For the second time that day, I woke up in an unfamiliar place.

This time, however, it was not the corridor of a luxurious hotel, but what appeared to be an abandoned railway station.

Piles of rubbish littered this disused environment, and the many benches that surrounded me were covered with cowebs.

Its inhabitants were probably the only ones who had come here recently, waiting for a train that would never arrive.

Is this... the waking world? No... I can clearly feel the memoria swirling around me... and it is even denser than before.

However, the atmosphere it created was very different from the one I had felt in the hotel.

It wasn't oppressive or suffocating, standing here was almost like being immersed in deep but calm waters.

What is this place? It's completely different from the glamorous dream of the Golden Hour...

I thought as I walked through the only exit, which led into a narrow, cramped alley.

The walls of the tall buildings surrounding me were covered in graffiti and neon signs. Between the buzzing sounds they made, I heard voices coming from ahead.

Careful not to make any noise, I approached them.

"That's strong stuff!" said a male voice.

"What are you talking about... you just can't handle the booze!"

I leaned around the corner and saw two people.

One man was leaning against the wall, clearly feeling nauseous, while the other was patting his back.

"Come on, let's go back to the pub for another round!"

The pub?! Do these people live here? What the hell is this place?

I had expected to find some strange oniric realm, but the place I had stumbled upon was as close to reality as I had seen so far in the Dreamscape.

Why is the Family hiding this place?

I should have investigated, but...

"Not now..."

I had confirmed my theory. That creature was here to transport its prey, not to kill it.

As for why there would be time to find out later, there was something far more pressing I had to deal with now.

Stelle... I have to find her.

Her terrified expression was burned into my retinas.

I couldn't bear the thought that my actions had hurt her.

She probably thinks I'm dead and, knowing her, she'll feel guilty about it.

I had to clear everything up.What had happened to me, what my mission was and... who I really was.

I owe it to her...

But there was one little problem:

How the hell do I get out of here?

There was only one person I could ask.

I just hope she's not mad at me.

I retraced my steps and, after clearing the dust from the end of a bench, sat down in the deserted station, immersed in silence.

I pulled out my phone and dialled Silver Wolf's number again. A part of me feared she would not answer, but that was not the case.

"Yo…"

"Wolf… It's me."

"Of course it's you, dummy. You are the only one who has this number!"

"I guess you are right... why did you answer normally? Can't you materialise where I am?"

"Of course I can, but last time you made a scene about it and... I think it would be a bit awkward at the moment."

Oh... it's not like her to be so tactful. I really did behave like a child before, didn't I?

"Silver Wolf... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled at you like that, I wasn't myself."

There was a small pause, and suddenly the figure of my companion Stellaron Hunter appeared by my side, sitting on the bench.

"It's all right. How do you feel now, Firefly?" she asked, her gaze lost in the void.

Silver Wolf...

If Stelle was the first person I ever called my friend, this petite girl was the second.

When she first joined us Stellaron Hunters, I thought of her as just a colleague but, after Stelle had made me open up a little, we had grown closer.

We weren't really compatible, in fact we had completely different tastes.

Silver Wolf lived for exciting things, whether it was a new video game or hacking IPC sites.

I was the opposite, all I craved was peace.

If Wolf's ideal evening was a gaming session with plenty of snacks, mine was lying on the lawn watching the stars.

But we still got on well, perhaps because we were each other's balance.

It wasn't a deep relationship, but it was a reassuring one, for someone like me.

However, things had grown colder between us recently.

All because of me.

After losing Stelle, I had withdrawn into myself, rejecting all attempts by my allies to comfort me.

But despite everything... she still cares for me... even though I treated her terribly not even an hour ago.

"I'm fine now. I've calmed down. You can call me Sam as usual, don't worry."

"Let's just stick with Firefly... after all, on this mission you're mostly acting with your own body, aren't you?"

"Silver wolf... thank you."

We Stellaron Hunters may be villains, and we may not always agree on our methods, but... we still care about each other.

"No big deal... you're such a dummy. If only I could turn into a robot! I just don't understand you."

I laughed quietly.

Maybe it's for the best... her bounty would exceed Kafka's if she had SAM as a toy.

"You've changed, Firefly," Wolf said suddenly.

"Huh? What are you talking about?" I asked confused.

"Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that you are back to the way you used to be. I can't even remember the last time I heard you laugh."

"Oh..."

"What power does that girl have over you? You've looked like a zombie ever since Kafka and I took her to the station. Now you only had to spend one day with her and everything seems to be fine again..."

It's so obvious...

I had already realised it.

Seeing her again had made something that had withered inside me blossom again.

This inner change was apparently also reflected on the outside.

"She... let's say if I were a character in a video game, she would be my perfect counter."

"Oh... then she has to teach me some supereffective moves against you!" Silver Wolf giggled.

But she quickly became serious again.

"I'm a bit worried, though. Firefly, forgive me for saying this, but don't forget that you are in a dream."

"I know..."

"I'm not so sure. What happened before..."

Wolf's words faded into nothingness.

It was clear that she didn't want to say anything that would remind me of what had happened. But I understood what she meant.

I can't escape reality... even if I want to.

If I had become too involved in the dream, I would have risked never wanting to wake up again.

"I understand, Silver Wolf... but let me dream a little longer. I have already achieved something very precious," I said, clutching the phone, "but I am sure there is still something for me here in Penacony. Maybe I won't get my wish and I'll wake up in my old, bitter reality. But I still want to try... at least I want to find an answer."

"An answer?"

Why do people choose to slumber? Is the answer I have come up with really the right one?

"And anyway... I still have two deaths waiting for me," I continued, evading the question.

“Firefly…”

"It's alright. I'll do what I have to do, I won't hesitate any longer. Now tell me... I need to get out of here and back to the hotel, how can I do that?"

"Let me see..." Silver Wolf replied as she started to fiddle with her phone.

"Why do you want to come back by the way? To tell that girl you're ok? You know I could just send her a message, don't you?"

"I know. But I want to be the one to tell her the truth and... there's another reason."

The two people who were with her.

At that moment I had only been concentrating on Stelle, but now, with a clear mind, I realised that something was wrong.

The Memokeeper Black Swan and... Acheron?

Why were those two women with her instead of her Astral Express companions?

I have no idea what their intentions are, but... I have to find a way to separate Stelle from them, I can't allow her to be manipulated by anyone!

"Wolf, when you've finished what you're doing, can you check the identity of a person called Acheron?"

"Sure, I'll do it right away... multitasking is my speciality," Wolf replied, "let's see... she checked in to the Reverie as Acheron, Galaxy Ranger."

Galaxy Ranger?

As far as I knew, Rangers were followers of the Path of the Hunt. They travelled the universe to bring justice by force, hunting down criminals and evil beings.

Criminals... maybe she's on to me.

With a bounty of over 9 billion credits on my head, I was definitely infamous. Perhaps she had heard the rumour that I was here and had come looking for me.

But a Galaxy Ranger... a hero of justice... that's not the impression that woman gave me.

"Ok, I've found a way out, Firefly, but... you're not going to like it."

"Let me guess... does it involve my armor?" I asked with a sigh.

"Unfortunately, yes. You can't dream like a normal human, but... the method you used to enter the Dreamscape should work here. I Instead of plunging into memoria... you have to go back up. It'll hurt like hell though."

"Alright."

I stood up and materialised Sam's device in my right hand.

"Are you... sure? I can see if I can find another way."

"That's fine, Silver Wolf... I... thank you, so much."

My companion smiled at me:

"Okay, to make it up to me, when you get back from the mission, you MUST try a new game I bought!"

"I thought you didn't like the way I play games..."

"I HATE it. But playing in multyplayer is always better than alone and besides... I still haven't forgiven you for playing with that girl before me!"

"Alright, it's a promise. I'll get back to you later."

"See you later and... take care."

Silver Wolf's hologram vanished, leaving me alone in the deserted station.

The time had come.

I clutched the gadget to my chest so tightly it hurt.

Article 22 of Glamoth's military regulations: Knights m-

Stelle... I'll come back to you.

I stretched out my right arm and a flash of green light lit up the night.

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I was back in my cold cockpit.

But the lingering warmth of Stelle's embrace was enough to bear that sensation.

I would have preferred not to experience it in this sweet dream, but now... the time had come to show my resolve.

Two flaming green wings erupted from my back and in a moment I was high in the sky, leaving a luminous trail behind me.

I did not look back. I had only one goal in mind and I would reach it as quickly as possible.

As I sped through the night sky, crossing currents of memoria, images from the past once again appeared before my eyes. But this time I ignored them.

Her smile was like a talisman that kept the bad thoughts away.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, a powerful light began to shine in front of me until... there I was... at the place of my first death.

But I was not alone.

Dozens upon dozens of memetic creatures infested the hotel lobby.

The metallic sound SAM made when he landed on the floor seemed to have alerted them to my presence.

It seems the situation here has only gotten worse. I hope Stelle is safe ... Since I'm still in Complete Combustion, I can get rid of these things quickly before I go looking for her.

Two plasma swords materialised in my hands.

"Initiate: Clean Up."

I began to dart through the lobby, mowing down my opponents with methodical precision.

I was in my element.

If I was still self-conscious and nervous about being Firefly, being Sam was so easy for me... maybe that was why I hated it so much.

The fact that I was so efficient at killing and destroying was just proof of the identity I was trying to escape from.

Within a minute, the hotel lobby became a smoldering graveyard of meme carcasses.

"Targets eliminated," I said.

Talking like that was a habit I had kept since my days as a member of the Iron Cavalry.

Though I shunned that past, the training was far too ingrained in my brain.

But thanks to her, at least I managed to...

I heard something behind me.

I turned to see one of those animated televisions emerging from beneath the bodies of its kind.

I missed one... I guess I'm a bit rusty.

I had deactivated my enhanced state, but there was no need for it against such an enemy.

I grabbed the meme hard and slammed it to the ground, shattering its metal body.

Then I heard the sound of footsteps.

Did I miss another one?

But when I turned around, I realised that I hadn't.

Destiny can be so cruel. Are you happy, Elio? I played in the palm of your hand.

"Stellaron Hunter Sam..." said Memokeeper Blackswan.

"Stelle, careful!" shouted Acheron.

But the grey-haired girl had already approached me. She brandished her bat and gave me a look of pure hatred.

…

"You... betrayed her! You left her to die... you bastard..."

It was as if all the happiness had been sucked out of me.

I was used to being regarded as a bloodthirsty monster by the whole world.

But to see Stelle, of all people, look at me like that was just too much.

Maybe it would have been better if I had really died.

I wanted nothing more than to step out of my armor and explain everything, clear up any misunderstandings, but...

If I tried to defy the script again... I would only be delaying the inevitable and perhaps making our eventual confrontation even worse

By now my vision was obscured by tears but, here, alone in my armour, no one would ever notice and no one would ever come to comfort me.

Now that it's come down to it... I'll play my role... just as you taught me.

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

“Say, Firefly... how do you behave when you are on a mission inside SAM?

By now I was used to these out-of-the-blue questions from her.

"Behave? What do you mean?" I asked her, giving her a confused look across the kitchen table.

"Suppose you meet someone and you need to talk to them... how do you deal with them?"

I gave her a bitter smile:

"Usually my targets don't even have time to see me coming, let alone start a conversation..."

"So you're always silent?"

"Not really... I told you, I used to be a soldier. When you spend a good part of your life in an army... certain things get stuck in your head. So every now and then... I find myself repeating phrases that we Iron Cavalry members used during our missions."

"What kind of phrases?"

"I..."

I felt myself blushing. For some reason, it was embarrassing to say those words in my normal voice without SAM's voice change module.

"Come on, I promise I won't laugh!"

"Things like "Initiate: cleanup!" or... "Execute: Scorched Earth Operation."

I could clearly see Stelle's face twitch. It was clear that she was doing everything she could not to burst out laughing in my face.

I don't blame her... how could anyone take those words seriously when they were said in my girlish voice?

I, however, did not find much to laugh about. After all, those words only conjured up images of death and suffering in my mind.

"I think you could do better... you should come up with something more effective," Stelle commented after finally managing to compose herself.

I looked at her with a raised eyebrow:

"Stelle, how many times do I have to tell you? This is not a game for me. When I'm on a mission, I just want to finish it as soon as possible..."

"That's exactly why I'm suggesting it to you. Since you don't like what you're doing... why don't you try to distance yourself from it? You could build yourself a character... you are a villain after all."

"Stelle..."

Obviously, she had thought a lot about this playful suggestion, and behind it was only her genuine concern to make me feel better.

Creating a character... it sounds like a way of running away from reality. But... if it helps me cope... and I don't want to deny her efforts.

Giving in to the impulse, I asked her:

"What did you have in mind?"

"Well, if you want to create a proper villain. You have to have proper one-liners. How about: ALL THE WORLD WILL BURN!!!”

I immediately began to regret the decision to indulge her. Stelle started proposing an endless series of phrases, one cheesier than the other, while begging me to try to recite them.

"I would rather die than say something so embarrassing!" I exclaimed after yet another suggestion.

"Phew... you're really impossible to please," replied Stelle pouting, "why don't you try creating one then?"

"Me?!..."

But I couldn't deny that, as I listened to her, my mind had started working. And I had already thought of a sentence that sounded extremely cool.

Clenching my fists and closing my eyes, I hurriedly uttered it.

"..."

After a moment of silence, Stelle burst out laughing loudly.

"YOU PROMISED!"

"I'm sorry... it's just that's the lamest thing I've ever heard... I'm sorry... but how the hell would you set fire to water?!"

"I hate you..."

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

"A Galaxy Ranger… and a Memokeeper. Leave now, and nobody gets hurt. Or else… all of you will die here."

My voice was broken with tears, but SAM's voice modulator returned only a cold, mechanical tone, without any hesitation.

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

Stelle did not seem intimidated by my threat. Before she could rush to attack me, like a flash Acheron stood before her.

I lunged at her, aiming at her sword with my fist as I said:

"The detective game is over. You shouldn’t be here."

The Galaxy Ranger parried the blow with the sheath of her sword.

In my mind, I had already formulated a plan: I would focus my attacks on her and Black Swan, trying to create an opening that would allow me to grab Stelle and take her away.

But this woman was certainly a formidable opponent. Her speed and the way she had blocked my blow had made me realise it immediately.

I had to fight harder, but still make sure I didn't hurt Stelle.

Going into Complete Combustion is out of the question. But... Stelle is strong, if I stick to Secondary Combustion she shouldn't be in any danger.

Despite the fact that the tears showed no sign of stopping, I didn't want to hesitate.

I would have done anything to protect her and tell her the truth.

And not just what was possible... I would have found a way to do the impossible.

For her…

I…

"... WILL SET THE SEAS ABLAZE!"

The shell of my armour began to emit roaring scarlet flames

"Move 4: IGNITE!"

I switched on my propulsion systems and launched a flaming kick at Acheron. The woman sidestepped at the last moment. A crater opened at the point of impact.

I felt the presence of someone behind me. Stelle was about to strike me from behind with her bat.

I let the blow crash harmlessly against my armor as I incinerated a tarot card that Black Swan had thrown at me, using the flame vents installed under my arms.

I sprinted towards the Memokeeper but, before I could reach her, Acheron intercepted my charge with an electrified bolt from her blade, still safely in its sheath.

The blow was enough to stop me, but did not seem to do any damage.

We're at a standstill... I can't do much with so little power...

But out of the corner of my eye, I saw something that gave me an idea.

Stelle had switched to her lance after noticing that her bat was completely ineffective against my armour.

Now that she's using her Preservation powers... this is my chance.

I amplified the thrusters and flames roared at my feet.

"Once you're back in the real world, remember to tell everyone, about the Stellaron Hunter who was behind your ultimate departure," I declared, trying to warn her that something big was about to happen.

I launched myself into the air, flying over the lobby.

I overcharged my armour with all the power the Secondary state would allow.

"Executing: Scorched Earth Operation!"

I swooped down, hitting the floor with my fist.

A huge explosion went off from the point of impact, sweeping away every object in the vicinity.

Using my enhanced senses, I recognised the siloutte of Stelle through the thick layer of black smoke my attack had caused.

NOW!

I sprinted towards her, extending an arm to grab her.

But when I was barely a metre from her, a figure landed in front of me.

I was just in time to parry her electricity-imbued attack.

She’s… too fast…

Acheron seemed to have decided to go on the offensive. There was nothing I could do but retreat: if I had tried to fight back, I would have hit Stelle as well.

I must think of a new-

But while I was thinking about what to do, I saw that Black Swan had appeared next to Stelle. I had no time to blink before they were gone.

I immediately lost all desire to fight.

I... failed again.

Acheron continued her attack, but I just backed away.

Now I could give it my all, but... what for? I have no reason to fight her now.

Acheron seemed to realise that something had changed and distanced herself, remaining on guard.

...she's not fighting with all her strength either... she didn't even draw her sword....

"Better unsheathe that blade now. Ranger." I tried to provoke her.

After a moment of silence, Acheron sighed and said:

"...Do you still dream, hunter, of those slain by your hand?"

Why this question...?

But while I was trying to think of an answer, the woman grabbed the hilt of her sword, barely pulling it out of its sheath.

The shiver I had felt the first time I laid eyes on that weapon came back way stronger. For a moment, it was as if all the colours of the world had vanished, leaving only a black and white desolation.

But after a moment... everything returned to normal.

image [https://i.imgur.com/8PxS2Yx.png]

"...I still see them in my dreams. Hold it. Your time hasn't come yet."

"My time…?"

That blade… what I just felt… is she truly a follower of the path of the Hunt?

“I've seen many clever disguises that can conceal appearances, but they can never cover up who a person really is. And you're no different.

You had no desire to kill Stelle. You only did what you did to drive me and the Memokeeper away... but why?”

She… saw through me. I guess she could tell I was holding back… but with disguise… does she mean…?

In the face of my silence, Acheron continued to press me:

"Did Destiny's Slave make you do it?"

"You know Elio."

She’s not just a Galaxy Ranger, I’m sure of it. The way she’s reading me like an open book, without even been able to see my face… it’s kinda creepy.

"I thought this is just the kind of thing that'd get written into your script."

"My script has always been brief. Other than that. Anything beyond that is unnecessary. He knows my nature: There is but a single destiny, from which no one can escape— and until then, I hold the privilege of choice. However, you appear to be ignorant of this, so it's time for me to inquire: who exactly are you?" I tried to change the topic.

I don't want to vent in front of her... Elio knows how much I hate following his script... so he tricked me... In the end, I just did what he wanted, as usual.

"Not your enemy, perhaps."

"That's not what I asked."

"I don't deserve your curiosity. Loners wandering the cosmos always have their secrets. Take me. I'm wanted by the IPC, so it's little wonder that I know something about the Stellaron Hunters... That's all. Maybe I can help."

"What reason would you have for doing that?"

As far as she knows, I'm just a criminal... why would she want to help... does she...?

"I tend to forget things, which is why, rather than memories, I'm accustomed to using my emotions to capture what I normally wouldn't otherwise. So...I know who is inside that cold armor."

...

I didn't think for a second that she was bluffing.

She knows.

For a moment I felt as if Acheron's sharp violet eyes pierced my armour to fix on mine, still flushed with tears.

"How about it? Ready to take off that armor and sit down for a talk?"

For a moment I considered accepting her offer. From the way she spoke, I could sense a great wisdom emanating from Acheron. The wisdom of one who had travelled far and wide for a long time. She could have given me some good advice, I was sure of it.

But then...

"It's not yet time."

I want Stelle to be the first to see me come out of the armor. And... in the condition I'm in now... I don't want to be seen by someone like her. I'm really pathetic...

But still, I think I can trust her.

"I don't need help, but I can give you a suggestion that would make things better for you and me. If your goal is the Watchmaker's Legacy, then go look into The Family. Not only are they covering up the existence of Death, but they're burying the truth about what happens inside the Dreamscape."

If I can't reach Stelle... maybe she can help her.

"Already on it."

"And…the Astral Express is no enemy of yours."

"I know that... I just never expected to hear you say it."

I just hope that Memokeeper also thinks the same…

As if she had read my mind, Acheron asked:

"What's next, then? Stelle's been taken by Black Swan. Will you go look for her?"

I wouldn't want to do anything else, but... I might create more problems. I'd better start investigating that place and... just follow my script.

"No need for that... No harm in mentioning that Elio's only given me one instruction: "Get all of the Astral Express to track down the grand legacy". I tried settling this in an easier and more direct way, but as you can see, here I am, confronting you: I failed. Can't ever go against the script."

"The so-called impossible is merely something that has yet to happen"

That's... what I always wanted to believe... but after what's happened... can I really still do that?

"...That's it. Before we split, can I ask you one more thing? Is there anything else in your script about me? I'd like to know what kind of footnote I get to leave in that future foreseen by destiny?"

I don't remember seeing her name when I scrolled through the script...

"Unfortunately, not a thing came up."

"...I knew it."

The woman turned her back on me ready to leave. But before she did I stopped her, I wanted to give her an answer.

Or maybe... I really just wanted to vent.

"Hang on… I don’t."

"I don’t what?" asked Acheron turning towards me.

"Your first question was: "Do you still have dreams about everyone who died because of you? I don't. Never have. I was born without the ability to dream.

I live for this cold harsh reality, for a little light, and to burn... to keep on burning, until I turn to ash."

The tears had started to fall again.

"So, I really envy you."

"Is that so…"

The look Acheron gave me was full of compassion.

"Then you're already living in the waking world."

I waited for the woman to disappear into the winding corridors of the hotel before deactivating my armour.

I fell to my knees, the sobs that had been trapped within the cold steel walls of the cockpit now echoing freely through the deserted lobby.

I cried and cried until I had no more tears to shed.

It was true. Today I had done nothing but run for fear of waking up from this fantastic dream I had fallen into.

But someone like me... couldn't really dream. It was all an illusion. An incredibly sweet one.

Just a glimmer of light in the darkness of my existance.

In the end... was running away so wrong when the alternative was a reality of suffering?

I... still don't have the answer. But there is only one way to find it.

I stood up clenching my fists.

I am not going to give up. In the end I may only be heading towards my predestined end, but... until then... I will decide my own actions.

"The so-called impossible is merely something that has yet to happen."

I… really want to believe that.

Even if it didn't work out this time, and maybe it never will, I'll try to find Stelle again. And this time... I'll show her every side of me.