Hello everybody, sorry for the delay. Was busy with life and video games. Rest assured I will never abandon a story. On we go!

Chapter 4: Building

After gathering some scrap metal, Rosalina had gone to the upper levels to check on something. Meanwhile, Zion began to shape and weld his prosthetic arm. He was not an expert when it came to his arms technology. Sure he could clean and maintain it, even make basic repairs, but some things he just wasn't sure. Thankfully, the gearmo from before had joined him, and it seemed to be an expert in electronics. While Zion molded and merged metal, the gearmo made sure the internal components functioned correctly. It seemed the technology used for his suit was available in this universe...mostly. He still wasn't sure about the power supply. Same with the blades, but those were lower on his priority list.

Right now he was taking a breather, drinking some water while sitting on the stairs near the Terrace entrance. He was still racking his brain trying to think of a solution.

"May I join you for your break, Zion?" Looking up, he saw Rosalina levitating down to him from a higher platform.

"Sure, I could always use some company."

Rosalina joined, sitting next to him.

"Any progress?"

Zion nodded, "Yeah, that gearmo sure knows his stuff. It would have taken me twice as long by myself; trying to figure out all that wiring."

Rosalina agreed, "Indeed, he helps keep our home in pristine condition. I'm grateful for his assistance."

"Speaking of, what are you always floating around checking here? Something to do with these luma guys?"

Rosalina tilted her head to look at him, "Partially. While I do look after the lumas that are lost, I also keep an eye out on the universe as a whole, checking galaxies for any anomalies or events."

His interest peaked, Zion asked, "What kinds of anomalies or events are you looking for?"

"Mostly black holes, stars being born, and galaxies coming to life. There is one event that occasionally occurs that I keep an eye on though."

He leaned forward, "and that would be?"

"In the Mushroom Galaxy, there is a hero named Mario. He repeatedly saves his princess from the claws of a mighty foe. I checked on him earlier, and he appears to have just rescued her today."

"Really? A bona fide hero?" He asked.

"Yes, I believe they were on a tropical island of some sort. He's special, the Stars themselves have blessed him." She look up into the sky, perhaps in the direction of this hero.

"Huh, a real hero saving his princess? Good for him, maybe I'll visit and say hi for you if we get my suit running" Zion wondered.

"Well, the observatory will pass by them in another two years, so you'll have the perfect opportunity."

Zion pushed himself to his feet, and turned to face Rosalina, "Then I better get back to work, care to join me?" He said, offering his hand to help her up.

Accepting his gesture, Rosalina took his hand as he helped her to her feet. Their hands didn't break contact immediately. They could feel the warmth from each other's hands. It was a pleasant feeling for both, before they both realised the awkwardness and released each other's hands.

"Well then," Zion said, trying to regain his composure, "back to work I guess."

Rosalina nodded in agreement, "Yes, let's build you an arm."

It took another two days to finish building the arm. Now came the moment of truth; it was time to test the arm. They brought a wooden chair out to garage area, that way Zion could sit while Rosalina connected the arm. He was currently without a shirt, allowing for unrestricted access to his shoulder.

Both of them were nervous, but for different reasons. Zion was nervous that the arm wouldn't work, while Rosalina worried about accidentally hurting Zion during the process. Sure, she disconnected the arm originally, but it had practically been falling off him at the time. Even one such as herself couldn't escape the nature of humanity.

"Okay Rosalina," Zion spoke, gaining her full attention, "the arm is designed to pop in and out smoothly. It usually stays in there nicely, but the connection had been knocked loose from before. Worked out in the long run, you wouldn't have been able to remove it when you found me otherwise."

Rosalina had wondered about that, it made sense to her now, "Alright, anything else I should know before we proceed?"

Zion nodded, "Yes, I'm most likely going to scream."

Rosalina looked at him in surprise, "Scream? Whatever for?"

He rubbed the metal shoulder where his arm would be placed, "If it doesn't work, something might spark or catch fire. If it does work, my nerves will connect to the arm. There's a brief surge of pain, but it's worth it in the end.

Rosalina was hesitant, but understood the importance of her task. "Alright then, are you prepared?"

Zion inhaled, and exhaled in preparation, "Do it."

With all her mental strength, and some of her physical strength, she pushed the arm into place.

"DAAHHH! Mother- mmmmmmmm!" Zion yelled while stomping his foot a few times.

Even though she had been told, Rosalina still was worried by his outburst, "I'm sorry! Are you okay? Is something wrong?"

There was a pause, both of them were breathing heavily. After a moment they looked into each other's eyes, then at Zions left arm. Slowly but surely, he began to raise it into the air. Once he did, he brought it back down. He made a fist, released it, and flexed every finger individually. When he finished, their eyes met again.

"It works!" They both exclaimed simultaneously. Zion rose from the chair, and got into a boxers stance. He threw a few test punches, exaggerating some in order to test his range of motion. He was careful not to move his legs much, he still couldn't bend the prosthetic leg.

As he was doing so, Rosalina looked on. She was proud the work they had done had paid off. He seemed much happier with both arms functional. A delighted smile adorned his face. It certainly matched his physique. Zion wasn't a pretty boy, or hardened figure. He was lean, muscles were there, but not defined. Due to his lack of two natural appendages it made sense, but overall he was pleasant to look at…

At that moment, it dawned on her that she was doing a bit more than simply observing. 'Am I checking him out?' She began trying to rationalize her thoughts. 'Ok, calm down. He's the first male you've had such prolonged contact with in years. My mind is simply acting out in more primal ways I suppose...although I'd be lying if I said he didn't look nice...my goodness, I need to control myself, what if I-' her thoughts were interrupted.

"Rosalina!" by Zion

"AH!" She gasped, not having paid attention.

"Gah!" Zion was startled by her outburst, "wasn't ready for that. Are you okay? Did I scare you? You looked like you were deep in though."

Rosalina took a few seconds to regain her composure, "I'm good, yes, fine, thank you." She didn't quite get it all.

Zion took notice, "I definitely spooked you, sorry about that. I didn't quite realise you were that out of it."

Shaking her head, she replied, "Please don't concern yourself over my wellbeing, I am fine. We should-" again, she was again interrupted.

"That won't happen."

She looked at him inquisitively, not expecting him to interject. He resumed speaking.

"I said it before Rosalina, you saved my life, and continue to help and care for me. I can't in good conscience ignore your wellbeing. We can look after, and take care of each other, that's what friends are for right?"

There was a word she had longed to hear. Someone she could call a friend. A wonderful smile graced her face.

"Yes, I will do everything in my power to help you."

Zion smiled back, "and anytime you need help, I'll be there for you."

It was after this proclamation that a thought entered Zions head.

'She's really pretty when she smiles.'

Sorry it wasn't as long as the last one, but I believe a chapter should be as long or short as it needs. I don't like inflating a story with words that don't serve a purpose. See you next time!