Man On The Moon

V

Welt, being the one who suggested the change of location, led the way to the group, his steps measured and his expression guarded. He was aware of the importance of the discussion ahead. Once near the lounge, Welt paused momentarily, his gaze shifting to the voices coming from inside. He glanced at Nolan, as if to check if he was ready, then quietly pushed the door open. The voices inside died down as soon as the door opened. Stelle, Caelus, March 7th, and Dan Heng all looked up, their laughter and conversation coming to an abrupt halt as they saw the newcomers enter. The air suddenly felt heavier, the light atmosphere replaced with a tangible air of seriousness. Vettel, noticing the sudden change in the atmosphere, looked at his parents with a mixture of concern and curiosity. Liana and Nolan, their expressions serious, stepped into the room followed by Welt and Himeko. The mood was palpable, and all eyes were on them.

Vettel: "Mom, Dad... what's going on?"

Liana, a protective look on her face, met Vettel's gaze, her voice steady but a hint of worry in her tone.

Liana: "We need to have a serious talk, Vettel."

Nolan, his usual grumpy demeanour heightened by his concern, added, his voice gruff yet firm.

Nolan: "It's important. Everyone needs to listen."

The entire Astral Express crew, Stelle, Caelus, March 7th, Dan Heng, Himeko, and Welt Yang, fell silent, turning their attention to the newcomers. Acheron, standing tall and aloof, her gaze flickering between her brother and their parents. Robin, too, looked on quietly. The room was filled with a charged silence as everyone waited for what Nolan and Liana had to say. Himeko, breaking the silence, spoke up first, her voice serious and her gaze fixed on Nolan and Liana.

Himeko: "You have our attention. What's so important that you want to discuss here?"

Nolan eyed the crew, his gaze lingering on each one for a brief moment. He seemed to be sizing them up, trying to gauge their reactions and how much to reveal. After a few seconds, he turned his gaze straight at Himeko, his face unreadable.

Nolan: "It's about... our situation. Our origins."

Those words sent a ripple through the room. Stelle, Caelus, March 7th, Dan Heng, Welt, and Himeko all flinched slightly, their eyes widening at the implications. Acheron, strangely, didn't react outwardly, her expression stoic as ever. Robin, beside Vettel, also looked on quietly, her curiosity piqued. Himeko, her eyes narrowing slightly, was the first to speak. The air felt tense, the crew knowing this was no ordinary talk.

Himeko: "What do you mean 'our origins'? Are you saying you're... from somewhere else?"

Nolan met Himeko's gaze, not breaking eye contact. His voice was low but firm.

Nolan: "That's exactly what I'm saying. We're not from this world. None of us."

The room fell pin-drop silent at Nolan's revelation. Stelle, Caelus, March 7th, Dan Heng, Himeko, and Welt all exchanged glances, their faces reflecting shock and confusion. Acheron remained stoic, while Robin appeared more alert, her gaze moving between Vettel and Nolan. Acheron, breaking her silence for the first time, spoke up, her voice as cool and composed as ever. Her golden-flecked eyes locked on Himeko, who was still reeling from the first revelation.

Acheron: "My family, including my father Nolan and mother Liana, and my younger brother Vettel, are from another galaxy."

Hearing this statement, Stelle, Caelus, March 7th, and Dan Heng were speechless. Welt and Himeko's eyes widened, their surprise clear on their faces. The room felt like it had gone still, the gravity of the situation becoming heavier. Himeko, gathering her thoughts, spoke again, her voice betraying the disbelief she felt.

Himeko: "Another galaxy... Do you realise how hard that is to believe? You all look human, act human..."

Nolan, his expression stern, responded to Himeko's doubts. His voice was firm and unwavering.