✼ •• ┈┈┈┈ ๑⋅⋯ ୨˚୧ ⋯⋅๑ ┈┈┈┈ •• ✼
The crew decide to explore the ice covered world and you realize you hate the cold. Himeko came in clutch though. Caelus is a trash panda.
You held to Caelus like your life depended on it, trying to stop the dizziness swirling between your eyes and the churning in your stomach. One hand was braced against the velvet couch, trying to keep yourself steady. The man simply chuckled, keeping your body upright as he stood. “You okay?” Came the stupid question from his mouth, and your pointed glare answered it enough. He let you go in favor of walking to the other side of the parlor car, gazing out the window in astonishment and awe. At least he was fine while you were over here trying not to throw your guts up. And March 7th wasn’t any better, groaning from the ground before picking herself back up, swiping at any dust that may have collected from the fall.
Once you caught your breath, you walked over to the gray haired man who started talking with Himeko, managing to catch the tail end of their conversation. “...job is to explore, understand, establish, and connect. I’m sure the two of you,” her golden eyes slid to you, “will get along with everyone just fine.”
You nodded alongside Caelus as he went off to talk to Mr. Yang like an excited puppy, which made you sigh. Your first trailblaze mission. On a planet that looks… well, you didn’t know how to describe it. You’ve never experienced any other condition except for the Express, so this was going to be interesting. How is your body going to react? Is something going to change? Perhaps you’ll be just fine and you have nothing to worry about. You’re lying to yourself, obviously, but it's better to be optimistic.
Caelus called your name, catching your attention as he motioned his head over and walked to the passenger cabin with a skip in his step. Excitable puppy.
The two of you went to the databank, finding Dan Heng finishing up with his notes, and the reorganized boxes scattered around the room made guilt swell in your chest. Right. You shoved all of those papers and books back in the boxes and threw them in a corner, leaving Dan Heng to clean up your mess. You’re going to have to make it up to him one of these days.
“How was your first jump?” The guard asked, "Dizziness or gagging are normal reactions, it’ll feel better once you’re used to it.”
Caelus snorted and grabbed your shoulder harder than he needed to. “Just them. I was fine.” You gave a sharp glare towards the man, pushing his face away as he whined. “Good, you’re compatible with the express.” Dan Heng nodded and then addressed you, “I have water and medicine if you need it.” But you shook your head, smiling in appreciation at the offer.
He continued on. “I was just reviewing Jarilo-IV’s environment, and it seems to me that it went through drastic changes that eventually resulted in its current state. It wasn’t a frozen planet originally.” He put a hand on his chin, his eyes narrowing in concentration to figure out what could have possibly caused such an upheaval. “Well,” Caelus started, “Mr. Yang said that it was caused by a stellaron.”
A hum came from the other man. “It makes sense considering the spatial obstacles the express has encountered in the past. But I had run a prefatory survey on the planet and found there is one place where conditions are relatively ambient to what we can handle.”
You and Caelus blinked, the words flying right over both of your heads. Dan Heng, completely used to your confusion because of having to explain to March 7th so often, elaborated, “By that, I mean temperatures there give enough leniency to allow for human survival. I would start with an investigation there.”
“Himeko said she wanted March and the three of us to go.”
“That’s to be expected.” The man nodded, putting his arms back at his side. “Before either of you came, when March wanted to go on an expedition, Himeko made Mr. Yang and I travel with her. But I don’t believe I’ve been liberated from that duty even after you two arrived.” You cracked a smile at the guard’s words, trying to hold in a laugh. Dan Heng simply glanced at you, "Assuming our objective is to find the stellaron on Jarilo-IV and eradicate its effect on the star rail, you should go find March and tell her you’re ready. I’ll meet up with you soon.”
Caelus went off down the hall without a hitch, but you paused, turning back to Dan Heng and catching his attention. He raised a brow, waiting for you to sign.
“Why aren’t you with everyone else?”
“Ah, I enjoy time to myself, especially when I have work to do.”
You thought back to the times you hung out in the archives with him, wondering if you were possibly disturbing his peace. But he caught your expression way too easily for your liking, “Don’t worry. So long as you’re not too disruptive, I don’t mind your presence.”
You gave him a thankful smile and went off after Caelus.
March 7th huffed and punched Caelus’ arm, trying to get him off of her. He must’ve done something to tease the pink haired woman from the way she was pouting the entire time. At least he’s getting back to himself, or the part of him that wasn’t affected by the stellaron that was still in him, lying dormant for an unknown amount of time. You shivered at the memory of the encounter, walking faster to the both of them.
“You know,” The gray haired man said, holding the bubbly woman’s shoulder, “this might be your home world. It’s cold and chilly, like you.”
March laughed, “Ha! I don’t think so. I think I’d actually be kind of mad if this was my home world, it looks too cold for my tastes. Pretty girls aren’t supposed to be cold!” The man snorted, “Maybe you’re not a pretty girl then– ow!” She punched his chest, causing him to stumble back and complain very loudly about the bruise that would form later.
But you were curious now. What about March’s home world? Did she not have one? “Do you not know where you came from?” You signed. But March blinked, her face scrunching in guilt, and you remembered that she either hadn’t learned sign or wasn’t very good at it. And you forgot to bring a notebook and pen. “Uhhh…” She was probably going to make up an answer, but Dan Heng’s voice came from behind you, causing the two to jump in fright.
He stared. “Do I have something on my face?”
“Don’t scare us like that!” March held Caelus with one arm as he clung to her shoulders, shaking terribly. It would’ve been funny had you not realized how strong she was, carrying the tall man with ease. For a moment, you thought you saw a hint of red in her eyes, but it was probably a trick in your vision. You were still getting used to everything, after all.
“Now,” the woman dropped the bat-wielder, hearing him yelp and groan in pain. “Here comes the Jarilo-IV trailblaze team!”
You turned to Dan Heng. “We need a new name.”
✼ •• ┈┈┈┈๑⋅⋯ ୨˚୧ ⋯⋅๑ ┈┈┈ •• ✼
With Himeko’s and Mr. Yang’s help, the three of you managed to descend onto the frigid surface on the planet, snow coating the ground and high cliffs surrounding you. It was ominous, you will admit. It seemed empty and near lifeless, and you truly wondered if Dan Heng’s scans were correct on detecting anything living here. But the worst part was–
“Uh,” March grimaced at the sight of your horribly shivering form. “Are you okay?”
You glared at her hard enough to make the woman flinch and cough into her hand, refusing to meet your gaze any longer. Freezing wasn’t the right word to describe exactly how you felt at the moment, it was like little pins were digging into you in every part of your limbs, paired with the wind that only made it worse. You were desperately missing the warmth of the express, this was awful. Even Caelus was completely fine even though he was born… What, a few weeks ago? This was unfair.
You didn’t even hear their full conversation, but you did manage to get out, “Snowballs” , “smashing through a stadium”, and “snowmobile.” Judging by March 7th’s face, it looked like she probably smashed it or something
“Here.” Caelus wrapped a coat around your shoulders, the fur at the collar tickling your face and neck. But it was unbelievably warm and you immediately wrapped it around yourself. The man smiled, “Himeko said you’d probably need it because you’re not used to any other climates. She told me that the coat works for any type of weather too, it's like a thermal coat.”
Goodness, that woman was a saint. You owe her your life.
“Better?” Dan Heng asked, and you nodded eagerly. “Good. I would stay vigilant, we don’t know a lot about this place.”
“Oh, calm down.” The bubbly woman piped up, “We’ll be fine. Caelus has his stellaron, I have my six-phased ice, ____ has their axe–” Oh. Right. You forgot about that. “–and Dan Heng… has that mysterious thing going on for him or whatever. We’ll be fine!”
You blinked, gazing over at the black haired guard, watching as his shoulders tensed and then forcing himself to relax again. It was a small, near imperceptible movement, but you saw. Clearly, it was a tough subject.
“So if people won’t start something, there won’t be nothing!”
“There won’t be nothing!” Caelus echoed, only to yelp as March tackled him to the ground, “Stop copying me!”
Dan Heng shook his head and started to walk, the snow crunching underneath his boots and leaving tracks. You grew fascinated by the sight, but followed him. The snow was strange. It was a powdery substance and looked like a pillow. You debated on touching it until you remembered how cold you were just a few minutes ago and rightfully kept your arms in the coat. It was very warm and very long, you felt like you were on top of the world in it. It was short enough in the front so you could move, but long in the back to keep your legs warm. The design itself was even better. Himeko had perfect taste.
In the corner of your eye, you noticed a blue statue that looked like it had been hit with something, and you tapped Dan Heng’s arm. “What’s that?” You signed.
“Frozen Fragmentum monsters.” He said with wary eyes, “The stellaron’s influence is significant on this planet.”
You bit the inside of your cheek before asking another question, “What’s that blue stuff around it?”
“Ice.” You tilted your head at the answer, and he elaborated. “It’s similar to what March uses. It’s water in a solid state.” “Oh.”
“Look at the houses!” March came up from behind you, taking a hold of your arm and pointing to the corroded wooden structure. It barely looked livable, let alone stable. Caelus came up from Dan Heng’s left, pocketing his phone. Right, that thing, you had one too, but no idea how to use it. You didn’t bother to learn either.
“They’ve been here for a long time…” The guard said quietly, tensing and drawing his weapon when March gasped, looking at a snow mound. “Something just moved!” Caelus drew his bat at the same time when she pulled out her bow and arrow. But you didn’t draw your weapon. Why? Because you had no idea how it worked. You drew your axe in a moment of adrenaline and fight or flight, you couldn’t exactly recreate that, so you stayed behind them and out of the way, clutching to your coat.
The three of them approached it, the archer pulling her arrow back. “Hey,” she warned, “holding your breath won’t help, you know.” Dan Heng lightly moved her out of the way, “Don’t worry. Since they got their head stuck in the sand, or rather snow, they just need a helping hand.” He stabbed his spear into the mound, causing it to flinch and spit out a man.
You yelped at the sight, clutching at Caelus’ arm. The man turned his green eyes towards you, smiling in such an uncanny way that shivers were sent up your spine. Whatever he was, you didn’t want to mess with it in the slightest. The bat-wielder held an arm out in front of you in response.
“My finest fellow,” The tall man pouted, his dark blue hair falling in front of one of his eyes. His attire was strange, he wore a magenta suit jacket with purple accents, black belts, and a white shirt underneath. He had a spiked silver shoulder guard and dress shoes paired with blueish-gray pants, but everything screamed at you to be as far away from him as possible. “Was that really necessary? Personally, I’m not a fan of being speared just because I was minding my business and crawling around in the snow. Is that a crime now?”
He sighed, a smirk, or a smile, twisting onto his face, “But I don’t blame you. I did catch you off guard and your response was warranted. But I made new friends,” He laughed nervously, his voice lowering in faux guilt as he pressed his fingers together, “Is Captain Gepard around? He’s a buddy of mine, you know, we go so far back.”
“Who?” March blinked in confusion.
The man stared at her, a tight smile on his face, “What do you mean who–” he cut himself off, “are you not Silvermane Guards?” After looking at everyone’s confusion, the dark blue-haired laughed in relief. “Oh! Well why didn’t you say so! We’re on the same side then.” He walked over to March, shaking her hand, and then doing the same to Dan Heng and Caelus. “It’s quite the pleasure to meet you all.” But you quickly got out of the way when he approached, your expression wary and tense. You didn’t trust this man in the slightest, not even to touch you.
The man wasn’t too offended by your actions, growing briefly and walking back to the collapsed snow mound. “My name is Sampo Koski.”
Dan Heng and March stayed quiet, the former tensing further with narrowed eyes, but it was the man at your side that spoke up. “Caelus.”
“Good. Great. I’ll remember that. See, it’s so hard for guys like us to do business around here these days, but don’t you worry, friend. Sampo Koski is here to help.” The man, Sampo, held his hands out in offering and started talking about business deals and whatever guards he was running from. You realized that the man sure loved to hear the sound of his own voice, so you decided to tune him out until Caelus asked if a livable place was nearby.
“A settlement?” Sampo seemed to light up, “Why the only place around here would be our dearly beloved Belobog! The City of Preservation, the Towering Citadel, humanity’s last bastion against the Eternal Freeze,” He sighed and shook his head. “It may sound dramatic, but the titles speak the truth, it’s the only place humanity can cope behind those impenetrable walls.”
Caelus opened his mouth to ask another question but you slapped your hand over it, your narrowed eyes set on Sampo as you signed. “I don’t like you.” Thankfully, the man had no idea what you said as he blinked dumbly, looking at the other three for help. “Who are the Silvermane Guards?” Dan Heng ignored his questioning stare.
“You don’t know?” The suspicious man asked in return, to which you said, “He wouldn’t be asking if he didn’t know, stupid.” “They’re Belogbog’s police, enforcers, and soldiers. They’re not exactly flexible with people in our profession, but it seems to me like you guys are new. Don’t worry, I’ll teach you everything you need to know, from making sure you don’t leave footprints to hiding from the guards.”
“No thanks.” March must’ve put up her bow as she shook her hands, “Can you take us to the city, though? We don’t know the path there.”
“Right now?” Sampo crossed his arms, a certain gleam in his eyes passing through as he took advantage of her words. “I could, but that would cost…” He trailed off, his eyes looking over her shoulder and growing nervous, “Why, of course! Kindness is my middle name, you know. Let me show you around and avoid the guards at all costs!” He laughed nervously, turning on his heel and walking further into the snowy plains.
“I don’t trust him.” You signed to Dan Heng, to which he nodded to and spoke quietly. “Neither do I, but it’s not like we have a choice right now.” Caelus looked at you with curious eyes, “What were you saying earlier?”
“They said they didn’t like him.” The archivist spoke for you. “Ah.”
The five of you walked on while Sampo talked endlessly about his rules. You walked next to March, your hands comfortable inside your very insulated coat– thanks to Himeko. You will never forget how amazing this thing was.
You made a talking motion to the pink haired woman, opening and closing your hand while you rolled your eyes. She snorted and held back a laugh in response before mocking Sampo’s words with exaggerated faces and hand movements, and it was your turn to hold back from laughing loud enough to disturb the snow. “...Rule number 7: never leave your footprints in the snow. It throws off anyone who’s after me, and I…”
Footsteps came marching through the snow, synchronized and loud. In the distance, you saw colors of blue and gray, alongside jackets and weapons similar to your own. But theirs was a one-blade axe rather than the two that you had. The second they set eyes on your group, they held themselves ready. “Who are they?” Dan Heng asked a very nervous Sampo, “Ah! Don’t let them catch me, friends!”
“It’s the suspect and his accomplices! Arrest them!” A guard shouted, and you assumed that was a bad thing from the way everyone tensed and got their weapons ready themselves.
You squeaked silently, looking around for any place to get out of the way, but it was just snow for miles. There was nowhere to hide. “Rules– were made to be broken!” Came Caelus’ voice as he whacked at least three of the soldiers in the head with this bat. Dan Heng backed him up, easily taking out the other guards while March 7th provided the support with her arrows. They were truly a team together and you felt this sinking feeling in your chest, the one that screamed you didn’t belong, you weren’t needed, that you were a useless thing.
A blade swung towards you, making you gasp and jump away, stumbling from the suddenness. The guards were trying to get you too, they wanted to… what was the word? Arrest you? Yes, they wanted to do whatever that was.
“Cooperate!” The man shouted, coming at you again. Your heart rammed into your chest, this tightness stilling your legs and rooting in place. This felt just like the stellaron, just like the time you were attacked in your room, just like when it pinned you down and fully planned to kill you–
Your neck burned. You wanted to rip it off and claw at it, you wanted to get rid of it. You reached for the marking, feeling a solid object pass through as you tugged and tugged when the guard’s blade came down once more–
Only to be stopped by your own double-bladed axe, the guard staggering at the very sight. The man could barely dodge as you swung the blade, slicing right across his chest and ripping his jacket, though, you had enough self control to not hurt him, just stun him for a little bit.
“Check out this awesome move!” March shouted as she shot an arrow, several creatures made out of ice flying with the object. But was ultimately stopped by a giant shield. A blonde haired, blue eyed man in white, blue, and gold armor appearing before you all. He spoke clearly and confidently, his gaze traveling to all four of you. Four. You gritted your teeth, realizing Sampo either ran for the hills or blatantly ditched you.
“I, Gepard Landau, captain of the Silvermane Guards, order you to relinquish your futile resistance.”
“Damn that Sampo.” The pink haired woman hissed. “Stop your resistance!” A guard shouted. “Oh, forget Sampo, wait until I get my hands on YOU!”
Caelus jumped back next to you, glancing for a moment before doing a double take at the sight of the weapon in your hand. From his expression, it didn’t seem like he remembered you used it on him back at the space station, and you couldn’t tell if that was a blessing or a curse. “Where did you even get that?!” You stared at him, readjusting the grip on the handle of your axe. All he did was swallow nervously and look back at the man that called himself Gepard.
“You will know justice!” The captain sprinted forward, swinging his abnormally large shield in your direction. Dan Heng moved swiftly in front of you, his spear colliding with the defense in bright sparks. Caelus had joined him, the two working in two to try and overpower, only to fail as the blonde man’s shield seemed to grow, the bat and polearm no longer having any damage on him.
“He’s tough.” March clenched her jaw, looking at the guard and trailblazer as they tried to get past the shield. “Not even my arrows will be able to get through that.”
She turned her pink and blue gaze on you, “Any ideas?”
You shook your head. You barely knew how to fight, how were you supposed to come up with a plan?
Gepard threw the two men, watching as they collided in the snow, scrambling to get back up. He charged at you and March, fully ready to defeat you by any means. The woman next to you pulled her arrow back, fully ready to defend the both of you.
The words echoed through your mind as the world seemed to slow. Gepard’s determined gaze completely focused on you as he swung his shield with his arm, March’s bow straining as she pulled, the snow kicking up from behind your attacker as Dan Heng and Caelus charged again.
With shaking limbs, you charged right back, spinning around and swinging your axe with all the force and momentum you could muster. The blade cut against the metal, slicing through whatever barrier the captain had around himself. The action shocked him, his eyes wide with alertness. But he couldn’t react in time as the two men attacked from behind, overwhelming him with the blows of their weapons until he stumbled back.
He bared his teeth at the two, leaping up and spinning his shield in his hands, slamming back onto the ground as ice erupted from the ground. A sudden, sweeping chill came over you that felt even worse than it had when you didn’t have your coat on. You realized how much you hate the cold.
Soldiers came marching over as you four struggled at the ice encasing your feet. Well, the three of them did, you shivered horribly at the biting pain at your ankles.
“Did you catch our main suspect with the blue hair?” Gepard asked.
“Apologies but he escaped, Captain! We can’t find any of his footprints.”
The captain looked disappointed, but shook his head. “No matter, we have his accomplices. He’ll be close enough.” March quickly piped up in protest, “We’re not with that guy, actually!” Caelus grumbled right after her, “You’ll be waiting forever.”
She continued. “I’m not trying to talk out of this, but look at how fast he ditched us. We barely even know him at that. We just recused him from the snow out of the kindness of our hearts–” Your head whipped to her just to see her finger pressed against your mouth, “–We didn’t know he was using us to get past you. Don’t tell me you actually fell for it.”
“I’m a captain, not an adjudication panel. As Belobog citizens, you have a right to defend yourselves, but that will be in front of the Architects. Not now.” He turned to his soldiers, “Take them away.”
“We’re not from here, though.” Caelus gestured to the clothing you all wore and turned to the woman, “Show him the photos.” She snapped her fingers, "Genius!" She said as she grabbed her blue camera, getting herself out of the ice and showing the blonde man.
“Here.” Dan Heng cut at the ice still at your feet, helping you out of your frozen place. You nodded to him in thanks, hitting your feet on the ground to try and get feeling back in them. They felt tingly, and numb, you think. He noticed, “I check to see if you have frostbite when we find a safer place.”
“This decision is beyond us.” Gepard said, catching your attention. “All we can do now is deliver them to the supreme guardian. This is no longer in our jurisdiction.” His eyes narrowed on you, looking you over before turning around. “Follow me outsiders. Belobog lies beyond the blizzard.”
✼ •• ┈┈┈┈๑⋅⋯ ୨˚୧ ⋯⋅๑ ┈┈┈ •• ✼
You gaped at the sight of the city, twisting around in utter awe at the place before you. Everything looked so bright and clear, the sun shining down and lighting up the place. Buildings were packed next to each other in a way that made the streets look huge, and you could pick out every little detail of their designs. Further to your right, you could spot a place under construction with a banner spelling "museum" on a guardrail. To your left was the biggest statue you’ve ever seen, giant spikes of ice sprouting from a type of machine at its base, glowing brightly when the sun hit it just right. Many people gathered around it, either sitting on the barriers or nodding in approval.
You yelped when Dan Heng pulled you back, a giant car riding past in front of you. Its wheels squealed against the metal grooves in the ground, stopping and opening the doors for passengers to climb or get off. You looked at it in fascination, watching as it rode past into the rest of the city.
Many of the people walked or gathered around, all dressed in comfortable yet dressy clothing, talking with one another as they left prints in the thin snow. In the corner of your eye, you spotted a small woman with purple hair and glasses gesturing over to the many buildings, small children and adults trailing behind her as they paid close attention.
“Hey, it’s warm!” March commented, putting her hands down from rubbing them together on the trek. “That’s because you’re in the last bastion of humanity.” Gepard gestured to the city, pausing for emphasis, “Belobog.”
She tilted her head, “The last bastion?”
Children laughed as they ran past you, one screaming in excitement while the other protested at their speed, tripping over themselves and stumbling to catch their friend. A smile grew on your face at the sight, but quickly disappeared when you noticed Caelus rummaging through one of the metal bins with an odd interest, his gold eyes sparkling in joy.
The captain explained, “Seven hundred years ago, monsters beyond our sky set the world ablaze. The land was scorched with fires and destruction, smoke rising from the ground in devastating towers.”
You walked over to the bat-wielder, startling when he popped up from the bin, a yellow thing with three tails on his head. A banana peel, you think, you saw some on the express. The man held out his hand, offering you some… amalgamation he was already chewing on.
“In the midst of it, the eternal freeze descended abruptly. Blizzards and sweeping winds coated the land and buried the invading legion. Belobog was the only thing that stood in the aftermath.”
The amalgamation had an interesting taste, coating your mouth with its odd flavors. Caelus nodded excitedly as if telling you it's good. Your face scrunched in response.
“The architects built this city. Under Quilpoth’s protection, this city will forever remain untouched by the frigid cold.”
March and Dan Heng looked at each other, mumbling low enough so the man in front of them wouldn't hear. “It sounds memorized.” The archivist nodded at her words, “A change in intonation. It sounds like he’s quoting a historical record.” She put a hand on her hip, speaking louder than she meant to. “So, remind me why he’s telling us this?”
“You asked.” Gepard deadpanned.
“We saw strange creatures when we first came through here.” Dan Heng butt in before the woman could embarrass herself further. “I assume they come from a tear in corroded space. A Fragmentum, correct?” The captain opened his mouth in surprise and quickly corrected himself, “Yes, they’re still threats in the blizzard, including the monsters.”
“They rarely venture outside the fragmentum.” He put a hand on his chin. “Which means the corrosion on your planet is worse than we thought.”
“The Silvermane Guards are continually monitoring the situation and engaging with the enemy, but it’s unfavorable. After your audience with the Supreme Guardian, I would like to consult you on the subject.” He sighed, “We’re lacking necessary intel–”
“Hey!” Dan Heng’s head whipped towards you and Caelus, and you truly thought you heard his neck snap from how fast he twisted it. The both of you froze in response, looking at the man. Gepard and March glanced at each other, the former making an odd face and the latter merely shrugging like it was a normal occurrence. “Drop it.” The archivist pointed his finger to the ground, “Right now. Drop. It.”
Caelus was halfway through eating something fuzzy, his eyes staring directly at the guard as he opened his mouth and shoved the entire thing down his throat– only to start choking and hacking. The black haired man rolled his eyes, storming over and hitting his back. “Spit it out.” He said as the raccoon-like man coughed up a ball of strings. Or hair, you didn’t know which one. “Stop eating things that aren’t edible.”
