A/N: Hello. :) I just realized I forgot to mention that Amber will be voiced by Mae Whitman in this story. And there will be a sort of surprise near the end after the group get out of this car. Enjoy. :)
Infinity Train X Glitch Techs
Book Three: Chapter 3: The Debutante Car
It all started in the undersea car with a red door in view, only it wasn't underwater, but rather decorated with bubbles to give it an underwater-like atmosphere. Simon walked up to notice one of the bubbles with a shell in it, smirked, and was about to grab it when Glad One spoke up.
"Do be careful. Those shells can have quite a feisty...", Glad One began before the bubble popped with the shell ready to bite as it did so, but missed as Simon pulled his hand back.
"Bite.", Glad One finished.
"Rookie move, buddy.", Grace chuckled.
"Whatever. Battle scars give a man character.", Simon responded.
"But what kind of characteristics? Those of a hero? Or those of a villain?", Sad One asked.
"Nobody asked you, false conductor.", Simon retorted annoyedly.
"I was just asking a question. Jeez...", Sad One sighed as One-One rolled away.
Meanwhile, Hazel was giggling as Tuba helped her up toward a leaf with Tulip, Jesse, Lake, Miko, Five, and Amber watching along with Gummi, Alan Dracula, and One-One, who rejoined the group.
"So, when are we taking out that Null?", Simon asked.
"Well, it's big and would put up a serious fight. And we could lose Hazel if we attack it. And not just because of how defensive Tulip and the others are for denizens, either. She's too attached. I mean, when you first got on the train and that Null of yours...", Grace began before Simon refrained her from going any further as he sighed before Grace continued.
"Anyway, brute force can get so boring. Am I right? We got time.", Grace assured.
Then, the two walked toward Hazel and the others just as the girl found a piece of seaweed with flies inside bubbles flying around it.
"We made a new friend. This is Louie. He's a good sort. But barking mad.", Hazel introduced.
Then, Grace and Simon turned to each other before the former spoke up.
"What a coincidence! We have a friend named Louie in the Apex.", Grace grinned.
"The Apex is a country where you're from?", Hazel guessed.
"The Apex isn't a place. It's a special secret force of kids.", Simon spoke.
"Yeah, that's right. In the Apex, we fight for our rights as passengers because an evil robot named One-One has taken over the train.", Grace responded.
"An evil robot?", Hazel puzzled.
"Yep. See, the true conductor was a man who wore a big, black helmet with a red wave in it.", Amber responded.
"He has the highest number in the world and even saved my life once. So, we wear the red wave on our faces to honor him. He built the train for humans.", Grace spoke.
"But no one knows where the true conductor is now. And One-One is trying to get rid of all the humans on the train. Ever since he took over, kids have been disappearing when their numbers go down.", Simon spoke, making Hazel gasp.
"Is that true?", Hazel asked, turning to One-One.
"Not exactly. When it reaches 0...,", Sad One began.
"Poof. Away you go.", Glad One added.
"To be clear, that's a good thing.", Sad One added.
"Huh?", Hazel puzzled.
"Where do the children go?", Tuba asked.
"Well, they just go back home, along with the knowledge they've learned themselves so they can be better people. I know because I went in the train three times now. First time was because I needed some help. The second was because a friend needed my help and I wanted to help that person. And the third time was because One-One needed us to help the Apex, in spite of the fact that they like to hurt people who never did anything wrong to them.", Tulip responded while glaring toward Grace and Simon.
"Now, I'm confused.", Hazel responded.
"It sounds like you both need to work things out.", Tuba guessed.
"Exactly. That's why I brought them here.", Glad One grinned.
"The point is, I have the highest number just like the true conductor did. So, I'm the leader of the Apex. I make sure everyone's number stays high.", Grace assured.
Then, Hazel turned to Tuba excitedly.
"Can I be in it?", Hazel asked with Tuba and the others unsure, especially One-One.
"Hmm. Well, Apex kids are all really special and really brave. Hmm...", Grace spoke as Hazel jumped a bit excitedly.
"Yeah, maybe someday.", Grace responded as she stood up.
"Someday...", Hazel grinned.
"Uh, should we be worried about this?", Jesse asked.
"I...I don't know.", Tulip sighed.
Later, she and the others were walking out as Tuba and Hazel sang a song.
Tuba: Don't be a worry, baby
No need to hurry, baby, when you're with me
Hazel: Just take it easy-peasy, my little lemon saueezy,
'Cause you're with me
When they finished, Hazel leapt off of Tuba and onto the ground.
"That's cute.", Grace grinned.
"Yeah. Just as cute as Gummi. Where'd you learn to sing that?", Tulip asked as Gummi squeaked a couple of time looking to the left and then to the upper right.
"Tuba used to sing it to her kids, but I added the easy-peasy part.", Hazel stated.
"Kids? That sounds delightful. Could you introduce me to them?", Glad One asked.
"Or better yet, go back to them at some point?", Simon asked.
"N-no...", Tuba sighed.
"Why not?", Jesse asked.
"Remember that sabertooth wolf glitch we fought when we first met?", Tuba asked.
"Yeah. Why?", Miko asked.
"Because...because it killed my children...", Tuba sighed.
"It did WHAT?!", Tulip and Lake exclaimed before turning to each other in puzzlement.
"I was the only one left after its surprise attack. I...am on my own now. Or, at least, I was..., until Hazel and Alan Dracula turned up one day. They stuck with me ever since.", Tuba responded.
"Wow. That's pretty tragic.", Sad One spoke.
"At least your kids can Rest In Peace now that we captured that glitch. It won't be bothering you or anyone else anytime soon.", Five assured.
"Also, you're with us.", Hazel added as she hugged Tuba before she rested her hand on Hazel's head.
"Of course.", Tuba grinned.
When they went inside the next car, it looked like some sort of ball room with anthropomorphic, fancy sea creatures dancing with one another as far as the eye could see.
"Oh! That must be the debutante car. It's quite fancy.", Glad One stated.
"How so?", Amber asked before a voice suddenly rang out.
"Stop!", the voice spoke before the group looked up with the apex bracing themselves before they noticed a talking chandelier.
"Stop right there! What do you think you're doing?", the chandelier asked.
"Simon, get to higher ground. I'll find its...", Grace urged before Tulip waved her off.
"At ease, soldier. I'm sure it's gonna tell us off about our clothes.", Tulip assured.
And sure enough, he did as he examined Grace's clothes.
"You aren't even dressed. I can't present you in such a state. Where are your escorts?", the chandelier asked.
"Simple. You're looking right at 'em.", Lake spoke, gesturing to herself, Tulip, Jesse, Miko, Five, Atticus, and One-One.
"Nice to meet you, sir.", Atticus bowed.
"Charmed, I'm sure.", the chandelier responded.
"Yeah, but that's not the point. We don't even need escorts anyway. Where's the exit?", Grace asked before the chandelier went up back to the ceiling.
"The exit makes itself known only to those who've entered society. You all must have a debut. Procedures must be followed. Oh, I'll take you to the cotillion room to learn the waltz.", the chandelier spoke before tossing one of his ornaments aside toward the ground before it landed, but it didn't shatter.
Instead, it lit up like a flame and transformed into a mini version of himself with arms and legs, not to mention a fancy suit.
"Follow me, if you will.", the chandelier spoke before he then turned around and walked up the stairs with Tulip, Jesse, Lake, Atticus,
"Oh, that's right, I forgot. The chandelier can be a sort of stickler when it comes to clothes at times.", Glad One spoke.
"And you didn't even think to tell us?", Amber glared, raising her eyebrow.
"Yeah. It just crossed my mind.", Sad One responded.
"What now?", Simon asked before Grace made a raspberry sound before speaking.
"We'll play along for Hazel's sake.", Grace spoke before Simon groaned.
Later, the whole group walked, following the chandelier, who gestures to the paintings on the wall.
"Former debutantes. All paired off now.", the chandelier stated.
"Great, look at that, good for them.", Grace spoke flatly.
"Come on, can't you at least try to pretend you're happy?", Lake asked.
"Nerp.", Grace responded before Lake gave a groan in response.
"Well, here we are.", the chandelier spoke.
"Huh. Nice cotillion.", Tulip grinned.
"Yeah, no kidding. I remember going somewhere like this once to celebrate my uncle's wedding. It was great. There was even an assortment of soda with flavor shots, some cake, you name it.", Jesse stated as the rest entered inside with Grace and Simon being the last to enter.
"I'll be back to collect you all later, so follow the feet, learn the steps, no mistakes, or you'll be trapped here until the next time. Then, the next time, and the next. Okay, cheerio.", the chandelier warned before closing the doors behind them.
"Wait, did he just say 'trapped'?!", Amber exclaimed.
Then, Grace quickly went to the door and tried to open the door.
"Hey! You can't leave us in here!", Grace shouted.
"This is what happens when we play by train rules.", Simon spoke, not surprised.
After Grace stopped banging on the doors, she took a deep breath and looked up to the ceiling.
"So, now, what do we do?", Amber asked.
"Ceiling panels might budge. I'll take lead, you go in and...", Grace began before Hazel spoke up.
"Let's learn the dance!", Hazel shouted before Grace gave a sour look on her face before speaking up.
"Hazel, you are so sweet, but here's the thing about life on the train.", Grace began before Tuba interrupted.
"It is smart to try what we know can work.", Tuba spoke.
"Mm. Thank you for the input, but...", Grace began before Hazel interrupted.
"If we don't dance, we can't get back to the Apex. And we have to, so I can be in it!", Hazel shouted.
"You shouldn't even be anywhere near those monsters!", Jesse exclaimed.
"Huh?", Hazel puzzled in fright.
"The last time we met the Apex, they tied up my friend Alan Dracula and tried to wheel Lake for no good reason at all!", Jesse exclaimed.
"Hey, it was because that Null was trying to trick you.", Simon retorted.
"That's a horrible half-baked lie/excuse and you know it!", Jesse snapped back.
"Whoo! Way to tell him off, Jesse!", Miko cheered.
"Woof. You're still sore over that, Jesse?", Grace asked.
"Oh, I don't know. What do you think?!", Jesse retorted with a glare.
"Ooooh. You just got burned.", Sad One spoke up.
"Listen, I know you're doing this because you wanted to be noticed, but there are other ways of doing it. And what you did, it rather, tried to do back then, it wasn't the right way to go about it. If you still want to recruit Hazel for the Apex, we won't stop you, but you at least need to change the direction you're going. For her sake.", Tulip added, gesturing to Hazel, who grew a bit anxious and worried.
"It might be worth considering.", Amber agreed before Grace then cautiously looked back at Hazel.
"So, if I make a few adjustments when we get back, would you...still want to join the Apex?", Grace asked.
"I can be special and brave. I promise.", Hazel assured.
"Well, there's your answer. I guess.", Lake spoke before Grace lifted up Hazel's bang.
"Huh?", Hazel puzzled.
"Okay.", Grace spoke before sighing.
"We'll cover our bases. You go through the vents and look for another way out. I'll learn the dance.", Grace suggested.
"I don't like this, Grace. These nulls are a bigger threat than they seemed.", Simon spoke.
"Even more than Zenith and Polaris?", Grace asked in retorsion.
Simon then sighed in response before taking off his harpoon pack and setting it aside so he can climb up and look for another way out through the vents as Grace turned back towards Tuba, Hazel, Amber, Tulip, Jesse, Lake, Miko, Five, Atticus, One-One, and Alan Dracula as the little girl grinned joyfully before Grace took another deep breath.
"So..., let's learn this dance.", Grace spoke.
"So, how does this work?", Amber asked.
"We follow the feet. This is a ballroom dance. Some of the steps are backwards. We have to be partners.", Hazel suggested as Grace looked down to notice her feet on the prints.
"You're right.", Grace spoke in amazement.
"Astounding. How do you know all this?", Atticus asked.
"I took classes.", Hazel responded.
"Do you have one of those intense dance moms or something?", Grace asked, puzzling Hazel.
"Dance moms?", Hazel asked.
"Yeah. Puts you in contests to win trophies, makes you wear super tight ponytails, gives you too much sugar.", Grace responded.
"I...don't know.", Hazel responded.
"You...don't know?", Grace puzzled.
"But what about your dad?", Tulip asked.
"He was...", Hazel began before she found herself stumped.
"Ugh, I don't know!", Hazel groaned before running back to Tuba with a slight sob before hiding behind her arm.
"She...can't remember anything about them, can she?", Five asked before Tuba only shook her head.
"If I had to guess, I'd say that Hazel has quite a case of amnesia.", Atticus spoke.
"An extremely long-term case, that is.", Sad One added.
"Oh, no. That's terrible.", Miko groaned as Gummi squeaked sadly.
"Okay. That's okay. Hey, I had dance lessons, too.", Grace spoke.
"You did?", Tulip, Lake, Jesse, Miko, and Five puzzled.
"Yeah?", Hazel asked.
"Yeah, all kinds. Tap, hip-hop, ballet.", Grace assured.
"Couples do ballroom as a fun bonding activity.", Hazel spoke.
"Uh, yeah, I guess so. I never did ballroom, though. I didn't go to classes. I had private instruction.", Grace responded.
"No other kids?", Hazel asked as she climbed off Tuba and went closer to her.
"Yeah. My mom and dad were all about 'learning from the best', which always just meant I was alone.", Grace responded.
"How bad was it?", Amber asked.
"One year, my instructor put me in her group class recital, but my parents couldn't come and the other girls in the class didn't know me, so...they didn't invite me to get ice cream afterwards.", Grace responded.
"That sounds terrible.", Sad One spoke, feeling bad for her.
"You know what? Forget them! Those kids who didn't invite you just because they didn't know you are just a bunch of jerks.", Lake spoke out.
"Mainly because they refused to make the effort to get to know you.", Jesse added.
"Yeah. What he said.", Lake responded.
"Right? They were just jealous because I was way better than them, which got so...boring. So, I quit.", Grace responded before Hazel grabbed her hand with hers.
"It's okay. I don't know any other kids either.", Hazel whispered before Grace grinned just as Simon climbed out of the vents and fell down.
"Simon!", Grace shouted as she and the group caught up.
"Easy, now. I got ya.", Amber spoke while helping him up.
"What happened back there?", Jesse asked.
"Apart from falling down, that is.", Sad One interjected.
"I looked for a way out of the building. Guys, there's literally nothing out there. It's just a black void.", Simon reported.
"Okay. Let me think.", Grace spoke before she came up with an idea as Hazel looked up with a smirk.
"Well, the dance is our obvious option right now.", Grace spoke.
"But...", Simon began.
"No buts! The dance is out only way. And besides, aren't you and Grace perfect for each other?", Jesse asked.
"He does have a fine point, you know.", Atticus agreed before Grace offered Simon her hand.
"Yeah. So, be my partner already.", Grace added before Simon blushed, turned his face and took her hand to get back up.
Later, as the others were getting ready, Tuba and Hazel were helping Grace and Simon with their dance before the two started dancing with Tuba and Hazel dancing along with Tulip & Miko, Jesse & Lake, Amber & Five, Atticus & Alan Dracula (who was supplied with grass by Lake), and even Glad One & Sad One.
"You know, we're not half bad at this. Must be all the drills we run together.", Simon blushed.
"Sure. What's a little box step when you've taken the head off a 6-foot vulture together?", Grace responded.
"I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that.", Jesse spoke a bit nervously.
When the dances was complete, the blue arrow suddenly emitted a small, golden flame all around, signifying the dance's completion with Grace and Simon shielding their eyes.
"It's quite beautiful, isn't it?", Glad One asked wistfully.
"Just be careful where you step, though. Just in case.", Sad One added before the flames went out just as the chandelier opened the doors.
"It's time, my lovelies.", the chandelier announced.
Later, Tulip was now in a green, frilly dress with Amber, Lake, and Grace in similar dresses, but with the former's dress being dark blue, Lake's being short and black, and Grace's being pink while everyone else, except Atticus, Alan Dracula, and One-One, were in their tuxedo suits with Atticus and Alan Dracula wearing bow ties with Glad One wearing a top hat, Sad One wearing a small, white dress with a tiara, Tuba wearing a corset, and Hazel wearing a tuxedo that was too big for her size and a top hat on top of her head.
"I present to you as their entrée into society, The Mighty Tuba, Atticus, King and Uniter of the Cardigans and the Pembrookes, Alan Dracula, One-One, Hazel last name unknown, Tulip Olsen, Jesse Cosay, Lake last name unknown, Miko Kabuto, Hector 'High Five' Nieves, Amber McWright, Simon Laurent, and Grace Monroe.", the chandelier announced before the group then stepped down the stairs and found themselves underneath the spotlights and curtseyed.
"And now, the couples will take their first dance together.", the chandelier spoke before the music started playing as the dance began.
When it did, all partners danced together in tune with the music, dazzling the crowd as Simon pushed Grace back gently and pulled her back in with Grace giving a grin, astonishing the crowd as Jesse and Lake just so happened to be doing so as well with One-One dancing with himself by technicality.
"What a handsome, young man.", the crowd member spoke.
"And that metallic girl is looking quite radiant, too."
"I must introduce my nephew to her.", another spoke up.
Meanwhile, Tuba and Hazel danced along the steps with the latter running around in a circle as Atticus and Alan Dracula were doing so as well.
"Are those a gorilla, a corgi, and a deer?", the crowd member spoke.
"I don't know, but they're stunning.", another interjected.
"I think that one's a little young.", another added.
"Shh, please!", another responded.
Then, once the dance was over, the group found themselves with each other before the crowd applauded and moved away from where the spotlight was shining, revealing an exit door.
"Finally.", Simon grinned before he and the others took off their fancy attire.
"Whoo-hoo! We did it!", Hazel cheered.
"No, Hazel. You did it.", Tulip grinned.
"That's right. We would never have learned the dance without you.", Grace agreed as she took the top hat off her head and tossed it, not knowing that it nearly hit Tuba, who dodged it with a flat grunt.
"You know, Simon, I think she's ready.", Grace spoke as she got out the lipstick.
"Is it going to be okay with you guys?", Hazel asked to Tulip and the others.
"Yeah. We have our personal opinions about them, but if you wanna join the Apex, we won't stop you.", Tulip assured.
"Yeah. We'll be with you no matter what you decide.", Jesse agreed.
"Thanks.", Hazel grinned.
With that, Grace traced a red wave on her face with lipstick.
"Congratulations. You're Apex now.", Grace grinned.
"I was brave?", Hazel asked before Grace took the hairband off as she replied with Hazel then giggling and running over her way to Tuba, even climbing up on top of her.
"Now, Tuba!", Hazel spoke excitedly.
"Oh, man, we totally would, but the red waves are for kids only. Are you a kid, Tuba?", Simon asked.
"No. I'm not a kid.", Tuba responded.
"See? She's not a kid, so we can't.", Grace responded as she and Simon turned around and walked out.
"It's probably for the best.", Tulip assured to Tuba.
Outside the car, a door opened with Hazel doing a cartwheel.
"Being Apex is so fun!", Hazel giggled.
"You wouldn't be saying that if you knew what they really do.", Tulip whispered to Hazel under her breath.
"What?", Hazel puzzled.
"Oh. Nothing.", Tulip responded before giving a look of concern toward Hazel just as Simon went up to her.
"Hey, why don't you teach me that cute song you were singing earlier?", Simon asked.
"Okay. The first part is Don't be a worry, baby
No need to hurry, baby, when you're with me .", Hazel responded as Grace looked back at Tuba, who cautiously looked at her with concern.
Then, not long after Grace got just as worried, her skin suddenly turned light green right before her number suddenly started to go down with Tulip and the others taking notice of her condition.
"Uh, Grace? Are you feeling okay?", Tulip asked.
"Yeah. You look like you're sick.", Jesse agreed.
"I'm okay, guys. Really.", Grace assured.
Despite her answer, that did not assuage their newfound feelings of concern for Grace as they only gave looks of worry toward Grace.
"Maybe it could be a delayed gag reflex.", Sad One guessed.
Little did they know that a certain man in a fedora with pistols loaded with shards was spying on them from on top of the debutante car on the outside before getting out his walker talkie.
"This is Bane speaking. I have news to report. It's about the girl.", Bane spoke.
"And how do you figure?", Zenith asked over the walkie talkie before Bane replied back from the walkie talkie Zenith is holding in the Security Camera car.
"She is starting to have a certain effect on someone named Grace Monroe. Not only did her number start going down, but her skin had turned as green as a turtle. That's all I found so far, but I have a feeling they could be of something significance.", Bane responded.
"I'll be right over.", Zenith responded before turning off his walkie talkie, pressing his fingers against his chin and pondering that to himself.
A/N: So, what'd you think? Pretty mysterious and surprising isn't it? Well, it will be made clear soon enough. For now, you can read the next episode. :)