But as the figure stepped fully into the light, both March 7th and Himeko froze.
It wasn't the monstrous, fanged horror they'd imagined.
Standing before them was a creature in a red conductor's uniform, complete with a tall hat. It stood upright and spoke with a distinctly human cadence—a lop-eared, rabbit-like being.
"I am not a ghost! Pom-Pom is the conductor!"
Far from terrifying, the creature was... adorable. Fluffy. Squishable. The kind of being you wanted to hug immediately.
March 7th's fear evaporated instantly. "Aww! A cute little bunny!"
She dashed over, scooped up Pom-Pom, and began kneading its fluffy cheeks like dough.
"Wah—put Pom-Pom down, you rude girl! Pom-Pom is not a toy!"
Pom-Pom squirmed and protested, but March 7th paid no attention. She treated the conductor like a plush toy, cooing and squeezing with delight.
"Help! Someone save Pom-Pom!" Pom-Pom cried, sweating bullets.
Yuki watched impassively. Himeko eventually intervened, gently prying March 7th away from the distressed creature.
Released from torment, Pom-Pom grumbled under its breath, smoothing down its ruffled uniform, and even threatened to ban March 7th from the train.
March 7th's eyes widened. "What?! You can't do that!"
"Hmph! Pom-Pom can! Pom-Pom is the conductor of the Astral Express!"
March 7th squinted at the tiny creature. "You... the conductor?"
Pom-Pom crossed its small arms, puffing up indignantly. "What? Pom-Pom doesn't look like one?!"
Himeko placed a calming hand on March 7th's shoulder. "Little March, let's hear what Yuki has to say."
She turned to him. He had mentioned the conductor earlier. If anyone knew the truth, it would be him.
March 7th followed her gaze.
Yuki nodded. "Pom-Pom is telling the truth. They've been the conductor since the very beginning. Even when Akivili was still aboard."
March 7th's jaw dropped. "This little bunny really is the conductor?!"
If anyone else had said it, she might not have believed it. But Yuki? She had no choice but to accept it.
"I told you! Pom-Pom is Pom-Pom! Not a bunny!" Pom-Pom bristled at the mischaracterization.
March 7th scratched her cheek sheepishly. "Ehehe... sorry, Conductor Pom-Pom! I was wrong! I apologize!"
Pom-Pom's expression softened slightly. "That's better."
March 7th's eyes sparkled. "So... since you're not mad anymore, can I still board the Express?"
She held her breath. This mattered.
Pom-Pom hesitated. "Hmm... that depends on your behavior!"
Before March 7th could protest, Yuki glanced at Pom-Pom. Just a calm, unreadable glance.
Pom-Pom broke into a cold sweat. "B-but! Considering it was your first time and you didn't know any better, Pom-Pom will let it slide! You may board, Passenger March 7th!"
It added the last part quickly, sneaking a nervous peek at Yuki to ensure he approved.
"Yes! Thank you, Conductor!"
Overcome with joy, March 7th grabbed Pom-Pom and squeezed it again.
"Wah! Passenger March 7th! Pom-Pom is not a cat! Stop treating the conductor like this!"
Realizing her mistake, March 7th released Pom-Pom with an apologetic grin, sticking her tongue out playfully.
Pom-Pom smoothed its ruffled fur once more, cleared its throat, and turned to Yuki.
"Ahem. Pom-Pom would like to express sincere gratitude to Mr. Yuki for completing the final step in restoring the Astral Express."
It then nodded to Himeko. "And Passenger Himeko as well. Your efforts in the restoration have been invaluable!"
Himeko smiled warmly. "You're too kind, Conductor. I've dreamed of boarding this train since I was a child. Restoring it... was simply part of making that dream come true."
Pom-Pom nodded approvingly. "Pom-Pom can see that! Your passion for the Express is clear!"
It then extended a small paw. "Pom-Pom would like to formally invite you, Passenger Himeko, to serve as the Navigator of the Astral Express!"
Himeko's eyes widened.
Navigator. The one who charted the course through the stars, who warned of dangers ahead. A role of immense importance.
She had dreamed only of boarding the train—of being a Nameless. Never had she imagined being offered such a prestigious position.
"I... are you sure I'm qualified?" she asked, uncertainty flickering in her golden eyes.
Pom-Pom nodded firmly. "Absolutely! Without your dedication, the Express would still be rusting away. It's only fitting that you take this role!"
Himeko glanced at Yuki. "But the final, critical repairs—those were done by—"
Yuki shook his head gently. "The Navigator's role is yours, Himeko."
He placed a hand on her shoulder, his gaze warm and encouraging. "Without your years of effort, this train would never have reached this point. I only did the last small part. The position is rightfully yours."
Himeko hesitated no longer. A smile spread across her face—bright, genuine, and resolute.
"Then I accept."
And so it was decided.
Immediately, Himeko set to work, arranging furnishings and decorations for the newly restored Express. March 7th eagerly volunteered to help.
And of course, she dragged Yuki along to do the heavy lifting.