The sun blazed over the slopes of sand, light reflecting off of the ground. No clouds were in the sky; just an orb of heat and the blue ceiling.
A lone figure was seated in the sand, red cloak shining its position from the gold ground. It was asleep, head and back bent slightly over its folded cloak.
The air was still and silent; nothing moved besides the red figure's steady breathing. Everything seemed frozen; the mountain with the bright summit stood tall in the distance, instilling a feeling of stillness.
And then it was all broken, the silent image shattering as the cloaked humanoid woke up. It shook itself, scattering sand, and looked towards the looming mountain, feeling bored. It was going to go back to sleep, when something caught its eye. Squinting and leaning forward slightly, it watched as a small black dot became visible. The object was hovering over the sand, flying in a straight line. It was steadily becoming larger.
He wondered if he should get up. There was every possibility that the object might be aiming for him. You never know, his ancestors might have created a device that thrust a rock at a target from a large distance.
Really, he couldn't be bothered with moving. He's been sitting here for the past few days meditating and he didn't want to break the streak right now.
By now, the red cloaked humanoid could see the object a little more clearly. It looked like a flat triangle, dust billowing out behind it. There was also something on it. Something that looked oddly familiar…
He might have figured it out, but then the flying object rushed by him so fast that all thought process was lost and had to be reloaded.
There was a loud bang, accompanied with a large splash of sand that flew over the red humanoids head. He sat there for a moment, then stood up and turned around.
The object, whatever it was, had flown right into a sand dune. Smoke billowed out of the machinery, for that was what it was.
After a second, the red humanoid walked over to it, white eyes wide with curiosity. He was almost in front of it, when a loud chirp sounded from behind him.
Don't touch that!
He spun around instantly, looking at the newcomer with surprise.
It was another red coated humanoid, though much younger than himself. It quickly pushed its way past him, eyes only for the little machine that had smashed itself into the sand.
It's mine!
He watched in puzzlement as the other creature pulled its hands out of its coat and started to dig the machine out of the sand.
What…are you doing? He chirped quietly, waiting for an answer as the other humanoid pulled the object out of its would-have-been grave, brushing the sand off of its metal surface.
I found it in some ruins. It chirped, ignoring the others question and holding the machine up to the sun. I was barely able to turn it on, and even then it malfunctioned. Must have been there for a long time.
Oh, and my names Shade. It stuck out its hand towards the other red coat. What's yours?
He cautiously took the others hand, chirping, Mederin.
Cool.
The red coat turned its attention back on the little machine, hands skittering over its smooth frame.
So…what's that supposed to be?
Your guess is as good as mine. Shade chirped, turning the object upside down. Though from how well it was flying, it could be some transportation device.
After a second, Shade turned and trudged up the sand dune that the machine had crashed into, still looking at the object in his hands. Mederin followed after him, feeling slightly awkward.
Shade sat on top of the dune, still tinkering with the machine. Mederin kept standing, wondering if the other red coat wanted to be left alone.
Well, sit down then. Or do you have any other plans?
Mederin sat, chirping What do you plan to do with that thing?
Shade sat up straight, looking at the other red coat for the first time. Absolutely nothing.
Then what's the whole point? Mederin looked at him in confusion and disbelief. Why mess with something for no absolute reason?
Why wouldn't I? The red coat chirped. There is nothing much I can do here, and our ancient past has already shown us that our world is dying, so what else could I do?
Go to the mountain? It was a stupid question and Mederin was not expecting an answer from the other humanoid.
That's overrated. Shade turned back towards the little machine in his lap. Too many go there already. At least the few who stay in the desert try to create tribes and groups to live out our planets last days. Ah!
The metal machine gave a little sputter, smoke spurting out of the pipe that poked out of its back. It popped, and then a blue light appeared on its belly. Shade had to let go of it as it flipped right side up, floating up in the air.
Shade stood up, placing his hands back under his coat. The little machine stood still in the air, sand billowing softly underneath it.
After a minute of watching it, Shade flipped the thing on its back with a quick motion and pressed his fingers in several different parts. The blue light sputtered, then went out and Shade had to catch it before it fell.
What…?
Mederin watched as the red coat bent down and buried the machine into the sand, patting the ground softly.
Shade stood up, still looking down at the little mound. It's for anyone else who wants to find it. I'm done with it, so now, if they have enough curiosity, then someone else can play with it.
The red coat spun around and started to walk away, towards the mountain.
Mederin watched him for a second, then raced over to catch up, skidding to a halt in front of the other humanoid.
Can I come with you?
Shade widened his eyes in surprise, but remained silent.
I've stayed here long enough, and I haven't had a companion for awhile. Is it alright if I accompany you?
It's fine. Mederin let out a sigh of relief.
Shade tilted his head, looking at the red coat in curiosity. Why would you want to follow me though?
Mederin shrugged. Like I said, I have stayed here for awhile and I haven't had a friend for a long time.
Not many want to accompany me.
And why is that?
I'm weird.
Mederin blinked. Everyone is different.
If you say so...
Mederin turned towards the mountain, but scanned the way towards it instead of the thing itself. Where are you going?
Shade shrugged. Anywhere. I've been wandering the desert for awhile. Looked at most of the ruins that are scattered here and there.
Have you been to the Underground? Mederin chirped, looking over at his new companion.
No, but I've heard of it.
Then we should go there first. The red coat started off towards the mountain, aiming for the opening of the underground ruins. The other red coat watched him, then caught up quickly, the sun just starting to dim.
Thank you for allowing me to follow you.
No, thank you. I haven't had a friend in forever to share my travels.
And so starts a friendship that lasts the Journey of both beings.