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Lumiose was beautiful. Was. It used to be the city of opportunituy. The city of change. The city of love. However, Quasartico inc made the biggest mistake in it history. Bending their knees to the elites made the beautiful city into an ugly mess. Now those assholes using their wealth of power to silence the below class. How exactly? No one knows; no one is brave enough to speak up. Maybe it better that way.
The sun haven’t shown itself for who know how long; when did anyone seen the moon? Children borned here would be shocked if they ever seen them in their lifetime. The smoke and fume became a thick curtain. Blocking any natural light. Leaving Lumiose City was also out of the question. A war between multiple regions made the city a shut in and other towns outside of it prayed everyday that their home won't be the next target. In fact, only the elites and Quasartico knew Kalos’ allies in this war were and it definitely not the neighboring regions according to the wounded soldiers returning home with missing limbs and sanity.
In Lumiose city, the Bleu District was one of the few nicer districts before shit with down. Maybe because they put most of the budget to the police station near by. They had to keep an eye to the people somehow. Sitting in the park bench, a young man, messy hair, rounded glasses and a uniquely golden yellow eyes. Unusual to Kalosians. His eyes screams outsider, foreigner, enemy. Luckily his oversize black hoodie covered his eyes, baggy jeans and stained white sneakers. Next to him, who just sat down, was a slightly older man wearing a more business attire and black sunglasses(despite the lack of sunlight). The man wear his honey brown hair in a man bun; holding on by a black hair tie.
The two men stared at a zeppelin circling around the city; an announcer through an intercom happily announced an event happening in the coming weeks. Proudly and publicly announcing an event to all the people in Lumiose is just their trickery because in reality these events are nothing but traps. Hearing this made the young man growled in anger.
“Urbain that fucking idiot!” A young man shouted. “Lumiose haven’t been the same since that easily manipulated fool became CEO to Quasartico inc. Now him and those snob fuckers playing with people’s lives for their entertainment!”
“Yes, it is a very unfortunate time of events Mr. Corbeau.”
Corbeau sighed.
“I don’t understand why you’re still working for them Mr. Vinnie.” The young man turned his head to Vinnie. Waiting for an answer; despite there's no sunlight, Vinnie adjusted his sunglasses.
“I made the decision only to continue protecting my daughter and you, Mr. Corbeau.” Vinnie answered. Corbeau dropped his head before sighing in agreement.
Vinnie stand up from the bench, ready to take his leave.
“I must return to the office. I’ll be sending you the parts to help out. It not much but hopefully it enough to get Philippe back up. Please be safe.”
Vinnie took his leave. Hearing Philippe’s name made Corbeau’s blood boiled. The young man looked around the plaza; seeing people walking around; clerk workers on their break, children playing around, tourists taking pictures. However, these tourists were with tour guides, showing them the so-call beauty of the city. However, they’re mouths weren’t moving but yet speaking clearly that even Corbeau could hear from afar. And the way they’re walk; it was like they had they’re feet intact to a train tracks. They look human but they were human. Not anymore.
---
Later that night, darker than usual, Corbeau was standing outside of the old Electrical Substation. It became abandoned after a large power outage blacked out the entire city, many “lives” lost. Now, it was a place for him and Philippe to stay, at least for a while. Corbeau was wearing a tan overall with a black oily stain on it. He was holding a monkey wrench with his left hand; leading on the door waiting for Vinnie. And after few minutes, he kept his promise. Driving an old broke down pickup, Vinnie was wearing a far less professional wear, just a casual white t-shirt and khakis. He was also wearing a dark color face mask plus letting his hair down. Vinnie popped his head out for Corbeau to confirm. The young man went in the warehouse and soon the garage door opened up. Vinnie continue backing up to park inside.
Inside the warehouse, Vinnie and Corbeau begin unloading the truck. The young man scanned the parts, they all looked damaged and overused, probably from the unlucky souls that the Quasartico inc had no used for. But a few of them might be good enough. However, what they’re doing wasn’t legal. Ever since Jacinthe made it illegal. Thinking about her pissed Corbeau off.
Vinnie stood outside of the garage door, keeping an eye for anything suspicious. As expected, the moon was nowhere to be seen, making everything so dark it made the two men feel uncomfortable. However, every night helicopters flew around the city, like vultures looking for prey. Anyone caught by them, it would be their last day as human beings. Luckily, no helicopters were flying over the Magenta District tonight. But why?
“Someone gave us a tip about an underground black market in the sewers.” Vinnie explained. “The police were planning to raid the sewer tonight. Using all their helicopters to look for escapees.”
Corbeau ignored Vinnie. Knowing he couldn’t say the name, the young man knew who was the stitch.
“Still using her as their fucking bloodhound. Those bastards..” Corbeau growled.
Vinnie clear his throat.
"Except for you Vinnie."
After a few more parts, the pickup was clear up. Corbeau wiped the sweat off his head leaving behind dirt smeared on his forehead. Corbeau sighed out of exhaustion.
“I got everything out Vinnie.” Corbeau called out. Vinnie nodded, returning to the pickup. Before starting up the truck, Vinnie call for Corbeau.
“I may not be giving anymore parts to you for a while.” Vinnie explained. “They’ll be increasing their police patrol throughout the city. It's way too risky and my daughter needs me. I’m sorry Mr. Corbeau.”
Corbeau nodded.
“That’s fine. I might not need anymore for a while. Oh! And before I forget, tell your daughter me and Philippe said hi.”
Vinnie gave a Corbeau a small smile before starting up the pickup and drove off. The young man quickly press the button to close the garage door. Corbeau turned back to the spare parts, now have the time to organized them. But before he could, he had to checked on Philippe. The young man grabbed two boxes before heading to the next room.
Corbeau knocked on the door before turning on the lights. A few flickering lights, a large metallic arm reflecting the weak lights. It look like a full on knight armor, except it was plugged in with multiple cords and outlets. it looked awfully like Philippe. Because it is Philippe.
The black mohawk and mutton chops were the most unique features on this metallic doll. However, part of his face was missing and a large hole in it chest. With a doubt it was Philippe but he’s no longer human. He’s still “alive” but yet doesn’t look good.
“Hey Philippe. You’re awake?” Corbeau peeked in the room. There was silence for a bit, Philippe made a quick jolt before making a few weak beeps and flickering from his “eyes”.
Flick beep beep!
Philippe said yes.
Corbeau smiled. He enter the room with the two boxes in his hands. The large doll tried to stand up for Corbeau but the cords hindered his movement.
“Don’t move!” Corbeau yelled. Philippe made a whaling sound before sitting back down. The young man sighed.
“I know you’re in pain right now but Vinnie brought some more parts to fix you up. We’ll start with the voice box, hopefully these make you sound just like your old self.”
Corbeau climbed up on the large doll. He lifted Philippe’s head upward to check on his old voice box. It was completely crushed. Corbeau tried his best not to get upset, he must fix it, it was his top priority.
“This may hurt..” Corbeau carefully pulled the damaged box, Philippe started making an agonizing noise.
“Almost there honey.”
Finally the crushed voice box was removed. Corbeau sighed in relief. He toss the voice box away before picking up the two boxes.
“Ok, with your eyes, which one to try first? One blink for left or two for right.”
Philippe lower his head down to look at Corbeau and the two voice boxes he has. After a minute, he answered.
Blink
Corbeau carefully added the new voice box and after adjusting the voice bank, Philippe could finally talk again.
“Hoow is it?” Philippe asked. His new voice had an echo wave to it. Though it not the same but Corbeau was happy to hear him again for so long. The young man begin to tear up before wiping it off with his sleeves.
“Perfect.” Corbeau responded.
In the poorly lit room, the two, with the little strength Philippe had, cuddled to each other. Though Corbeau was happy the two could talk to each other normally again, he sadden to feel the cold metallic touch of the once warm human Philippe. The large doll could see the young man was upset about something.
“Whaat’s wrong, Coorbeau?” Philippe echoed. Corbeau jumped hearing the voice. Already he forgot about the new voice box. He quickly wiping his tears again after hearing him.
“I’m sorry.” Corbeau gave him a small smile. It wasn’t good enough. Without warning, Philippe carefully touched Corbeau’s face which the young man shiver from the touch.
“Arrre you coldd?”
Corbeau sighed saying yes. Instead of a sigh, it became a yawn.
“But I’m fine. Let’s get some rest.”
Philippe didn’t respond, only given Corbeau a nod.
“Thank you..”
Before he knew it, Corbeau doze off in Philippe’s metal arm. But yet at times, the young man's body shivered.
He knew
---
4 years ago
Another of those social gatherings had just begun. Hosted by, of course, Jacinthe and the SBC. She just announced her partnership with Urbain, CEO of Quasartico inc. With this, there be monthly events and even more socials. Guests were clapping on the announcement. One of these guests however were too busy drinking her wine. This woman was wearing a beautiful white ball gown but the design of snakes and a cobra with cherry blossom not native to Kalos. Though she kept her business, she could still hear people near by talking about her.
Is it true she from Johto?
Why is she here?
Does she know we’re in a war?
The woman tried her best to ignore them, but they’re starting to get on her nerves. She sighed before adjusting her glasses and taken another sip.
After a while, live music begin to play. Couples dancing while male guests asking their counterpart for a dance. The music was awful; it was the same dumb music from the last social. A few men asked for the mysterious woman for a dance but she rudely declined. More people begin talking about the woman but less nicely and more openly.
That Johtoian
She think she better than us
She probably one of those women
“Tsk. Kalosians.” The woman growled. Getting annoyed she stepped outside to the patio. The woman lean on the marble fence staring at the city light of Lumiose. Seeing the prism tower lighting up was her favorite thing to see, she couldn’t help but to smile at the beauty. She took the last sip of her wine before setting the glass down. But the glass was too close to the edge and without noticing the glass tipped over. Before the woman realized, the glass shattered.
“Shit!” The woman quietly whispered to herself. Hoping no one saw what happened, the woman tried sweeping the glasses away out of sight with her black flats. A large shadow slowly approaching behind the woman.
“Making a mess I see.” A male voice was heard. The woman growled, annoyed on getting caught. She looked up at the man, the man was huge, easily towered the woman. Wearing a generic black tuxedo but with a gold handkerchief instead of a traditional red. Despite the man’s intimidated stance, the woman wasn’t afraid.
“The hell you want?” The woman rudely asked.
The man taken it back on the woman’s snappy response. With a flip of a switch, the man stance changed, from an intimidated looking man to an apologetic man that was walking around eggshells. He scratched his left cheekbone embarrassed; his mutton chops were uniquely stylized, two gray/silver spike like tufts on each side and short black mohawk caught the woman’s attention. Not something a high class gentleman would have. And his silver eyes; no Kalosians she met have those kind of eyes. Is he another outsider?
“My apology ma’am.” The large man made a quick bow. The woman didn’t seem to like the man’s apology.
“Tsk. Don’t call me ma’am.” The woman snapped back once again. Seeing the man eyes widen, the woman adjusting her glasses again before looking away embarrassed.
“Sorry…”
From her surprise, the large man let out a laugh, not a snobby laugh but a fat belly laugh.
Sounded more human compared to everyone else here. Guests near by could hear the man laughing, throwing him dirty looks. His large figure and short mohawk however made them quickly looked away out of fear. The small woman however, found the man’s laugh kinda cute. She cracked a small smile at him.
“Hmm, you’re an odd one.” The woman hummed, covering her mouth hiding her laugh.
“Haha. I get that a lot.”
The large man lifted his hand to the woman, for a handshake. The woman stared at his hand; seeing his worn metallic hand with small dents and scratches. It took her a moment before she quickly grabbed the man’s cold metal hand. Without a doubt; she thought, he was a soldier to an inhumane war. Must’ve been invited to looked big and scary. But despite being a pawn to the elites, he still had a smile on his face. What an odd man.
The two begin talking, guests watched the two in curiosity. That included Jacinthe, she tapped on Urbain’s shoulder before leaning in to talk to him. From the distance the two stared at the odd couple still talking; just beside them, Jacinthe’s maid Lebanne was thoughtlessly staring off the room. Her makeup was like it was unprofessionally wiped off from her face; her black eye liners ran down to her cheeks.
---
As if a silent alarm clock went off, Corbeau opened his eyes before stretching his arms outward. He let out a yawn, looking up at Philippe, he couldn’t tell if the large doll was asleep or not. He quickly shook that thought out of his head. Corbeau knocked on Philippe’s metal arm.
“Hey, wake up honey!” Corbeau yelled. Continued knocking on the arm till Philippe “woke” up and slowly lifting up his arm. Corbeau thanked him before standing up and started stretching again.
“I gotta build up a new heart for you. Hopefully it be powerful enough to handle your physique. So I got a lot of work to do.”
Philippe didn’t responded, only given him a humming sound. Corbeau turned his head towards Philippe; begin noticing him still responding with buzzing sounds. Perhaps it became a habit for Philippe. Corbeau let it slide.
It already been an hour, gathering up the remaining parts from last night to the poorly lit room, now was an enlarged room with a car lift, chains and a pulley for easier lifting. Seeing that hearts were way too small for Philippe; Corbeau expected this, combining them could work but he worried it would overheat.
“This would have to do.” Corbeau sighed. Corbeau begin working; opening up each parts to pull out wires. Removing damaged wires; adding new ones (that he “found” in the streets with a help from Vinnie). Connecting the wires were the hardest but he believed the new wires would be good as long as Philippe doesn’t over do it. This was their only chance to get out of the city. Putting on a wielding helmet, Corbeau begin wielding the selected parts together. The sparks were flying all over the place. Bouncing off from Philippe metallic body, who was silently watching Corbeau. The young man wasn’t sure if he was actually watching him or sleeping. Philippe’s lack of face wasn’t helping. He was just watching.
---
4 years ago
The city lights were dancing tonight. The hotel suite was dim, the only the kitchen lights were visibly lit. From inside the kitchenette there was a struggle, a small glass bottle, a broken wine glass inside the kitchen sink, and kitchen knife on the tile floor with a small amount of blood.
A male voice was heard. Coming from the front door, the same large man from the social was pinning the woman he met from the party. Using his metal hand holding on both of the woman’s small wrists. He had a cut on his other arm, drawing blood. The woman’s Jothoian gown were tore, showing her bare chest. However she wasn’t shocked on the situation to the man’s surprise and concern. She show no fear toward the large man.
“Your metal hand is cold Mr. Philippe.” The woman responded. The large man sighed; knowing the woman was actually a young man. He felt fooled but for some reason he was amused to the man’s dedication till this point. However, he was still curious.
“How long you been doing this?” Philippe asked.
The young man didn’t responded. The large man hummed.
“I get it. Johtoians had to do anything to survive, even in an enemy region. However, regardless, drugging and stealing from rich men will send you straight to no return.”
The young man expression showed no concern wither he get caught or not.
“Then call the police. Clearly I was gonna drugged you.”
Philippe chuckled. “You didn’t do anything.” Philippe looked away from the young man to check on his wounded arm. “Well, other than self-defense.”
Philippe finally let go of Corbeau’s wrists before checking on his arm. The young man looked at Philippe with a confused look. He adjusted his large glasses before looking at the large man.
“What’s your name kid? Your real name.”
The young man changed his expression from confusion to anger. Calling him kid seem to be worse than ma’am. He looked away before answering.
“Corbeau.” As if he was embarrassed to say it. Philippe’s eyes widen hearing the name.
“Hmm. That’s a Kalosian name.”
“It a name I gave myself since living here.”
“Hmm. Fair enough.”
Philippe walked around the corner, where the kitchen was, leaving Corbeau by the front door. The young man was still confused on why Philippe didn’t call the police and why would a Kalosian let him go despite attacking him? Philippe stand in from of the kitchen sink, washing off the blood and cleaning his wound. Corbeau picked himself from the floor before leaning on the wall and peeking his head around the corner, watching the large man in the kitchen. He really was an odd man.
“I don’t understand.” Corbeau muttered. “Why didn’t you call the police? I tried to drugged you!”
Philippe looked up toward Corbeau still peeking his head out. The large man shrugged his shoulders.
“You had a second thought. Either you had a change of heart or realized I had nothing valuable. Unless you found a way to take my metal hand off. But I’d be more impress than angry.”
Philippe could heard Corbeau growled. Hearing it made the large man laughed again. His laugh started to pissed the young man off. Corbeau snapped.
“I don’t get! Why you’re being so nice to me? I’m a Johtoian, an outsider and no Kalosians like outsiders. You’re such an odd man!”
Philippe was quiet for a moment before letting out a huge sigh. He continued cleaning off his wound.
"I would rather be an odd man than a fool." His tone was different than before, he was serious.
“I was once a fooled man. Believing everything the government said that everyone non-Kalosian were my enemy. When I got deported to Kanto, as a cook, and I learned a lot of things about the Kantoians including their food and craftsmanship. And I shortly grew to love it. Sooner than later I sneak to a small town at night and to try out their food. Despite how little their food security was at that time, they still welcomed me with open arms. I learned so much within those 6 months and I returned home without my writing hand.”
Corbeau was quiet; Philippe checked the kitchen drawer for bandages. He walked by Corbeau, who was now sitting on the couch, still wearing the tore gown with his bare chest still exposed. The large man entered the bathroom, after 15 minutes, Philippe returned with a wrapped bandages on his arm. Seeing Corbeau still sitting on the couch he stopped facing the young man with a small smile.
“But it was worth it. My metal hand is a reminder of my humanity. After returning home I made my mission to help everyone here in Lumiose."
Philippe paused for a bit before looking away.
"Even a young Johtoian man dressed as a woman of the night.”
Seeing the large man scratching his mutton chop, poorly hiding his smirk, Corbeau growled before kicking the large man.
“Shut up!” Corbeau yelled.
OW!
--------
The room became more dark as the city begin to rain. Philippe, laying on a car lift, stared at the ceiling hearing the sound of raindrops. The heavy raindrop hitting the rooftop made Philippe anxious. Corbeau tried to ignore it; just below Philippe the young man drilling a stainless steel plate on the doll’s back. Corbeau tried to ignore him and wanted to finish this as soon as possible. It was so difficult.
“Don’t move too much.” Corbeau tried to sound calming for Philippe. “I’m almost done.”
He knew
After a few knocks, Corbeau begin lowering the car lift. Despite not expecting anything, as the car lift stopped it descent, expressionless, faceless. The look of disappointment on Corbeau’s face, Philippe spoke up with a concerning voice.
“Wwhat’s wrong?”
“Ah! I-It’s nothing.” Corbeau responded. “I’m just tired…”
He knew
He knew
Philippe didn’t responded, only saying ok. That response hurt more than the young man realized. Corbeau tried hiding the fact by trying to cheer the large doll.
“Remember back when I stabbed you in the hotel?”
Rather, poorly. But it seems to work as Philippe begin to calm down.
“Then later I broke my ankle, since you nevwr told me that you had a metal prosthetic leg.” Corbeau let out a chuckle. He begin lowering the heavy frankensteined heart with the pulley system, centering to Philippe’s open chest.
“But you were so apologetic and took care of me. Though I gave you a hard time but you were so nice to me.”
“…”
"When I could walk again, I just crashed in your place."
"..hmmm.."
“Despite everything, I wanted to thank you for everything. You taught me to build things. From dolls that were once human to toys to give to children. You’re probably the nicest man in Kalos, to the point that i started to like you. Haha, but I guess I was a little too late to confess.”
“…”
With a few more wires, at last the heart was placed.
“Now I just need to start it up.”
“Ook.”
Corbeau picked up the two clamps from a jump starter, placing the clamps to center rods, the young man walked back to a safe distance away.
“You’re ready Philippe?” Corbeau yelled. Philippe only response was a thumb-up. Seeing the thumb up, Corbeau turned on the jump starter, keeping an eye on Philippe. The large doll jolted, slowly lifting half of his body upward sitting up continue jolting. After three minutes, Corbeau turned off the starter. Waited a moment before cautiously walking toward Philippe. After another minute, the large doll turned his head to Corbeau.
"How are you feeling honey?" Corbeau asked.
"Peeachy." Philippe replied in an echo.
Corbeau sighed in relief.
"Good! Once I put another plate there, I wanna check on your...stamina."
"Ookay boss."
Corbeau sighed, this time in annoyance.
It was still raining as the two were outside. Corbeau watched Philippe slowly pushing two stacked shipping containers to the other side. Corbeau nodded seeing Philippe's heart still kicking.
"How many you think you push?"
"Proobably six moore!" Philippe answered.
Corbeau nodded continue watching. Seeing Philippe moving around on his own Corbeau could finally take a well deserved break.
He knew
Sooner than later they must find way to escape.
He knew
They could finally live in peace elsewhere.
He knew
They could-
Corbeau felt something weird, he felt his heart. It was beating so hard it hurts a little.
Why is it doing that all of a sudden?
Now it hurts even more.
And why am I crying?
Even his eyes starting to burn.
Why is it hurt so bad?
...
A large shadow slowly towering Corbeau, who was cringing on his hoodie in pain. Philippe looked down at Corbeau, seeing him slowly looking up at him; tears continue falling but the young man's golden yellow eyes glare at him.
"You knew." Corbeau said, his voice begin to cracked. His body started to shivered.
"You knew it was a trap, didn't you?"
"...yees."
"..But why?" The young man tears continued falling down, staring at Philippe.
"..."
"Please Philippe. I need to know!" Corbeau angrily kicking at the large doll, not caring if he break his leg. Philippe, not feeling anything, stood there taking the hits. The young man looked up at him again; the rain water running down Philippe's faceless face. For a moment, it looked he was crying as well. Corbeau started to calm down, wiping his eyes with his sleeves.
"..."
"Why did you do it?" Corbeau calmly asked.
"..I did it ouuta of guilt."
"Huh?" Corbeau's eyes widen.
"What guilt?"
"Baack in Kanto, I thought they were taaking them to safety. I thought I did the right thingg. They became luxury items. Most of them were woomen and children."
Without a warning, Philippe kneel down in front of Corbeau and like instinct, bow in an apology.
"I'm sorry Coorbeau. I couldn't let anyone else end up like them. I did everything to prevent it. Thhat's why I did what I did."
"Is that why you ended up like..that?"
"Yees. I didn't want you to find me, I wanted Vinnie to take my place protecting you. But we both learned that you're such a stubborn man."
"Philippe."
The large doll pushed himself off the floor, facing Corbeau in an even level. Philippe tilted his head before lightly circling his forehead with his finger.
"I must addmit, I taught you well. You fix me back up and you did everything to do so. Even risking yourr life for me."
Philippe let off a soft buzz. Almost like he was chuckling.
“You’re such an odd man Coorbeau.”
Hearing that, Corbeau's face turned red. Embarrassed, the young man look down flushed.
"S-shut up!"
Philippe let out a echoing laugh; it almost scared Corbeau. The lack of a face was also unsettling to the young man. But soon Corbeau begin to chuckle with Philippe.
"I would rather be an odd man than being alone!"
The two men laugh louder; finally having a memorable moment together. Philippe carefully wrapped his large metal arms around the small bodied Corbeau. The young man wrapped his arms around the doll's neck. After a moment, Corbeau begin to sobbed again. Philippe looked down seeing his lover crying again.
"What's a matter, Corbeau?" Philippe asked.
"You're so warm Philippe. I can feel your warmth!"
The frankensteined heart must've heated up from the test. However, it would've cool down by now, but seeing Corbeau smiling this much, Philippe didn't wanted to ruin this moment. The young man, placing his ear on the heart, the sound of an odd clicking coming the frankensteined heart almost sound like a beating human heart. Corbeau smiled again, not wanting to let go. Not knowing a small strip of sunlight shining on the two. Philippe felt so warm to Corbeau. So warm.