While the others are resting on the Xianzhou Luofu, Dan Heng has been standing on the cabin of the Astral Express for quite some time now. Himeko approaches him to make sure everything is okay.
Himeko: You've been standing here for half an hour. It's rare to see you like this. Are you worried about those two? Ryuji and Welt are with them. They should be fine
Dan Heng was silent for a few moments before finally speaking
Dan Heng: Himeko, did you keep a copy of the Stellaron Hunters's transmission? Can I have a look?
Himeko: ...Sure
Himeko then shows him the transmission sent from Kafka
Kafka: Not to mention, 45 system hours ago... a Stellaron burst occurred on the Luofu. An unexpected calamity... don't you think?
Welt: What exactly are you Stellaron Hunters trying to do...? The Xianzhou Alliance aren't us — they won't give you time to explain. Once you draw the attention of The Hunt (Lan), you become their prey. The Alliance will hunt you to the end of the universe...
Himeko: Stop speaking in riddles, Kafka. Say what you have to say
Dan Heng silently continues to listen
Kafka: ...It's simple. That Stellaron has nothing to do with us, but the Xianzhou is convinced that we're responsible
Dan Heng: Stop!
The transmission stops when the hologram of Blade appears
Himeko: ...Do you know him?
Dan Heng: The Xianzhou is in danger! ...This man, he-
Dan Heng is starting to panic
Dan Heng: If he's on the ship, then Welt, March, Stelle, ...and Ryuji! Everyone is in grave danger!
Himeko: Is he... connected to that past you want to escape?
Dan Heng slowly nods
Dan Heng: I... I can't leave them down there. It's just... I'm afraid my burden has finally caught up with me, and that everyone is about to be drawn in...
Himeko: Is there anyone who doesn't carry around a past burden? She may not remember it, but even a girl as carefree as March has hers
She then gives him a reassuring smile
Himeko: We tread on a Path that is hidden from us. The things we see and the trails we blaze all become our baggage. They weigh us down, but they also give us strength to continue the journey. Try not to dwell on it, Dan Heng. The Express spends seven standard days at each stop. It's passengers are allowed to do as they deem fit during that time
Himeko: Pom-Pom and I are more than capable of looking after the Express. If there's something you've got to do, do it now. Better than regretting it further down the line
Dan Heng nods before turning to leave
Himeko: And... you'll come back and travel with us once this is all over, right?
Dan Heng nods again before leaving the Express. After some time, Dan Heng makes it onto the Xianzhou Luofu before attempting to message the others too no avail.
Dan Heng: Can't send the message out... The network is down, but some functions still work?
He then decides to continue through the Cloudford until he sees a young girl and a blond hair man being confronted by two Mara-Struck Soldiers.
YOU ARE READING
An Anomaly (HSR x OC)
FanfictionOn a world under siege by the anti-matter legion, a young man is desperately trying to fight off the invasion. All hope seems lost until something unexpected happens, something that will change the course of this young man's life forever. Honkai Sta...
