Ahhh hell, I think that broke something. These guards are no joke, especially that one big oaf. Now they’re just standing there over my shoulder. “–istening?” “Huh? Yeah, yeah.” What’s this guy been saying? "Carrying on, 'Here, I wish not to be,' I thought to myself. Tearing the clothes from my body, I screamed. If I had any hope of escaping my pursuants, it was imperative to rid myself of clothing so plain that would draw eyes from all direction. I had been running as a few unsavory individuals had come to know of my origins; through methods still unbeknownst to me. I had then thus donned more fitting attire, synthetic in touch and strange in construction. I found it gave me several rashes in undesirable locations.” “Oh. Hah, so that’s why you’re naked.” “…BUT to my dismay, that did nothing to throw them away from my tail. Rather quickly, I found myself in chase once more. Men of rock-likeness as unyielding as a starving wolf be–” “You mean meta– Ow!” My head, “the fuck man; hey what’s this?” So yellow. “An apple; consume it and let me procee–” “Yo! Those synth stuff rich people eat?” Munch. W-woah, it’s… sweet? “Close but not quite, that there my pre-pubescent visitor is the ‘real deal’. You’ll not find any ‘apple’ above ground as fine.” Pre-pubescent? How old does this guy think I am? Whatever. He continues, “it is what those smooth rock-men so adamantly desired. Where I hail from, all this organic green currently around us is plentiful and there are numerous natural trees that bear a menagerie of different fruit, including apples; just like that tree beyond my back.” Huh, I didn’t notice that there. Wait, all this green is real? “So you brought these plants here?” “I was just about to get to there, if you will let me finish. You see, tired from my most recent chase, I was careless and fell through a chasm so tiny. I found myself wandering the festering firm tunnels of the rock-men. They were ever winding, ever changing, and ever branching. Just as I had given up hope of life, I saw it: a garden of green. The sight gave relief that washed over my tender body. Not only had I been spared, but I was given comfort I thought I would never feel again. I have never left since; nor do I plan to. Here I will live the rest of my days.” “Wait, wait, wait; after all that you’re just gonna skip over these three fools and the hulking idiot?” “My,” one said. “How rude!” The shortest fool accused. I should, “rude? That friend of yours almost killed me!” The tallest sprayed, “pbbbbt!” Standing up, I slip the apple core into my pocket and say, “hey! You little–” The hexagonally fractured head of the hulking idiot light up and the three fools hide behind his big mass. “Yeehahah, show ‘em Laydon!” The fools shout in unison. Laydon merely grunts and I decide to back down. “Okay, okay, be still my friends. I instructed you guys to treat my dearest guest here with utmost respect.” “No respect for trespassers.” Oh, now 'Laydon', the idiot decides to speak up. “Yeah! ‘Sides, they keep interrupting you,” whined the first fool. The old man clears his throat, “as you can see, they’re quite the protective lot, of this garden and me. I’ve always known them to be, for reasons I know not.” I stand and turn, “yeah, well, thanks for letting me stay to recover, I guess. I’m feeling a lot better suddenly and I’ve overstayed my welcome.” “Heading out? Do be careful out there– Oh, I didn’t catch your name, did I?" “Aella.” “I, Attle, fare thee well.”
•
Ahhh, grimy air at last. Huh, what’s this in my pocket? Oh it’s– “Ey you! Where’d ya get that?” Who? Turning, I see a metal man… The reP4CK.