SOUL DORM

1

So, it begins... :)

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Wake me up before you go go. 

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CHAPTER 1:

ONE-WAY

I've always seen trains as massive cradles. They have this gentle, rocking sway and soothing clinks that sound almost like lullabies. Usually, I'd nod off before I knew it, especially with the world outside the window passing by so serenely. Today was no exception; my eyes must've closed on their own. I can't even remember when I fell asleep or when I got on the train, to be honest.

I blinked, my eyes opening slowly. I was ready to stretch out all cozy-like, but instead, my arms just hung there, suspended at the weirdest angle. I must have been still caught up in the remnants of a dream; everything around me was tinted pink and purple, like someone had messed with the color settings.

I rubbed my eyes, hoping to clear the dreamy haze, and opened them again. The pink remained. So did the purple. Then, all at once, other details crashed into my awareness, making me bolt upright in horror.

Yes, I was definitely on a train, but not like any I'd been on before. The walls and ceiling shimmered with a purplish metallic glow, a bright shade of lilac. Pink cushions, a glittery floor, and flashy neon lights zipping overhead made it feel like I'd stumbled into a cosmic party bus. The air was sweet with floral scents, a gentle breeze wafted in through an open window above, and soft music floated around, perfectly capturing a springtime vibe.

Up until now, I thought I was handling everything pretty well. A train—a beautiful, fun, and pleasantly fragrant train that was a bit unusual, sure, but still just a mode of transportation on rails. But not even the best of my rationalizations could explain the purplish sky outside the window or the three giant moons keeping pace with us.

In a panic, I spun around. Unfazed by my distress, the pianist on the train played a cheerful solo. A breeze wafted through, carrying the fresh scent of spring. The tranquility was so perfect it sent shivers down my spine.

Where in the world was I? How did I get here? And most importantly, where was everyone else? I tried to remember what I'd been doing before falling asleep. Instantly, a sharp pain stabbed my temples, doubling me over in agony.

Ah!

When I finally straightened up, I figured the answers had to be somewhere else on the train, so I decided to check the other cars. But after five determined steps, I hit a snag—locked doors blocked both directions.

Unready to give up, I pressed my cheek against the window, squinting to decipher the strange world outside. To the right, to the left—everywhere I looked was a vast forest like an endless sea. Pink-leaved, plump trees swayed and stretched all the way to distant mountains silhouetted against the sky. There wasn't a trace of human settlement, not even a hint of life outside.

I trudged back to where I had woken up, feeling utterly defeated. That's when my reflection in the window caught my eye, and I stared in shock. Besides my big green eyes, nothing was left that made me, well, me.

Normally, my black hair is tightly braided, but now it flowed freely in waves, cascading down my shoulders as if unleashing years of pent-up pain. I was clad in a purple dress and a patterned jacket—definitely not my clothes. My wardrobe usually revolves around black and white denim and t-shirts; I would never choose this outfit myself. And purple shoes with matching heart-patterned socks? Eww...