Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone

It had been a long, long time since Zero had been anywhere besides Xyion. Leaving this place was a thing that rarely ever crossed his mind, in all honesty. He had a purpose here, after all, why would he abandon that in search of something so unknown? So… Scary? 

It was more than enough to simply read the stories of distant planets, or eavesdrop on a curious traveler that had touched down from a far-off place. The more he heard, the less interested he became, anyway. None of these places sounded like “home” to him. Xyion, however? That was home. 

He had decided a long, long time ago that Xyion was the place for him to be. In truth, it was merely just fuel for his twisted savior complex. A broken planet filled with broken people - people desperately looking for someone to rise above as the leader of the rebellion they so desperately needed whether they knew it or not. 

…However, this time around was different.

Perhaps it had been the aching realization of unhappiness sinking into Zero’s chest, perhaps it was the thickening fog that clouded the dreary skies of Xion, or perhaps it was the simple basic longing for something more than what you’ve known your entire life. Regardless of the reason, whispers of the Pleiades cluster and its celebration of Stellaestum had undoubtedly caught Zero’s interest.

Sunny skies, sandy beaches, crashing waves, freckled night skies, glowing lanterns… It all sounded magical compared to what he knew. 

Could a place like that even exist? He thought to himself, quietly gazing upwards at the dark sky. I suppose there’s only one way to find out, isn’t there?

And so his mind was made up. Right then and there, Zero had committed himself to indulging in the festivities of Stellaestum.

The journey was a scary one for someone like Zero. Though he definitely would never admit his fear, it had been quite a while since he ventured into the vastness of space. It was confusing to navigate, that’s for certain. The only guide you have is the variety of fellow Luminites drifting about, forming unofficial roads and pathways, or putting up makeshift floating signs pointing you in the correct direction. 

Stellaestum is quite popular, I see… He thought to himself as he watched the trails of sparkling Stardust flow behind various Luminites as they followed the direction of the poorly made wooden “PLEIADES THIS WAY” arrow signs.

Just as he found himself finally growing comfortable with his surroundings, a peppy voice from behind sent a jolt of shock down his spine.

“Hello!” He turned to see a fellow Luminite - thank goodness - pink and cream, sparkling bright eyes, and decorated with foreign fauna and a dangling lantern from their tail. They looked incredibly… “cutesy.”

“You seem a bit lost there, friend! I’ve been watching you for a lil bit… You’re from Xyion, right?” They circled around Zero with a little flip, giggling as they did so.

“Um…” Zero nervously fixed his glasses, still maintaining his composed posture. “Yes, I am. Why? Have you been spying on me?”

“Hmmm… Welllll… Spying is a bit of a heavy word, y’know?” They blinked innocently. “I wouldn’t use such a word to describe me, but… Eh, something like that~”

“...I have no business with a weirdo like you, then-”

“Oh, don’t be so sour! I just don’t want you to get all confused and lost! Plus, Luminites from Xyion are always suuuper obvious. You guys always look so cool! See?”

They cheerfully pointed at Zero’s robotic eye.

“That’s so cool! You don’t see Lumis like that too often, huh?”

“...Whatever.” He glanced away, blushing. “Can I please just make it to Pleiades in peace? This is my first time out, and-”

“Oh, well then, you’ll be pleased!” They floated to his side, pulling him into a side-hug as they pointed at the planet before them. “It’s right there!”

And right there it was.

Even at first impression, it was clear the tales of Pleiades were true. Glistening blue seas covered most of the planet, leaving a lush, vibrant island of green foliage, towering mountains, and glistening sandy beaches isolated among the ocean. It looked like a storybook popped to life in front of his eyes.

The city of Polistri quickly came into view. The marble buildings, the star-shaped decorations, the delicious food, the sound of laughter mixing with the symphony of music cheerfully drifting through the air… It was beautiful. It was like anything Zero had ever seen before.

As he landed, he felt a foreign feeling warming up his chest.

Joy.

“Ahaha! Look at you, you’re smiling! You like it?”

They squished Zero’s face, promptly snapping him out of the moment.

“...I do, thank you.” He pushed the stranger’s paws away as he stepped forth, eyes still glistening with amazement.

“It’s… Beautiful.”

“It is, isn’t it?” They tilted their head with a prideful smirk. “I live here, so… I help organize a lot if it, heh~ No big deal or anything… Eheheh~!”

“No big deal… Right.”
“Aww, don’t give me that look! Maybe you can come help next year, too!”

Next year…?

Zero had solidified this in his mind as a one-time thing. A taste, if you will. He didn’t expect it to be as beautiful as it was, and he especially didn’t expect it to like it as much as he already did.

Could he really do this again next year?

Would there even be a next year for him?

“Heyyy!” The stranger poked his forehead, abruptly pulling him out of his trance once again. “Did you hear me?”

“Uh… Yeah. Sorry.” He looked away sheepishly. “I… Could consider, but… I’m a very busy Lumi, you see. I can’t spend my time on such frivolous things, so-”

“-So, it’s a yes? I think someone with a robotic eye would be a big help!”

Why would that be the case? He thought to himself before shaking off the thought. Eh, doesn’t seem like this person doesn’t think too much about what they say. I shouldn’t think too hard into it.

“...Fine. If I’m available.” He gave them a stern look. “No guarantees.”

“Ahh! Yay~!” They pulled him into a hug. “It’ll be so much fun, I promise!”
Isn’t this a bit much for someone you just met? He thought.

“Right.” He pushed himself away before giving them a curious look. “I don’t believe I got your name, by the way.”

“Oh!” They blushed. “Aha… My bad. My name is Cherry, what’s yours?”
“Zero.”

“Zero… So cool! I’m sure we’ll have a great time this Stellaestum, Zero! I can show you all of the best things to do, okay?”

Though Zero was still unsure how much he should trust this stranger, exploring all the activities with a bonafide Stellaestum expert seemed like… Fun. Not to mention… Their cheerful and upbeat nature was something that Zero felt like he needed.

“...Alright.”

Cherry’s eyes sparkled as Zero gave them a smile.

“Then what are you waiting for? Let’s get to it!”