At the end of the world...

The world is so cold.

Small and weary, Geo huddled his knees close to his chest. Where had his family gone? He didn't understand what happened that day, but the effects of those events were plain.

It had been many months since he had seen another Zoogle. His old home destroyed, he spent the past several weeks wandering from city to city, hoping to find someone, anyone, out there.

But there was nothing. There was nobody.

A large gust of wind kicked dust into the air, and stung his eyes. He ducked his head beneath his arms, and hoped for protection.

His wish was granted in the form of a large piece of paper hitting his side. Geo didn't move. Instead, he hoped the paper would be blown off with some other gust of wind. When that didn't happen, he shifted to grab the paper, when he noticed the intricate pencil marks on it.

The paper was actually a set of blueprints for some sort of animal. Gears, keys, bits of scrap metal... it didn't seem overly difficult to create.

No, that would be crazy. Wouldn't it? But, he had nothing else to do...

The city was empty and abandoned, so Geo didn't feel particularly guilty about rummaging through the leftovers. He found bits of scrap metal here, old gears there, and other odds and ends that could serve of use.

He piled them up on a street corner, giving him the opportunity to work outside. And it also provided plenty of space for him to flee should he miscalculate the needed pressure.

Rubbing a paw over his face, he smiled while he worked. It had been so long since he had a purpose other than finding his family. But soon enough, his family would come to him.

After many days of working underneath the gray sun, the metal had taken form. Geo glanced over the blueprints again, making sure he understood the instructions.

Desperately hoping this would work, he picked up a small key and fitted it to the animal's left shoulder. A slight turn to the right until it clicked into place, and...

The steam hissed out of the Kanis's ears and hind legs. Bright orange eyes blinked up at Geo, and he smiled.

"Your name is Dailey, because I spent many days assembling you," Geo whispered, a bit frightened at the quiet in the area, and feeling unsure at what to do with his new companion.

A cool metal paw took Geo's paw, and a deep voice murmured out, "Hello, my friend."

The world was warm again.

Credit:
Original background image from deviantArt
Overlays by User not found: seven
Pet made possible by Jovi :heart:

Dailey has a minion!

Geo the Zoogle