Chapter Text
With a cup of coffee in hand, Nana checked over the most recent transmissions the Express received. Something about how the Xianzhou Luofu opened its gates for them without a word from those running it raised a level of concern for her, but eventually the mystery was cleared up when Toshinori, January, and Mina got in contact with the Luofu’s Helm Master, Master Diviner, and General.
As she considered reviewing the one they got from the Stellaron Hunters, especially after the panicked reaction Izuku gave when he finally saw it in full, a new incoming transmission blinked on her screen.
One from the Seat of Divine Foresight, where the General usually stays.
After taking a moment to compose herself, Nana accepted the transmission and gave her best welcoming smile when General Yoichi’s visage appeared on the Express.
“Greetings, I take it you are the Astral Express’s Navigator?”
“That is correct, how may I help you?” She asked, taking a sip from her coffee while studying him carefully.
Even though he had the pointed ears that are common with the Vidyadhara people, she couldn’t help but notice the lack of any draconic symbols on him, instead he adorned himself with lions and tried to put on a more noble air.
While he had a warm and welcoming smile on his face, there was a cold and calculating look in his eyes as he studied her the way she studied him.
“I was wondering if there were more members of the Nameless on the Express, and if another member of your crew might have come aboard the Luofu,” he asked, making an attempt at standing taller, hiding the slight tremble in his shoulders.
She closed her eyes and thought about the best way to answer General Yoichi’s questions.
Because she remembered how, just moments ago, Izuku had left the Express to locate the others and warn them about the dangers they were about to face.
Followed by what he told her.
“If anyone from the Luofu asks you about me, please don’t say anything.”
While he didn’t give much of an explanation, she figured he must have his reasons for not telling her. The only thing she can hope for is that he returns unharmed, unless he decides the Luofu will be where he departs from the Express.
“I’m afraid the only ones to board the Luofu from the Express are Toshinori, January 11th, and Mina. The Conductor, myself, and our Archivist have all elected to stay on the Express until everything is wrapped up.”
For a moment, General Yoichi relaxed briefly.
“The Archivist, can you tell me about him?”
“I can’t say much as he prefers to keep to himself in our Archives, but he has been with us on the Express for a good while now. But if you wanted me to give my true thoughts about him, well,” she paused, remembering the times they traveled together on the Express.
The one that came clearest to her was when they first met January 11th, namely when the ice that contained him was brought aboard the Express.
For many nights Izuku would constantly check on the ice, and the person inside, studying them both with a worried gaze.
Until the ice finally broke on January 11th, and they met the boy who had no recollections of who he was or why he was put in the ice.
“I want to say he is a gentle soul, and one of the kindest people you will ever meet, were he to leave the Archives and personally meet you. But he has no desire to board the Luofu, so it is unlikely you will meet unless you wish to board the Express,” she offered.
The image of General Yoichi finally relaxed as his eyes gained the same warmth in his smile.
“I thank you for the kind invitation, but I’m afraid I must decline for now. At least until we finish dealing with the Stellaron Hunters, and even the Stellaron itself,” he said.
“Well if you ever change your mind, the invitation is still open.”
Soon enough the transmission came to an end.
But Nana, curious because she could have sworn the General muttered something under his breath, pulled up the recording and rewound to the moment when he fully relaxed.
“Turn up the volume, please.”
She waited with baited breath.
Listening carefully until it happened, just barely audible even with the volume turned up.
“So it isn’t him.”
The whispered words were filled with a sense of relief that made Nana a little worried.
What did the General think? That they had someone he knew on the Express?
That Izuku might have more of a connection to the Luofu than what she could infer?
“Conductor, can you get in touch with Izuku or Toshinori? Something doesn’t feel right about this.”