Chapter Text
Sunday started scribbling in his journal after he relayed his coffee order to Danheng who sat beside him. The scion looked at March who was so entranced by the cafe's menu of varied drinks and desserts. She looked at Stelle beside her who was pondering whether to try civet coffee, March's face twisted when her head produced an image of a farmer collecting the trash ingredients of the coffee.
She wanted to express her disgust, but she was reminded of Stelle's spirit animal of being a trash panda. "Hey Danheng, can we switch seats? I don't want to be anywhere near that fecal of a coffee!"
Danheng grunted as he eyed the pink girl. "Maaarch. Don't say things like that if we're inside cafes or restaurants!"
March answered a simple 'ehe' then the two swapped seats. Danheng raised a hand which caught the attention of a nearby waitress wearing an apron filled with cat motifs.
'The express has chosen another stop, and this time, we landed in a world blessed by Elation which was the homeland of the train's Navigator.'
Sunday lowered the small journal from his hand and rested it on his lap. He looked out the window for a moment, watching the distant, hyperactive full moon glowing against the bright day, then turned his attention back to the book.
He lifted the open journal to chest level, the most comfortable height for writing. He preferred holding it there instead of placing it on the table as he began to write with his pen. After all, he can't risk letting Stelle see his writing style again then get teased about how needlessly complex he makes his sentences to be.
‘Even though we have not been here for a full day, we have already stumbled into several unfolding plots. Perhaps this is what they call a trailblazer’s natural luck.’
From the corner of his vision, he could see March and Stelle leaning halfway on the table toward each other with the intensity usually reserved for strategic planning.
“I still don’t understand why that coffee is so expensive,” March whispered loudly as she pondered the details about the Stelle's order. “The beans are eaten by civets first, right? Which means someone has to collect the ingredients afterward.”
Stelle studied the menu with genuine curiosity rather than disgust. “Maybe collecting mongoose feces is soo disgusting that it makes the coffee all the more expensive. Or maybe the civets have very selective taste. Like… maybe they only eat high quality beans...”
“That does not make it better though,” March insisted, her expression twisted as her imagination filled in details she did not appreciate. “just thinking about drinking animal poop— It IS very disgusting! Shouldn't they pay the customer for even trying it?”
Danheng with the patience of someone who has encountered similar ridiculous conversations before, spoke without looking at either of the two girls. “It is cleaned and processed thoroughly. The flavor changes because of fermentation.”
“That sounds scientific,” Stelle admitted thoughtfully, “but the entire concept feels like a huge joke. How did they even figure out that making an animal eat coffee beans then drink their processed craps would taste good?" *Gasp* "Was it a previous supplicant that wanted to garner wishpower who tried this procedure which then accidentally introduced this new trend?"
Sunday’s pen hovered around his hand after hearing such discussion. He tried to anchor himself to the rhythm of writing, to the elegant curves of his notebook's pages, then starts the next part of the story he wants to write.
‘The world is festive and vibrant, as though joy itself has taken root in its streets and establishment—’
Behind him, the discussion evolved for the worse rather than concluding. Sunday attempted to continue writing again, but their voices made it difficult to hold onto a single thought.
Fortunately, just in the nick of time, Sunday's attention was redirected to the voice that echoed in his head.
'Hey Sunday, step outside for a bit.'
The playful voice startled him for a split moment, then he turned his head around inside the cafe in search, then outside the window but failed to locate the familiar figure.
'General? Where are you?' He relayed telephatically.
There was a smug giggling at the other end of the line. 'You can't see me if you don't go outside, yknow~?'
He signed deeply and placed his journal on the table, then looked at his companions. March was still rambling on about how some expensive foods like maggot cheese are considered luxurious, Stelle listened with focus, occasionally adding her own pointless remarks.
Sunday pondered on which occurrence is better.
Until Danheng, who managed to accurately read the halovian, spoke. "Sunday, you can step out for a bit for some fresh air if you want to. Hanging around with these two idiots can be... verily draining."
"Hey—!" March shot back, feeling insulted at the name-calling.
Stelle cut her off. "It's okay March. Mundane people often call geniuses as ridiculous and nonsensical individuals. However, that does not disprove the excellence the geniuses' have graced the cosmos. And since the events in Amphoreus, I think our contribution to the universe can be on par with that of the Society's!"
"Ohhhh."
*sigh* "Think whatever you like."
"I'll be heading out for a while." Sunday pushed back his chair then headed out for the door.
"Don't take too long or your coffee'd go cold~" March reminded although their orders still have not been served.
"Be careful, Sunday." The cautious one reminded since Sunday is also a supplicant so he might be targeted by another.
Stelle waved her hand with a genuine smile. "Have fun Sunny!"
Sunday smiled then simply nodded. It's not that he wants to be cold towards them. It's just that he still doesn't know how to act around them ever since their skirmish that happened in Penacony. Journeying with such righteous heroes, he feels unworthy being with them as a villain that once attempted to imprison the entire universe.
He still couldn't thank Mr Yang enough to have given him a second chance and the opportunity to find the answers he seek.
Sunday believes that the best way to render the gap closer with someone is to lay bare their true self. But for someone like him that had forcibly hidden away his natural self, it would be difficult to do so, more so when he had started to forget who he actually was.
Despite this conundrum, Sunday had always prioritized bridging his gap with the passengers throughout his time in the express.
March was very wary of him for a while, it might be because Ena's dream had awakened a fear inside her, some kind of traumatic experience about losing her freedom. Sunday doesn't know what the pink girl experienced in the dream, but this is what Sunday concluded after Stelle explained the situation.
Danheng on the other hand was open to accepting him, not because he had forgiven Sunday but because Mr Yang assured them that Sunday would no longer do anything world-wrecking again. And everybody were relieved after hearing the elder's words. That's the kind of trust Sunday wants to have with the other passangers.
The trailblazer was easy going and difficult to understand even for a halovian like Sunday who excels on reading a person's character. Stelle was hesitant at first of letting him board the express because of the severe difference of philosophy between them and how he forcibly imposed his views unto everyone, which Stelle hated. But after just a day in the express, the girl was already cordial with him like they were already friends for a long time. Sunday suspect that she had ADHD but Danheng said that that's just how she is to cope with a lot of mental stress.
After learning of the trailblazer's vulnerability, Sunday found it upon himself to secretly safeguard her mind with tuning which relaxes her mind and promised a blissful dream during her slumbers.
Well, not that he can keep that tuning going when Evernight invaded Stelle's mind. Because of that Sunday couldn't seem to apply tuning to her mind anymore, as if a stronger power was forbiding the entrance of an inferior mental attack.
And during the events in Amphoreus, Sunday can now confidently claim that he had gradually grown closer to the three young nameless—
"What are you thinking about?"
Sunday's soul jumped as soon as his ears registered the voice that jumped out of the bush right beside him. "Gahhh! General! Please. Don't do that." He instantly composed himself and fixed his posture.
The white-haired lady laughed at her partner-in-crime's reaction while simultaneously brushing off the leaves stuck on her clothing.
“I’m sorryyy, I’m sorry!” she said between quiet laughs with voice that was sweetly unapologetic. “I assumed you would notice me. With your improved tuning ability, I thought sensing my presence would be easy for you.”
Sunday let out another slow breath, choosing not to react to the teasing tone. He had already learned that responding would only encourage her and lead to another subsequent chain of teasing.
“I’m still adjusting,” he replied evenly. “The tuning is not passive. If I want to sense something specific, I have to direct my focus toward it.” He paused briefly before adding, “Otherwise, it feels no different than silence.”
“Also… how are you managing with that manifestation?” Sunday asked Yaoguang, his gaze shifted briefly to the raven perched on her shoulder. “It is not causing you any inconvenience, I hope.”
The bird remained calmly on her shoulder, its talons were gentle not to apply much pressure, and its feathers were sleek which remained undisturbed by the breeze. It looked less like a simple projection and more like a living creature that had chosen to be obedient.
“Hm?” Yaoguang tilted her head slightly as if she had forgotten the raven was even there. She turned to look at it and their eyes met briefly. “Oh, no we’re getting along quite well.”
The bird kraah-ed in agreement.
A victory smile curved at her lips. “See? I even gave him a name.”
Sunday lifted a brow, curiosity broke through his usual composure. “You... named it?”
“Of course,” she replied lightly, reaching up to let the raven hop onto her finger. It complied without hesitation, its wings fluttered once before settling. “It would feel strange not to. He’s been very cooperative.”
“And what did you name.. him?” Sunday asked.
"Tue. Short for tuesday."
"Umm." Sunday blinked once. “That... is an unusual choice.”
“Not really,” she disputed. “He is your manifestation after all, it would be strange if I don't call him somehow related to you.”
Sunday studied the bird for a moment longer before continuing. “As long as the manifestation remains stable and does not interfere with your divinations, there should be no issue.”
The general waved a hand dismissively. “Relax. He’s behaving.”
Sunday hummed at the reassurance as they began walking together along the moderately crowded side walk. "Anyway, general, why did you call me out here all of a sudden?"
Yaoguang didn't stop walking so Sunday just kept following beside her, she was also quiet for a while but the halovian allowed the silence to stretch, giving her space to explain on her own terms.
When she finally spoke, her tone her usual. “No reason, really.”
He glanced at her, properly unconvinced. “It took you a while to say that.”
She huffed faintly, as if caught doing something mildly embarrassing. “I was thinking of a more dramatic excuse. Something convincing like ‘Someone’s life is in danger!’ so you would come with me immediately and not ask many questions.”
Her lips curved slightly at the thought, though there was no real malice in it. She turned her head toward the raven and gently brushed her fingers along its sleek feathers. The bird responded with a low, contented rattle, leaning subtly into her touch.
“But,” she continued, her voice was lowered a little, “I remembered you can simply peer into my thoughts as long as Tue is with me.”
Sunday’s gaze softened, though his posture remained composed. “You know I would not do that without permission, General.”.
Yaoguang gave him a sideways look. “Wouldn’t you?”
“No,” he answered simply. “I believe that trust should work both ways.”
The wind moved softly along the street which swayed the trees, traveling between them and stirring the ends of her hair and the hem of his coat.
Sunday studied her for a brief moment longer, then shifted his attention forward again. “Next time,” he said calmly, “simple words and reasons would suffice.”
"Alright." She smiled pompously. “But, where’s the fun in that~?”
Until finally, he believed he understood what the general's actual intention was. It was only after a few more quiet steps that understanding settled into him. So that was it. This had nothing to do with urgency or whimsy. It was about that divination. About her claim that she would turn herself into an unpredictable variable, that by choosing actions completely out of character in hopes that she could blur the lines of fate and mislead the tragic future that awaits her.
If this undoubtedly is the case, then Sunday would do his best to support her and prevent such woe from happening.
"General—" he called out but was disturbed when his phone buzzed sharply against his right thigh, cutting through the moment. The sensation was brief but insistent which pulled his attention downward. His phone, tucked inside his pocket, continued to hum with urgency.
Yaoguang noticed the figure beside her halt. When his footsteps stopped behind her, she slowed as well, then turned slightly. The raven adjusted its balance on her shoulder, letting out a soft, curious click as its dark eyes flicked toward him.
“Are you busy today?” she asked. Her gaze lingered on his expression in search for a change.
Sunday slipped the phone out from his pocket, the glow from the screen casting a pale light across his facial features. “It’s the Trailblazer,” he said. “My apologies, General.”
Yaoguang waved the concern away almost immediately. “There’s nothing to apologize for. It could be urgent. For all we know, another admirer may have decided to trouble Stelle again. You should answer it.”
There was faint amusement in her voice, though her eyes remained observant and... discontented?
Sunday inclined his head once in acknowledgment before tapping the answer button. He lifted the phone to his ear.
On the other end, Stelle’s voice came through clearly. She sounded far less dramatic than expected.
“Sunny, if you still want your coffee hot, you should come back now. March has already ordered her second poop coffee.”
He hesitated, then glanced briefly toward Yaoguang. “Understood. I shall return shortly.”
There was a small beat of silence, as if Stelle was about to add something else, but instead she simply hummed in acknowledgment. Sunday waited patiently until the line disconnected before lowering the phone.
He slipped it back into his pocket and turned to Yaoguang once more. “It seems my coffee is at risk,” he said calmly. “I apologize for cutting this short.”
Yaoguang gave a small smile after hearing something interesting. "Stelle actually calls you 'Sunny'? Are you actually fond of being called such cute names?"
“I don't mind in the slightest, General,” Sunday replied evenly, his tone was calm and steady despite the faint teasing beneath her remarks. “I have grown accustomed to the Trailblazer’s whimsical temperament. I do not take offense at the names they assign me.” He broke off briefly, choosing his next words with care as he answered with honesty. “If indulging them is what allows me to grow closer to the Astral Express, then I will gladly continue doing so.”
Yaoguang studied him from the corner of her eye, the wind stirring loose strands of her hair as she moved closer to him.
“…Hmm,” she murmured thoughtfully. “We have only spoken for a brief time, and yet I have already entrusted you with matters that should not be disclosed to a common person. My own secrets, even. And still, you insist on calling me by my title alone. You refuse to use my name.”
Sunday did not answer immediately. His gaze remained forward with straight posture as he used his brain juice to determine where the general was coming from.
“My apologies… Lady Yaoguang,” he placed a hand on his heart then bowed a little. “I interpreted what you shared as information necessary to assist me and my companions during our stay here in Planarcadia. I considered it professional trust rather than something personal.” His voice remained respectful. “In truth, I realize I know very little about you beyond your role, mission, and that strange affliction.”
She smiled, amused at his words and the idea that stirred inside that would help her in the near future. “Is that so?” There was a subtle challenge in her tone now. “Then perhaps you would like to know more. About me?”
Sunday blinked once, quite surprised by the offer. “If doing so would strengthen our cooperation and ensure a smoother collaboration from here on out,” he replied thoughtfully, “then yes. I would wish for it.”
“Very well,” she happily started. “We can begin with something simple like... addressing me by my name.”
Sunday deliberated the general's intentions, but he could only see nothing but their collaboration and partnership together. Perhaps this can be figured out later when Sunday is in his clear state of mind. It wouldn't hurt to adhere to her request for now.
"Then... Is Lady Yaoguang fine?"
A quiet smile touched upon her lips. "It would feel better if you abandon the 'lady'. Also, as the first friend of yours truly in Planarcadia,
I’ll allow you to call me Guang.”
Sunday considered the situation for a brief moment before inclining his head.
"Addressing a General such as yourself by that name... I don't think I'm qualified yet, Yaoguang."
"Hm? Then consider it as an investment. Proof that we will retain an amicable partnership in the near future."
'Did she perchance see it during a divination?'
Her name felt unfamiliar on his tongue, less distant than 'General' and less guarded. However, the space between them seemed to shift subtly closer, no longer defined strictly by rank or strategy.
“Very well… Guang. May this partnership lead us to our goals.”
Yaoguang glanced at him with mild satisfaction. “See? That wasn’t difficult.”
“No,” Sunday admitted quietly, then smiled at his new friend. “It was not.”