Hey, guys! I never thought I'd be writing a sequel to "Heart of a Saint, Life of a Sinner." It just seemed like a good idea, start from something I already have.

Writing this was no walk in the park. Oof, I thought I was going to lose my head typing this. Man, I hope you can wrap your heads around this like I could. You won't believe how intense this was. The typing, the hours spent thinking, and the insomnia; it was worth it.

I'll reveal where the stitchpunks travelled to in the end of the story.


The wind blew the grass in a gentle breeze. Flowers in many colors ranging from red, yellow, orange, purple, white and pink filled the meadow, stretching on into the horizon. Small silver bells echoed from the stream of clear water. The atmosphere of calmness and peace pervaded, and the beauty is quite stunning.

A tiny hand pushed back the blades of grass for easy passage. Her hand raised to her head, lifting the skullmet atop her head. Her optics blinked, observing the grass, the trees, the skies. Seeing that it was all clear, she turned back, and shouted, "We're here!"

Ambling further, she allowed the others to step into the clearing. The twins, 3 and 4, swiveled their heads, optics flickering in wonder. Behind them, the striped artist, 6, clung to 5, as though something would jump out at him, or at 5. The one-eyed stitchpunk reassuringly calmed him by patting him on the shoulder. 6, placated, looked at the serene beauty, breaking away when he felt it was safe to observe.

8 trudged in to the spacious grassy field by using his knife to make a path. The grass blades towered over him. Craning his neck, 8 ventured the grass could swallow him whole. As this was the arrival of spring, he guessed he'd being seeing more of this in the days to come.

"Well, will you look at that?," mused 2. Using his cane, he strolled over to 7, who was examining a cluster of yellow flowers. The pale stitchpunk went over and helped him make the rest of the walk.

"It's amazing what a little rain can do," quipped 7 as she helped 2 sit down on a rock.

It was true. For the past several days it had been raining. As soon as the snow melted, and everything became warmer, the rains came. The first time it rained was a promise to the rebirth of life. Before that winter, there were a few grass patches sprouting out of the ground. Now the stitchpunks were witnessing the first respite of spring.

"It's so beautiful," said 9.

He stood in the endless sea of green grass. The trees stood tall, mighty. The delicate flowers dotted every inch of the monotonous field. The first time he saw sprigs of grass sprouting was breathtaking. The second was just as a dazzling. The air felt fresher, and the sound coming from the creek was a treat for the hearing receptors.

"It is, isn't it?," said 1, approaching him.

9 looked over at the twins, who were flickering their optics to record every bit of the flowers. He glanced down at the creek and its rushing water.

"Where's the waterfall?," he asked, walking further to the water's edge. 1 followed by his side.

True to their words, the twins had said that there was a waterfall here. At least that's what the book they read explained. The stitchpunks spend about six days traveling here on foot, stopping to spent the night in abandoned buildings or broke down vehicles or in dead trees. 9 looked from the left to the right, optics alert. They spent hours hiking, and this was his first time seeing something that wasn't the ruined city. Coming here was easy. All they had to do was follow the grass patches. On the plus side, 3 and 4 showed 2 a map they found in an atlas. This place was 700 km from where they lived. Humans could travel to this place faster, 9 ventured. If there were any living in the world.

"Surprised that 1 decided on this retreat," said 5 as sat on a rock higher up than 2's. It was then that 7 joined in the conversation.

"Yeah," she interjected, "well, he'll do anything for 9." She snickered, mouth covered with her hand. 5 found himself snickering with her.

"Now, now, 7," reminded 2 gently. "Even 1 knew full well that he needed a change of scenery like all of us."

"You're right," quoth 7. Dropping her skullmet, her spear, and shield, she sat on the soft grass. With a sigh, she laid back, stretching her arms, and with the sun beaming down on her, 7 was in full bliss.

"But, you know," said 5, "we really needed this. A change of scenery was a good idea."

"Smashing, if I do say so myself," quipped 2. He removed his candle hat, relishing the weight off him. He placed it on the ground next to him.

5 saw 6 gathering flowers with the twins. He smiled. "This is doing some good for 6."

It was true. On the way over, 6 was less skittish than he usually was. The striped artist was enthralled by the greenery and the whisper of the wind between the trees. Although 6 was worried about something coming out and attacking them, but with 5 standing by his side reassuring him, he enjoyed the hike despite the possible dangers. With no machines roaming their dilapidated city, they were at peace with their new lives and seeing what life had in store for them.

"I'm surprised this survived," commented 5. "The machines didn't get to it, it's almost like a blessing."

"A deliverance," said 2 as a correction, but he was right about this forest being a blessing.

"Well, whatever it was, I'm glad this forest is teeming with life."

"I couldn't agree with more."

Over by a grove of trees, 8 was using his knife to cut off pieces of moss off the bark. Out of boredom, 7 turned on her side, optics resting on 8. She arched a stitched brow, watching the guard dig his knife into the green moss and slicing it like it were bread.

"Hey, 8!," she called. "Whatcha doing there?"

8, after finishing his job, planted the knife into the dirt, its blade glinting in the sunlight. He hefted the moss he sliced from the tree and replied, "I'm making a bed for 4." He carried it over to a shady spot in the trees and patted it down.

"He's so sweet, isn't he?," said 7, shaking her head.

"Big softy," retorted 5. He and 7 shared a laugh, which got 2 smiling.

6 sidled up to 5 with the twins following behind him. In their arms, they carried a bundle of flowers. 3 and 4 kneeled beside 7, who shot upright at the sight of the makeshift bouquet.

"Oh, what do you got there?," she asked, admiring the flowers they collected.

'These are buttercups,' said 4 through her optic flickers, pointing at two yellow flowers.

'And these are red campions,' said 3, optics flickering, smiling, finger pointing. She gently brushed the flower's petals, watching in silent admiration. 'We read about them in a book on gardening.'

"Really?," quipped 7, nodding. "That's really nice."

'We're going to weave them together like a crown,' said 4. 'To give to you, 7.'

"Oh, thank you, girls." 7 patted 4's head and did the same to 3.

The twins scurried a few yards off and sat down on the grass, their flowers ready to be woven together.

Meanwhile, down by the creek, 9 walked along by the water's edge. His search for the waterfall increased as he dragged 1 to join him on the search. The leader was wary of surroundings, head swiveling around, catching sight of the clear, calm field. After spending so long hiding from the machines and fighting the B.R.A.I.N. the peace in this forest made him nervous.

"I think it might be over there," said 9, pointing. 1 stood by 9's side, craning his neck. With the rushing water running past them, he deduced the waterfall would be up ahead of them.

"I'm not sure about this, 9," said 1.

The zippered stitchpunk turned back and took 1's hands in his own. "Come on," he said, "I've never seen this before. It's my first time seeing this."

He was right about that. 9, being the newest of the clan, had spent most of his life dormant in the First Room while the war raged on outside. To 1, it was almost a blessing that he didn't go through what he and the others did. But, he did approve on going on this retreat; it was only fair he'd be willing to see the rest of this place. After all, this was good for him and 9.

"Very well," replied 1, smiling softly. "I am interested in seeing this waterfall anyways."

"I knew you would." 9 kissed him on the cheek.

The two continued on with 1 still wary of this exploration. If anything came and hurt 9 he'd claw its eyes out himself.

Several yards off 6 traipsed, keeping his optics on the lush grass. The twins showed him a book on insects. His favorites were the butterflies for their colorful wings and graceful flight. Seeing how there weren't any butterflies in sight, 6 would resort to searching for the ground insects, maybe an ant or a pillbug.

As he ran his hands across the grass he liked the feeling of it: soft, cool, almost like silk. He laid on his back. The sun beaming on him. He shielded his face with a hand, catching a glimpse of the white, billowing clouds. Footsteps approached him, 6 looked to his left and saw 5 standing over him.

"Mind if I join you?," he asked.

"Y-Yes," replied 6.

The one-eyed stitchpunk laid beside him. 6 scooted closer and nuzzled 5 with the other wrapping an arm around him. They turned their attention back to the sky, their focus: the white, fluffy clouds. 5 imagined how it must feel like to lie on a cloud. It must be feel like floating on air. If he could reach up and touch a tuft of cloud, he'd keep it as a memento and give it to 6. He'd love it and 5 knew that he would as well.

A few inches away the twins were busily weaving their flowers together. 4 watched her sister tie the last flower around the other flowers, and she continued to do so with the rest of the knotted flowers. 4 went back to her own work, flickering her optics. She looped a knot the way 3 did it and found herself having to start over. She didn't know what it was, but it seemed like her sister was more skilled at crafts than she was. It was her first time, and she decided it didn't have to be perfect. 7 would love these crowns no matter how they turn out. Remembering that, she asked 3 to tie the stems how she did it.

While 3 was tying the stem, a shadow loomed over 4 and the hooded stitchpunk glanced over her shoulder. 8 looked down at her and offered her a hand. She grasped his hand and helped her up.

"I-I," he said as he walked her towards the tree. "I made this for you." He motioned over to the moss he layered out as a bed, and to her surprise he decorated it with wildflowers, all laid around the bed.

'I love it,' she said with her optic flickers. She smiled as she stooped down and sat down on the moss bed. The moss was definitely soft, like the book said, and damp underneath. She could tell by how she pressed her hand on the surface. 4 looked up at 8. 'Care to join me?,' she asked him.

"Can't say no to that," he answered. 8 took a seat beside her, encircling an arm around the petite stitchpunk. 4 rested her head against his shoulder, smiling contently.


The rushing water made a clear sound that was pleasing to listen to. 9 looked at the magnificent waterfall. The waterfall must've been at least taller than the buildings in their ramshackle city. Of course, their kind were small and humans were giants, so to them this was nothing. Whatever it measured, 9 was glad to be here, and to have 1 to share this moment with.

"Look at that," he uttered. 1 stood beside him and watched. The rushing waterfall was a breathtaking sight to take in. Deep down, underneath all the dreading he had over this trip, watching this marvel washed away his worries.

1's arms snaked around 9's waist. The zippered male rested his head on 1's shoulder. It got him thinking. After their stay here, they would have to return to their home in the Emptiness. But did they have to return? There wasn't anything that told them they had to return. 9 understood the importance of keeping the world safe in order for humans to return. The reality was: there was always going to be danger lurking, but he and the others have to overpower it. It was what he told 1 back in winter: when they stand together, they're stronger together. So, if there is a possibility that humans will come back, 9 will have 1, 5 and everyone else to help them reconstruct their world and heal each other to create strong bonds.

Keeping that in mind, 9 looked over at the treeline. The shade must feel nice, he ventured.

"Let's go over to the shade," he said, motioning toward the trees.

1 looked over at the treeline. "Hmm, couldn't hurt to sit under that shade," he said. "It looks refreshing."

"Come on."

The two walked to the trees. 9, while looking at the treetops, imagined what it would be like see the world from up that height. He wondered if there were any birds nesting in the branches. If this managed to survive the war and machines, then it's possible that animals survived. A few animals he'd want to see was a deer, a rabbit, and perhaps, a fox. Seeing these animals in the library's books was alright, but seeing one in real life was better.

Once the two sat around the tree's roots, 1 unbuckled his cape and draped it over himself and 9, like a blanket. 9 crept closer to 1, resting his head on his shoulder.

"This is so nice," said 9. He flung his arm around 1, nuzzling his neck.

"Yes, it is," replied 1. He ran his fingers on the white trim on his cape. He'd been wearing it since the night 9 gave it to him as a gift. He was always going to cherish it.

"You know," spoke 9, "this place is very serene." He looked up at the towering tree.

"Much more pleasing to look at than our home." He craned his neck, catching sight of a few dandelions. They were at that stage where they resembled white clouds, explaining why they looked windblown. A few more blows and they would be bare.

"Well, seeing all this makes the journey worth it," said 9. He looked over at the waterfall. "I never thought I'd see this in person."

"Neither would I."

9 snapped his head to him. "You've been around longer than I have," he pointed out, "haven't you ever seen this before?"

"No," replied 1, "but I knew they existed."

"Then why didn't you want to see it?"

"I had the others to think about," explained 1, "and the machines were roaming the city—at least, when it started getting quieter. I didn't dare step foot from the sanctuary. It was always me cloistered in the cathedral, afraid, alone..."

"Weren't 2 and 5 company enough?," asked 9, sitting straighter. "And 8 and 6?"

1 sighed. "As much as I hate to admit it, I wasn't very fond of 2's company as I am now." He paused to regain his composure, feeling a flood of regret swarm him. "I...I felt...betrayed. When 7 left with the twins it hit a soft spot. To hide the hurt, I took it out on the others.

"I mostly bothered 6 with 8 assisting me. I would ask 8 to take his drawings, rip them, well, only the ones he managed to take before 5 would come and tell him to give back. To be perfectly honest, I didn't really care about 8 at the time. I took one look at him and thought he'd be a blindly-devoted follower. Wouldn't question my authority. And so, I made him my personal guard.

"And yet, even his company wasn't enough." 1 sighed, feeling the memories swell up. It was only until he felt 9's hands cup his face.

"That's all in the past," he said, smiling. "You're not the same as you were before."

The elder stitchpunk wished to pull away, but he felt like he had to listen, and he needed to. He was right about him not being the same as before. Though he felt the same as he was, but he was happier since he was with 9. 9 was his everything. Without him he was nothing. And 1 was truthful when he said he'd protect him from anything. Even from his own self.

"You know," began 9, "I learned to forgive myself after...after..." He forced a smile, not out of regret, but more of hurt. Perhaps to pity himself, but 1 didn't like seeing him like this.

"It's alright," he reassured, resting a hand on 9's. The zippered male returned the sentiment, keeping the smile on his face. He broke away from 1's embrace, stood up and strode towards the edge of the creek.

"Do you believe a life can change?," asked 9 suddenly, turning around.

1 was baffled by this question, but he wasn't going to leave him without an answer. "Yes, of course," he answered. He rose to he feet and strolled over to him, arms wrapping around 9.

"Some lives can change," said the zippered stitchpunk.

"Like how you changed me," quipped 1.

"That was all you, I just guided you in the right direction."

9 pulled 1 in for a kiss.

"You know," said 1 as soon as he pulled away, "you are a diamond in the rough. My diamond."

"You're just saying that."

1 chuckled.


7 hummed as she watched a couple of dandelions getting blown in the breeze. She saw that this fascinated 6 and she watched him break out of 5's embrace and walk over to a cluster of dandelions. He poked one of them, their seeds flying off and taking to the breeze. He found he liked the way they flew off into the air and blew them. The seeds flew away, it reminded 6 of snowflakes.

"You know," said 5, approaching the striped artist, "the twins told me that when you blow on a dandelion you make a wish on them."

"R-Really?"

"Yeah."

6 looked at another dandelion that he didn't blow on. Grabbing at his key, he concentrated, and with a deep breath he blew on it. He watched the seeds fly off into the sky, carried off to the unknown.

"What did you wish for?," asked 5.

6 fiddled with his key. "T-That...we could do this...a-a-all the time."

"I would like that, too." 5 wrapped his arms around 6, planting a kiss on his head.

7 smiled sweetly. "Aww."

The twins approached 7 with their flower crowns in hand. By the looks on their faces, 7 guessed they were happy with how their crowns turned out.

'We finished them,' said 3. She held out her crown. 7 looked at 3's. It was well-crafted, each flower was in place. She looked at the one 4 made. Hers wasn't as elaborate as 3's, but she could tell that she did her best.

'Sorry that mine looks weird,' explained 4. She saw a flower about to fall off, despite her sister tying the stems together. She put it back in place, hoping it would stay there.

"That's okay," encouraged 7. "I love it." She bent her head and 4 put the crown on it. "Say, 2, you want one?"

2 chuckled. "Sure I would."

3 sidled over to 2 and placed the flower crown on his head. The hooded stitchpunk smiled in admiration.

"Looking good," complimented 7, nodding.

'Better than your lantern hat,' quipped 4.

"Oh, but I love my candle hat," said 2.

'This is much better,' retorted 3.

'How come you're better at it than me?,' complained 4.

'Maybe because I don't fool around with the guard,' shot back 3, raising a stitched brow. 4 rolled her pupils and called a truce.

6 swiveled his head around, counting everyone who was in sight.

"Where are...1 and...9?," he asked.

"I haven't seen them," said 7. "Don't worry about them, 6; they're probably fine."

"I'd...still like to...know...where they are." 6 fiddled with his key, optics darting from left to right.

"Ah well," said 7, rising to her feet, "we might as well find them." She grabbed her spear and her skullmet, but instead of wearing it, she carried it under her arm preferring to sport her flower crown.

8 used his knife to heft himself off the ground. Placing it back on his magnet behind his back, he joined 4 and he held her hand. They followed the others down the path, alongside the stream.

6 watched the rushing water, observing how the sunlight cut through the water's surface. He kept his optics close and he saw a trace of colors. Red, green, blue and orange were the ones he caught before disappearing. Gusts of wind blew through the pine trees, filling the air with a strong, woody scent. 6 listened carefully to the wind, it sounded almost like someone sighing. He loved the sounds the wind made, to him the forest was a symphony of beauty.

Along the way, 3 batted at dandelions with her arm, sending the seeds flying in the wind. She strayed from the herd to pluck some wildflowers. In a few minutes she now had a new bouquet made up of pink flowers, which she identified as red campions; the yellow ones as buttercups; orange ones as cosmos and a few white clovers.

The group hiked further into the meadow. In the distance, they saw a great waterfall, and in the clear light they saw a rainbow arcing from one end of the creek to the other. 4 flickered to 3 to record the waterfall. 3 rejoined the throng and with her optics she commenced recording the untouched beauty.

"P-Pretty," stuttered 6.

"It sure is," said 5.

"How remarkable." 2's optics widened in wonder with a child's fascination.

"It's nice," commented 8.

'Really?,' said 4. 'I was thinking the same thing.' She smiled and continued watching the forest's scenery.

As they ventured further and further, the more they felt, the more they heard, and the more they sensed. The stream created a beautiful harmony, and with the towering cathedral of trees, it seemed almost majestic. The way the trees with line, how they created a pattern was a remarkable sight to see. The treetops, how the light shone through them, almost heavenly. Like a celestial being descending from the supernal domain. The light beam casting dark shadows made it seem magical. The light shining in the water appeared as though it was merging with the water.

'You know what this reminds me of?' 4 said to her sister.

'What?,' responded 3.

'A scene in a fairytale I read.'

'It seems like it, 4.' She looked over at the treetops and admired the sun peeking through their canopies.

7 pushed away a few stray leaves with her spear. It would've been more efficient to cut them down, but it occurred to her that she didn't want to cause too much damage. Craning her neck, she spotted a waterfall coming into view. And once they arrived at their destination a place to sit awaits the stitchpunks who will have the opportunity to enjoy this peaceful haven.

"They're probably over here," she said to herself. She climbed up a fallen log, all while struggling to hold her bird skullmet. She planted her spear onto the bark and got on her feet. Beside her, 3 joined her, gripping tightly her bouquet of flowers to her person.

A flash of red grabbed 7's attention, and she knew she had found them. She leaped off the log, remembering to grab her spear. 3 jumped off and followed behind her. The rest of the group trailed behind, eager to reunite with the other two.

The stream was clear, its bank enhanced by the tall grass blades and colorful wildflowers. The waterfall itself was framed by the towering pine trees. So beautiful, so exquisite.

"Look, 5," said 6, pointing at the waterfall.

"It's beautiful," remarked 5, smiling.

In the distance, they saw two figures come into view, seemingly approaching them. They recognized them right away as 1 and 9; the elder stitchpunk donning on his red cape.

"Well, hey," said 7, "glad we found you."

"I wanted to see the waterfall," replied 9 kind of sheepishly. He looked over at it one more in silent admiration, a smile plastered on his face. "I never thought I'd see something so amazing."

"Neither did I," retorted 1. He noticed 7's flower crown. "What is that you're wearing?"

"The twins made it for me," she replied, adjusting the crown.

"Looks like 2 didn't get out of getting a one," retorted 9, motioning toward the inventor.

"I think they're smashing," quipped 2.

"Same here," commented 7.

"Me too," piped 6, clinging to 5's arm.

3 and 4 flickered their optics to catch every detail of the waterfall to keep as a memento when they return home.

7 placed her skullmet on a small rock, while planting her spear in the dirt. 2 gently put his lantern-hat on the grass while being careful not lose his footing. He ambled to 7 to join her next to the stream's shore.

"You know," spoke 1, facing the others, "9 and I have been talking and...while I may have been doubtful of this trip, I realize I enjoyed this journey and wish to continue doing so."

"Really?" 7 smirked, raising a brow. She crossed her arms, quickly glancing over at the waterfall and back. "Well, that's a surprise," she said, which was true.

"Definitely," quoth 5. 6 looked up at him, trying to get a more concrete answer.

"You sure, boss?," asked 8.

"I am," said 1.

3 and 4 flickered their thoughts on this idea.

"I suggested that we make this an annual trip," said 9.

"Of course you did," retorted 1, smirking. He flung his arms around 9's waist, pressing him close to his body.

"You know I did." 9 caressed 1's cheek. Their lips met.

"I support that idea," uttered 2, pointing with his cane.

"Really?," said 9.

"Of course."

"I actually like the idea of seeing new sights," commented 7.

"You say that from experience," remarked 8, planting his knife in the dirt. There was a subtle hint of envy in his voice. 7 shook her head and grinned, rolling over to her right side, facing the brook.

"And," spoke 9, "maybe we don't have to come here next year." An idea rushed into his mind like a tide. "We can travel to other places."

Suddenly 3 raised her hand excitedly while holding her bouquet under her right arm.

'I,' she began shyly, 'I read about this...place. It...it's called the Swiss Alps. Maybe we can go there next year.'

6's head shot up, he looked up at 5, smiling and nodding, trying to convince him. The one-eyed stitchpunk smiled and bought into his convincing attempt.

"I like that idea," commented 5. "I really liked it and 6 liked it, too." 6 beamed.

9 sidled over to the edge of the brook, spotting a rock. He bent over and picked it up, fitting perfectly into his hand. He meandered away, walking toward a tree a few yards off. 1, curious, trailed after him. as soon as 9 stood beofre the great tree, 1 stood next to him, wondering what he was going to do.

"A single stone can be the start of a home," he said. He crouched down and placed the stone neatly into the loose dirt.

1 smiled at 9, and offered a hand. 9 grasped it and got up on his feet.

"Do y-you...hear something?," queried 6, drifting away from the group. He walked toward the water's edge, focusing to the other side of the brook.

"I don't hear anything," commented 5.

"I hear it," insisted 6, pointing across the stream.

2 looked up at 5, who shrugged as a response.

"It's probably just the wind," said 7.

"Probably." 8 said.

4 shook her head. Surely, she believed 6's word and opted to listen. The guard raised his brow and looked on at the forest.

All the stitchpunks gathered round the stream, looking in the same direction 6 was gawking. Their hearing sensors picked up the sound of crunching leaves being stepped on. It could've been anything, be it a machine, or an animal. It might even be a human. Whatever it was going to be, they waited and listened.

The bushes rustled with movement. More leaves were being crushed. A shape slunk out of the greenery, which, to the stitchpunks' surprise, turned out to be a deer.

"Well I'll be..." 2 uttered.

"Look at it," muttered 7, absentmindedly taking off her flower crown. Her optics wide in captivation.

The deer grazed, unaware of the stitchpunks watching him from the other side of the brook. His tan fur, it must feel so soft, so warm. The antlers, so pointy and sharp, like the trees it was surrounded by.

"Look at him," said 9. "He looks so content."

1 nodded in agreement. He looked at the deer's alert eyes. So wide. His ears pointed up. He wondered of the deer sensed them watching him. The deer walked over to the other side of the stream, unaware of it being observed. The stitchpunks observed it lower his head and take a drink.

"You were right," said 1, wrapping his arms around 9's middle. "About us coming here. And convincing me."

9 giggled. He nuzzled him in the neck.

The serenity of the forest enveloped them in a blithesome aura, and the babbling of the river filled the meadow with its pleasant song. Light pierced through the crowns of the trees, engulfing the deer in its brilliance. With the waterfall and the deer, it look like something out of an elaborate painting.

The stitchpunks all knew everything was going to be alright.


Okay, so the place they went to was Krimml Falls. ^_^ I've never been there before, so I don't know what it's like there. So, if I got a few things wrong, I'm sorry. I don't travel after all. v~v

But hey, I wrote it. And that's what matters. I did this for you, darkgirl11. I'm rooting for you.