The Boot Shiner (Destiny x Male Reader)

Chapter 30: The Lion of the Foundry

Upon entering the Braytech factory the next morning, I see that yes, there is power, and the machines are indeed moving unlike most of the places around here, where it's not so strong. I think something could be feeding off the energy in here. Some of the machines are corrupted with darkness, roots latching onto them, trying to control them. An arm swings out, attempting to grab at me instead of the assembly line, but I'm just out of reach. I manage to cut it in half with my axe, killing it instantly like many others.

*ZWEEM! CHOP!*

As I wander through the facility, my mind is wandering. I wonder how far this city goes. Where is the source of all the darkness? It's said to be in the city, but nothing is quite clear. Y/N, why did he call me that? Is that my name? I'm no longer meat, nor Noname. It took me this long, but Y/N sounds just as familiar as the smell of mint that I seem to adore. Y/N is my name, it has to be, Y/N.

Y/N: Hmmm...

I'm bleeding from my skin decaying. What was off putting especially was my blood... was red... a heavier red, not brown. I change my bandages on my hands to new ones, and wrap up the areas that are more cracked and broken beyond recognition. It reminds me of bark on a tree, rough and filled with history. I'll need to find more essence after my trip here. Seeing as how there's all kinds of places to look around the city, I don't see that being very difficult.

The radio picks back up in my jacket. I put my axe away and take out my pistol and radio as I walk along the massive shop floor.

Radio: You are nearing a pillar of the darkness... When you see it... you cannot get too close. It must die... for us to have any chance of finding the doctor, the man of nothing...

Y/N: Why... do you hate the doctor?

Radio: Y/N, you will find out soon enough. I thought you would've found out already. He left his assistant to die. He left you to be killed by the elements. He stole your key which is known to lead to salvation. If he cared for humanity for... us... *Static* How come he just doesn't know?

Y/N: Know... what?

I see what looks like robots similar to June, crawling or running for me upon entering the shipping depot area. They run for me, so I'm forced to take aim, one-handing the cannon.

*BANG! BANG! BANG-BANG-BANG!*

The radio stranger breaks off after I put down the two robots coming for me. I loot both of them, cutting off scrap and wires to use for ammunition for my pistol. The tendrils I rip from their hearts to wrap up for essence later. I assume I can use anything darkness related for essence as long as I cook it down.

Walking more, something strange happens. I see a man manifest in front of me. He wears a helmet, a trench coat, with a glowing rifle in his hand. He reaches out to me, and I'm hesitant at first. When I got to grab my gun, he quickly dashed away, what looked to be a little robot following behind him. I follow him, deathly curious.

He stops dead in his tracks through the garage door outside the shipping area, into a parking lot that previously used to house ships or trucks. He gets down on one knee, looking for something. Perhaps I could help him. I walk slower and slower when noises start to settle in, noises that don't seem... foreign...

Manifestation: Please no... no... n-not like this! Ghost, please... try anything...

He starts saying that phrase over and over again, continuing to stare at the ground. Static and strained breathing sets in as I can hear the fuzzy silhouette begin to cry and whimper.

Y/N: I-Is... is everything alright? Do you need help?

He continues to cry as I can hear static, popping noises from a robot, a dying robot. I make the mistake of being good-natured, reaching out to place my hand on his shoulder. The manifestation quickly whips around, little white eyes glaring at me.