The market was a bustling hive of activity, with vendors shouting their wares and the scent of street food mingling with the aroma of fresh produce. Stalls brimming with colorful fruits, vegetables, and spices lined the narrow pathways, while artisans displayed their handcrafted jewelry and textiles under vibrant awnings.
Amidst the throng, Jazz and Leeland supported Gabe between them, each taking an arm to help him stand and walk. Leeland, his expression determined yet concerned, adjusted his grip on Gabe’s arm to provide better support. Jazz, on Gabe’s other side, scanned their surroundings with sharp, vigilant eyes, ensuring their path was clear.
Behind them, Keilee walked with a purposeful stride, her gaze darting back and forth, ever watchful for any sign of lingering danger. Her senses were heightened, attuned to every sound and movement, but the chaos of the market provided ample cover for any potential assailant.
“Still no sign of Rogue Resonants?” Jazz asked Keilee from behind them.
“No,” Keilee replied, her voice steady but laced with underlying tension. She then turned her attention to Leeland. “Are we still far away from the train station the Conductor mentioned in his message?”
Leeland glanced at the crowded market around them, then back at Keilee. “Not too far,” he said, his tone reassuring. “Just a bit further past the market. We should be there soon.”
“Did Professor Mackenzie mention his son?” Gabe chimed in.
Leeland just shook his head.
“How about you, Gabe, how do you feel right now?” Jazz asked.
“Still hungry,” Gabe replied with a weak smile.
Keilee laughed, overhearing them. “I already bought food, but we could eat at the train station with the Conductor. Good thing Leeland and Jazz have their wallets with them. Mine’s in the bag.” She shifted her expression to one of mock worry and added, “Now I’m worried about my clothes, my makeup, and all my IDs.”
“I’m sure the hotel staff will keep them safe. We can get them once everything is fine,” Leeland replied.
“Now, I almost forgot,” Leeland said. “Is the Resonance Key still with you, Keilee?”
Keilee glanced around at their surroundings before responding, her voice steady. “Jazz and I hid it. Before we left the building, we decided not to take it with us. It’s safer that way, in case they managed to catch up with us.”
“Do you think the Conductor will be upset with our decision?” Jazz asked.
“No, it’s wise, and I think he will agree,” Gabe butted in.
* * *
The train station was bustling with activity, the air thick with the hum of conversation and the clatter of footsteps. A crowd of travelers moved in every direction, some in a hurry, others leisurely perusing the stalls that lined the platform. The sound of trains arriving and departing echoed through the station, blending with the distant announcements of incoming trains. The large overhead clock ticked steadily, each passing second marking the urgency that filled the space. The walls were lined with worn tiles, their surfaces reflecting the dim light of the station lamps. The station felt both familiar and foreign, the kind of place where time seemed to stretch and compress at once.
Professor Mackenzie sat on a weathered bench near the platform’s edge, his posture straight but with a visible strain. His coat, once crisp and orderly, hung loosely, its fabric tugged and creased from the earlier struggle. Bruises marred his skin, darkening the usual composed appearance. A deep cut on his left shoulder was wrapped in a hastily tied cloth, the bloodstain fading into the makeshift bandage. Despite this, he sat still, the quiet intensity of his focus sharp.
His eyes scanned the crowd, unwavering and alert. The station was crowded, but he could feel the weight of every passing person, every shifting movement in the crowd. His mind was sharp, acutely aware that danger could be closer than it seemed. Kenzie could be here—if he had managed to follow them, or if a Rogue Resonant had slipped through unnoticed.
As he watched the flow of people around him, his gaze steady and calculating, Professor Mackenzie’s eyes suddenly sharpened. A flicker of recognition passed through him, and for the briefest moment, the weight of his exhaustion seemed to lift. There, among the crowd, he spotted four familiar figures—Leeland, Jazz, Gabe, and Keilee—moving together toward the platform. His heart gave a subtle, quickened beat, relief mixing with the tension that had knotted in his chest.
Without a second thought, he lifted his hand, waving it in a small but purposeful gesture to catch their attention. His eyes locked onto them, watching as they gradually noticed him. The familiar faces broke through the bustle of the station, and he could see the relief mirrored in their expressions as they turned toward him.
“Glad you all made it,” Professor Mackenzie said as the four approached, his voice steady despite the exhaustion that tugged at his frame. A faint smile touched his lips, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes, still guarded and alert.
“You’re injured too,” Leeland said, his voice laced with concern as he took in Professor Mackenzie’s bruised and bandaged appearance.
Professor Mackenzie nodded, his expression serious. “We can talk more inside the train,” he replied, standing with a slight wince as he reached into his coat and pulled out several train tickets. He handed them to Leeland, Jazz, Gabe, and Keilee, his grip steady despite the pain. “We need to get as far away as possible.”
His gaze flickered to the crowd around them, ever watchful, before he turned toward the train as it arrived.
The train pulled into the station with a smooth hum, its sleek, modern exterior gleaming under the midday sun. Passengers bustled about, some already stepping off while others hurried to board.
Professor Mackenzie glanced around, his eyes scanning the crowd before turning toward the train as it came to a stop, the doors sliding open. He stepped forward, signaling the others to follow.
They made their way through the busy platform and onto the train, the door hissing shut behind them as they entered the sleek interior. The carriages were quiet, spacious enough to allow for comfortable movement despite the occasional traveler scattered throughout.
As they found a spot, they settled into a section where the group could sit together without much distraction. The soft hum of the train and the faint clink of distant conversations filled the air, but for now, their space felt private, offering them a momentary reprieve from the chaos outside.
“Let’s start with your story,” the Conductor said. “Leeland mentioned in his message that you defeated the Rogue Resonants?”
“Sort of,” Keilee replied. “They might have survived.”
“The chase led us to a very old building, probably a warehouse,” Leeland said. “The rooftop shook, and before we knew it, it suddenly cracked. We all fell, except for Keilee and Jazz, who managed to run and jump off the building.”
“I think I fell on the second floor,” Gabe said. “The building was four stories high, right?” He turned to Leeland, seeking confirmation.
Leeland gave a nod in agreement.
Gabe continued, “I think I was unconscious for some time. When I woke up, I felt pain all over my body.” He paused, looking down at his leg. “My foot was pinned under some of the building’s structure… I think it was part of a beam or a column. It took a lot to remove it, but I couldn’t stand properly after.” He swallowed hard, the memory still fresh.“And then... out of nowhere, I was attacked with whips. I couldn’t move well enough to defend myself. On top of that, rocks started raining down on me, hitting me like bullets, and I passed out.”
“There’s a Rogue Resonant with invisibility,” Jazz chimed in. “I think it’s the same one who put the tracking device on our SUV.”
“I fell right onto the fourth floor,” Leeland said. “But then I ran into a fight—so sudden. I managed to find a way to defeat him by outwitting him.”
“Jazz and I went in quickly after we jumped off,” Keilee butted in. “Jazz suggested we hide the Resonance Key to keep it safe in case we got defeated. Inside, we fought a Gore Hound. Then we found Gabe wounded on the next floor. Jazz here is the key to our success in defeating two Rogue Resonants.” She gave Jazz an approving look.
“Just a lucky strike,” Jazz replied, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
“We kept the key in the place where we hid it, Conductor,” Keilee continued.
“It’s safer that way,” Professor Mackenzie replied. “We can get it when needed.”
“How about you, Professor?” Jazz asked curiously.
Professor Mackenzie sighed, his expression heavy with concern. “I know Kenzie has his reasons to hate me, but there’s something dark in his countenance, as if someone or something has persuaded him to do this.” He paused, looking down at the bruises and cuts on his body. “I couldn’t bring myself to attack him. All I could do was defend myself, but Kenzie is strong and managed to hit me from time to time.”
He touched a bandaged wound on his shoulder. “I found a chance to let my orbs collide and explode into a bright flash of light. I used it as a distraction to escape and hide.”
“By the way, if I may ask, where are we heading, Professor?” Gabe asked.
“I messaged a friend,” Professor Mackenzie replied. “I know they have a big rest house in Bannarue. It’s a good hiding spot as it’s a secluded place. It’s far, but a train connecting these two mountainous cities made it our best option.”
The Conductor looked at Leeland and said, “You and Lyra were classmates in my counterpoint class back when you were studying music, right?”
Leeland nodded, a curious look on his face. “Yes, why?”
“The rest house is owned by the Rosco Family,” Professor Mackenzie replied. “Marvin is a good friend of mine. It’s fortunate timing that the Rosco family is on vacation at their rest house, so they’ll be there when we arrive.”
Jazz suddenly fumbled with the ticket he was holding, nearly dropping it before catching it just in time, his face momentarily showing a mix of surprise and anticipation.
“Jazz is also friends with the Rosco family,” Leeland said. “I think I saw him talking to the Rosco Family at the hotel.”
“A long story,” Jazz replied. “But yes.” He smiled.
“I guess we could eat lunch and rest,” Professor Mackenzie said. “We’re about four hours away from Bannarue.”
“Just what I’ve been waiting for,” Gabe replied, with a hint of relief.
* * *
The train hummed steadily as it wound along the mountainside, its sleek body clinging to the edge of the winding tracks. On one side, towering peaks rose sharply, their jagged faces softened by patches of green and steep slopes that seemed to ripple like layers of fabric, as if nature had sculpted them over time. The hillsides were etched with deep terraces, their intricate lines flowing down the mountains in smooth curves, reflecting the painstaking work of generations.
As the train continued its glide, the views shifted and changed with every turn, offering glimpses of hidden coves and steep, terraced hillsides that seemed to melt into the ocean’s embrace. Each new scene outside the window was more captivating than the last, offering a quiet beauty that made the journey feel almost dreamlike.
The train eventually slowed as it approached the station in Bannarue. The once distant city now loomed closer, its charm apparent even from the train’s windows. Passengers began to gather their belongings, and the atmosphere buzzed with the anticipation of arrival.
Jazz stood and stretched, feeling the stiffness of the long journey melt away. He exchanged glances with his friends, each of them wearing a similar expression of eagerness and curiosity. They moved together toward the exit, the train coming to a gentle halt.
As they stepped onto the platform, they were greeted by the warm, welcoming sunlight of Bannarue. The air was fresh, carrying a hint of the nearby sea. Jazz looked around, scanning the small crowd for a familiar face.
“Over here!” a voice called out.
They turned to see Marvin Rosco waving enthusiastically. Beside him was a sleek, black SUV, ready to take them to the Rosco family’s rest house.
“Welcome to Bannarue!” Marvin greeted them with a wide smile.
“I really appreciate this, Marvin. Thank you very much,” Professor Mackenzie replied.
“You’re very welcome, Mackenzie,” Marvin said. “Let’s get going. You all need to get treated and change clothes.”
As they settled into the comfortable seats of the SUV, Marvin started the engine and began the short drive through the picturesque streets of Bannarue.
The drive from the train station took them along a winding road that hugged the mountain’s edge. The path was narrow and occasionally steep, winding through patches of lush greenery, where towering trees seemed to reach for the sky. The road twisted and turned, offering glimpses of the surrounding cliffs and distant valleys below. Every now and then, they passed small villages, with smoke rising from chimneys and locals tending to their daily routines. The air grew fresher as they ascended higher, and the soft hum of the car’s engine was the only sound breaking the peaceful stillness.
After some time, they rounded a final bend, and there it was—the Rosco Family rest house. Nestled on the side of the mountain, the house looked like it had grown out of the very rock it stood upon. Large beams supported its structure, and its roof, a mix of dark slate tiles, sloped gently, mirroring the mountainside. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed breathtaking views of the valley below, with stretches of forest and cliffs rolling into the distance. A stone pathway led up to the entrance, where a pair of heavy wooden doors stood, welcoming them.
As they entered, they were met with the warmth of the interior. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with soft golden light filtering through the windows. The walls were adorned with old, yet carefully maintained artwork, and the air carried the faint scent of aged wood and fresh flowers. The large living room was open and airy, with plush furniture scattered around a stone fireplace. A grand staircase curved upward, leading to the upper floors. Everything about the house felt timeless, as though it had been a sanctuary for generations, untouched by the chaos of the outside world.
They were greeted by the warm, welcoming presence of Mrs. Lilly Rosco. She was standing just inside the door, her eyes bright with anticipation, but there was a subtle hint of concern in her expression as she took in their appearance.
“Oh, you’re here,” she said softly, her voice tinged with relief. “I was starting to worry about you all. Please, come in.” She gestured for them to enter and, with a careful look at their tired and bruised faces, added, “I’ll take care of your wounds. You’ve all been through quite a bit.”
Her gaze lingered on them for a moment longer, as though gauging the extent of their injuries, before she turned and walked toward the back of the house, motioning for them to follow.
Jazz, still feeling the strain of the journey, couldn’t help but glance curiously at Professor Mackenzie. His mentor seemed to have a silent understanding with the Rosco couple, and Jazz’s interest piqued. He took a step forward but hesitated, unsure if he should voice the question that had just popped into his head.
Professor Mackenzie, noticing Jazz’s inquisitive look, gave a quiet tap on his shoulder, a small smile on his face. “Marvin and Lilly know about Resonants and Echoes,” he said in a low voice. “But that’s a story for later. First, we should get treated.”
Jazz nodded, but his curiosity wasn’t easily dismissed. “Mrs. Lilly is a doctor or something?” he asked, his eyebrows raising in surprise.
“Yes, she’s a doctor by profession,” Professor Mackenzie answered.
Gabe was the first to be treated, given that he was the most wounded of the group. Mrs. Lilly Rosco worked swiftly and efficiently, tending to his injuries with a practiced hand.
“During the time when I was still starting to decipher the manuscript,” Professor Mackenzie began, addressing the group, “I was consulting Marvin from time to time. So, he was aware of Resonants, Echoes, and even Negative Harmony.”
He glanced toward Marvin, acknowledging his quiet involvement in the ongoing research. “Marvin has been a valuable resource,” Professor Mackenzie added, “and he’s one of the few who knows the deeper aspects of these phenomena.”
Jazz turned to Marvin, curiosity still lingering in his expression. “Does Lyra know about all of this too?” he asked, his voice low.
Marvin shook his head. “No,” he replied, his tone firm but thoughtful. “We intend to keep it that way, at least for now. There’s a lot she doesn’t need to carry just yet.” He glanced briefly toward the others before adding, “Some things are better left unknown for the time being.”
“I’m a bit curious about Jazz’s case,” Marvin said, turning to Professor Mackenzie.
Professor Mackenzie glanced at Jazz before giving a slight nod.
Marvin, looking at Jazz with mild curiosity, asked, “You weren’t a Resonant when I met you at our residence, right?”
Jazz nodded, confirming Marvin’s observation.
“If I recall correctly, you didn’t have perfect pitch back then,” Marvin continued, his tone laced with intrigue.
The others turned their attention to Jazz, surprised at the revelation.
“I had an accident the afternoon after we met, Sir Marvin,” Jazz explained. “I bumped my head... and suddenly, I got perfect pitch.”
There was a brief silence as everyone processed the unusual turn of events. The mystery surrounding Jazz’s sudden gift seemed to spark even more curiosity among the group. Professor Mackenzie, breaking the stillness, remarked thoughtfully, “It’s really quite interesting how that happened.” His gaze lingered on Jazz for a moment before he added, “There’s much more to this than we first realized.”
Just then, the door creaked open, and Lyra stepped into the room, her eyes scanning the group. There was a brief pause, as if the air itself held its breath.
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