Stelle's mind was blank, her golden eyes wide with shock. She thought she was hearing things. "You... what did you just say?"
Just then, the train door slid open. March 7th poked out half her body, a teasing smile on her face. "He said he wants to join us on the train... I heard it all clearly from inside! What's wrong, Stelle, are you overwheld by the sudden happiness?" This text is hosted at ɴovelfire
Stelle finally snapped out of it, her cheeks instantly flushing. She stared intently at Orion. "Why? I thought you..."
Orion looked at her surprised and delighted expression and smiled. He deliberately leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Of course, it's because... I can't bear to leave you, my good buddy."
"Eh?!" Stelle's heart skipped a beat.
"Just kidding," Orion laughed, stepping back. "Actually, Hiko invited to join... and I also wanted to see the wider world."
"That's right," March 7th stepped off the train. "Hiko officially invited Orion yesterday! She said he was reliable and felt an indescribable sense of familiarity. Plus, he's the great hero who saved Belobog!" She whispered in Stelle's ear, "Of course, Hiko did this mainly for you, you know."
"So, you all knew and ganged up to keep it from ?" Stelle changed tack, rolling her eyes, but the curve of her lips couldn't be suppressed.
"We just wanted to give you a surprise!" March 7th stuck out her tongue.
Just then, two clear voices ca from behind them. "Wait a mont!"
They turned to see Bronya and Seele rushing over, with Cocolia quietly following.
March 7th gave Orion a 'you're on your own' look and dragged the still-stunned Stelle onto the train. "Alright, let's go set up the welco party!"
On the platform, only Orion and the three who ca to see him off remained.
The first to step forward was Seele. She grabbed Orion's collar, her purple eyes fixed on him. "Are you really leaving? Are you... abandoning us?"
Just as Orion was about to explain, she shoved a heavy cloth bag into his arms. "When you travel, make sure you stay safe and don't go hungry! These are snacks from the Underworld... take them and share." She turned her head. "Don't worry about things here. Natasha told everything. Wildfire... I've already taken over for you."
"Seele... aren't you going to ask to stay?"
"I want to," Seele looked back at him, her fiery eyes now reflecting water. "But... do you rember? You longed for freedom. You told your dream was to go on adventures to those distant worlds in stories. That's your dream. You go out and see for first... When the ti cos, rember to bring back souvenirs."
"Seele... I'll be back, soon."
"No!" she interrupted. "Travel more, go to those places you long for... If it's on the way, then co back and see ." She then abruptly turned away, not letting him see her reddened eyes.
Just then, Bronya walked up with a smile. "That's right, Orion, just go. Mother... is planning to formally let take over as Supre Guardian soon."
"Is that so... Bronya, you're also going to stand on your own now."
"I'm not the orphan who was bullied when you first t ," Bronya's gaze beca distant. "Ever since the Stellaron disappeared, I've rembered things from my childhood." She took out a glass cup of colorful "soda ice cream" and brought a spoonful to Orion's mouth, her eyes curved just like back then. "Still so delicious... Here."
Orion ate it. The cool, sweet flavor burst on his tongue. A tear suddenly slid from Bronya's eye. She quickly wiped it away. "It's a pity I can't be with you for your birthday tomorrow. I've prepared a gift for you... Rember to open it then." She handed him a beautifully wrapped box and also turned her head away.
Finally, it was Cocolia. She walked up to Orion, her eyes full of reluctance, yet also relief. "Orion, will you... co back?"
"Mm," Orion nodded solemnly. "I will beco stronger... and do my best to make Belobog more prosperous."
Cocolia smiled, incredibly gentle. "Thank you... Just rember and co back to see . If you help with a massage again, I'll be content."
"Alright, ti's up," Bronya urged softly. "Your new companions are waiting... Go."
Seele turned around and vigorously waved her fist. "Orion, get stronger, or don't co back to see !"
"Okay." Orion looked at the three won, his heart filled with emotion. "Then... goodbye."
He turned and stepped onto the train. The doors closed, and the Astral Express let out its departure whistle, rushing onto the void track of starlight, flying towards the boundless star sea.
Inside, Orion stood by the window, looking down at the planet. The outline of Belobog gradually shrunk, and finally, the full view of the planet ca into his eyes—half crystalline ice-white, half newborn dark green, utterly beautiful.
[Inorin Note:
If you wish to support so I can continue to survive and afford proper food, you can join my mbership on Patreon [patreon/InorinTL]. Be sure to check out "The Founding Pillars"—a special, limited-ti tier that offers all the benefits of "The Plot Uncoverer" at a discounted price! Slots are limited, so grab yours before they run out. Besides mbership, you can also donate via Ko-Fi [sko-fi/inorintl].
I hope I am still worthy of your support. My life truly depends on this... haha, I know I'm so shaless.]
Reviews
All reviews (0)