As Stelle and I climbed inside the last ball, I did my best not to let her notice my agitated state.

Calm down, Firefly... it's only because hugging her reminded you of the old times!

How could it be true after all?

Even though they were very similar, the Stelle sitting in front of me was not the same person who had made me feel like this in the past.

Such a feeling couldn't have developed in the short time we had spent together. At least... so I thought.

After all, someone like me was never supposed to feel this way. Someone born a weapon should never have felt as I did.

Maybe that's why I'm panicking so much right now... even though I can keep my cool in life-and-death situations.

By keeping my eyes on my knees and taking deep breaths, I finally managed to regain control.

The only important thing right now is to make sure we seal the Stellaron. I can think about all of this later... and anyway, I already made a decision back then.

But when I looked up and met Stelle's smile, her words echoed in my head:

"I just think you're too used to hiding things. I know lying is easier than telling the truth sometimes.

But in the end, acting like this it's only bound to hurt yourself and the people you care about."

But this is a truth I can't accept Stelle... if I do, even thinking about you will be nothing but painful.

I was beginning to falter again when, fortunately, we arrived at our destination.

As soon as we stepped onto the new platform, a voice announced:

"Congratulations to Stelle and Firefly on becoming this Scorchsand Festival's champions! We look forward to their amazing entrance in the Charmony Festival!"

"Phew! We made it, I was afraid we took too long!" Stelle said.

"You shouldn't have spent so much time screwing around if you were worried about that!" I thought with a smile.

Apparently Stelle was not the only one who was worried though.

"What took you girls so long?!" March 7th exclaimed as she came towards us. Himeko was a few steps behind, dignified as ever.

"Sorry, we were busy signing autographs! Our acting was just too good," Stelle replied, puffing out her chest.

"Yeah, right..." March retorted, rolling her eyes.

But after looking at Stelle, she asked:

"Why are your eyes so red? Has something happened?"

"Oh... you see, Firefly's performance was just so good and I was so moved by it that I couldn't help but shed a few tears!"

March turned to me:

"Are you really such a good actress?"

...

"... she's just messing with you again!"

"STELLE!"

The fact that she's already back to her usual self after what happened with Sleepie... she's really unbelievable.

I chuckled as March lightly punched Stelle's arm with her fists.

"It's time to go girls," Himeko urged us with a smile.

Turning serious, we nodded and began to follow her down the corridor ahead of us.

The brochure March showed us said that Robin would be awarding the winners.

But of course we knew that the Penacony's star singer was now in the middle of a difficult negotiation with the Dreammaster.

I just hope that whoever her stand-in is, they are not gonna make us lose too much time.

After going throught a door, we arrived at the end of the audition course.

In front of us, surrounded by a sea of memoria, was what looked like a large circular television studio. Several cameras were pointed at expensive-looking sofas. Suspended in the air around us, numerous television screens showed our faces.

In the middle of the room, someone was waiting for us.

Someone who should not have been there.

But as I watched the young man turn and fix his golden eyes on us, I felt no surprise. It had struck me as odd that the head of the Oak family could be unaware of the seriousness of the situation.

If he hadn't already moved to seal the Stellaron, it was because he didn't want to.

Gallagher must have realised this, but he was probably hoping that his sister would be able to change his mind.

"But that part of your plan didn't quite work out, Mr Gallagher... unless you had something else in mind," I thought as Sunday's gaze swept over us.

That golden colour reminded me of Stelle's eyes, but unlike hers, the man's seemed to be devoid of any kind of warmth.

"Congratulations to all of you on becoming the Festive Superstars of this year's Charmony Festival. Before entering the Grand Theater... I, on behalf of the organizers, extend my sincere congratulations to you, wishing you joy under THEIR radiance."

"What are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to talk to the Dreammaster with your sister and Mr Yang?" Stelle asked.

I could tell from the obvious hostility in her voice that she already knew the answer to her own question.

Sunday replied with a slight smile:

"As previously promised, my sister, Mr Yang, and I have met with the Dreammaster. We delved into the truth about Penacony and its Stellaron, and have come to a consensus: both I and the Oak Family cannot acquiesce to your request."

"...Just as expected."

It was clear from his tone that the negotiation had been a mere formality: Sunday had long since decided which side he was on.

Ignoring my comment, Sunday continued:

"We acknowledge the perspective of you Nameless: Penacony does require change, but not as you propose. The Planet of Festivities cannot and will not revert to a place characterized by chaos, disorder, or anarchy.”

Chaos... disorder... anarchy... doesn't the Harmony accept everything without question?

"Through your journey of overcoming obstacles, you must have glimpsed the essence of that era: the vulnerable ruthlessly eliminated, equality non-existent, commonfolk living precarious lives, eking out a dreary existence... ultimately, only "heroes" like yourselves manage to achieve success," continued Sunday.

His eyes locked with Stelle's:

"But I would dare ask: Miss Stelle, if you did not possess the special status of having a Stellaron, and you were but an anonymous and frail member among the masses... which Penacony would you prefer? A dystopia for the survival of the fittest, or a Sweetdream Paradise for all?"

"I... we have no time for quizzes!" replied Stelle after a second, "what have you done to Mr Yang?"

"Don't worry, he and my sister are unharmed, they are just enjoying a well-deserved rest."

But his reassurances did not seem to convince the Astral Express crew:

"Is this how the whole-accepting Harmony is supposed to treat its guests?" asked Himeko coldly.

Sunday smile got larger:

"Harmony… do you really think that an ideal paradise could ever been crafted by Xipe. True bliss can only be guaranteed by the "one" who transcends the many."

Wait... is he...?

"Within the foundation of law, humanity establishes civilization... And through Harmony , we obtain Order."

So that’s how it is.

The secret the Family never wanted us to know was not the Stellaron, but their true nature: followers of a dead Aeon.

Even if an Aeon perished, the disciples of its path would not disappear.

Ena, the Aeon of Order, once created the laws of the cosmos. Her adepts formed the Beyond the Sky Choir, spreading solemn and reverent hymns throughout the universe.

But one day, the Path of Order collided with Harmony, and the choir's notes were swallowed up until they were drowned and could no longer be heard.

When the choir sang again, its melody was a Hymn of Harmony.

But it seems that some remnants of Order still lingered, and now the echoes of a long-lost melody were beginning to create a dissonance in the all-forgiving Harmony.

"Unbelievable, to think that there would be... remnants of the Order on Penacony" commented Himeko, “you should know that these actions make you an enemy of the Astral Express."

"Should we need to stand against the Nameless, it would only be myself and the Oak family involved. But we haven't reached that point yet, have we?"

"You want to talk terms with us?" Stelle asked scornfully.

"Smart kid. You're just as sharp as Mr Yang," Sunday replied amusedly.

But it doesn't make sense... if he's really a Pathstrider of the Order, why bother talking to us, it's not like he'd consider a different opinion... and Penacony is in danger. If he wants to use Order to control the Stellaron... why waste time talking to us?

Himeko seemed to find this as strange as I did:

"If it is the Order that drove you to imprison Welt and Robin, and you're using them to coerce our compliance, then there'll be no point in entertaining any type of discussion," she said.

"You're mistaken, Miss Himeko. They are in very safe hands, and just as The Family has always proclaimed: no one can be harmed in the Dreamscape, least of all in the beautiful new world belonging to the Order."

The young man returned to the centre of the studio and, spreading his arms, declared:

"Penacony and the entire universe have witnessed far too much innocent bloodshed. The strong wield their blades against the weak, and the victors push the vanquished to the brink of life... natural selection: the world abides by this principle, establishing the well-being of humanity atop the corpses of the downtrodden. Only we Pathstriders of Order, or rather I, possess the power to put an end to this farce."

So this is not only about Penacony... but to bring the whole universe to Order will be impossible since Ena is dead... unless...!

Himeko had also understood:

"So you've decided to resurrect a dead Aeon? No one's ever done such a thing."

"If Miss Himeko is interested, let's draw back the veil and speak candidly. I've always firmly believed that people can understand one another through peaceful means.

I'm willing to divulge the unembellished truth as to the intentions of the Order's Pathstriders, so that you will make better judgment for the Astral Express, for Penacony, and for this stretch of the universe. Words can hardly do justice to the beauty of that ideal... so come with me, everyone. Let us retrace our steps and see once again where this road leads."

I didn't even have time to blink as Sunday disappeared before our eyes.

"What...?"

The atmosphere had changed. We were still in the TV studio, but something was clearly wrong.

The voice of the head of the Oak family echoed around us:

"Welcome. This isn't any location in Penacony's Dreamscape. It's my inner world. The reason the scenery before you remains unchanged is because your consciousness has drawn on similar concepts to fill in the gaps."

"You've imprisoned us? Is this what you did to Mr Yang?" Stelle blurted out.

"It's a "tuning" process, stronger in effect and more draining on the mind. You have experienced it before Miss Stelle, so you should understand what it entails.

Tuning allows you to intuitively grasp my feelings, which also means that I cannot hide anything from you. Now, everyone, please look at the huge screen. The road we once took begins here."

So Sunday begane to narrate.

His test for us was to relive some of his past experiences and decide how we would act in his place.

The first memory to appear on the screen was of a small wounded bird resting on the tiny hands of a little girl.

It was a Charmony Dove, a native Penacony species that Robin and Sunday had found dying in their garden.

The two had initially decided to build a nest for it. However, given the cold winter and the many predatory insects in the area, Sunday had suggested bringing it indoors and nursing it back to health in a cage before releasing it in the spring. But the bird's tragic fate had already been decided: it would never be able to fly anyway.

"Now, I pass the power of choice to you all. Faced with this situation, what choice would you make? Stick to the original plan, and build a nest with soft net where the Charmony Dove fell? Or build a cage for it, and feed it, giving it the utmost care from within the warmth of a home?"

We remained silent for a moment.

"That guy just casually throws this kind of question at us? What exactly is his deal?" commented March 7th.

"I’m afraid we have no choice but to humor him at the moment," Himeko said.

She's right: we're on his turf. We have no way of fighting him... so there's nothing we can do but see what the point of this quiz is...

"Firefly, what do you think?" asked Stelle, deep in thought.

"I..."

This question hits too close to home...

Before I came here, I probably would've chosen to leave the Dove free... but now... i f it protects you from a terrible future, is a life in a cage so bad?

"I can't decipher his intentions right now... but based solely on the question, I would probably choose to build that dove a cage… Even if I was gonna release it back into the sky, it'd have to be strong enough to fly first. If I left it where I found it... I fear it'd never get the chance to fly ever again."

"I see..."

But is this really the answer I want to give? I thought I was getting closer to another one, but... put in front of the harsh reality, does it really stand up?

"So what is your decision, Miss Stelle?" asked Sunday after a few minutes.

The girl looked at the screen with determination.

"I'll build a nest on the spot. A life in a cage... that's not a real life. I have no authority to impose that on another being."

“...Interesting. Since you've made up your mind, allow me to reveal what fate this choice will bring to the fledgling," I could hear the bitterness in the tone of Sunday's voice, "from what I've observed, there are at least three predators in that yard that prey on small birds: the Vossickle Scorpion, Asdana Wolverine, and the Huntington Winged-Snake...

Even if they shy away from humans, these animals are still near-apex predators in a fenced location like a yard. In such a location, only one fate awaits that little Charmony Dove: a painful death.

As for the choice you made... I am deeply sorry. Now, let us advance to the second decision. This time... it's the story of a Dreamchaser."

In the past, Sunday was appointed to the role of Bronze Melodia, a position similar to that of a confessor.

His role was to listen to the concerns and worries of the Dreamscape's inhabitants. It was during this time that a Dreamchaser, a stowaway like myself, came to seek his help.

He had come to Penacony, leaving everything behind, even his two young children, in search of a better life. He had planned to buy his children back after making a fortune in the Dream Land, but now he had the Bloodhounds on his tail.

“Will you do as I did, and try to convince the Bloodhound Family to stop their pursuit, so that the Dreamchaser may live peacefully and realize his wishes?

Or will you remain silent, leaving him to languish while the Hounds are hot on his heels, until his inevitable judgment arrives?”

This question must be linked to the first one, and again... it hits so close to home.

My crimes were more nefarious than the Dreamchaser's, but here, in Penacony, I had still been accepted...

To live on like this... to forget the guilt I carried... was that really what I wanted?

"I-I would probably choose to ask the Bloodhounds to stop their pursuit." I told Stelle when she asked my opinion.

After nodding, Stelle turned to Sunday:

"I think everyone should get a second chance. What matters is what they do to make up for their past mistakes."

"I see… I'm honored to witness you arriving at the same decision. Out of respect, I'll share with you the dire consequences that my choice back then brought about."

The Dreamchaser had first attained success but the wealth had quickly gone to their head. In the end he had been caught trying to usurp the head of the Alfalfa Family . He had been banished from Penacony. As for his children… he didn’t even remember about them.

"In the end, my heart aligned with the Harmony , and the good deed I dared to undertake held no value, turning instead into a wrongdoing. It created a lamentable oppressor and countless oppressed individuals…" Sunday concluded.

Then it was time for the final question, a more personal one.

Robin used to travel the length and breadth of the universe because of her fame as a singer.

In one of her tour destinations, however, a war had suddenly broken out. Trying to spread the word of Harmony and save lives, Robin had travelled to the front lines.

It was there that a stray bullet had struck her in the neck. It was a miracle the bullet hadn't hit a vital artery.

But it was far from the last danger her travels would bring.

“ Would you still support Robin's journey on the Path of Harmony?”

Robin... she's really incredibly strong. To think I thought she was just an amazing singer.

But now I understood what all these questions were about.

Sunday thought that Harmony was not enough to ensure a happy existence. What seemed to be the right choice could also have nefarious consequences.

The threads of destiny were something the gentle embrace of Harmony couldn't control.

That's why he had sought a new way: the shackles of the Orders, with the power of the Stellaron, would be able to control even fate itself.

But... what would we have to give up to get the happy ending he wanted for us?

"I would support Robin's journey. Her path is hers to choose, you have no right to interfere, even if it doesn't have a happy ending!"

Stelle, I know you are right, but then... why am I still wavering?

"Heh... I see," Sunday replied coldly before reappearing in front of us.

"I am now aware of everyone's stances. Raising these questions merely serves to illustrate one point: the plight of Penacony cannot be salvaged by the Harmony. The true foundation for a Sweetdream Paradise can only be established through the Order where the strong govern the weak," he said.

"I know the suffering of being tormented, the turmoil of losing your way, how sorrow... and even despair, set in when matters don't work out. All of this causes me unending pain, because this is not what "happiness" is at all. We must teach the weak how to live a happy life. And this life isn't some noble propriety that the upper crust preaches, but in definitive terms, a way of survival that belongs to everyone," continued Sunday.

"So, what is your definition of living a happy life?" I asked.

"Good question. Human consciousness is fundamentally an illusion, a cage known as "self-worth". People lured in by this illusion, make mistakes, yet still ask that external influences bear the burden. When one mistake after the next permeates the masses, they become impossible to trace... Thus, the amassing of these individual cages culminate to form a prison, a place dictated only by the rule of survival of the fittest."

A prison... just like the one I'm living in outside of the Dreamscape... Can he really free me from it?

I could feel my chest tighten as desire began to burn through me.

"Nature is always accompanied by predation and sacrifice... Its antithesis is known as Order.

That is what I want to do: Unite people's happiness under the banner of Order. They won't need to make bitter choices any longer, nor face the weaknesses of humanity. They can cast aside their primal instincts, to build a haven for mankind."

I would never have to face my weakness again…

"Simply describing thoughts is far too abstract, so allow me to provide a simple example: as you all may know, there are societal norms like "weekends" and "long weekends" that exist on some worlds. During these hard-earned rest days, people are given the chance to extricate themselves from the stresses of everyday life, allowing a certain tranquility to return to their souls.

But only three days is too fleeting compared to the span of a lifetime. From where I stand, society's ideal system should be "seven rest days". Following Sunday, there should ensue a second, a third, and indeed an infinite procession of Sundays. This should be the face of the new world: idyllic, eternal, peaceful days."

Peaceful days… just like the one I spent with Stelle…

"And thus, every person can return to their base selves in this utopia. Some gaze in reverence at the stars, pouring their whole beings into calculating the distance between us and the isolated world of Pegana starting point. Meanwhile, some seek refuge in quiet corners, holding one another, unencumbered by the chains of unwelcome obligations...

There would be no need to bear the hardships of reality. Only in this way can humanity face the inevitable end with the purest of spirit. Living a life of dignity: this is what it is to live in bliss."

Sunday's eyes locked with mine. I was sure he could sense the turmoil his words were causing within me.

"Miss Firefly, you who are stricken with Entropy Loss Syndrome, you of all would surely understand this?"

"I…"

Yes, I understood. What he was offering me was everything I had ever wanted. An eternal blissful dream from which I would never have to worry about waking up.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

In his paradise of Order, I would finally be free of the chains that imprisoned inside Sam. I would no longer be a weapon.

The moments of pure happiness I had shared with Stelle would become my new reality.

"It sounds... like a flawless theory…" commented March.

Himeko did not seem to know how to react either.

As for Stelle...

My eyes met hers.I could see the quiet determination stirring in those golden pools.

I...

"But... what is the price to attain all this?" I asked Sunday, trying to go against my instinct to submit to his plan.

"The cost is minute, merely a personal... and eternal sacrifice. If this paradise is to be maintained for everyone, someone must remain trapped in solitary wakening, until the end of the cosmos."

These words only made me waver more.

So he's willing to sacrifice himself for his plan... we would live an eternity of bliss while he endures a life of loneliness... but...

"Wakening... Which means that this so-called paradise is still a dream. Stepping into this paradise means forsaking reality, correct?"

"It is not forsaking, but transcending. Flesh, blood, sorrow, weakness. If the physical is the root of spiritual suffering, it is only logical that we defeat it."

I...

It was time to face the question I had been trying to answer all this time. What was the meaning of this dream I had been living for the past few days?

Was escaping my nightmarish path and the future I didn't want to face really the point of this journey? If I'd accepted Sunday's offer, I could have really made my escape.

I could have lived like a normal girl, forgotten about my condition and... stayed together with Stelle.

It seems so perfect, but... If I live in an endless dream and never wake up from it... won't the time I've spent with her really be just an illusion?

I remembered the words Gallagher had said to me:

"There is no need to shun something that brings you joy. You just need to find some meaning in it, beyond the temporary relief it has given you."

A meaning...

If I just run away forever... there really won't be any.

"But in this supposed "bliss," people won't have defeated their demons. The chance to overcome their tribulations would be forever lost to them. In other words... it is an escape," I said to Sunday, my voice now firm.

"That's another way of understanding it, but there is no shame in escape. On the contrary, the seeds of escape exist in everyone's hearts. Don't you agree, Miss Firefly? And as to why we sleep? It is because we are afraid to awaken from our dreams.

But this is not in conflict with the grand plan. Only in acknowledging this, can we truly understand the frailty of human nature, and from there, show compassion and protection."

It's because we're afraid to wake up from our dreams... his answer is pretty much the same one I gave Stelle on the roof...

But now I was sure. My answer had changed. He was right, running away was nothing to be ashamed of.

My time in the dream had brought me incredible happiness, but...

It can't go on forever.

The memories I had built up had a very special meaning. They made me realise what my life as a Firefly could have been.

And to achieve something like that... I had to keep fighting.

Those happy memories would be the perfect fuel to face the future.

If I choose to live forever in his dream... it will truly be like entering another cage. My destiny... I'll be the one to shape it... not Elio... not Sunday... I won't give up my free will to anyone!

My resolve, which had wavered so much in the past few days, had finally returned stronger than before.

"I... admit that you are a born leader. Your perspective on humanity brims with pessimism, yet you express compassion for all, even when your heart pities them.

But unlike you I live for the "self". From my perspective, individuals making choices for themselves is their birthright," I said, giving Sunday a defiant look, "the want to escape may be innate in the weak, but whether they are weak or not... It is not up to another to decide. Perhaps in your mind, you also view me as weak?"

There's nothing wrong with wavering a little... what's important is the strength to pick yourself up. And the little escape I made... gave me enough strength to face my destiny.

"Because I don’t think I am!" I declared.

I saw Stelle smiling at me, while Sunday was staring at me with evident irritation.

"Since Miss Firefly has said her piece, the Astral Express will also naturally give you our answer. We'll leave it to you, Stelle. Just as Mr. Mikhail instructed before: tell him our choice…" Himeko said.

What…?

A flash of golden light flashed around Stelle. Suddenly, the dreamlike realm in which Sunday had enclosed us was swept away. I could feel a force emanating from my friend as a sense of calm and hope enveloped me.

This... is the power of Harmony!

Raising an arm to the sky, a feathered hat appeared in Stelle's hand as a strange figure materialised at her side.

Is that… Clockie?! Why can I see him now?

Stelle pulled her hat down on her head and looked resolutely at Sunday.

That must be the Watchmaker’s Legacy they found in the Dream Bubble… she… looks so cool!

But there was no time to be distracted. I glanced at the others and nodded. We had all come to the same decision:

"The Penaconians' and Mikhail's dream does not belong to Order!" exclaimed Stelle.

image [https://i.imgur.com/IHrHTQo.png]

Sunday seemed speechless. But it was only for a moment. Recovering himself, with a voice animated by scorn, he said:

"I can't believe that Xipe, the Harmony would cast a glance at Penacony at a time like this... Is it because of the resonance from the legacy of the Trailblaze? Or perhaps the bond between you is so strong that it even impresses an Aeon?"

"Well, there might be another possibility. Perhaps THEY want to witness, on behalf of the fallen Akivili and Ena, who will hold the future of Penacony," Himeko answered.

That was the end of our discussion; if he really thought he could convince us, Sunday had failed.

"If that's the case, on behalf of the Dreammaster of Penacony and the 107,336 members of the Oak Family, I'm extending a formal invitation to all of you… I'm cordially inviting you all to the Penacony Grand Theater to participate in the upcoming Charmony Festival. And of course, you won't be in the audience, but on center stage," announced the Head of the Oak Family.

"Since the future of the Stellaron, Penacony, and even the entire Cosmos is at stake, let's draw a conclusion there, in all fairness.

If you truly believe in the Aeon of Trailblaze path, then show me THEIR courage and determination," declared Sunday and, after a moment, disappeared again.

"Does that mean he wants to fight us during the Charmony Festival?" asked March after a moment.

"I'm afraid so," I replied.

But something wasn't quite right. March seemed to think so too:

"This is weird! Aren't arch villains usually plotting some dirty conspiracy in the end? But he actually said something like "in all fairness"... Could it be that he's underestimating us?"

"Well, in my opinion, Sunday is deeply committed to his own philosophy and genuinely wants to prove that the Order is right. I sensed a strong conviction and a desire for dominance in him. Maybe he won't accept the outcome unless he wins fair and square. That's why he'll give it his all in the upcoming battle," replied Himeko.

That might be true, but... Is that really the only reason? I don't agree with his methods, but I think his intentions are pure.

But if he believes so much in his ideals and thinks that his utopian dream could be the happiness of the universe... would he really just risk everything by fighting us?

No... it didn't make sense. There was also the matter of the Stellaron: if the power of the Order was really capable of controlling such a thing... why wait?

Why waste time arguing with us... maybe... maybe because he already had all the time in the world.

Of course... how could I not have realised it before!

The dream Sunday wanted to create... we had been in it ever since we had arrived in Penacony!

Since I had set foot in the Dreamscape, the chains of the Order had tightened around my wrists without me noticing. That was why the leader of the Oak Family seemed so willing to humour our attempts to disrupt his plans: he had already won.

I glanced at Stelle and her companions as they discussed what to do.

Did they not realize it?... I should tell them!

But before I could open my mouth, another thought stopped me.

Wait a minute... how... did I notice it?

If I really was trapped in a dream ruled by the forces of Order at this moment... I should never have noticed in the first place.

From the way Sunday had spoken, my free will would have to be destroyed and I would never have a chance to rebel. Only then could the world achieve what he considered to be happiness.

But then why...?!

Of course... that's why I'm here.

There was something Sunday hadn't considered. Of all his prisoners, there was one who, by their very nature, was not completely under his control.

And that someone was... me.

I... can't dream. That's why I'm not completely trapped like the others.

But that meant there was no point in explaining to them what I had discovered: the clutches of Order would have prevented them from understanding the truth.

Then there's only one way... I have to wake them up. But how?

I would have to return to the waking world myself, but how could I do that?

If I tried to wake up normally like the others... I would just end up back in the dream. But then...

Think Firefly, think!

And then it hit me: the answer was already in my script.

My second death! if I die, I'll wake up!

But of course death was not possible in the Dream of Order. But as luck would have it, another external element, just like me, was now present in the Dreamscape.

Something that shouldn't have been here. Death. But not a metaphorical one like the one inflicted by the Memory Zone Meme.

True death: pure Nihility.

Her blade... should be able to kill me even in this dream.

Now I knew what I had to do, but... I looked at Stelle. Her eyes were still filled with determination.

"I… I’ll do it," I thought, clenching my fists, "this is the time for me to help you and make amends for everything."

"Anyway, we can't leave the Stellaron unchecked. This is about trailblazing a bright future for Penacony and fulfilling Mikhail's and his predecessors' long-cherished wishes.

Now that we've taken up the mantle, we can't afford to fail them," said Himeko.

"However, the same applies to the Order. Their plan didn't materialize overnight, and they have the profound collective consciousness of the Planet of Festivities behind them…" I interjected, "a desire to dream, to slumber and escape reality... All those hidden emotions have given birth to the sweet dream of the Order. They've harnessed the will of an entire planet to create an Aeon... This confrontation is far more complicated than a simple power struggle. To secure Penacony's future, fighting on the stage alone is not enough."

The three Astral express girls turned to look at me. March looked at me with a furrowed brow:

"What do you mean? Are you not coming with us...?"

"I believe Firefly is trying to say that she's heading off to another battle."

I nodded as my eyes moved to Stelle's. My chest tightened as I saw the sadness that had appeared on her face.

"Do you... really have to go?" she asked quietly.

"I have to, Stelle. You see... Before I left, Destiny's Slave told me that this journey would bring unforgettable rewards. Even though the script he gave me only had a few lines, I couldn't ignore them. Because one of the lines said... I'll experience "death" three times in the land of the dreams."

March 7th looked at me dumbfounded:

"Three times!? This can't be serious, right...?"

"The first time was a painful death when I was stabbed by the blade of "Dormancy," which led to all subsequent events. The script will always come true, but in a way... that will only be revealed when that page is turned. So now, I've understood the meaning of my second "death," and I am prepared to face it. If all goes well, my efforts will provide crucial support for you."

"Firefly... you said you would fight with us to the end..."

“I know Stelle, but I have to do this… Only by achieving victory in this battle can we secure a future for Penacony. And only then, my third and final death... won't come true in the most terrible form."

"Terrible form?!"

The sadness that animated Stelle had now given way to the same terror I had seen in her gaze when Sleepie had pierced me.

Himeko answered for me:

"The true "death"... where everyone in Penacony loses themselves completely in the eternal sweet dream of the Order."

"We must do everything we can to prevent that."

Otherwise, the time we spent together will really be a fake. And unlike now... it will have no value.

"Have you... made up your mind, Firefly?" asked Himeko.

My gaze shifted back to Stelle, who was now staring at the floor.

"I…yes," I replied, clenching my fists even tighter.

"Thank you again for your assistance for the Astral Express. May we meet again in reality," replied the woman with a smile.

"Yeah, let’s meet again. You know… for a Stellaron Hunter, you are kinda cool!" March said, winking at me.

Stelle seemed to want to say something but hesitated.

I know it's hard... I want nothing more than to stay with you, but I'm not going to run away anymore.

"Yeah, farewell, everyone. May your Trailblazing expedition never end."

I turned, ready to set off on what might be my last journey. But before I could take a single step, her arms were wrapped around me.

"Stelle…"

"Firefly... you are really unfair... why do you always have to disappear on me?"

"I... have to do this Stelle," I squeeze one of her hands with mine.

"I... know. As much as I want to stop you... I won't. Knowing what your life is like... denying Sunday... you are the strongest person I know. But I won't let you beat me like that!"

"Stelle... you are already stronger than me. All this time I've done nothing but waver."

Stelle forced me to turn around.

"Don't say that now," she admonished me, "it doesn't matter if you get lost sometimes, what matters is the destination you reach. And I think in the end... we arrived at the same one. We can't let that guy turn this place into a prison again."

"You are right!” I nodded, lost in her gaze for what might have been the last time.

"But... don't think for a moment that I've forgotten what you promised me!"

The girl hugged me again, but with such force that she lifted me into the air.

"Stelle!"

"I'm not going to say goodbye or farewell! We will meet again!" shouted Stelle, spinning me around in the air.

"Stelle, you know I can't..."

"Yes, we will. I believe in you Firefly. If you want something, you'll make it happen, even if it's not in your script! I will be waiting for you!"

"She is..."

----------------------------------------

When someone gently knocked on the door of my room, my heart leapt in my throat.

It was the fateful day.

It had been a week since Stelle had left, probably to complete the last part of her training.

I only hoped to see her again before it was time for her to leave for the Herta space station to meet her destiny.

But the days had passed without any news of her. So I had locked myself in my room, only going out to eat, waiting. And finally the day had come.

I braced myself and said:

"Come in..."

But it was not the grey-haired girl who entered. Instead, it was a beautiful older woman.

Her claret hair were tied up in a messy ponytail. Her eyes, of a similar colour, looked at me from under the round, dark sunglasses. Her mouth was curled into her usual enigmatic smile.

"Kafka..."

"Were you expecting someone else?" the woman said as she entered the room.

"I.."

But as I tried to get up from the bed, Kafka waved me to stop.

"Relax, she's waiting for you downstairs," she said, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Kafka turned to me and studied me with her sharp eyes. As usual, she gave me the impression that she was checking me out under an x-ray.

"Silver Wolf tells me you have hardly left the room this week."

"I... my condition suddenly got worse..."

But it was clear that such a lie would never work on her.

"I thought I was clear when I brought that girl here. You should have listened to me."

"I... I don't want to hear you say that now," I looked away.

The best way to describe my relationship with this woman was: problematic.

Although her reputation was even worse than mine, this intergalactic criminal had been nothing but kind to me.

She was the person who had recruited me into the Stellaron Hunters, but it wasn't just that. She was the first person that had looked me in the face, not as a weapon, but as a human being.

But even though I admired her, I still couldn't help feeling nervous in her presence.

Although she would often come up to me, when I was the one approaching her she always pulled away.

"When you make friends with someone, you should keep the right distance in order to maintain a long-term relationship," she had said when I had asked her why she was behaving that way.

But was that really what she thought? I was never able to decipher what was really going through her mind.

Did she really care about me, or was I just a little pastime for her? I really couldn't tell.

"Should I keep quiet while my sweet trainee is so sad? She's a bit crazy, but I thought you were more rational, Sam," said Kafka with a chuckle.

"... is laughing at me the reason you are here?" I asked, without getting angry.

When it came to Kafka, there was always a hidden agenda behind her actions. Although she was a ruthless criminal, she had never been malicious towards us, her comrades.

"I just thought I would let you in on something that might interest you," she said, confirming my suspicion.

"What are you talking about?"

"You seem convinced that you and that girl will never meet again."

"Am I wrong? After she becomes the vessel for the Stellaron, she'll leave us and join the Express."

"That is true, but... you see, in the near future, we Stellaron Hunters and the Astral Express will begin to progress on the same path. Our destinies will intertwine and we'll become their shadows."

"But we barely interacted before... is it because of her?"

"Yes."

"How can you be so sure?" I asked, but I already knew her answer.

"My script. That girl... is my destiny," Kafka said, looking me straight in the eye.

"Your... destiny."

Kafka began to cackle for some reason.

"What's so funny?"

"Relax Sam, I'm not going to steal her from you. If anything, I see her as an overgrown, unhinged child. Training her was one of the more difficult missions Elio gave me."

I remained speechless.

"Steal her… what are you...?"

"Do you really think you can hide your feelings from me, Sam? Even if you were inside your armor, I could still read your heart clearly."

"I..."

There was no point in denying it, not in front of Kafka.

For months I had tried to escape what I was feeling, but in the last week I had to face reality: the pain I felt could only be one thing.

"Are you gonna tell her before she goes away?" asked Kafka.

"No," I replied immediately.

What good would that do? She would soon forget me. Revealing my feelings would only make her feel bad. Stelle had made her decision, the best I could do was to say goodbye with a smile.

"I see..." said Kafka, "as long as you think you won't regret it."

"I would never tell her, even if she wasn't leaving... she and I could never be together. A weapon could never..." my words were lost in the void.

"I thought your goal was to defy your fate. As you know, I have never agreed with your philosophy. The idea of leaving everything to fate, of relinquishing control... sounds exciting," Kafka said.

"That's only because you have never felt what it is like to have no agency... you have never felt the fear of dying a meaningless death."

"So if you don't want to end up like that... isn't trying to purse your relationship with her a way to go against your fate?"

"I... it's never worked before, and... she's in your script, not mine."

"But between the lines of your script, don't you want to write something of your own?" Kafka asked as she stood up.

“I... all I could write for now was death and destruction... I'd never be..."

"Maybe not in the middle of your script then... maybe you'll find a new place to write in," said the woman offering me a hand.

"Kafka…"

I really don't understand her, but... now I know.. she really cares about me.

With Kafka's help, I descended to the ground floor of the base. There were three people waiting for us, Silver Wolf, Blade and...

"Firefly!" shouted Stelle, running up to me and hugging me.

"Stelle..."

"I'm so sorry! We were so far away I couldn't text you. How are you feeling?"

"I... I'm fine."

"I see..." she said, pulling away from the hug and looking at me worriedly.

"It's time to go, the ship is waiting in the underground hangar," said Kafka.

With a sinking heart, I followed my companions to the lift that led to the underground levels. The fact that Stelle helped me walk made it all the more painful.

Soon there would be nothing but an empty void at my side.

With a ding we reached our destination. The Stellaron Hunters' airship was there, ready to take her away from me.

"We'll go ahead and prepare," Kafka said, giving me a smile before leaving with Silver Wolf.

There were only three of us left, me, Stelle and Blade.

"Well, Mr Blade, we didn't talk much, but it was a pleasure."

Blade simply nodded and shook Stelle's hand.

Then he stepped back, leaned against the wall and looked ahead at the starry sky visible from the hangar.

The end had come.

"Firefly... I..."

I took a deep breath. Tears threatened to flow with every passing second. But I couldn't let that be Stelle's last memory of me... even if it would soon fade away anyway.

"It's all right, Stelle. You made your decision and... I respect it."

I said, looking into her eyes. Stelle gave me a sad smile:

"You don't have to be so uptight, Firefly... you can cry... like me!"

In that moment tears began to flow from her golden eyes. Soon I was back in her arms.

"I'm going to miss you so much! You are my best friend Firefly, I hate that we have to be apart! Even if it's just for a little while."

"A... little while? What are you...?"

"This is not a farewell, Firefly. It's just a temporary goodbye. I won't remember you... but you will. I know you'll find me. I'll be waiting for you!"

"Stelle I..." I clung to her, trying to absorb the warmth of her body inside me, "I don't know if I can..."

"You will! Even if our paths part for now, I know you'll find a way to bring them together again. You are the strongest person I know."

"I... you are stronger than me. I just want to take you and run now... even if it means condemning the universe to its grim fate."

"But you are not doing it, right? Wavering is human Firefly, the fact that you can still do the right thing even through your doubts is proof of how strong you are."

Her lips suddenly touched my cheek.

"There! You better not forget me either," she said, parting from me and smiling brightly.

"I... will never forget you," I said, my eyes finally blurring with tears.

"I wish I could say the same, but... I look forward to getting to know you again!!"

"I... thank you Stelle. For everything you have done for me. I..."

But the words died in my throat.

Stelle stroked my cheek and wiped away a tear.

"Goodbye Firefly... may we meet again!"

"G-goodbye Stelle..."

As I looked at her back, my chest tightened more and more.

"I... I love you," I whispered, my voice choked with tears.

Stelle took one last look at me before climbing into the ship. Soon there was nothing left of her but a trail of flames in the darkness of the night.

I began to cry desperately, throwing out all the tears I had tried to hold back.

Not even the tight grip on my shoulder could calm me.

I stayed like that while Blade watched over me for who knows how long.

I could not accept that the brightest star in my sky had been stolen from me forever.

----------------------------------------

But it had not been like that. It really had only been a temporary goodbye.

That star was shining again and I had no intention of letting her go this time.

As Stelle prepared to climb onto the platform that would lead her and her companions to the Grand Theathre, I gave her a reassuring smile.

She was right, I had found her. And she was the exact same Stelle.

Our memories were not the only thing that made us what we are. I was sure of it.

Even if Stelle lost her memory 100 more times, she would always end up becoming the same wonderful person, again and again.

And I, for 100 times, would always end up falling in love with her.

That was a part of my destiny I wouldn't have fought against. This time I would have told her everything.

But now I had a mission to fulfil.

"I wanted to fight at her side in the end..." I thought with a sigh as I turned my back on her, "please, be safe Stelle."

The time had come. The sweet dream was coming to an end.

You always knew, Firefly... just as every day ends in a sunset, every dream ends in waking up. Just as life... ends in death.

I materialised Sam's device in my hand.

It was nice to escape for a while... but now I have to face the future. Just like that time... I’m gonna trail my own path!

image [https://i.imgur.com/pO5nMm1.png]

As the device began to glow and fire swirled around me, those familiar words came back to me:

"I dreamed of a scorched earth.

A new shoot sprouted from the earth.

It bloomed in the morning sun, and whispered to me…"

As my armor materialised around me, the words I hadn't been able to say to Stelle on the roof echoed clearly in my mind.

“Like fireflies to a flame… life begets death.”

My suit enveloped me once more. But this time I was not going to wreak havoc with it, no, I had another goal now.

I know that in the future I'll die and burn to ashes. But until then I have the right to choose. And I have made a choice: I will fight to realise a dream of my own, a dream I found thanks to her.

As I took one last look at Stelle, projected high into the sky, I remembered the words I had spoken to Blade before the mission:

“The tombstone that belongs to me once bore the inscription "Glamoth's Iron Cavalry," then it changed to "Stellaron Hunter," but one day...

It will bear the name "Firefly" and the brilliance she showed at the end of her life....”

But I don't want to focus on that anymore. I don't want to concentrate on how I'm going to die.

All my life I have lived to fight... now I want to fight to live!

I was determined. I was going to find a cure for my condition so I could finally live as Firefly.

But who was she?

In this dream I had found the answer:

She is a girl who wants to enjoy a normal life. She wants to go shopping, see lots of nice places, maybe even go to school! She also wants to eat lots of sweets, especially lots of Oak Cake Rolls.

And... she wants... to stay by the side of the person she loves.

Maybe my script was filled with nothing but pain and suffering, but if that was the case... I'd have done what Kafka said: I'd have added a footnote spelling out a single name.

Stelle.

As I flew away without looking back, a single wish echoed in my heart:

May we meet again... in reality.

image [https://i.imgur.com/gPYNJj4.png]