Chapitre 68: Frozen Hell
*yippee, I'm not dead yet. Also, I gotta announce something: I have this thing going on on Discord where I sent some character sheets for people to complete. Whoever does so will appear in the fanfic at some point (cuz I have my own plans in mind for some things) so yeah, if you wish to see yourself (or a character of your making) appear in the story in a form or another, join the server and find the pinned files in the talking-for-everyone channel. Have fun :))
https://discord.com/invite/8RcQy2aQ36
For now tho, enjoy the chapter. Peace out and Deus Vult.*
As they prepared for departure, Stelle took a moment to turn back and check the spot one last time. She found down what was left of Firefly's phone, half of it faded. On she found the picture the three of them had taken. Mark looked at her with sorry eyes. He wasn't capable of saving Firefly, and it was slowly killing him. It was his only goal, the only reason as to why he strove so hard to become stronger, but what was it all worth if he couldn't save a girl from a creature he could probably tear apart with his bare hands?
The sight of Stelle's usually bright eyes showing no spark was pitiful, breaking his heart apart. She tried to pick up the phone, only for it to fade in her hands, like a lingering memory she'd have to let go of.
"Firefly... and yet the more I think about her, the more my head stings..."
Black Swan and Acheron watched in silence, waiting for them to start walking as well. It was sudden, but they had to keep moving forward to chase whatever was left of it. Their steps were heavy, and Mark could feel the shadows gnaw at him, trying to trip him to hold his legs as he walked. It was all a constant effort aimed at breaking him down further and further, when his emotional state was already in shambles. It's in those moments that something as simple as tripping can break you fully.
He wasn't allowed to break.
Little had passed since they went on to try and escape the hotel, and weird things were already happening.
"What's going on? Why is it getting hot in the memoria?" asked Black Swan, her voice a bit worried.
"You noticed it too," answered Acheron, her voice devoid of life. "Like something is burning..."
Mark gathered his wits, trying to remain strong in front of everything. The shadows were all crawling up his back, but he kept pushing past them, trying his hardest to force the two parts of his mind together in the usual harmony they belonged to.
"These are all... charred remains?" whispered Black Swan, pretty shocked at the scene. The room they had entered reeked of smoke and something Mark couldn't identify, but it wasn't pleasant. Perhaps that's what burned memoria smelled like.
"They're still smoldering. The culprit can't have gotten far," said Acheron, her eyes scanning around the scene.
"We can slow down, then," sighed out Black Swan. Stelle still seemed a little out of it, but she kept herself together. They had a mission to continue, so time to mourn was more of a privilege than anything. Mark stepped ahead, checking out the wounds on the monsters.
"Deep cuts, precise, also narrow. Whatever weapon it was, that thing cooked its insides," he muttered, walking to check out another body. The bird-like monster was steaming, whatever insides it had had turned into hot gas. Trying to lean close would burn up a little, and Mark wasn't willing to take chances, as much as both heat and cold began posing no issue to a certain level.
"We should hurry up," said Mark, his tone cold and tired, his eyes half-lidded by that point. He was hyperaware to a great extent, but his mind was slowly placing a heavy toll on his body.
"Mark is right," said Black Swan, sounding uncharacteristically serious. "We have to hurry to that Memory Zone where Miss Firefly's presence was imprinted. Considering what this person can do..."
She focused a little, using her abilities to manipulate the Dreamscape.
"I'll try to create a stable shortcut for you."
The halls morphed and changed shape. Mark stepped in without fear, too numb to specific things. Acheron stared at his back for a moment, then glanced at Stelle with a soft hint of a smile.
"Let's go," she said, trying to support Stelle in her own way, with soft understanding offered subtly.
They left to another room, and only Black Swan had any clue about navigating the corridors.
"Look. Upon leaving the lobby, the structure has become chaotic. Phase through that corridor, and be careful—do not alert the meme."
Mark scoffed, almost close to causing a ruckus just to lure it out and finish what he had started, but he held back. For now, his mind was focused on the single culprit his memories held for the scene they had just seen—SAM.
Quick movements led them to a grandiose room with a circular table and more chairs than one would need, even for a feast. Above hung a beautiful chandelier, its conical shape mixed with the beauty and focus on details, turning it into a man-made flower of sorts.
"This is truly... a magnificent sight," mused Acheron, looking around with light movements. "It's this room, then?"
Black Swan hummed softly, standing by the group.
"Yes. More precisely, it's right below."
That's all Mark needed to hear. She was about to suggest using the chandelier to break through the floor, but Mark simply walked to the middle of the room, fist clenched as energy flowed into it. With a swift, powerful movement, he broke the floor like it were a piece of thin ice. Cracks spread out, giving way to glowing blue spheres, a weird type of bubble that he didn't bother much with.
"Or we could just do this," chuckled Black Swan, enjoying the pure display of no brains full brawl.
Mark jumped into the hole, but the others took a bit to come as Black Swan wished to soften the fall, gathering the Dream Bubbles together to form a cushion.
"This is amazing," said Acheron, standing up slowly. Mark glanced around, noticing a few more creatures gathered around, the usual Dreamjolt Troupe. He was too pissed to waste time with them, so he just crushed them outright to the wall with a large ice pillar, making it dissipate after the job was done.
"It seems like you're good for all, right? I have a good eye for men, it seems," whispered Black Swan, hovering close to him. He simply shot her a sidelong glare, the lifeless look in his eyes corroding his usually friendly nature.
"Cut the crap," he scoffed, not in the mood at all.
She smiled, shaking her head slightly.
"Playing hard to get. That's not nice, but sure, I can enjoy the chase just as much."
She stepped away, focusing on the large pile of TVs to the side of the room. She motioned for Stelle to follow, and Mark was left with Acheron as Black Swan gathered the memoria to reproduce Firefly's imprint left in the room.
"I guess that Memokeeper has taken quite a liking to you," she said flatly. Mark sighed, shaking his head slightly.
"The trouble I got into thanks to her... she should be glad I didn't strangle her... and for some reason I think she'd like it," he scoffed, not joking at all. Acheron found herself smiling slightly, glancing up at him. Whatever bond they shared, it felt stronger than before.
"You still owe me that dance," she said, and Mark was a bit surprised that she remembered.
"Oh, so you didn't forget about it? That means something, then. You clearly want to dance with me, huh? What for?"
His voice was pretty cold and distant, as if trying to keep himself out of harm's way. She simply placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, speaking softly.
"Sometimes you have to be there to find what you seek."
Enigmatic answer, but easy to decipher. He'd find out during the dance.
"I guess we'll meet randomly once we're out of this dream, right? I have a feeling you'll find your way to me somehow."
She nodded, her touch lingering for a few more seconds, a tiny anchor that held him together. Sometimes, he felt conflicted about his own feelings, about his own heart. Was it wrong to simply take what he's given? Should he keep striving for a future he wants and might never come? What if, instead, he'd simply allow the present to take its course, taking the hand he's offered and going with it?
"That's a question for another day... my mind can't take too much thinking now."
They kept walking, with Stelle leading the way as she followed the images of Firefly, listening to their words. It all led to a specific room, which proved to be a dead end.
"Based on these fragmented pieces of information, it seems Firefly's companion betrayed her halfway and trapped her alone in this room, disappearing without a trace... But why?" asked Acheron, trying to understand what had transpired.
Mark simply allowed the others to think and piece together whatever information they had gathered. He chose to just watch, slowing down his mental separation. It was a weird way to describe it, even to himself, but it's what made sense. His mind was split in two parts, one that tried to cling to the present and one that seemed to hold the future back.
"She mentioned the transaction involves the Watchmaker, and that often means stepping on many people's toes," answered Black Swan, her hand resting meditatively on her chin. "They might have had their eyes on the legacy or wanted to silence another who knew too much. Or, there could be a deeper secret tucked away in this Memory Zone, and to hook that elusive prize... one needs the right bait."
"Do you mean... Firefly?" asked Acheron, surprised at the possibility.
"This is just the worst-case scenario. But think about it: if the mastermind behind all this is nearby, why would he let us look around freely? Unless... there is something else he cares more about and needs—or, should I say, is verifying."
Mark nodded absentmindedly, focusing more on keeping his wits about should the situation call for it. They exited through a side corridor, walking down the path, following along the rest of Firefly's afterimages. She had walked along winding halls, taking turns that she had no clue of. In the end, her path had led to the hotel lobby, yet she's also found death in there.
The group walked out, and they all noticed the imposing figure that had been waiting for them.
"It seems like someone has been awaiting us. Ready to step into the spotlight now?" asked Black Swan.
Mark stepped forward, hands in his pockets, his coat rustling softly with each step. The sound of his boots thudding against the floor was harder than usual, like his steps were weighed down by something that forced him to stomp. SAM turned around to face the group, scanning them quickly. It threw aside the charred body of a dream creature.
"Leave now and nobody gets hurt, or else..." SAM's fire began burning hotter, spreading around as he moved his arms out, waiting. "All of you will die here."
Mark scoffed, stepping a bit closer.
"Big words, Stellaron Hunter SAM... big words indeed," he chuckled, his tired gaze staring down the armor-clad warrior. It was a strong suit of armor, further enhanced with gadgets and smart systems that were nothing but works of fiction in Mark's world.
His fire began burning hotter, engulfing the ground in a sea of blazing flames.
"I will... set the seas ablaze!"
Mark scoffed, ice spreading out on the ground, clashing against the fire, leaving behind large steam clouds.
"And I shall freeze your burning hell over..." he spat back, decreasing the temperature with more ice, covering his body in it like a crude suit of armor. SAM's speed was intense, blitzing towards them at high speeds. Mark powered his body, their fists clashing head-on in a sea of sparks, steam, and thundering sounds. He was at a bit of a disadvantage thanks to only having one arm covered, but he was about to make the most of it. It was time for some actual combat that was life or death.
"Not bad," said SAM, preparing another strike, only for Acheron's sword to meet it instead, pushing him back.
"He's mine," said Mark, glancing over to Acheron, who had a tiny smile on.
"You sure don't seem like you can handle him, not in your current state... and you know it."
Her gaze pierced his very soul, focusing on the things deep within. He sighed and nodded, accepting defeat.
"Fine, but just this once."
She nodded, and the two of them dashed at him. Mark glanced over his shoulder, and just as expected, Stelle was no longer there, and neither was Black Swan.
"Damned IPC..." he muttered, sending ice spikes after his foe, building them from the ground up. SAM's suit of armor didn't even struggle against them, passing through just like Black Swan navigating the Dreamscape.
"This is going to take a bit."
Chapitre 69: Funky Number :)
*the title is not at all related to the chapter :)) (bet yall know why)
So yeah, here we are with a new chapter. The pacing goes a bit slower, but steadily. Let me know what you think about it, and have fun reading. Peace out and Deus vult.*
Stelle awoke to a new room, a foreign place away from the heated battle. One of the dangerous guests stood to the side, the gambler laughing to himself.
"What a show," he smirked, stepping closer to Stelle. She simply stared at him, trying to figure out why Black Swan had taken her to him of all people.
"Thank you for your efforts, Memokeeper – quite a brilliant move to pit enemies against each other, and you even managed to put the dangerous one on the side..."
He glanced at Stelle, who realized quickly that the dangerous one was Mark, who had a clear clue about Aventurine from the start. Just like he had stated back on Jarilo-VI, he's a variable that can do some things no one would expect. It's clear that anyone would want him out of the game.
"When I first saw the Ranger and the Hunter together, my heart skipped a beat, and seeing my good 'friend' in the mix as well sure made my heart stop... I never thought you'd successfully trigger a conflict between them."
Black Swan smiled, glancing at Stelle.
"As promised, I've delivered the child to you. Our transaction is complete."
Stelle simply absorbed all the information around, striving to abide by Mark's words and not put too much trust in Aventurine. He's a dangerous man, and now she had to be wary of Black Swan too.
"Black Swan, you..." growled Stelle, glaring at the woman. She did nothing but keep on the same usual smile, almost as if asking silently for Stelle's cooperation on the issue.
"Haha," chuckled Aventurine. "Looks like our Nameless friend here is still confused. Let me explain."
He stepped closer, looking at Stelle with a certain interest in his eyes, that of a gambler prepared to place the best bet in their career, using all they had left for it. An all or nothing of large proportions. She silently watched, keeping her mouth shut, lest she'd say something that should remain hidden. Mark did warn on that too. People like Aventurine can make the words flow out of someone.
"In short, you need to thank this lady here, my friend. Not only did she not betray you—on the contrary, she rescued you..."
Stelle's gaze hardened a little, not trusting the man's words.
"...from that 'Galaxy Ranger'..."
The way he said it piqued her interest, but she was heavily guarded. It was easy to sway someone with feeble talk that bombards information like bullets in Kafka's guns.
"Hm, I see... you're not as easily shocked as I thought. Guess that friend of yours did a good trick on you. What was his name? Mark, right? I heard something interesting from Topaz about one of her latest projects... a specific planet you're familiar with, the very place where you had met her..."
The man began circling Stelle like a predator, focusing on a new part of the game, one centered on figuring out what was Mark's deal and how he worked. Stelle could sniff out how wrong the situation was, how she had been cornered, so instead of saying anything, her gaze remained hardened, silence a trusted treatment.
"What an interesting combination you have on your hands. That woman named 'Acheron' and your good friend Mark... both of them have rather mysterious natures, don't you think? A self-proclaimed Galaxy Ranger and someone whose abilities are hidden from the public..."
He kept pacing, his steps deadly and silent, waiting for the moment her facade would show even the tiniest of cracks, something for him to exploit.
"Acheron... she's actually an Emanator who brings death and finality. Let me share some insider IPC information with you, friend... have you heard of 'Duke Inferno' -Fetora's Ifrit?"
She nodded slowly, rethinking the events that had taken place on the Space Station. Mark had said something about him, laughing and simply stating that punishment would come for him—at least it was something along those lines. She kept listening, focusing on the past details, which were slowly converging with the present.
"I'll cut to the chase, then. This Duke Inferno is a Fire Demon from Fetora. He's an energy lifeform, and it's rumored that his birth is related to a certain genius... He and his thugs formed 'Ever-Flame Mansion' and viewed Nanook as their savior—in actuality, they were led by this duke to go around burning and looting, practicing the will of Destruction. And even the other Annihilation Gangs weren't spared."
Stelle listened intently, those bits of information somewhat familiar to her already. Most things had been mentioned in passing, but she did recall them. Aventurine glanced at her over his shoulder, staring with a composed look and his smug grin.
"I'm not sure what The Family was thinking, or maybe someone was scheming behind the scenes, but shockingly, these characters received an invitation. And why would the Ever-Flame mansion decline? They harbor fierce intentions, swearing to turn the Planet of Festivities into a sea of blazing flames..."
He turned around, crossing his arms.
"But there's no need to worry. They won't be able to attend. Do you know why?"
His face took on a grim aspect, staring at her with cold eyes.
"Because Ifrit is dead."
For a man like Aventurine, well accustomed to reading expressions, even the smallest hint could lead to a huge decision. Playing cards was the best example of that, where even the most skilled players would unconsciously react in the smallest of ways. His eye was trained for that, able to grasp at straws to pull on something bigger that they were tied to. Stelle showed no reaction, her stern glare still on him. Thus, the straw was set against her will.
"I see that the news isn't shocking to you. Perhaps you're more aware of the situation than you let on..." he smirked, stepping closer, his eyes fixed on hers, the weird iris of his, layered in colors, piercing hers. It was time for a bet. "I take it that your good friend Mark was aware of that, am I right? No wonder he spent time with that woman, Acheron, from the very start. He's a strange one, I must admit, and he seems to know how to meddle in with the big players."
Stelle tried to hold on to her resolve, but a sliver of doubt settled in her gaze, throwing off the steady balance between the two. Thus, she abandoned silence, opting for a finer option that Mark himself had taught without meaning to. She took a deep breath, relaxing a little.
"I choose to trust him. I don't care what it is that you wish to throw me off with, I don't care about how many things you'll spew up and about, I only care about trusting him, not you. He's a weird man, that's for sure, but he's reliable most of the time. Secrecy is his specialty, but I do trust in him despite all that. I've made a mistake before... I won't repeat it."
Aventurine was grinning, his teeth showing between his lips. She was holding on steadier than he had expected.
"I see... I guess he taught you well. It's good to have decent players at the table. Well, consider it a special invitation from myself—this choice I'm about to give you: you can either turn your back and walk off or accept learning the truth from me—a truth that could potentially upend everything in Penacony. I do need your help, so I'll wait... but not too long."
He took a few steps ahead, going on his way, waiting for her to make her call. To the side, Black Swan was watching silently, leaning against a pillar. Stelle went her way, staring at the woman with a conflicted gaze.
"My, my... you look like a small, injured animal. Are you still willing to talk to me? Of course... I'm still willing to be your psychotherapist."
Stelle shook her head. That woman had no filter, always bantering and acting like nothing was serious in life. She let out a heavy sigh, putting a hand on the side of her head.
"I don't even know why Mark didn't strangle you already. Knowing him, he most probably would have already done you in, unless you hold some importance to the events that are happening in the background. I'll try to trust his judgment and give you a little more of my trust."
Black Swan didn't expect that reaction, and it showed in how her brows shot up for a moment.
"I see... that was unexpected. I didn't expect forgiveness or regaining your trust. Still, I'm glad that you chose to offer it to me again."
Stelle nodded, still a bit on guard, but mainly because she could feel Aventurine's gaze linger on them both.
"Just tell me this... should I follow him?"
Black Swan nodded, her palm resting beneath her chin in her usual manner.
"Yes, you should. In order for you to find out the truth, I suggest you accept his offer to show you something. Don't worry, I'll be by your side as a memetic entity, ready to take you out of here should anything happen."
Stelle nodded and turned around, walking towards Aventurine with steady, confident steps. The least she could do was try and dig out whatever information possible, no matter how she had to play it. After all, if no one played fair, why should she?
The man waited, the smugness in his expression still there, arrogance displayed with no hinges. She scoffed, shaking her head.
"Just lead the way. No need for more of your nonsense. I'll see the truth with my own eyes."
The man led the way, laughing to himself.
"I guess you're finally showing an interesting side of yours. Also, my 'friend'... I don't make deals where I'm on the losing end, so don't let me down..."
The hallway was the same as the one in the hotel, the one that had led to her room, where Aventurine first tried to come talk to her, but Mark barged in the discussion like a stubborn ox in a fence. She sometimes wondered just how much more he knew and kept to himself. Still, answers were something no one would give, so the puzzle was left up to her.
"Ah... a familiar hallway, a familiar room. Do you remember? The last time we met was right here."
He stopped before the door, waiting next to it. Stelle walked up to it, her hand resting on the knob.
"This is it. Just beyond this door. Take a deep breath and get ready."
The air seemed to linger in her lungs for longer than needed as she drew it in, slowly letting go of it. She pressed down on the doorknob, pushing the door open.
"Oh, I remember, my friend! After that, we played an enjoyable game. Tell me, doesn't this feel eerily familiar? I remember everything now... this is what I told you at the time."
Both of them entered the room, and Aventurine walked ahead to the dream pool, pushing aside some floating blue bubbles.
"Look, friend. The game has already begun. Allow me to make you an offer, one you can't refuse."
He stepped closer, and Stelle followed suit. Her eyes scanned the scene in front of her carefully, taking in the sight. Her eyes widened, shaking in their sockets as she saw Robin's lifeless body in the tub, a dimly glowing crack running up her chest to her shoulder, emanating a soft purple light.
"No reason to choose otherwise... and no other choices," said Aventurine, his voice taking a sharp, dangerous stance. Robin's body vanished in a pile of bubbles that faded away slowly, leaving behind nothing but a bitter feeling that stuck in her throat.
The man sighed, speaking in a calmer way now.
"Well, friend... my expression wasn't much better than yours when I first saw this. Your eyes aren't deceiving you—it's her, the famous singer Robin."
Stelle's lips quivered slightly, memories of Firefly meeting her demise as well flooding her mind.
"First of all, I can just say that this had nothing to do with me. I'm just an unlucky bystander here. The Family can testify for me. If you don't believe me, just ask anyone in the Bloodhound Family—they hate me, and they hate the IPC, so they'd never lie."
He sighed, looking over to the scene once more.
"This isn't where the crime happened. What I showed you was a 'memory' -the most basic Light Cone manifesting tech, authorized by the Garden of Recollection and owned by the IPC."
The man turned to face Stelle once more, speaking with a soft confidence, the type of tone one would use to lure in a victim into their schemes.
"Did you really think the Galaxy Rangers were outside this whole time?"
Stelle said nothing, but she wasn't about to give into the man's rambling. He had something—weak evidence, but evidence nonetheless. She was sure that Mark would be able to prove more.
"Penacony has made a solemn commitment to protect the safety of anyone inside a Family dream. Any person in distress will be forcibly awakened and safely returned to reality. What gives them the confidence to make such conclusive statements? Because behind this promise is the Harmony: The Family's Dreamweavers link up their minds together to construct an unbreakable defensive line."
Stelle listened along, jotting down every word in her own memory, committing them to safekeeping for the time she could discuss this with Mark and the rest of the Express. She only hoped that Himeko and March wouldn't be upset with Mark anymore.
"Breaking through this line of defense to create 'Death' in the Dreamscape," he continued. "Not even a Memokeeper could do that without the Family's permission."
His eyes sharpened, bearing a hint of animosity that didn't try to hide.
"Who could have done it? Friend, the only one is her, the girl who called herself a Galaxy Ranger... an imposter, an unsought guest, an Emanator who hides her true identity..."
"Enough," snapped Stelle, dead serious. She wasn't going to take anymore of the man's blatant accusations.
"You've only thrown around this even, trying to push the blame on Acheron. It's not like there aren't more factions at play here. I have no reason to trust you. I've seen and heard enough already, Aventurine."
The man was about to argue, not expecting resistance, but Black Swan showed herself.
"I believe that Stelle has made her point known, Aventurine."
He looked at her, trying to keep his cool.
"Memokeeper, I believe that our deal is done."
She kept talking, not even batting an eye his way.
"He is telling the truth. This 'memory' is a real one, and there's no sign of any distortion grafting on."
He crossed his arms, speaking with a hint of annoyance.
"The IPC is not the Garden, and there are real limits to what we can actually do. But you know all of this."
His eyes drifted to Stelle, who was analyzing everything with a critical mind.
"Friend, let's not beat around the bush—the thing is, I want to reach out personally to team up with the Astral Express. I told you, I'm just not interested in scrambling for 'the Legacy'. I just came to Penacony for work. I'm here to retrieve some lost property for the IPC, if you catch my drift... I'm talking ownership of this 'frontier prison'."
Stelle found her lips curling into a tiny smile, imagining Mark scoffing and shouting at the top of his lung, 'screw the IPC, I'd rather stab myself than make a deal with you' or something along those lines. He wasn't a huge fan of theirs, and it was all made clear even from the start of their journey with his strong reaction to having found that IPC robot on Belobog.
"This has all become a bad debt thanks to the Cancer of All Worlds. The IPC has tried sitting down for negotiations time and again, but The Family wouldn't even take our calls."
Stelle chuckled, still imagining Mark's overthe-top dramatic reactions to the news. He'd probably mock Aventurine in some sort of underhanded method where words thrown in the open conceal mockery from fools and show it respectfully to those who catch it.
"Sorry, but this isn't a decision I can make alone. Plus, I have a feeling that 'someone' would really be against this, and he'd go as far as rendering your efforts futile just to prove a point."
He kept on the same sardonic smile, shrugging.
"Well, friend, this deal would bring justice for Robin and help me finish my job—a win-win situation. Here's my contact information if you ever change your mind. Oh, and also, take this."
He handed her a ton of credits, enough to last for a good while.
"Every investigation needs a little funding. Don't mention it! So long, friend."
He walked off, waving without turning back, his frame unseen after leaving the door.
"What now? What are your plans?" asked Black Swan, her voice soft.
"For now, I should leave and meet up with the others, especially Mark..."
Black Swan smiled, her eyes sparkling.
"That young man sure has a special allure to him. I can't help but be fascinated by him. The memories he must hold, the emotions, feelings... it's all tantalizing."
Stelle shot her a quick glare.
"Leave him alone, would you? He's focused on somebody else. Let's just head out for now."
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
200+ Classement
Power Stone 
12 Power
stone 
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