The school’s lunchroom pulsed with the usual midday chaos, a cacophony of clattering trays, muffled conversations, and bursts of laughter echoing off the worn walls. Human students, chimera hybrids, and automaton children intermingled in a lively, disordered rhythm, their voices blending into the vibrant, ever-changing tapestry of the school’s diverse population.
High above, fluorescent lights flickered sporadically, casting a harsh glow over the worn tables and scuffed linoleum floors that told stories of countless previous lunches. Kite, Ava, and Lira were huddled around one of the less rickety tables, their laughter ringing out as they recounted the latest classroom drama between Mona and Bryce.
Kite gently cradled Ray, who was nestled comfortably in his arms, feigning sleep but occasionally peeking with one eye to stay in tune with the conversation. On the table, Ava and Lira’s white robotic baby lay on its back, emitting soft coos, its tiny mechanical limbs twitching in a dreamy dance.
From the corner of the cafeteria, Rad entered, his new attire casual yet somewhat rugged, a loose white t-shirt, faded jeans, and a light grey jacket with the sleeves pushed up. All the while his cybernetic Phoenix perched on his shoulder, its cosmic infused feathers shimmering softly under the cafeteria lights.
Rad scanned the room, his gaze landing on Kite's group, but a wave of nervousness washed over him, and he continued walking. Near the far end of the room, Kay sat isolated, his new all-black ensemble stark against the bright cafeteria.
His black fedora, customized for his lop rabbit ears, sat snugly on his head, while dark sunglasses concealed the changes his eyes had undergone. He appeared detached, staring blankly at his untouched lunch tray, lost in a world far from the lively cafeteria around him.
Rad hesitated only for a moment before joining Kay, offering a tentative smile as he sat down. “Hey,” Rad greeted, trying to pierce Kay’s withdrawn demeanor. Kay’s response was a faint, distracted “hello,” his voice barely above a whisper.
The awkward silence between them stretched, with Rad fidgeting under the weight of concern. “Are you okay? You’ve been quieter than usual,” Rad finally broke the silence, his tone laced with worry.
Kay’s response was immediate, a slight widening of his crimson eyes beneath his sunglasses as he briefly met Rad’s gaze. “I’m okay,” he replied, his voice trembling despite his words.
Before Rad could press further, their solitude was interrupted by Kite, Ava, and Lira approaching with wide, inviting smiles. Ray, still cradled in Kite’s arms, sneaked a quick glance at Rad before resuming his pretense of sleep.
While Lira balanced her and Ava’s robotic baby in her arms, sharing a warm grin. Ava playfully chided, “Kite was worried you two would be lonely without us,” her hands planted firmly on her hips.
Kite laughed awkwardly, a sheepish smile spreading across his face. “Sorry, Rad, I wasn’t trying to be mean,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck.
Lira added, “Yeah, we just wanted to check up on you two.”
Rad looked at them, his initial surprise fading into a grateful smile. “Thanks, guys,” he said, his voice now carrying a newfound warmth.
Kita, Ava, and Lira briefly exchanged glances as their smiles wavered in surprise at the warm reaction. But the collective surprise quickly turned back into smiles as they joined him and Kay at the table.
The conversation resumed between the three kids, laughter and playful banter filling the air, blending into the cacophony of the lunchroom as they settled into the rhythm of their friendship. Rad smiled slightly as he listened, the weight of the world now seeming a little lighter, if only for the moment.
Kite, Ava, and Lira huddled around the now cluttered table as they chatted, their laughter echoing over the din of chattering students and clattering trays. The air was thick with the smell of cafeteria food, overcooked vegetables and under-seasoned entrees, that somehow added a nostalgic charm to their gathering.
“You should’ve seen it,” Kite chuckled, shaking his head in amusement as he cradled Ray, who continued his charade of sleeping peacefully in his arms. “Mona was like, ‘If you say one more word, Bryce, I swear—‘”
Ava interjected with a dramatic flair, mimicking Mona’s fierce tone, “’I’ll turn this classroom into a battle ring!’ Honestly, her face was all red; I thought she was going to fight Bryce right then!”
Lira, holding the robotic baby which made soft cooing sounds, laughed and added, “And Bryce! He just stood there like always with that stupid grin, like he was the king of the world. You know, the kind that says, ‘Come at me, bro.’”
Kite nodded, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Yeah, and then Mrs. Lena came storming in like a hurricane. She was like, ‘If you two don’t stop this instant, you’ll both be spending your afternoons with me for the next month!’”
The group burst Into laughter, imagining the horror on Bryce and Mona’s faces at the threat of extra time with the stern Mrs. Lena. Even Rad, who had been quietly listening, couldn’t help but crack a smile.
As their laughter subsided, Ava leaned back in her chair, glancing around at the diverse crowd of their schoolmates, chimeras chatting animatedly with automatons, human kids trading snacks. “You know,” she said thoughtfully, “it’s moments like these that make me forget about all the crazy stuff going on outside.”
Kite nodded, setting Ray gently down on the table where the little robot continued to pretend sleep. “It’s good to laugh about these things, isn’t it? Keeps us happy.”
Lira agreed, gently bouncing the robotic baby in her arms. “Totally. And hey, at least we’re not the only drama addicts in school, right?”
Rad, now feeling more included and lighter than ever, turned to Kay, trying to draw him more into the conversation with a small smile. “Kay, you’ve been pretty quiet, man. What do you think about the Mona and Bryce show?”
Kay, who had been silently battling his own dark thoughts under his sunglasses and fedora, managed a weak smile. His voice was low but he made an effort to engage. ”It’s… entertaining,” he said hesitantly. “Keeps things interesting around here.”
His cryptic response hung In the air for a moment, but the others, sensing his discomfort, didn’t press further. Instead, Ava changed the subject to a lighter topic.
The trio then continued to chat and laugh, the earlier tension dissolving into the background noise of the lively lunchroom. Though Rad sat at the edge of the conversation, his eyes flicking between the laughing trio across from him and the tiny, starry creature perched on his shoulder.
His cybernetic phoenix, its plumage shimmering with cosmic embers, nestled into his neck with a soft, comforting weight. The light of its violet eyes pulsed in sync with Rad’s uneven breaths.
Rad smiled faintly at the sight, but his heart weighed heavily in his chest. He turned his gaze toward Kay, who sat stiffly beside him. Kay’s usually wide and curious eyes, hidden behind dark sunglasses, were glued to the scratched metal surface of the table. His small hands fidgeted with the hem of his dark hoodie, his breathing shallow and shaky.
The sight hit Rad like a punch to the gut. He recognized that look all too well: the hollow stillness, the silent plea for the world to go away.
“Hey, Kay?” Rad’s voice was gentle as it cut through the surrounding noise. Kay flinched slightly, his shoulders tensing before he raised his head just enough to show he was listening.
Rad smiled softly, trying to summon the warmth he wished he felt more of these days. “You know… I think the birdy here would be happier with you.”
Kay’s head snapped up. His mouth opened slightly, his lips parting with surprise. “Wait… what?” he asked, voice trembling with disbelief as he gazed upon the cybernetic Phoenix. “You sure?” he muttered hesitantly.
Rad gave a slow nod, his hand moving to the phoenix on his shoulder. It cooed softly, its cosmic eyes blinking with confusion. As Rad’s fingers stroked the smooth, metallic feathers, glowing violet embers scattered through the air like miniature stars fading into nothing.
“I’m sure,” Rad said, voice cracking slightly. He forced a sad chuckle and glanced at Kay. “Tell your mom I said hi, will you?”
Kay’s crimson eyes widened beneath the sunglasses. His breath caught, and his heart pounded in his chest. The casual sentence hit him like ice water, and his smile faltered. “Yeah,” Kay whispered after a long moment. “Of course… I will.”
Rad looked back down at the phoenix. Its small chest rose and fell as it stared at him with those glowing, trusting eyes. The creature seemed to know. It leaned into Rad's touch with a soft whimper.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“Hey, buddy,” Rad whispered, voice trembling now. His vision blurred with unshed tears as he stroked the phoenix’s head. “Keep him company, okay? He’s gonna need someone… like you.” He hesitated for a moment, fingers lingering in the creature’s cosmic feathers. “I’ll visit sometime… promise.”
The phoenix gave a long, sorrowful coo as if pleading with Rad to change his mind. But it obeyed. With a final nuzzle against Rad’s hand, it spread its wings and took to the air, trailing glowing embers behind like a comet. The group fell silent immediately watching the bird circle gracefully through the stale cafeteria air.
“Whoa!” Kite gasped, leaning forward with wide eyes. “That’s so cool!”
“I know, right?” Lira added, clutching her backpack straps as she grinned.
Ava pouted slightly, crossing her arms. “Pfft. Whatever. Stupid birdy.” Her voice was strained beneath the act, and her eyes betrayed the envy she tried to suppress.
The phoenix made a final pass overhead before descending. It landed delicately on Kay’s shoulder, tucking its wings as it nestled into the crook of his neck. Kay froze. His breath caught as the warmth of the creature seeped into his cold skin.
Slowly, almost disbelievingly, he reached up and let his fingers trail over the phoenix’s glowing feathers. “Whoa…” he whispered.
“See?” Rad said softly, forcing a smile despite the ache in his chest. “It likes you already.”
Kay turned toward Rad, his lips quivering. “Thanks… Rad,” he said softly, the weight of those two simple words laden with unspoken gratitude.
Rad nodded, swallowing hard. “No problem,” he said. Then he quickly averted his eyes, his throat constricting as his emotions fought to break free. His voice dropped to a whisper, almost too soft to hear. “It’s what friends do.”
Kay’s enhanced hearing caught the words, and his smile faltered. For a heartbeat, his mask of forced cheer threatened to shatter. But he pressed it back into place with a shaky, hopeful grin.
“Y-yeah!” Kay responded, louder than intended. He reached up and stroked the phoenix’s warm feathers again, clinging to the fragile comfort it provided.
The phoenix cooed softly and closed its eyes on his shoulder, its warmth easing the chill that had taken root deep inside Kay’s chest. And for the first time in what felt like forever, he felt something other than fear and hopelessness.
But Rad didn’t look up. His fists were clenched beneath the table, his nails digging into his palms. The warmth of the phoenix’s feathers still lingered faintly on his skin, like a phantom whisper of comfort.
He thought of his mom. He thought of Kay’s mom. And deep in his heart, he prayed that Kay’s mom would appreciate the gift more than his own ever had.
Rad’s footsteps echoed against the cracked pavement, each one heavier than the last as he trudged forward. The ringing of the school’s dismissal bell fading as he walked further and further away. Rad’s fingers clutched his backpack straps so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His shoulders slumped, his body weighed down by an invisible force pressing against his chest.
The school’s graffiti-stained walls faded behind him, swallowed by the thick, oppressive smog of the undercity. The air was thick with the scent of burning metal and oil, the ceaseless hum of machinery filling the silence that stretched inside his mind. It was a cacophony of grinding gears, electric whirs, and distant clanking, relentless, chaotic, and merciless. Just like his own thoughts.
His vision blurred as he stared blankly ahead, his feet moving on instinct. Where am I even going? The thought gnawed at him as the weight in his stomach grew heavier, as if an iron fist clenched his insides.
I’ve got nowhere to go now. The realization sank deep, cutting through him like a jagged knife. His pace faltered for a moment as the words echoed in his mind, hollow and cruel. No home. No family. Not even a scrap of food to get me through the night.
A burst of laughter rang out, sharp and carefree, pulling him from his spiraling thoughts. Rad turned his head slightly, his tired and sunken eyes landing on a group of chimera kids playing near a rusted-out vending machine. Their tails swayed in excitement, their ears twitching as they giggled and shoved at one another, blissfully unaware of the boy walking past them, of the storm raging inside him.
Their joy was a painful contrast to his own misery. His lips curled slightly, pressing together to keep them from trembling. He forced himself to look away, his teeth sinking into his lower lip hard enough to taste copper.
Then, the image of his mother, her still, almost lifeless form, flashed behind his eyes. Rad’s steps faltered. His throat tightened, his breath catching as an invisible hand wrapped around his chest and squeezed. The ache in his heart was unbearable, gnawing at him like a wound that would never close.
She had been so quiet. So peaceful.
He had never seen her like that before. Not once in his entire life.
Not when she slept. Not when she drank. Not when she sat in silence, chain-smoking with vacant eyes. But in that moment, when he had found her, her body motionless, her breath calm, it was the first time she didn’t look like a woman suffocating in her own misery.
She looked… free. Rad’s breath hitched violently as his chest rose and fell in uneven, shallow gasps. His vision blurred again, but this time, he didn’t try to blink the tears away. They came, warm and unrelenting, rolling down his cheeks before falling to the cracked pavement below.
I’m going to die out here. The thought came without hesitation, not in fear, but in bitter acceptance. His lips parted slightly, but no words came. There was nothing to say.
Because it was true. The realization settled into him like a cold, numbing weight, pressing down on his shoulders, his spine, his ribs, an unbearable gravity that pulled him deeper and deeper into the abyss of his own despair.
His hands trembled as they clenched around the straps of his backpack, his nails digging into the fabric. The smog thickened, suffocating him, filling his lungs with something heavy and toxic.
And yet, no one noticed. No one cared enough to. Rad was now just one of may orphans wandering the desolate streets. His pained spirit now just one of countless souls who walked through a crumbling city of broken dreams and hopelessness.
The undercity moved around him, machines whirring, neon signs flickering, people passing by without a glance in his direction. The world didn’t stop for him. It never would.
Rad took another step forward, his tear-streaked face tilted downward. His chest ached with an emptiness that felt too vast to ever be filled. And for the first time in his life, he wondered if maybe, just maybe, disappearing wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Rad’s feet felt heavier with every step, dragging through the cracked, filthy streets of the undercity. His heart pounded dully in his chest, not from exertion, but from a growing hollowness that gnawed at him like a beast with endless hunger.
The weight of everything pressed down on him, his mother’s final heart wrenching words, the shattered remains of his home, and the unbearable loneliness that had always wrapped around him like iron chains.
His fingers clenched his backpack straps until his knuckles turned white. He barely noticed the flickering neon signs above him, advertising bars, cybernetic enhancements, and illegal dealings. The occasional hover car zipped overhead, casting brief flashes of light across his tear-streaked face, but none of it mattered.
He was a ghost in his own life, walking forward with nowhere to go, no place to belong. But then, like a knife cutting through the deafening silence of his despair, it came.
“Rad!” His name rang out, piercing through the suffocating smog, a beacon of light cutting through the endless gloom. The voice carried with it a warmth, a clarity that shattered the weight of his spiraling thoughts, sweeping them away like an angel’s whisper in the dark.
Rad froze mid-step, his blood running cold. His breath hitched as he slowly turned, his tired, sunken eyes widening slightly as he saw a figure sprinting toward him at full speed.
Kite Caulder. The boy nearly crashed into him, skidding to a halt just inches away. Kite bent over, hands on his knees, chest heaving as he gasped for breath. His curly brown hair was a mess, sticking to his forehead, his green pupils flickering with worry.
Rad opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. For the first time in his life, he was speechless, not out of anger, not out of stubbornness, but out of sheer disbelief.
Kite had run after him. Why?
He didn’t have to. He shouldn’t have. Yet here he was.
“Kite?” Rad finally managed, his voice raw from crying, from exhaustion, from everything.
Kite lifted his head, his expression filled with urgency. “I—I heard what happened!” he blurted out between breaths. “Ray told me you got kicked out!”
Rad flinched slightly at the reminder, his hands tightening into fists. His gaze flickered past Kite, landing on Ray hovering a short distance away. The small, robotic boy had his arms crossed, watching hover cars pass by in the distance, but it was clear he was listening. He had told Kite.
Rad swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper. “He did?” His fingers swiped at his damp cheeks, as if trying to erase the evidence of his suffering.
Kite straightened, his breathing finally slowing. His bright, genuine green eyes locked onto Rad’s. “Are… are you okay?” he asked hesitantly, as if he already knew the answer. “Do you have a place to go?”
Rad’s breath caught in his throat. He had expected questions, accusations, pitying glances, someone telling him he’d figure it out. But Kite… he just asked, without judgment, without pity, just genuine concern.
Rad hesitated, his mind scrambling for an answer, for a way to push Kite away like he always did. But he couldn’t. Not this time. The weight of his situation was suffocating, and there was no point in lying.
“I…” He swallowed hard, forcing himself to meet Kite’s gaze. “No, I don’t. Why?”
Kite didn’t hesitate. His face lit up with a warm smile, a hopeful one, like he had already made up his mind before he even found Rad.
“Well, you could always stay at my place if you want,” he offered casually, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “My parents have a guest room.”
Rad blinked, his lips parting in shock. “Stay at your place?” he echoed, disbelief creeping into his voice.
Kite nodded, his smile never fading. “It’s cold out here at night, ya know?” he added with a little shrug. “And don’t worry, my mom makes great food!”
Rad stared at him, his mind struggling to process the offer. For so long, he had been convinced that no one wanted him, that he was just a burden, something to be cast aside. And yet, here Kite was, inviting him in without hesitation.
Rad’s throat tightened. He took a slow, shaky breath and glanced back at the undercity, the only home he had ever known. The crumbling streets, the suffocating smog, the loneliness that clung to him like a second skin.
And then, Kite’s laughter broke through his thoughts. “Come on, Rad!” Kite called over his shoulder, already walking ahead. “Ray’s gonna be lonely if you don’t come!”
Ray rolled his cybernetic eyes, but there was the smallest hint of a smirk on his otherwise expressionless face. He lightly punched Kite’s shoulder in a silent reprimand, but it was easy to see the close bond between them.
Rad lingered for a moment longer. He had spent so much time hating Kite, resenting him for his kindness, his optimism, his light. But now, standing here, watching him and Ray, something inside him softened.
For the first time in his life, someone had chosen him. Rad took a slow step forward, then another. He clenched his fists, then released them. A smile, small, hesitant, but real, formed on his lips.
“Sure,” he said, picking up his pace. “Who wouldn’t want me around?”
Kite turned back to look at him, grinning, and suddenly Rad found himself laughing too. Not a forced laugh, not one filled with sarcasm or bitterness, but a real, genuine laugh.
The sound of their laughter echoed through the smog-filled streets of the undercity, mixing with the hum of machinery and the neon glow of the city lights. And just like that, the weight Rad had been carrying for so long… felt just a little bit lighter.