*Gong *Gong
The deep tones of the sound crystal rang through the station.
The click of people's steps increased as they made their way inside the train.
The train itself was an enormous feat of magic and mind. The front car was less of an engine and more of a control center. Everything needed for it to move was built into the other cars, it just let them loose. It wasn't as powerful as steam engines, but leagues more stable as it didn't need to rely on a single piece that was prone to failing.
The walls of cars were of sturdy wood, finely crafted and polished to a sheen. The floors were similarly made with the exception of having an enormous mana crystal sandwiched in between. The roof; however, made no attempt to hide its prestigious material as it caught the light of the midday sun.
The bright glare of the refracted light blinding anyone unfortunate enough to be in its path.
'Why is it always me?'
Wanda lamented as she used her petals to block the light.
"Here."
She saw Grant offering her a pair of sunglasses.
"O-oh! No, I-"
"Take it."
He said in a firm voice.
"Yes sir!"
She said as she scrambled to put on the glasses and poked herself in the eye.
"Ow! S-sorry sir!"
"You didn't have to go that fast."
He said in the same tone.
"Sorry, sir!"
"And why did you say sorry for anyway? Stabbing your eye out?"
"S-sorry!"
"Stop saying sorry!"
"S-"
She cut herself off and shrank in her seat.
"Why are you calling me 'Sir' again? I thought we moved past that?"
"I may have gotten some flashbacks from before I moved here from those kids' screams."
"Not exactly the friendliest place, I take it?"
"Not for most people, no. I had a good time there, but..."
Wanda covered her face with her sleeves.
"I was such an idiot back then.
Grant sighed with sympathy.
"Yeah, I know how that is.
Grant looked towards the large clock on the wall of the station and stared pensively.
"Do you want anything?"
"What?"
"I said, do you want anything. I'm going to be honest with you here."
Grant said as he turned towards Wanda.
"The train we're looking for should've been here a long time ago. I don't know how long it's going to take. We may be here a while."
Wanda's face soured at the thought.
"Maybe you should try again another day? He may not even be coming."
"He'll come, my intelligence won't mess up on something this simple."
"Intelligence that you got from that lunatic, right."
"Her name is Nana, but yes."
Grant waved his hand and said.
"If something happened to the man on that train, I'd know."
Grant stood up and asked.
"Anyways, I'm gonna grab lunch. Do you want anything?"
Wanda thought for a moment and recalled a guilty pleasure of hers.
"A beetle burger? I used to eat those a lot before I came here."
"Aha! So you are from the portals! I couldn't figure out whether you came from a higher tier kingdom or a portal for the longest time."
Grant gave a smile and said with willful intent.
"It was really Bug-ing me."
Wanda went ahead and pointed at Grant with both hands.
"Aaaaaaaaayyy!"
Grant returned the gesture.
"Aaaaaaaaayyy!"
Then in unison.
"Aaaaaaaaayyy!"
*Grooooooowl
The two of them paused as their stomachs let them know that they were still hungry.
"Please get the food."
"Right."
And so Grant left, comfortable in the knowledge that they both have a bond. For people who like puns will always find a comrade in arms even in the unlikeliest of places.
She started swearing as soon as he was out of sight.
_______________________________
[Several minutes of hungry waiting later](ಠ_ಠ)\
◉---------◉◉---------◉◉---------◉◉-----◉
_______________________________
Grant walked back while wearing another pair of sunglasses.
He also had the addition of a long scarf that had both ends trailing impractically onto his back.
(He got it as a gift for returning Trap. Yes, he technically owns the store but she gave it special embroidery)
"Here you go."
He said while handing her a drink.
"I didn't know what you wanted so I just got some tea."
"Thank you"
"You're welcome"
He said as he rummaged through his pouch for a second.
"Ah! Here it is."
He said as he pulled a large platter with food from the MAGIC SPACE POUCH that he apparently had THE WHOLE TIME.
She stared at the platter...
...and slowly turned her head...
to the massive pile of stuff, she carried through town ALL DAY LONG
*SLAP!
*girly shriek!