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Chapter Text

Considering that she woke up without memories, stopped a Doomsday Beast, almost died, saved Herta Space Station, and joined the Astral Express in a day, Stelle thinks she’s handled things pretty well, considering. Once the chaos settles, Himeko offers everyone the chance to explore while the Express prepares for the upcoming journey to Jarilo-VI. Breaking away from March and Dan Heng for the first time since waking up, Stelle considers where she’ll start.

…

As it turns out, the station doesn’t offer much to those without clearance. Sure, there’s the Master Control Zone, Simulated Universe, Base, Storage, and Supply Zones, but not much else.

After shadowing Arlan for the umpteenth time in however long it’s been, the realization hits Stelle.

She’s restless.

Eh, it can’t be that bad.

…

When she’s shunned from Herta’s office following the Genius demanding she stop living within the Simulated Universe, Stelle begins to consider the possibility she might have a problem. Screwllum suggests sitting down for tea, and the idea sounds as appealing as listening to Pom-Pom deliver a lecture on not treating the Express’ Parlor Car’s couches as beds. Arlan–bless him–looks about ready to handcuff her to a pole with how often Stelle’s accompanied him throughout the station. Himeko and Welt’s suggestions–thoughtful as they are–lead her right back to square one.

Okay, maybe Stelle does have a problem.

Slumping across the Master Control Zone’s floor in defeat, Stelle cradles Peppy in her arms; he’s a dog–boundless energy and all. Surely, he’d have something. “Peppy. Bud. Friendo. How do you not go insane?”

Adorably, the pomeranian doesn’t answer, tilting his head in a confused manner.

Groaning, Stelle’s head thumps against the metal flooring. “It’s hopeless…”

A familiar light laugh catches the pair’s attention. “What have you two been up to?”

Instead of turning from her spot on the floor, Stelle settles for tilting her head back further, catching sight of unmistakable pink hair.

Asta–the Lead Researcher and Stelle’s first friend.

Grunting breathlessly as Peppy uses her chest as a springboard to launch toward his owner, she waves from where she lies. “Yo.”

Asta heaves Peppy into her arms, smiling at the two. “A little, em, birdie told me you needed a distraction.” Addressing Stelle, she focuses on scratching Peppy between his ears, delighting at the pleased whine she receives.

For a brief moment, Stelle is jealous at the display. Wringing her two brain cells together, she processes the words, eying the pomeranian in betrayal. “Snitch,” she declares, to which the dog responds with a bark, feigning innocence.

Oh, that little–

“Now, now,” Asta placates, depositing Peppy before turning to focus solely on the Trailblazer. “Madam Herta mentioned you’ve been hoarding her Simulated Universe.” Eying Stelle with a raised eyebrow, she smirks. “Bored?”

Grumbling, Stelle crosses her arms, mumbling, “Something like that…” When Asta laughs again, she silently delights at the sound, wishing she could hear it more often. “Isn’t it maddening,” she asks. “Being cooped up in the station this long?”

Asta hums, one hand resting under her chin as she thinks. “About that. Work tends to keep me occupied most of the day.”

Once again, Stelle’s met with disappointment. “Think Himeko would let me back out of joining the Express?” Enticing as the idea of journeying into the stars might be, she can’t help but entertain the idea of settling down among the station’s inhabitants.

She smiles at the thought of working under Asta, following her like a lost puppy.

“Tempting as that sounds, you should go with them.” Asta sounds sincere, the most since their impromptu first meeting.

Blinking in surprise, Stelle blindly agrees. “I should, huh?”

Giggling, the Lead Researcher nods. “Yes.”

Silence falls between them, but it isn’t the least bit awkward. Time seems to melt away as they sit in the moment, eyes unconsciously drifting to each other. Their gazes lock, and Stelle’s mind blanks.

On second thought, life aboard the station doesn’t sound so bad…

Composing herself, Asta clears her throat. “If it’s a distraction you’re looking for, you might be in luck.”

Eyes widening in excitement, Stelle rolls over, listening with rapt attention. “Say more.” It’s like she has a talent for making the researcher laugh, not that the Trailblazer’s complaining.

“Madam Herta informed me Madam Ruan Mei arrived not long ago. If you’d like, you could meet her?” Like hook, line, and sinker, Asta tacks on, “She’s visiting for reasons concerning the Simulated Universe and personal research.”

Owlishly, Stelle blinks. “Meet her? I- I can do that?”

Another laugh (Score!) “Of course! Madam Ruan Mei isn’t the type for fanfare, but she and Madam Herta have spoken about your Stellaron on several occasions. If anything, I’m sure she’d like to talk.”

Taking the bait, Stelle agrees, “Say no more.” This sounds like a perfect chance to kill time if ever there was one. Already moving to leave the Master Control Zone, she realizes–belatedly–she has no idea where to find Ruan Mei. “Uh… where?”

Without missing a beat, Asta understands. “While I can’t say exactly, she’s known to divide her time between the Master Control Zone and Railway Platform. Start there?”

Straightening her posture, Stelle salutes. “Aye, ma’am.” Delighting at the sound of a final laugh, she turns ninety degrees, strutting toward the nearest elevator.

Today might have gotten off to a slow start, but hopefully, it won’t be the case much longer.

…

Down in the Seclusion Zone and face to face with the smug Shader Cat nestled in her arms, Stelle considers if she’s in over her head. Giving the creature a scritch under its chin, it delights at the contact. Stelle frowns but continues to give the artificial lifeform pets.

Don’t think about the pretty woman who left you aboard the station with no memories. Don’t think about the pretty woman who left you aboard the station with no memories. Don’t think–

Distantly, a far-off part of her brain laments her encounter with Ruan Mei, and if the ensuing chaos involving the Swarm King and Lifeform Oven are punishments for doing what the pretty lady told her without thinking.

Nah, Stelle brushes it off. If woman evil, why pretty?

When her phone buzzes, she reluctantly sets the Shader Cat down, watching as it all-too-happily bounces over to nestle against the Trash Cake’s side; Stelle swears she sees the thing stick its tongue out at her.

If the little bugger wasn’t so cute–

A second buzz interrupts any retort. Looking down, she smiles at the notification informing her of Asta’s message.

…

One conversation later, she puts her latest project in the Lifeform Oven on hold to find Peppy. Thankfully, since he’s somewhere within the Seclusion Zone, it shouldn’t take that long.

Idly walking through the desolate halls, her mind keeps drifting to Asta’s final message.

Oh, right, I installed a specially made device on Peppy. When you find him, remember to activate the beacon. There's a surprise for you!

Is the first thing her mind conjures up a kiss? Maybe. 

Does she really, really want it to be a kiss? Maybe.

Should she–

The sound of high-pitched barking in the distance has Stelle picking up her pace.

Stumbling through a doorway, she comes face-to-face with a trio of Voidrangers crowding a tense Peppy. When their eyes meet, he barks, “Woof woof!”

Summoning her bat, Stelle leaps into the fray. The battle is nothing noteworthy, considering she faced the Swarm King alone not long ago. Focusing on Peppy, she kneels to inspect the little guy, looking him over for any injuries. Thankfully, he’s unharmed. 

“Woof woof? Woof woof woof!”

Nodding, Stelle tilts her head. “...Sure?”

“Woof! Woof woof!” Seemingly unsatisfied with her answer, the pomeranian spins in place, presenting the backside of his vest to her; on it, Stelle spies a big red button. Remembering Asta’s final message, who is Stelle to leave a button unpressed?

At first, she thinks nothing’s happened until-

(Woof, can you hear Peppy?)

‘Wh-’ Stelle’s brain blanks.

(Hello?)

Sputtering incoherent mumbling, she stares dumbly at the dog before her, convinced she’s lost her mind. Considering everything that’s happened on the station until now, it was bound to happen. Frozen in mind and body, she misses a fresh series of words.

This isn’t happening. “I’m going nuts.”

Barking to grab her attention, Peppy shakes his head. He can do that?! (Stop being stupid. Peppy is talking to you!)

Mouth agape, Stelle manages, “You- you can do that?!”

Rolling his eyes, the pomeranian eyes her, unimpressed. (Peppy has always talked.) 

Before she can respond, he’s barking so quick his words are nearly incoherent.

(Focus on Peppy!)

Right, Asta had given her a job to do. “Alright, little guy,” she kneels, giving him a quick scratch behind the ear. “Asta’s been worried sick about you.”

Frowning, he nods, tail drooping. (Peppy is working hard to ease Miss Asta’s burden! I was standing guard for the Joy Filtration Set!)

Right. Curio. They were looking for that. Storing her bat for now, Stelle asks the obvious, “Any reason you didn’t give Asta a heads up?”

Peppy barks. (Something’s wrong with the signal. I can’t contact Miss Asta.)

Stelle supposes his answer is as good as any. “That’ll do it, I suppose. So, about this scent you mentioned…”

Surprisingly, they work well together–a perfect team. Before long, they’re faced with a problem–with the area’s access control system down, they can’t open the door enough for Stelle to slip through. She’s seconds from bashing it with her bat when Peppy chimes in.

(Don’t smash the door!) He looks like a disappointed parent, bearing a striking resemblance to Mr. Welt. (Peppy can fit through, woof, but you’re too tall.)

Looking back to the door, Stelle shrugs. “Do we give up?”

Peppy looks even more disappointed. (No, woof! We’ll use sync mode!) Turning around, he uses his tail to deftly motion to a second button on his vest–one Stelle had missed. Tilting his head back to watch her, he barks.

(Press it, woof!)

Not sure where this is going, Stelle elects to have faith in Asta. The second she pushes the button, an overwhelming sense of nausea and dizziness hits her, her mind swimming. It’s a disorienting feeling–the room spinning while you’re rooted in place. A migraine sprouts along her temple and the base of her skull, growing in intensity.

The pain is too much, and Stelle knows she’s falling unconscious.

…

(...of…)

…

(wo…)

…

(Woof! Wake up!)

Eyes flying open, Stelle’s mind takes its sweet time shaking away the remaining dredges of sleep clinging to her consciousness. Disoriented and still dizzy, she tries to shake her head, only to find she can’t feel her body. Several failed attempts later, she catches sight of a familiar mop of unruly gray hair.

‘W-woof?’

Her body lies still, slumped lifelessly against the wall.

‘Oh shit,’ Stelle thinks. ‘Did I die?’ Is… is this what it felt like to be a ghost? Not- not feeling anything? Amidst her growing panic, Peppy’s voice cuts through.

(Stelle isn’t dead, woof.)

Trying to look around for any sight of the pomeranian, she feels a growing anger at the fact she still can’t move. ‘Where?’

(Look down!)

As Stelle goes to fire back a retort, she realizes she can, in fact, look down. When she does… her feet are… fluffy? Like that was all it took, her mind processes how large the room they’re in has become.

Great. Now Stelle’s mind can’t decide if she’s died and become a ghost or been reincarnated into a dog. Maybe she could start a career writing cheesy light novels. In the vast universe she’s found herself in, there’s gotta be a market for that, right?

Can a ghost even write?

(Peppy isn’t a ghost!)

Right. Peppy. Peppy was somewhere in the room with her. Asta had sent them on the hunt for a Curio, and Stelle wasn’t dead, despite lacking the senses that proved you were very much alive and kicking.

(Stelle is synced with Peppy.)

And that’s all it takes. Taking stock of her appearance, she spies unmistakable cream-colored fur.

Okay. She can work with this.

Somehow turned into a dog. Check.

Can’t… “feel.” Check.

Peppy can seemingly understand her thoughts. Check.

With all that said, Stelle has no idea what’s going on. 

(Missy gave me this beacon. It lets me sync.) The feeling of Peppy’s voice reverberating from within her skull is disorienting, but the feeling is quickly becoming second nature–like it’s always been a part of her.

…Weird.

‘So, I’m you?’

Peppy mentally shrugs, and she somehow catches it. (Not important! We still need to find the missing Curio, woof.) Without waiting for a response, he dashes under the door, slowly padding across one side of the elevator platform until coming to an abrupt stop.

A few feet ahead, a Voidranger is patrolling, blocking their path.

Stelle has to ask, ‘Asta didn’t give you lasers, did she?’

(Nope. You need to help me sneak around those giant baddies.)

She doesn’t see any reason to refuse. ‘Better than sitting here as a disembodied voice.’ And so they get to work, slinking their way to a door on the far right side of the chamber. Finally past the worst of it, she allows herself a sigh of relief. ‘Is it over?’

Peppy nods. (Yes- Wait, can you hear that?)

If Stelle strains ears that don’t exist, she can catch the faintest… ‘Is that crying?’ Padding down the annex, she finds a room splitting into three doorways. With the leftmost guarded by a fierce-looking Voidranger and the middle’s control panel without power, the decision to take the rightmost door is made. Thankfully, her newfound diminutive size allows Stelle to sneak by undetected, finding joy in squeezing under desks and pathways inaccessible to her before. Now inside, she finds a maze of boxes too tall to see over; undeterred, she takes it as a challenge, tail wagging as she reaches the end, coming face-to-face with one of Ruan Mei’s creations–distressed. 

Barking in pride at her accomplishment, Stelle catches a familiar scent… the-

‘The Curio!’

(Stelle, woof?)

Looking around, Stelle doesn’t find herself saving a distressed creation but having found the culprit. That doesn’t sound right. ‘Whuh?’

Mentally, Peppy quirks an eyebrow. (You went quiet. Peppy had to sneak around the baddies all by himself!) Even from their mental link, she can sense the pride in his voice, conjuring a mental image of the pomeranian puffing out his chest.

‘Right.’ She concedes, still lost. ‘What happened to the maze?’ And the other creature, she doesn’t mention.

At first, her companion doesn’t respond, as if processing her words; eventually, Peppy chimes in with, (There was only the Curio thief Peppy found. Is Stelle sleeping on the job? You should be helping Peppy!) Despite the bite, his voice is playful–exasperated, if anything.

‘But I was-’ Stelle chooses to take fault, even if the whole “dream” felt too real to be anything but. Getting back on track, she gestures her snout toward the creature. ‘I smell the Curio, but I don’t see it. Did we miss something?’ Distantly, she senses Peppy shift but pushes it out of her mind.

(Nope. Peppy can sense the Joy Filtration Set has been opened.) Facing the creature, he adopts an imposing stance. (What did you do with the Curio?)

“Curio,” it asks, blinking in confusion. “What is that?”

…

One headache-inducing conversation later, Stelle still feels like bashing her head against a wall.

‘After all that… it ate what we were looking for? Wh- what do we do now?!’ 

Peppy frowns. (First, we should get Miss Asta’s opinion. I need to go back.)

Well, it’s as good a place as any to start. ‘Mind if I tag along?’

(Of course! Detective Peppy and Stelle- Wait! We need to unsynchronize!) A short run later, they’re squeezing back under the original door, Peppy coming to sit at the foot of Stelle’s unconscious body. This time, he uses his tail to press the button, and Stelle has no time to process the sensation of being mentally ejected from one body and into another.

When her eyes open, she sees Peppy and a room several times smaller than she remembers. Holding back her stomach’s contents from upending themselves out of sheer will, she slumps bonelessly to the ground, sending the pomeranian a strong side-eye.

“Never do that again with- ugh… without warning me next time.”

Peppy–charmer that he is–barks, tail wagging. (Peppy did nothing wrong!)

Groaning, she doesn’t dignify him with a response, taking time to let the world settle. When Peppy barks, Stelle throws up a limp thumbs up. “Got it, boss, I’m up.” Nice as it might be to laze about here on the floor, Asta still needs a report, and she doesn’t want anything else to happen to her companion on the way. Counting to three, she gets up.

…

Except… her body doesn’t move.

Peppy barks impatiently. (Come on. Miss Asta’s time is precious.)

Nodding, Stelle tries again. “I’m trying!” The second time isn’t any better. Frowning, she realizes there’s a “disconnect” between telling her body to move and it doing anything. It’s like… her limbs are too long, too heavy. The thought of walking on two legs feels far more foreign to her mind than it should.

Eventually, Stelle manages to get to her feet, albeit through the assistance of Peppy and leaning against a wall. She’s thankful March isn’t here to see the remaining shreds of her dignity crumble to oblivion.

A photo of this… It makes the Trailblazer shudder.

Eyeing Peppy, she says, “Can’t think what’s more weird, walking on two legs or four.”

Responding only with a bark, he breaks off running for the Seclusion Zone’s main elevator, not checking to see if she’s following. 

Shaking her head, Stelle begins to follow. “Oi! Wait for me!” In that moment, she misses the speed advantage Peppy’s syncing gave her, but she pushes the thought out of her mind for more important matters.

Asta matters.

…

Standing at the Master Control Zone’s main bridge is the woman they’re looking for. While Peppy may trump Stelle in speed, she makes up for it thanks to her long gait. Their race ends in a tie.

Stelle counts it as a win anyway.

Watching the Trailblazer catch her breath, Asta quirks an eyebrow with a smile, hoisting Peppy into her arms at his incessant barks. Obliging, she begins brushing down his short coat. “I take it you two got along well. How was the search?”

Stelle sends her a blank look. “Woof.”

Asta’s eyes light up. “Oh! Missy finally finished her project?”

She shrugs her shoulders. “No idea who Missy is, but considering everything I experienced in the last four hours, I’ll go with yes.” In the half-hour it took for her and Peppy to reach the Master Control Zone from the Seclusion Zone, her mind remained strangely fixated on the whole syncing experience. Not terrible, per se, just… weird.

The Lead Researcher sends her a sympathetic smile, nodding. Looking at Peppy, she asks, “Were you brave for Stelle? Did you keep her safe?” It was equal parts amusing and adorable how the young woman’s voice cooed as she spoke with her pet.

(Peppy was very brave!)

Seemingly at his words, Asta’s eyes lit up, and her pets increased tenfold.

“Funny,” Stelle smirked. “Could have sworn soooooomeone asked me to help them avoid enemies.” Crossing her arms, her grin reached shit-eating levels of smugness as she winked at Peppy. “Doesn’t sound very brave, huh?”

Gasping in shock, Asta’s mouth hung agape as she glanced between Stelle and Peppy, then back again.

Peppy was equally caught off-guard. (Don’t make Peppy sound like a coward in front of Miss Asta! Woof woof woof!) By the end of his miniature tirade, the pomeranian devolved into barking as he jumped from his owner’s arms, running circles around Stelle’s ankles.

Momentarily surprised, Stelle yelped, jumping into the surprisingly strong arms of Asta. Blinking owlishly, her actions caught up with her mind, and she slowly turned to face the shorter woman. “...Sorry?”

By the grace of an Aeon, Asta took it in stride, though her cheeks held a tint of red, matching Stelle's own. “It’s alright. Peppy gets like that sometimes.” Letting her down, she pointed a stern finger to the pomeranian. “Now, now, mister. Sit!”

And Peppy did, happily catching the treat thrown his way. Busy munching away, something else caught his owner’s attention.

“S-Stelle?” Asta’s voice cut in, uncertain.

“Hm?”

“Is… is there any reason you’re sitting?”

Looking down, Stelle found she was indeed ‘sitting,’ crouched on her knees. She was kneeling. She… couldn’t remember doing that. In an impressive feat of quick thinking, she mustered a response to play the strange behavior off.

“Do I get a treat too?”

“...”

“...”

Silence fell between them–Asta in shock, Stelle in anticipation. 

“...”

“...”

On second thought, Stelle found death preferable to embarrassment.

But then… Asta broke into a fit of giggles, nearly doubling over. The giggles gradually transformed into laughter, as she couldn’t contain herself. At one point, she had to rely on a nearby console to support her weight, blissfully unaware of the nearby scientists beginning to stare.

Stelle paled, hoping neither Himeko nor March was near, lest jokes be made at her expense.

Eventually, Asta regained her composure, wiping tears from her eyes. “Well,” she gestured to the pouch at her hip, “these are only suitable for dogs, I’m sorry.”

Frowning, Stelle could practically feel her nonexistent ears flattening against her head.

“But! I wouldn’t be opposed to treating you to dinner after the Curio investigation is over. Sound good?” Again, a faint dusting of pink returned to the Lead Researcher’s cheeks, eyes looking in expecting longing.

Stelle said the first thing that came to mind, beyond pleased with herself, “Woof.”

Now, it was Peppy’s turn to send her a side-eye. (No going back. Peppy will be counting on you to help Miss Asta.) Padding over, he sat at her feet, meeting her eyes with fierce determination. (Promise?)

“Woof.” Was all she said, giving the pomeranian a final scratch behind the ears. This seemed to satisfy him for now.

At the sound of a ping, Asta pulled out her phone, frowning. “Unfortunately, work calls.”

“Something bad?”

She shook her head. “No. One of the Researchers asked if I could review his thesis before tonight’s deadline. This is where Peppy and I say goodbye for the day.” Eyes widening, she stopped, realizing she’d yet to ask. “You… You will help with the rest of the investigation, won’t you? Please?” Near the end, her tone became pleading; hell–even Peppy threw in the puppy-dog eyes for good measure.

Smiling with a fond shake of her head, Stelle agreed, “You didn’t have to ask. I’m always happy to help you. And Peppy, I guess.” Smirking, she made sure to perch from a desk to avoid the pomeranian’s next assault. Checking her phone for no reason at all, she shrugged. “Besides, I have you to thank.”

Confused, Asta asked, “For?”

“The distraction.” Sliding off the desk, she sidled beside the Lead Researcher, leaning close to whisper, “And the date.” Not giving the other woman a chance to respond, she hurried off, deciding to rest on the express until tomorrow.

Face ablaze, Stelle ensured she was well out of Asta’s sight, trying to calm her racing breath. Pumping her fist, she gave herself a pat on the back.

Stelle was liking her time aboard the station more and more.

Chapter Text

Back in the Master Control Zone a day later, Stelle grabbed a nearby swivel chair and began to wait. Checking her phone, the time read three minutes until noon. Yesterday, it hadn’t occurred to her until setting foot on the Express that she and Asta hadn’t decided on a time to meet. A handful of messages later, the investigation was set to continue shortly.

She spun in place for the umpteenth time, slowly watching the seconds tick by. For some reason, she was finding it exceedingly difficult to sit still today. 

While she waited, the Trailblazer’s thoughts drifted back to her sync with Peppy and the oddities that followed. Absentmindedly, Stelle used her knuckles to scratch the itch on her neck, only to freeze when she realized what she was doing.

She shook her head, grey hair whipping back and forth. Eh. It was nothing.

Just in time, Asta arrived, Peppy in tow.

The Lead Researcher's face lit up when she saw Stelle while Peppy bounded ahead, tail wagging as he barked up a storm. “You came back!” Asta’s cheeks flushed red. “Not- Not that you wouldn’t, of course! You just… Thank you,” she settled on, hoping to avoid embarrassing herself further.

Stelle shrugged, bending down in the nick of time to catch Peppy, meanwhile scratching the furball behind the ears. “I live to please.” Looking down at Peppy–the pomeranian happily squirming in her arms–she raised an eyebrow. “So I’m stuck with you again?”

Of course, Peppy reacted as the Trailblazer expected, jumping out of her arms to defend his honor.

(Peppy is doing this to help Miss Asta, woof!)

Unfazed by the little guy, Stelle chuckled, kneeling to boop him on the nose. “Woe is me, terrified of the big bad wolf.” 

The Pomeranian stuck his snout high in the air, letting out a sound between a bark and scoff, much as a dog is capable of one. (Stelle should be nicer to Peppy, or else Peppy will tell Miss Asta what you say about her, woof!)

Quickly shutting her mouth, Stelle’s eyes widened in horror, fighting to do anything but look at Asta. Oh, Aeons-

All those times she waxed poetically to Peppy about how pathetically head-over-heels she was for the Lead Researcher, knowing the pomeranian probably didn’t have a single thought behind his beady little eyes. To think he was listening all this time-

“You. Wouldn’t. Dare,” she uttered the last word with clenched teeth, narrowing her eyes as she stared daggers at Peppy.

Before he could respond, Asta cut in, her voice faint, “Stelle… you wouldn’t happen to be… Can- Can you understand Peppy?” At her question, the pomeranian tilted his head, studying Stelle.

(Woof?)

Bemused, the Trailblazer awkwardly rubbed her neck, with her fingers this time. “...Yeah? Isn’t that the whole reason for that fancy beacon in the first place?”

Somehow–impossible as it was–Asta’s eyes widened further, bringing a hand to cover her mouth in shock. “I haven’t activated the beacon yet.”

Taking a moment to process the bombshell just dropped, Stelle hardly seemed phased. “Huh.”

…Right up until the implication hit her.

“Oh.”

“Oh,” Asta whispered, clearly beginning to panic.

(Oh, woof.) Peppy barked, to which Stelle translated to the Lead Researcher, realizing too late she wasn’t helping.

Asta was full-blown panicking, pacing back and forth, muttering to herself like mad.

“Madam Herta will have my head for this… I’ll need to warn Missy, but what if something happens?! Arhg! Neurological synchronization?! She never said anything like this was possible!” On and on she went, ignorant of the attention she was drawing from the other scientists in the Master Control Zone.

“Okay,” Stelle went with, gently guiding her hands around Asta’s shoulders, breaking the Lead Researcher from her revelry. Sure, there was a ton to unpack with hers and Peppy’s weirdness, but it wouldn’t do for the Galatic Baseballer to leave a pretty lady all distressed.

Peppy, ever the dutiful knight, followed closely, worriedly circling his owner with small whines.

Asta looked beyond dazed as she was lowered into a chair secluded from most of the Master Control Zone. She stared at Stelle with wide eyes, her face pale. “Why- You aren’t freaking out.”

“Nope,” she popped the ‘p’ sound for emphasis, hands casually tucked inside her jacket pockets as she leaned against the metal railing beside Asta’s seat. The whole scene was almost ironic, for Stelle to be keeping calm in this situation.

Eh, she lived for the irony.

The Lead Researcher couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “H-how? Why?” Her voice rose at the end, barely concealing panic.

Stelle shrugged. “I woke up less than three weeks ago with no memories and house something that could level half the universe at any given second, and you wonder why suddenly understanding a dog doesn’t phase me?” To tell the truth–far worse could have befallen her; conversing with Peppy didn’t sound so bad.

“Wait.” Her brow furrowed. “Is that why I’m named ‘Stelle’?” 

Why hadn’t she realized sooner? 

Despite her assurances, Asta hardly appeared satisfied, her brow creased in worry. “We still don’t know if synchronizing Peppy with has caused any other side effects. Tell me, have you experienced anything strange since yesterday?”

Ah, there it was–the scientist at work.

Tapping her foot, Stelle shrugged. “Outside of being a pint-sized menace for an hour or two, not really.” She smirked as Peppy became outraged once more.

(How dare Stelle, woof! Peppy is not a menace!)

She got a good laugh, knowing he was more bark than bite. “Keep telling yourself that, squirt,” and added insult to injury by sticking out her tongue at the pomeranian.

Though teasing Peppy was always good fun, Stelle was relieved to find their banter had alleviated some of Asta’s tension. Turning to the Lead Researcher, she flashed her signature grin. “Besides, think of how massive a breakthrough this could be. Plenty uncharted territory for you to sink your teeth into.”

Asta thought for a moment before shaking her head. “Still, it’s too risky. I have no choice but to call off the investigation.”

“Woah, woah, woah, pump the breaks. We’re just getting started, and you told me all about how important it was to find the missing Curio.” Maybe things had veered off course a little, but the Galatic Baseballer was far from out of her depth.

“There’s too much we don’t know. If there’s even a chance further synchronization with Peppy could cause more side effects, then that’s a chance I won’t take.” Asta was back in her head now. “I’ll see if Arlan and I can’t think of something else, and, of course, Missy can’t be left in the dark.”

By this point, Stelle had seen enough of the Lead Researcher going in circles, but clearing her throat and speaking up did nothing. Taking a deep breath, she used her last resort…

…Laying an arm around Asta’s shoulders.

“Look, Asta,” Stelle met her eyes. “I’m fine, Peppy’s fine,” the pomeranian barked for effect, “why don’t we play it by ear?”

“But-”

“If it really helps,” she held up a hand to quiet any budding complaints from the woman. “I won’t sync with Peppy again. We can already understand each other, so the rest of the investigation should be a sinch. And besides…” she trailed off with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“I’ll happily be your test subject any day of the week, okay?”

Asta looked deep in thought. “You’re sure? You promise you won’t use the synchronization beacon again.”

“Swear on Akivili.” Even as a Trailblazer, was it allowed to swear on an Aeon’s name? A question for Pom-Pom.

“And you’ll come to me immediately if your condition changes?”

“Yes, Lead Researcher Asta,” Stelle promised in a monotone voice.

Their eyes met, and the two burst into laughter.

Stelle gave herself a point; no pretty lady would cry on the Galatic Baseballer’s watch!

“Soooo?” She drew out the word, knowing she had already won.

Asta sighed. “You have my permission to continue the investigation,” she relented with a small smile. Stelle and Peppy broke into cheers, the former noticing a tightness around her hand.

Asta’s hand had found its way into hers at some point during the conversation, but their grips were both joined. Meeting the Lead Researcher’s timid gaze and flushed cheeks, Stelle sent a reassuring squeeze, relishing the contact.

The squeeze she received in return filled her with enough motivation to take on the universe. Their date at the end of the week couldn’t come soon enough!

Once that moment was over, the Trailblazer asked, “Actually, what are we investigating?” She sent the pomeranian a quirked eyebrow. “Didn’t we find the Curio already? ‘Mission accomplished’ and all that?” 

Peppy shook his head. (More than one Joy Filtration Set is missing, woof. But Peppy has a clue!) Practically bursting with excitement, the pomeranian bit down on Stelle’s glove, attempting to drag her to the main elevator despite the difference in weight class between the two.

Amused, Stelle turned to Asta. “If there’s nothing else…?”

The Lead Researcher shook her head. “Not from me.” With more concern this time, she squeezed their still-joined hands. “Be safe, call or text me if you need anything, and remember our promise, alright?”

Reluctantly freeing her hand, she saluted with her trademark sly grin. “Aye-aye, cap’n!”

Delighted at the sound of Asta’s laugh, Stelle reluctantly let herself be led toward the station’s main elevator by a very pleased Peppy. She shook her head with a fond smile, replaying the Lead Researcher’s concern and how adorable she found the whole thing.

Besides, how much worse could the investigation get?

…

Back in the Seclusion Zone, Stelle eyed the empty beakers and containment units with a hint of unease. Though the replica of the Swarm King Emenator was long gone, the zone itself hadn’t felt any safer. Past the Lifeform Oven and groups of Cakes she had created, the dim lighting and oppressive silence of the space made the hair on her neck stand on edge.

Eying Peppy, who trotted ahead of her without a care in the world, she asked, “Does this whole place not freak you out?” Rubbing the goosebump on her arms, the Trailblazer warily looked around the spacious corridor they’d been making their way through.

Before–when Stelle was too distracted by how gorgeous Ruan Mei was to realize what she was walking into–the Seclusion Zone hadn’t affected her this much. 

What was going on?

Turning back, Peppy slowed his pace. (Peppy is working hard for Miss Asta! Peppy will not fail, woof!)

She sent the pomeranian a blank look. “Mind sparing some of that confidence for me?” 

The little guy tilted his head and Aeons above if that wasn’t the cutest thing ever– (Stelle is here to protect Peppy, not the other way around.) He spoke as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Stelle masked her unease with mock offense, laying a gloved hand across her chest as she eyed the little guy incredulously. “You mean to tell me you didn’t bring me along for my gorgeous looks and charming personality?” She flashed a devious grin. “I could tell Asta you were bad and don’t deserve a treat.”

While Peppy yapped up another of his tirades, Stelle sat back and let the little guy go at it. She thought about the last day and a half, how easy it’d become to fall into back-and-forth banter; the beacon probably had something to do with it, initially, but the Trailblazer had to admit. 

They made a good team.

“Okay, okay,” she held out her hands, having noticed Peppy was still barking his little mouth away. “You called my bluff. Good job.” Reaching down to scratch behind his ears, she looked at the remaining length of the corridor. “How much longer, you figure?”

Peppy’s brow furrowed as he followed her line of sight. (Peppy detects traces of a Joy Filtration Set nearby. We should head that way, woof!) He gestured with his snout to a nearby doorway, illuminated with a single overhead light, presumably leading to another hallway.

Not ominous in the slightest…

“Lead on, little dude,” she encouraged. Following him along made for an amusing sight, she figured–an illustrious Nameless of the Astral Express, led by a puppy while seemingly conversing with it.

Stelle never said her life was uninteresting, just… a bit dry, but the investigation with Asta helped to shake things up while the Astral Express was still preparing for departure. She didn’t mind–more time with Asta and Peppy made up for the wait.

That goes without mentioning her growing hesitance to leave the station behind.

Nearly to the door, Peppy stopped, his ears swiveling to catch something thanks to his superior hearing; though she’d never admit it, Stelle was a little jealous. Communicating with Peppy was absolutely awesome, but it would have been nice for their synchronization to have enhanced her senses.

The pomeranian met her eyes. (Peppy hears trouble! It could be the Curio, woof.)

Summoning her trusty bat, the weapon thrummed with near-limitless power in her hand. “Behind me, then,” Stelle commanded, dropping her playful attitude.

They were here on Asta’s behalf to investigate–time to get to business.

“Hang back until I tell you it’s safe. Got it?”

Peppy nodded, sitting down with a serious expression; not even his tail was wagging.

Satisfied, Stelle’s free hand hovered over the door’s keypad as she listened in. The growls of Voidrangers were familiar by now, but she couldn’t place the high-pitched trill, almost like a whine.

By the time it hit her, she’d already burst through the doors, swinging her bat to cleave an Eliminator in half. Zeroing in on the culprits, she spotted the remaining Reaver and Eliminator cornering one of Ruan Mei’s cake creations.

Having grabbed their attention, she weaved through their attacks with a foreign flexibility Stelle hadn’t realized she possessed.

No complaints if it made the battle easier.

Like every other Voidranger she’d faced up to that point, these two were no exception, and the battle was over in less than thirty seconds. She hadn’t even broken a sweat!

Relieved that the creature was unharmed outside of being shaken up, she looked over her shoulder to the corridor, chuckling when she saw Peppy peeking around the corner, waiting for the all-clear.

“All clear, captain,” she nodded, beckoning the pomeranian over as her bat dematerialized.

(Stelle is very strong.) Peppy observed, trotting to rejoin her. 

Preening at the apparent praise, Stelle laid her hands on her hips. “I try sometimes.” Returning to the matter at hand, she kneeled before Ruan Mei’s Creation. “Take it you’re the little bugger who stole the Curio?” Peppy’s nose and intuition had led them here, and if the Trailblazer learned anything throughout their investigation so far–always trust the dog’s nose.

The Cake Creation tilted its gelatinous body to look up at her, its shape jiggling as it wobbled from side to side. “What is a Curio?” After a moment, its beady eyes widened a smidge. “Oh, you mean that can thingy?”

Stelle and Peppy’s eyes met, knowing they’d a long road ahead of them today. “...Sure? Ring any bells?”

Meanwhile, Ruan Mei’s creation continued to wiggle. “I’m not allowed to touch it.”

“And who is?”

“The butler.”

Stelle fought the urge to slam her head against a wall. Would every one of Ruan Mei’s artificial lifeforms be this infuriating to talk with? Gritting her teeth, she asked, “Who’s this ‘butler’?”

“The butler has the can thingy. Wouldn’t let me look at it.”

Barely repressing the urge to scream, Stelle sagged in relief when Peppy took the reins.

(We need to find the butler and retrieve the Curio.)

Thankfully, Ruan Mei’s creation could understand his barks. “That’s gonna be hard. The door to the butler’s room won’t let anyone in.”

Another roadblock, yay…

Ready to get a move on, Stelle half-heartedly asked, “Anything else for us?”

The Creation thought for a moment. “You could find my buddies. They’ve seen the can thingy.”

“Cool. Thanks. Bye.” Stelle was already off toward the door Ruan Mei’s Creation had mentioned, leading down another hallway in the seclusion zone. Once this investigation was over with, she’d never come down here again.

That was a lie–all Ruan Mei had to do was ask really nicely, and Stelle would do it in a heartbeat.

Coming upon the door in question, Stelle found the panel lit up, not waiting for Peppy’s commentary to press the button.

The door began to open… only to stop at shin height.

Frowning, Stelle continued to mash the button, recoiling with a yelp once it started emitting sparks.

Well, shit.

Brushing herself off just in case, the Trailblazer slumped against the wall, looking toward Peppy. “Any ideas, partner?”

The pomeranian sat, whining to himself as he fiddled with his vest. After around five minutes, he looked at her and shook his head. (Peppy can’t interface with the door, woof.)

Shit… again. “So we’re stuck?”

He nodded. (Stelle should message Miss Asta once we’re back in range.) Having decided, Peppy turned to leave, stopping once he realized Stelle wasn’t following. (Stelle, woof?)

Glancing between the door and Peppy several times in thought, she contemplated silently for a time. Eventually, she snapped her fingers as the obvious came to mind. “Why don’t we sync like last time?” Unconventional as the approach had been, their synchronization led to the finding of one missing Curio and a heap of progress on the investigation front.

Emphatically, Peppy shook his head. (Miss Asta forbade Peppy from using the synchronization beacon with Stelle.)

Stelle groaned; he would be a stickler for the rules. “No, she made me promise, but Asta doesn’t need to know.”

The pomeranian stood his ground. (Miss Asta said no.)

Beyond frustrated, Stelle wrung her hands through her already unkempt hair. Honestly, those two were making a big deal out of nothing! She, what- can understand a dog, and suddenly the universe is ending? What’s the big deal?!

Then it hit her.

“So you’re okay with disappointing Asta?” The moment she said it, as Peppy’s ears drooped once he’d processed her words, Stelle knew she’d found her opportunity.

“You’d accept that abandoning the investigation now meant failing her?” To add insult to injury, she knelt, leaning in close with a whisper. “I couldn’t care less about letting her down, but how about you?”

Peppy hadn’t said anything through it all; his tail drooped as he sagged. (But Miss Asta-)

“Would be relieved if we finished the investigation. One less thing for her to worry about.”

(Stelle promised-)

“And what she doesn’t know wouldn’t hurt. Look-” She ran a reassuring hand through Peppy’s fur, especially at the base of his ears. “I’ll say it again–I’m fine!” She brandished her trusty grin. “I’m still here, in one piece, and we both agree finding this Curio is the top priority.”

Peppy looked away with a whine, pointedly undecided.

“How about this,” she began, patting his head. “We sync, and if something happens–which it won’t!” Stelle added when the pomeranian’s eyes widened in fear. “Then you win, and we tell Asta. Deal?” 

She wouldn’t, even if things went wrong, but Peppy didn’t need to know that.

(And if Stelle is fine, woof?)

“Simple.” Another pat. “We get in there, nab that Curio, report to Asta with a job well done, and no one knows a thing.” It sounded so easy, and to her, it was, but she wasn’t the one needing convincing.

For the longest while, he didn’t answer, and the Trailblazer wondered if she’d swayed him, but eventually.

(Stelle has to promise.)

Mentally celebrating but keeping her outward emotions calm, Stelle rolled her eyes good-naturedly, laying a hand over her heart for good measure. “Finnnnne. I promise.”

(Does Stelle mean it, woof?)

“For you?” She booped his adorable snoot. “Always.”

(Then Peppy will allow it.)

“Score!” Outwardly whooping in celebration, Stelle brushed herself off as she rose. “So just like last time?”

Peppy nodded, deftly using his tail to fiddle with various buttons on his vest. Even still, he looked unsure of himself, lacking most of his usual pomp. Some tense–for Peppy, at least–minutes later, he was ready.

(Is Stelle sure about this?)

Stelle nodded as she sat with her back against the wall. Considering her body fell like a puppet without strings during their previous sync, she’d had the foresight to hopefully not end up in a heap this time.

“Ready, cap’n!” She saluted as Peppy padded over, and she readied her hand over the beacon’s activation switch. The pomeranian sent her a concerned look one last time, but she’d already pressed it by then.

Surprised as she was for it, Stelle remembered how bizarre it first felt to synchronize with Peppy. She’d blacked out for a bit before suddenly seeing the world from a new perspective. The disorientation faded faster than she expected, and it’d gone swimmingly from there; given that, Stelle expected the process to feel less this time.

She was wrong.

From the moment the beacon activated, Stelle felt like she was being torn apart from the inside. She’d felt like vomiting her nonexistent lunch, only, her body wasn’t hers anymore at that point. 

With a final panicked thought at how terrible this felt, her world went dark.

…

She shook herself awake at the unmistakable voice of Miss Asta. Stretching from her long nap, Peppy slowly padded off her bed, shaking her fur to clear away the last dredges of sleep. 

Sparing a glance around the room, Peppy spotted her at the door, having just entered while removing her shoes.

(Miss Asta!) Bounding over, she happily lept into the woman’s waiting arms.

“There you are!” Miss Asta hugged her close, softly cooing at the pomeranian.

Peppy preened, tail wagging up a storm. She’d been busy with work all day and hadn’t given her enough attention. Unacceptable! Barking at the outrage, she firmly pressed her muzzle against Miss Asta’s palm, demanding more pats.

Miss Asta obliged. “I know, I know, I’m sorry. Madam Herta had me running errands all day.” 

(How dare she bother Miss Asta!) Jumping from her lap, Peppy stormed toward the door, barking demands for it to open; sadly, it didn’t budge.

“Oh no, you don’t mister! Come here.” Scooping the pomeranian back into her arms, Miss Asta caught her eyes. “You will not go around terrorizing my boss, understand? If Arlan or anyone else tells me you have, you’ll have no treats for a month.” Her tone was grave.

Oh no! Miss Asta was in business mode! If Peppy could protest at the horror of it all, she would, but alas, barks could only do so much.

Talk about humiliating…

Taking Peppy’s silence as a sign of understanding, Miss Asta nodded, satisfied. “Good. Now, I’m here because I need your help.”

Instantly, Peppy was at attention. (Peppy will always help Miss Asta! Peppy swears, woof!)

Sinking onto the bed in her quarters with a heavy sigh, Miss Asta gave a small smile, scratching her behind the ears as she deposited Peppy beside her. “Madam Herta doesn’t know, but… Yesterday, Missy reported that several Curios had gone missing, and Arlan confirmed as much this morning.”

Peppy’s eyes widened. Miss Asta said Curios were important! Was she in danger?! Jumping to her paws, she paced the bed, protectively circling Miss Asta.

Miss Asta laughed at her behavior. “I’m alright, silly. I promise. However, could my ever-dependable knight lend me his help?” Her tone grew lighter at the end, and Peppy swelled with pride knowing she had helped.

(Peppy will always help Miss Asta no matter what! Peppy will be Miss Asta’s knight, woof!)

Miss Asta seemed relieved at her barking, giving fresh pets. Always nice!

“Thank you, Peppy .” She smiled. “Now, Madam Herta can’t know, especially with Madam Ruan Mei arriving soon, so we’ll need to keep this between us, Missy, and Arlan, alright?”

(Of course! Peppy can keep a secret!)

“In that case, I’ll need Missy to finish your communication beacon as soon as possible.” Miss Asta stilled, her expression falling. “Oh, but I’ll be busy preparing the station for Madam Ruan Mei, and Arlan can’t abandon his duties… But you could get hurt…”

Peppy barked at the indignity. (Peppy is strong!)

“Of course you are, mister.” Miss Asta rewarded her with more pets. “If only there was someone I could call… oh! Stelle would help us, don’t you think?”

Stelle? Peppy tilted her head in thought.

Stelle…

Stelle…

Stelle…

(Stelle!)

Jerking back into awareness, Stelle inwardly groaned at the numbness in her paws. Ugh, she hadn’t felt this sore since Miss Asta…

‘Miss’ Asta?

Before she could consider how alarmingly natural it felt to refer to the Lead Researcher by that title, Stelle’s weak concentration was broken by a familiar voice resounding inside her head.

(Stelle! Are you back?) Peppy, most likely.

Her mind remained a mess, physical sensations and thoughts reduced to scrambled jigsaw puzzles, piecing themselves together in all the wrong ways. Aeons above, she felt like shit.

She mentally winced, recoiling as Peppy’s concerned whines continued to fill her mind. 

‘Ughhh… Stop.’ She finally managed, trying and failing to shake off the fog clouding her mind. Peppy was beginning to wonder if her stubbornness to continue the investigation was a mistake after all.

…Wait. 

She- She was Peppy, right?

Nope. That sounded all kinds of wrong.

Peppy…

Peppy…

Peppy…

Not Peppy… but who?

Something… 

Something- Ah! Stelle!

‘Stelle!’ She mentally exclaimed with silent joy, practically trembling, her tail wagging up a storm. ‘I’m Stelle, not Peppy!’ She couldn’t remember feeling this delighted in ages! All that nauseous nastiness from earlier had vanished, leaving the pomeranian feeling refreshed and raring to go.

They’d finish the investigation in no time flat! Talk about a sinch! Oh, Stelle could practically see it now–Miss Asta celebrating their glorious return, rewarding her with well-deserved pets!

Whew. It felt good to finally have that sorted.

(...Stelle?)

‘That’s my name!’ Remembering where they were, she spied the now-massive doorway before her, tentatively sniffing to see if any baddies were nearby. Finding none, she went to move, only for her paws to remain stationary.

Strange.

(Stelle! Listen to Peppy!) 

Frowning at the alarm in his tone, she sat, waiting for him to continue. The words were mostly lost as she periodically got distracted by something or another, and he would have no choice but to reign her attention in, but the overall message was clear.

Peppy wanted to unsynchronize and have her evaluated by Miss Asta. 

Stelle only cared about finishing the investigation and fulfilling their duty.

Despite this, she had little control to stop the pomeranian from deactivating the synchronization beacon on his vest; she could feel their tail moving, yet she had no control over it, and if that wasn’t a weird sensation…

Only- Nothing happened.

Peppy frowned, trying and failing to propel Stelle back into her body.

Stelle couldn’t see the problem, nor why he was beginning to panic; four legs were superior to two!

Numerous failed de-sync attempts later, Stelle’s patience had worn thin, and she couldn’t idle for a second longer. Jumping to her paws, she stretched, flicking her ears one last time before darting under the door, ignoring the concern radiating off her companion.

Time to find that Curio and save the day!

…

The moment Stelle was forcefully catapulted back into her body, she succeeded in painting her lunch across the floor. Groaning as she lay on her side, Peppy was over in an instant, worriedly examining her.

She could feel the fear radiating off him in droves; almost… hear what he was thinking.

In too much pain to process that development, she tried her hardest to tune out everything around her, including the fretting pomeranian. Agony crawled along every inch of her frame, leaving her convulsing without end.

Synchronizing with Peppy had felt so right– like a long-lost piece of her essence had finally been found, but now…

Maybe this was what dying felt like.

As Peppy continued to tremble by her side, Stelle–too lost to the haze of pain–unconsciously thumbed the beacon, activating it once more. Unfamiliar thoughts and sensations too overwhelming to process filled her mind, but at least the agony was gone.

Why hadn’t she stayed like this?

(Stelle shouldn’t activate the beacon, woof!) Peppy was beyond panicking at this point, whining as his messages to Asta failed to send due to the Seclusion Zone’s lack of service.

Wanting nothing more than to curl into a ball and cry and how the world was too much right now, Stelle settled for mentally shying away. ‘It hurts…’

Without the strength to fight it, the Trailblazer sunk back into the darkness, taking comfort in the familiar sensations of soft fur and the warmth of the lifeless body lying limp beside the pomeranian.

Still, she wished Miss Asta was here.

Chapter Text

Ever so slowly, the fog clouding her mind began to dissipate as she woke. Thoughts and sensations returned in disjointed order, jumbling and coming together to resemble something different than before. Even without sight or sound, the world around her was as overwhelming as ever, so she sought the comforting embrace of her bedding. Curling in on herself, she let a pleased whine escape her still-numb lips before she returned to slumber.

…

Beyond reluctant to leave the haze of sleep behind, the growing cacophony of voices ruined her plans for further rest. With a yawn that had her jaw extending to its full length, she stretched herself awake, taking in her surroundings with bleary eyes.

People. Lots of people.

And smells! Actually… eugh! She made a note to avoid one of the lab techs in particular.

Judging by the bustle of vials, fancy gadgetry, and clipboards, she reasoned to have wound up in the infirmary. Strange. Hadn’t she and ------ been searching for–

The investigation! Bolting upright, she scanned her surroundings for any sign of the missing Curio and a certain investigation partner. During her search, one of the nurses had noticed the commotion and made her way over, but she paid the woman little mind.

“It’s a relief to see you awake. Lead Researcher Asta will be glad to have some good news.” All smiles, the nurse began tapping away at a tablet in her hands, only to be interrupted by her patient darting to the edge of her bed, staring with wide eyes.

(Miss Asta! Where is she?!) She scanned the infirmary, frowning when all she found was aghast staff staring back. Trying and failing to catch that familiar scent of strawberries and roses, she let a whine bubble up from her throat. Demoralized, she slumped back into her pillows.

It didn’t help that the nurse had gone pale.

Shaking, the woman summoned the closest staff member, nervously glancing back at her patient while trying to keep her voice low.

She didn’t have to bother swiveling her ears to catch what was said.

“Summon the Lead Researcher immediately. Yes- I know she’s meeting with- Tell her it's urgent.” Without a word otherwise, the young man dashed off–past the cluster of people that had cleared a path.

At the mention of her not-quite girlfriend’s name, she perked up, vibrating with newfound excitement. (Is Miss Asta coming here?! Is she?!) Despite how great she felt, her words only served to send everyone in the Infirmary shivering.

“Everything’s going to be alright, okay?” The nurse held up both her hands in a calming gesture, restraining herself from making sudden movements.

Already, she had grown bored waiting for Miss Asta to appear, and trying to converse with everyone else hadn’t worked, so she returned to smelling the air, trying to catch any familiar scents. Once again coming up empty-handed, she huffed as a persistent itch settled at the base of her ear.

Using three of her knuckles, she scratched while tilting her head at just the right angle. Her tail thumped against the bed in satisfaction. That taken care of, she moved on to grooming herself, trying to tame the mess that was her fur.

…Or was it hair?

Before that, the unmistakable smell and sound of the Lead Researcher’s steps preceded her return, but she caught them all the same. Jumping from the infirmary bed while ignoring the protests of the staff, she planned to rush to the doorway, only to faceplant right as her paws touched the ground. 

Growling in frustration, she silenced the foreign impulse to walk on two feet, managing to stabilize herself on all fours. Satisfied, she hurried to the doorway, just in time to look outside; her heart soared, only to sink when she was met with disappointment.

There Miss Asta was–arms crossed and brow furrowed. The moment their eyes met–her expression morphed into something short of a scowl. 

“You are in so much trouble, missy.” Focusing her attention on a certain reckless, grey-haired fool, she held up a hand to momentarily silence the nurse who approached. Around them, those going about their business in the station had begun to stare.

Whining, she averted her gaze to the floor, unable to stop her ears and tail from drooping.

Miss Asta sighed, closing the distance between them after a time. Gently, the Lead Researcher helped her stand, keeping her upright as she placed a hand beneath her chin, lifting her head until their gazes were level–accounting for the height difference notwithstanding. Fondly, Miss Asta rested one hand against her cheek, and she gratefully leaned into the contact, releasing a relieved sigh.

“When they impressed upon me the need to leave my meeting, I feared to find you in a dire state.” Shaking her head, Miss Asta looked exasperated. “We have a lot to discuss, you know that?”

Knowing there wasn’t an easy way out of this, she whined, burying her head in the crook of her not-quite girlfriend’s shoulder. (I’m sorry for worrying you… I just wanted to make things easier. I didn’t mean to-) Her apology was cut short as Miss Asta’s hands found their way to her shoulders, pushing to create distance between them.

Miss Asta–for her part–searched her up and down with impossibly wide eyes and a gaping mouth. Finding nothing, she eventually regained her composure. Slowly, she spoke, “------?”

Confused, she tilted her head, not understanding what was said.

With dawning horror, the color drained from Miss Asta’s face. Terrified, she reached out and asked, “...Peppy?”

At her name, Peppy’s tail began wagging in earnest as she preened. (That’s me!) Confused about why she had forgotten something so obvious but pleased nonetheless, she happily nuzzled her ears against Miss Asta’s frozen hand suspended between them. 

Disappointed when the scratches didn’t come, Peppy frowned when Miss Asta had yet to move. Whining, she embraced the Lead Researcher from behind, savoring the contact and being so close to her scent.

That seemed to break Miss Asta from her reverie, matching the nurse’s grave expression with her own. Beckoning the woman closer, she discretely requested a private room within the medical bay. A short walk later–with Peppy refusing to detach from her hold–the two of them were sequestered from the rest of the station.

“------?” Miss Asta tried, sighing when it elicited no response. Far more reluctant than her tone suggested, she managed a shaky, “Peppy?”

Her ears perked in attention, and Peppy’s tail wagged lazily at the use of her name. It never got old. (How can Peppy help Miss Asta?)

Without any levity to her tone, the Lead Researcher gently removed the hands from her shoulders, patting the stool beside her. “Can you come sit, please?”

Though disappointed at the loss of contact, Peppy complied, sitting at attention.

While the sadness remained in her eyes, Miss Asta’s expression hardened, one Peppy recognized when the woman went into ‘focus mode.’

“Do you recognize where you are?”

(On the station with Miss Asta!)

“Do you recognize who I am?”

(You’re Miss Asta!)

Falling silent, Miss Asta thought to herself before speaking, “Very good. And can you tell me your name?”

She tilted her head, no longer understanding the point of these questions.

Nodding, Miss Asta set a reassuring hand on her bouncing knee. “Go on.”

(Peppy!)

“Not quite.” The Lead Researcher’s brow was furrowed, and her lips set with determined resolve. “Try again.”

(Peppy.)

“Again, please.”

(Peppy?)

Miss Asta shook her head. “You need to remember, ------. Who were you before the investigation?”

She didn’t understand! Her name was Peppy! She had been tasked with finding some missing Curios alongside…

Alongside…

There was someone else, but… who?

“That's it.” Asta urged her on. “Remember the Express–Himeko and the others.”

Right. Mister Welt, March, Dan Heng, and… and…

“How we first met after the Stellaron Hunters involved themselves aboard the station.”

There was the commotion involving the Doomsday Beast, how she had narrowly avoided death, standing defiantly with that bat in her hands.

No.

That was her bat.

“You have to remember who you are! ---lle!”

Her head spiked with pain. Her tail curled around her waist as she struggled to stay aware as her mind fought to reclaim the memories that began rushing in. She saw herself waking from a deep slumber, staring into bicolored pupils so familiar yet foreign all at once. Dozens of names and faces flashed by in a blur as she fixated on one figure in particular.

Tall and lanky. Grey hair. Familiar. 

This mysterious young woman loved teasing and getting up to mischief, yet made time to help those around her no matter the circumstance. 

Her name was…

Was…

It perched itself on the tip of her tongue yet remained too elusive to speak.

“Please.” Asta’s tone had become pleading, and she placed a hand against the center of Peppy’s chest, tapping her index against her sternum. “Remember our promise.”

How- How could she have forgotten? Once the investigation was said and done, they planned to finally get around to having a date.

Then it hit.

“Stelle!” Flying to her feet, Stelle looked for the nearest rubbish bin, stumbling over to empty the contents of her stomach. Heaving one gasp after another as she slumped against the wall, she eyed claws that definitely weren’t there before as her tongue felt her elongated canines.

Meeting Asta’s worried gaze, Stelle shook her head.

“What. The. Fuck.”

…

“I’m really sorry about this,” Asta apologized, phone in hand, as she stood at the door of her private quarter aboard the station. Despite clearing her schedule following… everything that had just happened with Stelle, even the Lead Researcher couldn’t ignore Madam Herta.

“No worries, you do your thing!” Stelle brushed off her concern with a wave and wide smile she hoped came off as reassuring, all the while wincing internally as she felt her tail sway against Asta’s bed.

Comfy as the silk admittedly was, it didn’t help the Trailblazer who had come to hours ago, facing the consequences of her actions.

Maybe there was some deeper commentary about working herself like a dog, always helping pretty ladies… Not that it mattered, judging by the hushed conversations she had overheard thanks to her new ears. Unlike Welt’s fancy party trick with her Stellaron, she couldn’t wiggle her way out of this one.

Though… to be honest… a life like Peppy’s didn’t sound so bad–no need to worry about work or saving the universe, being pampered and spoiled like royalty, and sleeping most of the day away.

Getting to be the center of Miss Asta’s attention, wearing a collar that let everyone know who her owner was, saving the day by acting as her loyal hound, and being rewarded with pets and belly rubs–

Aeons above, Stelle was feeling jealous.

Looking a touch relieved. Asta smiled, placing the phone against her ear while stepping out into the hall. Perhaps having already caught on to her ways, the Lead Researcher stepped away until Stelle could no longer make out the conversation.

Well, there went that distraction.

Left to her devices, she set about trying to figure out how this new nose of hers worked. Identifying the entire space as ‘Astas’ was easy enough, despite only recently acquiring her enhanced senses. Peppy was another familiar smell, owing to the fragrant aroma that surrounded her canine companion at all times.

Was it his vest? Did Asta have it drycleaned?

Would she get a specialty collar of her own?

Speaking of the pomeranian, he remained M.I.A, and Stelle could discern thanks to his scent that it had been some hours since he last set foot in this room.

…Huh. Neat.

But none of that caught her particular interest. Nearby, emanating from one of Asta’s fancy culinary storing and preparation stations, Stelle caught wind of an aroma she could only describe as heavenly. Though she knew it was bad manners to rummage through someone’s space and belongings without permission, the hunger in her stomach drowned out what logic and reason still rattled around in her brain.

Swiveling her ears to ensure Asta wasn’t set to return anytime soon, she began her search in earnest.

Maybe it was due to being unaccustomed to her enhanced senses, but the ‘search’ lasted all of about a second, owing to her quickly pinpointing the source.

And what she found was a can of food. 

Surprised at how something packaged so simply could smell so delicious, Stelle didn’t bother reading the label in favor of paying Asta back later. Hells–if it wasn’t too expensive, she’d have to buy some of this for herself.

Without exaggerating, it was incredible!

Happily munching away in her own little world, she failed to notice Asta opening the door, frozen in her tracks when she caught sight of-

“...Stelle?”

Having finished her meal, she turned to the Lead Researcher, flashing her a genuine smile while licking her lips. “Heya.” Now that she wasn’t hungry, the desire for a nap grew.

Asta’s eyes flashed between her and the can. Her lack of overwhelming concern was likely due to the sheer number of curveballs she’d been thrown throughout the morning. “Is that…?”

“Oh! Yeah,” Stelle grabbed the can, idly spinning it in her hand. “Sorry about that,” her smile turned sheepish. “Didn’t realize how hungry I was until you left. I can pay you back!” And she meant it; though being aboard the station a mere three weeks, she’d fulfilled plenty of jobs alongside a growing sum of credits.

But her words failed to reassure Asta. “Stelle,” she took a deep breath. “Please don’t panic after what I’m about to tell you. Okay?”

Stelle shrugged, scratching an itch on the underside of her jaw, feeling a burst of contentment trail to the end of her tail. “Hit me.”

Having made her way to the counter, the Lead Research held the can up to the light, revealing a premium brand of specialty-made food; what’s more, the label displayed an illustration of a dog.

“This is meant for Peppy.” Asta fought to keep her tone even, hoping to keep the woman across from her calm.

Stelle considered the information, hardly moving outside the occasional twitch of her ears. After ten long seconds, she inspected the label closer, studying something known only to her.

Eventually, she leaned back against the counter. “Surprisingly delicious for dog food.”

Among the many responses Asta anticipated, that wasn’t one of them. “Wh- What?” Her tone was flat and dumbfounded–owing to her being caught off guard.

Stelle nodded, more sure of herself. “Was wondering why it tasted so good. Speaking of,” she turned to her not-quite girlfriend. “How expensive is this stuff?” When Asta continued to stare, she clarified, “Having some of this aboard the Express would be a godsend.”

“You- You want to buy more of this?” Asta gestured to the can with a shaking hand.

“Yep.”

“To eat?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Stelle,” Asta began, fighting a losing battle to keep the incredulity from her tone. “Let me ensure I’m hearing you properly. You want to buy this,” she held the can up, ensuring the illustrated dog was visible. “Dog food. To eat?”

Like it was the most obvious thing in the universe, Stelle nodded. “Well, yeah, but only if it's not too pricey. And if it is, do you have any cheaper recommendations? I promise I’m not picky about my food.”

Asta’s bottom lip quivered. “Stelle, dearest, I need you to listen to me.”

Dutifully, she saluted. “Ready and listening, ma’am.”

Laying both arms across her shoulders, the Lead Researcher met her eyes. “You’re talking about eating dog food like it's the most natural thing in the world.”

“And?”

“Human, Stelle. You’re a human.”

Quirking an eyebrow, she flicked an ear.

“New appendages notwithstanding. I- Are you sick? Feeling any unusual symptoms? How long has it been since the first bite?” On and on she went with questions, but Asta knew she was fighting a losing battle. 

Eventually, she asked, “Promise me you won’t try to eat anymore.” 

Though she looked affronted, perhaps sensing Asta’s distress, Stelle nodded, laying her head on the Lead Researchers. “I can do that,” she spoke in a low voice, wrapping her arms and tail around the shorter woman.

Relieved, Asta patted her on the back. “Thank you. Now,” she reluctantly pushed Stelle away, nearly losing her composure at the pitiful whine the not-quite puppy released. “We need to discuss the investigation.” Leading her to the bed, they both sat.

Stelle looked thoughtful for a moment, having already forgotten about all that. “What happened to the Curio? Assuming you had someone fill in while I was… yeah,” she let her lazily wagging tail do the talking.

Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it. Don’t ask Asta to pet it.  

“Unfortunately, no.” Asta gestured to the phone in her lap. “Madam Herta officially ordered Missy and myself to cease all investigation efforts as of this morning. That includes you and Peppy.” Unfortunate as it was for the Lead Researcher’s work to end in disappointment, she expected as much following Stelle’s first synchronization. Her recklessness had allowed someone acting under her authority to come into physical and mental peril.

Truth be told, the implications of what might have befallen Stelle had Asta’s efforts to recover her memory failed terrified her.

No matter how you looked at it, this situation was her fault.

Stelle, for her part, looked alarmed. “Are you alright?!” Her ears stood straight up as she took in her not-quite girlfriend’s crestfallen expression.

Asta smiled, small and shaky as it was, waving off her concern. “Madam Herta didn’t fire me if that’s what you're asking.” She sighed, slumping. “This just means extra paperwork and a lecture from the Security Department on following safety protocols.” 

Touched at the genuine concern Stelle showed, she set a hand atop hers, smiling with no shortage of fondness. “Thank you, I mean it. All that matters is that you and Peppy are safe. Compared to that, a single Curio is something I can stomach losing.”

Reminded of the pomeranian, Stelle’s gaze drifted to the luxury puppy bed, fighting the urge to crawl in it and nap. “Now that you mention it, what’s that little gremlin been up to?”

The Lead Researcher laughed, feeling the weight atop her shoulders slowly ebb away as they fell into pleasant conversation. “Sometime after you left to continue the investigation, I received a mass of distress pings from him. By the time Arlan and I tracked him down, he was a trembling mess, and you were nowhere to be found.” She raised an eyebrow, silently conveying her displeasure at being lied to.

“In my defense!” Stelle raised her hands- Well… defensively. “We were making good progress until–!”

“Until you disobeyed my orders, broke your promise, and activated the synchronization beacon a second and third time?”

Stelle grew embarrassed, and her ears drooped as she looked away, rubbing the back of her neck. “That…?”

Asta sighed in exasperation and disbelief–that this woman could be so reckless yet so loveable. “Come here, you,” she said, letting her tone become gentle as she drew her in for a hug.

As a comfortable silence fell between them, neither commented on how Stelle’s tail began to wag furiously at the contact.

…

Once more, Asta sent Stelle an apologetic smile as she lowered her phone from her ear.

Stelle–lazing across the plush bed–smirked. “Duty calls?”

Asta gave a good-natured laugh. “Unfortunately.” Far too soon, she was back to nervously fidgeting. “Are you sure you’ll be alright by yourself?”

Flopping back onto the bed as she broke into loud laughter, Stelle flicked her ears. “Yes, gods, yes! No more investigation, syncing with Peppy, doing anything reckless, and so forth.”

Mostly satisfied, Asta nodded, reaching for the door. “And if you break this promise, I’m canceling our date, missy.”

“WHAT?!” Bolting up in alarm, Stelle was too late, met only with the closed door to Asta’s private room. Mouth agape, she stared at the door in disbelief.

Unbelievable! That was so unfair!

Falling back onto the bed with a pout, she crossed her arms and stared defiantly at the ceiling. Growing bored all too soon, she fished her phone from her pocket, checking the time.

Asta said this set of meetings would last at least five hours–especially the one with Madam Herta and Ruan Mei, discussing the investigation and Stelle.

Hmm… she considered the time.

If no one noticed…

No. Stelle shook her head; breaking Asta’s promise the first time was bad enough.

…But she couldn’t shake the mental image of Asta’s lingering disappointment at the investigation ending in failure.

Like a puppy-possessed–that thought alone was enough to have Stelle shooting to her feet, already making for the door. Nothing would get in her way this time, and she didn’t need Peppy’s sync beacon to finish the job. If any door dared to get in her way, she’d smash through the thing no matter what.

Nothing would stop this puppy from making Asta proud.

…

Stelle couldn’t make it past the first door without power.

“Damnit!” She growled as her bat bounced uselessly off the metal, failing to make so much as a tiny dent. Taking a step back as her growl turned guttural, she tightened her grip around the handle, pouring all her strength into the next strike.

Winding up, she swung…

…Only for her to be sent flying away with a resounding clang of metal against metal.

Letting out a series of angry barks, she left the bat to lie where it landed, too frustrated with her not-so-trusty-anymore weapon for failing Stelle in her hour of need. With a defeated whine, she slumped against a nearby wall.

She’d wasted an hour–only to make a whopping zero progress.

Glaring at the door, the conveniently Peppy-sized opening at the bottom silently mocked her. Beyond fed up, she crawled over, trying and failing to squeeze her way under.

Argh! Was it too much to ask to be a little shorter just this once?!

As her silent tirade raged on, a heat began to bloom in the center of her chest. The flame’s intensity urged her desperation on, all the while, Stelle unconsciously began to draw on the power from within herself.

The Stellaron began to glow.

When the heat reached its breaking point, her last thought, before her mind went blank, was of Peppy–how convenient it would be to fit under the door with the ease of a tiny, lithe body and adept paws.

Stelle vanished in a flash of blinding light, replaced by a grey-haired pomeranian–virtually identical to Peppy in all but color. With her mind reduced to a single command–finding Miss Asta’s missing Curio–the puppy darted under the door, her previous promise already forgotten–albeit unintentionally.

Stretching his limbs out after his latest nap, Peppy yawned as he uncurled from his spot on the floor. With Miss Asta busy with work and Stelle no longer occupied with the investigation, his routine returned to normalcy–for a dog’s standards.

Sleep.

Eat. 

Nap.

Follow Miss Asta around.

Nap.

Get a snack and pets from Arlan.

Nap some more.

Eat dinner with Miss Asta.

Then sleep.

Repeat the next day.

For these reasons, Peppy was content to allow himself another nap, only to yelp in surprise as an unfamiliar grey blur raced past. Alarmed, he gave chase, wondering if one of Stelle’s creations had escaped the Seclusion Zone.

Only then did Peppy realize he recognized the blur’s scent.

Upon closer inspection, he saw a dog that looked just like him and smelled unmistakably like Stelle. Said pomeranian had made a beeline for Madam Herta’s office, and Peppy felt his blood run cold.

Miss Asta was meeting with Madam Herta and Miss Ruan Mei!

(Stelle! Stop!) He barked, quickening his pace.

Despite clutching something in her muzzle, Stelle spoke with unbridled joy. (Stelle found the missing Curio! Miss Asta will be proud of Stelle!)

Recognizing her behavior from when they’d used the synchronization beacon a second time, Peppy tried and failed to cut her off, skidding to a halt as Stelle scampered inside the office. His ears flattened against his head as he heard Miss Asta shriek.

Carefully padding forward to peak around the now-open door, the pomeranian’s tail drooped at the sight.

A wide-eyed and pale Miss Asta held Stelle’s new form in her arms as the puppy proudly presented the missing Curio it had brought all this way. The Lead Researcher was dead silent, looking beyond terrified.

Meanwhile, Madam Herta looked annoyed about their meeting being interrupted more than anything. Miss Ruan Mei wore a small smile, giving the excited puppy gentle scratches under her chin, to which Stelle’s tail wagged even faster.

“Who is this little thing?”

Slower and more restrained than Peppy had ever seen her, Miss Asta turned toward him, asking in a faint voice, “What. Happened.”

Shaking like a leaf under so much attention, Peppy activated the Synesthesia Beacon with his tail, translating his voice to those present. (P-Peppy isn’t at fault, woof! Peppy just woke up from a nap!)

Miss Asta’s attention returned to the puppy in her arms, ignorant of everything happening. Letting the Joy FIltration Set slip from her muzzle, Stelle woofed, giving Miss Asta’s cheek a lick.

Miss Asta’s eye twitched.

“Oh, for the love of–!”

Chapter Text

“That should… do it. There!” Satisfied with her final adjustment, Asta stepped back, admiring her work.

Flashing her trademark smirk, Stelle looked at the collar fastened around her neck, pawing at the dog tag that read ‘Property of Lead Researcher Asta’ on one side and ‘Return to Herta Space Station if Found’ on the other. “I didn’t realize we were moving that fast.”

“Quiet, you!” Her face flushed, Asta playfully swatted her girlfriend’s shoulder. “Now remember, it’s not just for show.” Her attitude became serious. “Omitting any further surprises from the Stellaron, Missy reconfigured the synchronization beacon. If it works, you should be able to switch between forms at will.”

More than a little impressed, Stelle raised an eyebrow. “Want to test it out?”

“Considering the number of headaches you’ve given me the past week alone, I’d rather we save that until a later date.” 

Light-hearted as the Lead Researcher’s words were, the truth in them sent Stelle’s ears drooping. “Sorry. I didn’t mean–”

“None of that.” Bringing a finger to her lips, Asta shook her head. “Just promise– Actually.” Wishing for that was a lost cause by now. “For the sake of myself and those aboard the Astral Express, all I ask is that you keep the craziness to a minimum.”

Overcome with emotion, Stelle brought her girlfriend in for a tight hug, wrapping her tail around her waist. “Maybe.”

With the investigation finally behind them, the days aboard the station flew by, and all too soon, it was time for the Express to journey onward. Stelle–for her part–planned to savor her remaining time with Asta until the final second.

(Stelle! You forgot Peppy!) Further up the Supply Zone’s departure platform, Peppy barreled toward them at high speed.

Ready and waiting, Stelle caught the little furball in her arms as he lept, giving him a scratch behind his ears. (As if! Not my fault you took your time.)

The pomeranian drew back, looking particularly affronted. (Peppy completed the work given by Miss Asta! Peppy was a good boy, woof!)

(I wouldn’t be so sure. Without your fancy beacon active, think of all the lies I could tell.) Covering the button to activate said beacon with her hand, Stelle laughed as Peppy’s tail tried to worm past her fingers. Her laugh morphed into a shrill yelp as the pomeranian nipped at her fingers. (Ouch! Hey! I was kidding!) Bearing her own fangs, Stelle returned his challenge, and the fight was on.

The moment broke as Asta cleared her throat.

Hastily breaking away, Stelle deposited Peppy to the floor and brushed herself off, realizing they’d drawn plenty of attention. “...Whoops?”

Shaking her head fondly, Asta closed the distance between them, helping to brush away any of Peppy’s fur that still clung to the Trailblaizer’s coat. Once that was finished, she turned to the pomeranian sitting patiently. “Did everything go alright with Arlan? Any abnormalities I should know about?”

(Peppy has nothing to report, woof!)

“Thank you, Peppy. Now, sit!” Reaching into the pouch at her waist, Asta withdrew a dog treat, only to freeze when she looked up.

“...Stelle?”

“Hm?”

“Is there any reason you’re–” The Lead Researcher clears her throat. “Sitting? Again?”

“Uh…” Looking down at herself, Stelle saw just that–she was crouched, eagerly wagging her tail. She- She hadn’t remembered doing it this time either! Did that mean the synchronization had affected her even back then?

Judging by the furrow of her brow, Asta had come to the same conclusion, but before she could delve too deep into that thought–

“Does this mean I can have a treat?” Recalling their earlier conversation, she smiled.

But then… Asta broke into a fit of giggles, nearly doubling over. The giggles gradually transformed into laughter, as she couldn’t contain herself. At one point, she had to rely on a nearby console to support her weight, blissfully unaware of the nearby scientists beginning to stare.

Stelle paled, hoping neither Himeko nor March was near, lest jokes be made at her expense.

Eventually, Asta regained her composure, wiping tears from her eyes. “Well,” she gestured to the pouch at her hip, “these are only suitable for dogs, I’m sorry.”

Biting her lip, Asta frowned. “I’m not sure…”

Unsatisfied, Stelle shut her eyes in concentration, trying to remember how she’d–in the blink of an eye and a flash of light, she’d donned her second form.

(Stelle deserves a treat! Stelle has been good, woof!) Jumping in overjoyed delight, the grey-furred pomeranian ran circles around Asta’s legs, eyes never leaving the treat in her hand.

Still adjusting to the differences in temperament between Stelle’s human and puppy halves, she set a hand on her hip. “Now, now, missy. You know what to do.”

Instantly, the puppy sat, struggling to stay in one place.

“Good girl.” Giving Stelle her treat, Asta decided she deserved a scratch under her muzzle as well.

Rolling his eyes, Peppy patiently waited his turn… only for Stelle to snatch his prize and take off running.

“Stelle! Wait-!” But it was too late to stop either of them as both pomeranians peeled off further into the station. Sending an apologetic smile to Himeko and Welt–who each gave an exasperated shake of the head in response–the Lead Researcher gave chase, hoping she wouldn’t have to involve Arlan this time.