Keys of Deception

Chapter 1: Mr. Strife

Amidst the passengers, a young golden-haired man commands attention, not solely for his striking appearance but for the duality of his occupations. He wears the hats of both detective and author with equal aplomb, his keen eye for detail matched only by the eloquence of his prose. As the train hurtles through landscapes both mundane and mysterious, he remains ever vigilant, ready to unravel the enigmas that lay before him. Beside him, a figure of mesmerizing allure captures the gaze of those who chance upon him. A young silver-haired man, possessing an air of refined elegance and undeniable charm, graces the carriages with his presence. Yet, beneath the surface lies a tale untold - that of a mysterious pianist whose melodies enchant listeners far and wide. But behind the keys lies a chilling secret, known only to him and the shadows that follow in his wake - he is a killer in disguise. Together, amidst the clatter of wheels upon rails and the gentle sway of the carriage, these two figures weave a narrative of intrigue and suspense, their destinies entwined by the iron threads of fate, as they journey onward aboard the locomotive into the unknown.

The train emits steam from the steam engine, a train attendant yells out, "All aboard! The train bound for Midgar will be departing soon!" that the train will soon depart to Midgar. A young author, Cloud Strife, walked up to the train attendant, "Good evening, Mr. Strife!" "Good evening," Cloud replied, "Ah! Well if it isn't the famous author, Cloud Strife, for his famous detective novels!" "It seems you know me, yes..?" "Yes! I do, your detective novels are famous worldwide! I hate to be a bother, but will there be another novel soon to be released..?" the train attendant queried. "You flatter me," Cloud's tone was tranquil, "Rest assured, that the books are already in the works." He handed the train attendant his train ticket. The train attendant inspected the ticket before letting him board. "Everything is in perfect order! Mr. Strife! Have a wonderful evening!" the train attendant said with a smile, "You too." Cloud answered. As he was about to board the locomotive, he then caught sight of a towering figure with silvery locks, Cloud couldn't help but stare at the man, then regained composure when the train attendant asked, "Mr. Strife? Is something wrong?" "Oh, it's nothing," Cloud said, "I was just lost in thought." "Ah! I see, but I suggest you board immediately, the train will depart in a minute." the train attendant stated. Cloud then nodded as he boarded the locomotive. The same man that Cloud caught a glimpse of, was in front of the train attendant. She was a bit intimidated by the tall man but fixed her composure and proceeded to ask. "Hello, this train is bound to Midgar. May I see your ticket?" "... Here." The man's voice was eerily composed, the train attendant was stunned to hear the man's voice, but she continued to inspect the man's ticket. "Excellent! Everything is in order. if you were a minute late, the train would've left without you, haha!" The train attendant laughed, but the man didn't crack a smile, which made the train attendant tense. The man simply boarded the train without saying a word.

As a minute or two passed the train attendant looked at the station clock as it was 8:30 pm, It was now time to depart. The train attendant yelled out, "Dear passengers! The doors are closing! I repeat! The doors are closing! The train will now be departing!" she yelled before closing the locomotive doors.

to be continued...