The Skies Descend

Enter Jarilo-VI, the Planet of Ice

10 system hours later...

Everyone gathered at the main car as the final preparations were being made before Auri, Stelle, March, and Dan Heng were to depart for Jarilo-VI.

Himeko: Alright, everyone, just a little bit more information. It was recorded that the inhabitants of Jarilo-VI were followers of the Amber Lord, Qilpoth. The Aeon of Preservstion.

Stelle: Speaking of Aeons, what path do you follow, Auri?

Auri: Nothing. I follow my own path.

Stelle nods before looking back at March  and Dan Heng.

March: Are you ready, Stelle?

Stelle: *nods* Ready.

Auri holsters her weapon over her shoulder and approaches the three.

Auri: Alright, keep alive, everybody. Remember, every trailblaze is a new adventure, so remember that we still need to stay vigilant for any dangers we might come across. Stelle, since this is your first expedition, stay close with Dan Heng and March. Now, any questions?

The three converse with each other before swaying their heads.

Auri: Alright, then. Let's go!

Auri raises her hand, and the rest follow, ready for the adventure that lies ahead.

Before Auri could exit the train, Himeko pulled her back.

Auri: Himeko?

Himeko: Good luck out there. And be careful.

Auri: I will. When have never been careful?

Himeko gives her a look.

Auri: You know what, don't answer that. Besides, that was the first planet we explored.

Himeko: *sigh* Alright, just try not to fall into any holes.

Auri just smirks and leaves the car to join the rest.

What greeted her was the freezing winds of the planet.

Auri: It's almost as cold as the Freiljord.

Auri found the others just up ahead and joined them.

Auri: Found any signs of a city?

March: N-N-No! It's freezing out here. If we don't find some heat, I might become another March-cicle.

Auri: Relax, I'm sure there's bound to be something that can point us to the righ-KYA!!!!

As Auri took a step forward, the snow collapsed beneath her, and she fell in the gaping hole hidden by the snow.

Stelle: Auri!

Stelle rushed to the hole before peering down but was only met with darkness.

March: Oh no! It happened again!

Stelle: *looks back at March* Again?

Dan Heng: *sigh* The last time me and March were with Ms. Auri, for an expedition, she also fell into a hole. She made us promise not to tell Ms. Himeko because apparently this happened during their first expedition when it was just the two of them at first.

Stelle: *nods* So, what do we do now? What about Ms. Auri?

Dan Heng: Right now, our priority should be finding civilization, so we need to push forward. Ms. Auri can handle herself. She'll pop around eventually. If it was March that fell, then we should start worrying.

March: Hey! 🥺

Stelle nods, and the three continue to dredge forward through the snow.

Meanwhile...