The undercity’s atmosphere was dense with smog, illuminated by the eerie orange haze of artificial lights reflecting off the polluted air. Kite’s footsteps echoed faintly against the cracked pavement as he navigated through the labyrinthine streets shortly after school ended. The buildings surrounding him were a mix of decay and ingenuity, a patchwork of crumbling concrete structures reinforced with exposed steel beams and neon signage flickering erratically.

Overhead, wires and cables formed chaotic webs, strung between buildings like veins feeding the lifeblood of the undercity’s chaotic energy. The streets were alive with activity, despite their grimy appearance. Chimera children with mismatched features, fox tails, feathered arms, and scaled legs, darted between stalls peddling questionable wares.

Cyborg vendors displayed mechanical limbs and spare parts on makeshift tables, their wares gleaming under the faint glow of neon signs advertising everything from illegal tech upgrades to black-market energy cells. Humans bustled about, some wearing masks to shield themselves from the stinging air, while others seemed indifferent to the pollution.

Kite’s eyes wandered to a mechanic’s shop nestled between a rundown noodle bar and a pawnshop. Its sign, adorned with a fading gear emblem, flickered weakly, reading: “Gearhead’s Garage: We Fix Anything.” The garage was open, revealing sparks flying from a welding torch as a heavily augmented mechanic worked on a battered hover bike. The mechanic’s assistant, a teenage chimera with feline ears and a robotic tail, scurried to retrieve tools from a cluttered workbench.

Next door, the scent of sizzling oil and spices wafted from a street-side restaurant. Its owner, an elderly woman with cybernetic arms, flipped food on a sizzling griddle while shouting orders to her staff. A line of customers, a mix of species and augmentations, waited impatiently for their meals, their chatter blending into the cacophony of the street.

As Kite walked further, his gaze was drawn to a sleek, high-end body modification shop. The storefront was encased in pristine glass, glowing advertisements displaying augmented models with gleaming, weaponized limbs or vivid cosmetic enhancements like luminescent skin and programmable tattoos. Inside, customers lounged in plush chairs while robotic arms whirred around them, installing upgrades with surgical precision. The shop’s luxurious aesthetic clashed starkly with the gritty surroundings of the undercity.

Outside the shop, two imposing bodyguards stood watch, their augmented physiques intimidating enough to dissuade any troublemakers. Their eyes scanned the crowd, a precaution after the violent incident days prior, where a confrontation had left several patrons dead. A faint scorch mark on the pavement nearby served as a grim reminder of the chaos that had unfolded.

Ray, now nestled in Kite’s arms, observed everything with his faintly glowing green pupils. The robotic baby’s gaze lingered on the bodyguards, then shifted to the bustling streets, processing the juxtaposition of luxury and decay. Kite, feeling Ray’s subtle movements, glanced down and muttered under his breath. “This place is something else, huh?”

The pair continued their journey, weaving through the crowded streets, each step taking them deeper into the tangled heart of the undercity. Awhile later of walking, Kite would then reach a street market. The street market was alive with noise and activity, a chaotic medley of sights, sounds, and smells.

Makeshift stalls made of scrap metal, old wood, and glowing neon hovered above the cracked and uneven ground, each one selling a dizzying array of goods. Holographic signs flickered overhead, advertising everything from cybernetic implants to reprogrammed AI companions. Vendors shouted their wares to passersby, their voices competing with the hum of nearby machinery and the occasional burst of static from malfunctioning speakers.

The air was thick with the aroma of fried food and metallic tang, mingling with the acrid scent of burning fuel. Crowds of chimeras, cyborgs, and humans weaved through the narrow pathways, their voices blending into an overwhelming murmur. Kite clutched Ray tightly in his arms, careful to shield the robotic baby from the jostling crowd as they navigated the bustling scene.

Kite’s eyes darted to the stalls as they passed. One displayed shimmering arrays of cybernetic eyes and hands, each piece more intricate than the last. Another vendor boasted fresh-cooked skewers of unknown meat, the sizzling sound making Kite’s stomach rumble. A third sold handcrafted trinkets and tools, their surfaces polished to perfection.

“I always wanna buy something from these markets,” Kite muttered, his voice tinged with longing. “But I never have enough Teca-bites.”

Ray remained silent in Kite’s arms, his faintly glowing green pupils scanning the market’s vibrant chaos. His small robotic body was tucked snugly against Kite’s chest, but his right hand slowly pressed against his own robotic torso. Purple light began to radiate faintly from both his palm and eyes, unnoticed by Kite.

A moment later, Ray’s soft voice broke the noise around them. “Father.” Kite stopped mid-step, his eyes snapping to Ray in surprise. He barely had time to process the word before Ray lifted his small hand, now holding ten slim Teca-sticks. The metallic black sticks with gold edges shimmered faintly in the neon lights, each one worth a small fortune.

“Whoa!” Kite exclaimed, grabbing the Teca-sticks from Ray’s outstretched hand with trembling fingers. He stared at the currency, his eyes wide in disbelief. “I could buy a hover car with this much money!”

Ray’s lips curled into a small smile as he watched Kite’s expression of pure astonishment and glee. “You seemed… in need,” Ray cooed softly, his voice calm and measured, as though the act was nothing extraordinary.

Kite held the Teca-sticks tightly, his heart racing. “How did you- wait, never mind. I don’t even care!” His grin stretched across his face as he glanced back at Ray. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

Ray tilted his head slightly, his glowing eyes gleaming with a gentle warmth. Kite’s steps quickened as he darted toward a stall selling a bundle of fresh food and tools, the excitement bubbling within him. But even as he moved through the market, a small part of him couldn’t shake the strange, powerful connection he felt to the little robotic baby in his arms, a bond that was growing stronger with every moment they spent together.

The stall selling fresh food and tools was tucked into a corner of the market, its structure haphazardly built from mismatched metal panels and glowing with faint neon strips to draw attention. A hand-painted sign overhead read “Bundles for Survival: Tools and Treats!” in blocky, smudged letters. On the stall’s counter, several neatly arranged bundles of supplies rested, each one tied together with synthetic cord.

The bundles varied in size and content. Some included tightly packed food rations, vacuum-sealed fruits, nutrient bars, and even a few small vials of purified water. Others contained basic tools like multi-purpose wrenches, small solar chargers, and compact utility knives. A few bundles combined both food and tools, making them the most expensive offerings.

The vendor, a grizzled older man with a cybernetic arm that whirred softly as he moved, looked up from a data pad as Kite approached. His eyes, one human and one an artificial red lens, scanned the boy with mild disinterest.

Kite hesitated for a moment, clutching the Teca-sticks in his hand as he glanced over the bundles. “Uh, how much for that one?” he asked, pointing to a medium-sized bundle that included a mix of food rations and tools.

The vendor raised an eyebrow, his cybernetic eye whirring as it focused on Kite. “That one’s four Teca-sticks, kid,” he said gruffly.

Kite’s face fell slightly, but he quickly brightened, holding up the ten Teca-sticks Ray had given him. “What about just the food? How much for that bundle?”

The vendor leaned forward, tapping the counter with his metal fingers. “Two Teca-sticks for the food bundle. You sure you’re not interested in the tools, though? Can’t eat your way out of trouble, y’know.”

Kite chuckled nervously. “Yeah, well, tools don’t fill your stomach.”

He handed over the two Teca-sticks, watching as the vendor inspected them with a practiced eye. Satisfied, the man nodded and reached for the food bundle, placing it on the counter with a heavy thud. “All yours, kid. Good pick, those nutrient bars’ll keep you going for days, and the fruit’s fresh. Grown in one of the upper levels and said to massively increase one's lifespan when part of a diet.”

Kite grabbed the bundle eagerly, tucking it under one arm while still holding Ray with the other. He glanced down at Ray, who was watching the exchange silently with his glowing green pupils. “You’re the best, little guy,” Kite said with a grin.

The vendor squinted at Ray, his expression shifting to mild suspicion. “What’s with the bot?” he asked.

Kite stiffened slightly, his grip tightening on Ray. “Uh, nothing. Just a project I’m working on,” he lied quickly.

The vendor shrugged, clearly not interested enough to press further. “Just keep it out of trouble. I don’t need any heat from the enforcers if it glitches out.”

Kite nodded hurriedly and turned away, making his way back into the crowded market. As he walked, he glanced down at Ray, his grin returning. “Can you believe it? Real fruit! I don’t think I’ve ever had anything from the upper levels before.”

Ray tilted his head, his faint smile still in place. “You deserve it,” he said simply, his voice soft and deliberate.

Kite’s heart swelled at the words, and he gave a big warm smile as he walked through the market. Thirty minutes would soon pass and the two of them now sat inside of a large mall. The mall was a sprawling, multi-leveled structure carved out of the undercity’s industrial husk. Unlike the pristine malls of the ones in Horizon heights, this one had a grungy, makeshift feel.

Bright neon signs in various colors flickered above storefronts selling everything from recycled clothing to cybernetic enhancements. The air smelled faintly of oil, fried food, and the occasional whiff of smoke from malfunctioning machinery. Rusted pipes snaked along the ceilings, dripping condensation onto the chipped tiles below.

The central atrium featured a patchwork of vendor stalls, surrounded by worn benches and tables where people of all types, humans, chimeras, and cyborgs, sat eating or chatting. Kite and Ray had found a table tucked near the edge of the atrium, away from the heaviest foot traffic.

Kite set the food bundle down and carefully unwrapped it, revealing a mix of nutrient bars, a small package of sliced fruit, and a tightly sealed drink pouch filled with purified water. “Alright, little guy,” Kite said, his tone cheerful as he pulled out a nutrient bar. “Let’s see what the rich folks up top are eating.”

He unwrapped the bar, revealing a dense, beige block that looked unimpressive but smelled faintly sweet. He broke it in half and handed a piece to Ray.

Ray took the piece in his small robotic hand, tilting his head curiously. “What is this?” he asked, his voice smooth and childlike, with an almost musical quality.

“looks like some kinda candy,” Kite replied with a grin, popping his half into his mouth and chewing thoughtfully. “Not bad. Kinda tastes like… honey and oats, maybe?” He glanced at Ray expectantly. “Go on, try it.”

Ray hesitated, then brought the bar to his mouth, which opened with a soft mechanical hum. He took a small bite, his glowing pupils flickering faintly as he processed the flavors. “It’s… pleasant,” he said after a moment, his voice carrying a hint of wonder.

Kite laughed, leaning back in his chair. “Pleasant, huh? You sound like one of those fancy AI assistants. Just say it’s good, little guy.”

Ray smiled softly, his eyes meeting Kite’s. “It’s good,” he said, mimicking Kite’s tone.

They shared a laugh before Kite reached for the fruit. He opened the package and held up a piece of bright yellow mango. “Now this,” he said, “this is the real treasure. I’ve only ever had canned fruit before.” He took a bite, and his eyes widened as the juicy sweetness hit his tongue. “Oh, man. This is incredible.”

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Ray watched intently, then extended his hand. Kite handed him a piece, and Ray’s mechanical jaw mimicked the motion of chewing. His glowing pupils shifted slightly, turning a deeper green as he spoke. “Sweet. Juicy. Very good.”

Kite chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re like a little food critic or something.” Ray tilted his head with a blank face in confusion before laughing. “Food Critic? As if.”

“C’mon, who wouldn’t want to be a food critic,” Kite said teasingly as he took another bite of mango. “You’d probably be a good one. You’ve got that calm, fancy way of talking.”

Ray’s gaze softened as he smiled warmly. “Thank you, you are kind,” he said quietly. Kite blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in Ray’s voice. “Well… thanks, I guess,” he said, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. “You’re not so bad yourself, y’know.”

They continued sharing the food in comfortable silence for a while, the bustling noise of the mall fading into the background. As Kite sipped from the drink pouch, he glanced at Ray. “Hey, where’d you even get those Teca-sticks earlier?”

Ray looked at Kite for a moment, his glowing eyes flickering faintly as though calculating his response. He took another bite of the food, chewing thoughtfully before finally answering, “I… found them.”

Kite raised a brow, unconvinced. “Found them? What, did you trip over a bag of money and decide, ‘Hey, this is mine now?” He chuckled, but his curiosity lingered.

Ray tilted his head, his small robotic fingers tapping lightly on the table. “Something like that,” he said, his voice soft but tinged with an almost mischievous edge.

Kite leaned forward, setting the drink pouch down. “Okay, spill it, Ray. You’re weird, yeah, but that was next level. Where’d you actually get them?”

Ray’s glowing pupils briefly shifted from green to a faint purple, signaling hesitation. After a brief pause, he leaned closer to Kite and said sheepishly “I… teleported them.”

Kite froze mid-drink, his eyebrow raised as he stared at Ray. “You… teleported them? Like, poof, out of nowhere?” His voice rising slightly.

Ray nodded, his expression unreadable. “Not ‘nowhere.’ They were in a vault… somewhere. I knew you needed them, so I moved them.”

Kite’s eyes widened. “You mean you stole from a vault? Ray!” His voice was equal parts shock and awe. “Do you have any idea how much trouble that could’ve gotten us in? What if they track it back?”

Ray’s small shoulders straightened, and he placed his palm over his chest again, his tone calm but firm. “They can't track it, not with the technology they have now. My abilities leave almost no trace. I did it to help you.”

Kite sighed, running a hand through his curly hair as he leaned back in his chair. “Man, you’re crazy. Seriously. Like, super crazy. But…” He looked at Ray, the initial wave of panic subsiding into a mix of gratitude and disbelief. “…I guess it’s kind of cool, too. Like, if I could do that, I’d never go hungry again.”

Ray smiled faintly, a flicker of pride crossing his face. “You needed it, and I wanted to help. That’s all.”

Kite shook his head, laughing softly. “You’re something else, y’know that? A teleporting, money-snatching, robot-baby genius. Never thought I’d see the day.”

Ray tilted his head, his eyes glowing brighter for a moment. “And you are kind, resourceful, and brave. A good person.”

Kite blinked, caught off guard by the compliment. “Me? Brave? Nah, I can barely sit through a horror movie.” Kite says with a laugh.

Ray’s voice softened with a knowing smile before speaking. “We’ll see.” Kite stared at Ray for a moment, unsure how to respond. Finally, he let out a small laugh, though it lacked his usual edge. “Well, Thanks, I guess. Maybe I don’t give myself enough credit sometimes.”

They sat in silence for a few moments, the bustling mall around them a blur of voices and footsteps. Kite reached for another piece of food, holding it up for Ray, who accepted it without hesitation.

“So…” Kite said, breaking the silence, “if you can teleport stuff, what else can you do? Can you Like, shoot lasers out of your eyes?”

Ray chuckled softly, a rare sound that made Kite grin. “Maybe. But not here. It would attract too much attention.”

Kite smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Guess I’ll have to wait find out, huh?”

Ray nodded, his glowing eyes meeting Kite’s with a small smile. “Yea. you will.”

But The mall grew quiet as a man's voice boomed through the megaphone, his words cutting through the usual clamor of the Undercity’s busiest marketplace. Kite paused mid-chew, turning his head toward the commotion. Across the open atrium, a lanky man stood on a makeshift platform, clutching a megaphone in one hand and gesturing passionately with the other.

Ray’s faintly glowing green eyes however, changed to a violet hue as locked onto the man with a sharp intensity, recognizing the man almost instantly. “For too long,” Levi’s voice echoed, “this city has allowed corporations to oppress and enslave anyone they see as lesser! Whether you’re human, chimera, or robot, we all deserve equality! We all deserve dignity!”

Kite swallowed his bite and glanced at Ray. “Whoa, he’s really going for it, huh?” he said, a trace of admiration in his tone.

But Ray didn’t respond. He kept his focus squarely on the man. Levi continued, his voice gaining strength. “I’m Levi Allen, and I’m running for mayor of the Undercity! If we unite, if we stand together, we can dismantle the systems of oppression that have chained us down for generations! No more corporate tyranny! No more automaton slavery!”

The words seemed to ripple through the crowd. Some onlookers stopped to listen, curiosity and hope glimmering in their eyes. Others rolled their eyes or muttered under their breath, dismissing the fiery speech as the ramblings of another dreamer.

Kite smiled softly and leaned in toward Ray. “What do you think? He’s got a point, doesn’t he?”

Ray finally tore his gaze from Levi to glance up at Kite, his robotic pupils glowing faintly. “He… is important,” Ray said quietly, his voice unusually thoughtful for someone so small.

Kite blinked in surprise, tilting his head. “Important? Like how?”

Ray looked back toward Levi, his expression serious. “His voice shapes the future.”

Kite furrowed his brow, confused but intrigued. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Ray didn’t elaborate, his gaze fixed once again on Levi, who had now moved into the heart of his speech.

“I promise you,” Levi declared, his voice unwavering, “that if you give me your trust, I will fight for every single one of you. I will bring justice to the Undercity. No one, human, chimera, or robot will ever be treated as less than again.”

The crowd’s reaction was mixed. A few cheered, their voices filled with hope. Others muttered cynically, shaking their heads as they walked away.

Kite sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Big dreams for a place like this. I hope he knows what he’s getting into.”

Ray, still focused on Levi, spoke with quiet conviction. “He succeeds.”

Kite’s eyes widened slightly. “You really think so?”

Ray nodded once, his small hand gripping the table tighter. “I’ve seen it.”

Kite stared at Ray, an odd feeling stirring in his chest. He didn’t fully understand what the little guy meant, but there was something about the way he always spoke, something calm and certain, that made Kite believe him.

As Levi continued his impassioned speech, Kite leaned back in his seat, his gaze flickering between the speaker and Ray. “Guess we’d better pay attention, huh? If what you’re saying is true, this guy might actually change everything.”

Ray didn’t answer. Instead, he kept his focus on Levi, his faintly glowing eyes reflecting the fiery determination of the man before them.

Levi’s voice resonated through the crowded mall, his words like thunder as he neared the end of his speech. The crowd’s reactions were a blur, some cheered, their voices rising in hopeful unity, while others sneered, dismissing him as just another dreamer trying to take on a world that didn’t care.

“And I promise you,” Levi shouted, raising his fist in the air, “if you trust me, if we stand together, we will tear down the systems that have held us down for too long! We will see justice, not just for the humans, but for the chimera’s, and for the robots!" His words rang through the mall, striking something deep within the listeners. But for all the hope in the crowd, some still turned away, muttering in disbelief.

Ray’s eyes were still fixed on Levi as the man finished his speech, his words falling like a heavy silence across the room. “We must unite,” Levi’s voice softened as he reached the closing remarks. “No one should be less than the other, regardless of their form. We are all worthy of freedom.”

Kite’s eyes had been glued to Levi but suddenly, his gaze shifted. He noticed something, a flicker of movement in the crowd. Several figures, humans dressed in heavy jackets, seemed to be adjusting something beneath their coats, subtle but deliberate. The hint of glowing weapons could be seen beneath the fabric.

Kite furrowed his brow, a sinking feeling in his gut. “Ray… do you see that?”

Ray’s expression didn’t shift. His focus sharpened. He had been silently watching the entire scene, his glowing eyes narrowing as he observed the thugs in the crowd. They were moving with purpose, heading toward the exits, their intentions as clear as day.

Levi finished his speech, raising his arms in a final gesture of defiance, his words cutting through the air one last time. “Together, we will rise!”

The crowd responded with a mix of applause and uncertainty, but before anyone could even react fully, the men began moving in the same direction as Levi, following him outside the mall. Ray didn’t say a word at first, but Kite noticed the intensity in his eyes. His robotic hand clenched the table in front of him, his whole-body tense with purpose.

Then, suddenly, without warning, Ray’s small form lifted off of the chair, the cosmic energy surrounding his body flaring to life. A faint purple aura surrounded him, pulsing like a heartbeat, as he began to hover in mid-air, his glowing eyes turning a bright cosmic hue, a reflection of the raw power now emanating from him.

Kite’s eyes widened in shock. “Ray!” he started, but before he could say anything else, Ray shot forward, a blur of energy, darting after the thugs in the direction of the exit.

Kite’s heart skipped a beat. “Wait, Ray!” he called after Ray, scrambling to his feet. His legs burned as he dashed across the food court, pushing through the crowd of shoppers who barely noticed his hurried movements. “Ray! Come back!” he shouted, his voice cracking with concern.

But Ray was already out of sight, his small form flying through the mall’s atrium like a comet, trailing cosmic energy behind him as he zipped toward the men. Kite didn’t even think, he just ran. His shoes skidded on the polished floor as he sprinted, his eyes focused on the door where Ray had gone. His mind raced. What was going on? Why were these thugs following Levi? And why did Ray feel the need to follow them so urgently?

Kite’s shoes slapped against the slick tiles of the mall floor as he sprinted toward the exit, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps. The air around him seemed to grow heavier with every step, a rising tension knotting in his chest. Then, like a thunderclap, the sound of energy blasts cracked through the air, echoing through the mall.

The sharp hum of ray guns was followed by terrified screams. Kite stumbled for a split second, his mind spinning. No. No, no, no. What’s happening out there? His pulse quickened as dread clawed at his stomach. I should’ve stopped him!

“Ray!” Kite shouted, his voice hoarse as panic overtook him. The screams grew louder, and the blasts reverberated like a drumbeat in his chest. He pushed himself harder, his legs burning as he ran toward the source of the chaos. What if he gets hurt? What if…? But he couldn’t finish the thought.

As he reached the mall doors, the chaos seemed to crescendo, every sound pressing down on him. The metallic taste of fear filled his mouth as he slammed through the doors, stumbling onto the street outside.

The scene froze him in his tracks. The thugs, the same ones who had been charging their weapons inside, were now sprawled across the pavement, unconscious or incapacitated. Their ray guns lay scattered, some sparking feebly with spent energy. Civilians were huddled nearby, staring wide-eyed at the scene, whispering nervously but unharmed.

Against the wall, Levi Allen sat on the ground, his chest heaving as he stared up at the figure before him. His face was pale, his hands gripping the pavement as if grounding himself from what had just happened. And then there was Ray.

Floating a few feet above the ground, the tiny figure was surrounded by a swirling, cosmic aura that pulsed and glowed with hues of purple and violet. His eyes blazed like twin stars, their light almost too bright to look at. His robotic frame radiated energy, his small form exuding an impossible power that seemed to bend the very air around him.

“Ray!” Kite gasped, stumbling forward. His heart was pounding, but relief flooded him when he saw the thugs unmoving, the civilians untouched. “What- what happened?”

Ray turned his glowing eyes toward Kite, the aura around him gradually dimming. Slowly, he lowered himself to the ground, his feet touching the pavement as the energy dissipated like mist.

“I handled it,” Ray said simply, his tone calm, almost matter of fact. His gaze flickered toward the thugs. “No one was hurt.”

Kite blinked, trying to process what he was seeing. He glanced at the unconscious thugs, then at Levi, who still looked stunned but unharmed. Finally, he locked eyes with Ray. “You… you did this? All of this?” he asked, his voice trembling.

Ray nodded, his expression unchanging. “Yes. They were going to kill him.” He gestured toward Levi. “I acted swiftly and mercifully. It was necessary.”

Kite felt a mix of emotions swell in his chest, relief, awe, and something close to fear. “Ray…” he started, then paused, trying to find the words. “You… you’re amazing, but-” He looked at the people around them, whispering and staring.

Ray tilted his head, his glowing purple eyes dimming slightly. “No one was hurt,” he repeated firmly, his voice unwavering. “I made sure of it.”

Kite swallowed hard, his heart still racing as he glanced at Levi, who was beginning to push himself to his feet, his hands trembling. The man looked at Ray with a mixture of shock and gratitude, his mouth opening as if to say something but no words coming out.

“I… I don’t know what you are,” Levi finally stammered, his voice shaky, “but thank you. You saved my life. I’ll remember this for as long as I live.”

Ray gave a small nod but said nothing. Kite stepped closer to him, picking him up gently. “We need to go,” he said quietly, his voice filled with urgency. “Before anyone starts asking too many questions.”

Ray looked up at Kite, his glowing eyes softening. “Okay,” he said simply. As the crowd murmured and Levi struggled to gather himself, Kite held Ray close and turned toward the shadows of the undercity. But as they walked away, he couldn’t shake the feeling that things had just gotten far more complicated than he ever imagined.