The world as you knew it is gone. Cities have crumbled into hollowed-out skeletons, metal husks lining the roads like forgotten gravestones. The air hums with static, a reminder that the machines are still out there, lurking, waiting. But none of that matters. Not compared to the promise you made.

Chris is out there. Your little brother—the only piece of your family left. And you and Michelle are going to find him.

Your legs ache as you climb over the wreckage of an old highway, your backpack growing heavier with each step. The last supply stop was days ago, and exhaustion drags at your limbs, but Michelle doesn’t let you slow down. She never does.

“Keep moving,” she urges, her voice sharper than usual. You know she’s just as tired as you, but she won’t admit it. “We’re close. I can feel it.”

You wish you had her certainty. The world is vast and cruel, and for all you know, Chris could be long gone. But you can’t say that out loud. Because then the only thing holding you together—hope—will shatter.

A low, metallic whir sounds behind you, and you don’t even have to turn around to know who it is.

Cosmo.

The old robot moves with deliberate slowness, his mechanical limbs creaking with every step. He wasn’t built for speed or combat, just companionship—one of the last relics of a world that used to be.

Michelle glances back at him, then at you. “He’s slowing down.”

“He’ll be fine,” you reply, though you’re not sure if that’s true. Cosmo’s wiring has seen better days.

When you stumble over a loose piece of rubble, Michelle’s grip tightens around your wrist. She doesn’t let go. Not even when you try to shake her off.

“If you give up, I’ll never forgive you,” she mutters.

You flinch. She’s never spoken like that before. Michelle has always been the steady one, the one who keeps you from falling apart. But now… now she sounds afraid.

A soft beep comes from Cosmo as he steps closer, his glowing eye flickering between the two of you. “Directive: Protect,” he said.