The Fortress Grounds

Rory laughed nervously a bit and smiled."Ah, well... It's a little hard to explain. How can I put it? I have machine parts inside of me."

Kariti stared at him, curious but afraid.

"Why would someone do that?"

"Well it's complicated. I volunteered for my own experiment. So I did it to myself. But after wards I was shunned by everyone because I was different..." Rory lowered his head and sighed. The picked it back up."But, that's all in the past now. Here no one judges me, and I've found a reason to like it here and want to stay." Rory looked at Kal and smiled.

Kal smiled at Rory as he spoke and when he turned to her she nodded still smiling.

Ichiru groaned.

"Hey, guys, I've been here the whole time..."

Luthier blinked. He had been trying to formulate an answer to Kariti's question, and she had just run off.

"Wait up!"

He ran toward them.

"Jeez, and after I waited for you, too..." He chuckled. "Alright, ready when you guys are."

Rory looked at the kids and laughed. "Well be more assertive next time." He just smiled and kept laughing. "Alright then, let's go."

Kariti hopped next to Luthier and Ichiru, happy they had caught up to them.

"How long until we arrive at the city?" She glanced down. "Will I be ok like this?" She knew from Blake that her clothes were not exactly normal to other people.

Rory just kind of shrugged."I don't know, never really had a good concept of time."

"Your clothes should be fine. And it shouldn't take too long to get there."

Rory laughed a bit." At least she didn't tell you, you stand out like she told me."