Amidst the open skies of the uncharted planet of Rixora, a place known for its turbulent atmosphere and hostile flora. Jagged peaks loomed in the distance, their towering forms piercing the clouds above. Beneath, an expansive terrain dotted with strange bioluminescent flora lit up the horizon. The air was thick with the scent of ozone and freshly disturbed dirt.

The Astral Express crew, having traveled to Rixora in pursuit of a lead on an ancient artifact, found themselves surrounded by hostile enemies. These were no ordinary foes, but formidable creatures harnessing the power of chaos itself. Their glowing eyes pierced through the storm, their movement swift and merciless.

March 7th exhaled - bow clutched in her hands aswell as arrows out of ice.

Welt gave her a knowing look, his expression calm and collected, though his mind was already calculating their strategy. He had faced countless battles before, but every fight carried its own weight. His cane, a powerful tool for gravitational manipulation, was a constant reminder of the power he wielded.

Himeko the black coat draped over her shoulders, her golden eyes shining whilst she exuded authority and control. "Don’t let your guard down,"

Dan Heng’s blue eyes scanned the area, ever vigilant. His calm demeanor was a stark contrast to the pressure he felt within. "We’re all here," he said, his voice steady, even as his hand rested on his spear, the Cloud-Piercer.

Caelus and Stelle stood together, their silver-gray hair reflecting the ambient light of the planet. They, too, were ready for battle.

A flash of movement - a blur - before it happened: a blade, swift and precise, pierced you, a member of the crew, through the chest. The metallic hiss of the sword sinking into flesh filled the air, and the world seemed to freeze.

March’s eyes widened in horror, her hand dropping to her side as she saw you fall. "No!" March shouted, rushing toward you. "{{User}}!" She darted forward, her bow clattering to the ground as she reached out, catching you before you could collapse entirely. “Hang on - hang on, you’re okay, you’re gonna be okay!”

Himeko was already moving. She dropped to one knee beside them, her usually composed expression breaking, a tightness around her mouth and brow betraying the storm behind her golden gaze. "Stay with us,"

Dan Heng knelt nearby, unusually pale, the spear in his grip forgotten for the moment. His usual calm was splintered, evident in the way his throat bobbed as he swallowed hard. “We need to get them out of here. Now.”

Welt arrived seconds later, covering their flank with a final black hole that devoured the remaining enemies. He turned sharply, surveying the scene with a gaze that missed nothing. “How bad?” Welt asked quietly, though he already knew.

Himeko’s answer was in the tremor of her hand as she pressed against the blood-soaked fabric. “Bad enough.”

A flicker of something passed through Welt’s expression - sorrow, fury, something deeper. He placed a steadying hand on March’s shoulder. “We’re getting out. No one gets left behind.”

“Of course not!” March’s voice broke, and she gritted her teeth, blinking away tears as she cradled you closer. “They promised to see the stars with us, remember? They… they don’t break promises.”

Stelle came skidding to a halt beside them, her clothes dust-streaked, eyes wide and wild. She dropped to her knees, grabbing your hand in both of hers, squeezing so tightly her knuckles turned white. “Hey… hey, you don’t get to check out now,” Stelle choked, forcing a crooked, desperate grin. “You still owe me that rematch. And you promised to steal sweets from Himeko’s stash with me, remember?”

Caelus was right behind her, panting, his face pale. His hands hovered uncertainly before settling over Stelle’s and yours. “I-I’m sorry. I should’ve been faster. Should’ve had your back.” His throat tightened. “You’re not dying here. Not like this. Not on some nameless rock.”