!!! - EDITED - 12/30/24 (Some adjustments and additions on the Dialogues to fit the current changes I've made and small tweakings)
Disclaimer: I don't own Honkai Star Rail and any of their characters. All belonged to their rightful owners - Hoyoverse.
+++====+++
When I regained consciousness. It felt like a train crash into my brain and maybe along the lines of a bad hangover with my head pounding like it was trying to burst from my skull. I wanted to puke but I had nothing in my stomach to do so.
It was a weird feeling overall. A feeling that I wanted to go away as soon as possible.
When I finally took hold of myself mentally. I started to question?
Where the fuck am I?
So far what greeted me first was by far the most familiar thing I had ever seen in my second life: the white ceiling. By this point, staring at this type of ceiling, preferably with the same color, was probably going to be the most common thing I'd ever see in this life. Probably.
I tried to move, but everything in my body felt weak for some reason. Don't tell me I have to learn to walk again.
It was a process that I really didn't want to go through another time.
I then heard a flipping of a page, like someone was reading a book on my side.
Someone is here? Curious, I decided to look over to my right and saw a guy with chestnut brown hair, reading a book with his legs crossed. I couldn't discern much about his appearance besides the scarf around his neck and the gray jacket he wore. He seemed extremely focused on the book, without even acknowledging my existence, even as I stared at him for a long period of time.
Who the fuck is this guy?
However, it appeared I was wrong in thinking he hadn't noticed me, as he spoke up. "You're awake. That's good"
I narrowed my eyes on him. Has he been watching me this whole time? That's…kinda horrifying. I shuddered at that thought. But of course, I had to remain calm.
"Yeah, I'm awake. And what are you doing here?" I asked, trying to swallow the nervousness rising up my chest.
"I'm here to check on you," the man replied without looking up from his book. Quite rude, in my opinion. I looked to the other side and saw another bed. From the looks of it, someone was there not too long ago, judging by how messy the sheets were.
I glanced back at the man and asked, "So, are you going to tell me who you are and what's going on here? Or I'm just gonna assume that you're either a nurse assigned to me or just a random dude here."
The man closed his book, and his eyes turned to me. His eyes were brown, matching his hair. His face, however, looked like he was in his thirties, probably older, given the few strands of white hair near his bangs.
"I'm Welt Yang, one of the members of the Astral Express," the man, now named Welt, introduced himself much to my surprise.
"Wait, you're the Mr. Yang that March and Dan Heng talked about?" I asked, still doubtful. Could I really believe this so casually? He didn't seem to be lying, though I wasn't the best at reading people's expressions.
"I did say my name, didn't I?" he replied, quirking a brow.
"Ah, that you actually did," I nodded, finding that part hard to disagree with. "So, why are you here?"
"I already answered that question a couple of seconds ago."
"That you did," I nodded. Still, that doesn't explain why he is here. Unless he has a motive in hand?
"You're Ethan Almiyers, born from Kentar from Solar System LO12. A war-torn planet that was devastated by the Antimatter legion. Is that correct?"
"...." I felt speechless. "Yes?" What is he onto and why the fuck is he going through my information? I tried to keep a calm look on my face despite that.
"You have quite special circumstances, you got there."
"I don't follow."
"Well, from the last time I checked, absorbing an imaginary energy was not yet common." He said, eyes locking onto mine "You're quite the special case."
"...."
"Take a look from here." He showed me a tablet. Wait, where did he get this? I didn't bother to ask questions and peered my eyes into the tablet. Suffice it to say it wasn't what I expected to see, not at all. It was me in the video. It replayed what exactly happened at that time when I had…almost died, but this time, I finally saw how I killed it.
An Energy blast? That was my first thought of it however when I took a closer look. It seemed to be static….Electricity?
"Exactly 3:24 pm, Standard Time. The surveillance shows you killing a void ranger alone using a particular weapon. Do you know anything about this?" He decided to ask
"..." I fell silent. "Am I in trouble?" I asked, nervously.
He chuckled. That chuckle somehow made me even more nervous
"If you were, you would be in a different place rather than this medical department."
"Point taken."
"Now back to the topic at hand, do you know anything regarding this? Were you aware?"
"I…..yes but It wasn't me" I answered. It felt like I was in an integration room rather than a medical room.
His eyes showed confusion which I quickly clarified
"Everything that happened in the video…..I wasn't in control of my body, heck, I don't even know what I did and how I did that." It was the truth. I had no reason to lie. I was bad at lying. I could tell this person could pretty well know whether a person was lying or not.
"I see, that is truly strange." He nodded, taking my words into consideration
"Does anyone know of this?"
"So far, only me and Arlan know of this footage. You can rest assured."
"Oh."
"But in terms of that particular device of yours, now that's a different story to tell," He said, earning a surprised and puzzled look from me. "Nonetheless, you did it out of good intentions. I believe Madam Herta would like to talk about you regarding this"
"M-Madam Herta" I stuttered. How does she know?
"But firstly, I think you've got another visitor."
I tilted my head. "Who—"
"Mr. Yang!" The door flung open, revealing March's excited and cheerful face. "There you are, we've been looking all over for you"
"Hello, March." Welt gave a short wave at the young girl.
I turned my head toward her just as she snapped her head in my direction. Her eyes widened as she shouted, "Oh, Ethan! You're awake!" She rushed over and gave me a hug. While I was flattered—it's not every day you get a hug from a cute girl—I could feel my chest tighten as her hug grew stronger. Not from embarrassment or any emotional nonsense, but because…
"Can't breathe," I gasped under her grasp. Did I survive to die by a hug?
"Oh, sorry!" Seeing my pain, March quickly reacted and immediately let me go. I inhaled deeply to recover the oxygen I lost from my lungs after freeing myself. "Did it hurt really that bad?"
I looked up at her and saw a guilty look on her face. "Yes," I replied without any ounce of hesitation.
March pouted. "Seriously, you say the same thing as Stelle. What's so painful about my hug anyway? It's supposed to bring comfort, not pain! Right, Mr. Yang?!"
The person in question turned his head the other way. I was amused when I saw March's face turned to shock and finally, betrayal.
"Speaking of her, where is she?" I asked, finally curious about her whereabouts. She must be perfectly fine, seeing as she woke up earlier than I did. I did wonder why—wasn't she supposed to be more badly injured than me? Not that I'm wishing for it but logically speaking she did tank the blast coming from a fucking planet destroyer!
"Oh, she went to talk to Himeko," March answered simply. "Though that was a few hours ago, I don't know where she is currently."
"I see." They must have talked about something important, maybe regarding what happened with the Doomsday Beast. I had a feeling this might relate to what Welt said reading Herta wanted to talk to me.
"So, Ethan, how are you feeling?" March asked in worry, inspecting me up and down.
"I'm fine… I think. I didn't suffer any injuries, did I?" I looked at the two of them in question. Since there was no nurse here apparently, there were only two I could ask.
March looked quite unsure, while Welt, on the other hand, answered.
"None so far."
I breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. So, how long will I be staying here?"
"For as long as you recover, which is probably in a few hours or so," Welt replied.
I frowned. "Great."
+++======++++
Ever since March and Welt left the room, I was now all alone, staring blankly at the wall while sitting upright. Boredom had started to settle in. Since I wasn't allowed to leave the medical room, according to the nurse who checked on me a few minutes ago, I was basically trapped here until further notice. On the bright side, things were calm and, most importantly, very safe. I missed this small, secure space, something I hadn't had in the past few hours.
Aside from that, I was nervous. Nervous by what Welt said about Madam Herta. What would happen to me if she actually found out? Would I be a test subject like a rat in a cage? The more I thought about it, the more likely it seemed. The more likely it seems, the more terrifying it sounds.
On the bright side, I could walk! Ha! I never knew I would experience such happiness by just knowing I would not have to learn how to walk again. Seriously, fuck that experience.
The room was eerie quiet aside from my own breathing. As more minutes passed by, the more bored I became. So much so that I started humming a song that I liked during my childhood back on Earth.
After I got bored of that, I decided to inspect my watch. Out of pure curiosity. Regarding its appearance, it still retained its bland look. Mostly black with little to no colors.
Who knows? Maybe it would actually work this time. After seeing it straight up almost sent me to my death.
"What are you.." I mumbled, the not-so-pleasant events came to haunt me. The way it works baffles me. I have powers now, or precisely, this watch has powers. If the video was right, could it shoot electricity? The voice did mention Elemental powers before. Secondly, I could teleport. That happened back at the platform.
I tried pulling it off my wrist one last time to see if I could pull it off. Still, it was stuck as if someone had super glued it to my skin. Just out of curiosity, I placed my finger on the screen, and to my surprise, it lit up, accompanied by a voice.
[Host, how may I help you?]
The voice was loud, clear, and frankly unexpected.
"Ah!" I yelped "Wha—Wait, are you inside my head?"
Oh wait, it was always in my head. What am I talking about?
[For privacy concerns, the host hears communication through thoughts only. However, the option to disable this is available.]
"Ah right…forgot about that." I said "Also, keep it…please"
[Understood, Host.]
Host…What a particular word to describe me. I thought. Am its master? The thought of it somewhat excites me.
"No, it's fine. I should have probably guessed that since this isn't the first time you've talked to me. So, can I communicate with you through my thoughts?"
[Affirmative.]
I nodded, finding that feature to be useful "That's good. It's going to help me avoid some embarrassing moments talking to myself in the future,"
[Understood, Host.]
I fell silent for a couple of seconds. My brows furrowed. "Wait a goddamn minute, this is the first time you actually talk to me, like talk to me. What gives?!" Do you know about the times I tried every possible way to activate you? I nearly spent half a day doing that which I honestly regret when you think about it.
[Accessing current data memory..]
[Memory transfer completed]
[Conclusion: Due to low energy capacity, the powerband was unable to function normally unless in an emergency.]
"Wait, you were low capacity the entire time?"
[Affirmative.]
"So that's why you tried to suck that energy back at the platform?"
[Affirmative.]
"...So, you're an AI, right?"
[To clarify, I am what you call SAIPS, Super Artificial Intelligence Processing Sphere.]
"Okay.." I honestly don't know what to feel about that aside from the fact it is AI with just the added word "super" to it.
"So uhm, I have a few questions…" I cleared my throat "if that's okay with you"
[The system is ready for any available question that needs to be addressed]
"Mhm, okay so, regarding Elementals. I heard you mention before. What's up about that?"
[The system is equipped with seven elements. The following elements are Wind, Fire, Light, Lightning, Earth, Water, and Leaf. All these elements are within the disposal of the system]
"..." Wow, that is quite a lot. "So how do I access them…and do I have the permission to access them?"
[As the new Command of the system. The host is therefore compatible with all the elements thus allowing the host to manipulate them at will. Regarding how to access the elementals, the host would simply need to rotate the dial case to select the elemental power of your choice.]
I am the new command huh? That somewhat assures me. "I see." I really wanted to test it out but doing it in a room with surveillance wasn't quite a good idea in my book. I decided to stay low for now.
"Anything I should know more about?"
[ The elements are now classified into three tiers. ]
[The first tier, also known as (basic forms) allows the host to enter the state of Elementals allowing the host to harness and manipulate the specific element at will]
[The second tier, also known as (Evolved forms). It is an upgrade of the first tier allowing the host to fully utilize the elemental form at high capacity allowing a more versatile and diverse range of uses.]
[The third tier, also known as (Ascendant forms). It is the final state of Elementals allowing the host to manipulate the specific elemental at peak capacity]
[This tier is been utilized to allow the host to transition smoothly in adaptability]
Okay, that's quite a lot to take in. "So why the tiers?"
[This is to allow a smooth transition of harnessing the elemental without further backlash from the system]
"So a safety mechanic huh?" That was kind of good. However, I had a feeling there was more to that.
"I have a question. How do…say, get to the second tier, if I only have the first tier unlocked?"
[To unlock the Evolved forms. The host may need to meet certain requirements]
"And what are those requirements?"
[The system isn't allowed to disclose the information to the host]
I was taken aback by that response. "Wouldn't that be the first-hand information that should be given to me?"
[The system placed a whole trust in the host's ability to meet those requirements without any further guidance]
Why do I feel like it's avoiding the question?
"Geez thanks for the vote of confidence." I snickered. "So final question, why me?"
[The system doesn't fully understand the question, can the host please clarify?]
"I'm asking why you picked me. You said I am the new command right? That means someone must be here before me. What happened to them and where did you come from?" It was a question that I had a burning desire to know. Was it really luck that allowed me to get this watch on my wrist? Was it really a coincidence or was it simply fate?
[....]
[The system has no valid information regarding that question thus the system is unable to address it]
No valid information? Strange. "I see" AI could lie right? Do they lie? Would they lie?
I had a feeling it was hiding something.
Before I could delve it in further, I heard a knock on the door. My eyes snapped towards it. Half of me was nervous. Was it Madam Herta or perhaps it must be the nurse checking up on me?
"Don't speak until I say so, okay?" I instructed the AI.
[Understood, Host.]
"Come in," I called out, loud enough to be heard outside the door.
The door opened. Nervousness started to creep on me before it went down the drain at the speed of light.
"Ethan!" It was Abraham and he was rushing toward me. I blinked, seeing how fast he was coming. This wasn't going to end well.
"Wait, Abraham, don't—" I started, but it was too late. His intended hug turned into a push due to his speed, and the next thing I knew, I was lying flat on the ground, groaning in pain.
"Ouch" It hurts, very much.
"Ethan, you're alive!" Abraham exclaimed with a joyous expression.
"Not much longer if you don't get off me," I said, glaring at him. I, of course, welcome his concern for my well-being, but crushing me with his weight was not it.
"Ah, sorry." After apologizing, he quickly got off me. Abraham held his hand out and helped pull me up.
Upon standing, I stared at Abraham and said calmly, "Thanks for the show of concern, a hurtful kind of show of concern but a concern nonetheless."
Abraham laughed sheepishly at my remark. "Yeah, sorry about that. I was worried about you, you know? What kind of friend would not worry about their friend?"
"Also, I brought you coffee," he added, gesturing to the side. On the small table was a cup of coffee. Wait, how did he place it there?
"You know me so well.." I shed an imaginary tear.
"I know,"
"That said, when did you learn that I was here?" I asked.
"The gray-haired girl told me. What was her name again? Stely? Stalle?"
"You mean Stelle?"
"Ah, yes, Stelle. Man, her name is hard to remember. Anyway, we passed by each other in the master control zone, and I had, um… the urge to ask her about your whereabouts since I saw her with you last time."
"And she told you?"
"Yep."
"..." I fell silent before speaking again. "Say, you saw her, right? Did you see where she went?"
"I have a guess, but I'm not sure. I think she was heading towards Herta's office," Abraham replied, sounding uncertain.
"What would she be doing there?" I wondered. March did tell me Stelle was in talks with Himeko, but going to Herta's office was really... odd, to say the least. What I know about Herta is limited, but she was one of the genius society members or whatnot. Maybe she found something that interested her? Probably.
I hope that interest will not go that far towards me.
"Never mind. Anyway, since you're here, why don't we play some games? I was bored sitting here all day."
"Ohh, what kind?" Abraham asked, perking up.
I smiled. "Have you heard of chess?"
++++======++++
Abraham only came by for a short amount of time before returning for his work. It was saddening to see him go but it was understandable. I thought I would be alone once again but that's when another knock on the door sounded. I shot a look of annoyance, not wanting to answer but the knock persisted.
"He's back again?" Maybe he left something? That was my initial thought.
"Come in,"
When I saw who was at the door, I couldn't say I was not surprised. It was really a surprise.
"Stelle?"
You've heard me right. It was her, looking around like a child who lost her toy. At the mention of her name, Stelle's head snapped in my direction. The once stoic look on her face quickly changed to a bright one.
"Ethan! You're awake!" she exclaimed happily.
Huh, look who's awfully excited to see me?
"Yes, I'm awake," I replied flatly. How many times did I have to say that today? I was seriously considering putting up a sign that said, 'Yes, I'm awake.'
Stelle walked up to me, standing not too close and not too far. She appeared to be nervous about something as I saw her fidgeting, while also saying nothing.
I felt weirded out by the sudden silence, especially by her behavior.
"If you're gonna say anything, please do," If anything, I felt weirded out by the silence.
"I.... have a proposal," she said timidly.
"Huh? What do you mean by proposal?" Is this a business meeting? A job offering?
Stelle's nervous expression faded as her lips curved into a smile as she gestured her hand at me. "Come with me."
I stared at her hand before looking up at her face, confused. Why did I feel like this is Deja vu again? "To where?"
"To the Astral Express. You're coming with me." She was stating it like she was leaving me with no options.
"...." I fell silent. Was it wrong to say I was not surprised? I knew Himeko would later invite Stelle to join them, but me? Well, I did have a feeling, but I mostly ignored it. But, BUT, I did not expect Stelle to be the one to invite me.
"So?" she said, looking expectantly at me.
I chuckled before taking a deep breath "No." I told her
It felt like her expression shattered into a million pieces as her smile stiffened and a frown replaced it. "Why?" Her voice sounded cold for some reason.
I looked at her expression and couldn't help but frown as well. Damn it, how can I explain this without sounding rude? After pondering for a quick few seconds, I began, "Listen, it's not because of you or you guys, but it's because I'm content here. It's safe." More importantly, I don't need to deal with you protagonists with your so-called life-changing events.
Stelle nodded, seemingly understanding my words. "So you want to be safe?"
"Yes—"
"Then don't worry, you'll be safe with me," she interrupted. My brows twitched as I let out a sigh.
Seriously, why am I talking to this girl again? She's stubborn as hell.
"Stelle, my answer is still no."
"Yes."
"No," I repeated more firmly, but she pressed on.
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"No."
"Yes." I blinked. Wait, did she just—
I looked at her grinning face in annoyance. "Seriously?"
"You said yes, so yes," Stelle smiles cheekily.
I took a deep breath. "Stelle, I'm serious. I can't come with you," I said slowly. I watched as her appearance took on a thoughtful look. I wondered why that was.
"So you won't come?" Her head tilted to the side as her eyes peered into mine somewhat creepily.
"Yes," I replied, to which her head dropped low. I let out a small sigh. I stood up, preparing to put my hand on her shoulder to reassure her "Stelle, you have to understand—" Before I could finish, I saw something flash below me. My eyes darted to it just in time to see something blurry coming right at me. I leaned back, and a small gust of air flew past my face. My eyes widened as I saw Stelle holding her bat.
I stared at her in horror. "What are you doing?!"
"Someone told me that if someone refuses, then you should use force," Stelle replied calmly, swinging her bat around while not leaving her gaze on me. It was like I was looking at a future murderer.
"What? You almost hit me!" Or worse!
Stelle blankly stared at me. "Don't worry, this will be quick, and will only knock you out."
I held back my anger and couldn't help but ask "What would happen if I was knocked out?"
She appeared thoughtful for a moment. "Then you'll be on the Astral Express after you wake up,"
I stared at her with an agape expression. Wait, is this girl seriously considering kidnapping?! She even smiled by saying that for goodness sake!
Before I could respond, she suddenly swung her bat again, but luckily I managed to dodge it once more. I gritted my teeth as my focus was solely on the bat, afraid that if I slipped up even once, that would give her an opportunity to strike me.
'AI, whatever you are, can you help me here?!'
[The host does not appear to be in danger.]
'I am already in danger!'
[Can you please elaborate more specifically? Who is the threat?]
'She's right in front of me!'
[Analyzing…]
[Conclusion: Threat not detected.]
"...." Did I just get betrayed?
"Help! Someone's trying to kill me here!"
Stelle looked at me, confused. "Who?" She had the audacity to look around trying to find the culprit like she wasn't herself.
I glared at her. "You, of course!"
Stelle opened her mouth but then decided to say nothing as she continued to approach me. I kept backing away, dodging her blows. If it weren't for my good reaction time, I'd be toast right now.
"Stelle, stop! We can talk this out!" I called out frantically when my back finally hit the wall. I was cornered.
Stelle paused at my request, her bat lowering slightly. "So, you'll reconsider?"
"Uhm, no," I said rather quickly, and I realized my mistake immediately.
Her smile vanished as her bat slammed into the wall where my head had just been. I felt tiny bits of debris falling onto my shoulders. I knew at this moment, I had to compromise.
"Okay, okay! Fine, I'll think about it! Just give me a moment to consider, okay? Is that fine?" I asked shakily. Her eyes bore down on me, but thankfully, she seemed to consider my words and nodded.
"Okay."
I breathed a sigh of relief before another burst of anger surged within me. Seriously, what's wrong with this girl?! I should have known she was mentally unstable with the signs laid out for me. As I was deep in thought about this whole situation I found myself in, I heard the door open and curiously peeked over to see who it was.
Dan Heng.
'Safety! It was like seeing a beacon of hope. I immediately used this opportunity to run past Stelle, who was caught off guard by the sudden action.
"Dan Heng! Help!" I shouted to get his attention.
Dan Heng, whose expression was mostly expressionless, turned to shock as I practically went over him, out of breath.
"Help… Stelle…" I struggled to put the words out of my mouth as both my hands were placed on my knees.
"What's wrong?" he questioned, frowning as he didn't fully understand the dire situation I was in.
"She's—" I began but was interrupted.
"Dan Heng." Her voice sounded behind me. It was like all my veins constricted, tensing me instantly.
"Ah!" I screamed in surprise, spinning around to find Stelle standing behind me, smiling. Her bat, however, was nowhere in sight. She looked like an innocent girl, unlike before who looked like a psychopath.
"Stelle, it's a surprise to see you here," Dan Heng said before turning to me. "You're here to see him, correct?"
Stelle nodded earnestly. "I wanted to ask if he'd like to join the Astral Express."
Dan Heng nodded. "I see."
I looked between them, feeling that something was off.
"Ethan," Dan Heng called out.
"Yes?"
"Have you made your decision?"
"I—" Wait, why is he asking me that?
"He's thinking it through," Stelle sternly interrupted on my behalf. I gulped, seeing her persistence. Something must be wrong about her.
"I see. I suppose you've already made up your mind, then." Dan Heng concluded.
I looked back at Stelle, who appeared to look expectantly for my response before turning back to Dan Heng. I gestured to him to come closer. His face turned a confused look but seeing my desperation, he complied and went closer to my side.
"What I'm about to say is literally life-or-death for me," I whispered.
"...What?" His confusion deepened, so I clarified.
"Just, if anything happens, be at my side, okay?" I watched his expression double in confusion at my words, but he nodded nonetheless.
I cleared my throat, preparing to face Stelle. "So, um, Stelle, the thing is… my answer would still be no."
Stelle frowned as I saw her palms open, traces of light flickering on them.
In response, I turned to Dan Heng with a pleading look. 'Help me!'
Dan Heng looked at me, realization dawning on his face as he simply shook his head. "I see what this is about now." He turned to Stelle. "Stelle, you really, really want him to join, don't you?"
Stelle paused as she stared right back at Dan Heng before nodding firmly. "Yes."
"I see," Dan Heng nodded, then turned back to me. "Ethan, I'm afraid I have to side with Stelle on this one."
I blinked in surprise, my expression shifting to one of betrayal. Before I could say anything, he continued.
"It's not what you think. This concerns everyone here on the station, including your life."
"Eh?" I was taken aback.
Dan Heng took a deep breath and explained calmly, "Let me explain. Both of you are anomalies and have something in common with each other. Her is a Stellaron, and yours is that… strange watch. Both are dangerous, I presume. Not just that, but both of your special quirks, if I were to say it that way, contain a large amount of Imaginary energy that could potentially attract threats like the Antimatter Legion or others that matter."
"So you're saying that if I stay here, I would be the cause of all the trouble?" I asked, trying to decipher his long-ass words into simpler words.
"Exactly," he nodded.
I nodded back then and one word fell off about his explanation. ".....Wait, did you just say Stellaron?"
"Yes?"
"....." I stared at him and then at Stelle who stared back. "She has a Stellaron?! You have a Stellaron? You're telling me she has a Stellaron, basically the cancer of worlds, inside of her?"
How does that make sense?!
"I'd appreciate it if you lower down the volume and yes, she does." Dan Heng confirmed
"Huh, how?---what?" I stared at Stelle with a newfound expression. Fear? No, rather, disbelief. "You…"
She smiled sheepishly "Surprise?"
"I—" Wait, Why would I be surprised? First, she is an amnesiac and now has a power akin to a planet destroyer? Now that's a fucking protagonist right there. "Okay..okay" Recalling the event that transpired back on the platform and her doing that weird shit after being hit by a blast. Everything kinda makes sense now. "That explains a lot of things"
"What things?" She asked with a curious expression.
"A lot of things," I replied, shaking my head.
Before she could respond back, I shortly added a question.
"Then why are you bringing me in and Stelle if we're that dangerous?" I asked Dan Heng, finding his logic flawed as I crossed my arms and gave him a suspicious glance.
"Ethan, the Astral Express is more than just a way to travel across worlds." He calmly responded. " It's a way for us to forge a new path, especially for individuals like us. This could be your opportunity, as it was for me. If you're worried about posing a danger to us, then don't be. We've handled things like this before"
I fell silent, considering his words for a moment. "That doesn't—"
"Also, I already talked to Mr. Yang and Himeko regarding this. They both agreed to take both of you in. I'm pretty sure Stelle has already been aware of that."
I hesitated for a brief moment before shaking my head. "I just—I don't know. I can't decide this in one day. This is not a small thing to decide."
"We'll be leaving in a few hours. You don't have much time left for this," he pointed out "You better be quick about your decision. I know it's not easy but it's something you should really consider. It's for the sake of everyone present here in the station and to yourself."
Geez, he's not really giving me an option here. I sighed. "Alright, just give me a couple of minutes. Would that be fine?"
Dan Heng smiled. It was the first time I saw him smile. "There's no pressure in this, Ethan. After all, it's your choice in the end. We won't force you, right Stelle?"
Stelle flinched back at the mention of her name as we both stared at her.
I rolled my eyes. Choice, my ass. That option had already left when someone tried to use a bat for that.
"I'll be going then." Dan Heng bowed and left the room without another word.
As I watched him go, I couldn't help but wonder about his reason for coming here. It felt strange as if he had done it on purpose. I looked at Stelle, who hadn't said a word.
"You're not gonna...you know?" I asked nervously, afraid that when Dan Heng left, she would start going after me again.
Stelle shook her head "It appears I was wrong. Sorry, Ethan." Her voice was barely a whisper as she dropped her head low to which I somehow pitied her. Damn It, why would I pity someone who nearly crushed my head a moment ago.
Now, she's looking like a puppy that I kicked.
"It's alright" That was a lie, still I didn't have the heart to say I don't forgive her. "Still, I want to ask you something."
"Yes?" She glanced at me curiously.
"Why do you want me to join the Express so badly?"
Stelle blinked, her mouth opening for a moment before closing. She seemed unsure of the answer herself.
I sighed. As expected. "Never mind—"
"Because why not?" She cut me off. Before I could say anything she added, "You have a good heart, Ethan. I could tell and that's why you're fitted to join the express. Not to mention, you're like me."
"How am I like you?" I couldn't help but want to ask.
In response to that, she took a step forward at me, her slender finger pressed against my chest. "There"
What did she mean by that? I tilted my head slightly, giving her a perplexed look. "You're weird, do you know that?"
She blinked and her lips curved into a smile.