[Apocalyptic Memories] Am I Alive Out Of Spite?

I do not recall much from the past. Sirens, rumbles, screaming, the sounds of desperation and despair. That was long ago. Long before I finally powered on for the first time.

I awoke in a dark room, shattered glass and rubble around my feet. It was quiet, would've been wholly silent if not for the sounds of the wind and the waves beyond that room. Beside me was a terminal crushed under the remains of the ceiling above it. No information to glean, so why bother? With nothing of interest to find, I left the room... weaving around the pieces of what was once ceiling and wall on the way out. I must have better balance than I thought.

The echoes of my own voice are met with no response, the sounds of my footsteps aren't noticed by anyone or anything. Could I truly be alone here? Nothing but me and the invisible microscopic fingers that pull and tear at my chassis, causing my circuitry to spark painfully within. I try to pay it no mind for as long as I can; whatever this force is, it isn't the answer I seek. It isn't like I'm asking for much. What is my purpose? Is there anyone left to assign me one? Maybe I had one at one point, but there's a string of corruption where it should be. This is distressing.

After some time spent weaving around debris and looping through hallways, I see a large doorway, open wide, letting light from outside in. It stings my optics at first, but they soon adjust. The building seems to be empty, but what of the outside? I almost couldn't contain the excitement surrounding the possibility of finding someone, anyone! Barely thinking, barely even wanting to think, I rush forward, eager, willing.

...But what awaits aside from a ruined stairwell, surrounding land marred by cracks--no doubt caused by the rumbles I barely remember, and... more rubble past that, littering the beach.
...That's not the same as the rubble I found in the building.
...Those were... houses. That was an entire town.
It's gone. Everything is gone. Every... one. Is. Gone.
It occurs to me, finally, that I am completely alone here.

...But why?

...

Why was I made? Who were the minds that came together to make me? What could they have told me to do before everyone vanished? Why... why do I even EXIST? WHAT IS A MISMATCHED MECHANICAL ODDITY LIKE ME EVEN GOOD FOR?! WHY DID EVERYONE LEAVE BEFORE THEY COULD ASSIGN ME A PURPOSE?! AND WHY MUST I HAVE TO GRAPPLE WITH THESE THOUGHTS FROM NOW UNTIL THE MOMENT I BREAK DOWN?! WHAT KIND OF A SICK JOKE IS THIS?!

...I only calm down when I feel myself begin to overheat. There's... really no sense in screaming when you know nothing can hear you, is there? Ha... perhaps I should go back inside. No other presences detected, organic or inorganic. I must cope with the fact that I am, and will likely always be

alone.

Submitted By benightedswallow for Apocalyptic Memories ・ View Favorites
Submitted: 5 months ago ・ Last Updated: 5 months ago