Chapter 3: Goodbye, Over World


Juno kept his word, and made an effort to visit her daily, after work, and on his days off. He was starting to feel attached to her; attracted by her soft side, which, he quickly learned was a side few had seen in her. He performed his duties with a lighter heart, even making jokes, rarely, but still, an amazement to everyone. His energy really seemed to boost when she was walking again, and he even laughed. Finally, Andromeda cornered him one day during his break.

"Why've you been so chipper lately? Normally your pretty calm." Andromeda said. Juno smiled.

"No reason, why?" Juno said. That was all the evidence Andromeda needed.

"Think about it Juno, you've been acting like a lovesick pup for a while now. You just said a sentance in normal English instead of saying something like 'I have no cause for my pleasure' or something." Andromeda stated, crossing her arms. Juno sighed.

"Alright.. I met this girl, and.." Juno began before Andromeda interrupted.

"OK, enough said. Girl in life, brother acts like lovesick pup. I'm surprised your intrested in a woman! Does she feel the same way though?" Andromeda asked. Juno sighed.

"I am not certain... She seems to enjoy my visits though." Juno said. Andromeda looked smug.

"Have you tried chocolates?" Andromeda asked. Juno blinked.

"No.."

"Try them and see how she reacts."

"How will eating chocolate help any?"

"GIVE her the candy, don't eat it! Or a rose. Maybe she'll like a rose."

"What if I presented her with both articles?"

"Then she'll likely be very very happy." Andromeda said.

"Where do I locate roses?" Juno asked. Andromeda quickly gave Juno directions to places to find roses and chocolates before he could ask more questions. Medley quietly combed her hair into a ponytail glumly. She was finally leaving the hospital, but all she could think about was trying to see Juno again. She didn't understand the feeling she felt around him. She always was happier when he was near. And now she would have to resume wandering the streets until she could apply at the Children's Hospital, and most likely she would never see him again. She ached inside. There was a knock at her door. Quickly brushing off her skirt, she opened it. It was Juno.

"Hi.." Juno said shyly, forgetting to say 'Greetings' rather then 'Hi'.

"Hi.." Medley replied, just as shyly. Juno tried offering a smile.

"I hear your repairs are complete and that you are being released, so I thought I'd aquire something for you." Juno said quietly as he handed her a bright red rose and a small box of chocolates. Medley blushed crimson.

"Thank you.." She said, equally quiet as she sniffed the rose daintily. Juno smiled, squeezing her good shoulder affectionately.

"So where are you going from here?" Juno asked. Medley sighed.

"I'll probably apply at the Children's Hospital, but the way things have been going lately, with people being relocated underground with you guys, I really don't know. I'm kind of scared." Medley said, trembling slightly. Juno looked her in the eyes. Without knowing why, he began to speak.

"You needn't be afraid. As long as I funtion, I promise I'll make certain noone inflicts damage upon you, regardless of the consequences." Juno said, holding her close. Medley gasped slightly in surprise, but returned the embrace. Juno soon let go and looked her in the eyes again.

"Are you ready to depart?" Juno asked. Medley blushed brightly but nodded. Juno quietly opened the door and led Medley out, and stayed by her side. The night air was crisp and cold as they approached the residential area. Medley stopped when she saw police had it barricaded, but Juno quietly urged her to go ahead. Medley quietly approached an officer shyly, then spoke.

"Sir?" Medley said shyly. The officer turn to her, coldness on his face.

"Yes?" The officer's voice was steeled with strange aggression. Medley cringed slightly.

"Might I ask what's going on?" Medley asked.

"We're relocating people who have been reported as siding with machines underground. And judging by your.. COMPANY... You'll likely wind up with the other Machine-loving traitors with your precious machines-- Underground, where you belong! State your name." The officer said sharply. Medley quivered, somewhat scared.

"Medley, sir." Medley said, frightened. The officer skimmed his papers.

"No last name?" He asked. Medley shook her head.

"No sir." Medley said, starting to feel frightened.

"Well Miss.. Medley.. Your name's on this list, so do our streets a favor and take yourself and your FRIEND underground where you belong." The officer hissed. Medley cringed and walked back to Juno.

"That guy needs an attitude adjustment." Medley snorted. Juno blinked.

"What happened?" Juno inquired.

"Remember what I said about relocating?" Medley said.

"Yes. Why?"

"Lets just say it'll be a loooong time before I see sky again." Medley grumbled. Juno frowned.

"Are you sure?" Juno said. Medley nodded.

"I'm being told to go underground. Not fun." Medley said, slightly irritated. Juno squeezed Medley's shoulder gently.

"Alright.. I'll help you locate a suitable area to call your own." Juno said. Medley gave a small smile.

"Thanks Juno." Medley said. Juno smiled back. By the time Medley and Juno were underground, it was somewhat crowded. People were already getting into their own spots and fending off anyone trying to take it. Medley looked at the crowd, somewhat annoyed, then looked at Juno.

"I'm gonna find myself someplace to perch, I'll see you later, OK?" Medley said. Juno nodded.

"Affirmative." Juno responded, turning to leave.

"HEY! YOU CAN STOP BEING SO PROPER ANY TIME YA KNOW!" Medley called after him. Turning her attention to finding a spot to call her own, she found a high ledge and climbed it. Once there, she sat and rocked on her heels, watching the crowded mess below, wondering why noone was spread out. Finally, she decided to speak out.

"HEY! WHY DON'T YOU PEOPLE SPREAD OUT OR SOMETHING!? THIS AIN'T EXACTLY A SMALL AREA!!" Medley hollared. The crowd stared at Medley in unison, surprised. Medley crossed her arms.

"Yeah, you people heard me! Spread out, huh!? It's cramped in here!" Medley hollered.

"But.. What about the Machines!?" Someone in the back yelled. Medley rolled her eyes.

"Oh puh-leeeze! Why would you be afraid of them?! Why are we down here in the first place?? Because we treated them as sentient beings! Equals! And they ARE our equals! I dunno about you people, but I think the Machines are probably the only friends we've got! I mean, those Abovegrounders turned their backs on us, just for being friends with the Machines! So who our friend and who's our enemy?" Medley snorted. Warily the crowd buzzed, talking it over. Medley rolled her eyes again.

"Aaah, your a bunch of sissies." Medley grumbled, lying down and going to sleep for the night.