Okay, sorry that I missed the last weeks AGAIN! So I've decided something - don't worry it's nothing extreme - just wanted to change my upload to a bi-weekly schedule. Just so everything is easier to manage. Again, high school is a thing but I do have to remember to write every so often.


Shale sat with her makeshift fishing rod leaning against the same log she sat on. She had sorted out some of the more intact pots and had each of them filled with water and placed over the re-stoked fire. Shale had explained to the Peter, Falcon and Edward that this was a classic method for cleaning water. Though she didn't know how long it would need to boil for. So when Peter asked when he could have another drink, she told him that regular water bottles were safer for now.

She looked up to the sky. Clouds were spotted against the sky but Shale could make out the sun high above. She recounted all the remaining food they had. Some of the food she had from her base was expired but it was still, mostly, edible. So that might last them about two days and a half, double that if she skipped breakfast and dinner. She sighed as she sat up from her sorting and went back to gathering more firewood.

But she paused, she could hear the engines talking. The sound leaked through the broken cabin but she could make out pieces. They were talking about her, her decision to keep surviving and not help the others. And she'd be lying to herself if guilt hasn't been eroding her insides since that. She did feel bad for denying the others, but no shame. Picks said there was no shame in surviving and out of everything he'd told her, that was one of the things she wholeheartedly agreed to. There wasn't anything someone in her position could do to improve her lifestyle. Nothing, so just live and make do. Survive.

Though from what she had heard, they didn't agree. They already had a rough plan to attempt to rescue their friends. They knew what they needed. And they didn't need her. It took several jagged hacks from her knife to a splinted branch to realize that she was crying. Tears flowing down her dirt streaked cheeks. She hardly even noticed then until on dropped onto the edge of her sleeve.

She wiped the tears off. It was only a matter of time anyways. She hadn't heard exactly what they'd said but she had already decided it would be negative. But she still hoped that she was wrong. So she began to set a plan, a test to see whether they'd follow through with what they said.

She finished breaking of branches and walked back to the fire, setting the branches by her log. Edward looked up from his book and gave her a quick smile. Shale simply nodded. She looked over to see that Peter was currently trying to fit some pieces of broken blue glass and metal shards into Falcons vine crown. "Hey."

Both engines turned to look at her. "Just sayin' that sticking metal shards into that is dangerous. If ya get cut then you're probably gonna her infected and I doubt you'll notice in time."

Peter looked down to the shards in his palm for a moment before turning it and letting them fall to the ground. "Alright, that does make sense. They didn't smell very good anyways."

Shale brushed the shards away with her foot but that's when she realized something. At this, she facepalmed hard.

"Shale?" Edward asked, concerned. "What happened? Did you forget something?"

"Yea." She groaned into her hand. "I forgot to get you bloody shoes." She let her hand slide down her face. At this this provided her with a decent excuse for her plan. But still, she felt bad.

"Oh, I never really noticed that." Edward dug his toes into the dirt before pushing them up. "Though I guess it would be better if my feet had protection." He pulled one up and pulled a small twig out from between his toes.

"Yea, definitely. Heya Peter, mind calling everyone else over. I think we might need to go back into town again."

The white streaked engine nodded and placed the crown back on his head and ran over to the cabin. Shale placed her own crown on the log and began sorting through her bag again. Adding in extra bills and some small packs of food. She noticed one of the larger glass shards and gingerly picked it up. She pushed it aside and pulled up part of the dusty tarp and began sawing a piece off.

After a few minutes Shale had finished wrapping the shard as the other engines stepped outside. She sat up and gave a few experimental swings. She tucked that into her bag but then she noticed the old ring of keys she had found. Slipping the ring around her wrist and the keys between her knuckles she gave another punch.

'Not the best, but it'll do.' She noticed that every other engine was carrying a book. Shale considered bringing them back to the library but then she remembered what had happened with Renneas. She slung her bag over her shoulders.

"Hello again Shale. Peter said we would going into town again, something about shoes?" Skarloey asked.

"Yea, I was stupid and forgot to get Eddie shoes. And we may need to get some more food. A good portion is almost rotten." She began walking back towards the forest edge. "'Sides, might help to show you some street skills." She held out the glass knife, blade turned downward and facing herself and she showed how the keys fit between her fingers. Some of the engines visibly recoiled when Shale had out the weapon. She rolled her eyes.

"Look, I get you don't like what this means but your gonna have to face it sooner than later. Half the time you won't even need to use it, it's mostly just for show. Tells people your mess 'em up if they mess with you." She gave a moment to think. "Then again if drawing blood is what your concerned with then you could just use your fists. Just try not to break anything."

She thrust the knife to Skarloey anyways, who nervously tucked it into one of his pockets with the handle sticking out. Shale stepped past them, already at the tree line. "C'mon, your gonna have to learn some street smarts sooner or later. May as well be now."

Besides, they would need them if Shale was gone.

:=====:

Stepping into the town in the late afternoon was vastly different from the early morning or the late night. More people, younger people were bunched together in groups. Some still had backpacks pulled over their shoulders. Cafes and restaurants were bustling with customers and ever so often a car would go down the streets, though bicycles were more common. Stepping into town at this time gained Shale plenty of looks but she just glared back and they'd advert their eyes. Though she noticed that they were less towards the engines and more to solely herself. Guess the grey skin wasn't that absurd.

She stepped into the closest alleyway, noticing a dumpster with a simple lock. After a sideways glance she motioned the engines to watch as she crouched in front of the lock. Though this time she pulled out two thin pieces of metal, a bobby pin and a long, bent piece of wire. Shale gingerly stuck both in and began twisting the wire at different angles. The engines leaned in to watch but Shale hissed as part of the wire broke and was left poking out of the lock. It had been a while since she needed to do this and she was never good to begin with.

Shale settle bobby pin at a new angle, bent the wire in unique but a similar pattern and then inserted it again. This time each of the engines pick up on a slight click and Shale pulled the lock of. Duncan smirked approving "Oh yea, didn't know there were other ways to pick locks."

Shale did a double take on that. "Wait. You've done this before?"

"Yea, though I used a twig instead. Driver taught me 'bout it."

She raised an eyebrow. A twig? Shale bet even Picks hadn't heard of that. She set that aside. "Yea. Anyways, mind helping me out here guys? Duncan? Falcon?" She called both of them over as she leaned over the rim and began pushing through the garbage. Both engines recoiled at the smell but Shale had gone nose blind years ago. From the top of the pile she pulled out a small tied up bag and leaned out. She took a moment to scan the area. Then after a moment, took of the lock and stuffed it into her bag.

"Shale? What are you trying to teach us?" Skarloey asked.

She opened her mouth to answer but snapped shut and bolted when she saw a door swing open behind him. She grabbed Edwards hand and practically dragged him out of the alley, almost stumbling over trying to catch up. It took the others a moment to realize what was happening along with being yelled at by a elderly man in a red cashier apron to leave in a rather colourful language. Skarloey clapped his hands over Peters ears as the stepped out. They looked down the streets but Shale wasn't in sight. Shale leaned from behind where she was hidden.

"Shale? Shale what was that?" Edward asked, peeking over the same corner as Shale. "Why did we leave the others? Did you see someone?"

Shale took a moment to exhale before walking back to the engines. "Yea, that guy known to have some good stuff in his dumpsters. He keeps it locked and the food is usually expired but it's consistent and that's what matters."

The others noticed her stepping out and ran towards her. "Shale? What was that? What were you doing back there? What's in that bag?" Skarloey asked rapidly.

"The store owner, picking a lock and food." She counted off on her fingers. "Didn't realize that as it happened?"

"Oh." He said sheepishly. "Well, after the fact it does make more sense."

"Made sense to me." Duncan shrugged.

Shale guessed by the looks of confusion from the others that they just picked up what she was doing as well. "That's kinda weir-"

But she cut herself off. "Actually, never mind. That's fine. It's fine. C'mon, I'll show you how to pick these kinda locks."

She led the engines a couple blocks down to the centre of town marked by a simple arrangement of trees with benches underneath. A mix of men in suits and teenagers slumped over with briefcases and bags set beside them had sat underneath in the shade. Shale walked over to one tree which had its wooden bench marked with graffiti, so naturally most people tended to avoid it. But this wasn't the case for today. A brunette woman in her mid-20's was sitting with her head in her hands and fliers scattered around her footing and one pinned to the tree. Before Shale could lead them out of their cone of vision, Edward stepped forward and started gathering the papers that were blown around in the wind.

Skarloey followed in suit and before long the rest did to. Peter Sam even tried to go the extra mile by trying to pull one down from another tree but it was to tall to reach. The woman didn't seem to notice as they all gathered them into a near pile. And somehow, Renneas ended up holding the whole stack. She listened as they argued who would give back the fliers. None of them seemed to want the task. So Shale stepped forward and pulled them out of their hands. May as well get this over quickly. Each of the engines followed behind her and she stepped in front of her.

"Hey lady. I think you dropped these." She said bluntly.

That made her head turn up and Shale felt slightly guilty when she realized that she may have been crying but she recovered and stood up, taking the pile into her hands. "Oh, thank you very much. I suppose I was just tired."

"Yea, but give 'em the glory. Turns out altruism hasn't died yet." She jabbed a thumb towards the engines. When she looked over her eyes locked onto Renneas.

"Wait, I remember you. We met at the library." She gave a faint smile. "I hope your feeling better after... that."

He coughed into his fist and adjusted his collar again. "No, don't mind me. I am fine. But thank you again for the help."

"Wait, what happened -" Peter began.

"Is best left unsaid." Shale butted in. She glanced around to the flier posted on the tree. It was a missing persons poster of a young girl - maybe 5 or 6 - with blond hair and green eyes. She wore a simple pale lilac shirt and a grey skirt with matching stockings. The woman must have noticed her starring because she spoke up again.

"She's my daughter, dear little Diana." Her smile took on a wistful look. But it sobered quickly. "She went missing a few days ago. We haven't got a clue where she is but I just hope she's safe."

Shale snorted. "Definitely doesn't look like your kid."

"Well, technically she's not my biological child. Diana's adopted." She explained. Shale frowned at this. The red-head didn't believe that the woman was serious about adoption. Or at the very least it was done for her public rep.

"Oh, that's very sad miss- uh." Skarloey pauses.

"Please, just call me Brigitte. Though I didn't get your names. Are you all brothers?"

"You could say that Miss Brigitte." Renneas added, but there was a cautious tone to his voice. "I am Renneas and Skarloey is technically my brother by human standards."

Skarloey followed up his sentence and began gesturing to the rest of the engines. But he seemed to move in front of each of them in a protective manner. "This is Peter Sam, Falcon, Duncan, Rusty and Edward. Pleased to meet you."

Brigitte seemed to be taken aback by this and Shale saw her eyes dart to each of them before relaxing. "Well, that's very nice. So, what brings you all out today?"

"Oh, Shale was just about to show us something!" Peter explained. The former grit her teeth at the sudden attention. She didn't want this lady around, something about her made her instincts say to distrust her and her instincts were what kept her alive. Something about her felt off, Shale didn't care what.

"Yea. But it's not here." Shale looked her dead in the eye when she said this. "C'mon, let's go." She wanted to teach the engines how to pickpocket but now that the woman knew their faces she'd have to take this somewhere else. She turned swiftly and began walking away and back towards the forest. It was getting dark anyways and smoky clouds formed overhead, a sign of a incoming storm.

The engines followed one by one. Though they were polite enough to give her a quick goodbye and wished her luck on finding her daughter. When they caught up to Shale, Rusty was the first to ask questions.

"Shale, don't you think that was somewhat rude it just leave the lady there?" He asked.

"Not the worst. But I didn't like her, she's suspicious. Something up with her."

"Really? What's wrong? You know her? Should we be worried?" Falcon asked.

"No, but I bet something of with her. She's not telling us something, I can feel it. Nobody is that altruistic."

"So you don't have any bases for an accusation?" Renneas quizzed. "What makes you think she's bad then? She seemed rather pleasant."

"Look, I said it before and I'll say it again. It's rich against the poor, everyone for themself. Better to just stay distant, I don't even know her."

"But she was kind enough to help me at the library." He tugged at his sleeves subconsciously. "Surely she can't be all bad."

"Besides, you decide to help us." Edward added, placing a hand on her shoulder and gave her a smile.

Shale didn't know what to say to that. But she just turned and kept walking, leading them to one of the abandoned buildings by the perimeter of the town. There were broken off pieces of metal and concrete scattered around and the door was already pulled of it's hinges. Shale had been here a few times and had some useful supplies but now there was just rubble. She sat on one of the larger pieces and thrust the lock into Skarloey hands.

"Here, try to copy what I did back there. Try to pop open the lock." She explained. He looked down to the tools and then back up to Shale.

"Uhh, if it's alright. Could you please explain how?" He asked.

"Just try to figure it out. Twist it around until you find what works."

"Alright." He looked down and inserted the pin and wire. But when he went to change the angle he ended up snapping the fine wire. He pulled out the wire stuck inside the lock and looked back up to Shale and held then out. "I'm sorry, but this isn't working. I really don't have any ideas."

Renneas coughed to get her attention. "Shale, who exactly taught you how to pick locks?"

She took back the lock and sat on the ground in front of the engines. "It… it was Picks and - well it wasn't to much teach as it was trial and error. But I managed pretty well, still ain't as good as him but I can get it done."

"So your just guessing half the time?" Falcon asked, eyebrow raised.

She gave a low laugh. "More or less."

"Hold on." Duncan stepped up to Shale and took the lock right out of her hands. He held both ends with both hands and began to pull. "Since we got super strength, maybe we can ju-"

He cut himself on and instead focused on - literally - breaking the lock. It didn't take long and a moment after a sharp crack rang through he held the two pieces triumphantly for them all to see. "Ha, knew it would be easier."

"Well not all of us have super strength." She mumbled. She sighed quietly to herself. "Guess you guys all got what you need. Don't just rely on dumpster diving for food. Check outdoor cafes and benches around parks and public areas. There's usually some half eaten meal lying there, just be sure to get out fast. Stay away from anyone in a uniform and do not stay in the city after dark."

Skarloey nodded thoughtful. "Thank you Shale, your help had been greatly appreciated. I don't know what we'd do without your help. It's only a shame that I cannot repay you."

"Don't mention it." She shrugged and for a moment, she believed she was doing some good. But part of her still told her to leave, they didn't need her anymore. Though if she did, what was left for her? She'd given everything into helping these guys, which granted wasn't much to begin with, but it was everything she had. In a weird way, they made her life feel more bearable, more hopeful. Like she wasn't just surviving, Shale was living. Her feelings of attachment weren't selfish, she didn't just want them for protection. She enjoyed them, not just Edward, everyone else too.

They weren't Picks, they still had hope for a better day and they still cared for others. She couldn't imagine how. But then again, when you live as a slave for most of your life they any alternative must be an improvement. They were scared, optimistic and perhaps to trusting but if she stayed then she could help preserve what they had, hope.

"Yea, you guys are enough." She smiled. She watched as some of the younger engines began poking into the old building while Renneas and Edward stayed outside and chatted quietly. Rusty noticed the other fooling around inside and ran in to tell them to be careful. It was an oddly casual scene but she enjoyed it.

But then she felt a prickling sensation from the back of her head and immediately whipped around, just fast enough to spot someone retreat into the shadow of one of the adjacent alleyways. From what she saw they was an adult, dressed in some type of uniform. First red flag. Then she saw how he took a moment to watch the engines and herself again before slipping of. He was observing them, but for how long? Was he tracking them? Second red flag.

She stood up. "One sec Renneas, I think there another dumpster around here and since someone broke it, I'm gonna need a new lock. Not all locks can be broken and it's a useful skill to have anyways. Stay here for now, if I'm not back then go back to the cabin."

Edward stood up as she began walking away. "Shale?"

"Don't worry Edward. I'll be back eventually. Just gotta take care of something first." She took his hand in hers and gave it a quick squeeze. Shale still had a smile but when she turned to keep walking a small frown formed. "But if you hear anything weird, run."

She didn't wait to hear their questions and made a slow jog across the sidewalk and down one of the alleys. There wasn't actually any dumpster here, just some overflowing garbage bins and the odd wooden crate. When she turned again and glanced across the street there wasn't any sign of that man. Before turning around she pulled out her knife and held it in a aggressive manner. At the mouth of the alley was the same man, but this time was flanked by two others. Each dressed in police uniforms and armed with clubs and handcuffs. She straightened her stance and looked both of them in the eye.

"We ain't doing anything wrong officer. So if you got nothing to say, then leave is alone."

"If your hoarding out products then you are." The one in the middle stepped up and pulled out his club and smirked. "So back of street rat."

"Products?" She grit her teeth. "Wow, and you call me a rat."

He growled and both of the other men drew their clubs. "Your just a child, this doesn't concern you. Now get out of the way, we have the authority to utilize brute force if required."

For a moment, only a moment, Shale consider letting them take the engines away. But she hated herself for letting that possibility even be considered. Normally she wouldn't care for the unlucky ones, the ones who she could have helped. But seeing how they all act, how they protect each other, she wanted to protect that as well. To preserve some semblance of hope. So she drew out her knife and moved to block the entrance.

"Get to him, you get through me."

She had made her stance clear and they wasted no time in their assault. Thankfully, she was used to fighting those bigger and much stronger than herself. One made a wide swing for her head but she rolled behind him and made a stab for his calf, though the armour was thick and the blade simply bounced of. But one of the men came up behind her and grabbed her arm. She bucked her leg backwards and it made contact with his pelvis, causing him to cry out out and curl in on himself.

Now she was being backed into the wall by the remaining two. She saw one of them move to their belts to grab at a radio and immediately charged him and this time aimed for his elbows, he cried out in pain and blood leaked down his arm. Shale grabbed the radio and threw to to the ground, crushing it under her boot. Then a snap later she felt something hard smash against the back of her head and the edges of her vision distorted. She spun and tried to make a wide swing but the man hit her again, bringing his club down across her right arm.

Adrenaline was flowing through her, making it hard to feel the sudden impact but she felt something in her right arm snap and her knife drop. So she curled her fits and punched him straight in the face. Shale didn't expect much, only hoping to stun him long enough to grab her knife again but she felt something shatter beneath her knuckles and the man grabbed at his face. His nose was obviously broke and blood dribbled down over his lips.

She didn't have time to feel the shock from her sudden strength, shuffling back while her arm hung limp. Shale had felt something under her skin shatter and when she tried to raise her arm pain like lightning flew across her and she had to bite her tongue to keep from screaming. The man she had stabbed went to charge her again but she hastily threw her jacket towards his face, leaving him stunned but causing herself to trip backwards. She went to stab at his knees but was kicked back as he pulled of her jacket and her knife was knocked from her hand.

He lunged down and had her pinned with his other hand and forced her arms above her head. She kicked her feet in an attempt to throw him of but he slammed his knee into her stomach which knocked the air out from her lungs. With the drumming in her head and the lack of air in her lungs it was getting harder to stay awake. But through the haze he saw him staring at her. If her mind was cleared she would know it was on her left arm, the same place where she had been cut and Edward had bandaged along with the mystery vial.

Though she continued to fight, arms scratched from being ground against the pavement. Out of the corner of her vision she could see the other men standing again. She fought to stay awake and saw them pulling out another radio. As her mind drifted of she could only make out pieces of what they said.

"Sir we have - much more int - successful merger - should we kill the other - bring her to the - yes sir."

At that point, all she could feel was someone forcing her hand into cuffs and throwing her over their shoulders.