Several days passed. Cobalt worked and trained harder then ever before. Cosmic's constant attention seemed to loosen up a bit. Instead of feeling relieved, as he expected himself to be, Cobalt felt unsure about it. It actually felt kind of nice having someone hanging on him all the time, treating him like he was a Champion, even if Cosmic probably treated every other guy in the warehouse the same way…

A year passed. Then two. Then 3 more. Cobalt didn't return to May's Home for Orphans to see his little sister, again. Instead, to show her he still loved and cared about her, Cobalt left notes and small gifts out on the stoop in the wee hours of the night. He was always careful to never let anyone see him as he did so. He truly hoped they were getting to his sister. His last letter to her was as follows:

Dear Dearest Eris,

I'm sorry I can't see you again. I want to – Starlight knows I want to. But the risk is too great. I live in fear that one of my friends will find out I went to see you. I could get in very, very deep trouble. And you could be hurt.

I won't risk that, Eris. That's why I can't see you anymore. But I promise I love you, and will always care for you. You've got friends who'll watch over you, now. Please don't come and find me. I want to believe you'll always be safe. I trust you. Please stay put…

Love always, your big brother,

Cobalt

As Cobalt delivered that note he felt a strange feeling creep over him. A shiver ran down his spine. "No…" he whispered, but it was too late.

"Runt…on your feet. Now." Cobalt slowly stood, turning around just as slowly to face her trainer.

"Sir, I was just-"

"Damn it, did I instruct you to speak!" Stitch yelled, his hands balled into fists at his side. His eyes glowed unnaturally in the twilight. Cobalt swallowed hard and shut his mouth. Stitch glared over him for several moments. Sweat ran down Cobalt's face, but he dared not move to wipe it away. Finally, after what seemed like ages, Stitch turned away.

"You. Come with me. Now. Back to the warehouse." Cobalt had little choice but to follow Stitch, his arms still glued to his side, head down.

They reached Stitch's warehouse.

"On the track, Trainee, now. Run until I instruct you to stop." Stitch demanded, then disappeared. Cobalt licked his lips wearily, then began his run. This isn't so bad… He thought silently to himself. If this is all he makes me do, I'm getting off lucky. However, deep in his heart, Cobalt knew this wasn't all Stitch had planned. He's seen other engines get beat for lesser crimes. Starlight, don't let him hurt me. Don't let him kill me…

Stitch appeared once more several minutes later. A long metal bar – about 2 feet long or so – was gripped in Stitch's gloved hands. Cobalt came to a halt and faced Stitch. Stitch strode over, gripped the metal bar tightly. Cobalt knew immediately what would happen. The 18-year-old engine closed his eyes tightly seconds before he felt a sharp sudden pain in his gut, so intense the boy was knocked off his feet and landed hard on the ground.

"Get up!" Stitch yelled, the fury strong in his voice. Cobalt took a deep breath before rising slowly to his feet. Another stab of pain struck him, this time in the side, and the boy fell over again.

"Get up!" A few more deep breaths were required this time, as Cobalt shakily managed to climb to his skates once more. And again the boy was knocked hard off his feet.

The process went on. Each time Cobalt was beat with the metal bar, Stitch demanded the boy get back up to face another blow. Time after time left Cobalt exhausted, barely able to get up. Finally after what seemed like at least 20 blows, Cobalt collapsed completely. Shudders coursed throughout his body as the young adult lay prone on the cold dirt ground. His face was pale and his sides, chest and back were covered with horrible black and purple bruises. Stitch took one step forward and brought his weight down on Cobalt's chest with his foot. Cobalt gagged, his eyes widening, his lungs unable to take in air for several moments. Stitch leaned down close, his breathing raspy in Cobalt's ear.

"And don't I ever catch you sneaking off without asking permission from myself again…" He growled, the threat ringing in his voice, clear as day. "Or I swear to the fuckin' Starlight, you will not live to regret it!" A hard kick was directed to Cobalt's skull then the engine stalked off, taking his metal weapon with him.

Cobalt lay groaning on the ground for hours. It grew extremely cold, and he began to tremble. Cobalt soon began to cough, hard, and blood ran down his mouth. The red and chrome engine rolled over onto his tender side. His bloodshot eyes closed, and the young engine prayed for death to come.

Again, Cobalt's prayers went unanswered. The first thing he saw when his eyes flickered open was a blurry figure above him and to his left. Cobalt gave a soft groan of pain and tilted his head slightly.

"Shh." Chastened a soft voice. A familiar voice. Yet Cobalt, his mind blurry, could not place it.

"Who?... Who?..." A gentle hand touched his forehead.

"Shh, it's Cosmic." There was a pause, as another female voice spoke, and the two talked back and forth.

"You have a fever, not to mention dozens of critical injuries." The 2nd voice informed him. "I suggest you take it easy and don't try to move or say anything." Cobalt's eyes flickered then closed.

"Yes, Miss…" He whispered before slipping back into unconsciousness once more.

The next time Cobalt awoke, he was alone. Cobalt lifted his head slightly and pain shot down his back. Whimpering in pain, he lay limp again, staring weakly up at the ceiling as shadows flickered back and forth. He recognized his room. He now remembered what happened. Stitch had beat him mercilessly, until the engine was nearly dead. But what happened after that? As hard as Cobalt tried, he could not come up with an answer.

"Cobalt?..." Cobalt looked over as far as he could without moving his head.

"Who's – who's there?" He asked nervously, terrified that Stitch had returned to finish him off. Someone tip-toed in.

"Coby, hun, it's Cosmic." She sat down ever-so-gently on his bedside, carefully stroking his forehead and cheek with her hand. "I was so worried." She whispered. "When I looked out my window last night and saw you lying there, I thought…" She swallowed. "I thought you were gone…" Cobalt licked his dry lips.

"I thought I was. For a moment." Cosmic sniffed back tears and leaned in close to Cobalt's face. "I managed to get help. Carlotta is here – she promised to look after you until you're, well, in the clear." Cosmic lightly touched her cheek to Cobalt's.

"I was terrified…"

Cobalt felt a sense of warmth wash over him. Cosmic had saved his life. Even with the incredible pain the engine was in, he now preferred life to the alternative.

"I was, Coby."

"I know…" Cobalt's voice came out a whisper. Cosmic wrapped her arms gently around the engine, her lips against his cheek. Cobalt closed his eyes, his thoughts filled with nothing but gratitude to Cosmic.

And loathing for Stitch.