Chapter Text
The scent of honey drifted across the streets of Lumiere. Petals of red and white paraded around, scattered across every surface in sight. Now carrying a symbol of hope instead of grief. Of beginning instead of end. Delicate winds danced past bushes and trees, creating a rustling melody, leaves frequently detaching before floating down to join the colourful array of blossoms.
The soft clink of shoe upon stone drew sudden attention as Lune briskly walked, weaving through a crowd of lively people. She clutched onto a leather brief case in one hand as well as a brown paper bag with the words ‘La Belle Pâtisserie’ printed on in the other. A thick book filled with loose papers was held under her arm, threatening to fall out at any moment.
She turned her wrist, while attempting to keep the bag straight, to peek at her watch before frowning ever so slightly and gradually quickening her pace. The clink becoming more frequent and urgent with every step.
After twisting through turns and threading herself past the bustling civilians of Lumiere, Lune stood at the entrance of a tall and elegant building. A sign hung securely and proud reading ‘Théâtre’ in bold letters. Its walls were freshly polished and painted, showing itself to be one of the few newly renovated buildings after the calamité.
Since the event, homes and buildings had been destroyed by Nevrons, leaving many stranded and lost. Yet the town united once more to fix what had broken. Which in this situation, was just about everything.
Lune checked her watch once more before straightening the creases in her blouse. She had always despised being late. It's a show of disorganisation and carelessness. Two words she did not associate herself with and made sure no one else did too. Yet unfortunately, much to Lune’s dismay, she ended up oversleeping. Waking up thirty minutes after she was meant to leave due to the previous night sacrificed to spend writing about the abnormal creatures they encountered on the continent.
Lune took a slight breath, calming her nerves from her sudden rush to arrive, and with a small skip to her step, she entered through the large, solid doors of the Théâtre.
–
“And remember to write and hand in your essays on ecology and botany in the continent for next week.”
Sciel set her pen down, looking towards her students once more before dismissing them to their own tasks. The lecture hall was miniature , only allowing room for a small amount of curious minds. Those who wished to learn about the fracture and the continent took part in studying talks from those with experience. Some feared the outside, only wishing to hear its contents and learn its ways from Lumiere, while others studied to prepare for adventures ahead. Wanting to explore and traverse across its vast land.
Scanning the small gathering, Sciel spotted a familiar black haired woman sneaking through the back, trying not to disrupt her lecture. A soft smirk decorated her lips as she scoffed fondly. With a slight shake of her head, Sciel composed herself before allowing her students to leave.
“You know, you aren’t as subtle as you think you are.” The Brunette chuckled as she reached Lune, watching her fumble with her bags in an haste attempt not to drop them.
Sciel reached down, grabbing the comically oversized briefcase from her hand. Lune smiled in return, grateful for the gesture as she readjusted her belongings.
“Yes well, that's what wearing shoes shall do.” Lune replied as she glanced down at her own sleek black shoes she was currently wearing. Her face showed slight distaste. “On the continent, being barefoot had not only helped increase my Chroma but also the element of surprise.”
Sciel crossed her arms, placing her weight onto one leg as she leaned against her hip.
“I see they’ve reduced your speed too. Arriving just after I finish my first ever lecture. I was practically shaking in fear without you here!” An upwards inflection accompanied Sciel’s words, proving that she only jests.
Lune laughed lightly, yet her face showed slight guilt.
“And for that I do apologise. I hope a slice of Mille-feuille can make up for it…?” She questioned while bringing the brown paper bag forward.
Sciel’s eyes suddenly lit up, mouth drooling with the sudden mention of the sweet treat. She reached for the bag before snatching it playfully and bringing it close to her chest in mock possession. She looked at the contents, smelling its sweet and rich scent.
“You're lucky I have a sweet tooth.” Sciel started reluctantly before both girls gradually drowned in giggles.
—
The soft sound of chatter echoed down the hallway as both girls walked towards Gustave’s office. Sciel listened and hummed along in understanding at Lune’s passionate ramble about her recent project. She wished to write about all of their findings during their expedition. Some kind of encyclopedia that informed people of the dangers and wonders of the continent. Gustave suggested the said topic, noticing Lune’s sudden dejection from lack of use and purpose as well as curious of all he had missed. Luckily for him, her spirits had been lifted as she started using sleepless nights to devote herself to writing this book.
“It's amazing how there are so many species of Nevron. And all are specified to their surroundings and environment. Almost as if...” Lune faded off, her mind suddenly latching on to many theories
“As if someone had crafted them with special intent.” Sciel finished, her own face expressing emotions of interest.
A snap of fingers.
“Yes!” Lune exclaimed, excitement now fully taken over both women.
“If only there was someone we could ask…someone who could give us all of the information we need.”
“Have you asked Maelle?” Sciel suggested.
“Being a paintress and all, if anyone knows the answer, it's most likely her ”
Lune hesitated slightly, before pressing her lips together and letting out a soft sigh.
“I would but…it seems she already has enough on her plate already.”
Sciel looked down, realising what Lune had meant. Maelle was a painter, and in this world being a painter meant you hold the power equivalent to that of a God. One who creates and destroys, who protects and defends.
People found it uncomfortable to live amongst such a being. Some more frightened than others, some even carrying cruel intent to end her life and force her out. Believing that the only way to freedom is to rid the one thing strong enough to destroy the canvas. They believed it was wrong for a God to live amongst its people, and they were keen to express that opinion no matter the cost.
A gentle squeeze on her arm brought her back. She turned, green eyes meeting grey giving her a sense of reassurance. She exhaled with a small smile.
“That girl worries us all.” Lune chuckled softly “So young yet so strong. I can hardly imagine how hard it's been for her…”
Sciel nodded slightly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “She always seems so care free. That poor girl probably doesn't want to be a burden.”
—
Standing in front of Gustave’s office, Sciel went ahead and knocked on the stained, wooden door to alert Gustave of their presence, before collapsing onto a spotless velvet sofa by the wall with a dramatic sigh. Lune joined her slightly after, a small smile at her friend's behaviour.
“Goodness. Who knew teaching adults would be just as exhausting as teaching children.” The brunette murmured, eyes half closed.
Lune leaned back, head resting on a plush, overdecorated cushion. She hummed in acknowledgement while twisting her head to face her friend.
“I clearly remember you jumping for joy when you got the job.” She spoke to Sciel, eyes half lidded with exhaustion
“Define ‘jumping for joy?’” Sciel questioned, the corners of her lips quirking up.
“How about you when you found Esquie’s hidden stash of wine…”
Sciel burst out in laughter, clutching her stomach as she was suddenly overcome with memories filled with nostalgia.
“I shall forever be in debt to Esquie’s great generosity.” She chuckled, lifting up her arm as she mimicked a wine glass.
“Or that one time” Sciel continued, “When you attempted Golgra’s vile obstacle course and almost broke your foot ten times trying to get on that carousel!”
Lune scoffed, showing fake hurt as she placed a mocking hand to her chest.
“It was only five times!” The laughs that escaped her mouth made her acting futile.
“All for that horrendous prize too.” Lune grinned. “Monoco wouldn’t stop complaining about how much he wanted it. I swear if it wasn’t for Verso, he would have never-”
She cut off her own words, eyes widening slightly as she acknowledged the slip up. Silence seemed to have taken over as Sciel winced ever so slightly.
Verso had been a topic of sensitivity for quite a while. Each member of expedition 33 held slight hate for the man and understandably so. How else do you react to someone who tried to annihilate an entire canvas, including your friends and family, that you have placed such deep trust into. Some more than others.
Lune’s heart ached with hurt. She thought she had deemed herself as special to him due to the close and delicate moments the two had spent composing music and ‘making songs’. Yet his actions denied her thoughts. Lune never thought she would feel such a heart break, though because of this one man, she was forced to experience these dreaded emotions.
Her spiral was cut short as a set of doors burst open with a loud creak. Gustave stepped out, clearly unknowing of the current atmosphere and situation. He stood with a wide smile printed on his face, head held high despite the dark circles under his eyes, and hands resting on his hips. Excited by the fact he can finally enjoy the company of two of his closest friends.
To much of Sciel’s amusement, Gustave went on not noticing the dreaded expression which Lune currently held.
“SO!” He started, causing the two to jump slightly at his volume.
“I was thinking we could try that new cafe that opened up? I’ve heard great things about them. So instead of being cooped up in my office for another 2 hours.” His voice began to crack in exhaustion.
“We could head out? Hit the town you might say?”
Sciel chuckled before reaching up to pinch her friend’s cheek in a teasing manner.
“Gosh Gustave, you are so cute you know that?”
“I…huh?”
Gustave’s confusion only brought more amusement for Sciel. She reached once more, ruffling his hair before passing a glance to Lune, seeing her chuckle at the scene being performed in front of her. The Brunette smiled in slight relief before speaking up.
“I’m sure that would be lovely. Why don’t you ask Sophie if she’s free? I’m sure she’d love to-”
A loud bang cut her off followed by a slight rumble. All three went into silence, immediately assessing the large noise that was released. Living on the continent for months tests your response. Your ability to deduce and react to the issue at hand. And after experiences of encountering a Nevron on a nightly walk, or getting surprised by a Gestrial ready to prove its worth, they never really had the chance to let down their guard.
More sounds of clashing came before cries for help accompanied. Lune felt a shiver run down her spine, sweat dripped off her forehead in anxiety of what could have caused such a reaction. Not sparing another second, the trio took one glance at each other, silently agreeing before taking off to investigate just what was attacking Lumiere.
—
Lune ran ahead with Gustave and Sciel close behind. They followed the path of the screams and shouts from the civilians of Lumiere caught in the cross fire.
Sciel exclaimed “How could anything be attacking?!” Confusion and fear ran through her tone. “Lumiere’s shield dome should be protecting us. Nothing should be able to get through!”
“It's just…not….possible.” Gustave agreed, taking gulps of air between words as he sprinted across the street.
Lune stayed silent. Her friends were right, Lumiere's shield should be strong enough to keep out Nevrons and protect their city. The only way something could be attacking…if it wasn't a Nevron at all yet something much stronger.
As they reached the Dock, flashes of Chroma became more visible. Flurries of colour flew across the scape in various speeds and intensity. A familiar sight caught the eyes of three. Maelle stood, rapier held in one hand with the other clutching her side. Her posture was tall, refusing to show weakness or pain despite the harsh injury implanted onto her waist, yet her attempts were at fail. A twisted expression plastered her face as she grunted, breaths stuttered and arms trembling.
The three ran by her side, Gustave looking incriminating tense as he stole glances from Maelle. Lune jumped in quickly, casting a quick healing spell to provide help for the young girl. Maelle nodded at Lune in thanks, before returning her attention to the beast that stood before them.
The creature was disoriented, inhumane. It floated high above them, creating a hard sense of dominance casting down on the expeditioners. Ribbon-like material twisted around it, prodding and tearing slightly against it’s sharp features. As if it’s own creations opposed each other, a mistake or imbalanced. The ribbon continued, wrapping around to then what it seemed like tying it’s own hands behind it’s back, oppressing itself.
“I can’t detect a weak point.” Maelle spoke between breaths. “I’ve tried most of my attacks, yet it has no effect.”
Gustave swallowed. He felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead as he gazed at the monstrosity before him. Turning to Sciel, Gustave watched as her eyes traced over it. Devotion and determination coated her every move when she forged an attack, granting herself a charge. Cards floated before raining hard on the enemy. Black chroma surrounded it, like a thick cloud of ink which splattered on every inch of the creature.
Nothing.
Not even a dent.
The attack was nullified, only causing it to anger and grow more ferocious. In a sudden move, it slid to Sciel. One of its ribbons slashing her right across the chest, forcing her down with an agonising cry. Blood was spread as Maelle saw it start its second attack before sprinting in and parrying it, preventing more harm to the brunette.
Lune deemed it her turn. She casted Elemental Trick, trying to spot a weakness yet was unsuccessful. The monster rose to attack again, before Gustave interrupted with Overcharge. The area lit up with lightning, a sudden heat appearing from the build up of his attack. Gustave slammed his hand down onto the ground, letting out a bolt of power towards the beast. He felt a heavy push as he was forced back by the impact of his own attack. Gustave fell, dazed, listening to a strange and unusual hiss from his mechanical arm. His head spun slightly, not being able to detect the enemy approaching or Lune’s urgent yells of his name.
“GUSTAVE!” Maelle’s voice cut through the fog as he came to his senses. More blood splattered on the streets of Lumiere as Gustave failed to dodge. It attacked, slicing him right on his thigh down to his calf, causing him to collapse hard on the stone cold floor. A hiss escaped his throat as he stared at Sciel lying, eyes glossy on the verge of passing out due to blood loss.
“Putain de merde…” Lune muttered under her breath, watching Maelle’s wide, traumatised eyes stick to Gustave.
A harsh, ear splitting screech erupted from the creature, drawing Lune’s sudden attention. She glared at it, yanking her hair away from her face as her breaths came faster and more ragged. She needed to generate stains, yet with the hits she was causing, all refused to be casted. Lune thought of ideas, most useless and ineffective. She quickly dismissed one that required the help of another team mate. One who refuses to show themselves after countless acts of betrayal. Lune took one breath. Glancing once at her hands, her weapon and lastly Maelle.
“Maelle!” The white haired girl turned, eyes filled with tears of panic and memory.
Lune winced at her expression before forcing herself to continue. “We need to weaken it. Break and stun it somehow. If I can generate a stain I may be able to subdue it.”
Maelle nodded. She wiped away the streaks of tears staining her cheeks before taking one deep breath and fixing her position. She attacked once, causing herself to switch to virtuous stance. Then, with a battle cry, Maelle performed Stendhal, watching the creature scream as a glass shattering sound echoed across signaling its break.
“LUNE. NOW!” Nodding at the alert, Lune casted Elemental Trick once more, successfully generating four, multicoloured stains. In the sudden moment, she let out a breathless laugh. Taken aback that her plan had actually worked.
Lune rose, gathering Chroma in the palms of her hands before casting it down towards the monster, letting out a strong cry to gather her strength. Bolts of lightning rained down, forcing a harsh screech out of the creature as it stumbled back tumbling in the cold, harsh waters.
Silence rang throughout, contrasting with the previous screams of terror produced before. The silence continued. Only the ragged breaths of the standing expeditioners remained.
A beat…
Then two.
Exhaling a quick breath in relief, Lune ran towards Sciel and produced a green glow from her hands. The brunet's wounds slowly knitted back together as dried blood vanished clean off her body. She sat up, disoriented and dizzy. Sciel tripped as she attempted to stand up, clutching onto the arm of Lune. Said girl kept her eyes out, assessing the situation at hand. The nevron had disappeared into the water, washed up by the waves and ripples of the dull, grey liquid.
Maelle sprinted to Gustave, giving a healing tint before fussing to his remaining injuries. Gustave himself smiled towards her, reassuring before glancing at Lune and Sciel.
“Is it gone?…did you kill it?” He asked bluntly, wanting to know if the hell spawn was finally rid off.
Lune nodded. She pursed her lips together, looking far into the murky waters.
“From what I hope, yes.” A quick sigh of relief came from the three others.
“What was that?” Sciel’s voice emerged, rough and damaged.
Maelle took a step forward, furrowing her eyebrows before speaking up.
“I have no idea. It came out of nowhere, taking us all by surprise.” She reached, grabbing her elbow. “It shouldn’t be able to be that strong. No Nevron should be able to be that strong.”
A soft hand gripped Maelle’s shoulder, stopping her from spiralling into panic. Gustave stroked her hair in a calming manner.
“We can figure it out.” He stated, smiling slightly at the younger girl.
“Its not like-”
A deep rumble interrupted Gustave, taking him by surprise. It echoed across, causing chipped buildings to crack. Flecks of dust tumbled down, creating a slight fog. Almost setting the scene for what was to come.
The expeditioners tripped by its force, bumping to one another as they tried to search around desperately. Wanting to find the cause of such a reaction. The waters began to split, making way for its leader as the abomination arose.
Lune froze, her heart racing as saliva began to build up in her mouth.
“FUCK!” She exclaimed with a high sense of panic, tensing her hands while pacing back. The others copied, stepping away while taking another look at the creature, eyes wide with fear.
“What is that thing…?” Maelle spoke, more to herself than anyone. Her voice trembled as she readied her weapon once more, preparing for a dreaded second round.
Before another word could be uttered, the creature let out a loud shriek before lunging at the first thing it could see. Lune.
It all happened so fast. One second, Lune shut her eyes, preparing to feel a sharp immense pain overcome her. The next, a loud clang was released accompanied with no anguish or injury. Instead, when Lune slowly opened her eyes, a tall, poorly dressed man took her place. His hair was a muted black with a large streak of silver slashed across. A worn out shirt hung loosely off his frame, holes and tears littered across showing clear signs of age. His eyes glistened a soft blue, almost silver colour reflecting every multicoloured Chroma being released.
Lune only needed one glance to realise who her saviour was. Much to her dismay and misery she had been saved by the one person she vowed not to speak to again. Not to fall for his cunning tricks or cruel manipulation. The man who chose to play with her feelings, who she once thought she loved with every ounce of her being. Who taught her the meaning of betrayal and distrust. And yet that man stood in front of her, protecting Lune from what could have potentially ended her life.
And that man was Verso Dessendre.