Chapter 17: A Surprise Visitor
The Astral Express was once again gliding smoothly through the vastness of space. After days of chaotic cooking attempts, forced relaxation, and Pom-Pom's cleaning tyranny, things had finally settled down.
At least, until the alarm went off.
A sharp beeping sound echoed through the Express, followed by a voice over the intercom.
"Unknown lifeform detected. Unknown lifeform detected."
March 7th, who had been lounging on the couch, jerked awake. "Wha—ALIENS?!"
Dan Heng sighed. "Technically, we are the aliens here."
Pom-Pom hopped up onto a chair. "Pom-Pom DEMANDS answers! Who is trespassing on Pom-Pom's train?!"
Welt, already checking the systems, frowned. "It seems… someone is at the entrance. They aren't using force, just waiting."
Himeko smirked. "Well, now I'm curious."
Zhongli, ever composed, rose from his seat. "Then let us welcome them properly."
March blinked. "You're volunteering to greet a potential intruder?"
Zhongli smiled faintly. "A contract cannot be forged without understanding."
Dan Heng sighed, already moving toward the door. "Let's just be ready for anything."
With that, the crew gathered at the entrance as the Express doors slid open.
And standing there, waiting calmly, was…
A mysterious figure clad in flowing golden and black robes.
Their long white hair swayed slightly in the artificial breeze of the station, and their glowing amber eyes locked onto Zhongli's immediately.
Then, in a voice tinged with familiarity, they spoke.
"At last… we meet again, Rex Lapis."
The entire crew turned to look at Zhongli.
March gasped. "Wait. WHAT?! "
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A Familiar Stranger
The newcomer stepped onto the Express, their golden robes shimmering under the train's lights. There was a sense of authority to them—not overbearing, but undeniably present.
Zhongli regarded them carefully. "You know that name."
The stranger gave a small smile. "It has been a long time, but yes. I once knew you as the God of Contracts."
March looked back and forth between them. "Wait, wait, wait—so you're saying this guy knows Zhongli from Teyvat?!"
Pom-Pom squinted. "Pom-Pom is confused."
Welt folded his arms. "An old acquaintance, then?"
The stranger turned to him. "Not quite. Though we never met directly, I once served under the legacy of Morax."
Himeko smirked. "Oho~? A disciple of our tea-loving Archon?"
The stranger chuckled. "In a way. Allow me to introduce myself properly."
They placed a hand over their chest and bowed slightly.
"I am Yueshan, once a scholar of Liyue's forgotten celestial archives. And now… a wanderer of the stars."
Dan Heng, watching from the side, narrowed his eyes slightly. "A scholar of Liyue? But you are no longer from that world."
Yueshan straightened, nodding. "Correct. I have walked beyond Teyvat's borders for a long time now. But my journey began… with a contract left unfulfilled."
At that, Zhongli's golden eyes flickered with understanding.
March crossed her arms. "Okay, I have so many questions right now."
Pom-Pom huffed. "Pom-Pom DEMANDS answers!"
Welt sighed. "Then let's take this conversation somewhere more comfortable."
And so, the crew moved to the parlor car, where the real discussion began.
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The Weight of the Past
Zhongli poured two cups of tea, sliding one toward Yueshan.
The scholar accepted it with a grateful nod before continuing.
"My journey began centuries ago, in Liyue's archives. I studied the history of the Yakshas, the contracts of old, and the celestial paths that connected us to the unknown."
March leaned forward. "Wait. So you were studying space travel even back then?!"
Yueshan smiled. "In a way. We did not call it that, but the signs were there."
Himeko tilted her head. "So, what happened?"
Yueshan exhaled. "A discovery. One that should not have been made."
Zhongli's fingers tapped lightly against his teacup. "A contract… that was broken."
Yueshan's amber gaze met his. "Yes. One that led me here."
The room was silent for a moment.
Then Welt spoke. "And what exactly is it that brought you to us?"
Yueshan set his cup down, his expression turning more serious.
"Because something is stirring in the depths of the stars."
March frowned. "You mean, like… the Stellaron stuff?"
Yueshan shook his head. "No. Something older. Something that has existed before even the Aeons themselves."
The weight of his words settled over the group.
Zhongli studied him carefully. "And you believe this is connected to me."
Yueshan gave a slow nod.
"The moment I sensed your presence in the cosmos, I knew it could not be a coincidence. You left Teyvat behind, but the past… does not let go so easily."
Dan Heng crossed his arms. "And what exactly do you expect us to do?"
Yueshan smiled faintly. "I do not expect anything… yet. But I would ask for passage aboard this train. If I am right, our journeys are already intertwined."
Pom-Pom huffed. "Pom-Pom does not approve of strange stowaways!"
March nudged Pom-Pom. "Oh, come on. It'd be nice to have another Liyuean around, right?"
Zhongli remained silent for a moment, then finally spoke.
"Then let us establish a contract, Yueshan."
Yueshan's eyes gleamed. "A fitting proposal, coming from you."
Zhongli gave a small smile. "All aboard the Astral Express must uphold its laws. No harm shall come to its people, and all who walk this path must do so with purpose."
Yueshan nodded. "I accept these terms."
And with that, the contract was sealed.
Himeko smirked. "Well then. Welcome aboard, Yueshan."
March grinned. "Oooooh, this is gonna be so interesting!"
Pom-Pom crossed their arms. "Pom-Pom is watching you."
Dan Heng sighed. "We'll see where this leads."
And Zhongli?
He simply watched the stars, wondering what old debts had yet to be repaid.
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Chapter 18 Preview: Zhongli's First Festival in Space
With Yueshan settling into the crew, the Astral Express arrives at a lively planet-wide festival.
Street food, music, and interstellar traditions—but what happens when March drags Zhongli into a dance competition?
And why does Yueshan seem to recognize something hidden within the festival's history?
A celebration begins… but mysteries continue to unfold.
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Author's Note: (●__●) Give me stones!