Chapter Text
“Can you be any more gentle!?”
This was an absolute mess. Arguments, screams, other words that couldn’t be properly comprehended, flung wildly into the air. Looking around, Gigantrex stood alone, he honestly didn’t know how to help. Heavy Iron was leaning against Sky Gallop, not accepting help from Mega Ambler at all. Poor Blastrain was getting screamed at as a few tried to move Black Hook onto Blastrain.
“Go lower!”
“He’s so heavy!”
“Grab him, idiot!”
“Shoot, I’m slipping!”
“Ah! Sorry!”
Now the word ‘mess’ is an understatement. Gigantrex shook his head and walked forward. Looking between Black Hook and Heavy Iron, he held back a cough.
“Stop! Just stop! We can’t move him like this!” Blue Cop ran to the group, forcefully prying their arms away. They were all panicking, which is completely fair in a situation like this.
“Agreed… Can you all stop screaming at me? I can’t exactly go any lower…” Blastrain muttered, his big green eyes looking down at the group.
“By Deus Machina’s name, Black Hook is fine! You, however, still need me to tend to your wounds!” Mega Ambler eye twitched, looking as if he wanted to kill someone.
“Then why is he still unconscious?!” Heavy Iron tried to push himself off of Sky Gallop, who kept her grip tight.
“I don’t know?!” Mega Ambler threw one of his tools against the ground. It however, bounced off the ground and smacked Sky Gallop in the face. “I’m a medic! Not a god!”
“Then help him before I make you join him!”
“Can thy not threaten the only medic we have?” Sky Gallop readjusted her grip. Her knees buckled in the attempt to hold Heavy Iron’s weight.
“Excuse me?!” Heavy Iron’s pupils flickered away. He shot a threatening look at Mega Ambler.
“Do your job!”
An argument picked up and joined with the panicking shouts. Blurs of colors zoomed around, the buildup of dust floated in the air.
“Uhm… Captain?” Cielo placed his hand against Gigantrex’s leg. Craning his neck up to look at Gigantrex. “Blastrain is… about to snap I think?”
Looking to the right, it did seem like it. Blastrain's eye twitched, his gaze glaring down the cardbots struggling around him.
“Warning! Please be careful around the- “ a concerning crack of metal echoed. “…train.”
A wave of annoyance creeped up. With his eyes closed, he shook his head and placed his hand at the bridge of his face. Pushing Cielo gently to the side, his massive peds then began to echo against the ground.
“Is his spinal system injured in any way?” Gigantrex knelt beside Black Hook. His eyes were not fully focused due to how bad of a condition Black Hook was in.
“No.” Mega Ambler snarled, his fists curled in anger to a certain cardbot. He then stammered, “Wait, why are you asking?”
Gigantrex didn’t give an answer. Sliding his hands under Black Hook, he hauled him up. His balance was uneven but after a second, he was bridal carrying Black Hook. Gigantrex shivered feeling the warm fluid dripping down his arms and hands. He felt horrible for Black Hook but at the same time, his mind kept going back to a similar time involving Flame Nova. It involved the maniac Circuit Breaker. The Star Guardian’s captain was standing alone in a wrecked alleyway. The crumpled boxes and shattered stone were covered in green. Gigantrex vividly remembered holding back a gag, almost wanting to run away. But seeing Flame Nova’s eyes, he went forward instead.
He also remembered that was the day he promised himself none of his loved ones would ever get that injured again.
“Get out of the way.” The order was harsh and sharp, everyone got the message imminently. One wet splash after the next, Gigantrex couldn’t look down to his arms. His gaze forward, forward to Blastrain who looked just as traumatized. With one more push, Gigantrex placed Black Hook on the carriage, almost falling forward with a stumble.
Gigantrex’s focus then went to Heavy Iron, who imminently collapsed in Sky Gallop’s grasp. He flinched when he heard the sound of metal hitting the ground.
“Thy is way too stubborn!” Sky Gallop tried to haul Heavy Iron back up, but could only get on one knee. Heavy Iron doubled over, not on the ground only due to Sky Gallop’s help, his arm limp.
Green began to stain Sky Gallop’s frame, she appeared to not care at all however. Unlike Gigantrex.
He was one of the biggest mech’s here, everyone, including his own crew looked up to him. His hand was clutching hard, enough to start denting his palm. So much fluid, so much staining the ground and his own arms. He shook his head, crying now would be stupid. He shouldn’t fear something that was common back in Machina.
“Put him on the ground! Face down! Now Sky Gallop!” Sky Gallop imminently did as she was told, slowly placing Heavy Iron against the ground. Her frame needed to go lower to not damage Heavy Iron more. Mega Ambler ran to his side, hesitating. Gigantrex never saw the medic hesitate, but considering the vast amounts of deep wounds that claimed its place on Heavy Iron’s back, he shouldn’t be surprised. “Tck… Sky Gallop, help me wrap up the wounds then shove him onto Blastrain.
“Can thy not do much as of now?” Sky Galloped prayed for an answer, but she got a scowl instead. Mega Ambler stood up, sending an accusatory digit to Gigantrex.
“You! Help Sky Gallop haul Heavy Iron up!”
Gigantrex froze. He didn’t want to help, he didn’t even want to look at Heavy Iron. But when a low painful growl left him, hand clawing deep into Sky Gallop’s supportive arm. Gigantex slowly moved.
“How do you wish for me to help?” Gigantrex kneeled down on the opposite side of Sky Gallop. His focus on the small patch of dirt that wasn’t stained green.
“Thy shalt go to his right side. I shall claim the left.” With that, Gigantrex and Sky Gallop slid into position. On a count from one to three, they braced their knees and lifted Heavy Iron up. The large mech couldn’t even stand on his own, making Gigantrex and Sky Gallop strain against his weight. Fluid splotched on the ground, pooling underneath them.
“Gigantrex move!” Metal Ambler pushed against Gigantrex’s leg, making him stumble forward. Following his lead, Sky Gallop trudded along, slowly leading Heavy Iron to Blastrain.
“What is the destination?” Blastrain muttered out, backing up slowly to get a bit more closer to the three.
“Tck, Mowtown is too far away…” Mega Ambler rubbed his hand against his head, muttering to himself. Gigantrex wasn’t fully listening to the conversation between the two. Repeating in his head over and over to just take a step forward, to ignore the warm feeling on his arms and walk forward. Squeaks from possibly birds were muffled in his head, Gigantrex closed his eyes, holding back a shiver.
“Gigantrex!”
Gigantrex tensed up, his eyes opened wildly, looking for the origin of the voice.
“Don’t make me repeat myself! Does the Speranza have a medical unit?” Mega Ambler looked desperate, struggling to adjust Blastrain’s carriage.
“Uhm… y-yes, the Speranza does have a working medical unit. Musclehyde made sure of it a while ago.” His voice was shaking, along with his hands, but that didn’t seem to be noticed.
“Good! Alrighty Blastrain, when we put Heavy Iron on the carriage, imminently go to the-“
“Plotting destination to the Speranza.” Blastrain cut him off, giving an almost sly look to Mega Ambler.
“Yes… whatever yeah,” Mega Ambler shot a threatening look to the currently struggling Gigantrex and Sky Gallop. “And you two hurry up!”
The rest of the event was a blur, at the end, Gigantrex stood far from the others. His bright eyes now focused on his hands. His thoughts momentarily cut off however, realizing how quiet everything was now.
The horn roared loudly, giving the signal for the others to back away and end the silence. Once the coast was clear, green transparent tracks began to etch themselves onto the ground and sky. Floating idly in the air.
“Next stop! The Spearanza, next stop is the Spearanza!” Blastrain’s horn hooted again, a last go to sound if anyone else wished to board. Mega Ambler jumped up to an open carriage, sitting impatiently on it.
“I’ll go as well.” Blue cop hopped on next to Mega Ambler, Jun followed closely behind. It took them a second to get comfortable, Jun had to sit in Blue Cop’s hands.
“Thank you everyone for your help! You can do whatever you want for today!” Jun waved wildly into the air.
Everyone waved back. While what took place is horrible, a few couldn't help but be glad that they aren’t being ordered around anymore.
“Where to first!” Spark Beat stretched his hands to the sky. Enjoying the white puffy clouds that smiled gently from their spots above.
“Somewhere quiet and alone… that would be amazing.” Flash Vector watched Blastrain fly away, his horn hooting one last time.
“Oh boo brother!” Spark Beat slammed his hand against Flash Vector’s back, then booked it. Laughing before transforming.
“You coming, Red Blitz??” Spark Beat drifted, kicking up dirt in front of Red Blitz. Flash Vector angrily curses from far behind, transforming seconds later. “Come on! I don’t exactly have time right now!”
“Uhm yeah! Just…”
“You can go, Red Blitz.”
Red Blitz’s worried eyes looked up at Gigantrex, who was trying desperately to wipe away the fluid near his eye.
“You… You sure old man? You don’t exactly look..”
“Go Red Blitz.” Gigantrex narrowed his eyes, flicking his hand to the side. His tone held no room for any possible attempts at an argument. One beat, a growl, then another, Red Blitz zoomed beside Spark Beat. Booking it away from Flash Vector who tailed behind them.
Gigantex stood alone. Green never matched him and he never hoped it ever would. The other cardbots slowly began to leave the area. Laughing, running, or racing away from the scene.
“Flame Nova?!”
Gigantrex jolted up, snapping his full attention to the panicked voice. It took a second but he pinpointed it to Rock Crush and Dexter, the former’s wide blue eyes looked worried.
“Ah! I know he is strong, but strong enough to hurt both Heavy Iron and Black Hook??”
“That’s what I heard from Sky Gallop and Blue Cop. I wouldn’t know myself, just relaying some information.” Glober stilled, he felt like he was getting watched. His head slowly moving to the side, He saw Gigantrex staring at them like a deer in headlights.
“You good Trex?” Glober’s eyes soften, his arms slowly uncrossing. Rock Crush peaked over, unsure if she should say anything.
“I’m fine.” Gigantrex moved his hand over his face, covering it. Under his palm, his eyes were wide and shaking.
Flame Nova caused this. Flame Nova hurt someone again. After that promise he made to Gigantrex, did he break it? No, there is no way, Flame Nova isn't one to do that, but who else could cause such damages to another. Especially with those recognizable burn marks.
“Are you positive? You look like you wrangled a wild beast!” Glober walked forward, hand hesitantly in the air.
“I’m positive.” Gigantrex smacked Glober’s hand, taking a step away. "I will be in the forest. If Cielo, Musclehyde, or Red Blitz ask, tell them that.”
Glober’s head perked up, wanting to talk more but Gigantrex cut him off. Not with words, but action. He simply walked away.
“Ah…” Glober dropped his hand down, his posture not exactly worried, but not relaxed either.
“We should get going…” Rock Crush muttered, stepping beside Glober. “I can see the sun setting.”
“Of course.” Glober’s words didn’t correspond with his action, continuing to look forward. Gigantrex froze for a second, feeling the intense stare on him, his hands trembled in response. After, he transformed, driving ahead to the forest’s edge. He ignored the setting sun, which set streaks of red into the leaves of the trees. Shadows sharp and powerful, the entire place felt as if it had a cover of red. It was oddly comforting.
He didn’t know where to go, he only needed to find water. Anything that could wash away what stains his hands and thoughts.
“Stupid… This is so stupid.” The water rippled, the pond held the same red glow from the sun, shining for the air to see. Gigantrex scoped up the water, splashing it against his arms. If he had a mouth, he would have screamed.
The mere concept of barfing, the act humans do to relieve pain within their stomachs, sounds like a blessing at the moment. Gigantes focused on the clouds above. Except there were none. All hiding away to the mountain or the wicked ocean. There were no stars either, for the fading sun made sure of that. There was only him, the trees, and the very pond he was staring into.
And it stared back. Gigantrex didn’t see himself in the water. Those teal eyes weren’t his. Or those scars, or the color silver. Or the spear that was pointing at his head.
“No!” Gigantrex slammed his fists into the water, breaking the surface and splashing onto his face. Once the water calmed, Gigantrex saw his own face in the water, his eyes narrowing to himself.
“You’re fine.” He muttered to the water, his hands never leaving it. “You are fine.”
No matter how hard he tries, the stupid cardbot would never leave him. Not after that day. Gigantrex perked up his head, shoulders relaxing even a little. He could say his own life changed that day. Everything shifted, the 15th of Act’val. He couldn’t forget the date even if he tried. It was tied so close to him, it's like remembering his birthday.
No. Not now, not ever. He’s dead. He'd been dead long before Machina exploded. He shouldn’t think of the past, or the soft teal eyes that turned cold. The cardbot is a legend now, lucky and strong enough to get his name engraved in books. Gigantrex curled his fists, standing in the soft sand. Green used to be his favorite color. Recembling emeralds, grass, even Flame Nova’s eyes. It was such a beautiful color. Was.
“I’m tired…” Gigantrex shifted his gaze around him, the sun completely gone now. The only source of light came from Porcaca. He clicked to himself, knowing he should head back before Cielo conducts another search party. That was a whole other thing that he would rather not experience again.
He looked around the pond, silently expecting someone to come from a bush or the trees just to sit down next to him again. Is it horrible to miss a moment so dear to him? Gigantrex couldn’t move, his gaze fixed to a spot on the pond’s coast. A patch of grass nestled between round rocks, the water still. Long walks, jokes, gentle teasing or fluster snaps. Can he go back? Could he possibly go back to a time that far away, that distant’s away from the pain, tears, or screams. He wants to feel the warm water, the encouraging pressure on his shoulder, the sweet gifts,
And Flame Nova’s laughs.
“Captain!”
Gigantrex blinked, his mind elsewhere for a moment. He saw Cielo flying past him, smoke trails laid in the sky as Cielo circled back.
“Where have you been?! Do you even know what time it is??”
“Did I miss something?” Gigantex slowed down to a halt, transforming. He walked over to the field of grass, the Speranza looming over. Its shadow from the moonlight covered the entire field they were walking in.
“You missed almost the entire night, yeah!”
“What?” Gigantrex increased his walk, striding over to the warehouse that held their supplies. He ducked down to get through the creaking wooden door frames, knee accidentally banging against the floor. At the very back wall, the analog clock clicked with every passing moment. 4 am.
“Oh.” Gigantrex blinked. “Oh.”
“Musclehde and I spent the entire night looking for you! I almost called an-”
“I told you to not call any search parties for me, Cielo!” Gigantrex sent a sharp glare down, his back straightening after he had to practically crawl to enter the warehouse. “I can handle myself and you know this!”
“I know you can, sir!” Cielo stood his ground, placing a hand to his chest. “It’s just that… It was Flame Nova.”
“I know.” Gigantrex said with no hesitation, bracing his hand against the wall.
“What do you mean you already knew?!” Cielo held back a shout, taking a moment to calm down. “He was last seen in the forest, and where were you apparently at? That's right! The forest!”
“Cielo, thanks for worrying but I can assure you, Flame Nova wouldn't do anything to me.” Gigantrex crossed his arms, already wishing to cut this conversation short.
“He will!” Cielo snapped, “He knocked Black Hook unconscious and did you look at Heavy Iron?!”
“Yes Cielo, I very much looked at his frame! I helped carry him to Blastrain!” Gigantrex cut Cielo off with a deep snarl, shutting his eyes close to not remembering the moment.
“He got ripped apart, Gigantrex! I- No one wants the same thing happening to you!” Cielo took a step forward, trying to reach his captain.
But nothing reached back. Gigantrex took a step away, his hands clawing into his arms. Cielo couldn’t believe his eyes. There was no way his captain was trying to justify what Flame Nova’s did.
“Father…”
Gigantrex froze, his eyes wide before they narrowed down to slits. He couldn't face Cielo. “You have known Flame Nova as long as I have. There… I refuse to believe he did that.”
“Are you kidding me?!” Cielo jumped forward, putting himself in front of Gigantrex. The former’s gaze was to the ground and Cielo's frame was seething in anger. “And why wouldn’t he do the same to you?! He has no reason to not hurt you too!”
“To be fair.” Gigantrex uncrossed his arms, anger dancing on the edge of his tone. Covering his face with his hand, he never wanted to punch the wall beside him as badly as right now. “Black Hook and Heavy Iron weren’t exactly the best back on Machina. They got Flame Nova more annoyed than I've seen anyone else manage to do.”
“You’re not answering my question!!" Cielo stomped the ground, startling Gigantrex.
“You never asked a question!?” Gigantrex raised his hands in the air, defensive.
“He's crazy, Gigantrex! He will hurt you and I know he will!!”
“Cielo stop.” Gigantrex walked past Cielo, his peds slamming around the floor with each step. The building shook every time.
“Is it so bad for me to be afraid?! After what I saw that bastard did?!”
“Stop.” Gigantrex paused at the door’s entrance. His body refused to take another step despite everything screaming at him too. He was kneeling down, head and arm already out, but the rest of him stayed.
“I’m afraid you will get hurt again!”
“Cielo.” Gigantrex’s tone held malice, his gaze over his shoulder.
“What if he treats you like Circuit Breaker did?!”
“SHUT UP!” Gigantrex slammed his fist into the door frame, dust and smoke falling from the ceiling above. Cielo coward back, one step after the next. The building eventually stilled, Gigantrex’s shoulders were rising up and falling down. He pushed himself away from the door, slowly turning his body to fully face Cielo.
“I don't need to hear your incisive words! I know what Circuit Breaker did because I was there!!” Gigantrex took a monstrous step forward, head held high and eyes down.
Cielo, for the first time ever, felt afraid. He kept taking steps back, until his back hit the large thick wall. Gigantrex did not advance forward, holding his place as his shadow casted its mark on Cielo.
“You weren’t there when he lured me to that alleyway.” Gigantrex finally began to move, the lanterns that held high shook with each step. To Cielo, the warehouse never felt so small.
“You weren’t there when he ripped into my arms and back.” Another step, Cielo had to crane his neck up to look at Gigantrex.
“You weren’t there!-” Gigantrex lowered his head to Cielo, the mighty roar of a t-rex escaping into his tone.
“When he fucking stabbed that spear into my shoulder!!”
A deafening creak echoed from the entrance, interrupting the continuous sound of fans working.
“C-Captain?”
Gigantrex froze, immediately taking multiple steps to the side. He turned his head from Cielo to the door, his pupils shaking.
“Gigantrex…” A white and blue cardbot braced his hand against the door frame, Musclehyde. Red Blitz peaked from behind Musclehyde, his fingers curled on the former's leg.
Gigantrex couldn't move. His pupil dilating wide, his fists slowly uncurling. His gaze met the floor, before slowly looking up to meet Cielo. The aircraft was pushing himself hard against the wall, his claws digging into the flaking paint. Both their gazes were locked to each other. His eyes were terrified, a gaze Gigantrex never wanted to see from Cielo.
Gigantrex held back a choking gag.
“Wait! Dad- Oof!” Red Blitz's face collided against Muskehyde's leg. Even Musclehyde was squished against the door’s frame as Gigantrex pushed them aside. “D-Dad!!”
“Don’t.” Musclehyde gripped Red Blitz’s shoulder, not looking behind him. He didn't need to see to know that Gigantrex transformed and drove away. After a painful suffocating few seconds, Red Blitz’s shoulders sagged, his head looking to the floor.
“What happened?” Musclehyde barked, walking over to Cielo. Before he could reach him. Cielo slid down to the floor, his hands against his face as sobs wreak through his frame. Weak yet powerful.
Muslehyde ran forward, going down on one knee and placing a reassuring hand on Cielo’s shoulder. “What happened??”
Nothing but sobs. The lanterns above finally stilled, the flames flickering weakly. The sky was still black, stars twinkling above, holding secrets that were centuries to seconds old. This conversation clearly got its words hung by the stars tonight.
“I messed up.” Cielo forced out, tears continuously falling down his face. Musclehyde couldn’t wipe them all away. Red Blitz stood awkwardly by the door, fidgeting his own fingers.
“How?-”
“I mentioned Circuit Breaker.”
This earned a choked gasp from the two. “What?!”
---
--
-
He was never the type to get emotional. In moments of high stress and concentration, getting emotional is a certain death wish. Captain Gigantrex of the Spearanza, A title meant for many to hear, to be recognized and, annoyingly, praised highly. Thanks to that title, he got to meet many bots with titles just as high as his, some even more popular.
He recalled that day, how could he not? It was the same day Flame Nova graced his presence. Along with a teal eyed bot.
Gigantrex halted, his wheels slowing down in the dry dirt under him. Cracking with every drive forward, leaves falling down in clusters. He had no clue where he was. Trees repeated endlessly, only breaking here and there with gaps that showed either rocks or more taller trees. The sun was high in the sky, with no clouds in sight, nothing to stop the sun from smiling. Its rays beaming down on Gigantrex. He made a mental note to get cleaned, for the sun showed how much dirt was truly on him. The birds sang their songs, hopping from one branch to another, flying between twigs and leaves. Different species clearly, for each tweet had a different tone. Some deep while others high, long or a few bursts of sounds. The birds enjoyed this sunny day.
Where was he going? He couldn’t tell or think of any specific location this deep in the forest. He’s been here for hours too, surely Cielo called a search party noting his departure at the peak of night. He couldn’t recognize this place, normally, he knew every hidden secret of Porcaca, but he felt so out of place.
“Ah, but are you sure you want to meet him?”
Gigiantrex took a deep breath in, parking beside a towering tree, resting after what felt like decades of driving. Shuddering, he could feel mud and dirt in places it really shouldn’t be in.
“Hmmm, but don’t you have me Gigantrex?.. Fine, I suppose I can introduce you to him.”
A bird landed on Gigantrex’s hood, dropping a stick on him. He couldn’t help but chuckle, the sound vibrated which spooked the curious bird away in panic.
“Tsk. You’re awfully stubborn. He isn't anything special besides his title. He’s in fact an asshole, unlike me, your boyfriend. You still want to?!- Fine. Fucking fine, come here.”
Gigantrex looked at the tree’s shadow, slowly fading back. He may need to move locations. His vents let out a strangled hack. Was the air quality getting worse? Note, he did realize that thick dark clouds were forming over the sky. Was a storm coming?
“Hey. Yeah bla bla, Hi captain. Here…”
Gigantrex shuddered, he felt cold yet the air was getting hotter. He drove an inch forward, his eyes up and to the sky. The sun was flickering away, prying through the clouds before eventually, it lost the battle. The entire world was encompassed in darkness. All the birds, instead of hiding, flew down the path Gigantrex took. Swerving and chirping loudly.
“Captain, this is Gigantrex. And Gigantrex…”
Gigantrex’s eyes widened. He drove away from the tree, his vents struggling to cycle in proper air.
“Gigantrex darling, this is Captain Flame Nova.”
Gigantrex heard his comm system ringing. From the sound, which sounded like ducks, it was Cielo calling. He wasn’t sure if he should pick it up, guilty from when he snapped at Cielo. Yet the comm’s kept ringing and slowly, it was making Gigantrex annoyed.
He picked it up, <Look, Cielo I->
<I don’t care about that right now, Captain!>
Gigantrex flinched, not expecting such urgency in Cielo’s voice.
<And don’t apologize! It was my fault, I shouldn't have pushed you like that…>
Gigantrex’s eyes soften. He found himself unconsciously driving back down the path. <What is the problem? You sound awfully worried.>
<Please, I'm begging our dead god, tell me you aren’t in the forest?>
Gigantrex paused, his eyes narrowing at the question. <I, in fact am. Is something the matter? What is going on?> Gigantrex heard cursing from the line.
<A fire! Fuck, Father get out of the forest, A wildfire was spotted!!>
Gigantrex halted, his entire posture froze. Crackling, the sound of branches falling weakly. Gigantrex never drove faster in his life. Swerving between trees, he inwardly cursed at himself. How did he not notice? A storm cannot form out of nowhere, plus the fact the news never talked about any cold or hot front. How could he be so foolish?
Driving down past the vines and leaning trees, Gigantrex could see the haze of red deep within the forest’s horizon. He couldn’t see an end in the forest, driving and driving, all he could ‘see’ was the black transparent blanket on the forest’s floor. Dust from what his tires picked up mixed with the rising smoke of fire. Gigantrex checked his internal thermometer, the temperature was climbing up slowly.
<What caused this fire?> Gigantrex barked, making a sharp turn when a burning tree crashed on the path. Sparks of fire flickered into the air, causing Gigantrex to start heaving heavily and checking his surroundings. This isn't a joke.
<I-I don’t know! Sky Gallop said how she saw an explosion in the heart of the forest while she was flying!> The comm glitched out, the signal likely cutting out from burning power lines.
Another tree collapsed, blocking yet another path. In a state of rare anger, Gigantrex transformed, taking a step back. With a collected sigh and a comment of motivation to himself, he jumped over the tree. What he didn't see was another fallen burning tree behind the first.
Crack! Gigantrex’s face met the dirt, his legs high into the air. The force of it caused him to roll over twice, before crashing back first into another tree. The fire roared around him, trees bursting due to the intense heat. It hasn’t rained in days, if it wasn’t for that, this fire would have never gotten this hot.
Gigantrex’s vision blurred, his hand braced against the ground, trying to heave his frame up. Only to fall back down.
<Captain, are you alright?!> All that acknowledged the question was a pained grunt. The sound of static grew louder, more terrifying.
<I-I’m fine Cielo.> Gigantrex lied, unable to summon the strength to push himself up. He could feel the fire in the air, the cold ground now as hot as magma.
<Old man hurry up!! The fire is growing crazier! Please!!> It was Red Blitz. Despite the obvious static, Gigantrex could hear the concern in his voice.
With all the strength he could afford, He hoisted himself up to his legs, a pained snarled echoing from his side of the comm.
<Dad!> Red Blitz cried out again, the static made the sound screech, causing Gigantrex to flinch. <Hurry! Hurry up!>
Gigantrex's eyes were to his arm, his entire right side was burned black. No wonder why it was a pain to get up. He pushed himself away from the tree, seconds before it was too, engulfed in flames.
<Evacuate everyone on the west side of Porcaca. This fire is out of control.> Gigantrex managed to take one step forward, each movement was pure agony. Something other than his arm got burned, it didn’t take a genius to know that.
<We already did, Captain!>
Gigantrex smiled, of course Musclehyde planned ahead. Another tree burst right next to Gigantrex, causing him to hiss in pain and stumble to the side. His uninjured arm dug into his burned one, trying to deescalate the pain.
<Gigantrex!> Musclehyde cried out from the comm. If he wasn't focusing, the voice would have gotten lost with the fire’s incisive crackling.
<Muslehyde, Cielo, Red Blitz.> Gigantrex growled, unable to keep his balance. He could feel his systems overheating. The warning pop ups made sure to emphasize that. The three went silent, awaiting their captain- no father’s words.
<If I do not make it back->
<NO!!> They all screamed out, the comm glitching horrifically. Gigantrex squawked out in surprise.
<You aren’t dying to a wildfire, do you hear me!!> Cielo screamed out, barely holding back his tears, <Especially not before I can apologize to you!!>
<Hush!> Gigantrex hissed out, cutting off Cielo and Red Blitz. Gigantrex didn't need to be there to know Musclehyde was about to scream out. However, unlike the other two, he held it back at Gigantrex’s tone.
<If I do not make it back, the code to the Speranza’s schematics is 254905.> Gigantrex could feel his vents burning. As if the fire was inside of him and not his own fire.
<But father->
<Musclehyde! Do you understand!> Gigantrex cut Musclehyde short, not wishing to waste much time.
There was no answer from the comm, <Do you all understand.> Gigantrex snarled, his legs shaking. Struggling to hold his own weight.
<Yes… Sir.> Musclehyde had to answer for them, for Red Blitz and Cielo were sobbing. Thankfully, Gigantrex couldn’t hear that over the static.
<I love you all.> Gigantrex could hear his comm was seconds away from fulling cutting off. He wasn’t expecting an answer, he wasn’t sure if he couldn't focus hard enough to listen for one.
<I love you more, you old geezer!!>
<I love you! I’m so sorry!!>
<I love you too, Father.>
Gigantrex hit the ground, his head leaning down, unable to take in anything else other than thick smoke. All that came out of the comm was pure static. It was burning hot as well So, since it's useless now, Gigantrex ripped off the comm headpiece near his finial and threw it to the raging fire.
“Why?” Gigantrex tried to stand again, but the endless ringing of warning messages blared loudly. He couldn’t even think straight, the heat affected him more than he could care to admit. He looked to the skies, likely for the last time, hoping to see stars. Instead, all he saw was black and red, not even the sun could come out.
He was going to die here. What else could happen? The smoke is too thick, too much for any aircraft to land. Even so, how could they find him? The western side of the forest was the biggest, so much more vegetation was in it compared to the north and east. To find him would be like finding a needle in a haystack. And he would rather not do that with Red Blitz again. Or would he?
Gigantrex chuckled out. Now? Really now he was going through memory lane. Musclehye’s multiple hour rants, sitting together on the cliffside and watching the sun set. Cielo showing off new tricks, all ending in some pattern of smoke. One time, it was a heart, Gigantrex wouldn’t forget that day. Red Blitz running amuck with Spark Beat, causing chaos within Porcaca. It always ended with him crying out apologies over and over with hugs.
“Ack?!” Gigantrex coughed out, his hand trembling as it dug into the ground. 689 degrees Fahrenheit. All his life, he had never been around fire that hot. His body felt like it was boiling, the fluid inside of him burning like liquid fire, coursing through his entire body.
He will die here. Nothing he can think of will fix that, no one he could pray to, to change his fate. The fire would only grow hotter, He learned that when he had to save others from fires before this. Gigantrex slammed his hand against the ground, he could hear a tree creaking, cracking at the seams. He slowly turned his head back, seeing a rather enormous tree snapping towards him. It was going to crush him, he didn’t have the strength to throw himself out of its way.
He will die here. Nothing could change that.
Crack!
…
..
.
“... It’s you.”