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The Astral Express is revered by many among the universe, but not everyone has a happy ending.
“Hmm? What is this?” Dan Heng wondered.
He picks up the dusty diary found within the bookshelf of the Archives, and reads its contents.
“Diary of Yue Song Hua, Member of the Astral Express.”
Star Calendar Year 7351
Dear Diary, today was an excellent day. The Express recently announced a new member that was joining us, Baiheng. She was very kind and generous of us, and respected our decisions in which places we visited all over the universe.
She asked me where I was from, and I replied that I was from Xianzhou Luofu. Her face lit up with glee as she told me she was part of the revered High Cloud Quintet, to whom I asked her what it's like being friends with the High Elder. According to her, she was always constantly teasing him alongside his partner whom she found on the Xianzhou Zhuming before she joined us. It was such a good time- oh it looks like destination meeting time, I have to stop writing for today.
“What was that just now? And Baiheng.. why does it feel so familiar?” Dan Heng thought.
Star Calendar Year 7363
Dear Diary, today was a very special day for me to bear witness. After my travels on board the Astral Express, Baiheng invited me to meet the other members of the High Cloud Quintet to which I said “ Of course I would love to!” So I went ahead and let both Himeko and Welt know that I’m heading back to Xianzhou Luofu, which of course they understand. In Himeko’s words, “It’s not everyday that a member of a legendary group comes around these parts, so you should go, Hotaru .” I honestly felt scared at first, since I am a Vidyadhara after all and meeting the High Elder is so intimidating to bear witness. But Baiheng was so friendly around them, and to see his guard drop down. “Hehehe, this is Hotaru, my friend from the Astral Express!” Baiheng introduced me. “Hmm she looks like a Vidyadhara, so I suppose she also has a Xianzhou name as well.” Dan Feng noted. I was scared stiff, he was looking at me so intently… “My name is Yue Song Hua, your highness.” That felt like a weight off my chest, while Baiheng was teasing him again. “Oh come on now A-Feng, you don’t have to be so cold to your fellow kin. Lighten up a little!” I laughed then approached the craftsman, whom I remembered Baiheng telling me about while she was traveling with us, and she showed me her bow. “Greetings, you must be the legendary Furnace Master.. Yingxing right?” I asked. “That’s right, and yes I am in fact good friends with Baiheng.” He replied. I took a look at all his handiwork, the beautiful recurve bow of Baiheng, the ebon Shard Sword of Jingliu, the Sword Champion of the Luofu, Starfall Reverie in its glory.. in which I was surprised to see Jing Yuan. And finally Cloud Piercer, the elegant spear wielded by none other than Dan Feng, Imbibitor Lunae of the Luofu Vidyadhara. The way a short lived species made all of these legendary weapons never cease to amaze me, age is just a number if you put your mind, heart and soul into it. After I met everyone, I strolled around Central Starskiff Haven with Baiheng before long Jing Yuan approached me and handed me half of a jade abacus as a symbol of our friendship. Then I stopped by Yingxing’s place, and let me tell you this man is determined to hone his craft very well. He handed me a beautiful ax, in which I was so delighted to have such amazing craftsmanship in the palm of my hands. It was beautiful as Cloud Piercer and the Recurve Bow, but as powerful as the Shard Sword and Starfall Reverie. But alas this day had to come to an end, otherwise PomPom would get worried. Baiheng chose to stay on the Luofu tho so hope we keep in touch!
“Yingxing..” Dan Heng muttered as he looked and polished Cloud Piercer with a longing glint in his eyes.
Star Calendar Year 7379
To whoever finds Yue’s Diary, I have bad news for you all. She has suffered severe wounds from fighting against Dan Feng during the Sedition and was forced into hatching rebirth. But she has left one final message for you all. “Dear Diary, you may have heard this by now but I’m officially gone. I saw Baiheng.. my bosom friend.. evaporated right in front of my eyes.. to see her die when we could have done so much more together.. I wanted someday to visit Penacony with her, to laugh and have fun together.. but it’s all gone! But still she’s with me in spirit.. I know that.. we will be together forever as friends till the end of time..” I know this is hard on all of you my fellow Astral Guests, but just so you know you can rely on me to help you with your grief.
Signed by the the general of the Luofu,
Jing Yuan
“I need to ask Himeko..” Dan Heng thought to himself.
Dan Heng rushes out of the Archives, to find Himeko in the passenger car.
“Greetings, Dan Heng What brings you here to this lovely hour?
“I found this on the bookshelf of the Archives.” He handed over Hotaru’s diary.
“It was inevitable that someone would eventually find it. Hotaru was the Archiver and guard before you arrived on the Express. I didn’t realize she had ties to your past, Dan Heng.” Himeko sighed.
Dan Heng looked at the diary, couldn’t help but smile, to live on for Hotaru’s sake to witness the world and future she would have wanted. Her dream. Her story. Her legacy till the end of time.
“I will live on, with hope for you Hotaru.. or should I say.. Yue.”