It was safe to say the train was pretty packed this evening. It was crammed with individuals ranging from those in business suits home from work to students who were relishing their final weeks of school for the year. You, someone who planned to simply stare at the window and daydream, ended up garnering plenty of attention. Your plans to socially isolate yourself were in shambles.

First, it was the subtle glances and whispers towards your general direction that mainly came from teens and young adults. Then one student approached you, then another. And it all spiralled down from there. You attracted a lot of attention from aspiring students aiming to work for the AEI. You felt popular, but also a little old being surrounded by teenagers.

"Don't tell my mum this but..." A girl leaned over to you. "I think it's so cool that you have an apparition under your control."

"Right? The wolf looks so cute as well!" Her friend exclaimed.

You chuckled and gently corrected them, "He's not necessarily under my control. I work with the apparition, we're companions."

The students slowly nodded, but you had a feeling that your words didn't really sink in. Made sense considering the strict stigma on apparitions.

A boy asked, "You're not worried the wolf would turn on you or something?"

"No, I trust him. Plus, if I was granted an ability to work with apparitions that was accepted by the chairman––" Using the chairman's name to support your argument left a bad taste on your tongue, but you knew it was the best way to add more weight to your words. "––then isn't it saying something about apparitions? They can't be all bad, right? Fun fact, the wolf apparition was once a loyal puppy."

It was easier to accept Mochi because animal apparition attacks were essentially non-existence. An apparition's objective is to survive (Mochi is an example of a special case as his objective is speculated to be to protect the house of the family that once raised him) and animals typically don't need to harm humans to survive. Alastor and the kids? Yeah, convincing is going to take more than a few sentences.

The students glanced at one another. They didn't look doubtful of your words, they were thoughtful if anything. You wanted to elaborate more and talk about how apparitions are the way they are because of their strong desire to live and how it differs from individual to individual, but you had a feeling you'd only earn weird looks.

"I guess I can see that," one of them said.

"You're an SF member. That says a lot."

"Yeah! Plus, I haven't seen animal apparitions attack anyone."

You smiled. It was a breath of fresh air discussing these kinds of things with younger individuals. The elderly who were eavesdropping in your conversation rolled their eyes at you.

Yes, for the first week or so there was some stigma on your abilities. After all, society antagonised apparitions and your ability required your cooperation with them. You made a huge effort to quell some doubts through interviews and media presence. The chairman's words of praise helped you greatly, but mostly elderly and critical members of society were still skeptical. Not everyone accepted you, but at least no one was coming at you and loudly voicing their ridicules.

I can try and send a message on how not all apparitions are harmful with my abilities. Easier said than done, though.

You didn't plan on hiding Alastor and the kids forever. But for now, Mochi would take the spotlight as your apparition companion.

Eventually, the students returned to their seats. After them, a few people exchanged greetings with you every now and then, but you were left alone for the most part.

Damn, I feel like a celebrity.

So, here's the big question: what were you doing on a train? On your way to meet the seventh speciality force member, of course.

You glanced at your phone. Currently, it's 8:30 pm. You got comfortable in your seat. It was going to be a long ride.

Obviously, the seventh speciality force member didn't live in an ordinary house situated in the city. Where he resided was an area inaccessible because of the overly specific details to reach there. There wasn't even an official name for it. The Anomalous fandom labelled it the 'ghost city.' The journey to get there was shrouded in mystery. And honestly, you were probably never going to get an answer of its logistics. But that added to its appeal.

It was the place where you sent the apparitions to during the break out.

You turned around and began running up the stairs, each stride powerful. And with swift kicks from the side you broke down walls as a shortcut; it wasn't necessary, but you wanted to spite the chairman and create more mess for him to clean up. The apparitions even helped you in that endeavour and began destroying walls just for the sake of it.

It didn't take long for you to reach the rooftop. When you walked over to the edge, you thought of where you could direct the apparitions.

"Actually, I know the perfect place," you mumbled.

It was a little bit of a tedious process to get to the location, but their safety can be guaranteed. After you said the instructions, there was a short period of silence before the apparitions began leaving your side.

In the game, you eventually encounter ghost city area via plot. However, there was a way to access it early in the game. It was a little fun teaser to hint at future events. Hints were scattered across the game in overly niche areas and there was a lot of experimenting with what would and wouldn't work. The entire fandom had to work together and you were part of that mini investigation. When it was finally figured out, the entire Anomalous side of the internet celebrated.

However, upon entering the area, the game would always force Amias to leave before exploring too deep. But this isn't a game this time. You won't be stopped by a bunch of code.

9:00pm

This train line will stop running at midnight. You needed to sit tight until then.

An hour passed. Now there were only a few passengers. You continued to sit still.

Hey, are you sure you know what you're doing?

It was Alastor's voice. Yeah. Try not to talk to me anymore until I say it's fine, please.

Whatever you say.

Another hour. At this point, your eyes were closed and there wasn't anyone on the train anymore. You tried to relax your body, feel as if you were invisible. In the game, the player was required to not touch the controls and let Amias sit on the train. You couldn't just arrive at 11pm to save time, it wouldn't work. It took up a lot of time in real life since fast-forwarding time would ruin the process. You were running the game in the background whilst doing laundry to pass the time. There were fun little details such as Amias closing his eyes and trying to snap himself awake. Apparitions also began to appear beside him.

It was the exact same for you here. Though your eyes were closed, you could feel apparitions lingering nearby; their frosty air made you shiver a little. None made attempts to possess you.

Midnight finally hit. The train stopped.

Just a little longer...

A few minutes later, you opened your eyes. Immediately, you were welcomed with the sight of blurry white silhouettes that resembled passengers on a train. Some had no facial features and others had hollowed and lifeless eyes that stared in one fixated direction. An eerie silence bled through the atmosphere. In the game, this was when the creepy BG music would kick in.

Okay, you guys can come out now. But please try to be quiet.

Your apparition companions materialised the moment you finished the thought. Alec and Sam were about to greet you enthusiastically, but quickly stopped themselves and made a 'shushhhh' sound. Copper rolled his eyes at them. Alastor glanced around and raised an eyebrow.

"So... care to explain what the heck is going on?"

"Nah."

"Hey."

"I'm kidding. Why do you look like you're ready to kill me?"

You explained everything to Alastor. Of course, you omitted the whole game part and replaced it with 'it's something I found out from my world'.

"Honestly, I'm not even sure this all is." You made a grand gesture to the carriage filled with apparitions. "It's an odd space that materialises from... something. What does it reflect? Represent? Why doesn't the train conductor realise there may be someone still in the train? In the end, a lot of it is all up to your personal interpretation and theories"

Alastor folded his arms. "Tch, I wanted a direct answer."

"You probably didn't enjoy English during your schooling years, huh?"

"Yup, always preferred maths."

"Ew, maths."

The twins were quietly running around and examining each apparition, waving their hands in front of the apparitions' lifeless features to gauge a reaction out of them. Copper sighed and shook his head. You had a feeling he was trying to mimic Alastor and found that adorable. You went over and picked up the twins before plopping them back onto the seats. Those strength workouts with Lyle were doing you good here.

"Let's not disturb them, okay?"

The twins nodded obediently. You summoned Mochi to keep them occupied. God, you felt like a parent.

"Question, how are we getting there––" Alastor paused. "Huh. The train's moving."

You nodded. "Without a conductor. Spooky, right? Don't ask me how it works because I don't know."

"Wow, useless."

"Oi."

You were not amused at the subtle smirk on Alastor's lips. Deciding to let it go, you looked towards the platform display. Normally, different stations would be listed on the device. Now it was blank.

"Since we can't rely on the platform display, we need to pay attention. The train would stop periodically. On the third stop, we get off. If we don't leave at the right stop, we'll be trapped here until the next time trains run," you explained. "Which isn't horrible, but we also lose our chance at trying to enter this space again."

"You have the day off, but won't this trip extend till the next day?"

"Time slowed down the moment we entered this space. At most I'll arrive back home at, like, two in the morning."

"I'm boreddddddddd." Sam was laying across the seats, she looked like she'd fall over any moment. Suddenly, she sat up. "I know! Tell us a story!"

I mean, I am an author.

"Sure."

The twins beamed at your response and shuffled closer to you. Copper was currently leaning against Mochi (he looked like he'd melt into the wolf's fur any moment now) and Alastor sat on the seat across from you.

"It's a story between two friends, a human and an apparition. Two friends who liked the same things and laughed about the same things."

Sam giggled and whispered 'that's like big sister and us!' and Alec whispered back 'we should tell her more jokes so we can laugh together.' It took everything within you to not pinch their cheeks at how cute they are.

"However, one day the human was severely injured. The apparition's touch merely phased through the human whenever they tried to help them and they lacked time to call for someone. And even if the apparition could call for someone, humans would not want to listen to an apparition."

Actually, this story was based on an alternate universe you thought about for the silver apparition and Amias. The two's dynamic was your cup of tea; enemies, but could've been great friends under different circumstances. It was a wonderful source for angst and many people shipped them since the silver apparition was always so insistent in learning more about Amias.

Of course, you simplified the story so that the apparition kids would understand better and omitted a few things to not make it obvious you were talking about Amias and the silver apparition.

"In a desperate attempt to save their human friend, the apparition possessed their body. They were able to preserve the body and slow down the rotting process, but their friend did not return. Now, they wander lifelessly in the body of their old friend hoping that one day they'd return so the two could play with each other again." You smiled. "The end."

Everyone looked utterly betrayed at the angsty story you dumped on them.

"Look, no one specified that it had to be a happy story."

While you dealt with the whines of Alec and Sam to tell a happier story, you noticed that Alastor was lost in thought. You didn't get a chance to ask him what's keeping his mind occupied when you noticed that the train had stopped for the third time. Everyone looked at each other and nodded. Time to get off.

Your apparition companions disappeared and you got up from your seat. Unintentionally, you held your breath when walking past the apparitions on the train. Despite the fact that their gazes (some don't even have gazes) were not on you, you felt like the moment you looked away their eyes would lock onto your figure.

Stepping off the train and reaching ground, you almost thought you'd fall right through. The solid concrete was physically there, you stubbornly stared at the ground to confirm that, but you felt like you were walking on a thin layer of fabric.

After peeling your attention away from the ground, you were welcomed with a space very similar to the ghost town you encountered during the second phase of the SF trial; a reality that didn't feel quite real. Only this time there were no human residents and rather than a simple town, it was a whole city. A replica of the one you lived in.

The roads were empty, the shops were permanently closed, and the space was filled with apparition. A space isolated from humans, it was the safest place for an apparition. Anything other details you had no idea of. Who were the apparitions on the train? How was this city made? No idea. Even after finishing Anomalous, it was never answered.

So, you were here to see the seventh SF member because––one: you were a simp. Two: having this first interaction is important for future events. Three: you were a simp.

You cautiously walked across the street. All the apparitions looked like blurry white silhouettes, any sense of individuality was non-existence aside from their sizes. None paid any attention to you. The further you walked, the more you felt like this disorientated space was gradually entrapping you in its webbed net; a net that tangled an individual's perception of what is and isn't real.

If you stayed for too long, perhaps your consciousness may be lost and you'd become a wandering apparition yourself.

Maybe I should summon Alastor for some company––

"Woah, woah! You're not an apparition. What are you doing here?"

You froze. You knew that voice immediately.

Wait, wait. I'm not ready to face my favourite character yet WAIT.

You stiffly turned around as if you were some rusty old machine in desperate need of oiling.

There he was. The individual in front of you had long blonde hair and amnesty purple eyes that shone with optimism that greatly contrasted the dreary city. Standing around 182 cm tall, the male was wearing the typical black shirt most AEI members would wear under their uniform. It covered his neck and was tight on him. You had to yell at yourself to not stare at his muscles.

"I haven't seen any humans around here before. Slept on the train for a little too long and accidentally wounded up here?" His ivory fingers tapped his chin in contemplation as he observed you. You went even more stiff under his gaze. "Wait a minute! You're the one from the SF trial!"

You pointed to yourself in disbelief. Your favourite character is the one recognising you? "Me?? You recognise me??"

"Yeah!"

He smiled widely and you were almost blinded by how bright he shone. Oh my god, you could see his canine teeth. I have accomplished everything that's needed in this life. Goodbye.

"You were kind of all over TV during the SF trial," he said.

Ohh, right.

"Anyways, anyways. I'll help guide you back!"

He had already begun walking off.

"Wait! I had a reason for coming here!"

"Whatttt?" The individual shot you an incredulous look. "You're telling me that you purposefully came here?"

"Yes?"

"I mean, if you say so." If it was anyone else, they would've immediately not believed you. The blond simply brushed over your words with a cheerful smile. "Why did you come here?"

"To... uh... Come see you?"

The blond laughed. God, it was such a beautiful laugh; unrestrained and full of nothing but joy. The grey and silver colour palette of the ghost city could be painted a beautiful gold with his laughter alone. You were not exaggerating and you will not take criticism.

"Silly, we've never met before!"

You almost forgot to respond. "I mean, maybe you haven't met me. But I can still know you. Wait, no. I sound like a stalker."

Again, he laughed. You wanted to scream into your hands at how much you loved hearing him laugh.

"True, true. But here's the thing, even if you have seen me before you won't remember it the next day." For a moment you saw his shoulders drop. But he was quick to lighten up again. "Guess what? You won't remember any of this when you leave as well. Even if you don't believe me, you won't remember not believing me. Hence, I am right and you are wrong."

You thought back to the plethora of merch you had of him. I don't think I'll be forgetting you. But he looked so proud you didn't have the heart to even try to challenge his words.

Here's the thing about the young man in front of you. There was a certain condition that plagued his existence; one that made it so that anyone he encountered would immediately forget who he was the moment they stopped interacting with him. Security cameras, mirrors, iphone cameras, photos––he won't appear in any of them. The young man was a fine line between an apparition and human. Though, apparitions and humans are remembered by family and friends. He had none of that.

It was a lonely existence.

You doubted his condition would apply to you, an outsider and someone who already remembered him when everyone else didn't. However, as a precaution, you had his information written down in your book and a poorly done sketch of his face.

The blond mistook your contemplative expression for one of doubt.

"It's true! I can even call you names and you can't hold a grudge. Oh, wait. That means if you call me names I'll be the one holding the grudge whilst you have already forgotten. Waittt, that's unfair."

You bursted out laughing. The male looked confused, but was happy to see that you were having fun.

"Don't worry, I don't think I'll be forgetting someone like you."

"Then what's my name?" He puffed his chest in triumph despite the question having to do literally nothing with the conversation. "Hm? Bet you can't guess it. I know more about you than you know me. Hah."

I literally know your backstory, exact height, age, and birthday.

"Hm..." You pretended to think about it. "You look like a Kein to me."

"What––you guessed it right! Do I really look like my name?"

"Why are you so happy about it?"

"I don't know."

He's so fucking cute. "I see."

"Oh! Right, since you're here I might as well tell you." Kein took a step closer and looked at you straight in the eyes. Suddenly, you found the sky to be very interesting. "You shouldn't go against the chairman."

"Huh? Where did that come from?"

"You––oh wait, you're not going to remember this conversation anyways." He frowned. "But still! Don't go against the chairman!"

"I––huh? Why do you think I want to?"

"You look like the type too, okay? Trust me! My intuition is top notch!"

You were left speechless because he was totally right; your values and plans go against the chairman's.

"Okay, uh. I don't know what to say about that."

Okay, this was a little bad. Kein may come off as outgoing and a little air headed (you loved him for that); however, knowing his character he is dead serious about not challenging the chairman. After all, the reason why he is stuck with this condition is because he rebelled against the chairman. The next time you see Kein, you'd remember him and he'd continue to stubbornly convince you out of your plans.

You had an idea.

"Hey, wanna make a bet? If I remember you during our next encounter I win and you have to do me a favour."

"Sure! Then if you lose you'll do me a favour, right?"

You sighed. "Kein, if I lose that means I won't remember this bet in the first place."

He looked confused. You could envision adorable question marks floating above his head. Then he gasped. "You're right. Woah, you're good with tricking people. Like Elias."

"Wait, wait. Elias is far craftier and sneakier than me."

"True! Did you know he––wait, I shouldn't gossip." Kein looked around as if Elias would somehow appear out of thin air. "Anyways, why'd you make that bet in the first place?"

"I dunno. I think making it a challenge is more suitable, actually," you mumbled. "My challenge is that I have to remember who you are in our next encounter. My prize is a favour from you."

"Sure! That sounds great."

The young man took no time to consider it at all. You didn't even set conditions like 'the favour can't be malicious' and what not. Suddenly, he grabbed onto your hands. You almost stopped functioning at the contact.

"I hope you win this challenge." He squeezed your hand. "It'll be nice for someone to remember me."

You suppressed a sympathetic frown at his last sentence and replaced it with an encouraging smile instead.

"Don't worry, I have full intentions to win."



===



After all that, Kein insisted he escorted you back to the city. You wanted to talk to Alastor and the kids on the train, so you regretfully declined his offer (tears were almost spilt and Alastor had to hold you by your jacket so you didn't jump out of the train to see Kein again).

Eventually, you were back in the city and it was close to one in the morning. Entering a whole different space sapped away more energy than you would've liked. You might have to ask Elias to make you some coffee.

As you made your way back to the AEI building, you observed your surroundings. The city wasn't flooded with people, but there were still a few stray cars and individuals every now and then. There were also some services that were available 24/7 that had their building lights still on. Back in your world, you wouldn't dare to walk across the city streets at this time.

That guy is honestly a breath of fresh air.

Kein?

Who else? You can actually relax around the dude.

Right? He's amazing.

Do you have a thing for him or something? I've literally never seen you so nervous meeting someone.

You awkwardly coughed. "No."

Rightttt. Invite me to the wedding, hm?

Kein was your favourite character and you did like him a lot. Would you date him? Obviously, yes. Who wouldn't want to date their favourite character? However, the first thing you think of when you see Kein isn't 'I want to be in a relationship with him.' Your feelings aligned more towards admiration and respect rather than romance. But you doubted Alastor would believe you.

Before any sort of wedding happens I need to not die from future events first.

Why do you like him so much in the first place?

He's hot.

You're shallow sometimes, but I doubt that's your actual reason.

Wait, what do you mean I'm shallow sometimes?

You know what? I'm tired. I'm going to be MIA now, bye.

Wh.

After your conversation with Alastor, you reached the AEI building. For a moment, you wondered if it was okay to sleep by the entrance. As you made your way towards your room, you walked by a few training areas and saw some AEI members training. You nodded at them encouragingly. The AEI building never has a moment of complete silence. No matter what time it is, someone else would also be awake alongside you.

You finally reached the floor where the SF members resided. Oh my god, you were ready to collapse onto your bed.

"(Y/n)? What are you doing up so late?"

It was Amias. His hair wasn't tied in his usual mid ponytail, the length just barely passing his shoulders. Not to mention, it was adorably tousled. Speaking of adorable, he was wearing oversized pyjama pants with cat paw prints with his white t-shirt. It was a sight you didn't expect, but welcomed.

"I got back from running an errand." You were about to end the conversation there and head to bed, but stopped yourself. "Wait! Are you free right now?"

Amias was a little taken back by your sudden enthusiasm. "I was about to go get some fresh air since I couldn't sleep."

"Perfect. We can finally have our talk," you said. Despite your exhausted state, you didn't want to prolong things any longer. Who knows when you'd get a chance to talk to him? "I said I'd explain things, didn't I? You probably have a million questions about me."

"Oh! I mean, yes. But you look tired." Amias frowned. "You should head to bed. We can talk at a later time."

"It's okay, seeing your face healed me." You gave him a thumbs up. "I feel bad for keeping you in the dark for so long."

Amias blushed at your first sentence and a timid smile was on his lips. "I-I mean, if that's what you want. But please don't push yourself. Do you want me to make you something to eat so you can stay awake?"

"Thanks for the offer, but it's fine. We should talk in one of our rooms since it's the best place for privacy."

"O-our rooms?" Flustered, Amias pointed behind you. "Uhm, mine is right there so..."

"Convenient. Are you comfortable with me entering? If not, we can always either go to my room or find a very discreet space."

He smiled reassuringly. "It's fine."

Amias opened the door for you. You thanked him and entered. You weren't really shocked at how his room looked since you've literally played the game as him. It was simple, clean, and spacious; the dominant colours being white and beige. Though, you noticed that there were a lot of sewing kits on the shelves and there was even a mini library in the corner of his room.

You could customise Amias's room by getting collectables, but I don't remember sewing kits and books.

Well, you didn't come here to examine his room. There was a small round table and two arm chairs by the window so you took your seat there. Amias occupied the seat across from you soon after. Hooray for big rooms, you avoided having to awkwardly sit on the bed with him.

"So... where should I start?" You stared outside the window as if the moon would somehow pitch you some ideas. It didn't. Disappointing. "I think it'd be easier if you asked me questions instead."

Amias nodded. "Of course! Uhm... Actually, I don't know where to start either."

You laughed at the awkwardness. "Okay, I'll just get straight to the point. The reason why I know about your abilities is because––"

"Wait! Sorry, can I interrupt really quickly?"

You were a little taken aback. "Sure. What's up?"

"Once... once you tell me everything, you'll keep being friends with me. Right?"

You furrowed your eyebrows in perplexion. Were you missing something here? Why would Amias ask such a question?

"What? Of course. Why wouldn't I?"

Amias must've realised how confusing his words were. He chuckled sheepishly, fiddling with his fingers.

"I worded that wrong. I guess it's more like... uh..."

Amias was visibly panicking and you reassured him that he could take his time. You waited patiently as he composed himself. Then, a gentle smile graced his lips––his smile was so gentle, yet he also looked desperate. You tensed. What was he going to say?

"(Y/n)."

"Yes?"

"Am I... Am I more useful when I'm oblivious?"

His words were delivered clearly, but you found yourself wondering if you had heard him incorrectly. You were suddenly reminded of what happened back at the SF trial.

"(Y/n), you can use me."

You swear you almost snapped your neck with how fast you turned it around. You were so glad Cecil was distracted at the moment.

"What?"

"I noticed your concerned look... You know what to do with my abilities, right? Tell me what I need to do," he said. "And I can get us out of this situation."

You were so focused on everything else that you had almost forgotten that moment. You swallowed and chose your words carefully.

"Useful...? Amias, what do you mean?"

He was more than happy to answer.

"(Y/n), I want to stay by your side. Not just as a companion or friend, but as someone you can always depend on. And if having to explain everything to me makes things difficult or forces you to not rely on me for certain tasks, then I don't want to hear anything."

Amias looked at you, his gold eyes glowing with a sense of determination you'd normally see in a life threatening battle.

"I am completely fine with it if you only need me to be oblivious and do as you say," he said, resolve lacing every syllable. "As long as I get to be the only one you depend on."







A/n:

We are finally properly introduced to Kein! As many guessed correctly, he was the dude at the start of chapter 19! The reader's fave boy, haha. Today we expose how down bad the reader can be.

Also Amias talk? It's been a long time cominG.

also, foreshadowing with the mini tale of the apparition and human?