Marquis turned away from the window, his gaze unwavering as he approached the still forms of Anna, Elara, and Leonardo.
Each step he took was measured, the soft creak of the wooden floor underfoot the only sound in the quiet room. He observed Geoffrey's precise and methodical care as the healer worked diligently to address the burns that marred the trio's skin.
The room, once a sanctuary of elegance, now bore the stark scars of the recent devastation. Flickering light from the ornate chandelier cast dancing shadows on the walls, accentuating the severity of the scene.
The new train's arrival was imminent, its approach marked by the steady hum of machinery and the distant murmur of anticipation from those gathered outside.
The cloaked figure, a shadowy presence, stood silently by the doorway, offering a nod of acknowledgment.
"The new train should be here anytime soon," the cloaked figure said softly, the weight of the words hanging in the air.
"Alright then," Marquis responded curtly. "Uncle, I'm going to take care of a few things before I leave," he said, his voice carrying a note of finality.
He gestured towards the door with practiced ease, the sunlight catching his blue hair and causing it to shimmer like a beacon. The radiant morning light filtered through the tall, arched windows, casting a warm glow over the damaged furniture and the scattered remnants of the previous night's chaos.
Richard, looking both weary and resolute, nodded in understanding. "Ah, yes," he replied, his eyes reflecting the concern of someone tasked with managing the aftermath.
"Thank Geoffrey for me," Marquis said flatly, his gaze lingering on the butler before he turned to leave.
As he stepped outside, the early morning sun bathed the wreckage in a golden hue. The air was crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of smoke and the distant promise of renewal.
Marquis's blue hair, tousled by the gentle breeze, sparkled under the sun's rays. He walked purposefully towards the remnants of the train, his steps deliberate and steady.
In the distance, the new train emerged, leaving a striking purple trail that cut through the sky like a vibrant ribbon.
The train, sleek and imposing, approached with a sense of urgency. Its presence was a stark contrast to the devastation that lay scattered below.
"If the person who destroyed the train is still here," Marquis said, his voice a low rumble, "that gives us—no, you—enough time to investigate. I think not?" His eyes locked onto the cloaked figure, who nodded with an air of quiet determination.
Richard, meanwhile, sank heavily into his chair, the burden of the situation weighing on him. "Who knew a kid would make me rethink my choices," he mused aloud, his gaze fixed on Geoffrey, who continued his meticulous work. Geoffrey's hands moved with practiced efficiency, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"Yes, master," Geoffrey replied, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "The new generation kids are a bit of a hassle."
Geoffrey's hands were deft and skilled as he applied the final touches to their treatment.
"I've finished patching them up," he said, gesturing towards the unconscious forms of Anna and Elara. "They should regain consciousness within a few hours, at most four."
Richard's gaze shifted to the window, where the approaching train loomed large. "Who do you think caused the explosion?" he asked, his tone laden with unease.
The room grew colder, the weight of the question hanging heavy in the air.
"Possibly another heir of the families," Geoffrey speculated, his voice thoughtful. "Or perhaps a stray mystical. Their motives and actions can be unpredictable."
"What would a mystical be doing here, causing such chaos?" Richard sighed, shaking his head in frustration. "That kid sure is strong," he said, his eyes drawn to the lake outside. The once-pristine water, shimmering under the moonlight just hours ago, was now nearly half-depleted. Marquis had used its waters to combat the raging fire, leaving behind a desolate, scarred expanse.
"Yes, yes, he is," Geoffrey agreed, his tone acknowledging the boy's unexpected fortitude.
Richard's gaze followed Marquis as he prepared for the train's arrival.
"If these kids don't wake up soon, I'll have to call another train later," he said, his frustration evident. "The trains don't come this far unless specifically requested."
"You will have to," Geoffrey confirmed, his voice pragmatic.
Suddenly, Leonardo jolted awake, his body convulsing as he took in a deep, ragged breath.
The abrupt movement startled both Richard and Geoffrey, their faces reflecting a mix of shock and relief. "Where is the blue-haired guy?" Leonardo's voice cut through the tension, filled with urgency.
Leonardo's awakening brought a surge of relief to Richard and Geoffrey. His eyes darted around the room, trying to make sense of the disarray.
"Relax, boy," Richard said, his voice steady despite his evident fatigue. "You're safe now. Marquis took care of the flames."
Leonardo's mind raced through the chaotic events—the searing heat, the desperate cries, and Marquis's commanding presence.
He turned to Richard and Geoffrey, seeking reassurance. "What happened?" he asked, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and confusion.
Richard sighed deeply, running a hand through his graying hair, a gesture of both exasperation and exhaustion.
"There was an explosion on the train," he began, his eyes meeting Geoffrey's for support.
Leonardo recalled the brief moments of heroism when he had dragged Anna and Elara to safety. "We're not sure who or what caused it, but Marquis managed to regain control of the situation."
Leonardo's eyes widened with concern. "Is everyone okay?" he asked, glancing anxiously at Anna and Elara, who lay unconscious but showed signs of recovery.
"They're going to be fine," Geoffrey assured him, his voice calm despite the strain. "Thanks to Marquis and his quick thinking, the damage was minimized."
Outside, Marquis and the cloaked figure continued their focused investigation. The new train, marked by its purple trail, approached with a sense of urgency.
Leonardo examined his own condition, noting the improvement from earlier. Yet, he was haunted by vivid memories of the burnt corpses he had seen. He questioned himself repeatedly, wondering what he might have done differently. "Where is the blue-haired boy?" he asked Richard once more, his voice filled with determination.
"Oh, he's just about to leave actually," Richard said, gesturing towards the train as it came to a halt.
Most of the passengers had already boarded, and Marquis and the cloaked figure were among them.
Leonardo stepped out of the mansion, his heart pounding with urgency. "Blue hair!" he shouted. Marquis turned around, a look of confusion crossing his face.
"Yes?" Marquis replied, his curiosity piqued by Leonardo's sudden appearance.
"What is your name?" Leonardo asked, his voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and determination.
"Marquis. Marquis de Lorraine," Marquis said, his amber eyes reflecting a hint of intrigue. This boy had faced the flames head-on and survived injuries that would have felled most. Now, here he was, standing resiliently despite everything.
"Marquis," Leonardo repeated, trying to grasp the significance of the name. "Let's meet at the first wonder... properly next time."
Marquis nodded, a slight smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Very well, but we'll meet way before that" he said, turning his back and walking towards the open door of the train.
"Yeah..." Leonardo muttered as the train door began to close. The train's departure was marked by a sudden rush of energy as it rose slowly into the air, the purple trails brightening against the backdrop of the morning sky.
"Get ready, everyone," a speaker announced. In an instant, the train was enveloped in a burst of rasvian energy, its speed increasing exponentially as it vanished from sight, leaving behind only a faint trace of its departure.
Leonardo watched as the area was shrouded in a sudden burst of rasvian energy. The mansion and the wreckage were left behind, the train's acceleration creating a powerful gust of wind that whipped through the landscape.
"I'm tired," Leonardo said quietly to himself, his voice barely audible over the fading rush of the train. He began the slow walk back to the mansion, the fabric of his clothes, though regenerated, felt heavy against his skin.
Each step was a reminder of the trials they had faced and the journey that lay ahead. The mansion, now a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, symbolized a chance for redemption and the promise of a new beginning.