"Who are you?" he repeated, growing angry.
The girl glanced outside, enjoying how the train was moving on invisible rails. The neon lights of New Arcadia blurred into streaks of colors outside, mirroring her chaotic world. It was the first time ever since she boarded a train. For her, they were just a dream. She had to rely on her Lumen to survive. But of course, no one knew that. For everyone else, she was just a criminal.
"Ammm… and I thought I finally found someone who didn't fall for my charms. Does this mean you're finally interested in me?"
"Answer simple questions as they are instead of running around the topic!" he huffed.
"Crystal," she giggled. "My name is Crystal. Now, handsome. What's the name I'll scream later?"
Some heat rose to his cheeks. He didn't like someone teasing him openly like this. And with his low interactions with the opposite sex, it perplexed him more.
"Ezra. That's all you get."
Ezra leaned back on his seat, one arm draped over the edge, his other resting on his lap. The seats were arranged in pods, each surrounded by privacy panels that could be adjusted for openness. Transparent screens hovered in midair, offering passengers options to control lighting, temperature, and even ambient sounds.
Crystal was enjoying the smooth material coating the seats. She caressed it then tried to use her Lumen to make a hole. Her vines failed to crawl inside, which made her more excited.
"Ammm… Ezra!" she moaned, doing a naughty voice that sent him looking around with his eyes. "So, Mr. Broody, do you always drag mysterious women onto trains after rescuing them. Or am I special?"
Crystal had one leg crossed over the other, her face lighting up with a teasing grin. 002 was sitting next to Ezra, her fluorescent blue eyes studying the stranger. According to the system's calculations, the woman's emotions were unstable.
Ezra's eyes moved to the window, staring outside, when he finished studying Crystal. He wasn't ready to fall into her schemes.
He didn't answer.
"Ouch!" she placed a hand over her chest, dramatically. "Your silence is a dagger stabbing right in my heart… And here I thought we had something."
Ezra's lips twitched, as in to say something but he kept the silence.
Crystal materialized a bright red rose but 002 immediately crashed it and grabbed the girl's hand.
"Crystal, identified as a rebel and classified as a criminal wanted throughout the city, your actions introduce unnecessary risk to Master's safety. Prioritizing Master's directives, termination is deemed unnecessary at this time. Refrain from engaging in actions deemed non-essential."
Crystal rubbed her wrist, annoyed. "Alright! Alright! I won't use my Lumen. On the other hand, aren't you a little, grumpy fugitive Mr. Broody? You must be really strong for avoiding an incarceration."
"It's none of your business."
She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Not yet, Mr. Broody. But give it time and I'll be something big. I'm told I grow on people. You'll tell me everything in no time."
Ezra finally looked her way, chuckling. "Yeah, for sure. Like mold," he muttered.
Her laughter bubbled out. "You're so fun when you're grumpy. Did anyone ever tell you that? I want to make you real mad and have some hot angry sex with you. I'm told it's the best thing out there."
For a moment, because of the Feylindras monster, he forgot to ask the important questions. This girl was a stranger and probably, she was one of the rebels. They were known for being skilled in avoiding authority. He wasn't better too but he had reasons to keep a secret. It was his father's wish.
"You're told so many things apparently. Are you also told to be a rebel?"
"And what if I am?"
"Then I have no choice but to take you to authority."
"I'll spill the beans on you as well. I'm told I drag people down when I'm tied to a tree. Unless you want to join me for a hot take behind bars, I don't recommend doing it."
Damn! He shouldn't have used his Lumen. He worked hard to make weapons so he wouldn't have to.
"So what's the deal with you? Taking me to authorities, aren't you like me? A magic wielder?"
Ezra was conflicted. He didn't want to answer that but at the same time, he wanted to justify himself. It was easy to believe excuses and do what needed to be done.
"I use my abilities for the good of humanity. You use them for your own pleasure. You and me aren't the same."
Crystal gasped theatrically. "Oh no! Are you one of those who believe that we're demons? I know it's what we grow up to believe and even if we are, what's the big deal? Vampires exist. Why not us?"
"No," he said flatly. "Don't you dare forget what happened? New Arcadia almost ceased to exist because of those demons. Because of what happened, so many lives were lost. If you don't control yourself, you'll turn into a full demon and you'll destroy this utopia."
She laughed loudly. "That's so funny! I thought you had some brains when I watched you handle that demon but turned out, you're just another dog. I'm genuinely disappointed."
He pressed his lips into a thin line. Ezra hated the Lumen blood running in his veins. His brother was just normal. Why couldn't he be like him? Instead, he had to be born with a strong Lumen.
All his life, he had to bury that power deep within, until his father started training him to be the family's executioner. The only thing he ever wanted was to deserve his name. He didn't want to be a demon but no choice. Now, he had to use whatever he had for the good of humanity. And once he'd feel himself losing control, he would turn himself in, to get rid of a demon like him. To let the world be a better, safer place.
So even if he would die, he would do it with honor and be proud of himself.
"Now, before I go," she continued. "Do you always run around saving damsels in distress?"
"I don't save damsels. You were just… an inconvenience I couldn't leave behind."
This, in fact, took her by surprise. But after thinking for a few seconds, she came to a conclusion. This wasn't the first time her Lumen attracted attention.
"It must be my Lumen, right?" she nodded, confident about herself. "People who can see the paths see something weird in me. I don't feel weird but I'm told I'm different that normal magic wielders. You must be pretty strong to see that. So who's using you?"
He crossed his arms, observing the woman's reaction. She confused him and yet, at the same time, he wanted to get to know her. She wasn't just a crazy psycho. She was more than that.
"No one's using me."
"Don't tell me no one's ordering you to steal from that mansion. I know I added spice to your mission but it doesn't excuse what you were doing there."
"Spice?" Ezra raised an eyebrow. "More like a headache."
"But I saved your ass. No need to thank me."
He smiled.
"Why were you in the Feylindra mansion?"
Crystal grinned. "Admiring the landscapes and especially the collections."
"Try again."
"Alright! Alright! I got caught… ammm… Maybe I was looking for something."
"What?"
"A… momento."
"Be more specific."
"No. It's none of your business."
His smile extended to his eyes. He admired strong people. His father was always a pillar in his life, always doing what needed to be done, even if it hurt everyone. He should definitely escort her to authorities and let them handle her from there. It was what he was supposed to do, what he always did to every person that possessed Lumen. But right now, he didn't want to take her.
Not because she would drag him down. It was because she was bright. Confident. She reminded him of his sister. It wouldn't take long to know a real fighter. Both of them were fighters in their own domain.
"You should smile more, Mr. Broody. It suits you," she said, throwing a glance outside. "And you're adorable when you're frustrated too," she added sweetly.
Ezra lost the smile and was about to retort when 002 spoke, bringing his attention away from Crystal. The latter got annoyed of the sudden shift in the atmosphere.
"Master. The train appears to be running below capacity. There are no other passengers in this car."
Ezra's head snapped up. He looked around the carriage, his eyes narrowing as he noticed for the first time the eerie stillness. It was odd. Usually, trains were never empty.
He asked 002 to connect to the train's system and detect any anomalies. As for Crystal, she leaned back, her hands behind her head.
"Maybe everyone decided to take the day off. Or maybe…" she giggled. "It's a trap and we played right into the Feylindra's hands."
Ezra rubbed his chin, thinking how Crystal's words seemed true. He wanted to use his abilities to scan the area in case he found something his system couldn't find. 002 was using just an android. It was better to make a cyborg was he went home, so that 002 could switch between both bodies.
"Threat analysis: No immediate threats detected in this compartment."
"Well, that's comforting. For now," Crystal smirked.
But 002 continued. "Warning: Cyborg presence identified three compartments ahead. Current activity suggests they are detaining two humans."
The android's eyes projected what was happening in the train. There were approximately eleven cyborgs, all holding guns. Two humans were in chains, watching in fear as the guns pointed at them.
Ezra recognized the face of the old man. He was one of the king's counselors. However, he couldn't believe that cyborgs kidnapped two humans. They were programmed to cater to every need of the human society. In case a cyborg was infected with a virus, self-destruction code would activate. There was a large factory in New Arcadia that made cyborgs. They were disposable.
Crystal shrugged. "Cyborgs seem to have a mind to hate humans."
"That's not helping," Ezra glared.
"Just saying what we're all thinking, handsome. By the way, where did you get this cutie?"
Crystal pointed at 002 and continued. "I want one."
"Do you ever stop talking?"
"Nope," she said cheerfully. "It's part of my charm."
Ezra got up from his seat and started inspecting the carriage more closely. It didn't seem like the train would stop. This was a ride for death and apparently, the speed increased.
"Charm isn't the word I'd use," he muttered, leaning closer toward a window, squinting.
The train was too fast to catch anything far ahead. However, it seemed it was going up, circling around Aegis Spire. If the tower went down, New Arcadia would be in danger. The only thing that allowed humans to keep evolving was the barrier. The outside was full of monsters that would bring the end of humanity the moment the barrier would be down.
Ezra walked to the far end of the carriage, checking the interconnecting door. It wasn't locked so he walked ahead.
Crystal yelled behind, grin wide. "What's got you all sulky over there, big guy?"
Before Ezra could retort, a loud bump resounded on top of the train, right above their carriage. Something crashed. The ceiling above the middle of the compartment buckled inward. A few seconds later, two figures dropped down, landing heavily on the floor.
Ezra was back in an instant, his face looking away as in to hide his face from the unwelcome disturbance. After a quick assessment of the situation, he concluded that these two strangers were targeting them, and their glares proved that.
The first stranger was a petite woman, with long blond hair tied in a high ponytail. Her blue eyes scanned the three of them. Her features were unremarkable but her aura could intimidate anyone. The white uniform she wore marked her as someone of importance. It was trimmed with CODEX insignia and their signature blue color.
Ezra recognized it almost immediately. He didn't want to be tangled with them.
The second figure, however, was impossible to miss. He was massive, his balk head brushed against the ceiling as he shifted to stand upright. Muscles rippled beneath his tailored CODEX uniform, which seemed barely to contain his size. His presence filled the space.
The woman stared at Ezra, trying to recognize who he was. Seeing that, Crystal had no choice but to intervene. She knew her new Mr. Broody didn't want to be recognized, which would explain why he was thinking so hard about running away.
Crystal, unfazed once again, was on her feet, her smirk widening.
"Well, well, what do we have here? The cavalry? Are you here to arrest me? Or are you with the welcoming committee that failed to joined us?"
The blond woman's gaze snapped to Crystal, her expression icy. "Sit down, rebel. I admit that this was such an ingenious plan. Are you trying to tear down Aegis Spire?"
Crystal stepped closer, ignoring the warning. "Actually, everyone seems to see me as a rebel just because I don't wanna die. I'm not one. You see, I've been looking for someone… ammm… and you two scream 'answers'"
"Back off, rebel," the bulky man growled. "Or I will snap your head."
"Rebel? Again?" Crystal tilted her head, her grey eyes glinting with mischief. "Sweetheart, I'm the best distraction you'll ever meet."
"Crystal," Ezra hissed.
She waved a hand dismissively in his direction. "Relax, Mr. Broody. I've got this."
The blond woman frowned, her pale blue eyes narrowing. "Who are you looking for?"
Ezra had his eyes on Crystal, trying to assess whether she was a rebel as the system said or just someone labelled as such because she escaped authorities. Crystal lost her cheerful attitude and her face took a serious turn. Since she stuck to him, this was the first time she showed such serious tones. Another side of her…
So she knew how to make such expression too, he thought.
"My brother. After coming into contacts with some shady people… and by shady, I mean shady CODEX. He went missing. I want to know what you did to my brother."
"Who's your brother?"
"Does Leonard ring a bell? Ding Dong?"
The strangers exchanged a suspicious glance, a silent conversation passing through. Ezra couldn't help but feel that Crystal's brother was someone important and he wanted to keep her out of whatever he was doing.
"That's classified information, girl," the tall guy spoke respectfully this time. "If CODEX is at the door, either you answer or disappear. He's beyond your reach now."
This struck a nerve in her. She spent years tracking Leonard. Every trail she followed, it was shut down soon. But she wasn't gonna stop here and let them have their ways.
Sensing how she was agitated and not wanting the strangers to stay any further, Ezra decided to step in.
"Are you sure you have enough time to waste here?"
"Oh no, Mr Broody! Stay out of this. I don't want you to be on my watchlist."
Crystal raised her hand and a thin vine sprouted from her palm, curling and twisting like a serpent. Small flowers bloomed along its length, their delicate petals hiding sharp thorns. The vines grew thicker around her legs and spread in the carriage, creating an exotic small bed of flowers, engulfing everything.
"You see, if you tell me what you did with him, I will help you save whoever you came for. It's gonna be a second. My Lumen ability is very strong. I can snatch the two humans you seek right under those cyborgs' eyes and bring them to you… You. Just. Need. To. Tell. Me. Where. He. Is."
Seeing no other way to get rid of them, Ezra switched gears.
"That's the problem with you people! So many secrets," Ezra said. "How about you tell her what she needs to know so we could all go on our ways?"
"Yes, handsome. Now, you are a gentleman. Always side with the lady," she regains part of her cheerfulness. "They're being unreasonable."
"Stay out of it, Ezra Atkinson," the woman cut in a harsh tone. "We're not interested in why you're sticking in your nose in our business. If you don't want to be put down like a damn dog, walk away."
Hearing his last name, Ezra flinched. He was recognized.
"Then I guess he must pretty high up," he retorted. "The only way that CODEX would go out of its way to do something is when someone is worth it. Is he the reason why Crystal slips out of patrol's reach?"
He saw it earlier, when they were running. Cyborgs didn't react to her, only to him. They bypassed her and kept running even when she stumbled and fell.
The woman glared daggers at Ezra. Such people were troublesome. There was a reason why CODEX always kept their secrets. She had no other choice but to get rid of him and let CODEX handle the consequences.
While Ezra's fingers itched to reach for his weapon, the woman activated her boots, drawing blades. She intended to finish this in one swoop.
The woman swung her leg, reaching for Ezra's neck while he drew his weapon and aimed it at her. Crystal was too absorbed in her thoughts to notice what was happening. She was looking for a way to make them talk. The bulky man raised his fist when 002 jumped from the seat and saved her master.
Instead of Ezra's head rolling, the android's head was repulsed away.
Ezra landed on a seat, his gun slipping away.
"Warning: Self-destruction sequence activated," the head intoned. "Detonation in T-minus 10 seconds... 9... 8... 7..."
Unwilling to believe what just happened, Ezra tried to salvage his android but vines wrapped around his ankles and threw him out of the window.
As he fell down, he watched as the carriage he was in a few seconds ago exploded. Closing his eyes, he wondered if this was how his sister felt when she was falling.