There they are; those colossal machines that came from Heaven. Falling from the sky, like angels clipped of their wings, from the top of the World Stem. So high above, in that land of the gods, where the streets were clean and buildings as tall as mountains flourished without the fear of a Fallout Avalanche. Higher than even the clouds dare venture so that when they inevitably crashed down here at the lowest level, the impact could be felt miles away. And yet, regardless of the fall, those machines still functioned, moving around their new world as if they now ruled it themselves, much like how their Creators ruled them and everything else. Metallic constructions whose pure white, glistening bodies contrasted the debris and decay of Gehinnom–my place of origin.

Heaven sent they were, or at least that’s what I would like to think. Because nothing truly happens by chance. Because if what I read was true, then they were the only way that I was getting out of here. They were the only way I could make my dream come true. The sight of these beasts of metals made my body burn with anticipation. The experience overtook me more than any other besides the accident.

“Let me see.” Pudgy fingers pressed against the back of my neck. I turned to see Jeremi who had his shoulders crossed.

“Not, yet,” I said. “I want to see where they’re going next.”

“Not fair. You’ve had the viso-goggles for a minute and twenty-two seconds longer than we agreed.” I shook my head. Promising anything exact to Jeremi was a big mistake. He was so particular about everything, especially numbers.

“Fine.” I reluctantly passed on the viso-goggles.” Jeremi put them on. Laser red lights flashed across the inner lens. A low humming noise signaled that a target had been acquired.

“Wow, it’s a hexapod! I wonder how the leg mechanisms work on that thing. Now if only another one would arrive soon so I can see them fight. Oh boy, that would be a treat.”

I watched impatiently as Jeremi gazed at these magnificent creatures fifty or so miles away.

Returning home late was a death sentence. Brother Michal, who was in charge of our wellbeing, did not take well to rule breakers. Three quick strikes to the head with his red dress shoes set the mood for the rest of the conversation.

“What were you doing out there to arrive so disgustingly late?”

“Actually, we were only gone for twenty minutes and thirteen…” Brother Michael glared at Jeremi, who rightfully froze.

“Spare me your pitiful excuses." Brother Micheal adjusted his glasses. The firmness of his stare was strong enough to incinerate the wooden tiles they stood on. The triangle pendant around his neck swung left and right like the pendulum of a clock, counting down to our inevitable doom. “I want to know what caused you to be late today.”

“We were just playing ball, and Jeremi lost track of time. He was too busy tripping over his own feet.”

“Hey, I would never mess up the time.”

“Shut up, Jeremi.” I punched him in the shoulder.

“Likely story,” said Michael. “But it would be better than if you were off snooping at the Collectors again.”

Jeremi and I gulped. The last time that line of discussion came up, they lost their dessert privileges for an entire month.

“Ooh, look who’s in trouble down.” From the stairwell, a young girl with olive skin appeared. Her arrogant grin made me want to throw Michael's shoe at her.

“This doesn’t concern you, Hailey.” Brother Micheal turned his piercing eyes on her.

“Cmon, Brother Michael. I want to see Icky here squirm a bit more.” The look of satisfaction on her face made me sick. It was like she wanted me to get back at her.

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“Hailey, don’t make me say it again.” The sternness in Michael’s voice finally reached her as she retreated back up the stairs towards the girl’s room, laughing all the way.

“Why didn’t she get hit?” Jeremi asked.

“Because she actually listens somewhat to my instructions.” Brother Micheal looked like he had many more hits in him. I thought it best to make amends.

“Listen, I know what we did was dangerous and wrong. Nightdivers, the Collectors, maybe even an untimely Avalanche— all of that stuff you talk about during sermons over and over and over…I mean for a good purpose, right? Because those things could have put an end to us. We were dumb, reckless kids like usual and we’re sorry for worrying you. We’ll do better next time, OK?” Brother Micheal shook his head.

“If I believed everything you said, I would have schizophrenia. Go to your rooms.”

“Yes, sir!” The two of them said in unison. They made their way up the stairs.

“And one more thing.” I sighed. What more could he have to say?

“Your legs, Icarus. How are they doing?” The remark caught me off guard. It has been years since the incident. Most people had stopped commenting on it by now.

“They’re fine.” I shook my right leg. The metal moved just like an appendage should. The craftwork was excellent. Wu knew no equal. Not too heavy, but much harder and sturdier than a regular leg to where nobody was willing to tussle with me anymore. Both of my legs, shining metal, just like the machines that came from Heaven.

***

“We have to pay Hailey back for this. No mercy this time.” Jeremi took in a large spoonful of grits. For some unknown reason, he liked to mix peanut butter with his grits. Ungodly.

The other kids had already finished eating and were playing outside with the Field Master. Field Master was so old now, that I was surprised he could even run with the other children. Granted, he needed the Brothers and Sisters to maintain order. With so many of the children outdoors, the dining area was unusually quiet.

“Yeah, she needs what’s coming to her. What’s the plan, chief? Are we snipping her hair this time or putting ants in her drawer?”

“Yeah, what’s this plan, guys?” The voice came from somewhere beneath the dining table. I bent down to look and a hand as pale as a ghost jumped out at me. I jumped back to the laughter of both the kid and Jeremi.

“You need to stop being so creepy, Grimm.” Grimm smirked. He seemed to have a permanent mischievous grin, a sign that some sort of mayhem would befall the orphanage.

“Maybe you need to stop being such a coward.” He pulled himself over to where Jeremi and I sat.”

“So, what’s your grand plan to mess with Hailey this time?”

“None of your business, Grimm.” Grimm wasn’t his actual name. It was a nickname that I gave him during primary. I said it so often that everyone forgot what his actual name was and just started calling him Grimm. Even the Brothers and Sisters fell prey to it. The sticking power came from how apt the nickname described his appearance: a walking, breathing corpse with the odor to match. Hell, even he liked the name. That’s how the name stood the test of time.

“What? Afraid, I’ll outdo your little prank.” There was that mischievous grin again. For a kid who literally looked like he had no backbone, he was as energetic as a bunny when it came to messing with people.

“No, this one is personal.” Jeremi nodded his head in agreement.

“Well, if you say so.” Grimm licked his bottom lip. “If you had let me in, I could have provided some juicy personal information.”

“Like you would know anything about girls.” Jeremi laughed. Grimm snarled.

“Yeah, you're right. It’s not like I know Hailey works at Brown’s Bakery during the afternoon.”

“And? What’s so interesting about that?”

“Nothing much. Maybe the fact that she’s crushing on one of the other workers there. Imagine embarrassing her in front of her boyfriend. Now that would be priceless. Too bad ain't it.”

“You don’t say. Man, that's somewhat interesting. Too bad you’re just talking out of your ass.”

“Not at all! I saw it myself. It was a tall guy with long blonde hair. I think his name is Jeff something-or-another. Anyhow, she totally has the hots for him. I saw them talk together one night outside the orphanage. They were whispering to each other all secretive and stuff. Hailey’s face was brighter than tomato paste. And if you could see her eyes and how they glowed, you wouldn’t doubt it for a second. That’s love through and through. That’s the truth.”

“Why, thanks for the information, Grimm. What could I do without you?” The look on Grimm’s face was priceless as Jeremi and I got up from the table.

The greatest killjoy of them all thwarted our attempt to join the other kids outside.

“Not so fast, gremlins.” Brother Michael held out his hand to stop us.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Jeremi asked.

“Your punishment for being late yesterday is to go to the marketplace with me. I won’t be taking no for an answer.”

“Then could you kill me instead?” As soon as I uttered those words, I covered my mouth. “Sorry, I’m still working on my sarcasm.”