The massive train rattled on the old rails, swaying back and forth. It's cargo nothing more than natural resources for the outer reaches of the country. Emory watched the world go by, getting tired of the putrid smell of fish and pieces of coal digging into her back while laying down. The sunrise could barely be noticed above the horizon, and she knew they were close. Though she had no appetite, Bash insisted that she eat some crackers from his pack. Emory fiddled with her moon-shaped necklace.
"Where did you get that?" He inquired, nibbling on some dried meat, and slurping water.
"According to my father, my mother gave it to me as a child. I used to live in Nightcross, a small town just north of the Pass. I never knew my mother, she left when I was two." Emory frowned at the memory, "One day, I told my father I wanted to join the force to help people. He yelled at me and kicked me out. He wanted me to be like him but just couldn't do it...I couldn't stay in Nightcross forever." Sebastian bit the inside of his cheek.
"My house was divided too, just not in the same way. My father used to train me constantly, preparing me for anything. My mother didn't like it of course. They fought a lot, some fights ending with my mother getting bruised or beaten. When he asked me to join the family...company...I refused. Instead, I applied for a job in Vendaven, as far away from Coldspire as possible." He laughed, "I haven't seen my mother in years..." He trailed off, getting comfortable on the piles of coal.
"I guess we both have pasts we want to forget about..." Maybe they were more alike than she thought.
In a few minutes, he had dozed off, leaving her alone with the memories of her mother.
Just about to doze off herself, she spotted the shadows of three missiles headed towards the train.
"BASH!"
Explosions rocked the train, sending it off the tracks and rolling onto its side. Emory bounced around the train, and she saw the slightest glimpse of Bash doing the same. She cried out in pain as she felt her left shoulder being dislocated, and a few of her ribs breaking. Her head hit the side of the locomotive, knocking her out.
After about three agonizingly endless minutes, the train came to a stop.
"Em? EM?" Bash groggily called out. Trying to move; he bit his lip in pain. A chunk of metal had gotten stuck in his thigh. He reached for the metal with shaking hands, grabbing it firmly. His breathing became shallow, as he steadied himself. Wrenching it out of his leg, he took his short sleeve shirt off and tied it tight around his leg.
Fire engulfed any signs of the exit, and smoke slowly filled the train car. Fish had been dumped out of the barrels, and the coal kept the fire burning.
Bash crawled over to a still unconscious Emory, feeling her neck for signs of life. He relaxed a little as he felt a steady pulse and rhythmic breathing. Emory had a gash in her head, and from the brief med course he took in college; Bash knew that moving her would be stupid. But, if he left her there; she would die for certain. Carefully picking her up, Bash swung her over his shoulder and used his long sleeve as a makeshift breather. He quickly found the exit, made sure Em was secured and jumped out. He winced as he landed hard on the ground, keeping Emory upright so she didn't hit the ground.
Bash sighed, examining his surroundings. They were definitely in Pinella Pass, its towering sandstone walls taller than skyscrapers. A narrow path had been carved out between the mountains centuries ago, and the railroad track went all the way to Coldspire. It's inhospitable climate and dusty unwelcoming atmosphere should have been warning bells to Bash. Of course, no one would be here, that rat lied to us! But who shot the train? Rage boiled in the pit of Bash's stomach. He needed to think of something quick, Emory needed help fast. Nightcross! Emory's father!
"I suppose we should get walking then." He paused, rethinking what he said, "Or just me." He picked her back up and carried her like someone would a child. Limping slowly, he started the dangerous trek. Emory groaned in response, fidgeting in Bash's arms and fluttering her eyes slightly. Her clothes were ripped in several places and soot-covered most of her face. Her hair had come undone from its ponytail, leaving her brown hair in frizzy curls. Even in this horrible state, Bash still thought she looked beyond beautiful, angelic maybe? He kept dropping subtle hints, but she was too focused on her work than on him. Static filled his ear, as the microphone buzzed with voices.
"Sebastian? Son? Are you there? Have you acquired the girl yet?" Holding Emory with one arm, and threw the microphone into the sand. Crushing it with his boot, he repositioned Emory and kept walking.
"I promise you, Emory. I will never betray you again."
