Chapter Text
Chapter One : “Where the Winds Blow, I follow…”
༘⋆༄.°⋆
A thump was heard in one of the Express Cabins, garnering a head turn from the young red haired woman.
“Everything all right there?!” Himeko yelled, her hair swaying slightly as she looked at the direction of the cabin. As if on cue, a girl collapses on the ground from the door, groaning in her tied up predicament.
“Himeko,” March 7’th, better known as just March yelled out, “Cmon, you have to help me out here! I’m being taken hostage by those two crazy-”
“What did you just say?” Stelle came out, harping a pack of gift box wrappers. And a baseball bat. Caelus was right behind her, chuckling as they both hoisted March up. Himeko just gave a raised eyebrow at the gray haired twins.
“Ahem.” Stelle gave a salute to Himeko. “We need to take March back so we can wrap her as a gift for… the All mighty Trashcan! I need the gift wrapping too. After all I think the trash is where she belongs-”
“ HEY! I HEARD THAT .” March yelled, struggling. “For your information, a pretty girl like me certainly does not belong in the trash-”
“Let’s go, fellow trashcan worshiper!” Stelle gleefully said, not giving March a chance to fully retaliate. Caelus just burst out laughing, carrying March along. “Yes, Lets!”
Himeko just blinked, unsure of what to make of the crazy encounter. This was the life after all, of the Nameless as they went day to day on the Express. Her smile went wider as she heard Dan Heng yell in annoyance. “Keep the noise down won’t you!”
“Seems like all of them are having their time.” Welt chuckled, looking unfazed as he looked from the book from where he was reading. Himeko nodded along, sighing. “How unfortunate. I will soon miss the noise as… well you already know what Pom-Pom told us.”
Welt agreed. “Jarilo-Vl right? The planet that was locked under an eternal freeze for centuries. The cause definitely stems from a Stelleron presence….”
“Of course. It’s unfortunate we both won’t be able to accompany the rest of them on their journey for the time being. Their destination will be Belabog. Then… we may need to seek an audience with the current Supreme Guardian.” Himeko recapped, looking at her watch. “Would you look at that, it’s almost time.”
Welt closed his book, standing up. Pom-Pom came bundling along, looking up at the two of them with a serious expression. “It’s almost time for the warp to begin. Call them in. I’ll let you know when it’s time to warp.”
“I’ll let them know Pom-Pom.” Himeko yelled out at the cabin. “March, Stelle, Caelus, Dan Heng! Come over here. Pom-Pom say’s the warp is starting soon.”
Luckily for her, the children were all mostly well behaved and all of them came into the room, March hastily trying to untangle herself from the bright wrapper that was tied around her. Dan Heng came along, glaring at the twins that noisily tried to poke him, but silenced after his unspoken death stare.
Pom-Pom came back, addressing the whole crew. “Good, it seems like everyone is here! We are going to warp in approximately 2 system minutes. Everyone buckle up!” With that, they bounded off again, while everyone settled down on the velvet seats.
“Alright everyone, let me give the gist.” Himeko said promptly. “We are going to the planet Jarilo Vl, to the city of Belobog.” March fingered her camera. “Isn’t it that planet that's fighting a crisis of almost being frozen…” March shivered a little at the thought. Himeko laughed. “It’s a little bit more complicated than that, but yes, it is cold. Anyhow, I want you to investigate because we both suspect that the cause is most likely a Stelleron.”
“Oh… No wonder.” Caelus nodded his head. Stelle added eagerly, “ Welt, Himeko, are you coming with us then?”
“Afraid not for the time being-” Himeko was cut off from the intercom loudspeaker.
“We have a minute left. Everyone, prepare to warp!”
Conversation fell silent as everyone focused, settling down on their seats, and Pom-Pom ominously counted down the time before the warp began. The Astral Express Crew all closed their eyes as the final numbers counted down.
“5…. 4… 3… 2… 1!”
Here we go.
༘⋆༄.°⋆
The soft clack of heels resonated with the ground as a figure walked bristly, not going at a particularly fast pace but held a sense of urgency with each step. Her gray hair bounced behind her, the black bow proudly representing the Silvermane crest. Round amethyst ombre earrings swung back and forth. Clutching a stack of papers, she walked up to a set of large oak doors, knocking.
“Mother, it’s me. Bronya.”
“Come on in.”
Upon stepping into the room, Bronya heard all the dull sounds thin out into a buzzed silence, as she stepped up once again to confront her mother. She clenched the papers even tighter, daring herself to go closer, placing the stack.
“Look at these reports from the last few weeks. The freeze is starting to become an increasing threat at an alarming rate. Many of the soldiers started reporting a very thick layer of ice that had been building around the border of the city. We have been trying to break it down but it is almost
impossible with the thickness being comparable to heavy blocks of lead. We must do something-”
“Enough.”
Bronya blinked, realizing her voice was slowly rising with each word, her urgency and anger evident in her tone. She softly bowed, correcting herself.
“Apologies mother. But, surely you must realize the urgency of the situation-”
“No.” Cocolia simply shakes her head, a grim look of apprehension on her face. “I believe that this is not a threat for the time being.” She turned back around, looking out the window.
Bronya simply shook her head, finding the words to be unbelievable. “Mother, are you listening to what you are suggesting? We should go out personally and handle this situation. It’s coming to a point where that ice will surely become a threat. Did you not listen to what I just told you?”
Cocolia looked at Bronya with a monotone look, her eyes almost looking dead. “Bronya, are you doubting my decision on the matter?” Her voice was light, but held the dangerous tone of a command, the silent knife cutting through what Bronya was about to retaliate.
“I- No mother.” Bronya dejectedly sighed, finally leaning back, taking a deep breath to steady her brewing her anger and frustration. This was one of many arguments that she had with her mother over the state of the city and what they would do to handle it. Each day, Bronya felt that the mother she knew when she was younger gradually slipping away, replaced with a hardened core of strength and heartlessness that seemed to redefine her everyday. Her head hung in defeat.
“Alright then. So, we shouldn’t concern ourselves with the matter of the ice?” Bronya said in a more gentle tone. “Yes. Ignore it for now, I shall personally deal with it later if you find it necessary.” Cocolia turned around again, taking the report stack that Bronya put on the desk. She walked around, putting a hand on Bronya’s shoulder.
“Just know, you are making significant improvement on your training. I’m proud of you.” Cocolia’s voice did not sound like she really meant it, a more deadpan tone taking her, but it did not stop Bronya’s heart from warming, feeling more pride already to receive praise from her mother.
“Thank you. I won’t fail you mother.”
Bronya took her leave, closing the doors behind her. She sighed warily, feeling tugged down by the recent events. Even though she had the option of staying behind the opaque and safe walls of the main building, she always prioritized the military and concerns of the Belobogians. Although… How was she going to tell the soldiers that her mother basically didn’t budge at all in her statement? She knew the amount of unrest that had been slowly brewing in the ranks of soldiers, and frankly ; the ice did not sit well with her either.
She pondered her response to the soldiers as she walked out of the inside of the main building in the Administrative district and out into the street. She waved to the crowds of people that gave greetings to her, out of respect.
“I must talk with Captain Landau about this situation…” She sighed, knowing that her temporary option that hid in her pocket would have to be used. There would be no other choice. Bronya remembered that recently he was stationed out in the outskirts, patrolling on the border along with the soldiers. She hopped into a trolley, settling along as she traveled to where the Captain was situated, hoping more positive news would come out of their side of things. She really didn’t want any more bad news than she already faced.
༘⋆༄.°⋆
“Soldiers, stand Guard!”
Gepard brought down his shield, at the frontline of the battle as a barrage of sharp icicles thunked
against the shield formation. Dunn stood beside him, pursing his lips from the force.
“This isn’t looking good at all.”
“Yea, I know.” Gepard yelled again. “Soldiers, don’t give up, press forward!” The shield line moved forward egregiously slowly, blocking attacks from the fragmentum monsters that relentlessly tried to pry through the line. Gepard nodded to a soldier from behind, quietly telling him to take the formation, while he swung with his spear… and the guitar case he happened to find by accident while patrolling around. Although it was quite a strange choice for a weapon, it was very serviceable.
He knocked the fragmentum monsters out of the way with brute force, the cold stinging his cheeks. It truly was the Aeon of Preservation’s miracle he had managed to stay in the front lines this long. Soon, the numbers dwindled, and the soldiers heaved a relieved sigh as they approached the base station patrolled far out in the plains. Gepard ushered them into the base, shutting the door behind them ; nodding approval for the soldiers.
Dunn stood grimly, noting the soldiers diminishing morale. They had been at this for a few weeks, where the fragmentum monsters had almost tripled in number recently, and it didn’t help that there were nasty rumors circulating around the ice that was unnaturally piling up all around the Belobog borders. . He gestured towards Gepard, telling him to come into the corner.
“What are we going to do about the recent problems?” Dunn murmured, asking Gepard if he had any advice for what was going on.
“I honestly don’t know. This situation is slowly getting worse, not to mention the fact that this really hurts the soldiers… I hope Lady Bronya gives some answers.”
“I… I doubt it personally.” Dunn clutched his own spear. “She hasn’t really been with us these past few weeks, and the times I have tried to approach her and talk extensively about this, she ends up ignoring me or diverting the topic.”
“Really?” Gepard raised an eyebrow, looking over at him. “Are you sure this is the same Bronya we are talking about?”
“Yes.” Dunn rolled his eyes, rolling his eyes while jabbing the other commander. It barely hurt at all, with the layer of armor that he had.
A sharp knock on the door startled everyone in the room ; the soldiers tensed with concern, and Dunn simply stood up straight. Gepard opened the door, only to gape in surprise as a familiar gray haired girl stumbled in, sneezing a little from the cold. The tension in the room was instant, the soldiers standing to attention in the face of the figure that walked in.
“Lady Bronya!” The soldiers chanted, giving their dutiful respects to her, as if they hadn’t just been discreetly gossiping about her just a few minutes ago. Not that Gepard should be talking, he was just doing just that with Dunn.
“Lady Bronya.” Gepard gave a bow, and Dunn gave his regards as well. “What brings you here?”
“I have come to give my… results after the discussion with Cocolia.” Bronya said grimly. “Come with me outside.” She lowered her voice further. “It’s something not to be discussed here.”
Gepard felt a sinking feeling in his stomach, understanding her tone. It was not good news that he had intended to hear. He sighed, nodding and holding his hand out : bruised, but holding the door out.
“Alright then.” Both of them walked out into the cold again, shutting the door behind before turning to each other.
“My mother did not approve. She didn’t even bother trying to listen to me.” Bronya sternly told, an uneasy edge slipping off her voice. “I’m starting to get frustrated by how annoying it is to argue so helplessly with my mother, I’m so sorry Captain…” She muttered.
“It’s alright Lady Bronya. I understand that you don’t have that kind of authority…” Gepard pursed his lips. He was truthfully disappointed that Madam Cocolia did not let through. It was to be expected though. He didn’t know about Lady Bronya’s and Madam Cocolia’s relationship ; however he knew that there was underlying tension between the two of them even when Lady Bronya dutifully followed her command without question.
“However…” Bronya conjured an orb : the bright pink swirls contrasted heavily with the snowy white and icy blue. “I have found an alternate solution for now. This is something I found a while back. It has the ability to expand into a strong shield at will. I understand that a lot of the army needs a break, so this should be a temporary solution.”
Gepard brightened at the idea, feeling a small twinge of hope. “Really? That would be appreciated.” He nodded in approval. “I thought it would all just be bad news from you Lady Bronya.”
She smiled weakly in return. “It seems nice but it will not be permanent. It will serve as protection for a few weeks while all the soldiers get some rest. I expect you to also get some rest as well Captain. I know your habits on being very… determined for the safety of the people. However, I believe that you need to be fit and healthy before everyone else.”
Gepard visibly coughed. “Lady Bronya, I think I am more than capable-”
He shut up after seeing her glare, the orb emphasizing more jagged lines of her face.
“You also need a break like everyone else. If Dunn was outside I’m sure he would agree.”
He sighed in reply. “Alright Lady Bronya. If you insist.”
She beamed in approval. “Good. Let’s go back in and inform Dunn.”
The two of them walked back in, Dunn lazily looking around before nodding at the two of them.
“Anything good?”
“Yes. Lady Bronya has given us a temporary protective shield that will keep out the fragmentum monsters for a few weeks. It allows time for all the soldiers to properly rest.”
Dunn sighed in relief. “Leave it up to our Lady to be able to give such a wonderful solution to the problem.”
“It’s temporary, Dunn. Don’t expect this to be forever. This will give time on how to deal with the ice encasing our border and the unexpected rise in the fragmentum monsters.”
Both Dunn and Gepard exchanged a glance towards each other ; nodding their heads and turning to the soldiers that were still waiting for a response.
Dunn began : “Soldiers.” Gepard finished for him, quickly. “You are all dismissed. Lady Bronya has given a temporary solution regarding the monsters. You all will take a 3 week leave.”
“WOO!” The soldiers all yelped in joy, happy to finally have a break.
“Thank you Lady Bronya!” They all sang, all filing out the door until it was empty, leaving the three of them alone inside.
“...Should we also leave Lady Bronya?” Dunn inquired, picking at his spear.
“Of course. You are both free to go.” Bronya glared again at a nervous Gepard, hoping that he would actually take her advice and get a little break.
“Thank you Lady Bronya. Have a good day.” Both Dunn and Gepard said in unison, being the last ones filing out the room before leaving Bronya alone. She chewed her bottom lip, feeling a headache come on as she just remembered another problem that lingered. She groaned.
Of course, How could she forget the Underworld?
If anything, wouldn’t the Underworld be the first place that the ice would have seeped into?
She almost dashed out of the room, but stopped herself. Her mother had also told her that she was not allowed to go down there unless it was under her orders. Bronya felt her own head spin a bit as she bit back a dirty retort to herself.
“This shouldn’t be your priority for right now Bronya… Focus. You should be putting the shield up now….” She took the orb, silently clicking open some of the runes that were locked in the mechanism, and it opened as a huge umbrella, a invisible layer that coated all around the borders, well strong enough to repel any problems… for a while.
“I’ll need some tea, that’s for sure.” She decided to throw the thought of the Underworld in the back corner for the time being. She already had so much on her hands, and she needed to finish up her other tasks first. She silently walked out, thinking hard as she left the base, trudging back to her own place in the administrative district ; to be alone with her thoughts again.
What… What will happen to Belobog?
༘⋆༄.°⋆
“Sampo you fucking BITCH!” A scythe dangerously slid past the offender’s face, smacking into the alley wall behind him. He breathed out a sigh, feeling relieved that he was not hit, until he yelped to dive out of the way as the scythe rounded back at him, the tip whizzing right by his head back to the owner.
The purple haired girl shone literal fire, the shades of red and purple on her outfit stood out greatly compared to the grim town alleyways of the Underworld. The scythe played back in her hands as she spun it, the fire in her eyes, and words, increased.
“When I catch you, Sampo… you are fucking dead!” She shot out, with her full body this time.
“Oohoo, Time to run!” Sampo ran straight for her, temporarily slipping her momentum. It allowed just enough time for him to slip past by without any harm, and he skittered through the town as fast as his legs could take him, with the wildfire member hot behind his heels.
He groaned internally. He shouldn’t have went and snatched that opal off the table when she wasn’t looking. He knew it was a bad idea, to mess with Seele , that angry girl, out of all people. However, He just couldn’t resist the shiny, shiny and glossy surface of the gem ; the profit to be made from it.
Of course he couldn’t resist!
Sampo quickly found the entrance for a small opening, going through the narrow passageway to avoid the wrath of Seele, who was probably still lurking around for him. He giddyfully celebrated, until he felt a sharp blade press against the nape of his neck.
“Found you.”
Sampo almost dropped the gem out of his palm, instantly feeling his body sweat ; laughing nervously.
“Fucking Aeons…” He muttered, turning back to Seele, a fake smile plastered on his face.
“Hey m’lady, so wonderful to see you! I practically missed your fiery presence!...” Seele just looked bored, the anger simmered into a boil behind her eyes. Sampo took a deep breath, shrugging slyly.
“Need anything?”
“The gem Sampo. Give it back. I’ll give you one more chance to spare your pathetic ass.” She held out her hand, the scythe intimidating behind her.
He rolled his eyes, but tossed the gem. Sampo didn’t feel like bothering her any longer : Seele was quite boring to deal with, her temperament taking over her before anything else. Besides, that scythe was not to be played around with. He knew how sharp that thing cut through the fragmentum, it would be even easier to cut through him.
It was sad however, he lost a source of profit for today. However, there was one other that he could bother. That cute captain in the Overworld. Now he was much more entertaining company.
Sampo sighed dreamily. “Well m’lady , I would love to talk but I have to run now. Bye~”
He dashed past her again, leaving her alone again in the narrow space, and she rolled her eyes.
“Goodness me, dealing with pests like him everyday…” She muttered, trudging back through the town, deciding that she wanted to meet with Natasha. She itched for something to do, her scythe absentmindedly swinging in her palm. A small butterfly landed on her hand, and Seele smiled at her own power taking shape ; softly petting it until it flew away with the few glitches.
She arrived at Natasha’s clinic, walking in to greet her. She was bent over, working on some prescriptions (or it seemed like to Seele) , her brow scrunched up in hard work.
“Hello Natasha! Need any errands for me to do today?” Seele approached behind her, and Natasha smiled at her presence. She quickly dropped down her prescriptions, turning to face her.
“Hi Seele. You actually came just on time. I.. have stuff that I need because I’m running out of stock on some supplies-”
“You don’t have to tell me twice. What do you need?” Seele interrupted, happy to help with Natasha’s problems. After all, she had helped Seele when she was younger. It was only fair that she repay as much as possible.
“I need some aspirin tablets, painkillers, bandages, and syringes.” Natasha listed out while Seele muttered to bring the list to memory.
“Is that all? Natasha, don’t be afraid to add more. I’m quite free right now, so you can have a longer list.”
Natasha sighed, shaking her head. “Aw Seele, how could I ever repay you? I feel guilty for sending you out for so many errands when your strength is much better utilized on something else.”
Seele just shook her head. “If anything, I owe you for my childhood being able to happen. Don’t feel like my strength is being wasted. You have a bigger job than me, taking care of the miners down here. I should be thanking you for your hard work Natasha.”
Natasha laughed in reply, putting a hand on her heart. “Thank you so much. I try my best for everyone here…” She shook her head again. “If you insist, here is the actual list.” She handed a piece of paper, and Seele just raised an eyebrow on the long list of items.
“Of course I can get this!” Seele rolled her eyes, tucking the paper in her pocket. “I’ll just scout all the abandoned towns for supplies and then it will be a piece of cake-”
Natasha interrupted Seele. “No. Some of those items… they are required from the Overworld. The surface.”
Seele stopped, her sentence trailed off as she stared wide eyed at Natasha. “The Overworld?!” Seele took a double take, repeating again. She pointed above. “ That Overworld? You’re joking, right?”
“...I wish I was Seele, but some of those items aren’t things you can scourge down here and get. I… need some of the more modern items, especially because there is a new sickness spreading around.”
Natasha said grimly, shaking her head again. “You already know, that ice that is spreading around the Underground mines. I figured grabbing some medicinal items from the Overworld might help.” She muttered the last part to herself. “I know how much you also hate the Overworld so….”
Seele sighed bitterly. “Well, that’s not the biggest problem. It’s just that I need to find that idiot Sampo again to lead me through the Overworld. As much as I hate the Overworld, I hate him even more. On top of that, he ran off a few minutes earlier.” Seele put her hands on her hips. “Now that is more irritating.”
Natasha sighed in relief. “So… will you still do it?”
“Of course. Just because I don’t like the Overworld doesn’t mean I won’t do the task. I’m not a little child with a tantrum anymore.”
Natasha just raised an eyebrow, giving no comment ; but her eyes sparkled with clear amusement.
“I’ll set off now.” Seele gave an exasperated sigh, pocketing the list. “Time to go to the Overworld. Aeons…”
“You can just collect the items from the towns here first if you really don't want to start off with those items!” Natasha called out as Seele was leaving the clinic.
Seele just shook her head. “Better to get it over with. Bye Natasha!” She waved before leaving the store.
“Great… I have to go to the fucking Overworld. The only thing I have left to do is talk to Chief Oleg for my small departure…” Seele swung her scythe back, quietly leaving the clinic to find him.
Who knows what will happen?