//Months Later//
-Kleis POV-
The familiar weight of Castorice's hand in mine was a constant comfort as we navigated the bustling corridors. Chirithy, nestled securely in her other arm, chirped a soft accompaniment to Castorice's contented humming. It had been months since that transformative night, months since the invisible walls between us had crumbled, paving the way for this easy affection. Castorice, once reserved, now sought my side, her fingers intertwining with mine whenever the opportunity arose. These quiet moments, woven into the fabric of my days, were the fuel that kept my resolve burning, especially with the ceaseless training I'd endured.
Under the tutelage of Gnaeus, the sharp wit of Polyxia, and the rigorous discipline of Mei, my abilities had sharpened considerably. I felt a surge of confidence, a certainty that I could face any challenge short of a Titan. The sheer power and unique abilities of these beings remained a formidable concern. Nikador's immortality, in particular, gnawed at my thoughts. While the Keyblade could strike at the heart, its efficacy against true immortality was a terrifying unknown. Yet, the memory of Sora incapacitating Hades, the Lord of the Underworld, offered a sliver of hope. If he could subdue a god, perhaps I could at least incapacitate a Titan.
"Lord Kleis," Castorice's voice, bright and cheerful, cut through my musings. "Today we have a lecture with Teacher Anaxa." A slight grimace escaped me. Anaxa was undeniably brilliant, but his passion for his subjects often manifested as a tempestuous storm of pronouncements. Disagreements with his viewpoints could unleash a torrent of impassioned rhetoric, a true spectacle of his "Primum Mobile" in action.
As Castorice and I entered the lecture hall, my steps faltered. A new student occupied a seat in the room. Normally, unfamiliar faces in the grove were a common occurrence, a testament to its welcoming nature. But this individual was… different. Clad in pristine white, Phainon sat, his presence radiating an aura that both intrigued and unsettled me.
Phainon jolted, his attention sharply drawn by the call of his name. He turned to find Castorice standing before him, a sight that made Phainon's eyes widen in surprise. His astonishment deepened as he observed Castorice holding my hand. Without a moment's hesitation, Phainon sprang from his seat, a blur of motion, his hand outstretched with the apparent intention of separating us.
My gaze followed Phainon's swift advance. He moved with a speed that outpaced even Gnaeus and Polyxia, yet he was no match for Mei. With a swift, decisive motion, my hand shot out, intercepting his wrist mere inches from mine. Phainon's eyes widened in disbelief at my unexpected interception.
"Lord Phainon," I reassured him with a smile, "you needn't worry." Raising our joined hands, I presented them for his inspection. "As you can see," I explained, demonstrating my immunity to Castorice's touch, "I am unaffected by Castorice's hand." Phainon's fascination was clear as he scrutinized our connected hands.
"Castorice, I am truly happy for you," Phainon declared, a broad smile gracing his features. Castorice returned the smile, her demeanor transformed from the shyness of months past to an expression brimming with genuine happiness. "Thank you, Lord Phainon," Castorice replied, "but what brings you here?"
Phainon chuckled, running a hand through the back of his head. "Lady Aglaea suggested I attend school here. She felt it would be beneficial for me to engage in something other than constant training," he explained with a lighthearted laugh. He then turned his attention to me. I couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance of his eyes to the Coreflame of Worldbearing. 'It was always right in front of us,' I mused inwardly. 'Was this orchestrated by the scepter, or merely a remarkable coincidence?'
Extending my hand for a formal greeting, I said, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Phainon. My name is Kleis, and the little one nestled in Castorice's arms is my friend, Chirithy." I concluded, introducing myself and Chirithy to the man who seemed to hold a significant, yet previously unseen, connection to our lives.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kleis, and please just call me Phainon," Phainon said, extending his hand in greeting. As I clasped his hand, I felt a strange sense of familiarity.
"Hello Phainon," Chirithy added, his voice a gentle ripple in the air. Phainon's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise, then a bittersweet recognition crossing his features as he heard Chirithy's voice. He then turned to Chirithy, offering his hand once more.
"Hello Chirithy, it's nice to meet you," Phainon said, his smile tinged with sadness.
Chirithy took his hand; their handshake was a brief, silent acknowledgment. "Chirithy, you remind me of some old friends of mine," Phainon continued, his gaze distant. "My friend Cyrene would love to meet you." His smile faltered, leaving behind a wistful expression that I interpreted.
'Oh, that's why he looks so sad,' I mused internally. 'Chirithy must bring back memories of all the fairies in Aedes Elysiae.' A wave of sorrow washed over me, and I suppressed a sigh, resisting the urge to shake my head in commiseration. Everything about Phainon seemed steeped in tragedy. The only remaining tangible link to Aedes Elysiae, it seemed, was Cyrene.
'And even that connection is fragile, destined to be severed if I were to start the eternal recurrence,' I thought with a shiver of dread. With Phainon's presence, the inexorable march of history felt imminent. "Would you like to sit next to us, Phainon?" I offered, gesturing to the empty seats beside us. Phainon's eyes brightened, a genuine spark of relief replacing the earlier sadness, as the four of us settled in, awaiting Anaxa's arrival.
Our wait was brief; Anaxa, as always, was remarkably punctual. Appearing right behind him was Hyacine, whose face lit up with unmistakable joy upon seeing Phainon. She took a seat beside us, and I couldn't help but smile. In this moment, with the gentle murmur of conversation and the shared anticipation, we could almost pass for ordinary students, unburdened by the looming threat of universal destruction.
"Good, you're all here," Anaxa announced, his voice resonating with the familiar cadence of a seasoned lecturer. "Today, we will delve into the fascinating world of Alchemy. Alchemy, you see, is the art of transmuting life, and more profoundly, the art of the soul." I leaned forward, captivated. My experiences over the past few months had taught me the irrefutable accuracy of Anaxa's insights. Whether he was dissecting the intricate technologies of Amphipolis or explaining abstract philosophical concepts, his explanations, when translated into the proper context—terms like 'Time to Remembrance' and his own unique nomenclature—were consistently correct. It made me wonder if Lygus had deliberately programmed all the Chrysos Heirs of Reason with such an infallible grasp of knowledge, perhaps as a twisted form of mockery, or as an outlet for his own lingering bitterness towards the Erudition. Regardless of the reason, I couldn't deny that Anaxa's lectures were always a pleasure to attend.
"And that was your last lesson in the Grove. Now, each of you will head off on your own path. How much the Grove's teachings can help you in the real world depends on how well you can put the knowledge into practice. However, heed this warning. If you ever do anything disgraceful out there, don't ever claim you were the student of Anaxagoras, one of the seven sages." Anaxa said, and my eyes widened at his words. 'Wait, is this not the "Last Lesson" Hyacine spoke about? If it is, Phainon should say something,' I thought as Phainon spoke, just as I expected.
"Professor Anaxa, there are still other classes scheduled on the calendar. Are you sure you didn't?" Phainon said before Anaxa cut him off. Despite knowing what was coming, I still winced hearing Phainon call Anaxa by his nickname.
"Firstly, call me Professor Anaxagoras. Secondly, to clarify, the last lesson means the last lesson I will teach you. I will be entering seclusion from today onwards to research ancient alchemy, and all my teaching activities will be put on hold," Anaxa explained. My eyes widened as this was bar for bar the same conversation. I had always thought this was during Phainon's graduation, but it turned out I was wrong. 'Huh, Phainon's first lesson with Anaxa was his last for quite a bit,' I thought, wondering how Phainon could be so unlucky.
"Ah, I see. So, you're saying that the lessons taught by all the other teachers aren't good enough to be considered lessons." Phainon retorted with humor in his voice. Anaxa's face turned stony as Phainon had indirectly said Anaxa's followers were not good enough to be teachers.
"All you do every day is wag that sharp tongue of yours. That's a credit deduction. Phainon of Aedes Elysiae!" Anaxa said coldly as he turned away. I couldn't help but chuckle. Seeing it on screen was one thing, but experiencing it was another.
"Hee…" Castorice giggled next to me, her voice a high-pitched, musical sound that seemed to ripple through the otherwise hushed classroom. Her mirth was infectious, and I had to stifle a smile. "I have nothing left to say. Next student…" Professor Anaxa began, his voice a deep rumble that usually commanded immediate attention, but today, it seemed to falter slightly.
However, before Professor Anaxa could utter the name of the next student to present their final project, Hyacine, the perpetually earnest teaching assistant, spoke up, her tone polite but firm. "Please wait, Professor. According to the Grow's protocols for a cohort's last class, the lecturer should take some time in that lesson to discuss the students' post-graduation aspirations with them and guide them toward a solid path. Surely, you can't skip such a crucial step?" Hyacine's words, delivered with an almost unnerving calm, hung in the air.
This time, I couldn't hold back a snort. There was something undeniably amusing about Hyacine, who was barely five feet tall, confidently correcting Professor Anaxa, a man who seemed to occupy more space than was strictly necessary. Perhaps it was the stark contrast in their physical presence, or maybe Hyacine's unwavering adherence to rules clashed with Anaxa's apparent desire to simply finish the class.
Professor Anaxa clicked his teeth, a sharp, percussive sound that cut through the silence. His displeasure was palpable, radiating from him like heat from a furnace. Even the normally stoic students in the front rows shifted uncomfortably.
"The teaching assistant, Miss Hyacine, is truly Professor Anaxa's nemesis," Castorice whispered to me, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Her hushed tone did little to contain her suppressed giggles.
Phainon, who had been diligently taking notes, let out a snort of agreement next to me. Professor Anaxa's gaze, sharp and accusatory, swept over the three of us. His look, a potent blend of annoyance and authority, made the three of us instinctively straighten up, our attempts at nonchalance dissolving under his stern scrutiny. The air crackled with unspoken tension, the academic setting momentarily overshadowed by a silent, comedic battle of wills.
"…Ahem, fine. Since Hyacinthia insists on this, let's go through the process. Since some of you are so eager to speak, why don't we start with you, Phainon of Aedes Elysiae? What is your post-graduation aspiration?" Anaxa asked.
"Me?" Phainon asked, his brow furrowed in thought. "Well, it's not exactly an aspiration, but the only thing I want to do is protect the people I care about," he finally said. I couldn't help but frown slightly.
Phainon's aspiration is noble. But to think that in achieving it, he'd have to kill all those he wanted to protect, all those he wanted to save the world for. I'd only known Phainon for less than a day, but I could already tell he was a good person.
"I see. So, you want to be a 'hero.' How boring. Next!" Anaxa order dismissing Phainon's answer. Phainon looked taken aback by how brutally Anaxa tore up his answer.
"Ugh, I didn't say…" Phainon sputtered, his voice cracking with disbelief as he recoiled from the professor's blunt pronouncement. The casual, almost dismissive way Professor Anaxagoras had just eviscerated Phainon's life's ambition left him utterly stunned. It was a devastating blow, delivered with the nonchalance of swatting away a fly.
Beside me, Castorice let out a small, almost musical giggle. Just as the tension settled, "Castorice! You've been giggling for quite some time," Professor Anaxa's voice cut through the air, sharp. He turned his keen gaze, his eyes narrowing as he set his next target. "How about you go next?"
My stomach plummeted. I couldn't help but wince internally. The dread washed over me; if Phainon's dream was so easily dismantled, what fate awaited Castorice? And by extension, what awaited me, the next in line to be put to the intellectual sword? I tightened my grip on Castorice's hand, a silent gesture of support and shared apprehension.
"Eh…?" Castorice's breath hitched as the sudden shift in attention clearly took her aback. Her usual composure faltered for a fleeting moment. She looked down, her brow furrowed in deep thought, her gaze drifting from the professor to our intertwined hands. It was as if she were searching for an answer, not just for herself, but for both of us.
After a beat of profound silence, she finally spoke, her voice soft but steady. "Perhaps my answer is vague and meaningless, Professor Anaxa, but I hope the world can be freed from the agony of 'death', so that every living being may find calming peace." Her words hung in the air, a fragile wish for universal tranquility, a profound yearning for an end to suffering.
In that moment, feeling the tremor of her hope, I instinctively squeezed Castorice's hand tighter. Her fingers responded with gentle pressure, a silent acknowledgment of our shared anxieties and aspirations. She turned her head, offering me a small, reassuring smile, a beacon of warmth in the uncertain academic landscape.
"And I hope," she finished, her voice imbued with quiet sincerity, "that these peaceful days can continue on." Her words were a testament to a desire for stability and serenity, a hopeful whisper against the storm of academic scrutiny.
Anaxa, their instructor, surveyed the classroom with palpable exasperation. "Ugh, can you two do this elsewhere?" He scoffed, "How naive," Anaxa continued, his voice dripping with disdain. "So naive that it makes me want to weep for your fairy tale. See, this is why I don't want to follow those outdated protocols. All I get are boring answers."
He then turned his attention to Chirithy, who visibly stiffened at the unexpected summons. "Chirithy! Do not think you are exempt. You attended this class, so you shall answer too."
I watched my friend's apprehension, inwardly pleading, 'Teacher, is Chirithy not safe from your wrath?' dismayed that my friend was now a target.
Chirithy, flustered, stammered, "Eh..? Well, I hope that Kleis and I can stay together."
Anaxa responded with a dismissive shake of his head. "How boring. Chirithy, learn to live for yourself. Kleis, since you and Castorice seem to find this amusing, you are next."
It was my turn. I pondered the question: What did I aspire to do after leaving the grove? The answer came with surprising ease. "I hope that Amphoreus's dawn may come," I declared, my gaze sweeping across the room, encompassing Phainon, Hyacine, Castorice, Chirithy, Anaxa, and the other students. "That way, we can all experience the sunlight." I paused, then added with renewed conviction, "And I wish to travel and touch the sky. I want to travel and Explore, to Understand, to Establish, to Connect." As I spoke, Castorice's eyes seemed to glow, and she squeezed my hand tighter, perhaps recalling the shared moonlit stroll we had long ago.
Anaxa's patience, however, had clearly run out. "Ugh, again! If you cannot stop, leave the class. As for you, Kleis, how imaginative. You should worry more about your studies before thinking of the sky." He then gestured towards Hyacine. "Since you suggested this entire process, why don't you wrap this up, Hyacinthia? Share your aspirations with everyone, and let's see if yours stands out." Anaxa's words, delivered with a cruel edge, felt like a physical blow, stomping on my nascent dreams. I felt a pang of hurt, as if struck by a bullet. Phainon, noticing my distress, offered a comforting tap on my shoulder, a silent acknowledgment of their shared moment.
Hyacine stepped forward, her voice clear and steady. "So, it's finally my turn. Good thing I came prepared. My aspiration is nothing less than completing the final blank page at the end of the hero's epic." At Hyacine's pronouncement, I looked away, a grim understanding dawning within me. I knew the secret of the Seliose and knew what she had done. As Hyacine continued to elaborate on her dreams, I felt an unsettling premonition that events were about to speed up dramatically.
"I believe it's the only way for the saga of creation to include a footnote for the everyday people on its blank page," Hyacine said as she finished, and I realized I had been distracted as she finished. Hyacine's goal struck me; I took a glance around the room. Wasn't that my goal too, to make sure everyone made a footnote?
"Barely acceptable, teaching assistant Hyacinthia. I hope you all can learn something for the future." Anaxa said as he gathered his things to leave.
"Teacher Anaxagoras, a moment, please." I said, as Anaxa stopped glancing at me, "I wanted to give you something." I said as I picked up Chirithy, "Chirithy, can you pass me the thing?" Chirithy, already knowing my intent, rummaged through his pouch. Out of Chirithy was a small gift, "This for you, teacher." I said as I passed the small box to Anaxa.
Anaxa curiously opened the box and pulled out my gift. Out of the box was a small green star. "Kleis, what is still." Anaxa asked as he flipped over the star. I smiled as I nodded to Chirithy flew out of my hands, passing identical boxes to Castorice and Hyacine. Both girls opened the boxes with identical stars: purple for Castorice, pink and blue for Hyacine, and green for Anaxa. The centers all aligned with their future Coreflames.
"These are Wayfinders," I explained, holding up the intricately crafted trinkets. "They are for good luck. There's a legend that if two people share a Paopu Fruit, their destinies become intertwined, forever bound to each other's lives, no matter the circumstances. Keeping that legend in mind, I created these for all of you. My deepest hope is that one day we can all meet again, never forgetting each other. That we will remain in each other's hearts, eternally connected." I looked at the Wayfinders resting in their hands, a bittersweet ache in my chest.
(Kleis's Wayfinder)
Reaching into my pocket, I retrieved another Wayfinder, this one a delicate blend of silver and gold. Unbeknownst to the others, I imbued it with all the Wayfinders with a few spells. The first enchantment would capture and preserve our most cherished happy memories. With the second enchantment when activated would give knowledge of the truth of the scepter. The final enchantment was perhaps the most important. These Wayfinders would always find their way to its owner. The enchantments was simple yet profound: even if Eternal Recurrence were to transpire, we would still possess the joy of our shared experiences. A pang of regret struck me; if I had known Phainon was arriving today, I would have crafted one for him too. As the Flame Reaver, he too could have carried a reminder of his purpose, a beacon to guide him through the Darkness.
"Ahh, Goldie, you didn't have to," Hyacine exclaimed, her voice warm as she pulled me into a hug. Anaxa, ever stoic, offered only a gruff scoff, yet I saw the gentle way he gripped his Wayfinder as he turned and walked away, a small smile playing on my lips. Castorice gazed at hers, a soft smile gracing her features as she clasped it around her neck. I had made sure the rope was long enough to be worn comfortably.
"Lord Phainon," I said, a light laugh escaping me, "if I had known you would be here, I would have made you one." Phainon shook his head, his expression kind. "It's alright, Kleis. I truly appreciate the thought. That story you told would be one my friend Cyrene would absolutely adore." His gaze drifted into the distance, no doubt lost in thoughts of her.
"Kleis," Phainon turned back to me, a spark of challenge in his eyes, "I was wondering if you would like to spar. I couldn't help but notice the strength in your grip." A smirk tugged at my lips, anticipating the friendly competition.
Before our duel could begin, Hyacine intervened, her hands clutching both our ears. "Hey now, you two," she chided, her voice firm but with an underlying affection. "This is a place of learning. If you wish to spar, the Okhema awaits." Castorice, observing from the side, let out a giggle at our shared predicament.
"Haha," Phainon and I echoed, unable to suppress our laughter. I knew these moments of carefree camaraderie were fleeting, yet in that instant, I couldn't help but cherish them and wish for a future where such days could last forever.
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//Night Time//
The moonlight beamed into my study, my oil lamp casting long shadows across the familiar landscape of my desk. I found myself engaged in a ritualistic cleaning of my Keyblade. Though its crystalline surface shimmered with an inherent purity, untouched by the grime of battle, the act of tending to it felt like a necessary rite, a moment of quiet communion. The air was alive with the gentle hum of industry; beside me, an army of brooms, their bristles animated by a subtle enchantment, diligently swept the floor, while nimble dusters flitted about, banishing every speck from the velvet curtains.
For months, my focus had been on honing my magical abilities, delving into the arcane arts with a fervor fueled by the vibrant tapestry of spells I'd witnessed in Disney films. Today, a whimsical notion took hold. I tested the limits of my newfound power by animating my mundane cleaning supplies. The initial results were… chaotic. Brooms splintered, dusters frayed, and for a time, it seemed my experiment would end in a cascade of broken tools. But perseverance paid off. Soon, a motley crew of animated cleaning implements became my loyal, if unconventional, staff.
As I admired the gleaming Eclipsed Radiance, a crystal goblet levitated into my hand. A nearby teapot, also imbued with animation, gracefully tilted, its spout dispensing a stream of ruby-red pomegranate juice. I took a sip; the cool sweetness was a welcome contrast to the crisp air. It was then, as I meticulously buffed the Keyblade's hilt, that a subtle shift in the air caught my attention. My ears twitched, registering a faint, ethereal rustle from behind me.
Turning, I found myself face-to-face with a spectral figure. A translucent, amethyst ghost, its form shimmering with an unearthly light, hovered before me, its wispy fingers reaching for a large, ornate chest positioned near my desk. Bartholos and I exchanged a silent, prolonged stare. A flicker of surprise might have crossed his incorporeal features, but I felt slight alarm. This chest held Dream Eater shards, remnants of my recent endeavors, carefully stored. With a practiced flourish, I sealed it with Eclipsed Radiance.
"Would you mind putting that down?" I asked, my voice calm, betraying none of the curiosity bubbling within me.
Bartholos, startled by my composure, recoiled slightly. "Time to go!" he exclaimed, his voice a breathy whisper that seemed to carry on the wind. With a sudden burst of speed, he shot out of the open window, leaving a faint, shimmering purple trail in his wake.
Without hesitation, I launched myself after him; Eclipsed Radiance held firm. Bartholos, however, was surprisingly agile, dodging my initial lunge with effortless grace. He continued his flight, the purple trail intensifying as he weaved through the sky. I watched for a moment as he vanished into a swirling vortex of purple energy, a portal that winked out of existence as quickly as it appeared.
I, however, kept my eyes on the faint glow he left behind. With a narrowing of my gaze, I landed smoothly on the fading path, activating Flow Motion as the Keyblade's power connected with the lingering energy of Bartholos's journey. I glided along the shimmering trail, a spectral pursuer, rapidly closing the gap. Raising Eclipsed Radiance again, I concentrated my will, intending for the portal to reopen. With a surge of energy, the purple gateway appeared before me. Without hesitation, I dove through, keen to discover where this ethereal chase would take me.
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-Cipher POV-
Stretched out on my opulent bed, surrounded by glittering gold, I reflected on the day's triumphs. It had been a remarkably successful day, filled with the acquisition of considerable wealth from many senators. These senators had been relentlessly harassing Aglaea, and in my estimation, there was no better way to assist her than by relieving them of their ill-gotten gains. My gaze drifted to the window, where I observed the dawn device, its light a symbol of a sorrow I understood all too well. To live in Okhema, with its serene beauty, was a dream I could never fulfill.
A sigh escaped my lips, but a sense of resolve settled within me. I knew that my continued presence would inevitably reveal the truth to Aglaea, a truth that would shatter my lie. The dawn device required perpetual light, and if my absence was the price for its continued operation, then so be it. I would be the silent hero, the one who bore the burden for the greater good. As I hummed a tuneless melody, counting my latest haul, a desperate cry pierced the air. "Big Sister! Help!" Bartholos's voice, filled with panic, reached me. My eyes widened in alarm, and with a surge of my abilities, I flashed through the air, arriving just outside moments later.
The scene that greeted me stole my breath. "Cipher, he won't leave me alone," Bartholos cried, casting a frightened glance over his shoulder at someone undoubtedly from One-Eyed Boy (Anaxa)'s academy. My gaze narrowed, and a crackle of lightning gathered at my feet as I materialized before the aggressor. Goldie, as I had expected, was caught completely off guard. With practiced ease, I disarmed him, snatching the peculiar weapon from his grasp before delivering a swift kick that sent him sprawling to the ground.
As Goldie landed, our eyes met. "Well, well~ Goldie," I purred, my voice laced with amusement, my attention fixated on the object he had wielded. "What is this? I quite like its style." It was unlike any weapon I had ever encountered, a bizarre fusion of a key and a sword. A smirk played on my lips as Goldie averted his gaze, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. His reaction only deepened my amusement, a silent testament to the intrigue of this unusual encounter.
"Wanna tell me how you got here, Goldie, and I may give this back to you," I grinned at Goldie, the grin widening as I saw him shudder. "What do you say, Goldie? You tell me how, and I'll give this back," I said, lying through my teeth. I was going to keep it; after all, this was a one-of-a-kind weapon.
Suddenly, Goldie smirked. My eyes widened as the blade shook. I gritted my teeth as my hand was yanked up, Goldie raising his own. Nearly falling as the blade disappeared from my grasp, my eyes widened further as I saw it in Goldie's hand.
"Sorry, kitty cat. This blade of mine is picky. Your sticky fingers won't work," Goldie said, smirking. I narrowed my eyes.
"Oh, it's on. That blade will be mine." I said, dashing forward, reaching for Goldie's blade. Goldie suddenly ducked as his feet glowed purple, and he dashed off the ground towards Bartholos.
The three of us were in a cat-and-mouse game. The problem was, Bartholos was the mouse with two cats fighting in between. "Okay, I'm done," I said, annoyed, as I took the coin off my necklace and flipped it. Time slowed down as I grabbed Goldie and carried the two of us all the way to Aidonia. Before dropping Goldie, I snatched his blade and threw him into the snow.
"Well, well~ what now, Goldie? I'll see you later," I said, deciding to leave him here for a bit. After a while, I'd bring him back. I grabbed my coin, ready to leave, before I heard Goldie speak.
"Stop."
I was about to leave when I felt myself freeze. My eyes widened as Goldie walked up. "Sorry, Cifera," Goldie said, and my eyes widened as he spoke my real name. "If you're wondering how I stopped you, it's simple: the use of time magic. It won't last long, but I have enough time." Goldie said, sighing. "Listen, Cifera, I need your help."
Goldie went silent as his spell stopped. I readied myself to fight but stopped, seeing Goldie's outstretched hand. "Hey, Miss Cat Thief... Do you want to join me on a quest? Let's go save the world and make it a better place," Goldie said with a pure smile that made my heart skip a beat.
"Saving the world," I thought, repeating his words to myself. How I longed to achieve such a feat! My deepest desire was to be a hero, to assist everyone on their Flame-Chase Journey. However, my efforts would be in vain if the dawn device failed; the consequences would be dire, leading to widespread death.
"Where is the need for that~," I purred, leaning closer as Goldie shivered. "After all, the Chrysos heirs are more than capable. There's no necessity for my involvement," I claimed, the lie ringing hollow.
"I know how the power of trickery works, Cifera," Goldie stated, and I froze. This was a secret I had never shared, and panic set in. "Several things are wrong in Amphoreus," Goldie continued, snapping his fingers. A translucent barrier shimmered into existence around us before vanishing. My eyes widened as I jumped back, but Goldie remained seated in the snow with a sigh.
"Cifera, catch," Goldie said, tossing me a necklace shaped like a star. As I caught the treasure, which seemed to glow, my eyes sparkled. Before I could utter a word, I clutched my head as a flood of memories overwhelmed me. The unvarnished truth of everything, the web of lies that ensnared all of Amphoreus, was laid bare.
I collapsed into the snow beside Goldie, stunned by my newfound knowledge. "All this... for nothing?" I questioned him, shocked that my sacrifices had been in vain.
"I'm sorry, Cifera," Goldie replied sadly. "But Cifera, we can change things. With the power of Trickery, we can launch a counterattack." His words caused my eyes to widen. He was right!
"Haha," I guffawed, filled with elation. "Lygus wants to make a fool of me? Well, I will show that fool! No one makes a fool of the Great Cat Thief, Cipher!"
"What's the plan, Goldie?" I asked, sitting up causing snow to fall on us.
"First, it's Kleis. Cifera, we need to use the power of Trickery to hide our tracks," Kleis stated. I tilted my head in confusion as Kleis smiled.
"Chirithy," Kleis suddenly said, and a tiny cat landed on my lap. My eyes widened as I gazed at the adorable creature. "Chirithy, can you pass me my Teleslate?"
Chirithy, reaching into his pouch (how cute!), produced a Teleslate. "Here you go, Kleis," Chirithy said as Kleis tapped on the device. I remained confused, leaning on Kleis's shoulder. We should be outside of Aglaea's golden threads' range, so how was he using the Teleslate? My eyes widened as I saw an unfamiliar sight. An unknown girl was visible, in something that resembled one of Hyacine's livestreams.
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"Alright, chat—Phantasmoon is at twenty-five percent luminosity, which means you KNOW what time it is." She claps dramatically. "The Phantasmoon Games are almost here, and I am losing my mind." She continues, gesturing wildly as if trying to physically grasp the excitement from the air. "For anyone new—welcome, welcome—this is no ordinary interstellar tournament. This is Planarcadia's grandest, most brilliant, and utterly unhinged celebration of Aha, the Aeon of Elation. When the Phantasmoon reaches its full glow? Boom. Divine green light. The Games begin."
She leans back and spins in her chair. "And every cycle, the challenges get stranger. Last time, contestants had to out-laugh a sentient joke. The cycle before that? A maze that rearranged itself based on mood swings. I'm telling you, Aha does NOT do normal." "Oh! Thanks for the tip, StarGazer_77! And yes, I saw the rumors—apparently this year's opening trial is called 'The Joyous Catastrophe.' Which sounds… safe. Totally safe." She pauses and squints at the camera. "Look, I know the Games are supposed to be 'high-stakes' and 'divine' and 'potentially reality-bending,' but honestly? That's part of the charm. If you're not risking spontaneous enlightenment or being turned into a cosmic punchline, are you even competing?"
She laughs. "Exactly! You get it. Anyway, I'll be hosting a full watch party when the Phantasmoon reaches its peak luminosity. We're talking snacks, predictions, maybe even a bingo card for which contestant gets yeeted into a joy vortex first." She winks. "Stick around and chat. The Games are coming—and Aha loves an audience."
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"What was that?" I asked, my gaze fixed on Kleis, whose lips curled into a smirk. "That Cifera was our ticket to change things. Your Power of Trickery, you see, is intrinsically linked to the Aeon of Elation power," Kleis explained, his voice laced with an almost triumphant air. "Over the last few months," he continued, a glint in his eyes, "I've been learning about these Phantasmoon games. It all started after I managed to make my Teleslate's signal escape the Scepter."
My eyes widened in disbelief at his words, but the hope quickly deflated as I folded my arms. "Goldie," I began, my voice tinged with skepticism, "last time I checked, we are made of Data. How can we possibly leave?"
Kleis merely waved a dismissive hand. "That's simple, we just need to 'sleep' Cifera," he retorted. I tilted my head, a question forming on my lips. "I can leave my body while sleeping. But I always land in the same spot. I've been practicing relentlessly, but I have changed anything significant. But perhaps," he extended his hand towards me, a hopeful plea in his eyes, "together we can achieve something."
"So, I'll ask again, Miss Cat Thief," Kleis repeated, his gaze unwavering. "Do you want to join me on a quest? Let's go save the world and make it a better place."
A slow smirk spread across my face. "My, my~ To be offered a chance to visit the very source of my power? How could I possibly refuse?" I purred, my smirk mirroring his as Kleis shivered slightly. I clasped his outstretched hand, a thrill of anticipation coursing through me as I glimpsed the sheer chaos we were about to unleash.
"By the way," Kleis added, a hint of urgency in his tone, "I need my chest back from Bartholos."
I pouted. "Are you absolutely sure?" I inquired, a flicker of disappointment crossing my features.
"Yes, I am sure," Goldie retorted, his conviction undeniable. Damn. Perhaps another time.
The world had no inkling of what was about to transpire, but the Fool and the Cat had officially teamed up.
Chapter 11: The Beginning of the Scariest Alliance End.
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Author's Note: The time skip has arrived, Cipher and Kleis have met. This chapter lays the groundwork for Kleis's plan to join the Phantasmoon Games with Cipher. There, he'll encounter characters such as Himeko. Kleis's true objective isn't Aha, but something entirely different. Hats off to anyone who can figure it out! I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Until next time.
Kleis shudders because Cipher's voice gives me chills; it's so incredibly hot. Don't judge me.
The reason Kleis told Cipher is that she stays out of sight. She's not like Phainon who Lygus pays attention too. If anything I imagine he just ignores the Elation Path. It seems in character for the Genius Society characters.
May your Heart be your guiding Key