321. So. Much. FLUFF!

Constellations sparkled in the darkness of the spire. They ventured through a black world filled with billions of stars both above and below them. A miniature universe unraveled itself as cosmic wonders floated in the distance.

They walked along an invisible bridge as splendor twinkled in their eyes, capturing every star in their reflection. Fingers were pointed at beautiful constructs of the universe. Smiles were shared as voices of awe slipped through parted lips.

The velvety dark canvas was beautiful beyond words, painted by herculean clouds of purple and blue. Spiraling collections of stars that shimmered like precious gems in this vast black vault reminded Jury of the first time she saw the stars.

Questions arose Ignis pointed fingers in all directions.

“Those are cosmic nebulae. You can think of them as a nursery for new stars.” Frost explained, unable to hide her grin.

“Galaxies! They’re like islands in an ocean of emptiness. It sounds lonely, but you can’t even count how many stars are gathered in each one.” Jury spoke enthusiastically, immersing herself as her tail wagged playfully like a dog.

“Those vagabonds? From the icy trails they leave behind, they are a 99% chance of being comets.” Nav spoke coldly, yet in spite of her tone, her eyes wandered as much as the others. She consumed the world with her eyes, fascinated by the cosmic scale.

It made them feel small. Their troubles all felt so insignificant. It served as therapy for Frost as she felt the weight of her sins fizzle away. Her shoulders had never felt so light. She found solace in this place, and the faces she made entranced those closest to her. The Hired Arm walked alongside her, flashing a sudden smile as the Star Child drew a star for them to follow.

“How many stars have guided the aspirations of dreamers?” Galia rhetorically spoke. “This is a continuation of Umbra’s technological influence. She’s always loved these unreachable heights. As Beholder, we stand above them.”

The Middle Sanctum changed to accommodate and integrate technologies. This world and the one prior were proof of this. Removing them was nigh impossible, however, seeing that the Nexus was damaged during their battle, Galia noted that this concern would have to be addressed in the Arbiter’s Council.

Among other nefarious issues…

* * *

At some point they reached the light of a star. After a temporary moment of blindness, they were struck by a powerful gust.

Their apparel fluttered as hairs tangled. They were greeted with a world within the Nexus. A staircase climbed the side of the pale spire like ivy. They were only halfway up. This world was mostly empty, with a horizon that terminated maybe 15 kilometers outwards. They were inside of what seemed like a giant egg. The curvature of the white, distant walls gave off this illusion.

Mist and small wisps of clouds traveled the skies of the Middle Sanctum. Higher above they found a green, spherical crystal embedded into the spire. Surrounding it was an endless monsoon of crystal rain, stuck in an endless loop. A large disk of landmass surrounded the object where a forest of purplish-green crystals grew, alongside various exotic trees and plants.

One notable plant was the orange and blue, bird-shaped flowers. The Strelitzia; otherwise known as the Birds of Paradise.

They only visited shortly before continuing their journey up the spire, but it was more than enough time for them to unravel what exactly this section was.

“My Warped Stone is embedded here. Those Crystals you see are grown along these fields, much like how the chains are underneath. It takes months before they mature. But if nurtured by the worship of my most faithful…” Galia pointed to the men and women who dedicated their existence to tending to these crystals.

They were wrapped in the most pristine of pale robes. Dirt could not dare to stain such unbelievable cloth. Frost sensed a great power emanating from their robes, the earmuffs they wore which were shaped like the fluffy ears Jury and the Arbiter possessed, and the blindfolds they forever wore.

“Quality 9 or X cloth. Even Beholders don’t wear that.” Cer was impressed. “Would be nice if we were outfitted with them.”

Stars were found roaming this place like guards, watching over these workers who were amongst Galia’s most prized employees of Justica Arms.

“They are my Sacral Appraisers. Of all my worshipers, acolytes, and deacons associated with the 12 Branches, these people are of the purest souls. I place them second only to my Apostles. They rival the healers. But they are people incapable of using magic. You can imagine how the world treats people that are utterly inferior to them.”

Galia explained, waving a hand once as the small group of roughly twenty of these individuals turned their heads in Galia’s direction, hearing her voice. It made them smile ever fondly as they greeted her with some of the sweetest voices Frost had ever heard. It was like hearing multiple Ignises speak at once.

They were vastly more important compared to the Faithful Inscriptors they saw in the 6th Branch. Strange creatures of pale, otherworldly make frolicked alongside them. They were small, white, fluffy balls with a long tail and two golden, beady little eyes. They were like rabbits but without ears or legs.

They perched along the shoulders of the Sacral Appraisers, burrowing their heads along their necks playfully. Some sat on the head of others. They took food, water, and all items from Stars, acting as a mediator between them. Stars were only allowed to speak with them.

These small critters were named Puff Puffs. It was a generic, yet childish name for a creature that worked closely with such a holy Atelier. They were guide dogs, and the Sacral Appraisers that rested saw many of the Puff Puffs swarm their bodies, creating a living blanket to keep them warm.

But looks were deceiving.

These creatures were, according to Galia, level 100.

Several bounced towards them, gathering beneath Frost’s legs as they looked up with dazzling eyes like she was their mother.

W-what the heck. They’re so cute!

Frost crouched down and slowly approached one with a hand, relaying her intentions with a gentle voice.

“Hey. How are you~? I’m just going to pet you, ok?”

They quivered, causing Frost’s hand to back away before Galia assured her that it was a good sign. In fact:

“They’re Magicalis. Born from the shavings of the Nexus. They’ve taken a liking to you and your doppelgangers.” Galia pointed out, giving Frost the confidence to pick them up.

“Soft… W-woah! A-ahaha! Wait, I’m ticklish there!” Frost laughed as one ran along her shoulders, brushing their tail along her exposed nape.

The Little Frost became a hanging rack for these critters, causing Jury to become squeamish at the cuteness overload. The Hired Arm scooped them into her arms, wearing a stoic face as the creatures rubbed themselves against her.

“C-Cute…” Anna whispered.

“Here. I’m sure they’ll let you touch them, right?” Frost brought a few for Anna to pet.

They quivered in delight, causing Anna’s face to bloom pleasantly. At just one touch, her body melted. They were soft! So irresistibly soft that they gave Snap’s fur a run for its money. Nav had one jump into her hands, and she compared it with Snap’s with a serious face.

“50% fluffier. 30% easier to comb my hands through. 70% warmer. 40% softer. 100% more fragrant.” Nav appraised them both. The winner was clearly Snap, and it caused it to let out a victorious: “Brrrr~!”

Nav placed the creature down as her hands sunk into Snap’s fur.

“200% Snap. I’m afraid there is no competition. But I wonder if a coat would alter the comfort rating.” She followed with several dangerous words.

Suddenly, the creatures backed away, and a bead of sweat seemed to run down Snap’s camera lens.

Ignis somehow found herself being followed by these creatures, just like how the slimes followed her a while back. She quickly became their queen of sorts, and before long, it was only Frost who had the last remaining critters.

Jury brushed her tail against Frost’s cheek.

“Softer?” She asked flirtatiously.

“You know it. Nothing’s softer than this.” Frost kissed her tail. “I could wear it as a scarf.”

She wrapped it around herself, flirting unintentionally with Jury as she stared at her with warm eyes past the white fuzz.

“White looks good on you.” Jury complimented, slowly reeling Frost in. Or was it Frost who was reeling her? Both were transfixed with one another, nearly forgetting about the others as they fell victim to their boundless love. “My tail might be bigger, but it still can fit snugly around you!”

“Maybe not up here.” Frost jokingly said as she slapped the center of her chest.

It hurt more than she was used to due to their slight development.

“Wanna see about that?” Jury tantalizingly said, suddenly causing Frost to gulp.

“W-Well –”

“You two…” Res sighed, interrupting them by clearing her throat.

“What a hypocrite. Look at you two living in your own world without us. So you’d be ok if it was only you two, huh?” Cer obviously joked, just wanting to jab them.

“Huh! Wait, they were just getting to the best part!” Ber howled, scruffing the heads of her sisters with her knuckles.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself just cause you’re a little bigger!”

“In front of the Arbiter too – I’m going to fucking kill you!”

“So this is what their antics look like.” Nav said to Ignis.

“Mm. But it’s fun.” Ignis smiled.

“Fun…” Nav repeated, wondering what that word truly meant as she quietly observed these people who were once just voices along an empty void.

And even though she was just a machine, she could feel the corners of her lips curl upwards into a smile.