sorry for not being active... the next L.I.F.E. Team introduction is scar (vex), but I'm having trouble with his costume so it's taking longer than i thought... so have this for now...
i give to you a short glimpse of Grian's backstory to how he became The Architect.
A Hero's Beginning (part 1 of ??)
Grian didn't know how long he had been walking for, but he thinks it must've been hours now if his aching feet were any indication. If he’d have known that running away would've led to him becoming lost, tired and hungry then he would've planned this a little bit better.
Oh, who was he kidding? If he’d have stayed in that dreadful place any longer he never would've escaped in the first place. And who knows what else they were gonna do.
No. Running away when he did was the best decision he could've made.
At least I was able to pack some stuff. Grian thought to himself, adjusting the strap of the worn out cloth bag slung over his shoulder. He wasn't able to bring much— who knows what sort of tracker they put in his belongings— but hopefully a handful of cash and some spare clothing would help him survive until he can settle somewhere safe.
Grian doesn't really know where he’s going so he just began to follow the first road he comes across. Eventually, he comes across what appears to be a highway in an open plains. It wasn't a busy one, just a few cars every now and again, but following it would hopefully lead him to a town or a city.
Hopefully I can find someplace to rest. My feet are killing me! He grumbled in his mind.
Grian continued to follow the road, making sure he sticks a good distance away from the actual road unless he wants to get run over by a car. The thought of waving down one of the passing cars to ask for a ride has crossed Grian’s mind a couple of times, and every time, he shuts it down. No sane person would just give a random guy on the street a ride in their car.
The sun was high in the sky when Grian heard a car horn behind him. Looking back, he saw a car slow down parallel to him. Feeling wary, Grian kept his distance and got ready to run if needed, although he didn't think he’d get far with how much his feet and legs were aching.
The passenger window rolled down to reveal the concerned face of a pink haired woman. Beside her, a man with dark brown hair leaned over to look at Grian, brown eyes scanning him from head to toe.
“Hey, are you alright?” The woman asked, her voice light and kind.
Unsure of the two’s motives yet, Grian kept quiet. The woman continued, “We saw you and thought you might need some help.”
“Yeah, man, why’re you walking in the middle of nowhere?” The man asked.
Grian struggled to think of an excuse. Obviously he can't just tell them the truth— they could be spies sent by them for all he knew— but he couldn't think of a believable story, his tired body making it hard to think. Thinking about his aching limbs made him more aware of just how hungry and thirsty he really was. Great.
The woman seemed to notice Grian’s hesitance and quickly waved her hands. “Oh, you don't have to tell us if it bothers you,” she assured him. “We were on our way back to Nexus from a vacation when we saw you, and we’re wondering if we could give you a ride.”
Nexus.
Grian perked up at that. “Nexus?” He repeated, hope evident in his voice. “As in, Nexus City?”
“Yeah,” the man confirmed. “You headed there, too?”
Grian thought for a moment, his gaze flicking to the road ahead. He heard about Nexus City. The largest city this side of the continent, and a perfect place for someone like him to blend in and lay low. Hopefully, they won't have much of an influence there as well.
But…
Looking up at the couple before him, Grian could tell they were genuinely nice people. But one could never be too safe.
Grian felt the familiar hum at the back of his mind as he dived into the couple’s minds. He didn't dive too deeply into memories, just deep enough to get the information he wanted. It took all of two seconds to find out that these two were not associated in any way with them.
After confirming it, Grian looked back at the couple, who was patiently waiting for his response. Getting a ride to the city would save him time, and could also give him time to rest his feet. He just had to know one other thing…
“Are you sure giving a complete stranger a ride is safe?” Grian asked the couple. “I mean, I could be a bad person for all you know!”
“Are you?” The man asked, raising an eyebrow.
“No…?”
“Then you’re fine,” was all the man said before leaning back out of view. “Now, do you want a ride or not?”
The pink haired woman smacked the man’s shoulder. “Be nice, babe.”
Grian thought about it. He didn't find any evidence that these two were bad people, and getting a ride to Nexus City will be more beneficial for him. So without another thought, Grian nodded.
“Sure.”
The woman beamed. “Great! Hop on!” She called before turning on her seat to open the back door. Once Grian was inside, the man began driving again.
The ache in Grian’s legs and feet were more prominent now that he’s sitting down and he couldn't help but sigh in relief at the chance to rest. Looking ahead, Grian decided it wouldn't hurt to at least introduce himself to the nice couple.
“Thanks for the ride. I’m Grian, by the way.”
The pink haired woman looked back at him with a wide smile. “Nice to meet you, Grian!” She exclaimed before gesturing to herself and the man. “I’m Lizzie, and this is Joel.”