Chapter Text
"My dearest, cutest fans~ Let's get this party started!"
Stelle and March slowly backed up until their backs touched. Sure, these fans were seemingly obsessed with Sparxie, but they weren't expecting the level of obsession to be up to this level!
Stelle and March pulled out their weapons, ready to fight against the riot. However, before either of them could say anything, they both felt hands pull them away from the uproar. They both yelled in surprise, they looked at the two people.
The person pulling March was a short male with bright, unruly, orange hair. He wore a royal, flame themed hood and black fingerless gloves.
The second person who was holding onto Stelle, was a much taller man with better, well-kept silver hair. He wore black leather gloves and a similar royal hood, but with snake patterns.
The shorter man seemed to be in his early 20's while the other was in his late 20's
"Keep your feet moving. There might be more nearby!" The older man spoke, his voice soft but firm as he tried to search for a hiding place.
Stelle looked behind him to see that none of the fans weren't chasing after them, they were just stuck in place. They seemed to be in a trance, and Sparxie was nowhere to be seen.
"W-Wait! Who even are you guys? And where are taking us??" March asked in a panic, causing the younger man to sigh.
"We'll talk when we're hidden. Now keep runnin'!"
They ran deep into a allyway, finally stopping as the two nameless had to catch their breath. The two men just looked at them with amusement, and slight concern. They didn't even seem to break a sweat.
"Are you both alright? No injuries or chest pain?" The man with silver hair asked, his voice was soothing, almost fatherly.
The shorter man grabbed some water bottles out of a bag he was carrying, handing them to the girls with a grumble. "We won't be able to understand you if you can't even speak properly."
Stelle and March opened the water bottles and began to gulp down the water like there was no tomorrow. Shidou spoke up in a concerned, yet amused tone.
"Be careful alright? Make sure you don't choke."
Once the two girls finished their bottles of water, March spoke up in an relieved tone. "I think we'll be alright. Thank you, without you both who knows what would've happened!"
"Who even are you?" Stelle asked curiously, she didn't recognize these people from any planets. It was clear by the hoods they were wearing that they were in hiding before helping them.
The two men looked at each other and nodded.
"I suppose there's no real harm in telling you," the older man answered as he smiled, "Shidou Kirisaki, 29 years old. My companion is Fuuta Kajiyama. He's not the best with people, so don't take his temperament to heart."
"Tch." Fuuta looked away, annoyed.
"It's nice to meet you too. I'm-" Stelle was about to introduce herself and March, but got interrupted by Shidou.
"Stelle and March 7th. You're both from the Astral Express, am I right?" Shidou tilted his head knowingly. Stelle just sighed and nodded, upset she didn't get to tease March this time.
"How do you know our names? You don't look like locals." March asked, her eyes curious. Fuuta scoffed as he looked at the girl. He crossed his arms.
"I don't know if you noticed, but you both are kind of a big deal. You shouldn't be surprised when people know you."
March scratched the back of her head, laughing nervously. Shidou wasn't kidding when he said Fuuta had a temper. Fuuta then perked his head up, turning his head to look back to the bustling street. He sucked in a breath.
"Shit. Those maniacs are coming. We gotta go, old man." Fuuta spoke, taking out some strange badge. It was gold and had the letter 'M' engraved on it. Shidou then turned to the nameless.
"We don't have much time. Would you like to come with us?"
Fuuta froze at those words. He glared at Shidou, still holding the trinket in his hand. "Are you insane?? What if the siblings find out??" Shidou only ignored him, making Fuuta bristle with annoyance.
"We can keep you safe until this all blows over. They might be looking all over for you now. I'll admit… our home isn't the safest for people like you both, but it's the best choice." Shidou offered.
March and Stelle looked at each other. Stelle decided she would ask some questions first. Shidou would at least answer any questions she had first, wouldn't he? He seemed like the type of guy to answer any and all questions even when on a time limit.
"What about our companions?"
Shidou frowned as he shook his head. "I can try to locate them. But I can't guarantee anything. If it makes you feel better, we have decent signal, so you'll be able to message them as you see fit."
"What do you mean by "people like us"?"
Shidou smiled apologetically. "I apologize if I came off as offensive or impolite. It's just… our home doesn't take kindly to… outsiders. We don't like talking about it."
"How did you put all those people in a trance?"
Shidou chuckled. "Nothing a little laughing gas can't handle," it seemed he was trying to lighten the mood, but instead it just sounded unnerving.
Stelle had no more questions. She looked back at March, wanting her verdict. Fuuta said something about how they were running out of time and telling them to hurry it up with the choice.
March hesitantly nodded. "I think we should give it a try. That's what the trailblaze is all about, right? Stepping into the unknown?"
Stelle looked back at Shidou with a determined gaze. "Alright Mr. Shidou, we'll go with you."
"Understood," Shidou turned back to Fuuta and spoke in a more firm tone. "Fuuta, take us home."
"Fine. But I'm throwing you under the bus if we get in trouble."
A bright, blinding light then flashed, causing both of the girls to shut their eyes and let out irritated groans.
When Stelle opened her eyes again, she found herself laying on a hospital bed. The sharp scent of antiseptic filling her nostrils, making her slightly recoil. She forced herself to sit up as she heard the door open.
In walked a young man who seemed to be around 20. He had black hair with dark grey eyes. He wore a doctors outfit, it was adorned with different accessories. A scarf covered a strange gem on his chest, he also wore black gloves.
(Seriously, what was with these people and black gloves??)
Stelle looked at the name tag.
[ Gentle ]
[Assistant Nurse]
Gentle looked at Stelle and his eyes widened in surprise. He then smiled kindly.
"Ah, you're awake. That's good. Not many people can handle the transportation, and more often than not they'll end up needing at least another 3 days of rest."
His gaze turned sheepish.
"I was actually coming in to give you an IV to keep you hydrated in case you needed more days of rest. I'm truly happy that's not necessary," Gentle then walked up to Stelle and shook her hand.
"I'm guessing you already know my name by my name tag? You can call me 'Gentle'."
"Is that your real name?" Stelle asked, to which Gentle shook his head. His gaze slightly defeated.
"I… don't remember my real name. Gentle was the name given to me when Shidou first took me under his wing."
Gentle gave off an older brother with a kind, caring personality. It would make sense Shidou would gladly trust him as his personal assistant despite his age.
"Where is March 7th?" Stelle asked as she stretched her arms. Gentle's eyes widened as if he remembered something.
"Oh! Your companion is safe and sound in another room! Someone wanted to talk to you both individually, so we had to separate you two."
"…Are we going to get arrested again…?"
"…Eh? No? What do you mean 'again'?" Gentle tilted his head, his brows furrowing in concern.
'Right. Now you sound like a criminal. Great job, Stelle.'
"Don't worry! We escaped though!"
Gentle didn't respond.
'You sound even worse now.'
"Right… Well, as long you're polite and don't cause too much of a ruckus, I'm sure Es will be willing to help." Gentle spoke in a reassuring tone. Just as he finished his sentence, the door opened.
A kid who looked to be around 15 walked in, they had light brown, fluffy hair and their left eye was a misty shade of blue, their right eye was obscured by a navy blue eye patch. Their outfit was similar to Gentle's; their outfit was blue and gold, and they wore a fancy tophat.
Gentle turned to the teenager and bowed in respect. "It's wonderful to see you, General."
"Likewise, Gentle. Now then, this is the outsider?" The general asked. They stared at Stelle with a scrutinizing gaze. Gentle nodded with a smile.
The general stood in front of Stelle. They were silent for a moment, almost as if judging her. It made Stelle feel smaller than she actually was.
"Now then, my name is Es. As Gentle said, I am the general. There's no need for you to introduce yourself, I already know who you are. Stelle, Nameless of the Astral Express."
'They didn't even give me a chance to speak…' Stelle would've been offended, if she wasn't aware that this kid was the general and she should show respect. Speaking of which; how old was Es? They seemed barely older then 14.
As if reading her thoughts, the general spoke. "I know I look young, but I'm perfectly capable of performing my duties."
Es walked over to the window beside her bed. They hopped onto the sill.
"Do not patronize me, especially considering the fact that I, as well as others, am risking my life for you and your companion."
"How did you— Wait, life?"
The general and Gentle looked at each other, as if speaking to each other through telepathy. Gentle sighed, his eyebrows furrowing.
Es looked at Stelle and spoke. "Everyone on this planet are souls of those that have passed. Those still living, like you and your companion, are not allowed."
Gentle nodded. "Letting you both stay here without authorization counts as treason, so me, Mr. Kirisaki, General Es, and Mr. Kajiyama are all putting our lives on the line for you."
'Are these people actually willing to die for me and March?' Stelle thought to herself in bewilderment. She was starting to regret accepting Shidou's offer at the realization that she was putting 6 people, including herself and March, in danger.
"I can only keep you hidden for the next week. During those 7 days, you must as big of a reputation as you can in order to prove you are not a threat to the Sovereign."
Es then reached into their coat and pulled out a profile.
"You can start with Kazui Mukuhara. He's the head of our security force. He reports directly to me, so it won't alert the Sovereign."
Stelle took the portrait and analyzed it. Kazui was in his late 30's. He had blue eyes and grey hair. He had two pieces of metal that resembled cat ears on his head.
It shouldn't be too hard to find him. Stelle put the photo away and nodded. "I'll find him."
Es nodded in response as they stood up. "Good. Here's a token, give it to him. He'll know it's from me," they handed Stelle a small, polished coin with the number 7 on it. They watched as she put it into her pocket.
Es walked over to the door, placing their hand on the golden knob before pausing.
"We do not speak of this conversation to anyone."