Right then, Solanne and Yael took a step, and everything came to life through their eyes.
It was bustling. Through their eyes, the station reflected itself as if it was making itself known to them. The atmosphere was a blend of boundless cosmic energy, full of curiosity and a sense of endless possibility. They can see everything sparkling through their eyes, and everything seems beyond their wildest explanations. Through their sensations, they can feel their whole body stimulate their imaginations, which they never knew they had.
The air crackles with electric energy infused with the different collective dreams, aspirations, and hopes of each traveler they can see. It hums with the gentle thrum of other portals, pulsating with promise and a sense of possibility.
Everything in front of them was full of lights. Solanne and Yael felt like they had traveled 1000 years into the future where everything was possible through science, technology, and even alchemy.
Looking through each traveler, Solanne and Yael realized they were the only ones who looked like 'humans' in this place.
They swallowed as they tried to act like they were one with the place. The people—creatures don't seem to mind their presence; hence, they planned to blend it and make it that way.
Heaving their breaths, they tried to navigate their way, their eyes feasting with wonders. The station itself is a paradise for people who admire architecture. Furthermore, it has a sleek futuristic design and ancient otherworldly motifs.
Solanne looked like a child, watching every imagination inside her mind come true. She heaved her breath, her eyes wandered, shimmering crystalline structures rose majestically from the ground, and their surfaces were adorned with intricate patterns that seemed to shift and dance in the ambient light.
They encounter different beings from every corner as they wander through the station and this dimension. Solanne could feel her heartbeat, as she was beyond excited. This was an author's dream for her.
Every person— a detailed character from a book was here! From traders haggling over exotic goods from distant worlds to mystical sages that have a classical look and look as if they have wisdom deep within their eyes.
The station was bustling with line vendors selling an assortment from rare artifacts and cosmic trinkets to exotic spices and interdimensional delicacies. The scents linger, tempting her to try some, yet she doesn't have any money and she's afraid that there might be consequences if she starts eating them.
Despite the excitement, she remained cautious. However, amid the hustle and bustle, Solanne can feel through her senses that there is an undercurrent of serenity and contemplation and that many travelers pause to reflect in quiet alcoves and meditation chambers, seeking solace and inner peace amidst the chaos.
They paused for a moment to reflect.
It was as if they were witnessing some magical scenes made of CGI that were usually on TV screens; everything about this place speaks of life, and it was beyond their imagination.
Their hands were still clasped together, not bothering to break free from each other. Although they experience something out of the ordinary, and this can mostly be found in plays, TV, movies, and books, they still have fear in their hearts.
One question lingered: 'How will we ever go back?'
As they walked, Yael pulled Solanne's hands, forcing her to look at him. She raised both of her brows as she asked, "Yes? Yael?"
Yael sighed. "Where should we go? Apart from the train, we don't know anything about here. Besides, how will—"
Solanne faced Yael despite them being surrounded by different creatures. Her eyes were shining through as they reflected the station lights. Her smile was like a child; she couldn't seem to calm down.
Yael stared at her. Only then did he realize how fearful he had become. This was all new to him, even for Solanne, yet they both have different attitudes.
While Solanne faces this place as if it were a grandiose gift from the heavens, Yael can't help but be anxious, thinking that he'll get lost and never be returned.
"What are you worried about?" Solanne asked.
Yael clenched his jaw as he said, with all honesty, "What if we can never return? What if there's danger? What if— this place is full of the things we do not know! How will we just—"
Solanne didn't dismiss Yael's sentence; she accepted it without any reservations. She held his hands, assuring him.
As soon as he finished speaking, letting out all of his troubles, Solanne pulled him closer as she asked.
"Will these thoughts of yours be solved if you stay here? Will they be solved if you continue to think over them again and again? Or will we find our answers if we try to take one step and explore the place?"
Yael swallowed; deep down, he could feel the embarrassment and anger. He might have reacted a bit differently. He wants to tell Solanne his point, yet she is right. He doesn't know anything about this world now, how to go back.
What should he do then?
Suddenly, He saw Solanne as someone who had become reliable. She was smiling at him. No fears nor any worries in her eyes. She seemed like a person whom he could trust.
He heaved his breath; he could feel his whole body being tired. "Where should we go?"
Solanne didn't let go of his hands. "Let's find some information. Would that be okay for you?"
"Yes. But where?" Yael immediately answered.
"Let's go and look for the information desk or any place where we can find those working in this place."
Just as Solanne said, she suddenly felt overwhelmed by the people and creatures and the vast space. Many trains were situated through the rail, and occasionally, someone held a placard with an arrow, telling people where their train and rides were.
Solanne turned and said to Yael, "I feel like we should ask him."
Yael nodded as they started to walk towards the man; however, after only a few steps, "Sorry!"
They bump into someone. Solanne looks up. Her eyes shrank back, and she heard Yael gasp.
The man, who was a head taller than her, smiled. "Fancy seeing you both here in this station."
"I—" Solanne was lost in her thoughts as she immediately tried to think of answers. Yael pulled her back, which made her return back to reality.
Finally catching her breath, she smiled, composed. The conductor of the train was there. Well, of course, it was only natural for conductors to be here, yet, despite the vastness of this place, she never realized that they'd meet him like this.
The man smiled. "I never thought you'd be able to bypass the dream realm and head here. You must be favored."
He was speaking riddles again.
Solanne and Yael did not speak. Of course, they knew that speaking and exchanging conversations with the train conductor did not mean that there was danger. He was also the one who had given them a few warnings before.
Yet, as he was a stranger, Yael and Solanne still did not trust him.
Right at the heels of that, the train conductor shifted his gaze and saw that Solanne and Yael were headed to an employee of the station. He smiled. "Both of you must be curious, but you should not disrupt people while working. It's a good thing I'm on my break. You can ask me questions. I'll simply answer."
"Is there any reason for them not to disturb them?" Solanne asked, Her eyes traveling to the person holding a sign. Yael was beside her, and he waited for the counductor's answer just like her.
The conductor smiled. "Each person working in this station has different arrangements. For example, I only have a century left before my sentence ends."
"Sentence?" Solanne pressed. S
The conductor nodded. "That's right. Sentence. All of the people working in the station of worlds are once criminals, and through trials from the court under the gaze of deities, we are sentenced and bound by this."
There was an awkward silence between them. Yael glanced at Solanne and her expression, and she seemed surprised.
"Right, should we go to some place quiet? Like the café over there? It's uncomfortable just standing here. Many people and creatures are walking by. It's not very polite and on the etiquette norms." The conductor pointed to a small two-story cabin on their right.
The conductor led the way while Solanne and Yael followed.
Just as their gaze fell on his back, Yael asked; this time, he was curious. "What was your crime?"
As Solanne and Yael walked behind the conductor, they couldn't see how his gaze had shifted and how his friendly smile wavered momentarily.
"It's nothing special. I just risked to see what was beyond my future and dreams."
Solanne and Yael looked at each other. Each of them wears a highly complex expression.
"That's a crime?"
The conductor nodded. "Yes. Especially if you're not favored by the deities. Looking through the realms and beyond the future should never be allowed."
"Why?"
The three of them entered the café. "Because it traps your soul forever in that place."
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