Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ah, Thanksgiving on the Astral Express. A yearly tradition, brought to space from Welt’s homeworld.

Mr. Yang had told numerous stories of great events, and thanksgiving was one for them to live through. Apparently it was a holiday where people gathered together and had a big meal! Of course, there was still quite a bit of time. Stelle, Caelus, March, and Dan Heng had all been tasked with finding guests for the Astral Express’s Thanksgiving meal.

March and Stelle had both chosen to go to Jarilo-VI. To save time, they split up; March gets the overworld, Stelle gets the underworld.

March 7th walked into Bronya’s grand office, preceded by two Silvermane Guards. She couldn’t feel a bit nervous with all the formalities, despite how close the Trailblazers were with the planet.

“Uh- Hi, Ms. Bronya..I have an invitation!”

“Welcome, March. What is the invitation for?”

She began reading from the letter. “The Astral Express formally invites you to our Thanksgiving…” To Bronya’s amusement, March began to trail off a bit without realizing. She walked around her desk to meet her.

“Thank you for inviting me. May I have one for Seele as well?”

“Sure!” She said, regaining her excitement. She happily handed Bronya 2 envelopes, heading to the left towards Pela.

“Almost forgot, you’re invited, too!”

“Oh- thank you, Trailblazer. I’ll make sure to clear my schedule.”

“No problem! Now sorry, but I got a long list to get to- seeya there!”

The two bid March farewell as she decended the steps back down to the Administrative District. Next stop, Serval’s workshop!

Meanwhile, Stelle approached her first stop; Natasha’s nursery. The bell rang as she opened the door, causing both Natasha and Hook to turn their heads. She had apparently hurt herself, as Hook sat on the edge of one of the beds, Natasha just finishing the bandages on Hook’s arm.

“Ah, nice to see you again. What brings you down here?”

“Big sister!! Hook’s missed you!!”

“Heh, thanks for the warm welcome! I wanted to invite you two to the Astral Express’s Thanksgiving,” She said, handing an envelope to Natasha and Hook each. The latter quickly tore open her letter, only to dissapointingly find she couldn’t read cursive.

“Big sis? I can’t read it!!”

“It’s cursive. Here, I can help.”

Natasha took the letter and began reading with Hook. Stelle took this oppertunity to silently slip out of the nursery and move onto the fight club.

She walked in to the hustle and bustle, and was met with three familiar faces; Luka, Topaz, and…Sampo? It was pretty safe to say he wasn’t really on the guest list, so she decided to head to Luka for now.

“Hey there, Stelle! Come to watch one of my fights?”

“Sorry Luka, I don’t got much time on my hands right now. I actually came to invite you to the Astral Express’s yearly Thanksgiving.”

“Thanksgiving? What’s that?”

”It’s a feast we hold every year.” She handed him an envelope. “This year’s…actually my first. Care to join us?”

“A feast? Sounds like a great time. I’ll be there!”

Great to hear! Now, Topaz wasn’t on the list, but an extra person never hurt anybody. She hadn’t added her, mostly because she didn’t think she’d see her around here. She approached her, who seemed to be arguing with Sampo.

“Now Sampo, you are millions of credits in debt. You are far overdue on your payments. Pay up or we’re gonna have to lock you up.*

“Now now now, no need to go so fast! I’m sure we can work something out - will 1% do? I’m sure my good pal Stelle over here can cover the rest!!”

Topaz turned around. From her annoyed expression, this had been going on for a while. “Hey, Stelle. Do you know this man?”

She almost smiled. “I’ve never seen this man in my life.”

“Oh, cmon! Don’t you remember your best friend, Sampo Koski? You’re my most valuabl- I mean, valued customer!”

”Can it, Sampo….where…did he go?” In the blink of an eye, he vanished. Stelle failed to notice her pockets were lighter.

“…he usually dissapears like that. Anyways, I actually came here to give you something,” Stelle pulled another envelope from her coat and handed it to Topaz. “The Astral Express formally invites you to our Thanksgiving. More info inside.”

“Thanksgiving, eh? I think I’ve heard of it before. Save me a seat!”

“Good to hear.”

“As much as I’d like to stay, I gotta run. That Sampo guy won’t find him self. I’ll see you around.”

Stelle and Topaz both left and went their seporate ways; Topaz on a wild goose chase for Sampo, and Stelle to the robot settlement.

——————————

“Hey there, Ms. March! I was just telling little Lynxy here all about our adventures.”

”Don’t embarrass me like that!” Lynx was home between expiditions, which was pretty convenient for March, as this saved her a trip to the snow plains.

“Oh, sorry if I interrupted anything. I wanted to invite you guy’s to the Express’s yearly Thanksgiving! It’s like a big feast you invite tons of people to!”

“I’m game, don’t know about Lynxy though. You think you can make it?”

“Why, I wouldn’t miss something like that! I’ll make sure to bring some of my own to share!”

“Great to hear!” March said, handing the two the envelopes. “I only got one last stop today, one for Gepard. I’ll tell him you guys said hi!”

“Oh, no need to worry about Geppy! I can take his for you. He should be stopping back soon, anyways.” Serval took a third letter from March, which kinda relived her. She wasn’t feeling the most adventurous today, so she was happy to go back and recluse in her room. It was pretty uncharacteristic of her.

The three parted ways, as March began her trek home. Stelle was just about done as well, and she was ready to meet up with her.

——————————

“Hello, variable.” The robotic voice greeted her.

“Big sister, you’re back!” Clara ran up to Stelle and have her a hug, to which she returned the favor.

“Hey there! Missed you too. I was looking to invite you and Mr. Svarog on board the Express for a little holiday of ours!”

“I see the envelopes in your hand. May I request one for assesment?”

“Yes sir.” She handed him one of the envelopes, and Clara the other. Svarog took a few moments to scan the letter, as he crunched a few numbers.

“Chance of risk: minimum. Permission granted.”

“Yay! And you said Mr. Svarog could come too, right?”

“Indeed.”

Clara told Svarog the good news, to which he had no reaction. Stelle took her leave to meet March back on the express. Meanwhile, Caelus and Dan Heng had begun their journeys as well.

Chapter Text

Dan Heng approached the general of the Xianzhou Luofu, who sat alone at his desk. His footsteps were nearly silent.

”Hello, Dan Heng. How have you been?”

”I’m doing well. I’ve come on behalf of the Astral Express, to invite you to our yearly Thanksgiving.”

“I see you’re here on official business, and I thank you for inviting me. Should I let Blade and Jingliu know?”

”…I would prefer you not. I hope you understand why they are not on the guest list.”

“Do not fear, I understand. I only have one more request - an extra invitation for the Master Diviner.”

“Of course, general. Here are your invitations.”

“Thank you, Dan Heng. I hope to see you there.”

——————————

Caelus approached the head astrologist of the Herta Space Station, as she gazed the stars like she always does. She was so caught up in her work that she didn’t even hear him behind her.

“Hey, Asta-“

“Aeons- sorry, hi! Didn’t hear you there.”

“It’s alright. The Express is having it’s thanksgiving, I’m sure you’ve heard, and I wanted to invite you.”

“Aww, thanks! That’s so sweet of you!” Asta normally was approached by Himeko herself, but she was probably busy preparing everything. Although, Asta had some things of her own she had been busy with…

“Mind if I bring a +1?”

“Sure, not a problem.” Caelus was aware of her relationship with Arlan. He handed Asta two envelopes. “Say, you wouldn’t happen to know where I could find Herta, could you?”

“Oh, you’re never gonna find her in real life. I’ll just forward it for you, don’t worry!” Asta was always nice like this. He got lucky with the space station, as this had the least amount of people, so now he was free to lounge around the rest of the day.

Meanwhile, Dan Heng approached Qingque’s Celestial Jade table, where she sat with Sushang, Guinaifen, and Bailu. The three appeared to be teaching the latter how to play.

“Hello. It seems I might have caught you at a bad time.”

Qingque was the first to reply. “Not at all! We’re just showing Bailu the ropes.”

Sushang spoke next. “Nice to see you again! Back on the Luofu?”

”Mhm. I was looking to invite you guys to the Astral Express’s yearly Thanksgiving. Here are your invitations.” He held out four envelopes, which were taken one by one by the four.

Guinaifen read the letter. “A feast? Count me in! I’d never turn down something like that.”

His next stop was close by, down in a corner of Central Starskiff Haven, where Yanqing and Yukong sparred. Yukong shot several arrows, which were rhythmically blocked by Yanqing as several swords charged in response, Yukong nimbly dodging them all.

”You’re doing great, Yanqing. I suggest you work on your speed.”

“Thanks. I never knew you were so good at archery!”

“It’s a skill Yukong’s mastered quite well.” Dan Heng unintentionally interrupted the two.

“Greetings, Dan Heng. It has been quite a while since we’ve seen each other,” Yukong spoke.

“It is nice to see you two again. Yanqing, before I discuss my business, I want to apologize for our recent meeting. I understand you were just doing your job, and I hope you hold no grudge.”

“Of course not, Dan Heng. I was worried the same.” Yanqing spoke with abnormal formality, if only to match Dan Heng’s serious tone.

”That is good to hear. Now, I come here on behalf of the Astral Express to invite the two of you to our yearly Thanksgiving. I trust it needs no introduction.”

“Hm, I figured it was around that time. I’ll be there.” Yukong took an envelope.

“Me too,” Yanqing said, also taking an envelope. “Say, would you like to spar with us?”

“I am afraid I have no such time on my hands. My next stop is Fyxestroll Garden. Please enjoy your session.”

”We will,” Yukong spoke for Yanqing. “Please enjoy your time on the Luofu.”

Dan Heng, for his last stop, entered the Fyxestroll Garden. Countless heliobi swarmed everywhere, like stars in the sky. He ventured through to the other side to meet eith Hanya, Xueyi, and Huohuo, making sure to keep a low profile.

“M-mom? Someone’s here…”

At the name “mom,” both of the women turned around from there work to face Dan Heng. Xueyi was the only one to recognize him.

”Ah, Dan Heng. We have not met for a while, I trust you’re still doing well?”

”I am, thank you for asking. I don’t think you two have met me. I am Dan Heng, member of the Nameless.”

“This is my sister, Hanya, and our daughter, Huohuo.”

“It is nice to meet you, Dan Heng. I have heard of your part in the stellaron crisis.”

“H-hi…”

”Hello. I am here to invite the three of you to the Astral Express’s yearly Thanksgiving feast.” He handed the three of them envelopes.

“A feast…” Hanya thought out loud. “I could use a vacation.”

“W-will Stelle be there?”

”Yes. The Ghost Hunting Squad has all been invited.”

This made Huohuo pretty excited to see people she actually knew there. After a tiring day of walking around the Luofu, Dan Heng returned back home to help finish the preparations.

Chapter Text

The Express was…abnormally silent.

Everyone was busy cooking or setting up tables and decorations, which would normally carry quite a lot of conversation with it. But something was off.

Dan Heng was the first to notice, followed by Stelle, followed by Caelus. Even Welt seemed a bit put off by the lack of a certain…March 7th. Caelus was the one to break the silence.

“So are we just not gonna do anything about it, orrr….”

Dan Heng responded. “I will admit, March’s reclusiveness concerns me. Perhaps one of us should check up on her.”

”Stelle’s closest to her, she should go in.”

Stelle herself was tired and needed a break. Not to mention she was pretty worried about March, too. “Probably. I’ll brb.”

Stelle knocked before sliding open the door to March’s room, more as a warning she was coming in. She found March curled up in a burrito of blankets and pillows.

“March..?”

“Hi Stelle…” Her voice sounded nothing like herself. It was sad, almost sick sounding, like someone had managed to take away all of her endless energy.

“Are you doing okay? You don’t sound like yourself…” Stelle sat down on the bed next to March’s comfy conglomerate.

“I’m fine, I’m fine..! Don’t worry about me.” Safe to say, March was not well and Stelle was still worried.

”Honey, something’s wrong. You’re not good at lying.”

”It’s…it’s weird. It’s like some memory I should have, but can’t exactly…remember. Makes me feel bleh, like- what if I forget this holiday too?”

”Isn’t that what you keep your camera for?”

“mmmm…usually, but I’m out of film, and I gotta wait a few days before I can get more….”

“…March, it’s gonna be alright. You can borrow my phone if you need.”

”..r-really? How did you know my phone was out of storage-“

“Meh, lucky guess. You’re always taking photos, after all.” Stelle chuckled a bit, followed by a playful elbow from March.

“Hey! Maybe you just don’t take enough. You’re always running around opening chests and stuff.”

“Pfftt, guilty as charged.”

March and Stelle sat in silence for a while, the latter laying in the lap of the former. As she played with her hair, Stelle could’ve sworn she was about to fall asleep before Caelus slid open the door.

“Hey lovebirds, we got about an hour left. Come help before the guest arrive.”

Stelle groaned, lifting herself up. March was next to follow, fully shedding her bedding cocoon. They both made their way to the next car, ready to finish up setting the tables, just in time to see Dan Heng nearly fall from a ladder.

“Heh, and you thought I was acting weird~”