A/N: Dang, you guys are smart! There is a LOT of racism, imperialism, and all sorts of other –isms going against the Reds on Modulon 5 right now, and so begins the Red Sentient Civil Rights Movement, or RSCR. Just kidding, that's not a thing. How corny do you think I am?
…Don't answer that. Read on!
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It was two weeks before Kyburi saw him again. She had been using the library computers to keep track of the gladiatorial battles ever since the night with Samar. That particular day the match had been at three in the afternoon, and with tensions between the races about to reach their peak, the entire planet had been buzzing about it. The library had even been closed early so the other workers could go and watch. Kyburi had been eager to leave along with them, but the head librarian, Salir, had other plans.
"You'll stay if you want to keep your job, Red." She folded her arms. "This entire shelf needs to be filed by the end of the day."
"But, Salir, that'll take all night, and my sister-"
"You've always been a loyal worker." The Blue said forbiddingly. "We both know you need this job more than I need a Red in my library."
Kyburi bowed her head in defeat.
"Yes, Salir." She said dejectedly, picking up a manuscript from the shelf and scanning its code. All Sentient texts had been digitized but there were still many who checked out the original volumes in an attempt to translate the ancient Sentient language within them. Many of the texts were digital as well, and although reading for pleasure was not conventional for Sentients, books were considered a source of knowledge and highly valuable. Kyburi had to treat all of them with care, and as Salir left, she groaned in spite.
Blues. Kyburi rolled her eyes, beginning to shelve the ancient tomes. She hated leaving Kiry home for this long, especially now that the nine-million-year-old was expecting her home early. An hour passed, and then two. The library was quiet, and it was pleasant to be able to move freely around the shelves without having to worry about the Blues seeing her. Salir deducted her pay every time there was a complaint.
Every. Single. Time.
It certainly kept her on her toes. Kyburi was cunning about it now, practically invisible. She had found that she possessed a sort of sixth sense when it came to the Blues in the library, knowing when they were about to appear. It was intriguing, but it didn't make her job much better.
It was sometime past two hours when she heard the doors of the library slam open. Kyburi was in the front wing when it happened, and turned around in surprise.
"Krytus?" She said in surprise. "How'd you get in, the library's closed—"
"Axons have a key." Krytus briefly held the key, pinched between his thumb and forefinger, for her to see.
"But what are you doing—" Kyburi tried to ask again, but there was a cold, furious look in his eyes.
"We're leaving," he said brusquely. Kyburi couldn't even process his words.
"Leaving… Krytus, be reasonable! What are you saying?" She demanded in exasperation, and he walked right up to her and gripped her shoulders in his hands. Krytus stared into her eyes with such intensity Kyburi couldn't find the strength to look away.
"We're leaving. For the Red planet. For a new life." He said solemnly. "But Kyburi, I know I can't do it without you."
"Krytus, I don't know if—"
"But I, do." He said vehemently, and again Kyburi felt that intimate heat radiating at their points of contact. "Kyburi…I need you." Krytus said quietly, and he brought his thumb along the line of her cheek. Kyburi blinked at the touch, and her breath hitched in her throat. Why was it that he could make her feel these things for him? It was like nothing she had ever had with a Blue.
"Okay. I'll come." She said finally, and he nodded.
"Good." He turned around and started walking for the door. "Come on. You'll need to pack."
"Wha—Right now?" She exclaimed, and he nodded. "But—"
"I never wish to return to this planet." Krytus said hotly. "I loathe it every day with every ounce of my core. We are leaving now." He stormed out of the library doors, and Kyburi followed persistently behind, surprised at the empty streets.
Everyone is probably still at the fight. She thought, but then realized with a start that Krytus had been officiating that competition.
"Krytus, what happened at the battle?" She asked softly, placing a hand on his arm. Krytus sped up his pace, ignoring her question. "Krytus." Kyburi forced the strength into her voice. If he truly needed her, he would have to tell her.
"NOTHING HAPPENED!" He roared, twisting her arm away. "It is of no matter now!"
She would never find out what had happened that day, what had so infuriated him. He stormed away from her and Kyburi recoiled. He was so…dark. He could instill such passion in her one moment and completely rip her core in two the next. It was terrifying yet exhilarating, like speeding in a vehicle without knowing where it would turn next. The only problem was that that vehicle was her only chance to escape this planet, and she would have to learn, through good times and through bad, how to ride it.
"Kybi?" Kiry sat up the second she opened the door. "I've been waiting for you!"
"I know, Kiry, Salir kept me late." Kyburi responded quickly, pulling open a drawer. Packing would be easy. They hardly owned anything worth bringing, and Kyburi wanted only Kiriana's necklace.
"Why is he here?" Kiry asked suspiciously, her eyes darting over to Krytus.
"We're moving, Kir." Kyburi said cheerily. "To the Red planet. A new start."
"I like it here." Kiry frowned, refusing to move from her spot on the mattress.
"Trust me, you'll like it better there." Kyburi murmured to herself, digging through the drawer.
"Kybi, you're not even listening!" Kiry protested. "I don't want to go to the Red planet! There are so many bad things there!"
"There are so many bad things here, Kiry!" Kyburi whipped around. "You're just too young to see them!" She hated yelling at her sister but Kiry needed to know.
"You're always saying that!" Kiry cried in resentment.
"Because it's true!" Kyburi snapped. "I'm going, and you're coming with me."
"No!" Kiry screamed.
"KIRY!" Kyburi barked, kneeling down on the ground so that her sister was at eye level. "We will go to the Red planet and you will like it. My life will be easier and so will yours. I know it doesn't make sense now, but just remember that I have to do everything I can to protect you, okay? I love you more than anything, and one day, this will all turn out for the better, but you just have to trust me." As she spoke, Kyburi held Kiry's hand, pressing her nails in ever so slightly and slowly drawing the fire out of her sister's eyes.
"Okay." Kiry said drowsily. Kyburi took just enough of her energy to make her fall asleep.
"I'll take her." Krytus stepped forward. He would ask Kyburi about the drain later, but now they had to leave. "Do you have everything?" He asked curiously, placing the child on his back and noting Kyburi's empty hands.
"Everything important." Kyburi nodded firmly. Kiriana's necklace was fastened tightly around her neck. With her wages from the library, she had finally saved enough to buy it back. It didn't feel right having any other Sentient to own it.
"Alright. We have to get to the portals before everyone returns from the arena." Krytus said hastily, but before they could leave, Kyburi paused. She looked around the small room she had called home once and then made hers once more and sighed.
"It's…strange. Leaving. Wouldn't you agree?"
Krytus, a hand on the doorframe, shook his head. "It's better."
They headed toward the main portals. One remained open at all times between the Blue and Red planets, but recently it had been heavily guarded due to the uprisings. The Blues would rather have Reds controlled here than creating more dissent against them on the Red planet, and it was becoming increasing difficult to be allowed portal use. Fortunately, all of the guards were absent today, probably still at the battle celebrating.
She was overwhelmed by emotions as the portal grew nearer.
Fear. What would become of them on the Red planet? Would she still be an outcast? Would Kiry be happy?
Guilt. Why had she taken Kiry's energy? Why had she forced her sister to come along when Kiry had made it so clear that she didn't want to?
Affirmation. She had struggled so long on this Blue planet and it was about time something good happened to her. She was standing up for herself, for a better life.
Anxiety. Would it really be a better life? What would it be like, relying on Krytus?
Krytus. His mood could change from loving to furious in a matter of minutes. Would she be safe? He didn't yet know about her secret ability, and she could use that to her advantage, but she so badly wanted to be able to trust him.
Kiry doesn't, a nagging voice in her head continued to say, but Kyburi ignored it. Kiry was too young to have sound judgment about such things.
The feelings swelled and churned until her head started to pound, but they were at the portal now.
"Are you ready?" Krytus asked, and she took a deep breath.
"As I'll ever be." Kyburi found herself reaching for his hand, and when they clasped together, she felt a small spark. The massive portal swirled with red and black antimatter, and the black void in the center gave no glimpse as to her future.
They stepped through it, walking straight into the darkness.
The portal spat them out on the other side, and a knife was immediately pressed to Kyburi's throat.
She found herself looking straight into the eyes of a glaring Red, and glanced over at Krytus in panic. He was being held as well, the blade pressed against his neck. They were surrounded by tough-looking Reds, not just the ones holding them hostage but a protective semicircle, all holding weapons, gathered around them.
Kyburi could feel her persecutor's eyes burning into her when suddenly, the knife was released.
"They're Reds!" A joyful cry went up through the guards, and she stumbled in surprise. One particular Red appeared in the middle of the circle and greeted them with open arms.
"Kyrosys, is this how you treat your guests?" Krytus asked him lightheartedly, and the Red, apparently called Kyrosys, laughed heartily.
"My sincerest apologies, Krytus. You know how these times have made us." He nodded, and made a motion to his guards. "Stand down. He is a friend."
"Indeed I do, Kyrosys. I appreciate your hospitality." Krytus said respectfully.
"Is this the female you spoke about?" Kyrosys indicated Kyburi, who felt heat rise to her cheeks as the entire guard surveyed her.
"Yes, Kyrosys, this is Kyburi." Krytus nodded to her, and Kyrosys lifted his hand. "Kyburi, Kyrosys." They synapsed, which Kyburi hadn't expected. Most Blues simply shook hands, but when they did synapse, she felt a small surge of what she had felt with Krytus.
Trust.
"Kyburi too has been oppressed by the Blues on Modulon 5." Krytus explained.
"As we all have been, my brother." Kyrosys nodded sadly. "And the child?" He asked, gesturing to the sleeping Kiry on Krytus's back.
"Her sister, Kiry." Krytus explained, and Kyburi noted Kyrosys's dubious look. It was clear that he did not approve of a having a child present in the middle of war.
"We could not leave her behind." Krytus added quietly. "She will be no trouble, I assure you. She is merely a youth."
"She is a liability." Kyrosys said strictly, and then looked to Kyburi. "She is your sister?"
"Yes." Kyburi nodded, a glare in her eyes. They would not separate her from Kiry.
"Be cautious with her." Kyrosys said carefully, and that was the end of the matter. "Now, neither of you have remaining Blue ties?"
"The question is, does she have Red ties?" One of the guards snickered, and Kyrosys rolled his eyes at the solider while Kyburi's eyes widened in surprise.
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't speak to her like that." Krytus said evenly, but there was obvious threat in his voice, and the Red who had spoken up shrank back.
"I apologize for him. New recruit." Kyrosys explained in discomfort, throwing a glare at the solider who had spoken up.
"That does not excuse his insolent behavior." Krytus threatened coldly.
"I understand your concern, brother." Kyrosys assured him. "Now, Krytus, your quarters have been prepared. Thank you for coming to join your brethren. We are glad you are home." Kyrosys briefly turned to his guards. "Guard the portal. Do not let anyone through regardless of color until I returned." The Reds nodded in sync and resumed their positions.
"We have a union set up for the supporters of the war." Kyrosys began to explain. "Others in your apartment building will help you become oriented. There will be plenty of jobs to take on for monetary means, but I assume you will be joining myself and others as a soldier?" He looked to Krytus inquiringly, and he nodded. "And what of you, Kyburi? Are you planning to join the forces?"
"Um…" Kyburi swallowed nervously, afraid of rebuke. "Quite frankly I wasn't aware there was a war going on or a militia forming. I simply wanted to escape Modulon 5."
"As is understandable." Kyrosys nodded in sympathy. "As long as we know where your allegiances lie you will not be forced to fight. There will be many other jobs for you to take to support yourself and your sister in our society, and we are glad you have joined us here."
"Th-thank you." Kyburi stammered, overwhelmed by his eloquence. "I appreciate all of your help."
"We must to what we can to stop the Blues from controlling us." Kyrosys shrugged as they approached a building. "This building is mainly for members of the Resistance, but because you are with Krytus, you are still welcome. Of course, we must do all we can to accommodate any Reds who oppose the Blues, and would never directly close our doors to anyone." As he spoke, they entered the building and then an elevator, and Kyburi began to realize how serious this war was.
"This is where you will stay." On the third level of the building, Kyrosys opened a door and demonstrated to them their new quarters. Kyburi accidentally let out a gasp. The apartment was roomy, and furnished with much more than her old deteriorating home.
"Kyrosys, this is…incredible." She murmured softly, stepping inside. Quantum computers, furniture, other features she didn't recognize. "Thank you."
"I'm afraid it is made more for our soldiers than a luxurious lifestyle, but you should find it suitable." Kyrosys said. "If you need anything, simply contact me. I am the head of this particular facility. Kyburi, on the main floor in apartment 102 is a Red Sentient known as Kora. She should be able to find employment for you without any trouble."
"Thank you, Kyrosys. We greatly appreciate your trouble." Krytus nodded sincerely.
"Krytus, to have a Red as loyal as you serving with us, I would go to the ends of the Multiverse." Kyrosys smiled gratefully. "I will keep in contact with you through the computer. Welcome to the planet. We are glad to have you among us." He bowed and closed the door, and Kyburi instantly turned to Krytus, who was gently setting Kiry down on a couch.
"This is amazing!" She exclaimed joyfully. "Krytus, how did you do all this? Everyone is so welcoming and kind and it's so different from Modulon 5—"
"It's like a home, isn't it?" Krytus smiled, and she leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.
"It's so much better." Kyburi finally felt like she had a place she belonged. She was finally happy. She didn't have to worry about Blues anymore. She was home. "How do you know Kyrosys?"
"I have been in communication with him for several weeks, actually." Krytus admitted. "It was not until today that we were finally able to come here."
"I'm glad we did." Kyburi said sincerely. Kiry started to stir on the couch.
"Kybi, where are we?" She asked quietly, looking around in confusion. Kyburi moved to sit next to her.
"Kiry, we're on the Red Sentient homeworld. Our homeworld. This is where we live now." She explained softly, worrying about retaliation. "All of the Reds here are friendly and willing to let us stay. Life will be better."
"Okay." Kiry said quietly, and turned over on her side. It was clear she didn't want to discuss it any further. Kyburi sighed and stood up.
"She'll come around." Krytus comforted quietly, and Kyburi looked over at Kiry's despondent form.
"I hope you're right."