Automatic Heritage

Chapter 5: Lost

"This is really going to make Beryl's day the best of all birthdays," Whitney thought to himself as he made his way back to the apartment. This is what they were preparing for all morning, his jam session with Morusque was also ideal practice for a surprise serenade for his wife. Guiding Morusque quietly to the front door he put a finger up to his speakers; his partner in music understood the message to be quiet as they both lined themselves up on either side. Guitars clutched in their hands, ready to strum at any moment.

"One, two... three..."

Whitney pushed the door open and they both waltzed inside. Guitars brandished they began to strum... only for Whitney to stop at the sight of an empty living room.

"What?" He asked no one in particular.

Waving Moresque to stop, he brought his hand to his speakers one more time and pointed to the back door. She had to be in her greenhouse. They silently sneaked to the back a repeated the sequence, this time opening to an empty greenhouse with no movement in its frosted glass.

"Are you kidding me?" Whitney sighed as he drooped his arms. Making his way inside he was greeted by warm lighting, green flora, and a radio playing lo-fi. The small table set was holding stray gardening items and a note next to a box wrapped in paper.

The one he gave to Beryl for her birthday. He walked forward to read the note next to it.

Moresque followed, just as confused as he was. "I imagine she left with Cyan? They share a birthday, after all. We can plan for later."

Whitney looked at his friend's face, his own becoming white. "Moresque, at this rate I don't want to test if there will be a next time." Dropping the note and grabbing the small box on the table, he moved toward a storage box nearby and grabbed random odds and ends from it.

Moresque kept a brave face. "Whitney, chill out man, Beryl is with Cyan. She will make it back."

Whitney looked up from his scramblings. "I know you're right, but Beryl doesn't know how precious she has become. Especially now she has this." He held the box up to his view and stored it quickly. "No one can afford the possibility of losing her." He dismissed himself without a word and ran out the door.

Moresque stood there, unknowing what to do. Shrugging, he made himself comfortable on one of the chairs nearby, crossing his legs as he took up his guitar. He was sure that everything was fine. Those lovebirds tended to act a little crazy at times. Turning the radio off he began to strum his own tune.

Beryl felt her feet give way at the top of the stairs. She could not tell if her motors gave way or she misstepped, but she did not have time for either. Forcing herself to stand she tried to gain momentum. Anything to get herself some distance from the Zurk swarm behind her.

She just prayed that Cyan was behind her too. Hitting the halfway mark of the courtyard she dared a glance back. Nothing was coming out of the subway.

There was a beat, then another, then suddenly Cyan exploded into sight, scattering debris in a panic. The metal of her feet made loud clanging noises that could be heard over the massive swarm gaining on her. She shouted ahead to her sister.

"KEEP ———- MOVING!"

Beryl hadn't heard that much fear from Cyan in decades.

Cyan's voice propelled Beryl forward. She could feel her face heat up. No doubt she had tears pixelating her face. She forced herself to focus as she ran. Ignoring the way they came she ran straight for the illumination of the elevator in the distance. She prayed that she could find her way on her own. She bawled back to her sister "Cyan I am so sorry!"