A Honkai: Zhongli x Star Rail

The Astral Express drifted smoothly through the starry expanse, carrying its passengers forward on yet another journey.

For Zhongli, however, this journey was unlike any he had ever taken.

The stone-laden mountains of Liyue were far behind him. The familiar weight of earth and contract had been replaced by the boundless vastness of the cosmos.

And yet, here he was.

Seated in the parlor car, a warm cup of osmanthus tea in hand, he found comfort in the simple things that remained unchanged—even across worlds.

He took a slow sip, letting the floral aroma settle in his mind.

"Even here, amidst the unknown, tea remains a constant."

Across from him, Welt Yang was enjoying his own drink—black coffee, its rich scent blending subtly with Zhongli's tea.

Welt adjusted his glasses, observing him with quiet amusement. "You seem comfortable."

Zhongli set his teacup down gently. "I am… adjusting. Though I must admit, the transition from stone paths to endless stars is not without its challenges."

Welt chuckled. "I imagine space travel wasn't something you prepared for as an Archon."

Zhongli gave a small, knowing smile. "No, I cannot say that it was. Though, I have found that certain principles remain unchanged. A shared journey, a destination ahead. Even across worlds, these concepts persist."

Before Welt could respond, the doors to the parlor slid open with a hiss.

March 7th strolled in, stretching her arms over her head. "Ughhh, I almost forgot what normal days felt like!" She plopped down in the seat next to Zhongli, resting her chin in her hands. "No ruins collapsing on us, no ancient spirits trying to judge us… just a nice, peaceful ride through space."

Dan Heng followed behind her, setting a data pad down on the table. "Don't get too comfortable. We'll reach our next destination soon."

March pouted. "Can't we just have one day where nothing dramatic happens?"

Welt smirked. "I wouldn't count on it."

Zhongli chuckled softly, taking another sip of his tea. "It seems the Trailblazer's path is not one of idleness."

March shot him a playful look. "Oh, you get it now, huh? Just wait until we run into another disaster—that's when things get really fun."

Zhongli raised a brow. "And yet, despite such peril, you continue onward."

March grinned. "Of course! That's what makes it exciting!"

Dan Heng sighed. "You mean reckless."

She waved him off. "Details, details."

Zhongli shook his head, amused by their banter. Despite their differences, the camaraderie between the Astral Express crew was strong—something built through countless shared experiences.

And slowly… he was beginning to feel like part of it.

---

A Culinary Experiment Gone Wrong

Later that day, Zhongli found himself in the Express's small kitchen, observing as Himeko prepared what she had proudly called her "famous Astral Stew."

March and Pom-Pom stood nearby, watching with expressions ranging from curiosity to concern.

Himeko stirred the pot, humming to herself. "Cooking is an art, you know? You just have to feel the ingredients, let them guide you."

Pom-Pom, the ever-dedicated conductor, frowned. "Pom-Pom doesn't understand why this needs so many spices. And… what exactly is that?"

Himeko grinned, holding up a jar of something purple and glowing. "A special seasoning I picked up from a trader on Herta's Space Station. Said it enhances any dish!"

March leaned in cautiously. "Uh… enhance how, exactly?"

Himeko shrugged. "Guess we'll find out!"

Zhongli, ever the composed observer, studied the bubbling pot. "While experimentation is admirable, one must also consider the balance of flavors. An ingredient's purpose should complement the whole, not overwhelm it."

Himeko smirked. "Spoken like a man who knows his tea blends."

Zhongli gave a knowing nod. "Indeed. Balance is the foundation of all things, whether it be in contracts, tea, or… stews."

March nudged Pom-Pom. "Translation: he doesn't trust Himeko's cooking either."

Pom-Pom nodded solemnly. "Pom-Pom understands."

Himeko laughed. "Oh, come on! You can't judge until you try it!"

She ladled out a serving, setting it down in front of Zhongli with a challenging smile. "Let's see what Liyue's most refined palate thinks."

Zhongli studied the dish carefully. The aroma was… complex. Spices, herbs, and an unidentifiable alien ingredient swirled together in a strangely glowing broth.

He took a slow, deliberate sip.

The room went silent.

Then—

A pause. A furrow of his brows. A deep, contemplative hum.

March leaned in. "Sooo… what's the verdict?"

Zhongli finally spoke.

"The flavors are… unexpected."

A beat of silence.

March and Pom-Pom burst into laughter.

Himeko grinned. "I'll take that as a win!"

Zhongli set his spoon down. "While I would not compare it to the traditional dishes of Liyue, I must admit—it is an experience unlike any other."

March wiped away a tear. "That's the most polite way of saying 'this is weird' I've ever heard!"

Himeko crossed her arms. "Hey, good food is about adventure! You don't always get perfect results."

Zhongli nodded. "A fair perspective. After all, even in Liyue, culinary tradition has evolved through centuries of trial and refinement."

Pom-Pom, who had cautiously taken a sip, set the bowl down and declared, "Pom-Pom is sticking to noodles."

Zhongli chuckled softly.

Even here, among the stars, the simple joys of shared meals and laughter remained.

Perhaps, in time, he would find his own place aboard this ever-moving home.

---

Chapter 11 Preview: A Day in the Markets

After surviving Himeko's cooking, Zhongli is introduced to the bustling markets of a spacefaring civilization.

New cultures.

Strange artifacts.

And the fine art of haggling—a skill in which Zhongli is second to none.

But when March and Pom-Pom challenge him to a shopping contest, can the former Geo Archon out-negotiate the best traders in the galaxy?

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Author's Note: ᕙ⁠(⁠ಠ⁠ ⁠ਊ⁠ ⁠ಠ⁠)⁠ᕗ .