Chapter Text
An Invitation Without Proffer
Caelus goes to rest on the sofa, as he sits he can hear Pom-Pom's voice.
Hello? Hello hello? - They test the speaker. - It's about time we hit the road, passengers! Thanks to the three trailblazers, the activity of the Fragmentum has reached the lowest level, and the readings regarding the status of the star rail have returned to normal! Pom-Pom will dispatch the Express shortly and we'll be leaving Jarilo-VI. Please be seated and say your goodbyes to this planet!
Pom-Pom ends their annoucment. As Caelus looks at the floor remembering their trailblaze expedition in Belebog, March 7th walks up to. - Heyy~ Are you okay? - The joyous girl asks him. - Yea, - He says looking up at her. - Just thinking about our journey in Belebog... - He states. - Yea... That was a terriying, but awesome one, hehe~ - She smiles at him. - We should go wake up Dan Heng surprised he's still sleeping. - She tells him. Alright let's go wake his ass up! - Caelus smiles.
...
𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒳𝒾𝒶𝓃𝓏𝒽𝑜𝓊 𝐿𝓊𝑜𝒻𝓊 - 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖃𝖎𝖆𝖓𝖟𝖍𝖔𝖚 𝕷𝖚𝖔𝖋𝖚
...
As the cutscene begins there are shoes heard clicking onto the cold floor. A man being surrounded by Cloud Knights. As they come to a hault infront of a white haired man... General Jing Yuan.
Do you remember me? - He asks.
...I remember... - The black haired man, 𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙙𝙚 answers.
Of 𝙛𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚... - He begins, with a sinister smile. - 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙖𝙮 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙚. - The General's eyes widen slightly, as the Cloud Knights raise their weapons.
𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢, 𝙅𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙔𝙪𝙖𝙣. - His smile widens as he also raises his blade.
The cutscene ends.
...
(Immediately another cutscene plays)
(Dan Heng is having a nightmare. Blade turns to speak directly to him as he speaks.)
Hehe... 𝙊𝙛 𝙛𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚... 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙖𝙮 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙚.𝙔𝙤𝙪... - He looks directly at Dan Heng - 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢.
(Dan Heng is startled awake. Just then, March 7th and the Trailblazer knock on the door to his room.)
(Cutscene ends)
Hold on, I... I'll be there soon. - He says shaken up.
What did I tell you, Caelus? He's definitely sleeping in. - She looks at him, signing in annoyence. - We Trailblazers can go days without sleep, but when we do hit the hay, we have to make up for it. Anyway, no point wasting our time in the corridor. - She explains to him. - The conductor wants us to attend a warp navigation meeting. Same old location apparently, and we can't be late~ - She looks at him with a rather nervous smile. - Let's head over. - As they were about to leave she stops them. - Oh, by the way...you drew the short straw, Caelus. It's your turn to wash the coffee cups this week. - She smirks at him as he huffs in displeasure.
They go to to talk to Himeko.
Morning, Caelus. You're very punctual. - She greet him with a sweet smile.
And a wonderful morning to you, Miss Himeko. - Caelus greets back.
*sigh* I can't remember the last time I got such a polite response. - Her smile widens. - Dan Heng's situation is special — we hope to protect him to the best of our ability. The trailblazing of Jarilo-VI has drawn to a close, and the Astral Express must depart for the next planet. - She says.
Trailblazing really is a full-time job, huh. - Caelus jokes.
The universe is boundless, and trailblazing never ends... Even a lifetime isn't enough to explore every world. That's the beauty of the unknown. Anyhow, The meeting will start soon. - She tells him.
As of on que Pom-Pom starts the disscution.
Passengers! The warp navigation meeting has officially begun! - They start with a happy tone. - Firstly, Pom-Pom wants to congratulate you, the Nameless, for successfully resolving the problems at this stop. The Express is now able to continue along the star rail!
The three of us actually pulled it off, huh Caelus! - They both grin at each other.
It's time for your conductor — ahem, that's me — to reveal the name of our next stop... - Pom-Pom ends with, until they hear a voice.
(A hologram of Kafka appears as she starts to speak)
Long time no see, - She starts with a black umbrella covering her. - Astral Express crew. She says as she lifts it up. - It's Kafka~ I came at a good time. You're all here... - She begins to walk to them. - Every single one.
No need for the mysterious introduction... Stellaron Hunter. - Himeko remarks.
Kafka laughs as she turns to her. - Himeko... correct? - she points her finger at the red haired woman. - Apologies for interrupting your little get-together. - Tho she doesn't seem sorry. - But I'm sure once you've heard my request... - She wakes on over to to a drawer - ...you'll forgive me. I'd like you to make a... - She continues as she taps her fingertips on the drawer. - ...destination alteration.
I've seen your face before, Stellaron Hunter, even if it was only on a Corporation wanted poster. They were offering quite the bounty... dead or alive. Do you know the figure? - Himeko reveals ,looking as calm as ever but a hint of irritation.
Doesn't concern me. - She bluntly says. - Then again, a Corporation bounty is a compliment, not an insult, don't you think? The higher the figure, the bigger the compliment.
You wanted criminals sure know how to look on the bright side of things... - March fumed.
...I will say, Herta certainly paid you all a compliment: "A 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙖𝙘 that claims he can see destiny, leading a bunch of wild 𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙨 in pursuit of the most dangerous objects in the universe!" ...And Herta doesn't give out compliments very often. - She sarcastically says. As Kafka giggles.
In pursuit of the most dangerous objects in the universe, huh? ...In that sense, you Astral Expressers and I are cut from the same cloth. - She declares.
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. - She says, clearly not wanting to get tied in a situation similiar to theirs.
*sign* - She signs as she looks at them. - Have you guys heard of the Luofu?
Welt and Himeko look at each other.
The Xianzhou Luofu? It belongs to the Hexafleet of the Xianzhou Alliance. We've heard of it. - Welt says.
Mm. - Kafka shakes her hea up and down lightly - But what you haven't heard is that it's currently very close to you — a couple of warp jumps away, in fact. - She smirks at them. - Not to mention, 45 system hours ago... a Stellaron burst occurred on the Luofu. - She grins tautingly at them. - An unexpected calamity... don't you think?
What exactly are you Stellaron Hunters trying to do...? - Welt asks. - 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... - He warns her.
Stop speaking in riddles, Kafka. Say what you have to say. - Himeko said, loosing her patience.
.It's simple. - She says as she finally gives in - That Stellaron has nothing to do with us, but the Xianzhou is convinced that we're responsible.
(Kafka's hologram changes to Blade's appearance)
My companion Blade has been taken away by the Cloud Knights. - She begins to explain the situation to the express. - I want to bring him back, resolve this Stellaron crisis, and clear our names.
Nothing to do with you?! - March asks with a disbelieving look on her face. - Yeah right — sounds like a weird coincidence to me. You just happened to show up after the Stellaron burst...? Also, we're not your friends. Why should we care if a Stellaron Hunter is innocent, hmm~? - She asks clearly not trusting any word she said.
Is there anything in this for us? - Caelus murmured with hints of sparkles in his eyes.
No! Why are we listening to her? - She exclaims - The Alliance is strong — is a single Stellaron burst really too much for them to handle? We're the crew of the Astral Express, not some squad of Stellaron-sealing super specialists! - She hissed.
(The hologram of Blade changes back to Kafka's appearance)
You could, of course, not get involved. - She clarifies - Knowing that the Stellaron hasn't yet affected this region of space, you could make the jump and arrive at the next world. But sooner or later, the star rail here will be more blocked off than it was before. I can tell you what the future holds: If you don't go to the Luofu, the Stellaron will eventually contaminate the entire ship, and over half of the inhabitants will perish. Oh you brave and fearless Trailblazers, you benevolent Nameless, can you really remain indifferent to that? - She teases them.
...This companion of yours, Blade, he'd perish too, right? - Himeko asks.
No comment. - Kafka answers knowing he wouldn't die. - Here are the coordinates. It's up to you how to proceed. - She ends with that. - Our destinations may differ, but the orbits of the stars will eventually converge. See you later.
(Kafka's hologram disappears)
...March, get Dan Heng. - Himeko urges the pink haired girl.
March shakes her head and goes on over to his room.
Soon after, Caelus also heads on over to the Passenger Cabin.
Whoa, what are you doing here? - She asks him with a surprised expression, as if he can't go there.
... - Dan Heng doesn't say anything.
I just gave him the low-down. Hey, remember what I said, okay? - She looks at him with a commanding glare - We're gonna vote against it! I'm not gonna take orders from that woman.
As they head on over to the Parlor Car
Are you okay, Dan Heng? March brought you up to speed, I assume? - Himeko asks him with a concern tone.
I'm fine, and yes, I'm up to speed. - He quickly says, to ease her worry.
Good. - Her tone seemed to have calmed down - In that case, with regard to the matter at hand, let's vote to decide our next move. Our Stellaron Hunter claims that a Stellaron burst has occurred on the Xianzhou Luofu, and that we're in the vicinity. If we head for the Luofu, we may have the chance to save many innocent lives. - She says, hopeful to help as many lives. - ...However, it's also possible that our Stellaron Hunter is lying and using us for her own ends. Neither Welt nor I believe that she's telling us the truth, but we can't just ignore the intel she's given us... She says unamused. So, we're about to hold a democratic vote on whether to set a course for the Xianzhou. All those in favor, hold out your hand. All those against, keep your arms by your side. - She finishes after explaining to them. - Three, two, one..
Hands out! - Caelus cheers.
(All but Dan Heng put their hands out)
Four against one. - She says with a playful smile. - Well, it looks like the Astral Express crew has a majority vote to head for the Xianzhou!
Caelus looks at March.
Didn't you say you were voting against!? - He yelled at her.
*sigh* I calmed down and thought about it a bit. - She quickly explains. - If it turns out that woman isn't lying, then a lot of innocent people are gonna get hurt... Now's the time for thinking about other people... hehe *sigh* - She looks at him neviously.
Oh, how suddenly principled of you! - He teases.
Alright, alright, I think we're all used to March's modus operandi by now. - Welt says with a calm smile, seeing how the youngsters communicate with each other.
So, Dan Heng, you want to stay here? - Himeko asks him.
Yes, I'm staying this time. - He responds with a somewhat worried expression, not wanting to step on that place for a bigger reason.
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 good care of Caelus and March. - She chuckles, waiting for her time to travel with the youthful trio.
...Don't worry. - Welt reasures her.
Destination Xianzhou, here we come! - March exclaims hella thrilled.
As Caelus goes to sit on the sofa again, he again hears Pom-Pom's voice through the annoucement speaker.
The train is about to make the jump!
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As the Express starts moving at an unreal speed to a human's eyes, it stops in front of a giant ship.
Whoa! So that's a Xianzhou ship? It looks even bigger than Jarilo-VI! - March says, excited.
For Xianzhou natives, these ships are their planets. - Dan Heng begins to speak. - Terrestrial environments are cradles that allow civilizations to survive and then develop. Some of those civilizations progress further — constructing space-faring vessels which allow them to voyage into the unknown... The Xianzhou Alliance is one such civilization... I've only glimpsed it a few times, but... it's as magnificent as I remember... - He ends with a sad, remanicing tone.
You okay there? What's with all the lonely nostalgia vibes? - March asks with a concern face, matching Caelus's.
This is the Astral Express, I repeat, this is the Astral Express. - Himeko begins speaking. - We have arrived in Xianzhou territory. Requesting landing permission from ground control... f—from the bridge, I mean. - She corrects herself.
Then Intermittent Signal is heard.
Welcome to... Luofu skyport... Starskiff Haven... Please await transfer...
Please await transfer...
Please await transfer...
As it continues repeating that sentence the crew grows more confused.
Is it stuck on repeat? - Caelus suddenly breaks the silence by saying that.
*sigh* Now you know how I feel when you copy me. - She deadpans.
He looks at her with a confused expression - I just said what everyone's thinking right now...?
...Something's not right. - Welt says getting more weary.
The signal is still repeating, but no one is guiding us in to dock. - Himeko says just as confused as everybody else.
Maybe the Stellaron Hunters were telling the truth. It seems like something really did happen to the Xianzhou... - March guesses. - A vessel arrives at a deserted spaceport... Isn't that how, like, loads of horror movies start!? - She asks with a wide eyese and hand clapped again her mouth.
Let's not let our imaginations get the better of us. - Dan Heng says.
Please await transfer...
Please await transfer...
Please await transfer...
...Still the automated signal? - Welt asks, seeing as it's not stopping.
Yes, it's still on repeat... Ah! There we go. - Himeko exclaims calmly.
...The Jade Gate is now opening. On behalf of the Xianzhou Luofu: Welcome, guests from afar. Please proceed to dock in accordance with the guidance... - The signals ends.
Huh? Is this still automated? - March asks.
The signal broke off, seems that's all there is. - Himeko
We should get going. Himeko, stay vigilant back here on the Express. - Welt said worried for their safety.
Relax, I've got Dan Heng here with me. - She reasures the older man.
Trailblazers! Assemble~! - Caelus happily cheers.
Make sure you're properly prepared before you set off. - Himeko reminds them.
(Approach Welt)
Before we set off, I need to clarify the aim of this journey with you...- He starts. - The Stellaron Hunters have given us a lot to consider, and a lot to doubt... But the most important part of this expedition is—
The Stellaron. - Caelus tries guessing with a blank expression wanting to get to know cool people and travel, but that too.
Precisly - Welt agrees. - The Stellaron Hunters clearly have ulterior motives. However, knowing what they're all about and given the focus of Kafka's words, I have no doubt that the Xianzhou is dealing with a Stellaron. The Alliance and the Express haven't had any previous dealings, so our arrival might not receive the warmest welcome. But as Trailblazers, we're not in this for fame or gain — we just need to do everything in our power to assist the Xianzhou and eliminate the source of disaster. Always keep that in mind, and don't forget the way of the trailblaze: Explore, understand, establish, and connect. - He recalls to them.
Yeahhhh~! - March yells
....Let's go! - Welt says with an anticipated smile.
(The trio arrives at a large dock)
Ugh, Look, it's just containers as far as the eye can see. - March disgrunted. - This area isn't for receiving guests, it's for unloading cargo! Who decided to send us this way? Such a huge port and not a soul in sight. It gives me the creeps... - She then felt chills.
Yet someone opened the gate for us... - Caelus smirks.
Ah! Stop talking! If there is someone here, they're in my bad books already... - She frustratedly says. - Mr. Yang, what should we do? - She asks him, praying that he didn't dissapear.
We should start with the person who opened the Jade Gate. If it turns out they're not friendly, then at least they've already made things easier for us. - He says. - If it turns out they were just doing their job, then we can ask them what happened here.
You're pretty decisive... - Caelus says quietly stars in his eyes.
That's Mr. Yang — this is child's play for him. He's dealt with all kinds of dangers before. - March snickers at him with a wink.
Let's move. Keep your wits about you. - He warns them.