The soft creaks of the train were the only sounds around them. Anne and Kate sat face to face on the cold floor, not speaking a word, yet marveling.
How? I can hear you. You are in my head! I feel how you feel. How is this possible? It’s like before. But Tom never. Sofia, we were so young. Could never stop chatting like this. Only felt him, never heard him like this?
The excitement from both of them made their exchange a mess of words and emotions. They both cracked a smile and collectively calmed themselves. Kate was versed in what was happening so she guided Anne, though for them both it felt as natural as talking within minutes.
This is incredible! Anne thought.
This is intended. Kate replied.
Though this is reserved for people who shared a womb. Twins.
Your… sister?
Yes. Sofia.
A strong flow of sadness gently flowed over Anne but was soon lifted by a warmer feeling.
But now, I am whole again.
I thought you were going to die. It was horrible. And there was this… thing.
Thing?
It had claws… and there was screaming.
A moment of silence passed.
Well… we will figure it out. There are more important things we need to do now.
“Hey, Anne!” Kate grinned.
Let’s get out of here. I haven't felt this good in years. Like I can do anything.
They got up quickly and stretched their stiff and sore bodies. Red stains covered Kate from her mouth and down her neck.
Kate, you look scary.
Kate gestured to the giant holes ripped through the cells.
Anne, you ARE scary. How-?
I don't know, and it is terrifying me. Let's just go.
They moved to the door that led forward into the train.
We need to find Darius, then get off this train.
Anne nodded. They slowly opened the first door that led to a small covered space where the cars joined, with a second door leading to the next car. The space was noisy and it looked like they were in a short round plastic tunnel. The second door had no window or any means to peer through, so they both pressed their ears against the door to listen.
I hear nothing. Neither do I. Is it locked?
Kate slowly pulled on the handle, and the door slid aside. They entered a small partitioned space that was filled with crates, with the end having several round black containers.
Hey! It’s our stuff. They just stuffed it into this open crate.
I hope all of your things are still in there.
It’s a bit heavy, so it looks like it's all here. Well... mostly.
Mostly?
Yeah... your backpack was shredded when... you know. I'm sorry.
Kate quietly put on her backpack, tightened the straps, and moved through to the next door.
Not much security. Even though they looked scared of us.
They listened for sounds again.
Never mind, there they are.
A few voices could be heard through the door.
“Can’t this train go any faster? I’m hungry.”
“Really? You are possibly on the most important mission of your life, and you are complaining that you are hungry?”
“So? We got them, didn’t we? The bald oaf was no help anyway. I don’t understand the sudden seriousness.”
“Who does?” A third man joined.
“Though it's obvious we were after one of the other two.”
“That guy did have a funny scream though.” A bunch of laughter followed.
“Tough nut though. Wouldn’t say a thing. That scream was the only thing we got out of him when the boss got angry and threw him off the train. All an accident too. The boss looked so sad that he couldn’t torture him to death.”
“You think he survived?”
“Who cares. If he did, then something out there will probably eat him.”
“The boss creeps me out though.”
“You think!?”
“Same, I don’t envy his friends. Especially not his enemies.”
“Agreed.”
Anne and Kate moved away from the door. Both their faces flushed with anger.
Father...
They threw him off the train?!
I hope he is ok. It sounded like he could be alive.
We need to get out of here.
I have a plan. Follow me.
They doubled back to where the train cars connected.
We need to get out somewhere. And jump?
Not so fast. We need to get to the front of the train.
Kate poked the plastic-like sides as she searched for a weakness. Anne saw a dirty orange handle sticking out next to the door, and without much thought, pulled it. A loud clunk was heard beneath them, making Kate jump.
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“What did you do?” Kate muttered.
I don't know.
The space between the doors slowly grew as the now detached train car behind them slowed down. The plastic enclosure strained and then ripped. A gust of wind rushed through the tears until the enclosure tore away completely.
Hold on!
They were now greeted by the dark outside, standing on a small platform and holding on to the train for fear of falling. Some dark masses passed by in the distance that looked like hills and trees.
Well, that could work.
A small service ladder further out beside the door could now be reached, and before they knew it they were crawling along the roof, Kate leading the way. The cold night air that blew fiercely from ahead made their eyes water.
Can you see how far it goes?
It looks like we have about five rail cars till we get to the front.
They got up to their feet and slowly made their way across the roofs. The armor plating of the train made for good handrails, making it manageable to keep their balance. The first two cars were easy, yet the third one was different. The roof was largely open and instead covered by a thick steel mesh and beams. Kate took one step onto it and froze.
Be very quiet. This one is full of those wolf things they used. It’s going to be a problem if they wake up.
Wow, this place stinks.
The space below them was divided into several cages, each housing a wolf. Two soldiers sat near the end, dozing off in their chairs to some music that played from a small radio on the floor next to them. Slow and steady they made their way to the end. Anne couldn’t help but notice a much larger empty cage in the corner, but then some movement caught her attention. One of the wolves had lazily lifted its head and sniffed the air.
Hurry, Go!
They climbed over to the next roof and picked up the pace as fierce growls and barks suddenly boomed from behind them. Soon all the wolves were frantically barking and growling, sending soldiers running around trying to calm them.
“I told you it's a bad idea to bring this bitch on this mission, she is probably still in heat!” One soldier was yelling at another.
Anne and Kate clamored over to the last car.
Almost there. The engine will be in the next one. I hope we are past that creepy guy. Creepy guy? I'll tell you later.
The locomotive in front was bulky, with a big spear-shaped nose and a walking deck that surrounded the back and sides of the engine room, with stairs on both sides leading to the control room on top. Despite its size, it had very little smoke billowing out above. Movement could be seen through the large windows around the control room, then the door opened up. A crusty-looking man with a big ash-ridden beard came down the stairs, puffing on his pipe.
“Those crazy mutts,” he murmured, then walked to the left side of the train. Anne and Kate could just see his back around the corner.
Let's go. I’ll climb down first.
Kate threw herself over the edge onto the service ladder and slid down quietly, Anne following quickly. The last ladder step broke off and landed on the ground with a loud clang.
Did he hear us?
Another clang rang out through the night.
What are you doing? It's not me.
Then another. The sounds continued from somewhere ahead of them. They got off the ladder, walked to the engine room door, and peered around the corner. The man was fiercely tapping his pipe against the guard rails that sent glowing soot and ash blowing down the side of the tracks. He gave his pipe a good inspection, put the tip back into his mouth to free his hands, then prepared to relieve himself down the side of the train.
This is our chance.
Kate quickly sneaked up to him, took a deep breath, and pushed him over the guard rails. The man tumbled overboard with a groan but managed to grab onto the rail with one hand. Furious grunts came from his clenched teeth and his pipe threatened to fall as his boots dragged violently over the gravel that surrounded the tracks below. With the broken-off step from the ladder in hand, Anne ran up and swung at the man’s arm. There was an audible crack and a yell. His leg got caught on one of the train wheels and he quickly disappeared underneath the train.
Oops.
Ouch.
Anne dropped the step. Her hands were shaking with adrenaline.
Anne, find that lever again. It looks like he was the only one here.
Anne scrambled to the door that led back to the rest of the train. No lever could be seen.
I can’t find it. There is nothing here!
Oh wait, come in here.
Anne hurried up into the control room where Kate already had her hands on a large striped lever. A large black and yellow sign below it read “Mechanical Decouple”. One pull and the rest of the train started inching away. Soon it was just a dark smudge on the tracks behind them.
“Yes!” Kate yelled.
“That was awesome!” Anne cheered, yet she still felt shaken.
I’m sure they are scrambling already.
“What do we do now? We can’t stay on this. It’s going straight for their base.” Anne asked.
“Well… let’s first find out where we are. Look for anything, like maybe a map.”
They rummaged around for clues. The room was rather small, but one can see through windows all around. All the controls and a big chair were at the front of the room, while hip-high cabinets and lockers lined the rest.
Anything?
No… oh, wait.
There was a large map stuck to the side of a cabinet.
Got it!
“Now we need to find out where we are.”
They peered out of the windows to try and place their surroundings. It was too dark to make out much of the areas around them, though some lights of towns could be seen passing in the distance. They decided to keep a lookout for any other tracks or signs along their route. Anne sat on Kate’s lap as they rested on the chair and stared down the tracks ahead.
You know life was pretty boring till you came along. I barely have time to process everything.
Sorry?
No don’t be, I needed it… maybe not all of it.
Though how do you cope? It has only been a day or two and my head is already spinning. Though I did almost die.
I don’t know either. I guess at first I just wanted to make sense of everything. Make sense to me. Now I just want to find my brother.
You two went through a lot together huh?
Yeah, today almost feels normal. It seems like forever, but it has not even been two weeks since I woke up in that place.
Are you serious? Only two weeks?
That's why I need to go back. I need answers. Anything.
Don’t worry, I’m sure we will.
Then we will save my brother.
Yeah, then we save your brother.
Anne relaxed against Kate’s chest.
Thank you.
A slight glow can be seen in the distance.
“What is that?” Anne asked.
“I don’t know, but it is coming closer, and fast.”
They both got up to make out what it is.
“It’s shiny,” Anne said.
“That's it! It's a signpost. It should have a name or a code on it.”
“Kate, can’t we slow this thing down?”
“Too late, here it comes.”
The sign blurred past.
“I got it! I think,” said Anne.
“Why have these signs if it's so hard to read them?” Kate asked irritably.
“Well, I’m not sure normal trains are pushed to go this fast,” Kate mumbled to herself in response. “What did you see?”
“Umm… I only saw part of it. ‘LLANS’ -something. And there was a ‘P’ in there too.”
It’s something at least. Weird name.
More than what you saw.
Yeah yeah, rub it in.
They checked the map, going over anything near train tracks.
“I got it! Is it this one?” Kate yelled.
Ouch, my ears.
Sorry.
Kate pointed to a small town labeled: Llansanperdita.
“Yes, that is it!”
“Some lights are coming up ahead. Do you think that's it?” Anne asked.
“I bet it is. Which means-” Kate turned back to the map.
“We have to get off the train after it's near a place called Pebblebrook. That's the closest the train can take us to our destination.” Kate explained.
“Oh yeah. I’ve heard of it.” Anne whispered.
What's wrong? That was a horrible feeling.
I don’t want to talk about it now.
That’s ok. I’m here for you.
Thanks. I’m sure you will know soon enough.
Kate struggled but decided not to push the subject.
“How long till we are there?” Anne asked.
“Well I'm going to see if I can set the speed on this thing, then I can figure that out.”
An hour later, they are nearing the small town of Pebblebrook. The wait was more than enough time for Anne to have all the recent unanswered events rush through her mind. She had been sitting quietly, fighting with the image in her head of Kate nearly dying and the unknown mass of darkness that was present.
Was that thing going into Kate, or coming out?
Really? Can you please stop thinking about that for a second? You are terrorizing me.
Sorry. I just can’t shake the feeling,
It’s ok. Just think of something else, please. We are jumping soon.
Pebblebrook’s lights were starting to pass by the side of the train as they neared the edge of the town. Kate had slowed the locomotive enough for them to comfortably jump off.
“There is no station here so we need to jump soon. Time to give those guys a present.” Kate winked and moved to the controls. The crescent moon had crawled out behind the clouds and was casting the landscape in a dim glow. Anne could make out a river in the distance, and the ground next to the tracks that bent away into a steep decline.
“This looks like a good spot to jump. It looks mostly grassy with a few bushes. Are you ready?” Kate asked.
“Yeah! I think.” Anne said.
Go!
Anne hesitated for a second, then jumped out and into the darkness. Kate soon followed. They patted themselves off after rolling down the small hill, pulling twigs and grass from their hair and clothes. The locomotive sped away along the tracks.
Wow, it's going faster. What did you do?
Let’s just say that they will have their train back as soon and fast as possible.
Anne gave a sly smile and they started for the town.