The pitter-patter of paws and the gentle flicker of flame is all that can be heard as a Nemesis makes his way down a long, dimly-lit corridor. If it wasn't for the soft flames of his mane and tail, the entire area would be shrouded in darkness.
His steps are sluggish and slow. Each movement feels like it takes ages for him. The artificial Entrope pauses... then plants himself on the ground, letting out a soft yawn.
Out the corner of his eyes, he sees it. The shadows in the corridor have begun to advance toward him, lapping forcefully at the walls like angry waves.
The air chills, then stagnates. Nemesis' fire dims further at the conditions. He seems unperturbed and merely rests his weary head upon the ground.
"Sombra... that must be you. Off patrolling again?" Nemesis asks with a sleepy drawl, resting his eyes already.
"Yes. As always. I must say that it is peculiar for you to wander off so far from the rest of the staff." Sombra's metallic voice echoes with force as she notices the strangeness of the situation.
"Well um-- that's the thing. I had a plan. A master plan! A very super good plan." His half-proud sound is lost to the enigmatic shadow listening to him. She gives a blank stare from a multitude of eyes.
"...now, what is your master plan if you feel so inclined to tell, Nemesis?"
He shoots her a lopsided grin and tucks his paws underneath himself. "I'm gonna get out of here. Like, I'm totally leaving this place."
Sombra is lost instantly. "Now, why would you want to do that, Nemesis?"
The experiment huffs softly in response, not enjoying the effort required to explain his feelings. Everything is just so much of an effort. His expression takes a serious tone for just a moment. "Like... haven't you ever wanted to go out /there/? Beyond the walls, free to explore as you please? You can go out each once in a while, but you always have to come back. I want to be free like you can be, but all the time."
Sombra takes some moments to process what the other is saying, though she doesn't relate at all. "I am perfectly content staying here, with the others," she says firmly. "But if your wish is to leave, then I cannot stop you."
Instantly Nemesis' loud voice cuts through the dull, controlled voice of hers. His expression is softer now, happy. "You mean you're not gonna try to get me in trouble? That's so /weird/ of you, Somby-- you're the biggest stickler out there."
A dozen mouths all cringe at the nickname, their discomfort unnoticed by the bundle of light. "Nemesis," Sombra's voice booms at once. "I told you to stop calling me that accursed nickname."
Nemesis laughs softly, tail rhythmically waggling in delight. He finally rights himself and places a paw atop the closest part of the shadow near him. It is cold to the bone, but there is an odd life to it. "Oh! Sorry, Sombra. I keep forgetting." He pauses. "You didn't answer my question, though. You're not going to tell the others I planned this?"
The shadows around him recede slightly and go eerily silent in response.
"Ah-- I'll take that as a yes, then. Thanks, Somby~! I-I've got to go now."
"Wait," the shadow blurts out with surprising emotion, but it is too late as Nemesis has already began leaving. Before long, he has vanished and she is left in the pitch blackness with her own thoughts.
She didn't want to admit that she was fond of her "brother", and definitely didn't want to admit that she would shirk the rules a bit for him.
Sombra found it hard to care for most people, but knowing she very well might never see Nemesis again filled her with a twinge of very real sadness.
