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Opening the city had happened fast.
Too fast.
The little cat had been excited to introduce their furry family to their new metal one. But now one of them is gone, and the cat had no way to communicate or find them right now. They wished the companions were here, Doc might’ve known what to do, he was really smart. The little cat missed being called ‘The Little Outsider,’ they never really had any specific name, and many robots had called them that.
The Little Outsider had taken a liking to Momo and Clementine especially, it brought them out of their grief for a few short moments thinking about their journey. They had gotten to know both those companions the best. And B/12…
The little drone laid unmoving in The Little Outsider’s body curled around him. The orange cat didn’t have the energy to leave the drone’s side, they didn’t want to believe that he was gone. B/12 had even given them a new vest and talked numerous times about seeing the Outside with them, why did he have to go before that could come true? They had been so close, the walls were about to be open, but then the moment he hit the floor, the thoughts were gone.
No fishing together.
No cottage.
No exploring.
Nothing.
The Little Outsider curled closer, just wanting to go to sleep to forget everything. They felt like they were to blame for this. Maybe if they had noticed B/12 getting destroyed from the hacking, there could’ve been a chance to save him… maybe…
The Little Outsider’s heart stung with more grief as they slipped into a fitful sleep.
——————————————————————————
The roof of the wall had completely opened up, and many down below were either terrified or astonished. Many of the companions who The Little Outsider befriended along the way knew who was responsible.
The Outsiders themselves couldn’t help but stare for a solid few minutes before letting joy spread across their features. Yet the joy quickly turned into curiosity, they all were wondering how each other were doing.
Momo hadn’t really gotten the chance to talk to Doc or Seamus, but his legs were already carrying him out of his flat and towards the two who were still looking up. Momo practically leaped into Doc's arms, making the other companion let out surprised beeps. But Doc soon after returned the hug, and placed mock kisses along Momo’s head. Doc had missed his partner, almost as much as he missed his son. It was nice to see one of the only other couples, Nestor and Elliot, out in the sunshine too. It was pretty shocking to everyone to see Elliot out, but Nestor practically could convince him to do anything with just a little sweet talk.
Seamus watched them, clearly trying to pretend he was disgusted, but deep down he was happy for them. He felt guilty for treating Momo so horribly while his father had been lost. The taller, rainbow/faced robot had tried to care for him, but Seamus let himself get angry at him for caring. He also let himself get hammered at the bar constantly, there was nothing else to do, and it was the only thing that made him feel any sort of positive emotion anymore. Seamus had even started smoking at some point, cigarette boxes were piled up on the floor in their flat. That habit had stopped almost as soon as it started, thank RAM, but his drinking wouldn’t be as easy to stop. However, he had both his fathers once again to help him with that. The bartender, Jacob, had also been there for him most nights he passed out at the bar.
Seamus smiled back at his dads, and found himself almost running over to the bar where Jacob stood outside, amazed at the bright sun above. Jacob barely even got a word out before Seamus wrapped his slightly rusted arms around him. Jacob could feel Seamus’s arms grip his clothes tightly as his screen flickered into a wide-eyed expression.
“I’m sorry I’ve taken you for granted… I know an apology doesn’t fix all the damage I’ve done to myself and others, but it’s a start. I’m the worst, I need to get my shit together.” Seamus was stumbling over his words, he felt stupid. “Erm… this feels a lot to ask for, but you're one of the closest bots to me, would you help me move past my harmful habits? My pa- erm… father doesn’t know about them, but I’m sure Momo will break the news soon enough.”
Jacob looked down at the companion, his screen was pressed into his chest. He brought a metal hand to Seamus’s head, where his reflective bucket hat rested. He saw Seamus’s screen peak up at him, blush lines covering it.
“Of course.” Jacob nodded, his body stiff with embarssment. “But… you should get back to your family, they’ll be missing you.”
“Come with me.” Seamus said quickly, and rather impulsively. “They’ll like you, I swear.”
Jacob nodded again, and let Seamus’s shaky hand drag him over Momo and Doc.
——————————————————————————
Right after the shock of the sentinels chasing her, and the sun nearly blinding her, Clementine immediately knew where she needed to go. She needed to find the other Outsiders, and stat! She hadn’t seen Zbaltazar in quite some time, Doc and Momo for even longer. She even missed Seamus! Doc’s son wasn’t really a ray of sunshine, but Clementine used to herself laughing at some of the younger bot’s witty remarks.
She squeezed through small openings she didn’t even know a companion could go through, and ignored her straining joints as she trekked. Clementine hadn’t been able to leave her apartment in Midtown for at least a year, she was out of practice.
But after what felt like forever, she finally popped out through the tunnel she took that one fine day.
AntVillage.
The rope bridge she used last time was utterly destroyed, but that didn’t stop her from thinking of the next best alternative. The Little Outsider made it here, and she had seen that cat fall a couple of times, she didn’t see why she couldn’t go the same way. Or, at least, she knew it was a terrible idea, but getting to Zbaltazar was a bigger concern for her. She slowly shimmed her way down the pipes, probably looking ridiculous. Clementine heard a couple of bots down below yell up to her, they were definitely happy, but probably more concerned for her safety than she was. They waved frantically at her, and she saw one of the younger bots try to prop itself up on a railing to reach out to her.
“If I made it through the sewers, I’ll manage this.” She talked out loud to nobody, perhaps living in an apartment alone for too long was making her sensors all screwed up.
By some miracle, she made it down to the little food area where the Tin Chef cleaned some of his plates.
“Clem-“ His screen went to a shocked expression, but he was blatantly ignored by her as she sped walk to where her old friend resided.
“Clementine! Auntie Clementine!” The same bitty-bot who she brushed past while climbing down was jumping up and down behind her.
“Not right now.” She said firmly, and strategically climbed down to the floor below.
She ended up at her destination, yet whatever she was seeing wasn’t the expected destination. There were dozens of screens stacked on top of each other, and the body of Zbaltazar was slumped over with all his wires undone compared to how neatly they used to be pulled back.
“Z?” Clementine tapped at one of them, and all at once they lit up in a shocked expression.
“Clementine…?”
“What the hell happened!?” She demanded, throwing her aching, metal arms up over her head.
“It’s called transcendental meditation, you knew about this before you left, no?” His expression on all of the screens flickered into a bit of an annoyed one.
“I didn’t realize you needed to disconnect from your entire body to do that!” Clementine’s screen turned red with anger, but she calmed herself down, there was no need to be so cross, she was too happy to see him to be mad.
“Remember our encounters with the zurks? They damaged me a bit more than you thought.” He answered.
“Why don’t you tell me these things?” A sigh left her speaker, but again, she wasn’t mad.
“I hear from the others that The Outside is open.” He inquired, changing the subject.
“Yes, I was coming to find you so we could meet with the others.” Clementine sat down next to his screens.
“I just contacted Momo, Doc, and Seamus a bit ago, they're coming to us. Doc started on a new prototype of his defluxor-thingy upon his return to kill the zurks remaining in the sewers. They’ll be here quite soon.” Zbaltazar answered.
“Doc’s alive? That’s amazing! He better be bringing tools and parts to fix you up!” A noise that sounded close to a snort left Clem’s speaker.
“I explained the situation, I think he’s smart enough to figure that out.”
“Ok, wise-bot.” Clementine tapped at one of his screens aggressively, but it was clear it was playful.
——————————————————————————
The sky above was starting to get dark by the time the others arrived. They all looked a little beat up and tired, but Doc had a lot of equipment with him, and was very ready to get to work.
“Perhaps you lot should take time to recharge, there’s no rush really, The Outside isn’t going anywhere.” Zbaltazar suggested.
“No, but The Little Outsider will be! We’ve got to make sure that little cat is ok, and well… I’m excited!” Doc’s head was twitching in joy.
Momo’s screen looked a bit horrified at seeing Zbaltazar’s condition, but that didn’t stop the companion from hugging one of his screens affectionately soon after.
“Ah, Seamus, I always knew you’d grow into a fine bot one day. I see you’re just like your father when making new discoveries.” Zbaltazar greeted him, noticing how Seamus was inspecting him; curiously with a finger next to his screen and a bit of a blank expression.
Seamus quickly pulled himself away, his ‘meh’ expression returning.
“Well, we’re working on some things, but I couldn’t be better right now.” Doc commented, wrapping a rusted arm around his son.
As Doc settled in to get back to his current work, Momo and Seamus shared their joy with Clementine as well, esthatic to see her again. They all exchanged life updates and conversations until the moon was high and new, starry sky. After a bit, Momo settled down to recharge, Seamus’s screen shut off soon after, and Doc plugged him in, his screen smiling. Clementine was definitely on the verge of shutting off herself, but she didn’t want to just go to sleep after everything that happened today. Zbaltazar would insist she should if he was still awake. Clem watched Doc work tirelessly, until finally, she knew she was at her limit. She clumsily plugged herself in, and shut off for the night.
——————————————————————————
Light shined through the large window of the Control Room, making The Little Outsider’s eyes squint open sleepily. They still felt immense grief within their small body, but at least they got a good rest. Their orange-tabby body felt even more stiff than before, and their eyelids felt almost crusted shut. How long had they been lying there..?
Whatever the circumstances were, they still couldn’t bring themselves to get up. Not even the pure emptiness of their stomach enticed them to move. B/12 was still lying lifelessly in the crook of their body, the scorch marks covering him seemed to fade out a bit.
The Little Outsider longed to see either of his families. They wished to be surrounded in a lump of soft fur with the other cats, that might subside their sadness a bit, it always did. However, the cold caress of a metal hand sounded nice too, or maybe even one of the companions could pick them up and cradle them in their arms. They could feel one of their legs start to cramp up in pain, they knew what they had to do.
They had to get up.
But The Little Outsider didn’t have to leave.
Orange paws were put-padding on the floor soon enough, and the cat did a large stretch, flexing their claws as they did a downward-dog. They supposed they should at least clean themselves, just in case someone found them there. The Little Outsider drew a paw gently over their ear as they lapped at it. They physically felt better after a wash and a good scratch, so it was a start.
The Little Outsider looked over at B/12 on the floor, maybe they could clean up the drone too. Even if he was gone, he should still look presentable.
The orange cat’s tongue hit the cool metal of the drone, and they started with the charred blackness that covered his tiny body. It didn’t really taste the best, but that didn’t matter.
This was also a good start.
——————————————————————————
As Clementine’s screen turned on, she felt a lot better than yesterday now that she had gotten some rest. Momo looked like he’d been up for a while, he was watching Doc with a warm smile, whose expression was showing him finally dozing off after his all-nighter. Zbaltazar’s body looked much better than the way they found it. It was propped upright, and he even seemed to be back inside of it, his wires back to his old, neat style. Seamus was still knocked out along with Z, but younger companions usually got a late start to everyday.
“You like watching people sleep, creep?” Clementine made the other robot jump as she laughed.
“Nice rhyme.” Momo replied back, his tone turning sarcastic. “He’s my partner, I can think he’s cute while sleeping.”
Clem waved him off with an annoyed snuff, and got up slowly so she didn’t risk falling right back to the wooden floor beneath her. She made her way over Zbaltazar, despite re-charging well, she still worried for her friend. He was one of the first friends she had.
Doc suddenly jolted awake, causing Clementine to fall over backwards in shock.
So much for not wanting to fall…
Doc’s black screen turned into an awkward grimace for a form of apology, and he propped his neck back up from being stuck sideways. The noise from Clem’s fall seemed to wake Seamus and Zbaltazar up.
“Just be careful not to do too much yet, I’m just about done with the outside, but I’ll have to check your wiring to make sure the zurks didn’t get you too bad in there.” Doc helped Zbaltazar lay down so he could open him up.
“And make sure you're careful too. You mess something up, I’ll mess you up!” Clementine threatened, she recovered from her fall quickly, but they could all tell it was out of pure worry, and well… It was Clementine.
“I’m a professional, and this is one of my closest friends, he’s safe with me.” Doc turned very serious for a few brief moments.
Clementine gave him a small smile, even if everyone there knew it, it still felt good to hear it out loud.
A grumble was heard from Seamus as the younger companion tried to go back to sleep.
“Come on, dear bot, you’ve got to practice getting up earlier if you ever want to join us on expeditions!” Doc looked over at his son, and then started rummaging through his tools and parts.
“Join? You mean I can explore with you guys?” Seamus seemed a bit taken aback, his screen was smiling.
“Of course! You know we’ve always offered for you to be an Outsider, it’s still open if you want to. Everyone knows how curious you are about it like us, you're not very good at hiding it.” Momo added, giving Seamus a warm smile.
Seamus looked to be giving it a thoughtful think-over, and then he slowly nodded.
“I’m…” He paused, collecting himself. “I’m a bit nervous, I guess. I thought I lost my papa over all of this, but I would really like to explore The Outside with him now that I know it’s not a lost cause.”
“I doubt he’ll leave your side, and neither will I. I’m sorry I didn’t try to be there for you when Doc left, I probably would have stopped all of your bar escapades. I know we talked about it with him during our trek through the sewers, but I want you to know my apology still stands. I let my own depression overtake me. I haven’t been the best role-model or care-taker lately.” Momo put his hand on Seamus’s shoulder.
“I’m sorry too. I shut almost everyone out. It’s more my fault that I fell into my state of isolation, I didn’t want help from anyone.” Seamus gave the other bot a small smile. “I’d love to join you guys.”
Clementine gave him a warm grin in return along with Momo. Seamus knew his father was happy to hear it too, but the rusted companion had to focus on Zbaltazar, so he knew why no big reaction came from him as he tinkered around.
“So…” As happy as Clem was to be reunited with everyone, she was getting a bit tired of the sentimental stuff. “What did you mean about almost everyone? Did our little, solitary bitty-bot finally make some friends?”
“Yeah.” Seamus answered bluntly, but she caught small blush lines appear on his red screen before he turned his head.
“Oh yeah, that was Jacob, right? He introduced us to who kept him in line while Doc was gone.” Momo seemed to miss Clementine’s motives until he noticed her slight smirk.
“Quite the working man if I must say! He’s pretty talented, runs the whole bar himself in The Slums.” Momo added.
“Ah, I see old Heptor finally quit? Jacob used to just wash dishes, I believe.” Clementine recalled her old memories from when she resided there.
Momo nodded.
“So, how’d you become friends with this fellow? Does he treat you well?” Clementine pressed.
“Erm… I went to the bar often enough, he listened to me vent about stuff. Sometimes he’d carry me home and make me breakfast… and stay over. He treats me fine, that's a weird question though, why wouldn’t he?” Seamus was getting more embarrassed by each word that left his speaker; the fans inside his head were going crazy to try and cool him down.
“Alright you two, very funny. Back off the poor lad for now, I’m sure he’s got a lot to think about. A lot about Jacob in particular.” Doc said the last part in a lower volume so Seamus didn’t hear him.
As much fun as he liked to poke at his son, he still knew that he had to limit himself a bit. Seamus needed some serious TLAC for a while. Doc wanted to give Seamus a bit more time to get used to having him around again. Sure, they were comfortable around each other, and were just about caught up on life things, but they both knew what a whiplash it had been to be in each other’s presence again. Doc also liked it better when his son trusted him with things like this, he’d rather Seamus come to him or Momo about his love problems rather than force it out of him.
“Sorry if that bothered you at all, Sea.” Momo decided to use the old nickname he used for him, and gently pretended to sock him in the arm.
Seamus just replied with a small huff from his speakers, but it was pretty obvious he wasn’t mad.
——————————————————————————
The sun was less bright through the windows in The Control Room. It must be closer to the evening. The Little Outsider was just staring out the window. B/12’s body was still in the same place behind them, covered in cat slobber.
They felt useless just sitting here and doing nothing, but it still was physically impossible for them to just run off. Their heart ached for so much. They wanted their cat family, but also wanted to see some of the companions they grew close too.
But most of all, they just wanted B/12 to get up.
A wave of rage suddenly crashed down onto The Little Outsider. Their claws dig deep into the carpet. They weren’t sure what they were mad at, the original people in the control room, the stupid wall, or themselves.
Why was life so unfair?!
But anger soon turned into loneliness once again, only stronger. The small orange tabby let out a wail of sorrow, maybe someone would hear them, literally anybody. The Little Outsider would honestly rather a sentinel be next to them right now than to be alone.
The Little Outsider’s paws itched to run out and feel the cool evening breeze on their fur, but… ugh!
They knew the longer they dragged this on, the more painful it would feel, but it already seemed too late to realize that. Their stomach was starting to suck into itself. When was the last time they ate? The Little Outsider suddenly realized how weak they felt. The adrenaline and grief seemed to wear off. They swayed a bit as they tried to stand up.
How long have they been here…?
“You doing alright, Z?” Clementine looked to her side.
——————————————————————————
“Better than ever! I don’t know how I can repay any of you… I thought I’d never be able to function in my body ever again.” His screen had been stuck in the biggest smile he could muster since he stood up.
“As long as you don’t let your body decline like that again, you're all good.” Momo’s worries had been relieved at seeing his friend walk.
Zbaltazar had borrowed a jacket from someone in AntVillage, as his body had been very cold from being immobilized for so long. He had a walking stick gripped in one of his hands just in case his limbs decided to not cooperate with him. But even if that happened, his good mood wouldn’t falter. Zbaltazar forgot how free it felt to travel with his friends, and see new places. His limbs were a bit squeaky (Doc ran out of oil, but they could swipe some from Midtown once they were there), and they weren’t used to walking this long, but again, it wasn’t tainting his mood.
Momo and Doc walked close together, their metal fingers intertwined. The two had been practically fused together since they left the village, and while their flirting wasn’t top-tier, it was still nice to see that their love for each hadn’t died while they were apart.
Of course they still chatted with Seamus as they went too, Doc and Momo had much to do to rekindle with their son again. But at the same time, the three of them all seemed to come back and fit together perfectly, like puzzle pieces. It was like none of them left at all.
Clementine was a bit wary being around so many people again, er, well, just more than herself at least, there were only five of them. But don’t underestimate her love for her friends! It was just weird for them all to be together again. The last time she had seen Momo, it had ended in an argument. Leaving Zbaltazar had wrenched her heart, ripping it into pieces, or whatever the robot equivalent was. It hurt her to think Doc had become zurk-food. It was some of the worst, and only actual pain she had ever felt that immobilized her to think rationally. Clemhad a small feeling deep in her processor that they all felt disdain for her.
She shook her head slightly, since when did she overthink this much? All that time she spent in her apartment alone in Midtown has made her crazy!
Nonetheless, they were all happy. The biggest goal for them at the moment was to make it to The Outside, and hopefully see the little cat again.
——————————————————————————
The Little Outsider tried to go back to sleep, but it was unsuccessful. They were building up more courage again to roam around. They had been the most daring and competent among the four cats in their colony, what would they think of them now? It was normal to grieve, but The Little Outsider needed to hurry up and move on.
They stopped for a moment, was this right?
No, no, don’t second-guess yourself, you never have before!
They still haven’t left the room, and they were looking for something to eat, so it’d be a distraction for now. The orange feline batted their paws at one of the vending machines, it reminded them of their time in The Slums looking for energy drinks to give to Azooz to trade for things. Different things started to fling out of the little flap, some almost hitting The Little Outsider. As they inspected the components, they thought about other companions they befriended. They remembered fondly about bringing all those pieces of paper to Morusque so he would play music for them. Their favorite tune had been ‘The Way You Compute Tonight.’ Grandma had been really sweet to them too, and knitted a poncho that they could give to Elliot. Elliot and Nestor were really nice, and also a really cute couple. The Little Outsider didn’t have much of a concept for romance, but who wouldn’t find those companions together cute?
As the cat started to rip open an unfamiliar package, the doors to The Control Room opened. Metal clanked on the ground, and The Little Outsider perked their ears up. They swiveled their head over to the sound, and joy overflowed through them.
“Little Outsider!” Momo exclaimed as the orange tabby wound between his legs.
“Where’s B/12? He was the one that opened the city I’d assume? I’m sure he’d want some credit.” Doc’s head looked around the dark room.
The Little Outsider couldn’t understand the robots anymore, but they could read their body language. They could tell that the companions were looking for something.
Clementine bent down to the drone’s little body on the floor, letting out an audible gasp. The Little Outsider ran over as she put her hands on him, their fur spiking up as she went to touch him. But they quickly recoiled, realizing what they did.
“I’m so sorry.” Clemintine realized what was going on.
B/12 was dead. She remembered the little guy mentioning he was human.
“Let me take a look.” Doc picked the drone up gently as Clemintine stroked The Little Outsider gently.
The cat felt their heart start to race, maybe Doc could bring their friend back!
“Ew,” Doc wiped his hands on his dirty lab coat. “He’s all wet.”
“Doc,” Clemintine stopped him. “I don’t think there’s anything we can do.”
“Don’t be such a downer! He can fix anything.” Momo sounded surprised, Clem never gave up!
“He can’t fix death.” Clemintine let a sigh through her speaker.
“What do you mean? He’s an AI, he can just be fixed up, no?” Zbaltazar asked thoughtfully, reading into Clem’s words.
“No, B/12 was human, and it seems like opening the city was a lot on him. There’s scorch marks all over him, this drone is practically falling apart.” Clemintine let The Little Outsider curl into her lap.
The orange cat knew something was wrong, the idea that B/12 can’t be fixed came back to them. They noticed Zbaltazar was back in his body, but he was a robot. B/12 had been human… organic life.
“Oh… that’s right. Organic life is different, and the soft-ones were a part of that group. Once they're gone… they're gone.” Doc came to the conclusion quickly, his screen turning to a sad face.
“It’s similar to when we’re eaten completely by zurks, or our ID card is completely destroyed. You were able to fix me, I’m artificial life, just like all of you. But B/12 I feel is gone forever, unfortunately.”
Zbaltazar explained, his smile was also gone now.
Momo came closer to pet The Little Outsider gently.
“I think our little friend knows that too. They’re probably still here because they were grieving.”
“Maybe we should stay with them.” Seamus suggested.
“I know our soft-ancestors had a tradition called ‘funerals,’ I don’t know too much about them, but we could do something like that.” Doc added.
They all sat in a circle around B/12’s body. Everyone decided they’d wait until The Little Outsider seemed ready, and then they’d continue on a new escapade out into the natural greenery above.
Doc finally thought of the brilliant idea to recharge, as his battery kept beeping obnoxiously every couple minutes. Everyone else let themselves doze off a bit with The Little Outsider the further it got into the night.
It wasn’t until the sun was shining through the window once more when The Little Outsider got up and stretched. Clemintine’s screen turned back to its normal state, and she looked down. The cat meowed up at her, and rubbed against her. She couldn’t help but let the heart appear on her screen while she let out a small beep and an ‘aw.’
“You guys ready?” She asked them all as they started to wake back up.
“Sure.” Seamus replied, shrugging as he helped his father up.
The Little Outsider meowed, their throat felt dry, but they’d be able to get a drink soon.
They were finally ready. The numbness in their body subsided as they approached B/12 again. It wouldn’t be the last time they’d see him, but it was best for now that they leave him for a while. The cat rubbed their head against him before turning to join the companions.
This was acceptance. It was time to make new memories, and share old ones.
After a bit of walking, The Little Outsider was outside once again. They opened their senses to taste the air, familiar scents of other cats hit them immediately.
They turned around and meowed to the other Outsiders to follow, and they were off.