Chapter Text
Excitement buzzed throughout Kalim as he kicked his feet, taking subtle glances at the other passengers. It was his first time on public transportation like this, and he was so excited! Kalim turned to gaze out the train’s window, admiring the starry night sky. The low hum of the train and the soft chatter of the passengers acted as welcome background noise.
Kalim’s mind trailed back to the day’s earlier events. A band that Cater was a huge fan of was having a final farewell concert, and he invited Kalim and Lilia to join him. A smile tugged on his face as he remembered the concert. Kalim pulled out his phone to see if Cater had sent any of the photos he took to the group chat yet.
While he was scrolling, a message popped up.
Lilia
Did you manage to catch the train?
Kalim
Mhm!
Cater and Lilia wanted to explore the city a bit, so they sent Kalim to ride the train back to Night Raven alone.
Kalim wished he were able to join them, but it was already getting late, and he promised Jamil that he would come back as soon as the concert was over.
Speaking of Jamil, a message from him also asking about Kalim’s location popped up.
Kalim replied, ‘Im on the train should be back soon.’
Jamil’s response was a simple okay.
Kalim stared at the cold response with a small frown. He supposed he shouldn't expect a warm or worried reply from the other. Especially since winter-
Kalim shook his head. He shouldn't be thinking about that. He turned his attention back to the train's window, choosing to instead admire how the stars danced off the water’s surface.
To his surprise, an unfamiliar name greets him.
Mina
Hi
He stared at the message in confusion. Now, he's never been good at putting names to faces. But he couldn't recall knowing any Minas. Unfortunately, their profile picture wasn't of any help as it was a photo of spiderlilies.
Then again, he gave his number to the Scarabia students in case of emergency or if they needed him for anything. Perhaps it was just a first year he just hadn't remembered the name of.
If that’s the case, it'd be rude not to reply.
Kalim
Hello!
Mina
Yay! You responded!
Do you go to a lot of events like this?
Were they talking about the concert? Then were they someone he met at the concert? Kalim tried to remember anyone he had given his number to.
Kalim
Yeah I suppose
Mina
Are you still on your way home?
Alarm bells probably should have rung by now, but Kalim’s all for giving people the benefit of the doubt and assumes that Mina was worried about him.
Kalim
Yep!
Mina
Me too
The city lights are really beautiful tonight. Can you see them?
At the question, Kalim glanced outside the window. He brings his attention away from the glistening water to the lights decorating the city.
Kalim
Yeah! they're really pretty
Mina
Are you crossing the Dawning Bridge?
Kalim
mhm! How did you know?
Mina
Because I am too! We might be on the same train
Oh, what a coincidence.
Kalim furrowed his eyebrows. A voice in his head was pointing out how suspicious a coincidence this was.
Mina
The two of us riding the same train
It must be fate
Can I come talk to you face-to-face?
Okay, no.
Warning bells were ringing in full force now. This is all too convenient for this Mina person. The two of them not only went to the same concert but also happened to be on the same train. Not to mention their eagerness to meet Kalim. It all just screamed assassin to him.
Kalim
I'm not sure about that…
Mina
Why not? I've always wanted to meet you
That's why I'm here
A pit of dread formed in his chest.
This was definitely an assassin.
Kalim immediately looked around him for any possible exits. Unfortunately, the only viable route was out the windows; however, the train was currently over the ocean, so jumping out was a no-go.
Looks like he'll have to fight the assassin head-on.
The heir reached into his pocket for his magic pen. He then took note of the people around him, looking out for any suspicious movement.
As he was on the watch for any individuals making their way towards him. An announcement blared throughout the train, “We will soon stop at Kisaragi Station.”
Whatever train of thought Kalim had about the potential assassin stopped as a different one took over.
That's not his stop.
He knows for a fact that he brought a ticket to Sage Island and that no other stops were scheduled.
So what’s this about a Kisaragi Station?
But he couldn't even dwell on that for long, as a loud, deafening metallic shriek filled the train. Immediately, Kalim clasped his hands over his ears, squeezing his eyes in an attempt to block out the noise. The train eventually came to a grinding halt, and with it the shrieking ceased.
Kalim slowly opened his eyes.
The first thing he notices is that he’s alone. What were once occupied seats just a few seconds ago were now empty. Showing no indication that someone was there in the first place.
The second thing he notices is that everything was now red. The previously light blue interior was now shrouded in crimson red. A quick glance at the window showed it affected the outside too; the sky and moon were an unnatural red, while the ocean resembled blood more than water.
His phone buzzes.
Incoming Call: No Caller ID
Kalim declined without a second thought.
Instantly, a message from Mina pops up.
Mina
Why won't you answer me?
It doesn't matter
We'll be together soon.
Which car are you in?
You weren't in car 3
I'm in 4 now
A loud clacking noise was heard from a distance.
Mina
5
The clacking drew closer.
Mina
6
CLACK
Kalim looked up from the phone, eyes scanning the walls. What number is this car? His eyes eventually locked onto a painted number.
7
The train rattled.
CLACK CLACK CLACK
At the end of the train car, the door starts to creak open. Kalim took a hesitant step back before the door fully opened with a woosh.
Behind the open door was pitch-black darkness.
The clacking continues beyond the door, but no one emerges.
Kalim frowns slightly, debating whether or not to approach the door.
But before he could make a decision, a hand grabbed his shoulder, planting him in place. “Guess who?” A feminine voice sounded behind him in a singsongy tone.
Against his better judgment, Kalim turned his head to look at his attacker. What he sees causes his blood to run cold.
Before him stood something that was clearly not human. Skin as white as paper, an eerie smile surrounded by blood, a giant, colorful bouquet of flowers replacing the top half of its head. It all served to make the creature even more unsettling in the heir’s eyes.
Kalim could only assume this was a magical monster similar to Grim, only much more dangerous.
The creature let out a giggle.
Then the giant rose in the middle of its head rips itself apart, and in its place was a giant eyeball.
Kalim’s own eyes widened as the eyeball fixed on him.
In a panic, Kalim casts a simple wind spell in an attempt to keep some distance between him and the monster. Which did succeed in pushing the creature back, but it also knocked Kalim to the ground.
The monster slowly picked itself off the ground, all while giggling darkly.
Great, he aggravated it.
Kalim clutched his magic pen close to his chest, his mind racing for a solution. Nature and water magic were out of the question. He could continue pushing it back with wind magic and find an opening to escape. But the only real escape routes were the train’s window, which wasn’t an option or…
He turned to the black abyss that was the door.
Yeah, he wasn’t gonna take his chances.
Fire magic would probably be his best bet, considering the monster was covered in flowers. Kalim nervously bit the inside of his cheek. He’s never been that good at controlling fire magic, and there was a high chance he might accidentally burn himself instead.
Crap, it’s looking at him. His grip on his pen tightened. It’s now or never.
“Gyahaha! Wait till I get my teeth into you!”
An unfamiliar voice cuts through the air.
Kalim turns his head. Crouching atop the passenger seats was a boy with bright red hair. His mouth was twisted in a wide grin, showing off his sharp teeth.
However, Kalim’s attention was focused on the submachine gun the other was holding.
Kalim would love to question why he has a gun, but there were pressing matters at hand.
The man then slams his head through the window.
“Are you okay?!” Kalim yelled out as glass exploded and blood dripped from the other’s head.
The redhead either didn’t hear him or just ignored him as he silently grabbed some of the broken glass and loaded it into his gun.
“Malab. Be good...and hold still now.” He pointed his gun at the creature. “You want me to take you out, don't you?”
Shots started firing out.
The monster shrieked, scrambling away on its hands and knees.
Glass shards were flying everywhere.
Kalim raises his arms in an attempt to shield himself.
He feels the air whoosh around him as shards barely miss him.
Whoosh
“Urgh!”
He feels a burning pain radiating from his leg.
The gunfire eventually ceased, the stranger seemingly out of ammo, and Kalim took the opportunity to look at his leg.
There was a bloody jagged wound on his ankle.
One of the glass shards must have hit him. He thought, taking the fabric around his wrist and wrapping it around his ankle.
This was bad.
From his experience, leg injuries were the worst to deal with. Kalim glanced at the glass-covered floor. Limited movement gives a higher chance of tripping and falling at the worst time. His eyes trailed to where the monster was. Or of an enemy catching up to you.
“Fuck, I’m out.”
Kalim looked up at the redhead. The other was slowly lowering his gun with a scowl on his face. The stranger turned his head, taking notice of Kalim. “Huh?” He cocked his head and stared.
Kalim tilted his head in return. “Um… Hi?” He pointed at where the monster was. “What was that monster? And who are you?”
The redhead didn’t respond to his questions. Instead, silently strided over towards him. The other crouched down in front of Kalim. Cold golden eyes meet confused ruby. “You saw that?” His voice was low and filled with venom.
Kalim blinked in confusion. Where was this hostility coming from? “Yeah-”
The redhead cut him off, “Whatever. I'll just chuck you out there.”
Wait. What?
Kalim didn’t have time to think as the redhead stuck an arm around his waist, hoisting him onto his shoulder, then headed towards the broken window.
“Put me down!” Kalim thrashes about, trying to break out of the redhead’s iron grip.
But the other seemed to pay him no mind as he reached the window, jumping on the seat and peering outside.
Outside the window was a world covered in red. The red moon shone down ominously, a thick red fog stretched beyond the horizon, and below lay the blood colored ocean, waves crashing into each other, eager for a sacrifice.
Great, drowning to death by being thrown out a window, exactly how he wanted to go out.
“Gyahaha! Ciao!” The redhead hefted Kalim up and swung him back, preparing to throw.
Kalim closed his eyes, resigning himself to his fate.
“Come on, man. Don't do that in front of me.” A calm voice spoke.
The redhead paused, leaving Kalim hanging over the edge of the window. Kalim tilted his head to look at the source of the voice. There stood another stranger, one with green hair and red earrings.
Where were these people even coming from?
“The fuck you want?” The redhead growled.
“I'm just saying. I'll have to tell the academy, and no one wants that.”
Academy?
“Stay outta my way, asshole.” The redhead tossed Kalim onto a nearby seat. His ankle screamed in pain from how hard he landed.
“Chill out, Taiga. I'm not trying to swipe your prey.” Cool, redhead has a name. “This civilian saw you, right? I'll take care of the cleanup.”
Kalim raised an eyebrow. Cleanup?
The redhead- Taiga’s mood lifted in an instant. “Oh, for real? I'll go after that thing then.” Eagerness dripping in his voice.
“Yep, sure. Maybe try not to destroy anything?”
Taiga proceeds to punch a hole in another window. He scooped up a handful of shattered glass and leaped through the window.
“What did I just say...?” The stranger with earrings sighed. He turns towards Kalim, expression softening a bit. It almost makes Kalim want to trust him.
The man stretched, “All right. Let's get out of here for starters.” He kneels on the floor, carefully avoiding the glass shards. Pulled out a long flute, pressed it to his lips, and blew a few notes.
What a pretty sound…
The melody was simple but calming. Kalim felt a bit sleepy.
He took a deep breath.
It kinda smells like…
Rain.
The gentle scent of rain filled the train. Kalim frowned slightly. Why did it smell like rain? He didn't cast Oasis maker. He glanced out the windows; the weather was clear, minus the fog.
His eyes trailed towards the flutist. Could the smell be coming from him? Maybe it’s part of his unique magic?
Kalim tried to ask him about it, but a stream of bubbles escaped his mouth instead.
What the…?
He opened his mouth again, but only bubbles came out, and water flowed in.
It was as if he were underwater.
Kalim gasped, and water rushed down his throat, filling his lungs. He tries to cough it out, but it only serves to bring more water in.
He's drowning…
His vision begins to darken until he blacks out completely.
“We will soon be arriving at the final stop, Sage Island.”
…Huh?
Kalim woke up to an announcement. Kalim looked around; everything seemed back to normal. Everything was its normal color, there was no glass on the floor, and the window wasn’t shattered.
Was all that a dream?
Kalim looked around him, there were no other passengers. He glanced outside and noticed it was daytime.
Kalim blinked. Wait, daytime? His confusion quickly morphed into panic.
Crap! He told Jamil he’d be back last night, and it’s already morning! Did he fall asleep and dream up all that monster nonsense? Kalim moaned into his hands. Jamil is going to be so mad at him.
Kalim stood up quickly, only to stumble as a spike of pain shot through him. Before he could hit the ground, someone catches him.
“Whoa there,” Kalim looked up to be met with the green-haired stranger from earlier.
So it wasn’t a dream…
The stranger glanced down at him, a small frown forming on his face. “Excuse me,” he suddenly kneels down, taking Kalim a bit off guard. The green-haired man wraps the fabric around his ankle and inspects the wound.
“Looks like we got a civilian injured.” His voice sounded genuinely concerned, “I probably shouldn't mess around with that out here.”
He stood up, reaching into his jacket. “Sorry, I'll do something about your injury after,” He really didn’t need to do that. Kalim would just take care of it when he got back. “So let me clear out your head first.”
…Huh?
Kalim had no time to question what the other meant when he pulled out a small bottle filled with what looked to be matches.
The man takes one of the matches and lights it. The match’s flame was a nice light blue. It reminded Kalim a little of Grim. The man holds it in front of Kalim’s face. “Do you know what this is?”
Kalim tilts his head.
The green-haired man blows out the match.
Kalim wonders what the point of that was. Anyway, the stranger asked him a question. He should probably answer.
“A match.”
“Hm? What's that?” The stranger tilts his head, confused.
Kalim pointed at the match, “You asked me what it was, right?”
“Huh? Did you have your eyes closed?”
Kalim stared at him, “...No?”
He takes out another match and lights it, “Could you look at this fire for me?”
“Okay…?”
He stares hard at Kalim, brows furrowed in displeasure. Oh no, did Kalim upset him?
He blows out the match once more.
Kalim watched in silence.
Was this one of those tests to see if someone has a concussion or something like that?
Kalim doesn’t think he hit his head, but…
His mind trailed back to the flower monster from earlier. He nervously chewed his bottom lip, the image of its giant eye lingered in his thoughts.
He refocused his attention on the stranger in front of him. Maybe this guy could tell him about it? “Um..”
“Yeah?”
“What’s the deal with the monster? Also, are you guys mages?” They had to be right? He wasn’t sure how else to explain everything that happened otherwise.
In fact, now that Kalim was getting a better look at him, the man was wearing a school uniform of sorts. It looked nearly identical to Night Raven’s, only problem was the vest, which was a vibrant purple. Kalim couldn’t recall any dorms that used that color. “Do you happen to be Night Raven, students? Or maybe Royal Sword?” He did mention an academy to the Taiga person earlier.
Instead of answering his questions, the stranger stared at Kalim, eyes widened. “The matches...” He slowly stood up, voice quiet in disbelief, “They don't work on you?”