ASA OF NEPTUNE

chapter 004 ⚘

CHAPTER 4:

Surface Dreams

My Surface dreams...

Dani's warning echoed in Icyln's mind like a haunting melody, one she could not shake. She stared blankly, lost in thought, until a small voice pulled her back to reality.

"Icyln?"

Startled, she turned to see Cypress, her younger brother, holding onto the edge of her seat. "Cypress—what are you doing here?" she exclaimed, dragging him to sit beside her.

"Are you going outside?" Cypress asked innocently, his wide eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Yeah... but you shouldn't be here. Where did you even come from?" Icyln demanded, her heart racing a little with panic. She knew her brother was clever, but sneaking onto the train? That was bold, even for him.

Cypress just grinned, his expression playful.

Icyln sighed, shaking her head. "You sneaky little thing," she muttered, though a small smile tugged at her lips.

When the train finally arrived at Street 10, its last stop, Icyln and Cypress stepped out onto the platform. To reach the gate at Street 1, they would need to catch a cab, and they quickly did. Luckily, there were no strict rules preventing children or anyone in the tribe from leaving Kai. The truth was most people had no interest in venturing outside at all.

As they stepped out into the sunlight, the warmth of the Surface hit them instantly, like the sun's rays were pulling them closer. Their skin shimmered faintly in the light, almost as if they were plants soaking up the energy.

The Upper Village sprawled before them, bustling with life. Unlike the rest of Kai, which thrived underground, the Upper Village existed entirely on the Surface. From an outsider's perspective, this vibrant settlement was the lasts of the Finnegan tribe—its lifeblood. Here, the Finnegans farmed, raised animals, and used their magic to enhance technology. It was a peaceful place, but also one of immense strength.