Not long ago, Aboard the Astral Express.

    Dan Heng frowns a bit, staring out the window at the expanse of crates.

    Himeko steps up beside him. "You've been standing here for half an hour... it's rare to see you like this. Are you worried about the others? Welt with with them, they should be fine." she tries to assure.

    Dan Heng's brow furrows a bit more. "Himeko, did you keep a copy of the Stellaron Hunter's transmission? May I see it?" he asks suddenly.

    Dan Heng's eyes go wide, as he listens to the message, and yells "STOP!" as Blade's image appears. Himeko blinks a little. "Do you know him?" she asks.

    Dan Heng's eyes stare fixated on the hologram, as if trying to win a contest with its unmoving gaze. "The Xianzhou is in danger! This man... he--." He shakes his head, tearing his gaze away to look at Himeko. "If he's on the ship, then Welt, March, Stelle and everyone else is in grave danger!"

    "Is he connected to the past you want to escape?" asks Himeko levelly.

    Dan Heng clenches his fists. "I can't leave them down there. I'm... afraid my past burdens have finally caught up with me... and now everyone else is going to be drawn in."

    Himeko's smiles softens, and she places a hand on the dark-haired young man's shoulder. "Even a carefree spirit like March as burdens they carry with them... the Path of Trailblaze is one hidden from us. We walk along it, and as we do, the trails we blaze become our baggage, they weigh us down, but also become our strength to continue forward." She gives a squeeze. "Pom-Pom and I are more than capable of looking after the Express. If there's something you must do, do it now. Better than regretting it further down the line."

    Dan Heng says nothing, but turns and starts toward the exit ramp.

    "And... you'll come back and travel with us once this is all over, right?" asks Himeko before he opens the door.

    Dan Heng nods once again, cycles the door and steps out...