Chapter 4: Chapter 4 West City and A Story of the Androids
As Mo-Mochi journeys through the wilderness with his parents, he marvels at the breathtaking scenery. It has been quite some time since he has traveled with them, ever since the androids came into existence. To avoid any potential danger, they have been growing their own food and sourcing their water from nearby lakes, steering clear of any populated areas or towns that might be a target for the androids. Due to fear they harbor from their experiences in their hometown, which taught them to be cautious and vigilant at all times.
Initially, Mellow's perception of the surrounding environment remained the same; however, as is typical of children, boredom eventually set in.
Her eagerness was evident as she repeatedly asked her parents, "Are we there yet?"
The father laughs and says, Hey, Mellow, while we're on our way to West City, how about your mom and I tell you a story? It's about why we live in nearby West City and not in it. You want to hear it?
Mellow, a bit curious, says, Oh, would I? You guys never really told me so much about that.
The mother chimes in and says, Well, it's a really sensitive topic for your father, brother, and me, but you do have a right to know. Hugo, if you don't mind?
Hugo nods his head and says, Of course, Bella, you don't have to explain; I completely get it. It was a very traumatic event those many years. Then you go first.
As Bella reminisces about her past, she turns to her daughter and lovingly recounts the fond memories of her life before they settled in the woods. Bridgetown was the name of the charming and peaceful town where they used to reside, and Bella remembers it as a wonderful place filled with kind and friendly people.
It was also where she first met her husband, whom she affectionately remembers as a young man with a passion for travelling. He had just returned from a fighting tournament, and he convinced Bella to join him on his journey.
Despite her initial reservations about traveling, Bella looks back on those years with fondness and joy, and she speaks with a smile on her face and a voice that conveys no regrets.
Hugo then, with a soft grin, chimes in and says, Yes, those were undoubtedly the days. However, your mother managed to convince me to settle down with her, and we have been residing in Bridgetown ever since. Then, one fateful day, we received some alarming news about cyborgs wreaking havoc and causing destruction in the nearby towns and cities.
Initially, the government assured us that they would take care of things, but unfortunately, they were mistaken. Military was deployed, but it proved to be futile as the cyborgs were far too powerful and ruthless. They terrorized the earth for decades, sparing no one in their path. It was a truly traumatic experience for everyone involved.
Mellow, feeling worried, leans on her brother's shoulder and asks with a trembling voice, "Is... is that the reason why you were always so afraid of us leaving the house?
Hugo nods and says, "I and your mother never really knew if they would have ever found us; that's why I never cut down the trees that covered the house until this month." They destroyed everything back home in Mellow. Nothing but ashes, and a lot of families and loved ones were lost the day they attacked Bridgetown.
We barely even escaped. Your mother, brother, and I were hiding in the rubble of a broken building, hoping we could wait until they flew away, but I'll never forget this. A young man with golden hair appeared, and he was fighting the androids. You should have seen it; he was actually fighting back against the cyborgs and giving them a run for their money.
I decided to take advantage of the situation and ran with your mother and brother out of town and into a nearby forest, where we made a small wooden home and started our lives again. Then, few years later, we had you and did our best to love and take care of both of you.
He extends one of his hands to give his daughter a pat on the head, he says to her with a smile on his face, "Now we don't have to worry anymore." I'm not sure what fully happened or who was responsible for defeating the cyborgs, but if I were a betting man, I'd bet on that golden-haired boy1 we those years ago. That'll be a face that I'll never forget.
After a fleeting moment of contemplation about the individual with the lustrous golden hair, Hugo shifts his focus back to the road ahead and cordially announces, "We have successfully arrived at our destination, ladies and gentlemen." "I warmly welcome you all to the slowly repairing West City1."
Upon entering West City, the family is met with a vast and bustling megalopolis currently under construction. The sound of heavy machinery and ongoing construction permeates the streets, overpowering any other noise made by passing cars or busy pedestrians. Despite the chaos, the family presses on, eagerly taking in the sights and sounds of this thriving metropolis.
Mellow's eyes glimmered with wonderment as she gazed upon the dazzling metropolis before her. After spending countless days cooped up inside her home or surrounded by never-ending stretches of foliage, the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers were a welcome change of scenery. Overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of everything around her, she eagerly peered out of both car windows, determined not to miss a single moment of this new adventure in the big city.
Mellow starry-eyed, she says, "This place is amazing." I never expected a city to be this big! So many cars, so many people! "Mom, Mom, what's that building over there?"
The mother turns her head and says, "Sweetie, that's just a sushi stand food stands are everywhere in big cities." Well, we've never really let you two have fast food before; how about during your brother's checkup we can get something to eat in the city? We can even look around a bit, so I can show you around the city. It's been a while since I've been in West City myself, so looking around wouldn't be so bad.
Mellow childishly pops her head from the back of the car and says, "Really!" You'd let me go, Mom?
Her mother just smiles and says, "I don't see why your father couldn't take him by himself while we explore a bit; just stay close to me while we do. Let me just check if I still have some leftover Zeni in the car."
As Mo-Mochi gazed out of the car window, he couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness. Unlike his sister, who seemed to be captivated by everything around her, Mo-Mochi struggled to find anything that piqued his interest. Only unpleasant memories from the destruction of Bridgetown. However, his attention was suddenly drawn to a strange, dome-shaped building. What made it even more intriguing was the logo on the building, which appeared to be similar to the capsules his dad always carried with him.
He then pipes up and says, "Hey Dad, is that the place you got all your capsules from?" as he points towards it.
The man looks over and says, "Oh yeah, Mochi, well, not exactly the place I brought the family wagon, but they are responsible for how I was able to keep it in a capsule." Basically, Capsule Corp. is the main company responsible for Dyno Capsules. They basically changed the world with this invention, making it possible to carry your car and home safely in your pocket. I don't really know too much about them other than that I know they had a few business rivals, but that's honestly all.
Following a pleasant conversation where they shared anecdotes about their experiences in West City, the family finally arrived at the hospital. After searching for a suitable parking spot, Mellow decided to take a stroll around the city while Mo-Mochi and his father proceeded into the hospital for the scheduled check-up.