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2. THE ASTRAL EXPRESS

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THE AEGIS OF the Astral Express was its crew, and the aegis of its crew was the Astral Express. Mainly Levent was the Astral Express' repairman whenever he was able to visit, but despite the Antimatter Legion's presence, the Express wasn't damaged. It was within the jetty pavilion alongside the other vehicles and visitors, safely parked within the steel and jade encrusted walls. While he and the girls provided the necessary assistance to those who sought refuge within the pavilion, he was well-reminded of the days when all he did was act as the Galaxy Rangers' version of a peripatetic factotum. He still was a polymath people sought aid from these days, but now, as an ordained member of the Genius Society, most of his work contributed to their studies rather than his endeavors across the galaxy.

Once upon a time, he met the Express and Himeko by chance━━an eventful encounter that went way back. Long story short, she crash-landed on his kinnari mother's home planet when he was visiting her for brunch after an excursion to Thalassa. He ended up finding her in the Emperor's courtyard and was told that she was traveling on the path of the Aeon Akivili, though with many obstacles ahead of her. A warp jump that the Astral Express performed ultimately failed, and Levent kindly suggested to take a look.

This was when Himeko had just revamped the entire Express from its ancient origins as the vessel of Trailblazing Will. Years later, and she knew it like the back of her hand, as well as had more company that joined her during her journey throughout the cosmos.

On occasion, he would be called in by her to perform a thorough check-up of the entire train. Eventually, he became more than a repairman and in essence, part of the crew. Himeko expected him once a month, and he was one to not always fulfill his friends' wishes but still try. Her wish was for him to have somewhere to stay━━somewhere he could call home.

The Astral Express became that in time. Like Himeko, he knew the Express closely as well, almost like it was another companion on his journey within the path of Akivili.

By this timezone's nightfall, the visitors were able to be rehabilitated and reconvened across the jetty in order to set everything back up. This left Levent, Desideria, and Nee to go back to the Express. He opened the door of the parlor car and allowed them inside before him. He overheard the clamor within, primarily a worried Pom Pom and laughing Himeko. He smiled to himself and followed them inside.

Himeko was speaking to Nee and Daube, Dan Heng was inspecting Desideria for injuries without hesitation, and Welt was stepping down from the stairs to the inn car, adjusting his coat as he too took in the sight of everyone gathered together. Levent locked eyes with him and his grin grew.

"I'm home~" Was the greeting the others received from him. He slid the door shut behind him before Himeko stepped forward to welcome him in, giving him a warm hug before allowing him to go any further. Pom Pom took his hand and dragged him away from the others, forcing him to sit down on the velvet couches as Welt met up with him in the middle.

"Rest! Rest!" The plush conductor chastised him. "We heard all about the battle, you shouldn't overexert yourself just to see us!"

"Now, now, Pom Pom," Welt chuckled from behind them. He fixed his glasses above his nose bridge as he took a look at Levent. "If you really want him to rest, let him breathe."

"It wasn't much of a battle..." The way Pom Pom mentioned the recent events made it all seem dramatic. Levent returned his focus to the man with a fond smile. "And if it truly was a battle, you'd be on the field with me in a heartbeat."