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"Got everything?"
"Not like we need much. It's the Astral Express. What's the worst that can happen?"
"The last time you said that, your dumb luck nearly got us shot at. Mr. Yang had to come to our rescue, remember?"
"... I partially retract my statement."
Hearing a chime, Relon pulls out his phone already guessing the sender.
March: Ready whenever you two are XD
"Someone's eager." Eina comments, peering over Relon's shoulder at the message.
"Well, it has been a few months and you know the Astral Express goes all over the place."
"Like us?"
"Only they can choose where to go safely." He jokes, bumping his hip against hers to receive a nudge back.
"Hmpf, details schmetails. Let's get going. I don't wanna hear March complain."
"You could just admit you're eager to see her again." He chuckles to receive a bland look. "Am I done? Yeah, yeah." He answers to himself.
Stepping forward, hands at his side, a golden hue manifests into an orb before its shimmer quickly dies out. Flicking the object over his shoulders, Silver Wolf catches it.
Opening her hand, a single key lies before her. Eyes lifting to the door, she tosses it for the entrance to become encased in the same golden light.
Eyeing the other, they nod to proceed forward vanishing within the light.
Astral Express
Stepping out, it takes only seconds for his eyes to adjust. With that short span, immediately feels a force wrap an arm around him.
"Oof!" Silver Wolf grunts.
He didn't even need to look down to know who the cause behind such a greeting was.
"Hey, March." He breathes out.
"Yeah, what he said."
Feeling her hold break free, said girl steps away to beam a contagious smile.
Before them stood March 7th. The third and final member of the Lucinance Household… for now. Even if she wasn't with them a lot.
Cute face, bubbly energy, kind personality and all packed into one; that was who March 7th was. Aside from the other romantic person in their life.
"You definitely haven't changed. Again." Silver Wolf breathes for a chuckle to elicit from their boyfriend.
"I have no intentions of changing and neither should you." She grins with confidence.
"Can we go back, Relon? I already feel a headache coming along."
"Oh no you don't!" She lunges.
"Relon, protect-"
"Nope."
Sidestepping out of the way, one betrayed Silver Wolf can only gawk at the apologetic male before she's trapped in the energetic archer's vice grip.
"You… traitor…! Can't… breathe…!"
"Teehee, no can do! We've got things to do! Oh, that reminds me, I gotta introduce you two to Dan Heng!"
Whatever training March did following her joining of the Astral Express sure as hell was effective. That was for certain.
Watching the girl drag the hacker away, Silver Wolf's attempt at holding on by the door frame fails as her groans can be heard down the hall. Relon can only chuckle before departing the cutely-designed room after them.
Looking out a window at the beautiful vacuum of space, voices from up ahead gain his attention. Door whirring open, he steps into the parlor car where familiar faces including a new one lies.
"Relon, come on slowpoke!" March urges.
"I'm coming. Just enjoying the view like always."
"I can't blame you. A view like this is a rare opportunity." A dripped-out middle-aged man nods in understanding.
"Welcome aboard the Astral Express, you two. It's been some time." An elegant woman with red hair donned in a dress under a half-worn jacket greets.
"It has. It's good to be back. Thanks for having us, Pom-Pom. I'm forever grateful to you all."
"No need for such formality, Relon! It's always a pleasure." The small rabbit wearing a conductor's outfit salutes with an ear.
Noting the girls' hand-holding and Silver Wolf's irate expression, his eyes catch the stranger's before both avert. Carefully, he stays just out of the reality-alterer's reach. Hearing a click, he can only thank his instincts for avoiding the near grab from Silver Wolf.
"Dan Heng, these two are the reality-busters Relon and Eina. You two, this is the cool and reclusive Dan Heng." She giggles.
"The reality breaker is easily Eina." Relon corrects. "She does it more and to a bigger scale compared to me."
Speaking of breaking, can someone break this girl from me?" She says trying to pry herself free to no avail."
"Nuh-uh. You're stuck with me for now and then I'm going after you, Relon." She beams for a loud groan to sound, earning chuckles all around.
"Endure it, Eina. For both of us."
"You aren't locked at the hip by the embodiment of affection and boundless energy." She deadpans.
"Awe, compliments are always nice from you, Eina." March giggles nuzzling the girl.
"Kill me."
"No can do."
"I'd like to correct that I appreciate the compliment of being cool, but I wouldn't consider myself a recluse."
"Details schmetails." March dismisses. "It's the accuracy that counts."
"50 percent though?" Relon sweatdrops.
"Not very accurate if you ask me."
"Bleh! No one's asking you, Smartypants."
Watching the four converse, the two plus Pom-Pom settle down at one of the booths.
"Children will be children." Himeko hums out a chortle as the four converse. "Never a dull moment, wouldn't you say?"
"March's energy always shoots to the roof with those two around."
"I couldn't agree more. Hmm…"
"What is it?"
"... No, it's nothing. A thought is all."
"Could this thought be a possible idea regarding those four?" Himeko rocks side-to-side peering over as Silver Wolf reaches out for Relon while pushing away from a giddy March.
Meeting her knowing grin followed by Pom-Pom, a breath escapes the cane-haver.
"It's just a thought. For now."
"Hmm, alright then. What say we leave it alone? For now of course." She winks for a giggle to sound from the conductor.
Later
"You know, there's really no way to determine what time it is in space."
Following the rambunctiousness that is March 7th, both groups had separated. The adults and Pom-Pom went off to do their own thing while the group of four had split in two. The boys would remain in the parlor to become more acquainted while March would drag Silver Wolf back to her room to "catch up on girl stuff." Whatever that meant.
For the boys, simply getting to know one another was the first thing. Grabbing a chair in front of the open cosmos, they sat and chatted. Eventually leading to their current topic.
"Huh?" Dan Heng arches a brow.
"Think about it. Each planet has its own time zone, right?"
"That is true."
"If two people from different worlds came aboard the Astral Express, which time zone would they use? They technically can't use their own because they're in the same place."
"Hmm… When you put it like that, the concept of space having its own time holds merit."
"Exactly what I said when an astrologist told me that very thing. Left me pondering that topic for days until Eina got fed up. Then I told her and she locked herself in her room searching for answers."
To say Relon made one thing largely out of the picture would be an understatement. March 7th, from Dan Heng's experience, did much the same, but the difference was that Relon gave tidbits at a time. As for March… She didn't to put it simply.
Dismissing the recent March-related memories, Dan Heng peers to his companion gazing out at the view.
"May I ask you a personal question?"
Taking a sip of his tea before returning to his stargazing, he gives a soft grin.
"Does it happen to be about my relationship with the girls?"
Noticing Dan Heng's expression shifts slightly, a hesitant nod comes. His reaction was just. Relon had practically gone from aloof to a much gentler attitude.
"How did that come about?"
"A bunch of things went into the formula for this odd chemical reaction." Relon breathes, placing his drink down. "March's little life experiences, Eina's history with myself, and… well my cowardice I suppose would be the big three reasons as for how this 'family' of ours came to be."
Remaining quiet, Relon takes that as his cue to continue.
"After meeting March, she knew next to nothing of herself. No memory, clue, nothing. Her very being was a big mystery no detective in the universe could probably solve."
"Surely you're-" Caught off by the cut of Relon's eyes, Dan Heng's brows furrow.
"I'm not joking when I say that. As an adventurer so-to-speak, I've met people and gained connections. Same as. Even with the combined work of us and our friends, we didn't find anything on March. Still haven't to this day." He sighs.
"You're still looking." It wasn't a question of mild surprise but rather a statement of understanding. One in which Relon nodded resolutely.
"March is something else." He breathes out. "Despite the numerous walls met, the zero hints found, she continued to keep smiling and persevering. We both worried sick over her feelings, even thought she was quietly depressed given the same results, but she was the one oftentimes boosting our morale when it should have been the other way around."
"That… sounds like a very March thing to do."
"Haha, I know right? Man, that year together was something else."
"What led to… this?"
Dan Heng had experienced much in his own life. He had become keenly aware of the subtle changes a person underwent. Relon's early contrast had caught him off-guard but this one was so obvious that a child could discern an issue lying somewhere.
"I do stuff for people as I mentioned earlier. Eina oftentimes stays home. Still does. We've been inseparable since we were kids. We were barely teenagers when we found March."
"March would tag along to the planets you ventured towards while Eina stayed behind…"
"Yup… One thing led to another and we kinda just clicked. My experience in romance was that of a novice and I was oblivious to both girls' signs of affection."
"What changed?"
"We encountered the Astral Express." Once again arching a brow, Relon continues. "Our main goal was to find information and the Astral Express is an entity known throughout the cosmos for their deeds in voyaging across the stars. If any answers could be found, they'd surely be the ones to do it."
Pausing the stand, Relon stretches out his body. Taking the moment to peer at the door to their rooms slightly ajar, he turns back ahead. Looking back at the view, another breath, now of relief, escapes the protagonist as he seats himself.
"That's what you mean by the coward's way out. And also why you feel indebted to the others."
"Yup." He forces a smile. "That March, I swear. There I was in the middle of basically a love triangle. I cared deeply for both, Eina cared for me but didn't want to lose the bond she had acquired from her second-ever friend, and March wanted to explore these new feelings or hers while also retaining the only other female companion she trusted. It was a mess and I took the coward's way out telling of the Astral Express."
"But March didn't like the idea. More so the excuse you were thinking up." Dan Heng surmises drinking his own tea.
"You know, there's no point in telling a story if the listener keeps guessing what happens, even if they are correct." The male smirks with droopy eyes.
"Forgive me. Please, continue."
"The last day the Astral Express was to be docked at this one planet happened to also be the same day Eina and March openly confessed. I, being the coward, couldn't decide and sprung the idea which you know she disliked. What I didn't account for was Eina also hating it even more."
"With the way she was acting, it seemed like she put up with March's antics."
"She'll never admit it out loud but Eina loves March to death. Same way she loves me."
"Love… huh?"
"I was going to face hell when it was actually March that stopped Eina from pummeling me. She may not have liked the idea but she at least understood where I was coming from. It was a sound plan. She and the Express Crew venture to who knows where further out and the two of us along with our little network scour the close planets."
"It's too bad I didn't want to leave the two people I came to love."
Raising their heads, both look to March with an endearing smile approaching.
"I was wondering when you'd show yourself."
"Didn't we teach you it's not nice to eavesdrop." Relon deadpans. "Also, your stealth skills need work."
"I know Dan Heng caught me but when did you realize?"
"When I was stretching. You should know by now I'm paranoid of my surroundings." He snorts, the girl wrapping her arms around him as he leans into her touch.
"So how did this come about in the end?"
"Eina was the one to come up with the idea of sharing Relon." March giggles. "'I don't want to lose either of the people who mean so much to me,' teehee."
"That's the famous quote. Memorized and all." Relon chuckles. "We all agreed, March went off with the Express and we returned to our activities."
"Of course, I always visited when I felt the need. Even I got homesick at times."
"Through that key, you've shown me, right?"
"Uh-huh." She steps back pulling at the necklace hidden around her neck. Attached lies a simple golden key.
"How does that work exactly?"
Blinking, Relon turns to a grinning March.
"You haven't told him?"
"Nope. I had the others promise not to tell. Pom-Pom was the hardest to keep quiet. Been waiting for you to do the honors."
"Huh. Thanks, March."
Rising to his feet, March beckons for Dan Heng to follow. Stopping before the door to their rooms, Relon's hand emanates a golden hue before it condenses. Turning to face the two, he opens his hand revealing the same golden key.
"Your power allows you to make them?"
"More than that." March beams. "Let's get something sweet."
"This late? Yeah, no, not happening."
"Pleeeeeeeaaaaasssssse? For me?"
"Not even for Eina." He retorts for the girl to pout before relenting.
"Fine, why not a quiet place?"
"Are you referring to the movie?"
"No! I'm talking about an actual place that doesn't have a lot of people!"
"Ah, sorry, couldn't help myself."
"There's a film called A Quiet Place?"
"Yeah, I couldn't handle it. Too many jumpscares."
"Eina was loving the murder scenes. Made us both question a lot after that… Anyway! Quiet place… Hmm, got it."
Turning back to the door, he tosses the key for it to meld with the door causing it to glow in a golden light.
"What did you-"
"Come on, Dan Heng!" March urges pushing the male.
"H-Hey, what are you doing?!"
"You'll know on the other side!"
Resisting, Dan Heng widens as the force of March pushes him through.
Unknown
Stumbling through, the sounds of crashing waves force his eyes open.
"What…?"
That is the only word the spearman can muster out as he gazes at the beach before him. Sunset over the horizon, shoreline breeze pelting his skin, the sensation of sand at his feet.
"A beach?"
"Oooh, this is a new place!" Whirling around, he finds both entering through the golden door of a resort of sorts before the light fades away. "Would this happen to be where you took Eina on your last date?" She teases for Relon's cheeks to go red.
"You. Hush." He forces out.
"You can transport yourself."
"Close but not exactly. Eina can transport herself anywhere depending on the distance. I can travel between visited locations as long as there's an entrance. The best example is a door."
"That's how they arrived without us stopping."
"I… see. To be honest, I questioned if Eina transported you both aboard."
"Nah, she's skilled but traveling between planets or in this case the Astral Express would take a lot. But that basically sums up our love lives and abilities."
"That… is a lot to digest."
"Hehe, you thought I was joking about the story being long."
"Hey, why spoil the story if you knew we'd eventually tell?"
"Because…!"
Watching the two lightly banter back and forth, his mouth curves ever so slightly for a millisecond before his neutral expression returns.
"I couldn't see it before but after hearing your tale, you three are good for one another."
Halting mid-argument, both blink at the male before at each other and then back once again.
"Um… Thanks, Dan Heng. That, actually, means a lot coming from you."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing, nothing! I… you… argh, you know what I'm trying to say! Here!" Grabbing the boy's arms, she puts herself in the middle before withdrawing her camera. "Cheeeeeeeze!"
Quick on the draw, childish nature sprouting, Relon grins holding up a peace sign as the camera clicks.
"That's a keeper!" She grins to immediately go flat. "Dan Heng, you didn't smile did you?"
"Why would I?"
Facepalming as a laugh escapes Relon, she can only shake her head in exasperation.
"Well, at least did the peace sign. One day I'll capture that smile of yours like I have everyone else's!"
"Until that day comes, March. Relon, it was nice meeting you. One last question if I may."
"Shoot." Relon accepts tossing another key at the resort's entrance.
"Those keys you make, they vanish after one usage." He asks as the three return to the parlor car.
"Has anyone told you you're disturbingly perceptive?"
"Me/March."
"Ah, okay, just checking. But yeah. This ability is a one-trick-trip."
"Yet March's isn't I take it?"
"Nope." She grins from ear to ear. "Relon put enough juice in it for me to go back and forth as much as I wanted when I joined the Astral Express. In case anything happened or if I wanted to pop in."
"I'm happy to answer any more questions if you have 'em, Dan Heng."
"No, that won't be necessary. My head is somewhat reeling from the load of information already."
"Least it wasn't March-level info."
"You're right on that."
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?!" She barks, both boys chuckling as the lone girl pouts.
"Have a good night, you two."
"Hmpf, g'night."
"Sleep well, man."
Watching as the door closes, he peers at the jovial girl walking off to claim Dan Heng's seat.
"I take it Eina's tuckered out?"
"Yeaaaaaaah, girl talk and gossip does that to her."
"I'm pretty sure only you do that to her."
"Haha, you… may be right about that." March awkwardly laughs scratching her cheek.
"So how has the info gathering gone? Any leads." He asks while retaking his seat.
Watching her blow out air, the answer couldn't be more obvious.
"Nope, no luck yet. I'm sure we're on the right track though!"
"Have you gotten any hints regarding your past?"
"Nothing. I just… have a feeling we're getting closer to something. Call it a gut feeling."
Whether her indomitable perseverance or the truth of her instincts, he knew better than to underestimate March.
"If you say so then I'm sure it'll happen. I'm eager to see where this takes us."
"Right? I can't wait! I can almost taste it!"
Leaning back in her seat, a lull of silence permeates amongst the still atmosphere.
Looking over to March, tranquility laced itself upon her demeanor. Eyes meeting his own, that same endearing smile he's loved blesses him once more.
"What's up?" He responds with his own relaxed visage.
Not answering right away, her eyes remain on him. Shifting to peer at the vast void, a steady breath escapes her. After a moment of nothing, she jumps to her feet.
Clap!
Blinking at the girl, his blinking only continues as she walks around the small table stopping in front of him.
"Um, March?"
"I had my fun with Eina so now it's your turn. Tomorrow we're heading to the Space Station. All of us."
"That sounds like an us thing. Not a me thing."
"Because it is." Turning so her back is facing him, she plops atop his lap. "We have a lot to discuss, Mister."
"What are- What exactly did you two talk about?" Eerie grin curving by the second, the looming dread begins to surge to the forefront.
"Nothing much. Just how our little family of three is ready to grow, you mistaking hard on Eina wanting to be a mom, and some other things. By the way, I heard you two hit home base. Niiiiiiiice~."
"... I can't tell if you're teasing me or if you're mad."
No response came as she only continued to smile. This, however, did not stir warmth and safety. No, this was filled with malice, spite, and… jealousy.
"... Shit."
