Webleyand

TheWorldMachine

ZacharyPaulChopchinski

http://zachchop.com

WebleyandTheWorldMachineCopyright©2018ZacharyPaulChopchinski

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyany

means,electronicormechanical,includingphotocopying,recording,orbyanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,withoutthewrittenpermissionofthepublisher,exceptwherepermittedbylaw.

ForinformationaddressBooks&BowTiesPublishing,4844E.MichiganSt,Orlando,FL.32812www.zachchop.com

WebleyandTheWorldMachine/ZacharyP.Chopchinski—1sted.PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica.

January2018PublishedbyBooks&BowTiesPublishing

Orlando,FL.ISBN-10:1981268502

ISBN-13:978-1981268504

EditedbyMeganCutlerCoverdesignbyMollyPhipps,We’veGotYouCoveredBookDesigns

AuthorphotobyJessicaVergePhotography

PraiseForWebleyand

TheWorldMachine

“It’sBioshockmeetsSuckerPunchwithasideofWildWildWest”

-KaceyAbels,TheReadingTreeBookBlog

“I’mcompletelylostintheWorldMachine.It’smynewhappy

place!”

-S.J’sBookBlog

Acknowledgements

TherearesomanythingsthatIowetosomanypeopleforallthehelpthattheygenerouslygavetohelpmemakethisbookallthatit became. To my lovely wife, never forget that I see you, andalwaysknowallthatyoudoforme.Iwillneverbeabletopayyoubackforeverything,butifithelps,Iwillgiveyouallthelove,fur-babies,andcookiecakethatyoucouldeveraskfor.AslongasIcanhaveyourloveandallthetacos!I would also like to thankBridgetteO’Hare for dealingwithmyADHD and lack of ability to keep solid schedules. I love you topiecesandappreciatethefantasticjobyoudideditingthisbook.Also thankyou toMartina fordealingwithme fornearly twentyhoursinacar.Thoughthesmellsandlaughsonlylasteduntilweblackedoutfromexhaustion,Iknowthatourfriendshipwilllastforever. Or, at least, until the next road trip and you end upkilling me. Either way, good times. A huge thank you to TheHellgnomeformakingthecointhatstartedthewholestory!CheckouthisworkonInstagram(@ocu_lar). I reallyneed togiveabigthank you to my illustrator Michaela Helíková! Thank you forseeingwhatisinsidemyheadandmakingitareality!ThankyoutoallofmyBetareaders.Youguysgottheroughjob,but I tell you what, you made this book that much more of apolishedproductforallofthereaders.Idon'twanttonameyou,because my gift to you is that if the book flops, you have noofficial attachment to it. If this book reaches a best seller, thispartwillbeeditedout…POSSIBLY…ThankyoutoallofmyfriendsthatstoodbymewhileIwrotethis.All of those lovely authors, readers, bloggers, and stalkers thatsupportedmethroughthisbookandgrewjustasexcitedasIdidas it grew and grew. In thisworld, with Indie Authors, it really

does take a village. All ofmy friends that I havemet alongmyjourney, and those from before it began, I wouldn't changemyvillagefortheworld.Lastly, Iwould like to thankmydoctor,who toldme justafter Ifinishedwritingthisbookthattheamountofcaffeinethat Iwasconsuming in the endwould likelykillme if I didn’t stop.Goodlookingout,Doc.ThenhetoldmethatIhadtogiveupcaffeinetorecoup.Inthatsense,shove-off!IamsippingcoffeeasIwritethis.It’smybody,I’lldowhatIwant!Anyway, I love you all dearly, and here is to many moreadventures.

Dedication

Tomybestfriendandloveofmylife;mywife.Layla,youstartedthisadventureforme.AsIgrowanddevelop,itis only due to the support and nurturing that you giveme. AllthatIamasamanandanauthoristhankstoyou.Youmakemebetter,andIwillalwaysloveandcherishyouforallthatyouhavedone. Until the day the world ceases to turn, and forever past.Theworldforyou,MamaBear.

“Getaction.Seizethemoment.Manwasneverintendedtobecomeanoyster.”

–TheodoreRoosevelt

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WebleyandTheWorldMachineColoringBookKipandTheGrinders

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Others:FromNowOn:TheLastWordsAnthology

Prologue2,400,000B.C,TheWorldMachine

Cogrolledendoverendacrosstheplatform,tumblinglikea

ragdoll.Thebrasssurfacewasslickwithoilandgearsfromfallensoldiersonbothsides.

Hisbrotherhadgone too far this time.Hisdamnmachineswereprovinga little toodifficult tokill.ThoughCoghadalwaysconsidered himself a master inventor and a skilled warrior, hiswinged pack was scarcely a match for the mechanicalmonstrositieshistraitorousbrotherhadcreated.

Theworldexplodedaroundhimasairshipsandmechanicalcreatures circled overhead. The smell of gunpowder and copperfilled theair asbrother foughtbrother and friend fought friend.Allforwhat?Power?Freedom?Greed?

Oneofhisfellowsoldiersflewintoamassivegirder,spunandcollidedwithabrassbeam.TheforceoftheexplosionpushedCogtotheground.Remnantsofthebattleshiplandedamongstagiantsetofgearsthatrotatedinafeebleattempttopowerthefurnacethatkepteveryonealive.

His brother had orchestrated this attack, and the bossorderedhim toprotect the furnacesat all costs. The thought offailing tore at Cog as he collected himself and drew his trustypistols,firingwildlyatanymechanismthatflewpast.

As he swatted one of the insect-like mechanical creaturesfromthesky,severalmoretooknoticeofhisattack.Theyturnedtheir attention froman airship and swoopeddown, their bladedappendages barely missing Cog’s head. He ducked, unleashinganotherbarrageofshotsfromhisweapons.

The cold chill of fear rippled through Cog as his instinctswarned him he needed to get to the furnace. He sprinted thelengthof theplatform, themetallic surface clinkingbeneathhisfeet with every step. As he neared the giant turning gears thatpowered the World Machine, towers of fire and smoke billowedfrom its gargantuan pipes. The same wingedmonstrosities thathadnearly gotten the best of himwere doing theirworst to theexteriorofthefurnace.

An airship thundered overhead. One of his. Captain Silnyshouted to hismen as the ship’s guns firedupon the furnace'sattackers. A litany of small explosions scattered the enemysoldiers.Atthatmoment,Cogrealizedwhatwouldhappeniftheairshipcontinuedtoshootatthecreatures.

He opened his mouth to protest, but another explosionflattened him as shrapnel launched into the sky above. TerrorcausedCogtolosehimselfbrieflytotheblackness.

When he pushed the sludge from his brain, the great shiphad vanished into a cloud of fire and smoke, and the furnace’swarmthandlighthadextinguished.

CoglookedatthesilentheartoftheMachineindisbelief.Inthedeepcrimsonsmoke,theoutlinesofthosedamnflyingthingsstillwhizzedwith triumphantvictory.Theydidn’tevenknowthedepthofwhatthey’ddone.Withascowl,Cogretrievedhispistolsfrom the platform near his feet. He couldn't let those bastardswin.

Without the radiant heat and power from the furnaces, theWorldMachinewouldsuffer,andall theDwellerswoulddie.Hisfriends.Hisfamily.Hislove.Theywouldallperishunlesshedidsomething.Even if it requiredkilling thousands,hehad to savetheMachine.

1|Mr.SmoothPresentDay,Germany

Adal shot from his bed and surveyed the room as sweattrickled down his forehead. It didn't help that, when the hotmorningsunpeekedoverthehorizon,itpouredrightthroughhiswindow.

“Damn!” Adal turned his panic-filled eyes toward his alarmclock. He was running late. Today he would present hisgrandfather’s story and family history to his senior class. Hehopped from his bed. As he did, his foot tangled in his sheet,causinghimtofallfacefirsttothefloor.

Hecaughthimselfwithhisarmsandleveragedhimselfbackinto a standing position. He paused for a moment and lookedaroundhisroom,ensuringnoonehadseenhimtakethetumble.Coming back to reality, he scoffed and rolled his eyes beforejoggingtohisbathroom.

He stumbled through his morning ritual as quickly as hecould,takingonlyafewminutestostareathimselfinthemirror.Adalmadeitapointtolookasgoodashecouldbeforehelefthisroom.Hehadlongworkedonhisstylishreputationandwouldn'tletsomethingastrivialasbeinglatejeopardizeit.

Oncepreparedfortheday,Adaltookamomenttoappreciatehis appearance before leaving the mirror. His low-cut, white t-shirtdippedjustfarenoughtoshowthecreasebetweenhispecsthat he’d spent months chiseling with track and field. His hair

and fade linedupperfectly,andhe ranhishandoverhisneck.Smoothasever.

After giving himself a wink in the mirror, Adal slipped hissneakers on andhastened forhis bedroomdoor.Ashe grabbedthehandle,he frozeandsmiled.Heturnedaroundandgrabbedhisnotebookoffthedesknearthedoor.Inallthemorningrush,henearlyforgotthereportonhisgrandfather.

Swinginghisbedroomdooropen,heranthroughthehallandhoppeddownthestairstothefirstlanding.Collectinghimself,hewalkeddownthelastthreestairs,thenmadeadashforthefrontdoor.

“AdalwolfStein.Youget yourbutt overhere rightnow,”hisfather’s voice bellowed from the dining room. When his fatherusedhisfullname,Adalknewhewasinitdeep.

Adal rolled his eyes and turned around, walking into thediningroom.Hisfatherandgrandfatherwereseatedatthetable,eating.GrandpaLawrencewasreadingthepaper,ashedideverymorning.HismotherpouredcoffeeandbeckonedAdaltowardtheoneemptyseatwithaplatealreadysetforhim.Hisfathersatatthe head of the table, a stern look on his face as he peeredimpatientlyovertheframeofhisglassesathisson.

“Boy,areyourunninglateagain?”Adal’sfatherleanedbackinhischair,sippinghiscoffee.

Adal reluctantly walked over and plopped into the emptychair,settinghisnotebookonthetablenexttoapitcheroforangejuice.

“Well,theboywouldn'tbesolateifyoudidn'tstophimfromgettin’ toschool.Pick those fights,Son,”hisgrandfatherchimedin,notevenloweringthepaperthatcoveredhisface.

Adalsmiled.Heknewhisgrandfatherwastryingtoconcealalaughashehidbehindhismorningpaper.

“Dad,now’snotthetime.Theboyisbecominganadult,andheneedstobethinkingabouthisfuture,aboutwhathewantstodowith his life. He has to get himself together and learn to beorganized,”Adal’sfathersaid.

Thistime,hisgrandfatherremainedsilent.Adal’sfatherhaddrilledintohisheadeverydayforaslongas

hecouldremembertheimportanceofgettingintouniversityandgettingagoodjob.Don’tfollowthoselazyfriendsofyours!Adal’sdadhadsaid somany times thathe couldmimicboth the toneandinflectionofthelecture.

“Dad, it’s not my fault. I was up all night working on myreportforhistory.Iforgottosetmyalarm!”

“That’s theproblem,Adal.Youneed to listen toyour father.We raised you better than that,” Adal’smother joined in as shewipedthecounterwithapapertowel.

Adal sucked on his teeth and sank into his chair. Theyweren't about to hear him. They never did. His parents werealways‘A+’parents.YoucouldbringhomeanA,andtheywouldaskwhyitwasn'tanA+.

He knew they loved him, but he wished they showed it inways other than riding him all the time. That’s why, over theyears,Adalhadgrownsoclosetohisgrandfather.Eversincehewaslittle,hisgrandfatherhadbeentheonlyonewithanychill.

Thestorywasalwaysthesamewhenheaskedhisdadwhyhewassohardonhimallthetime.BeingraisedinGermany,themixed-racesonofablackAmericanandawhiteGerman,Adal’sfatherwasalwaysanoutcast. Thatdrovehim tomove toAfricawherehe’dmetAdal'smother.

WhenGrandmaUrsuladiedandGrandpaLawrenceneededhelptogetaround,theymovedbacktoGermany.Thatadversitymade his dad proud, strong, stubborn, and driven. Adal hadinheritedhisfather’sstrengthandpride,buthehadapersonalitytogowithit.

“Look, I get it. I screwedup.Mybad.Can I go? I reallyamgoingtobelateformypresentation.”Adalstoodandgrabbedhisnotebookbeforehisparentscouldargue.

Hismothersighed,andhisfathersippedhiscoffee.“Youcango, Adalwolf, but we will talk about this when you get home.Thingsaregoingtochangearoundhere.Iexpectadecentgradeonthatreporttoday,andIwanttoseeyourteacher’snotesonittoo.”Hisfatherslidhisglassesbackuphisnosetosignalthathewasdonespeaking,andAdalturnedonhisheels.

“Adal,”his grandfather called, putting thenewspaperdown.

With age, his grandfather’s hair had turned white, offering asharp contrast to his dark complexion. He never called Adal“Adalwolf;”hewastheonlyoneinhisfamilywhorespectedAdalenoughtoknowhehatedhisfullname.

“Areyoudoing the reportonour family?Mystoryandhowwegothere?”heasked,noddingtoAdal’snotebook.

“Youknowit!”“Thenlettheboyalone.Quitbeingsohardonmygrandson

allthetime.”Lawrencenudgedhissonintheshoulder,producinga smile from Adal and a frustrated snort from his father. As arule,youdidnotspeaktoanelderwithdisrespectintheirhome.IttookAdalafewstrikesonthebackoftheheadgrowinguptolearnthatlesson,butittooknonetheless.

“Thanks, Gramps.” Adal chuckled, pointing to hisgrandfatherandnoddingtowardtheceiling.

“Damn,Irememberthatdaylikeithappenedthismorning.”Grandpa Lawrence leaned back in his chair, the familiarmemories of war playing across his face. “We arrived at theoutskirts of the bunker where that son of a bitch, Hitler, washoledup,justasthesunwaspeekingitsheadoverthehills.We’dmarchedallnightand,letmetellyou,myfeetweresoblisteredIcouldn’t takeagoddamnstepwithoutpoppingoneof thosebadboys.”Agutturallaughescapedtheoldman’slips,andAdalknewhewouldreallybelate.

“The tanks rumbled as I walkedwithmymachine-gun. Ohlord,thatwasthemostempoweringmomentofthewar.Weknewwhat we were gettin’ ourselves into, and we were ready to beheroes.Wewerethe761stTankBattalion.OurmottowasComeOutFightin’.Being amostlyColoredunit,wewere always giventhesuicidemissions.Damnarmydidn’tcareaboutus.”

“Gramps I love this story, but I’m gonna be late.” WhenGrandpa Lawrence didn’t stop talking, Adal leaned against thewall by thekitchendoor.Adal’s father rolledhis eyes,nodoubthavingheardthestoryamilliontimes.

“Wereachedourrallypoint.Thetanksquitrolling,andweallgathered in formation. They called my unit the ‘Cutters.’ WecarriedtheBAR,thatwastheBrowningAutomaticRifle.”

“Yeah,weallknowthat,Dad,”Adal’sfatherchimedinasheturnedthepageofhisnewspaperandtookasipofhiscoffee.

“I’mtellintheboy!”Lawrencesnappedbeforecontinuinghisstory. “Anyway, we kept those Krauts in check with heavy firewhile our tanks did what they came to do. We had a little betgoingwiththeRedArmy,soweweren'twaitin’foranything.Yousee, sometimes in war, you gotta make a game out of it, youknow...tokeepout thedarkthoughtsthatyoukillin’abunchofpeople. We entered the clearing, and our tanks opened fire.BOOM!Wefired,moved,fired,andmovedkillingasmanyofthoseKrautbastardsaswecould.Youshouldaseentheirfaces.Hitler’sfinalstandoutsidehisgoddamncompoundandtherewewere,abattalion of blackmen showing those Arian bastards what realwarriorswere.” Lawrencepaused to take a sip of his coffee andshovel a piece of Brötchen into his mouth. Bread crumbs anddropsofcoffeestucktothestubbleonhisface.

“Whenwegotinsidethecompound,wemoppedupwhatwasleftoftheenemy.I’lladmit,theGermansweren’tstupid;theyhadsomegooddefenses.IpersonallyfoughtwiththreeSSsoldiersinahallwayforalmostfiveminutesbeforeIrememberedIstillhadagrenaderemaining.Liketosaytheywentoutwithabang.”

Adallaughed.He’dheardthestoryatleastadozentimes,butthis part always made him laugh. Grandpa Lawrence was thecoolestguyheknew,andAdalhadalwayswantedtobelikehim.

“The Russians were already in, working the Germans fromthe other side. Damn, they’d got in there fast. Like a bunch ofgoddamnmagicians.AfterIdon’tevenknowhowlong,wefinallymade it to the bunker only to find that the coward had killedhimselfandhiswife.”Lawrencepoundedhisfistonthetable,hisangerresurfacingashetoldthestory.

“TheRussians took credit for the entire raid. Those sonsofbitches.”

“Gramps,Igottogo.I’mreallygoingtobelate.”Withoutevenwaitingforaresponse,Adalslippedoutofthekitchen.Herantothefrontdoor,openeditandslidoutside,accidentallyslammingitbehindhim.He flinchedat the loudbangandknewhewouldhearaboutthatwhenhegothome.Leapingthroughtheair,Adal

cleared the steps of his front stoop and landed silently on thesidewalk.

He hurried toward the school. Adal didn't want to runbecausethatwouldmakehimsweat,andhecouldn'tshowuptoschoollookingsloppy.Thatwasn'thisstyle.Besides,hestillhadseventeenminutestogetthere,accordingtohiswatch,anditwasonlyafewblocksaway.Noworries.Hecouldstillmakeit.

Other teens followed the same path but, even though hedidn't run,Adalpassed them.Atsix feet three inches,hehadalong stride and,walking as fast as he could, he easilymatchedthespeedofsomeofhisclassmateswhilejogging.Afewsaidhelloashepassed,butAdalwaslostinthoughtsofhisparents.

“Whydoeshehavetoalwaysbeinmybusinessallthetime?”Adalmumbled,roundingacorner.Theschoolwasalmostinview—only five blocks straight ahead—he should be there in a fewminutes.

2|SmartandBeautiful

Still lost in thought, Adal didn't notice he had gained afollower.Asharppinchonhisshouldernearlymadehimdrophisnotebook.

Catching the book midair, Adal turned to confront theperson. He was ready to pour his morning frustrations on thenewcomer when he saw who it was. He sighed and shook hishead.

“Well,lookslikeyouaren'talwaysastogetherasyou’dliketothink,”teasedArijaasshenudgedhiminthearm.Shetossedherstraightravenhairoveroneshoulderandgiggledassheadjustedherbackpack.Arijahaddone these sorts of things to getunderhisskineversincetheybecamefriendstenyearsago.Asthetwohadgrown, theyonlybecamecloserand, in the lastyear, they’dbecomeinseparable.

Arijawasthesmartestgirlintheirclass,butshealsohadtheheartofafighter.Adalconsideredhertoogoodforanyoftheboysatschool.Shedeservedaman.Someonewhowouldtakecareofherandtreatherright.Thoughtheywereonlyfriends,Adalhadtoadmitthatshelookedgood.

Adal’sotherfriendsmadefunofhimfornotgoingafterArija,buthewastoocooltobeconsideredtaken.Helikedtheattentionhe got fromother girls.A girlfriendwould cramphis style.AdalknewArija likedhim;hecouldsee it in thewayshe’dbat thosebighazeleyesathim.Butshewashisbestfriend,andhedidn’twanttodoanythingtoscrewthatup.

“Girl, you almostmessed upmy presentation. You do that,

don'tthinkIwon’tmakeyouwritemeanotherone!”Adaltuggedathisshirt,smoothingtheimaginarywrinklesshe’dcaused.

Arija snorted an unimpressed laugh at his attemptedbravado.

“You act like I don't alreadydohalf yourhomework so youdon'tflunkoutandgetkickedofftheteam.SothewayIfigureit,you kinda owe me more favors than you have thoughts in theday.” She turned her nose up at him and picked up her pace,gainingseveralstepsahead.

Arija was cute when she pretended to bemad at him, andAdalletawidegrincreasehisfaceashepickedupspeed.

“Youknow I appreciate that.Besides, youalsokeepmyoldmanoffmyback.”AdalputhisarmaroundArija’sshoulderandpulledhertohisside.

She smiled, pushing away from him. “Don’t think justbecauseyou’reMr.Smoothyoucanbuttermeup.Ionlyneedyoutopasssowestandachanceinthecompetition.Ihavethegirls’teamcovered,butweneedyouontheboys’teamtokeeptheminthe winning circle. It’s strictly business; get yourself together.”Theyalwaysplayed this game,pretended theydidn’t care abouteach other, butArija kepthim in checkand, for that,Adalwasgrateful.

“Oh,youknowyoucan’tresistmycharms.Nogirlcan!”AdalranaheadofArijaandturnedtofaceher,soshecouldn’tgetpasthim.

She stopped. He grinned as he leaned down, touching hisforeheadagainstherssotheywerenosetonose.Arijamayhavebeenseveralinchesshorterthanhim,butsheneverlethisheightintimidate her. Eventually, Arija laughed and pushed him awaybut,Adalhadtoadmit,helikedmessingwithher.

A scraping sound came from behind Adal and, before heknewwhatwashappening,hisfootlandedonsomethingslipperyandslidoutfromunderhim.Hisfeetflewintotheairashisbackslammedintotheground.

A chorus of laughter erupted from a gang of boys leanedagainstthewallofasmallcoffeeshopjustnexttothem.

“Smoothlanding,Adal!”oneboycackled,steppingoverhim.

Hesnatcheduphisskateboard.Arija’sfacescrunchedinangerasshehelpedAdaltohisfeet.

The other boys remainedwith their backs against thewall, buttheonethatspokestoodnexttoAdal,holdingtheskateboardthathadputhimonhisbacktobeginwith.

“Andtothink,theymadeyouteamcaptain?Can’tevenstayonyourfeetwhilewalking.Lucky,shewasheretohelpthelittleboy up. What are you supposed to be again, anyway, hisgroupie?”theboyteased.

“Whatthehellwasthat,Elias?”Adalshouted,thrustingbothofhishands into theboy’schestandshovinghimback intohisgroup of friends. The group righted their leader and stalkedtowardAdal,Eliasinthelead.

“Justtestingyourskills,man.Imean,you’resupposedtobethe best, ain’t you?” Elias was so close, Adal could smell thebully’s rank breath. Arija stood next to him as the other boysattemptedtoformahalf-circle.

Adal’s jaw sawed back and forth asElias spoke. “Youwantme to show you the best? Normally, I reserve that for yourmother,butifyouwantapiecetoo...”Adalswelledhischestandpressed it to Elias’ nose. When Adal stood straight up, he wasfouror five inches taller thanElias,andhismusclesweremoredefined.

ThesmuggrinleftElias’ face,andhisexpressionwentcold.“Don’t think for a moment I’m intimidated by some big golem.Maybe it’s time someone taught both you and your girlfriend alesson.”EliasspatatArija’sfeet.

She rearedback to swing athim,butAdal caughther armandloweredit,shakinghishead.

“You see, now, that’s the problemwe have here, Elias. Youkeepinsultingmyfriend,andshe’samuchbetterfighterthanallof you put together. I think you owe her an apology.” Adalgesturedtothegroup,slidingintothelimitedspacebetweenArijaandtherestoftheboys.Hewasn'tworriedabouthergettinghurt;he was more worried about her hurting the rest of them andgettingthemallexpelled.

“Anapology?Really?Well,Mr.Captain,Ithinkyou’regoingto

bedisappointed,”Eliassnapped,lookingoverhisshouldertohisfriends.

Adalrubbedhishandoverhismouth,producingawidegrinandasinglechuckle.“Wellthen,lookslikeI’mjustgoingtohaveto show you.” Adal glanced at Arija; the two shared a knowingsmile,asiftheywerehavingatelepathicconversation.

“Showmewhat,exactly?”Eliasasked,pressinghischestintoAdal.

Adal leaned in to speak into Elias’ ear, adrenaline rushingthroughhisveins.“Thesehands,”Adalwhispered.

Elias’expressiondropped,butitwastoolateforhimtoreact.Adalthrewhisopenpalmupward,hittingEliasinthethroatandcausinghimtostumblebackintotwoofhisfriends.

OneoftheotherboysavoidedtheimpactandmovedaroundElias,swingingatAdal.Anticipatingwhattheotherboywoulddo,Adal stepped backward, and the hook flew wide. The boyrecoveredandwentforanotherhookwithhisotherfist.

Arija lunged forward and grabbed the boy’s arm. Before hecouldreact,shepulledhimtothegroundandwrappedherarmsaroundhisupperbodyinaneartextbookarmbar.

Thoughshehadbeenonthetrackand fieldteamforyears,Arijapreferredwrestling,presentlyholdingseveralschoolrecords.

Theboyscreamedinpain.Arijaappliedjustenoughpressureto his arm to make him suffer, but not enough to break thedelicatebonesinhiswristandforearm.

Eliasfelltohisknees,coughing,ashistworemainingfriendsturnedtheirattentionfromAdaltoArija.ThetwoboyskickedatArija’sbackandribsastheytriedtoprytheirfriendloose.

Adal grabbed one of them by his collar and yanked himbackward.At the same time,hebrought one of his feetupandkicked the second boy in the stomach. Adal could hear the airleavinghislungswiththepowerfulhit.

Elias recovered,hookedhishandupward fromhiskneelingposition, and caught Adal in the side of his ribs. Adal fellbackward,andEliasstood,bringinghisfistsup.

Arijaheldontoheroriginalattacker,stillapplyingpressure,whilethesecondcoughedforaironthegroundnexttoher.

Elias squaredoffwithAdal throwingseveralpunches fasterthan Adal would ever give him credit for. Adal dodged the firstone,butthesecondandthirdcaughthiminthejaw.Hebroughtone hand up to the spot the punch landed andmoved his jawfromsidetoside,assessingthedamage.Thenhefollowedwithhisown barrage of strikes,most of which found their way to Elias’chestandface.

The boy he’d pulled off Arija charged at Adal while Eliasswungathim.HecollidedwithAdal’swaistandtriedto lifthiminto the air for a body slam, but Adal was too heavy. Adalslammedbothfistsintohisnewattacker’sbackandkneedhiminthechest.Thenhegrabbedtheboybybothshouldersandrolledhimaway,turningoncemoretofaceElias.

“Enough!”shoutedavoicefromthecoffeeshop.Elias turned on his heelswhile Adal kept his pose, looking

over Elias’ shoulder. An older woman with graying blonde haircame out of the shop and stood just outside the doorway. Sheworeablackapron,andherfacewassplotchyandred.

“Icannotbelieveyouwouldfightinfrontofthefamilyshop,Elias!What’scomeoveryou?”Thewomanshookherfingeratthepileofboysontheground.WhenEliasscoffed,sheappearednexttohimandslappedhim.

“Ey!Sorry,Mama!Theystarted it!”Elias flinchedunder thesecondslap,whichpoppedhishairupintheair.

“I do not care! How dare you embarrass us like this! Waituntil I tell your father!” The woman looked from Elias to Adal,thentoArijaontheground.Adalhadtostiflehislaughter.Arijastillhadtheboyinhergrasp,andthelookofpainonhisfacewastruly priceless. Elias’ mother walked over to her, waving herhandsintheair.“Girl!Lethimgo!Thatisn'tnecessary!”

Arija looked at Adal and, when he nodded, she sighed,releasedhergripontheteenandkickedhimawayfromher.Shehoppedtoherfeetandbrushedherlegsoff.Theboyrolledawayandslowlystood,groaningandrubbinghisarm.

“You two, go to school!” Elias’ mother barked at Adal andArija. “The lotofyou, in theshopnow! Iwanta fewwordswithyou.”

The boys groaned as they lined up andmarched their wayintotheshop.AsEliasreachedthedoor,heturnedtofaceAdal.“Nexttime,you'remine!”hesnarledandspatatthegroundbeforewalkingintotheshop.

“Next time, don't bring yourmom to a fist fight!” Adal shotback.

“Howaboutnexttime,heactuallygivesusafightandnotalittleslapfest?”Arijaadded,laughing.

AdalandArijastoodandlookedatoneanotherforamoment.Then they both smiled and brushed themselves off as theylaughed. “Thanks for having my back. Oh, and thanks for notsnapping off that guy's arm.” Adal picked up his notebook andbrushed the street soot from its cover. Then he looked at hisreflection in the shop’s window and adjusted his shirt. HeextendedhisknucklestowardArija,andthetwobumpedfists.

“Anytime,”Arijareplied,punchingAdalintheshoulder.“Justsoyouknow,youfightlikeagirl.”

“Hey, if fighting like a girlmeans fighting like you, I’ll takethat compliment all day long.” With that, Adal looked at hiswatch. “Shit, girl, we’re way late for first class!” Panic replacedAdal’sconfidentpose,makingArijagiggle.

“Well then, let’sseewhytheymadeyoucaptainof theboys’team,” Arija teased as she bolted. Arija was nearly half a blockawaybeforeAdalregisteredshe’dstartedrunning.

3|BadNews

Adal sat in class and ran his tongue over the inside of hissplit lip.Mostof thesorenesshadgone,but itwouldtakea fewdaysforhisliptoheal.Hewouldneveradmititaloud,butEliashadgottenanicepunchin.

AroundofclappingpulledAdalfromhisthoughts.Hesatupandofferedthreelightclaps.Thepresenterwrappedup,andthelook on his face washed with relief. Adal drew a deep breaththroughhisnoseastheteachermoveddowntherowandlockedeyeswithhim.Astheclappingsubsided,thestudenttookhisseatnexttoAdal.

“Next presenter is Adal. Let’s hear some encouragement forhim,”theteacherannounced,lazilyclappinghishands.

Adal sighed and momentarily slouched in his chair beforescoopinguphisnotebookandstanding.Hewalkedpasttherowof desks and stood in front of the board facing the class. Adaltuggedathisshirtandadjustedhispants.

He peered toward the windows that looked over the quad.Arijasatperchedonthetopofherchairwithherfeetonthedeskdrawing inhernotebook,asusual.Adalcouldn’thelpbutsmileas he watched her black pen glide across the page like an ice-skater.Ofallherstrengthsandhobbies,Arija fanciedherselfanartistmostofall.

When she noticed it was Adal’s turn to speak, she slid thepenintothenotebookandsettledbackdowninherdesk.HerfullattentionwasonAdal,andshewassmiling.

Adalsmiledbackandlookeddownathispaper.Findingthe

first line,heglimpsedat the teacher from thecornerofhis eye,thenopenedhismouthforthefirstword.

“CkhmhpwaWERFERmhmhrcm!” a forced cough interruptedwithanot-so-hiddeninsultburiedinthemiddle.

Adal’sbloodboiledashe looked to thebackcornerof classandsawEliasandoneofhis friends.Astheireyes locked,Eliassmiledwidely.ApieceofpaperthwackedEliasinthecornerofhiseye, causing him to wince. Adal traced its origin to see Arijaclosinghernotebookoncemore.

“Enough horseplay!” the teacher interjected, addressing theentire class. The room turned deathly silent, the air thick anduncomfortable.Adal glaredatElias foramomentbefore lookingbacktohispageandfindinghisplaceagain.

“You need this grade. Don’t let him trip you up,” Adalwhisperedtohimselfbeforeclearinghisthroat.

“For my family history, the person I interviewed was mygrandfather.Hisnameis...”

“CuhDICKcuhcuh!” came another taunting cough from thecorneroftheroom.

Adal’s concentration snapped. He looked up and, in onemotion,hetossedhisbooktothefloorandchargedatElias.

But Arija was one step ahead of him. She leaped from herseatandclimbedoverthedesknexttohertogettoElias.

Adal rushed past two rows of awestruck students who slidoutof thewayof theoncoming train. Inanyothersituation,hewould only have responded with his own snide retort. Possiblysomething along the lines of, “your mother’s favorite pastime?”Elias,however,was talking shit abouthis grandfather, and thatwasnotgoingtofly.Nottoday.

Elias had an ear-to-ear grin on his face as he and hisassociate rose from their seats, hands in the air. Just as AdalreachedouttograbEliasbythecollarandteachhimthelessonhe’dmissedthatmorning,Arijabrokehisstride.

Sheplacedtheheelofherfootagainstthesecondboy’sdeskand shoved hard. The desk slid into the one beside it, trippingEliasandmakinghim fall back intohis ownchair. In the samemovement,shesteppedinfrontofAdal,andhecollidedwithher.

Arija grunted from the pressure of his body against hers. Shegrabbed both of Adal’s wrists and clenched, pushing him awayfromthefight.

“Chill out, Adal. He isn't worth it. Not here, anyway.” Arijagruntedasshe fought topreventhim fromgettingpastherandsnappingEliasintwo.

“No, screw that. He wants a piece, he can have the wholething!”AdalpressedharderagainstArija.

Eliasleanedbackinhischairandcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.

Shocked silence died as the students cheered the fight on.Severalstoodondesksandyelledtauntswhileothersgatheredinacirclearoundthem,pumpingtheirfistsintheair.

“Everyone sit back down,” the teacher yelled, but no onelistened.

HeatradiatedfromAdal’sface.TensionbuiltinhisfistsashetriedtopushpastArijatogettoElias.

Adal had lived his life relying on words to get him out ofsituationslikethis.Arija,ontheotherhand,hadalwaysneededtobethetoughestpersonintheroom.

In Israel,womenwere required toserve in themilitary,andArija’s mother had been no exception. But the once fierce andproudwarriorbegan to lookat life a littledifferentlywhenArijawasborn.AlizaRappwantedmoreforherdaughterthanconstantwarso,whenArijawastwoyearsold,theyleftIsraelandmovedtoGermany.Arijaidolizedhermother’sstrength,aresolvewhichhardenedafterhermotherdiedfromabraintumor.Adalknewhewasluckytobeherfriend.Heneverwantedtoknowwhatitfeltliketobeonthereceivingendofherwrath.

“AdalwolfStein!”shoutedadeepandraspyvoicefrombehindAdal.Itwasafirmandauthoritativetone,notthemeekandlazydrawlofthehistoryteacher.Asthevoiceechoedfromtheconcretewallsof theclassroom, thestudents fell silent,andAdalbackedaway fromArija. EvenElias sat up in his chair, the smile gonefrom his face. Adal turned to see the headmaster, Mr. Muller,standinginthedoorway.

Mr.Mullerhadprovenover the years tobea sternbut fair

man.Hehadasoftspotfortheathleticteamsandtheirmembers.Adalalways found this ironic,ashewasa largemanandcouldhardly walk from one end of the school to another withoutstoppingtocatchhisbreath.

Adalpulledhishands fromArija’s graspandhuffedasigh.He lookedat theheadmaster insilenceandwaited forMuller tosaysomething.He’dbeencaughttryingtostartafightonschoolgrounds,andAdalknewtheheadmasterwouldcallhisfather.Heranthroughthescenariosofthedifferentlectureshewasboundtohearwhenhegothome.

The class had all turned their attention from the fight andMr. Muller to their books. They didn't want any part of thedisciplinethatwouldfollow.Mullerhadmadeanameforhimselfwith unique punishments. He once made a student work as ajanitorforaweekaftertheywerecaughtsmokingonthegrounds.Rumor had it he even gave the regular janitor the week off toreallysetthetone.

“That’s quite enough of that! Step away from that boy andcome here!”Muller pointed to Adal and then to the floor at hisownfeet.

Adal huffed loudly and turned to Elias, glaring at him andgrittinghisteeth.Hewassoclose.

Arija tugged at his sleeve, making Adal turn to her. Sheshookherheadandmotionedtotheheadmaster.

“Asintoday,Mr.Stein!”barkedtheheadmaster.AdalloweredhisheadandstartedtowardthedoorwaywithArijarightbehindhim.

“CanIhelpyou,younglady?Idon'tthinkIaskedyoutojoinhim,didI?”MullersnappedatArija,pointingoverhershouldertoheremptyseatbythewindow.

Arija looked at Adal, then atMr.Muller. She slowly turnedandwalkedbacktoherdesk,takingaseat.

AsAdal reached theheadmaster, the largeman turnedandmotionedforhimtocontinueintothehallway.

ThedoorclosedwithametallicslamasMullerfollowedAdalintothehall.Assoonasthetwowerealone,Adalturnedandtriedtoreasonwithhim.

“Mr.Muller,Eliasstartedthatmess!Iwasn'tdoinganythingwrong!Hewaseggingmeon,andtheteacherwasn'tabouttodoanything, so I just…” Adal trailed off as he looked at theexpression theheadmasterwore. Itwasnot the sternglare thathad previously covered his chubby face, nor was his faceparticularlyredanymore.Rather,Mullernowlookedlikehemightthrowup.

“What…What’swrong?Aren'tyousupposedtobedrillingmeaboutfightingonschoolproperty,disrespectingmyclass,callingmy parents, and so on?” Adal didn't mean to come offsarcastically, but the ordinarily prickly headmaster’s expressionmadehimuncomfortable.

“Son, perhaps we should take this to my office,” Mullerinterjected.Motioning for Adal to turn, he continuedwalking. Asinking sensation formed in the pit of Adal’s gut as theheadmaster shoved his nail-bitten hands into his pockets andwalkedtowardhisoffice.

“Why?What’swrong?Thisisn'taboutthefighting,isit?Youaren'tabouttokickmeoutofschool,areyou?”AdalcalledafterMr.Muller,panicandconfusionlacinghiswords.Adalrubbedhishandacrosshisforehead.Ifhegotexpelled,he’dbekickedofftheteam,hisoldmanwouldkillhim,andArijawouldnever forgivehim. The more he thought about it, the more his stomachchurned. Adal rubbed his sweaty palms together for a momentbeforeheshotdownthehallaftertheheadmaster.

“Son,please.Thisisn'ttheplaceforit,”Mullercontinued,notbothering to lookoverhisshoulderat thesoundofapproachingfootsteps.

“Look,pleasedon'tcallmyparents.Thefightwasmybad.Ineedthisgrade,Mr.Muller.Myoldmanwillkillme!Pleasedon'tcall my parents…Please,” Adal pleaded as he sped up to walknext to the headmaster. Adal had never in his life begged foranything.His grandfatherhad taughthimbetter than that.Butnow, as he faced the consequences of the longest lecture of hislife, followed by his oldman riding his case until he died, Adalhadnootheroption.

“Adalwolf, stop. I’m not going to call your parents. Your

parentscalledme!”Mullerinterrupted,puttinghishandsoneachof Adal’s shoulders. The headmaster pulled a loop of keys fromthebadgereelclippedtohispants,andshovedoneintothelockonhisofficedoor.“Pleasecomein,Adal,weneedtotalk.”

Adallookedfromtheheadmastertothebrightlylitoffice.“My folks called you?Why would they do that?” he asked,

steppingawayfromtheheadmasterandintotheoffice.Theman frowned and turned away fromAdal.He shut the

doorandshuffledovertothelargewoodendeskthatseemedoutofplaceinhisunusuallysmallspace.

“Mr.Muller,whydidtheycallyou?”Adaldemanded,raisinghisvoiceandsteppingtowardMuller’sdesk.Adal’sheartpoundedinhischestlikeitwastryingtoforceitswayout.

Muller shuffled papers onhis desk ashe tried to avoid eyecontact with the frantic teen. After a few moments, theheadmasterbroughthiseyesuptomeetAdal’sandextendedoneshakyhandtowardthechairthatfacedhisdesk.

“Please,Adal,sitdown.Weneedtotalk.”“No!Not‘tilyoutellmewhat’sgoingon.Whydidmyparents

callyou?”Adal’s jawtightened,andheclenchedhis fistas ifhewere preparing to beat the truth out of the headmaster. Adaldidn’tknowwhy,buthehadtheheart-stopping impressionthatsomethingwasdesperatelywrong.

Mullersighedandclaspedhishandsonthedeskinfrontofhim. “Your parents called because they are at the hospital.Shortlyafteryouleftforschool,yourgrandfathercollapsed.Itwashisheart.”Mullerswallowedasabeadofsweatplummetedfromthetipofhisnose.“Hedidn'tmakeit,son.I’msorry.”

Adal stumbled back, knocking over a potted plant near thewall.

“Thatshitain’tfunny,man!Don'tsaythattome!Don'tyoutellmehe'sdead!Don'tyoudothat!”Adalyelled,notcaringwhocouldhearorwhattheywouldthink.

“Now, calm down, please. There isn't any reason for thatlanguage.” Muller pulled himself up and walked over to whereAdal stood stunned. He placed a hand on Adal’s shoulder andsqueezed.

“Don’t touchme!”Adal shouted, shoving the oldmanback.Adal didn’t care howmuch trouble hewould be in. Rage, grief,and confusion had taken over. Heat engulfed Adal’s face as hethoughtofhisgrandfather,theonepersonwhounderstoodhim,the person who taught him to be strong. He would never seeGrandpa Lawrence again, would never hear another of the oldman’s war stories or stay up late eating ice cream and playingpoker.Whowoulddefendhimtohisparentsnow?

Mullerstumbledbackintothechairinfrontofhisdesk.Theroomwasclosing in,andAdalwassuddenlysohot,he

wantedtopeelhisskinoff.Heslammedhisfistintothesidetablenexttohim,leavingasmallcraterinthecheapwood.

Adalwassuddenlyovercomewithanurgetorun.Somethingawoke inside him, and he knew he needed to get out of Mr.Muller’s office. Adal turned on his heels, and sprinted from theofficedownthehall.

4|TheSeal

Adalwasn't surehowhegothome.He sat in silence inhisgrandfather’s room, clutching a picture of Grandpa Lawrencefromhistimeinthewar.Hisparentsweren’thomeyet fromthehospital.Theyprobablycouldn’tbringthemselvestocomebacktowhereithappened.Adalknewhisdaddidn’tdealwellwithdeath.WhenAdal’sgrandmotherdied,hisdaddidn’tspeakforweeks.

ThegrimsilenceofthehouseranginAdal’searsashecried.His eyes danced back and forth over the texture of the wall,searchingforanswers.Hewishedhehadneverleftthatmorning.GrandpaLawrence’swordsdancedattheforefrontofAdal’smind,Areyoudoingthereportonourfamily?Mystoryandhowwegothere?Adalsqueezedthepictureinhishandsuntiltheglassoftheframe groaned and threatened to shatter.Quit being so hard onmygrandsonallthetime.

Adal tossed the picture on the bed.Damnhim for being insucharushtoleavethismorning!Hewasinsuchahurrytogetout of the house and avoid his father’s droning lecture that hehadn'treallyhadthechancetosaygoodbye.Hecouldn'ttellhisgrandfather he appreciated how he backed him up when hisfather rode his case. Adal slammed his fist into the soft bed,leaving a smudge of blood fromhis knuckles.Whenhadhe cuthishand?The last fewhoursweresuchablur thathecouldn’tremember. The vaguememory of punching the wooden desk inMuller’sofficecreptintohishead.

“Couldn't have stayed, could you?” he sneered to himself,pressing his eyes closed. Two more tears escaped. “You couldhave done something. You know CPR. You left him, and he

probablydiedwhileyoufoughtthatasshole...”The phone rang in the distance, causingAdal to flinch and

stand.Hewasn’t going to answer it, but he looked through theopendoorwayandlistenedtoitring.Asheglaredintotheemptyhallway, something caught his eye. On the dresser, next to thedoor, was an envelope with a crudely tied bow around it. Adallooked at the package for a fewminutes before he walked overandpickeditup.Snoopingthroughhisgrandfather’sthingswaswrongand,onanormalday,Adalwouldhave let themanhavehis privacy. But this was no normal day, and something aboutthispackagecalledtohim.

Therewasalittleweighttotheenvelope.Turningitover,henoticed a neatly printed name: ADAL. His heart sank as herecognized his grandfather’s handwriting, and he immediatelyripped the bow away and opened the envelope, pouring thecontentsintohishand.

A folded letter slid from the envelope, along with hisgrandfather’sluckycoin;theonehe’dfoundduringthewar.Adalrolledthelargemetalpieceinhisfingersandadmiredthecarvedhammerandgearsbeforeputting it intohispocketandopeningtheletter.Thefreshpainofsadnessflowedthroughhischestashereadthesimplenote.

Adal,Sometimesinlife,welosetrackofthebigpicturebecausewe

are looking too closely at the small things. I found this coin inHitler’sbunker.Iwantyoutohaveitasyouprepareforyournextadventureinlife.Mayitbringyoualltheclarityithasbroughtmeovertheyears.Oh,andnomatterhowtodayturnedout,I’mproudofyou.

Adal crumpled thepieceofpaper inhishandashot,angry

tearswelledinhiseyesandspilledontohischeeks.Howthehelldidheknowtowritethis letter?WhywashealwaystherewhenAdalneededhimand,yet,Adalcouldneverreturnthefavor?Whydidn’thegettosaygoodbye?

The questions burned in his thoughts until another soundfromtheothersideofthehousecaughthisattention.Thistime,itwasn’t the phone ringing but the doorbell. Adal sucked in abreathandwaited.Again,someonerangthebellandknockedonthedoor.

He grittedhis teeth andmarcheddown thehall, taking thestairsoneata time,stoppingwitheachstepasheslowlymadehiswaytothefrontdoor.Thefrostedglassofferedavagueoutlineofapersonbrokenupbytheintricateetchings,butAdalcouldn’ttell who it was. With the bell still ringing, and the unknownpersonnowpoundingon thedoor,Adalgrabbedthehandleandyankedtheheavydooropen.

“Thereyouare!Don’tyouknowI’vebeentryingtogetaholdofyou?Adal,whatthehellisyourproblem?”Arijabarkedasshestepped through the doorway. She followed up on her verbalassault by rushing him, and throwing her arms aroundhim astightasshecould.

Adalstoodwithhishandsintheairforamomentbut,asthewarmthand familiarityofherbodypressedagainsthim, the icethatcoveredhisheartbegantomelt.Heloweredonearm,placeditacrossherbackandever-so-gentlysqueezed.

“Iamsosorryaboutwhathappened,”shebreathedintohischest, her warmth running up his torso. Adal squeezed tighter,closedhiseyes,andfinallyallowedhisbodytorelax.

Arijapulledher faceaway fromhischestandbegandrillinghimoncemore.“Doyouknowwhat’shappening?Theheadmastercalled your parents and a truancy officer. I think your parentsarrivedattheschoolalittlemorethananhourago.IhadtowaitforclasstoendbeforeIcouldfindyou.Theschoolisthrowingallsortsofshadeaboutyouhavingabreakdown.”

“I don’t care! They can all kiss my ass as far as I’mconcerned.Whocareswhattheythink!”Adalhadgrowntiredofconstantly being judged by everyone he met—his parents, histeachers, the track team,Elias.Hewas in themiddleofdealingwithhisownshit,andeveryoneelsecouldjustfuckoff.ExceptforArija.Shewasnowtheonlypersonleftthatacceptedhimwithoutjudgment.

“I know.Hey, I came here to help you, remember? So, youcanyellallyouwant,buthowaboutyoucalmthatdownalittlewhentalkingtome?”Arija’ssassmadeAdalsmile.Shewasn'tapushover,andshecouldthrowbackwhateverwasthrownather.Shewasstrongerinthatwaythananybodyhehadevermet.

“Allright.Mybad.”Adalthrewhishandsintheair.Helookeddown the vacant street, then back into the house now full ofemptinessandforgottenmemories.Hethoughtofhisparentsandthetruancyofficerandhowhehadnointentionsofdealingwithanyofthatmesswhenitcameforhim.

“Youknowwhat?”Adalasked, turningandclosing thedoorbehindhim.“Let’sgetthehelloutofhere.”HewalkedpastArijaanddownthesteps.

PartI:TheMachine

5|IntotheDark

Thetwofriendswalkeddownthestreetinsilence.Whentheyreached the end, they turned the corner and just continuedwalking.ArijagaveAdalallthetimeheneededtoreflectonwhathadhappened. It remindedherofher ownexperiencewhenhermother died. How everything hurt, and there wasn’t anycombinationofwordsabletotakethatpainaway.

After nearly an hour of walking the city streets in silence,Adal cleared his throat. “You knowwhat the worst thing is? Atfirst,Ididn'teventhinkaboutthefactthathe’sdead.Iwasn'tsadaboutthat.Iwaspissedheleftmealone.Hewastheonewhohadmy back, and I was too busy worrying about myself to evenacknowledge thathe’s gone.”Adalmaintainedadistant stare atthehorizon,notlookingatArijawhenhespoke.

Shelethiswordssettleassheconsideredthebestresponse.“Well,that’sbecauseyouhaveanegothesizeofasmallbus.I’msurprisedyoucanevenfit itthroughthedoor.”Arijaletthejokehang in the air for a while before she continued. “It’s not yourfault,Ijusthaven'tbeenkeepingyouincheckenoughlately,”shewenton,tryingtokeepastraightface.

When Arija’s mother died, Adal was the only person whocouldmake her laugh,who couldmake her feel human. It washerturntobringhimbacktotheworldoftheliving.

“Girl, you know you love it. Just admit it.” Adal laughed,pushingArija’sshoulderandcausinghertostumbleahalfstep.

“Keep dreaming. I only keep you around because, next toyou, I look like theVirginMaryandmyR.B.F isn’t as obvious.”

Arija laughed and slugged him in the shoulder as hard as shecould.

“Damn,kid!Watchtheguns!”Adalrubbedhisshoulder,hisfacescrunchedinmockpain,buthewassmiling.

Arija flutteredhereyesand lookedaway. “Look, Iknowthissucks. The world feels like it’s crumbling around you, and youthinkyou’reallalone.I’vebeenthere,remember?Thingswillgetbetter.Theydidforme,andtheywillforyou.Justrememberthatyour grandfatherwouldn'twant you tobedownabout it,wouldhe?Iknowthatoldsaltybastard,andIguaranteehewouldcrackajokeorthrowinoneofhisdepressingwarstoriesbecausethat’swhat‘men’do.So,quitthinkingaboutyourselfandmanup!”

Afteramomentofsilence,Adalchangedthesubject.“Damn,myhandiskillingme!”Heshookhishandlikeitwasonfire.

“Didn’t we just have a conversation about ‘manning up’?Jeez,nowonderyou’re failinghalfyourclasses,”Arija teasedasshesnatchedAdal’sinjuredhandandexaminedit.

“Yeah, this looks pretty swollen. The cuts aren't deep. Notsureifyoubrokeanythingornot,though.Notetoself,ifIevergetinto a fight with a wooden desk, you’re the guy to call.” Sheslappedthetopofhishand,makinghimwince.

“Girl,oneday, I’llgetyouintothering,andwe’llseewhat’sup.” Adal examined the injured hand for a moment beforedroppingitbacktohisside.

Arijahadknownwheretheyweregoingfromtheir firstturnoffAdal's street.SometimessheknewAdalbetter thanheknewhimself.Thiswastheplacehewouldgowhenheneededtimetohimself, but Arija also loved thesewoods.Her favorite partwasthesmallareainthecenterofthepark’strailthathadarunningbrookandseveralsmallcaves,wheretheyplayedwhentheywereyounger.

The entire area was riddled with underground caves and,whentheywerekids,ArijaandAdalhadsetouttoexplorethemall. Of course, that didn’t happen. Many of the caves were sodeep,theycouldn’treachtheend.IfsheknewAdal—andshedid—he would find his way to that area whether or not heconsciouslymeantto.

Within a few minutes, the two had made their way to thewoodedpaththatstartedthetrail.Thesunwascrestingoverthetopsofthetrees,andthewarmsummerairwasgivingwaytothechillofthenight.Justastheystartedonthetrail,thelightattheentrance to thepath flickeredon.A fewseconds later, theotherlightsthatlinedthetrailblinkedon.

Adal paused and turned to Arija. “I just want to say twothings. First, I appreciate you having my back and all. I knowsometimes I’m not the easiest but, then again, you sure aren'teither,sothere’sthat.”Adalgaveatoothygrin.

“Yeah,okay.What’sthesecondthing?”Arijatriedtohidethesmilethatthreatenedtopushitswayacrossherface.

“I still owe you from this morning ...” Adal trailed off and,before she knewwhat hemeant, hewas off and down the trailaheadofher.

Arijahoppedforwardandthrewherselfintoafullsprintafterhim. The two had raced this path many times, but they wereevenlymatched.With his head start, Arija would have to teachhimalessoninfairness.

ThetreeswhisperedpastArijaassheran,hintingatsecretsthey couldn’t tell. Adal pumped his arms by his side, laughing,believinghehadtheupperhand.Butafteronlyaminuteortwo,Arijacoveredthedistancebetweenthem.

“I ...thought...you...owed me ... one,” Arija panted as shestrodealongsideAdal.Theairstungatherlungsassheran.Shestillheldtheschoolsatchelshekeptherdrawingsuppliesinanditflappedbehindherassheran.

The trail curved ahead. The bend hooked around a largechunk of the forest then opened into a small park where Arijalikedtohangout.

“Think...youhave...mebeat?”Adalgasped,asArijaslowlypushedherwayaheadofhim.“Well...how...about...ashortcut?”Adal veered off the path down a steep slope that led to a smallravine.At first,he stumbledashis feethit the slope covered infallen branches and dead leaves. Throwing his arms out, Adalregainedhisbalanceandsprinteddownthehill.

“Oh,whatthe—?”Arijashoutedbehindhim.

Thesewoodsweredense,withlowbranchesandfallenlimbs.Itmadetherunbothdifficultanddangerous.

Adalslidandstumbledashemadehiswayoverstumpsandrocks.Hemanaged tomaintainhis leadashepropelledhimselfovermanyofthesmallerobstaclesinhispath.Adalglancedoverhisshoulder.

Arija slid under asmany branches as she could and jettedaroundthoseshecouldn't.

“What’sthematter?Can’thang?”Adalteasedasheputonefootonastumpandleapedintotheair.Hegrabbedatreebranchinfrontofhimandswungforward.

“What’sthematter?Can’tbeatmeinafairrace?”Arijayelledback,butshewasn’tsurehecouldhear.

“Youthink...”“Adallookout!”Arija’seyeswidened,andshepointedinfront

ofhim.Adalturned,butitwastoolate.Alow-hangingbranchfroma

tiltedtreecreatedaperfectbaratshinlevel.Hedidn’thavetimeto react before both of his shins slid straight into the obstacle.Adalrolleddownthehill,hisbodycollidingwithtreesandrocksashebouncedallthewaydown.

Heskiddedtoastopat theedgeofacreekthat flowed intooneofthemanysmallcavesinthearea.

“Adal!Are youall right?”Arija shouted, coming to a slidingstopnearhim.

“I’mgood,”Adalcoughedintotheground.HegroanedasherolledtohissideandlookedupatArija.

Shestareddownathimwithconcernandamusement.“Canyoumove?Isanythingbroken?”Shemadeherwaytohissideandputherhandonhisshoulder,examininghim.

Adalswattedherhandawayandforcedhimselfintoasittingposition.He looked to his once pearly-white shirt thatwas nowcovered in dirt and grass stains. Hissing, he brushed his chestandlapcleanandexaminedhisclothes.

“I’m good. Other than ruining my outfit,” Adal insisted,pickingasmalltwigoutofhishair.

Arijastoodandloweredherhandtohelphimup,asmirkon

herface.“Waytostickthelanding.”He pushed himself to his feet. “Hey, it will take a lotmore

thansome fall toputmeout.Besides,youdistractedme. Ihadthisracewonuntilyoumessedmeup.”

Arija rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Whatever helpsyou sleep at night, Adal.” She pursed her lips and pinched hischinlikeamothercooingataninfant.

Heturnedhisheadawayandadjustedhisclothesoncemore.“Where is it?” he shouted, frantically looking on the groundaroundhim.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”ArijaaskedimpatientlyasAdalcrawledonhishandsandkneesaroundherfeet,brushingleavesaway.

“My grandfather’s coin! I had it inmy pocket! It has to beheresomewhere!”Helookedfromthegroundtothesmallcreektothemassivehillhe’djustrolleddown.

“Calmdown.We’llfindit.Itcouldn’thavegonetoofar.”Arijapulled a small flashlight key-chain fromher bag and turned itshead, activating a faded beam of light. She fanned it back andfortharoundthegroundattheirfeet.

“Damnit.Iwillnotcalmdown.Thiswilltakeforever.I’mnotgoing to stopuntil I check this entirehill. I can’t believe this ishappening.It’stheonlythingIhaveleftofhim.”Adalthrewapileofsticksandleavesashardashecould,buttheygingerlyfloatedback to the ground. Seconds later, he sprinted away from Arijaagain.

“Wait,whereareyougoing?Whataboutthecoin?”sheyelledasshetookoffafterhim.

Adal leapedoverasmallbodyofstagnantwaterandlandedonthemuddybanksoftheotherside.Arijajumpedtofollowhim,butcollidedwithhisbackandsenthimstumblingforward.AdalfelltohishandsandkneesatthemouthofthecavernwithArijalyingontopofhim.

“Whatdidyoustopfor?”shebarkedasshepushedoffAdal’sbackandpulledherselfup.Asshestood,herheadspun,andshealmost fell rightbackdown.A sweet,metallic taste trickled intohermouth,andshebroughtherhanduptofeeltheplacewhere

she’d bitten down on her lip as her chin collided with Adal’sshoulder.

“IrememberedthatIsawthecoinflashinthelightrightafterIhittheground.Ithinkitrolledintothiscave,”Adalsaidoverhisshoulder, pushing off the ground and bringing himself up. Hisnormally pristine clothes weremuddy, and blood and dirt weresmearedacrosshisface.Withthepanicetchedintohisfeatures,helookedlikearaginglunaticthathadescapedfromanasylum.

Adal squinted in the dim light. What remained of the sunpeeked over the hill, and the mouth of the cave seemed like ablack void. Slowly, he made his way over to the opening. Wilddogs lived in someof the cavesand thereweremany rumorsofpeoplegoinginandnevercomingout.

“Letmeseeyourflashlight,”Adalsaid,walkingovertoArijaandsnatchingitfromherhands.

“Sure thing. Anything else?” Sarcasm dripped from Arija’swords, but she understood why this was so important to Adal.Whenhermotherdied,Arijahadbeencrying inthestudywhenshefoundhermother’ssketchpad.ThefirstdrawinginsidewasoneofArijaplaying in thegrass.Thatsketchpadhadnever leftArija’ssidesincethatday.Shekeptitinherbag,rightnexttoherown. She thought if she could draw the beautiful things in life,hermotherwouldsomehowbeabletoseethem.

Adal focused the beamandpassed it over the cave. After apause to check for movement, he ducked and slowly made hisway into the opening. Arija scoffed and followed her friend,placingherhandonhishiptoavoidslippingonthedampstones.

Thedull light fromthetiny flashlightdancedover thestonesurfaces.Dull-greenfoliagecreptovertheopeningtothecaveandranseveralfeetintothedark.Adalkeptthebeamfocusedontheground but, occasionally, the light reflected from small puddlesandilluminatedtheareaabovetheirheads.Thesaltyfragranceofwet rockswas overwhelming as the twomade theirway furtherintothecave.Arijathoughtshemightchokeonthethicknessoftheair.

TherockceilingwasonlyaboutaninchoverAdal’sheadanda few inches over Arija’s. Awave of claustrophobia tookhold of

Arija,makinglittlebeadsofsweatformatherhairline.“Thereit is!”Adalshouted,pointingthebeamatthebaseof

thewallseveralfeetaway.Aglintofgoldandbronzeshonebackatthemasthelightmovedoverit.Adalleapedforwardandrantothecoin,scoopingitupandsqueezingitinhishands.

“There, you have it. Can we get the hell out of here now?”Arijademanded.

“Yeah, yeah, we’re good. Let’s ...Wait what?” Adal took thelightfromunderhisarmandfocuseditonthecoininthepalmofhishand.Hebroughtitclosetohisface.“Hey,lookatthis.”

“What?”Arijatookastepcloser,peeringaroundAdalat thecoininhishand.Thebeautifullyetchedgearsonthebackofthecoinnowseemedtobeturningasifthecoinwasanoldmachinecomingtolife.

“Man,ImusthavehitmyheadharderthanIthought.”Adalsqueezedhiseyesclosedandthenopenedthem.

“Idon’t thinkso,because Icansee it too,”Arija interjected,touchingthecoldmetalwithherfinger.

Adalbrought thecoincloser tohis face, jabbing itwithoneoutstretched finger. The second his finger touched the coin heyelpedandjumped,lettingthecoinfallbacktotheground.

Asharppingrangoutasthemetalstruckthestonefloorandrolledawayfromthem.

“What was that?” Arija grasped unsuccessfully at thestagnantairasshetriedtograbthecoin.

“Idon’t ... Idon’tknow.Ithinkthedamngearspinchedmyfinger!Shit!”Adalwavedthelightaroundthepitch-blackcave.

Arija noticed a glint of metal as the coin rolled down acorridor,deeperintothecave.Shepointed.“Thereitgoes.”

Adalkepthislightshiningonthecoinastheyrandownthetunnelafterit.

6|Cannonball

The slapping echo of Adal and Arija’s feet joined the high-pitchedringingofthecoinastheychaseditdownthecavetunnel.Withthelighttrainedonthesmallobject,Adalwasabletocatchup,andquicklyscoopeditintohishands.HeturnedtoArijaandsmiled. They both pantedheavily for amoment as they tried tocatchtheirbreath.

“Igotthis,”Adalhuffedbetweengasps,flickingthecoinintotheair.Arija sighedand rolledher eyes.As thecoincamebackdown,Adaltookastepbackwardtomakesurehecaughtit.Butthe groundwas uneven in this part of the cave. As he steppedbackward, his heel found a downward incline, and he lost hisfooting.Adaltriedtoshifthisweight,butitwastoolate.

Hewind-milledhisarmsinanattempttoregainhisbalancebut, before he could get control of the situation, his backslammed against a rock wall and he slid down a slope. TheflashlightflewintotheairandcrashedatArija’sfeet.

As Adal descended head-first down the natural ramp, thelight from Arija’s flashlight grew smaller and dimmer, until itdisappeared altogether. He kicked his feet and flailed his armstrying tosnagsomething in theabyss,but therewasnothing tograb.Smooth rockwalls followedhim.AsAdal slid in thedark,hisclothingbecamesoakedfromwaterhiddeninlittlepockets.

Suddenly, a chill filled the air around him. The rock ledgeseparatedfromhisbackandheenteredfreefall.Hisstomachfeltlike it would rip its way out of hismouth. Everymuscle in hisbody clenched in anticipation of impact. He imagined he was

going to die a splatted mess on a stone floor in the eternaldarknessofanunexploredcave.SomethingstrangetookoverandAdalfeltacalmsetin.Ifthiswashowhewasgoingout,hecouldatleastenjoythefall.

“Cannonball!”Theexclamation rippedpastAdal’s lipsashehurtled through the darkness. Even if no one heard his lastwords,hewantedthemtobeepic.

Just as the thought occurred to him, a cold shockwashedover him as he crashed into amassive body ofwater.His headplungedundertheliquid,andhislungsfilledwithwater.

Burstingbacktothesurface,hecoughedtoclearhischestofthe liquid fire. The strange coincidence of falling into a body ofwaterafteryelling“cannonball”madehimlaugh,andalaughing-coughingfitsoonovertookhim.Asherubbedhiseyes,Adalheardadistantsound,almostlikeaplanetakingoff.Thesoundquicklygrew louder, until he realized itwasn’t a plane; itwas someonescreaming.

“Ohno!”Adalpushedhimselfthroughthewater,toclearthepath.“Holdyourbreath!”AdalyelleduptoArija.

Asheswamtowarduncertainty, thescreamingstoppedandArija’svoicetookitsplace.

“Adal!I’mgoingtokillyouifIdon’tdiefirst!”Arijashoutedasshe crashed into the water in virtually the same spot Adal justevacuated.

Panictookoverwhenhedidn’t immediatelyhearherreturntothesurface.Adalswamovertotheareawherehethoughtheheardherhit.Hewasfloatinginthedark,desperatelysplashingatthewater,whenhesawasmalllightbubbleupfromunderthewater.Arijacamecrashingtothesurface,coughingandwheezing.

“Arija,areyouallright?”Adalaskedasheswamtowardher.She splashed in place for a moment, until she got her

bearings,andsearchedforAdalwiththelight.Sheturnedaroundandshonethelightdirectly intoAdal’seyes.Withfearandrelieffighting for control ofher features,Arija swamover toAdal andthrewherarmsaroundhim.Hesqueezedherback,happytobealive,untilthepalmofArija’shandslappedthebackofhishead,sendingasharppaindownhisneck.

“Whatmess have you gotten us into now? I swear to God,Adal, if yougetuskilled, I’m resurrectingyourassso I cankillyouagain,”shecoughed.

“Ow!Hey, Iwasn't shooting for thisplace, youknow?”Adalsplashed in the water and tried to get a little distance betweenthem.“Ican’tbelieveyoufollowedmedownhere!Whatwereyouthinking?”hebarkedback,bobbinginplace.

“Oh,yeah,likeIwasgoingtojustletyouslipawayintosomeunknowncavernanddisappear.First off, Ihaveno ideahow toexplain that one to anybody. Second, and most importantly, Ihave toldyoubefore that Iamnotabout to letyouhaveall thefun.”

Adallaughedandsplashedalittlewaterinherdirection.AsArijabobbednext tohim, the flashlight’sbeamwashedoverherfeaturesandmadeherlooklikeademonwithawickedgrin.

“CanIaskwhywearestillfloatinginthisdarkpoolwhenwehave no idea what’s in it?” Arija asked as she pointed theflashlightdownintothewater.

“Actually,goodpoint.Let’sseeifwecangetoutofthisstuff.I’veseenthathorrormovie,and I’mnotabout tobe thebrotherthat dies first.” Adal sloshed in place and looked aroundsuspiciously.

7|TheBlackLake

Arija scanned the light around the cave and saw whatappearedtobeawalkwayandanembankmentafewfeetaway.

They splashed and kicked toward it, then crawled onto thecold stone shore. Adal flopped to his side and coughed theremainingwateroutofhislungs.

Arijacrawledalittlefurtherandcontinuedtoshinethelightaround. “Well, I don’t seeawayout.Whatarewegoing todo?”Arijawastryingtoputupagoodfront,liketheycouldbehomeintime to get their asses chewed out by their parents but, inside,shefoughttheurgetocry.Theyweredeepinsideacavethatnoone everwent into andnooneknew theywerehere.Shedidn’tseethisendingwell.

“Mybag!”Arija’svoicegainedanextraoctave.“Adal!Mybagis soaked, and my sketchpads are ruined!” Arija dropped theflashlight and tookherdrippingdrawings out ofherbag, layingthemflatontheground.Thehalf-erased imageof thetreeshe’dbeendrawingearlierfoldedinonitself,thepencilmarkssmearedoverthesoggypages.Arijadroppedherheadandtearstookoverasshepulledouttherippedpagesofhermother’ssketchpad.Theinkranandbledasthepagessoakedupmoisture.Arijalaidthepadsouton thegroundanddumped the restof thecontentsofherbagontothefloor.Sheshookthewaterfromherbagandtriedtodrythevariouspensandpencilsasbestshecould.

“I’msorry ...”Adalspokesoftly, looking into theabyss fromwherehelayonhisback.Hegruntedasherolledtohissideandstood.“I’msosorryaboutyourdrawings.Thisismybad,butwearen'tgoingoutlikethis.Let’slookaroundandseewhatwecanfind.Stickclose,though.Notabouttohavetolookforyouinthe

dark.”Arijapickedupthe flashlight, rotated,andpointedthe light

inhiseyes.“Sure.Likeit’smyfaultweendedupdownhere?Youand that coin of yours.” Arija didn't blame Adal for where theywereorwhathappenedtohersketchpad.Shewouldn'tbethereifshedidn'tchoosetofollowhim;shejustlikedgivinghimahardtime.ItwasfamiliarandcomfortabletojokewithAdaland,assherubbedthetearsfromhereyes,sherealizedtheimportantthingwasthattheywerealive.

She stacked the still dripping sketch pads on top of eachother,placedallthecontentsbackintoherbagandstood.Therewasnothingshecoulddoaboutthemnow,shemightaswelltakethemwithherandseeifshecouldfindawaytosalvagethem.

“Speakingofthecoin,whereisit?Handitover,”Adalsaidasheheldouthishand.

“Idon’thaveit.Ithoughtyouhadit.”“Youhavegottobekiddingme!”Adalshoutedashesearched

thegroundaroundhimforhisgrandfather’scoin.“Idon'tseeit!Is it in thewater?”Adal ranover to thepool of dark liquidandpaweditlikeakitten.

“Adal, there isnoway either ofus is gettingback into thatwater!Thinkaboutit.”Arijawalkedovertohim,placingherhandonhisshoulder.

“Youdon'tunderstand.Ineedtofindit.Ican’tlose...”Adal’swords fell awayasapingechoed frombehind them. It soundedlikesomethingbouncingoffametalbeam.

Arijawhippedaroundandscannedherlightinthedirectionof the sound.What elsewasdownhere in thedarkwith them?Images of rabid wolves and demonic, blind cave dwellers filledArija’smindas she swayed theweakbeamof light fromside toside.

Adal stepped around her, and the two stood shoulder toshoulder, frozen inplace,waiting forsomething tohappen.Adalreached out and grabbedArija’shand, squeezing it sohard shealmost expected to hear bones snap. A second ping came frombeyondtheshakybeamoflight.ArijashotaglancetoAdalonlytofindhimlookingbackather.

“Whatisthat?”Arijaaskedinawhisper.“I don’t know. I can’t see anything with this piece of shit

flashlight.”Arija rotated the light again, but all they could seewas the

stonewallandabunchofboulders littering thearea in frontofthem.

Athirdpingsounded.“Whatareyoudoing?”ArijaaskedasAdal released thevice

griponherhandandtookseveralstepstowardthesound.“Justkeepthelightsteady.I’mgoingtofigureoutwhatthat

sound is,” he said over his shoulder, continuing towalk towardthesound.

Arijawasn'tgoingtolethimgethimselfkilledwhileshestoodthereandwatched.Shescoffedandjoggedupnexttohim.

“Sticktogether,remember?Let’snotletthissituationgetanyworsethanitalreadyis,”shesaid.

The two took another pair of cautious steps before anotherpingsounded.Theystopped.Thesoundwascomingfromdirectlyin front of them, but they were standing less than twenty feetfromasmoothstonewall.

Arijamoved the lightover thewallandasmallglintofgoldflickered back from its base. Adal inhaled so deeply that Arijathoughthe’dseensomethingshehadn't.Hedartedtotheoldcoinandsnatcheditup.

“That’swhat’sup!”Adalyelled,alargesmileonhisfaceasheadmiredthecoininhishands.“Man,Ihavetoquitdroppingthis!Hey,what’swrongwithyou?”he laughed,bringinghisattentionbacktoArija.

Arijastoodinsilenceandheldthelightonthecoin.“Adal...howdidthatgetoverhere?”AchillranthelengthofArija’sspineliketheboneyfingersofdeath.Theyhadlandedinthemiddleofwhatshecouldonlyguesswasanundergroundlake.Yetthecoinmanagedtoendupoveronehundredyardsaway,againstawall.

“Chill. It must have flown out of my hand as I fell.” Adalleanedagainstthestonewallandtossedthecoinintotheair.

The deafening sound of gears turning echoed through thechamber and, in an instant, Adal disappeared in a cloak of

smoke.

8|TimeToGo

Arijadroppedher flashlightandrantowardwhereAdalhadbeenstanding.

“Adal!” she shouted, rushing into the cloud of smoke.Immediatelyovercomewith thesmellofwetair, sherealized thesmokewasactuallysteam.Somethingrolled in frontofher feet.Arijatoppledforwardandlandedfacefirstonsomethingsoft.Adalwas lyingonhisback,andhewrappedhisarmsaroundherasshefellonhim.

“Youallright?”Adalsqueezedhertightlysoshecouldn’tflailandhithim.Sheburiedherfaceinhischestand,foramoment,the sweet scent of musk and deodorant filled her nose. Arijafoughttheurgetosmileandpushedherselfupward,soshecouldlookintohiseyes.

“What was that?” she asked as she searched his face foranswers.

“Idon'tknow.Thewallsuddenlyopened,andIfellin—?”Arija rolled off Adal and looked around the area. It was a

small, perfectly square room, like a hidden chamber within thecave.Theonlylightcamefromtheflashlightthathadrolledafewfeetaway.ArijaslowlystoodwithAdalandtookasteptowardtheopening,reachingforthelight.

Atthatmoment,asoft‘click’emergedfromthedark.Thetwofrozeinplace,wideeyessearchingthedimlylitroom.

As another ‘click’ came from the dark, and an orange glowformed around them. Adal and Arija slammed their backstogetherasifwaitingforafight.

“Whatisthis?”Arijaasked,pressingagainstAdal.“Yeah,likeIknow!”Adalshotback.Arija’sheartpoundedinherchestastheorangelightsgrew

brighter.Astheeerieglowilluminatedthewalls,sherealizedtheyweren’tmade from the smooth stone of the cave, but bronze orcopper.Rivets the size of fists ran in straight lines from floor toceiling,andhugegearsprotrudedfromallfourwalls.Onlyhalfofeachgearwasvisible,theotherhalfdisappearedintothefloor.

“Italmost looks likewe’re inastillorsomething.Ormaybean oven ...” Arija’s curious nature took over; she inquisitivelywalked over to one of the walls and ran her hands down itssmoothsurface.

“Oven? Nope! Time to go!” Adal grabbed Arija’s hand andpulledher toward thedoorway.Asheneared theentrance,Adalstopped.Therewasasymbolemblazonedintheheavybrassnextto the door. He slowly reached into his pocket, pulled out hisgrandfather’scoin,andheldituptotheetchingonthewall.

“Noway!”heandArijasaidinstereoastheylookedfromthehammer and wrench design on the coin, to the door with theexactsamedesign.

“Howisthatpossible?”Arijaasked.“I...Ihavenoclue.Whatisthat?”Adalreachedoutafinger

and inspected the center of the design. There appeared to be aholewith some small gears turning. “Noway ...” Adal lifted hiscoin.Thegearsonthebackwerestillturningasheheldituptothehole.Itwasaperfectfit.

Cautiously,hesliditintotheniche.Asmall‘click’camefromthecoinasitseateditselfinthemiddleofthedesign.Abarrageofclickingfollowed.

AdalandArijasteppedawayfromthedesignandhuddledinthe center of the roomwhile the ground rumbled beneath theirfeet.

“So...timetogo?”AdalturnedtoArija.Her mouth was hanging open as she looked around the

strange room. “Yeah. Let’s go,” she replied, not able to takehereyes off the mesmerizing gears. Adal grabbed her by the handoncemoreandsteppedtowardtheopening.

Suddenly, two heavy doors slammed closed before them,trappingthetwofriendsinthebronzechamber.

Arija’s heart pounded. She ran to the obstruction andsmashedherfistsintoitsmetalframe.

“What’shappening?”sheshouted,kicking itashardasshecould.

9|TheLiftThatFalls

Adal slammed both fists against the solid doors in his ownattempt to save them. But he couldn’t punch through metaleither.

“Damn!Whatarewegoingto?”Anotherloudbangechoedinthesmallroomasfourgiantgearsbegantoturn.Thetwofriendssteppedawayfromthewallsandbacktothecenteroftheroom.

The entire place shook. Arija squeezed her eyes shut andwrappedbotharmsaroundAdal,buryingherfaceinthebendofhis shoulder. A sudden weightlessness overcame them. Adalslammed his eyes shut and held onto Arija. The butterflies inArija’s stomachwere suddenly in her chest, then almost out ofhermouthastheroombeganitsdownwarddescent.

“Are...Areweinalift?”Arijaasked.“Arewegoingfaster?”“What’s happening?” Adal shouted.He tried to pull Arija to

himastheydriftedupuntiltheirbackstouchedtheceiling.“Adal,ifIdieinhere,I’mgoingtohaunttheshitoutofyou!”

ArijaextendedherhandandintertwinedherfingerswithAdal’s.After what felt like hours, Adal tugged at her sleeve, and

motionedforhertolookdown.Thesamedesignfromthewallandthecoinwasalsoetchedintothefloor.

“Whatisthat?Whatthehellisthisplace?”Asifinanswertohisquestion,theyslowlystartedtodriftbackdowntothefloor.

“We’re slowing down!” Arija squeezed Adal’s hand as theimageonthegroundgrewbigger.As ifbeingcarefullyplacedonthegroundbyaninvisiblegiant,AdalandArijafloateddownuntiltheir feet firmly touched the metal floor. The ground was stillvibrating,soArijaassumedtheywerestillmoving,buttheymust

haveslowedenoughtoallowthemtostand.“Do you think thiswill ever—” A vibration interrupted Adal

andthetwowerebouncedintotheair,thenslammedbackdownontothemetalfloor.

“...stop...”hegroaned.“Adal,IthinkI’lldefinitelyhavetokillyouforgettingmeinto

...whateverthisis.”Arijagroanedinreturnasshepushedherselfoff the floor. A loud crackmade them jump to their feet as themassivedoorscreakedandsquealedopen.

Arija andAdal stood shoulder to shoulderwith their handsout in front of them, ready and waiting for whatever could becomingnext.

“Whateverhappens,we got this,” Adal reassuredArija,whoscoffedinreply.

“Yeah, I’m sure.We just rode amysterious elevator to whoknowswhere,andI’msurewecantotallyhandlewhat’swaitingatthebottom.”

ThedoorsfinishedopeningandArijafoundherselfstaringatanotherdarkcorridor.

Afterwaitingamoment,thetwowalkedovertothedoorwayandcautiouslypeeredoutside.Arijacouldn'tbecertain,butshethoughtsomethingwasmovinginthedarkness.

AsArijastuckherheadoutthedoorandplacedtheedgeofher foot on the floor, another loud snapmade her jump. Lightssprangfromthedark,fullyilluminatingthespaceaheadofthem.They stood at one end of a long hallway lit by large bulbswithintricatefilaments.

Arija was lost in the design of an Edison bulb on the wallnext to her when Adal tapped her shoulder. She turned andrealizedthatthewallsofthehallwayweremoving.Thousandsofgears and pistons of all sizes turned, whirled, and pumped,makingthewallscometolife.

“What is this place? Are we inside some sort of machine?”Arija took several steps into the large hall, her curiosityconqueringherfear.

“Idon’tknow,but thisplace isdope!”Adalsaidashespunaround, admiring everything. “Let’s keep going and check this

placeout.”HestoppedandturnedtofaceArija,whowaswatchinghim.

Thiswasoneofthemostamazingplacesshehadeverseen,butoneof themhadtostaycollected,or theywouldbothendup inevenmoreofamess.Arijatriedtohideherexcitementbyforcingahesitantexpression.

“Aww, come on, don't be like that. Iknow you’re itching toseewhattherestofthisplacelookslike,”Adaltaunted.

Arijacouldn'thelpherself;sheletawidegrincreaseherface.“Nice!All right, let’sgo.Oh, justone thing...”Adal ranpast

Arija and leaned into the lift. He popped his grandfather’s coinfromthewallandsliditbackintohispocket.Adalhopedfromthedoorway and jogging up to Arija. A loud slam echoed down thehallas thedoors to the lift closed.AsheepishgrinappearedonAdal’sface.

“Well...Weweregoingtogodeeperanyway.”“Adal, if you don’t quit touching things, I’m going to make

youwalkwith your hands in your pockets!” Arija snapped. Shewasn't reallymad,she just likedgivinghimahard time.Butattheratehewasgoing,hewasgoingtogetthembothkilled.

Adal laughed,and theywereoffdown thehall.Forawhile,theymoved in silence. The dull hum ofmachinery encouragingArijatomuseaboutwhatthisplacecouldbe.Everysooftenshewould pause and run her fingers over a particularly interestingcogorgear,butshecouldn’tfigureoutwhattheyweremeanttodo.

Anothersetoflargebrassdoorswaitedattheendofthehall.Cogsandgearsspuninplaceuptheirface,buttheydidn'tseemto connect or serve a purpose. Two large, copper poles ran theheight of the doors. Adal reached out and wrapped his handaroundone.

Arijareflexivelyslappeditaway.“Seriously?”sheshotaglareathim.

“Hey, I thought you were down for this. Why else are wehere?”Adalrepliedmatter-of-factly.

“Yeah,Iknow,butthinkbeforeyoujustdothings,please. Ican’tbailyououtofeverything.”

“Girl,youworrytoomuch,”Adalteasedashelookedbackatthedoor.Hereachedouttograspthepoleagain,butpausedforamoment.Themusclesinhischestflexedashegaveamightytugatthemetalhandles.ToArija’ssurprise,thedoorsdidn'tbudge.

Adal let a nervous chuckle escape his lips as he turned toArija.Shelookedaroundthehallwayforsomethingshecouldusetohelphim.Somethingcaughthereyesjustofftothesideofthedoor,andshehadtostiflealaugh.

“Psst!” Arija whispered. Adal turned to her as she leanedagainst the wall. She pointed with her thumb above her head.Therewasalargeswitchonthewallnearthedoor,restingintheup position. Holding her gaze sarcastically, Arija reached aboveher head and pulled the lever downward. Two loud clankssounded,followedbythetwobarsoverthegapbetweenthedoorsslidingaside.

“Iwouldaskwhatyouwoulddowithoutme,butthethoughtofwhatwouldactuallyhappentoyouterrifiesme.”ArijapushedherselfawayfromthewallandstoodnexttoAdal.

He pursed his lips and rolled his eyes as he grabbed thehandleandgaveitanotherhardpull.

10|AWorldofMetalandSteam

To Adal’s surprise, the heavy doors gave way easily, and awarmwaveofairwashedoverthem.

“Oh.My.God!”Arijagasped.Adal saidnothingbut allowedhismouth to fall openashe

stumbled forward. They were standing on a large platform thatopenedintowhatlookedlikeawholeotherworld.Girders,gears,pistons, and other mechanical oddities stretched into infinity.Adalrubbedhispalmsintohiseyesuntilhesawspotsbut,whenhereleasedthem,thestrangemechanicalworldwasstillthere.

Beams crisscrossed through the spacious room, windingaroundtallbuildingsthatseemedtofloatinmid-air.AsAdaltooka step toward the edge of theplatform, someone swoopeddownalong the beam right above their heads. Adal jumped back,graspinghischestandpantingasamanholdingtwometalbarssliddownthebeamtowardthebuildingslikehewasziplining.

Thestrangerlookedoverhisshouldertoyellobscenities,andAdal’s eyesbulged.He tooka reflexivestepback.Thezip liner’sfacewashalfleatheryskinandhalfbronze,histanskintootight,asifstretchedoverafacetoobigforitssize.Ablackleathercloakrippledbehindthemechanicalmanashepulledwhatlookedlikeapocketwatchoutofhisburgundyvestpocketandwaved it intheair.

Adalstaredwide-eyed,thentookanotherfewcautiousstepstowardtheedgeoftheplatform.Therewasa layerof fogseveralfeet below them that Adal couldn’t see past. He thought for a

moment theywere above the clouds before he remembered thatthey were actually underground. An orange and yellow huewashedtheentirearea,almostremindingAdalofthesunsetfromhisbedroomwindow.

“What. Is. This?” Adal allowed his eyes to dance over thisstrange new world. As he squinted at the mechanical town, hecouldvaguelymakeoutwhatlookedlikepeoplewalkingalongthebeams.Severalofthemswungtosmallplatformsjustunderneaththefloatingbuildings.

Arija opened her mouth to respond when a flock of birdsburst from underneath their platform, making both Arija andAdaljumpback.

“What was that?” they asked in tandem. Adal pointed pastArija to a railing several feet away where one of the birds hadlanded andwas looking at them inquisitively. They slowly crepttowardthemechanicalbird,unabletoteartheireyesawayfromthecreature.

The little bird had wings of bronze, and each featherappearedboltedintoplacebymicro-rivets.Ithadtwosmallrubieswhere its eyes should have been, and countless small gearsturnedalongitsstomach.Arijareachedherhandouttotouchit.The little bird squeaked and fluttered off in the direction itsfriendshadflown.

“Wasthatevenarealanimal?”Adalasked.“Idon'tknowwhatisrealanymore.”“Yeah,nokidding!”Adalturnedsohewasfacingtheedgeof

theplatformagain.“Doyouhearthat?”Fromsomewherebeyondthe platform, Adal could hear distant rumbling, like thunderrollinginoffthesea.

Arijasteppedawayfromtherailingandlookedaround.“Look!There!”Adalshouted,pointingtotheleftoftherailing.

Atfirst,itwasdifficulttosee.Itwasjustastrangeshapemovingsomewhere off in the distance but, after a moment, the objectbegantotakearecognizableform.

A large, antique-looking trainmoved incredibly fast towardsthem. It was suspended from a track attached to one of thebeams. Adal wasn't sure where it came from, and it looked

vintage, like something out of the 1920s.He looked around theplatform and realized the train was going to stop where theystood.

“Ithinkit’scominghere!”Arijayelled.Adalsearchedforasafeareatohide,buttherewasnowhere

togo.Heconsideredrunningbackintothehallway.Buttheonlythingintherewastheelevator,anditdidn’thaveanybuttonsoranything theycoulduse tomake itgobackup.At least if therewasapersononthetrain,maybetheycouldfindawaytogetoutofthecave.

A loudscreechingerupted fromthetracksasa largerailcarcametoasuddenhaltrightabovetheedgeoftheplatform.Withthetrainthisclose,Adalcouldseetherewerewheelsonboththetopandbottomofit.Thewheelsonthebottomwerejusttouchingtheedgeof theplatformand,witha loud thunkandaplumbofsteam,thewheelsonthetopofthetrainreleased.

The train was deep black with copper rivets covering itsancientback.Windowsadornedoneentiresideofthecarand,bythelooksofit,therewasnooneinside.Withajolt,thetwoslidingdoorsonthesideopened.

“All right, now I know what you’re gonna say, but—” Adalbeganashecranedhisnecktoseeinsidetheelaboratetraincar.

“Let’scheckthisthingout!”Arijafinished.Thebestthingtodointhissituationwastofindapersonand

hopetheycouldhelpthetwoofthemgetbackhome.Afterall,apersonhadtohavebuiltallthis.

AdalandArija ran to thesideof thecarandpeered inside.Beautifullypolishedwoodenbenchesranalongeithersideofthecar.Deep,earthyleatheradornedthesittingsurfaces,neatlyheldinplacebypolishedbrassknobs.

Adal cautiously stepped inside the car but, as she lookedaround,herealizedsomethingwasoff.Everythinginsidethetrainwasmuchlargerthanheexpected.

Arijawalkeddownthecenteraisletowardacontrolpanelattheotherend.

“Man,thisjointkeepsgettingweirderandweirder,”Adalsaidashehoppeduptositontheedgeofoneofthebenches,which

cameuptohiswaist.Thehammerandanvilsymbolfromthecoinwascarvedintothefloor.

“Adal, look,” Arija called, walking over to the controls andsittingonthestationarystoolthatsatinfrontofthem.Buttons,levers, andgauges completely covered the surfaceof the controlpanel.Shedelicatelyranherhandsovereachoneuntilshecametoaparticularlylargelever.

“Hey, this lever says ‘Home’and ‘Away.' Iwonderwhat thatmeans?”Arijaexaminedtheornatecalligraphy.

“Well, let’s seewhat ‘Home’ looks like then, shallwe?”Adalsaidasherotatedonthebenchtowardsher.

“All right. Let’s seewhat this is,” Arija grunted, pulling theheavyleverfromthe“Away”sidetothe“Home”side.

The two doors slid closed. There was a click, then a loudscreech, like the soundofhydraulics.Then the train rosea fewinches.Adal grabbed thesideof thebench to stophimself fromfallingatthesudden,jerkymotion.Thenthetrainspedoffinthedirectionithadcome.

The force of the acceleration almost tossed Arija from herstool. It did roll Adal on his side but, when they both regainedtheircomposure,theridewaslikearoller-coaster.

“Where do you think this is going?” Adal asked, hoistinghimselfupandlookingoutthewindow.

“I’mnotsure,butweseriouslyneedtobecareful.Thisislikesomething out of a fairytale, and I’m not sure if you’ve everactually read a real one, but they don't usually endwell.” Arijahopped off the stool and, after steadying herself on the nearestbench, shemade her way to Adal and plopped onto the benchnexttohim.

“Don't worry, girl. I got this. Nothing down here I can’thandle,”Adallaughedashelookedbackoutthewindow.Theysatin silence and watched their surroundings fly past in a blur ofcopperandsteam.

Flocksofwhatappearedtobemechanicalbirdsflutteredbyon several occasions. Every so often, Arija would point tosomethingstrangemovinginthedistancebut,beforeAdalcouldlook,itwasgone.

Thousandsifnotmillionsofgirdersthewidthoftreetrunksandwalkwaysthewidthofstreetsrolledpastthem.Occasionally,thecarwouldtakeasharpturnaroundabendandArijawouldbepressedintoAdal.

“Look at that!” Adal shouted, pointing below them. Arijaleaned over him and looked out the large window. They wereflyingoveramassive farm.Crops rolledonas farasAdalcouldsee.Rowafterrow,theemeraldsofthefoliagestoodoutfromtheirorange and bronze surroundings. He couldn't quite tell, but itlookedasthoughpeoplewereworkinginthefields.

“Isthat...?Arethose...?”Arijaquestioned,leaningclosertothewindow.

“Man,thisplacejustkeepsgettingweirderandweirder,”Adalresponded.

Shortlyafterthelargefieldscreptintoview,theydisappearedin the distance, and the train came to another screeching halt.This time, Arija and Adal were caught off-guard and rolledsideways from the bench, hitting the floor. Adal landed on hisbackwithArijaontopofhim.

“Youknow,youkeepfallingonmelikethis,you’regonnaowemedinner,”Adaljoked,winkingather.

Arijadroppedherelbowintohisstomachmakinghimcoughassherolledoffhim.“Youwish!”shelaughed,extendingherarmtohelphimstand.

Adal pulled his hand from hers and tugged at his shirt,adjusting the wrinkles. In all the excitement, he had forgottenthathewasstillsoakedtothebone.

“Check thatout,”Arijapointed,walkingpastAdal tooneofthewindowsontheothersideofthecar.Thetrainhadcometoastop at another platform, only this one opened into a walkwaythat led to a cottage. The sun glistened off itsmetallic surface,and steam poured from three chimneys on its roof. Large,circular,frostedglasswindowslookedbackatthemlikeeyes,andarowofstepsledfromtheplatformtothelargebrassdoor.

“Maybewhoeverlivesherecanhelpusgetbackhome?”Arijasaid. They stared at each other in silence for a moment beforetheymadetheirwayoutofthecarandtowardthehouse.Asthey

stepped onto the platform, the doors of the vehicle slammedbehindthem.

Adal let his eyes run over the sleek, polished wallssurroundedby running tubes andmovingparts. To the right ofthe buildingwas an enclosed spiral staircase that looked like itledtoaglassatrium.

Oncetheywerecloseenough,Adalrealizedjusthowlargethecottage truly was. The door, like every door he had come incontact with since he’d arrived in this strange place, wasoversized. The windowswere too large to be standardwindows,and even the potted plant that sat on the doorstep was muchlargerthanhewouldhavethoughtitshouldbe.Helistenedtothebestofhisabilityforthesoundsofmovementinsidethehomeastheyreachedthefrontdoor.

“So, do we knock?” Adal asked, looking at Arija, who onlyshrugged.

“Igotthis,butbereadytorunifanythinghappens.”Heputhishandonthedoorknob,whichlookedlikeagiantbolt.

“Yeah,andwherearewerunningto,exactly?”Arijarepliedasshe glanced back to the train that still sat on the edge of theplatform.

Adalshotheralookandturnedtheknob,slowlypressingthedoor open.He stoppedwhenhe saw therewere lights on insidethehousebut,whenhedidn’thear any sounds,hepushed thedooropenandwalkedinside.

Arija followedhim into a large room that looked like itwasbothakitchenanddiningareacombined.Largecopperpotsandpanshung from the ceilingovera center island thatwasbiggerthanAdal’sbed,and ironapplianceswithgold leaf etchings ranthelengthoftheoppositewall.Centeredintheroomwasatablewithfourchairs.AsAdalandArijawalkedovertothetable,Adalwas surprised to find that the top was a few inches above hishead.

“Ok, I’m just going to say it; since we’ve gotten here,everything is toobig. Ican’tbe theonlyoneuncomfortablewiththat,”AdalwhisperedtoArija.

“Nokidding.It’slikeallthesethingswerebuiltforagiant.A

giant thatscaresmebeyond thought,” she finallysaid. “At leasttheredoesn't seem tobeanybodyhome fornow.So, let’s figureout what our next move is. Looking at this place, someonedefinitelyliveshere.”

“So,shouldwekeepgoing?”Adalaskedasheranhisfingersacrossthesmoothmetalsurfaceofoneofthechairs.

“Idon’tseewhynot.Ihavetoseetherestofthisplace.IwishI could sketch some of this.” Arija turned her bag upside downand produced the soggy pile of paper. Embarrassment warmedAdal’sface.HeknewhowmuchthosesketchpadsmeanttoArijaanditwashisfaulttheywereruined.

11|TheIntruders

“Let’s try that door,” Adal pointed to a partially open door

acrosstheroom. Itwasmadeofsimilarly foggedglasstothatoftheobservatoryabovethem,butithaddesignsetchedintoit.

Arija tooka step toward thedoorwhenmovement from theothersidemadeherfreezeinplace.

“Calmdown.Idon'thearanything.Besides,ifsomeonewerehome,theywouldprobablyhaveheardusalready.”Adal’saward-winningsmileliftedsomeweightfromherchestandArijaletoutalowexhale.

Justas theystarted towalkacross theroomagain, the lowrumbleofvoicesmadeherstopandturntowardthefrontdoor.Atfirst,Arija couldn’tmakeoutanythingbut,aftera fewminutes,she realized two people were standing just outside the door,talking.ArijaandAdal lookedatoneanother, fearmarring theirfaces.

“...don’yejokewithme.Iknowwhat’swhatinmymachine.ThereareTopsidershere.Icansmell‘em.Howtheyfindtheirwayhereinthefirstplace,Icain’tsay.Yousend‘emmygripcar?”

Arija could tell it was aman’s voice that spoke, but it wasunbelievably loud, as if she was stuck inside the speaker of astereo. She shot a glance at Adal at the word “Topsiders.” Shedidn’t exactly know what it meant, but she knew it referred tothem.

“Nowdon't be silly,Webley!Youknow rightwell that I sentthecarforthem.Theyareguestsandit'sbestthatwetreatthemas such. Haven't seen a Topsider in these parts in quite sometime. Furthermore, don't play surprised. With your mischief,

sometimes it’s a wonder that you don’t have more curiouscreaturesrunningabout,”asecond,softervoiceresponded.

Asthevoicesgrewlouder,Arijalookedaroundtheroomforaplacetohide,oraweapontofightwith.Anythingwasbetterthanstanding in the middle of the kitchen waiting for the voices tocomeinside.

“Reckon they made their way inte’ the ‘ouse?” the heaviervoiceinquired.

AdalmouthedsomeexpletiveswhileArijatriedtofigureoutagameplan.Thingswereabouttogetawholelottrickier.

“Well,Isupposetheonlywaytoknowistofindout.”PanicseizedArija,andbothsheandAdalstartedtopaceas

theydesperatelylookedforsomewheretohide.Adalsnappedhisfinger and got Arija’s attention. He pointed at her, then behindwherethedoorwouldopen.

Shelookedathimincuriousalarm.Hehelduphisfistsinaboxing stance and nodded at her. She bobbed her head inagreement.Springingtohertoes,Arijaquietlyranovertothewallsothat,whenthedooropened,shewouldbeabletogetthedropontheirvisitors.

Adalwalked to the center of the room in linewith thedoorandwaited,fistsraised.

At thatmoment, thedoor jingled slightly.Arijaknew itwassuretoopen,andatleasttwomenweregoingtoenter.

Adalhoppedupanddownonhistoes,rollinghisshouldersand neck. He gave onemore fleeting glance to where Arija hid.Revealing a shooting beam of themidday sun, the door openedintothekitchen,andthefightwason.

12|Webley

Adal shouted at the top of his lungs as he charged at thedoor.He rearedhis fist backand let loose several punches, buttheydidn’t seem tohaveanyeffecton thegiantstanding in thedoorway.

“Lively lot, aren't ye?” chuckled the giant ashe reached forAdal.

Adalduckedandsteppedback,stillthrowingrapidpunches.“Aha,andaquickoneteboot!”Themonstersteppedtoward

Adalwithhishandsout.“Now,Webley,remembertheytoldustherewasasecondone.

Must be around here somewhere ...” came a second voice frombehindthegiant.

Arija faltered a half step when she saw the sheer size ofWebley,butAdalneededhertobackhimup,soshepushedherfrozenfeetbackintomotion.Shejumpedforwardandgrabbedontowhatappearedtobeoverallsmadeofdark,denseleather.Shescaledhismuscularbackandpulledathislong,hazelhaironthewayup.Webleysmelledof cigarsmokeandoil,but therewasasweetundertonethatshecouldn’tquiteputherfingeron.

“Careful,Webley. She seems like the one towatch out for,”thesecondmanwarned.

AsWebleyenteredthehouse,theothermansteppedintothedoorway. Arija didn’t have the chance to steal a look.He didn'tappearwillingtojointhefight,soshedidn'tseehimasathreat.Onceshemadeherwaytothetopofthegiant,Arijapoundedherfists into the topofhismassivehead.Athick leatherstrapheld

what looked like a pair of bronze goggles around Webley’sforeheadandArijapulledthemupandthenletthemgo,snappingthemonhisheadandcausingthegianttowailinpain.

“Thanks, Cog. Kinda figured that one out!” Webley replied,reachinguptoaddressArija’sattack.

Adal jumpedupandgrabbedaholdofWebley’s longbeard,whichhungdowntohisstomach.Hepulledwithonehand,andpunched the giant in the stomach with the other, but his hitsdidn’tseemtobedoinganydamage.

“Not the beard! Tha’s just rude!” Webley swung his arms,grasped Adal by the back of his shoulders and shook him.Webley’s handswere the size of dinner plates andhis arms thesizeoftreetrunks.

Adal squirmed, but couldn't get free. Arija shouted andyankedtwofullhandsofWebley’shair.

“Ouch!”thegiantbellowedandbroughthisattentionbacktothe fiercewarrior sittingonhis shoulders. “Now tha’s enougho’tha!” And with another swoop, Webley scooped up Arija andbroughtherdownoffhisshoulders.Webleyheldthembothoutinfrontofhimastheyfoughtandsquirmed,tryingtogetfree.

“Let her go!” Adal shouted, pounding his fist into the handthatheldhim.

“Yeah,letmegosoIcankeepgoingatyou!”Arijaclawed,bit,and kicked at the hand that held her, but the strong fingerswouldn’tletgo.

Webley responded with a howl of laughter, his whole bodyshaking.Afigureappearednexttohimasheheldthetwointheair, andAdalandArijaquit fightingas they lookeddownat thethingWebleycalledCog.

Cog looked to be a little smaller thanAdal.Hewas shapedlikeaman,buttherewasnothinghumanabouthim.Heworeablack leather vest with small, white pinstripes runninglengthwise.Hehadpressedblackslacks,withawhitebutton-up.The top twobuttonswere openand the sleeves rolledup.WhatArija could see of his skin was sleek and bronze, like almosteverythingelseinthisstrangeplace.Hehadsmallrivetsoverhisbodythatconnectedeachpieceofmetal,buthisfacelookedlikeit

wasonesolidpieceofpolishedbrass.Asthestrangerobotlookedupather,hetippedhisblack-leathernewsboycap.

“Hiyathere,”Cog’svoicewassoftbutdemanding.HestaredatArijaforamomentbeforeremovinghismonocle,whichlookedlikehalfasetofweldingglasses.Herubbedtheglassonhisvestthen replaced it on his face. Arija stared in awe at the strangecreature,notingthatapolishedgearoutlinedhisothereye.

Shebroughther attentionback toWebley,whoalsoworeawhite button-up under his overalls. Two glowing, emerald eyesstudiedherfrombehindthetangledmessshe’dleft.Arijacouldn’thelpbutthinkthegiant’seyeslookedsoftand,coupledwiththewide grin and rosy cheeks, she almost thought he seemedfriendly.

“Now,doyouseewhyweshouldhaveknockedinsteadofjustcoming in? Topsiders aren't always the brightest, Webley. Youobviouslyscaredthem...”

“Hey!”Arija interjected,butshedidn’thaveanythingelse tosay.

“Knockonmeown‘ouse?Tha’llbetheday.Sidestha’,wa’ntthisabit-o-fun?”Webleychuckledsomemore,shakingArijaandAdalashedidso.

“Well, all that aside, the fun is over, andmaybewe can goaboutmeeting our guests formally. Besides, it is nearly dinner,and it has been quite a day. I am sure their little heads arebuzzingwiththenewsights.”

“O’ all right!” The grip on Arija’s neck tightened as Webleybroughtthemclosertohim.

“Look ‘ereyoutwo.If I letyadown,yagoingtostopallthisyippin’anfightin’?”Webley’slookwassternashespoke.

AdalandArijanoddedinsilence.“Ha! Fantastic! We ‘an getta know one-another!” Webley

swungthetwoabout,takingtwostepstowardthebigtableinthecenter of the room. He plopped Arija in one seat and Adal inanother before going to his own chair and falling into it. Theentireareashookunderhisweight.

Arijawasstunned.Shecouldn’tthinkofanythingtosayorawayofjustifyingwhatwashappening.

Cogwalkedovertothetablebutdidnotsitdown.“Ah,muchbetter.Thankyou,Webley.Apologies, fineguests. Iamsurethisdayhasprovenabit,well, interesting for the twoofyou, tosaythe least. Allow me to break some of the tension. My name isCog.”Cogremovedhishatandbowedtowardthetable.

Arija letherartisticeyerunoverCogashesatnext toher.Cog even had ‘hair’ that appeared to be small, spiral, bronzeshavingsneatlypartedandboltedtotheside.

Adal arched one inquisitive eyebrow at Arija. She gave aneversoslightshruginresponse.Arijacouldn'tfindanyreasontocontinue tobescaredor fight.Fightinghadn't reallyworkedoutso far and, besides, there really wasn't anywhere to go. MaybeWebleyorCogcouldhelpthemgetbackhome.

“My name’s Arija,” she said softly, looking from Cog toWebley.

“Ah, Arija. Hebrew in origin. Lioness of God. No doubt youembodythemeaningofyourwell-deservedname.”

Arija’sfacesoftenedinshock.“MightIinquireastoyourlastname,Arija?”“Rapp.ArijaRapp.”“Ah, wonderful. Something that is Raven-like. My, what a

befitting title forayoungTopsidersuchasyourself.Whataboutyou?”CogturnedhisattentiontoAdal.

“Adal...,”herepliedbluntly.“Adal.Hmmm,notentirelyfamiliarwiththattitle.Bychance,

isitshortforsomething?”Cogleanedforwardslightly,interested.“AdalwolfStein...”Hesighed.“Ah, a wonderful title indeed! Adalwolf, or the ‘noble wolf,’

andSteinbeing‘thatofstone.’Astrongtitle.”AdalandArijalookedatCoginshockedsilence.“Myapologies.Iliketospintalesandcreate.Astrongname

isthekeystoneofeverycreaturedestinedforgreatness.Sortofahobbyofmine.”

“Yourname isCog.Likewhatyou find inamachine, right?Becauseyou'rearobotorsomething?”Adalasked.

The corners of Cog’s mechanical mouth turned down.“Actually,itisshortforCogsworth,andIamnomachine.Iama

Dwellerjustlikeeveryoneelsehere,”Cogspokeinamatter-of-facttone.

Arijasnortedandshookherhead.Shecouldn'tbelieveAdalwouldasksuchaquestionandCog’sresponseamusedher.

Adalshruggedwitha“What?”lookonhisface.“Well, Arija and Adal, I’m Webley. Name don’ really mean

much. Jus Webley, I guess. Welcome to the World Machine!”Webleyspokewithexcitementandtenacity. Itwasas thoughhehadbeenwaitingforvisitorsforhisentirelife.

“TheWorldMachine?Isthatwhatthisplaceiscalled?”Arijaasked,findingsomecomfortintheintroductions.

“Yes,Miss!This ismy land,myhome,mymachine.Built itmeself,ya’know.”Webley’schestswelledwithpride.

“Wait, you built this ... place?” Adal asked in amazement.“Howisthatevenpossible?”

“Wha’ yemean? I’m aCreator. It’swha’ I do.Everything yesee about ye, all that is 'round here, made it meself.” Webleyshiftedinhisseatandinterlacedhisfingerstogetheronthetable.

ArijaandAdallookedatoneanotherinshock.Notonlywasthisplaceinhabitedbymechanicalbeings,strangemachinesandbizarre technology, Webley, the friendly giant, built it all? Anyother time,Arijawould call a bluff, but thiswasnot somethingshewantedtochallenge.Thiswashappening,andshehadtogowithit.ShelookedoveratAdal,whosefacelituplikeaChristmastree.

“Pardonmy intrusion in the conversation, but it is growingquite late. Iamsure that the twoofyouhavesomuchmore toask,butperhapsdinnercouldbe inorder?”Cogasked, turningfrom the table andmaking his way over to the kitchen area. Itwasn't until that moment that Arija realized her stomach hurtwithhunger.

“So,thisisallreal,then?Wedidn'tdieinthatcaveorhitourheads. This place is an actual thing, and we are in it?” ArijablurtedasshewatchedCogfillalargepotwithwater.

“Can assure ye tha this is all real. Like I said, built it allmeself.Onthanote,doyestill‘aveit?”Webleyasked,holdinghislargehandouttoAdalexpectantly.

“Havewhat?”“Thekey.‘Aveyestillgotthekey?”Webleyrepeated,shaking

hishandinanticipation.“Key?”Adalasked,shakinghishead.“The coin, I think,” Arija interjected, pointing at Adal’s

pocket.Adal pulled out the coin and extended it. “This?” he asked.

“Thisisn’takey,thisismygrandfather’scoin.Hegaveittome.”Webley’s face lit up, and he scooped the coin out of Adal’s

hands.“Thereit is!”Webleyshouted,turningtoCogandflickingthecoinintotheair.

CogmerelyshookhisheadwithoutturningtolookatWebley.Hecontinuedtoworkoverwhatresembledastove,butwithmorecompartmentsandknobsthanArijacouldfigureout.Thereweremultiple levers and chambers that resembled pressure cookers.On occasion, the hiss of steam releasing from one of thecontainersfilledtheroom.

“Itoldyouthatyouhadmisplacedit.Alltheseyearsandyouinsisted you knew exactly where it was. One day, you shouldlearntobemorecareful...”Cogcautionedwithoutlookingupfromhiscooking.

“I knew ’xactly where it was! Right where I left it.” Webleyflicked the coin into the air and snatched it back intohis palmbeforeitfelltothetable.

ArijastaredatthecoinasWebleyflickeditandcaughtitoverand over until her senseswere overwhelmedwithwhateverCogwascooking.“Ifthat’sakey,thenhowdidGrandpaLawrencegetaholdofitduringthewar?”Arijaasked,tryingtoslidetheheavychairclosertothetableandfailingasherlegscamenowherenearthefloor.

Webley spun the coin on the table; it pinged as it hit andhoppedallovertheintricate,wornsurface.“Notsure‘bouttha’.Itendtomisplacethingsfromtimetotime.Longago,Ispentalotoftimean’energyonaveryspecialbracelettha’Iwasgonnausefor a bit o’ fun. Not sure where that bugger ended up either.Curioustale,tha’thing...”ThecoinstillspunandhoppedonthetableandArijawatchedit,mesmerized.

Adal’sstomachgrowledand,asifoncue,Cogstartedplatingfoodnexttothestove.

“So, you're a ‘Creator’? What sort of things do you create?Howdidyoumakethisplace?”Arijaasked.

“Well, I create anythin’ really. Ya name it, I can create it.That’swhat aCreator does, doe’nt he?As for this place an’mystory, not gonna bore you lot with that tonight. Ah! Supper!”WebleybrokefromtheirconversationasCogappearedbesidethetable,andslidfourplatestoeachofthefourchairs.

13|DwellersDoNotConsume

OtherLivingThings

Steamandasucculentaromawafted intoArija’s face. “Thislooks wonderful?” Arija didn't mean for it to sound like aquestion,butshecouldneverhaveguessedwhatwouldpassasfoodhere.

The platterswere almost comically large—nearly the size ofher bedside table at home. Webley had already begun to wolfdownhisdinner,butArijaandAdaljuststared,dumbfounded.

“What is thematter?Are younot a fan of ratatouille?”CogaskedashereachedouttograbtheplatebackfromArija.“Icanwhipyouupsomethingelseifitisn’ttoyourliking.”

“No,notatall!Ilovethisdish.Ijusthaven'thaditinyears,”Arijarepliedapologetically.

“Thissmellsgreat,”Adalsaid,pickinguphisfork.“Thendigin!”Webleysmiled,speakingthroughamouthfull

offood.“Tobehonest,thiswasn'twhatIwasexpecting.Youeatfood

likeus?”Adalasked.“Whatwereyouexpecting,mightIask?Oilsoup?”“Imean,kinda...”“Adal!”Arijasnapped.Shehopedhecouldfeeltheheatfrom

herglare.Adal quickly apologized, but thatwas alwayshis problem—

Adalnevercouldletaquestionjustsitinhishead.NotthatArijadidn’t understand that he needed answers, but she wished he

wouldsilentlywonderratherthanblurtthingsoutthatcouldbeoffensive.

CogandWebleybothlaughed.“Well,thereisoilinthis.Vegetableoil.Also,youwillfindthat

the Dwellers of the World Machine all enjoy their fruits andvegetables. Very healthy and good for us all.” Cog took anotherbiteofhisdish.

“Whataboutmeat?WhatdotheDwellerseatformeat?”Adalaskedasheshoveledanotherforkfulintohismouth.

WebleyandCogbothstoppedwiththeirforksinmid-airandglaredatAdalasifhehadjustinsultedtheirmothers.

Arijawatched,amazedthatabeingmadeofmetalsomehowmanagedafullrangeoffacialexpressions.

“Dwellers do not consume other living things. We eat onlyvegetablesandfruitsweraiseandgrow.Consumptionofabeingafterdeathisforbiddenhere.”Cogheldhislookforamomentandthen smiled. There was something strangely sinister about themechanicalman,butArijacouldn’tquiteputherfingeronit.

“Ah,noneedtagetsoserious.Cog‘ereisthebestcookintheMachine. Ya’d be surprised ta see what he can make!” Webleysucked a lingering vegetable from his fork and then wiped hismouthwiththebackofhishand.

Adal shrugged, scooped up a forkful of vegetables andshoveledthehotmixtureintohismouth.

Arija sat in silence, watching Cog eye Adal, Webley slurpdownmoreveggies,andAdal lookshamefully intohisbowl.ShewastakingeverythinginandwantedtomakesureshecouldbailthemoutofwhatevertroubleAdal’smouthgottheminto.

Withalullintheconversation,Arijascoopedsomeonionandeggplantontoherforkandtookher firstcautiousbiteofdinner.As soonas thewarm, comforting taste touchedher tongue, sheclosedher eyes.Memories of hermother cooking in thekitchenwhileshecoloredatthetablefloodedhermind.

For the remainder of dinner, the group sat in silence withonly theclinkingof their forks tobreak thevoid.AsArija lickedthe remaining broth from her fork, Cog rose and collected thedishes. Webley stood and stretched, emitting a barrage of

exhaustedmoans. The cracks from his joints sounded like treelimbsbreaking.

The orange hue that filled the air outside had turned to anavyandpurpleglow.

“Well,lookstometha’it’s‘bouttimete’restforabit,thenbeofftobed.Come,yetwo,an’let'sbeofftothestudy.Cog,wouldyemindbringin’thecoffee?”WebleymotionedtoArijaandAdaltofollowhim.Hewalkedpastthetwoandguidedthemintothenextroom.

Arija stoppedas she entereda study lit by a large fireplaceand accented with dark wood. The study itself looked like anantiquelibrary.Arija’smouthdroppedopenandhereyesbulgedas she lookedaroundpossibly the coolest roomshe’d everbeenin.

Built-inbookshelves linedeverywall,andan iron ladderontracksranalongtheshelveswherethousandsofbookssatframedineverycrevice.Shegazedupatthevaultedceilingsandthoughtthe roomhad to be two to three stories tall, as it dwarfed evenWebley.

The sweet smell of old books tickled Arija’s nose. She washome.Ifnothingelsecamefromthisjourney,beinginthisroomwasenough.

One wall directly across from them was without books. Askeletonizedclockthesizeofasmallcartickedquietlyasitshugegears turned.Hangingabove thebrick fireplacewasa largegunandagiantmetaltoolthathadawrenchononesideofthelonghandle,andahammerontheother.

Adalwalkedtothelargesofanexttothefireplace.Heranhishandsacrossthetoughleatherfastenedinplacebysmallcopperrivets. Across from the sofa were two chairs, one significantlybiggerthantheother.

“Please,‘aveaseat,”Webleyrequested,motioningtothesofa.AdalploppeddownandArijawalkedovertojoinhim.Asshesettled into thestrangelycomfortingcouch, thedoor

fromthekitchenburstopen.Cogcameintotheroom,balancingfourhugecupsinhishands.ThecupsmayhavebeennormalforWebleybut,toArijatheymayaswellhavebeenbowls.

CogsatintheseatnexttoWebley,takingahugesipfromhiscup.Adalpickeduponecupandpeeredattheblackliquidinside.Heclosedhiseyesandtookasipofthesteamingsubstance.

“It’scoffee!”hesaidasheturnedtoArija.She picked up her cup, holding the large mug with both

hands.Thesteaminghotaromaofroastedbeanswaftedintohernoseandshesankbackintothesofa,closinghereyes.Thiswasaperfect day for Arija Rapp, sitting in the most unique andbeautifullibraryshe’deverseen,andsippingcoffeeononeofthemost comfortable leather couches she’d ever occupied. The onlythingthatcouldmakethisanybetterwouldbetohavehersketchpad,soshecoulddocumenteverythingshesaw.The thoughtofher ruined sketchpadbrought a frown toArija’s face.She tookanothersipofhercoffee, letting thehot liquidsoothherbrokenheart.

“Hopeyelikeit. Iroast itm’selfdowninthefurnace.Reallygivesittheol’smokeyandfierytones.”Webleytookalargegulpofhiscoffee.

The comment pulled Arija from her thoughts. She had toagreethatthiswassomeofthebestcoffeeshe’deverhad.EvenAdal, who would normally fill his coffee with more cream andsugarthanactualcoffee,gulpeddownthedarkliquid.

“Idon'twanttobethatguy,oranything,butcanIhavemycoinback?”Adalaskedoutoftheblue,noddingtowardWebley’spocket. When the group had risen from the table, Webley hadsnatchedthecoinupandtuckeditaway.

Cog looked fromWebley toAdalas ifhewerewaiting toseewhatWebley’sresponsewouldbe.

ArijasmackedAdal’sthigh.Sheknewifhekeptthisup,theirfriendlyhostcouldcrushthemwithonehit.

“The key? I don’ think I can give ye tha’, Adal. Kindaimportant,yaknow.”Webleytookanothersipofhiscoffee.

“Look, that may be your ‘key’ and all, but my grandfathergavethattome.Iwantitback.”

“My,yeareafeistyone.Ithinkwecanbefriends.Well, thebothof ye, really.Hasn’beenoften tha’ I get temeetnew folks.You twoseem likeacoupleo’decentTopsiders.Tell yewha’, ye

stay ‘ere with me for a while and let me show ye about mymachine,andyecan‘aveitback.How’stha’?”

Inalltheeventsoftheday,Arijahadn’tevenhadthechancetoconsiderstaying.Shehadbeensofocusedongettinghome,butshecouldn’tleaveaplacelikethiswithoutexploring.

“Youcoolwiththat?”ArijaaskedAdal,buthisear-to-eargrinalreadygavehisansweraway.

“Isupposewecouldmakethatwork.”Adaltookanothersipofcoffee.

Webleyjumpedupfromhisseatandthrewhisgigantichandsinto the air like a little kid who’d been told he could go to thepark. “It’s settled then! Ye will stay with me for a time an’, inreturn,yegetthekeyback!”

Arija flinched at his explosion of enthusiasm, but shecouldn'thelpbutsmile.SomethingaboutWebley’slarger-than-lifeaurawascontagious.

“Cog, can ye do me a favor an’ prepare two of the guestrooms?Thinkournewfriendsmightappreciateacomfybedafteradaylikethisone!”

Cognoddedanddownedthelastofhiscoffee.“Allright,then.Just giveme a fewmoments and I will have those ready.” Cogstoodanddisappearedupaspiralstaircasehiddeninthecorneroftheroom.

Arijagawked.Howhadshemissedthatwhentheyfirstcameintotheroom?

“Well,asmuchfunas it ‘asbeenta’meetyebothtonight, Ithinktha’Iwillbeofffortheevenin’.Gottopreparemymachinefer visitors an’ all. Sleep well an’ be ready for a grand timetomorrow.” Webley stood, finished the rest of his coffee, andmoved back out the door to the kitchen. Amoment later, Arijaheardthefrontdooropen,thenclose.

“What’sgoingon?”Arijablurtedassoonasthedoorclosed.“Well, we are staying, aren't we?” Adal asked, confusion

wrinklinghisface.“Obviously,weare.Thisplace isamazing,andIhavetosee

it, but what’s going on? This can’t be real, but it is. We’resomewhereunderground...farunderground.Therearemachines

andmechanical‘Dwellers’everywhere,agiantmannamedWebley...Imean,what’sgoingon?Howarewegoingtoexplainallofthistoourparents?”

Arija battled her true emotions as she spoke. She wantednothingmore than to stay and study this place. Shewanted tocatalogue,understand,anddrawalltheamazingcreationsintheWorldMachine, but shewasalso the responsible one.Adalwasusually the one that chased crazy ideas.Who knewwhere theywouldendupifshedidn’taskthesequestions?

“Look,thisplace isdope.There’snowaywecan’tstay forawhile and check it out. Especially considering I want my coinback.So,we’llstay,figureoutwhatthisplaceis,getmycoin,andreturntoourboringliveswhenwearedone.Myoldmancangivemeattitude,andyoucangooff toruletheworldunderthe fearthat you put into ... well, everyone. Cool?” Adal raised hiseyebrows,waitingforaresponse.

“Fine. Just, let’s be clear, we need to really think abouteverythingwedohere.Atthefirstsignoftrouble,wearebackinthat railcar and out of here. Deal?” Arija narrowed her eyes athim.

“Yeah, yeah. Fine, deal. What’s the matter? Think I can’thandlethingsdownhere?”Adalasked,stretchinghisarms,thenflexingwhileheyawned.

Arija rolled her eyes. “Sure, you can handle yourself. UntilWebleydecidesthathe’stiredofplayingwithyoulikesomegiantcatandpoundsyouintothegroundwithonehit.”

A sound from across the room made both Arija and Adaljump.TheyturnedtoseeCogstandingatthebaseofthestairs,looking at them. He had a strange smile on his face, and Arijaknewhehadheardeverything.

“I justwanted to letyou twoknowyourroomsare ready. Ifyouwouldn'tmindfollowingme,Icangetyousettledin.”

AdalandArijaslid from thecouchandwalkedover toCog.Hesmiledwider,shakinghishead.

“Ialsowanttosay,beforeyouturnin,thatIcanappreciateyourcaution.Iadmit,ifIfoundmyselfintheworldofTopsiders,Iwouldn't be too inclined to trust anyone either. You find safety

and security only in what is familiar to you. It is your nature.BelievemewhenIsay,youhavenothingtofearhere.Especiallyfrom Webley or myself. He values life and creation more thananythingelse. If there isanypointwhenyouareuncomfortable,orifthereissomethingIcandotoeaseyourminds,pleaseletmeknow.”

Arija thanked Cog for his kind words while Adal silentlynodded.Cog,havingspokenhispeace,turnedandwalkedupthestairswithArijaandAdalintow.

14|Steam,Showers,andGarter

Belts

Adaldriftedawaketothesoundofsoftmusic.Hewasn'tsurewhere itwascoming from,butheknew thepiecebyheart.Themusicwasoneofhisgrandfather’s favoriteworks:BagatelleNo.25inAminor,orFurEliseashewouldsometimesrefertoit.

Adal’s stomach dropped at the thought of his grandfather.Thepainoflosssettledinhismind,causingfreshtearstowellinhis eyes. Adal focused on the coin. If he could get that back,everythingwouldbeallright.

As the beautifulmusic lulledhim in and out of sleep, Adalslowly opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling above him. Apainted mural covered the entire surface. Two mighty handswielded a hammer and tongs over an anvil. The wielder washiddenbehindaveilofsmokeandfire,butthesmithwasforgingwhatlookedtobeacoin.

Adal rubbed his eyes and sat up. The comfortable bedwasalmost coma-inducing.Hedidn’t remember falling asleep, but itwasthedeepestsleephecouldrecallexperiencinginhis life.Hehadn't even dreamed. The thought crossed his mind that heshould be grateful for that. With everything that happenedyesterday,hisdreamswouldlikelyhaveturnedtonightmares.

Themusiccontinuedtoplay,andAdallookedabouttheroomforitssource.

Above his head was another large, skeletonized clock thattookuphalf thewall.Justbelow theclockwasaspinning tubewithsmallnotchespluckedbybrassbars.IttookAdalamoment

torealizethattheentirewallwasamusicboxandanalarmclockrolled into one. The time on the wall was 6 a.m., and Adalscrunched his face in disgust. Next to the rotating drumwas alever.Adalreachedupandpulledit,silencingthemusic.

“Webleywasn'tkiddingwhenhesaidfirstthing,washe?”herolledfromhiscomfortablebedandtookonelastlookaroundtheroom. It reminded him of a museum. Glass cases held anassortment of mechanical oddities and, just next to the bed, alargetelescopepointedoutthewindow.Hewasn'tsurethepointofthis,astheywerewellunderground,buthewassureplentyofthingsweregoingtoconfusehimtoday.

Withafinalstretch,Adalstoodandwalkedtothewashroomon the opposite side of the room. The room was notdisproportionatelysized forWebley. In fact,nothingonthis floorof thehousewas.Other than that, thewashroomwas relativelystandardtowhathewasusedto,thougheverythinginsidelookedantique—a large clawfoot bathtub, a Victorian sink, and a hightank toilet. The reservoir for the toilet was near the ceiling andconnectedby copperpiping thatbent and twisted intobeautifulknotted designs. Just inside the door sat a small table with astackofclothingandasmallnote.

Itookthelibertyoffashioningyousomenewclothing.Judging

bythewetanddirtyattireyouarrivedin,Ithinkyouwillfindthishelpful.Whenready,pleasecomedowntothelibrary.

-CogAdal looked from the clothing to the shower and shrugged.

Upon inspection, it seemed the showerworked the same as hisback home. Adal turned up the hot water and let the room fillwithsteam.

Arija’seyesflutteredopenandthenslammedshutagain.Her

face was swollen, and her eyes stung with exhaustion. As shepulledtheheavycomforterbackoverherhead,shesilentlycursedherself forstayingupallnight.Arijahadexaminedeverysquareinchofherroom.Allthestrangemachines,inventions,andpiecesofart.Shewasfascinatedwithitall.

A beautiful song pierced her ears, but Arija was not amorning person and she angrily shoved a pillow over her head.Afterafewangryminutes,duringwhichsheconsideredchuckingsomething hard at the alarm, Arija pulled herself into a sittingposition.Sheforcedherselftoputdownthepillowandslidoutofbed, shuffling over to thewall alarm and calmly shutting it off.Sheleanedagainstthewallandsighed.Lifewouldbebetterafterashowerandsomecoffee.

Arijahadalreadycheckedoutthebathroomthenightbeforeand found that it was fitting for the house she was staying in.Nexttotheclawfoottubwasasmallvanitywithanassortmentofbrushes,combsandcontainers.Arijahadalreadydiscoveredthatthesmallbronzecontainersheldvariousbitsofmakeup,butshewasn’tthemakeupwearingtype.Seeingthecontainersagainthismorning,beforeshehadtimeforcoffee,onlyrousedanotherboutofanger.

“Even mechanical men think it’s all about appearances. Ifanything,thesethingsshouldbeinAdal’sroom.”Arijalaughedassheturnedupthehotwaterandsteppedintothetubforamuch-neededshower.

Fifteenminuteslater,shesteppedoutoftheshowerandoverto thevanity.She inspected theneatly foldedpile of clothingasshepickedupone of theboar-hairbrushes.She ran thebrushthroughherhair and left thebathroomwith thepile of clothes.Arija fannedtheoutfitoutonthebedandher lipscurled intoascowl.

“Note to self: watch that creepy robot guy,” Arija said,wonderinghowCogknewhersize.Shehadneverseenstitchingand designs like these before, aside frommaybe in her historytextbooks.Shepickedupaleathercorsetbyoneofthestrapslikeitwas garbage. Arija hadneverworn one before. These sorts of“dollclothing”(assheoftencalledthem)weren'therstyle.

“This will be fun. Takeme an hour to buckle this bad boyup,” Arija scoffed as she dropped the corset back onto the bedandpickeduptheskirt.Sheranher fingersacrossthematerialandwonderedwhatitwasmadeof.Itfeltlikeleather,butitwasmuchlighterandmoreflowythananyleathershe’deverseen.

Sheshruggedandslid theskirtonbeforenoticingapairofblack leggings sitting on the bed. She put on the leggings andthenbuckledherselfintothecorset.

AsArijastartedtowalkoutoftheroom,shenoticedapairoftall leatherbootssittingnexttothedoor.Shegrabbedthemandsatdownon theedgeof thebed toput themon.Afterbucklingthebootsuptoherknees,Arijastoodandadmiredherselfinthefull-lengthmirror.

“All right, I guess I don’t look too bad in this outfit.” Arijagrabbed the brush she’d set on the bed, opened the door, andsteppedintothehall.

15|AndSoItBegins

Adal stepped out of the shower and admiredhimself in thefoggedmirrorashedideverymorning.Heranhishandoverthestubbleonhis faceandreflexively looked forhisrazorbeforeherememberedwherehewas.Nexttothesinkwasastraightrazor,butAdaldidn’tknowhowtouseone.Helethishandhoverovertheshinymetallicobjectbeforehedecidedhedidn’twanttocuthisthroattrying.Hegotdressedinstead.

“Well,theregoesthat,”Adalsaid,steppingbackandlookingathisoutfit.Adallovedtheold-styleoutfitCoghadleftforhim.Infact,hewouldprobablymakeithisnewstylewhenhewentbackhome.Heeyedtheleathervestinthemirror.Adalhadneverwornavestbefore;he’dalwaysconsideredthemtobenerdy.Butthisvest was dope and, with the chains that ran to the pocket, hethoughthelookedmorelikeabikerthananerd.Tuggingattheendsofhisshirt,pleasedwithwhathesaw,Adalmadehiswayintothehallway.

Unlike when they initially came up last night, the corridorwasbrightandwarm.Adallookeduptofindtheentireceilingwasaglassdome,likeinthetrainstationsbackhome.Warm,radiantraysoflightpiercedtheglassandwashedoverAdal’sface.

The walls in the hall were lined edge to edge with paintedpicturesofanassortmentofstrangethingsAdaldidn’trecognize.Some looked like blueprints, others like paintings of landscapesand Dwellers. As Adal stopped to eye a particularly confusingpainting,adoordownthehallopenedandArijawalkedout.

Thetwostoodinsilenceforamoment,lookingateachother.Adaltriedtosuppressthegrinthatspreadacrosshisface,buthe

wasunsuccessful.“Stopstaring,”ArijasaidasshelookedAdalupanddown.“Sleep well?” Adal managed, trying to break the awkward

silence.“Yup.You?”“Yeah. Deep. So, these clothes?” Adal laughed, pulling his

coatopenandturninginacircle.Arijasighedandletasmalllaughescapeherlips.“Right?Not

sureifIcangetusedtothese.Imean,theylookgood,especiallyonme, but not themost comfortable.Have you ever seenwhatpassed asVictorianunderwear? It’s almost like a romper.”Arijaadjustedhercorsetandtuggeditupward.

“Isthataninvitation?”Adalsmirked.Arijagaspeddramaticallyandsluggedhiminthearm.“Inyour

dreams! In fact,noteven there,”shebarked, tryingnot tosmilebut failing. “Let’sgetdownstairs.I’msurethey’rewaitingforusbynow.”ArijaturnedandheadeddownthehallwithAdalintow.

“Hey!”Arijacalledoverhershoulder.ShepausedandtossedAdalabrush.

“Thanks, girl!” Adal ran the brush over his hair as theycontinuedwalking.

“Yeah,Iknowyouhavetobetheprettiestoneintheroom,soIfiguredyou’dneedthatmorethanIdo.”

Adalpaused,scowlingather.“Hey,don'thatebecauseIlookgreatallthetime.Youeverneedadvice,Igotyou,”Adalsaidashecontinuedtorunthebrushthroughhisthickhair.

“Justkeepmovingbefore Ibruisethatpretty faceofyours,”Arijasneered.

When they got to the library,Cogwaswaiting for them.Hestood in thecenterof theroomandwore thesameoutfitas thepreviousday.Adalwondered if theDwellers everhad to changetheir clothes. Recalling the assortment of odd, and mildlyinsulting,questionshe’dalreadyasked—andwould likelyask inthefuture-hekeptthethoughttohimself.

“Goodmorning!Ihopeyousleptwell.Ah,IseeyouchosetoweartheclothingImadeyoulastnight.Ihopetheyfitallright.Idid the best I could in assessing your sizes,” Cog said, with asmile.

“Actually,theselookgreatandfitmejustright,”Adalbegan.“ButArijaishavingsomeproblemswithherunde—”

Arija brought her elbow into Adal’s stomach, stopping himmid-sentence.

“They are perfect. Thank you for the trouble you wentthrough,”Arijasaid,shootingAdalalookfromthecornersofhereyes.

“Ah,surely,notroubleatall.Now,Ithinkaquickbite is inorder beforewe set out for the day.Webley is waiting out backandisworkingonaspecialstarttotheday.MightI interestthetwo of you in an apple and some coffee?” Cogmotioned to thetablebetweenthesofaandtwochairs.

Asmalltraysatinthecentercontainingtworubyapplesandthe usual bowls of coffee. Arija grabbed the cup of coffee,scrunchinghernoseattheapplebeforetakingseverallargegulpsof the beverage. Adal took two large bites of the apple as Arijaplacedthecupbackonthetray.HecontinuedtosiphiscoffeeasheturnedhisattentionbacktoCog.

“Well now, shall we?” Cog asked, waving for them to followhim.

Notwantingtowasteanotherminute,AdalputbackhisstillhalffullcupofcoffeeandthetwofollowedonCog’stailasheledthem into the kitchen, then through another door at the otherend.Adal’sheartpoundedsohardhethoughtitmightbreakoutofhischestandmakearunforitashethoughtaboutwhattheymightdotoday.

After walking through the next door, Adal and Arija foundthemselves standing at the entrance of a greenhouse. Vaulted,fogged glass ceilings covered the greenhouse. A large, intricatepipe system wound its way across the entire room. Periodicdroplets of ice-cold water dripped on Adal as he walkedunderneath and he extended his hands and looked up, as ifexpecting a rainstorm. Rack after iron rack of flowers, herbs,smalltrees,andevenedibles,filedtheroom,makingitfeellikeajungle.

Whywouldn'ttherebesomuchgreeneryinthisstrangehome?Adal thought as he delicately ran his fingers across a strange

spikedplanthe’dneverseenbefore.Itlookedlikeacrossbetweenacactusandapalmtree.

Adal’seyesdancedfromonecuriousplanttoanother.One,inparticular,madebothArijaandAdalfreezeastheypassed.Itwasthesizeofadecorativefountain.Emeraldgreensspunintoaconeshape and the large petals tilted so it could show off its plum-coloredinterior.Astheynearedit,Adalclosedhiseyesandtookadeep breath, filling his lungs with all the plant’s odors. But assoonashislungsfilled,hewasovercomewiththeurgetovomit.

Without turning, Cog’s shoulder shook with laughter.“Careful with some of these, Webley fancies himself a bit of acollector.Thatparticularoneisveryrare.EvenintherealmoftheTopsiders.ItiscalledtheCorpseFlower.Bloomisveryrare,andthe smell, well ...” His chuckles faded as they put distancebetween themselves and the foul plant. “There, have a smell ofthose. Itwill cleanse thathorribleodor.These, Ihavebeen told,smellofhoney.”

Adal didn't even pause to consider before he inhaled sodeeply that several of the tiny,white flowersnearlywentuphisnose. Arija laughed as she watched Adal desperately try to ridhimselfofthesmell.

ThegrouproundedthecornertoadoorthatledthemoutofthehouseandintotheopennessoftheMachine.

Webley’s back yard was not large. Rather, the area wasquaint,with lusciousgrassstretchedover thesurface,strangelybeautifulplantsscatteredrandomlyacrosstheyard,andasmallbutelegantbirdbaththatsatalmostdirectlyinthecenterofthegreenpatch.Inthebath,severalsmall,mechanicalbirdsflutteredand splashed in the water, their movements so perfect andrealisticthatitwaspossibletoforgettheyweremachines.

Adal looked around at the lush grass. Everything they’dexperiencedsincesteppingfootinthisplacewasmadeofmachineandmetal,butthiswasorganic,healthy,thickgrass.Theskywasa blue hue, almost identical to the sky from home, althoughsomethingwasslightlyoffaboutthecolor.Hehadn'tevennoticedthatCoghadcontinuedwalking,or thatArijawasabout to runrightintohim.

“Mybad!”Adalsaid.“You’reallset,”sheanswered.On the other side of the lawn,Webley stood on a platform

that extendedpast the yard’s edge. From their vantage point, itlooked as though his property dropped off as sharply into theopenabyssastheplatformwheretheyfirstencounteredthetrain.

16|PineappleLeather

From a distance, Arija watched the wonderful blueillumination above them change back to orange. The colorremindedherofthestreetlampsthatcameonafterdarkbyherhouse, and she wondered how it could be both daylight andsunsetatthesametime.

“Howisthisplacelit?”AdalaskedCog,squintingattheskyabovethem.

“Doyoulikeit?Webleyinsistedondoingsomethingtomakethehouse abitmore to your liking.”Cog spoke as though theyhadsimplyturnedaswitchon,butsomethingofthismagnitudehad to bemore complicated. Adal glanced over his shoulder atArijawhowasalreadyshakingherhead.

“Yeah,buthowthough?”heaskedagain.Cog paused and turned to them. “Bulbs. A special type of

bulb with filaments hand-forged by Webley. We collect certaingases, and fill the bulbswith both the forged filaments and thegases todrawvariouseffects.Thesebulbs light theentireWorldMachine. The ones overhead were made last night to give theappearance of a blue sky for your morning. The rest of themachine,however, isstill litwith the traditionalbulbs.Theonlyotherplaceyouwillfindthesewillbeoverthevalleys.Fruitsandvegetablesalsopreferthistypeoflight.”

Adal shrugged, but Arija was amazed that the technologyherewassosimple,yetvastlydifferent to thatusedbackhome.

Shewondered if itwaspossibletobringsomeof thistechnologybackwiththem.

“Ah, ‘ereyeare!Mornin’!Beenwonderin’whenyemightgetup.Comeonover,Igotsomethin’teshowya.”Webleywavedthemon,almostasexcitedastheywere.Heheldtwolargepacksinhishands.Fromwheretheystood,thetwopackslookedtobeleatherrucksacks. As Arija followed Adal across the lawn, Cog stoppedher.

“Please pardon my intrusion but, when we met, I couldn'thelp but notice your pack. After dinner, you left it at the tableand,lastnight,Itookthelibertytoexamineit.”

Cog’s words caused a heat of embarrassment and anger towarmArija’scheeks.Coghadlookedthroughherbagandfoundamessofsoakedandruinedhalfdrawingsanddoodles.AdalwastheonlypersonotherthanhermotherwhohadeverseenArija’ssketchesandshe’dplannedonkeepingitthatway.

“Excuseme?”sheasked,aggravationlacingherwords.“Again, I begpardon; I tooknowwhat it is like tohave the

urge tomakesomethingbeautiful.Webleymadesureof that ...”Cog paused for a moment, confusing Arija and making herwonderwhatexactlyhe’dlost.

“Anyway,Imadeyousomethingandwanttogive it toyou.”Cog unslung a beautifully ornate messenger bag from hisshoulder.Itwasburgundyandhadanetched-laceoverlay.Bronzeclasps and buckles enclosed the top flap and the emblem fromAdal’scoinwasburnedintothecenter.Arijashookherhead,thentook the gift and ran her fingers over the soft fabric. A leatherstrap bound the flap and she unbuckled it to examine thecontentsofthebag.

“Ihavetoaskyousomething.Yousaidearlierthatyoudon'tbelieve in killing living beings. That it’s common practice toadmireandappreciate lifeand itscreatures in theMachine.So,why are there somany productsmade of leather?” Arija asked,pullingalargebookfromthebag.

“How do you mean? All of our leather is made frompineapple,”Cogresponded,confused.

“You make your leather from pineapple?” she asked,

assuminghewasjoking.“Yes. It isaprocesswediscovered longago. If you take the

pineapple leaves,youcanmakeasortof ...”Cogpaused,notingtheconfusedlookonArija’sfacebeforeadding,“It’squitedurableandsoft.”

Arija shrugged and brought her attention back to the largebookinherhands. Itscoverwasdarkbrownandwellwornyet,whensheopenedit,theblankpageswereperfectivory—softandnew. It was a sketchbook to replace the one that had beendestroyed.Asmallpouchatthebottomofthebagheldcharcoalsticks and other sketching tools. She was speechless. After amomentofgawking,shemusteredasoft,“Thankyou.”

Cognoddedandsteppedaside,motioningforhertojoinAdalnext to Webley, who was explaining something. Arija couldn’tconcentrate on what was happening around her; her head wasbuzzing,andsheitchedtositdownanddrawsomethingsshe’dseen.

“Ye two ready te’ see the Machine?” Webley’s voice waschipperandheldhintsofamusement.Hetossedoneofthepackshe carried to Adal and the other to Arija who had just enoughtime to sling the satchel Cog had given her over her shoulderbeforecatchingtheonethrownather.

“What’s in this thing?” Adal asked, struggling to locate theclaspthatwouldopenit.

“Yewillsee. It’sthewaywe’llbegettin’abouttoday.Easiestmanner o’ travel in theMachine. Iwouldn't try te’ open it. Jus’put it on. Tell ye ‘bout it in a moment.” The toothy grin onWebley’sfacewasalittleconcerning,butAdaltookonelastlookatthebagandthrewitoverhisshoulder.Arijadidthesame.

“Comfortable? Well now, Cog do ye mind showin’ ‘em wha’theseare?”

Arijashrugged.Thesatchelsweresurprisingly lightfortheirsize. In fact, their standard haul of school books weighedsignificantlymorethanthese.Cogwalkedbetweenthem.Hehaddonned his own pack, similar to theirs, and with a jerk of hisarms, the sides burst open and a set of large, scaled wingsexpandedbetweenthem.

AdaljumpedbackwardandArijathrewherhandsuptocoverher face.Webleyhowledwith laughterandevenCog’sshouldersshookwithamusement.Thewingsweregorgeousand remindedArijaofthesmallmechanicalfinchfromtheplatformthepreviousday. Rather than feathers, row upon row of small scalescomprisedthemajorityoftheirmass.Severalstripsofcopperrantheir length, like bones thatwould support a realwing. All thiscenteredaroundasmall,metalboxthatsatinthecenterofCog’sshoulders.

“Whatthe...?Wings?”Adalasked,collectinghimself.He cleared his throat and continued in a lower octave. “I

mean,ofcoursewings!”Arija rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help the small smile

thatformedatthesideofhermouth.AdallookedbackandforthoverthestructureonCog’sback

andhisexpressiondropped.“Ah,wait!Wings?”“Thefliegensacksarethebestwaytogetaround,Ipromise,”

Cogchimedin,turningtofacethegroup.Arija’sheartdancedinherchest.Sheknewheightspetrified

Adal.Watching his seamless bravado falter forced a laugh fromhermouth.

“Oh,comeon,Adal.Youmean to tellmeyougotusall thewayhereandyoucan’tevenhandlealittleflying?Ithoughtyouwereinvincible?”sheteased.

“Imean,sure,youcanbesarcastic,butdoyouseeanengineon those, uhhwhat are they called? Flyingsacks?” Adal pausedforamoment. “Planningon justglidingand then falling toyourdeath?I’mnot.”

“Fligensacks…withaG,”Cogcorrected.“Still ‘avent got the feel fer theMachine? Ye will learn tha’

thingsarevastlydifferentdown‘ere.Noneedtafearengines.It’ssimple.”WebleywalkedovertoCogandbroughttheirattentiontotheboxinthecenterofthefliegensack.

“Inthere’sasmall forktha’vibratesataset frequencyoncestarted.Thisfrequencytransferstathesmallscalesonth’wings.Theyvibrateancreatetheirownformo’lift.Liketh’birdsonth’surface. There are also calibrated gyroscopic adjusters.” Webley

stuckhishandbetweenCogandthebackofthepack.“Tha’willturn thewhole thing inanydirection tha’yewant.Only ‘ave te’make the slightest movement. All ye ‘ave te’ do is ...” Webleyreachedovertoasmallknobononeofthestrapsandturnedit.

Suddenly, the sound of faint vibrations emitted from thewings.ArijaandAdalsteppedforwardandexaminedeachofthescales. They, indeed, appeared to be vibrating, but at such aspeedArija couldno longer discernwhere each individual scalebeganorended.

“Wait, are you telling me that something straight out of ascience fictionbook reallyworks andwe’re about to fly throughtheaironthesethings?Forone,Idon’tknowhowfardownthedrop is. Oh, and don’t forget all the weird machines andstructureseverywhere! Idon'tthinkI’mdownforthisone.”Adalpulledatthestrapsofhispack.

“I think I agree. Imean,well ...”Arijawanted toagreewithAdal.Thisallsoundedlikeuttermadnessbut,thenshesaid,“I’mgoing to do it.” Her heart pounded in her ears. This wassomething she just couldn't say no to. The science soundedpreposterous but, then again, so would this place if she hadn'tseenitwithherowntwoeyes.

“Ah!Wonderful! ‘Ats wha’ I wanted te’ hear!”Webley pattedArijaontheshoulderandplacedhislargearmsaroundthebothof them. He led them to the edge of the platform. As Adal andArija stepped to the drop and looked at the incredible worldaroundthem,Arijawasrenderedspeechless.

“Well,Cog,wha’doyethink?‘Ereshouldwegofirst?”WebleyshoutedoverhisshoulderasCogappearedatArija’sside.

“I think going into town would be an interesting way ofintroducingthesetwotothewondersoftheMachine.”

“Ahh!Greatidea.Te’townthen.”Arija examined Webley, noticing something strange before

saying,“notcomingwithus?Where’syourpack?”“Don’t need one. I have me own ways. In fact ... Race ya

there!”Webleybellowedasheleapedintotheair.Adal tried tograsp forhim, tokeephim from falling,nearly

slippingintotheopenairhimself.AsAdalsteadiedhimself,Arija

hadtostiflealaugh.Thepoorboylookedlikehewasgoingtobesick.

Webley continued forward for nearly fifty feet, until hereached a small beam that ran horizontally between two otherbeams.HishandclaspedthemetalfromunderneathandWebleythrewhimselfintotheairwithatwist,landingontheflatsurface.

“Ye comin’ ‘er wha’?” he shouted back at the group, beforeturning and leaping from surface to surface, scaling the beamslikesomegiganticprimate.

AdalandArija lookedateachotherbehindCog’sback,eyeswideandglossy.

“Well, I do suppose we should be off after him. Trust mewhenIsayhe isquite fastandliterallyknowsthismachine likethebackofhishand.So,foryourfirsttime,Irecommendleaping.Asyoufall,turntheknobonthestrapsoncetoopenandtwicetostart.Thesethingsmovequicklyandareveryresponsivetoyourmovements.Just trust yourself andyouwill be fine.Followme,andwecanstillbeathim.Ready?”Cogsteppedahalfstepbehindthetwoandplacedhishandsinthecenteroftheirshoulders.

“I...uh...I...”Adalbegan,lookingattheopenspaceaheadofhim.HeturnedtoArija,pleadingwithhiseyesforhertostopthis.Hisfacepaledandabeadofsweattrickleddownhischeek.

Arijafeltbadforhim,butsheknewtheonlywaytogethimto jumpwouldbe to go first. “Hey.”ArijanudgedAdalandheldher fist out. He looked at it nervously for a moment beforeextendinghisown.Thetwodabbedtheir fiststogetherandArijaturnedtoCogwithasmileonherface.

“Oncetoopen,twicetostart,right?”sheasked.Cogsmiledandnodded.Arijaletthebutterfliesinherstomachrunwild,turningher

head slightly and casting a fleeting glance at Adal. She took adeep breath, crouched, and brought her hands up to her facebeforeexecutingatextbookbackflipovertheedge.

17|ToFlyorNotToFly

The heart-pounding sensation of adrenaline and euphoriawashedoverArijaasshefell.Thiswasthemostincrediblethingshehadeverexperienced.Freedom.Skydivinghadalwayspiquedher interest, but she’d never had the courage to do it. Now shenever wanted the feeling to end. Columns and pillars whippedpast, and she became hypnotically lost in themoment. Closinghereyes,shelettheairrushpasther,feelingthepoundingofherheart throughout her body before forcing her eyes open andremembering that she was falling. Arija grabbed for the knob,holdingontoitbeforegivingitthenecessarytwoturns.

A jolt tore through her body as the wings sprung from thepackandstoppedherfromfalling.Avibratinghumrandownherbackasshehungintheair.Arija’swingsshonebeautifullyintheglimmeroftheorangelightand,foramoment,shethoughttheywereonfire.

Alaughescapedherlipsasshelookeddown,andtherealityof what was happening set in. Her mind was buzzing. Everyparticle of her body was at full attention. She twisted, and thepackjumpedintogear,rotatingherinthreefullcirclesbeforeshestopped. Arija shook the dizziness from her head and lookeddown, prompting the pack to drop her a few feet before shecaughtonandlookedupagain.

As the buzzing in her head grew louder, Arija realized itwasn’tbuzzingatall.She lookedup just in time to seeAdal flypasther,stillinfreefallandyellingatthetopofhislungs.

“Turntheknob!”sheshouted.Arijaturnedherbodytogetabetterlookatherfallingfriend,

and she began to move in his direction. This would take somegettingusedto.Shetestedherboundsandfoundthat,ifsheonlyturnedherhead,shedidn’tmove.Butifsheallowedherbodytotwistwithher,thepackpushedherinthatdirection.Testingoncemore, she discovered that, themore she twisted, the faster sheturned.So she rotatedherself inAdal’s direction and zipped offafterhim.

“Fuck!Fuck!Fuck!”Adalshoutedashefell.Blindpanicfoggedhismindandhis

heart pounded so fast, he thought he’d die of a heart attack before he ever hit theground,assumingtherewasagroundtohit.

Seeing Arija suspended in the air with her wings outremindedAdalabouttheknobonthestrapheclungto fordearlife.Wipingsweatfromhishandtobettergrasptheknob,hegaveitaquickturn.Withajolt,thewingsexpanded,buthecontinuedto fall. Panicked, Adal flailed his arms once more. His heartjumpedintohisthroatasherealizedthathewasnearingalargetankthatsatatopanironstructure.

Hekickedhislegsandswattedatthewingsinanattempttostart them. The tank and platform grew closer and closer. Itfigured;fallingstartedhimonthistrip,andnowitwouldendit.Atthatmoment,heheardavoiceshoutingimpatiently.

“Turnitagain!”Arijabarkedassheflewupnexttohim.Adal looked up at his friend’s scared and frustrated face,

thenturnedtheknobagain.Hestoppedmid-fall,onlya fewfeetfromthetank.

Heranthepalmofhishandacrosshissweat-drenchedheadandsaid, “Two turns, you idiot!”He turned to lookatArijaandswoopedbackintotheair.

18|ATeamEffort

Oncethepanicsubsided,thesensationofflightwasamazing,aslongashedidn’tlookdown.Adalzippedaroundtheimmediateareatogetafeelforthecontrolsofhisnewappendages.

Arijafollowedsuit,cuttingacrosshispathandjettingcirclesaroundhimwhenshecould.Themoretheytestedtheirabilities,the more daring they became. Charging at one another andswoopingaway just in time,keepingsoclose theycould feel thebreezecreatedbytheother.

“ThisisthemostamazingthingI’veeverdone!”Adalshouted,flying past awall equippedwith large pistons that pumped andejectedsteam.Heranhishandacrossthesmooth,coldmetalandpushedaway,flippingandflyinginvertedoverArija.Shepointedher body and shot upward, just missing his head and causinghimtotumbleintheair.Theideaofbeingsohighupstillmadehimwanttovomitbutaslongashefocusedontryingtofly,Adalwasmostlyabletohidethepanicthatstillsettledinhisgut.

“What’sthematter?Stillabitjumpy?”Arijateased,spinningand pulling herself into a ball that briefly caused her to dropseveralfeetbeforesheopenedherselfoncemoreandflewaway.

Adalscrunchedhis face.Notwillingtoadmitthethoughtoffallingstillmadehimsick.Hegavechaseandswunghisarmsatherfeetasthetwomovedbetweenstructures.

“If you two think you are comfortable enough, I’d like toremind you we are still in a race,” Cog said from atop a smallshackthatwasboundandfastenedtoapillar.

Arijaslappedherforehead.“Sorryaboutthat.Please,leadon,

Cog.”Cogshookhishead.“Ithasbeenquiteamusingwatchingyou

learn yourwayaround,butnow that youhave yourbearings, Ithink it is time to catchup toWebley. So, try to keepup.”Coglungedfromhisperchandtookoff.ArijastraightenedherbodyinhisdirectionandshotoffafterhimwithAdalclosebehind.Adalwatched Cog weave between buildings, railings, and otherobstacles,narrowlymissingthemasheturnedandtwisted.

As Arija took a sharp turn around a tall building madealmost entirely of glass and piping, she caught the corner of awindow with her hip and spun face first into the side of thebuilding.

Adalcouldn’thelpthelaughterthatburstfromhismouth.Ashe shot past Arija, he turned and waved. She rolled her eyes,extendhermiddlefinger,thenshotoffafterhim.

Passingthroughaslimgapthatscarcelyhadenoughspace,asmallflockofbirdsflewdirectlyinfrontofthegroup.Cogspunand missed the flock entirely, but Adal and Arija foundthemselves swatting at the air to avoid colliding with the smallcreatures.

“Careful.Someofthesmalloneswillflyrightinfrontofyouand jam your wings. Keep a look out!” Cog shouted over hisshoulder.

Adal’s first thought was that, regardless of the birdsdamagingthewings,ametalanimalhittinghiminthefaceatthisspeedlikelywouldn'tfeelgreat.

“Lookout!”Cogshouted,pointingtotheirright.BythetimeAdalhadthechancetoact,anothersmallflockof

birds flew into them. Adal covered his face with one hand andswattedattheairwiththeother.Whenheuncoveredhisface,hiseyesbulged.Thebirdswererunningfromalargewingedcreaturethatwascomingstraightforthem.

Adalstared inshockatwhatappeared tobeamixtureofalarge beetle and a mosquito flapping its brass wings in theirdirection.Longlegshungunderneathitsmetallicbodylikedeadtreelimbs.

Arijapointedatthecreature,butshecouldn’tseemtospeak.

Adal glanced back to the flying monster. There wasn’t justone beetle flying at them, but a whole fleet of them. Their fat,hefty bodies dropped and lifted as they flapped their too-smallwingsandstruggledtokeepafloat.Lightreflectedofftheirblack,metallicbodiesandblindedAdalashesquintedintheirdirection.

“Those things are like the size of a house!” he yelled,shieldinghiseyesfromtheglare.

Cogswerveddownwardandbarelymissedcollidingwithoneofthebugsasitchasedseveralofthebirdsdirectlyathim.

“Adal!”Arijayelled,butitwastoolate.Three of the larger insects flew directly into Adal as he

twistedtoavoidthem.Hemanagedtoswerveoutofthewayofthefirst and exhaled with relief before another two insects camearoundacorner.ThefirstinsectstruckAdalunderneathhisrightwing, spinninghimand turninghimupside down.His stomachlurched into his throat and Adal immediately regretted forcingdown the large cup of coffee he had for breakfast. He reeled,rubbinghishandacrosshishead to steadyhismind.But thenthesecondbeetlehithimsoharditknockedthewindoutofhim.

Adalbouncedoverthebackof thecreature.Hereachedoutto grasp whatever he could. His hands found the edge of aninvisible flap andhe dughis fingers in. For a briefmoment, hesaw Arija and Cog still twisting and flipping through the air toavoidtherestofthegroup.Adalflewaway,clingingtothebackofamechanical flyingbeetle.As the spinning inhisheadand thenausea in his stomach subsided, Adal looked back over hisshoulderonlytofindhecouldn’tseeArijaorCoganymore.

With all of his remaining strength, Adal pulled himself uphigheronthecreature.Helookedfromsidetosideandsawwhatwas left of his wings flapping limply off the sides of his newtransport.Withevery twistand turn, they flappedandpulledathim,nearlyknockinghimoffthebeetletofalltohisdeath.Fuck!Adal thought as he watched his useless wings flapping in thewind.

Pullinghimselfup,Adalturnedover,placedhisstomachonthetopof thecreatureandtriedtowraphis legsaroundit.Theinsectwas toowide,buthewasable tohookhis feetunder the

shellbetweenitswings.Hetookamomenttoexaminehissituation.Hewasridinga

giant beetle mosquito as several others flew alongside him. Hiswingswerefuckedand, if themechanicalbugmadeanysuddenmovements,hewouldfalltohisdeath.Adalforcedbilebackdownhisthroatashevowedhewouldneverflyagain.Hedidn’tthinkthe beetles knew or cared he was there, and he took this as agoodthing.Atleastthebugwasn’ttryingtoshakehimoff.

Withhiswings tuggingathisback,hesqueezedhis legsastightashecouldandattemptedtoremovehispackentirely.Withseveralhardtugsattheclasp,Adalreleasedhimselfandwatchedthewingsdisappear.

As Adal brought his attention forward again, his small,triumphantsmilevanished.Theinsectwasflyingdirectlytowardalarge,copperpillar.

Adal closedhis eyesand flattenedhimself on the creature'sback.Buttheforceofimpactjerkedhimdownward.Astheinsectplummeted,Adallosthisgrip,slidingupandofftheinsect’sback.

Asheslidofftheendofthecreature,Adalmanagedtograboneof its longlegs.Hisaddedweightmadethecreatureswerve.He had thrown its balance off, and it was having a hard timekeepingsteady.Thecreaturewailedamechanicalcryasittwistedandturned.

Constantly adjusting his grip and kicking his legs to avoidclose obstacles, Adal did all he could to keep from falling, orthinking about how far the fall would be. Fighting the drivingsensationthathewasgoingtoslipatanymoment,Adalgaveonefinaltuginanattempttosteadyhimself.

The creature let out another mechanical screech, likegrinding gears, and Adal looked up just in time to see his rideslamintoanotherbeam.

An explosion of components and metal shavings sent Adalflying forward through the air. The openness around him waspossibly the most agonizingly peaceful sensation he had everexperienced.Hespreadhis limbsashe flewonhisown, thoughhecouldonly closehis eyesandwait for the inevitable collisionthatwouldendhisexistence.Acollisionthatcamequickerthan

heanticipated,butwasn’tnearlyasdevastatingasheexpected.A sharp pain spread through his entire body, followed by

continuousjoltsofagonyasherolledrepeatedlyacrosswhatfeltlikeaflatsurface.Afterseveralharshturns,Adalfinallycametoa stop on his back and let out a loud groan of pain. A stale,metallictastefilledhismouth,andhecoughedloudly,attemptingtoregainhisbreath.

“Aw ...shit ...”Adalslowlyopenedhiseyesandblinked theworld back into focus. Remaining still to avoid discovering ifanythingwasbroken,Adalshothiseyesfromsidetoside.

The platform he had landed on was sizable, and lookedalmost identical to the landingplatform for the train.Numerousmoundsofscrapmetalwerescatteredaround,remindingAdalofa landfill. Ashe pulledhimself slowly into a sitting position, herealized he still clutched the long leg of the flying insect in hishand. That’s when he vomited. Acrid stomach acid and coffeespewedoutofhismouthandnose,coveringasmallareaof theplatform.

“Shit!”hecroakedashedropped thesevered legandwipedhishandonhisblackpants.Squeezinghiseyesshut,Adalshookhisheadtoregainhiscomposure.

Itwasthenhefeltthevibrations.Openinghiseyesagain,hefoundthatoneofthe largebugs

had also landed on the platform. It was roughly twenty yardsaway and was staring at him like he’d just killed its brother,whichhehad.Ithadglowing,blue,slittedeyesandasetoflargefangsthatresembledaspider’s.

“Good...thing.Nicething...”Adalcooed,nottakinghiseyesoffthecreature.Hefroze,thinkingthat,ifhesatstillenough,theinsectwouldn’tbeabletoseehim.Wait,no,that’sdinosaurs,Adalchidedhimselfasthecreaturebared its large fangsand lowereditsheadlikeadogabouttostrike.

“Damn!”Adalsprangtohisfeet,adrenalinepumpingthroughhisbodynot for the first time that day. Just ashe touchedhisfeettothemetalground,theinsectlungeddirectlyforhim.Adalreached down, grabbed the severed leg he’d tossed aside, andbroughtitupintotheair.

“Idon't thinkso!”heshoutedas theanimal lungedathim.Adaltookahalf-stepbackwardandswungthelegashardashecould. Itcollidedwiththe lefteyeofhisattacker,andthe insectretreatedbackward,squealinginpain.

Adalraisedtheimprovisedclubagainandswung.Thistime,thecreaturedodgedat just the rightmoment,andAdal’sattackwentwide.

ThecreatureswipedoneofitslegsinanoutwardmotionandsweptAdal'sfeetoutfromunderhim.Hehitthefloorwithahardthud.

Thecreaturetriedforhimoncemore.Thistime,Adalplungedthelegintothegapbetweentheinsect’stwofangs.Halfthelengthofthelegslidintothebeetle,andAdalknewhehadmanagedtoforceitdownthecreature’sthroat.

“Eatthis!”Adalyelled,yankingtheweaponfreeandstrikingagain at the bug’s face. Another solid hit sent it backward, butonlyforamoment.

It lunged forward with its fangs extended. Adal had justenoughtimetoformabarandjamitupward,blockingthelargespikes just inches from his face. He pressed with all of hisremaining strength as the creature lowered its fangs closer tohim. Until he could feel the tips stabbing at his cheeks. Adalgrittedhisteeth,shoutedinanger,andpushedwitheverythinghehad.

The creaturewhipped aside, releasing thepressure onAdalasittumbledaway.Twoseparatemassesslidacrossthefloorandittookamomentbeforeherealizedwhathadhappened.

Astheinsectrolledontoitsback,Arijaleaptfasttoherfeet.ShetossedasidethewingsfromherbackthatwerenowjustascrumpledamessasAdal’s.

“Shit!Arija!”heshouted,jumpingupandrunningtoherside.“Jesus, Adal!What is that thing?” Arija stepped away from

thebodyasittwitchedonitsback.Adalknewnothingabout thecreatures in thisworld,but it

sure looked like it was dying. “I have no idea. The one I gotsnaggedoncollidedwithsomething,andoneofitsfriendsdecidedIwasgoingtobelunch.Nicehit,bytheway!Ioweyouone.”Adal

couldn't help himself; he wrapped his arms around Arija andsqueezedsohardhethoughthe’dbreakatleastonebone.

“Yeah, well you owe memore than one. I nearly broke myneckonthatdive.So,isitjusttheonebug?”Arijaasked,pullingfromAdal’sgripandlookingabout.

“Ithinkso.Imean,thereweremore,butIhaven'tseenthemsinceIhittheground.Where’sCog?”Adalbrushedimaginarydirtanddustfromhisshirtandshookoutthesidesofhislongcoat.

“Notsure.Whenwehitthatgroup,Cogflewofftoavoidtheimpact.IturnedandwentrightafteryouassoonasIcould.”

Aclankingsoundcaughttheirattention,andtheybothfroze.Adal’s heart jumpedback intohis throat andArija scanned thearea,hereyesnarrowedanddeadly.

From behind amound of scrapmetal came another one ofthemechanicalmonstrosities.Thethreestoodthere,eyeslockedforamoment,beforeArijaandAdalslowlytookastepback.

“So...maybeateameffortonthisone?”Adalasked,pickinguptheleghehadpreviouslyusedforprotectionandhandingittoArija.

Shelookedatthecrudeweaponlikeshewasdeterminingheroddsandnodded.

19|TheKleinmasch,A.K.Athe

Besquito

Adal found another segment of leg to use for himself. Afterscrutinizinghisownweapon,helookeduptoseethebesquito—ashe was now calling the strange beetle, mosquito mix—hunchedoveritsfallenbrotherandnudgeditwithoneleg.Foraconfusingmoment,Adalfeltguilty,andhewonderedhowamachinecoulddisplaysuchconvincingemotion.

“These thingsareno joke.Keepyourselfas farawayasyoucan,” Adal began, reminding himself that the besquito attackedhimfirst.“Also...”

“Adal,”Arijainterrupted,pointingtotheirright.Adal slowly turnedand saw that twomore of thebugshad

landed on the platform. They too made their way toward theinvertedmachine.

“So ... this isn't good.” Adal pressed his shoulder againstArija’s,suddenlyneedingtobeasclosetoherashecouldget.

“I thinkmaybewe should leave,” Arija added,motioning totheside.

Adal reached out a hand and squeezed hers as they slowlymadetheirwaytowardtheedgeoftheplatform.Aclankingsoundjolted Adal’s attention and, as they turned, an ear shatteringscreechnearlyknockedhimbackward.

Anotherbesquitostoodontopofthescrappilebehindthem.

Theywereboxedin.“Run!”Adalshouted,tuggingArijaaway.Thetwoturnedontheirheelsandrantowardanotherscrap

pileforcover.Theshriekwasechoedbyanotherandthenanotherasthebesquitossoundedthecharge.ThefloorbeneathAdalandArija’s feet shook with every step the horde of mechanicalcreaturestook.Fiveofthelargecreatureshoppedfrompiletopileatanincrediblespeed.Arijaseemedenthralledbythecreatures,and Adal grabbed her by the arm to prevent her frominadvertentlyfallingovertheedgeoftheplatform.

Shestaredathim,angerclearonherface.Thenshelookeddown,asifjustnownoticingwheretheywere.

Adal lookedovertheedge, foundthedistancedizzying,thenraisedhisweapon.

Arijaraisedherseveredlegandturnedtofacethemonsters.“Getready. If thesethingswantapiece, they'regoingtoget

thewhole thing!”Adal’s chest swelled.He let the sweet smell ofbriskairfillhislungsasthetinglingofnervestookoverhisbody.

20|TheFight

Thegroundshookastwomoreofthecreatureslandedaheadof them.Adal squeezedhis sweat-drenchedhands along the leglikeitwasabaseballbat.

“This isn't good!” Arija stated, seeing the fight leave Adal'seyes.

“Don't do that!We got this!” Adal flashed a brave glance atArija,buttheybothknewhewasjustasscaredasshewas.

The lineofmechanicalmonsters inched forward,screechingandflappingtheirwings.

Arija swallowed the lump in her throat and tried toconcentrateonfindingtheinsects’weakspot.

Onecreaturesteppedforwardfromtheline,causingtherestofthecreaturestostop.Aneerietickingsoundedasitrattleditslarge fangs and stretched its wings. The group lowered theirheads in respect for theiralphaand thena chorusof screechesandwailsforcedArijaandAdaltodroptheirweaponsandcovertheirears.

A gust of wind shot over Arija’s head as something flew ather, and she instinctively dropped to her knees. She fumbled,reachingforhermakeshiftweapon.Asshewrappedhershakinghandsaroundit,shepushedherselftoherfeet,swingingthelegfromsidetosidelikeshewasswattingatafly.

Catchingaglimpseofsomething,Arijastoppedandturnedtoface the line of mechanical insects. Cog stood in the spacebetween her and the creatures. He kept his focus on themechanicalbugs,notevenbotheringtoglanceoverhisshoulder.

Thewingsfromhispackretracted,tuckingthemselvesneatlyintohisbag.Arijasuddenlywishedshe’dknownshecoulddothatinstead of destroying the only thing that could have preventedthissituation.

Cogcarefullytookoffhisnewsboyhatandplaceditinasidecompartment of his pack. Arija nudged Adal andmotioned at asmall pipe inCog’s righthand. It couldn't havebeenany largerthan the severed legs they had. Arija scrunched her brow inconcernastheywalkeduptostandnexttoCog.Atleastnowtheyhadathirdpersontofightwith.

“This isn't your fight,Topsiders.Pleasestepbackandallowme the opportunity.” Cog’s words were cold, like a teacherremindingapupiloftheirplace.

Adalshruggedandtookastepback,butArijascrunchedherfaceandshookherhead.

“ImeantwhatIsaid,”Coginsisted,asifreadinghermind.Arija’sshoulderssankandsheletoutadefeatedhuff.Adaldroppedhisweaponandputhishandsout in frontof

him,palmsup.“Haveatit,boss.They’reallyours.”Adalwalkedbackovertotheedgeoftheplatform,leavingaconfusedArijastillholdingontoherweapon.

Cog waited, giving Arija the chance to leave before heextendedhisarmoutward.Hetwistedhishandonthesmallpipeand, with a sharp ping, the pipe extended, nearly tripling inlength. He lowered his arm and poised the staff behind hisshoulder,takingtwostepstowardthefirstcreature.

“Youdonotwantthisfight.Irecommendthatyouleave,”Cogsaid,glaringathisfoe.

Thesixremaininginlineshiftedintheirpositions,asthoughtheywereconsideringhiscommands.

Arijadidn’tknowifCogwastalkingtothemonstersortoher,but she took a few steps back anyway. She watched as thecreatures reacted to Cog’s words, seeming to understand them,andshewonderediftheyhadunderstoodeverythingsheandAdalsaidtoo.

Cog took another step toward the leadmonster. It followedhimwith itseyes,butdidn’tbackaway.Cogspunhisstaffwith

such force that the weapon seemed to bend in the air, itsstructuregrowingblurry.Hepointedthetipatthefaceofthebugandpaused,givinganotherwarning.

The mechanical insect shrieked and leaped at Cog. Heanticipated the attack and ducked out of the way with perfecttiming.

The creature took a step toward Arija who now felt foolishholding onto the severed leg. She dropped the leg and backedtowardAdal.

The creature lookedat them in confusion for amoment, asthough trying to decide which of them looked more delicious.ThenCogagainappearedbetweenthemandtheinsect.

Again, it lunged at him, but Cog slammed the edge of theweapon under the creature’s head and sent it tumbling backtowardtherestoftheswarm.

The lineofcreaturesall jumpedbackastheir leader landedwithaloudthudandslidtowardthem.

Thistime,Cogdidnotwaitforaresponse.Beforetheanimalcouldmaneuveritswayontoitsfeet,Coglandedonitsstomach,drivinghisweaponthroughitstorsoandpuncturingtheplatformbeneathit.

The creature cried out, the sound like amachine poweringdown.Itshuddered,thenbecamedeathlystill.

Therestof thegrouproared inrageand flapped theirgiantwings,thumpingtheirlonglegsliketheysoughtrevenge.

Arija wrapped her long fingers around Adal’s, too afraid totakeher eyesoff the giant insects,butneeding toknowhewasthere.

Cog jumped off the dead mechanical beetle, keeping hisweaponpointedtowardtheswarm.Theremaininginsectsseemedhesitant to attack. A few gnashed their teeth and bared theirfangs.OthersswipedtheirlonglegsatCog.

Cog shrugged his shoulders like he was annoyed that thecreaturesruinedhisday.Thenheranatthegroup,swinginghisweaponfromsidetoside.HejumpedhigherthanArijaimaginedpossible and buried his weapon in one creature's eye. Then heimmediatelydrovetheotherendthroughthebottomofanother’s

head. The two creatures toppled to the platform, twitching andwrithingforamomentbeforefallingstill.

Arija and Adal watched as the remaining three insectschargedatCog.Justasthefirsttwoapproachedhimfromeitherside,hetwirledhisweapon.Cogstabbedoneendintothechestofone of the creatures. Pulling the staff out,he stabbed the otherendintothechestofthesecond.

Arija hadnever seen the polite, quiet robot look so vicious.SheturnedashockedlooktowardAdal,whowaspumpinghisfistintheairandduckinghisheadlikehewasdirectingCoginthefight.

The last creature staredCogdown fora fewsecondsbeforethinkingbetterofitandflyingaway.

“Iamsosorryforthat!Really,Iam.Thesethingswouldhavemade short work of you and I had to act in accordance.” Cog’sstone-coldfacecamebacktolifeasheapproachedAdalandArija,retractinghisweaponbackintoitssmall,tubeform.Cogclickedthetoolintoasheaththatranalonghislowerback,thenbroughthis attention back to Adal andArija. “They didn't hurt you, didthey?”

“No... I’mfine.”Adalcoughed,straighteningupandcastinganembarrassedglanceatCog’sweapon.“Ineedtogetmeoneofthose.”

“Whatwerethosethings?”Arijaasked,steppingaroundCogand slowly walking toward the lifeless pile of machines. OnetwitchedwithafinaldeathrattleandbothArijaandAdaljumped.

Cog looked at the fallen machines and sighed. “In theMachine,weallhaveourpurposes.ThesecreaturesareknownastheKleinmasch.”

“TheKleinwhat?”Adalinterrupted.“Ipreferbesquito,easiertosay.”

Arijamadeafacelikeshe’djustsmelledsomethingawfulassheturnedherheadtostareatAdal.

“Kleinmasch,”Cogcontinued,notevenbotheringtoaskAdalwhatabesquitowas.“TheyareabreedofDwellerthatfeastsonothers.TheyliveinthedarkestpartsoftheMachine.Often,theyresideinareasthatonlyWebleywoulddarego.”

“WhywouldWebleymakesomething like this?”Arijaasked,intriguedbywhattheirpurposecouldbe.

“These things were notmade byWebley ...” Cog trailed off,lookingawayfromhiscompanions,towardthedeadmachines.

“Then who made them?” Arija caught Cog’s eye beforescrunching her face and turning back to the pile of deadmachines.

Cogexaminedthetwistedpileoflifelessscrap.Hesighed,asif deciding how to reply. “We have to go. The Dwellers in thesepartsaren'tthefriendliesttovisitors.Besides,surely,Webley,willbewonderingwhatiskeepingus.Areyoutwowellenoughtofly?”Cogasked,quicklychangingthesubjectandwalkingovertoAdal.

“I,uh,guesswe’refine.”AdalturnedaconfusedlooktoArija,whowasstillexaminingtheKleinmaschfromadistance.

Somethinghadpiquedher interest. It couldhave just beenan overactive imagination, but she could have sworn she sawsomeonewatchingthem.Thehaironthebackofherneckstoodonend,increasinghersuspicions.

“What about our wings? Both sets were destroyed,” Arijafinallysaidassheturnedherattentionbacktothegroup.

“Thatisn'taworry.Mywingsarecalibratedforextraweight.Often, I leave on errands that require the ability to move withextramass.Doyouthinkthetwoofyoucanholdon?”

ArijalookedatAdal.“Areyousurethisisthebestway?”sheasked.

“I mean, I don't really feel like almost dying a third timetoday,”Adalchimedin.

“Icouldleavethetwoofyouherealoneandflybacktocollectyoueachanothersetofwings,ifyouwouldprefer.”Cogarchedasinglemetalliceyebrow.

“Nope.We’llholdon,”Adalansweredforthebothofthem.Arija glaredatCog like shewaswaiting forhim to explode.

CogshotaglancetoArija,andtheylockedeyesinawickedbattleof wits before Cog smiled and pulled a handful of extra strapsfromhispack.

As Arija strapped herself to Cog, she gave a fleeting glancetowardtheKleinmasch,andtheshadowedareabehindit,where

she’dseentheeyes.ArijaknewCoghadseenthemtoo,buthe’dkeptquiet,andsowouldsheuntilshecouldfigureoutwhy.

Thegroup finishedpreparingthemselves for flightand,withmore grace thanArija could have imagined, they jetted into theair, shooting past their hidden admirer. As the platform grewdistant,Arijathoughtabouttheeyesshe’dseen.Thesewerenotthe blue of the Kleinmasch, these were a pale green andmuchsmaller than the Kleinmasch’s had been. She instinctivelyreachedforthebagstillclingingtoherhip.Shewantedtodrawtheeyesbeforesheforgotthem.

Just as the platformwas almost out of view, Arija thoughtshesawafigurecloakedinblackjumpfromtheplatformandfallintothenever-endingmachine.

21|TheRoost

Fausto’slongfallhaltedashegraspedapassingbeam.Usinghis momentum to swing himself, he launched into the air andgrabbedanother beam.Sliding from it to the onebelow,FaustomadehiswaydeepintothepitsoftheWorldMachine.Themasterwouldcherishthenewshisloyalservantcarried.Faustobroughtgoodnewstothemaster.Theexcitementandtheanticipationofabigrewardcausedhiscoldmechanicalhearttoflutter.

Theseparts of theMachinewere vastlydifferent from thosetoward the light. The closer yougot toWebley, thebrighter andwarmereverythingbecame.ButFaustoknewhowdarkandcoldtheMachinecouldreallybe.HelethismindwanderbacktowhenhefrequentedthebrightpartsoftheMachineasheflunghimselffromonebeamtothenextlikeamechanicalQuasimodo.

The warm orange and yellow hue faded to a mixture ofgreens,blues,andpurplesas thepolishedsurfaces transformedinto wet, rusted, and neglected beams. Webley had forgottenabout this part of the Machine long ago. No, not forgotten,abandoned.WebleyhadfailedtheKleinmasch,caringonlyabouttheDwellersthatobeyedhiseveryword.Well,Faustowasafree-thinkingDweller.Faustowasmeanttobealeader,andsoontheywouldseeit.Theywouldallseeit.

After a time, strands of wire began to appear. Fausto wasgetting close. It wasn’t uncommon to find stray wire strandswovenbetweenplatforms,leftbythespidersthatoftenhidintheshadows.ThefurtherintothemachineFaustotraveled,themorestrands he expected to see. Fausto grasped a beam and swung

himself, maneuvering around the web-like structure. A wickedsmilecreasedhisfaceashesawhishomeinthedistance.

Fausto scoffed as he thought about the way Cog haddescribed the Kleinmasch as Dwellers. The Kleinmasch werenothing like the Dwellers. They were far superior, vastly moreintricateandagreatdealmoreadvancedthananyDwellercouldeverhopetobe.

Dozens of Baeg scuttled about the large webs as Faustostopped descending and stood on a beam, looking out over hishome.He extended one long, thinhand and slid it between thewirestrands, lettingtheBaegcrawloverhis fingers.Faustohadalways appreciated the Baeg. Though their spider-like bodiescould fit in thepalmofhishand, they could strippreyof everynutandboltinmoments,iftheyhadalarge-enoughhorde.Theirabilitytorepairtheirlargerbrethren,theFeithidi,alsomadethemextremely useful for building an army. It was a shame thereweren'tanyBaegon theplatformearlier.Theywouldhavebeenable to repair the Feithidi that attackedCog and the Topsiders,andmakethefightthatmuchmoreinteresting.

Fausto watched as the leather-covered spider jumped fromhis hand back to its web. The Baeg were the only Kleinmaschmadeusingleatherbeforethemasterdecideditwasn’tworththeextratime.

A rumble came from somewhere overhead as a mass ofcreatures flew by. Somewhere deep in this web, one of theKleinmaschmadeitshome.Judgingbythelook,thiswasthelairofseveralFeithidi.

Theywereout,probablyhuntingfortherestofthecollective.Their tank-like shells were hollow, so they could carry smallerprey back to their webs. The Feithidi’s long, dangling legs wereuselesswhenitcameto jumping,buttheirwingsgavethemtheadvantage of flight.Unfortunately, the Feithidiweremadewhenthemasterwasstilllearninghiscraftandtheirwingswerenotbigenoughtocarrytheirheftybodies,leavingthemonlyabletoskimshortdistances.Fausto jumpeddown fromthebeam,grabbedawirestrand,andswungaroundacornerintoalong,darktunnel.

Lostinhisthoughtsabouttheintricaciesofthewebs,Fausto

madehisway down the tunnel and through the opening at theotherend.HelookedoutoveracityfullofKleinmasch,theplacehecalledhome,theRoost.

Fausto’seyesdancedoverthestructurebeforehim.PartsoftheWorldMachinehadbeentakenoverbytheKleinmaschaftertheGreatDivide.BeforetheDivide,theKleinmaschwereslavestoWebley, always following his rule, never able to think on theirown.Thenthemasterrose,andlifeimproved.

Fausto looked over a large furnace. The fire had long sincecooled,quenchedwhentheyfollowedthemasterandmadeittheirhome.

Ashewalkedthroughalargesetofpoles,asmallspikefelltothe ground ahead of his feet. Casting his eyes upward, Faustosawhewas standing directly under one of themanyCead thatguardedtheentrancetothecity.

HeneverreallyunderstoodtheusefulnessoftheCead.Justlike most of the other Kleinmasch in the city, their spider-likebodiesmadeiteasytoclimbandjumpfrombeamtobeam.Theirlong legsprojected themhundreds of feet into the air, but theirbodies were small and orb-like. Their unintimidating staturesmade them a strange andweak choice to guard the doors. If ithadn'tbeenforthefactthattheywereabletospitthesespikesinrapid succession, Fausto would have thought them completelyuseless.Butthemasterhadasoftspotforhisfirstcreations,sotheretheywere,guardingtheentrancewiththeirtinyspikes.

Thecitywasbustling,asitalwayswas.TherewasscarcelyatimeduringwhichdrovesofKleinmaschwerenotscuttlingabout,feastingontheirprey,craftingwebsandstructures,eventearingdownthestructuresofotherstomaketheirown.FurtherintotheRoost, the structures became more ornate and organized. Theinsignia of the master sprawled wide as his intricate web-workstretchedacrossthewalkways.

The main entrance to the master’s throne chamber wasguarded by the brutes of the species—the Umar. They weregigantic, spider-like creations that struck fear into all the otherKleinmaschwith their tendency to eat anything, including theirown kind. Every aspect of these guardians was oversized and

powerful. Each of their eight legs was wider than Fausto andtwice as long. Their clunky, round bodies were the size of tenFeithidi. The Umar surely would have been terrifying, if theyweren’tdumbasabagofbolts.Theironlypurposewastodefendthemaster, tearing into anythinghedeemeda threatwith theirlong,pointedfangs.

The two Umar on guard at the time groaned in deafeningtandemastheytwistedtheirbodiestoexaminethevisitor.Astheyrealized it was just Fausto coming home, they snapped back toattentionandallowedhimtopass.ThoughtheUmarcouldeasilycrush Fausto with one stupidly placed foot, they knew not tomesswithhim.Itwouldbeadeadlymistake.

The royal nest reminded Fausto of amacabremixture of amortuaryandalaboratory.ThewallswerelinedwithBreeders—Dwellerscaughtovertheyearsandattachedto largermachines.Themaster used theBreeders’ internalmechanics to power thepump-likemachinesthatproducedsmallKleinmaschandpushedsparepartsintothenurseriesbehindthem.IftherewasonefateFausto would never wish upon himself, it was becoming aBreeder.

The Breeders were completely conscious and aware of theagony that befell them, but they were paralyzed and, thus,powerlesstodoanythingaboutit.

Fausto would almost have felt bad for the Breeders, if itweren’tforthefactthattheyweredirty,nastyDwellers,andtheirtorturewasforthegreatergood.

One day, all of this would be his. One day, he knew themasterwouldrealizejusthowgoodFaustowasandgivehimhisownkingdomtorule.

Attheendofthechamber,themasterofallKleinmaschsaton his throne, a living, turning creation made of Dwellers,Kleinmasch,andotheroddcreaturesfromlongago.Thepiecesofthe throne moved and twisted, their mechanical parts stillclinging to life. Themasterwas speakingwith severalCead, hiseyebrows tilted and a frown on his lips. Likely, the uselesscreatureshadtakentheirattentionaway fromthegates to feastagain. This would either result in their death, or the loss of

rations.Faustosilentlyhopeddeathwouldwinout.AsthemastersethiseyesonFausto,heraisedonearmand

waved theCeadaway.Looked like theywouldbegoing thenextweekwithoutfood.IfyouaskedsomecreaturesintheRoost,thatwasafateworsethandeath.

AstheCeadshambledtheirwaypastFausto,heapproachedthethroneandkneltinfrontofit.

Themasterwasvastlydifferentfromanyofhiscreations.Heheld the same humanoid body-type as Fausto, with arms, legs,hands,andfeet.Heworeblackleathergarmentsfastenedaroundhis body by silver buckles and buttons holding the numerousstrapsandflapstogether.HispatchworkrobesweremadebytheBaegandweresomeofthemostintricatedesignsFaustohadeverseen.Hisskinwasalsodifferentfromallothercreatures.Ratherthan the typical bronze or copper colorations, themaster’s skinwashigh-polished silver. Thiswas the sign that themasterwasspecial.Hewas thechosenone, theonewhowouldbecome thenew ruler to the Dwellers of the World Machine and bring theKleinmaschoutofoppression.

Fromhisbackprotrudedeightlong,thinlegsthatcarriedthemaster to any location faster than any of the other Kleinmaschcould move. The master rarely used his own legs, relyingprimarily on his arachnid appendages. Fausto brought his eyesup tomeet themaster’s. Hewas currently in his natural state,butthemasterhadalteredhismechanicssohecouldattachthebodyofanycreaturetohimselfandbecomethem.Thisgavethemasterinfinitepower.

“Ah,Fausto,welcomehome.Beenhavingfunawayfromthecity, playing in theMachine?”Themaster’s voicewas calm,butheld the sharp edge of a knife, able to cut even as he spoke oflove. The master lifted himself into the air and sat upon histhrone.

“I come with news, Pajak. Something that will interest youverymuch,infact.”NoothercreatureintheRoostwaspermittedtorefer to themasterbyhisname.OnlyFaustohadthatabilitybecauseFaustowasthemaster’sfavorite.

Pajak considered himself a Creator and, with his ability to

make and take life, he demanded to be treated like the god heknewhewas.

“Ah, news. Always something I greatly anticipate. You havetheremarkableabilityto impressmewiththefactsyoudiscoveronyouroutings.”

FaustowincedatthewayPajakemphasizedthewordoutings.He always thought Pajak hated him leaving because heworriedabout him reverting to old ways or, maybe, because he missedhim.

“IwaswatchingagroupofFeithidicollect food,when Isawthemcomeacrossaparticularlyinterestingtypeofprey,”Faustobegan,pausingtoweighPajak’sinterestonthesubject.

“Oh?Whattypeofpreymightthatbe?Hashebeenmakingmore annoyances we can feast upon?” Pajak laughed as hebrought his attention to a twitching eye protruding from aDweller’sskullstucktothearmofhisthrone.PajaklazilyflickedtheDwelleruntilthespasmstoppedandthengaveadeepyawn,as if thiswas themostuninteresting thinghehadheard inhislife.

“No,Ihighlydoubthehadanythingtodowiththeseones.AsI watched the Feithidi corner their prey, I realized they wereTopsiders.” Fausto let a proud smile cross his cold face as thewordseffortlesslyslippedthroughhislips.

Pajakdrove the tipofhis finger into the sectionof skullhehadbeentoyingwith.Theeyestwitchedoncemorebeforeslowlyclosing. He looked pensively at the lifeless part of his throne.Pajak’sfaceturneddown,likeachildwhohadbrokenhisfavoritetoy,butFaustoknewitwouldn’tlast.TheywouldbringhimanewDweller to replace thedeadpartofhis throneby theendof theday.

“Youaremistaken,”Pajaksaidcoldly,stillnotlookingupatFausto.

“Iassureyou,Iamnot.Isawthemmyselfandcloseenoughto nearly hear their breath. Two Topsiders, aman andwoman,andtheywerewithCog.Infact,haditnotbeenforhiswretchedmeddling,youwouldhaveahumanheadtoreplace thisbrokenDweller.”FaustosteppedclosertoPajak,idlygesturingtowardthe

motionless skull.Unlike the others,Faustowasn’t scaredof themaster. Pajak needed Fausto to bring him information aboutWebley,andFaustolikedtothinkmaybethemasterlovedhim,ifonlyjustalittle.

“You’resaying thereareTopsiders in theMachine?”snarledPajak,finallylookingatFaustoandsittingbackinhisthrone.

“I have witnessed them. Cog destroyed several of ourbrethren,whilesavingtheTopsiders.”

Pajaktwistedinhisseat,fumingatthementionofCog.“YoumeantotellmetherearenotonlyTopsidersintheMachine,buttheyarewithCogandmostcertainlyhim,and theymanaged tokillmyFeithidi?”PajakrosefromhisseatandmadehiswayovertoFausto,loweringhimselfsotheireyeswerelevel.

“Yes.Ihaveseenitmyself.TheseTopsidersaredifferentfromwhatwehavelearnedofthem.Theseonesarestrong,smart,andloyal to one another. They think in a way I didn’t know waspossible. I worry that this may give them an edge that ourKleinmaschdon’thave.”

PajakroseandwalkedpastFausto.Hetraveledslowlydownthechamberandmovedhisgazefromsidetoside,watchinghisBreeders.Faustowasn’tcertain,whetheritwasseeingthetortureandmiseryoftheDwellersusedasBreeders,orthegeniusofhisingenuity, but Pajak often paced the chamber, watching theBreedersandthinking.

Pajakstoppedashereachedtheendofthehall,turningtoaparticularlysad-lookingBreeder.Ittwitchedindiscomfortwithitshead hung low, looking at the floor. Pajak walked over to thecreature and drew one of his long fingers across the top of itshead. It shuddered and twitched at the contact, causing awidesmiletospreadacrossPajak’sface.

“ThepresenceoftheseTopsiders intriguesme. Iwantthem,Fausto.Youwillbringthemtome.Ihavesomanythingstolearnfrom them. Bring me these creatures... alive, Fausto, do youunderstandme?”PajakpushedtheheadofthebreedertothesidelettingitbounceinplacebeforewalkingbacktowardFaustoandpressinghishandagainsthisshoulder.FaustoglaredintoPajak’seyes,noddinginobedience.

“What sorts of things might you have in mind for theTopsiders?”FaustohadknownPajakforalongtime.HeknewifPajakwanted the Topsiders, he had something specific inmindfor their use. Fausto leaned in and allowed a long, thin grin toetchitselfacrosshisface.

“My old friend, I have wonders planned for them,” Pajaklaughed,releasingFaustoandmakinghiswaybacktohisthrone.“Asyouknow,Ihavelonghadtheabilitytodraftandcreatemanyof the Kleinmasch in my image. I toil with their forces andstructures andhave given life to the lifelessmatter I draw fromtheMachine.” Pajak stopped just in front ofhis throne, turningwith one pointed finger raised. “However, I am tired of them. Iwant something more. I want to know the secrets of theTopsiders. Iwant tocreatesomethingthathenevercould. Iwilllearntheirsecrets,evenifit’sfromthepiecesandpartsIripfromthem with my bare hands. Again, I want them alive, first andforemost...IflaterImustkill,torture,ordismemberthem...sobeit.”

PajakspokelikeatrueCreator.FaustoknewPajakshouldbethe ruler of theDwellers, notWebley. This drive to do anythingnecessary to save their people and put them in power was thereason Fausto followed Pajak into the depths of the Machine.Therewassomuchpowertobehad,whatwasthepurposeofonepersonholdingitall?

“Theywillbeyourssoon,Pajak.Iwillseetothispersonally.”Fausto lowered to one knee and bowed. These Topsiders mightjustbe the thinghismasterneeded tobecome the trueCreatorand,whenthathappened,PajakwouldkeepFaustobyhisside.They would be co-Creators andwould both rule over theWorldMachine.

“Splendid. See that it’s done, Fausto.Be sure to take someKleinmaschwithyou.”

Faustoroseandnoddedinagreement.“Would you like the acquisition quiet?” Fausto asked,

bouncingontheballsofhisfeetandhopingfortherightanswer.“Idon’tcarehow,I justwantitdone,”Pajakrespondedina

growl.

Faustosmiled.Thatwastheanswerhewanted.

22|IntoAparat

SinceAdalandArijalefttheplatform,timehaddisappeared,and Arija found herself lost in thought as they flew with Cog.Despite swooping past structures and mechanical parts, it wasnearlyimpossibleforhertoappreciatethesights.Sosheresignedherself tomentally etching everything she’d seen so far intohermemory.

Ithadtakenhersometimetogetusedtotheflight.SheandAdal were hanging below Cog from straps protruding from hispack,andtheswayofthetripcausedherstomachtoflipandthecoffeeshe’dhadthatmorningtomakeasourreappearanceinherthroat.

She still clutched Adal’s hand. Her stomach had calmeddown, and now she just stared at the blurred metallic town,thinkingabouteverythingthathadhappened.ShestoleaglanceatAdal,whohadbeenstaringather,butheshothiseyesawaywhenshelooked.Whywouldn’theadmitthathehadathingforher?Hisfaceflushedandshecouldfeelhisheartjumpwhenevershetouchedhim.Whatwaswrongwithherthathecouldn’tadmitit?

Cog jerked up so quickly that he pulled Arija from herthoughts and she looked up to see what was happening. ShetightenedherstomachinanattempttocontrolthespeedatwhichCog flew. The sudden rush of air caused Arija’s hair to whiparound,smackingherinthefacefromallanglesandsheletgoofAdal’shandtotrytowrangleit.

Arija’s stomach lodged in her throat as Cog made a final

swoop,leveledthemoutandflewdirectlyatalargewall.ThewallseemedtocovertheentireMachine,stretchingasfarasshecouldseeineverydirection.

Alongtheinfinitewalls,giantgearsslowlyturned.Creaturesflew in a “V” formation along its length. Arija first thought theywerebirdsuntiltheydrewcloser,andAdalpointedoutthattheirwings looked similar to the ones attached to Cog’s pack. Arijamouthedtheword,“Dwellers?”andAdalrespondedwithashrug.Hestill lookeda littlepale,but it seemed likehewaskeeping ittogether.Allthisflyingwassuretocurehisfear.

Bankingsharplytotheside,Cogdriftedintoalignmentwithanotherplatform.Alongthesidesoftherunway,severalassortedaircraft floatedwith gangways extended.Mixedwith the aircraftwere several ships sitting onmetal rails. Theremust have beenhundreds of Dwellers loading and unloading an assortment ofpackages,crates,andmachinery.

“Thisplacelookslikeaportorshipyard!”Adalshoutedoverthewind. “What is thisplace?”He lookedupatCog,whoeitherdidn’tbothertoanswerorcouldn’thearthequestion.

“Beready.Herewego!”Cogshoutedbut,beforeAdalorArijacouldaskwhathewastalkingabout,Cogplummetedtowardthedocks. Adal and Arija hung in the air for a few seconds beforetheirstrapspulledtautandtheyfellupsidedownafterCog.

Adalscreamedatthetopofhislungs,butArija’sscreamgotstuck inher throat.She closedher eyes, frozenby sheer terror.Afterafewminutes,Arija’sstomachlurchedintoherthroatagainassheslowedandthen,withajerk,droppedrightsideupagain.Shecrackedopenoneeyeand realized thatCogwasslowingastheyapproachedtheplatform.

With the platform so close they could almost touch themetallicsurface,Arijaslammedhereyesclosedinanticipationofanunknownlanding.

Cogpulledtightlyontheirstraps.Withafinalwhooshofair,a gentle thump ended their terrifying descent. Arija opened hereyestoseeAdalslowlycrackoneeye.Afterseeingtheyweresafelyontheground,awaveofembarrassmentwashedoverhisface.

“Hey,don’tplayitlikethat!Iknowyouwerescaredtoo!”he

barked at Arija, who was smirking as she pulled her fingersthroughhertangledhair.

Cogtuggedatthestraps,andthetwodroppedtothegroundwithanabrupt‘thud.'

“YouscreammorelikeagirlthanIdo,”shemumbled.Adal shot a look at her, and she laughed, pushing his

shoulder.“Welcome to themain entrance of Aparat, our capital city!”

Cog announced enthusiastically. For a moment, Arija hadforgottenwheretheywereassheletthereliefoffinallybeingonasolidsurfacewashoverher.

All around, Dwellers went about their business. Severalunloaded boxes from what Arija could only describe as an old-fashionedsteamboat,whileothersbarkedorders.Agroupoffourwomen stood in a circle, talking and laughing. Their Victorian-style ball gowns looked like they were made from the samelightweight leather as Arija’s skirt, and each was embroideredwithintricategoldandsilverdesigns.

Arijatookafewstepstowardthegroup,admiringtheperfectcurlsthatprotrudedfromtheirheads.ThewomanclosesttoArijawasholdingathinwireparasolmadeofblacklace,andittookafew moments before she realized the women weren’t madecompletelyofmetal.Allfourwomenhadbeautifulskininvariousshades,butthedelicatehandthatclaspedtheparasolwasmadeofbronze.

The women leaned close to each other, whispering, thenleanedbackandlaughedatwhatevergossiphadbeenspoken.

Asmallpackofboys ran toward thewomen,grabbing theirdresses and hiding behind them as several older boys joggedtowardthegroupwieldingvariouspipesandsticks.Arijaopenedhermouthtowarnthegroup,whentheyoungerboysstartedtolaugh, and the older boys stopped to arguewith theirmothers.The scenewas strikingly similar to normal dockyards Arija hadseen at home. At least, if the real world had been stuck in theeighteenhundredsandmadeofmetal.

ArijanoticedAdalwalkingabsentmindedlythroughthecrowdofDwellers.Thegroupofwomengiggledastheyglancedathim,

andhegavethemasmallwink.“EvenDwellerwomancan’thandlehowsexyIam.”Adalran

hisfingersoverhiseyebrowsashelookedbackatCog.“Those are not Dwellers. Well, they areDwellers but, here,

theyarecalledToppers.TheyarethewealthiergroupofDwellerswho can afford to have Adhesion Surgery. They got the nameTopperbecause theywant to look like you. Like theTopsiders.”CogwatchedtheconfusedlookonAdal’sface.

“The fuck?” Arija chimed in as she eyed Cog suspiciously.“Are you trying to tell me these people want my skin as anaesthetic?That’smesseduponsomanylevels,Cog.”

“Indeed,itis,mydeargirl.TheToppersareelitistsnobs,andWebleyandIdonotcondoneanythingthathappensontheblackmarket. Even though Webley created all the Dwellers, once hegave them the ability to think on their own, he couldn’t controlthem. Years ago, when they saw their first Topsider, manyDwellersbecamesmittenandeventuallyjealousthatyouhavetheabilitytogoTopsideandtheydonot.Someone,Idon’trecallwho,discovered that they could stretch the pineapple leather over aDweller’sfacetomimichumanskin.YouwillusuallyseeTopperswith partial Adhesion because we need the leather for moreimportantthings,andthesurgeryisverycostly.Butdon’tworry,theywon’thurtyou.Theysimplyadmireyou forwhatyouhaveandtheydon’t.”

“Otherpeoplehavebeendownherebefore?Whathappenedto them? Are they still here?” Arija couldn’t help the string ofquestionsthatspewedoutofhermouth.

“That’salongstoryforanothertime,”Cogsaidashestaredintothecrowd.

Arija nibbled on her bottom lip as she watched Cog, guiltwarmingher face.Coghadbeennothingbutnice to them.He’dsavedthemfromtheKleinmaschandopenedhishometo them.He wasn’t here to hurt her. If he’d wanted that, he could havedoneitwhiletheyslept.BesidestheleatheryskinthatstretchedacrosstheToppersfaceswasobviouslynothuman.

Arija turnedherattentionback to thebustlingdockasonewomancalledamaleDwellerovertoher.Thegold-coloredDweller

putdownthecratehe’dbeenluggingandwipedhisgreasyhandson his pants. He walked over to the Topper woman, and sheleanedinandwhisperedsomethinginhisear,causingaburstofgigglesfromherTopperfriends.Themannodded,tooksomethingfrom her hand, then went back to work on the airship he hadbeenloading.

Arija’s brow scrunched as she watched the strangetransaction. There was definitely more to this world than Arijahadoriginallythought.Shetookafewstepstowardthegroupandtriedtogetacloserlook.

23|AWorldofCreationand

Science

Adalsteppedfartherontothedock,watchingtheworkersgoabout their business in awe, as if loading andunloading crateswasthemostinterestingthinghe’dseeninhislife.Thesteamboatappeared tobesittingonawidemetalbeam, like the train theyhadtakenwhentheyfirstarrived.Aloudgrindingnoisesounded,followedbyashoutof,“Lookout!”AdalhadjustenoughtimetomovewhenaDwellerinabasketflewoverhisheadononeofthemanywires that stretched the length of the dock. He stumbledbackward,hittingsomethinghardwithhisback.

“Oh,mybad...”Adalbeganasheturned,onlytobegreetedbyalargeDwellerthatlookedsimilartoWebley,butwithcopperskin andwithout the beard tomatch. Adal immediately backedawayasthelargemanpeereddownathim.

“Careful, Topsider! Trying to work here!” he bellowed. Theman threw a large crate onto a pallet, and it was loaded by acraneontooneofthesteamboats.

Adal apologized profusely, backing away. Cog’s handappearedonhisshoulderandslowlyturnedhimaround.

“Careful,Adal.Folkshereget testy this timeofday.This iswhenthebulkoftheshipmentsgoouttothecitizensintherestof theMachine.Stick close.Webleywill bewaiting forusat theotherend.”

“Yeah. Right. I can handle that,” Adal responded, trying tosound reassuring. This place just kept getting weirder andweirder. Every time Adal thought he’d figured it out, something

elsethrewhimforaloop.ThetwoturnedtolookforArija,onlytofindhersittingona

cratewithhernotebookinhand.Shemovedherpencil ferventlybackandforth,desperatetocaptureeverybitofwhatshe’dseen.

Adalsmiled.Arijahadawayaboutherwhenshedrew.Shethrew herself into her sketches and left the rest of the worldbehind.Adalwatchedasshenibbledonherbottomlip, likesheusually did when she got lost in her drawings. She tapped thecharcoalonthetipofherchin, leavingablackspot in itswake,then pushed her hair out of her face and dove back into hermasterpiece. Adal suddenly wished he could draw so he couldcapturehowbeautifulshewasatthatmoment.

“Hey,Monet!Let’sroll!We’removingout!”heshoutedasheshookthelazyexpressionoffhisface.

Arijalookedupfromhernotebookandfrowned,thenputhernose firmly back into the sketch. After a few more lines, shequickly closed the book and slid it back into her satchel. ArijahoppedfromherseatandranovertoAdalandCog.

Assheapproached,sheopenedhermouthtospeak,butAdalpulledhertohim.Hecouldn’thelpit.Heknewheshouldn’tmesswithherlikethis,butheneededtobeclosetoher.

Arijawasshockedintosilence,andsheletherrigidmusclesgoslackasAdalreachedhisthumbuptoherfaceandwipedtheblacksmudgefromherchin.

The surrounding bustle died away, and the only thingAdalcouldhearwashisheartfuriouslypoundinginhischest.Afteramoment,heclearedhisthroatandletArijago.

Arija’s eyes roamed Adal’s face for a moment before sheclearedherthroat.“Ican’tbelievethisplace!It’slikeascenerightoutofasciencefictionbook!”ExcitementoozedfromeverywordArijaspoke.

“You aren’t kidding. This place is insane!” Adal agreed,turninghisattentionbacktoCog.

Thethreemadetheirwaythroughthedensecrowd.Astheyneared what looked to be giant doors built into the walls thatsurroundedAparat,somethingtookoverAdal’sthoughts.

“Cog,whyaren’tthesepeopleweirdedoutbyusbeinghere?I

mean,theyactlikewearen’tanythingspecialorstrange.What’sthatallabout?”AdalaccidentallybumpedanotherDweller.Again,he responded with apologies, but it was near impossible not torunintopeopleonthecrowdeddock.

Cogpausedbeforeheclearedhisthroatandanswered,“Thisisaworldofcreationandscience.There’slittlethatwillsurprisetheDwellers.Besides,asItouchedonbefore,youaren’tthefirstTopsidersthey’veseen.Justlikeyouhumans,thegossiparoundheretravelslikeanelectriccurrentthroughabolt.”

This didn’t answer Adal’s question but, as long as theDwellers weren’t coming after him with pitchforks, he couldhandleit.

“’Ere ye are!” bellowed a familiar voice over the commotion.Webley stood several yards ahead of them and waved his tree-trunkofanarmexcitedly.“Whattookyesolong!NotlikeCogte’losearace!”

AdallookedatCogexpectantly.“CanIhaveamomentwithhim?”Cogasked.“Sure!”ArijapulledAdal’sarm,leadinghimafewfeetaway.“Takeyourtime,”Adaladded.Cog took Webley off to the side to explain what had

happened. Adal was immediately lost in his surroundings oncemore. Two more Dwellers flew overhead on their carts, makingArijaandAdalduck,thoughtheywereactuallyseveralfeetbelowthem.

“Thisplaceisatrip!”Adalproclaimed,turninginacircle.“Yeah, no kidding. I can’t believe what I’m seeing. I don’t

think I everwant to gohome!”Arija laughed,nudgingAdal andpointing at a Dweller the size of a small house. The creaturelooked like an armored tank turned on its side with arms andlegs. Its largehandswere surroundedby over a dozenpipe-likebarrels. His chest bore the seal of the World Machineaccompanied by a polished badge. The ground shook as hepassed.

“Whatisthatthing?”Arijaasked,soundingamazed.“Ithinkit’sliketheirversionofacopdownhere.You

seethehardwareonhishands?Whatwouldtheyneedgunslike

thatfor?”Adalasked,pointingatthecannon-likeappendages.“Idon’tknow.Well,honestly, Idon’twant toknow.Lookat

hishead!”shesaid,pointingatthecomicallysmallheadatopthemechanicalman.

Adal thenmotioned to what appeared to be a hatch on itsback. “I think he’s wearing that thing.” Adal examinedwhat hebelieved to be a latch that ran the length of its side. “Sweet!WonderwhatIneedtodotocatcharideinone!”

Arijascoffedandshookherhead.“Keepdreaming!Iwouldn’tlet you run around in that thing,” she shot back, nudging himwithherelbow.

“Adal,doyoutrustCog?”Arijaaskedhesitantly.“What do you mean?” Adal asked, knitting his brow and

turningtolookherintheeye.“Doyouget the feelinghe’s ... I don’tknow ...Maybehiding

somethingfromus?”Adalarchedaneyebrowbut,beforehecouldopenhismouth

torespond,CogandWebleywalkedup.Webley’sexpressionofjoyand warmth was replaced with a solemn glare and saddenedfrown.

“Cog tells me that ye came into some trouble. Sorry ‘bouttha’. The World Machine is an amazing place, but some in itwouldseenothin’butdestruction.Thosecreaturesareknowninthese parts as the Kleinmasch. They are a disturbed breed ofDwellerthatlivesinthedepthsoftheMachine.ThoseparticularKleinmasch are called the Feithidi. Don’ ye worry. They don’tcome up to these parts much.” Webley’s grave expressionloosened,andheimmediatelyreturnedtohiswarm,chipperself.

“’Nough‘bouttha’!Let’sgetyetwointothecity.Shouldproveto be an amazin’ day!” Webley chuckled and threw his armsaround Adal and Arija, pulling them close and squeezing themtightly. He smelled of musk and smoke, yet there were sweettonesunderitall.Adalcouldn’thelpbutthinkofhisgrandfather.

“Shallweshowthemanythinginparticular?”Cogasked.“Nah! I think theyprollywant to see abit of it all.”Webley

squeezedAdalandArijaagain.As they approached the giant doorway to the city, several

more of the sentries appeared along the gates. They stoodmotionless, like thestatues they resembled,butAdalknew theywerealive.

One guard stepped forward and approached the group.Hisarmorwasdifferent from theothers.Rather than rivetedbronzearmor, his was made of polished brass, covered with ornatefiligreeandetcheddesigns.Adalnoticedhisbadgewasadornedwith several more designs. He halted before the group, a sterngazeonhisface.

“Morning, Webley. Nice to see you today. I see you havebroughtsomeTopsiderswithyou.”TheguardglaredatAdalandArijaforamoment,scrutinizingthem.

Adalmethisgazeandfiredasternexpressionrightback.ACheshiregrineruptedacrosstheman’sface,andheroared

withlaughter.WebleyandCogbothfollowedsuit.“Good morning, Captain Silny! How are you today?” Cog

asked,extendinghishandforashake.“All’s well ‘ere?” Webley asked, slapping the captain on his

shoulderandrockinghimsideways.The captain only laughed harder. “Ah, there isn’t ever

anything interesting happening. Things are the same as usual.Kidsstealing fromcarts,bootleggers trying topeddle in thecity,myguardswantmorerecreationtime.Ifthesearetheworstofmyproblems, I ain’t gonna complain. Showing your guests the citytoday,eh?”

“Indeed,weare!Theyalreadyhadashowtoday.Kleinmaschherd huntin’ in the lower levels gave ‘em what-for! Nothin’ myfriend‘erecouldn’thandle.”WebleypattedCogonthebacklikeaproudfather.

“Justa fewsmallones flyingaround.Wecameacross themchasingsomebirds.Nothingtoworryabout.”Cogadded.

“Ah!Thosethingsneedtowatchthemselves!I’mhalf-temptedto dispatch a team into some of the smaller nests and start acampaignon them.Keep them in lineand remind themof theirplace,”scornedthecaptain,hisfacenowhousingagenuineglare.

“Well, I think the ones I dealtwithwon’t be a problem anylonger.”Cogsmiledwithahintofsadness.

“I’m sure. Be that as itmay, they have been a nuisance oflate.Someofthemhaveevenbeentryingtoraidtheshipsastheycome and go. Hence, why I have somany ofmymen out hereduringtheday.Someoneneedstoputthosefilthybastardsbackintheirplace,”thesurlycaptainranted,shakinghiswell-armoredfist.

“Well, I appreciate the service ye provide the citizens,Captain!”Webleyinterjected,pattinghimontheshouldertocalmhimdown.

Captain Silny smiled atWebley and wished them all a fineday. Scooping Adal and Arija once more into his arms, Webleymadehiswaytothebaseofthegiantdoor.

“Openthegates!”CaptainSilnycalledfrombehindthem.One of the guards saluted and walked to the center of the

wall.FromwhatAdalcouldsee,theguardinsertedhisgiantfistintoahole,turningitclockwise,likeakey.Alowrumblestartedandseveral of thegargantuangearson thedoor’s facebegan toturn slowly. As they cranked in formation, a crease emerged inthedoor.Thisgrewintoalongsplitasthedoorsworkedtheirwayopen.

“Man, you guys don’t play aroundwith this stuff, do you?”Adalaskedashepeeredpasttheopening.Thedoorsdidnotleadtoacity.Rather,thedoorsopenedtoyetanotherlargecorridor.Atthe opposite end were another set of giant doors. “It’s like thisplacejustdoesn’tstop!”

Webley looked down to respond, but a screeching soundcamefrombehindthegroup.

24|TheAdalIKnow

Anotherviciousscreechsoundedabove thecrowd.Shadows

flewoverheadsoquickly that,by the timeArijaandAdal lookedup, whatever made the shadows was gone. Webley and Cogturned, scanning thedock from left to right.All theworkers onthedockstoodfrozen,likepartofamoviethathadbeenpaused.

“What the hell is going on?” Adal asked, a tight sensationreturningtohisstomach.

“Ihavenoidea.Lookatallofthem.”Arijatookasteptowardoneofthepatronsfrozeninplace,whenabundlecrashedtotheground ahead of her. Arija fell backward and Adal caught her,rapidlyhoistinghertoherfeet.

“What the f—” Arija’s words were cut off by several morebundles falling to the groundaround them.Arija andAdal tookseveralslowstepstowardoneofthepiles.

Adal’s heart sank. The tattered piles were the shreddedremains of arms, legs, a torso, andwings. The shiny surface oftheseveredpartsglintedinthesimulatedsun.Thenchaosbrokeout.

Screaming erupted around them as Dwellers fled from thefallen guards. These had to have been the same aerial sentriesthey’d seen when they approached while strapped to Cog. Adalabsentmindedly picked up a badge that looked identical to thebadgeswornbythecityguards.

“Theseguysareguards!”AdalshoutedasthemobofDwellersthreatenedtotramplethem.

“Whatdidthat?”Arijademanded.The shambling mass surrounding them erupted in more

panicasseveralDwellerspointedtowardtheskyattheendofthedock.

“Gearrtha!”OneoftheDwellersnearthemshouted.Two dozen winged creatures swept through the air in a

swarm likeamilitary formation.Theyhad long, thinwings, twoshort legs, and sharp, angular faces. They appeared to be astrangemixtureofDwellerandprayingmantis, completewithamantis’long,bladedappendages.

“Theydidthis!”barkedAdal,notingtheirarmsandmotioningtothemangledguards.

“Everyone, into the city!” bellowedWebley,waving his armsandpointingtotheopengates.

Captain Silny and a squadron of his guards appeared ateithersideofAdalandArija.

“Get inside! My men will protect you!” Captain Silnycommanded.

Themobneedednofurtherinstruction.Likeawave,theyallturned and ran toward the doorway to the city. Adal and Arijapushed and shoved themetallic bodies of theDwellers to avoidbeingtrampledastheyranintothecorridor.Crashesofthundererupted as the sentinels aimed their arm-cannons toward thecoming assault and fired. The flying attackers expertlymaneuvered around the streaks of hot steel that projected fromthebarrels.

Withinmoments,theGearrthaswoopedinandlandedonthedock. The Dwellers unfortunate enough to still be in the areawhen they landed were cut down before they even knew whathappened.Withseveralperfectlytimedslashesandswings,theirappendageswereseveredfromtheirbodies,creatingpilesofgearsandscrapmetalalloverthedock.

AdalturnedtolookatCog,desperateforguidance.CogshotaknowingglancetoWebley,whopursedhislipsandgaveacurtnod. Cog took out his staff and ran towards themassacrewithWebleyrightbehindhim.

Captain Silny and his men continued firing their weaponsandswingingtheirmassivearmsatthecreaturesoverhead.Oneby one, dozens of Dwellers fell victim to the savageness of the

Gearrtha.ArijastoppedtowatchasDwellersallaroundherdroppedto

theground.Sheranovertothebodyofaflyingguardandbegantosortthroughthelifelessmass.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Adalshoutedover thescreamswhenherealizedshewasnolonger followinghim.HepushedthroughthecrowdoffranticDwellersuntilhewasstandingonlyafewfeetfromthedeadsoldier.

“Here!”Arijatossedhimthebelttheguardhadbeenwearing.On itwas a holster that held a large revolver.He looked at theheavypiece ofmetal as if theweaponwas completely foreign tohim. Then she tossed him another belt that held rows ofammunition.Ashe lookedatthetwo,sherantoanothercorpseand looted the same items for herself, immediately donning theequipment.

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me! No way in hell!” Adalshouted, holding out the belts ashe realizedwhatArijawantedhimtodo.

Arija clippedher belts into place and adjusted them, givingAdalalookofdisgustforthefirsttimeinherlife.“No,you’retheonewho’sgottobekidding.What’shappenedtoyou,Adal?Youusedtobethisbig,toughmanwithanegothesizeofasmallcitybus.Youweresomebodythatneverranawayfromanything.Notafight,notachancetostandout,notasingleopposition.Sinceyour grandfather died, and we came here, you’ve been nothingbut a little bitch. That isn’t the Adal I know. The Adal I knowwould’ve already been looking for away to get in this fight andkicksomeass!”Arijawaitedforaretortbut,whennonecame,shecontinued.“Yourgrandfatherisgone,buthisspiritisn’t.Itledusto this place. Do you think he would have stood frozen in fearwhile innocent people die? I can guarantee you, he would’vechargedinevenbeforeWebley.Whatareyougoingtodo?Areyougoingtostayafraid,orareyougoingtohonoryourgrandfather?”

Adal glared at his feet. Arija was right. He was being acoward,andnowpeopleweredying.Hisgrandfatherwouldhavebeenashamedofhim.

Adalwrapped theholsterbelt aroundhiswaist and clipped

thebuckle.Hethenslidthebandolieroverhisshoulder.“Coward,huh?”Adalsaid,agrincreepingacrosshisface.Theheatfromhischestspreadtohisfaceandcheeks,andthehairalloverhisbodystoodonend.

“I got your ‘coward’ right here!” Adal yanked the weightyrevolver free, feelingtheweightofthepistol inhishands.Itwasheavier thanhethought itshouldbe,buthe’dneverheldagunbefore, so who was he to judge. Adal turned on his heels andlooked toward themassacre.He crackedhis neck to both sidesandrolledhisshoulders.

“Watch this!” he yelled over his shoulder before springingtowardthefight.

Captain Silny and his men fired at everything that flew.Already, several corpses of the Gearrtha littered the groundaround them, but it seemedmore had appeared to replace thefallen.

The sight of Webley and Cog battling the Gearrtha wassomething to behold. It was like a scene from Jekyll andHyde.Theirusuallykindandpleasantdispositionsnowcontorted intocold killingmachines. One of theGearrtha dodgedCog’s strike,duckingunderthestaffandcomingupintimetoswipehisclawacrossCog’sface.TheGearrthawereclearlymuchbetterfightersthantheclumsyKleinmaschfromearlier.Webleyevenseemedtostruggleashebattled fourata time.Asoneswipedathis face,Webleyduckedandgraspedtwobytheirheadsbeforetheycouldreact.Hecrushedtheirskullsinhispalms,droppingthemlifelesstothegroundinoneswiftmovement.

Ashadowmovedoverhead,andArijahadjustenoughtimetolungeforwardandtackleAdaltothefloor.AGearrthaswoopedinandswipeditsclawsatthem.Adalrolledforwardandaimedhispistol at the creature, firing several shots. The first three wentwide,butthefourthshotrippedthroughthebackoftheGearrtharight between itswings. It screechedas it fell from the sky anddisappearedovertheedgeofthedock.

Adal’sheartpoundedinhisears.Therewasnoturningbacknow. He brought the pistol up to his eyes to examine it. Hewanted to know howmany rounds it held, so he knewwhen it

wasalmostempty.Thebluedsteelrevolverhadtwobarrels,oneabovetheother.

Therotatingcylinderhadtwosectionsofchambers,bothalignedwith theirownbarrel.Tworoundsweremissing fromthe larger,external cylinder and two from the smaller internal cylinder.Hegathered it must be alternating shots between the two. Tenroundsforthelargercylinder,sixroundsfortheinternal.

“Sixteenshots!Rememberthat!”AdalsaidasheheldouthishandandhelpedArijaup.

“Thanksforthesave!”Astheyapproachedthebattle,theguardsfiredtheircannons

inalldirections.Witheveryshot,theairshookaroundthem,andplumesofsteameruptedintoclouds.CaptainSilnybarkedordersoverthedin,butAdalcouldn’thearwhathewassaying.AdalandArijamadetheirwaytowardWebleyandCog,keepingtheirheadsaslowaspossibletoavoidtheswoopingblades.

TwoGearrtha landedoneither shoulderofaguard,andhebattedatthemwiththeweaponizedarmsofhissuit.Thecreaturetore into the armor around his head and yanked him from thesuit.Oneof thecreaturesheldhim in theairbyhisarm,whilethe second cleaved the appendage from his body. The Dwellerguardscreamedashedropped to the floor,awrigglingpile.Hismechanical suit crashed limply to the dock, the platform belowshakingviolently.

TheGearrthalaunchedintotheairandlandednexttotheirfallen prey. Reaching out with his remaining arm, the Dwellertried to crawl away from the insidious Kleinmasch and get tocover. TheGearrthaonlywatched, relishing in the terror on theDweller’sfaceasheshoutedforhelp.

“Hey!” Adal and Arija yelled in tandem as they took a steptowardthehelplessDweller.

TheGearrtha lookedup from their victim,surprisecoveringtheirpointedfacesasthetwofriendsstoodshoulder-to-shoulder.Onecreaturecockeditsheadtothesideandletoutapredatorycry.Adaltookafleetingglimpseatthedesperatemanonthefloorandthenopenedfireonthecreatures.

25|TheClichéEvilTwin

Arijawas shocked at how accurate the gunwas. Itsweightand turnkey mechanics did wonders at taming the recoil. Sheusedtogoshootingwithherdad,butshe’dnevershotsomethinglike this before. She barely felt the explosion from the shot andtheplumeofsmokefromthebarrels.WhenAdalhadfiredatthefirstGearrtha, she thoughtperhapshehad just beenmaking itlook easy; now she questioned how he missed the first threeshots.

Arija’s shots tore through the face of the Gearrtha thatscreamed its battle cry. Adal had only fired one shot, but itpunched a hole right through the other monster’s neck. Arijacouldtellhe’dnevershotagunbefore;eventhoughtheweaponwas crazy accurate, he didn’t look confident with it and hisposture was all wrong,mimicking something from a bad actionfilm.

Arija checked that theDweller was still alive, then reacheddown to help him to his feet. She opened her mouth to saysomething,but closed it again,unable to thinkofanything thatwouldhelp. TheDweller lookedup at herwith fear in his eyes,thenrantowardsthegatetothecity,disappearingintotheseaofDwellerstryingtogettosafety.

The body of a deadGearrtha dropped to their feet, causingArijatojumpback.Shelookedfromthecorpsetotheguardthathad just saved their lives and nodded a grateful thanks. Henodded in return and went back to shooting at the creatures

flyingoverhead.“Let’s just get to Webley and Cog!” Adal shouted, firing

anothercoupleofshotsataGearrthaattemptingtosurpriseoneoftheguards.

“Allright,justkeepmovingandtrynottogetyourselfkilled!”ArijashoutedbackassheshotatthreepassingGearrtha.Theoneinthemiddlescreamedasabulletpierceditsstomachanditfellfromthesky.Sheaimedherpistolattheothertwo,buttheyflewoutofherrangebeforeshecouldgetasecondshotoff.

Inthedistance,ArijacouldseeCogstillbattlingwithasmallgroupofattackers,hisstaffspinningsofastshecouldonlytellitwastherebytherhythmicmovementofhishands.

As the world exploded around Adal and Arija, they ran ascautiously as possible, stopping every several feet to fire at aGearrthaoravoidcollidingwithanobstacle.AstheygotclosertoWebleyandCog,Arijagotastrangefeeling inherstomach.Whywas it so easy to pass through the fight? The Gearrtha wereeverywhereand,yet, theyseemed to ignoreAdalandArija.Justas this thought occurred to her, Adal turned, a look of paineruptingacrosshisface,andshefrozeinterror.

Thenhewasgone.AGearthastoodwhereAdalhadbeen,screechingitswarcry.Arija connect a perfect spin kick. She sent the Gearrtha

crashingintoawall.Sheduckedasanotheroneflewather,thenfiredabarrageofshots.EachshothittheGearrthasquareinthechest,anditfelltothegroundnexttoher.Arijarearedbackherbooted foot and kicked the dead creature in the head, almostremovingitwiththeforceofherstrike.

Whenshewassatisfiedthecreaturewouldn’tgetbackupshelooked around, trying to figure outwhere Adal had landed.Herheart pounded in her ears and rage warmed her face. If she’dgottenhimkilled,she’dneverforgiveherself.

“Iwasstartingtowonderifyouwereevergoingtoexpelyourmunitions.” The voice made Arija jump, and she spun around,gunattheready.

InfrontofherstoodaDwellerman,butsomethingabouthimwasdifferent from the others.He carriedhimself likehewas in

charge,andthechaosonthedockdidn’tseemtobotherhim.“What’swrongwithyou?Youneedtogetoutofhere!Those

thingswill kill you!” Arija said, keeping her aim on the strangeDweller.

A cold smile crossed his face and he shook his head. HelookedfamiliareventhoughArijahadn’tmetthatmanyDwellers.Hewasclothedheadtotoeinblackleatherpressedwithstraightedges. His hands sat perched on his copper belt, upon whichhungtwolargedaggers.

As Arija looked from the weapons back to his face,recognitionwashed over her.He looked almost exactly likeCog.Theonlydifferencebetween the twowasa long, silver scar thatrandowntheleftsideoftheDweller’sface.

“There isn’tmuchof a reason forme to fear these amazingcreatures. You, on the otherhand, haveno ideahow lucky youare,”theDwellersaidashelethiseyesroamoverArija.

Arija tookasmallstepbackward,keeping thepistol trainedonhim,eventhoughshewasoutofbullets.TheDwellerclickedhispinkiesonthepommelofhisdaggers.

“Look,Idon'tknowwhoyouare,butyouneedtogetoutofhere!”Arijaadjustedthegriponherpistol.

Hegrinned,lookingatthegroundbyArija’sfeet.Arijalethereyesdriftdownand,whenshebroughtthemupagain,hewassoclose that the barrel of her revolver was pressed against hisshoulder.Asmallgaspescapedherlips.

“Topsiders really are as dim as they seem.” With anotherburst of blinding speed, the Cog look-a-like swung his arm,knockingtheemptygunfromArija’shands.

Arijabroughtherlegupandthrustherheelintohisstomachforcinghimtostumblebackahalfstep.

“Mistake!” theDwellersaidashebroughthisgreeneyesupto meet hers. Before Arija could react, he drew his blades andswipedthemather.

Arijastumbledbackwardjustintimetofeelagustofaironherfacefromthemomentumofthepassingblades.Athinstrandofchestnuthairdrifteddown,acasualtyofthefight.Arijaplantedafirmfootontheplatform,lookingdownatherseveredlocks.

“You are coming with me, Topsider! Either you surrendernow,andItakeyoutohim,orIcutyouintopiecesandtakehimwhat is left.” The stranger slid one foot behind the other andpoisedforalunge.

Arijaeyedtheblades,tryingtoreasonoutwhattodo.“Screwyou!Idon’tknowwhohe is,butthere’snowayI’mcomingwithyou!” Arija clenched her fists so tightly that several of herknucklescrackedunderthepressure.Ifhewashereforher,shewasn'tgoingtomakeiteasy.Evenifitkilledher.

“Really?Well, that’sashame then, isn't it? I suppose itwillhave to be in pieces.” The sinister-looking Dweller snickered,loweringhisstance.

Arijatookaglimpsearoundforsomethingshecoulduseasaweapon.Theemptygunwasonlyafewfeetaway.Ifshecouldgettoit,shecoulduseitasabludgeon.

“Whose house?” Adal shouted as he lunged forward andsurprised Arija’s attacker. He kicked Cog’s doppelgänger in theface, sending him sprawling sideways. His knives flew from hishands,clatteringtothemetallicsurfaceoftheplatform.

Adalletoutaloudgruntasheslammedbacktotheplatformandrolledaway.“Oh,hellno...”Adalforcedoutbetweengasps.

ArijaranovertoAdalandfelltoherkneesathisside,tryingtohelphimup.

Adalpulledhisarmsawayandshookhishead.“I’mallright,kid! Who’s that idiot?” he coughed, trying to regain the windknockedfromhislungs.

Arijagrabbedhisshouldersandtuggedhimtohisfeet.“Quitbeingstubborn.Weneed togetaway fromhere.You’re injured!”ArijaplacedagentlehandonAdal’s ribs causinghim todoubleover. “Why would you just dropkick a guy? What were youthinking?Andwhat thehellwas ‘whosehouse’?Whatdoes thatevenmean?”

Adal lazily brushed at his pants. “This my house... Hey, itseemedlikeagoodideaatthetime.You’rewelcomeforthesave,bytheway!”heresponded.

“Save?Younearlygotyourselfkilled!Ihadthisone!”“That’snothowitloo—”

“Thesecondone isn’t sodownandoutafterall.Wonderful.The master will be pleased to have both of you,” the Dwellersneeredfromonlyafewfeetaway.Hiswickedgrinandnarrowedeyes brought a sinister nuance to his face.He adjustedhis jawwherehe’dbeenkicked.Hisbladeswerescatteredontheplatformbetween them, andArija glanceddown for a split secondbeforerefocusingonhisface.

“We aren’t going anywhere with your creepy-smiling ass.Thanks for the offer, butwehavebetter things todo. Like fightthese crazymantis things.So, if youdon'tmind, stepoff, or I’llthrow you another beating,” Adal offered as he took a half-stepaheadofArijawhoyankedathissleeve.

“Whatthehellareyoudoing?IfIcouldn’ttakehim,yousureashell can’t!Not inyourconditionanyway.”Arijaslidherhanddown Adal’s side to where his empty holster sat on his hip.“Where’syourgun?”shemumbledoutofthesideofhermouth.

“Idon'tknow.ItwentflyingwhenIdid.I’mgoingtomakemymove. You make yours!” Adal mumbled back, keeping his eyestrained onhis opponent.Withhis little finger,Adalmotioned tothetwoknivesontheplatform.

“So, what’s the plan, shiny? We gonna do this, or are yougoing to just stand there and look at me? I mean, I know I’mpretty,butdamn,”Adalsaid,thehumorgonefromhisvoice.

TheDweller’sgrinfadedandhepursedhislips.Heclosedhisrobotichandsintofistsandloweredhisheadtohisshoulders.“Ifyouthinkit’sinyourbestinterest,Topsider,pleasefeelfreetotryyourodds.Iwillgreatlyenjoypeelingbackyourskinandseeingwhat your wet insides look like.When I’m done with you, yourmateisnext!”hesaid,flickinghisgazetowardArija.

Arija flinched at the word “mate.” She wasn’t even Adal’sgirlfriend,forreasonsshedidn’texactlyunderstand,andthewordbroughtasuddenembarrassmenttohercheeks.

Adal’supper lip twitched.Withoutanotherword,he lunged.He swung his right arm at the Cog look-a-like, and his fistcollidedwithhisface.Aloud,metallicclangfilledtheair,almostcovering the crack of small bones. Probably the ones in Adal’shand.

Adallookedfromhisthrobbinghandbacktothemetalman,whostoodbeforehimwithaboredexpression.Adalfrozeasthatfamiliargrinreturned.

“Thankyouforgoingfirst.Iwouldn'twantthistobeovertooquickly.Myturn?”

Before Adal could react, the Dweller grabbed him by thecollar and hoisted him into the air. Adal clawed at the handsaround his neck, doing his best to support his ownweight. Heflailed his legs, trying, and failing, to kick hard enough to bereleased.

Using thisasadistraction,Arijaslidacross the floor to theknives.Grabbingtheweapons,shepushedherselftoherfeet.Theglint of the blades caught the light and Adal’s attacker shot afuriouslookinherdirection.HethrewAdal,andthetwocollidedjust as Arija was preparing to attack, causing her to drop theweaponsassheslidacrossthecopperplatform.

26|ALessonInWhyYouShouldn’tPunchMetal

“Clever, Topsider!” the Dweller said, walking over to hisknives.“Iguesstakingyoualivewon’tbeapossibility.Itisn'tthatIcannot,ratherI’mtiredofdealingwithyouanddonotwishtofacethehassle.”ThedarkDwellercollectedhisdaggersandrolledthemaround inhishands.Headmired the sleekblades likeanartistadmiringafinishedcanvas.

Adaltriedtostand,butthepaininhisribswasunbearable.Herolledover,lookingatArija’sunconsciousbody.Heshookhershoulder,watchingherheadlullfromsidetoside.

“Shallwegetthisoverwiththen?”TheDwellerwalkedovertoAdal,whosatasbesthecould,coveringArijawithhisbody.

“Coward!Couldn'thandlemewhenIcouldfightback,couldyou?”Adalspat.

“Enough talking.After everything youhave tried, Iwouldn'twantyourweakwordstoruinthismomentforme.”TheDwellerreacheddown,grabbedAdalbyhisshirt,andpulledhimupward.Heraisedthebladeinhisotherhandhighintotheairinagrandshowofpower.

Adaltriedtofightbackbut,withoutaweapon,hecouldn’tdoanythingmore than stare death in the eye.He refused to die acoward.Adalgruntedasthebladethrusttowardhisface.

Clang!Adalflinched.“That’senough,Fausto.Notgoingtoallowthisone,brother!”

Cog pressed his staff against Fausto’s wrist, halting the attack.Fausto dropped Adal back to the ground and stepped away,turninghisattentiontoCog.

“Ah!Asusual,terribletiming,brother.Iwasjustgoingtogivemy new friend...” Fausto stopped, his shoulders shaking in asilentlaugh.“Imean,ournewfriend,apresent.”

“Youneedtostanddown,Fausto!Thisisn'tgoingtohappen.Not today.Notever.Youcan tellPajak that!”Cogspunhisstaffaround,steppingintoadefensivestance.

Faustotwirledhisknivesandsquaredoffwithhisbrother.Adal crouched back down beside Arija, but let his eyes

bouncebackandforthbetweenthetwobrothers.Howcanrobotsbe brothers? Arija’s groan pulled Adal from his thoughts. Hebrushedthemattedlocksofhairoutofherface,revealingasmallbumponherheadandadropletofbloodtricklingdownherface.Adalwiped thebloodawaywithhis thumb.Hesatdownbesideher, cradling her head in his lap as he stroked her hair. Heglancedup,tuningbackintothefight.

“Your problem, brother. You never were much for sharing.Norisyourmaster!”Faustotaunted.

“You’re theonlyonewithamaster,Fausto. Ihavea family.Onethatyouwalkedouton.There’sadifference.Younevercouldunderstandthat.NeithercouldPajak.”

“Enough!”Faustoshouted.“Thisendshere,Cogsworth!”Adal brought his attention back down to Arija as the two

Dwellers collided with amechanical clash. Adal watched Arija’schestriseandfallandherfacetwitchwitheachsmallbreath.

“I’mnotsurewhat’sworse;gettingknockedoutlikeanidiotinthemiddleofafight,orwakinguptoyoubreathingonmelikea creep,” Arija groaned. Her eyes remained closed, but shecrackedasmallsmile.

“Damn,kid!Don'tdothattomeagain,”Adalspat.“Youhadmeworried forasecond. I can’t loseyou.Now,get it together. Ican’tkeepbabysittingyoulikethis.You’rejammingupmystyle.”The fight behind him drifted away, and all he could hear wasArija’ssoftbreathing.

Sheopenedhereyesandmanagedascowl.

“CorrectmeifI’mwrong,butweren'tyougettingchokedout?Oh, and wasn't it your butt that knocked me out in the firstplace?Irememberseeingyourfatassflyingatmerightbeforeitwent dark.” Arija laughed as she propped herself up on herelbows.

“Yeah, what can I say, Arija? Just looking at this ass isenoughtomakeanygirlfaint.”

“Iwouldn’tbragaboutthat.Notsureit’sagoodthing,Adal.What happened to that man?” Arija asked, bringing his focusbacktothepresent.

“Healmosthadus,thenCogcamein.Nowthey’refighting.”Adal pointed over his shoulder to where Cog and Fausto werebattlingitout.

“Wait,what?”Arijaforcedherselftositupalltheway.“Relax!Coghasit.”Adalturnedtomotionatthebrothers.As ifoncue,Cogsoaredpast themandslid toastopa few

feetbehindthem.AdalandArija followedCogwiththeireyesashestoodandpulledoneofFausto’sdaggersoutofhisshoulder.Hegrimacedasheworkedtheendofthebladefree.

“Oh,brother,you’regettingslowerinyouroldage.IsWebleyrubbingoffonyou?”Faustotaunted.

Adal and Arija turned their attention back to Fausto. Helookedbattle-worn justasCogdid,buthe somehow looked likehe’dwon.Hestillheldtheotherknifeinhishand,andidlytosseditintotheairandcaughtit.

“Iseethatyourmasterisrubbingoffonyou.Thatwasadirtymove, indeed. Iwon’tbemaking thatmistakeagain.”Cog threwtheknifedownandchargedatFausto.

Fausto letoutabattlecry, lunging forwardtomeetCog.Asthey glided over the ground, Adal realized that the fight wascomingdirectlytowardthem.HeandArijapulledatoneanotherand rose to their feet. With their arms wrapped around eachother’s shoulders, they moved out of the way. An explosionthunderedfromwheretheyhadjustbeen,andtheconjoinedpairspunaroundtoseewhathadhappened.

“Enough!” Webley’s face was red from combat, and he hadseveral small wounds from where the Gearrtha had gotten the

bestofhim.Hiseyesnarrowedwithsuchanger thatAdalcouldhavesworntherewasactualfireinthem.AdalnoticedtherewerestillpiecesofGearthastuckbetweenhislargefingers.

“Thisfightwillcontinuenofurther!”Webleyshouted,lookingbetweenCogandFaustolikeadisapprovingparent.

“Theseattemptsan’plansofPajakstopnow!Iwillnolonger‘ave him risking not only the Dweller’s lives, but the Machineitself.YoutellhimIsaidtobackdown.Ifhe‘asanissuewiththa’,then ‘avehimseeme!”Webleysaid, turninghis fullattention toFausto.

Fausto remained silent, as if he couldn’t help but to listenand obey every word that came out of Webley’s mouth. Faustokept his stare fixed onCog,whowhistled, then tossed Fausto’sknifeintotheair.AsCogcaughttheknifebyitsblade,hethrewitatFaustowhocaughtit inchesbeforethepointedtippenetratedhiseye.

“Hadenoughthen,brother?”Faustoteased.“Enough!Thebothofye! Imean it,Fausto, leave!”Webley’s

voiceshookwithfury.Fausto calmly slid his blades back into their sheaths. He

bowedalmostcomically lowtoWebley, thenshotaglareatAdalandArija.Hewinkedatthetwoofthem,turned,thensprintedtotheoppositesideof thedock.Oncehereachedtheedge,Faustospreadhis armswide anddove from theplatform, disappearingovertheedge.

“Well, thatwasdramatic,”ArijasaidasshewatchedFaustoplummetovertheedgeoftheplatform.“Ishealwayslikethis?”

Cogshookhishead,butsaidnothinginresponse.“Ye all right?” Webley asked, turning to Cog, who nodded

silently. Thenhemotioned toAdal andArija. “Ye two all right?”Webleyasked,steppingoverandeyeing themas if searching forinjuries.

“Yeah, we’re good. This sort of thing happens to us all thetime,”Adalbegan,sarcasminfusingeveryword.

“We’refine,Webley.Thankyou.Justalittlesore,really,”Arijafinished.

“Tha’squitetheknockonthehead,Arija.Perhapsweshould

getyetothedoctorinthecity.”Webleybentoverthetwofriends,lookingatthehitshe’dtaken.

Adal did his best to look unfazed by the battle. It wasCogthatcalledhisbluff.

“Ithinktheybothcoulduseabitofattention.Adaldidwellholding his own but, if I know Fausto, those hits were notrestrained.NotsureaTopsidercantakeafullhitfromaDweller.”CogwalkedovertoWebley’sside.

“Come.Let’sgetyetothedoctor.”WebleyputhisarmaroundArija.

Cogattempted todo thesamewithAdal,buthebrushed itoff. As Adal took his first step, his legs nearly gave out, and ashootingpaineruptedfromhisribs.

“Youknow,onsecondthought...”Adalsaid,puttinghisarmbackaroundCog.

“Wait! What about the fight?” Arija twisted herself underWebley’sarm.

In the commotion, they’d completely forgotten about theGearrtha that were terrorizing the docks. Turning to face thescene of the conflict, Adal's mouth fell open. Several mangledGearrtha litteredthegroundaboutthemastheguardsmarchedin formation.The fewDwellersthatremainedonthedockswerehelpingeachotherup,andafewwerepushingtheseveredpartsofbothDwellerandGearrthaintoneatpileswithwhatlookedlikelargepushbrooms.

“Thefighthasbeenfoughtan’won,Arija.Theyweren’muchofamatchfertheguards.Ihelpeddesignthemsuitsm’self.Rightsturdy,”Webleyadded.

“So,wewon?”Adalasked,rubbinghissoreribswithhisfreehand.

“Thiswasn't thesortof thingyoucanwinor lose.Thiswasjust the tip of themound.Bewarned, this—whatever itwas—isnotover.”

Cog’s words tore at Adal's heart. Seeing things on film, orreadingtheminbooks,hadaninertwayofremovingtheseverityand emotion ofwar. Being in this battle, having their own livesthreatened, and being forced to facemortality, was a humbling

experience.Adalwouldnever admit it aloud, buthehadbeen terrified.

He had nevermet someone, or something, that could take anddeal hits like Fausto and keep coming. If Cog hadn’t shownupwhenhedid,theywouldn'tbetheretothinkaboutit.

27|IWillLeadYourArmiesInto

Victory

FaustotookhistimemakinghiswaybacktotheRoost.IfanyoftheotherKleinmaschhadfailedPajaklikehehad,Pajakwouldhavethemdisassembledandfedtotheothers.

“Lethimtry,ifhefanciesago!”FaustosnappedashemadehiswaydeeperintotheMachine.DespiteFausto’sstrengthsandthe number of soldiers he commanded, Pajak wouldn’trealisticallyhesitatetohavehimkilled.Hedamnedhimselffornotplanning the attack more thoroughly. In hindsight, he shouldhave kept to his traditionally stealthy ways instead of trying tomakeashowofit.Getin,gettheTopsiders,andgetout.Butno,he’dbrought theGearrtha and tried to take on thewhole dock.Stupid.Heshould’veatleasttakensomeUmarwithhim.

The lights dimmed as he drew closer to the city. A smallgroupofBaegscuttledpast,andFaustokickedatthem,sendingseveral flying deeper into the Roost. As he stormed past moreKleinmasch, Fausto shot infuriated glances at them, so theywouldn’ttrytoapproachortalktohim.

“Hehasn'tlosthisstep,”Faustosaidashethoughtaboutthefightwithhisbrother.Helungedfromaplatform,free-fallingovera hundred feet and landing effortlessly on another, his daggersclanking in their sheaths.A small groupofFeithidi scattered insurpriseasFaustolandeddirectlybehindthem.

“Ishould’vehadhim.Hestickstothesametricks.Thesamemoves.Inearlyhadhimclockedtoapattern.Butno,hehadto

involve that oversized gremlin.” Fausto spat at the thought ofWebley. He knew Pajak wouldn’t be able to see past Webley’sinvolvement.Thatwouldbe theonepointhewould latchon to,andhewouldn’tevenbeabletoseealltheDwellersthatFaustotookoutwiththeGearrtha.

The Topsiders’ reluctance to complywithhis orders furtherangeredFausto.Topsiderswereweak.Heknewit.Theyallknewit.Theirsoft,fleshyexteriorsandtheirslowreactiontimesmadeit a wonder they survived at all. So, why were these twoparticularly difficult to capture? If Cogsworth and Webley hadminded their own damn business, Fausto would be enjoying afeastwhilePajaktinkeredinsidethem.

Clearingthetunnel,FaustoslappedhishandataCead'slonglegs.Thecreatureletoutasurprisedbarkandlookeddownatthenuisancebelowhim.Faustoshotalethalgazeatthesentry,anditimmediatelysnappedbacktoattention.

On the other side of the tunnel, Fausto stopped to lookdeeperat thehangingnestof theGearrtha.Ofall thecreatureswithin theKleinmasch’s ranks, thesewerehis favorite.Granted,they were also one of the few Kleinmasch that he’d designedhimself. At the time, Pajak had his intensely strong Umar, butFausto told him they needed assassins to dive into battle andcreateasmuchhavocaspossible.TheGearrthawerebornfromthat.

Sincethatday,PajakhadallowedFaustotoleadtheirranks.Fausto loved nothing more than directing his fierce soldiers inbattle and watching them destroy everything in their path. Hereveled in the praise he received from Pajak when he returnedvictorious.

Thiswouldnotbeoneofthosedays.Afailurethatsomeonewould soon answer for. Luckily, his creations were too dim toplacetheblamewhereitwasdue.He’dhatetowatchhischildrenbeslaughtered,butitwaseitherthemorhim,andFaustoknewhowtosurviveintheRoost.

Thegrandchamberwassurprisinglyquietwhenheentered.TheBreedersseemedeerilystillanddidn't twitchorpumptheirhindquarters as they created new waves of Kleinmasch. Fausto

froze for a moment, and peered around the vast, empty space.Somethingwaswrong.

“Damn.” The word was soft, but it still echoed around thewalls.

Pajak appeared near the crest of the vaulted ceiling andscaled one of themain pillars that ran the length of the room,landinggracefullybehindFausto.PajakliftedFaustointotheairbyscooping twoofhis long,arachnid legsunderhisarms, thenthrewhimacrossthechamber.

Faustocame toastopasheslid intooneof thepillars.Hefumbledwithhisholstersandtriedtodrawhisdaggers,butPajakwas too quick. He jumped on top of Fausto and kicked hisweaponsaway.Pajak’sfacetwistedintoasnarlasheliftedFaustointotheaironcemore.

Fausto grasped and clutched at the long spider-likeappendages, only to be slammed against the far wall of thechamber.Ashefelltothefloor,henudgedoneoftheBreedersonhiswaydown.Itsqueakedandshiveredinfear.

“I toldyou Iwanted theTopsiders!Did Inotassignyouthetask?DidyounotpromisemeIcouldbetearingouttheirinsidesby this evening? Was I not fully clear on your duties?” PajakshoutedashecollectedFaustoandthrewhimintoanotherwall.

Fausto’s internalmechanicswerejarred,andhesawdoubleashecoweredatthefootofPajak’sthrone,wherehe’dlanded.

“Tellme,haveyouanythingtosayforyourself?OrshallIjustintroduce you to your new home with all the other Breeders?”PajakstrolledpastFaustoandpulledhimselfontohisthrone.

ApartofFaustowantedPajaktoenditall.Hewasaproudwarrior but, lying on the cold floor, the pain of the day's battleandtheutterdisgustofdefeatradiatingfromeverynutandboltinhisbody,apartofFaustojustwanteditalltoend.

Itwasthenthatitoccurredtohim.HowhadPajakknownofhisfailure?Theonlywaythemastercouldhaveknownwouldbeif one of his cowardly creations retreated to the Roost and toldPajak.No!Hewouldrisefromthisday.Thingswerenotover forhimbyfar.

Pajakwavedhisarm,thelargechamberdoorflewopen,and

oneofhishulkingUmarshuffledin.“Hmm,I thinkthebestpunishment foryouwillbe...”Pajak

glanced at the wall covered in Breeders, where one nest wasempty.

“Yes, I think that’llbe thebestplace foryou.Perhaps I canfindause in youyet.” Pajakmotioned to theUmar,who slowlymadeitswaydownthecorridor.

“No!”barkedFausto,pushinghimselfupfromthefloorashecovered his head in anticipation of another attack. None came.Instead,PajaksmiledathimandwavedhisarmfortheUmartostop.

“No?”Pajakreiterated. “Justwhy,exactly,doyouthinkyouhaveachoiceinthematter?”

Pajakoftenenjoyedtoyingwithhisprey,butFaustowasnotinaplayfulmood.Hewasgoingtospeakhismindand,ifitcametoit,Pajakwouldhavetokillhim.TherewasnowayFaustowasgoingtobecomeaBreeder.

“Ididnotfailyou!”Faustoadjustedhisclothingandstoodupas straight as he could, ignoring the searing pain that coursedthroughhisbody.

“That’snotwhatIwastold,”Pajaksaid.Fausto twitched. One of his men had betrayed him. If he

survivedthenight,hewouldfindthetraitorinhisranksandriphimapartoneboltatatime.

“AsIsaid,Ididnotfailyou.IhadtheTopsidersbestedandinmygrasp.ItwasnotuntilWebleyjoinedthefraythatIhadanissue.”FaustoknewtheverymentionofWebleywouldpushPajakovertheedgeand,sureenough,themastertwistedinhisseatatthementionofthename.

“I hadmy brother ended too. I had the Topsiders defeated.Mymenwroughthavoconthedock,claimingthelivesofDwellersandguardsalike.Webleywasamongthem.Hehelpedfightback.Intheend,wecouldnotreturnvictoriousfromthebattle. If theweakcreaturethatfledandinformedyouhadremaineduntiltheend of the fight, surely he would have known this.” The moreFausto touchedon thesubject, themorehisownragegrew.HehadtocatchhimselffromintentionallybatingPajakintoanother

scuffle.“Webley doesn't kill machines,” Pajak interjected, his voice

coldandmechanical.Everywordhespoketwistedwithuncertainintent.

“Hedidtoday.Iwatchedhimcrushmanyofmymenhimself,withmybastardbrotherathisside.IevenwatchedtheTopsidersdispatchofsomeofmyranks.HaditbeenonlytheTopsidersandthe guards, we would have been victorious. Even my brotherdidn’tinfluencethemissionotherthanslowingandirritatingme.”

“What, and you couldn’t tend to Webley yourself? He mayhave destroyed that which we have created, but certainly hewouldn’thurtoneofhisowncreations,”Pajakargued,pickingatthearmofhisthroneasheoftendid.

“Would you have battled him?” Fausto knew the answerbeforethewordsevenlefthismouth.

Pajakgrowledandsqueezedthearmofhisthrone,crushingthe metallic parts under the strength of his grip. “I would notchallengeme,Fausto.Nottoday.You’realreadyontheedgewithme,andthatemptyBreederspotislookinglonely.”

“He’s protecting them! He defended the Topsiders moreintenselythanheeverdidforus!Hekilledmachinestokeepthemsafe! He has even ordered the recycling of the fallen Gearrtha!What he has done against you today is the reason themissionfailed! Iwasnot the reason.Thishasbecomea full-fledgedwar,Pajak,anditisclearwhatsidehehastaken.Myonlyquestiontoyouis,areyouwillingtodowhatisnecessarytowin?”

Fausto’s words echoed through the vast room. Pajakremained silent for a moment, leaning back in his chair as ifthinking deeply about his response. Fausto swallowed thenervous lumpinhisthroat. Ifhisplandidn’twork,hewouldbespendingtherestofeternityasaBreeder.

“So,youthinkhisactionstodaywereadeclarationofwar?”Pajak finally asked, his voice indicating a strange level ofoptimism.

“I... Isupposeso,yes.Hedoesn'tkillhispreciousDwellers,buthewilleradicateourrankswithno thought,”Faustoadded,hisvoicefindingamoreconfidenttone.

“Hehasalwaysadmiredhiscreationsovermine.Webleyhasnever granted respect to our race and, yet, he thinks what hemakes is so superior? Then why do our brethren slaughter hiscreationsandconsumethem?Wearethedominantspecies!Thisplace,thisWorldMachine,isourkingdom.Andit’stimewetakeit!”Pajakpausedamoment,as if thinkingaboutwhathe’d justsaidbeforehecontinued.“Webleythinkshisabilitytogrant ‘life’tohiscreationsissomethingthatonlyhecanacquire?Iwilllearnthe secretsmyself, if Imust. Iwill tear thoseTopsiders apart. Iwilllearneverypartoftheir‘living’beings.Then,Iwillusethattogrow a new race. Something better than both the Dwellers andKleinmasch. A master creation that will go forth and grow,dominating all in existence, and I will rule everything he hascreated andmold it tomy image!” Pajak rose triumphantly, thethoughtofwarenergizinghim.

Faustorelaxedhistightenedgears.Hisplanhadworked.“War.Thiswillchangeallweknow.Todothis, Iwillneeda

General. I will need someone competent to leadmy armies andaccomplish my tasks. Is this something you think you canmanagewithoutfailure?”PajakhelduphishandtostifleFausto’seager response. “Before you speak, you should know that yourpunishment, should you fail, will be something that has neverbeenwitnessedbefore. Iwill create something especially for youthat will be far worse than anything you can imagine.” Pajaklowered his hand, the wicked grin on his face widening, avillainousglareinhiseyes.

“Yes! I will lead your armies!” Fausto did not hesitate. Heknewtherewasonlyoneanswer.Refusingwouldhaveresultedindeath,regardless.Besides,hewantedrevengefortheday’sdefeat.HewantedCogandWebleypayforwhattheyhaddone.

“I’mpleasedtohearthat.Imustwarnyou,thispositionwillnotbe ‘granted’ to you.Youmust earn it. If youare to leadmyarmy,youmustproveyourself.”Pajakseatedhimselfoncemoreon his throne. His face contorted into the cold look of abusinessmanandthenheraisedhisarmandwavedthesignal.

Fausto crouched low to the ground as the floor shook. HeshotastareoverhisshoulderattheUmarguardwalkingtoward

him, small bolts and debris jumpingwith every stephe took. Asmile spread acrossFausto’s face asunderstanding reachedhiseyes.PajaktossedFaustohisbladesashestoodupright.

“Allright,then.Let’sseewhatyoucando,”Pajaksaidashesunkintohisthrone,makinghimselfcomfortable.

PartII:TheNewWorld

28|YouNeedToDoWhatInside

Me?

The doctor’s office looked pretty standard, but the parts ofthecitythey’dseenastheylimpedtothebuildinghadbeenmoreshocking than what they had already seen of the Machine.Strange vehicles filled the streets, barelymissing buildings andDwellers alike as they sped around, traversing crowds withsurgicalprecision.SomeofthecarslookedlikeoldModelTs,butothersweresmallerwithmechanicalwingsthatejectedfromthesides.

On both sides of the street, buildings pierced the artificialsky.CrowdsofDwellersgatheredtogetalookattheaftermathofthebattleonthedock.Everysooften,aDwellergaspedorpointedas they noticed Adal and Arija being escorted byWebley to thedoctor’soffice.Despitetheabundanceofoccupants,notasingleDwellerlookedexactlylikeanother.Theywereallhumanoid,allinbeautifullyarticulatedVictorianclothing,andall lookingatAdalandArijaasthoughalienshadlandedintheirmidst.

The streets were composed of brick cobblestone, and thesidewalkswereapatchworkassortmentofbronzed,pink,black,andyellowmetals.

Arijawished,notforthefirsttimethatday,shehadtimetosketch what she had seen. Even now, sitting in the doctor’swaiting room, she was too busy dealing with Adal’s worriedoutburststopullouthersketchbook.

“I’m justsayin’,how in thehell isaDwellerdoctorgoing toknowhowtotreatour‘Topsider’injuries?Ifherollsoutherewitha mechanic’s outfit on and some wrenches, I'm out!” AdalprotestedasheandArijasataloneinthedoctor’soffice.

“AndI’mtellingyouthat ifyouact likeatool infrontofthedoctor,who’sonlytryingtohelpus, Iwillbreaktherestofyourribs,”Arijasaid,tryingtokeepasternlookonherface.“Wehaveto get checked out, Adal. We got our asses kicked back there.Besides, with everything we’ve seen, I’d think you could admitanythingispossiblehere.”

Assoonasthey’dreachedthedoctor’soffice,Webleyreturnedtothedocktohelpcleanupthemessleftbehindfromthefight,leavingAdalandArijawithCog.Onceinside,Coglefttofindthedoctorandseewhatcouldbedoneabouttheirinjuries.

Adal’sdamagedribshadkepthimhunchedoverformostofthewalkbut,everytimeArijagasped,he’dpushedhisheaduptotakeinwhatshe’dseen.

“Thisplaceislikeamechanic’sshopmixedwithamuseum,”Adalsaid,lookingaroundtheroom.

Arijacouldn’thaveagreedmore.Thelargeroomwasdwarfedby thesheernumberof itemswithin it.Glasscasesheld jarsofparts, and things that looked like old-fashioned medicalequipment.Acasenearthedoorincludedwhatlookedlikeanoldbrassandwoodmicroscope.Thewoodenstandheldalongbrassbarrelwithapieceofcurvedglassatthetop,almostlikeachild’skaleidoscope.Asmall,rustedpieceofmetalboltedtothewoodenbaseheldasmall,glassslidewithametallicsmearacrossit.Onacounternearthemicroscopewasastrangelookingmachinewithplumesofsmokecomingfromathinpipeatthetop.

Inthecenteroftheroom,areclinedchairremindedArijaofadental chair with a large light suspended a few feet above it.Beneathitranseveralpipesandtubesthatconnectedtovariousmachines looming ominously nearby. Another twitching caughtArija’s attention and drew her eyes to a tray of tools a few feetawayfromthechair.

“What is that?” Arija asked, nudging Adal’s shoulder andpointing to the tray. The severed arm of a Dweller twitched

reflexivelyonthetray,itsfingersstretching,asifcallingforhelpbefore curling into a fist. Several small tools protruded fromanopenpanelontheforearm,whileatuberanfromwheretheelbowshouldbe to a smallmachinewithwires thatperiodically arcedwithelectricity.Followingeacharc,onedigitwouldtwitch.

“I’msure thedoctorhasall theappropriate credentialsandtraining ... to work on Frankenstein’s monster,” Adal mutteredunderhisbreath.

Arija shot him a warning look, and he laughed butimmediatelydoubledover inpainasthelaughterpressedonhisbrokenribs.

“That’swhatyouget!”Arijasaid,stiflingherownlaughter.A bang from across the room echoed off the smoothmetal

walls,andAdalandArijasatatattentionsearchingtheroom.AneerilysilentmomentpassedbeforeCogappearedfrombehindoneofthelargemachines.

“Sorryaboutthewait,youtwo.Ittookmeamomenttofindher. She was tending to a malfunction with one of herinstruments.”

“Oh great,” Adal whispered so only Arija could hear. Shedidn'tscoldhimsinceshecouldn'thelpthinkingthesamething.Hopefully,thatwasn'tamachinethedoctorplannedonusingtohelp them.Thenagain, shewondered if any of themachines intheroomcouldbeusedtohelpthem.

“I know that this may all seem a bit strange to you, butpleasegiveheranopportunity,”Cogpleaded,makinghiswayovertoAdal.

Beforeeitherofthemcouldformulateaquestionoftheirown,another sound echoed through the room. A Dweller womanappeared from behind the same odd machine. A warm smilecreasedherbronzefaceasshewalkedovertothem.Thedoctor.

Arijacouldn’thelpbutnoticethedoctorworeawaxedcanvasmechanics apron. Her heart sped as she wondered what thisdoctorwasgoingtodotothem.ArijashotAdalawearylookandplacedher fistonthearmof thechairdirectlynexttohis.Theymade three bumps with their fists; Arija’s ‘scissors’ beat Adal’s‘paper.'

“Shit!”hemutteredunderhisbreath.Lookslikehewouldbetheguineapigafterall.

Thedoctor'spantsweretuckedintolarge,leatherbootsand,underherapron,sheworeanoil-stained,whiteshirtwithrolled-upsleevesthat fluffedout fromthesides.Arijanoticedtheshirtwasclearlymuchtoobigforhersmallframe.Herhairwasamassoftitanium,formedintoatightbunwithseveraltwistedshavingscreatingstraycurlsthatframedherface.Hercheekswereround,withtwosmalldivotsinthecenterthatlookedlikedimples.Asetof wire-rimmed glasses hung around her neck, along with auniqueleatherchokercraftedfromoldclockworkpiecesboundbyabright-pinkcopperwire.

When she looked up, Arija noticed that her eyes were anunnaturally beautiful shade of aquamarine. If a robot could bebeautiful,shewouldbe.

Just as she stopped in front of them,Cog straightened,hischestextendedlikeaproudbird.

Aww.That’scute,ArijathoughtasshewatchedCogtryingtogetthedoctor’sattention.

“Avani,thesearetheTopsidersIwasjusttellingyouabout,”Cogsputtered,tryingtokeephischestoutwhilehespoke.

Adalsnortedalaughbeforewincinginpain.“Smooth,boss.”“Why thank you, Cog. I would never have guessed,” Avani

teased,smilingandgivinghimasmallwink.Avaniwassweetandhervoicesoft.

Asshejoked,Cogsmiledanawkwardhalf-grinandlaughedlightly, putting his hand on Adal’s shoulder and trying to lookcasual.

“Hey.Ey,eyyy!”Adalbellowed,hisfacescrunchedinpain.Cog’s confident face fell as he rubbed Adal’s shoulder and

said, “Oh, Adal, I am so sorry!” He pulled back, obviously notintendingtocausepain.Cogonlyneededtofindsomethingtodowithhishandsotherthannervouslyfumbling.

Avani bent over Adal, placed her hands on his shouldersgently,andexaminedhim.

“Itlooksasthoughyouhavetakensomenastyhits.Let’sseeif we can get those taken care of, no? Please follow me to the

examination chair.” Avani motioned for Cog to help her moveAdal, and the two of them slowly brought him to his feet. Theadrenalinefromthefightmusthavethoroughlywornoffbynow.Adallookedsoreandworn,asifhefelteveryachingmuscleandtwistedbone inhisbody.Ashe rose,he shotanervous lookatArija. She smiled and shookherhead,making a scissormotionwith her fingers. Adal grunted as Avani and Cog guided himacrosstheroomtothechair.

“Just relax. I promise, Iwill take good care of you.Adal, isit?”

Henodded.“Adal,mynameisAvani. It isverynicetomeetyou.”Avani

adjustedthelightaboveAdal’sheadsoitdidn’tshinedirectlyintohiseyes.Shefumbledwithatrayof instruments,andAdaltriedtotwistsohecouldseewhatshewasdoing.

“So, uh, you’ve treated Topsiders before?” Adal asked, atrembleinhisvoice.HejumpedwhenAvanisuddenlyreappearedandstoodoverhim,surveyinghischest.

“Oh,absolutely!”“Really?”Adalsighed.“Not in the slightest,” Avani giggled, letting her amusement

danceattheedgesofhermouth.Arija watched the relief on Adal’s face evaporate, replaced

withterror.“Relax,Adal! IhavestudiedTopsiders fora very long time,”

Avani continued. “I am well aware of your ‘unique’ structures.Biologicalorganismsaresosensitive. Ipromise IknowpreciselywhatIamdoing.”Avanireachedovertoatrayofinstrumentsandproducedasmallhammerandhandsaw.“Now,howdoIremoveyourarmsandlegsagain?”

Adalpanicked.Heshotup,hisarmsandlegsflailinglikehewas fighting an imaginary octopus. Immediately, two handspressedhimbackintothechair.Foraquiet,soft-spokenDweller,AvaniwasstrongenoughtowithstandAdal'sfighting.

“Adal!Adal!Calmdown,Iamonlykidding.Look,notools.Iamonlyexaminingyou.”Avanireleasedhimandwavedheremptyhandsintheair.

Adallookedfromherhandstothetraybesidethechair,thento Arija and Cog on the other side of the room. Cog snickeredwhile Arija doubled over, gasping for air as she tried to containherlaughter.

“I’mgladyoutwoarehavingagoodtimewiththis,”Adalsaidbeforebringinghiseyesbackto thedoctor. “So,youhave jokes,huh?”heasked,hismouthslightlygapedandhistonguepressedtotheinsideofhischeek.

“Oneortwo.Iwillsay,Igenerallydon'tgetasmuchresponsefrommypatientsas this. I thinkwewillbe friends.”Avaniheldoutherhand.

Adal looked at it for a moment, then smiled and shook it.“Yeah, you'reall right, I guess.Seriously though,don't stickmewithanythingorbreakoutthosetoolswithoutwarningme.”Adaladjustedhimselfinthechair.

Avanismiled,steppingawayagainandreturningwithalargeblackscreen.“Well,Adal,itlookslikeyourendoskeletalstructuremay have taken some integrity damage. I will have to examineyour internal mechanics to better assess the situation.” Avaniwheeled the strange machine to the side of the chair andunlockedaretractablebrassarm.

Adal’seyeswidened.“Wait,youneedtodowhatinsideme?”helookedfromthescreentothetoolsthatsatjustoutofreach.

Avani laughed. “Relax,Adal. I amgoing to x-ray your chestand see if you have any broken parts. Unless you want me toopenyouuplikeIwoulddotoaDweller?Honestly,Iamadoctor.TrustmewhenIsayImeanyounoharm.”

Arijasaton theedgeofherseat,as ifwatchingher favoriteshow.

“Heygirl,youenjoyingtheshow?Thisisn’tanepisodeofDr.Who,youknow,”hebarked,causinghertogracehimwithoneofhersmiles.

“Hey,shehadtostartsomewhere.I'mjusthappyshegotherfunoutonyoufirst!”Arijareplied.

“Oh,donotworry,Arija.Ihaveplentyoffunforyouaswell.”Avaniwinked.

Arija’s face went pale, and she slid back into her chair,

suddenlynotfeelinglikegawking.“Now, please remain still. I am going to turn this on and

examinewhatisdamaged.Ifyoumove,itwillmakeitdifficultformetoidentifysmallerinjuries.”

Adal nodded. Avani pulled the arms of the device andextended the apparatus over Adal. The side that faced himwasnotblack.Instead,adimreflectionpeeredathimfromthesilvermetal on the back of the instrument. Avani aligned the device,placedaprotectivematoverhischest,andflippedalargeswitchonthesideofthex-raymachine.

An immediate image appeared on the screen. Arija saw itfrom across the room and stood,walking overwithCog in tow.Avaniinspectedtheimageinintensesilence.AsArijaapproached,she saw a glowing blue image of Adal’s skeletal structure. Hisbones moved slightly as he breathed but, aside from that, shecouldhavebeenlookingataphotograph.

“Ah, there they are!” Avani declared, pointing to the threelowest ribs on Adal’s right side. Sure enough, as Arija andCogleanedintoexamineherfindings,itbecameapparentthattwoofthe ribs were completely broken, while the lowest rib wasfractured.

Arija sucked in a breath, squinting as she looked at thescreen. “Man, Adal, that looks like it hurts!” Scanning her eyesover therestof the image,she looked forotherbreaks.Nothing.Avani must have come to the same conclusion because shesteppedawayfromthescreenandnodded.

“I am so sorry that you were hurt so badly,” Cog said,shakinghishead.“Ishouldhavebeentherewithyousooner.Thisisallmyfault.”

“Heyman,youhadbusinesstohandle.Thisisn'tonyou.Wechose to fight,” Adal responded. Arija knew he wasn't in thepracticeofallowingotherstodictatehisactions.

“Adalisright,Cog,thiswasn'tyourfault.Itwasourchoice.Theseareourwounds.”ArijaplacedherhandonCog’sshoulder.

“Thankyou,both. Iswear,thiswon’thappenagainwithmearound.”

AvanimovedtoAdal’ssideholdingasilvermedicaltraywith

a largesyringe,avialof somemetallic liquid—maybemercury—andanodddevicethatremindedArijaofagun.

“What’sallthatfor?”Adalasked,soundingnervous.AvaniplacedthetrayonastandandsatnexttoAdal.“You

have two solid breaks in ribs eight and nine, and rib ten isfractured. I must mend them, or your internal injuries willworsen,andyourpainwill only increase.This is theonlyway Icanfixthat foryou.Well,otherthancuttingyouopen,that is. Iwouldprefernotto,asIhavenowayofreplacingyourblood.”

AdalrolledinhischairsohecouldglareatArija.Shegrittedherteethandshruggedathim,forminganother‘scissor’withherfingers.AdalextendedhismiddlefingercausingArijatoslaphishandaway.

“Calmdown, Adal. If this iswhatwe have to do to get youfixed,thenthisiswhatwehavetodo.”

Adalrelaxed intothechair,bringinghiseyesbacktoAvani.“Allright,what’stheprocedure?”

“It is simple, really, Ipromise. I injectyouwith this,”Avaniheldup the vial of liquidmetal. “Then I use this device here toguidetheliquidtothelocationofthebrokenribs.”

She raised the strange looking guns and showed Adal andArija."Iwillbewatchingthewholeprocedureonmyscreenhereas themetal showson this x-ray.Once it is inplace, I pull thetriggerandreleaseaconcentratedwaveofenergythatreactsonlywith this special mixture of mine. It will instantly harden andbridge the broken and fractured gaps.” Avani’s piercing eyesgleamed with excitement and pride as she walked the twoTopsidersthroughtheprocedure.

AdalshotonemorenervouslookatArijawhoonlyshruggedin response. It’s not likehehad any other choice. It all seemedstrange,butthebasictheorywassound.

Avani produceda largeneedle and inserted the tip into thevial of metallic liquid. As soon as Adal’s eyes landed on thegargantuanneedle,hegrippedthearmsofthechairashardashecould.

“Waitaminute!Didyougetthebiggestneedleyouhad?Youcouldjuststabmewithafreakin’pole,wouldbethesame,”Adal

stutterednervously.Arija couldn’t contain her laughter. “The big, bad Adalwolf

Steinisscaredofneedles?Youlearnsomethingneweveryday.”“I’mnotscaredofneedles.Butthatthing?Shemightaswell

beholdinganicepick!”AvanilookedatArijaandCog,smilingandshakingherhead.“Adal, I have to do this. It’s the only way I can set your

breakswithoutphysicallyopeningyouup.Ipromisethissyringeismicro-sharpenedandhasbeendesignedsoyouwon’tevenfeelit.Thisentireprocesswon’ttakebutamomentandyouwillfeelworlds better.” Avani’s smile widened, and Arija thought shelooked sincere. Adal's facewarmed, andhe droppedhis eyes tohislap.

“Really? That sharp?” Arija asked, impressed with Avani’stechnology.

Avani shot Arija a brief look as she widened her eyes andshrugged. That was the most obvious ‘I dunno, I guess so’expression thatArijacould imagineand,suddenly,shewas justasnervousasAdal.Avaniseemedratherintelligent.Shehadawitaboutherandacavalier‘let’swingthis’attitudethatArijawouldhave admired if the woman hadn’t been working on her bestfriend.

Arija squeezed Adal’s hand as Avani bent down and pickedupalarge,brassconefromthefloorthatwasattachedtoalong,thicktube.

“I knowwhatwill help.” Thedoctor brought thebrass coneuptoherlipsandyelled,“Kip!”

29|TheName’sKip

A loud metallic squeaking filled the room, like the world’sworstshoppingcart.

In the corner, a rusted ladder ledup to ahatch, like thosefoundinasubmarine.Thegiantwheelinthecenterofthehatchspun in place, though it sounded like it hadn’t been opened incenturies. Arija pressed the palms of her hands to her ears todampenthescreech.

Asound likeareleasedvacuumsealechoed,andthehatchopened. A small Dweller boy dropped out of the hatch and sliddowntheladderwithoutsteppingonanyoftherungs.Helandedwithaloud‘clunk’onthefloor.

“Themobileclinicisalmostupandrunning,Mum.Ijusthadto adjust the throttle and... Wow! Topsiders!” Kip stopped mid-stepashenoticedAdalsittingonthedoctor’schair.Hepausedamoment,thenranovertoArija.Hepickedupherhandandranhissmall,coldfingersacrossherskin.

Age wasn’t really something that Webley and Cog hadexplainedtothembeforebut,ifAdalhadtoguess,hewouldhavesaid Kip was about twelve or thirteen in human years. He hadsmall, rust-colored freckles on his smooth, brass face andworeoversized grey pants held up by suspenders. Under thesuspenders, an oversized white shirt with the sleeves rolled upclungtohissmallframe,justlikeAvani’s.

Kip dropped Arija’s hand, removed his newsboy cap and

loweredittothegroundashebowed.“Thename’sKip,Miss,”KipsaidashetossedhiscapbackontohisheadandwalkedovertoAdal.HeleanedovertheedgeoftheexaminationchairandslowlypokedAdalinthearm.

“Heykid,that’sstillabitsore,bro!”Adalresponded,wincingasKip’sfingerjabbedathim.

“Wow,really?Neat!”“Kip, focus. Our guests could use a boost after their day.

Wouldyoumind terribly retrievingsomecoffee thatwegot fromWebley?Ithinkthewarmdrinkwilldoyoubothsomegoodandrelaxyourmuscles.Webleyroaststhebestbeans!”AvaninoddedtowardKip,thentowardthedoorshehadenteredearlier.

“Allright,Mum.Icandothat!”Kipturnedonhisheelsandsprintedtothebackoftheroom,disappearingbehindtheclutterofmachines.

“IsKipyourson?”Arijaasked.“Yes.Kipwas orphanedas ababy, and I decided theworld

wastoocoldforsuchaninnocentthingtobealonelikethat.So,ItookhiminandhavebeenteachingKipallIknoweversince.Heisagreatkid.”Avaniofferedasmile,asifshewererememberingalifetimeofwonderfulmemories.

AdalhadaflashofhisfatherandwishedhewasassoftandchillasAvani.TheonlymemoriesAdalhadofhis fatherwereofhim pushing and being hard on him for no reason. Adalwas asmartguy,butnothingwasevergoodenoughforhisdad.

“Mobile clinic?” Cog asked as he turned his attention toAvani,askepticallookonhisnormallysmoothface.

“Yes,mymobile clinic.Why shouldn't those that live out intheMachinegetthesamemedicaltreatmentasthosethatliveinthe city? That flying cart will allowme to do so. Kip has reallycome along, and it is impressivewhat hehas donewith it. Youshouldsee it sometime.Maybe I can takeyou fora ride.”Avanipressed on Adal’s chest, aligning the broken bones with herfingers.

“I, uh, would like that ... I think ...” Cog sputtered. If Cogcouldblush,hewouldalmostcertainlybedoingso.ItwassortofcutethewayCogfellapartwhenAvaniwasaround.

AvanipressedonAdal’sribsagain,elicitingagruntofpain.Sheaimedthelargeneedledirectlyathischest.

“Hey, shouldn’t that go into my arm or something?” Adalstuttered,stalling.

“Notatall.Idon'twantthisinyourbloodstream.Toodifficultto guide themetalwhere Ineed it. I’mgoing to inject itdirectlyintoyourchestcavity.Likethis.”

Before Adal could reply, Avani stabbed the needle into hischestandpresseddownontheplunger.Everydropoftheliquidmetalflowedfromthereservoir,disappearingintoAdal.Hegrittedhisteethindiscomfort,butAdalsoldieredthroughtheinjection.

Cog nudged Arija, pointing at the screen. As soon as themetallic fluid entered Adal’s chest, it appeared as a blue-whitesubstance on the x-ray. It beaded and spread inside his chest.Adal’sheartracedashewatchedthemetalseepintoeverycreviceandaroundhislungs.

“Dr.Avani...Theliquidisgoingallover.Isthatnormal?”Arijaasked,concerned.Adallookedather,andshesqueezedhishand.

“Relax,my dear. Youwill see,” Avani insisted, finishing theinjection and retrieving the gun from the tray along with threesmalldisks.

Kip returned with a tray of four cups and a metal pot ofcoffee. He nearly spilled the entire tray as he hurriedly put itdown on a small table next to thewaiting chairs and ran backovertowatchthescreenlikeakidmissinghisfavoriteTVshow.

“Wow!That’swhatyour insides look like?Whereareall thegears?”heasked,squeezingbetweenCogandArija.

Avani giggled but didn’t answer. She turned the screen toimprove her view and placed the three small disks on Adal’schest,oneovereachbreak.ThespreadingofthemetaloverAdal’sinsides ceased and, as if being called to attention, the liquidslowlyretracted.

EachbeadofmetalmovedtowardtheareaswhereAvanihadplaced thedisks.Likeamagnetpullingon themetal, the liquidpooledoverAdal’sbrokenribs.Avanithenproducedhergunandalignedthetipofthebarrelwiththefirstmagnet.Onceshehadeverythinginplace,shepulledthetrigger,andadimflashoflight

emittedfromthebarrelofthegun.Theliquidinstantlysolidifiedaroundthebone.

She moved the gun from one disk to the next. In under aminute,Adal’sribshadathincoatofmetaloverthem,thebrokenandfracturedareasnowheretobeseen.

“Wow! Thatwas cool!” Kip announced, stepping around thesideofthescreen.“Canwebreaksomethingelseanddoitagain?”

“Hellno!”Adalbarked,sittingupinhisseat.“Really? Aww man, no fun! How do you feel?” Kip asked,

pokingatAdal’sribswithonesmall,curiousfinger.“Actually...better.”Adalrubbedhishandoverhischest,ashy

smilepeakingatthecornerofhismouth.Arija’smouthdroppedopeninshock.“Fantastic!Iamgladtohearthat.Youwillstillbesorefora

littlewhile.Thereisn'tmuchIcandotoreducethebruising,buttheboneswon’tbebreakingagainanytimesoon!Now,asfortherestofyou...”

Much to Kip’s pleasure, Avani spent the next hourperformingthesameprocedureforseveralotherareas,mostlyinAdal’shandsfromthehaymakerslughe’dthrownatFausto.

After a while, the pain of the procedure and the generaldiscomfortsubsided,andAdalandArijafoundthemselvestalkingand laughing with Kip. Adal sipped his coffee, listening to thebarrageofquestionsthatcamefromthecuriousboy.

“What’s the Topside like? Do you guys have aWebley too?What sort ofmachines are there?Can you showme?”Kip firedquestionsquickerthanAdalandArijacouldanswerthem.

“Allright,Kip.Ithinkit’stimeyouwentbacktoworkingonthemobileclinic,don'tyou?”AvanistoodandgaveAdalonefinalcheck.

“Awe,can’tIstay?”Kippleaded,slouchinghisshoulders.“Kip,Ineedyouworkingontheclinic.TheTopsiderswillbe

in theMachine for awhile. Youwill have other opportunities tohang out with them. Now go. We need to have that thingfunctioning as soon as possible.” Avaniwaved her hand at Kip,whosighedandslowlytrudgedbacktothestairs.

“Hey,whenyouguysarealldone,youshouldcomeupand

seeit.It’sreallyneat!”“I’m sure they would enjoy seeing it later. For now, Imust

finish,”Avanisaidasshecrossedherarmsinamotherlymanner.Kip sighed and disappeared through the hatch, leaving it

open.“See? That wasn't so bad now, was it?” Arija said as she

reachedahandouttoAdal,helpinghimsitupinthechair.“Yougotjokestoo?Well,keepitup,becauseit’syourturnin

the chair now!” Adal laughed as he hopped from the seat andbroadlygesturedtothechairlikehewaspresentingaprize.

“I,uh,thinkI’mallset.Justafewbumps.Nothingthatreallyneedsanymedicalhelp.”Arijaputbothhands in theairassheslowlybackedawayfromthechair.

“Ohno,‘manup,'remember?OrareyougoingtoadmitthatIcanhandlemorethanyou?”Adalknewthebuttonstopushjustasshedid.

Sheglaredathimandturneduphernose,hoppingintotheseat.

“Ah,Miss Arija. Let’s have a look at you.” Avani began herassessmentofArija’sinjuries.FortunatelyforArija,thereweren'tanybrokenbones,butAvanididnotethenastyhitshe’dtakenonherheadthatneededmending.

“Well, we can stitch that right up!” Avani immediatelyproducedanother largeneedle anda spool of thick thread fromherapron.“Thiswillonlytakeamoment.”

“Uh, sorry, but do you have something that isn't so, well,large? I’ve had stitches before, and that thread looksmore likerope!”

Avanipausedforamomentandexaminedhertools.“Well,Isuppose I could do something else. I had read of your stitchingmeasures,butIwasn'tawareofasizestandard.Myapologiesforthat.Stillshouldbeaneasyfix.”Avanishuffledovertooneoftheglass cabinets and produced a small jar with a sludgy brownliquidinside.

“Thisisanadhesive.IuseittobindtheleatheraestheticstotheToppersthatcomein.Shoulddojustaswellhere.It’smadeorganically from sap. Shouldn’t cause you any issues.” Avani

turnedonthelightaboveArija’sheadtolookatherwound.Adalsteppedbehindthechairtogethisownlook,happythat

itwasn’thimbeingpokedandprodded.“No worries, Arija. Shouldn't be too bad. Man, that’s a big

gash. Looks like that would easily need a few stitches. Nothingwrongwithbeingheldtogetherwithglue.Mightmakestylingyourhaireasier,tobesticky,anyway,”Adalteased.

“Hey,you’rethevainonehere!”Arijabarked.Avani pressed on Arija’s side and slowly rolled her to face

awaysoshecouldbetteraccessthesliceonherscalp.“Youknow,itmaybebetterifwejustshaveoffallofthishair.Easiertogettothewound.” Avani partedArija’s hair, but the smile onher lipsbetrayedher. She pressedhard on thewound, closing the gashandholdingtheskintogether.Arijadidn’treply,shejustscoffedwitha‘youjusttryit’expression.

Withthefleshclenchedintoplace,Avaniappliedathinlayerofthebrownpastetothewound.

ArijaglaredatAdal,squeezinghishandbutrefusingtoshowmorepainthanhehad.

Avanigrabbedthesamegunshe’dusedonAdal,and litupArija’s scalp, instantly hardening the glue. “All done!” sheannounced,releasingArija’shair. “Now,samethinggoes foryouaswell.Thiswillbesoreforalittlewhile.Justtakeiteasyandtrynottore-injureyourself.Iamnotentirelysurewhatotherbrokenthings on you two I can successfully fixwithout removing themandreplacingthemwithpartsIhavelyingaroundmyshop.”

Adal andArija looked at one another,mirror expressions ofhorrorcoveringtheirfaces.

“So,whatare theplans for the restof theday?Will youbetendingtothedocks?”ThemooddrasticallychangedwhenAvanimentionedthebattle.Witheverythingthathadhappenedandalltheanxietyaboutbeingexperimentedon,Adalhadmomentarilyforgottenaboutwhatbroughtthemhereinthefirstplace.

Cogfrownedandshookhishead.“Webleywentbacktohelpcleanthatupandworkwiththerescuerstobringintheinjured.He insisted I get these two to youandsee that theywere takencare of, then he wanted me to show them around the city.

Honestly,Iwouldmuchratherbeouttherehelping.Nooffense.”CogturnedandnoddedtowardsAdalandArija.

“Let’s all goback thereandhelp!Wedon'tmind, really. It’stherightthingtodo,”Arijainterjected.

“Seriously,weshouldbetherehelpinganyway,”Adaladded.“No,ImusthonorwhatWebleywanted.Hedoesn'twantyou

wrappedupinthatsortofmess.Thecauseofthosedeathsistheonesicknesswehavenotbeenable topurge from theMachine.Believeme,Webleywouldbeashamedifyouwentbacktohelp,”Cogreplied.

“Well,whydon't Ihelp?Youcanstill take themaround thecity, and I will make sure thatWebley gets on all right,” Avanioffered.

CogplacedonetimidhandonAvani’sshoulder,thenquicklyremovedit.“No,Icouldn'tletyoudothat,really.”

“Whydon'tyoubothgo?”Adalsuggested.“Yes!We’llbefine.Honestly,whatelsecanhappen?Youtwo

goon.”ArijahoppedoffthechairandgrabbedAdal’shand.“Well,howaboutthisthen:Cog,youandIwillgobacktothe

docksandgiveanyhelpwecan.AdalandArija,perhapsIcanaskKip...”Avanididn'thave thechance to finishher thoughtbeforeKipleapedfromtheopendoorwayandsliddowntheladder.

“I can show them around the city!” Kip shoutedenthusiastically,notcaringiftheyknewhe’dbeeneavesdropping.

“Look, I appreciate the gesture, but after a day like this,really, perhaps this isn't the best idea. I... uhh... I think.” Cogbrokeaway,glancingatAvaniforreassurance.

Adal and Arija both fixed him with the same expressions.Their eyes bulged, and their heads cocked to one side. Cogstudied them in confusion for amoment, before Adal motionedtoward Avani with his eyes. She was busy cleaning up andputtinghertoolsaway.

“No, really. We’ll be fine,” Arija insisted, emphasizing eachword.

“Yeah, really. Kip has us covered,” Adal added. He pointedtowardAvani,thenbacktoCog,asifsayinggowithher.

Coglookedblanklyatthem,notunderstandingtheircrypticmessages.

Avani stopped picking up and turned to address Cog. “Yousee,Cog.Theywillbejustfine.Besides,wecanbemoreeffectiveifit’sjustus.Imeannooffensetothetwoofyou,butthissortofthing is best left to us.We have our own processes for dealingwith situations like this. We are very lucky that, due to theresponseoftheWatch,mostofthedamagewasonlytotransportcraftsandotherstructures.Thelossoflifewasminimal.”

“So, can we be off then?” Kip took a few steps toward thedoor,lookingbetweenAvaniandtheTopsiders.

“Yes,goonahead.Justbecarefulandkeepaneyeonthem,Kip. Don't go on one of your little adventures. This has been atryingdayforallofus,Iamsureofit.Cog,ifyouwouldhelpmeputthesethingsaway,wecanbeofftoo.”

30|Casualties

Fausto sat perched on the top of a train car. The windwhippedpasthimasthecarspedthroughthehillside.Hisheartraced a rhythmic beat as little bolts of electrified excitementtrackedthroughhisbody.

Heleanedforward,peekingintothewindowofthenextcar.Amechanicwasfiddlingwithsomething.Awomanwiththeinsigniaofacaptainpacedthe lengthof thecar,checkingthegaugesonthewall.Fausto fantasizedabout crushing theman’s skullwithhis bare hands as the woman cowered on the floor at hisgreatness.

“Checkthecouplings,Bolt!Weneedtomakesurewearefullyconnected.Still gettingsomedragon the rearcars,”the captaincommanded.

Bolt nodded, then made his way out of the enginecompartmentandthroughthesupplycars.

Fausto followed him, silently hopping from one car to thenext.

Whenthemechaniccametothecarhe’dbeenlookingfor,hesteppedoutintotheopenairandcroucheddown,examiningtheattachmentcoupling.

TheopenairoftheWorldMachineandthethickrailsholdingthetrainwhizzedbelowhim.

Fausto slowly lowered himself. The thought of forcing theman into thegapbetweencars causedhisheart to skipabeat.

Whatsoundwouldhisbodymakeasthetrainrippeditapart?“Don’tfall,”anothermansaidashegrabbedthemechanic’s

arm,shakinghimandcausinghimtograbaholdof thesideofthetrain.

Faustopushedhimselfbackontothetopofthecar.“Really,Sear?Really?”Boltbarkedathisfriend.Ahigh-pitchedcacklerosefromSear.“Hey,Ijustsavedyour

life!”“Shouldn’t you be on top of the cars with the rest of the

security?”BolttuggedhisarmoutofSear’sgrasp,steppingbackintothetraincar.

“We have enough security on here. You need to breathe alittle,Bolt,”Searjoked.“Whatareyoudoingouthereanyway?”

The mechanic checked his sidearm. “Captain Rachette hasmecheckingthecouplings.Apparentlywearegettinga little toomuchswayaroundtheturns.”

“Aw,yourfuturewifemakingyouwork?Keepdreaming,bigguy.She’sacaptain.She’dnevergetinvolvedwitharailworker.”

“Youneverknow.”Fausto had to fight the urge to drop down and slaughter

these two idiots. There was so much more to life than gettingcaughtupinthepointlessfantasiesofwomen.

Rachette’s voice sounded over the intercom, pulling Faustobacktohismission.“Bolt,haveyoucheckedtheconnectionsyet?”

“Uh…Yesma’am!Allsethere.”“Then get back to the engine. I’m getting some strange

readingsand…”Theradiocrackledintostaticthenwentsilent.Faustopushedhimselfupandhurriedacrossthetopofthe

train back to the engine room. It sounded like hismenwere inpositionanditwastimeforthefuntostart.

Hesliddown thesideof the trainbetween theengine roomandthecarbehind it.Faustopeeredaroundthecorner intotheroomandwatchedthecaptainassheshooktheintercom.

AsadisticsmilecreptacrossFausto’sface.Hismenhadcutthepower.No traincommunicationswouldwork.WhenCaptainRachette turned her back towards him, Fausto slipped into the

enginecar.He raced across the car, pulling one of his daggers out.He

grabbedheraroundthewaistandslidthedaggerintothesideofherribcage,piercingherheartbeforeshecouldevengasp.Faustoloweredhertothegroundandflippedheroversohecouldwatchasthelightdrainedfromhereyes.Thatwashisfavoritepart.

Bolts of electricity shot across his body,making his fingerstingleashewatchedthecaptaindie.Thefeelingwasintoxicating,andhehadtosteadyhimselfashestood.

Afterafewmomentsheslidherbodybehindoneoftherackswithhisbootedfootandwalkedbackoutthewayhecamein.

Oncebackon the roof,hewalkedalong the topof the carstoward where he’d last seen the mechanic. In the distance hecouldseehisGearthaslaughteringthesecuritythatwerepostedat the end of the train. The sound of frantic gun shots soothedhim as hewalked. The securitywould put up a good fight, buttheywerestillnomatchforhisGeartha.

Faustostoppedashesawthemechanicstumblethroughoneof the train cars. He sucked in a long breath, relishing in thescentoffearandchaos.

Bolt forced the door to the nearest car open and sprintedthroughthecountlessracksandcratesofmechanicalparts.

Faustofollowedhim,waitingfortheperfectmomenttomakehismove.He’d learnedhis lessonbackat thedocks.Fromnowon,hewasstickingtowhathedidbest.

AjolttossedBoltforward,slamminghimtothefloor.Severalsmallcasesfelldownontopofhim.Hethrashed,throwingcasesaside.

Faustocouldn’thelpthesmalllaughthatforceditswaypasthislips.

A group of Geartha and Fithidi rushed past and Faustograbbedone ofhismen. “Ineed you to comewithme. IhaveaspecialkillI’dlikeyoutohelpmewith.”Faustodidn’tknowwhataboutBoltdrewhisattention,butheneededtoknowwhatitfeltliketodrainhimoflife.

Suddenly, the emergency alarms sounded. “All security

personnel to their stations. Mechanics and support crew pleaseretreattoshelterlocations.”

Bolt pulled out his sidearm, running towards the engineroom.“CaptainRachette?”Boltcalled.Buteverythingwasquiet.

ButterfliesfilledFausto’sstomach.Helovedagoodreveal.Bolt’s facescrunchedashe lookedaround theempty room.

“Captain?”hecalledagain.Fausto jumped off the roof of the train car, smashing the

window to the engine room and jumping inside. Two of hisGeartha burst through the window on the opposite side of theroom,landingnexttothemechanic.

Glass showered Bolt as he crouched down and covered hisheadwithhishands,droppinghispistolintheprocess.

“Get up you sniveling idiot!” Fausto snapped as he kickedBoltintheribs.

TheGearthascreeched,thehigh-pitchedsoundbouncingoffthemetalwallsofthesmallengineroom.

“Whatdoyouwant?”Boltyelled,hisvoiceshaking.“Me?Whatdo Iwant?”Faustoaskedas ifhe’dneverheard

the question before. “Hmm. Well, for starters, I want everydisgustingDwellertodieahorriblypainfuldeath.”

BoltlookedupatFausto,realizationwashinghisface.Fausto raised one hand, a wicked smile covering his face.

“Gethim.”Just then, the Geartha jumped on the mechanic, sending

himsprawlingonthecoldmetalsurfaceofthetraincar.Boltdidn’tfightbackastheFithidirippedintohisstomach,

pullingoutthegearsthatkepthimalive.As Bolt searched the room, he must have noticed Captain

Rachette’sbodylayingbehindtheracknexttohim.Themechanicreached a blood soaked and shaking hand toward the deadwoman.

Fausto was giddy with anticipation. “I want war my dearfriend.Warandpower.”

31|TheWaytheWorldWorks

Theyweren’tmorethanfiveminutesfromAvani’sofficewhenArijabegantoquestionherdecisiontoletKipleadheraroundthecity. The hyper-active Dweller child interrupted their everyattempttotakeintheirsurroundings,makingitnearlyimpossibletosightsee.

“Thisistheplace.Isn'titneat?Betyouhaven'tseenaplacelikeAparatbefore,haveyou?”Kipwalkedseveralfeetahead,butturned so he was walking backward, keeping his attention onAdalandArija.Everysooften,Kipwouldunknowinglybumpintosomeonetryingtogetaroundhim,andabarrageofcurseswouldfollowasthechildtriedtoapologizetothebusyDwellers.

Arija hadnever had somany people pause from their dailylivesandexamineherbefore.SeveralDwellersevenstoppedmid-stepandgapedatthem.Arijaquicklydiscoveredshereallyhatedbeing the center of attention, but Adal probably couldn’t enjoyhimselfmore.Kip pickedup onArija’s discomfort and drew theattentionbacktohim.

“Hey, if your eyes are broken, I can fix those for you!” heshouted at a Dweller couple that were so busy staring, theywouldn’tmoveoutofthewaytoletthegrouppass.AdalcrackedasmileasKipshooedthecoupleaway,thenturnedasmilingfacebacktothem.

Arija, being so uncomfortablewith all the gawking, focusedon examining everypart ofAparat. Shewas itching to stop and

drawthecityasitpresenteditself.“So, didWebley build all this?”Adal asked, bringing Arija’s

attention back to the group. “Imean, how long could this havetaken?”

“I have no idea, but there’s no way he did all this withouthelp,”Arijaadded.

“Weallbuildthisplace!”Kipinterjected,trippingoverastackofpapersastheypassedwhatlookedlikeanewsstand.TheolderDwellerthatoccupiedthestandshoutedatthemastheypassed.

“Damnit,Kip!Youwreckmypapers,andIamsendingAvaniabill!”theownershouted,notevenpayingattentiontoAdalandArija.

“Yeah yeah, put it on my tab, Mr. Nuts!” Kip waved thevendoroff.

“That’sMr.Naught,youlittleshit!”Adal shot thenewsstand owner a look, and the oldDweller

fellsilentandsatbackdown.“Hey,Kip,weappreciatethetour,butcouldyoupleasetryto

notdrawsomuchattention tous?”Arijaaskedassoftlyas shecould.

“You two stick out like a broken gear,” Kip said betweenboutsoflaughter.“Believeme,youaren'tstickingoutbecauseofme!”

Adalsnorted.“Shit,yousaidit,man!”Kip letoutaproudgrin,andAdal clappedhishandon the

top of Kip’s head, smashing his newsboy cap into his hair andrufflingtheshortstrands.

“Great, I alreadyhave todealwithoneof you,don’t you gocorrupting Kip!” Arija sighed, hopping over a large puddle thatAdalfailedtonotice.

Adalpulledhissoppingwetfootoutofthepuddle,cursingasheshookthewaterfromit.

“Ha!Sorryabout that!Thosepuddlescanbetricky. Iwouldhavedrivenyouaroundthecity,butMumtookawaymydrivingprivileges.”Kipshrugged like itwasthemostnormal thing forachildtosay.

“Waitaminute,Kip.Areyoutellingmeyoucandrive?Aren'tyoualittleyoung?”Adalbrokein.

“Oh yeah, I can drive anything. In fact, that’s how Mumfoundme. She was out in theMachine one day, and I tried tostealhercar.Inmydefense,sheleftthekeysinit.”Kipsteppedbackwardintoalargecart,spillingasmallbagoforangestotheground.

“Hey,kid!Watchwhereyou’regoing!You’regoing topay forthose if they’rebruised!” the owner of the cart shouted withoutdroppingthecigarettefromhismouth.

“Allright,Kip.Youneedtoslowdownandrelax.Thisplaceisamazing,butmaybeitwouldbebetterifwegottoseeitwithoutangeringeveryoneinthecity?”Arijasuggested.

“Ha!Don'tworryabouttheseguys.MostofthepeopleonthisstreetareeitherToppersorBours.Theyallhave theirheadsuptheirowncans,”Kipretorted.

“Bours?”Adalcockedhisheadtothesideandscrunchedhiseyebrowstogether.

“Yeah, you guys have a lot of different names for Dwellers.Whatdotheyallmean?”Arijaadded.

Kip stoppedand leanedagainst the sideof abuilding.Wiresilhouettesdisplayedornateclothingintheshopwindownexttohim.Adeepburgundygownwithblackandgoldlace,andathickblackcorsettophunginthewindow.Arijawonderedhowmuchadresslikethatwouldcost,andwhattheyusedascurrencydownhere.

“Ok, so here’s the story: You already know we are calledDwellers.Well,therearedifferentkindsofDwellersdependingonwhereyoulive.Therearethreetypes...Okay,therearetechnicallyfour, but no one even recognizes the fourth one.” Kip shifted,plantinghis footagainstthesideofthedressshopandcrossinghis arms over his chest. “There’s the Toppers. The wealthyassholes that like to go around pretending they’re better thaneveryoneelsebecausetheythinktheylooklikeTopsiders.There’sthe Bours. Those guys are below the Toppers. They are all theworking Dwellers you see everywhere. Truth be told, without

them,I’mnotentirelysurethisplacewouldkeepgoing.BelowtheBours are the Desps. They live in the crevices of the city or insmall settlements in the Machine. Everyone pretty much looksdown on the Desps. The Toppers see them as a bunch ofcriminals,uselessmachines,andageneralblightontheirperfectcity,butIgrewupasaDespbeforeAvanitookmein.Theyaren’tallbad,theyjust...It’satoughlifeouttherefortheDesps.”

“So,thisisyourclasssystemthen?”Arijaasked.“Yeah, I supposeyoucancall it that.Thoughsomeof them

havenoclassatall,”Kipjoked,snorting.AdalleanedagainstthebuildingnexttoKip.“Whataboutthe

fourthgroup?Yousaidtechnicallytherewasafourthgroup.Whoaretheyandwheredotheyfall?”

“Oh, right. The fourth group are called the Radix. Thesepeople were the first. The founding Dwellers made by Webleyhimself.Thereareonlyahandfulofthem.Butbecausetheywereall handmade by Webley, they are held in higher regard, havespecialabilities,andserveamuchhighercallingthantherestoftheDwellers.Youaskme, theRadixare the topof the top.TheToppers are no better than the Desps they hate. The onlydifferenceistheirmoney.Withoutthat,theTopperswouldbethescumtheyaccusetheDespsofbeing.”

“Oh, wow. So, there’s a whole class of Dwellers madespecificallybyWebley?Doyouknowanyofthem?”Adalasked.

“Ha,suredo!Let’ssee,there’sCog,CaptainSilny,mymum,ofcourse,andafewmoreyouhaven’tmetyet.”

“Waitaminute. IfWebleymade thisplaceandonlymadeahandfulofDwellers,howdoyouguysmakemore?”Adalblurted.

Arija imagineda large factorywithgiantmachinespumpingout Dwellers and one guy at the end just putting batteries inthem.Shescrunchedherface,realizingthethoughtwasrude.

“Well, uh, that’s kind of a personal question, don't youthink?”Kipsaid.

“Oh,”Adalresponded,perhapsrealizingexactlywhathejustaskedtheiryoungtourguide.

Kippausedamoment,asiftryingtofigureouttherightway

to explain the reproduction of his species. “We make more byassembly,”Kipfinallysaid.

“Assembly?”Adalcontinued,ignoringArija'sdirtylook.“Yes.Okay,sohere’showthathappens:eachDwellermaleis

madewithasingularkey.Thatkeyishousedintheindexfingerof his right hand. Each Dweller female has a keyhole just overwhereherheartis.WhentwoDwellersdecidetheywantto,uhh,haveababy,themaleinsertshiskeyintothefemale’sheart.Thekey detaches from the male and disassembles in her heart,becoming the basis of what will grow and develop into a babyDweller. Any other questions?” Kip was staring at the groundkickingasmallrock.

Adal opened his mouth, but Arija jabbed him in the side,forgettingabouthisbruisedribs.Sheneededhimtostopaskingthekidsomanyawkwardquestions.

Adal gasped and rubbed his sore ribs, shooting her an evillook.“Allright,nevermindthen.Kip,let’sgetgoing.”

“Yeah!Sure thing!Hey, do youguyswant to see somethingreallycool?”Kipasked,lookingupanddownthestreet.

“Yeah,whynot?”Arijaagreed.“Leadon,kid,”Adalmotionedupthestreet.Kipseemedmorethangratefulforthechangeinsubject.He

pushedoffthewallandjoggedseveralfeetahead,stoppingatthemouthofanalleyway.Helookeddownthepassage,thenbacktoAdal andArija. A grin stretched sowidely across his small facethatArijacouldalmosthearhismetalliccheekscreaking.

“It’sthisway.Justfollowmyleadandplayitcool.Theyknowme,butdon'treallylikeoutsiders.Don’tworry,I’llvouchforyou,soit’llbefine.”Kipturnedandmadehiswaydownthealley.

“Adal,IsweartoGod...”Arijabegan,shakingherhead.“Relax. I got this. I’ll keep Kip on track,” Adal reassured,

chasingafterthesmallDweller.Arijasighedandfollowed.Assoonastheymadetheturndownthealley,Arijapaused

togiveherselfamoment to take itall in.Dim,yellow lights ranthe length of the brick walls of the surrounding shops. A largeassortment of indescribable machinery and trash cluttered the

path,makingthealleynearlyimpassable.Kipwasalreadyhalfwaydownthestreet,climbingoverwhat

lookedlikeapileofjunk.Arijaletoutafrustratedsigh.“I know, I know. Let’s just keep a lookout,” Adal replied

withoutturningtoacknowledgeher.

32|HazardDice

Arija glared at the back of Adal’s head as he walked. Shesquinted, tryingwith everything shehad to set his head on firewith her thoughts. They had just barely survived the fightwithFausto, and here they were. Off on another adventure to Godknowswhere, as thoughnone of it had happened. Therewas asinking feeling in her gut, like she’d swallowed a boulder. Thiswasn’tgoingtoendwell.

Adalstopped,andArijapeeredaroundhimtoseewhatwasgoingon.TheyhadcaughtuptoKip,butatwo-storyhighmoundofdiscardedtrashandmetalpartsblockedtheirway.Thefeelingin Arija’s stomach deepened. They were trapped. She sucked ashallow breath, opening hermouth to suggest they go back thewaytheycamebut,beforeshecouldsayanything,Kipmotionedto the brickwall of the building next to them. A crudely drawnpairofdicewasetchedintooneofthebricks.

“That’s how you know where they are.” Kip’s small voicebounced off the walls and the pile of trash, making it soundlouderthanitactuallywas.Withoutgoingintofurtherdetail,Kipwalkedto thescrappileand lifteda tarp thathungtooneside.Beneath itwasanopeningthat led into thepile.HeturnedandwavedforArijaandAdaltofollow.

Arija gave a cautious glance to the empty alley behind her,thenfollowedKipandAdalintotheopening.

Past the blockade, Dwellers walked the narrow alley in

masses.Itwaslikesteppingintoanewworld.Lightswerestrewnabouthaphazardly,tableswerepackedwithDwellerstalkingandeating. There were vendors peddling goods, and what soundedlikealoudmixtureofrockandoperamusicwasplaying.

“What?” Adal turned to look back at the blockade. “How?Why...Uhh,whydidn’twehearanyof thison theother sideofthetarp?Wewerejusttenfeetawayandnothing.”

Kipgaveasilentlaugh.“Disruptors,”hesaid,asifitwerethesimplestthingintheworld.“Howelsecouldwedothat?Itkeepsthe local crowdand curiouswalkers away.Best part,most flat-footswon’tevencomedownthealley.Thisplace isasecret. It’swhere I go to have fun when I’m not working on Mum’smachines.”

Kipdogged the otherDwellers in the crowd effortlessly, butArijawasnotas lucky.Asshewalked,slack-jawedandcurious,she bumped into virtually everyone and everything that crossedherpath.

“I’m not sure we should be here.” Arija eyed a group ofDwellermen,wholookedliketheycouldbeserialkillers,beatingthe crap out of another Dweller with bent pieces of metal.Everywhereshelooked,menseemedtobegamblinganddrinkingfromlargecoppermugs.AnytimeaDwellerthoughtsomeoneelsewaslookingatthemfunny,anotherfightwouldbreakout.

“Yeah, I’mnot sure about this one either. I feel like thekidjust took us to a members only biker club,” Adal added as hestepped around a Dweller passed out in the middle of thewalkway.

“Areyouguyscomingorwhat?Thefunstuffisuphere,”Kipsaidashedisappearedfromsightaroundacorner.

Adal looked at Arija for confirmation. She had suddenlybecomehyperaware, andwas eyeing everythingwith a skepticalstare.SheglancedatAdal,thentappedthesideofherfacebyhereye.Adalgaveheracurtnod,understandingthatshewantedhimtostayalert.Astheyroundedthecorner,Adalwasstoppedbyasmallmetallichandtohisstomach.

“Mother—”Adalgasped,bendingatthewaist.

Arijacouldn'thelpit;sheletoutasmalllaughasshepattedhimontheback.“Whad'dyalearn?”sheteased,grabbingAdalbytheshoulderandpullinghimupright.

“Sorry, I didn’t want you to interrupt the game! They don'tappreciateitmuchifyouthrowofftheirrolls.BackSlangersareveryparticularabouthowtheyrollthedice.”

KippointedtoagroupofDwellersallkneelinginacircle.Inthecenterofthecirclewereseveralsmallpilesofgoldcoins.Eachofthecoinshadtheanvilandhammersealengravedonitsface.

OneDwellerwas viciously jigglinghishandandkissing thetopsofhisknuckles.“Mymainwillbeeight.Comeonbaby.Mymain will be eight.” He threw the dice across the circle, andeveryoneleanedintoseewhatherolled.

Arijatiltedherheadandtriedtoseewhattheylandedon,butshe could tell by the Dweller’s reaction that it wasn't what hewanted.“Damn!”TheDwellerpunchedhisfistintotheconcrete.Asmallcrackappearedwherehehit.

“That’s number three, you lose!” barked anotherDweller ashesnatchedupthedice.

The sore loser rose from his spot and shouted furtherobscenitiesbeforestompingaway.

“Whataretheyplaying?”AdalaskedashewatchedthelosingDwellerdisappeardownthealley.

“HazardDice. It’sa fungameonceyouget thehangof it. Ineverlose.”Kipproudlypuffedouthischest.

AdalandArija inchedclosertothecircleofgamblersasthecrowd began to energize, and a new player picked up the dice.Severalotherspectatorsdidthesame,crowdingaroundAdalandArija,andpushingthemclosertothecircle.

“So,howdoyouplay?”AdalturnedbacktoaskKip,butthekidwasgone.“Kip?”

“Where’dhego?”Arijaasked,concernpouringfromhervoice.She swiveled her head from side to side, looking for their tourguide,butthecrowdofDwellershadalmostdoublednowthatanew player was in the circle. This wasn't the sort of place shewantedtobelostin.AburstofcheersmadeArijaflinch,andshe

momentarilyturnedherattentionbacktothegame.Several of the gamblers were scooping up their chips and

stepping back as aDweller entered the ring holding Kip by thescruff of his collar. He was smaller than most of the otherDwellersthey’dseen,withslenderfeaturesthatremindedArijaofateenagedboy.Onceeveryone’sattentionwasonthenewcomer,hethrewKiptothegroundinthecenterofthecircle.

“LookwhatIfound,fellas!Thelittlerodenthascomebacktoplay!Didn'tIwarnyouwhatwouldhappenifyoudidn'tstayawayfrom here, little rodent?” The teenaged Dweller snarled as hespoke,likehe’dsmelledsomethingdisgusting.

Kip tried to stand, but theDweller kicked him back to thegroundwiththetipofhisblackleatherboot.

“Let it go, Lupo! I won those games fair and square!” Kipshouted,adjustinghiscapashestood.

“Fairmyass!Youcheated!Youknow it, Iknow it,everyoneknowsit.Youalwayscheat!Itoldyouifyoueverdraggedyourselfback to my alley, I would break you down piece by piece untilyou’renothingbut a pile of scrap!Guess that’swhat youwant,sinceyou’rebackherelikethedumbassyouare.”

Lupo reached for Kip, only to be kicked in the shin. Hehowledinpainandrubbedhisleg.

“You little shit! I’m gonna break you down into so manypieces,evenyourwhoreofamotherwon’tbeabletoputyoubacktogether!” Lupo grabbedKip by his collar, yanking him into theair.

“Put the kid down!” Adal pushed through the crowd andsteppedintothecircle,followedbyArija.Thepreviouslycheeringcrowd suddenly fell silent as the Topsiders faced off with thebully.

“Topsiders!Whatthehellaretheydoinghere?”“Theyaremyfriends!”Kipchoked,tryingandfailingtoswing

hislegsandkickLupo.“Hey!Isaiddropthekid,orI’lldropyou.Notgoingtorepeat

that,asshole!”Adaltookseveralstepsintothecenterofthecircle,hisfistsclenched,andhisjawjuttingoutashescowled.

Arija was right behind him, surveying the crowd andassessingwhoandwhatcouldbeapossiblethreat.Adalusuallyhadtunnelvisionwhenhegotintoconfrontations,soitwasuptoArijatokeepaneyeontheirsurroundings.Shehadtomakesurehedidn'tgetthemintomoretroublethanhecouldhandle.

As they neared Lupo and Kip, a fat, gold-colored DwellersteppedoutofthecrowdandstoodnexttoLupo.Heworegreenleather overalls that were ripped up one leg and covered inmysteriousblackstains.Histungstenhairstuckoutofthetopofhis head like a patch of neatly cut metallic grass, and a smallpatchofstretchedleatherskinthecolorofthesettingsuncoveredonehand.

AsoundcaughtArija’sattentionand,assheglancedoverhershoulder, she saw two more Dwellers step into the circle. AdalcontinuedtowardLupoandhisfriend,completelyoblivioustotheothertwoDwellersthathadenteredtheringbehindhim.

Arija focused her attention on the newcomers, blocking thepathbetweenthemandAdal.

One was taller, with short cobalt hair and an open whiteleathervestrevealinghissmooth,cobaltchest.Hislongwirylegswerecoveredinthick,blackleather,andstuckoutofatorsothatseemedtooshortforhissize.TheotherDwellerwasmoreArija’ssizewiththick,black-rimmedglassesonaroundbronzeface.Hegrabbedtheedgesofhisbrownleatherpantsandhikedthemup,adjustinghisbeltandtucking inhisshirt.Oneofhisarmswascompletely covered in stretched leather and crudely pinned toitself.Thegolden-brownfakeskinwastootightinsomeareasandtoolooseinothers,likeaback-alleyfacelift,andArijacringedatthesight.

“Oh!ATopsiderwithasenseofhumor!Whydon'tyoumindyourbusiness?Thisisbetweenmeandthisworthlesslittleshit!”LuposhookKip,thekidswinginglikearagdollunderthebully’sgrip.

“Lasttime.Putthekiddown,”Adalcommanded.ThetallDwellerandtheonewithglassestooksimultaneous

stepstowardArija,lookingpasthertotheirleaderlikeshewasn’t

there.“Notthebestdecision,boys.IfIwereyou,Iwouldn'tpickthis

fight...Butifyouinsist,you’llhavetogothroughmefirst.”Arijaclenchedherteethasshegrinned,positioningherweightontheballsofherfeet.

“Remember,youcan’tpunchthem,”Adalwhispered toArijawithoutturninghisheadtolookather.

“Elias. Coffee shop,” she replied, bringing a smile to Adal’sface.

Lupo took another look at Adal and Arija, growled throughhisteeth,thenthrewKiptotheground.

“Split,kid.Getoutofhere.”AdalwavedhishandatKip,whostoodandbackedawaytotheedgeofthecrowd.

“No,stay.Whenwe’redonewithyourfriends,we’llgettoyou,Ipromise.” Lupo lookedoverhis shoulder at the youngDweller.Kipspatattheground.

“Beatit,Kip!”Adalbellowed.Kip jumped in place, then slowly slunk into the crowd,

vanishingfromsight.Once he was sure Kip was gone, Adal turned his attention

backtoLupo.“So,Topsidersheretosavetheday,eh?Isn'tthatcute.”Lupo

slowlywalkedinacirclearoundAdal,hisfacescruncheduplikethe cocky teenager he was. His smile was two gnarled rows ofcrookedteeth,severalcoveredinrust.

“What do you say wemake an example of these Topsidersandfindabetteruseforthem?”Lupoposedtohiscrew,whoallgruntedtheirapproval.

Arija’s muscles tighten as the two Dwellers in front of herbegan to bob in place, preparing to attack. They shifted theirweight onto the tips of their toes and hunched down, leaningslightlyinherdirection.Arijatriedtohidethesmilethatlingeredattheedgesofhermouth.Telegraphing.Sheknewexactlywhattheirnextmovewouldbe,andshewasprepared.

“Look, man, this doesn't have to go this way,” Adal wassaying,tryingtoendthefightbeforeitbegan.

“Oh,excuseme!Ithoughtwewerehavinganiceconversationhere. Do all Topsiders have such an attitude? Maybe spendingsome time with the Toppers will change your perspective. Or,rather,asaTopper.”Lupolaughed,awicked,throatysoundthatmadeArijawanttocough.

Thegrouparoundthemwaitedinsilencetoseewhatwouldhappennext.NotasingleDwellermovedas thesceneunfolded.Arijakeptglancingatthecrowd,scanningforanyotherpossiblethreats,butshedidn’twanttopullhereyesawayfromLegsandGlasses.

“Want to run that by us one more time?” Arija joined theconversation,bouncinghereyesbetweenthetwoDwellersinfrontofherandthecrowd.

“Oh, the female speaks! Let’s hope she’s more entertainingthanhermalecounterpart.OnethingthatmakesmesogoodatwhatIdois,whenIseeanopportunity,Ineverpassitup.Somemayseeyoutwoaspests.TwoignorantTopsiderswalkingaroundthe Machine and sticking their noses into everyone’s business.Me? I see a business opportunity.” Lupo took a step sideways,towardsArija.

“Don’t touch her, or it will be the last thing you do!” Adalgrowled.

“Oh,areyougoingtoprotectyourmate?Howquaint,”Luposaid,butheretreatedanyway.

“It'snotmeyoushouldworryabout,”Adalreplied.“Iwouldn'tpissheroffifyouvalueyourextremities.”

LupolookedfromAdaltoArijaandthenbacktoAdalagain,tryingtofigureoutwhatexactlyhewastryingtodo.

“As I said...” Lupo continued, “I don't miss out on anopportunity.Lookingatyoutwo,IseeafortuneIneedtocashinon.Can you fellas imagine the bits some Topperswould pay toreplacetheirfakeleatherskinwithafull,realTopsiderskinsuit?”

ArijabrokehergazebrieflyfromthetwoDwellersandlookedoverhershoulderatAdal.Hereyebrowsknittogetherandasourtastefilledhermouth.Thisdefinitelywasn’tgoingtoendwell.

LupowalkedovertoAdal,whostoodlikeastatue,hisfistsso

tightlyclenchedthathisknucklespopped.TheDwellerleanedinuntil their chestswere touching, and ranhis long finger acrossAdal’scheek.“ThinkofthebitsI’llgetwithrealTopsiderskin.”

“Look,asshat,youneedtostopthis.I’mnotwarningyou,I’mtellingyou.Youdon'twant togodown this road.”AdalknockedLupo’shandawayand tiltedhishead,pointinghischinathim.He raised his hands, pushing at the air between the two andsignalingfortheDwellertobackup.

Lupotookthisgestureasfear.“Oh,whatarichidea.Thefactis,there’snothingyoucandotostopme.IfIsayyou’rejustparts,then you’re just parts. That’s how it works out here.” LupoextendedathinfingerandjabbeditintoAdal’srightshoulder.

Adaltookadeepbreathandsteppedback.“What’s the matter, Topsider? The reality of your situation

sinking in. Feeling beaten already?” Lupo joked, laughing andnoddingtohislackeys.

Adal slowly shook his head. “No, it's not that. I just reallydon'twanttogetstuckwiththatdamnneedleagain.”AdallookedovertoArija,whorolledhereyes.

“You...what?”LupolookedbetweenAdalandArija,confusioncoveringhismetallicfeatures.

Beforehecouldreact,AdalrearedbackandthrusthisrightlegintoLupo’schest.AmetalcrunchrangoutasLupo’sfacefellblankfromsurprise.Hestumbledbackwardintohis friend,whostillstoodbehindhim.

Taking the opportunity, Legs and Glasses lunged at Arija.Sheexpecteditandchargedlower.Usinghisbodyweightagainsthim,Arija flippedGlasses over her shoulders.He landedwith ahardmetallic ‘thunk’ on the groundbehindher. She pivoted onhertoesanddoveatLegs.

Out of the corner of her eye Arija saw the Dweller next toLupochargeatAdal.Heflinched,throwingapowerfulrighthookout of reflex. A sharpmetallic ‘ping’ echoed off the walls of thealleyasAdal’sfistmadecontactwiththeDweller’sface,creatingasmall dent in the teen’s cheek.Adal looked at his balled-up fistwithwideeyes.

“Nowthat’swhatI’mtalkin’about!”heshoutedashesteppedtoward the staggered attacker, hands at the ready. Themetallicmixture Avani had injected into Adal’s hands to fix his brokenbonesmusthavemadethemimmenselypowerfulandresilient.

The Dweller stumbled back, running his shaking fingersacrossthedentinhischeek.

ArijagainedpurchaseoverLegsandinterlockedherlegswithhis, twisting them about. She applied leverage to the top of hisfootandwrencheditbackward.

The Dweller shouted in pain as small creaks, cracks, andpopscamefromhisankleandleg.

“Lookslikeyouwon’thavealegtostandon,”Arijagrunted.Shesnickeredatherownpunasanother ‘pop’echoed from theDweller’sleg.

“Really?”AdalscoffednexttoArija,duckingafollow-upvolleyofenragedswingsfromLupoandhisfollower.

“Mindyourownbusiness!”ArijashotbackasGlassesgottohisfeet.Hestalkedovertoherandkickedherinthesideoftheface.

Arija’sworldspunand,assheletgooftheotherDweller,shefelt herself being dragged across the ground. She reached up,grabbedbothofhisarms,andusedherweighttopullhimdowntoher level.Arija lockedhiswrists and flippedher feet into theair, pressing them against the Dweller’s throat. Glasses gaspedandgrabbedforherfeetashewasforcedforward.

“I’llkillyoubothandthenskinyoualive!”shriekedLupoashe desperately swung at Adal. Adal ducked under the flurry ofstrikes.Hebroughthis right fistupunderLupo’s chin, sendinghim sprawling backward. In the shuffle, the second Dwellerrushed in, forcingAdal topunchathimwithhis lefthand.Thehandthatwasstillskinandbone.

“Daaaaaaaaamnit!” Adal shouted, recovering and swinginghisrighthandathisattacker.Buthemusthavebeendistractedbythepain,andtheswingwentwide.

TheDwellercollidedwithAdal’swaist,thrustinghimbackasthe two fell to the groundnext toArija in a twistedpile ofmanandmachine.

Adal’s skull collided with the hard ground. In a fit ofdesperation, he blindly swung his right arm upward, and itconnectedwithhisattacker’slefteye.

Arija lay on the concrete with her feet stretched over herhead, still pressed againstGlasses’ throat. She wanted to go toAdal, but she couldn’t let go ofGlasses, or hewould crushherfacewiththeweightofhisbody.Legshadcrawledtotheedgeof

the crowd, nursing his broken appendages, but Glasses justwouldn’tquit.

As Arija shifted her weight to position the Dweller’s armbehindhisback,hewasabletofreehimselfandgrabherbythethroat.“I...don't...think...so,”shegasped,pressingherfootintohischestandthrustingoutward.

TheDweller’s gripweakened just enough forher to graballthefingersonhislefthandandyankthembackward.Thesoundof them breaking reminded her of snapping twigs, and Arijacringed.

Glasses shouted and released her, reflexively cradling hisbrokenfingerswithhisfreehand.

Arija took thismoment to plant the heel of her boot in hisjaw, causing him to jerk away, and roll to the edge of theonlookingcrowd.

33|OffWithTheirSkin

ThemetallictasteofbloodfilledAdal’smouthastheDwellerpunchedhiminthejaw.HespatcrimsonliquidintotheDweller’seyes,andfollowedwithanotherpowerfulswingofhisrighthand.

TheDwellerslumpedtotheside,awheezingsackofmetal.Adal rolled out from under him, then pulled himself to his

feet.JustashewasabouttokicktheDwellerintheribs,aloud‘pop’madehimjump,andseveraloftheonlookersscattered.

At the edge of the circle, Lupo stood like a statue, with apistolpointedintheair.ThecornerofhisrighteyetwitchedasheloweredthegunandleveleditatArija.

Adalpreparedhimselftocharge,butLupoturnedthegunonhim. He waved the gun erratically, back and forth between thetwoofthem,likeapsychoticgameofeenie,meenie,miney,mo.

“That’s enough!” Lupo shouted. Brown liquid sprayed fromhismouthwitheachword.

Arija slowly rose toher feet,bothhands in theair,andhereyes trained on the gun. Lupowas too far away for her to riskrushing him, and as she tilted her head toward Adal. He knewwhatshewasthinking,andheslowlyshookhishead.

“You... you... assholes! Enough fighting! Enough snarkyremarks! Imayhavebeenoverzealouswith the ideaof skinningthetwoofyouandsellingyoutothehighestbidder.Tobehonest,itwouldhavetakensometimetofindabuyerwithenoughmoneyto afford the goods. But now, I think I’ll do it for fun.” Lupoturned his attention to his broken and cowering friends. “You

three,getoffyourasses!”Hismengruntedastheycollectedthemselvesandhelpedone

another up. Lupo snarled impatiently as he waited for them tojoinhim.

“Oh, this is ridiculous.The threeofyouareuseless!What’swrong, too much time spent robbing old ones and not enoughtimeactuallybeingBackSlangers?Fine!” Lupo tooka step intothecircleandopenedhismouthtoaddressthecrowd.

Before he could utter a word, Arija spoke. “What’s thematter? Need to hide behind your little gun and your friends?Maybe if you just put the gun down and politely apologize, myfriendandIwon’thavetohurtyouagain.”

Adal furiously shookhisheadasLupo turnedhis attentionbacktoherandaimedthegunatherface.“Isthatso?”

“Heyman,bring thatoverhere!Yougoing to lethermouthgettoyou?I’mtheonethatbeatyourass!”AdalsteppedtowardLupo,handsoutinanattempttoshieldArija.

“Fine! The two of youwant to play this game? I can abide.Thelotofyou!”LupolookedpastAdaltothecrowd.“Thefirstonetobringmetheirskinwillgetthirtypercentofwhatittakesin!”

Adalglancedatthegroupofmenthatstooddirectlybehindhim.SeveralofthemwerewhisperingtooneanotherandnoddingastheylookedatAdalandArija,likehuntersontheprowl.

“Hey, girl! You good?”Adal said over his shoulder, splittinghisattentionbetweenLupoandthebuzzinggroupofonlookers.

“Oh,surething.Noworrieshere!”ConfidentsarcasmdrippedfromeachwordArijaspoke.

“Notsosmugnow,areyou?”Lupo laughedasworryspreadacrossAdalandArija’sfaces.

ADwellermanstandingnexttoAdalproducedasmallpocketknife,andwipedthebladeonthesideofhisdirty,brownpants.The tension in the circle thickened, as if the air was made ofmaplesyrup.

AsAdallookedatallthesad,angry,reluctanteyes,hesaidasilentprayerthey’dfindawayoutofthis.Adistantsoundtickledat his ear and, as he brought his attention to it, the sound

morphed into the crunching of metal. Adal and Arija looked ateachother,theirfacesscrewedupinconfusionasthesoundgrewprogressivelylouder.

Suddenly, an explosion burst from the mob, sending theDwellers nearest to Adal flying and their various parts rainingdownonthem.

ArijaleapedfromthepathoftheexplosionandrolledovertowhereAdalstood,stunned.

Acarplowedatfullspeedthroughthehuddledmass,castingasideallthewould-beattackers.EverythinghappenedsofastthatAdaldidn’thavetimetoprocesshowacarcouldhavegottenintothealleyinthefirstplace.

Lupo raisedhisgun to fireas thecar fishtailed towardhimbut,beforehecouldshoot,thetrunkofthecarsmackedintohim,sendinghimsailing throughtheair.Hisgun landedwitha loudbangontheroofofthecar.

“Sorry to interrupt the party, but are you two ready to goyet?”Kippantedthroughthebrokenglassoftheshattereddriver-sidewindow.

Adal stood petrified for amoment, hismind buzzing as hetried to piece together what had just happened. A few of theDwellers near them started to pick themselves up, no doubtthinkingthesamething.

“Whatthehellisthis?”apetiteDwellerwomanshouted.“Hey, that’sour payday!” The Dweller with the pocket knife

saidashebrushedthedirtfromhispantsandwenttostandnexttothewoman.

“Get in the car!” Adal and Arija shouted at one another intandem.

Without thought, theybothgrabbed thehandleof thedoor,onlyto find ithadbeen jammedbythe impact.Aftera fewgoodpulls, Adal gave up and grabbed the handle for the back door.Luckily, it was still in working order, and the two pushedthemselvesintothecar,slammingthedoorbehindthemjustasashort,navy-blueDwellersmashedhisfistintothewindow.

Arija fumbled with the door, holding the handle while the

Dweller tried to pull it open. “Where the hell is the lock!” shescreeched.Thedoor cameopena few inches.Shepulledharderonthehandle,slammingitshutagain.

AdalleanedoverArijaandranhishandalongthetopofthecaruntilhefoundaswitch.Hepressedtheswitch,andthedoormadeafaintclickingsound.ArijakepthershakinghandsonthedoorhandleevenastheDwellergaveupandstartedtokickthereartireofthevehicle.

“Drive!Drive!Drive!”Adal shoutedasa rock cameburstingthroughthewindowandnearlyhitArija intheface.Asurprisedyelpescapedherlips,andshegrabbedtherockandthrewitbackthroughtheshatteredwindow.

“Hold onto your nuts and bolts!” Kip slammed theaccelerator,peelingthetiresandkickingupenoughstreetdusttogivethemacloudtoescapein.

The vehicle jerked forward, throwingAdal andArija againstthesoft,leatherseat.Thegunthathadlandedontheroofofthecar slid through an open sunroof and hit Adal in the stomachbefore settling in his lap. He gasped as Kip drove rampantthrough thenarrowalleyway, striking virtually everythingaheadofthem.

“Kip, careful! You’re going to kill someone!” Arija shouted.She skooched to the edge of her seat to watch as Kip roundedanothercorner.Thecartilted,liftingslightlyontotwowheels,andArija slid intoAdal, bracingherself onhis door so shewouldn’tfallintohislap.

“Nowreallyisn'tthetimeforthat,Arija.”ArijajabbedherelbowintoAdal’sgroinasshepushedherself

up, resulting in a loud groan from Adal. Several bangs eruptedbehindthem.Therearwindowexploded,sendingshardsofglassrainingoverthem.

“Kip!”Arijashoutedasshecoveredherheadwithherhands.“Aretheyshootingatus?”

“Well, theyaren'tthrowingusaparty!”Kipreplied,pressingharderontheaccelerator.SeveralmoreshotspiercedtheairandAdalleaneddown,fumblingwiththepistolthathadfallentohis

feet.“I’moverthis!”heyelled, leaninghalfwayoutof thewindow

and taking aim at the pursuing crowd of Dwellers. SeveralDwellers were wearing fliegensacks and waving sticks or pipes.Someevenhadsmall gunsas theystruggled to catchup to thecar.Onethin,wiryDwellerthat lookedlikehecouldn’tbeadayoverfifteenhadapileofrocksandwasstrugglingtokeephimselfflying straight while aiming at the car. He zig-zagged down thealley and, as they took a turn, he lost control and spun into aclusteroftrashcans.

Adal leaned over the back seat and took aim through thebrokenbackwindow.Thecarbouncedandshookas itbarreledoverthecobblestones,butAdalsquintedandfiredattheclosestDwellerhecouldseecarryingagun.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Arijademandedashe firedasecondround.

Adalwascertainhehadn'thitanyone,buttheshootingwasenoughtocausesomeoftheirpursuerstoscatter.Aheadofthem,alargecontainerstuckoutfromthesideofthebuildingneartheexittothesecretalley.

ArijasnatchedthegunfromAdal'shand.“Givemethat!”Asthecardroveunderthecontainer,Arijaleanedoutofthe

windowandfiredfourshotsatthebaseofthegiantdrumnearalarge pipe that fed into it. The pressure from the container’scontents forcedthepipeaside,andaviolent flowofrust-coloredliquid spewed out, covering the street. The car had just enoughtime to get out of thewayas the flowhit the ground,but thickliquidenvelopedseveraloftheclosestDwellers.

“Ahman!Whatisthatstuff?”Adalasked,clenchinghisfaceindisgustatthepossibilities.

“Didthe job,didn’t it?”Arijablewa thin lineofsmoke fromthebarrelofthegun.

“Imean,Icould’vedonethat,”Adalmumbledsheepishly.“It’s just cider,” Kip said. “They store it in those towers so

they don't have to worry about tons of barrels sitting around.Limited space in these alleys you know.”Kip yanked the wheel

and sent Arija and Adal colliding with one another again as hefinally brought them to themain road and forced his way intotraffic.Adalgavea loudsighof reliefasabarrageofhornsandshoutingreplacedtheterrifiedthumpingofhisheart.

“Youguysall right?Thatwasamazing!”Kip letoutamaniclaugh. “Life was never this exciting before you two showed up.NowthatIgotussomewheels,let’sstarttheofficialKiptour!”

Adalstared,hismouthslightlyajar.He turned to findArijastaring right back at him, shaking her head. Somehow, hedoubtedKiphadanydifficultygettinghimselfintotrouble.

34|TheCreator

To Adal’s relief, the next several hours of the tour wentwithout much fuss. Agreeing with his begging passengers, Kipreluctantlykepttherestofthetourtamebyshowingthemwhathecalled“Topperfluff.”

Amazingstructuresandmachineswereintricatelywovenintothe fabricof theseemingly infinitecityand,atsomepoint,ArijahadclimbedintothefrontseatwithKipanddrewasshestaredoutthewindow.

Arija glanced over at Kip, who was droning on about the

placehe’dstolenhisfirstsomethingorother.Adal lazilywatchedArija draw,wondering how the hell she

hadmanagedtoholdontothatbookthisentiretime.Heleanedagainst the window and watched as building upon buildingpassedwhileKipexplainedhowthecitywasdesignedinlevels.

“Ifyoureallywannaseesomethingcool,wegottagoup!”Kiptwisted in his seat to look at Adal and narrowly missed anoncomingcarthatblareditshornatthem.“Oneday,whenIcangetusaFliegenmobi...Ohuh,that’sacarwithwings.OnceIcannabusoneofthose,wecanreallyhavesomefun!”Kipsaidashepracticallybounced inhisseatwithexcitement.After everythingthey’dbeenthroughthatday,evenAdalwasn'tsureifthatwasagoodideaornot.

As they turned onto a side road, a Topper woman pushedopen the door to a large brick building. Her light-blue ruffleddresswashangingoffoneshoulder,andshe lookedside tosidebefore she stepped out of the building, pulling a Dweller manbehindher.AsKipgotcloser,AdalrecognizedtheDwellerasoneof thedockworkers. TheDweller leaned in, plantinga lingeringkisson thewoman'scheek,causingher togiggleandpushhimaway.Shesteppedbackintothedoorwayandwavedgoodbyeasshenervouslyglancedaroundthestreetagain,thenquietlyshutthedoorbehindher.

“Whatwas thatabout?”Adal asked,pointing to theDwellerwhowasadjustinghissuspendersonthesideofthestreet.

“Oh,that?JustalittlebitofTopperfun.Theyliketoslumitwiththedockworkerseverynowandagainwhentheirhusbandsare out in the Machine. Everyone knows about it, but it’ssomethingnoonetalksabout.”ThistimeKipkepthiseyesontheroadashespoke.

Adal didn’t reply, he just looked out the window, watchingthedockworkermakehiswaydowntheroad.

Eventually, they came clanking and grinding to a halt just

around the corner from Avani’s shop. Adal couldn't help butadmireKip.Hehadacavalier‘don’tcarewhathappensaslongasit’sfun’attitudethatmadeforaninterestingday,tosaytheleast.

“Allright,youtwo.We’reback.YoucangoaboutyourboringeveningwithCogandWebley.I’llleaveyouheretomakeyourwaybackin.IhavetogetridofthisthingbeforeMumseesme.JusttellherIwentupandstartedworkingonthemobileclinicagain.”

Adal leaned forward and patted Kip on the shoulder.“Thanks, littleman.Thiswasa cooldayafterall.Take it easy.”With a final tap of appreciation, Adal slid over the seat andsteppedoutofthecar.

Arijaforcedherlipsintoathinsmile.“Yes,thankyouforthetourandfornotentirelygettinguskilled.Domeafavor,don'tgetinto any more trouble tonight?” Arija winked as Kip noddedwildly,atoothygrinstretchedacrosshisfreckle-spatteredface.

“Nopromises,Miss.CanonlydowhatIdo.”ArijacollectedherbagandsteppedouttothecurbwithAdal.

Withafinalwaveathisformerpassengers,Kiprocketedoffdownthe street, the tires peeling oncemore and steam pouring frombeneaththecarasitdisappearedaroundthecorner.

“That kid is going to get us killed,” Arija said, shaking herhead.

“Yeah,butwhatawaytogoout!”Adal laughed,puttinghisarmaroundher.

“Hey, you all right? Hasn't really been the most chill daywe’vehadtogether.”Adalstraightened,hissmilefading.

“I’mfine.Definitelynotanormalday,butwesurvivedit,sothat’s something.” Arija smiled and nudged Adal in the ribs,pushinghimawayplayfully.“Nothankstoyou,thatis!”

“WhatthehelldidIdo?”Arijaraisedaneyebrowandtiltedherhead.“Really?Wegoing

tostartonthisone?”“Youmean when I kept those guys off you in the alley, or

shootingat them toslow themdown?Youwouldn'tbehere if itweren't for all of this.” Adal grinned and stretched his arms,flexingtoshowoffhismuscles.

“Oh, my hero... not. You mean when I took down twoDwellers using only my momentum and locks because I don'thave some super fist?Nice going, by theway, Hulk smash.Oh,howaboutwhen I fired theshots thatactuallystopped themobfromchasingus?Jeez,whatwouldhavehappenedifIdidn'thavemybig,strongAdalwithme?”Arijarolledhereyes,doingherbesttolookfragileanddelicate,allwhilelaughingatAdal.

Adal thought in silence for a moment, then grinned back.“See!Youdidnotice!”

ArijascoffedandwalkedpasthimtowardAvani’soffice.“Ah, don't be like that!”Adal shouted, jogging after her. He

pickedherupandspunheraround,placinghergentlydownonthegroundinfrontofhim.

Arijaburiedherelbowoncemoreintohisribs.“Youcan fight it,but Iknowyou like it,”Adalsaidbetween

coughs.Since they’d both come to theMachine only a day ago,thetwohadn'thadthechancetojusthangoutandgetafeelforwhatwasgoingon.WebleyandCog’splanskeptthemoccupied.Adalwouldnever admit it, but hewas enjoying thismoment ofnormalcy.Itremindedhimthat,nomatterwhathappenedintheMachine,Arijastillhadhisback.

Adal wrapped his arm around Arija’s shoulders, and sheplayfullyhip-checkedhimastheywalkedintoAvani’soffice.

A familiar laugh rumbled through the room, and AdalimmediatelyknewWebleywasback fromcleaningupthedocks.AsAdalandArijaenteredthemainroomfromthefoyer,theysawWebley,Cog,andAvanistandingintheoffice'scenter.Webleywasdoubledoverinafitoflaughter.

“‘Ello there!” Webley boomed, raising his hands high andscoopingbothAdalandArijaintoabearhug.“Welcomebackfromyer tour. ‘Ope ye enjoyed what ye saw of the city.” Webleysqueezedoncemoreandputthemdown.

Adal and Arija gave a nervous laugh as they looked at oneanother,silentlydecidingtokeeptheday’seventstothemselves.

“Itwasgreat,”Arijabegan,re-partingandsmoothingthehairthatWebleyhadruffledwhenhepickedthemup.

“Yeah!Thisplaceisridiculous!Ireallycan’tbelievethiswholeplace is down here,” Adal added, nervously tugging his shirtstraight.

“Well, today was not the most pleasant of starts on youradventures in theMachine.Hopefully, therewon’tbeany futureissues,”Coginterjected.

“Ithinkyoujustneedtowatchoverthesetwoalittlebetter.”Everyone turned to Avani as she spoke. “This place can beamazing,buttherearestill,andalwayswillbe,dangers. It’sthenatureoftheMachine.Iseeitallthetime.Justpromiseyouwillwatchoverthesetwo.”

“Avani, I canpromiseye tha’therewon’be anymore funnybusinesswithmyguests.Todaywas‘orrible,butIthinkI’vetakencareoftha’.”

Adal wondered what Avani meant, but was too busyinspectinghisrightknucklestopaymuchattention.Howwasheever going to explain the metal in his hand if he had to getmedicalattentionbackhome?

“Thankyou,Webley.Onthatnote,whereisKip?Howwasheasatourguide?”Avaniinquired.

“Oh,uh, great!He really showedus...uh... all thedifferentparts of the city.” Arija tried her best to sound collected andbelievable. She shot a look at Adal, whose eyes widened as theattentionfocusedonhim.

“Yeah! He was a perfect guide, very... entertaining.” Adalcoughedasthelastwordcaughtinhisthroat.

Avani’s smile thinned slightly, and she took a few stepstoward them.Her raisedbrowremindedAdalofhis fatherwhenhecaughthiminalie.Damn.

“Really? That’s nice.” Avani took a few more steps towardAdal,herhandsplantedfirmlyonherhips.“Tellme,whereisKipnow?”ShenarrowedhereyesandlookedbackandforthbetweenArijaandAdal,gaugingtheirexpressions.

“Oh,uh,hesaidhehad toworkon themobileclinic.Goodguy,Kip.Allhetalkedaboutthewholetourwasgettingbackhereandfinishinguptheclinicforyou,”Adallied,hisvoiceshaky.

Avani’seyessharpened.“Oh!Hestoleanothercar,didn'the?Iamgoing tohideallhis toolswhen Igetaholdofhim!”Avanibarkedassheturnedonherheelsandmarchedoffintotheshop.

“Waytolaythatoneonthick,Adal!”Arijaslappedhimontheback.

“Mybad!”WebleystartedtorollwithlaughterandCoglookedtowhere

Avani had gone, his mouth hanging slightly open as shedisappearedaround thecorner.Adal smiledashewatchedCog.Hewasa littlestrangeandgavehimweirdvibeswhentheyfirstmet,butnowhecouldseetheDwellerwasjustterriblyawkward.

“Oh!Tha’Kipsureiskeepin’herbusy!Wha’doye twosay?Want te get back to the house? Been a bit of a long day, no?”Webley walked past them and made his way over to the door,openingitandwavinghisarmoutside.

“I’mdownforthat.Onething,though;canwenot flyback?”Adal asked, shaking his head at the thought of having to flyanywhereanytimesoon.

“Yeah,I’mwithhimonthisone,”Arijaadded.“Ithinkarideintherailcarmightbeinorder.Webley,what

areyourthoughts?”CogpulledhisattentionawayfromAvaniandbacktothegroup.

“Well,Idon’seewhynot!”Theridebackwentwithoutincident.Webleyremainedsilent

for themostpart, conductingandoperating the rail caras theyspedthroughtheMachinetowardshishome.

Arija and Adal sat in silence, peering through the glass atwhat sights they could behold before they became anindistinguishableblur.Cogworked inaboxattachedto thewallnext to the control panel, adjusting various things that neitherAdalnorArijacouldsee.

“Webley, did you adjust these capacitors?” Cog peeked hishead out of the box, his face streaked with oil. Webley onlyshrugged his shoulders and grunted. Cog dove back into hiswork.

ArijaleanedherheadonAdal’sshoulderasshewatchedthe

mechanicalworldflyby.Afewminuteslater,Cogstuckhisheadback out of his box. “When didwe upgrade these components?They aren't functioning well with the connectors at all. That iswhythisthingissluggish.”

Again,Webley only shruggedhis shoulders and, after a fewsecondsofsilence,Coghuffedanddippedbackintohisbox.

Finally,therewasahigh-pitchedscreechfollowedbyaplumeofsteamastherailcarcametoastopinfrontofWebley’shouse.ExhaustionhadtakenoverAdal’sbody,andhelazilyslidfromtheseat,climbedoutoftherailcarandintoWebley’shouse,asifhehaddoneitathousandtimes.

Webley, Adal, and Arija sat in silence at the table as Cogservedasteamingbowlofsomesortofsoup.Adalhadn’tspokenone word since they’d gotten on the railcar and the aches andpains thatcoveredhisbodyhadmade themselvesknownashiswholebodythrobbed.

AdallookedacrossthetabletoArija,whowasproppeduponher elbow, spooning chunks of broccoli into her mouth. EvenWebleywasabnormallyquiet,theonlysoundsinthehousethoseofWebleyslurpinghisdinner.

“Well, I thinksomecoffee is inorder.”Cog’s voice shatteredthesilence.“EveryoneintothestudyandI’llbringsomein.”

The firecrackledas theyall sat incomforton theoversizedleatherseating.Arijahadbeguntothumbthroughalargebookofpaintings sitting on the small coffee table in front of the couch.Adal was staring into the fire, casually sipping his coffee. BothWebleyandCogjustsippedfromtheircupsandstaredawkwardlyintothedistance.

“So, what’s the deal with this place?” Adal finally asked,finishinghis coffeeandsittingback inhis seat. “Like, youbuiltthis place, but where did you come from? What started all ofthis?” Once Adal’s first question came, the rest followed like abunchofsheepjumpingoffacliff.

Arijaputherbookdownandleanedbackonthecouch.“Well, time works differently down ‘ere, Adal. Things

happen... faster. Yer parents probably ‘avent even noticed ya

missin’yet.As ferhowImademymachine, those ‘er long tales,Adal. Theday ‘as been long a’ready. Ye sure yewant te’ hear itall?”Webley asked, puttinghis bowl of coffee down and leaningforward.

Adalnodded.“Allrightthen.Factis,Imadethisplace.Longago.Nowyou

seeall tha’ is around.Simple enough.Well...uhh... I’m rubbishwithstories.Cog‘anye‘elpaguyout?”Webleytookanothersipofhiscoffeeandleanedbackinhischair.

“Ok.Youwanttoknowitall?Afterallyouhaveseen,Ithinkthat...Wethinkitisonlyfair.”CogtookadeepbreathandlookedbacktoWebley,whonoddedasingle,slownodtohisfriend.

“Allright,itallbeganinatimebeforetimewasevenanotion.I toldyouoncebefore thatWebleywasaCreator, and I assumeyoutookthatashefanciedbuildingthings.Thisistrue,butnottheentiretruth.WebleyisaCreator,anoldracethatspendstheirdaysbuildinglifefromnothing.Thereareentireworldsouttherethat the Creators call home.” Cog paused, watching Adal’s andArija’sreaction.

“Youmeanlikealiens?”Adalaskedafteramoment.Cogdidn’treply,hejustscratchedthebackofhisheadand

continued with his story. “So once, from a timeless time, aCreator came to a dead rock in a galaxy lost to the rest ofcreation. The Creator’s journeys took him to many places, butsomething about this system sparked his interest. So manylifeless,deadstructuressatlikeblankcanvasesinadancewithastar. This Creator decided to take a brief stay on one of thesestructuresanddowhathewasborntodo—create.”

“Wait,lifelessstructuresdancingaroundastar?”ArijabeganbeforeCoginterruptedher.

“Yes,mydear.Hecametothisplanet.TheCreatorburroweddeep into the core of Earth in search of a quiet place to do hiswork.Inthebeginning,hehadonlyhisshipasahomeandverylittle toworkwith,venturing forth tocollect theplanet’snaturalmetals so hemight create. After a time, the creations began totake a form and function. Within several eons, large machines

occupied the center of this planet. Massive furnaces sprang upand began to heat the lifeless structure.Gears of immense sizerotated the dead structure around its star. Eventually, a grandmachine,thelikesofwhichnoCreatorhadeveraccomplishedontheirown,cametolifefromthedark.”

Adal looked atArija,wide-eyed, buther attentionwas fixedonCog,tryingtomakesenseofwhathewassaying.

“Alas, even with such creations and accomplishments, onewill grow lonesome without the company of others to share inlife’sexperiences.Soonefatefulday,theCreatordecidedtomakeanother creation. He gathered his best materials and craftedhimself a son. A son to not only provide him with family andcompany,buttohelphimbuild.AlthoughtheCreatorwasabletobestowlifeonhiscreationsandgivethemsouls,theDwellershecreatedwereonlyabletocreateshellsofbeingsthatcouldfollowordersbutweren’tsentient.Only theCreatorcouldgive true lifetohiscreations.”

Webleyshifteduncomfortably.Hestoodlikehewasgoingtoleave,thensatbackdown,shiftinghisweightfromonesidetotheotherbeforeslouchingintothechair.

Cog waited until Webley settled, giving him a look beforecontinuing. “The two were a family, and they worked together,crafting machines and drafting new ideas for further creations.Eventually, theCreator andhis son decided that itwas time togrowtheirworld.So, theysetoutcreatingseveralmoresentientbeings.ThesewouldbethefirstoftheDwellers.Thoughsimilartotheir future lines, thesewereveryspecialDwellers, imbuedwithspecial skills to help grow the world they were creating. Firstcame twin brothers, to help with general creation andmaintenance of themachines.Next cameawoman tohelp careforthesickandinjured.Thethirdwasamightywarriorcreatedtoprotect those that dwelled within the Machine. Next came twopairsofmenandwomenthatwouldhelpbringforwardthefuturegenerations of Dwellers. Finally, they created a child to alwaysremind the group that they stood as a team. They lived inharmonyformanyyears.”

Arija lookedatAdal.Whenhis eyesmethers, shemouthed‘Radix,’ andAdalnoddedbackashe rememberedwhatKiphadtoldthemearlierthatday.

“Then it all changed. Unbeknownst to the Creator or theDwellers, life had taken formon the top side of the planet. ThelargefurnacestheCreatorhadcraftedwereheatingtheplanetsothat it was livable to other beings. The gears the Creator keptturningtokeeptheMachinefunctioningwereslowlyrotatingtheplanetandcausingweatherto formandlifetogrow.Oneday,ahumanmalefoundhiswayintotheMachinethroughatunneltheCreatorhadmadewhenhis ship firstburrowed into theplanet.TheDwellerswereall veryexcitedand intrigued tosee thisnewtypeofcreature,sotheCreatorsetouttoinvestigatetheTopside.TheotherDwellersbeggedtheCreatortoletthemcomewithhimbut, not knowing the dangers they might face, the Creatorinsistedhe goalone.Several days later, theCreator returned totheMachineandsealedtheholetotheTopside.Herefusedtotalkabout what had happened while he was away, but he broughtbagsofseedsandplantsthatwehaveusedtocreatethegardensyouseetoday.”Cogpausedandtookasipofhiscoffee.

“Several years later, the Creator installed the elevator youtooktogetdownhere,sohecouldmakeshorttripstotheTopsideand gather knowledge and supplies. But he never spoke of hisjourneys,andheneverletanotherDwelleraccompanyhim.Aftera while, the Creator’s son grew jealous of his father’s ability tocreatelife.Sooneday,hewenttohisfatherandaskedwhatthesecrettogivinglifewas.Hisfatherrefusedtotellhim.ThesecrettolifewassomethingonlyaCreatorcanhaveknowledgeof.Thisenragedhisson.AndthiswasthebeginningoftheGreatDivide.Eventually, the eldest son decided that, if his father would notshare his knowledge with him, then he was just a slave to hisfather.SohebegantospreadliesintotheearsoftheDwellerstoturnthemagainsttheCreator.SomeheardhiswickednesswhileotherssidedwiththeCreatoranddeniedthesonhisaudience.”

Adalthoughtbacktothefightthey’dhadwiththeDwelleratthedocks,andeverythingstartedtomakesense.He’dwantedto

takethemtosomeone.Whoeverhewas,hemustbeafolloweroftheCreator’sson.

Cogcontinued.“Fightsbrokeoutbetweenthetwogroups.Inoneof those fights, thechild thatwasmeant tokeep thepeopleunited was killed. Each of the remaining Dwellers took a sideduring the Great Divide. The twins chose opposite sides, thewarriorandcaregiversidedwiththeCreator,andthebirthersalsosplitevenlybetweensides.

“The Creator didn’t have the heart to choose between hiscreations,soherefusedtogotobattle.ThisleftthelongwartobefoughtamongsttheDwellers.Onceallwassaidanddone,allfourof thebirthersweredead.The remaining twinand thesonweredefeatedinbattleandcastintothedepthsoftheMachine,wheretheyremaintothisday.ItwaslefttotheremainingthreeandtheCreator to start again and rebuild. Though thiswarwas foughtand lost long ago, the fire that birthed it still smolders andoccasionally flares up. This was what you had the unfortunateluckofwitnessingtoday.”

ArijaandAdalsat insilence.Atsomepointduringthetale,Adal’smouthhadfallenopen,andthereitremained.Hetriedtothink of questions to ask, but his mind was a muddled mess.“Wait, so you... And we are... But then...” Adal mumbledincoherently. To him, it sounded like a fairytale version of theBible.Adalcouldn’tbelieveanyofthiswasrealbut,ashethoughtabout everything he’d seen, he realized that anything waspossible.

Arija’s eyes could not have been any wider. “What was hisname? The one that betrayed everyone?” she asked quietly,leaningfurtherforward.

“The son? His name was Pajak. The twin that followed hisnewmasterintomadnesswasFausto,”Cogsaid,fallingsilentandstaringathistwooverwhelmedandbefuddledguests.

Adal thoughtabout theDweller on thedockandhoweerilysimilarhelookedtoCog.

Webley sat in silence, lost in thewarm dance of the fire, alookofshameandsadnessrestingonhisface.

“Hey man, are you all right?” Adal broke in, addressingWebley.

WebleyletAdal’swordshangintheair foramomentbeforehe gave a slight sniffle and brought his attention back to theroom.“I’mallright,Adal.Thankye’ fortheask. I thinkit’s timefer’ bed.We all need our rest fer’ tomorrow. Gonna be anothergrandday.”

Webley rose from his seat and bowed to Adal and Arijawithoutmaking eye contact. He turned toward the kitchen anddisappearedthroughthedoor.

“Perhaps he is right.Maybewe should be off to bed then.”Cogstoodandwalkedovertothestaircasethatledtotheupperlevel.

ArijaandAdalslowlyrosefromthecouch.Everythingfeltsostrangenowwiththisnewknowledge.Maybeagoodnight’ssleepwouldhelp.

Halfwayupthespiralstairs,ArijapausedandturnedtofaceCogwhostillstoodatthebaseofthesteps.“So,today,allthosethingsthatattackedus...Webleymade?”

“No,mydear.Thosewerebastard creationsmadebyPajak.Theironlypurposeistofolloworders.Theydon’thavesouls.Thatiswhy theguardsgavenopause indispatching them.Theyarenottruecreations.”

“What about theDwellers that foughtwithus today on thedock?Theonesthatdied.Whatdidyouguysdowiththem?”Adalasked.

“Thatislikelytheonlygoodnewsoftheday.SofewDwellerstruly fell thatWebleywasable toact in time to save them.Hadthedestructionbeengreater,hemaynothavebeenabletodoso.Withthat,someDwellersaremissing,andIdofeartheirfate,butthereisnothingthatcanbedoneforthemnow.Please,getsomerest.Ithasbeenalongdayforusall.”

With Cog’s final request, Arija and Adal bid him goodnightandmade theirway to their rooms.Thatnight,Adalslepthard,buthisdreamswereplaguedwithsporadicnightmaresofadarkkingdomfilledwithdemonicmachines.

PartIIITheWar

35|ShouldWeBeGettingOur

AssesOutofHere?

Thenextmorning,Adal foundhimselfblanklystaringathisreflection in the mirror. The dark circles under his eyes andscruffystubbleonhisfacereflectedhowpoorlyhe’dslept.

Adalreachedforhisbrush,unabletopullhiseyesawayfromthe distorted image of himself. The weight of everything he’dlearnedandseenhadfinallysettledin,andhefeltlikehecouldn’tbreathe.Howcouldhe focusonhowhe lookedwhenthereweregiants on other planets bringing inanimate objects to life thatwanted to kill him and wear his flesh like some creepy sci-fiversion of Silence of the Lambs? Life would never be the sameknowing what he knew. He gave up on his appearance andshuffledintothehall.

Arijasatontheedgeofherbed,notebookinhand,staringat

amostly blank page. She’d been unable to sleepmore than anhouratatimewithoutwakingupinapanic.Atsomepoint,she’ddecided to put her thoughts on paper. Arija dragged her pencilaround the question mark she’d made in the corner for the

thousandthtime.Shewastootiredtobecreative,andthereweretoomanyquestionscloudinghermind.

She glared up at the clock andwatched the seconds countdown until her alarm broke the silence. Then she slid thesketchpadbackintoherbag,pulledherlegsupontothebed,andsatcross-leggedasthealarmsoundedforafewminutes.Finally,shepulledherselfoffthebedtoshutitoff.

Arija ranher fingers throughher tangledmess of hair, anddressedinthesameoutfitshe’dwornthedaybefore.Shelongedfor thedayswhenheronlyworrywaswhethershewasgoing towin her trackmeet. It was time for them to go home, and shewouldsayasmuchtoAdalwhenshesawhim.Thingsneededtogetbacktosomeformofnormalcy,orshemayneverhaveagoodnight’ssleepagain.Withthisthought,Arijagrabbedherbagandslippedoutoftheroom.

Out in the hall, Adal waswaiting for her, slouched againsttherailinglikehewasusingittoholdhimselfup.Hisusualgrinwasreplacedwithasolemnstare,andArijaknewhe’dgottenasgoodanight’s sleep as shehad.He glancedupather, and shenodded,unabletoforcehermouthintoasmile.

“'Sup?”Adalmanaged.“Yeah,”Arija repliedasAdalpushedoff therailingand they

madetheirwaydownthestairs.AnawkwardsilencehungthickintheairasAdalandArijasteppedintothestudy.Thehousewasstrangely quiet. No Cog greeting them with his annoyinglycheerfulgrinandcoffee,noWebleystompingaroundpreparingforwhatevertheyweregoingtodotoday.

Inthestudy,thefirehadlongsincegoneout,yetthesmellofsmokestillfilledtheroom.Arijalookedaround,hairsuddenlyonend,untilshespottedaplatterof fruitonthecoffeetableandanote sitting at the corner. She walked over to the kitchen andcrackedthedoortolookinside.SheturnedtoAdalandshookherhead.Adalwalkedtothetableandpickedupthenote.

AdalandArija,

We had to tend to an issue this morning. Please, enjoy the

breakfastweleftforyou,andweshallbebackshortly.-Cog“Looks like we’re flying solo today.” Adal tossed the paper

backtothetableandturnedtoArija.“Looksthatway.Great.Itisn'tbadenoughtheydroppedthat

bombonus lastnight.Nowwe’restucksittingherewaiting.Wereallyneedtogetbackhome,Adal.Thingshavejustgottenso...complicated, and I just want to be back inmy own bed.” Arijawalkedovertothetableandpickedupthenoteoncemore,onlytorollhereyesandcrumpleitup.

“Hey,what’sthematterwithyou?Normallyyoudon't throwattitudearoundunlessit’swarranted.DidImisssomething?”

Arija sighed and plopped down on the couch. She un-crumpledandre-crumpled thepieceofpapera fewtimesbeforeshestartedtospeak.“It’sjust,well,allmylife,Iwasraisedinmyfamily’s faith.Being toldofahigherpower,creation,God’sgifts,andsoon.Now,I’msittinginthisworldunderours,hearingthenewsthatWebleycreatedthisplace.ThatthereareotherCreatorsouttheredoingthesamething.WhatdoesthatmeanaboutGod?AmIwrong?Arewewrong?Thisisjusttooinsane.”Arijahuffedasshespoke,exasperatedandfrustrated.

Adal sat down on the couch next to her and put his armaroundher,squeezingherintoasidehug.

“Hey,kid,Igetit.I’veneverreallybeenreligious,butIknowthisisaboutwhatyoubelieve.Thishastohitheavy.Here’showIlook at it.Webley created this place, and all the things in it allcamefromhim.Everythingismechanicalandweirdtous,right?We’veonlyseenvariationsofpeople,buttheseDwellersaren'tlikeus.IfaCreatorlikeWebleyhadmadeus,thenthisplacewouldn'tbeathingand,ifitwere,itwouldbejustlikebackhome.Webleymay have made this place, but we come from something else.That’swhatIbelieve.Basically...IguesswhatI’mtryingtosayis

thatthere’sroomforGodandtheCreatorstoexist.Don'tletthatfaithleaveyou.Ifthisworldispossible,soisours.Soareothers.Besides,rightnow,wehaveotherthingstoworryabout.”

“Likewhat?”Arija asked, her brows furrowed as she raisedherheadtolookathim.

“Likewhereinthehellwe’regoingtogetsomecoffeeinthisplace!”Adallaughed.

Arija let the rise and fall of his chest rockher to a slightlyhappierplace.Shesmiledandthrewoneofherarmsaroundhim,squeezingtightly.

“Youknow,sometimesyouaren'tasdumbasyoulook,”Arijateased. She caught Adal staring at her mouth and, when heglanced up tomeet her stare, she found herself unable to lookaway.Theworldaroundthemfadedtonothing.AdalloweredhisheadasArijatiltedhersup.Sheleanedclosertohim,socloseshecould feel the warmth of his breath tickle her lips. Her heartpounded, fighting itswayoutofher throat.Finally,Arija closedher eyes, needing to enjoy every second of what was about tohappen.

“Idon’carewhatyerthink!Tha’istheplan.Youtake‘emouto’here,andI’llhandlethis!”

The door smacked the wall asWebley burst into the room,ruiningthemoment.ArijaandAdalpushedawayfromeachother.Adal cleared his throat and leaned back on the couch as ifnothinghadhappenedwhileArijajumpedupandtookafewstepsaway from the couch. She stole a glance at Adal and silentlywishedWebleyandCoghadcomehomejustafewminuteslater.

Webleylookedasthoughhehadjustbeenthroughhell.Hisclothing was tattered and torn, and there were several deepscrapes across his face. Cog came in behind him with severalsmall dents in his legs and arms. Neither Webley nor Cog waspayinganyattentiontothem,andtheembarrassmentquicklyleftArija,replacedbyfear.

“Webley,thisisn’tthetime.Letmehelpyou.Theywillbesafehere!Wemustdothistogether.Nowisnotthetimeforyoutotakethisup,”Coghuffed,chasingafterWebleyandslamminghishand

onthebookshelfasheleanedhisweightagainstit.“Cog,moveyer’hand!Yousawittoo!Webothbarelygotout

o’ there. Ye need te’ get them outta here!”Webley pushed Cog’shand away and pulled on one of the larger books on the shelf.Frombehindthewall,therecameametallicrumblingastheshelfslid up the wall toward the ceiling. Behind the shelf was anassortmentofstrangelookingweapons.

Adal stood,doingadouble takeat the small arsenal ashismouthdropped open in awe.He let out a loudwhistle, and theroomfellsilent.“Whatthehellisgoingonrightnow?Shouldwebegettingourassesoutofhereorwhat?”Adalasked,stillstaringattheweapons.

“Thereisn'ttime,Adal.Weneedyoutwotostayput.Thereisalittleproblem,andwehavetoleaveyoutotakecareofit,”Cogreplied.

Arija scoffed. “Really? You need an armory to fix a littleproblem?Cog,Ilikeyouandall,butyoumightwanttocomeupwithabetterliethanthat!”

“Getthemoutta‘ere,Cog!”“Really,thereisn'ttime.”CogturnedbacktoWebley.“Hey,firstoff,wearen'tgoinganywhere.Secondly,youneed

totelluswhathappened.Wecanhelp,”Adaladdedashewalkedovertothewallofweapons.

“TheGearrthatha’attackedye’yesterday.Theyareback,an’theyarerunnin’amuckinmymachine.Yesterdaytheyattackedatrain carryin’ a shipment farther inte’ th’ Machine and thismornin’ they attacked one of the furnaces. If we hadn’t gottenthere in time, theywould have cast us into cold an’ darkness!”Webley’svoiceshookwithangerandahintofworry.

Adal looked at Arija. Her face contorted with concern andfear.IfWebleywasscared,thenthingshadtobealotworsethanArijathought.

“All right. Well, you beat them yesterday. Can you fix thefurnace?”Adalasked.“Idon’tgetwhatthebigdealis.It’s justafurnace.”

“We only managed to stop their attack, but they aren't

finished.Aswe left thearea, they followedus. Ifwearecorrect,theywillbehereanyminute,bringingthefighttothehouse,”Cogexplainedashestuffedammunitionintoabag.

“So, they attacked a furnace?”Arija asked, finally breakingher cautious silence. “Cog, you told us last night that thismachineiswhatpowerstheworld,basically.Themechanicsheredirectlyaffect the surface.So,whathappens if youcan’t fix thefurnace?”

Cog andWebley fell silent, their eyes focusing on anythingotherthanthetwohumansinfrontofthem.

“Once,longago,duringthefirstwar,oneofthefurnaceswasdestroyed, and Webley couldn’t fix it right away. Half of yourworldfroze,”Cogrepliedbluntly.

AdaltookasteptowardsArija.“Wait,what?”“Yes. Do not worry, though, we have a plan to stop them.

Whatweneedtoworryaboutatthemomentisgettingyoutwotosafety.”

Cog turned toWebley, butAdal interruptedbeforehe couldspeakagain.

“Waitaminute.Youmeantosaythelasttimeyouallhadtohandle your business, you caused an ice age? I mean damn! Isureasshitamnotabouttoleaveyouguysheretofightthisfightwithoutme!Iliketokeepmyworld,youknow,livable.”

Arijacouldn’tagreemore.Whataboutherdad?WhataboutAdal’s family?Theycouldn’t justsitaround,donothing,and letanothericeagekilleveryoneonEarth.

“Adal, Iappreciateyer’stance.Butthe fact is, this isn’tyer’fight. Ican'taskye’te’ joinin.”Webleywalkedover toAdal andplacedhislargehandonhisshoulder.“Weneedte’getye’outofhere.”

AdalandWebley’svoicesfadedintothebackgroundasArija’seyes fixed on the shelves of weapons. She reached forward,runningher fingeracrossthe lengthofabarrelasshemadeuphermindaboutwhatsheneededtodotoprotectherfamily.Herhand closed over a shotgun. She pulled it from the shelf whileAdal,WebleyandCogargued.Thegunwasarm’slength,withan

axbladestretchingfromthebarrel.ThesoundofherrackingthegunmadebothAdalandWebleyjump.

Arijaranhereyesovertheweapon,asmallsmileplayingonher lips. “Look, I’m over all of this. Just... I’m done!We’re in aworld that’s in the middle of ours, science doesn't matteranymore.Logicdoesn’tmatteranymore.Ihavenoideawherewecame fromorwhat to evenbelieveand these... these... assholesareconstantlytryingtopickafightwithus.Onethingmyfatheralwaystaughtmewastobesmartenoughtoknowmyboundariesandhowtoovercomeobstacles.Mymothertaughtmethat,whenthings in lifehityou,hit thembackevenharder.Now, I’mdonefightingoverthis.AllIwanttoknownowis;howharddoesthisthinghit?”

WebleyandCogturnedtolookatAdal,butheonlyshruggedback,hismouthwideopen.Heshookhishead,perhapstoclearhisthoughts.

“Damn,kid,savesomefortherestofus!Look,guys,Arija’sright.Thisfightisaboutallofusnow.Youneedasmanypeopleasyoucangettofight,andwearen’texactlyhelplesskids.So,arewegoingtodothisthingorwhat?”

Their hosts looked at one another, having a silentconversation,beforeturningbacktoAdalandnodding.

“Allright,then.Thefightisuponusall.Knowthis,wewilldowhatwecantohelpyou,butlikelythetwoofyouwillbeonyourown,”Cogwarned.

“Aye,thiswon’betheplacefer’rescuin’.Thiswillbenothin’butfightin’,”Webleyadded.

AdalandArijanoddedinunison.

36|SuitUp

Adal’sheartpulsatedinhisclenchedfists.Hewasrigidwithastrangecombinationofexcitementandfear.Asingularthoughtragedthroughhismindsoloudlyhewasimpressedhecouldstillhear Webley and Cog speak.What the hell are you doing rightnow?

Arijatightenedhergriponthesurprisinglylightweapon.Hereyesdancedovertheaxbladesuspendedunderneaththebarrel.Clearly,thatwouldbePlanB.

“Allrightthen,Arija, I thinkImayhavesometoolsyouwilllike.”Cogbrokethesilence,walkingovertoher.

Webley clasped hismassive hand on Adal’s shoulder like aproudfather.“Adal,ye’maylikewhatIgotfer’ye’.”

Webleydrewalargecasefromoneoftheshelvesandbroughtit to the table, slamming itdown.Adalhardlyhadamoment toappreciate the delicately hammered and riveted texture of itssurfacebeforeWebleypopped the lid openandbegan to shufflethrough its contents, withdrawing items and clumsily slappingthemon the table.Oncehehad takenout everythinghe’dbeenlookingfor,Webleyclosedthelidwithaheavythud.

“Firstly, put this on.Ye’will need it.”Webley thrust a thickbelt with a holster attached to Adal, who clipped it around hiswaist.“This‘erewillbeyer’bestfriendinapinch.Arevolverofm’owndesign.This ishowye’openitte’reload.”Webleypresseda

button, and the cylinder jutted out from the side. “It’s balancedan’calibratedtowhereye’won’tevenfeeltherecoil.Tenshotsinthere!” Webley thrust the gun into Adal’s hand and grabbedanother weapon. “Now, these are a set of forged Damascustungstenknuckles.Also,m’owndesign.Isawthatye’areafanofpugilismso thesemay find ye’well.Will near crush anythin’ yeswingat!”

“Waitdon’tyoumeansteel?”“NoIdon’t,”Webleyreplied.Hedidn’tgiveAdalenoughtime

to retort before he added, “Ye’ll find plenty ofmunitions in tha’bandolierbeltye’goton.Oh,an’thelastbitferye’...”

WebleypickedupthelastweapononthetableandtossedittoAdal—ashotgunsimilartotheoneArijahadchosen.Onlythisonehadtwolargedrumsonit,andtherackingmechanismwasaleverthatahandslidintoonthegrip.Adaltookamomenttotakeitallin.

“Tha’thereisapersonalfavoriteo’mine.Rotatin’drumsholdfifty roundso’ ammunition.Ye’ eject them fromhereandslapanewoneinjustliketha’.Rockthatlevertoloadthenextround.Simple.Oh,andtakethesereplacementdrums.”WebleyhandedAdaltwomoredrumsattachedtoaleathersling.

AsAdalthrewtheleatherslingoverhisshoulder,theweightofthesituationfinallyhithim.Hewasabouttoheadintoawarthatonlyforty-eighthoursago,hedidn'tevenknowexisted.

Yeah,sure,sometimeshespokeabiggame.Andusually,hedidn’t have an issue backing it up. But thiswas different. Thistime,hewonderedhowhewasgoingtodothis.Thiswasn’tsomebully talkingshit.Thiswas lifeordeath.And if somethingwentwrong,Adalcouldlosehisbestfriend.

Thenhisthoughtsfelltohisgrandfather.GrandpaLawrencehadn’tbeenolderthaneighteenwhenhe’dtakenupthecallingtofight evil.Was it really so crazy to thinkhe coulddo the same?Weren’t these people in need of help just like the people thatGrandpa Lawrence fought for? Adal remembered how hisgrandfathertoldthestoryofthefirsttimehe’dbeenthrownintobattle.Howscaredhewas,buthow,withthesupportofhisfellow

soldiers, he knew he could do some good. In a way, Adal feltclosertohisgrandfatheratthatmomentthanheeverhadwhilehewasalive.

AsCog finishedpointingout theparticularsofhershotgun,

Arija had a flash of hermother. Thewarrior that taught her toalways be strong and fight the good fight. Thewomanwhowasstrong enough to leaveherhome country to give abetter life toherdaughter.Arijahad topreserve that lifewith everything shehad.

Herfather’stypicallectureaboutconsideringallthepossibleoutcomes of her actions crept into hermind. Since hermotherpassed, shehaddevelopedquite the temperwith theworld andwas quick to fight. But now she was wondering what she hadgottenthetwooftheminto.

Cogclearedhisthroatashefinishedremovinghisownsetofweaponsfromtheshelvesandplacedthemontheoppositeendofthetable.

“Twoblades.Ifigureyouarealittletoosmarttogetcaughtinclose quarters, but these will get you out if something shouldhappen. Laminated and folded titanium, lighter than the airaround them, but will cut through anything.” Cog reached outandtooktheshotgun fromArija’shand. “While Iagree that thisweapon is formidable, it isabit clunky.For you, I think this isbettersuited.”CogpulledanotherrifleoffthewallofweaponsandhelditouttoArija.Thisriflewasmuchsmaller,havingbeenfiledinhalf.

WithaflickofCog’swrist,thebottomsectionsprangupward,andtheweaponextended,revealingalong,polishedbarrel.“Thisis fed in a similar fashion to Adal’s weapon. This drum

underneath holds twenty-five rounds. When all the shots havebeen fired, press this button here, and insert the next cylinder.Simple.Thisscopeisdesignedtozoominandoutbydrawingthissmallbarupanddown.Lastly,withthis,therearesightsontheside.Ifanenemygetstoocloseforthescope,youcanusethesesights.Andwhenyouneedtomove,thisfoldstheentireweaponinhalfsothatitmaymoreeasilyattachtoyourbackfortravel.”

Arija stood in silence as Cog pointed out the weapon’sfeatures. She pressed the butt of the rifle to her shoulder andsqueezedtheforegripinherlefthand.Everythingwasmovingsofast.Onlyafewdaysago,shewasworriedabouthernextalgebratest.Nowshewaspreparingforbattle.Howhadthingsgonethisfar?

ArijaflickedhergazetowardAdal,hereyessquintingasshewatched him studying his weapons. His eyes widened when hecaughtherstaring,andhenoddedback.Whethertheywanteditornot,AdalandArijaweregoingtowar.

“Waitaminute!Whatisallofthisstuffexactly?”Adalfinallyasked, motioning to his and Arija’s equipment. “I thought youguys didn't believe in fighting or killing. You spent all nightblabbingabouthowyoucouldn’tkillyourowncreationsand,yet,hereweare,standinginanarmorydisguisedasalibrary.What’sthatabout?”

“These are relics from th’ past,” Webley explained from hispost in front of the fireplace.He’d taken down a large gun andhammer-wrenchthatclungtothewall.“They‘aven'beenusedinalongtime,butIcanassureye,theywillgetthejobdone.An’yeareright,wedon’killoneanotherinmyMachine.ADwellerisasacred creature, an’ they should all strive to love one another.These things... these Kleinmasch, as he calls ‘em, they aren’Dwellers.Theyaresomethin’else,an’theyhavete’bestoppedorallDwellersareindanger.”

Arijalookeddownattheweaponinherhands.IfwhatWebleysaidwastrue,thenthesethingswereovertwomillionyearsold.Weretheseweaponssafetoshoot?Timealoneshouldhaveseenthesedeteriorateevenifproperlycaredfor.

“Iknow this is a lot,butwehaven't the time,”Cog started,seeingthelookonArija’sface.“Youshouldalsotakethese,justincase.”HetossedabackpacktoAdalandonetoArija.“Irepairedyour fliegensacks. If thingsget tooheavy tohandle,youneed togetoutofhere.Understand?Gobacktotheelevatorandwaitforus.”

“Ontha’note,yeshouldgiveAvaniacall.Sheshouldbe‘erefer’what comes after,”Webley added. He broke open the barrelandstockofhisrifleandinsertedtworounds.

Cogmadehisway intothekitchenandoutofsight, leavingAdalandArijaalonewithWebley.

“Ihave te’say, I’msorry fer’all this. I’m sure yedidn't findthisplacean’thinkyewouldbefightin’awar.Somethin’iswronginmyMachine,andIplanongettin’te’thebottomofit.”Webleyturned from them, slung the large tool over his shoulder, andclutchedhisheavygun.

Arija’sthoughtsdriftedtoherfamilyagain.Thestrugglesandtalesofhorrorhermotherhadfacedinherhomeland.Israelhadbeen at war for thousands of years. To some, war was all theyknew.AlizaRappoftentoldayoungArija that,hadshenotmether father andhad the strength to seekabetter life, shewouldhave been consumed by death. At a young age, Aliza had beentrainedtokill.Warhadawayofdestroyingyouthandreplacingitwithacoldkiller.

Arijalovedherfatherverymuch,buthewasapeacefulman.Hermother often saidhewas the cool air thathelped tameherfire. Today,Arijawould embodyhermother. She suckedadeepbreath of themusky air from the study andwhispered a silentprayertohermotherforstrengthasthedoortothekitchenflewopen.

“She’s on her way with the mobile medical vehicle just incase. I also urged Captain Silny to put all hismen on the citygates,”Cogannounced,rejoiningthegroup.

“Good, now tha’ tha’s settled, it’s time te’ get ready. I cansmell‘emgettin’close.”Webley’svoicehadgrowncold.

“Youreadyforthis?”AdalwhisperedtoArija.

“I am if you are,” Arija replied, doing her best to soundconfident,thoughherheartbeatsofastshewascertainhecouldhearit.

“Wegotthis.Stickclose,andwatchoneanother’sasses,andweshouldbeallright,”Adaladded.“Andluckyforyou,Ihaveagreatass.”

“Whatass?”Arijascoffed,rollinghereyesandforcingasmile.Herpulse slowed slightly.Sheknewhewouldhaveherback. Ifsomethingwas going to take one of them out, it would have totakethemboth.

Adal focused on the faint lavender smell of Arija’s hair.

Somehow it also smelled of the coffee theynever did drink thatmorning.Hesmiled.Hewatchedherfiddlewithherpack,asmall,frustrated wrinkle forming on her forehead when she couldn’tfigureouthowtolatchoneofthebuckles.Iftheygotoutofthisalive,hewasgoingtotellherhowhefelt.

“All right then. Let’s get this done,” Webley commanded,takingadeepbreath.

Astheywalkedawayfromtherack,Arijastopped,grabbedasmall, silver pistol off the shelf, and slid it into her belt at thesmallofherback.Shefistedastackofmagazinesintoherpocketbut, as she turned to catch up with the rest of the team, shefoundthemallstaringather.

“Youknow,perhapswecanbealittlemoretactful,”Cogsaidastherestoftheroomfellsilent,waitingtohearhisplan.

37|ARootin’Tootin’GoodTime

Cog,Webley, and Adal lined up inWebley’s backyard. Arijafollowedthemwiththecrosshaironherriflefromthesecond-floorwindow. She couldn’t hear them talking, but Adal was doingsomethingstupid.

Typical.Adalrarelytookanythingseriously.Arijapulledherfaceawayfromtherifleandrubbedhereyes.

Adalwasadork,andhe’dprobablygetthembothkilled,butshecouldn’thelpthinkingabouttheiralmostkissthatmorning.Sheshookthethoughtfromherheadandfocusedbackonthethreemenstandinginthebackyard.Shewouldhavetoworryabouthernon-relationshipwithAdalwhentheyweren’tindanger.

When Arija brought her crosshairs back to the group, theywereallstandinginalineinthemiddleoftheyard,handspoisedon theirweapons,awaitingbattle.All theyneededwasacheesywhistling sound and a tumbleweed to make this the weirdestwesternshe’deverseen.

She allowed her sights to slide beyond the yard. Nothingseemed out of place. Just a few Dwellers milling about, and aflockofbirdssittingononeofthebeams.

Adalclutchedhisshotgun.Sweatcoveredhispalmsandhis

heartpoundedinanticipationofthebattle.Hementallyreviewedthepositionof eachweapononhisbody.Each fighthe’d gottenintointhisplacehadresultedinhimgettingthrownorslammedintosomething,andthewindbeingknockedoutofhim.Ifthisgothairy,hewantedtorememberwhereeachweaponwas,incasehehadtogoforoneunderduress.

Adallookedatthetwomenstandingwithhim.Webleystoodinhumblesilence,hisbreathrumblingfromhischestlikedistantthunder.Cogtwirledtworevolversaroundhisfingers.

Adal’s eyes danced over the distant and surroundingstructures, not really sure what he was looking for. He figuredhe’dknowwhenhesawit.

“Allright,Cog.Thisisyerpart.”Webley'svoicebrokethroughthesoundofAdal’sheartbeat.

Cognodded,turningtoAdal.“Remember, if itgetsbad,youtwo get out of here. Take care of yourselves.” Cog turned hisattentiontoArijaandgaveherathumbsup.Hecouldn’tseeherin thedark frameofherperch,but thatwas thepoint.He tookseveral steps forward and,with a jolt, hiswings expanded fromhispack.BeforeAdalhad time to registerwhatwashappening,Cogtookoffintotheair,disappearingfromsight.

“Yeprepared feryourpart?”Webley asked,notbothering toturnandfacehim.

“AboutasmuchasIcanbe.Youreadyforyours?”Webley responded with a low grunt as he stared into the

distantMachine.Adal let his eyes run over Webley’s focused face and

wonderedifitwaspossibleforaCreatortodie.He turned his head toward the window he knew Arija was

perchedin.Adalneededtoknowshewasthere.Thatshehadhis

backincasesomethinghappened.Aslenderhandcreptfromthedarknessandformedathumbsup.

AdalturnedbacktoWebleytoaskanotherquestion,buttheCreatorraisedafingerintheairbetweenthem,silencinghim.

Thesoundstartedoffsmall—astaticwhitenoisehanginginthebackgroundofhisthoughts.Adalcouldbarelymakeoutwhatitwasbut,afterawhile,thesoundgrew.Adalleanedtowardthegate, straining to hear, when something jetted ahead of them,scaringthecrapoutofhim.Heclumsilyswunghisriflearound,fumblingwiththetriggerbeforerealizingitwasonlyCog.

“Heretheycome!”Cogshoutedasheturnedandflewbehindthehouse,continuinghispatrol.

Adal jerked his gaze from side to side, but he couldn’t seeanything.

“Hewasn't kidding.Here they come, and they look pissed!”Arija’svoicedrifteddownfromthewindowabove.

Adalbroughttherifleuptohislineofsightandscannedthehorizon.Hishearthammeredinhischest.Theedgesofhisvisiondarkened.Heslowlymovedhisfingertohoveroverthetrigger.Hisbodyshook,buthetriedtocalmandcontrolhisnerves.

Like a pilinghorde, hundreds ofGearrtha andFeithidi flewtoward them, wings out. Adal's stomach lurched as he tried tocomprehend the magnitude of the inevitable attack, but it wasdifficult. They moved like a swarm of insects. It was almostcomical how outnumbered they were, and Adal found itimpossibletofocusonanyoneofthecreatures.

“Remember, if they overcome ye, get back in the ‘ouse!”Webleycommanded,crackinghisneck.

As the swarm neared the house, Adal's nerves calmed. Hisshakingfingerssteadied,andhisheartbeatslowed.

A thunderous eruption followed by a plume of smokeemanated from beside him as Webley fired his first shot,obliterating nearly a dozen Kleinmasch and sending smallfragmentsofdebrisintotheairaroundthem.Thestrongodorofburnt iron filledAdal’snose, andhe flickedhis eyes toward thegiantnexttohimastimeseemedtoslowtoacrawl.

“Damn!Whatdidyouputinthosethings?”Adalshoutedoverthesoundofcrunchingmetal.

“Huzzah! Ye think tha’ was somthin’, ye should give yers’ago!”Webleybellowed.

Adal opened hismouth to reply as a set of rapid-fire shotscamefromoverhead.

Cog hovered above them, laying waste to any creaturesunfortunate enough to be caught in his sights. Once the focuswasonhim,Cogelegantlyspun in theairand leddrovesof thecreatures away from Adal and Webley. As Cog disappearedaround the side of the house, one by one,Kleinmasch fell fromthesky.

Webley grabbed the large wrench slung over his shoulder,clutching it in his hands. The gentle giant’s face contorted intosomething hideous. He screamed and charged, leaping fifty feetinto theairandcollidingwithseveralof thecreatures, instantlycrushing and dismantling them. Webley grabbed a metal beamwith one meaty hand and swung the wrench with the other,demolishingseveralmoreKleinmasch.

Adalraisedhisshotgun, focusingonagroupofKleinmaschontheplatformjustoutsidethegate.“You’remine!”heshouted,chargingforward.

Thecreaturesscreechedandraisedtheirbladedappendagesasheneared.Adalstoppedmerefeetfromthegroupandaimed.He slid his finger to the trigger and squinted one eye as hefocusedontheGearrthainthemiddle.Threeloudburstseruptedfrombehindhim,andthecreatures’facesexplodedinaburstofmetal.Adalpausedinshock,wonderinghowhewasabletoshootthemwithoutpullingthetrigger.

“What thehell?Thoseweremine!”Adal shouted, turning tofaceArijawhenherealizedwhathadhappened.

“Didn'tseeyournameon‘em.NotonlydoIhavethefirstkill,butI’mwinningtoo,”Arijateased,shootingata fatFeithidithatswoopedoverAdal’sheadanddroppingitfromthesky.

Adal’s competitive side roared to life. He raised his weaponandbegantofireateverythingthatmoved.

38|BillyBadass

Arija laughed. Adal was so easy to play. She’d seen howscaredhe’dbeenandknewthesecondsheturnedthefightintoacompetition,he’dgethisheadoutofhisass.

TheswarmofKleinmaschhadn’tfullyengulfedthehouseyet,buttherewerefartoomanyofthemforArija’scomfort.DozensofKleinmaschflewinafrenzy,manyofthemtoofastortoocloseforher to get a good shot. She took a deep breath and held it,countingtothreebeforeexhalingandsqueezingthetrigger.

A Feithidi came flying at her. Before she could registerwhether she’d hit it, it plummeted to the ground, lifeless. Sheexhaledandloadedanotherround.

Arijawasaterrifyinglygoodshot,butshedidn’t reallyhavethetimetothinkaboutwhatthatmeantorifitwashereditary.ItalsohelpedthattheweaponsWebleyhadgiventhemwereeerilyaccurate. She hardly had to do anything other than point andshoot.Honestly,ifAdalcoulddoit,anyonecoulddoit.Thatboy’shand-eye coordination wasn’t anything to brag about. With hermindwanderingbacktoAdal,Arijaallowedhersightstosettleonhim.

He was rolling to the side and shooting down two Feithidi.Arijawasconvincedhewasdoinghisbesttolooklikehewasinamovie. A Gearrtha swooped at him, and its bladed arm nearlycleavedhisleg.ArijafollowedtheGearrthauntilshewascertain

she’dlandakillshot,thenshesqueezedthetrigger.The Gearrtha slumped to the ground next to Adal, and he

hopped tohis feet,brushinghimself off. “I’mgood!”Adalpickeduphisgunandrackedit.

Arija watched as small, spider-like creatures swarmed thedeadGearrtha.Theirtinylegsglidedoverthemonstersofast,shecould hardly see them moving. After a few moments, theGearrtha’s arms started to twitch, and Arija realized it wascomingback to life.Shehoveredhercross-hairsover thepileofGearrthaandBaegandpulledthetrigger.

“Careful! This isn't a game,Adal!”Cog’s voice shouted fromoverhead. He had just dispatched his pursuing party and wasswoopingbacktokeepthehordefocusedonhim.

Adal raisedhisshotgun, firinga round.Cog flinchedas theprojectile flew over his shoulder, and the shot landed squarebetweentheeyesofaFeithidibehindhim.ItwastoolateforCogtomove, and themassive body of a dead Feithidi collided withhimintheair,sendingCogdowntotheplatform.

Cog and the lifeless Feithidi hit with a wrenching crack,followedbya rumbleas they rolledacross thedeckandslidoffthe edge. The two slid from sight asAdal dove to the ledge, hishandoutstretched.

“NO!”Arijajerkedforward.A Gearrtha shot up from below. It moved toward Adal. Its

appendagesswipedathimasitflewupward.Arija followed Adal with her sights as he reached over the

edgeof theplatform.Adal gruntedand reachedonearmoff theplatform,holdingontotheedgewiththeother.

Arija bit the corner of her lip as she zoomed in to see Cogclutching a piece of jagged metal. His wings were completelymangled,andhisfingersshookashestruggledtoholdon.

“Idon’tthinkIcanholdonanymore,Adal.”Cograsped.Arijacouldbarelyhearhim.“TellAvanithatit’salwaysbeenher.”

TheGeartha’sbladedarmstrucktheplatformnexttoAdal’shead. He rolled to the side as Cog slipped from his hold andplummetedintotheMachine.

“No! Cog! Cog!” Adal yelled as he pushed away from theGearrthawhilesimultaneouslysearchingthevoidforhisfriend.

Arijapulledthetriggeronlytohearasmallclick.Shepulleditagainandagain,desperate to saveAdal frombeingshredded,but it was useless. She was out of ammunition. The Gearrthalanded next to Adal. It shrieked as it raised its lethally sharparms.

Arijareachedintothebackofherbeltandtookoutthesmallpistolshe’dgrabbedfromtheshelf.Shedidn'taimortrytosteadyher shaking hand. Terrified shewould lose her best friend, shepointed the pistol in the Gearrtha’s direction and pulled thetrigger.

Sparks flewpastAdal’s head as one of Arija’s shotshit the

Gearrthaintheshoulder,takingitsattentionawayfromitsprey.TheGearrthareareditshead,steadyingitsgazeonthewindowinwhich Arija was perched. It extended its wings and lungedthroughtheairtowarditsnewtarget.

Adal spun as a piercing shriek came from Arija’s window.Even from this distance,Adal could see theGearrtha tearing atthewindowledge.Hehadnoideawhathewasgoingtodo,butheknewhehadtodosomething.Arijawasindanger.

TheGearrthaslammedintothewindow,toobigtofitthroughthe small hole. It flew back a few feet, shaking off the impact.Then it slammed into thewindow again. This time, thewindowframebentinward.

Adal looked around for something to help and found thatWebley had the majority of the attacks focused on him. Adalremovedhispistolfromitsholsterandtookaimatthecreature,lininguptheshot.Buthecouldn’tbringhimselftofire.

“WhatifImissoritgoesthroughhim!WhatifIhither!”Adal

barked. With only an instant to consider his options, Adalholstered his weapon and charged at the house. A small tableadornedwith several pots sat against the side of thehouse.Hegathered as much speed as he could, leaped into the air, andsprung fromthesmall tablewith justenough force tograsp theedgeoftheroof.

Adalclungtothestructureforlife.Therewasn'tenoughtimetodothatagain.Tighteninghischestandarms,hemanagedtopullhimselfupandrollonto theroof.Ashe turnedoveron theledge,hispistolslippedfromitsholsterandfelltotheground.

“Damnit!” Adal shot his gaze from side to side, looking forsomethingtouseasaweapon.ThenherememberedthetungstenknucklesWebley had given him. Adal fished in his pockets andslippedthemetalobjectoverhisfingers.

TheGearrthaletoutanotherwailandrippedawayasizableportionof thewindow frame,giving itenoughberth toenter thehouse. Therewas another terrified shriek from inside the room,andAdalrantowardthewindow.

Thecreaturecroucheddown,onebladedarm in theholeofthewindow, swipingblindlyatArija.Adal grabbed theGearrthabyitsback.Heslidhisarmunderitswing,andplacedthepalmofhishandonthebackofitshead,bringingitintoahalfnelson.TheGearrtha reared backward and out of thewindow. Its rightarmswipedatAdal,buthewasexpectingit.

“Whosehouseisthis?”heshouted,enjoyingthere-useofhiscatchphrase.Adalbroughthis freearmup,repeatedlypunchingtheGearrthaintheheadwithhistungsten-knuckledfist.

Thegroaningsoundofmetalgivingway filled theairas theGearrthaletgoofthewindowandstumbledbackward.Itfocusedits attention on Adal. Adal used his momentum and spun thecreature around so that he was facing the edge of the roof. Hebrought his fist down into theGearrtha’s head again, his heartskippingabeatwhenafist-sizeddentappearedinthecreature’sskull.Adalreleasedthebeastfromhisgraspandsteppedawayasitstumbledaboutlikeazombierunningonfumes.

TheGearrthacouldn’tseewithitsheaddentedsofarinthat

itseyeswerenolongervisible.Adalfigureditwasprobablydying,but it turnedanddealta fewclumsyswipes inAdal’s direction.Notwantingtotakeanychances,Adalrushedinandstruckthecreaturejustunderitsgapingmouth,crushingtheremainderofits insect-like face inward. Itgurgledamutedresponsebefore itcollapsedbackward,fallingfromtheroof.

“Arija,youall—”AdalturnedtothemangledwindowtocheckonArijabut,assoonashesetfootinitstatteredframe,asharppaineruptedalonghisside.Suddenlyhewassmashedontotheadjoining wall of the house’s exterior. Another Gearrtha hadblindsidedhim,mouthoutstretchedinascreech.

Adallookeddownathishandstofindthathisknucklesweremissing.Theyhadslidfromhisfingersandjoinedhisrevolveronthegroundbelow.

The Gearrtha stomped its way across the roof. Adal usedwhatenergyhehadlefttopushhimselfup.Hecurledhisfingersintofists,waitingforthecreaturetomakeitswaytohim.Whilehis lefthandmayhavebeenuselessagainst themetalcreature,hestillhadonebionichand,andheintendedtobeatthisthingtodeathwithit.

TheGearrthapoised itself beforeAdal, a look of animalisticintent on its mechanical face. It glanced to its fallen comrade,thenbacktoAdal.

“Let’s go! I don't have all day,” Adal huffed. The Gearrthascreeched a high-pitchednoise that Adal thoughtwould shatterglass,thenitsexpressionwentlimp.Thelightinitseyesfadedtoblacknessand,beforeAdalcouldassesswhatwashappening,itsheadfellfromitsshouldersandrolledofftheroof.

TheheadlessbodyoftheGearrthateetered,thenplummetedto the ground, clearing Adal’s view of Arija, who stood with abladeineachhandandasmuggrinonherface.

“Yeah...Iwasjustabouttodothat,”Adalstammered,withanervoussmile.

“Oh,I’msureyouwere.It’snotlikeyou’veeverneededmetobail you out or anything. Regardless, you're welcome.” Arijawinked.

“Uh, Arija—” Adal pointed behind her, his eyes wide. Shespun,bladesupandreadyforthenextfight.

Webley had disappeared, and more than a dozen Gearrthanow hovered over the backyard. Their eyes were hungry forrevenge.

“So,what’s thenextmove?”Adal asked through the side ofhismouth.

“WhathappenedtoBillyBadass?”Adal looked from side to side for an escape plan. Jumping

into thewindowwouldn'thelp.Thewindowwasnowcompletelydented, with bits hanging off, and there was no way it couldwithstand that many Gearrtha. “I mean...” Adal started but,beforehecouldfinish,twoblindingwhitebeamsoflightfilledtheairaroundthem.Adalslammedhiseyesshut,bringingthepalmofhishandtohisface.

“Whatthe—”Arijabegan,butwascutoffbyadeafeningairhorn.

Adal slapped his hands to his ears and crouched down,tryingtoshieldhimselffromtheincessantwail.

Arija jumped back just as a large flying vehicle crashedthrough the swarm of Gearrtha, sending parts flying in alldirection.WhatAdal could only imaginewasaFliegenmobi flewpastthehouse.Therewasagiant,redcrosspaintedontheside.Themobileclinic.

The machine landed as another dozen Kleinmasch chargedin. Arija pulled Adal to his feet just as a large door opened,splittingthecrossdownthemiddle.Kippokedhisheadoutfrominsidethecraft.

“Here comes theboom!”Kip shouted, tossing twoballs intothe air toward the mob of Kleinmasch. Adal pushed Arija upagainstthesideofthehouse,coveringherwithhisbody.

Whenthesmokecleared,therewasnothingleftoftheswarmof Kleinmasch. Adal ran his thumb across Arija’s cheek,wipingawayablacksmudgeofsootfromtheexplosion.

“What the hell are they putting in those things?” Arijacoughed,ablushcomingtohercheeksasshepushedawayfrom

thebuilding.“I don’t know, but remind me to duck next time.” Adal

steppedtotheedgeoftheroof,surveyingthedamage.Kiphoppedoutofthemobileclinic,slidofftheroof,andran

tothecenteroftheyardasthecraftroseintotheairandtoreoff,plowingintoeverythingthatmoved.

“Carefulwiththat,Mum!Thecyclicrateoftheengineisstilla little off!”Kip shouted, throwing another grenade into the airfrom a pouch he had around his shoulder. Several moreKleinmaschwereobliteratedbyitsexplosion.

Kip pointed to one of the Feithidi at the edge of the group.TheFeithidinarrowedinonthesmallpreyandchargedathim.Atthelastmoment,Kipletthegrenadeflyandtookcover.Itlandeddirectly in his attacker’s mouth. The ensuing explosion sentshrapnel everywhere, successfully shredding twoGearrtha flyingnearby.

“What is it with that kid?” Adal asked, a hearty, singularlaughleavinghislungs.

“Likeyou’reanybetter,”Arijashotback.“Idon’tknowwhatgetsintoeitherofyoutomakeyoudotheinsanethingsyoudo.”

Alargeshadowappearedoverhead,andWebleyemergedintothe fray,aFeithidi inhisarms.Hespun it around likeameleeweapon,strikingotherKleinmaschastheyneared.

The swarm never seemed to end. The mobile clinic spunoverhead as it collided with several more flying creatures, butAdalcouldseethatseveralGearrthahadattachedthemselvestothesideofthecraftandweretryingtogetin.

“Arija, it’s time for the surprise! Do it!” Webley’s voicethunderedoverthechaos.

ArijagrabbedAdalbyhisshirtandyankedhimbackintothewindow.

“What’sgoingonnow?”Adalasked,confused.HewatchedasArijaliftedagiantgunfromthefloorandsetitinthewindow.Shethenslidovera largecaseandopened the topof it, removingachain that connected a slew of rounds and slapping it into theweapon.

“Whoa!What is that?”Adal asked, running his fingers overthegun.

“Asurprise,”sheansweredwithadevilishgrin.“Hey,letmeshootthatthing!”Arijalaughed,tossinghimthesmallpistol.“Here,usethis.If

you can handle it, that is.” She squatted behind the largemachinegunandtookaimoutthewindow.

“Ah,whatthef—”Adalbegantoprotest,onlytohavetherestofhissentencedrownedoutbythedeafeningfireofthegiantgun.

Theairinthesmallroomfluctuatedwitheveryshot.CasingsjettedacrosstheroomasArijadelicatelyswayedthebarrelbackandforth,slicingthroughtheKleinmaschindroves.AsAvaniflewpastinthemedicalcraft,ArijadidherbesttoalignhershotstocleartheclingingGearrthafromitssides.

Adal stood in dumbfounded silence, looking from the smallpistol in his hand to Arija’s canon. He peeked out the window.Everyone, including the Kleinmasch, had stopped fighting andweregawkinginArija’sdirection.

Kipstaredupat thewindow,hismouthcurled intoasmileasaFeithidisnuckupbehindhim.

“Kip! Trouble!” Arija shouted over her shoulder as sheconcentratedonmovingfromoneKleinmaschtoanother.

Adal swept up next to her. “Kip! Run, bro!” Adal shouted,leapingfromtheopenwindowandslidingdowntheroof.

Kip turned just in time to see the creature coming forhim.Hespunaroundandrantowardthehouse.AsAdaljumpedtotheground,hefiredseveralshotsfromthepistolandchargedtowardKip.

TheFeithidistretchedoutoneofitslonglegsinanattempttograbKip.AdalreachedKipattheexactsametime,graspinghimaround the waist. He threw all his weight into him, lifting Kipfromtheground,andthetworolledforwardfromthepathofthechargingFeithidi.

“Clear!”Adalshoutedtowardthewindow.BeforetheFeithidicouldtakemorethanafewsteps,itshook

asArija pumped several rounds into its body. It dropped to the

ground,riddledwithbulletholes.Aspartsandsparksflewpastthem,AdalrolledtocoverKip

from the debris. Kip’s shirt was mostly torn away, andunderneaththefabricwasastrangedevice.Itlookedverysimilartoacorsetandpeeringoutfromthetopwaswhatappearedtobecleavage. As Adal’s mind pieced things together, he pushedhimselfoffKip,hismouthhangingopen.

“Kip...you’reagirl?”Kip’s face went blank, and his lips thinned as a scowl

developed.“I’mnota...You’rea...Shutup!”Kip sluggedAdal inthearmandpushed tohis feet.Hepulledasmuchofhis shirtclosedashecouldandranintothehouse.

“Whatthehellwasthat?”Adalsaid,tonooneinparticularashewatchedKipdisappearintothehouse.

Afteramoment,Adallookedaround.Forthefirsttimesincethe fight had started, the air around the house was clear ofKleinmasch. The ground around him was littered with parts offallenmachines,andeverythinghadfallensilent.

“Adal! Are you all right?” Arija shouted from the window.“Where’sKip?”

“I’mgood.Kipraninside.Yougood?Whatcanyousee?”Adalbrushedthedebrisfromhispantsashespoke.

“I’m just peachy. I think they’re all gone. The last of theswarmfollowedAvaniandWebleyovertheedgeoftheplatform.”

The air between them hung heavy. Catching a glimpse ofmetal, Adal walked over to the edge of the yard to collect hisknuckles and revolver. He then wandered around the backyardkicking every large piece of the Kleinmasch to make sure theywerealldead.

39|TheCalmBeforeTheStorm

Arijascannedtheedgeoftheplatform,lookingforanysignofmoreKleinmasch.Nothing.

The medical vehicle piloted by Avani flew into sight andtowardthehouse.

“Incoming!”Arijashouted,herheartrateincreasing.Ontopofthecraft,Webleyheldontoitsroof,croucheddown

withasolemnsmilecreasingtheedgesofhismouth.Adalputhisrevolverback intohisholsterandadjustedhis

clothing.Theburstofairfromthemobileclinicrattledandshiftedthe

smallerpiecesofthefallenKleinmasch.Arijarubbedhershoulderwheretherecoil fromtheautomaticgunhadrepeatedly jammedintoher.Shecouldn'twaittogetdowntoAdalandtherestofthegroup.Sheclimbedbackoutontotheroof,tookadeepbreathoffresh air, then slid down the side of the roof, landing on thegroundinacrouch.

“I can’t see any more of them, I think we’re good,” sheannounced,walkingovertoAdalandgivinghimahug.

A loud commotion came from the craft as it landed, andWebleyhoppedfromtheroof,slammingtotheground.“Ye’twoallright?”heasked,walkingovertothem.Thehatchfromtheshipopened,andAvanicamechargingout,runningatthetwowearyTopsiders.

“We’refine.Giveussomethinghardernexttime,”Adaljoked,

tryingtosoundcalm.“Yeah, no problemat all.Used to do that all the time back

home,”Arijaadded,butherhandswerestillalittleshaky.“WhereisKip?Isheallright?”Avaniasked,aslighttingeof

panic in her voice as she approached. She looked frazzled, butsoundedmore concerned for Kip than aboutwhat she had justgonethrough.

“Kipisallset.Hejustraninsideafterwetookcareofthelastguy.Noinjuries,Ithinkhe’sjustupset.”Adalglancedtowardthehouse.Hiseyebrowsknittedtogether.

“Kipwasupset? That isn't likehimat all.Whathappened?Areyousurehe’sallright?”

“Ipromise,Kipisallgood.Look,whenwewerefighting,thatbigonecame in.Weendeduprolling,and it reached forhim...”Adalgaveupbeingcoy.“Look,IknowKipisagirl.Shegotupsetandraninside.”

ArijaanalyzedAdal’s face forsignsof the jokesheassumedhewastelling.SheturnedtolookatAvani,whohadbroughtherhandtohercheekandwassmiling.

“Kipisaboy,”Avanistatedplainly.“I sawwhatwasunderneath...Well, Imean, the corset and

theuhh...uhh...cleavage.Kipisagirl.Howcouldyounotknowthat?”Adal’sfacewarmedfromembarrassment.

Arija didn’t know how to react. So, she didn’t. She stood,confusion playing on her face and embarrassment flushing hercheeks.

“Here in the World Machine, there are many differentcreatures.Youcanmakeyourselfanythingyoucouldeverwanttobe.Itdoesnotmeanthatthereissomethingwrongwithyou.Onthecontrary,itmeansyouareanindividualandyourownbeing.Kip decided that, thoughhewasmade in the form of a girl, hewas,forallintentsandpurposes,aboy.So,heisaboy.Itisnotfor the rest ofus todefineothers, only toaccept them forwhatthey are. Kip is a wonderful Dweller, smart and cunning. Don'tdiminishwhoheisbybeingblindtothat,”Avanisaidsoftly.

ArijacouldtellAvani’swordsweighedheavilyonAdal’smind.

Shecouldtellbythewideningofhiseyesandthetwitchingofhislipsthathefeltlikeanidiot.Shedidn’tcareifKipwasaboyoragirl,andsheknewAdaldidn’tcareeither.Kipwasagoodkidthathadsavedtheirassesmorethanonce.Thatwasallthatmattered.

Adalrubbedthebackofhisneck.“IthinkmaybeIshouldgoinsideandapologizeorsomething.”

A wide smile creased Avani’s face, but her eyes remainednarrowandanalytical.“Maybethatwouldbebest.Afterall,hedidbailyououtyesterday,no?Don'tworry,he toldmeallabout it.Neverbeengoodatkeepingsecrets,thatone.”

“I think I’ll stay out here and help with this mess,” Arijainterjected, trying her best to break the awkwardness of thesituation.

“Iwillbeofft’lookferCog.Notlikehimte’beknockedfromafightan’stayout,”Webleyadded,concerninhisvoice.

“Wait, where is Cog? He was taken down? Down where?”Avani’svoicesuddenlyfilledwithpanic.

“He got knocked out of the sky and slid off the platform. Itriedtoreachhim,but...”Adallethiswordstrailaway.

Avani’sexpressioncontortedintooneofhorrorasshelookedfromAdaltoWebleyandbackagain.

“Relax. I will find him. I sense tha’ he’s still ‘ere,” Webleyreplied,hisvoicecalmandeven.Withthat,heturnedandleapedintotheairbeforedisappearingovertheedge.

Even with Webley’s reassurance, Avani’s features were stillcreasedwithconcern.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine. You’re here to help when they comeback. IfWebley isn'tworried, itwill all be fine,” Arija reassuredher.“Comeon,let’scleanthisup.Adal,yougoinsideandcheckonKip.Thistime,trynottobeajackasstothekid.”

Arijatookchargeofthemoment.She’dseenenoughpainfora lifetime, and this group didn't deserve to have their hopesdashed now. As she saw it, it was probably best to stay task-focused and give Webley time to find Cog, instead of sittingaroundandworryingabouthim.

Avaninodded inagreement, andAdal snappedaquickand

sarcasticsalutebeforemakinghiswayintothehousetolookforKip.

40|YouLikeMyKnockers?

Adalusedthetimeittookhimtowalkintothehousetothinkaboutwhathewasgoing tosay toKip.Kipwasacoolkid,andAvaniwasright—hehadsavedtheirassestwiceintwodays.Thelast thing Adal wanted was to ostracize him, or make him feellittle.Adalthoughtbacktohishome,notforthefirsttimesincethey’d entered theMachine,and the issueshe’dhadwithElias.Thatguywasanasshole,andAdaldidn’twanttoresemblehimintheslightest.

Asheentered thehouse,Kipwassitting in thedennext totheshelfofweaponsthey’dleftopen.He’dremovedseveralofthemoreimpressivepiecesofhardwaretheyhadleftontheshelves,and was mulling over them. When Adal entered the room andwalkedover to theseatacross fromhim,Kipwouldn'teven lookup.

“Hey,bro.Howyoufeeling?”Adalaskednervously.Hedidn'twanttomakethingsanyworse,buthehadn't theslightestcluewhatheshouldsay.

Kipdidn'trespondimmediately.Hepickeduponeoftheax-gunsandlookedattheblade,runningonesmallfingerdownthesteel.

“I’m fine,” Kip said bluntly. “I didn't need your help, youknow.Iwasheretosaveyouguys.”Kipdroppedthegunonthetableandleanedbackinthechair.Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischestandtrainedhiseyesonthefireplace.

Adalsighedandshookhisheadasheloweredintothechair.“Iknowthat.Seriously.Ioweyouthanksliketentimesover.Yousaved our asses more than once, and I appreciate that.” Adalnoticedapitcherofwatersittingonthetable.Ithadn'tbeentherethatmorning.Kipmusthavegottenitwhenhecameinside.Adalhada strange thought ashe reflexively picked itupand tookaswig straight from the pitcher: do Dwellers drink water? Thethoughttoreathisbrainforacoupleminuteswhilethetwosatinsilence.

“Yeah,well, you'rewelcome I guess. Imean, you twowouldhave gotten yourselves killed by now if it wasn't for me. Justsaying.”Kipplayedwith the tip ofhisknee, runninghis fingersoveritagainandagain.

Adalsmiledandshookhishead.“Heyman,Iknowit.You’reaprettycooldude.Yougotthebrainsandkick-asstoystoboot.Thewayyoucameintoday,thatwasdope.”Adaltookalongswigofthewater,notrealizinguntilthatmomenthowthirstyhewas.

“Oh, so you likedmyknockers?”Kip asked, finallymeetingAdal'sgaze.

Adal spit the contents of his mouth into the air, sprayingwateralloverthetableandKip.

“What?”Adal coughed as his lungs tried to force the wateroutofhiswindpipe.

Kipranhispalmacrossthesideofhisface,wipingawaythedropletsthathadlandedthere.“Myknockers.ThebombsImade.They’reprettycool,huh?Themixture inside ismyowndesign.”Kip’svoicesoftened,andhispitchrelaxed.

Afteramomentofcoughing,andrecognizingthelackofslangterms in the Machine, Adal was able to compose himself. “Oh!Yeahman,thoseweresweet!Whatdidyouputinthosethings?”

“Well, it issimplereally. I takeabitof—”Kipcutoffas thedoorburstopenandArijasteppedintotheroom.

“WebleyfoundCog.Hewasunconsciousseverallevelsbelow.Hejustcamebackwithhim.Comeoutside!”Arijacommanded,astrangemixtureofreliefandconcernrunningrampantacrossherface.

AsAdalpushedthroughthedoor,followedbyKipandArija,theyweregreetedbyAvaniandWebleystandingoveramotionlessCog.Webleyseemedtolookfineatfirstbut,oncetheygotcloser,AdalnoticedthegiantwasnervouslyrubbinghishandstogetherasheexaminedCog.

Avanihada small packof toolsnext toher on the ground,and shewas tappingCog in the chest and runninga small boxacrosshiseyes.

“He’salive.Hetookquiteahit.Itlookslikesomethinglandedonhim.”AsAvanispoke,Adal’sstomachjumpedintohisthroat.

HehadshotdowntheFeithidithatcollidedwithhisfriendinthe air. This was all his fault. He looked at Arija, but she wasentirely focusedonCog.A strange frustration cameoverhim. IfWebleywassopowerful,whycouldn'thejustfixthis?

“He’satoughone.Shouldpullouto’ itsoon‘nough!Alwaysbeenafighter,thisone.”Webleysoundedmorelikehewastryingtoconvincehimselfthananyoneelse.

Avani continued to check Cog over and monitor hisresponses. After withdrawing a string implement that she hadinsertedintohisear,andwatchingsomethingonasmallscreen,sheputhertoolsdownandleanedoverCog.

“Allright.Thatisenoughofthat.Youareinthere!Iknowit.Time towakeup,”Avani demanded sweetly. She leaned furtheroverCogandpressedalingeringkisstohisforehead.

“If... if I pretend to be out a little longer, could I ventureanotherkiss?”Asoft-spokenvoicebrokethesilence.

“Ha!Tha’smyboy!Cheers!”Webleythundered,hisshoulderssinkingintohisframeasherelaxed.

AsmileeruptedoverAdalandArija’sfaces.Afterallthathadgonedown,itfeltnicetohavesomethinggoodhappen.

“Well,I’mnot sure if that isamedically sound theory,Cog.Perhaps we can reassess your theory at a later date.” Avanismiled,tappingCogonthecheekplayfully.Coglayonthegroundforamoment,justlookingupathislovewhileshelookedbackathim.

A rumbling sound interrupted the moment. Adal couldn’t

helpthinkingsomethingbadwasabouttohappen.HeglancedatArija, the cornersofhis lips turneddown.Before she could sayanything, Webley came crashing into them, sending them bothslidingacross the ground.Avani’s ship barreled through the airtowardsthemand,whenAdalclearedthespotsfromhiseyesandlookedaround,Avaniwasgone.“Whatthefuck!”

“Sonofabitch!”ArijayelledassheslidintoAdal.Alargecreaturecameintofocus.Somehow,ithadmanaged

to sneak up on them, which seemed ridiculous considering itssize.Itresembledagiantmechanicaltarantulathathadtobeatleastfourstoriestall,andseveraltimesthatwidthifyoucountedits legs. Its behemoth body shook everything under them as itmoved,castingvariousobjectsasideas it crunched through thebentandbrokenKleinmasch.

AnUmar.BeforeAdalhadtimetoprocesswhatwashappening,Webley

wasonhisfeetandrunningtowardthemonstrosity.Adalwaiteduntilhisworldstoppedspinningtoexaminethesituation.

Avaniwassprawledon thegroundhalfwayacross theyard.Her mobile clinic was dented on one side and teetering on theedge of the platform. Adal watched, dazed, as themobile clinicgroaned,thentippedovertheedgeoftheplatform,fallingintotheMachine.

Webley’sshoutspulledhimfromhisdaze.Heshifted,sohecouldseeWebleybanginghisfistsonthecreature’sexoskeleton.

“Whatthehellisthatthing?”Adalshouted,scootingclosertoArija.

“Idon’tknow,butwehavetohelp.”Arija’svoicequiveredasshestaredbackatAvani.“YougetCog,I’llgetAvani.Weneedtobringthemawayfromthefightbeforethey’retrampled.”Withoutwaiting for a response, Arija pushed herself up and ran towardAvani.

AdalranforCog,whowaswrithingontheground,tryingtopullhimselfup.WebleyandtheUmarfoughtinthedistance.TheremnantsofaFeithidiwas thrown through theairas theUmarreared back and swung one of its legs at Webley, sending him

backward.Adaldoveintoaroll,comingtoastopnexttoCog.

41|TheWayTheWorldEnds

Arija slid toAvani’s side, handsup as if shewere afraid totouchher for fearshe’dbreak intoamillion littlepieces.Avani’sclothes were ripped, and portions of her arm had been peeledback,revealinghundredsofsmallcogsandgearssurroundingalong,thinmetalpipethatalmostlookedlikeabone.Thedelicateclockworkmechanismsweren’tmoving.

Arijahadasuddensicklyfeelinginherstomach.SmallpartsfromthecorpseofafallenKleinmaschraineddownuponher,butArijadidn’tlookup.Shecouldn’twaitwhileAvanipotentiallydiedinherarms,sosheslidherarmsunderAvanianddraggedheracrosstheplatform.

“Letmeinthefight!”CogyelledasAdaldraggedhimacross

theyard toward thehouse.Adaldidhisbest to ignorehimbut,the more Cog protested, the more he squirmed, and the moredifficultitwastopullhimtosafety.

Thewail of crushingmetal came frombehindAdal, andheglanced back in time to see Webley drop onto the back of theUmar’sheadandpoundhisfistintoit.ThecreaturerearedbackandtossedWebleyfromhisperch.

Adalturnedagain,usingthestrengthofhislegstopullCog

tothesideofthehousejustastheUmarplungeditsfeetintothegroundwhereCoghadbeenlaying.Arijawasleaningagainstthesideofthehouse,staringatAvaniwithablanklookonherface.

“Howisshe?”AdalaskedasheslidCogupnexttoArija.Arijadidn’trespond,sheonlylookedathimwithtearsinher

eyes.Her forehead furrowed in anger. After an intensemoment,she shook her head, turning her eyes back to Avani, who laymotionlessontheground.

“Whathappenedtoher?”Cog’svoicehitched,andhecrawledtowardAvani.

“That thing threw hermobile clinic, and I think it crushedher,”Adalansweredquietly,notsurehowtosayit.

Cog leaned over Avani’s body, lightly brushing his handacrossherfacelikehewastryingtowakeherfromadeepsleep.“Comeonsweetheartwakeup.”He leaneddownandkissedherforehead.

Avani’sheadlulledtotheside.“No!” Cog yelled. “No, no, no, nononononono!” He cradled

Avani’sheadinhishands.Hepulledhisbodyasclosetoherashecouldandlaiddownnexttoher.“Shhhhh.It’sok.You’reok.”Cogwhisperedashekissedherforeheadagainlikeshehaddonetohimonlymomentsbefore.

Arija tugged at Adal’s shoulder. “We have to do something!That thing is still out there! We need to find a way to helpWebley.”Arijawiped the tears fromher cheeks andpulledbackfrom the group. She skooched her body down the side of thehouse,andcarefullypeeredaroundthecorner.“Whycan’thetakethatthingdown?”shemumbledunderherbreathasAdalpressedupbehindher.

“What’s the plan? That thing looks like it isn't playinggames.”AdalwatchedasWebleyslammedhisfistintooneoftheUmar’slegsonlytobekickedawaybyanother.

“Well,neitherarewe.”ArijaturnedbacktoAdal.Shenoddedtowardhispistol.

“Let’sgetthispartystartedthen.”Adalpulledthepistolfromhisholsterandcockedthehammerback.

Arijapulledoutthesmallpistolshehadtuckedawayinthebeltofherskirt.“Mefirst!”Shebarked,rollingaroundthecornerand leveling the sights of the pistolwith the head of theUmar.Webleywasunderneathoneofitstree-sizedlegs,tryingtoripthelimbfromthesocket.Arijatookadeepbreathandsqueezedthetrigger. Sparks shot from theUmar’s face as the bullet plungedintoitshead.

Thecreaturereactedlikesomeoneswattingawayamosquito.Itsweptonelegtowarditsface,thencontinuedtokickatWebley,sending him flying through the air toward them. Adal tackledArijatothegroundasWebleysmashedintothesideofhishouse,dentingthesiding.

AdalraisedhisgunandfiredroundafterroundattheUmar.“Comeandgetsome!”heyelled.

TheUmarturneditsattentiontohim,stompingtowardhimand giving Webley time to collect himself. The two Topsidersalternated firing andmaneuvering to avoid the crushing legs oftheUmar.Itwaslikeastrangeinterpretivedance.

“Webley, what the hell?” Adal shouted, trying his best toreloadhisrevolverwhileArijadistractedtheUmar.

“Can’tbreakthroughitsarmor.Thisain’toneo’mymakings,Adal!”Webleygruntedasheattempted to rip into the creature’sside,succeedingonlyingettingswattedawayoncemore.

Adal slapped his revolver closed and raised it for anothershot.

“Need.Another.Plan!”Arijapantedassheemptiedthelastofherammunition.

“Yeah,noshit!”Adalreplied,realizinghe,too,hadrunoutofrounds.“Webley!”Adalshoutedafteraminute.Theyonlyhadoneoption.Thegiantdidn’trespond,butheglanceddownatthemashepunchedtheUmarintheside.“We’llkeephimdistracted!”

WebleywentbacktotryingtoriptherivetsoutoftheUmar’ssideasAdal rearedbackandkicked the sideof theUmar’s leg.ThegiantspiderraisedhislegtostompAdal,buthegrabbedtheUmar’slegandswunghimselfoutofreach.ArijajumpedontooneoftheUmar’sotherlegsandheldonasittriedtoshakeheroff.

Adal picked up the severed arm of one of the dead Kleinmaschandsmashedit intothebeast.TheUmarshifteditsweightbackandforthafewtimes,tryingtodecidewhotofocuson,beforeitgaveupandbroughtitsattentionbacktoWebley.

All at once, a deafening sound pierced the battle and theUmarstarted toviolentlyshakeashundredsofbullets tore intoitsside.“Thisisformymum!”Kipshoutedfromthesecond-floorwindow. Adal and Arija both looked up to see Kip standing inArija’sformerperchwiththegiantmachinegun.

“Damn,thatkiddoesn'tplay!”Adaldroppedtheuselessarmhe’dbeenholding,suddenlyembarrassed.

“Uh, Adal...” Arija motioned back to the Umar, who hadturnedhis attention toKip. “This kid is going to getmekilled!”Arija protested, sprinting toward one of the spider’s legs as itslammedtotheground.

BeforeAdalcouldaskwhatshewasdoing,Arijajumpedontothe leg, digging her fingers into the small holes that held therivets. Once she gained her balance, she reached for the nexthole,shovingherfootintoonebelowherlikeshewasclimbingarockwall.

TheUmar didn’t seem to notice her until Arija took one ofCog's blades and stabbed at the cluster of pipes and tubesrunning the length of its leg. A burst of rusty brown liquidsprayed into the air, covering Arija.With the back of her hand,she wiped the liquid away from her eyes and stabbed at thespider’s legs again. The Umar let out an electronic shriek andshookArija from its leg, sendingher somersaulting through theair.

AdalshoutedagutturalprotestasherantowardtheUmar.Justthen,herememberedthathewaswearingafliegensack.Hebentdown,releasedthecompressedwings,andlaunchedhimselfinto the air toward Arija. He collided with her just a few yardsfrom the platform,wrappinghis arms aroundher and speedingtowardtheroofofthehouse.

“You're welcome,” Adal whispered as they circled beforelandingnexttothehouse.

“Yeah,that’sonetomy...HowmanytimeshaveIsavedyou?”Arijasmiledupathim,thenturnedtorunbacktowardtheUmar.Adal paused for a moment and retracted his wings beforefollowingher.

Webley had managed to rip several small panels of theUmar’s armor away, exposing the delicatemechanical workingsbeneath, but it provednearly impossible for him to damage thevitals.Kipcontinuedhisassault,unfazedbytheloomingdoom.Itwaslikethatkidthoughteverythingwasagame.

“Allright,what’sthenextidea?”AdalaskedashecaughtupwithArija.

“Repeatstep‘A’!”Arijabellowed,chargingbackintothefight.Justthen,theUmarrearedoneofitsfrontlegsandlungedat

thehouse,desperatetogettoKip.“Kip! Get—” Adal started but, before he could finish, the

Umar brought its leg down on thewindow, nearly crushing theentire side ofWebley’s house. The explosion of debris cast Arijabackward,forcingAdaltocatchhisfallingfriendoncemore.Thetwometmid-maneuverandfelltotheground.

“Kip!”AdalandArijascreamedinunison.WebleybellowedwithrageandtoreattheUmar’sback. “Ye’

blastedmachine!”TheUmar turned itsattentionback toWebley, removing its

legfromthesideofthehouseandspinningitincirclestodislodgehim. The two titans churned over and over as they took theirshotsatoneanother.TheUmarturnedatjusttherighttime,andWebleyslidfromitsback,rollingandtumblingbeforecomingtoastopatArijaandAdal’sfeet.

ThetwoTopsiderslookeddownatthemasteroftheMachine,frozeninfear.IfWebleycouldn’tbeattheUmar,noonecould.

“Any ideas now?” Adal asked, looking from Webley to thecrushedhouse,totheUmar.Webleywasknockedoutatbest,Cogcould hardly move, Avani was probably dead, and Kip wasnowheretobeseen.

“Wegoforthesides.Ithastohaveaweakspot.Ifwegetinthere, we have him,” Arija replied, drawing the other knife and

clutchingbothbladesinherhands.“All right...Any ideashowwe’regoingtoget in there?”Adal

asked, taking out his knuckles and looking at themassive legsthathadtakenWebleydown.

“Haven'tgottenthatfaryet,”Arijareplied.TheUmarshudderedandtookasteptowardthem.“Youready?”Adalasked.“Notevenclose!You?”Arijareplied.“Always.”Adaltriednottosoundasterrifiedashetrulywas.A shrill shriek startled Adal, and he turned to see Cog

runningatthem,hisfacetwistedintoamaskoffury.“What’s that?” Arija asked, pointing to a satchel that Cog

clutchedinhishand.“Ohno...ThoseareKip’sKnockers!”Adalyelled.“Hiswhat?”“Just run!” Adal pulled her by the shoulder, making a full

sprinttowardtheedgeoftheplatform.Astheynearedtheopenvoid,CogmettheUmarinthecenter

of the yard and leaped into the air toward the Umar’s openmouth.

“Jump!”Adalshouted,takingArijabythehand.“Areyouinsane?”HorrorwasplasteredonArija’sface.“Now!”Adalcommanded.Arija squeezed her eyes shut as she jumped from the

platform.“I hope you’rehungry,”Cog’smuffled words penetrated the

airasitrushedaroundthem.AsArijaandAdalclearedtheedge,thesoundandairaround

them was sucked away. A ringing erupted in Adal’s ears as amassiveexplosiontorethroughtheair.Fallingbelowtheplatform,AdalstoleaglanceattheundersideofWebley’shouse.Acolumnof crimson and orange flames spewed from all four sides of thestructure.

Adaldeployedhiswings,butheneverletgoofArija’shand.Afewsecondslater,Arijareleasedherwingsaswell,andfloatedupsoshewasevenwithAdal.Theydriftedtoaslowstop,hoveringin

silence,watchingtheskyabovethemburnandcrackle.Thesmellofsmokeandexplosivesputrefiedtheairaroundthem.

Arijawipedatearfromhercheek.“Whatdowedonow?”Hervoicewascold.

Theywere all gone. Adal could hardly believe it. In the fewdayssincethey’dbeenintheMachine,he’dgrownclosertothemthan he had tomost people Topside. And now theywere just...gone.Afterlosinghisgrandfather,Adaldidn’tthinkhecouldtakeanymore loss. A horrifying thought crept into hismind and thegravityofwhatthismeanthithim.

IfWebleywasdead,PajakwouldbefreetoruntheMachineand,withthefurnacedestroyed,theentireworldwouldfreezetodeath.

“I don’t... They are... I don't know.” Adal couldn’t find therightwordstosay.

Asmallclick, likesomeonecockingagun,camefrombelowthem. Looking down, deep in the shadows, Adal saw somethingmoving.AdalandArijaflewclosertothesound.

Nearing the shadows, they came toanabrupt stop, floatingbehind a pillar. With precision maneuvering, they landed on across-section of beams just wide enough for their feet. Adalcroucheddownsohecouldhearwhatwashappening.

“Search all of it. I don't care if you have to bring backeverything. The master wanted both of them, and he won’t behappyaboutthis.Bringmewhateverpartsof theTopsidersandWebleyyoucanfind.”

Skirting the edge of the structure, but doing their best tokeepintheshadows,AdalandArijawitnessedthecoldsilhouetteofFaustostandingonasmallplatformandspeakingtoagroupofGearrtha.AdalfeltthesuddenurgetopunchtheCoglook-a-likeinhisstupid,smugface.

Feeling his anger, Arija pulled back his shoulder, yankinghim away. Adal turned to her, and she shook her head. Doingsomething stupid now would only get them killed. Fausto hadprovenstrongenoughbut,withagroupofGearrtha, theydidn'tstandachance.

“Then,onceyouhavecollectedall theparts,makesureyoubringbackwhatisleftofthemaster’sspecialgift.Iamcertainlynotgoing todo thatmyself.Doyou thinkyou idiotscanhandlethat?”Faustospokethelastsentenceslowly,likehewasspeakingtoagroupoftoddlers.

“Good,thenIwillmakemywayback.Besuretosendwordifyou findanythingelseof interest.”With that,Fausto jumpedoffthebeamanddisappearedintotheMachine.

TheGearrthashot into theair towardWebley’shome, flyingpastArijawithenoughforcetopushherhairintoherface.Adalturnedandtiltedhishead.

“Let’sfollowhim,”Arijawhisperedandjumpedoffthebeam.The dim lights of the machine danced about them as they

dartedfromoneplaceofconcealmenttothenext,makingsuretonever lose sight of Fausto. This had been a coordinated attack,and Adal was hell-bent on getting to the source of it. As theyhopped fromonebeamtoanother,he lost trackofhow far theywere traveling, moving further and further away from Webley’shome.

After what seemed like hours of leaping from surface tosurface, and platform to platform, Fausto came to a stop on alargedocknearagiant,spinninggear.Ashelandedsoftlyonthemetal surface, he took amoment to stretch his arms and lookaboutthecoldmachine.Thenhewalkedtoagapintheturningwheelanddisappearedfromsight.

“Dowefollowhimin?”Arijawhispered.“Wecan’tlosehimnow.Justbeready,”Adalreplied.Aftercheckingtheareaforthreats,theyslidoutfrombehind

theirconcealmentandswoopeddowntotheplatform.Withtheirwings in their packs, they made their way silently across theplatform.

“You know what to do when we get in there, right?” AdallookedatArija,hislipsthinandeyesnarrow.

Shenoddedandtookoutherblades.Theysteppedthroughthegearonlytofinditlednowhere.A

chillranthroughAdal’sbodyasherealizeditwasatrap.

“Whosehouse is this?” a voice echoed off the steelwalls oftheemptyroom.

Before Adal could turn, a sharp pain reverberated throughhisheadandhisworldtilted.HehadasecondtoseeArijalyingnext to him, her eyes wide with terror, before a burst of painbehindhiseyesturnedeverythingblack.

42|AShittySci-FiMovieFrom

TheEighties

Arijawoketoathrobbingpaininthebackofherhead.Fromwhereshelay,allshecouldseewasastrangelybeautifulceiling.Web-likeetchingscoveredtheentiresurface,andthereweresmallgemswovenintovariouspartsofthedesign.

“Arija...youwithme?”Adalwhispered,hisvoicetingedwithconfusionandpain.

“Ithinkso.Idon'tthinkI’mdeadyet.”Shecouldn’thelphowhervoicehitchedattheword‘yet.’

Adalstretchedhishandoutward,feelingforArija’s.Whenhisfingers brushedhers, he let out a breath of relief. Shewrappedherfingersaroundhisandsqueezed,reassuringhim,orherself.

“Notdeadyet?That’sawfullyoptimisticofyou,wouldn'tyousay?”avoiceechoedthroughtheroom.

AdalpushedhimselfuptoasittingpositionandslidovertoArija.

Arija looked around the room as she pressed her backagainstAdal’s.Largepillarsranthelengthofwhatshecouldonlydescribeasapalacehall.Atoneend,asetofgiganticdoorsstoodclosed,aspiderwebetchedintotheirsurface.Ononesideofthehall,arowofwhatlookedlikeDwellerswereattachedtostrangedevices that ran the length of the wall. Their dead expressionsbroughtachilltoArija’sblood.Alongtheoppositesidelayalarge,

dead creature, like the one that had attacked them atWebley’shouse.

At the end of the hall, a man sat on a macabre throne, asmug look on his face. He didn’t seem to care about the twoTopsidersashe toyedwithwhatseemed tobea livingDweller’sfaceprotrudingfromhisarmrest.StandingnexttothethronewasFausto, leaning against one of the pillars, a sinister grin onhisface.

Arijapushed toher feet,steadyingherselfbefore reachingahanddowntohelpAdal.

“Who the hell are you?” Adal demanded, taking a stepforward.

FaustoglancedatPajakwhostartedtolaugh.Afterasecond,Faustoalsostartedtolaugh,butimmediatelystoppedwhenPajakshothimadirtylook.

“Wherearewe?”Arijaasked,changingthequestiontoavoidAdal saying something thatwould get themkilledmorequickly.Adal’segousuallyoverroderationalthought.

“Well,fortwoTopsiderslostinastrangeworld,thetwoofyoucertainly demand quite a lot. Fausto, are these the two thatbestedyouatthedoorwaytothecity?Icannotimaginehow.Theyappearjustasfoolishastheyarescared.”

At Pajak’s condescending words, Fausto stirred, his facetwistingattheimplications.

“Eitherway,IsupposeIcouldenlightenyou.Iamhavingtoomuch fun toend thisquickly.Youstand in thegreathallofmykingdom.IamPajak,andthisismyRoost,thecapitalcityofmychildren,theKleinmasch.Welcome,AdalandArija,toyourend.”PajakpointedafingeratAdal.“Whichoneareyou?Arijaisit?”

Adal clenchedhis fistsand tightenedhis jaw. “Now thatwehave that out of the way, exactly what is it you want? I havebetterplacestobethaninsomeDracula-wannaberobot’shousewith hisminion that has to sneak up on people to win a fight.What’sthematter,Fausto?Couldn'tgetthejobdone,soyourantoDaddyforhelp?”

“You will speak when instructed, Topsider!” Fausto yelled,

stompingonefootlikeaspoiledchildhavingatantrum.“Isuggestyouclosethatmouthofyours,orIwillhavetoremoveyourlowerjaw.”

“Lookat yougo!Youdohavequite theburning fire inyou,don'tyou?Ican’twaittoripitoutandseewhatmakesitburn.”Pajak turned his attention to Adal as he rose. Four long, thin,spiderlegsliftedPajakintotheairandsethimdowngentlyatthefootofthestepsthatledtohisthrone.

“Whatisitwithyoupeopleandspiders?Ifeellikeallweneedisalargecanofraidinhere,”Adalmuttered.

Arijacouldn’thelpthelaughthatescapedherlips.Thisscenefelt like a shitty sci-fi movie from the eighties, complete withoverly dramatic gigantic spider. She moved closer to Adal andgrabbedhishand.Ifsomethingwasgoingtohappen,theyhadtoacttogether,andthatwasherwayofremindinghim.

FaustosteppedawayfromthethroneandfollowedhismasterasheslowlymadehiswaytowardsAdalandArija.

“Thetwoofyouspeakwithsuchconviction.Topsidersareanamazing race, are they not, Fausto? I cannot wait to see whatmakesthemrun.”Pajak’seyesnarrowed,andhetwistedhisheadfromsidetosideasheexaminedhisnewprey.

Arija squeezed Adal’s hand. “You two need to step back!”Evenwithherknife,shedidn’t thinkshecouldtakeFaustoandPajak. “Fausto, didn’t you have enough problems takingme onyesterday?Areyousureyouwanttotakeonthebothofus?”

Fausto’s lips thinned, and he crossed his arms over hischest.“Youhadthegoodfortuneofcatchingmeonanoffday.Icanpromiseyou, todaywillnotbe thesame.Especiallywithoutyourlittletoys.”Faustoremovedtwodaggersfromhisbeltandasetofknucklesfrombehindhisback,andcastthemtothefloor.

The crash of metal on metal was jarring, and Arija’s heartleapedintoherthroatassheslidherfreehandtothesmallofherback.

“Oh,now, there isnoneed for that.Really, it isn't like thissituationwilldevolvetofightinganyway.Afterall,whywouldit?Itisn’tas thoughyouhave theslightestchanceofsurviving. Iwill

takeyou,ripyouintopieces,anddiscoverthesecretsofyourlife.Then, nomatterwhat secrets hemay keep, Iwill havemy ownwaysofcreatingsentientlife.Iwon’tneedhis—”

Pajak’s monologue cut off as Adal finally put two and twotogether,andfoundthemto,infact,equalfour.

“Waitaminute!You'retheonesfromthewar?Itwasyouthatturnedeveryoneagainsteachother?You?”

Arija’s heart raced as she recalled the story Cog had toldthemabout thespoiledchild thatdestroyed theirsociety. Itwasthisguy?ThisDr.Octopus-lookingmotherfuckerwasthereasontheworldmightend?

“Forwhat?Thechance toplayGodandmake these...Whatdoyoucallyourscienceexperimentsagain?”

Pajak brought two of his spider-like legs to his knees anddoubled over in laughter. “My Kleinmasch are living, that is forcertain. What they lack in spark of life, they make up for infunction. They are driven by the basic instincts of feeding,completingassigned tasks, andgrowing like thehorde theyare.To give them life and awareness would truly make them asuperior race of creature. Far above that of Webley’s Dwellers.Nevertheless, that timehaspassed. Ino longerwish to createabettermachine.IwishtocreateabetterTopsider.Onesthatarenotasweakasyou,buthaveyourpowerfulresolve.SoonIshallhavethosesecrets.”

“Sounds like someonewasn’t held enough as a child. I cantellyouonethingasshat,youtoucheitheroneofus,andyouwilleat that hand!” Adal snapped, taking a step toward Pajak andpushingArijabehindhim.

“Stillthinkyoucansurvive,Topsider?I’mthemostpowerfulcreation in theMachine.EvenWebleycouldnotstopme.” Pajaksnakedtwoofhislegsaround,yankingonAdal’svestplayfully.

Adal slapped hismechanical hand away,and Pajakmade ashowofshakinglikehewashurt.

“Hecouldn'tstopyoubecausehestilllovedyoueventhoughyoubetrayedhim!ButIcanpromiseyou,Iwon’thavethesameproblem.”Arija’svoicewashoarse,andsheprayedtheycouldn’t

hearthesmallquiver.“Child, it is over. Even your Webley was no match for my

Umar!Hemaybethemasterofhiscreationsbut,whenhefacesmymightandintellect,heisreducedtoonlyhisbrutestrength.Ibuilt somethingstronger thanhim.Andnow Iwill takeyououttoo.” Pajak took several steps forward, closing the gap betweenthem.

“Youknow,maybeIshouldjustdissectoneofyouandkeeptheotherasapet.Wouldn'tthatbesplendid?Howaboutit,Arija?Wouldyouliketobeapet?”Pajakreachedoutandranhis thinfingersacrossthecuffofArija’scorset.

Adal thrust his right hand out and caught Pajak’soutstretchedappendage. “Iwarned you...”Adal brought his footupward and kicked Pajak in the groin. He shouted in pain,bringinghishanddowntohisinjuredfoot.

“Was that your master plan of attack?” Fausto gasped inbetweenboutsoflaughter.“Pathetic!”

Adalbentdowngroaningasherubbedthetopofhisfoot.AshekneltunderneathPajak,Adaltoobegantolaugh.Atfirst,hislaughter was a soft, a barely audible chuckle, but soon it grewintoaloud,maniacalsound.

“Whose.House?”Adal rearedupandbroughthisreinforcedfistunderneathPajak’spointedchin.

Pajakstumbledbackwardsasametalliccrunchbouncedoffthewallsintheroom.

Adalusedhismomentumto lunge forwardandspearPajakin themidsection, sending them both rolling backward. Pajak’sthinspiderlegsflailedintheairashefoughttosteadyhimself.

ArijatookadvantageoftheopportunityandrolledoverAdal’slegs, colliding with the floor and sliding toward the pile ofweapons.Asshereached foroneofherdaggers,Faustorealizedwhatshewasdoing,andlungedather.

Faustoclumsilypawedattheweapons,sendingAdal’smetalknuckles sliding across the room. Arija slammed her shoulderinto him, forcing him back as she awkwardly fumbled for herblades.

ShethrewherselfoverFausto,surprisedwhenshecameupholdingoneofherlethalbladesineachhand.Herlookofshockand horror melted into a wide grin as she glanced from theglisteningedgesofthebladestoFausto.

Fausto slowly rose from the ground, looking almostembarrassed to have been rolling around with a Topsider. Hestraightenedhisshirt,hiseyesburningwithrage.

“Well, lookatthat.Soundslikewe’regonnahavealittlefunafterall,”Arijateased,bringingherbladesintoafightingstance.

“This won’t be pleasant for you. I guess if that’s what youmeanbyfun,thenyes,thisisgoingtobeablast.”Faustoreachedbehind his back andwithdrew the same blades he hadused tofightCog.

Arija looked fromhisweapon to hers.Hiswere longer. Sheloweredherself,feelingtheweightofherbodyontheballsofherfeet,thensprungtowardFausto,bladesready.

43|ThisIsHowItEnds

ArijaandFaustodancedaroundoneanother,takingvariousswipes from a distance, before leaping in,meeting blades, thenpushingaway.Arijawas inhercomfort zoneasshesquaredoffwith Fausto. She’d done this a million times in wrestling. Thethreatofdeathwasnew,butshe found itwasaspecialkindofmotivator. Her mind and body moved in perfect unison as sherememberedFausto’sfightingstylefromthefightwithCogonthedocks.

“What’s thematter?Scared to fightmebecauseyouknow Ihavenoproblemkillingyou?Justlikeyoudidn’thaveaproblemsetting up your brother’s death!” Arija yelled, trying to soundmoreunhingedthansheactuallywas.

Fausto seemed unbothered by her words. He merelysnickeredandswipedonebladeather.

Arija shot a look towards Adal, worried at what she wouldfind. Adal was a great fighter, but he knew nothing aboutwrestlingorusingyouropponent’sweightagainstthem.ShetriedtogettoAdal,onlytobecutoffbyFausto.

“Oh, we wouldn't want to spoil their fun now, would we?”Faustoteased,placinghimselfbetweenthetwogroups.

Arija scoffed but, inside, she was terrified. Adal wasrepeatedlytryingtopunchPajak,whichwasbasically liketryingto punch your way out of ametal room. If she didn't get theresoon,Adalwouldn'tlastmuchlonger.

Arijamanaged toparryFaustoand throwhershoulder intohischest,knockinghimbackwardintoapillar.

ShetooktheopportunitytoruntowardAdal’sknucklesandkicktheminhisdirection.Itwasallshehadtimetodo,andshegaveasilentprayeritwouldbeenough.

Justasshekickedtheknuckles,sheglimpsedFaustocomingupbehindher,andspunwithjustenoughtimetocrouchandfliphimoverhershoulders.

Fausto jumped up, spinning around impossibly fast andslicedadeepcutintoArija’sarm.

She jumped back before he could get her again, but shecouldn’tpreventthegaspthatforceditswayoutofhermouthatthe pain. Warm blood seeped from the wound, but Arija didn’thavethetimetotendit.

Pajak wrapped one of his legs around Adal and flung him

across the room. He wasmuch stronger than Adal anticipated.Withhimonlyhavingonefistthatcoulddoanydamage,thefightwasn’tofftoapromisingstart.AsAdalslidtoastopatthebaseofonepillar,hisheadspinning,hehadthesuddenurgetothrowup. “Whydoes thiskeephappening tome?”Adal gruntedashebouncedtothefloor.

Pajakmadehiswaytowardshim,usingonlyhisthin,spiderlegs.Adalpushedhimself tohis feet,bringinghis fistsupashetriedtothinkofaplan.

“You’repathetic,Topsider!Justgiveitup!”Pajakdemanded,soundingboredwiththetussle.

“Iwasjustgoingtosaythesamethingtoyou!”Adalshouted,hopingthestrengthbehindhiswordswouldmasktheshakiness.

“Ohwell,at leastyoustillhaveyoursenseofhumor. ItwillcomeinhandyasI’mtakingyouapartpiecebypiece.Yousee,Ireally need you alive in order to fully understand your innermechanisms.Butdon’tworry,thatquickwitandsharptongueof

yours will be your solace when you’re in unbearable—” Pajak’swordscutoffasAdaltackledhimtotheground.

PajakwriggledoutfromunderAdalandliftedhimintotheairbyhisshirtcollar,holdinghimhighenoughthathisfeetdangledabove the ground. Adal tried to pry Pajak’s hands off him. HekickedtheDweller’schestashardashecould.

“Youcan’tbeatme,Adal,justgiveupandacceptyourfate.Ifyou’reagood littleboy,maybeyou’ll live longenough toseememakehistory.”PajaklaughedasAdalwentlimp.

Taking a moment to think, Adal remembered a wrestlingmove he’d watched Arija use to win countless matches. Hereleased both of Pajak’s hands and grabbed him by one wrist.Turning the limb inward and pulling Pajak’s hand toward him,Adalbrokehisgripandutilizedthemomentumtobringhimdowntothefloor.

Pajak gasped as he was pulled to the ground. He snappedoneofhisarachnidlegsatAdallikeawhip.Adalrolledoutofthewayjustintimetoseethelegstrikethefloorandleaveaperfectgashinthemetal.

“Damn!”Thewordslippedoutinvoluntarily,butAdalcouldn’thelphowimpressedhewas.

SweatdrippedoffAdal’sforehead.Hedidn’tknowhowmuchlonger he could fend Pajak off. “You hit like a... well... likewhatever the hell hits soft downhere.”Adal fumbled for words,tryingtosoundlikehedidn’talreadyknowhewasbeaten.Everypunchhethrewmissedoncetheextremeexhaustionsetin.Nowandthen,hemanagedto landasuccessfulrighthook,buteventhatwasdoinglessdamageastimewenton.

“I’m not sure what that was supposed to mean but, I canassure you, your protests are truly pathetic.” Pajak swiped onelong leg at Adal, forcing him to roll under the strike and slideacrossthesmoothfloor.

Wherewerehisknuckles?As if the thought had summoned them, Adal heard the

metallicgrindingoftheweaponsslidingacrossthefloor.Herolledsidewaysashis eyes foundhisweapon,andhe crawled the few

feetheneededtoretrieveit.Pajakusedtheforceofhislegstopropelhimselfintotheair

andbringdownhis furyuponAdal.Adal slidhisknucklesoverhis fingers just as Pajak stabbed his extended appendages intothehardfloor,narrowlymissingAdal’sface.

Pajak tried to raise his legs. He looked down as he metresistance. His arachnid apendeges were wedged into the floor.Pajakjerkedhisbody,twistingashetriedtofreehimself.

“Well, this sort of sucks for you.” Adal directed his wrathtowardsPajak,swingingwildly, likehis targetwasthepunchingbagintheschool’sweightroom.

Pajak brought his remaining legs up to defend himselfagainst Adal’s strikes, but his lack ofmobilitymade it easy forAdaltomaneuveraroundthem.

AdaltookastepinArija’sdirection,wantingtogotoher.Buthe couldn’t leave Pajak now that he finally had him cornered.Adalfocusedhisrageonthethinginfrontofhimandunleashedaflurryofpunches.

He was in the zone—nailing punch after punch—but,somehow,thecreaturemanagedtowrigglehis legsfree.Heshotone of them toward Adal, catching him off guard. Adal jumpedback.

With all eight of his spider legs free, Pajak lowered himselfontohishuman legsand lashedoutatAdalwith the long, thinextremities.Acold,burningpainerupted inAdal’scheekasoneofPajak’slimbswhippedhimintheface.Adalstumbledbackwardintooneofthepillars.

Pajak thrust another of his legs at Adal, who managed toduckjustasthepowerfulhitcrashedintothepillarbehindhim,dentingtheframeandcausingthemetaltogroaninprotest.

Adal slid from under Pajak’s legs, not wanting to cornerhimself. As he backed into the room, Pajak shot another bone-shatteringstrikeatAdal.

Adal dropped to the floor as a sharpping erupted, and theroomwentquiet.AdallookedupatthestunnedPajakandtracedhisextendedlegtoitsend.

InPajak’shaste to finishAdal,he’dstabbedFaustodirectlythroughtheface.AsAdal’seyesmetFausto’s,histwobladesfelltothefloor,andCog’stwinslumpedtothegroundlifeless.

44|YouReadyforThis?

Arija stood,hermouthagape.Hermother’s voice crept intohermind.Finishthis.

She sprang into action, running under Pajak’s arm. ShecrossedoverAdalandsweptherbladethroughtheair,buryingitinPajak’sthigh.Theengineeredkniferippedthroughthemetalofhisleglikeitwasflesh.Pajakscreamedanddoubledoverinpain.

BeforePajakcouldstrikeatArija,Adalbroughthisfisttothefaceof thecreature.Adull crunchwasmetbyaspurtof greenfluidfromPajak’smouth.

ArijaremovedherbladefromhislegandburieditinPajak’storso. He shifted sideways and fell to the floor as Adal broughtanotherblowtoPajak’sribs.AsPajakhitthefloor,AdalandArijafellonhimwithmurderousintent.

AdalburiedhisknuckledfistintoPajak’sfaceasanexplosionrockedthehall.Thepillarsandwallsreverberated,andthesheerpressureoftheblastbroughtAdalandArijatoacrouchinghalt.Arijabroughtherhandsuptoprotectherheadassmallparticlesofdebrisraineddownuponthem.

Looking towards the source of the explosion, she located anewlyformedholeintheornateceilingofthehall.Debrislitteredthegroundand,asArijaglaredthroughthestrangeformation,acraft drifted into view. Bright light from several spinning partsblindedArijaasshestaredinawe.

AdalandArijasteppedawayfromPajakasthecraftloweredinto the room. Pajak didn’tmove, struggling to suck in air, too

bentandbrokentopushhimselfoutoftheway.Dust anddebris blew about as themachine lowered. Three

large legsextendedfrombeneaththecraftas itsetdownonthesmooth floor. The sides of the machine had been battered anddented,butArijacouldstillseetheremnantofafadedredcrossontheside.

“Noway,”Adalgasped.“Who could be—?” The sound of the doors sliding open

interruptedher.Aplumeofsteamflowedfromthevehicle'ssides.From the darkness of the open doorway, Webley emerged,

batteredandbeaten,withabandagecrudelywrappedaroundhisheadandlefteye.Hehadsimilarbandagesaroundhisrightarmandlegs.Hisrippedclothesshowedsignsofsingeingattheends.

“Impossible!”Pajakgasped.“Webley!” Adal and Arija shouted in unison. Arija couldn’t

believehehadsurvivedtheexplosion.Hemadehiswaytowardthem,aslightlimponhisleftside.

“Tha’senougho’tha’!”Webleybellowedashemarchedovertothegroup.“Thisfightin’stopsnow!”

“Webley! You should be dead!” Pajak snarled, using hisarachnidlegstolifthimselfintoastandingposition.

“Pajak,tha’senoughfromye!Thisfoolishnessends!Ihaveletyoucontinuetobreakmyheartfer’toolong!Thisisallmyfault.Ishouldnever‘aveletthisgoon,butIwasblindedbymylovefer’ye!”WebleymarchedpastAdal andArija, directly over toPajak,whoseemedtocowerinhismaker’spresence.

“Younever could stopme,Webley!This ismyworld.”Pajakpausedashecoughedupmoregreenliquid.“ThisismyMachine.You cannot stop me. You don’t have the resolve. Take yourTopsidersandjustle—”

Pajak’s words hushed as Webley thrust his hand outwardand grasped Pajak by the throat, lifting him into the air. ThearroganceandprideleftPajak’sface,replacedbyfear.

“Thesaddestdayinafather’slifeiswhenherealizeshisownchildren ‘ave becomemonsters. Ye’ became amonster long ago,butIwastooweakte’seeit.Notanymore.Ye’redone,Pajak.Itistime te’ face your defeat!”Webley glared into his son’s eyes but

spoketoAdalandArija.“Yetwo,getinthecraft.Thisain'taplacefer’ye.”

“Hey man, I’m not leaving you,” Adal retorted, steppingtowardWebley.

“Webley, you’re hurt. We need to get you some attention,”Arijaadded,lookingathispoorlytreatedwounds.

“Notupfer’discussion!Thetwoofye,getinthecraftnow!Iwill be jus’ fine.”Webley’s voice bore an edge that insisted theylistentohisdemands.

AdalandArijaturned,andslowlymadetheirwayovertothegangway of the tattered mobile aid unit. Taking a fleeting lookover her shoulder as theywalkedup the small ramp,Arija sawthatWebleystillheldPajakintheair,unmoving,asiftheywereintheclimaxofamoviethathadbeenpaused.

AssoonasAdalandArijawere inside themobileclinic, theslidingdoorsslammedclosedbehindthem.Theybothjumpedatthe sound, but Arija’s attention was immediately drawn to hernewsurroundings.

Thecraftwasfilledwithstrangemachinessimilartotheonesthey’d seen in Avani’s shop. Countless shelves filled with anassortmentofpartsranthelengthofthecraft'sinterioroneithersideand,inthecenter,wasanexaminationchairidenticaltotheonetheyhadusedyesterday.Atthefarend,asetofstepsledtoapilotingdeckwithtwochairsforthepilotandacopilot.

There, sitting in thepilot’s chair,wasKip.Hisnewsboycapwascharredontheends,hisclothingwasripped,andhehadalargegashontherightsideofhisface.Buthewasalive.

“Holy shit! Kip!” Adal shouted, running to the pilot’s deckwith Arija close behind. Arija smiled at the sight of the youngDwelleraliveandwell.AdalandArijawrestledovereachothertowraptheirarmsaroundhim.

“Allright! Iget it!Youloveme!Nowlet’sgetoutofhere!Notime!”Kipstraightenedhishatandshiftedthevehicleintogear.

AdaltookanextramomenttosqueezethekidastightlyashecouldwhileArijawipedaroguetearfromherface.

Kipflippedseveralswitchesandpulledonlevers,nottakinghiseyesoffthewindowaheadofhim.Slowly,theroombeganto

moveasthecraftliftedfromtheground.“Avani?Cog?”Arijaasked,hopeful.Kip sat in silence. The urge to burst into tears nearly won

oncemore,andArijadughernailsintothepalmsofherhands.“Where are we going?” Arija finally asked, thinking about

Webley.“Wecan’tjustleavehimhere.”“Yeah,Kip.What’sthatallabout?Don'tleavetheguy.”Kipignoredthem,toofocusedongettingthecraftintotheair.

“Webleywillbefine.Thiswashiscall.I’mjustdrivingthisthing.Trustme,youdon'twanttobehere.”

Theywerewellintotheairnow,andslowlymakingtheirwaythrough the largehole in the ceiling.Once clear,Adal andArijastaredoutthewindowatthehorrificsightstheRoosthadtooffer.Arija gasped as the horrid nest of Kleinmasch stirred andexpandedoutwardaroundthem.

“Whatisthisplace?”Adalasked.“The Roost. It’s where the Kleinmasch live. That’s why we

don't want to hang around.” Kip motioned out of the window.Drovesofcreaturesmarchedtowardthehall.

“Kip,wecan’t leavehiminthat!”Arijaprotestedagain.Thistime,thefrustrationinhervoicewasnoticeable.

“Idon'thaveachoice.Webleywanteditlikethis,”KiprepliedastheyturnedandmadetheirwaythroughtheRoost.

“Dude,thisisn'tyou.Youdon'trunfromfights.Wedothisasateam.Let’sgetinthereandgethim!”Adalreplied,sittinginthecopilot’sseatnexttoKip.“Iknowyouwantapieceofthem.ThinkofAvani.”

As Adal uttered his mother’s name, Kip slammed on thebrakesandbroughtthecrafttoahoverhighabovetheflooroftheRoost. He stared straight ahead for a couple minutes beforeburstingfromhisseatandflyingpastArija.

“Wait, where are you going?” Arija asked as she and AdalchasedKiptotherearofthecraft.

AsKipreachedthefarend,hekneltatthebaseofashelfandpressed a rivet. A distant clank followed several of the shelvesslidingaside,exposingtheopenairandseveralharnessesthatfellfrom the ceiling. Adal and Arija stared at Kip as he pressed a

smallbuttonnexttotheopenwindow,whichresultedintwolargeguns lowering from a secret panel and orienting themselves topointoutthewindow.

“Whatisthis?”Adalasked,tuggingatoneoftheharnesses.“Kip,Idon'tevenwanttoknowwhyyouputthisinhere,but

whatcanwedotohelp?”Arijaasked.“Putontheharnessesandstandbehindoneoftheguns.I’m

driving!”Kipturnedandmadehiswaybacktothepilot’sseat.Adal andArija looked at one another, but did as theywere

told.“Kip, you ready for this?” Adal asked, looking down the

sights.“Just hang on! This one is for my mum!” Kip jerked the

machinebacktolife,andthegroupheadedtowardthegreathall,deepinsidetheRoost.

ArijaandAdalshotatanythingandeverythingthatmovedasKip soared back toward where they left Webley. The hall wascovered by thousands of Kleinmasch climbing over each other,and fighting to get inside. The scene looked like somethingstraight out of a zombie movie, and Arija had to fight not toscreamastheyapproached.

The closer they got to the hall, themore Arija wondered ifthey were diving toward their deaths. Even with the massivemachinegunsof themobileclinic, therewasnoway theycouldkillalltheKleinmaschandgettoWebley.

“Kip!”Adalyelledovertherushofwind.“JustgettoWebley.Wecan’ttakethemallatoncelikethis.”

Kip didn’t reply, but Arija felt the shift of themobile clinicchanging direction. Soon they were so close to the mound ofKleinmasch that used to be the hall, Arija figured she couldprobablyreachoutandslaponeoftheugly,spider-likefaces.

Themobilecliniccrashedintothehordeofcreatures,sendingseveraloftheminvariousdirections.Thentheywerebackinthehall.

Pajakwas crumpled in the corner, andWebleywas fightingoffat leastadozenKleinmasch,thecreaturesovertakinghimasmoreseepedthroughtheholeintheroof.Webley’seyeswidened

ashesawtheshipapproaching,andhekickedagroupofBaeg.Arija took a deep breath and aimed her sights on the

creatures closest to Webley. Adal kept his fire on the cominghorde of Kleinmasch, doing his best to keep any more frommakingtheirwaytowardtheCreator.

AsKip brought the craft as low to the ground ashe could,WebleygrabbedPajakaroundthewaistandhoistedhimoverhisshoulderHereachedupandgrabbedtheedgeofthecraftasAdaldroppedthegunandgrabbedWebley’shand.

“Go!Go!Go!”Adalyelledoverhisshoulder.Kip pulled on one of the ship’s leavers, and the craft tilted

backtoanalmostforty-five-degreeangle.Arija held onto her weapon to stop from sliding across the

ship, and continued to fire at anything thatmoved. A group ofGearrthaandCeadjumpedatthecraft,butArijasentabarrageofbulletsatthembeforetheycouldlatchontoWebley.

Webleypulledhimselfontotheshipjustasitbrokethroughthe wall of Kleinmasch and back into the Roost. He grabbedopenedoneofthesidecabinets,snatchedacoilofrope,andtieditaroundPajakashedroppedhiminthecorneroftheship.”Don’thinko’doin’anythingstupid,Pajak.”

Oncetheywereclearofthehorde,ArijadroppedthemachinegunandrantowardWebley.

“I’m fine. Don’cha worry ‘bout me,” Webley said betweenpantingbreaths.

“What do we do now?” Kip asked as he pushed out of theRoostandintothelightoftheMachine.

“Wegobackte’my‘ouseandregroup.Butfirst,wegetAdalandArijabacktotheir‘ome.”

Arija shot Adal a look. They couldn’t leave now. Cog andAvaniweredead,andtherewerehordesofKleinmaschwhowouldbe looking for revenge—not tomention their leader.WhatwouldthatmeanfortheDwellersthatlivedintheMachine?

AdalintertwinedhisfingersaroundArija’s,broughtherhandup to his lips, and planted a lingering kiss on the back of herhand. “Or...we goback toWebley’shouse.Whatever is left of itanyway. We can’t just go back home and let the people of the

Machinesuffer.”AdalmetWebley’seyesashespoke.Webley waited amoment before turning to Kip and saying,

“Ye’heardtheman.”The craft jerked to the side as Kip took a sharp turn,

changingtheirdirectiontowardWebley’shouse.“WhatdowedowiththisSpider-man-lookingasshole?”Adal

askedashekickedPajak.“Idon’knowyet.Fernow,I’llput‘iminacelluntilI‘anfigure

outwhattadowith‘im”Pajakdidn’trespond.Heonlylookeddownattheground.“Youready for this?”AdalpulledArija tohischest,andshe

leanedherheadonhisshoulder,finallyabletorelax.“Always.”

45|EnterTheHallofDoors

Adal and Arija loaded into the mobile clinic. Things hadcalmeddowna little in theMachinesincethey’ddefeatedPajak,and Webley had decided it was time to show them somethingimportant.

Neither of them had any idea where they were going and,everytimetheyquestionedhim,Webleywouldonlysmileandsay,“Ye’ll ‘ave te’ see.” Then he would go back to piloting the craft.Occasionally,Adalwouldshoota look toKip in searchof clues,onlytohavehimshrugback.

Adal and Arija hadn’t let Kip leave their sides since Avanidied. Arija felt responsible for keeping him out of trouble, andknewAvaniwouldn’twant toseehimgoback to livingwith theDespsandstealingtosurvive.

Thecraftmadeasharpturnto the leftand, this time,AdalslidintoArija.Sheplacedthepalmofherhandonhischest,anditlingeredalongmomentbeforeshepulleditaway.

“Looksarefree,butyoucan’tjustbehittingonmelikethat,Arija.”Adalflexedthemusclesinhischest.

Arija scoffed, grinning wildly before clenching her fist andslammingitintohim.Adalscowled.

“Oh,bigmancan’ttakeahit?”Adalraisedoneeyebrow.“Icanhandleanythingyouthrowat

me,littlegirl.”“Ohreally?”Arijaasked.“Sureenough!”

Arija grinned and grabbed Adal by the collar, pulling himcloseandpressingherlipsagainsthis.ThesweetsmellthatwasdistinctlyAdalfilledArijawiththesensethatshebelonged.

Herworldfellaway.Thoughtswerereplacedbythesoundofbloodpulsingthroughherveins.Theirlipspartedandshelethertonguetrancetheinsideofhislips,relishinginthetasteofhim.Whenshepulledaway,Adalreachedforher.

Arija placed one cold, delicate hand on his face and heopenedhiseyes.

“Uhh... I... I... mean, next time warn me. Sneaking one inthere on me like that,” Adal stuttered nervously, clearing histhroatandstraighteninghiscollar.

Arijarolledhereyes.OfcourseAdalwouldfindawaytoruinthemoment.

“I mean, that was definitely the best kiss you’ve ever had,right?”

Arijashrugged,doingherbesttohidehersmile.Adallookedatherexpectantly.

“Meh,” she replied, turning her eyes toward the back ofWebley’shead.

Arija let Adal wait a few minutes before she turned backtowardhim.Afterall,hedeservedalittlegrief.He’dmadeherwaitten years for this moment. He could withstand a few moreminutes.

WhenArijadecidedshe’dmadehimsuffer longenough,sheslid back close to him. Adal was still sitting there, mouth halfopen,staringather.Sheletabigsmilespreadoverherface.Thefirstrealsmileinwhatfeltlikeforever.

Adalplacedhishandonhercheek.Hetracedthelineofherjawdowntoherchin,thenpulledherintoanotherkiss,thisonesoft and sweet. He wrapped his arms around her waist, andplanteda softkissonher cheek.Arijanuzzledher face intohischestjustasthemobileclinictouchedground.

Webley rose from his seat and walked past the threepassengers.“Well,‘ereweare!”WebleyopenedthehatchdoorandsteppedoutsidewithAdal,Arija,andKipslidingoutbehindhim.

They stood on another platform, deep in the Machine but,unlikemost of the platforms Adal and Arija had seen, this onedidn’tseemtoleadtoanythingimportant.Atthefarendstoodasingledoor.Theblack,metallookedalmostlikeabankvault.

Before Adal or Arija could ask any questions,Webleymadehis way to the door and placed one large hand on the spindle“Thiswas somethin’ tha’Cogwanted te’ showye.Hehelpedmebuild this. I think tha’ he’d want me te’ take ye ‘ere. The lockinsideisalwaysmovin’.Ye’‘avete’beablete’feelthemechanismsmovin’ an know just when te’ pull…” Webley went back tofocusingonhishands.

Just as Arija was about to ask what was behind the door,Webleyyankedthehandlesidewaysandpulleditopen.

“Afterye’.”Webleymotionedforthegrouptoenter.Thevaultdooropenedintoa long,narrowhallway,dimly lit

by dozens of Edison bulbs. At the end of the hall was anotherdoor identical to the one they had just come through. Webleysqueezed past Adal and Arija with Kip pushing his way behindthem.

“Wow! This place is the coolest!” Kip yelled, his wordsbouncingoffthemetallicwalls.

Webleydidn'tneedtofocustoopentheseconddoor.Assoonashegrabbedit,hepulled,andthedoorpoppedopen.

Kip pushed past everyone and ran into the dark room. AsArijaandAdal stepped through theentryway,Webleyclosed thedoorbehindthem,snuffingoutthesmallstreamoflightfromthehallway.

Arija’s heart thumped in her chest. She hated feelingclaustrophobic and, in the darkness, she could swear thewallswereclosing inonher.Arijareachedoutablindhand,grabbingontoAdal’sarm.

Adistant ‘clank’rangoutand, inanother instant, theroomwaslitbylargebulbsthatslowlygrewtolife.

ArijalookedupatAdal,whowaswagginghiseyebrows.Sheletgoofhisarm.

Thewallswere linedwithnumeroustubes,pipes,coils,and

allotherassortmentofpartsthatseemedtobleedtothecenteroftheroom.Arijafollowedthepipeswithhereyesuntiltheylandedonanarchway.

Webleywalked fromthedoorway toa largepanelwhereKipalreadystood,staringatthesurface.

“What’sallthis?”Adalaskedasheapproachedthepanelwithitsdozensofknobsandswitches.Allofwhichhadstrangewordsorsymbolsetchedintothemetallicsurfacebelowthem.

“Whatdoesthismachinedo?”Arijaasked,shootingaglareatKipashereachedpastWebley to try to fliponeof theswitches.Kipcaughtherlookandpulledhisarmbacktohisside.

“Thisissomethin’special.Ye’see,I’maCreator,anthisworldisn'tthefirsttha’I'vebeenapartof.Travelin’backanforthwasgetting’ exhausting over time. So,Coghelpedme catalog all theworlds.ThisplaceishowIgette’them.”Webleyfannedhishandoverthecontrols.

Arija’s eyes bulged as she realized the strange words andsymbolsweren'tlabels;theywerenames.Namesofotherworlds.

“Wait,soyoumeanthisplace is likeaportalorsomething?Andyoucangotootherplanets?DoesScottyknowaboutthis?”Adaljoked,walkingovertoanotherpanelwitharowofnecklaceshangingfromit.

Webley stood in confused silence for a moment, Adal’sreferencelostonhim.“Thosearethekeys!Ye’needoneo’themte’get back.Ye take the chain an’ spin it as fast as ye’ can. If theportalisclosed,itwillopen.Ifit’sopen,ye’jus’jumpthroughan’no worries. Always make sure te’ close the portal behind ye',though. Never knowwho or whatmaymake their way throughwithye’,”Webleywarned.

“Howdoyouclose—?”Arijaaskedbeforetheroomstartedtoshake as the portal roared to life. Panicked,Arija shot her gazefromsidetosideasabrightlighteruptedfromthecenteroftheroom.

Adal had his hands in the air, showing that he hadn’ttouchedanything.ArijasearchedforKipbythecontrolpanel,buthewasno longerthere.Sheranovertothecontrols.Oneofthe

switcheshadbeenturnedon.“Taraveil,” Arija whispered as she read the label under the

switch.“Kipdon't!”Adalshouted.Kipwasmakinghiswaydownthesidewall,sprintingforthe

portal.“Let’s get this party started!” Kip shouted, running into the

light.“Cannonball!”heyelledashedisappearedintothevortex.Arija turned, wide-eyed and fuming toward Adal. This kid

wasgoingtogetherkilled.Adalgrabbedtwoof thekeys fromtheirhooksandwhistled

as he tossed one to Arija. She caught it mid-air, and threw itaroundherneck.

“Ye’twobecareful!Yedon'tknowwhatye’aredoin’!”Webleyshoutedat them,but theywerealready standing in front of theportal,fingerslacedtogether.

“Justkeepanythingfromcomingbackthroughtheportal!Wehavetogethim!”Adalcalledoverhisshoulder.

“I’m going to kill this kid!” Arija growled as she looked intotheblueelectriccurrentoftheactiveportal.

“Mefirst!”“Iguessthefunisjuststarting,huh?”ArijasqueezedAdal’s

handastheyleapedintothelightanddisappeared.THEEND

DearReader,ThankyouforfollowingAdalandArijaonthiscrazy

ride…evenifwebarelymadeitoutalive.Ifyouthinkthingsaregoingtobeallrosesandcupcakes

now,you’resorelymistaken.Justwhentheystartedtogetthehangoflifeinthe

WorldMachine,thingsgetevenweirder.They’reinanewworld.

Withnewrules.

IfyouenjoyedthefirstbookintheHallofDoorsseries,you’llloveKipandTheGrinders.Thetwistsaretwistier,theactionmoreheartracingandthesnarkissassier.Clickheretogetitnow!

***TURNTHEPAGETOREADTHEFIRSTTHREECHAPTERSOFKIPANDTHEGRINDERS***

Part1Grinders

1|PureGrinding

Ypsilon always appreciated the brief moment of solitude

beforepullingaheist.Thetypeofmomentthatlethergetinherownheadandassessjusthowbadassshereallywas.

Thebrightorangeandredhueofthesunhadonlybeenoverthetopoftheblockyskylineofbuildingsformaybeanhour,andsheletthewarmairfillherlungsandticklehernose.

AsYpsilonsatontheedgeoftheHemmingdollbuildingandlooked out over the bustling city below, she squinted her eyes,trying to seehow fardownshe couldmakeout.Eventually, thelightsfromtheflyingcraftsandmistfromthelowestvisiblelevelsmixedtogether,creatingacolorfulblurofneonandrust.

Severalstrandsofhermulti-coloreddreadlocksdancedintheairinfrontofherface,drawingherfocusbacktoreality.Ypsilonglanced up at the colorful locks signifying her leadership andseparatingherfromtherestofhergangofGrinders.

Eachcolorrepresentedadifferentability,auniquestrength.Spitting a large wad down the side of the building, Ypsilon

wondered what existed beyond the fog. None of the Grinderswoulddaregothatfar.

Her Grinder gang, the Engineers, always said there wasn’tactuallyabottom,butratherjuststacksofbuildingsthatwentonforever.Ypsilonhadalwaysthoughtthattheorywasbullshit,butshewasn'tabouttotestit.

The onlyGrinders that reallyknew the truthwere the oneschosenbythefall.Noonehadeversurvivedfallingthatfar,sonoonereallyknewwhatwasdownthere.

Snappingherselfbacktothejobathand,Ypsilonbroughthergazeuptowardthehorizon.Sheglancedatawindowacrossfrom

herandglaredatherreflection.Thesunreflectedoffthewindow,highlighting the bright greens, blues and pinks of her hair. Thecolorful nature of her dreadlocks was a stark contrast to hermilkywhitecomplexion.Her lipswere thepaleblueofacorpse,andherdarkeyeswereringedinblack,makingthemlooksunkenandmysterious.

Thearmpilotshealwaysworeglintedinthesunasabreezebrushed by her exposed midriff, ruffling her loosely-fitted, tancargopants.

Ypsilon shivered as she bent down to tie her black lace-upboots.Her shit kickerswere the pride of her outfit. She’dmadethem herself. With her boots, her kit, and the vest strappedacross her chest, shehad everything sheneeded to be the bestGrinder.Andshewasthebest.

Ypsilon brought her hand to her side and ran it over theheavy piece of steel attached toher hip.Her friend,Bangarang,neverleftherside.Thattrustypistolhadgottenheroutofmorejamsthanshecouldevenfathom.Thelastthingshetrulyhadtorememberherfather.

Yipsilon shook her head. She still had a job to concentrateon.Theirtargetwasduetoarriveat0800,sharp.

TheEngineersneededmorecapacitorsfortheirbootmods.Atech truckwas set towork on the holo-signs thismorning, butthe Engineers had caused it to “accidentally” malfunction thenightbefore.

Soisha, Ypsilon’s Captain and best friend, had found outthrough themainframe that the repairs were slated to begin at0800.So,Ypsilonhadarrived thereanhourbeforeandhadsetuppostaroundthecorner.Shealwaysarrivedata jobearly.Atthis point,Grindingwasher profession, and she treated all herjobsassuch.

A chirping sound came from the Pilot device on Yipsilon’sarm, and she checked the small screen on the heavy, metalbracer.Thefunwassettostartinthirtyseconds.

Butterflies erupted in her stomach as she stood and tookanother deep breath. If she was being completely honest withherself,shelivedforthisshit.

Ypsilon pressed the confirmation prompt on the unit andlookedtotherightofthebuildingacrossfromher.

Her gaze dropped thirty levels down, just as a power unitmountedtothesideofametallicplatformexploded.Thevehiclesparked on the steel surface shook as plumes of smoke eruptedandsparksburstlikefireworks.

From the depths of the smoke andmayhem, Rom andReaappearedandleaptfromtheplatformontoapassingtractor.ThebrothersclungtothetopofthemovingvehicleasYpsilongrinned,shakingherhead.

“Really,guys?Pramming?”Grinders valued not needing help from machines to get

aroundandconsidereditweaktorideonthetopofapram.Thiswas especially funny coming from the twin muscle of theEngineers.Seeingthemchoosethataspartoftheirmaneuverwasinterestingtosaytheleast.

On cue, sirensblared in thedistance and the lights on thecompliance officers’ vehicles lit up the air.MostGrinders calledthecomplianceofficersStronziandweren't fansof theirmockedauthority.

Within moments, the compliance officers approached theexplosionandfellrightintothetrap.Theyspedpasttheburningplatformtowardthetransportationthebrothershadchosen.

Ypsilonwatchedastheofficersnearedhermen,butassoonastheyboxedinthepram,thebrothersleaptfromoppositesidesoftheirride,falling.

Shedidn'twaittoseehowthingsworkedoutforthem.RomandReaknewwhattheyweredoing.Withtheofficersoutoftheway,herfuncouldstart.

Ypsiloncrackedherneckandrolledhershoulders,allowingagiantgrintocreaseherpaleface.“TimeforMamatodowhatshedoes best,” she said as she pulled up the large headphonesdroopingoverhershoulders.

She swiped through the Pilot’s screen until she found theperfectthemesongfortheday.Whenshefoundwhatshe’dbeenlookingfor,Ypsilonslammedherfingerdownonthegreenbuttonandlettheloudmusicdeafenherfromtheworld.

Ypsilon casually stepped off the edge of the building andbeganherfall.

Thecolorfullocksofherhairwhippedthroughtheairaboveherheadassherapidlydescended.Severalfloorsclearedinonlyafew seconds. Her stomach lurched into her throat, her heartpoundingandthebloodrushingthroughherveinslikestreamsofliquidelectricity.Sheexperiencedthesamefeelingeveryday,yetshenevertiredoftherush.

Shethrewherarmout,andthesnap-extensionsfromherkitshot from her sleeve, helping her grasp the heavy gauge wirerunningthelengthofthebuilding.Sheclencheddownonthewireandpressedherfeetintothesideofthetallbrickstructure.

Thehairs onher arms stood on end asher boots let out acompressedgroanandthrustedYpsilonforwardintotheaironceagain.Shealignedherbodyjustrightandnarrowlypassedoveravehicle.Thecoldmetalfromthehoodofthepramslidrightoverhershoulder,andshecurledherselftocontinuethemomentum.

Inthevanishinginstantshehadtoreact,sheflippedherselfoverandslammedthoseheavybootsintothefrontfenderjustasthebassfromthesongkickedup.

She couldn’t help the ear to ear grin at the perfect timing.TherewasnothinglikethefeelingofGrinding.

Nothingtoppedtherushofadrenaline.The wind whipped past her as another compressed boom

shother forwardagain, closing the gapbetweenherself and theoppositebuilding.

Another turn of her body, and she brought her knees up,grabbingapoleandswingingherselfupwardandontoawindowsillrunningthewidthofthebuilding.

Not even waiting to assure her steady footing, she lungedforward and sprinted the urban catwalk as prams whizzed by,mere feet away—their hornsmuffled through the bass pumpingintoherears.

“Calm down! I’m not a jacker!” Ypsilon shouted at oneparticularlyhosteloperatorwhowasleaningouthiswindowandscreamingobscenitiesather.

She politely extended her middle finger and kept running,

hummingthenextverseofthesongasshewent.Shewasontheclock.Hecouldeatit.

Near the edge of the block, a civilian tram rounded thecorner. As it slowly turned, it blocked her direct line to thebuildingacrossfromher.Thinkingonherfeet,sheleaptupandslammed her heavy boots into the side of the tram, using hermomentum to run its length and follow its natural curve as itroundedthecorner.

When Ypsilon pushed her left foot into the building besideher, it launchedher sideways intoanaerialandoncemore intotraffic. For a moment, the world bled together as the blur ofheadlights andholo-signs swirled in her vision. Aworld of lightanddistortedfacesmeshedinhervision,theirfrownsandscowlsofterrortemporarilylookinglikethestrangest,deformedsmiles.

The world came back to life as she landed on the hood ofanotherpram,thebassthuddinginherears,andturnedtoseeafrightened older woman sitting behind one of the most beatendownridesYpsilonhadeverseen.

“Sorry!”sheshoutedasshejumpedfromthehoodandusedanothervehicleasaspringboardtothenextvehicle.

GrindingisGrinding,andthatwaswhatYpsilondid,butshewasn'ta jerk.Feelingguilty fornearlygivinganold ladyaheartattack,Ypsiloncontinued.

Finishingupherchainofpramhopping,Ypsilonmanagedtoreach thewall ofher intendedbuilding. Landing on yet anotherledge,shetooktheopportunitytocatchherbreathandwipethesweatfromherpalms.Herkithaddoneits jobwithkeepinghermoving,butshestillcouldn'tgripmetalsurfaceswithwethands.

Ypsilon appreciated how amazing Soisha was. Like amachine, she’d calculated the day’s movements to the minute.Soishawas the Engineers only computermonkey, and thiswasthereasonwhy.Ypsilondidn’ttrustanyoneelsewithherlife.

Shelookeddown,andsureenough,themaintenancevehiclehovered at the base of the multi-story holo-sign just as it wassupposedtobe.Ypsiloncouldn'tseethetechspilotingitbutknewtherewouldbetwoofthem.

Themassiveframeoftheholo-signstretchednearlyadozen

floors from where she was to where the maintenance vehiclehoveredintheair.Heatfromtheplasma-basedsignstillradiatedoffit.

Thesethingsweredangerouswhentheywereon,andthoughtheirglowinglightswerepretty,itwouldfryanypoorbastardthatcametoocloseorwasstupidenoughtotouchthedamnthing.Ifshewasgoingtouseit,shehadtogetdownbeforethesejokersturned the thing back on, or itwould be goodnight and crispyjourneysforYpsilon.

Slidingherfingeracrosstheoffbuttononherpilot,shehungthe headphones around her neck. With one more breath, shegrabbedthecoldmetalandwrappedherlegsaroundthebaseofthe projector. The utility van shifted in the air. The mechanicswereinsidethevehicle.

“Damn,”shemouthedasshebrainstormedawaytogetthemout.Nothingcamescreamingtomind,soit lookedasifthisonewasgoingtogetalittlerisky.

Releasinghergripslightly,Ypsilonsliddownthedeathpole.SheglancedatherhiptomakesureBangarangwasstillwithher.She was probably going to need him. The van grew closer andcloseruntilshecouldalmosthearthemen’svoicesinsideoverthebuzzingofthetraffic.

Onlyafewfeetabovethevehicle,Ypsilonswungherlegsoutand lightly placedherself on the top of themaintenance van. Itshuttered and shook from the movement inside, but otherwise,shewasabletocatchandkeepherfooting.

Notimetowait.Ypsiloncroucheddownandknockedontheheavy, metal door as hard as she could. “Anybody home?” shewhisperedunderherbreath.

Themovementinsidethevehiclestilledforamomentandthevoices fell silent. She clutched the edge of the doorframe andwaited. After a moment, the latch snapped, and the doors flewopen.

“Mama’s home,” she shouted as she swung down into thevehicle.

Asherheavybootcollidedwithoneofthetechnician’schestand threwhimbackward into the van,Ypsilon caught thebrief,

surprised look on his face before he collided with the secondtechnician.

Inoneseamlessmotion,YpsilonpulledBangarangoutof itsholster and pointed it at the twomen as they struggled to helpthemselvesup,handshighintheair.

“Morningfellas.Sorrytodropinlikethat.Justhadtoswingin for some supplies. Hope you don't mind.” Ypsilon’s couldn'thelpgrinning.Shetrulylovedherjob.

The two technicians kneeled on the floor in front of her,shakinglikeitwasthedeadofwinter.

“Ineedafewofyourcapacitors,pleaseandthankyou,”sheadded,draggingthesightsofherpistolfromonemantothenext.

Whenneitheranswered,shereachedupherthumbanddrewbackBangarang’shammer.

Theirrough,unshavedfacesanddirtymechanicoverallsgavethem a salt-of-the-planet type appearance, and she knew theseguys were pretty tough. Perhaps her message wasn't gettingacrosstothem.

“I’m sorry, kinda pressed for time. Really need thosecapacitors.”Ypsilonhadlearnedearlyonthatifshereallyscaredpeople they acted in funny, unpredictable ways. Ever theprofessional,shetriedtoalwaysbesmarterthanthemark.

Herthreatseemedtowork,andoneofthemenpointedtoalargetoolboxsittingonashelfnexttoher.Ypsilonflippedthelidopen to see a dozen azure-glowing tubes illuminating the darkvan.

That’sthepayload,allright.She carefully placed each one inher pocket and closed the

zipper,ensuringthattheywouldmakeitbacktoheadquarters.Asshedidso, the twomenshuffled to their feet,andshesnappedherattentionbacktothem.

“Uhuh,boys.Notasmartmove.IhavewhatIwant.So,I’lljust be leaving, and you’ll be fine. Just stealing froma corrupt,hypocritical shithead anyway. No need to risk your lives forsomeone like that.”With eachword, Ypsilon backed herway tothedoorofthevan,shootingglancesoverhershouldertoherexitstrategy.

“Damn Grinders,” one of the technicians barked, his voicescratchyandgruff.

Ypsilonshotalookbackattheboldman.“Nothin’butpunksandwasteofspace.Justlookatyourself.Youputthatridiculouscolorinyourhair.Tryingtobeoriginal?Whydon'tyoudousallafavorandjump?Saveeveryonethetime.”

HiswordstoreatYpsilon.Hehaddisrespectednotonlyher,but allGrinders. That type ofhate gother friendskilled. Itwaswhy—whentheycaughtthem—theauthoritieswerequicktobeataGrinderorsimplytaketheirkitsanddropthem,sayingthey’djumped.

Ypsilon slowly brought her eyes back to the two men. Herfaceburning inhatred.Suckingherteethandlettingahalfgrinescape, she lowered the hammer and slid Bangarang back intohisholster.

“Now,whywouldyougoandsaysomethingsostupid?”Oneofthemenroseandtookasteptowardsher.Ypsilonextendonefinger,shakingitsidetoside.“Notsofast.

Ifyou’recomingforit,Isuggestyoubringhelp.”Shemotionedatthe disheveled shelves stacked with tools to either side of themen.Ypsilonwasnothingifnotfair.

Theman that had spoken grabbed awrench off one of theshelves while the otherman pushed himself up and grabbed autilityknife.

“There you go. Now, youwere saying?” Ypsilon said as shesquaredoffwiththetechnicians.Theonethatclearlyhadabonetopickwithherlungedforward,swinginghiswrench.

Ypsilon caught the insideofhisarmas she stepped inandslammedherkneeupintohiship.Thetechnicianshoutedinpainas she brought her forehead down onto the bridge of his nose.Withadullsquish,Ypsilonknewshe’dbrokenthedelicatebones.

He shouted and tiltedhis head backwards. Ypsilon pressedagainstthebackofhiselbow.Afterabriefmoment,anotherdullsnapasshebrokehisarm, letting ithangbackwardsatanoddangle.

Thetechnicianletoutapainedgasp,likehecouldn’tbelievewhatwashappening.Thescreamsthatfollowedweresopiercing

thatYpsilonhadto forceherselfnotto letgososhecouldcoverherears.

Shegrabbedhisshoulderandforcedhisfacetothemetallicedge of the counter, knocking him out and relieving him of hispain.Hefelllimplytothefloor.

As Ypsilon brought her eyes up from the unconscioustechnician,theotherranatherwithaknife.Heswungwideandfast,obviouslyunfamiliarwiththerightwaytoholdaweapon.

Sheduckedandthrustherpalmintothebaseof theman’schin.Ashisheadshotback,shegrabbedhiswristwithonehandand punched his kidney with the other. Another ear shatteringscreamofpainfilledthesmallvanasthetechniciantriedtopullhimselffree.

“Shut.Up.Asshole,”Ypsilongruntedasshebroughtherbootdownonthesideofhisrightknee.

Apopfollowedahowlofpain.Ypsilontooktheknifefromhishand and threw it out the open doorway just before she thrustherknee into theman’s face.Thesuddensilencewasdeafeningashefellbackwards,asleep.

“You seewhat being rudewill get you?” she panted as shekneltoverthetwomentomakesuretheywerestillbreathing.“Ididn’twanttohavetodothat.Whycouldn’tyoujustletmescrewoveryouralmightyoverlordandbedonewithit?”Confirmingshehadn'tkilledthem,Ypsilongrinnedandmadeherwaytotheopendoor once more. A faint groan came from behind her, but shecouldn'tbebotheredwithintolerantassholes.

Prams whizzed by as she surveyed her dismount options.Afteraquickscan,shesawherpath.Jumpingtoasmalllandingto the left of the tech van, Ypsilon sprinted the length of thewalkway. The van rapidly disappeared behind her, and she feltherpocket for thecapacitors.Anothersuccessfulmission in thebag,andnowshecouldworkontheneworderforboots.

Reachingtheedgeofthebuilding,shegrabbedaflagpoleandusedhermomentumtoswingherselfintotheairandintoaflip.

With the air blowing around her, she twisted to see theslantedroofofabuildingthreestoriesbelow.Asshelanded,herboots letoutapuffofair thatabsorbedtheshock.Keeping low,

shesliddownthemetalslopetowardasmallplatform.Herbootssparkedastheygroundonthemetalsurface.

Reachingtheendofthegrind,Ypsilonleaptintotheairandcollidedwiththehardsurfaceoftheplatform.Itlookedtobethebalconyofsomeyuppiecafe.Brushingthesootfromhershoulder,shesprintedtowardtheedgeandpreparedforanotherleap.

Justasshecrouchedtotakethejump,asharppaineruptedfromherbackandshouldersassomethinglargeandheavysentherrollingforward.

2|It’sRainingMen

Ypsilon groaned as she slowly stood up, looking around.

Whateverhadhitherhadcollidedwitharowoftablesandchairs,creating a huge mess of the once orderly cafe. Good thing theplacewasn'topenyet,orshewouldhavehadtodealwithsomereally pissed off customers. As she looked around, the rubbleshifted.

Someonewasinthere.“Oh shit! You all right?” she shouted as she put aside her

betterjudgementandranovertothemess.ShewasgoingtokicktheGrinder’sassforlandingonherlikethat,butfirstshewantedtomakesuretheywereokayandnotsomeonefromherowncrew.

Pulling back a chair, a hand appeared, causing Ypsilon tostep back. Small artificial fingers stretched out toward the hot,midday sun. As she took a step towards the hand, the massshifted,andasmallboystoodup.

Ypsilongaspedandtookseveralstepsback,drawinghergun.“Whatthehell?”sheshoutedastheyoungkidemergedfromthewreckage.

Ypsilon’s mouth hung open as she surveyed him. His skinwasstretchedoutandmadeofmetal.Heworewhat looked likeoverallsandaneight-piececap.

Thekid stumbled from thepile,brushingoffhiskneesandlookingaroundinshock.

“Woah…”Kipsurveyedthefantasticworldhe’ddroppedinto.

Hewas familiarwith thegiganticbuildingsand flyingcars, theyhad those in the World Machine. His mechanical home in thecenterofEarthwasallKiphadeverknownuntilhe’dlandedhere.Theopen,blueskymadehimpause,mouthhungopeninawe.

Kiphadneverseenarealblueskybefore,andhegaspedashestaredupatthebeautifulbrightazurecolor.

Hiseyesdancedarounduntiltheyfoundthegirlhe’dcollidedwith.Awomanwith rainbowcoloredhairandpiercingeyeswaspointing a gun at him. Kip shoved his hand into his pocket,taking out a small, marble-sized knocker. He never left homewithout a few of them stashed in his pockets, just in case heneededtomakeanexplosiveexit.

“Hey, lady. What’s your problem? Are you crazy orsomethin’?” Kip raised his hand and prepared to lob the smallgrenade.

Ypsilon took a step back. “You can talk?What the hell areyou?”

“Umm,aDweller,duh.Notfornothin’,butyouwannapointthat thing somewhere else? Imean, even if youdidhitme, youwon’twinifIdropthis.Trustme.”Kiptossedthesmallballintotheairandcaughtitgracefullyinhispalm.

He’dknownTopsiderswouldbeshockedwhentheyfirstsawa Dweller, but she was not Topsider. Sure, she looked humanenough, but there was something strangely familiar about her.Somethingoddlymechanichecouldn’tquiteputhisfingeron.

Ypsilonstaredat the strange, roboticboy.She’dnever seenanything like it. But, somehow, something about it seemedfamiliar.“Wheredidyoucomefrom?”

“Literally, or actually? Literally, the sky. Though that’sprobably obvious since I kinda just landed on you. Actually, IcomefromtheMachine,”Kipsaidashetossedasmall,silverball

intotheairandcaughtitagain.“TheMachine?What’sthat?Whatareyou?”Ypsilonrepeated

asshe tried towrapherheadaroundwhatwashappening.ShewasanEngineer.Shecouldn'thelpfindingtheaspectofafallingrobot kid insanely interesting, but until she could determinewhether hewas dangerous or not, she needed to keep herwitsabouther.

“I feel like we covered that already,” Kip began, annoyancelacinghis voice. “I. Am.A.Dweller.Kip. Is.My.Name. I.Came.From. The. Machine,” he continued, slowly speaking each wordbefore giving up and huffing a sigh. “Look, lady, we can keeptalking,butdo youmindnotpointing your gunatme? Imean,isn'tpointingrudewherever…uhthisis?”

Ypsilon,notknowingwhy,slowlyloweredBangarang.ShegotthestrangefeelingKipwasn'ttrulydangerous.

“Taraveil.You’reinTaraveil,”shesaid,holsteringherweapon.“I’mYpsilon.”

Kip lowered his arm, placing the knocker back into hispocket.“Cool!ThatHallofDoorsportalactuallyworked.”

Apramflewby,andKipturnedandsprintedto theedgeofthebalcony.Ypsilon’sheartfrozeforamomentatthethoughtofhimjumping.

“Wow!Thisplaceiscool!”Kipshoutedashepeeredovertheledgeatthebright lightsoftheholo-signs.“It’s liketheMachineoncrack.”

Ypsilonwatchedthecuriouskid,andthemoresheexaminedhim, themore fascinatedshebecame.Thiswasa fullysentient,living,breathing,and talking robot.Soishawasgoing to flipherlidwhenshegotaholdofhim.

“Hey, Ypsilon.What’s that?” Kip shouted, pointing over theledge.

Ypsilonstarted towalkoverbutwas immediately sentbackasaprameruptedoverthesideofthebuilding.Kipwasthrownbackwardsandslidacrosstheground.

“Code violation! You are under arrest. Please lie down andawait processing!” the vehicle’smechanical voice commanded ofthem.

Itsredlights flashed,andthesilverpanelwithblueaccentsshone in the rising sun. The compliance officer’s boisterouslyreflective paint and mightier-than-thou attitude were a surefirewaytospotthemamileaway.

Two loud snaps erupted from the pram as the sidecompartments fell open revealing two large barrels. That’s notgood. Ypsilon looked over toKip, pleading himwith her eyes tostayback.

“Whoaretheseguys?”Kip’svoicecrackedwithfrustration.“Kip,don’tmove!TheStronzi loveshootingatGrinders,and

rightnow,you'reaGrinder!”Ypsilon lookedback to thevehicle.She didn't have an escape plan. If she sprinted and slidunderneath the pram, she could probably lose them on the fallfrom thebuilding.But thatwouldmean leaving thekidbehind,andhewasjusttoointerestingtolettheSenatehave.

Ypsilonsighedandputherhandsintheair,slowlyloweringtoherknees.

Kipwalked towardsYpsilon. “Wait aminute?Are thesebadguys?”

“Kip,don’tmove!Staythere!”shebarked.OneofthebarrelsshiftedsoitpointedatKip.Hestopped,glaringatthecomplianceofficer’svehicle.

“Ypsilon? Are they bad guys?” Kip asked again, his eyeslockedonthepram.

“Yes!” Ypsilon shouted. “Now, get down before you get uskilled!”

A sinister grin crept across Kip’s face. He turned andshruggedatYpsilon.“Oh,okaythen.”

Kipturnedtothevehicle.“Knockknock!”heshouted,takingthe smallmarble back out of his pocket and throwing it at theunderside of the pram. As soon as the little ball touched thethrusterunderthevehicle,amassiveexplosionsentYpsilonontoherback.

Orangeandredflamesshotinalldirections.Thecomplianceofficer’s vehicle spun and whirred uncontrollably in the air.YpsilonlookedupatKipwithhorrorandexcitementgleaminginhereyes,butnoteventheexplosionshiftedhisstance.

HejustmightbeaGrinderafterall.“Whatthehellwasthat?”Ypsilonshoutedassheranoverto

Kip.Thevehiclecollidedwithawallatthefarendoftheplatform,sparkseruptingasitslidacrossthemetalsurface.Itbouncedoffthewallandcrashedintoanadjoiningbuilding,causingasmallfiretoignitesomewherewithinthevehicle’sdepths.

“Invention of mine. I call them Knockers. They make greatpartyfavors,”Kipjokedashelookedbackatthetotaledvehicle.

Ypsilon was speechless. As they examined the mangledwreckage, one of the hatches popped open and smoke plumedfrominsidethecab.

“Uhoh.Lookslikethey’restillwithus.Let’sgetoutofhere,kid.You'recomingwithme.”YpsilonmotionedforKiptofollow.

“Uh,okay.But,ifyoutryanyfunnystuff,Ihaveplentymoreofthose.”

Ypsilon smiled. A killer set of knockers and an attitude toboot.Hewasn'tjustaGrinder.ThiskidwasanEngineeratheart.“I hear you. Justhold on to yourknockers and comeonbeforetheycallforhelp.”

3|AWholeNewWorld

Adalknewthatfeeling.Thatfeelingwhenyou’redrivingdown

aroadandcrestingahillatseventymilesperhour.Whenyourstomach feels like it just fluttered up into your chest and youthink you’re falling just for a split second. Jumping through aportalfeelsalotlikethat.

Adal’s grandfather used to call those Kazoom-Booms. Theonlydifferencethistimewasthat,eventhoughhecouldn'treallyseeormakeanysenseoftheflashesofimagesandlights,hewasalmostcertainhewasfalling.

AdaltriedtocatchaglimpseofArija,butnoluck.Hewasn'tsurehow longhe’dbeen in this fever-dreamofawormhole,buthewisheditwouldbeoversoon.

Arija had resolved to close her eyes after the first strangehallucinations.Shewasn'tsurewhensheandAdalhadstoppedholdinghands,but once they’d entered theportal in theHall ofDoorstogoafterKip,allbetswereoff.

That kid had done nothing but get them into trouble sincethey’d come to the World Machine, and now she couldn't evenfathomwhat typeofproblems theywould facewhen theygot totheotherside.Orwouldthereevenbeanotherside?

ShecalledoutforAdal,butsoundwouldn’tleaveherthroat.No matter howmuch she screamed, she couldn’t get her vocalcords tomakeasinglesound.Hadshesomehow losthervoice?

Weretheyinsomesortofvacuumwheresoundwouldn’ttravel?Inaninstant,abrightlightflashed,andforabriefmoment,

AdalandArijawerefalling.Reallyfalling.Arija landedhardonAdal,herknee finding itsway intohis

groin.Adal’sfacetwistedupinpain.“Hey,Igetthatyouworkout

andall,butdamngirl,you’reheavierthanyoulook.”Arija’s eyes hadn't adjusted to the bright light of wherever

they’dlanded,butshecouldfeelAdalsquirmingunderneathher.Shebracedherselfonthewarmmetalplatformthey’dlanded

on, lettingher long,darkhairslideoverhershouldersandontoAdal’s face.She letherselfget lost inthedarksofhiseyes foramomentbeforeshelineduphershotanddugherelbowintohisstomach.

Teachhimtomakesmartassremarks.“Andyou’resofterthanyoulook,”shesnappedassherolled

offhimtothehardsurface,andtheblurredworldcameintoview.Adalsatnexttoher,nursinghissorestomach.“Oh,comeon,

youbigbaby.Ididn'thityouthathard.”

Adalrolledtohissidebeforesittingupright.Hewasn'tsureif

it was Arija’s hit or the trip itself, but he was having troublefindinghisbreath.

Helookedupathisbestfriend,andforamoment,hismindwandered back to the kiss they’d shared thatmorning.Did thekissmeantheyweredating?Theyhadn’texactlytalkedaboutit.Kip had jumped through the portal so quickly that they hadn’thad time to discuss anything about their relationship, or lackthereof.

Something was different about Arija. She wasn’t like theothergirlshe’dbeenwithovertheyears.Shewasstrong,fierce,awarrior.Hecouldn’tmessthisup.

Shakingthethoughtfromhishead,Adalpulledhimselftohis

feetandfinallylookedaroundattheworldthey’dlandedin.Thebright light thathadnearlyblindedthemwasn'ta light

atall.Itwasthesun.WarmairtickledAdal’sface,andheclosedhiseyes,takinginagulpingbreathoffreshair.

HehadnearlyforgottenthefeelingofopenairintheirtimeintheWorldMachinewithWebleyandhismechanicalcreatures.

Ever since they’d found that elevator to the center of theEarth, their life had been one strange adventure after another.Adal still wasn’t completely convinced it wasn’t some weirddream,buthewasrollingwiththepunches,sotospeak.

“Bro,whatisthisplace?”Adalmarveled.“Okay,firstoff,don’tcallme‘bro’.Secondly,accordingtothe

panelKipactivatedintheHallofDoors,we’reinsomeplacecalledTaraveil.”

In their awe of themoment, Adal had nearly forgottenwhythey’dcomeinthefirstplace.“Ohshit,doyouthinkKipwould’velandedsomewherearoundhere?”

Arijashovedherhand inherpocketandpulledout thekeythatwouldbringthemhometotheWorldMachine.Sheletoutasighofreliefassheexaminedthechainwiththesmalllanternonit.

“Uh…Arija…”Adalnudgedher.Somehow, they’d managed to miss the large crash on the

opposingsideoftheplatform.Smokeandsparkseruptedfromavehiclethat lookedlikeit

collided with one of the building. Adal took a tentative steptowards the crash, feeling like Kip must have something to dowithit.

“Get on the ground!” two men in police uniforms shouted,theirweaponspointedatAdalandArija.

Adalsucked inadeepbreath, instinctuallyslidinghishandunderneath his black leather jacket to his hip,where his pistolwasholstered.“Hey,fellas,Ithinkthere’ssomemis—”

“Isaidgetdownnow!”Theolderofthetwoofficers—apudgyguywithaspeckledgrayingblackbeardandpock-markedskin—tookasteptowardAdal,aiminghispistolathim.

HissteadyhandtoldAdaltheofficerhadbeendoingthisjob

foralongtime.The other officer shot sideways glances at his older

counterpart.“Sarge,Iknowwetookahittothehead,butIdon'tthinkthesearetheGrinderswewerejustdealingwith.Thisone’sblack,andthegirl…Ithinkthegirlhadrainbowhair,notblackhair.”

“You think I can’t see that, Yuri? It doesn'tmatter anyway.Theyalllookaliketome.”

“Aw, what the hell?” Adal protested, stepping toward theSargent.

“Getdown,orI’llshoot!”TheSargent’svoicecrackedahigheroctave.

“Whatthehellisyourproblem?Wejustgothere.”Arijatookadefiantstepforward,closingthegapbetweenherandAdal.

“Sir, thesearen't them,”OfficerYuri saidagain,placingoneshakyhandonthesergeant’sarm.

“Son,do I look like I care?Grinders are all the same. I betthesetwojustfinishedrobbingabankorjackingacar.Anyway,itdon’tmatter.TheSenatepaysustocleanupthetrashandkeeporder.You’lllearnthatsoonenough.”

TheolderofficerbroughthisattentionbacktoAdalandArija.“Now,youtwo,getontheground.Thisisyourlastchance,beforeIputaroundthroughyourhead.”

AdalandArijasharedaknowingglance.Thiswasbad.Theycouldn'tjustfighttheirwayoutortheymayenduppublicenemynumberoneandnever findKipormake itbacktotheMachine.Reluctantly, theyslowlyraised theirhandsand lowereddowntotheirknees.

“That’s good! Now, lay flat on your stomachs,” the Sargentbarked.

Adal and Arija both sighed in frustration as they did whattheyweretold.

Thewarm surface of the platformheated Adal’s face and aloose bolt dug into his cheek as he turned his head to look atArija.

Ragecontortedher features,and frankly,hecouldn’tblameher.They’ddonenothingwrong,yetheretheywere,abouttoget

arrested—eventhoughtheofficersknewtheywereinnocent.“Thereyougo.Yuri,taketheboy.I’lltendtotheyounglady.”Somethinginthesergeant’svoicemadeAdal’sskincrawl.He

locked eyes with Arija, using the familiar gold flecks to remaincalm.

The officers’ footsteps quickened as they approached. Soon,thesergeant’sglossyblackshoesstoodnext toArija’shead,butherefusedtopullhiseyesfromher.Arijawasawarriorbuttherewasalsosomethingsosoothingaboutlookingintohereyes.

“Allright,Yuri.Checkhimforanycontrabandandthencuffhim.ThesedamnkidsalwayshaveGoGoon‘em.Bunchofdamnjunkies.”

“Yes,sir,”Yuriresponded.AheavyweightpressedintoAdalasYuriplacedakneeinhis

backandanaudibleclickcameasheholsteredhisweapon.“IthinkI’llhavetobeespeciallythoroughwiththisone.She

lookslikeshe’scarrying,”thesergeantannouncedashecroucheddownnexttoArijaandslidonehanddownherwaisttoherhips.

“Youknowthisisbullshit,right?Wehaven'tdoneanything,”Adal protested, struggling when he saw the hardened look inArija’seyes.

“Shutyourmouth!”thesergeantsnapped.Yuripaused,eyeinghispartnerbeforehecontinuedtopress

hishandsupanddownAdal’sback.YuriwasgoingtofindAdal’sgun anyminute now. He needed to act fast before things wentsouth.

“Adal, calmdown,”Arijastarted throughgritted teeth. “Thisisallamisunderstanding.ThinkaboutKip.”

TheSergeantgaveadeep,throatylaughasheranhishandupanddownArija’ships.“Likeyoutwocandoanythingtostopme.”

WitheveryoverlyenthusiasticpatandsqueezefromthemanfriskingArija,shewinced.

Adalknithisbrowstogether,willinghertoputanendtothisandgoforthedaggersshealwayskeptinherboot.“Youknow,Iwouldn'tkeeptouchingherlikethat.Ifindit’sthequickestwaytoearnanass-whoopin’”

The officer didn’t reply but as his hands finally found herbutt,hesqueezed.

Arija’s face went cold, and rage burned through Adal sostronglyhethoughthe’dphysicallystartshootingsteam.

“Arija?”Adalasked,silentlypleadingwithhertolethimbeattheshitoutofthisskeezball.

“Yeah,I’moverthis,”shereplied.“‘Boutdamntime.”Adalyankedhisleftshoulderupandslid

hisrightlegaround,knockingYuriback.HeusedhismomentumtokickYuriintheheadasheslidaroundtofacethesergeant.

Arija’s rage and disgust fueled her. She reached back andgrabbed theperv’shandstill clutchingherass.Withher fingerssqueezing as tightly as she could, she repeatedly brought herrightelbowupwardintotheman’sface.

Arijadidn’tbother to lookat thedamageshewas inflicting,butwitheachstrike,theslapsandsnapsturnedtomoist,squishsounds. The delicate bones in his nose were broken to say theleast.

Rollingsideways,Arijatucked,grabbingthesergeant’shandsand flippinghisheavymassoverherbody.Ashe slammed intotheplatform,Arijasatonhischest.

Thecrimsonstreamfromhissmashednoseranoverhisfaceasshehithimuntilthepervertstoppedfightingback.Shelookedover.

Adal’sattackhadsurprisedtheyoungofficer,andhehadn'tbeen able to successfully avoid the hits. As he fell back, Adallandedanotherkicktohischestbeforestandinganddrawinghispistol.

“Woah,woah,woah!Don'tshoot!”Yurishouted,theshockinhis voice evident. He threw his hands up in the air andsurrendered.

Adal furrowed his brow. He hadn't expected such an easyfight.

“I’mnotwiththisidiot.”Arijastoodfirmatoptheperv’smotionlessbodyandglaredat

thepiggishman foramomentbefore throwingapartingkick tohis groin. Sheneeded a shower towash the creeping feeling offherskin.No,sheneededanacidbathifshewasgoingtogetridofthefeelofthisasshole’sfat,grubbyfingersgropingatherbody.

The young officer cowered at Adal’s feet. “It’s my first day.Really.I’mnotintowhathedid,”Yuripleaded.

Adal kept his weapon trained on him like he was trying tofigureoutwhetherornothecouldtrusttheguyenoughtolethimgo.

“Adal,he’sgood.Let’sjustgetoutofhere,”Arijasaidasshewalkeduptostandbesidehim.

Thesoundofhervoiceseemedto instantlycalmhimdown,andhelookedatherthenbacktoYuri.

“Allright,that’scool.Slowlytakeyourgunoutofitsholsterandthrowitoverthere.”Adalpointedtothecrashthetwoofficershad come from.Withoutmissing a beat, Yuri yanked the pistolfreeandthrewitashardashecould.

Arijawatchedthemetallicobjectbounceseveraltimesbeforeitdisappearedintothesmokingwreckage.

AdalturnedtoArija.“Allrightthen.Let’sgetthehelloutofhere.” After a second, he took a deep breath and awkwardlyturnedbacktoYuri.“Hey,Iappreciateyousurrenderingandall,butum…howdowegetdownfromhere?”

Yurilookedathiminsilenceforamoment,confusionsettlingonhis features.“Ifyouwanttogotoanother level, thereshouldbealift insidethecafethatcantakeyoudown.”Yuripointedatthewallofwindowsandaglassdoorthatledintotheshopbehindthem.

Arijanoddedasthetwowalkedawayandovertothedoubledoor.

Adal gave the door a full yank, but it did not budge.“Seriously?Thisplaceisclosed?”hescoffed,shakinghishead.

“Whynot?Itisn'tlikecatchinguptoKipcouldbeeasy.That

kidgetsus intomore trouble… I swear.He’salmostworse thanyou,”Arijaadded,givingthedooranotherfirmtug.

“Me?WhatdidIdo?”Arija rolled her eyes, shaking her head. “Wewouldn't be in

this mess if you wouldn’t encourage him to get into so muchtrouble.”

“Oh, right. Hey, if I remember correctly, I wasn't all aboutrunning in here and saving him. I specifically remember thatparticularvotecomingfromyou.”

Arija opened her mouth to retort, but the sound of anexplosion and shattering glass prevented her. They ducked andspunontheirheels,turningtofacethesource.

OfficerMcPervystoodontheotherendoftheplatform,blooddrippingfromhisnoseandhisgunpointeddirectlyatthem.

“Son of a bitch!” Adal shouted as he grabbed Arija by theshoulder,yankingheraroundthecornerofthebuildingtowardapileoftoppledchairsandtables.

“No!”Yuri’ssmallvoiceburstbetweenshots.Arija glanced over her shoulder, but to her surprise, Yuri

wasn’ttryingtostopthemfromescaping.Instead,theyoungcopsprintedathispartnerandthrewhimselfontopof thebleedingman.Heyankedthepistolfreefromthesergeant’sfatfingersandthrew it across theplatform.The twopartners scuffled forabitbefore several lucky hits from Yuri eliminated the threat onceagain.

AsAdalandArijastoodnexttothepileofrubble,sheshotaworriedglanceathimandthendownatherownhands.Atsomepoint,Adalhaddrawnhisweapon,andshehadmanagedtoworkabootknifeoutofhershoe.Howhadtheygonefromnormalhighschoolteenagers,tocombatreadywarriorsinonlyafewweeks?

“You two need to get out of here now!” Yuri shouted as hekneeledoverhispartner.

Adalslidhisrevolverbackintoitsholster,andArijapocketedthebladeratherthanplacingitinherboot.

“Thanks, bro,” Adal shouted as the two trampled over thebrokenglassandintothevacantbusiness.

“Thank you for your help,” Arija added before ducking into

theshattereddoorafterAdal.TheinterioroftheshoplookedlikeanyothercafeonEarth,

withanassortmentof littleroundtablesandall thechairspiledneatlyontop.

Arija took a few more steps into the dark room. A longchalkboardstretchedalongthebackwallwithvariouslistingsforsoups and sandwiches, coffees and ice cream. She touched thepalmofherhandtoherstomachasitletoutarebelliousgurgle.

The lift Yuri had told them about stood across from thedoorway.Whyhedecidedtohelpthem,Arijadidn'tknow,nordidshecare.TheyhadtofindKip.

As Adal and Arija neared the double doors, theyautomatically opened, and the two friends stepped inside. Thedoorsclosedbehind them,and thenoise fromtheskyworld fellaway.

“Whatisitwiththeseadventuresandelevators?Iswear,it’slikethesameguyissettingthisshituporsomething,”Adaljoked,tuggingathisjacketandadjustinghisbelt.

“Now isn't the time to joke around. We need to find Kip.Everything’s changed in theMachine, andwe still have awholebuttloadofstuffwehavetofigureout.Yeah,Pajakisinjail,buthiscreepycreationsareallsortsofjittery.That,andnowthere’ssomecivilunrestinAparat.Icanjustsmellanuprising,andwecan’t leave Webley there alone.” Arija examined a seeminglyinfinitesetofscrollingnumbersonthedigitalscreen.

Adal strutted over to the panel in a grand attempt to takecontrol. “I know. I know.Shit got real, andwe’re stuckhere onthisgoosechase.IfKiphadn'tjumpedintothatportalintheHallof Doors, we wouldn't be in this mess.” Seeing the wave ofoptions,hepausedandstoodback.

“What’swrong?Notaseasyasitlooksisit?”Arijasneered.“Imean, it can’t be thathard. Justhit lobbyor something.

Groundfloormaybe?”Heranhis fingerover thescreen,but thescrollofnumberswasendless.

“Don’tyouthinkIwouldhavedonethatalreadyifitwereanoption?Jackass.”Arijamumbledthelastwordunderherbreath.

Theymay be dating or something, but that didn’t give him

therighttobeajerk.“There. Maybe that’s it,” Arija said, pointing to the P1

selection.Adallookedather.“Whatdoesthatevenmean?”“I don't know. Maybe it’s like parking or something. Either

way,that’sthefirstfloorI’veseenthathasa1init,sowe’regoingthere. Buckle up, buttercup, because we’re going down….Hopefully.”

Theliftcameto life,andthenumbersonthescreenstartedtocountdown.UnliketheliftthathadtakenthemdownintotheWorld Machine on Earth, this trip was relatively smooth andpainless.

“Whatdoyouthinkisgoingtobeouttherewaitingforus?”Arijaasked,hergazelockedonthedoors.

“I don’t know. We’ve seen so much the last few weeks, Ihonestly wouldn’t be surprised if there was a dancing purpledinosauroracrazedguywithachainsawforanarm.”

“You watch too much television, and clearly not even goodT.V.”

Adal turned to look Arija in the eye. He wrapped one armaroundherwaistandpulledherclosetohim.

Arija’s breath hitched. She hated how he made her heartpound.Itmadeherfeelvulnerable.

“Besides, whatever it is, we got this,” he whispered againsthercheek.

Arija’sfaceflushed,andshepulledaway,tryingtoregainhercomposure. Asmuch as shewanted the feel of his lips onhersagain,nowwasnotthetimeforthis.TheyhadtogetKipandgetbacktotheMachine.

“Youthinkwewillfindhimanytimesoon?”“Don’tknow.Idoknowthat,whenwedofindhim,I’mgoing

tobeathisass,”Adaljoked,pullinghisarmbackastheelevatorcametoastop.

Arijasmiled.Atleastthiswasgoingtobeentertaining.

ContinueReadingHERE

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AboutZach

Zachary is a bow tie wearing, formal vest rocking, pocket

watchusing,sarcasticmonsterofawriter.Currently residing inMount Dora, Florida, he spends his days working, writing andprocrastinating.

Coupled with being a USA Today bestselling author of award-winningfantasyandsciencefiction,Zachspendshisdaystryingnottokillhimselfwithlethallevelsofcaffeine.

Zachistheauthorof theGabrielleseries,ayoungadult fantasywithaparanormal-historical-time traveling twist (trysaying thatfive times fast) and The Hall of Doors Series, a cross worldsadventurewithsnarkyyetlovablecharacters.

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