Across the Ether

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

Lance awakens to the gentle sway of the train and the soft glow of the Etheric Stream filtering through the cabin windows.

His head feels heavy, and there's a dull ache throughout his body that he can't quite place. As his eyes adjust to the dim light, he realizes he's back in his cabin, nestled comfortably in the plush bed.

A warm weight presses against his side. Turning his head, he sees Rail sitting beside him, concern etched across his face. Rail is cradling Lance gently, his hand resting gently on Lance's shoulder

"You're awake." Rail says softly, relief evident in his voice.

Lance blinks, his memories hazy. "What happened?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper. "The last thing I remember is...being in the dining car with you and Aunt Pearl."

Rail offers a reassuring smile.

"You fainted when the Unchained appeared. It was a lot to handle. But don't worry—we managed to stop them."

Lance tries to sit up, and Rail quickly adjusts the pillows behind him for support.

"The Unchained...are they gone?" Lance asks, searching Rail's eyes for answers.

"Yes." Rail nods. "They're gone, the Enzo Express is safe."

There's a brief silence as Lance processes this information. "I'm sorry." he murmurs. "I wasn't any help at all."

Rail squeezes his shoulder gently. "You have nothing to apologize for. The Unchained are powerful creatures. It is understandable that it was overwhelming."

Just then, the cabin door opens quietly, and Aunt Pearl steps inside carrying a tray laden with a teapot and delicate porcelain cups. Her eyes light up when she sees Lance awake.

"Well, look who is back with us." she exclaims, her smile warm and comforting. She sets the tray on the bedside table and moves to Lance's other side. "How are you feeling, sugar?"

"A bit tired." Lance admits. "But okay. Rail said you handled the Unchained?"

Aunt Pearl exchanges a quick glance with Rail before patting Lance's hand. "Yes, dear. Rail and I took care of everything. You just had a little spell, that's all. Nothing to worry about now."

Lance senses that there's more to the story, but the gentle firmness in Aunt Pearl's tone discourages him from pressing further. Instead, he nods. "Thank you—for everything."

"Always." Aunt Pearl replies, pouring a cup of tea and handing it to him. "Now, drink this. It'll help restore your energy."

Lance takes a sip, the fragrant herbal brew warming him from the inside. "It's good." he says, offering a small smile.

Aunt Pearl settles into a chair near the bed. "We should arrive in Alkaline City soon. It's best if you rest until then."

Rail adjusts the blanket over Lance. "I'll stay here with you, make sure you're comfortable."

Lance looks between the two of them, gratitude filling his chest. "You don't have to fuss over me."

"Nonsense." Aunt Pearl chides gently. "What kind of family would we be if we didn't take care of each other?"

Family. The word settles warmly in Lance's mind. Despite the lingering fog in his memories, he feels a deep sense of belonging in their presence.

He stifles a yawn, his eyelids growing heavy once more. "Maybe I will rest a bit longer."

"That's the spirit." Aunt Pearl says softly. She stands, smoothing out her dress. "I'll check on you a bit later. Rail, dear, let me know if you need anything."

"I will." Rail replies.

As Aunt Pearl quietly leaves the cabin, closing the door behind her, Rail remains by Lance's side. He watches as Lance fights to keep his eyes open.

"Go ahead and sleep." Rail encourages. "I'll be right here when you wake up."

"Thank you..." Lance murmurs, his voice fading as sleep pulls him under.

****

When Lance awakens again, the cabin is bathed in the golden hues of sunset—or whatever passes for sunset within the Etheric Stream. Rail is still there, leafing through a magazine. He looks down when he senses Lance stirring.

"Feeling better?" he asks.

"Much." Lance replies, stretching cautiously. The earlier aches have diminished. "I must have been more exhausted than I thought."

Rail smiles softly. "Traveling between the realms can take a lot out of you, especially on your first journey."

Lance studies him for a moment. "Rail, are you sure everything's okay? I feel like there is something that you aren't telling me."

Rail hesitates, then nods. "Everything is fine. The Unchained were a surprise, but the Conductor assured us they are gone, you don't need to worry."

Though not entirely convinced, Lance decides to let it go. "Alright, I trust you."

An easy silence settles between them. The gentle rhythm of the train and the mesmerizing patterns of the Etheric Stream outside create a tranquil atmosphere.

"I was thinking." Rail begins tentatively. "Once we reach Alkaline City, maybe we could explore for a little bit together. I mean, since we are both heading there."

Lance's face brightens. "I'd like that. It's not every day you get to visit a new world."

Rail's eyes meet his, a hint of something unspoken passing between them. "Yeah...it could...interesting."

Before Lance can respond, there's a soft chime overhead, and the Conductor's voice announces that they will be arriving at Alkaline City shortly.

"Looks like it's almost time." Rail remarks, standing up. "We should get ready."

Lance swings his legs over the side of the bed, feeling steadier than before. "I suppose so."

Rail offers a hand to help him up, and Lance accepts it gratefully. As they prepare to disembark, Lance can't shake the feeling that there's more to Rail—and to himself—than meets the eye.

But with Aunt Pearl and Rail by his side, he's ready to face whatever awaits them across the Ether.