Caelus groaned as the sharp pang of pain brought him back to consciousness, his body heavy and unfamiliar in its soreness. He blinked against the dim light surrounding him, the soft hum of a ship's engine vibrating beneath his skin. For a moment, his mind scrambled, trying to piece together where he was, how he got here—but it was all a fog.

Then, a soft hand on his forehead, a calming presence, and the scent of herbal remedies filled the air. He shifted, his vision adjusting to the figure leaning over him. A woman—graceful, with long, flowing purple hair and mint green eyes that glimmered with an odd, serene familiarity. Recognition struck him like a bolt of lightning.

"Baiheng?" he croaked, startled, instinctively addressing her with a reverence he hadn't thought possible. "Lady Baiheng?"

The woman smiled, a gentle laugh escaping her lips as she withdrew her hand, though she stayed seated beside him. "You don't need to address me so formally, Caelus. We are fellow Nameless, are we not?" Her voice was soft, melodic, yet laced with strength, as if even in her tenderness there was a great power lurking beneath the surface.

Caelus blinked, his mind still reeling. Baiheng—the Baiheng, a figure he had only read about in ancient texts, stories of valor and sacrifice. And yet, here she was, alive, real, tending to his injuries.

"But… how did you know who I am?" Caelus asked, confusion thick in his voice.

Baiheng's smile deepened, a knowing glint in her eyes. "While I was tending to your wounds, I saw a vision. Or perhaps it was not a vision but something that has already passed. You, battling a giant music machine, summoning the Astral Express itself as a weapon to defeat it." She paused, letting the weight of her words settle in the air. "A grand battle to finish the remnants of Ena's forces, correct? To stop them from usurping Xipe's control?"

Caelus blinked again, the memories rushing back to him. "Yeah, that… that happened," he muttered. His mind briefly flashed back to the battle—the monstrous music machine, the sounds of its mechanical roar, the looming chaos it had threatened to unleash. He had fought with everything he had, calling upon the legacy of another Nameless to end the conflict, to ensure Xipe's reign remained unchallenged.

Baiheng nodded approvingly. "You finished what needed to be done, completing the legacy of another Nameless warrior. It is admirable, truly." Her voice was sincere, and Caelus felt an odd sense of pride at her approval. He had never thought that such praise would mean so much, yet coming from her, it felt profound.

A moment of silence passed before Baiheng tilted her head, her expression softening with curiosity. "Do you love it?" she asked, her voice quieter now, almost wistful. "Riding the Astral Express?"

Caelus blinked at the question, caught off guard by its simplicity. He had never been asked something so… human. His lips curled into a smile, despite the lingering ache in his body. "Yeah, I do. It's more than just a ship—it's a home, a place where the stars feel close enough to touch. The journeys it takes us on are beyond imagination. Every trip is a new adventure, a chance to see something no one has seen before."

He spoke freely, the warmth in his voice growing as he recounted his experiences aboard the Astral Express. The way the stars blurred into streaks of light, the camaraderie among the crew, the thrill of not knowing what awaited them at each stop. And as he spoke, Baiheng listened with rapt attention, her mint green eyes sparkling, clearly loving every word. She seemed to drink in his stories, as if through his words, she was living it herself, experiencing the magic of the Express.

Hours passed like mere minutes, and when he finally stopped, Baiheng leaned back, her expression one of contentment. "Thank you, Caelus. For sharing your experiences with me. It sounds… wonderful."

Caelus smiled, a rare moment of peace settling between them. "I'm happy to."

But then, Baiheng's expression shifted, a shadow of thought crossing her delicate features. Her eyes, once filled with wonder, grew distant, contemplative. She looked at him for a long moment before speaking again, her tone more somber.

"I have a request, Caelus." Her voice was soft but carried a weight that instantly made his heart tighten with unease.

Caelus felt a pit form in his stomach as he met her gaze, unsure of what to expect. "What is it?" he asked, his voice cautious.

Baiheng's gaze lingered on his face, her hand reaching up to gently caress his cheek. There was an odd tenderness in her touch, one that made Caelus feel both comforted and uneasy. Her next words, however, sent a chill down his spine.

"I already know my future," she began, her voice steady but filled with an undeniable sadness. "I am destined to die tomorrow."

The words hung in the air like a cold, heavy mist, and Caelus felt his heart drop. He opened his mouth to protest, to tell her that it wasn't true, that she could fight her fate, but the words caught in his throat. He felt sick, a bitter taste rising in his mouth—sick because he knew the helplessness she spoke of all too well. He had seen it in his own journeys, had experienced the torment of knowing that some things, no matter how much he fought, could not be changed.

Baiheng's smile was soft, almost resigned, as if she could sense his turmoil. "I truly can see the future, Caelus. But after tomorrow, my sight ends. There is nothing beyond that. My fate is sealed."

Caelus clenched his fists, feeling the weight of her words crush him. He wanted to scream, to fight against the inevitability of it all. But how could he? How could he tell her not to give in, when he had seen countless battles lost to fate?

Baiheng's hand remained on his cheek, her touch calming him despite the storm raging inside him. "I know what you're feeling," she said softly. "That helplessness. The feeling of not being able to save someone, no matter how much you want to."

Caelus closed his eyes, swallowing hard. He knew she was right. He had been in this position too many times, and each time, the pain was unbearable.

"But," Baiheng continued, her voice taking on a more mischievous tone, "there is something you can do for me."

Caelus opened his eyes, a flicker of hope mixed with dread. "What is it?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Baiheng's smile widened, and she leaned closer, her lips brushing his ear as she spoke. "You can make love to me."

Her words struck him like a bolt of lightning, and Caelus's eyes widened in shock. His mind raced, stumbling over the meaning, over the suddenness of her request. "Wh-what?" he stammered, his voice breaking.

Baiheng pulled back slightly, her eyes locking onto his with a seriousness that left no room for doubt. "I'm serious, Caelus. If I am to die tomorrow, I want to feel alive tonight. Not as a warrior, not on the battlefield, but as a woman. I want to experience something real, something beyond the fight. And who better to share that with than a fellow Nameless?"

Caelus's face flushed with embarrassment, his mind reeling. It wasn't that he hadn't thought of her that way—Baiheng was stunning, her beauty undeniable—but the gravity of her request, coming from someone destined to die, made it all the more jarring. He wanted to tell her no, that this wasn't right, that there had to be another way. But there was no denying the truth in her words, the raw humanity behind her plea.

He took a deep breath, his heart pounding. "I… I don't…"

Baiheng's fingers traced the edge of his jaw, her touch sending a shiver down his spine. "It's okay, Caelus," she whispered, her voice soft yet insistent. "You understand, don't you? You don't need to feel guilty. This is my choice."

He swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on him. She was right. She had every right to make this request, and he, in his own way, understood her need. She wanted to feel alive—if only for one last night.

Caelus hesitated, his mind swirling in a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. The weight of Baiheng's request sat heavily on his chest, and yet, the sincerity in her eyes, the vulnerability hidden behind her calm demeanor, held him captive. He wasn't sure what to do, what to say. A part of him was still grappling with the surreal nature of the moment—this was Baiheng, a legend among the Nameless, a warrior who had lived through countless battles, now asking him for something so intimate, so deeply personal.

And yet, there was a rawness in her words, a need that went beyond lust. She wasn't asking him out of some fleeting desire. No, this was different. She wanted to feel alive, to experience something beyond the endless cycles of war and death that had marked her existence. Her future had already been written, and she had accepted it. But for tonight, she wanted more than fate's cruel grip.

Caelus exhaled slowly, his body tense, as if bracing for something unknown. He hadn't been prepared for this, but then, how could anyone be prepared for something like this? He looked at Baiheng, really looked at her—her beauty, her strength, her calm acceptance of her fate. And he realized that in this moment, he couldn't deny her.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked quietly, his voice gentle but edged with hesitation.

Baiheng's smile softened, her hand still resting against his face. "I've never been more sure of anything, Caelus. I'm asking you because I trust you… because you understand what it's like to carry the weight of something beyond yourself." She paused, her eyes searching his for any hint of doubt. "If I'm going to spend my last night alive, I want it to be with someone who knows what it means to fight for something greater, but also… someone who can give me the warmth I've never allowed myself to have."

Her words struck something deep inside him, and Caelus felt the last of his resistance crumble. He nodded slowly, his breath shallow as he let the moment settle between them. He wasn't entirely sure what to say, but maybe words weren't needed now. Baiheng had made her choice, and all that was left was for him to honor it.

Leaning closer, he closed the distance between them, his lips meeting hers softly, testing the waters. Baiheng responded immediately, her lips pressing against his with a hunger that startled him. It was as if all the emotions she had kept bottled up for so long were pouring out now, the tension between them shifting into something electric, something real.

Her hands moved up to cup the back of his neck, pulling him deeper into the kiss, and Caelus found himself responding, the hesitance fading as the warmth of her body pressed against his. Her scent was intoxicating, her breath quickening as their mouths moved in sync, lips parting, tongues meeting in a slow, deliberate dance. It wasn't rushed, but there was an urgency underlying every movement, as if they both knew time was slipping through their fingers and this was the only way to stop it.

Baiheng broke the kiss first, her breath ragged as she leaned back slightly, her eyes dark with desire. "I don't want you to hold back, Caelus," she murmured, her voice low and filled with need. "I need to feel everything tonight. Don't be afraid."

Caelus swallowed hard, the intensity of her gaze sending a shiver down his spine. He nodded, his hands trembling slightly as he let them drift to her waist, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath the fabric of her clothes. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, his mind still struggling to catch up with the reality of the situation. But there was no turning back now, not when Baiheng was looking at him with such raw vulnerability, her hands guiding his, urging him forward.

He leaned in again, capturing her lips in another kiss, this one deeper, more passionate. Baiheng responded in kind, her hands sliding down his chest, fingers tracing the lines of his body with a delicate yet deliberate touch. Caelus felt the heat rising between them, his pulse quickening as the distance between their bodies disappeared, their warmth mingling, creating a fire that neither of them could resist.

Their kisses became more fevered, lips crashing together in a desperate need to feel, to connect. Caelus's hands roamed her body, exploring the curves of her waist, the soft skin beneath her tunic. Baiheng moaned softly against his mouth, her fingers gripping his shoulders as she pushed closer, her body arching into him. The sound sent a surge of desire through him, and before he knew it, they were moving, their bodies shifting, tangled in the heat of the moment.

Baiheng pulled away for a brief second, her mint green eyes locking onto his as she began to unfasten her tunic, her movements slow but deliberate, as if she was savoring every second. Caelus's breath caught in his throat as he watched her, the way her fingers deftly undid the clasps, the fabric slipping from her shoulders, revealing the smooth, pale skin beneath. His gaze traveled down her body, taking in the way the soft light of the ship's cabin illuminated her, casting gentle shadows across her curves.

She smiled at him, a soft, almost shy smile, despite the boldness of her actions. "I want you to see me," she whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with meaning.

Caelus nodded, his throat too tight to respond with words. He reached for her again, his hands sliding over her now-bare skin, the warmth of her body seeping into his palms. He kissed her again, slower this time, savoring the taste of her, the softness of her lips, the way her body trembled slightly beneath his touch. Baiheng responded with equal intensity, her hands pulling at his clothes, removing the barriers between them as their need for each other grew.

Soon, the last of their clothing was discarded, forgotten on the floor of the small cabin. Their bodies pressed together, skin on skin, the heat between them rising with every passing second. Caelus could feel Baiheng's heart beating against his chest, her breath coming in short, quick bursts as her hands roamed his body, fingers tracing the lines of his muscles, the scars that marked his past battles.

She moaned softly, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered, "Make me forget, Caelus. Just for tonight."

He understood what she meant. She didn't want to think about tomorrow, about the inevitable. She wanted this moment, this night, to be free of the burden of fate. And he was determined to give her that, to make sure that for these few hours, she felt nothing but the warmth of his touch, the intensity of their connection.

Caelus lowered her gently onto the bed, his body hovering over hers as he kissed her again, his hands exploring her body with a reverence that surprised even him. He wanted to memorize every inch of her, to burn the feel of her skin, the taste of her lips into his memory. Baiheng's fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, her body arching beneath him as she urged him on.

Their kisses grew hungrier, more desperate, as the space between them disappeared entirely. Caelus's hands traveled down her sides, his fingers tracing the curves of her hips, the smooth expanse of her thighs. Baiheng gasped softly, her breath hitching as his touch grew more intimate, her legs parting slightly as she welcomed him in.

Caelus paused for a moment, his eyes meeting hers, searching for any last hint of doubt. But Baiheng's gaze was clear, her desire palpable as she reached up to pull him down to her, her lips brushing against his in a whisper of a kiss.

"Please," she murmured, her voice trembling with need.

That was all the confirmation he needed.

With a slow, deliberate motion, Caelus positioned himself over her, his body aligning with hers as he pressed forward, the sensation of her warmth surrounding him taking his breath away. Baiheng gasped, her fingers digging into his shoulders as her body arched beneath him, her legs wrapping around his waist, pulling him deeper.

For a moment, they were still, their breaths mingling in the quiet of the cabin, their bodies connected in a way that went beyond the physical. Caelus could feel the weight of her emotions, the unspoken need in her touch, the vulnerability she had allowed herself to show.

Slowly, he began to move, his hips rolling against hers in a steady, gentle rhythm. Baiheng moaned softly, her hands sliding down his back, her nails leaving a trail of heat in their wake. Caelus gritted his teeth, the sensation of her body, the warmth, the tightness, overwhelming him in the best possible way.

"Caelus…" Baiheng whispered, her voice breathless, her body responding to his every movement. "Don't stop…"

He didn't. He couldn't. The need between them was too strong, the desire too overwhelming to deny. Caelus's pace quickened, his movements growing more urgent as their bodies moved together in perfect sync. Baiheng's moans grew louder, her fingers clutching at him, pulling him closer, urging him on.

Every thrust, every gasp, every touch brought them closer to the edge, their bodies moving as one, the intensity of their connection building with every passing second. Caelus could feel the tension coiling inside him, the pressure building as their pace quickened, their breaths ragged and uneven.

Baiheng's moans turned into soft, breathless gasps, her body trembling beneath Caelus as their pace quickened, the air around them thick with heat and desire. She clung to him, her nails digging into his back, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist, pulling him deeper with every thrust. Her eyes, half-lidded with pleasure, met his, and in that moment, there was nothing but the raw connection between them—no past, no future, just the present, alive and burning.

Caelus couldn't tear his gaze from her. The way her body responded to his touch, the way her breath hitched every time he moved—it was intoxicating. He wanted to give her everything, to make this night unforgettable. His hands traveled along her body, caressing every curve, every soft expanse of skin as he drove deeper into her, the rhythm between them becoming frantic, desperate. Her warmth, her softness, the sounds of her pleasure—everything overwhelmed him, consuming him entirely.

"Caelus…" she whispered again, her voice trembling, filled with a mix of yearning and surrender. She tilted her head back, exposing the delicate curve of her throat as a shudder ran through her body. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him down into a kiss—fierce, hungry, as if she was trying to absorb him entirely, as if she didn't want any space left between them.

He kissed her back with equal intensity, pouring everything he had into the moment. Their lips collided with an urgency that spoke of their need for one another, of the fleeting nature of this connection. Baiheng moaned into his mouth, her body arching beneath him, her hips moving in perfect sync with his as the tension between them built, higher and higher.

"I need… I need to feel it, Caelus," she breathed against his lips, her voice strained with the weight of her own desire. "Please…"

Caelus nodded, his own breathing ragged as he drove into her with more force, each movement bringing them closer to the edge. He could feel her tightening around him, her body tensing as she teetered on the brink, her moans growing louder, more desperate. He leaned down, pressing his forehead to hers, his voice low, rough with emotion.

"You're not alone, Baiheng. I'm here… with you. Always."

Her eyes opened wide at his words, her lips parting in a gasp as her body suddenly tensed beneath him. Her climax hit her hard, a wave of pleasure crashing through her, her entire body trembling as she clung to him, her nails biting into his skin. She cried out his name, her voice filled with a mixture of release and something deeper, something raw and primal.

Caelus wasn't far behind. The sensation of her body tightening around him, the sound of her moaning his name, the sheer intensity of their connection—it was too much. With a final, powerful thrust, he let go, his own climax overtaking him in a rush of heat and pleasure that left him breathless. He groaned deeply, his body shuddering as he spilled into her, every muscle in his body tensing as the wave of ecstasy washed over him.

For a moment, they were both frozen in the intensity of their shared release, their bodies pressed together, trembling in the aftermath. The air around them felt thick and still, their breaths mingling in the quiet of the cabin, heavy and uneven.

Caelus slowly collapsed beside her, his body spent, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. His mind was foggy, the edges of reality blurred by the exhaustion that now weighed him down. He could feel the sweat cooling on his skin, the warmth of Baiheng's body still pressed against his, her soft breathing the only sound in the room.

Baiheng lay beside him, her chest rising and falling with deep, slow breaths as she came down from the high of their shared pleasure. Her hand found his, their fingers intertwining as they lay there in silence, the weight of the moment settling between them. She turned her head slightly, her mint-green eyes catching his in the dim light.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice soft, filled with a quiet sincerity that made his chest tighten. "I… I didn't realize how much I needed this."

Caelus swallowed hard, his throat dry as he nodded. "Neither did I," he admitted, his voice low and thick with emotion. He turned to face her, his hand brushing a stray lock of her purple hair away from her face. "I just… I wanted to make sure you felt it, Baiheng. That you felt alive."

Baiheng smiled softly, her eyes shimmering with something between gratitude and sadness. "I did," she murmured, her fingers tightening around his. "For tonight, I did."

Caelus felt a pang in his chest at her words, the reminder of what awaited her tomorrow hanging like a shadow over them. He wanted to tell her that it didn't have to end this way, that she could fight her fate, but he knew better. Baiheng had made her peace with her destiny, and nothing he said would change that.

Still, he couldn't shake the ache in his heart, the helplessness that gnawed at him, knowing that this might be the last night they shared together.

"Baiheng…" he started, his voice barely more than a whisper, but she silenced him with a gentle finger pressed to his lips.

"Don't," she said softly, her eyes kind but firm. "Don't ruin this moment with words that can't change what's already written. Let's just… be here, together. For as long as we can."

Caelus nodded, his throat tightening as he swallowed back the words he wanted to say. Instead, he pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her as she nestled against his chest, her head resting just beneath his chin. They lay there in the quiet, their bodies intertwined, the warmth of their shared moment lingering in the air around them.

For a long while, neither of them spoke. There was no need for words, no need to disturb the fragile peace they had found in each other's arms. The ship hummed softly in the background, a gentle reminder of the world that still existed beyond this small cabin, but for now, it felt far away, distant, irrelevant.

Caelus's eyelids grew heavy, exhaustion settling into his bones. He could feel sleep tugging at him, his body worn from both the emotional and physical intensity of the night. Baiheng's breathing had evened out, her body soft and relaxed against his, and he found comfort in the steady rhythm of her breaths.

As he drifted toward sleep, Caelus pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head, his heart aching with a mix of emotions he couldn't fully put into words. He wished he could stop time, hold onto this moment forever, but he knew that wasn't possible.

For now, though, he could hold her, feel her warmth, and offer her the comfort she had asked for, even if it was fleeting.

And as sleep finally claimed him, Caelus's last conscious thought was of Baiheng's smile, soft and sad, a reminder of the beauty and the tragedy that intertwined so tightly in the lives of the Nameless.


Caelus stirred from sleep, his eyes fluttering open to the familiar ceiling of his quarters on the Astral Express. For a brief, heart-wrenching moment, he expected to feel Baiheng beside him, to see her serene face resting against his chest. But reality quickly settled in, heavy and cold—he was alone. His hand drifted to his side, the warmth of her body still lingering in his memory, but already fading like a distant dream.

His heart clenched painfully. She's gone. Even though he had known it the moment he agreed to her final request, the absence of Baiheng felt more profound now, in the silence of his room, where the only proof of her existence was the dull ache left behind.

Caelus sat up, rubbing his face as he tried to shake off the lingering haze of last night. He closed his eyes, replaying the memories, each kiss, each whispered word, and the way she had clung to him as if the world might tear them apart any moment. She had been right, of course—this was always how it would end. But even with that knowledge, the loss felt unbearable.

A sharp knock at his door broke through his thoughts.

"Caelus!" It was March 7th's bright voice, though it sounded more urgent than usual. "Come on! Welt and Himeko want you in the Parlor—something's up!"

Caelus blinked, shaking off the emotions weighing him down. He quickly stood, catching a glimpse of himself in the mirror—disheveled, his thoughts clearly worn on his face. Focus, he told himself, swallowing back the lingering pain. He grabbed his usual outfit, the well-worn attire that made him feel like himself, and got dressed.

He took a deep breath and exited his room, heading for the Parlor. His mind raced, still clouded by thoughts of Baiheng, but curiosity began to take over. What could have happened?

As Caelus stepped into the Parlor, he was greeted by the sight of the crew gathered in a small circle—Welt, Himeko, Dan Heng, March, and Pom-Pom all waiting for him. The air felt unusually heavy, even though March offered him a small smile, her usual playful demeanor subdued. Welt stood with his arms crossed, his expression serious but kind. Dan Heng, however, was the most noticeable—he looked tense, almost anxious, his eyes trained on the table as if avoiding everyone else's gaze.

"What's going on?" Caelus asked, his voice more controlled than he expected given the weight of everything in his chest.

Welt was the first to speak. "Something… interesting has happened, Caelus." His tone was gentle, though it carried a certain gravity that made Caelus's stomach tighten.

Pom-Pom, standing beside the Navigator's chair, chimed in with their usual upbeat tone, though even they seemed unusually somber. "We found two letters… addressed to the Astral Express. Both are from Baiheng."

Caelus's breath hitched, his heart skipping a beat. Baiheng?

"One letter is addressed to all of us, while the other is specifically for you," Himeko said softly, her eyes meeting his with an understanding look.

Dan Heng shifted at the mention of the letters, his discomfort visible. Caelus knew why—Dan Feng, Dan Heng's previous incarnation, had been close to Baiheng. And now, hearing her name must have stirred old wounds for him.

Pom-Pom waddled over, holding out the two letters. "This one is for you, Caelus," they said, handing him the sealed envelope. "And this one is for the Astral Express," they added, handing the second letter to Himeko.

Caelus took his letter carefully, his fingers tracing the edges of the envelope. His name was written in elegant, familiar handwriting. He could feel a lump form in his throat as he clutched the letter, but for now, he set it aside. This moment belonged to the crew—to Baiheng's words for all of them.

Himeko, holding the letter addressed to the Astral Express, gently broke the seal and unfolded the paper inside. She cleared her throat before beginning to read aloud, her voice steady but filled with a certain reverence.

"To the crew of the Astral Express,

It brings me joy to know that the path I once walked still thrives, carried on by those who continue to honor the legacy of the Nameless. Time and fate may separate us, but in spirit, we are all bound by the stars we chase. I have foreseen much, and though I am no longer with you, my heart has always remained with the Astral Express. I leave this letter as a final token of that connection."

Caelus felt his chest tighten as Himeko continued reading, Baiheng's words resonating deeply with each of them. The crew listened intently, the weight of her message settling over the room like a bittersweet melody.

"To Himeko, the Navigator who has guided the Astral Express with steadfast resolve—I thank you for repairing the heart of our ship and giving it life once more. Your strength and courage keep the stars within reach, and I hope your star burns forever brightest. The path you guide is one filled with wonder and danger, but never forget—you are its guiding light."

Himeko's lips curved into a small smile as she blinked back tears, her usual composure slipping just enough to reveal how deeply the words had touched her.

Welt, standing beside her, shifted slightly as Himeko continued reading, and his name was next.

"To Welt, the wise and unwavering guardian of the Nameless—I owe you a debt for your wisdom and the strength you provide to those who follow in your footsteps. You have carried the weight of many burdens, and I know the pain of leaving those behind. But know this: those you left behind still think of you, and in their hearts, you remain a cherished memory."

Welt let out a soft breath, his expression tightening as he fought back tears. He pressed a hand to his chest, nodding silently in gratitude as Himeko glanced at him with a gentle, understanding smile.

Next came March, who leaned forward slightly, her usual playful energy replaced by a rare moment of quiet reflection.

"To March 7th, the bright spirit whose smile lights up the path for those around her—I see in you a spark of the same energy that once flowed through me. You carry the legacy of a kick-ass archer, but more than that, you carry joy in your heart. Don't worry about the memories you've lost, because the ones you make now will build new foundations. Keep smiling, and you will always find your way forward."

March's eyes shimmered with emotion as she smiled through the tears welling up in her eyes. She wiped at her face quickly, her voice barely a whisper. "She… she knew?"

Caelus swallowed hard, feeling the emotions in the room swell as Himeko continued. Then came Dan Heng's name.

"And to Dan Heng, my dear friend's reincarnation—how happy I am that you've found something to ground you. Don't let the weight of your past chain you anymore. The stars have set you on a new path, and with your new family, you can build something far greater than the shadows of old. Let yourself be free, Dan Heng. And if you need to hear it—I forgive you for everything."

The words hit Dan Heng like a punch to the gut. He gasped softly, his eyes wide as the dam of emotions finally broke. He tried to hold it together, but his shoulders shook with the effort, and he buried his face in his hands. March, without hesitation, rushed to his side, wrapping him in a tight hug as he finally let the tears fall.

Caelus watched, feeling the sting of emotion in his own chest. He had always known that Dan Heng carried the weight of his past heavily, but seeing him break like this, hearing the forgiveness Baiheng had given him—it was both heartbreaking and a relief. Baiheng's words were more than just kind—they were a release, a reminder that Dan Heng could be free.

Himeko finished the letter with a soft sigh, folding it carefully and setting it down on the table. She looked at Caelus, her expression gentle but knowing.

"She left a private message for you, Caelus. We won't pressure you to share it with us, but… if you ever need to talk, we're here."

Caelus nodded, his throat tight as he clutched the letter in his hand. The weight of everything Baiheng had said hung in the air, but his own letter felt even heavier now. He wasn't sure he was ready to read it, not in front of the others. The emotions swirling inside him were too raw, too personal.

He glanced around the room—at the faces of the people who had become his family. Dan Heng, still shaking slightly in March's arms; Welt, trying to hold back his tears; Himeko, her calm demeanor concealing the depth of her feelings. They were all hurting, in different ways, but they were also together, bound by the same connection that Baiheng had honored with her final words.

Caelus stared at the letter in his hand, the weight of it pressing against his heart. He had put it off long enough. Taking a deep breath, he unfolded the paper, his fingers trembling slightly as he smoothed out the page. The familiar, elegant handwriting greeted him, and his heart clenched as he began to read Baiheng's final words.

"Caelus,

First, I must apologize. I told you a little white lie when we were together. My vision didn't end the next day, as I led you to believe. Instead, I simply stopped appearing in the visions of the future. I knew what was coming for me, and I knew how things would unfold for those I held dear—my friends, my comrades, and… you.

You see, I knew of my own demise long before we met, but I also knew what Dan Feng would attempt after I was gone. What he risked to bring me back. I don't know how much of me truly exists in Bailu, the Vidyadhara girl. My visions couldn't pierce those mysteries. But I do know this: Bailu inherited more than just my hair and eyes. She carries my thirst for adventure, my desire to see the stars and find her place in this vast universe."

Caelus paused, a wave of emotion washing over him. His thoughts drifted to Bailu—small, fierce, and full of wonder, just like Baiheng had been. He continued reading, his chest tightening as Baiheng's words took on a more tender, intimate tone.

"Think of Bailu as our child, the result of my final request. I ask you to take care of her, protect her, and guide her. I know you can, because I've seen your future, Caelus. I know you have the strength to protect everyone you love, even in the darkest of times. A similar letter has already made its way to Jing Yuan, and I've requested that Bailu be placed under your protection. I trust you more than anyone with this task.

Please, accept this role as her father figure. The Vidyadhara will face trials, and their world will only grow more treacherous. Bailu needs someone who will love and protect her, someone who can guide her through the challenges to come. I believe that someone is you."

Caelus's hand tightened around the letter. He felt a sudden rush of responsibility, the weight of Baiheng's request settling over him like a cloak. He had known Bailu was special, that there was more to her than just being a curious and talented healer. But the idea of being a father figure to her—of taking on that role for someone so connected to Baiheng—felt overwhelming, and yet, at the same time, deeply right.

There was still more to the letter, and as his eyes moved to the bottom of the page, he couldn't help but notice a small, almost playful postscript.

"P.S. Caelus, don't forget to find yourself a sexy Foxian wife. You're going to need someone by your side to help you on this journey—and someone who can handle your... tastes. Maybe someone like Madam Yukong? She's got that mature, experienced charm I think you like. After all, you like Milfs, don't you~?"

Caelus's face turned a deep shade of red, heat rising to his cheeks as he read the teasing words. He almost choked on his own breath, his mind flashing with a mix of embarrassment and disbelief. Did she really just write that? He could practically hear Baiheng's mischievous laughter in his head.

Before he could recover, March 7th's voice broke the silence.

"Caelus, what did Baiheng say to you?" she asked, her curiosity piqued as she leaned forward, eyes sparkling with interest.

Caelus stammered, his face still flushed as he tried to come up with a response that wouldn't give away the exact contents of the letter. He could feel the eyes of the entire crew on him—Welt, Himeko, Dan Heng, even Pom-Pom—and the last thing he wanted was to repeat Baiheng's suggestive comment in front of them.

Struggling to keep his composure, he quickly ad-libbed, "Uh, she… she told me to find happiness. And… uh, she suggested I should, um, maybe find a sexy Foxian wife."

The room fell into stunned silence for a beat. Then, the laughter exploded.

March burst into a fit of giggles, clutching her stomach as she bent over. "A sexy Foxian wife? Really, Baiheng?"

Even Himeko let out a rare, unrestrained laugh, shaking her head in disbelief. Welt chuckled, his shoulders relaxing as the tension in the room dissipated. But the loudest, most unexpected sound came from Dan Heng.

Dan Heng, usually so composed and reserved, had his hand over his face, trying to stifle his laughter. But he couldn't hold it in—his quiet chuckles quickly turned into full-blown laughter, his body shaking as he leaned back in his chair. The sight of him laughing so freely was almost more shocking than Baiheng's letter itself.

"Of course she'd say something like that," Dan Heng managed to say between breaths, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. "She never changed, even to the end."

Caelus's embarrassment faded as he watched his friends laugh, the heaviness of the moment lifted by the sheer absurdity of Baiheng's final words. Despite everything—despite the pain, the loss, and the weight of her requests—she had left them with a reminder of her lighthearted nature, her ability to find joy even in the most difficult of times.

In that moment, Caelus felt a warmth spread through his chest. Baiheng had always been more than just a warrior. She had been someone who brought light into the lives of those around her, even in her darkest moments. And now, even in death, she had managed to bring that same light to the Astral Express, reminding them all of the importance of laughter, of living in the present, even as they carried the weight of the past.

As the laughter slowly died down, March wiped a tear from her eye, still grinning. "Well, I guess you've got your next mission, Caelus—finding a Foxian wife!"

Himeko smirked, giving him a teasing look. "I hear Madam Yukong is quite the catch."

Caelus groaned, his face still flushed. "Alright, alright, enough of that," he said, trying to sound stern but failing as a small smile tugged at his lips.

Dan Heng, his laughter finally subsiding, looked at Caelus with a rare softness in his eyes. "Thank you," he said quietly, his voice sincere. "For sharing that with us."

Caelus nodded, his heart full as he glanced around the room at his friends—his family. Baiheng had given him more than just a final message. She had given him the strength to carry on, to protect those he cared about, and the reminder that, no matter what lay ahead, they could face it together.

And with that, Caelus silently made a promise to Baiheng. He would take care of Bailu. He would protect her, guide her, and give her the love and support she needed. And perhaps, in time, he would find the happiness Baiheng wished for him—Foxian wife or not.

For now, though, he was content knowing that Baiheng's spirit would always be with him, guiding him from the stars.