Flipping the Script (Honkai: Star Rail - Stellaron Hunter AU)

Chapter 8: The Mother of Deception.

Cocolia lunged in for the first attack, already sick and tired of this random boy strolling up to her like he owned the place. She swung her sword at him and was surprised when he blocked it with his bat.

"Not bad," he smirked, pushing her back, "for a rich lady, I mean."

"You think you can get the upper hand on me, brat?" Cocolia laughed, "I've killed far worse things than a boy like you!"

"Is that so?"

Caelus took his own swing, and Cocolia quickly stepped back, letting the bat swing harmlessly through the air. As he pulled it back, the Madame Guardian thrust her sword towards his chest.

"Too slow~!"

"No...I don't think so."

Caelus quickly caught her sword in his bat and pushed it aside, knocking the blade out of her hands. Then, before she could react, he slammed the bat across her face, sending her flying back, crashing to the ground.

"What a shame, Madame Guardian," he taunted, "I'm not even a trained warrior, and I'm kicking your ass. Imagine if the Silvermane Guards could see their beloved Madame Guardian now."

"How dare you..."

"What? Are you angry? Are you gonna cry because a little kid beat you up?"

"SHUT UP!"

Cocolia suddenly thrust her hand forward, and an array of sharp icicles appeared in the air like magic, homing in on the Stellaron Hunter, like missiles. Caelus jumped and ran around the area, dodging the bullets, chuckling.

"Nice one! But not nice enough!"

He threw his bat like a spear, and it sailed through the air, smashing the icicles as it went. The weapon soared over Cocolia, and she rolled out of the way, letting it embed itself in the snow.

Caelus pulled the bat out and held it out defensively, grinning.

"I can't believe it," Cocolia growled, "What are you doing, child? Who are you working for?"

"Ever heard of...Mm...What was it again? Oh yeah! Ever heard of Destiny's Slave?" Caelus asked, "That's who I'm working for."

"Destiny's Slave?" Cocolia raised an eyebrow, "You mean to say...An Aeon of some kind?"

"Noooot quite...Well, he MIGHT be an Aeon? I have no idea," he shrugged, "This guy named Elio. He's the one who gave me my mission and the reason why I'm here."

"So, you're saying that this is all part of his plan?"

"Yup. You might want to reconsider your options," Caelus told her, "He can see the future, you know?"

"Can he now?" Cocolia asked, "Did he foresee you winning this fight?"

"Uh...no?" Caelus shook his head, "Not exactly."

"Then you should prepare to PERISH!" Cocolia snarled and raised her hands.

Snow suddenly began to gather around the Madame Guardian, swirling around her like a whirlwind.

"I've had enough of this," she snarled, "You think a child can defeat me? I'm the Madame Guardian, the ruler of this world, and soon I'll be the most powerful person in the universe! Your 'Elio' will never get his hands on the Stellaron, not while I still draw breath!"

Caelus didn't move and simply smiled as the snowstorm started to swirl faster and faster.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, that's SO! Now DIE!"

With a scream, Cocolia released the snow from around her, and the whirlwind blasted towards Caelus. Caelus grinned, and the world turned white as the storm engulfed him.