Amidst the darkness that shrouded her, Kayda could hear what sounded like distant jovial conversation over libations. Muffled laughs and meandering discussion faded in and out as her consciousness waxed and waned. Though she could not ascertain the subject of the exchange initially, bit by bit she was able to parse out distinct voices that had an air of familiarity to them. The sound of levity emanating between their conversation instilled a sense of tranquility within her. Knowing there was no urgency to awaken, her mind elected to further its moment of respite and take another moment to recover from the events that transpired. However, though she yearned for rest, she was not long for the realm beyond the waking world. In her inert, yet cognizant state, she became aware of the aching sensation that pervaded her entire form. Her musculature felt as if it was composed of steel and rebar. The sensation only grew more intense, the stiff nature of her body becoming apparent in every nerve. Soon, the burning irritation that infected her entire cellular structure was too severe to ignore.

The pain shot her consciousness to the forefront, and as she grew more aware, she was able to better understand the scene before her. Seated in front of her were her friends, as well as a man she had no memory of ever meeting. His looming presence even when sitting caught her off guard, and worked to bolster her awareness. Despite her cohort's apparent camaraderie with this man, she felt like she should exercise some caution around him. Through the agonizing refusal of her body’s wishes, she readied herself for defense if the situation called for it. Clenching her fist, her digits glistened with a velvet hue, brimming with the brilliant, yet vile sheen that made quick work of the train car. As she continued to examine the manner in which they spoke to one another, she quickly began to notice that such misgivings and assumptions of ill intent were conclusions reached far too quickly.

Teddy and Kona spoke with the man as if he was an old friend. The way they composed themselves was that of a serene manner she had not seen stemming from them in the entire time she knew them. Listening closely, she noticed that Teddy was actually recounting their journey up until this point, but noticed he forgot to mention the battle with Snake Eyes. Many of the contrivances and follies brought the man to a fit of tears as he succumbed to his own booming laughter. The two of them seemed eager to converse with him, both of them interrupting each other at various points throughout the diatribe to interject with their own perspectives.

“I think the lady who tricked us into calling the amber alert had a lil’ crush on ya, Ted!” Kona joked with a playful poke.

“How is that the case? In what sense would putting a child at risk further any intentions of courtship?” Teddy said with a chuckle.

“It’s like when a kid shoves another kid on the playground! Logic means that the more violence, the more she likes you!” Kona said sarcastically.

“Ah, I see. Well, next time our lives are threatened, remind me to wax romantic. Perhaps that’ll be the key to our survival.”

“I’m gonna be real though, I don’t know why she pulled that! I thought we were vibing with her! She was smiling and everything, so I don’t know what her damage was,” said a perplexed Kona.

Big Iron patted her shoulder, “I wouldn’t take it too personal, hun. Folks out here ain’t the kindest bunch and crave some chaos to put some pep in their step.”

“Perhaps it is the exorbitant amount of asbestos and lead in the atmosphere that’s led to decreased cognitive function in the masses? It could be a variety of issues and anything I say is simply conjecture. However, while not pertinent, it is an issue that most fascinates me. I have actually been hoping our journey will provide some insight to the eccentricity of individuals within The Vale,” Teddy said with a hand to his chin.

“That there is probably why she had it out for you fellas!” Big Iron laughed, “Mind you, just keep in mind most folks ain’t gonna respond kindly to that kinda complex jargon. In their eyes, ya might as well spit on em!”

Teddy waved his hands, “Oh heavens, that was not my intention in the slightest! It did not occur to me that my manner of speech could alienate those around me. It is simply the method in which I am most comfortable vocalizing, as to me, when you are concise, it leaves little room for your words to be misconstrued.”

“Maybe, maybe. But it sure did piss off her off anyhow! Ain’t gonna stop ya from being you, just be wary of who'll get in a tizzy!” Big Iron said before taking a swig of his frosted glass mug.

“Duly noted, I will make efforts to ensure my mannerisms do not inspire the ill will of those who could bring about our downfall,” Teddy assured with a nod.

“Never be afraid to be yourself, Teddy. If anything happens… I wanna protect you guys like you protected me…” Kayda suddenly interjected, sitting up in her seat while she rubbed her eyes.

Everyone at the table looked at her with a mix of concern and relief. The serenity that overtook them was noticeable, as the mere sound of her voice seemed to release an ever present weight on their shoulders. Teddy quickly got up from his seat and elected to sit next to Kayda, helping her sit up completely as she was mere seconds away from slumping over once more. Kona eagerly grabbed a nearby extra glass and filled it with water, and slid it over to Teddy who attempted to goad her into taking a sip. If her condition was anything to go off, the elevated use of her powers had left her body in a malnourished and dehydrated state. Her eyes were sunken and her face gaunt, with no traces of color present.

Kayda grasped for the water and sipped as much as she could, nearly finishing the entire glass in a single swig. In too much pain to rest, and too weak to operate normally, she sighed as she slouched over the table and rubbed her temples. Every instance she tried to speak, she was met with a guttural gag that prevented her from vocalizing. Teddy took note of this and patted her back while he filled the glass once more.

“Man, I’m getting FOMO, I wish I was hung over now,” joked Kona.

“Please do pace yourself, Miss Kayda. You are not fit for independent automation at this time. Do not fret though. I took note of your vitals prior to our period of solace, and you are not in any mortal peril. What is important is that you take a moment to rebuild your strength!” Teddy said with a tenderness to his voice.

Kayda nodded, “I-I know… Ouch… My head. It feels like I got punched a million times! A-And… I-I…”

Teddy leaned forward in concern, patting her back as she grew more distressed, “What is the matter? Please divulge anything causing you discomfort!”

“I-I…” She sputtered once more.

“You’re tired? You’re bleeding?! I think I got some bandages around here!” Kona replied, digging through the assortment of supplies that Big Iron lended to them.

“I’m hungry!” Cried Kayda as she plopped her head down onto the table with a sigh.

Kona and Big Iron let out a mirthful chuckle at her simple request, relieved that she was not in any dire straits they were not aware of.

“Aw, she’s peckish! Wait. When was the last time we fed her?” Kona nervously asked, rubbing the back of her neck.

Teddy and Kona stared at each other, expecting the other to answer. As the silence permeated, it became all too clear that what they feared was the case. Kayda had not been fed since they first arrived at Kona’s house. Noticing the realization that the duo had not fed her in quite a long time, Big Iron shook his head.

“The lot of ya got no business frettin’ that much if you ain’t gonna at least do her the kindness of getting food in her belly consistently!” Said Big Iron with a fatherly sternness, yet with a sense of levity.

“D-Don’t blame them, mister! We’ve been soooo busy between fighting monsters and dealing with all those angry people!” said Kayda.

Big Iron raised an eyebrow, “Fighting monsters?”

Teddy patted Kayda’s head, “Oh children! Always speaking in hyperbole!”

Kona nodded, “Right?! It was only one monster! And, we kicked its ass!”

“Well, we’re nothing if not boorish,” sighed Teddy.

“It was so coooool! Teddy was like bam! And Kona was like crash!” Kayda said, pantomiming punches.

“It was more like blam! And Kaboom!” Kona replied, miming explosions with her hands.

“Alright then! What say we get some nourishment in you?” Teddy interjected.

Kayda looked up to him and nodded with the grace of an inebriated person, mustering all of her energy to form a weak little smile. Big Iron and Teddy got up from their seats and took their leave, while Kona moved to sit next to Kayda on the booth they set her to lie down in. Pouring yet another glass, Kona urged Kayda to drink more, hoping that rehydration would lead her one step closer to regaining her energy.

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Big Iron and Teddy marched through what appeared to be a cafe car designed to be in theme with something one would find in the 1970s. Swirling spirals of orange and purple danced across the wall, while mandarin carpeted spheres dotted the surface of the floor, with a fine wood finish spiraling betwixt each patch. Floating incandescent orbs meandered about the cabin, providing light to wherever they detected patrons, and seemed to pulsate as they passed one another, as if they were conversing with one another. The seating arrangements extended throughout both sides of the cabin, and with the train as being as wide as it was, many tables were strewn about the center as well.

Their walk down the car was much more favorable compared to Teddy’s previous ventures aboard the train. He thought back to their entrance aboard the cafe car, and now realized why they needed Big Iron’s badge to access the car. With all the premium amenities available, he perished the thought of having to pay whatever this must cost. This, compounded with their rescue by Big Iron’s hand, was enough to have Teddy borderline idolize him. He offered the security and safety he could only dream of offering to his cohorts. He could never dispatch villains in the manner in which Big Iron could. Though likely impossible due to his physical stature, Teddy wished to attain the strength necessary to protect Kayda and the others, so that they may not continue to encounter the sinister whims they have grappled with many times over.

The more he ruminated on his admiration for his newfound role model, the more he realized that he was exactly the thing their party was missing. He was the figure they needed to bolster their own personal strengths, and could perhaps impart knowledge each of them were lacking in. With Big Iron’s authority and threatening presence to those who oppose him, Teddy figured that the journey from this point on would be more than optimal, and these bumps in the road would simply be a rocky start to an otherwise pleasant galavant.

As the notion further developed, Teddy couldn’t help but become excited to extend the invite to Big Iron. Nevermind that he seemed trustworthy, but he was also a figure of authority. Even if he could not partake in their journey due to pre-existing responsibilities, it was likely that he could offer some alternate means of assistance. As the two drew closer to the front counter, he could feel the excitement brim to the surface, barely able to contain his eagerness. He quickly chose what he felt would best suit Kayda’s needs from the menu, a plate of chicken and vegetables, and promptly took a seat while he urged Big Iron to follow suit.

“Mr. Iron, I know we have already voiced our appreciation for your efforts in providing us with such hospitable aid, but I cannot begin to describe just how much we owe you for your services!” said Teddy.

“Shucks, it ain’t anything you should be thanking me for. Simply doing my job in keeping the fine people of this here train safe,” Big Iron said with the tip of his hat.

“Ah! And might I add, what a stand up job you’ve been doing in that regard! It astounds me that with a few words to that attendant, you were able to deescalate the boiling tensions that pervaded the entirety of the train. Who knows what might’ve transpired if you were not around to dispel the wave of violence. Perish the thought!”

“Appreciate the sentiment, my friend. Like I said though, it's all in a day’s work. Don’t get it twisted, though. I ain’t the be all, end all to all matters. Definitely had my fair share of rough and tumble days,” he paused and scratched his neck, “Honest to god, this might be one of them days…”

Teddy tilted his head, “Why do you suppose that is the case?”

Big Iron coughed and shook his head, “Oh, don’t fret none about it. Nothin’ that concerns ya or your little friends.”

Teddy paused for a moment, “I understand. I apologize if I violated your right to privacy by inquiring further. It would seem my curiosity got the best of me. I assure you that it will not happen again.

Big Iron patted Teddy’s shoulder, “Don’t go apologizing over nothin’, son. It ain’t your fault I got some personal matters on the mind. Just lettin’ the past get to me is all, you know how it is.”

“Although I cannot personally empathize, seeing as I have no past to ruminate over, I do see where you are coming from,” Teddy sighed, “Seeing as how even you confront internal strife and still overcome adversity, I cannot help but feel I pale in comparison. While I think I have done my due diligence in ensuring Miss Kayda’s safety, there is a train of thought that has been doubting my capabilities.”

Big Iron paused as his composure began to stiffen, “Ya know, sometimes it’s okay to know when to call it quits. We gots to know our own limits in this world if we’re aiming to survive. And, sometimes, maybe it’s okay to hang our hats when we know we’re outta our element.”

“...I do not follow,” Teddy said flatly.

“Come on, work with me, son. Now, I will admit that you’ve done a bang up job gettin’ the kid this far! Can’t fault ya for the bumps of the road, that just be the way of the world. But, don’t ya think the girl would get home fast and safer in… more capable hands? I mean, why put all this pressure on yourself and them other folks?” Big Iron said with a gruff, fatherly cadence.

Teddy did not respond and simply continued to gaze at him.

“I ain’t saying you’ve done a bad job, Ted. Far from it, actually! You lot typically flee the moment the going gets tough. I’m just saying that maybe the girl will be in better hands with someone who has more experience in this line of work,” said Big Iron with an increasing degree of coldness.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but are you perhaps insinuating someone such as yourself would be more befitting of the role?” Said Teddy with a somewhat forlorn cadence.

“Well, aren’t you a sharp one? Alright, I’ll try not to mince my words since you ain’t a schoolhouse attendee. If you’d let me do ya this kindness, I believe I can handle the matter of the lost kid from here,” Big Iron said matter of factly, looking at Teddy with a stern glare.

Teddy nervously chuckled, “You know, it is interesting that you propose such an arrangement. I actually had a similar proposal that I wished for you to at least consider before further matters regarding Miss Kayda’s liaison in her journey home are discussed.”

“Oh yeah? And what might that be?”

Teddy cleared his throat, “You see, before your proposition of sole accompaniment on Miss Kayda’s journey, I wished to inquire if you’d actually be interested in joining our traveling party of sorts. While I do understand why you see it as beneficial to be her sole chaperone, I believe there are positives to the modus operandi we have been following.”

Big Iron adjusted his hat, “Oh, I’m sure there have been some pluses! Ya can’t slay no monsters all on your lonesome, am I right?”

Teddy nodded.

“But, what I’m trying to say is, with me, there won’t be no monsters giving the kid a one way ticket to the lord above,” said Big Iron, his expression carrying a tinge of guilt.

“While I cannot argue with the logic presented, I can’t help but feel that traveling without our companionship would go against Miss Kayda’s wishes. We just barely reunited after all. Parting ways so abruptly may cause undue stress that would best be avoided,” replied Teddy.

Big Iron leaned to Teddy and rested his hand on his shoulder once more, “Well, son, sometimes it ain’t about what the kid wants, but what they need.”

Teddy was taken aback by his words. While he had no qualms with the assertion itself, he could not help but feel negative sentiment towards it. However, the more he tried to internally formulate a counterargument to Big Iron’s claim, the more he realized any line of thought he could muster took into account his feelings more so than Kayda’s. So far in their journey, they encountered strife that could have been avoided given her escort had some sort of authority and physical capability. Both aspects he was all too aware he lacked.

Dejected, Teddy lowered his head and continued to try and find a good reason for his continued accompaniment on Kayda’s trek home. But, being a bot of logic, he felt compelled to relent to the reasoning presented to him. Big Iron’s argument was sound and there was no way around the fact that interjecting himself would lead to undue variables. Compound that with the eccentric nature of Kona and Gears, their presence might have been more harm than good. The uncertainty in the decision presented nearly sent him spiraling, as any reason he could concoct to further his presence stemmed from his fondness of Kayda. Such irrational reasons would only contribute to her continued turmoil.

Teddy’s composure began to stiffen as reality began to set in. His heart grew heavy while his mind grew clouded. He knew she would be better off with someone such as Big Iron. He’s proven to be a far more capable guardian and displayed prowess beyond the capabilities of him and his cohorts. He was the perfect cocktail of all the attributes presented forth by him and the others, and he knew she would be more than safe with him. And yet, here he was, nearly ready to forgo the proposition and Kayda’s safety simply by virtue of his own feelings. It was then he realized that beyond this journey, he did not know who he was, or why he was here. He had inadvertently intertwined his own self worth and identity to his services to Kayda. Was it fair to Kayda to continue to lead down an arduous road laden with uncertainty, for the sake of his own internal strife? What kind of person did that make him? Though her safety was of the utmost importance to him, he found himself grappling with the idea he’d have to let go of her sooner than he thought. This notion only bolstered his spiral, leading Teddy to struggle to get another word out.

Teddy’s meandering, wandering train of thought would soon derail however. A firm presence rested on his back, while a looming shadow casted over him. Though in his fugue-like state he assumed it to be the weight of his guilt, and the coming reality physically manifesting, it was simply Big Iron readying himself to take his leave, giving Teddy a pat on the back. While his touch was initially a comforting presence, he noticed a certain tension that he had not been privy to before. In the throws of uncertainty that had laden his conscious, he did not notice that subtle stiffening of Big Iron’s jaw, or the narrow gaze that befell him. Big Iron’s touch grew all the more unsettling as his fingers migrated from Teddy’s back, to his shoulder, firmly planting themselves with a cold grip. A stillness permeated the air while the scene around them seemed to meld into obscurity. All Teddy could now notice was Big Iron’s piercing gaze and looming presence, that exerted a vacuous aura. Walls in the metaphorical sense began to close around Teddy, as he could feel Big Iron’s grip on his shoulder begin to tighten and tighten.

image [https://i.imgur.com/EsHerxk.jpeg]

“Your proposal over commandeering Kayda’s journey… A-Am I wrong to assume that it was not merely a suggestion, but instead, at your behest?”

“Well, you certainly aren’t too far off the mark there, tin man. Looks like you contraptions got some wits about ya after all," said Big Iron, his mustache shifting into a sly, yet still concealed grin, “Hope ya understand. Not that it matters if you do or not. It don’t concern me none. This is just the way things gotta be.”

“Oh, I see. If that is your true mindset regarding what is best for Miss Kayda, then I believe we are at an impasse. I’ve come to a decision,” Teddy said plainly without a stammer to be heard, his voice laden with a sudden tinge in confidence.

Big Iron furrowed his brow at Teddy’s surprisingly collected response, “Is that so? Me too, kid. Me too.”