The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels against the tracks created a soothing melody as Theodore and Matthew sat in a dimly lit compartment, their faces marked with weariness and lingering pain.
The train, an intricate marvel of the era, moved with a purpose only known to their mysterious guide, Lilly.
Theodore had planned on asking Lilly some questions the moment he saw that they weren't being chased by anyone, but he was asked to wait till she had recovered some energy.
Lilly looked exhausted, and although Theodore and Matthew weren't exactly sure why, they assumed that it was because she fought with multiple people and her age catching up with her. They listened to her and remained silent, letting her rest.
Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting ephemeral rays on the polished wooden panels. Lilly, her features illuminated by the sun, opened her eyes after some hours of rest.
The air within the compartment crackled with tense energy, the anticipation of the unknown weaving through the atmosphere.
"Gentlemen, we're approaching a crucial juncture. The repercussions of the potion will soon take hold. Before the veil of unconsciousness descends upon us, we need to talk." Lilly started with a smile.
Theodore and Matthew exchanged glances, a silent acknowledgment that whatever Lilly had to say was of utmost importance. She did say that there were side effects of taking the potion but never mentioned what exactly they were.
They leaned in, their expressions a mix of curiosity and exhaustion.
"First, tell us where we're going." Theodore started.
The two of them had been awake all night, unable to get a wink of sleep. And by the rays of sunlight permitting through the windows of the train, it was estimated to be past noon now.
The effects of the potion had worn off some hours ago.
"Our destination is not one I'll reveal just yet. What I will say is that it's a place where secrets whisper in the halls, and the air is laden with ancient wisdom. A stronghold hidden from the prying eyes of those who seek to exploit the mystic arts. And most of all, it will be safe."
The train compartment seemed to echo with the weight of Lilly's words, each syllable carrying a sense of gravity.
Weary but intrigued, Matthew asked. "Why the secrecy, Lilly? Where are you taking us?"
"There are forces at play, forces darker than you can fathom. We are heading for the resistance, sanctuary, a place where the arcane is revered. There, you'll find answers, and perhaps, a path to understanding yourselves better."
Matthew and Theodore exchanged glances, obviously confused and a bit annoyed by Lilly's secrecy.
'I swear I'll ditch this woman the moment I get the chance to.' Matthew thought to himself as he hugged his satchel closer to his figure.
Theodore, struggling against fatigue. "You're not telling us everything, Lilly."
With a cryptic smile on her face, Lilly answered. "Some truths unfold in due time, Theodore. The mysteries that surround us are woven into the fabric of destiny, and we are but threads navigating the unseen tapestry."
"You should trust that I mean the two of you no harm. Anyways, the side effects of the potion that the two of you consumed are fever, migraines, exhaustion, and then temporary comatose.
Judging from how rundown the two of you look, exhaustion has already kicked in. You might experience the rest of the effects or not. It is not easy to ascertain what happens with potions that have side effects." Lilly informed the boys.
"The two of you should take a breather and rest. Go to sleep." She urged.
"I don't think I would be able to sleep not knowing where I'm being taken to," Matthew uttered as he got up from his seat. He planned to go to another train car, to keep his distance from Lilly.
Just seconds after he stood, Matthew fell to the ground. Matthew's body began convulsing uncontrollably, collapsed to the floor of the train compartment. His limbs twitched in rhythmic spasms, a manifestation of a reaction far beyond the expected.
"Matthew!" Theodore called out as he got on his feet. "Is this one of the side effects of the potion?" He asked nervously as he stared at Lilly.
Lilly, also alarmed by this development, stood on her feet and replied. "No, this isn't right. The convulsions... it's not a side effect!"
'Is it because the potion was very potent, if so why hasn't Theodore shown any similar symptoms?' She wondered.
Theodore, witnessing Matthew's distress, rushed to his side, a wave of concern etched across his face. As he attempted to offer support, his own vision blurred, the world spiraling into darkness. He too began convulsing, foam forming in his mouth.
This sent chills up Lilly's spine; she started to assume the worst.
Lilly felt a surge of worry. The known side effects of the VigorGlow potion did not include such convulsions. With urgency, she steadied herself and assessed the situation, before calling for Isabella and making changes to their plans.
Lilly began muttering incantations, trying to stabilize the boys. "Hold on, both of you. This wasn't part of the plan."
…
In the realm of dreams, Theodore found himself in a place suspended between reality and illusion. Visions of arcane symbols danced in the shadows, each glyph whispering secrets of an ancient power. He saw Matthew within the heart of these symbols, floating with his eyes closed.
"Matthew," Theodore called out in his dreams, trying to navigate his way through the arcane symbols. He chased after the floating Matthew, never being able to catch up.
Matthew, in his slumber, glimpsed fleeting images of kinetic energy swirling in a harmonious dance. He too also saw Theodore in his dreams, and in the middle of this swirling kinetic energy was Theodore.
"Hey! How did you get there?" Matthew asked, receiving silence as an answer. "Hey!" He called out again, this time attempting to close the distance between him and Theodore, only to realize that for every step he took forward, his body was moving backward…
This dream went on like this until the boys woke up.
…
*Present time…*
Matthew paced around the room, glancing at the peculiar gadgets and the assortment of books on the shelves. His mind raced with questions, and a deep sense of curiosity battled with the lingering uncertainty.
"What if they're keeping us here for some experiment or weird ritual?" Matthew thought out loud. His body was weak and his stomach occasionally growled to be fed.
"You're letting your paranoia get the best of you, Matthew. If they wanted to harm us, they had plenty of chances. Besides, Lilly saved us back there. She might be mysterious, but I don't think she's our enemy." Theodore responded, his stomach growling in sync with Matthew's own.
As Theodore spoke, the door creaked open again, and a young familiar woman entered, carrying a tray with steaming bowls of soup, freshly baked bread, and assorted fruits.
"Professor Alaric said you might be hungry. He's arranging for a proper feast, but this should keep you going for now." Isabella mentioned as she walked towards a small table in the room.
She placed the tray on the small table, and the aroma of the food filled the room. Matthew and Theodore exchanged glances, their hunger momentarily overcoming their suspicions.
"I guess a little hospitality won't hurt. But we're keeping an eye on them." Matthew uttered.
Isabella chuckled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Fair enough. The Resistance is cautious, and trust is earned here, not freely given. Eat up, and then we can talk more about what's happening."
The boys nodded, realizing that their journey had taken an unexpected turn. As they sat down to eat, the room, with its ancient secrets and mystical ambiance, seemed to embrace them. The taste of the hearty soup and the warmth of the bread brought comfort, if only for a moment.
Alaric's words lingered in the air—the mysteries surrounding Theodore and Matthew were far from unraveling.
…
As Harlow entered 'The Facility,' an icy and damp atmosphere enveloped him. The church euphemistically referred to it as such, opting for a more benevolent term than the stark reality of a 'torture chamber.' Yet, in the midst of the chilling ambiance, Harlow found solace.
The systematic infliction of pain seemed to kindle a warmth within his otherwise cold heart. It was a place where he could efficiently carry out his work.
During his journey, he received a detailed briefing on the recent commotion at the train station. More casualties among the pantheon, and the descriptions match Theodore and Matthew, the boys from the factory.
Suddenly, the blame fell squarely on him. Harlow couldn't shake the feeling that his lax inspection of Theodore and Matthew had set in motion a chain of consequences that showed no signs of abating.
Among the stack of files, Harlow uncovered one labeled 'Lillian Lionheart.' She was an infamous figure among the older ranks of the pantheon – a remarkably talented and blessed mystic, known for her lethal battle intelligence.