Chapter Text
The wind of the toxic air had picked up over the wasteland. Whistling through the dead trees and abandoned buildings littered the once thriving planet. A class looks to have a quick field trip that they just returned from. As the living bus bounced and rode off to the bunker it came from. It left a single student behind even as she ran after.
The bus tracks left imprinted in the snow as her only guide home. The safety of the day fading drastically with the sunset, still the kid was only halfway home. She held back her emotions as her battery processor threw up a more urgent warning on screen for the fifth time to backpower charge. Much to her dismay had to take a detour to a cliff side power signal or risk passing out.
She passed the tall metal contraption to a small control closet size shack. Sitting inside the doorless box as her vision got a bit fuzzy with a final warning for ten minutes at most power reserves nap before her system took over. Tears were festering, grew and fell as she closed her eyes. Curling up as much in the shadows into sleep mode keeping warmth in.
After at least twenty minutes her silent alarm awoke her groggily. The winds screeched through the cracks as she put her hand to the wall getting up to the darken sky before her. Her eyes shifted to where she slept outside again as the bright ringed moon shined bright in the land. Heavy sigh to her own visor eyes pulling up the report, that was only just enough to get home before she collapsed. “If only there was a plug that won't explode my port…” dismay filled her as turned on the power saver to buy as much time.
Walking to the edge overlooking the path ahead, had just the bumps of the tracks left in the snow. sitting down as she could see over the dead trees to the faint lights of the bunker. “Why is there a hill-” she immediately shut her mouth and became deadly quiet as the light crunch of snow of someone approaching her cliff. As tears of pale lilac eyes welled up as she froze up looking into the moons as every warning popped up about being out at night.
The stranger crossed their arms leaning against the power tower just a short distance from her. As she gripped the stone iced to the ground knowing fully now she was out in the open to all that fly by. "And what are you doing out here by yourself crying little one?" An unfamiliar female voice came forth.
The short young teenager rubs her visor, shaking as she refuses to turn around "Oh just my dad and class l-leaving me out here... for-forgotten again. 'Just whoops fer-forgot the child a-again' left to wa-walk home, low on b-battery" she imitated her father's voice laughing like it was the most hilarious thing she heard while her visor showed she was crying even more silently. Flicking her head a bit as the wind picked up as it moved her big fishtail braid on her back.
"That's sick of them to do, to a kid… sounds like a useless parent to me" the stranger commented, seeming to be genuinely disgusted with the patient, even the teacher's actions.
"It doesn't help my s-st-stupid programming w-was screwed since my cr-creation. I don't have half of my arm and my vi-visor cracked when..." she stopped realizing whoever was behind her wasn’t approaching but just listening with even more understanding. It dumbfounded her deeply that the only drones out at night were scavengers or murder drones, None of which would stand still in the open with her being a sitting duck on the edge. "I'm s-sorry I turned this into a u-ueless th-therapy m-moment... I'm da-deeply sorry" accepting her fate as she turned to face whoever she was speaking to.
Her eyes widened and she froze seeing what was leaning against the power tower watching her from the shadows. The eyes staring at her as the upper eyes glowed greenish tinted yellow with the very given detail of the type, with glowing canister and stinger fixed with a snagging hook. The Female Murder Drone stepped away from the post and walked up to her. The girl's hand moved back only to meet the curving ice of the fall corning herself as the other blocked the way to leave safely "Oh Robo Gods..." whimpering as the trembling returned, unable to help the panic in her systems as death itself approached.
Murder drone leaned with her tail curling in the snow away from harming anything. Showing no intention of striking, yet. "Nah you're fine, I'm used to being the therapist of my squad, and you're in luck cause I'm the one that found you" she said a bit humorously, talking as if they were old friends with her soft tone.
The normalcy of the atmosphere it was off putting as she sat up still looking over the ledge to the drop down below panic infused confusion. It could be chucked up to being a glitch or something that happens if their heads got hit as spoken about in the bunker. Best defenses get them to have complications and you have time. Distraction and persuasion seemed to be all she had as the drone was bulker than the normal kind usually depicted "W-Why? What do you mean I’m l-lucky?" playing along.
She came closer and a small worker drone flinched, putting her one full arm up a bit ready for what was to come. It made the tall lady drone stop her approach completely on the spot back up adding more confession to the matter of nature "The others are currently getting theirs. I'm stable cause I got my fill earlier…” She tried reaching a hand down the girl only to have her flinch again back “I’m sorry, let me explain, we are planning to make a deal with your colony so no more hunting for survival has to continue. I promise you on my core I won’t hurt you alright little one?” her voice was motherly soft and soothing as the smaller one sat up from her fetal position, It took a bit until her visor was visible again "What k-kind of deal?" came out a bit demandingly even with the stutter that seemed to persist her speaking pattern.
The taller one took another step forward with her hands out showing no intention of harm. Sat down a few feet still between them. Her one-sided grayish-white to pinkish-orange colored ponytail blew in the breeze. Her greenish-yellow eyes focused on her as she folded her hands on her lap. "Well, my team and I have come to some conclusion that JC wants you workers and us dead on the planet. To be a forgotten memory. There's no point if the end means we're gonna die here alone with the guilt. So I'm hoping we could work out an oil drive or something for a trade to get things from outside or something in return" she explained as her acid tail swung onto her lap and rubbed the glass avoiding any hidden weapons from the girls view, seeming to be nervous herself by how she seemed so unsure as much as the other was scared.
The similar behavior brought the girl to cautiously scoot forward to the other just enough to be a foot and a half between them. Much to the taller female murder drone's surprise. "That's… th-that's in-incredible news," she said, actually joyful to think that some peace can be achieved between the two races of drones. She combed her bangs back a little, still a shaky. Reach her hand out trusting "My names ORayla, or Ray as s-some call me. What's yours?" She smiled calming more as the other reached her hand out and gently took it as if she could break the small drone.
"Serial designation Ze-A or just Zenya or Zea, I'm the leader of the squad of this city" Ray giggled a little at the nickname. "Now ORayla we should get you home. As I said, my team's gonna be ready for the meeting, I've been out longer than I should be anyways. My brother gonna get worried"
ORayla hesitated at first but eventually took the outstretched hand letting the disassembly drone lift her to her feet once more. “Is it okay if we glide down, sweet little one?” She asked as Ray flinched to the wings popping out.
She walked closer letting her pick up her legs as she wrapped her arms around her neck. Resting her head on her shoulder "Thank you" she whispered as Ze hummed and patted her back. Unleashed her wings and set up into the dark snowing atmosphere. Letting the far taller one pick her up into her arms, feeling the warm bodied being as she jumped down the cliff safely to the bottom.
Ray was uneasy still she curled up in the ladies arms finally getting decent warmth. Heading into the dead trees and still working solar powerlines to the bunker ahead. "The bunker is still a bit away, get some sleep dear, you can share my energy if you need. I'm fully charged” Ray hesitated but slowly watched the charger port and connected the line. Keeping her eye on their actions as they walked still hesitant as she connected the link. Getting a refreshing charge finally as her backup charger turned off, as she laid her head on the oddly nice murder drone shoulder. She heard the wings boosted into the air as she let herself nap.
Zenya held the child head to her shoulder, keeping the snow from the worker's visor as it was a bit heavier snow suddenly during her quick fly. Seeing their moon go further away gives her a couple of hours' warning at its mark to seek shelter soon.
The small built-in hill came into sight between endless woods and metal buildings scattered throughout the dead woods. Flew down landing softly as she could even as Ray held her neck tightly still a rather rough landing for her.
She lowered herself to the snowy ground letting ORayla get off slowly to herself. "Th-that was amazing, I n-never saw the stars s-so close" The smile on her face grew as her one glowing eye looked so happy. Ze flicked her side ponytail and began to walk the rest of the way through many trees' beaten path to the bunker colony's small entrance to the city below their feet.
As they walked forward, seeming in comfortable silence between the two races of drones. Enjoying the calmer weather in the dense forest. Ze stopped hearing something as she put a handout and startled Ray as she pulled to them. She yelped, scared by it about to yell before she saw the female drone have a finger to her lips looking around. Unleashing her blade and dragged her behind their odd-shaped legs.
Yellowish green eyes that matched Ze-A were suddenly seen between trees. A relieved sigh followed as the drone came out of the trees he was just stalking from. "there you are! you had me, worried sis"
"Eh Ajax, I'm sorry I found this little one left behind along the way, I'm taking her home quickly while delivering," she said, holding ORayla close to her legs as the child clung behind scared. Ray kept close and wrapped her arms around her waist.
His eyes focused on the little one she was referring to before his sister and leader's eyes looked to be yelling at him to stop thinking about it. "Good cause Ivan has been nervous about this, It's getting hard keep him calm if you don't check in, but um Hi little girly" he waves back up as he unleashes his wings “Well sorry to have hello and run but we got meeting to prepare for, if the old man will even take it” he gave a saulting wave and launched up into the sky with bit of snow scatter.
Zea waited until his red and pink colors disappeared into the neverending cloudy dark sky. “I hope he except my proposal too," patted ORayla head "Let's go"
As the lights got brighter did Ray grip the taller one's hand "And home again…" Tired without any enthusiasm to it making the taller one look down worried for the unease behavior. ORayla let go holding her stump in what could have been a self hug as she knocked on the huge metal door “It’s ORayla, D-dex can you open th-the doors?” She stuttered again as Zea made note of her condition, and noticed the girl gave a ‘go back’ motion. She quickly made distance from her and the grand door to the colony. Trying to be as less of a threatening figure as possible in the back.
The door opened a bit enough to talk through as orange visor eyes looked down at her tired and annoyed “Again?” He asked as she frowned under his gaze and she nodded sheepishly to speak.
“Um, I have a fr-friend that has a ma-message that she wants to give to the leading c-court. She won’t hurt you she just wants to give it to you is all” She promised as his orange brows lowered at the non threat promise of a friend. Looked up and his annoyance faded into shock and fear as Ze waved standing a good distance still under the moon's light holding her tail in front.
Zenya jumped, taken off guard by the gun system coming out of the side panels pointing at her. “I promise I just have a message. Nothing more! Just return the little one and deliver the message that is all Sir” She yelled with her hands up and wrapped her tail around her waist in a surrendering fashion waiting for the man inside to cool down, as she stood still with nervous ORayla looking between them.
Ray reached her hand up and knocked regaining his attention “Dex I pa-promise tr-truly all sh-she has i-is a letter to give and br-bring me back too, She di-didn't hurt me. She had e-every opportunity too she didn't” He huffed and opened the door glaring at Ze as he grabbed Ray hand, and pulled her in a bit harshly and closed the door quickly back. “Please don’t h-hurt her Pa-please. She he-helped me” Ray begged as he held her wrist, still making Ze eyes lower by the vice grip on the child but stayed still knowing she had no say here l.
“I’m pulling out the letter,'' she announced, hoping that would help his nerves as she did so by pulling the folded envelope paper. Waved a little to him. As he wouldn’t break eye contact, letting Ray go as sat at the station table nervous as he pulled out his gun and let the door open a bit more for his hands to reach.
He held the gun with his finger on the trigger fully ready to use it “Approach slowly, killer” He said as she did just that, slowly and stopped a foot from the door as his gun twitched giving the un-voiced command.
Ze put her hands up as she stretched her hand to the only little open doors with a glaring guard. “Could you give this to your leader, I wanted to talk at least through letters with them if he finds it more suitable” She requested passing the sealed envelope as the guard looked at it confused then at her with a raised brow. “I want to make a peace pact proposal so we no longer have to hunt each other anymore” she declared honestly stepping back as instructed. “take care of the little one she seemed to have been forgotten a lot by the other classmate's" She requested before putting both hands up and stepping back from the weaponry that was still trained on her “Now I’m gonna let my wings out and leave kay?” She said letting him know her moves. He hummed out confirming the sound and the weaponry taken back with the shutting of the door letting her leave.
“That went as well as I suspected it” Ze jumped, tripping on air as Aj's voice suddenly appeared on further building, seeming to be watching over her.
She put a hand on her chest light core stunned a bit with annoyance. “Before you go off on me" she shut her mouth glaring at him as he smiled knowing he was still going to get yelled at for following. "let’s get home, you got Fern worried now, again Ivy Ivan needs a boost before he goes into pile for oil again just stress munch again”
She sighed agreeing and let her wings out "This ain't over you-" He took off before she could finish as she boosted after him not letting her brother get away from his lecture that easily.
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ORayal stayed dead silent as the doors shut fully with Dex looking at the envelope that he opened. He read it without trusting anything until he examined it first before going to the higher-ups of the civilization. He scoffed with an impressed expression “Yeah Sig gonna need to read this for sure” He agreed putting back into the envelope and folding it closed before he looked at Ray, seeming to forget she was still there. “Yeah right, Let’s get you to class or whatever… Eh D#2 watch turn while I get the runt back”
ORayla avoided both the adults' eyes and stayed mute to the insult, not needing any more trouble than she already was in. Kept her head down as he grumbled leading her down the dirt and snow-filled bunker. As the doors opened and closed his keycard headed out of the entrance hallway. Opening the final door that curled out revealing a cavern underground city. Lots of metal bridges between places as the place is set up as an octagon tower with the middle having most of the main offices and storage. Each flat area was for different things such as the school section, the protection and medical/mechanic ward, homes, leader’s homes, the gym, and the party area. Water and food cafeteria and storage and so forth. All organized with a lot of overlays built over the years to be able to go on the levels divided off with bridges and stairs only be used a school or different flat sections for easier use between the two sectors.
ORayal rested her hand on the railing and braced the short fencing around the railings for protection. Needing a distraction as her gut felt nauseating going to the school set of bridge port heading to the stairs. Nothing was her fault from being left behind, to being brought back by a nice murder drone of all things but she still expects trouble to come of it. Dex went up to the letter and numbers between the hallways of classrooms. One was her third-hour class before lunch. "Here Just give them this slip you'll be fine. Anyways I need to talk-" he turned almost colliding with the big man himself as he had recomposed himself before him. "Sir, how convenient. I have an urgent letter for you"
Sig raised a bright amber-brown brow taking the letter from dex hands. Looked at ORayla who gave him a bow and kept her head down. Ever slowly shimming away from the men's presents. The leader lowered it a bit "Ramon Grandser's daughter right?" She froze and stood up straight, nervous by her being pointed out when she just wanted to run to class and try to survive the day and night.
She straightened herself as best she could "Hi Mr. Sig s-sir, i-is there s-something you need?" She smiled, cursing herself for stuttering even worse. She held the slip tightly, wrinkling the paper in the process.
Sig looked at the letter and then at her as if he knew. "Nothing, just glad to see you are back. The report said you didn't return'' he spoke relieved even though he seemed to be the only one that was pleased to see her back and safe so far. She relaxed only slightly. What relaxed she had died when Dex leaned and put his hand in front of his mouth and whispered to the leader of the colony ear processor. Sig's brown eyes went hollow, a bit more shocked as he looked at the letter than Ray as she felt like running to get away from continuing this strengthening. "You were brought back by a Murder Drone, Miss Grandser?"
ORayal rubbed her stump arm "Yes sir, s-she was really n-nice and wanted to make p-peace. The letter is from her. All s-she did was ba-brought me home, made sure I had ch-charge'' She avoided adding the truth knowing it would be discarded as a sarcastic joke. She was purposely left behind for the fifth time in a row to die out there. "May I g-go now, s-sir?" She asked as her anxiety picked up standing around for more conversation she wasn't prepared or mentally stable to continue. As she fiddled with her fingers around the slip avoiding his eyes.
Sig looked at the letter "Yes get to class, I need to review this proposition in private" he declared and the moment he turned his back, she booked away to finish the day finally. Even though nothing would get better she would rather be in the familiarity with neglectful bullying than be stuck in political issues any further.