Infinity Train: Bryce's Story

Chapter XVIII: The Past and Future Cars

A/N: And here it is, the next chapter of my story. Now, this is where things go for a dark turn, so naturally it's not for the faint of heart. There will be some violence involved, so if you feel triggered, please take a break from reading it until you get yourself together again. And on another note, there's a surprise at the end of this chapter that you can look forward to... ;)

In the ruins of the Ball Pit Car, Atticus, now turned into a Ghom by the Conductor, was still clawing at the window. In the meantime, Tulip sat disconsolately in front of the trap before picking up Atticus' crown and putting it in her backpack. She took a look at her number three as Atticus beat at the window before she grunted while wiping her tears away while Bailey tended to Penny alongside Rexy as the little girl sat by the tube that trapped Atticus. Her head was bandaged quickly since Osore dealt a heavy blow to her head, and just in time. For if it wasn't taken care of as soon as it was, who knows how long she would've lasted? Of course, it didn't change their situation, but at least they still had one young innocent life to keep. All the while, One-One was fetching everyone their shoes as both sides of him brought over Penny's sneakers while his Glad side spoke.

"Look, Ms. Penny! I found your shoes, and now I'm a shoe-head! Who's a shoehead? Shoe-head! That's who!"

Penny couldn't help but giggle as she took her sneakers and put them back on.

"Thanks, One-One."

Penny then gave One-One pats on both of his sides' heads before the Sad side spoke up.

"I still think boot-body would be funnier."

Then, One-One went to fetch Tulip's shoes. And while he did, Penny began to watch as Bryce was hacking away at the debris that fell in front of the exit, exerting angry grunts with every strike. He was going through a lot of turmoil at the time, and at this point, who would blame him? The Conductor told him their existence was meaningless, and on top of that, he almost killed one of his friends, driving his number up halfway to his elbow (though his efforts were thankfully in vain). After a decent amount of cutting, Bryce picked up one of the debris and tossed it aside with a yell as Penny turned to her mother with a sad expression.

"Mom, what are we supposed to do now?"

Bailey was hit just as hard as well. The people in her heart always believed the Conductor yo be the one who gave them the choice to stay on the train, only to find out that it was all a lie. At least, the situation seemed to be the case. She couldn't work out if any of what he said was the truth, especially about Aden being gone. It was driving her mad, but she didn't want to show it in front of her daughter.

"I... I don't know, Penny..."

However, Rexy was quick to suggest an idea as he sprang up.

"I'll tell you what we're gonna do! We're gonna track down that Conductor, rip him up a new one, and get Ava back!"

Penny and Bailey looked to Rexy, surprised to see him so angry. With what the Conductor did, though, it's not hard to see why. His best friend was quickly captured by the steward. Neither of them could figure out why, though. Regardless, it doesn't seem to matter to him. All that mattered was getting his best friend back, which was understandable. But there was a flaw to Rexy's plan that Bailey recognized.

"But how are we supposed to find him? He's far ahead of us, by now. And who knows how many cars there are in front of us?"

"I don't care, lady! That tyrant took my best friend from me! I can't just be sitting here while he does who-knows-what to her! I just... I just want her back..."