Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Cyrene?”

“Yeah?”

“You once said about how the story of Amphoreus is the most romantic tale ever told.”

“Indeed, and I will stand by that.”

The bride-like demigod swings idly by his side. The sight of Aedes Elysiae complements her colors very well, especially with the newly blooming flowers that surround it. As his trusted partner throughout Amphoreus, it's natural that the trailblazer asked her of this. He felt at ease confiding some of his insecurities to her. Thus, it makes sense that he will ask:

“Is pink meant to be loved?”

For a moment, Cyrene's adult-like appearance is betrayed by her childish expression. It was akin to a child not comprehending what was being asked. Strange, since she has recorded so many tales, surely such questions are not that hard.

“Sorry, what?”

“Okay, let me elaborate…”

Caelus went on a long rant about how pink girls are the sweetest and friendliest people he ever knew. It was as if he was moved by his own experience he began to regale how each pinks he encountered gave him new insights on how to view life. 

He spoke of a diviner who can see the possibilities and how despite her somewhat strong attitude, she cares a lot for the people who worked for her. Though Caleus noted how a certain general kept pestering her from ever reaching his position.

He spoke of a ninja who despite her cuckoo nature, taught him how to truly live by your own identity. Whether it is artificial or not, it doesn't matter as long as you live sincerely and abashedly cringe.

He spoke of a maiden who longs for a warmth of life. In her seclusion among people, she watches from afar and cares in her own ways until the embrace of death is finally in her reach.

He spoke of a healer. Whose measly strength that descended from false promises endured the sky and under her watchful eyes, she soared and dispelled the gloom and cleared the skies for the earth to see.

He spoke of a girl who dreamt of a faraway world beyond the stars. In her simple Village surrounded by golden wheats, fate sets her out to regale the tale of the world of timeless circles. Forever writing the stories under the moonlight while her sun shoulders the world so that tales could still be told.

And then,

“There is a girl,”

At this point, Cyrene was silent and intently watched over Caelus.

“A silly one I might add. I wondered why I rushed to shield her from destruction. I guess it was my instinct to crave it as a Stellaron holder, but that doesn't fit. A newborn child couldn't think of that immediately. Well, holding a bat definitely not,”

He stood over the pond, pensively looking at his reflection.

“I have a choice yet all of it leads to that. Do you think protecting someone is a desire to seek love? By preserving it so it remains on one’s side all the time.”

“I sense this story of the pink you protect hasn't reached its end yet. It would be a shame if it ends here. So why don't we continue it?”

“Alright.”

Long before his arrival at Amphoreus. In a homely celestial chariot, the deliverer pulls his hand out, yearning for a star that is yet to be discovered.

“Are you trying to catch the stars?”

Rosy Celestial Maiden.

“Wow,” March said between snaps. “Your village has got to be one of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen.”

“Of course! Even if Amphoreus is merely a simulation to him, the sweat and tears are real to everyone here. We are proud of what we accomplished.”

“Gotta say, I can see this is going to be a great tourist spot.”

The young hero threw his bait, he cast his rod onto the vast ocean.

“Really!” He was elated yet, “But that means…”

“Yeah, some bad folks are gonna try to squeeze you guys. Now that Amphoreus is connected to the silver rail and probably gonna be visited by everyone in the galaxy.”

“I have heard of these ‘visitors’ as Dan Heng and Caelus describe them. Men and women who hide behind their sugary words to trick others into following them. Reminds me of something, huh?”

March indeed knew them very well. After all, even if she is just a memetic entity following her fellow trailblazers around back then, she does find it tiring there are bad people who let their obsession obstruct them from doing the right thing.

(Ugh, why did I have to diss myself.)

“Tell me about it,” she rolls her eyes. “Besides, there is no way they are gonna go gung ho when they have to deal with the power couple of Amphoreus!”

“Power couple? Hm, I suppose Imperator and her knight? But, not trying to brag, I could definitely take on threats easily and Mydei can vouch for me too! Heck, just ask Caelus.”

(I don't think the ones he mentioned can summon meteors though.)

“Eh, I am thinking of you and Cyrene. After all, you have a big sword like Master Yanqing and you must know that pink girls are not to be trifled with!” March smugly said.

“Oh…Cyrene,” Phainon suddenly looked downcast. “How long has it been since we actually spoke like we used to? Everything felt like a daze after we took our vow to save Amphoreus. As if time has moved on yet…I can't help, but cherish each sacrifice to the point I saw myself willing to burn it all so I can carry their wishes in their stead,

(Ah, the loop.)

“It's not that I am afraid, but what I saw–no, what we saw…I don't think we can go back. There are things that are no longer the same.”

(Whoa, the mood is getting heavy. Good job leading it to that, March. Jeez, I am starting to see why Dan Heng used to be one who scolded me.)

“But, you don't have to look back and wish for the lost time, you know?" March took pictures of the sky. "We all have a bright future ahead of us! So many possibilities so surely you two can create something new again! Heck, I am sure Caelus did.”

“He does, huh? I wonder what he thought about his old comrades. Stellaron Hunters, right? Though from his description why does it sound familiar to the Astral Express?”

(Firefly and I do fill the cute ones! Himeko and Kafka clearly fill the big sis role. Er, I dunno about Blade though. Maybe he is like Dan Heng, but that can't be right. He looks too dead compared to him. What about the gamer? Mister Yang is a nerd like her. Huh, I think I got the impression wrong. Caelus probably knew better.)

“To be honest, I have no clue. The one I interacted with the most is the one around my age.”

“I see, perhaps one day I can meet them. I wonder what their scripts say about our future.”

(Time to get back to the topic. Master conversationalist March 7th is about to show off her persuasion technique!)

For a moment, she felt dizzy. It was like a one second interval before she regained her bearings, but something is wrong.

“So, Deliverance, have you ever wondered what happens if you bottle up all of the feelings you had?”

(Hold on, that’s not what I am about to–)

“March” looked to her side where the ocean lies. Her reflection cast not of her visage. 

“Ah, it must be you then. The one who dwells within Miss March’s consciousness,” Phainon remains calm despite “Evernight’s” sudden intrusion. 

“Hah…quite perceptive. But my question still stands. Casting aside your heart into the night will eventually shine it when the sun comes. The Dawn of Amphoreus has risen, there is no need to bear it all.”

(“Evernight”...)

Phainon sighed. “Maybe you are right. It has been so long that the miracle felt unreal. My path may not follow your tracks, but that doesn't mean I should stop. Ironic since I did declare that I will trailblaze onto the future I almost forgot to look back to where it started.”

“Satisfied, Deliverance?”

“One step at a time, I do take your advice to heart.”

(You will thank me later |>)

(Fiiine. Why do I have to thank myself.)

March groaned and lament of her stolen moment.

“Jeez, I am about to show my serious cool side. The pain of knowing I have an alter ego.”

“In a sense I know the feeling.”

“So…when are you gonna talk to her?”

“It will take time–”

“Too late, I already called her.”

“W-What!? Hold on, that is not the deal.”

“We never made a deal though. Are you trying to gaslight me?”

“Wha–but it is implicit!”

“Welp, you don't have a proof anyways so I leave Cyrene to you, ‘kay~”

Chapter Text

She is not expecting to get a message in the middle of composing a silly love story for a dork. Well, she doesn't mind either since it came from the subject of his interest.

(Ah, how nice it is to see him confronting his feelings.)

Although that had to wait, March suddenly asked her to go to the docks. Saying that someone wanted to see her. It doesn't take to be a genius or a Grove sapling to guess that her fellow pink wanted her to meet him.

Yes, the one and only.

(I should bring my cards…)

“What's going on?” Caelus asked her.

“Curious?”

“Not really, but you looked a little forlorn.”

(Why is that I wonder.)

“Don't worry, you know me. Meeting a friend won't have to be that hard. I can do this!”

“Reaaally?”

“Are you doubting me now?” She huffed. “After everything we've been through?”

The trailblazer smirked.

“You know what? I’ll just write something real quick.”

“Interesting, and what is it you want to write?”

“That is a secret~”

Cyrene pouts.

“Hmph, fine, I won't help you compose the story earlier.”

“Eh, don't need to anyways.”

A new arrival comes.

“Er, whatcha guys talking about?”

It was March.

“Something only the two of us can know,” Caelus coyly answered her question.

(I guess I am not needed. Well, I am ready.)

The demigod leaves the trailblazers alone as she heads towards where her story needs her. The vast ocean that was once nothing now is real. Amphoreus no longer loops into nothingness. It now breathes and in turn all the hopes and wishes of its world are granted the miracle that allows them to reach the stars.

The blaze into the unknown and to decide their fates.

And she couldn't have done it without the Nameless, Heroes, and…

“It has been a while, Cyrene.”

Him.

She leans a bit, trying to get back to her usual routine.

“How are you? Still eating well? Of course you are, after all you are as big as I remember.”

“And you are taller than I remember.”

“How is it?” She twirls. “I look more mature, right? Hmph! Now I don't have to tire my neck looking up at you.”

“I am still taller than you. In the end, you have to look up anyway.”

The pinkette pouts. “Way to ruin the scene’s mood.”

The pair of childhood friends stood still. Either Cyrene was at loss to say anything or she is waiting for Phainon to let his heart out. To her, both are true. Perhaps because of the pause, she had to continue the story. Or else, nothing is written for them. She is not the author here. The world is her witness and she is one of the actors.

“Phainon, did we do it?”

“Do…oh, I think so. You mean the promise we made, right?”

Amphoreus is real. There is no extrapolation or concepts to deny it. Even if the future remains clouded as now their presence will be known, what matters is what the first ripple and worldbearer wished has become true. But then, what else? Even Cyrene didn't know where to go now. It's not that she despaired over the loss of her purpose. Rather, she wondered what she could do now. She is sure Phainon thought the same. 

“What do you think of us who made the first steps? Do you think we made them proud?” Cyrene asked.

“I am sure we do. They are us after all. It was not in vain.”

“But I am sure we both felt the same, didn't it? All those cycles, we are not the same anymore.”

“Cyrene, I…” he looks away. “I don't know for certain if this is where I should stop. There are more to see now. Beyond the stars where many destiny lies. I want to see it for myself. That means leaving this for a moment.”

She chuckled at hearing his words. “Your own trailblaze…”

“I may wield the power of destruction yet my heart beats the unknown chase of the nameless.”

(This time, a new saga: Phainon of Amphoreus.)

Cyrene then sat on the edge of the docks.

“Come sit with me,” she taps the plank beside her. 

She summons her cards, perfect remembrance of the first ripple’s.

“Hey, want to hear my divination?”

At that moment, Khaslana and        dream of adventures.

Chapter Text

As soon as Cyrene left, March took her spot on the old swing near the pond. Caelus remain still in his place.

“Soooo what are you guys doing actually?”

He is doing his annoying smirk again. “Why do you want to know? It's girl’s secret~”

March rolls her eyes, this silly boy always do this.

“You are a boy, dummy. Just because you guys are in cahoots doesn't mean secrets can be kept from the sister.”

He summons the As I’ve Written book. As if he is trying to proof something.

“Sister? Since when? Hold on, are you trying to claim Cyrene? No sell, she is my partner. My co-author. I have known her since she was a little wee fairy. Without me! ME! She wouldn't have grown into the fairest of all!”

“Hah! Pinning it all onto you? I’ll let you know that I was the one who met her first before you.”

He is about to say his quips, but he ended stuck in a silly position. If just only March had his camera ready she can snap that goofy mug of his being flaggerbasted.

“...fine. You won that one.”

The pink girl began to swing.

“Good! Now that is out of the way, what are you guys doing?

“Oh, nothing–”

“Come now, tell me~”

“Since when March is assertive?”

“Since forever? Duh.”

“Fine, we are trying to compose a new story, you see.”

March left the swing and went to sit beside Caelus on the table.

“Juicy, tell me more~”

“Stop with that tone, dummy. You sounded cringe when you were trying to mimic Evernight.”

“Wha–she is ME. That just means if she tries to copy me, she’ll sound as cringe as I am.”

“Wow, taking a jab at yourself. Self-dissing has never been this gratifying.”

(Part of me kinda envious of him. Even though we’ve been through a lot, he is still cracking up jokes and…being him. Aeon’s sake after all time that outfit of his haven't changed. While me…)

She looked down and saw what's left of Evernight. If she wanted to she could have ditched this dress for his usual one. Yet she owe it to herself to see through the end of this story. Perhaps she wanted to honor herself who wish to protect everything she ever wanted so in her quite twisted sense, this…somewhat terrifying, but pretty look of hers stays. Maybe she will change it when they board the train again.

Yet, it is clear that she has changed. Even with new gizmos on his belt, Caelus always look the same to her. The boy who saved her from destruction, a silly guy who kept her company, her protege in photography, her trainer, and…

(Ugh, I realized he has done a lot for me.)

In a way…she looked up to him. The words she is looking for is embarrassing and she probably won't write it now in her diary.

(Wait, writing…that’s right! I almost forgot about it)

“Hey now, we are off track. Tell me more about the story you guys wanted to write.”

Caelus dropped his pen.

“Well, it's a tale about…a star.”

“Aaaand?”

“And a crystal.”

“I wonder where that came from.”

“What? The crystal or the star?”

“Both, I don't know why this felt familiar.”

(Just a hunch, no way he is thinking about that, right?)

“Whatever. So the story is about a star who desperately wants to protect the crystal no matter the cost. Whether a supernova or the end of the universe comes, it swore to preserve its beauty because…”

“Because…?”

“Cliffhanger.”

“WHAT!? You can't just say that. Don't leave me hanging!”

“Well, excuuuuse me, princess. I didn't manage to finish it because you called my co-author away.”

(H-Huh!? Did he…)

“Hold on, what did you just call me?”

“What? Princess?”

“Heh.”

“What are you so smug about?”

“Eh, nothing~”

“Fine, you might as well leave me hanging.”

“Don't send my words back to me, young man.”

“Young man? Just because you are stuck in the past doesn't grant you the elderly status. Dan Heng is the one who deserves it now because he is taller and waited for me for 1000 years.”

“What? No thanks for hyping you up so your first loop goes without a hitch? I know Evernight is the one who did it, but still.”

“It was convenient now that I look back at it. So, thanks.”

“Y-You’re welcome.”

“Anyways, I think we bicker too much for a pair who hasn't seen each other for quite a while.”

“Saving Amphoreus is a tough job. We were flung back and forth like a pinball. Jeez, this gotta be the hairiest trailblaze so far.”

“And this is my third. Imagine if the next destination we gotta save a planet from being immolated.”

“Ugh, positive thoughts, positive thoughts, positive thoughts…”

“By the way, March.”

“Hm? What’s up?”

“Since Cyrene is not here and if you look at the direction of the docks.”

March had no clue why, but Phainon suddenly turned into Khaslana. The way Cyrene and him looked at each other. She can't help, but feeling at awe and a little jealous.

(Whoa…they are both very pretty.)

“Whatever they are talking about, she is going to stick longer…”

“So…?”

“How about we continue the story?”

“Huh? You mean writing the story with you.”

“Yup, since you and Cyrene have the same powers anyways. It didn't hurt to scribble her book. Don't worry, I take the blame if she is pissed.”

“Fine, besides, I can use my pink privilege to get away scot free.”

“Well, we are partners in crime now.”

“Sure we are, pardner! Hehehe…”

“Why are you giggling?”

“I sounded like Boothill. Anyways, let's write this story already. You already had a title in mind?”

“Originally, I had something in mind, but you are here now. I have another one that fits.”

“Spill it out already! Don't keep me on the edge.”

“I call this story…”

Perhaps because the sun is about to set, the lighting looked majestic when it reflected on Caelus’ visage. March took note of his eyes, expression, and posture. He looked so dashing even though he is just holding a pen and is looking at her. Oftentimes when he does kept his mouth shut, March realized this boy who has been in her mind for so long is not just the quirky guy that goes around doing anything. Perhaps, the reason why she felt the premise of his story is familiar is because she knows where he draws his inspiration. She is not that dumb. He gave the hints away. Yet she still can't say it. Not the time, not now, maybe later.

(One day, you will hear it from me. I promise this to myself that I will call you…my Hero.)

“March?”

“Oh, what?”

“You looked dazed.”

“My bad I was thinking of something.”

“Are you fine?”

(S-Stop looking like that. My image of you always changing it's frustrating.)

“Y-Yeah.”

“If you say so. By the way, you still want to hear the title of the story?”

“Sure, shoot!”

“It’s called…”

Interstellar Comedy.