Chapter Text
“BOMB!”
The cry rang out like a shot in the crowded market, sending Stelle hurtling towards the closest passerby as fast as her feet could take her. Before a warning could even exit her mouth the impending explosion lit up the sky and flung her forward, she had only one desperate thought - try to shield the child next to her. The ground trembled, dust blocking out the sun in seconds. She pulled the child closer, trying to protect them from the pieces of buildings that rained from the sky. A sharp, burning pain lanced up her arm and she could only pray her hand wasn’t horribly mangled. As the ground stopped shaking a terrible, spine-chilling groan came from next to them and Stelle scrambled forward just before a slam and an even more intense wave of dust rushed over them. Wailing and screaming from old and young voices alike could be heard echoing through the debris, including from the child in her arms. Stelle tried to speak but only inhaled dust, coughing until her lungs seemed like they would burst from her throat. She pushed herself up to a sitting position, cradling the small child in her lap. Seeing the young girl properly for the first time, Stelle tried to force a reassuring smile as she stared up at her with wide, terrified eyes. The girl was coated in a layer of powdery grime from the dust but seemed to be unhurt as Stelle did a quick once-over.
“H-” No luck. More coughing. “Hey.” Stelle’s throat burned, but any words were better than none. “It’s okay, are you hu- *cough* hurt?” The girl’s eyes filled with tears and she started to tremble, but she slowly shook her head once. “Okay, good.” Still dazed, Stelle’s world seemed to move in slow motion as she tried to figure out what next steps to take. Clear the area? Check for…wounds- Something clicked, like the blast had stolen the very air from her lungs. “March! March, are you- *cough* Dan Heng, hey! Dan Heng?!” Terror crept in, head whirling around to try and pick out her companions in the haze.
“Here!” came Dan Heng’s distant, but very alive, shout.
“March! March?!” The visibility increased by just a few feet, and it only took moments before March’s bright hair caught Stelle’s eye. Leaving the child behind, Stelle fell down to her knees hard next to the large chunk of stone covering her friend’s body. “Nonononono-” she whispered, grabbing the slab without a second thought and trying to pull it away. White-hot pain seared her wrist and a cry passed her lips involuntarily, the edges of her vision blurring as she clutched her hand to her chest.
“Stelle-” footsteps came closer, a familiar male figure skidding to halt beside her.
“I- March-” Stelle’s breaths were shuddering, her voice barely sounding like her own.
Dan Heng’s eyes darted down to her injured arm before finding March himself, a soft “shit-” passing his lips as he sprang into action. Grunting with effort he managed to flip it over, Stelle rushing to her friend’s body to check for a pulse. Time itself seemed to halt, the screams and chaos around them fading into silence as she pressed her fingers against March’s neck and prayed for a response.
Thump. Thump. Thump. Stelle felt tears of relief spring to her eyes, glancing up at an equally worried Dan Heng to give him a brief thumbs up. His eyes closed for a moment as he let out a shaky exhale.
“And you?”
Stelle went to speak but it only caused another fit of coughing, the dust coating every part of her lungs. “Just- just my wrist.” Dan Heng nodded, dropping to his knees next to them and checking March’s body for injuries. Assertive shouting greeted both their ears, indicating some kind of first responders had arrived.
“You two need to get to a hospital, now.” Dan Heng stated, his voice hoarse from the polluted air. Stelle hesitated, her eyes falling on the little girl a few feet away from them. Curled up into a tiny ball, she had begun to sob loudly among the mess of jagged rocks and stone slabs. The cries were barely distinguishable from the chorus of pained voices that surrounded them.
Stelle crawled to the girl, ignoring the burning sensation of rocks cutting into her bare knees. She picked her up and held her close, biting down hard on her lip to distract from the pain it brought. “I’ll stay with March,” she said, voice weak and body weaker. “You go.” His eyes darted between her and March with visible confliction, but still nodded.
“Just stay here, and please- don’t put yourself in harm’s way.” He sounded as worried as he had ever, and all Stelle could do was nod numbly and watch him disappear into the cloud of dust.
Her memories were spotty after that. Stelle awoke in a well-lit room with walls painted a calming blue color. There was some distant noise coming from the hallway, and through the frosted window she picked out people passing in long, white coats. Must have made it to the hospital then. She was warm, and drowsiness weighed on her body. Yawning, she reached up to wipe her eyes to find her wrist stiff and heavy. She stared at it, her brain on a several second delay. Thankfully, she didn’t have to undergo the arduous process of forming a complete thought because Dan Heng entered the room at that moment.
“Good, you’re awake.” It wouldn’t have been obvious to an outsider, but to Stelle the relief was clear in her friend’s voice. He sat at her bedside, lowering his head into his hands and rubbing his temples. Stelle tried very hard to remember what exactly had occurred to even put her in the hospital. Dan Heng answered her silent request and spoke after letting out a long, weary sigh. “March is okay. The doctors say she has a major concussion, and she will need to rest for at least three weeks.” He glanced up at Stelle, seeing the questioning look on her face, “Ah…your wrist is sprained. Bad.” His mouth opened, then closed quickly as he cleared his throat. His eyes flicked to the door. “I…haven’t heard anything else yet.” Sure you didn’t. “I would ask the doctors when they come by again.” He made a quick exit after, which Stelle didn’t protest too much at. The dark circles under his eyes told her that he hadn’t rested since the incident.
“Hey-” a woman peeked her head in the door, her hands full. “Are you Miss Stelle?”
“Uh yeah, what’s up?”
“Package for you!” She said, quickly setting the large box down the bedside table. The uniformed girl exited the room right after. The curious part of Stelle wanted to tear the box open immediately, but she had been trailblazing long enough to have developed at least a little bit of self-preservation. She peered at the rectangular parcel, noting that the material was high-quality. The phone came out immediately, Stelle having to hold it awkwardly between her palms due to the brace clamped around her wrist.
Stelle: Just got a weird package??
The typing indicator appeared next to Dan Heng’s name, who was probably about to say something like ‘Don’t open it, could be dangerous.’
Dan Heng: Don’t open. Could be dangerous.
Stelle had never been more proud. She let the ‘read’ pop up under his message but didn’t reply, the box starting to sparkle in her peripheral vision. March started typing and Stelle let out a small gasp, getting a message in before the other girl could complete hers.
Stelle: She has risen!!!!
March: Yeah I got one too! It looks super fancy but kinda sus
March: Ha Ha Stelle very funny
Dan Heng: Given the terrorist attacks it could be another bomb. Don’t touch it.
Dan Heng: Stelle specifically.
Stelle: 🙁
She took his words to heart for approximately 44 seconds before she reached over to poke at the side of the box. Nothing moved. Not a puppy then. She pressed her ear against the top, listening for ticking but only hearing the whirring of the fan above her. As she pulled away a flash of green caught her eye, the corner of an envelope peeking out from underneath the box. Stelle freed it from its confinement, running her finger along the gold accents in admiration. She opened it carefully, her curiosity pushing away her better judgement. It was a piece of ornate paper, the message written in loose strokes.
Hope that this aids in your swift recovery, friend. -A
A few marks next to the signature caught Stelle’s eye, and she tilted the paper towards the light. While faint, it looked to be a heart that the writer had tried to erase. The pieces all clicked together in her muddled mind, and she reached for the box eagerly. Unlike some of her companions, she was never one to turn down a gift, regardless of the mysterious circumstances. Unceremoniously ripping the package open, she laid eyes on the beautiful sight of a brand new Specs 3 console that seemed to sparkle like an interactable object in one of her games. Injury and everything else forgotten, she pulled it out only to find even more surprises in four colorful game cases underneath. Whipping her phone out once again, Stelle pulled up a familiar contact as her fingers flew across the keyboard.
Stelle: HOW DID YOU GET THIS
Aventurine: I have my connections, Miss Stellaron
Aventurine: You know, I’m a little offended at your surprise
Stelle: Soooooorry
Stelle: I meant thank you o great one
Aventurine: Don’t mention it
Aventurine: How are you all? Are you feeling any better?
Stelle: wrist is sprained :(
Stelle: March got bonked in the head and has a concussion
Stelle: but everyone else is fine
Aventurine: Good to hear it’s not too bad, at least
Stelle: wait wait
Stelle: how did you hear we got hurt
Stelle: the IPC is all-knowing but still, it’s a little creepy
Aventurine: Please friend, give me some credit!
Aventurine: I’m actually on Flipio as well for IPC business, I happened to hear about the explosion through my people.
Stelle: oh no way!
Stelle: why didn’t you say something sooner?
Aventurine is typing…
Aventurine is typing…
Aventurine: Well, quite frankly I was worried that you and your companions wouldn’t want to see me.
Stelle: I’m not one to hold a grudge. That’s March
Stelle: Dan Heng is protective, he can’t help it
Stelle: but he’s not going to skewer you on sight
Aventurine: That’s a bit of a relief then
Aventurine: I’m sure I’ll see you around.
Stelle: don’t be a stranger!
Stelle: I wanted one of these really really bad so thank you
Aventurine: You’re very welcome 😉
“And who are you texting with that big smile on your face?” Himeko teased, her tone warm. Stelle was just startled enough for the corner of her phone to slip off the brace and fall onto the bed. Any chance of a smooth recovery gone, Stelle pressed her hand against her chest dramatically even as she felt her cheeks flush. Was I smiling?
“Himeko! How could you frighten an injured girl like that? I could have died.”
Himeko just laughed, looking at Stelle fondly as she reached forward to ruffle grey, unruly hair. “I was trying to get Dan Heng to rest, but he just wouldn’t lay down until I promised to check on you.” Her gaze fell on the contents of the package scattered across the sheets. “And it seems that he was right to be concerned.”
“It’s okay! I figured out it was safe before I opened it this time.”
Himeko gave a noncommittal hum but didn’t seem to be upset. “So who’s our mystery gift-giver?”
Stelle couldn’t help the giddy smile that slipped onto her face. “Aventurine. He’s in the city and heard about us being here.”
“Well, what a surprise! I’m glad he’s doing alright.” Not for the first time, Stelle found herself appreciative of Himeko’s constant sincerity and kindness. “Did you feel like he had any ulterior motive?”
“No,” Stelle replied, still bubbly with happiness. “He seemed really sincere.”
“Well, I’ll tell March to open her gift then.” Himeko’s expression shifted to one of concern, gently lifting Stelle’s injured hand to get a better look. “How are you feeling?”
“Eh, it doesn’t really hurt.” Stelle's eyebrows drew together. “How long is it going to take to get better? Dan Heng wouldn’t tell me.”
Himeko grimaced slightly, pausing for a moment before she spoke. “The doctor said you’ll have to wear the brace for about a month.”
Stelle’s mouth dropped open. “Nooooooo,” she whined. “Does that mean-”
“Sorry, you’re going to have to take a break from the expedition for a while.” Himeko’s voice was kind, but there was a firmness that told Stelle this was not up for discussion.
“But…I’ve never…” Stelle didn’t know how to describe the feeling that arose at the thought of staying behind. She had been on the move constantly since she was first awoken on the space station, and the idea of being still for so long was…frightening. The stellaron seemed to burn and twist uncomfortably inside her chest. Himeko must have sensed her turmoil because she began to gently rub Stelle’s back, easing the anxious thoughts to quiet whispers.
“It’ll be okay. Given the gravity of the terrorist situation, Welt and I will join Dan Heng, and Sunday has already been busy helping in the aftermath of the explosion. You and March can keep each other company, okay? She’ll need to rest for as long as you do.” Stelle nodded, letting her head drop onto Himeko’s shoulder. “I’m sorry we couldn’t be there for you kids,” Himeko said quietly, the emotion clear in her voice. “It must have been so scary.”
…it was.
Himeko let Stelle rest there for a few minutes, rubbing soft circles on her back until the tumult inside started to settle. Eventually she shifted her weight away from Stelle, prompting the younger trailblazer to look up. “I’m going to go check on March,” Himeko said with a small smile. “Want to join me?” Stelle nodded, a shiver running up her spine as the image of March stuck under the jagged debris filled her mind. She stretched and slid off the bed to stand upright, quickly following Himeko out the door.
March’s gift from Aventurine was equally as valuable, as it turns out. A new camera, the most recent model of the one she carried everywhere and a bundle of cute accessories to go with it. There was something for Dan Heng too, and after his long rest he was greeted with a set of books about unique scientific phenomenons across the galaxy, fresh from the IPC’s publishers.
The two girls were discharged from the hospital later that day and begrudgingly made their way back to the Express. It wouldn’t be much different from being on the trailblazing expedition, Stelle tried to tell herself, considering that they were able to dock right next to the city and the whole crew returned to sleep there at night. However, much to her offense, Sunday let it slip the next day that there had been a group chat created that excluded the two invalids.
“Maaaaaarch,” Stelle groaned, hanging upside down and half off March’s bed. “This is so not fair.”
March let out a tired sigh. “You need to let this go already, it’s like the only thing you’ve talked about all day. You got the brand new console you wanted, right? Use it!”
“I already did use it, but it’s handheld and playing is making my wrist hurt.”
March flopped down next to her. “Ugh, I don’t even want to hear it. I can’t look at screens for two more days and I just know if I do Himeko will find out somehow.”
Stelle giggled. “Maybe she’ll have Sunny do a tuning on you and make you sit in your bed all day.” March shuddered, then poked Stelle in the cheek.
“Hey, I don’t even think he can do that!” March moved back to an upright position when her head started to pound. “So why do you think Aventurine gave us all that stuff?”
Stelle ignored the way the edges of her vision were beginning to go dark as blood pooled in her skull. “He’s trying to make up for attacking us, I think. I don’t really know.” March stared at her.
“Would you sit up already? You’re totally going to pass out and I’m not helping you.”
Stelle glared back at her, sliding off the bed and flopping onto the floor in defiance. Unfortunately, March had stopped paying attention to her and had gone back to the book she was trying to read. Stelle let her mind wander, idly tracing the lines in the ceiling with her eyes. The Express was so…quiet without everyone. It made her nervous.
I can’t take a whole month like this, I’m going to go crazy.
Blond hair and bi-colored eyes wandered into her mind, causing her to feel around blindly for her phone. March raised an eyebrow at her flailing before nudging the phone off the bed, connecting directly with Stelle’s shin. Stelle gave her the dirtiest look possible, channeling the power of every garbage can she’d ever seen inside of.
Stelle: I’ve been sidelined 😤
Aventurine: Because you got injured? That makes sense.
Stelle: Not you too
Aventurine: Sounds like a wise decision to me
Stelle: Wow you’re not even on my side. unbelievable
Stelle: what are you even doing replying right away
Stelle: aren’t you working or something
Aventurine: What, are you complaining?
Aventurine: I can always text you back in a few hours if that’s what you want
Stelle: no
Stelle: that’s okay
Stelle: just wondering
Aventurine: Well, I’m here negotiating IPC trade deals with the local government. But due to their interstellar presence developing only recently, they only have openings for negotiations two days a week.
Aventurine: All the other time is spent managing the other affairs of the nation.
Stelle: So lots of free time for you then? nice.
Aventurine: I’m certainly not upset
Aventurine: What is the Express doing here?
Stelle: Same as you
Stelle: New(ish) addition to the galaxy’s developed world means a new place to lay down tracks
Aventurine: So not caught up in any big conspiracy this time?
Stelle: tbd…Haven’t ended up in jail or on the run from authorities yet tho
Aventurine: Does that happen often?
Stelle: dude, literally all the time
Aventurine: I see
Stelle waited for several seconds, but no further typing popped up. She racked her brain for something else to say, not wanting her brief source of amusement to end. An idea popped into her head, the rush of excitement too much to pass up.
Stelle: Do you maybe want to meet up tomorrow?
Stelle: The express is super quiet and playing the Specs for more than a few hours hurts my wrist
Aventurine: My schedule is clear, friend.
Aventurine: I know a spot near where you’re parked, actually
Aventurine: What do you want to do?
Stelle: actually I would love if you pulled for one of the mobile games i play
Aventurine: I better live up to my reputation then, or you may not want to see me again.
Stelle: We’ll see now won’t we, Mr. Gambler~
Aventurine: See you tomorrow, Miss Stellaron~
He sent details soon after, Stelle melting further into the floor as she realized how far away that time was from the current moment.
“Say, March?” Stelle wondered, eyes once again finding the ceiling. “Do you still have the note that was with your gift?”
“Yeah? I put it back in the box with the camera.” Stelle pushed herself up with a new burst of curiosity, walking to the corner of the room and pulling out the large parcel. Digging around for a moment, she found the envelope and found that it contained a similar message as hers. What her eyes were drawn to, however, was the absence of any kind of addition to the signature.
“Huh.” She said out loud, tilting the paper so the light would illuminate it fully. Nothing at all.
“What are you looking at that for?” March asked, suddenly annoyingly interested in Stelle’s business.
“No reason-” she replied, too quickly for even her own liking. Between that and Himeko’s comment yesterday, she didn’t know why she kept reacting so strangely when Aventurine was mentioned.
“You’re awwwwfully defensive,” March teased, letting the book rest in her lap. Her eyes lit up, a suspicion seeming to take root. “Let me see your note.”
“Get it yourself, foggy brain.” Stelle stuck her tongue out at a very offended March 7th and dropped the envelope back into the box.
Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.