"I can't believe they made bullet trains," I said, amazed, staring at the sleek steel body gleaming under the overhead lights. It stretched endlessly down the platform, a silver beast resting just long enough to let us on. My scarf fluttered slightly from the gust of air it exhaled, my tail swishing behind me as though it shared my excitement.
"Yeah, of course. They don't do things half-heartedly," Zagan replied with his usual calm, stepping onto the train without hesitation. He moved like this was no more impressive than a walk through the park. Typical.
Following after him, my boots clicked softly on the clean floor. The excitement faded into mild disappointment the moment I stepped inside. Instead of glowing crystals, ornate decorations, or some futuristic marvel, it looked… ordinary. The same design as any regular commercial train—seats lined along the sides beneath the windows, facing inward, leaving the middle space open for standing.
"Huh. Nothing fancy here," I muttered, tugging my oversized coat tighter around me as if the plain interior offended me.
Zagan glanced back at me with a raised brow. "What did you expect?"
"I… don't actually know what I should have expected," I admitted, confused with myself. Maybe floating chairs? A bar that served slushies mid-ride? Anything besides… this.
Amari smirked as she brushed past me, her steps quick and impatient. "We're going to be here for a while, so get comfy," Zagan said, settling into one of the side seats. Amari flopped down next to him, stretching her legs shamelessly, while Rachel, ever graceful, took her seat carefully, folding her wings close so they wouldn't bump anyone.
"Come sit down, sis," Amari said, patting the open space beside Rachel.
"Umm… "I don't think I'd fit," I said, staring at the seat. It wasn't that the space was too small—it was my tail. The thing would either hang awkwardly across Rachel's lap or get stomped on. Neither option seemed particularly good.
"That's true," Rachel said, her calm voice carrying a faint note of amusement. Her golden eyes flicked to my tail with curiosity. "Your tail is so long you won't sit comfortably."
I gave a shrug, stuffing my hands into the deep pockets of my cargo pants. "It's fine. I can stand. We're only going to be here for a little while, right?"
"Yes," Zagan said, though his tone carried a trace of concern, "but we move pretty fast."
"I can freeze myself to the floor," I replied casually, like it was no big deal. My tail flicked lazily as I leaned against the metal pole, scarf shifting with the movement.
"If you say so," Zagan muttered, his gaze flicking down to my boots. His expression sharpened as if something finally clicked in his mind. "Your ice magic isn't normal, is it?"
I smiled faintly, not giving him the satisfaction of an answer. "Hmm, you could say that." The train gave a gentle lurch, then picked up speed at an alarming rate. I tightened my grip on the overhead bar as the sudden force pulled my body slightly back. My scarf and coat flared with the rush of wind.
"Is that all?" Amari asked, narrowing her eyes in disappointment at my vague answer.
"Haha, of course I'm not going to tell you everything," I said with a chuckle. "I might care for and trust you to a certain extent, but I don't know how good you guys are at keeping secrets."
Amari pouted dramatically, but Rachel tilted her head, her expression curious. "But you trust us. Why won't you tell us about your magic?"
I leaned slightly closer, lowering my voice just enough to sound conspiratorial. "Because my ice is my best weapon and favorite trick. If I let everyone know what it is and how it works, it becomes less effective in battle. A weapon loses its edge the moment the enemy knows every detail about it."
"I see," Zagan said, nodding thoughtfully. His sharp eyes glinted with quiet approval. "That makes sense."
"Exactly. Like you, Rachel." My gaze slid toward her, my tone calm but pointed. "Your race has a huge disadvantage against certain kinds of magic. Even if you're a half-breed, those weaknesses still apply. My race's weakness has to do with power. If I let everyone know how to counter me, I'll lose my edge, and someone could kill me much easier."
'I mean, technically I'm immortal, so age isn't my weakness. And I'm immune to most poisons. But no need to share that much.'
"How!?" Rachel suddenly exclaimed, her voice trembling. Her wings quivered slightly as her wide eyes locked onto me.
"What?" I asked, genuinely confused by her sudden panic.
"How do you know what my race is?" Her voice was tight, fear threading through every syllable.
"Your wings, obviously," I said, pointing at the pristine white feathers folded neatly behind her. "Kind of hard to miss."
'Like, come on. White wings. She screams "angel" to anyone with eyes.
"But there are a lot of demi-humans with similar wings," Amari cut in, defending her. Her expression was more cautious now, watching me closely.
"Really?" I frowned, doubtful. "Fine. I have Analysis, and I used it on her. Is it bad that I know?" I admitted with a sigh.
Rachel stiffened, her hands curling tightly in her lap. "No… it's just… My race doesn't like half-breeds. If someone finds out, they might try to kill me." Her voice was barely above a whisper, the edges fragile.
"Huh. Then why don't you wear a charm? That'd make it impossible to know your status." My words made her eyes widen in alarm. She quickly began patting herself down, her movements frantic, feathers shifting wildly. Her horror was plain.
"I forgot to put it back on," she whispered, her voice shaking.
"Oh no, we need to turn back! We can't have her out like this," Amari said, her voice rising with panic.
"Don't worry, I've got a spare," I said calmly, pulling a small golden button from my storage and holding it out. "Here. I always keep extras in case mine breaks."
Rachel stared at me for a long moment before relief softened her face. She smiled gratefully as she tucked the charm away. "Thank you."
"Just one thing," Zagan interrupted, frowning. "These charms are durable. How in the world does yours keep breaking?"
"I bet she either gets in fights all the time or forgets to take it off when she trains," Amari quipped, smirking.
"I do not deny or agree with any of those outrageous claims," I said, turning away dramatically and whistling.
"Mom, look, it's fluffy and moving!" A small, high-pitched voice suddenly piped up.
"Wait, Neo, don't—!" another voice cried, too late.
Rachel clutched her stomach, laughing as she leaned forward. "You really are reckless," she wheezed between laughs.
I was about to shoot back a retort when—YANK! Pain shot through me, and I nearly toppled forward. "IEEE!? Motherf—!? That hurts!" I yelped, whipping around.
A tiny girl, no older than six, dangled from my tail with both hands, giggling brightly despite my outburst. My tail flicked instinctively, but she clung with the grip strength of a climber.
"Kiddo, you're too young for me. Let go," I said dryly, pulling my tail closer to pry her off. She just giggled harder.
"I am so sorry!" A woman rushed forward, her blue one-piece dress fluttering as she bowed so low her hair covered her face. She wouldn't even meet my eyes. "I looked away for just a second—please forgive her!"
"It's fine," I assured her with a small smile. Lifting the kid gently into my arms, I looked her straight in the eyes. "Listen, girly. Don't pull on tails like that. They're very sensitive, okay?"
Her smile faltered, her lip trembling as guilt crept in. "I'm sorry. I just… it looked so fluffy."
I softened immediately. "I know, right? Hehe. Don't worry. I'm not mad. Just remember next time." I set her down gently, and she immediately grabbed her mother's hand.
"I will. Thank you," she said shyly before letting her mother pull her away.
The mother's posture stiffened further as she risked a glance at me, then quickly turned her head, dragging her daughter along. I sighed inwardly. Adults always reacted that way when they saw my eyes. But kids? They never seemed afraid. Not even before my evolution.
'Maybe I should visit an orphanage someday. Could test a few things out.'
When I turned back, Amari, Zagan, and Rachel were staring at me as if I'd sprouted a second head.
"Did you just say she's too young for you?" Zagan asked, incredulous.
"Yes," I said with a shrug. "There's only about seven or eight years difference, but I like them older." My tail swayed smugly as I stroked the fur.
"Is that so?" Rachel whispered, her gaze dropping.
Amari slapped her forehead, groaning. "I get why you said it, but did you have to say that out loud? In public?"
"Yeah…" I muttered sheepishly.
"Arriving at the North Main Road junction," the train head announced.
"Shit—!" I cursed as the train jolted. My body went flying, rolling helplessly down the cart until I slammed against the far wall.
"She forgot to freeze herself again," Rachel said, watching me with mild pity.
"Yeah, we should've warned her," Zagan muttered, hiding his smirk behind his hand.
"Haha! Look at her!" Amari doubled over, tears in her eyes. "She looks like she just got run over by a wagon. Ooh, here comes a granny!"
"Shouldn't you care more about your sister?" Rachel asked, frowning.
"Nope," Amari said simply, still laughing.
The old granny stomped toward me with a fan raised like a weapon. Before I could react, WHAP! WHAP! WHAP! She smacked me repeatedly, her strikes faster than some soldiers I'd fought.
"Please! Help me! Sis? Zagan? Rachel?" I shouted, shielding my head as the granny's fan cracked against me again and again.
"You're just like your mother sometimes," Zagan said calmly, ignoring my suffering.
(Time skip – later)
'I am done with this shit,' I thought bitterly, rubbing my sore head as we finally exited the station.
"All I'm saying is you guys could've helped me get rid of the granny," I grumbled, dragging my hands through my hair and pulling out splinters of fan.
"Why would we? It was hilarious," Amari said, still laughing. "She even broke her fan on your skull!"
"Yeah, and then I had to buy her a new one," I complained, glaring at her. "Rachel, help me out here."
Rachel covered her smile politely. "I have to admit… the granny was funny."
I gasped, clutching my chest. "I feel betrayed."
"Whatever," I muttered, flicking the last shard of fan from my hair. "Where are we going now?"
"We're going to Techo," Amari said with a grin.
"Techo? Seriously? That guy needs help with naming things." I shook my head.
"Actually, the twins named it," Amari corrected with a wry smile.
I groaned. "Figures. Guess they do have something in common."
"Well, let's go. Follow me," Amari said, leading the way.
"Okay," we all echoed, trailing after her.
"Ooh yeah," I said suddenly, glancing at Rachel. "Is your brother also a half-breed?"
"Daren?" Rachel tilted her head, then shook it. "No. We aren't blood-related. I was adopted when I was a baby."
"I see."