Rusty heart, broken heart

Chapter 1

This was meant to be just a standard afternoon. Take a few things and orders from the boss, then go back to his apartment, make dinner, clean up, maybe play something, maybe go out collecting rocks if health will allow... But it didn't go as the standard afternoon would.

It wasn't supposed to really happen. Like, sure, making an application was one thing, but even-- No, but especially Walenty never thought it would really be not only treated with all seriousness, but also accepted. They were now sitting in a workshop. The green tea got cold a long time ago, when rough skin was still gripping on the piece of paper.

"Thanks for your application..." "We are happy with your decision..." "Remember to take your next instructions..." "Please remember about responsibility..." "In any case, contact with..." "We gladly announce your application for becoming a trainer has been accepted."

It really happened. Walenty even specially called the Director to make sure the signature is really hers. And it was. They really got accepted as someone to work with Umas more than just being Tracen's handyperson. Trainings, cooking, grooming, mental support, motivation, all these things...

It felt scary. What was the last time they took care of someone in this way? Probably... No, this was much longer. So rather... Also not this. And that means... Oh. The accident. The one day that really changed everything. The one day for which Walenty really hated themselves. And now they have got a chance. Either fix up everything and prove themselves worthy or... No. They have already decided. No more letting others down. If anyone has to suff--

And then a loud ringing. Old, stationary phone. It sounded like a bomb alarm, just ten times more annoying. Sometimes Walenty still was wondering why anyone was allowed to keep things like this in the office, but like, yeah, sure. They'll just kick this thing out once they get their own space.

-- Handyman office, what's your issue? -- Walenty said, picking up the phone.

-- Uh huh... -- Walenty murmured, writing down the relation. -- Okay... What is the location? Okay... Are any cables damaged? Any other major components that need replacement? Some other co-existing issues? Okay, that's good... Okay... That sounds like an easy fix. Just give me a minute, I will tell my boss. Yeah, he handles all the things on the field.

Then Walenty placed down the receiver, ending one call, then picked up a second phone from his pocket.

-- Hey boss, I nee-- What do you mean you can't? But you are the one from outside wor-- Okay, okay, I get you. -- They rolled with a healthy eye. -- Just don't say later I didn't warn. Yeah. I will just pack up things and go there. Yeah. I will call if anything.

So that was it, then. They stood up, picking up cane. Meds were still working, that's good enough. For all assurance, Walenty changed cooling bandages on elbows and knees before going. Then just to prepare gloves, toolbox, phone... They glanced at cart in the corner. It was left more of as joke, but... Shit happens. They loaded up toolbox on the toyish vehicle, alongside yellow, rubber gloves and grabbed chain into free hand. After second of thinking, they added quickly plushie Goodra. Everyone thinks about them as scary weirdo anyway. At least bit of mental comfort is something.

It felt kinda weird. First time walking alone to fix something outside the workshop. Outside a known, comfortable space. Corridors felt longer, steps heavier, tools in box were clattering louder, lights were getting brighter and darker periodically... A few deep breaths. It will be fine. Then just knocking on doors.

-- Technical serv--

Walenty paused, when the doors opened rapidly. In front of him stood Umamusume, around 20 cm shorter than them. White lab coat thrown on Tracen's uniform, messy, short, brown hair... And those red eyes. Piercing through the soul, and those patterns... Judging by the appearance and color of the horseshoe on the central piece of uniform, senior year.

-- You are not a technician I know... -- She said instead of greetings. Her face quickly got shaped into a curious smirk. -- Or is that the effect of my last experiment, hmm? I knew it could go far, but not to the level of bringing back youth... -- She laughed loudly, clearly amused by her own perspective. -- Now, c'mon. You have a job to do after all.

-- I'm not boss--

Walenty has not finished. They had to hurry up quickly as the scientist turned on her heel, getting deeper into the laboratory with a steady step. Carrying a cart with themselves, Walenty kept stealing glances of space around it. Beakers, lab hood space, big machines, computers, glowing substances and weird smells... It all felt magical.

-- Ah, someone's impressed by my little mess, I see. -- She glanced over her shoulder, still with a self-satisfied smirk. -- Worry not, everyone reacts like that at first. But responsibilities first, isn't that right? -- She pointed, out with her hand hidden in the sleeve of a big heating mantle. The flask inside looked for around two liters of volume. -- Damned machine started malfunctioning again. The temperature is rising, but much, much slower. Take care of this, will you? -- She smiled at Walenty once more, then walked to her desk.

Walenty, in response, just nodded, straightening up his back. Duty is duty and it shall be done at best. No matter if it's just being handyperson. They kneeled down slowly, getting to work. Opening up the casing, checking the cables and other components state, unpinning everything and inspecting it closer with a healthy eye, replacing a few cables, making sure everything's in the right place and at the right strength... It took an hour. Alongside replacing the main cable.

-- Done! -- Walenty said, after checking if the machine was working fine. All the range of temperatures and heating acceleration was good again. -- I also replaced a few parts due to them being burnt or melted down. I think it was the main issue. The full list is attached to the wall and... -- They stopped slowly, noticing she was not even listening.

Instead, the scientist was busying herself with inspecting some paper. Walenty came up closer.

-- Is... everything alright? Your expression isn't the brightest, you know...

-- Ah, worry not. Just some paperwork. -- She said, dismissively letting a piece of paper fall on the desk. -- Previous guinea pig left after some poisoning, now I'm waiting for a new one to come... Apparently, the name of the next lucky one is Walenty. I wonder if this will be--

-- Wait, did you say... -- Electrician themselves grabbed the crumpled paper from the pocket, unfolding it. -- What's... your name, if I can ask?

-- Oh, did I forget again? -- she smirked, amused. -- Agnes Tachyon, the most brilliant mind of Tracen, a scientist who fears n--

She paused when Walenty brought their paper right to her face. Her crimson eyes were quickly surfing on letters, eating up every word, widening within the last sentence.

-- Call me lucky then. -- Walenty said. -- Because it appears I'm your new trainer. Want to... join me in lunch later? -- They grabbed a chain from the cart, then headed to the doors. -- I will get into something more... Not work clothes and, uh... My workshop is on a ground floor, room 12. Just come when you want and... Yeah.

With this clumsy attempt of connecting, Walenty left Tachyon with one singular thought.

This will be very, very interesting.