As the elevator descended toward Himeko's underground research facility, she spoke openly about her thoughts on the Astral Express and the Nameless.
"When I was very young, I heard tales of the legendary Nameless—those who traversed the cosmos, exploring the universe alongside Akivili, the Aeon of Trailblaze," she began. "During their heyday, there were many trains. The Astral Express was the one Akivili themselves once rode."
Her golden eyes softened with reminiscence. "From that moment on, I longed to become one of them. The spirit of Trailblaze—the courage to explore the unknown—took root in my heart. I dreamed that one day I'd board the Express and journey among the stars."
March 7th's eyes sparkled. "Mm-hmm! The Nameless are so cool! That's why I want to be one too!"
Himeko smiled warmly at the girl's enthusiasm. "Is that so? It seems little March and I share the same dream."
To March 7th's delight—and Yuki's mild surprise—she didn't protest the "little" this time. Instead, she beamed. "Hehe! Then you and I are destined to get along, Sister Himeko!"
And just like that, they're sisters, Yuki thought, watching the instant bond form between them. Women.
Himeko continued, now including March 7th as a natural companion in the conversation. "The Nameless explored the cosmos and built connections across the stars. Even a giant like the Interastral Peace Corporation treated them with respect. But... the universe is full of unexpected things."
Her tone grew heavier. "One day, Akivili fell. Mysteriously. And the Nameless vanished from the cosmic stage as if they had never existed."
She paused, glancing upward as if recalling that night. "About six years ago, I encountered the train. Wrecked. Alone."
March 7th tilted her head. "But Akivili was an Aeon! How could an Aeon just... fall?"
Himeko shook her head. "No one knows. It's still a mystery. But from the damage I studied on the Express, it seemed to have been caught in some kind of violent explosion."
"So... an Aeon got blown up?" March 7th blinked.
"I can't say for certain," Himeko replied thoughtfully. "I don't know if any weapon in the universe could truly harm—let alone kill—an Aeon."
The elevator came to a stop. The doors slid open.
"We're here."
Himeko led them out.
The space before them was less a research lab and more an underground dry dock. Vast and cavernous, filled with scaffolding, tools, and industrial equipment. And at its heart—
A train.
Black with gold accents, its design carried a distinct steam-punk aesthetic—elegant, timeless, and commanding. This was no ordinary locomotive. This was the Astral Express.
March 7th gasped. Her feet carried her forward before her mind caught up.
"Wow..." She reached out, fingertips brushing the cool, smooth paint. A shiver of awe traveled up her arm. "This is the Astral Express? It's beautiful..."
Himeko smiled softly, her gaze briefly flickering toward Yuki before she stepped closer to March 7th.
Looking up at the train, she spoke quietly, her voice carrying a hint of emotion. "Yes. The Astral Express truly is beautiful."
"When I first found it, though... it didn't look like this."
March 7th turned to her, curiosity bright in her eyes. "So the Express being this gorgeous now—that's all because of you, Sister Himeko?"
Himeko shook her head gently. "Not entirely. I've only managed to restore it to this state."
A flicker of regret passed over her features. "And I haven't even fully repaired it. The main power systems, the internal structure—so many things remain unfinished."
She reached out, her slender, elegant fingers tracing the train's surface with a tenderness that spoke of years of devotion. "Lately, I've hit several roadblocks in the restoration process. They've slowed everything down considerably."
Since the night she'd discovered the Express, Himeko had poured herself into its restoration. She had set aside her other work, dedicating every spare moment—every ounce of her being—to bringing the legendary train back to life.
This train was her life's work. Her dream made steel and starlight.
March 7th's expression brightened. "Hey, don't worry! Didn't Yuki say he could help fix it?"
She grabbed Yuki's arm and tugged him forward, presenting him like a solution wrapped in a handsome package.
Yuki glanced sidelong at the enthusiastic girl beside him. "Now you remember I exist?"
March 7th pouted. "Sowwy~ I just got super excited seeing the Express for the first time!"
Yuki let it slide—he'd only been teasing anyway.
Stepping toward the train, he approached its side. Himeko moved aside, giving him room to examine it.
"Well?" she asked, her voice carefully controlled but unable to hide the thread of hope beneath. "Is there a way? I've encountered some... difficulties with the internal power systems."
A problem that had stalled her progress and threatened to delay her dream indefinitely.
And now Yuki stood here, claiming he had a solution. Hope flickered fiercely in her chest.
March 7th looked at him with equal anticipation.
"Simple."
One word. That was all.
But it was enough.
Both women exhaled—Himeko's tension visibly melting from her shoulders, March 7th's face breaking into a bright grin.
"Yay! Yuki, you're the best!" March 7th cheered.
Himeko's brow, furrowed for so long, finally smoothed. Yuki's quiet confidence was like a soothing balm—a promise she desperately wanted to believe.
"If there's anything you need—materials, tools, parts, anything at all—just say the word. I'll find a way to get it for you." Her voice was steady, resolute.
Yuki shook his head. "That won't be necessary."