Atsushi time to think of his companions and what he thought of them. He looked at Gin as he watched her pressing something on her wrist screen trying to search for something.

'Dazai-san said Gin-san is really quiet and doesn't talk much.. yet... she seems to be the leading voice that managed to guide us into talking down the Guardian...'

He then looked at Arisa as the girl took off her monocle and rubbed her right eye to stop the itch as she also sneezed due to the cold and Gin gave her a 'bless you'.

'He also said Arisa-san had a low temper and acts childish, and a brat apparently... maybe he didn't really work with them that much? But for the childish part.. isn't Arisa-san a literal child? Or maybe she's older than she looks?'

The two women were waiting for him as he dusted off any snow that stuck to his outfit,

"Are you okay, Atsushi?"

Gin asked as he seemed to finally realize that she was also using a voice changer? To make her voice more loud and clear. Her mask still on her face as her gray eyes glinted with a bit of silver purple had looked to him waiting for him to explain.

"Ah— it's nothing Gin-san, really! It's just— i never expected for the mission to fail... i wonder what changed the Supreme Guardian's mind is all..."

"It's understandable to wonder why Mr.Nakajima, but for now we need to like– move, right now, Gin already has an escape route for us so all we need to do is head towards it so we can buy more time."

"Right, right, sorry for that.."

The trio walked down the stairs and made a turn only to be greeted by a locked gate. Gin reached forward and opened its lock as the gate opened and they went in. Making more turns as while walking, they stopped when they noticed the youngest stopped first.

"What's wrong, Arisa-san?"

Atsushi asked as the girl was peeking over the closed gate at the corner.

"There are guards stationed nearby... we should be careful not to alert them.."

"They must have sent them from another direction to cut off our escape from other directions..."

"Agh... why would the Supreme Guardian suddenly decide to arrest us while we were asleep.?! That cheeky woman.!"

"Hmph. I guess our instincts were correct about her."

"Wait, you two also knew?"

Atsushi asked the two who were also whispering,

"Of course we did. Trailblazers are accustom to danger a lot of times, so we had to sharpen our awareness and senses so we can't be surprised much. What I'm thinking is, why now. This place is locked down due to the growing fragmentum monsters taking place."p>

The older girl stated while they took another corner, and fought a fragmentum monster before they turn to another corner once more while whispering.

After what seems to be almost 2 hours of walking, they came across another locked gate and opened it.

Just as they entered a shooting was heard as Gin once more summoned her weapon and deflected the bullet while pulling Arisa behind her back.

"Captain Steinbeck really did manage to capture us... even set up an ambush."

An unfamiliar voice made its way as loud clicking from the heels they were wearing also made an appearance.

"I'm sorry to inform you, however it was not Captain Steinbeck that set up this ambush."

Having light brown hair and light green eyes, she had an overcoat over her shoulder, white overall outfit with a long skirt that protected her legs from the cold,
She was also holding a book as the girl from before pushed aside the shyness she had to make a plan that stopped the outsiders escape.

"Though this place had suffer and been affected by the corrosion, it is still a part of the city, and our home, Belobog. The Guards know this place like the back of their hands."

Her eyes slightly narrow as well, as the guards ready their weapon to fight.

"Enough with the cat and mouse game, drop your weapons and come with me."

The trio had also readied their weapons as the two women seemed to just, ready to go and kill the guards around. For almost shooting them.

"You're serious about this!? Just what kind of crazy plan and crime did we commit!?"

"My only orders from the Supreme Guardian is to arrest you, outsiders. It is for the adjudication panel to present you with the nature and penalty you must receive for your crimes.."

Gin scoff at that statement while Atsushi clenched his fist due to that comment, seriously, what kind of crime did they even do? Were they framed?

"You saw us yesterday, Lady Commander,
Sir Fitzgerald received us as 'Honor Guests'. How can such a drastic change have occured in the span of one night?"

"...The Supreme Guardian had investigated your backgrounds. He summoned me and told me of your deceitful lies. Your identities and purpose here are counterfeit, he told me you seek to overthrow the rule of the Architects."

"Wow... so he's not just a two faced hag.. but also a lying type!? People can't be trusted these days for real..."

"Publicly insulting the Supreme Guardian has also been added to your crime list. Elevating its seriousness more. Guards, cease them at once."

"Yes, Commander Alcott!"

[Entering Combat...]

All three separated from their spot to take on what they can handle, The older one punched the guards holding spears, eventually using the weapon against the guards as he knocked them out the best he could, the older female was using her glaive to knock the guns out of their hands and kicking them away from it, carefully maneuvering the weapon to prevent severely hurting the attackers, the youngest attacked a couple of guards planning to ambush the older teammates she has. She threw a few of them away from their weapons.

They were handling it with a bit of struggling as they defeated majority of the guards. The youngest had flung the last guard towards the brown haired girl as she surprisingly caught the guard with ease by herself.

"Lady Alcott.!"

"I'll handle them on my own, gather up any guards and send a few of them to watch over their escape way."

"Yes, Lady Alcott."

The fight with the Commander was surprisingly more difficult, she was a tough opponent they'll admit it. But they all were tired from fighting the guards, it was a surprise they survived this far.

"She's— She's surprisingly really strong.! Hey, Gin? Maybe its time for you to, I don't know, use your secret strength.!?"

"... Youngest first."

"You're seriously sometimes a killjoy."

Atsushi just stared at the two with confusion as the woman they fought raised her shotgun at them ready to restrain their escape.

"You three will be guaranteed a fair trial to make your claim and—"

A cloud of smoke was making its way as small puffs of it knocked the guards out and a voice with so much playfulness made its place on the scene.

"Ooh... yeah I'm really sorry for ruining your intense moment going on but—"

Several grenades were tossed to their direction and exploded on their own, leaving the remaining ones standing cough a lot,

"What... what is the meaning of this.?"

The commander coughed, covering her nose with her arm as even with her glasses, she struggled to see anything with the clouds of smoke covering her vision.

Meanwhile the Trailblazers were also struggling to breath. Arisa cough the loudest, Gin cough the harshest and Atsushi cough the worst.

The main character of his story could only see as shoes were walking towards him as he closed his eyes and before passing out, he heard a voice.

"I have something to say."

"Mark Twain never lets friends who've helped him to come to harm."

"I say what i mean, and i mean what i say."

•••

Chapter Text

"They'll suffer... sacrifice and die. All because of my orders."

It.. is... not death that... greets them... but, the promise of an infancy of the new world... a new... liifeee...

"What of the underworlders? They will lose the protection of The Architects! They'll see me as a Tyrant..."

You have witnessed the world we have promised...

A temporary misunderstanding for an eternity of prosperity... we will honor your decision...

"..."

"I... Understand. Proceed."

[Parlor Car]

Two adults are still watching over the planet, currently identifying any more info regarding World Jarilo-VI. A few holo screens in front of them as they organized each finding into a systematic placement.

When a cough took their attention as they turned their heads to face the new passenger.

"Where is *cough* *cough* Gin?"

"Ryuu, How are you feeling?"

"A bit... hotter still.."

"That's understandable, you were given medicine that might come with the side effect of sickness. It'll be gone for two days."

"I see... but, where is Gin and the Conductor?"

"Ah, you must have been a bit drowsy that moment Ryuunosuke, the train is currently on delay due to the Stellaron inside the planet we're in front of. We sent the two on a Trailblaze mission along with a new passenger."

"A new passenger, Dazai-san?"

"This old man recruited an orphan, so it was understandable you didn't really notice him. He's around the same age as you if you're wondering."

"... Is there anything i can help with?"

The boy asked, as the the ginger gave him a spare holo screen as well so he can help.

"Normally i would tell you to rest, but you'd just worry yourself to sickness, so here— we're gonna need you to summarize our findings. You can just write out the important parts we have gathered. All of the information we sought are in front of the holo screen you're holding, unfortunately we have yet to figure out any traces regarding the Aeons about it."

"With my limited resources and knowledge about the upper outer beings, i can only conclude it down to guesses and well, timeline management. *sigh* so much work~"

"Dazai, I'm gonna need you to stop complaining until at least for the next five planets after Jarilo-VI."

The younger male looked at the screens in front as he started typing in the title of the report, 'Stellaron Placement ####, Jarilo-VI'

"I will finish this by the end of the day, Chuuya-san and Dazai-san."

The two adults smiled at the younger teen with a grateful, and tired smile,

"Thank you for the hand Ryuu."

All three continued their work as they compared their findings and information, and continuously tried to get more detail of the World so they can put it in the Data Bank.

[Unlocking new area:Boulder Town]

Where... am i?

"*sigh*, come on, those toys of yours aren't that dangerous, Mark."

"Okay then, explain why he hasn't woken up yet, hmm??"

"Because he's sound asleep, you have two ears, surely you can hear him sleep talking. Poor kid, he sounds like he's having a nightmare."

Who's talking? Where is he? Did they escape the Silvermane Guards? Wait— where is Gin and Arisa!? Oh no, what if he was the only one that escaped!?

"Tell me the truth this instant, Mark— What are you planning to do with the overworlder girl?"

"*scoffs* What am i gonna do about her? Why, Wait for the opportunity and send her back right up the overworld of course! And— hey, what's with the look!?"

"You're losing your touch when lying with me, Mark."

"I— okay! Okay! I didn't really mean to bring the overworld girl along alright!? The smoke was too dense— I was in a daze! And before i knew it- I already dragged the overworld girl here, underground."

... should he— should he wake up? Maybe not yet, it'd be rude to interrupt, but then again it'd be rude to eavesdrop... ahhh he can't decide can't he? What if he gets hit on the head if he wakes up? He could still hear two voices talking, a woman and a man— Mark, was it?

"—And, if its the whole attention of Golden Time you want, then you're going about it the right way."

"Hey now! My primary concern is taking care of thy friends! These fellas scratched my back. How could i ever live in peace and myself if I don't scratch theirs?"

A pause as Atsushi internally deadpanned, Talking to his self he said,

'You just forced us to scratch your back what do you mean-'

""—Another thing! You know it more than me that my instincts are never wrong when i tell you that i have a feeling these guys will come in useful for the Golden time, you never know~!"

"Which is why you've set them loose in the underground? Real mature of you, Mark."

"Accidents happen, doctor! I'll have them all rounded and tied up as soon as possible!"

"*sigh* That girl... be sure to get her back as soon as possible like you said, don't let her out of your sight. The underground has already been sealed off for over a decade. The children don't even know or remember what overgrounders look like, If a girl in some fancy overalls with the insignia of the Silvermane Guards shows up.. What would Golden Time do with her? What would they do with you?"

"*sigh* Alright, alright! I get it! I'm setting off now, I'll have to trouble you into watching over them while i'm gone, madam."

Through barely opened eyes, Atsushi caught sight of a brown haired? Ah no it was ginger more like it seems, ginger haired man, walking away towards the door, while a girl with brown hair and curls that framed her face, wearing a professional outfit that still held resemblance to a dress, looked at him as he took a moment to adjust.

"Look's like you're awake now, child."

"Um... i'm sorry, but— who are you, miss?"

"I am Margaret Mitchell, That child you saw that walked right out is Mark Twain. Are you feeling any symptoms?"

"No.? I think i'm feeling fine actually.. but uh, may i know what happened?"

The woman— Margaret looked at the teen as she only gave him a brief rundown about the event that occurred earlier before they were brought down.

The girl— Louisa Alcott, or Fitzgerald, daughter of the Supreme Guardian, she had always been an excellent strategist and carries the orders of her father with no hesitation and a bullet pointing to you with no exception. Your good friend or 'pal' Mark, arrived just in time to save you and your buddies! But... it would have been a bit better if he didn't knock you and the rest out with a bunch of smoke bombs made from... questionable ingredients.. in your processing stage, you came to a realization that no, you were not tied up nor in danger, but instead on a bed somewhere to a degree— this tells you that no, Trailblazer you're safe, and you have full confidence that your travel partners are also safe too. However.. you might need to ask Miss Margaret in front of you for more details.

"Well, from what Mark told me, he had actually been keeping an eye on you and your two friends, you all had faced off an entire horde of Silvermane Guards and fought both their captain and commander. It's rather plausible given your circumstances of being wanted from the overworld, still, you're not allowed to leave. Your body is still weak not only from the cold from above but also from the heavy damage you've caused to your body. The only reason why you haven't yet felt it all in due to your adrenaline rush. That and an unexplainable healing process your body did."

"Ah- ah... thank you, Miss Margaret. But, may i ask where did my friends go.?"

"For your younger friend, she's just outside, as for the other... she left much earlier without telling anyone where she went. But i assume she's safe."

"Oh..."

"I have to check on the other patients now. Rest up a bit and then you can leave."

"Yes Miss..."

[Parlor Car]

The three people had finally finished collecting every data available regarding the world where a Stellaron is planted, they went back to what they were all doing, Dazai playing chess by himself, Chuuya who was finishing the final design for the white spear he had built, and Akutagawa who is resting in his room.

"Dazai."

"Yes, Chuuya?"

"Based on your time predicament. How much more time do they have before the Stellaron takes effect?"

"Believe me when i say things are all going according to plan."

"And who's going to be the star of the show?"

The brunette man stopped playing as he turned to the navigator who only glanced at him but his fingers still working on the design expertly. Dazai smirked as his eyes became nothing but dull brown as he picked up his piece and ended it with a checkmate.

"Atsushi."

When Atsushi left the clinic, he looked around the place and found it... in a poorer state than the overworld, it was like as if the people above were prioritized, but the people below were left to falter. At the very far was a large machine glowing light, by the state of it... Atsushi guesses its been there for a long time. The buildings had seen better days, they weren't as polished as the buildings above, and there were many dumpsters, trashcans, ores(?) and lots and lots of boxes.

He wanted to find either of his friends so he turned to a corner for a bit and soon found one of his friends from far away. He paused for a bit as he watched Arisa talking to a bunch of children that were a bit shorter than her.

'Arisa's over there... i'm glad she's alright, but... where's Gin?'

He continuously walked towards the small group as Arisa turned her head a bit to see Atsushi, she waved and smiled at him while he stopped walking to face her.

"Atsushi! I'm so glad you woke up! You breathed in a loooooot of smoke! How are you doing?"

>[Fine]
[Where's Gin?]

"Where's Gin? And is she doing alright?"

"Ah... straight to the point, I don't know where she is as well, she woke up much more earlier than the two of us, i didn't really understand how she coughed since she was wearing a mask, but my guess is those smoke bombs must have a lot of weird ingredients if even the mask she wore wasn't enough to block the smell and sight of it. She's doing alright since i heard from the doctor she breathed in less smoke which is why she left earlier."

Another thing Atsushi noticed is how Arisa... talks, a lot, he doesn't mean it in a bad way! It's just she easily gets distracted from the question and answers in a paragraph instead of a sentence, Atsushi is curious because people usually answer shortly that relates to the question.

"That... wasn't really what i asked, but thank you for answering."

"Oh no, did I talk a lot again?"

"Ah— no, no! It's just–"

"Aiya... i knew I should have practiced answering in more short answers."

"No, i promise it's- it's alright Arisa-san! If you're more comfortable answering with explanations it's alright! It's a habit isn't it?"

"Mhmm, that's right, no matter what i do i just can't really stop talking— i mean, i do stop talking! Just– sometimes.. I don't like the silence of myself. It makes me feel empty and creeped out by the feeling of hearing nothing too much, so by talking a lot i drown whatever i hear inside. Even if there are a lot of people talking i can only focus on the nothing inside me.."

"Then it's alright! I'm just curious since well, from what I remember when walking to the Supreme Guardian's office, Gin said that you're not really used to not talking, that you forget some words to say, so she usually talks more so you can continue
and i think its alright!"

"Hello!!! We're still here!"

The two of them looked to the three children, one with a big ushanka like hat, was smiling and hands on their hips and the other two just staring at them.

Atsushi just looked at the children, when Arisa told him, that they would help them with the Underground to know more about it, IF they win against the kids in a game of... Hide and Seek!

Atsushi looked dumbfounded as Arisa sighed at him,

"I know it's a bit dumb considering it would have been better if we played some tag or so, but the children challenged me alright! I have a competitive streak! And—"

"What- what's hide and seek?"

"WHAT."

Chapter Text

"What do you MEAN you don't know hide and seek!?"

"It's- it's exactly what it means! I never played a game like that okay?!"

"It's already in the name! HIDE AND SEEK. Oh for the love of Akivili— I'm sorry but do you mind waiting for me to talk with my friend? He- he's a little bit lost right now after waking up."

The three children only looked at each other, the girl— who is supposedly the leader, nodded at the brunette,

"Okay! But you better hurry up! The Moles time is very precious!"

"Yeah! Precious!"

Repeated a boy who has hands placed on his hips, while Arisa led Atsushi to another spot to explain to him what it's all about.

After 3 minutes, they came back as the group of children who were still standing.

"Okay! My friend now understands what we're going to be doing and he wants to join as well! Can he play with us too?"

"Uh... sure! But you guys are seeking!"

The child declared before a boy tugged onto the sleeves of his 'boss' whispering to her, as Atsushi felt a bit offended.

"...Boss! They don't seem very smart, why don't we do a practice first?"

"You're right Marcus! Okay, let's do a practice one first! I'll hide and you two should find me!"

Both teens or older ones didn't really want to waste time as of now considering the planet's life is on the line and the fact they're wanted, but... if they want to know more about the underworld's in and out, along with Gin's location, he'll spare a few minutes.

"You kids think you're better than us, huh... alright then, just you wait and see!"

The brunette turned to the older as she reminded him,

"Remember Atsushi, when you seek one of them, you just catch them!"

[Objective:Find the concealed kid to complete the practice]

you tried your best to calm your friend down, but it seems her competitive streak is not letting her chill down, but... you decided to help her, it's petty but those kids just started taunting you two! And you won't stand for it! It's time to teach those children that harsh reality of the adult world...
By using your precise and accurate senses, teach those kids a lesson!

And within a few minutes, you and Arisa found the leader of The Moles.

"This- this is just practice! You'll see the real challenge!!"

"Oh really? Bring it on!"

"Hehe! You guys have to find all three of us!! Count to fifty!"

The leader said as Atsushi felt like he had to stop this right now because what if the children were lying?— he's had... unpleasant experiences with those kind of children... acting innocently but then run away once you fulfill their request with nothing in return.

"Arisa-san maybe we shouldn't indulge them any further—"

"No, no, Atsushi, believe me when i say, we got this! And incase if they lie— so what? That means these children are dumber than we intended to know. I was just humoring them."

"Wait, you were what?"

"Hey! Are you two having another secret talk?"

"No, of course not! We're counting to fifty now, see! One.. two.."

And the moment she started counting the children left to hide, giving them more time to speak this time without any distraction.

"Finally. As i was saying, I already have a few guesses on where Gin actually is! But.. there's a chance those guesses will be wrong, why am i and you out here then? Playing with the kids when we can just be searching for Gin? I was just bored."

"Ah- bored?"

Atsushi thought the reason why she was humoring them is because she's enjoying playing with the kids. Well in a sense, it's true, but she was humoring them because she was bored?

"Yeah, I don't usually get enough fun since I only went Trailblazing with either Chuuya-san a few times and he always lets me do something fun after the mission, and Dazai-san doesn't want me running off, says that i'm too hyperactive and my awareness focus is a bit lacking. I went Trailblazing with Gin-san at least thrice, and for Ryuunosuke-san just once. I never really had a trailblaze experience where i get to have fun DURING a mission."

"But that's..."

Now that he thinks about it, he could see where the experienced Trailblazers are going, wanting to seal the Stellaron immediately to stop its effect from destroying a planet (like right now). But then again, he can see where Arisa stands, like a kid, she just wants to have fun. He barely had any time to know her during the first time he set foot on the express—

"And that's our cue to find them!"

"What?-"

"C'mon Atsushi, let's find them!"

And with that, the two Trailblazers set off on their little quest to find the three children.

[Strayed too far]

"Come back, Atsushi! Those children know better than to stray THAT far!"

They managed to search for the leader first, who tried to run away but was forced to be stopped by Atsushi's voice that nearly sounded like he was roaring.

"Don't run! We got you now, little boss!"

"N-Not fair! I'm the boss of The Moles! How can I lose to a bunch of villains!"

The younger girl raised her two arms in a across to protect herself,

"Do you worst.! I'm not afraid!"

Both teens just sweat dropped by the child's dramatic line,

"What.. are they feeding these kids down here.?"

"I don't know Atsushi.."

They set off another walk to find the second kid, who tried to con them,

"Hmph. Doesn't count, unless you answer this question first!"

"Wha- We just caught you! What's up with the Q&A?"

"They're just trying us, Arisa-san.."

"Aww.. I thought i got you there."

They both had been walking around a bit in circles a few times until Atsushi felt like someone had been looking at them for a while. Arisa hadn't stopped walking and talking, only stopped when the albino touched her shoulder.

"Hm? Did you find the last kid?"

"Not yet.. but there's an old man that has been staring at us for quite a while.."

"Now that I think about it, you're right... guess i was getting sleepy because I hadn't restored all of my energy yet.."

"Should we approach him?"

"We should. I have a feeling on what it is. But it depends on their acting skills."

"Okay then."

The two approached the seemingly adult man who still had stared at them.

"Yeah you're definitely right Atsushi."

"It's him no doubt."

"Nonsense!— i mean ahem! How many eight years old do you see walking around like this huh!?"

The two 'younger' teens just looked at the older man with a look shouting 'Not the attempted manipulation'

"He.. definitely looks taller and older.."

"That's because i am tall and.. old! Ask anyone that looks like an adult like me!"

The two looked at each other and looked back to the old man, playing him.

"Looks like an adult indeed."

"Ehe... an adult. With a child's brain?"

The old man has a few sweats slowly dripping from his face, as he said,

"Well here's the truth! I am an old man!"

Arisa sighed while Atsushi just had his arms crossed over his chest.

"The jig is up kid."

"yeah... your voice kinda gave it away.. sorry.."

Marcus replaced the old man as he stomped his foot, clearly disappointed by the fact he was seen easily.

"... Argh.! I'm Marcus of a thousand faces! .. *sigh* why did you have to talk to me! *sob* my reputation is ruined.! What would the boss think of me now.?!"

Both teens just had their face in a deadpan matter by the kid's drama.

"Well.. um.. no need for the melodrama.. that was still surprisingly magical for me."

"And me.!"

••

"I'm sorry boss... i failed.."

"Darn.! How did you see through Marcus disguise? What kind of villainy is this?"

Both teens looked a bit, like teeny tiny bit tired by the children's act, earlier when the Boss of The Moles was found, she called them 'villains', isn't a nice word to describe strangers who won the game fair and square.

"Now can you tell us where our black haired friend is?"

"Um.... *sigh* yes... I saw a brown haired man bring your friend to the fight club."

"Alright then. Now can you tell us about the Underworld?"

"The Moles are in charge of everything that goes on in the Underworld!"

Atsushi just tilted his head at the information, last he recall during resting, instead of sleeping for a bit, he decided to ask Margaret about the 'Golden Time' organization he heard from her when she was talking with Mark.

"But.. I thought Golden Time runs the Underworld?

"... uh... The Moles are for the kids! And 'Golden Time' is for grown up business."

"Huh... okay.?"

"... I think we'll ask Ms.Margaret about the Underworld later. Right now we should find Gin. Thank you for implementing us your knowledge o' wise one."

"Hey! That's Dark Pitch Hook the Boss to you! No one said you can shorten my title!"

"Yes, yes sorry o' great one. C'mon Atsushi let's leave."

And with that, they departed with the kids, seemingly heading to the building which has a huge logo that has two boxing hands at each other, one red and the other blue.

"Well. This looks like our destination. Let's go inside."

>[Open door]

As soon as you two entered the building, you were greeted by the loud sounds of people cheering on a fight, loud voices betting on their fighter, and it doesn't help as Atsushi hears mechanical gears turning rustle a bit. He winced at the volume and covered his ears when he was greeted by the feeling of soft earmuffs covering his ears.

"Arisa-san?"

"I always bring those muffs whenever Dazai-san feels everything or literally everything is loud. It's my responsibility whenever i Trailblaze to provide comfort for the passengers on a mission."

"Oh... thanks."

"Let's head closer to see better."

When the two stepped forward, they were beside the spectators who were talking about today's fighters.

"I heard a new fighter showed up at the club.! Young lass, lean physique, past contestants called her invincible! Where did someone like her even come from?"

"I heard someone said that she's an elite Silvermane Guard.!"

"Don't be foolish! The barrier between the overworld and underworld was closed off ten years ago.! Why would one appear anyway?"

Atsushi felt a harsh tug at his tie as he looked at to where Arisa was pointing at,

"Is that.. Gin???"

Chapter Text

[Dialogue]

Just as expected, upon finding Gin, you find her expression as cold as the blizzard and as fierce as a lion, inside the octagon. Although you were still confused on why and how she is here, you never peg her to be the type to fight in an arena since she's calm majority of the time and only fights when faced with a dire situation and not... this place.

But anyways, help assist with this companion known as the 'Midnight Striker' get through the challenge presented first. Your questions can come in later.

The announcer was also in the arena, standing a bit far in between a robot and the 'Midnight Striker'

"Ladies and Gentlemans, Brothers and sisters! Are you ready for today's most spectacular, bone shattering, spine shivering contest of the day!?"

Loud waves of cheer erupted as the two outsiders were now getting nearer the octagon.

"On one side— Recommended by a mysterious, tall, AND handsome young man— give it up for the cold, bone shattering power of the new kid on the block!— The Midnight Striker!"

The cheers continuously erupted for the young woman who has her glaive out and at her side, staring at the opponent in front of her.

"And her opponent is.. none other than the unfeeling, incendiary, saw razor of Team Robomatic! All praise to the Boss himself!"

He took a pause as the crowd look agitated to hear the next words they all probably know about.

"Given that no other fighter wanted to face the Team Robomatic, The Midnight Striker accepted the challenge to face against all these opponents in front of her! On learning her fate, this young lass only said, 'Go for it!' Spoken like a true fighter!"

"And so, let the semifinals of the one thousand, seven hundred fifty-eighth (1758th) battle be—!"

The brunette looked at the older male and immediately dragged his sleeve to the octagon,

"Quick, Atsushi! We gotta help her!"

"Woah—"

The two immediately joined inside the battle standing side by side the young woman who looked surprised at the guests that came to join her.

"Oh-ho? Brothers and sisters, in an unexpected turn of events... two members of the audience have charged in the battlefield! It looks like they want to team up with The Midnight Striker!"

Gin tho her voice was quite low, is heard clearly by Atsushi who had already taken off the ear muffs.

"...You're both awake."

"Mhmm! Atsushi woke up and found me first— then we went on a little trip to find you! So now we're here to join you~!"

The brunette cheerily laughed a bit in joy as Atsushi meekly smiled at the black haired woman who just gave a small huff of gratitude and contentment.

"... Brothers and sisters, you all must certainly feel the connection these two have with the Midnight Striker herself! The magnetic pull of this friendship is inseparable! But let me reiterate: These competitions are for professionals only! Remember kids, don't try this at home!"

The announcer looked at the young woman who nodded her head in motion to continue the fight, but this time, with her companions.

"And The Midnight Striker is signaling to start the fight! She's getting itchier with this suspension indeed! And so are we! The cold gleaming glare of the Midnight Striker— and friends— versus... the skin of Team Robomatic!"

Before the fight is being announced, all Gin whispered to them was a simple and short answer.

"I can take them all on my own, you know."

"*sigh* no matter how much you're improving from the day you first Trailblaze, you still need to improve your emotional intelligence."

Atsushi looked ahead at their opponents as he kept a stern and determined face, shouting a (not so???) motivating answer.

"Let's settle this!"

The fight lasted for 5 minutes, the octagon, though restrained, the trio made it work with a bit of bait playing and ambush striking. Making the audience cheer louder than ever and fists in the air as they shouted endless support. The fight ended after destroying last of Team Robomatic.

"What a spectacular, heart stopping, nerve wracking performance displayed! The Midnight Striker and her last minute siblings emerge victoriousssss!!"

All three victors looked a bit worn out, Arisa looked at the announcer as she looked offended with Atsushi, who just wanted to get this all over with.

"I'm a bit offended we didn't get cool names but i'm tired to even think."

"Er... we can be the Nighttime breakers.?"

"... Atsushi, i know we've only known each other for a few days but i think its best if we, you know, don't ever be paired when it comes to making names?"

"Right..."

The three stepped aside out of the arena to take a break as the two teens looked at the 'Midnight Striker'

"*sigh* now that's out of the way, Hey Gin? Do you want to explain on why you were fighting in an arena? I thought you, Mister Dazai and Chuuya-san discussed this."

"... I have no clue, i was just walking around until Mark Twain called me over and put me up to this place."

"Did you join willingly or.?"

Atsushi asked the lass as she looked a bit frustrated trying to remember what happened.

"I don't think so..."

"Well, it doesn't really matter now, right? Atleast we found you."

"Atsushi's right. Which reminds me of another factor."

"And what's that?"

"We gotta find that Mark guy."

"Speaking off, he's right there."

Gin pointed it out, her finger indicating the man they were finding, gathering money as the people were displeased for some reason. The trio had walked towards the man who greeted them with smiles. All three stood in front of him, their posture and expressions demanding an explanation.

"Ah, my friends! It's real fun seeing you all well!"

"Cut the pleasantries and let's get into business. Why did you bring us here?"

Gin demanded as her eyes narrowed at the man, sending his spine shrilling at the eyes that promised lethal harm if he didn't answer earnestly nor the thing they want to hear.

"Ah haha, calm down my lovely friends! I suppose i do owe you many things to say!"

The trio looked at the copper haired man with distrust.

"Okay then, explain why we're here."

Atsushi demanded, with the two women backing him up by pulling out an intimidating factor. The copper haired man smiled nervously, chuckling a bit before responding with,

"Well my dearest companions, I'm sure Margaret has already told you this, if not then i'll explain! I had obviously been keeping an eye on you three the time you're wanted people by the Silvermane Guards! As such, The man himself, John Steinbeck always has watchful eyes and ears that made it hard for me to swoop in and save the day! So i waited for an opportunity. The rest is history since I brought you to the underground and all that pizzazz, now if you need me, i'll be somewhere else now! Goodbye!"

In a matter of seconds he was gone, the trio would have loved to keep up with him, unfortunately, they were quite tired from whatever happened, but they still didn't want to stop now. Not until they can find a way out. Since Mark isn't going to appear very long.

"So what now? We don't have a signal here to contact the express landline."

Arisa said in a disappointed tone at that fact, they kept a separate landline for the Astral Express, and just suddenly remembering she hasn't yet fixed the broken tele-screen, since she was too busy cleaning, driving and working to maintain the express. At this thought, she grumbled under her breath and rubbed her face aggressively with two hands.

Gin herself immediately started brainstorming, idea after idea regarding the Underworld and their escape plans. And Atsushi? He also brainstormed. Anything that can help him and his companions.

'Okay— lets see... think like Gin, think like Gin, what would she be thinking of if she isn't busy with planning our escape routes? What would Arisa also think if she wasn't stressed out?'

After a few more minutes he raised his head from thinking,

"Arisa-san, Gin-san i have a clue on what to do.!"

The two women looked at him with confusion, Gin's fingers stopped typing on her wrist screen and Arisa's face was kind of red from the aggressive rubbing.

"Do you have an idea, Atsushi?"

"Miss Margaret! She— she told me something about an organization at the underground world! Maybe we can ask her for more context and information?"

At that ending of his sentence, Arisa immediately jumped onto him like a clingy koala,

"Atsushi have we ever told you you're getting a free meal after all this is over?"

"Um... no? But we should go now.! Dazai-san and Chuuya-san relied on us for this mission."

"First of all, now you know! Second of all let's get going!"

Sliding off the albino male, the trio had started running to where the clinic is.

Just in time they were greeted by the sight of Mark once more who was standing still and turned his head a bit to greet them with a smile so fake Atsushi felt uncomfortable.

"Ah my friends! I heard you're looking for Golden Time hm?"

Closed eyes with a smile, Gin's glaive was at her hand. She is by all means not a really violent person, but just slightly irritated by people like Mark. Arisa had her monocle on her eye, target shooting if you may, and Atsushi? He just smiled politely at the man, he's by all means not that rude.

"Yes... we were."

"Great! Follow me—"

"Hold on."

"Hm?"

Gin's stare hardened at the man, she put her glaive away and crossed her arms on her chest,

"How do we know you're not tricking us?"

That sentence made the other two wary, this man bailed on them the first time they met, kidnapped them to the underground AND kind of wasted their time with his schemes. Mark just smiled at the black haired girl as he opened his mouth,

"I assure you i'm not! After leaving you guys? I felt ABSOLUTELY horrible of what I've done! So I decided to wait for you!"

...

...

...

"You're messing with us, aren't you?"

Chapter Text

He wished he could have done more to prevent the end of the world. He wished he didn't hesitate shooting the gun, all because he remembered Chuuya's final wish for the girl he raised. His happiness be damned, his apprentice literally destroyed the end of the world and that's saying something because her name means 'to create a wonderful beginning'. He wished he had the chance to change her ending and choices. There were so many things Dazai wished he could have done, but will never get the chance all because he decided to be MIA and be an absolute failure. The cost of his actions? Forever roaming the barren lands of Yokohama city, corpses, polluted air, destroyed buildings, anything made that led his world to damnation. He wished he could have prevented Ranpo's mouth from talking. He wished he lend a hand earlier because that seems right doesn't it? To lend a hand to those who needs it? And because of his mistakes he became the reason why she didn't have that outlook of humanities beauty.

"Dazai?"

Slowly turning his head, he looked at Chuuya who was holding a cup of coffee with one hand holding the cup and the other hand crossed over the ribs.

"Its been 2 hours. You've backed out from reality, are you alright?"

Ah, right, he was supposed to be playing chess against the board itself. How had his strategy to win went to what he should and could've done?

"Do you want Arisa to come back wearing contacts?"

"No, no need. Although... how come YOU didn't make me coffee!"

"I literally just watched you mix an alcoholic drink with coffee. Why did you even wonder why I didn't get you coffee?"

"You could have asked!"

"Hmm, nope. Unconvinced. Ask Arisa to make you coffee once she comes back, she'll guard you from drinking anything remotely criminal."

Dazai turned away immediately, pouting angrily at the suggestion. He'd rather die than ask Arisa to make him coffee, it's not like her coffee making skills are horrible, in fact it's actually pretty tasty for a child size puppet like her, but the last time she mad him coffee, she put sleeping pills in and made him sleep. He's not risking another sleep. But then again he gets a tasty coffee + no work + nothing to do. He thinks its nice before his brain envelopes the idea of losing Chuuya for a second time if he did. He swore to himself to make every plan and every plan's back up plans in order to stop her. Chuuya in this universe had to sacrificed almost everything of himself if it weren't for the fact he had people that care and value him so much that they want him to live.

Nakahara Chuuya is a loyal, hard working and bright person, people cherished him the way Dazai always knew Chuuya was never treated. Ah.. how to separate the two? Dog 1 and dog 2? As much as how he wants to tease Chuuya, in the end, this Chuuya he's currently staying with, is far more different. Calmer and even collected, a mind settling on fixing or creating machines of the sorts. Anger issues? Almost non-existent, a few short bursts here and there but that's about it.

A tap on his shoulder made presence as he looked at Chuuya, still holding his mug looking at him with impassive eyes. He had to hold back a shiver as those same eyes held the same dead eyes that he envisioned.

"You should go to sleep."

"Hm?"

"I'll take care of the express, I already have your coffee prepared you're welcome. Just collect it while going back to your room."

Chuuya said as he walked away from Dazai's still sitting form looking at the chessboard.

'Why do you haunt me so? What do you want me to tell you? That i'm sorry? Hmph."

He stood up, while walking back, he listen to the phonograph's music, playing a sound that matched his inner dialogue. Picking up the mug from the synthesizer, Dazai went to the cabins and toward his room.
••

The three Trailblazers followed the brown haired man who seemed to still be finding someone.

"So, what does Golden Time do exactly?"

The youngest asked as Mark took a second to answer her question,

"Golden Time is basically the peacekeeper of the Underworld. They have everything under control down here to maintain order. They don't exactly control the whole underground tho. They're just an organization doing goody stuffs."

While walking, they passed plentiful of rocks, slightly glowing? A golden glow that emanated heat.

"What are those glowing rocks?"

Atsushi asked this time, his eyes to the said rocks that glowed, Mark didn't have to look at whatever Atsushi was looking, answering the younger's question.

"Those, my friend are called 'Geomarrow'. They're basically energy sources or used as heaters in simple words. They're an exothermic ore! You already perhaps know of the issue about the Underworld being sealed off right? The Geomarrow line is the only one still running! By sending these rocks to the overworld, they pay it with goods from the Overworld. But that is simply a theory."

The trio looked at each other with discomfort upon learning something new about the problem.

They took a few more walks until they came across a large pillar made of metal?

"Hey Mark? What's that large thing over there?"

The size of it was so large and emanated a very hot aura it was at an exceedingly magnificent height. The top was large enough to cover the entire underground even.

"That young lady, is the Furnace core. The pillar that connects both worlds from the over and under! In the past many people would use that to get lift down or up but since then its been left close and no one has used it ever since."

"Except for you."

Gin said it rather harshly, as Mark turned around and smiled,

"Come now my friend, I thought we discussed this already! The lesser rumors about me the better!"

While walking to their destination they took notice of a figure, a.. rather familiar one. Meanwhile Mark just click his tongue in dismay when looking around.

"Lucy's always out to patrol on this hour.. strange... are they avoiding me?"

The trio already left Mark to approach closer and found the figure being surrounded by vagrants.

>[Isn't that the Commander?]
[Is'nt that Miss Alcott?]

"Isn't that the Commander? She's also here?"

"She looks like she's in a bit of a pickle.."

"Wait now my friends, maybe we shouldn't get involved? We're just here for a straightforward mission a-aren't we??"

Mark immediately intervened, sweat rolling down his face as he forced a smile,

"I'd like to see you deal with this problem!"

Arisa taunted, as Gin, who's hand was on her chin, thought things through and placed it back to her side. Stepping forward to face the issue,

"We're not here to attract attention, but at the same time we can't just leave her here."

Atsushi also stepped forward, his brain telling him to ignore this small problem and focus on the bigger issue, with his heart contracting that statement, telling him to save her because it's the right thing to do. Arisa sighed, conflicted with her elders desire, i mean, she too wants to help, but even with them three couldn't even defeat her fully. She's also a commander as a bonus.

"Fineeee.. but we better hurry, I'm not sure how much longer will his plan drag out."

"Emm.. this problem and stage are yours my dear friends!"

[Cutscene playing]

"Heh, alright Princess, let's cut with the pleasantries!"

One of the vagrants shoot a bullet to Louisa, as she jumps back.

The bullet was then sliced into shards and a red haired girl appeared in the frame, within a blink of an eye.

"Tsk. You have such the nerve to attack someone on our turf.."

She twirled the scythe she was holding and struck a pose with the blade intimidatingly facing the opponents.

"How about a few rounds with me?!"

Chapter Text

Just posted a new series for the characters??? Where i post the characters past and how they ended up to where they are??

Chapter Text

As Chuuya stares out the windows of the Express, with Jarilo-VI in full view, he couldn't help but knit his eyebrows at the concerning lack of communication. He was aware that because of the snow weather inside the planet, it was hard to get even a low signal. Not unless Dazai's intuition come to fruition. He sighed and took another sip on his mug, Dazai's intuition is always right. He trusts it a lot, at the same time Dazai trusts him to lead the next step. 

'I already finished designing Atsushi's weapon... I already finally fixed the Express' Telephone... i.. found more music to put into the phonograph. And I've already sorted out what to do next and sorted out the information..'

Was his thought, it was true, he already finished all of those tasks. Now he had nothing to do but to stand and watch over Jarilo-VI. Now that he thinks about it, his thoughts wonder to his past. Where he used to be in an organization that protects humanity. But by protecting humanity, the cost was their lives, leaving Chuuya to be the only survivor and promoted commander. He shook those thoughts out of his head and drank once more from his mug, a sad yet content smile on his face.

'In the end... i grant them all an ending befitting for us. Befitting for the protectors of humanity. The grand finale among the tragedy.'

He may be sad the fact that his friends are no longer with him, but he has a feeling the Astral Express was their final gift to him. Meant to be given on his birthday, but died before they could give it. It was no coincidence Chuuya found the train in broken shape yet with pieces that he's familiar with...

"Heh. Even then i suppose you didn't want me to hate you no? You're all so silly... how could i ever hate the people who gave me many reasons to protect the world... reasons for me to keep going even if it was all dull..."

He looked down to his cup, staring at it with a solemn look. He heard sobbing, then a hiccup, then slowly.. tears started falling to his cup. He cried. He cried for them, for the people who were his friends, for his father taking his own life to protect him, for his world that tried to find peace even when everything is difficult. For everything he fought for. he cried.

But at the same time, he smiled, he was loved and he loved back, he was proud of his students progress and hope one day they'll also leave a mark on their world. But that is something past him would dwell about, this is present him. The him that should forgive but never forget, the him who is resigned from fighting, from leading. This him is no longer the world's weapon, for he is now navigating through the star rail tracks to explore the vast space and discover about the universe's mysteries. To help prevent destruction and suffering.

He stopped crying as his face is all red and eyes puffy, he seemed to finally noticed the mug. Sighing as he walked to where he'll re-new the liquid.

•
•
•
•
•

[Boulder Town]

"Gah!"

"It's no use! Retreat!"

The vagrants withdrew from the fight, running away immediately because what they thought was an easy opponent, turned out to be one of Golden Time's strongest members.

"Tsk! Spineless fools! Trying to cause trouble within our turf.."

The red haired grumble as she turned her head, hearing a familiar voice she quite dislikes.

"Miss Lucy!"

"Mark..."

"I am so grateful to the aeons you came! My heartfelt thanks to you— These vagrants have some nerve to mess with Golden Time's territory!—"

"Shut it Mark! This definitely spells 'you' for trouble! Golden Time has countless issues on the plate right now. We don't need a side dish of 'Twain' on to it. Speaking of side dishes.."

Lucy's eyes wandered over to the group, and saw an outfit far more fancier than the Trailblazers.

"I heard a Silvermane Guard is paying the underground a visit... Is that you?"

"You kidnapped me and brought me to the underground. What is the meaning of this?"

"Hmph. Listen to her... 'what is the meaning of this?'.. still thinking she's a princess."

Lucy's stare hardened at the overworlder, her eyes holding anger towards her,

"Do you even know what's become of us those who live underground while you live the easy life? Did you even consider the fate of the underworld in your equations?"

Louisa's lips quivered at hearing the red haired's words. They weren't living the easy life.

"The Silvermane Guards aren't living the 'easy life', we are constantly engaged with the enemy— constantly protecting those above and below surfaces."

Lucy just looked at her like she had grown the body of a void ranger:Trampler. Anger towards the light brown haired woman. She scoffed at the statement.

"Protect!? Oh please! For years us underworlders have been trapped down here without ever seeing the day light!"

"... I'm sure The Supreme Guardian has his reasons..."

"Enough of this. You're coming with me. Sir Melville wants to see you and he's got more questions than ever."

"Perfect timing Miss Lucy! We were just on our merry way to see the boss ourselves! Reservation for more?"

"Hmph. Fully booked. Although... who are you three?"

Lucy's eyes wandered to the three estranged outsiders, all having specific aesthetics. Arisa immediately spoke in order to get this done,

"My name is Arisa! And we're Melville's guests!"

"Guests huh... then how come I don't know about you?"

"Er well, it goes like this! Thank you for that lovely introduction Arisa— The boss is in the search for some... specific talents right? Lucky for him i got some people on the market! Otherwise known as— this is really urgent so we want to see the boss himself."

"Hmph. I see... I have no plans passing on any message to him for a little 'welcome party'. Golden Time recently is caught with issues at the Great Mine site. If you really want to find him, come find me at the entrance of the mine. I'm leaving."

In a blink, Lucy disappeared as if she never appeared. Leaving the trailblazers looked at each other confusingly before telling Mark to let them rest.

(OPTIONAL)

"Atsushi, how are you faring in your first Trailblazing Journey?"

Gin asked the albino who took a moment to think of his response.

>[Pretty great for my first time!]
[I think it was kinda okay...]
[I don't know what to think about..]

>[Pretty great for my first time!]

"It's honestly pretty great for my first time.! I honestly expected a survival mission of the sorts when i joined..."

"That's good.. after this mission is over, you have to write on Arisa's Star blaze menu."

"What's that?"

"It's a menu where you have to write your allergy, write down what you're feeling up to, or not and she'll be able to serve you your desired food."

"Oh..."

"Mhmm, the menu had already been implemented by Chuuya-san long ago, after Arisa-san made a mistake on adding chocolate onto dessert for my brother only for him to struggle breathing, which is how the Star blaze menu exists."

"Ah... is that how it is? Sure?"

The two sat in silence as Gin's tapping on her wrist screen was the only thing that's heard.

"I'm about to start summarizing the intel we had gathered. Don't tell Arisa we did this. She'd get upset because she loves dumping info, but she forgets that what we're discussing regards information of the world."

"Ah— yes, Gin-san!"

"Before we proceed, do you want to listen?"

Atsushi looked over behind him and found Mark and Arisa chatting casually even tho a few hours or minutes ago— she hated him. Seeing as the youngest(?) of the three is safe and is still there, the two started listing out the issue, the history and the events.
••

Whispers of your dreams....
Fulfill our wishes and we shall grant you your greatest desire....

"Please... help me bring her back."

Chapter Text

[Speak to Gin] (optional)

>[Situation]
[About Mark]

>[Situation]

"So first we have the Underworld— a huge underground space, miners around have built those buildings and have been excavating Geomarrow."

"What's the relationship between the Overworld and Underworld?"

"I heard from... reliable sources, that the Underworld holds the energy needed to keep an entire civilization alive. Laboring in the Underworld would be considered as a huge honor and there was regular movement between the two worlds."

Gin looked down at her wrist screen and continued reading.

"Mark mentioned that the Furnace Core, which people used to travel from the above to the ground. Has been down for over a decade."

"Any clues about the sealing of the Furnace Core?"

"None so far... only Mark Twain is still able to mysteriously use it. The best i can come up with is that he has connections that grant him access to it. That may come in helpful."

"What about the soldiers? Arisa and I heard that it's been years since even a single Silvermane guard appear."

"Yes, that is indeed the case. Because of the sealing and cutting connections with the Underworld. The people long ago realized there was no one coming from the above to rescue them, thus resorted to handling the issue to their self."

"Where does Golden Time come to play?"

"Golden Time, as said is responsible for the Underworld's wellbeing. They're an organization that values the well being of their members with Herman Melville being their leader."

It was when Atsushi realized while staring at Gin's wrist screen that, she actually has.. a lot of information. Especially on people.

"What about the main issue?"

"When we first came, everything seemed to go well with the plan, however, for just a single night, the Supreme Guardian turned his back on us and prevented us from ever knowing about the stellaron. But why is that.? What could he possibly know about the stellaron and protect it, knowing it will cause discord in the planet."

>[About Mark]

"Mark Twain? Hmph. I suggest not putting so much of your trust in him, Atsushi, he already caused quite the headache and situation for us to deal with. He's a mysterious guy with connections, and we do not know much about him, he's a guy we shouldn't trust one bit."

>[back]

"... that's all i want to know, thanks for the reminder.."

"Okay then, see you later, Atsushi."

Atsushi walked away from Gin and was about to head over where the Great Mine is, before deciding to go where Arisa is and talk to her.

[Talk with Arisa] (Optional)

"Atsushi! Hello!"

"Hi Arisa-san."

"Do you need something?"

>[About Mark]
[Mysterious pulling]
[Responsibilities]

>[Responsibilities]

"Why do i act older than i look sometimes? I don't know much about that, it's just... instinctual for me i guess. To be responsible is when you're considering everyone's being as well."

>[About Mark]

"Are we friends.? Hah! No. Nada. Never! I was just asking him some things. Then managed to convince him into telling me quite the important information regarding the Furnace core."

"Which is.?"

"About a special mechanism. That i might need to ask Chuuya-san about when we get back. Obviously it doesn't just run on using the Geomarrow but also a special key, which— Mark has."

"Wait, really??"

"Hmmhm. He didn't exactly tell me he has a key. However, I learned that he has an exact copy of it. He's always been the odd one so i suppose I should have expected him to have something unnatural. But at the same time I didn't expect it because it was just a hunch. And hunches surprise me because I'm just as shocked that I'm right."

>[Mysterious pulling]

"Where did i even pull out the headphones? I thought I already told you?"

"You didn't tell me anything, Arisa-san."

"Oh. I thought i did... but anyways, i can pull."

"Pull what?"

"Pull a lot of things people don't expect."

"Like.?"

"Like the headphones, I don't bring any bags since i keep taking it off and end up losing a lot of stuff."

"So where do you put those 'stuff'?"

"Hm. Could be anywhere."

"That doesn't explain anything.."

"It wasn't supposed to explain anything. Mister Dazai taught me how to hide stuff efficiently considering he keeps pulling out bandages out of nowhere.. I don't remember how'd he get it without ever coming in the medical cabinet.. Chuuya-san handles those kinds of things, leaving me with organizing food."

"... Huh with how... you, you are. I expected you to handle the medical supplies."

"Choosing to ignore that first part, yes, Chuuya-san does leave me to handle the food. He's aware i hate the smell of.. medicines or anything that is in use of the sorts, my nose had always been sensitive."

... but that didn't make any sense, he was certain when they first came he heard Gin said 'joints' or so. Implying she isn't a human. Yet, she acts more humanly. And he was also certain puppets don't even get cold. Or breathe.

"Oh..."

"Is that all you need?"

"Um, yes! Thank you for having a conversation with me, Arisa-san."

"You're free to call me just, Arisa. Literally Arisa."

"Oh.. emm.. thank you again, Arisa."

•

Leaving the town, Atsushi headed with his friends (they are friends now, right?) to the Great Mine. Where there was a crowd gathered around the entrance, worried shouts and protest were voicing their concerns

"Everyone stay calm, Chief Herman is currently handling the situation!-"

"Please let me go in! My husband is inside the Great Mine!"

A woman's desperate voice wailed, her worry for her lover as another kid joined in.

"My mommy is in there! I have to see her!"

An old man's voice followed right after,

"My son is down there as well! Where is he?"

Continuous voices were making their stand to let them in or to bring out their loved ones out.

"E-Everybody calm down! The chief and the rest of Golden Time are handling with this issue! There's no need to fret!"

The man with a few comrades nervously tried getting an entire crowd to calm down.

All of them looked at the crowd, Mark Twain seemed to just casually smile as he gestured for the Trailblazers to follow him. They did, and they walked over a short cut of a bridge to get away from the crowd and get into the Great Mines.

There they reached a group. Talking to Lucy is a rather tall man, around 5'7? Holding a pipe cigar that bubbles came out. At the sense of a new presence, He came eye to eye with the Trailblazers and Mark. And Lucy turned around to face them alongside Louisa who seems conflicted still, yet decided to also greet the Travelers from outside.

"Well, look who's finally here."

Lucy talked first, putting a hand on her hip, with Herman following her.

"Mark Twain and i heard some guests had come to see?"

Mark who was mentioned, walked over to the group, happily smiling at Herman that spelled mischief. The group followed a bit before stopping just behind Mark.

"Ah, Chief Melville! I was wondering when we'd see you already! Say, I've brought some few guests, not from both the Under and Overworld! But outsiders who knows about the Eternal Freeze."

Said chief smoked on the pipe cigar which bubbles came out and pulled away from his face, to meet eye to eye with the man who Lucy complained is causing yet another disturbance.

"I see.. Well then, tell me everything you know about the Eternal Freeze. Time is gold as the saying goes no?"

The Trailblazers looked at each other; happy to finally get a new lead and progress. Gin was the one who led (once again) the situation and relayed information to Chief Melville who had an unknown look due to his long beard covering his mouth. Even Lucy looked attentive, even putting a hand on her chin, thinking about it. With Louisa who looked like is still in disbelief.

"To recounter your information. There is a thing called a 'Stellaron' that is in the planet causing the Eternal Freeze?"

"Correct, sir."

"And the cause of the stellaron's appearance is because of an Aeon, afterwards the stellaron caused the appearances of the Fragmentums and the appearance of otherworldly creatures."

"Indeed."

"You are stuck here not unless the problem is resolved or beyond your control, thus you resorted talking to the current Supreme Guardian. However, the Supreme Guardian who promised you assistance had lied to you and sent a whole battalion?"

"Yes."

"So now you are here, finding a way to stop the Stellaron and save the planet you dub as, 'Jarilo-VI' from its impending demise?"

"Yes."

"So your suspicions are, the Supreme Guardian knows where the Stellaron is and doesn't want you to know."

"That is a whole lot to take in.."

Lucy commented from her thinking pose after the sudden lore drop about her world.

"The Supreme Guardian wouldn't do this—"

"Oh but he did, high and mighty Princess. Didn't you listen and even think about the information? Why else would the Supreme Guardian send you and your Silvermane guards after them? Why would your Supreme Guardian stop them from saving this planet from some terrible fate? They could have also have you save less time from fighting the Fragmentums outside or above if he helped them find what these people are looking for."

Lucy pointed to the Trailblazers, Gin was crossing her arms, Atsushi meekly smiled and Arisa is waving at them.

"What Miss Montgomery said is true, the Underworld will not have been sealed by the Supreme Guardian if he had just reveal the location of this 'Stellaron'."

Louisa is holding strong about her beliefs, the Supreme Guardian surely has a reason for doing all this, what if these outsiders were people wanting to further aggravate the threat? Then won't that mean... why would the Supreme Guardian tell them they wanted to overthrow the Architects? But... what about the children of the Underworld? The poor children who had not yet even get a glimpse of the sun? What about the people who came from the Overworld who visited the Underworld? What will she choose? Her duty? Or the safety and sake of the people?

"... I do not fully believe you yet, but."

She turned to face the chief who also looked at her.

"But i will put aside our differences and beliefs for the sake of Belobog, both Over and Underworld."

"That is all i need to hear from you, Miss Louisa. Follow me, we need to evacuate the people inside the Great Mine."

With that, the group of both Trailblazers and Golden Time members, with Mark and Louisa. Have set out to their journey inside the cold and monster filled mine.

Chapter Text

After getting to talk with the leader of Golden Time, you and your friends venture into the mines to rescue any miners and stop the vagrants from being reckless! However, the plan got a bit sidetrack when the person who has all the answers doesn't share it. But are they even a person?

The group walked inside the mines, though it was quite dark, the lamps inside were bright enough to lead the way.

Atsushi found another one of those weird teleportation stands, he went near it and touched it. He felt like his health went back to full strength. Huh... did these things always do that?

"Arisa, Gin-san, come over here, i found a stand that could heal you!"

The two women approached Atsushi and the stand. Just by standing near, their health also became full.

"Hm, looks like you need to catch up on your healing lessons with Miss Yosano, Arisa."

"Ah right... I forgot she also took me under her wing to train my healing capabilities."

The girl simply scratched the back of her head with Atsushi who looked confused,

"You didn't know?"

"You.. can heal??"

"... Did no one told you i can? How do you think we managed to fight the Commander without losing our health so much over her insane skills?"

With hands on her hips her eyes glinted confusion written, was it not THAT obvious she can heal? I mean surely he can see the green cross sign awhile ago from the snow raining right? A heavy sigh escaped Gin, by now the group is waiting for them, she grabbed the two's arms and dragged them to where the group had been waiting.

Montgomery looked a bit pissed off, Sir Melville was rather calm. Commander Alcott was thinking and Mark? Huh, surprisingly doing something while his back was turned. Upon seeing the 'outsiders' Lucy snapped,

"There you guys are. What took you so long?"

With a nervous smile and apologetic face, Atsushi scratched softly at his arm.

"Sorry, Miss Lucy, We saw a familiar waypoint and decided to touch it."

"Tsk. Whatever."

"Calm yourself, Miss Lucy, our esteemed guests genuinely didn't get to see Belobog both over and underworld! I say we let them have a bit of a break you know?"

The red haired girl turned her head to the copper haired man with a glare.

"Quit it, Mark!"

"Now, now you two, let yourselves not get into a duel. Time's wasting."

Melville commented from his cigar pipe as the trailblazers nodded at his comment. Right, time is not to be wasted.

Thus, they continued their walk. Upon their little journey, did they face multiple opponents; robots, and vagrants to be specific, while Miners were running away.

A boot dug into the shoulder of a vagrant, looking up, Montgomery's face was seen, looking down at the vagrant with her foot on their shoulder.

"Mess with the innocent again and i'll show you what a REAL hit looks like."

Before putting her foot down, she gave him a kick to the head and knocked him out cold.

"Spineless fools.."

Looking behind her, she saw the trailblazers disposing the last of the robots, Sir Melville and Commander Alcott were evacuating the rest of the remaining miners and lost people who wanted to find their loved ones in the mine.

"Is that everything?"

The youngest in the group asked as she circled around her teammates to find for any injuries. Gin nodded in contentment while Atsushi shake his hand in order to get the stinging out.

By then, the group continued their walk, also coming across some... minor troubles, like a mine cart that they fixed, an annoyingly useful lil abandoned robot from the IPC, and when arriving they found a big robot?

Wait what?

"It's... that robot again, Mister Svarog ..."

Montgomery murmured, during her patrols, she spotted the robot a few times, always talking about percentages based on logic and other stuff. She didn't have a job to keep an eye on them whenever she gets the chance, but she's heard from other Golden Time members about the robots calculations and estimations. She also wanted to know about the state of survival they have left on the cold freezing planet.

While observing the robot, the group failed to notice Atsushi walking quietly the pathway downwards. And upon getting near down the path did his ears twitch a little at hearing a voice shouting.

"Tsk! Just what do you think you're doing!? These ores belong to us!"

A man's voice shouted to the giant robot who stood unfazed and uncaring. Despite having not a mouth, it said,

"According to my, scanner, these 'ores' do not belong to you. It. Is also saying that, you are an intruder who is disturbing the peace among humans in this mine."

That got the man enrage, how dare this robot ignore him?

"Listen to me here you big metal hunk! These ores belong to us and tha's final!"

The companions of the shouted just stood by, not wanting to know how it'll end. And betting whether or not will they squad leader make a move or he'd get squashed.

"Initiating battle mode."

The robot's voice picked up and many of the standing by robots were getting into action, two of the robots were activating their chainsaw hand, three of the small hand robot looked like they set a timer, and a rather large robot looked like they're about to run over the vagrants.

"Uh- b-boss? Maybe we should just-"

"RUN!!"

Another male shouted as the three vagrants immediately ran away.

"Disengage in battle mode."

The robots followed their leader's order and are now standing passively. But by the time Atsushi got closer, his friends and the rest of their companions managed to reach Svarog. Who took the time to inspect on their identities.

"Leader of Golden Time, Herman Melville, member of Golden Time, Lucy Maud Montgomery and..."

...

"Daughter of the Current Supreme guardian, Commander of the Silvermane Guards Louisa May Alcott."

Huh, upon hearing the names, you noticed Mark's no longer with you guys and along with that, no one seemed to care.

"And... ... unidentified guests."

"Svarog."

"Herman Melville."

"I would like to request a talk with you. About what you know of Belobog, 600 years ago when the arrival of the Eternal Freeze came."

"... Unfortunately, my data shows that this piece of information is, locked."

"Locked?!" Lucy screamed at the information, why is it locked? Just when they're close to getting an answer-

"Yes, the data which i have gathered is showing me of the new percentage of this world's state."

"What is it?"

"... My data shows that the most logical solution possible is to fully seal the overworld from the underground so the Eternal Freeze can not reach the core of the pillar."

"..."

The robot is about to leave when Gin halted its way.

"This locked information must mean you know what it is. And as of now, we must know what is in that information. To change your 'logical solution'."

She started as she glared at the robot.

"Whether or not i share this piece of information, statistics show me of this world's fate. Thus i will do everything i can to fulfill it." Svarog stated, as if in a debate, Gin made her rebuttal

"But the world still has a chance. If we can manage to get rid of the Stellaron- the world would flourish once more."

"... Data shows that there is no evidence whether the planet can still live. Even if this 'stellaron' is gone. The world will fail to survive the next decade or even generation."

Gin just hardened her stare at the robot, and Atsushi quickly butted in to help support her statement.

"But there is- uhh such proof! We can change your mind!"

Tho the robot had no emotion, it... was intrigued or as the word Clara says, 'Interested in hearing someone out.'

"..."

"That's why were here Mister Svarog sir! We can still help this planet since its- still early???"

Arisa stood behind Gin to add more to his sentence.

"Atsushi's right! Besides what are we here for then? As long as we're here, Belobog can still be save-"

"My decision is, final. Your claims have no evidence of this planet's survival rate."

The robot left soon after, leaving them to just look at its back.

"We... tried.?"

Arisa tried to assure her seniors, but right now, Gin in the slightest wasn't assured. She was all about cooperation and understanding. But what even is there to understand when there's a miscommunication?

"Don't sweat it, Gin-san, i'm sure Mister Svarog will believe us if we give him proof."

"Hmm... add more to that sentence Atsushi."

Arisa suggested noticing her friend's idea and see what it is. While Atsushi gave her a look, he started sorting out what comes after it.

"If we give him proof..."

"IF we can even find proof."

Gin commented with a slight irritated face, right.. there's also a possibility they wouldn't find anything. Wait. Possibility... finding... ah!

"What if- what if we give him proof, by making that evidence happen!"

Atsushi shouted with a bright smile on his face, if they can prove to Svarog that this planet can still be saved-

"The mission will be a success!"

Arisa cheerfully finished, making Atsushi smile,

"Right? We still have time!"

"Not really..."

Lucy murmured, as she stared down the ground, whose to say the Eternal Freeze wouldn't take over Belobog during a slumber? Right when the people are oblivious and serene.

"Now, now, Montgomery. We must support their decisions. As of now, we only have the general knowledge of the item they're looking for. Thus, we must do everything we can to help three outsiders achieve their mission."

"... I understand, Boss."

"Good. I suppose we must go back with the rest now. We have already reached the very core where many geomarrow can be found."

Melville blew on his pipe cigar and walked forward to the three Trailblazers who stood near each other.

"For now, we must head back and rest. I will do my duty to arrange a meeting for you three. I do hope you can convince him."

The three trailblazers looked at each other and nodded, Atsushi smiling at the leader of Golden Time's words.

"We will, Sir Melville."

"Hm."

A cue of dismissal, the Trailblazers head back out of the mines.

Chapter Text

After getting back from the mines, you had been told to get treated by the doctor—Miss Margaret. Thus, after seeing the doctor, The trio head back to the more... run down version of the Grand Goethe Hotel.

"*yawn*... I'm getting kinda sleepy..."

The youngest muttered, dragging her own body in a slump manner, waving lazily to her elders,

"Good night Atsushi and Gin-san... wake me up if we need to fight..."

With that, she was gone, heading to her own room to sleep, leaving the two elders in front of the hotel.

"Well then, i suppose it is also my time to sleep, Atsushi. Since time is unrecognizable in the Underworld, i will just assume it is my naptime. Good night, to you Atsushi. Don't stay up late lest you will have trouble keeping up for tomorrow."

"Oh- um... alright! Good night, Gin-san!"

The woman nodded and left the albino to his own devices. Now all alone, Atsushi contemplated to gather enough information. His... companions are tired, and as a new member of the express- he wants to contribute just as much! With a determined smile, he walked to where the clinic is, his plan? Know more about Jarilo-VI, he entered it and upon his appearance, he watched a communication exchange between Miss Lucy? Miss Montgomery? with Miss Margaret or Doctor Margaret. His ear perked at the mention of more medical supplies, dangerous and orphanage.

Margaret darted her eyes towards him as she smiled,

"Atsushi, it's nice to see you up in arms doing well."

Lucy turned around to Atsushi who meekly waved at her. Sighing as she turned her back, leaving the albino to sweat at her reaction.

"Okay Margaret, i'll handle this."

"I know i can count on you, Lucy. Bring Atsushi with you, that way you can find anymore available stuffs that... are hopefully not expired. Anyways, Atsushi?"

"Yes, Miss Margaret?"

"You don't mind if you join Lucy, do you?"

>[Yes, I'm actually feeling energetic]
[I'm feeling a bit tired]

>[Yes, I'm actually feeling energetic]

"Yes, I'm actually feeling energetic still, and... i want to contribute to my companions just as much."

"That's great... well then, I won't keep you here for any long, you may go now and stay safe."

"Will do."

With that the two left the clinic, in the middle of their walk towards the abandoned part of the underworld, they met up with Commander Alcott who looked anxious, a contrast to her personality when they were at each other's throats. She seemed to be in deep thought.. but i wonder what is she thinking?

"Oh... it's the princess of the Overworld. Well then, i can see it on your face you want to help her out. Go."

[Let her be]
>[Call Louisa]

>[Call Louisa]

With a walk towards the other woman, Atsushi stopped just a safe distance from her.

"Commander Alcott?"

He noticed the woman's little flinch as she turned her head to him, letting out a breath of relief, she smiled softly.

"Trailblazer, and... One of Golden Time's members. What seems to be the issue?"

"Nothing much.. it's just..."

With a hesitant look to the redhead who just shrugged, Atsushi smiled back at Alcott.

"I was wondering if you.. want to join us?"

"What for?"

"Miss Lucy and I are headed to an abandoned part of the Underworld to retrieve some medical supplies?"

"... Is that all?"

"Well... also because you just seemed so.. down? I wanted to invite you to get some frustrating thoughts off your head."

"..."

Now, the older woman seemed to be in deep contemplation, she nodded her head at the invite,

"Ofcourse, it's the least i can do to help you out."

"Great! We um, should go now? Miss Lucy had been waiting."

"I see..."

The two head back to meet up with Lucy who looked liked she wanted to leave them but kept her figure still because as of now? She... needs to gather a lot of supplies for the people living. And she can't just do that alone.

"Finally.. let's go. Watch your step for fragmentums. They're... awfully been around in that town for a long while."

Atsushi nodded at Miss Lucy's words. It means the Stellaron's just... slowly infesting. Which is a good thing? It means they can buy more time to prepare against it and find it, but also really bad if it can already contaminate a part of a city.

[New Location Unlocked:Rivet Town]

Upon reaching the abandoned city. The trio had looked at the destroyed place.

"This was where we first lived before the Fragmentum took over. After that... ... we moved out and there we are. Boulder Town."

Lucy said in a solemn manner as she reminisced her younger days. Back when before the stellaron's effect took over. Back when she lived a peaceful life.

Alcott took a step forward to take in her surroundings.

"This... place feels awfully familiar... ... Where do we find the supplies?"

The taller woman asked, Lucy stuck a finger out to point at a building. That looked like a manor?

"See those lights? That was our orphanage. That's where Margaret accidentally left the items needed to ensure our safety and survival. It's just right behind by the other buildings."

"Well, let's go now? There's no way to tell time at a place like this after all.."

"The Trailblazer is correct, we must make haste to collect the needed supplies."

"... fine. But i'm leading because i know this place like the back of my hand."

"If you may, please. Lead us."

So, the trio had started their expedition. Fighting off fragmented creatures, reaching the middle, however, while walking, they heard a cry for help and rushed towards the noise that seemed to belong to a child who got cornered by a Blizzard Fragmentum.

"HELPPP!!!"

"That voice... ah! That kid!"

Lucy grumbled, familiar with that kind of scream, she had her fair share of saving random children stuck in dangerous places. With her weapon out, she hastily approached the enemy with a speed unseen. Atsushi just barely blinked when Lucy already attacked the Blizzard Fragmentum, shouting out,

"PICK ON SOMEONE YOUR OWN SIZE!"

The screen shattered as they were brought onto the field to battle against the enemy, 'Blizzard Fragmentum'.

Atsushi launched the first move, hitting the Fragmentum with a hard punch and strong kick. It did some small damage, hut not enough to lower its defense, Commander Alcott had whipped out their weapon and commanded,

'Seize this chance!'

Effectively enhancing Lucy who used her scythe and flickered in and out of existence to slash the enemy. Which triggered an awakening 'Butterfly Reprise' where Lucy charged at the enemy once again one more time.

[Ult:Piercing precipitation]

Where Atsushi had attacked the Fragmentum, giving it no chance for a break as he repeatedly attacked it with viciousness before ending it with materializing an ice fist and launching it onto the Fragmentum. Lucy followed up with another attack as Commander Alcott used her gun and shot the enemy.

After blowing attack after attack, the enemy's shield was down which led Lucy to seize the chance.

[Ult:Fluttering moment of blitz]

With her scythe faced to the Fragmentum, Lucy twirled it in a graceful manner and launched herself above to slash the enemy with a heavy swing from the and a round.

Leaving the monster to dissolve to nothingness as everything went back to normal. Lucy scolded the kid who explained while crying that he was searching for something important. With Lucy shouting, telling the kid to just go back home, Commander Alcott stepped in and handled the situation, calmly asking the child what he was finding and any possible places where the item could be. After getting the information, they started looking, when Atsushi found it, it was a jar of Marbles? Who went back and called the two ladies who saw what he held.

"Is- is this the important something?"

"Yeah!! These goodies are worth a lot to other children! Thanks so much for the help Mister, Miss and Miss Lucy!"

Commander Alcott gave a smile at the child and nodded.

"Your utmost welcome young one. Now, please, get home safe."

"I- I will! I won't disturb you guys any longer! Bye!!"

The child left almost immediately, leaving Lucy to cross her arms and sigh. Children are quite troublesome at a place where there are barely any guards and a lot sleeping.

"We... we should continue now, Miss Lucy. Who knows what happened to the supplies?"

".. You're right. And don't call me 'Miss' makes me feel like an elder. No offense to the boss. But 'Lucy' is fine."

"I realized i've been called 'commander' even tho this isn't an official business. ... Trailblazer, please, call me 'Louisa' instead."

"Oh, um.. sure! You two can call me Atsushi- not that i'd mind being called Trailblazer but it's just- my friends are also trailblazers.."

"Understood. I shall refer to you as 'Atsushi'."

"Meh. It's your name, so i'll just call you by your name."

"Thank you."

"Enough with the chattering, we have to go now. Who knows how many more monsters have formed."

Lucy went ahead to the orphanage's direction, leaving Atsushi and Louisa to follow the red haired lady.

Chapter Text

Inside the Express, Chuuya was chatting with a long blonde hair girl who told him about what's up while asking him then shutting him down,

"Tachihara-nii was so bad at making tea the teabag exploded in his face! How is the Express doing by the way? Any new weaponry you created??"

"Well the Express is doing fine, we have a new member and as for the weaponry-"

"Oh, oh, can you bring me something to play with when you get back?"

"Of course i can-"

"Can you please, please!! Make me something?"

"Of course yes, i-"

"What about the new passenger? heard something about it!"

"Yes, his name is Atsushi and-"

"Is he tall? Does he have a good fashion sense?-"

"I-"

A laugh came from the other side as a black haired man with slicked back hair had interrupted their conversation.

"Now, now, Elise. Leave our dear Navigator alone, he's been working very hard you know?"

"I've been working as hard too Rintarou!"

"Mhmm, but not enough. Last i heard from Kouyou you passed your duty for today to her."

"Wait how'd you know- i mean, snitch. I mean!"

"Calm down Elise, just get back to work, i have been meaning to call Chuuya-kun for something important. Now, please leave my seat."

"Hmph, okay."

The blonde girl left her chair and a door was heard as it shuts on its own, letting the two adults to finally talk.

"Mori-sensei, it's great to see you faring well."

"And to you too Chuuya-kun, i have received your report awhile ago regarding the new world you are at and i have no oppose that Dazai also knows something?"

"Indeed. However, he hadn't told me anything and said to watch it all unfold."

"Ah... a peculiar man as always. I have no doubt he has everything planned, but just know if his plan includes using you without your permission-"

"You will turn him into an immortal. I know."

"Good. But going back to our topic... tell me, does that mean the Aeon of Preservation still resides the planet of Jarilo-VI, Chuuya-kun?"

"We.. believe so. But without further evidence, we cannot claim the hypothesis as a truth."

"Excellent. Stop by the Space Station before your next world, I know it hasn't been that long, however we seem to have encounter an issue on the space station regarding the weapon supply."

"What happened?"

"Someone stole a majority of the weaponry, Hirotsu is still investigating this issue. I ordered to put the entire space station on lockdown. I will ask them to open the doors for you and the Astral Express."

"... I see, it... might take a long while, but rest assure, i will get there after this mission."

"Take all the time you need, i was just wondering if you have time to come by."

"Ah, ofcourse, i will always have time to pass by."

"That's great to hear.. Have a wonderful journey Chuuya-kun."

"See you soon, Mori-sensei."

The call ended, leaving the younger to sigh out the breath he had been holding in as he leaned back on the chair. Eyes closing to put his mind to rest at last.

Upon finding the Navigator sleeping on a chair, he shrugged off his coat and placed it onto the slumbering figure. Smiling softly, his glasses slightly lighting due to the small reflection of light.

The man left to head to the main car and to the control room where he watched out for any signs of the Stellaron trying to latch onto the Astral Express.
•••

You, Lucy and Louisa are on a trip to the abandoned town of the Underworld known as Rivet Town, the supplies you're finding for is where an orphanage was. But watch out for any Fragmentum! They attack anyone in sight.

After a run around trip, tip toeing around the Fragmentums, they managed to reach the orphanage. Its lights still on and glowing.

"This orphanage used to be run by Miss Margaret. She was still in her starting years when she took care of me and the other children."

"I also came from an orphanage, but Sir Fitzgerald never told me where."

"Well, I don't know about you, but there... are no other orphanages around than down here if. My memory serves me correctly."

"That... is true... i just— I don't know... this place, this- this building.! It feels all so familiar..."

You stood there listening to Louisa's story. You... are confused. If that is indeed the case, how can she forgot about it? But push that thought right now Trailblazer. You must decide.

>[Let them continue their conversation]
[Interrupt]

>[Interrupt]

"Um... i, I don't really mean to be rude and Interrupt you two but, we should hurry and find what Miss Margaret's searching for. I think i saw a Fragmentum form on the way here from the latched stellaron's roof. And since the orphanage has... well..."

He looked over to the building with a pointed stare, and to the playground around. There... were certainly many black parts around. The two understood his concerns. Lucy gave the two their own directions to start from. But some of the possible places to find the needed items were near the Stellaron's latching. Making Atsushi pray mentally as he went on his search.

Rummaging through the rest of the packages is hard. There were mainly clothes, a lot of expired food, and a few untouched bandages, which he took since it looked usable. Marking off the first part as he went further.

Lucy herself stealthily avoided the black parts near the boxes that she took and opened. Clicking her tongue at the lack of supplies in the box. Inside was a bunch of blankets and a few stacked pillows.. ... Maybe Margaret would make use of it.

Louisa seemed to have the most success, as under the slide was three boxes that she carefully opened and took a peek.

More bandages roll... cottons... some vitamins... okay, first box is a check. Onto the second... filled with all sorts of medicines.. great, onto the third. She saw the same thing with different items.

All that was left is to call her companions then. She nearly turned away when she saw something glinting. Her responsibility is trying hard to outweigh her desire to check out the glinting object, in the end, she decided to check it out. Finding a small box? To which she opened. Her eyes widening and her fingers trembling as she reached a notebook with shaking hands. On the front cover... was a name, that belonged to her.
--

Louisa May ******' journal
--

It's mine.. is what she thought, this has her name written, so she really belonged from this orphanage.! She didn't hear the sounds of her companions footsteps,

"Erm.. Miss Louisa?"

She turned her head to face them, still holding the notebook to her chest, before coughing and straightening her posture.

"Atsushi, Lucy. Any luck?"

The boy scratched his head, he doesn't want to think he has the worst luck at finding— but the supplies in the box weren't useful. While for Lucy, she only found useless items, that will probably be considered useful to Margaret.

"I've been scouting every corner. So i did have a few luck."

"I.. don't think i got lucky?"

"Oh, well, do you two mind helping me? I found the boxes Miss Margaret must have asked for."

"Well, that's great, let's carry them immediately because this place is slowly probably getting more and more infested with monsters."

Before the three of them were able to carry the box, they heard a sound of pattering? What appeared was a hand.? That looked like a time bomb!?

[Battle mode initiate]

It seemed like it wasn't just only one, but a wave of 3. The first wave consisted of a traffic light robot, a zoom robot and the hand robot. What Atsushi noticed was how none of the first wave of robots had the weakness. Neither goes with Lucy.! This was just like that out of space Fragmentum...

"Tsk. If there's no weakness to bring them down— let's just give them a weakness instead!"

Was what she said as she was the first to attack, swinging her scythe and dodged the enemy's shield ram. Louisa followed up with her gun and gave Lucy another turn, once she did— she passed that turn to Atsushi who immediately punched the robot he was aiming for.

After the first wave, comes the second— this time it consisted of the traffic light robots and two zoom robots, at the middle was a werewolf kind of robot, who had chainsaws as a weapon!?

"I'm regretting not stopping my friends from sleeping in for this."

Was what Atsushi last said before facing the robot head on.

[Boulder Town]
[Goethe Hotel]

Inside one of the rooms of the hotel, sneezed a brunette girl that was sleeping messily, constantly moving on the bed like she's fighting someone. She muttered a sentence.

"I.. sai.. i.. wh.on't.. gi.. u..zzzt..he..p..ny .. ou hore..!!!!"

Grabbing a pillow she slammed the pillow down on her bed as if she was actually fighting.

Meanwhile in another room was a girl trying to find a reason behind everything that happened. Tapping on her arms was she focus on finding a reason. And to convince the giant robot about the Stellaron.

"If only there was a way to find a way to communicate with the Express Landline... Arisa said she hasn't fixed it.. ... hmph. Let's just take a quick break, Atsushi and Arisa's probably sleeping in.. we can all discuss tomorrow.."

She closed her eyes, breathing a bit heavily as she relaxed. Slowly succumbing to the blissful environment.

[Rivet Town]
[Battle mode disengage]

How.. did this happen!? All three were now on a hunt to retrieve the stolen box that consisted of other seemingly useless but Margaret might find it useful items.

The hand robot made a turn to a gate and locked it.

"Gah! Damn it!"

Lucy cursed loudly at what happened. Louisa is trying to open the locked gate trying every possible combination of gears to turn this on. While Atsushi peeked around and saw a white haired girl wearing a lond red winter outfit and wearing no shoes.!? He looked back to his companions,

"Lucy-san, Miss Louisa— please go ahead and retrieve the other supplies, i will do my best to unlock the gate."

"Really? Well then, i will trust your decision, Atsushi. Do your best."

Louisa encouraged with a smile whilst Lucy merely nodded in agreement.

"Ring me up if you can't open it. I'll do the honors of breaking the gate myself-"

"That's enough."

Was what Louisa said as she dragged Lucy away. Atsushi peeked once more and sighed, he looked towards the same girl who's still there.

"They're.. they're gone now. You can come out now, please?"

The little girl slowly walked towards him and looked up,

"Um.. I would, i would like to apologize.."

"Erm.. what for.?"

"The robot who stole your stuff.. I'm really sorry about that, here— i'll unlock the gate, the robots around here know how to break the locks so others can't crack it open."

The white haired girl opened the gate with ease. Atsushi smiled gratefully at the girl in front.

"Thank you for telling us.. .?"

"Oh, my name is Clara.."

"I'm Atsushi."

The girl was fidgeting with her hands, making the older yet still young man confuse at her action.

"Is there something you need?"

"If.. if you guys did manage to capture the robot, please, don't hurt him. Otherwise Mister Svarog will get mad."

Mister Svarog.? Does the girl know him personally?-

"I should leave now, thank you for understanding."

She turned around, walking away when Atsushi stopped her by shouting.

"Wait.! Um, the big robot, Svarog? Uh, do- do you think you can ask him if we can arrange a meeting?"

Clara turned around to face Atsushi as she looked down to think.

"I.. can try.? Why?"

"It's, its really important— the last time we met, he.. didn't really hear us out."

"I see.. i can try to convince him if you want.."

"Alright.. thank you."

The girl nodded and left immediately the moment the other women came back holding the needed boxes.

"Huh, i guess you do have some other skills than fighting."

"Why haven't you gone after the stealer, Atsushi?"

Louisa wondered, while Lucy just stared at the albino's eyes. Who scratched the back of his head.

"Hehe, sorry... it's just.. um... i got, hungry? And uh.. Gin-san said that when you're hungry, you shouldn't try to move much otherwise I'd continue feeling um, signs of fatigue?"

He lied with a smile, hoping they'd buy it. But it seemed the two women weren't amused.

"Even Mark can lie better than that."

Lucy deadpanned while Louisa smiled,

"It's alright, I haven't realized but it probably must have been quite late so i understand you're hungry."

She passed one of the boxes to Atsushi who carried it with ease.

"Just help us with bringing them to the Doctor. Then you can go back to your room, who knows if your friends must be worried?"

The only male nodded and walked ahead with the other two behind him as they headed back to Boulder Town.
•••

Ending as always is plain💀

Chapter Text

You went to sleep after a long day, Atsushi. you weren't aware how much time passed, it felt like morning, but it was still night. Time flows really differently with the lack of sky and time to guide you...

In a somber dream of yours, you saw but a lonely man's office, the desk disorganized, the papers strawn across everywhere, and there sat down on the short stair was a young blonde man, holding a pendant. this man seemed familiar..

a.. moment... of eternity.... in exchange... for never ending serenity... turn this... planet and let it change... You remember.. your desire... so let us free!!

'.. I can't.. this city still can live long, she loved this place, so i swore to oversee it.'

was the man's response' you stepped forward, trying to reach out to the man. when you did, he turned into mist. and once more you fell.

[Wake up]

[Keep falling]

>[Wake up]

you awoke from your dream only to hear light knocking, you rose from your bed and stepped out of it, approaching the door, you opened it to be greeted by your companion, Gin.

"Atsushi, you're already awake.., Arisa told me Sir Melville finally has some news for us."

"Ah, um, ofcourse Gin-san. please give me a minute."

"okay. we'll wait for you."

"thank you..." that was the end of your conversation. so you got ready and headed out. out of the Run down Goethe hotel.

You met up with Gin as the both of you walked behind a building where Sir Melville, Arisa and Lucy were waiting. but you noticed who was missing.

"... Where's Louisa?" Lucy turned around to see Atsushi and Gin and only sighed. "She informed us of her department earlier. she said that she had to get back up as soon as possible to talk with the Supreme Guardian about the underworld."

For some reason, hearing that explanation, you felt a shiver run down your spine. something about Louisa meeting with the Supreme Guardian made you felt wrong. as if it won't be a simple talk. as if something is about to go horrible.

you hadn't realized you've started backing out from reality. anxiety eating you up inside as you try to figure out what felt wrong. what even... was wrong? this was a good opportunity wasn't it? while Louisa goes to talk about the underworld's condition with the Supreme Guardian, you, the Trailblazers will be able to locate the stellaron, stop the crisis, and get back on the train. Alive.

Everything was just silent around you, but slowly you could hear people calling your name, two who were shouting your name, one gently shaking you, by rocking your body a bit back and forth, and the last one? someone infront, asking you, 'At...shi.. r... o.... al.. ight?'

You opened your eyes more to get a clear view on the person, it turned out to be Sir Melville. who had taken the time to kneel down a little so he can check over Atsushi.

"what?"

"Are you alright Atsushi?"

"... Yes, I'm okay."

"That's good, but, it's time to stand up, so i can announce the news."

"... ofcourse, yes." Your mind was full of clutter as Sir Melville started talking. you still hadn't paid attention, only getting to the part where—

"and so, Svarog, had agreed to hear your reasonings." ... he did? it must have been the girl who he talked with that was barefoot.

"huh.. didn't think that giant hunk would ponder over the meeting." said by Lucy in amazement, that's what she thinks, yes, but little did she know it was actually the work of another. someone presumably close with the robot, but they don't know about them.

"Does it matter? Sir Melville, can you give us the time and place to meet up with Mister Svarog?"

"ofcourse Miss Gin."

After sharing everything Sir Melville discussed, holding the same pipe of his, he blew on it as he let his eyes look over the young adults.

"Well then, i wish you luck on trying to convince Mister Svarog. Wildfire will handle the underground as always. Lucy will lead you there."

The red haired girl scoffed and placed a hand on her hip, "ofcourse i will." The red haired girl had turned to look at them, narrowed her eyes, telling them, "you outsiders better do your best to convince that robot."

On instinct, you nodded. As you blindly followed your companions— and Lucy. to the colder area where Svarog lived.

[New location unlocked:Robot Settlement]

On your visit to where the Robot Settlement is. you saw many tents standing nearby, all who lived there seems to be wearing the same outfits as the ones from the underground.

"It's.. cold... how annoying... i should've bought something to help with the cold.."

Arisa commented, shivering a bit, at Boulder Town, there wasn't any snow nor any sign of winter, due to the endless supply of geomarrow the underground has, plus the large furnace covering the entire underground, it was warm. But now exposed to the cold once again, made Atsushi wonder if Arisa hadn't 'fixed' her joints. Which made him also worry a bit if midway she'll crash or by accident lose a limb. Gin doesn't seem all too worried, making him wonder if this happens a lot. Lucy however just looked at Arisa with confusion.

"with what you're wearing i expected you to be.. less cold."

"I'm just not really a fan of winter.. it's really weird to me too how am i still cold-"

"... Isn't space already cold? Don't get me wrong but i once read it in one of Miss Margaret's books that beyond the planet, Outer space is really cold."

"... I live in a train, Miss Lucy."

The atmosphere became awkward, Lucy opened her mouth, presumably about to ask Arisa how does her living in a train connects with being cold. but immediately shuts up and decides to just lead the Trailblazers. Arisa and Gin were having a convo while Atsushi just followed the three, trying to peel his eyes and awareness open. They stopped by infront of a gate which was locked. making Lucy stare at it as she headed towards the gate opener and tried to unlock it.

"It seems like someone messed with the lock and shut down the gate."

she stopped fiddling with the gate opener and turned to the trio.

"Since you guys already encountered this kind of mechanism, it's best if you can find a key to this. this is what it looks like."

Lucy took out a paper which has a drawing to it, then gave it to Atsushi who looked at it with Gin and Arisa looking over.

"If we want to unlock the gate, that's the kind of key we need. why do i have a drawing it? there are some keys here at Jarilo-VI that.. sometimes look familiar but has different features. bring that with you. for the meantime.. i'll be trying to unlock this thing."

or in her words, 'I'm going to bust it open if i have to.'

pushing aside your worries for Louisa, you and your companions have decided to look for the key, time is against them, if they fail negotiating with Svarog, changing his mind, the trip will be all for naught. which made Atsushi afraid if he'd also get kicked out if he failed, first mission already a fail? the adults aren't going to be happy. the planet's situation is slowly worsening more. they still haven't figure out where the stellaron is.

"Your efforts will be all for nothing, outsiders."

Chapter Text

You had reached the Robot Settlement. opening up the locked gate was another thing and you were guided by the robot you had saved. but before you can be able to meet the 'Boss' of all robots, you have to do certain tasks in order to get the favor of negotation. you can't help but feel like this is all a ploy, isn't it, Atsushi? you can't help but feel like a puppet, like everyone else around you are just as much of a puppet as you are. your goal is to save a planet, so why do you feel out of place? hehe, now, now, don't you work your head for nothing, this is after all, your story is it not? the audience will never and i mean never, give you up, never let you down, never run and desert you. nor will they make you cry and best of all, never will they say goodbye.. ... have fun now, Trailblazer. for this, is all but just the beginning.

You reached the very home of Mister Svarog, you're a bit nervous on meeting him once again, the last time you did, he didn't let you all finished and left. now, it was either they can convince Svarog and save Jarilo-VI or fail and have to leave the planet to wither to the stellaron as even their aeon had already gave out.

'But.. we've come this far, we can't give up just yet! ... but if even their aeon had back out from their people.. could we really do this?'

Atsushi clenched his fist but instead of his finger nails digging into his skin, he felt a small fluff. with his frustration dissipating at the notice of the object, he raised his hands just to his chest and saw the object he didn't noticed slipped into his palm. On his right hand was indeed, a small fluff, a pillow shaped one of course.

"Wha-"

"You got distracted."

Arisa's stare directed to the older, her green eyes lacking any hidden meaning about her statement.

"... sorry."

"I know. The metal man is already here Atsushi, let's do our best to convince him"

"I.. know."

and she was right, but the problem is, Svarog is exactly INFRONT of him. making his expression change to fear immediately at the presence of the boss.

Svarog scanned the people he was meeting with, assessing not their just full name but also affiliations.

"Lucy Maud Montgomery of Golden Time, And.. ... Guests from the outside. pleasure to meet you." the tallest greeted, Gin herself nodded at the greeting as she skipped past pleasantries.

"We're here to talk about Belobog, Mister Svarog. I understand you. You also wish to protect and preserve the last battalion— I too wish to do everything we can to save the planet, however if you do not comply to give what we came here for— this planet will completely turn to frost."

"... My analysis says that, either way, Belobog's situation is long beyond saving, thus, The world's fate has been set in stone."

"You're just repeating past data! We have all the means to fix the problem if you could just let us!"

The shortest shouted holding her note cards close to not forget the conversation. she placed her current note to the back and found a blank page, her mouth formed into a line at the realization she forgot what to write on it.

"Atsushi you should take over!"

"I um- alright?"

his head shifted upwards to look at the larger robot, before clearing his throat, gathering every information he can recall.

"So um, Mister Svarog, Hi. What my companion wished to say is that, Even if your data confirmed about Jarilo-VI's situation being beyond saving.. There is also the possibility of it still being saved because, um, because your data didn't wrote down the possibility? and also, also! We can promise you Belobog's safety if you would!"

"According to my data, there has not been yet an attempt or success at solving the eternal winter for the last 700 years."

"There's a possibility like i said— if you give us a chance, we could be able to change your evaluation!"

"...Invalid reasoning. your time is up, I'm afraid you must leave, Guests from the Outside and Lucy Maud Montgomery of Golden Time. this meeting is adjourned."

The robots that were on standby slowly cornered the group of mortals, leaving them to have their weapons ready to be unsheathed. the albino panicked at the surrounding robots— they went so far already, and some robot is going to end his first journey? not.. not like this, this would also end his companions journey— its not their first time, yes. but this planet won't be their last stop and he will make sure of it!—

"No." Atsushi stated, voice calm, his tone getting impatient. the robot, tho did not have a reaction, took a moment to analyze the albino's face to understand him.

"Are you perhaps doing what humans call, 'making a stand'?"

[Yeah, what about it?]
[Yes, and I'll fight you even.]

>[Yes, and I'll fight you even.]

"I bet my right leg that i can take you on a duel. and if i do win, you'll give us information."

The others gawked at Atsushi's boldness, the Robot stayed quiet, contemplating about the declaration.

"I will fulfill your wish if you do defeat me." Svarog stated, "However—You will leave this planet if you fail."

"Deal."

Gin looked at the albino male with a fearful look in her eyes, Lucy was puzzled at the albino's aggressive approach to their problem and Arisa, however, looked terrified.

"Are you crazy, Atsushi?!" Shouted by Lucy who was absolutely a bit terrified for his sake.

ignoring their voices, the robot snapped his fingers.
•••

[Fight scene HSR style]

Svarog
[Weakness: fire, lightning, wind]

Dear Akivili.. Atsushi thought, none of them have an element to fight the robot— aha.. crap.

the robot made a quick snap sound as four robots came to assist him, the smaller ones? seems easy enough— little did they know the explosion and annoying barrier.

He was up first, hitting a solid punch at the hand robot, who tumbled a little, Gin was next as she used her glaive and thrust it repeatedly (three times at the robot)

she was still up as she used a skill to which— by enhancing her teammates attacks, they were all given a chance to attack first. Arisa started off with spinning her fan-blade.. thingy. (yeah Atsushi still hasn't established whats it called), He was up again as he decided to go with a strong one punch. the robot was vulnerable to Lightning and wind.. oh no. Lucy had done a switch up as she manages to get a second turn, once more twirling her weapon and destroying the hand robot—

But.. it seemed like they failed to take notice the hand robot's health. it approached them as it self destructs, lowering their attacks (debuffing them) and health to half—

[Abundant Winterland]

The brunette tapped into her wrist and changed the atmosphere to raining snow, healing her allies while also removing their [debuffs]

{Her snow works like how the Simulated World Abundance path works. by choosing a certain skill from the abundance path in hsr, you could be able to use healing in limited times.}

Atsushi observed the snow for a brief moment, it.. was a lot different than Belobog's snow now that he realizes.

the second who attacked was the stoplight robot— who charged at them with a protective barrier, harming Lucy who cursed under her breath at the protective barrier the robot took out

"We need to take out those three eyed freaks if we want to get far—" the redhead grunted.

and now, from their target Svarog, now to the stoplights— this.. was a truly annoying way to end a meeting.

Chapter Text

Upon turning your attention to the last robot, this battle will definitely lead to Svarog's conclusion. Arisa can't keep healing everyone around her because of Svarog's attacks that delays the healing, and the smaller robots were responsible of de buffing their attacks. Lucy could only hit so much twice until she stops and Gin's continous buff to strengthen their offense also keeps delaying. Even your punches Atsushi— They're trying to make you lose some skill points.

"Target locked."

Svarog snapped his left hand as multiple missiles came out from his back and shot all of them, Gin specifically getting the most missiles targeted. her breathing growing heavy at the amount of damage she received.

[Haze upon the snow]

Arisa had a finger onto her wrist screen as she tapped in, and healed Gin while taking off the target locked pinned onto her. There was a single skill point left, and Atsushi had to take out the last smaller robot. but— if he did take out the smaller robot, Svarog's next to attack then... there's a great chance he'll use those missiles once more to finish them off. he whispered to the youngest to decide whether or not he'll risk it all.

"Arisa— Is your snow going to continue raining?"

"No.. it's not fully charged thus i'm unable to pull that off. Let's stop at here. make him think we're planning how to approach him. make him think that we need time to strategize. i have a feeling he's correct in who's coming to help. we just need to buy more time.. "

Atsushi was lost, who said who's coming to help? While he was thinking, Gin pulled out her ultimate.

[Cogent Conclusion]

The glaive she had reflected her eye as she strucked the hilt of the weapon and concluded— That her argument wins. The buffs were switched, what once was their debuffs applied to Svarog, weakening his offense as unfortunately only two of them received a turn. along with an extra buff for attack.

[Gin's ult is a 50/50. If she wins the argument— she switches the buffs (of the enemy) and debuffs (of the team) and adds an extra attack buff for the team, if she loses the argument, the enemies buffs further increase. how to ensure a guaranteed win? Stack her up on more Energy recharge, the faster she's able to get her ult, the faster she can end the argument and win it a lot of times. before they lose an argument.]

Only Lucy and Atsushi were the ones that received a turn. now, Atsushi was both nervous and grateful.

"We'll leave this now in your hands, Atsushi! make sure to approach carefully!"

The brunette shouted, Her ultimate still isn't up. And Gin already took her turn but it still wasn't enough, Buy enough time, just even a few seconds would be enough.!

She hadn't noticed that Atsushi sacrificed a normal attack when Lucy's turn was next and fortunately— she was given a double turn and contemplated if she should change her target. She stopped to the last small robot, once after attacking, she pulled out her scythe and started twirling around the enemy as she went above and dealt the final blow. risking the last small robot to explode on them.

Svarog pulled out a target locked, and targeted Gin once more, pulling afterwards the missiles once again. her health was now at risk. [in other words merely 80 hp is what's left.]

"As per agreement. I shall not disclose any information—"

"I don't think so."

Striking the robot's leg— the trio and Lucy was met with Margaret holding a giant blaster?! they hadn't noticed how their health reached full as they gawked at the lady.

Now that the robot knelt down— Margaret was preparing to blast the robot's head off, glaring at it while her weapon nearly served the ultimate blow— in which she cancelled upon a child stepping forward, her arms spread wide and legs slightly hunched(?) trying to protect the larger figure behind her. she had small tears as her left eye was shut prepared to be accidentally blasted.

"Wait! please.. please don't hurt Mister Svarog!"

she cried out to the woman who lowered her weapon, looking at the girl and the robot.

"... Fine. but your robot guardian owes these Trailblazers some information."

"I.. i understand miss, I'll talk to Mister Svarog i promise!"

Margaret contemplated at the child's desperation. she was rather skeptical. what if they were plotting something? ... She sighed deeply, Trusting the child to keep their side of promise.

"Very well."

"Thank you so much.! Please, give me a few minutes to help and talk to him."

While the girl converse with Svarog, Margaret casually walked to the group.

"Trailblazers, Lucy, how are you doing?"

The older woman questioned, looking at the younger group with eyes that Atsushi couldn't decipher. but he could at least tell she was worried if her aura he could sense was not to be ignored.

[We're fine...]
[Miss Margaret!]

>[Miss Margaret!]

"Miss Margaret! we didn't expect to see you!"

"Thank the Underworld you came!"

At that, The woman laughed at the enthusiasm displayed upon her arrival, she stopped when she had to explain to them,

"Mark reached out to me and told me of his gut feeling— as infuriating he may be, when the situation calls for it. He has a great sense of predicting based on what he's feeling. it's nice to see i managed to rescue you kids in the nick of time. Thankfully you all bought me time to come."

accidentally or purposely? The albino frowned, Was Mark leaving them to fight and almost die a part of his prediction? his right ear twitched a little as he stared at Clara— the young girl who walked over and conversed with Gin.

"... I see, Thank you for telling us, Miss..?"

"Ah, there's no need to.. um, call me miss, please, refer to me as Clara instead."

"Alright then, You have our gratitude, Clara."

"Mhmm.."

•••

After Svarog had unlocked the confidential information he held for the past 700 years. as you listened, each sentence keeps getting worse, The Stellaron wasn't anywhere. It wasn't in a place— no. it was IN someone! and that someone based on the recorded data of the past? The Supreme Guardian.

"Didn't Miss Lucy said Commander Alcott is meeting with the Supreme Guardian?"

Gin voiced out leading everyone to the same conclusion— The Commander was in danger. And the Supreme Guardian is with her.

Chapter Text

After you learned about the data, you and the rest ran to get to Belobog above. While doing so, guards were stationed, and you had to find a way to get around them.

hiding behind a building, The Trailblazers and Lucy were displeased seeing the amount of silvermane guards stationed. no doubt the Captain's work...

They had to either get around the guards, fight them or go to another location and reach where Commander Alcott was. but it may take long..

"Psst.! Hey.!"

Atsushi's ear twitched at hearing something, while Gin and Lucy were discussing, he looked around to identify where the noise was coming from. Arisa was murmuring something under her breath while tapping onto her wrist screen. 

"Heeeyyy.!!"

Okay, this was getting a bit freaky for Atsushi.. and he hopes he didn't get affected by the Fragmentum's corruption.

"HEY.!"

The voice whisper shouted at him and turned around to find a woman hiding behind a building, who had blonde hair and shimmering blue eyes, she had rosy skin tone and seemed to be hiding so well Atsushi could mistake her as a child playing hide and seek.

Confused, he glanced back to his companions who were too engrossed in their conversation. Deciding to interact with her instead, he came near the girl and greeted her.

[Who are you?]

[Where are your parents?]

[What do you want?]

>[What do you want?]

He had a fighting stance at the ready making the girl also looking ready to retaliate if Atsushi started.

"Calm down! I want to help!"

"What 'help' exactly?"

"I.. my brother, he ranted to me how he's currently hunting down three outsiders who are arrested for wanting to 'overthrow the Architects'. I didn't believe it considering how unlikely that was.."

"And what does that relate?"

"Your identities, i.. i have a clue as to where whoever your finding since my brother's a huge tattletale sometimes.."

"You didn't give me a name, you didn't even explain why you thought of it. How can you prove to me that you're to be trusted?"

"My name, its Mary. Mary Steinbeck, and i don't trust my brother nor the Supreme Guardian."

Steinbeck.. hunting down three outsiders.. blonde hair and blue eyes... ?! THE CAPTAIN?!

Atsushi took a step back— 

"Were you not listening? I said I don't trust my brother nor the Supreme Guardian idiot! Look, i know who you're looking for— or atleast an idea who you're trying to find."

"If you want me, to trust YOU. You have to show yourself to others."

"Yeah, sure. I'm cool with that."

"I can't be too sure even with my own predictions."

"I trust you. Whatever decision you make, i will bear it alongside you."

"... I'm certain on where the Stellaron, But i can't identify so..."

The ginger took a moment to think, what could Dazai have seen in their searches that led the conclusion of 'identify' instead of where. widened eyes at the sudden idea, he looked at Dazai with a perplexing look—

"You don't mean.."

Well, considering that they accepted Mary, they now had to initiate a plan. two groups must separate in order to get to furnaces that generated not just heat but also it's panels. to access another part of Belobog no one has seen. 

All this while the separated groups fought their way through the panels. Acting fast as they can— All in hopes they weren't too late.

In another location, was a man and woman walking through the thick snow. one had a hardened face as they walked through the snow, while the other had an unease and hesitant look to the other person. 

Pulling out your phone, you received a notification from one of your friends.

•••

Nakamura

It's always about the drive

——————

>Atsushi

>Atsushiiii answer mee

What's wrong Arisa?<

>I could see your location rn, don't try to fight your way through because there's an elite guard with the Silvermane guards.Too dangerous with just the two of you(*❛‿❛)→

How do you suggest we go through?<

>This is going to be a long path to get to the panels, if you can run super fast that'd be great!

>*Thumbs up bunny*

Okay just guide me and Lucy to there.<

>The other route is just as dangerous with Fragmentums but more easier with no one keeping watch on the panels.

>Head to your west and run straight until you and Lucy could find another separate path. If there's two, Choose the left, if there's three choose the middle. those are the locations. See you later!!

*Awe face bunny*<

Thanks for the locations Arisa!<

•••

"So?"

"We head west then run until we find divided paths."

"You lead the way then."

The two nimbly ran to the west path, avoiding both east and north.

•

They came across a large panel in which Both Atsushi and Lucy agreed on their goal. One keeps watch of any fragmentum that's going to be near the panel. The other one has to get through all the puzzles to control it. Time is very much against them, and Atsushi— doesn't know whether or not will he be kicked out after being taken in for what? a few days? He doesn't know what disappointed faces will await if the seniors knew of their failure, especially Chuuya who appointed him on this journey. And Dazai too.. the man who suddenly declared to bringing Atsushi along.. Though he hadn't spend a lot of time to get to know his companions just by observing them, or knowing a few things about them, They'd also be just as disappointed. (Even when their aura or so smelt different. They were more kinder)

Discontinuing his train of thoughts (or more like self-deprecation) about what's going to happen, He had to get his mindset back in the field, Even if he failed— it was.. fun while it lasted.

And then, it turned black.

Chapter Text

"Well then, sir. May i inquire as to who you choose?"

A worker with light brown hair questioned, standing beside the man as the children— Youngest to oldest, shortest to tallest were all in a line. At an orphanage and adopting a kid.

He scrutinized each child until his eyes landed on a girl. who... looked similar to her. vibrant eyes, light colored hair, timid aura and the same height...

"..You.."

The girl looked up at him, making him just look at her with so much emotions.

"..."

"What is her name?" The man asked,

The headmaster(?) answered: "Her name is.. Louisa May Alcott, Sir.. She turned 7 years old just two months ago."

"I see.. in that case, I will adopt her."

"Very well, let us proceed with the adoption process."

"You were still a little girl just then, but even so.. I sensed great potential within you."

The blonde started, still walking along the snowy path trekking upwards to their main destination. It was still a long path to get there. too long that Louisa hoped that everything's fine and that the Supreme Guardian would listen to her. It was time she was convinced to do everything she can to change his mind.

"So young and eager to learn, the amount of times i did try to keep up with your progress was rather amusing and worth it.. ... Louisa?"

He stopped walking, turning to the younger woman who stood in front of him. Her eyes focused and tense she still replied,

"Yes, Supreme Guardian?"

"There will come a day you as well will become the leader of our last fort. That day is far in the future, or nearer than you think."

"Yes.."

"So i want to entrust to you something, but.. only if we get there."

"If i may interject.. But I've been thinking— everything from the start. You truly have nothing to do regarding the Underworld?"

"...No."

"So when.."

"?"

"When should we discuss this issue? for so long.. both Overworld and Underworld have cooperated on countless situations— We shouldn't turn their backs on them!"

"It is a complicated matter."

"From what I'm seeing? no. it's not a complicated matter." she vocalized, putting her foot down against the man who adopted her— Those people.. their suffering.. Is he truly going to push them aside and block them from ever coming up? It was cruel. So cruel that Louisa mentally berated herself, future leader incapable of putting her people's well being— Maybe the Trailblazer, Gin, was it? was right. 

"The Supreme Guardian is the only one who knows where the Stellaron is, but the question lingers on why he's hiding it. To go through the trouble of arresting outsiders.."

"I.. will no longer defend him. But i must ask— Why would he deprive the people of a chance to flourish?"

"Only he knows. Not even i know the answer to this question."

"..."

"Look, base on your planet's current state— He doesn't give any care regarding the people. whether it be those from above or those below." Louisa felt like she was staring at a veteran— Only those who had witnessed war first hand will understand the outcome. she held her breath at the steel tone Gin possessed. She's.. no, she has to believe in what's right. Belobog is the last line of defense. It won't be a defense for long if the Supreme Guardian doesn't take action soon.

"Louisa, We're delaying our main reason for coming here, come now. We must make haste."

"..." Louisa kept silent, eyes towards the snow as she followed the Supreme Guardian who nonchalantly disregard her worries. She.. may not know what awaits but she hopes things will change. 

She doesn't have a clue on how drastic that change will be.

Chapter Text

After getting pass through not just the Guards, They were still yet being held back by,

"Mary, step away from these outsiders. They are a major threat to Belobog."

John started, his eyes not leaving the group. Every action is to be observed and scrutinized. These outsiders got his sister's trust. And he doesn't know why she's siding with them.

"Major threat?" Mary scoffed, Belobog might as well just die if her brother's going to be absolutely stubborn. But to continue on to her sentence, "These so called threats may as well be the key to Belobog's future. A future in which if you don't get out of our way will be stripped off all because you chose to trust that bastard's words—" 

"Do not address the Supreme Guardian that way, Sister." His eyes narrowed. When the absolute heck did she found the time to care about these.. outsiders? Mary also narrowed her eyes. She had all the reason to distrust the Supreme Guardian. Ever since that day... 

... The day in which shall never be spoken.

"We don't have much time. So let us through, now." She ended her sentence with a hard and cold end. Right now— This.. man... Her brother... wasn't the same person she grew up with. If it boiled down to a fight— So be it.

"No." He also ended. One word that could just say many meanings. Putting his foot down against her— Not the brother she knew of, but as the Captain of the Silvermane Guards who strives for Belobog's survival. ...Is that what you truly believe, John Steinbeck? Yes..

"I..." Mary was absolutely trying her hardest to stay cool. The outsiders behind her were only silenced— Which was a good decision on their part, but since the silence was rather loud, she could still hear them behind her— The youngest in particular who was muttering words to herself all the while tapping her fingers again, and again. Hardened resolve on this issue she declared something that even the Trailblazers questioned and even shouted at her for the absurdity of the length she was willing to go to

"I.. i will bear this responsibility of covering for them, Brother." She said. Making even John stutter at the declaration. Shocked and horrified at this decision. He looked at her for a few seconds before scoffing lightly. his brows scrunched to the middle, eyes still narrowed, not leaving his sister's stubborn gaze. She was serious, and he knew that once Mary puts her time and thought to something, she was too stubborn to stop until she achieved it.

"You... You're serious..."

"I've been doing my research after your complaints about the duty given to you. Which was patrolling Belobog for any sign of the Outsiders. And between these said Outsiders and the Supreme Guardian? My trust in these three is more stronger. One in which I'm willing to lay my life on if i may."

"Mary, you're being indecisive right now. What did these outsiders tell you?" She has to be joking. She's seriously letting herself get arrested? or worse— killed? If ever should her judgement fail.

"I. am not. My decision is final, my trust in them is what my instinct says. Tell me brother, since when had my instincts ever been wrong?"

"..." John was in deep thought, He held a hand outwards to the side, making Mary wary at the hand— only for her brother to gesture his held out hand downwards, telling the Guards he brought with him to stand down and not raise their weapons. The collective standing settled. the blonde man looked into his sister's eyes, Stubborn and determined. While she sees in his eyes— Sorrow and confliction.

"I.. will trust your judgement. Only this time. Both Supreme Guardian Fitzgerald and Commander Alcott are at Everwinter hill." He announced, distrust still evident with the way he hesitated with sharing the location.

"However, if i found out that they are distrustful, you will be executed alongside them." His voice had cracked at the executed part, hurting his own family— was something John promised he would never do. But that was when he was still a kid, He's around his thirties now— he's the Captain of the Silvermane Guards that serves to protect Belobog and its superiors. He must obey everything they said, If not.. ... No one from the Steinbecks had ever once thought of betraying the Supreme Guardians they served. All of them would rather die for their city. Eliminating those who are deemed as traitors are easy— But what of those who is family? just like now.

His own sister siding with the outsiders. If the outsiders betrayed the trust his sister gave them— Then she would be executed with them. And he doesn't know if listening to his sister was ever a good sign, no matter that she's never been wrong about her instincts. 

Mary's eyes widen a bit before grinning ear to ear, she looked to the Trailblazers and announced,

"We'll atleast you'll be able to get going now ey?" she proudly says, even the Trailblazers were looking at her with gratitude, Lucy herself only nodded in lieu of thanks to her.

... "You all should hurry now. The Guards and I have to hold back against the Fragmentums—"

"Wait but you're hurt?-"

"The shortest route would be just around there, you should be able to run with no blizzard stopping you and—"

"John answer me, are you hurt right now?!"

"Not now Mary— Afterwards you should be able to find a another path. I know Belobog has been a maze but you should be able to get to Everwinter hill by the directions i'm giving you."

"Okay thats it, I'm staying behind now." Mary declared, glaring at her brother for cutting her off and even trying to make her distracted. she had her hands on her hips as she turned to the Trailblazers.

"Good luck finding Commander Alcott kids, Although i myself wished i could see what the Architects built with you— In the end its a sister's job to watch over her reckless brother."

"That was uncalled for-"

"Quiet."

"Can you atleast not get in the front line? you've never been much of a fighter, Mary."

"Make me."

"You— ugh.. this is getting both out of hand and embarassing. just go now Trailblazers. We'll hold off the line." John said, as he carried a large bow— (The thing chordophone uses to play violin or cello) and head off to the gate with the rest of the guards following him from behind.

"Wish for us to live!!" Mary shouted, catching up to the group of guards and her brother leading the front. She heard numerous shouting from the children— All thanking her as they swiftly left to get to Everwinter hill.

...

Standing at the front with her brother, both siblings were just staring at the gate, the gate in which if opened— has monsters waiting for their next prey.

"Just like old times, huh?"

"Indeed. Like i said however, you must stay back. What we'll be facing is more than just fragmentum monsters."

"Pshh What, don't think i can hold well on my own?"

"I believe in your capabilities—"

"Then i don't see the issue."

...

*sigh* "Guards, Open the gates!" The captain shouted, leading the soldiers with a stance, ready to march on— As the gates opened, they marched straight into the battle field and fought against the threat..

The Trailblazers and Lucy, encountered left over Fragmentums that seemed to be created from the black goop that Atsushi remembered. They don't know how far they are from Louisa, but he hopes they're near already—

Or he feared that his instincts were telling him something's wrong.

Chapter Text

[Astral Express]

"And that's currently everything that's happening right now. Verlaine is currently on an one man hunt, and she still hasn't come back from her trip from the IPC."

"The IPC? What's she there for?"

"Hm, who knows? All she said was they owe her something."

"Ah.. and on your end?"

"Same as usual dearie, I'm still taking over Elise's work whilst drinking this tea Mori-dono recommended. Which reminds me.. Make sure to stock up on your supplies, I heard from Mori-dono of your stay at a nearly desolated cold planet?"

"Kind of. We're currently still trying to contact Gin and the rest."

"Gin... Make sure you tell the girl that she and her brother should try drinking those vitamins. I hadn't bought them for nothing."

"Noted, is that all?"

"Hm.. Mori-dono says to keep your eyes peeled, The IPC did give us an early headstart, before our lassie came to their headquarters."

"About?"

"Two individuals roaming outer space, called themselves 'Galaxy Rangers'.. It's worrying considering they have been rumored to long since perish from the data banks. Not only that, They don't have any proof of identification."

"That.. is concerning, What's the course of action we should take?"

"At best, they said to avoid initiating contact with them. It could be anyone you come across in your future travels, Its best to limit further contact with others than the authorities. That is only my advice ofcourse, you have the final say in what you should do as a separate faction."

"... Your concern is warranted, Miss Kouyou. We will follow your advice— But if push comes to shove, The Astral Express will deviate from your advice to assist others. No matter the destination nor the people."

"Always playing the hero.. Safe travels, Chuuya."

"Good luck finding the culprit who broke into the Space station, Miss Kouyou."

The call ended, two sides unknowingly awaiting for updates of different matters.

•••

Towards Everwinter Hill— The group had noticed the concerning amount of frozen fragmentums.. or basically what Gin muttered 'The Antimatter legion'

"Its.. possible that they've been frozen for centuries... if, we could consider the hypothetical timeline i created," Where Gin pressed onto her wrist pad, showing a mini notes board where she listed all her observations and the conclusion she came to. "Its how the Eternal Freeze took over.. and judging by the state of the place, A war must've happened here. Before Belobog's geography started decreasing "

Arisa tried to focus hard on a Frozen Fragmentum, Her eyes narrowing, before looking away to meet Gin's eyes. The girl could have sworn she saw something move, But pass it off as her imagination, "So.. These are all just dead corpse... (right?) but that seems impossible.? or atleast i think it is—"

"Maybe.. but for now, We should still keep our guards up, There's no guarantee that they're dead." Poking the end of her glaive to one of the frozen fragmentums, Gin caught a small eye slowly looking over to where it was poking. Turning her back to them and explained, "They probably just got trapped frozen."

"That's.. a relief? I mean it probably is but like, this makes it easier." Atsushi was infact relieved, With how much worrying fragmentums there were surrounding, It could have delayed them even further.

".. We should head up now." Lucy announced, already trying to trek through the even snowier area as the group had started hiking once again.

"But what could i even do..? Belobog's slowly getting consumed by the Eternal Freeze. Many, many of our soldiers were frozen to death. Some..." 

Their breath hitched as they mournfully observed the city,

"Some had fallen mad by the war.. there.. there is no hope for the people, whether it be those from above or below.."

Give in... to your desires.. We... wil.. ve.. ou.. everything.!

"But i cannot.." They said, And that would be purely selfish of them. It was not right to force your own people to follow your orders, regardless if you are their leader. 

He... bandoned... you... NO MORE...

And wasn't that painful? That their very own Aeon had gave up on them. Leaving this shriveling planet to die.. What were they missing? Better yet, just what made the Aeon of Preservation, turn its back on Belobog?

Give... in...

GIVE IN!

The crew reached a higher part of Everwinter Hill, encountering a woman who looked rather similar to the Silvermane Guards uniform— And before they knew it, she was attacking them instantly, Holding some sort of staff that brought down a giant hammer. And casting a spell that they'd have to follow. such as.. no using their skills, for one. 

Which was challenging considering the enemy has eyes on them all and they can't discreetly attack it with their skills. The example was when Arisa used her skill but was suddenly targeted by a large hammer. They could only hope Louisa would hold off The Supreme Guardian for them a little more...

"Something's... off..." Louisa felt something was different. Something off. The pace of the wind was.. deathly calm. controlled even. It was unsettling and unnatural. Standing before her was a gigantic robot, Unmoving.

"Did you know, Louisa... This.. giant mech was only used once, and it was during the first Supreme Guardian's era. Back when the Eternal Freeze first began." Fitzgerald started, staring above the robot's glorious, yet unused form. 

".. Yes... you once told me that this mech was created by the Architects.. Even then, we never found any use for it.. nor was it seen for the last centuries... this is my first time seeing it, Sir Fitzgerald." She was amazed, This mech had the potential to wipe off more than half of the Fragmentums— To give the Silvermane Guards enough time to rest and adjust easily- If... If only the source of power wasn't gone though... Even now, No one knows what exactly powered up the mech in the first place.

Only the Architects knew, yet they buried that secret with them. Was it out of fear maybe? To fear that there will be a traitor amidst and use the mech for personal gain, Or was it out of greed? Where they didn't want anyone to know their secrets.

"... I suspect you wish to discuss something else?"

".. Yes... Why, had you brought me here, Sir?" Louisa questioned, She.. she possibly knew why after all. While they were walking, She listened to the older man. Telling her about Belobog's History, reciting history that she memorizes at heart. From the very first Supreme Guardian, to the current.

"... Tell me, Louisa. Do you know the reason why, Our predecessor before us, failed to guide Humanity for a better tomorrow?" He inquired, Looking over to the younger woman, awaiting her response.

"It's because of the Eternal Freeze that brought down monsters and decreased our population.." She answered slowly, She was confident that this is the truth— But something in the older's eyes made her hesitate at the truth she identified was different for him.

"No." She was right. "The real reason why is due to their naive ideals.. Centuries, from the very first Supreme Guardian. They had forsaken going against the destruction.. defying the offer they were given. The Stellaron has offered us a rebirth, Louisa. It offered us a new beginning— One in which that Qlipoth could not bless us." The blonde ended with a frown his eyes bearing no life. And it made her afraid, This was no longer the same man who raised and nurtured her to who she is. No, This was but a mere stranger, lost to madness and despair. 

She was uncomfortable with him. The wind was picking up— Yet it didn't bear any semblance to the wind she was used to whenever she leads her soldiers outside and face those monsters. No. The wind circled only around to Fitzgerald, encasing him in whispers of warnings, of lies and deceitful promises. But she didn't know right?

"Its.. What are you talking about? You and I both know they did everything—"

"Yet that 'everything' caused Belobog as the last one standing." He harshly snapped, Making her more fearful to what will happen, She still doesn't know why he showed her this mech, nor does she truly understand why she was brought here. The gears in her head were turning faster, anxiety creeping up swiftly as her instincts were telling her to run, flee, hide, get away, get away get away get away get away!—

"Louisa." She looked up to him, His eyes were.. more gentler now, but his smile was what made her wary and careful.

"You believe Belobog deserves a chance, correct?"

What is he saying? Of course they do! The people- Neither both the ones from above nor below deserve whatever plan Sir Fitzgerald has in mind. 

"Of course they do.. Isn't that what the past leaders have been fighting for? A second chance for a ruined civilization?" She answered him, firm in her belief about the history she learned.

"That's the answer I wish to hear..." He only said, turning his back from her and face the mech.

"Belobog deserves a chance to flourish... The Stellaron has been giving us that chance.. It was just a shame the past Supreme Guardians chose to be ignorant of such magnificence." He stated with a bitter and cold tone, Eyes holding both disdain and worship.

"... Was it not the Stellaron that caused this situation, Father?" She said, more wary than before as calling the very thing that wiped nearly wiped out the planet 'magnificent'? 

"If our ancestors hadn't ignore the offer, We would have succeeded in saving our planet." He remarked, The Stellaron was whispering to him... telling Fitzgerald about a warning— 

IGNORAN.. COMING..... STOP US!!!

It was awfully silent, Louisa gulped. The man she knew as her guardian and mentor— Looked so... dissociated. No longer in touch with reality. What she did notice however, was the way the blonde was clenching his fist. By now, she picked up the way the wind started howling, snow raining down aggressively as he turned around with his blue eyes wide yet no shocked reaction.

"Just in time." He uttered. What does he...

"Louisa!!" She spun around and was met by the sight of the Trailblazers and Lucy— Running towards them. She felt dread spiking up in her body as she tried to stop them, Get away, please. Get away!!

"Don't!—"

"Louisa!" 

She turned once more to be met with her father's hand outwards to her. And now— a frozen lance was in his other wand.

"Join me... on the awakening of a new world."

"Louisa!" She was conflicted— Too many calling out to her- she doesn't know what to do-"

"Louisa. Come, join me in rebirthing this world and let us—!"

"No!" The woman shouted, backing away from the man who simply placed his outwards hand back to its position and raised the lance against them.

By now, the group ran over in front of the Commander. Protecting her from the Supreme Guardian who raised the said lance towards above, the wind had now encased the entire area— as the Supreme Guardian commanded an order that made both locals look in fear.

"Arise, Engine of Creation!"

While he rose, the same did the mech that was called 'Engine of Creation'

...

The mech's eyes glowed a striking yellow. Possessed by a master's spiteful will.

Chapter Text

Someone stole my phone and probably sold it idk so now i have a new phone and i took a long time trying to access my ao3 account wadahek😭

So many of saved stories are gone and I can't even remember how to exactly retrieve so many of it

Also Merry Christmas and Advanced New year to all of you!!! <3 I hope you enjoy your holidays!