Chapter Text
"Good evening, mortal. I believe this day marks one full year since you boarded?"
"You would be correct," the passenger smiles.
"I must say, I'm impressed. Not many mortals decide to tag along for such a long duration. I hope you've enjoyed our ongoing journey through the universe so far, though."
"I most certainly have," the passenger replied, nodding. "And don't worry about me! I'm no stranger to the passage of time."
The passenger pauses for a moment, taking in the view of the galaxy that surrounded them. They observed the myriad of stars and planets stretching out in every direction as far as the eye could see, lights twinkling in and out. As they continued looking out of the glass windows lining the walls of the cabin, they could briefly glimpse the reflection of the conductor who stood besides them, their golden eyes harboring their own myriad of stars. Indeed, it was as if they were part of the cosmos that presented itself in front of the passenger, too.
"If you don't mind my asking," they continue, not taking their gaze off of the conductor's reflection, "how long have you been charting the Star Rail? It seems quite extensive!"
"To tell you the truth, not very long– only a few decades or so. Regardless, it has already given me the chance to link dozens of planets together," the conductor responds before continuing. "... I hope to eventually connect everyone through the Star Rail and uncover the nature of the universe, whether that be alone or with mortals by my side."
"Is that so?" the passenger asks, raising a brow. "Well, what do you think it is?"
The conductor hesitates. They had a general theory, but they did not want to impart an unconfirmed conclusion onto the passenger.
"I'm not sure yet."
"Hm. You will find the answer for yourself, one day."
The passenger falls into silence, the faint thrum of the engines is all that can be heard in the cabin as the train continues its steady course through space.
Finally, the passenger clears their throat.
"If I may add my own thoughts– I believe the nature of the universe is cruel and merciless. Cold and apathetic,” they chime in bluntly.
"That's a bit pessimistic, isn't it?"
"I like to think it's realistic," the passenger grins. "However, by pursuing joy, we can alleviate the hardships of reality and dilute our sorrows! After all, is it not in human nature to pursue that which makes them happy? To obtain laughter?"
"I suppose so. Though, surely, in moments of sorrow or anger, laughter can't be as easily obtainable as you make it out to be.”
“Why not? Even in tragedy, it is possible for one to perceive joy! Happiness and sorrow are two sides of the same coin, engraved into the essence of every being. If you are unsatisfied with the side your coin lands on, why not flip it to the other?”
“Can it really be as simple as that?” The conductor laughs quietly.
“You would be surprised.”
The conductor says nothing for a moment, thinking over the passengers' words.
"I have to admit," they finally reply, their voice tinging with a faint amusement. "I wasn't expecting to have a conversation like this with a mortal such as yourself."
"Such surprises are what keep life interesting, are they not?"
The conductor nods thoughtfully and then turns to the passenger.
"Now then, if I may ask my own question– A year has passed and yet you never told me your name," they begin.
"What is it?"
"My name?" The passenger repeated, a smile creeping on their face, as if unable to contain a laugh.
"My name is Aha,"
Click.
Instantly, a blinding burst of light suddenly illuminated the inside of the train and filled it with a deafening roar. The train cabins shook violently, its metal frame creaking and groaning as it tried to withstand the force of an incoming explosion. The last thing the conductor saw before their vision was obscured by the light was Aha's maniacal grin, stretching from ear to ear.
There were screams of shock and panic, followed by the sound of shattering glass and collapsing furniture– but above all, the loudest sound was hysterical, morbid laughter.
Like a small child curiously pouring water over an ant colony, Aha watched as the occupants struggled and attempted to escape their demise. Running into one another like fools, tripping over their own feet; to Aha, it was nothing more than a comedic performance to point and laugh at. It did not matter if the humans lived or died, it was inconsequential. The means did not matter, so long as they obtained the ends of laughter.
As the sounds of screaming and the destruction of the explosion eventually tapered off, as did the Elation's laughter, which was beginning to morph into more of a choked, wheezy giggle. While the event was still humorous, the hilarity could only linger for so long.
The smoke and dust eventually began to clear, and through blurry vision from tears of joy having pooled in their eyes, Aha could faintly make out the result of the explosion. Only collapsed rubble and tangled masses of metal and wires were left– the train was ripped apart, reduced to a pile of debris aimlessly floating through space. It was safe to say no passengers had survived.
As Aha regained their composure, they also perceived the silhouette of the conductor, who they saw standing amid the rubble of the explosion.
Already used to the angered reactions of the other Aeons when faced with a similar stunt, Aha had been expecting a furious response from the conductor as well, but what they saw instead was a faint smile on their face. Then, to their pleasant surprise, there was the unmistakable sound of laughter, clear as day.
And it was the most beautiful laugh they had ever heard.
"Aha," the voice finally said.
"Akivili," the other replied.
"...I should've known I was in the presence of a fellow Aeon."
"Like I said, surprises are what keep life interesting."
"Consider me thoroughly surprised, then. Noone has yet dared to scratch my train, let alone blow it to smithereens," Akivili placed their hands on their hips, a smirk still visible on their face.
"Then I suppose I am the first?"
"Right– and I assume you will be bringing me a new train?"
"I am the Aeon of Joy. Unfortunately, paying for repairs and replacements does not fall under Aha’s role!"
"Typically, neither would property damage and mass murder, yet here we are."
"But it brought you joy and laughter, did it not?"
"It would bring me even greater joy to receive a new train,"
"... If that is the case, then I shall consider it. However, how do you know Aha won't try to plant bombs in it again beforehand?"
Akivili considered for a moment.
"I suppose I'll have to take that risk."
"Hmm, very well then,” they gave an affirming smirk and clasped their hands together.
“I like you! Expect me to return so I can toy with you some more!”
Aha waved enthusiastically and then suddenly disappeared into a cloud of smoke and confetti, their exit just as abrupt as the explosion on the train.
Akivili outstretched their hand to allow a strand of confetti to fall into their palm. Against the dull colored wreckage, it was vibrant, and as if to make one final mark, Aha left behind a multitude of them.
________
Akivili had begun to make their return to Pegana, the planet they initially embarked from. Though such a journey would take years upon years for a mortal who had no option but to use the Star Rail that Akivili constructed, it would only take a matter of moments for an Aeon.
However, Akivili purposely chose to take the longer route in order to have time to reflect. They walked alongside the interstellar tracks they had painstakingly planted through the stars, occasionally glancing back at the strand of confetti they held in their hand. The event that had transpired over the course of an instant was but a small nuisance to Akivili, who would have to embark once more on a new train, perhaps with a new set of mortals, assuming they were even still willing to join them after such a disaster. Aha's "prank" was not necessary, at all, but Akivili was deeply intrigued and even humored. They weren't sure why they found it to be so laughter-inducing when, if anything, it should have been the opposite.
It should have been.
Perhaps it was the spontaneity of it all, the idea that they firmly believed they were beginning to understand the sharp turns of fate to the degree that they could even predict them, only for them to be so painfully wrong. They began to believe they could find patterns in the entropy after all, but as it was, it seemed the universe had other plans in mind. It chewed Akivili and spat them out, laughed in their face for their naivete. They could not help but laugh along.
They had previously heard of the Aeon of Elation in passing, as they also had with other Aeons. Most times, the topic was simply overheard by them in the form of complaints by mortal passengers. They said Aha was unpredictable, every action committed by them and their followers was done "just because they could." There was no basis nor reasoning. It seemed impossible to Akivili at the time, who believed everything was done and existed out of logic and reasoning. The universe is carefully calculated, not apathetic, with its truths hidden behind a curtain of mystery which were left to be discovered by its unknowing inhabitants.
Akivili did not make it a priority to interact with the other Aeons. Hardly would they ever even encounter another one, choosing to instead remain in the Astral Express and in the presence of mortals. Though, unbeknownst to them, they had been in the presence of another Aeon for an entire year– An Aeon who disguised themself as human the whole time just because they could. An Aeon who blew up Akivili's dear express and it's occupants just because they could.
Aha had wedged themself into the others' existence, forced them to scrap and restart. They threw an unexpected wrench into the gears turning in the other's mind. A being whose actions had no seeming explanation behind them other than to fulfill a carnal desire for joy– it went against everything they thought the universe was founded on.
”Well, what do you think it is?”
Akivili considered for a moment, that if Aha was guided not by logic but purely by emotion, this meant the twists of fate had to be based in both.
________
When Akivili finally arrived at their home planet, they were surprised to see a brand new train in the same place the other had once been. It looked nearly identical, save for…half the cabins being gift wrapped and a large vibrant bow comically placed on the top of the train's head. An equally large tag was attached– Akivili did not have to approach it to read the words printed on it.
To: Akivili
From: Aha
Sorry about the train!
P. S. Aha wanted to gift wrap it fully but got bored halfway through
Akivili smiled subtly to themselves. They hadn't been sure Aha would fulfill their request, but they were happy they did, especially in such a remarkably short amount of time!
They then proceeded to enter through one of the cabins to check the interior, which also surprisingly, looked strikingly similar to the previous express. Perhaps Aha had spent enough time aboard the train that they were able to imprint the appearance in their mind and recreate it to astonishingly exact detail.
Akivili walked through the cabins, tracing their fingers along the lining of the wall, noting the familiar scent of wood and leather.
Reaching the front of the train, they then stopped in the conductor's office. The natural light of Pegana's sun pouring through the windows guided their gaze to the appearance of a brightly colored cube on the windowsill. This was new. It must've been a personal touch that Aha added. This prompted Akivili to approach it and pick it up to further observe it, rotating it around with their hands. Each face of the cube was made up of 9 smaller ones, each of a varying arrange of colors.
It felt familiar.
Yes, Akivili had seen this before– A passenger referred to it as a "Rubik's cube."
Fascinated, they began fidgeting with it, twisting and turning the sides and trying out different orientations. Having watched another passenger work the cube out, they were able to solve it with relative ease, implementing the algorithms they had formed out of their own prior observation.
After the cube was solved, a familiar cloud of smoke and confetti appeared next to Akivili, which swiftly turned into Aha's sudden appearance. Unlike their last encounter, they no longer bore their human form. They likely had no reason to.
"Akivili!" they exclaimed enthusiastically. "It seems you solved my secret puzzle!"
"Your puzzle?" Akivili asked wide eyed. "Do I receive a reward?"
"A reward...? Let me think about it – Of course not!! You solved it much too quickly. How drab! How boring!" They pout, practically whining. "I wanted to see you challenged! "
"I'm afraid I've already seen this puzzle before," Akivili chuckles. "I watched a human solve it once."
"Is that right? Then the rumors must be true– Akivili! The Aeon who walks among mortals! You surprise me more and more with each encounter."
Akivili hesitates, picking at the cube with their fingers, turning it over with their hands.
"I wouldn't say that. Perhaps 'walks besides mortals' is a better way to phrase it. I'm not worthy of being referred to as one among mortals," the curves of their smile falter, their gaze fixed on the deciphered cube.
"Why not? Compared to other Aeons, you are definitely worthy of it! Mind you, when Aha presented Lan with the same puzzle, they did not so much as even glance at it… " Their voice trails off disappointedly.
Akivili paused for a few moments, trying to find the right words to say.
They struggled to comprehend why mortals often acted in seemingly irrational ways, sometimes even detrimental ones. Why they grieved for one another when death was a fundamental and defining part of mortality. It was to be expected– why grieve for the inevitable?
To say Akivili walked among them was an overstatement. They simply allowed curious humans to join them alongside their adventures and see things they normally wouldn't ever get the chance to.
"... Simply put, I do not understand them. I could mimic their behavior and appearance, but I cannot understand why they act the way they do."
Aha theatrically raises a hand to their chin and seems to think before they speak– unusual for them.
"Even though Aha does not engage in the affairs of mortals, perhaps they can offer advice. Maybe you have not tried laughing as they do," Now, they're pacing back and forth the office. "Say, Akivili, have you ever taken the time to stop and explore the planets you connect your railroad to? You have to try to immerse yourself in the traditions and customs of the inhabitants to understand them. You can't just think logically about it! That is much too plain," the volume of their voice increases with each word, hands expressively being thrown about.
"Where would I even begin, though? How would I go about doing–"
"It's simple. If you see someone having fun, ask them to share their joy. Say, 'Show me how to have fun!'"
"Right," Akivili nods thoughtfully. "Then, can you show me how to have fun?"
"Tsk, tsk, foolish Akivili, I meant ask the mortals," Aha teases. "But of course, I can show you, too."
After giving it some thought, they flash a cheeky smile. Aha then abruptly turns on their heel.
"—So long as you can keep up!" They yell out, voice fading away as they bolt out the train. Akivili, momentarily caught off guard, quickly sets down the cube and decides to give chase. Their harsh footsteps echo through the train, Aha running with such force that the cabins shake.
It isn't long before the two of them are playfully running through the sprawling cities of Pegana, then through the skies and stars. They glide past planets, moons, stars, and familiar constellations. At no point does Aha glance behind them to check that Akivili is keeping pace– They seem confident that they will be able to keep up with them, and they're right.
Akivili has no idea where Aha is going but they need not ask, not right now, anyway. Besides, traveling to unfamiliar locations was their speciality.
________
After a decent amount of time had passed while traveling, Aha began approaching a planet that was unrecognizable to Akivili. As they entered the atmosphere and began descending, Aha's pace slowed down and they guided the other to a brightly lit city. Akivili noted the twin moons hanging in the sky, still following closely behind the other, eager to take in the lively sights of this new planet.
Finally, Aha stopped before a decently large building that stood before them, occupying a space at the center of the yet bustling city. It's warm glow and lively music practically begged one to enter, and Akivili was surely no exception to it's temptation.
"Where are we?"
"My tavern," the other responded while quickly shapeshifting into a human, then brushing an invisible speck of dust off their shoulder.
"It's where my Masked Fools gather. You asked me to show you how to have fun, and I can think of no better way to do so! You'll have the time of your life, trust me. What's your favorite color?"
"My favorite color?" Akivili's eyes widen, confused by the abrupt change in topic. "I don't have one."
"You are so boring," with a wave of their hand, Aha materializes two masks out of thin air– One a crimson red, a permanent expression of laughter engraved on its surface, and the other a glimmering gold. "Here, I'll give you one that matches your eyes."
Akivili accepts the golden mask with an awkward smile.
"Thank you, but… what exactly are the purpose of these?" They ask hesitantly, almost timidly.
"Ah, I nearly forgot to tell you!" Aha shakes their head while slipping their mask onto their face. "Wearing masks is part of the theme. Wouldn't want to stand out from the mortals, would you?"
Akivili looks down at the mask in their hands. Though created in only mere seconds, it was carefully and inextricably detailed, golden pieces flecking the mask like thousands of tiny stars, glittering when turned at different angles. It was beautiful. Akivili put it on, observing the perfect fit, and smiled.
"No, not at all. "
Gold isn't such a bad color to have as a favorite.
________
Soon, the pair of Aeons are making their way through crowds, with a variety of mask-clad forms making for a very colorful sight.
“...And if you look to your left here, esteemed guest, you'll see a bar– it's what most Masked Fools come here for!”
“I believe I recall. They drink alcohol at bars to lift their spirits, no?”
"Bingo! Personally, I have no need for it. Aha is already drunk on the excesses of existence, but feel free to try it out for yourself! A human digestive system and brain is recommended for the full experience, of course."
Akivili nods and squeezes their way past other masked beings, their companion trailing behind, and they take a seat on one of the handful of stools near the counter. They glance at the options listed on a board behind the counter, though it didn't help much. They had no idea what each drink tasted like. They had never tasted anything before, much less alcoholic beverages.
They want to ask Aha for suggestions, but knowing they also don't drink, it’d likely be pointless. On a whim, they look to a nearby human sitting adjacent to them and decide to ask them instead.
“Excuse me, morta– Masked Fool, which drink would you recommend to a newcomer?”
The human turns their head to the Aeon and thinks for a few moments. Their mask is blue with hints of green, an array of colorful peacock-like feathers attached to one corner. It's certainly extravagant.
“My go-to is tequila, it's a classic. But for newcomers… I’d recommend a Margarita. They're light and won't get you drunk too quickly!”
“I see,” Akivili nods. “Well, how many Margaritas would it take to get drunk?” They ask with genuine curiosity while Aha snickers beside them.
“Two or three is usually enough to get buzzed,” the Masked Fool muses, grinning. “Though if you want to get really drunk, then go for four or more!”
“Careful now, we don't want to get too adventurous,” Aha chimes in, wagging a finger before Akivili can respond. “We have other activities to try out first!”
“Then, three will do. Thank you, stranger.”
“No need to be so uptight, we’re all friends here!” the masked human responds joyfully. “Here, I'll even order the first round for you,”
As the Masked mortal speaks to the bartender, Aha lightly nudges Akivili’s arm and whispers. “See? That wasn't so bad.”
________
A quarter through the third drink, Akivili is already visibly tipsy, their laughter becoming louder and more energetic.
Aha looks on in amusement. They hadn't expected Akivili to get drunk so quickly, but now that they've seen it happen, it's pretty humorous – not to mention, quite endearing, in a way. It probably should have been expected, the way they were having their first ever drink and were also doing so on an empty (and quite literally newly-made) stomach.
“Is it everything you expected, Akivili?” Aha hums.
"Well, to be completely honest, it's more than I expected!" They admit with a slight slur to their speech, taking another sip from their drink.
"I didn't realize how much it could alter your perception of reality. The way it makes you feel it’s... it's quite interesting. My senses feel off. I'd love to know how it does that!” They passionately ramble on.
“Ah, I just meant to ask if you're having a good time or not, but that answer works too,” Aha rests their head on the back of their hand, tilted towards Akivili’s direction. Through the gaps in their mask, Akivili observes the way Aha’s long eyelashes bat against their cheek, casting flickering shadows.
“I am, don't worry about that,” they respond chuckling, eyes glimmering with delight. “I see why these types of beverages are so popular among humans!”
The two chatter back and forth, unaware of the Masked Fool’s frankly confused glare.
What an interesting choice of words those two have…
“If you'd like, I can give you a tour of the rest of the tavern,”
“Yes!” They respond, almost immediately. “Show me how to have fun!” Akivili eagerly begins to get off their stool, basically empty drink still in hand. However, they stumble a bit, and Aha’s hand reflexively reaches for their back. They laugh at the other’s enthusiasm, smiling as they guide Akivili to a more stable position.
"Alright, alright! But just because you're new to all this, doesn't mean you have to go overboard!”
Aha shoots a wink at the Masked Fool and bows.
“Thank you for helping my friend here! They were a bit shy at first. Well, we’ll be off now. May Aha continue to guide you,”
________
Aha continues to show Akivili around, introducing them to various attractions and activities of the tavern. Among the many features are pool tables, slot machines where patrons can gamble away their credits and test their luck, tables for card games or betting, and more.
But one particular area catches Akivili's eye – a fighting ring.
“A fighting ring? Why would this bring mortals joy? Isn't it wrong to…”
“Oh no, dear Akivili, some humans enjoy fighting for sport. Some say that it relieves stress– Plus, you can experience the thrill of battle without putting yourself in fatal danger! Not to mention the adrenaline rush from that near death experience."
Akivili thinks for a few moments and grins.
“I'd like to give it a go.”
"An Aeon going up against a mere mortal? You jest, Akivili. Your opponent would not stand a chance! Though, I must say, it would make for a hilarious fight,"
"But what if I limit myself to my human form and abilities?" They suggest playfully.
"When you put it that way– Alright, I guess it would certainly make it more balanced! However, are you sure…? I mean, with your current state and all–”
“Don't worry, it takes more than that to knock the wind out of me,” Akivili gestures confidently. “I know I'm not the most battle oriented Aeon out there, but I can still put up a decent fight!”
“You're a delight to be around, you know that? Well, since you're so sure, Aha will sign you up. Quick, come up with a fighter name like– 'Star Conqueror!'
"I do not conquer stars, I try to understand them, " Akivili frowns.
"I didn't mean it literally," Aha waves their hands frantically. "It's just supposed to strike fear into the heart of your opponent!"
“It doesn't sound like me,”
“Fine, then how about this…”
________
After debating over a title for some time, Aha jots down Akivili onto a sign-up sheet and waits eagerly for them to be called onto the ring. While the former was insistent on choosing a grand and exaggerated nickname, spurring out all kinds of suggestions in rapid fire pace (Everything from" Galactic Gladiator" to "The Interstellar Incontestable" - the list went on) Akivili settled for a simple, straight to the point name. They believed it encapsulated them well enough.
"Everyone, please welcome a new challenger to the stage for our 36,807th round! A rising star, an out-of-this-world voyager with a passion for both the skies and the ring— The Trailblaze!" The announcer's dramatic voice booms over the speaker. The crowd erupts in a roar, excited and enthusiastic to see the upcoming fight.
“You'll do great,” Aha tries to say reassuringly as Akivili just about wobbles their way to one corner of the ring. The announcer then also introduces another fighter. Opposite to Akivili was a man who donned a blazing red mask, fiery embroidered elements, and who went by “Phoenix Rising.” From the look of it, the human had likely done this dozens of times already– His burly physique signaled that he was very much trained and conditioned for this moment. Akivili, on the other hand, was awkward and unfamiliar with it all. Despite having used a human form for quite some time now, never had they used it for such dynamic actions. They were clumsy, unused to moving so drastically within the confines of a mortal body. Add to this their already present tipsiness, making it a bit difficult to even stand straight.
The announcer goes over a few rules, the same ones previously already recited. “Don't deliberately knock off the other’s mask”, “If the other person stops moving or calls it quits, fights over,” so on and so forth. Akivili doesn't pay too much attention as they focus on trying to regain as much of their consciousness as they could before the fight.
Soon enough, the bell sounded, and the two rose from their corners. Quickly, the opponent launched himself at Akivili and struck at the side of their face with a clear intention to stun. Shocked gasps rose from the crowd. The Aeon’s head flung to the side and they stumbled backwards, holding on to the elastic railings of the ring for support. As they tried to recover from the momentary confusion, the opponent swiftly swung another follow up blow, this time connecting with the other's stomach, to which they let out a shocked yelp. They felt their drink come up and they swallowed it back down– it burned their throat. With one arm, Akivili held their stomach, and the other still grasped onto the railing, their knees bending.
Before the match began, Akivili decided to be faithful to the mortal experience and implement all their nerves and pain receptors, not only so the fight would be more fair and entertaining, but also to attempt to grasp what it meant to be mortal through feeling. Not enough to die– Aeons cannot be killed by mortals, after all– but enough to have an idea of pain.
Their cheek reddened from the first blow, stomach ached from the second. The sheer force felt like it had inverted their insides, and the pain was searing.
It hurts, it hurts, it hurts, a voice in their head echoed as they coughed. A feeling of desperation clawed at them, beckoned them to get up and back on their feet. Never had they felt anything so strongly. While it hurt, it made them feel alive, so incredibly alive.
Akivili adored it. They wanted more.
So even through the pain, perhaps out of both the adrenaline and alcohol in their body, they let go of the railing, clumsily stumbling in the direction of their opponent. They attempted to throw a fist at the other, who was able to dodge it with relative ease. Akivili was not demotivated though, however. Between the choked breaths arising from their throat were laughs, their eyes watering with tears from both pain and joy instinctively.
“Phoenix Rising”’s dodge was quickly followed up by successfully crashing his elbow against Akivili's side, and he proceeded to try and strike the side of their face again, this which they actually managed to evade. Akivili ducked quickly and felt the breeze pass over their head, lifting a few strands of hair.
As they lowered their head to duck, Akivili noticed the others legs through shaky vision and thought to kick them to attempt to unbalance him. As they did, the opponent was sent tumbling onto his back, and they frantically climbed on top of them and jabbed punches into his face– some connecting, most being effortlessly dodged.
At this point, the crowd was going wild, the atmosphere in the arena was explosive. Of course, it had been reactive the whole fight, with gasps, groans, cheers, and laughter, but the volume seemed to now intensify tenfold. Akivili had not been paying attention to the sounds, having been entirely engrossed in the fight, until their ears perked up at the familiar sound of Aha's boisterous laugh. Almost instinctively, they turned their head to the direction of the sound and noticed them merrily watching the sight before them. Sometime during the fight, Aha seemed to have also gotten their hands on a bucket of popcorn, occasionally flicking kernels into the slit of their mask.
To this, Akivili grinned and laughed along with them, tuning out everyone and everything else as if for a few seconds, it was just a moment shared between the two of them.
The opponent took their distracted self as an opportunity to swing his knuckles into them, and Akivili let out a groan of pain. Then he grabbed the fabric of their shirt and flipped them over–It was his turn to continuously drive lefts and rights into the sides of their face.
Aha's hand flew to cover their mouth, hoarse laughter still escaping between their fingertips as their shoulders bounced up and down. The crowd went wild once more, clamoring and yelling to express their excitement (or disappointment.)
Akivili felt their breath gasping in their lungs as the euphoric desire they had to fight back was eventually drained from their body, not able to dodge a single punch. Their weak, fragile human vessel gave in before their mind did.
As their vision began to double, they heard the bell ring. Though battered and bruised, Akivili smiled with satisfaction underneath their still fitted mask.
“Oh, dear Akivili…”
________
"Well? Did you like it? "
The two of them had now left the tavern and sought a quieter place to cool down from the fight and noisy crowds. They sat together on a nearby bench while Aha held a pack of ice over Akivili's face, their skin now possessing various shades of purple and green.
"I loved it," Akivili smiles weakly. "I had the time of my life."
Their voice is shaky and groggy, but they meant what they said.
"I told you that you would, " Aha returns the expression.
"I understand why the mortals love it so much now– your tavern, I mean. Somewhat."
The two of them stay in a comfortable silence for a few moments.
"You lost terribly, Trailblaze."
"I know. I did not expect to win either, though,"
"An Aeon losing against a mortal… Ah, what a spectacular sight! I almost died laughing! It's a good thing I did not bet on fighters this time, maybe I would've died crying instead,"
Akivili crosses their arms and pretends to be offended.
"I will come back for another round, and I expect you to root for me again."
"Of course, of course. Aha will always root for the Trailblaze Aeon."
"Must you keep bringing up that name?" Akivili sighs, lifting a hand to pinch the top of their nose. They forget the bruise in their shoulder and wince, to which Aha moves the pack of ice to it.
"What? It sounds nice! You should make it your Aeon title, if anything. Just an ideaaa~" they tease, dragging out their words.
"I'll consider it.”
"Speaking of,” Aha begins again, changing the subject, “Aha noticed you still haven't named your followers, dear Akivili. Aha has their Masked Fools, IX has their Doctors of Chaos, Xipe has the Family… What about you?"
“I haven't come up with anything suitable yet. And besides, I don't see them as followers– moreso mortals who happened to tread the same path as me.”
“You forget you are an Aeon,” Aha shakes their head and laughs. “At this rate, they'll remain nameless forever!”
“Nameless,” Akivili pauses, repeating the word to themself. “That's not such a bad name, is it?”
"Perhaps if you'd like to announce your indecisiveness to others," Aha smirks.
"That is not my intention!" Akivili groans. "I'd like for the mortals to choose their own fates. If I don't give them a name, then they are able to choose a name for themselves– to carve their own identities."
Aha takes a minute to consider their fellow Aeons words and smile warmly.
“You have a good heart, Akivili. If that is what you think is best, then go for it–”
One day, I wholeheartedly believe the title “The Aeon Who Walks Among Mortals” will fit you perfectly.