Chapter Text
PROLOGUE
3RD POV:
A 6-year-old boy can be seen hunched over a table, the lights in his room turned off, the only source of light being that of a bright lamp, its glare centered on the middle of the desk.
A small speaker rests upon the left side of the desk, a lone blue light indicating it is connected to his phone, which lies beside it.
From the speaker, an epigraph plays.
" ...This is a dark and terrible era where you will find little comfort or hope. Forget the power of technology and science. Forget the promise of progress and advancement. Forget any notion of common humanity or compassion."
The words sound from the speaker as the boy turns his gaze from his work to the phone, his brown eyes focused on the video that plays, remaining oblivious to the repeated knocking on his door.
"There is no peace amongst the stars, for in the grim darkness of the far future. There. Is. Only. Wa—ROHAN FERREN! You will come down for lunch this instant or I will confiscate your tools!" A mature female voice shouts, interrupting the epigraph.
Rohan flinches, dropping the Tech-Priest and hobby knife he held in his hands as they clatter onto the desk. He hears a faint static noise as his locked door is then unlocked, its knob turning, with light from the hallway flooding in as the door opens.
A woman enters wearing heavy-duty overalls and steel-toed boots. A nameplate on her chest reads Dawn Ferren.
Rohan: "My eyes!" Rohan shouts, covering his eyes.
Dawn: "What did I tell you about working on your models in the dark?!" she states before flicking the light switch. Rohan then lets out a quiet shriek.
The room comes to light, and the boy's desk can be seen full of these models, some finished, others half-built.
At the head of the desk, multiple paints and brushes are seen, organized by type, brand, size, and more. To the right, beside the desk, a shelf with five compartments split down the middle is present.
The left side is full of his clothes, while the other contains various painted models.
The top shelf, labeled "1st favorite," is filled with Adeptus Mechanicus models, from Skitarii and kitbashed Tech-Priests to Kastelans and more.
The second is labeled "2nd 1st favorite." It is also filled with models, but with Tyranids, with the same intense variety as the first shelf.
The third shelf possesses the label "2nd favorite," and is half full of different Ork models and half Votann models.
The fourth shelf has the label "3rd favorite," with Space Marines and Krieg models filling it by half.
And finally, the fifth shelf, which is the largest, has four large models. On the right side is an Imperial Knight Crusader beside an Imperial Knight Castellan. On the left is a Norn Assimilator beside a Norn Emissary.
Around the room, various posters of 40k characters and imagery can be seen.
Rohan: "But mom! I was almost done. I only have 10 models left," Rohan complains.
Dawn: "You said that one hour ago, and it is currently 12:30 p.m. So you will come down and eat, NOW." She states with her arms crossed and her eyes narrowing.
Rohan: "*Sigh*. Fine, I'll just put my tools away," Rohan despondently says, beginning to carefully put away his modeling tools in their places upon his desk.
He places the unfinished Tech-Priest upright on the center of the table before finally turning off his desk lamp and getting off his chair, slowly walking towards his now-open door.
Rohan and his Mom then move through the hallway and down the stairs as they enter the main room. Rohan then walks to the kitchen table, hopping onto his seat, a slight frown still on his face.
His Mom walks to the kitchen, comes to the table, and sets down a plate of fried rice in front of Rohan, causing his face to light up.
Rohan: "Thanks, Mom!" he says excitedly, grabbing his spoon as he begins to dig in.
Dawn: "You're welcome, dear," she replies warmly, a smile on her face as she also begins to eat.
The room keeps its peaceful quiet for but a moment before a room upstairs can be heard opening and closing, followed by footsteps upon the stairs. Rohan's father can then be seen, wearing the same clothes as Dawn, save for already wearing a protective helmet. A nameplate on his chest reads Rory Ferren.
Rory: "Ah, I'm sorry. I wish I could eat with you both, but the company called, so I have to go ahead. The automated lathe's spindle cracked and also broke the motor, so I need to go and make a new one," he says sheepishly.
Dawn: "Don't worry, I can pack up your portion," she says, standing up from her chair and walking towards the kitchen.
Rohan's spoon stops halfway to his mouth as he looks towards Rory.
Rohan: "Eh? But you said you'd show me the spinny steady thing," he says as he sadly frowns.
Rory: "Sorry about that, champ. I'll show you when we get back. And also, it's called a gyroscopic stabilizer. Keep in mind, you have to remember what they are if you want to understand them," he says after walking up to Rohan and patting him on the head.
Then Dawn returns with a container filled with fried rice, handing it to Rory before pecking him on the cheek.
Dawn: "Here you go. See you there," she says with a smile.
Rohan: "Mom, Dad, can I go to the beach? And can I bring my parts too?" Rohan asks, his eyes sparkling.
Dawn can be seen with a concerned look forming on her face. Before she can respond, Rory puts a hand on her shoulder. She turns to look and sees him giving her a warm smile and a nod.
Dawn: "*Sigh*. Alright, but I will go with you and accompany you there," she says, a look of acceptance on her face.
Rohan: "YES!" Rohan shouts as he begins to eat faster.
Dawn: "If you eat faster, I will not bring you," Dawn states, giving Rohan a chastising look.
Timeskip brought via: Rohan frantically and excitedly packing a toolbox with a few thin sheets of metal.
ROHAN POV:
On our way to the beach, I walk with my Mom, holding her hand. Since leaving our house, I have been humming the theme Noosphere to myself.
Eventually, we reach the edge of the beach. It is a secluded place, with little to no one frequently coming here, save for me and those who dump old machinery here.
Dawn: "We have arrived. Now remember, dear. Nothing too big, and nothing that can blow up," Dawn states, kneeling down to my level, a firm look on her face.
Rohan: "Yes, Mom," I reply, my gaze then shifting to the piles of scrap metal.
Dawn: "Mhm, good. I don't want to have to explain to your doctor again why you'd looked like you've been near an explosion." She then pecks my forehead before standing up.
Dawn: "Stay safe, dear. Me and your dad will come pick you up later," she says as she begins to walk away.
Rohan: "Bye, Mom! Stay safe too," I respond.
I then run towards the nearest scrap pile, placing down my box and putting my hands on my hips as I stare at the scrap pile.
One minute passes ... then two minutes... followed by three minutes.
Rohan: "Aw man, what do I make?" I groan, hunching forward a bit before standing up straight, a look of contemplation on my face.
I then raise my hand as the nearest piece of metal, that of a rusty car spring, begins to shake. It then slowly melts as it turns viscous, floating towards me before coming to a stop at arm's length.
The ball of viscous metal continues to wobble, colors of grey and rusty red lazily flowing in a lateral movement.
The ball's form slowly begins to change, taking the shape of a figure. It almost looks like a Skitarius before it loses its shape and slowly turns back into a car spring, falling and landing in the sand with a muffled thud.
Rohan: "Ugh, can't think of what to make," I groan as I sit down and stare at the car spring.
Then I hear it, faint and farther into the beach, a song.
???: "Home, left her homeland miles behind.
The hunter she walks.
On the sea coast way with her path before her.
Crash, and the driftwood floats ever more.
The salt on skin.
Leaving their mark where the walls once towered.
Oh, it's more than a dream.
It's a play the tides attending.
Oh, our world comes apart at the seams."
Hearing this, I stand up as I carefully and quietly move through the beach, using the piles of scrap to hide myself.
Then I reach a tall pile near the far end and peek out from behind it. I see a girl about my age sitting in the sand, her back towards me, her fair skin visible as her silver-white, waist-length hair sways in the sea breeze.
But what gets more of my attention is what's around her. I see biological creatures in forms I've never seen before.
Some look like flowers, others like an approximation of a hound if it had an exoskeleton of bone. Others seem like ornate furniture.
Rohan: "Woah..." I whisper to myself.
Then her song continues.
???: "From the chaos, scared and afraid I will wander.
I will remain.
Strong but it sets with the sun.
Hopeless I'm chasing the dawn.
And I wander, wander on.
From the chaos, scared and afraid I will wander.
I will remain.
Strong but it sets with the sun.
Hopeless I'm chasing the dawn.
And I wander, wander on."
Throughout her song, I can see the creatures swaying to her tune, while one of the smaller flower-looking creatures nudges itself near her hand.
I watch, my eyes widening in quiet excitement. As I began to lean upon the pile, putting my hands on what seemed to be a steady sheet of rusted metal.
Then, chink! The sheet I had leaned on loudly slides out. As I fall to the ground with a thump, unintentionally revealing myself.
Rohan: "Ow!" I lightly shout.
??? POV:
I had wandered farther than normal, then I arrived upon a secluded beach. Far, isolated, and quiet.
Away from staring gazes, I sat on its edge of the water line, my feet washed occasionally by the seawater.
Eventually they geow, as my Seaborn surrounded me. Each taking a unique shape. One of the smaller ones constantly asking to be pet.
They stayed with me in silence as they listened and responded in kind as I sang. I could feel each of them, a knowing understanding, though we all agree that with the salty smell of the sea, the scent of rust is not the greatest to pick up, but not the worst.
Then, chink! "Ow!" I hear behind me.
My Seaborn react faster than I do, with all of them immediately surrounding me in a protective circle. They all begin to hiss and aggressively click at the intruder.
When I fully turn and look towards the origin of the sound, I see a boy about my age, light skin, and short messy black hair, as he rubs his head.
Rohan: "Ow, ow, ow," I can hear him muttering to himself.
He then looks up at me, his brown eyes focusing on my Seaborn and then me.
His eyes widen. Of course they do. He's likely going to cry or shout in fear. They always do.
I continue to stare at him, awaiting his reaction.
Rohan: "Woah, those creatures look cool. Your eyes look cool too... kind of like a salamander Space Marine," he says, whispering the last words.
???: "Cool? ...you're... not afraid? Most cry or scream," I ask in surprise, my eyes widening a fraction as the Seaborn around me begin to slowly quiet down.
The boy then gets up and looks at me, and for the first time, another person my age looks at me not in fear.
The only others that did so were my parents and sister.
Rohan: "Why would I?! I've never seen anything like it! Stuff like this is awesome! Can I touch them?!" he shouts, eyes wide in what I now realize is excitement and wonder.
I feel a tightness in my chest.
He isn't running away.
???: "You... can touch them... just don't touch the barbs," I respond, as one of the larger flower-looking Seaborn, one that peaks at 2.5 meters, begins crawling forward on its multiple root-like feet a few steps ahead of me. It then lowers its head.
The boy then quickly approaches the Seaborn, rounding it closely and looking at its entirety. Then his arm reaches out as he pets one of the petals.
Rohan: "Woah, it's damp. I thought it would feel like a plant, but it doesn't! It feels like it's breathing too," he says, his eyes still wide.
Before I can respond, I then see him look at one of the barbs that grows from the main body. He quickly reaches out to it and presses his finger on it.
Rohan: "Ow," he simply states, looking at his finger. A small prick on his finger begins to slowly bleed.
Seeing this, I internally panic as the flower seaborn reacts and quickly crawls away from the boy.
As it retreats, the boy looks up towards the Seaborn, a look of disappointment forming on his face.
Rohan: "Aww... I was still looking," he says disappointedly.
???: "You got hurt," I respond, taking a few steps forward.
Rohan: "I know. But anyway, why does the flower-looking one have barbs?! Is it for defense or hunting?" he says, taking a few steps towards me.
Then, from the sudden movement, I take a few steps back, my Seaborn reacting as they tighten their defensive circle again.
The boy's face then shows one of realization.
Rohan: "Oh right, sorry. Got too excited," he says, rubbing the back of his head, a sheepish smile on his face.
No fear, no disgust, just honesty, I think to myself.
My Seaborn then relax once again, along with me.
???: "I'm not sure... they choose their forms when they grow... I'm not sure why they look like this... I'm not sure of much of my quirk yet," I reply, a conflicted look on my face.
The boy's face shines again as he begins to visibly vibrate.
Rohan: "It's your quirk! Cool! So they grow from you then? Are they a part of you? Oh, give me a second, I'll be right back!" he says before running towards the piles of scrap as he disappears behind them.
???: "Be... back?" I ask no one in particular, as my Seaborn sounds clicks and quiet calls of curiosity.
After a few moments, I can hear the sound of running coming towards me as the boy reappears from behind a pile of scrap. He holds a small toolbox in his right hand, he then approaches me again, keeping the same distance as last time.
He sets down the toolbox, kneeling down next to it and takes out two small sheets of metal. He then stares at the flower Seaborn for several minutes. Then his eyes squint, his gaze turning to the two sheets of metal in his hands.
The sheets then shake, the sound of wobbling metal filling the air. The sheets begin to slowly melt and turn into viscous puddles in his hand, the flowing grey and silver catching the sunlight.
Then they begin to crawl upward, taking form in his hands. In his right, the flowing metal folds into itself as it forms into a metal pin that looks exactly like the flower Seaborn. In his left, a small three-dimensional figure of the same Seaborn, roughly the size of a keychain.
He remains kneeling on the soil, his eyes focused on the forming figures in his hands. After several minutes, he then stands up, the figures fully formed.
He walks slowly towards me as I can see the pin and figure harden, their viscous texture fading into hard metal. His arms extend as he offers them to me.
My curiosity gets the better of me, as my Seaborn react for me, loosening their defensive circle. Most of them release curious clicks and resonant hums.
Rohan: "Here! For you, cool things deserve models based on them. Also, careful, the 3D model has barbs too," he says, his eyes closed and a wide smile on his face.
3RD POV:
Rohan remains still, his arms outstretched, his eyes looking at the girl as her face keeps an impassive look. He waits for her.
She stares at him, her features softening by a miniscule amount, her Seaborn fully unraveling their defensive circle, though they remain beside her.
She looks to him, then the items he had created with metal as they rest in his hands, the shining metal glistening in the sunlight.
Then she slowly reaches out as she takes the pin and figure, holding them in her hands as she stares at them. Her Seaborn, in curiosity, lean closer and look at them with curiosity, some extending appendages to touch the items.
The flower Seaborn which inspired it unfurls a large scythe that taps the metal.
Rohan can be seen staring wide-eyed at the scythe in curiosity, though before he can ask a question.
???: "Why... are you doing this? Aren't you scared? Or disgusted? By my Seaborn? Or me?" she asks as she clutches the items to her chest.
Rohan: "Why? Because they look cool. You look cool. I don't see what there is to be afraid of," he says with a smile before looking back to the flower Seaborn, whose scythe had retracted back into itself.
The girl's eyes widen, her grasp on the items tightening.
As for the first time, she has found someone other than her family who doesn't recoil in fear, but instead approaches her.
Her impassive face shifts as her eyes glisten. She quickly begins to rub them with the back of her hands, sniffling a few times. Her Seaborn curl in as they release resonant and comforting calls and clicks.
Rohan: "Wait, why are you crying?! Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry! Please stop, my mom will get mad at me if she finds out!" Rohan exclaims, a panicked look on his face as he steps a bit closer, still keeping a respectful distance.
???: "No... don't apologize," she says before steeling herself, the impassive look returning, though her eyes remain slightly puffy.
???: "What's... your name?" she asks, still clutching the figure and pin at her chest.
Rohan then sighs in relief as he straightens and puts his hands on his hips.
Rohan: "Rohan Ferren. It's good to meet you!" he announces, a smile on his face.
The girl stares at him for a moment.
???: "Rohan... Rohan Ferren," she repeats.
She then pulls her hands partially away from her chest, opening them as she looks at the pin and the keychain figure. A small smile then appears on her face as she looks up at Rohan.
Skadi: "Skadi... Skadi Gladianna," she says, as some of her Seaborn then move closer to Rohan. The smallest one she had pet crawls forward and onto his foot, laying on it, its root-like feet holding on.
Rohan: "Woah!" he shouts as he looks at the approaching Seaborn.
After a moment of looking at them, he then looks to Skadi.
Rohan: "So you wanna play? I just got some cool ideas on what I can make with my quirk thanks to you," he says, looking at her with an excited smile.
Skadi: "Mhm!" She responds as she then walks closer with her Seaborn before following him as they move closer to one of the scrap piles.
Timeskip brought via: Rohan's parents arriving at the beach, seeing Rohan sitting beside Skadi, metal flowing in his hands as Skadi and the Seaborn watch.
8 Years Later
3RD POV:
The bell rings in Aldera High as Rohan gets up from his desk, packing his notebook and pencil before leaving his classroom, filing out as he passes under its sign, which reads "B."
Within the hallway, other students walk through, the chatter filling the hallway as groups discuss assignments, where they will hang out, and more.
Rohan remains oblivious as he maneuvers through the crowd of fellow students. He then sees in the distance the classroom sign he has grown familiar with, the sign reading "A" above the doorframe.
A familiar sight then shows: long silver-white hair that reaches well below her knees, with several naturally uneven, messy strands flowing down reaching her shoulders. Bangs cover her forehead, splitting and forming into a reverse-V above her eyes.
A large hat rests on her head, its top bearing the shape of a tricorn tip, the center curving upward to form the dorsal fin of an orca. A protruding, wedge-shaped brim extends forward, angled downward and casting a shadow over her face. The underside is navy blue, while the rest of the hat is matte black, with five silver-colored, diamond-shaped accents arranged horizontally along the hatband. On the right side of the hatband, a Seaborn pin can be seen.
Her clothes are those of Aldera High's female uniform. She can be seen leaning her back against the doorframe of her classroom, looking absently ahead at the window.
On her left shoulder, her school bag hangs. And on her right side, a long sword case roughly her height rests beside her on the ground. Hanging from a strap a seaborn keychain is present.
Rohan: "Hey, Skadi!" He shouts, raising his hand as he approaches her.
Skadi then turns her gaze towards him, her deep red eyes staring as she lazily raises her hand in response before pushing herself off the frame, shouldering her sword case and walking up to him.
They approach each other, with Skadi then falling into step beside him. Rohan nods to her, and she returns the gesture. Now in agreement, they slowly walk through the halls and eventually towards the school's exit.
Student 1: "Hey, look, it's those two again. Guess the weird ones really do attract each other, huh?" a random student says to their companion.
Student 2: "Yeah, I saw Rohan making figures behind his notebook, didn't stop till the bell rang," the companion replies.
Student 3: "On my side, Skadi was staring at the lecturer for the whole class. I kinda felt bad for our teacher for once. They looked so nervous" another replies chuckling.
As they leave Aldera High, they continue their steady pace, walking in silence.
Rohan: "So, how'd the day go?" He asks, breaking the silence as he glances at Skadi.
Skadi: "Mhm. Alright. People stared at me, as always. Not that it changes anything," she responds, continuing to look at the path ahead.
Rohan: "Yup, as expected. My offer still stands, by the way. Just call if they bother you too much. I'll make a Space Marine punch them. Kukuku," he answers back, a mischievous smile on his face.
Skadi then glances at him, the edges of her mouth turning slightly upwards.
Skadi: "Hmph. You know I can handle that myself, but thank you. And I'd rather not have to deal with a principal again," she states, glancing at him before looking at the path ahead once more.
Rohan: "In my defense, that girl and boy in middle school would not leave you or I alone. Besides, the Hormagaunt wasn't that scary," he states triumphantly.
Skadi: "It chased not only those two but everyone it met across the school," she responds, giving him a side-eye.
Rohan: "I could say the same for you during the time when we were being chased by seniors during grade school, we led them to the sea before you jumped in and came back out with a swarm of Seaborn," he cheekily counters.
Skadi: "They only passed out," she responds.
Rohan then chuckles at the blunt reply as they continue to make their way.
They eventually reach the beach where they first met. The scrap piles are still there, but now organized on one of the sides of their secluded space.
They step off the sidewalk and onto the sand, as a singular piece of scrap metal then shakes and melts, flowing towards them before shaping into a table near the sidewalk and hardening. The two of them set their school bags upon it.
The two then walk deeper onto the beach to the waterline, sitting beside each other just out of reach of the waves.
The peaceful silence returns as they absorb the sound of waves gently rolling onto the sand.
Rohan: "How's the sword holding up? It's been a while since I last had a look at it." He asks, glancing at the sword case that lies next to Skadi.
She then opens it as a long sword of grey color can be seen, its hilt long enough for a single-handed grip. Etched at the handguard, a letter and number can be seen reading "V-5" as she holds it in both her hands.
Skadi: "It's handled well so far, though I've noticed a strange feeling in the handle when I swing too hard," she says, gripping the hilt with her right hand, her left resting on the flat side of the blade.
Rohan: "Oh? Well, guess we test the old-fashioned way, eh?" Rohan asks, a grin on his face as he then stands up and walks to the nearest scrap pile before stopping and turning to face Skadi.
Rohan: "I won't be able to tell from just that, so I'd need to hear and feel it," he states, a smile and focused look on his face.
Skadi stares at him for a moment before a similar look crosses her face, save for the smile.
She stands, tossing the sword case in the direction of the sidewalk as it flies and lands on the table.
She then takes a combat stance, her left leg in front of the other, left arm raised and her palm open and facing outward as she raises her sword to head level, angling it down slightly, its end pointed towards Rohan.
Skadi: "Ready when you are. Show me what you've been experimenting with since last time," she states, a rare small smile gracing her face.
Seeing this, Rohan's eyes widen, his face grinning as a vein on his forehead bulges.
The pile behind him begins to shake, melting and then quickly flowing in front of him. The metal pools before climbing and forming into a Space Marine. In its left arm is a storm shield; in its right, a sword.
Space marine: "I live for battle!" it shouts before raising its shield towards Skadi, its sword steady at its side.
Rohan: "Let's see how you do!" He shouts, the grin still present as the Marine charges forward.
Skadi: "Mhm!" She sounds as she too dashes forward.
As they reach each other, the Marine swings its sword horizontally at great speed. Skadi then ducks under it before slashing diagonally upwards.
Krrrrccchhh!
Metal shrieks and tears, a gash forming on the shield from the strike.
The Marine responds quickly, raising its foot and performing a front kick. Skadi then sidesteps to its left, avoiding the blow.
The Marine then follows up, using its storm shield to swing towards her. She raises her sword, presenting its flat side to block, unable to dodge.
THUD!
As the shield makes contact, sending her a meter back, she briefly loses contact with the ground before landing, her right foot put outward behind her as small furrows are dug beneath her feet.
Skadi: "Well, not bad. Certainly better than last time. It's moving faster," She states, looking at the Marine before looking at her sword.
Rohan: "Well, I said I've been practicing. Your reaction time's faster too! You couldn't properly block the third strike before," he shouts back, an excited look on his face.
Rohan: "Let's continue, shall we?" He says as the Space Marine raises its shield once more.
Skadi: "Indeed!" She replies as she dashes forward.
The day then drones on as the peaceful beach sounds with tearing metal, heavy thuds, and blades clashing. Their secluded space now too having become their training ground.
Chapter end via: Rohan kneeling down in the sand in front of a wrecked and broken Space Marine, hands clutching Skadi's cracked sword with tears streaming down his face as he mutters to himself about only having subpar materials, while Skadi watches behind him with a deadpan look.