The golden hour was busy as usual. Watching the comings and goings of the Dreamers, leaning against a railing, it was almost as if the events of the previous day had never happened.
"The Charmony Festival was attacked by an unidentified Stellaron and came to a halt."
This was the official version put out by the family.
Ordinary visitors to the Penacony would never have known about the Order's role in the crisis, and they wouldn't have known about the power struggles that were going on behind the scenes for a while. But fortunately it was no longer my problem. My mission in the Lands of Dreams could be considered complete. But...
My script is not over yet… a third death… I need to see Stelle before that happens.
Before re-entering the Dreamscape I was determined to go and find her immediately but now...
I’m getting cold feet… Why is this so hard?!
I didn't want to go back on my decision to reveal my feelings for her. The problem was that I didn't know how to do it.
From her point of view, a girl she's only known for two days is suddenly going to ask her out... she's definitely going to think I'm weird!
I sighed, my eyes lost in the crowd.
"You really like this place, don't you? Don't worry, there's still plenty of time before you have to leave. You can enjoy a little vacation in the meantime," Silver Wolf said, startling me.
I was so lost in my own thoughts that I had almost forgotten that she was at my side.
Fortunately, no one could see her hologram, otherwise she would have been too eye-catching, even in a dream.
"You were so skeptical before you came here. But after all this madness, I see you've grown fond of the Dreamscape. Just a heads up, you're still on the Bloodhound Family's wanted list. So keep a low profile.”
She was right.
This could throw a wrench in my plans.
After all, the Express Crew were now the heroes of Penacony, they probably would have been surrounded by Family guards to ensure their protection. And after my role in the recent events, my cover was probably already blown.
"It'd be quite inconvenient if I can't move freely. Could you help me, Wolfie?"
"I knew you'd ask that. Don't worry, I've hacked all the systems and left no trace. Don't do anything that may draw attention, and don't talk with guards, they might recognize you. Keep these two points in mind, and you can go wherever you want unbothered."
"Thank you, you are the best."
"You should give me a fake name, though. That way I can give you access to some areas where security is tighter."
A fake name…
I thought about it for a moment.
“How about… Samuel?”
"Miss Samuel... that's kind of cute! But isn't it too similar to Sam? I thought you didn't like that name."
I gave her a smile.
"I've come around to it, I think."
The recent soul searching I had been forced to do had finally brought me closer to accepting myself. Even the parts I didn't like.
"I see..." Wolf said, looking at me, "So, Miss Samuel, what are you going to do now that we’re done with the mission? I heard the Genius Society is here. How about we go stir up some excitement?"
That really sounds like something’s up Wolfie’s alley…
"Well, you know, my script isn't over yet."
Silver Wolf's expression darkened:
"I didn't let you get back in the Dreamscape to hear an answer like that. You're planning to do some crazy stuff again, aren't you?"
"Don't worry. The script says that I'll experience three ‘deaths’ but also receive an ‘unforgettable reward’ on the Planet of Festivities."
I've already got so much out of this journey, but... is it bad if I want a little more? What will happen if I reveal my feelings to her? Maybe...
I didn't know what to expect.
"How will I know if I don't try? All possibilities exist until the outcome actually happens, right?" I asked, hoping Silver Wolf would encourage me.
But my friend merely huffed in response:
"You may not realize it, but you have a bad habit: whenever you seem to be asking a question, you've already made up your mind, and no words will dissuade you… Man you are so stubborn… this is about that girl, isn’t it?" she asked, giving me an inquisitive look.
"Yes..."
"So why don't you go and see her now? I'll find an opening for you," Wolf said, taking out her phone.
"No... it's okay. I just need... some time to think." I replied.
I need to prepare what I'm going to say...
Silver Wolf sighed:
"What's got into you? You are behaving like a maiden in love!” she exclaimed.
As I felt my cheeks catch fire, I turned to look at her and my eyes met hers.
"Oh…" Silver Wolf immediately looked away, "I see… that’s… how it is."
"Is it that obvious?" I asked with a note of desperation in my voice.
"It's written all over your face. And I’m nowhere as good as Kafka in these kinds of things."
My gaze returned to the passers-by as I groaned and shook my head.
I’m so hopeless.
I had been on so many dangerous missions during my time as a Stellaron Hunter. But this... this was the first time I really felt like I had no idea what to do.
I could blow up several IPC squads on my own, but being in love was something I wasn't equipped for. Just thinking about Stelle gave me a fuzzy feeling in my chest. But when I thought about talking to her about it, the idea that she might reject me hurt so much I wanted to scream.
While I was trying to make sense of these thoughts, something touched my arm. I turned to see that Silver Wolf had given me a light nudge with her elbow.
She was smiling as she chewed her gum.
Wolfie... maybe she can help me…
"Wolf... how... are you supposed to confess your feelings to someone?"
"Uh?!"
My question strangely seemed to surprise Silver Wolf .
"I... um... well I guess you have to trigger the right flags first, so you are sure you are on the right route then... I guess you have to increase her affection level so you can unlock the CG..." she said, scratching her chin.
"..."
" Flags?! CG? What is she talking about? Is romance supposed to be this complicated? Do normal people just know this stuff? Maybe... I'm just stupid..." I thought as I looked at her with my mouth open.
"...just do that and I’m sure you’ll be fine," concluded Silver Wolf, patting me on the shoulder.
Asking for her help had only made things worse.
"Do you think I'm strange, Wolf?" I asked, sighing for the umpteenth time.
"Strange? Why should you be strange? I think falling in love is perfectly normal for a girl your age."
Those words immediately lifted my spirits.
A girl like me... that's right, I'm just a silly girl coming to terms with being in love for the first time. It's perfectly normal to be a bit clueless. It would probably be the same for Stelle, now that she's lost her memory.
Finally I could give Wolf a big smile:
"Thank you! And, by the way, I'm actually much older than you!”
"Being in suspended animation doesn't count," Silver Wolf huffed, as she began to fiddle with her jacket, "where did I put it... oh, there it is. Here!"
I grabbed the black card she was holding out to me, my eyes shining:
"Is this…?"
"Kafka's special card. You ended up without money, right? She told me to say this to you: "If you see anything fabulous in Penacony, get one for me. Just swipe my card, you know the PIN" . Going shopping will definitely ease your love troubles!"
"Thank you! Did she want anything in particular? I saw a coat the other day that would look perfect on her!"
"She didn't specify anything. But I think a coat or a dress would be fine. Just pick something... you know more about fashion than I do."
"Are you sure you don't want to try some new outfits with me?" I asked jokingly.
"I'm sure the shop staff would be thrilled if they saw their clothes were floating in the air. I guess it wouldn't be that unusual for Penacony, though. But no thanks, I'll pass. I also have a message from Blade."
That's rare...
"What did he say?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure... you know how subtle he is with his words. But I think the gist of it was: "Temptation will show up again in Penacony" or something like that."
Blade... it's probably about the conversation we had before I came here. But... haven't I already dealt with the biggest temptation I could have with Sunday's offer?
"Got it. He was just worried about me. Relax, Wolfie. The most I'll do is get rejected by Stelle."
"Always so pessimistic," Silver Wolf said, shaking her head.
I remained silent for a while while she fiddled on her phone.
After a bit I said:
"How about we go for a bite? I still have to buy an Oak cake roll today. I'll get one for you too. And if you don't like it, I'll enjoy double the pleasure. Or I can bring one to Kafka, as she never refuses to try new things. Or maybe I'll give it to... Blade. He'll appreciate it."
"Mmmh," Silver Wolf murmured, her eyes still on the phone.
"I mean, it's not part of the mission or the script... but you see, yesterday I decided to start adding some footnotes to it."
"I see..." Wolf said, putting her phone back in her pocket, "I'm afraid we'll have to do this another time. I've got somewhere to be right now!"
"Oh…" I murmured, disappointed. Now that our friendship seemed to be rekindled, I wanted to spend time with her while I had the chance.
"Don't worry! I've found something for you to do while I'm away. Speaking of footnotes... I found something that might help you add some new ones. It's a unique opportunity you can't lose!"
I looked at her, raising an eyebrow:
"What are you talking about?"
"Have you ever heard of the Radiant Feldspar?"
----------------------------------------
The luxurious airship was packed with people. Apparently, there was an exclusive party taking place today. But as Silver Wolf had said, getting on board had been surprisingly easy.
That's the best hacker in the universe for you, I guess.
But I still couldn't help being skeptical about what she had told me.
A pawnshop that grants wishes... is there really a place like that on this ship?
Even if there was, could it really help me find a way to cure my condition?
I guess there's only one way to find out.
I made my way towards the central part of the ship, passing by what appeared to be a pool party for Trotters. Numerous waiters moved between the tables, serving drinks to the many partygoers.
This place is so crowded, it almost makes my head spin. I wonder what they are celebrating...
I approached what looked like a small souvenir shop, intending to ask for directions. But as I was about to ask the clerk where I could find the pawnshop, something caught my eye.
Is that...!?
It was a plush toy depicting a googly-eyed Stelle riding a trashcan, her bat signaling the charge.
"..."
"Can I help you, miss?" the clerk asked, with an expression of sincere puzzlement in front of my silence.
"I'll take all your stock!" I exclaimed, pulling Kafka's card from my pocket.
"Huh? Oh, you mean these plushies! I'm sorry, they're a limited edition to celebrate the new Nameless Heroes of Penacony. I can only sell you one. If you come back later, I might get different instructions... you're the first to ask for this particular model after all."
"I'll take one for now!"
I clutched the toy to my chest.
It looks so silly... I'm sure she designed it.
"Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"Oh...yes," I had almost forgotten, "do you know how to get to the pawnshop?"
"Pawnshop... Ah, you must be talking about Lady Bonajade's place, right? I heard she offers... special services there. Enter the banqueting hall through the door down there. Then go up the stairs and stay on the side of the ship. If you take the door there, you'll come to the VIP lounge where Lady Bonajade's room is.
"I see, thank you!"
I turned away. deep in thought.
Bonajade... I'm sure I've heard that name before. Has Silver Wolf mentioned it?
In any case, I was about to find out.
Following the directions I had been given, I made my way into a large room where a large semicircular table was laden with tempting looking plates of food.
So much stuff... I wonder what are the-
I had suddenly caught a glimpse of a familiar gray-haired girl out of the corner of my eye. I turned to see Stelle hurrying up the stairs.
W-why is she here?!
I leaned against the wall, my heart threatening to jump out of my chest. This was a hell of a coincidence.
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
What am I going to do? I'm not ready for this!
I took deep breaths until I could compose myself.
It's ok. One thing at a time... UUUGH!
I wanted to go to her, I wanted to talk to her, hug her... but I was so out of it.
Calm down, Firefly. I'll go and see her in a minute. Let's have a look at the pawnshop first. If it can really help me, I'll tell Stelle. I'm sure it will ease her worries about me.
Having regained a small amount of determination, I made to go up the stairs. But before I could do so, I caught sight of another familiar face.
Robin? What is she doing here too?
Making sure she wouldn't notice me, I approached the crowd that had gathered around Penacony's most famous singer.
"...By the way, there's one more thing. Mr. Alfalfa and I discussed it. I'll present a gift to the Astral Express on behalf of The Family as a token of gratitude for the Nameless' contributions to Penacony" I heard her say.
"..."
SILVER WOLF!
So that was what it was all about.
A celebration of this scale couldn't be a random party. It was too much, even for Penacony's standards. What was being celebrated was the averted crisis and the new heroes of Penacony: the Astral Express.
That explains why that plushie is being sold here... but she said something about Mr Alfalfa... from the sound of it, all the big players are here .
It was very likely that behind the scenes of the party, on this luxurious ship, the talks about Penacony's future were taking place.
And there's no way Wolfie doesn't know...
She had set me up. While she was fiddling with her phone, she had probably pinpointed Stelle's location and tricked me into meeting her.
I... Thank you, Wolfie.
Maybe I should have been angry about her tricking me, but I couldn't help but be grateful for the little push she had given me.
I'll do it... but first...
I walked up the stairs until I found myself in what appeared to be a casino. I saw Stelle near a slot machine, busy arguing with a distressed-looking Intellitron.
"What is she doing? " I thought as I got as close as I could without being noticed.
"If I win... your chest is mine!" exclaimed Stelle, pointing to a coffer next to the Intellitron.
"...Who said I was belittling you?" he asked exasperated.
"I did!" she replied with a defiant look on her face.
"Stelle… she’s as unhinged as ever… I’m sorry, I’ll see you in a bit," I thought, looking longingly at her back.
I stepped out of the ship's interior, went through a door and down a flight of stairs.
I found myself in an environment that was, if possible, even more luxurious than the previous ones.
"Excuse me, where can I find Lady Bonajade?" I asked a waiter.
"That door, miss!"
After thanking her, I approached the room she had indicated. Not quite knowing what to expect, I knocked on the door.
"Come in," a seductive voice invited me.
After going through the door, I found myself in a well-appointed, dimly lit room.
A tall woman with long, flowing, bright pink hair was waiting for me near the desk. Beneath her large, black-brimmed hat, her pastel blue eyes stared at me while a smile spread across her rosy lips, giving me goosebumps.
This person...
There was no way I wouldn't recognise her.
Lady Bonajade, yeah.. right…
The well-dressed woman in front of me was none other than Jade, one of the Ten Stonehearts.
What's Silver Wolf thinking, sending me to someone like this? But I guess if she did, it's okay. Wolfie would never put me in danger.
But was my cover strong enough to evade the prying eyes of one of the IPC's biggest players?
Even if it's not... I don't think she'd cause a ruckus on Family's turf.
"Welcome to the Bonajade Exchange, Radiant Feldspar Branch. How shall I address you, dear lady?" said Jade in her musical voice.
I did my best to smile back at her.
"Just call me Samuel."
"Samuel, nice name. So, what do you need, Miss Samuel? And what are you willing to give up in return?"
She knows... I'm sure of it. But I'll play along.
My wish... It had become so simple over the past few days.
"I want to keep on living. And for that, I'm willing to give up everything I have."
It's the only way I can stay with her...
I... don't want to die. Not for a while. I want to stay in this world much longer and experience many new things. I know my end will come eventually. But I want to go out on my own terms, not because of the condition they have implanted in me.
"Everything you have?" Jade asked, frowning.
"That’s right. Everything."
Jade's smile lit up again:
"Miss Samuel, I think you'd best turn around. It seems you're not quite familiar with the term ‘pawn’."
It was my turn to be confused.
"I mean it literally. I sense your burning desire to live, but unfortunately, you don't have anything of equal value to offer," she continued.
I didn't have much faith in her intentions to help, but I couldn't avoid being disappointed.
"Heh..." I snorted, "Okay, a pawnshop that grants wishes... I see. It's just a marketing gimmick."
My words seemed to bother Jade enough for her to reply:
"That's quite a harsh accusation. I understand you may not fully comprehend what I mean, but don't worry, I'll help you understand.
Go and talk to the people outside. They're all customers of my pawnshop. See for yourself if their wishes have come true. Once you've done that, come back to me. I'll help you understand the true meaning of ‘pawn’ and make you realize what you're missing."
"What I’m missing…" I thought as I walked out the door, "I kinda want to see where this is going... If Wolf made me come here to talk to an IPC big shot, there must be a reason."
But when I got out in the VIP lounge I saw her again: Stelle and a serious-looking young man were surrounded by lots of balloons.
"Which one should I pop?" said the girl, then she started singing, "One, two, three, four, five… Dang Heng and Voidrander jive!"
"Don’t change the words," the young man scolded her, shaking his head.
The irritation I felt vanished instantly as I burst out laughing.
She's always so funny... just give me a little more time...
I headed back to the casino to look for the customers Jade had mentioned.
A man and a woman were having a heated argument in front of one of the slot machines.
"Hahaha! You stupid little girl! Coming back to lose more money, huh?" said the man.
"Enough talk. Let's get started. This will be our final game... I'm betting my entire fortune!" exclaimed the young woman, giving him a defiant look.
"Oh? A big talker, huh? Alright, let's see what you've got!"
But the gambler's cockiness disappeared in an instant when the girl defeated him decisively.
"I... I won? I actually... won?!" she said, dumbfounded.
"T-this... this can't be! You lost to me ten times in a row... How could I possibly lose to you at such a crucial moment?!" said the other, stunned.
"It's true... Lady Bonajade has truly blessed me… Ha... Ha... Hahaha!! Finally, my luck has turned for the better! A great new era for Stacy the Master Gambler has arrived!"
How is this possible?
It was impossible to control something like gambling luck. Was the game rigged? If so, it wasn't much of an achievement.
I want to see more.
I made my way to the foredeck. Near a live band, two Pepeshi were holding hands.
"I've prepared a gift for you, Dorothy. Check this out," said the male Pepeshi.
"Whoa... what a beautiful necklace! Is it made of cymophane? It's stunning...
How did you know I love jewelry made of cymophane? It has the same purple hue as the necklace my dad gave my mom... I've never told anyone about it. How did you find out, Dell?" exclaimed Dorothy, her eyes shining.
"So... so… Will... will you go out with me?" said Dell.
"I... I will!"
I left to give them some privacy.
It seems she can even play the matchmaker... to find that kind of personal information, her network of informants must rival that of Silver Wolf.
As I was looking for another Jade's consumer, two women caught my eye.
"Hey, did you see that? The gray-haired one out there..." one of them said, looking curiously towards the front deck.
"Don't look around! Just focus on your drink! Seriously, she looks like a total lunatic..." said the other, turning away.
Gray-haired…
I decided to take a look and, not surprisingly, saw Stelle for the umpteenth time.
What... is she doing?
She was climbing onto the tip of the ship, trying to get closer to what looked like birds made of paper.
Are those the birds she mentioned in my secret base? It seems I can see them now too...
" Chirp, chirp ... Origami bird... Hey, little birdie..."
"Come on... come on down. Everyone's staring at you!" cried March 7th, irritated.
"She's so cute..." I thought, listening to Stelle's chirping a little longer.
But in the end I decided to go back into the ship.
I'd rather approach her when she's alone anyway…
It didn't take me long to find another customer of the Bonajade Exchange.
"Yes... you heard right. I've got him. He's been hiding in Penacony at the Moment of Sol, using a fake identity. And he even posed as a professor at the Paperfold academy."
A shady looking Intellitron was speaking on the phone.
"I've made a deal with The Family. I'll leave the extradition-related paperwork to you.
How did I find him? Well... let's just say I had some help from an influential figure. Don't ask for all the details. Twenty-two years… twenty-two years of chasing this guy all over the Cosmos. Y'know, never thought it'd end up like this, right here…"
It seems she was telling the truth... she really can make the seemingly impossible come true. How did she do it? And what does 'pawn' really mean? I should go back and ask...
Deep in thought, I made my way back to the VIP lounge and knocked on Jade's door.
"So you're back, Miss Samuel," the Stoneheart said, her snake-like eyes fixed on mine.
"Yeah, I found those people, and it seems their wishes did come true after visiting the Bonajade Exchange. But I'm not sure what you want me to see. They all seem to be living... fulfilled lives."
"Not so fast. This step was just to show you that the Bonajade Exchange is genuine, that I had the power to grant their wishes. And now, I'll tell you the price they paid," Jade said with a wicked smile.
"Dell was from a wealthy family. He was head over heels for Dorothy and wanted to win her heart, so he made a deal with me. He put up his entire fortune in exchange for a gift that would impress Dorothy. It was a piece of cake for me, thanks to my IPC connections. However, Dell will soon find himself evicted from the Dreamscape because he can't afford his room. Whether he can bounce back from poverty... well, that depends on him. Let's just hope that necklace will keep their relationship from crumbling."
So he gave up his entire fortune to make his dream of love come true... I can see where she's going with thi s.
"Then there's Stacy, a lady with a gambling addiction. She wanted some serious luck, but she had nothing to offer, so I took something else instead. I took away all her close relationships. From the moment she stepped out of the Bonajade Exchange, every casino in the cosmos would remember her name, but her parents and siblings would sever ties with her, and it would be impossible for Stacy to make any real friends again.
She will accrue a vast wealth due to her ‘good luck’, but she'll never be able to use it for the people who truly matter to her."
She can even take something immaterial like relationships… this sounds more like a deal with the devil than a pawnshop…
"As for Detective Walker, he spent two decades chasing down a wanted criminal for some heinous crime, but he never caught the guy. In his desperation, he came to me.
He offered his own memory system as collateral. In due time, his memories as a detective will be erased, and he will completely forget his own identity and all the sacrifices he has made."
I know very well how painful that can be…
"Interesting, don't you think? I fulfill people's desires and grant them favors, and soon, they come back to me with even greater desires. When people see others' desires get fulfilled, they develop their own desires. It seems like an endless cycle but it does have a goal. In the end, I will get what I desire from this whirlpool."
I now fully understood what she had meant during our first conversation. Unlike the consumers I had just seen, I had nothing of value to give her.
A weapon made only to fight had no riches to give away. And most of my memory was filled only with death and suffering...
...but that was only my past. That's probably why she took the time to talk to me instead of just refusing to deal with me outright. She probably knows that I can give her something of value now... and I can guess what it is.
As if to confirm what I had just thought, Jade came closer and said to me, her smile growing wider:
"And patience happens to be one of my greatest strengths. So now, do you understand what you must give up, Miss Samuel? Or should I address you as...AR-26710, a remnant of Glamoth's Iron Cavalry?"
So she has finally decided to reveal her true intentions.
"I'm not surprised," I said without losing my composure.
"You are much calmer than I expected. Entropy Loss Syndrome ... truly an unjust misfortune, isn't it? The higher-ups in Glamoth implemented such a ‘fail-safe’ within the genes of their warriors, just to make sure the Republic's most powerful weapons wouldn't fall into the wrong hands," said Jade as she walked around the room, her heels tapping rhythmically on the floor.
"As for the price... Those Iron Cavalries weren't exactly seen as regular, independent ‘humans’, so there wasn't really a price to be paid. However, you are different. You're now a Stellaron Hunter, a living being named Firefly. Naturally, you want to continue your existence, but with the Firmament Front gone, the people who know the secret and can cure the disease are nowhere to be found."
As I thought. My identity as a Stellaron Hunter is what she's interested in.
Normally I would have shut down immediately, but...
Does she... really have a cure?
I couldn't ignore that. Even if I'd turned down her offer in the end, I needed to know more.
"Are you suggesting that the IPC has a remedy?" I asked, trying to hide my trepidation.
"Well, there might be a silver lining. That's all I can say for now."
So... maybe there is a way. But of course she won't say anything until I pay her. Was this the temptation Blade had warned me about?
But there was no way I was going to pay the price she wanted. There was only one thing an IPC member could ask of me. But I'd rather die now than give it to her.
My loyalty towards my comrades is not something I'm willing to sell.
"I see. It's no wonder you said I can't provide anything of equal value, because nothing I own holds any meaning… So, you're going to ask me to personally restrain my partners to ensure my own survival," I said, looking into her eyes.
But to my surprise, Jade shook her head.
"Unfortunately, that's not quite the case," she replied, "Partners... a nice way to put it. Now, I'm even more curious about the Stellaron Hunters. Each of you has your own identity and a special bond with each other. It's strong and intimate, and yet it allows for independence. Just as the Ten Stonehearts follow Diamond , you follow your own leader. I wonder what they are like, and if all Stellaron Hunters are like you... Traveling on the Path of Finality but struggling against your destiny, attempting to move in the opposite direction?"
"..."
It was the second time someone had questioned my Path. But unlike Acheron, I didn't trust this person one bit.
"I really hope that one day, all of you will come and visit my pawnshop. I'll be waiting patiently for that day," Jade concluded, returning to her desk.
So that's what she wants... but why does a big shot from the IPC want to interact with us? This is not something I can handle alone. I should talk to Elio about it when I get back. For now, I should try to get more information out of her.
"Can I see this as an invitation from Diamond to the Stellaron Hunters while keeping the IPC in the dark?" I asked her.
"Consider it more of a personal offer from myself. It doesn't represent the IPC or the Strategic Investment Department ."
So she's acting alone... it must be something important if she's willing to risk going against her own boss.
"The Stellaron Hunters have interacted with the IPC, but not the Ten Stonehearts... Our paths have never crossed. As for your offer, I can pass it along to my partners, but I have a question… You know who I am, and you must know that my partner is keeping an eye on this room. If she wanted to, she could let the entirety of Pier Point know about it within a few mere seconds. What drives you to take such a risk and extend this invitation on behalf of Diamond, even if it could lead to your downfall?"
I was bluffing. I had no idea if Wolfie was actually listening. Maybe she had told me the truth and was wreaking havoc around Herta and Screwellum right now. But she was not someone even Jade could keep track of.
"Simply put... you and I are the same. However, unlike you Stellaron Hunters or the Astral Express, we Stonehearts band together... merely to obtain what we want.
Each of us has our own past and destined ends. And on this journey, we have been invited by Diamond to join him. This journey could be either brief or long, as each of us carries a void in our hearts that can only be filled from the outside."
Jade ran a hand through her long hair, as if remembering something:
"So, Diamond made us a promise. To divide the power of the Emanator of Preservation into ten pieces and give each of us a Cornerstone to fill that void.
"Mortal flesh is fragile, yet my heart is unyielding like the monolith. For without this resolve, the way of Preservation would fade into oblivion."
So, you understand? This pledge goes beyond a mere oath. It's our collateral in exchange for opportunities, wealth, survival, and a future... And whatever we gain from it will fortify the Stonehearts in return, allowing us to achieve the great cause of the Preservation when the war among the Aeons eventually comes.”
I guess it was too much to expect a straight answer, but I guess she's doing what she thinks is better for her faction in the end.
"...I understand."
"Take your time, child. You don't need to give me an immediate answer. Like I said, patience is one of my greatest strengths."
"If fate turns that page, our paths will cross again," I said, heading for the door, "It's a shame, though, that this pawnshop can't give me what I desire. My last attempt in Penacony... Well, it ends with ‘hope’."
I left as one of her customers came in to make a payment.
I walked through the lounge and up the stairs. When I was sure I was alone, I slowly slid down to the floor.
"Aaaah…" I sighed.
It had been so hard to turn down her offer.
The fact that a tiny glimmer of hope was enough to make me feel that way showed how desperate my situation was. My feelings for Stelle had definitely rekindled my desire to fight my fate in a way I'd never imagined.
There were so many things I wanted to do in the future. The time I had spent with her had given me a taste of what my life as a Firefly could be, and now my heart longed for it so much it hurt.
But for now it was just a fantasy. The things I wanted to do were just lines on a bucket list that I would never be able to cross off.
That silver lining... how can I reach it?
I didn't want to make a deal with the devil. If and when I reached that impossible future, I wanted to finally be happy, with no strings attached.
But to do it alone... no, I have to try.
I stood up.
This is a fight between me and the fate that has been decided for me. I know my companions and Stelle will want to help me... but I want to do this alone. I want to show Elio myself that destiny is something that can be changed.
But like all things, a battle must have a beginning before it can have an end.
However it goes, I'll do it. I'll make this the first chapter of my new story.
As I began to search for Stelle, the words of a familiar song began to resonate in my heart. It was as if I was back there, on the balcony, where my feelings for her had begun to bloom again.
Will she reject me or... will she return my love?
It didn’t matter.
No further hesitation on those unanswered questions. So now… I’ll make a dream unchained!