stellaiism

before the vessel had been set into motion towards the prologue of the universe’s new story, firefly’s life consisted of being sealed inside a lifepod to recuperate from her ever diminishing health and only being able to be out in the open long enough to accomplish her tasks — SAM granting her the chance to stretch these moments of freedom ever so slightly. and because her time was fragile and limited, she rarely had the opportunity to explore the vastness of the cosmos like the rest of the stelleron hunters. 

the only times she got to see more than what she could obtain on her own was when the group brought back souvenirs to keep her company while she medicated within her lifepod upon her request.

from keychains to postcards to posters that were hung around the walls in the room where she rested, firefly did not take anything brought to her — big or small — for granted. she loved every materialistic thing she was given and thanked everyone wholeheartedly for offering her that sliver of happiness despite it not being mandatory. 

but her favorite had to be an animated series from a world long forgotten given to her by kafka.

one day, kafka wheeled in a small television with technology that had been severely outdated and placed it near the entrance of the pod in the perfect spot where firefly could see the screen clearly. a rectangular box-like item was then inserted into the slot of the television, and the woman pressed a button before turning to look at firefly from outside the sturdy glass.

“ i figured you might like something antique, something different. although, we might have to get silver wolf to program a means to play these for you while we are away, so you aren’t left with a static screen to stare for hours. that wouldn’t be fun. ”

then she pressed another button, and the once blue screen now showed illuminating, brilliant colors dancing around in hypnotic manners, and firefly’s sunset eyes instantly lit up in awe and wonder.

starlight brigade, the name of the show she fell in love with.

a show about a young idealist kid that goes to space and joins others like him in order to help protect the galaxy from the reaches of evil and darkness — a rather overused, cliche troupe but the girl was enamored by it. . . . because she saw herself as that kid. 

spaceships, cosmic battles, teamwork, exciting adventures, conflicts, sacrifices, loss — it was as though this show was retelling her life story but with an obvious chipper tone and different twists. following the main character and imagining herself in his shoes, the girl would spend hours watching the series back-to-back as she allowed her mind to wander and envision a brighter tomorrow. eventually, silver wolf did in fact build a 3D printed remote control with all its functioning bits that worked perfectly with the ancient tech for the pod-ridden girl to be able to watch the series however she wanted with a simple press of a button. 

it was her favorite thing to do after a mission. 

it was rare to see firefly genuinely smile, but many sunny grins came forth when her eyes found themselves glued to the screen. the colors, the images, the characters, the messages — they were all warming and encouraging for her to relax back into. the other stelleron hunters took notice of her excitement when it came to the series as it would be a topic that firefly would share with them when given the opportunity : blade seemingly didn’t care, silver wolf suggested she could turn the old video tapes into digital copies for easier access, kafka felt a sense of pride in herself for hitting a jackpot when she found the show itself amongst the rubble, and caelus . . . caelus would give her a thumbs up and a smile.

but that thumbs up and smile spoke a million words.

because out of everyone, caelus was the only one who took interest in the pretty visuals and colors bouncing around in the strange, bygone box that was always sitting in the best angle for firefly to see. whenever he had the free time, he would enter her recovery room, grab himself a chair ( sitting on it backwards which she never understood as to why ) and watch the show with her no matter if he missed a chunk of an episode by the time he got there. of course, he would spark up a conversation, mainly asking if she was okay, before he would silence himself and allow the both of them to immerse themselves in the world of the funky cartoons fighting evil polygons in space. 

and his presence always made watching the show that much more special. 

however, due to her entropy loss syndrome, even while she was recovering within her lifepod, it would still drain her energy to where she sometimes ended up falling asleep in the middle of watching the show with caelus around. it would make her feel embarrassed as she considered it rude to slumber when there was another party involved, but he never brought it up. instead, whenever she did wake back up to her room covered by a blanket of darkness, the fluorescence light emitting from her pod would reveal a sticky note left on the glass with a handwritten message, always saying: sleep well, goodnight :) 

and she kept every single note in a box hidden in a compartment besides her lifepod — it was her nightly good luck charm.

then one day, firefly was watching the series on her lonesome, engrossed as always as she was coming up with a million topic conversations she could bring up to caelus the next time she saw him since the two hadn’t really talked about it, and she wanted to break the ice between them a little more. but as the main character turbo-boosted his spaceship into the big lair where all the evil resided, the shockwave of the attack knocked him out cold and caused his inner light to vanish. the rest of his crewmates screamed out to him, worried for his well-being, and then the screen faded into black. shortly after, the words “To be Continued.” appeared for a brief moment before the tape ended all together. 

a cliffhanger — it wasn’t a big deal. other episodes had the same transition and would pick up in the next episode. 

but . . . there wasn’t another episode. 

because when she asked about it to kafka, all she received was a shrug and the words “ that was all i was able to retrieve. ” and that formed a dark cloud over firefly’s head who then got drenched by the heavy rainfall that descended upon her mood. the heroes were so close to defeating the forces of evil — how can it end like this? all she was left to cling onto was the vision of the main character slumped in the back of his spaceship as darkness engulfed him infinitely ; that was not a sight she was willing to accept. it didn’t feel right, it didn’t feel justified, the heroes had done everything they could to get the happy ending they rightfully deserved . . .

it can’t end like this.

despite her insides crumbling at the thought of not being able to finish the series, firefly kept her emotions in check on the outside. to be shedding tears towards something as mundane as a television show was not accepted by the terms and conditions of the military life she had escaped from — she is to venture forth no matter the circumstances.

and yet, there was caelus who wasn’t ashamed to grit his teeth and ball his fists in frustration at the revelation. 

“ i’ll help you find the next episode, ” he said with full, fiery determination in his golden irises. 

he had caught her as she was in the process of slipping back into her pod after a successful mission of their own, one of her hands being encapsulated by the larger hands belonging to him. the light from her sunset eyes grew dim after she confessed to him that they weren’t going to be able to watch more of the show because there was no more to watch — half of her was defeated by the fact and the other half was saddened that those special moments she spent with caelus might never reoccur again. they hadn’t talked much outside of their time together in her recovery room due to the conditions of her being stuck in the pod and him being out putting in work — so the girl begrudgingly accepted them parting away once more.

but he surprised her when he held onto her hand, looked at her with such sincerity in his eyes. the grip he had on her was undeniable, and she grew to love the sensation he offered in that very moment — her otherwise cold skin felt the relief of warmth. it was then that firefly decided she didn’t want him to let go of her hand ; she wanted this closeness to remain with her for the rest of her life and beyond death. for it was not only his touch and his eyes that pulled her into an embrace, but the energy she felt coursing through him from his pulsing palms cupping her weak hand was mesmerizing. 

she wanted to be his friend.

and thus, time slipped pass between their fingers like sand as the two continued their journey through the cosmos as partners seeking closure of their favorite show. throughout, they would indulge in rewatching the series, enamored by the bright colors and joyous vibes that emitted from the screen. they no longer sat in silence but engaged in fruitful conversation about the characters and their tactics, putting themselves in their shoes to see how different the outcomes would’ve been. they shared countless smiles and laughs with one another along with tears and frustrated groans, and at the end of the day, they would both rehearse endings to their time spent together — no cliffhangers allowed.

“ i promise to give you the most beautiful daydream, ” caelus vowed to her. “ and part of that daydream includes a proper ending to our favorite show. ”

and she sealed his promise with a golden heart-shaped lock . . . even when he ultimately forgot where he placed his key.

firefly couldn’t bear to watch the show after caelus left — too many memories would distract her from continuing her lifelong mission. she asked silver wolf to store the tapes away somewhere safe until the right time would come for her to say hello to an old friend again. and yet, even as years passed, bits and pieces of the show would resurface in her mind as it never truly left her peripheral — the theme song being the catchiest as the lyrics never fogged from her memory.

then penacony happened.

as firefly finished conversing with silver wolf over the details of her mission in the land of dreams — something she had never had the opportunity to experience herself — a familiar tune floated in golden melodic notes from a distance like a siren luring her in. it was away from the path where she needed to trend on, but it would only be for a moment, the urge to follow the music was stronger. she had a few minutes to spare before she needed to position herself, so she had to act fast, sprinting through ballooned decorated streets as the music grew louder and louder until she ended up face to face with a large television screen showcasing nostalgic colors in harmonic dances. 

starlight brigade.

the window of shock withered itself into a broken symphony of tears and choked sobs as firefly cowered herself with a hand covering her mouth to prevent attention from the outside to interfere with her moment of weakness. as the upbeat music continued to sway around her, she wallowed in her sadness as a contrast — visions of the times of the past flooded her mind, all with the face of caelus and his words of a promise repeating like a chorus to a song. 

you really don't hear yourself when you talk, do you?

i don't know who you think you are, but it's not impressive.

you love playing the victim when it's convenient.

don't look at me like that. you made this choice.

you always say that, and it's never true.

i'm tired of pretending you don't know exactly what you're doing.

funny how it's always someone else's fault.

you don't get credit for almost doing the right thing.

i trusted you, and that was my mistake.

you don't listen, you just wait for your turn to talk.

say it again, slower this time, maybe you'll hear how stupid it sounds.

you don't get to rewrite what happened just because it hurts.

you're not misunderstood, you're just wrong.

i don't owe you patience.

you love control more than you love honesty.

stop acting so surprised, this was always coming.

you really think that excuses what you did?

you don't get to be angry about consequences.

i expected better from you, and that's on me.

you're exhausting, and it's not charming anymore.

every apology you give sounds rehearsed.

you only care when it affects you.

you don't actually want the truth, you want validation.

don't pretend this is about concern.

you cross lines and call it curiosity.

you never ask how i feel, you just assume.

you're cruel when you're cornered.

i see right through the act.

you confuse confidence with arrogance.

you just don't know when to stop.

you keep pushing until something breaks.

you don't get to play innocent here.

you really thought i wouldn't notice?

you always need an audience.

i don't recognize you when you're like this.

you're not brave, you're reckless.

you say you're honest, but you're just mean.

you enjoy this more than you admit.

don't flatter yourself, i stopped believing you a long time ago.

you don't fight fair, you fight to win.

you're not protecting yourself, you're attacking me.

you keep confusing silence for forgiveness.

why do you make everything a competition?

you don't get to decide what hurts me.

you act like being hurt gives you permission.

you only hear what supports your narrative.

you don't respect boundaries, you tolerate them.

you always push until i snap.

is this the part where i'm supposed to feel sorry for you?

you keep calling it honesty like that makes it noble.

you enjoy being cruel when you think you're justified.

you've been waiting to say that, haven't you?

i know you always choose pride over people.

you don't know how to back down.

you don't listen when the answer isn't what you want.

you treat everyone like they're disposable.

after what you did, you don't get to talk about loyalty.

you always take more than you give.

you never stop to think who gets hurt.

you only care when you're exposed.

you don't know how to sit with discomfort.

you poke until something bleeds.

you love being right more than being kind.

you don't know when enough is enough.

you keep digging and wonder why you're alone.

you don't see people, you see leverage.

no, you don't get to speak for me.

you twist everything until it suits you.

you don't actually care about the truth.

you always need the last word.

you don't know how to be gentle.

you don't care who you hurt if it proves a point.

stop calling it honesty like it absolves you of anything.

you don't know how to lose gracefully.

you don't fight fair, you fight dirty.

you make everything personal.

you don't know how to let things go.

the truth is, you just enjoy tearing people down.

you don't care how this affects anyone else.

how convenient, you only show empathy when it benefits you.

you don't see how far you've crossed the line.

you always think you're justified.

you don't know how to stop hurting people.

don't act like you actually want answers.

you always think you're the smartest one in the room.

you care about winning.

(  dialogue  prompts  taken  from  thunderbolts*  (2025),  directed  by  jake schreier.  feel  free  to  edit  and  change  as  you  seem  fit.  ) 

❛ there is something wrong with me. an emptiness. ❜

❛ you weren’t listening to me. it’s like your mind is somewhere else. ❜

❛ do you think i like taking orders? ❜

❛ you shoot, i dodge. ❜

❛ you guys can never aim for shit. ❜

❛ can you please just say it normal? ❜

❛ how long has it been, huh? a year? ❜

❛ so you… you feel fulfilled? ❜

❛ look around you. i’m miserable. ❜

❛ the light inside you is dim even by eastern european standards. ❜

❛ i've just been wondering, you know, like, what… is the point? in any of this? ❜

❛ the point of work is fame and fortune. fortune buys friends, and love, and a lot of cool clothes. ❜

❛ why do you have this photo out? ❜

❛ we were so bad. ❜

❛ you were happy. ❜

❛ i’ll make you something. ❜

❛ yeah, this just isn’t working for me anymore. ❜

❛ i need you to follow the target inside and find out what she intends to steal. ❜

❛ you’re not even my target. ❜

❛ i’m not here for you. ❜

❛ i know who you are and what you’re doing. ❜

❛ what am i doing? ❜

❛ you’re working me. you’re trying to get me on your side. ❜

❛ you say you know who i am, so you know my story. and you know i didn’t have a choice who i worked for. but you do. ❜

❛ it’s my business card. in case you need some help or you wanna share some secret hidden evidence. ❜

❛ i’m not sure what’s happening here, but you’re all exhausting and my job is done, so... ❜

❛ god only knows the blood on your hands. ❜

❛ pretty ludicrous coming from the dimestore captain america. ❜

❛ that was funny. thank you. we needed that. ❜

❛ it was getting so tense in here for a second. ❜

❛ all right, um… tie yourselves up. ❜

❛ next time, why don’t you just text me like a normal person? ❜

❛ we don’t need to go rogue in the darkness, or whatever you people do. ❜

❛ what exactly are we looking for? ❜

❛ we’re looking for not stupid questions. ❜

❛ hey. didn’t think you’d come back. thanks. ❜

❛ are you hurt? ❜

❛ no, i’m fine. i’m fine. ❜

❛ you do not seem fine. ❜

❛ yeah, well, we’ve only just met. this is… this is how i am. ❜

❛ well, you guys should just go without me. it’ll be easier. ❜

❛ we all feel like shit sometimes. and loneliness, i get that. and that that darkness gets... pretty enticing. ❜

❛ you shove it way down. you just... push it down. ❜

❛ let’s just stick together until we make it to the surface, and after that, you can start a fight with a super soldier. get yourself killed. i don’t care. ❜

❛ so, none of us fly? what, do we all just punch and shoot? ❜

❛ you do not want to start the whole sob story game. i win. ❜

❛ well, you were just a kid, so… ❜

❛ i just think it might be nice to know that you didn’t really know any better. ❜

❛ cucumber, cucumber, cucumber. ❜

❛ growing up, somebody told me that you can stop a sneeze if you confuse your brain. i always just yelled “cucumber.” ❜

❛ you’re the boss now? cute. ❜

❛ anyone else have any pointless childhood stories to tell? ❜

❛ i will fight. you stay behind me. ❜

❛ i’ve always had these episodes since i was a kid. there’s a high, then there’s a big low, and then my memory just goes blank. ❜

❛ you were right, she definitely wants us dead. ❜

❛ this has the makings of a team that can raise to glory. a team that can bring light from the darkness. a team of heroes that can be on the wheaties box and have little kiddie toy… ❜

❛ let’s just forget about them, and let’s focus on you. and how perfect you are. ❜

❛ isn’t that what you want? to be accepted? to be chosen? ❜

❛ no one else sees it, but i do. and i think maybe your past is what makes you so perfect. ❜

❛ look, i’ve been where you are. you can run, but it doesn’t go away. sooner or later it catches up to you, and when it does, it’s too late. so you can either do something about it now, or live with it forever. ❜

❛ you want to be good? or do you want to be somebody who changes the world? ❜

❛ you can do anything. ❜

❛ i'm the only one who knows what your true potential is. and it’s limitless. ❜

❛ i don’t wanna hurt you guys. why don’t you just turn yourselves in? ❜

❛ you can trust me. i know you. ❜

❛ they’re not a threat to me, so why do i need to kill them? ❜

❛ there is no “us.” there is no “we.” ❜

❛ you’re not a hero. you’re not even a good person. ❜

❛ why would a god take orders from anyone at all? ❜

❛ i’m starting to think maybe you don’t know what i am. or what i’m capable of. ❜

❛ i'm not afraid of you. ❜

❛ well, then, chase me forever. ❜

❛ If you cared, you would have called. ❜

❛ i’m sorry. i don’t know how to do this. i’m not good at it. ❜

❛ i didn’t think you wanted me. ❜

❛ i’m late, but i’m… i’m here now. ❜

❛ all i do is sit and look at my phone and think of all the terrible things that i’ve done. ❜

❛ when i look at you, i don’t see your mistakes. ❜

❛ aren’t you tired of fighting? let me help you. ❜

❛ you can’t outrun the emptiness. ❜

❛ it’s what you said. we’re all alone. all of us. ❜

❛ i have these good days, you know? where i feel invincible. but then there are a lot of bad days when i remember that nothing matters, you know? ❜

❛ so you’re just gonna sit here and let it take over? ❜

❛ well, there’s no use in fighting it. ❜

❛ at least i found a nice room. the other rooms are much worse. ❜

❛ you can’t stuff it down. you can’t hold it in all alone. no one can. we have to let it out. ❜

❛ even if it doesn’t make the emptiness go away, i promise you it will feel lighter. ❜

❛ we can find a way out of here together. will you try and leave here with me? ❜

❛ there’s no death here. the pain only gets worse. ❜

❛ i have a great past, so i’m totally fine. ❜

❛ the most shameful thing of all was thinking you could be anything more than nothing. ❜

❛ wait. you think they care about you? you don’t matter. to anyone. ❜

❛ i’m stronger than you. ❜

❛ you thought you were gonna be some great man? some savior? you can’t even save yourself. ❜

❛ we will always be alone. ❜

❛ i’m here. ❜

❛ it will always be just us. ❜

❛ we’re losing credibility. which we had very little to begin with. ❜

❛ we’re running out of space? It’s impossible. this building is enormous. ❜

" y-you don't have to listen to her .ᐟ.ᐟ she's just being a tease .ᐟ.ᐟ "

yet the undeniable flush of red upon her cheeks spoke a thousand words. the hacker most likely scammed her out of the digital diary she bought for her, claiming: "even i have no means to break through if i wanted to". she definitely read one of firefly's secret wishes.

( another one, happy holidays from firefly @stellaiism to caelus ! )

The fact Silver Wolf had expectations on this matter meant she knew no shortage of truths. Caelus was familiar with that level of cunning, often counting on it along with all their talents to tilt the tides to a more favorable light. It leaves him studying the bud above them with a raised brow, allowing his mind to fall upon all the ideas on what to do exactly in this moment of time. Questions, questions!

Alongside Firefly looking like she was holding the finesse of a shaken soda can. Right now this girl was struggling and part of him had to thank their cheeky companion for enacting this, seeing her rattled with that impassioned flame outside the fury that wreathes her body always made the impishness within him contemplate. "--You've thought about this, haven't you?" He decides to add another sacrificial kindle to the depths of this moment. Even now, it felt as if the room was palpable in how it heats up while those golden eyes turn to her.

Mysterious, predictable, always set to hold true to those promises or to act entirely out of impulse, Caelus' gaze always held a gravity of their own due to what he studies. "Looks like she wanted to be your bravery in this too, guess you're really going to have to owe her for this one, huh?" What exactly does that mean? The intention behind those words are nebulous at first, brief pivots of heels and turning his body before the heat of his palms settled upon those lithe shoulders, facing the Glamothian soul fully.

Right now, anyone could've confused this for a showdown if it wasn't for that merry ornament above, practically swaying with victory as pure, soul enriched flare burned through his body due to what was to come, a decision that once again etched his version of inevitability upon this road of fate. "I've never been good at holding back."

The both of them knew that.

Distance found itself eclipsed between them entirely in this moment. It'd be an abrupt and decisive advance, carrying that same torch of either impulsive or determined decisions as those lips collide upon Firefly's with purpose. Drinking in her gentle scents, the taste of her gloss, all those idle ideas that burned into her totality and to such a pleasant delight upon the taste buds and the senses. He knew of the vigor she carries, and how no gentle kiss would be enough for sating in this moment.

That doesn't stop his arms from replacing the state of that action as the initial shoulder hold elevates into an embrace, allowing those scarred and nicked arms to hold upon her protectively, reflecting that determination to enrich her life that much more. Caelus wasn't looking at this in the form of a gift, or a challenge to conquer, rather just appreciation for the living starfire that burns on as Firefly. Let this outlet for that boundless energy torn from the jaws of death, each and every day.