Mechanical Pulse (DRAMAtical Murder)(ClearxOC)

Chapter 6

I could see it in their eyes. The confusion and horror of the people as more androids joined our patrols. It's our Masters' way of keeping us occupied, keeping our battle-wired minds at ease.

I am only one allowed to patrol alone. Master's wishes. He said that I needed space to think. That confuses me. Does my brain not do that on it's own? I can't simply get new memory software, so what space do I need?

It's all so complex and frustrating.

My 'handler', the one in charge of voice, has said that the longer we stay on this island, the more tired I look. I sleep, but constantly my mind is working, trying to find answers to unasked questions. He thinks it's due to emotional stress, that I can't cope with all the changes at once. What an odd thing to say to a thing made to transcend time itself. Without the eternal sleep or an outside force, I cannot truly die.

I feel as if I am cursed to roam this world in search of answers that only lead to more questions. The pain in my chest builds, yet nothing is wrong with my body. I've had the scientist check many times. They seem to grow increasingly worried over my agitated condition. If I had anger fits, they might think I was going berserk. But I feel no anger, no desire to destroy or harm things.

I stare up at the stars from the rooftop, hugging one knee bent close to me while my other lower leg hangs over the edge. I always look to the stars when upset, as if they'll somehow communicate to me the answers I seek so fervently. But they are always silent.

I feel Blue Heart's presence before I see him sit next to me out of the corner of my eye. He leans against my side, head on my shoulder.

"Big brother, when can we go home? This place makes everybody act funny."

I have no answer, but I look over at him curiously. Everyone was acting strangely? He peers at my face with childish innocence. He's young, brain donated by parents of a child who died in an accident.

"Master keeps pacing his office, Alik won't play with me anymore, and all the androids make fun of me so I don't ask them. Their Masters make me uncomfortable."

Master is pacing? That can't be a good sign. I wonder if the negotiations and meeting between all the masters are crumbling. They want control over us, or at least compensation for not telling Russia of our hideout here. Other than that, the meetings are over technology. I think.

The order for patrol flickers briefly through our systems, causing Blue Heart's face to drop. I guess... It won't really matter soon enough, will it? Standing, I smile at him while taking his hand. He follows obediently as I return inside, navigating the halls with ease until we're outside. He looks around curiously while I set out on my usual route. Since he has a child's brain, he's not allowed to patrol. No one bothers to take him with them, but I'm sure the citizens are busy enough with all the other changes going on to be able to organize an attack strong enough to hurt us. Besides, they know my guard will be up after that first attack.

I will not allow anyone to take my family from me again. Death is a painful thing, and I do not wish that upon a child. Blue Heart's real name is Yuki. Apparently it's Japanese for 'snow'. Master chose a Japanese name because Yuki was completed here, which is technically part of Japan. He has a beautiful name. Mine just means 'angel', in no particular language that I know of. Master just told me its meaning.

Stopping at my usual spot, Yuki's gaze goes out towards the sea in fascination. The warm circle of the sun is dipping into the ocean, the stars peeking out from above. They're not as visible down here yet. Yuki's hand is neither warm nor cold in my own larger hand, a reminder of our artificial bodies. Though I smile at the sight of Yuki's excitement over the sight of the sea, I feel the same sadness over the truth.

We can never truly be alive, can never fit in with society. Our lives ended with our human bodies. This 'life' is just the postponement of our end.

Yuki tugging a little at my hand brings me back to reality. He smiles excitedly at me, chattering on about how pretty the waves looked and the sounds they made. As he speaks, I begin to lead us home. The few citizens we encounter seem to watch in awe. Though if it's over how bonded we look or surprise over Yuki, I cannot tell.

When we arrive home, Yuki is shooed away from me while I'm scolded for not telling anyone I took him with me. Still, I smile. I am far from benevolent, yet I am not violent either. I remain in the limbo state of guardian and killer. Although, aren't all guardians killers?

I see no more of family for the rest of the night, and my wandering of the halls continues on.