Chapter One
The Lonely Guardian
The trail that led to town was dark and decrepit. Valerie's stilettos clicked on the remnants of broken stone; she had started down the road to the town of Vesper. Before that, she would have to travel through Altus Woods. The small patch of forest was mossy, wet, and full of shadows. Only the moon was visible in the velvety sky, yet it wasn't enough to light the way. Valerie switched on a small light that she had clipped to the front of her dress, illuminating the dense woods.
Even in the darkness Valerie was aware of every creature, her heightened senses picking up every moment, sound and scent. But the animals posed no threat to Valerie. It was her kind that always kept her on guard. Even so, the short walk through Altus Woods proved uneventful and the metal walls of Vesper were already coming into view. As the trees disappeared behind her, Valerie approached the massive entrance doors, only to be greeted by the guard.
"Miss Valerie," a distorted voice called. Valerie stood waiting as a lumbering shadow stepped forward, shaking the ground. The mechanical guard of Vesper was a giant, armor-plated from head to toe and a walking weapon.
"Animus," she greeted. "Quiet night, huh?"
Animus looked up at the moon, though he had no eyes to see with, just a visor adorned with markings. His body was humanoid, standing erect with perfect posture, but with cloven hands and feet. The only distinguishable facial feature he possessed was a metal mouth that mimicked flesh. "Yes, it appears so." he replied.
"I hope it stays that way." she commented.
"Out for supplies?" he asked in his strange voice. Animus briefly turned his back to insert his hand into a hole in the door, activating gears and other circuitry with the flick of a wrist. They spun together, whirling and shrieking as metal grinded against metal, until the whole wall began to move, as if a beast had awakened from slumber.
"Yes," she said. The doors sparked before her as they gradually opened. "I shouldn't be long."
"You know, my life would be less complicated if you would just move into town." he remarked, retracting his hand.
"For a robot, you're pretty mouthy." Valerie noted.
"Yes well, prolonged exposure to you will do that." he said with a smirk.
Valerie walked past Animus and through the parted doors, stopping to turn around once they began to close. "I'll be sure to watch my tongue next time." she told him.
"See you soon, Miss Valerie."
