This is the fanfiction I had planned since last week. The idea came to me about two weeks ago, and only now started working on the first chapter yesterday, and most of this morning. I'm just hoping I made it worthwhile.

The pairings in this fic are 1x9, 2x5, and 7x8. It's mostly centering on 1 and 9, their differing ideas, opinions, and their own conflicting feelings. You'll see as the story progresses.

You'll notice that I'm using a new cover. It was drawn by cherreyes. Thank you, cherreyes, for the fanart. And thank you for the reviews.

Until I have chapter two ready, enjoy this first chapter. ^_^


Time healed all wounds, they said. It was something that 9 saw over the past few weeks when the fallen resurrected. It was thanks to the life-giving rain, and their resurrection was something that left 9, 7 and the twins surprised, confused, and, despite it all, overjoyed. It was something that left everyone sorrowful yet happy. Each stitchpunk had the time to unwind and settle into their new lives in the library since the cathedral was burned down from the Winged Beast's attack. It was something that was hard but adaptable. And every moment seemed to be a long process.

Several changes happened before them. The first thing 9 noticed was the day he saw 7 and 8 talking. He went out into the courtyard and saw them returning from a scouting expedition. 9 watched them curiously, thinking it no more than casual banter. Then he saw 8 take 7 into his arms, and they shared a kiss. It surprised 9 immensely, he never imagined the two of them felt that way. Further talk, and with 9's unbridled curiosity compelling him to ask, he learned that 7 and 8 had harbored feelings for each other long before 9's arrival. 8 had wanted to go with her the day she left, but felt compelled to stay with 1 and guard him, and would only wait until the day they would meet again. And it happened. They were together, and they couldn't be any more happy.

Another surprise took hold that 9 didn't expect. He went in to see 2 and found him and 5 being rather affectionate. An awkward moment was a lot to take in, and after explaining it to him, 5 and 2 came to realize their feelings for each other. 9 was happy for them, and he would give them his support. The two thanked him for giving his support and thanking him for understanding them. It was the least 9 could do.

Oftentimes, 9 found himself wandering the Emptiness, either with company or alone. When he had the chance to go out by himself, he was lucky to avoid notice from a beast. The ruined town still had a few beasts roaming the streets. Most of them being Cat Beasts that were leftover from the B.R.A.I.N.'s intervention. They'd creep near the stitchpunks' home, and they'd take them down. To them, this was all part of their routine. It would be out of the ordinary to not run into a beast. To have them all disappear would be out of this world.

Whenever 9 had a moment to himself, he would spend it going out at night when everyone was asleep and he would watch the night sky. There was something wistful about a sky full of stars. Was it the sky's velvety feel? The stars? The moon? All of it was so beautiful that 9 couldn't settle on one thing. Other times he would spend it reading some of the books that filled the library. 9's choice of genre changed from fiction to nonfiction, to mystery to horror. He even took to reading some children's books. It didn't matter what the story was about, just that he had something to fill his days.

But there were also times when he found himself restless. 9 didn't know why, but it started at around the time the fallen five returned to life, or maybe before. He thought it was the guilt eating away at him. Even though they had forgiven him, 9 felt like he didn't deserve that forgiveness. He thought he should be lashed out at, spat at, have his name screamed to hell and back. He longed for it. He craved for it. Having everyone brush off the incident like it was nothing wasn't giving 9 any absolution.

9 didn't not enjoy the company of his friends. He did enjoy spending time with 3 and 4. The twins would spend time reading with him, and going into the Emptiness to explore, sometimes picking up a trinket to take back to the library. Sometimes 9 would pick something for himself either to sate the twins' expectations, or because something grabbed his attention on its own. In the last few weeks, 9 brought back from the Emptiness a collection of many miscellaneous items. In his makeshift room he had a set of feather quills he kept in a thimble; broken pieces of pearl necklaces; a small bronze statuette of a mythical animal the twins identified as a griffin. He also brought back two penknives to use for sparring. 9 also had in his collection two diamonds that were once earrings. He kept the diamond with string tied to them and he fashion himself a few necklaces.

When all of the brooding would unwind, 9 would find solace knowing that he would someday set out and find his own path. He never admitted it, but he would sometimes think about leaving the library to find his place in the world. He never let on, but he stayed with the others on account of the countless times they've told him they forgive him and love him. 9 believed them, oftentimes he deluded himself into believing them for the the sake of fitting in. There were times where he believed the delusions he told himself, and times where he wanted to believe his friends. At the end of the day, he usually found himself isolated and forced to face himself and review what he'd done and how he'd done things.

And in these moments he wished he could stop himself from believing every tormenting remark.


9 grabbed his lightstaff, then picked up the penknife with the black handle. He gave his room a once-over, then parted the faded brown curtain and traipsed out. He ambled through the tall stacks of books barring his path. The sun filtered through the ruined ceiling; the clouds rolled by, occasionally blocking the sun, creating a monotonous routine.

He strode past a row of bookcases he recognized as the mystery section. He'd read about five books from that section. All of them were gripping and exciting in their own right. 9 saw the entrance come into view, and found himself smiling. Walking on top of the piles of books didn't hinder 9 at all, he rather enjoyed it. Once he reached the entrance, he walked out. The courtyard was thriving with green grass, a result of the life-giving rain. After that first rainfall, it began to rain more frequently. It was a sign that things would go back to how they were—before the war. Before he woke up. Before he and the others were brought to life.

He walked past the garden and made his way toward the iron gates. It surprised him that he didn't see 7 or 8 out here, or even 5. He usually saw 7 and 8 sparring here. Sometimes he saw the twins with them, flickering comments to them about their findings. When he saw 5 in the courtyard, he was usually alone or with 2. When he saw 5 alone, 9 would take the time to talk to him. If 2 was with him, 9 would talk to him and the inventor anyway. He trusted them, despite what he did back in the past.

9 strolled down the litter-ridden streets, listening to the sigh of the wind. Dust rolled by in a cloud, looking almost ghostlike. He peered at the numerous windows on the dilapidated buildings. To think this was once a bustling town now laid in rubble and metal, rust taking over much of the many vehicles laying on the streets. Nature had started to reclaim what was theirs. Green grass blades extruded from the ground, balancing the mechanical with the natural.

He leaped onto a pile of bricks that surprisingly formed into stairs. 9 reached the top, and looked back. He saw the library several yards away, from it's broken windows to its ruined green roof. Nostalgia nagged at him, like he would miss this place someday. And he would.

With a sigh, he looked away, leaped off the brick, and continued with his walk.


The sun had risen higher than when he started his trek. 9 sat on a car tire, his lightstaff on his lap. He was using a semi-clean rag to polish the bulb. He made a mental note to search for a spare battery in case the one he was currently using wore out. There was a lot he could find in this ramshackle town.

9 raised his staff higher, admiring its freshly-polished bulb, seeing his reflection on it. He and 5 built this together. It was one of the best moments 9 relished in his first moments of life. One of the best days he would cherish forever. He turned over and pulled his penknife out of the car tire's surface. Standing up, he dropped the rag and commenced with his walk.

Looking at every building, it was almost like the town was staring at him, judging him. If these buildings could talk, they wouldn't have to ask what he did the moment he came to life. Every moment from meeting 2 to meeting 5 to rescuing 2 with 5. Every second, every minute, every hour, every millisecond within the hour. All of it. It ensnared him with guilt, and then the regret would set in. He battled with these thoughts until he buckled under their control and would work his way out in a confusing array of paths.

9 gripped his penknife out of reflex, an uneasy feeling overtaking him. He tried not to let it get the best of him but it couldn't be helped. The eeriness of the quiet town had that way of making you feel like you're being watched. He pressed on, his optics looking at every inch of the crumbling buildings. If he stood still long enough, he swore the entire world had stilled with him.

The sun shined overhead, casting shadows upon the ground. Even the darkest corners of the Emptiness were touched by the sun's golden glow. 9 spent a few hours looking in through the abandoned buildings for nothing in particular. An unexplained hope tugged at his chords that was snuffed out when he was met with nothing.

Leaping over a pipe, 9 stood still when a noise resonated from some unknown point. He turned his head toward his left. He narrowed his pupils, looking into the alleyway; there was a wooden fence between the two brick buildings. He heard the noise again, flinching slightly when he saw a trash lid fly across the other side hitting the wall and falling to the ground. 9 prepared himself.

He saw a black shape leap from the wooden fence and into the alley. What 9 saw was a beast, one he hadn't seen before. He couldn't make out the shape of it; from the bottom it had equine legs cobbled out of water pipes, ending with rusting horseshoes, and a tail ending with a spiked club. From the top it had a birdlike head—a bird skull with mechanical eyes that glowed red. Its forelimbs were compiled out of metal pipes ending with lethal-looking claws. The forelimbs seemed to be ball-jointed for they moved more freely. Observing how it walked, this was a bipedal-type of beast; it didn't walk on all fours like most beasts. The beast's chest area was covered with this type of fur or feathers, but 9 could see wires poking out of that mass. More of the same brown feathers extruded from the beast's back decorously.

The beast turned its head, and stared straight at 9. An unspeakable moment passed between them.

Then the beast let out an earsplitting cry. It sounded like a blend between a human cry with a bird's caw and a whinny. It took off charging for the zippered stitchpunk. 9 gripped his penknife, dropping the lightstaff aside. He took off running, blade pointing at the beast's legs. He was about to stab one of its horseshoes when the beast's claws swatted him aside, sending him falling for the ground.

9's head hit the ground, dizziness sinking into him like a pair of jaws. When it subsided he came up to a crouching position, still holding the penknife. He turned over; the beast gaping down at him, showing no emotion whatsoever. It screeched, about to snatch him with its beak when something hit it across the face. Both the beast and the zippered stitchpunk turned to see another stitchpunk holding a blade of his own. 9 recognized him as 1. His new carob-colored cape whipped in the wind. 9 didn't expect to see him here, let alone stop a beast; nevertheless, he was grateful to have him here.

The beast let out a shrill screech.

"1!," called 9.

"Get back!," shouted 1. He grabbed at the makeshift crossbow, and pulled the blade with the string. He pointed at the beast's face. 9 wasted no time scrambling out of the way.

He sprinted a few feet away from where 1 stood, and watched him send the blade aiming for the beast's face. It landed straight into the beast's left eye. The beast recoiled, claws flailing helplessly. It shook its head, desperate to remove the blade from its eye. Its cry filled the Emptiness.

1 picked up 9's lightstaff, and ran up to him.

"Come on," he said, looking back at the beast, "that thing will only be distracted for so long."

9 nodded, and ran with 1 trailing alongside him.


The sun sank lower into the horizon, saturating the sky a blazing orange with pink tones and purplish hues. The clouds scattered the crawling twilight, and the first few stars began to appear. The way the buildings stood silhouetted against the sunset made it look less frightening. 5 sauntered down the stone stairs, a look of worriment on his face. He spotted 3 and 4 with 7 in the garden. They were flickering their optics, recording every detail of the the garden's new greenery. He glimpsed up at the bare trees, wondering when leaves would start to appear in its branches. Patience was all he needed to see the earth come to life.

He walked up to 7 and the twins, unable to brush off the uneasiness.

"It's getting late," he said, not looking at either 7 or the twins.

"Huh?," uttered 7, turning to look at him.

"Well," said 5, "it's just that I haven't seen 9 all day, and it's almost dark." He took a glimpse at her then looked at the descending sunset.

"Come to think of it," uttered 7, strolling toward him, "I haven't seen him at all either."

'We were going to show him something we found yesterday,' uttered 4, rising to her feet, 'we wanted to take him out again to look for more knickknacks.'

'Do you think he got lost?,' asked 3 through optic flickers.

7 gave a worried glance, optics glancing at the ground.

"If he is," spoke 5, "then we can't search for him now. We'll just have to wait until tomorrow of he doesn't come home tonight."

"You're probably right," said 7.

5 looked over at when he heard a set of footsteps approaching. 2 walked with the use of his cane.

"Hello, 2," said 7.

"Hello," retorted 2.

5 leaned over and kissed 2.

"What were you talking about?," asked 2, catching sight of their concerned looks.

"We were just talking about how 9 has been gone all day," explained 7.

"I've noticed," commented 2, "I've been worried about him for days."

"I know," said 5.

The twins scampered over to 2, pointing to the tufts of green grass blades.

"I see them," commented the inventor, "they're beautiful, aren't they?"

3 nodded.

'They sure are,' quipped 4, smiling.

"About 9," said 5, "if he doesn't come home soon, we'll have to search for him in the morning."

"Well," spoke 2, "you might not have to search for just 9."

"What do you mean?," quipped 7.

"1 went out into the Emptiness," said 2, "I sent him out of search for 9 because I worried about him, and if they both end up in danger..." He grabbed a hand at his forehead, shaking his head disappointedly.

"Oh, 2," said 5, putting his arms around him, "no, don't worry yourself over this. It's not your fault."

"I know," said 2, "I know, but still, I'm worried something might happen to him, or 9, or both."

"No," interjected 7, "no, don't beat yourself over this. It's not your fault."

4 put a hand to the inventor's shoulder, offering a smile.

"I was just worried about 9," repeated 2, "and I was the one who convinced 1 to go follow him. Oh!" He slapped his forehead again, face twisting in anguish.

"It's okay," said 7, placing a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay. None of this is your fault. Don't even think it."

2 glanced up at her, face laced with dim hope.

"It's not your fault," reiterated 7, offering a smile. "Tomorrow, 8 and I will find him and 1. And if they're in danger, we'll help them."

"And I'll stay here with you" stated 5, "and help you with the twins and 6. Maybe 1 and 9 will find their way back home."

"I suppose you're right," said 2, looking at him and then at 7.

'You have nothing to worry about,' said 3 through optic flickers.

The low rumbling of thunder echoed in the air. A single raindrop landed on 7, prompting her to look up.

"We'd better get inside," she said, keeping her gaze on the sky, "we'll just have to wait until tomorrow for this rain to pass."

"Good idea," commented 5.

He and the rest made their way toward the library entrance, escaping the rain that was just a drizzle at first, then turned into a downpour. 2 stood at the entrance, watching the rain fall. He had a concerned look on his face. The possibility of 9 ending up in danger, or that 1 would end up in the clutches of the same danger crept up in his mind. He didn't admit it, but another reason also bloomed in his conscience. The outcome of it would either be for the good or the better, and he hoped he didn't do what 1 did to him and send him to his death. He might also be responsible for two deaths.

He only had until tomorrow to see if his suspicions were true.


The beast's name will be revealed in the next chapter, unless you guys want to suggest any ideas. ;3 I know this chapter feels rushed, but it was all I could do at short notice.

Look forward to chapter two. :)