"I've lost her. It's all pointless!"
"No, Cocolia. She'll be waiting for you… in the new world."
"But…"
"She will be in the new world I promised."
"…Bronya, my daughter…"
Stelle jolted awake, her breath catching in her throat. Cocolia? The dream still clung to her like frost. Who was she talking to? And what new world?
The questions circled her mind, refusing to settle. Sleep had fled. With a sigh, Stelle slipped out of bed and quietly stepped into the hallway, hoping a walk might clear her thoughts.
"All in all, that's the whole plan～♪"
Elysia's unmistakable voice floated through the stillness.
Stelle blinked. Elysia? And… Bronya? She turned the corner and saw the two standing close, deep in conversation.
Elysia noticed her first and waved cheerfully. "Stelle～♪ You're up early!"
Bronya turned. "Couldn't sleep either?"
Stelle nodded, offering no explanation.
"What were you two talking about?" she asked.
"It's nothing～♪" Elysia chimed quickly, cutting off Bronya's instinct to answer.
Bronya paused, then nodded. "Just chatting."
Stelle didn't press. The silence that followed was comfortable, if a little curious.
Elysia clapped her hands. "Let's go for a walk～♪ The streets are quiet and the stars are still out."
"Good idea." Bronya agreed.
"Sure," Stelle said. "I was planning to walk anyway."
The three of them wandered through the sleeping city, the cold air crisp and still. The streets were empty, the sky just beginning to pale with the promise of dawn.
Then, from a nearby alley, a familiar voice broke the silence.
"Natasha, I'm going to Liuding Town to find the medicine we need." Seele said firmly.
"No! Seele, it's too dangerous!" Natasha's voice was sharp with worry.
Elysia stepped from the shadows with a teasing grin. "Hi～ That frown is so cute. Mind sharing it with the cutest Elysia? Maybe I can help～♪"
Seele turned, startled. "Elysia? Bronya? Stelle? You're all still up?"
"We couldn't sleep," Bronya said. "And it sounds like you might need help."
Seele looked to Natasha. "Tell them. Maybe they can help."
Natasha hesitated. "They're not part of Wildfire. It's not their responsibility…"
Elysia stepped forward, gently taking Natasha's hand. "It doesn't matter～ Elysia always answers when someone calls for help～♪"
Natasha smiled, visibly comforted. "We've only met twice, but I feel like I can trust you, Elysia."
"You say that, I'll get shy～♪" Elysia giggled, letting go of her hand.
Natasha took a breath. "After the last conflict, many were injured. But the clinic's supplies are running low. Seele wanted to go to Liuding Town to search for medicine, but it's completely overrun by Fragmentum. I couldn't let her go alone."
"But Nata—"
"No, Seele. I won't allow it."
Stelle stepped forward. "So you're worried about her going alone?"
Natasha nodded. "Exactly."
"Then what if we go with her?" Stelle offered. "That way, she won't be alone."
Natasha hesitated, then nodded. "With your strength… yes. That would ease my mind. Please, can I ask you to go to Liuding Town and search for supplies?"
"No problem～ Leave it to us～♪" Elysia said, striking a playful pose.
The mood lifted. Even Seele cracked a smile.
After saying their goodbyes to Natasha, the group set off.