A Fractured Reflection

Chapter 3 Home

Normal Pov.

Dark clouds hang high in the sky blocking the sun from view. In a office of sorts sat a middle aged man. Said man was passed-out in his chair with a magazine on his face. He was awoken by the sound of a horn. Startled he fell out of the chair and onto the floor. Groaning he got up and looked out a window and saw a train pull up to the station. Grumbling he straightened his uniform, revealing a name tag that read 'Jim' on it, exited his office and walked over to the front of the train.

When he got there he saw the conductor coming out and greeted him. The conductor was a old man that looked to be in his 80's with distinguishing green eyes and a pair of gold wire framed glasses. He also had long gray hair along with a gray beard to match.  

Jim:"Hey Frank"

The conductor, now named Frank, turned to him and waved.

Frank:"Jim, good to see ya"

Jim:"You to. So hulling anything interesting?"

Frank:"*Shrugs* Not really. Just a bunch of crates from down south. Although I think I saw something board one of the carts last night. Think you can go and investigate for me?"

Jim:"Sure thing Frank"

With that Jim began checking the carts. So far he's found nothing interesting, just a bunch of crates. When he got to one of the last three carts he saw it filled with nothing but a bunch of hay. Thinking nothing of it he was about to continue searching when he saw a pile of hay move. Cautiously he climbed into the cart and pulled out a baton. Getting closer he jabbed the baton into the hay.

Jim:"Who ever you are I suggest you wake up!"

He continued to jab at the pile until something grabbed the baton. He barely got a glimpse of the pink claws that gripped the baton before it was yanked out of his hand. Just then something rose from the hay pile. The thing was over 8 feet tall, practically dwarfing Jim who's only 5'2 frame. It leaned closer and Jim couldn't help but shake in fear as it bared its sharp teeth with glowing pink eyes.  

Steven:"*Growls* Is there a reason your poking me?"

At the sound of his voice Jim runs away screaming like a little girl while also shouting about a 'monster' that's going to eat him. Steven was honestly a bit hurt at hearing someone calling him a monster but quickly shook it off. Hopping out of the cart Steven starts to look around and notice that he's at a familiar train yard just outside of Beach City. Seeing no other option he begins to make his way to the city. At least he had an idea of where he was.

...........................

After an hours journey he enters the residential area of Beach City. He sees people walking about doing their own thing and children playing in the streets. He had to restrain himself from just walking out in the open like any other day. Looking down he realizes that his appearance would more than likely scare the people. With little choice he stuck to the shadows to get around the city without being seen.

He moved between buildings and alleyways doing his best to not be noticed. On occasion he would almost get spotted but luckily he remained unseen. He had to thank the dark clouds above for providing enough dark areas for him to hide in. While moving he couldn't help but feel a little empty at the fact that he has to remain hidden or else he people would fear him. That brought his mood down a lot but he continued to move through the shadows.

Soon he had made it to the boardwalk and noticed that it was empty. This made him a little concerned due to the fact that the boardwalk is almost never empty. Not taking it for granted he walked out of his hiding place and out into the open. Looking around he sees a poster on the wall of Fish Stew Pizza and upon closer inspection he gasped.