Children of The Spheres

Chapter 8: Ghost Town

"Attention, passengers. As we approach Sylvanis Abyss, we'd like to inform you of some safety measures in place due to recent incidents reported in the area."

I exchange a glance with Shiro. Incidents?

The announcement continues. "Over the past seven standard days, there have been reports of children going missing. The Nexus Alliance is conducting thorough investigations and has increased patrols to ensure public safety. We advise all travelers to adhere to the following guidelines: avoid walking alone at night, stay within monitored zones, and only use verified transport services. Your cooperation is appreciated."

Murmurs ripple through the maglev's cabin, and I frown at the announcement. Missing kids... That's weird. I feel a flicker of unease, but quickly suppress it.

Shiro raises an eyebrow. "That's... unsettling."

"Timing's suspicious," I say, my grip tightening around the lighter I've been playing with. The idea of children disappearing stirs something raw inside me. We've lost someone too, and the thought of others going through that pain...

"You think it's them?" he asks, eyes narrowing. "The Vossks?"

"Could be." I glance out the window. The blurred landscape streaks past as the train glides along its magnetic rail, fields of towering bioluminescent flora illuminating the night.

A woman sitting across from us leans forward, her voice a nervous whisper. "Are you two heading into the Abyss aswell? Do you think it's safe?"

I glance at her. Middle-aged, worn down. Probably doesn't get out much, judging by the tremor in her voice.

Shiro gives a casual shrug. "This is a major Nexus Alliance world, no way they're not taking this seriously. You'll be alright." He flashes a half-smile, trying to ease the tension.

She doesn't look convinced, but nods anyway, sinking back into her seat.

Eventually, train begins to slow, the magnetic hum beneath us fading. We pull into the station, the smooth deceleration almost unnoticeable. As we step off the maglev, the doors slide open with a hiss, and a thick wave of humid air greets us—familiar now, but there's a new scent of damp earth to it. Probably because it's a subterranean city.

The platform is bathed in soft green-and-blue tones from the glowing plants that line the cavern walls. I catch the scent of something burning—cheap street food cooking a little too long. A pair of kids run past, chased by a parent, her eyes wide with worry. The announcement's clearly got people spooked. Above, transparent tunnels of water wind through the cavern ceiling. Normally, the station would be bustling with activity, but today it's different—there's a quiet that shouldn't be here.

"Place feels dead, like a ghost town," Shiro mutters as we leave the station.

"Fear does that," I reply. Though, there's no real reason to be scared. The announcement said only children were being taken. Then I catch myself—have I really gotten that cold?

Nexus Alliance guards, clad in their standard green-and-gold armor, stand at every corner, their faces obscured by helmets. At least they're taking the situation seriously. But even though they're here to protect us, I can't help but feel fidgety around them all—side effect of not being the most law-abiding individual, I suspect. And I'm also still on edge since the NATC heist.

As we make our way deeper into the city, Shiro breaks the silence. "But why kids?"

I glance at him.

"I mean, what's the point in taking children? Makes no sense." His tone is quieter now, thoughtful. "If you're just out to cause trouble, there's a lot easier ways than snatching kids."