We descend the stairs for what feels like an hour. Torch after torch, step after step. None of us talk. I was going to ask some questions, but I could tell they wouldn't answer me. Finally, I see an end to the staircase. It goes into a small opening shaped like a door. I can hear the clanging of metal as we get closer.

As I enter the area at the bottom, I can't help but groan. It's another damn train station. However, it's completely different from the others. To start, the area is large. Platforms extend dozens of feet and make a U shape where the train rests in the middle. The floor is intricately carved to mirror bricks, and several lamps hang on the walls, lighting the area.

The train itself is entirely different from the luxury liner. This one has actual wheels that connect to the track. It has some kind of smokestack in the front and is completely black. It kinda reminds me of the scrapped coal-powered trains I saw a few years ago. Those were never used due to how rare coal is.

Two engines are on each end of eight different train cars. I look around in amazement. To think something like this is underground. Stacked all over the platform are wooden boxes of various sizes. Some are as small as a book, and some as large as a boulder.

"Markus, you bastard, why haven't you finished packing?" Zack yells at the train, tapping a wooden crate.

"Oh, shut your mouth, Zack. Maybe if you guys weren't a month late, I wouldn't have had to haul all this shit down myself!" A loud voice exclaims from behind the closest train engine.

Sounds of metal clanging and something being thrown can be heard as a man about my height jumps up from the train tracks. He wears blue overalls with grubby black boots and a shirt the same color. He has no hair but a large gray mustache that looks like someone shocked him one too many times. His face is in a scowl, but I can see the laugh lines around his eyes.

The man gives Hearon a once over, "Got some fancy clothes there."

Hearon sighs, " Yes, yes, I do."

A smile cracks his face as he clasps Hearon's hand, "Well, I'm glad to see you back. Now, if you three fine young gentlemen will help me load the boxes, then we can be on our way." Without a word, Zack and Hearon start grabbing boxes and loading them into the car closest to the rear engine.

I stare at the strange vehicle until Zack bumps my shoulder, "Get to it. The faster we board these supplies, the faster we can leave." I nod and help them stack the crates inside. All the while, Markus hovers around me, talking.

"It's good to get some fresh blood. Not many get the chance you have right now. That reminds me of the time we picked up this scrawny kid who had the highest voice I ever heard. Damn, near blew out my ears. When we get moving, I'll answer some of those burning questions you no doubt have. Now, where was I-" He continues to talk the entire time we load the boxes, much to the annoyance of Zack and Hearon.

I try to pay attention, but he spoke so fast I'm surprised he didn't pass out. I don't think I heard him breathe even once. I put the last box in the car, whistling at how little room remained. Even though the car is as big as a small house, it's completely filled. So in the second cargo car.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Yup, you're probably wondering what we got in here. Well, there's some spices only found in Finsal, Some P-cores over there, clothes, gold-" Markus continues to rattle off what's in the boxes, pointing to each one. I don't say anything.

"Mark? Maybe we could leave sometime this year?" Zack says impatiently.

The train conductor waves dismissively at him, "Hold ya damn horses, impatient little bastard." He says those last words under his breath. "Follow me, kid. I'll show you the control room." He smiles broadly as we exit the car.

We walk the entire length of the train to the front engine. Inside, there are tons of gauges, levers, and buttons. I duck under one particular lever that sticks out into the conductor's space.

"Watch your noggin there. Had one guy poke his eye out on that thing. He was screamin', and blood was everywhere." He mutters something I can't hear. He cracks his knuckles, pushes some buttons, and pulls a lever in the center of the space. With a jerk, the train starts to move, the sound of the wheels screeching on the track until it becomes a steady hum. With a flick of a switch, a light comes on in front, illuminating the dark tunnel.

Markus settles into the only chair and turns to me, crossing his arms, "Now, I believe I said I'd answer a few of your questions."

"What's End City?"

He chuckles, "I see you're not one to beat around the bush." He sighs and adjusts in the chair, "It's kinda hard to explain for someone who's never been there. Think of it as the first line of defense. It's not unlike Calypso. Bright lights and the sounds of people and hover-ships galore. Minus the ridiculous skyscrapers."

I try to imagine what he's talking about, but nothing comes to mind. Without the Spine, there are barely any bright lights. "What do you mean by the first line of defense?"

He rubs his mustache in, though, "Those are details I can't tell ya. Alexander will definitely get on my ass about that. Best I can offer you is the city protects Titan from... outside threats." he says the last words hesitantly. This Alexander guy seems important. Mabye he's the mayor? I decide not to ask. I'll definitely meet him regardless.

"Is there anything you can tell me that isn't obvious once I get there?"

He nods "End City is unlike anything you've ever seen. It's also dangerous. Be careful who you hang out with and who you call friends. Nothing is guaranteed, and NOTHING is given." Markus emphasizes those last words heavily. I don't really have any other questions. It's clear there are things none of them can tell, and I don't know enough to have other questions besides two more.

"How long will it take us to get to the city?"

"About four days. I advise you get comfy."

I point to the door behind me, "Is this how I get out?"

He nods, "Yup. There are six cars for people. Two are living quarters, a dining car, one for training, a library, and last but not least, an observatory car. Your room is in the sixth car, left door."

I thank him and exit out the sliding door. I walk through each car, impressed. The first one is the observatory. It seems to be made out of glass, which makes up the walls and ceiling. Several benches and chairs line the walls, and a light blue carpet covers the floor. The second car is the library. Unsurprisingly, it has tons of bookcases filled with books. I look at a few, but it's in a language I can't understand. Azu Mi is sitting in one of the cushy chairs scattered about. She doesn't look up from her book as I pass by.

The dining car has a bar and a few tables covered in white cloth. Several large windows look out at the darkness of the tunnel. I pass by the kitchen but don't see anyone inside. Guess we make our own meals. In the training car, there are several weight racks and punching bags. The entire floor is covered in soft blue padding. On my left, all kinds of wooden weapons decorate the wall.

The final two cars are walled on each side, making the pathway somewhat cramped. I make my way to my room, going inside. There's not much in terms of items. A medium-sized bed, a small table, and a bathroom. There is a closet, but I don't have anything to put in it, so I just plop onto the bed. Man, it's been a long day. Everything that happened today weighs on me as my eyelids grow heavy. I don't know what awaits me in this End City, but hopefully, it's better than Calypso.