Discimer: I don't own Honkai Star Rail and any of their characters. All belonged to their rightful owners - Hoyoverse.

  ++++=====++++?

  A week has passed since then. Many things happened that I had a lot of expining to do.

  Back at the clinic, I met up with Luka, who was quite shocked about the whole thing when I told him the entirety of it. At first, he didn't believe it to be true till I finally convinced him one way or the other. Who knew that the first thing he asked right after that was a match? His reason? He told me he had a feeling that I was strong and wanted to test it out.

  I declined. He was disappointed by it, but for some reason, I knew he didn't give up yet.

  I also talked about Natasha, but she was a lot calmer than Luka, as she already had a guess back when she checked up on me. Still, she was quite curious about how I turned into a kid.

  For now, I don't have a solid expnation aside from a few guesses.

  Hook and her members of the mole were the st people I talked to regarding it. Like Luka, they couldn't believe their eyes.

  "Woah, you're bigger now!" That's the first word Hook told me.

  "Does it mean he's still a member of the moles?"

  "Of course!"

  I wasn't though. But I didn't loudly voice it out and decided to py with this charade for a while.

  After that, we stayed low and took time to rest.

  Well, they did. I didn't. At least, not completely.

  I'd be an idiot not to use the time to get stronger.

  "Grhk!" I let out a grunt of pain and staggered back, barely managing to stay on my feet.

  "You're slow," Dan Heng said sharply, already back in position. His eyes locked onto mine. "You dropped your guard after the first move. You always do that. You focus too much on attacking and forget to defend."

  "My bad." I pushed past the pain and charged. I swung hard toward his gut, and he caught it like it was nothing. With a twist, he yanked my arm, earning a scream from me. His knee came up fast. I barely got my hand in the way to block it.

  Time paused for a split second.

  I used it. I'd be a fool not to. I collided my head against his. He staggered, letting go of my arm. I followed up with another swing towards his head.

  He dodged.

  At that moment, I realized I fucked up. I should have gone for a kick.

  'Oh shit' Pain exploded in my lower stomach. I didn't even see the hit coming. I flew back and nded ft on the ground.

  "That hurts," I wheezed. Everything ached. But not as bad as day one. Guess that meant something. "I give up."

  "You told me not to hold back," Dan Heng said, calm as ever. "I gave you what you asked for."

  "Yeah… I kind of regret that."

  He reached out a hand, smiling. "Don't beat yourself up. You've only been training for four days. For that, you're doing fine."

  "Doing fine by beating my ass?" I snorted and took his hand. When you think about it. A few days' worth of practice is nowhere near the level of experts. I still have a long way to go if I want to be considered average.

  "You're improving. Better than st time. And choosing not to use your powers in training? A smart move on your part."

  "I still need to train with them, though," I said. In my spare time, I've been meditating and testing ways to control my lightning element. The first thing I tried was forming a weapon out of lightning. Turns out, it was harder and more draining than I expected. However, I wouldn't say it was impossible, but I just cks a total mastery of it.

  "True. But I won't be much help with that," he said, shaking his head.

  I smirked. "What? Can't handle my speed?"

  Dan Heng stared at me, silent.

  "I'll take that as a yes."

  "I suggest you take a rest for now. We've been at it for quite a long time."

  I nodded. "That would be great."

  "I'd be in the clinic if you need anything."

  Seeing him leave, I pondered deeply. 'Now, I need to figure out how to unlock my other elementals.'

  Having one elemental power will only limit me, and having unlocked at least 3 or 2 would add versatility to my disposal, which could provide a huge boost.

  Now the problem was how to start? Do I need some sort of special training? Is this some sort of puzzle I need to figure out, or maybe I need to do some sort of trial?

  After pestering Orion about it. He was firm shut about the whole thing. He won't even give me any sort of hint.

  "You're done training?" A voice crept up behind me.

  I jumped. "Ah!—Stelle?"

  Stelle grinned, scratching the back of her head. "Did I surprise you?"

  "A bit, yeah," I admitted. Her grin grew wider.

  "Oh? That easy to scare, huh?"

  What is she on about? I raised a brow. "No. I just didn't expect you to be here. Were you watching the whole time?"

  "Maybe." She shrugged.

  "I see." I coughed, a little embarrassed. "Just so you know, I'm a beginner, okay?"

  "Hmm? You did well, though, against Dan Heng," she said, not a hint of sarcasm present in her tone. Or the very least, that's what I told myself.

  Was that a compliment… or pity? I honestly can't tell.

  "Uh, thanks, I guess. So… where's Nebby?"

  "He's with March."

  I grew doubtful. "Really? I thought they didn't get along."

  She smiled. "March was pretty persistent. Eventually, Nebby gave in."

  "She must be happy if that's the case."

  "Oh, she is. I even took a picture of them. Want to see? " She took out her phone and showed a picture of March happily holding Nebby in her arms.

  I squinted my eyes and found something odd. Why did it look like Nebby was forced here?

  "They look quite...happy," I remarked with a hint of sarcasm, mainly at Nebby's situation. Poor guy, what did March did to him for him to agree with her?

  Stelle nodded like it was the cutest thing ever. "I know. Still, I miss Nebby. Don't you?"

  Miss getting body-smmed, you mean.

  Every time I met the little guy, he'd somehow end up unching himself at me. Hyperactive didn't even cover it, or was enough to describe it. Oddly enough, he was calmer with Stelle. Not totally calm—but less extreme.

  Still, I cared for the little guy. Pyed with him whenever I had time. He felt like a little brother of sorts.

  "So, are you free today?" Stelle asked suddenly.

  I gave her a look, waiting for her to continue.

  "Want to get some snacks together? I'm hungry." Said the girl with a visibly pained expression as she clutched her stomach.

  'Something was off about this..' I thought, eyes narrowing suspiciously at her. "You don't have any money left, do you?"

  The surprised and guilty look on her face told me everything I needed to know

  +++++===+++++?In the end, I still treated her.

  It was as painful to say it as it was to admit it.

  It was like there was a void in my pocket. Constantly sucking in all the money in my disposal in every stall we visit.

  Damn, this girl could eat.

  "Tasty.." Stelle spoke with a blissful expression as she munched on some alterations of a Kebab.

  We were walking the streets, and every now and then, she'd spot something new that caught her attention.

  I looked at mine and was still halfway through. Hers? Nearly at the finish line.

  As soon as she finished, she perked up and snapped her head to the side. "Ohh! I want to try that next!"

  …I'm going bankrupt at this rate.

  She got what she wanted, again. Looked quite satisfied, too. "Aren't you gonna eat, Ethan?" she asked with those innocent eyes of hers.

  "I'm full, thanks," I replied, smiling. It was partly the truth, I was more concerned about how to save my money. Hopefully, this will be her st. I don't think my wallet can take it anymore.

  "Mhm." She nodded, licking the ice cream cone in her hand.

  "Hey, give it back! Somebody stop him, please!" A cry of help halted us in our tracks. Looking far ahead, I could see a man sprinting towards us. Behind him was a woman trying desperately to chase the man.

  "A thief," I said, narrowing my eyes. I raised my wrist, ready to transform and stop him—

  "I got this," Stelle interrupted, shoving her cone into my hand. She pulled out her bat and bolted right after.

  "What—? AHH!" The thief screamed. I couldn't bme him. The moment Stelle caught him red-handed, she smmed the thief to the ground.

  'Isn't she doing a little too much?' I winced. Now I felt bad for the thief. He would have been better off with me to take him down than this battle maniac girl.

  "Thank you, Miss! Thank you so much!" The woman bowed repeatedly, tears glistening in her eyes. "You don't know how much inside this bag meant to me."

  "No problem. I'm always happy to help," Stelle smiled.

  The woman thanked her one st time before going on her way.

  "I could've handled that, you know?" I told her as I arrived on the scene. I observed the thief, who was unconscious on the ground, battered. I wonder who will pick him up? Looking at the passersby, I ought to think one of them had called the authorities.

  "I beat you to it," she said, sticking her tongue out.

  "Yeah, sure." I rolled my eyes. "Also… your ice cream's melted."

  "What? Nooo!!" she cried, dropping to her knees like she'd lost a loved one, holding the cone like it was sacred. It was ridiculous. Who cries over ice cream like that? I should be the one crying....it was my money.

  "Cheer up, it's not the end of the world, Stelle." I tried cheering her up.

  She sniffled, looking up at me. "Ethan…"

  "What?" That tone…

  "Can I…"

  She didn't finish. Just looked at me with that expression.

  Wait. Is that… puppy dog eyes?

  "Can I get—"

  "No."

  "Please…"

  "No."

  "Please…"

  Damn it.

  I sighed. "Fine. I'll get you another cone."

  "Yay!"

  ++++====++++?"Remind me again, why are we here?"

  We were in the fight club.

  "I want to watch," Stelle replied, humming a tune with the crowd roaring in front of us. The two fighters in the cage began to intensify their match blow by blow, neither took the fall, and still went at it against each other. It was the sight that the crowd loved.

  'I hope Luka isn't here.' Seriously, I had a feeling that guy might have offered me a spar the moment he sees me again.

  Still, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. It could be a good chance to pick up some fighting tips. If Luka did offer, I might actually say yes this time.

  "Ah, how could I lose to this fucker?!"

  "This has to be rigged!"

  "Rigged?" a familiar voice said smoothly. "My friend, you wound me. How could I rig the match when your friends have been watching me this whole time?"

  'That voice..' I found it oddly and terrifyingly familiar. I turned and, sure enough, I was not happy at what I found.

  It was Sampo.

  Oh great. Him again.

  "Shut up! Give me back my shields, you thief!" the shirtless blond guy shouted.

  "For your information, I, Sampo, am not such a person. Second of all, do you kiss your mother with that mouth of yours?"

  "You motherfu—!"

  "Oh, Ethan! It's you, my friend!" Sampo waved as he took notice of me. All the men he was arguing with instinctively turned to me. The scowl on their faces screamed trouble.

  "…Great."

  "Hey Ethan, wait up!"

  I ignored his plea. I walked and saw Stelle right ahead, staring at a trash can. Déjà vu hit me, but there was no time to be distracted. I grabbed her arm and started pulling her with me.

  "Huh? Ethan?" She was surprised.

  "We need to leave. Now."

  "What's wrong?"

  "My friend!"

  "Eh? Sampo?" Stelle blinked in surprise as Sampo popped up, somehow, right in front of us at the exit.

  'What the—how the hell did he beat us here?' I was immensely confused.

  "Get them!"

  "Eeee! Save me, friends!" Sampo pleaded, cowering with his arms above his head.

  "Should we save him?" I asked as I turned to Stelle.

  She just shrugged.

  I sighed. Looking behind, they were coming up on us. Is this a good thing to do? Sampo was still untrustworthy in my eyes. The fact that he ditched us before adds to that.

  "Please! I saved you guys, remember?" he pleaded, mostly to Stelle.

  I gnced at her. "He did?"

  Stelle tilted her head and asked back right at him. "Did you?"

  "Ouch, the betrayal..oh the betrayal," Sampo said dramatically, clutching his chest. "You don't have to pretend, miss."

  Yeah, I can see Stelle grinning from his response, which kind of proved his point.

  Might as well use it for this practice. I decided as I turned around.

  'Let's see. 4 men vs me.'

  Against the odds, but if I py my cards right—

  I saw something go past me. It was Stelle.

  She already had her bat out and smmed it into the first guy.

  'No, I'm not gonna let her beat me on this one.' I wasn't gonna let her have all the fun. I charged in.

  The second guy threw a wild punch at me. I dodged easily, spotted an opening in his chest, and hit him with a quick jab. He recoiled, and I followed up with a punch to his face, and he went down ft on the ground. The third guy jumped in almost instantly to the point I couldn't react in time, and took a hit to the face. I tried to move, but he was fast and used his rge body to push me back.

  I hit the floor, groaning, and saw his foot coming down. I rolled to the side just as his foot smmed down. I got back up quickly and managed to parry most of his incoming strikes. I countered, but my hits didn't do much damage by the looks of it.

  "You're too frail, kid," he smirked as he drove a punch into my gut, knocking me back again.

  "Ethan! Catch!" Stelle yelled, tossing me her bat.

  I caught it.

  "Go make me proud!" She gave me a thumbs-up like a mother cheering for her child.

  "..." I stared at her bnkly before nodding.

  I turned to the guy.

  "Oh? Got your little girlfriend helping you out now? That bat won't save you."

  "First of all, she's not my girlfriend, and second of all, this bat hits hard." I immediately swung for his head. Surprisingly, he was agile and dodged just in time. As he moved to throw another punch, I grabbed the other end of the bat and used it to block the strike. The result caught me off guard. He was pushed back like the bat had some kind of shock absorption and repulsion built into it.

  The guy smmed hard into the wall and dropped to the ground, groaning. I waited for him to get up, but he couldn't.

  "…What the hell?" I muttered, staring at the bat. Then I noticed something. It was a faint spark of electricity that ran through it. It was so fast that I almost missed it.

  Was that mine? If I remember, I haven't even transformed yet.

  "That was awesome!" Stelle cheered, cpping. "How did you do that?" She asked, leaning close to me.

  "I honestly don't know." I was confused like her. Amazed would be another word to describe it.

  I handed her the baseball bat back. When she grabbed hold of it, she made it vanish somehow. Where? Who knows.

  "Want me to teach you some lessons about how to use my baseball bat? It's pretty easy." She offered, then smiling widely. "You could be my disciple of sorts, heh."

  "I'll… think about it."

  She hummed, hands tied behind her back. "Hmm, okay."

  "Bravo, bravo, my friends," Sampo said, crawling out from behind a desk.

  I walked up to him, grabbing him by the shoulder. He looked confused.

  "What is it, friend Ethan?"

  "Sampo, just so you know, this is personal."

  "What—Ah!"

  I punched him square in the face.

  "Damn, that felt good," I muttered, rubbing my knuckles.

  "OWIEEE! Why would you do that, Friend Ethan?!" he wailed. Were those… actual tears?

  "That's for ditching us before." I pardon my reason.

  "I didn't ditch you! I was merely thinking three steps ahead and pn to save you all at once. I, Sampo, always have a pn."

  "Right…"I said, not knowing if I should believe all those things that were uttered from his mouth.

  "Damn that was good!" I heard a shout, then people cpping.

  "Did you see how the girl threw her bat. Man, that guy just flew!"

  "Hahaha it was funny!"

  "Wait, is that the same girl from before?"

  "Oh my god, it is!"

  I blinked. Were they watching us? This whole time?

  I turned to Stelle and saw her getting surrounded by the folks. Even the fighters in the cage started to join.'Look who's popur now.' I smirked and let her have her moment.

  "Drinks on me! For I am Sampo!" Meanwhile, Sampo had other pns, standing on a table like there's no tomorrow

  "Cheers on Sampo!"

  "Cheers!"

  "Sampo!"

  "Sampo!"

  "Sampo!"

  They cheered as they lifted him into the air like some sort of celebrity.

  I stood there, utterly baffled.

  'Seriously… what a day.'

  AN: Honestly, I wasn't kind of expecting to publish another chapter so soon, but this was fun to write.