Chapter Text
Dull skies were the norm down on the ground, little sunlight with plenty of miserable clouds hovering over those who walked below. But the mist was new, a dark blue dust that flowed freely from a disintegrating pile of trash that was once a terror to the nearby team.
A small figure stood atop the pile of rubble and trash, hunched over with gloved hands rummaging through the rubbish he stood over. Rudo was gentle as he pushed trash to the side, occasionally pausing to rub at his eyes which watered in response to the mystery blue surrounding him. He could see though the mist, looking over to his right to see another trash beast still standing, growling and snapping it’s jaws at Riyo, the girl jumping around in the air and swinging her scissors with a cheerful giggle. She enjoyed it way too much.
Over to his left was a group of four; Enjin, Zanka, Gris and Follo. The four trapped in conversation, Gris and Follo taking notes together and occasionally pointing around the area at all the clouds of blue smoke, Enjin swinging an arm around Zanka’s shoulder and praising the young man for taking down his own trash beast a minute ago. The sight make Rudo snicker, watching Zanka get flushed and try act ignorant to the praise, it was clear how much he loved Enjin’s approval. Rudo’s gaze landed back onto Riyo, watching her skip over to the group nearby, reuniting after taking down the final beast.
Another mission complete without issue. But this blue mist, confused them all, even Corvus seemed on edge when he was informed about it.
The first appearance of ‘The Blue’ happened a few days ago, Team Child being on a small mission with Tomme and Follo, only supposed to clear a few small beasts that were surrounding Canvas Town. Guita had crushed two on her own, Santa took down his own after being tossed by Bro. But as soon as the trash beast started to disintegrate the mist appeared, seeping through the gaps of trash and dying the air around them blue. Once Guita had returned to her normal form she was practically tackled by Bro, her mask quickly forced onto her face and then Dear who was struggling to breathe before his mask was put on. The kids were fine after about five minutes with their masks on, but that didn’t put a pause on everyone worry.
This was third time since then that this mist appeared, now Rudo had finally seen it, now Rudo was even more curious than he was before. He ran his hand through the air, fingers dancing through the blue that curled around him. It seemed harmless enough, just air, he doubted it was any worse than what he breathed when he first dropped to the ground. Curiosity was dangerous, especially a child’s curiosity. Gloved hands lifted to Rudo’s face, hesitating slightly before reaching for the straps holding his mask to his lower face.
“Rudo! We’re ready to head back now, are you coming-…Rudo!? What the hell are you doing?!” Gris called out, the calmness in his voice quickly swapped for a harsh worry. Still standing on the remains of the beast, white hair with stained tips clear through the mist that was finally fading away, Rudo stood with his mask held in his hands rather than protecting his airways. Despite the worry in Gris’ tone Rudo wasn’t stressed, he felt fine, he could breathe with no struggle.
“For gods sake, put your mask on! We still don’t know what this stuff is!!” The scolding continued for a minute or two, the group watching Rudo carefully as he slid down the pile of trash, holding their breaths to see how he’d react with the blue mist no doubt sitting in his lungs by now. Follo rushed to Rudo, holding a spare mask in his hands, thinking maybe his own wasn’t working and that was why Rudo had removed it. But no, the mask sitting in his gloves appeared to be fine.
“Rudo…what are you doing? You need to keep your mask on while ever we’re around this stuff.”
“But I’m fine-“
“Doesn’t matter if you’re fine, breathing in unknown chemicals and toxins is peak stupidity…just when I thought you couldn’t get dumber.” The words were low and muffled through Zanka’s mask, but they were clear enough to piss off Rudo who ran over to the much taller boy. “The fuck did you call me!? I’m not dumb you shit-biscuit, you are!!-“ Rudo tried to throw himself at Zanka, Enjin stepping between the two and grabbing hold of Rudo’s shoulders, trying to keep him from attacking his mentor.
“Damn Zanka, gotta quit teasing him, one day Enjin won’t be around to tame his fury.” Riyo chuckled, slowly walking over with the group to surround Rudo who was still being held by Enjin.
“Easy kid…how’s your breathing? Struggling at all?” Enjin murmured, easily dragging the skinny kid away from Zanka, keeping a hand on his shoulder to keep him put. “I’m fine! Breathings fine! I’m not in any pain or whatever alright!!” Rudo’s voice screeched, shoving away from Enjin who let the kid stumble back with a hidden smirk. Rudo did appear to be fine, the blue mist had finally faded away into nothing, making the area around them much clearer once more. Just miles and miles of trash, nothing impressive, not boring either. If you were Rudo anyway.
“Even if you are fine you shouldn’t have taken off your mask.” Gris again, stepping beside Rudo and taking his mask from his gloved grip, moving slowly as if dealing with a stray dog that would bite if startled. It only irritated Rudo further with how Gris spoke down to him, he understood the older man’s concern and maybe deep down he was grateful that Gris worried for him. Rudo was mainly pissed at himself for worrying the group, for taking off his mask without thinking, for being stupid once again.
“I-…I’m sorry, alright? I didn’t think…s-sorry.” The mumbled apology was something that Rudo was working on, trying to collect such strong emotions in such a small and sensitive body was a hard task. But everyone else knew that, so the smallest of improvements was very much a big deal.
“It’s alright Rudo, just put your mask back on so we can head back.” Enjin took the mask from Gris’ hands, holding it out to Rudo who took it back and brought it up to his face. Once he had the straps in place a the mask secure the group started walking, Riyo and Enjin in the front talking about food, Gris and Follo behind them continuing with their notes for Semiu. Leaving Rudo in the back, with Zanka of all people. The taller one was silent, his steps carful and avoiding any trash in his way, practically ignoring Rudo beside him.
—————————————————————
He hated the cocky prick, tall and strong, always able to put on a soothing smile. As much as Rudo hated him he couldn’t help but appreciate him just as much, Zanka was a good mentor who did his best teaching Rudo about his own abilities and how life on the ground works. One could say Rudo envied him in a way.
“You’re staring.”
“Am not.”
“Yes you are.”
Rudo scoffed, red eyes rolling in exaggeration with a groan, slouching forward as he continued onward. The air felt warm, too warm for what was supposed to be winter weather. Beads of sweat dripped down Rudo’s forehead, the boy raising his hand and wiping the drops away with the sleeve of his jacket, groaning softly as his body grew warmer. “Fucking warm…”
“Your warm? It’s the middle of winter and that coat is thicker than your waist, how the hell are you sweating?” Zanka grumbled, taking notice of Rudo’s huffing and puffing, slowing his pace slightly to match the younger. “Quit making comments ‘bout my body!…a-and yeah…’m warm.”
Zanka hummed softly, glancing ahead to the four in front, they hadn’t taken notice that he and Rudo had slowed down, almost thankful that they didn’t. “Mhm…it’s getting dark fast now it’s winter…you like the dark, pipsqueak?”
“P-Pipsqueak!? Don’t call m-me a pipsqueak!”
“You didn’t answer me, do you like the dark?”
No. No, Rudo didn’t like the dark, he hated it so damn much. Too many nights spent alone up on the sphere, before Regto, sleeping on the streets or sneaking into abandoned homes. Wherever he slept it was so dark. Zanka stared down at Rudo, taking note of his silence, face flushed slightly from what he assumed was embarrassment from the new nickname he’d received. Rudo didn’t like the dark. “Guita and Dear don’t like the dark, they share room, got a big night light that makes stars appear on the ceiling…they have a couple of spares…I think they’re kept in the storage closet beside their room.”
A night light? Rudo didn’t need a stupid light, he wasn’t some baby. But as the nights grew darker much quicker, Rudo had started leaving the light in his bathroom on, keeping the door open to let the light peak through into his room. Actually, a night light sounded nice, he’d remember those lights in the storage closet.
Zanka snickered as he watched Rudo ponder, knowing damn well what he’s done and what he gave Rudo. Some slight comfort for the night, kid needed it, maybe it would fix his miserable attitude. But even as Rudo calmed down from the teasing his face remained red, flushed and warm, still sweating. A quick minute later and he seemed to be struggling to breathe, chest heaving, pace slowing till he paused. “Rudo?”
Zanka received no response, only watching with wide eyes as Rudo slumped forward, his knees folding beneath his light weight and sending him to the ground. “Rudo?!” He’d landed face first on the ground, dusty hair upwards to the sky, pointing out a few matts at the back of his head. Zanka dropped to his knees before Rudo, flipping him onto his back, two fingers quickly landing on his throat. Breathing, unconscious however.
“Zanka?! What the hell happened? Is he alright?” Gris and Follo were beside Zanka in mere seconds, checking Rudo over swiftly and gently, looking for some kind of injury. “H-he complained he was warm, started heaving, then dropped down.”
“Damn, he looks pretty rough…do you think it might be the blue?” Riyo pondered, walking over and leaning behind Zanka, resting against his shoulder with a slight frown on her face. “Perhaps?…you know, before we headed out I swear I heard Tomme saying something about Dear and Guita not feeling well…they inhaled the blue too a couple of days ago.” The idea quietly slipped Gris’ covered lips, unsure of the words himself but it seemed likely. Follo and Gris quickly checked Rudo over, feeling his pulse racing in his neck, pulling back his eye lids to check his eyes with a small flashlight, taking note of how his pupils were blown out. Pits of black swallowing the hues of red.
Enjin was the last to approach, peering down at Rudo’s flushed face, eyes shut tight and face scrunched up like a sour fruit. Kid seemed to be in pain, his hand clenching into fists beneath his clothes, no doubt hurting more than usual with all the sweat no doubt irritating whatever wounds he was hiding from them. “Zanka, call Semiu. Riyo and Follo head to the car and get it started up. Gris, pick him up and we’ll follow behind.”
Everyone nodded at their assigned jobs, Riyo and Follo starting into a jog towards the car, Zanka following but much slower as he raised his wrist and started speaking into his bracelet.
“Come on Rudo, up you come.” Gris murmured, arms wrapping around Rudo and carfully pulling the kid up with him, cradling the frail body close to his chest with a soft hum. Rudo already look gentle when he was up and moving, big eyes always in shock of something, his anger more adorable than frightening. But in this moment, he looked like so much more…weak. “Hey, start walking, let’s get him back to base and to Eisha.”
Gris glanced up to Enjin, the cleaner already walking ahead, gently swinging him umbrella whilst humming a tune. After a few minutes of rushed walking they all reached the car, Riyo already inside, settled in and reading a magazine she’d brought with her just for the travel. Follo and Zanka stood outside waiting for Gris and Enjin. When the adults arrived the younger two slipped inside and put on their seatbelts.
“Since your arms are occupied I’ll drive-“
“Like hell you will! Kids in bad enough state already, your driving will kill the poor bastard!” Enjin’s face quickly dropped his smirk, rolling his eyes and groaning as he took his seat in the passenger side, arms wide open for Rudo. Gris gently deposited the young boy, rushing round to the drivers side and getting inside, quickly starting up the car.
In Enjin’s arms, Rudo seemed to relax slightly, still warm and uncomfortable but not groaning as much as before. Enjin couldn’t help but stare, raising a hand to his forehead and wiping away a bead of sweat, dabbing his damp forehead with the sleeve of his coat. The sight pulled a soft chuckle from Gris, the mans mask off and settled on his lap.
“Softie.”
“Oh quiet.”
—————————————————————
The car was quiet, the soft hum of the engine filling the vehicle, a gentle background noise to keep the occupants from overthinking. At least for a few of them. Zanka rested his head on a hand, staring to the front passenger seat where Rudo was passed out of Enjin’s lap, stirring and groaning. ”I could’ve caught him before he his the ground. Could’ve spotted he wasn’t well sooner-“
“It’s his own fault you know.” Riyo whispered, gaze locked on her magazine but able to sense Zanka staring daggers at the unconscious spherite. “He took off his own mask, poisoned himself, he can deal with the consequences.” Zanka hummed in response, finally looking away and turning his attention to the piles of filth outside the car. “I know it’s his own fault…but it’s also mine. I’m supposed to teach him, watch him. If I was I wouldn’t have let him take off his mask.”
”True, true.” She hummed softly, shifting to rest against Zanka’s shoulder. “Maybe you should teach him to not be so stupid once he’s better?” The two smirked, both finding it mildly humorous, the idea of Rudo getting beaten and scolded by Zanka for the Gods knows what time.
—————————————————————
Two hours passed till the car reached headquarters, speeding past the gates and coming to a slow stop. Tomme and Semiu standing at the doors. Waiting. Worrying. Riyo and Zanka were the first out, Follo behind, Gris and Enjin in last with a somewhat conscious Rudo. The first two slipped inside the building with no one stopping them, Follo and those behind him were however paused by Semiu.
“Rudo, you alright kid?” She asked softly, watching Enjin carry the kid closer, his mask still on and the colour of his eyes peaking past his lashes. “…’m warm…head hurts.”
“Shh, we’ll get you fixed up, shh.” Enjin softly hummed, adjusting Rudo slightly in his arms, keeping the kids head resting against his shoulder. A smirk pulled at Semiu’s lips, shaking her head before adjusting her glasses and gesturing to the doors behind her. “Take him to Eisha, you two come with me and explain what happened.”
Together they all walked inside, Enjin carrying onward past Semiu’s desk whilst the supporters stayed to get her caught up on what had happened. The walls were quiet, an uncomfortable quiet, most people were out on missions still. But Team Child, they had the day off, so where were the little shits?
“Enjin…”
”You alright kid? Breathing better?” Rudo nodded sluggishly, his breathing much more relaxed but still a task that stained his body and used whatever energy he had stored. Enjin chuckled warmly, blowing softy on the boys face, watching him squirm and cuss him out with a jolly grin. “Asshole…”
Enjin carried Rudo for a minute or two, finally coming across a door that led to the infirmary, a sign reading ‘Be quiet and respectful for those resting’. Was someone else unwell and resting under Eisha’s care? Enjin nudged the door open with his shoulder, pausing in the doorway as he took notice of two beds in use, a large figure sitting between them. Bro, head low in his hands, silent. On one side of him lay Dear, dressed in a thin shirt much too big for his small body. The other side had Guita resting in a matching shirt with some darker short peaking beneath the fabric, her onesie neatly folded up at the foot of the bed.
“Bro?”
“Enjin?”
The two stared at one another for a few moments, Enjin’s lips parted to speak only to be interrupted by Eisha, slipping out a small storage cupboard in the back of the room. “Bed three.” She said, quick but not harsh, worried for whatever state Rudo was in but able to keep herself calm for the time being. Enjin nodded, gently laying Rudo down on the bed beside Dear, watching him squirm and struggle to keep his eyes open. “M-my head hurts…”
Enjin started hushing Rudo once more, lightly petting his hair and taking a seat on the edge of the bed, running his inked hand through a knot and gently teasing it with his fingers.
“Your kid too?” Bro murmured, watching with a tierd smile as Enjin soothed Rudo.
“Yeah…my kid too.”