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Caelus sighed as he slid into the Heroes’ Bath. It wasn't even the Entry Hour yet, but he still found himself here, unable to sleep. Too many thoughts ran through his head, and none made sense. Amphoreus was a nice world, unique too. But they couldn't reach the Astral Express, and that was just the start of their worries. Caelus worried about March 7th as well. She wasn't feeling well, and missed the trip.
And then there were feelings on top of other feelings with March. She seemed to flirt a lot with Caelus, but neither ever committed to anything. If anything, March seemed more interested in women. In an attempt to push out the bad thoughts, Caelus placed a warm, wet washcloth over his face and tried to relax. The bath was nice, at least.
His peace wouldn't last long, if it even counted as peace with the demons currently in his head. Caelus heard the lift to the Heroes' Bath and prepared for company.
“Caelus, is that you?” Though the nice was warm and slightly deep, it carried weight and presence with its tinge of husk.
Caelus took the washcloth off his face and looked over towards the voice. “Lady Aglaea?”
Aglaea smiled, calmly approaching the Trailblazer and joining him nearby for a morning soak. “Good morning, Caelus. I must say, I didn't take you as an early riser.”
A weak laugh came from the guest from beyond the sky as he rubbed his head. “Yeah…I actually couldn't sleep so I came here to reflect on everything that's happened so far. And that's how I got here. It's not a very…exciting story.”
A small hum came from the Seamstress as she listened and settled in properly. “Not all stories need to be exciting. Some stories just…are. Now I may not be a therapist, but sometimes it can help to visualize your thoughts instead of bottling them up. Have you considered talking about it?”
“I mean, Dan Heng isn't exactly talkative, and my usual go to person is currently…” Caelus pointed upwards. “...and she wasn't feeling well when we left. So I'm kinda left floating around with my thoughts.”
“Come now, dear. I'm all ears. I might not have anything to offer in return, but I'm told I am a good listener.” Aglaea’s golden threads had picked up slight disturbances since she arrived, but as to what they were, that remained a mystery.
Caelus sighed and covered his eyes once more. “Where do I even begin? Like, I wasn't even alive like a year ago? If that even makes sense. Apparently I used to be, but then I wasn't, and now I am, and no one can explain it, but the people who can, won't because it'll mess the future up.”
Aglaea blinked a few times, sensing no elaboration or falsehood. Strange. Our friend from beyond the sky is a rather peculiar individual, it seems. “That certainly is a lot to take in.”
“Then I die again on another planet, but an Aeon, our version of Titans, I guess? Anyway, THEY decided I had a job to do and unkilled me. I mean that went great, but that was like two weeks after I woke up or came alive or whatever!” Caelus groaned, rubbing his temples.
The golden threads still didn't budge. “You seem like you've not had a chance to rest. Why not take the opportunity now?” Aglaea offered the response, curious as to how the young man would receive it.
Caelus slumped into the bath slightly more. “That's the problem. I'm trying and I can't! I keep ending up in weird situations, and I can't not help people. I'm just one guy!”
Finally, the strings vibrated. Aglaea tilted her head slightly, puzzled as to what might have plucked the strings. She decided to prod, just a little bit. “I'm sorry, could you repeat that last part?”
“Huh? Oh sure. I was just saying I keep ending up in these situations where people need help. And then I can't not help them because that's who I am.” Caelus was calmer in his response this time since he had a chance to say it again.
However, the strings were quiet this time. I’ve figured you out, honored guest. “And the part after that?”
Caelus tilted his head, confused. “Uh, I said I'm just a guy?”
Aglaea clearly felt heavy vibrations in her golden threads after that sentence. How peculiar. Seems someone is not being honest with themselves, whether they realize it or not. “I think I understand where you're coming from. How about this? Come meet me at the start of the Action Hour. My store. Don't be late.”
Just as she finished talking, Aglaea stood up to dry off and leave. “Don't stay in the bath too long, dear. You'll get too warm.”
Caelus was more than a bit confused, but nodded and agreed. It wasn't like he had any other plans today.
___
Right at the chimes of the Action Hour, Caelus knocked on the door of the shop of the Seamstress. “Uh, Aglaea? I'm here.” His voice carried slight hesitation, as he wasn't sure what was about to happen.
“Ah, there's the guest of the hour. Come in dear!” Aglaea's voice carried through the door, one of her Garmentmakers opening the door for the Trailblazer.
Caelus entered, the door behind him closing gently. “So…what am I doing here exactly?”
Aglaea turned towards her guest and smiled, gesturing for him to have a seat. “You expressed some…discomfort earlier when we spoke. And I think I might be able to help address it. So that is exactly what we're going to do.”
“How exactly? Aren’t you a seamstress? Or do you also double as a therapist? I’m sure you have those around here.” Caelus looked around, seeing dozens upon dozens of beautifully woven dresses, gowns, blouses, and much more. “Unless you think I’m wearing the wrong clothes?”
“Excellent deduction.” Aglaea gestured to one of her Garmentmakers, who was setting up a privacy screen nearby. “I think you’re…how shall I say this kindly…the outside isn’t matching the inside. Something I’m a touch familiar with, due to a certain little kitty who hasn’t visited in over a century.”
Caelus looked down at his clothes, wondering what she meant. He thought that they were plenty comfortable, that’s why he chose them. Easy to slip on, easy to take care of, no nonsense. “What’s wrong with them? I happen to think they’re quite comfortable.”
A string was plucked gently. A half-truth. Aglaea hummed softly. Perhaps they are comfortable enough to wear, but maybe not comfortable to keep on wearing. “I don’t think that’s the whole story, now is it? Just because something is comfortable to wear, doesn’t mean that you are comfortable wearing it.”
“I don’t think I understand.” Caelus was at a loss for words now. Agalea wasn’t making any sense.
“Let’s try something then, hmm? I’ve had a look through that camera of yours. The one that belongs to the so-called Rosy Celestial Maiden. She had quite the number of pictures on the device. And I’ve gotten what I need.” Aglaea smiled warmly at her guest. “Now, behind the screen. Change into what’s there and come out when you’re done.”
Reluctantly, Caelus disappeared behind the screen and started undressing. What is going on here? I haven't lost my mind, have I? He kept thinking to himself while he undressed, getting down to his boxers after a minute. Looking around for what he was supposed to wear, he finally spotted folded clothes at the end of the bench. Caelus picked up the first piece, finding a gray camisole, much like the ones March wore. Below it was a pair of women's boyshorts. Panties.
Caelus’ face immediately turned red as his embarrassment levels rose. “L-Lady Aglaea! Y-you left me a camisole and panties. I can't wear these!”
“Just put them on, dear. Clothes are clothes. Trust me, they'll feel much better than what you're wearing. I used only the finest fabrics.” Aglaea smiled as she spoke, hiding a bit of truth in her true statement.
For a brief moment, Caelus debated ditching and running, but Aglaea knew where everyone was in Okhema anyway, so his sprint for freedom wasn't likely to last very long if he even made it outside. Reluctantly, Caelus put on the camisole first before sliding his boxers off and slipping the panties on. And as much as he hated to admit it, Aglaea was right: these were a better fabric and felt better to wear. How had he never realized how uncomfortable his boxers were?
After taking a moment to compose himself, Caelus stepped out. “O-okay. So now what?”
“Now you'll try on a few outfits and tell me what feels the best. No complaining, no questions until the end. We've got quite the lineup to get through.” Aglaea's voice was confident and professional, as one would expect a seamstress to be in this setting.
Caelus didn't have a chance to respond, as the Garmentmakers got to work, dressing him in the first outfit. It wasn't anything too wild, a white knee-length dress and a black shawl of sorts to go with it. Even if he wasn't embarrassed and trying to figure out how he got here, Caelus would admit the dress didn't feel like sandpaper against his skin.
Aglaea looked her guest up and down (as if she could truly see), appreciating her work. “Hmmm, alright. I see the body type I'm working with. How's that feel?”
The question was easy enough to answer. “Fine, I guess? I like the fabric. It doesn't feel like sandpaper against my skin.”
The threads woven throughout the shop remained mostly still, detecting no hint of deceit. However, they did provide Aglaea with additional information that it seemed like her model had no idea why they felt the way they did. The conscious mind said one thing, the body reacted with another.
“I see. Let's move onto our next piece, then.” Aglaea instructed, her assistants to undress and redress Caelus. “This outfit is somewhat inspired by your maiden friend. She seemed to prefer a certain type of outfit, and I've recreated a simpler version here. I could have recreated it perfectly, but I don't think stealing your friend's outfit is considered appropriate.”
Caelus found the outfit quickly stripped off of him, and a skirt was opened up in front of him. He stepped in without being prompted, and soon was dressed in a shirt, another jacket, and skirt. Unlike the previous outfit, he took an extra moment to look himself over. He could tell the outfit was very March-inspired, and even he had to admit he made it look good. “Huh.”
Aglaea smiled, gesturing to her Garmentmakers to ready the next outfit. “So, your thoughts on this one?”
“I kinda like it? Probably because it reminds me of March 7th, and I miss her a lot. But I guess I make this look good somehow.” Caelus could only imagine that with his hair a bit longer that he’d look like a girl.
“You look adorable…pretty, even, in that outfit. The smile helps.” Aglaea dropped the comment as she made sure the next last outfit was ready. She didn’t think she’d have to go through too much more of this before the point was conveyed. She'd prepared several more outfits, but somehow, she had a feeling this last one would be all she needed.
The compliment made Caelus blush, but he strangely liked it. Being called pretty was not at the top of his list of things he thought he’d like, but today was already a day of oddities. “Th-thank you…”
The threads were still, indicating a genuine appreciation of the compliment. Aglaea knew she was on the final steps of her plan. “You're quite welcome. Now let's try on one more outfit, shall we?”
Caelus wouldn't complain. If it was anything like the previous two, he knew he'd like it. He found it weird that he wasn't questioning the fact he was wearing women's clothes, let alone enjoying it. But he knew he could process that later.
Aglaea revealed the last outfit just as soon as she'd made sure that her model was stripped back down to their undergarments. This outfit was more or less modeled after a sketch she had found looking through the camera of her honored guest’s companion. It rather resembled the original outfit they had arrived in, and that seemed to be exactly the point. She'd changed the fabric of the shirt, making it softer, but it otherwise remained unchanged. The jacket moved off of the shoulders and shortened slightly, though it retained the hood. The pants became a skirt in two layers, belts hanging underneath the higher-waisted skirt. It came down to her model’s lower thigh, a small slit on the lower skirt and a larger one on the upper one. She'd added a light blue band to that same thigh even though it wasn't in the designs. It felt appropriate given the color of her guest's companion. Finally, Aglaea added boots to finish off the outfit.
This dressing took a slightly longer time that Caelus expected, but he was extremely pleased with the results, even if he still quite didn't know why. “Huh, I make this look good? At least I think I do.”
“I would have to concur, honored guest. You do make the outfit work perfectly. You have a sort of scruffish beauty to you. You could go from fighting on the front lines one moment to modeling a dress the next.” Aglaea was careful with her words, weaving them in and out to see what the reaction would be.
Caelus blushed yet again. He liked that. Pretty. Beauty. But why did he like it? He couldn't figure it out. “Th-thank you, Lady Aglaea. I don't about beauty, but I'm glad you think I look good.”
The threads vibrated every so slightly, telling Aglaea the cracks were starting to widen. “Oh come now, dear. You're a beautiful girl. There's no need to shy away from the components.”
Girl. Caelus shivered upon being called that. He was a guy, though, wasn't he? But…he was standing in a dress with heeled boots on… He needed time to think, but his burning face made it hard to do so. His cheeks and ears flushed red, and his brain struggled to produce a coherent thought. “I…” He tried to say something, but couldn't form a full sentence, instead looking up at Aglaea for clarification as he was confused. “G-girl?”
Aglaea smiled, lifting her model's chin up ever so slightly. “Yes, girl. Just like myself, or your Rosy Celestial Maiden friend. I think it suits you.” The Seamstress could tell the shell was nearly broken. “Go on, say it out loud. Say ‘I'm a pretty girl’ and see just how good it feels.”
That was an odd thing to do, but he'd come this far, so Caelus took a deep breath and closed his eyes. “I-I'm a p-p-pretty g-girl…”
Silence filled the workshop almost instantly, and Caelus could hear his heartbeat. But he felt good after saying that. If he was being honest about it, saying it even felt right. “I…”
“So, now how did that feel?” Aglaea asked, stepping away to let the feelings sink in. The threads were silent and still, telling her that all was calm. Her guest had reached a sort of peace they'd seemingly not had before.
“It felt good. Right, even. What does that even mean? I…I don't understand? I can't be a girl…”
The threads began to wobble as Aglaea sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “My dear, it is as obvious as the light from the Dawn Device. You are simply refusing to open your eyes. You can be a girl, a woman. Does that feel right?”
A nod came instantly.
“Wonderful. It's been decided then. You're a woman, then. Now we just need a better name.” Aglaea tapped her chin in contemplation.
Caelus almost instantly had an answer. He, or rather she now, recalled a night where she'd been hanging out with March 7th and they'd been talking about names. March asked Caelus what he'd want to be called if he was a girl. He didn't know, so March came up with a name. Now, present Caelus, knew exactly what she wanted.
“Stelle.”
Aglaea turned her head towards her guest. “I beg your pardon?”
“My name is Stelle.” Stelle smiled, placing a hand on one of her hips and striking a pose of confidence. She did feel much better than ever before, after all.
“Oh? And where did you come up with this name? I think it's rather fitting, if I must say so myself.” Aglaea had to admit she liked the name. Having heard a bit about what lay beyond the sky, and about the journey Stelle had been on, the name felt perfect.
Stelle grinned, giggling just a bit. “March 7th said that it should be my name if I was a girl. I happen to agree.”
Aglaea smiled, sighing as she shook her head. “Ah, young love. Well Stelle, it's wonderful to meet you.”
“Thank you for helping me out, Lady Aglaea. I dunno much about this planet or anything, so I'm glad I have people like you to call my companions.” Stelle beamed, sitting down a moment later. “Now how am I supposed to tell Dan Heng?”
A familiar voice entered the chambers great as Stelle finished her sentence. “Tell me what, exactly?”
Stelle jumped to her feet, looking Dan Heng straight in the eyes. “I uh…”,
Dan Heng looked his friend straight in the eyes, then up and down before sighing. “I owe March 7th a hundred credits, I guess.”
“What??? Were you betting on me for something???”
“Irrelevant. How shall I address you now? I assume it's different than before.” Dan Heng inquired, placing his hand under his chin as he tilted his head.
Putting aside the possible bet, Stelle stood proudly, hands on her hip. “My name is Stelle!”
Dan Heng smiled, resuming an upright posture. “It's a pleasure to finally meet you then, Stelle.”
___
The Tomb was now behind them, and Cyrene was currently nowhere to be found. Stelle and Dan Heng currently found themselves back in Aedes Elysiae. They'd escaped from Evernight's grasp thanks to Sunday, though, so they could at least take a breath.
Stelle let out a deep breath as she opened her eyes. “Back here again, huh?”
Dan Heng looked around, taking in the sights. “Hmmm, it's peaceful. Is this the fabled ‘Aedes Elysiae’ I've heard of?”
“Yup. Looks like we survived thanks to Sunday getting us out of there. Guess we take a minute to catch our breath then take a look around?” Stelle looked over at the pond where she'd spent time with Cyrene before, the temple behind her as well. “No telling what's happened, honestly.”
Both Nameless agreed on the plan and sat down for a few minutes before setting off to explore. Stelle wanted to check one place in particular: the docks.
“I remember the first time I came here that the waterfront was always important for every cycle. If something or someone ended up here with us, that's where I'd check.” Stelle recounted saying her farewell to Phainon there, Phainon always mentioning that he departed from there.
Dan Heng was apprehensive, but he nodded. “I shall follow your lead and guard you. It is my duty, after all.”
Stelle laughed softly. “You're gonna make a girl very happy one day, Dan Heng. Or a guy. Or I mean someone. You know what I mean.”
“You still haven't learned how to not step over your words, have you, friend?” Dan Heng smiled warmly, amused by the antics of his best friend.
They were both cautious, but engaged in light conversation. Upon seeing the waterfront, Stelle spied a figure. Evernight. She knew Dan Heng saw her too.
“Get ready. We can't give her any chance this time…” Dan Heng was ready to engage, though he was clearly tired of fighting.
Stelle took a deep breath, closing her eyes briefly. She opened them, ready to go. “Three of a kind…”
Dan Heng followed suit. “Two pair…”
“Ace.” Stelle finished the code ready to move.
But another voice spoke up. “... Ace?”
Stelle was speechless. Was it truly…was she finally back? Had she finally been reunited with her best friend?
Dan Heng barely had a word himself. “March?”
March 7th stood up and faced towards them, still dressed in the attire Evernight had donned. “Of course it's me.” She paused a moment, holding back tears. “It's been awhile.”
Stelle couldn't hold back any longer, running towards March 7th and embracing her in a hug immediately. She'd missed her so much. Her best friend, the one she'd always go to with her problems, and vice-versa. They had been inseparable.
Dan Heng join the hug a few moments later, hearing birth March and Stelle crying in the embrace.
Through her tears, Stelle managed to choke out the most meaningful phrase she could think of: “Welcome home, March.”
March smiled, burying her face into Stelle with a smile. “Mhmm…I'm back…”
After a few minutes of an embrace, Dan Heng let the two girls have a private conversation. March looked Stelle up and down with a smile. “I gotta say, Dan Heng owes me a hundred credits. But you really do look good!”
Stelle blushed as March complimented her. “I…thank you? I don't even know what I'll look like when all this is over. This isn't my real body, ya know?”
“Eh, don't worry about it. We can figure it out later. Himeko can figure out where to get you this outfit cuz I gotta say I really think you make it work.” March was smirking the entirety of the time she was talking, almost as if there was more to her compliments.
“March…” Stelle may have been dense, but she wasn't that dense. “A-are you flirting with me?”
March groaned, though it was a happy one. “Finally! Not only did your egg finally crack, you actually realize I'm flirting with you!” The pink-haired girl grinned, grabbing Stelle's cheeks. “Come here, I've been waiting to do this.”
Stelle's cheeks immediately burned as March pulled her in for a kiss, their lips meeting gently. The level of softness was unexpected, as Stelle could only describe it as the comfiest cushion she'd ever experienced. Once the kiss was finished, they slowly pulled away. Stelle gazed into March's beautiful eyes with only one question. “So what…what are we, then?
“Well, I kissed you and you kissed me. I'd say that makes us girlfriends.” March beamed, glad to finally be able to say that.
Stelle was quiet for a minute as she contemplated the kiss. “Yeah, girlfriends. I like the sound of that.”
Dan Heng looked over at the newly formed couple and waved at the two girls. “Let's get moving. Era Nova isn't going to start itself, you know.”
March took Stelle's hand with a smile. “Ready to go save the world?”
“Yeah, I think so.” Stelle followed along with March, heading towards Dan Heng, ready to kick off Amphoreus’ final Era Nova.