[ It’s scary and dreadful but there is no choice but to survive. hide away from the monsters. keep yourself sustained and have hopes. ]

[ A once was a singer named Karao, now a gunslinger and scavenger. He is wearing an outfit similar to the Old West with the hat, scarf and button-open vest. He also wears shooting glasses and gloves as a protection for using his weapons just in case. The main reason is he wants to look like he is actually using a gun ]

[ He is entering destroyed abandoned homes in a subdivision to collect supplies and kits. There is one house that looks a bit fine. It has a fence and windows are blocked. He tried to open the door but it was completely locked. maybe try to get something on the back instead? He climbed a tree from the neighbor and jumped down to the backyard. ] “ That was easy! Only here is a pool and a shed! ” [ he went to the shed because there is no use for the pool being empty. as he was about to reach the handle, a sound of gun cocked and a voice ] “ Hands in the air and don’t move. ”

[ Karao moved his arms up as obeyed. The man behind him walked closer ] “ I am not going to let this slide. ”

[ Karao gulped, still not moving ] “ h-hey. I’m sorry for trespassing! I didn’t know anyone here! ”

“ Yeah, right. Now leave. ”

[ but that didn’t make the scavenger follow ] “ Can I know who you are? I haven’t seen anyone around. ”

“ That doesn’t matter to me. Leave. ”

[ getting closer and closer, the man is a few inches behind Karao ]

“ Just- put your gun down. I don’t even have my own weapon out. I am not here to hurt anyone. Please tell me your name. ”

[ he just rolled his eyes ] “ It’s Frost… ” [ that’s obviously a fake name ]

“ Frost…That’s a nice name! I’m Karao ”

“ Don’t care. leave and never come back. ”

[ Karao is disheartened from his presence being a bother. He misses talking to someone after being alone from what’s happening. being separated or loss of loved ones, lost his recruits, or some betrayed him. ]

‘ I gotta think of something for this guy to chill. C’mon Karao…maybe give him something? Does he have a family here? ‘ “ Hey. I have a few canned goods at my current hideout! It’s just two towns away! And maybe I can- ” [ He was being pulled to get inside the shed. Frost uses his forearm to pin Karao’s neck on the wall. The light through the clerestory window shows the appearance of the new person. A fur sleeves-up jacket, black hair, golden brown eyes and pretty lashes, skin almost as white as snow with good looks like an Asian. He is a few inches short. ]

[ threatening Karao inside the shed helps them keep themselves low from wasting their time being outside and the monsters might spot them ]

[ Frost now speaks ] “ I don’t care what you’re offering. I gave you a chance to leave. But since you sounded so stubborn, I will have something to do with you. Feed my dogs using you. ” [ he threatened ]

“ woah woah woah! chill dude! ” [ Karao loudly whispered ] “ I just- really want to meet someone! It’s been a while since I last talked to anybody. I can help you with anything! ”

“ Me, Myself, and I are fine. I don’t talk to anyone and I don’t want anyone to help.  “ [ he pushes his forearm causing Karao to choke ]

“ I “

“ Don’t “

“ Trust “

“ Anyone. ”

[ Frost emphasized. He seems like a lone wolf even in the eyes he looks like one. But Karao didn’t want to be alone. As addressed, he's two towns away. He can help him. They can help each other. No one deserves to die alone in this chaos ] “ I’m not here to hurt you or anyone. I can help you! ” “ and why should I believe you? ” [ the man with fur raised an eyebrow ] [ Karao shrugged ] “ I was a famous singer before! I don’t have time to hurt anyone’s feelings. I’m not into it anyway. It has been pretty lonely and quiet to play alone. ”

[ a fellow musical! Frost lets go and the singer rubs his neck. Frost seems to find him exceptional. Safely place his gun on the belt ] “ what was your name again? ” “ Karao! My catchphrase is ‘Let’s do a sing-a-long!‘ ” [ pointed himself with a thumb. now giving each other a handshake for proper introduction ] “ As in, Karaoke? ” “ Yeah! ”

“ I’m not familiar with you but you look like an actual star anyway! “ “ Are you interested in listening to music? ” [ Frost smiled with a chuckle as everything became cool when it came to music ] “ I was a composer. had friends playing together like a band. ” “ No way! You make music?! ” “ shshshsh! not so loud! ” “ sorry-! ” [ Frost huffed ] “ yeah but I play on the basement now since ya know… ” “ yeah. ”

[ the musician frowned, guilty from what he did earlier ] “ hey. I’m sorry about what I did. Just got scared. I just don’t really trust anyone anymore. ”

[ Karao only smiled and patted his shoulder ] “ all good, bro! Glad you didn’t shoot me! Thought you were actually going to use my flesh and bones to feed your dogs ” [ he joked ] “ heh- yeah. ” [ He wanted to be honest that shooting his own kind is not his interest. He just wants to be intimidating. ]

In the midst of a laboratory with clean, snow-white walls, decoured in neon-blue lights, the droning sounds of machinery, and the sound of a set of speakers pumping out lo-fi music…

A computiran dressed in a white lab jacket is wrapping up construction of his latest commission work. A curiously-designed musical bot with a focus on hexagonal shapes, decorated effectively head to toe with LED lights, even going as far to span the entirety of its legs. For its vision, a high-spec camera lens smack in the middle of the speaker rim, capable of near-gigapixel resolution and equipped with augmented reality integration.

Securing one last plate of metal into the bot’s chassis, and slipping in some additional small metal pieces into the screw slots to prevent them being accessed at will without special tools…

“...Finished at last. A whole two weeks worth, and edging close to three. The requested files have been transferred, your cooling system is confirmed working, and debugging hardware says you’re ready to go, bud.” The computiran muses to himself than anything, given the construct’s powered-off state. There was only one thing to do now, and its life would begin. The computiran reaches for a gray remote with some backlit buttons and a built-in microphone, placing his thumb onto a speaker button, and through this…

“Chromius, power on.” The computiran speaks, remote held just a bit away from his face. Soon, the low whirring of fans, and the light sloshing of water through an internal liquid cooling system. The LEDs decorating the rim of Chromius’ speaker head soon light up white, circling around and around, in similar manner to some computer loading icons. Then, their lights dim out once more for a short moment, and before anything else can be said- the bot sits up on their own, lights shifting to a full rainbow palette. They move their head around, examining the sights in their immediate vision. Then a few twists of their feet, and self-examining their hands.

Then, the bot sees the computiran in front of them, becoming almost as still as a statue, conveying a blank slate more than a proper emotion. Before the computiran can inquire on anything however, he finds himself halted as the bot speaks.

“Hello. Who are you? Where am I?” The bot inquires, leaning in just a bit to get a closer look at he who has constructed them, much as it’s against their knowledge for now. The computiran draws a smile onto his monitor, nodding. There seems to be no error, as far as he’s concerned. Chromius has awakened without issue, life bestowed upon them proper.

“...I would say ‘hello’ in return. I am Axion, a computiran. You sit upon my work desk in my laboratory, where life is given to each and every construct I create. You are my latest construct, a musical bot with great potential. May you recall your name to me, then?”

And much in line with Axion’s expectation, the musical bot would respond in proper, placing a hand on their chest.

“Chromius. You’re Axion, and this is your laboratory, as you said.” Chromius responds. To Axion, Chromius seems to be about on-pace with most of his other constructs. A bit unnatural sounding on the get-go, but within time, he’s certain the bot will come to develop a personality proper. Ambitions, goals, desires, and a passion for all things good- just like with his other works, he’s got hope in Chromius.

“Indeed. Correct on all three answers. Can you leap off the desk you’re sitting on?” Axion asks of Chromius, taking some steps away from the desk. Seems now they’re being tested, slow and steady being Axion’s approach.

“This is to test your movement systems on a basic level. This should require no effort, I promise. If you can make it over here, then there shouldn’t be any technical problems, and we can continue on.”

Leaning down to see the floor below them, and scooting themself just to the edge of the desk, Chromius hops off with little effort, landing on the ground just fine. Rather than taking the next step with a simple walk however, Chromius opts for a speed-walk instead. This pleases Axion, whose display now draws a checkmark.

“You’ve already got the hang of this, then. You’re catching on at an above average rate. I can see it then, I believe you may have a lot going for you, Chromius.” Axion speaks, expression returning to a smile with closed eyes, as he gives the musical bot a nod. In response, Chromius displays a full set of green lights- seems they’re happy aswell!

“You said we’d continue after this, right? What are we doing next?” Chromius inquires, returning Axion to the subject matter at hand. He scuttles over to his right just a bit, retrieving a clipboard with his usual checklist for fresh-off-the-table constructs.

“Well, we’ve evaluated that your core vital systems are functional. You’ve shown to perform above average as well, most of my other constructs aren’t usually quick to get a move on,” Axion chuckles at the idea. Logically, it runs through his mind that Chromius might be his finest work yet- and given circumstances, he would hope so.

“So I’d ask you some questions to get to know you more. If you could entertain yourself with whatever you’d like, right now, what would you choose?” Axion inquires, ready to write down the bot’s answer. Chromius’ lights shift yellow, ready to answer full steam ahead!

“Let’s watch a lighthearted action film!” Chromius speaks in a beaming manner, prompting Axion to quite literally draw forth a smile onto his face, with another light chuckle.

“Good enough, we’ll stop with the one question for now. To the entertainment center, then.”

<><><><><><><><><><>

Axion log - “Chromius, Day 1”

Chromius is coming around rather quickly. Within the first hour, a fairly neutral personality with no real identifying characteristics to make them stand out. Just the hour and two after, Chromius grew to enjoy action films, usually of the ‘parental guidance’ [PG] age rating. It didn’t take long after before they started to become curious of the other means of entertainment within the room. Before I knew it, I was supervising Chromius around the audio equipment and instruments, the free-use personal computers and the available video game systems. Next thing I knew it, me and Chromius were locked into fierce combat in a high octane racing game, and fun times were had. Inevitably however, my power supply was reaching critical levels, and I had to escort Chromius to their bedroom, whereupon they were quick to get a good night’s rest.

__________

“Chromius, Day 2”

Chromius had woken up rather early today. So much so that the morning sun hadn’t risen, the time of waking was 6:00 AM. Some generations back, musical bots were not designed to feel as broad of a range of feelings as auditorians can, but we’re past those times so as to make living as authentic as it can be for them. Suffice to say, Chromius had also woken up in a less than enthusiastic mood. Sure enough, me and Chromius had a bit of a dispute when I had taken my usual demeanor in regards to the effects of poor sleep hours. This was remedied half an hour later when the two of us paid a visit to the kitchen, whereupon I offered a classic breakfast meal. The meal in question, scrambled eggs, hash browns and bacon. Surpassing usual expectation, Chromius suggested I put the eggs and bacon on some slices of bread they had seen. They were insistent on calling it the ‘Sunrise Sandwich.’

Though unorthodox for me to integrate the ability to consume food into a musical bot of such design, they seemed happy to enjoy tasteful delights such as their sandwich. They were even moreso glad to take glasses of water, provided I cooled them using the world’s magic resource. Muse, it’s far too early for me to explain it to them yet. For all of their existence, they had only heard video game background music drowned out by various sounds and the droning ambience of this very establishment.

Speaking of video games, I had introduced them to more mind-oriented brain teasers. As others would call them though, puzzle games. Lucky I was then to have a game that was more a compilation of two games. Two different falling tile puzzle games, one where rows must be filled and one where matching-colored pieces need to be connected to create chain reactions. Chromius caught on at an astounding rate, and was quick to outperform both me and maximum-level artificial intelligences powered by the games. Chromius is truly remarkable.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Then came the third day. Though day two was just about as smooth sailing as the first, despite a slightly less pleasing morning, perhaps that was an omen for hardships to come. Chromius wakes once more, just after the morning sun’s rising at around seven in the morning. For the first time, their mood lights, usually green, yellow or the default rainbow… were instead blue. Chromius just sat there at the edge of their bed for a good ten minutes, arms crossed as they hunch over, looking down. Another two minutes pass before Axion welcomes himself into the musical bot’s room, after which he’s on alert in response to Chromius’ unusual demeanor.

“Chromius, what ails you? You can talk to me.”

No dice. Chromius just turns away, not making the slightest of sounds. Thoughts process within Axion’s mind, and pretty quickly at that, as he formulates possible answers in regards to the current situation. Either way his mind goes though, his next outward move is to sit himself on the edge of Chromius’ bed, next to the bot.

“Chromius, again, what ails you? I must know, it appears to be bothering you quite so, and I’d get to the bottom of resolving this.” Axion persists with getting something out of Chromius, who slowly glances over to Axion, stating something that would confirm the worst has come.

“...I never got to see them. Not even once…” Chromius speaks, dreary as they have ever been in their life up to this point, lifting their legs back onto their bed, assuming fetal position. It would appear Chromius has realized and recalled something within their memory, something that is undoubtedly haunting them more than anything. It’s as Axion feared, much against what he had hoped for his construction. Thus, he comes up with some suggestions that he would hope to use to stir the robot out of their deep emotional chasm.

“Why don’t we try to play another video game? Would you perhaps enjoy watching another…”

Before Axion can finish that second suggestion, or anything else for that matter, Chromius pulls their blanket back onto themself, shifting onto the side facing away from Axion.

“...Not today… I want to be alone.” Chromius requests of Axion, to where the computiran attempts to converse against the idea.

“This is troubling you so, and deeply so. I would try to…” Cut off once again by the musical bot.

“I doubt anything will help. Please leave me alone, Axion.” And before the computiran can try to speak any further words, the lights on Chromius’ speaker rim fades to an off state. Sleep mode before he could get out any other words. Against his dismay, Chromius is taking it much worse than he would have predicted. Yet, despite his pleadings all those weeks ago, he was shut down on alternatives. This was what was asked of him, and he had rolled with it, what may be one of the toughest to deal with decisions he had made in his life.

And both he and Chromius were suffering the consequences.

“...I let them do this, despite the pre-emptive separation it would have implored. They were persistent, and yet, I didn’t push any harder than what I had that day. Chromius… I’m sorry.”

<><><><><><><><><><>

Axion Log - “Chromius, Days 3 - 5”

Chromius has been silent for at least ninety percent of the time elapsed since that encounter, and three fifths of that time spent in sleep mode. The few times Chromius would speak, naught more than short sentences would be parsed through their sound driver. Rarely were they feeling it for a full conversation, let alone any activities, sometimes even opting out of self-care. Though it would be the moral option for Chromius to know their parents in some form, I should have considered this. There’s no doubt about it, I have messed up in neglecting to tell Chromius earlier, and these are the consequences of my negligence.

This is a rare moment in which I have felt significant guilt. Thus, did I try to just drop my shoulder joints just a bit, and converse with Chromius. Not as a tutor or instructor, but a caretaker, with the scientifics and acts of training put aside. If anyone can show Chromius that things are going to be alright, who else for it to be than the one who constructed them?

On Day 5, after sundown, I had invited Chromius over for a harmless movie night, hosted by an animated film. They were unenthused, as fate would have it, thus did I try to strike a conversation and vent their feelings out. They had a lot to say, and seemed to want to express the same tear-drenched sorrow that Auditorians express under great plight. Thus did I do what parental figures would- comforting them, reassuring them, and giving them a much needed hug.

Next I knew it, only ten minutes later did Chromius opt for sleep mode once again, while resting on my side. This is… the most affection I’ve felt for a creation of mine since my duties began.

<><><><><><><><><><>

…Shortly after the journal’s written for the night, Axion sees himself back to the selfsame couch that Chromius had zonked out on, giving himself a night’s reprieve, staying by Chromius’ side. Whatever comforts the other bot in such troublesome times, he would do. What that translated to, was returning the favor and leaning on Chromius’ own side.

It was the least Axion could do, is be there for them.

…

Eventually, dawn breaks, and out of the two bots, Chromius is the first to awaken from sleep, finding that they’ve opted to use Axion’s lap as a pillow. As for Axion? Leaning way back onto the couch, still as a statue. This wouldn’t do though- far as as Chromius was aware, Axion’s a very busy man, and he needed to wake up, and this prompts Chromius into poking him.

“Ugh. I’m up, I’m… hmm. Chromius?” Axion speaks, just a tad confused.

“...O…. Oh. Um… s… sorry… just, thought you had, um… stuff to do…” Chromius speaks, seeming more sheepish than anything. That mattered not though, Axion merely shook his head.

“Not to worry. Today’s an off day, my workspace is closed today. I have some other matters to attend to today, some… you-oriented matters.” Axion speaks, which only served to confuse Chromius. What the heck was that supposed to mean?

“Me oriented? ...Axion, what does that mean.” Well, Chromius had him there. Axion mocks a throat-clearing sound.

“Oh, that is to say, I will be focusing on you today. This whole scenario, I can see it with every transistor of my being. You’re struggling on an emotional level, greatly. I… I mean to apologize about not informing you of your parents’ decision earlier. I didn’t think I could make it come naturally… and, it was the first case of my dealing with such a scenario.”

Chromius’ lights shift blue. Oh, right… the parents. The ones that they never got to see, and they’re now being confronted about it. If they could, they’d shed a few tears, but they just go quiet for a solid minute, before speaking.

“...’Least you said it eventually. Axion… why’d they leave before I ever got to see them? Why would they do that?! What good did that…!” Before Chromius could finish, Axion places a hand onto their left shoulder.

“...I would try to explain their motives. For what little time I knew them… it sounded like they were struggling. Whether or not it was poor foresight, they found themselves unable to coexist with you while also keeping what is to be your home in possession. The last I understood from them before that fateful day, they had placed all your hopes in you, that you would make them proud. They gave up their lives, so that you may have a fighting chance for your own.”

Axion soonafter found himself sitting down, coming down with remorseful guilt. Chromius’ parents can word it like that all they want, and however true it might be- still, he thought there could be another agreed upon option.

“They didn’t want you born into a life of misery. A life with no roof over your head. But…”

In the midst of his words, Chromius sat down next to the computiran, derailing his little dialogue. He glances over, to see Chromius scooted quite close to him.

“...You tried, Axion. I can tell. I’m not gonna kill you over it. If I know a thing from breaking down like I have… I’m sure you get it too.” Chromius sighs, leaning onto Axion. Took the words out of his mouth, he’s left speechless for a good, hard minute before he can come to his next idea. Maybe now was the time Chromius got to see what was outside. Not out of this room- but the building as a whole. If there was a time for Chromius to see the world they inhabit, it was now.

“Chromius,” Axion glances at the musical bot, “Come with me.”

The computiran speaks, once more pushing himself out of his seat, taking Chromius’ left hand before an objection could be made. Just like that, Chromius was being led down a path through the building they had not yet trekked through. Eventually, one last door, and Axion opened it up.

The air of the outside world breezes inward, brushing against the two mechanical beings. Outside, the morning sky that Chromius had never seen before, azure in color. Furthermore, accompanying the sky- an unnatural, green grid pattern slowly scrolling across the skies.

This was it, this was the world Chromius inhabited, and this was their first glance at it. The sky keeps the bot’s attention, their camera-lens eye fixated on the grid pattern spanning down to the far-off horizons.

“...” Silence from Chromius. They could only continue to look at the sky above and beyond, and likewise for the cityscapes far in the distance, and the bits of nature accompanying them.

“...This is the world I inhabit. This is what my parents wanted me to survive in. To live in. To one day live a far-reaching life, even. But…” However, what would’ve come next was interjected by Axion. He had a feeling of what was to come.

“But how?... This is precisely why your parents wanted your very body to be one with great potential. From what I gathered: They wanted a child who has potential to greatly exceed expectations. The best that they could’ve resulted with. I have a feeling you’re quite special, Chromius. You just have to prove to Cyber World that you are what you can potentially be.”

Chromius looks straight ahead, no longer up at the sky above. They’re left to explore their thoughts, and are very much doing so. Axion nods, giving Chromius the time they need, sitting himself down on the grass just off to his side.

…A few minutes pass.

“...Axion. I’ve decided for myself. Maybe my parents cared after all. No- in fact, they did care. I don’t think I can entirely agree with their rationale on how they handled things, but- this is the world they would’ve wanted me to have a good impression from the get-go.” Chromius speaks, now harboring just a bit better the mindset their parents had. A nod from Axion would assure the musical bot that this was the outlook he had hoped to see.

“You’re ready to start your life in earnest then, I take it? Your parents left you a nice home, what they told me. You have the information in your database to take care of basic necessities already, but once I drop you off at home, Chromius… I won’t be readily available anymore. What adventures follow, will be for you to figure out.” Axion details, awaiting Chromius’ answer. A moment to process the thought, and then, an answer.

“...I’m ready, I think. If you and my parents believe in me, then I should believe in myself. I’m a bit scared, but- I think I can make this work.” Chromius confirms. Axion takes this as confirmation, standing up and extending an arm to his creation.

“Well then, this is where your journey really begins. I’ll take you to your home, and no fears. If you need help at any point, I’m usually one call away.” The computiran offers. 

A moment of hesitancy, as Chromius verges on a second though, pulling back an arm, before a determined nod, and taking Axion’s hand.

…Some hours pass. It’s partway into the afternoon before Axion is leading Chromius out of his headquarters, up to his method of transportation. A four-wheeled automobile, or- you could just call it a car. The car is lined with multiple strips of neon lights around the vehicle, multiple exhaust pipes and wheels seemingly made to handle almost any terrain type.

“Open the driver and passenger doors, A-810.” Axion speaks, the car actually following through with his command, much to Chromius’ surprise, who jumps back in shock.

“Be not afraid, Chromius. It won’t hurt you, promise.” Axion speaks, to which Chromius is able to drop their shoulders. Guess multiple machines such as this… thing, may even be talkative. Regardless of being told the car wouldn’t hurt them, they’re a bit hesitant at first to hop in. Once inside, the interior is equally as fancy as the outside, moreso even. The nicest seats one could ever claim, a dashboard that looks like it moreso belongs on a ship, the interior lights- it only drove further home the kind of world Chromius lived in. A world significantly developed.

Soonafter, Axion is seated, and the doors automatically slide closed for the two.

“We leave at once. We should be there in about thirty minutes.” Axion states, before the vehicle is on its way, driving in a fully automated manner.

…

<><><><><><><><><><>

Axion Log - “Chromius, Day 6”

My last day housing Chromius had come. It had taken me some time, but they were able to find their footing despite tangled emotions. Another construct is off to live its life now, but to say this is the end of my time with Chromius is a significant stretch. I doubt this to be the last I’ll see of the musical bot, and perhaps even just the first of my interactions with them. There’ll no doubt be multiple hurdles that’ll see them back in my place, and I welcome the idea. I’ve been compassionate about my previous creations, but Chromius, they feel like a special case. For a little while, it felt like… having a child I could call my own. Father-son type interactions I had not felt this closely since my waking days.

Chromius, you might have a lot on your shoulders, and at first, things may seem hopelessly tough. However, I believe you’re going to do some truly remarkable things, and most importantly: I believe you’d make your parents proud.

Good luck, and best wishes, Chromius. Make me proud. Make the Cyber World proud.