Gears of Compassion

Chapter 7: A familiar face

Funbot and Brud trudged through the desolate landscape, the dry earth crunching beneath their feet. The sky above was a bleak gray, casting a dismal shadow over the ruins.

Hours of searching had yielded nothing, and they were about to give up when they spotted a figure in the distance.

As they drew closer, Funbot's advanced vision picked out the details of the stranger's appearance.

His gray fur, cat-like ears, and striking ring-shaped pupils were unmistakable. "Gray?" Funbot called out, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and concern.

Gray's head jerked up, his eyes locking onto Funbot's. Relief, fear, and desperation swirled together in his expression.

His eyes, usually calm and bright, were sunken and haunted. "F-Funbot?" he stuttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Brud?" Tears welled up in his eyes as he took a step forward, his legs trembling.

Funbot quickly rushed to Gray's side, carrying Brud in his arms. He gently set Brud down and wrapped a reassuring arm around Gray's shoulders. "We're here, Gray," Funbot said softly, trying to calm his friend's racing heart. "We're not going anywhere."

Gray nodded, still looking fragile. His eyes searched Funbot's face, as if seeking reassurance. "I thought I was alone," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I thought I was the only one left."

Funbot's grip on Gray's shoulder tightened. "You're not alone, Gray," he said firmly. "We're here. We're going to get through this together."

As Funbot spoke, he carefully examined Gray's appearance. Gray's usually immaculate fur was matted and dirty, and his eyes had dark circles underneath.

Funbot's advanced vision also picked up on the faint scars on Gray's arms and legs. "Here, Gray, have some water," Funbot said, offering Gray a canteen. Gray took a tentative sip, his eyes never leaving Funbot's face.

As Gray drank, Funbot gently asked, "What happened to you, Gray? What did you experience during this nightmare?" Gray's expression faltered, his eyes dropping and ears folding back.

He looked away, his eyes welling up with tears. "I...I saw things," he whispered, his voice trembling. "Terrible things. I don't know if I can ever forget them."

Funbot's processing core ached with sympathy for his friend. He knew that Gray had been through a traumatic experience, and it would take time for him to heal.

But for now, Funbot was just grateful to have found Gray alive, and he was determined to support his friend through the dark times ahead.

Gray's gaze drifted to Brud, who stood quietly by Funbot's side. "B-Brud?" Gray asked, his voice hesitant, his eyes scanning Brud's appearance for any signs of injury.

Funbot nodded. "I found him a while back. He was injured, but I was able to patch him up."

Gray's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in Brud's appearance, his gaze lingering on the faint scars on Brud's head and torso.

Gray's voice was barely above a whisper. "H-how did he...?" He trailed off, his expression tense, his eyes filled with concern.

Funbot's expression turned somber, his voice low and serious. "He was attacked by Simon. But he's okay now, thanks to me."

Gray's gaze lingered on Brud for a moment before he looked back at Funbot. His expression was a mix of concern and gratitude, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

Funbot's expression turned determined, his jaw set. "We're not just going to stand around here, Gray. We're going to find Jevin." His voice was firm, resolute.

Gray's eyes widened in surprise, his face pale. "J-Jevin? You mean...he's really alive?" His voice was filled with hope, his eyes shining with excitement.

Funbot nodded, a small smile on his face. "Positive. And I'm going to find him, no matter what it takes. I know he's hiding, but I don't know where." His eyes narrowed, his gaze intense.

Gray sighed, his expression turning serious. "Well, let's be careful. Wenda and the others..." He trailed off, his eyes clouding over with concern.

But then his expression turned resolute, his jaw set. "I'm with you, Funbot. Let's do this." His voice was firm, determined.