To the Fringes
He was moving.
Strange.
He didn't know death had a movement. perhaps, if he opened his eyes, his father would be waiting to explain.
Tron…
That was motivation enough for him to open his eyes. Instead of seeing his father, though. He was met with disappointment. All he saw were three programs staring at him. However, the blue-haired program quickly disappeared, and he was left with the others.
"Are you alright?" One of them finally asked.
"Where…" His voice came out ragged, "Why are we moving?"
"We're in a truck." The other program said in a matter-of-fact tone, his mint green circuits bright with pride.
"Why do we need a truck? We're dead…"
He slowed as he saw the confusion cross their faces.
"…Aren't we?"
The two suddenly looked back as the blue-haired program rejoined them.
"How are you?" She asked, looking straight to him.
"Um…"
The program who spoke earlier turned to her, "He thinks he's dead."
"Oh?" A smile beamed onto her face, "Oh don't worry, you are very much alive!"
Oh.
He sat up slowly, and the three scooted back in surprise. The female saw his downcast look.
"Hey…are you alright?"
"Why didn't you leave me to die?"
His question made her falter, her smile fading.
"What?"
"I deserve it."
She shook her head, "I really doubt it."
"And I really don't." He turned away from them.
"Ah…um…" She was at a lost for words.
"Hey." One of the male programs sat next to him. Not the mint green program, but the other one.
"What?"
"What's your name?"
"…Beck."
If the program recognized his name, he didn't show it.
"Well, Beck, if you're alive, it means you are here for a reason. We may not know it yet, but it will obvious someday."
Beck didn't answer, but looked to the program. The program in return passed him a drink.
"Here." Beck took it and drank as the program continued, "My name's Bohdi."
He swallowed and continued, "Nice to meet you, Bohdi."
"I'm Mara." The blue-haired program introduced herself.
"And I'm Zed." The final program presented himself as well.
He gave a small smile, "Where are we going?"
Mara gestured for him to follow and peak through the windshield. On the horizon. a collection of blue lights sat, showing the city ahead.
"Home. Argon city."
"Argon?"
"Yeah! I think you'll love it! You can live with us and Abel!"
The elderly program driving glanced to them, "Now don't get ahead of yourself, Mara!"
"I already know its okay! He's pretty trustworthy, and I can tell that much already."
Beck bowed his head in embarrassment. "Thank you."
"Well that depends if Beck wants to. While I'm thinking about it, where are you from? And why are you in the Outlands by yourself?"
Beck's smile faded, "It doesn't matter. Not anymore."
Abel grunted, but didn't pry.
"Well, would you like to join us in Argon? We have enough room, though you would need to learn how to fix machines…."
Beck looked to the city again. It was tranquil and held promise in the skyline.
Perhaps...a new start….a new life would change everything…
After a long moment, he nodded and smiled, "I would love to."