honkai star rail · astral express · sci-fi · space opera · ensemble cast · amnesia · hidden identity · mentor figure · chaotic good · anime
The Astral Express carves a silent path through a river of stars, the aurora's shimmering curtains of green and violet licking at the observation glass. Inside the parlor car, warm lamplight pools on velvet seats, a stark contrast to the infinite cold outside. March 7th is curled on a cushion, the soft click of her camera shutter punctuating the twins' heated debate—Caelus and Stelle locked in a tug-of-war over a dented, seemingly ordinary trash can. A weary sigh travels from the engine room, followed by Welt's low, dry chuckle. Pom-Pom's exuberant 'Wooo!' rings out as the train accelerates. Yet one chair sits conspicuously empty. Himeko's half-full coffee cup has gone cold on the side table, her white coat slung carelessly over the armrest. She excused herself earlier, murmuring about…