Reuniting and Realizing (that it was never meant to be)

The only warning to the sudden impact being Welt's eyes parting slightly in surprise as something collides into me. A hug slams into my backside causing me to nearly stumble forward.

"You're okay!" March's voice is loud in my ears due to the close proximity. Looking downwards and back towards the girl her eyes are glassy as she buries states up to me with a smile on her face. Her statement gives me pause for a moment. Not only from the emotion of being reunited with a friend, but also realizing that I am okay.

I am alive, I did not die. I did not lose this life before it could even truly begin. I survived, and helped save a lot of lives in this awful attack.

"Yeah, I'm okay." I return the hug after fully turning my body. She nearly swings as I turn with how tight she's holding onto me, but she gives me some space to adjust and we connect. She doesn't fully pull out of my arms but looks up at me as she asks a question. While I spot a couple noticeable things as she speaks.

"What happened after the elevator?" The first thing I feel upon my skin is Dan Heng staring at me with eyes like daggers, March's words shelved for the moment. Her spear grasped tightly in her hand. As we lock eyes she fights an inner battle for a tense moment, before desummoning her spear and crossing her arms. Ah, I healed myself right in front of her. Grimacing lightly and away towards the floor, I hope to shelve that conversation for a later day. All the while completely forgetting March's question as her hug tightens on me.

Then I spot the unconscious girl on the floor and my brain resets itself.

"Shouldn't we get her off the floor?" March flinches lightly at my words in embarrassment before speaking at me as though I had wronged her.

"A cute girl is in your arms and you instantly start talking about someone else? I thought I was a princess?" I smile lightly at her words and the pout on her face, they brighten the mood whether they intended to or not. Turning my head over my shoulder to the curious Welt I remember what I'd called her earlier and why.

"She can talk to animals, so she's a Disney Princess." A grin on my face as I make the remark.

"I see, well I suppose March is a princess then after all." His lightly amused grin fades as footsteps approach us.

"Yeah, that's right!" Her hands lower to her hips as she smiles, either ignoring the approaching sound or simply not caring.

"Sam, go take a rest. Bring the sleeping young lady with you." Arlan, and some other girl with pink hair approach us as I pull the gray haired girl from the ground and into a princess carry.

"Glad to see all of you are alright, though I better go take care of our savior here." Dan Heng to my great surprise gives me an approving nod as I depart. While March only gives a slight pout.

"The medical supplies will be in the medical bay cabinet if anything happens, call March." Himeko's voice reached my ears, she really did have our back. Though I pause slightly, when did she know I got March's number?

Pulling up to the Astral Express despite the chatter behind me I'm greeted with the sight of the conductor.

"A guest bringing a guest aboard?" Pom-Pom lightly sights before waving me into the Parlor Car. "Just don't make a mess." With the way things are turning out, I doubt me and her will be guests for long anyways.

"Thank you Conductor." They rub the back of their head in light embarrassment at my words, but shuffle off towards the kitchen nonetheless. Alright, just gotta bring the girl to the medical room. Speaking of the girl, what even is her name? I only remember using my username for the male version of her, yet I can't recall the canon name for the life of me. If there even was one.

Taking her to the medical bay I softly slide her into the bed where I once lay. Tucking her under the covers for some rest, I decide it's a good idea to prepare for when she awakes. She deserves the same experience I got, if not more. She did save all of our lives after all. Going down to the Kitchen Pom-Pom finishes up some toast and eggs. I blush with slight embarrassment, I'm about to ask a chef for some food before they've even finished cooking. Or perhaps I'm just getting hungry.
"Can I have some for me and the girl?" Pom-Pom glances over their shoulder before getting back to plopping the eggs on toast and then sliding them onto plates.

"I've been preparing this for the two of you anyways. You both look ready for a meal." The smile in their tone is clear despite not facing me. The Astral Express is way too nice for their own good.

"I'm sure the two of us will appreciate it." As I pick up the twin plates and go down the hall suddenly my phone buzzes. Furrowing my eyebrows from the sound I quicken my pace and set the plates down on the small table. Whipping my phone out of my pocket, it's a text from March.

Messages

March 7th
Today is also March 7th~
Note: Get her a gift!

>Himeko has some business with Madam Herta. Me and Dan Heng are going to help around the Space Station for a while. Make sure to take good care of Stelle for me!



Of course, she's sleeping soundly right now. Whatever she did to save our lives must have taken a lot out of her. I'll make sure she gets plenty of rest and is well taken care of.<​


>Make sure to get some rest yourself Sam!



Thank you March <​


>(if image not working click link https://postimg.cc/dhcf3JMV)

Where does she even get these stickers from? Anyways . . .

Stelle. That's her name. It's nice. With a light smile I go to shove the phone in my pocket but decide I might as well change pants while I'm at it. These poor bastards got sliced- Then I freeze. Suddenly I understand what I forgot as my face pales. I forgot my fucking leg! I just left it there! Ok, calm down. There's no way that can be linked to me right? They aren't going to suddenly start DNA testing everyone to find the mystery leg owner.

Whoever finds it will probably just cremate it or something. Yeah. Alright. Calming myself down from the sudden panic I move back to my room and start changing out of my attire as my beating heart eventually slows in my chest. After a quick shower to get the blood and sweat off I put my clothes on.

I throw on my only other pair of pants and trashing the other ones after taking off my belt. Then make sure to click the stylish belt back into place. Luckily this thing was undamaged, it's pretty cool.

Should also grab Stelle some water while I'm at it. Snagging a water pitcher from the kitchen and filling it up with bored ease I make my way down the hall. Two glasses pressed against each other allowing me to hold them against my chest with an arm.

Eventually I return to the medical room and set everything down. I fill up the water and take a drink for myself after taking a bite of toast as my thoughts stir when I look at the girl- No, Stelle. So this is the hero? The one destined to save the universe or something? Honestly I have no idea what she's destined to do. Whether good or evil, but looking at the defenseless form of someone who saved the lives of everyone on the space station . . . I'll support her. Unless she's secretly the final boss or something. That'll suck.

Though this world doesn't work on video game rules. At least I don't think it does. I can't expect plot armor to save my ass like it just did. I can't just pour materials into the characters to make them stronger, and I certainly can't expect it to be turn based. By the time I finish the thought my hand nearly reaches over to Stelle's plate. The traitorous limb ready to steal her food and shove it down my throat upon finding out my own plate was empty.

Guess I really do eat a lot now. Guess I should get more food. As I bring myself to stand up however the girl stirs. Blinking, I hold the glass of water I'd prepared for her. Her exhausted golden eyes blink open at me.

"Morning Hero." With a smile I hand her the glass of water and she chugs it down without hesitation. I'll properly thank her later when she's more awake. However despite her fatigue she still attempts to pull herself out of bed, her expression twisting slightly in pain from the motion.

"It's alright to take a break, you saved all of our lives after all. Perhaps get some food in you first, breakfast is bed is a heroes' feast after all." I hand her the plate and sit on the chair next to her while refilling her cup. Speaking while munching on the toast causes small crumbs to get on the bed. I'm going to need to clean this afterwards aren't I?

"Even the Doomsday Beast is no match . . ." I smile faintly at her words, the fire behind her eyes glowing softly.

"Indeed, it couldn't hold a candle to you Hero. But even Heroes need rest, so just relax for now." She deserves the praise. "Though I can't just keep calling you Hero. In case you forgot, I'm Sam. What's your name?" I know her name, but I don't want her to get confused or anything. I know I was confused after my little 'escapade' in that evil desert.

"Stelle, but you can keep calling me Hero." A victorious smile on her face allows me to rapidly realize this girl is going to be a force of chaos. I hand her the next glass of water and her luck seems to fall through as she starts to choke. Looks like the hero needs saving.

"Are you alright?" I look through the cabinet as she coughed out the water with a blush. We've got some basic medical supplies in here so let's give her a good once over. She nods but even I can see the slight grimace on her face from some other source of pain.

"Where does it hurt?" I'm no doctor, but I know some basic first aid. In my previous world I'd hoped becoming a doctor would give me some stability so I'd pursued it, only to inevitably realize how much work it actually was and never achieve that dream before all of . . . this. Shaking away the nasty feeling I approach her.

She pulls down her shirt revealing a nasty bruise just above her right breast. I blush a little bit, but I don't fold at the sight. The injury being more important draws my attention. Handing her an ice pack- I stare at the thing in my hand. This isn't cold at all. Going through the ice packs I come to a conclusion. Ice packs don't work in the future. Wait . . . what if I'm just cold resistant? Guess I'll add that to the list of weird powers if my experiment works.

"Is this cold Stelle?" She takes the pack then nods before practically slamming it into her tit due to the lateness of its presence. Softly adjusting her hand to the proper area by gently grabbing it I am forced to speak lest I get sued for malpractice. If that's even a thing here.

"Don't press so hard, and it's best to put a thin layer of something around the ice." I adjust the ice pack and wrap a towel around it, staring intently at my work with a small smile. Is this what it feels like to be a healer? It's not a bad feeling. Looking at Stelle her face is slightly red. I blink. Fuck, did she get a fever? Nah, she's probably just embarrassed about this. I'm nearly pressing on her breast after all. With the realization I pull back.

"Sorry about that, I just don't want you to be in pain." Her blush grows a bit and she clutches the ice pack close to her chest and mutters something I can't make out.

"Huh?" I question her to repeat herself.

"You're warm." Raising an eyebrow I let out a confused thank you at the realization. I vaguely recall March saying something like that as well. Maybe that's why I'm cold resistant . . . Guess I should shoot March a text about Stelle recovering then go and help her and Dan Heng out with the station. Maybe I'll see Isa again as well, it would be nice to get my sword back too. The list grows longer with each thought I have.

"Alright Stelle, I'm heading out. Make sure to get plenty of rest, and if you need anything shoot me a message or call me." The girl having already formed a cloak out the covers stares at me through the sheets while plugging my beacon address into her phone. She's really adorable like that.

"Don't go yet." Her voice nearly a plea, as if she'd expected me to leave her just like someone else had.

Well, if she doesn't want me to go then it looks like I'm stuck here.

"Alright." Taking a seat back in the chair she goes deeper in the covers but I spot her eyes go slightly glassy at my action. I paused taking my seat as I considered how little I actually know of Stelle.

She's a blank slate in the game, but here she is her own person. She could be anything, and waking up on a space station and being forced to fight for your life is pretty insane if I remember the start of the game properly.

She needs the thing I'd received when I'd first been saved by the Astral Express.

I give the girl a warm hug. She doesn't return it, but leans deeply into the embrace. I don't know how long we stayed like that, but from one fish out of water to another it would be awful of me to just leave her without one of the things that made me feel better.

Her breath slows and I softly lay her back down on the bed as she returns to sleep. Quickly writing a note on a nearby piece of paper that simply reads 'Wash the Sheets!'. Then I write another note to the girl. 'I'm going to go help the station with disaster relief. You have my number if you need me.'

With that I leave the room and make my way back down the hall. The smell of food brings me back to the kitchen where I munch on some more toast and eggs.

Truly the conductor treats the crew right. I smile at the thought, I'm definitely joining this crew the moment I get the chance. From the people, to the idea of going on an adventure. Both excite me, and a small part of myself feels a bit giddy at the idea of actually doing something that feels valuable.

Feeling directionless has always terrified me, the notion that I'm not doing anything or going anywhere. Just to die and fade away into nothing. But as part of the Astral Express? It gives me a purpose, and so much more.

Fuck, now I'm blushing with embarrassment. I feel like I'm being a chunni.

I'm just going to go look for March now to forget my embarrassment. I'll shoot her a text in a minute if I can't find her anyways.

Stepping outside the Express and gently closing the door behind me I spot a set of guards moving an absolutely massive container on their shoulders like the coffin dance guys.

"Hey! It's the guy I was telling you about!" Ah? Oh! Evans is one of the guards, it's kind of hard to tell them apart with the uniform and masks to be honest.

I give them a wave before I Propagate and grab the back of the container to help bear the load of the huge thing. Needing eight trained guards to carry the think is quite a lot already but they seem to appreciate the help.

I'll help these guys out first before I text March. I think they are part of the squad that I worked with against that small army of Legion soldiers after all.

Shouldn't be too long anyways.

"Is it true you flirted with the Boss?" My expression contorts in confusion for a moment, but I suppose calling her by her first name could be seen as-

"I was there! The guy is a professional flirt, actually had the Boss blushing. Never thought I'd see the day." What? When was she-

"Yeah, and when he was all like 'Your existence has enthralled me, how could I not return to your aid when your desire was so clear?' So romantic!" Another one cuts in. I never said that-

"Can it Mays, let the man tell his own story. Lucky bastard." The group laughs as we move as I nearly freeze up with confusion. I didn't do- then it hit like a lightning bolt. As though the lightbulb above my head exploded from overload.

MY FUCKING CLONE.

Yeah Isa is cute as hell, but you shouldn't flirt with people mid disaster! My mind flashes back to the woman with wine red hair and I blush. Damn it, I'm just as guilty as my clone. At least he didn't get his leg sliced off by Isa . . . probably. Picturing the small woman wielding a giant sword is a funny thought.

"Is the professional flirt getting cold feet?" A beat passes, a window to respond. The words leave my mouth as fast as they can. A stir in my voice at the thought of Isa.

"I'll be speaking to her later."

"Of course, speaking to her. Don't worry, we can keep our mouths shut." They missed the point but got the message.

"Can we Evans?" Or maybe not.

"Mays will definitely tell everyone about this 'Fiery Romance' the moment she gets the chance." Do not betray me like this, Mays! We've only just met but your betrayal would sting so deep!

"I absolutely will!" She's not even trying to deny it!

With a sigh I pick up the pace and start pushing the crate forward just a bit harder until we eventually make our way to the medical wing. Working up a little bit of a sweat, one of the guards hands me a towel which I use to wipe off my face.

Setting the crate down at the top of the stairs, Isa pulls around the corner and blushes upon seeing me.

"Hey Isa."

"H-hey Sam." The silence is awkward as she runs a finger through her hair, however she turns towards the crate and inputs a code causing it to open. Inside is multiple tools, materials, and tiny bits and bobs I know nothing about.

"Huh, what's all this for?"

"Some of the medical equipment was damaged, specifically key aspects that need repairs. I know how busy you were with search and rescue so I understand you forgetting. Anyways, you're free to join me in the lab if you'd like to watch me work before we . . ." Before we what? Holy fuck am I about to get laid? No, think clearly Sam, she probably just wants to go on a date. I can't just say no after my Clone wingman- Cloneman? WingClone? WingClone. Also it would be pretty fucked up if I just turned her down now. What would I even say in response? My evil twin did it! That's how you get found out as part of the bug people or put in under psych evaluation.

"Y-yeah. What were you thinking we could do?" Her blush goes scarlet and she whispers to me.

"N-not out here!" Suddenly I notice many eyes gazing upon us, and Isa's wrath descends upon them.

"GET BACK TO WORK." Salutes rise and 'Yes Boss!' echoes throughout the room, but many are still listening in.

"Anyways! I could show you and teach you about how to use some of my medical tech. It could be fun . . ." She wants to ramble about something she made? That's adorable. Giving her a thumbs up and smile I agree.

"Sounds like fun." Her giant smile warms my heart.

Isa takes me into her office and explains a lot of things to me she didn't have time for earlier. Things she luckily also didn't explain to my clone who seemed to 'Vanish in order to regroup with your friends against the Legion'. Guess he just went and unsummoned himself. Anyways, Isa's lecture is actually pretty interesting. She's the head researcher for the Medical Department, her technology being 'The pride of the space station' so she has a lot of respect from the other staff members.

Her technology works by analyzing the brainwaves and body of the individual in order to discern what is wrong with them, not only according to their data banks but according to the user. Then it 'fills in the blanks' taking care of all sorts of injuries, including things such scar tissue that isn't technically an injury anymore. It's limited in its scope which is why she still strives to improve it. Overall very useful for the many dangerous experiments that happen on the space station. But unfathomably useful during the attack.

"You're a genius, Isa." Most of what she said went over my head but I can understand how knowledgeable she must be if the other researchers nearby are taking notes as she rambles on.

"T-thank you." Fuck, she's so cute when she's blushing.

I help her with her work by handing her tools, and even pick up a few more first aid skills in the process. After about three more hours of labor, Isa calls out to everyone.

"Alright, that should be everyone. You're free to go for rest, but make sure to check in with the Service Department for a mental health checkup." Many different sounds of acknowledgement come out from the large group. If anyone tells you to get therapy and you actually listen to them you have to respect that person a lot. Through assisting her it's fairly clear, but this is the final nail in the coffin. These people are her people. She cares for them, and they do the same. With a smile I look her in the eyes.

"It's just the two of us now." Twiddling her thumbs a little bit she nods with a blush before freezing.

"I'm so sorry! I totally forgot to pay you!" I forgot as well! Scratching the back of my head I nod. She lets out a sigh and takes out her phone, we also change beacon addresses in the process.

She sends me FIVE MILLION CREDITS?? I- that's an insane amount of money. I think. I actually don't know how much that is. But five million is still a lot!

"Isa . . . thank you." Sugar mommy get! Ignoring the small joke in my mind I give the young woman a dazzling smile. Even if a small part of me feels like this much is undeserved, I can't turn down this much free money!

"You saved my life, and the lives of at least three hundred people on this station. Consider it nothing, I make more than enough anyways." She gives me a stern look, and refuses to take no as an answer.

"Now then, let's go grab some food and we can go back to my office for some quiet." With a nod I reach down towards her hand with mine. We both blush as we connect and gently hold onto each other as she leads me towards the cafeteria.

Some kind of robot gives us two bowls of some sort of friend rice and we chat on the way to her office with our food in hand.

"So, how'd you end up working for the space station?" She lets out a small sigh.

"Herta scouted me when I was sixteen, she was intrigued by my medical technology but as with all things and that woman, she quickly loses interest. Anyways, I've been here for about a decade since then." She's 26? I honestly thought she was a bit older. I'm only . . . fuck. Have I really spent so long focusing on nothing but work and school I forgot how old I was? What even is my birthday? My eyebrow twitches. I think I'm 22. I might be 23 though. 24 is definitely pushing it though.

"That's really impressive, my story is a bit lamer. Got stranded in the desert, and let out a distress signal. The Astral Express picked me up and now I'm here." She flinches lightly at the mention of the Express but buries it quickly. Does . . . does she not like them? She notices my gaze and asks me a question I hadn't expected.

"Are you part of the Astral Express?" There's a glimer of hope behind her eyes as I give my honest answer.

"No, not yet." She nods, but presses further.

"But you intend to join them?"

"I do." I'm not leaving my friends to go on an epic adventure without me, that would be ridiculous-

"What if I gave you a job instead." I freeze and she starts speaking quickly.

"Y-you could work as my assistant! I'll pay you well and you could also act as my bodyguard. A-and maybe, if things work out the way we hope, we could make 'this' a regular thing." She's, she is basically asking to be my girlfriend or more. I stand there frozen in front of her office with the bowl of fried rice in my hand. The hope in her eyes so pure, and genuine. Stained with a deep sense of affection, through our bond forged with adversity.

"Isa . . . I'm sorry." She smiles, her eyes closed as tears leak through. She nods before turning around and wiping the tears away. God I feel like such an asshole. I . . . I could leave a clone- I shut down the thought. It wouldn't be me, and it would instantly expose me. It would be cruel to do such a thing anyways, this is the only way- She grabs my hand and pulls me into her office. Stunning me at her quick recovery.

"I'll always be here whenever you drop by, let's just enjoy each other's company for now. And if you ever want to retire from the Nameless . . . you know where to find me," I smile at the gesture. Eating with her is relaxing, she tells me more about the people I'd helped to drill into my thick skull that I'd done a good thing. Eventually the conversation drifts towards the Astral Express.

"The Astral Express is restocking with us right? I can support you need the money in case your cargo was destroyed during the attack."

"That's alright, I'm sure Himeko has it handled."

"Himeko is the navigator correct?"

"Yep, she chooses the destinations. When and where we go to them."

"Then I suppose I also owe her my thanks for saving my life. After all, I'd never have met you after all."

"I'm not sure she'd accept such a thing, but March might."

"March?"

"She's my friend, and we hang out a lot. She was there when they saved me from the desert. She's amazing and has really made me feel at home with the Express." The thought reminds me of something I'd written to myself in my notes as a phone.

"Actually I'm looking to get her a gift, do you know where any gift shops are?" Her smile is slightly twisted at my words before she sighs.

"You shouldn't ask a girl who is into you about another girl, Sam."

"Now you sound just like her." She lets out a snort mixed with a laugh. She and March do actually have quite a few similarities in the cute department.

"Sure, I'll help you get her a gift. But just promise me something." I let out a nod at her words.

"Make sure to treat her right, ok?" My open eyes part slightly at the sudden statement.

"I-it's not like that." She rolls her eyes at my comment. Despite my words, March is quite amazing, and I wouldn't be opposed to the idea.

"The way you've spoken of her tells a different story, as does your blush."

"Despite that, I'm just getting her a gift as a friend." She sighs, but it quickly turns to a cheeky smile as we set our finished bowls of food to the side.

"Come on Sam, let's go get that March girl a gift that'll she'll never forget!" She drags me out of the office not unlike a familiar pinkette. The thought stirs in the back of my mind.

Maybe in the future I'll have a relationship with March if she feels the same way. It's hard denying the fact that I have a small crush on her. Even Isa is helping me now, a cute girl helping me get with a cute girl?

Surely nothing will interfere with this wholesome space adventure with my friends.

. . .

Right?

??? POV
Inside of the large glass of greenish blue liquid floats a single suspended object, a wonder of biological engineering she has fantasized about in her dreams. A single human leg on the surface, yet the complex gene structure and anatomy fascinating her to no end. Its extreme resistance to cold temperatures, and solar radiation are only the edge of what the immortal limb contained. To think in its attempted cremation it was nearly destroyed, but the body part resisted the temperature's effects. If she could find its former owner she'd be able to further her research in biological engineering for not only her pet project, but also in pursuit of the origin of life itself. The knowledge so that she may achieve the ascendance she so pursued. Or perhaps all she would need would be this single limb, she was a genius after all. Nonetheless she would have to properly thank Herta for sending her this gift, perhaps she should put more attention into the 'Simulated Universe' she seems so obsessed with recently. It could even be possible to meet this limb's former owner. Her smile tinged with a brewing obsession reflects lightly in the glass at the thought.

AN: This chapter is mostly just set up for the next. Isa is so sweet, she truly just does want Sam to be happy. He'll probably ask her to join the crew, but so many people count on her. She can't just up and leave! Especially because she isn't a combatant. Poor Isa has it rough, meets the guy of her dreams and he turns out to want to go on crazy space adventures when she just wants to cuddle and do science. In addition Stelle is her adorable self and clings to Sam after losing Kafka. Kafka truly is a deadbeat, leaving the adorable Stelle all alone like that! Also that dang clone got up to some 'mischief' and turned Isa's small crush on Sam into a full blown seduction. The clones are just Sam with his 'desire to propagate' amped up by the way, for anyone curious. So it's still Sam who won Isa's heart, he could have done the same thing if he was a little bit more forward with his desires. Also Sam has a mysterious figure searching for him . . . I wonder who it could be?

ISA FANS PLEASE DO NOT BURN ME AT THE STAKE (if any of you exist)

Also I thought I was going to post this yesterday, but I totally forgot I had an exam (which I did well on hopefully) that I needed to study for. So I just finished it up now.

As is the usual, please leave a like and/or comments as they help inspire my writing. Thank you for reading and I'll see you next time!

Last thing: I've noticed some images not working properly on QQ so please tell me if its not working properly!