[Mkguild] MK: Dust IV

[Jack Moore]

AN: Long week of work slowed me down. Still here, still posting, hope
people are reading and enjoying.

MK: Dust IV

By the time Emma returned to the station Sebastian already had two tickets.
Both were cheap, which suited her just fine. Emma wouldn’t sleep anyway.
The car was bare wood and metal. Emma and Sebastian sat facing each other
on benches so hard Emma worried they’d give her railway spine. Her tail had
to be bunched against the wood, no hole for Keeper travelers.
Emma rode a lot of trains during her time in the army. You might assume
that she would have gotten used to it. And if so you would have been wrong.
Every bump and noise from the train made Emma shudder. All the while one
thought went through her mind, 'We’re going to die in here!'
Aside from the two of them their cart was completely empty. Apparently not
many people had business in Meridian city. Those who did could afford to
travel better. Emma’s coat and small bag were both folded up beside her.
Her sword and gun were stored above her. That was for the best. Too much
movement and she might feel tempted to pull the gun on herself.

The train rocking back and forth made her close her eyes and practically
pin her legs together. Her tail kept trying to burrow through the wood and
her claws scraped at the metal. Meanwhile Sebastian was looking out the
window.
“The towns look like orange globes floating off of the ground.” Sebastian
said. His face was pressed against the glass, fogging up the window with
each breath. “They’re beautiful, like oceans of orange in the walls of
black.
“That’s the gaslights.” Emma said. Her claws were digging in to the wooden
seat rail. “Please don’t speak.” Sebastian glanced up at her.
“Don’t like the train?” Emma shook her head. “Is it the movement? Or the
rough seats?” Sebastian shifted to face her. “I’ve ridden on trains before
and never had any issue but I have read about the condition called--”
“I don’t have your condition.” Emma snapped. She glared at him, trying to
look as intimidating as an otter can. “I don’t like the train. Eli never
meant us to go this bloody fast!” Sebastian reached out to touch her leg
and she pulled away.
“I can turn into a taur,” Emma said, “And run about as fast Casabian. No
one was meant to travel faster than a horse.” The train cart suddenly
bumped. Emma shrieked. “Damn it! Slow the hell down!”
“You’d travel faster if you were riding on a dragon.”
“Otters weren’t meant to fly either.” Emma growled at him. The claws on her
feet were wearing a hole in her boots. “Distract me. Don’t you got any
cards in that bag? I’ll teach you how to play Fist.” Sebastian shook his
head.

“I don’t carry cards with me. I don’t have time for them.” He said.

“Say what?” Emma asked. “Who doesn’t have time to learn Fist?” Sebastian
raised a hand. “Seriously? What did you do for fun?”

“I studied.” Sebastian smiled now. “I read a lot. History especially.” He
began rummaging around his bag. “What do you know about Metamor Keep?”

“That I don’t want to be there.”

“Then you know all the wrong things!” Sebastian by now was up to his
elbows, still going deeper into the bag. “I know it’s in here somewhere!”

“Damn,” Emma whistled, “You weren’t kidding about that bag being infinite
were you?” He shook his head. “Where did you get it from?”
“A gift.” Sebastian said. He emerged from the bag, pulling a large leather
book from within. “A gift from the most wonderful man I ever knew.” Before
Emma could look at the cover Sebastian was flipping through it.
“Well, you are a descendant of those from Metamor.” Sebastian said. His
eyes scanned each page as they flew by, looking for one specifically.
“Really?” Emma asked with mock surprise. “Being an otter I never would have
guessed.”
“Well I assure you,” Sebastian said, missing the sarcasm completely, “Your
ancestors came from Metamor. But it’s more than that though.” He said. His
voice began to rise in pitch, “You asked me why I came for you
specifically?”
“You told me you needed a scout and I had a good reputation.” Emma said,
leaning forward. “Are you saying there's another reason?”
“Well, I had heard of your reputation.” Sebastian said with a smile. “But
you are special Emma. At least to me.”
BANG! The loud sound of the door separating the train cars interrupted
Sebastian. A woman wearing a black and white porter’s uniform stumbled out.
She had a fake smile pasted on her face.
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