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Chapter Text

The doors to the grand hall slammed open to reveal a joyous trio of nameless holding a golden artifact with triumph quickly approaching a pensive Bronya and Gepard who had been talking in hushed whispers by the great windows overlooking the city.

''Miss Bronya, Captain Gepard! Look! We've found the artifact! Turns out it was shipped to a random citizen in the underworld by mistake!'' 

March 7th shouted joyfully skipping ahead of the others. 

Caelus smiled at her antics before taking a breath to reveal the much more complicated game of run-around they had unwillingly participated in, However, was stopped short by the look of horror on the other's faces.
 A cold chill entered the hall as the grandmaster reached a shaky hand out to the artifact in March's hands. 

''T-this.. How did you? ..It can't be..'' Bronya took the artifact hands still trembling as she confirmed its legitimacy.

 She turns sharply to the Silverman Captain sharing a devastated look. A confused Caelus followed her gaze to see Gepard looking as pale as his armor, he looked to her for confirmation before shakily proclaiming; ''But.. We thought- I thought.. ''

All at once the hall became a flurry of movement as Gepard rushed down from the elevated platform that held the Supreme Guardian's desk, he all but pushed past a confused March 7th who let out a surprised;

 ''Hey!'' 

Before turning and running down a side corridor deeper into the fort. Caelus took one last look at a despondent Bronya who continued to look at the artifact with a look of pure ..guilt? 

''Miss Brony- Hey wait!''

 March exclaimed as Caelus took off after the fleeing captain, Dan-Heng quickly trailing behind him without hesitation whilst shouting a quick;
''Come on March!'' as he left.

 The three followed Gepard, quickly catching up to him most likely due to the heavy armor the captain always wore weighing him down. 
''Captain! What is it, what's wrong!?'' Dan-Heng shouted as the 4 descended a dark staircase hidden deep within the fort, though he would receive no reply.

As they traversed through the cold dark corridor with only a few sparse lanterns of fire to light their way, Gepard suddenly trips over a loose brick falling to his knees with a sharp gasp.

 ''Captain! Are you alright? What's going on? Where are you trying to get to?'' Caelus exclaimed attempting the pull the Captain back to his feet. 

Gasping with his hand to his chest the still pale captain slowly looked past Caelus with a look of barely concealed terror before stuttering out a quiet ''Qlipoth forgive me..''.

Caelus opens his mouth to question further when suddenly he hears a strange noise from down the ominous corridor, looking at March and Dan-Heng they both nod slightly confirming it wasn't in his imagination. 

Seeing that Gepard had no intentions of moving any further Caelus began to cautiously walk down the thin corridor, the other two nameless following dutifully. 

The further they moved the more frequent the noises became, it sounded like a group of people talking sometimes laughing, and water splashing?

 Silently Dan-Heng summoned his spear and took place in front of March sharing a nod with Caelus who nodded back determinedly before taking the last few strides to the heart of the noise coming from a large wooden door at the end of the corridor. 

From outside of the room the quiet voices turned to ugly sneers of mocking, phrases such as ''Scum!'' ''Weakling'' ''Thief!'' muffled slightly from the large wooden door but clear in their intensity.

March could only put a shaky hand over her mouth in shock, the pure hate in those words sending icy shivers down her spine. 
She looked at Caelus and Dan-Heng staring at the door silently, Dan-Heng gripped his spear more tightly as Caelus finally pulled his bat from his back. 

Suddenly the splashing started up again followed by the haunting sounds of wet coughs and gasps for air followed by a threatening ''Underworld scum..'' 

Gasping Caelus lurched forward kicking the door with all his strength causing it to slam open startling every living thing in the room into freezing.

The sight that greeted them was like nothing they had ever seen.

The room was illuminated only by the fire-lit lantern swinging precariously overhead, the walls were cold damp brick filling the space with an icy chill.
 The only nonliving object in the room was a large wooden barrel filled with dark water, much of which had splashed all over the floor giving it an icy sheen. 
Stood around the barrel were three Silvermane guards donned in full armor, their usually pristine uniform now dripping with water droplets and specs of red liquid. 

The three stood in a state of shock holding their positions from before the door had been unceremoniously kicked in, one was crouched by the barrel seemingly holding it still to avoid tipping, and another was standing a couple of feet away holding an object that shined with every swing of the overhead lantern, the third stood tall gripping a familiar head of blue hair.

There in the center of the room gasping for breath was Sampo Koski, he was on his knees on the cold floor with his arms cuffed tightly behind his back blood dripping down his pale hands.

 His usual bright outfit was ripped and cut up in various places like he'd been dragged around by it previously, his entire body was shaking with harsh wet coughs choking water down his chin as the guard kept his head up straight over the barrel.

 His eyes were closed tightly as he attempted to catch his breath, either noticing the silence in the room or wondering why the torture had stopped Sampo slowly cracked one bruised eye open to take in the scene. 

Upon noticing the trailblazer and crew of the astral express staring back at him in horror, his eyes widen further and his harsh breathing noticeably catches.

Suddenly the guard holding the barrel relaxes and stands straight motioning to the trembling Sampo on the floor as he speaks; ''Ah Trailblazer! Have you come to assist with the interrogation?'' 

In total shock the Astral crew can do nothing but look upon the scene in shocked silence, the other guards must take this as an affirmative all relaxing visibly, the one holding Sampo's wet hair laughs boisterously

''Hahaha! You even brought your weapons! That's more like it! I'm sure a few broken bones will get him to reveal where he hid th-''

SMACK

Caelus's bat hits the guard with so much force he goes flying into the brick wall behind him, losing his grip on Sampo in shock who falls to the floor like a puppet with his strings cut at Caelus's feet. 

The silver-haired trailblazer then takes a pointed step over Sampo's prone body, standing protectively between him and the remaining 2 guards.

Dan-Heng joins him on his right after giving a pointed nod to March 7th who startles from her frozen stare, she kneels by Sampo's head pulling it into her lap as he struggles to stay conscious his eyelids flutter as he stutters out a whispered

''M-miss.. Ma-arch''

March shushes him quietly petting his messed up and damp hair with one hand whilst the other wipes fresh horrified tears from her eyes. 

Meanwhile, the guards growl, taking up defensive positions at the unexpected threat.

 One holds up the small shiny object clutched in his hands threateningly revealing a small dagger with flicks of red dripping from it, the other with no weapon simply raises his fists in defense before calling out;

 ''What the hell are you doing Trailblazer!? You're supposed to be on our side! Why are you protecting that criminal!'' 

The knife-wielding guard also decided to chip in loudly exclaiming,

 ''It's not public knowledge yet but surely you know that an artifact that holds untold power has been stolen whilst being transported from the keep to the museum! We know it was Koski and have a direct order from the captain himself to question him!'' 

''Question him!?'' Dan-Heng shouts, ''This is torture! You have no right to treat anyone this way!''

 
Caelus nods in agreement adding ''And for the record, we found the artifact! It was shipped incorrectly that's all! Sampo had nothing to do with it!'' 

''Lies! The captain knows it was Koski!'' The armed guard shouts, taking an angry step closer. Caelus and Dan-Heng tense up preparing to attack when a shaky voice calls out from the corridor.

''Stand down..''

The 2 standing guards immediately stand straight into a salute at the presence of their Captain, who stands gripping the door frame with one hand and the other over his mouth looking ill.

 He stares at the barely there Sampo in March's lap with a look of heart-wrenching guilt, his eyes misted over and he trembles at his actions.

Keeping an eye on the now dormant guards, Caelus turns his glare onto the Silverman Captain, biting out an angry ''Explain yourself.''

Gepard takes a shaky breath, ''I was wrong, I had assumed based on past events.. No.. I was desperate and jumped to conclusions without proof.''

''Koski.. no Sampo I..''

Upon hearing his name mentioned dull green eyes crack open once more, looking up past March's worried face to see the despondent Captain reaching out towards him in apology. Almost instinctively he lurched back away from the armored hand, almost hitting his head on the hard floor had it not been for March's quick reaction in grabbing him. 

The sudden movement must have used the last of his energy as the trickster's eyes rolled back and his body falls limp into unconsciousness. 

''H-hey Sampo! Wake up!'' March exclaimed worriedly, shaking the bluenette as gently as possible not knowing what injuries he'd sustained in the time he'd been at the guard's mercy. 

Gepard who still had his hand stretched out had frozen in shock at the reaction, seeing the full consequences of his actions lay unconscious at his feet.

 He didn't get time to react further as a silver-tipped spear was suddenly inches from his face. Looking up he met eyes with a furious Dan-Heng, he froze in shock he'd never so much emotion from the dark-haired member of the Astral crew. 

Meanwhile, the guards had dropped from their standing salute in defense of the Captain only to freeze at the threat of Caelus's bat pointing at them menacingly.

''Take your guards and go. I won't ask you a second time.'' Dan-Heng grits out his eyes shining a more vivid blue than usual.

''.. But I.. We need to get him to a medic.. I can-'' 

''No. You've done enough.'' Dan-Heng interrupts coldly, pushing the spear inches closer to push the pale Captain's neck. 

Gepard looked past the spear wielder to Caelus trying to plead his case, ''Trailblazer, please.. I have to make this right!''
Not even sparing him a glance Caelus replies, ''Out of respect for your sisters I'm giving you a chance to leave. I suggest you take it.''

Flinching at the mention of his sisters Gepard looks guilty one last time at the unconscious Sampo, before taking a step back and calling to his guards.

''Let's go.'' 

The two guards move quickly to follow their captain's orders, not before picking up the still unconscious guard that has met the business side of Caelus's bat minutes before.
 Allowing the guards to leave ahead of him Gepard spares one last glance at the room before following the retreating guards head hung low.

Caelus and Dan-Heng stay vigilant until they can no longer hear footsteps echoing down the long corridor leading to the prison cell, only then do they drop their weapons and join March on the floor by the still dripping-wet Sampo.

''I-I don't know what to do! He's breathing all weird and he's not waking up!'' March exclaimed teary-eyed, her head swiveling from Dan-Heng to Caelus looking for answers.

Reaching out Dan-Heng puts a hand on the pale Sampo's neck searching for a pulse, noting how the other's skin was warm and clammy despite the chill in the cold cell. 
''His pulse is slow, he needs medical attention and quickly.'' 
''From where! It's not.. It's not safe here for him.'' March says quietly, still running her fingers through the blue locks in an attempt to comfort him.

''We need to get back to the Astral Express.'' Caelus says determinedly, ''It's the only place we know he'll be safe. We won't make it back to the underworld with him in this condition.''

''But how do we get him back to the train? We're in hostile territory and I don't think any of us will be able to carry him.'' Dan-Heng explains as he tiredly pushes his fringe back from his head anxiously, the cold cell becoming a cruel reminder of his own experiences. 

''We might not.. But I know someone who can.'' Caelus replies as he pulls his phone from his jacket pocket, he scrolls a couple of times before typing out a quick string of messages whilst March and Dan-Heng share a look of confusion.

Text - Chat

Caelus: Mr Welt we need your help!

Welt: What's the situation?

Caelus: We're with a ..friend from the undercity but he's really hurt and we can't move him

Welt: Where are you? Is he stable?

Caelus: I think so? His breathing is weird and he's unconscious.. We're in the Belobog Fort in some kind of dungeon I think.

Welt: Wait a dungeon? Are you trapped? What happened?

Caelus: It's a long story, we can leave but Sampo's like 8 feet tall we won't be able to move him.

Welt: I take it the Silvermane guards aren't an option for assistance.. I'm on my way.

Caelus: -Thumbs up pompom emoji-

Text - End

''Mr Welt's on his way!''

Caelus told the others whilst putting his phone back away, he glanced back down at the still unconscious Sampo frowning deeply. 

He didn't deserve this..He thought pensively, pulling his eyes away to look at his tense companions.

March met his eyes with a sad look.

''He's going to be okay right?'' She asked quietly, shaky hand resting on the bluenette's head. 

''Of course! Don't worry March, Sampo's much too stubborn to let this keep him down! He'll be back up causing mischief in no time!'' Caelus replied with fake cheer in an attempt to soothe March's nerves, in truth, he had no idea if he'd be alright.

 To be tortured like this for who knows how long, that's gotta do some real damage surely.. if not physically then mentally.
Within his musings Caelus realizes that Dan-Heng hadn't said anything in a while, he hadn't moved really from his knelt position by Sampo's feet. He just stared at the man's pale face which even in unconsciousness was pulled into a hard grimance as his breath hitched on every inhale. 

''Dan-Heng.. Are you alright?''

Caelus enquired quietly not wanting to spook the other man who was clearly deep in thought.

Nevertheless, Dan-Heng startled slightly at his name, tearing his eyes away from the still form to look at Caelus on his left. 
''Yes.. Sorry yes, I'm fine. Just.. Bad memories.'' Sighing Dan-Heng took another opportunity to glance around the room, the lack of chains littering the walls helping him distinguish the here and now from the past.

''Oh! We should try and get the cuffs off him.'' He said as he started scanning the dimly lit floor for any sign of a key.
''Right.. we probably should have got it off the guards before we kicked them out huh?'' March replied, one hand rubbing the back of her pink locks. 

''I could try breaking them off?'' Caelus suggested, leaning over to take another look at the confined pale hands. They'd lay Sampo on his side with his head still cushioned in March's lap to keep it off the cold floor, his wrists were bleeding slightly from where the cuffs met skin. 

''Actually maybe not, I don't want to do more damage. Looks like he was.. struggling.. his wrists might be broken.'' The grey-haired trailblazer explained pensively, the anger that had come rushing into him when he first kicked the door down and stumbled onto the horrific scene once again returning to him.''

''How could the Captain do this to him? I thought they were kind of friends? And Miss Bronya? She knew too right?'' March questioned.
''From the look on her face when we returned the artifact I'd say she knew all along. To do this to your own people? That you're supposed to protect! It's barbaric.. '' Dan-Heng replied, his hands clenching into fists. 

''Wait.. I just thought, How is Mr Welt going to find us down here! We chased the Captain for ages to get this deep into the fort!'' March exclaimed turning a questioning gaze to Caelus who looked off to the side with a grimace.

''Oh right. I hadn't thought about that.. I don't suppose he'll just ask for directions to the dungeons no?'' Caelus asked rubbing the back of his head, the other two giving him similar looks of mild annoyance.

''Don't worry! This is Mr Welt were talking about! He'll be here in no time!''

--

Meanwhile at the entrance of the Belobog Fort..

''I'm sorry sir but only those with an audience with the Supreme Guardian can access the fort at this time. Please submit a letter-''

''Enough. You will stand aside immediately or I will remove you myself, you have members of my crew trapped inside this fort, and if I'm not reunited with them in the next 5 minutes I will become.. hostile.'' 

Despite the threatening words Welt addressed the taken back guard calmly his posture showing no signs of aggression or anger. This only proceeded to make the guard more afraid as he began to stutter out..

''M-my Orders..''

Taking a pointed step forward Welt interrupts him.
''You-''
''That's enough soldier. Let him pass.'' 
The guard spins on his feet and falls into a quick salute to the figure descending the white staircase.

''Yes Sir.'' 
Welt turns his attention to the famed Silverman captain with distrust, his eyes narrow slightly as he addresses the soldier. 
''Captain Gepard. I believe you have something of mine.''

''I'll take you to them.. Follow me Mr..''

''Yang.'' 

After the brief yet no less tense introduction, Gepard turns back to the looming fort and begins the trek back to the large door overlooking the snow-filled city. 
Walking slightly behind the other Welt had the opportunity to take in the Captain's tense figure. Narrowing his eyes slightly he took the opportunity to question the Silverman Captain.

''I don't have to tell you what will happen if any of them are hurt do I Captain?'
''The nameless.. are fine.''
''And their friend? This.. Sampo?''

At the mere mention of the name Gepard visibly flinched and hunched in on himself more, his clenched fists trembling at his sides.
''There was a misunderstanding.. He was hurt during.. Questioning.''

''Questioning?''

''..'' Seeing that the morose Captain had retreated into his own headspace Welt decided to leave his interrogation at that.. for now. First, he had to somehow get 3 troublemakers and 1 .. probably worse troublemaker out of the guarded fort and to the safety of the train, without reducing the chilled structure to rubble.

Maybe Himeko should have come instead..

Chapter Text

The walk through the fort's corridors was a tense one, neither man looking for conversation, yet Welt's face must have shown his distain for the situation as staff and guard's alike hurried to move out of their way.

...

After a few more minutes they arrived at the dungeons corridor, without entering Gepard turned to Welt.

''If you follow this path down, its the last door at the end. I think it best if I leave you here.''

''And once I have what I came for should I expect to meet any resistance on my way out?'' Welt asked leaning forward slightly on his cane.

''Of course not!'' Gepard exclaimed. ''The silvermane guard-''

''I think 'Captain' that this current situation we find ourselves in shows how little I can trust the silvermane guard.'

Taking a step closer to the ashamed Captain, Welt tilts his face slightly looking into Gepard's eyes with a stern look.
 ''We will leave the way I came in and I expect there to be no one in my path. No staff, no guards, no you. Until I have the full grasp of the situation I will take any measures I see fit to ensure the safety of those of the Astral Express. Do you understand?''

''Yes.. Of course.. Excuse me.'' He turned to go before jolting slightly and reaching into his pocket producing a small grey key. He handed it off to Welt without a word before marching off the way there came.
Taking a calming breath Welt mentally prepared himself before venturing down into the dimly lit corridor of the dungeons. 

----------

Hearing approaching footsteps on the cold stone corridor Caelus and Dan Heng jumped up from there kneeling positions, before taking defensive positions on either side of the open door. 

''.. Mr Welt? Is that you?''
Caelus inquired his voice loud enough to carry to through the narrow corridor.

''Yes, and don't worry I came alone.'' 
Welt replied finally reaching the door where the four people he'd come for had been residing.

Taking in the situation with a calculating gaze he noted the important pieces of information scattered around the damp room. 

Blood splatter

Barrel of water

Puddles

Tense members of his team

Unconscious blue haired stranger

''Right..'' 

Walking over he takes a knee next to March and puts a hand on her shaking shoulder. 

''Are you alright March?''

''Y-Yes just a little cold in here.. and the situation..'' She stammered eyes wondering to the unconscious Sampo.

''Don't worry, we'll figure this out.'' 
Placing 2 fingers on the Bluenette's neck Welt felt Sampo's pulse whilst turning his head to Caelus and Dan Heng standing behind March 7th watching the situation. 

''So this is the friend you were talking about.''

''Well friend is a push, he's always been more of an irritating dog I cant seem to get rid off. Harmless! But annoying.'' Caelus explained wincing slightly.

''Yappy.'' Dan Heng provided, crossing his arms with an almost fond shake of his head before turning serious once more.

''When we got here they were 'interrogating' him. Holding his head under the water we don't know how long they've had him though..''

''Alright. Pulse is a little slow but that could be the cold, if he's swallowed water that's only going to making him colder. We need to get back to the Astral Express.''

Taking the unconscious man in Welt was quick to note the most obvious injuries; severe bruising on face and arms, possible chest injuries with his breathing being so thready, cuts on the upper arms showing through the bright colored jacket and bleeding wrists potentially sprained due to the handcuffs..

''Ah!'' Welt exclaimed pulling out the small grey key from his pocket that he got from the silvermane captain. 

''You found the key!'' March said with a smile.

''Meaning you've probably seen Gep- ..Captain Landau. What did he say.'' 

Caelus asked his hand curling into a fist at his side at the mention of the name.

''Not much. He merely escorted me here, and promised our way out will be met with no obstacles. That being said, be on your guard as we leave. I'll be carrying Sampo here so i trust you three to clear our path if it becomes necessary.'' 

''Of course!'' The three exclaimed together making Welt hide a smile as he unlocked the silver cuffs from Sampo's wrists. 

''Alright, the easiest way to do this would be to get him on my back. Caelus, Dan Heng you to help lift him.. Carefully! We don't know if he sustained any injuries we can't see. March look in the surrounding rooms for anything we can use to cover him. It's getting late out so there shouldn't be many citizens about but just incase we need to be subtle.''

''Leave it to me!'' March proclaimed carefully stretching out her numb legs now that Sampo had been transferred from her to Caelus and Dan Heng. 

''Don't go far, we must stick together when we go through the fort and out into the city.'' Welt warned.

''Sure thing!'' She replied before bouncing off out of the room. 

With the help of the other two trailblazers Sampo was now secured onto Welt's back, one arm hanging over Welt's shoulder the other lay motionless at his side. 

Its a worry he didn't so much as twitch as we moved him.. We must hurry.

''Look guys! I found a box with lots of cool things! Including this cloak!''

''Nice one March!'' Caelus said taking the cloak from her and throwing it over Sampo, the hood hiding his identity perfectly whilst also giving him some warmth.

''What other 'cool' things did you find?'' Dan Heng asked peering into the box March held. 

''Just this weird shaped sword? dagger? and this super cute briefcase!'' 

The sword was indeed weird it was far longer than it looks like it should be and the shape was surely not effective against other swords. The briefcase however was by Dan Heng's tastes even weirder, it was heart shaped with little buckle details in a color scheme that matched Sampo's outfit perfectly.

''These must be Sampo's things, they probably took them from him when he was brought in.'' He explained putting the items back in the box. 

''Does that mean we have to carry this box all the way back?'' March whined, the box wasn't really that heavy just inconvenient when you were potentially about to fight your way out of a fort full of guards.

''Oh don't worry about that, I'll put them in my inventory.'' Caelus casually said, taking the box from March. Without fanfare or explanation the box disappeared as if it was never there to begin with.

''I will never get used to that..'' Welt muttered before adjusting the hold on the dead weight at his back. The unconscious man wasn't very heavy, infact from what Welt had seen he could probably stand to put on a few pounds.

''Is everyone ready.'' He asked looking to each of the young member of the Astral express.

He was met with nodding heads and eyes filled with determination.

''Lets go then.'' 

----

Caelus was the first to step out of the Dungeons narrow corridor and back into the decorated white walls of the fort, Dan Heng was 2 steps behind him with Welt (and Sampo) following and March guarding the rear of the group. 

It was eerily quiet.

The sun had long since set so hardly any light entered the large glass windows that adorned most of the fort's corridors. Candles posted on high chandeliers lit the way casting a dark shadow on the scarce furniture dotted around the area.

Glancing back with a confident nod Caelus began to lead the group through the halls, they did so almost silently other than Welt giving directions here and there to the exit. Not once did they see any other member of the silvermane guard.

Eventually they finally make it out of the front doors and onto the cold steps towering over Belobog. The cold had really started to set in now, without the sun to keep the chill away it became more imperative that they hurried back for all there sakes.

The walk to the train was quiet and tense, they had only passed a couple people in the usually busy streets but those that were out were far to focused on getting somewhere warm to give them any trouble.

Once they made it to the border between the city and the outskirts where the train waited Welt suddenly stopped in his tracks, startling March who squeaked in surprise almost walking into him. This alerted the other 2 up front who stopped to see what was going on.

''Sampo?'' 

Welt asked quietly his head turned slightly to where the others blue hair was brushing his neck.

After waiting a moment he was only met by silence, he looked away to meet the others curious gazes. 

''I thought he said something. Apologies lets con-''

Welt was interrupted by a harsh coughing sound at his shoulder startling the other three.

''Sampo!'' They exclaimed gathering around Welt more closely, March even began lightly patting Sampo on the back through the long cloak to help ease the coughing fit. Reaching up Caelus pulled the cloaks hood back to reveal questioning green eyes staring back at him. 

''If this -cough- If this is a .. kidnapping. -cough- I want a.. cut of.. my ransom..''

''That's the first thing you say!?'' Caelus shouted silently relieved that the conman was already making jokes.

''How are you feeling?'' Dan Heng asked.

''Fan..tastic.'' Sampo said his voice cracking before coughing harshly again, with his consciousness he began shivering even worse than before though he still wore the telltale Sampo smirk. His eyes however held the same look as they did when they first found him with the guards.

''We should keep moving, the quicker we get back the better.'' Welt explained before leading the group onwards, however he was now at the front as the others gathered around Sampo to speak to him.

''And where is it.. that we are going.. oh mysterious kidnapper.. Of mine..'' Sampo inquired though his eyes started to droop as his words began to slur.

''Apologies, my name is Welt Yang. I'm taking you to the Astral Express, you will be safe there.''

''Oh dear kidnapper Welt.. I've never been.. safe anywhere..'' Sampo mumbled before once again falling unconscious his head dropping back onto Welt's shoulder.

The three young trailblazers shared a look at Sampo's words whilst following Welt through the thick snow. 

''Poor Sampo..'' March said her chilled hands gripping Caelus's sleeve as they walked.

Caelus opened his mouth to reply but was distracted by a gold light in the distance.

''There it is!'' Dan Heng exclaimed picking up the pace as the famed Astral express came into view, as they got closer they could see the side door was open an inviting warm orange light shined through. Standing in the door way looking relieved to see them was the ever graceful Himeko.

''Thank goodness you're all alright.. Get aboard quickly! There's soon to be a snow storm in the area.'' Himeko explained moving further inside the train to give them room to enter.
From further inside they could hear a high pitched voice shout.

 ''It's about time!'' 

Chuckling they one by one entered the through the door and into safety.

Chapter Text

The rescue team were immediately hit with a blessed burst of warmth as they entered the trains cabin.

Himeko took the opportunity to cast a subtle yet investigative eye over the others as they passed, looking for any injuries. Her eyes lingered briefly on the unconscious stranger on Welt's back for a moment before moving to close the trains door before any more icy cold could get in.

"So this is the guy you went to rescue?" Pom pom asked whilst leading the others to the seats furthest from the door.

"He looks a little shady."

"Now, now, my dear conductor, we shouldn't judge a book by its cover. I have a feeling this particular book has quite an interesting story to tell."
Himeko replied whilst reaching into one of the many storage spaces on the express to produce an armful of colorful blankets.

Taking them over to the group, she gently wrapped a blanket over each of the crews shoulders to ward off any remaining chill that the natural warmth of the express had yet to fix.

Sampo had been carefully laid across the red cushioned benches by the window, his injured arms placed over his stomach to avoid further damage.
Himeko took note of the injury as she gently laid a warm navy blue blanket over the man. He was still shivering slightly, but his hitched breathing was already showing improvement.
Though Himeko still frowned slightly at the array of injuries, it wasn't hard to guess what had caused such marks.

Taking a deep breathe she turned to address the conscious members of the group, now with a gentle but firm smile on her face.

"I'm glad you're all alright, I must admit I'm very curious about what has happened here, but that will have to wait. Pom Pom, would you be a dear and get me the first aid kit?"

"Of course!" The small conductor quickly moved to comply, their small paws making endearing little tapping sounds, and they moved off to locate the necessary items.

"Welt dear, if you're feeling more rested, could you collect me a bowl of warm water?"

"Certainly."
Removing his blanket now feeling sufficiently warm, Welt carefully folded the item into a square with the intention to put it back into storage. However, he hesitated for a moment before moving over to Sampo. He gently lifted his head, placing the blanket under the ruffled blue locks before placing his head back down gently, now pillowed by the fabric.
He then took off to collect the requested items.

Himeko tilted her head slightly at the interaction before hiding a smile behind her hand delicately.
She turned to the remaining three crew members with a sympathetic gaze.

"I'd like to know the full story that has led up to this moment eventually, but for now, I need to know what has caused these injuries and if there is anything internal that i should know about."

Caelus glances at March and Dan Heng before stepping forward slightly, taking the lead on the explanation.

"When we arrived, he was.. well, the guards were holding his head over a barrel of water. He was coughing a bunch of it up, so we think they.."

"Don't worry," Himeko interrupted.

"I think I understand. We will have to keep a close eye out for signs of hypothermia and keep him as warm as possible."

"His wrists look like that because of the handcuffs. We thought they might be broken.." March added, holding her blanket around herself tightly, no longer really needing the warmth but seeking the comfort of it.

Gently taking Sampo's wrists Himeko could see that luckily there was no obvious deformity to the limbs, she could see slight bruising more so on one than the other but other than that no obvious signs of a break.

Deciding it would be easier to test when he was awake, she moved onto the cuts on his arms. They were numerous and clearly purposeful.

"A knife. One of the guards was holding a knife." Dan Heng stated his arms crossed in front of his body. "They were torturing him for information."

"Yes, but you've all saved him. You handled the situation perfectly, and I'm incredibly proud of all three of you."

The statement from Himeko put shy smiles on the young crews faces. Even Dan Heng failed to hide his reaction as he turned his face from view.

Moments later Pom Pom and Welt reentered the compartment, one carrying a bowl of water and a small towel the other with a green first aid kit.

"Here we go!" Pom Pom exclaimed, opening the box on the bench next to Sampo's head.

"Have we assessed the patients' injuries?" Pom Pom asked.

"His name is Sampo." Caelus added, helping the conductor take out an array of bandages and antibacterial wipes.

"Yes, yes, patient Sampo." Pom Pom then turned to address the group.

"You guys go get some rest, me and Himeko can finish up here."

"But we.." March tried to say but was interrupted by Himeko putting a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry, March, he's in good hands. Get some rest, okay?"

"Alright.. let's go, you two!" Grabbing a hand from both Dan Heng and Caelus, March pulled them both out of the compartment and towards their own rooms.

"Shall I leave as well, Miss Himeko? Welt playfully asked from his knelt down position. He had been carefully cleaning the blood from Sampo's hands.

"You should really get some rest too, it couldn't have been easy to carry our guests all this way. However, I won't force you too leave, I can see you've taken a shine to him, no?"

"Hm, perhaps, he just reminds me of someone I suppose."

"Who, may I ask?"

"Me.." Welt replied quietly before clearing his throat slightly and speaking again at a more normal level.

"Now, how can I help?"

‐------

Meanwhile, in the next compartment, March pulled the other 2 trailblazers down the hall right past Dan Heng's door.

"Hey! March? We're supposed to be resting. Where are you going?" Dan Heng asked just as March took a straight turn right into her own room, the three almost falling over each other at the sudden angle.

Once inside, March walked past the 2 confused crew members and closed them in quietly. She stood facing the closed door for a moment, saying nothing.

'March, are you okay?" Caelus asked, reaching a hand out to place on her shoulder.

"I am GREAT!" She shouted, spinning around and startling the other two once more.

"Because I have had the greatest idea!"

"What is it?" Dan Heng inquired.

"Sampo can join the astral express!"

"What!?" Both Caelus and Dan Heng exclaimed, eyes widening in shock.

"Don't you see it's perfect! Clearly, it's not safe for him here, and you heard him. He doesn't feel safe anywhere! So let's give him somewhere to be safe!'' Marched practically bounced on the spot, her arms flailing wildly.

"Sorry, March. I don't think that's going to work out.." Caelus said.

"He seems happy enough, scamming people and being an overall menace to society." He continued placing his arms on his hips and shaking his head. His thoughts turning to the many, many, MANY. Scams he'd fallen for in his short time on the planet.

"Caelus is right, March. He's never shown any desire to leave or stop what he's doing."

"But now this has happened! How can he feel safe here! What if they do it again and we're not here to save him?" Hugging her arms into herself, March whispered.. "He could die next time."

There was a tense silence for some time as the three let the situation sink in.

Did they want Sampo to join the express?
Sure, he was a con artist who spent his days scamming people for money, sneaking around, being a general nuisance, rubbing his hands together like a freaky fly person..

But he was also the first to help them, the one who helped Natasha get her medicines, the one who put himself on the firing line to ensure the underworld suffered just a little bit less..

And if he hadn't.. maybe this wouldn't have happened in the first place..

"She's right."
"She's right."
"I'm right!"

The three exclaimed at the same time before pausing and looking at each other.
March was the first to burst out laughing, followed by Caelus, and eventually, even Dan Heng was hiding a chuckle behind his hand.

"Guess we're I'm agreement!" March said, putting her hands on her hips with a victorious grin on her face.

"But it has to be Sampo's decision. We can't force him to leave with us.'' Dan Heng ever the voice of reason explained.

"Then we'll just have to show him how amazing it is here before we leave!"

With nods of agreement, Dan Heng and Caelus turned to leave to theirs own rooms to get some much needed rest, waving a hand to March in goodbye.

"Plus.. Mr Welt has practically adopted him anyway." Caelus said off handedly before walking off to his own room at the end of the compartment, the joint echo of an exclaimed "Huh!?" echoing behind him.

--

Back in the main lobby of the Astral Express, Welt, Himeko, and Pom Pom all gave a sigh of relief.

They had finally finished cleaning and wrapping all of the wounds littering Sampo's body, thick bandages covered the majority of his bare arms, his jacket having been taken aside to be washed and hopefully fixed.

Sitting elegantly on one of the benches opposite their sleeping guest, Himeko smiled turning to the other two.
''Good work everyone, Until he wakes up this is everything we can do for him. You should both get some rest.''

Nodding Pom Pom yawns loudly before rubbing a paw over their tired eyes, waving the other as they left to head to bed. Welt however, hesitated seeing Himeko making no move to join them.

''What about you?'' He questioned.

''I'm going to wait a little longer, maybe have one more cup off coffee first. But you go on, you've done a lot today.'' She smiled, waving him off.

''Well if your sure. Goodnight.'' Bowing his head head slightly Welt also left the compartment, carefully closing the door behind him.

..

A moment after Welt had left Himeko looked over to the still Sampo.

''How are you feeling?'' Himeko asked.

A short pause before..

''Ah.. You caught me''
Sampo replied with a small smile, his eyes still closed and body relaxed as if still sleeping, though his voice was raspy.

''What gave me away?''

''It was a guess, but thankyou for confirming.''

''H-huh!?''

Himeko smiled, moving to get more comfortable on the bench she pulled her legs up to her side delicately, throwing an abandoned blanket from earlier over herself.

''So, How are you feeling?'' She asked again.

''I feel great actually! Infact now that I'm awake, I'll just take my lea- ngh!?'' Attempting to sit up probably wasn't his best move since the burst of pain that greeted him was the opposite of fun. He quickly fell back onto his back taking a few seconds to breathe heavily through his nose.

''On second thought.. Maybe another 5 minutes..'' He joked, holding an arm around his middle tightly. His emerald eyes turned to the trailblazer with an innocent smile.

''So ah.. I'm assuming this is the magic world hopping train then? I'm afraid i didn't buy a ticket!''

''Don't worry, you're here as our guest. You can rest and recover here for as long as you like, you're under our care.. and protection.'' Himeko said seriously her eyes moving pointedly to Sampo's bandaged wrists.

Following her eye-sight Sampo chuckled nervously, attempting for casual as he tucked his hands under the blanket that covered him, pulling it up under his chin.

''You know! I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting! I'm Sampo Koski at your service Miss..?''

''You can call me Himeko.'' She smiled. ''Now that we're acquainted, do you want to tell me what happened?'' She asked calmly, still smiling incase the question spooked him.

''Oh this? This is nothing! Ol' Sampo here isn't as graceful as he used to be! I fell down 6 flights of stairs would you believe it!'' He exclaimed animatedly nodding along to his own story with a dramatic wince.

''The stairs cuffed your wrists together?''

''Oh! No. Er.. that was me! Practicing a magic trick at the time! I was showing my escaping prowess to a very impressed audience that was inconveniently placed at the top of the stairs! .. Haha!''

''You coughed up some water, was there a lake at the end of the stairs?'' Himeko asked with a raised eyebrow, resting her chin on one hand that had been propped up by the arm of the bench.

Startled Sampo laughed again each time becoming more strained and less believable.

''Of course not! No, No, It was er raining?''

''Are you asking me?''

''Haha.. ha.. Yes?'' Sampo winced, looking up at the ceiling.

''Do you not remember what happened?'' She asked frowning slightly, but still talking in a calm manner.

''Heh, not a clue actually.'' He replied quietly, eyes closing.

The train compartment became silent for a second, Himeko taking a moment to take in the situation. There wasn't any head trauma when she was checking his injuries.. could it be that the lack of oxygen to his brain during the.. drowning.. had affected his memory?

Deciding to discuss this new development with the other members of the crew in the morning, Himeko turned her attention back to the now quiet Sampo who had started to stare of into space whilst picking at his bandaged wrists absentmindedly.

''Don't worry, all the matters at this moment is that you're safe here, you should rest and concentrate on healing. Everything else we can tackle together after, alright?'' She asked, getting up from her seat and approaching her injured guest.

''Was anyone hurt.. Besides me i mean..'' Sampo asked, eyes drooping as they met her own, his body forcing him to rest more and recover.

''No.. no one was hurt, you didn't do anything wrong. Rest now, all will be well.'' She assured placing a hand over his eyes blocking to dim light from above.

Shortly after Himeko could see that Sampo was now breathing deeper, his body relaxing into the bench cushions falling back into a hopefully restful sleep.

Removing her hand she made sure the blanket was tucked comfortably before turning to leave to her own room, as she passed the door that lead to the snowy outside she stopped and checked the locks once more. Only when ensured they were tightly shut did she leave the compartment, turning the lights of on her way out.

Chapter Text

'Just tell us where it is, and all of this can stop!'

It's so cold..

'Is it worth dying for Koski?!'

It hurts..

'Filthy underworld scum!'

I can't breathe..

!?

With a harsh gasp of air, Sampo suddenly woke up from his fitful sleep.

He sat up quickly with one hand covering his mouth, the other tightly grasping the fabric of his vest over his pounding heart. He looked around the unfamiliar area frantically. It was quiet save for the sounds of his own labored breathing.

Once he got a good look at the room, he began to calm slightly. The sun was starting to rise, casting the room in a healthy orange glow through the windows.

As the events of last night slowly came back to him, he realized he was indeed on board the astral express, home of the trailblazers.

Placing a hand over each of his eyes, he fell back into the bench dramatically with a large sigh.

"Ouch.."

He complained, though he made no move to uncover his face as he took in the situation.

He lay like this for a few moments more, gathering his bearings. The sharp ache in his wrist and chest helpfully reminded him that moving wasn't the best idea right now.

Removing his hands, he glared at the ceiling with an uncharacteristic frown on his face.
He tried to remember what happened to lead to him being tucked away on the trailblazers train, he could remember being cold and voices.. something about a kidnapping. But anything before that? Absolutely no idea.

Deciding thinking was too much of a chore right now Sampo decided it was time to be proactive.

He looked at himself for a second, he was wrapped in bandages and covered with the softest blanket he'd ever felt, Sampo would usually be taking full advantage of this, if it wasn't for the fact he was in a lot of pain and apparently missing an entire day.

He stayed glaring at the ceiling for a few moments before deciding it was high time he took off.

"Like ripping a band-aid off.."

With a determined nod, Sampo suddenly swung himself up from his laying position to sitting upright, his legs firmly pressed on the soft carpet beneath him.

"Ha..haha!" He exclaimed victoriously, holding back a wince as his body protested.

Before wobbling dangerously and falling sideways back into the cushioned seating, his face pushed against the red fabric.

"Owww.." He whined, voice muffled.

He lay like this a moment angry at his own bodies betrayal before attempting to sit up again, this time at a much slower pace.

Once upright and taking deep breaths to ensure he stayed that way, Sampo took the opportunity to take in his injuries. He pulled his wrists up to eye level, the previously white bandage had turned a dark color, indicating he probably re opened something with his flailing.

He clenched his hands in and out of fists to test his movement. One hand was better than the other, but they were moving at least.

"Cuffs, huh.." He muttered vaguely, remembering speaking to one of the older members of the express.

Himeko, his mind supplied.

The details of last night were vague at best, but even little snippets of conversation were better than forgetting an entire day..

"Oh!" Sampo said, suddenly dropping his arms from in front of his face. He reached into his jeans pocket and carefully maneuvered his phone out.

"Let's have a look-see.. " He muttered as he unlocked the phone.

14 missed calls Nat
4 texts Nat
1 text Geppie
1 call Unknown Number

Huh.. seems excessive for 1 day.

He goes to immediately call Natasha back but stops as he realizes it's still very early in the morning. Considering Natasha doesn't sleep enough to begin with he figures a text will do just as well.

- Nat -

Wednesday 19:46
Nat: Where are you? Consider this my nice reminder.

Wednesday 23:25
Nat: Consider this my not nice reminder. You're missing the meeting.

Thursday 09:34
Nat: I'm not really mad, I took notes for you. Want to come get them?

Thursday 21:02
Nat: Please answer your phone.

Today: 02:44
Nat: Sampo, are you alright?

Sampo typing..

Sampo: Sorry, Nat! I got a little tied up, hehe, I'll come see you soon!

--

Closing the chat box, Sampo ran his fingers through his hair absentmindedly.

" So 2 days then not 1.. that's.. not great."

Ignoring the unknown number, Sampo moved onto Gepard's message with a smirk.

"Worried as well, are we Geppie?" He said to himself whilst opening the chat box.

- Geppie -

Thursday 23:21
Geppie: I'm so sorry, Sampo.

--

That's.. concerning..
Sampo thought with a frown, Gepard apologizing to me? Did I actually die? Is my ghost haunting the astral express.. I could work with that, honestly.

Seeing there were messages he didn't recognize above the uncharacteristic sorry, Sampo scrolled up to where he last remembered.

-Geppie-

Wednesday 14:20
Geppie: Koski, we need to talk.

Wednesday 14:23
Sampo: My how bold Geppie! Shouldn't you be inviting me to dinner before you ask to talk?

Wednesday 14:46
Geppie: I'm serious, Koski.

Wednesday 14:49
Sampo: When aren't you?

Wednesday 15:01
Geppie: Fine, why don't I treat you to dinner. We can talk. As friends.

Wednesday 15:02
Sampo: Captain Landau! Be still my heart!

Wednesday 15:03
Sampo: wait seriously?

Wednesday 15:15
Geppie: Yes. You always talk about wanting to get to know each other, maybe we can make friends work.

Wednesday 15:16
Sampo: Ok? Ok! Yeah, let's do it! Oh, Geppie, I have so many jokes to share with you! You'll really appreciate them when you're not chasing me through the snow!

Wednesday 15:24
Geppie: Yes, yes, I look forward to it. Meet me at the Fort entrance at 17:00

Wednesday 15:25
Sampo: Okay!!

- End chat -

The only message after that was the apology from last night. Sampo now more confused than he previously decided not to reply yet. He'd have to get the full story first.

Did he stand me up or something? Did I even go? I guess the friendship didn't go so well if he's apologizing.. Unless we were attacked, maybe?

"Would explain why I'm so beat up.."

He tried to reason with himself, but Himeko's voice whispered through his head.

"The stairs cuffed your wrists together?"

Putting his phone back in his pocket, he decided to concentrate on what was important right now.

Escape.

He gently lifted the cozy blanket up from where it had been wrapped messily around his legs from his previous attempts at moving. He regretfully placed it aside in a somewhat neat way. Usually, something this rare would be added to his ever growing finders' keepers collection, but the thought of stealing from the Astral crew made him a bit nauseous.

With a deep breathe Sampo pulled himself into a standing position. He wobbled a bit at first but managed to stay upright.

"Haha!" He exclaimed victoriously, grinning.

Taking a tentative step, he was surprised at how easy it felt, convinced his earlier woozy spell was nothing more than a fluke he took a few more steps closer to the door.

"See! Was there ever any doubt? Sampo Kos-"

Without warning, Sampo's eyes rolled to the back of his head as he crashed head first into the floor with an echoing thud.

---

Feeling refreshed for the day ahead, Welt left his room, gently closing the door behind him. Usually, he'd relax in his room for a bit longer in the mornings, drinking tea and catching up on reading before facing whatever trouble usually occurs.

However, he was eager to check on their injured guest, having not had much chance to speak to him, Welt figured offering tea would be a good start.

Just as he went to open the door to the main compartment, Welt was immediately met with noise, specifically scolding.

"Are you trying to give me a heart attack!?" Pom Poms voice echoed through the space.

"Apologies, Conductor," another voice replied. Sampo, his mind, supplied recognizing that cheeky drawl from when he carried him here.

"I told you, it's Pom Pom!"

"Apologies Conductor Pom Pom"

"You!! Stop deflecting!"

''Ow Ow Ow Oww''

Seeing the bizarre argument escalating, Welt decided this would be a good time to step in.
Walking into the room, he looked over to the bench and was confused to see a lack of resting blue haired patient.

Instead, he found him sitting on the floor 15 feet away with a blanket wrapped around him, which other than the sitting on the ground could have been seen as normal.

Had it not been for the fact that their small rabbit conductor was currently pulling Sampo's ear like a teacher with a less than behaved student.

Welt loudly cleared his throat, immediately gaining the attention of the bickering duo. 

''Morning you two.''

''Welt! Get me some rope, we need to secure this troublemaker!'' Pom Pom shouted crossing their arms.

''Hey Now! There's no need for that!'' Sampo exclaimed dramatically scooting away from Pom Pom, he waved a casual hand over in Welt's direction with a grin.

''Hello mysterious kidnapper!'' 

''Hello Sampo, please call me Welt. Why are you on the floor?'' He questioned approaching the two.

''Well actua-'' Sampo started but was cut off by a still angry Pom Pom.

''He was knocked out when i got in here! Face down on the ground facing the door! Clearly.. he was trying to escape!''
The conductor fumed waving their paws around.

''Wait.. you passed out again? Are you alright?''

''O-Oh yes! Absolutely fine! I must of still been tired!'' Sampo tried to explain though rubbing a hand on the back of his head.

''Mmm..'' Welt hummed, not convinced but letting it go for now. He held a hand out to Sampo to help him up as he spoke to Pom Pom.

''And Pom Pom, Sampo here wouldn't need to escape, because he's not a ..prisoner here. He's a guest.''

Sampo who's hand had been reaching out for Welt's flinched back slightly at the comment, But he quickly recovered grabbing Welt's hand tightly before being pulled to his feet.

Pom Pom and Welt watched him stand there for a moment both tense as he swayed slightly, blinking away the sudden onset of black dots from his eyes.

After a moment he grinned widely at them waving his hands to the side in a flourish, like a magician who had just completed an incredible trick.

''See? Piece of ca-''

A good performer never misses their encore, and Sampo considers himself to be quiet the showman. He probably could of done with not repeating this particular trick of conscious to unconscious in mere seconds though..

As he fell and his sight faded to back, Sampo was ready for the hard hit of pain as his face met the floor for the second time today. However, Instead the last thing he heard was the call of his name, and the feeling of hands catching him.

'Nat's going to kill me..'

--

Between Welt and Pom Pom, Sampo was now back in his original position of laying on the train's sofa bench, tucked under a blanket. Welt was currently re wrapping his bloody wrists whilst Pom Pom offered to get them both tea, only after scolding a still unconscious Sampo on his recklessness.

Surprisingly not even 10 minutes from his passing out 'episode', Sampo was already showing signs of consciousness again. He twitched and winced as Welt carefully tended to his re-opened injuries even as he was being as gentle as possible.

''Sampo?'' He questioned, voice quiet incase the other wasn't actually waking up.

''Hn?'' A small hum in reply before emerald green eyes peered open with a questioning look.

''Why am I back on the bench..'' Sampo questioned he spoke slowly and quietly, still trying to regain his bearings. 

''You passed out again.'' 

''Oh.. Probably not a good sign.''

''No.. Ideally we should take you to a doctor, but I'm assuming there will be silver mane guards there..'' Welt said frowning in thought.

''Hm? Oh i don't need a doctor! I'm absolutely fine!'' Sampo argued starting to sit up with some difficulty.

''You don't look fine.'' Welt told him, helping position him into a sitting position with his back pressed against the arm of the bench.

''Sampo Koski is always fine!''

''Hm..'' Welt hummed, nodding along. 

Before he could argue his point further Himeko entered the room with Pom Pom, helping the small conductor carry in 4 delicate tea cups.

''Ah good morning Welt, Sampo. I trust you slept well?'' She asked placing one of the drinks on a nearby coffee table to cool down, she then sat in the same seat from last night, facing Sampo with a smile, holding her own steaming cup.

''Good morning, I did thankyou.'' Welt replied nodding his head in greeting before finding a seat on Sampo's side of the bench but leaving him ample room.

''I for one slept wonderfully! Did you create these cushions using clouds as filing?'' 

Laughing slightly Himeko replied. ''Not quiet, I'm glad they were comfortable enough. Was the floor as cozy?'' She asked casually, taking a sip of her still very hot coffee.

Sampo turned his head casting a playful glare on the train's well dressed conductor.

''Tattletale'' He mock whispered.

Pom Pom gasped in offence sticking their tongue out in response.

Which Sampo returned.

''Are you feeling alright Sampo, Passing out twice in one morning is worrying.'' Himeko interrupted, attempting to keep the conversation on track.

''Don't worry, I feel great!'' Sampo started to say but seeing Himeko lifted eyebrows and slight frown had him stopping.

''I feel.. better. Thankyou for you're help you didn't have to.. bandage me up and everything.'' Clearing his throat awkwardly he continued. ''I have a doctor friend, Natasha, I'll head over to see her.''

''It was no trouble.'' Welt said, reaching for one of the warm cups of tea casually.

''Before you leave, would you mind waiting for the others to wake up? They were rather worried about your condition.'' Welt added glancing subtly at Himeko.

''Plus you simply must finish your tea, Pom Pom told me they're making french toast for breakfast you should join us.'' Himeko said nodding to Welt slightly in a silent conversation.

''Oh- er.. I'm not..'' Sampo started but was cut off by Pom Pom standing in front of him holding out his tea.

''What? Don't want to try my cooking?'' 

''Hey now! I never said that!'' Sampo defended making sure his ears were out of grabbing distance.

''Then you'll stay. Good. Drink this!'' Pom Pom help up the cup of tea waiting for Sampo to take it, seeing his still hesitation Pom Pom huffed.

''Don't like my tea either?''

''I don't like any tea actually, always been more of a coffee drinker'' He said quietly almost to himself.

Upon hearing this key little detail Himeko almost shot out of her seat.

''I have so much to show you.'' She smiled, her eyes gleaming with excitement. 

Chapter Text

Caelus was unsurprisingly the last to awaken for the day, groggily rubbing his eyes as he left his room.

The hallways connecting everyone's bedrooms were completely silent as he wandered down towards the main carriage. As he passed Dan Heng's' room, he took a moment to look out into the snowy tundra of Jarlo-V1. The sun sat high in the sky, indicating it was close to, if not midday already, Caelus was impressed that he slept this long without disturbance!

As he watched the snow glisten and sparkle under the sunshine's gaze, Caelus considered the crazy events from the following day.

He had mixed feelings about Sampo, which was plain to see from anyone who'd seen them react, but he didn't hate the guy. He was actually pretty funny when you weren't the butt of the joke or scam, and he clearly cared about the residents of the under city.

He was confusing.

But ultimately harmless, or that's what he probably wants us to think, he mused.

"Even so.." Caelus muttered as his hands curled into fists as his look of wonder turned to a dark glare.

"Nobody gets to hurt another person like that."

Shutting his eyes and breathing deep through his nose, Caelus made sure to turn his face back into a more neutral expression before leaving the window and continuing on the usually short journey.
Approaching the door, he decided to go for a flashy entrance, one that he hoped the newly rescued Sampo would appreciate.

Throwing the door open, Caelus proceeded to do a dramatic spin into the room, turning twice for distance and stopping in a neat bow facing his would-be audience.

When no impressed claps or words of praise reached him, he looked up confused and was met with the most bizarre scene he had ever witnessed.

Himeko was sitting in her usual spot. She held a dainty white teacup, no doubt, filled with coffee. All usual there had it not been for her stifling a laugh behind one hand.

Welt was quickly approaching from the opposite door with a glass of water in one hand and a handful of napkins in the other.

Pom pom was busy sweeping up the remnants of white smashed up pottery, a tea cup infact. They were grumbling and muttering, Caelus could vaguely make out the words..
"This better not stain.."

March was standing at the other side of the cushioned seating. She held one of Himeko's decorated fans and was waving it frantically, her eyes clenched shut in concentration.

Dan Heng was sat down, his expression sat between vaguely annoyed and impressed. He was harshly patting the back of the current guest of the train.

Sampo, who was convinced this is how he went out, was currently coughing a lung out. The frantic back patting and fan waving not doing much to help as he more or less choked into the crook of his elbow.

"What's.. going on.." Caelus asked the room, coming closer to the confusing but fairly entertaining scene.

"I warned him!" Pom Pom exclaimed, scrubbing furiously at the dark tar like substance that was currently seeping into the carpet.

"Warned him of what.. oh no. Is that?" Caelus said, realization showing on his face as he stepped a step further away from the mystery liquid.

"He said he 'liked' coffee!" Himeko defended. She was smiling outright now, obviously pleased with the situation.

March, who had by now given up on her very helpful fanning, took the opportunity to jump into the conversation.

"I don't think he likes your particular blend of coffee, Miss Himeko.." She said, awkwardly patting Sampo's head a few times in a mirror to Den Heng's smacking.

"You think?" Dan Heng replied, ceasing his relentless abuse on the still healing patient now that his coughing has calmed down.

"Honestly, if I had expected this reaction, I wouldn't have offered my special blend. Apologies, Sampo." Himeko said, placing her now empty cup to the side.

"It's.. fine.. it tasted.. good?" Sampo said, finally having his breath back after drinking some of the water that Welt had brought.

"It doesn't look like it tasted good.'' Caelus questioned.

"Would I lie.. to you?"

"Absolutely."

"The hurts just keep on coming for Sampo Koski.." He pouted dramatically, sitting back from his previously hunched position on the bench, taking a deep breathe he tried to will the horrific after taste of whatever it was the he just drank. It wasn't coffee.

"Do you feel better now? Welt asked, still hovering worriedly.

"Oh er yeah, Sorry about the ah cup." Sampo replied, rubbing a hand over the back of his head awkwardly.

"Oh, don't worry yourself at all! This is the usual reaction I get, I have 50 more.' Himeko explained kindly.

"Yeah! This has actually happened to all of us!" March laughed.

"It's practically a right of passage." Dan Heng added, pulling out his phone as he got comfortable on the seat beside Sampo.

"Heh, right.. Anywho! Now that everyone's here, let's compare notes! Obviously, I remember everything in vivid detail ,but I'd love to hear your side!"

"What our dear guest means to say, that he doesn't remember anything." Himeko interjected not unkindly. She raised an eyebrow at Sampo's over dramatic gasp of indignation.

"Alright, you caught me, my memories still a little woozy from the last few days. Hehe."

"Don't worry, we can fill you in on our side of things. Then we will help you figure out the rest." Caelus said, nodding determinedly.

"Aw, aren't you guys just the sweetest! I may actually shed a tear!" Sampo exclaimed whilst pretending to wipe away a stray tear with his usual dramatic flourish.

"Sampo, concentrate." Dan Heng interrupted, still not looking up from his phone.

"Hehe, alright, first things first, is Gepard alright?"

..

For a moment, all movement in the room paused the atmosphere, going from a tense silence to fury in seconds.

"What makes you ask that." Caelus gritted out, fighting to keep a neutral expression.

Sampo could probably blame his still healing body later for his lack of ability to read a room as he carried on explaining.

"Well, I think we were supposed to meet up? Crazy I know. It seems the Sampo Koski charm finally got through to him, haha!"

Sharing a worried glance with Welt, Himeko questioned gently.

"Is that the last thing you remember, Sampo?"

"Hm? Oh no, I was reading up on my missed texts this morning!"

"Let me see." Caelus all but demanded holding an insistent hand in front of a confused Sampo's face so suddenly that he flinched back slightly.

"Caelus." Welt said sternly, placing a hand on his shoulder. This seemed to snap him out of it as he lowered the hand, casting Sampo an apologetic look.

Welt turned to the confused Sampo smiling slightly.

"Apologies, can I take a look at your phone Sampo, or you could read out the last few messages if you'd rather. We just want to make sure we're piecing the story together correctly." Welt explained.

"Oh, er.. sure? Lemme just - ow ow."
The process of taking his phone from his pocket was once again straining on his healing wrists, but he managed to get it with, in his opinion, minimum complaint.

"Be careful!" Pom Pom berated, coming to stand in front of Sampo, looking up at him.

"Speaking off, those are probably ready to be changed." The conductor said, pulling a roll of bandages from their coat pocket. Climbing onto the bench beside Sampo, Pom Pom reached a paw out expectedly, one eye brow raised, daring him to complain.

"Hehe.. you got it, boss." First, he passed Caelus his phone, considering it was probably easier to just let them read his texts themselves. Before he placed his wrists in front of Pom Pom, who nodded before getting to work.

It was a weird feeling to see the gracious crew of the express all huddled around his phone. They had moved off a bit away from him to 'give Pom Pom space'.

"So what's your deal?"

Turning back to his current floppy eared doctor, Sampo tilted his head slightly.

'Hm? How do you mean Boss."

"Not your boss. I mean, what kind of person are you. I've heard your name here and there before, usually followed by a complaint." Pom Pom questioned, not looking up from their diligent work.

Sampo paused for a moment, taking that statement in. A fair comment really, he had caused his fair amount of trouble for the trailblazers since they arrived here.
Shaking the thought off, He put his most convincing grin on and replied.

"Gasp! The trailblazers talk about me? I'm honored!"

"Did you really just say 'Gasp'.. Did you know you joke when you're uncomfortable?" Pom Pom glanced up with a raised eyebrow.

"Maybe I'm just very good at jokes?"

"Maybe you're always uncomfortable."

Rubbing a now free and re bandaged hand across the back of his hair, he laughed slightly.

"Doctor, Chef, Conductor, Physiologist.. is there anything you can't do, boss?"

Pom Pom said nothing for a moment. They just stared at Sampo's face. The blue haired man was able to keep their gaze with a smile for a few moments before looking off to the side.

The quite moment was a good one for self reflection on Sampo's part, he must still be feeling woozy it's like he couldn't keep his carefully crafted mask up at all when he was on the astral express. Leaving would probably help. He knows they wouldn't force him to stay. They were.. good. But he did need to know what happened..

Biting his lip in thought, he was shocked out of his inner monologue by the press of a paw onto his knee.

Pulling his gaze back to Pom Pom, he smiled casually, as if he hadn't just been staring off into the distance silently, not hearing anything the conductor had been saying.

Pom Pom met his eyes again before saying determinedly..

"Do you want French Toast."

Blinking a couple times in confusion at the sudden change of subject, the mention of food had his stomach reminding him he didn't know how long it had been since he last ate. Ignoring both the noise and the sobering reminder of his own situation, Sampo breathed out a small laugh.

"Oh! No, no, don't trouble yourself, Boss! Thanks for offering tho-"

"It's really good French Toast."

"I'm sure it is! But I'm not -"

"How many pieces do you want."

"Really, I'm fine, I'll probably be leaving once-"

"You want 8?"

"8!? That's far too much!" He squawked, causing Pom Pom to grin in victory.

"4, then. Stay here. Don't move!" Nodding at the shocked Sampo, Pom Pom jumped off the bench causally heading to the kitchen.

Slumping back into his seat, he glanced over to where he'd last seen the crew gathered around his phone to see they were no longer there. His eyes pulled back to the exit door across the way.
He could leave right now. Go underground for abit, sort this situation out, Sampo style..

With a sigh, he leaned his head back on the seat with his head tilted up slightly, his eyes closed as he sat quietly.

"I bet you're finding this hilarious, aren't you."

--------

Meanwhile, in the next compartment, Welt was currently blocking the way to the exit from a very angry trio of trailblazers.

"I'm not going to kill him, I'm just going to teach him baseball slightly!"

"And give him a light to moderate cold!"

"I'm going to stab him with a spear."

"Dan Heng, that's not subtle at all!" March cried, crossing her arms.

"Non of you were subtle." Welt said.

"I understand this is an upsetting revelation, but violence isn't always the answer." He tried to explain looking to Himeko to chip in.

"Welt's correct everyone. Think of the consequences if you were to storm the Fort now and challenge him. People could get hurt."
She reasoned calmly, though nothing showed on her face, on the inside she was livid.

"He was so excited to be friends, though.. It's so awful." March said, her eyes tearing up slightly.

"I agree, this entire situation is.. unacceptable. But right now, our focus should be Sampo, right?" Welt said, looking to each of them to agree.

"How do we tell him, just rip the bandage off?" Caelus asked.

"I'll tell him, whilst you three and Himeko go find his Doctor friend Natasha."

"Why does he need a doctor?" Dan Heng asked.

Glancing at Himeko for approval, she nodded slightly, agreeing to Welt explained everything.

"He keeps passing out. It's happened 4 times already before you 3 even got up. He doesn't have any head injuries that we can see, but it's safer to make sure."

"But he was fine this morning with us?" Caelus questioned.

"It's only when he tries to move too much, it seems, so he'll be staying with me and Pom Pom while you 4 go."

"But why is Miss Himeko coming?" March questioned before seeing the red heads raised eyebrow and backtracking.

"N-Not that I don't want her to come!"

Laughing at the reaction, Himeko explained gently.

"With all that's happened, we'd feel better if one of us came with you for now."

The three younger trailblazers shared a look for a moment before nodding in acceptance.

----

"Now be careful everyone, this situation is an unpredictable one. Be ready for anything. And please take care getting to the underworld, I'm not fully convinced on this 'super secret path'."
Welt said to the others from the door to the express as they prepared to treck off into the snow.

"Hey! It's perfectly safe! Sampo safe, in fact!" A voice shouted from behind Welt inside the carriage.

"That's what I'm worried about." Welt replied, his voice raising slightly to make sure the other heard.

"Insulted!" Came the reply.

Chuckling slightly, Welt gave his attention back to the others, his face becoming serious once more.

"But still, please be careful."

"Don't worry, Welt, We'll be back before you know it." Himeko smiled gently before turning to lead the way.

"Bye, Mr Welt! Bye, Pom Pom! Bye, Sampo!!" March yelled, waving her arm high above her head in the hopes Sampo could see it from the window.

"We will be quick" Dan Heng told Welt, nodding once before also turning to leave.

Caelus went to leave as well before pausing and turning back to the door.

"Hey, Sampo!" He called.

"Yeah?"

"Don't die!"

A pause before a cackling laugh.

"Before you? Never!" Even through the words, Sampo's grin could be heard.

Grinning as well, Caelus turned waving a hand over his shoulder at Welt, no doubt thinking he looked very cool and dramatic.

Chuckling Welt watched them until they were just out of sight before shutting the door.

Turning he looked over to where Sampo and Pom Pom sat, they had been sharing pieces of French Toast for the past 20 minutes, at this point he assumed they were silently competing on who could eat more, considering the intense eye contact.

Clearing his throat, Welt walked over to the two, grabbing a chair on his way to sit in front of Sampo.

At this, Sampo broke eye contact, ignoring the conductors triumphant 'Hah!' He turned to Welt, his ever present smile falling slightly.

"I feel like I'm in trouble."

"Not at all. We just need to talk, is all, about everything that's happened. If you're ready, that is."

"Errrr.."

"I'll give you guys some space!" Pom Pom interjected, gathering the plates from the toast war.

At this, Sampo startled looking to Pom Pom with a weary smile.

"Oh? Are you sure? You don't have to leave. I mean, haha." He said somewhat awkwardly.

Pausing Pom Pom looked back at him.

"Do you want me to stay?"

"You don't have to! Just you know, if you wanted, don't leave on er my account.. Unless you want to wallow in your recent defeat alone, that is! Hehe"

"Hm."

Was all Pom Pom said before climbing back onto the seat next to Sampo, placing the plates to the side for now.

"First of all, I won. Second of all, if you want me to stay, I will. Guess you can add therapy animal to my list of credentials now, huh?" They joked good heartedly, smirking up at Sampo.

The latter of which could only stare at the train conductor, almost frozen, he blinked a few times before grinning widely, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"You're so talented, Boss!" He exclaimed.

"I am!" Pom Pom called back, grinning and crossing their arms confidently.

Welt, who had watched the interaction with a smile, took this as his opportunity to start what was to be undoubtedly a difficult conversation.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

As Welt stepped out of the train, he frowned, lifting his head high as he approached the unexpected and unwanted guests.

Lady Bronya, the Supreme Guardian of Belobog, stood regally in the snow, her arms crossed behind her as she waited. On either side of her was 3 silvermane guards. They carried spears but had them pointed up and resting on the snow below.

Stood a little behind the group was Captain Landau. He wore a grim look on his face as he watched as Welt approach them, slowly clearly in no rush to address the 'esteemed' guest.

"Lady Bronya. How can I be of assistance." Welt asked, stopping a few paces away. He casually summoned his cane into his hand to rest it in front of himself, the guards twitched slightly at its appearance but otherwise paid it no mind.

Bronya took a moment to steel herself before answering.

"We are.. here to talk to Sampo." She replied.

"Sampo is busy at the moment, I'll pass a message on for you."

Taken aback by the strict response, Bronya went to speak again only to be interrupted by the Captain, who had now come to stand beside her.

"Is he alright?" Gepard asked quickly, worry and guilt in his voice.

Welt's eyes moved over to him, his face changing to one of distain as he replied.

"Isn't it you that assured he wouldn't be?"

Gepard visibly winced before hanging his head in shame.

"Whatever you have to say to Sampo, you can say to me. I'll pass on the message if I deem it something worth sharing." Welt continued.

"Apologies, sir, but Sampo is a grown man he doesn't," Bronya attempted to say, only to be cut off by Welt.

"Whilst Sampo is on this train, he is under my protection. I respect your position, Lady Bronya, but I've seen firsthand the effects of your false judgement." He finished his eyes narrowed.

There was a pause, the guards glancing at each other and their captain uneasily. After a moments silence, Gepard spoke softly.

"We- I.. I just want to apologies to him."

"You.. you're not getting anywhere near him. I've seen the messages you sent the day you took him. Such underhanded tricks, you're a disgrace to the title of Captain."

"It was under my orders!" Bronya tried to explain, stepping in front of the speechless Captain.

"The stolen.. lost object, it was incredibly important to me. Its value untold, I had to get it back. If I had known it was lost, I never would have -"

"It never should have happened anyway!" Welt shouted.

"How many others have been tortured for information? They dungeon wasn't just built for Sampo was it, it had been there years." He paused for a moment to take a steadying breath.

"And here I was told you were going to be different from your mother."

With a small gasp, Bronya flinched back as if physically hit by the comment. Gepard opened his mouth to retaliate but was interrupted by a loud angry shout.

"LANDAU!"

Echoed through the snowy tundra, the anger in the voice reverberated onto the nearby cliff sides. The unwelcome guests span around in shock to find the source, the guards lowering their spears in defense.

"D-Doctor Natasha?" Bronya stuttered, her eyes wide.

"What are you-" She trailed off as a clearly furious Natasha stormed forward to the group, the four trailblazers sent to retrieve her following quickly behind.

Natasha, who had never been so angry, steps right past the guards, pushing their spears aside without care before marching right up to the confused Captain.

SLAP

"Captain! A guard shouts, lifting their spear.

"Stand down." He replied, holding a hand to his now red cheek. He looks sadly to the doctor before lowering his head.

"I deserve it, lower your weapons."

"You deserve much more than that, now get out of my way." Natasha said, her eyes narrowing, daring him to counter.

Gepard stepped aside, wisely keeping quiet. As the doctor passed him, she paused for a moment to address the supreme guardian.

"I'm so disappointed in you."  She said before continuing towards the train. She smiled slightly at Welt, who nodded his head in approval as she boarded the train behind him.

"Gepard.. we should leave." Bronya said quietly to the morose captain.

"A wise decision." Himeko interjected.

"You three go on inside, Welt and I will join you momentarily." She said, smiling at the three younger trailblazers, who had been glaring daggers at the group the entire time.

"Are you sure Miss Himeko?" Dan-Heng asked cautiously, eying the spears in the guards' hands.

"Go on in you three. You can help Sampo stop Pom Pom from doing anything dramatic.." Welt added, gesturing the three to come over.

After a final glare in the direction of the silvermane group, the three headed into the train, leaving Welt and Himeko standing either side of the unwelcome group.

"I think it's time you all leave. If Sampo wants to contact you, he will. After all, he has your number." Himeko said, casting a look to Gepard before focusing back on Bronya.

"Right.. let's go." Bronya replied, leading the group of guards to follow her.

She pauses just as she passes Himeko.

"What happened.. it will never happen again." She finished before walking away into the snow.

Gepard, who had been following at the back of the group, turns briefly to look at the train, guilt heavy on his face.

"I won't ask for his forgiveness, I don't deserve it. But if he'll let me, I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to him. You have my word."

"Keep your word, and leave." Welt said, nodding to Himeko that had since come to stand beside him. The two watch the others leave until they are fully out of view.

"How did the talk go?" Himeko asked, turning to Welt whilst resting her arms comfortably across her chest.

"About as well as we thought, I think his head is telling him it's the truth, but his heart.. can't bear the thought." Welt replied, sighing.

Placing a hand on Welt's arm, Himeko smiled, leading him back towards the trains door.

"Don't worry, we'll look after him. The others are already attached. It's rather heartwarming to see them so protective."

"You should see Pom Pom." Welt replied with a laugh, pushing open the door.

A loud shout greeted them as they entered the compartment.

"Careful, Caelus!" March exclaimed, wringing Sampo's blanket in her hands anxiously.

"Hey! He isn't light, you know!" The grey hair trailblazer replied, lifting Sampo up higher. He had his arms hooked under the currently unconscious Sampo's shoulders, leaning his blue head on his chest to stop it from flopping about.

"Stop stopping!" Dan-Heng gritted out currently holding Sampo up by his feet.

Pom Pom hurried over to Welt and Himeko, clearly in distress.

"Pom Pom? What happened?" Welt asked.

"Well, we heard a shout outside, and we thought you might be in trouble! So me and trouble were coming out to help you, but we got to the door and he just collapsed!!"

Pom Pom explained their paws waving around widely as they glanced at the struggling Dan-Heng and Caelus as they attempted to carry Sampo across the room.

"I managed to pull him away from the door, but we didn't make much progress, kind of like those two.." Pom Pom added, shaking their head at the younger trailblazers slow attempt.

"Stop panicking, I checked him briefly when I came in. He's simply unconscious, almost as if he's sleeping.. I just need to find out why.."
Natasha, who had been sorting through a large bag by coffee table muttered, while taking out an array of equipment.

With a sigh, Welt approached the two struggling nameless and lifted Sampo out of their arms effortlessly. Carrying him over to his usual place on the plush bench.

"Oh!" March exclaimed, hopping over to lay the blue blanket she'd been holding over Sampo.

"Whew! There we go!" She said happily, whipping a hand over her forehead before placing her hands on her hips.

Dan-Heng and Caelus shared a look of annoyance before deciding against commenting on her contribution.

"Can we do anything to help? I could get you a cup of tea? Or coffee, perhaps?" Himeko asked the doctor kindly.

"Tea would be lovely, thankyou. Also.. if I could have a moment alone with Sampo? Just for the initial examination."

"Of course, take all the time you need. We'll be just through this door if you require anything." Himeko replied, gesturing to the others to follow her out.

Once the door to the next compartment shut, leaving Natasha and Sampo alone, the doctor sighed. Before pulling a chair over to sit in front of her still patient.

"How long are you going to pretend to sleep for?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

With a sigh, Sampo opened both eyes, looking over to Natasha with a grin.

"I'm having dejavu." He replied before swinging up into a sitting position, crossing his legs in front of him on the bench comfortably.

"In my defense, I only really came to when our friendly neighborhood trailblazers failed to move me."

"Didn't think to lend them a hand?" She asked amusingly.

"Absolutely not. It was hilarious. You know how hard it was not to laugh?" Sampo grinned his eyes, crinkling in delight.

"Mm, about as hard it was for me not too, when gentlemen known as Welt lifted you so easily."

"Easily! Miss Natasha, let's not be hasty!" Sampo argued, shaking his head.

"Like a princess."

"Nat!" He all but shouted, attempting to come to his own defense whilst trying not to look too embarrassed.

Natasha laughed softly before sighing in relief.

"I'm so glad you're alright." She said softly.

Sampo paused, looking taken back at the comment a moment before rubbing the back of his neck and looking off to the side.

"Well, you  know what I always say, Sampo Koski's always alright!"

"Sampo." She cut him off, her voice taking a serious edge.

"Look at me, little brother.."

Sampo winced slightly at the request, knowing there was no way he could ignore the rarely used nickname. He turned to her slowly.

She gently cupped his cheeks to keep him still as she spoke. Much to his surprise as his eyes widened at the touch.

"What happened to you.. it was awful. I'm sorry i wasn't there to help you."

"H-hey! You couldn't have known! I mean, no one knew! Well, even if they did, it's the silvermane guards there's nothing anyone -"

"I would have come." She interrupted, her face serious despite the watery look in her eyes.

"And I would have brought the entire underworld with me. I know you like to operate in the shadows, but people talk, Sampo. You've done a lot of good, even if you hide those deeds behind silly scams and bad jokes."

"My jokes aren't bad.." He half-heartedly muttered.

"The underworld would have come for you. Had we known Sampo, I promise you. Alright?" She told him, her voice almost pleading him to believe her.

Sampo blinked rapidly for a moment before taking a large deep breath and releasing it shakily.

"Thanks, Nat.." He whispered, leaning his head slightly into one of her hands.

She smiled, gently thumbing his cheek for a moment before pinching both sides of his face tightly.

"Now then, what's going on with you. Why do you keep fainting like a spooked goat?" She asked, immediately going into doctor mode.

"Ow ow ow," He whined, though he did nothing to remove the attacking hands.

"I don't know! I can't get 8 steps before I hit the deck!" He explained.

She released his cheeks to instead shine a torch into his emerald eyes, her raised eyebrow telling him without words to stay still.

"Injuries wise, it looks like the trailblazers have done a good job keeping these clean. But there's nothing that could explain your fainting episodes.."

"Do you feel anything specific before it comes on? See anything?"

Deciding it would be best not to mention the muffled laughter he'd heard just before passing out each time, he shook his head.

She considered him a moment before reaching for another instrument. Grabbing a thermometer, she held it to his mouth.

"Keep this in, and as hard as i know it is, don't speak. I'm going to get the others I want to try something."

She told him before standing up and heading in the direction the others had gone. Leaving Sampo crossing his arms, pouting around the thermometer.

Natasha returned with the others after a couple minutes, silently relieved to her flighty patient where she left him.

"Looks who's up! How long can we keep that thermometer in Miss Natasha? It's very effective!" Caelus jokes, stepping over to Sampo with a grin.

Sampo held a hand to his chest, his head falling back dramatically as if horribly wounded by the comment, making March laugh.

Walking over, Natasha removed the thermometer and smiled, pleased at the results.

She then turned to address the others as a group.

''Alright, I want to test something, but I'll need someone on standby to catch Sampo if this doesn't work." She asked, folding her hands in front of her.

"Allow me to be of assistance. We haven't been formally introduced. My name is Welt. Thank you for coming." Welt bowed slightly in respect, stepping forward to help.

"I should be the one thanking you, I know he can be a handful." She jested smiling.

"I'm not a dog, ya know." Sampo added glaring playfully over to Natasha.

"Not a bad comparison. You do whine enough." Caelus added, his eyes shining in humor.

"And as an informant, you're pretty good at fetch!" March added, snickering behind her hand.

"And you've mastered lie down." Dan-Heng then added seriously, causing the other two to burst out laughing.

"Hey now!" Sampo called out over the laughing, though his twitching smile told the group he was also trying not to laugh.

"Alright, Alright, I'm calling an end to open season on Sampo. For now. What was your idea, Doctor? Welt asked, steering the group back on track.

"Right. Sampo, I want you to walk to the door to the next train compartment. Stay away from the exit." Natasha explained, stepping back to give Sampo room to get up.

"Welt, please stay by him incase in wrong in my theory."  She asked, nodding in thanks when he immediately stood at Sampo's' side as he began walking.

Everyone watched with bated breath as Sampo walked cautiously to the door. Once there, he span on his heel to turn back to the group and flash a double thumbs up.

"Now walk back past us towards the front of the train then back to us." The doctor instructed, counting the steps in her head as he went.

Once that was completed without incident, she gestured towards the exit door.

"Now go outside."

Feeling confident after the previous  successes, Sampo nodded and, with Welt by his side, headed towards the exit, but 3 steps before he reached the door, he suddenly wobbled, putting a hand on his head. Welt watch him wince slightly before his eyes rolled back, and he began to drop.

Reacting quickly, Welt was able to catch him easily, lifting him once again to take him back to what he was mentally referring to as Sampo's seat.

Himeko turned to Natasha, who looked deep in thought as she stared at the door.

"We may have come to the same conclusion." She said quietly, as the others helped Welt make Sampo comfortable.

"He can't leave.. but why? A traumatic response, perhaps? Or something else.."

"He winced before he lost consciousness. Like he was in pain.' Welt added, crossing his arms.

Natasha sighed for a moment before shaking her head.

"I'm afraid whatever this is, it's beyond my medical knowledge. There's other doctors in the overworld, but.. I doubt they would know much more.. plus, I wouldn't trust them with him.'' She explained, fidgeting with her apron anxiously.

"Maybe answers could be found off planet." Dan-Heng interjected. The others turned to him, Himeko nodding in approval to gesture for him to continue his thought.

"I've heard of someone. They're known as the Healer Lady, and they're famous for their expertise in medicine." He explained, though as he suggested this, he looked almost nervous.

"Do you know where this 'Healer Lady' resides?" Himeko asked.

Dan-Heng paused for a moment before taking a deep breath.

"The Xianzhou Luofu."

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

After a delightful dinner filled with stories of the Astral expresses past adventures, the crew plus Sampo and Natasha all gathered in the Lounge area sipping cups of tea. Himeko, of course, was drinking coffee. 

''Alright, so the next steps have been decided. Sampo, the kind members of the Astral Express here have offered to take you to see a well-known healer in The Xianzhou Luofu. They should hopefully have a better idea about what we are dealing with here.''

Sampo, who had been sitting between March 7th and Caelus on the bench, laughed awkwardly before rubbing the back of his head. 

''You really don't have to go out of your way for little ol' me friends! You've already done a lot, my tab with you all is going to be through the roof!''

''There is no tab Sampo, this isn't a burden at all. We want to help you.''

Welt explained, Himeko nodding along in agreement.

''Yeah! Whether you like it or not, you're stuck with us for the foreseeable future Sampo!'' March added, bumping her shoulder into his good-naturedly causing him to push into Caelus.

''Maybe hanging around the good guys for once will rub off on you!'' Caelus added, also pushing against him, effectively squishing him between the two trailblazers. 

Sampo's eye twitched slightly as he wore a strained smile whilst being crowded on both sides by laughing bodies. Glancing left, he looked at Dan-Heng across the room for help, only for him to stick up an enthusiastic thumbs up and a unhelpful nod in agreement.

An equally unhelpful Doctor Natasha, was currently hiding a laugh behind her hand. Watching Sampo attempt to climb off the bench and away from the two young trailblazers, as they teamed up to keep him still only served to reassure her.

At first she was worried at the thought of leaving him on his own. Ideally, she'd want to go with them to keep an eye on him herself, but she knew that she had a responsibility to everyone still living in the underground. Sampo's condition was another worry all together. It was clear his injuries from his time with the disgraced silvermane guard were being properly cared for thanks to the knowledgeable conductor, but she'd never seen nor heard of a condition that makes you pass out randomly when trying to go outside. However, seeing them all interact with Sampo like he was an old friend, as opposed to a previous menace, helped ease her worries. 

Even at dinner, Natasha had never actually seen Sampo stop and eat before in the underground. Whenever she offered, he'd always been to busy running around gathering her supplies, working his hustles or simply adventuring with the Moles. But under the watchful eye of Pom Pom, he actually ate a full meal, with vegetables and everything! He looked comfortable with the Trailblazers, and they seemed more than happy to help him. This was all the evidence she needed to know he would be safe without her.

Clearing her throat slightly to interrupt the admittedly amusing escape attempt of Sampo vs March and Caelus.

''As lovely as dinner was, I unfortunately need to get back to the clinic.'' She said, rising to her feet gracefully, followed by Himeko and Welt. 

At this, Sampo's head shot up from behind Caelus's arm that had been holding it back. 

''Already?'' He asked, trying to get up again. This time Caelus and March let him without a fight. 

Walking over to him, Natasha held his shoulders softly between her hands, her thumbs rubbing them slightly as she smiled at him.

''You'll be back before you know it. I'll take care of everything whilst you're gone. Don't worry.''

''Right.. Right! Yeah, of course, I know that! You'll be fine, I'll be fine. We'll all be fine! Hehe..He..'' He exclaimed, flashing the famous Koski grin, though clearly strained. Clearing his throat, he spoke in a low tone.

''Just be careful, alright sis. Don't do anything reckless until i get back and tell Hook I'll be back soon and and..''

''Don't worry! I've been doing this a long time, Sampo. I didn't become the leader of the Wildfires because of my pretty face, you know! Plus.. I have a really big gun.'' She smiled at his giggle in reply to her comment before pulling him into a hug.

''Now, have you got everything you need, do I need to send anything over before you leave?'' She asked, glancing at Welt and Himeko also to ask the same question.

''My daggers would have been nice, but I'm not actually sure where they've gone..'' Sampo replied, scratching his chin in consideration.

''Oh! I've got those!'' Caelus called out, holding out 2 purple-tipped daggers suddenly, when he had been previously holding nothing. 

''How did..'' Natasha began to ask in confusion, seemingly the only one confused at this sharp-edged magic trick.

''Oh I also have this cute little bag! Which I'm assuming is also yours due to the excessive use of belts, purple and hot pink..''

Caelus added, his other hand now holding a heart-shaped bag.

''Firstly, thankyou! These are expensive to replace! Second of all, its not hot pink, its magenta.'' Sampo replied with a raised eyebrow, happily taking the items from Caelus. With a quick, flashy movement, the two daggers combined to create a long curved weapon, one of which Dan-Heng immediately became interested in. 

''An odd shape.. How do you use this in battle?'' He asked, looking at the item from multiple angles. 

''As much as I would love to give you a demonstration, I fear Chief would attack my precious ankles if i broke something.'' He joked, silently relieved to see the conductor had been distracted talking to Welt to hear the comments.

Giving his weapon and signature case a fond look, he transferred them both into one hand before performing a dramatic spin and, with a click of his fingers, both items were gone. 

''Ta-da!'' he exclaimed, wiggling his now empty hands.

This time it wasn't just Natasha that was confused, the trailblazers blinked in shock before March said what everyone was thinking with a loud. ''Huuuuuuuh!?''

''Did you just use.. How did you..'' Caelus started, before grabbing the sleeve of Sampo's borrowed clothes and dragging him a couple steps away from the group. 

''Did you just put those in your inventory?'' He whispered, currently tugging Sampo down lower to his level to maintain obvious secrecy.

''Erm.. no...'' 

''You did!? How do you have that? I thought only i could use it?'' 

''Wow vain much?''

''Don't change the subject!''

''Look fam, I don't know what to tell ya! I did it with a toothbrush accidently earlier.. I don't exactly know what you mean by inventory, but I've got a.. space in my head to hold different objects.. that i then access.. whenever I want by thinking about it..''

Pausing a second, he glanced to the side before looking back to an unimpressed Caelus.

''You know what inventory sounds better, let's call it that!''

''Are you guys done with your totally not obvious or suspicious private conversation?'' March called out, her hands resting on her hips and she watched the two.

Spinning back around, they faced the others who were waiting for an explanation which Caelus was about to come up with when Sampo 'helpfully' interjected.

''Magic!'' He called, holding up a pair of finger guns at the group and flashing a not so innocent grin. 

With a sigh and quiet acceptance that this would be his life for the foreseeable future, Caelus lifted his hands into finger guns also.

''Yup, Magic!'' He said with a straight face.

Accepting that this level of weirdness was common on the Astral express, Natasha decided it would be best to get this conversation back on track. Heading to the table, she lifted her medical bag over her shoulder and headed towards the door.

''Alright, I'm heading out. You guys take care, Sampo' stay out of trouble alright.'' She added with a warning look in his direction, which he responded with his arms up in surrender and an innocent head tilt whilst mouthing a silent 'me?'.

''I'll walk you out.'' Himeko said kindly, following Natasha out of the door as the doctor waved one last time to Sampo just as Pom Pom approached him to go over the traveling rules. 

Once the door was shut, Natasha turned to Himeko and sighed. 

''Please just.. look after him for me. I know we're already asking so much of you all but please, while I can't..''

''Of course Natasha. The Astral Express looks after their own, and whilst Sampo journeys with us, he is one of us.'' Himeko replied.

''Haha, Adventuring the stars looking for trouble. Sounds like he'll fit right in with you all perfectly.'' With one last smile, Natasha turned away from the express to head back to the underground. 

--------------------------------

''Hello, Hello? All passengers please return to your seats. The train is about to make the jump! Hold on, everyone!'' Pom Pom's voice echoed over the train speakers. 

Everyone immediately started heading to a seat on the benches around the compartment, Sampo following Himeko who had been previously distracting him with a serious conversation about coffee.

As he neared the seat he noticed that March stood in the middle of the room, standing in a braced position with her eyes closed in concentration.

''Er.. Whatcha doing March?'' Sampo asked her.

''I'm challenging myself to stand through the jump! Everytime I get closer to succeeding!'' She replied excitedly, pointedly ignoring Caelus and Dan-Heng shaking their heads from their seats.

''Sounds fun! I'll join you!'' Sampo started to say before Himeko's arm linked through his as she not so subtly dragged him towards a seat.

''Not so fast there, you're still healing.'' She said before sitting them both together comfortably, not removing her arm in-case he tried 'the March challenge' anyway. 

''Aww sorry March! I believe in you! Power!'' He called flashing a positive thumbs up with his free hand. 

''Haha! Yeah! Thanks Sampo!'' March called back, grinning with new-found determination, just in time for Pom Pom's voice to call over the speakers once more.

''5, 4, 3, 2, 1..''

Chapter Text

A loud noise startled Sampo awake. He had been snoozing away on the astral express couch for the last few hours, bundled up in a familiar blue blanket. Sitting up slightly, he scanned the room for the noise, eyes squinting in the darkness to see the figure of Dan-Heng retrieving a now chipped tea cup from the floor, muttering under his breath.

Clearing his throat slightly, Sampo sat up fully and tilted his head in question.

''Can't sleep Fam?'' 

Unfortunately, despite his quiet tone, Dan-Heng was startled enough to drop the cup once again. Swinging around quickly to face the now clearly concerned Sampo.

''Oh- you're awake.. Apologies if I was the cause..'' He said, bowing his head slightly whilst retrieving the cup a second time.

Blinking away the last bits of sleep from his vision, Sampo noted that the usual prim and proper Dan-Heng looked ruffled and shaky. He was glancing around in the dark even as they faced each other. Asif scared something would jump out at him at any moment.

''You alright there bud? Hey, how about you sit down huh?'' Sampo asked, swinging his legs off the couch onto the floor and pulling the fluffy blanket off to the side.

''No. Thank you.. I'm fine.'' The dark-haired trailblazer tried to protest.

''Come on! Were you making some tea? I'll make it for you! Here sit-sit.'' Sauntering over, Sampo hooked a loose arm around Dan-Hengs' shoulders, steering him over the couch facing the one he'd been sleeping on. With a gentle push, he had a confused yet pliant Dan-Heng seated before taking the cup from his hands. 

''I'll be back faster than you can say 'Sampo you handsome scamp, give me back my credits!''' He exclaimed as he quickly left for the kitchen.

-

Cups of tea made and delivered, Sampo and Dan-Heng sipped their tea silently whilst facing each other from across the compartment. Den--Heng attempted to look anywhere but the smiling Sampo's face as he blinked innocently across from him.

''So! Wanna talk? Ol' Sampo is all ears if you need to vent!''

''I'm fine really, thanks to the tea.. its very. watery.'' Dan-Heng replied with a grimace as he took another sip, surprisingly enough, the bad tea was doing a good job of calming him down.

''You're welcome! Awful isn't it!'' Sampo grinned, rocking side to side happily, he sat back on the seat comfortably pulling the blanket back over himself to stave off the chill in the large compartment.

''I won't push you, but if you ever need to talk, I'm happy to listen, kay?'' He finished.

Finishing up his cup, Dan-Heng stood feeling alot more stable now after the bizarre tea drinking adventure with their current guest.

''Thanks Sampo, for the offer and the.. Frankly terrible tea. I'm going to head back to bed. We'll have a long day tomorrow.''

Allowing Dan-Heng to take his now empty tea cup from him, Sampo smiled before flopping back into a lying position with a yawn.

''Oki Doki! Sleep well fam!''

''Good night Sampo.'' Dan-Heng replied before heading back to his room.

--

''Long time no see, Astral Express Crew.'' 

The team startled from their group conversation, discussing the plan of action once they had reached the Luofu. Turning towards the strange female voice, the hologram of a familiar face stood holding an umbrella over their head.

''Its Kafka.'' The figure apparently known as Kafka spoke softly, yet her voice echoed throughout the compartment.

''I came at a good time, you're all here.'' She spoke whilst walking between the trailblazers. ''Every single one..'' 

''And you.'' She finished, stopping in front of Sampo, who had been watching the performance from next Caelus. As she turned to meet his eyes, he narrowed his eyes slightly as he smiled. ''Me?'' He asked cautiously.

Kafka said nothing for a moment, the staring growing uncomfortable before Himeko gratuitously interrupted.

''No need for the mysterious introduction.. Stelleron Hunter.'' She said, walking to stand closer to the Hologram.

At this Kafka laughed slightly and turned her attention to the red-headed nameless, her umbrella disintegrating from view.

''Himeko.. Correct?'' 

''Apologies for interrupting your little get-together.. But im sure once you've heard my request.. you'll forgive me.''

She wandered over to a nearby table, tapping her gloved fingers on the surface a few times. The astral express crew plus Sampo watched on warily, Welt choosing to stand between the hologram and the others with his arms crossed.

''You're in the wrong place, Kafka. We're not about to accept your request, and we're not about to get into bed with a Stellaron Hunter. It was nice talking with you. Perhaps next time you'll be willing to pay us a visit in person, and we can continue our little discussion.'' Himeko said, stepping forward with her arms placed on her hips as she frowned at the hologram.

''Have you guys heard of the Luofu?'' Kafka asked, facing the windows of the express whilst looking out into the abyss of space.

Behind her the trailblazers looked at each other in both confusion and shock. Himeko and Welt shared a subtle glance between them as the more obvious March and Caelus had to cover their mouths to muffle a confused noise. Caelus leaned back into Dan-Heng's space, slightly asking in a quiet whisper. ''How did she know we were going to-'' 

''Shh!'' Dan-Heng interrupted just as Kafka turned back around.

''The Xianzhou Luofu? It belongs to the Hexafleet of Xianzhou Alliance. We've heard of it.'' Welt replied, his voice showing no hint of the confusion he felt inwardly.

''Mm. But what you haven't heard is that it's currently very close to you - almost a single warp jump away, in fact.'' 

''Not to mention, 45 system hours ago.. a Stellaron burst occurred on the Luofu.''

''What!..'' Dan-Heng spoke to himself quietly, his brow furrowing at the new information.

''An unexpected calamity... Don't you think?'' Kafka finished looking to each member to gauge there reaction. When her gaze passed Sampo, her eyebrows twitched slightly, but she said nothing.

''What exactly are you Stellaron Hunters trying to do..? The Xianzhou Alliance aren't us - they won't give you time to explain. Once you draw the attention of the hunt, you become their prey. The Alliance will hunt you to the end of the universe.'' Welt said sternly, almost demanding her attention back to him. 

''Stop speaking in riddles, Kafka. Say what you have to say.'' Himeko added, growing increasingly annoyed at the Stellaron Hunters games.

''..It's simple. That Stellaron has nothing to do with us, but the Xianzhou is convinced that we're responsible. My companion, Blade, has been taken away by the Cloud Knights. I want to bring him back, resolve this Stellaron crisis, and clear our names.'' She explained before the Holograms form shimmed to reveal a tall man with long hair and a stern gaze. 

Most of the members of the crew looked on in confusion at the person now known as Blade. Dan-Heng, however, took a step back in shock, his eyes widening at the figure. Curling his hands into fists he stared into the man's eyes, unable to break his gaze as his breath started to quicken. His panic was unnoticed by most of the crew as they were all stood in front of him, distracted as March began to join in with the investigation of the Stellaron Hunter.

Just as the panic began to set in fully, his view was suddenly blocked by a purple jacket and a head of blue and gray hair. The sudden movement shocked him back into his own body, giving him the opportunity to try and catch his breath.

Luckily, March and Caelus had done a good job of arguing with Kafka long enough for Dan-Heng to step out and join Sampo at his side, when the blue-haired merchant glanced over at him with a questioning gaze, Dan-Heng smiled slightly with a nod in thanks before tuning back into Kafka who was back to her own look.

''Oh you brave and fearless Trailblazers, you benevolent Nameless, can you really remain indifferent to that?'' She asked, smiling sharply, but that smile quickly dropped from her face when the next person spoke.

''This companion of yours.. he'd die too if we did nothing right? You have a funny way of pleading for help, Miss.'' Sampo added, folding his arms in front of him with a raised eyebrow. 

''No comment.'' Kafka responded.

''Unfortunately, this is somewhat of a time-sensitive matter, so-i don't have time to address the anomaly that is your current unexpected guest. Here are the co-ordinates. It's up to you how you proceed.'' 

She finally glanced at Caelus to wink. ''See you.'' 

As the hologram faded out, the trailblazers stood silently for a moment before Welt spoke up. ''Well, this is an unexpected development.'' 

''Yes, if there has in fact been a Stellaron burst in the Loufu thousands of innocent lives could be in danger. At the same time, i don't for a second believe that the Stellaron hunter is telling us the entire story.'' Himeko added, looking to the group that had now come to stand in a circle as they had been before Kafka's unexpected entrance.

''But hey! We were going there to find a doctor for Sampo! Now we can do that and deal with this Stellaron burst, right?'' March asked, pumping her fist in determination as Caelus nodded in agreement.

Dan-Heng, however, crossed his arms tightly across his chest, saying nothing.

''Hey now! Don't feel like you have to follow umbrella ladies' plans for my sake! Surely there are plenty of doctors around, right?'' Sampo added, glancing concernedly in Dan-Hengs' direction.

''But Dan-Heng said that the Dragon lady was the best doctor this side of the galaxy!'' March exclaimed, waving her arms dramatically.

''But surely..'' Sampo tried to argue, only to be cut off by Himeko.

''Alright, let's hold a democratic vote on whether to set a course for the Xianzhou to find a doctor for Sampo and deal with the Stellaron burst. All those in favor, hold out your hand. All those against and want to look for a doctor elsewhere, keep your arms by your side.'' Himeko said with a nod. ''Either way, we will accomplish our main mission currently, which is to help Sampo. The question is where we'll go to do so.'' 

''Three, two, one..''

The votes were in.

Those in Favor: Himeko, Welt, Caelus, March

Those against: Sampo, Dan-Heng

''Four against two, looks like the Astral Express crew has a majority vote to head for the Xianzhou. So, Dan-Heng, do you want to stay here with Sampo?'' Himeko asked, smiling at him warmly. 

''Yes, I'm staying this time.''

''In that case.. Welt. Ready for a trailblazing expedition? I know you've been itching to get out there for a while now. But make sure you take care of March and Caelus. I'll keep an eye on Sampo.''

''Sampo is well-behaved!'' the blue-haired guest exclaimed, crossing his arms over his chest with a pout.

''Aw can't Sampo come with us? I wanna see what his weird knives do!'' March asked, pretending to swing daggers around the air. Caelus had to dodge her strikes from hitting him in the face.

''Don't worry about me, Miss March! I'm gonna hang out with Dan-Heng here! Hey bring me back something sweet kay!'' Sampo spoke quickly, nudging Dan-Heng slightly with a playful wink.

''I think sugar is the last thing you need..'' Caelus added with a raised eyebrow.

''You're right! I'm sweet enough!!'' Sampo laughed out, grinning wider at Himeko's responding chuckle and the others groans.

''Well, no time to waste. Pom Pom, please make the last jump to the Luofu.'' Welt asked, heading over to a seat to wait for the jump.

''The train is about to make the jump! Take your seats everyone, especially you March!''

Chapter Text

''Woah! So, that's a Xianzhou ship? Its even bigger than Jarilo-VI!'' March said excitedly as the crew gathered around a hologram of their next destination.

''Hey now Jarilo-VI is big!.. Enough!'' Sampo added from his current position on the couch getting his bandages changed by Pom Pom.

''Ow, ow! Not so tight Boss!''

''Stop fidgeting!'' Pom Pom replied, flopping an over-sized ear up to whack the blue-haired guest over the head with it.

''For Xianzhou natives, these ships are their planets. Some of those civilizations progress further - building space-faring vessels which allow them to voyage into the unknown.. The Xianzhou Alliance is one such civilization.'' Dan-Heng said matter-of-factly, much to the relief of the others, as he'd been more quiet than usual since their journey to the Luofu had started.

''You know alot about this place, Dan-Heng! Have you been here before?'' March asked.

''I've only glimpsed it a few times but.. It's as magnificent as I remember..'' He trailed off, looking of the side with a small frown.

March opened her mouth to question his sad demeanor but was cut off by Himeko's transmission.

''This is the Astral Express, I repeat, this is the Astral Express. We have arrived in the Xianzhou territory. Requesting landing permission from ground control.. f-from the bridge, I mean.'' Himeko spoke, ignoring Sampo's not very subtle giggle behind her.

''Welcome to.. Luofu skyport.. Starskiff Haven.. Please await transfer.. Please wait transfer.. Please await transfer..''

The signal reply continued to repeat this eerily.. 

''Its on repeat?'' Caelus asked, crossing his arms in thought.

''Now you know how i feel when you copy me!'' March replied, her arms resting on her hips as she raised an eyebrow at the grey-haired nameless.

''Now you know how I feel when you copy me'' Sampo added in a high-pitched voice mimicking a now annoyed March 7th. ''Ow! Boss would you stop that!?'' He finished rubbing his nose that had just been the victim of a large fluffy ear.

''Something's not right..'' Welt said, pulling the conversation back on track.

''You know.. A vessel arrives at a deserted spaceport.. Isn't that how, like, loads of horror movies start!? March asked, her eyes wide.

''Let's not let our imaginations get the better of us, March.'' Dan-Heng replied with a raised eyebrow.

''Suddenly the repeated message stopped and was replaced with another. ''The Jade Gate is now opening. On behalf of the Xianzhou Luofu: Welcome, guests from afar. Please proceed to the dock in accordance with the guidance.. -'' The eerie female voice continued before cutting off completely. 

''The signal broke off.. Seems that's all there is.'' Himeko said, switching the transmission off.

''Then we should get going. Himkeo, stay vigilant back here on the express.'' Welt added, turning the Himeko with a nod.

''Relax, I've got Dan-Heng here with me.'' She replied, smiling at Dan-Heng. 

''And Sampo!'' Sampo added from behind her.

''And Sampo.'' She replied, laughing slightly.

''Trailblazers Assemble!'' Caelus called, pumping a fist into the air. 

With that, Welt, Caelus, and March 7th set off for the Luofu, Waving at the remaining group with a smile. ''Don't annoy Dan-Heng too much Sampo!'' Caelus called out with a grin.

''No promises!'' Sampo called back, hooking a loose arm around Dan-Hengs' shoulders with a grin, The latter looking like he'd soon be regretting his choice to stay.

''As soon as we find the Dragon lady doctor, we'll convince them to come over here and see you!'' March promised as they stepped out of the train.

And with that they were gone, leaving Dan-Heng, Himeko and Sampo standing in the lounge compartment. Pom Pom had since wondered off to make some lunch for everyone.

''So what'll it be, fam! Cards? Sharades? We can turn all the furniture in Caelus's room upside down!'' Sampo said, firing off more and more suggestions before Dan-Heng cut him off, not unkindly.

''I think.. I'll probably go take a nap.'' The dark-haired nameless said, suprised at Sampo's immediate head nodding.

''Good idea! You do that!'' He agreed, shooting two thumbs up before turning them into finger guns, even adding little 'Pew pew' sound effects.

''Sleep well Dan-Heng, if you need anything please don't hesitate to find me. Meanwhile, why don't you and I catch up Sampo. Coffee?'' Himeko interjected, hooking sampo's arm around her own.

''Oh! Talking about feelings and coffee that makes you dizzy are my two favorite things!'' Sampo replied, gently trying to unhook his harm and run, only for Himeko's hold to tighten as she smiled up at him.

''Haha don't worry, minimal feelings, and you can have tea if you prefer.'' She added, much to Sampo's relief, as he was led out to another compartment. 

With tea and something that resembled coffee acquired, the two walked in companionable silence as Himeko led them both further down the train. 3 carriages later Sampo's curiosity peaked.

''Hey so, where are we going?'' He asked, taking in the view from the windows as they passed them.

''I figured you'd want a change in scenery! You've been cooped up in the lounge area since you got here.'' She said before stopping at the door. ''Here we are!'' 

Opening the door, a medium-sized room was revealed. It was mostly empty other than a small sofa, a coffee table and a couple of lamps. The best thing about it, however, was the floor to ceiling window at the opposite end of the wall, the view of the blue skies and amazing architecture of the Luofu could be seen in all its glory. 

''This is our viewing room. I like to come here to relax, whenever we arrive at a new planet. So that I can watch over everyone while they're exploring, in my own way. Come, take a seat.'' She added, placing her coffee cup on the table gently. 

''This is amazing! I see why you'd like this room!'' Sampo added, pulling himself away from the window to take a seat on the well-used but still comfortable sofa.

''Feel free to come here whenever you like, you strike me as someone that doesn't like being in one place all the time. Now, how are you doing?'' Himeko asked, picking up her coffee whilst looking out into the Luofu.

''Er.. Good? Fine, Concious! Which sounds odd, but you know what I mean hehe.'' 

''Are you comfortable here on the express?'' She asked.

''It beats sleeping on the floor, that's for sure! Plus, you guys are full of endless entertainments! Never a dull moment on the old express is there!'' 

She turned her gaze cautiously to the man who was currently downing his tea. ''You slept on the floor?''

''Hm? Oh! Did that sound bad? No, no, I made it very comfortable. The newspaper is a great insulator! Plus, Hook got me this great blanket for Christmas last year and Nat got me a hot water bottle, not that it worked very well with melted snow. But it made a nice pillow! Like a waterbed!'' He rambled, his arms waving as he created the shape of each item in the air as he spoke. 

''Right.. I'd heard from Caelus that you were a fairly successful trademen was it? Had you not considered buying something a little more comfortable?'' She asked kindly, keeping her voice light and non-judgemental about the frankly shocking revelation.

''Haha nah, all the credits i earned went to good use! The underground..'' His voice softened. ''They needed all the help they could get, when i arrived.. It was bad.''

''From what Doctor Natasha told me, you were an incredible help to all those in need down there.'' Himeko said, placing a hand on his arm.

''Yeah..'' He trailed off. ''Anyway! Comfort wise you guys get a shiny ten out of ten!'' He said happily, shooting Himeko a well rehearsed grin.

''Hmm, that's good then. If we can get you anything else, please let us know. And if you ever want to talk about anything, im more than happy to listen.'' She added, smiling softly before sitting back more comfortably on the sofa, looking out into the Luofu.

Sampo, still smiling, glanced away from the view towards Himeko out of the corner of his eye. Seeing her focus back on the view and not him, his smile dropped slightly as he sighed quietly. Thankful to be out of that particular subject, he turned his gaze back to the window deep in thought. He hadn't really had the time to process everything yet, since there's always something going on here, these delightful trailblazers had been a most welcome distraction.

But plans needed to be made. They were making good time in finding this doctor. If she was as good as Dan-Heng says she is, this fun little holiday could be over within the week. He'd be back at Belabog, awake and.. Alone. He wasn't scared of going back, no,  that would be crazy. Sampo Koski isnt scared of anything! So what if showering triggered a heart attack? He could use Nat's bath in the clinic! And the silvermane guards? He could avoid those easily, he'd only ever been seen by them if he wanted to be seen! And Geppie.. Gepard. Well. Best not to dwell on that trainwreck. 

He'd been so stupid. Of course, he didn't want to build bridges. The great Gepard Landua, Captain of the silvermane guards, Friends with a street rat like him. 

Stupid.

''Are you ready to head back?'' Himeko suddenly asked, knocking Sampo out of his own head and back into the room. The sun had moved across the sky quite abit at this point. How long had he been aimlessly staring into space?

''Oh- Yeah sure!'' He said quickly, standing to grab both of the empty cups.

''Pom Pom should be done with lunch around now. We don't always eat together at the same time around the table, but there will always be food made in the fridge for whenever you might get hungry. We can see if Dan-Heng wants to join us on the way.'' Himeko said, smiling at Sampo as he grabbed the cups before leading them both out of the viewing room. 

Heading back towards the lounge car, they're greeted by the site of Dan-Heng bursting out of his room, his eyes widening as he saw both of them before approaching them quickly.

''Dan-Heng, are you alright? It's rare to see you like this. Have you slept at all?'' Himeko said as he approached, Sampo coming to a stop behind her.

''Are you worried about the others? Welt is with them, they should be fin-'' She tried to reassure, only to be cut off by a panicked Dan-Heng.

''I've been researching, looking into past transmissions, communications sent to and from the Luofu to see if anything that Stelleron Hunter said was true.. He's there.. he's there and everyone is in grave danger! .. But..'' He trailed off with a frown.

''Is he.. connected to that past you want to escape?'' Himeko asked cautiously.

''I.. I can't leave them down there. It's just.. I'm afraid my burden has finally caught up with me, and that everyone is about to be drawn in...'' He replied quietly, his hands curling into first at his side.

''Dan-Heng.. We tread on a path that is hidden from us. The things we see and the trails we blaze all become our baggage. They weigh us down,  but they also give us strength to continue the journey.'' Himeko finished with a small encouraging smile.

''Also, don't think this is a burden you have to deal with alone! Sampo Koski, at your service! If you want to head down there, I'll join you!'' Sampo said, only hesitating at the raised eyebrow of Himeko.

''That is, if that's alright with Miss Himeko here..'' He added quickly.

''The Express spends seven standard days at each stop. Its passengers are allowed to do as they deem fit during that time. Pom Pom and I are more than capable of looking after the express.''  She smiled, crossing an arm around her waist delicately. 

''But Sampo.. We don't know if you'll be able to even leave the express.'' She added, looking towards the way out.

''We! We won't know until we try!'' Sampo exclaimed, determidly starting towards the exit. 

''Dan-Heng if you could..'' Himeko started before Dan-Heng quickly followed the taller man. ''I'll catch him.'' He added.

His confident stride slowed the closer he got to the door, until he was instead taking cautious half strides inching towards the door slowly. Muttering under his breath 'So far so good'.

Eventually, he reached the door, grabbing the handle, he twisted it before pulling it open in a flourish. Dan-Heng reached over quickly to grab the back of his collar incase he chose to pass out now at the top of the stairs. But nothing happened. 

Feeling optimistic, he stepped out further, pulling Dan-Heng with him until he standing under the bright sun, grinning in triumph.

''Ta-Da! Success!'' He called, spinning around dramatically before bowing to Himeko at the door. She smiled in response.

''Be careful you two, and Dan-Heng once everything's over. You'll come back and travel with us.. right?'' She asked hesitantly.

At this Dan-Heng nodded before turning to lead the way into the Luofu. 

''I'll take care of him, Miss Himeko! You can count on Sampo!'' He called with a wave, jogging to catch up with Dan-Heng.

Alone by the stairs, Himeko watched them leave with a worried look before closing the door softly.

--

After about 30 minutes of walking further into the city via the back roads, Dan-Heng stopped at a crossroads before pulling out his phone. 

----------------------------------------------

The Astral Express Family 

Dan-Heng: Caelus, March, Where are you?

-Message failed to send-

Dan-Heng: I'm coming to find you.

-Message failed to send- 

----------------------------------------------

He turned back to Sampo with a frown. ''My messages aren't sending to the others.. The network is down, but some functions are still working?'' 

''Hmm that is weird.. I'm sure they're fine! Caelus, is scrappy and March is a crack shot with that bow of hers! And Welt! Well.. whatever he does I'm sure it will both impress and terrify me!'' Sampo replied, trying to be reassuring.

As they wondered further through the empty paths, Dan-Heng took in the views with a soft smile.

''Virtually nothing has changed since i left..'' He spoke softly, almost too quiet for Sampo to hear, but he had been keeping an eye on Dan-Heng since they left. 

''Oh yeah? Its real pretty, much cleaner than the underground, that's for sure!'' He said in reply, not trying to pry too much.

Just as Dan-Heng went to reply, they turned another corner only to be met by 3 Fragmentum monsters. With a hiss, Dan-Heng pulled himself and Sampo back around the corner just out of site. 

''Damn.. There's 3 of them. This is the quickest route in. Are you able to fight?'' He asked, before turning to Sampo, who was currently holding his Duo knives together to form the odd weapon they'd seen on the astral express earlier. 

''Wanna see a magic trick?'' Sampo asked with a grin.

''Now isnt the time for games Sampo! These things are dangerous!'' Dan-Heng whisper shouted in reply, trying to rapidly think of a plan that wouldn't get them both killed.

Unfortunately, a plan was already in motion. As before he could reach out and stop him, Sampo stepped around the corner with a grin he called a quick ''Try this on for size!'' To gain the monsters' attention before throwing his weapon forward towards the group.

Jumping after him in shock, Dan-Heng held his spear high, ready to back him up, only to stop in his tracks. All 3 monsters had been sliced cleanly in half in that one blow. The weapon hurtled back around before being caught back in Sampo's waiting hand. He winked at Dan-Heng before bowing dramatically and clicking his fingers to make his weapon disappear from view.

''How.. How did you?'' Dan-Heng started to question only for Sampo to tap the side of his nose a couple of times with a smile. ''Magic of course! Now you see them, now you don't! A fight that can be finished quickly without anyone ever being in danger, now that's a fight Sampo Koski enjoys.'' He finished with a thumbs up and a gesture for Dan-Heng to go ahead. 

The next 10 minutes of the journey consisted of Dan-Heng questioning Sampo's skills and weapons, with Sampo deflecting by making jokes and changing the subject. 

The conversation cut off when they reached the next set of crossroads, though it seemed they weren't the only ones going into the city this way as the sound of voices began to eche off the shipping containers around them. With a glance and a nod to each other, they silently approached the strangers whilst keeping out of sight. 

''Stay where you are- I can handle this. Emergencies should be dealt with by professionals...'' A young female voice said, peaking around the corner. They could see a young girl with long brown hair standing in front of a tall blonde man carrying a weirdly shaped object. They were currently surrounded by monsters? They looked somewhat like fragmentum monsters, but they were more.. Humanoid? Regardless, it was clear they weren't friendly, so seeing this, Sampo and Dan-Heng rushed over to help. 

''Hey who are you guys!?'' The woman said, holding her sword high between the group and the monsters.

''Your neighborhood friendly monster killers! Need help Miss?'' Sampo asked, bowing dramatically to her with a grin. He noticed the blonde male looking at him oddly from the other side of Dan-Heng, so he shot him a wink and turned his attention to the matter at hand. 

Just as the girl went to reply, the monsters, seemingly bored with waiting for them to chit-chat, burst forward in the attack. There were 3 of them to take down, so automatically Dan-Heng, Sampo and the mysterious women  all took one each.

The women jumped up and over the first monster to pull it away from the others. As it turned its attention to her, she had the opportunity to swing her golden sword at its chest, injuring it enough to fall. She grinned in victory about to turn to help the other two when it suddenly rose back up, its wounds healing before her eyes. ''Wh-What?'' She stuttered, holding her sword up higher as it approached once more. 

As she backed up away from the fierce attacks, she bumped into Dan-Heng accidently causing him to under time a block with his speak causing the monster to slice into his upper arm. With a hiss, he grabbed the young woman by the arm and pulled her back out into more open space so they weren't overwhelmed. Glancing at his injury that was now openly bleeding, he frowned. ''Careless.''

''Dan-Heng!'' Sampo called, kicking the monster he had been fighting out of the way he attempted to go over and help the two, only to have to dodge out of the way from a second attack on his left. 

''Oh no! I'm so sorry are you ok-Woah!'' She started to say only to be cut off by the monster attacking again, its moves constantly as it kept attempting to cut them with the knives on its armor. Luckily, as it came close to getting them again, a purple knife flew in out of nowhere to slice the creature in half, giving them a chance to move away once more.

 With a growl, Sampo caught his weapon as it came back to him. He tried to assess the situation in his head whilst blocking blows left, right and center. He needed a plan. These things weren't normal. They healed too quickly and attacked relentlessly, Dan-Heng was already hurt and Sampo's wounds on his wrist began to pulse painfully with each attack blocked. He couldn't even use his bombs in these close quarters.. Think Sampo.. If only he had his mask..

''That's it! No more playing nice..'' The un-named woman called out loudly.

''Take this! Shape of Taixu! Arise Pheonix!'' She called, pointing her sword at the oncoming monster. There was a burst of light indicating an incoming summon only for it to be revealed as a.. Very large chicken?

Sampo laughed once in disbelief as the chicken summon charged the closest monster with a look of determination before jumping high in the sky and landing back down upon it with enough force to push everyone on the field back. Shortly after landing, the creature disappeared again, leaving the monster crushed in a crater. ''Yes! Gotcha!'' She called, grinning in victory.

Dan-Heng, seeing the monsters had been pushed back and temporarily stunned at the previous attack, took the opportunity to use one of his own.

''The truth of life and death, revealed in an instant..'' He stood straight, holding his spear horizontally as he lined up the 2 remaining enemies in his sights.

''This sanctuary is but a vision! Break!'' He called as he charged them with incredible speed, breaking through both of them, succeeding in cutting them both down permanently. 

Landing next to Sampo, he nodded at him whilst looking to see if he was injured at all, only for Sampo to immediately start fretting over him instead.

''How badly are you hurt, is it bleeding alot? Do you need water? I don't have any water! Do you need to lie down?'' Sampo spoke frantically, trailing circles around Dan-Heng incase he'd been hit more than once.

''I'm fine Sampo, it will heal on its own.. Wait are your wrists bleeding?'' He asked back, trying to stop the flapping blue-haired merchant in his tracks.

''Perhaps I can be off assistance.'' The blonde-haired man spoke up, walking closer to them holding a glowing green sword.

''Receive divinity!'' He called, his other hand rising to reveal a gold necklace. Suddenly, a soothing wind engulfed the 3 of them, healing their wounds.

 The cut on Dan-Hengs' arm healed up fully, whilst Sampo felt better than he had in days. Gingerly pressing against his still bandaged wrist, he was pleased to find little to no pain! It wasn't healed completely but the damage done by the last battle had all but disappeared.

''I owe ya one, Blonde stranger!'' He called out with a grin, patting Dan-Heng on the shoulder as he approached the other two now standing together.

''You guys did well out there. I'm Sushang of the Cloud Knights  - I was just transferred here from the Yaoqing!'' Sushang smiled at Dan-Heng before raising her head to the blonde.

''Not that i couldn't have dealt with them on my own, it's a Cloud Knights job to protect others. This area is under martial law, I'm escorting all civilians to safety. Follow me.'' She finished with a stern nod.

''I assume your doing the same with this civilian? Your Cloud Knight spearmanship is impressive! Which unit are you from?'' She asked, turning back to Dan-Heng. 

''Oh im.. Not a Cloud Knight.'' He replied with a slight shake of his head.

''You're not? Huh.. So you're a civilian then. Come with me!'' She finished, starting to turn to leave before being stopped by the blonde.

''Miss Sushang, what exactly has transpired here? In all my trade visits, I've never seen the Starskiff Haven in such a state.''

''I..uh.. can't comment on that. Either way, you three have to come with me. What are your names, by the way? Can't put them down, and blonde, black and blue.'' She said as she began to lead them through the area.

''My name is Dan-Heng. I'm a traveler, this is Sampo. We're on our way to meet up with our friends, we appreciate the help, but we can leave the port ourselves.'' Dan-Heng quickly spoke first, knowing that letting Sampo take the lead in conversations never goes well. 

''No can do. It's way too late. You won't find anyone at Starskiff Haven. If your friends made it out, then they'll already be in the safe zone.''

''And my name, is Luocha, incase you've forgotten Miss Sushang.'' The blonde now known as Luocha said with a small smile, heading to the corner of the field to retrieve the large coffin-shaped object, lifting it as if it weighed nothing at all.

''I knew that! Now, Let's go! Stay close, you two. Cloud Knight Sushang will guarantee your safety!'' She said reassuringly before leading them towards the nearby stairs.

''Ah one more thing - i need you to write your names down later. I don't know too many characters, I might make a mistake.. ''