Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

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...geez, talk about annoying. Who knew they could even call in literally last second to ask for a worker to step in? It's not my fault the other person got sick, why do I have to deal with more people? And it's a party, of course it's for a god damn party. I just wanna go home and sleep... Maybe watch a movie with my sister...

...ugh.

I better hurry up.

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As they walked through the entrance of the train, they were surprised to see just how all out the host went. It was clear that they cared very much about special occasions such as these (Kit couldn't understand people like that, it didn't make sense... You're going to age regardless.)

They would sigh, looking around the room more closely. It was actually very beautiful, even they could admit that. But it still wasn't worth wasting their whole day over. Their job here was to just run the train's dining car, which is honestly better than what they would usually do. (Cleaning.)

"Hello? Are you the one filling in for Barry?" They would jump, turning around to see the Conductor right in front of them. "Uh, yes.. That'd be me, sir." He would give them a warm smile, offering his hand. They would hesitantly take it...

"I apologise for such a sudden call in, Barry was meant to do their first day here, but ended up catching the flu." They would nod, moving their hand back to the side of their body. "And it really is sad that they couldn't come because of another reason too.." Kit felt their eye raise, curious as to what he meant.

"Why's that?" He gave them a quick chuckle, "well, after thirty-two wonderful years, this will be my very last day as the Conductor here!" He would quickly look around the room, a sad, but compelling smile now on his face, "It's time for me and The Mirage Express to say goodbye to one another."

They were quiet for a few seconds, they didn't know whether to try and comfort him or not. To be completely honest, they now felt more awkward after hearing that.

"Er... Well, congratulations on retirement, at least sir. Your partner must be happy that you'll be home more." He turned back to them, a more genuine happy look present. "Thank you, my wife is very excited about it. She's already got our plane tickets to Spagonia locked!"

Spagonia, huh? If Kit was remembering properly, their grandmother went there last year. She seemed to enjoy it...

"I've heard it's nice there, sir. My grandmother enjoyed it when she visited." They would force out, if there's one thing they didn't want to happen, it'd be to come off as rude. As much as they didn't want to be there, they knew it wasn't the party hosts fault, or Barry's. They were just unluckily picked to fill in for them.

"Anyhow, enough of my quibbles! You're doing the dining car, correct?" They would nod their head. "Alright, here's the menu for today." Kit would take the piece of paper from his hand, carefully looking over it, containing a gag as they saw one of the items being a "Chilidog". They would shake their head and carefully put it into their bag.

"Thanks, sir." He would look down at them, a look of uncertainty on his face. "Why do you look so nervous? The only thing we have on this train is a microwave!" Then he would proceed to laugh...

...

...They already hated this...so...much...

They would sigh, trying to keep their composure. He was just trying to lighten the mood, make them feel better. Whatever, it's fine, they will be fine. Nothing bad would happen on a stupid train like this, after all.

"Although, I'm sure a quiz is in order!" Kit would snap out of their daze, giving him another confused look. "Which of these do we serve in the dining car?" He would pull out a list, three options were shown.

• Crab Rangoon

• Spicy Grilled Picky

• Chicken Cordon Bleu

They guessed he did this to make sure they actually looked over the menu properly... 

"The "Chicken Cordon Bleu", Sir." They would say, looking him in the eyes. Eye contact...They hated it. It felt awkward, but it was also meant to be professional.

"Ding ding ding! Glad you can read the menu ok, fahahaha" They weren't dyslexic...? 

After explaining about the train itself, he finally got to what was actually happening today.

"Why, it's a murder mystery party! Nothing better than some thrills to end my tenure as Conductor." Oh. Murder mystery. ...great. They had thought it would be something far more family friendly due to the dining room alone, but they shouldn't have judged a book by it's cover.

"Guests will be funneled here to the dining car, as a home base so to speak. I'll be with you to gather tickets, but after that you'll be on your own." They inhaled, there goes the idea of just hiding behind the conductor and minding their own business for the most part...

"So I'll need you to do everything in your power to make sure our paying guests are well taken care of, understood?" They would sigh, nodding their head. "Of course, sir. I'll make sure everything goes well."

He would laugh again, "Glad this old man can rest easy!" He would now move to the side, "Doors to The Mirage Express are opening, all ab

oard!" 

They weren't...looking forward to this...at all.

Chapter Text

The train would make a loud dinging sound, the doors opening wide open to reveal a bunch of Mobians ready to hop on... Kit wondered if the first one to walk in was the host. She was very beautiful in their opinion, they could practically feel how much of a confident person she was. (That and the fact she wore a birthday cake hat kind of made it obvious that she was the hostess...)

Kit would give a side glance to the Conductor, he seemed pretty stuck on watching everyone walk in...

"Wow, this train is incredible! What fascinating tech." Said a tiny fox, if Kit had to guess, he must've not even been ten yet seemed very interested the trains... Technology? Kit couldn't notice anything too technologically good in here. (Although, they weren't the best with electronics in the first place, so that might be why...)

"You're right, Tails! I can get used to staying on a train like this!" An alligator said, an excited look on his face. The (beautiful) lady from before would laugh at that, "What did you all expect !? You know I always go all out for my birthday party!" So Kit was correct in assuming it was her birthday... She definitely knew how to choose a place, that's for sure. (She Must be rich, maybe?)

"This train's as elegant as you are, Amy. Can't promise I won't take anything though." Kit subconsciously touched where their bag was to make sure it was...well...still there. (They knew she couldn't have stolen it in such a short time, but they honestly didn't want to risk anything.)

"Calm down there, Rouge. Did I not just catch you stealing from the train station gift shop...?" Ah. Why hasn't anyone called the cops on her...? Kit just proceeded to drown in their own thoughts after that, everyone seemed to be very close to each other. They felt awkward (of course they did, they'd be left all alone very shortly with them... They never fit in anywhere.) 

They would stare at the ground, not noticing the person who was now in front of them...was he...talking to...them?

Suddenly, there was a poke at their head, bringing them back to reality. In front of them was a blue hedgehog, he looked oddly familiar. "You alright there? Spacing out isn't the best idea for ya, buddy!" They looked over to see the Conductor now chatting with the Party host, thank god he didn't see that. 

"Er, sorry about that." They would straighten their back, "What would you like, sir?" Professional...They needed to be professional. "No problem, pal!" He would say, giving them a big smile. Wow, wasn't he just the happiest thing alive?

"Can I get one of those chili dogs?" Ew. They almost found themselves saying out loud, how could anyone even like those things? "Uh, of course, sir." He gave them another questioning look, "What's with all the 'fill in' sounds? Are you nervous or something?" They would sigh, why was he talking to them still?

"Sonic! Wait until I announce everyone's roles to get food!!" The hostess would say, now next to them. He would let out a chuckle, "Sorry about that, birthday girl." Kit felt their eyes go to the side, a hint of jealousy felt deep in their chest. They wished they could have friends like...that...

...whatever, they'd probably just end up leaving eventually. Everyone did.

"I'll be comin' around to collect everyone's tickets! Please have them out and ready!" They felt a wave of nausea, they really didn't want to be alone here the whole time. They really didn't want to be here at all, why couldn't they just have declined? Why didn't they lie and say that they were also sick? Who the hell knows this much people anyway!? 

Ah, fuck. They needed to calm the fuck down.

...

They would breathe in and out. In and out.. in and...out...

Fuck man, they really needed to book another appointment for their therapist. They were getting worse again with anxiety (it had never gotten better. They just barely left the house other to go to work.)

"Kit?" They would turn their head upwards to see the Conductor in front of them, "Yes sir?" "Ah, I guess you were spacing out." He would let out a cough, "would you mind helping me grab the tickets from everyone?" Their breath hitched, that was not helping..."sure...I don't mind sir.." they very much DID mind.

"Thank you! Just come up to me when you're done." They nodded, watching him walk over to the bat who was apparently also a thief. (They reminded themselves to stay EXTRA far away from her..)

They would sigh, looking around the room...who would be the best to even start with?

Their eyes landed onto the blue hedgehog from beforehand, he seemed to be with the tiny fox and red echidna. Well, they'd already somewhat talked to him already, so they might as well get him over and done with, right?

"Uh-" they would cough slightly. Right, stop saying that.

...

"Hello, you three. Would you mind giving your tickets? The conductor asked me to help collect...them." The blue hedgehog would smile at them, "Hey again! Of course, here Ya' go!" He would hand them his ticket. The fox and the echidna would follow in suit (the... echidna didn't look very happy nor trusting of them. They felt slightly offended. They didn't want to be here either.)

"Have you met them before, Sonic?" The red one would ask, still suspicious of them. (For fucks sake, they were obviously a helper, right?) "We had a conversation earlier, was gonna order a chili dog but Amy caught me." He would let out a laugh. The fox would smile, "So THAT'S why you snuck away!" 

"I was hungry, and you know how much I love Chili dogs, little buddy!" He would turn back to Kit, offering his hand to them. They took it. "The name's sonic, by the way! And these two are Tails and Knuckles." Tails would wave at them, "Sorry if he bothered you before, Amy already told us no food by he just can't help himself."

Kit would take their hand back, "It's really no problem, it could have been worse." Tails would nod this head. 

Sonic would let out a scoff, "you're only saying that because you bring your own snacks, Tails." Oh. "Hey! 'Sparkle Gelatin' is an exception and you know it, Sonic!" Kit had to hide the fact of their eyes slightly lighting up at the mention of Sparkle Gelatin. They loved that stuff. They were almost inclined to ask for some.... ALMOST. (They'd never actually ask what looked to be a ten year old for food, though.)

They would let out a slight cough, bringing the three's attention back on them, "Well, if you'll excuse me... Just come up and talk to me if you need anything during your time here." All three would nod their head, Sonic and Tails giving them a smile before going straight back to their conversation. 

And Kit walked backwards until they were out of earshot of the three... They were about to have a fucking panic attack if that kept on going. They would sigh, looking at who seemed to be the easiest to approach now. They noticed a purple chameleon, he looked to be like the calm type (don't judge a book by it's cover?) So they decided to walk on over to him next.

"Hello? The conductor asked me to help collect tickets, would you mind?" He would look up at them and nod, "of course." He gave it to them. "Ah, thank you. Enjoy your stay here and just come over if you need anything." He would give them a smile, "Thank you very much." They nodded, walking away. Finally, someone who seemed normal. 

Just as they were about to see who to talk to next, they saw something in the corner of their eye. Interested, they walked over to it, their eyes widening in slight shock as they picked up a seemingly forgotten ticket... Someone must've dropped theirs... They uh, they're probably not doing very well right about now.

...

They walked over to the alligator. "Hello Sir, may I please have your ticket?" He turned to them, "Uh yeah, sure, of course!" He sounded nervous. "As a gentleman of upstanding morals, I'd love to show you my ticket." Scratch that, he was definitely nervous. The guy was even avoiding eye contact. 

"..."

"..."

"You lost it, didn't you?" ...he flinched before letting out a sigh of defeat, "y-yeah... I dunno where it could've-" they sighed, pulling out the ticket they found. "I found this over near the angry red echidna. I'm guessing it's yours." His eyes sparkled, "oh thank Mobias! Amy would've killed me if she found out I lost it!" Kit wouldn't blame her. 

"Yep, you're safe. Just come up to me if you have any questions." He would nod and give them a thumbs up...

They saw the Conductor still talking with the three women (including the birthday girl), so there was really one more person to do... 

Their eyes landed on a black and red hedgehog. He wore a cute little hat and what looked to be an apron. He also...looked quite...erm... How do they put this nicely? Like he'd punch them if they said the wrong thing! There! That's how they'll put it...

They looked back at the conductor and to him before letting out a sigh, they might as well do it, it'll make the day go by faster.

They walked up to him, letting out a slight cough to get his attention. "Hello Sir, would you-" he put the ticket into their hand, "here." Ah. That... Was quick.

.

..

...

He looks agitated.

"Is there anything you need help with?"

He looked to the side before looking them dead in the eyes, "do you sell gift bags here?"

They would shake their head, "Sadly not, but there's plastic bags in the back that I could grab if you really need something." 

...His stare...

...geez, he really WAS an emo.

He obviously wasn't very amused by their offer.

They would sigh, "Sorry." And they moved away from him, he probably just needed some time alone. Ha. They wish they could get that.

They would walk back over to where the missing ticket guy was, finally noticing the weird robot hand right in front of him. It seemed to be holding sweets. They wanted to try one, but knew that wouldn't be a good move. They weren't invited to this.

Maybe this is one of the technological things that 'Tail's' thought was good when they all first arrived? Not that they cared all too much... 

Actually, that should be everyone. They walked up to the Conductor who seemed to finally be finishing off his conversation with the ladies. "Conductor, sir. Everyone else is accounted for." The birthday girl would give a very happy smile, walking as to where everyone could now see her.

"Ok, everyone! Time for me to read out everyone's roles for the murder mystery!" The conductor would nod, "and that's my cue to leave. I must prepare the driver's compartment for departure." He would turn back towards Kit, not only speaking to them. "You remember our promise, yeah?" 

"You'll do everything in your power to make sure our guests have a safe and enjoy time on The Mirage Express?" They would nod their head, "Of course. I'll make sure everyone will be okay during their time here." 

He would turn towards the hand, "and train?" ... "Assist Kit if they need any help, won't you?" The hand...nodded? What the hell had they gotten themselves into? The conductor would laugh again, "that's all I need to hear! You have my trust." Well, the train must be sad about his departure...

"Well, I'll be off."

He turned towards everyone else, "I must take my leave, everyone. Please, have a phenomenal time!" He would look towards a few certain Mobians, "and don't worry about mucking up the place either, this train is state of the art and has systems for dealing with all that" Kit thought that was stupid. Why would you ever expect something like that to happen in your train anyway? What are these people? Wild animals?

"For everything else, please talk to Kit here if you need anything!" Tails would smile, "sounds good!"

"Goodbye now!" The birthday girl would smile at the Conductor, waving as he exited the room.

...

And now they were technically alone. Great times, am I right?

Amy turned back towards everyone, a soft smile on her face,

"Thank you all for following the outfit guide I sent you, you all look amazing. I trust you all read your lore cards as well?" 

Oh wow, she really did go all out. She must be a perfectionist.

"Now on to the nitty gritty. For the murder mystery game one of you will be murdered, and the rest suspects! Everyone has assigned rules for characters they will be playing. Participation is required, for it is my birthday."

Kit held in a sneeze, they didn't want to get weird looks. But that actually seemed quite interesting, something they'd probably enjoy themselves...

...

Nevermind that, though.

Sonic and Tails said something, Kit didn't really take much notice to it, deep in their thoughts.

That's pretty much how the rest of the explanation went, they were deep in thinking about what to do. They wondered if there's a place they could sneak and sleep for a few minutes... They'd look later.

They suddenly broke out of their daze as they let out a tiny sneeze, luckily nobody else seemed to hear it.

"Did you get all that?" 

Kit just nodded, "hope it isn't a problem that I listened in for a bit." Is all they said. She gave them a warm smile, "That's more than alright! You can help ensure everyone is following their roles!" They would nod, "and that reminds me..." She pulled out something and handed it to them

It was a map. It appeared to have where everyone would be staying at in their 'roles'. Kit actually found it very cool. She would proceed to give one to everyone else in the room. 

"The rules of the game are as follows: There is a murderer amongst you all!

The murderer can 'kill' a single participant however they choose, but you must physically be present with the victim for it to count." 

That sounded about right, how else would the victim know you 'killed' them. 

"Everyone else must collect evidence throughout the train, and use it to interrogate fellow passengers to figure out who done it.

The murderer will lie to get out of being accused, so inspect everything you can! Fine clues! And interrogate!"

Kit was actually getting into this explanation.

Maybe they could help out here and there...Just so they're not completely bored? (They look murder mysteries so much.)

"I'll set the timer for one hour so everyone can mingle, and the murderer can do their thing. Is everyone ready?"

Kit certainly was, that's for sure.

And everyone else seemed to be too.

"Everyone, to your stations!"

Everyone would begin to move out, eventually leaving Kit alone with Amy and Tails.

They think maybe staying with them would be the best idea for now...