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Chapter Text

"When you lost your parents, your world fell apart."

"You have these... visions of impending hell on Earth because that's how you feel inside."

"Even with words like darkness and fire."

I don't understand who I'm supposed to be. But all I know is that there is one sun cult out there that needs to be destroyed. And I will avenge him for his wicked deeds. This is for myself, Krista and my parents. 

It’s been one hell of a trip to go through something that you’re not intended to do. Join a cursed Sun cult, worshipers of the sun, dressed in cream colored robes, raising fire lit torches in the halls of the lost city of Atlantis. And I was one of them, chosen to wield the legendary Orichalcum bey - the empyrean sun god, Sol Blaze V145 AS. A Beyblade so dangerous, I could almost crumble Earth apart with my explosive special move, Blaze Execution.

I’m Helios Ryuzaki, grandson of Bakim. Born in Pherae, district of Velestino, Greece. Yes, I'm named after the Greek sun god, Helios who reigned supreme over the solar system. And according to legend, I did have a sister named Selene. She’s the personification and beauty of the moon. Who knows? I might stumble upon a blader one day named Selene who’s beyblade is the moon. Vesper Luna, she’d call it. 

Trust me, Sol Blaze is better. How in the world did I get Sol Blaze? When I was part of the Sunfoot cult, my grandfather Bakim told me that the legendary Orichalcum bey was sealed behind the stone walls of the Lost city of Atlantis. I called it a bluff in the first place, thinking that the sun - the literal gas giant that fueled the solar system alive, keeping all planets on track with its revolution, is hidden 5,000 ft. below sea level. Thankfully we weren't geared as scuba divers. Atlantis rose like a rumbling podium, ready to be explored by almost anyone on sight. 

We hitched a small yacht over the roaring waves to our designated location. A whirlpool surged in front of the boat as a large undisclosed city rumbled above the surface. Bakim took liberty to beckon me and his followers down the cold hearted walls of the ancient parthenon. I felt sharp and confident when he halted in front of the throne of Poseidon. Crystalized blue rocks illuminated the space, the walls pulsing in and out with the same corresponding color. Bakim proceeded to insert his beyblade, Dark Poseidon 145 WD into the slot. The wall slightly rumbled, setting a few soldiers off course. Exclamations of awe and shock rippled across the Sunfoot Soldiers, clamouring in perplexion. I remained calm and serious, my sharp gaze critically staring at a cluster of smoke that hissed out of the square shaped hole. There it was. The legendary sun god. The red anodized fusion wheel, Sol glowed ruby red, its individual leaf shaped palettes akin to dragon scales. It's clear wheel, flaring orange like the sun’s solar prominences, roaring in fury through space. The face of Sol Blaze: A simple sun emblem with 6 sun rays protruding outwards like a snowflake. In each ray, spelled the letters S  U  N . 

Bakim gestured me to grab the beyblade. With a confident and obedient nod, I held my breath, a tingle of warm dedication flowing within my heart. I felt my body grow warmer and warmer in response to Sol Blaze. I raised Blaze towards the dilapidated ceiling, a beam of blazing fire flaring towards the sky. Yelling in sheer fury, the beyblade began to form an unbreakable bond the same way Gingka did with Pegasus. 

Supposedly, I was chosen according to Bakim's interpretation of Atlantis' prophecies. (paraphrased) "Only the pure of heart can fly with the wings of Pegasus". 

I could only fathom as to what Bakim was doing was for the good of the Sun Foot soldiers. After the discovery of my chosen Beyblade, I agreed to Bakin’s objective in accordance with the prophecy.

I began to hunt for Gingka and his Pegasus.

Gingka and his friends were at the summer tournament. Apparently the WBBA has arranged to test the skills of all bladers. I silently stood behind the stands, a shadow crossing my face like a unanimous stranger. After Gingka’s sweet victory against both Kenta and Tsubasa, that’s when I struck fear and sheer terror in every blader’s heart. Most of them collapsed after I unleashed Blaze into the beystadium, the sun god bey flaring like a blender of colors: ruby red and solar orange. Streaks of ash streaked across the surface of the army green colored Beystadium, smoke and embers hissing around me. 

That’s when I introduced myself. Gingka lightly growled, growing tense in anticipation. So this was the chosen Pegasus blader according to Bakim’s prophecy. I smirked, challenging him to a quick battle. We both launched our beys. I was able to read Pegasus’ movements and special move in battle, more precise than his beymechanic, Madoka. Pegasus took to the skies. Gingka yelled out in battle: Pegasus Starbooster Attack! 

A rush of arderline flowed through me. My sudden shock converted to a sly smirk. The moment Pegasus’ Galaxy wheel made contact with Sol Blaze’s face, that’s when all hell broke loose. (Oh, behold the pun)

My eyes fiercely dilated red. I raged in revenge, a ball of fire conjuring at the palms of my gloved hands. Almost making me resemble like a vicious demon. Dragon fangs lashed out as I leapt forward. A massive explosion of flames scorched the beystadium, crumbling the whole perimeter. Gingka was speechless with shock. His Galaxy Pegasus was wedged through the rubble, badly damaged and cracked from the intense fight. I instinctively caught Blaze and dismissed his pitiful friends without a word. 

Days flew by as Bakim assigned me with a new task: to meet up with three more bladers that were supposedly tracking me and his Space Ark down. I met them by the lighthouse on the cliff, waves roaring behind me. One of them wielded the green unicorn, Ray Striker D125 CS. It was interesting to watch it perform in battle, let alone be commanded by a black spiky haired unicorn freak with the greenest lightning shoes. Cowardly as he was, he backed off from my challenge as Ryutaro trapped me in with his beyblade’s special move. Thermal Pieces’ Distortion Drive. He drew a bizarre 5 pointed star on the ground with his fan, conjuring a distorted realm. Shades of wavy darkness and light waved around me like a synthesizer. Attempting me to fall dizzy towards its immaculate effect. It barely fazed me. I could only smirk darkly in return. 

Despite the funky light waves, Ryutaro foolishly caught himself into my trap: Sol Blaze’s fiery revenge. The force of blazing flames violently pushed away Ryutaro, Masamune, and the crab freak Tetsuya. Another blader was secretly hidden in the upper floors of the lighthouse, attempting to snipe my beyblade from battle. Tobio, the red eyed sharpshooter. Their target to defeat me and Sol Blaze wasn't enough as I charged forward, declaring the legendary beyblade as the Divine Dragon sun god of Atlantis. 

All 4 of them, staggering, pulsing in pain, from the wrath of Sol Blaze. Smoke hissed from my glove as I dismissed them without a word. 

I was then assigned with the next objective: to test Gingka and his Pegasus on Bakin’s Space Ark. My grandfather built the ark from a very young age, proud to have completed it by the time I lost my parents. I recall no memories of what happened to the two when I started to live with Bakin. Perhaps he knew it from the bottom of his heart but was too selfish to tell me and mischievously kept it as a disclosed secret. He declared that with the Space Ark that he built, his desire was to rebuild Atlantis with 5,000 tons of steel. It was bigger than the Titanic: an intricate labyrinth of everything combined. It was also capable of storing an expensive art gallery: from various popular paintings to the infamous David statue (yes, he’s still nude, for your info.) It even held various animals onboard from elephants, monkeys, and giraffes to cows, pigs, and chickens. 

I never concurred as to what significance the animals played a role on the Ark. I remember Madoka telling me about the story of Noah’s ark and how that could be related to the Space Ark instead. Needless to say, we would have ended up in a wreck had it not been one of the Sunfoot’s soldier’s excellent steering across the Atlantic ocean’s primordial waters.

After extensive research on the lost city of Atlantis, Gingka and his friends finally agreed to meet me on the deck of the Ark, transported via a Chinook helicopter the military use these days. As soon as the aircraft landed on the helipad, Gingka and his friends approached where I was quietly waiting below the stairs. A cluster of parthenon buildings painted glossy grey reflected against the evaporated waters of the stormy waves.

My platinum hair and red bandanna drifted lightly to the breeze, my stark sapphire blue eyes critically aimed towards Gingka. Out of brief surprise, Masamune charged forward challenging me to a rematch. Launching his Ray Striker, I easily launched Sol Blaze and knocked his beyblade out of bounds. Gingka caught him in shock, attempting to calm him down after his hapless defeat. Surprisingly, I did not see the rest of those three bladers that I previously defeated at the lighthouse.

As Sol Blaze grew brighter in revenge, weather disasters started increasing around the world. Colossal Tsunamis over the coastal regions of south asia. Volcanos tormenting in anger, spewing flaming rocks over the islands of Hawaii. A flurry of Hurricanes and Tornadoes tearing through the central region of America. Raviging earthquakes tearing through the 4 interlocking tectonic plates of Japan.

Unoblivious towards mother nature’s wrath over land and sea, I followed Bakim’s orders like a meerkat: attentive and to the point. He strictly ordered me to battle Gingka one more time. I felt cold and sharp towards my opponent, glaring at him as if he was a prisoner. To prove that the Solar Star was way more powerful than the winged horse. But Bakim had more tricks up his sleeve, meaning that he was hiding a nefarious event that was soon to plunder Earth into destruction. 

I wasn't well aware of what my grandfather was up to. I only knew that he hid a secret about my parents and now he wasn’t telling me that was up to something else that could shatter the foundations of the Earth. 

Fury surging within my heart, I held Sol Blaze high above my head, my beyblade shining bright like a light beacon. Gingka and the rest of his friends tensed in anticipation, the red haired blader snarling towards my launch pose. 

Both Sol Blaze and Galaxy Pegasus spun across the concave stadium, each ley line engraved into the stadium floor pulsing in harmony. I could only second guess that the power of both beys fueled special energy for the Space Ark. Or something more disastrous for that matter.

Ravaging winds howled over the Ark’s deck, as we were heavily focused on our battle. Beams of red and blue erupted from our beys and began clashing fiercely mid air, escalating the sky like a light phenomenon.

Bakim inhaled beauty before him. The colors clashing midair were like exhilarating clusters of fireworks to him. As soon as the beams crashed down, I summoned Blaze Execution. A pillar of fire burned skywards from the center of the Beystadium. Gingka did not feel hopeless at all. Smirking, he unleashed Pegasus Starbooster Attack. To my surprise, his Pegasus seared through 1000 degrees of heat, his pulsing Blader’s Spirit pushing through Blaze’s flames.

I could only agape in silence and defeat. Sol Blaze was knocked back from the stadium floor, clattering against the dark grey floor. Swallowing my loss, I kneeled down and picked up Blaze, staring at Gingka and his friends who were cheering in joy. 

Contemplating, I closed my fist around Blaze. I couldn’t believe that this was my first loss against the chosen blader of the prophecy. But I was thankful to see Gingka win on the Space Ark in which he should have done the same for the summer tournament as well. I smiled at his victory. He deserved a second chance.

Bakim was not done yet. Expecting him to yell towards my loss, I was surprised that he didn’t show any backfired anger towards me or Gingka. Instead, he thanked the both of us for our beys providing essential energy packed in a mysterious structure. I could only contemplate what he was talking about.

One of the roofs to the parthenon buildings groaned open like a bank vault, a mysterious statue rising from the empty space like a podium. It was Poseidon’s trident, a surge of blue lightning fizzing from the tip of its weapon. A blue beam of energy burst through the air, tearing through the atmosphere. It eventually reached space, where it redirected a massive rock spinning through the empty void in our Solar System. 

Bakim laughed maniacally, alerting us with his getaway escape plan. A full fledged space shuttle, the Atlantis II, rose from the launch pad, an elevator dock attached to the entrance of the cockpit. A string of lights blinked from the strip of the elevator, signaling that the shuttle was ready for launch. My nefarious grandfather immediately walked off as I and Gingka began chasing after him. 

That’s when he elaborated his cleverly orchestrated plan: to destroy the Space Ark, the city of Atlantis, and Earth with the meteor while escaping on Atlantis II.

Unclever and foolish for sure.

A group of Sunfoot soldiers surround Gingka and his friends, launching a cluster of Pieces DF145 BS beys. I cleared the path with Sol Blaze flaming down. Only for Tsubasa and his Earth Eagle 145 WD to take out the soldiers themselves. 

We immediately chased after Bakin who halted in unfazed carelessness. He summoned Dark Poseidon, a large blue merman with blank blue eyes, a disapproving frown on his puffy stache beard. A set of armor shaped like a shark fins cuffed around his wrists and arms while a fully fledged fish tail overtook from his muscular waist. His weapon was the blue trident that I saw earlier from the parthenon.

Bakim smirked like a dirty dog, fiercely commanding Poseidon with his special move: Water Strike. The massive trident plummets down towards us, causing Gingka to dangle over the ledge. I leapt into action, reaching out for his hand. The red haired Pegasus blader grasped in fright, firmly gripping onto my hand. Bakim warned us that it's no use saving a fellow teammate. As soon as Poseidon raised his trident, another beyblade entered the fray and countered against Water Strike.   

 Kyoya made an appearance, fighting against Poseidon while ushering us to head towards the shuttle. At the launch pad, I hopped into the Pilot’s seat while Gingka was Commander on Flight Deck, prepared for the launch. Remotely controlled by Madoka from the Ark's Control Tower, the shuttle blasts off, tearing through the atmosphere. The rest of Gingka’s friends (along with the Sunfoot Soldiers) watched in surprise, cheering us on. With its rocket boosters and external tank ejected, the shuttle soared in orbit towards the Adonis asteroid speeding towards Earth.

Geared up in spacesuits, I and Gingka utilize the shuttle's Canadarm after the cargo bay and payload doors open, entering our official EVA spacewalk. 

Supported by robotic arms, we stared at the large asteroid in bright hope before launching Pegasus and Blaze. Both Beyblades crack and shatter the asteroid, rendering a beautiful explosion that was viewed from Earth. Morphed into another copy of the Sun. Gleaming bright orange and yellow over the skyline of the world. It was a magnificent and exhilarating view according to Gingka’s friends. 

Released from the arms, Gingka clutches onto the right tail rudder, holding onto me while I tag along. After a few minutes of orbiting through the smaller asteroid path, the two re enter the shuttle's cargo bay before the payload doors close. Its external boost thrusters located on the mid deck nose cone begin to position the shuttle before it boosts towards the Earth, re entering the atmosphere.

After asking Gingka for another battle, that’s when I realized it was my first time in space. I had no astronaut training, no certifications, no instructors to aid on this mission. It was only I and Gingka alone along with helpful voice guidance from Madoka. 

That’s when my love for becoming an astronaut forged within the deep depths of my heart. Ever since I was little, I visited Florida with my grandfather Bakim. Fell in love with the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. I was in a lovestruck trance with the colossal rockets on display and massive launch pad movers. I got some souvenirs as well from the gift shop. A blue NASA baseball cap, an Apollo 11 enamel pin, and a white astronaut print shirt were the only souvenirs that I kept during my childhood.

And today there I am, in my very own office at the Operations Support building II, overlooking the beautiful backdrop of Kennedy Space Center and the Floridian wildlife.

Graceful Herons soared over the blue-green everglades style lakes that scattered across the emerald plains of KSC. Several platform trucks transported a mighty space shuttle in regards to repairs. Ants of tiny people walked about, grazing near the studious complex: hundreds of attractions, space memorials, and gift shops to explore.

It’s been 5 years since the asteroid fiasco. With a space blue coffee cup in hand (the NASA meatball logo glowed with shining honesty) and a starry galaxy tie lopsided over my light blue polo. My deep sapphire blue eyes crinkled in thought, a small frown on my pale face. I sighed in sorrow, wondering where everything went on from there.

Where was everyone after mission STS 136? The famed Atlantis II stood on Launch Complex 39, waiting prior to the T minus countdown. The majestic spaceship carried us from Earth to the ISS in a matter of 8 min before returning back to ground like a normal plane in a matter of an hour. We were tasked to install the MRM1 (Mini Research Module 1) beside the Cupola, the observatory deck of the ISS. It was like a wistful dream. A memorable vacation through space. 

It was time that I hosted a small party at my nice little townhouse on Saifish Avenue. To reunite with my crewmates and Gingka’s friends as well.

I stared at my beyblade, Sol Blaze. The little sun gleamed back as if it read my mind. 

To be honest, my partial summary of the MFB Sol Blaze movie is more entertaining than the movie itself.

I apologize if I switch from Bakim to Bakin. I keep on getting his name wrong, lol.  

In the next chapter, it will be all 3rd person. 

Falco276 out. :) 

Chapter Text

It was a Sunday afternoon on Sailfish Avenue. A sleek red Toyota Solara SLE convertible was parked outside a sun orange colored two story concrete townhouse. The exterior of the house was minimally decorated with bronze stencil decorations of the sun and a garden flag that had an astronaut waving on the moon while greeting ‘Welcome Home!’.

Helios was seated on his eclipse grey futon, sending out invitations to his crewmates and possibly to Gingka and his friends as well. He added a small thank you note to Gingka for saving him from the clutches of his wicked grandfather. The silver haired blader assumes he’s still locked behind bars. (a lengthy 3 years has got to be worth it for the old man.) 

A black square object was there next to him. Helios briefly remembered he borrowed one of the heat shield tiles from poor Atlantis II, having written down its important specifications while designing a blueprint map of the shuttle. On the back of his mind, he had to return it to KSC ever since it was NASA’s property and not just a random carbon fiber tile he plucked out of the composite material dumpster.

He tapped the tile against a small sketch diagram on his notebook, leaflets of handwritten complex math formulas tumbling out. Standing up with a small stretch, he smiled proudly at his party set up around his studious living room and kitchen.

Dimly lit by two studious ivy leaf lamps, orange space banners with a custom Sol Blaze emblem were hung across the white paper walls. A jet black and scarlet red rug layered over the light acacia wood floor, a 50” Samsung flatscreen topped over a basic black center console which held a PS2, several space documentaries and surf movies on DVD, a MFB (Beyblade) movie with himself in it, and small generic figurines of an astronaut and a space shuttle. 

Helios sweeped by the kitchen counter, keeping his menu inventory in check. Aluminum trays of Moon Bread, Space nuggets, Planetary Pizzas, Baked Beans, Constellation cupcakes, and Cosmic Popcorn were neatly lined up against the marble surface. A glass pitcher filled with Cosmic Solar Lime sun tea stood nearby, a stack of watermelon themed paper plates, napkins, and red SOLO party cups towering over the appetizers. His sapphire blue eyes gleamed in anticipation, measuring the perfect amount for everyone invited. 

The silver haired blader spotted an unattended Sunflower on the peppered granite counter, twirling it in delight. He dropped the lonely flower in a glass vase along with the others, each flower reminding him of his glorious days with the STS-136 crew. It was 2:56 PM. Any moment, they should be arriving.

The doorbell rang, swiftly catching Helios’ attention.

All of his energy drained like a thermometer at the sight of Yureneva Brezenska, the only Russian astronaut on the team. Considering her short height and chubby appearance, Helios wondered how she was qualified to become an astronaut in the first place. With her chestnut brown hair tied into a fashionable bun, her energetic puffy face held a good amount of joy, her brown eyes squinting behind her square framed glasses. Casually dressed in a space blue XL NASA polo, khakis, and flip flops, the chubby woman locked him in a tight hug. “Helios! It’s been a long time since 136!”

Yureneva muttered words of joy while swinging him left and right, her extra layer of blubber from her arms flapping in sync. The silver haired blader felt like he was being hugged by a friendly but secretly dangerous bear from the Siberian Wilderness. As strange as it seemed, Brezenska forgot to forward the invitation to Team Lovushka, Russia's famed Beyblade / Space team participating in the so-called Space Race. Their leader, Aleksei, allowed Helios to leave for the US when they needed another astronaut on the scene for their latest mission to fix and code several inputs to the Solar panels of the ISS and the installation of the Mini Research Module 1. Lera and Nowaguma weren’t satisfied. They said that Russia needed another teammate for their space race. And that’s how Yureneva, out of disproportionate value, was oddly chosen for this task. 

Helios wondered how everyone on board the ISS refused to perform an EVA spacewalk. Brezenska’s feet barely fit into the foothold platform of the Canadarm. 

“Yure-neva.” Helios could barely breathe. Released from her death hug, the silver haired blader caught his breath and playfully glared at her. “That’s not the proper etiquette to hug someone.”

Brezenska’s joy surged within her. No matter how many times there was an attempt to offend her, she fails to understand anger. She dropped her bag to the ground, immediately pouring over the buffet line. Her eyes wistfully caught the sight of Constellation cupcakes and Cosmic popcorn on display. She tentatively picked up the Pegasus one, pushing one of its decorative stars, Alpheratz into the blue green icing. “But in my city, it's an obligation for everyone including me. Can I? Pretty please?”

She ended her immature request for the cupcake by popping her icing covered finger into her mouth with an awkward stare. 

Helios rolled his eyes with a deflated sigh. “Whatever, go ahead Brezenska.”

Yureneva gloated with a squeal and finished off the remaining chocolate cupcake she handled with. Helios patiently waited for his remaining crewmates to arrive. Perched on the futon, he started to watch his favorite surf tuber on Youtube, Brad Jacobson, where he records every whimsical moment of random surfers colliding into hysterical wipeouts over the surging waves of Malibu. Brezenska wiped her hands with a paper towel before sitting down next to Helios. “Aw, cheer up sun boy. After all, you’ll be packed with a big fat paycheck and a smile as big as the sun.”

Helios gave out a mellow smile, “I’m grateful to be an astronaut and mission control director. Houston, we no longer have a problem.” 

A knock was heard on the door, raising curiosity. 

It was Skye Robinson, mission payload specialist and flight engineer of STS 136 and Atlantis II. As an average African American female, she had puffy scarlet brown hair, a lime green top decorated with silver rhinestone diamonds, Levi’s jeans, and silver kitten heel shoes. Her dark almond brown eyes and bright smile twinkled in delight. 

“Hey y'all! It’s good to see you two!” she twirled around, tassels flying. In her hands was an extra lime green Publix grocery bag, carrying a Pyrex casserole dish. She set it on the counter, lifting the glass lid. The warm scent of burger sliders wafted from the crisp golden bun. “I brought some sliders along for us to enjoy! Plus, you’ll never guess what I did for the patty.”

Robinson lifted a bun and both Helios and Yureneva blinked in awe. Well, Brezenska gasped in excitement. Layering the lower bun was a beef patty in the shape of NASA’s meatball logo. Every little detail from the red aerowing to the signature comet curving around the glittering stars. The letters N A S A were embedded into the patty as if the aerospace company stamped it for approval. It looked very phenomenal and appetizing.

“It took me about an hour to complete all 30 sliders, thanks to my two energetic kids.” Skye blushed in laughter. Her curls waved around in joy. 

Yureneva immediately stuffed one in her mouth. Her eyes widened like saucers behind her focal glasses. “I feel-f like-f I’m dying vnow.”

“You do feel like dying now.” Helios remarked with a light chuckle, sipping on a Celsius energy drink. He gave out an excusable belch. 

“Helios, is that your 2nd can of Celsius?” Skye remarked in confusion. Everyone knew of his irresistible habit over energy drinks. The silver haired blader adored Celsius when he first was introduced to surfing by watching a group of surfers on Dawn Patrol, clinking cans in joy after their first wipeout during sundown. 

“Is that a problem?” he remarked in concern, raising a silver brow in return. Robinson blushed and gave out her daddy dental smile. White as an expanding bright supernova star. “I was just curious. Is that the Galaxy vibe flavour?”

“Astro vibe. Since I’m in a space themed party, I decided to buy the 24 can party pack for $20. Snap deal.” Helios reached in from underneath the futon and pulled out the box, 24 cans of assorted Celsius flavours clinking in unison. A small Post it note fluttered out of Helios’ hands. Both Yureneva and Skye scrutinized the complex math formulas and diagrams as if Helios was avid at scientific inventions. It really was his very own invention ever since he was inspired by various composite materials and how matter functions on different planes on the Earth. It was a drawing of a Celsius can in the first frame, surrounded by chicken scratch labels and a cluster of formulas. In the second frame, the can explodes, forcing out pressurized gas clouds. Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Nitrogen, and Argon bursted in different directions. Not to mention the glorious fake sugar known as Sucralose can make anyone sticky once they are doused. 

“Ignore that. Just something I was working on lately.” Helios blushed lightly, folding his invention and quickly pocketed it like a winning lottery ticket worth millions of dollars. Both female astronauts immediately clamoured in awe.

“Oh no, that’s actually an amazing weapon! Where did you learn to do this?” Robinson asked in amazement, speculating at the can from all sides. Yureneva copied her crewmate, her finger lacing around the pull tab. Attempting to crack one can open resulted in a sweet mess in Helios’ sight. He immediately grabbed the can before any explosive liquid burst out like a fire hydrant. 

“Did I mention that there was a warning label on it? It’s a prototype that shouldn’t be messed around with.” Helios glared lightly at Yureneva, snatching the can from her hands. His crystalized blue eyes glowered in annoyance, the can felt cool to the touch. “Celsius and the composite materials lab at Blue Origin were the only source of my inspiration behind the Celsius grenade.” 

The AC clicked on, sending in a blast of cool air to circulate around the living room. Helios, named after the Greek god of the sun, was able to breathe through the unbearable heat season, a rare condition he was discovered with since he was young. ‘It’s like breathing in several degrees of the sun. The solar light and blazing fire all roll into one.’ A saying he always heard from his parents before they passed away. However, the others could not handle the heat and were immediately relieved by the cool air draft. 

Helios’ playlist kicked in: a blend of Dream Trance and chilled genres by Illenium softly pulsed around the walls and into the open space. Illenium’s Other Side was first on the list, toning to the relaxing and fun atmosphere of the party.

The doorbell faintly rang over the loud music and joyful chatter. Helios meandered over to the door, overwhelmed by the sight of his last crewmate. Ryan Henderson, technician and Payload Commander of STS 136 and Atlantis II. Scarlet auburn curly hair, rectangular framed glasses, and a goofy smile was his trademark appearance. He swept in, clad in a light blue Hawaiian polo, cargo shorts, and pearl white and gold Onitsuka Dragon sneakers. Held in his hand was NASA’s RPG tabletop game, The Lost Universe. The cover took place on the evening mountain terrain, a large green japanese dragon propped against the night sky, curled ouroborus style around the Hubble Space Telescope. “Hola! Henderson has finally arrived! And look what he brought with him!”

Ryan unleashed his goofy smile, setting the game before them on the coffee table. (And being careful not to knock over Helios’ plate of sliders and baked beans). 

“The Lost Universe?” Helios inquired with a puzzled brow. He scrutinized the complex gameplay, briefly finding it gobbledygook.

“No way, I’m genuinely shocked that you didn’t know about NASA’s first tabletop game?” Ryan’s mouth hung agape as he stared critically at the silver haired blader. Helios returned a blank gaze. “What?”

“Ok! Ok! We now have to educate poor Helios on RPG tabletop games. Let me get everything set up.” Henderson scrambled across the coffee table, removing the lid to the game. Helios, Yureneva, and Skye weren’t satisfied. 

“That’s it? Just sheets of paper?” Skye twisted her face into pure confusion.

They furrowed a brow in confusion at the sight of a paper stack snugged in the box. Helios figured they were instructions to the cleverly hidden board and pieces that were right underneath. Instead, Ryan lobbed a 7 sided forest green dice similar to the ones used in Dungeons and Dragons. 

“Yep! Everything is on paper! And we track down our characters and adventures with a dice, paper, and pen!” Henderson gave his crewmate their respective materials to play the game.

Helios deadpanned, feeling entirely lost throughout Ryan’s elaborate instructions. Henderson was a board game geek, known to have crowdfunded his $1k board game, The Secrets of Atlantis. The Sol Blaze blader found the name too nostalgic for his search of the actual city and recommended Henderson to spice the title. Galahad: Legend of the Quasar Star. The cover impressively depicted Quasar Galahad, a white alicorn from space, rendered from the burning heavens by Zeraiya, a celestial dragon of the Delyran cosmos. It looked magnificent and divine: 3 purple wings, turquoise mane and tail, and an emblem depicting the 3 Trinity Rings (or Borromean Rings) appeared on its flank. The alicorn is assisted by both Falchion Nagariel, a harmonic leafy sea dragon hailing from the fluorescent nature of Pleura, ruled by the  Divine Dragon Naga, and Oblivion Manticore, a rebellious but selfish spider dragon harbored from the depths of Dranon, ruled by the Imperial Dragon, Akallon. Numerous companies started to take interest in Ryan’s board game, offering him a good amount of money in exchange for the sales. Henderson declined. Whatever you find and create is what sticks to you. 

He always had a good reputation in reminding his crewmates with his quote. It always meant to never fail in life and keep moving forward. 

Yureneva cooed in excitement, spinning the dice like a poker chip. Skye was intrigued, all ears towards Ryan’s lecture about the game. Helios contemplated in silence, still trying to grasp the rules. It was complex in terms of gameplay. Everyone roleplayed as a character, cracking down a dark mystery that has settled over the city of Aldastron on the rogue planet of Exlaris. Researchers dedicated to studying the cosmos have disappeared, and the Hubble Space Telescope has vanished from Earth’s timeline. Only an ambitious crew of adventurers can uncover what was lost. Stolen by the 70 year old chaotic Fell Dragon, Isilias. 

“That dragon is the same age as my grandfather.” Helios scrunched with a chuckle.

“Wait till you see the locations. Everyone will start in a location that will represent a certain science field: Aldastron for Astrophysics, Beska Pereya for Biological systems, Paleridon for Planetary Science, Arketnum for Aeronautics, and lastly Sarthelios for Solar Science.” 

“Sart Helios?” The only crew member with that name twisted his face into awe and confusion. Henderson nodded enthusiastically.

“More like Fart Helios.” Yureneva leaned back in laughter. The others followed after. Helios blushed lightly in embarrassment, remembering his accidental moment during his EVA spacewalk.        

“Anyway, let’s get this game on the road! I warn you, it's a lotta reading so I don’t know if anyone is up having all ears.” Ryan conducted the game like a board game geek instructor. After 20 minutes of encountering orcs, elves, hybrids, humans and binary human NPCs, Brezenska immediately cut the game short, her attention completely affixed on Helios’ sea gear. Even Isilias the dragon wasn’t satisfied since he was still waiting on his fearsome encounter with their characters while scoping the lands of Aldastron with the Hubble Space Telescope.

“Is that your surfboard collection?” Yureneva glowered over the stack, running her hand over all 6 decks. Helios nodded and sauntered over to her side. “Yes. I occasionally surf the waves on Cocoa Beach. It’s relaxing.”

“Can I try one out? How do I stand on the board?” Brezenska beamed in curiosity. Helios nodded and scoped over various surfboard brands: Channel Islands, Fire Wire, Pyzel, and a Storm Blade SSR before plucking out the Pyzel Shadow board. It was made of carbon fiber with striking details: The Sol Blaze solar star logo, Helios’ name custom etched across the nose.

“So this is what you do when you’re not on recon duty for Mission Control?” Yureneva gawked in joy, her smile stretching across her pale face. Helios noted of her uncontrollable excitement and held her down to maintain her composure. 

“Pretty much since I was first introduced to surfing by a couple nice guys during their evening Dawn Patrol over the orange waves of Cocoa Beach.” The Blader of the Sun (his nickname given by Bakim) carefully held the chubby female standing across the board. “There. There. You don’t want to lose your balance while your board bops across the waves. The force of the water pushes you and your board forward. The trick is to never lean forwards or backwards unless you want a horrible wipeout.”

“How many wipeouts did you go through?” Skye questioned, pursing her lips into a suppressed smile.

“Over a million times and counting. Salt water and sea weed is a horrible combination to taste. Which is why I occasionally wear wetsuits as well.” Helios held up his Ocean Tec suit, the eclipse grey neoprene material glimmering against the ceiling light. 

“That’s impressive. I wish I could go surfing across Malibu. That’s officially on my bucket list for next year.” Ryan wistfully watched Yureneva lay down cobra position on the board. Her restless confusion caused her to splutter out in puzzled awe, “What do I do now?”

“Use your arms and legs to prop yourself up the board, positioned diagonally while facing forward. Like this.” Helios demonstrated switching positions from paddle to stand in a matter of seconds. He looked like a professional surfer, confident enough to drop into a 6 ft. wave across the Banzai Pipeline in Oahu, Hawaii. 

Belly on board, Brezenska attempted to copy his movement, releasing a tiny drag. Helios, Skye, and Ryan laughed in hysterical joy at the sound of the chubby female’s accidental fart.

“That was not intended! I sound like a small foghorn!” Yureneva continued to uncontrollably laugh. It seemed Brezenska was aware of her bean quantity and how that had an unintentional impact on her. No lie, Lovushka did make a great astronaut selection for STS 136. Almost everyone in the Mission Control Center at KSC was dumbfounded by Brezenska’s unproportionate appearance. Nowhere in the astronaut requirement list did it say that slightly fat people were forbidden from riding space shuttles.        

“You apparently ate too much of the beans. Which surprisingly NASA forbids on recent missions.” Helios added with a playful sarcasm. 

“Oh yeah? What about the time we all declined on that EVA spacewalk to install the tarp over the MRM1?” Yureneva countered back, “And then you returned suffocating in difficulty?”

Helios rolled his eyes, knowing that was the truth. It was awkward, embarrassing, and very well burnt into his mind. He snapped to attention, forcing himself to change the subject. No matter how many times he was ridiculed with his silly memory, Helios wasn’t going to be reminded of this moment in the mission promo video the crew was going to rewatch. 

The opening movie depicted the summary of the mission accompanied by the ambient Illenium x Said the Sky track, I See You. The azure sky flickered with the deepest shades of cerulean and startling fuchsia. Atlantis was mounted on its launchpad. All 4 members of STS 136 walked confidently towards the camera. The T-minus countdown. Blasting off from the launch pad and flaring through the sky. Tearing through the atmosphere, soaring over the hurricane swirling clouds that snugged across the surface of the Earth. Atlantis II’s payload doors open, docking at the section of the International Space Station. A blur of dark grey stars glitter across the screen, the transition showing the silly but memorable moments of the mission.

“The return of the socks!” Everyone aroused in laughter as Yureneva dwindled her pink fuzzy socks on screen, somersaulting in place. 

“Those never seem to get out of foot, don’t they?” Helios shook his head with a chuckle.

Ryan mentions how he ended up in a tangled mess with the cables that were hooked to the control panels in Truss 0. 

“The way we untangled you like spaghetti was really tedious! A tangible solution to the MRM1 connection was indeed rare right there.” Skye pointed out curtly with a small smile.

“You got that right!” Ryan caterwauled, clutching his glasses.

Helios follows last, an audible chuckle escaping his throat. 

A quick glimpse of the HDG radar on the front nose cam displayed the shuttle’s current elevation from the runway along with coordinate numbers rapidly sliding up or down depending on the orbiter’s aerial turns on its delta wings.

“Welcome back to Earth, 136!” 

The shuttle sped down the runway like an airliner. The parachute wiggled madly in the wind behind its orbital thrusters, ejecting its brake as it slowly rolled to a halt.

“Engaged and deployed parachute brake. Atlantis II has finally landed.” Yureneva brightly replied on the intercom. Service vehicles started surrounding the shuttle. The STS-136 crew exited the shuttle and gave out a memorable speech during their expedition to the ISS in their short press conference. 

They later entered the Astro van (aka the silver hippie camper van) and drove to the Neil Armstrong center. The promo video ended with a 3D wireframe polyhedron model of Atlantis II, a blender of neon blue and magenta colliding across the runway, the shuttle zooming towards the viewer.

Everyone applauded in joy as Helios exited the video player. Centering the screen was a video call from Aleksei himself. The Russian captain of Team Lovushka nervously smiled as he greeted in delight. “Greetings STS 136. Well, except for you Brezenska.” 

A soft laughter aroused around Yureneva. She slightly held her hand behind her head while blushing, “Thanks for the compliment, Aleksei.”

“What’s our input this time? The MRM1 is a success.” Helios informed, his crystal blue eyes gleaming at brown haired Wolf blader. 

“MRM1 is a success.” The kid in the astronaut suit, Nowaguma, nervously repeated. Pushing him out of frame was a teen female with auburn pink ponytails that seemed to stick upwards like air traffic cones. Her tone was laced with pure carelessness and obnoxious high pitched sounds, “Nowa, it’s not necessary for you to repeat everything they say. Now get your astro butt here and help me with some training. We’re launching one of our rockets using SETH.”

“SETH?” Skye inquired, her eyes squinted in prolonged confusion.

That’s when Alexei took over, “Spatial Enigma Time Horizons. I’m surprised you weren’t aware of this module until now. Similar to the MRM1, Lovushka, Roscosmos, and NASA have teamed up to send this orbital piece mounted on the SpaceX Crew Dragon. SETH is going to probe the Sun’s solar flares, recording existential data and possibly formulating a light space portal. It takes a lot more than complex math to know and build this phenomenal module.”

“Interesting. Keep us updated when Crew Dragon’s ready to launch.” This line deeply hurt Helios as he ultimately wished it was Atlantis II’s turn to deliver and launch SETH instead. For the time, NASA was allowed to invite and partner up with Lovushka, knee deep into their extraordinary designs. He had to accept the fact that the shuttle program ended after the original Atlantis retired and the billion dollar aerospace company reserved Atlantis II for certain light duty missions.

“No worries. We will! Go get 'em, Tiger. NASA, Roscosmos, and Lovushka will always be by your side, 136! прощание Proshchaniye! (Farewell!)” Aleksei bowed and waved in respect, ending the call.

Helios leaned back on the futon, clearly contemplating. Yureneva hoggled on the remaining cupcakes, pocketing some to reserve for later. 

“I would love how SETH rolls out against your Beyblade’s Solar Flares.” Skye inhaled in awe, imagining streaks of red fused with orange blazing across the empty planes of space. She sat down next to him and lightly nudged his shoulder. 

The silver haired blader smiled mellowly before nodding in agreement. His eyelids lowered but managed to stay awake after 2 cans of Celsius. Ryan on the other hand clapped in excitement, snapping Helios to attention.

“Whoo! Can’t wait to see SETH in action! Pretty cool to see that module sweeping over the sun like this!” Henderson picked up Sol Blaze V145 AS, a small brush stroked over the facebolt, clear wheel, and fusion wheel as if it were a smartphone having dust brushed away. Helios wordlessly smiled. “C’mon pal, lighten up! After all, we should hang out another time! Looks like Skye and Yureneva are ready to go as well!” 

It was 10 PM. The red clock in the shape of Sol Blaze ticked in harmony. Helios stood up with a light stretch. “You too, Ryan. Everyone, I appreciate your visit to my small summer party after our successful mission. Let’s meet up at the stands beside Launch pad 39 and watch Crew Dragon take off with the SETH module.”

“I’ll re bring the cosmic muffins if anyone wants them!” Brezenska waved a few, efficiently dabbing chocolate icing on Helios’ face. 

“Thanks Yureneva.” he muttered flatly, his chin resembling his grandfather Bakim’s beard.

“Heeeliiioooosss!” Skye sauntered over, waving her arms as if she was performing a dance. After a cheerful hug, she once again unleashed her daddy dental smile, “I guess it’s time to say goodbye. Listen up, I've got a flight to catch the day after tomorrow. Going to Minnesota for my grandson’s birthday. I’ll tell Kayden that you said hi!” 

Helios gulped, “7 hours just for flying there?”

“Yup, I’m never gonna regret the 45 min layover in Dayton, Ohio. Thanks for the rocket cake toppers! He’s gonna love those!” Robinson whisked away with a celebrity wink and a wave. Helios glowered as if love struck. 

Assuming Ryan and Skye have already left his driveway, the only one that remained was Yureneva. Helios expected her to naughtily kiss him goodbye even if there were gray areas in the Sun Blader’s relationship status. He found her absent from the living room futon. Cupcakes, muffins, and portable cups of Cosmic Solar Lime sun tea vanished from the party site. 

Helios swore to the Sun God that he did see a faint shadow from the corner of his eye. Exhaling while extracting his bizarre thoughts, he took one last sip of Celsius before crushing the aluminum can. The CRUNCH sound felt so satisfying, he decided to set the used cans in a small recycling box. One time he did have a bad experience with one of the cans, the pull tab sliced through the tip of his tongue. A slit expanded and a small bubble of blood poured through. Nursing his tongue with a tissue in his open mouth, Helios decided that was idiotic of him to lick the last drops of Sucralose off of the surface of the can. Never again. 

He gathered up leftover food, plates, cups, and space confetti, and disposed them off in a glittering star patterned trash can. Sighing while grasping a long, tiring, but enjoyable day, Helios walked into the bathroom, clicking on the light. Hands spread in an A frame across the black granite counter, he lightly contemplated in thought. What has become of himself? Where was his true relationship with his family? Did he ever have a strong relationship with his parents before they mysteriously vanished? Allowing Bakim to take over his life? It was like a blackhole, a whirlwind of thoughts roaring through his mind.   

After a short bathroom (pee) break, he finds a mysterious girl sitting on the futon. Startled, she looked scared and avoided any eye contact. What was her purpose here and how did she appear in Helios’ townhouse?

“May I help you?” Helios walked closer to the girl, being careful not to startle her. She looked shaken as she already did. Her blonde ponytail swished around her shoulders, her stark blue eyes welled up in slow tears. She wore a light cream sleeveless vest, a small insignia of a moon patched on the upper left section. Ripped denim shorts and black combat boots completed her profile. 

Her eyes clutched shut, refusing to look at Helios. After a second, she let out a soft exhale and finally stared at him. Timidly.

“I’m currently escaping whom you might know the wicked cult of Atlantis.”

Helios’ ears ran red. He knew what she was going to say next.

“My name… is Krista Lenz. And I’m not part of the Sunfoot Soldiers.”

To be honest, the can fiasco happened with me as well when I was trying to swipe some remaining Celsius with my tongue. Nursed it with a tissue like Helios did. 

Who's Krista Lenz? And what's her connection with the Sunfoot Soldiers?

Falco276 out! :)

Chapter Text

It's been awhile since I updated this story! Been busy with my work, studying, and family. 

Enjoy!

Krista nervously and wordlessly stared at Helios as if he originated from another planet. The clock on the wall measured their tranquility. Outside the living room window, a car quietly rushed past as if to break the awkward silence. A dim orange glow from the streetlamp began to cast over them as if Lenz had a confession to make. 

“So you don’t know where you came from?” Helios narrowed his sapphire blue eyes at her. The girl nodded while shaking her head, her hands feebling with the heat shield tile. Embarrassed by the awkward fiddle with his personal belongings, Krista placed the tile on the coffee table, knocking over a pile of envelopes. A cluster of Brevard County tax bills and a lonely Space X brochure spread into view. 

The Sun Blader urged her to speak up, noticeably intrigued by her presence. The girl continued to stare affixed at him, mesmerized by the sun emblem on the sleeves of Helios’ brown jacket. Draped on a hanger and hooked over the silver closet knob. 

“You said you weren’t part of the Sunfoot cult. Do you recall your connection with them?” Helios maintained his composure, trying to connect with Krista’s hazy memories. The girl shook her head. That caused Helios to lightly sigh. He thought of introducing himself. That way, she would open up to him as steady friends and possibly a romantic relationship. What would his crewmates at STS - 136 think of Krista? Yurenava would be excited over a new friend. Followed by Skye. As for Ryan’s case, he would find her backstory interesting (only if Helios knew about it first). 

“I’m Helios Ryuzaki, astronaut of STS - 136 and NASA’s Mission Control Director at Kennedy Space Center. My hobbies are surfing and attending EDM concerts. You might have noticed my undying love for Illenium thanks to my recent attendance in Indonesia.” Helios chuckled as he pointed to one of the album posters framed to the wall: Illenium A F T E R L I F E ft. Echos in brown text hovered over the tilting shadows of overhead islands, the sun’s intense shine blotting out half of the poster. 

Krista gleamed curiously at the poster as if mesmerized by its intricate colors. “What were you doing there?”

Helios wistfully smiled, remembering the key moments: the large phoenix statue pulsing out Illenium’s logo in a checkerboard pattern, light orange fog waving through the bopping crowd, white sparks streaming in between the only DJ himself, Nicholas Daniel Miller. “I attended the Djakarta Warehouse Pro concert with a friend in Jakarta, Indonesia. Thought you might fit into the crowd the way you’re dressed.” 

Krista began to open herself up into conversations. Helios was pleased with her conversion. She was soon going to be a full fledged extrovert, tumbling over Helios in overloaded joy and socializing with people whom she knew. It was still a mystery to what happened with her family. Helios cleverly noted to continue digging her past and what her possible connection to the Sunfoot cult was.

She blushed with laughter, “I can say the same for you as well, Helios. You’re an interesting guy for space, surfing, and EDM concerts.” 

“Thanks. Mixed emotions are in my blood, so joy is one of them.” Helios began to clean the pepper granite kitchen countertops, clicking on his Illenium playlist. Jon Bellion - Good Things Fall Apart softly played through his JBL speaker. 

Krista stifled a soft smile. They barely knew each other, lest alone her mysterious escape from the Sunfoot soldiers. What they wanted from her was a deep mystery to Helios even if he knew that Bakim was still in jail after he got arrested by the WBBA and local police.

A puff of silence drifted around the living room. All Krista could hear were the ASMR clinks and clanks of various steel baking trays, a rush of water over the slope in the sink. With the tap clicked off, Helios then wiped his hands with a towel before tilting his head at the girl. “Is there anything else you want to say?”

Krista hummed in deep thought. Her bright blue eyes clouded in concern. “I really have nowhere to go. Is it alright if I stay with you for one night?” 

Helios rarely had anyone over for the night in his townhouse. Krista was the first stranger turned into a complimentary guest, harbored by his kindness and handsome appearance. “Sure, considering you have had some kind of persecution from the Sunfoot cult? Same here.”

Helios excused himself as he whisked away outside with a flexible trash bag, a cluster of Celsius cans clinking in unison. 

That caught Krista’s attention. She was intrigued by Helios’ past and how his story with the Sunfoot cult turned out to be. Knowing his limited boundaries with certain points in his childhood, Krista decided to recall her visit to Kennedy Space Center, overjoyed at the sight of Atlantis II’s arrival from the ISS. 

The front door opened, fazing Helios into stunned silence. 

Waiting intently, Krista had her hands clasped together over her chest as she scanned the cloudless morning sky. Her blonde strands of hair obscured her vision slightly, and she swiped them away.

I really should’ve brought binoculars, she thought. Krista considered sprinting back to the beachhouse to get a pair, but she didn’t want to run the risk of missing the landing while looking for them. Adjacent to her was her younger brother, Harper Lenz, sitting down in a beach chair, nose deep in one of his airplane books. He had developed a strong interest in aviation since arriving in Merritt Island, Florida earlier that year, and was well on his way to read every book they had on the subject. Both of them stood at the end of the shuttle landing facility, facing to the northwest. Normally, her parents would’ve been there with them, but for whatever reason, they were feeling too under the weather to leave the house. 

 “I’m really sorry, I’m supposed to be there. I’ll make it up to Atlantis II somehow,” she had said to Harper. Their parents were always present for landings when it was possible. She had promised herself to not miss any, but unfortunately she was going to have to this time.

Krista placed her hand over her friend’s chest covered in blankets. “It’s okay, you don’t have to make up anything,” she responded. “Harper and I will watch for him, and we’ll tell you if anything’s wrong. I’m not gonna drag you outside when you’re feeling like this.”

“Thanks.” Her friend expressed her gratitude before Krista left for the runway.

Atlantis II was on its way back to Kennedy Space Center from deploying a fourth Tracking and Data Relay Satellite into geosynchronous orbit. The satellite was part of a network of platforms dedicated to supporting the shuttle program and other major scientific assets. It may not have been as exciting as deploying a deep space probe or recovering a satellite, but it was crucial in getting information from active missions to earth, which in turn, could lead to important scientific advancements. On top of the TDRS satellite, the mission had been extended by nine days for biomedical and scientific experimentation, much longer than Krista would've preferred. She always missed the others whenever they were in orbit, but shorter missions gave her less time to waste worrying about them. Krista had spent a good fraction of the last week talking to him over the radio in their room, which they had nicknamed The Northpointe Beachhouse Loop. 

The Northpointe Beachhouse Loop had been established in the early 60s as missions grew longer in duration, having been used by the Mercurys, Geminis, Apollos, and now the shuttles. Harper and his parents chatted to him along with her and by themselves, although she spent the most time on the frequency by far. Hearing his voice was significantly reassuring, but it could never be the same as physically seeing him. After a while, one of the crewmembers of STS - 136, Helios would get tired and want to be by himself for a moment, and Krista would reluctantly respect his wishes. 

It was a challenge managing her time off the radio. Whenever she wasn’t bonding with the other two, she found herself pacing aimlessly around the house or staring out the window longingly, which didn’t help anything. Eventually her mom would tell her to knock it off and do something productive. Even when Atlantis II signed off for the night, she lay awake for nearly two hours before falling asleep. Krista was tired of feeling this way. There was nothing wrong with being concerned for her family members, but this was borderline harmful. She wondered if these feelings would always be a part of her.

Her arms returned to their normal position resting on the sides of her body. She adjusted her footing on the grass.

“When's he getting back?” Harper asked.

“Shortly, Harpy.” his sister responded.

“You know when exactly?” her brother asked any further.

“I don't know for sure.” Krista did her best to answer. “Sometimes it’s sooner than scheduled, sometimes it isn't.” She turned her eyes back to the sky.

This was different from other flights, as the KSC was arranged as Atlantis II’ primary landing site. Rather than landing in a desert on the opposite side of the country, he’d be coming right back to their home in Cape Canaveral. She wouldn’t have to wait an extra week or more to wrap him in her arms. Some engineers had issues with this, saying that all flights should land at Edwards until a stronger landing gear tire had been made. Krista knew this firsthand, as the shuttle’s tires had been damaged when they landed in a crosswind on their most recent flight. While those criticisms were valid, and it was great to know there were those in the organization not afraid to speak up about problems, she was just glad to have the crew of STS - 136 home early.

Krista found the runway comforting. After braving the intense heat of reentry, there was nothing more hopeful than seeing the 15,000-foot long concrete carpet sprawled out in front of her. It meant you had made it home. It meant you were safe. She loved the euphoric feeling she had when the wheels to Atlantis II came to a stop and her family welcomed them home. She knew Helios felt the same way, even if he tried his best not to show it.

Krista had last heard from her brother over the radio a few minutes earlier before the reentry communications blackout, which prevented her from contacting him until he had completed his landing. Those few minutes felt a lot longer than they really were. All the thoughts circling in her head must’ve been speeding up her perception of time.

Did he make it through re-entry? She wondered. Krista knew how fragile their lives were. Every mission was a huge gamble. Even if the engineers raised concerns, there was no telling if the higher-ups would take it seriously or not. It angered her how even after Challenger’s death, NASA was noticeably slipping back into the complacency that had doomed her. Saying they’d learnt from their mistakes was nothing compared to actually showing it.

Is there any tile damage I don’t know about? Nah, that's silly, he would’ve told me. He’d never keep something like that from me.

She could feel her chest getting warmer as these negative thoughts clouded up her mind.

“Is he alright?” her little brother asked again, snapping her out of it for a moment.

“I told you, Harpy, I don’t know.” Krista responded, agitated. Harper flinched ever so subtly, and she immediately regretted taking that tone.

“S-sorry. I’m just anxious,” she clarified.

“I understand,” Harper responded before returning to his book.

Krista looked back to the skies, staying hopeful. The minutes continued ticking by, still with no sign of him. Why do I feel like this? You have nothing to worry about, he’s done this so many times before, she reassured herself. He’s going to be fine.

As if on cue, the fearful side of her responded; But what if he isn’t?

There was always a possibility. Always. As much as she hated to ponder it, it was still healthier than pretending it could never happen. Not that she could pretend. After STS-135, she knew now more than ever that wasn’t true. She remembered the feeling of powerlessness as Atlantis II put his damaged body at the mercy of the atmosphere. It was a miracle he landed at all that day. Her chest got warmer, her breathing picked up speed. She wanted so badly to know if he was okay. Something terrible could’ve happened to him, and she would never know until it was too late.

This could be it. I never got to say goodbye to him.

BOOM-BOOM.

A pair of sonic booms shattered the mid morning serenity. A tidal wave of relief crashed into her and swept all the doubt away from her core.

“Ah, there he is.” Krista announced excitedly. Atlantis II had made it through the atmosphere unscathed, and was gliding over the Florida panhandle. Her breathing returned to normal. Harper put down his book and walked up beside her. Krista put her left arm around his shoulder and gave him a smile. Her little brother glanced at her and smiled in return. Not long after, Atlantis II swung on the heading alignment cone and lined up with the runway for the final approach. A quick glimpse of the HDG radar on the front nose cam displayed the shuttle’s current elevation from the runway along with coordinate numbers rapidly sliding up or down depending on the shuttle’s aerial turns on its delta wings.

Doing good, doing good, Krista thought. The shuttle was on a glide slope of 20 degrees, much steeper than a commercial airliner. The shuttle’s nose began to lift upward with around 2,000 feet between him and the ground.

Almost there. Atlantis II’s landing gear neatly folded out and locked into place as he flared up for touchdown. Vortices streamed off his wingtips like synthesized ribbons.

30… 15… 10… Krista mimicked the altitude callouts a pilot would typically make. The main landing gear kissed the runway in a puff of smoke, followed by the nose gear after the airbrake on the dual fin rudders and the deployed parachute began to slow him down. Atlantis II bled off speed more and more until, at last, he rolled to a complete stop a handful of yards in front of Krista and Harper. She couldn’t wait another moment. She ran up to the spacecraft as Yureneva Brezenska, Skye Robinson, and Ryan Henderson were the first to exit the shuttle. They felt refreshed to be back on earth, smiling and laughing in joy. Helios emerged from the flight deck, a weary expression on his face, catching his breath. His blue flight suit looked a little raggedy, too. The silver haired blader hadn’t even looked up when Krista locked him in for a tight hug, pressing into his left shoulder.

“Yep, there it is.” Helios said, his mouth curving into a grin.

“Welcome home, buddy,” said Krista, more than relieved to hear his voice not through a radio for the first time in days. She released him after a second or two when she noticed Aleksei walking up in her peripheral vision.

“Welcome back.” Aleksei also said as he hugged Helios, although for briefer than Krista had. “Good to see you too, Harper.” 

They followed it up with a fist-bump.

Helios turned towards Yureneva and exclaimed in confusion “I thought you said you’d wait until the ground crew pulled up.”

Brezenska naughtily crossed her arms.

“Come on, I could never promise that,” she responded with a cheeky look on her face and her head tilted. Helios snickered. He was just as glad to see Krista as she was to see him. In spite of everything he had to endure, it was always worth it to see her smile again. He slung his arm around her as the reunited friends walked home, with Harper alongside them.

“Wanna look at this with me?” Harper spoke up as he displayed his book to the silver haired blader.

“Sure,” Helios responded. He gave a low yawn before facing Krista. “I’m, uh, just gonna need a little rest,”

“Now that, I can honor.” Krista beamed in joy as she leaned into her brother, safe and sound. A gentle breeze blew over the Floridian panorama, concluding the mission of STS - 136.

“So you were there to see me after all.” Helios remarked in realization, completely unaware of her the first time. Krista nodded reluctantly and lightly blushed, sensing a Sunfoot connection between the two of them. 

A new beginning to their relationship.

Helios took liberty to introduce Krista to Kennedy Space Center. Though she has toured the visitor complex with her parents and her younger brother, Harper, at a young age, she suddenly forgot the tender moments of meeting Helios face to face during the crew’s arrival back to earth. There was a gap between her memories, an amnesiac puzzle hole to her brain. Deep down, she remembered Helios from STS - 136 yet as she grew up with her parents and her younger brother, her sight of the crew and her family vanished before her eyes. Her parents were mysteriously abducted by an undefinable group. Her brother followed the same trace. Feeling closer to Helios, she fulfilled her wish lightly, vowing mentally to stay close to him until she could find her family again.

The red Toyota Solara halted in front of the employee booth, Helios presented his NASA ID. The guard granted him access, wishing him a nice day. They drove through strips of grey roads, a blanket of green emerald grass and clear blue water ways running through the massive Floridian landscapes. It was like a carbon copy of the Everglades with a cluster of space buildings and hangars occupying the perimeters.

Parking at the visitor complex (Helios was lucky enough not to pay $10 since he is an employee), they both faced the Visitor Complex gate. Tour buses rumbled through the pick up areas. Right on instinct, Helios grasped Krista’s shoulders before she could send herself through a terrible collision. 

“Thanks. Being out into a crowded place is not to my liking.” she whispered in gratitude, closing her eyes in comfort.

“You don’t see me saving a young and innocent girl from danger everyday.” Helios winked while they walked past the ticket gate. (Once again, he was lucky to be an employee. $70 would have eaten his wallet already). “Besides, I know my way around the Visitor Complex. It’s been years since I assume you visited Kennedy Space Center.”

Krista nodded in agreement, resting her head against Helios’ lithe shoulder. The Sol Blaze blader noted of his relationship with her starting to develop. They walked past an American Flagpole that centered the ticket area, accompanied by their next monument: A studious water fountain, jets of clear blue water streaming across the granite basin. 

Their first attraction on the list was Astronaut Encounter. It was an opportunity for visitors to talk to famed astronauts that visited space and how their enthralled experience affected their aerospace careers. Helios was no stranger to this. He and the STS 136 crew were sometimes called in to stay and meet visitors of all ages. They shook hands and even had a 4 star cuisine with them. Helios remembered that day when he demonstrated a shuttle launch using a toy replica of Atlantis II. He unfortunately (and idiotically) landed the shuttle into his own food, causing the little girl to hysterically cry over her ruined moment with her toy. Her mother rated Helios a 2 star experience, vowing to never return again.

“So, you had a bad experience with kids?” Krista timidly asked, proceeding to shake hands with another female astronaut. Helios rubbed the back of his neck and blushed nervously, trying his best not to reveal his embarrassing reminder to the other staff members. 

“Let’s call it an accident in outer spaghetti space.” 

That caused Krista to laugh. Helios felt warm hearted after her first laugh. It was great to see her smile again after her caged emotions: sorrow, envy, and isolation. 

“Oh, I think I remember the rocket garden! Let’s go there!” Krista pointed towards a cluster of Apollo, Gemini, and Mercury rockets dotted around a sandstone concrete plaza. Unfortunately, the largest colossal rocket, Saturn V, had its own hangar.

“Last attraction for today. Just wait until Movie night, you’ll love it.” Helios chuckled as they both walked towards the rockets suspended with wires to the ground. The silver haired blader observed Krista hop from rocket to rocket, begging Helios to snap a picture. As soon as he pulled out his phone, Helios accidentally collided elbow to hip with another elderly woman nearby. 

In her 60’s, her long grey hair framed her wrinkly face, brown beady eyes judged every move. She wore a disapproving frown. To theme in with space, she wore a light blue tye dye shirt that had the faded NASA meatball logo in the center. This woman looked like she could snap Helios apart at any second.

“Watch it, klutz. Take your girlfriend somewhere else. I’m trying to watch the rockets lift off.” the woman sneered, hawking an eye on the couple as if they were to be kicked out of the park.

“They don’t…. take off. Are you aware they are held by metallic wires from toppling over frail people like you?” Helios awkwardly but helpfully countered, trying to demeanor as kindly as possible. 

The woman showed no mercy and continued to ignore Helios as if he came from another planet. This time Krista spoke up, “Um, there are hundreds of people that visit the complex every now and then. You can’t kick us out just for invading your privacy.”

“So? It’s not my problem that you didn’t purchase any tickets.” The woman’s wolf-like tone sent Krista backing away a step. She disliked conflicts the same way it served her a reminder to the Sunfoot soldiers in the past.             

“Let me deal with this.” Helios stepped forward and presented her with his NASA ID. “Official NASA employee here. Astronaut of STS - 136 and Mission Control Director, Helios Ryuzaki. There’s nowhere written across Park Guidelines that employees escorting visitors are forced to pay for a ticket upon entry.”

“What are you? The police or park security? Where does it say that? I wanna know.” The woman roughly gawked as she sternly gazed at Helios, placing a (threatening) hand to her chin.

“What’s your name, maam? Just curious.” Helios asked, furrowing a silver brow. 

The woman scoffed as if she got offended, “You wanna know my name? It’s get the f**k outta here.” 

“That’s deep.” Krista whispered cautiously. 

Helios sighed and called park security, “Helios here. I need security by the Rocket Garden pronto. An elderly karen falsely accused us of invading her privacy and she claims that I and another guest didn’t purchase any tickets.”

On it. A female voice crackled on the other end of the line. In a span of less than a minute, two male guards escorted the woman out, banning her next visit to KSC.

“You’re a hero, Helios. Just how did you pull that off so easily?” Krista’s eyes sparkled in delight. A warm glow resonated in his heart. 

“That’s the perk of being an employee for NASA. Kick the annoying karens out that wreck havoc across personal space.” Helios checked the time on his phone. It was 9:50 PM. Visitor complex was open until 10. The silver haired blader took his schedule lightly and headed back to the parking lot. 

“You make me feel very warm, Helios.” Krista once again rested her head against Helios’ shoulder. The two of them walked back to the car, feeling overwhelmed at what just happened.

"I’m glad to hear that.” 

It was an uneventful 22 minute drive from KSC to his townhouse.

A few drops of rain pelted the windshield as Helios wordlessly cruised down Sailfish Avenue, parking the Solara neatly on his driveway. The rain started to increase, surging like a roaring current. With a spare orange Sunflower print umbrella in hand, he quickly ran inside with Krista, sheltering her protectively from the crying clouds. 

Helios tossed the wet umbrella on the futon as he began to walk up the eclipse grey carpeted stairs to his room. Krista timidly followed him like a curious mouse. Once on the small landing, she found three doors: two for the bedrooms, one for a bathroom, and the other was a spacious closet. 

“Stay downstairs. I’m going for a quick shower.” Helios entered his room and began to pick out his fresh pair of clothes. Krista nodded, still feeling intrigued to watch Helios like a curious cat. She eagerly watched him pick an average selection: An Atlantis II crew graphic shirt, Illenium printed grey joggers, grey socks, dark blue underwear, and a light orange beach towel. “Be right back.”

The bathroom door shut as the tap clicked on and the sound of water rushed from the shower spout. Krista spotted the rest of Helios’ original attire, the day he worked for the Sunfoot soldiers and hunted down Gingka and his Pegasus. His signature red bandanna that he always kept snugged around his neck was now neatly folded on his studious dresser. His olive green tank top and brown jacket were on hangars in his closet, including his pearl white pants with a red chain dangling from the side pockets. His ring buckled brown boots were set on top of the shoe box, an array of Sun wax containers avalanched across the closet floor. 

Krista decided to sit down on his eclipse grey bed, nudging her arm into an Illenium phoenix pillow. She opened a drawer to his dresser. An anodized red 3 Segment Launcher Grip sat inside, waiting for it to be picked up by Lenz. Curiously, she gripped the black Beylauncher’s / string launcher’s handle and extended the string, the prongs rotating slowly. Occupying the Beypoint card slot was an orange card that had the motif of Sol Blaze on it. 

Blinking in awe, she picked up Sol Blaze and speculated at the sun god beyblade. It was legendary yet breathtakingly terrifying. Like a flaming Divine Dragon roaring in fury. Gold, Red, and Orange. 

The shower spout clicked shut. Krista’s heart leaped twice as her startled eyes fixed on the opening bathroom door. Helios walked in, toweling his hair dry while wearing a silky yukata. It was velvet red with the Brand of the Solar Star (Sol Blaze’s sun emblem) lining the sleeves and back. The Solar Prominence designs trailed the lower section of his robe while an orange silk ribbon laced around his waist. 

“Go ahead. I’m not mad at you for appreciating the sun god.” Helios' sharp but friendly comment warmed Krista’s mental mistake. 

“Sorry. I was quite curious about it.” Lenz apologized and returned the beyblade back to its drawer. Helios wrapped his arms around her small chest and faced her with a glowing smile.

“C’mon, bring Sol Blaze with you.” he whispered sensually. Krista blinked in anticipation, a blender of internal emotions churning within her. 

The microwave beeped as Helios grabbed the bowl of popcorn and 2 bottles of Landshark beer in hand. Krista eagerly watched the silver haired Sol Blaze blader set down the popcorn and beer for movie night. Flashing through the Samsung flat screen TV was the first movie, Gravity, starring Sandra Bullock. 

After a catastrophic collision in the asteroid orbit path with the space shuttle Explorer, Lenz hugged her knees in anticipation, her eyes widening at the sight of a lonely female astronaut drifting through space. She was eventually helped by another fellow astronaut, using his jet pack to thrust across space while Sandra trailed behind him with a cream colored safety tether, safely secured to her waist. After losing her crewmate, Sandra was latched onto the ISS for dear life, scrambling into the Soyuz escape pod. She navigated her way to Tiangong, the chinese space station that orbited earth, she proceeded to successfully do the tri module separation, an array of debris from the erupted Tiangong sent her shattering past Earth’s atmosphere, successfully kissing the surface of the ocean and the rigid soil of an undisclosed island.

Krista imagined how it was like if Helios was in that scenario, the rest of STS 136 scattered across space. Using his survival and tactical thinking to drift through space alone without his crewmates in sight.

The silver haired blader sipped on his beer, his crystal blue eyes sharply focused on the screen. 

The second movie, I.S.S, was frankly worse in Krista’s opinion. During an unintentional and terrifying war between the Americans and the Russians on Earth, the crew aboard the International Space Station resolve to find peace with each other in space. Their peace soon takes a dark turn as each crewmate attempts to murder each other, devising an array of gruesome plans and distractions to lure each other into a killing spree. 

Helios imagined how it would be if he and the rest of STS 136 along with Lovushka turned against each other. Yureneva protectively shielding both Skye and Ryan while Nowaguma wrestles her through the narrow corridors. Lera drilling through Skye with an automated screwdriver. Aleksei controls the ISS’ Canadarm, swatting another US payload technician spinning away from the Truss 5 segment. An attempt to finish off Ryan was soon halted as Aleksei drifted lifelessly through the corridors, stabbed with a custom hunting dagger by a breathless Helios.

Briefly shuddering at the wicked thought, he and Krista rested heads on shoulders for a minute or two. Contemplating through the starless space. Krista hummed lightly in comfort as if she was vividly dreaming about their relationship.

The movie ended as the credits rolled on screen. Helios leaned forward and grabbed the remote, shutting the TV off. 

It turns out that in space, they can hear you scream. Helios chuckled lightly at the movie’s tagline. A stellar ensemble that raised his excitement and leveled his brevity and wit. A spark of teamwork and love converted to depravity and raging chaos. 

With Krista lightly asleep, Helios exasperated a light sigh through his nose. His phone buzzed across the table, alerting him with a text message from Skye Robinson.

SKYE ROBINSON

11:29 PM

“Made it in town! Rochester, Minnesota is looking great! Lots of stuff to do! Here’s a selfie on Lakeridge Drive! Kayden loves his rocket toppers. Thanks Helios for hosting your party! Glad to have been invited!”

Followed by another buzz was an image of Skye and her family standing in front of a olive green vinyl paneled two story house in a peaceful neighborhood frolicked with bright green lawns and crystal concrete driveways. 

Helios smiled and typed out his reply:

HELIOS RYUZAKI

11:30 PM

“Glad to hear that you made it safe, Skye. Yureneva would sure be jealous of your out of state vacation. Just watched two space movies with Krista. She voted Gravity over ISS, seeing that she wasn’t a fan of crewmates killing each other abroad the enormous space lab. Haha. Speaking of a vacation in space -”

RYAN HENDERSON (BOARD GEEK NERD)

11:31 PM

“Hola my Earth friends! I’m right now at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama! Geez, I’m getting a kick out of the Multi Axis trainer and gaping in awe at the Apollo 11 VR! Don’t tell Lera that it's better than ESSA and JAXA’s* training centers in Moscow! *wink*”

*Pronounced JACK-SA. Get it right, you goofs.

SKYE ROBINSON

11:31 PM

“Hold up, you’re in Alabama? Lucky! Now I’m jealous!”

YURENEVA BREZENSKA

11:32 PM

“Double lucky! *Whining emoji* I’m stuck here with Lovushka back in Moscow. Nowaguma is such a lousy prick. He refuses to let me ride the multi axis trainer. Aleksei and Lera are doing fine as well. They recently sent out emergency patch tiles made out of Tegris for the SETH module to KSC. Hoping NASA is satisfied with our unique and technical builds for their missions.”

HELIOS RYUZAKI

11:33 PM

“Let Aleksei know to keep me updated with SETH. I’m intrigued to see Crew Dragon launch with Lovushka’s new module. Good luck with your out of state vacations, Ryan and Skye. As for you Yureneva, keep doing what you do for both 136 and Lovushka. I have a certain someone to take care of.”

That caught their attention. Helios braced himself for the exploding replies that instantly swept the chat like intrigued mice.

RYAN HENDERSON

11:40 PM

“Don’t tell me, dude. You have a girlfriend.”

SKYE ROBINSON

11:40 PM

“Wait, since when did this happen?”

YURENEVA BREZENSKA

11:41 PM

“Now I’m so jealous, Helios. Rip that big fat paycheck from the sun. Did you find her on Triton?”

Helios eagerly glanced at the girl, fast asleep. Her blonde locks intertwined past her shoulders. Blinking in thought, he carefully exasperated a sigh, his fingers slowly typing across the screen.

HELIOS RYUZAKI

11:42 PM

“I never knew that she had a derelict past just like mine. I guess we both share some sort of identical past.”

A heavy pause spanned across the chat. Helios gave in and finished his reply.

“Her name is Krista Lenz and she’s fleeing from the Sunfoot cult.”

Ooh, cliffhanger again! 

I agree with Krista. Gravity is better than ISS and I have watched both of those movies!

Plus, I finally found Helios' theme song! (Sound Garden - Black Hole Sun). Thanks to Erin1234 MFB on Youtube, you can watch Helios' AMV here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR6nHG5JYrM

Falco276 out! :)

Chapter Text

It's been so many weeks since I got this chapter posted! Work, family, and other things have been holding up my time from writing this story. You don't wanna know how I did it, but it's finally here. 

Enjoy!

Krista shifted around the grey futon, waking up from her nap.

It was 10:00 AM on the red clock above the living room wall. The faint hum of the AC blew through, lightly pricking at her blonde hair. Inhaling through her nose with a long and comfortable stretch, Krista lightly yawned and adjusted her vision at the scene before her.

“You’re awake.” Helios sat crosslegged on the floor, carefully waxing his Channel Islands Pro surfboard. In his hands were a pair of new FCS Fusion II fins, marine blue with eclipse grey rubber slot grips. A pattern of white hexagons were printed behind the logo on the fins, establishing a futuristic theme. “Today we're gonna go surfing.”

Despite the sun blader’s love for surfing, Krista wondered how in the world he’ll be able to help her conceal her secret away from the Sunfoot cult. Knowing that he too used to meddle with the cult themselves, perhaps it was a crucial mistake to seek refuge in her enemy’s townhouse. Who knows? He would call up his buddies and together they’d abduct her swiftly back to Bakim’s Space Ark again. Then they’d make her do crucial chores such as cleaning the animal stalls (ew) and keeping expensive art in check. (Yes, the David statue is still nude. What a world record!)

Lenz shuddered in fear at the mental thought swimming around her mind. Her gaze fell upon Helios. The Sol Blaze blader tilted his head in confusion.

“What’s wrong? Do you possibly have aquaphobia?” Helios leaned forward and waved a hand in front of her face. Maintaining her composure, Krista swallowed and shook her head excusably.

“I’m fine. Just thinking, that’s all.” 

Helios, conscious of her family, crawls forward with a timid stare. He finally sighed, smiling warmly at the end. “You know. It’s hard to think about the past. Which is why I try my best to avoid conflicts rather than spread it across the world.”

He lightly nudged her, attempting to cheer her up. Krista unveiled her fake smile, trying to topple over her negative emotions. “C’mon, we have several waves to catch.”

Cocoa Beach was sprawling with a crowd.

Krista didn’t know where to start. 

Gripping her surfboard, she glanced at Helios who seemed confident about his surfing skills. Everyday, he would always visit Cocoa Beach, inhaling the sounds and sights before him.

The sun's ray struck across the calm lakes and lagoons of the beach, glistening with a sparkling effect. Herons and Egrets called from a distance. Raccoons wandered in the deep sloped forests, nestling inside the trees beside the waters. Seagulls flew over empty parking lots, screeching across the sky. People found it a very good day to fish at the wooden piers, their backs turned towards the roads as they waited for fish to struggle across the water. Their pick-up trucks were piled up with a large kayak, and other outdoor equipment. Some local families took their children on a Sand dollar and shell hunt, walking on the crystal sands, smiling and laughing with joy. Other people decided to take their pets to the dog park and rent out camping tents to stay overnight, having evening BBQs or watch the dolphins swim around sunset.

The Sol Blaze surfer was already dressed ready in his OceanTec wetsuit, squinting at the waves to measure their depth and trough from a distance. Gripping his Channel Islands Pro board, Helios smiled in satisfaction, “Ready? I’ll show you a few practice sessions on the board before we shred the waves.” 

Lenz inwardly sighed as she shifted around with her (heavy) StormBlade SSR board. “Ok, I’m ready.”

“Just like I showed Yureneva.” 

They found a spacious spot in the sand, away from local beachgoers. Helios demonstrated the basic positions during paddling. Krista struggled to get her balance. The Blader of the Sun (his nickname given by Bakim) carefully held the female standing across the board. “There. There. You don’t want to lose your balance while your board bops across the waves. The force of the water pushes you and your board forward. The trick is to never lean forwards or backwards unless you want a horrible wipeout.”

Krista gulped at the thought of a salty surging wave barreling across her. 

“Use your arms and legs to prop yourself up the board, positioned diagonally while facing forward. Like this.” Helios demonstrated switching positions from paddle to stand in a matter of seconds. Folding up her nervous feelings, Krista wrangled her unbalanced confidence and tried again. 

“Doing good.” Helios analyzed her performance on the board, the sand wedging under Lenz’s weight. He picked up his StormBlade SSR and gave it to her. “Now we ride the waves.”

Krista gulped as if she was hit by a rock to the head. Uneasily toeing on the lapping shore, she gazed across the ocean activity. A cluster of surfers, people paddling on SUP (Stand up paddle) boards and small kids on inflatable tubes bopped across the small jolting waves. Helios chuckled at the thought of Brad Jacobson introducing his viewers about the world’s very first Tesla Cybertruck surfboard. 

A board that could skate and surf while in the shape of a Cybertruck. An idea that could possibly attract Elon Musk in concern with marketing the futuristic metal trucks to the world. Now available on water as well. 

Helios wished he did the same with his Sol Blaze. Surfing on the Sun God Beyblade would visually be hysterical to the public eye. Kids would crowd around him, praising for his colorful efforts. NASA would give him a timely engineering award. His crewmates would glamorize in awe at how talented he was at creating bizarre surfboards.

“Doing good, Krista. Just imagine yourself as a Libra scale, balancing yourself across the surface.” Helios carefully watched her catch a small wave rolling across the water. The silver haired surfer helpfully swayed his board left and right, allowing Krista to accelerate smoothly through the mini pipeline. 

“Whoa.” She breathed through her mental awe, feeling the ocean breeze flow through her like a bluebell flower swaying to the wind. She closed her eyes to atone with the moment. Helios bit his lip in distress. It was too late to warn her. Failing to grab her waist, Helios bit back in regret. 

Krista yelped as she accidentally collided against another surfer paddling his way up to the zone. Her mind barreled over like the wave that plowed through her like avalanching snow. Her StormBlade SSR flipped over the sea spray, fading into the wash. 

“Krista!” Helios dismounted his board and immediately swam to her. The girl furiously spat out salt water that stung her taste buds. She could barely open her eyes. Salt really does sting to the core. “Hey, it’s ok. I’ve got you.”

“Dude, I’m so sorry. Is she ok?” a young local the same age as Helios waded across to them. Long blonde hair, tied in a ponytail, was wet to the fringe, the tip trickling the back of his neck. He was semi built, like a gym attendant. Stark blue eyes, slightly pointed nose, and a soft warm smile was all that Krista could see so far through her slit eyelids. His soft Danish accent soothed Helios’ ears as both men helpfully guided the girl to the sandy shore. 

“I’m fine.” Krista rasped in a coughing fit. 

“Saltwater is surely a surfer’s nightmare.” Helios chuckled as he checked her vitals. Her heart was beating normally. Check.

The local blew a sigh of relief, “I’m glad she’s ok. For a second, I thought she passed out from that tiny wave. First time surfing?”

Helios nodded, “Yep, I was teaching her the basics. As for me, I’m an experienced surfer. Still trying to learn the 360 and the hang 10s.”

“Name’s Yuval Skaendera.” he extended out his hand. 

The Sol Blaze surfer shook it in return. “Helios Ryuzaki.”

Krista slowly stood up, snapping to her senses.

“Welcome to Cocoa Beach.” Skandera smiled with his hands on his hips.

Lenz deadpanned towards Yuval as if he originated from another planet. 

“Krista, this is Yuval Skandera. The guy who accidentally collided with you on the killer waves.” Helios’ silver eyebrows crested playfully. The way he emphasized ‘killer waves’ made it sound like Lenz was violently mauled from the ocean. Trapped within a cage underwater, a cluster of great white sharks circling predatorily around her. 

“Nice to meet you.” The flustered and nervous smile.

“She’s one brave surfer. Most people would chicken out.” Yuval chuckled with a soft laugh.

Krista’s cheeks blushed slightly red. She held Helios’ hand as if they were in a relationship. Ryuzaki noticed that she was finally blossoming up to their intimacy. “Thanks.”

“Say, Helios. I know a good place not far off where we could eat out and talk.” Yuval checked his Pebble Smart watch. 5:30 PM. 

That hooked Helios on edge since his crewmates were on out-of -state vacations. Yureneva spent time with her family, celebrating a Russian holiday (How ironic. It’s actually called Russia Day) that sure brought smiles. Ryan came back from Alabama with lots of gift shop goodies. Skye and her family were splashing out at a waterpark in Rochester, Minnesota. 

Despite his hardship with Krista in regards to their derelict past, the two of them vowed to build their relationship from point A all the way to point B: a successful resolution. That could mean the disbanded Sunfoot cult and Bakim once again behind bars for his unmonitored crimes. 

The group drove to Tiki’s Bar and Grill, located near North Atlantic Avenue. It was a Polynesian themed restaurant so the group found an array of items that toned in with the little bar: large chunks of palm wood shaped into a Tiki hut, strands of light yellow straw framed the roof of the building, a string of LED lights dangling over the outdoor seating area. A Tiki statue stood by the entrance. Krista gulped at its ferocious expression: the slit intimidated eyes while garnishing a wide pacifier shaped mouth with gritted teeth. It held up a black chalkboard framed in warm amber lights, Happy Hour written in white. 

The studious waiter wearing a black apron approached them and kindly directed them to their table. He whisked away for their orders as soon as the group took a seat and requested their beverages.

“As you were saying Helios. You’re an experienced surfer. Since when did you start surfing?” Yuval’s blonde eyebrows raised in amusement. 

The silver haired blader / surfer coughed lightly before gazing at Yuval, “I started taking interest in surfing when I watched some random people shredding across the waves during Dawn Patrol. That’s when I vowed to learn all of the fundamentals and tricks in surfing for fun. I bought my first board - a Channel Islands Dumpster Diver - and started to shred across the waves. Honestly, it's something I’d rather do if I were not in the ISS now.”

“Wait did you say ISS? Like the International Space Station?” Yuval’s mouth gaped as soon he saw Helios held up his NASA ID card. “You work for NASA?”

“Mission Control Director for now at the Kennedy Space Center. I was an astronaut for mission STS - 136.”

Yuval inhaled shock and awe while pointing a finger at Helios, “Oh! Yes, dude. I saw Atlantis II launch through the news! And you were part of that special team?”

Helios nodded with a small smile. That caused Krista to giggle lightly. Yuval was still taken away as if he was windswept by a tornado.

“You’re phenomenal. A Space freak with the heart of surfing?” Skandera shook his head in disbelief. “That’s wild.”

“Here are your drinks.” The waiter came in with a platter of 3 cups of coke and water. A separate can of Celsius was handed to Helios. He muttered a thanks and popped the can open with one finger. 

“I’m just gonna go to the loo.” Krista blushed as she excused herself for the nearby bathroom. 

“Who’s the 3rd one for?” Helios noticed an unattended cup of acai flavored sparkling water on the table. 

“My girlfriend, Heather. She’s a real beauty. Takes me out on the best locations around town. The Tiki Bar and Grill was actually her recommendation.” Yuval topped a slice of lemon on the rim of the cup. “So you said that you were half greek? How’s it like living in Greece?”

Helios blinked, mentally rearranging his words like a puzzle. He did not want to tell a lot of people that he was part of some sort of fanatical cult that worshiped the Sun God and God of the Sea while resurrecting Atlantis. Or Bakim’s silly plan to wipe out earth with an enormous asteroid while escaping on Atlantis II. But since he earned Yuval’s trust based on his friendly personality, Helios gave out a deflated sigh.

“That was years ago during my childhood. My parents are a mystery, and I was raised by my grandfather. Long story short, I used to be part of an occultic group with my grandfather. He was pretty villainous, as he attempted to wipe out earth with an asteroid while escaping on Atlantis II.”

“The shuttle wasn’t made by NASA at all?” Yuval widened his eyes in confusion. 

“NASA acquired the shuttle as their property after retiring the original Atlantis. It was actually first made and constructed by the group I was in, the Sunfoot cult. My grandfather’s foolproof plan failed thanks to me and another hero and friend of mine launched into space to destroy Adonis. All of the raging weather disasters used to be caused by an ancient beyblade relic that we mined from the lost city of Atlantis years ago. I still have it to this day.”

Helios reached into his pocket and pulled out Sol Blaze V145 AS on the table. He set it on the table, the red anodized Sol wheel glistening against the tiki torch’s flames. 

“Dude, you still have this earth shattering thing?” Yuval held his breath in awe as he cradled the beyblade like a prism cube. 

“Sol Blaze Variable 145 Around Sharp. An ultimate balance type beyblade that unleashes raging flames upon my command.” There was a glint in Helios’ crystal blue eyes. Yuval exhaled, physically moved by the appearance of its special move, Blaze Execution.

“That’s so wild. Just by imagining how many forest fires you could start with that thing in your hand.” Yuval chuckled jokingly as he handed the red and orange beyblade back to Helios.

The silver haired followed after with a small chuckle. “I’m lucky to have a piece of Atlantis with me. After the asteroid fiasco, the Sunfoot group was arrested by the WBBA and the local police for their crimes.” 

“Hi, did I miss anything?” Krista arrived back with a smile.

“You just missed Sol Blaze.” Yuval smoothly sipped his coke. 

“Helios told me about his beyblade. I have a beyblade as well. I don’t know if it's popular like Blaze. It’s Vesper Luna.” Krista set her personal bey on the table. It was designed to look like a rabbit. Its facebolt sported a fierce armored rabbit with whiskers. Its clear wheel was dark brown / grey with purple highlights. The Fusion Wheel, Vesper was a hybrid of Sol with serrated edges. Bizarrely, it was equipped with an identical track and tip just like Sol Blaze. Helios took that in account. What a shocking coincidence. 

“You’re a blader just like him?” Yuval questioned in quick awe.

“We vowed to have a few practice rounds.” Krista suppressed a smile before averting her attention on Helios.

The silver haired blader cleared his throat. “We did say that right before we came to the beach, surfing. What I wanted to say was, after lunch I’m driving an hour to SeaWorld for a bit of coaster fun with Krista, then I’m headed to the Orange County convention center for an Illenium concert. Tickets are already sold out so 120 dollars for the both of us was worth my time.”

Helios secured his printed ticket in his crossbody bag. That caused Yuval to agape even more. 

“No way! That’s where I’m headed too!” he enthusiastically held up his e ticket from his phone, a bold barcode sprawled across the screen.

“Just what I needed.” Helios sipped on his Celsius can, feeling entirely relieved at extra company. He expelled a small fisted belch before continuing. “Fun fact: last year I went to the 2022 Djakarta Warehouse Pro event in Jakarta, Indonesia with another friend of mine. It was phenomenal.”

“Hold my coke, dude. What was it like? 

The waiter handed them their lunches: Kahuna burgers, glazed chicken wings, Hamachi sushi rolls, Kohna Poke bowls, and Molten Chocolate Cake for dessert. Helios mentally chuckled at the thought of his only fat crewmember on board. Yureneva Brezenska would faint in awe at the sight of all of this mouthwatering food.

Helios wistfully smiled, remembering the key moments: the large aztec style phoenix statue pulsing out Illenium’s logo in a checkerboard pattern, light orange fog waving through the bopping crowd, white sparks streaming in between the only DJ himself, Nicholas Daniel Miller. “It was breathtaking. A heavenly blend of trance, psytrance, electro house, and hardstyle all in one. 2 hours of pure EDM blazing across the crowd like wildfire. Lights and lasers piercing through the air, burning the shadows. Fog rolling across the stage, uplifting hearts from around the world.”

“That’s exactly why I want to go. Bring Krista along.” Yuval winked, tapping her hand. Lenz snapped to attention with a timid ‘hm?’.

“You seem to space out a lot. No pun intended.” Yuval chuckled in joy, chucking a balled up napkin into his empty plate. He signaled by standing up rather fast. “Hey, I’ll see you at SeaWorld. Gotta pick up Heather on the way. Good luck on your drive to Orlando.” 

“You too.” Helios watched as Yuval waved in farewell while spotting him a 20 for the bill. The silver haired blader kindly paid the waiter for the lunch and hoisted his crossbody bag on his shoulder. He extended his hand out in front of Krista. “Coming along?”

“Sure.” Krista blushed as she stood up and together with her boyfriend, the both of them walked over to the Solara. Lenz watched as Helios rearranged his surfboards horizontally to provide more room for extra storage in the footwell.

He paused, staring at her from across the car. 

“You don’t have a fear of heights, do you?”

Krista wondered what Helios meant about ‘fear of heights’ 

She had been to a plethora of theme parks that strictly excluded roller coasters. Kid friendly parks that involved family oriented activities such as berry picking, nature explorations, and arts and crafts. The kind that made her little brother, Harper exclaim in joy. 

This was her first time on a roller coaster, visually imagining the feeling of rising on a steep incline then in a heartbeat dropping down in rapid speeds. Just like surfing but 100 times crazier.

And today she was going to experience the combination of both surfing and ‘coasteering’.  

Walking across the sun lit parking lot, both Helios and Krista approach the ticket booth. The kind lady dressed in a blue polo and a black bandanna from waist high greeted them with a kind smile, handing them sea blue tickets for 1 day admission that cost 30 dollars. 

The park was packed with people, sea animals in their respective exhibits, small coastal themed cafes, and kids’ obstacle courses (fun for adults too!). 

From a distance, Helios spotted out a Galaxy grey mica 2007 Mazda 3 sedan. To his surprise, Yuval gripped his promise and appeared in SeaWorld just in time with his girlfriend, Heather. She looked about the same age as Krista, decked out with the latest street attire: a cute snapback hat with kitty ears, an elongated blonde ponytail, sea blue eyes, a sparkling white smile, a Denver Broncos football jersey, the shortest jeans with rhinestone buckles, and black converse shoes with neon sea blue waves patterning the sides and heels. 

“Hi Yuval and friends! I’m Heather Skandera, Yuval’s girlfriend.” They exchanged handshakes. She then goggled an inquisitive eye at Krista. “I assume she’s your girlfriend?”

“Kinda. It’s a long story.” Helios exhaled with a blush. He wrapped his arms around Krista, making her feel playfully uneasy. She flustered out a smile. “We met a few days ago at my townhouse on Sailfish Avenue.”

“And I met him surfing at Cocoa beach. Saved her life. Fun fact: This guy right here works for NASA and is a die hard Illenium fan. He even has tickets for the Rise Above event starting in an hour.” Yuval grinned ear to ear like a goofy idiot. Helios rolled his eyes in light annoyance.

“Wait, it doesn’t end there. He has a cuckoo grandfather that almost blew up the world with an asteroid. Thankfully, Helios and another friend of his managed to destroy the space rock with their beyblades.” Yuval enthusiastically reached into Helios’ pocket and pulled out Sol Blaze. “This red and orange beyblade has the power of the Sun. It can summon up some nasty blazing flames you can imagine!” 

Heather laughed in delight, “That’s a lot to see. What’s our first attraction?”

Krista gulped. All 4 of them were locked on a roller coaster car shaped into an orange and yellow surfboard painted with slick Hawaiian sharks, flowers, and tribal waves. She had heard of plenty daredevil coasters gossiped around her friends, a list of ‘keep your head high until it chops off by the wind’ coasters. The Oblivion in Alton Towers, Space Mountain in Euro Disney, the Knightmare in Camelot, Thunder Dolphin, and Air Drift were the ones that she vowed to never see or be on.

“Hey, it’s ok. Hold my hand.” Helios gripped Krista’s hand to drown away her fears. Lenz blushed in gratitude, thanking her boyfriend. 

“I've been waiting for this my whole life.” Yuval exhaled, gripping the shoulder bars that secured the top half of his body. 

“Silly goose. I knew you’d say that.” Heather winked, unleashing a teasing smile. The silver gates opened and the coaster began to lurch forward across the turquoise steel rail at 15 mph. After crossing the brake fin: slow moving horizontal wheels in the coaster’s shaft tracks, everyone began to chorus a murmur of confusion. 

“This is gonna be worse than Kraken.” Yuval chuckled under his breath. The group braced themselves for their sudden launch.

60 mph. 

Krista screamed in delight and fear. 

Expecting a slow climb over a steep incline, this coaster was wayyy different enough to blow her socks off. Wind madly whipped her blonde hair around as the coaster began with a horizontal spiraling loop. The sky slowly barrelled around like a camera free falling from an accidental skydive. Helios and Yuval felt their feet bop in sync to the coaster’s insane speed, mimicking the typical vertical surfing action. 

The coaster plunged beside the glittering lake framed with splash rocks. A cluster of herons flew near the tracks (and very narrowly avoided Helios’ platinum spiky hair). It glided across a makeshift pond with sea blue water and pillars of decorative stones. Another loop sent Krista leaking in tears. She wasn’t sure whether she should have gotten on this ride. Despite her ultimate fears of heights, she broke her barrier. Wrangling her bravery, she confidently opened her eyes. 

Another small upward incline sent the coaster curving diagonally right, then to the left. 

“For Sol Blaze!” Yuval exasperated in excitement. His shrill yell of joy caught the attention of a group of park visitors below. “And for Illenium!”

One of them waved in return, holding up the Shaka hand gesture.

Helios chuckled in agreement to his friend’s random outbursts. Expelling a random string of words really helps the rider calm down against the ferocious wind. It was as if Yuval was comically dueling against an invisible force. 

After two more smooth diagonal curves, the coaster slowed to a halt beside the waiting line. 

“That was Akaw! Akaw! The crazy loops and glittering panoramic views of the park. How’d you feel, Helios?” Yuval gawked in playful concern. 

“Better than a wipeout. This is going to be my surf therapy if I get diagnosed with Surfer’s Knots. Stepping on painful bumps across your feet is not worth it.” Helios beamed in reply. Though he admitted to his crewmates (mostly to Ryan) that he was close to getting a Surfer’s Knot. The moment? A heart beating slip, falling forward on his board, close to scraping and gashing his forehead by an unsuspected rock on the shallow sea floor. More like a Surfer’s Concussion for sure.

The group headed for a small snack and beverage break. Heather voluntarily bought Mrs. Fields cookies and spring water for the whole group. 

“Journey to Atlantis?” Yuval grinned, pointing to the full color map of the park. 

“Seriously?” Helios narrowed his gaze towards Yuval. The Sol Blaze blader / surfer gave him a blank stare. The blonde local gave out a fake shrug, “Isn’t that what you were looking for all along?”

Krista hoped that this coaster was not so scary like the Pipeline Surf. If it was, she would kick Skandera’s butt for it. She felt slightly dizzy but not super nauseous. 

“I’m fine. Just a bit topsy turvy.” Krista knew she had it all it takes to overcome a simple coaster ride. That simple was about to get simpler - er.

Helios and his group halted in front of a sun stone barrier, heat lightly beaming across a Parthenon tower crafted similar to the one Helios saw on Atlantis Island. Colored identical to the barrier, the structure was 50 ft tall, the roof topped with a turquoise ancient dome. Striking details of the same color followed for the tilting roof in the shape of a triangular Parthenon. Centered in the middle were insignias of water horse chariots galloping across the waves. 

Helios indeed found it a bit nostalgic to see a Greek Parthenon since it had two of his favorite symbols: The Sun for Sol Blaze and the water waves for surfing.

“Look, dude. Mermaids!” Yuval pointed to a sun scorched wall painting. It depicted 3 women with circling fish tails hovering over a layer of sky blue water. A faint orange sun cornered the upper left side of the frame. The paint was purposely chipped off to make it look as if they were in an authentic town in Greece.

A wooden cross bar box sat in front of the mural with a high duty boat rope coiled like a resting snake on top. 

“I haven't seen those in a long time!” Heather lightly laughed at their sprightly appearance.

The line for the ride resembled as if the group were in a small coastal cafe in Greece, ordaining typical elements: Stone arch pillars, dozens of ceiling fans, an overhead wall mounted TV, and orange lights dimly lit at the front entrance. Yellow tape in the shape of a tab sticker marked 4 sections behind the gate, where the group respectively stood on each numbered tab. 

They all climbed into a sturdy boat enough to seat 8 riders. It was another log flume ride, but sea themed. As the boat started lugging forward, Helios could not help but think of Yuval’s recommendation of this ride. Was it because at that time he was part of the Sunfoot cult, traveling by boat to discover the city of Atlantis hidden 5,000 ft. deep under the depths of the Atlantic Ocean? It felt familiar, yet surreal. 

“Oooh, spooky.” Yuval grinned as if they entered a haunted tunnel ride. Helios shook his head in playful disbelief. Krista and Heather glamoured over the ghostly appearance of the city, splashed by irregular shaped shadows while lit halogen blue. The lights in the model town were surprisingly on, letting everyone know that life still sprouted in the city of Atlantis.

The boat moved through a star lit tunnel. Krista gasped in joy as they were surrounded by bioluminescent sea corrals of different shapes and colors. Heather snapped pictures of endless corrals with her waterproof camera. Helios pointed out that she accidentally snapped the EXIT sign as well, in which it wasn’t supposed to be there. Yuval thought it was a prank from one of the park employees, implying that something perilous was going to happen.

They reached the next section of the ride: A royal sea temple with flames in hanging plant pots suspended from the ceiling and an overhead balcony. The group yelped as they all got slapped by a soft jet of water spewing from the wall mounted nozzle. The boat continued to drift through the endless hallways of the temple, many people remarking about its fine lavish appearance. Softly glowing gold on the pillars, a shadow of blue halogen lights resembling a water web swished back and forth against the arch shaped ceiling. A miniature fountain was placed to the right of view. A galleria of pearls pulsed through the darkened tunnel.

In the distance, they saw an incline lit in dark neon blue, as if it was the stairway to heaven. Krista gulped, gripping onto her fear of heights like it was the end of her life.

“It’s a stairway to Heaven!” someone yelled in joy behind Helios.   

Once the boat neared the incline, Krista held her heart in her hands. The sheer speed sent the boat whooshing down the steep drop, creating a majestic splash across the river.

As the boat slowed down to a halt beside the line, the group exited the ride with mixed feelings. Krista felt relaxed, glad to have only yelled in joy at the sudden drop of the ride. The others were drenched from head to toe. 

“That wasn’t too bad, was it, Helios?” Yuval complimented with a goofy grin. Heather softly laughed. 

Helios shrugged, “At least the waves were not wild like the ones on the Atlantic Ocean. Trust me. It was worse than this ride.”

Yuval chuckled halfheartedly, sipping on his water bottle, “You know what’s gonna be worse than your journey to Atlantis? My sudden appearance in a crowd of over 30k people. If I lose sight of Heather in that split second, it’s gonna take years to find her.”

The blonde female cleared her throat with a serious but playful gaze.

“I regret saying that.” Yuval blushed in embarrassment, conscious of his girlfriend’s vivid empathy. She gave him a doubtful look before popping peppermint gum into her mouth.

They halted at a meeting point, surrounded by park goers either taking a break by the benches or walking along. 

“We have about 10 min until Rise Above starts. It’s only a 6 min drive to the Orange County Convention Center.” Helios checked his smartwatch which displayed 9:15 PM in white letters behind a neon background. "I've reserved some VIP spots near the stage."

Krista wondered how it was like to attend an EDM event. The way Helios described it from his point of view seemed intimidating, daring, and overall memorable. 

He suddenly started speed walking to the exit park. 

“Dude, wait up!” Yuval called out as he dashed after him. Heather jogged right behind him. Krista knew she had to run after them but she felt startled by someone or something in front her.

The stranger: a burly male twice her size grunted in annoyance. He wore an Excision baseball jersey, cargo shorts, and oversized Jordans. He barely said anything. His cold eyes only hawked down a glare on poor Lenz. 

“Hi. Nice to meet you?” Krista squeaked in surprise. Then that’s when she saw it. Her heart leaped twice in grief and fear. Which almost sent her barreling across park goers. 

She had to tell Helios. 

Fast.

Since when was a Sunfoot Soldier spying on her?

Another cliffhanger galore! I decided to split the part where Helios and the group attend the Illenium concert for next chapter.

Also, its been long since I've been to Sea World! The last visit was waaayyy back in 2006. Geez, I imagine my 7 year old self watching my brother go on his fav ride: Kraken, fell in love Shamu and Killer Whales, and much more.

I might have rushed the ending a bit. Gonna overlook my mistakes and fix them soon.

Falco276 out! :)   

Chapter Text

I’m back with another chapter! The moments between Helios and Krista are going to build up during the Illenium concert. There’s a pesky Sunfoot Soldier hot on thier trail! 

Enjoy!

It was time. 

The moment both Helios and Krista were waiting for.

The exhilirating moment to Rise Above.

The Solara softly growled as Helios neatly parked next to Yuval’s Mazda 3. 

“Oy! Welcome back brother!” Yuval exclaimed in joy, arms locking him into a hug. 

“Not now, Yuval. C’mon, everyone. I’m getting excited the moment we step closer to the venue.” Helios double checked his group’s attendance. 4 people. Check off the list. 

Together, they speed walked across the parking lot. Krista spotted other clusters of people dressed in Illenium baseball jerseys, laughing and talking amongst themselves. Some of them wore an array of colorful glow sticks illuminating their necks and wrists. Helios, Yuval, and Heather were already dressed in their respective Illenium jersey: Carbon Fiber black patterned with an array of neon pink and blue brush strokes morphing into a majestic phoenix, Illenium’s signature spirit animal.

“Here. Wear this.” Helios purchased an identical jersey for Krista. $30 covered her comfort and curiosity. She blushed, muttering thanks. The silver haired blader resonated a glow and a warm smile, “You’re welcome, my dear.”

They approached the crosswalk where Krista spotted a nice black 2015 Audi Quattro SUV pull up to the curb as if it was a 5 star class bachelorette party. A 15 year old girl dressed in another fancy Illenium jersey, army green Angel Kiss cargo pants, and Converse sneakers hopped out excitedly, exchanging a few Japanese words with her driver. 

“Arigato!” she replied in excitement, waving at the car in farewell. She turned around on her heels, heeding unpaid attention at Krista and her group. Lenz timidly watched her present her ID and ticket at the gate, hollering in joy as soon as she was accepted. “Whoo! Let’s go!”

“Here’s our tickets, sir.” Yuval fanned out his ticket and ID card as if he presented the guard a magic trick. The older man grunted and waved both Yuval and Heather in. 

Krista gulped in concern. Did she even have an ID? What happens if she gets denied into the event? Her fear crept closer as she inched closer to Helios for support.

“She doesn’t have an ID. I bought tickets for the both of us.” Helios curled his lip as he presented his ticket, driver’s license and an extra ticket for Krista. The guard carefully scrutinized the girl before giving out a nod. 

“Follow me.” Helios signaled as they entered the modern glass building. Upon entry, they were greeted with elements that every convention had: grey carpet sprawled across the massive indoor walkways, oak paneled walls and doors, and banners displaying different events that were held today. 

They scaled the escalators to 2F at section 1C where they spotted Illenium Rise Above banners framed around two massive doors. A cluster of people began filing through the doors. A faint scent of smoke snaking from the fog machines trickled their nose capillaries. 

“Yo, dude. This is massive!” Yuval gasped in joy, shocked at the overcrowded population. A total of 30k people meandered and occupied the expansive convention floor, chorusing random jargon. 5 special hexagonal strobe lights were placed in the formation of the number 5 on a dice. 3 wide main screens the size of a sports stadium jumbotron faced the crowd, an array of blue spotlights streaking through the air. An enormous statue of a Phoenix was suspended from the ceiling as if soaring over the crowd.

“Fun fact: I attended the Illenium Trilogy event at the Denver Broncos stadium. 2 hours of pure Nick on stage, tweaking those turntable knobs and hollering in excitement.” Heather winked.

No lie, Helios wished he was there. Just a simple text of his activities would make his STS 136 crewmates jealous. Especially Ryan Henderson. As he explained to Krista, his memorable trip to the JIEXPO KEMAYORAN where he attended the 2022 DJakarta Warehouse Pro, an open air rave festival together with Wang Hu Zhong member, Chao - Xin Mao.

Though he attended other sets in Europe, Chao Xin described Armin van Bureen’s set as a Winter Wonderland. “Oh I’m playing out Armin Van Buren’s Tommorowland playlist! I got so inspired by the Horus statue from the 2024 Crystal Garden concert. It was so cold up in the snowy mountains, but I had a hell of a lot of fun!”

A massive silver statue of Horus himself posed behind Armin, wings spread, its majestic falcon head staring fiercely down at the roaring crowd. The falcon’s massive wings sparked with ice blue luminescent feathers, pulsing to the beat of each track. The electronic beats tore across the rigid snowy mountain slope, magnetically attracting young people to the event. 

Chao - Xin was pleased.  

Evening fell over the ski resort like a starry night. A frigid cool breeze sliced through the crowd, stimulating their energy over the frostbite cold. It felt humid, a perfect blend of warm and cool swirled around the event.  A blend of digital purple and neon blue spotlights danced across the uplifting crowd, roaring in delight. 

An event that the chinese Virgo blader would never forget. 

“Bro, I’m so excited!” Yuval squealed in joy, inhaling the smoking atmosphere. The room was completely stealth black. He could only see Heather’s bright neon Illenium jersey. A light strip hued purple blazed across the stage, a cluster of blue laser lights flickered erratically over the crowd. 

“Orlando, time to screech this shit up! Let’s fuckin hear it!” Nick Daniel Miller, the DJ behind Illenium, the man, the myth, the legend appeared at the turntable booth, raising his hand in greeting. The crowd went nuts. A heavenly blend of trance and hardstyle tore across the crowd. Fan favorites such as Crawl Outta Love, Luv Me a Little, Sideways, All that really matters, Shivering, Back to You, and Feel Something blared loudly from the 4D speakers surrounding the crowd. 

“Let’s go!” Yuval yelled on the top of his lungs, waving a glow stick. 

So this was how it's like to be in a raving crowd, Krista thought as she breathed in her surroundings: a fleet of laser lights flashing above her head, pillars of fire spewing from each respective hexagonal pod, LED strips pulsing out, and confetti raining across.

Helios roared in excitement as the remix to Starfall faded off. Annika Welles came up on stage, leading Without Me in a hue of blue. An orange beach ball was tossed backforth, bopping on unsuspected heads in the crowd. 

“Thank you, Orlando!” Annika kissed her hand and showed it to the crowd as she exited the stage. Nick took over drums as Excision and Wooli - Name Drop blared over. The lights immediately turned stealth red as everyone started to headbang like crazy. The lights flickered erratically to Valentino Khan’s Womp Womp. 

“It’s fuckin Shivering!” someone yelled in the crowd. 

“What do you think so far?” Helios loudly called over the crowd. Krista’s thoughts spanned like the blue laser lights that waved left and right over the 30k heads. It was pure never ending joy. 

Scenes from Illenium’s movie Starfall illuminated the atmosphere. A cluster of metal guitar riffs behind the hardstyle remix of Shivering began as blue flickering laser lights danced across, sending everybody to a fierce head bang. 

As Said the Sky’s Where did you Go flared through, Krista spotted a mysterious stranger. Her heart leapt in fear, mentally conjuring the Sunfoot Soldier disguised as an Excision fan from earlier at SeaWorld. Brushing off the thought, Krista exhaled, searching her words.

“Let’s switch this shit up!” Nick yelled as Jxdn - Lifeline remix sent the crowd screaming in joy. Pillars of orange flames shot up into the air accompanied by blue laser lights moving through the fog.

“Um, is it ok if I can go to the bathroom?” Lenz nervously hugged Helios. The silver haired blader recapitulated with a perplexed gaze at her. His hands gripped her shoulders protectively.

With all my Heart played in the background. A set of gold confetti rained across the stage like a ceremonial event. Helios smiled, “Sure. You seem to go too much, thanks to the Celsius.” 

Lenz gave out a small smile as she excused herself and started pushing through the crowd. Avril Lanvegene’s Eyes Wide Shut began as a soft set of yellow lights pulsed in and out through the room. A scene from Starfall depicted the main characters discovering an ancient tome that held the legendary power of the Phoenix. 

The Sunfoot stranger’s cruel eyes tracked down Krista’s every move. From a distance, he spat out his gum and pulled out his phone. He snapped a few pictures of Lenz, and sent it to a mysterious man from the other side. 

Annika Welles’ Other Side flowed through the room as the Sunfoot Soldier began a conversation with his loyal leader of the cult. “I spotted her. She’s with Helios at the rave event in the Orange County Convention Center.” 

“Orlando! How we feelin!?” Nick called out over the laser lights. The crowd waved and screamed like a cluster of echoes. Kameron Alexander’s Pray flared across the room.

The leader paused, seated in front of the image of Krista in an undisclosed room, a set of computers beeping and humming. He gave out a sinister smirk, “I’m proud of you Gecko. I can’t believe my damn grandson is at that wretched festival. I expected him back in the Sunfoot cult. Seeking to revive Atlantis to its former glory. I order you to follow her. Don’t look too suspicious.”

“Yes, sir.” Gecko exhaled in agreement, and hung up. He carefully stifled through the crowd, keeping his gaze on Lenz exiting the venue.

“Somebody scream!” Nick hollered out while giving out a hand gesture. Affixed on Excision and I Prevail’s Feel Something, Helios shrugged at the absence of Krista and continued to rave at the hardstyle drop, the screen displaying the orange backdrop of a blazing fire sunset, a lonely bare branch tree perched in the middle. An intense fray occured between Excision’s T-Rex and Illenium’s Phoenix as pillars of orange fire shot out one by one across the stage. 

“Orlando! Let’s fuckin see this shit!” Nick once again hollered as the hardstyle drop sent everyone screaming in joy. The lights spun like a propeller from a solar powered windmill. 

Krista caught her breath, panting in fear. She rounded a corner, peeking behind her. A group of people were hanging around, exchanging alcoholic beverages. She nearly backed into a door, leading into the expansive balcony. She felt bad lying to Helios about going to the bathroom. Instead, she had to flee from the Sunfoot soldier stalking her with a sharp gaze. 

The air felt cool and refreshing despite her mind wrangled with her conflictions with Atlantis’ cult. Staring at Orlando’s evening city skyline, she accidentally bumped into another girl. 

Lenz blinked and knew it was the same girl from earlier.

“Oh my gods, are you ok?” Her sharp brown eyes clouded with kind concern. Her beret with cat ears told Krista that she adored anime fashion. This girl definitely had a geeking gossip about Japan wherever she went. 

Krista caught her breath, steadying her breathing. “I’m fine. Just enjoying the event.”

“Illenium Rise Above? You go girl!” The Japanese teen smiled brightly as she pulled out her lunar green colored Vaporesso vape stick. She took a quick puff before exhaling a soft cloud. “You thought I was here for the Anime EXPO, huh? I’m here for Rise Above as well! Nick’s so badass with his Phoenix. His overall sets are overwhelming and memorable. Aside from both Ember Shores and Trilogy, this is my favourite one so far.”

Krista flustered a smile, the kind that she showed attentive concern in a conversation. 

“Name’s Haley Nagamatsu. Daughter of the fifth Naga Miru divine dragon dynasty. Nagasaki prefecture. Long title, I know. Am I supposed to have a royal title in the first place?”

“I don’t know. Are you supposed to?” Krista questioned, looking now and then to spot the Sunfoot culprit. 

“Nevermind that. I’m just here to chill and enjoy Illenium’s colorful sounds that flare through my heart. Big time fan. Was dropped off by my royal servant. What about you?” Haley juggled with her keychain katana. Krista eyed the katana as if Nagamatsu was a secret serial killer.

“Came here with my boyfriend and a couple of other friends as well.” Krista grabbed Haley’s hand and started to speed walk away from the corner. Nagamatsu raised a confused eyebrow. But she even then asked about Helios.

“How’s he like? Cute? Charming? Scary? Badass?”

“Oh god, not Taylor Swift.” Yuval grumbled as Anti Hero came up next in the list. He glanced at Helios who sent a quick text to Krista.

HELIOS RYUZAKI

[11:05 PM]

“Are you ok back there? Should I come get you?”

The silver haired blader patiently waited for her response. 

Nothing.

“Bro, where are you headed off to?” Yuval followed after him. 

Helios halted, “I’m off to search for Krista. Wait here.”

Yuval watched his friend excusably push through the crowd in search of Lenz.

15 minutes passed by and Krista was not in sight.

Helios thought about asking reception about her whereabouts, but that would already defeat the purpose of inviting people behind her back. He tried calling her. No response. 

Just by luck, he spotted Heather exiting the bathroom. 

“Have you seen Krista by any chance?” Helios’ voice cracked in a blend of concern and worry. He glanced over her shoulder to find a girl that closely resembled her but was slightly off with her braided blonde ponytail. 

“I honestly have no clue. Did you see her exiting the venue?” Heather glanced hopefully at Helios, wondering if they both had to dispatch a message to Yuval regarding Lenz. Jxdn’s Lifeline faintly pulsed through the walls of the convention building.

“She told me she went to the bathroom.”

“I didn’t see her there. Yuval should know about this?”

“Where in Naga are we heading to? I’m missing out on the best fiery phoenix Illenium tracks!” Hayley raised a confused eyebrow at Krista. The blonde haired girl pulled her into a storage closet, conscious of Gecko close by. 

Awkward minutes passed by as Teddy Swim’s All that Really Matters softly pulsed through, each beat pulsating drops of water into a bucket. Hayley’s eyes brightened at the silver bucket gleaming in the dark. “You know we have a Japanese proverb that exactly describes that bucket over there. 水に流す Mizu-ni-Nagasu. The Water Flows. I have tons that I remembered from my childhood. Wanna hear them all?”

Krista deadpanned at her spastic grin. Now that they were in a storage closet, she had the freedom to elaborate her troubled tangle with the Sunfoot Soldiers. But Sueco’s Story of my Life began interrupting her critical arrangement. 

“Damn.” She mentally cursed at her words, snapping her eyes shut to start over. 

“Oh I see. 継続は力なり。Keizoku wa chikara nari. Don’t give up.”

Hayley guessed with a sparkle in her eyes. All Time Low’s Back to You beat through the walls, causing the bucket to shiver. 

Krista snapped to attention, gripping the other girl’s shoulders, “There’s a freaky cult in hooded robes chasing after me and my boyfriend.”

“A satanic cult? Badass. Sign me up.” Hayley’s eyes mischievously glinted as if she had something wicked plotted in her mind. 

“Not really. It’s the Sunfoot cult. I don’t know what they really want from me since their leader claimed that I had the remaining powers from the lost city of Atlantis.”

“Who’s your other half? Your boyfriend I assume?” Hayley questioned, carefully echolocating stray footsteps outside of the closet door. Motionless in White’s Nothing Ever After tore through the building. 

Krista felt like tugging at the strings of her heart. She hoped that Helios was ok, pitted in a cluster of 30k raving Illenials. She stuttered the same way the bucket shivered in fright, “Yes. He also had an affiliation with the cult. Brainwashed by his malicious grandfather who attempted to wipe out Earth with an asteroid.”

“Hoy Ehh! That’s sick! I wanna someday see a speeding meteor kiss the Earth in a flurry of flames.” Nagamatsu’s eyes wistfully wondered how it would look like to see a cluster of asteroids raining down to Earth. Disastrous but badass for sure. 

“It’s crazy to see what he was up to. Either way, they aren’t going to find me now with Helios close to my side.” Krista confidently raised her head, unleashing a bright smile. A smile that told Hayley she had guts and integrity to outlive the Sunfoot cult. 

“苦あれば楽ありKu areba raku ari. No Pain. No Gain.”

Together, they walked out of the closet, speed walking across the hallways of the convention. 

Helios and Heather jogged past a group of people talking amongst themselves and helping themselves to several cups of coffee. The silver haired blader wasn’t a huge fan of coffee, especially since he already was fueled on caffeine thanks to Celsius. 

The two of them rounded the corner as Nina Nesbitt’s Luv Me a Little flowed through. To their surprise, they found Krista and Hayley heading in their direction. 

“Krista!” Helios ran forward and hugged her.

“I’m fine. Just a bit of a tangle from spotting out a Sunfoot Soldier.” Krista suppressed a fake smile. 

“Who’s this?” Helios goggled an inquisitive eye at Hayley, decked out in Harajuku fashion. Her Illenium jersey was custom with her name and number in orange Japanese katakana on the back. 

“Hayley Nagamatsu. I’m off to finish Rise Above. Remember me with a Hoy Ehh!” the girl gave out a gloved peace sign, dismissing herself up the escalators to 2F.   

The trio were bewildered at the sight of Nagamatsu displaying her happy side. The finale track of the event,Nightlight, brought everyone roaring in anticipation. It was so boisterous that Helios and the others could easily hear them through the oak paneled walls. Annika Welles sang with passion, sending Krista to a lighthearted swoon. Damn, Illenium is really good at making his fans emotionally damaged from his songs. 

Meaning, they were so damn good to listen and to feel as if they were up in the luminescent clouds pulsing in shades of neon colors. 

A few moments later, Helios spotted Nick exiting the venue. 

“Dude, it's the legendary Phoenix himself! Go get an autograph!” Yuval pushed Helios forward in anticipation. 

“What’s up, fam! We had a fuckin blast tonight! How bout some kickass autographs?” Nick announced with enthusiasm, sending the crowd hollering in delight. Helios, surrounded by young teenagers, felt his spirits rise like an excited child. He gripped a book in his hands, feeling confident and overjoyed to approach Illenium face to face.

“Nick, it’s such an honor to meet you.” Helios bellowed in joy as he shook hands with him. The guy was dressed in an identical jersey, complete with jet black shorts, and skate shoes. He always wore his snapback hats the opposite way, following the trend where every cool guy had reverse snapbacks for show.

“Whoa, there’s no need to get that hyped about me. I’m just glad I have a diehard fan on my list.” Nick chuckled as Helios brought out Illenium’s graphic novel version of the song, Starfall. The cover sported Nick and Ash holding hands while an orange phoenix illuminated in sheer fury behind them. 

The graphic novel took place in a cold totalitarian society where survival of the fittest is the golden rule. A young man named Nick has put his full faith in the warrior way. His only weakness is a reliance on regular injections of substance, the potent elixir that his malignant overlord rations out to the loyally subservient.

A mysterious woman known as Ash exposes just how fragile his worldview is by sharing tales of a time when human and phoenix peacefully coexisted, using their mastery over fire to build a warm and wondrous society. Nick will have to move past the demons of his addictions and open up to Ash so that she might share the secrets of... Illenium.

The 30 year old DJ from Denver, Colorado voluntarily autographed the front page with his signature. He then noticed Helios’ red bandanna with his phoenix logo on it. “Is that my phoenix on your bandanna? Man, that looks fuckin sick. I’m glad you’re my number one fan, Helios. Keep exploring my world of music. It’s a game changer in everyone's lives.”

The promising wink from the popular EDM DJ sent Helios in a faze of warm comfort and joy. 

“I just got mine signed on the Fallen Embers CD. Dude, you ok? It looks like you’re starstruck from Nicky Danny Miller.” Yuval waved his hand in front of Helios’ face as if he was hypnotized by an array of pendulums. 

“I’m fine. Let’s go.” Helios snapped to attention as he gazed at everyone with an awkward look. Everyone surrounding them chattered and screamed in delight, raising hands and smartphones to capture video on Nick’s presence in front of the autograph banner. The others followed the silver haired blader towards the exit.

Krista wondered where Hayley was, considering that she had her autograph 15 minutes before they did. While they approached the silver doors, a trendy station served sparkling water. Helios and the others shrugged and approached the small booth, curious about the sudden commotion. Krista, Yuval, and Heather grabbed a cup of sparkling water. They sipped, delighted over the enchanting taste. 

Only Helios’ sparkling water was served in a wine glass. 

“Thanks?” he inquired, raising an eyebrow at the young female dressed as the event crew for Rise Above. Helios was unaware of an undiscovered powdered substance swirling around the liquid. Resembling like starry white glitter. The next thing he saw was free bottles of the sparkling wine gifted to Krista. Why only to Krista and not to Yuval and Heather? 

Helios felt numbed for a second. Completely puzzled at the sight of sparkling water presented to him and his girlfriend. The next thing he saw: the young girl who served the water was now winking to an empty wall. Helios blinked and rubbed his eyes. He swore that there was another crew member watching from a distance before quickly vanishing out of sight. 

He snapped to attention, grabbing Krista’s hands. “Let’s go home.”

The group exited out of the Orange County Convention Center through the silver doors. The bars clicked as they continued walking out into the parking lot. Many people who attended the event either left to go home or stay behind and chatter. 

“Dude, are you ok?” Yuval remarked in concern. Helios felt his eyelids slowly lower as he staggered in difficulty. His vision slightly blurred, his throat growing warm. A slight buzz rang through his ears. 

“Here. Drive for me.” Helios fished his keys out of his pocket and handed them to Yuval.

His friend exhaled nervously, gripping the keyfob to the sun blader’s parked car. “I promise not to wreck your Solara.” 

“Helios are you ok?” Krista worridly approached him, cupping her hands around his face. His facial cheeks felt warm. Perhaps he contracted a cold? It was impossible since she barely heard any coughing over the loud beats. 

Lenz clambered into the silver Mazda 3, Heather behind the wheel. They followed the Solara through the late night hours on International Drive. She thoroughly searched for answers. Shivering like the silver bucket, Krista recalled Hayley’s proverb.

水に流す Mizu-ni-Nagasu. The Water Flows.

The clue was in the sparkling water that was served to Helios.

She slowly peeled away the blue and white label.

Her eyes widened in horror at the words Ketamine and Fenatyl.

Okay, I guess that Japanese proverb wasn't useless at all! Yep, another cliffhanger! I'm spicing up this story minute by minute. It's shivering here in TN (Get it, Shivering?) and I'm currently cozy warm in my Tanuki Red Panda blanket poncho, fuzzy socks, and a cup of Ito En Green Tea. I heard that back then, in order to get the Eclipse version of Sol Blaze, one must purchase Ito En products, cut out a barcode and redeem them at any convenience store only in Japan. Sad that I wasn't able to do that. Missed out.

In other words, the Illenium Rise Above event is based off of Set 3 of the Trilogy event in Los Angeles, CA. Thanks to DerekD2 for uploading the whole thing! 

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljgvbZrHZeo&t=4438s

I heard this livestream on a record over 15 times already. 

Falco276 out! :)

Chapter Text

Geez, it's been long since I posted another chapter. Once again, family, work, and other crap. It took so long since I had to conduct research on a Soviet Shuttle (Buran) and other ideas for both Helios and Krista. 

Enjoy! :)

The next day, Krista finds Helios in his upstairs bedroom, sleeping like a baby. He softly snores with an audible rumble. Smiling warmly at her boyfriend cocooned in blankets and his Illenium jersey, she hovered over him in unsteady concern.

Why did they do this to you?

Her strangled thoughts unknotted the same way in her stomach. Her mind was full of perplexed issues, often conflicted with the Sunfoot cult. Who was their leader and how was Helios a part of them? She had the guts to ask him today about his full story. 

Helios shifted around bed, blankets rustling. He softly whined out an uncomfortable moan, unable to completely sit up in bed. His eyes opened a bit, his hazy morning breath drifting through. 

“Would you please get me some Aveeno?”               

She hesitantly glanced at Helios’ signed Starfall book, Illenium’s signature resembling “ILNNMMM” in Sharpie squiggles. “Ok. I’ll be right back.” 

Krista walked into the bathroom, clicking on the light. She spotted a bottle of Aveeno on the first level shelf, grabbing Helios’ requested item like a tidy shopkeeper. She came back and started to squirt a bit of the moisturizing cream into her left hand. 

“Hey. It’s ok. I’m here with you.” Krista’s soft words floated into Helios’ ears. The same way he comforted her during extreme moments. She carefully peeled away his Illenium jersey, his back exposed with unexplainable red clouds.

Krista did not know what to make of this. 

Perhaps that sparkling water prevented him from walking any further. 

“Mmmmm…” Helios moaned in a blend of pain and comfort. His back ached like multiple acupuncture stings. 

Krista jerked back with wide eyes, “Am I too rough on your back?”

It sounded sensual as well since Helios had some nightly plans with her regarding the naughty stuff. Krista agreed but she promised him when the right time drifted by. For now, she was still getting used to Helios’ personality and promised to continue dating him until they both got (possibly) married. The silver haired blader felt knee deep into this nifty subject, considering the only member on the team was Skye Robinson, who is married and has kids of her own. He confessed that it briefly took time to adjust his relationship status with Krista since most days he was away to Kennedy Space Center, attending important meetings with his supervisor. And surfing on Cocoa Beach’s calm lapping waves.

She didn’t mind the excuse. After all, Krista was entirely comfortable around Helios despite her assumptions with him related to the Sunfoot cult in the past.

“Do you feel much better?” Lenz curiously asked, draping the jersey over Helios’ shining back. The Sol Blaze blader hummed absentmindedly, his vocal thought telling Krista that meant a yes from him. 

“Good. I’ll make you some green tea while you rest up.” Krista’s warm glow showered over Helios as if it was a miracle. Her feelings for Helios kindled in sunlight and respite. A blend of love and care. 

She walked into the kitchen, clutching her phone on the way. While preparing a pot and a green tea bag from the cabinet and pantry, she thought back to the moment when someone attempted to drug Helios with Ketamine and Fentanyl . Placing a curious finger to her lip, she immediately did a Google search on the drugs. A crazy list of side effects appeared including the ones that Helios started suffering through last night: blurry vision, nausea, staggering. 

Do these normally appear in EDM events?

She scrolled through another search and found out that in some open rave events, drugs were illegally used to comfort other people. The definition of comfort did not match up to Helios’ condition. Digging deeper, she surprisingly found that Illenium was a victim to a heroin drug overdose in 2012. She kept on pouring over his story where Nick decided to display several funding organizations and campaigns which warn ravers of the effects of these drugs. Its charming positive potential against them proved EDM concerts to be a safe adult place without any self harm with unknown illegal substances. 

Krista brightened at the resolution of the Fentanyl fiasco. Or any other clusters of undefinable powders snuck through security. She carefully wrapped her hands around the cup, feeling the warmth rising through her hands. Equipped with a tray, she returned to Helios’ room. 

The silver haired blader sat up in bed, completely fazed by his phone. He was scrolling through his inbox from NASA’s Operations Support servers, reading over recent findings of an unidentified icy substance found on the surface of Neptune’s lower orbit. 

Aware of Krista’s entrance, Helios spotted a space grey notification banner from his phone. It was the redhead crewmember from STS 136, Ryan Henderson, with more gawking news.

RYAN HENDERSON (BOARD GEEK NERD)

4:30 PM

“Yo, Yo, He - lee - os. Did you know that I found an interesting article on ExploreSpace.net? There’s the abandoned Russian space shuttle Buran stationed at a derelict air base hangar in the Kazakhstan desert. And it’s just sitting there. No one’s there to claim the ancient Sky clipper*, Astro ship*, space mobile*, call it whatever you want.

*Joking. Those were actually the supposed concept names to the space shuttle. That’s not a joke.”

HELIOS RYUZAKI

4:31 PM

“Interesting. Did they originally belong to Roscosmos, the Russian space agency?”

RYAN HENDERSON

4:31 PM

“Duh, you doofus. Buran was only used for one mission. The vehicle used for the first flight, whose actual name was “Buran,” was stored in a building at the Baikonur spaceport, but due to neglect and the extreme temperature variations of the Kazakh steppe, the roof collapsed in 2002 and completely destroyed it. Three more Burans were kept at the complex. Unfortunately the rest of the OK models of the Buran family were scattered across Russia as display models in Science centers and amusement parks. The last Buran model was made out of wood and sat in a junkyard before it was destroyed by an unidentified drone.”

Helios raised his silver eyebrows in intimidation at the sight of a 1:3 model of a space shuttle, entirely made out of aged wind tunnel wood, standing in the middle of a derelict rural area, surrounded by bits of garbage and overgrown nature. Everything from its intricate details to its orbital engines which ordained two main thrusters and 4 aerodynamic engines (two on each side of its vertical stabilizer fin). This allowed the orbiter to manually take off and land like a real airliner jet. It was incredible to see a wooden structure resemble an ultimate children’s playground obstacle. 

HELIOS RYUZAKI

4:31 PM

“Damn, that’s a shame that it was destroyed.”

YURENEVA BREZENSKA

4:32 PM

“Oooh, is that a wooden Atlantis II?”

HELIOS RYUZAKI

4:32 PM

“Space Shuttle Buran. One of the last ones based off of the OK-GLI model was made out of wind tunnel wood before it was destroyed by an unidentified drone.”

SKYE ROBINSON

4:32 PM

“Was there more than one shuttle in service?”

HELIOS RYUZAKI

4:33 PM

“From what I’m reading here, another was built in the MIK building in area 112 in Baikonur with an Energia booster rocket mockup and other Energia hardware. It was destroyed in a roof collapse on 12 May 2002, which killed eight workers.”

SKYE ROBINSON

4:33 PM

“Yikes, that’s gotta hurt to the core.”

HELIOS RYUZAKI

4:33 PM

“Yep, and the other models were used as displays in various scenic parks. Buran model OK-GLI spent its days at a Sydney harbor before moving to a storage facility in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Since the end of 2006, Hong Kong’s NPO Molniya tried to repossess the shuttle in a legal way but finally the Bahrain's justice gave reason to sell the shuttle to other buyers. It was then bought by a german company, deciding to place the orbiter permanently on display in an aerospace museum.  Buran model  OK-TVA served as an attraction, a small restaurant, and bicycle storage, as part of Gorky amusement park at that site. It’s now moved to the Cosmo and Aeronautics section of VDNkh, an All-Russia Exhibition Center.”

RYAN HENDERSON

4:33 PM

“To be fair, the original shuttle concept was pretty sound. The huge wings were an air force requirement for cross-range capability (choosing a landing site after re-entry), without which RKK Energia wouldn't have gotten the funding they needed. Such a badass vehicle, but with so many flaws. Really interesting engineering, political, and management case study.”

YURENEVA BREZENSKA

4:33 PM

“Poor Buran. :(”

RYAN HENDERSON

4:34 PM

“Figuratively speaking, all Space shuttles including the Buran are male. Take a look at their star trackers on their nose cones aka their black beards. Lantie II is the only one that has a manly blue beard.”

YURENEVA BREZENSKA 

4:34 PM

“Tee hee. Thanks for using my nicknames to the shuttles, Ryan. It’s weird that I have a unique nickname for each NASA Shuttle. Enty for Enterprise. Columbi for Columbia. Challie for Challenger. Endy for Endeavour. Disco for Discovery. Lantie for both Atlantis and Atlantis II. 

HELIOS RYUZAKI

4:34 PM

“Are you implying that a female space shuttle doesn’t exist?”

SKYE ROBINSON

4:34 PM

“Hol up. Since when did space shuttles have genders?”

 RYAN HENDERSON

4:34 PM

“Ever since I got to know their personified cosmetic appearance. Except for Buran OK-MT. That sucker punch was clean as a bean.”

 HELIOS RYUZAKI

4:35 PM

“What a clean shaven shuttle. Beauty at its finest perfection.”

YURENEVA BREZENSKA

4:35 PM

“It looks cute when it's shaved just like you Helios.”

HELIOS RYUZAKI

4:35 PM

“*blush* Thanks, Yureneva. Krista said the same compliment about my facial look. And no, I’m not growing out my beard like Bakim. Too puffy and problematic. I’m fine with my 5 o'clock shadow thanks to my electric shaver.” 

RYAN HENDERSON

4:36 PM           

“Wanna hear something more than an extinct space shuttle with conspicuous facial tiles? There was a UFO that sped across the launch pads of SpaceX during their test flight with Falcon 9 at Cape Canaveral. The rocket’s objective was to deliver a Facebook satellite, expanding internet access for users in Africa. Some speculated that it was an alien attack that sabotaged the launch. Unfortunately, Falcon 9 bursts into flames due to high consumption of liquid oxygen and kerosene based rocket propellant. Terrible, huh?”

SKYE ROBINSON

4:36 PM

“Sheesh, those aliens better mind their own business! Can’t they see that we’re not invading their territory?”

YURENEVA BREZENSKA

4:36 PM

“Agreed! Nowaguma told me a joke that we’re all aliens visiting other planets. Seems a bit coincidental, don’t you think?” 

Helios mentally nodded, comically picturing how it would look if they invaded major space agencies across the world: NASA (USA), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and Roscosmos (Russia). There were rumors of a space based planetary war across the Solar System possibly governed by another higher power. Possibly aliens from another dimension. But each agency still disputed this silly thought and focused on tax funded, high end, technology for the ISS and other modules venturing across other planets.

RYAN HENDERSON

4:37 PM

“Ok, biggest news of all. Ready to hear it? It’s gonna leave you emotionally damaged like a sad monkey in space. (Bits of their floating poop included until you hose them down with a vacuum.)

YURENEVA BREZENSKA

4:37 PM

“Whatever it is, I’m not ready for it.”

Everyone in the chat paused. Helios patiently exhaled through his nose. Sipping on a can of Celsius, he gave out another excusable belch. He didn’t mind depressing news as long as it wasn’t something that really meant to him. Like his Sol Blaze for example. 

RYAN HENDERSON

4:38 PM

“Ok. Here it is. The worst news of all was about the ISS. The station will enter the end of its life cycle and contract from 17 countries by 2030. It will then be de-orbited by a SpaceX Cargo Dragon orbiter that will carefully plummet the enormous station back to Point Nemo, the ocean of spacecraft graveyard.”

Everyone in the chat screeches in horrified shock. 

SKYE ROBINSON

4:38

“What? Is SpaceX joking with us?”

YURENEVA BREZENSKA

4:38

“Nooooo. I love the ISS so much! We’ve made so many memories on the station. It’s our workhorse for space exploration!”

“Helios, how are you feeling?” Krista came over to her boyfriend’s side, curiously lifting his throwaway Surf co . shirt. Faint red marks were still present on his back like a paint canvas. 

Helios leaned back against the pillow, blinking in thought. “Better. I’m currently texting my crewmates about the worst news of all in space history.”

“What’s so horrible?” Lenz leaned in and glanced at his phone in curiosity.

HELIOS RYUZAKI

4:39 PM

“You’ve gotta be shitting me. Columbia and Challenger bit back its dust due to solid rocket boosters and foam strikes on ascent. Falcon 9 bursted on the spot. Atlantis II almost had a L band antenna plate peeled from its missing heat shield tiles during a launch. And now you’re telling me that NASA has made a contract with SpaceX to deorbit and dethrone a billion dollar space lab into lower earth orbit?”

“Ouch. Are they really going to do that?” Krista quietly remarked, wincing lightly. 

RYAN HENDERSON

4:39 PM

“Whelp, there it is. I hope to God that NASA doesn’t call us in for a meeting about this. It would be too frugal to see everyone in the room waging a war over the legendary space lab.”

Helios’ eyes burned in slow anger. Each tap on the keyboard spelled out his rising revenge. 

HELIOS RYUZAKI

4:40 PM

“It’s their turn to see disapproval from STS 136. No way in the hell they’re taking down the ISS.”

The next day Krista finds Helios absent from his townhouse. 

She peeks through the front window blinds to find his Toyota Solara absent from the crystal white driveway. 

Shrugging, she walked over to the living room coffee table, discovering a set of NASA employee folders. Curious as a mouse, Krista stifles through Helios' medical records before and after STS 136. 

Name of Patient: Ryuzaki, Helios

Date of Birth: 08/18/1998

Rank: Astronaut (STS - 136)

Conditions before Launch: None. Passed medical Bar exam and overall health check. Supplied with Melatonin and Light therapy.  

Conditions after Launch: Temporary body fluid loss, temporary dizziness.

Conditions during spaceflight on ISS: Sleep Deprivation, DCS (Decompression Sickness), Bone density, temporary visual impairment, Isolation. 

Conditions after landing on Earth: Changes in the immune system. Additional symptoms include fluid redistribution (causing the "moon-face" appearance typical in pictures of astronauts experiencing weightlessness), temporary loss of body mass, nasal congestion, sleep disturbance, and excess flatulence (gas).

Geez, Helios has been through a lot just to deliver a package in space. Krista bent her thoughtful words, continuing to flip through the confidential folder. She finds out when he first joined working at KSC for NASA and how he ranked from being an trained astronaut to Mission Control Director. She discovers a physical copy of his electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF), listing personnel actions and other documents related to his federal career and benefits at Kennedy Space Center and NASA.

The sound of a car growls across the driveway. Lenz’s heart beat in fright towards a car door closing. Through the window blinds, she managed to see the Solara’s headlights blink twice. As sharp as a blade of grass rings through the air, the doorknob clicks and unlocks. 

Aborting her activity, she hears Helios return from Publix with a 24 can pack of Celsius. Lenz quickly picks up a black garbage bag and perches it on top of the table. 

“There’s no need to be nosy about my personal employee folder.” Confused at the sight, Helios warmly smiles at her silly commotion and walks over to the bag, revealing it to be a set of used clothes to be donated to a thrift store. “It’s just a pair of pants that I no longer wear.”

He plucks out a pair of worn out Levi’s jeans that barely fit him and lobbed it on top of her head. “It’s yours now. I've kept it as a replacement for my white pants that I wore during the Sunfoot fiasco.” 

“Thanks, Helios.” Krista remarks in glee and timidly sniffs the remaining Solar brand cologne. A whiff of Rose water and Ivy tickled her calliperies.

“No worries. You’re more than welcome to dig in and find something you like.” Helios replied, allowing her to dig into the bag. Delighted, she plucked a faded retro purple NASA shirt, depicting the STS-51-J Space Shuttle Atlantis mission. It stunk of mold so Krista threw it back in the bag. She found a faded Cocoa Beach Surf shop shirt that grew defunct over the years. The colorful tye dye pattern intimidated her to add it in her inventory. Her next item was a vintage white astronaut print shirt that fit a small kid. 

“What’s with the kiddie shirt?” Krista blushed in light laughter.

“Had it during my childhood when I first got it from a gift shop at Kennedy Space Center. I was too young to remember my trip to Florida at that time. I was about 9 years old.” Helios watched his girlfriend hug the shirt in glee. “I don’t really need it. Once we find your family, Harper is gonna go nuts over that, I know it.” 

“No Helios, it’s so cute! That’s a perfect gift idea for him.” Krista leaned in and hugged him in affection. Helios felt relaxed over Krista’s company. It was as if she was his student after arriving back from a field trip.

At the bottom of the bag, she raised a Thrasher Skate and Destroy snapback hat. 

“Don’t tell me you skateboard as well?” Krista’s eyes widened in surprise at the thought of her boyfriend skating across the coastal sidewalks of Cape Canaveral. 

“Hell no, Krista. I found it on the beach while I was on Dawn Patrol with my Pyzel Shadow surfboard.” Helios chuckled lightly at the thought of him skating rather than surfing. “Besides, Surfing gives me more freedom out into the seas. Skateboarding seems too confined with people and random obstacles in the way.”

“Oh, nevermind then.” Pouting lightly, she lobbed it back in the bag and neatly set it beside the front door. “What are we doing for the rest of the day?”

“Lots. Ready?” The silver haired blader’s Illenium playlist kicks on as the two build a LEGO Saturn V rocket together. Krista had difficulty building the fins and orbital engines of the rocket. Helios, experienced with LEGOs, already completed the upper section. The Launch Escape System (the needle), Lunar Module Adapter, Command and Service Modules, 3rd stage (S-IVB), 2nd stage (SS-II), and the 1st stage (S-IC) took more than half an hour to complete. 

“It takes practice just like surfing and Beyblading.” Helios helpfully aided Lenz to complete the remaining pieces to the Saturn V rocket. 21,309 pieces of one tall legendary beauty proudly perched on his studious book case.   

Next on the list was a Paint and Trade activity, which wasn’t that hard to do. Both Helios and Krista drew something random, each unaware of what it was. Lenz rambled in laughter. 

“Is that you and me on Atlantis II? That looks sooo adorable!” 

It was a stick figure pencil drawing of Krista piloting the shuttle, soaring over Cocoa Beach while Helios surfed across the waves. They both adorned smiley faces, resembling as if a kid had drawn it.

Helios rubbed the back of his neck, blushing, “It was a quick sketch. Feel free to laugh at it.” 

“No, it’s perfect! The 6 pointed sun looks like the motif on your Sol Blaze.” Lenz marveled at the silver haired blader’s art skills. Cute and messy like a little kid. “Here’s mine.”

Helios observed her drawing with an eyebrow raised in intimidation. “It looks phenomenal.”

Two realistic finches, tiny birds with charm as its collective noun. One finch had a silver bald spot, a signature red bandanna snugged around its neck, and brown feathers. Helios assumed it was supposed to be him. The finch that resembled Krista had blonde tufts of feathers on its head, a blue scarf, and brown feathers. They both appeared to be kissing mid air during flight. 

“Thanks. I used to draw realistic themes in my high school art class.” Krista responded in glee. Her eyes shifted towards Helios' TV console, curious about his PS2 and his space / surf games. She curiously crawled over and began to look through. 

“Starlancer and World Surf?” 

“Ignore those. Just some cheesy games from my childhood.” Helios remarked in embarrassment, finding his PS2 collection kind of cringe. He barely played it considering that he was full time on his jobs and hobbies. He was thinking of thrifting it off, considering it was in good condition until it ran into a disk read error, rendering it unplayable. 

“That’s ok. I don’t mind if you have these types of games. Besides, space exploration and surfing are your favourite things to do.” Lenz shrugged in agreement, clicking the game cases shut and returning them back on the shelf.

“Hungry?” Helios inquired, leaning closer to her on the futon with a comfortable pose. His head laid across her lap, topsy turvy as he faced Krista with a hopeful glance. He prodded with her blonde curls, causing her to giggle softly. 

“Sure. What’s on the menu?” Lenz curiously asked, staring at the pepper grey kitchen counter. Helios immediately stood up and walked over the counter. He began to reveal the ingredients to their classy dinner. 

“Pasta and wine dinner.” Helios nickered a soft smile, convincing her that it wasn’t another take out like he did the night before.  “Date Night Carbonara with ham, cheese, and tomato. And, wait for it. Nighthawk Buttery Chardonnay wine.”

A 4 pack Bota Box Nighthawk wine appeared on the table last, the glass bottles clinking in unison to Helios’ soft swing. 

“Need some help?” Krista asked with a soft smile. 

“Be my guest.” Helios tossed a patterned blue apron depicting the waves of Cocoa Beach at her. Krista couldn’t help herself but hug the apron as well. 

The two of them sat across each other from the small circular dining table, a plate of Date Night Carbonara in front of them. As usual, there was a can of Celsius right beside Helios’ plate. Krista decided to stick with her sparkling water since the sucralose gave her a rickety headache everytime she took a convincing sip. 

“Is there anything else you want to tell me?” Helios stared at Krista with a hopeful glance. Lenz measured her silence for a bit before shaking her head, “I don’t think so. I mean we're both fleeing the Sunfoot cult right?”

Helios slowly twirled his fork. He wanted to know why the Sunfoot cult was after her. She might have known the reason but yet she didn’t want to say it at the right time. Ryuzaki finally gave in with a sigh, “That’s true. I just hope to the Sun God that Bakim is still confined in jail. There’s no way that he can be bailed out by the WBBA and resurrect the cult again. He’s on a $2k bond. I and Gingka stopped Adonis, the cause of my grandfather’s nefarious plans.”

Just then Helios’ phone buzzed. A 4 way video call with his crewmates from STS - 136. 

Perfect timing. Helios mentally groaned, rolling his eyes and tapping the green button on his phone. I can’t spend quality time with poor Krista Lenz.

“HELIOS! Whaddup bud?” Blabbermouth Ryan and his never ending jargon of whatever was going through his mind. Skye agreed that he needed a mute button whenever he got hyper over new board game releases. Speak of the Sun God, it was too late. “Is that Bota Box NightHawk chardonnay?”

“No.” Helios firmly crossed his arms with an annoyed sigh.

“Ryan, be nice to him. After all, it's cute that he and Krista are having a special dinner to themselves.” Skye swung left and right in her office chair, ignoring the two energetic yells of her boys.

“That looks sooo good!” Yureneva’s tongue hung out wistfully at the sight of the Carbonara pasta. “Helios, the next time I come over to your townhouse, will there be any leftovers for me? - Mphh, Misha please.”

Helios gazed in slight surprise at an enormous fluffy orange cat climbing over Brezenska’s shoulder and rubbed against her face in delight, purring. “I assume that’s your huge cat?”

“Yes, I have two Maine Coon cats that seem to follow me wherever or whatever I do. They’re two huge monsters with a big fat heart. So fluffy and adorable!” Yureneva unleashed a playful yowl, alerting Misha in fright. The cat bolted to the floor and hid underneath the bookcase. “And that’s how I clearly piss them off.” 

“That’s how you clearly piss them off indeed.” Ryan followed after, laughing in delight.

“Stop. Stoooop.” Skye softly hissed, swatting her boy’s Nerf toy dart gun away with her right hand. He naughtily giggled and wordlessly sauntered out of the room. 

“Having a tough time, I guess?” Krista remarked with a chuckle.

“Yeah, they always love to interrupt my important meetings with their miscellaneous fun. You know kids these days. Playful, energetic, and pure joy.” Skye blushed, tassels flying. 

“Guys, I found the perfect time to unleash some space jokes. Ready?” Ryan’s eyes lit up as he brought up a website for kids. Helios didn’t mind childish jokes as long as they weren’t silly or overused to the point that it got quickly boring.

“Oh! I love jokes!” Yureneva responded in joy like an excited child in school. 

“What did the mouse pilot say to the shuttle passengers?” 

“Squeak off?” Helios guessed out of the blue.

“No silly, This is your captain squeaking.” 

Yureneva laughed wholeheartedly as if she got the joke. The rest chuckled casually as if it was funny. 

“What’s the center of Gravity?” 

“The point on an object where all its mass appears to be located.” 

“Helios, I didn’t ask for a definition.” Ryan dumbfoundedly remarked, shaking his head while chuckling. It was as if Ryuzaki was the mediator behind space science and had to blurt out his nerdy gobbledygook. 

“What is it?” Skye asked in curiosity.

“The letter V.”

The team slapped their heads, feeling dumb at that one. Krista chuckled lightly at the joke, feeling moderately part of the team. She never had this much company ever since she was last with her family. 

Ryan had a short endless list of space jokes that sure tickled Brezenska off of her shoes. 

“Where do astronauts get their degrees?”

“From the Mooooniversity!”

(The team laughed in delight, relating to the Apollo Moon missions.)

“How do you tie your shoes in outer space?”

“With an Astro-Knot.”

(Now it was Skye’s turn to laugh wholeheartedly.)

“Why did the Shuttle pilot refuse to take flying lessons?”         

“It was a crash course.”

(Helios rolled his eyes, grunting at this joke as the team pointed out towards their silver haired pilot and began to rouse in laughter even more.)

“Why did the Astronaut let go of her sundae?”

“She wanted an ice cream float.”

(Everybody pointed towards the only fat crewmember on the team. “What? Why me?” Yureneva twisted her nose in confusion. It was pretty self explanatory.)

“Where do you find Black Holes?”

“In black socks.”

(This caused Helios to snort Celsius out of his nostrils. It was that   hysterical.)

“Why can’t astronauts keep jobs?”

“They always get fired”

(“That’s not true.” Skye remarked with a fair point. The team however got the joke. It briefly lectured about re-entry or getting fried through the atmosphere.)

“What did the astronaut say when she walked into the space shuttle?”

“Ouch!”

(“I don’t get it.” Helios tilted his head in confusion. “Was the shuttle vertical on its launch pad or stationed horizontally on clearance ground?” Henderson accepted either answer.)

“What do the planets get after orbiting the sun all day?”

“Dizzy.”

(“Stop making other people dizzy, Helios.” Yureneva piped up. The silver haired blader shook his head in disbelief.)

“How do you wash a space shuttle?”

“Fly it through a Meteor Shower.”

(Poor Atlantis II. It was squeaky clean from a string of floating rocks.)

“Ok, Ok, last joke for today.” Ryan exhaled his laughter and began reading it aloud. This one didn’t take long for Helios to figure out as to whom it was directed to. 

“Why did the space shuttle pilot eat beans everyday?”

Everyone pointed at Helios.

Krista raised a questionable eyebrow before giggling lightly.

“Well, uh, the correct answer is ‘He didn’t run out of gas.’ But I’ll accept that answer.” Ryan nervously flashed a smile. Helios gave him a blank stare, feeling miffed.

“I knew it!” Yureneva howled in laughter. 

“It’s ok.” Krista nudged her boyfriend’s arm in carefree glee. “We all get that.”

“No it's not ok! Why is everything related to flatulence directed towards me?” Helios complained in annoyance. His crystal blue eyes flared in slow playful anger. “Blame the Space Adaptation Syndrome and my Keto diet.”  

“Remember your EVA spacewalk?” Brezenska teased with a reminder. Helios covered his face as if he was ashamed.

“Wait! It doesn’t end there! How did the astronaut suffocate?”

Again, all of them pointed towards Helios.

“I swear, Ryan, if you get on my nerves, I’ll kick you out of the server.” Helios’ words burned through his gritted teeth. 

“He farted in his space suit!”

Skye and Yureneva rolled over in screaming laughter.

Krista tried her best to hide her hysterical thoughts about her boyfriend. Never in her life did she witness Helios ridiculed with childish jokes from his own teammate.

“NASA, please fire Ryan Henderson from the team.” Helios continued to mutter in complete disappointment. His annoyance soon converted to light laughter, followed by a bombarded string of uncomfortable hiccups.

“Now you find it funny huh, Mr. Goofball?” Ryan countered with a smirk.

Helios continued to hiccup, forcing them to seize by covering his mouth with his arm. He forced an exhale after belching.   

“Oh wow, it’s getting late. I have to go to work tomorrow. See ya tomorrow, Helios!” Skye checked her watch before leaving the call.

“Damn, I had so much fun sharing these space jokes. Well then, 136. I’m off to bed! Godspeed on the moon!” Ryan exclaimed with a peace sign on his left hand. 

Only Helios and Brezenska remained. 

“Can we pretty please add Krista into the chat? It’s our first time meeting her. I’m glad that she’s with you Helios. You make a cute couple indeed.” Brezenska’s eyelashes fluttered like a sparkling butterfly. It was a romance compliment, a gesture to show that she was fond of the both of them. 

“I wish I could but the spots to STS 136 are already filled in. Besides, this is a NASA monitored group chat server where only administrators, staff, and other officials are to be present.” Helios elaborated his reason. “But I do appreciate the invite for my girlfriend. It's very kind of you to do that.”

“Anytime! If you need help with something, don’t worry. I and Lovushka along with Roscosmos are at your disposal.” Brezenska replied, unleashing her daddy dental teeth. She cooed with both of her Maine Coon cats before signing off. “Yesh, you’re soooo fluffy, Misha. *Playful yowl* Alright, Take care Helios! In a few days I’m flying back to Moscow, Russia where my mom is. I’ll tell Aleksei, Lera, and Nowaguma that you said hi.”

“Isn’t it 18 hours from here?” Helios gulped. It seemed that he didn’t travel very much outside of Florida except for the Indonesia trip to see Illenium in 2022. 

Yureneva winked, “Don’t worry. I can handle it. I wish you luck on your Mission Control meetings as well. Make your supervisor proud!”

Brezenska ended the call. That left Helios and Krista sitting all alone at the dining table. The Sol Blaze blader glanced over their plates smeared with thin tomato streaks. He gave out a deflated sigh, “Well, I guess I’ll wash the plates this time.”

Krista slipped into bed, snugged by blue velvet comforters and blankets. It was 11:25 PM on her boyfriend’s analog clock hung above a beautiful backdrop painting of Northpointe Beach. She briefly surveyed more around his room, feeling comfortable around the only silver haired blader. She spotted his brown jacket and white pants draped over a box of unused spare FCS fins for surfing. His leather brown belt was draped over the closet’s door knob, the buckle clinking to warm air drifting through the room. Helios was on his bathroom break. Guessing by the amount of Celsius cans he chugged, Krista mentally conjured a water fountain with a steady flow in her mind. It was that loud. 

With a random space book in her hands, she curled up and stared affixed at the wall: Helios’ display of his diplomas and career achievements as Astronaut and Mission Control Director. There was one award from NASA stating his professional conduct and likable personality into the staff community. An unofficial surfing trophy was set beside on the shelf next to a realistic LEGO Space Shuttle Discovery model carrying the Hubble Space Telescope.

A limited edition Illenium banner from the 2022 Djakarata Warehouse Pro hung across the other wall, the bright blue phoenix soaring through shards of stone grey glass shards. 

A flush echoed behind the bathroom door followed by a whiny churn. Krista guessed that it was Helios’ electric shaver, neatly trimming his beard on his chin to look like Buran OK - MT in a lonely hangar. Then a jet of water from the spout. Behind the door, Helios grunted with a relaxed exhale. 

The door softly clicked open as Helios walked over to the bed opposite of Krista, dressed in overused and generic space themed PJs. 

“How are you feeling?” The silver haired blader stared at her in concern. Lenz grappled a tiny smile and began to slide her fingers across the orange sheets in thought. 

“Joyed as ever.” Krista responded lightheartedly. She then noticed his Solar cologne, the same scent found in his Levi’s jeans. And complimented his chin. “You smell good. And you look cute when you're clean shaven.”

“Quoting Yureneva, huh?” Helios chuckled, interlocking his hands with Lenz as they both laid on their side, staring at each other for a brief amount of time. “Thanks. I’m doing this all for you.” 

They both shared a kiss before drifting off to sleep.

The Soviet Shuttle mentioned in this chapter is the Buran. I'm sad that it only had one flight mission where as the OK models are more than 18 in total. 

If you're curious about more info on the Buran here is a great site! 

https://www.buran-energia.com/bourane-buran/bourane-desc.php

And yes, I drank a Celsius Astro Vibe while typing this chapter out. 

Helios and his freak addiction over Celsius Energy drinks. lol.

Falco276 out! :) 

Chapter Text

I'm finally back from a 2 week break. Been busy with the usual stuff. I'm excited on how this story is panning out since (Trust me) it has a wayyy better plot than the MFB Sol Blaze movie. There are some elements that repeat such as the Space Ark and Atlantis II launch, but I spiced it up with a better climax that you'll soon see at the end. 

 Enjoy! :)

P.S: This chapter may have profane language and one scene of killing off a character. Reader discretion advised!

Helios groggily woke up to the sound of incoherent screeching. A cluster of seagulls soared over his townhouse, yapping like crazy over whatever food they could find around the city of Cocoa Beach.

Turning over to his side, he found the other side of his bed completely vacant. 

“Krista?” Sitting up, Helios clambered downstairs in his red tank top and boxers, perplexed at the sight of his girlfriend not there. He texted her:

HELIOS RYUZAKI

10:30 AM

“You seem to have disappeared.”

He patiently waited while walking over to the kitchen counter, preparing breakfast for himself. A bowl of Sun Cereal splashed across the ceramic surface, drenched in a cascade of fresh milk. A plate of Keto square toast topped with avocado spread was set beside it on the coffee table.

Every now and then, Helios glanced at his phone, hoping to see if she replied or not. He only saw his message, sighing in the process. 

With nothing better to do, Helios multi-tasked like a skilled worker on duty. With the TV blaring For All Mankind on low volume, he was seated on the futon, wearing a throwaway Surf Life Cocoa Beach shirt, blue active board shorts over his boxers, and Mountain Dew Livewire socks, the Phoenix reminding him briefly of Illenium . His silver laptop was open beside him, monitoring the tracking data and relay satellite across earth’s outer orbit on NASA’s website.

A fleet of notification alerts over swept his active Google Chrome tabs. Helios clicked on the 136 chat, surprised to see Ryan (for the 3rd time) reporting his bizarre space articles on the platform.

RYAN HENDERSON

11:10 AM

“Looking at SpaceX launch costs to various orbits, today the satellites are 10 to 100 times more costly than the launch.”

Helios took liberty to respond, frankly interested in the topic.

HELIOS RYUZAKI

11:13 AM

“Maybe in the 50’s. The cost of the launch in most cases is nothing compared to the cost of the payload. The average shuttle launch was $1B US. The cost of the launch itself (fuel and expendable parts) was less than $13M US. The average (simple) communication satellite is $300M US these days. A complicated (imaging) satellite can be over $1B US.”

SKYE ROBINSON

11:14 AM

“That’s a ton of money funded for shuttle launches. I just wish they brought it back.”

RYAN HENDERSON

11:15 AM

“Some of you may recall that the original shuttle system had a flyable booster stage meant to land back at the takeoff site and held the main engines. Like if Elon Musk put wings and a pilot in his boosters.”

HELIOS RYUZAKI

11:16 AM

“The hilarious part was I remember when they were selling the shuttle and were trying to talk about how it’s a “space truck” to bring back a satellite that needs repair… I asked my grandfather, “What’s the most expensive part of a satellite?” He replied with a deadpan response, “The launch costs 10 to 100X more than the hardware, their claim is a bag of cow pies.”

RYAN HENDERSON

11:16 AM

“Lol, your grandpa’s hilarious. Is he a nice guy?”

HELIOS RYUZAKI

11:17 AM

“Trust me. He’s an idiotic moron.”

RYAN HENDERSON

11:17 AM

“I can’t stop laughing at his retarded plan to wipe out Earth with an asteroid. What a silly loser.”

HELIOS RYUZAKI

11:18 AM

“Agreed. I hope nobody bails him out of jail.”

YURENEVA BREZENSKA

11:18 AM

“Thanks for the article, Ryan. One of those Burans was standing in the center of Moscow at Gorky park for every boy’s amusement. It even had a cockpit with moving handles and all those rocker switches! So maybe it did not bring any viable progress to the Russian space program, it definitely inspired a lot of young people to tie their life with space tech. I’d like to propose a minor correction though. “Buran” is a strong siberian hurricane, and is strictly of male gender in russian, so calling the ship as “she” looks dissonant.”

SKYE ROBINSON

11:19 AM

“So they are male because they have beards on their star trackers?”

RYAN HENDERSON

11:20 AM

“They’re lean mean flying machines that soar into deep outer space.”  

HELIOS RYUZAKI

11:21 AM

“NASA shuttle was 100% dead stick from de-orbit to landing as it carried no extra fuel beyond orbit maneuvering. The Buran had an engine and small supply of fuel onboard that allowed for some powered flight during descent.”

RYAN HENDERSON

11:21 AM

“I did like the idea of having the main engine on the big rocket rather than on the shuttle's butt because it becomes dead weight after the main fuel supply is exhausted. By having the engine on the rocket, it meant more cargo space on the shuttle. The drawback is it’d be more expensive as new engine assembly would have to be built for each mission. More less than a billion tiles the shuttles wear as protective armor. Its unbreakable material was made out of reinforced Carbon Fiber panels, silica aerogel tiles and quartz fiber blankets.”

HELIOS RYUZAKI

11:22 AM

“NASA got damn lucky with Atlantis on the STS 119 flight in 1988. That was a secret military mission and NASA kept the extent of the tile damage very hush-hush for a long time. Over 700 belly tiles were damaged and one near the nose cone was completely ripped away. Fortunately that tile was right where an extra reinforcing piece of aluminum was so it managed to not burn through. That flight had the arm with a monochrome camera and the crew could see the massive damage.”

RYAN HENDERSON

11:23 AM

“But mission control couldn’t see as good as the astronauts. ALL communications back and forth were encrypted, no exceptions. The encryption used was slow so video resolution had to be reduced a lot to transmit in real time. The crew wanted to send just a bit unencrypted so control could see how bad it was but nope, security, seeecret stuuufff.”

Helios paused, thinking of a reply. As much as he was tangled into the STS conversation about the design and difference between two iconic space shuttles, another beeping tone caught his attention.

An email from his supervisor pops up on his inbox. Helios scrolls down, feeling like a NASA operative keeping cool under unspeakable pressure. 

It was a brief reminder of Atlantis II’s heat shield tile and an annual tax record on his W-2 employee form.

Hey there Helios,

Just wanted to briefly remind you about Atlantis II’s heat shield tile # VO7 - 391015. I know that you’re borrowing it for a blueprint but since the orbiter is in the VAB for storage, we need that tile to patch over its L band antenna. Can you provide a complete file of stencils for the tile? They couldn’t use one of those kits of numbers that slide together to make a stencil for any arbitrary number. Anyhow, get that done along with W2 form as well. Your income record will be recorded on your eOPF. 

Good Luck.  

Oscar Franco

PS: There’s gonna be a surprise at the VAB in a few days. Tag your friends along! :)

Helios wondered what he meant by his surprise. He conducted a quick reply:

Thanks for the reminder Oscar. I appreciate it. I’ll return it on the day of the surprise. I’m glad that Atlantis II is well taken care of. The dual finned space glider is seriously in need of some hugs now. 

Filling out my W2 form is on my checklist now. I’ll round up everything for 2023. I’m thinking of doing a secondary job. I’ll consider it depending on the status of my resume and career achievements. 

Thanks,

Helios Ryuzaki ☼    

The list was easy and tenable to fill out. It was only the basics ranging from name, address, date of birth, to annual wage and Social Security. Halfway through the form, he paused to think over his yearly income amount as Mission Control Director. 

Right when his mind played slots, matching the numbers to the exact amount, a hard thump barrelled across the floor. His silver streaks pricked up like a startled cat. Helios exhaled a sigh of relief. 

Walking over to the noise commotion, it turned out to be his FireWire Dominator Helium surfboard, clattered across the floor like a brand new piece of plywood.

Silly board. Helios mentally scolded at the object, walking over to set it upright against the wall. After a quick chug of Celsius, he maintained a forceable hiccup and belch with a quick exhale. Krista still did not respond yet. An inch of worry crept up his body like inchworms. 

He glanced at the star patterned trash can, filled to the brim with Celsius cans and food wrappers. Shrugging, Helios tied the bag and walked out the front door, unaware of a jet black BMW sedan parked in front of his townhouse. The stranger seated inside the car watched the silver haired blader walk around the corner lot lawn with a garbage bag in his hand.

 After dumping the bag into a Waste Pro can, Helios halted in stunned shock.

The window rolled down, revealing a burly old man. Tufts of grey hair connected with his puffy square beard. His sharp diminutive lavender eyes glowered like a menacing cat, his monotone smile raising every inch below his pointy nose. He wore the same greek sea blue robe the last time Helios and his friends encountered on his Space Ark. Each shoulder was marked with a feminine mermaid design, representing the Lord of the Seas, Poseidon. 

Helios fisted his knuckles, his anger slowly rising. 

“What do you want, Bakim?”

“What I wanted to tell you a long time ago.” Bakim opened the door and got out, the white sleeves to his robe dancing along the warm Floridian breeze. He paused, smirking at the exterior of his grandson’s townhouse. “Let’s discuss this over a cup of tea, shall we?”

The clock above the futon ticked in sync, measuring their prolonged silence. Seated on the eclipse grey futon was Helios hawking down a hard glare at his grandfather, who seemed oblivious to his grandson’s presence in Florida. 

The Sol Blaze blader’s arms were crossed over his chest, placing one foot on the rim of the coffee table as if meant serious business. The disapproving frown and a critical stare further elevated his mental anger and annoyance against his grandfather.  

After a sip of Sideritis tea, Bakim sets the cup on the saucer, hoping to conduct a casual talk with his grandson. The first few hours seemed innocent enough, with the elderly grey haired man noticing an empty can of Celsius. 

Picking it up, he examined the can at every angle, rotating the cylinder like a laboratory teacher. “Since when did you start drinking energy drinks?”

“That’s none of your business, Bakim.”

Mischievously smiling, he set the can down on the table and noticed a stack of surfboards against the wall. “I see that you love surfing as well.”

Helios briefly ignored his questions and started getting to the point, “Who bailed you out of jail? I thought you had a federal search warrant for your previous arrest.”

Bakim softly grunted and chuckled, finding his grandson’s question dismissive. “That’s none of your business to ask, Helios. But since I’m already here, I’ll reveal my helping hand since he’s my new recruit into the cult.”

Helios snapped, intrigued to know more about his grandfather’s malicious plans. “The Sunfoot cult is still around? I thought it was disbanded after your arrest years ago.”

“Tell me, why do the planets in our Solar System frequently shift positions?” Bakim leaned back in his armchair with a small smirk. The silver haired blader could tell that his grandfather gained a bit of weight, hidden by the proportionate shoulder pads of his robe.  

Helios narrowed his crystal blue eyes at Bakim, as if he was being asked a 5th grade science question. “They appear to shift positions because they are all constantly orbiting the Sun at different speeds and on irregular tilted paths.”

“Acceptable answer.” Bakim leaned forward, his lavender eyes scrutinizing at Helios, “The orbital path they take when they revolve around the sun is always changing, shifting into a new unpredictable trail. Your research at NASA disproves how the world works, constantly exploring beyond boundaries to reach a new level. They, along with the other space agencies around the world, think they have what it takes to excel in their tax funded projects, competing in this so-called Space Race. What they don’t know is that there is one cult out there that created advanced technology better than the wretched study of knowledge we call modern science today.”

“I disagree, Bakim.” Helios resisted the lecture, disregarding it as filthy fodder. “There are plenty of honorary examples that raised legacy to all astronauts on famed missions throughout their years of hard work and training. Some even took their lives, challenging against the faulty and malfunctioned rockets and shuttles that blasted off through the atmosphere. We don’t need ancient technology to achieve our goals in space. That has already been relegated to theoretical fanatics.”    

“Disagree all you want. There is something that NASA and other other agencies didn’t do. Build a Space Ark out of 5,000 tons of steel, adapting to modern technology while retaining the ancient powers mined from Atlantis. Hmph, NASA and the other agencies would go bankrupt if they planned to build my colossal creation.”

“The Space Ark is still there?” Helios’ eyebrows scrunched in mild shock. “I thought it was confiscated by NASA like how they rebranded Atlantis II through Rockwell International.”

“Originally, it was my plan to escape the Ark before Adonis struck Earth, destroying anything and everything in its wake. My foolproof plan failed when you and Gingka idiotically stole Atlantis II, leaving your friends and my Sunfoot cult behind.”

“Where is the ark now?” A car whooshed past the living room window. Helios gripped his empty can, on the verge of crushing the aluminum. He remained calm and intent over Bakim’s words as if he was a secret spy, gaining all intel from his point of view.

Bakim chuckled softly, sincere with his words, “It’s been funded by private organizations on the black market, successfully patching repairs to the 7 year old ship. The total amassed over $20.8 billion in build and maintenance costs.”

“So you did this through money laundering?” There was a small dent in the Celsius can. Helios maintained his composure and steadied his anger.

“Doesn’t NASA do the same for their spaceships? Raking billions of taxpayer dollars to build and fund an endless fleet of rockets, shuttles, and satellites that soar beyond Lower Earth Orbit? The useless construction of the International Space Station is no match to my Space Ark.”

The Celsius can was scrunched in anger by Helios’ right hand. He tossed it aside, the can clanking against the coffee table. 

“What are you truly here for, Bakim? You can ramble all you want against my position as Astronaut and Mission Control Director at NASA, there is no way in hell you’re taking me back into the Sunfoot cult.” gritting his teeth in anger, the silver haired blader stood up, pointing a threatening finger towards his grandfather. 

Now Helios wished he was prepared with Sol Blaze loaded on his 3 segment grip launcher.  

“I’m here for Krista Lenz.” Bakim’s lavender eyes gleamed mischievously. “Where is she?”

“Don’t speak of her name, you bastard. How do you know her?” Helios continued to raze his tightened anger towards Bakim, escalating the heated situation.

“Thanks so much for our time, Krista. If you need anything else, let us know!” Heather waved to the girl, while gripping a multipurpose big bucket cart filled with snacks and sporting goodies. “We're about to head off to a high school baseball game. Yuval’s getting feisty over nachos again.”

“No worries. I was just here to drop off something that Yuval forgot at SeaWorld 3 days ago.” Krista unveiled a Thrunite flashlight from her unfurling hand. 

“Thank god, I’m off duty.” Yuval exhaled a sigh of joy, setting his vest and patrol belt on the rack. He then grabbed the flashlight with a smile, “Hey, I appreciate it.” 

Lenz raised an eyebrow of good measure, anticipated at the sudden sight of Yuval as a law enforcement officer (LEO) for the Cocoa Beach Police Department. Before she could do anything else, Skandera waved his hand as if not to care too much about it.

“Hey, don’t tell your boy I’m in the police force, ok? I’ve heard rumours of him wanting to join as well but I guess I might be bluffing right now.” Skandera added with a chuckle, “But Holy macaroni, I would be flabbergasted at Helios finally using his diplomatic justice to arrest a certain someone. I just know that might happen.”

“He always has the most interesting career choices ever. I’m lucky to have found Helios in my life. Without him, I would feel lonely.” Krista gave out a small smile before she accidentally elbowed their RING doorbell button. The “Dun - Din - Duh!” chime happily echoed back, causing the couple to burst into light laughter.

“Sorry about that.” Krista blushed, walking over to the bus stop. 

“Give our greetings to Helios and let him know about another surf meet up at Northpointe Beach!” Yuval informed from a distance.

“Will do!” Lenz assured, keeping her schedule in check. Her thoughts about Helios blended in joy and concern. Perhaps he was sitting on the couch, watching TV while frequently bubbling out the Celsius gas. Or maybe he was dealing with an armed robbery, an unidentified figure in cream colored robes that worship the Sun and the Sea, holding him at gunpoint while forcing him back into the cult. 

She dispatched a quick text:

KRISTA LENZ

???

“Went to drop off Yuval’s flashlight. Are you doing ok? Hello?”           

“We crossed paths when she was young.” Bakim’s hollow words flared, sending a slight wave of surprise in Helios. The Sol Blaze blader curled his fists, gritting his teeth in the process. “There’s something that was near and dear to me. I thought the prophecy to Atlantis resided from Gingka’s Pegasus. However, I was proved wrong. That’s the reason why I and the cult are after her.”

“The gravity of your crimes caused peril across me and my friends. There’s no way that you’re recruiting me and Krista back into the cult just to fulfill the prophecy to Atlantis.” Helios maintained his anger, sincerely spitting out his words with a hard glare.  “Just imagine if you awakened Poseidon and Blaze again. The world can’t afford to see it crumble away like a fading dream.”

Bakim chuckled softly, finishing off his tea. “Are you forgetting something near and dear to you, my boy?” 

Helios blinked, feeling momentarily perplexed. He cast his gaze upon a small jewelry box that held a silver quartz ring with gold sun rays reminiscent of Sol Blaze’s emblem. With slight shaky hands, a vivid memory began to hazily play in Helios’ mind. 

"When you lost your parents, your world fell apart."

"You have these... visions of impending hell on Earth because that's how you feel inside."

"Even with words like darkness and fire."

A series of memories flash through, where a young Helios wins junior league surfing, his parents walk him through the park, and a bedtime story with his space exploration book.

Helios’ mom arrives one night, tucking him in bed while kissing him goodnight. “Remember Helios. Always reach for the sky, no matter how tall you are. You will one day achieve your dreams and I pray to the Sun God that there is a good resolution behind your life and your friends.”

The little silver haired boy idly traced his finger over his solar system themed covers, traveling from Jupiter to Pluto. “Mom, will they come and get us? I’m scared…”

Helios’ mother smiled, her crystal blue eyes gleaming in concern. She placed her comforting hand on his palm. “The Celestial Asteroid of Despair? We read the book countless times. There is no way a brick will stop you from your dreams. Trust in the Sun God and he will do the same to you. Now come, your little dragon awaits sleep. Not to forget your little space shuttle toy, too.”

Rhea Helios Pherae shined with a dashing appearance. Her long medium length silver curls were held by a unique red bandanna. Her clothing consisted of white crop top with a greek sun silhouette, white jeans and identical brown ring buckled boots. 

She grabs Atlantis II from the windowsill, tucking the toy between Helios and the dragon plush. “Sleep tight, sweetie. I’ll gladly be there at the Talent show tomorrow!”

Door closed, Helios’ mind stays awake. Shuffling around in his covers, he actively listened to strange noises lurking within his house. Tip toeing across his bedroom floor littered with toys and books, he peeked through the keyhole, gasping in terror.

Struggling against a burly stranger, Rhea gasped in fright. “Take whatever you need from this house. But please spare me and my son.”

The perpetrator appeared to be a burly stranger dressed in cream colored robe, his hood covering his shadowed eyes. In his hands was a Smith & Wesson MP AR-15 rifle, the jet black barrel pointed against her throat in playful warning.  

The Sunfoot Soldier breathed out in a slow, sharp, intimidated voice.  “Follower of the Sun God? This is going to be a great addition to the Sunfoot cult.”

A quick glance at several sun dragon ornaments stirred the Sunfoot soldier in disappointment as his furious gaze began to rise.

“Please, don’t do this! Please! Pl - *!*”

A single gunshot rang through the air. Rhea laid motionless on the hardwood floor, drenched in a pool of blood. His father was nowhere to be seen. Recruited or captured, perhaps.

“M- M - Mom?”

Helios’ heart clasped in fear as tears streamed down his cheek. Kneeling in despair, he removed the red bandanna from her head, tying it around his neck. He dug his head into hers, sobbing uncontrollably. The day his parents died by a mysterious force would greatly impact his life.

The clock ticked in sync to the heavy dense air spiraling around them. The moment of dread and shock gripped the bottom of Helios’ heart like a fatal accident. A soft trickle of rain began patterning across the sidewalk. A car rushed past the window, its headlights briefly illuminating the living room like a spotlight. The silver blader’s Channel Islands Pro board shifted a bit against the wall. 

Numbed, Helios began to mumble out his words, “Why?..... Why did you disclose my parent’s death for years?”

Bakim stared affixed at his grandson’s brown jacket, the sun emblem on the sleeves illuminating a faint red aura. He could feel its resonating power residing within Sol Blaze itself, the ancient Orichalcum relic holding vast amounts of destructible power. Chuckling, the older man picked up the bronze sun ring that once belonged to his daughter. “Wasn’t losing a comfortable thing in your life? There is so much to fight against yet we sometimes fail to strive and achieve our very goal. This is why we try again… to succeed in what we love doing best.”

Helios’ eyes crinkled in slow aggression. Maintaining his composure, a blank shadow falls across his eyes, “Losing my mother was not in my life. I had so many memories with her, until there was blood spilled in the house. I saw it with my very own eyes. A memory that can’t be undone.”

Bakim stood up, gripping the crushed Celsius can like strangled prey. Before heading out the door, he glanced back at his grandson, unveiling a critical stare, “I know how much of a huge loss you had to suffer through. Life is not easy when you have your parents slain by a mysterious group raiding Pherae.”

The door closed, leaving Helios to stare for a moment. Through the blinds, the very same white BMW sedan came rolling up to Bakim, allowing him inside.     

With his eyes dilating crimson red as if casting Blaze Execution, Helios unleashed his agonized scream.

Tbh, for Helios' flashback and death of of his mother was inspired and taken from my own - I repeat - OWN anime / manga script, Dragoma Inferno.

If curious, here is the script:

https://dragoma.fandom.com/wiki/The_World_Ends_with_You_~_Infernolab_/_script#FLASHBACK:_ADACHI,_ZENIN

Robin Ward is my pen name and it appears under my DA profile next to Falco276.

https://www.deviantart.com/falco276

Other than that, be prepared for the mess Helios is about to create next chapter! 

Falco276 out! :)

Chapter Text

It's been awhile since I updated. Short chapter this time! Had to create some more fan made graphics relating to this story (Shh. Yuval already said the hint but its a surprise soon!) I'm loving how this chapter pans out. Its not everyday that we see a character in a mental breakdown. I wish he did this in the movie as well. It would have been more realistic. 

Helios went berserk.

Gripping the edge of the kitchen counter, he maintained his breathing, critically staring at the pepper granite surface. His mind swirled around with Bakim’s menacing words. As if he took a tiny dose of Fentanyl and Ketamine, the mental rush caused him to stagger across the living room, knocking down anything and everything in an aggressive manner. 

His LEGO Atlantis II shuttle shattered against the hardwood floor, sending each individual block sliding across like a figure skater. Helios continued to ramble in agony, unleashing tiny yells for each object.

A PS2 controller rolled over like a snowball, wrapping the cord in the process. Space Documentaries and Surf movies crunched underneath his feet. His stack of surfboards clattered across the ground like tumbling dominos, one of the fins snapped apart in the process.

Gods damn you, Bakim. Helios stood among the rubble of his personal belongings, fists clenched. Gunning down a red eyed stare towards a photo frame of his sick twisted grandfather masking a harmless smile while sitting cross legged with a young 5 year old Helios. 

A memory will never be burned.

Feeling the urge to break his chains from Bakim’s grip, Helios grabbed his 3 segment launcher grip and loaded Sol Blaze on his black Beylauncher. A fierce stare burning in enmity flared across his ruby red pupils, dilating sharp like an aggressive cat.

"Scorching Move.” Helios launched Blaze as the Sun God bey sped across the living room like a speeding projectile, tearing through Bakim’s face in the frame. Shards of glass splintered the space, Helios absorbing the laceration. Small drops of blood ran down his forehead and cheek as if he was slashed by a knife. 

“Blaze Execution.” His sharp whisper delivered bitter sweetness and ill mannered revenge against the old Poseidon blader.  

A hiss of smoke rose into the air, glass crunched underfoot.

“Wasn’t losing a comfortable thing in your life?”

Grabbing his bey, a wave of mental anguish surged through his mind like Blaze’s flaming tornadoes. An undefined power pulsed through him like a dormant draconian demon.

Several empty cans of Celsius clinked and tumbled across the floor. Fiercely eyeing his weakness, the silver haired blader grabs a few more cans from the pack, obsessively chugging down the energy drink. 

Expelling a quick forceful belch, a wave of dizziness slowly crossed his mind. After a few phases of its notorious side effects, Helios rushes to the bathroom, puking uncontrollably. 

His phone buzzes among the rubble. 

A call from Krista Lenz.

With his stomach lair of any remaining drops of Celsius, Helios momentarily stared at his own blood stained puke, blinking absentmindedly. A heavy stench of Sucralose and Keto bread avocado lingered in the air. Tiredly raising his head, Helios kneeled in silence, softly ventilating through his mental madness. 

What caused him to go on a sudden breakdown?

The popular energy drink that he was first introduced to barely gave him any side effects. With his ears half active, Helios hears the front door open. Knowing that anyone would be at his place at this hour (It was 2 AM after midnight), he tried his best to stand up in difficulty, only for his head to slam against the toilet lid.

“Helios! I’m home!” Krista called out, her hands occupied with colorful gift bags from the Skanderas. As soon as she flicked on the lights, she stumbled over something bulky, mentally preparing herself for a soft landing. She gasped in fright to see her boyfriend’s personal belongings scattered over the living room. 

There’s no way you could have done this.

She suddenly heard hoarse breathing from the guest bathroom. Alerted like an attentive barn owl, Krista dashed to the bathroom and gasped in shock to find Helios moaning tiredly, his head resting on the toilet lid.

“Helios, what happened here?” Krista raised his head into view. His eyelids slightly drooped over while moaning in difficulty. A dried puddle of blood stamped across the lid like a notarized document. “C’mon, let’s have you relax on the couch.”

Brave as an avian eagle and strong as a bear, she hoisted up Helios with both of her arms. That was until his head bopped against the floor, causing him to softly howl in pain. An alloy framed Sun palette painting fell to the ground, just inches from his head. “I got this, don’t worry.”

Krista remembered her lunch conversation with Yuval regarding rescue tactics on injured units in the police force. “Grab them by both of their legs, drag them out of danger, and start treating their critical wounds. It's safer and more effective than watching them die under the perpetrators' hands.”

Grasping Helios’ shins, she started to drag him out of the bathroom and set him next to the futon. Hands on her hips, Krista thought about how to hoist her boyfriend on the futon.

“Oh boy, you’re heavy.” slightly struggling, Krista propped Helios’ legs on the end while she contemplated the rest of his weight. The silver haired blader laid bed draggled from the futon, arms spread eagled like a spoiled sleepy child. Challenging her strength, Lenz gave in and gripped shoulders and torso. With a difficult yell, she managed to set Helios on the futon. Her boyfriend moaned, bouncing from the back rest of the couch. A string of uncontrollable loud belches filled the air. 

She kneeled down, stroking his platinum hair, “Who did this to you?”

See, I told you that sh*t just got real with Helios' breakdown in this chapter. 

The dormant draconian demon is a reference to Helios' personality from the Beyblade My Story Wiki.

In that universe, he's possessed by a draconian race called the Caribbean, resulting to one of them named Drake to overtake Helios' life.

https://beyblademystory.fandom.com/nl/wiki/Helios/Drake

Its in Dutch, so translate and enjoy his draconian lore, lol. 

Falco276 out! :) 

Chapter Text

Krista was at a loss.

It was mysteriously unexplainable as to how Helios fell flat on the bathroom door after a throw up fiasco with something possibly he ate or drank. Lenz thoroughly examined him from every side, finding zero symptoms of a fever rush. 

Food poisoning might have been the valid answer since he ate something rather too fast. But she still had to question Helios about the origin of his sickness. 

After a cup of warm Sidertis tea and a small shiatsu massage, Helios relaxed, humming in satisfaction. Krsita’s eyes glowered over his face, a warm smile beaming back at him.

“You’re not ok.” Lenz whispered callously as she tucked a space themed blanket over him. 

“Thanks, Krista.” Helios responded, his crystal blue eyes focused on the gift bags placed next to the laundry hamper. 

“You’ll love what the Skanderas gave me.” Krista excitedly pulled out a serran wrapped candle. A blend of cedarwood, almond, spicy cocoa, and oak pepper spiced up the room. “Perfect for your office, don’t ya think?”

Helios glowered with a mellow smile, imagining how it would easily attract his fellow staff members to his office at the Operations Support Building II at KSC. Even his supervisor, Oscar would spend a few nights with him, discussing potential life goals in space exploration and how his help would have an impact among Mission Control, the SpaceX crew, and the rest of the world. Instead, he would be there for the pleasant odor of the candle until Helios decides to kick him out with a friendly manner.

“It doesn’t end there. Ta-da. See? Yuval thought it would look good on your jacket.” Krista held up a yellow enamel pin depicting a taser stun gun. Helios stared at it conspicuously. “It was an extra present from his police department. Figured you’d like it.”

“Give my thanks to him. I’m starting to have a keen interest in the police force.” The silver haired blader shifted positions, crossing his hands behind his head for extra comfort. “Depends on my current resume with NASA.”        

“Oh! I know!” Krista opened the closet doors, kneeling down and digging around.

“What’s with the sudden curiosity?” Helios sat up, feeling perplexed. He carefully watched his girlfriend move miscellaneous boxes around, uncovering a clear plastic storage box filled with old plastic toys. “That’s my childhood box. Why are you bringing that out?”

“Don’t you wanna explore your happy past again?” Krista giggled lightly as she plopped the box on the foot of the bed, removing the rectangular blue lid. Most of his toys were space themed.

Krista fished out a photo album (the cover had a drawing of cute sunflowers on it) and began to stifle in laughter. Helios perked up in attention. He couldn’t believe what his girlfriend was seeing.

“Wait, don’t tell me that’s a turd behind you.” Krista continued rambling in laughter. Helios, feeling embarrassed, rolled his eyes with a flustered sigh. The album neatly told his story through images: from the day he was held in his mother’s arms as a baby to his little fun adventures through the years. He poked Rhea in the chest with a curious gaze while gripping a pacifier in his mouth. At 2 years old, little Helios cried in one image for having his ice cream stuck to the roof of his mouth. At 3, he was playing in the bathtub while the unsuspecting poop floated and swam around him. 

“I should have removed that embarrassing image from my album years ago.” Helios sighed deflated, allowing Krista to move on to the next item. 

Nestled among the surface was an old ancient drawing book from the late 90’s. 

“You never told me you had a doodle book.” Krista flipped through childish and messy colored drawings depicting different themes: space exploration, rockets, dinosaurs, cars and trucks, animals (most preferably dragons, lions, horses, and cows) Skipping over several pages, she encountered a drawing of a little boy. A black rectangular shape and a bulky L shaped object hovered above him. The black rectangle appeared to have a yellow triangle on it. Right above the objects was an attempted drawing of the world map, three dots jotted across. “What’s this about?”

Helios stared momentarily at the drawing. On the back of his mind, he knew what it was, but he failed to recall its purpose. “Good question. Why did I draw that in the first place?”

Krista chuckled lightheartedly, “It’s ok if you have a brain fart about it. I’m like that with my drawings too.” 

She flipped through the last pages, halting eerily on a burned memory. It was a family drawing of a bearded man, a woman with a red bandanna on her head, and a small spiky haired boy. “Where’s your father?”

Helios deadpanned. He felt motionless as a rock, wondering why Krista flipped to that page. Sitting up, he walked over and took the book, staring at the empty gap in the middle. He gave out a deflated sigh, “It’s nothing of your concern.”

“Oh, did I slightly offend you? I’m sorry if I did that.” Krista mumbled out in sympathy.

“It’s ok. Just something from my personal past.” Helios dropped his drawing book back into the box. Curiosity arose through him like a tidal wave of intrigue. An extra box flourished with all of his toys. Some that were branded but not very popular. Most of them were a wreck of off-brand fun. They ranged from Legos, SWAT vehicles, pretend equipment to foam bullet action guns, police cars and station playsets, castle playsets, and Top Set Rapidity spinning tops. 

What stood out the most out of the pile were space themed toys, many of them being space shuttles, Apollo Saturn V rockets, and lunar rovers. An AstroVenture Space Shuttle set caught his eye. He lifted the shuttle, staring melantously at the little astronaut minifigure still seated in the cockpit.

Krista walked over to her boyfriend, a grey Leigh High Valley crop top hung loose over her shoulders. “Let me guess. Was that your favourite toy as a kid?”

Helios glowered in deep thought, smiling warmly towards the precious memory.

The Sol Blaze blader was roughly 5, dressed in a cute vintage checkered vest layered over a brown cardigan sweater and a red bowtie in place of his bandanna. He felt free like a bird, his fingers trailing over dancing sunflower petals. His face lightened up at the sight of the sun looming across the field’s bright horizon.

His mother, Rhea Pherae, stood among the fields, captivated at the sight of her son playing joyfully around the Sunflowers. Her long medium length silver curls were held by a unique red bandanna. A white crop top with a greek sun silhouette, white jeans and identical brown ring buckled boots completed her whimsical appearance.

Helios ran through the sunflower fields, a space shuttle kite flapping madly through the wind above his head. He then yanked his hand, causing the shuttle to loop around once.

“Mom, did you see that?” he bellowed excitedly. Just then a cluster of sunflower petals landed on his nose, causing little Helios to sneeze in return. “Ah choo!”

Rhea gave out a motherly chuckle, the kind that voiced concern and joy in her. She wrapped her arms around her son’s shoulders, raising the kite in view, “Maybe next time, find a treeless area like the baseball field across our house?” 

Helios’ gaze swept past the fields and into a small sloping road. An array of discolored concrete houses with sun scorched railings elevated the irregular slope. A box truck was parked next to a food market, wooden pallets of stock grocery already being unloaded by workers yelling in Greek. He found his house, a light orange abode with decorative bronze stencils of the sun. A laundry hangar was set outside on the balcony, clothing flapping in the wind. There was the makeshift baseball field merged with an ancient Greek ruin left to dust. He always (tried) to perfect his Beyblade launch against the stone wall, but failed when the top began to bounce against it. No matter how hard he tried, the stone wall kept mocking his confidence and motivation. 

It appeared as if Helios practiced with a rifle instead of a Beyblade, each circular graze on the wall resembling multiple bullet holes. 

The little silver haired boy curiously crossed the narrow road (very nearly avoiding a herd of bleating goats) and explored the abandoned ruins / baseball field. He halted in front of the stone that he used as target practice, setting Thermal Herculeo DF145 FS on the flat surface.

“What am I doing wrong with my launch?” Helios worriedly asked like any other child to his mother. 

Rhea sat cross legged on the ground with a sunflower twirled between her fingers. Her bright red bandanna gleamed under the sunlight, radiating her pale complexion. Her silver strands waved like the Greek flag perched in the middle of the town.

“Silly Goose, that has to be worked on. Just remember what your grandfather Bakim always says: Never give up in your struggles with life. Not just in Beyblade. In every corner of your heart. Only time will tell about Atlantis’ future. I know he told you this but I’ll say it again. There will be a better Beyblade that will rebuild Atlantis. The bad hearted locals of the city betrayed the Sun God and the Lord of the Seas, which spouted disruption and waged wars between its people, pounding poverty and famine across the Greek nations. Only the pure of heart can fly with the wings of Pegasus. To the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Just as your grandfather and I encourage you in Beyblade, give it your best shot, Helios. Someday, Atlantis will be rebuilt by your trust and honor with the Sun God.”

“That’s how Atlantis disappeared.” Helios’ hands trembled, holding Sol Blaze. Krista halted flipping through her boyfriend’s drawing book.

Her eyes flickered in confusion, mesmerized by the ancient name. 

“Atlantis?” she piped up.

“And how Sol Blaze was chosen to destroy the world with Pegasus.”

Another short chapter! I apologize after returning to this story. Lots on my end. Part of the Atlantis lore is actually from the movie and the manga, so I hope I didn't get anything incorrect. 

The Land of the Free and Home of the Brave is a clue to Helios living in Florida (duh, America.) Canon wise, its unknown where Helios and Gingka landed, so I made them land at Kennedy Space Center in FL since JAXA (Japan's space agency) lacks a shuttle runway on their turf. I hope Takafumi Adachi approves of this fact.

Next week, I'll post a new chapter of Truth or Dare. You guessed it. Helios is in the police force! I love that personality so much! 

Falco276 out! :) 

Chapter Text

The next day, Krista continues to comfort Helios, running a hand through his silver spiked hair. The blader rests his head on her lap. He held his phone up, watching his favourite police tubers on Youtube. Dr. Insanity, Code Blue Cam, Blue Watch, Police Activity and Midwest Safety. 

Watching bodycam footage of arresting civilians for their crime and interrogating them in hour-long interviews caused Helios to think about joining the police force as a second option just in case he got fired from NASA. (He doubted that would ever happen. The Staff members love his smart personality, appearance, and professional conduct.) Hearing the sounds of frantic yells, struggling under arrest, and difficult questions for their crimes caused Krista to pin up an idea.

She helps him create a list of things that make him happy.

• Space Exploration.
• Surfing.
• Illenium concerts.
• His Toyota Solara.
• Watching police videos.
• Despising Bakim’s presence.

The silver computer beeped once, a window popped up on screen. A small group meeting video call with STS 136 and the others pop up, leaving Krista confused with his friends.

There was Ryan Henderson pulling back a toy Space Shuttle on his desk. The orbiter sped across the surface on its landing gear wheels, effectively knocking down both the Solid Rocket Boosters and External Tank. They clattered against the Armageddon game board, one of the knight figurines dueling against a huge orange missile thing.

“Whoo! That’s what I call space shuttle bowling!” the redhead triumphed in joy, pumping his fists in the air. 

“Can’t do that with Energia.” Yureneva blew a cocky frown, grinning in delight. She raised a laser pointer, challenging her Maine Coon cat, Misha pouncing after the dancing red dot.

“We just wanted to check in with you two. Any updates on Helios?” Skye sipped on Tahitian Treat fruit punch, refreshed out of the cooler. Her curls danced to the invisible wind like on a fall breeze.

Krista uneasily shifted, “Well, he kinda had a meltdown yesterday.”

Helios paused the video on his phone. It was a Police Activity video where a 28 year old Jacob Blake stole a Kenosha police cruiser, and sent it down a joyride across the highway in Racine, Wisconsin. In a span of 20 minutes, the other officers performed a PIT maneuver, sending the poor Dodge Charger tumbling across the highway’s shoulder and into the forest. After the roll over crash, he still kept on spewing out religious themes and how Lucas didn’t arrive after Flag Football practice.

“Krista, please don’t bring up my childhood stuff.” the Sol Blaze blader gloated in glum despair. As much as he disliked being teased by his girlfriend regarding his personal life, Krista continued to elaborate yesterday’s mishap.

“He had internal issues with his grandpa I guess. I brought out his childhood toy box to cheer him up and found his one of a kind drawing book. From space exploration to random animals, there was one drawing that stood out from the rest.” Krista grinned with a deadpan expression.

Helios glared in return.

“Was it an embarrassing drawing of himself wading around the animal stalls at his grand daddy’s Space Ark?” Ryan joked. “Imagine how many hours it would take to clean the brown poop sludge off your shoes.”

Helios softly sighed in annoyance. “That’s kinda gross, Ryan. Thanks for the imagery. It's well burned into my mind.”

“Here it is! A drawing of his family!” Krista flipped the book around. As quick as lightning, Helios (carefully) slapped the book away from her hands. “Eep!”

“Aw, c’mon! That was the best part!” Brezenska pouted.

“I would appreciate it if none of my other crewmates discovered my childhood family drawing.” Helios remarked with a playful stern tone.

“Oh, ok. It was just a small joke.” Lenz giggled in delight. She shifted the topic.

Henderson volunteered like an excited student, “Ok, so guess what I found on SpaceExplorer.net ?” 

“The junkyard on Mars?” Helios twisted his face into confusion.

“Silly billy. It’s the first time NASA announced the Strawberry Moon! You won’t meet Strawberry Shortcake there but it's going to be one heck of a sight in the sky!” Ryan excitedly shared his screen. The image was a pink moon slapped against the evening backdrop of somewhere on Earth. 

“You sure it isn't photoshopped?” Helios inquired, staring at the image as if someone magically dyed the moon hot pink. 

“It does look very pretty indeed.” Yureneva wistfully glowered at the image, imagining stars reflecting on the water’s bioluminescent surface. 

“It’s like an eclipse. But waayyy better.” Henderson scrolled through the site, and exclaimed for their attention, “Ah-ha. Found it. This bad baby will appear in the skies on June 10th and 11th, right after my annual board game expo in Winter Park, FL.”

“Noted.” Yureneva scribbled down the date like a frivolous teacher. “Who knows? Maybe I might see it in Moscow together with Lovushka!”

The rest of the crew chuckled in delight.

“Any updates on another shuttle mission from NASA?” Skye curiously questioned out of the blue. Her hands kept on fiddling with a neon green highlighter (a neon pink Silly Bandz was wrapped around the hook.)

“Whelp, if Atlantis II is good to go, good ol Betsy might be up in the skies before we even know it.” Ryan shrugged out of the blue. 

“Meaning there’s no recently announced missions from the STS team and Mission Control. 137 may be pending from their system.” Helios responded, goggling an eye at Krista who held up her boyfriend’s childhood space shuttle toy.

“It would take eons for NASA to approve another shuttle mission. Where’s Roscosmos when you need them?” Ryan dug into a bag of Doritos (Sweet Chili flavored). 

“We got you covered.” Brezenska replied, winking with Misha in her hands. The cat meowed diligently to be released from her blubber arms. “Aleksei told me that there may be a new module added to the ISS. It tracks real time data from its orbit around the Earth.” 

“That’s so cool. I can’t wait to see it.” Skye’s eyes glowered in awe.

A doorbell rang from the front door, catching the duo’s attention.

“Pizza delivery, Hee Lee Ohs?” Ryan bellowed in a flunky tone. 

“See you later, guys. I’m gonna spend some quality time with Krista again. And no. It’s not pizza.” Helios clicked the end call button, glad to be alone with his girlfriend. He cherished his crewmates’ company but wanted to surprise Krista with his personal interests. 

Lenz felt her relationship boost forward with the Sol Blaze blader. She was now open towards his wonderful plans yet still cautious about his motives from the Sunfoot cult. Knowing that he completely withdrew from his grandfather’s cult told Krista that he is free from their malicious plans. 

“I feel like I’m already in love now.” Helios walked back to the futon couch with a long box hugged in his arms. 

“With me?” Krista widened her eyes at the object.

“No, with this.” Helios unwrapped a spanking brand new Channel Islands Atlantis surfboard. It was jet black with lunar blue waves, AL MERRICK still stamped on the underbelly of the board. A custom Sol Blaze sun logo and his name was crested on the nose tip. “Say hello to my new Channel Islands Atlantis deck. Customized to my perfection.”

“Wow, it looks much better than your other boards on the wall.” Krista admired the carbon fiber texture on the surface. 

“Here. We’re gonna catch some waves at home.” Helios gave her a FireWire Dominator Helium board (without any fins attached). Together with Krista, they balance on the board. Lenz showed some wiggling but stayed confident. Her boyfriend ended up chuckling at her progress. She fell on her butt, laughing like a goofy student in surf school. 

Helios beamed her a lovely smile. “You’re close to a hang 10.”

Next on their activity list were selfies. Krista planted her sneakers in view, a set of jet black HOKA Gravitas 5 with white undersoles. Helios was next with his dark navy blue Nautica sneakers. They both posed for the camera clad in their sneakers like a secret mission ops duo. 

Krista laughed at the result, “You look like you’re about to be ready for a mile long run.”

Helios softly chuckled in return, “There’s always different opportunities around Florida with your shoes. Whether it's from boating, fishing, a mile long jog down the docks, or even surfing, anything can be done with Nautica or even with your Hokas as well.”

A text popped up on screen. Helios lifted his phone in view and shook his head in playful disappointment towards Ryan. He was still online on NASA’s monitored server, the STS 136 chat.

RYAN HENDERSON

Helios. Watch Moonfall. It's the greatest movie ever made in mankind. Roland Emmerich is the best at creating disaster movies up their butts. Meaning the movie kicks ass with its plot, special effects, and its themes: Apocalyptic AI sci fi thriller. (P.S: I've watched it over 5 times already!) 

HELIOS RYUZAKI

Don’t worry. I have the popcorn ready. Me and Krista decided on a movie marathon.

Considering Ryan’s flick of choice, Helios pulled up Moonfall on Netflix. Krista’s shoulder hugs Helios’ chest as the movie flashes on screen. Moonfall , a thrilling science fiction movie where NASA and other government agencies around the world are in conflict with a mysterious AI space anomaly that de-orbits the moon and sends it crashing down upon Earth.

The only thing Helios found hysterically ironic in the movie was when they approached the California Science Center, Space shuttle Endeavour was vandalized by hooligans. “Fuck the Moon!” was spray painted in grey across the aft payload bay. 

It was breathtaking, surreal, and memorable. Helios felt like being part of the plotline, stopping the moon from crashing into the earth together with STS 136.  

Deciding on a movie marathon, they end up watching cheesy movies from The Asylum such as Atlantic Rim , Monster Hunters , Aquarium of the Dead , Airliner Sky Battle , and Mega Shark vs Kolossus .

Moon Crash and Meteor Moon, being the mockumentary to Moonfall , was a huge laugh to Helios and Krista. Driving a Mustang through space was a classy sight. Helios recorded and sent the small scene clip to Ryan who gawked in laughter.

RYAN HENDERSON

Omg, The Asylum is terrible at special effects yet it's enjoyable. Whoever thought of launching a car in space is a pure genius. 

Solar Attack (2006), and Solar Crisis (1990) also served as the last laughing stock movies on the list. The silver haired blader was surprised to see a spaceship named after him in Solar Crisis .   

Another chapter with lazy days for Helios and Krista.

I watched Moonfall (over 7 times already) and found it much better than 2012. They both directed by Ronald Emmerich!

The video that Helios was watching on his phone is based off of this 20 min video where the guy takes a police cruiser on a joyride, ending up being PITed and rolled over in a crash. 

Falco276 out. :)

Chapter Text

I'm back with another chapter! 

Busy days ahead of me. Swiss friends Party on August 1st (That's thier independence day) and my birthday (August 2nd) I hate aging. -_-

Anyhow, enjoy!

Krista woke up the next day. She found Helios hovering over her above the futon, his soft smile listless as ever. 

“Rise and shine.” Helios greeted while serving her a plate of avocado toast spread, bacon, eggs, and a glass of orange juice. Krista rubbed her eyes, jolting to attention. “Today we're gonna visit Hayley and her impressive residence.” 

Lenz mentally inhaled her awe. She couldn’t believe that her very friend she met at the Illenium Rise Above concert was generous enough to invite their hospitality at her house. As spastic as the teen was, Nagamatsu was a total blow in her gossip, lecturing over her globetrotter adventures to everyone she knew. Assuming she ran her personal blog titled Nagamatsu’s Dragon Tavern, Hayley has already received attention for her breathtaking adventures.

“Sure. Let me wear my pretty dress for this special occasion.” Krista flustered a smile, walking upstairs to swap out of her casual Lehigh Valley outfit. Helios followed her, curious to see her pretty side. 

“You look phenomenal.” Helios glowered at her towering beauty.

Krista performed a little twirl, beaming out a flustered smile, “Being cute and chic is in my blood.”

They sat down for breakfast, listing out possible gift ideas for the Japanese American teen. Anime was too generic and tiring since Hayley decorated herself from head to toe with anime merch. Perhaps a basket of fruits and belgian chocolate with a gift card? A brand new Olive Garden gift card sat in Krista’s purse, reserved for their evening dinner date. Since she decided to cancel the special couples moment, Krista added the card to the list.   

“You sure you don’t wanna spare the Olive Garden card for tonight’s date?” Helios questioned curiously at Krista’s sudden change in the list.

She gave out a quick shrug, dabbing on light Wet N Wild makeup powder to her cheeks. The glittery rose effect illuminated against the sunlight, causing her cheeks to resemble star constellations. 

“Might as well give it to Hayley. Besides, it's our first time visiting her.” Krista winked after a dab of small strokes of mascara on her eyelids. “How do I look?”

“A pretty raccoon with a heart of gold.” Helios smirked, holding up the keys. He lobbed it to Krista, leaving his girlfriend momentarily stunned. “Solara's all yours.”

It was a 1 hour drive to Winter Garden, FL. 

Krista focused as the red Toyota sedan weaved around traffic at a steady speed. They would break their conversations often, discussing their plans for a date. Helios slumped back in his seat, watching police videos on his phone while a string of tiny bubbly belches filled the air. A Celsius Galaxy vibe was held in his hand, his crystal blue eyes widening in surprise at a suspect fighting for his life under the clutch of two police officers. 

After a trip to Kangaroo Express (re fuel, bathroom break, and sub sandwich + Icee slushies), Krista followed her phone’s GPS directions. Right upon arrival, they glamour in awe at the sight of Nagamatsu’s luxurious residence, Blackthorne Estates . A cluster of white washed 2 story villas, with bright lawns, ample streetlights, and concrete curbed traffic islands splashed with various shining stones. 

“Konichiwa!” Dressed in her fav casual attire, Hayley greets them. A loose white shirt sporting a japanese neko cat serving a bowl of yakisoba ramen, black harem pants, and banash wolf fang sneakers.

The Solara’s engine revved as Krista eased the car forward and neatly parked the sedan next to the iconic Audi Quattro bachelor party SUV.

The driver’s door opened, Krista was greeted with Hayley’s goofy grin. She held out a can of SoBe Dragon. Its iconic mascot, the Green Lizard appeared to be formed in a ying yang, a tribal japanese dragon roaring furiously in the background.

“Oooh, Dragonfruit sounds delicious.” Krista grabbed a sample plastic cup from the platter, downing the liquid as if she was taking an alcoholic shot. 

Helios hummed in thought with a disapproving frown, “I’m a freak over Celsius. But why the hell not?” 

He accepted Hayley’s offering, delighted to sample SoBe for the first time. It had a tangy taste. A mildly sweet refreshing flavour combined the blend of kiwi and pear. 

“It’s my favorite flavour ever since my parents harvested the fruit back in Japan. Known as Piyata, some of my friends and family describe it as having subtle sweetness with earthy notes. Others perceive a hint of citrus with a slight emerald grassy taste.” Hayley shrugged while beaming a smile. The type that Helios noted as ‘friendly but suspicious’.

“So your parents are dragon fruit farmers, I assume?” Krista asked curiously as they walked towards the entrance of the Nagamatsu residence. A 2 story white washed villa greeted them with a jet black quartz door. Hayley gripped the bronze handle after goofily grinning through its Ring doorbell cam. 

“Yep, and they’re proud of it! Welcome to my House!” Hayley opened the door. Both Helios and Krista were stunned at the living room interior. It was an expansive room, floored with white marble tiles. A luxurious red rug centered attention, a 75 inch Sansui Smart TV flashed FNN, a japanese news network reporting on a young man interviewing a greenhouse gardener in terms of this year’s summer crops. A small rectangular cacti patch sat on the foreground of a modern waterfall fountain, running smoothly down the rugged charcoal wall. 

Helios, deadpanned at the thought of how rich Hayley was, mentally bagged up his question. He was working for a government space agency, expanding his portfolio in conduct and profits, yet here he was, standing in the middle of a spanking rich mansion that his townhouse was no match for.

“This looks so amazing!” Krista gasped in awe at the simplistic decoration: patterned japanese dracaena leaves, stone grey tiling, and a small statue of Naga sat in the rear corner of the prayer room. Lenz spotted a cluster of folded notes stashed in a small bucket, guessing that was the dragon’s offering from every prayer.

Hayley came forward, stroking Naga’s leafy horns, “This is Naga Miru, our divine dragon god from Nagashima. She’s a real beauty among our majestic prefecture. A dragon of the 4 seasons. A divine monarch.” 

“Fascinating.” Helios scrutinized Naga's graceful wings. The dragon peered as if it were a fortune teller through both of their souls. It had glistening silver scales, jet black onyx horns, and flaming lunar green mane.

“Moving on, here’s my room upstairs!” Hayley dashed across the stairs like a prancing reindeer. She swung the door to her bedroom open, leaving Helios and Krista glowering and impressed.

Her room flourished with teen spirit: a colourful angle lamp from the late 2000s. Pink Flower framed cork boards and fluffy velvet pillows. A huge kawaii plush Neko cat hugged her bed. A mid condition MSI gaming laptop with a fake aquarium set on the desk. Anime posters of Demon Slayer , Attack on Titan , and Jujutsu Kaisen are framed and hung around the walls. One of her recent posters I am Spaceman from her fav comedic youtubers, JStu, pinned and sprawled above her studious black dresser.

“Typical for a tween spirited girl.” Helios commented on the theme of her room. 

Nagamatsu twirled around with a playful glare, “Hey, only non otakus would say that.”

Krista giggled at Hayley’s response. 

“So, the both of you were part of a badass cult?” Hayley sauntered across the living room with her pink macbook Air in hand (The laptop was covered in kawaii anime stickers). 

She slid the backyard door open, revealing a dazzling modern patio. An outdoor cordova gazebo stood in the middle, a string of warm LED lights paneling the rim of the square shaped roof. They were all seated on a Sunbrella 7 piece deep seating sectionals. Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies are served as well from last year’s holiday event. A bottle of Pacific Rim white wine caters the occasion, the textured label depicting a purple japanese dragon, its claws clutching a hiragana letter framed in a circle.

“It’s quite a long story. Krista must have summarized a two liner.” Helios blinked in awe towards the rest of her picturesque garden. Luxurious resort style mini pools with steel frames were displayed on patches of lime green faux grass. Steel pillars with metallic spheres dotted around the grass, a purple butterfly perched on top.

The most impressive garden decoration on display was the dragon statue posed in front of the gazebo. A 3D rendition of the Divine Dragon Naga statue stood in the middle with all of its pinpointing intricate details: reptilian dragon head with crocodilian jaws, elongated ‘bunny ears’, a swirling under chin mane. Its squiggly body was layered with sharp topknots, supported by extra mini bars holding its leafy shaped hind legs. Two massive tribal patterned wings, its thumb crests rolled forward like molded clay while its wing tips ended in irregular perpendiculars. Its tail streaked into a curve akin to a fuzzy lion’s brush. Its sharp cat-like eyes stared across the room as if it was alert with intruders.

“How in Sol Blaze did you make this? Hayley, you’re talented!” Helios glided his fingers over the shiny steel, rows of interlocking plates across the dragon’s body like Pherean battle shields. 

Nagamatsu blushed and rubbed the back of her head in gratitude, “Well, as a Nagashima proverb used to say back in the days: Your hands come in handy for anything you create.”

Krista snapped an image of the majestic Divine Dragon staring up at the starry sky. That’s when things got down to business.

“This is where you’ll learn everything about me. This includes my parent’s family call from Nippon.” Nagamatsu slapped her MacBook on the gazebo’s table, flipping the lid open. They were greeted with a wallpaper on the laptop’s screen. An anime kitsune fox prowling through the deep snowy forest of Hokkaido, scarlet red leaves dotting the white bamboo shoots. 

Helios and Krista learn of Hayley’s biography. She was born in Irvine, California to Japanese parents during her childhood. She moved to Orlando, FL where she received praise for her tactical efforts in her career in mechanical engineering at St. Leo University. She also mentions that she played as Haylee from a Kingdom Hearts II fan movie that she and her friends made together in 2007.

“I miss those precious days.” Krista gleamed wistfully, recalling her sibling moments with her little brother Harper.

“Same here. Oh look who’s here!” Hayley excitedly gasped as loud as a balloon. An MSN video call window popped up on screen followed by a joyful ding. A middle aged couple (Helios presumed those were Hayley’s sophisticated parents) grinned and chuckled softly to their daughter’s presence. Ishimaru and Hiruma Nagamatsu floundered with joy, performing a quick bow in respect. “Greetings from Orlando!”

“And Greetings from Chiba, Japan!” Ishimaru waved, delighted to see his daughter connecting with new friends.

“Mom? Dad? This is Helios and Krista. I met them at the Illenium Rise Above concert.” Hayley chuckled out a laugh like some asian american girls do when they always have company. Helios goggled an eye at Nagamatsu, brightening his smile. “He’s also been to other Illenium concerts. Like the one in Indonesia.”

“Wow.” Himura exclaimed in awe, “You must have traveled all over the world to see such wonderful sights and sounds.”

“Consider it in only one location. I've been to Jakarta with a friend of mine. It was more than a vacation.” Helios repeated his experience with Hayley’s parents, “It was breathtaking. A heavenly blend of trance, psytrance, electro house, and hardstyle all in one. 2 hours of pure EDM blazing across the crowd like wildfire. Lights and lasers piercing through the air, burning the shadows. Fog rolling across the stage, uplifting hearts from around the world.”

“See that dad? Now you know why I adore EDM.” Hayley pointed out with an obvious look.

“Well, it's my first time knowing your friend from Indonesia - Do you know any few words?” Ishimaru nodded with a fatherly exhale. Small breaths escaped his lips like a steam pump. 

“I’m originally Greek but I know a few Indonesian words: Matahari, Ombak, and Api for Sun, Surf, and Fire.” Helios took a sip of his Pacific Rim wine, the white grape and peach dazzling across his tastebuds.

Her parents once again exclaimed in awe, finding Helios very generous and humble.

“Bet you don’t know any Japanese.” Hayley crossed her arms with a smirk. She then held out a pointed finger with a gasp, “Wait, don’t tell me. You know Tomoaki Maeno!”

Helios raised a silver brow, intrigued by the sudden mention of his Japanese voice actor from a Beyblade movie. “Is that a personality compliment?”

Her parents gave out a hearty laugh in the background. 

Krista giggled.

“I was just wondering if you knew him, that’s all.” Hayley shrugged while sipping on her own wine. 

“Kind of, I guess? I mainly speak English and Greek with a bit of Indonesian.” Helios blinked with dashing honesty, finding the conversation a bit awkward.

Ishimaru and Himura gave out a hearty laugh again, delighted to see their daughter with company. 

“Speaking of movies, we did have a movie marathon.” Krista counted each title off of her fingers. “A total of 7 from The Asylum.”

Hayley snaps in excited and shocked gasps, “Are you freaking kidding me? You have to watch the Sharknado series! 6 movies in one thrilling slap stick phenomenon. Trust me, it's waaay better than the other movies!”

“Way better than Moonfall?” Helios quirked an eyebrow, a Milano cookie hung from his mouth.

“Totally. You’ll love the shark gore!” the young teen pulled out a joke book from her Attack on Titan shoulder bag. Before she could share any hysterical jokes, her parents gave out a farewell to her and to both Helios and Krista. They thanked them for the company and gratitude for meeting an amazing couple. (Both Helios and Krista blushed, remarking the tiny romantic compliment.)

Once the video call hung up, Hayley flipped through the book, her brown eyes scrutinized at the space section because why the hell not? Helios was avid at anything space stuff so this should have been a challenge for Krista. Then again, he was thankful not to hear any embarrassing ones like Ryan sputtered out to his crew.

“How do astronauts keep warm on the International Space Station?” Hayley embraced the short silence. They could almost feel Naga’s divine breath streaking across their necks. It was a warm nightly breeze, the kind that made them feel comfy.

“I was clad in a NASA sweater and beige work pants the last time I fixed the MRM1 nodes.” Helios shrugged out of the blue.

Hayley mimicked the wrong buzzer sound, “They turn up the space heater, silly!”

Krista chuckled into laughter.

“What does an astronaut wear to bed?” the teen grinned a playful death stare, the kind that made kids shrink with fear.

“Your own clothes?” Helios once again burst his bubble. He didn’t mind getting silly jokes wrong.

“Space Jammies!” Hayley and Krista leaned back with hysterical laughs. The silver haired Sol Blaze blader puffed out a chuckle, retaining himself from bursting out in laughter. 

“How does the moon get his haircut?” Hayley twirled her hair with a snarky smirk, giving away the clue. 

Both Helios and Krista shrugged.

“Eclispe it!”

Helios playfully chuckled while Krista continued her chipmunk laughter. It was that contagious.

Rinse and Repeat. 

“What do planets do for fun?”

“They sing Neptunes!”

“What blooms in outer space?”

“Sunflowers!”

“Why didn’t the sun go to college?”

“Because it already had a thousand degrees!”

“When our Solar System was formed, the sun was in charge. So the planets formed a Revolution!”

“What do you get when you send an anime fan to one of Saturn’s moons?”

“Otaku on Titan!”

(This one was definitely Hayley’s favorite joke.)

Despite having the laughing gas over the silly space jokes thrown across the gazebo’s patio table, Hayley’s servant stepped into view, holding up a triangle (the metal instrument that goes cling when tapped with a tiny metal rod.) The vibrating waves tingled Helios and Krista’s ears like a hypnotized alarm.

“Dinner’s served, Ms. Nagamatsu.” The grey haired butler bowed respectfully, his posh British accent drawled over. 

“Whoo hoo! Dragon Rolls comin right up!” Hayley fist pumped with an exuberant yell. They walked over to the dining room, a line of cuisines filled in order: a bowl of Pad Thai, Beef and Chicken Yakitoki, Rice Mochi, and finally Spring Dragon Rolls (the sushi kind). The blend of warm scents tickled their nose calipers, it felt so inviting.

Helios chose a Yakitoki stick; it briefly reminded him of the Greek version: Souvlaki. His favorite childhood dish served with a side of Pita bread and a dallop of Avocado spread. Krista brightly complimented on Hayley’s cooking, feeling delighted over the Dragon Spring Rolls. 

“Hayley, what does ‘Hoy-Ehh’ mean? I notice that you use it in most of your outros.” As if on cue, Helios curiously asked with a fork held up.

Mused while suppressing a light smile, Hayley clicked her teeth, “It’s my favorite catchphrase from my absolutely favorite Youtubers, JStu. I’m a 5 year freak over their videos. From silly fort builds to entertaining budget challenges. This is why I always laugh daily.”

She held up a jet black shirt with LAUGH DAILY written in neon green glowsticks. 

“And read their devotional book as well.” Nagamatsu then presented the Survival Guide book, the cover depicting Justin Stuart and Andrew Scites grinning at each other while surrounded by various icons and themes used in their videos. 

“I only watch police videos and dashcam mishaps on Youtube.” Helios responded flatly. He noticed Krista hiding her hysterical giggle.

“Hey, whatever peaks your interest. Go for it. I might check that out once I’m off of online college. Extra credit sucks but the accomplishment is worth a pat on the back.” Hayley puckered her Naga chopsticks like it were the moving jaws of a dragon. 

“What’s your major?” Krista asked out of the blue. 

“Mechanical Engineering. Aiming for a 7 year PhD while assisting top brand manufacturers in robotics. Might as well enter myself in BattleBots . Who knows?” Nagamatsu shrugged. She goggled an eye at Helios, mentally curious of his major. “Let me guess. Biotech engineering?”

“Not so close enough. It's far out and wide past Earth. Aerospace Engineering is my major. I now work for an American space agency that the whole world admires.” Helios presented his NASA ID. 

Hayley caterwauled in shocking awe, similar to Yuval’s response. “Oh my gods, by the Divine Dragons, you work for NASA? Dude, get me a free ticket to space!”

“I was also a crew member for STS - 136 aboard space shuttle Atlantis II.” Helios finished with a light smile. 

“I can’t believe you flew in that legendary shuttle! I always wanted a model of the majestic orbiter! The dual fins on its big fat engines look very unique.” Hayley wistfully glamoured. 

“Orbiter Maneuvering System or OMS hatches.” Helios helpfully corrected her. Hayley nodded and winked in return. The gold cat clock ticked in harmony. The statue of Naga Miru sealed a brief silence. Its pearl blue green eyes reflected in harmony. That was until Krista brought up a mention of a Youtube video she saw last night. “I saw a video about a certain Japanese Spider species. They’re called Kochi Kochi and they love to hang out in abandoned caves.”

Hayley’s eyes immediately widened, gasping excitedly, “What? Kuchi Kuchi Koo?”

Nagamatsu hacked the word as Kuchi Kuchi, a tickling gesture of making babies and young kids laugh in delight. She reaches in and playfully tickles Krista’s waist, sending Lenz rolling over in laughter.

Helios stifled a warm hearted chuckle. 

“Gods, there’s so many things I wanna share. It’s an endless bucket list of knick knacks I collect. I’m a gamer freak so I did stream while cooking Pad Thai. They loved my tutorial!” Hayley twirled around in joy. She then presented her faviourite list of flicks: Underdog and the Sharknado series. She also shares her retro 3DS with her fan favourite games such as Final Fantasy, Fire Emblem Awakening, Fire Emblem Fates, Monster Hunter Stories, and River King Mystic Valley.

“That’s a lot to see. Have you completed all of them?” Krista asked out of the blue while shuffling through the game cases. Helios grisly raised his brows. 

“Not really.” Hayley shrugged while plastering her grin. “I’m tracking my gameplay progress in a bunch. It’s hard to keep up with so many games when you multi-task.”  

Helios and Krista nod in steady interest, the Sol Blaze blader noting of his old PS2 to Hayley. 

“Whoa, that’s an old school console. I’m glad you still have that. My friends and I used to play Kingdom Hearts II on it so much.” Hayley flicked her silicone wristband, sending it twirling across Krista’s blushed face. 

“It seems a bit late for us. I appreciate the invitation. And to answer your question, yes, I was tangled with the Sunfoot cult years ago. It’s been one hell of a ride to mine Sol Blaze from Atlantis, and idiotically realize my grandfather’s foolproof plan.” Helios summarized his lifeline. 

Hayley popped her mouth open as if to agape in awe, “Dude, you’ve been on a wild journey. Krista told me the rest: He was trying to raze down earth with a puny pea sized asteroid. I could already tell that guy is cuckoo as a bird. What’s your agenda tomorrow?”

“Helios offered another tour around Kennedy Space Center.” Krista gently announced. 

Nagamatsu gasped as if she caught falling snow in her mouth, “Win me a Dragon Boat card, that’s where I’m headed off to! I promised my parents to show them pictures of the Atlantis shuttle exhibit. I’m so damn lucky to get a free entry because of Mr. Mission Control director here.”

She proceeded to wrap her arms around Helios’ waist, swaying him from side to side like Yureneva.

“Thanks Hayley.” Helios smugly said. He gave out a quick cough, “Don’t forget about Atlantis II. Orbiter Processing Facility at the VAB. A special surprise party from my supervisor is also happening.”

Nagamatsu gloated in joy.

Lots of brands in this chapter. The Kingdom Hearts II fan movie made in 2007 (Trust me, I love it because of the snarky subtitles.) were filmed by young Asian Californian teens. They seriously did a great job on the costumes and weapons.

Next chapter will be another chill chapter for both Helios and Krista.

Falco276 out! :)