Gaslight Trials | The Wattys2023 Shortlister ✔️

3 | A Breakfast for Champions

The late evening comes with a confident wind. It rouses the few gnarly, bare-branched trees at the Fumedge train station into a vortex of macabre dance.

We're the only two people here.

Amidst the whirring gears and the rhythmic hiss of steam, the Fumedge train station stands like a mechanical marvel, a testament to the ingenuity of our steampunk world. The station's metal arches soar above me, adorned with cogs and brass embellishments that gleam in the sunlight. The platforms that're normally bustling with travelers, their attire a symphony of corsets, goggles, and pocket watches are empty today. Pa and I stand on Platform Seven, waiting for the train to Lighthaven Capitol.

"Veda, my dear, mind the gap when boarding," Pa reminds me, his eyes crinkling behind his aviator goggles. "And keep your pendant close. It'll protect you."

I nod, fingering the pendant around my neck—a delicate clockwork trinket he crafted for my eighteenth birthday. The train's whistle pierces the air, and the ground trembles as the behemoth machine pulls into the station. I embrace Pa, his coat smelling of oil and nostalgia.

"Take care, Veda. Lighthaven's a bustling city, but remember your roots," he says, a hint of wistfulness in his voice.

"I promise, Pa. I'll make you proud," I reply.

A tattered coal-black umbrella wobbles in Pa's wrinkly hand. Vogel nests on his shoulder. The mechanical menace of a bird leans forth and gently nips the tip of my nose.

A sign that it's fully recovered, fer now. Who knows when it's gonna go on the fritz again?

"I'll send a missive to the Lighthaven Castle. It should arrive before you, explaining everything." Pa scratches his head.

He wears a scuffed top hat, and a decent black suit. The same one he had on him during Ma's funeral. The only decent one he has left. I'm not used to seeing him in this fine regalia. Moths have eaten through the pockets, but no one else knows, or sees that, but me. Pa's breeches are big on 'im, but I've made them stay with pins and an old leather belt.

Scattered shops and metallic carts surround us. On public market days, with all the trade and chatter, the station has an almost holiday feel to it.

Today, there is a certain air of grimness.

The ticket to Lighthaven might just be a one-way ticket. Pa may never wait for me at this same place again.

Never... see me return.

"Try to get some sleep on the train. You should arrive there at dawn. A bit early but... Always better to show up sooner."

I nod. We've been over this already in our hovel.

"Your official presentation will happen during the first combat. Until then, the Grand Duke won't publicly reveal the names of the Champions."

Better yet. I can slip in undetected.

"Got everything you need?"

"Yes, Pa."

Both weapons: Exo-boots and a stun ray gun, are in me backpack.

Two of Pa's inventions I know how to use best.

"Your ticket? How about your ticket?" He does a little jump, which makes Vogel comically hop on his shoulder.

"Right 'ere."

"Good. Hold on to it, you hear me? You hold on to that ticket now." He trembles.

"I will."

A lime-green centipede rushing alongside my left leather boot piques my interest.

I don't wanna look up.