Chapter Text
It’s so hot. The air is stuffy, the sun bright stabbing against any living creature. Motor sits on a wooden chair with a wooden table in front of them inside a large hut, Grappling Hook in front of them across the table. Lanterns light the inside, supplies lining the shelves. Grappling Hook adjusts their hat gazing at Motor their helmet off which lays on the table.
“Never thought I would see ya face again; how has life been treating you?” Grappling hook smiles, Motor huffs softly.
“Life has been hectic recently; I’ve been living in Crossroads for a while now.” Motor grips the table, thoughts rushing their mind. 'I do not have time for some family reunion, ask about Sword common.’ Grappling Hook hums.
“Crossroads huh? Hope that’s been treating you well. But it’s nice to see you back home.” Grappling Hook smiles. She begins to gaze at Motor’s arm, her face blank almost impossible to read what they might be thinking.
“Uhm yeah Crossroads has been treating me well” Anxiety scratches in Motor’s head brain throbbing in pain. “I’m sorry Grappling Hook but I don’t have time for small talk-“ Grappling hook raises an eyebrow waiting for Motor to continue. “I’m uh looking for someone I hope you have come across them or seen them-“
“Looking for someone? Hmm” Grappling Hooks gaze sharpens. “Could you expand for me buddy…”
Motor sighs standing up and says in a firm tone. “Have you seen a red horned infernal with a helmet and brown cape named Sword?” Grappling Hook hums.
“Can I ask why you are looking for this Infernal?” Grappling Hook leans against their chair starring into Motor’s eyes.
“Don’t avoid the question it’s a yes or a no.” Motor says firmly.
“I’ll give you answer once you tell me your reasons.” Motor grumbles in frustration.
“Fine, their caretaker is very worried and sent me off to find them and based on some evidence I am pretty sure Sword is on a very stupid journey and most likely ran into all of you.” Grappling hook stands up looking down at Motor.
“Who might be this caretaker?” She stares at Motor her feelings hidden behind a calm expression.
“That’s none of your business.” Motor’s hand go into a fist emotions swirling inside them. Fear, frustration, desperation.
“No need for aggression, simply wanna know who sent you.”
“I am not working for the Church you know I would never return back to that place.”
“Oh I know, but everyone in Crossroads ain’t innocent either.”
Teeth grit together, Motor mulling over thoughts. ‘I can’t just say oh Venomshank sent me here, everyone here hates the swords…’ Grappling Hook watches Motor’s every move. She sees fear and desperation radiating off them.
“You all have come across Sword… You all are suspicious of them.” Eyebrows furrow. Grappling Hook sighs speaking up.
“Never said we have seen them- just calm down please“ Grappling Hook comes closer slowly bringing Motor into their arms.
Both stay quiet. Thoughts rush through both of their brains. Doubt, fear, suspicion brew larger.
“I’m not that little kid anymore Hook…” Motor whispers. Grappling Hook gently pats the back of Motors head.
“Can you blame me? You left us when you were so young.” The wrangler gazes at the glowing seals curiosity growing within her. She picks up the arm finger grazing across the mangled skin with care. “These are new… What are they?”
“I… can’t say.”
“Why so?”
“Contract… Very strict uhm” Motor sighs, avoiding eye contact. Hook raises an eyebrow.
“Contract? What have you been up to in Crossroads… Who are you in contract with? Or is that top secret as well bud.”
“You uhm wouldn’t really believe me. It’s not- top secret they uh love being praised and talked about-.” Words come out muddled Motors mind filled with one infernal. ‘I can’t keep wasting time, Sword is in danger, Sword could be injured, The Church could have gotten them.’
‘Ugh I wish you were here Darkheart, you would know where Sword is.’
‘Darkheart… I do wonder if they care or am I just entertainment for their twisted game…’
‘How long has it been since I signed that contract? 5 years ago...? I don’t remember…’
Years in the past. Cells line each other, lava outside burning any hope anyone would have. A warden playing golf with criminal’s heads. A god of chaos wandering down damaged concrete, chuckling at every criminal’s misfortune. Steps echo, a young infernal flinching at each sound. The god stops in front of a cell turning towards the teenage infernal, they gaze at the broken teal horns. They clutch an arm broken and bleeding. They look up at the god who hasn’t stopped smiling.
“W-what do you want.” The teenager hisses.
“What you have bud.” The god comes into the cell the smaller infernal crawling backwards. “Windforce told me what she came across, and I couldn’t help but be curious…” They hum turning their head their gaze hidden by their hat. “What’s your name… both of you in that little soul.” The smaller infernal’s breathe hitches.
“You know of the both of us?” They look to the side. “I am Hyperbike… I don’t like that name but it’s all I have. The other likes being called Dreamwalker.”
“How interesting… hmm. You know I have a deal for you two.” The god comes closer petting the smaller one’s head. “I can get rid of the pain. Well, most of it. I can free you from running, free you from anyone after you.” The smile widens. “I could do with a little assistant, days get boring, I don’t mind paying a small price for entertainment.” A green flame alights from their hand a paper appearing, text engraining it.
“What do we lose… signing this?”
“Hm the price? Just loyalty, some freedom and some of the power you hold. BUT you get that freedom the both of you crave so desperately.”
“Will they ever take me again?”
“Nope… as I said I promise protection, health and a home a proper one.”
“Okay…” A bruised hand lifts, signing the paper, it burns up in the same green flame. The god’s grin is wide. Their hands lift the small infernal, keeping them steady onto their feet.
“Common bud! I have a sibling that can help your body from killing itself. Also thought of a new name for you what about Motor what you think about that!”
‘Darkheart… I still remember all the rules you gave. Not to kill anyone because the mess is too annoying, try not to end up in the Banlands again, don’t join any group, who needs them when you can just fuck with them. And stay away from the Church I don’t want to deal with saving you.’ Motor looks up at Grappling Hook.
“The contract is just a part of my life. It doesn’t burden me.” They sigh pulling away from the hug. “I need to find Sword though, don’t diverge the conversation or lie to me. I just need them safe.”
“Fine. We have seen them, asking about someone from the Church.” Hook lowers down their hat.
“Had the feeling. Where are they now?” Sweat rolls down Motor’s face, their fidgeting their fingers.
“Went out to get supplies with Chuck I’m pretty sure. They should be back soon.” Her gaze softens watching Motor very aware of their anxiety.
“Be back soon… that’s good.” Eyes gaze out the tent looking out to the forever lasting desert.
“Maybe you can do some stuff for us while you wait. The hawks need some feeding. All up to you though.” Hook stretches their body facing the exit of the tent.
“Yeah, that should be fine.” Hook nods and leaves with a smile. Motor eventually follows leaving the tent as well. They look into the distance ‘Sword you better get back here quickly.’ Unknowing to Motor an infernal with honeycomb goggles and thin antennae like horns, watch them suspicion shown on their face. A small voice speaks in Motor’s mind.
‘That bee looking infernal is starring at you it’s pissing me off.’ Dreamwalker mumbles.
“Hm?” They snap looking behind them noticing the infernal who looks away. “It’s fine, they can all be suspicious.” Motor mumbles to themselves. “That seems to be a medical tent though… how’s my body holding up. “
‘The venom is still there, I feel very weakened, best thing you can do is remove it in any way. Remember this is venom from a god mortals won’t have anything to cure it.’
“I know I know- just maybe I could get something.” The biker grumbles and wanders over to the tent. The infernal inside flinching getting startled. The two stare at each other in silence. Motor sighs unsure how to start the conversation.
“Do you need anything?” The bee like infernal grumbles.
“Do you have anything for venom? The name is uh Motor by the way.” The infernal raises an eyebrow.
“Uh I’m Bee… Venom cure why do you- Uhm no, I don’t think we have any of that.”
“Oh. Uhm that’s alright.” Dreamwalker hisses in Motor’s mind ‘That was pathetic.’
“Why do you need it?” Bee crosses their arms a mixture of concern and confusion on their face. “Theres not any snakes around here.”
“Uhm got some venom stuck in my body-“
“I uhm can’t do much about that.” An awkward silence grows. ‘I told you they wouldn’t have anything.’ Dreamwalker says in a mocking tone.
“Can I maybe help with anything?” Motor says quietly.
“No, I’m fine.” The silence begins again, its deafening. Embarrassment flushes on Motor’s cheeks.
“T-that’s fine… uhm nice meeting you Bee.” Motor wanders out of the tent. They let out a loud sigh rubbing their face with their hands. The wranglers wander around keeping the camp alive, some glance over at Motor while walking. Motor grumbles and walks away from the camp sitting down on the sand near a cliff, fire in the distance, burning flames of anger and betrayal, making memories into ashes.
‘The sun seems close to set. Are you going to be out here until then?’
“I guess so.” A hand glides across the burning sand creating patterns and shapes.
Hours pass. The sun has set to rest, leaving stars shimmering in the sky. Motor still sits on the cliff starring into the distance. Mind plagued with thoughts and memories.
‘Motor there’s something happening at the camp.’ Huh? Motor gets up turning towards the camp leaving steps in the sand. Blood stain the sand, an injured infernal being carried by a red horned infernal with a helmet and ripped cape. Infernal’s yell for a medic. Everyone scrambles, panic swaying over everyone. Motor stares at the red horned infernal. Sword. They are alright, well seems to be. Sword’s eyes meet Motors they widen in surprise. Legs push forward running towards the shining helmet. Sword looks away gesturing to the medical tent walking inside its fabric walls.
‘Stop, now is not the time to drag Sword back.’ Legs freeze in place standing still, shoes burried in the sand. Motors eyes look down at Sword's shadow; it stretches onto the sand showing their reflection. A large green grin stares back, a very familiar grin. Motor’s face stiffens, they whisper towards it.
“We are chatting later.” The shadow giggles as it disappears into the tent.