MLHM- Part 2

This is the second Part of "ML:HM".
It was released on 28.01.2024.
== Plot ==
After narrowly escaping from her hometown and going on a train to Rainbow Sanctuary, Sophia finds herself in another troublesome situation. While on her way to her destination, she crosses paths with her best friend- Bridgette- who became pregnant after becoming Quinn's secret girlfriend. In addition, she discovered a group of scientists attempting to mutate a young elven girl and rescued her from the clutches of evil, receiving help from a man who claims to be a noble paladin "who only wants to help others".
Sophia's life has, as always, turned upside-down. Many things are happening around her and she has little time to comprehend them, let alone understand them. From the looks of it, a group of scientists is seeking to mutate the world's biggest population- humankind- and use it against the creator himself, all while they thrive and prosper in this wild environment... as others fight for their lives.
It is up to Sophia and her new group of ragtag companions to deal with this sudden menace before it becomes a serious threat to society.
== Story ==
Sophia sits on one of the train's front seats. She pulls out a small map from her pocket and takes a good look at it.
"From what I'm seeing here, it seems like the cartographers forgot to mark Rainbow Sanctuary on the map. Maybe someone paid them to not do it. Or maybe the place is truly secret."- She says to herself- "Either way, I think that I have a vague idea regarding its location. I don't know if I'm right or not, but it remains to be seen."
As she continues to analyze the lands, hoping for an answer, the watch on her left hand starts to beep. She takes a look at it and holds it up, wondering what is wrong. Suddenly, the hologram of Jeff the bartender appears before her, surprising the young woman.
"Goodness gracious, Jeff."- She says- "I didn't expect that one."
Jeff chuckles.
"Heh. Don't worry about it."- He says- "I just wanted to see how you're doing."
Sophia sighs.
"As good as the day I left town."- She responds- "So far, nothing bad has caught my attention. Everyone seems to be calm and the train is flying forward without any kind of interruption. And when the situation is a calm one, I feel the same."
Jeff smiles.
"I wish I could give you a drink. You need strength to overcome this journey."- He says- "But I know that you'll do fine without one. After all, you're not just another innocent, clueless maiden. Deep inside, you have the blood of a Kaos. And that kind of blood is hotter than a ragin' volcano."
Sophia chuckles.
"Aww. You're being kind again."- She says- "Don't sweat it, Jeff. I won't lose focus. As long as I still have strength left in that body of mine, I'll continue to hinder the plans of those villains. And when I reach the place in question, everyone will get to know the name of Sophia Dawson. Just you wait."
Jeff grins.
"That's the problem, friendo. I can't. I want to see you succeed, hear about your brave deeds."- He says- "Maybe a passing traveller will tell me how heroic you've been. Or maybe a kind minstrel will sing a song in your name. Until then, I wish you good fortune. Don't forget who you truly are."
Sophia nods.
"You got it, buddy."- She says- "Best of luck to you, as well."
When the magical watch reverts back to its original state, Sophia hears muttering behind her. She eavesdrops on her fellow passengers and realizes that there is a murderer on the train, attempting to take the wheel and steer the train toward a huge chasm. Such an act could kill every passenger on the iron beast, including Sophia herself, so she devises a plan to expose the culprit before he has the chance to strike.
"Hey there."- Jeff says as the watch starts to glow again- "Do you want some help?"
Sophia shakes her head.
"Shh, Jeff."- She mutters- "I'm trying to do something very important."
Jeff frowns.
"It's about the train troublemaker, isn't it?"- He says- "I've heard a few things about it."
Sophia raises her eyebrow.
"What can you tell me?"
Jeff sighs.
"I met a man with his likelihood shortly before you arrived. He was tall. Mysterious. Barely said anything to any of the patrons, let alone me."- He says- "Though he took great pains to hide it, I saw a pair of large daggers strapped to his belt and a magnum on the opposite side. My heart skipped a beat as he glared at me, his crimson eyes piercing their way through my soul, and asked for a drink, but I managed to maintain my composure and give him what he wanted. It was not easy, but I dealt with him. After than, he paid his bill and left the inn without staying. Not even for a second. Maybe we were too good for the likes of him."
Sophia smiles.
"You know what? I think that I have an idea who you're talking about."- She says- "As I entered the train, I saw a similar man close to the train master's door. He was reading some kind of a newspaper, as if trying to hide his identity and ill temper. Just like you, I pretended to get along and not anger or provoke him. I thought that he was just another wacko. Now I know better."
Jeff gives his friend a thumbs-up.
"You got this, kitty cat"- He says to her- "Bring this freak to justice and save those poor people!"
Sophia nods.
"I won't let you down, Jeff."
As the watch turns off, Sophia carefully stares at the man in question. Although he seems to be a normal person, something seems to be off about him. However, despite the fact that she is suspicious of him, she does not want to bring him to justice until she has enough evidence.
In order to get what she wants, Sophia looks back and mutters something to her fellow passengers. She asks them about the man, what kind of crimes he is responsible for and how he escaped from the law. It turns out that he is a person who has been convicted numerous times. He did similar crimes up until three years ago... and always managed to avoid execution. Many people died because of him, but his convictions have always been brief.
Carefully devising a plan to turn the wheels of justice, the young woman approaches the man and greets. When he looks up and tells her to go away, she extends her hand, as a sign of a friendly beginning. The man bedgrudgingly does so, and she immediately feels his cold touch, piercing her warm skin like an ice cold arrow. Her heart stops for a moment and she wonders what to do. Then, she remembers that she has an alarm band strapped to her wrist and carefully moves it on the palm of the alleged villain's hand. At the same time, she primes it to explode at the slightest touch of a doorknob, knowing that the villain will receive a vicious surprise.
Then, she asks him about the things happening in the world. Weather. People. Even a few useful events. When he barely reveals anything, she knows that she just found the man in question. Bidding him farewell, she takes her leave and watches as the man eyes all of the passengers with malicious intent, including her.
It does not take long for the villain to snap and make his move. When most of the passengers are distracted by a passing train, he pulls out his gun and dagger, startling and terrifying all of them.
"Fools, I got you right where I want you."- He says- "You should know that I've destroyed many trains during my long criminal career. None of those iron fiends were able to escape total annihilation. And yours will just be another piece of my grand scheme. None of you shall live to see the light of the day!"
Sophia leans close to the terrified passengers and shakes her head.
"Don't be scared, friends. This man might seem dangerous, but he's not flawless."- She mutters- "Soon, he will meet his end."
The passengers decide to believe Sophia and glare at the criminal, as if daring him to step through the door. Unfazed by their stares, he continues to aim his gun at them while reaching for the door's handle. With his wrong hand.
As expected, Sophia's plan works like a charm. The moment his hand touches the handle, the armband explodes, severely burning his hand and throwing him back. He attempts to keep himself on the train, but it is going far too quickly for him to catch up. Soon, another explosion occurs, throwing him out of the train and into a giant rock on the side of the road.
Fortunately, a group of passing policemen manage to spot and arrest the villain. As the good cops handcuff him, he glares at the train and angrily shakes his fist.
"This means nothing! You're still doomed!"- He yells- "I forced the train into autopilot mode! And it can't be stopped!"
Then, he laughs maniacally.
"Enjoy your last moments of life, peasants!"
As the train goes on, the train master attempts to stop it. However, he finds that the controls have been tinkered with, meaning that he will not be able to stop the train without some kind of help.
"Umm!"- He exclaims- "Any volunteers?"
Sophia stands up from her seat and approacher the master's cabin.
"I ain't no train expert, but I know a thing or two about mechanics."- She says- "Let me take a look, sir. I'll do my best to stop the train, I promise."
The train master stands back, allowing Sophia to inspect the faulty element.
"Just as I expected."- She says- "That freak modified the controls before the train started running. The engine is close to exhaustion. The motors shall soon catch fire. If we don't stop this soon, we have two choices of leaving this world. Either this train will fall into a giant chasm, or it will simply explode."
Jeff's hologram appears and takes a look, as well. He seems worried, but motivated.
"Given the current circumstances, I don't think we have a lot of time left."- He says- "Godspeed, Sophia. The train and its people are counting on you again."
Sophia, with the help of Jeff, starts to tinker with the controls. Though it seems like simple messing around to the people around her, Jeff knows better. She adjusts the pressure, turns off the heat system and makes the train let out a fearsome roar. Then, just as the train gets close to the chasm, she manages to connect the train's main panel to the power core. It looks like the criminal manages to break the link between the two and cause widespread chaos, being quite a tech-savvy outlaw. However, thanks to those two brave souls, a terrible disaster has just been averted.
As the train loudly comes to a halt, Sophia hears a loud scream coming from far away. She stares outside and sees the criminal, cursing at her as he is taken away by the representatives of the local law. It sounds like he is very angry that his streak has just been broken, he might even be right to do so.
"Try not to explode yourself in prison, friend!"- She yells at him- "That would be really tragic!"
Jeff sighs.
"You're a real comedian, Sophia. Huzzah."- He says- "Anyway, it looks like our work here is done. Let's hope that no more villains will try to bring down the train today."
Sophia shakes her head.
"Don't underestimate those wily freaks."- She says- "Somewhere in the world, there's always something happening. We were just unlucky to experience it ourselves."
Jeff nods.
"Right on, friend. You got this in the bag."- He says- "Just don't forget what you want to do. Your uncle wouldn't want you to give up, would he?"
Sophia shakes her head.
"Of course not."- She says- "Why would he?"
Jeff smiles.
"That's what I thought."- He says and salutes her with a large beer mug- "Safe travels, young one."
Sophia allows the train master to start the train again, then returns to her seat to check out her map again. Then, she notices that a certain outcropping has been marked with a big red X. Was it always there? Did someone else mark it for her? Or maybe she did it unknowingly? Even though she does not know what's going on, she's almost certain that this is the place that she's looking for.
"Well. This is as good of a place as any."- She says to herself- "From the looks of it, there's still a long way to go. However, I think that the train will eventually reach it. If nothing bad happens again, that is."
She looks back at her fellow passengers and smiles.
"So, everyone."- She says, as if nothing happened- "How's it going?"
One of the children looks up at her.
"Miss."- He says- "Are you sure that the bad man is gone?"
Sophia nods, trying to seem as reassuring as possible.
"Well. Judging from his current predicament, he is in no position to hurt us again. Even if he wanted to."- She says- "So don't be scared, little one. I was not afraid, and neither should you. The villain wants all of us to be sad, so let's fight him with kindness."
The child smiles.
"Thank you, miss!"- He says- "I'll remember it!"
Sophia pats him on the head, smiling as his eyes light up.
"That's a good boy."
As the train continues to move, Sophia stares at a nearby window and remembers the times when she escaped from her parents. Many times, she has rebelled against the higher authority in her family, but she has always gotten away with it. After all the things that happened to her, she wonders if her mother and father can forgive her again. She also wonders if she can forgive herself for acting against their best interests, trying to make a name for herself while refusing to listen to those who tried to advise and guide her.
But then, she remembers that her uncle is the most pivotal figure. As long as he accepts her as a person, she knows that the rest of her family will do the same. She knows how much her mother loves uncle Geralt and has used this love to convince her that she's doing the right thing. A bit manipulative of her, but all of them know that she only wants to bond with her extended family, as well as all of the new people that she meets. Forgiving her own daughter is just another way of understanding what she wants, at least this is what Kiara has learned after consulting her brother about the girl's rebellious nature.
"Dear uncle, I miss you so much."- She says to herself- "I wonder how things are going for you."
As she starts to daydream, she says silent wastelands. Charred, lifeless trees. The skulls of people who fell victim to the warriors of the desert. She feels a sharp chill down her spine as she inspects the desolate land. To her, it seems like something that came from someone's nightmare. A no man's land where order is completely absent. And, as it seems, her family is somewhere out there.
"I understand."- She continues- "Then I'll do my best to bring you back."
When she comes back to her senses, something noteworthy catches her attention. She turns around and stares at the window to the right, watching as a young girl attempts to escape from a group of deranged lab coats. Those science-loving freaks seem to be trying to catch her, and if nothing is done, they might even succeed.
Understanding the nature of the situation, Sophia rushes to the train master's cabin. Without hesitating, she slams the door open and pleads him to stop the train, reasoning that there is a person in danger.
"Lady, this is not very smart of you."- He says- "I know that you want to save every person in need. However, if we do stop the train, we're the ones who endanger themselves. What if a passing group of vagabonds sniffs us out? Or a wild animal finds its way in here? Are you going to-- "
Sophia shakes her head.
"This wasn't a request! It was an order!"- She yells- "Stop the train!"
The train master raises his eyebrow.
"Now wait just a minute, young lady."- He says- "This isn't the right way to talk to your superiors-- "
Sophia angrily pushes him away.
"I said we need to stop the train!"- She yells- "Now!"
Without asking for his consent, Sophia uses her inner strength to pull the reins of the train and forcefully puts it to a halt. The passengers are slightly confused, but fully understand when Sophia explains the problem.
"Just be back before the engines get cold."- The train master says- "It'll be hard to launch this thing again, if it happens."
Then, he places his hand on her shoulder.
"Oh. And, please be careful."- He adds- "You already saved us once. Being a hero's your thing, but don't risk your sanity for someone who might not even be grateful."
Sophia smiles.
"Spoken like a true appreciator."
Sophia's words leave the conductor a little shaken. After all, he is the epitome of the person he is envisioning. Being too blind to see himself, he finally understands what she meant when she said those powerful words.
All of the people in the train watch as Sophia leaps out of the train and heads for the woods, hoping to get to the young girl before her hunters manage to capture her. It is clear that's quite foolhardy, facing the challenges ahead of her with a heart of fire. However, she might just be throwing herself into the lion's mouth without even knowing it. Is it a risk worth taking? Even Sophia herself doesn't know the answer.
Just as she runs forward, another young woman jumps down from the train. From the looks of it, she seems to be in an advanced state of pregnancy. And yet, she is running as fast as her big legs can take her, ignoring her abdominal pain like a true hero.
"Hold on, lady! You should stay where you are!"- The conductor exclaims- "It's dangerous out there! Come back!"
The blue-haired maiden looks back and shakes her head.
"This is my friend! I can't just let her go!"- She yells- "I have to bring her back!"
All of the passengers watch, stunned, as the young woman stumbles into the woods, running after Sophia. She seems to be a good friend of hers who recognized her after she ran outside. But why would she take a risk to help her out? Is she that dear to her?
It doesn't matter, though. Both Sophia and the girl are on the run, without even knowing it. Soon, they shall reach the damsel in distress. What happens next... depends on them.