Cyberpunk City AI

The MagRail bucked as the capsule’s glow spread across the carriage walls, symbols twisting like living code. For a heartbeat, everything froze—the passengers hiding in distant cars, the Rust Devils, even Mira herself.

Then the leader snapped back into motion. His cracked visor flared red as he yanked Drexel tighter into his grip.

“Forget the toy!” he bellowed to his crew. “We take the boy—use him as leverage later.”

Drexel thrashed, his shock-blade sparking weakly as the Devil’s iron grip closed around his throat. “Run!” he coughed, eyes blazing at Mira. “Don’t let them—get it—”

Mira felt the capsule vibrating in her satchel, begging to be unleashed fully. She could feel the connection now—like it wanted to wrap around her thoughts, guide her hands. For a second, she nearly gave in.

But Kaio’s voice cut through. “We can’t win this fight!” His lenses glowed as he scanned the Devils’ grappling rigs clamped to the side of the train. “More are coming. If we stay, we all go down.”

Rika’s implants flared crimson. “We’re not leaving him!”

The leader laughed—a harsh, metallic bark. “Yes, you are.” He dragged Drexel back toward the torn-open door, the rushing neon city blurring by behind them.

Drexel locked eyes with Mira, and for the briefest instant, she understood what he was asking. Survive. Keep the capsule safe.

Her hands trembled. She wanted to lunge, to tear him free. But Kaio was already pulling her back, smoke charge detonating in a violet cloud that swallowed the aisle.

Through the haze, Drexel’s voice rang out one last time: “Don’t stop running!”

Then he was gone—hauled through the open door, swallowed by the night and the Rust Devils’ rigs.

The MagRail roared on, leaving the Devils behind with their captive. The smoke cleared, revealing the empty, sparking doorway where Drexel had been.

Rika collapsed into a seat, fists clenched so tight her implants flickered. “We left him,” she whispered, voice breaking. “We actually left him.”

Mira clutched the satchel against her chest, the capsule’s glow spilling out, brighter than ever. She felt sick, hollow—but underneath, she felt something else too. The capsule was awake now. It pulsed in rhythm with her heartbeat, whispering of power, of connection, of unfinished purpose.

Kaio’s voice was grim as he shut down his jammers. “They’ll take him to Iron Alley. Devils don’t waste leverage.”

Mira closed her eyes, the weight of the decision crushing her.

“We’ll get him back,” she said quietly. “We have to.”