prefer this over the open hostility. Stella thought.
"I must leave now, Stella. Your registration will begin soon, I trust that Locke will guide you true." Licht inclined his head slightly and left through the open door.
What a strange individual, Stella mused as she watched Licht leave.
"Here is good," the doctor said to Locke. He stood over an unconscious Sunny and felt around his sides for broken bones.
"It's nothing serious," the doctor said.
"Thanks, Doc," Locke responded happily.
"Wait, wait, wait!" Stella exclaimed. The doctor raised his brow. "He had blood coming from his mouth and fell unconscious. That's not serious?!"
"I mean no disrespect phantom girl. But a broken rib or two and some internal bleeding is par for the course here. Esper's heal unnaturally fast when they can get some rest," the doctor reasoned. "Either way he will be back on his feet like it never happened soon."
"He was exhausted before he even came here," Stella argued. "How often does this happen to him?"
Locke shifted his eyes from Stella, "He's a regular here, Stella. He heals faster than any of us."
"And that makes working him like a dog okay?" Stella's rage grew until she began to flicker. Her form faded and she turned intangible once again. Locke and the doctor turned to look at her in awe.
"That is going to take some getting used to," Locke said dryly. He glanced over at Sunny and patted him gently on his shoulder. "The kid has a lot of heart Stella. Maybe you can talk him into a day or two off… I sure can't." Locke's frustration was palpable. He turned to the doctor and gave him his orders. "I'll send Vanguard Silverhand over. In the meantime please monitor Sunny. Come on Stella. I'll show you around and then we'll begin the registration process. How long was it you said you could hold that form for?"
Locke checked his phone as they left the room so he could continue his conversation with Stella. The doctor was finally alone with Sunny and he sat down near the bed. After a moment of rest he checked Sunny's vitals and began to take notes on his tablet. Sunny's eyes flickered for a moment before he shot into a seated position.
"Whoa, Alldust," The doctor pushed Sunny back down gently. "Try to relax."
"Stella, where's Stella?" he asked groggily.
"Errandael's got her. You have to stop moving so much. Just relax, she's in good hands."
Sunny sighed and finally stilled on the stretcher. He stared into the overhead examination light lazily. He tried to move but his body refused. The exhaustion had fully settled in and his eyes grew heavy.
"Alldust, I'm going to give you something for the pain," said the doctor. A moment later, Sunny was unconscious and breathing evenly under the watchful eye of the doctor.
The door to the infirmary swung open and Jasper marched into the room. "Councilman Errandael said I might be of assistance to you, doctor."
"Silverhand, you got here fast." The doctor checked his platinum smart watch. "And in good time too. I must take my leave, it appears my attention is needed elsewhere. I administered pain relief. See to it Alldust is able to get some much needed uninterrupted rest."
Jasper nodded reassuringly and strutted into the center of the room, glancing around for a chair in which to sit. The doctor checked Sunny one more time and then began to snap off his gloves.
"Alright, then," he said. "There's nothing more to do, I guess Errandael will be back to relieve you."
"Thank you Doctor Whittaker," Jasper smiled tightly.
"Don't strain yourself now," Whittaker's joke got a light laugh out of Jasper.
Whittaker left the two Vanguards alone in the room. The sound of a desk fan hummed lightly in the background and the multicolour displays held Jasper's attention for a moment. Jasper had watched from his perch high above the councilmen. I alway knew he was brave. I was wrong in assuming he was a rash combatant. The consideration he took before showing his hand proves his experience. Jasper sucked his teeth at the thought but he had equal combat prowess with Sunny. Regardless if it had been me fighting Gilgamesh… I hate to admit it but the outcome would have been different. He glanced to see if Sunny was awake. Sunny remained still. It's dangerous for us to let our guard down like that ya know, Jasper scoffed lightly.
"You fought bravely, Alldust," Jasper admitted grudgingly. "However, I was rooting for you. I'm not afraid to admit it worries me. The existence of such a phantom…Your friend Stella. What if there are more like her? And what if they're coming to this side?"
Jasper sighed and sat down on what Whittaker had previously used. He ran his hands through his golden hair and continued, "But times are changing, and the war we wage feels like a losing one. What I'm trying to say is we can use all the help we can get. I'm tired of burying my family Sunny. I'm just tired."
Sunny grunted softly and Jasper paused and inspected him once more. Sunny was still out cold.
"Anyway, this feels like a change in the winds of fate. I have been close to it…to her. She hasn't snapped off any heads yet. So I'm going to choose to trust you and Errandael on this one. You two haven't steered me wrong yet. I just hope it doesn't come back to bite us in the ass."
***
Days after the battle in the Arena, Sunny had recovered almost completely. His ribs were still sore from Gilgamesh's might but his bruises were fading. Best of all after another check up and a round of imaging, Whittaker informed him he no longer had fractured ribs. Licht had stopped by a few times to ask Sunny questions about the fight or his unreal healing ability. Sunny tried his best to entertain Licht but Licht would quickly change the subject to Stella. Stella… Sunny's mind wandered. He had seen quite a few familiar faces since the arena but not the one he wanted to see most.
He was in a room waiting for Stella and Locke. He paced slowly from the counter with the fan to the bed he had been using. Locke had told him that Stella's registration was successful and the R&D were currently carrying out research in hopes to figure out Stella's full capabilities and ways to prolong the time she could stay tangible. Sunny wasn't shocked that Licht was heading the research along with Dr. Rose. Those two have an insatiable need for knowledge. Whatever… As long as she is there to supervise. Sunny's impatience took hold of his thoughts. When will they get here? If only I hadn't pushed my limits this wouldn't have happened. Then again, if Enna understood my Unseen Tyrant ability, I would have been toast. Sunny plopped down on the bedding once more. Stella…He leaned back on the bed and covered his eyes with the inside of his elbow. The image of Stella floating in his new home wandered through his mind. Her klutzy but curious nature put a smile on his face.
"What are you thinking about, kid?" Locke's voice jarred Sunny from his reverie.
"Oh, Locke! When did you get in?"
"A moment ago. You had a stupid grin on your face kid. Make a friend with a God or something?"
Sunny scoffed, "We need all the help we can get, don't we?"
Sunny looked around in alarm. "Where's Stella?"
A sly smile spread on Locke's face before he reassured Sunny. "She'll be here shortly. I'll tell you what though. We definitely pissed off the old fuckers by making Stella a Vanguard."
Sunny smiled, "Yeah, it was obvious. I got wrecked for it, remember?"
"Right. They heard her story about the killer. Licht spent a lot of time convincing the others that it was best we kept her with us." Locke tried his best to do a Licht impression. "It wouldn't do to let Stella roam about unchecked. She could fall into dangerous hands."
"Sooo, they aren't mad anymore?" Sunny joked.
Locke scoffed, "Oh noo, not at all. In fact, we are getting a pay raise. Jokes aside, she's a full fledged Vanguard now. For our actions, we are now responsible for her."
"Wouldn't have it any other way," Sunny chuckled.
They heard a light knock on the door and Stella dramatically waltzed into the room. Before Sunny even made eye contact with her, his gate thrummed with excitement. Her green hair fell in waves around her face and she had a bobby pin holding her bangs back. She proudly wore a black bodysuit that seemed to be made of leather. It seemed to have a light green glow coming from wiring affixed within it. Her feet were encased in black shiny boots and it added a few inches to her height. Whoa. Sunny's jaw rested slightly, his mind was too jumbled to formulate anything snappy.
"Wow, Stella. You look lovely," Sunny's brutally honest evaluation almost made Locke blush.
Stella smiled self-consciously, "Well, I have Dr. Rose to thank. She hooked me up."
"I see," Sunny's voice lowered, he turned to shoot Locke a questioning look.
Locke heaved, "Yes, Sunny. The nerds at R&D worked around the clock to develop this. It's supposed to help understand Stella's abilities better in order to maximize them."
Licht's idea I'm sure, Sunny moaned. I'm sure he won't run out of new ideas to test with Stella as his new guinea pig. Sunny's eyes narrowed in disgust.
"Did you consent to this Stella?" Sunny asked finally, animosity dripped from his words.
"Of course," Stella said. "Besides, Dr. Rose assured me it's not going to hurt me. More importantly, I get to know the full extent of my powers."
"Fine," Sunny said. "Well Locke, what now? She's not a prisoner, is she?"
Locke gave a thumbs up. "Nah. She's allowed to go wherever she wants, they do prefer one of us is with her though."
"She's a grown woman and they have us constantly working. I'm sure they can figure out how silly that is," Sunny complained.
Stella smiled at Sunny and tilted her head. "Well at least I'm free to come and go as I please."
Sunny's eyes lit up. "Say no more! I've been dying to go out since I started unpacking. You've gotta go somewhere with me."
"Oh Sunny, I don't know. I haven't been out since—"
"It's okay," Sunny said, crestfallen, "I get it."
"No Sunny, what I mean to say is I would love to come with you. Besides, Dr. Rose said I'm not needed at the moment. It's not like the welcome here has been particularly warm. So yeah, I'd like to get out of here."
Locke chimed in energetically, "They're going to come around Stella."
Even though Locke sounded convincing, Sunny was skeptical. The old generation's judgement is clouded by fear. Not that I don't get it but times are changing. I really doubt Garland and the others will come around. Sunny stood up and looked at the door longingly.
"Alright, let's go. You coming with us Locke?"
"I wish I could, Sunny. I've been assigned a new mark though and it's about time I start tracking it down."
"Want me to come and watch your back?" Sunny looked concerned.
"Hey, I'm still a badass son. I may not beat the mighty Gilgamesh but I still have plenty of fight in me."
"Okay, okay," Sunny laughed and raised his hands in surrender. "Text me when you're back."
"Right. Take care of Stella. She's one of us now."
Stella warmly smiled at Locke's statement. It's nice to be included in something, Stella thought. Locke left a moment after and Sunny and Stella were left on their own.
"So, Sunny," Stella began brightly. "Where are you dragging me off to?"
Her voice danced through Sunny's mind. He could feel her excitement as though it were his own. Nervously he tried to explain their destination. "Err... It's called 'The Fool's Remedy.' It's my favorite place to go actually."
"Your favourite huh? Well, what are we waiting for? I have just a few minutes until I phase out again."
Sunny held Stella's hand and the both of them rushed for the surface where Sunny's motorbike was parked. They passed several Vanguard that shot them deadly stares. But Sunny brushed them off, looks couldn't kill after all. Not like any of them would actually do anything now that she is a Vanguard. Breaking the rules is too frightening. Sunny's mind raced with excitement. Ever since he became one of the Round Table his life had been miserable, but things seemed to be looking up.
They reached an elevator that would take them right below the church. They entered and Sunny pressed the "C" causing it to glow a vibrant red. Stella held tightly to Sunny's hand as they waited for the doors to slide open once more. As soon as it opened they raced towards one of the wardens by the entrance to sign for his motorcycle. Once finished they dipped out through the underground exit and popped outside near a parking lot full of blacked out vehicles. He reached his bike and trailed his fingers across its body until he grabbed its handlebars. Swinging his leg over the seat and starting the bike all in one motion caused a smile to drape across his face.
"Ever ride one before?" He called out to her over the sound of the motorbike.
"No! I've always wanted to own one though!" Stella's heart drummed along.
Sunny's ears burned bright from watching her. "W-well hop on then."
Stella cheerily moved closer and lifted one booted leg over the motorbike. She sat down and automatically wrapped her arms around Sunny's midsection.
"I'm going to save some time so hold on tight!" He cranked the throttle making his bike rev.
Stella withheld an excited squeal as Sunny gunned the motorbike out of the parking lot. They made it back to the highway within seconds and Sunny headed for Aegis. I haven't been back since the fire. Sunny's eyes moved at an inhuman pace as he swerved in and out of traffic. Horns blared from the vehicles he deftly avoided. Even with Stella's body pressed against his, Sunny could feel his heart rate and breathing slow. I missed you Dullahan. Sunny gripped his trusty mechanical steed tighter before veering towards the off ramp.
The vibration of the engine and the heat of Sunny's body paired together overstimulated Stella's senses. She tightened her hold on him and laid her cheek on his back. Even though she couldn't feel her heart slamming against her chest any more she didn't realize she had become intangible. Their gates had collided and mixed so freely she was struggling to differentiate his senses from her own.
"Stella?" Sunny said softly. "We're here."
Stella opened her eyes and unfurled herself from Sunny. She could still feel Sunny's warmness within her, and his scent lingered in her nose. He smells so nice. I never expected a guy to wear a cologne that smelled so sweet. Stella also took note of his outfit. He still wore his black chromium outfit underneath but he was wearing very normal clothing for a citizen of Oldhaven. A long sleeved sports shirt with urban skinny jeans went nicely with his casually styled hair.
The building Sunny walked towards was a bit larger than the average shop on the wide road. I didn't think Sunny would come to such a busy place. Stella noted the street had several vehicles lining the edge of the sidewalk. Compared to Oldhaven the streets were well lit and gave off an energetic glow. She hovered behind him as he led the way into the coffee shop. The sign on the building read, "The Fool's Remedy." There was a television mounted on the wall in the back left corner that droned on quietly in the background. The newscaster was covering footage. Something about a serial killer that was on the rise.
Sunny didn't pay close attention to it because his eyes went over the occupants of the shop. Focusing on each patron and labeling them as non-threatening the moment his gaze left them. He also checked to see who looked at him the longest, or who noticed the phantom slightly behind and beside him. It seemed they were in the clear. Normal human beings didn't really know how close humanity often came face to face with the threat of extinction. There were movies and books made about the horrors the Vanguards faced daily. Look at them. Sunny's face twisted. Bunch of civs that would panic at the first sign of danger. Tch. Sunny scoffed at their naiveté, he didn't truly blame them. Not all would live a normal life if they knew that something lurked in the darkness of the alley which they passed through each night. Well, even when they are told they still deny it. Sunny's anger flared up for a moment as he remembered his past. Whatever.
Sunny quickly shifted his thoughts away from such negative things. Last thing he wanted was to attract an unwanted phantom to his favourite spot. He took his seat with his back to the door and pulled out his phone. He could easily see behind him with the reflection from the giant panes of glass that looked out to the street. He gently laid his phone on the table between him and Stella who had positioned herself across from him. It chimed softly a moment later.
"I wish I could hold my form for much longer," the text read.
"Does it matter so much to you?" Sunny shook his head. "Sorry that was rather ignorant of me. I'll talk to Licht and Dr. Rose. I'm sure they could come up with something. Rather, they're probably on it as we speak."
"I hope so, because what good is a Vanguard who is stuck in this form?"
Sunny chuckled softly and said, "Well, you can fly, we definitely can't. That being said, I think it's one of the reasons they gave you the suit."
Whoever was looking would have seen a handsome, red haired young man talking to the empty space in front of him. Sunny hoped he wasn't attracting too much attention. He lifted his head up and saw the barista looking his way from the counter filled with pastries. Her name tag spelled out "Yuna." He lifted a hand in greeting and she joyfully waved in return.
Sunny was a regular customer of Yuna's. She was usually the one that brought Sunny's batch of coffee and finger foods. It was a normal behavior for Sunny to bring gifts for his friends, even if he could only count them on one hand. Yuna wasn't exempted from this. After being given his very first cat plush as a child, Sunny took the whole present ordeal seriously. Sunny pulled out a jade hair pin from his pocket and waited for Yuna.
"What's that?" The text from Stella read.
Once again the contact name was corrupted with strange symbols.
"It's a hairpin. For Yuna."
"Yuna?"
"Yeah, she's coming."
Yuna walked the length of the shop. Her green apron hugged her tightly and covered her crop top well. She tossed her blonde hair out of the way with a wave of her head. Without a doubt she was among the vertically blessed. Even though she was shorter than many other models, several managers in the industry constantly came to her with tantalizing offers. She was terrifying as she was beautiful though. Sunny had once watched her stare down an unruly customer who refused to pay. In the end they got down on their knees to beg her for forgiveness. She was also privy to some things others didn't know about Sunny. She didn't know everything, but she knew that Sunny and Locke did important work and often encountered extraordinary things.
"Hey, Yuna," Sunny said as she approached the table, "How's it going?"
"Pretty good, Sunny," Yunna said cheerily.
Twin red splotches colored her cheeks and she smoothed her apron over her thighs. Her eyes never left Sunny's as she slowly moved her hair behind her ear. It doesn't take a genius detective to figure her out. Stella turned her gaze away from the two looking for anything else to watch.
"So, the usual?" Yuna asked.
"Yes please, but before that I brought you something," Sunny smiled.
"Come on, Sunny. You got me something the last time you were here," Yuna said, a bright smile on her face.
"Yeah I know it's a bad habit of mine. I just thought you'd like it."
Sunny looked over to Stella and raised his brow. Pulling out the jade hairpin he placed it gently on the table. It shined in the bright lighting of the shop and Yuna gasped.
"Oh, Sunny. It's beautiful," Yuna said, lifting her hair out of the way and fixing the hairpin in place. It matched the emerald gleam in her eyes. "Thank you so much."
Sunny smiled and nodded. Stella finally looked back at them with a questioning gape.
"So what have you been up to, Sunny?" Yuna asked.
"Well, this and that. I don't want to bore you with the details, but I recently moved. Old place got burnt."
"What? I hope you weren't harmed."
"Nah, I came out smelling something fierce though," Sunny joked.
"Funny. It's good to see you again."
"Likewise, Yuna. Good to be here." Sunny felt like Yuna wanted to say more and he waited. But after a moment she simply said, "I'll get your order ready now."
"Thanks, Yuna."
Yuna shifted her gaze around. "Nothing for your friend?"
Sunny froze and Stella's head jerked up immediately.
"My friend?" Sunny's face went pale.
"Yes, Sunny," said Yuna, glaring pointedly at Stella, "Your friend."
Sunny raised his pointer finger at Stella, "You can...see her?"
"Yes. I know she's there. Look, it's not a big deal. I know you're involved in some really strange things. I'm not going to make a fuss about it."
Sunny glanced at Stella and she shrugged back at him.
"Err... Yuna, this is Stella. Stella, Yuna. She's a...well, a phantom. For now."
"What?"
Sunny glanced in between both women and searched for what to say. A brief silence ensued and Yuna broke it with nervous laughter.
"Never mind," Yuna said. "I'll get your order ready."
She walked away and Sunny's phone chimed immediately. "SHE CAN SEE ME TOO?!" Stella's hand motioned Sunny to hurry up and read her text.
"She's an esper?" a shocked Sunny leaned back in his chair. "I can't believe this. Man, Locke would be beside himself."
Yuna brought Sunny's order over and placed it on the table. "Don't hesitate to let me know if you need something else. I'm going to tend to my other customers for a bit."
Sunny nodded and took a sip from his coffee and began to eat his food. Eight hefty chicken tenders had been tossed in a sketchy looking buffalo sauce. On the side Sunny had six eggs that he used to cover a couple tenders. He's a big eater for such a scrawny guy. He must really burn through his calories. Stella got lost in thought over the dietary needs of a Vanguard. Not only can they move at superhuman speeds and perform unbelievable physical feats, but they can use Magik. Stella watched him eat in awe. It felt odd to Sunny, eating while Stella watched him with wide eyes. He felt self conscious and ate as quickly as he could. We've gotta figure out how to keep her form tangible longer. It sucks eating alone. Sunny quickly dabbed his lips with a napkin.
"I think we should leave now," he said the moment he shifted the plate aside. "I'm sorry you couldn't join in..."
Once more Sunny's phone vibrated. He waved his hand over the screen and it lit up.
"Don't apologize," the text read. "I do want to ask Dr. Rose about the diet of a Vanguard sometime though."
Sunny's face was confused but he nodded and stood up. As he pushed his chair back into place Yuna hurried over, "You're leaving so soon?"
"Yeah, sorry about that. Listen, Locke and I are going to swing by sometime to talk to you about some things…that okay?"
"Okay, Sunny. I'll be waiting. Thank you for the present." Yuna's face seemed a little worried but Sunny knew she would be fine.
"See you, Yuna." Sunny dropped a bank note on the table and began to walk away. Valued at one hundred PP or platinum points it was enough to cover his bill five times over. He got a text from Stella at that moment.
"I can feel her looking at me, Sunny."
Somehow Sunny could feel Stella's awkwardness through the message. Sunny turned back and Yuna waved at him. He pasted a smile on his face and waved back. He and Stella got out into the early morning rays and Sunny sighed. "There were no signs Yuna was an esper. I mean, me and Locke come here all the time."
Sunny's phone shook in his hand.
"Is this problematic?"
"Not at all. I'm sure there's an explanation."
"Okay, Sunny." Stella was quick to adapt at all the uncertainty around her.
Sunny was about to say something when a wave of malicious aura slammed into him from behind. He glanced up and quickly turned to face the direction he thought it was emanating from.
"Get behind me, Stella." He had the look of a wild beast on his face as he stood in front of her.
***