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Fuli had heard whispers amongst the stars of the 'birth' of the Stellaron vessel and had become fascinated. A mortal who could house a Stellaron in their body was practically unheard of. Well, more like nonexistent, but the point stood. The universe could change so much with so many new things for The Remembrance to learn, and yet hearing about the Stellaron vessel was enough to capture their attention and make them almost excited about what was going on in the universe. They had their moments of hyperfixation when it came to moments in the universe that they hadn't predicted that were too tempting to ignore, making them spend several moments of time fixating on what they were fixated on while their Memokeepers handled gathering more information for them about other events happening in the universe. It made Fuli grateful that their Memokeepers were all too used to their hyperfixations enough to gather more memories in their stead when they fell down one of their proverbial rabbit holes.
This newest hyperfixation was a tad bit different though. Fuli usually hyperfixated on certain events that caught their attention whether it be a new war that had something odd happen or they hyperfixated on some of the other Aeons and how they ascended because the Aeons were fascinating were to The Remembrance in all their different mannerisms and their different ascensions. And sure, Fuli collected memories like they were trophies, but it was almost like their job to collect those memories and 'remember' them. This newest hyperfixation for them was a person though. It wasn't often that they hyperfixated on mortals. A Stellaron vessel was just something Fuli couldn't ignore though. How often were Stellaron vessels popping up after all? This was something that had never happened before and Fuli just had to record the memories of such a mortal. Especially if the mortal was still alive despite the literal ticking timebomb inside of him that could destroy everything if left unchecked.
So, Fuli got right to work with studying this new anomaly that was the Stellaron vessel and collecting memories of this wonderful anomaly that was the Stellaron vessel. Fuli was almost surprised that the mortal was an amnesiac, but perhaps something had happened to the mortal and caused him to lose his memories as a result. Or perhaps he was created as a blank slate, meant only to house the Stellaron in his body. It was possible that there was another reason why that Fuli simply wasn't getting, but for now, Fuli could only work with theories and speculation as to why there were no older memories to collect at the moment. That didn't mean there were absolutely no memories to collect though. There were memories from his awakening that The Remembrance looked through, hoping to glean shreds of information from. From those shreds of information, Fuli learned the name of the Stellaron vessel: Caelus. It was a fitting name to Fuli, one they would remember for a long time.
The Remembrance continued to watch and collect, making sure that those memories that belonged to the Stellaron vessel would last. Okay, so maybe they were given the Stellaron vessel a picture perfect memory due to their meddling, but it wasn't like it would harm him! He would just remember everything with perfect clarity. And that wasn't a bad thing. Troublesome, maybe, but not harmful. At least, Fuli didn't think so. Memories were meant to be immortalized in their humble opinion. Those who couldn't remember anything due to amnesia or short term memory were definitely those who The Remembrance tried to help. After all, due to their powers, they could recover memories as easily as a snap of the fingers. Not in the case of the Stellaron vessel Caelus though. In his case, it seemed like the memories he could've or should've had were pinched, snipped off with a fine pair of scissors, and then buried so far deep into the earth that recovering them would be a challenge. That vexed Fuli for the first time in millennia.
Fuli didn't dwell long on their vexation in favor of preserving the memory of the Stellaron vessel as he got on the Astral Express and traveled with members of the Express. Fuli was glad to see it rebuilt after one of Aha's many ill-intended "pranks" had left it destroyed. Fuli respected Aha in terms of power, but as an Aeon, Fuli could admit to themselves that Aha had many shortcomings and their definition of humor was not the same as anyone else's. Not to mention the behavior of those followers of theirs... Fuli decided to focus back on Caelus. Pure, innocent Caelus that had never done anything wrong in his life as an amnesiac. It would probably be better for the sanity of The Remembrance to focus on Caelus anyway instead of The Elation and the Masked Fools that followed them. So that was what Fuli did.
It was interesting to see Caelus explore Jarilo-VI and rifle through a trash can. It brought Fuli a small touch of amusement seeing him behave like one of those little trash pandas or 'raccoons' as they were actually called. Watching Caelus almost get arrested alongside his friends was a tad bit worrisome and then they forgot about it when they evaded trouble. Trailblazers somehow managed to get into the most odd situations. Fuli was definitely certain of that after witnessing Akivili and the Nameless of their time get into all sorts of shenanigans on other planets. Evading law enforcement seemed to be a trait among the Nameless. It was almost amusing in a way how some things never changed even after time and new people came into the picture.
Fuli did worry a little when Caelus faced off against the one known as the Supreme Guardian and suffered a fatal blow that nearly had Fuli holding their breath for the first time in ages. When Qlipoth blessed him with the powers of Preservation though, Fuli immediately collected those memories. Blessed with the powers of Preservation and saved from death... It was amazing. It wasn't often that mortals could harness the power of more than one Path. Destruction and Preservation... How interesting... Still, Caelus won in the end and Fuli could continue watching him and his memories to their heart's content. Though Fuli could erase a few memories, like witnessing the Supreme Guardian destroy herself to contain the Stellaron on Jarilo-VI, they chose not to. After all, memories, the good and the bad, were precious in the eyes of The Remembrance.
When Caelus left with the Express to go to the Luofu, Fuli continued to watch over him. Watching him deal with the problems of the Luofu that seemed to pop up like annoying pests made Fuli intrigued as to what he hoped to gain from it all. It was interesting to watch him deal with a Lord Ravager alongside others and help in destroying the physical body she had crafted for herself. Fuli collected those memories especially since taking down a Lord Ravager even with others was no small feat to do. And when he dealt with the heliobi after taking care of an issue on Jarilo-VI, Fuli collected those memories too. These moments were especially interesting to Fuli, who would have never believed such things would happen so easily.
And when the Astral Express went to Penacony, where Fuli knew that some of their Memokeepers were, they had a plan to collect memories without getting too close to territory that Xipe watched over.
They would need just a little help...
...
It wasn't everyday that Black Swan got a message directly from The Remembrance. She had been too busy focusing on someone else (cough Acheron cough), so when the message from The Remembrance came, Black Swan had been unprepared for it.
It was while she was exploring the Dreamscape with Acheron and the newest Trailblazer on the Astral Express, Caelus, that she heard a sound in her mind. The sound of something being reversed and frozen. A sound often associated with The Remembrance, the Aeon she followed as a Memokeeper. Even with the odd noise, she still heard it, the call of her name.
Black Swan. You are hearing me, yes?
It was a shock that Fuli was choosing to converse with her out of all the Memokeepers, but Black Swan knew that this must be important, so she responded honestly in her mind with a simple, Yes. This was followed by another sound, a pleased one Black Swan realized after a few seconds as she continued walking while trying to appear almost normal to the two she was with.
Perfect. I would like to ask a favor of you. You are in the presence of the Stellaron vessel, I assume?
Black Swan looked at Caelus, who was traversing on ahead beside Acheron now. The Stellaron vessel... She wasn't surprised that The Remembrance knew about him, but she was curious as to why the Aeon she followed was asking her about the Stellaron vessel. She assumed it had to do with gathering memories though. Why her instead of a Memosnatcher though? Perhaps there was something to it that she wasn't privy to. However, Black Swan saw no reason to attempt deceit with The Remembrance and so answered honestly in her mind.
I am. Why do you ask?
Another sound of something being reversed and frozen. More words from Fuli.
I wish to gather the memories of the Stellaron vessel and preserve them, but I am dealing with other memory cases that demand my immediate attention. May I ask you to gather and preserve the memories of the Stellaron vessel in my stead?
The answer made Black Swan surprised and almost... flattered that The Remembrance wished to have her take care of such a thing. It was probably a case of Fuli's hyperfixation at random intervals that had them interested in Caelus, but that was no surprise considering that The Remembrance hyperfixated on a lot of things that had never been seen before. A vessel for a Stellaron, a 'Cancer of All Worlds', was bound to catch Fuli's attention and become a major hyperfixation for them. So, this wasn't a major surprise for the Memokeeper. And besides, why not assist the Aeon she followed with such a task?
I'll do so. I hope you will be satisfied with my work.
A pleased sound from Fuli followed Black Swan's agreement. It fueled Black Swan's intrigue.
Good. I trust that you will do this sort of work smoothly. Good luck.
And then the presence of The Remembrance was gone from Black Swan's mind. No surprises there if Fuli was busy collecting and preserving memories. Still, Black Swan was pleased that they trusted her enough to let her deal with this. Well, as pleased as she allowed herself to be. She didn't want to become a prideful fool just because she was entrusted with this by The Remembrance directly. This was just her assisting Fuli with collecting and preserving memories that were treasured by The Remembrance. And what was she if not a dutiful Memokeeper?
So, Black Swan did what she was asked to do. She stayed with Caelus and Acheron, collecting and preserving Caelus' memories in Fuli's stead, the good and the bad. The bad became more common when the three found Firefly and the entity known as "Death" dealt a swift blow to the poor girl. Black Swan could pinpoint the emotions associated with the memory too, the hurt, the grief, and the guilt. Guilt for not being quick enough to get to her before that entity did. It almost made Black Swan feel for him too much. She could feel sympathy for Caelus after he lost his newest companion though. Loss was a companion to all who encountered danger no matter and Caelus would no doubt be feeling the effects of this loss for a good long while.
Black Swan also made sure to gather the memories of his fight with Aventurine while the Stoneheart was using his cornerstone. That sort of fight wasn't something that happened often, so Black Swan made sure to record the memories of the fight with the Stoneheart. It got even more interesting when Acheron got involved and the slash from her sword proceeded to cut a rift in the Dreamscape. Black Swan had already figured that Acheron wasn't a normal person when she had first approached the supposed Galaxy Ranger, but that show of power only furthered that belief that Acheron wasn't an ordinary human.
Her focus did go back to Caelus as he went through Dreamflux Reef and she focused once more on collecting and preserving his memories for The Remembrance. Black Swan especially made sure to capture the memories of his fight with the Halovian, Sunday, as he attempted to revive The Order. She also made to collect the memories of The Harmony blessing him with their power. A person being able to draw power from three paths was practically unheard of and it interested Black Swan. No doubt The Remembrance would also take an interest in this new development. Due to the strength of the Astral Express members' wills, it came as no surprise when they were able to best Sunday and stop the revival of The Order. It was probably a relief for others too.
She made sure to also collect the memories of Caelus dealing with the work of one of the Masked Fools, a bomb worryingly enough. Still, Caelus dealt with it, albeit panicking as well because who wouldn't panic about a bomb or the threat of one. Everything was resolved after that. Caelus made happy memories with Firefly and the rest of the Express members and Black Swan made sure to collect those memories as well. So many interesting memories had been collected and it made her pleased that she was bringing such amazing findings to the Aeon she followed.
Black Swan did end up going onto the train to give the members the destination of a land that had been glimpsed by The Remembrance and had not been traversed by Akivili. It definitely got the rest of the crew interested, which was what Black Swan had intended. A land never traversed by The Trailblaze was certain to be intriguing. But they had other things to do before they could go and she understood that. In the meantime, Black Swan had other matters to attend to. So, she simply found a place to stand and waited.
When the sound of something being reversed and frozen echoed in her mind, Black Swan knew that Fuli was speaking now.
Black Swan. I assume you have collected memories for me to peruse?
Black Swan answered with an affirmative in her mind and then felt the powers of The Remembrance collect the memories that she had collected for them. It took several minutes of silence before she heard a noise from The Remembrance and more words echoed in the mind of the Memokeeper.
Ah, so Xipe has blessed him with power as well... How interesting... So many oddities... The Stellaron vessel is a strange mortal indeed... Drawing power from three paths instead of simply one or two... Hm... These are fine memories indeed. You have done well, Black Swan.
A simple smile graced her face at the words of approval from Fuli. Black Swan was grateful to have assisted them.
I'm pleased to hear that. I hope these memories will help you.
I'm certain they will.
Then the presence of The Remembrance was gone from Black Swan's mind and she hummed to herself with a smile on her face.
She would consider that a successful mission.
...
If there were two things Reca knew, it was that the world was a stage with people as the actors and that no matter what changed in the original scripts he made, he must always be prepared for the script to deviate on occasion and be prepared for the outside factors that would cause the script to deviate in the first place. People's personalities were one thing to take into account as far as script deviations, but the inclusion of new characters in his scripts was another thing to take into account as well. It made him glad to have Assistant Director.
Still, there was one deviation in his script that he never expected to happen. It didn't have to do with him getting accepted to teach at a new academy on Penacony that was headed by someone who offered to assist him with an 'curse' that stifled his artistic vision or with having to deal with a bunch of fans (he had expected that to happen since he was famous). No, what Reca hadn't expected to happen had to do with the Aeon he followed as a Memokeeper, Fuli, The Remembrance. More specifically, he had not expected them to contact him through their telepathic means. But he had heard the sound of something being reversed and frozen and had nearly shivered. The realization that Fuli was contacting him was interesting and exciting. A deviation in his script that he couldn't have prepared for. But when they spoke to him, he was prepared to listen.
Reca. Are you listening to me? I have something I would like you to look into for me.
Being contacted by Fuli wasn't anywhere in his original script, but Reca had learned that it was the deviations that made the original scripts that much more interesting. And a contact from The Remembrance was certainly not in his original script but it wasn't an unwelcome deviation. In fact, Reca welcomed this deviation as an opportunity to speak with The Remembrance. It wasn't often that The Remembrance spoke to the Memokeepers after all. Reca just couldn't let this opportunity pass him by!
Of course. What do you need of me, Remembrance?
The noise of something being reversed and frozen then echoed in Reca's mind again and more words came to him from The Remembrance.
I wish for you to study the Stellaron vessel, Caelus. I want you to use the gifts of my Path to capture memories of him to give to me. You may not be a Memosnatcher, but you are a disciplined film director and Memokeeper capable of capturing memories in the moment. Will you do this for me?
Reca was surprised, but that surprise gave way to a feeling of pride once he processed the words of The Remembrance. Fuli was asking him to capture memories for them and had recognized him as a film director and Memokeeper disciplined enough to ask him to complete such a task in their stead. It was almost enough to make Reca preen.
Of course, Remembrance. I shall capture wonderful memories for you to peruse.
Wonderful. I hold no doubt that you will capture wonderful memories for me. I look forward to seeing what you give me.
The presence of The Remembrance then faded from his mind. Reca could almost feel his heart sing with joy. Joy that The Remembrance had noticed him and recognized his abilities enough to entrust him with this. Catching the eye of an Aeon was one thing. Actually communicating with them was another thing entirely as well as having them recognize what you had done. So, having the recognition of The Remembrance in such a way made Reca feel accomplished. It was something he shared with Assistant Director, quietly expressing his joy at such acknowledgement (he didn't want to be overheard by anyone with less than good intent). His little companion expressed happiness with him, ever his dearest companion in all his moments.
Once he had that out of his system, Reca worked on what Fuli had asked of him. First getting acquainted with the Stellaron vessel, Caelus, through his audition (which wasn't hard to do because not only was Caelus an uncommon name to Reca, it also wasn't hard to sense the Stellaron when you knew what you were looking for). Caelus had an intriguing sense of humor, and his picture for his student ID at the academy did come out nicely. He did have a nice smile and his compliment to Assistant Director was well received. All in all, a wonderful starting act that was recorded through Reca's power and saved so that it could be gifted to The Remembrance later.
Reca made sure to record everything else that was happening as Caelus went around the university, acting out scenes and then when he confronted the one at the head of everything with one of his closest companions, Dan Heng, and a Galaxy Ranger named Rappa. But when Rappa decided to try and take out the monkey that had decided to help him conditionally, Reca decided for a scene change to keep the story going and to collect more memories that The Remembrance desired. Then Reca decided to take his own route when Primon decided not to comply with lifting the 'curse' and renegotiated their deal on the spot, collecting memories for his own personal use alongside collecting memories of Caelus for The Remembrance. Another one of Fuli's hyperfixations, undoubtedly. They did so enjoy collecting memories on all that they found strange and unique.
He definitely didn't regret what he was doing. The memories he collected were like films and he did so enjoy the stories that came from the memories he filmed. Each memory was connected and each connected memory told its own unique story. So much could be drawn about a person from their memories, and each drawing, each filmed moment, was unique and wondrous. Which is why Caelus was such an intriguing person to Reca and no doubt to Fuli as well. Caelus did have memories of his adventures, memories that Reca used to study his character a little bit, but there was a moment when those filmed memories just stopped. There were no scenes that spoke of childhood or adolescence, no scenes that spoke of a father or a mother or even siblings! It was like those scenes had been cut and removed from Caelus' very mind and the only thing he remembered at the beginning were the faces of his Astral Express companions. Still, Reca would do what he needed to do for The Remembrance while satisfying his own personal desires.
After a couple mishaps in Dreamflux Reef and some talking with the pop star Robin as well as getting some of the people of Dreamflux Reef in a place, Reca was able to record and capture the memories of a wondrous concert that would most definitely serve as inspiration for any future projects he had that included something like this. The spirit of the party was something that Reca wanted to capture for his own artistic visions. And it was a wonderful thing to capture such positive moments amongst people. Not to say that negative moments weren't meant to be captured, almost any film had its moments of negativity, but positive moments were sometimes more fragile depending on the situation and so the positive moments were meant to be captured as a monument of sorts amongst people, a sign of something going right that could easily go wrong or could have easily gone wrong.
Once everything was interrupted by Rappa coming flying in with Dan Heng and Caelus, Reca did snap a few pictures of the three because it was quite the entrance from the three of them. No doubt Rappa must've dealt with Primon while Dan Heng and Caelus acted as helpers with that fight. A pity Reca couldn't have captured Caelus in that moment, but the star of the show at that moment had been Rappa and Reca knew better than to capture moments that would divert the focus of The Remembrance and make it obvious who the star of each scene was.
In the end, Primon had been dealt with and Reca had recorded plenty of scenes with Caelus for The Remembrance. All in all, Reca would consider that a successful filming with lots of drama. Now all he needed to do was wait for The Remembrance to contact him so he could give them the memories they desired.
It was after having such a delightful conversation with the Astral Express trio, Rappa, and another Galaxy Ranger named Boothill that the sound of something being reversed and frozen echoed in his mind. A sign of calling from The Remembrance.
Reca. I assume you have some memories for me to see now?
Reca could only smile to himself as he separated the memories he had captured during this filming for himself and the memories he had captured for Fuli. He made sure to send the memories to them.
Of course! I hope these memories delight you, Remembrance. Caelus is so intriguing!
Indeed he is. Thank you for this, Reca. I held no doubt that this was beyond your capabilities. My Memokeepers are smart and disciplined.
Ah, Reca would have preened if he could. To be recognized by The Remembrance was a high honor. It was like being recognized by a regent! Except the regent was a higher being that collected memories to remember them and have them be remembered.
It is no trouble, Remembrance. I am always eager to assist with capturing things in the moment as a director and Memokeeper.
I am glad to hear that. I am certain I shall enjoy these memories.
Then the presence of The Remembrance was gone from his mind, leaving Reca to his own business. But that didn't matter in Reca's mind as he leaned down and let Assistant Director hop onto his palm. Once he was truly looking at his little metal frog companion, Reca chuckled.
"I dare say that was a successful shooting, Assistant Director. The Remembrance must be in a good mood with this newest hyperfixation."
Assistant Director only croaked an affirmative that made Reca chuckle and pat her head.
...
After taking care of some things on Penacony with the rest of the Astral Express and gaining Sunday as a new crew member on the Express, Caelus was interested in what Black Swan had told them. A land that had never been traversed by Akivili, The Trailblaze. It was certainly interesting to hear about such a place from Black Swan and it made Caelus antsy with anticipation. So far, the Astral Express had only been to places that the crew knew about that had been traversed by The Trailblaze. So, when the rest of the crew gathered together to discuss potential worlds to visit, Amphoreus naturally came on the list as a potential planets to visit. In the end, Amphoreus was the planet they chose to visit because why wouldn't they visit someplace new? So, Caelus told Black Swan about their decision and received a pleased answer from the woman. So, with the destination in mind, Pom Pom got everything ready for the jump while Caelus eagerly awaited the newest adventure.
When they arrived, Caelus couldn't see anything until Black Swan floated up to the window and used her powers to reveal Amphoreus. When Caelus saw it, he was left breathless by how beautiful it was. A symbol of infinity surrounding a bright star... It was a beautiful sight to be revealed. But his awe didn't last for long when they found out that March hadn't come out of her room, so he went to check on her with the other crew members. Finding her looking weaker had Caelus worried because of her usual bubbly attitude. Caelus was worrying about her even when Black Swan and Sunday both checked her to see if there was anything memory related that had caused her ailment. Both answers weren't stellar reviews about her condition with theories that she might've been affected by a Path, an Aeon, or even Amphoreus itself. So, March was elected to stay behind for her health. She made sure to give Caelus her camera though for him to take pictures with while adventuring with Dan Heng.
So, Caelus went to one of the cars with Dan Heng and the car was separated from the main train so the two could go by themselves. Once they got to Amphoreus though, something derailed the car and it ended up crashing into the ground. Caelus woke up first and then went to Dan Heng, who was out cold for a moment but then woke up. The two decided that they couldn't stay with the wreckage, so they started adventuring, encountering an abnormality in the time fluctuations. Almost like the scenery was flipping between past and present at random intervals. It was odd, to say the least. But the oddities only came once they encountered a strange man who not only broke Dan Heng's spear but also stole his baseball bat. Caelus would later learn that the strange man was named Phainon and he was accompanied by a young girl (at least, he thought she was young because of how small she was) who called herself Tribbie. Dan Heng and Caelus did explain their situation to the two and they decided to take the two of them to Okhema.
Caelus watched the two as Tribbie did something to help them pass through the destroyed area and then he had to ride on a strange creature called a droma to get to the city. When they got there, Caelus was surprised to see the battle being waged and parts of the city being destroyed. It looked, in no uncertain terms, like war. It made Caelus realize that this place was in danger of a more serious threat than a simple coup. No, this looked like actual warfare. So, Caelus went with Phainon and Dan Heng to help out around Okhema. While running around, he and Dan Heng were introduced to a warrior known as Mydei in action. The sight made Caelus intrigued by the warriors here and also made him because of the markings on the warrior's skin. Then Caelus watched as Mydei and Phainon spoke and thought that there was some tension going on between the two of them, which he would definitely find out later because he was nosy and decided that if those two were making prolonged eye contact, there was definitely something there. And there was also a young lady that spoke to Phainon for a bit before leaving.
There was an encounter after that with a puppet body of one of the Titans of Amphoreus where he got to witness Phainon strike it down with the help of a young woman who was introduced as Aglaea. Aglaea showed Caelus and Dan Heng around the baths with Phainon and Caelus got quite the experience when he was introduced to the bath sprites. They were quite interesting. Then Aglaea took him away to speak with him in private about the creation myth the bath sprites were telling him and also have him make a promise of telling anyone about a world beyond the skies. He made the promise and then Aglaea released him to go meet up with Dan Heng to tour Okhema. Caelus told Dan Heng about the agreement with Aglaea and the two discussed the oddity of Amphoreus for a while before they went to go explore the city.
At the city, they had been stopped by someone who wished for them to help with moving a pillar that had fallen. Tribbie then showed up and spoke to him about something, Oronyx's prayers? Caelus managed to use the prayers to rewind time for the pillar, getting it on the first try. Tribbie was impressed by him and so were the people. After speaking with Tribbie some more about communication and everything else, Caelus continued on exploring with Dan Heng. The two hung out and toured the city before going to see Phainon, speaking with him about the prophecy of Amphoreus before exchanging contacts. Caelus fixed up a few more items, obtaining memory crystal shards that felt cold in his hands. Then he went with Dan Heng to see the dromas, meeting the young lady, Castorice, again. Caelus got to feed one of them. Then Castorice took a picture of him and Dan Heng with one of the dromas, taking a photo, speaking a little bit, and then leaving.
When Caelus went back to the baths with Dan Heng after getting a text from Tribbie, they looked around with Tribbie and spoke with them before going to see Aglaea. Speaking with Aglaea drew the topic of the Titan of Strife and after a bit of that, Tribbie went off at Aglaea's request. Aglaea then showed Dan Heng and him to a place that would be their private bath chambers. It was spacious and everything looked almost luxurious. He watched Dan Heng test the waters with Dan Heng noting that the water was lukewarm, looked at the comfy lounge chairs that made him want to be lazy, and then looked out over the balcony. It was a lovely place. Then Aglaea showed them the washbasin, calling it the Vortex of Genesis. She then guided them to use the ceremonial basin, guiding them through how to use it. When they arrived, Caelus was awestruck by everything. That awe didn't last long when Aglaea used the golden threads she used the bind his hands together as well as Dan Heng's. They were surprised when Castorice showed up as well.
When Aglaea said that they were being interrogated, Caelus honestly wasn't surprised. I mean, with how often Caelus rebelled the natural order of things, it was only natural to draw trouble to himself like a magnet. And they had kinda broken that promise to save a life, so... Caelus wasn't surprised. He and Dan Heng were given an ultimatum to mend the trust they had broken, tell the truth and live or lie and be perished. Dan Heng did make the request to ask how grave the crime they had committed was, to which Aglaea explained everything, that a nation constructed vessels known as 'skyships' and that the second they took flight, the Sky Titan's punishment rained down upon the nation and reduced it to ash. It seemed that while Amphoreus wasn't unwilling to head for the stars, no one wanted to infuriate the gods and make the world and all that was in it perish. The rules of their interrogation were then decided and the nature of the threads were explained. Caelus made sure to pay attention to those.
Once he and Dan Heng were on the same page, Aglaea began the questioning. She first asked them why they had come to Amphoreus to which Caelus answered that it was to allow their journey to continue. Aglaea noted that what he said was the truth and said that a step would not be recorded. Her second question was why lent their aid to Okhema to which Caelus responded with the same answer. Another truth, another step not recorded. The third question from Aglaea was a question that asked if they could their blades at Okhema and its citizens if the situation changed dramatically. Caelus answered that he couldn't make any guarantees. Another truth, another step not recorded. The final question was directly aimed at Caelus, a question about using an 'unknown power within his body' that he knew to be the Stellaron to help the Heirs slay the gods. Caelus told her that it was one of The Destruction's seeds of disaster and warned her that it might backfire. The thread actually trembled slightly and Aglaea noted that it was an angry threat laced with uncertainty, that he didn't understand the power within his own body either.
After the questioning, he and Dan Heng were given a second chance. They were allowed to continue their stay as long as they promised that the farce would not occur again. Dan Heng was eager to leave if Aglaea didn't trust them, but then Phainon appeared and chose to vouch for them as well as Castorice. This helped with the tensions between them and Aglaea left them with Phainon and Castorice. Phainon and Castorice helped explain the situation clearly, saying that Phainon had come to help them because of Aglaea's mistrust. Phainon then showed them everything with the Vortex of Genesis, and Caelus learned about the Titans through it. There were four major quadrants: the Three Titans of Calamity that were Nikador, Zagreus, and Thanatos; the Three Titans of Foundation that were Georios, Phagousa, and Aquila; the Three Titans of Creation that were Kephale, Mnestia, and Cerces; the Three Titans of Fate that were Janus, Talanton, and finally Oronyx. Information on all of them was a lot to take in, but his mind, as sharp as a needle for some reason, absorbed the words on all of them.
Caelus took Dan Heng back to their chambers to rest and they rested until they were called to the Chrysos Heir baths. When they arrived, Phainon greeted them enthusiastically while Mydei regarded them with suspicion. Phainon made a quip about him needing to make more friends, which clued Caelus in as to their bond. Then there was a bunch of talk about the mission which Caelus paid attention to, for the most part. He accepted Phainon's offer to join him and Mydei on the field and then their journey was blessed. The three were then taken to Castrum Kremnos by Trianne. They then went on through the city, listened to Mydei and Phainon bicker, listened to them speak more as they explored, listened to them bicker more, and then decided to not pay attention when they challenged each other. Caelus went with Phainon on their own side while Mydei took the other side. Caelus just decided to zone out every time the two spoke to each other because there was too much sexual tension between them to ignore.
They met up with Mydei again and counted what they chose to collect and Caelus continued to zone out when the two spoke to each other. Then they met a lion head who spoke to Mydei a bit before resting. He and Phainon then showed a tablet that they found to Mydei who translated it. It detailed an attack on Okhema that would destroy it. Caelus kept an ear out as the two he was with spoke before they continued onward to adventure, fight some beings, and solve some puzzles before they faced Nikador. The three of them fought against the Strife Titan but they didn't completely win. Mydei stayed behind to fight Nikador and Caelus was forced to listen to Phainon sounding like a maiden longing for her husband that went out to war. Caelus just decided to zone out as he went back to Okhema with Phainon.
Back in Okhema, the two reported the situation to Aglaea, who acted calm about the situation, saying that they didn't need to set everyone on high alert and that they should just deal with the situation silently. Phainon decided to seek out Oronyx and Castorice decided to join him. Caelus and Dan Heng were just pulled along for the ride by them. They went to where they needed to with the help of Tribbie and started to venture. It was while they were venturing that they heard someone speak in an incomprehensible way. Actually, Caelus had heard that speech before... In the Vortex of Genesis... It was the speech of a Titan, specifically Oronyx. Castorice listened to the Titan and translated for them, surprising Caelus. Phainon explained that Castorice could understand Titan speech, which was helpful. Apparently, the scene of the ruins was meant to be a barrier to hinder the four of them, but Phainon decided that they were going anyway. So, they continued.
Caelus used the book to help them venture on, and they continued to wander until they were out, fought some enemies, then went into the temple, learned some history about one of the other Titans, and then they had to complete a trial from Oronyx. Caelus helped out as much as he could, watching the others and only managing to complete the trial using March's camera at Dan Heng's suggestion as a way to help tip the scales to help them pass. Even Oronyx seemed surprised that they managed to get through the trial the Titan had set. They then went to go speak with Oronyx, who seemed to wish to refuse to help them. While talks were tense, Caelus was thinking of something different while looking at the Titan. So, he snapped a quick picture for March. Oronyx's reaction afterwards was strange with them calling out for someone they called 'Mother' if Castorice's translations were anything to go off of. Castorice instructed him to step forward though.
When the Titan spoke again, Castorice translated. "'Is that you... Is that you? Mother... encountered you. She misses you... Follow me... Please follow me. I see you... She also misses you. We want to see everything about you.'"
It was an invitation from the Titan. But why? Caelus didn't understand, but he accepted Oronyx's invitation after careful consideration. Oronyx then led him to a memory of sorts. Through this memory, he was on the Astral Express with the Stellaron Hunters, watching himself through a different lens. He didn't understand it as he ventured through it though. He seemed to be understanding Oronyx when they spoke now though. When he looked out the window as the Titan said to, he caught the gaze of an Aeon. Fuli... The Remembrance... He then noticed something off about the mirrors on the side and then he noticed a little creature close to him who seemed to only say one word that meant a lot of things. When Oronyx spoke though, Caelus listened. "I've finally found it... Precious memory. At long last... I've caught THEIR gaze. Accompany him, Mem... He will make the memories of this world complete again... He will find... Mother... For he is beloved by THEM..."
Caelus was confused about that last bit, but he spoke with Mem a little, accepting them as his newest companion. He then fought in the memory alongside the Stellaron Hunters and obtained a victory. Mem seemed to take joy in that victory. "Victory, victory! Mighty, companions!"
Caelus smiled at Mem being adorable before he noticed something. "The Stellaron Hunters disappeared..."
"Disappear, temporarily. Memories, remain... Always."
"Wait..."
"Farewell. Time, there is. Companions, regrets... Don't leave."
Caelus looked between Kafka and Firefly, choosing to say goodbye to Firefly before he left the memory, but not before feeling... a chill run down his neck and words that almost sounded loving murmured against his ear? But he was out of the memory before he could think about it. Apparently, to the rest, he had just been standing motionless when a creature, Mem no doubt, had appeared. Phainon and Castorice commented on Mem, but Caelus turned to Dan Heng when he said, "Fuli gazed at me."
Dan Heng seemed surprised. "Fuli? Just now?"
Then Dan Heng had to explain who Fuli was to a confused Phainon, who seemed to get it. Caelus then had to act as a translator for Mem, who had an idea to collect memories of the past to find a way to defeat Nikador. So, that was what they went off to do after reporting to Aglaea. All the while, Caelus felt like there was always a chill running down his spine. Even when he went around Okhema and then traveled to the past with Castorice in Castrum Kremnos, aided by Mem's assistance. Caelus went through the past with Castorice and a warrior who called himself Gnaeus. Traveling with him through the Castrum Kremnos of the past was an insight that Caelus and Castorice both learned from. They both promised Gnaeus, who was a part of Nikador, that they would use his Coreflame to fight what he called 'the black tide'. Then everything started to go in full motion when the warrior acknowledged himself as a part of the Titan.
They were brought back to the present fight and Caelus couldn't stop a real chill from running down his spine when he heard what Gnaeus said before the true fight. "Best me--Grant me an end befitting a warrior!"
Then once Caelus and Castorice were truly back in the present, the Titan's true form was revealed. With their team, they fought Nikador for a long time before finally defeating the shell of the Titan. They went for the final blow, but then Nikador decided to activate the Lance of Fury that was aimed at the statue of Kephale, the power from it firing towards the statue. Luckily, a glance over in that direction showed that Aglaea, Tribbie, Trianne, and Trinnon had been ready, erecting a shield to protect the statue that lasted long enough for Nikador's strength to diminish and finally led to their death, the power of the blade gone. Caelus couldn't help but breathe a small sigh of relief before being subjected to more Mydei and Phainon interaction that he tuned out, deciding to help Castorice explain the agreement that they spoke of with Nikador. Everything was settled soon enough and they returned to Okhema.
Caelus was tired and so was Dan Heng, so they headed to bed. Caelus slept well until a persisting chill woke him up. He got off the lounge chair and went out to the balcony. Mem was asleep on his chest, which was adorable and made Caelus continue holding them there, petting their little head. Perhaps it was because he was so distracted by Mem that he didn't realize someone was there until a cold breath wafted across his face. Caelus shivered and then looked up, being met with a sight that made his breathing hitch.
A humanoid figure sat on the ledge of the balcony and even looking human didn't erase the inhuman aspects Caelus saw. Skin that was deep black that had crystals similar to memory shards growing from them, eyes and medium length hair that were both an icy blue while also looking crystalline in a strange way. They wore a dress that looked like it was made from memory shards and ice. A see through veil had covered their face, but then had moved it back, presumably to make eye contact with him. Caelus continued to watch this strange person before they lifted the bottom of their dress, exposing feet that were not guarded by shoes, and then slipped off the balcony railing to stand on the balcony. They looked at him and a smile formed on their lips, which were pale blue almost. A sign of frost and cold... Oh.
Caelus blinked. "Fuli?"
They continued to smile at him without denying who they were. "Pretiosa memoria... How I have longed for this opportunity to speak with you. Such an anomaly you are to me... and yet such a beautiful anomaly all the same. I must be blessed by fate to witness you on your journeys, witnessing the beautiful memories you make... And then preserving them to witness..."
Fuli stepped closer to him, reaching out and cupping his cheek. "How you shine so splendidly... How you burn with such a brilliant, bright flame... One that could enrapture me so... You are wonderful, Caelus... Truly..."
Caelus was caught off guard by the blatant affection in Fuli's icy blue eyes. Those words... Was The Remembrance confessing a deep interest in them that might be... attraction? Caelus shook his head to clear his mind, but Fuli took his face in their hands and lightly scolded him. "Stay still, pretiosa memoria. Let me look at you."
Caelus was flustered at how easily they initiated physical contact. That didn't stop Fuli from looking over him, occasionally brushing stray hairs out of his face with a fondness that made Caelus' heart constrict. It seemed almost... natural to The Remembrance even though Caelus was sure that they had never touched another person like this before. Fuli didn't remove their hands before speaking again. "I am most pleased to see you like this, beautiful and unguarded... You make it easy for my heart to flutter as though I have felt this way all my life... Such is the way of your natural appearance that makes you as desired as the best fruits..."
It should not have made Caelus react, but it did. He blushed at how easy those words had come to The Remembrance, almost like a well prepared speech. He swallowed. "Fuli... I am unsure of what to say... Your words are kind, but you shouldn't-"
"I shall say what I please. I will not stop myself from baring my soul to you. And I mean everything I say. You need not doubt me simply because I am perceived as a higher being. Even higher beings can fall. I, too, have fallen, but I have not fallen to my doom or death. No, I have fallen onto my knees for you, devout as though I am a worshiper..."
And because they seemed to take their words seriously, Caelus was surprised when Fuli knelt before him, taking his right hand in theirs and pressing a chilling kiss to the back of his hand. Caelus felt his face heat up as Fuli opened their eyes to look at him, running a finger over his knuckles. Fuli tilted their head. "Will you let me stay by your side? I wish to witness everything about you. Every smile, every tear, every moment of anger, and everything in between... I want to witness everything about you by your side."
Caelus' heart was beating like a drum inside his chest because how could The Remembrance say that and sound so... romantic? So loving... Caelus swallowed before actually facing Fuli. "I don't know how I'd stop you, but... very well. I... accept your offer."
Fuli's eyes shone like light hitting off a crystal and before Caelus could react, Fuli pulled him into a feather light kiss, a small brush of their cold lips against his. When they pulled away, Fuli looked at him. "Thank you... I will stay by your side to witness every moment with you."
Caelus' face grew redder, and one look down at Mem had him realizing that they were awake and looking between the two of them curiously. Caelus hid his face in his jacket as a small chuckle left Fuli and brushed over him while The Remembrance gathered him in their arms. Caelus looked back to see Fuli giving Mem a few head pats before giving Caelus another light kiss. Caelus then hid his red face in their shoulder...
... not realizing just how devoted Fuli was to preserving every memory of every moment they spent together.