Guys i think i finally finished writing the first chapter of my Cogs and Feathers fic!! It took wayyy too long and it's the only thing, with over 1000 words, i've ever written. So please be patient with me, as english is not my first language, tho advices are incerdibly appreciated!!
It's basically about Karl finding a kid from outside, who found themselves in the Village after running away from a tedious school trip, and he decides to adpot them. Anyway
Large, metal gates laboriously opened, welcoming in the blinding glow. It skittishly flooded over the dusty, cluttered porch; filling the air with tiny sequins. A short figure stood in the darkness amongst crates, rotting hay and rusty farming equipment, which has seen better days. Shine only grazed muddy boots. Lukewarm wind temptingly blew over, swirling around few hair strands,
Placing a shaking foot so hesitantly, almost if the ground were to slip away and break into millions of tiny shards. Uncertain eyes quickly darted over the metal cage protruding from the right trouser leg. Two metal rails ran down from the thigh to the ankle, secured tightly by leather straps, which kept the knee safe. After taking few testing steps, the shadow more confidently moved into the brightness.
Momentarily warm beams scattered over the round face, light so bright it stung the eyes with millions of nettles, even under the safe cover of eyelids.
Standing motionless, hypnotized by the sparkling sensation. A polychrome sculpture, with a disheveled mane shining goldly, pale, porcelain skin, decorated with galaxy of moles. Moth-bitten tank top, clumsily draped over the thin frame, paired with patched up cargo shorts, were the only thing standing out of the godly image. Despite the strong sunlight, cold Romanian nature reminded itself by bringing cold breeze, sending shivers through the entire length of the body.
Small palm rose up to shield eyes from the light. Standing in the middle of metal jungle, surrounding the territory of Iron Steed, ground decorated with various wrecks, parts of artillery and a rusty forgotten tank. Fortress of tall electric fence separated the jungle from the rest of the village. Between wire eyes mesh miserable huts peeked out in the distance looking like bughouses. Further away, range of ever white, blinding with reflected light, sharp spears stretched out as far as eye can see.
Only if there was a way to escape this hell unharmed... Only if that old prick was able to build something so big, that it would blow a hole in this town... Only if instead of rough shell, twisted with hideous spikes and protrusions, rows of delicate, yet strong oily feathers covered skin on the arms, creating strong wings so one could soar high into blue sky and fly unnoticed over the spiky edges. But... it wouldn’t be fair, to leave him to rot, among forgotten and already crumbling roots, would it? What if he made something like a cage someone with strong wings could carry, or what if he built his own metal wings-
Clearly amused by child’s reaction, he swung an oversized metal hammer over the shoulder like a plastic toy, before trotting towards the kid
-OW, WHAT THE HELL??- Old cap fell onto the scorched ground with a soft thud, raising with it a small puff of dust. Turning around, the source of interrupted plotting entered the field of vision. Ah, the old prick himself. -What was that for?!
-Hm? – with voice of an innocent lamb, unfit to a man with greying hair interlaced with black threads.
Child softly growled and squirmed, trying to break free from the grasp of unexpected affection, which wasn’t so unwelcomed. After letting a soft chuckle, man’s eyes ventured over the surrounding area. Even here summer slowly snuck its way into.
-Put it on your damn head, will ya? You getting a sunstroke, is the last thing I want to happen after I, God-knows-how, saved you from the Bird-bitch herself.
-You’re taking it with you? - Much careless about the lecture, kid reluctantly put on the cap, dusting it off of sand beforehand, while eyeing the new accessory. -Why?
-It's obvious- old man halfheartedly smashed his free hand over kid's head, giving it a light noogie. -I made it, it's cool and now I get to show it off!
-Shit, this hole used to be ice-bounded all damn year. Now what? Fuckin' flowers are growing over my land. -
Through the cracks between metal and rocks, yellowish leaves dotted with small indigo spots have emerged. A lone bumblebee buzzed around them and sat on a nearby flower, making it bend over its fluffy body. Taking another puff from his cigar, he admired the colorful petals. Something deep inside scratched at the surface. Something he let linger for too long. “a clay pot...on the window sill... dirt under Mutters fingernails, as she tried her best to keep them ali “- a tug on his sleeve snapped him back to reality, before old memories and grief could fully take over. Letting out a shaky breath, as the world stilled, with the corner of his eye he noticed kid’s worried gaze. Shaking it off, he quickly picked up his previous demeanor.
-C'mon kid, we got stuff to do.
-The hell ya doin’?!- Older man growled, barely maintaining the balance, yet it had no real bite. He stood still as kid’s legs found themselves confidently standing on the ground again.
-Wish it was like this before- A longing whisper left kids mouth while grudgingly following the man. It felt like years passed, since they left the Factory last time.
-Hm, it all changed since you showed up. - Voice quieter than a whisper, thought that was supposed to remain unheard. Child’s sensitive ears picked up on it, immersing the young mind in contemplation. Uneven ground combined with preoccupied head resulted in taking a step in the wrong place and diving straight into older man's back with a loud OOF.
-You don’t wanna ruin your brand-new brace, don’t you? – he added facetiously.
-Oh, don’t mention it, dumbass. – for a moment, a glimpse of softness showed through the jet-black shades, smile tugging at a corner of his lips.
Moving past the rusty gates, which automatically closed behind, with the flick of man’s wrist, a large ancient bridge sprawled before them. Child nervously clutched onto the older companion’s sleeve, trying to hide the fact that last time they went over it, it wasn’t really a bridge, but a path of metal scrap floating in the air, twenty meters above the deadly river.
Roar of rushing water echoed below; lazy clouds moved across the sky like a flock of sheep, as a familiar scent of smoked meat filled the air, while getting closer to the Altar.
-Why are we meeting with Duke outside?
-Cuz a little fresh air won’t do any harm. – He inhaled excessively through his nose - and I need some parts for a new Soldat I'm making, besides... Our merchant might have something that you might find interesting... as always.
Child’s eyes momentarily light up, on the previous occasion Karl bought from him a set of black ink markers and sketchbook for an unbelievably cheap price, got told it was a bargain for the child’s support.
Walking through gate to the Altar, an old-fashioned wooden carriage, stood snuggled in corner, surrounded by stalls appeared before their eyes. Sausage rings and smoked fish hanged on its open doors, between which a big obese man sat in the middle, wearing attire that would once have been considered rich, but now barely held on his plump form.
One of his decorated with rings hand held a book, in other, a freshly lit cigar rested.
-Hey!!- with a cap in hand, kid waved towards the merchant. Older man followed the example and raised his hand in greeting.
-Ahh, Lord Heisenberg- the merchant, pulled away from his passtime activity, spread his arms invitingly, still holding the objects -and our little monarch! I was expecting you, come closer, I just might have something that may catch your eye- of course, if the Lord agrees. -
Kid smiled and exchanged looks with Karl, to which he rolled his eyes.
As elders did their business, the youngling's eyes ventured over the goodies and products lying over the biggest stall.
In the plain sight a pack of Cuban cigars and set of screwdrivers were deliberately placed, on which Lord’s eyes already landed a few times. Among things, half of which it was hard to find the words to name and did not arouse any interest; a few sketchbooks and different artistic utensils lied. More to the left, two decorative containers stood, both filled with shining jewelry made from various gems. Out of one a crimson thread of beads slithered onto the table, catching kid’s eyes for a moment. Towers of books stacked in the corner, their colorful covers and titles in different languages drew attention, but it still wasn’t enough. Lost in the chaos of clutter, a lone box with CDs hid, finally something that’s interesting enough to check out. Lanky fingers smoothly started to go through each of them. Stopping at the cd with a skeleton of an undead parade, marching on the white background.
- Oh, MCR, isn’t it? – older man took the cd from kid’s hand and examined its cover, before returning it back- Classic.
-Where did you get it from? – child turned to face the merchant with joy filled eyes
-Oh, don’t you worry, your little head, I have my ways -he responded with a low chuckle, that would have sounded scary if not the merchants plump and jolly face.
Pleading eyes switched their gaze from the album to the man in shades. -Ugh, sure I’ll buy it for ya... I guess...- With faux reluctance he waved his hand in dismiss. -Just don’t listen to it too loud or you’ll become deafer than you already are.
Responding with a huff, the kid put the cd into the basket the Duke gave, a pack of Cuban cigars already resting in it.
Markers haphazardly lied scattered over the bedsheets while a sketchbook still rested open on the pillow. Curled figure’s back rose up and down slowly, as in the background the rhythmic sound of guitar accompanied by whistle of falling bombs started to come out from a discman set on the nightstand beside.
