*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*

ʀᴇᴡʀɪᴛᴛᴇɴ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ

ᴘʀᴏʟᴏɢᴜᴇ

*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*

𝟥𝓇𝒹 𝓅𝑜𝓋

A solitary woman sat on a jagged rock, her silhouette outlined against the dark canvas of the night sky. Her eyes, wide and searching, were fixed on the distant stars that shimmered like tiny, cold diamonds. The air was heavy with a quiet sadness, broken only by the soft rustle of leaves in the night breeze.

"...Not enough for you, Mother... Am I?" she whispered, her voice barely audible, as if afraid to disturb the stillness around her. Her gaze shifted from the stars to the intricately designed mask she held in her trembling hands. The mask, once a symbol of pride and expectation, now seemed like a burden she could no longer bear.

"Guess you were right about that," she murmured, the words slipping out without a trace of emotion. Her face remained stoic, as if the weight of those words had drained her of any remaining feeling.

Tears would have been pointless now, an empty gesture in the face of such deep-seated hurt. She no longer had the strength to cry, nor the will to care.

✦ 𝕱𝖑𝖆𝖘𝖍 𝖇𝖆𝖈𝖐✦

"Mommy, look! Look!" A little girl, no more than five years old, exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement. She tugged eagerly at her mother's hand, her tiny finger pointing toward a colorful poster displayed in the store window.

The poster was a vibrant depiction of space, filled with swirling galaxies and distant planets. The girl's eyes sparkled with wonder as she gazed at it, her imagination already soaring among the stars.

"Can we please get one? Please?" she begged, her voice filled with innocent hope. She clung tightly to her mother's hand, her wide, pleading eyes shining with anticipation.

But before the child could say another word, her mother jerked her hand away with a harshness that made the girl stumble back in fear. The sudden, cold rejection pierced through her joyful excitement, leaving a sharp sting in its place.

"No, [Name]. Stop asking, I'm busy," the mother snapped, her voice devoid of warmth. The girl, now identified as [Name], blinked back the tears that threatened to spill over, her small frame trembling slightly.

"But... it's a poster of Papa!" [Name] pleaded, her voice quivering as she fought to keep her emotions in check. "I-I could be like him one day!"

Her mother paused, a cold, cynical smile creeping across her lips. "Hm. Like Papa, huh?" she muttered, grabbing her daughter's small hand with a grip that was more forceful than affectionate. She started walking briskly toward their home, dragging the girl along behind her.

"You really want to be like your Papa?" the mother asked, her voice dripping with a mockery that the young girl couldn't quite understand. [Name] nodded hesitantly, her heart pounding in her chest.

Then, the woman stopped abruptly, turning to face her daughter. She looked down at her, her eyes cold and unforgiving, staring into the girl's soul with a gaze that froze her in place. The intensity of her mother's stare made the child shrink back, her small body trembling under the weight of that emotionless gaze.

It was in moments like this that the little girl felt it most acutely—the aching, gnawing feeling that she was never enough. No matter how hard she tried, no matter how much she dreamed, it always seemed to fall short.

Their mother had always told them that it was just fantasy. The girl's dreams, her hopes—they were just foolish, childish fantasies, nothing more. And in the cold, unyielding grasp of her mother's hand, that harsh reality pressed down on her, crushing the fragile hopes that fluttered in her young heart.

"You won't be like him," her mother declared, the words cutting through the quiet like a knife.

[Name]'s eyes widened, filling with sadness as the harshness of the statement sank in. She looked up at her mother, silently pleading for an explanation, for some kindness—but none came.

"Do you know why?" her mother continued, not waiting for a response. She leaned in closer, her voice cold and sharp. "It's because you're not selfish like him. But you are annoying and not enough for anyone. Not enough for me."

The words were delivered with a chilling calmness, as if they were simple facts. Her mother's gaze was flat, emotionless, as if she were discussing something as mundane as the weather.

[Name] stood frozen in place, her small body trembling, tears welling up in her eyes. What was she supposed to do? She was just a child—a child who hadn't even turned six yet. The weight of her mother's words pressed down on her tiny shoulders, too heavy for her to bear, too confusing for her to fully comprehend.

She didn't understand the difference between what was real and what was meant to hurt. All she knew was the fear that gnawed at her, the fear of not being enough, of never being enough.

And so, in that moment, there was nothing she could do but follow her mother into the house, her small feet dragging as she walked in silence. The words she longed to say, the questions she wanted to ask, all remained trapped in her throat, strangled by the pain that was slowly killing her from the inside.

As soon as they entered, she broke away and ran straight to her room, her tears finally spilling over as she collapsed onto her bed. The sobs came hard and fast, shaking her tiny frame as she cried into her pillow. She knew, deep down, that her mother wouldn't care, that no one would care.

But then her eyes caught sight of a picture hanging on the wall—a photo of her and her dad, smiling together in a moment that felt like a distant memory.

She stared at it through her tears, her small hands clutching the fabric of her pillow tightly. She didn't need her mother. She didn't need anyone's pity. A fire sparked in her heart, small but determined, igniting a resolve that was stronger than her fear.

She would prove them wrong.

✦𝖘k𝖎𝖕 𝖙𝖔 𝖙𝖊𝖓 𝖞𝖊𝖆𝖗𝖘 𝖑𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝕱𝖑𝖆𝖘𝖍 𝖇𝖆𝖈k✦

[Name], now a teenager, moved quietly around her room, packing her belongings into a worn backpack. Each item she placed inside seemed to carry the weight of her past—books, clothes, small trinkets that had somehow survived the years. She worked with a quiet determination, her movements steady, though her heart pounded with a mix of fear and resolve.

As she reached for a final item on the shelf, a picture frame slipped from its place, tumbling to the floor with a soft thud. The sound echoed in the silence of the room, and [Name] paused, her breath catching in her throat. She knelt down, her fingers trembling slightly as she picked up the fallen photograph.

The picture inside was of her family—a snapshot of a time when things were simpler, or at least when they seemed to be. Her younger self smiled back at her, standing between her parents, her father's arm wrapped protectively around her. The image stirred something deep within her, a mix of longing and hurt that she'd tried so hard to bury.

Without a word, she slipped the photograph into her bag, tucking it carefully among her other possessions. It was a piece of her past she couldn't leave behind, no matter how much she wanted to forget.

With the bag slung over her shoulder, she walked to the window. The night air drifted in as she opened it, cool and crisp against her skin. She hesitated, standing on the threshold of everything she'd known and the unknown that lay beyond. The room behind her was dark and silent, filled with memories she was ready to leave behind—yet something made her turn back one last time.

She gazed at the space that had been hers for so long, her eyes lingering on the familiar shadows and shapes. This room had seen her tears, her fears, her dreams. It had been her refuge and her prison. Now, it was just a place she was ready to leave behind.

Taking a deep breath, [Name] steeled herself, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. She wasn't that frightened little girl anymore. She was ready to face whatever came next, even if it meant doing it alone.

(ART IS MINE PLEASE DON'T STEAL IT)

"I'm sorry, Mother... but I have to do it for Papa," [Name] whispered, her voice trembling as she stood by the open window. A few tears clung to her lashes, but she quickly brushed them away. There was no turning back now. With one last glance at the room she was leaving behind, she steeled herself and leaped out into the night.

The cool air rushed past her as she landed lightly on the ground, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. Without hesitation, she started running, her feet carrying her through the quiet streets. She knew exactly where she was headed, her destination clear in her mind.

Where was she going? To a public transport station, but not just any station. This was a place that few knew about, hidden from the everyday hustle and bustle of the city. Her breaths came in quick gasps as she pushed herself forward, her eyes fixed on the path ahead.

Going to space was hard—dangerous, even—but it was the only way she could follow in her father's footsteps, the only way she could honor his memory.

Finally, she came to a stop in front of an old, worn sign that read "A77." This wasn't an ordinary bus or train station. The sleek, metallic structure loomed before her, its futuristic design standing out against the darkened landscape. It was a gateway to the stars, a public transport like no other, one that could take her far beyond the confines of Earth.

"ALL ABOARD! WE'RE HEADING TO CAPRICA, DAMN FUCKERS!" a gruff voice boomed over the intercom, startling [Name] as she stood at the entrance of the transport. The voice belonged to the driver of the ship, his tone a strange mix of urgency and casual indifference.

"Sigh... Guess it's time. Goodbye, Earth," she murmured under her breath, her voice barely above a whisper. With one last look at the planet she was leaving behind, she took a deep breath and stepped inside.

The interior of the ship was unlike anything she had ever seen. The atmosphere was a mix of the familiar and the utterly foreign, an odd blend of comfort and unease. The walls hummed softly with a strange energy, and the seats—though vaguely shaped like those on a bus—had a texture that felt like cool, smooth metal beneath her fingertips.

As she walked down the narrow aisle, she couldn't help but notice the other passengers. But they weren't just people; they were creatures of all shapes and sizes, beings she had only ever imagined in her wildest dreams. Some had scales that shimmered under the dim lighting, others had multiple limbs or eyes that glowed with an eerie light. A few of them glanced up at her with mild curiosity, while others remained absorbed in their own worlds, speaking in languages that sounded like a symphony of unfamiliar sounds.

It was... nice? Strange? She couldn't quite put her finger on it. Everything felt surreal, like she had stepped into another dimension where the rules of reality were just a little different.

Yup, this definitely feels weird, she thought to herself as she found an empty seat near the back of the ship. Settling in, she tried to steady her nerves, but the adrenaline coursing through her veins made it difficult. This was it—her journey into the unknown, a leap toward a future that was both thrilling and terrifying.

The engines roared to life beneath her, vibrating through the floor as the ship prepared to take off. She glanced out of the small window beside her, the last traces of Earth visible through the thickening clouds. 

[Name] felt like a black sheep in a herd of strange, colorful creatures. She sat quietly next to the window, trying to blend into the background, though it was hard not to feel out of place among the diverse alien passengers around her.

"ALRIGHT, WE'RE GOING, YOU LITTLE SHITS!" the driver's voice bellowed once more, followed by a jolt as the ship's engines roared to life.

The ship shuddered as it lifted off, and [Name] felt a wave of awkwardness wash over her. Everything about this felt surreal, and the questions swirling in her mind only made it worse. Was she going to be okay? Had she made the right choice by leaving? How was her mother—

"Hey there, you seem new here," a voice interrupted her thoughts.

Startled, [Name] turned to see an alien sitting beside her. The creature was far closer than she was comfortable with, its large, curious eyes peering at her from just inches away. Its skin was a mottled shade of green, with small, flickering lights running along its arms—like bioluminescent patterns pulsing softly in the dim light of the ship.

(ART MINE DO NOT STEAL)

They both looked at each other, and the alien boy smiled warmly, his expression friendly and open. [Name] felt her cheeks flush with heat, and she quickly looked away, trying to hide the growing blush that spread across her face.

"Y-yeah, I'm new here," she replied nervously, her voice barely above a whisper. Her heart raced, and she could hardly believe she was having a conversation with someone—no, something—so different from what she'd known.

The cute alien boy giggled softly, his laughter light and infectious. He extended his hand toward her, the small lights along his arm flickering softly. "I'm Carl, Carl Understandle," he introduced himself, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

[Name] hesitated for a moment, glancing at his outstretched hand before meeting his gaze. Gathering her courage, she reached out and shook his hand. "I'm [Name] [Last name]," she said, her voice a bit steadier now.

"A [Last name], huh? You must be [Dad's name]'s daughter," Carl said, his tone shifting to one of recognition and respect as he looked at her more closely.

"Yeah..." she replied, her voice trailing off as she turned her gaze back to the window, the familiar ache of loss tugging at her heart.

"He was a great man," Carl said softly, his eyes reflecting a deep sadness as he spoke. He kept his gaze on her, as if he could see the pain she was holding inside.

This time, [Name] didn't respond. She just stared out at the stars, feeling a mix of emotions she couldn't quite name. It was strange to hear someone speak about her father with such reverence, especially someone she had just met in such an unfamiliar place.

After a moment of silence, Carl spoke again, his tone brightening. "Hey, wanna go see the shops after we get off this ship? Caprica is quite the place. We could even get you a familiar! Since you're new and a human, you could use the help," he suggested, his enthusiasm clear.

Carl seemed like someone she could trust, his easygoing nature making her feel a little more at ease. But she knew she needed to keep her guard up—after all, this was all still so new to her.

"Sure!" [Name] replied with a smile, surprised at how easily the word came out. Carl's infectious energy was starting to lift some of the tension she felt.

"Hey, look! We finally arrived!" Carl suddenly yelled, pointing excitedly at the window.

[Name] turned to look, and her breath caught in her throat. Outside the window was a sight that took her breath away—a vast, shimmering city, floating among the stars. Caprica was beautiful, with its towering structures of light and glass, the entire city bathed in a soft, ethereal glow. It looked like something out of a dream, a place where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blurred.

The ship came to a sudden stop, jolting [Name] from her thoughts. She blinked in surprise—had they really arrived so quickly? It felt like barely any time had passed at all.

"ALRIGHT, GET OFF, LITTLE SHITS! WE'VE ARRIVED!" the driver bellowed from the front, his voice echoing through the cabin.

As [Name] reached down to grab her bag, she felt Carl's hand gently clasp around hers, pulling her to her feet. The warmth of his touch was reassuring, and she allowed herself to be guided, her feet almost moving on their own as she followed him down the narrow aisle.

So this was Caprica.

As they stepped off the ship, the first thing she noticed was the sheer scale of the place. The city stretched out before them, a dazzling blend of futuristic architecture and alien beauty. Everything glowed with a soft, otherworldly light, the colors shifting and shimmering like a living work of art. It was overwhelming in the best way possible, and [Name] couldn't help but stare in awe, her eyes wide as she took it all in.

Carl still held her hand, his grip firm yet gentle as he led her through the bustling crowd. The streets were filled with beings of all shapes and sizes, a dizzying array of colors, sounds, and languages. It was unlike anything she had ever imagined.

"Greetings, Mister Understandle," a sudden, mechanical voice interrupted her thoughts.

[Name] jumped, startled by the unexpected sound. She quickly turned around and found herself face-to-face with a sleek, humanoid robot. Its body was made of gleaming metal, with glowing blue eyes that pulsed softly as it spoke. The robot's design was elegant, almost regal, and it stood with an air of calm efficiency.

"Don't worry," Carl said with a reassuring smile, still holding her hand as he addressed the robot. "This is [Name]. She's new here."

The robot's eyes flickered as it scanned [Name], its expression—or what passed for one—remaining neutral. "Welcome, [Name]. It is a pleasure to meet you," it said, its voice smooth and polite, with just a hint of artificial warmth. "I am Zeta-9, assigned to assist Mister Understandle during his stay on Caprica."

[Name] nodded, still a bit shaken by the encounter but quickly recovering. "Uh, nice to meet you too, Zeta-9," she replied, trying to sound as calm as possible.

Carl grinned and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Come on, [Name], there's so much to see. We'll start with the shops, and maybe we'll find you a familiar," he said, leading her deeper into the heart of the city.

"Okay, listen," Carl said, his tone becoming a bit more serious as he turned to the robot. "I've got a new person here, and she needs a companion. Can you take us to Chimera?"

"Of course," Zeta-9 replied without hesitation, its voice smooth and efficient. The robot gestured toward a nearby flying car, sleek and metallic, hovering just above the ground with a low hum.

Carl led [Name] toward the vehicle, still holding her hand. The doors of the car slid open smoothly, revealing an interior that was surprisingly spacious and comfortable, with seats that seemed to mold to the shape of anyone who sat in them. The controls were sleek and minimalistic, with holographic displays hovering just above the dashboard.

Carl opened the door of the sleek, hovering car and stepped aside with a gentle smile. "Ladies first!" he said, his eyes twinkling with genuine warmth.

The gesture made [Name] blush deeply. She hesitated for a moment, her cheeks flushed as she ducked into the car. The interior was as impressive as she'd expected—luxurious and futuristic, with soft, ambient lighting and controls that seemed to float in mid-air.

Carl closed the door behind her and then slid into the seat across from her, his movements smooth and practiced. Just as [Name] was about to ask how Zeta-9 would join them, the robot seemed to respond to her unspoken question.

Suddenly, Zeta-9 transformed into a much smaller, more compact form—a sleek, spherical device with tiny, retractable appendages. Carl effortlessly caught the smaller robot, placing it carefully on the dashboard. The transformation was seamless, and [Name] watched in wide-eyed amazement.

"Wow..." [Name] murmured, her gaze fixed on the compact robot with stars in her eyes.

"Cool stuff, huh?" Carl said with a grin, clearly pleased by her reaction. He adjusted the controls, and the car hummed to life, lifting smoothly off the ground.

As the vehicle began to glide through the air, the cityscape of Caprica stretched out below them. The view was breathtaking—a sprawling metropolis bathed in the soft glow of countless lights, with towering spires and floating platforms creating a mesmerizing tapestry of colors and shapes.

Carl navigated the flying car with practiced ease, weaving through the bustling sky traffic. "We're heading to Chimera now," he explained, his focus on the road ahead. "It's a great place to find a companion. They have all kinds of creatures and beings from different worlds. You'll find something that suits you perfectly."

[Name] looked out at the city below, her initial nervousness slowly giving way to a sense of wonder. 

✦𝕿𝖎𝖒𝖊 𝖘k𝖎𝖕✦

"Here we are! Chimera's Shop!" Carl announced enthusiastically as he and [Name] stepped out of the flying car.

The shop's exterior was anything but ordinary. It was a sleek, modern building with shimmering glass panels that changed color depending on the angle of the light. The entrance was adorned with intricate designs that seemed to shift and ripple, giving it a magical, inviting appearance. The sign above the door glowed softly, displaying the name "Chimera" in elegant, flowing script.

[Name] took in the sight with wide eyes. The shop looked more like an art gallery than a typical store, and the atmosphere was both intriguing and welcoming.

"Let's go, [Name]! I'm sure Chimera would love to meet you!" Carl said with an encouraging smile, clearly excited about what lay inside.

[Name] looked at Carl, then at the shop, feeling a mix of nerves and curiosity. She nodded, her apprehension giving way to a sense of adventure. Following Carl and the compact, spherical Zeta-9, she stepped through the door.

✦𝕴𝖓𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖊✦

Wow...

"CHIMERA! I'M BACK AND I HAVE A NEW FRIEND!" Carl's exuberant shout filled the air, and [Name] winced at the volume, her ears ringing slightly from the sudden burst of noise.

The shop fell into a brief, tense silence. [Name] stood there, unsure of what to expect. Then, from the quiet, a melodious and welcoming voice broke through.

"My, my, Carl making friends. Well, that is new~"

[Name] turned to see Chimera, a strikingly elegant alien woman. She had an ethereal beauty with her flowing robes and a soft, luminescent glow that seemed to enhance her graceful presence. Her eyes, a vibrant shade of red, sparkled with curiosity and warmth as she regarded [Name].

"Chimera, this is [Name]. She's new to this town," Carl said, his voice a mix of excitement and pride. He turned to [Name] with a smile. "And [Name], this is Chimera—the woman I told you about."

[Name] nodded, feeling a bit overwhelmed but trying to maintain her composure.

Chimera's gaze softened as she approached [Name], her expression turning playful. "Now, don't be shy, darling. Tell me, what would you like~?" she asked, her voice dripping with charm and an inviting smile.

The flirtatious tone made [Name] flush a deep red. She glanced at Carl for help, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"Well, she wants a bot, although I didn't ask which kind—" Carl began, but Chimera quickly cut him off with a soft chuckle.

"Hmmm, a bot, you say? How about a Mini Bot?" Chimera suggested, her eyes twinkling as she looked at [Name].

"That sounds great, but I don't know how to repay you," [Name] replied, her voice tinged with worry.

"Hahaha, don't worry, darling. Since you're new, I can let this one go. Plus, there's a bot here that would love to meet you," Chimera said with a wink, her voice warm and reassuring.

With that, Chimera led [Name] and Carl to a door at the back of the shop. They entered a room filled with an array of different robots, each one unique in design and purpose. The room was like a futuristic menagerie, with bots of all shapes, sizes, and colors neatly arranged on shelves and in display cases.

"1.4, come here," Chimera called out with a gentle tone.

From among the various robots, a small, red bot with tiny legs scurried forward, its movement quick and lively. It had a sleek, compact design with bright, expressive eyes that blinked cheerfully as it approached.

The little red bot was absolutely adorable, its tiny legs and bright, expressive eyes making it impossible not to smile.

Chimera gently picked up 1.4 and handed it to [Name], her smile radiant and warm. "Dear, this is 1.4, your new personal bot!" she said, her voice filled with genuine excitement.

As [Name] took the bot in her hands, 1.4 immediately sprang to life, scurrying up her arm and perching contentedly on her shoulder. The sensation of the bot's tiny legs tickling her skin brought a burst of laughter from [Name], her happiness shining through.

Carl, standing nearby, gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Thanks, Chimera, and thanks to you too, Carl," [Name] said, her voice full of gratitude and joy.

"No problem, buddy! We should definitely hang out more!" Carl replied, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Yeah, we should!" [Name] agreed, her smile wide and her eyes closed in contentment.

With 1.4 settled comfortably on her shoulder and her new friends by her side, [Name] felt a deep sense of belonging and excitement for the future.

✦𝕿𝖎𝖒𝖊 𝖘k𝖎𝖕 𝖙𝖔 2 𝖜𝖊𝖊k𝖘 𝖑𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖗✦

As [Name] wandered down the bustling streets of Caprica with 1.4 perched contentedly on her shoulder, she marveled at the city's vibrant atmosphere. The shops, the lights, and the alien culture around her felt like a blend of the familiar and the fantastical. It was as if she could see her father's love for this place reflected in every corner. Papa had always cherished the wonder of Caprica, and now she understood why—it was a world that, while different, held a strange resemblance to Earth.

Her reverie was abruptly interrupted by the piercing wail of a siren, cutting through the city's usual hum. Panic spread like wildfire among the crowds. People rushed in every direction, their faces etched with fear and confusion. [Name] stood frozen, her heart pounding in her chest, trying to make sense of the chaos around her.

"ATTENTION PLEASE! THERE ARE ENEMIES IN THE CITY! PLEASE STAY INSIDE AND BE SAFE! GUARDS, PROTECT THE LORD!" a stern, authoritative voice crackled over a loudspeaker.

The streets erupted into a cacophony of shouting and running feet. [Name] glanced around, feeling her anxiety mount. The safety she had initially felt in Caprica seemed to dissolve into a haze of alarm and uncertainty.

She looked down at 1.4, whose tiny eyes blinked in concern. The bot's usual cheerfulness was replaced with a worried beeping. "What's happening, 1.4?" [Name] muttered, though she wasn't expecting a clear answer.

Wasn't Caprica supposed to be a safe place? The thought echoed in her mind as she tried to make sense of the sudden turn of events. The image of the calm, serene city she had admired moments ago was now overshadowed by the urgency of the situation. Her stomach twisted with anxiety.

She needed to find shelter, fast. The city's once-familiar streets now felt like a labyrinth of potential danger. [Name] tried to remember the way back to the shop or where she might find safety, but the chaotic scene around her made it difficult to focus.

Desperate, she scanned the streets for any sign of help or direction. Amid the chaos, she spotted a few guards, their uniforms marked with insignias of authority, moving purposefully toward the source of the commotion. She considered following them, hoping they might lead her to a safer location.

[Name] bolted into the grand palace, her fear and adrenaline propelling her through the opulent hallways. She had been in Caprica for two weeks but had never ventured into this part of the city, let alone this majestic building. The palace, with its towering columns and intricate designs, was a stark contrast to the chaos outside.

As she rounded a corner, she spotted a little boy huddled against the wall, tears streaming down his face. He looked up as she approached, his eyes filled with a mix of fear and hope.

"Hey, are you okay?" [Name] asked, kneeling beside him.

"N-No," the boy sniffled, his voice trembling. "I can't find my dad... sniff I don't want the bad guys to find me. sniff I'm scared."

[Name] reached out and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, it's going to be okay. How about this? I'll help you find your dad, and then we can deal with these bad guys together—uh, I mean, we'll take care of them."

Before she could finish her sentence, 1.4 gave her a tiny, disapproving tap on the head. She glanced at the bot, realizing she had almost swore in front of a child.

She offered a reassuring smile and took the boy's small hand in hers, helping him to his feet. "What's your name, little guy?"

"My name is Arthur," he said, looking up at her with hopeful eyes.

"Oh, I'm [Name], and this is 1.4," she introduced, her voice soft as she gave him a friendly piggyback ride.

"Miss [Name], 1.4, when we get out of here, can we be friends?" Arthur asked, his voice filled with sincere hope.

"Of course we can be friends!" [Name] said with a warm smile, despite the rising tension in her chest. She began to make her way up the grand staircase, her steps growing more hurried as she navigated the dizzying heights. The stairs seemed endless, each step echoing with the weight of her urgency.

The cacophony of voices grew louder as she climbed. Amid the chaos, she caught fragments of a conversation:

"Give me the prince," a dark, menacing voice commanded, dripping with authority.

"Never!" came the defiant reply, followed by a series of harsh, unfamiliar words that [Name] couldn't fully understand.

Her heart raced. She turned to Arthur, her voice low and urgent. "Stay here and don't move. If they find you, run, okay?"

Arthur nodded, his eyes wide with understanding and fear.

[Name] took a deep breath and edged toward the door from which the voices were coming. She spotted a fallen soldier nearby, and with a quick glance around to ensure no one was watching, she grabbed the gun from the soldier's lifeless hand. The weight of the weapon felt heavy, and her palms were clammy, but she knew she had to act.

Taking a final steadying breath, [Name] pushed open the door just enough to peek through, then-

✦𝕱𝖑𝖆𝖘𝖍 𝖇𝖆𝖈k 𝕺𝖛𝖊𝖗✦

The woman, her resolve solidifying with every passing moment, slipped on her mask with practiced ease. Its dark, sleek surface hid her features, but her eyes, determined and fierce, were visible through the eye holes. She took a deep breath, her mind sharpening as she focused on the task at hand.

"I proved everyone wrong 785 years ago," she said, her voice steady with conviction, "and I'll do it again."

With a decisive motion, she grabbed her guns, the weight of their handles grounding her resolve. The cold steel felt reassuring in her grip.

"Let's go, 1.4. Let's show these motherfuckers who we are," she said, her tone fierce and unapologetic. The bot, understanding the gravity of the situation, nestled onto her shoulder, its tiny eyes blinking with readiness.

The woman and 1.4 made their way through the corridors with purpose. Each step echoed her determination, the mission clear in her mind. 

ᴀ ɴᴇᴡ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ ɪꜱ ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛɪɴɢ.........

(A/n): Hahaha I FINISHED SCHOOL FINALLY 😭😭 altho idk if i can update a lot bc i will go somewhere and idk if i will have my computer. But enoy the prologue even tho it's not part of the series.