Chapter 57: Something Worth Not Forgetting

Rain poured heavily over the city, cascading off neon-lit buildings and forming shallow puddles along the slick streets. The artificial glow of advertisements reflected off the wet pavement, creating an iridescent sheen that danced beneath the feet of passing citizens. Towering skyscrapers, sleek and adorned with luminous holograms, stretched into the dark sky, their tips hidden within the storm clouds above. The air carried the scent of damp metal and ozone, mixing with the ever-present hum of machinery as hover vehicles glided soundlessly through the roads above. Despite the late hour, the streets remained busy—humans, humanoid machines, and anthropomorphic beings walked the thoroughfares, some engaged in quiet conversation, others hurriedly making their way through the storm.

Ellen and Acheron moved through the bustling streets, sharing the cover of a single wagasa, its dark fabric shielding them from the relentless rain. Ellen's eyes wandered, taking in the sights of a world unlike any she had seen before. Advanced technology intertwined seamlessly with the remnants of nature; bioengineered trees glowed faintly along the sidewalks, their artificial leaves shimmering with the collected rainwater. Street vendors sold steaming bowls of food from compact stalls, while drones zipped above, patrolling or delivering packages to unseen recipients. Despite the lively atmosphere, there was an unspoken tension lingering beneath the surface, a sense of unease that even Ellen could feel.

People instinctively veered away from Ellen, their glances lingering a little too long before they quickly looked away. She had grown accustomed to stares in New Eridu, but here, it was different. It wasn't curiosity—it was fear, or perhaps something close to it. Even Acheron, who walked beside her with the effortless grace of someone who belonged anywhere and everywhere, didn't receive as many wary glances. Ellen ignored it, focusing instead on their destination.

The two entered a small, nearly empty coffee shop, the chime of the door barely audible over the rain outside. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and spiced pastries filled the warm interior, a stark contrast to the cold outside. The dim lighting cast soft shadows on the wooden decor, creating an atmosphere of quiet solitude. A few patrons occupied the booths near the entrance, their hushed conversations blending with the soothing jazz playing over the speakers.

Ellen and Acheron made their way to the back, settling into a secluded booth where they could speak freely. A waiter approached, a sleek android with a polished silver frame, its synthetic voice smooth and professional.

"What can I get for you today?"

Acheron barely glanced at the menu before ordering. "A black long espresso. No sugar."

Ellen took a moment before deciding. "Flat white. Extra hot."

The waiter nodded and left, leaving the two momentarily in silence.

Acheron leaned back, resting her odachi against the booth beside her. "There's a skyscraper in the middle of the city," she began, her tone calm but firm. "It belongs to the man we're hunting. The closer we get, the heavier the security presence. By the time we reach the tower, we'll be completely exposed."

Ellen rested her arms on the table, listening intently.

"If a fight breaks out, be mindful of civilians," Acheron continued. "There are fifty floors in that building, and the target will likely have multiple escape routes. We'll need to be quick."

Ellen nodded. "Sounds simple enough."

Acheron gave a small, almost amused exhale. "Unfortunately, we arrived too soon. The man we want isn't here yet."

Ellen frowned. "How long?"

"Two more days."

Ellen sighed, leaning back in her seat as the waiter returned with their drinks. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as the cups were placed in front of them. Acheron took a sip of her espresso without hesitation, while Ellen blew softly on the steaming surface of her drink before taking a careful sip.

"We'll need to stay low until then," Acheron said, setting her cup down. "There's a hotel nearby. We'll wait there until the time is right."

Ellen hummed in agreement, already planning how to pass the next two days in an unfamiliar world. They booked a room with two beds and went to sleep ready for the new day ahead.

The city was a marvel of technological advancement, filled with towering skyscrapers adorned with holographic advertisements and neon lights that flickered in various alien languages. Hovercrafts zipped through the air on designated flight paths, while sleek, automated transport pods glided along the streets below. The sidewalks were crowded with a mix of beings—humans, robotic humanoids with sleek metallic exteriors, and various anthropomorphic species with animal-like features. The air carried the faint hum of machinery and the scent of unfamiliar yet enticing street food.

Ellen's gaze darted from one sight to another, eyes widening with curiosity as she took it all in. Every few steps, she asked Acheron about something new—the hovering food stalls, the strange spherical drones scanning pedestrians, the luminescent plants embedded in the buildings that provided natural light. Acheron answered her questions with brief yet insightful responses, her tone calm and composed, as if she had long grown used to such sights.

Lost in fascination, Ellen became distracted by a storefront displaying various weapons encased in reinforced glass. However, when she turned to comment about them to Acheron, she realized the woman was gone. Frowning, she scanned the bustling street before catching sight of Acheron in a dimly lit alleyway.

Acheron stood with her odachi still in its sheath, her face impassive as three men loomed around her. The men, a mix of humanoid and alien features, were smirking, their postures relaxed yet predatory. One of them, a broad-shouldered man with reptilian scales lining his arms, reached out and tilted Acheron's chin to make her look at him.

"C'mon, sweetheart," he purred. "No need to be so cold. We could show you a good time."

Acheron remained silent, her crimson eyes locked onto him with chilling indifference. The air around her was eerily still, but there was something dangerous beneath the surface—a quiet, deadly patience.

Ellen didn't hesitate. She strode into the alleyway and, without a word, slipped her lower arms around Acheron's exposed stomach, pulling her close. With one of her upper hands, she gently took Acheron's free hand, intertwining their fingers in an unmistakable gesture of intimacy.

"Hey, babe, there you are," Ellen said casually, her voice carrying a sharp edge. She rested her chin lightly on Acheron's shoulder, glancing at the men with half-lidded eyes. "Sorry, boys. She's already got plans—with me."

The men hesitated, taking a step back as they assessed the unexpected turn of events. The reptilian man's expression soured, but he didn't immediately let go. "Oh yeah? And who the hell are you supposed to be?"

Ellen sighed dramatically, but her grip on Acheron tightened ever so slightly. "The one who's telling you to back off." To emphasize her point, she let her aura seep out just enough to make the air feel heavier. The temperature around them seemed to drop as an unnatural chill crept through the alley.

That was enough. The men stiffened, their instincts kicking in as fear flashed across their faces. Without another word, they turned and hurried off, their bravado dissolving under Ellen's oppressive presence.

Once they were gone, Ellen released Acheron immediately, stepping back and rubbing the back of her neck. "Uh, sorry about that. Didn't mean to touch you without asking."

Acheron turned to face her, tilting her head slightly. "You handled it well," she said simply. "Though, I had it under control. I was just making sure there were no witnesses before I dealt with them myself."

Ellen blinked, then chuckled. "Yeah, I figured. But scaring them off was faster."

They continued their walk through the city until they reached a market district teeming with vendors selling everything from exotic foods to futuristic gadgets. Among the stalls were racks of clothing, some traditional, others woven with advanced synthetic fabrics that shimmered under the lights.

Ellen tugged at her current outfit, noting the wear and tear from her previous fights. "I should probably grab some new clothes if I'm gonna be here for a while."

Acheron nodded, eyeing her outfit with a critical gaze. "You could look better."

Ellen snorted. "Wow. Thanks. So kind of you."

With Acheron's help, they browsed the selection, picking out something that suited Ellen's style while allowing for practicality. After some deliberation, they settled on a sleek, form-fitting jacket made of reinforced yet flexible material, adorned with subtle blue accents that complemented Ellen's sharp, cool-toned features. Underneath, she wore a fitted combat top that allowed freedom of movement, along with durable, high-tech cargo pants equipped with discreet compartments for storage. The outfit was finished with a pair of lightweight, reinforced boots designed for both speed and stability.

After changing into her new attire, Ellen stepped out of the dressing stall, rolling her shoulders to adjust to the fit. Before she could fully settle, Acheron closed the distance between them, her gloved hands moving deftly to fix the folds of Ellen's jacket, ensuring it sat properly on her frame.

Ellen felt a heat creep up her neck at their proximity. Acheron, ever composed, seemed completely unfazed, her focus entirely on adjusting the clothing. It was a strangely intimate moment—Acheron's precise, almost delicate touches reminding Ellen of a noblewoman's maiden tending to her attire.

Once finished, Acheron stepped back and gave a single approving nod. "It suits you."

Ellen exhaled, forcing herself to relax. "Thanks."

She wasn't sure if she imagined it, but for a brief second, she swore she saw a hint of amusement in Acheron's expression before they moved on.

The rain had stopped by the time Ellen and Acheron found themselves in front of a small, quiet ramen shop tucked away in a narrow alley. The neon signs flickered softly against the damp pavement, casting a dim glow over the entrance. It was the kind of place that didn't draw much attention, perfect for a moment of peace.

Stepping inside, the two found a seat near the counter. Acheron ordered something light—a simple broth with noodles—while Ellen, true to her nature, stacked her order with meat, her bowl piled high with various food's.

They ate in comfortable silence until Ellen, without looking up, casually slid a chunk of meat onto Acheron's plate. "You need to eat more. It'll keep you from getting hungry later."

Acheron arched an eyebrow but didn't argue. She picked up the piece with her chopsticks and ate it, then in turn, slid a neatly sliced piece of peach onto Ellen's plate. "You should eat some fruit, unless you want to get fat."

Ellen blinked at her, then smirked. "Didn't you just call me fat?"

"No, not yet at least." Acheron responded dryly.

Ellen chuckled and ate the peach. It was a quiet but mutual exchange of care, one neither of them pointed out aloud.

The hotel room they returned to had two separate beds, the space clean and modern but lacking warmth. That night, neither of them could sleep. The room was still, illuminated only by the faint city lights outside.

Ellen shifted in her bed and spoke into the silence. "What do you do in your free time?"

Acheron, resting on her back with her hands behind her head, took a moment to think before answering. "You already know I'm a Galaxy Ranger. I mostly wander the universe, but besides that... I write in my journal. I've faced many foes and met many trusted companions on my journey. I write about them to remember the times we shared before we parted ways."

Ellen turned her head slightly, considering that. "That's kind of sentimental."

Acheron didn't respond immediately, then said, "Even if they're gone, it doesn't mean they never existed. I make sure they aren't forgotten."

Ellen hummed in understanding. "I get that."

Acheron shifted her gaze toward her. "What about you? What do you do in your free time?"

Ellen smiled faintly. "Work, mostly. I have Victoria Housekeeping, and then there's Section 6. Miyabi and Mira—they're my people. Mira's like a little sister and daughter, I make sure to take care of her. Miyabi acts all serious, but she is softy on the inside that cares for many she let's be close to her."

Acheron listened silently, her gaze unreadable. "I'm glad there are people in your life who give you meaning."

Ellen blinked at her, caught off guard by the sincerity. She exhaled and turned onto her side, facing away. "Yeah... me too."

The next morning, Ellen stretched as they walked toward an open training ground in an abandoned part of the city. "How about we spar?" she suggested. "Let's see how well we fight together."

Acheron regarded her for a moment, then nodded. "Fine."

They stood across from each other, the space wide and empty. Acheron kept her sword sheathed, her grip steady, while Ellen cracked her knuckles, her tail swaying slightly in anticipation.

Ellen struck first, fast and heavy, forcing Acheron to sidestep. Acheron countered with precise movements, dodging and redirecting Ellen's force without unnecessary effort. It became a battle of raw strength against pure skill.

Ellen's strikes were relentless, each blow shaking the ground, but Acheron was fluid, adapting to her pace, predicting each move. They parried and evaded, gradually learning each other's rhythms.

As they fought, Ellen realized something—Acheron never drew her sword. She fought with it sheathed, relying on her skill rather than its power. It wasn't out of arrogance or restraint. It was control.

Their match ended when Acheron's sheathed blade lightly tapped Ellen's shoulder, while Ellen's fist hovered just an inch from Acheron's face. A silent understanding passed between them.

"You fight well," Acheron admitted, lowering her weapon.

Ellen grinned, panting slightly. "You too."

They stepped back, Ellen felt a sense of trust forming between them—something unspoken but understood.

Ellen and Acheron sat in the quiet of their hotel room, the dim glow of the city's neon skyline casting long streaks of light through the window. They had already finalized their plans for tomorrow—every detail accounted for, every possible obstacle considered. Yet, as Ellen stretched her arms, she noticed Acheron seated on the couch, gazing out at the city, lost in thought.

Without a word, Ellen walked over to the small table, grabbed a drink from their supplies, and placed it beside Acheron. The quiet clink of the can touching the surface pulled Acheron from her reverie. She glanced at it, then up at Ellen, her crimson eyes steady.

"Figured you'd want something," Ellen said with a shrug.

Acheron remained silent for a moment before reaching out and taking the drink. Though her face barely changed, Ellen caught the faintest hint of a smile at the corners of her lips. Satisfied, Ellen flopped onto the other side of the couch, stretching out and letting her tail drape over the edge, the tip resting on the floor. The city hummed outside, the sound of distant traffic and the occasional murmur of pedestrians beneath them. It was a rare, peaceful moment, and neither of them felt the need to break it with words.

Minutes passed, maybe longer, and before Ellen knew it, exhaustion crept over her. Her blinks became slower, her breathing steadied, and eventually, her body surrendered to sleep. Acheron glanced toward her after noticing the shift in her breathing. Ellen was out cold, her head resting awkwardly against the couch's armrest, her tail twitching slightly even in sleep.

Acheron let out a quiet sigh and stood. She retrieved a light blanket from her bed, carefully draping it over Ellen's form. Then, she adjusted a pillow beneath Ellen's head so she wouldn't wake up with a stiff neck. As a final touch, she took a small sleep hat and gently placed it over Ellen's shark fin tail. A small, amused look flickered across Acheron's face before vanishing just as quickly.

With Ellen settled, Acheron turned away and sat on her own bed. She reached for her journal, flipping to a blank page. For a moment, she simply stared at it, as if searching for the right words. Then, with a practiced motion, she began to write.

She wrote about Ellen. About the way she carried herself, the blunt but honest way she spoke, the strength she wielded, both physically and in spirit. The way she had stepped in for her earlier that day, handling an unwanted encounter with a casual but firm presence. The way she offered food without hesitation, as if ensuring someone else's well-being was just second nature to her. The way she had, in such a short time, become something more than just a passing acquaintance.

Acheron paused, tapping the end of her pen against the paper. She glanced toward Ellen once more, watching her chest rise and fall in the steady rhythm of sleep. Then, without overthinking it, she continued writing.

Despite the path she walked, despite the Nihility that clung to her very existence, Acheron had found something—or someone—worth remembering.