The plan the safety force has come up with sounds simple enough. They will bring other safety forces from around the multiverse to various parts of Newon, but mostly in the main city. While those safety forces take care of Circuit-Breaker’s followers, the Newon Safety Force will make their way into the sewers, capture or destroy Circuit-Breaker, and free the Katians before the Mortal Engine is activated beneath the city. Aarón knows that it is all easier said than done, and he feels restless and anxious.
Right now Aarón is currently with Circuit and Mico in a lush courtyard at headquarters. Mico and Circuit seemed to have instantly clicked with each other, and right now the three are all out in a big grassy area behind the building, Circuit sits under a tree with Mico resting his back on the robot’s plush belly. Aarón is starting to get the hang of his fire magic, twisting it into complex shapes and even weapons. Aarón feels Circuit watching him closely, and he could be imagining it, but he can almost sense admiration coming from the giant robot.
Circuit carefully stands up seeing as Mico has fallen asleep and walks over to Aarón . “May I join you?” He asks. Aarón feels his face suddenly heat up. “Sure.” Circuit puts some space between them before summoning a ball of abstract shapes. The shapes grow and grow until they take the form of a big geometric cat. “You really love cats, don’t you?” Aarón observes as the cat rubs against Circuit’s legs. “Yes, I’ve always had a soft spot for them!” Aarón smiles. “I love big cats, especially tigers!” The two of them talk about cats for a while, Aarón learning that Stuggle is part of the “Fourkat” species, would eventually grow a pair of butterfly like wings, and that they apparently have a mate. Circuit then asks a question that catches him off guard. “Aarón , do you find me attractive?” Aarón stops what he’s doing. I gotta tell the truth. “Uh, yes. I find you very handsome and cute. In fact you remind me very much of my partner back on Earth, Leon.” Aarón admits. “How so?”
“Uh, he has a very similar body type to yours, he’s nowhere as tall, though. And he also likes cooking and loves cats too.” Circuit blushes. “If this isn’t too much or too personal, do you happen to be into feedism?” He asks. Aarón ‘s eyes light up. “Yes, I’m a feeder and my husband is a feedee, but I also just find fat bodies appealing in the same way people find muscles attractive with no kinkiness attached. Also we’re both polyamorus, and we have been looking for a second partner…” Aarón realizes that they are standing very close to each other, Circuit’s belly heater warming up the air around them. Circuit’s own eyes light up a light pink color. “Well, I just so happen to be looking for a partner as well. I know I’ve only known you for a little over a day, but I find you to be very understanding, kind, and handsome.” Aarón ducks his head. “Uh, I don’t want to rush into anything. I’m also not sure how a relationship would work, with us living in different worlds and having to reveal all of this to Leon and my mom and dad. I think it’s most important to focus on the mission at hand first though, then we can figure all this personal stuff out later.” Circuit nods in agreement. “We still have five more hours until our patrol, how about we get something to eat?” He looks at Aarón hopefully. “Sure!” “Great, I’ll be ready in twenty minutes.”
Aarón watches his new boyfriend waddle away. He picks up Mico who is now fast asleep, quickly taking him to the room they were assigned. There is a knock at the door, and Aarón opens it to find Oscar. “One of the newer members that was going to be accompanying you all on patrol has gotten ill, and so I will be joining you instead.” Aarón’s brother informs him. “Ah, Great. Um, what should I wear though?” Aarón asks. “Don’t worry, I also came to give you this.” A box appears in Oscar’s hands which he hands to Aarón. Aarón opens it, amazed to see an enhanced version of the costume he uses for boxing matches. “It’s perfect! Did you make it?” Aarón asks in wonder. “I did, with some help on the protective magic it has.” Aarón smiles. “Thank you, I’ll see you later.”
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An hour later, Circuit meets Aarón in front of the building, wearing the new shirt and pants he had bought at the mall. “The way your shirt shows off the shape of your belly is cute.” Aarón smiles. “Aw, thanks.” The robot smiles. Jake picks them up, driving both of them to a fancy buffet near the heart of the city. The two get out, people staring at them as they enter the building. “Wait, what I’m wearing feels way too casual.” Circuit raises a hand, and Aarón’s tank top and shorts turn into black dress pants and a blue button up shirt. “There! And don’t worry about the food, they have a wide variety that includes more casual stuff.” Circuit approaches the counter, towering over everything. “A table for two, please.” They are led towards a more private area where Circuit carefully lowers himself into a small yet sturdy metal chair with a huff. “The staff here knows me well, they can bring us what we want from the buffet.” Circuit explains. “Nice! Now let’s see…” after a good ten minutes of browsing the menu, a waiter appears. “Good evening, Henry Circuit! Who is your friend?”
“This is Aarón Melisandré, and he’s my new boyfriend!” Circuit smiles happily. The waiter looks surprised. “Good for you! I wish both of you the best in your new relationship. Now, what shall I get you both?” Aarón and Circuit spend the remaining hours at the buffet together, eating delicious foods and getting to know each other even better. Aarón can’t help but feel a little flustered as Circuit’s button up shirt starts slightly straining over his belly until the robot finally finishes eating, leaning back with a loud sigh and putting a hand on top of it. “That was delicious! Although I think I ate a little too much. Could you help me?” Aarón smiles and helps a stuffed Circuit waddle back outside. “Would you like some extra special belly rubs when we get back?” Aarón asks in a mischievous tone. Circuit perks up, his eyes glowing. “Of course.” He flirts back with a wink.
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A few hours later, Aarón finds himself alone with Barr out in front of Newon HQ. The atmosphere between them is tense, and Aarón’s growing fur stands on end. I don’t want to be his enemy… Aarón carefully approaches the mutant. Barr looks up, his gray eyes angry. “I wanted to let you know that I’m not here to replace you, I don’t even know if I’ll even make it through this to the end.” Barr growls, the fin on his head standing up in a display of intimidation. “You will replace me, they all secretly hate me.” He hisses, a long tongue flicks out. Aarón sighs. “Please, if we are going to work together and succeed, you have to try and put that idea aside. I know you went through a lot of stuff when you were young that involved abuse and being neglected, but I can assure you that none of us hate you.” Barr huffs, pulling up his hood to hide his face. Aarón walks away, feeling defeated.
The rest of the safety force arrives, Circuit now wearing a fancy outfit reminiscent of a striped circus tent. Oscar, now being addressed as Deathmatch, steps up. “ Barr and Stacy will take the west side of town, the rest of us will take the southern side of town. In three hours, we’ll all meet back here before going to the east and north sides. Got it?” They all nod. “Let’s go.” They take off in their respective directions, climbing and leaping over buildings. Aarón is impressed with how agile and graceful Circuit is considering his immense size, gliding through the air on his big cape and rocket shoes.
They stop on top of the tallest building in the western side of town, scanning the streets below. Aarón’s ears twitch. “I hear angry voices coming from that apartment over there.” Aarón points. Deathmatch boots up his visor, looking through infrared lenses. “A couple, fighting by the looks of it.” There is an odd tone in his voice as he says it. Circuit puts a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Are you going to switch? Should Aarón and I take this?” Deathmatch looks down, a slight shudder running through his body. “Sorry, what?” His voice sounds noticeably higher. “Tempo now?” Tempo nods. “Let’s stop them, who knows if they have children in there.” Chains extend from Tempo’s back like tentacles, Deathmatch’s sleek black and pink costume changing into sturdy futuristic armor. They take off towards the building. “Aarón ? I think you should do the honors.”
Aarón braces himself, and then he crashes through the window, tumbling into the room where he finds a man and a woman in the middle of a physical fight. He notices a child curled up in a frightened ball. His heart pounds. Who cares who started the fight when a child is in danger? He grabs the couple, throwing them against the wall. Tempo crawls into the room on their chains which wrap around the stunned adults. Circuit squeezes through the window, quickly taking the child. “You’re both hurting the kid, aren’t you?!” Tempo accuses them, anger in their voice. A small portal opens in the middle of the room. “There are two cells waiting for you through there.” Tempo’s chains unwrap from around them. Aarón bears his fangs at them as they go through, the portal closing behind them. “There is no room for child abuse in Newon, or anywhere in the multiverse.” Tempo flatly states. They move back outside into the cold night air. “I’ll personally take the child back to headquarters, Circuit.” Whiplash says. “Who will be my mommy and daddy now?” The kid sniffs. “Don’t worry, we’ll find someone who will never hurt you again.” Tempo opens another portal, leading the kid through before returning. The three stand in silence, then Deathmatch returns. “I’m sorry for that.” Aarón’s Deathmatch apologizes. “Don’t be, Tempo did great!” Circuit says. “Let’s… just keep going.” Deathmatch shakes his head. Aarón hears the slightest hints of uneasiness in his brother’s voice. They take off again, Aarón springing from building to building, enjoying the freedom and cool breeze rushing against his skin.
The city of Newon, despite being quite a welcoming place, turns out to have quite a bit of crime at night. By the time their three hours on the western side are up, they have stopped at least six counts of illegal activity. “It’s time to meet back up with Stacy and Barr.” Deathmatch announces. The force quickly meets back up in the middle of the city, right next to Circuit’s entertainment center. Stacy appears to be agitated. “Okay, Barr and I found the home of one of Circuit-Breaker’s followers, or at least a fanatic who claims he is one. But the guy was keeping a Katian hostage.” She explains, her tone rushed. Aarón’s eyes widen. “The Katian was on the verge of starvation, and there was also proof of them being tortured and beaten. Both are back at headquarters, but sadly we are not sure the Katian will make it, or at least gain their sanity back enough to talk. We can only assume the man was going to try and take the Katian to Circuit-Breaker as some sort of proof of his loyalty and-” Stacy is cut off as the sound of a siren wailing fills the air. “He lied…” is all Stacy can say. Aarón ‘s hair stands on end. Deathmatch scans the streets below “The entire city is going into lock down. I feel like a fool now for thinking that we would actually have time-” “ Let’s get him, attack from above and rip him to shreds while we have the chance!” Barr interrupts. “You know what, I agree with Barr. We should at least try to see if we can apprehend him sooner than later. I’m getting readings just a few blocks from here.” They all start leaping and gliding through the air, their adrenaline starting to kick in as they spot Circuit-Breaker below them, riding on a motorcycle through the now empty streets. “Aarón , you hide in that alleyway just ahead of him. When you hear my signal, attack.” Deathmatch orders. “On it.” Aarón leaps over a few more rooftops and lands gracefully in the alleyway, peeking out. This could be it, it could all be over in a matter of seconds. And then we can free the Katians and I can go home with Mico. Simple as that… Despite that confident and reassuring thought, Aarón can feel himself shaking. The sound of a loud motor draws closer with every passing second. Soon Aarón hears Deathmatch’s voice giving the command to attack. He bursts out of the alleyway, barreling straight towards Circuit-Breaker and the speeding motorcycle.
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Barr appears from seemingly nowhere, grabbing Circuit-Breaker by the cape. He flings him off the moving bike and into a building. Aarón changes course instantly, but Barr reaches Circuit-Breaker before him, lifting him into the air in a deadly bear hug “Tell us EXACTLY where the Katians are.” The mutant snarls. Circuit-Breaker doesn’t respond, instead looking directly at Aarón with the same intense gaze from when they had spoken just a day before. Aarón draws nearer. “You may as well just tell us, we have you cornered.” He growls, bravely. Stacy and Circuit stand on either side of Circuit-Breaker and Barr, glaring. The more Aarón looks at Circuit-Breaker, the angrier he gets. “Stop looking at me like that.” Aarón hisses. Circuit-Breaker’s golden smile seems to fall. “Please listen to me-’’ Aarón’s face contorts with rage and disgust. He flings himself at Circuit-Breaker, Barr instinctively letting go and moving out of the way. “Aarón!” Deathmatch calls out in alarm. Aarón manages to land one punch before Circuit-Breaker blasts into the air, knocking them all back. And just like that, He disappears into the night.
Aarón’s heart sinks, The realization of what his actions have just cost the team crashing down on him. He whimpers. Barr appears in his line of vision “I HAD HIM! BUT YOU JUST HAD TO GET IN THE WAY!” Barr screams. Instead of breaking down like he normally would, A dangerous rumble comes from Aarón . His pupils turn into small slits. Instinct gets on to all fours, staring up at them all with a look of rage. “Oh no.” Stacy murmurs. Instinct advances on them, growling. Barr steps in front of them, growling back as his head morphs into a fish like one. “Barr, don’t engage with him. We need to let him know we’re not his enemy-” Deathmatch tries to warn, But Barr doesn’t listen. The two lunge at each other with a roar. Instinct sinks his claws in between Barr’s scales, and Barr bites down on his upper arm, drawing blood. A violent and bloody fight ensues, the smell of blood filling the air which only riles the two up further. Deathmatch leaps into the fray, the giant man valiantly trying to pull the two away from each other. Barr manages to nearly sever Aarón’s hand with his teeth before Circuit finally intervenes. However, Circuit has switched to an alter who takes a more physical and assertive approach to things. The alter in control of Circuit’s body pulls them away from each other, placing healing spells on them before flinging them in opposite directions. Instinct gives out a loud cry as he is pulled into a gateway, tumbling and falling until he slams into cold rocks. He gives one last growl before succumbing to darkness.
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Circuit-Breaker flies through the night, looking back to see if Aarón is following him only to be met with nothing. “He isn’t following me.” Circuit-Breaker says. “Henry Circuit appears to have just sent him all the way back to Earth.” Circuit-Breaker lands in a dark alleyway, confused. “What do you mean?” He asks. “He was thrown through a portal that leads back to Earth, and I’m not sure if he will be able to get back without help.” Jaun says, frustration evident in his voice. “I could go there, I’m powerful enough to create one to Earth myself.” Circuit-Breaker suggests. “No, it’s clear he will not listen to you. I have an idea, but it will require you to be in the sewers.” Jaun says.
“I will go back underground.” Circuit-Breaker creates a small gateway that leads back to the sewers where he is met with the sight of hundreds of his followers filing up towards the surface. I have to make sure Aarón can get down here without being attacked. Circuit-Breaker activates his invisibility feature, quietly crawling along the piped ceiling until he makes it to the end of the hallway. He then takes out his swords, striking the ceiling with great force. He quickly seals the heavy metal doors on both ends of the hall with magic, trapping the rest of his alarmed followers inside as the pipes burst open, flooding the corridor with toxic waste.
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Mico sneaks past the guards in the lobby of the Newon safety force headquarters, slipping outside into the now empty streets. He knows that what he is about to do is beyond dangerous and could be considered reckless. Mico sprints across the street and into an alleyway. He opens a manhole at the end of the alleyway with great effort and cautiously climbs down into the Newon sewers. Back at the barn, Michael had told him that the Mortal Engine was located in the deepest parts of the sewers which are surrounded by maze-like corridors. The trick to locating the correct path, Michael had said, was to go down the tunnels that have a flickering pink light in them until reaching a door.
Mico sets off, following Michael’s instructions. An hour passes, then two. Mico is about to sit down for a break when he looks to his right and sees a very plain metal door. Is that it? He wonders. Mico cautiously creeps over to it and puts his ear up against the cold surface. There is a low hum coming from the other side that vibrates the metal. Maybe I should go back, maybe I can wait for uncle Aarón and then just tell him where it is! However, his face falls. But he won’t believe that Circuit-Breaker is innocent. Mico feels a pang of guilt for not even attempting to explain to his uncle what had occurred in the barn with Michael. Mico makes up his mind. All I’ll do is just look behind this door and then go back and pretend I never went down here… He grasps the handle, then turns it. The door creaks open. A plump man with a lantern for a head lunges out of the darkness, covering Mico’s face with a cloth before dragging the young teen through.
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Circuit-Breaker’s ears perk up at the sound of footsteps, and he quickly turns invisible again just as Walter Lantern comes into view, Mico slung over his shoulder. Mico! Michael cries. Circuit-Breaker’s body starts moving forward as Michael takes control, but Circuit-Breaker quickly stops him. We can’t risk being caught at this point in time. He tells Michael. Michael whines sadly, but falls silent once Walter and Mico disappear from view. “We are going to Earth.” Circuit-Breaker says. But Jaun said- “I do not care what Jaun said. Aarón is alone, and my creator made me place traps in the mall years ago that will most likely be triggered…” A gateway opens, and Circuit-Breaker steps through.
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Walter Lantern looks down at the drugged teen, evil thoughts swirling through his mind. “What should I do with you?” He murmurs to himself. He could start doing all sorts of twisted things to his number one target’s nephew, but at the same time he wants to wait for Aarón to watch. And in turn, he wants his creation to witness Aarón’s emotional pain. Walter knows that Circuit-Breaker has feelings for Aarón, and needless to say, he is disgusted by it. Love of any form, to Walter Lantern, doesn’t exist. He never felt love, nor does he want to try to. All he wants is power and control. Manipulating people is merely a game to him, he figured out that he has the ability to convince people of the wildest conspiracies and lies at a very early age. However, he also has a nearly non existent self esteem and confidence in his physical looks. Walter hoists Mico up onto the same platform he uses to torture Circuit-Breaker, chains wrapping around him as he begins to stir.
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Oscar bursts into Newon HQ, frantic. He had gotten word right after having a long, frustrated talk with Barr that Mico had gone missing. He rushes up to where Mico had been staying, finding the room completely barren. They must already be looking for any evidence of a kidnapping… Oscar shakes his head, banishing thoughts that something unthinkable is happening to his new found nephew at this very moment. Oscar thinks deeply. What if he just ran off? Or what if something is luring him to- His eyes snap back open as he remembers what Mico had said to him while they were waiting for Aarón at the Cosmic Casino. “Don’t tell your brother, but I don’t think Circuit-Breaker is all that bad.” Oscar had thought the comment was a strange joke to ease the stress, but what if it had meant something more? His vision blurs as Tempo moves to the front of his mind. “Remember how Circuit-Breaker was reportedly spotted in Kaleido during the early evening hours? And that it was just hours away from a barn house?” Tempo reminds Oscar. “Yes…” Oscar says slowly. “What if he talked to Mico while he was in there alone?” Oscar’s mind reels. Circuit-Breaker could have very well used Mico’s moment of distrust and fear in Aarón to manipulate him into trusting him.
“What do I do?” Oscar asks, doing his best to keep himself from panicking. All their plans are falling apart, and he can only imagine what Aarón must be feeling wherever he has ended up. “He must be in the sewers.” Oscar instantly changes into his Deathmatch outfit, opening the window and flying out into the empty streets. He spots an open manhole and floats down to it, conducting a scan. “He definitely went down through here…” Deathmatch frowns. “I will be near the front if you need me.” Tempo says. Deathmatch nods. “Okay, here we go.” Deathmatch descends into the depths of Newon, knowing that this has become a race against time.
He runs down the maze-like tunnels, scanning the paths as he goes. Soon, he reaches the same out of place door Mico had been ambushed at. Deathmatch opens the door and scans the ground, finding evidence that Mico had started being dragged just beyond it. Please let him be okay. Deathmatch prays as he turns on his night vision. He sees that the dirty floor of the sewers abruptly come to an end, replaced with a natural stone path that looks well used. Deathmatch runs along it, his heart and echoing footsteps the only sound. He rounds a corner and skids to a stop. The path in front of him suddenly opens up into a shockingly massive cavern, tents and sputtering bonfires scattered around everywhere like a disorganized city. As Deathmatch walks down the steep rocky path towards it, he can’t help but be reminded of the vast homeless encampment he had resided in, and ruled over, at the edge of Newon years ago. Deathmatch walks through the middle of the makeshift city, realizing that this is where only the most serious and trusted fanatics of Circuit-Breaker must reside.
Deathmatch is familiar with the myth of this cavern and of the magicians who tried building the Mortal Engine, and it angers him that a place once created to be a safe haven for the hunted and innocent has become one for the bigoted and violent. An ear splitting noise echoes around the cavern, and Deathmatch instinctively drops to the ground. His heart pounds as the noise fades. He gathers himself and gets back up. What was that? He wonders. Deathmatch continues towards the smaller opening at the opposite end of the cavern, sticking to the shadows this time.