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#1: Pom-Pom

Pom-Pom was used to not feeling lonely, even as the conductor of the Astral Express and always the one left behind on the train while the Trailblazers explored the worlds and met new people. Pom-Pom always had company in those moments (the Nameless always left somebody behind). Pom-Pom always felt accompanied and proud of the Nameless (even if some of them acted like raccoons more often than not). Pom-Pom always encouraged the Nameless to follow their own paths and to seek their happiness…

So, when it came time to say goodbye to March 7th, the Garden of Recollection finally getting her off the hook and letting her keep her memories, Pom-Pom didn’t cry. Pom-Pom hugged March, gifted her a new camera roll to take more photos on her new path, and said goodbye with a smile…

The same happened when it was Dan Heng’s turn. The Xianzhou Alliance had finally decided that Dan Heng was allowed to return fully, and he said yes, it was time for him to go back to his original home. For Dan Heng, Pom-Pom didn’t cry either. Instead, Pom-Pom gifted him an album full of copies of March 7th’s photos of the Express and the people they’d met, and smiled. Pom-Pom knew Dan Heng, and knew he would need reminders of who he was, and Pom-Pom hoped that the album would help with that.

For the Trailblazer, Pom-Pom didn’t cry. Pom-Pom knew the Trailblazer was strong, kind, and a good person in general despite her playfulness and clumsiness… So Pom-Pom gave her a hug, a smile, and let her keep the Nameless badge. Pom-Pom knew that even if the Trailblazer had a new path, they were always, always going to be Nameless.

When Pom-Pom said goodbye to Sunday, it was quick but no less important. After all, no matter how long he had been on the Astral Express, he was a Nameless anyway. And Pom-Pom didn’t cry during the goodbye, Pom-Pom smiled and gifted him a piano tuner. After all, Pom-Pom had listened to him, and Pom-Pom wanted him to keep playing the piano as beautifully as ever. Even if Sunday felt lost, Pom-Pom hoped this present would help him find his way…

And then it was Welt’s turn to say goodbye, since he had finally found a way home. Pom-Pom didn’t cry either, Pom-Pom knew Welt would be fine, he was strong and smart. So Pom-Pom gave him a book with the history of the Nameless and smiled goodbye, hoping he would have a good time at home with his original family and friends, always keeping in mind his experiences on the Express as a Nameless.

Pom-Pom and the navigator were always the ones left behind on the Express, always the unchanged ones. It was always like that—when March said goodbye, when Dan Heng said goodbye, when the Trailblazer said goodbye, and when Welt said goodbye. So Pom-Pom was not prepared for when it was time for Himeko to part ways, for when Pom-Pom needed to say goodbye to the navigator of the Astral Express. Pom-Pom met the new navigator, spoke to them lightly, and welcomed them with a big smile, like a good conductor should, of course. But when it was the last goodbye, when Pom-Pom needed to say goodbye to Himeko… Pom-Pom cried. For the first time, Pom-Pom cried saying goodbye to the navigator. Himeko hugged Pom-Pom and gave him the Nameless badge, comforting him with one last recitation of the Nameless credos. And with that, calming down, Pom-Pom waved goodbye to Himeko with a smile… Because even if it hurts, no matter how much time passes, Pom-Pom is never alone. Pom-Pom has the Navigator and the other Nameless, always… and the least Pom-Pom can do is smile when saying goodbye to the old Nameless.

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#2: Lightcone

Lightcones are… memories made power, made weapons… but still memories after all. So when Acheron asked Blackswan, the memokeeper, to make one from her own fragmented memories, she shouldn’t have been surprised at seeing which memory formed the lightcone.

Boundless Choreo.

Blackswan and Acheron themselves, intertwined in a beautiful dance… The clothes, the background, the colors… were different in the lightcone, but that didn’t matter, the memory behind it was clear. The night they met, the night the memokeeper approached her for a dance… the night Acheron indulged in a small concession.

That night she got lost again, like always, finding herself in a new place… a ball, the ambience full of luxury, and the people more luxurious than she would like. Still, since she had been wandering for a while, she decided to rest a little, taking a small drink while trying to figure out the way to her room.

That’s when this beautiful woman, dressed in a purple halter bodysuit with black accents, a lace choker, purple gloves, black thigh-high heeled boots, and a purple veil, approached her and asked to dance. Normally Acheron would have refused, would have said no—she doesn’t get close to people. Her memories would only be erased afterward, lost in the Nihility… But this time, mesmerized by the woman’s appearance, she indulged.

And the dance… oh, the dance… Acheron doesn’t remember much of it, just sensations and the way her body moved—first guided by the woman, then quietly taking over after her strange question, noticing that she was distracted… and ending up so close to her, answering the question without hesitation, mesmerized by this memokeeper.

Coming out of her memories, Acheron heard Blackswan chuckle, gazing at the lightcone’s image and the memory it represented, with all the changes—in the clothes, the background, the colors…

“Well, well… looks like I made quite the impression that night. Of course, you did the same with me, but… this memory… is there anything you want to tell me, Acheron?” Blackswan asked with a wicked smile.

Acheron just shook her head, still looking at the lightcone as if it were precious. Blackswan smiled a little more tenderly, handing the lightcone to Acheron, who took it carefully, as though it were a treasure.

“Thanks, Blackswan,” Acheron murmured, still gazing at the lightcone.

“You are welcome, my dear,” Blackswan answered, simply observing Acheron’s eyes.

They stayed like that for a while… and neither of them knew how much time had passed.

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#3: Herta Space-Station 

The Herta Space-Station was recovering slowly but steadily after the attack of the Antimatter Legion and the Doomsday Beast. Asta was pulling all-nighters, paying for and organizing repairs, as well as preparing spare labs for the experiments. Arlan was recovering from his injuries, but at the same time he was updating security, checking every breach and weak point so the invasion wouldn’t repeat, and so the scientists would be safe.

In every room you could see scientists and researchers running around, tidying up, and moving their experiments, trying to figure out what had been lost in the invasion and what had survived. Their work—the work of months and years—had almost been lost in an instant. They needed to find out what to replace, what to redo, what had already been done… and of course, ask Asta for resources if needed, or Arlan for help if needed.

The Herta Space-Station was a sanctuary for researchers and scientists, where they could work on their projects (if Herta accepted them) at their own rhythm, without worries, and receive support. But now that it had been attacked by the Antimatter Legion, the sense of safety that many had vanished. Some were thinking of leaving, perhaps requesting a transfer from the IPC or simply taking a vacation. On the other hand, some scientists took this chance to change their research methods, to start over from scratch with new projects, searching for something to keep their minds occupied, something to focus on instead of their lost work. Having something new to pursue was just as thrilling as when they had first begun at the Space-Station.

Meanwhile, the leader of the space-station, Madame Herta, was working as always in her laboratory. After losing the Stellaron to the Stellaron Hunters (even if it was now inside the Trailblazer), she had thrown herself into a new experiment with Screwllum and Ruan Mei, completely absorbed and, as usual, ignoring whatever was happening outside. The Space-Station might bear her name, but she didn’t pay attention to it; that was Asta and Arlan’s responsibility.

The Divergent Universe was too important to be ignored for “mundane” tasks, so she kept working. And the Herta Space-Station kept recovering without her, whether with the same scientists or new ones, whether the experiments and projects were complete, incomplete, destroyed or not, new or old… Herta had her own experiment, her own objectives. And the Divergent Universe was the direct ticket… to THEM.

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#4: Jarilo-VI

Jarilo-VI was a harsh planet. Invaded by the Antimatter Legion seven hundred years ago, the planet had been at war until the arrival of the Stellaron and the Eternal Freeze… Yet now, the people who live on it have hope.

In Belobog, the overworld city, Bronya was working tirelessly with the Architects and administrators to wisely use the resources they had and coordinate the reconstruction of the terraformation system. Bronya knew they might never see it completed in their lifetimes, but she also knew that for the future, there would be hope. For Clara, Hook, and the others, they would continue their hard work, and with Svarog’s guidance they would never stray from that objective: to bring Jarilo-VI back from the Eternal Freeze.

In Boulder Town, the underworld, Seele was going around carrying boxes and distributing resources left and right, and, of course, facing thieves or fragmentum monsters along the way. Her job was simpler than Bronya’s, simpler than calculating, organizing, predicting, but she knew it was just as important. After all, if resources didn’t reach their destinations, time would be lost and the future would drift further away. Even if she wouldn’t see it, Seele didn’t want the kids, or their kids, to lose their chance. She would work hard so the future remained hopeful and bright.

Later that night, after all the work was done and the sun had long set in the overworld (even if they couldn’t see it), when the clocks marked nightfall, Bronya kept working alone at her desk in the Supreme Guardian’s office. That’s when Seele appeared in a sea of butterflies, a worried look in her eyes but a smirk on her lips.

“Well, well. Look at our Supreme Guardian, working hard even when the world sleeps and everyone else rests… Are you really that much of a workaholic, Bronya?” Seele teased with her usual smirk, but Bronya could see through it. Seele was worried.

“I just need to finish this. If I don’t, the construction crew can’t take the necessary metal from the foundry and everything will be delayed…” Bronya began, trying to justify herself, hoping Seele would let her continue working. But Seele knew Bronya too well and interrupted her, as always.

“Yes, it will be delayed, but in a week, not now. I just handed them the resources they need for this week; you calculated them last week, remember? You can’t keep working ahead like this, Princess. You need rest too,” Seele said, her teasing tone softening into worry.

“Seele, you don’t understand, I need to finish the calculations and the results so they have guidance. We need to-”

“Bronya,” Seele interrupted again, “there’s no need to do it right now. Besides, I’m pretty sure you’re so tired of your… uhh, calculations would have to be reviewed tomorrow anyway. They’d change. I know we need to lead Jarilo-VI to a good future, but not at the cost of the Supreme Guardian’s sanity and health. Just rest tonight. I promise you’ll be faster tomorrow.”

Much to Bronya’s annoyance, Seele was right.

“Okay,” Bronya sighed, tidying and organizing the papers on her table while Seele, satisfied with the answer, stepped closer.

Once finished, Seele scooped Bronya up in her arms, princess style. (Bronya let out a startled “eep!” and protested, but Seele just laughed.) Then, in a sea of butterflies, they appeared on the rooftop, where Seele paused so Bronya could take in the view of the city at night.

“Look at your Belobog, Supreme Guardian. It’s already this calm. We’re making progress. There’s no need to burn yourself out. They already feel hope and safety just by seeing your work every day,” Seele said softly.

Bronya didn’t answer; she was mesmerized by the lights and the silence of the night. Belobog was calm, as if the people trusted that there would be a tomorrow.

After a few minutes, Seele disappeared into the sea of butterflies again, this time reappearing in Boulder Town, where most people were either asleep or enjoying a late-night drink. It wasn’t silent, but the buildings were repaired, the air warmer. The people, though still rough around the edges, were no longer as hardened as they had been when she first came. Bronya could see it, their worries had faded, replaced with quiet hope.

“And this is my home,” Seele said. “Even if we’ve had rough times, we’re improving, thanks to your hard work and ours, Princess. You’re not alone. Let us carry some of the weight. Even if I can’t do math like you, I know Pela, Gepard… even Serval can help. You don’t need to work overtime every night. C’mon, Princess, let’s get you some rest.”

Bronya observed again as Seele disappeared in a sea of butterflies, this time reappearing at her office door. She gently set Bronya down.

“Well, thank you for traveling with Seele’s Express across Jarilo-VI. Hope you enjoyed your time,” Seele said with a teasing grin.

“I did. Thank you, Seele… Jarilo-VI, our home, will be okay. Thank you for reminding me of our hope,” Bronya said softly, smiling before giving Seele a quick peck on the cheek and hurrying inside before Seele could react.

Seele stayed there for a while, stunned, her hand touching her cheek before she too vanished in a sea of butterflies.

Jarilo-VI might be their planet, but for Seele, home was where her family was,and Bronya was her family. So she would work tirelessly to make Bronya’s home the one she dreamed of, even if that dream wasn’t her own.

Jarilo-VI was a harsh planet, but its people were recovering,slowly but steadily.

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#5: Xianzhou

The Xianzhou was bustling with activity. You wouldn’t have guessed that not long ago they had faced a Stellaron crisis on their ship, suffered betrayal from members of the Alchemy Commission aligned with the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, or that during the Luminary Wardance Ceremony, the legendary warhead Borisin Hoolay had broken loose, forcing them to prepare a trap in the Wardance Arena, and later repair it for the next ceremony.

Still, the Xianzhou Luofu stood strong. It had recovered, showing no cracks in the resolve of its Cloud Knights or its citizens. Everyone went through their routines as usual: no attacks, no remnants of danger or threat, just work, life, and balance.

In the Divination Commission, the Seat of Divine Foresight worked tirelessly to interpret the Divination Matrix and foresee potential threats.

In Aurum Alley, shops and restaurants served food and drinks as usual, bustling with laughter and conversation.

In the Artisanship Commission, craftsmen created new and improved automatons to enhance daily life on the Luofu and bolster its defense.

In the Alchemy Commission, researchers labored to repair the damage caused by the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. They were certain a few traitors still remained, but they would deal with them one day at a time…

The Xianzhou was at peace, for now.

Yanqing trained diligently under the combined teachings of Jing Yuan, Jingliu, and General Feixiao. Tireless and impatient, he sought to grow stronger quickly, yet remembered to slow down when wisdom demanded it.

Fu Xuan and General Jing Yuan met with the heads of the Xianzhou to discuss what Jingliu had told them about the plan to slay the Abundance, the conflict between Aeons, the Trailblazer’s role in it, and the troubling presence of Luocha, a follower of the Abundance.

Yukong, still leading the Sky-Faring Commission, faced mountains of paperwork while guiding her subordinates with diligence. She often thought of her lost friend Tingyun, Fugue, and quietly hoped she was safe, that her goals had meaning, and that perhaps someday they could reunite on the Luofu.

Qingque, as always, was skipping work and gambling at Mahjong in the Exalting Sanctum. When necessary, she slipped into Aurum Alley to dodge Fu Xuan and any would-be supervisors.

Lingsha, newly appointed Cauldron Master of the Alchemy Commission, worked tirelessly to restore the Commission after the betrayal, shielding Bailu from the Vidyadhara Council’s pressure and granting her the freedom she sought. Bailu, of course, helped Lingsha in return.

Beyond the Luofu, General Feixiao and her subordinates Jiaoqiu and Moze had returned from the Luminary Wardance Festival to the Xianzhou Yaoqing, observing Celenova’s forces retreating, leading Feixiao and Jiaoqiu to speculate whether it was a trap or a shift in orders. Meanwhile, Yunli had returned with her grandfather Huaiyan to the Xianzhou Zhuming, training to grow stronger and to resolve her friendly rivalry with Yanqing.

The Xianzhou Alliance stands strong, at peace for now, but preparing for what is to come.

They have to.

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#6: Penacony

Penacony, the Land of Dreams…

The Trailblazer was on the Radiant Feldspar, wandering around and looking for something to do before the next Trailblaze expedition to Amphoreus. After the Charmony Festival, there wasn’t much left to handle, just preparations for the journey, and since the Trailblazer didn’t need many, Himeko and the others had eventually kicked them out for being a nuisance during the process. So yeah, wandering around looking for distractions sounded like the perfect plan… until boredom settled in.

After the Radiant Feldspar, the Nameless decided to visit Dreamflux Reef, where they grabbed some burgers, met with Micah, and once again brought flowers to Mikhail, Gallagher, and the others. Even if it was just to spend some time talking with Micah or silently standing before a tomb, remembering Misha, it mattered. After all, they needed to say goodbye, they’d be leaving for Amphoreus soon, and who knew when the Nameless would return?

At Penacony Paperfold University College, the Trailblazer took the chance to make some graffiti (yes, Lordly Trashcan, again) and looked for Mr. Reca, he wasn’t there, though Robin was. They took the opportunity to chat for a bit and say their goodbyes.

Visiting the Penacony Grand Theater, the SoulGlad™ Scorchsand Audition Venue, the Clock Studios Theme Park, the Dewlight Pavilion, and A Child’s Dream took some time. Those places were full of both enemies and memories… and honestly, the enemies had been the easier part. The Trailblazer was strong, very strong. But reminiscing about everything that had happened in Penacony, fighting Aventurine alongside Acheron, discovering Misha’s true identity, declaring rebellion against the order of dreams (“The Penacony in Mikhail’s dreams does not belong to order!”), the battle against Sunday (Harmonious Choir – The Great Septimus), waking the people from their beautiful dream with Robin’s help and her new song, and of course, the games they played with Firefly (the best times of all)… those memories were heavier, sweeter, harder to leave behind.

As the golden hour approached, the Trailblazer walked slowly through the familiar streets, revisiting the places they’d once gone with Firefly, Oti Mall, saying hello to Dr. Edward, enjoying an Oak Cake Roll, passing through Clockie Plaza (and greeting Clockie, of course), visiting Aideen Park, and finally reaching the entrance to Firefly’s secret place.

Walking through Dream’s Edge was easy now. The enemies were no challenge, and the Dreamweaver tools felt natural after so much practice. At last, the Trailblazer reached that place, where Robin’s melody could still be heard, and the scenery could still take your breath away. The place where they had taken that beautiful photo with Firefly, where they had truly talked, sincerely, even if not completely (Firefly never mentioned Sam). But still, they had seen each other eye to eye… they were not enemies.

Sitting on the rails at the edge of the dream, the Trailblazer thought about Firefly, wishing they could say goodbye one last time, to see that spark in her eyes again before heading into the unknown, and about all the memories they had made in Penacony.

Penacony was a beautiful place for the Trailblazer, not just because it was dreamy, but because of the memories they made within it.

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#7: Amphoreus

Amphoreus, the Eternal Land, from the Express, appeared as a beautiful, infinite river of energy, through the glass of Remembrance.

And inside, it was no less impressive.

The “Eternal Holy City” (Fallen Twilight City) Okhema, below Kephale’s view, the worldbearing titan, where the Chrysos Heirs resided, stood as the last bastion of humanity for the Flamechase Journey.
The “Bloodbathed Battlefront” (Strife Ruins) Castrum Kremnos, with the lance of Nikador the Strife suspended above it, where the Kremnoans once lived for glory through conquest and battle.
The “Sanctum of Prophecy” (Abyss of Fate) Janusopolis, where the Passage Titan Janus resided, and Lady Tribios foresaw the prophecy of the Flamechase Journey, and where the Titan Oronyx slumbers.
The “Radiant Scarwood” (Murmuring Woods) Grove of Epiphany, where scholars sought knowledge and wisdom, and where Cerces, Titan of Insight, rested with her heart.
The “Warbling Shores” (Dragonbone City) Styxia, where the realms of life and death intertwined, and Thanatos, the Titan of Death, came to be.
The “Fortress of Dome” (Cloudedge Bastion Ruins) Eye of Twilight, the fortress of the sky that controlled Amphoreus’ weather, and where Aquila, the Sky Titan, hid from the Black Tide.
The Vortex of Genesis, where the Coreflames could be sealed and the Flamechase Journey fulfilled.
And finally, Aedes Elysiae, Phainon’s beautiful and picturesque hometown.

For the Trailblazer, though, Amphoreus’ beauty was not the only thing this land had, it was in the friends she made there.

The Chrysos Heirs, Phainon, with his heroic, light-hearted, and affable nature, the first one they met and the one who bore the Deliverer’s destiny before passing it to the Trailblazer.
Tribbie, Trianne, and Trinnon, each with different personalities but the same care and guidance for the Heirs and their companions.
Castorice, with her soft voice and her warnings to stay away, hiding how touch-starved, kind, and affectionate she truly was despite the curse of her touch.
Mydei, who at first seemed harsh, but proved to be a kind-hearted, honorable, and resilient warrior despite his painful past.
Aglaea, who appeared cold and pragmatic, yet whose heart was so good that her humanity was as fragile as the threads she wove to buy the Heirs time to prepare.
Hyacine, who healed everyone she could, her selflessness limitless, sacrificing herself to mend the sky and wield Aquila’s Coreflame.
Anaxa, arrogant and cynical, who after learning the truth gave up his life for the Flamechase.
Cipher, a thief and impostor whose greatest lie gave the world thousands more years to live and prosper.
Cerydra, ruthless and ambitious, yet steadfast in her belief, the strategist who guided them against Lygus.
And finally Hysilens, who appeared cold, detached, and analytical, but beneath that exterior was a thoughtful, loyal soul.

And of course, Evernight and Permasor Terrae, but that’s cheating; after all, they were March and Dan Heng. They had an advantage.

Yet, there was one person who stood out most to the Trailblazer, not a Chrysos Heir, but a companion all the same.
Cyrene, Mem.

Cyrene was curious, energetic, beautiful, and kind. The one that follows the Remembrance beside the Trailblazer, she was the best partner they could have asked for on the Deliverer’s Journey.

Amphoreus was incredible, and even with the looming threats of Iron Tomb and Lygus, the Trailblazer would always be grateful for coming here, for meeting these people, and for knowing this beautiful land that still glowed beneath the endless tide.

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#8: Companions

Companions, a word to refer to a person (or even an animal) with whom one spends a lot of time, or with whom one travels.

The Nameless were all companions to each other. The Trailblazer had Himeko, as well as their favorites March 7th and Dan Heng, all three of them being the young ones of the Express.
But… the Trailblazer is pretty sure about something. They probably had other companions before.

The Stellaron Hunters (Kafka, Blade, Silver Wolf, and Firefly) all knew the Trailblazer. Each of them had said something about them, about their personality, about their time together… or at least played games with them (even if the IPC had a bounty on Silver Wolf’s head).
Firefly didn’t say anything directly about knowing them either, but… in Amphoreus, through the memories they saw with Mem, Firefly wanted to meet the Trailblazer as a normal girl, and she did. In Penacony, they went on a “normal outing” (even if they broke a few laws… but rules are meant to be broken sometimes). So yeah, the Stellaron Hunters were companions too.

At the Herta Space Station, the Trailblazer found other companions: Asta, Arlan, and Herta (well, the puppet version).
Asta, the lead researcher and astronomer.
Arlan, the brave Head of Security.
And Herta, the brilliant master of the Space Station and member of the Genius Society.
With Arlan fighting side by side with them during the Antimatter Legion’s attack, Asta constantly calling for their help with strange situations (and Peppy), and Herta using them as guinea pigs for the Divergent Universe (they agreed, so it’s fine)… the Trailblazer can safely say those three count as companions too.

Apart from them, Ruan Mei and Dr. Ratio were interesting to meet, though the time they spent together wasn’t much, so they still can’t be counted as close companions… especially after Ruan Mei’s strange “sweet” and Ratio’s accusation of… murder?

After that came Belobog, where the Trailblazer found a lot of companions — even if not immediately.
Through their repeated visits for various events, they ended up spending time with so many people.
Bronya and Seele were amazing companions when fighting the Fragmentum (and the Stellaron within Cocolia).
Natasha and Serval were invaluable when facing automatons and Svarog, the battles were hard, but the company made them easier.
Pela and Lynx shared great times up in the snowy mountains, fighting Fragmentum creatures and tracking down Trotters.
Clara was amazing at repairing robots, and Luka and Hook always made a good fight or two into friendly tournaments.
(We don’t talk about Sampo, that fool isn’t a good companion… even though he can be, when he wants to.)
Meeting Topaz in Belobog was a surprise too. Despite her IPC background, she showed kindness and good intentions, so the Trailblazer quickly got along with her, even after their almost-fight.

Xianzhou Luofu was full of amazing people.
General Jing Yuan, strong, wise, and far more capable than his laid-back attitude suggested.
Yukong, strict but kind, always putting her people’s welfare first.
Tingyun was… good? The Trailblazer hopes that the Tingyun they met was the real one, but even so, when they met Fugue, she was kind and cool, so the Trailblazer counts her as a companion.
Fu Xuan was… interesting, hard to understand, but still someone who cared deeply.
Qingque was fun, and most of their time together was just playing games.
Yanqing was determined and inspiring despite his youth.
And Sushang, Guinaifen, Huo Huo, Xueyi, and Hanya made up such a fascinating group, hunting Heliobi with them was a lot of fun.
From the other Xianzhou, Feixiao, Jiaoqiu, and Moze were cool and strong, though their time together was short, so the Trailblazer isn’t sure if they count as true companions yet.

In Penacony, they met even more people.
Aventurine was… interesting. Even after their fight, he turned out to be a good man, especially during the Grail War.
Acheron, whose first meeting with them wasn’t ideal, became a wonderful and powerful ally.
Sunday was weird… but now that he’s aboard the Express, the Trailblazer hopes they can get along despite their past misunderstandings (they should probably apologize for running him over with the train).
Robin was radiant, kind, bright, and one of the best companions they ever fought alongside, despite the dire circumstances.
Rappa was cool and fun, rapping and graffiti became one of the Trailblazer’s favorite hobbies thanks to her.
Boothill was… Boothill. The Trailblazer just hopes that being on the same side means his gun won’t ever be pointed their way.
Black Swan was mysterious, and now, with her guidance to Amphoreus, the Trailblazer just hopes she remains an ally and a trustworthy Memokeeper.
Gallagher saved both the Trailblazer and Firefly; he was a good man who shared valuable information.
And Misha… Misha will always be remembered as a good friend.
(And Sparkle… is not a companion.)

Apart from those, there’s Argenti, beautiful, strong, knightly. He’ll always be a good companion in their travels.

And finally, in Amphoreus, the Chrysos Heirs were incredible companions, strong, kind, and fighting for humanity.
Phainon, who trusted the Trailblazer enough to give them the Deliverer’s destiny.
Cipher, who, despite her distance, helped them exactly when she was needed.
Mydei, who protected them with all his strength and all his lives.
Castorice, who searched for their soul and brought them back to life.
Aglaea, who, despite her early mistakes, still protected and guided them.
Hyacine, who healed them time and again.
Anaxa, who, though aloof, genuinely cared for both them and humanity.
Tribbie, who became a duo with them, always guiding with calm wisdom.
Hysilens, who, despite her cold demeanor, sang for decades and centuries to keep Lygus at bay until their return.
Cerydra, whose strategy delayed Lygus’ plan and gave everyone the chance to fight back.

Evernight and Permasor Terrae don’t count, they’re March and Dan Heng! Of course they’re companions.

The Trailblazer has met many companions on this journey, and they hope that in the future, they’ll meet even more, make new friends, and keep moving forward.
After all… they’re still on the Journey.

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#9: The Hunt

The Path of the Hunt is the one represented by the Aeon Lan.

“The Cruising Aeon known as the Reignbow Arbiter roams endlessly between worlds to eradicate the undead scourges that once ravaged their homeworld.
Lan’s Hunt, ever heedless of cost, often blurs the lines between salvation and ruin.”

On the Astral Express, Dan Heng is the one who follows this path, and now, after training with Yanqing and Yunli, March 7th does too.
At first, the Trailblazer was confused about why Dan Heng followed the Path of the Hunt, but after everything that happened in the Xianzhou Luofu… it made sense. Dan Heng’s past explains it,  after all, the Hunt represents his connection to the actions that led to his rebirth and exile.
For March, it was easier to understand. One of her teachers followed the Path of the Hunt, so if she was learning from Yanqing, it made sense for her to emulate even his path.

Outside the Express, the Trailblazer found other friends who followed the Hunt, each from different places.

At the Herta Space Station, the only one the Trailblazer knows who follows the Hunt (despite being a genius, a teacher, and in general a very smart guy… who also falsely accused the Trailblazer) is Dr. Ratio.
He follows the Path of the Hunt because he’s determined to cure the universal “disease” of ignorance by delivering knowledge… maybe.

In Belobog, Seele is the one who follows the Path of the Hunt, and it makes sense. She’s part of Wildfire, and her desire and determination to achieve their goals and hunt down Wildfire’s enemies aligns perfectly with Lan’s philosophy.
Also in Belobog, they met Topaz, even though she is not from there. And Topaz since she’s a debt collector for the IPC, constantly chasing down individuals and liabilities, her work practically embodies the ideals of the Hunt.

On the Xianzhou, there are many followers of the Hunt, but the ones the Trailblazer knows are:
Yanqing, whose ambition to become a champion swordsman is his life’s goal, his resolve resonates with the Hunt’s spirit.
Sushang, naive but kind, whose decisive actions to protect others and become a Cloud Knight mirror the same determination.
Moze, the Trailblazer didn’t know him that well, but from what they did know, his dedication to tracking and hunting his target is just like Lan’s own crusade against the Abundance.
For Feixiao, it’s obvious. As the Arbiter-General, her role literally requires her to hunt down the enemies of the Xianzhou Alliance.

In Penacony, none of their native friends followed the Hunt, but among those they met there, Boothill did.
As a member of the Galaxy Rangers, he walks the Path of the Hunt, driven by his personal revenge against the IPC, his goal is to track down and bring justice to Oswaldo Schneider.
They also met Acher, who didn’t spend much time with them, but the Trailblazer knows he’s relentless and determined to pursue his goal, so it makes sense he’d embody the Hunt’s spirit, even if he comes from another world.

The Path of the Hunt sounds interesting, honestly, the determination to pursue a goal and to strike down your enemies with unwavering resolve.
Maybe one day, the Trailblazer could follow it too… if Lan ever gazes upon them, just like Preservation, Harmony, and now Remembrance already have.

Chapter Text

#10: Erudition

Erudition - the Path of scholars, scientists, and researchers.

The Trailblazer prefers to act first and ask later, so they’re not entirely sure what to say about Erudition… Okay the story sais:

“Nous, the Aeon of Erudition — THEY were an astral supercomputer created by Zandar One Kuwabara (now possibly connected to Lygus, or at least Lygus is a fragment of Zandar) before THEIR ascension into Aeonhood.
“If the truth of the universe is cruel and stale, would you still yearn for the answer to the ultimate question?
Knowledge seekers know not how to judge, for their core is cold and unwavering... As are the ends of Paths they set out to seek.”
— Fables About the Stars by Adrian Spencer Smith
All things bear unanswered questions — and there is an answer to everything. The astral computer that sought to calculate the universe itself ascended to Aeonhood. Nous hopes to understand the cosmos and solve all of its mysteries.”

Welp, that was still a riddle for the Trailblazer… so starting:

The people who follow Erudition are… weird. They’re always investigating something, obsessed with data, theories, or equations. For example, Lygus, even though he now follows Destruction, is obsessed with destroying Nous, his own creation, to “expand knowledge”? What?
Yeah. Erudition is weird.

Anyway, in Amphoreus, Anaxa follows Erudition. Why? Because he’s a scholar obsessed with uncovering the truth of the world and its creation. Even when he finds answers, he keeps thinking, questioning, researching… So yes, Anaxa perfectly embodies Erudition, endlessly studying the universe and its limits.

Then there’s Argenti?
Well…even if he is a Knight of Beauty, it kind of makes sense. Argenti seeks Idrila, the “missing” Aeon, he pursues the truth about this Aeon. So, the Trailblazer supposes that his search for answers also aligns with Erudition, even if his loyalty truly belongs to Idrila.

Then there’s Herta (the puppet) and The Herta herself. Does that one even need an explanation? That woman is a walking taskmaster who forces everyone to help her chase knowledge and logic!
“Hey! Don’t you dare talk bad about me! I’ll make the next Divergent Universe excursion very, very interesting!”
Oh no… Well, it’ll be fun and painful, I guess.
Anyway, the Trailblazer has this theory that Herta is secretly in love with Ruan Mei, since she handmade a cake for her—
“I CAN HEAR YOU! We are just colleagues!”
Sure, Herta. Sure.

Moving on! Himeko! Our dear navigator of the Express! She follows Erudition too — and it makes sense. She’s the brain of the team (okay, Welt is smart too, but she’s the leader and she rocks!), always seeking new discoveries and uncharted worlds. So yes, Himeko from Erudition checks out!
“So… am I weird?”
“No, no! Not at all! I mean, maybe your coffee, but—”
“What’s wrong with my coffee?”
“Nothing! Nothing at all!” (flees)

(comes back) Um, then there’s Jade... The Trailblazer doesn’t know her that well, but they suppose it fits. She’s an IPC executive, strategic, calculating, and sharp, basically, a textbook Erudition type, even if she works in a Preservation-oriented company.

From the Xianzhou Luofu, there’s Jing Yuan, whose brilliance and tactical mind are legendary. It makes sense he follows Erudition, even in a place where the Hunt dominates.
And then Qingque, wait, really? She’s a gambler! That’s not smart!
“HEY! I am smart! Mahjong takes strategy!”
Okay, fair point. Checks out.

Oh, and Rappa,  she was created in an Erudition lab by one of Nous’s Emanators, so of course she follows the Path. Even with her quirks, she’s cool,  and she taught the Trailblazer to make graffiti!

And lastly, Serval! She follows Erudition too! Even if she doesn’t look like it, she’s brilliant. a researcher and engineer who once studied the Stellaron in Belobog… until, well, she got kicked out. A shame, really.

Anyway, the Trailblazer knows a lot of people from the Path of Erudition. But they’re pretty sure they’re not smart enough to walk it themselves.
Even if they sometimes think strategically, they’d rather charge in first and ask questions later!

So unless Nous gazes upon them one day, the Trailblazer will stick to their dear Remembrance for now…

Though, Harmony still rocks with the hat.
And Preservation? Classic.
And my dear Destruction bat?

I AM THE GALACTIC BASEBALLER! HECK YEAH! DESTRUCTION!!!

CRASH! BANG! BOOM! SMASH!

Chapter Text

#11: Harmony

“Harmony, the Path presided over by the Aeon Xipe.

Understanding, supportive, and cooperative actions are manifestations of the Path of Harmony.”

The Trailblazer attracted Harmony’s gaze while protecting Penacony from the Order. Even if, at the beginning, they wouldn’t have followed the Path of Harmony, helping Penacony and cooperating with Robin and the others to protect the universe from the Eternal Dream, the false peace the Order wanted to impose, was enough to earn Xipe’s blessing.

So yeah, Harmony was about helping, supporting, cooperating, understanding… just being empathic, the Trailblazer guessed?

So apart from the Trailblazer, well, there are various people that follow that path. Let’s start with...

ROBIN!!! She’s so sweet! Her goal was to spread hope and joy through her music, inspiring those who were struggling. Supportive, understanding, cooperative, all checked out. Robin is practically the embodiment of Harmony. The Trailblazer just hopes that now that Sunday is with them, it won’t hurt Robin when she finds out…

(“Thank you, my friend, but I’ll be fine.”)

Next one is Sunday, who once followed Ena, the Aeon of Order. Now he’s trying to find Harmony, even if he’s confused. He wants to go back to his roots. From what the Trailblazer understood, his past, and his failure to help everyone in Penacony, is what drove him to the Order. But now, he genuinely wants to help people again. The Trailblazer will help him… but still keep an eye on him, just in case he strays.

(“I’ll appreciate that... just maybe don’t touch your bat when you say that, please?” 

Okay! 

“Your hat neither.” 

Aww, c’mon, the hat is safe!

“That hat defeated me.” 

Touché.)

The next one is… Sparkle?!??! How is she following Harmony!? The Trailblazer thought she was a Masked Fool! Must be a prank, yes, she’s just pranking the world. Sparkle follows Aha, the Aeon of Elation… not Harmony!

(“Hehe~ Sparkle is Harmony~~”) NO. NO YOU ARE NOT.

Moving on!

On the Xianzhou Luofu, we have Hanya, Yukong, and Tingyun, all of them check out! Hanya might be a little… ghostly, but she’s always willing to cooperate and help Xueyi, Huo Huo, and the others.

(“If my sisters need my help, I’ll always aid them.”)

Then there’s Yukong, the head of the Sky-Faring Commission, who’s constantly supporting and cooperating with everyone,it’s literally her job.

(“I’ll aid the allies of the Luofu and make new ones when needed.”)

And then Tingyun, who… well, is a diplomat. Understanding and cooperation are basically her whole deal.

(“Yes, Master Trailblazer, I was one of the best Amicassadors in the Sky-Faring Commission.” 

You told me that when we met. 

“Just repeating, then.” 

Oof, sorry, Fugue. 

“It’s fine, Master Trailblazer.”)

In Belobog, the Trailblazer met Bronya, the Supreme Guardian. And the Trailblazer is sure she’s the best one! She’s supportive, cooperative with everyone (Wildfire, IPC, even the Nameless), and deeply understanding of her people. Honestly, even though she should technically follow the Preservation, she embodies Harmony too.

(“What? Ah, yes, the princess is very good,” Seele said. “Though she should stop overworking herself, she needs to relax and take care of herself-” 

“Seele! Stop complaining about my health, I’m fine!” 

“Bronya, you almost fell asleep in front of me this morning.” 

“I didn’t have my coffee.” 

“You need to stop living of coffee, princess!”)

The Herta Space Station still runs thanks to Asta, who always supports and understands her researchers, making sure everyone works together. Checks out: understanding, cooperation, support.

(“Thanks, friend! You’re always welcome to drop by and help.” 

Yes! I’m always up for taking care of Detective Peppy!)

The Trailblazer also met Ruan Mei, who follows Harmony too,apparently because her research focuses on creating and understanding life. Still, she was very rude for giving the Trailblazer that candy that changed their language!

(“I’m sorry, I had my reasons.” 

Still, IT WAS RUDE!!)

Finally, in Amphoreus, the Trailblazer met Tribbie, Trinnon, Trianne, and Cerydra. Tribbie sacrificed everything to support and guide everyone so the Prophecy could be fulfilled. Trinnon and Trianne always aided the Chrysos Heirs and the Trailblazer in their journey.

(“We will always be the guide of the Chrysos Heirs and the Prophecy.”)

And Cerydra… well, she’s the Demigod of Law, Order, which falls under the domain of Harmony.

(“I suppose it’s the closest I can get, but as the Imperator, I’ll always lead and aid my forces on the battlefield. So, I suppose if that’s what harmony means, that counts too.” 

“Whatever the Imperator orders, I’ll fulfill.” 

“Thank you, Dux Gladiorum.” 

“No need to thank me, my Imperator.”)

And with that… Everyone is done.

Harmony truly is a beautiful Path, and the Trailblazer is happy they can follow it.

Chapter Text

#12: Nihility

Nihility, the Path presided over by the Aeon IX.
THEY believe that the ultimate fate of the multiverse is nothingness, and therefore, worthless. Slothful, exhausted, and meaningless actions are manifestations of the Path of Nihility.

Acheron often wonders if other Pathstriders just see followers of Nihility as… depressed. After all, the philosophy of the Path is that everything is going to end, so everything is worthless.

“My dear Acheron, don’t talk nonsense. It’s true that some might see Nihility that way, but there are people in the universe who understand you.”

“You really believe that, memokeeper? Or are you just trying to make me feel better, Black Swan? If it’s the second one, don’t waste your breath. I don’t care.”

“Neither, my dear Acheron. I’m just defending myself, after all, I follow the same Path as you. Despite being a memokeeper, the nothingness of some memories made me struggle… still, I believe that life and memories are precious. And besides, our friends in the Express probably believe the same, one of them walks the same Path.”

“Mmm. True, our bonds shape how we see each other… but still, that doesn’t change what Nihility is.”

“No, it doesn’t. But it changes how you face it. After all, you were the one who said that knowing everything has an end, and struggling with that, is what gives meaning to life, my dear Acheron.”

“I did say that, yes… For example for Welt too, we talked about it once, and for him, that same lack of meaning is what gives us our purpose… fighting to find it, basically.”

“Indeed. Another example I’ve met is Fugue, though it was just in passing aboard the Express. I didn’t interact with her, but I know that for her, Nihility means being reborn and finding a new purpose after her trauma and struggles… she needs to rediscover herself, essentially.”

“Mmm. I see… The Trailblazer and Firefly also told us about Kafka and Silver Wolf from the Stellaron Hunters, they’re followers of Nihility too. I suppose they’re trying to rebel against their meaningless lives by following Elio, the Destiny’s Slave.”

“Indeed, my dear Acheron. They seem quite the company. Wouldn’t you want them to aid you in your search for IX?”

“No, thank you, Swan. I prefer to travel alone… and I don’t think I’d get along with all the Stellaron Hunters if they have their own… scripts? Firefly called them that. At any rate, they might have the same or different objectives. In the end, I’d rather find IX on my own, without putting anyone in danger… that includes you, Swan.”

“How sweet. You know I can take care of myself, don’t you, Self-Annihilator?”

“I know. And I still want to protect you anyway.”

“Ah, how can a woman say no to that… I’ll stop insisting then, my dear Acheron.”

“Thank you, Swan… and for worrying about me, too.”

“Aw, my pleasure, my dear Acheron.... Anyways, back to the topic at hand… In the Trailblazer’s memories, there were some interesting Nihility Pathstriders as well.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes. For example, from the Xianzhou, Guinaifen, from the Luofu. A streamer who seemed cheerful despite being an outsider and feeling the void of a lost home… and then a medic and cook from the Yaoqing, Jiaoqiu, who lived through a war that made him question the meaning of life.”

“Oh… so both of them struggle with the void and the loss of live.”

“Indeed. But they keep going with their lives and adventures. Apparently, the Trailblazer once went ghost-hunting with Guinaifen and three others from the Luofu, one of them a Foxian, a Ten-Lords Commission judge-in-training… quite interesting. Meanwhile, Jiaoqiu serves directly under General Feixiao. Quite impressive, if I might say so.”

“Yes… they keep themselves out of the nothingness. That’s good.”

“Mmm. And they’re not the only ones. In the Trailblazer’s memories of Belobog, there were three Pathstriders of Nihility, though one of them seemed more like a Masked Fool than anything.”

“Oh? What about them?”

“A young fighter named Luka, always training to get stronger. He struggles against hopelessness, rejecting the idea that life is pointless. He believes surviving itself proves life’s meaning. Then a young soldier named Pela, she thinks, like Welt, that we create our own purpose rather than seek one. And finally, Sampo, a businessman with an empty business… and an unknown path. Maybe the reason for his nihilism lies there. Sadly, the Trailblazer didn’t get to know him better.”

“Mmm. Interesting.”

“My dear Acheron.”

“Yes, Swan?”

“You weren’t paying much attention, were you?”

“…I’m sorry, Swan.”

“No worries. Let’s just get you out of this dream so you can rest before departing.”

“But Swan… you invited me to drink… we haven’t-”

“Shhh, it’s fine, my dear. We’ll have more opportunities in the future. I choose to believe that.”

“Mmm. A nice belief… yes, I like it.”

“Come on, let’s go.”

AND NOW IT’S MY TURN! THE GALACTIC BASEBALLER ENTERS THE SCENE! YEAH!! 

There are only two people left who follow Nihility that neither Acheron nor Black Swan know, because they’re from Amphoreus! So I’ll explain them!

Cipher! Her tragic past as an unwanted Chrysos Heir, and later as the Demigod of Trickery, led her to create a lie, a beautiful illusion so vast she couldn’t stay in one place anymore… or near Aglaea, who might have uncovered the truth. So yeah, that’s pretty depressing, deceiving so many for so long. Poor Cipher.
(“I can hear you! Also, don’t spill the beans like that, Gray Mystery!”)

And Hysilens! Who lacks personal conviction, feels emptiness, and searches for meaning in life… until she found it in following Cerydra!
(“Indeed, Gray Fry. The Imperator’s desires are mine.”
 “Dux Gladiorum.” 
“Yes, my Imperator.” 
“I’ll give you a feast in return, remember?” 
“That’s what I asked, yes, Imperator.” 
“So, your desire is mine to fulfill too.” 
“Thank you, my Imperator.”)

OKAY! THAT'S ALL FOLKS! GALACTIC BASEBALLER OUT!

Chapter Text

#13: Preservation 

“Preservation, the Path presided over by the Aeon Qlipoth.

Patient, sacrificial, and protective actions are manifestations of the Path of Preservation.”

PRESERVATION! YES, I HAVE THAT!... I mean, it’s true that the way I got it wasn’t exactly funny… after all, getting stabbed by the same flaming lance that I now wield doesn’t sound that great, huh? But it was in that moment that Qlipoth, the Aeon of Preservation, gazed upon me and granted me that power… so, I suppose it is good? Besides, with that lance I can protect my friends and draw the enemies’ rage toward me, becoming their only target for a while… which checks two boxes for Preservation: protection and sacrifice.

I’m still working on the “patience” part though… yeah, I’ll check that one later.

Anyway! March follows the Path of Preservation too, even if she got trained with the Hunt and now walks Remembrance (Evernight). She protects us with her six-phased ice shields, and even though she’s not the most patient person, she would sacrifice herself for Dan Heng, Himeko, Welt, or me without a second thought. So, that checks out.

But just so you know, nobody on the Express will ever let March sacrifice herself.

“Aww, thank you, Trailblazer! But the same goes for you too, you know? Even if that lance of Preservation protects you, using yourself as bait gives us heart attacks sometimes!”

I’m sorry… don’t worry, now I’ve got a cool quill with the power of Remembrance to use too!

Another one who follows Preservation, and whom we met in Belobog, is Gepard. He’s literally the shield of the people of Belobog, captain of the Silvermane Guards, and a devoted follower of Qlipoth. The Architects of Belobog all walk the Path of Preservation, and Gepard embodies it perfectly.

“Thank you, Trailblazer.I’ll keep doing my best to protect the Belobog and its people.”

Yep, the core of Preservation checks out!

In the Xianzhou, even though the main Path there is the Hunt, Fu Xuan follows the Path of Preservation. She’s fiercely protective of the Xianzhou, doing everything she can to ensure its survival through her divinations as head of the Divination Commission. She’s patient and protective, definitely Preservation material.

“My divination will make sure the Xianzhou survives and thrives. That’s all that matters.”

And finally, there’s Aventurine from the IPC, the Interastral Peace Corporation, which follows the Aeon Qlipoth and adds planets to their system to “protect” and “preserve” them… no matter the methods they use, or how much money they drain from them…

“Wow, friend, you went dark there.”

Sorry…

“I know, I know. Belobog and Penacony are still there, aren’t they?”

Yeah, you’re right. I shouldn’t have brought it up.

Anyway, Aventurine follows Preservation because he was granted its power by an Emanator,  Diamond, the big head of the IPC, who gave the Aventurine Stone to “Kakavasha.” Sometimes you might think a gambler like him wouldn’t fit Preservation.

“Hey, friend, that hurts.”

It’s all or nothing.

“Okay, touche.”

But the truth is, he’s actually a good person. He now uses his power to protect others, which fits perfectly with the core of the Path.

Well, that 's all. Way fewer followers than the other Paths, honestly.

I hope in future travels I’ll meet more people who walk the Path of Preservation — those who truly resonate with the desire to protect others, even at the cost of their own sacrifice.

I genuinely hope I’ll always be able to protect everyone on the Express… and in whatever world we travel to next.

Chapter Text

#14: Abundance

“The Path presided over by the Aeon Yaoshi.

Selfless, altruistic, and healing actions are manifestations of the Path of Abundance.”

Abundance… okay, this Path is weird. The extremes seem really dangerous.

I haven’t received the Gaze of Yaoshi, and honestly, after visiting the Xianzhou… I kind of understand why everyone there hates the Path of Abundance. Well, not the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, but still. Yaoshi’s Path feels like a difficult one to walk… it’s full of compassion, but it can easily go too far. After all, those were the same powers Dan Feng used to create a monster while trying to resurrect a friend… yeah, Abundance seems to make monsters rather than normal people sometimes.

But still, there are good people who follow this Path, people who genuinely heal and care for others.

For example, in Belobog, there are two people who follow the Path of Abundance: Natasha and Lynx. Both are healers, Natasha’s an actual doctor with years of training, and Lynx is more of a survival medic, always prepared with her first aid kit no matter how harsh the cold gets. They’re selfless, altruistic, and dedicated to helping others, so that checks out perfectly.

“A doctor should always use the right cure for the right person. So if you need something, I’m always here to aid.”

Thanks, Natasha!

“There’s nothing to worry about when you’re prepared. Next time you visit, I’ll guide you through the Snow Plains without problems.”

Can’t wait, Lynx!

Then, in the Xianzhou, there are a few healers who walk the Path of Abundance, though not necessarily as followers of Yaoshi.

First is Bailu, apart from being a healer, she’s a Vidyadhara born from that Abundance “incident” caused by Dan Feng’s mistake.

“I hope that’s not the only reason…”

Ah, sorry, Bailu, just a fleeting thought, forgive me.

“It’s fine, but I don’t follow Abundance even if I’m a healer! I’m from the Luofu!”

Of course, Bailu, my bad!

Then there’s Huo Huo, who’s more of a spiritual healer. She helps by sealing Heliobi with her partner, Tail.

“Oe oe, tidying up this mess isn’t something we want to do!”

“I mean… I do want to help if needed, Mr. Tail.”

Okay, I’ll leave you two to your… discussion.

And finally, Lingsha, the new Cauldron Master of the Alchemy Commission on the Xianzhou Luofu. She’s a Vidyadhara healer who uses aromatherapy in her treatments.

“The sense of smell is a powerful one, Trailblazer. I’m glad you remembered that.”

Of course! You healed us, so thank you!

“No need to thank me, friend.”

All three are healers, so they fit the Path of Abundance, even if they still follow the Hunt and Lan’s guidance more faithfully.

Also in the Luofu, we met Luocha, a merchant who used Abundance arts to heal us. Honestly, he seemed like a good person… so I hope everything’s fine with him. And that coffin.

“I’m fine, friend. This cell is pretty cozy.”

WAIT-WHAT!? WHAT CELL!? …LUOCHA???

And finally, in Penacony, there was Gallagher. He followed the Abundance, focusing on healing Penacony itself. Then he disappeared… Who was he, and what was his connection to Mikhail and the others? I don’t know. But he was a good guy, and I hope he’s okay.

Abundance seems to be a Path that tries to evade death, and that’s beautiful in its own way, but… death is part of life. Denying it completely can twist things, turning compassion into obsession. That’s how we get things like the Mara-struck or the Borisin, people who lose themselves, driven by endless hunger or the fear of decay.

Still, my friends who walk the Path of Abundance, they use it for good. To heal. To help. To protect life without losing themselves.

I hope that in future journeys, I’ll keep meeting people like them, those who follow the Path of Abundance not to escape death… but to cherish life.

Chapter Text

#15: Remembrance

“Possesses the ability to summon a memosprite with special abilities to fight alongside the team in battle.”

Remembrance… this Path is… honestly, I thought it was kind of good at the beginning. After all, saving memories so they aren’t lost sounds noble, but… between the Memosnatchers and what happened in Amphoreus with Evernight and, well, with Cyrene… recording each cycle and disappearing each cycle is… difficult for me to talk about.
I mean, having Mem and the Remembrance quill is useful, but… I just wish Cyrene didn’t have to suffer so much, or that the Memosnatchers weren’t so horrible, stealing memories and leaving behind empty shells…

Anyway, the people who use Remembrance are easy to point out.
There’s me! The Deliverer! … No, seriously, I, the Trailblazer, received the gaze of the Aeon Fuli here in Amphoreus during a test with Oronyx, the Titan of Time. Now I have the quill as a weapon, and Mem as my partner.
Cyrene is a good companion, whether in her Mem form or her human form. We’ll face Irontomb together and win for sure!

Then there’s Hyacine, healer of the Chrysos Heirs and the demigod who claims the Coreflame of the Sky from the Titan Aquila in each cycle. She has her companion, Little Ica, a small pegasus crowned with light who creates whirlwinds. Hyacine summons him in battle both to attack and to heal her allies (usually us, but we’re not her only friends).

Castorice and her dragon Pollux… Castorice is so sweet, despite her curse of bringing death to everything she touches. She’s kind and understanding… and touch-starved. I wish I could give her more hugs if I had the chance. I hope in the next cycle I’m immune to her curse, so I can hug her as much as she deserves.
She’s powerful in combat, and Pollux’s attacks are fierce. Of course, she follows Remembrance since Pollux is a memosprite.

Then there’s Aglaea and her companion Garmentmaker. When she invokes Garmentmaker in battle, it’s breathtaking, like witnessing a deadly dance, elegant and terrifying all at once. Garmentmaker moves through the threads Aglaea commands, her control flawless. Even if her eyes no longer see, her movements are graceful, and her strength unmatched.

And finally, Evernight, now March again. I’m so happy she’s back! (“Thanks, buddy! I’m glad to be back too!” Again, welcome back, March, I missed you!) Her memosprite, Evey, looks like a jellyfish that aids March and the others in combat, attacking enemies and supporting us with her light.

In general, Remembrance is a strong and beautiful Path in combat. The memosprites are loyal companions, they’ll always come when called, and they never forget the bonds that connect us.

Chapter Text

#16: Destruction

“The path presided over by the Aeon Nanook.
Reckless, wrathful, and destructive actions are manifestations of the Path of Destruction.”

Destruction, that’s actually my first Path! After all, in the Herta Space Station I got Nanook to look at me while we were fighting the Doomsday Beast, when I protected March recklessly. Nanook gazed at me, granting me the power of Destruction… and maybe I really am inclined toward that Path, considering I’ve got a Stellaron inside me.

Anyway, in the Herta Space Station I met Arlan, who also walks the Path of Destruction because he’s reckless and self-sacrificing. He protects the Space Station and Asta with reckless abandon and wrath, willing to break himself if it means protecting others. During the Antimatter Legion attack, he was badly injured defending everyone,a true Destruction follower if I’ve ever seen one.

In Belobog, both of the kids, part of the city’s bright future, Hook and Clara walk the Path of Destruction. Clara because she’s reckless when protecting others, even putting herself in danger and standing in front of a gun to save someone. Hook, on the other hand, leads a gang of kids in the crime-ridden Underworld; she’s reckless and always sneaking off into dangerous zones. Both are wild, yes, but I’m glad they have good people like Svarog, Seele, and Natasha looking out for them.

The Xianzhou was… surprising. That’s where I learned that Dan Heng had other powers, as the Imbibitor Lunae, he follows Destruction because his past incarnation, Dan Feng, brought devastation to the Luofu. His actions led to his downfall and imprisonment… to his own destruction.

Apart from Dan Heng in his Imbibitor Lunae form, I also met Blade, a Stellaron Hunter whose very existence is tied to Destruction. Dan Feng’s choices led him to this fate, and since then he’s been trying to destroy one person,Dan Heng.
There’s also Yunli from the Xianzhou Zhuming; she walks the Path of Destruction because she witnessed how cursed blades caused ruin and suffering. Now, she hunts those blades down to destroy and reforge them into new swords.

(“Here, I must add somebody,” Dan Heng says.)
Who?
“You don’t know her, but Jingliu, a former member of the High-Cloud Quintet, walks the Path of Destruction too.”
Why?
“Because she’s obsessed with punishing those who defy the divine and escape judgment.”
Sooo… you and Blade?
“Yes.”
… I’m sorry, man.
“It’s fine.”

In Penacony, I met three people who follow Destruction. Misha, who embodies Destruction because he’s a manifestation of Mikhail; then a heroic spirit from another world, whose powers in this universe echo her destructive nature from another; and finally, Firefly, the Stellaron Hunter Sam.

Firefly first appeared as a cheerful tour guide, showing me around the Golden Hour in Penacony. We had a great time at Aiden Park,and even though Sampo (or Sparkle, depending on who you ask) interrupted for a while, we later went to her hideout and took a really nice pho-
(“Trailblazer!”)
Ah, Firefly? What’s wro-
“You got carried away! Just tell them why I follow Destruction even if I work for Elio!”
Oh, right. Why do you follow Destruction, Firefly?
“…Are you- okay, fine. I follow Destruction because I was part of the Glamoth Legion. Now, I walk my own path, searching for either a cure for my condition… or a meaningful end.”
We’ll find it, Firefly.
“Thanks, Trailblazer.”

And finally, in Amphoreus, there are two who walk the Path of Destruction: Mydei and Phainon. Mydei because he’s the Kremnoan Prince, the future Strife. And Phainon… because he seeks to destroy Destruction itself,  the Aeon Nanook. As he once said, “Nanook, I bring you destruction!”

I follow Destruction, and I have a Stellaron in my body. But all the people I’ve met who walk this Path, they’re good people. They’re not the Antimatter Legion, not Phantylia, not Duke Inferno. The Path of Destruction isn’t just about annihilation, it’s about recklessness, wrath, and the will to fight back against ruin itself.

Chapter Text

#17: NPC

NPC. I had to ask Wolfie what that meant,  I’m not exactly familiar with video games (though I don’t say no to other kinds of games). Apparently, it stands for Non-Playable Character. In short: not the protagonist. Not the main focus. In other words, everyone who isn’t my lovely Trailblazer.

But all of them, of course, have their roles to play.

For example, aboard the Astral Express:

Himeko, the navigator. Capable, confident leader. Warm, optimistic, and nurturing with the Express’s younglings (a group that includes my little Trailblazer). Hmm… a little too rigid for my liking sometimes, but smart, I’ll give her that.

Then there’s Welt, wise and experienced, a calm co-leader with a serious demeanor, yet a secret flair for adventure. Always the one providing guidance. A reliable man… though not my type.

As for the younglings themselves, March 7th and Dan Heng. 

March is full of life, cheerful, energetic, always righteous against those “bad” Stellaron Hunters. So cute, really.

Dan Heng, on the other hand… the quiet dragon, reserved and stoic, yet kind and loyal to his friends. Blade is still hunting him, so I’ll reserve judgment. But he does seem like a fitting partner for my lovely Trailblazer.

I don’t know much about their time on Jarilo-VI, only that my dear made quite a few friends, even the Supreme Guardian of Belobog, as well as some rebels from Wildfire. Wolfie told me my lovely caused a bit of a ruckus (as always) and even earned some wanted posters (shame I couldn’t keep one). Apparently, they also won several game tournaments there, naturally.

The Xianzhou Luofu was… fun. My dear Trailblazer met me there, and Bladie too. Even though I was tied up for our little talk, I enjoyed it, especially when they decided to come to my aid when I called when everything was over… So obedient.

They also met Fu Xuan, the Head of the Divination Commission. Rigid girl, but smart enough to know when to step back. Lovely lady.

Then there’s General Jing Yuan, handsome, cunning strategist. Trapping us was no small feat, and once everything was settled, leaving the Luofu was more of a headache than it should have been. Clever man, though a bit too princely for my taste.

I’m sure my dear met more “NPCs” there, one of them a gamer, if Wolfie’s stories are right, but I wasn’t keeping track.

Ah, Penacony… my dear really made waves there. Facing Order itself and becoming a stakeholder of Penacony alongside the IPC and the Family, such ambition. I’m sure they’re enjoying their new authority. After all, they even decorated the Radiant Feldspar to their liking. So cute.

Now, the people they met there, Sunday and Robin: one structured and swallowed by the order till recently, the other pure harmony and light. I heard Sunday even joined the Express for a while now. I hope a little of his organization rubs off on my dear… just a little.

And Robin, the beautiful Robin, such a bright soul, singing to the stars. I hope she keeps singing. My dear adores her music.

Aventurine, the reckless IPC gambler, I just hope my dear doesn’t get too addicted to gambling.

(“Too late, Kafka,” Wolfie sighs. “They already bet against me in the pod races.”)

Sigh I should have known.

And then there’s Jade,  I hope that woman doesn’t try wrapping her slick, serpentine hands around my little one. I’d hate to have to… weave her into my web.

And of course, the reunion. Or rather, the new encounter with Firefly. She told me they had a wonderful time together, said my dear is as good and goofy as ever. That’s my little Trailblazer.

Firefly also mentioned meeting a Self-Annihilator and a Memokeeper, the latter being the one who pointed the Express to their next destination: Amphoreus.

They met more people, naturally, but none quite as important. After all, my dear is the protagonist, and the rest of us? We’re just the NPCs in their story.

Ah, that reminds me, we had two brief encounters in Penacony. Who would’ve guessed my dear would make such a fine bartender? Their drinks were divine. I enjoyed every drop.

“Kafka, the next script is ready.”

All right, then. Time to get back to work.

Thank you, Wolfie.

Chapter Text

#18: Physical

Physical… that's how Acheron would have described her dance with Black Swan. For a Self-Annihilator that lost everything to the Nihility, slowly but surely, that dance was something that stayed with Acheron…

Honestly, she didn’t expect to be that affected by Black Swan. She approached Acheron when she was still lost (she was looking for her room and ended up in that “high society” party), and Acheron was also a little bit tipsy, not enough to affect her, but enough to make her lower her guard a little when Swan approached her. After all, she knew Black Swan was a Memokeeper the moment she extended her hand.

Still, Acheron doesn’t regret accepting that hand and dancing, after all, it has become one of her best memories yet… maybe even the best one.

Taking Black Swan's hand, Acheron remembers the soft texture of her glove on her fingers, being guided to the center of the dance floor, and then the touch of her hand on her shoulder… her body pressed to Acheron's while holding hands and following the steps of the Memokeeper, dancing to the classical music and trying not to hurt Swan.

She honestly doesn't remember much of the movements. She just remembers that they were intertwined, bodies together, hands held, with Acheron following Black Swan’s movements and sinking deeper into her mind while dancing. Black Swan’s movements and touch made her both very aware of the physical connection and, at the same time, dulled her into trusting and following Swan’s steps mindlessly.

And then Swan asked… about Duke Inferno. At that moment, I couldn’t remember who he was or what she was talking about. What did I do? I didn’t remember. The Nihility had taken those memories and hidden them in the darkness. But at that moment, I realized Swan had lost track of her movements, and it was my responsibility to guide.

And I did, even if my movements weren’t as graceful as Swan’s, even if more than once I missed the rhythm, and even if at some point I touched Swan’s hands more than I should, trying to steady her since she seemed lost in thought.

I didn’t quite realize what Swan was doing, how she entered my mind and got a taste of the Nihility that lies within. I’ve already apologized, and I will apologize again in the future. After all, experiencing that was not enjoyable, and the experience must have been quite unpleasant. No wonder that when she came out of her thoughts and the dance was over, she was so out of breath, seeing what’s inside me must have terrified her.

I just thought that with me in the lead, she had made more movements than she meant to, that I had simply made her tired with my clumsy steps. But… it was that what she saw in my mind that exhausted her. I’m grateful, though, that her opinion of me is still that of an ally, maybe a friend and a confidant (I hope). After all, all our encounters after that have been the kind where, even in danger, we trust each other.

Still, going back, yes, my dance with Black Swan… maybe, with all this, it cannot be called just physical. After all, a Memokeeper touched my mind. But… for me, all that I remember is how we held hands, with our bodies pressed together and our steps intertwined in a wonderful dance.

Yes, physical. That’s how I would describe that dance.

And I hope Swan does too… remembering more than the abyss she saw.

Chapter Text

#19: Lightning

Black Swan didn’t mind lightning before. Apart from the memories of people who feared it, or those who admired it, she never felt much about that power herself.

She knew it was dangerous. It could harm or kill. Some people died fried after standing in its path; others were left scarred, burned, or shocked by it… some even lost the use of their bodies after a bad encounter, their nerves ruined by that single spark. Those were the people Swan truly pitied, stripped of their own flesh so cruelly. Some didn’t even realize it until it was too late… just a spark could do it.

But others admired lightning.
To them, it was beautiful, even in its mortality. Some saw beauty in its color: pure white or rainbow-tinted arcs cutting through the sky. Swan understood that kind of beauty; white was often a color of hope and purity in many cultures. Others loved its shape, the sharp, branching veins of light, like something drawn from a dream. And the most deranged admired it for its mercilessness, the way it struck without care, taking lives and leaving ruin behind, beautiful precisely because of its indifference.

Swan hadn’t minded lightning before.
But now… she understood its beauty.
Now, she had begun to admire a certain kind of lightning.

That lightning is purple.

That lightning has violet eyes with diamond-shaped pupils.

That lightning has long, dark purple hair.

That lightning carries a long sword, like an ōdachi, always sheathed.

That lightning can get lost easily, forgetting her own room.

That lightning glows with a violet hue, but hides a dark void within.

That lightning seems cold on the surface… yet holds a hidden kindness beneath.

That lightning is as dangerous as they say, but also as beautiful.

Acheron.
That purple lightning that now catches Black Swan’s gaze… is beautiful. And now Swan understands.
She only hopes she never stands in its path, and that she can keep looking at it a little longer.

“Swan?”

“Yes, Acheron, my dear?”

“You’ve been looking at me for a while. Is something wrong?”

“Ah, no, there’s nothing wrong, my dear. I was just… lost in thought.”

“About me?”

“About lightning.”

“Oh. Do you… fear it?”

“Yes, my dear. Lightning can be dangerous, after all… but I also find it beautiful, and alluring.”

“Oh.” (Acheron blushes softly.)

“Now, my dear, what were you saying before I drifted away?”

“Ah… yes. I managed to give Boothill what I needed to.”

Ah… I suppose I’ll have to say goodbye to this lightning soon.

Chapter Text

#20: Wind

Wind, the movement of the air. It can be a little breeze, a small gale, harmless almost to everyone. Some even like it when it’s warm and a small cold breeze comes to ease it, or when they are just walking around and feel the gale around the, like a hug from nature.

But the wind can also be a storm.
A hurricane, dangerous, strong, that can destroy things and blow them away, that can lift people into the air and make them regret going out of their homes… or staying in. Just regret getting in the way of that wind. If it’s cold, it bites; if it’s hot, it burns.

Wind is a powerful element, and Feixiao knows it.

The Xianzhou Yaoqing’s Merlin’s Claw, one of the Seven Arbiter-Generals, she needs to be flawless in battle and steadfast in protection. She needs to be always ready, always everywhere people need her to be. She needs to be fast… and she is.

Apart from being skilled in various martial arts, she wields her gunblades and war axe as extensions of her own body. She strikes, and before her enemies even realize it, she strikes again. She is faster than them. She is fast… she is fast like the wind. The wind is by her side.

That’s why Feixiao knows the wind can be both dangerous and gentle, because she embodies it.
Feixiao wields the wind not only to attack, but to defend, to move, to live. She has the wind engraved in every motion she makes.

Fast like the Wind.
Strong like the Wind.
Fluid like the Wind.
Relentless like the Wind.
Restless like the Wind.
Untamed like the Wind.

She needs to be like the wind, because if not, her time is running out. She bears the burden of the Moon Rage affliction… she needs to finish her duties before succumbing to it.

And that’s why right now she trains until she bleeds. 
That’s why right now her muscles scream in agony from tension.
That’s why right now, she’s interrupted.

“General Feixiao, it’s time to rest.”

“Jiaoqiu! Come join me in training!”

“I’m afraid not, General. You need rest. There’s a healthy meal waiting for you in the kitchen.”

“Oh, come on, don’t be a killjoy!”

“General, you’ve been training for four hours and twenty-three minutes straight without rest. And despite your belief in being restless like the wind, you still have a flesh-and-blood body. And I am still your doctor, General Feixiao. It is time for you to rest.”

“Okay, okay… and just for the record, Jiaoqiu, I am the wind.”

“I know, General. But that’s also why you need rest. The wind can be dangerous if not controlled.”

“Indeed, my friend… You’re right, as always, doctor. See you in the kitchen.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

Feixiao is like the wind, that’s why she keeps moving. Because if she stops, even for a moment, she fears she’ll fade.
But that’s why she has companions, to remind her that she is not only like the wind, but that she is General Feixiao. And that the Xianzhou needs her, not as a storm, but as a steady breeze.

Feixiao is the wind. But unlike the wind, she chooses when to be dangerous. Her target is the abominations, the Hunt’s arrows guide her blade. And she can be a sweet breeze to her people too.

For example… like now.

She runs to the kitchen like the wind.

“General! I told you to rest!” exclaims Jiaoqiu, feeling the gust she leaves behind.

Feixiao laughs.

Feixiao is like the wind, and she enjoys it.

Chapter Text

#21: Quantum

Seele knows her powers aren’t usual. She’s the only one in Wildfire with this type of power, and for a long time, she thought she was the only one on the planet. (Though now that Belobog is open, she knows that Lynx, Serval and Gepard’s little sister, has similar abilities, though hers are focused on healing rather than damaging enemies.)

So, when Bronya asked her three days ago about her powers, Seele didn’t know how to explain it.

She tried, of course, she didn’t want to disappoint Bronya, didn’t want her to think Seele didn’t understand her own strength. But…

When she started explaining, she realized it wasn’t easy.

When she tried an analogy, with Bronya’s powers, with Serval’s, Gepard’s, Pela’s, Luka’s, Trailblazer’s, March’s… none of them fit.

Bronya even pointed out that Lynx had similar powers, but since Lynx’s focus was healing, it wasn’t quite the same either.

Then Seele tried to describe the feelings, what it felt like to use her powers, but Bronya was even more confused. How could Seele feel like drowning and euphoric at the same time? How could she feel like floating, but fast?

For Bronya, it didn’t make sense.

And so, three days later, Seele is still trying to find a way to explain her powers.

And finally, she has an idea.

As always, she sneaks into the Supreme Guardian’s office, her form dissolving into a shimmer of purple and blue butterflies.

“Seele!”

Bronya exclaims as Seele materializes before her in a whirl of purple and blue butterflies.

“Hey there, princess.”

“I’ve told you already, a million times, to use the main door.”

“But, princess, where’s the fun in that? Anyway, are you still working-working, or just pretending so you don’t have to do it all in one week again?”

“I- uhhh… okay, I’m free. What do you need? Is it Wildfire?”

“Nope, it’s me. Remember three days ago, when you asked about my powers?”

“Yes… wait, Seele, did you spend the last three days thinking about that? It was just a simple question. It’s fine if you can’t explain it.”

“I- I didn’t… okay, I did. But listen, princess, I found the best way to explain it!”

“Mmm, then I’m all ears.”

“Come here.”

“Okay…”

As soon as Bronya steps closer, Seele sweeps her up, princess style.

“Seele!?”

“The only way to explain it is to show it! Hang in there, princess!”

“Wha-”

Seele activates her powers, teleporting the two of them from the office to the rooftops, and then to another, and another. The world blurs into violet light and weightless motion until they stop, finally, on the rooftop of the hotel.

Seele looks at Bronya, who’s catching her breath.

“How was it, princess?”

“Like… floating and drowning, but moving like the wind, no, faster than the wind. That was… I felt the adrenaline spiking. Is it… like this for you?”

“Euphoria, for me, princess.”

“That’s adrenaline, Seele.”

“Meh, tickles in the stomach that make you feel good.”

“Seele…”

“What? It’s true!”

“It is… Seele, your powers are marvelous.”

“Uh?”

“If you feel this whenever you fight, it’s no wonder you like it, and no wonder you’re one of the best.”

“It’s not just that, Bronya. I’m strong too. And I don’t like fighting, I do it because I need to.”

“Ah, I didn’t mean fighting humans. I meant the Fragmentum.”

“Oh… okay, that I don’t mind.”

“Seele.”

“Yes, Bronya?”

“How are your powers called?”

“The Nameless called it Quantum… but for me, it’ll always be my Sea of Butterflies.”

“Mmm… sounds better. Sea of Butterflies, floating, yet moving faster than air itself…”

“Mmm, too poetic, princess.”

“Hmph.”

“Are you pouting?”

“I was just trying to thin-”

“Princess.”

“Seele?”

“You don’t need to think about it or explain it anymore. You understand my powers now, right?”

“Yes… yes, I do.”

“Then that’s it!”

“Mmm. Thank you, Seele.”

“For what?”

“For taking the time to try and explain your powers to me.”

“Then thank you, Bronya.”

“Huh?”

“For being curious about my powers, so I could show you what it feels like.”

“Oh… you’re welcome, Seele.”

Seele knows her Quantum powers are difficult to explain but that doesn’t mean she can’t make Bronya understand them.

Chapter Text

#22: Imaginary

Himeko used fire, it was her element.
With her satellite and her sawblade as weapons, her main power was fire, and her strength lay in following up on the attacks of her allies.

Himeko had only fire.
That’s why sometimes she felt a little left out on the Express.

She knew it was a silly feeling, the younglings were the ones constantly evolving, after all. Welt was the same as her, having only his own element. But… everyone else on the Astral Express seemed to wield, or at least touch, the power of the Imaginary.

Welt used Imaginary energy through his weapon, the Star of Eden, to create black holes and manipulate gravity.
She couldn’t complain, they were the same in many ways: the older ones aboard, steady and experienced, even if their powers no longer evolved as freely as the younger Trailblazers’.

But still… It started with Dan Heng.

Dan Heng, with his Imbibitor Lunae form, powerful, graceful, draconic, wielded Imaginary energy to enhance his attacks, unleashing devastating blasts upon his enemies. Normally, he used Wind as his main element, concealing his true form. But that other self, was born of Imaginary power.
And Himeko couldn’t really complain; Imbibitor Lunae was Dan Heng’s past, and he rarely drew upon it.

Then came Penacony.
The Trailblazer, ever growing, ever evolving, had caught the gaze of the Harmony, of Xipe.
They awakened to Imaginary power, wielding it through Mikhail’s hat in elegant, rhythmic attacks and a special dance alongside Clockie to empower their allies in combat. Another youngling on the Express bearing Imaginary energy…
Himeko didn’t mind. Her dear Trailblazer was becoming stronger and accepting the way of the Trailblaze that Mikhail left behind, and going even further.

And then there was March 7th.

During their time training in the Luminary Wardance of the Xianzhou Luofu, March studied swordplay under the guidance of Jing Yuan’s pupil Yanqing, and the young swordswoman from the Zhuming, Yunli.
By the end, March had awakened Imaginary power, using it to strengthen her allies with her “bubble tea,” and then unleashing powerful slashes imbued with Imaginary light. She could even follow up after her empowered allies’ attacks.

And so, the only one aboard the Astral Express without Imaginary power… was Himeko. She knew she shouldn’t feel left out. But sometimes, she did.

And then-

“Himeko! I made you coffee!”

“Himeko! Let’s take a picture together!”

“Himeko, I found this old record in the archives, could you take a look?”

“Himeko, are you okay?”

Every time, one of them interrupted her thoughts- 
the Trailblazer, proudly holding a cup of questionably brewed coffee;
March, running with her camera;
Dan Heng, asking for her insight;
and Welt, ever perceptive, quietly reading her emotions without a word.

Himeko uses fire, and that is enough.

She will protect the Nameless.
She will guide the Astral Express.
She will keep trailblazing as its navigator…
until their paths finally part, and the Express welcomes new passengers beneath the stars.

Chapter Text

#23: Fire

“I fight for myself. Until everything... burns out!”

Firefly’s powers are Fire and Destruction. She is strong, with SAM, even if her real body is slowly turning to ash. Still, she fights. Her armor, built by Glamoth, was meant to be a weapon against the Swarm.

She spent so much time fighting those damn bugs… She remembers how everyone fought beside her, soldiers who followed orders without question, willing to sacrifice themselves and their companions. So many lives lost in the name of “For your Majesty.”

Firefly…

Firefly recognizes now that they were all just tools. Tools for her. But back then, she didn’t realize it. She believed they all had a chance, that after winning against the Swarm, they could live normal lives, free and happy. But they were never meant to live. They were built to shut down in time… And none of them knew.

Her comrades all burned before they could understand. They burned in battle, bright and brief, fighting the Swarm, following orders like good soldiers. But even a short life has the potential to shine brilliantly. And they did. Every one of them shines in Firefly’s memories, eternal and untouchable.

She doesn’t want to die.She wants to live. She wants to heal, to keep burning, not to fade away. That’s why she burns now, not for Glamoth, but for the future. Live to fight. Fight to live.

Her power is Fire,even if she knows that, one day, it may consume her. After all, fireflies are drawn to flames… and sometimes, they burn because of it.

Still, Firefly is grateful, for everything, for everyone.

She’s grateful to Kafka, for finding her and giving her purpose. Even if she doesn’t always like the scripts, even if she tries to ignore them (and fails), Kafka taught her how to live like a normal girl. How to use makeup, how to dress, how to be herself. Firefly loves makeup because of Kafka.

She’s grateful to Silver Wolf, even if Silver Wolf teases her sometimes during games or says her choices don’t suit Kafka. Silver Wolf always helps her, not just because of the scripts, but because she wants to. Firefly knows that. And even if combat isn’t a game to her, she understands what Silver Wolf means… and she’s grateful.

She’s grateful to Blade, too. Even though they desire opposite things,Blade seeks death, Firefly seeks life, they are both defying fate. Both walking toward the same inevitable end, but on different paths.

And… she’s grateful to the Trailblazer. Not just for their time together with the Stellaron Hunters (which she really shouldn’t talk about), but for Penacony. They knew she was lying from the very beginning, and still, they followed her through the dreamscape. Even when that fake Sampo interrupted them, they still made it to the Observation Deck in Dream’s Edge. They talked, honestly, finally, and took a photo together.

She loves that photo.

She wants more photos.
More time.
More moments with the Stellaron Hunters… with the Trailblazer… with the Nameless.

Firefly wants to live.
She is burning, but she will find a way to rise from the ashes.

Chapter Text

#24: Ice

Herta’s powers are Ice, that’s why Herta Puppet’s powers are Ice too. And there’s another person Herta knows who uses Ice, Ruan Mei, #81 of the Genius Society.

There are probably more nobodies who use Ice or have Ice powers, but Herta doesn’t care about them. She just cares about herself and… well, Ruan Mei, since she’s a genius among geniuses, someone Herta respects, admires, and has a good relationship with.

Though Herta must admit, Ruan Mei’s powers are different from hers. After all, Ruan Mei uses her understanding of life and Harmony powers to aid her companions in combat, while Herta uses her understanding of magic, physics, and technology to debilitate her enemies.

Ruan Mei’s Ice powers focus on strengthening allies and keeping enemies weaker and more vulnerable once their weakness is broken.

Meanwhile, Herta’s powers focus on dealing damage, she forms an “interpretation” of her enemies and uses that “interpretation” to deal even more damage with her Ice attacks.

Herta can’t say her powers are stronger than Ruan Mei’s, or that Ruan Mei’s are stronger than hers. It depends on the combat situation and the companions involved. There are many variables that can make Ruan Mei’s abilities more advantageous than Herta’s, or vice versa.

But that doesn’t mean Ruan Mei’s powers are boring. Quite the opposite, actually. Despite both using Ice, they each wield it in completely different ways, and that makes Herta admire Ruan Mei’s strength even more.

Honestly, Ruan Mei is one of those geniuses who, despite knowing Herta’s personality isn’t the best, still comes and accepts her invitations, like creating the Divergent Universe or using part of the Herta Space Station as a lab for her Swarm experiments.

Herta admires Ruan Mei… and Ruan Mei admires Herta back.

Ruan Mei believes that fighting beside Herta is a treasured experience.

Herta believes that Ruan Mei is very talented.

Herta believes Ruan Mei is a genius among geniuses… and Ruan Mei thinks Herta is similar to her on a deeper level.

Still, Herta should stop getting lost in her thoughts and get ready, Ruan Mei failed her last experiment this morning, and Herta needs to go congratulate her with the cake she just prepared!

“Congratulations. Experiment failed again, didn’t it?”

“Herta…”

“What’s that? Are you disappointed? Then remember that for a genius-”

“There is nothing more precious than failures. You already told me that.”

“Then cheer up, and congratulations! I brought cake.”

“Oh? Is it small this time?”

“What do you take me for? Of course it’s small this time! You finally developed a good taste!”

“Mm, well, what are we waiting for? We can talk and eat at the same time.”

“Exactly my thoughts.”

Herta admires Ruan Mei… after all, as long as Ruan Mei’s happy, she’s happy too.

Chapter Text

#25: Weapon

Black Swan knew Acheron was strong — not only for being a Self-Annihilator but because of her sword skills. Almost every time Swan saw Acheron fight, Acheron’s sword was still in its sheath. Acheron almost never unsheathes her sword, unless the enemy is so strong she needs to, or special reasons on the battlefield force her to do it.

Acheron is mysterious, her past surrounded in Nihility, the origin of her sword buried in that void of memories that IX takes from her from time to time. Swan knew Acheron held her sword in high esteem, she had seen Acheron carry it everywhere, sometimes cleaning it, treating it with care.

Black Swan didn’t know much about Acheron’s sword… She knew it came from Acheron’s past, she knew Acheron cared for it deeply… and she knew that when Acheron did unsheath her sword, her opponents never lasted.

Still, Swan was curious, which is partly why she is a memokeeper, her curiosity for other people’s experiences. That’s why now she is having a drink with Acheron (even if she cannot taste it), who agreed to meet up. But… Swan hasn’t asked about the sword yet. They’ve just been talking, drinking, and having a pleasant time in general.

“Swan?”

“Ah, sorry my dear Acheron, I got lost in thought.”

“Thoughts? What kind of thoughts, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Well, you are very mysterious, my dear Acheron… just like that sword you wield and care for.”

“Ah… The name of my sword is Naught. And it is the last thing I have from my homeland.”

“Acheron…”

“It’s fine. I know you’re just curious and… well, my sword is part of what I am. You should know more about me… if you want.”

“My dear Acheron, I’d love to know more about you.”

“Then… My homeworld, Izumo, was at war. There were twelve great swords called Edict Edges that were reforged into two, Origin, which I wielded for a time, and End, which my compatriot wielded…”

“You don’t seem happy about this compatriot.”

“He… he was not good. I killed him, but… well, the Nihility took everything. I took End and Origin, and Naught was forged.”

“My dear Acheron…”

“Naught is all that I am. It represents my self. After all, when unsheathed, it unveils the memories stored within - every instance I’ve swung it, in the beginning, the end… and nothingness. And I’ll bring the end to Nihility with it.”

“Acheron…” 
Swan whispers, almost regretting asking, but not regretting it at the same time. After all, knowing about Acheron is always beautiful to her.

“…”
Acheron was lost in her head, her eyes without light, her sigh wandering somewhere afar.

“My dear Acheron” 
Swan says, caressing the Self-Annihilator’s cheek to draw her back from the void.

“Swan?”

“You got lost in the void, my dear.”

“Ah… sorry.”

“No, my dear, I should be sorry. I should have known asking about Naught wasn’t pleasant for you.”

“But Swan, you don’t need to be sorry for that. I agreed, remember?”

“Yes… but still, you got lost in the void because of me.”

“Swan.”

“Yes?”

“Did you enjoy knowing more about me?”

“Yes, my dear. It’s always pleasant to learn about you.”

“Then it was okay.”

“Acheron…”

“Besides, you can drag me back more easily than most, Swan. Thank you.”

“My dear Acheron, there’s no need to thank me for bringing you back. I won’t let that void consume you.”

“…”

“My dear Acheron, your existence is precious. Don’t forget it.”

“If a memokeeper says so… I suppose I can’t deny it, can I?”

“You can deny or accept whatever you want, my Self-Annihilator… but please, believe me in this, for me, you are more than a weapon, Acheron. For me, your existence is precious.”

“But Swan-”

Swan silences Acheron with a gentle touch on her cheek.

“No discussion on that, my dear.”

“Okay.”
Acheron closes her eyes, leaning slightly into Swan’s touch.

“Good.”

Acheron might believe herself a weapon… but for Black Swan, she is one of the most beautiful existences in the universe, and Swan will keep reminding her, for as long as it takes.
After all, even within the void of Nihility, Acheron’s heart is precious.
(And Acheron herself is beautiful too… maybe Swan should tell her that, she’ll record Acheron’s reaction to it in her memories.)

Chapter Text

#26: Astral

The Astral Express was calm.

Pom-Pom was cleaning around as always, completing their chores as Conductor.

Himeko was brewing her coffee in the Party Car.

Welt was sitting in the Parlor Car, listening to the Interastral Podcast News.

Dan Heng was in his room, reading and investigating the Astral Express archives.

March 7th was in her room, developing the photos of the last world and saving them in her album.

And the Trailblazer was… nowhere to be found. Which makes sense, after all, whenever they are in the Astral Express, the Astral Express is not calm.

Like that time they convinced March 7th to decorate the Parlor Car with colorful lights, pretty but annoying and catchy songs, and a small pine tree covered with delicate ornaments. And while placing the “presents” beneath the tree, it toppled over, breaking all the balls and sending the lights crashing to the floor. Of course, they cleaned and tidied everything afterward, but still, it was a small heart attack to suddenly hear CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! echo through the Express. Poor Pom-Pom almost thought the train had been damaged.

Or that time they were in the archive with Dan Heng and launched a surprise attack on him, which turned into a full-on fight across the entire Express, only stopping when Pom-Pom got caught in the crossfire. They apologized, cleaned up, and even helped Pom-Pom with chores for a month afterward.

Or that time they and Welt played video games for three straight nights, shouting and arguing so much that nobody could sleep. Himeko kept making them coffee, and they drank it without even realizing what they were tasting. But on the fourth day, she brought them a “special” tea that made them fall asleep before everyone else, the first quiet night after the video game riot.

Or that time they tried to make Himeko coffee… and ended up burning the coffee maker and part of the Party Car. They had to pay for the repairs and gift Pom-Pom special anti-fire clothes. Himeko wasn’t pleased with the coffee either, so it was all for naught.

So… the Astral Express was calm.

…Until now.

“Hey guys! Look! I brought a new plant!”

“Huh? What kind of- TRAILBLAZER, THAT’S A CARNIVOROUS PLANT!”

“I know!! Isn’t it beautiful?”

“NO, IT’S NOT!”

“IT CAN KILL US!”

“IT EATS PEOPLE!”

“WE ARE NOT SAFE!”

“But look! It has a nice feeling on the pet-AAAAAAAALS!”

“Trailblazer!”

And just like that, the Astral Express stopped being calm… typical.

Chapter Text

#27: Wish

Wish, a desire or hope for something to happen.

A feeling, an expression of a strong desire or hope for something that cannot, or probably will not, happen.

Seele used to wish when she was little: for food, for toys, for a better life. Back then, wishing was all she could do. But then, she found them, she found Wildfire (well, Oleg found her, but that’s just a technicality). She found her place, her home. She started trying to make a difference… and wishing became working… wishing became fighting… wishing became helping.

Wishing became useless... wishing became painful..., because it never came true. So Seele stopped wishing. She started believing and acting instead. She believed in Oleg, Natasha, Luka, and the others. She did her part so that things would become better. She didn’t need to wish, she needed to believe in her comrades and make it happen.

Seele hadn’t wished in years… until she appeared. Bronya, a Silvermane Guard, Cocolia’s daughter, the next Supreme Guardian. The one who opened the path between Belobog and the Underworld after defeating her own mother, with the help of the Trailblazer, the others and Seele herself.

And Seele started wishing again.

Not for grand or impossible things, just small, quiet wishes. To see Bronya from time to time. To spend a moment with her. To say hello. To wish her rest. To wish her good dreams.

It was the first time in a long time that Seele wished… 

The strange thing was, she didn’t even realize it most of the time. And stranger still, sometimes, her wishes came true without her doing anything. Bronya would appear without Seele asking to meet her. She’d find Bronya resting for once, or smiling as she spoke about her dreams, dreams of Belobog’s future, warm and bright, the kind both of them wished to see.

But with time, those wishes became… more.

She wished to spend more time with Bronya. To see her safe. To take her hand, to hug her… To…To have something she shouldn’t have, something she couldn’t have.

After all, Bronya was the Supreme Guardian. She wouldn’t be interested in Seele that way.

So wishing began to hurt again.

And Seele did what she always did, she acted instead. Worked harder. Avoided Bronya’s invitations. Avoided Bronya herself.

But now she couldn’t. Bronya had requested her for a mission.

And so Seele stood before the door to Bronya’s office, hesitating before finally entering. Bronya, as always, was surrounded by paperwork.

“Hello, Princess. You called?” Seele said, making Bronya look up from the document she was reading, her expression oddly conflicted.

“I did.”

“Well, here I am. What mission do you need me for?” Seele asked lightly.

Bronya’s gaze drifted away. Her lips tensed… was that a pout?

“Is that it? Not even a ‘How are you doing?’ Or a ‘How have you been?’”

“Princess?”

“You’ve been avoiding me.”

“What? No, no, I’ve just been busy.”

“You canceled the last three meetings with me. And now that I call you for a ‘mission,’ you don’t even break into my office with your powers like you always do. Did I… do something wrong?”

“NO! No, you didn’t do anything wrong, Bronya.”

“Then why?”

“I… I haven’t been avoiding you. I’ve just been busy,” Seele murmured, unable to meet Bronya’s eyes.

“Liar,” Bronya whispered, though Seele didn’t react.

“…Alright then. Never mind. Your mission today is to help me with this paperwork from Wildfire.”

“What? Paperwork? Bronya…”

“Seele, you know Wildfire better than I do. And… having your company would be… pleasant.”

Seele blushed slightly at the last word.

“Okay, Princess. My mission today is tackling boring paperwork.”

And so Seele sat down, taking the stack of papers Bronya handed her.

They worked for hours, Seele occasionally asking questions about certain terms, or letting their small talk fill the quiet.

By night, Seele was done with her part, and when she looked up, Bronya had fallen asleep at her desk. Seele sighed softly and smiled. She stood, walked over, and gently lifted Bronya in her arms, carrying her princess-style to her room. After removing Bronya’s boots, she tucked her into bed.

But as Seele turned to leave, a hand caught hers. Bronya’s hand… and Bronya, looking sleepy and pleading.

“Princess?”

“Stay…” Bronya murmured sleepily.

“But-”

“Please, Seele… I just wish you’d stay this one time. Please?”

Seele’s eyes widened, then softened. She smiled and sat down beside her.

“Okay, I’ll stay. Can I get my hand back for a minute?”

Bronya pouted but released her. Now with her hand free, Seele slipped off her shoes and climbed into bed too. Bronya immediately reached for her hand again.

“Thank you,” Bronya whispered.

“You’re welcome, Princess. I’m glad you wish me to stay.”

“Mmm… I’ll always wish you to stay. I’ll always wish you to stay by my side, too…”

“Sleep, Bronya. You need it.”

“Mmm… good night.”

“Sweet dreams.”

Now Seele knew wishing could be painful… but it could be wonderful too. After all, now that she knew some of Bronya’s wishes were the same, she couldn’t help but hope that more of them were, so maybe, someday, both of their wishes could come true.

But even if not, Seele would always try to make Bronya’s wishes come true.

Always.

Chapter Text

#28: Enemy

The Stellaron Hunters were supposed to be the enemies of the Astral Express... Stelle knew that. She knew they were criminals, dangerous people with bounties on their heads… but then… why were they always helping her? Guiding the Astral Express to different destinations? Or just showing up to have a good time when there were events around?

Stelle knew the Stellaron Hunters were supposed to be enemies, but… she couldn’t think of them that way.

With Kafka, it was strange, Kafka knew so much about Stelle, about her mannerisms and behaviors. Their time together in the Xianzhou was confusing; it felt like Kafka always knew what Stelle was going to ask and took advantage of that to guide her. And then there was that game, two truths and one lie. Stelle still isn’t sure which one was the lie… but she’s pretty sure that she and Kafka knew each other before her amnesia, and that they were important to each other. Stelle knows Kafka will appear again someday, and when she does, Stelle will be waiting, ready to ask more questions, hoping for more answers.

Then there’s Blade… he was strange too. A threat, but also someone who made it clear that Stelle was once with the Stellaron Hunters, with Kafka. He even called her puppy. Anyway, Blade is dangerous, but it’s clear he follows Elio’s script, and his only goal seems to be to die. So, he wouldn’t hurt anyone on the Express unless the script demanded it.
“I think he would kill me.”
“Ah, Dan Heng!”
“After all, I still need to pay the price according to him.”
“He won’t dare go against the script.”
“Then I hope Elio never gives him a script where he kills me.”
“...Me too.”

Silver Wolf was fun, always playing around at events or hacking into the Herta Space Station just to mess with Herta. Most of the time it was harmless, and when she did hack things around Stelle, it was just to play or have fun with her. She even let Stelle take her place a few times. Stelle likes Silver Wolf. She’s good.

And finally, the last Stellaron Hunter (Stelle doesn’t count Elio , she hasn’t met him in her current memories, so she doesn’t know if he’s good or bad)… Firefly.

Firefly wasn’t an enemy when Stelle met her. In Penacony, Firefly acted like a native and showed her around the Golden Hour (even if they got interrupted by that fake-Sampo, Sparkle). She took Stelle to one of the most beautiful places she had ever seen, the Observation Deck. Stelle still has that photo saved; it’s a treasure she’ll keep for as long as she can.

It’s true that on the Observation Deck they had a serious talk, Firefly revealed that she had been lying, but for Stelle, even when Firefly lied, she didn’t feel like an enemy. Later, when they were separated and Firefly died in front of her, only to return as Sam, they didn’t fight. Sam even asked Stelle to join him, and though she refused, there was no battle between them.

Even after Firefly revealed herself as Sam, she never felt like an enemy. They collaborated, they had fun in the SoulGlad™ Audition (even if it was for the mission), and then, in the Radiant Feldspar dancing together under the fireworks, that was one of Stelle’s most precious memories.

Stelle can’t consider the Stellaron Hunters enemies. She wouldn’t be able to face Firefly, Sam, as one. Facing Kafka and Blade was possible (she had done it before in Xianzhou), but it was painful. Facing Silver Wolf would be… impossible.

Still, the Astral Express sees the Stellaron Hunters as enemies. So Stelle will try to think of them that way too… even if, when the time comes, she knows it will be very difficult.

Chapter Text

#29: Fashion

Kafka was the one who taught Firefly about fashion, Kafka, with her coats, her makeup, her spotless attire and looks… she taught Firefly how to dress nicely, how to apply makeup, how to look more… girly.

Sadly, Firefly wasn’t able to put those teachings into practice, after all, she wasn’t able to move freely. She was trapped in her pod, unable to go outside without wearing the SAM armor.

Firefly wished for the day she could wear beautiful dresses, add a touch of makeup, and finally feel more like a girl than a war machine. So when the Penacony script came, telling her that she would be able to move around in her normal body within the dreamscape, she was so happy. She could finally be herself.

When Penacony arrived and Wolfie hacked her into the dreamscape, Firefly chose to appear as herself, not SAM, not the armor, but Firefly: a normal girl, with a lovely dress, low heels, and a beautiful headband. For the first time in her life, she could finally use what Kafka had taught her about fashion… and she loved it.

When Firefly looked at herself for the first time in the dreamscape, she cried a little. She was just so happy, she finally felt like the girl she wanted to be… the girl she dreamed of being.

It only got better from there.

People treated her like a normal person, not a criminal. She could wander around, visit shops, even eat at restaurants. Everyone was so kind to her, some even complimented her looks, calling her pretty. A few shopkeepers tried to sell her new makeup (though she politely refused, she was using Kafka’s recommendations and intended to keep it that way), and others offered her shoes and clothes. She was just… a normal girl.

But then the Bloodhounds started following her, and she had to lose them. And then something even better happened, she found her. The Trailblazer. Stelle. And Stelle called her “pretty lady” and tried to protect her from the Bloodhounds, just as she asked. Gallagher had to step in to drive them away, but hearing Stelle call her “pretty lady”… that made her day.

And it only got better after that. Their “tour” around the Golden Hour was beautiful, even if it got interrupted by that masked fool Sparkle disguised as Sampo (Firefly still doesn’t quite understand why Stelle is friends with that scammer). It got better when they sneaked into Dream’s Edge, Firefly is grateful for Stelle’s relaxed attitude toward the rules and her willingness to follow her into off-limits areas.

The highlight of that day was the photo at the Observation Deck. It’s one of Firefly’s most treasured memories, and she hopes Stelle treasures it just as much.

Things got strange after that, getting dragged into the depths of the Dreamscape was already disorienting, but that was nothing compared to her death and awakening in Dreamflux Reef. She only hoped Stelle could forgive her for dying in front of her… and that she found comfort with her companions afterward.

Then came their encounters when she was Sam, and the fights that followed. It wasn’t the best situation, but not the worst either, at least nobody ended up dead.

And then the SoulGlad™ Scorchsand Audition Venue, where she had so much fun with Stelle during the contest games. Firefly even got patted on the head (even if that wasn’t the right answer at the time), laughed at Stelle’s antics, and shared good moments with the Nameless. (And seeing Stelle turned into Hanu was hilarious, even if she won’t admit it.) Meeting Argenti there was… unexpectedly weird. Firefly didn’t know how Stelle knew him, but she was glad they didn’t have to fight, the fewer battles, the better. (Though Firefly will never admit it, she’s not sure she would’ve won against Argenti.)

Anyway, back to the topic. Fashion.

Firefly used Kafka’s teachings in Penacony for the first time, and they truly paid off. So now she’ll keep improving, she’ll ask Kafka for more lessons, more advice, so that the next time the script allows… Firefly will be even more alluring.

More fashion.