Mechanid World - A Promise

Dusty was cradling his youngest sibling, holding her close, savoring the moment he had with her. He had to go back to Propwash and couldn’t stay forever, though he wished he could stay a bit longer to bond with her more. He would see her again when the Fourth of July happened or the Corn Festival or when he felt like it.

Olivia yawned, clinging to her brother’s jacket, burying her face in it. Her brother was warm and she was content to just cuddle up to him for as long as possible.

Dusty smiled before sighing, realizing there was a weight on his legs. “Andy, let go.”

“No.”

“Andy, c’mon. I gotta put Olivia to bed before I go.”

Andy gave the kicked puppy dog eyes. “B-Bu-But…”

“I promise I’ll be back soon.”

Andy pouted and let him go, following him up the stairs to Olivia’s room. Dusty rocked her a little before trying to set her in her crib.

She started whimpering. Dusty furrowed his brow, bringing her close again as she stopped. He waited until she was about to fall asleep before trying again.

This time she let out a shriek.

Alarmed, he brought her close again, looking her over and looking in the crib. “Nothing snagged on her clothes.”

“Maybe she sat on a bee.” Andy suggested. “I mean, if I sat on a bee I’d cry too.”

“She was in my arms the past few hours. There was no bee.” Dusty rolled his eyes a little, rocking Olivia. “C’mon, Livvie. It’s okay. You’re okay.”

Olivia sniffled, tears welling up in her eyes. “Bwah!”


Dusty frowned, feeling her head, worried she might not be feeling well. “No fever. What’s making you so upset?”  He asked, despite knowing he wasn’t going to get an answer as he sat on the rocking chair.

Olivia calmed down, gradually falling asleep again. Carefully and as silently as he could Dusty moved to put her to bed.

Before whimpering was heard.

“She’s gonna miss you, that’s why.” Andy said softly, looking at his little sister, frowning. He understood how she felt. Dusty had moved out when Andy was three and they moved not long after that. He missed his older brother so much he wanted to cry sometimes. “She’s gonna miss you like I do.” He sniffled a little.

“Andy…” Dusty sighed, moving Olivia carefully and bringing Andy close. “You know I love you. So much, Little Bro.”

“I love you too.”

“And I miss you too but I’m not gonna be gone forever. “ He tilted the boy’s chin up to meet his eyes. “And while I’m gone, I need a promise from you.”

“Okay.” The boy whispered, looking a little unsure.

“You gotta be a good big brother for the both of us, for Livvie here. She’ll need someone who can make her laugh and smile, give her hugs and sing her songs. Mom and Dad can’t do all the work and there’s something’s only us brothers can do.” Dusty said kneeling to his level a little. “Can you do that?”

“Yeah!” Andy nodded quickly. “I promise, Dusty. I’ll be a good big brother to Livvie.”

“Atta boy. Now, what’ll make her calm so she can get some rest?” Dusty asked him, grinning a bit.

Andy hummed in thought before running out of the room and bringing back his tape player, putting a cassette in and pressing play, fiddling with the volume a bit. A soft tune started to play.

“Mom sang this one to me.”

“And I sang it to you too.”

The two cleared their throats before starting to sing.

“Come stop your crying it will be alright.” Dusty started.

“Just take my hand. Hold it tight.” Andy continued with a smile.

“We will protect you from all around you. We will be here don’t you cry.”

“For one so small, you seem so strong. Our arms will hold you keep you safe and warm.”

Dusty kissed Olivia’s head before continuing. “This bond between us can’t be broken. We’ll be here don’t you cry.”

“Cause you’ll be in our hearts. Yes you’ll be in our hearts. From this day on.”

“Now and forever more.”

“You’ll be in our hearts. No matter what they say. You’ll be here in our hearts. Always.” Andy sang softly.

This time, Dusty was able to set Olivia down, before picking up his brother.

“Why can’t they understand the way we feel?” He sang quietly, thinking back to all the times he had been called a farmer or told to give up his racing dreams.

“They just don’t trust what they can’t explain. I know we’re different but…” Andy broke off, frowning.


“Deep inside us, we’re not that different at all.” Dusty continued, nuzzling him a little.

“And you’ll be in my heart.”

“Yes, you’ll be in my heart. From this day on now and forever more.” Dusty moved out of the room, hugging his brother tightly.

“Don’t listen to them. Cause what do they know? We need each other to have to hold. They’ll see in time I know.”

Andy tried to sing along but broke into a quiet sob, hugging his brother tightly. Dusty rubbed his back, choking up a bit as well. He had to leave soon and it was never easy.

He tilted Andy’s head up. “When destiny calls you, Andy, you must be strong. I may not be with you but you’ve got to hold on. They’ll see in time. I know.”

“We’ll show them together.” Andy whispered back. We’re more than just crop dusters.

We’re more than what we were built for.

“Cause you’ll be in my heart. Believe me you’ll be in my heart. From this day on now and forever more. Yes, you’ll be in my heart. No matter what they say. You’ll be here in my heart, always.”

Dusty set him down, ruffling his hair. “Just look over your shoulder.”

Andy smiled, wiping away his tears. “Love you, Dusty.”

“Love you too, Andy. Don’t forget that promise.”

“Long as you don’t forget yours.”

Dusty grinned.

“When have I ever forgotten my little brother?”