As Leonardo lay slumbering, Anna and Elara remained vigilant, contemplating the impending arrival at the tower.
Elara echoed, her mood brightening slightly. She looked around, noticing the train seemed emptier than usual.
Normally, the train cabs would be nearly full. "They heard of the explosion in the area," Anna said, continuing, "They're scared of what they might find there." Elara let the words sink in, realizing the possibility. "Who—what do you think did that?" Elara asked, her curiosity piqued, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Probably a mishap," Anna responded flatly, though she glanced down at her palms, her thoughts elsewhere.
"My skin, Anna, it hurt," Elara said, fear creeping into her voice, replacing the fleeting hope Anna had tried to instill.
"It's okay, let's get to the tower and settle this mess," Anna said, looking towards the door that divided the cabs of the train. She noticed the guards approaching, multiple even.
"I want to see Mom," Elara said, the thought of her mother bringing her comfort. "Yeah, you will in about..." Anna paused to check her phone. "An hour," she finally said. "Really?" Elara exclaimed, her earlier facade dropping as she showed her genuine excitement to her sister.
She was a kid trying to emulate her older sister, and Anna knew it. She tried her best to be a mature figure for her.
"Yeah, really..." Anna's voice slowed down as Elara's eyes flickered and she fell asleep too. Anna gently lifted her sister's head and placed it on the couch to avoid waking her. Leonardo's drool was already forming.
Anna looked at the door's window, seeing the guards closer than ever. Not knowing their intentions, she saw an opportunity to practice her skill.
Anna noticed the details of the guards' attire more closely. Their dark blue tunics were sharply pressed, with light red trims accentuating the edges and buttons polished to a mirror shine.
The insignia on their pouches varied, indicating different roles and responsibilities within their ranks. The sergeant's uniform stood out with additional lace, gold chevrons, and epaulettes that marked his higher status. His field cap, made from a durable wool blend, had a distinctive folded design with ear flaps that could be buttoned up or down for warmth.
Their movements were synchronized and quick, a testament to their rigorous training. The swords at their sides were sheathed in ornate scabbards, the hilts engraved with intricate patterns that spoke of both functionality and artistry.
The sergeant, Fredrick, had a commanding presence. His uniform had a distinct red shade, and his facial muscles, though strained from the relief of seeing Anna, still managed to portray a smile.
His clean-shaven face was almost disconcerting in its contrast to the tension in his eyes.
"Anna!" he exclaimed. Anna, now seeing him clearly and not obstructed by their movement and rash behavior—they had been pulling and pushing people about before coming here—recognized him. "Fredrick," Anna said flatly, then continued, "What are you doing here?"
"Awe, still the same old Anna," he said in a golden retriever stereotype tone. But then, to answer the second question, as if the atmosphere turned fiery, his face distorted into one of pure seriousness, no jokes. "No, not this again," Anna said, palming her face.
"Anna," Fredrick called out, his voice breaking through the haze of her thoughts. His tone shifted from familiar friendliness to stern professionalism.
"Fredrick?" Anna asked, her voice tinged with both curiosity and frustration. "We were dispatched by your father. He was concerned when you didn't arrive on the first train," Fredrick explained.
His demeanor changed as he looked around the cabin, noting the sparse number of passengers.
"Marquis was on it with his guide. I assume that is yours?" He nodded towards Leonardo, still deeply asleep.
"Yes, he's our guide. And yes, he's sleeping," Anna replied, a hint of defensiveness in her voice.
Fredrick scoffed. "He should be scouting and protecting you too. Had he no idea of the explosion that recently occurred? Are you sure you want him?" His voice dripped with skepticism.
"Enough, Fredrick," Anna snapped, waving her hand dismissively. The air seemed to thicken with tension, though it was only Fredrick who appeared to feel it.
Fredrick Role
Story Skill: sergeant, Stage 2 Attachment Skill: weapon identification.
"You've improved," Fredrick acknowledged, struggling slightly to maintain his composure.
[Anna's skill wasn't about deceiving people directly; it was about manipulating the rasvian energy around them.] "Years of practice," she said, a cold smile on her lips.
Fredrick, undeterred, demonstrated his own prowess. Forcing her hand upwards and holding it with an insane grip, his voice tinged with a mix of pride and challenge. "This is also years of practice."
"Let go, Fredrick," Anna demanded, her voice carrying a hint of pain. "Let me go first," he retorted, his grip tightening momentarily before releasing.
Anna twisted her wrist, shaking off the lingering discomfort. She eyed the numerous guards behind Fredrick.
"You're not here only for that, are you?"
"Ah, yes. You should already be aware of the explosion," he said, turning around. "She was on it," he said, signifying he wanted his men to laugh. Giggles and laughter were heard. "See, it's funny," he said, noticing how Anna wasn't smiling.
"Anyway," his tone turned serious again, "who caused it?" he asked flatly. "I don't know, it just caught up in flames," she replied.
A pause was noticed. "How can a [right star] catch flames?" he asked, his view shifting to Elara sleeping. "She sure is pretty," he said, smirking.
"Fredrick," Anna said in a tone unlike her earlier ones. Fredrick himself noticed. "It's a joke," he said, then continued, "Anyway, I've heard enough from Marquis anyway." He turned to leave, muttering about how he had to go investigate the site himself. As he left the section of the train, he sighed, which Anna heard.
Anna returned and sat down.
"I really want to sleep now," she muttered. "Fifteen more minutes to arrival," announced the speaker. She sighed upon hearing that. "Not even enough time to sleep," she lamented.