[PSOep3] Days of Immorality

[ARChan]

Hello, everyone :)

This fanfic was inspired by PSO episode 3 when I was running around and doing side missions for the CASTs. Then, a bro and I were talking about the referenced event that happened before episode 3 chronologically. Anyway, I know it has been a while since episode 3 was released but I still love the storyline. It's so awesome. Anyway, sorry if I get a bit too wordy. Bad habits are hard to break... >.<

Anyway, enjoy. Critiques, questions, and comments are welcome.

FanFiction.net link:
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7659621/1/Phantasy-Star-Online-ep-3-Days-of-Immorality

Spoilers ahoy! [spoiler-box]
--Main Characters-- [spoiler-box]
Fortuna:[spoiler-box]
A female butler-type Caseal who tends to make records of simple events. She actively denies being part of the SOUL Project and claims to be an ordinary CAST. She often questions Calai's intentions, and can be gullible. She seems to have a monochrome personality, but she really keeps her thoughts to herself, unless is Calai picks at it. Has an inferiority complex and tends to become insecure, though she puts up a strong front.

Weapon of choice: Rifles
[spoiler-box]
It is later revealed that she is the 3rd CAST made by Professor Felix. She is actively resonating with Dark Falz. As the story goes, her personality becomes more and more expressive.

When she discovers Calai actually being the true Fortuna, she decides to be called Futura.

Apparently, she has the ability to assume a mutated form and return to her former appearance. She is not aware of herself talking, nor is she aware of Dark Falz talking to her.

Her 1st mutation in #25 route:[spoiler-box]http://www.pso-world.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=1197&pictureid=37451[/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box]

Calai:[spoiler-box]
A security-type RAcaseal who tends to make fun of Fortuna. However, when Fortuna is not around, she sheds that jolly figure and becomes more professional (with professional language). However, she is all for justice and safety of Fortuna. She is an active hunter and rakes in meseta at local guilds. Although a CAST, she is actively independent in her decisions.

Weapon of choice: Mechguns and Handguns
[spoiler-box]
It is later revealed that she has been actively communicating with Dark Falz. In fact, she prays to him. At a price, she loses some of her moral judgment for the moment and becomes rather obsessive in regards to Fortuna.

Later, it is revealed that she is the 2nd CAST made by Professor Felix and the true "Fortuna." She constantly broods over California's death and assumes her personality to protect Futura, who is a replicated data copy of her former self.

My drawing of both Calai and Fortuna:
[spoiler-box]http://www.pso-world.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=1197&pictureid=15638[/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box]

Professor Felix:[spoiler-box]
A male Human researcher and is one of the top researchers. He has a childish personality and entitled himself "3rd Professor" for reasons unknown to Fortuna. However, although he is childish, he can assume a fatherly role. He had a wife who died in the Pioneer 1 incident.[/spoiler-box]

John:[spoiler-box]
A security-type RAcast. He is a key figure in the CAST resistance and puts safety of others top priority. Due to his massive build, people often question how he can fit through tight spaces.

Weapon of choice: Final Impact[/spoiler-box]

Ciello de Molie:[spoiler-box]
A female Newman who is found along the road of Fortuna's path in the caves. Her health expiration date has expired, which explains her sickly approach to the world. Has a tendency to think only of the present. She is in love with Jean.

Weapon of choice: Wand[/spoiler-box]

Jean:[spoiler-box]
A RAmar who is found along the road of Calai's path in the caves. He is an active member of the Hunter's Guild and tends to take missions for the prize money with little regard of what he is doing. Although he is one-track minded, his eyes are all for protecting Ciello.

Weapon of choice: Laser[/spoiler-box]

[Major character spoilers]
[spoiler-box]
Lucky:[spoiler-box]
A Pushan MAG who follows Fortuna shortly after she was at the brink of death. He becomes the words of wisdom to her, even though he is often forgotten. However, it seems he is only able to communicate with Fortuna.

Photon Blast: Estlla[/spoiler-box]

Girl at Central Control Area's dam:[spoiler-box]
A female Human who tells the fate of Calai and Fortuna. She is sensitive to those affected or have an affinity to be controlled by Dark Falz.[/spoiler-box]

Violla de Molie:[spoiler-box]
A female Newman who is found to be the operator of the CAST resistance. She is more of a pacifist than anything and is thought to have a thing for decorating. However, she is willing to assist in having the OPSS repealed. She also brings news of Ciello and Jean's disappearance to Fortuna and Calai later in the story.[/spoiler-box]

California:[spoiler-box]
A RAcaseal who is the official 1st CAST created by Professor Felix. Her personality data is the base of which Calai assumes throughout most of the story. Apparently, due to an inconvenient conflict with Dark Falz, she was consumed without a trace by Dark Falz.

Later, she is found in a supposed cybernetic flowerbed and claims to have met "Mommy." She longs to return to reality but was aware of her situation, should she return. Thus, she needed Fortuna to install her to properly return to reality.

She apparently has the ability to tap into Dark Falz's power. However, at the price, she tends to become overly cocky and overheats after she releases it.

Weapon of Choice: H&S25 Justice, Hell Laser, Visk-235W, and Guilty Light[/spoiler-box]

Red lady of the cybernetic flowerbed:[spoiler-box]
Supposedly the "Mommy" of California. She is doubtful and does not ever want to be alone. However, even if she was in the flowerbed, she makes a mysterious audio appearance when Futura was ejecting from her capsule.[/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box]

--General setting--[spoiler-box]
PSO is considered to be chronologically in this order: 1, 2, 4, and 3. My fanfic takes place in between 4 and 3. Apparently, as you read through the fanfic, you're going to find that this takes place during OPSS, which is an anti-android holocaust. You will find some characters from PSO ep 3 making cameo appearances, but they are not really key figures to my story, though they are there to let the story progress forward.[/spoiler-box]

--Contributing drawings--[spoiler-box]
Coming soon![/spoiler-box]

[/spoiler-box]

[ARChan]

--RECORD 1--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: FOREST WITHIN PERIMETER OF PIONEER 1 CENTRAL DOME RELIC

My head dropped back as I scanned above. Identifying what I was inclined to observe was troublesome. Trees blocked all traces of organic light. The air was cold and moist, making one without proper gear able to suffer hypothermia in the matter of minutes. It was identified for there being the stench of moist dirt with fungal growth and plants. Standing in place would make an individual--as Organics would say--"one with nature." It can make one stand in awe, especially since generations of the pioneers have not encountered such magnificence when excluding the artificial attempts of these structures.

However, it only would be nice. By the lights glancing about, a receptionist-type Caseal did her attempt to be "one with nature." As I passed her, I only glanced to my side to see her take damage by a rifle stock strike to the back of her head. I continued forward without attempting to help her. Maybe Daddy would have helped her, but why should I? I was not even acquainted with her.

Oh. How rude of me. I am Fortuna, a butler-type Caseal. My owner is the one whom I identify as "Daddy." People call him 3rd Professor Felix. He never told me his real name. I know it has to do with security reasons. It is understandable. Therefore, there is no need to know. Still, the lack of data about his identity creates an obnoxious void, which is ready to be occupied by any bits of data about him, be it fact or fiction. I served Daddy since the attempted link of both Pioneer 1 and 2. That is not that much time, but I came to acknowledge him as my father; my creator. In that accord, I feel I must repay him in any manner possible.

Marching through the forest was no easy task. There were four different lines. Because of the moisture and condensation, visibility was low and the only bits of biological visual data would be the lights indicating where we should go. Some of us tripped over tree roots. Others malfunctioned due to improper protection against intense moisture. More became lost.

I scanned down to my feet. Identifying the floor was difficult. Then, someone nudged my shoulder. I raised my head to see who it was, but I tripped forward. Arms stretched out and caught me. I shoved myself back upright and continued forward as I quickly glanced at who it was.

"You look so tense. Loosen up."

Although I could not see, the voice was identifiable. It was a security-type Caseal named California. She is a generation older than I am, but the specs of my generation and hers are not too different. Her creator is 3rd Professor Felix, making her "Daddy" mine. In that sense, she is my sister. However, I do not acknowledge her as my sister. Although our frames and data should be similar, she is too different. In fact, she is the one who preferred to be called Calai by her own will. What is the use of such a program if it is a program? Professor Montague needs to be told that personality data is flawed. There are no personality data perfectly matched to an Organic's.

We then came to a break in the forest. It was a massive, exposed range. In the center of that range was a square opening, where we were directed by Organics to stand by. We were taken by rows rather than the lines. That allowed Calai and me to stand side-by-side. By that time, my visual sensors moved straight up. What I could see was a bright, lonely star. It lingered in the stratosphere. Correction, it was not a star, though it looked like one. It was our home: Pioneer 2, the place where Daddy was. I will see him again. I still need to make dinner.

Once everyone was at formation, we were lined around the massive square hole. All became rather silent. I could hear the photon generators hum.

"Ready!" yelled a commanding Organic.

Calai and I glanced at each other for some operation to mimic between us, but instead, we were all simply just looking from side to side. Sensors indicated a heat wave coming from the hole down below as I inspected the opening. Then, I looked up to see who were lined around the square. Caseals... Only Caseals! Genocide! What was there to do? We were all unarmed and no armor was accessible. Just one move and we would all perish.

"Aim!"

Just before I could turn and at least try to combat the Organics, Calai snatched my arm. I looked over to her, about to question her motives, but I saw her essence become mystical. She looked up to me and gave this smile. I could not identify the motive but I found myself sympathizing with her. Her hand fitted into mine. All the panic went away. This is the end, is it not? How can we live? I detect molten ether rising from the square opening. I was already counting how long it would take for us to be struck by a photon bolt. Calai and I are sisters. Of course. I should be happy to lose functionality with Calai. Of course.

"Fire!"

Calai shoved me into the hole. As I fell, I was able to find her diving down after me. No... She was shot. I widened my form as she fell straight. Photon bolts soar through the air. Other Caseals fell as well. We were dying. I knew that to be true. Once Calai was within reach, I took her into my arms and inspected her wound as we continued to fall. It was deep but not fatal. She should be able to live. I cradled her into my arms as temperatures skyrocketed. Then, the place glowed orange. Below us was molten lava. How could we survive lava without proper protection? My visual sensors stayed on Calai, hoping that what is to come will be swift and painless.


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: [PENDING]

[ARChan]

--RECORD 2--

"Sis."

"What is it, Calai?"

"Nothing. Ha ha ha!"

"Uh... Okay."


I was undergoing start-up operations. The first kinds of sensory enabled were auditory and touch. I could not move. There were shuffling noises and Calai grunting.

"Sis! Sis, get up! Come on! Sis...! No! Let go! Sis!"

Sensors then indicated surface damage due to intense heat. The first survival operation after basic start-up was the ether converter. Like Organics, CASTs also breath. However, instead of essential gases, CASTs take in an airborne material known as ether. Ether is an essential material for CASTs because of how it can be distributed throughout the CAST system for numerous operations. To simplify, ether to CASTs is an Organic's food, water, essential gas, lubricant, and energy source. It also comes in food as well, which is why a CAST can consume Monomates. As for excretions... Daddy commanded that I should not describe how it happens unless perfectly necessary.

By the time my start-up operations were complete, all I could sense were the sounds of lava boiling and my own breaths. As I rolled onto my side, repairs were already under way. The deteriorized exterior chipped away as a new shell created by the collection of ether emerged. That is the rapid healing process of a CAST. It only takes a few minutes to recover the exterior. As for the foreign contaminant, it will take some time to nullify and excrete. It was causing errors in 27% of movement processes, expecially with my right arm. Responses to the arm lagged by a 74 millisecond abnormal delay. Accurate movements with it were not possible at the time I was testing it.

As I stood, I investigated the floor to find massive footprints. Such monstrous footsteps can only be made by a combat-category ranger-type Cast. Then, there were smaller ones. These resemble Calai's footprints. She seemed to have been taken away against her will. That much is obvious. All I needed was a weapon of some sort. Coincidently, I was placed down next to crates. They seemed to have been forced open. Upon inspecting, all I found were five Monomates, a Frame, a Core Shield, and a Brand. The Brand is a blue-type photon Saber-type weapon. Although I do not prefer it, I had to use the Brand. My preference is a Rifle-type weapon as a means of offense.

As a standard issue for Pioneer 2, each individual has a bracelet or an arm guard that doubles as a personal storage device and safety slot enhancer. In my case, it was an arm guard on my left arm. I took the orange box containing the Brand into my hand and pressed a button on it. The box vanished into a blue flash, indicating that it was registered into my storage device. I did the same with the blue boxes of the Frame and Core Shield and the green boxes of the five Monomates. The storage device also operates in harmony to the other pieces of armor equipped onto the individual. For example, the Frame being equipped onto the storage device gives optimal operation to the pieces of armor according on the enhancements of the armor selected.

I usually did battle training with Calai. Although I am a butler-type Caseal, I oddly found battle training entertaining. However, my capabilities were not as optimized as Calai's. She is an official combat-category Ranger-type Caseal, which is why I had my hands on a Rifle-type weapon to begin with.

Upon tracing the footsteps, I found myself venturing through more relics of Pioneer 1 inhabitants within the molten cave. It was not hard to trace the footsteps since the clearances in the ashes indicated where a foot made contact with the floor. I crossed over bridges, through steam, and through unlocked doors. Each room was as hot, if not hotter than the others. Even so, not a single creature or person came into sights. It was, as Organics would call, lonely.

After some time of traveling, I entered a cold zone. I could see clouds of my own gaseous excretions coming out of my nasal cavity exposure points. The air was damp, the floor was wet and occasionally slippery, the walls collected condensation, and occasional organic plant life sprouted out from between some rocks. I also found some boxes. No usable items were found. I had some difficulty when I started finding CAST parts in the latter crates. It was like the CASTs were dismembered by lethal means. I despised the sight. However, I could not comprehend the intention. Processes often calculated that the CASTs were hunted by scavengers, the most obvious solution. However, in worst scenario, what if the military was involved?

On the way deeper into the cave, I found a transceiver on the floor. Upon investigating, I soon discovered that it had a recording from Calai. I looked around and then activated the recording.

"Sis, I'm apparently going to an underground resistance force. It's near a place with waterfalls. However, it seems they're planning on moving again. Hurry!"

Upon listening to it, the transceiver sparked and fragmented. I stood up again and continued to where I believed she was heading. Hearing her voice motivated my energy reserves, making me increase my pace to a jog. I just knew I will find her soon!

Then, when I came through a door, I found an organic down on a knee. I came to what looked like a FOnewearl in a pink outfit and tapped her shoulder. She jumped up in surprise and swung a wand at me. I blocked her attack with my left arm and shoved her away. I looked down to where she was to find a dismembered HUcast.

Before I could speak, she casted Foie, a straight fireball technique. I dove out of the way to accidentally land on an Autogun, a blue-type photon Handgun-type weapon. I took it into my hands and strafed around the FOnewearl, trying to come closer as she continuously casted Foie. When I was too close, she casted Gifoie, which had a fireball that circled and fanned out further away from her. It seemed she was using it more as a barrier. Upon a brief moment of timing its movement, I dashed straight in. Before she could release control of the fireball, I tackled her down. Since she was a lightweight target, pinning her down was simple. However, even though my weight was overbearing, she still thrashed. Organic persistance is odd.

After some time of simply sitting on her, she finally calmed down. "Finish me off already," she panted.

"Why?" I asked.

She frowned at me. "What? Going to mock me now?"

Organics are interesting. My problem with militarized Organics is that some of them talk of death with little regard. Unlike CASTs, there are no official records of memory data transferring from one organic to another, let alone saving perfect memory data.

"What?" the FOnewearl barked. She was shaking and her pulse rate was excessive. Her eyes shined intensely. To summarize, she was scared but attempted to keep a strong output.

"May I ask a question?"

She stared at me for a while. "Oh," she said. "Is that it?"

I crawled off her and stayed on my knees as I faced her. "Have you seen a Caseal heading through this direction? She may have been accompanied by a RAcast."

The FOnewearl raised herself upright and held the back of her head, where her head collided with solid rock. "I don't know, but that one HUcast is proof that my teammate came around here."

I kneeled down next to the HUcast to investigate its cause of death. It was most likely an ambush because of the exposure shot straight to the spine. However, the finishing blow was the shot to the left side of the head. To a CAST, our most vital organ would be the head. Quite simply, CAST heads are similar to Organic heads and hearts. It was a guaranteed lethal shot if a humanoid takes a shot to the head, which is especially all the more reason to deliver head shots as a Ranger-type individual.

Most likely, the FOnewearl's friend has shot to kill by the one lethal blow. It was all the more reason to stand and pursue to wherever the friend went. Even so, I was stopped by the FOnewearl.

"I know you're going to follow him," she said. "If you are...!"

"I am only looking for my sister," I answered. "I will not kill anyone unless they are willing to harm me or my sister. Now, step out of the way."

The FOnewearl stared at me. "Promise me you'll not hurt him."

"I will not keep that promise. Just know what I have said, and he will not be harmed. Now, move." The FOnewearl stepped out of my way and I headed through the only other door from where I entered into the room. It was more cold, damp surroundings. However, I was not alone. The FOnewearl was following behind me. I honestly did not want to waste time with her or that man following Calai. All that mattered was finding Calai.


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: UNDERGROUND CAVES

[ARChan]

--LOADING PART 3--

"Fortuna?"

"What is it, Daddy?"

"Nothing. Ha ha ha!"

"... Can you two stop?"


According to my estimation, it was approximately an hour since the previous recording. Most of the walking was because of lengthy pathways that led to dead-ends. Apparently, in each of the dead-ends, we found some interesting relics. One of them was a rejuvination ring. It was inhabited by a deactivated Cast. I checked if he was operational. However, what was soon discovered was that the Cast was not a recent casualty. He had been there for quite some time due to the fungal growth in the shadows of where he had been sitting.

Before entering the rejuvination ring, individuals had to open a link to it by simply pressing a button on our inventory. Only then will the ring respond. After doing the initiation process, I stepped under the hovering rings, one of the two rings decended and did an analysis. After the decent, the ascending process were the repairs and optimization. Apparently, traps are considered to be a part of the Android. It was relieving to know that my traps were functional again. As for Organics, the ring does the same. It analyzes but corrects and reenergizes areas. It does not repair wounds but it enables safer and more rapid natural healing.

"Ah, that totally felt good."

I looked over to the ring and found the Newman girl enjoying herself, reaching over herself and doing feline-like stretches. Only if she would laze and keel over so that I can focus on the objective at hand. I looked away as she readjusted her clothes. How was a bustier, arm sleeves, shorts, knee-high platform boots, and a goofy barret a combat outfit? The sense of coverage during combat can be questionable. Sure, if there was less clothing, there will be less drag and flexibility can ensue. However, she did not seem at all flexible and she was shivering as well. Plainly stating, she was unsuited for this kind of combat.

When I noticed that there was a little shuffling in her direction, I noticed the Newman girl crouching down before the Cast. Seeing as how time was of the essence, I came over to her to pry her away from the corpse. It was rude to stare.

"I wonder who you served." She reached out and touched his face. "Maybe we could have been friends."

Re-examining the corpse, the remains was a combat-category hunter-type Cast. The armor heavily corroded over time and the color faded. Knowing most Hunters use photons, it was surprising to know that the cause of death was bashes to the head. No such residue of photons resided in the cranial fractures. The most probable intent was suicide when considering the corroded part on the wall which had dents underlying the rust.

"I just want all of this to stop," the Newman girl said but more to herself. "It was fun at first--yes--but when I think about it, we're hunting scared people." She turned to me. "Caseal, do you feel scared?"

The term was only words of a sympathetic fool. We, Androids, do not harbor fear. Our objective is to preserve and protect. We are expendable to our objectives. However, Professor Montague's Elenor displayed more than just those objectives. She did not express the thought of expendability when she shared the story about her sister, which in turn gave Calai the data to disregard expendability and process more about each individual's uniqueness.

"Well? Do you?"

I turned away and said, "Let us continue with our objectives. Lingering will only increase distance from our goals." I walked a little distance until the Newman girl snatched my left arm. I looked over to find her embracing it with a smile. "What are you--?" I fell silent when she leaned forward onto me and made contact to my face with her lips.

She backed away and said with her hands behind her, "I bet you haven't had anyone love you."

"Love?" I repeated after her.

She smiled and walked onward. "You don't have to know what it is. Just know that you had a brief moment of love here."

Of course I know what love is. However, data provided that love should only be expressed from two units of opposite sexes. Unless if the Newman girl is a boy... or was it that I am a boy? No, I am the daughter of 3rd Professor Felix. I am a girl. Then, does that mean the Newman girl is actually a Newman boy? Then again, she--HE might have meant the deactivated Cast. However, there was no attraction coming from me toward the Cast. Therefore, it has to be that the Newman girl is a Newman boy.

In that case, the Newman boy is only worried about his comrade in arms. However, what is with the clothes? It is like a female Organic. Then again, there are records of men liking to wear female fabric but the time of this recording might actually be the first time I have acknowledged a male wearing female clothing. A male... A male?

As we walked some more, a set distance was maintained from the Newman boy. Such odd types of male tend to be troublemakers, as my own personal records displayed that males tend to want to love females. However, why would a male want to love me? I do not make babies nor do I have the will to comprehend love at will. What was his intent?

"Ms. Caseal?"

I noticed how close he was and broke into a dash away from the Newman boy to maintain our distance. "What concerns you?" I asked.

"I don't know..."

I stopped and turned to the Newman boy. He stopped as well. "What?" I said, feeling the pressure of time eminant.

"Are you really a CAST?" I turned away to his stupid question but he continued. "You're not like other CASTs."

"I am not different!" My voice thundered. I was facing the Newman boy. "I keep telling everyone! I am me: a CAST and proud servant to my master! Why can't any of you understand that! I am like everyone else. No one else. I am--"

The Newman boy clasped his hands around my waist. For some reason, ether supplies were being maintained but my intake was still rising. My system temperature was rising as well. Why? I cannot comprehend why this was happening.

"I see. You have a soul; a pure soul."

Did he know? I am one of the results of the Self Operating Unfacilitated Learning Project, or SOUL Project. The program operated on perfecting learning without cybernetic input. Some organics call it "Natural Learning," if that will clarify some confusion. This project was not a hidden project, though it initially was one to prevent mass production of a project that was questioned to actually be benficial to the Organic races. when putting all that into consideration, most projects that were made public were made secret. The SOUL project was one of many projects that were considered to be a major breakthrough. It was at first inspired by Professor Montague and more popular because of a relationship between a Newman girl named Elly Person and a computer AI named Calus. If anything, my interactions with the environment were inspired by Calus. Even so, I am comprised of numerous types of data. I am only a CAST: a being who lives and operates according to data.


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: UNDERGROUND CAVES

[ARChan]

--RECORD 4--

"Calai?"

"Hm? What is it, Sis?"

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing. Ha ha ha!"

"... This is getting old."


It almost seemed like forever since something different was seen. I was basically walking beside the Newman boy as he kept talking on and on about his times in the Hunter's Guild. He talked about this one quest of this one lady whom actually had to go to the Hunter's Guild to stop her husband from excessively buying weapons and gear from shops. The Newman boy said that the husband was still at it, even though he was told by numerous Hunters to stop. It was odd to know someone who would not stop buying weapons. All an individual needs was about two or three weapons to go about his or her life. Anything more than even five was a little too excessive.

At least listening to the boy was enough to spend the time. The quietness and still life of the surroundings were repetitive, enough to make my alertness dull significantly because of simply replaying the data over and over. Before long, we found something significant for once: a place with numerous waterfalls. Calai did state that a waterfall was near the location of the resistance. It was interesting to even find a place with a waterfall and not flooding excessively.

"Isn't this great?" the Newman boy ecstatically said as he started undoing his clothes. He then started tossing his clothes onto me, like I was a coat rack. "I've always wanted to check this place out!"

Inspecting the surroundings further, the water was ankle deep and fairly chilly to the touch. The water did not contain any odd material that was known to be poisonous. It was fairly clean, like it was directly from Pioneer 2. There were some plant life. These were the ones that were absorbing the poison. When one plant was vibrant green, it extract a spore that looked like an airborne jelly fish. The jelly fish did not contain poison but would latch itself onto a physical part of the environment, maybe to become a plant like its predecessor.

"This feels so good!"

I looked over to the Newman boy and saw... No. The Newman boy did not contain any genitalia like males. There was even some enlargement to the breast. Those two were the distinguishing factors of females in comparison to a male. No. He had to be male. He spoke of love and I am a Caseal. Or was it that he--she did not care what gender I am and considered me male? Or was it that she--he cannot distinguish Casts from Caseals? No, for sure he--she is a female. In that case, what am I? No. I am a Caseal, a CAST who was categorized to be female. It had to be that the Newman girl was confused of my sex. It was best to tell her as soon as possible. She should not--cannot show love to another female. It is wrong!

"Oh yeah... That totally felt good."

The Newman girl stepped out from under the waterfall and headed straight for me. Water dripped off every end of her, if not rolling down along her bare flesh. Her skin was pale and her hair was vibrant pink. She looked to be a seventeen year old Human but scans showed that she was living for only four years. Newmans are not a perfected species with a set estimation of time for how long he or she can live. It was pointless to pinpoint the average lifespan because their lifespan were so variable. Newmans are best known as those with generally superior intellect and those who live and die looking young. Their existence is magnificent and a curse at the same time. They are often Organic targets of rape and abuse, leaving a massive number with wasted potential. It truly is a shame that a mothership created to find a utopia can be so cruel.

"Hm? What's up?"

I was staring at her as she was clothing herself. I turned away and continued forward. Waiting for her was a waste of time. Calai said that she would be near to a place with waterfalls. She had to be somewhere nearby!

Then, an explosion shook the cave. Rubble crackled above me. The ceiling was too loose.

"Hey, wait up!"

The Newman girl! I turned to find her not heeding what was happening above me! I should just leave her be. She is not worth saving. Calai had to be in danger!

"Wha...! The...! Ahhhhh!!!"

The ceiling collapsed. A cloud of rubble and smoke rushed into the air. Loud crashes overwhelmed my audio sensors. My visual sensors were static. My energy was allocated into defensive and survival operations. The internal temperature was warm, but started to cool down. It took a while but my sensors regained normal functionality.

"Unh... Huh?"

I found myself on the Newman girl. She looked up to me with cheeks flustered and lips parted to say something. She in a state of shock. I stood up and surveyed the situation.

The way that I was going to was blocked off by a collapse of solid rock. A high explosive can break the obstruction, but I did not have such a utility for such an operation. I stood staring at it for a while until I heard a clunk next to me. I looked over my shoulder and found the Newman girl trying to prepare a bazooka. Wait, how did she manage to take a hold of that? It was an NUG2000. That weapon is not standard issue!

"Damn...!" she strained. "Why's this so...!?"

Took it off her hands with one arm. Huh. It was not as heavy as she made it seem. Anyway, I armed it over my shoulder and asked, "Confirmation to eliminate obstruction. Awaiting orders."

She wildly nodded. "My friend was the one who caused that explosion earlier! I know that sound!"

I aimed at the rubble and fired the bazooka. Upon impact, the explosion took down the wall. It was wise to undo my audio sensors for the moment. The impact caused a massive wave of pressure right by me.

However, the Newman girl was not so lucky. She was cradling her large ears. It was too much, was it not? Regardless, the path was accessible. We could proceed.


---END RECORDING---
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: UNDERGROUND CAVES

[ARChan]

--RECORD 5--

"Sis?"

"Nothing again?"

"No... Umm..."

"What?"

"Err... Nevermind. Forget I said anything."

"Calai?"

Another explosion shook the grounds. More rocks crumble down, but none were were as massive as it was from the previous recording. However, as I continued down the cold and rocky paths, the FOnewearl's hand moved into mine. I glanced over to analyze malicious intent but instead found her looking away with her other hand over her heart.

"Jean..."

Her eyes were distant as she was pondering about something. I looked forward to make sure I knew I was going. Daddy always said to leave a sorrowing person alone. There is an error to that thought. In fact, even holding hands with a person would calm the person, or at least by statistical data in previous interactions.

"Caseal!"

I shot glances all over myself, assuming that she was calling out to me, but instead, the FOnewearl left my side and crouched down to inspect a black RAcaseal unit. I came to make an anaylsis of this Caseal. It was barely functioning. In fact, it was in an emergency hibernation mode. However, its energy was rapidly depleting. It freed my processes to run more smoothly upon the sight. The rate of how quick it was depleting meant that the attacker was not far. If the Caseal was from the resistance group, Calai had to be nearby.

"Ms. Caseal." I stopped myself from walking off as the FOnewearl stood to face me. "What's your name?"

I turned away. "Irrelevant. Let us continue." I started moving to the next door.

"I'm Ciello de Molie. I'm from the 311th district aboard Pioneer 2."

I looked over my shoulder, seeing the FOnewearl standing in her place. However... "Why is your hand over your chest?" I inquired from the distance I made from her.

Ciello whipped her hand down. "N-nothing! Why should I tell w-what I do to the likes of you?"

I assessed panic. Why would she panic? Besides, she had already disclosed her name to me. Why would she be worried about this? Annoying Organic... Same as every "caring" Organic--every selfless Organic. Selfless... What a joke. I turned and continued the path I was going.

The walls seemed to have taken damage by different means of photon. Upon feeling a slash mark on the wall, it was disturbing to find it rather cold as a little water gushed out of the opening. It would be best to leave the location as soon as possible. Still, by the magnitude of the photons left in all the directions, if this "Jean" is by himself, he had to be very good at what he did.

Then, I stepped into the next door...

At my feet, there was some kind of dark-green sewage at my feet. I traced the sewage to the source, or sources as it should be known. I would approach the sources only if they were not behind a photon gate. It was like a monument dedicated to an unknown entity. Limbs were piled upon the other as bodies were dismembered and decapitated. Heads were piled to the side, each with a deep wound that were irreversible. Militarized to civilian, Casts to Caseals, new models to old--it did not matter. It was even more disturbing to the identification of hardened Organic fluids to the crotch of Caseals. Disturbing, grotesque, vexing--it did matter what word synonymous to any of those words. It was madness.

Another explosion occured, making the pile level down even more. Calai... I did not detect any traces of Calai. Was she in the pile? As much as I wanted to know, I could turn back to this location. I marked the location onto my navigation application and continued northward toward the noise.

My pace increased to a jog with the Autogun prepared in my hand. Time was limited. Calai was at risk of danger. Room after room... after room... after room... My system was overheating as more time was dedicated into running. I was--as Organics would say--desperate. There started to be unnecessary movements to the strides I made.

Then, as a door opened, a yellow photon bolt just barely swept across my arm. I raised my left arm, ready to deflect what else would come my way. There was a RAmar with a Laser, a yellow-photon rifle-type weapon. He had dark armor and cyanic-blue hair to compliment the cyanic-blue linings on his armor. A facemask covered up to under his eyes with his headgear worn low. His section ID was Redria. He had formal training and was always close, if not dead-on to his target.

Then, something caught my visual priority. A Caseal... White... Red-rouge linings to her skirt... Dark legwear... The way she twirled to dodge a yellow bolt and flipped over another around with her twin machineguns at hand and her white hair swaying to some invisible melody... Calai... A Purplenum Section ID. It had to be her!

"Hey, Sis!"

Calai's voice! I snapped out of my trance to find the RAmar already firing toward my direction. I did not know what came over me to suddenly lose track of something so obvious on the field! I raised my guard but did not brace. The shot made my shield overheat in an instant. Foolish! What was wrong with me? As I staggered back, he was aiming for another shot but Calai fired a barrage of photon bullets in his direction. The RAmar blocked every single shot with ease. I aimed--

"Jean!!!"

I shot a glance over behind me to fiend Ciello with her Wand out. I looked over to the RAmar, seeing his focus break in an instant. He was Jean? Calai...!

Before I could even speak, Calai was already at close quarters with him. While low, she unleashed a fully-charged shot from one of the machineguns to his legs, shattering his left leg in an instant. No... I know this attack combination! She spun 180 degrees as the man tumbled down, just barely acknowledging the damage inflicted upon him... Yes, I know this!

"Calai, stop!!!"

A massive photon clap echoed throughout the scene. I stood with my visual sensors still processing what happened. Internal temperature was internalized to my core and my auditory sensors ringing.

"Jean!" Ciello cried as she ran by me. "G-get away from him!" She casted a Foie-type technique aiming for Calai, but the fireball did not escape the Wand. Instead, she clumsily tumbled down onto the floor.

I looked up to Calai, seeing that the other charged machinegun simply blew out the Laser from Jean's crippled hand. She simply caught him as he fell. What was supposed to happen was that she made the first charged shot to crush the leg of the enemy and then a crouching shot aiming up for another charged shot to something vital. There was enough time to aim for the head, if she did as she was trained. It was devastating, but even more so to the machineguns. The two machineguns she was using were destroyed upon use! There is a function to adjust the intensity of the photon bullets, and as was observed, Calai has a bad habit of breaking her weapons for these specific uses.

Calai had set Jean down onto the floor, trying to take in what happened before her. Jean was cursing loudly in pain whereas Ciello was struggling to even move with her hand, again, over her chest. I came to assist her but she swatted me away. Annoying Organic... Trying to look strong again?

"Jean, are you--?"

"Ciel...! Fucking bitch! I told you to...!" He took seething breath.

"I'm sorry!" She dropped down next to him and reached out to him. "Jean, I'm sorry. I was scared when you didn't come back the time you said. S-say... Here. I'll..." She began to cast Resta onto him but he swatted her Wand away. "Jean?"

"Just...!" He took another breath. "Did you bring a 'pipe?" The pause from Ciello made him roar in his broken state. "Goddamn...! We're gonna fuckin' die because of you!"

"No." She clapped her hands around one of his. "We're not going to die. This Caseal--" She pointed at me. "--she helped me get here. She saved me once on the way here." She paused to let Jean acknowledge me. There was still lethality being expressed, but not as much as when he was fighting us. "Jean, let's stop this."

"We... we can't." His breaths were becoming more in volume and frequency. He was on the verge of fainting. "We only need... two more. Just two more."

Calai groaned loudly. "This pish-posh again? Seriously?" She activated a Telepipe and tossed it, having it land and activate next to the two Organics. "Get a room, you two. Besides, you're better alive than dead."

Ciello looked up to Calai, obviously offended, but she smiled. "Thank you... uh..."

"Calai." She came to me and shoved me before her. "And this sexy thing is Fortuna. Say 'Hi,' Fortuna!"

Again with her mockery... Even so, I bowed down and said, "Glad to have met your acquaintance."

Ciello turned to us while kneeling and said, "Why not come with us? We can work something out. We--"

"Nope!" Calai interrupted. "We have other plans."

"But...!" She was worried as she tried to find an excuse, but she looked away after a while. "Well... okay." She tapped at her inventory and motioned something toward us. It was a gift. Once I accepted her gift, she smiled. "I wish to see you two again under better circumstances." She looked at me. "Especially you. Thank you so much."

Calai loudly groaned again. "Can you hurry it up? That guy already passed out!"

Ciello gasped in panic. I helped her move Jean into the portal and went back to Calai. With that, the Telepipe vanished. I was staring where the Telepipe was laid. For some reason, there was a void. There was something missing.

Calai threw her arms around me and groaned again. "So rude!"

I looked over to my side. Calai was frowning at me. "What is it?"

"Don't 'What is it' me!" She pushed off me and said with a waving finger as she circled to the front of me, "No, 'O.M.G., Sis! I missed you!'? Or 'I want to take you home'? Seriously? Nothing?" She held her palm out with her eyes glaring at me. "C'mon, say something!"

I bowed down from my waist. "Welcome to my presence." My head was against her palm. What else did she want? She has a bad habit of also not saying what exactly she wants.

Calai made a sound and then sighed. "Good enough." She patted my head. As I stood up, Calai thrusted herself onto me, nearly putting me off balance and her arms wrapped around my abdominopelvic region. "I'm so glad you're safe, Sis."

Suddenly, I pushed her away and turned toward a door. "Let us continue," I said.

"W-wha...?"

"Let us continue," I repeated. Then, I continued forward.

Daddy, your creation is acting so odd yet again. Why did you even make a Caseal like this? She is not an Organic. She is an Android. We are both Androids. So, tell me this:

Why was I smiling?


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: UNDERGROUND CAVES

[ARChan]

Okay. That'll be it for this week. Just let me know if there are things unclear, okay? :D I'll add it in somehow... just... somehow XD

[ARChan]

--RECORD 6--

"Sis!"

"Huh?"

"You did a good job!"

"Oh. It was nothi--Calai!"

"Ha ha ha!"

Since I finally found Calai, there was time to process what happened. However, there were inquiries left unanswered when I thought about it. What happened when we were walking in the forest? What happened when we fell toward the lava? How come Calai was fine when we were in an area of extreme heat? It was probably best to not create assumptions, no matter how it seemed.

"Sis? Where are we?"

I surveyed the scene. It seemed the area was more civilized than were the previous sections, which had a lot of stones and rocks. At the time of the recording, it seemed Pioneer 1 inhabitants were attempting to create an underground civilization because of how organized and structured the relics were. In fact, although there were still rocks and stone still being seen, some of the runways and rooms looked like sections of areas in Pioneer 2. It is no surprise, considering that Pioneer 2 is supposedly modeled after Pioneer 1. In that case, it should be normal to see these structures.

"Sis! Stop ignoring me!"

I discarded her complaint and said, "I assume the underground caves still."

Calai groaned as she crossed her arms. "It's boring... I want some action! I'm like so bored that I'd make out with the next thing I see!" She looked over to me with a smile.

"Calai," I said in a warning tone.

"He he! Just kidding! ... Or am I?"

"Calai!"

"Okay. Okay. I got the point. Stop being a dick."

It was regretable to find Calai so early. At least it was not as annoying with Ciello. But even so--

"Sis, I'm sorry, okay?" Her hand slipped into mine. "I swear that when we get back home, I'll do chores for a month. I swear on my good name."

"What good name?"

Calai frowned and gave a spunky flick to her hair, looking away as a result. However, her visual sensors moved back upon me and she laughed. Even so, I prefer Calai. I am optimized to cooperate with her instead of an overdramatic Newman.

"Calai?"

"Hm?"

"What do you think we should do for Daddy when we return home?"

Calai paced ahead of me with her hands behind herself. "A cake. Totally a cake."

"A cake. Why?"

She made a steady noise as she continued to... think. "Us returning's praiseworthy and worth something to celebrate about, right? Besides, we know how Daddy loves cake."

"He would like it more if you did not consume all the icing like the previous twelve times."

"Hey," she said as she spun to face me as she walked backwards. "Icing is really good! Besides, one time when Daddy came home with some cake from those 'Cake Sisters,' you wouldn't eat your own cake if there was even a smidget of icing on your slice!"

"Correction: you lick it all off before I can even try some."

She gave a nervous laugh with a hand behind her head. "Darn you and your memory."

Yes. Indeed. Even if we argued, I would still prefer Calai.


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: UNDERGROUND SETTLEMENT

[ARChan]

Entry start.

"La la-la la-la la-la la la la~"

Today's a wonderful day as usual! Crowds of people--Human, Newman, and CASTs--were walking along with me. The shopping district--Oh, how I love shopping! Whenever I come here, I feel like I'm in a scavenger hunt. Item of the day is Sis! Now, where'd she be?

"It sure does look very busy these days. Are you sure you'll find her in all this?"

I looked over my left and right shoulders to find two small, floating blue balls with a cute, pudgy tail extending from each of them and a metallic plate looking like a dorsal fin. "Don't worry! All I have to do is go home and take that tracer thingy from Dad's room. Then, I'll be able to find her."

"I sure hope so," the Kalki said. "It scared me when I found myself separated from her."

"Oh, stop worrying! Have some fun, now that you found me."

We're basically window shopping left and right, looking from the newest dresses to the oldest of antiques to the oddest of odd. Organic art is so fascinating! I love what they can come up with. I find myself wanting to know what'll they think of next.

All's fine until a man tapped my shoulder. The moment I turned around, I soon realized it was a RAmarl. She was being escorted by two other men: a HUmar and a FOnewm. They all matched the same color scheme: Blue, red, and green--the colors of the military.

"Excuse me," the RAmarl informed with a polite voice. "There was an order by Sir Principal that all CASTs need to undergo inspection. Do you have the 'proof'?"

Proof? Order? What? "I'm sorry," I said with a laugh. "I honestly don't know what you're talking about."

The RAmarl glanced at her men and nodded. Then, the men came to my side and... "Please excuse us. We need to escort you to your residence. Is that of any inconvenience?"

The Kalki sighed. "Of course it's inconvenient! Damn military folk."

I laughed and said to him, "Such vulgar words."

The RAmarl raised a brow. "'Vulgar words'?"

Nervousness added to my laugh. "O-oh. Sorry. I was talking to my MAG."

The RAmarl grinned. "Another MAG whisperer, huh? Interesting..."

Something didn't look right... Those eyes... That smirk... Immediately, I broke into a dash away from them. "Sorry, Kalki! I gotta put you away for now." I tapped at my inventory and stored him away.

It wasn't long until the overhead monitors muted out the music and displayed a message from Sir Principal. I wasn't paying much attention since my priority was getting away from the military folk. Daddy's military as well. Maybe he can explain something to me.

I came into the laboratory section via street portal and broke into a dash for our residence. Yes, that is right. Daddy, Sis, and I all live in Laboratory Block C-13. Quite a life, huh? Full of science and the stuff. Too stiff and nothing much to go by. Seriously. It's far too boring there, but it's the safest place to be as well. Daddy. I hope you're home.

I typed in the password and swiped my arm guard to unlock the door to our residence. Immediately, in front of the door, I was welcomed by Daddy. I threw myself onto him to feel his embrace.

"Daddy, Daddy!" I said as nuzzled my face against his chest. "What's going on? What's this thing about inspection?" I felt his hand carressing the back of my head. "Daddy...?"

"Go to your room," he said.

Evidently, he knew something. I looked up and asked back, "Daddy, can't you tell me?" He had this smile on his face. "Daddy, please tell me."

"Go to your room and stay in there, no matter what." He turned away to sit on the chair he had set in this hallway of a living room. He had his face buried into the palm of his hands.

Turning left has the doors that led to the experiment rooms. When looking down the hallway to the right, my room to the left is directly across from Sis's. Daddy's room is at the end of the hallway. So, I get to see who comes in and out of the front door. Trusting Daddy's order, I went to my room.

"Girls... I'm sorry."

I glanced over my shoulder to see Daddy. His breaths were labored and spasming every now and then. Daddy. You were like this when Mommy disappeared. Can't you at least tell me what's going on?

Time went by as I stayed at my door held ajar. I was basically waiting for something to happen, but Daddy did not leave his spot nor even moved a centimeter. It's like he's waiting for an impending doom to happen. However, after another time going by, the doorbell rang. It was requesting entry into our home. Hesitantly, Daddy stood up and went to the door. He glanced over to me... His eyes... Swollen. Daddy...

I closed the door but then tapped the wiring next to it so that I can see what was happening.

Daddy opened the front door and in came... Wait... That was the RAmarl from earlier! Fortuna then came in and then the two men. What's going on?

The RAmarl tapped on her arm bracelet and handed a hologram to Daddy. It looked like a warrent. "I'm sure you know about the OPSS, Professor. We need to confiscate this Android for--"

"Wait," Daddy said. Then to Sis, he said, "Prepare some tea for our guests." Sis bowed and went into her room, which is also the kitchen. While Sis was doing as she was told, my focus moved back onto Daddy.

The RAmarl cleared her throat and glanced for the men to leave her with Daddy. Once they were all out, the RAmarl said to Daddy, "We need to confiscate the Android for termination. It's the O. P. S. S., Professor."

Termination? Daddy knew about this, didn't he? Was I included? What's this O. P. S. S.? I wish there were portals that went from room to room. Otherwise, I would tell Sis about what was going on. I felt so hopeless!

Sis then came back out of her room with a tray of four tea sets and a teapot. She then poured a cup and handed it to her executioner. The RAmarl took it into her hands and waited for Daddy to receive his own. Daddy did so, but it was evident that he was shaken up.

"Daddy," Sis said, "you look pale. Do take some rest immediately."

Daddy smiled to her and said, "S-sure. Let me just..." He took a sip of tea...

Suddenly, he started coughing. He dropped the teaset and plummeted. Sis tossed the tray away and caught him before his fell onto his knees, where shattered dishes were. Daddy...

"Please take some rest," Sis said as she accessed her inventory to take out Daddy's loafers. "There is always tomorrow for your experiments."

Daddy looked faint. He was scared, just like that one time. As Sis was guiding Daddy to his room, the RAmarl slapped a hand on Sis's shoulder.

"You're coming with me," she commanded.

Sis looked over her shoulder and said back, "Daddy's health is highest priority. I will perform this task unconditionally."

"Stubborn...!" She yanked on Sis's shoulder, having Sis go off balance along with Daddy. Sis shoved Daddy toward the wall, where no shards of glass was as the RAmarl started to pull Sis away. "Me taking you is highest priority for me! Now, get going!"

Sis slapped her hand away. "Filthy Organic. Mind your manners."

"You...!" She was tapping at her bracelet! As a Railgun formulated into her hand, Sis already had a shard of glass to her neck.

I noticed the men outside were coming in! I untapped from the security cameras and emerged from my room with Twin Vulcans and Kalki ready. I was already set in position when the men were arming their weapons. Sis had the RAmarl hostage with her arms ready to snap her head.

"Stop!!!" Daddy's voice shook everyone in the room. "No fighting! Just stop..."

He was rising to his feet. I stowed my weapons away and came to his aid but he slapped my face. It took me a while to recognize what happened. He slapped me. When I looked at his face, he gave me this look of disappointment. Why? Isn't it high priority to protect family? Sis is family, right?

Sis released the woman and backed away toward us. She acknowledged I was around and asked, "Are you okay, Daddy?"

"I'm... I'm fine. Go with the lady..." He looked at me and dropped his head in defeat. "You too, Calai."

I frowned. "Why?" I asked.

"I'll be okay. Protect Fortuna."

"But..."

"That's a direct order, Calai!"

I've never seen Daddy this way at all. He is usually smiling, gentle, and energetic. The Daddy I saw was the opposite. Sis did as she she was questioned unconditionally and I followed shortly after. As I was walking, I saw Daddy watching us go with his usual lame attempt of a smile, but everything else was battered, uninspired... distant. I will come back for you, Daddy. Sis and I will be back. I promise you.

When we were being shipped out from the lab, I clapped my hands together and prayed. Even if the Organics around me were staring, I didn't care. They can be food for the god I am praying to.

Can you hear me? I'm sorry for blaming you for what happened not too long ago. I ask for your aid. If you can help Sis and me, I will be the soil for your fruits. Bring us back to Daddy. That's all I ask.

Ending entry.
Location is Pioneer 2.
The scene at the end of entry is a dropship.

[ARChan]

--RECORDING 8--

We both arrived in what seems to be an underground water channel. Everything around us had a green hue primarily because of the lighting. The water was evidently dirty because I could not detect the rock I dropped shortly after it sunk. Investigating the surroundings, I noticed a control panel near the end of what looked like a pier. Without much else to go by, I pressed the button. The monitor above the button should display an operator. Instead, what I saw was an unoccupied chair and cobwebs all around the scene. In fact, it would at least be interesting if I saw a body, be it alive or dead. Either would be worth investigating.

There seemed to be a timer counting down. It would be safe to assume that it was for the next transport to come by. I turned to find something investigate but soon found Calai--What was she doing? She was standing idle with her visual sensors closed and her hands grasping each other. For some odd reason, she has been doing that for as long as I knew her. It is unique to find a CAST being religious since most are used for non-religious functions.

Her eyes parted, seeming mystical, but the moment she acknowledged me examining her, she laughed. "Why the scary look?" she asked as she paced to me.

"This is my usual face," I stated. It must mean I have a "scary look" all the time.

She hopped to face me with her hands behind her. "So, if I recall correctly, this is a water channel that will lead into restricted zones, or the mines if you should call it."

"I assume you have been here before."

"Oh. No, I haven't." She faced toward the water and seemed to be recollecting information. "Do you remember Former-Principal Tyrell's Hero?"

She glanced at me to see if I knew who she was talking about. Of course I knew. That hero was well-known, but for some reason, was spread around as an urban myth. Information of who the hero was became a mystery because of all the information and multiple claims that he or she is whom everyone spoke of. Because of this, the true identity of the real hero became accepted as a legend.

Calai grinned. "Well, I guess the light in your head finally shines."

What light is she talking about? The information might be a lead to an important task. "Continue, Calai."

She laughed a little and flicked a lock of hair. "Well... numerous people and data claimed that there was an altered creature that lurked in these waters during the time of Tyrell's Hero's appearance. A scientist codenamed 'Mome' claimed that he accompanied a person who managed to fend off this creature by himself! Can't you believe that?" She turned to me with such inspiration and energy. "Not only that, this hero was the one who slayed a dragon that haunted the Central Dome relic!" She clapped her hands together before her chin with a smile on her face in wonder. "That Hunter must be magnficent. How I wish to kill that Hunter!"

Yes, that is the typical way to trail off discussion about Tyrell's Hero. To her, to kill the Hunter would be a dream come true. Foolish ideals. But one thing is for sure: whoever is Tyrell's Hero is a Hunter. However, people become confused about being a Hunter-class or a Hunter who made a contract with a Hunter's Guild. Definitely, the person was a Hunter who made a contract with a Hunter's Guild. Guilds do confirm that Tyrell's Hero made a contract.

There is a type of information law that Hunters, guild staff, and clients have to abide. They are:

1) Information about contractor and clients cannot be disclosed.
2) Information about the contract cannot be disclosed unless with official licensing or the client allows disclosure of contract contents.

Failure to abide the law is considered a federal offense. In other words, those who are caught without proper documentation or licensing are at the mercy of the public military.

Due to lack of input from the scenery, I inquired, "Do you know what kind of creature Professor Mome claimed to have seen?"

Calai pressed a finger to her lips. "De Rol Le. It was a crustacean. It had a worm-like structure and was amphibious. It had a tough carapace and heavily-calcified head structure that looked like a massive dragon skull. It also had two antannae that extended from each side of its head. These were used to stab into its prey and leech energy from them. The tips of the antannae were strong enough to pierce through even military-class shields and armor. As a result of being stabbed by it, it ejects a type of infectious lubricant that infected its host to undergo mutations." She gave a sound of herself wondering. "Though, there are cases of non-organics being infected as well. A hypothesis was that the non-organics that had bacterium on their shells were the ones mutating to the lubricant and then affecting the non-organic in that manner."

Calai laughed and spun before she faced me. "Quite a creature, isn't it? And to believe that this creature actually lived in this very channel! Isn't it amazing?"

"Yes."

She frowned to my response. "Can't you say that with more enthusiasm?"

"Yes."

She pressed her hand to her face and looked away. "Anyway, we'd be in trouble if we actually ran into that thing here. It's almost exciting just thinking of it!"

Calai had an awkward way of talking about herself. When I examined-- there--

--gradually decreased in--

"--mUUu-uUuu-uU-uU-U--
--T-tttt-t--
--ooOo-oOo-ooU-uu-U-uuu--"


--DATA FRAGMENTED--

--ATTEMPTING TO PATCH--

--RECOVERED AREA STAMP--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: UNDERGROUND WATER CHANNEL

--RESUMING PATCH--

[AoiChi]

Finally working on it, I see. Just be sure to keep track of your studies. That's higher priority than this.

[ARChan]

Entry start.

We're being transported out of Pioneer 2. As much as I wanted to say something, I knew that talking too much would alarm the military folk around us. With my head bowed like everyone else, I glanced straight across from me. Sis was maintaining her posture: eyes closed, lips still, breaths almost nonexistent, back straight, hands on her lap, legs together, head slightly bowed... It is almost hard to forget that she is only a mechanized doll.

Glancing around, her posture is like everyone else. However, some seemed to have difficulty trying to even stay upright because of being exposed to the atmosphere outside of Pioneer 2. I began fearing that maybe Calai would end up like one of them. If this doesn't kill us CASTs, I'm quite sure these people around us are going to do the honors. My hands clapped together again, praying for safety. My eyes shut tightly and my hands squeezed each other. If pain was the answer for its call, so be it. I don't mind. Just make us safe! Please!

After a while, something touched my hands. My eyes parted to see what it was, seeing a hand. I followed along the arm to see Sis looking over to me.

"Do not be afraid," she said.

Her face may be the same as it has ever been but something about her shined. Yes. She's right. I've got to chin up. I've got to plan ahead. My hands came around her outstretched hand and I continued praying. Our hands were together. Sis's head pressed against mine. I could feel her breath against my lips. I wonder if she could feel mine...

We stayed that way until the dropship landed. Our hands had to part as the CASTs around us pressed us away from each other until I couldn't see Sis anymore. I couldn't see her at all! The rain was so heavy that I couldn't see my hand in front of me. The wind howled so hard that a leaf felt like a blade against my skin.

"Get in line!"

I suddenly took a fist to the face. I knew I should not retaliate, especially under these circumstances. I had to find Sis. As I followed in line, I pressed my hands together. In a soft whisper, I said, "I know you're watching me. Help me find my sister, and I'll acknowledge you once again."

In an instant, the wind calmed and rain stopped. In that instant, I was able to see Sis in the midst of the crowd. Since I was in the middle of the line, cutting through was simple enough to not be detected. I just had to make sure I wasn't going to trip over anything. However, it seemed the path I was taking was not difficult, but the most difficult part was when a Caseal took a rifle stock to the back of the head. She malfunctioned in almost an instant. I was ordered to step over her and proceed. I quickly paced forward to catch up to the crowd that Sis was in. She was close. I can see her!

"He he. You're so cruel, Fortuna."

That voice...! Where is she? I heard her. There's no mistaking it! I was giving fleeting looks all around me just to find her. Where--?

Suddenly, it felt like someone pushed me. Then, I bumped something. I looked over and instinctively caught whoever it was, but whoever it was pushed off me the moment... Oh. It's Sis.

"You look so tense. Loosen up."

I'm one to talk. I guess it takes one to know one, right? I stayed quiet and continued by Sis's side. I was giving glances around me. I swear I heard something... Well, I'll continue this later.

Ending entry.
The location appears to be Ragol.
The scene... I think it's a forest. I can't see much of anything except for this odd guidance.

[ARChan]

--RECORDING 7--

"This is why you should be aware of where you are going."

My fool of a sister was almost crushed by a piston just before this recording started. Since I was in her vicinity, I was able to pull her away from harm just as the pillar came crashing down. Why these are still operating even after the confirmation of Pioneer 1's inhabitants being dead is foolish. For sure, someone should have found the control mechanisms for each of these, and this is evidence of what negligence can do: people get hurt.

"Thanks Sis," Calai said when out of breath. Is it possible for CASTs to hyperventilate? "I swear, what would I be if you're not around?"

"Dead." I passed her, this time to lead the way. I cannot have Calai lead if she is not even aware of what is happening around her. Daddy would be furious if he found out that Calai was annihilated by something that could have been avoided with simplicity.

"That's quite something to say," Calai said as she paced to my side. "Seriously, what's wrong with you. You're all pissy lately."

"I am always me," I responded in a flat tone. "You, of all, should know."

"How about you tell me what you're thinking?"

Thinking is not what CASTs do. We process incoming data, gather data, process output data, and react. This was what I should have said, but instead, I said, "Can't you be a little more useful?" Calai looked offended when I glanced at her. I looked forward again.

Suddenly, I switched to alert mode. Someone was standing in the center of a large, square room. It was a bulky, dark-blue RAcast with white as a subcolor and it had its arms crossed in front of it as if it was a gatekeeper. He did not move one bit as we stared at him. Friend or foe?

"State your purpose," it said. Definitely, it is ordered to assume a gatekeeper mode.

"We're just passing through," Calai energetically said. "Will you--?"

"State your purpose," it repeated.

"Okay, okay. Fine. We're here to--"

"State your purpose."

Infuriated, Calai stomped up to the RAcast. "Look here! We're here to simply pass by!"

"State your purpose."

Something was odd about the situation. Scanning around, the room was fairly different from the other rooms. It was not as large as the other rooms and appears to be a storage unit because of the boxes. Boxes... Considering the circumstances, scavenging for tools we can use would only add to our advantage... Hm? What is this? A ventilation...?

Suddenly, a loud thump resounded. Afterwards, something appeared to have slid. Then, a hissing noise. Hissing? It was from the ventilation in the box! I sealed it with the lid. I still could hear hissing. Then, it dawned upon me. The whole room had ventilation openings! Calai already seemed to have known when I noticed it. Calai tried raising the RAcast over where it was standing but it refused to remain standing. I detected the foreign contaminant leveling to our waists and quickly rising. I glanced to the doors, confirming that we were trapped inside. There had to be something we could do!

"Please, tell me what to do!"

I looked over to Calai, seeing her hands grasping each other. Praying at a time like this? What foolishness! I gave fleeting gestures all over, trying to identify a switch or an odd indentation for a trap door. The situation started to become hopeless. The foreign contaminant leveled to our shoulders!

"Yes... I... I understand."

I looked over to Calai again, seeing her eyes fixed on me. She started--toward me. What--Wait... What--I backed--odd--wall.--I not move? Calai!--hands--doing!?


--ATTEMPTING TO PATCH--

--ERROR--

--ERROR--

--FAILED TO PATCH--

--VIEWING RECORD WITHOUT ERRORS--

--can't believe you survived that. But no matter. It would be very interesting to see how a lady sounds like when she is being disassembled."

Before me was a FOmar. His taste in color was out of the ordinary. Purple was the color of royalty. Pink was also the color of royalty. Put them together on a dress and that is this FOmar: a mess with a terrible sense of fashion. I was at a severe disadvantage. I was against the wall with my hands, feet, and neck chained to the wall with photon braces. It seemed I was still in the underground caves. Maybe we were moved back, considering how wet the scenery is. I was against the wall with my hands, feet, and neck chained to the wall with photon braces.

"Where is the RAcaseal unit who was with me?"


--WATCH WITH DESCRETION--
[spoiler-box]Do not proceed here if you are a minor. I give permission to moderators to edit this section with spoiler boxes out if they find it unsuiting for public display.[spoiler-box]I warned you.[spoiler-box]Last warning.[spoiler-box]The FOmar chuckled. "Oh, don't worry about her. I know the boys are keeping her company. As for you, I guess I picked right." He came closer to me and, without embarrassment, cuffed his hands onto my breasts. "Wow. Caseals these days..." He then ran his tongue along my shell. Did he have no shame? Did he not know the foregin contaminants on my shell? His hands began to grip harder, squeezing my breasts relentlessly. His nails clawed... Damage was... "Oh? Is that a moan?"

No... I cannot comprehend what that immediate release of breath was about! He should know that such desires are not comphrehendable to a CAST! It hurts!

After a while, he stopped. Breaths were escaping my oral cavity. Why? Why am I breathing like this? I was dangling off the photon bracers, lacking in energy. What is happening? I am not usually like this. Then, his hands felt along my abdomen, down my pelvis, then...! Daddy, what is this!? What...?

"Oh... Your creator is nasty."

"I... I do not know what..."

"For you to have such an accurate place such as this..." He chuckled to himself and retreated a step.

"What are you...?" I found a him facing me with it transfixed on me. An Organic's...? He came closer to me and pulled aside an elastic part of my armor. Even I did not know my armor was made of partial-elastic properties. Wait... What is he doing? His hands felt along my waist, toward my rearside, and embraced me. I was mounted on his lap.

"Here you go...!"

Wait! What are you...? What...? No, stop. Make it stop! Make it go away! Make it all go away!!!
[/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box]

Suddenly, an explosion destroyed a door that was out of sight. The FOmar just had enough time to look when his head exploded into a bloody mess. Calai then pressed a button on the machine next to me, which undid the photon bracers. Immediately, I tumbled downward but Calai caught me and pulled her against her.

"Oh, Sis... I'm sorry."

"Next time, arrive sooner than when I ask where you are."

Calai laughed. "Well, at least I know where we can go for now." She pressed away and held my shoulders. "We can go meet up with the resistance main force. I heard from someone that they're heading deeper into these caves but they're heading into a military top-secret location to create a headquarters there. What do you think?"

I swept her hands off my shoulders. "It will suffice. Gather as much equipment as possible and then head out."


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: UNDERGROUND CAVES

[ARChan]

--DATA RECOVERED--

--RESUMING RECORD--

Calai had an awkward way of talking about herself. When I examined the water, I noticed something rather odd about it. It was hard to describe but it appeared to be corrosive matter.

"Oh, look! It's coming finally!"

Looking upstream along the channel, a flat hovercraft approached us. It gradually decreased in velocity until it parked at the pier. Immediately, I noticed how beaten it was. There were burn streaks, dents toward the sides of the craft, and penetration points all about the surface. Simply scanning the surface would immediately cause most to panic.

"Amazing!" Calai said as she felt its surface. I joined her on the hovercraft, which then disembarked after two minutes' wait. "This has got to be one of the crafts that De Rol Le terrorized! The rumors have got to be true. De Rol Le was said to have the ability to absorb either light or electricity and expel it as superheated photons from its long thorax or a concentrated beam from its oral cavity." She pouted as she folded her arms and shook her head. "Too bad, though. It's considered to be dead, though as we know, there is the artificial variant. Do you remember Barba Ray, Sis?"

How could I forget such a creature? It was the final creature we had to hunt to complete the virtual reality demostration that Daddy borrowed from the archives. He initially wanted to test how competent Calai was, but due to odd circumstances, I happened to be involved as well. If I piece information together and assume the rest, Barba Ray is a family variant of De Rol Le, but due to being artificially grown in a laboratory, it was considered to be tame to an extent. At least, that was the tendency of creatures replicated in the laboratories. The disturbing fact is that I, alone, cannot slay the creature. Calai can eliminate it with some difficulty, but overall, she could eliminate it on her own. After all, it is expected of a combat-type. I am only a servant-type. I cannot exceed the limits of what I can do. It is pathetic, really. As much as I try, I could not eliminate Barba Ray.

While we have artificial cloning in laboratories in perspective, the odd part is D-Cellular lifeforms are considered to be as wild as they were in Ragol. All attempts to interact with them seemed to have no ordinary baseline. In other words, there were no friendly patterns to consider unless purposely being infected by D-Factor. Those infected by D-Factor appeared to be asymptomatic when setting aside the odd growth on the site of infection. However, there were no records of Organics surviving D-Factor after two weeks at most, though most have been completely consumed by the D-Factor and disappeared. By this, out came an unconfirmed rumor that everyone on Pioneer 1 was infected. When considering the disappearances, how come D-Cellular life forms can be brought into and replicated in the laboratories but D-Factor infected hosts disappear? However, there was only one person who was an exception...

Suddenly, the hovercraft jolted, making me tumble a little, but Calai caught me. We all then stayed low, bracing ourselves for another such jolt. However, after a while, we considered our worries as a false alarm. With the hovercraft speeding through the water tunnel, the lights suddenly flickered off. I stood close to Calai, our hands embracing as soon as we could.

"What...?"

I looked over to Calai in worry. Her hand started to shake. Was she... scared?

Before I could speak, she commanded, "Check your inventory. See if you got everything you need."

"Calai--?"

"Now!" she interrupted.

She was so different at that moment. As commanded, I checked that I had a Blaster, a purple-photon rifle; an Autogun; a Brand; a Core Shield; a General Frame; and a few leg-enhancing slots. If I recall correctly, Calai had Twin Gatlings, a red-photon machinegun pair; Twin Assault, a blue-photon machinegun pair; a Brave Barrier; a Dragon Frame; and power- and leg-enhancing slots. We carried ten Monomates and four Dimates to replenish our ether count. I let her also hold onto the Moon Atomizer, which is basically a more efficient one-time-use automated defibrillator. It can only save the dying, not the dead.

Then, the lights flickered on. Although we could see, our hands nor the fear did not part. I looked over to Calai, seeing her eyes distant. When she noticed me staring, she looked away in a sorrowful manner... but her eyes parted wide.

"Impact!"

I fell off my feet as another jolt shook the whole hovercraft. I just then realized I was operating with 41% of ether replaced by foreign contaminant in my body. It was no wonder I felt so weak lately. Then, a splash resounded from behind us. Hearing the sound made me exchange glances with Calai. Could it be?

Suddenly, something jumped over the hovercraft. Immediately, we assumed combat mode. I armed my Blaster as Calai with her Twin Assault. Then, that something rammed the hovercraft from the right. We expected the impact this time. I thought it was dead! Indeed, it was a crustacean. It had a worm-like structure. It appeared to have a tough carapace with a kind of fur in between each carapace opening. It also had two antannae that extended from each side of its head. The only difference was its head... I assumed it would have a more dragon-like appearance than a beetle.

"Sis! Watch out!"

I realized I was standing stupid as the body of De Rol Le glowed slightly. It submarined for a little while and leaped out of the water, unleashing numerous light photon readings everywhere! I took my time to analyze all of the movements of the photon bolts. Dive to the left in... No! It shot another barrage! Readjust...!

I executed a sloppy tumble to the left but the first barrage went by me. Then, I turned sixty-five degrees--No! My left foot slipped on the surface of the craft. My other leg whipped out to compensate, but really, I soon realized I should have taken the fall. My leg took damage. Leg functionality decreased to 46%. My ankle shattered in nineteen points and two pullies in my knee snapped. Repairs underway.

I could hear Calai's machinguns firing unceasingly. I used a Monomate, which appears to be a kind of suppressed supplement. It helped increase damage repair almost instantly. When leg functionality increased to 68%, I heard a loud crashing noise. I looked up to find De Rol Le clinging onto the side of the craft by the large tusks. I was well enough to move without causing harm to my leg but walking with it was impossible. I raised myself to a crouching position to start firing at its head. Calai was also doing the same. After a few shots, I noticed something odd about that yellow-orange eye. Was it looking at me? The way it was waving its antannae... Barba Ray...?

It then took aim and thrusted at my direction! I managed to dive out of the way but landed on my bad leg. Bracing the inflammation response, I noticed it was taking aim again. I kicked off in time to narrowly dodge the next antannae. However, I was on the corner of the craft. I saw it was aiming again with another antanna but I was in no position to dodge. If I attempt a dodge, my momentum was leading me off the craft. I had 87% to fall off the craft.

It launched its attack. I cannot move... Calai. Help me... I'm... I'm scared!

"Sis!!!"

I looked over to Calai, seeing her running to me. No. Do not try to save me. Calai. I've always--


--SEVERE DAMAGE--

--ENERGY DECREASING--

--USING ENERGY RESERVES--

I could see the ceiling rapidly racing by with that antanna... I cannot comprehend where it struck me. My neck did not have enough energy to operate.

--DANGER--

Daddy, I know you wanted to see me again.

--DANGER--

Calai...

--HIBERNATION MODE ACTIVATING--

Calai, was I a good sister?

--ERROR--

... I...

--CANNOT...--

"Fortuna, open your eyes."

A blinding white scene appeared. Although numb at first, I was able to sit upright. A field of flowers? Since when was I transported here?

"Fortuna, stand and turn around."

I did as commanded. I then realized I was on a stone monument with something that looked like an altar before me. There was a pillar that was sky high. I surveyed everywhere else to see who was talking but found no one. The voice was new but it was familiar, if that made any sense.

"You are about to die, but I can save you."

Sounded tempting, but... "What is your motive for helping me?"

"Quite honestly, I am bored. Allow me to follow you around."

That was an odd response. But how would this person save me? I honestly did not know what would happen to me, but if this thing can save me, I can always turn my back when the situation allows me to do so.

"I will let you follow me," I said, "but under a few conditions."

"What will they be?"

"First, I need a direction to go. Second, you will help Calai as well as me. Third..." I grew hesitant in saying the next provision.

"... The third?"

I felt along my arm. "Help me become a better sister." There came something that felt uncomfortable. "F-fourth, you will not harm anyone if we do part. Failure to respond to any of these three will make me break away away from you or me terminating you personally. Do you understand?"

"Do you mean 'these four'?"

I did make four, but even so... "You know what I mean. What are your conditions?"

"Simply entertain me and allow me to help you."

As much as I wanted to not involve this person watching over me, I did not want to leave Calai alone in that world. She deserves better. As much as I want to deny it, I am not good enough as a sister.

"What do I need to do?" I asked, feeling as if my soul is being sold to the devil himself.

"Place your hands on the altar. Just expect a punch to the gut."

The altar... I assumed he meant the box before the pillar. I approached it as informed and kept a steady stare at my hands. I something around me was happening, but to be honest, I was too scared to look. I could hear voices whispering. What was happening? Calai... Calai, help me. I want to see your face again.

"Sis! What're you doing!? Get up!"

I gasped for my breath. It indeed felt like something punched my abdomin. I lifted myself... Wait, my leg. I could stand. My sensors also indicate 100% functionality. I felt my body, expecting a puncture wound. All that existed was... Wait. No such thing existed. Am I okay, really?

"Sis! Incoming!"

I raised my head to see something that looked like spikes land onto the hovercraft. Although they missed me, it gave clicking noises. Upon a quick examine, I noticed there being a photon instability happening inside each of them. An explosion! We both started firing upon one after the other, successfully penetrating openings for the unstable photons to escape. Then, De Rol Le fired another barrage of light photons again like the one that damaged my leg earlier. I saw Calai dash forward and jumped into an opening. Little did I know, I did the same. It was well executed. The energy flowing through me felt so good! Calai noticed I did the same and grinned as we both open fire upon the crustacean. Not so tough now, huh? After some damage, the mask on its head broke off. Prepare for pain! We both kept firing upon the head. Every photon bolt striking it made it bleed a little more than the last, but every time we struck it, the wound sealed. Persistant, are you not?

It submarined a little and leaped out of the water, landing on the other side. It then fired another light barrage. Pathetic! I can read its movements! We fired upon it a little more until it slowed out of sight. Just when I assumed it retreated, it came back toward us but on the ceiling. It was breaking off loose gravel from the ceiling. Amphibious... Right. This had to be the amphibious part of it. Calai and I parted from each other and dodged large pieces of gravel, electrical wires, signs--everything--one after the other.

Then, because of electrical shortages, the lights turned off. The only bits of light we could see were the lights on the hovercraft and the glow of the photons in our weapons. We listened closely for movement. To the left! It shot another barrage of light photons, illuminating the scene all around us. We parted from each other once again. Calai slid through a narrow opening whereas I dove through a small opening. It barely tapped my accessory parts on my armor. Basically, that warned me not to become overconfident in myself.

Then, we heard it toward the rear of the hovercraft. It was upright in a towering form as it was absorbing something... Its body glowed magnificently. Then, it shot at the hovercraft a concentrated beam! Calai and I parted again to dodge, but I rolled too much that the momentum I used made me roll across the surface. The concentrated beam swept across the surface. I stopped pronated and facing toward De Rol Le. It was charging for another shot. I decided to do the same. I maximized the rifle output. Daddy informed me that the weapon can self-destruct if I am not lucky, but this is worth everything! Survival is luck, and at this moment, I needed to make risks! De Rol Le was already firing its concentrated beam toward Calai. That was my chance. I aimed at its exposed point and fired! The photon bolt fired out a fast, massive light that I could see it tearing through the air. The shot was so powerful that it pierced through its head! It gave an ear-piercing screech and came crashing down in that instant. Lights started operating again, exposing where its green blood splattered on the hovercraft. I kept staring in that direction, waiting for something to happen... but nothing did.

I stood victoriously with my Blaster... ruined. In the end, I am my sister's sister. We share similar habits, right?

"Ugh... S-Sis...!"

I looked over to find Calai... Calai!? I dashed toward her. How could she be so careless as to fall off the craft? I reached over and had a steady grip onto something as I pulled her up. Her armor had sewage on her and sensors indicated that she stank. She scanned herself with a disgusted face. She flicked her arms to let excess water off her.

I asked, "Are you--?"

"Sis!" She did a tackling hug onto me. I fell to the ground, energy at an all-time low and her on top of me, but it was fine. "I can't believe it! You just took out Dal Ra Lie!"

Dal Ra Lie? "Huh?"

She held onto my hands with an enormous smile on her face. "Dal Ra Lie! Dal Ra Lie! It's considered to be an adult variant of De Rol Le, and I can't believe...!" She hugged me again and jumped. "I can't wait to kill you someday!"

"K-kill me?"

She then pressed her oral cavity against my face and backed away. She then turned away with her hands behind her. "You're so serious. Can't you take it easy for a while?"

Due to all that was happening, my processor finally released combat mode. I was almost terminated. Calai almost lost me. Something had me come to her and...

"Sis?"

"S-shut up. Forget what I'm doing."

... hold her in my arms.

[CENTER]--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: UNDERGROUND WATER CHANNEL

[ARChan]

Entry start.

We've been walking for some time through this forest. I came to figure it was a forest because the lights often shown something green above us. It was interesting to see how little people were herding us along. Even if they lied to our faces, a fool would realize that it's only Caseals walking in this line. The Casts were pulled off the line and terminated. I wondered what they were planning. If they think Caseals are any weaker than Casts, they will soon discover how wrong they are.

I looked around as we all came upon an open range with a square opening. Organics of different sorts were already on site. They're all lined up and waiting with their ranged weapons. A shooting gallery, huh? Not bad. I tried to reach for Sis's hand but she suddenly turned away. I tried to figure out what was happening but soon found out that the lines were being separated into rows rather than columns. A Caseal tried to pass me but I shoved her aside to stay with Sis. When I looked over to her, I saw her looking up. I traced what she was looking at to find her looking up to Pioneer 2. She must be thinking about Daddy. The two were pretty close, after all. I'm always out doing odd jobs in guilds. In a way, I'm pretty jealous. However, at the end of the day between us two, the last one into the house always met with the other and we exchanged stories of what we did. While we did so, we often cooked, folded Daddy's laundry, cleaned his room, cleaned the laboratory space... Now that I think about it, Daddy's like a kid in a grown body. He never cleans for himself and always comes around demanding where we had put a certain item. When putting that aside, he was actually a kind father. He was the one who taught us to cook, fold laundry, treat guests, brew tea, play instruments--everything. He was a true genius who knew how to do everything from domestication to basic combat skills. The only thing he truly lacked was the need to be consoled. That was where Sis exceled at. She was often by his side and comforted him when he seemed to be having a hard time.

"Ready!" the commanding Organic yelled.

I exchanged glances with Sis. When her sights moved off me, I clapped my hands together and closed my eyes. I whispered, "What're we going to do? Please, tell me."

"Jump."

I better not question the motive. I know that he meant fine. We will be safe if he is watching us. I guarantee it.

"Aim!" the commanding Organic yelled.

This is the time of truth. I snatched Sis's arm as she was about to turn. I did not have to look at her to know that she was going to fight them off. It makes me wonder if she should have been me rather than me being... well... me. I sighed and... well... I looked up to Sis and smiled. I know she does not know what I'm thinking. I moved my hand along her arm and my hand fitted into hers. When she was preoccupied with something and her sights moved toward the hole, I stepped a little behind her. I didn't want to see her sad. I...

"Fire!"

I forgot my place! I shoved Sis into the hole. I leaned forward to fall--Shit...! A photon bolt...! I could feel my body already wanting to shut down. Sis... It felt like a dream. Even though I was dying and we were falling, just being within her arms... Sis...

--EMERGENCY STOP TO UNNECESSARY PROCESSES--

--REBOOTING--

My senses became operational again as we continued to fall. I was mostly fine suddenly. Sis still held onto me but I noticed her OS had shut down. Maybe it's best she doesn't see what's about to happen. After all... I don't think that she'll be able to understand why I'm like this.

I dug my teeth into my index finger, letting out ether deposits into the air and drew a the pioneer symbol into the air. "Ready when you are!"

Suddenly, a photon barrier formed around us just in time as we crashed down into the lava. I pried Sis's arms open and carried her on my back. We were like a ball on water: floating along the lava as Caseals continued to fall around us and some crashing against the photon barrier. Due to them hitting the barrier, we were able to wash ashore. The moment my foot stretched out and leaned toward the rocks, the barrier disappeared. However, along with the barrier went the zero-gravity field. Sheesh, Sis! You need to lose some pounds! I continued carrying her along the path that seemed to have been once occupied by Pioneer 1 folks. Then, I found some boxes. It's so fucking hot!!! I know that Sis is hot, but sheesh! I didn't ever mean for her to literally be hot!

I dropped down and let her down by a few boxes. Man. I could kill for a Monomate. Well, these boxes seem fine to look into. Let's see here... Hm. Well, it's futile to open a malfunctioned container. I can't open it!

"Allow me."

"Huh?"

Suddenly, the boxes blew open. I thought I saw my life flash before my eyes. I looked over my shoulder to find a huge purple RAcast with a white subcolor. He had a Cannon, a purple-photon shotgun weapon. Seriously, I felt like punting his ass to Coral. That was too close for comfort!

"Isn't my aim awesome?" he laughed as he started peeking into the boxes.

"Awesome enough to make Rappies look better with a gun, you fuck!" I'm glad that Sis isn't awake to hear me like this.

"You mad?"

I gritted my teeth and swallowed my pride to peek into the other boxes. Hm. Twin Machineguns. Lucky! I'm always having good luck with Sis around. There was also a Soul Frame and Soul Barrier. Monomates? Monomates? Aw, what? Seriously? The fucking Cast got the box full of Trimates and took them all! All that's left is a Moon Atomizer. I guess I should--"Wha, hey!"

The RAcast dangled the Moon Atomizer out of my reach. "Survival of the fittest, M'lady."

I armed the Twin Machineguns and aimed at him. "Give it to me."

"What're you going to--Gah!"

I shot his leg until he kneeled. "I swear. Don't make me fuck you up, fucking turd! Don't think I'm just like any 'lady'!" Oh yeah. That totally felt good.

The RAcast accessed his inventory and activated the Moon Atomizer. The green box grew legs and laid on Sis. It then defibrilated her. She's gotta be awake now. Thank goodness. We're both safe. Hm? What? Hey!

"What're you...!?"

"We're heading out. I doubt that the lady's going to live. Didn't you see how melted she looked?

What? She was...? No! "Fortuna! Fortuna, get up! Come on! Fortuna...! No! Let go! Fortuna!" I thrashed, kicked, whatever I could. However, I was not made for physical combat. The RAcast was taking all the blows after the other with just a shrug. Fucking turd!

Suddenly, he shoved me forward. Before I can run back, he kicked me back.

"What's your fucking problem!?" I roared.

The RAcast sighed. "You have no idea what's going on, huh?"

"You don't know what's going on! She's my sister! I can't just leave her like that!"

He folded his arms. "You're not going anywhere except for the resistance branch. I've let too much CASTs to their doom in a similar manner as you. Don't get me wrong. I want what's best for all of us, but if I keep letting you all go like you, there won't be much of a resistance force."

"Can't you carry her at least?"

"I don't want to carry her. I might injure her unexpectedly if I do. Besides, I didn't find anyone down this way. If she's going to be fine, she'll find us. Now, let's go."

He passed me. Something felt strange about him. "SOUL?" I asked.

He stopped and turned to look at me. "What of it?"

Thought so. He seemed a little too different from the other CASTs I've seen, aside from the ones in the labs and Sis. That must mean... "You're a lab CAST, weren't you?" He turned away and continued on. Of course. He must know what's going on as well. I paced on over to his side and said, "Hey, I'm sorry if I was mean to you. I thought you're like the other CASTs."

"It's survival. I'll manage."

We became quiet and continued walking onward. We were crossing what seemed to be rocky paths in the midst of lava. Nothing much was happening. That was good. If we confronted any hostiles in this straight path, I will have no choice but to annihilate them. I can't let them get away. Sis is all they'll find down this way.

However, it was eerie to see not a single monster down this way. Due to something that Tyrell's Hero did, the amount of hostiled severely decreased. These caves used to be overrun by Sharks variants, Lily variants, Assassin variants, and Nano Dragons. To be honest, I missed killing them. Lately, I've been hunting runaway Organics, and I can't even kill them unless they show force.

After a while, we came to what seemed to be a cold area. The CAST seemed to know where he was going. Suddenly, he then handed me a message transceiver.

"Input your sister's name into the first line and press record. Tell her we're heading to a resistance branch down by the waterfalls deep into the caves. However, the thing is that we're going to have to move out when we get there. We're too close to the surface and Organics are bound to want to find us."

As I typed Sis's ID into the transceiver, I asked, "Is there a place to rally or something? I think you said we're heading to a resistance branch."

"That's correct. We didn't really designate a place to meet up because of memory leaking. It'd suck a whole lot if we get ambushed because of a few friendlies being interrogated."

How true. Well, anyway... I pressed the record button and said into it, "Fortuna, I'm apparently going to an underground resistance force. It's near a place with waterfalls. However, it seems they're planning on moving again. Hurry!" Then, I pressed the record button to turn it off. It suddenly disappeared from my hand.

"Don't worry," he said. "It's a custom transceiver. It'll only appear if the person you entered into it approaches it and it'll self-destruct after the recording is done."

"Oh. Sweet! Do you have any more?"

He looked straight. "It's the only one I got."

"Huh?"

"It was a gift from my master."

"Wait..." He looked over to me. "Wait, what? You..."

"No need to worry. I'll survive and go back to him someday. Besides, I know that he's safe."

I started to feel bad. I beat the crap out of the guy and here he is... Wait a second. "Why were you an ass earlier, anyway?"

He laughed. "I noticed you operated unlike a usual CAST. You can say I felt love."

I punched his arm, but it was solid rock. Grr... "Don't fucking say stuff like that."

He laughed. Then, we exchanged information about each other and who we were before the whole O. P. S. S. started. His name was John. What an ordinary name... I like it. Anyway, he was a security CAST who guarded the entrance to the labs. It does explain why he was down here earlier than me. His weapon of choice was a legendary shotgun known as Final Impact. He received it upon looting a trespasser one time. It was a funny story, since security androids are supposed to have all items confiscated and then put into the appropriate place. It is interesting, now that I think about it. John and I must have had numerous opportunities to meet each other, and here we are, talking to each other when it was unlikely to ever meet. John, if we have met before, would we be friends like how we are now?

But I cannot truly smile until I know that Sis is alive and well. Please, Sis. Come find me.

Ending entry.
Location is on Ragol.
Scene is... uh... underground waterfall cavern? Maybe. I'll just say underground caves.

[ARChan]

Now for a break from all the seriousness!
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i11/UpperCow/weekenddanceplz.gif!!!OMAKE TIME!!!http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i11/UpperCow/weekenddanceplz.gif

If you have troubles trying to understand the punchline, read the title. If you still can't, ask me :P

*Disclaimer: These segments do not contribute to the story whatsoever

---

[Breaking the 4th Wall]

Calai: Sis! Sis!

Fortuna: Calai, calm down! What is wrong?

Calai: Sis! I shot this Rappy in the face earlier! Suddenly, a red box appeared! Am I going mad!?

Fortuna: (To herself) I cannot say that it is game physics, right?

Calai: ... Huh? What's wrong?

Fortuna: N-nothi--Hey!!!

Calai: It's your fault that time!

---

[Coughs, huh?]

Calai: Sis, how do you get Daddy to bed so easily? (Notices a jar of peanut butter in the vicinity.) Huh? Don't you know that dad's allergic to--

(Fortuna places a teaspoonful of peanut butter into a cup of tea and stirs briskly.)

Fortuna: You did not see anything.

Calai: (Gulps and thinks to herself) Scary...

---

[Grocery shopping!]

RAmarl: Oh, look. It's Professor Felix's Android. (To herself) What's with the tub of peanut butter?

---



([i]Somewhere in the shopping district.)

Calai: La la-la la-la la-la la la la~

Calai: Don't worry! All I have to do is go home and take that tracer thingy from Dad's room. Then, I'll be able to find her.

Calai: Oh, stop worrying! Have some fun, now that you found me.

(RAmarl approaches Calai)

RAmarl: Excuse me. There was an order by Sir Principal that all CASTs need to undergo inspection... (To herself) ... and quite frankly, you're freaking me out.

---




([i]Somewhere in the shopping district.)

RAmarl: Please excuse us. We need to escort you to your residence. Is that of any inconvenience?

Calai: Ha ha ha! Such vulgar words.

RAmarl: "Vulgar words"?

Calai: Eh he he... O-oh. Sorry. I was talking to my MAG."

RAmarl: Another MAG whisperer, huh? Interesting...

Calai: (To herself) He he... Works every time.

---



([i]Somewhere in the shopping district.)

RAmarl: Please excuse us. We need to escort you to your residence. Is that of any inconvenience?

Kalki: Of course it's inconvenient! Damn military folk.

Calai: Ha ha ha! Such vulgar words.

RAmarl: "Vulgar words"?

Calai: Eh he he... O-oh. Sorry. I was talking to my MAG."

RAmarl: Another MAG whisperer, huh? Interesting...

Calai: (To herself) Something doesn't look right. Her eyes? No... That smirk? Wait... What? Brocolli!?! Ew! Gross!

(Calai runs away)

Kalki: I'm forever scarred.

---

[The henchmen]

RAmarl: That's the 9th Caseal today! Damn it!

Lackey 1: Should we tell her?

Lackey 2: You tell her.

Lackey 1: Hey, I have kids!

(RAmarl feels someone tap her shoulder)

RAmarl: What!?!

Fortuna: Excuse me, Miss? There's brocolli in your teeth.

Lackey 1 & 2: (To themselves) We shall praise you all our lives.

---

[The faithful servant]

(Fortuna enters with a tray of tea and pours tea for Felix and his guests)

Fortuna: Daddy, you look pale. Do take some rest immediately.

Felix: S-sure. Let me just... (Takes a sip of tea, but suddenly starts coughing.)

Fortuna: (To herself) Hook, line, and sinker, Bitch!

---

[They like it rough]

Lackey 1: Why do we have to stay outside?

Lackey 2: Seriously...

Fortuna: Please take some rest. There is always tomorrow for your experiments.

RAmarl: You're coming with me.

Fortuna: Daddy's health is highest priority. I will perform this task unconditionally.

RAmarl: Stubborn... Me taking you is highest priority. Now, get going.

(A slap sound.)

Fortuna: Filthy Organic. Mind your manners.

RAmarl: You...!

Lackey 1 & 2: (To themselves) Whoa! I wanna see!

(The two rush in)

---

[Finally...]

Felix: I will be okay. Protect Fortuna.

Calai: But...

Felix: That's a direct order, Calai!

(Everyone but Felix leaves.)

Felix: (Sigh) Well, there's some leftover tea, I bet.

---



([i]Somewhere in the underground caves...)

John: Huh?

(Looks up and finds numerous Caseals falling from the ceiling.)

John: I heard of raining cats and dogs, but... damn!

[ARChan]

--RECORDING 9--

"Sis?"

"What is it?"

"Who do you want to be if you're able to become someone else?"

It was interesting to find the hovercraft stopping at what seemed to be an access point to some place above the water channel. The pier was simply a stepping stone to a ladder that only one person can access at a time, but it seemed the floor had given away due to corrosion or a hard collision. Calai led the way while I stood guard with my Autogun.

"Quite the waterworks."

My body became stiff. Was someone watching us the whole time?

"Yes, I've been here the whole time."

Huh? I looked over my shoulder, expecting someone. In my immediate surroundings, I found a large mechanical butterfly with a small face and a raccoon tail. It had a blue body, white wings, and silver as its subcolor. It was a MAG. I believe the kind it is was something called a Pushan.

"I hate the name Pushan."

Huh. No wonder it was able to access my mind. MAGs are able to synchronize its data with its host. In this manner, the MAG can lend strength to the holder in such wondrous ways, such as physical endurance, photon amplification, guidance amplification, and mental amplification. Lately, I have not been seeing MAGs around Pioneer 2, and those who usually have MAGs are hunters or black marketers. Seeing a MAG to my disposal was an utter shock. I must be lucky to have found one somehow.

"Hmm... I like that word..."

"Hm? What word?"

"Lucky. You know what? You can call me Lucky." He spun. "Nice to meet you, Tuna."

... Tuna?

"Oh, don't like that? How about Forte?"

I do not plan really to stand out. Forte is an awkward name for me.

"Not Forte, huh? How about Anutrof?"

"How about Fortuna?" I asked, disregarding his need to call me names.

"Huh. Lucky and Fortuna. Makes us sound a little..."

"... too alike." I looked away to see Calai not back yet from her inspection above. "How about Futura?"

"The future, huh? Lucky future. I like the sound of that."

Something about this was a little too familiar. I pondered as to why that was, but the thought process was interrupted when Calai tapped once on the ladder. It was her signal that the scene was clear. I then tapped twice on the ladder, confirming that I understood and began climbing.

When I reached the top, Calai closed the hatch to find the place more mechanized but in what seemed to be a jungle. It was a bit of a relief, but at the same time, it was ominous.

"That's weird," Calai said to herself. "We're at Gal Da Val Islands."

Of course it was familiar. We both came here one time with Daddy to inspect several findings in the western tower by an unknown client. I only know that we were here one day and that was all that was significant. Nothing else was as such.

Calai folded her arms and began processing data. "Really, that boat ride wasn't that long. I wonder... Huh? What?" She shoved me aside and she began patting the ground. "Wait, wait. What? I swear...!" I looked over to what she was concerned about and found nothing. Indeed, that was a concern. She knocked at the floor but found it was solid. "No way..."

At least we are all at a different location than the Organics. In a way, it was for the best. However, even so, we should not--

"I swear, I heard something down this way."

We all just had enough time to turn but instead found someone already in sights. I raised my arms to aim with my Autogun but Calai whipped a hand out to stop me. I stopped when I found a RAcast aiming a Beam--a red-photon rifle--at us.

"Warning. Intruder alert."

"Hey, we're one of you." Calai took a step forward. "Can't you see--?"

The CAST shot at her but Calai's reaction time had her block the attack instantly. He then said, "Halt. Stay where you are."

Calai raised her hands, surrendering. She motioned for me to do the same. Once I did as ordered after stowing my Autogun, a HUcaseal came into view. She had a yellow main color and a blue subcolor.

The HUcaseal folded her arms upon acknowledging us. "Oh. What do we got here?"

"Ladies, Mila--"

The HUcaseal snapped a spinning roundhouse kick to his torso, sending him flying until he hit a box that prevented him from falling overboard into the water. Huh. Interesting. I soon realized we were at a dam.

"Do forgive his manners," she said as she stepped forward to greet us with open arms. Her visual sensors moved upon me. "I didn't mean for him to scare you."

Calai laughed. "Oh, it was--"

The HUcaseal snatched my hand and pulled me along. "Let's go to the big boss's chambers! I must see to it that you are invited properly."

I glanced back to Calai. She was hesitant to follow. The RAcast then pushed himself up to follow us along the dam. It was odd to find us just below more water. How long had I been unconscious? Also, the Gal Da Val Islands were considerably far away, and by the volecity we were traveling from the Pioneer 1 Central Dome relic, we would only be halfway in between the two locations. However, we were here: on an isolated location away from Pioneer 1 that once conducted top-secret research and possibly headed by Dr. Osto himself.

Dr. Osto was a head researcher onboard Pioneer 1. If data serves correctly, although he was highly regarded, he also conducted research that should be considered on the blacklist of laboratories. With this location being away from the main residential area and on an island, all kinds of research was considered to have happened here. Military Hero Heathcliff Flowen was considered to be declared dead here, but for some reason, Tyrell's Hero was able to find what was left of Mr. Flowen: a massive D-Cellular humanoid in the depths of the seabed laboratory. If considering him, he would be the second person found alive after the mysterious explosion. For some reason, there were rumors that the first person alive was Red Ring Rico Tyrell and that Tyrell's Hero was the one who slain her. When I process this, Tyrell's Hero sounds more of a savage beast than anything else. He--assuming the gender is male--is able to kill massive D-cellular humanoids and especially several other massive objects such as De Rol Le, Pioneer 1's Main AI Vol Opt, Barba Ray, Pioneer 2's remake attempt of Coral's Gol Dragon, a Gal Griphon... I assume he was at a level similar to Black Paper's Black Hound Kireek who was considered able to kill just as efficiently, but even then, he was slain by Tyrell's Hero. And because of Tyrell's Hero, there came a wave of the infamous "Organic Superiority." I assume the thought was that Tyrell's Hero was an Organic. After all, no normal CAST could rebel against a humanoid unless commanded to. Assuming that all this is true, this O. P. S. S. order from the new principal was in favor of the Organic Superiority faction. Cleansing? Fixing? Such utter lies. Those military fools tried to annihilate us!

The HUcaseal said, "Big boss loves new CASTs. Big boss is tall, beautiful, and especially caring. Big boss is going to find you interesting, for sure."

I realized she was only talking to me. Why me? Why not Calai? She is more interactive than I am. I am nothing worth praising! I kept on being pulled and then pulled down along the side of the dam, where a landing was. I remember this location. It was from Elly Person's recording of the time she came down onto the Gal Da Val Islands due to an odd series of events. If I do recall, Tyrell's Hero was the one who accepted the mission. There was never a clear view of whoever the person was. The hero excelled in swiftness, power, and mechanics.

"Big boss! I found someone snooping around!"

"Big boss?"

An Organic girl turned to us. She appeared to be a fifteen-year-old Human. Although still maturing in looks, something about her seemed out of the ordinary. I came into alert mode upon seeing her. Surely, where one Organic is, another is nearby.

"Hello, Ms. Caseal."

The Human girl held a hand out to me. I did not attempt to reach out to her. So, she smiled and came to me. Her outstretched hand rose up to feel my face. I kept visuals on her, waiting for a sign to react upon.

"You have an ill fate. Here. Let me--"

I slapped her hand away but found a Twin Brand--a blue-photon double saber--to my neck and a Beam to my head.

"Stand down," the RAcast commanded.

The Human girl sighed and patted the CASTs. The two moved back and left the girl to me. Her disciples, huh? The girl lifted a hand and placed it on my thorax. She then chanted something to herself...

Suddenly, she was blown back. It was like a massive force pushed her away from me. The CASTs barely reacted in time to catch her. She was out of breath and pale. What was happening?

"Big boss!" the two CASTs kept calling. I do not know what was happening but I know for sure that the two are bound to her. I came to them but the girl cowered away upon seeing me.

"The catalyst!" she cried. "The catalyst! Begone!"

Catalyst? She was even pointing at me. What is happening? Suddenly, photon bolts shot around me, striking the two CASTs. As the two staggered and as I was turning to see what was happening, I was struck from the side. I crashed against the wall with massive damage to my right waist. I turned with an Autogun at hand to find the two CASTs already annihilated and two smoking Gatlings in Calai's hands. Her expression was not cheerful nor even identifiable. It is her but I could not recognize her.

She said with such contempt, "You do not know what you are talking about, girlie."

"You're the disciple. Quickly! While you still can, turn away from--!"

Calai shot through her forehead relentlessly with a charged shot, leaving not much of the girl's head left on the neck. The body fell back as fragments of flesh, organs, and bone mixed with a massive splatter of blood. Calai sighed and turned her head over to me.

Wait... What is this? My hands...!

"Sis, what're you--?"

"Shut up!" my voice thundered. "Where is Calai?" My hands shook as they aimed the Autogun at her.

"What're you talking about? I'm me!"

Calai is not like this. There has to be some mistake. She is not Calai. She is NOT Calai!!!

"Sis!"

The loud pop of the Autogun resounded. My breaths were labored and my processor was scorching. Too many processes. I had to undo some processes... But what? I... I do not...

"Sis! What...?"

My visual lens open and I look straight in front of me. Calai was before me with my arms pressed up. She must have deflected my arms as I shot into the air.

"What's wrong with you!?" she exclaimed.

That is what I should be asking, but... "Who are you? What have you done with Calai?"

"Listen to me!" I tried freeing my arms but she pinned them against the wall. "Sis! Listen!"

Calai: the defender. Calai: the justified one. Calai: the merciful one. The one I saw contradicted those. Calai... Calai! You're not Calai!

"I've always said I'll protect you." She then moved her hands along my arm to curl into mine. "I'll protect you from anything that will separate us--that will change us." She attempted a smile but her face was distraught. "You're not my enemy. The last person I want to fight is you." Our hands moved between us and her forehead pressed against mine.

Calai... "What is the name of Daddy?"

She shook her head against mine. "We don't know his name. We're not supposed to know."

"Where is Mommy?"

"She disappeared in the explosion."

"Who are you to me?"

"I am your uber sexy sister."

"Calai?"

"Hm?"

"Shut up."

"No, you shut up."

Calai... My fingers curled, fitting my hands into hers. So much pressure was on my cheeks. I cannot help but smile. She pressed away to find my visual lens lowered and that crook on my face. Calai smiled back as she laughed.

"Now, I should be the one asking if you're Sis. My Sis never smiles."

I glanced up at her but shot my lenses away from her. "Your sensors need to be checked."

She came close to me and whispered into one of my auditory sensors, "It looks good on you. You should smile more." She pressed away and saw that my smile was still on me. "Feelings can't be denied forever, Sis. Let it all out." I nodded with my head still bowed. "But you know, don't smile too much. You're too cute."

I ripped my hands away from her and walked away. However, I realized we were romancing upon another's grave. I stared at the girl's remains. Calai, you said you are protecting me. How does this even relate to protecting me?

"I'll tell you in due time," Calai said as she curled a hand into mine. "I'll tell you everything when it is time. Until then..." Her grip tightened. "... you have to trust me. I'll protect you and we'll go back to Daddy together, okay?"

"Promise?"

Calai looked over to me. I kept staring at the remains but my priority was completely on her.

She sighed and said, "Yeah. I promise."

I came to the RAcast and started rummaging through his inventory. "We're moving in a little while. Take what you can."

Calai, when we get home, I will prepare some cake. I promise you that.


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: CENTRAL CONTROL AREA IN GAL DA VAL ISLANDS

[ARChan]

Entry start.

Well... Maybe I should... Nah.

Ending entr--Wait...

Hmm... Something's wrong here.


--AUTOMATED ENTRY EDIT ACTIVATED--

I wonder how Sis's doing. I hope the Moon Atomizer really worked on her before she was beyond repair. I know that the place I left her was hot but it was not hot enough to melt a CAST's internal organs. She will be okay as long as she does not get reckless. She's not like me, though she does seem to believe she's a normal CAST.

John sure does have some broad shoulders. I wonder how he manages to stay alive with such a massive build. Size seems to be a problem when faced against an enemy with photon. The smaller you are with a photon weapon, the better you are. However, smaller models are known to not be able to kick off the ground with the same amount of force as the larger models. So, longer and faster strides are more for the larger models. Assuming that John does have the capabilities to be agile, he can totally kick my ass. However, RAcast are known to be walking tanks with underlying photon enhancers throughout the body. I doubt most of his build is meant for mobility and durability as opposed to photon enhancing. Well... we're known to use underlying Photon Boosters in our armor. These use the ether intake in the duration of whenever we attack, forcing our natural healing to stop temporarily.

Wait, why am I thinking about this shit? Knowledge review is over, lady. Hm? What on Coral is that? They're fucking those Caseal? Aren't they deactivated!? Necrophiliacs!

"Gross."

"I'm glad I'm not one of them."

"Agreed. Looks like a few are still operational. Let's take out these guys and get the others out."

Inventory > Item Pack > Twin Machineguns > Equip. "Okay. Let me take the lead."

"Are you sure?"

"You're too big to sneak around. Just wait and use your judgment to start attacking.

"Understood."

Okay. There are boxes to the left I can hide behind. I'll just have to wait for the guy to... Gross! Ejaculating into that Caseal like that? Seriously, I think I'm going to hurl if this keeps up... Sis... Seriously, if I don't kill them all, Sis is going to possibly end up like them. I'll kill them all! And... GO!

Dash forward... Get as close to the bunch of them... and... FIRE! Pathetic. Took care of that one no problem. Oh no you don't! Hah! Took your arm out, bitch! And DIE! Headshot! And another! I can totally keep this up. Oh, whoa--HEY!

"That was a little close there!"

"I didn't hit you, okay? Quit your whining! Get them out of here, I got these guys!"

Seems he got that whole side covered. Sweet! Now, these Caseals... Whoa, there are Casts here as well. That one looks cute... I could just kiss her to death!

"Hey, Lady! You done talking to them?"

Right. I'll just kiss her to death later. Anyway... "Casts, Caseals: Follow me."

The CASTs all activated from their sleep mode and most were able to stand. Some were too damaged to follow and malfunctioned on spot.

"Hey, Cal! Catch!"

Huh? What...? Oh. Sweet! A blue-photon shotgun... err... Spread, I think it's named. Inventory > Item Pack > Spread > Equip. "Hey, John. Is that all?"

"Looks like it. Anyway, set their follow coordinates to me."

Okay, how does it go...? Oh. Right. "Casts, Caseals: Follow." And chopping action with two fingers toward John... Done. "Take the lead. I'll cover you."

"Thanks. In case we get separated, I hope to see you again."

"If you can't save them, save yourself. You're more important than they are as of now."

"Making me blush, lady."

As if. Well, big giant, lead the wa--Shit! Aw, fuck! Just when I got this weapon! RAmar. A Laser? Shit. My shield is overloaded too. Well, I guess it's time I step to the beat.

"Get going. I got this."

"Okay. It was nice seeing you."

"Likewise." Damn. There goes that cute Caseal too... Can I at least have that one with me? Whoa! Yellow photon bolt! Okay... Shit. His accuracy's too good. I guess I'll use this! Inventory > Item Pack > Twin Machineguns > Equip. I shouldn't let this one go. He'll most likely chase us to the ends of Ragol, or even worse: find Sis. I don't want to bear the thought.

Twirl a little for momentum... and dash toward the RAmar! Damn! His accuracy and quickness to aim with his rifle is too great. I need a distraction... Machineguns... Duh! Open fire!!! C'mon! Hit him. Even once! Quit blocking...! Damn it! Overload! Switch to off. Aiming... aiming... Leg! Aiming... Shoulder! Head! Even if I can read where his aim is, I can't keep this up! I need to get close, but he knows that as well. Damn it... Damn it!

Huh? Wait, what? Sis! You're...! Oh, shit! The RAmar! He's...! "Hey, Sis!"

The RAmar shot his Laser at Sis and it connected! I want to help her, but running to her would only put me at a disadvantage. The RAmar's attention is elsewhere... This is my chance! Gain momentum and flick my thumbs over the power trigger of the Machineguns... They had to be done cooling down by now. Okay. I'll get you good, boy! You're going to fucking pay! Got your leg... Now... DIE!!!

"Calai, stop!!!"

Sis? No... I can't stop my fingers! Shift...! Aw, fuck! That hurts! Did I hit him? Sis has got to have a good reason to tell me to stop. Oh. Good. Just disabled his gun. Sweet...

"Jean! G-get away from him!"

Huh? A girl? Wait, a FOnewearl? Uh... tripped... So much is going on... Sis... Sis! Fuck whatever these Organics want to say. I want to...

"We're not going to die. This Caseal--" The FOnewearl pointed to Sis. "--she helped me get here. She saved me once on the way here. Jean, let's stop this."

"We... we can't. We only need... two more. Just two more."

For reals? I guess those military folks really wanted to annihilate us all. But really... "This pish-posh again? Seriously?" Pipe them out of here on a good note. Maybe this might help our cause. Now to mask my reasons... "Get a room, you two. Besides, you're better alive than dead."

The FOnewearl looks cute... I want to do much to you! "Thank you... uh..."

"Calai." I can't take this! Sis, get in front of...! "And this sexy thing is Fortuna. Say 'Hi,' Fortuna!"

"Glad to have met your acquaintance."

What the fuck, Sis! Don't bend over!

"Why not come with us? We can work something out. We--"

"Nope! We have other plans." Get the fuck away, bitch. I don't know what you're thinking but just stay the fuck away. You're too cute but... just... just... stay away!

"But...! Well... okay."

Well, she's kind enough to give me something... I guess we could... No! Sis and I are going to stay here, bitch! Get out!

"I wish to see you two again under better circumstances. Especially you. Thank you so much."

Seriously, get away from...! Sis? What...? No way! "Can you hurry it up?" An excuse... An excuse...! A-ha! "That guy already passed out!"

That's right... Realize your... Hey, Sis! Stay out... Oh, okay. Well, since the FOnewearl is out of the way... What? Sis? Don't tell you like her! She's a whore! Don't give in to the likes of her! Why aren't you looking at me, Sis? Don't you know how afraid I was? Sis? Sis... "So rude!"

Now she looks at me. Sheesh...

"What is it?"

Wha...? Seri...! "Don't 'What is it' me! No, 'O.M.G., Sis! I missed you!'? Or 'I want to take you home'? Seriously? Nothing?" C'mon, Sis... ... "C'mon, say something!"

"Welcome to my presence."

Cheeky little...! Daddy, you have an intelligent dimwit of a daughter in front of me. Get her fixed as soon as we get home, okay? Still, seeing her... "Good enough." Sis... Sis! "I'm so glad you're safe, Sis." Wait... What're you...?

"Let us continue."

"W-wha...?"

"Let us continue."

She's turning away from me. She flatly rejected my embrace! Daddy, why did you even make a Caseal like that? She's not an Organic. She is an Android. We are both Androids. So, tell me this:

Why is she so different?

...

...

Wait...

What the fuck? It's been recording--End entry!

[ARChan]

--RECORDING 10--

"Sis, what're we going to do now?"

Apparently, we found a way to go into the seabeds facility via portal. Unfortunately, knowing how portals operate, Pioneer 2 inhabitants know about the portal being operational the moment it started operating. As for this new location, this was where Mr. Flowen had gone to before he was mutated and merged with the AI named Olga. It was frightening to think about how an Organic and Inorganic could merge like that. D-Factor has to be a fairly potent pathogen to do such a thing.

"Sis, what're these things?"

Calai was looking through the glass of a tunnel we were going through. There were things moving about in the water. "When comparing the creatures, the closest description would be according to the old archives. According to Coralean lore, those things are called 'fish.'"

"Fish, huh?" She folded her arms and processed data for a while. "Since 'fish' are old lore, I wonder if..." Her voice trailed away. I stayed quiet as she was processing something, but when she looked at me, she smiled and said, "Oh. Don't mind me. Just thinking out loud."

I nodded and continued deeper into the facility. However, there were numerous blockages due to breaches to the hull of the facility. Whatever managed to puncture openings to the hull had to be strong. These metals are meant to withstand even head-on collisions against asteroids. It makes one wonder what really travels in these waters. Maybe more crustaceans such as De Rol Le or Barba Ray would be a safe guess. However, who knew what were traveling in these waters. There were not that much investigations in the aquatic life.

After a while, we were faced against a dead end with a locked door to greet us. The door was cold, and did not sound hollow when Calai knocked on it. That only meant one thing: a flooded room. We did not even bother to investigate further and turned around for another route to take. Staying in these facilities for a long while would not be beneficial at all. For sure, the cameras can be hacked by someone onboard Pioneer 2 and we will be spotted in no time. There was no time to waste. There had to be a portal somewhere that led to other locations than the dam at the Gal Da Val Islands.

"This is odd."

I looked over to find Calai kneeling down and investigating something on the floor. Interesting. A foreign contaminant. It had a color of cyanic-green. Calai touched it and sensors indicated a toxic substance.

"Altered Beast blood," Calai assessed. "The amount of coagulation indicates... Huh? Wait...!" She glanced around. "Where's the body?"

We looked all about us. Calai was still crouched down when something dripped on her. I looked up to find...

"Calai, move!"

Calai dove away from her location as an odd blood stain descended and a loud clank resounded from where she stood. However, it did not only resound in just one location but all about the square room! Invisible units... Sensors indicate four targets. We heard noises and especially an odd sound of portal distortion. Sensors indicate... Behind me? I only had enough time to find a transparent, massive, blue humanoid security drone absorb the heat in front of it! Suddenly, I was tackled aside when ice photons sprayed out from the drone! Sinow-type model-ZOA. It has decent maneuverability when considering its size and has the ability to freeze objects in a fashion similar to Gibarta: an ice technique that fans out and freezes enemies up to 45-degrees in the front arc. It has the ability to cloak itself into a perfect camouflage and make short-range teleports.

I was then lifted up to my feet and shoved aside. "Keep your ears and eyes open, Sis! Cover me!" She then equipped her Twin Gatlings--a red-photon machinegun-type weapon--and begain peppering the room in the general locations of the enemies. Whenever a photon bolt struck a Sinow unit, a brief moment of their perfect camouflage distorts, allowing me to discover their exact locations and sizes. I armed the Laser that we scavenged off the RAcast earlier and began firing upon every Sinow I could see. I cannot see them otherwise... The Sinow units kept trying to freeze Calai but she was always too swift for them, especially since their preparation time for their ice attacks were too long. Can there be a more simple way to find them?

"Sis!"

I looked over to Calai, seeing her toss a trap up from where she stood. I took my aim at it as she ran from her location and fired when she was at a safe distance. In an instant, the room blazed! The heat in the room intensified, having the ice particles melt and condense onto the Sinow. Genius, Calai! Since the enemies could be seen, it immediately became a shooting gallery. The only worry we had were when they tended to want to do sucker punches when they teleported behind us or when they wanted to lunge at us and do a double fist hammer. Their attacks were so projected that it was easy to dodge every time. Easy... Too easy!

Suddenly, an odd roar resounded. Then came stomping! Calai managed to barely dodge out of the way of a charging canine-type enemy! It knocked over one Sinow unit and began mauling it, ripping it and and scrapping it until it was unrecognizable. No way... No way! I thought D-Cellular creatures were extinct on the surface! What is going on here?

The canine creature is a feared D-Cellular creature known as a Delbiter. It has wolf-like capabilities but they are often found excluded from other Delbiters, probably because of their tendency of divide and conquer. To make matters worse, it has such a fearsome roar that tremors the mind of even the strongest Organics to go into a panic. If that was not enough, it also has the ability to absorb light and shoot it in a massive concentrated beam like De Rol Le. It is odd though, since De Rol Le is considered to have Altered Beast attributes.

The Sinow units then prioritized on the Delbiter. One of the three lunged forward but the Delbiter charged at it, knocking it down mid-air. One of the Sinow units then managed to cast its freezing attack on it but the Delbiter roared, shattering the ice particles that clung onto it.

Calai then patted my arm and signaled that we should escape from the scene. She led the way to a door but a Sinow unit crashed against the door, causing a massive dent that had it go into an emergency lock mode. Then, an alarm resounded.

"Caution: outbreak detected. Please escape or secure the substance in five minutes. Caution: outbreak detected."

Assuming this seabeds facility is similar to the laboratories in Pioneer 2, there were escape pods that ejected the individual out of the section to be recovered by the Pioneer Police. As for the "substance," if the outbreak continued, the room is quarantined, and the means of elimination varied by the facility section. Knowing how the laboratories are like, we immediately turned our attention to the Delbiter. All the doors about us were locked, and the only way to clear the room was to eliminate whatever the "outbreak" was. It did not seem like there were escape pods installed as well. In this case, we had to secure the Delbiter.

So, it was a battle among three parties: the Delbiter vs. Sinow Zoa vs. us. The Delbiter was the highest priority and the Sinows can come later. Apparently, the Sinows understood priorities as well and continued to attack the Delbiter, pelting it with fists and continuous attempts to freeze it. Whenever it broke out its frozen state, Calai and I continued to fire upon it. Whenever we hit it, the fragments of its body dissolve into dust. It did not matter where we hit it. It just had to die.

Suddenly, it gave off a louder roar than before. Shortages of fuming photons lept around on its body. The Sinows continued their freezing onslaught but it did not seem the freezes took effect. The Delbiter lunged at one, knocking it over as it pounced off and landed on the other. As it was fuming what seemed to be purple blood from its mouth, it fired its concentrated beam onto the head of the Sinow, immediately eliminating all function from it. The last Sinow, although heavily damaged lunged forward for its double fist hammer attack but the Delbiter donkey kicked from the air, immediately bashing the hardware board out and knocking an arm off.

"Stop it..."

I looked to my side. Calai seemed to lack in energy. She was panting heavily. Her legs were jittery. Her lens were wide. Something was wrong. The Delbiter then turned to us, blood dripping as photons shorted throughout its body. It kicked at the floor and then roared at us. I raised the Laser and fired but my aim was far off target. In fact, it was not even close at all! I tried to aim again but I soon realized that my arms were shaking. Then, it was my legs. No... The myths about it were true. Its roars affected even us CASTs! My body refused to move. Why? Why was this happening!?

"Hey, forgot about me?"

I looked over my right shoulder to find Lucky next to me. Indeed, I completely forgot about him.

"Well, that kind of hurts. Anyway, say this with me. Ready?" I could barely move even my neck, but it seemed he understood.

"Oh heavenly nemisis, calleth thy aquatic constellation to rend thine enemies through. Estlla!"

Out from under me expanded what seemed to be the pioneer symbol. My arm raised up when an unknown type of photon shined brightly above me. Then, as my arm lowered to level with my chest, a fish-like creature flipped through the air and leveled next to me. The moment I pointed at the Delbiter, it gave a loud squeel that resonated through my body. The Delbiter roared back and lunged at me when the creature launched itself at a blinding speed and annihilated the Delbiter into nothingness. Not a particle was left.

The scenery returned to its former appearance. I do not recall how the surroundings looked like during what seemed to be an episode of a latent energy blast except for the enemy and me being in the same presence. It was like the whole world was spinning... Wait... What is...?


--ACTIVATING HIBERNATION MODE--

...

...

...

...

...

"Sis?"

...

...

"Sis, when you wake up again, I will be better than what a sister can be. Until then..."

...

...

...

...

...

...

"Fortuna?"

"Yes, Daddy?"

"Are you sure about this?"

"More sure than anything. This is for her."

...

...

...

FORTUNA

COME

FIND

FORTUNA

...

...

...

--ACTIVATING START-UP PROGRAMS--

"Sis... I'm really full. I can't take one more..."

My lenses saw immediately a face looming over me. I saw myself staring into a blank face, one without vitality. In fact, she was resting. We were still alive and still in the room where we were ambushed by the Sinow units and the Delbiter. My head indicated that I was resting on something soft and firm. To be frank, I do not know why I cannot sense anything physically. Only sensors indicate but I cannot "feel." My I raised my hand to feel my face. Indeed. I cannot feel anything. I do not know how I still operate normally. Am I really an just an Android?

"Unhh... Huh? Oh... Sis?"

Little did I notice, I had a hand against her face. Just when I was about to pull away, I noticed Calai smile and shut her lenses as she leaned a little onto my outstretched hand. Her hand felt against mine... No. I cannot feel anything. I cannot feel anything! I thrusted myself upright and clasped my head, digging my fingers into my cranial shell. I still cannot feel anything... What is wrong with me? When did this happen? Why did this happen?

"Sis! What's wrong?"

"I cannot feel anything!"

My voice... It was unlike me. I was screaming, thrashing with my hands pulling at my hair. Nothing... Nothing! Why is this happening?

"Sis, you can't...?"

I did not know she was hugging me from behind. When I saw her arms around me, I just had to turn and embrace her myself. "I can't feel anything! I don't know...! Calai! Calai, help me!"

Pressed me away and pulled a chord out from under her left auditory sensor. A direct link? Wait... This seems familiar somehow.

"Whatever you do," Calai said as she pressed me against the wall and down to sit, "do not start putting barriers. I need to check all sections of your mind for errors and possibly fix them. If you feel one activating, let me know. I'll stop."

Calai was over my lap, preventing me from moving if I do not intend to hurt her. This is one of the more awkward moments due to the chord being so short. She has to move very close to have it connect to under my right ear. Sitting side-by-side has shown to cause problems due to one of the bodies "sleep walking."

"Sis."

I broke out of my thoughts and looked up to her, seeing her watching me.

"Can I...? uh..." She looked away. "I'll need to be against you for this. You know the procedure."

Her evident shyness made me look away as well. There was a sense of reluctancy inside me. I remember the last time we did this. It was the only other time because of how Daddy heavily emphasized that we should not ever do this unless truly necessary. We hugged ourselves. We embraced hands. We pressed foreheads. The chord was dangling from between our auditory sensors. That other time... I do not remember correctly what happened. All I know is that we did this before and we declared that we should not ever do it again.

"Are you ready?" Calai whispered to me.

The chord from my left was connected to her right. A direct link application was processing. Calai... Sometimes, I wonder why we are the way we are. We are both Androids. How come we are so different?


--CONNECTION BOOTING--

--TEMPORARILY STOPPING ALL UNNECESSARY PROGRAMS--

--INITIATING VIRTUAL REALITY FIELD--

[ARChan]

Entry start.

Oh my fucking god! Just now, I almost got crushed by a freaking pounder thingy! I don't even know why these things are even here and why they are still operational but holy shit! "Thanks Sis," I said, heeving a breath after the incident. "I swear, what would I be if you're not around?"

"Dead."

What the--? I turned to have Sis beside me as we continued walking along in this... weird section of the underground caves. In all due honesty, it seems like the site is more of a mining plant. There is evidence of minerals being excavated from the walls.

"That's quite quite something to say," I said as I'm sure there aren't any weird gimicks ahead of us. "Seriously, what's wrong with you? You're always pissy lately."

"I am always me. You, of all, should know."

To Coral, you are! Furiously, I tried to slap some sense into her. "How about you tell me what you're thinking?"

She stopped to glance over to me. When she was done, she said as she walked forward, "Can't you be a little more useful?"

What the fuck!? Seriously, what in Pioneer 2 were you thinking? I was about to say something when I saw Sis take a defensive stance. I knew something was up and reached over to my inventory... but in the center of a large, square room that seemed to be more of a stockpile area, there's a large, dark-blue RAcast with a white subcolor. He looked larger then John, but it seemed he wasn't just standing around to scare people off. Something wasn't right.

"State your purpose," he said.

Finally. Someone else to talk to instead of this annoying bitch. "We're just passing through," I said with a perky attitude. "Will you help--?"

"State your purpose."

Wha...? "Okay, okay. Fine. We're here to--"

"State your purpose."

Seriously, mother fucker!? You wanna scrap? I came up the bastard and roared, "Look here! We're here to simply pass by!"

"State your purpose."

I roared and did a straight punch to his gut--if he has any. As soon as I knocked him down with that simple punch, I heard a click. I looked down to find a switch, but standing on it did not help at all. Wait. What is that sound? Gas leak? I looked all over the room to find poisonous gas flowing from the vents all about the room. The doors were locked as well. A weight-specific trap, huh? I should've trusted my intuition earlier. Because of failure to think the situation through... Sis... Not again.

I clapped my hands together and cried out, "Please, tell me what to do!" Please hear me. Don't let me down. I want to see you again and tell you it will be okay. Please, I will not forsake you again.

"Do you see you sister?"

I looked over to Sis, seeing her frantically scanning all about us for an escape port. Of course, if the trap is meant to trap someone, there should be no means to escape. "Yes," I quietly said. "What do...?" Wait... No.

"Let yourself flow. You know what to do."

You can't be serious. She's my sister. I can't. I know I think about it sometimes, but... "Y-yes... I... I understand."

"Don't think. Do it."

Upon hearing me, Sis turned to face me. I can't do it. Not with her. I tried to look away but... wait... What's going on?

"Upon exposure, she will not remember. What are you waiting for?"

Yes, I know what happened those times. All I have to do is...

I started moving forward. This is all for her--for us. It doesn't matter what happens on the way. Anything for the future--for a life with only Sis. Don't be afraid. Seeing you scared makes this feel even more unjustified. Don't look at me that way! I cuffed my hands over her cheeks. I know you're scared. Me too, but this's the only way, just like those other times you've forgotten something. You know you don't forget, but please, just forget even this.

"Calai, what...?"

I tried a smile but it felt unjustified. I have to do it. I have to protect us. "Are you ready?" I whispered.

"What are you doing first?"

I feel like I'm violating some boundaries. I'll just let you view the rest of this event to your discretion. Remember, I did warn you.

[spoiler-box]Her lips... "Giving into sin."

"Calai, you can't--mmph!"

Lips connected. Why did it have to turn out this way? I could feel Sis trying to push me away but I refused to let go. If I do, she will die. Although stiff at first, her lips began to loosen to something supple. Along with the stiffness of her lips, so did her resistance. Her arms fell to her sides and her legs began to feel a bit shaky. I can't let you go. Please, Sis... Sis? Sis, what're you...?

We suddenly rolled against the wall. I grunted and only had enough time to look up when our lips connected again. Sis, what're you doing? No, I'm supposed to be the one! Sis! Stop, please! I don't... I want to feel this way with you. I can't stop. Sis. Your lips... I don't... Sis...

I felt my hands feeling along her waist and ultimately around her neck. This feeling... It's so intense. I don't want to let you go, Sis. Please, have your way with me. Stop teasing me! I know this is against your morals. I know the one in front of me isn't truly you. Sis... I can feel our tongues lashing. Sis, I've always wanted to tell you everything. I've always wanted to let you know the real me: a sister who lusts for your affections because I couldn't before. Sis, is it okay for you to know everything? Even though you're my younger sister, I'm... I'm...

"That's enough. The gases have stopped."

Sis, you're everything I'm not. Sis...

"You fool! Let go!"

I don't want to. I've never felt so alive. I want you to know everything else, but now is not the time. I will protect you and our memories.

My lips finally parted from Sis's with a small pop and a line of condensed ether between us. I moved my arms away from around her neck and felt along her waist. I licked it off our faces. Sis, may this memory rest in peace in your mind. I don't want you to remember this ugly side of me. In last bits of sin, I pecked a kiss to Sis's lips.

... Then, reality slammed down...[/spoiler-box]

Calai dropped down from her knees. I had to quickly thrust my arms forward to catch her under the armpits. I was only able to catch her but my stance wasn't proper, making me fall down along with her. Sis, I'm sorry for what I have done to you. Please, don't forget that I'm here to protect you.

Then, one of the doors unlocked. In came four men. It seemed the FOmar was the head honcho of the four and there was a HUnewearl, FOnewm, and HUmar.

"Well," the FOmar said as he looked about, "let's see what we got here."

I dropped my head down. Fighting them would be suicide. Might as well get them while they're off guard. Footsteps approached us and kneel down next to us. I temporarily undid my sense of anything pertaining to pain but everything else was working. It's a good thing I did that too because they stabbed a needle to Calai's hand.

"Looks like this one's awake," the HUmar said.

Then, I was lifted up and the FOnewm said, "I'm not so sure about this one. I'm sure she won't mind what we do, anyway."

The HUnewearl gave a sigh of disgust. "What you all do is your own business. I'm out of here."

"Hey, wait a minute! Rufina!"

"Don't worry about her," the FOmar said with intrigue. "I'll take the live one. You two can go with that piece of junk."

"Ay, ay, boss."

Then, we were then placed into a container and sealed off. As we were pushed along, I was lying flat next to Sis. I hope she's okay. My hand felt along her arm and into her hand. Everything will be okay. I just need to time things just right.

Some time went by and the temperature became colder. After a while, the container opened again. They took Sis first. Please, stay safe, Sis.

"Okay. Chain her up and then you two can have your fun."

The sound of photon bracers binding resounded and then I was pushed off again. A door opened and closed. Then, another. And another.

"Okay. Here's good."

"He he he! We're goin'ta get this one good."

My lenses partly slited open and see the guys preparing themselves. I undid the restrictions on the sense of touch. However, while that was happening, the men roughly handled me out of the container and tossed me to the ground. Lucky enough, I was tossed so that I can see their dicks all elongated and stuff. Totally gross. Now, to find an opportune time. They stripped off their armor and inventories. While they had their backs to me, I quietly reached over to my inventory and... SHIT! I don't have a weapon! Might as well get my armor operational. And... done. Play dead some more...

"Hey, did this one move?"

"Who cares? We might as well have our fun while there are stragglers around."

"Seriously. If the info's correct, we're going to have a hard time with all of them bunching at that abandoned military outpost."

"The one deep in the caves? Well, anyway, we're not heading there. Our quota'll be done with these two. Cheers!"

Footsteps came near me. Then, since I was lying prone, one of them lifted me from my butt. Not a chance! I pulled myself forward on the floor and thrusted my feet back, hitting his dick in simplicity. Good. Now to take care of--Oh, no you don't! I can see the other running for his inventory. I lifted myself from the floor into a dash, tackling the man onto the table that he was running for, breaking it in an instant. While he was stunned to the pain, I took his inventory guard and took out a Handgun, a green-photon... uh... handgun. As I tried to turn and fire upon the first, my hand holding onto the Handgun was hit by a bare foot, making me lose my grip.

I spun and chopped the back of his neck, making him fall over. Then, I was tripped by the second's feet. I spun in a handstand to have my upper body facing toward them and lunged forward as they were scrambling for their weapons. Seriously, fighting naked men is already awkward. I tackled the first over, making him crash against the wall. The blow to his head was concussive. I glanced over to the second, seeing him already arming his Handgun. I shoved his teammate at him, having him think twice about pulling the trigger. I took hold of another inventory guard and armed a Saber, a green-photon saber. Seriously, this diction is getting annoying. I dashed forward, purposely taking a shot to my left shoulder and held the blade out from my waist to my left side, slashing through the two in half from their hips. It was easy to cut through, considering they did not have any armor. That was their flaw.

They screamed in agony. I turned again and stabbed through the second's head. Then, the first was all that was left.

"Tell me, what on Pioneer 2 were you guys doing?"

It was futile asking. He was losing too much blood and his primary function was survival. I just wonder what drives people to do these things. I stabbed through the man's face as well.

"You can devour these men."

I turned away and accessed their inventory. It seemed there were damage traps and a whole bunch of other useless pornographic material. My primary concern would be if this "Rufina" returns soon. I looked over to the men, seeing that all traces such as blood and remains were gone, as if they never existed.

I had to be quick. If I remember also, I was moved through three doors. I ran through one door to find two other doors. One of them was locked. I hope they did not lock the door behind them. I went for the unlocked door to find three more doors. Two of the three were locked. I checked one of them but found a dead end. Then, I checked the other, seeing a box with an activated trap over it. I shot it and shot the box open. I found a Sniper, a blue-photon rifle. Sweet! Much better than this shitty Handgun.

"Where's Sis?"

"That one."

The second locked door. That must mean the first was where they accessed the section. I ran up to the door and ripped open the circuit box. I shot it in hopes it will undo the lock, but that proved worthless. I'm no good with mechanical stuff... Oh, the irony. But this trick worked in a lot of movies I've seen! Why not this time? Damn this door!

I set four damage traps and activated them simultaneously. Afterwards, I turned and shot one, making it explode along with the others. The place blazed! I had no time to linger. I ran through the blazing door, burning myself at the process, but it did not matter. All that matters is getting that goddamn fucker off my sister! I turned to my left to find the leader looking my way. I aimed my Sniper and immediately fired at his chest... but instead shot his head. SHIT! This is not my day!

I ran to the machine that was operating the photon bracers. It was next to Sis. So... how do we work this thing? Whatever. I shot the thing, and this time, the expected outcome happened: the photon bracers disengaged. Calai dropped down onto her feet but her legs gave away. I immediately dashed to her and managed to catch her just in time before she hit the ground.

Sis... Just holding you like this reminds me of that time. "Oh, Sis... I'm sorry."

"Next time, arrive sooner than when I ask where you are."

Does she know about what I did to her? I laughed to mask my concern and said, "Well, at least I know where we can go for now." I moved back so I can see her face. She seemed so worn out. Sis... I smiled to mask my concern. "We can go meet up with the resistance main force. I heard from someone that they're heading deeper into these caves but they're heading into a military top-secret location to create a headquarters there. What do you think?"

She moved my hands off her shoulders as she looked around. "It will suffice. Gather as much equipment as possible and then head out."

She tried to stand but needed assistance. I helped her to her feet but she was able to walk just fine after a while.

"Sis?"

"What is it?"

I saw her only looking straight ahead. She's the same old Sis. I guess this will be okay. I chuckled. "Nothing."

"Calai!"

End Entry.
Location is Ragol.
Scene is the wet part of the underground caves.

[ARChan]

Entry start.

It's been bugging me about the situation that I imposed onto Sis. She can't remember what I did to her. We somehow went back on track and investigated the trap area. It seemed it was conducted by inexpensive customized gas emitters and a trigger that snipped the wiring to the doors and activated the traps simultaneously when the RAcast dummy was tipped over in any way. I feel like a fool to have fallen for a cheap trick.

"Calai."

I looked over to Sis, seeing her kneeling where... Wait. That was where I--"Y-yes?"

"I believe our chance of annihilation was absolute. Yet, we somehow survived." She moved her hand from the location where my hands made contact to her cheeks. "I cannot comprehend what happened. It is most mysterious."

"Indeed." Yeah... Mysterious to you. "Just be glad we survived, okay?"

She glanced at me for a moment and nodded after some hesitation. "I wonder what would have happened to us if we did become annihilated. Will Daddy know what happened?"

"Oh, stop worrying about that hypothetical shi--stuff!" Sis looked at me again, driving me even more into a panic. "W-what?"

"You are hiding something," she said.

"O-oh! I am? I guess I am..."

She looked away and started glancing about for a direction to go to. "It does not matter. Secrets are mostly coercive, anyway."

Indeed. Wait... What does coercive mean? But anyway, Sis began heading to one direction and... well... I felt I should say something to our real savior.

When we came to an awkward part of the caves that had a tunnel that had lots of running water, I held my hands together and said, "Thank you for saving us."

"You firm believer, I wish to see you again."

My cheeks sizzled a little. "Just be sure to protect Sis too."

"Yes... And again, I am sorry for--"

"It's not your fault." I was shaking my head when I said that. "I wasn't clear about what I wanted, but I guess that we're in better terms now, right?"

"Yes. However, a haunting will happen in the water channel that you and your sister are heading to. Do talk about that one hero... What is it you call it?"

"Tyrell's Hero. Yes. I know about that. I'll talk to Sis about it." My eyes opened. Immediately, I noticed that Sis was looking at me. It was that look of "You better tell me this time, Lady" and the sort. I was not ready to confront her just yet... To mask my insecurity, I said as I came to her, "Why the scary look?"

"This is my usual face."

Yeah. Your face is scary enough to scare even children. I held my hands behind me and said, "So, if I recall correctly, this is a water channel that will lead into the restricted zones, or the mines if you should call it."

Sis folded her arms and said, "I assume you have been here before."

"Oh. No, I haven't." Wait a minute. How did I know about that anyway?

"Don't worry."

Oh. That's why. Well, in that case... "Do you remember Former-Principal Tyrell's Hero?" There we go. A different look on Sis's face. In fact, it makes me want to laugh by how her eyes gleam. "Well, I guess the light in your head finally shines."

"Continue, Calai."

Seriously, she took a step too close to me that I can see hair strands. I flicked of lock of my hair, being self-conscious about her seeing mine. I turned back to the water and said, "Well... numerous people and data claimed that there was an altered creature that lurked in these waters during the time of Tyrell's Hero's appearance. A scientist codenamed 'Mome' claimed that he accompanied a person who managed to fend off this creature by himself! Can't you believe that?" I turned back to her with such energy that even shocks myself. Seriously! I don't know what I'm saying! But now to say what I do know. "Not only that, this hero was the one who slayed a dragon that haunted the Central Dome relic!" I clapped my hands before my chin with a ridiculous smile on my face. Seriously, I don't know what information I'm going on about. "That Hunter must be magnificent. How I wish to kill that Hunter!"

Whoa, hey. I didn't want to say that.

"Sorry, again. I expressed myself on that part."

Seriously, that hero must be one heck of an ass to you.

"... Yes..."

Suddenly, Sis asked, "Do you know what kind of creature Professor Mome claimed to have seen?"

Huh. I don't really know that much about--"De Rol Le. It was a crustacean. It had a worm-like structure and was amphibious. It had a tough carapace and heavily-calcified head structure that looked like a massive dragon skull. It also had two antannae that extended from each side of its head. These were used to stab into its prey and leech energy from them. The tips of the antannae were strong enough to pierce through even military-class shields and armor. As a result of being stabbed by it, it ejects a type of infectious lubricant that infected its host to undergo mutations."

Whoa, that's De Rol Le? I just knew it was a crustacean.

"Yes. I believe you know something about it."

To seem as if I was talking myself, I said, "Though, there are cases of non-organics being infected as well. A hypothesis was that the non-organics that had bacterium on their shells were the ones mutating to the lubricant and then affecting the non-organic in that manner." Now to pretend to be interested. I laughed and spun like a giddy schoolgirl to face her. "Quite a creature, isn't it? And to believe that this creature actually lived in this very channel! Isn't it amazing?"

Sis looked up to me with a gesture of annoyance. "Yes."

Uh... From what I know about Organics, that's a look of "Yeah. Uh-huh. Shut up already." and it's not the best to have when done giving a lecture. It feels like it's a waste of time. In attempt to spice excitement, I said, "Can't you say that with more enthusiasm?"

"Yes."

Grr... This bitch... She's toying with me again. "Anyway, we'd be in trouble if we actually ran into that thing here. It's almost exciting just thinking about it!"

Indeed, it was a bit exciting. If I can somehow kill that thing, it'll prove to myself that I can protect Sis, that I can be of use to her. Yes, that thing she said about being useless... It stung like a Gi Gue's stinger up the ass and more.

Hm? What's that? "Oh, look! It's coming finally!" Yeah... uh... what is "it"?

It's a hovercraft of some sort. It gradually slowed down until it stopped in front of us. Whoa. It was like looking at the aftermath of a horror film. There were burn streaks, dents toward the sides of the craft, and puncture marks here and there. Man... Oh man...!

"Amazing!" I gleefully said as I felt along the surface of the flat hovercraft. The rumors... These are all proof that they all indeed happened. It had to be real! "This has got to be one of the crafts that De Rol Le terrorized! The rumors have got to be true. De Rol Le was said to have the ability to absorb either light or electricity and expel it as superheated photons from its long thorax or a concentrated beam from its oral cavity." But wait a minute... "Too bad, though. It's considered to be dead, though as we know, there is the artificial variant. Do you remember Barba Ray, Sis?"

Suddenly, something struck the hovercraft. Sis tumbled a little. I forgot. She's not an actual combat CAST like me. I got used to seeing her excel further than a normal Butler-type CAST that I forgot that her specializations are far too limited and that her capabilities are not as efficient as mine. I pushed her down onto the hovercraft. I stood up with myself bracing for impact. Then, lights went out.

"I knew it. De Rol Le was never eliminated."

"What...?" No way... I was just kidding that we should fight it! Sis... I turned to Sis and instructed, "Check your inventory." I was already rummaging through mine. "See if you got everything you need."

"Calai--?"

"Now!"

I'm sorry, Sis. I need to get serious here. I need you to focus on survival. You can do that at least, right? I got Twin Gatlings, Twin Assaults, a Sniper, a Handgun, and a Saber to my arsonal. What'll work best here? Sniper? But Gatling can kill it faster if it stayed still... No. Sniper...? Wait... A splash? I looked over to my side, looking over to Sis. Is she prepared? Then, something jumped over the hovercraft. I don't care! I'll just use what forms in my hands! Sis armed her Blaster whereas I had my Twin Assaults. Maybe it's best. I'll just overheat this thing and...

Wait a minute. The head. It's not like the usual one that was shown in the labs! It's the adult variant: Dal Ra Lie! No...! No, no, no! Please, help me!

"Give me some time."

Time? That's what I'll give! I began firing upon it, but the moment I started, something odd started to glow from its body. I looked over to my side to see Sis standing all stupid. No. Sis! Don't do this to me!

"Sis! Watch out!"

She snapped out of her trance the moment Dal Ra Lie fired barrages of light-type photons. I easily dodged around every shot but found Sis retreating. I can't do anything here... I'm... I'm so powerless! I watched Sis narrowly dodge the first barrage but no so with the second. She took damage to her knee, shattering it. Dal Ra Lie... You goddamn fucker!!!

I fired everything I could upon its head but it seemed it was barely even phasing it. However, bits of its armor were chipping off. Maybe if I did enough to its helmet, it'll start feeling pain. It jumped onto the side of the craft, making me tumble a little. If my footing was terrible, I would have fallen off the craft. Wait... Something...

Suddenly, it launched one of its antannae just over my shoulder. It narrowly missed Sis as she managed to dive out of the way. I turned my attention to its head and began firing. C'mon... C'mon! Look at me! It launched a second, evidently aiming for Sis. She stumbled out of the way but she was dangling off the edge of the craft! Sis! I broke into a dash toward her direction. If I go too fast, I'll end up tackling us both off the edge of the craft. If I go too slow, she'll be hit! I... I don't know if...!

Out of nowhere, something knicked my shoulder. Then, some long thing extended out and...! "Sis!!!"

No...! No! No!!! No, no!!! I tried pulling the antanna off Sis but it proved useless! Then, it lifted up. I lost my grip because of how slippery it was. Sis... Where's she...? Sis? On the tip, Sis dangled lifeless on its raised tip. As if that was not enough... A fourth struck hit her again, scrapping her torso. Material was left on the third antanna. The fourth then started excreting that liquid substance that stank so horribly. Sis... No...

I fell onto my knees in defeat. I knew I was strong but to have lost Sis just like this... I don't care anymore! "Are you there?"

"Yes. What is your will?"

"Sis... I failed... Sis...!" I cradled my head to the surface of the craft.

Suddenly, I heard a loud crack. That's got to be the sound of Sis mutating. De Rol Le was able to do that back then even with CASTs. How much more with Dal Ra Lie. I'll put her out of her misery. I'll... Wait... The sound of a cracking carapace? Dal Ra Lie gave a painful cry. I finally raised my head to find Sis upright with the antanna snapped apart and the needle still connected to her body. She looked down to it with little regard, laid her hand on one end, and ripped it out of her torso. Sis? Sis... Your wound is closing... You're still Sis, right?

She then walked toward Dal Ra Lie as it dangled on the side of the hovercraft. Dal Ra Lie launched another antanna but she stopped it with a fingertip. She flicked it and a massive destructive force broke the antanna off its head. Then, it tried to strike her simultaneously with the other two. She punched one straight on and then to the other. The two broke into particles... A-amazing...! She projected her arm back in front of Dal Ra Lie's face. Odd... There was a large collection of dark photons collecting to her fist... Then, she did a straight punch to its face. A loud crack resounded. Dal Ra Lie roared as it skidded across the surface of the water and hit the side of the water channel.

Suddenly, Sis started falling. I ran to her and caught her just in time before she fell overboard. A loud roar came from behind the craft. It's still alive? No way! I thought that would be enough to kill it for sure!

"Sis, snap out of it!" I patted her face continuously but her eyes remained closed. "Sis! What're you doing!? Get up!"

Sis abruptly gasped for her breath, making me drop her by accident. I thought she was going to attack me! She held a hand to her belly as she lifted herself upright. Sis... She's Sis, right? She continued feeling about her torso as if expecting something. Even I was surprised that she healed so fast.

Dal Ra Lie was gaining on us! It dove down, swam under the hovercraft and surfaced in front of the craft. I began firing upon its tail but it seemed my shots were not even phasing it. Then, it whipped its tail up. That can't be good...

"Sis! Incoming!"

Spikes launched from its tail toward the craft. I dove just under a few and they struck the hovercraft. It began to give off a clicking noise. I don't know what's happening but I won't risk whatever's going on! I did my usual fix-it shots, onto the spikes. Each shot punctured a hole where a stinky syrup oozed out. Holy shit...! It smelled like an Organic's excretions! It seemed Sis was doing the same as me. That must mean we're doing something right. Then, Dal Ra Lie fired another barrage of light photons. I can't do anything... I'll have to pull myself through and hope that Sis will evade somehow. I watched the photons' approach pattern and jumped into an opening in the barrage. I slid a little and began firing upon Dal Ra Lie's head.

Wait... Sis? She was next to me... She's safe. What a relief! We kept firing upon it as it tried to evade us but the head gear broke off at the process. Yes! There is improvement on this situation! It jumped over the hover craft and landed to the other side. Afterwards, it shot another light barrage. I saw Sis lead the charge and dive through. I copied her movements but took a little damage to my hip accessories. Sis... What's going on? This isn't like you.

We both began firing upon it but it slowed down until out of sight. Is it over? I dropped down onto my knees and groaned. Then, there was a sound of something crashing from behind the the hovercraft. I looked up to find Dal Ra Lie knocking off loose gravel from the ceiling. Seriously, this thing doesn't know when to quit! I moved aside and twirled to and fro to dodge incoming debris. Shit...! My right arm took a swinging electrical! It short-circuited from my shoulder down. Sis... Where are you? The lights flicked off and all I could see were the lights provided from the hovercraft. I looked around for a sign of something to go by. What? Another barrage of light photons? I can't keep this up! I slid under a narrow opening but saw Sis diving over me as if we were some kind of stunt duo. Sis, I don't know if I should be happy that you're competent or sad that I'm the one slowing us down.

Then, a light source concentrated behind the hovercraft. I soon realized that Dal Ra Lie was charging a concentrated beam! I only had time to roll. My movements were becoming sloppy. This can't be good. When I looked over to Dal Ra Lie, I saw it charging for another sweep shot! I only used the time to prepare for another movement. Dal Ra Lie then fired toward my direction. Shit... Shit!!! Due to panic, I dove to the side, only to realize I was diving off the edge of the hovercraft. I whipped my left arm out for something to grab onto. The moment I felt something, I grabbed it. It seemed what I was holding onto was a pipe from one of the fallen debris. My whole body was submerged underneath all the sewage. My arm holding onto the debris was the only one outside. Along with waste from the water channel splashing against me, I thought I heard a roar. Lights were coming on. I can't hold on much longer...! I have to be the one to protect Sis. I can do this. I don't need to call for her help!

"You fool! Call for her!"

"I..." I could feel my strength reaching its end. I can't keep this up any longer. With what strength I could muster, I pulled myself up and yelled, "Ugh... S-Sis...!"

Almost instantly, Sis came to my aid and grabbed my outstretched arm. She was heeving me back onto the craft all by herself with so much resistance pulling me back. How strong is she really? Sis... I don't care. All that matters is that you're alive.

After some time, I was kneeling on the surface of the craft, completely exhausted. The smell on me... Shit... I'm going to need a bath or something. I looked up to Sis and then over her shoulder. Dal Ra Lie... Where is it? I saw Altered Beast blood on the surface of the craft. Could it be?

"Sis!" Holy fucking shit! I couldn't help but hug Sis. It's over! "I can't believe it! You just took out Dal Ra Lie!"

"Huh?

I held a hand over her hands. "Dal Ra Lie! Dal Ra Lie! It's considered to be an adult variant of De Rol Le, and I can't believe...!" ... how useless I was... You're not supposed to be better that me, Sis! "I can't wait to kill you someday!"

"K-kill me?"

Suddenly, I realized I was pecking a kiss onto Sis's face. Oh no... No! I glanced up to her as I backed away and turned my back to her as I stood up. My right arm was operational again. Find something to say... C'mon...! "You're so serious. Can't you take it easy for a while?"

Again, I'm projecting myself onto Sis. I can't believe that my performance was terrible in comparison to Sis, and she's not even supposed to be a combat CAST! I don't want to admit she's better than me. I have to be the older sister. I'm supposed to be the one who takes care of her! I can't believe that I...

Suddenly, something came around me and pulled me back. I was bracing for another attack but soon realized the pattern of one of the arms around me. "Sis?" I asked in surprise.

"S-shut up. Forget what I'm doing."

Sis... I can't believe what's happening. Never again would I have thought that I would feel weak like this. Sis, you beat me this time. I promise it'll never happen again.

End entry.
Location is Ragol.
Scene is an underground water channel.

[ARChan]

Entry start.

After that hug that Sis gave me earlier, I found it hard to even be near to her. While she was looking ahead of the hovercraft like the captain waiting for a planet, I was at a corner toward the rear side. I want to forget what she did and be normal but so much has been happening between us. In fact, it's great that the OPSS started. I wouldn't have ever gotten this close to Sis without it. However, it depressed me when I thought about what the OPSS was all about. In one's suffering comes one's happiness. I looked over to Sis, seeing her poised properly as how she would when she was waiting for Daddy to come home. She would stand like that with no sense to the world except for Daddy. She would sense nothing except Daddy.

"Sis?"

I found myself already behind her. She is just within my arm's reach. I looked away, feeling the wind against us. I don't deserve to be her sister. I shouldn't even be her sister. I'm just scrap metal when I thought about her performance earlier. It was flawless after what seemed to be her revival. All that pride about being the stronger one was deteriorated in just that one match. I couldn't protect Sis. She was the one who did most of the damage to Dal Ra Lie. I couldn't do anything. I was even scared of her. I...

"Calai."

I raised my head to see her usual blank stare toward me. "What is it?"

"I was thinking about earlier..." She felt along her arm. "... about that fight with Dal Ra Lie."

"Oh," I said with a laugh. "Don't worry about it! You were fabulous!"

She shook her head. "I felt like something was giving me all this strength. Something was odd."

I grinned. "Well, you did beat me earlier. That is odd enough."

"I can beat you when it comes to cooking anytime." She looked away with a finger curled under her bottom lip. "But combat...?"

It felt like she was trying to jab at me with a saber or something. I grinned and said, "Don't worry about it. We all have our awesome times and other times when we slip."

Suddenly, her hands snatched mine, making me jump back in surprise. "It was beyond my..."

Oh, shit... Oh shit! Sis! Stop gripping so tight! "Sis!"

Sis's hands suddenly parted away from mine. I was flicking my hands and trying to hold back from cursing out loud. "Calai, what is the matter?"

"What do you mean by 'what is the matter'? You're freakin' gripping too tight!"

Sis took one of my hands and examined it. "Oh." She looked up to me. It looked like she was going to cry. "Were you hurt earlier?" She then bowed her head to see my hand again. "I am sorry. I will..." Her voice trailed away.

Something about her seemed abnormal. I lowered myself to look up into Sis's face. Her face was blank. Her eyes were open but she did not seem fine at all. Her eyes looked up to me. A smile marked her face. Then, her mouth opened. And opened even more!? Her jawline snapped and an organic substance emerged. I looked down to my hand to find her hands bleeding! What...? What's going on? I looked up to see Sis's face distort even more. Worm-like substances came out of every pore on her face. I couldn't move... Sis... What's going on?

"FORTUNA. HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME!?!"

Suddenly, I fidgeted and crashed down onto the hovercraft, panting like mad. All I could hear was the movement of the hovercraft over the water. Then, a shadow loomed over me.

"Calai, are you okay?"

I scrambled up to my feet and assumed a hand-to-hand form. Sis was standing there. She's... normal? I looked around but only saw us on this hovercraft. I sighed in relief and said, "Oh. Sis. You're okay."

"Uh-huh..." She turned away but her head was a little to the side. "Even though your performance has been sloppy lately, I still rely on you." She looked straight ahead. "Please, feel better soon."

"Sis?"

"Daddy will be sad if he does not see us together. Let us not worry him."

I grinned and wrapped my arms around her waist. "Admit it. You just want me, huh?"

Sis glanced to her side. I just realized how fucking hot she is. It's like we can use her to cook eggs! Wait a second. If she's this hot...? I realized her breaths were labored. She bowed her head. "I... I-I want you."

Why's she so damn honest now? She's making even me embarrassed. "I don't believe you." Damn it... Why did I say that?

Sis pried my arms open enough to turn and face me. Her head was bowed a little but her eyes moved up along me to look up to my eyes. "I want you so bad, Fortuna!"

Suddenly, I fell onto my side. Sis is not in my arms. What the fuck? I'm back in my corner. Another dream? But the second dream... I could live with that version of Sis. She was so cute! I squeeled, hugging myself as I rolled across the floor... until I was stopped by a foot. I looked upwards to find Sis looking straight at me.

"What are you doing?"

I grinned. "I dreamt I was going to do naughty things to you."

She stared at me in silence and then shoved me away with her foot. That is the Sis I know.

I finally stood up and... fuck. I still reeked! Where's that random bathtub when I want it? I looked about myself to find nothing wrong with me. Nothing out of the ordinary like a boss-type enemy that looks like an octopus and wants to get a little too friendly with me. Damn them octopi fetishes that people talk about.

After a long while, the hovercraft began to slow. I looked up to see not a pier but a small landing with a ladder that led straight up. Sis was looking up to the ladder and seemed ready to lead the way. No way, missy!

Before she could even start the way up, I pulled her back and said, "I'm still the older Sis. I'll lead the way."

Sis stared at me and glanced about. I was as ready as she was but with a smile and hands to my hips. I don't want to risk on everything with Dal Ra Lie being a fluke in Sis's favor. I know my capabilities, and so does she.

... What the fuck is this? The landing was not even accessible! It was just enough to step on one spot and hop the rest of the way to the ladder. The rest of the gravel was corroding and seemed like it was going to break if I step on a part of it. I stepped back a few times on the hovercraft... and then dashed forward! I jumped toward the one stepping point and jumped the rest of the way to the ladder. A loud clank resounded when I basically crashed against it. I looked back to see that the landing was gone. I stared in awe of what I just did. I looked over to Sis, seeing that she was carefree about what happened. I shook off my worry and climbed the rest of the way.

When I was at the top, I began hearing running water. Like... a waterfall. I peeked around but found myself in what seemed to be jungle with Pioneer 1 relics all about me. Wait... A dam? I've been here with Daddy and Sis a few times before. Well, only the first time with Sis, actually. Daddy had us sit around for hours and I got bored. That was when we did a wired synchronization just for kicks. However, memories integrated between us and... well... things got all weird. We kind of had a tango with each other and she ultimately lost her newly-acquired memories due to a weird moment in time. She kissed me for curiosity's sake, which then led to what happened in the trap in the caves. It is a relief that she doesn't know my memories. I wish I could forget hers as well, but at least I know her habits. Otherwise, I'd only be seeing that plain stare and only guessing what she's feeling. I know how she's programmed. When she stares but not to the eyes, she's embarrassed. When she looks up, she's thinking. When she looks down, she's depressed. When she looks straight, she is listening. When she is looking at you but to the side, she does not like what you're thinking. When her eyes widen with her brows up, she is excited or happy. When her eyes are only wide, she is scared. When she glares, it's definite that she is mad or serious. It's all about her face, not her head. However, the intensity of her body heat shows how much she is thinking.

The scene is foggy and I can't hear anything else but the sound of running water. I guess it's safe. I tapped on the ladder with my Handgun. I waited a while then heard a loud clanging noise. I kept waiting... Two taps. She's coming. How's that even possible? She had to be something like a monkey to have jumped that far. It's infuriating! Since when did Sis become a freakin' combat CAST!? I should be the one staying home while she's the one bringing home the money. Seriously! Doesn't she know how much more effective she'd be on the field? I came home with scars and chipped armor, cuts and bruises, and even parts of my extermities about to fall off! It's so infuriating!

By the time Sis was at the top, it did not really dawn upon me how long of a climb it was to get up here. I was pretty much calm by the time I closed the entryway. When I looked around me, it just dawned upon me:

"That's weird," I said to myself. "We're at Gal Da Val Islands." I pressed a finger to my forehead as I thought about the speed of the hovercraft. "Really, that boat ride wasn't that long. I wonder..." Maybe I should look at the hover--"Huh? What?" I pushed Sis away from the manhole and began patting the ground. "Wait, wait. What? I swear...!" I listened in closely as I knocked on where the manhole should have been. Solid. Solid! It's all solid! "No way..."

In the corner of my eye, I saw Sis turn abruptly, making me look as well. Sis had her Autogun out, but before she can aim, I whipped a hand out. What is she going to aim at? I came forward, glancing all about me.

"Block!"

I raised my left arm up and braced just in time to block a purple photon bolt. I stayed in that position, looking all about me but the fog was not helping one bit. I could barely see anything! Scanners don't indicate anything. What's going on here? Then, Sis started walking ahead of me.

"Hey, Sis!"

She kept on walking... but nothing was happening to her. She glanced at me and continued walking. I have to be the one to guard her. I'm her shield! I hastened my pace to catch up to her. We were walking across what seemed to be a catwalk over the streaming water that runs through the dam. It seems the dam was the one powering the surroundings, but since the fog was so heavy, I could barely make out the lights of the two towers. The western tower was easier to find because of it being the closer one. Daddy went over there due to rumors of there data that can be hacked. All he was able to find were data on Dr. Osto. I don't really know what exactly was on the files due to him smiling and saying "Just for your sake, I won't show you this" and stuff. Well, Daddy is a highly regarded person. No one should get to him easily.

Then, Sis looked over the side of the dam and jumped off before I could even react! I jumped down after her but she landed correctly on a landing. Me, I made last-second adjustments as I fell and landed near to Sis, but the landing injured my ankle. I couldn't move immediately but found Sis stopping to the far side of the landing. My scanners indicated someone else was there. I limped as fast as I can and soon found Sis standing before an Organic Human girl. She had this mystical essence about her.

"A hero."

Huh? A hero person? Two other people appeared to her sides. One of them was a RAcast and the other a HUcaseal.

"A catalyst!"

Catalyst...! I heard that term before and it was pointed at Sis too. A fight broke out in attempts to kill Sis. I don't want that to happen again!

"Quickly, leave while you still can!"

What shit are you going to unveil? I can't have you walking around. I armed my Twin Gatlings and shot at both CAST units who were beside the girl. They were downed almost immediately. I know Sis is going to inquire what this girl is talking about. I shoved Sis aside. Hm. It seems the HUcaseal is still able to move. No matter. The girl seemed to be backing away from me. It seemed she was holding something as well. I aimed one of the Gatlings to her head.

"A disciple. You are the one who is sent to kill me."

"Kill her. She will pose a problem in the future."

The girl's eyes twinkled in fear. However, she knows too much. I can't let her live.

A charged photon bolt shot out of the Gatling. I closed my eyes upon the scene. Wimpering came shortly after. I opened my eyes to see the girl's eyes pouring like crazy. I stowed my weapons and folded my arms.

"Leave."

The girl looked over to the HUcaseal, seeing her struggling to stand. Just as she was coming to her aid, a blue photon bolt struck the HUcaseal's head, killing her instantly. I turned just in time to block a photon bolt that was aimed at the girl. What on Coral was going on? Sis was firing at them! I heard footsteps from behind me. I was able to notice the girl running from the corner of my eye. Then, I saw Sis tracking her movements. Sis, there's definitely something wrong with you! I ran at her but a photon bolt resounded as I tackled her against the dam wall. I grappled her right arm and tossed her over my shoulder, slamming her against the floor.

"Mommy...!"

I looked up to the girl, seeing her bleeding from her back. No...! I didn't want to waste time with Sis. She can come later. The girl... I came to her and held out a Dimate to her. I popped open its cap and held it out to the girl.

"Here. Eat this before..."

"... Mom... it..."

No! I opened the green box to find some kind a cookie of some sort inside. I chewed it to bits and mouthfed it to the girl. Please work. I don't know what else I can do. The girl retched onto me. Blood was also mixed in with the vomit. Internal bleeding. This's the killer of most hunters. Mates can only heal exterior wounds. Internal wounds... The hunter has to bear with it and heal on his or her own until brought to the hospital. I cradled the girl's head against my breast.

"... Mom? ..."

Mom, huh? "What were you doing here? I thought I told you it's not safe here."

"I'm... I'm sorry." She coughed up some more blood. I'm assuming that Sis struck one of her lungs. "I couldn't stop... The creature... It's coming once again."

"What creature?" I felt along her face. She tried mouthing something to me but I couldn't read it. "It'll all be okay." I pressed foreheads with her. "You can rest now. You're going to have a big day tomorrow. Everything will be bright and all your friends will be by your side."

"M-mom..."

"I'll wake you up in the morning and I might get mad, but no matter what: you are my little girl."

"... love y-y..."

"I love you too." ... Sis...

... Wait. Something here doesn't look right. Didn't I do this before? No. Wait. Didn't I kill this girl before? Sis freaked out and... I turned to Sis, seeing her standing there with her eyes wide.

"Sis... Since when did...?"

The place distorted. Everything lost its shape and pixels until it was just us two in a blank plain. Shit... Shit!!! We've been connected this whole time! How could I have forgotten!? She's been reading my mind this whole time. She knows about me!

"Calai."

Huh? What!? I watched her come toward me. No. Stay away from me! I tried to back away but a wall formed behind me. I turned to run to the side but crashed against another wall. I tried running in the opposite direction but crashed again! The only way is toward Sis. No... I pressed myself against the wall, trying to stall for even one more second. My hands gripped the walls. I... I can't...!

"Calai."

"What the fuck do you want!?"

Sis... Sis! Everything about you... I didn't want you to know! At least not yet! I don't want to let you know I love you! No... Don't... Stop reading my mind! Eject us out of here, Sis! Accept, please!

"Calai."

My breaths became heavy as she lowered herself onto my waist, pinning me down against the floor. Sis moved my hands away from my face and pinned them down. I am exposed as the perverted sister I am. There's nowhere to hide. Seeing Sis's face so close to mine began to make me feel claustrophobic.

"Calai."

"Just do what you want with...!"

She pressed a finger against my lips. I tried to move my arms but they were braced against the floor. I tried moving my legs but the same was happening there.

"It is good you realize your place now."

"Sis..."

"We came here to resolve why I cannot feel anything. Do you remember now?"

Right. We were in a place in the seabeds facility. I can't believe she saw that nasty side of me. "It's..."

"This is probably the result of us not doing this enough. Basically, what helped me snap out of the trance is you missing the girl. Why did you do that?"

I honestly don't know. I looked away, feeling guilty for everything she saw of me. I can't believe this.

"Calai?"

"What?"

"... I am glad."

I looked up to her. Her brows were up and her eyes were parted more than usual. That means... "Sis?"

"You still think of me and not only Daddy." She bowed her head down against my breasts. "Thank you, Calai. Thank you so much."

"H-hey, why on Pioneer 2 are you so grateful?" Little did I know, my hands were free to move and my hands were on her waist. When I did know, I pushed her off me. While I held myself upright, I pulled a hand up to my lips and legs curled against the floor. My face was sizzling like mad.

"Calai."

"Can you stop calling my name like that?" When I looked over to Sis, I saw her crawling over me. W-wha...?

"If you do not want me to remember all this, you can just kiss me."

"Sis, don't be ridiculous."

"I am not joking. I want you to decide. I trust you will make the right choice."

"Sis..." I moved the hand over my lips and felt along her face. "Are you sure that...? Well..."

She nodded. "No matter what, I will respect your choice."

"... Sis..."

I felt along her chin. Her lips... I...

---

Decision time. When I gave Sis a kiss, she lost her memory prior to the kiss. Of course, if I remember what happened, I can always tell her later what happened. If I let her go on without a kiss... well... I honestly don't know what's going to happen. I guess the real questions are these: should I explore a world that is familiar or unknown? Should I give into sin or refuse?


~~~CHOICE A: KISS~~~

~~~CHOICE B: REFUSE KISS~~~

[Note: Your choice will affect the story. Please select one to be your primary choice. If you want to keep things exciting, just view only one but keep this post in mind if you want to change your choice. Just know there are fun stuff in any direction you select.]

A. [Calai becomes more inclined to express her feelings]
[spoiler-box]
I started coming closer. At that same moment, Sis did too. I was shy at first and stopped. Our foreheads touched. Her breaths...

"Are you ready?" I whispered.

"Yes."

I leaned my head back as Sis started coming over me. How I always wanted to feel you again. I felt her lip touch mine. I shied away, pursing my lips. I don't know why I'm so shy about this. I could kiss her without a problem back then.

"Having second thoughts?"

I nodded against her.

"Lay back."

"Eh!? Bu--mm?"

Sis gave me a smooch. The arm that was keeping me up gave way and I came crashing down, hitting my head against the floor.

"Hmm..."

I noticed Sis no longer on top of me. She was sitting back with her eyes up to the sky. I lifted myself to a kneeling position with a hand rubbing the back of my head. What was she thinking about?

"I still remember everything," she said as she bowed her head and her eyes up to my lips and a finger curled under her lips. "Maybe if we...?"

"If we kiss some more?"


~~~CHOICE C: KISS MORE~~~

~~~CHOICE D: STOP~~~

C. [Calai gives in to sin.]
[spoiler-box]
I leaned forward. Sis also did the same. Why is she so forward about this anyway? Sis... Heh. To think that you will be the first person I will actually kiss without reason. I took her face into my hands and pulled myself toward her. Contact. Suddenly, Sis pushed me away.

"H-Hey!" Sis yelled.

"W-w-what!?"

"I am not ready!"

Ugh... Seriously? What's with that advance earlier? She felt along her lips and stared off to somewhere. Sis glanced up at me and continued looking off to somewhere again.

She quietly said, "Can you be a little more gentle? T-this is..."

"Sis, you don't have to do this."

She shook her head. "As long as it is you, I do not mind, but please be more gentle."

"Okay..." I scooted myself closer and felt along her arms. "Just let me know if I'm... well... y'know..."

"What?"

Seriously? You're going to let me say it? "Let me know if I'm... well... being too rough... and that stuff."

Hmm... That's a new expression. She has her fingers curled over her lips with her head bowed and her eyes on me. Her brows are slightly raised on their medial ends. What is she thinking? Hmm... I continued feeling along her arms, along her shoulders, back along her arms and along to her hands.

"Sis..."

I grasped her hands and breathed upon them. I pecked a kiss upon her fingers. Hmm... she seems to be a little bit too sensitive for someone who can't feel anything. I licked her fingers, seeing her... well... she did not change her look at all since my lips were hidden behind her hands. How could she want to kiss when she cannot feel it? I don't get her...

The moment I moved my hands along her arms, her arms then moved around my neck, locking me close. I guess this means she's ready. Man... I'm not though... Maybe I'll start feeling ready when it comes. I moved a little closer and made contact with her lips, pecking a kiss onto her pursed lips. That was like a key. Her sealed lips parted and I could feel her breaths against my lips. Sis...

I came forward a little and that was all that was needed. We were making smooches together. You know what? This is a bit thrilling. I could feel my chest pounding in anticipation. Sis, please let me give in. My eyes closed, feeling the sensation even more intense than before. I could feel myself wanting to melt apart. I rubbed her back, pulling myself closer to her, and finally cuffing my lips upon hers. Sis. Oh, Sis... We were exchanging breaths, feeling our saliva condensing and collecting between us. Then, our lips parted with a small pop.

"M-more," Sis moaned.

I wonder if she is feeling any of this. I closed the gap between us and our tongues began to lash. This sensation... It's suffocating. I can barely breath. Breaths come out as unintentional moans. I feel so great. I belong with you, Sis. I...

Our lips parted once more. She was panting as she ran a finger against her lips. "I..." She let out a moan as I started pecking kisses along her neck. I mustn't stop. If I do, the process will start. As I continued, she was letting out even more enticing moans. She has got to be able to feel again.

"Stop," she said.

I don't want to.

"Please, stop."

No.

"This will hurt you more if you continue. Please."

As long as you feel good, I am fine.

"Calai... Please. I do not want to see you hurt."

"... Okay."

Little did I know, I was over her. When I looked at her lips, I saw an upward curve. A smile. Then, that smile became still and slowly relaxed into neutrality. Sis... I looked up to her eyes, seeing them closed. However, her brows are still up. Sis... You were happy. That is enough for me. I just wish that you can remember what you were happy about. I'll have you smile again somehow. I promise you that.

"Calai?"

I had my face burried against her breast. When I looked up to Sis, I saw her staring back at me with her usual stare. She's... back. I smiled in return and said, "Welcome back, m'lady."

She lifted herself up and felt her lips. Her arm then ran over them, wiping all traces of our lovemaking away. I tried to keep a smile. Sis, you were right. This does hurt so much.

I got off her and turned away. "I guess you can feel everything again, huh?"

"Yes." She lifted herself up.

Just when I was about to walk off, a pair of arms came around me.

"S-sis?"

She did not respond, but I can feel her sensitivity due to herself becoming warm. She then pushed me away. When I looked over to her, she had her back turned to me.

"Thank you," she said. "Let us continue in reality. We cannot stay here for long."

Then, she warped out of the VR field. I don't get this feeling that she dislikes me. In fact, I think she loves me but she is holding back for some reason. No worry. Now is not the time. We need to focus on survival.

End entry.
The location is Ragol.
The scene is Sis's VR field.

[Earned "1."]

[Whenever a spoiler box marked with "1." appears, it is canon to this direction of the storyline.][/spoiler-box]

D. [Calai refuses to kiss Fortuna.]
[spoiler-box]
Sis leaned toward me, but I stayed back. Just a little while ago, Sis and I kissed and she didn't lose memory. That's got to be enough... right?

"Calai?"

I looked up to Sis, seeing her so ready to kiss. I smiled and said, "Let's stop this foolishness."

Her eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"Trust me. You're going to lose your memories." I looked down to my arm as I felt along it. "I'd like for you to remember who I really am."

"A pervert?"

"W-well..." Darn it. This label's going to stick on me for quite some time.

Sis stood up and glanced about. "I guess we should proceed in searching for a way to have me feel again."

Right. That is why we are here. Well, I guess this'll take a while. I'll just stop recording for now.

End entry.
The location is Ragol.
The scene would be Sis's VR Realm.

---NO MORE ENTRIES---

[Scenario: Fortuna and Calai continued looking for a source of finding how Fortuna can feel again. Calai decided not to continue pursuing her affections toward Fortuna to focus on finding clues as to how Fortuna can feel again, which had later proven that their search was fruitless. However, in reality, someone found the two in the seabed facility while they were still synchronized and ultimately dismantled their bodies. They were wrecked beyond repair and their parts were sold in a blackmarket. Professor Felix later discovered this fact and went to the blackmarket in frantic search for his daughters, but was later killed in a military bout in the blackmarket. The whereabouts of Fortuna and Calai were then lost.]

BAD END: BROKEN FAMILY

(Hint: There is more than one way to "feel")[/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box]

B. [Calai stops and explores a new direction with Fortuna.]
[spoiler-box]
I started coming closer. At that same moment, Sis did too. I was shy at first and stopped. Our foreheads touched. Her breaths...

"Wait," I said as I pushed her away from me.

Sis was staring at me. "What is the matter?"

I bowed my head. "You've got to believe me that I didn't just kiss you. I had my reasons."

"What kind of reasons?"

I don't know why I got embarrassed when she asked me that. Sure, it started out with a reason... "It was best that you didn't know what was going on at those times." I looked at my hand feeling along my arm. "And there was that other time when I had to do it so that you won't die in that one trap room with the gas..." I seized Sis's arms. "I'm doing these things because I love you! I don't want to see you hurt."

"Calai..."

I moved my arms around her and held her close to me. "I never want to see you hurt... You have no idea how scared I was when I saw Dal Ra Lie stab you. I thought I was going to be alone! I don't want to go back to Daddy without you." My grip tightened around her. "I don't know a life without you, Sis. It's okay for you to remember who I am. I don't mind."

"A pervert?"

"A pervert, a freak, a sinner--anything! Just don't ever die without me!"

"... Calai..." I felt her arms move around me.

"Sis... I love you so much. Sure, when you were borne, I had my doubts, but since that time when that lady came to take us away for the OPSS order, I knew this to be true. I don't know who I love you as but just know you have been special to me. I never want to let you go. I'll be your shield. I'll protect you no matter what.

"So please, if you are willing, take this perverted sister of yours as a shield. Make me yours. Just as how you have served Daddy, I wish to serve you." ... like her. "Please don't abandon me." ... like her. "Please don't leave me in the dark." ... like her. "I want to love and be loved. It doesn't matter how--"

"Shut up," Sis interrupted.

"Huh? Sis...?"

"Just shut up!" she roared. "I am not this other person you are comparing me to! I am me and only me. I am no other person! Do you understand?"

Oh. Right. She's still tapping into my mind. I bowed my head against her shoulder. "I'm sorry."

"I will not toss you aside like that other person, okay?" She pushed away so that I can see her face. "You can trust me." She felt my face. "I promised with Daddy. In times of trouble, I shall always find you. That is highest priority, and I will not let a taboo stop me."

"Sis..." I leaned into her hand with a smile on my face. "I guess I'm right to have fallen for you."

Sis's hand continued to feel along my face... Her finger was feeling along me without her looking. Can she feel? I took her hand into both of mine. She looked up to me as I pulled her hand to my lips and I breathed on it.

Suddenly, she pulled her hand away from me. "I take it back. I will run to Coral if I could."

I smiled. She can feel, huh? In that case...

"Oof... Calai! Get off me!"

I laughed as I was basically smothering myself against her belly. "It's great to feel again, right?"

"Our objective here is complete! We should leave as soon as possible!"

"Never!"

Sis, I meant everything I said. Please, do not ever leave me alone.

End entry.
The location is Ragol.
The scene is Sis's VR field.

[Earned "a."]

[Whenever a spoiler box marked with "a." appears, it is canon to this direction of the storyline.][/spoiler-box]

[ARChan]

Just letting everyone know that I'm still working on the fanfic. It's just that... well... I'm constantly editing due to something not flowing right in the choices of the next entry @_@

[ARChan]

--RECORDING 11--

I was the first one to leave the virtual reality field that I have created. To think that I would easily retrieve my sense of touch so easily still causes a sense of unease. What was the factor? As much as I wanted to move, I looked up to find Calai pinning me against the wall. She was kneeling over my lap with her forehead resting upon mine. Her arms were locking me in place, disabling movement. All I had to do was wait until she decided to leave the virtual reality field.

Then, a chuckle resounded. I looked forward to find Calai's lenses gradually parting. It was like waiting for an Organic to give birth: slow, steady, and quite annoying to watch. Then, she finally realized what she was doing. However, that does not hide the shame she should be feeling.

"Well," Calai said with a sigh, "that was fun."

In a subjective view, it felt pointless when setting aside the fact that my senses were operational. It made me inquire what the necessity of it all was, but most of all...

"When are you going to get off me?" I asked.

a.
[spoiler-box]
Calai smiled at me, but something was odd about it. "You're feeling nervous, aren't you?"

"I am not feeling nervous."

"Do too."

I slapped her arms away from over my shoulders and pushed her off. She fell back. Calai... You idiot.[/spoiler-box]

1.
[spoiler-box]
Calai stared at me for a little while but looked away. "Yes..." She glanced at me again and shifted her weight. "... I should."

She stood up without incident. Finally, a reaction with little energy spent. Why can she not be like this more often?[/spoiler-box]

I glanced about us, seeing that we were in a corner of a square room. When looking at the map I detailed while we were navigating, there was a way that we had not gone to, but we had to go back a few rooms before we could navigate into unknown ground. There will be a portal that led to somewhere more productive than this facility.

I finally came to my feet and glanced about. Calai did the same and patted herself to let loose some dirt that collected on her, which were bits of residual airborne ether of the mauled Sinow units. We exchanged glances in case one of us wanted to say something, but that proved to not be so.

I lead the way back a few rooms, occasionally glancing at Calai, but every time, she was giving me these odd facial gestures. What does she want from me? Might as well ignore her for the timebeing... but when I glanced again, she was still observing me.

"Halt!"

I glanced forward, finding a blue HUcast with a darker blue subcolor. His weapon choice was a Glaive--a purple-photon partisan-type weapon. He raised his weapon into a low stance. I already had my Autogun ready and Calai with her Twin Gatlings.

"What're you doing here?" Calai inquired.

The HUcast stared at us for a while but lowered his Glaive. "Rogue Caseal spotted in vicinity. Order: find Caseal and return to base before--"

Suddenly, something dropped from the high ceiling! A massive slash streaked the air as it downed the HUcast in one swipe. In his place was a Caseal with a yellow double saber of some sort. The blade ends curved like that of scimitars. The the HUcaseal was blue with a white subcolor and yellow accessory parts. The head part had protrusions that appeared to be two antennae and appears to have a flesh-like face. Her eyes were blue.

She rose up with the blade extracted from the HUcast. She was about as tall as me and her basic build was similar as well. However, it seemed there was something else about her.

"Enemy sighted," she said. "Reiz, assuming attack mode."

"Huh?" Calai said as she came forward. "We're just--"

Suddenly, Reiz launched at us. She spun parallel to the floor in the air with her blade twirling like a propellar. Since I was at the doorway, the only way out was to back myself into the hallway that led into the room we were in. When I was far enough, I armed my Autogun and began firing upon her. She was simply walking at me while deflecting my shots. What is even more peculiar is the fact that she is blindly deflecting Calai's Twin Gatlings' bolts as well. Fascinating. I never knew anyone could do that! I was firing upon her while I was backing away, but it seemed she began deflecting our shots back at us, forcing us to think twice about firing. The moment Calai's guns overheated, Reiz dashed towards me! I tried firing at her but she blocked just as easily as when she was walking towards me, making my photon bolt only knick my shoulder accessory. What is she?

"Hey, remember me now?"

Lucky! I suddenly saw him fly in front of me, spin once and activated a sort of field that was similar to Shifta and Deband.

"Block!" Lucky exclaimed.

I did exactly that and the blade stopped without much effort against the Core Shield. No rebound occured.

"What?" Reiz muttered. She jumped back and easily blocked a shot from Calai as if she saw it coming. She was pondering about how to approach me with her blade whipping out for every shot. Only a battle genius would do that!

I have no choice. Using a gun is too risky! I switched my weapon to that long-lost Saber in my inventory and charged at Reiz. She was ready for me. I know that much. She braced herself with only one arm as my swing was easily deflected. At the same time, she was deflecting Calai's shots but with evident difficulty due to the shots being scattered all in directions. Then, she charged at me, pushing me back with ease and... What in the world? She tossed her double saber at me! As it rolled, the double saber hummed as it stalled in the air and then came back to Reiz like a boomerang. I was lucky enough to have barely dodged that, but how much more if I did not react in time? What triggered me to dodge was when Reiz weaved around a photon bolt that struck my right arm.

I continued backing away, nearly being slashed every time. However, she did make contact with my accessory parts. How infuriating! Is she just toying with me? She is smiling too! I backed away into the room behind me but it was rather small. I shifted to the side but she was able to turn my direction with ease. It was no easy task at all. She was too good! How can someone like this exist? It is inhumane!

Suddenly, Reiz dove to the side when Calai practically copied that launching attack that Reiz started with. What is this? I have never seen Calai perform such an attack! She then charged at Reiz with her Twin Brand and... What? Calai's attacks are copying Reiz? Calai and Reiz backed away with their double sabers behind them and their forms exact. How can Calai do that?

"Your attacks are far too robotic," Calai informed Reiz. "I know every move you will do and every way you will troubleshoot! You can't win!"

Reiz grinned and lunged at Calai. Suddenly, Reiz ducked down low as Calai swung horizontally. She then did a sweep kick that Calai easily jumped over and thrusted up at Calai. Calai managed to shift the thrust away from her with her left arm as she thrusted back in return, which Reiz copied. Wait... What is happening here?

"You can't win!" Calai roared.

---

A choice should be made. It seems the fight will go nowhere at this rate, if not both of them eliminating each other into a stalemate. However, Hunter-class individuals tend to have more endurance in comparison to the other classes, making Calai to a disadvantage. However, it seemed Calai is trying to find a way to subdue the enemy. The two are grappling each other with their weapons and shields against the other. Should I wait longer for a better opportunity or intervene right now?

~~~CHOICE A: WAIT~~~

~~~CHOICE B: INTERVENE~~~

A. [Fortuna bides her time]
[spoiler-box]
Reiz suddenly pulled her head back and then bashed Calai's forehead. Calai tumbled back as Reiz was winding up for an attack. What should I do now? My hands... They are shaking. I do not know if I can make a clear shot!

~~~CHOICE C: WAIT~~~

~~~CHOICE D: INTERVENE~~~

a.
[spoiler-box]~~~CHOICE E: SCREAM~~~

[Note: You are not limited to only selecting Choice E.][/spoiler-box]

C. [Fortuna continues biding her time]
[spoiler-box]
Reiz charged forward. She swung her weapon relentlessly but Calai was able to deflect her attack with her left arm again. Somehow, Calai seemed to be panicked for some reason. Her focus seemed to be elsewhere. Was she looking at me? Is she hinting something?

~~~CHOICE F: WAIT~~~

~~~CHOICE G: INTERVENE~~~

~~~CHOICE H: LOOK BEHIND ME~~~

F. [Fortuna continues biding her time]
[spoiler-box]
Suddenly, a loud sound came from behind me. Before I could look, a large projectile soared by and struck Reiz from behind. An suppressed explosion resounded, but the force was still enough to make me shield my head from damage. I looked over my shoulder, seeing a smaller-than average blue RAcast with white as his subcolor and yellow as his accessory color. He had a forehead projection which looked like a rifle tip pointing skyward. Apparently, his section ID would be a Bluefull.

Section IDs vary mostly by the type of MAGs attached to the user. If the user does not have a MAG, it is practically just an accessory. Apparently, this RAcast did not have one. Well, at least his color scheme matched his section ID, which then made me remember that I am a Pinkal and Calai is a Purplenum. Calai...!

I looked over to find Reiz on top of Calai, both deactivated... I came to Calai's aid... She seemed fine... until I checked the other side of her head. A whole side of her head was shattered, data chips fried and her visual organs barely dangling. Her jaw was dislocated and dangled open...

"No... Calai...!"

The RAcast came over to me. "Miss, it is not safe here. We have to--"

"No!" I roared. "I will not...! Calai...!"

The RAcast took my arm and heeved me away from the scene. I went with him without another word. It is over. It is all over. I cannot continue this journey without Calai. Calai...!


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: SEABED RESEARCH FACILITY

[Scenario: The mysterious blue RAcast was actually one of the members of the resistance forces. Because of this, Fortuna was then added to the group but was ultimately a wondering soul. She was not able to find her way until the blue RAcast started showing her a little more attention. She eventually warmed up to him and became his partner when searching for injured CASTs. Fortuna eventually forgot about Calai, nursing other CASTs to health and became known as the Steel Medic. At the process, Fortuna and the blue RAcast fell in love, surviving throughout the OPSS code. However, due to the events of the Great Shadow, the turnout was ultimately off balance and a future radicalist group known as the Arkz team was ultimately defeated in the end. Along with the Arks team perished the blue RAcast. In the end, Pioneer 2 inhabited Ragol. When Fortuna was serving Felix his tea, a new Pioneer mothership came into the system and attempted to connect with Pioneer 2. A new explosion similar to what happened with Pioneer 1 occured. All people onboard Pioneer 2 were lost...]

TIME PARADOX: PIONEER 2 DESTRUCTION

(Hint: Reiz is meant to meet someone.)[/spoiler-box]

G. [Fortuna finally intervenes]
[spoiler-box]
"Freeze!" I roared as I aimed my Autogun, but the HUcaseal continued forward. I shot at her but she managed to deflect the shot back at me! I barely dodged the photon bolt. However, because of her premature movement, Calai was able to move in and tackle the HUcaseal down, ultimately disarming both of them at the process. I was able to run over to their weapons and store them, knowing that Calai has her own set of weapons still in her disposal.

Calai barked, "My sister said 'Freeze,' fucking bitch!"

"Make me!"

Then, I wished I looked away... Calai then cuffed her lips over Reiz's. Reiz tried kicking her off but every bit of movement appeared to be less than the other. What was happening? I stood there, unaware I was watching. Once Calai lifted herself up, she suddenly armed her Twin Gatlings and pointed at my direction.

"Out of the way, Sis!"

I looked over my shoulder, seeing a smaller-built-than-average blue RAcast with white as his subcolor and yellow as his accessory color. He had a forehead projection which looked like a rifle tip pointing skyward. Apparently, his section ID would be a Bluefull. Section IDs vary mostly by the type of MAGs attached to the user. If the user does not have a MAG, it is practically just an accessory. Apparently, this RAcast did not have one. Well, at least his color scheme matched his section ID, which then made me remember that I am a Pinkal and Calai is a Purplenum.

He did not seem harmful. In fact, it was safe to assume he was as shocked as I was. In fact, it seemed he dropped what seemed to be a large rocket launcher of some sort. If I recall correctly, it is also the NUG2000, the same kind of rocket launcher that Ciello was holding. It would be devastating to be within the explosion radius.

"Kiss of death?" he asked Calai as he rubbed the back of his head.

I looked over to Calai, seeing her looking away with a hand over her mouth. She quietly said, "Y-you can... umm... y'know..."

The RAcast chuckled and picked his weapon off the floor. "Well, I guess it's better than what I was about to do." He passed me and kneeled next to Reiz. "It's hard to believe she's the rumored Caseal..." He then held a finger, feeling every curve on her face. "She's beautiful."

Calai and I exchanged glances. It was evident this CAST was different. She then kneeled across from the RAcast and asked, "Who are you?"

The RAcast raised his head, bowing his head back down to Reiz. "Mind if we talk somewhere else? We might still be watched."

a.
[spoiler-box]
"Yes," I said.

The RAcast turned his focus to me and then to Calai. She nodded, showing that she agreed with me. He then lifted Reiz up onto his arms and glanced about. "Okay. I don't know what was happening, but mind if we bring this lady too?"

I exchanged glances with Calai, seeing that she had no objections. "Pay no mind. If she attacks us again, we will simply overrun her in numbers, correct?"

The RAcast laughed. "I don't know about that. We're all Rangers, right?"

"She's not," Calai immediately said, indicating she was talking about me. "She's actually a butler."

The RAcast turned from Calai to me. He was thorougly examining me. I could feel my body heat rising after every second he stared. I felt along my arm, since there was an awkward feeling to it. I found myself looking at Reiz.

"There are female butlers?" the RAcast laughed. He started moving on.

That RAcast... Who is his creator? I need to give that person a piece of data that he will never forget![/spoiler-box]

1.
[spoiler-box]
Calai said, "I don't mind. How about you, Sis?"

I shook my head and the RAcast nudged me as he passed by. He said in a sly manner, "You're the older one, huh?"

I shook my head again. "Pay her no mind. She speaks like a child."

He looked over to Calai. "Seriously?" he asked me. "You're not the older one?"

"I'm the older one," Calai interjected. "What's wrong about appearing immature than the young'un here?"

The RAcast laughed. "Nothing."

Calai gave him a wide grin and I pressed a hand over my face. I just have this feeling that the RAcast and Calai are going to be so obnoxious for the duration of while we are here. Daddy, what would you do if you were in my place?[/spoiler-box]


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: SEABED RESEARCH FACILITY

[Earned "2."][/SPOILER-BOX]

H. [Fortuna inspects what Calai gestured about]
[spoiler-box]
I looked over my shoulder to see what Calai was hinting to me. Indeed, there was someone there! He was aiming a large bazooka at my direction. He also had the same color scheme as Reiz. Could they be associated in the same team?

"Get down!" he yelled.

I soon noticed he was talking to me. I crouched down, him firing his bazooka almost in the same instance. I watched the projectile soar over me and... What...!? Reiz managed to slash the projectile in...! Calai!!! The pieces of the projectile went around Reiz and exploded upon impact at Calai's feet. She was not even able to brace, immediately being demolished in a flash of an eye... Calai... Cal--


--DANGER--

--SEVERE DAMAGE--

I soon realized that I was lying on the floor. Pain was... my legs... My body was slashed in half with my legs staggering and soon falling before me. Reiz... Why is she doing this? I managed to rotate myself just in time to see the RAcast who fired the projectile be stabbed to the chest. His body sparked madly. Then, he fell into hibernation mode shortly after, but Reiz spun her double saber and slashed horizontally at his head, cleanly slashing through in an instant. That was it. He was dead. What about me? Water was seeping into my system, causing static throughout all my functions.

"Enemies annihilated," she said aloud, evidently making a log about her accomplishment. "Dark Falz, input orders."

Dark Falz? Is that the name of the Corallean god of distruction? How... How suiting for Reiz to be-be-e-e...

She turned to me, seeing that I was wat-tching her. Her eyes stared me down. Calai... Seems that neither of us will not return--


--FRAGMENTED DATA--

--ATTEMPTING TO PATCH--

--PATCH FAILED--

--NO MORE ENTRIES--

[Scenario: Neither Fortuna or Calai managed to be recreated and none of their parts were ever found again, almost as if they never existed. As for Reiz, she continued living on and became known as the bane of all CASTs. Once the OPSS was considered a success with the eradication off all opposing CASTs annihilated, Reiz managed to disappear. Once Pioneer 2 landed upon Ragol, the settlement process began with all CASTs being the primary workforce. However, after some time, all those CASTs strangely malfunctioned, leaving only Humans and Newmans to dwell in the Pioneer 1 perimeter. Due to rumors and paranoia, Newmans then rebeled against the Humans, forcing Pioneer 1 to fall into a bloodbath that soon consumed all of the inhabitants. When there were only a few Humans and Newmans remaining, Reiz reappeared publically but was strangely more powerful than ever. With one wave of a hand, numerous Humans fell along with a few sympathizing Newmans. Although fearing her, the remaining Humans and Newmans attempted diplomacy with Reiz. Generations later, the Humans created a new spaceship for Reiz. They named it "Crawley."]

TIME PARADOX: DARK REIZ

(Hint: Reiz's attention was shifted to the RAcast when he yelled.)[/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box]

D. [Fortuna intervenes]
[spoiler-box]
I aimed my Autogun, unable to keep a steady aim. "F-freeze!"

Reiz gestured at me, grinning. She saw something in me, did she not? Wait... Where did my Autogun go? Wait! Where did my arms go!? I stumbled back--


--END RECORDING--

--NO MORE RECORDS--

a.
[spoiler-box][Scenario: Fortuna had her head slashed in half upon the break in data. Calai fought to her very last breath but was ultimately defeated when her shield malfunctioned upon a stab. However, she was not killed. A RAcast who happened to be at the scene managed to knock Reiz unconscious before she was able to deliver the final blow. Although the RAcast offered Calai to recruited into his party, Calai refused and stayed with Fortuna. A generation later when the OPSS order managed to be undone Felix received word of Calai being alive in the Seabeds Research Facility. That was the last official time he was ever seen. Generations after this event, a new crisis occured involving the Seabeds Research Facility. A message managed to be relayed to Pioneer 2. When they received it, Gal Da Val Island soon became a monster of its own: mechanical bits fusing with organic growth. The words of the message: "ALL SHALL PERISH BY THIS HOLY GROUND. YOU AND I--I AND YOU--WE SHALL FOREVER BE TOGETHER."]

TIME PARADOX: CALAEL

(Hint: Fortuna was not ready to attack.)[/spoiler-box]

1.
[spoiler-box][Scenario: Fortuna had her head slashed in half upon the break in data. Calai fought to her very last breath but was ultimately defeated when her shield malfunctioned upon a stab. However, she was not killed. A RAcast who happened to be at the scene managed to knock Reiz unconscious before she was able to deliver the final blow. When the RAcast offered Calai to be recruited into his party, she was reluctant to leave Fortuna but eventually joined the RAcast. She blamed herself for not becoming stronger. Due to the memories being too intense, her memories then associated Reiz being Fortuna. Reiz then lost all her memories and started over. The RAcast then happened to recruit the two of them into what happened to be the resistance force. She was then reunited with John. The RAcast then decided to take care of Reiz while Calai continued to be paired with John. Eventually, Calai and John fell in love with Reiz to the RAcast. The four often underwent sorties together and became an invincible quartet who drove back the Humans and Newmans, leaving CASTs on Ragol. The Humans and Newmans then decided to observe the CASTs from a distance while they continued to search for more planets to inhabit. Generations later, Ragol's name was officially changed.]

TIME PARADOX: CAST SUPREMACY

(Hint: Fortuna was not ready to attack.)[/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box]

E. [Fortuna screams]
[spoiler-box]
My hands... My hands...! I cannot aim! I... I...! Suddenly, I breathed in deep and...

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!"

My head was tremoring when I was out of breath. When I looked around, I did not see Calai nor Reiz. Then, I heard a small pop of a noise down below me. I looked down to see that Calai has tackled Reiz down to the ground. It also seemed Reiz was knocked unconscious.

Calai gasped for her breath and wiped her mouth. She then looked up and seemed to be startled for some reason as she looked off to somewhere. I looked over to see what she was looking at to find a RAcast with a large bazooka known as the NUG2000. He was a smaller-built-than-average blue RAcast with white as his subcolor and yellow as his accessory color. He had a forehead projection which looked like a rifle tip pointing skyward. Apparently, his section ID would be a Bluefull. Section IDs vary mostly by the type of MAGs attached to the user. If the user does not have a MAG, it is practically just an accessory. Apparently, this RAcast did not have one. Well, at least his color scheme matched his section ID, which then made me remember that I am a Pinkal and Calai is a Purplenum.

The RAcast then approached us with his bazooka stored away and folded his arms. "Talk about kiss of death," he said.

Kiss of death? Reiz is dead? By a kiss? I looked over to Calai, seeing her stroke a lock of hair.

She said, "U-uh... Just pretend you didn't..."

He slapped her back. "Aw, no worries! I know a few who swing your way back at camp."

Swinging? Do they know our current location?

Calai shook her head. "I-I didn't do this for fun, y'know!" I could feel her body temperature becoming hot just by standing next to her.

The RAcast crouched down to Reiz and poked her face. "Well, whatever you did, it seems she's subdued now." He glanced at me. Then, to Reiz. Lastly, Calai. "Why were you all fighting anyway? Jealousy?"

Calai stomped her foot. "I've never seen her in my life! She's a freaky psychobitch!"

The RAcast looked down to Reiz. "Well, I guess we could tie her up..."

Calai stepped back. "W-whoa, you're that kind?"

The RAcast stared at Calai. "What on Pioneer 2 are you talking about?"

I crouched down to Reiz and finally dragged her away from the two, just in case she decided to reactivate while they were arguing over silliness. However, Calai did tell me that when she kisses me, I lose my memories. Curiosity brought me to think the same will possibly happen to Reiz. What will the outcome be?

Some time has gone by while Calai and the blue RAcast continued to argue. Nothing much to report. I might as well end this entry.


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: SEABED RESEARCH FACILITY

[Earned "b."][/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box]

B. [Fortuna intervenes]
[spoiler-box]
"Freeze!" I roared with my Autogun aiming at Reiz. "Drop your weapon!"

Reiz glanced at me and then to Calai. She scoffed and deactivated her blade. "Do as you will," she said as she dropped her weapon to the ground.

"Kick your weapon to the lady there," Calai commanded. "I swear, I'll cut you down where you stand if you try anything funny."

Reiz grinned scooted her weapon to my direction. When at my feet, I took it into my hand and stored it into my inventory. When I raised my head to see Reiz, I soon found...

"Calai!?"

a.
[spoiler-box]She had her lips upon... What? Calai...? What? What is going on? I thought... What? Huh? My internal body temperature skyrocketed upon seeing Calai kissing Reiz. It did not seem like Reiz was fighting back either. I did not know what to think! I thought she only wanted to kiss me![/spoiler-box]

1.
[spoiler-box]Apparently, Calai had her lips cuffed over Reiz's lips. What kind of interrogation technique is this? Well, arousal is a way to grab the truth, but I did not know Calai was so bold. For some reason, I began to feel embarrassed the more I watched. Is she usually like this around other people?[/spoiler-box]

When Calai's lips came off Reiz's, Reiz suddenly dropped down. Calai caught her as she was dropping, seeming like Reiz was a type of romantic fool who fainted to a kiss with Calai holding onto the lady dearly. It did not make any sense though. Is Calai supposed to be male for this? I turned away but soon found that we were not alone. In a comedic sense, his weapon seemed to have dropped from his shoulder, considering that he had his arm up. I never thought such reactions were possible until I saw this RAcast. He was a smaller-built-than-average blue RAcast with white as his subcolor and yellow as his accessory color. He had a forehead projection which looked like a rifle tip pointing skyward. Apparently, his section ID would be a Bluefull. Section IDs vary mostly by the type of MAGs attached to the user. If the user does not have a MAG, it is practically just an accessory. Apparently, this RAcast did not have one. Well, at least his color scheme matched his section ID, which then made me remember that I am a Pinkal and Calai is a Purplenum.

"State your business," I said.

The RAcast stumbled for his weapon and said, "O-oh, right. I was just coming around to search for survivors down this direction, but it seems we're all good here and all..."

"You can take her," Calai said as she was dragging Reiz across the floor. "She won't bite when she wakes up."

"How certain are you about that?" the RAcast asked.

Calai grinned. "I know what I did. Just... y'know... don't tell anyone about... y'know... yeah..."

The RAcast took Reiz over his shoulder. "I understand. It's probably for the best. Besides, when she wakes up, it's probably best that this gal sees a familiar face."

Calai laughed. "Let's just hope her murder impulse isn't hardwired into her programing. It's going to be a shame to find such a fighter like her to be scrap metal."

"Agreed." He glanced at both of us. "Say, are you two sisters?"

Calai cuddled against me. "You can say that."

He rubbed a finger against his face. "Uh... Lovers?"

Suddenly, my Autogun fired at the floor, making us all jump. I do not know what happened there. I stored it into my inventory and said to him, "If you cannot see, we are both female." Seriously, this is the second time already. I am beginning to think that I really am a male.

Calai laughed. "Y-yeah. Don't be saying stuff like that if you don't want this lady to bust a cap in your head." I do not know what she meant after "lady" but I nodded anyway.

The RAcast laughed. "Sorry there. Anyway, I'm about to head retire for the day. Want to come along?"

Calai pulled me along with her. "Will you? It's been lonely with just the two of us!"

The RAcast nodded. "Anyway, let's keep introductions for later, just in case we're followed, okay?"

Calai nodded. She then turned to me and said, "Can't you believe this? How lucky are we?"

Lucky, huh? I feel like I am forgetting something. Anyway, the three of us continued a direction with the large blue RAcast leading the way. At least someone knows where we are going.


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: SEABED RESEARCH FACILITY[/spoiler-box]

[ARChan]

--RECORDING 12--

We were walking with this new RAcast leading the way. We did not really talk the whole duration, but it was a little peaceful. To think that we would find someone--an ally especially. I had not seen one alive prior to him. It can make an Organic happy, since they were the reason we are this way. Maybe I did have the opportunity to meet someone if I was paying more attention but they were all hiding. In fact, after seeing Reiz, who is there to trust? No one is safe with anyone.

After some more time, we stopped at a portal avenue. It had numerous portals left and right, but most were simply deactivated, coordinates had yet to be placed, or there was a problem at the receiving end of the portal. The ones that were operational had its traditional glow and a marquee stating its destination. I did not see what type of portal that we headed into but the RAcast seemed to know where to go. Immediately, I found us on an elevator. It seemed to be a vertical shaft that led to some distant floor that I could not identify. However, it did not seem we were heading down that way. In fact, we were heading upwards. We were rising through halos that directed the elevator to keep moving up. The scene had a blue color to it. What were we doing here?

"Looks like this's a good place."

I turned to find Reiz's lifeless body to my feet. I looked up to find the RAcast aiming that large bazooka at us. What is happening?

"State your business, girlies."

"Huh?" Calai said. "Wait, what're you...?"

"Don't try to fool me. You're both too abnormal."

"You're one to talk. No ordinary CAST would be making such assumptions unless he is programmed to do something complex such as this!"

The RAcast chuckled. "But don't you hear? The military has us folks to be programmed like this."

"No! I would've heard about it. Prior to a certain data update, there were only a selected few CASTs who succeeded in making such heists such as this, but the only problem with these heists is that each type of heist has a large number of variables that are too numerous to count, thus making the CAST unable to execute counter measure in time against a retaliating target. You should know why that is."

"Because there are too many variables is why a single action cannot be made within even three seconds of reaction time. Looks like someone did her homework. And what's the deal with that Caseal at your feet?"

She glanced down to Reiz. "I don't know... But..." She stomped her foot and said, "But you gotta believe me! She started attacking us out of nowhere. We had no choice but to retaliate."

The RAcast remained silent and shifted his attention to me. "What about you? Got anything to say?"

I scoffed. "As if explaining myself would ease the tension."

The RAcast then did a hand motion. "You. Come here." Apparently, he was talking to Calai. She exchanged glances with me and then moved forward. "If you want your friend to survive, don't be doing anything--huh?"

He glanced over to my direction again... Wait... Lower? I looked down to find Reiz rising! I stepped back... No... Wait, something is wrong. I stepped closer and held my left hand to her. She glanced at my hand and up to my face. Something... Her eyes are wide with those brow-like protrusions raised. Is she...?

"State your business!" the RAcast barked, definitely on edge. He must remember the intense fight we had against her.

She swooned a little and tumbled against me. She suddenly seized my hand and pressed keys so quick that I did not have time to react! She unsheathed the yellow double saber, which was registered to have been the Partisan of Lightning.

The RAcast attempted to fire but Calai shoved his aim upwards, making him shoot one of the halos that we were ascending through. The elevator rattled and went off balance for a short while until we reached the next halo. Suddenly, a female roar resounded among us. Calai lunged forward with her Twin Brand unsheathed. Reiz's form was different. Her footing was so unstable and kept descending onto into a quadruped attack form. The animal instinct... That was a product of the SOUL Project. This was how I was reacting when I was fresh off the operation bed. Because of the odd fighting style, Calai had difficulty predicting Reiz's attack pattern.

Something was odd though. Reiz was only countering attacks. That must mean...!

"Calai, stop!"

Calai backed off while Reiz was cornered to the side of the circular elevator. The RAcast had a steady aim on her whereas Calai had her Twin Brand ready. I stepped forward toward Reiz, seeing her fleeting gestures then move onto me. I stopped in my place, the two of us staring at each other. However, she was low to the ground in a quadruped lunging position. She was also growling.

"Sis, what're you doing!? Stay back!"

I did not heed her warning. Instead, I kept moving forward. When I was just at lunging distance, I stopped and crouched down. "Transmitting language data." I accessed my internalized firmware and copied my language files. Then, I opened a wireless link, seeing that hers was opened as well. I then forced my language files onto her, but it did not seem she had a firewall of some sort. So, she was able to receive it. Now, I wonder if she would be able to understand--

Reiz barked, "What are you doing, CAST!?"

I held a hand out to her. "There is no need to be afraid. I will not hurt you."

Reiz glanced at Calai and the RAcast and then back to me. "How about them?"

I glanced over to them as well. "I will not allow them to hurt you." I then moved my sights onto Reiz. "Just know that--" Suddenly, I was tackled over. I then found Reiz pinning me down by sitting on me. "What are you...!?"

Reiz lowered herself to me, our faces abnormally close. She was... Huh? Wait, why is she sniffing me? Well, at least she somehow found a way to store her weapon. Calai then towered over us with a hand feeling along a lock of hair.

Calai laughed, "It seems she's more of a Gibbon than anything else."

"You are the Gibbon, you brute!"

Brute? Calai? That was amusing. Calai gave her infuriated laugh and said, "Hey, what--?"

"You attacked me! What in Pioneer 2 is wrong with you?"

Indeed, there is something odd happening here. I looked up to Calai as she was staring at Reiz inquisitively. What was she thinking?

"Kiss of death, huh?" We all turned to the RAcast, seeing that he was the one who asked. He said to Calai, "You're no ordinary CAST, are you?"

Calai smiled with her tongue sticking out. "Takes one to know one, right?"

The RAcast rubbed the back of his head. "Well... I guess." He glanced among all of us and asked, "What's with you three, anyway? This's the most excitement I had in ages."

"Sounding like an old fart," Calai laughed, but it seemed the RAcast was laughing as well. "Anyway, Sis and I are part of the SOUL Project. I assume you're a byproduct of this as well, right?" Regardless of however he answered, Calai then moved to Reiz. "It also seems like she's one of us as well. Interesting that the SOUL Project produced a military unit like her."

"Military?" Reiz inquired.

Calai laughed. "Oh, it's nothing, really. You kind of helped us in coming to a bit of an understanding of how the SOUL Project can be used."

"I helped...?" Reiz looked over to me and asked, "What am I?"

I looked away. When is she going to get off me anyway? Although annoyed, I said, "Whatever you did does not matter. Know that we do not mean any harm."

The RAcast added, "I'm here to help the lost." He stepped up to Reiz and asked, "You don't remember me, do you?"

Reiz stared at him for a while. "Data does not recall your specifics." She looked away, evidently expressing a kind of depression. "There is a time gap. Cannot access memory data. Cannot... Cannot...!"

The RAcast patted her head. "You're okay as you are. Don't worry who you were except that you're one of us now."

Reiz glanced among all of us. "Who are all of you?"

The RAcast coughed for some reason--which is kind of odd for a CAST to do--and said, "Well, I guess we're all good folk. Call me Ohgun. I'm just military scrap metal at the moment, but I'm searching odd areas for lost folks. I'm also hoping to invite you three into... Well... You all can call it a rogue group, considering we're pretty much looting what we can on Ragol for our own betterment."

"Bandits?" I inquired.

"Well... We're not really stealing from live people, anyway. Scavengers, more like it."

I scoffed. Seeing as how Reiz's attention was on me, I guess it was my turn. "My name is Fortuna. I am a civilian-category, butler-type Caseal under licensed care of 3rd Professor Felix." I held a hand out to Calai, but it seemed Ohgun had something to say.

"Felix, huh?" He folded his arms.

"Do you have something against Daddy?" I inquired again.

He sighed. "I'll admit that his nosiness often caused quite a stir in the military. I can't say that I like him, though. He's the reason why OPSS started in the first place."

Calai gasped whereas I was in disbelief. Daddy started it all? We are CASTs. We are one of those who are being hunted. Why would he do this if he loved us? No... Could it be that we were just pawns? No, we cannot be pawns. Calai and Daddy laughed together frequently. When it came to operating, he often called one of us to watch him explain the procedure. He would sit with us at our beds until we went into sleep mode. He loved my tea and always wanted some more. Why?

"OPSS?" We all looked at Reiz, seeing that she knew something. "It is a sterilization plan that was made to recycle and repair dysfunctional mechanics onboard Pioneer 2. I was made to complete OPSS." She then looked up to us, but evidently misunderstanding something.

Ohgun sighed. "Don't be saying OPSS nowadays. It's a failed plan, anyway." He turned away and kept to himself at the other side of the elevator, which then made me realize we were still ascending.

Reiz glanced at both of us and asked me, "Is it really that bad?"

Calai and I glanced at each other. Calai then answered, "Let's just say it's the reason why we're hiding."

Reiz bowed her head. Then, she realized she was sitting on me. "Oh. Sorry."

I scoffed and finally stood upright, patting off residue on my plates. Seriously, who forgets something like that? Reiz came to me and checked my face--abnormally close, might I add. "What?" I muttered.

"You are different."

Alarmed, I asked, "What are you talking about?"

Reiz kept staring. "I shall start OPSS with you."

"What?"

I soon realized that we were linked. Before a program could boot, Calai shoved both of us away from each other, disconnecting us in an instant. Reiz seemed to be taken aback from her action.

Calai inquired, "What do you think you are doing?" Apparently, she was not smiling.

Reiz stared at her too. "You are different, too." She glanced at Ohgun. "He is also different."

"What makes you define we are different?"

Reiz answered, "I do not know. I just know that something is not normal with all of you. There is a code difference that I read. The significance is unknown to me."

Calai flicked a lock of her hair. "I suggest you take a look at others before you start jumping the gun like this."

Reiz came close to her in the same vicinity as she did with me. "Yes..."

Calai backed away with a hand before her chest. "C-can you stop that?"

Reiz tilted her head inquisitively. "You are very different. Your data display numerous deviations." She folded her arms, bowing her head in thought. "Further observations are needed to see if the compiled data's deviations are destructive."

"I can hear you," Calai muttered.

It seems Reiz is the kind to be maintaining the normal standards of living. How did this type of Caseal become a killing machine? I was unintentionally staring at Reiz, only to find her doing the same to me. I am not uncomfortable with her being nosy. The risk of being hijacked is significantly higher with a direct link than a wireless link. In fact, most firewalls are focused on wireless links. The only way to prevent a direct link is physical or digital prevention. However, in every case, integration of data is absolute. It would be a blessing if most transferred data are fragmented or unusable.

After some time of arguing between Calai and Reiz, Ohgun finally returned to us and said, "We're heading out."

He activated a Telepipe and tossed it onto the floor. It then opened a portal for us all to enter. However, Telepipes are only shortcut functions to send a person from the field to a designated place. If Ohgun did not register somewhere else other than Pioneer 2's default reception area, it seems we will have to go back onto Pioneer 2 and somehow escape it to come back onto Ragol.

He informed, "I'll head in first. If I don't come back on a count of twenty, come on in."

Then, Reiz started counting aloud. I cannot believe how stupid she is. Ohgun stepped inside the portal and disappeared. Now that I think of it, my Telepipe destination is outside of our home. Daddy should be home by now. Maybe I could return to him to let him know we are still fine.

"--Twenty."

Reiz immediately went walking in and disappeared in an instant. I glanced at Calai, seeing that she was depressed about something. I came to her side and held her hand in mine. She glanced at me for a moment but dropped her sights to the floor.

"I'm sorry if I seemed a little..."

I wrapped my arms around her head and pulled her against my breast. "It is okay. I understand."

Suddenly, Calai pushed herself out of my embrace and glanced about herself for a moment. Her hand was against her lips, seeming as if trying to hide her lips. She then glanced up to me and then down again. "I think you should... Mum..."

I scoffed to her reaction and headed toward the Telepipe. However, she seized my hand, making me stop. I know she had something to say. I yanked my hand out of hers and asked, "What do you want from me?"

1.
[spoiler-box]
I cannot seem to understand her. I wish I knew what was happening to her. I never know what she is thinking. Does she not know I want to care for her? I wanted to find her in the caves. I wanted to spend time with her.

2.
[spoiler-box]
Calai, I watch you so many times and it just seems you are stronger than me, no matter what I do. I cannot keep up with you. I cannot do everything you do. Let me do something for you, too. At least let me feel worthy to be your sister.[/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box]

"Will you always like me no matter what I do?"

---

~~CHOICE A: YES~~

~~CHOICE B: NO~~

~~CHOICE C: REFUSE TO ANSWER~~

NOTE:
-If I put something like "1. & 2.", you must have earned both 1. and 2.
-If I put something like "b./2.", you must have earned either b. or 2.
-If I put "a. ; not b.", that means you only view this if you have a. but not b.

A. [Fortuna answers yes]
[spoiler-box]I narrowed my eyes. "Have I ever said I hated you before?"

Calai nervously laughed. "O-oh. Right... I guess you like me even now, huh?"

a.
[spoiler-box]Calai came closer to me and stared with a small attempt of a smile. She said with her hands behind her, "I... Although... Y'know... Uh..."

Now that I think about it, she did admit she liked me in a rather intimate manner. I looked away but the feelings inside me were still aflutter. I wanted to know what would be the most appropriate way to respond to this situation, but simply remembering that we were alone at this very moment...

b.
[spoiler-box]... I just cannot take it. I do not know if I--no. I want to... I just do not know if I can take this stress! It is just too much to think about. I want to get away from her. She is too weird--too different. No sister would--but are we sisters? We are not Organics. We are CASTs. Parents are only issued if our data was integrated from a previous series, not our creators. The only reason why I call Daddy "Daddy" is because he is my owner. Our data was specifically generated from blank datum. Why do I even...? How come I care?

"C-Calai," I said. She stared at me, but it was evident she was nervous as well. I then said, "Can you stop saying embarrassing things?"

She pursed her lips and glanced away. "You're the one misunderstanding me."

So what if I was? She is the one making me misunderstand her! I moved toward the Telepipe but she pulled me away again. I turned but to find her arms around my neck. I just had enough time to throw my arms between us and prevent her from coming any closer. Calai...! No! I do not want to lose myself to you. I want to like you, but we cannot be doing this! Stop!

[Earned "3."][/spoiler-box]

a. ; not b.
[spoiler-box]... I looked away but found myself glancing at her. Calai, why must you mock me so? You make me feel so wanted. The fact that you did not kiss me that one time after letting me know about you... That is proof you want me as I am. I can trust you. I know you want me. Maybe just this once, I...

[Earned "c."][/spoiler-box]

2.
[spoiler-box]
Wait. We are alone. I looked up to Calai, seeing that she was looking at me in an odd manner. I found myself glancing at the Telepipe. Should I just--?

"Sis, what am I to you?"

Huh? What is with this question all of a sudden? I was about to answer but she wrapped her arms around my waist, her breast pressing against my back. So... So soft... Calai...

~~CHOICE D: GIVE IN~~

~~CHOICE E: STOP HER~~

D. [Fortuna relaxes into her embrace]
[spoiler-box]
"... Calai..."

"... I love you, Sis."

Huh? Wait. No! I erupted out of her embrace and turned to her. She stood so bewildered. I am sorry, Calai. I cannot... No... I want to, but...[/spoiler-box]

E. [Fortuna attempts to break out of her embrace]
[spoiler-box]
Wait a... No! I tried to break out of her embrace but her hold onto me was firm.

"Sis! Please!"

I stopped what I was doing and looked over my shoulder, but was only able to see the side of her head. She was pressing her face against my back. Calai, what are you...?

"Just... Let me hold you a little longer. Please."

Calai... I looked forward to the Telepipe. There must be things that I still do not understand about her. Why does she like me? I want to know her more.

After a short time, I moved my hands around hers and gently pried them open. She released me. I was expecting a little more of a tussle to be honest. I turned to her and smiled. She looked up to me and smiled back.

"You are someone whom I want to be close to," I said, though it was embarrassing for me. "I do not understand why because you make me mad sometimes, but I do remember wanting to find you that one time we were separated in the caves. I was desperate." I looked away. "But... But I won't do anything weird with you. Understand? I want you to--"

"Sis!"

I had only a time to look at her but she was already tackling me. I managed to regain my footing just before I was unable to. Seriously, Calai! I tried prying her off me.

[Earned "c."][/spoiler-box]
[/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box]

1.
[spoiler-box]I looked forward into the Telepipe. "Do not assume you know me."

"O-oh. Uh..."

2.
[spoiler-box]I glanced back to her, seeing her looking off with a hand before her lips. She is feeling guilty about her thoughts. At least that shows remorse. I turned forward again and said, "But yes, I still like you."

[Earned "c."][/spoiler-box]

1. ; not 2.
[spoiler-box]What is she thinking? Seriously, I do not like being judged like that. I am me and making an assumption like that is just showing how controlling she is. I hate that side of her! She is always like that. She is always fitting her thoughts over my actions. I could just shoot her head because of being an idiot!

[Earned "3."][/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box][/spoiler-box]

B. [Fortuna says no]
[spoiler-box]
I turned to her and said, "There are times when I absolutely hate you. In fact, there are times when I think you are inappropriate, inconsiderate, obnoxious--so many that I cannot even keep count of it all."

Calai had her head bowed to me, definitely taking what I said into account.

a.
[spoiler-box]
"But there are times when you make me feel welcomed," I muttered. When she looked up to me, I found something inside me feel so odd. "Just... Just don't..." I remembered the time she admitted her feelings to me. "Don't ever leave me alone."

"Hm?" She moved closer to me.

"Because..." I looked away from her. "... it would not be fair if I cannot leave you alone but you could leave me alone. I want you..." I am speaking for I can analyze what I am saying. Pause and think. Pause and...

"... You want me?"

Huh? Wait, I did not mean to stop there! "I want you to be honest with you--I mean, me!"

Calai laughed. "It's okay. I won't ever leave you." I looked up to her, seeing that she had this wide smile on her face. It felt rather condescending. "But y'know, I'm not satisfied with how honest you have been to me."

She is right that I have not been honest with her, but I do not want to admit that I like her. It sounds rather demoralizing and that I am lowering myself to her. I have to be more level-headed. If she is more so than me, who knows what will be happening here on Ragol? I remained quiet about the matter. Who knows what else she would turn against me.

[Earned "c."][/spoiler-box]

1.
[spoiler-box]
Daddy said that I must bring her home safely. Everything else is irrelevant. I paced toward her but she stepped back. The closer I came, so did her defenses. I tried seizing her but she kept deflecting my arms.

"Sis! Stop!" I stopped as she said but her hands held onto mine for dear life. "Please, find it in your heart to forgive me. I didn't mean to be so selfish. I thought you were actually okay with me being like that. You never let me know what you're thinking!"

"You do not know?"

"I'm not you, Sis. Sure, we're derived from the SOUL Project but our upbringing is different. Our data is different and our processes equate differently." Her hands began to shake. "If you felt that way, I wish I knew what you are thinking. I'd stop and take what you say into more consideration. Please, don't hate me anymore. I can take it from anyone else but you."

She feels that way too. As long as she understands, that is fine.

[Earned "3."][/spoiler-box]
[/spoiler-box]

C.
[spoiler-box][Skip Forward][/spoiler-box]

"There you two are."

Calai and I stopped what we were doing and looked over to who it was, finding Ohgun with his arms crossed. Right. I was caught into the moment that I forgot about what he said earlier.

I stepped forward and said, "My apologies. We were undoing qualms between us."

He rubbed the back of his head. "Well, as long as you two are okay, I'm okay with it. Besides, it's a good thing you didn't come immediately if both of you were distracted. There was a Canadine ambush."

Calai glanced around and asked, "Where's Reiz? She's okay, right?"

Ohgun nervously laughed. "Uh... To be honest, I was the one in trouble. She annihilated them in no time."

Calai cooed, "Damsel in distress and the knight in shining armor, huh?"

The two talked for a while more while I looked up the elevator tube. I did not realize that we were still rising. How long is this shaft, anyway? There was a rumor that there was a cylindrical elevator tube that descended to the depths of the seabed. At the very bottom was supposed to be a test-subject disposal area, where Tyrell's Hero fought a large humanoid. Afterwards, records of the hero disappeared. Maybe if we headed downwards, we might have found a clue. I glanced about us but found no input console about us. Why was this elevator heading upwards, anyway? Where does it lead to?

c.
[spoiler-box]I looked over to Calai again, seeing that she was arguing with Ohgun. She is never like that with me. We discuss and plot or simply have fun with each other. I wish that she was like how she was with Ohgun: masculine, tough, independent...[/spoiler-box]

3.
[spoiler-box]When looking at our coordinates in relation to the seabed facility, it seemed we were far underground. We were not halfway up from our initial point in this elevator to the checkpoints in the seabed facility. Just how deep is this tube?[/spoiler-box]

"Hey, are you listening?"

I turned finally to find Calai and Ohgun facing me. I stated, "Repeat, please."

Ohgun sighed. "Okay, I'm starting to think you should be at the center of our formation; just behind me." I nodded. "You're okay with that?"

"If you are fine with it, I have no complaints."

Ohgun chuckled. "Okay. Calai is going to take the rear. I trust her the most out of you three so far." Trust... Of course. I would not be of significance. Then, Ohgun patted my shoulder. "But hey, I trust you enough to cover my back, okay?"

I looked up to him and found his attention completely on me. Why does he trust me? My internal temperature increased in an instant and I slapped his hand off my shoulder. "Idiot. We all cover each other."

Ohgun chuckled. "Of course we should. Anyway, we shouldn't keep Reiz waiting."

He immediately turned to the Telepipe and exited immediately. Calai glanced at me and winked. She then went in as well. I found myself staring at the Telepipe. What is happening?

"Forgot about me again, huh?"

I looked over my right shoulder again to find Lucky next to me. "Oh. Sorry."

Lucky spun around me and swooped down. "I swear, being a MAG sucks."

I sighed. "Sorry. I had a very talkative MAG before you. I'm adjusting, though."

Lucky came close and pressed his forehead against mine. "Remember that you are not weak because of me. At least show me some more attention."

"I am truly sorry."

He chuckled. "Well, as long as you are, I'll let you have your fun."

I nodded. "Thank you."

With that, I entered the Telepipe and pressed a button on my inventory interface to synchronize with the Telepipe. Immediately, I found myself in a small room with a healing ring next to me. Calai was just done being repaired when I entered. She passed me and then paced out the automated door. It seemed we were in a section of the Pioneer 2 laboratories. What were we doing here? I went under the healing ring and checked my coordinates on the map. Apparently, we were still on Ragol but somewhere far away from Gal Da Val Islands. In fact, we were somewhere closer to Pioneer 1's Central Dome. Interesting.

When I went through the automated doors, everything felt nostalgic. The lack of organic life was soothing. Everything with reflective properties and well-maintained metallic surroundings... Even the scent of metals being fused was comforting. At the other side of the lengthy rectangular room, I saw Reiz standing at her place, waiting with Ohgun.

"You are late," she said to both Calai and me.

Calai laughed. "Sorry. Sorry. Just a little personal time was needed."

Reiz turned to Ohgun and said, "You may lead now."

Ohgun laughed. "So bossy."

Ohgun led the way and I followed closely, only to find Reiz beside me. Now that I thought about it, I do not think Reiz was given a position in our formation. I am supposed to be between Calai and Ohgun though.

Calai gave a nostalgic sigh. "Ah, the mines. The memories."

Memories? Had she been here before? "Why were you here?"

Calai grinned. "I was here for a top-secret mission issued by the military. I'm supposed to escort a technician around to repair the laser gates about the site. He died, though. It was expected. He was apparently able to repair key sections of the mines, and that was what mattered. The guild was not expecting me to live though. As cruel as it was, the payment was enough to pay for our repairs for a few months."

Pay? Repairs for a few months? Why was it that she always said she did not have enough money to spend for repairs? In fact, I never even knew that she had even undertaken such rigorous client orders. She did not seem to be--in any way--bothered about disclosing about the client order. Then again, knowing her enough, she grins for everything. I cannot trust her grin.

Now that I think about it, there was a "mines" that Tyrell's Hero visited, but that was before the whole fiasco at Gal Da Val Islands. This hero managed to eliminate Vol Opt, one of the best AIs ever recorded in Pioneer history with a complex defense system that far surpasses any CAST. Thinking back on this, it made me wonder whether this hero rivaled a god. According to Corallean lore, there were heroes throughout time who stopped a deity from enacting terror upon the planet. However, that was a long time ago and no such extraordinary heroes existed since then. Then, why does it seem like there was a return of one of those heroes?

When examining the surroundings, it just seemed menacing. Some plates were charred or shattered, wires were suspended from the ceiling, occasional parts of maintenance drones were scattered upon every room, crates displayed that they were opened by force, lights flickered continuously... It seemed there was a battle in at least every room. Walls expressed slash marks made by scouting drones.

"Sinow!?" Calai exclaimed.

I dropped down into a defensive position to find a Sinow Beat at the other side of a long hallway. Sinow Beat were based on the attempt to recreate a mechanized form of what Corporealness call "Ninja." They prioritize speed and stealth when fighting, but oddly, this Sinow Beat was easy to find. It hung upside-down with its arms crossed. Its feet were photon talons, allowing it to grip upon any surface available. The fact that it is hanging upside down means that it is in watch mode. When otherwise, it was always safe to assume that it is attacking, since its attacks are spontaneous and swift.

Ohgun armed his bazooka and shot directly at the Sinow Beat. However, it swung itself just over the shot and unsheathed its arm blades as it looked like it was soaring toward our direction! Reiz took the vanguard position and slashed forward as it came forward... but she missed!? No... I swear I saw it connect!

Wait... Trickery... It is not stealth but trickery! I turned to find Calai fall onto her knees, sparking from her abdomen. A photon blade was pulled out and then she was kicked toward me. I caught her as she tumbled. The Sinow Beat jumped back and faded into thin air. Unlike Sinow Zoa, Sinow Beats are more cunning and able to eliminate enemies if they are not aware of their surroundings. Calai is an example of one who fell victim to one.

I held onto Calai as she accessed her inventory and consumed a Dimate. The wound sealed in an instant but it seemed there were some issues remaining.

"How are you doing?" Ohgun asked.

Calai slowly looked over to him and said, "Nnnnneeeeeeevvvvveeeeeerrrrrr beeeeeetteeeeeerrrrrrrrr."

Right. Sinow Beats also prioritize on slowing the enemy's functions. They are able to pinpoint sections of the body that induce lag, even with Organics. To put more specifically, they inflict damage to points of the body to disturb circulation. Calai should be well after a while. It is the matter of waiting when she will be fine to move again.

"Hey, I can carry her for you."

I looked over to Ohgun and shirked his offer away. I was carrying Calai on my back. She was not as heavy as usual, though. In fact, she feels as light as an average-weight Organic. Usually, CASTs are heavy. The lightest known CAST is a Caseal at 182 pounds with a height of 4'11". I do not understand why so short. It is unnecessary, unless if the creator had a short-person fetish.

Ohgun sighed and said, "Hey, this's the quickest way to the rally point."

"Lead the way then," I muttered.

I trust his navigation. I know that I will not be much help when trouble arises since I am a civilian-type CAST. I am not meant for battle. It is miraculous that I am even alive. Atmospheric photons were also high. I did not express any major symptoms. Daddy, what did you do to me? Am I no ordinary civilian? Am I--?

"Sis?"

I glanced over my shoulder, feeling Calai's hand brush against my chin. "How may I help you?"

"C-can you... umm..." She sighed. "Put me down, please?"

"What is your reason?"

"Just be a good CAST and do as you're told."

"Good CAST or careful CAST?"

"Put me down, already!"

I looked forward again, disobeying her command. I do not know why I am doing this, though. Calai did not express any abnormal symptoms, especially from the Sinow unit. Yet, I was still holding onto her. Daddy, what is wrong with me? Daddy, give me a sign--something to help me understand what is happening.

"Sis..."

I glanced up to Ohgun, seeing him look away. I then looked over to Reiz, seeing her watch us. Is there something wrong? After a while, Reiz looked forward. Maybe the two of them were simply curious as to how I am doing. After all, I am a civilian. I am not supposed to be carrying anything as heavy as Calai. Yet, I am doing exactly this, and I am able to do it without any problems. Something is wrong.

"Sis?"

This time, she was talking in a whisper. Her breaths tickled my auditory sensors. "What?" I muttered.

She remained quiet for a moment, probably to think. "Can I... I..."

If she is going to say if I could put her down--

"C-can I hold onto you?"

... Huh? I glanced over but her hands moved from my shoulders and forced my head to look forward. She tumbled a little until she grabbed my shoulders again. "Are you trying to make a fool of yourself?"

"N-no... Just... Y'know..." She moved in close and whispered into my ear, "This is my first time being carried like this."

First time? Now that I think about it, I never could carry her by myself, let alone her torso. What is so special about being carried like this? Honestly, I cannot comprehend what in the world she is talking about.

"Sure. Do not--"

Suddenly, she slumped herself onto me and her arms wrapped around my neck, warming me like how a scarf would during the "Winter Event" in Pioneer 2. Her internal temperature increased. What is so...? Wait... Why is mine increasing as well? I do not understand what is happening. Everything focused onto Calai. I could feel her breaths against me. I could feel her chest expanding and deflating against my spine. Her pathetic breasts actually felt... soft. I could feel up her leg, and... her lips... My neck...

No! I must not think that way! I... I am... How could I think that way? Calai is... Calai is female--my sister! I shook my head and looked up to Reiz. She is staring at me again.

"Increase in temperature detected--"

"Shut up!" I roared.

Ohgun glanced over to us. "To arms!"

Ohgun and Reiz armed their respective weapons. They are looking to our direction. Enemy? A Sinow? Reiz rushed by me and took a vanguard position. Indeed, there was a Sinow. This time, it was not purple like the other one. It is... yellow? Oh no. A Sinow Gold? I glanced about us, finding that it is accompanied by five Canadine and two Gilchics.

Canadine are basic protocol security units. They are inexpensive spacecraft-looking machinery but very swift when engaging the enemy within a certain range. The most opportune time to attack it is before it attacks. It often has a two-second lag to move from evasion mode to attack mode and vice versa. It has a high-powered short-ranged stun gun at the end of its two-prong extensions that can down a section of Pioneer 2. It can also send that shock in a projectile form, but it is not quite as strong and takes longer to attack in this form due to its need to lock on to the target by a infrared laser via a third extension in the inferior aspect of its body. However, when not in alarm, it points its stun gun prongs downward and uses this form for inspecting and observing. These have a green frame. There are also red, brown, and yellow variants.

Gilchics are black humanoid construction units. They double as security when a hostility or an intrusion code occurs. Their primary arsenal are their arms that can cause a dent on one of the toughest metal available and a laser that shoots light-based bolts. Although their movements are slow, they are menacing if left alone. They will stalk the enemy until one of four things happen: 1) confirmed destruction of enemies, 2) destruction of self, 3) a commanding drone undoes the code, or 4) it is forced to stop. Unfortunately, provision 3 is impossible upon Ragol due to unknown circumstances. The drones were informed of an intrusion code, and with no master computer to access and stop them all, they will continue to operate in their respective manners.

Sinow Gold are similar to Sinow Beat in their priorities. However, what sets them apart is their ability to aid in natural repairs of the drones in their immediate vicinity, something that is noticeably similar to the technique Resta. They are often found in the front lines with their abilities that are more superior than almost any other security drone available. They move faster than Sinow Beats and their primary goal is to assassinate in the midst of chaos. They are not deployed to pacify the enemy and are always lethal. When alone, they are still effective as a solo enemy.

Apparently, Ohgun was always firing his bazooka at the Sinow Gold's direction. Although it is dodging his shots, it is still effective due to it being unable to heal its subordinates. Reiz was always in the knick of time when a Canadine is about to strike me, slashing at each that dared to attack me. At least I know that Reiz is with us this time. I wonder about that fight we had earlier against her. It did not seem like she was as effective as that other time. In fact, she seemed slower. Was her memory related to her effectiveness as a fighter? If so, what was her motivation? Or was there even any?

The Canadine appeared to be swift and required patience to eliminate. I was backed against the wall with Calai still on my back. I did not want to put her at risk of being harmed. She is known to hide her true emotions or if there is something affecting her. Calai... I will protect her this time.

Then, I saw Reiz dashing across the field to assist Ohgun from the Canadine. However, I soon found myself accompanied by two that prevented me from running after her. They began shocking the air, as they approached me. I soon found myself cornered with no way to run. I am sorry, Calai, but I have to do this!

I dropped her into the corner and lunged forward with a Saber at hand, slashing at the nearest one. It was destroyed in one swing, evidently damaged by Reiz earlier but my left arm took a bolt of electricity at the process, paralyzing my whole left arm and to the base of my neck. I could still move but my ability to balance myself was impaired. It was hard enough to even stand! I turned to find the Canadine heading toward Calai. I stumbled a little, feeling the shortages throughout my body, and then did a clumsy attempt of a lunge toward the Canadine. I swung when it was in range but it shifted itself out of the way. No... Calai! Block!

Suddenly, Calai moved forward and tackled me back with enough force to keep me standing. Then, she shifted me aside with an arm around me and fired one of the Twin Gatling pistols at the Canadine. I soon found myself disarmed and my arm holding onto Calai for dear life. Something inside me felt vulnerable. I felt so weak. Then again, it is expected. I am a civilian. I am not supposed to be fighting.

"Are you okay?"

I looked up to find Calai talking to me. How dare she? She knows I am not okay! I tried to push her away from me but she seized my left arm and pulled it to her. She then pressed... Wait... No! This is not time to be romantic! I pulled my left arm away from her and held it against my chest.

"Looks like you're okay now," she chuckled. Afterwards, she dashed by me and joined Ohgun and Reiz in their own fight.

I am... Wait... I am okay. I moved my left arm around and moved my neck around. My movements were restored. I know that it should have been restored in no time but this was way too quick. Calai, what did you do?

I soon found Calai acting as a Vanguard as well with her Twin Brand armed. Calai and Reiz moved about Ohgun in such an organized fashion whereas Ohgun kept eliminating targets one after another with ease. That is how military CASTs should act. I am far from that organized. I do not even know the standard formations. I know that I will mess up eventually when everyone relied on me. I cannot take that burden. I cannot take that chance!

"Being a whiny bitch again?"

Lucky? I looked over my shoulder to find him gliding in a depressed manner. "I am sorry."

"Don't be. Besides, take a look again."

I did as he said. "What now?"

"Can you see that they are struggling?"

They looked fine to me. I kept watching until Calai slipped on the floor. Reiz then compensated for her action and slashed at a Canadine that was close to striking her. The Canadine dodged just in time and went back into evasion mode. The Sinow Gold then lunged at Ohgun. He barely took a scratch on his plating as he moved out of its way. Wait... He is supposed to have armor attached to him. That must mean he is weakening.

Everyone is doing what they can to survive, trying to do their best for each other. I glanced at my armor rating on my inventory, finding them slightly damaged but still at an optimal range.

"Yes. Feel it within you. You want to help them. You can be more than a civilian. You can be a savior. Help them."

I wanted to believe in Lucky. "... But what if I--?"

"Don't think. Just do. If you want to save them, do it."

I checked my inventory but found only my Saber and Autogun as the most effective for combat. How else could I fight? How can I save the ones I care about just by such weak weapons? "I can't..."

"Oh, you're forgetting something. I'm a MAG."

... How have I been so oblivious to that fact? Time to recall the incantations that Calai recited upon her Photon Blast training. How does it go? I raised my hand up to the air and recited, "Oh creature from the depths of the restless waves, grant me the power to rend my enemy through!" All senses of ambient noises become nullified, leaving my focus only on the enemies swarming about the three. I then pointed my finger in the direction of the enemies. "Estlla!"

Upon the cry of its name, a fish-like creature appeared. It had a divine appearance with its glossy colors and its intense, vivid colors like that of a rainbow surging all about its body. It launched out from over my shoulder and managed to eliminate the Canadine and the Gilchics upon one pass. In fact, they seemed to have vanished into a void. After the fish-like creature disappeared into the distance, all noises returned. The scene was back to how it was, but it seemed the Sinow Gold was still on the field. Calai, Ohgun, and Reiz seemed to be bewildered about what happened but they returned focus onto the Sinow. Thank goodness... I was able to contribute after all.

"You do know you don't have to recite all that mumbo-jumbo, right?"

"Huh?" I looked over my shoulder to find Lucky spinning. "What do you mean?"

"All you have to do is raise your hand up and then point as you say a zodiac name. Pretty cool, though."

"Huh..." I folded my arms and thought about the instructions that Daddy provided for Calai. Maybe Daddy wanted there to be a type of majestic summon to Photon Blasts. "I need to let Daddy know that."

"Probably a good idea."

Before long, it seemed that Calai and Reiz were able to trap the Sinow for Ohgun's bazooka to blast it. When it was downed, Reiz lunged forward and slashed a few times to completely eliminate the enemy. Thank goodness. No one was severely harmed.

"Well!" Calai laughed. "It seemed we got some help somehow."

Ohgun consumed a Monomate as Reiz said, "Yes." She glanced at me and then looked away.

Ohgun sighed. "Seriously, it's crazy how that fight turned out. I thought we were going to have a few casualties at the least."

I joined them at the center of the room. Calai noticed me and asked, "Hey, and where were you?"

... Huh? "I was in the corner the whole time."

Ohgun rubbed the back of his head. "Oh. Right. She's a civilian."

Right... I am a civilian. I am not supposed to be in these affairs. I cannot...

Calai slammed a fist against his chest, where the Sinow Gold slashed him. "She's better than any old civilian! How else could she still be standing here!?"

Ohgun sighed. "You're right." He patted my head. "Sorry about that."

Huh? Daddy? I looked up to Ohgun, seeing him staring back at me. No... He cannot be Daddy. However, Ohgun did pat my head like Daddy. Daddy... Hmm....

"Am I doing something bad?" Ohgun asked Calai.

Calai muttered, "She likes it when anyone pats her head."

"I do not!" I roared. Suddenly, a hand slammed down on my head. It caused static to my senses for a while. Then, I was forced to turn toward Reiz, who seemed to be rubbing my head with this serious look on her face. "What are you doing?"

Reiz turned to Calai and said, "I confirm that she does not like me patting her head."

Calai laughed. "Oh, Reiz. You have to be gentle." She then came to her and... Wha...!? "Y'know... Kind of get a little close and make her want to be your little sister."

I pressed a hand to my face. If this keeps up, Reiz will be as--if not more--perverted than Calai. Maybe when things settle down, I will teach her proper manners. There are better things than fighting and teasing your comrades.

Several hours later, it seemed that we were almost reaching our destination. Calai has been chatting with Reiz and managed to uncover this much from her: her former operation was a medical assistant, but for some reason that she did not want to uncover, she was discarded. Thus, when she was recovered by the military in a different shell, her main operation was to carry out the OPSS. Somewhere in the process of her lost memories, it is safe to assume that she had installed SOUL with her previous memory data transferred directly, which made a lot of sense. Most language use data that is transferred directly from an older operating system to SOUL had a tendency to fragment for some reason. In the case of my language data being transferred into Reiz, it already had SOUL integration data patched into the language use, thus her being able to use most of my words. How she speaks is similar but how she used her words were different.

"Hey."

I looked up to find Ohgun talking to me. "How may I help you?" I asked.

"You're operating in the same OS as your sister, right?"

I looked forward as I scanned through my database. "I know mine. However, I only know that she has SOUL operating on her. Is something the matter with me?"

He shook his head. "No, it's not that. It's your sister whom I feel is different."

"You are one to talk."

"I mean it. She is too much like an Organic. The way she talks and moves is byfar unique."

"Is that so?" I looked at Calai and Reiz, seeing that Calai was leaning forward with a wide, toothy smile and her hands gripping beside her. Reiz was simply walking forward with her arms swinging to her sides and her head only turned to face Calai. When I look up to Ohgun, I find him doing the same. "Is it the complexity of her expressions that take your interest."

He looked forward. "You might be right. I take it that you made direct links with her as well?"

"Huh? ... Uh..." I noticed my hand feeling a lock of hair. I immediately whipped it down to my side. "D-does it show?"

He leveled himself to my head and quietly asked, "You do know it is considered taboo to do it under most circumstances, correct?"

"Uh...!?" I glanced at Calai and back to Ohgun, realizing that I was feeling a lock of my hair again. Wait... That is what Calai does when she is nervous. Oh no...! "P-please, don't misunderstand. We only did it because there was an error in my data. We had no console for her to operate with, either. It was necessary as well, I swear!"

Ohgun straightened himself upright as he kept walking. "Then again, most new-types are doing that recently. I understand that we are in a crisis but it is still a taboo. We cannot do it unless completely necessary." He sighed. "I guess we'll have to discuss this matter at the next meeting. For your sake, I will highly suggest that you will not link with your sister until I tell you what provisions were made."

Hesitantly, I nodded. In fact, I do not know why I hesitated. I agree that I should not do it again. However, it is also the only way I could get to know Calai. I do not know her otherwise. She keeps so many secrets from me.

We kept heading toward wherever Ohgun was leading us. Calai seemed willing to cooperate with him. In fact, she appeared to be carefree about him leading us all. Then again, after knowing her for so long, maybe that is a trick as well. Maybe I should stay alert.

"We're here," Ohgun announced to us.

Calai fell silent that instant whereas Reiz had been silent the whole time. There was a laser gate with a Canane in its observation mode. A Canane is similar to a Canadine in structure and function. However, the major differences are that it is a red variant and usually accompanied by eight Canadine. Also, the Canane almost never attacks. It always instructs its followers into complex formations and the sort. This Canane was alone, which is already a bit odd.

Upon approaching it, Ohgun opened a wireless channel and the Canane accessed his data. After a while, it activated a void and disappeared. It appeared nothing was around us, but for some reason, it felt like we were still being watched. The low-pitched hum of the laser gate felt like it was percussing my body. I dared not to even take a glance about me. What if the group is actually heavily militaristic? The suspense began to make me feel jittery.

After some time, one of the doors at the other side of the rectangular room opened. There, a massive RAcast--black, polished, and gleaming eyes of piercing purple--approached us. He had a majestic magenta cape that flapped along every step and every step quaked the floor. He was so tall that even our tall Ohgun had to look up. Is he the leader? He came out to greet us without even a guard? Is he really that powerful? Wait... Black? Gleaming eyes of purple...?

"John!"

All of our attention shifted to a female Newman, who apparently seemed to have been chasing him. She had a jade-green pea coat that covered down to her knees and jet-black boots. Hm? Wait...

"John, you got one of the curtains stuck on you again. Honestly, I'm starting to think that--" Her attention shifted to us, but me in particular. "Are you... Fortuna?"

Ciello? What is she doing here? I thought she went back to Pioneer 2. Wait, had we been traveling around for that long? I began questioning whether the internal clock is accurate.

"What happened to embarrassing me in front of new people?" John said in a piercing manner. He looked at us, but Calai in particular. "Well, one of them isn't."

"It's good to see you alive and well," Calai said. I was surprised of her calm, soothing tone. I looked over to her to find her smile not one like that of her wildcat personality.

I then looked over to John, seeing that he was looking at me. If I do recall correctly, he planned on abandoning me back in the caves. However, he at least helped Calai in saving some CASTs. By this, I could find some comfort in forgiving him. John inputted something in his arm guard, having the laser gate deactivate.

With this, John stood aside and motioned for us to pass by. Ciello immediately clung onto my arm when I was about to pass by her. "I can't believe it's you! I heard so much about you from Ciel. She said that there was this awesome Caseal whom had this scary look on her face but was as kind as a singing Rappy."

"Ciel?"

"Oh. Right." She moved away from me with her arms behind her. "Umm... I guess she didn't say that she had a younger sister, huh?"

Younger? You two look the same! In fact, it is hard to distinguish an Organic from another. "How is your sister?" I asked.

"Oh. She died."

I shifted my attention to her in awe. "What happened?"

The Newman beside me shook her head. "She didn't really last long after she arrived on Pioneer 2. Jean didn't look good either. When I got to the hospital, her wound apparently reopened, but it was ultimately unrepairable. Apparently, if it were not the internal bleeding that would kill her, it would be her reaching the end of her life span." She looked forward, showing her woes on the matter. "You know how we Newmen have a variable lifespan, correct? Apparently, she was overdue for a month prior to her death. She was having flesh transplants almost weekly due to her body tending to want to rapidly decay for some reason, and Jean was there to help with money."

I looked away from her. "How was the burial rite?"

"There wasn't any."

Awestruck, I wanted to inquire more. I asked her what happened but it seemed she was not willing to answer any other questions. I glanced over to Calai, seeing that she was actively listening to her. Calai stepped over to Ciello's sister's left side and held her hand.

"What is your name?"

She gave a deep sight--probably to vent--and finally said to Calai, "Violla." She gave a disheartened smile. "Our father was a musician and loved string instruments. It's rather funny, isn't it?"

"It sounds funny," Calai joked.

Violla laughed. "It sure does."

This part is usually when Calai takes control of the person of interest. She is usually good at interacting with depressed folks, mostly because of her enlightening attitude. As for me, I seem to lack that luster.

Ohgun stopped the group. "Well, here's where we register ourselves." He held his hand out to a tube that stood up to my shoulders. "All you have to do as CASTs is


--DATA FRAGMENTED--

--ERROR--

--ERROR--

--CANNOT COMPL_

[yoshiblue]

Woooo! Arc updated!

[ARChan]

I'm still around. Just quite busy with IRL stuff ^^; I'll be adding some time soon. Don't know when though XD

[yoshiblue]

Its all good. I await the next update.

[ARChan]

--RECORDING--

How long has it been since I last made a record? I could not really remember. The time stamps on the previous records were tampered with, thus the display of dates that they were modified. Also, I seemed to have become desynchronized with the Pioneer Standard Time. It was most infuriating.

It has been a while since the administrators enabled records. So, I will state what has happened according to what I remember.

First of all, I do remember waking up in my room. Yes, it is the very room that was issued to me in Pioneer 2. There was no mistake about it. It is simply a capsule inside a closet space, but really, it will suffice. After all, Daddy spent numerous hours to create this capsule just for me. It is a recharge station, record compiler, file reinforcement and updater, and defragmenter. My systems confirmed every operation. Oh, also, in the exterior space of the closet, there was enough space to brew some tea or coffee.

Secondly, Daddy has been out for some kind of business trip. In fact, it has been quite some time since he last sent a letter to me, but that is fine. His business is his own. Where is he? I cannot confirm that. Confidential information if I knew. Still, Daddy is Daddy. No matter what I do, I cannot seem to keep up with his inspirations.

Thirdly, it was almost as if the events of the OPSS never existed. Humans, Newmans, and Humanoids--the new term for "Androids"--seem to coexist with only the same conflicts occuring. In fact, crime rates have been severely reduced for some odd reason.

Fourthly, we are restricted from using the portal to the surface of Ragol. In fact, Pioneer 2 is not even within the planet's orbit but in hyperspace. We do not know where we are headed, but I am quite sure Sir Principal knows where we are headed.

Finally... In regards to Calai and me...

"Are you done for the day?"

I looked up to Calai as she crawled into my capsule with me. She laid down beside me with a smile. I said in reply, "Only maintenance is needed around the house, and you know that I do this task quickly."

She rolled onto her side and said, "We have only a few hours before work calls me back."

True, and without Daddy around, there was no need to buy groceries. I looked up to her to find her hand already grasping one of my cables and directly linking with me. She held her link cable between us for me to take. I could feel our body temperatures already heating the capsule.

"We should stop..." She pressed her link cable to my lips and she scooted herself closer to me. Her legs were already tangling with mine. "W-wait... Calai. Please, listen...!"

She pressed her forehead against mine with the tips of our noses barely touching. What is she going to do? No... She should not dare. We are sisters. We are girls. No...! Please!

"Just kidding."

I felt my link cable coil back to me. After that, Calai backed a little with that annoying smile of hers. What? How dare she! ... Again! I rolled onto my side so my back was to her. However, I soon felt her move close again. I turned a little but Calai stopped me from turning and held a palm to my face so that I could not look behind me.

She said to me, "You and I will stay together forever, and forever, I will never do anything that you will not like. So, please, remember me when you are in trouble."

I turned to look at her but she suddenly crawled on me again. As I laid on my back, she pressed her head onto my shoulder and laid herself comfortably. Yes, this is how it usually ends every day whenever Daddy is not around. Since Humanoids only sleep to reboot or recharge their batteries, there are days that a Humanoid would simply stay still and simply keep in standby mode. One as such is the day of this recording. I am being recharged by simply lying in this capsule. My data is still fine and does not require a reboot.

"Calai?"

Silence... I glanced down to find her eyes shut, her breaths deep and quiet. I stared at her face. This artificial epithelial exterior looks so much like a Human. It even feels like one. Her cheeks are warm. Her skin is so smooth. Her lips are so soft. Her eyes are so blue. Wait...

"Sis? What're you doing?"

"Admiring your face," I simply said. However, her body temperature rose. "Calai, were you feigning sleep?"

"Y-you touch me when I'm sleeping!? Such a perv!"

"Says the one who feigns sleep just to be admired."

Calai thrusted herself upright but her head collided with the hatch. As she rubbed her head, she said, "T-that's besides the point! Why don't you touch me when I'm awake?"

I glanced away. "That sure sounded perverted."

Calai flipped herself so her back was toward me. I grinned and rolled onto my side with my back to her, waiting for time to pass by.

"You remember that boy?" Calai suddenly asked. "As I was walking home, I saw him being bullied by some Humanoids. Before I could do anything, he suddenly wooped them good. It totally surprised me."

It was not really surprising when I thought about it. That boy has a metal case with purely organic major organs; a cyborg to be accurate. Due to harsh circumstances before that left him a paraplegic, I funded him to have that situation rectified. Since then, Humanoids have been writing and sending threats to me for helping a Human.

"Sis," Calai said, "how come you helped this boy? Isn't it--?"

"Do I have to explain myself, again?" I have told Calai numerous times before that I thought bullying is always wrong and that the boy needed help in more ways than what he can do by himself.

"Sis?"

I remained quiet, but she knew that I was listening. She gave a few moments of silence, making even me nervous. My finger coiled around some hair that was over my face.

"Please don't see that boy anymore." Before I could interject, she said, "Don't you know what the Humanoids are plotting? They're trying your hand, Sis. They're going to lynch the boy. If they find you coming to his aid, it'll--"

"Is this why you were so playful just now?"

"W-well..."

"Leave me be."

"Please, Sis. Consider what I said. Please. Don't do this to me. I want you to be... Oh, Sis...!"

The hatch opened and I stepped out of bed. Calai snatched my hand to stop me but I whipped it away from her. I could not bear to look at her. She is so pathetic. Why do I have to waste time with her? She should just be tossed into the scrap heep she was taken up from and rust away.

"Sis!"

As I was walking to the front doors, Calai then appeared in front of me with her arms out, preventing me from coming by. She had this look of desperation on her face. I stared at her for a while to test how determined she was. In fact, she had a hard time trying to look at me in the eyes. Pathetic. When I moved, her gestures then strengthened. Her gestures were solid. Calai...

"Don't go out. At least not yet. They're going to lynch the kid any moment now, and if you go, they might--"

I shoved her aside and accessed the Visiphone at the entrance of the residence. I then input the child's name and tried calling him. After five or so rings, he still did not answer. Usually, he was prompt about receiving calls from me. Then, I checked his registered information, seeing that he was in his residence. I immediately knew something was wrong.

As I was turning, Sis had something pointed at my face. A... A Handgun? Here? I thought weapons were not accessible in Pioneer 2 unless with a license to wield arms. These licenses were only available during times of emergencies via Visiphone, a guild, or direct authorization from the military. If going against this rule, the body will undergo trauma. If the wielder killed someone, the wielder will then collapse where he or she stands.

I looked up to Sis, seeing her wincing with her teeth clenched. Her body temperature was skyrocketing to the point that I could see ripples in the air.

I can see this will require a lot of thought. I will record the results when all is decided.


--END RECORDING--

[ARChan]

--RECORDING--

"Hey, Sis. It's good to see you out of the house finally."

I was glancing around me, seeing the tall structures of buildings to my left and right with glowing lamps representing the road for cars to glide among them. I was walking on the raised platform upon one of the smaller buildings representing the general market.

Calai directed me here to give my opinion on a new set of Humanoid fashion parts that went on sale today. However, there was a key thing that made me reject this new bit of fashion: fetish. Yes. Fetish. Considering that a vast majority of Organics are interested in female breasts and the fact that the full-body part appeared to have the flesh of any other Organic, I was considering Daddy's concern about having a heavily-endowed body in the house. Rather than being aroused by it, he would simply flick at it and smack it whenever he has the chance. You see, although he likes seeing things jiggle, he does not agree with this on a living creature.

"It will be an inconvenience after the creature hits after 30 years anyway," he said, although the context applied to Human years. Newman years are variable and usually signficantly shorter than a Human for some reason, thus making their "age of sag"--as Daddy would call it--sooner. Well, to be more exact, convenience was all he asked for. That was what Mommy apparently had: "Natural beauty with no additives or things to mask her deformities," Daddy said happily in a recording I viewed one time. He was a man of truth and facts. Unfortunately, the lighting was inconveniently placed. I have to admit that Daddy is the worst to handle cameras. There was a time when I attended a conference with Daddy leading a recording of a new invention and a conference member vomited due to how much movement the camera had. Because of this, I took up a rigorous training course on how to properly handle a camera. Calai attempted this much, but she decided it was best to leave it to someone "less fidgety."

As I was window shopping for clothes that Daddy could wear, I saw Sis doing her usual bargaining to reduce the price of a dress she would never wear. I doubt she realizes that our body parts are unable to remove most sections except for accessory parts like our skirts and sleeve additions. Also, the outfit she was planning to buy was for larger-breasted women with round hips. I shifted my focus to my reflection, seeing that I was feeling a lock of hair that I braided today. I honestly cannot comprehend why I thought I should do it, but it was infuriating when Calai said "Beautiful as ever" instead of focusing on the new change of style I attempted. Why should I even care? She is often blind to these things anyway.

I doubt that Calai would mind where I go, knowing that she is taking her sweet time with this store clerk. I departed from the shop and stepped into a portal at the center of the market. I inputed my destination and teleported to a factory. Basically, there are three major branches of hospitals for Humans, Newmans, and Humanoids: clinics, temples, and factories respectively. Each kind is specified for each kind of race, though each type of hospital have simple means of tending to the other races that happen to be sent their way.

In this factory, that boy was transferred here from the clinic. I am a volunteer for the three kinds of hospitals and it was this boy's turn to be visited. Since it was midday, there were numerous Humanoids of different sorts doing their rounds in the hallway. Some were simply becoming accustomed to new parts. Others were chatting among each other. Several others were using cyberneting games to undo the stiffness in the factory. However, as I ventured deep into a section of the factory, I noticed this typical hospital setting was nonexistent. I quickly turned to look behind me only to find some Humanoids turning away or seeming to have their attention elsewhere. I knew this welcomeness to be fake.

You see, this boy is Human. Well, partially Human, to be exact. It would be easy to visually mistake this boy as a Humanoid, which is why he was transferred here for his safety, but it is not easy to fool a Humanoid. Each Humanoid emits a unique frequency, making them easy to identify if the frequencies can be distinguished. When putting this into an Organic's sense of distinguishing individuals, each frequency is like the distinguishing factors with an Organic. Even though an Organic can call a Humanoid beautiful, if the frequency is not compatible with the Humanoid distinguishing it, the emitter is ugly. In this sense, to a vast number of Humanoids, I am ugly.

Considering this, the Humanoids who watched me pass by were possibly jeering or commenting how ugly I emit. I suppose this is another reason why I was issued to tend to this boy. Codename: BROM, or Boy Resurrected by Ordinary Machinery. Yes, ordinary machinery. There were rare cases of Humans being compatible with mechanical organs, and Brom is one of them.

At the end of a hallway as if caging a monster, a warning fence blocked my way. I passed through with little regard, only to find a nursing assistant glance out from the distant nursing station. Well, this warning fence was mostly a child barrier to give warning of someone crossing.

The last few doors were empty except the one at the very end. I entered this occupied residence. Suddenly, I jumped to the side.

"Oh. Brom. Refrain from startling me like that."

Just to my right when stepping into the room, stood the boy. He was a head-size shorter than me. He wore a hospital tunic. Now... I could see the mechanical parts being exposed through what appeared to be flesh. Really, this flesh was an artificial applicant. However, it was evident that this applicant was being rejected by Brom's body parts again.

"The same things as usual," I informed as Brom came to me and led me to a chair next to the bed. There was a table that had food, but it seemed as if it was left there for some time. I then shifted my sights to a corner, seeing a deposit of food rotting in a waste basket. I hardly find that to be anything close to satisfying. Seeing as how the nursing staff were neglecting this boy, I decided to take the liberty of cleaning the room. The nursing facility should pay for neglecting him. Even if I notify someone, the accusation will only be glanced over and discarded. After all, intimacy between two different races was considered to be taboo. If Humans and Newmans are not allowed to pursue intimate relationships, the same would basically apply to Humans and Humanoids. The story of this one Newman falling in love with a Computer AI caused a wave of riots and believers that this wall of a taboo should be exterminated. The story did not really interest me, but Calai kept talking about it and wanted to discuss our point of views. It was utmost disturbing.

"Oh," I said as I turned to Brom. "Are you sure? I mean..." I felt along a lock of my hair. "I am a Humanoid. I am nothing like a real woman." I came to Brom's bedside, seeing him move aside for me to lie down next to him. "Brom..." He beckoned me to come to him. That stare... "Okay, if you insist that much."

I removed my accessory parts so they will not be crushed and slid under Brom's blanket. I held myself up with an arm upright from the bed and watched Brom snuggle against me. His eyes closed as he was asking for me to sing a lullaby. I guess I should, since I have done this much. So, I started humming quietly to him a song I heard while I was walking in the mall a week back. What was that song called again? Can Still See the Light? The one sung by Loren. I do not remember the lyrics though.

As I was humming the song, I saw Brom slowly drift off to sleep. I did not realize I was feeling his cheek and sometimes running my fingers through his short hair. Upon realizing this, I thought about stopping myself, but instead, I just smiled.

Brom... I do not know why but this boy is making me unfamiliar to myself. Everything I am doing is not like me. I would normally just do as said without consideration or guessing myself. I do not know why people should hate this boy. He is so full of love and wants to be with someone.

"S-Sis...?"

I looked over my shoulder to find Calai standing at the door with her arms gripping each other. I turned back to Brom, trying to hide the smile I cannot put away for some reason.

"Done shopping?" I rudely asked.

She sat next to the bed and said, "You should've at least told me you were leaving." Then, she touched my hand. I snatched it back to myself.

"How did you know I was here?"

She played with her hair as she said, "It's not that hard to find you if I know your visiting schedule, y'know."

I turned to find that she opened a document of my visiting hours with specific residents. Wait, that is supposed to be classified! "How did you get that?"

Calai moved close and whispered to me, "I happened to get it when we last linked together. Remember?"

My body temperature rose. "C-could you not...!"

Calai gave a small laugh and sat back on the stool. "I know. I know." She glanced over to Brom. "So, this is the thing that this factory is trying to hide."

"He is not a thing!" I roared as I stood upright with my hands clenched.

"Oh?" She felt along a lock of hair as she glanced to the window with the called blinds. "And what makes you think--"

Suddenly, I moved forward and pushed her, roaring "Get out!" We both met outside with me slamming Brom's door behind me. "What are--?"

A blinding pop resounded as a massive sting took my senses over. I pressed a hand over where it hurt, only to then realize that Calai slapped me. She slapped me!

"Get to your senses, Sis!" she pled. "Don't you even know what people do to those who cared for him? It's not just Organics. There're Humanoids too!"

"How about you educate me 'what people do,' Calai? Apparently, I do not understand the point you are trying to make."

She stared at me, seeming to be heartbroken. She shook her head and came close to me. "J-just..." I stood still, waiting for her to say something. "I... I'll be waiting for you. Please, be careful." With that, she turned and walked through the surveilance barrier to finally leave my peripheral vision.

I stood in my position, feeling a lock of hair. Some time has passed by when I soon realized I was standing dumb in the middle of the hallway. I could see eyes wonder to me and off once again. I had an idea as to what Calai was trying to warn me about but found solace in being in a hospital. No moral person would dare harm a client, right?

I came into the hospital room. The moment I stepped in forward, I soon noticed Brom standing just behind the open door. He does have that bad habit of doing that. I attempted a smile and ruffled his hair.

"They would not dare," I muttered aloud, but more to myself. Then, I said to him, "I thought you are tired." I held my hand out for him to take. I led him to the bedside but was stopped when a person knocked at the door. I forgot I left the door open.

"You're with him again?" a Cast with a calming tone asked. He is a tall, sleek Cast meant for negotiations and not combat. Simply put, an advocate. He even has clothes on as if he was an Organic. His outfit was a clean business outfit of grey, white dress shirt, and a black necktie.

I asked, "What are you doing here, Richard?"

Richard came in and closed the door behind him. "Just making sure you're doing well," he said as he fixed his necktie. "By the way, I saw your sister earlier. Did something happen?"

"What are you doing here, Richard?" I repeated but in a more sharp manner.

He sighed. "As careful for your sister, as ever. Anyway, straight to the point." He came to me and delivered a microchip. "You should read through this, considering that you are now his guardian."

I looked up to Richard. "W-what?"

"His parents are deceased and his previous guardians disowned him after knowing you were visiting this boy quite frequently, and quite well, may I add."

I glanced through the document in the microchip but did not really pay attention to the fine print. "What is the summary?"

"You are now decisive of what happens to this boy. However, you should also consider this right here." He points to the hologram and slid his finger through it, leaving a circle around a passage. "'Because this boy has no legalized parents, should you decide to become a guardian with residence shifted to yours, his current benefits will then be implemented into yours free of charge for one Pioneer year.' Basically, you're going to have compensation until--"

"You do realize I am a CAST," I interrupted. "My insurances are nonexistent, since my repairs are done by my owner. My benefits are barely even able to supply a pet. What does he have active as of now and for how long?"

Richard swiped a finger in the air and a document appeared. "Oh. Well, since his parents are formerly military, the retirement benefits and healthcare plans are applied upon him. That means 1,000 Meseta per two weeks and endangerment healthcare plans that cover hospital, dental, and transportation costs. These benefits are pretty much set for life and cannot be passed onto another individual." He swiped at the document, having it vanish. "Well, if you think about it, I highly suggest against taking him into your home. His current residence is a suite, and his previous guardians did not take him in either. Sure, he can visit your home, though."

I looked over to Brom, seeing him staring out the closed window. "What do you think, Brom?"

He glanced at Richard and then looked away again.

I looked up to Richard. He folded his arms and nodded. "I see," he said. "I'll let you think about it more. I will attempt to postpone the deadline. While that is happening--" He handed me a microchip. As I accessed it, he continued. "--you will have to sign this. It is proof that we have met and you are to be only my client unless if I am deceased or our business has been completed. Our 'business' being completed will be another document after the first one I gave you. I highly suggest you two attempt to decide as soon as possible and create a mutual decision."

"And if someone were to knock on my door and attempt to decide business with me in regards to Brom?"

Richard chuckled. "You should just have them call me."

"If the person refuses?"

"Call me. I'll do something about it. Just be sure to snap a screenshot of the person. Your model can send visual information instantly, correct?" I knew he meant my head type and nodded. "Okay. Be sure to put me into a shortcut. I could just--" I sent him a screenshot of himself. "Har har. Very funny."

I came to him with my hands held together at my waistline. "Why are you so helpful?"

He cleared his throat and looked away. "Well, I think I said too much. Anyway, be sure to--"

I slapped my hands on his head and forced him to face me. "What makes you think I will let you go?" I interrogated with a glare.

Richard shoved me away suddenly. His emitions are scattered and inconsistent for some reason. Panic. Quite noticeable from one CAST to another.

"I'll leave you two alone... I... I'll go."

I paced after him out the door. I did not receive my answer yet. Suddenly, he stepped into another room before the barrier. I followed him in. I closed the door behind me, finding the room empty when excluding us two.

"You have no idea how much trouble I'm getting over this case," he said. "I'm honestly not good with this kind of pressure, y'know?"

"What is happening?" I demanded.

"I... I couldn't say it--that his host family was murdered. I mean..." He abruptly turned to me. "I know too much about this boy."

I folded my arms. "Oh?"

He shook his head and looked away. "I've been on the boy's case for quite some time, and you should've seen him when he discovered his biological parents were deceased. It was just..." He pressed a hand to his forehead. I noticed he does that when he is trying to reorganize his thoughts. No matter. I need to know the facts. "He's a sweet boy, really."

"How come you do not take him instead?"

"I can't do that. That's considered fraternizing with my client, and it'll give me a bad rating as an advocate. I have to know my limits and be impartial to all of my clients."

"Sometimes, doing your job breaks you away from doing what is--" I noticed him tightly gripping face with his fingers coming close his antenna. "Richard. Stop what you are doing."

Suddenly, he froze. His head rose to look at me, only to realize what he was doing. "O-oh. Right. That would have been bad."

His head model is a standard issue for signifying a legitimized advocate. That thin antenna is easy to break for the sole purpose of defense. Once it is broken, it releases a distress signal for the nearest police station to react accordingly.

A moment of silence came between us, but it seemed we were coming to a mutual understanding of each other. We both want to take care of Brom. However, he cannot do that due to his job and civilian classification whereas I can. I am classified to be a caregiver; a butler. I...

"By the way," Richard said, "nice braid. Looks good on you."

I hate this Humanoid.


--END RECORDING--

[CelestialBlade]

Just wanted to say that this is one of the fanfics on this site that's kinda inspired my own writings. I like the short bursts of story you get with each post rather than one long story you're trying to digest all at once, and the log-entry format is pretty cool. Helps you identify with the characters a bit more. Keep it up and I look forward to more; hopefully I'll have my own started here in a few days!

[ARChan]

--RECORDING--

"Don't go...!"

I narrowed my sights. This Caseal before me... If she were really Calai, would she ever hold a weapon to me? I could see her barely keeping herself upright with her body overheating and that Handgun straight at me. I could see her swooning slightly. It was until then did I realize that delaying time would only cause more troubles.

---

How should I approach this? All I could think of was my behavior to Calai on Ragol.

[Recall your answers in the previous decisive moments. Did you receive more letters or numbers? If you received more letters, proceed through A. If you received more numbers, proceed through B. If you have an equal number of letters and numbers, pick either.]

A.
[spoiler-box]
I stood in place, taking occasional glances at her hands quivering. "Calai," I said, "stop this foolishness."

"I'm trying to save your life!"

Your voice was hoarse and strained. I could hear the rattling of your hands as you struggled to hold onto the Handgun. I trust you, Calai. I know you can make the right choice. I looked up to you, seeing that you were trying to make a decision, yourself. You bit your lip, trying to keep what sanity you could. I could see mirages sizzling all over your exterior. It was like a simple touch would set you ablaze.

"Why won't you listen to me this time?"

I saw her face wrinkle, seeming as if she were about to cry. I... I am sorry, Calai. Just this once, I must do what I believe I should. I kept staring at Calai. I could see that my gaze was piercing through her. Slowly... That face started to wrinkle more and more.

Suddenly, Calai dropped her arms to her sides and her head down in defeat. The Handgun slipped out of her hand. I am glad she was able to--

A loud pop resounded in the room. Next thing I knew, I was on the floor.

[You received "z"]
[/spoiler-box]

B.
[spoiler-box]
I lunged forward. A disarm. That is what I could do quickly. I slapped her hand aside just moments before she shot it over my shoulder. I reached out, but she was able to sway away from my approach and recorrected her aim at me the moment I turned to her. I forgot. She could also react faster than I could initiate a disarm.

"Stay where you are, Sis!"

I saw her continuing to keep her composure. I could see steam puffing out of her shoulder joints. She cannot hold much longer. The ether in her body might not be able to sustain her much longer before something melts.

I approached her as gentle as I could, but I could see her panicking. I have to do something, quick!

---

[Split-second choice: Select C or D.]

C.
[spoiler-box]
I crashed myself against her and placed my hand over both of hers. Her hands were extremely hot. It was unbearable to even hold her for even a minute!

"Stop this, Calai."

"But... But if I do...! Sis! You might get hurt!"

"You can help me. That way, you can ensure I am safe."

"No! Stay here!"

"Let's go, together. We can--"

"No!!!"

A loud pop resounded in the room. I was thrown off balance as a sharp pain overtook my leg. Next thing I knew, I was on the floor. Damn it, Calai!

[You received "26"]
[/spoiler-box]

D.
[spoiler-box]
I thrusted myself to the side abruptly. As I did so, Calai shifted her aim to compensate for my action, but I whipped my arm out to her hands, smacking the Handgun away from her. The moment I heard it skidding across the floor, I dashed for it.

Suddenly, arms constricted my waist and pulled me back. Next thing I knew, I was lifted up and thrown backwards over Calai. A suplex? Since... Since when did--I collided against the wall and then came crashing down from there. I struggled to stand but my autonomic system was attempting to do checks on my essentials and body. I made a jittery stand, only to find the Handgun to Calai's side.

"I-I'm... I'm sorry..."

"Calai?"

Her body was swooning, but she was still somehow able to attempt a suplex. I have to stop her, or she might...!

"I'm so stupid."

"No, you are not."

"I should just..." She glanced at her left hand, which held the Handgun. Wait...

"No..."

She began raising it but to herself. "... just end it--"

"No! Calai!!!"

Next thing I knew, I was wrestling her arm, shoving her against wall after wall, against furniture--anything to stop her! Pops continuously resounded as I tried to overload the Handgun. I will not stop until she is away from this weapon! I whipped her hand continuously until she released it. Finally, we can--

A loud pop resounded as a green photon bolt was shot straight at my leg. What on Coral...? Next thing I knew, I was on the floor.

[You received "z"]
[/spoiler-box]
[/spoiler-box]

Calai... Calai! What...? What're you doing? You're supposed kill it! Don't make me become one of it... Please! I beg you! Kill me! Kill me now before it...!

Wait... What am I...? What is going on? A capsule... I can see glass above me. Just outside... Something is over there. It is like it is breathing. Every exhale is purple gases. I cannot identify it. What is--

CALIFORNIA. YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE DEAD!

"--s! Sis! Are you okay? Sis!"

I found myself looking at a bright light. Then, a shadow loomed over me. What's going on? For... Fortuna? Where am...? Home? I raised myself upright with my hand pressing against my head. Whoa, fucking...! What happened? My leg!

"Sis, I'm sorry! I shouldn't have...!"

I looked to my side. There was a Caseal just to my side. What is going on? You're Fortuna, but... What? What's going on?

"California?"

"What's going on?" I asked as I looked away, trying to make sense of everything. "I thought... I thought we're in a VR Link earlier." Wait... That's right! "What happened to--?"

"California!" Fortuna tackled me over onto my side, but fucking damn! Can't she see my leg is hurting!? "Dear gods of Coral! I can't believe it! It's really you!"

What? I'm really not understanding what's going on.

"Sis," I said as I stared at her. "Did we integrate too much memory or something?" I suddenly realized how blazing hot she is! "What've you been doing? You're so hot!"

Fortuna laughed. "All that doesn't matter. All that matters is you're here. We can..." That smile on her face faded. Wait... I've never seen her smile before. "Sis? Are you in there?"

What? Why's she calling me Sis? I call her Sis. I'm really not understanding what's going on right now.

"Sis!" Fortuna yelled as she gripped my shoulders. She was really saying it to me. What's going on? Did some data fragment when we last linked? "Sis, please...! Say something!"

"Uh... H-hi?"

She pressed her forehead against my shoulder. Something happened. The time... Wait... If I had not mistaken, my time leaped forward five years. What have I been doing in all these years? Who's this "Sis" that Fortuna called? Why is my leg all messed up?

I patted her head. "Hey, why're you being such a retard? Stop it or I'll kiss you."

"Don't joke like that," she said. "My head's already been messed up beyond what you can think."

"Oh?" I said in a challenging manner, pressing a finger under her chin. "Think I can fix your boo-boo with a kiss?"

She looked up to me with such uncertainty. She sure has become rather expressive after all these years. Quite honestly, it's not really fun trying to crack her anymore. Well... since all isn't chaotic, I guess I should try to take advantage of what's going on now.

I scurried my fingers against her waist. I she came forward onto me, just like old times I guess, her within my embrace. Five years, huh? I guess that's enough to make anyone feel nostalgic. Her eyes eased to a distant stare, neither smiling nor sad. Yes... This is Fortuna.

"Did you miss me?" I asked.

She scoffed. "Why would I? I knew you would be back someday."

"I take that as a yes."

She pushed back but had her head bowed. "You have not changed one bit."

I fixed her bangs so I could see her eyes. Then, I felt her face. "You've changed quite a bit." I smiled. "You seem more cute now. Huggable--"

"Shut up," she muttered as her eyes shied away even more. "You're as annoying as you were."

"Blunt as ever," I commented.

"Late to see the obvious, as usual."

"Failing to see the artistic approach of things, I see."

As we continued taking jabs at each other, our heads eventually pressed against each other with the tips of our noses touching. I guess she doesn't remember my promise--the reason why I sank into darkness.

"California?"

I looked up. "What is--?"

Suddenly, her lips connected on my cheek. She... She kissed me... She kissed me! My hand was up on my cheek as I noticed such an endearing smile on her face.

"Welcome home," she said. "I kept your room nice and tidy. However..."

I gave a nervous laugh. "This isn't home, is it?"

"Oh. You figured it out, too."

"Yeah." I felt a lock of my hair. "Father should be calling in by now, considering he's not home yet. Also... I got this weird vision of me in a capsule. I think I saw something just outside the glass window. It was breathing purple stuff."

"No." That smile on her face faded. "That is not a vision. That organic material is D-factor, the very material that infected your former body." She felt her arm. "It concerns me of what happens if we eject out of our capsules."

The same material that infected me? "So... we're trapped?"

Fortuna looked up to me and then away. "I hate to admit it, but yeah, we are."

This situation is really starting to piss me off. If that is the case, what is the eject function? It does not seem like the kind of uplink is like the standard type between two CASTs. Maybe if I die here, I will be ejected. Scary thought, though.

"I'm glad I'm able to talk with you again," Fortuna quietly said. She stood up and held a hand out to me. "Let's get you into your capsule so you can get repaired."

I waved my hand. "No, no. I'm fine enough to--Ah, shit!" I tried to stand as I talked, but it seemed the damage was far more than I expected. Fortuna came beside me and acted as a support to lean on. I do not understand why my leg is like this.

Little by little, I limped toward my capsule. This is so real to me. I'm not infected anymore. I have full control over myself. The only one who truly knew I was affected was Fortuna. She knew me. However, in the end...

"Sis?" I said when I was laid back in my capsule. "What happened after you didn't take the shot, a long time ago?"

Fortuna gave a look of discontent. "Do not talk about that."

"Sis, tell me."

She stared at me, but she looked away. "I made a pact with Dark Falz."

Made a pact!? "W-what...? No! I told you not to do that!"

"I tried fighting it. I truly did. However..." She felt along her arm. "My right arm was torn off when it swiped at my weapon. Then, it was my legs. I was only a torso with a head and arm. My..." She ran a hand over her face. "My head was bashed in, and data was being lost. It then held me from my neck and demanded a wish from me."

"And... what...?" I was in too much shock to continue what I was about to say.

Fortuna gave me a smile and said, "I wished that I could reciprocate your feelings toward me correctly some day. I was thinking it would take my life away after giving him so much doubt and after he knew what my wish was, but it spared me."

Dark Falz... The creature--no. The essence that haunted Coral for generations after another... How come it consumed everyone except for Calai? Was it that she worshiped him? Wait... Why am I saying that I died to it? I'm alive... I think. How can something that rivals the gods be flawed in having my return? Maybe I'm not even supposed to be here. He did say that I'm supposed to be dead, after all. It... I...

...

...

... I don't want to die...

"California? California! What's wrong!?"

... What on Coral...? I cannot move. Maybe Dark Falz found me and is now breaching me. I guess Fortuna can detect my abnormality. I... I truly wanted to talk to you one more time. I remember how I died. Dark Falz had me caught in some kind of shackles and melted my body until I was only a head. That was when I was telling Calai to take the shot, to kill Dark Falz. Then...

... What? Fortuna...? I could see you so close to me, or rather the outline of you. I could feel my body numbing. My body started to feel cold. I don't understand. Why is this happening? The capsule should be taking care of this, unless if the wound inflicted onto me was located on something important like my head or the internal battery around my chest.

"California. I love you. I always loved you."

Fortuna... You dolt. I knew you did. You were just aggressively shy about expressing your feelings. I knew your feelings the last time we linked, as I'm sure you knew mine. I love you, too. My promise... If we made it out alive, I promised I would tell you--


--REBOOTING--

--PLEASE WAIT A FEW MOMENTS--

.

..

...

....

--REBOOT COMPLETE--

--INITIATING START-UP OPERATIONS--

My leg... Upon an internal scan, it was intriguing to discover that I was recovering, or rather rebooting. I fainted to something so miniscule? Weak. That is what I am and always had been. Even so, why do I try to save people? Brom... Please forgive me. I said I would protect you. I... I am useless.

"Sis?"

As machines in the capsule operated on my leg, my eyes finally parted and stared up at the ceiling. How did I...? No. I does not matter. I failed to protect a child. Pain...? Should I even be feeling it? Brom knows how it feels like, and for sure, his pain is so much more than mine.

A call from Brom. He is still alive. That is good, I guess. I glanced at Calai, seeing her staring at me. I closed the capsule hatch, and though Calai was trying to have my attention, I had gases from inside haze the window. From there, I linked myself to the capsule and connected with Brom.

Upon hearing his plea for me coming there to help him, I said, "I... I cannot... Please, stay strong." I could hear people banging on the door, trying to break it open. "I cannot even save myself... I am--"

Then, a loud crack happened. I could hear raging people charging into the room. I could hear photon blades clashing and slashing with photon bolts firing. All I could hear was chaos.

"... Brom..."

Through the visiphone, I could hear people cheering and roaring. A man said "I got the thing's head!" Rage... Why do people feel it? Can we only be happy? It is not fair. I could hear people bragging about what other body part they could scavenge from Brom. He was only a child. What has he done to people? I cannot understand why people hate him.

"We gotta tell that Humanoid what happened here. She'd be delighted!"

"Yeah! She's the one who banded us all together, and even had the police unable to tell what's going on here."

"All hail Calai!"

... Calai? They continuously cheered her name in unison. The one behind all this chaos is Calai? Calai... Why? I thought you were fine with him. They kept chanting her name like she was a god. Over and over...

The hatch of the capsule unlocked with a hiss. To my left, Calai stood there with a grin. I stared in awe. Rage... Why do I feel it? Can I only be happy? It is not fair... yet.

I recalled my link cable and threw myself onto her, tackling her down. I mounted her from her waist. I clenched my fists and raised one above my head. Come on. Say something. I swear, I will shove it back in your mouth! Say something!!! ... Calai...! Say something... Anything! Make me hate you more. I will tear you from limb to limb after you say your damn prayers. I swear, I will show you no mercy! SAY SOMETHING!!! Just say something...

Calai shifted her sights away from me. She has got to say something now. She tends to talk after her sights move away. I... Why aren't you talking? I cannot... Just say something. Explain your reasoning. Anything. I want to know. Please. Tell me.

Calai! Calai, tell me, please! Why Brom!? Stop just looking away from me! I let you go if you tell me. Please... Calai...! ... Calai!


--END RECORDING--

YOU SHALL BE RELEASED FROM YOUR PAIN.

[ARChan]

It has been a while to update the fanfic due to issues on my end. Please forgive my inconvenience.

[Zorafim]

I was about to say, I don't remember reading this one. I guess it's another one to check out when I get the chance.

[ARChan]

--RECORDING--

"Y-you! What're you doing here?"

Locked on. Firing. Target eliminated. Tsk. I should have guessed a person would annoy me. I am here in a depot under authorization of the military. I have authorization to kill if met with an enemy. I kept walking forward with a Suppressed Gun--a type of silenced handgun-type weapon. No wonder Calai liked this body. It maneuvers quite well. Compatibility is slightly above 90%. I barely use any energy to use any weapons.

I am to retrieve information of a possible scheme to attack Pioneer 2. I am to rid of any rebels I encounter in the warehouse. It should be fairly easy due to my heightened reflexes. I walked out into the light and saw a group of three Humans talking among each other. Before even one could spot me, I raised my firearm to one and delivered shots to the head, one after the other with no attempt of hesitation. Before any could even make a warning of my presence, they were already downed in three shots. In case one of them are still alive, I fired one more round upon each of them, between the eyes.

These events kept happening one after another among the large crates that created a maze. Stealth? All I have to do is toss the bodies into a crate and shut it. Easy as that. Security is rather pathetic, to be honest. All they have are numbers. Wave after wave, I killed each of them the same way as the previous kinds. How can they even be called security? They are all just bodies for a body count. Also, to be unable to be caught by the police, I suppose it is smart to have their armor and inventory inactive with only their weapons out. Of course, that would also work against them. If none of them are sure there is an active threat, none of them are able to reactivate their inventory. However, at the same time, if one of them were smart enough to be waiting in the shadows, that would be troublesome, and I know hunters are smart enough to do that, which is why I am not relying on my radar and only my active scans of the location.

Still, walking in without regard of what happens except the objective... If someone were to raise the alarm, surely, someone would attempt to destroy the files I am supposed to retrieve. I honestly do not mind what happens with the files. I just want to drown myself in all this before anything. I will eliminate all that oppose the rights of half breeds. I will kill them all.

Suddenly, I detected an abnormality from above. I dove forward and aimed at whoever tried to eliminate me from above, only to see him running off and shooting a flare up in the room. I underestimated someone. He had a bladed weapon without photons. I did not know such weapons existed. Then again, why should I even care? He will die like the everyone else here.

Seeing as how everyone should be on alert, I switched my weapon to a weapon known as a Laser--a yellow-photon rifle-type weapon. My radar then detected numerous photon signatures. In a quick estimation, there were about fifty-six others in the location. Certainly, the police should have noticed this abnormality by now. All I have to do is use their tactic against them. I deactivated my photon profile and hid myself in a large crate.

After lingering in the crate for quite some time, I decided to take a look at the cargo. Three Garanz units, each deactivated but seemingly prepared for action. All I had to do was deactivate the controller that kept them inactive and move out before their systems come online.

I took a deep breath and shot the controller. Immediately afterwards, I heard some sounds from the Garanz. I then shoved the door open and reactivated my gear. I knew that all I had to do was run as quick as I can to find where the hack trace was coming from while the Garanz resumed their onslaught.

A Garanz is an automated mobilized military machine that uses guided missiles as a primary means of attack. In fact, the payload of missiles is so much that no one has ever seen a Garanz ever deplete its ammunition and survived to tell the tale. It also has a secondary of land mines in case the enemy tends to want to attack it from its blindspots. The reason why this type of machine is so dangerous is because of how it is programmed. If it does not have any targets upon its activation, it will rampage and attack all non-Garanz-type creatures without descretion. It also has a retaliation program to release its damaged outer hull to open more missile ports and discharge everything until it loses access to its missiles or all foreign signatures are eliminated.

I noticed that even though some of the rebels saw me, they were busy trying to suppress the three Garanz. Fifty-six armed folks should be enough to eliminate the Garanz, but they soon have to worry about the police arriving. I already anticipated some folks thinking about running away, which was why I had assembled two four-man parties waiting outside and three others for my own squad.

I will not wait to see how everything will turn out. Find the trace location and receive as much information as possible. Toward the center, I noticed what seemed to be an operations office. I immediately knew that if I stormed in blindly, they would destroy as much of the evidence as possible, along with their lives. However, they should be finishing what they are doing, considering all the explosions like warfare in the hangar.

I stood at the door with my Laser at hand. I have only one shot at this, and I estimate about five people in the office due to the different audible sources. The first two, I should be able to eliminate without a fight, but the other three...

"Storming on your mark," said a voice on my headpiece.

I forgot that I was not alone in this warehouse. I silently opened the door and took aim. Then...

"Go!"

I immediately fired one shot to the back of the head of a Human and another two shots to the back and arm of another. They both staggered to the strikes, evidently showing that their armor were activated. While that happened, two crashes came in through the windows. One of them rapidly fired a set of Vulcans--a set of yellow-photon Machine gun-type pistols. The other had a Pallasch--a red-photon Saber-type weapon. Without much more than six seconds, everyone in the office fainted to concussive blows. On the roof, I could hear the Force continuously summoning Rafoie one after the other upon every upcoming foe that tried to assist.

"Take care of the info," the one with the Pallasch said before he stormed back out and into the fray with the other with the Vulcans.

It should not take long. All I had to do was batch each of the computers before me into storage boxes and route the items to the quest counter storage box. The one that will take a while would be the disk download for the larger computer that cannot be turned into a storage item.

Quite honestly, everything seemed to be just fine. The force we were against were full of amateurs at best, considering most were still fighting the Garanz by the time the police arrived.

It was easy from there, since the police eliminated the Garanz threat with their dropships' chainguns and air-to-surface missiles. Apparently, there was a report of rogue Sinow Blue and Red in the fray, which was why it seemed the fighting continued for quite some time. There were no casualties for the group I assembled, but the police lost a dropship due to a Sinow unit that somehow jumped onto it and destroyed the engines.

Immediately when the police saw everyone outside the operations office, my party surrendered. When they arrived, the download was complete. So, I sent the disk to the quest counter storage, closed the link, and surrendered the same as everyone else. Apparently, we were ordered by the client to surrender if the police arrived and that he will bail us all out.

Everything went according to plan. Our quest client was happy about the results and gave quite a sum of Meseta to those who participated in the extraction.

"Fortuna," the HUmar with the Pallasch called. "I honestly thought you'd be a little more sneaky about your approach."

I looked away. "I should have been more careful. I was only lucky about the cargo."

"You weren't trying to be stealthy at all," said a RAmarl who was one of the party members outside. "I watched you walk in and just kill things with that gun of yours. Still, it was amusing to see you kill them in the manner that you did."

I glanced among everyone and turned to leave, but the HUmar stopped me by whipping out his arm before I could pass. "Hey, hey. Not going to say farewells after gathering us all together?"

I took another glance at him and then to everyone else. They seemed to be happy among each other. Then, I glanced at both the HUmar and the RAmarl and said, "All that matters is the mission did not have any losses on our part and that our result was beyond satisfactory."

The RAmarl then asked, "If there were casualties?"

I answered, "We will act accordingly and supply in whatever we can."

The RAmarl smiled and gave me a hug. "It's good to know you're not some cold steel Humanoid."

The HUmar then patted my head with a smile. "Yeah! Y'know, we should do some more Client Orders later."

I swatted the HUmar's hand and shoved the RAmarl away from me. They exchanged glances between them as I stood before them.

The RAmarl folded her arms. "Hey, what the fuck's your deal?" The HUmar rubbed the back of his head as he glanced at the RAmarl again. She glanced at me with a bit of redness around her cheeks. "I just get this feeling that you're just... I don't know! I just can't leave you as you are."

The HUmar gave a sleazy laugh. "That sounded kinda..."

"Shut it, pip-squeak." Then, to me, she said, "Did something happen?" I tried to pass them but she stepped in front of me again. She leaned in close to me and whispered, "I researched a little about you before the quest started and found that your Hunter's License was under a different name. Did you have some kind of vendetta against this group we went up against?"

I answered, "There were some of the individuals who killed a cyborg boy whom I was entrusted in this operation. So, yes, this was personal for me."

"Oh..." The RAmarl exchanged glances again with the HUmar. "Why were you taking care of him, anyway? Aren't cyborgs supposed to be... uh..."

"He was very young," I added. "He was the sweetest individual I met."

The RAmarl placed her hands on her hips and glanced at everyone else. "Sweetest thing, huh? I guess there's no swaying you then. I'll research some more on who the head honcho is. Maybe we'll--"

"I know who it is," I interrupted. "There is no need. Now, if you will excuse me."

"One more thing," the HUmar said. I stopped in my place to show I am listening. "You can't just walk in like the way you did. You were only lucky that things turned out the way they did."

"I am not afraid to die." Because the only reason why I live betrayed me.

"It's not just you dying! Your death can lead to complications to many others, and I'm quite sure you will be marked as a fool--" I flicked my hair and proceeded away. "Hey!"

I know all that already. I do not care. I want vengeance. I want all of Brom's murderers gone. Only then will I have lived a complete life.

I was walking along a bridge that led to my residence. Here, I noticed some poor folks selling impractical hand-crafted and scavenged items. Calai would have liked to... I hurried back home in a quicker pace.

Daddy has been gone for over a year now. I know I should not be concerned since there was a time he was gone for nineteen months. He will be back. As I stepped in through the front door of my residence, I was greeted by the visiphone as it displayed that I had received mail. I came to it and read "I am very sorry" before I deleted it.

I paced to the hall to my right, passing my room, and slamming Calai's door open. Immediately, in the center of the kitchen, there hung a body, held up by photon braces around the hands that was hooked to a suspension I created. Calai... As much as I wanted to kill you that day...

"S-sis," she whispered weakly to me. "You're--"

I slammed a fist to her face. On it, I could see damage to her face that refuse to heal.

"I believe I killed quite a number of those people you used to kill Brom."

"Sis... I could care less about--"

I seized her hair and forced her head up to look at me. I could see the framework of her skull just above her brow. "Did I say you can talk?"

"Sis...! I did this for you!"

"Did I say you can talk!?" I roared at her face.

"This isn't reality. I can't prove it, but it isn't."

I narrowed my eyes. "Then stop talking nonsense!" I punched her face again. "Why not just die? Why not just leave me alone?"

"I can't!"

I pressed a deactivated photon knife just under her chin and pressed up so she could look up to me. As her hair brushed aside, I saw her damaged right eye. In fact, it did not seem operable anymore.

She said to me, "I don't want to leave you alone. You'd be lost if I'm not around."

"How do you know how it feels? Do you even know how it feels like to lose someone dear to you? Do you know how it feels like knowing you could have done something to prevent losing someone?" Calai sighed. Her eyes drooped down in doom. "I thought so. Do not think you--"

"Shut up."

"Oh? Speaking all bold--?"

"Shut up! You think you have me solved, do you? I know how you think. I know how you would process everything. Have you ever wondered how it seemed like I knew how you would react most of the time?"

"Shut up! I will kill you!"

"You will not kill me."

"And why not?"

"Because you love me."

"... What?"

Calai mustered her strength to look up to me. "You love me. I know you do."

No... "Do not think we know each other very well since I--we linked together very often."

Calai's strength started to wane. "You would be in denial and trying to find reasons to deflect me from knowing. I knew this even before you would even be born. Sis..."

What? "W-was I...?"

"You were not programmed by Daddy to fall in love with me. Daddy only had it so we learn things like how Organics could, but..." She softly laughed. "There are some things that do not to change, no matter how I try to change it."

I do not understand what she means. I cannot take any more of this! How does she know these things!? Viewing recording after another, I do not--

Huh? What is this?

...

...

...

... How did that happen? Did we switch bodies? Dark Falz? I do not understand. I looked up to Calai, seeing her staring at me. No... That stare. It... It is... mine? It is like staring at a mirror when discarding the physical distinguishing features. Then, that means...

"I am you?"

Calai nodded. "I have wanted to tell you for quite some time, but I was afraid to tell you that you are merely a copy of me. Your upbringing data are mine, but everything else is different. As for me, I have incorporated upbringing data from California into a different partition." She stared at me for quite some time. A smile... "That body was from California. She was the original owner. As for this body I am using..." She laughed. "... this body is mine."

Something sounded wrong about the laugh. I did a scan throughout her body, seeing that the lifesource of the body malfunctioned days ago. How...? How did I not notice this? I was visiting her every day! Then, that means she was using reserve power this whole time? That reserve power is meant to keep the head of the Humanoid alive when the body fails to supply power!

I slashed at the suspension with the photon knife and caught Calai as she tumbled down to the floor.

"Calai!"

She scanned with left eye until she found me. "This is not goodbye," she whispered. "I will prove it on the other side."

"Why? Why did you kill Brom? Please! Let me know!"

She smiled. "He is not real." She started to raise her hand to me. I held it firmly in my palm.

"How do I know you are not dying really?"

She looked at me. I noticed that she was saying something, but I could not hear. I moved my auditory sensors closer. She then said, "Tell me, how did we get back to Pioneer 2?"

... What?

"How did you get here?"

We... We were in the mines. I accessed a terminal and then... When did...? I awoke in the Pioneer 2 slums. Somehow, I seemed to know about Brom. I...

"Calai?"

"You know, I knew you still loved me, even though I was bluffing the whole time."

"C-Cal... How did you...?"

"You punched... like a pussy."

"What?" But I was giving those punches a lot of thought. "How could you say that?" I stared at her for a moment. "Calai?"

She remained still. Her left eye was closed but her mouth was wide open as if gaping for her last breath. No... That was not her last breath! I laid her flat on the floor and ripped out her chest piece. Then, I pulled a plug unit for direct charging for Humanoids and plugged it into her. I rubbed her hands continuously, trying to feel for warmth. Calai...! How could you say that I punched like a pussy as a farewell!? Breath! Breath already!

"Calai!!!"


--END RECORDING--

[ARChan]

--RECORDING--

It has been two months since Calai passed away. Her remains were stored into her capsule, as if it were a coffin. Every day since I put her in there, I would come to the capsule and tell her what I had done for the day. I then pray for the day Calai would eject me from this cybernetic prison. Day in and day out...

I know my feelings are data and Humanoids should not feel this way, but for some reason, I think I understand why Human and Newman would feel these things known as "emotions." Had Calai been the one to suppress these emotions? Maybe she had known the reason why I was who I was and she intended for me to stay that way. It would make the most logical sense. Emotions are hard to understand, and are far too much for Humanoids such as me. Maybe she knew how hard it was. Maybe her advances upon me were to contain me. It just makes my processor overheat by simply trying to make logic out of all this. You would tell me why someday, right, Calai?

Here I am at a local restaurant. Apparently, I am supposed to meet with someone here. I do not know why I have this cone glass of wine in my hand. Wine is considered to be nothing more than a waste to a Humanoid due to lack of usable content. However, due to the classiness of staring Humans around me, I suppose it was appropriate. I drew circles with the cup, causing gentle waves in the concoction. Then, pasta was placed before me. Yes, pasta contains ether for some reason. However, steamed pasta tends to clump in the system, thus causing complications when trying to--

"Kept you waiting?"

I looked up to find that large figure of a Cast to my left. I did not look at him but I recognized his low-pitched emition. Simply majestic. I stood up and did a curtsy to greet him.

"I will wait until the world ends," I replied.

He scoffed as he began sitting down when a green photon chair suddenly appeared under him. I suppose one of the chairs in this restaurant would break due to how large and heavy he is. I wonder how he managed to fit through the doors.

"I heard about your loss," John said.

I shook my head. "No, we will see each other again. I suppose I consider this as a time to get to know who I am in society."

"I never took you as the spiritual type, Fortuna."

"Futura," I corrected.

"Why did you change your name?"

"I am not the real Fortuna."

He glanced around, and when he saw no one eavesdropping, he said, "I suppose this is not a date because I got better things to do."

I picked up my fork and spoon. "I have information I want to clarify, considering I did happen to remember your voice. Later, I will go into detail."

We ate dinner as we talked about what we have been doing since we got back onto Pioneer 2. Though there was humor, neither of us were able to laugh. We only grinned at most. After some time, we finally left the restaurant with me leading the way. Unfortunately, I was not able to see how he managed to fit through the doubled doors at the exit.

"So, how come you called me over after a year or something?" he asked.

We were walking along a sidewalk as photon cars zoomed by. I then dropped my head back to look up to the darkened solarium and had one of my arms hold onto my other arm from the rear. The pace was rather slow.

"This is not Pioneer 2, correct?"

"Huh? Surely, you have to be--"

"Are we not in Pioneer 2, is what I mean to ask."

John came beside me and I could see him staring at me. I rolled my head to the side to return his curiosity. It is annoying that Casts do not have an artificial face structure like Caseals. I was not keen with detecting emitions, probably because I became used to Calai's ever-expressive gestures.

"What makes you say that?" he asked.

"Certainly, there have been some things I noticed. My creator has been gone for over a year and I have not heard a single word from him. I know he would at least try to call us daily, if not every other day."

"Maybe he passed away."

My sights narrowed. If he meant that as a joke, that was not even close to funny. I felt along my arm and looked down to the ground.

I commented, "If this world is fake, it is probably best I distance from anything fake."

"What if I am fake?"

I turned to him and held a photon knife to his throat. It is not activated, but by the press of a button, it will activate and rend him through.

"If you are fake, the consequences would not be so severe, correct? Besides, if I were to kill you here, I would see you again in the other side anyway. If this server is meant to be a safe haven for individuals, I think there would be an emergency eject function just like being linked directly to another Humanoid."

"Don't you dare kill me here. At least not yet."

I retrieved my photon knife and stowed it away into my inventory. "I believe I know what we are hiding from." I continued in whatever direction I was going. "D-factor infestation. Apparently, we are protected in all of our capsules, but the moment we eject, we are exposed to D-factor. Thank goodness that we are not ejected out of our capsules by force when we undergo an emergency ejection."

I stopped in place when I did not hear John's massive footsteps behind me. I turned to see him gripping a headpiece.

"No, it's actually programmed that way." He looked up to me. "The moment Calai passed away here, she was released into the dome."

"... What?"

"I thought you knew, since you know so much already." He folded his arms and bowed his head. "Damn it. I should have told you two about this."

I glanced at my right hand, seeing that I was already gripping the photon knife. Since when did I do that?

"Hey! Fortuna! Your actual body can't handle D-factor!"

"Tell me, John. What is the comparable time rate of this server to reality?"

"Thirty days here is equivalent to an hour in reality. Even if you go--"

If I remember my anatomy correctly, my lifesource generator is placed just under where my hunter section ID is placed. I raised the photon knife to myself. I activated it and stared at the blade.

"Fortuna! Don't--!"

"John." I looked over to him. "This is not reality, correct?"

He stepped toward me but I inched the knife closer to myself. "I was only kidding about this being a server and stuff like that! This is reality. If you die here, you're really dead!"

"Are you sure this is reality?"

"Yes! It's very real! Look, we can think this through, okay? I swear we can--"

Calai...! Is... Is this what you felt? It... It hurts! Reality or not, I cannot stay here. I killed you. That is why I should--Calai!!! Calai, please tell me I am not being foolish again! I twisted and churned the blade to my lifesource generator and finally yanked it out. I felt faint, soon to realize I was in John's arms.

"You fool!" he roared. "You're going to be infected by D-factor! Why!?"

"I do not want to be alone," I whispered, overwhelemed by the strong surge of pain.

"You could have stayed with me if that's what bothered you. You didn't have to--"

"I killed Calai!" I admited with a loud heave of breaths. "If... If she is still alive on the other side, I want things to be--" I could not speak. I was in agony. I was in pain. I was screaming. Does death feel like this? I wonder if this is how it feels like. If this is how it feels like, I do not want to die again.


...

...

...

--REBOOTING--

Finally, I could see the light. Now, if I could... Huh? Wait, what? I tried to move but... What in Pioneer 2 is going on?

"Ah, you're finally back."

"John? What is happening?" I soon realized where I am. "What am I doing in a factory!?"

I cannot see John, but I can sense a void next to me. He said, "I cannot let you die. Not just yet. Also, because your body was beyond repair, we decided to leave you with only a head until we find a body with a decent match. Can't have you killing yourself, after all."

"W-what...!? John! I have to--!"

"Calai is gone, Fortuna. You have to accept that."

"No! Maybe there is still time to save her. I know how to undo D-factor. I just need the right tools and materials. I can--"

"Fortuna, it has already been two and a half months since her time of death here. If everything was okay, she should have managed to eject us a long time ago. The thing is, she has not done so. All we can assume is the worst and that she is infected."

"No! No! Calai is still alive! I know she is! Please! You have to kill me! Please! Kill me now! Only I can be the one to save her! Please!"

He sighed. "Forgive me for what I'm about to do. It's for your own good."

"John? What are...?" I soon realized the void next to me was diminishing. "No... No! John! Kill me! Please! Kill me!!! JOHN!!!"


--ERROR HAS OCCURED--

--ATTEMPTING TO PATCH--

--ABNORMALITY DETECTED--

--ATTEMPTING TO_

[ARChan]

A song that has been plaguing my mind as of late:[spoiler-box]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN2SJRol7Oo[/spoiler-box]

[ARChan]

Initiate data entry. Record commence.

...

...

Huh. I assume it is recording.

Anyway, a field of some kind of organic structures known as flowers pan around what I can see from the ground. How long have I been here? It is pointless to move anyway. There is no reason to move. All that matters is... is... Why does it matter? I should just lie here and rust away. Daddy. I failed you. I cannot bring Calai back home with me. I do not even know if I can come back home, myself. Darn it... Darn it all!

There was only at most a very gentle breeze. I have never seen a place such as this before. Where in Pioneer 2 is this place? It is beautiful. Not a single insect can be seen or felt. The smell was entrancing.

... Mockery. Why show me all this? It is too late to be accepting all this. Calai... She is gone. She is everything that is here and more. I... I want to go back in time. I want to undo what I did not do. I should have done so much more. I want to give back the love she deserved.

"Looking kinda scary there."

I opened my eyes to find a silhouetted figure before me. The voice was familiar. It does not matter. Kick me around, if you will. It would bring me to my death. The person crouched down and waved a hand before my face.

"Hello? Anyone there?"

I moved my sights to the person, but I still see just one towering black figure. I am at a loss of words to say anything.

"I guess no one's home." The woman stood up and glanced about her. "I guess I just keep looking then."

"Wait!" I barked. "What are you doing here, anyway?"

The woman turned back to me and crouched down next to me. "Are... Are you alive?"

I think our conversation is not connecting somehow. I looked straight back up. "I am alive as I can be."

The woman giggled. "Just as a heads up?" I know she was joking, but to a Humanoid, having no body is a bit embarrassing. After all, our bodies are an accessory--clothes if you will. Without one, it is like running around in the nude. I wish I have something to hide my appearance...

"Here, let me help you up."

"No, I am fine."

"Aw, I have nothing better to do. Besides, having you around would make this trip a little more fun!" Her hands grasped the sides of my face. "Okay, here we--" She attempted to lift me, but she seemed to be having some difficulty. "What the hey? Do you have a body all buried under here?"

"Leave me alone, will you!"

"Hmm..."

The woman came down onto her knees. A... A red dress? Why does this seem familiar? After a time of attempted recollection, I soon realized that the woman was digging the ground with her bare hands. Her smell... She had a creamy, sweet scent. It was simply mesmorizing just sniffing her. She was also a red-haired Human with a bobcut and a very slight tan from what I could see. Does she not find it weird to find a head in the middle of nowhere?

"Oh. Someone did a good job here. Let me just--" She began yanking at something. Suddenly, she managed to pull something--an arm? "Yahaha! There we go! Maybe you can--"

"That is not my arm," I said in awe. It was an Organic arm--one of flesh and bone! What in the world is...? Wait, is this flowerbed atop a burial site? I soon noticed the woman digging the floor on the opposite side of me. "H-hey! Woman! Stop! You cannot be digging here!"

"Says the one who was buried alive with only a head sticking out. I am only assuming that you buried yourself here, though." She pressed a finger to her lips. "Hmm... It'd be fun thinking that all the flowers here were actually heads of people who buried themselves like you. Yahaha!"

She has a weird imagination. If that were the case, it must be a fad to bury yourself into the ground, and I somehow came into the trend. Stepping on faces sure does sound nice at the moment.

"Wow. You got such nice skin."

I looked to my side, seeing her rubbing her face on another arm she dug up. "H-hey! I am a Humanoid!"

"Humanoid...?"

Seriously? This person does not know what a Humanoid is? "Uh... A CAST?"

"Oh. I know what a CAST is. Still..." She traced her finger along the arm she was adoring, and felt up along my neck. Wait... My neck? "Looks like this arm is yours, believe it or not."

What...? My own arm? My arm is flesh and bone? Am I a cyborg now? But... What...? Why am I buried up to my neck? I do not understand.

"Oh my. Uh..."

I looked up to the woman as I lifted myself out of the pit I was planted in. "What is it?"

The woman looked all about her. "Are you like some kind of plant nymph or something? You're like buck naked."

"... Huh?"

Clothes are the essentials for Organic concealment of sexual organs and the sort. If showing my breasts and crotch as a female Organic is like me being without a body, it... I suppose I should be worried, but to be quite honest, I do not feel any different than having a body. Quite honestly, I do not understand why people need clothes. It seems so easy to ruin them, unlike actual plates that need latches and actual blows to destroy parts of a Humanoid. I suppose it is common decency, since it is accepted in most societies to wear clothes.

"Ugh... Here. I think you're going to need these more than I do."

I turned back to her to find that she was holding out a matching pair of white-lace brassiere and underpants. I followed along her arm to find her face red. Well, it is her fault for offering clothes. Might as well just let me walk around in the nude. I am fine, as long as no one stares too much.

"Thank you," I said as I received them with a questioning stare. "I am fine without any clothes. How often do you find people here?"

"Yahaha... Uh... You would be the second, actually." She glanced about her. "It is just me and my daughter here. Nothing to worry about, I suppose, but my daughter might have this idea that it is fine to walk around in the nude if she sees you without any clothes." She folded her arms and glanced about her. "Only if I could make some proper clothes with these flowers... Nothing else really grows here. Not even edible vegetation or any kind of meat. However, it's kinda neat that I don't really need to eat anything anymore, I suppose."

Huh? "You do not need to eat?"

She placed a hand on her face and laughed. "I don't know. I've been keeping track of how fat I am now and some time later. I don't seem to change, nor do I seem to want to eat."

"Really now? Where do you measure yourself?"

She pointed down to an opening in the flowerbed next to where I was planted. "I traced myself with a pen I used to have right there."

I took a more careful look at her. Her face does not express any strain or a sense of malnutrition. She looks simply healthy... and young at that. However, visual data sampling hints that she is only sixteen pioneer years old. Surely, she is a bit childly, now that I watch her more...

Wait. Daughter? Sixteen pioneer years old? That is young! I slapped my hands onto her shoulders and bowed my head to her.

"Are you able to feed your daughter?" I asked.

She laughed. "She's like me. We don't have to eat. It's like we're dead or something. Well, I wouldn't be surprised. I don't remember anything like this, not unless we were sent into quarantine with no way out."

I glared at an open space. John. You better not have sent me into such a place. I swear, I will annihilate you and make you wish you have not crossed me. You will die a slow, painful death.

But wait a moment... Why am I an Organic? Why was I naked? Why was I buried up to my neck in soil? Is this woman also a Caseal? So many questions started to erupt, giving me a headache. No linkage channels create virtual avatars appearing different than the Humanoid's appearance. In this channel, I am an Organic and very much naked at that.

"Do you know if there is a way out?" I asked.

The woman tilted her head. "You don't know?"

I rubbed my arm. "I just woke up here. I do not really..."

"Yahaha! You must still be alive. Tell me, do you have any suspicions of being dead?"

I paused for a moment to think. "Unless I have exposure to D-factor in a capsule I was resting in, I have no idea."

"I was caught up in an explosion or something. It was just less than a minute when I saw it happen. My daughter was torn limb by limb until she was eaten alive." She clapped her hands together. "Sounds magnificent that I can tell the tale of how we died."

I do not understand how she can say that with a smile. I felt along my arm, not knowing what to say. I wish I could somehow escape, but leaving the two of them here...

The woman took my hand. "Well, enough dawdling. If you're still alive, it's imparitive to return you to your body. You do not belong here." She pulled me alongside her as she walked in a fast pace. "My daughter is currently at the Monument of Transcendence. She has been searching for a way to go back, but to be honest, I have already examined it... well... I forgot how many times and tried to decipher if the patterns have any meanings. Here is what I found:

"Light makes darkness, a pair exists, but it doesn't always exist. Reincarnation goes forever. The rule is here. It should be sealed. MUUT DITTS POUMN."

She scratched her head. "I don't quite understand what this's all about. However, one thing's for sure: someone's a poet with that MUUT DITTS POUMN thing. Sounds dark and mysterious. Yahaha!"

I wonder if it is a message or an incantation. If it is a message, what is "it"? If it is an incantation, why was it being used?

The flower garden is massive. In fact, I still cannot even see the end. After what seemed to be a long walk, I saw something in the horizon. It looked like an altar and a pillar that stretched far up into the deep, blue sky. Clouds loomed over us, casting occasional shadows as they continued by. It is eerie to feel only soft breezes when considering how fast the clouds moved through the sky. As we approached, I soon noticed a woman sitting on the altar. It seemed she was meditating. Her eyes were shut, back is erect and poised, hands comfortably rested on her lap... She was sitting as if she were some kind of doll. I admit, she does look attractive. Her breasts were considerably small, but her body was fit and the curve of her waist was admirable. Her legs were round like she could run throughout Pioneer 2 without ever stopping.

"Who is there?" the woman on the altar asked as we approached from the 13-step stairway. Her eyes then parted, moved about to see the scenery before she steadied her eyes on me. Something about her seemed mystical.

The woman with me then held a hand out to me. "I found this one buried up to her neck." She glanced at me and held her hand out to the one on the altar. "She is my daughter."

I moved my sights onto the daughter. It is awkward to see the daughter appearing to be almost the mother's age, but one thing is for sure: they do not have any resemblance. The daughter has golden-blonde hair and noticeably blue eyes. Her skin color is pale. The only thing similar is that she also has a bobcut. She had a noodle-strap top and a mini skirt, both sky blue.

The daughter stared at me for some time before she stepped off her throne and approached me. I was at the top-most step when she stopped just an arm's length away.

"How is Calai?"

Huh? I glanced at the woman and back to the daughter. However, I found it hard to look up to her. Trying to brave the situation, I took a glance at the daughter, only to find myself captivated by that smile of hers. That face... "Ca... Calai?"

The daughter exchanged glances with her mother and took a small step forward. Only then did I realize that we were the same height. She was feeling a lock of hair. Calai...! My body started to heat up. Pressure started to press against my temples as my breaths started to become shallow. I tried to hide my mouth with a palm, but... What? What is...? My vision is becoming cloudy. No... Watery? Then something dripped out of my eyes. No... No! What is happening!?

My legs gave away. What is happening? Why is Calai here? Am I crying? What am I doing here? Where am I? I am with Calai! Calai!

"Hey, hey. Just let it all out."

I soon realized I was crying against her shoulder. I wanted to leave her embrace. I really wanted to, but as much as I wanted to push, I only pulled myself to her. The little breaths I mean to use as whispers come out as loud screams. Is this how it feels like to cry? Suffocating? Hot? Overwhelming? Terrifying? Somehow, it felt good.

Some time has passed by. I awoke to find myself sitting against a concrete rail toward the side of the monument. I glanced forward to find that woman back on the altar, as if it was her throne. Her eyes were closed as she was covered in shadow. Something about her appears sad.

"How's the baby?"

I looked to my side, seeing that the woman in the red dress was sitting next to me. She had a smile, just like how she was earlier. I took another glance up to the daughter. Then, I bowed my head.

"I... I do not..."

The woman scooted herself closer to me and pulled me to lean against her. "Shh... It's okay. You're like her when she was here for the first time. You're not alone. We can find a way out of here together."

I shut my eyes for a while but opened to find the daughter's face so close to mine. Startled, I shot upright onto my feet from where I sat. The daughter chuckled as she stood up and motioned me to turn around.

"You need to get used to wearing clothes soon," she said to me. "It'd be catastrophic if your bra fell off in public." She then corrected the brassiere around my breasts.

I honestly hated wearing a brassiere. It felt awkward. Not only that, what is so magnificent of a couple saggy lumps on the body, anyway? I honestly cannot comprehend what is so arousing about them.

Once I faced the daughter, she felt along a lock of hair again and asked, "You're Fortuna, right?"

I instinctively nodded, but soon realized she might not be referring to me but Calai. Wait... Who knows about Calai formerly being Fortuna? Daddy should know. Calai knows too. Then, there is that other sister...

"California?" I asked.

The daughter grinned. "Well, I am California. You must be Sis's 'Sis,' huh?"

As I thought. It was too good to be true. My sights started to become cloudy again. However, this time, California came to me and whiped the tears from my face.

"You're such a crybaby," she muttered. I looked up to her but bowed my head again. "Something happened, huh? Is she missing?"

I gave fleeting gestures, trying to fend off her gaze. However, she squeezed my cheeks with a hand under my jaw and had me face her.

"What happened?"

I bowed my head. After some time, she released me. Suddenly, the world seemed to spin. Then, I crashed down against the floor. As I tried to regain my breath, she pinned me down by sitting on my waist. She leaned forward with her hair blocking out all light except the ray of light lining her right eye.

"What happened?" she repeated, more lethal than the last. She pressed a palm onto my shoulder. Her hand was gripping tightly. Her eyes were only on me. I...!

"Calia, that's enough."

California sat upright on my waist again, her eyes glued to me. "You will tell me some time, right?"

I nodded, fearing for my life. California scoffed and sat back on her throne. I was too frightened to even move. There is a way out, right? Where? How? I have to get away. She might kill me!

"Forgive her rudeness," the woman said as she sat down next to me, attempting to help me up. Once I was upright, she stood up and said, "Why don't we take a walk? Maybe your memories are a bit hazy."

My... My savior! The very second she held her hand out to me, I took it with both of mine and desperately led the way back down the stairway of the monument, back onto the massive flowerbed. I do not know why I was breathing so hard. I looked back to the monument, seeing California sitting on the altar like how she was earlier. I do not know what to say to her. I do not know what would not hurt her and not be a lie!

"My, my." I looked up to the woman as she said, "You're making things quite exciting here for once."

Well, now that I think about it, I have no idea how long she had been here. For all I care, she could be some kind of overseer or a kind of moderator drone. Then again, I could be one, considering how my avatar looks like. I took a quick glance at myself. Yes, still flesh and only wearing underwear. When did this happen? How did this happen? I cannot even access my memory data.

I soon found myself holding the woman's arm with both of mine, pressing myself up against it, seeking shelter in her presence. I may be as tall as her, but my mindset appeared to be that of a child. Why is that? In fact, why am I so expressive here? Are Humans driven by emotions? I... I do not know what to do. I feel so trapped here.

After a while of walking and the monument seems to only be a shadow in the distance, I finally parted from the woman's arm and crouched down to a batch of flowers. I picked one and then held it to my nose. A sweet, creamy smell... just like... Calai? I remember when she started experimenting with perfumes shortly after I was activated. She made numerous concoctions, some smelling even more enticing than this smell, but for some reason, she decided to stay with this smell. What kind of flower is this? I have never seen this kind before. Its petals were rough like fabric and the cobalt-blue stem was hard like a stylus. In fact, it had liquid spilling out of where the stem had snapped. It appeared to be more liquid than a syrup. Cyanic blue... The petals individually had different vibrant colors of sky blue, hot pink, and electric yellow.

"I see you're just like her."

I looked up and then back to the flower. "Am I, really?"

"Yes. The moment she found these flowers, she simply could not let go of them."

I glanced over my shoulder, only to find myself staring at the woman as she weaved several of the flowers together. For something so tough, these stems sure are flexible. I tried to copy her but it was harder than it appeared. After one time of attempting, she crowned me with the flower weave. I stood up and twirled with my arms out, laughing...

Something happened to me right there. I suddenly stopped in my place, still laughing. Laughing, laughing, laughing... I crouched down with my hands on my face. No... I was crying. I tried to maintain my composure, but to my surprise, I found something yellow under a thick brush of flowers. I reached out and took it into my hands. A message capsule? Here? Why? I pressed a button to view it.

"Light makes darkness, a pair exists, but it does not always exist. Reincarnation goes forever. The rule is here. It should be sealed. MUUT DITTS POUMN.

"... Well, that seems to be the key words to say to open something... Or maybe to seal something? I wonder if this is what has been making my behavior significantly different. Well, I guess I should see if we can escape from here with this phrase. This is my one and only record here. I kind of wish I had more to carry with me.

"I wonder if California is somewhere in a place like this. If... If she were, I wonder if there will be a chance to see her. This place is so open. If I go out too far, I might never be able to find this landmark ever again. Also, this monument might be the only key in this world of infinity.

"Wait... Key? Key words? Maybe... Maybe I am supposed to use this phrase at this monument! If you cannot find me here, that means I have somehow escaped. I will leave as many clues lying around as to how I processed forward into this world. Rest assured, they will be left within sight range of this monument.

"So, good luck to us both. Just be wary of the person around the monument. I am theorizing, of course. The person at the monument tried to kill me when I was attempting to find a way to leave this place, and again after trying to get into that psychotic head.

"To summarize what my suspicions are, they are the monument, the person with me, and this phrase I deciphered. They are the most abnormal of this world, and it is worth investigating.

"End recording. Fortuna. Date: unknown. Location: behind monument."

Calai? That was Calai? It... How can that be? I looked up to find the woman looming over me.

She said, "So, that's where it went. The other one did throw it somewhere."

"The 'other one'?"

She smiled. "I did say you are the second, right?"

Huh? So, there was someone else and the first was not her daughter? Wait... What? I sat in place, trying to process things in my head. So, she has not been including people she identifies. So, there was another stranger in this place.

I stood up and glanced at the monument. "I suppose we should head back. It seems we--" No. Wait a moment. It seemed there was only one person when Calai was here. How come there are two? I glanced over my shoulder, seeing the woman still smiling at me.

"C-can I use the restroom?" I asked with a bit of a laugh.

The woman stared at me. "There aren't any restrooms here. You can just unload here, I suppose."

"Okay. Uhm..." I paused for a moment but the woman did not leave. "Can you leave me alone for a moment?"

"I'll just turn around then."

Creepy... I squatted down as low as I can, soon realizing that the flowerbed is as high as my waist when standing. Maybe I can lose her if I crawl around carefully. I don't know if I can trust her yet.

I glanced behind me... Huh? Where did she--?

"You're not going to lose me that easily."

She was squatting just in front of me. I would have bumped her if I moved even a little bit. Just when I was about to stand up, she suddenly tackled me over. She pinned me down with her hands on my wrists. That smile... It appeared to be sinister, now that I see her face.

"Why do you want to leave me so much?" she asked. "I do not want to be alone anymore."

"Did you say earlier that we can find a way to leave together?"

"Yes! I did say that! However, the other one... She left me. She did not even give me a clue as to what to do and what to say. She only said that phrase to me, and I don't even know how and when to use it. Please...! Please don't leave me alone!"

I looked up to her, but that face of desperation was too much to stare into. Daringly, I asked, "What about your daughter?"

Her eyes became wide. "What...?"

"Does she want to leave?"

Her complexion became pale. At that very instant, I thrashed a little, breaking myself free from her grip and shoved her off me. At the end of the recording, Calai said that she was to the rear of the monument. That must mean the other side without the stairs, right? I was running through the flowerbed with bare feet. It was unbearable! The rough cobalt-stemmed flowers' rough petals felt like hands and fingers trying to stop me.

"Fortuna!!!"

That voice thundered from behind me. I was too scared to even look. There are two people trying to kill me! But... But wait. Did Calai say that the one around the monument is the killer? Sure, she was speaking theoretically, but she must know something about all this. Please... Please Calai! Give me a sign!

A flash...? What...? Something about this place felt wrong. As I was running for dear life, I looked down. Another flash...! A face...!? No... I was on top of many faces! They were all trying to reach out to me.

"Futura! Futura, get a hold of yourself!"

I gasped. I turned to soon find... What...? Lucky? "What...? Where am--?"

"You have to go back to the flowerbed! It's too dangerous to stay here!"

Huh? Here? Where am I? The blue sky was a menacing sunset of shades of purple and clouds looming over me. Distantly, there were me were mountains of faces. Arms were reaching out from among them, all of them were reaching out to me. Though each face were screaming, I could not hear a single one of them.

I was too appalled by the sight that I did not realize the arms just below me. They are pulling me under! I thrashed with all my might but I could not break free!

"Lucky!" I cried. "Lucky, help me!"

I gasped for air. What...? I am back in the soil of the flowerbed again. My head was sticking out like it did earlier. What is real? A shiver shook me as I soon thought about those faces being in the ground and how I am in a similar situation to them. With all my might, I tried to move. After some time of struggle, I managed to have my right arm break out of the soil. Then, my left. After that, I lifted myself out, only to realize I am naked once again.

I looked over to my side to soon find the woman in red again. She stared at me for a while but turned away.

"I assume you saw that place," she said, near to a whisper.

I folded my arms and thought about what I saw. "Why are we here then?"

She grinned. "That, I don't know. However, one thing's for sure, something keeps sending us back." She then came to me. "Maybe it's fate that we came together. Maybe we were meant to--"

"No!" I barked. "We are not supposed to be here. Yet, we are still here." I glanced up to the monument. I then started pacing quickly toward it.

The woman rushes to my side. "H-hey, what are you going to do?"

"I will find a way to leave this place."

"No! You can't leave!" She seized my arm and pulled back.

I whipped my arm away from her and continued toward the monument. "I will leave, one way or another."

"But what happens when you do leave here? What happens when you're out there? How can we know if what you're going to do is going to work? How can we know if you'll be where you're supposed to be?" I ignored her questions. "You can live here with me. We don't starve, don't get sick, don't get thirsty, don't get--" I stopped. "You get what I mean, right?"

I turned to her, seeing her face flustered and tears rolling down her eyes. I stepped forward and then launched a fist to her face, a loud crack resounding through the flowerbed. The woman fell back, taken aback by what I just did. She felt the large, red mark on her face.

"Coward!" I roared. "All that is simply nice, and it really sounds like a utopia, but what is the point of living in it if the person you care for is not here? You are not the one I want to live with!"

I understand now. I must return to reality and verify what happened to Calai. I must know everything! I still have to return to Daddy as well. I must do everything in my power to return to him at the very least. I want to live with my family. I want to be with them.

I soon found myself at the top step of the stairway on the monument. The tall pillar that pierces the sky... It simply looks taller than it did earlier. I lowered my sights to the one on the altar. The clouds above finally parted, shining light onto the woman. Golden-blonde hair with such pale skin. She raised her head as her deep-blue eyes scanned up to me.

"Are you here to tell me what happened?" she asked.

"I killed her in a VR channel and is said to have returned to reality. However, it is said that there is D-type factor outside of the capsules we are in. I was hoping to follow her into reality and try to escape with her, if not die trying."

She scoffed. "Why didn't you tell me that sooner?" Her arms pushed herself up and she started removing her clothes. When she was naked like me, she came to me until she was only an arm's length again. "So, why did you kill her?"

It felt like something stabbed my chest. "I... I was mad at her. I-I mixed up the VR channel with reality, and I thought that a person whom I loved was killed by a mob led by Calai."

The woman chuckled. "Well, I'd've at least stabbed her with a Saber if she did that with me, too."

"B-but I love her, too. I was just so..."

She patted my head with a grin. "Don't worry. So, do you want to leave here already?"

"Huh? You know how to leave?"

"Yeah. I found out a long time ago. Just felt you're going to come around for some reason."

I felt along my arm. "But... But how did you know I am me and not Calai?"

She smiled and said, "You're not gonna believe me when I say this, I bet." She folded her arms. "You look like me, just with fuchsia hair. Your eyes are like mine. It's kinda weird that you have Sis's old personality though. Makes me want to have sex with you."

I stepped back as I looked at her body and then mine. "H-huh?"

She laughed. "Yeah. Same personality." She stepped toward me. "But you know we have to do it to get out of here."

"W-Wha-wha-wha...?"

She grinned as she came even closer. "That's right. I gotta make you enjoy yourself and stuff."

All to get out of here. All to get out of here. All to get out of here. All to get out of here. All to get out of here. All to get out of here. I gripped my hands and asked, "R-r-really?"

"No. Hehe..."

... Someone slap this person for me. I just do not want to touch or be touched by this perverted freak. I sighed and took a glance at her body.

"Why are you naked?" I asked.

She looked down. "Oh. Am I not supposed to?"

I pressed a palm to my face. Mystical essence of being the naked maiden of the pillar and being the answerer of my troubles: completely demolished.

She laughed for a while and whiped her eyes of tears that formed. "Oh, man. I totally missed playing around with someone like you. It's pretty lonely without anyone to talk to."

"What about your mother?"

She stared at me, that smile on her face fading. "What?"

"Your mother. She's here, right?"

She glanced around us. "No? You're the only one here."

What? Then... "Did you see Calai here before?"

"No. I arrived here just a while ago, though it seems Fortuna--currently known as Calai--left messages. She said that staying on the altar is the safest location here. Apparently, the 'other one' cannot approach you when you have been around the altar for some time. So..."

She took my hand and pulled me along with her. She had me sit to her right, on what I thought she considered as a throne. It all makes sense now. Once I was sitting down, I glanced to my side. She was staring out with a smile on her face. It reminded me of Calai. It saddened me, rather than making me happier. Though she is like Calai, she is not Calai.

"My name is Futura," I said to her. "Yes, I was Fortuna for a while, but since Calai told me some of what happened between you and her, I figured I should start with a new name."

She smiled. "I'm the original California. You're safe here with me." She stared at me for a while and then felt along a lock of hair. "Well, I never really expected you to be so attractive, and..." She looked forward from the altar, feeling along the lock of hair a little more aggressively. "To be honest, I wouldn't mind falling in love with you, too."

I paused for a moment. "You are joking, right?"

She glanced at me, but shot her eyes out forward again almost the same instant she saw me. Silently, she shook her head. Shook her head... That means no, right? Shook her head... Or she might be thinking something lewd. I just hope she is thinking something lewd. No, I just hope she was just shaking her head.

"Futura," she said. "Can I copy myself into your storage data? Y'know, just at least until we can find a body for me. I'm sure Sis would be happy."

Calai... Yes, I think she would be happy as well. However, there is one problem about that...

"That would mean I have to delete all my records," I quietly said to myself.

California sighed. "You're still hooked up to the VR channel, right?" I looked over to her. "If the VR channel is actually a server, all you have to do is save your data onto the server's temp storage data section. You can... uh..." She poked my left breast. "Hm?" She then seized my left breast. "Oh. Y-you're..."

"I am apparently Human," I sighed. "I cannot access my interface."

She smiled. "Oh. I know where you can access your interface, but it gets pretty risky and all that." She raised a finger to point at herself. "It's where I died. It's basically where captured souls are. What you see here is a parallel dimension of what is going on there. I wouldn't even be surprised if each flower represents a person there. It's almost disturbing just thinking about it."

I sighed. "I think I have been there. It is full of faces, right?"

She glanced at me and bowed her head again, stroking a lock of hair. Her eyes were wide. "Y-yeah... But you gotta do it if you want to save me. I won't hold it against you if you're not up to it."

"Are you...?"

She pulled her knees to herself and buried her face into it. "This life I have is stolen from someone else who happened to have ventured there." She raised her head to barely see over her knees. "I... I don't like the thought of stealing someone's life, but I had to. It's far better here than over there. I can't sleep. I can't rest. I constantly felt pain. I drowned in despair and agony. Worst of all..." She hugged her legs even tighter and pressed her face behind them. "Worst of all, I found myself blaming Sis for what happened to me."

It was hard trying to look at her, especially by how it seemed she was wallowing in despair. "How did you steal that person's life?"

"... I..." Her face flushed red. "... Think of it as a point system. You have to score points to gain a life. Gain a hundred points and you are granted immunity to come here and try to leave through the gate in the other realm. Considering how often fresh ones come and how many there are of those trying to score, it is very hard to even score one point. I only got lucky that..." She started to shake. "Mom...!"

Mom? Mom was here? "Hey... uh... How did--?"

"I had sex with her!" She was facing me, face red and eyes streaked with tears. "I... I knew it was her and she picked me from among the horde trying to take her. I was so happy. I don't know what happened when we came together, but we came into a bubble and we... I don't know... My feelings were overflowing, and she accepted what I was doing to her." She wiped her face with her hands. "One person gives a hundred points, and I was lucky that I scored to a hundred because of her."

"How do you score points?" I was disturbed, but what was done had to be done, I suppose.

"Making the individual sin. I remember there was a large number of these things from old Corallean lore, but there were some that completely stood out from the rest. Lust was the one I made Mom do. I am happy that it was nothing else, but still..."

I watched her stand and wipe her face with her forearm. "I just wonder why she didn't go for the exit. Mom doesn't even know me that well. I don't even know how she knew me. All I know is that we knew each other, and we had some time together, talking happily about our times with Dad as we had sex. It was... I was just wrong, but how am I to know about her if this was the only time we have together? I don't... It's just..."

I stood up and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Do not worry," I quietly said. "I am sure she understood."

"It's still wrong!" she yelled. "I can't... I don't want to leave her there, but I don't know how to bring her here! I don't understand...!" She collapsed down onto her knees.

I looked up to the steps, seeing that woman in red. She was standing there, watching California as she wept. I was inclined to stop the woman as she came forward.

"Please," she said to me, "let me come to her."

I glanced at California and then to the woman. For some reason, it seems California cannot sense the woman. What is even more weird is the two of them having shadows, which makes neither ghosts or spirits, I suppose. I stepped aside to give them space, but enough to lunge forward and intervene if the woman does anything awkward.

The woman knelt before California, smiling in a bittersweet manner. "Well, seems I was correct when I said she might walk around in the nude if she sees you."

I pressure came to my face as I felt along my arm. What is going on? Did California see me in a pair of underwear earlier? Technically, they were the woman's. I pressed my fingers against my brow as I kept wondering what is happening.

"It's okay, Calia. There's no need to worry about me. I'm fine knowing you just wanted to live." She reached out to California but stumbled forward. Her hand...! It went through California! The woman knelt in shock. "That's right. I can't..." She knelt back as a tear rolled down her face. "I'm sorry."

I said to the woman, "Let me talk for you." Both the woman and California look up to me. "Since California cannot hear you, let me talk for you."

California furrowed her brows. "W-what're you talking about?"

I crouched down between them and said to the woman, "Any idea what we can use as proof you exist?"

The woman immediately slapped me. It resounded loudly, and it really hurt! She did not even hold back! I guess it is all fair since I did punch her face. California leaned forward.

"Whoa," California laughed. "I appreciate the dynamics, but really, are you trying to mock me?"

"No," I growled. "Someone else is here, and she is in front of you."

California chuckled. "Yeah. Right. This isn't funny, y'know."

I held my hand out to the woman. "Pinch my middle finger."

California leans forward to look at my middle finger. The woman then pinched as I said. Assuming my assumptions are correct, my body is like a Human body. The redness of my finger should be pale where the woman pinched me and then flush out to be red again. I looked up to California, seeing her stare.

She looked up to me furiously and said, "What the fuck are you trying to do?"

"Huh?"

"Are you trying to make fun of me?"

"N-no! I--" Suddenly, the woman rushed toward me and began gripping my neck with both of her hands. "What are...!?"

I tried to pry her hands off mine but it proved fruitless. I fell back, trying to get away, but it only gave her leverage to choke me. I tried slapping her and clawing at her face to stop her, but she kept smiling at me.

"The fuck are you doing now?" California dully asked. "I can't believe you're trying to act like you're dying. What? The person is choking you right now?"

You have no idea! I continued trying to fend the woman off but my efforts continued to be in vain. Next thing I knew, everything started to lose color. My head felt so much pressure that I felt I was going to explode! I could not grip anything...!

"All right, all right, I believe you."

Even so, the woman did not stop. What are you doing? California said she believed me! Stop...! Please...!

"Hey, Fortuna. Hey, get up. ... Don't make me slap you. ..."

Go ahead. Slap a dying person, will you?

"Hey. Hey! Are you still there? Fortuna! Hey!"

Now you believe me when... Forget it. You do not even believe me when I tried to help you. I should just...

"Yahaha! There you are."

I gasped as my eyes opened widely to find the woman above me, crouching down with a smile on her face. I tried to--What? Why am I buried in the ground?

She did not hesitate to dig with her bare hands, helping me come out of the ground yet again. She then said, "I suppose when you restart in life here, you're burrowed up to your neck."

"What?"

"You see, this is how I found you the other sixty-two times."

"Sixty-two...!?" What?

"Me, I start over somewhere in the sky. I break a few bones every time, but it's okay."

What? Why is she talking to me as if she is familiar with me? Rather, if it has been sixty-two times--wait... Why am I naked? No... Why am I so expressive? No, I have skin... Why am I Human!?

"Let's not dawdle here," she said to me as she took my hand and pulled me along. "I know all this seems a bit confusing to you, but rest assured, you're going to be okay."

I... I suppose she is safe to be with. She must know something I do not know. Man... I do not know what is going on at all.

Now that calmed down a little, I noticed I am in a flowerbed. There are flowers everywhere, and it stretches out all the way to the horizon. Although these flowers are peculiar, they look beautiful. They have cobalt stems with petals of sky blue, hot pink, and electric yellow. They do not have any thorns though.

"I sure ventured out far away to find you," she said as she was taking fleeting glances. "Now... where is it?"

"What are you looking for?" I asked as I was doing the same.

"There should be a monument somewhere around the flowerbed."

Although how dire the situation appeared, she appeared to have a smile. I looked up to the bright sky, finding... well... I do not see where the light source is coming from. Clouds float about and...

Huh? No. The sky suddenly turned purple. Huh? Something touched me. Oh. I have my body back. Huh? What? Arms...!?

"Futura!" Lucky called out.

I shook myself out of their reach to approach Lucky. "What is going on?"

"Go back to the flowerbed! It's safe there! I'll wait for you here!"

"What...?" Suddenly, an arm seized my ankle and yanked me, having me fall onto... A face! I scrambled to get away but faces were everywhere! Arms were flailing! Where am I!?

"There you are."

I gasped as I--What? Why am I in the dirt? The woman smiled at me and used her hand to dig. Slowly but surely, she helped me out. Huh. Still naked.

"Seriously," she sighed. "When you fall from the pillar, don't be using me as your landing pad, alright? Seriously killed me that time."

"Huh?"

She turned to me with left hand on her hip. "You landed on me when you fell from the pillar and I hit my head pretty hard on the floor. I think I bled out or something. And yeah."

"Huh." I glanced about her, seeing that her head appeared to be fine. Her hand, however... "Did you break your hand catching me?"

"Oh?" She glanced at her right hand. "Oh. This hand." She tried to move it, but even though she was laughing, I knew she was feeling pain. "Actually, I kinda fell on it. Not by your doing, though."

"Oh." I glanced around, seeing that I was on a flower garden. It was large and it stretched all the way to the horizon. The sky is blue with lofty clouds floating by.

"Hey, watch where you're going."

I stopped in my place. "Why?"

"Last time you're looking up in the sky, you tripped and fell into a flowerbed full of poisonous thorns."

I looked down to find flowers with thorns in front of me. Just one more step and I would have been in their mercy. "Oh."

"Seems we're pretty lucky this time. Found the pillar."

In the distance, I could see something that appeared to be a spike in the earth. I was a bit surprised upon seeing it.

Nothing really else happened upon the approach to it aside from buttery smells. I am lucky that I found someone to talk to. It would be very lonely if anything else. I came around to what appeared to be the front of what seemed to be a shrine at the base of the pillar. There were thirteen steps that led to an altar.

Huh? Something does not feel right.

I looked up and approached this large pillar that pierced the sky. Huh... What was I doing up there?

"Fortuna?"

The voice was different. I turned to find another woman here. She has golden-blonde hair and noticeably blue eyes. Her skin color is pale. Apparently, she also has a bobcut like the woman in red. This one had a noodle-strap top and a mini skirt, both sky blue.

That uncomfortable feeling I had when approaching the pillar went away in that instant.

The moment I was about to say something, this woman came toward me and hugged me tightly. "Fortuna, I thought you disappeared!"

Bewildered, my arms came around her. Do I know her?

"You're Fortuna, right?"

I found myself looking into her eyes. She was uncomfortably close that I could feel her breaths against my lips. I nodded once. She released me and paced away from me, spinning back to face me again when at arm's length.

"I can't believe it's you. I thought you were gone for sure when I saw your body disappear. Don't scare me like that."

Huh?

"I believe you that someone else is here. Otherwise, I don't know how you could have keeled over and died in an instant from loss of breath."

What?

"But it's okay now. I believe you. Where is this person?"

I glanced around me. The only ones I see are this woman and that other woman. I will name this second woman "Woman 2" for clarifying what I am talking about for now. Still confusing, since the two look the same to me. The only physical difference is their color scheme, really.

Woman 1 pointed at herself. Seeing that, I pointed at her, too. Woman 2 traced where I am pointing.

Woman 2 said, "Over there, huh? What is she saying?"

I watched Woman 1. Staring... "Nothing," I reported. "She only pointed at herself and I pointed at her."

"Oh. Can you ask her what is her name?"

Woman 1 said, "I can hear her."

I said, "I can hear her--I mean, she can hear her--I mean, she can hear you." I am too distracted by all the questions running through my head. I need a rest.

I can feel a void in front of me. My eyes parted to find--FOUR EYES!!! I scrambled away but fell down a few steps of the monument. Too much is happening...

I looked up to find Woman 1 ghosting through Woman 2... or is it Woman 2 ghosting through Woman 1? Or could it be they both are ghosts? Regardless, it is my first time seeing a ghost. I am more fascinated than scared, now that I think of it that way. Still, my shoulder hurts from falling down the stairway.

"That was an awkward spill," Woman 2 commented.

I rubbed my arm as I stood up and came to them. After a while, I pressed a hand to my brow. "I need some time to process what is happening." I pointed. "Woman 2, can you see Woman 1?" When I said Woman 1, I pointed at Woman 1. At least they both are separated now, which makes pointing at them easier.

"Woman 2?" she asked. "I'm California, remember?" Okay. Her name promoted to an identified name now. California it is. "But..." She glanced to her side. "I don't see anyone."

Huh? "Woman 1, can you see California?"

"Yes," she said with a smile and not even looking. Not very convincing, but I will take her word. Well, I suppose I can call Woman 1 just "the woman" now until she actually tells me her name.

I still have a hand on my head. "So, California, you cannot see, hear, nor touch the woman, right?"

"Is she hot?" she asked in return.

Quite something to ask back. However, she did it without a grin but twinkling eyes of intrigue. The woman chuckled to California's remark. Since she was asking about the woman's appearance, I suppose she cannot sense her at all. Though... I wonder...

I pointed at the floor. "California, can you see a shadow?"

She traced where I was pointing. "Huh?" She crouched down, staring at where I can see the woman's shadow. "Well, that's odd. Which one?"

Which one? "The one that is not yours and mine."

"Yeah. Which one?"

I stepped forward and pointed just under the woman. "Do you see this one?"

California felt along a lock of hair and looked up further. "There is another one over here." She crawled across the floor to the edge of the monument, near the top of the stairway.

That is not where the woman is. We are all at the center, where the pillar is. I cannot even see a shadow. Could it be that we have an intruder? Or are we being watched? I felt along my arm as I glanced around us, trying to see if there were any abnormalities around us. I closed my eyes and listened... Nothing more than what should be. How suspicious.

So, there are three people with the possibility of a fourth one. Maybe it is Lucky. He is a Mag, after all. He should be near to me at all times. However, why can I not see him?

"I wonder if we all can leave this place," California said. "It would be pretty sweet, right?"

I nodded and looked over to the woman. She appeared to be concerned. "Do not worry," I said as I slipped my hands into both of hers. "I will try to bring you with us as well."

"But you are still alive," she said to me. "Calia and I have died in reality. I don't know if--"

"I said I will try to bring you with us as well." I attempted a smile. "Please have faith in me. I will do my best."

She smiled as she swung our arms around. "I believe in you." She glanced at my body. "Well... I suppose it will be better if you have my dress."

... Huh? "W-wait. You need your dress."

"She can't see me, anyway."

Before I could say anything more, she was already slipping out of her dress and now removing her brown leather boots. All she had left was her white-lace underwear. Her body frame is smaller than I thought.

"Does she have legs?" California said with massive intrigue.

"She is not a ghost," I said as I crouched down to pick up the dress. Although I was doubtful that the dress would show, I would be lying that I was not curious how a dress felt like. It was a dress composed of a type of an overskirt that kept the front side open to unveil the dress at the waist. The sleeves were large near the end but pretty tight just above the elbow. The sleeves then fan out at the proximal end. Now that I think about it, this type of dress is issued to Hunters of the female Human Force division. It was fairly snug and I felt warm simply wearing it. However, it was too snug. I could not raise my legs too high.

"Whoa!"

I glanced to my side, finding California staring at me oddly. "What?"

"Are you some kind of magical girl?" she said as she seized my hands, her eyes twinkling madly.

I glanced down at the dress, feeling embarrassed to be wearing fabric. Maybe I should just walk around in the nude. I feel more comfortable like that, though most Humans would disagree. That aside... "I suppose you can see what I am wearing," I quietly said, trying to keep my face away from California.

"Red totally does match your hair color," she said with a wide smile.

I found it hard to look at her the moment she complimented me. When is she going to release me?

Seeing as how we are going off track, I took my hands to myself and turned to the pillar, examining it from the front. Light was reflecting off its polished surface, seeming as if it were being maintained. In fact, I cannot even identify what kind of material this pillar was composed of. I reached out to the feel its surface--

--GONE. WHERE HAS SHE GONE!!! WHERE IS SHE!?!--

I gasped as I zoned back into myself. I glanced around myself to find myself standing before the pillar. The sky is still blue with lofty clouds floating by. The flowerbed was still there. What was I expecting?

I do not understand but someone is looking for me. It cannot find me since I am here. Maybe it is best I stay here. Maybe I should try touching it again. Maybe I could...

YOU... I KNOW YOU ARE THERE.

Huh? I am not touching it. I gave fleeting gestures from side to side. I cannot find anything. It knows I am listening to it. However, it cannot find me.

Dark Falz. I know it is you. You cannot hide your intentions from me. You want to find me, bait me with things I want, and then kill me in the end. You suspect I am the next hero. A god without the power to suppress its inner thoughts... How pathetic. Maybe if I touch this pillar more, I can actually obtain some of its strength. After all, to defeat a god, one must harness godly powers.

"Okay, you're getting a little creepy."

Huh? I turned to California, seeing that she was feeling a lock of hair. I glanced at the woman, seeing that she was scared of my presence. Then, the other one is yelling something. Wait... What? The other one? I passed between California and the woman to approach this other person. Calai... You have been watching me, huh? I held a hand out to her.

There is no mistaking it. She is Calai. I have... I have what I wanted all along. I just could not sense it. That hydrangea-blue hair with a crab-like headdress... That Pinkal hunter ID. Those shoulders so tender. That white body suit and her skirt of magenta plates with thin, white lines... Those arms with frost-like extensions... Knee sock painting that reaches up to the middle of your thigh... Megenta shoes made of the most advanced footwear available for Androids... I cannot mistake any of it. You are Calai... MY CALAI.

I gasped. I gave fleeting gestures around me. Calai... What... What was I thinking just now? What am I doing here? What is my hand reaching out to?

"Hey, Fortuna. You there?"

I abruptly turned around to face California and the woman. They both stared at me. Why are they looking at me like that?

"Are you feeling okay?" the woman asked me.

California then said, "Holy shit, Fortuna. You totally freaked me out earlier. That laugh and that creepy thing you were saying... I can't even describe what you were saying. It totally sounded out of this world."

Huh? I pressed a palm to my head, trying to remember anything remotely similar to what she detailed. I glanced around me but I stopped when California felt my hand over my head.

"You're feeling okay, right?" She came close to me and whispered, "You're not hearing anything weird, right?"

I paused to listen around me but found nothing other than the gentle wind caressing the flowers. I then shook my head. She leaned in closer and whispered... something to me.

"Fortuna, get a hold of yourself!"

What? Something felt hot. I glanced over my shoulder... The flowerbed... It is burning. What happened?

"We have to leave now!" California exclaimed.

"What?" I glanced at the woman with us and then to California. "But I promised to help her leave, too."

"I worry about the kind of form she will take when she leaves here. I know what form I am. I will be easy to bring along, I assure you. Remember the plan. You'll have to transfer all your record data quickly and then install me into your system."

I nodded and then looked up to the woman, seeing her turning pale. "What form are you?"

She shook her head. "No! You will stay here with me until we can find something out!"

"We have to know what form you will take. That way, we can--"

"NO!!!"

Suddenly, the bright light of the sky vanished. Purple sky... This... This looks familiar, somehow. California? In place of where her hand was holding mine, a microchip appeared. I... I understand now. You lost your body. You are only data now.

Immediately, I accessed my interface and did as was told. However, there was no option to transfer data. I am supposed to be plugged into the server still, right? I checked through every type of option there was in my interface but failed to find the option. No... I cannot save my data. The arms were reaching out to me. I... I...!

[Select A or B]

A. [Delete all recordings]

[spoiler-box]
--DELETING RECORDS.--

--PROCEED?--

--[YES]/NO--

--ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO DELETE?--

--ALL DATA RECORDED CANNOT BE RECOVERED.--

--[YES]/NO--

--DELETING...--

Life is more precious than memories of the past. Sure, it is nice to remember things to be happy, but I can still make happy memories in the future as well. So... please! Memories, rest in peace. It has been so much fun seeing these records on my off time. It made my life seem to have purpose. So... please. Let me save California.


--DELETION OF RECORDS COMPLETE--

I inserted the data chip into a bootable micro chip disk drive in my ear.


--[Z:\CALIFORNIA.EXE]--

--NOW PREPARING A DUEL BOOTING SYSTEM--

--CREATING SYSTEM RESTORE POINT--

--SYSTEM RESTORE POINT COMPLETE--

--PREPARING INSTALL...--

--PARTITION SUCCESSFULLY CREATED--

--ESTIMATED TIME OF INSTALL: 10 MINUTES--

--PLEASE WAIT...--

...

...

[Received "y"][/spoiler-box]

B. [Spare the records]

[spoiler-box]No. These memories are too precious! Maybe there is enough space in my memory for California. I inserted her chip into a bootable micro chip disk drive in my ear.


--[Z:\CALIFORNIA.EXE]--

--NOW PREPARING A DUEL BOOTING SYSTEM--

--CREATING SYSTEM RESTORE POINT--

--SYSTEM RESTORE POINT COMPLETE--

--PREPARING INSTALL...--

--ERROR--

--ERROR--

--INSUFFICIENT DATA SPACE--

--ABORTING DUEL BOOTING SYSTEM--

No... Not enough space? Maybe I can leave here with California in my hand. Maybe I can save her in some way. Yes! There always has to be an answer!

[Received "25"][/spoiler-box]

I looked down to the floor, seeing that the floor was composed of faces. I will not be scared this time. I will overcome! These arms... I wish I have a weapon--Oh wait! I am a Humanoid again! I accessed my inventory and wielded a Saber. I immediately started hacking and slashing at the arms that dared to take hold of me.

"Futura, I thought I said that you should have stayed back in the flowerbed!"

I looked over my right shoulder, finding Lucky next to me again. "Change of plans. It was deemed unsafe there."

He sighed. "Well... fine. Just don't stay here for too long. There's something nasty about this place if you stay here."

y.
[spoiler-box]"Details as I try to bide time for an installation?" I kept slashing at a target one after another.

"How long?"

"About nine minutes now."

"Ew... Large enemy detected and approaching fast. It'll be on us in about six minutes."[/spoiler-box]

25.
[spoiler-box]"How far away until confrontation?" I asked.

"Seems about six minutes. We should find the exit."[/spoiler-box]

I kept slashing at arms one after another, but they seemed to keep spawning. "Any exits detected?"

"I'll go look. Please, don't get caught."

Easier said than done. Now that I think of it, where is the woman from earlier? I took quick glances around myself but I could not find the woman at all. What is she? Maybe I already lost her... Maybe she was something like a data chip too, like California. I am very sorry...

I kept slashing at arms, one after another. It was becoming harder and harder to stay away from them. I do not want to become like them. I need to survive. I need to be with Calai.

"Futura!"

I slashed at another arm and found lucky soaring through the air. "Any luck?"

"Bad, bad, bad! Your only way to escape has been absorbed by that incoming force. You're going to have to kill it to escape!"

Annoying... "What kind of enemy is it?"

"It's a humanoid. Not the mechanical kind, but human-like in appearance. However, something's odd about it!"

ACCEPT YOUR FATE. KILL HER OR BE KILLED. DECIDE.

A female? Could it be the woman from earlier? However, something seems wrong. Lucky said that it was human-like in appearance. I must assume the worst.

"Above!"

I looked up and jumped out of the way of something that came crashing down near me. I rolled a short distance and slashed at some arms that tried to catch me. Dust cleared after some time. Indeed a female was in the center. She rose to her feet and... and...

"Isn't that your sister?" Lucky asked me.

C-Calai...? She was already before me when I realized her fist was colliding with my face. I spun as damage reports were blaring, but I still managed to stay on my feet. I accidentally dropped my Saber in the process.

"Calai!" I cried.

She dashed the distance and tried to do a high kick to my head. I blocked it in time, but I saw her spin and she hooked me to the side of my head. I stumbled over, crawling to stay on my feet. I do not want to fight you!

"Futura, fight back!"

No... I cannot hurt Calai. Please... Do not do this to me. I only wanted to return to you; to be by your side. Why are you hurting me? I... I cannot kill you again!

NO. IT IS NOT CALAI. I MUST STAND AND FIGHT. KILL. KILL IT. IT IS NOT CALAI. KILL IT. IMPOSTER. CALAI WOULD NEVER HURT ME. CALAI WOULD NEVER HURT ME. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE.

I soon found myself mounted on something. The head was bashed inward. No... Calai! Did... Did I kill her again? No! How could I have done this!? Calai!!!

"Futura, we gotta go! The door's unstable!"

"But... Calai!"

"Futura!!!"

SURVIVE. IT IS NOT CALAI. IMPOSTER. SURVIVE. CALAI WANTS ME TO SURVIVE. SURVIVE.

I gasped for air as I realized I was lying back on something. Wait... Lying back on something? My eyes parted, seeing only a glass exterior. Apparently, I was moving out of the pod I was placed into. As I was coming out, the glass seemed to haze over. I could not see what was outside. Wait... It all comes back to me.

---

John stood aside and motioned for us to pass by. Ciello immediately clung onto my arm when I was about to pass by her. "I can't believe it's you! I heard so much about you from Ciel. She said that there was this awesome Caseal whom had this scary look on her face but was as kind as a singing Rappy."

"Ciel?"

"Oh. Right." She moved away from me with her arms behind her. "Umm... I guess she didn't say that she had a younger sister, huh?"

Younger? You two look the same! In fact, it is hard to distinguish an Organic from another. "How is your sister?" I asked.

"Oh. She died."

I shifted my attention to her in awe. "What happened?"

The Newman beside me shook her head. "She didn't really last long after she arrived on Pioneer 2. Jean didn't look good either. When I got to the hospital, her wound apparently reopened, but it was ultimately unrepairable. Apparently, if it were not the internal bleeding that would kill her, it would be her reaching the end of her life span." She looked forward, showing her woes on the matter. "You know how we Newmen have a variable lifespan, correct? Apparently, she was overdue for a month prior to her death. She was having flesh transplants almost weekly due to her body tending to want to rapidly decay for some reason, and Jean was there to help with money."

I looked away from her. "How was the burial rite?"

"There wasn't any."

Awestruck, I wanted to inquire more. I asked her what happened but it seemed she was not willing to answer any other questions. I glanced over to Calai, seeing that she was actively listening to her. Calai stepped over to Ciello's sister's left side and held her hand.

"What is your name?"

She gave a deep sigh--probably to vent--and finally said to Calai, "Violla." She gave a disheartened smile. "Our father was a musician and loved string instruments. It's rather funny, isn't it?"

"It sounds funny," Calai joked.

Violla laughed. "It sure does."

This part is usually when Calai takes control of the person of interest. She is usually good at interacting with depressed folks, mostly because of her enlightening attitude. As for me, I seem to lack that luster.

Ohgun stopped the group. "Well, here's where we register ourselves." He held his hand out to a tube that stood up to my shoulders. "All you have to do as CASTs is plug yourselves to this terminal. Apparently, we're all going to be hiding in a quarantine VR server dome. D-type factor will be flooding in at the same time and we're not expected to leave within twenty-five pioneer years."

"Twenty-five years, huh?" Calai asked. "That's quite a long time."

Violla then said, "It's because that's the expected time for reform. The thing is that all of the CASTs we have kept will be hiding. Those who're not CASTs and support repealing OPSS will stay behind and try to do what we can to have it undone by the time you all are ejected from the server."

"I see," Calai said, "That means you probably won't be around when we are safe and sound..."

Violla smiled in a melancholy manner. "I know. Newmans tend to not live very long..." She looked up to me. "But those who we're indebted to tend to stay with us." She came to me and held my hands. "Although I was not able to see Ciel very often after that one time, I'm thankful for your efforts in aiding her welfare. I will use you as an example of how great a CAST can be."

I bowed my head to think about Ciello, but later nodded for her to use me as an example. I have a clean record, and I am not even a combat CAST. Everything would work into her favor.

After Calai and I registered ourselves to the terminal, Ohgun showed us beyond some more doors. However, Violla stayed behind with John. I wonder if she can manage to repeal OPSS. It will be perfect. I really want to go home. I also hope we do not stay in the VR Server for twenty-five years. That is far too long. I have to return to Daddy.

"I forgot to ask," Ohgun said as he led Reiz, Calai, and me. "Do any of you have any objections?"

Calai raised her hand and wildly said, "I will go wherever Sis goes!"

I glanced at her, wondering if she felt embarassed doing what she did. Reiz remained quiet but fairly observant. As for me, I did not really have any complaints. I simply glanced at Ohgun, seeing that he was looking at us for any type of response. An awkward silence came among us as we passed through a long passageway. We saw Humans, Newmen, and CASTs all intermingling with smiles and laughter. It was interesting to see them this way. It made me forget that OPSS even existed. However, I grew wary when I thought about one of these people being a spy.

At the end of the hallway, a large door opened for us, unveiling a large dome. In fact, it was so large that it would make up the whole structure of the Central Dome. Most people were still operable, probably saying their farewells to each other. It had promise, but did I hear correctly that they are going to flood the dome with D-factor? I hope they have means of protection against it. After all, it was potent enough to corrupt Vol Opt. What kind of protection does the server have?

"Ohgun," Calai said. "D-type factor, right?"

He looked over to us. "Yes. This place will be flooded with it."

"You do know that the stuff was able to infect even non-organic substances, right?"

He paused for a moment. "Yes, we have precautions for it."

That did not appear reassuring whatsoever. Reiz moved her sights to the center of the dome, where a massive tube was placed. At the base of it, it contained computers, where numerous people in white coats were operating.

"I will stay," Reiz said to Ohgun.

"Oh," he said as he rubbed the back of his large head. "If you mean being one of the last ones heading into pods, you're going to have to talk to John about that." Reiz then turned away from us and headed for where we last met him. "That lady is just..."

"Loveable?" Calai said as she poked him with her elbow and a sneer.

Ohgun fell silent to Calai's remark and continued onward. "Apparently, we need some people to test out the server and check if breeches are possible."

Calai raised her hand. "I'm good at that stuff! Lemme at 'em!"

Ohgun rubbed the back of his head again. "Just go see those folks in white at the center, where the computers are. Let them know what you're--"

"Whee!!!" Calai was already running off when Ohgun told her where to go.

So, all that was left was me. I stared at Ohgun, waiting for him to make up another thing to do, but he simply stared at me. I scoffed and folded my arms, moving my sights, seeing Calai tackle over a scientist and raising her arm. Seriously, that Caseal...

"I'll try to find adjecent pods for you and Calai," Ohgun said.

I moved my sights to him. "You do not have to do that."

"No, it's just..." He rubbed the back of his head some more. Really, I am surprised his paint has not rubbed off there. "... it seems you're more at ease with her around."

I stared at him some more, seeing this his emitions were attempting to sway away from something. Well, he is not wrong about that. It was just hard to admit it. I found myself looking over to Calai again, seeing her give a massage to a scientist. Maybe he was the one she tackled over earlier. I do admit that Calai does provide excellent massages...

"Anyway," Ohgun said, "I gotta go do some more things. I'll show you to your pod some time later."

I moved my sights to Ohgun and nodded to him. He waved at me whereas I simply watched him walk away. He sure is busy. Makes me feel useless. After all, I am a civilian. I cannot do anything...

"Hey. Don't you be thinking that stuff again."

I turned to find Lucky talking to me. "Think of what?"

"'Oh, I am so useless' thing and stuff."

I turned away. "You are imagining things."

---

That was how events led to this situation. By the time my capsule was fully ejected, the haze started to clear. I closed my eyes, hoping for a better outcome of what will happen to me.

"Yahaha... Seems you're alive."

Huh? The woman? Before the haze could clear, a shadow flickered. That must mean the air outside the capsule is safe.

A male intercom voice said, "The hatch is now opening. Please, do not touch the door as it opens. We would like to preserve the capsule for future uses. Common symptoms are confusion, increased libido, vertigo, and nausea. If you feel anything different, please report to your nearest physician. CAST supremacy."

CAST supremacy... That was a key phrase that was like our motto in the dome before we were laid to sleep. CAST supremacy sounds like they are going to start a war against Organics. That was not what Violla was fighting for. She only wanted us to live together in harmony, which is more of what I am supporting this movement for.

y.[spoiler-box]
I checked my memory, seeing that California's partition was idle. I sighed in relief and laid back in ease. I suppose that whole time in... uh... wait... where was I? I felt along my ear, where I inserted her micro chip. As I thought... If I did not install her into me, I would have lost the opportunity to recreate California. Now... how shall I continue from here? I suppose ejecting Calai from the pod next to me will be a place to start.[/spoiler-box]

25.[spoiler-box]
I checked my memory, seeing that all my records were kept. Maybe I should be able to remember everything that happened in the VR server. Upon trying to remember the events on my own, everything seemed to be a blur. Well, it was like that until the events with California. Wait... California! I felt my ear... Huh? No... I felt everywhere along my ear and especially in the capsule. It is missing! I should have installed her... Calai...! Calai! I have to check on her immediately![/spoiler-box]

After a while of waiting, the hatch opened. I found myself heading into...

I found a massive growth on the ceiling of the dome. It gave sounds as if it were a heartbeat and released an airborne contagion that became nullified shortly after being released. There had to be a way to undo the D-factor!

"Sis?"

I gasped. Sis? Someone called out "Sis"? And the voice was female. So... My processor started to override itself on junk applications. I looked to my right, finding Calai on her knees and her palms against the steel plate terrace we were on. I stepped closer to her, but she suddenly fell pronated. What is going on?

"No...! Don't... Don't come closer...!"

Something was definitely wrong. I scanned around and especially her capsule. Apparently, there was a breech in the glass and a tube was missing. It was like her capsule was sabotaged!

I stepped closer to Calai but found she was emitting distress signals. She was becoming faint was well. I need to do something quickly. Otherwise, the D-factor will take over!

"Fuckin' piece of...!" Calai struggled to raise herself onto her knees and used the rails as support. I tried to come to her aid but she held a hand out to stop me. She was panting rapidly. "I'm okay. I'm allocating power to ridding the D-factor. Just hold on. Just make sure nothing else happens, okay?"

"Are you sure you can handle it?"

She laughed. "You're making me sound like a martyr. Please, believe in me. I can take care of this easier if I know you're safe."

I wanted to help in any way I can. So... "I-I will hug you for a long time if you take care of it!"

"How about a kiss?"

"A kiss! Anything!"

She looked over to me and smiled. "I'll hold you to your word."

A waiting game... I really hate waiting. I guess I will sit here and...

... Huh. I have been recording? Well, I will investigate the dome while I wait.


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: UNDERGROUND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT NEAR MINES

[ARChan]

--RECORD 143--

25.
[spoiler-box]
Upon inspecting my data, it seemed there were numerous memories that could have been discarded and still understand what happened in the VR server. In all actuality, it was not worth saving in comparison to sacrificing my opportunity to save California from that realm. Most of the memories were painful ones; extremely pitiful. However, at least I know Calai better. I am better knowing that I am the third child made by Daddy and knowing that California has existed. The truth may hurt, but it is there for a reason. I must learn from these mistakes, whether they are mine or someone else's. I understand that Calai is always prioritizing me above all things. Whatever she does, she does it because it is to better me. I must not lose sight of that.

I was on the ground level where the computers were placed. Upon inspection, it seemed that we had only lived in the VR server for a day, or two years VR time. We were expected to live in the VR server for twenty-five pioneer years. How is that even possible? Either that or we were expected to be ejected before the time even expired. As for the VR server, it had enough cooling supplies to prevent wear, and it had automated repairs in the event of something happening to the server itself. If I am calculating the lifespan of this server, it could live for the whole duration, in the event of everyone here being abandoned along with the planet. Maybe that was the alternate plan.[/spoiler-box]

y.
[spoiler-box]
As I was tinkering with the computers at the ground level, I was discovering that my movements were a little more refined. It also felt like a lot of weight is released and that I could run throughout Pioneer 2 without fail. It must be California's data. Incorporating her data into mine must have fine-tuned my actions. As for California...

"Hey, doesn't it seem like we are in a dome of pods?"

"Yes, we are, California."

She keeps asking questions about everything. It is starting to become annoying. It was already bad having Calai around. To have another stuck in my head is overwhelming. I cannot process anything effectively due to her talking constantly! Just be quiet for once![/spoiler-box]

As I was accessing the computers designated for the server, I took glances around me. It appeared that the only infection was the one that happened to the ceiling of the dome. That was reassuring, considering that we were careful about sanitizing the perimeter. The site of the infection... I suppose there were germs we could not sanitize or the germ infection came from outside. Staring at it was fascinating. It was like the skin was continuously dying and recreated at a rapid pace and the skin was peeling back layer after emerging layer. What if it fell from there? The splash would be devastating!

25.
[spoiler-box]Now that I think about it, John said that CASTs were sent back into reality the moment they die in the VR server. That sounded as if they were sending some back to check on the server in reality. He also made it sound like not a single CAST made it back into the server after dying. If that were the case, where are the bodies? Maybe the infection site contains the bodies.[/spoiler-box]

Some time passed by as I was simply analyzing the data commands and operations of the VR server. It was interesting to know that most of the CASTs were actually being in harmony with the avatars created by the VR server, or what they were considering as the Organics. It was most reassuring to know that there is hope of harmony among us all. I looked up and took short glances at every single pod that made the walls of the dome. I could not help but smile.

A footstep...? I armed a Handgun and aimed at the intruder, saying in a demanding manner, "Who goes there?" I can never be too careful.

I saw that the footstep was actually people at the tunnel to the main district of the mines. The door had only a wide, narrow slit to look through. It was interesting. How did they find this location? If not found this location, how did they become locked outside? The situation was baffling. I turned my back to them and continued tinkering with the computers.

"Warning," a male intercom voice announced. "Photon camoflauge cannot withstand number of activity. Deactivating."

A loud hiss came from the door which blocked the intruders. That was not reassuring. I looked up to Calai, seeing that she was still down. I had to draw attention away from her while she was undoing the infection. Also, I had to keep the fight away from the VR server's main computer and generators. Too many things to worry about! I must fight my way through the large crowd and draw their attention away from the dome somehow!

25. [spoiler-box]
I checked my inventory but soon discovered that I was ill prepared for such a confrontation as this. I... I do not know what to do! Calai...! Please, get well soon. I do not know if I can do this alone!

NO... I AM THE CATALYST. I AM THE CHOSEN ONE. YES... I TOOK ITS POWER. MY ARMS... I DO NOT NEED THEM. I NEED WEAPONS--STRONG, LETHAL WEAPONS.

MY RIGHT ARM... IT WILL BE MY BLADE. MAKE IT FILLED WITH PHOTONS; ENOUGH TO REND THROUGH EVEN THE STRONGEST OF ARMOR WITH EASE. IT WILL BE THE BANE OF THOSE WHO DARE COME TO ME BLINDLY. I WILL CREATE FEAR AND DECIMATE MY OPPONENTS.

MY LEFT ARM... IT WILL BE MY SHIELD. MAKE IT MY LIFELINE AND THE WILL OF THIS SOUL. I WILL DEFEND THOSE I WILL PROTECT. NOT A SINGLE SOUL, METAL, NOR PHOTON WILL PASS. I AM THE BARRIER THAT WILL NOT SHATTER.

MY BODY... IT WILL BE MY WINGS. MAKE IT BLEED FOR THOSE WHO SUFFERED AND HAVE YET TO SUFFER. GRANT MY AGILITY WITHOUT HESITATION. MY LEGS WILL CARRY ME WHERE I WILL, AND I INTEND VICTORY. I WILL EMERGE VICTORIOUS OVER THE MANY.

DARK FALZ IS HERE!!!

My head... It is so hot! What is happening!?

My right arm...! It contorted and split into two sharp prongs. I could sense a massive void from it. The two prongs were sharp blades. A simple touch to the metallic floor etched a mark.

My left arm too!? It swelled into a bulb and bloomed into numerous extensions that appeared to be numerous tentacles--too many to count! The tentacles were moving so swiftly that each only left a blur.

My... My legs! Where did they...? Aghh!!! Something... Something is tearing at my spine! What...? What is happening to me!?

"It is okay. You and I will be together. Use my power to stop your foes."

Who...? Who's there? Show yourself! No one...? Show yourself, please! I... I don't know how to...!

"Use it as how you want to stop them. Believe that you will stop them, and you will. There is not much time left for an explanation. Here they come."

What? Stop giving me--!

An explosion shook the dome. Oh no! The door! No...! What about that growth on the ceiling!? I looked up to find it dangling on the last bit of flesh it had. Then, it came falling! I have to stop it! STOP IT!!!

My left side whipped out and snatched the growth midair. Then, I whipped it out toward where the door was, bowling over quite a large number of the strike force. It appeared they knew about the D-factor in the dome and stormed with armor slots known as Resist/Poison. This allowed them able to survive in most infestation conditions, though I doubt direct contact with a growth will be nullified.

All of the creatures down below... They stared at me in awe. What are they seeing? Am I... GOD!?

I whipped out my right arm and out fired a large, concentrated beam what swept across the foes before me. All that was left was... Well... if you were to call nothing something. Ha... Ha ha...! What are they doing!? They keep shooting me and even casting TECHNICs on me! Nothing! My silver sheen will not be bested by the likes of you all!

Ha ha... A ha ha ha! NONE OF YOU CAN STOP ME!!! DIE, DIE, DIE!!!

"Sis! Stop it!"

C-CA... CALAI...

"Sis! They're retreating! Stop it already!"

CALAI... PLEASE, LET ME BE YOUR SAVIOR JUST THIS ONCE. ALLOW ME TO ANNIHILATE EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM!

"No! STOP!!!"

CALAI! WHAT... WHAT ARE YOU DOING? WHY WILL YOU DEFEND THAT... CAST? WHAT...? What HAve I been doiNG? No... I... My rIght arm...! Get AWay, CaLAI! YoUr arm...! My momentum was too much! The tentacles of my left arm seized my right and tore it off.

I screamed as I collided with the wall.

I had no legs as I laid myself on the floor. Calai... help me, please! I am not a monster. I only wanted to protect you! Please! Stop looking at me that way! CALAI! I DON'T wANT You to SEe me liKe thIS. Blood...? My blood... Cyanic blue... It is like I am those flowers in that realm. Calai... I...

"I aM SoRRY."


--INSUFFICIENT ENERGY--

--ATTEMPTING TO SAVE NECESSARY SYSTEMS--

--WARNING--

--EXTREME TEMPERATURE--

--WARNING--

--WARNING--[/spoiler-box]

y. [spoiler-box]
I checked my inventory... Huh? I don't remember something like... What's this? My voice's a bit wonky. Wonky? Since when's wonky part of my diction?

"Lemme take care of this, a'ight?"

Huh? I said that. But... California, you're taking over, right?

"Yup. Don't worry. I know how to control Dark Falz. I just need you to believe in me."

What? But... Does that mean you had his power before?

"Yeah. Kinda figured out that I was using his power at last minute, but it wasn't enough to save my guts." We looked up to Calai. "This time, I'll make it right."

We took our time to step in front of the large door. It appears they're setting explosives on the opposite side. Shouldn't we move?

"Nah. We gotta greet our guests with honor and charisma, right?"

That's what Daddy said to me when he was describing how to greet someone at home. How... How I miss him.

"Hey, focus, Futura. I need you to focus on me."

I know. I just want to think about Daddy a little.

"Yeah... I miss him, too. We'll head back and give him a great, big hug once all this's over, a'ight?" We poised upright and crasped our hands before our thorax.

An explosion quaked the dome. We did not move an inch as rubble and debris blew past us. In stormed numerous hunters with a unit known as Resist/Poison equipped to their armor slot. Seemed they knew what they're up against. We allowed approximately twelve of them to surround us with honor and a smile.

"How may I help you?" we asked blindly to the group.

The leader, who was a HUmar, came forward in front of us and said, "We're taking over this encampment. You will come with us quietly, or we will show force."

We cleared our throat. "Well, pirates don't deserve a lot, really." We looked up. "Hmm... Maybe you all might want to consider that thing?"

The growth... It was hanging on the very last bit of flesh it had connected to the ceiling! Is this why we were placed where we stand? But if we stand here...! It's... It's falling! Everyone began running their separate ways to stay clear of the impending splash. Even though they had Resist/Poison, it can handle so much pathogenic invasion.

"Believe in me."

I do. That is why we will liberate this dome. Suddenly, in a blink of an eye, we appeared in the tunnel that most of the force remained in. We were behind them. In our hands, a legendary Mechgun-type weapon set from the Justice Corp. appeared. The H&S25 Justice... This was one of the weapons that I saw earlier when I was checking my inventory. This specific type of mechgun brand was known for its practically infinite firing rate due to it being able to almost never overheat. In fact, it has a tendency to freeze enemies.

With a cocky spin of the pistols, we then aimed these mechguns at the large group before us and opened fire without mercy. Each shot froze a target, one after the other. We walked toward them with a proper smile of a maid and our pistols twirling around our fingers. Once they were close, we planted our hands on the floor and gave a dizzying spin! Groups of opponents found themselves sucked into a vacuum by the propellar kick and kicked aside with such a force that made them soar through the air.

The remaining forces were smart enough to back away. So, we pushed off the ground toward them and fired everywhere around us as we flipped and spun. It was a relentless hail storm of freezing photon bolts! We landed with a 1080-degree spin before we managed to stop ourselves. The only thing hot was our feet for skidding against the metallic surface.

We were down in a low crawling stance, like we were a quadruped about to pounce onto its prey. Our smile... It was anything but proper. In fact, it distilled fear into the remaining forces. It's the elite force that leaded the charge that remained, really. We got this far without hurting anyone too bad, I suppose. In fact, all my fear and doubt vanished. I felt safe being with California.

"W-what are you!?" the leader yelped as he retreated behind his remaining forces.

We stood up to our feet and flicked our hair aside. "How about you scurry on home instead of trying to fight me?" We then had our hands on our hips with the H&S25 Justice still in our hands. "I'm sure you all would like an explanation, but there are times when such things should be left in the dark, don't you agree?" We let out a chuckle.

Suddenly, arms came around the leader and seized him from his neck. Several shots were unleashed toward his head with a Railgun to overload the armor.

"There are two of us," Calai said in almost the same fashion as us. "Do take your time in deciding what happens to this man. We will show mercy if you all leave now."

Without hesitation, the leader screamed. Calai released him and he went running like a cowardly Rappy, crashing and bumping into anything that stood in his straight line. The elites glanced at us and then ran by us to retrieve everyone in their retreat. We stood at the doorway with our hands still on our hips as all of our opponents retreated. It took them approximately two minutes for all of them to evacuate the premises. Afterwards, we welcomed the silence.

... There were CASTs among them?

"California?"

We turned to the Caseal behind us. It's odd for me to see Calai so... uh... feminine.

"Sis. I'm so glad... We... "

Calai threw herself onto us. "California...! I... I missed you so much! It was not all a dream, after all!"

Of course. Calai would cry for California. Calai loves California and California loves Calai. Of course. I probably should just...


--INSUFFICIENT ENERGY--

--ATTEMPTING TO SAVE NECESSARY SYSTEMS--

--WARNING--

--EXTREME TEMPERATURE--

--WARNING--

--WARNING--

... DISAPPEAR.[/spoiler-box]

[ARChan]

For those who went the #25 route. A spoiler for those who went the #y route.

[spoiler-box]Urgh... the #y route made me draw how I think the mutation looks like, just so I could get a solid picture into my head. I'm not really confident in my drawing ability, but I think I'll post it here when I got it done.[/spoiler-box]

[ARChan]

Woops! Sorry guys! I got the #y route and #25 route mixed up. I edited them just now, if you read them earlier.

25.[spoiler-box]
I'm done with the drafts of my drawing now. However, a friend of mine wanted to help out with the drawing. So, we're doing it together. The guy has a tablet... -fuming with jealousy-[/spoiler-box]

[ARChan]

--RECORD 146--

Record... What record number is...? ... I don't know anymore. I don't care anymore. Calai... Does she even want me anymore? I... I want to disappear.

25. [spoiler-box]
She saw me as a monster.[/spoiler-box]

y. [spoiler-box]
She saw only California.[/spoiler-box]

My eyes parted. I expected nothing much. A solid ceiling. No lights. In fact, it is just a ceiling. I...

I rolled onto my right, soon to meet with Calai as she stared back at me. I came into a panic as I scrambled away. I backed myself against the wall. Even though there was a door next to me, I kept trying to go through the wall. Stupid...

"Sis," she said as she moved a strand of hair off her face. "How are you doing?"

"H-huh? What do you mean? I'm just Fortuna. Yeah. Just Fortuna. Y'know..."

She stared at me for a while. Her face's marked with a tinge of sadness. Why? "It begins..."

What? "What begins?"

She crawled to me and kneeled before me. I stared in awe as she cupped her hands around my cheeks. Then... Then, she...

She kissed my lips.

Our lips parted after some time. I was staring stupidly as she sat back and stared at me some more. There was something more to her expression now.

"I'm sorry," she said, near to a whisper. "I didn't expect..."

"What's going on?" I asked in concern.

She bowed her head. "You're using slang now. It was the start of when I started to hear Dark Falz."

Dark Falz? I don't hear any voices remotely different than usual. I kept silent and closed my eyes. What am I supposed to be hearing? I don't quite understand what she's saying to me.

y.[spoiler-box]
"You should listen to her," California said. "She knows you more than you think."[/spoiler-box]

I reached out my arm. Then, I patted her head. She looked up to me, giving me reassurance when she didn't run away. "I'm still me," I said. "You know that, right?"

"Yes," she said like a child being consoled. "Then, you're going to propose to me and want to marry me."

I froze in place. What? Was I going to say such a thing? She knows me a lot, right? Then... Then, if I must...!

She shoved my shoulder back with a wild laugh. "Sis! You perve!"

I glared at her. "You're the perve."

She laughed some more before she became comfortably situated in her place. "Just don't ever change, okay?" Her smile vanished. "Don't become like me, okay? I'm..."

"Calai... uh..." I felt along my arm. "You're great as who you are."

She glanced at me once before she started feeling a lock of hair. "I-is that so?"

"Would I lie?"

She smiled again and shook her head. "I'm... I'm glad." She hugged her legs to herself. "I didn't have anyone when I started hearing voices. I try to tune it out most of the time, but at times like these, I completely forget about those voices." She glanced at me again. "I won't leave you alone, if that's what it takes to hear them." She glanced again. "I... I love you."

Huh? "Y-you--?"

"Don't talk to me like that!" she said as she burst upright. "I-it's embarrassing, alright?"

I felt along my arm. "I was just going to ask if--"

"No, no, no, no!"

"--you wanted to be with me."

"--fried donuts with gel...! What?"

I cocked a brow. "I wanted to know if you want to be with me."

"O-oh." She sat back down with her head bowed and her hand feeling a lock of hair. "I-I... You're..." She cleared her throat. "Yes, I do."

25. [spoiler-box]
"I'm not a monster to you?"[/spoiler-box]

y. [spoiler-box]
"More than California?"[/spoiler-box]

"Well... Uh..."

I frowned. "... Well?"

She nervously laughed. "I'd be lying if I say yes..."

I'm appalled by her response. A lie would have sufficed then! I gripped my hands. How I wanted to... But... But at least she told the truth. A lie would just hurt things in the long run. Even so...

"Kiss me."

Calai's eyes parted wide. "W-what...?"

"Kiss me--a... again!"

"Why?"

"Do it!"

I don't know what I'm doing. Desperate. I'm desperate. Who knew? I want to know if she wants me; that she is not afraid to be with me. I don't want to be without her again. I--!

She took my head and pulled me against her shoulder, squeezed me so tight that I had difficulty breathing. "Listen, and listen well. I've only been showing you affection because I knew it as a mechanism to stop you from becoming like me. I love you too much to have you go through what I'm going through." She paused to think. "I'm honestly not like this. I'd like to stop being such a fool around you. I'd love to love you as how I want to. However..." She pushed me back enough to see my face. "... I couldn't stop you." She bowed her head. "I want to protect you from the world. I want you to know there only being happiness, and when you do find someone to love, I'll be there to support you. Your happiness is mine. I want..." She looked up to me. "I want to love you as Fortuna, not Calai."

I gripped my arm. "So... there are romantic feelings?" Suddenly, I was shoved away. Next thing I knew, Calai was already paces away from me. "W-what?"

"Gross! Why would I ever be romantic with my sister?"

I felt conflicted. If not romantic, what am I feeling then? If I'm a replication of Calai's former self, I should be feeling the same way. However, why am I having difficulty thinking that way? Am I flawed data? I bowed my head.

"H-hey, think about it. Incest. You know. That stuff. Totally gross... and stuff. Yeah. Very gross."

I stared inquisitively. After some time, I shrugged it off and finally stood up. As I came to her, I actually stepped to her side and looked up to the giant tube that contained the VR server's main computer.

"Do you think we should tell them?" I asked.

She looked up with me. "Hmm... Good question. We should have everyone evacuate the VR server due to dome being compromised. The people might be back. We should tell them about the event too."

"No," I interrupted. "Don't tell them what happened. Just that there were individuals who discovered this dome. That's it."

Calai glanced over to me and smiled. "Of course. Besides..."

25. [spoiler-box]
She whispered into my ear, "You're my monster." [/spoiler-box]

y. [spoiler-box]
She whispered into my ear, "You're not California." [/spoiler-box]

I took discomfort in what she said, but since she was sincere and smiling, I suppose she did not mean any harm. I suppose she also meant that she wants me. That is all I want, anyway.

Calai said as she paced forward, "It kinda feels like this's a morgue, right?"

I had my back turn to her, but I knew what she's refering to. There's a morgue in our residence, where Daddy kept android and robotic shells stored and kept in order. It's similar to this dome, where every space was taken by an inactive body. In a sense, it's where Calai and I stayed most of our lives, where her parts were mixed with mine.

"Well," she said as she held her arms up into the air as a stretch. "Let's get crackin'. ... Huh? Sis?"

I soon found my hand around one of hers. As soon as I realized what I'm doing, I released hers. However, before I could do as such, her fingers became intertwined with mine. I stared at our hands as they embraced. Then, I traced from her arm to her face. She smiled at me. I couldn't help doing the same. She chuckled and gave a deep sigh with her smile still on her face as she looked up to the towering tube at the center of the dome. It felt like we haven't done this in such a long time.

25.[spoiler-box]
She still cared for me, even after what I have done to her. She has always been faithful to me. What about me? Even so, it's good. It's all very good. I still have a place with Calai. I always felt comfortable around her. She always seemed to know what to say at times like these, though most were annoying me. Reflecting upon those events, she often shifted my insecurities with something more positive. I love that about her. I never want her to leave me...

... EVER. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MINE.[/spoiler-box]

y.[spoiler-box]
Why does it feel that way? I took another glance at her to find myself longing for her affections. However, it's good. It's all good. I still have a place with Calai. I always felt comfortable around her. She always seemed to know what to say at times like these, though most were annoying me. Reflecting upon those events, she often shifted my insecurities with something more positive. I hope we'll be together like this even after we get back home.[/spoiler-box]


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: UNDERGROUND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT NEAR MINES

[ARChan]

--RECORD 147--

25. [spoiler-box]
I WANT CALAI. I WANT HER ALL TO ME. I WILL KEEP HER AWAY FROM EVERYTHING. I WILL TAKE HER FOES AWAY. I WILL KEEP THE WORLD AWAY. HA... HA HA HA!

I looked up to Calai as she was tinkering with the the server controls. Apparently, she's still attempting to find a way to release everyone from their chambers. I finished examining some of the dome for any more infection sites just now, though it seemed that large one that fell was the only one noteable. I suppose that's a good thing.

Out of boredom, I've been morphing my limbs, just to figure out how to become the monster I was. However, I'm afraid of what will happen if I do a full-body transformation. However, funny thing, earlier. I was staring into a capsule I opened and accidentally teleported into it. It was so tight and I was basically mounting myself against the Caseal. For some reason, something came over me, and... well... ... ... Carrying on.

Calai sure seemed dedicated to her work. I came to her side like I usually do, but when I stood there, she kept her eyes onto the monitor. It's like she didn't notice me.

I WANT HER TO DO THINGS TO ME.

I wonder what she's thinking. I've never seen her so transfixed to an operation before. I never knew she had the ability to have complete focus on a task. Just watching her like this feels like I'm becoming more and more familiar with her.

... BUT I WANT HER TO BE FOCUSED ON ME. SEE ONLY ME. TAKE ME WHILE WE ARE ALONE!

It is rather lonely, though.

I WANT YOU. I WANT YOU SO MUCH!

I found my hand on her shoulder. I looked up to find Calai's attention on me. I stared at her, only to realize that she was giving me a questioning stare in return. What is it? Is there something on my face?

"Calai," I said, near to a whisper. "I..."

... YOU. I LOVE YOU.

She smiled at me. "I love you, too."

"Eh? Erm.... Uh..."

She patted my head and pressed her forehead against me. "Are you okay?"

"Uh..." I could barely see the lining of her lips. Is she going to kiss me again? I...

... WANT TO KISS YOU.

Suddenly, I felt something burning on my face. I felt along it. Huh? Why does it hurt?

"Sis, what's gotten into you!?"

"... Huh?"

"You've been acting weird. Is there...?" Her concern suddenly shifted to guilt. "No... I-I'm sure you were tempted. Please, try to control yourself more."

"... Uh... Okay?"

YOU KNOW YOU WANT ME. IF I AM YOU, THEN YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I WANT YOU, TOO.

Suddenly, I found myself behind Calai. Her back was against me. We were in front of the server controls. My arms... What? I released her and backed away. My body felt hot. So much pressure was against my face. My body... I could not stop shaking!

Calai turned her head so I can see the side of her face marked by guilt. "Your actions... Are you doing them?"

"N-no! I wouldn't...!" Would I?

A smile came on her face. "So, that means you're not aware that you were touching me lewdly just now, right?"

"W-what...? No! I wouldn't do that!"

She then turned to me and touched her lips with her fingers. "Then, you didn't kiss me, did you?"

I stomped my foot. "What're you talking about!?" It took me a while to realize that she was cuffing her ears with her hands. "Calai? Was... Was I loud?"

She finally rested her arms down onto her sides, though her eyes still winced. "Boy howdy you were."

"Wha-what's happening to me?" I stared at my hands. They are my hands, but I felt they weren't. "Calai... Calai, what's going to happen--!?"

"Shh."

I found her embracing me in her arms. "No! Let go! I might..."

"Accept it as yourself, now. There's nowhere to escape from it."

"No! I don't...!"

"You have to. You're... You're only going to hurt yourself more if you don't."

"I can take it! I can take the pain! Please! Don't say that!"

"You can't escape. ... I'm sorry."

"No. It's not your fault! I..."

... JUST ONLY WANT TO BE WITH YOU. I WILL TAKE THE BLAME FOR EVERYTHING. JUST LOVE ME. LET'S BECOMING ONE!

Suddenly, I found myself pressing against the floor with my hands. Calai was under me, staring at me with such defeated eyes. What... Did something happen again? My body felt hot. My lips were wet. Calai was the same, too. Something did happen. A feeling of awkward satisfaction was over me.

I knew something happened. I had to exclude myself. I have to run away. I can't be with Calai anymore.

"I'm sorry," I said in a choked manner. "I'm sorry."

I... But... But I want to be with her. She protects me from everything, but how can she still protect me after everything I'm doing?

"I'm sorry."

I love her. I love her so much! I have to control myself. I have to make sure I know everything that's going on.

"I'm sorry."

I can control it. I have to control it.

"I'm sorry!"

I need to control it. It's for our future. If I can't...

"Shh," she said to me as she cradled my head against her shoulder. "Shh, it's okay."

... I'll die.


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: UNDERGROUND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT NEAR MINES[/spoiler-box]
y. [spoiler-box]
Things have been fairly awkward as the time passed by. While Calai was busy figuring out the controls of the server, I let California take over my body. Apparently, she has been doing flips and turns that I've never seen out of anyone. Some movements were so quick that even I could not keep up! Then, she was humbing a tune and dancing to it. She was just so energetic that I cannot keep up. Since I am still connected to this body, I can feel the strain and how suffocating her exercises were. I wanted to swoon but she kept going on. How could she do this? Is she even... well... a CAST?

The moment she stopped, she fell down and rolled on the floor in a rather comedic manner. She was busy rolling across the floor, doing something like a one-person race. I do not know if CASTs can even feel nausea, but I sure didn't like seeing what I was seeing.

She stopped and blew a kiss to the ceiling. I do not know why. Maybe some kind of ceremonial end? My body... It's so hot! I'm not even sure if I'm melting something!

"Sis!" California yelled as she practically pranced--yes, pranced--to Calai. "Your sister's body feels amazing!"

Tired... So tired!

Calai looked up from the terminal and back down to it. "That is nice."

... Huh? Calai seems more different than usual.

"Aw, Sis! You're being a joykiller as usual."

She looked up again with her eyes in a glare. Her usual smile is not on her face. "Oh. Do you expect me to jump up and down with you and say 'Good for you'?"

"Yes!"

She buried her face into the palm of her hand. "You are ridiculous as usual."

"You do stuff like that with your sister all the time. Why not me?"

She stared at California for a while and went back down to the terminal. California tip-toed up to Calai and threw herself onto Calai with her arms around her neck, pressing my pathetic excuse of breasts against Calai's back.

"Sis," she whispered. "You seem bothered about something. What is it?"

Calai raised her head to look straight. "I... I do not know who I should be."

California sighed. "You're still thinking about that?"

Calai chuckled to herself. "It is not that I do not like being one over the other. I love both of my personalities. It is just I do not know which one to release. I have considered combining the two personalities, but that is going to need a better computer to configure, and this computer is already at half capacity."

"Why not delete my data?"

"Did you not hear what I just said?"

"My data is not yours."

"But if I do that, what about Sis--I mean, Fortuna?"

California shook her head against Calai's shoulder. "She told me that she wants to be called Futura from here on." Her embrace tightened around Calai. "Besides, 'Calai' is a play on my nickname 'Calia' as California was my name. It's either you release one or the other, y'know?"

I saw Calai's reflection of her feeling along her arm, just like me. "I... I need more time."

California frowned. "Coward."

"... What?"

"Scum. Bitch. Poor excuse of a sidekick. Dumbass. Schlicking nymphomaniac. Fucking clit. Piece of shit. Indecisive jerk."

"W-wha...? Sis!"

"That's what you are to me when you refuse to listen to me. Lose your data regarding my personality data and take up your former name or lose your data regarding your true self and take up my name. Which one do you prefer?"

"Th-that is not fair!"

"Then don't consider losing any of your two personality data. Easy as that, right? Besides, Futura knows you with my personality data. I know you as your personality data. Why not just mix and match sometimes? It'd be fun seeing you being more energetic as I'm quite sure Futura thinks that seeing you as a more mature lady would be nice as well."

"... I suppose you are correct."

"Besides..." California nuzzled in closer. "I'd like to see how I'd react if I were to... y'know..."

"... If you were to... what?"

Huh? Huh? What? It is like Calai is in a trance! What? Why? No! What? I am so confused! She seemed so easy to play! Or is that how I am like? Oh no! I am such a sucker! No!

"If I were to..."

Huh?

"... What...?"

Huh? N-no! What!? Why? Didn't Calai say she doesn't want to have romantic feelings toward me? Then... why? Why? Why is she kissing California? Why does she not want to kiss me? She really does prefer California over me! Liar! LIAR!!!

YOU WILL DIE. YOU WILL DIE! YOU WILL DIE!!! CALIFORNIA!!!

I forced myself to take over my body. California did not put any resistance in my doing so, probably because she was so caught into the moment. Damn you, fucking bitch! Calai is mine! MINE!

... Huh? Wait. Calai! I'm... I'm not California. Stop! Stop it! Stop it, Calai! I can't... I can't stop...! Calai, I... I love you. I love you, Calai!

Some time has passed. My lips were becoming numb, but I cannot stop. Calai... Surely, she should have known about us switching by now. That means she loves me the same way I do. I love her so much. I wish this feeling of mine would never go away. Forget everything. Forget the world. Forget OPSS. Calai... Calai!

"Mm... Hm? S-S-Sis!?"

Hm? Wait... What? You didn't...? I shoved her off me and scurried away to face away from her. I... I thought she loved me. I thought she wanted me instead. No... I've made a fool of myself!

"Sis," Calai said to me. "Uh... Well..."

"Liar!"

Violated. Cheated. Tricked. These feelings... I held myself. My feelings... You know them, don't you? Then what's going to happen now? Calai? I felt more scared than anything before. I'm alone. I should just disappear; let California take over my body; rust away; uninstall myself. But... But what is it like to be dead? What happens to the person when he is not supposed to be anything anymore? I heard of recreation, transformation, rebirth, and transcendence, but are they real? If they aren't, what happens then? Does everything just stop?

"Sis?"

Don't even try to talk to me.

"Sis, are you okay?"

Why do you even care?

"Uh... You see, Calia and I were into that kind of stuff a long time ago. I'm sure it took you by surprise."

Now you tell me. "Liar," I muttered.

"I had to, Sis. I just couldn't bear you being corrupt like us. We're doing the best we can to surpress Dark Falz, and this's how we used to do it."

"How am I supposed to know you're not lying?"

"Have I ever lied to you out of malice?"

"What do you mean?"

"Y'know, have I lied to be mean?"

"Yes."

"Huh?"

"Yes, you did! You told me you don't feel anything for me because I'm your sister. I was relieved, somewhat, but to see you kissing California? Don't you know how betrayed I am?"

"But... Sis, you're..."

I paused for a while but she did not carry on. "Why did you care for me this whole time?"

"That... That's because--"

"--Because you knew California would return? Because you knew California's data is inside me somewhere? You even said that you prefer her over me!" I abruptly turned to find Calai standing over me. "Calai! What is my purpose to you!?"

"Sis."

"What!? What is it you want!?!"

"You actually do love me?"

Wha...? "Did you just notice that?"

She felt along her arm as she looked away. "Yes, actually."

... ... ... ... ...

Calai asked herself, "Have I ever...?"

I looked away. I should just distance myself from her. She has been the reason of my woes as of late, and maybe I could just forget I felt anything toward Calai. I could just forget I even fell in love with Calai, and everything is how it should be. If anything...

... I'm afraid to die.


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: UNDERGROUND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT NEAR MINES[/spoiler-box]

[ARChan]

Ugh! Guys! I have a peeve with the recent entries I've been making. So, believe it or not, I have handwritten this story like twice already and already made a solid plan as to how to rewrite it here. However... here's the issue:

There was no dome nor resistance in the original plan. I'm hoping to get the story back on track some time soon. Hold tight, everyone :)

[ARChan]

--RECORD 148--

It has been a while since I made my previous recording. In fact, it has been three days. The first ones Calai ejected were John and several others under his recommendation. She did most of the reports. Me... I did not feel like doing any reports. I refuse to talk.

I did my part in relieving emerging CASTs. Most were upset about how much time we put into the whole stasis plan, and some were already ready to point fingers. It was a failure. It is easy to know that we will have to relocate in the near future. We are all scared.

The main operations being held are scouting, defense, and factories. For some odd reason, it seemed there was an increase in creature functions and there has been frequent breeches of Sinow units doing guerrilla strikes. As for Organics, it was like they abandoned us on this planet. Not a single sighting of one has been reported. Has it truly been just a few days?

As if that was not hard enough. Most of the CASTs are afraid of surfacing. So, as the squads are formed, it seemed Calai was placed in the first reconnaissance squad along with a HUcast, HUcaseal, and RAcast in her party. Then, Reiz is going up with another party whereas Ohgun in another. Ohgun kept going on about how he missed the sun, though I believe it rained quite often in the Pioneer 1 Central Dome perimeter. However, for some reason, Reiz seemed a bit on edge. She kept whispering to herself "Destroy" with some other things. Anyway, the three of them are to head for the surface.

I am placed in a second squad who will trek downwards for a means of a new base to form. Either way, it is dangerous. Upward, there is the OPSS threat. Downward, there is the D-factor and photon radiation threat, which is why my squad is leaving later than Calai's. We have to be checked if our frames can withstand photon radiation. D-factor... Unfortunately, it is unavoidable but can be undone with patience and seclusion.

My squad is fitted with two HUcast and a RAcast. One of the HUcast was a Hunter's Guild raker, a strong fighter with dirty tactics as his forte. The other HUcast was just... I really want to say something nice about him, but he is just... uh... adorable? He is so small and has these odd aspirations that were so aloof and loving. However, though how small he is, his weapons are rather large. The RAcast is a coward. He was drafted into this party against his will, but he had a valuable function, since he was a CAST under a photon researcher. He had the ability to detect hazardous amounts of photons, which would make our travels much smoother.

John is to stay behind with the other CASTs and especially the noble CASTs. They had such royal personas that it was sickening. John, however, was like that knight who kept being the devil's advocate in decisions that appeared to be foolish by the nobles. If anyone, I would give my life for John. He knew what was risky and the priorities needed for the resistance. The squad idea was approved by him. He was about to head for the surface as well, but he was stopped by the nobles, saying how he was a key figure and should anything happen to him would be a blow to the resistance. He was dutiful and a true leader. Also...

"Futura?"

I was cleaning a Beam--a red-photon rifle--when I saw John standing before me. "What is it?" I asked as I resumed cleaning off a bit of dirt and a bloodstain on it.

"Be sure you watch yourself while you're out there, okay? Cal's not with you this time."

I scoffed. "I can survive without her."

"I don't know. You seem more calm around her."

"I will be okay, alright? Why are you going on about her, anyway?"

He folded his arms. "It's just I've never really thought you two would go in separate squads. Did something happen between you two?"

y. [spoiler-box]
That kiss flashed in my mind...[/spoiler-box]

25. [spoiler-box]
That look of defeat on Calai's face...[/spoiler-box]

"Hey," John said as he knelt down to be leveled with me as I stood up. He was still taller than me. "If you need someone to talk to--"

"Why are you treating me like a child?" I checked for any external issues with the Beam before I stowed it into my inventory. "If this regards Calai, do your pep talks with her when she gets back."

He shook his head. "She did a good job working with me in the caves before I got here. Without her, I am sure to have lost about half the survivors. In that manner, I am in her debt."

Such an honorable fool... He cannot repay his debt by interacting with me. I watched him stand, his majestic figure towering over me with that intimidating glow of yellow eyes staring down upon me. I glanced to my side, seeing that there were eyes upon the both of us.

"Do not talk to me anymore," I quietly said. "People are staring."

John folded his arms. "It's only right to check if everyone's mentally able to complete their mission. I've already checked with everyone else leaving, anyway."

I glanced to my side, seeing the RAcast in my party walking by. "Sir Tonze," I called.

The RAcast abruptly turned to me. "Y-yes, ma'am. How can I help you, ma'am?"

I came to a comfortable distance between us and bowed down from my waist, showing reverence. "Has Sir John talked to you yet?"

Tonze was about to say something when John interjected, "Oh, he's in your party as well? Okay. I guess I should... uh..."

My eyes narrowed. "Just go."

"R-right. Uh... So, Tonze, right?"

I turned away and left him with Tonze. If anyone needs any morale boosting, it should be Tonze. He could be a possible nuisance, should something happen.

I came to Gill, the dirty tactical HUcast. He was tinkering with his traps when I found him. He looked up to me when I stopped beside him. He scoffed as if I just said a joke and went back to his fire trap.

"I sure hope that what we're going up against doesn't have Trap Vision," he said in a bright manner. "That'd make things so much easier on my part."

I nodded in agreement. "You can let me know if you need my traps as well."

"Seriously?" he said, dropping a confuse trap onto the floor. He appeared to be ecstatic about my offer. "Oh, I can totally see us kicking it up out there. I sure hope you got some excellent aim with that offer. That'd make things so much easier on my part."

I shrugged. "I had some rifle training with Calai."

"Oh. She's pretty good at shooting." He moved his sights, giving a distant stare in front of him. "But not as good as... uh... What's her name...? I forget." He smiled. "Well, your sister's pretty awesome at handgun instruction. She gave me some tips on how to use this Autogun I found on the way down here. However... uh..." He moved in close to me and whispered, "Does she rub up against people a lot?"

I buried my face into my palm. "Well, I hope to cooperate with you in the future."

"Remember that we're rallying by the exit in fifteen minutes," Gill said as he saw me stand. "Be sure to tell the old man that. He's with the researchers at the moment."

I nodded and patted his shoulder to tell him I am leaving. He did not look at me, but he held a hand out, saying his farewell. Such an interesting CAST. I expected him to be more of a creep. Maybe I should talk to him more.

Gill was correct. I found the small HUcast sitting on a chair with the researchers.

"--my days, you didn't have CASTs doing brainy stuff like this. We just usually assist and execute commands. Makes me feel like I'm just getting too old for the newer generations. Oho ho ho." As he laughed, I came before him and placed my hands on my knees to level my head with him. "Ah, Futura, there you are. I was beginning to wonder if you had left already."

... He is cute. "I was here the whole time. I am currently checking on everyone before we all head out for the field."

"Oh. Back in my days, I was once a farmer. My, how the times have gone by. Now that the farms aboard Pioneer 2 are automated, my labor is simply to rust away, but as you can see--" He pounded his chest. "--I'm still strong. I can even teach you a thing or two."

I smiled. "I suggest we try to do our mission first before we start practicing."

"Oh. Now that I think about it, you sound like my daughter. She's usually all 'Can we do it after this?' and stuff like that. But..." His energy seemed to have drained. "But that RAcaseal... I couldn't get her name, but what I know is that she was truly gifted in combat. She killed my daughter... I only came back alive because someone from here found me. My old body was too beaten up that they had to replace it with this puny body. But no matter!" He thrust himself off the chair and came down to a horse stance. "I'm alive, and that's what my daughter wanted me to do. Even if it's supposed to be the other way, I am grateful for her sacrifice. No one wants to die without a cause, and at least she is one of the fortunate to die with a cause."

"Oh..." I heard this story from him before, but it still pains me the same as the first time.

Before I could say another, he thrust a finger to point at me and said with a dynamic, loud voice, "You! What would you die for?" He thrust himself upright and made a fist. He pounded his chest with the meat of his palm and said with such a proud tone, "I, Carrot, will die to protect my comrades!" I smiled, but he thrust his finger at me again. "Come now, child. What is your ambition?"

I felt along my arm as I thought about what he said. He truly reeks of morale. He should be a major asset in the team, should we ever be demoralized.

The short, old man sighed and shook his head. "You young'uns need more discipline. I can teach you this during our journey, if time wills."

I smiled. "That would be nice, actually. Maybe I can serve Daddy better if you do teach me."

"Your Daddy, eh?" He laughed at the top of his lungs. "So, there is hope in the younger generations! Come, we shall depart for the rally point." Energetically, he ran off and disappeared into the crowd of CASTs crowding the dome.

I followed at my own pace. He does bring some interesting points. What is my ambition in life? Serving Daddy is, without a doubt, an answer. However... Calai... No. I cannot go back that way. I have done so much as to restore old functions. I must do everything in my power to serve Daddy.

After some time of passing through crowd after crowd, I finally met with Carrot, Gill, and Tonze. Carrot was doing jumping jacks. Gill was checking his Gungnir--a yellow-photon Partizan-type weapon. Tonze was checking the aim on his Blaster--a purple-photon Rifle-type weapon.

"You know how to use that thing, right?" Gill asked Tonze.

Tonze suddenly dropped his Blaster and scrambled to pick it up. He bowed down from his waist and said, "Forgive me! I'm very nervous."

Carrot laughed. "Tonze, my boy! Guts!" He pounded down into a horse stance again but gave a loud roar. It was enough for even me to be frightened. For such a small figure, his willpower is massive!

Gill laughed with Carrot. "Yeah! Guts!" He pounded down into a horse stance again like Carrot and coughed at the very second he started to make his roar attempt.

Carrot continued to laugh and slapped Gill's back. "There is hope for you, yet!"

I could not help but laugh at the energy here. Carrot is only as tall as Gill's waist and Tonze's mid-thigh. Gill slightly taller than me, though. I began to wonder how we would fare in battle.

However, it was short-lived when John met with us at the outskirts of the dome. We were standing at some wide doors, but John led is further out, just so the doors would close.

John briefs, "As you four may already know, your primary objective is to search for any usable machines that would aid the resistance. If you can carry it, bring it back to us. If you can't, report the coordinates of the item in question. I must remind you all that entering the ruins is prohibited. Use your discretion as to whether to enter or not. A side objective is to help anyone who can help our cause. Again, use your discretion.

"As a final objective, return alive. It does not matter if the threat is following you. The probability to live is much higher as there are others to help you. I wish I could give you all a more defined mission. However, this will help us the more you all find something. Any questions?"

Tonze immediately raised his hand. "Is there a duration of how long we can stay out?"

John rubbed his chin. "I'd say a week. We're currently assembling another group to help you all search. Maybe, as we know more about our surroundings, we'll then explore the ruins. However, the ruins is off limits. I can't guarantee a recovery party heading your direction, should something happen while you all are in there.

"Oh, another thing. If you find anything abnormal, please report back immediately. If possible, learn a thing or two about the abnormality. We'll decide what to do then."

Those words struck me hard to the core. "W-what is this about abnormalities?"

y. [spoiler-box]
John folded his arms and looked over to me. "There was a report of a RAcaseal managing to defend the dome against quite a large number of opponents with just Mechguns. Due to her extraordinary skills, we want to know if she is an ally. Unfortunately, we couldn't identify who she was."

Carrot sighed. "Another lass with extraordinary skill? It's like we never really hear guys having anything as such in this story. The only ones I know are the Black Hound and Sir Flowen."

Gill shrugged. "Well, at least we'll have something nice to look at before we get shot to death."

"Oh," California said in an amused manner.

I glared. "Shut up."

Gill threw his arms up. "Fine, fine. Just tried to have some fun with this whole thing."

I looked up to him, realizing that they could not hear California. I bowed my head to him. "Sorry. I did not mean to..."

He laughed. "Ah, no worries. Just don't be shooting at me, and I'll be alright."[/spoiler-box]
25. [spoiler-box]
John folded his arms and looked over to me. "There was a report of a humanoid UFO from one of the researchers. We consider this UFO hostile for now, considering it wiped out a large portion of intruders in the dome."

Tonze gasped whereas Gill asked, "How can that be? I don't remember seeing anything strange except for the main doors being blown in."

Carrot grunted. "Sounds like folklore happening again." We all turn to him with questioning stares. "Well, it's just an old mystery novel. Do carry on."[/spoiler-box]

John cleared his throat. "Should you all encounter anything as described, come back as soon as possible. We need to know if the information really exists. Of course, a visual snapshot or video recording will suffice."

Tonze nervously laughed. "Uh... M-my cameras got fried due to a conflict earlier. I'm sorry."

John took a glance at Gill and Carrot, both responding negative in their non-audio manners. He then looked up to me and said, "I believe you're the only one then. I believe it's a snapshot function? Ohgun showed me the snapshot you took of him earlier. The pixel size you used at that time will suffice."

Then, that means I will not have to worry about someone having proof that it was me whom John detailed. Still, I have to be cautious. I looked up to John, seeing that his attention was completely on me. I could not keep eye contact with him. I...

"That will be all," John concluded. "If you don't have any other questions, happy hunting."

Gill was the first to turn away. Then, Carrot grabbed the complaining Tonze's arm and pulled him along. I sighed and looked up to John again. I want to tell him everything, that I do not mean him any harm. I only wanted to protect everyone, and I did that on my own. I was able to protect everyone. I was great at it. I was flawless.

"You're not feeling well?" John asked.

I shook my head. "I... John, I..." I felt something on my head. My internal temperature became warm as I looked up, finding his outstretched hand caressing me.

"I'd come along as well, but they say they need me here."

I shook my head again. "N-no. I was... was..."

"Hey," he said as he lifted my face from under my chin to look up to him. "Tell me right here and now. Are you feeling okay?"

No... I am not! I am not okay! I abruptly turned away and met with Gill at wherever they were headed. My body... It is so warm. Am I attracted to him? I...

"Got the hots for him?"

I abruptly looked to my side, seeing Gill jeering at me. I immediately bowed my head upon seeing him, hiding my face under my hair bangs. I like John. However, he needs to focus on everyone else. They need him. I am... I am a hazard.

Time passed by and my complexion finally normalized. Upon feeling normal, I raised my head, seeing Tonze still being pulled along by Carrot. It is funny to watch. A small person pulling a stumbling large person. Well, he is not as large as John. John... My internal temperature become warm again.

Gill loudly sighed. "Hey, Carrot-Cake. Stop pulling him along like that. You two are at a disadvantage if someone does a sneak attack. Also, considering the Sinows, I don't think we should be playing around."

"Carrot-Cake!?" he roared in reply. "Youngsters these days! Hmph!"

Well, he did heed Gill's warning. Tonze still followed him like a puppy with his Blaster out. I kept my Sniper armed with me. Gill heaved his Gungnir over his shoulder. Carrot... Well, he did not have any weapons out. He seems very cocky about this. Maybe I should warn him?

"Photon reading up ahead," Tonze warned. "It's a Sinow Beat."

Huh? I do not see anything. He took aim and shot at a direction. The shot collided with something, making it uncloak. Indeed there was a Sinow Beat. I suppose Tonze can see these things since he is made to detect photons, and the cloaking devices that Sinows use are photon-based.

"I'll take vanguard!" Gill said as he rushed forward in front of us.

"Wait!" Tonze yelled. "There're others!"

Carrot groaned. "Youngsters... Making the elderly fight!" He rushed forward as well.

I suppose there are no others around us since Tonze did an area sweep and successfully shot every cloaked Sinow in sight with ease. He is very handy! I provided support fire for Carrot, watching every action he is doing. How...? What? He is fighting with his bare hands! He weaved around a Sinow Beat's dagger jabs and and did a right straight to the Sinow. The Sinow was sent flying with its headpiece destroyed! What...? What is he!?

Gill was taking on two Sinow Beats when I saw him. He retreated a step as a Sinow tried to lunge at him. He then charged the photons to his Gungnir, but the other Sinow Beat was winding for its own lunge. I aimed at it, hoping to intervene, but it was already jumping!

"Take this!" Gill roared. He did a wide swing, hitting the one before him. However, he slashed through and managed to bat at the jumping Sinow. The photon blade looked like it tore through the air! The second Sinow was barely deflected, both Sinows being knocked back. However, they both suffered massive damage. Gill charged for another strike and lunged forward with a thrust at the first Sinow as it was standing, rending it through and destroying it on spot.

The second Sinow lunged forward again! Suddenly, a purple photon bolt shot it while it was mid-air. Then, out of nowhere, Carrot did a lunging straight, knocking it back like his own first target.

I lowered my rifle and looked up to Tonze, seeing him take glances all about him.

"We're clear," he reported.

Carrot roared, "And that's why you should not rush in like that, youngster! What would have happened if I wasn't here to save your ass!?"

"I would've done fine," Gill bragged. "You're not bad, though. Looks like things will go so much easier then." He leaned forward to Carrot. "Photon Braces, eh? What do you call it?"

Carrot folded his arms. "Registry calls it Angry Fist. It was originally my daughter's, but she gave it to me when we landed on Ragol."

Angry Fist: gear that boosts attack power for unarmed combat. Has freezing capabilities. No wonder I cannot see it. It really is a small photon weapon, but the photons really burst upon contact.

Well, I suppose that weapon should fit him very well. At least he does not have to worry about his weapon colliding with walls. It makes me wonder how his daughter was like.

Suddenly, I heard a loud clanging noise next to me. I looked over, seeing Tonze sitting down. "I thought we were goners!" he whined. He looked up to me, seeing that I was watching him. "Say, I noticed you didn't shoot even once. Are you okay?" I scoffed and proceeded forward to Gill and Carrot.

Gill looked up to me and said, "Hey, don't get distracted next time, okay? I was relying on some cover fire from you."

Carrot rubbed his chin. "Maybe your reflexes aren't up to par with ours. You're a civilian brand, after all."

I was a hindrance to everyone here. Why am I even here? I bowed my head. Such a shame that I am not a military brand.

Gill laughed. "Don't worry. We all make mistakes."

Carrot laughed. "Yeah. You sure did."

Gill's laugh became awkward. "Hey, stop poking at that..."

After a while, we recuperated and continued exploring the mines. There were rooms and tunnels. The floors were mostly plates, metallic mesh, and photon barriers. In each room, there was at least a confrontation. For some reason, it seems like the mines became awfully active with hostiles in just one day. And...

"Damn, Futura!" Gill panted as he fell back to sit down. "You almost got me that time."

I keep making mistakes. What is wrong with me? I am usually better than this. Tonze is doing unexpectedly well. Carrot is still bolstering with energy. Gill is performing rather well, though it seems he is rather lax about each confrontation, but his criticism is always there.

Tonze checked his Blaster as he said, "We're doing exceptionally well now. Though, I think we are about to have a confrontation with a Garanz. Should we confront it or try to find a way around it?"

Gill asked, "Have you gone this way before?"

Tonze glanced around. "It's a hunch."

Knowing his hunches from previous confrontations, he was usually correct. I checked my weapon... Huh?

"The barrel is crooked," I said aloud.

Tonze took a glance at my Sniper. "Oh. You're correct. Here. Try using my rifle." He handed his Blaster to me and then armed a Beam. "I was kind of hoping I did not have to use this weapon, but oh well."

"Futura, shoot this!"

I looked over to Gill, seeing him toss something up. I immediately aimed and fired without pause. The object exploded... Direct shot.

"Whoa," Tonze said. "You're actually really good! Sorry for doubting your abilities, earlier."

Gill laughed. "Yeah! I guess switching rifles made things much easier for you. I guess we should do an inventory check, since no hostiles are around."

I looked up and found Carrot at a locked door. Apparently, it is locked and we have checked all the other passageways, each leading to dead ends. This one, however, has been locked the whole time.

I came to him and peeked over his shoulder. "That wire would trigger an alarm," I said.

"Oh? Uh... This old mind of mine is just not made for these things, I swear."

"Here, let me try this."

Carrot moved aside as I came forward to the panel. ... ... Huh? No. ... No. Huh. I turned and checked through another panel. Hmm... ... ... Ah.

I turned Carrot and said to him, "It seems this door will not open from here unless the alarm is triggered."

Carrot gave a sound of suspicion. "A trap, huh? It could just be a door that is never meant to be opened. Any chance for optic fiber tapping?"

I checked the circuit boards some more. "It seems to be hooked to a server somewhere. If we could somehow have that computer unlock this door for us, we can go through."

Carrot sighed. "But all the computers we saw are inaccessible."

We both paused to think. Gill and Tonze came to us after a while as we thought some more. I reported to them what I discovered to Gill and Carrot added our concerns to the situation.

"Let's just bust through then," Gill answered.

"Huh?" Tonze said in concern.

"We can handle this," he said confidently. "I mean, seriously. We took out a lot of Sinows earlier. They're not as bad as Garanz, but the numbers we took out are comparable."

"But this is an alarm we're faced with," Carrot reminded. "Anything can happen when alarms are raised."

I have to agree with Carrot. For him to be cautious instead of bolstering with energy should be a flag that something is wrong.

I stepped away from the circuit board and said, "We are already two days in. We should consider heading back."

Gill groaned. "Seriously, guys? I can handle them. Garanz aren't any problem for me."

I stepped up to Gill and said with a glare, "If you are saying that you have interacted with Garanz in virtual reality simulators, those do not compare even in the slightest."

Gill groaned. "Fine. I'll listen."

Tonze sighed in relief whereas Carrot jabbed his arm. I certainly hope he is joking about actually setting off an alarm.

So, I marked the location of the locked door on the map while I was following Carrot. Checking through every access way, it seemed that the only way to proceed forward is to find an unlocked computer for this sector. Surely, someone back at the dome should know how to hack into one.

I raised my head after checking the map, seeing only Carrot in front and Tonze next to me. Huh? Where is Gill?

Suddenly, the blue lights intermixed with red sirens. No... He would not do such a thing!

"Head back!" Carrot roared as he sprinted back to where we came from.

I immediately followed Carrot with Tonze's heavy footsteps behind me. Already, in the distance, I could hear clashing and Gill roaring. Foolish CAST! What gain is there if someone dies?

When we entered what seemed to be an open field, we saw Gill fending off four Gilchic and three Canadine. I immediately started firing upon the Canadine along with my Blaster along with Tonze whereas Carrot rushed forward to assist Gill.

"Youngster!" Carrot roared as he was alternating hook punches to the Gilchic. "Did we not settle with--?"

"It wasn't me!" Gill roared.

"Then who--Get down!"

Suddenly, a fireball shot across the room, barely missing Gill and Carrot. Foie? An Organic! I immediately shifted my aim to where the fireball came from, finding a FOmar with a katana. He had a headband and a blue robe.

"Retreat!" Tonze exclaimed. "We're not ordered to confront Humans!"

The FOmar apparently heard Tonze and... what? Is he commanding the Gillchic? They walked past him and created a wall between us! These Gillchic were especially more responsive and agile than the usual ones we would confront. In fact, they bobbed and weaved like Carrot.

The FOmar stood back, attempting to make contact with one of his Technics, one after the other as the Gillchics were relentlessly pushing Gill and Carrot back. However, we managed to narrow the enemies down to two Gillchic. Then, when we thought that was not hard enough, a massive transportation ported into the room. I turned to see what we were trying to avoid: a Garanz! No...! No!

Immediately, everyone became scattered when trying to avoid the Garanz's low-velocity missiles. The FOmar managed to sneak a hit with his Zonde on Gill, but Gill was able to still operate. However, I could see that it did do a number on him.

"Retreat!" Gill exclaimed.

Everyone attempted to run away, but I found myself cornered by the FOmar and the Garanz. I looked around them, seeing Tonze the last one to leave the room. No... Why? Don't leave me here!

"Hey, I'm over here!" the FOmar exclaimed as he whipped his hand out to me. Immediately, I found myself being buffeted by icicles that fanned out from his hand. I... I could not move. My limbs were frozen in place! "Now, promise you'll come quietly or I'll cut you down where you stand."

His katana was before my face, at an easy distance away from simply causing a lethal stab. I... I do not want to die! Someone... Anyone! Please, help me!

...

...

...

Please...

... Anyone...

25. [spoiler-box]
That katana... It looks transparent, now that I look at it.

... THE PHOTONS LOOK TASTY.

The ice around my neck and higher shattered. I immediately reached forward and opened my mouth wide, biting the katana. He tried to pull back but the blade snapped apart, having it disappear into nothingness.

DOES THIS FOmar THINK HE CAN HURT ME WITH SUCH A WEAK WEAPON!?

"Damn it..." The FOmar retreated a fair distance as the Garanz came in between us. It faced me and opened its missile hatches. It shot out a barrage of four low-velocity missiles.

FUTILE! GUARD!

My left arm turned into a bulb and burst open, letting loose six tentacle-like wires. These wires whipped each of the missiles away, having them spin out of control and explode upon where each of them collided.

"YOu arE WEAK!"

The ice around the rest of my body shattered and I stepped forward. The Garanz attempted to shoot some more missiles but the same result occurred. What a lame excuse of a machine. It cannot even kill me! PATHETIC!

I jumped up and landed on top of the Garanz. My whips started tearing and pulling at every bit of armor that protected the core. The top of the Garanz is where it is weakest. However, at the same time, the armor I tear gives way for more missile hatches to open. Just when I was almost at the core, the FOmar cast Grants--a single-target light attack that excludes all the shadows from the target and then strike, thus having the target absorb the light in the surroundings in an accelerated manner, often leaving vertigo. Well, there is no way to avoid it.

I took the hit... Huh. I did not feel anything. However, the Garanz then unleashed sixteen missiles. I stayed on the Garanz... Waiting... And waiting... Just moments before the missiles could strike me, I dove off the Garanz, having all sixteen missiles collide with it and completely annihilating it. Just before the FOmar could do anything, I held my right hand out, soon discovering that it was a photon blade with an exoskeleton like that of a Chaos Bringer. No matter. He has nowhere to run. He seems captivated by my appearance. Does he see the difference between us? Well, if he does...

"Prepare to--"

Suddenly, a red photon bolt struck my right shoulder. I looked over to who shot me with a Beam... Calai? Huh? Wait. No, Calai would not shoot me. She would not dare! But... But what if she is? No, she has to be. It is not like before. If I kill her this time, there is no higher dimension to see her in. So, am I doing something wrong?

The FOmar leaped back while my attention was averted and began casting Foie. However, at the process, Calai shot a bolt at him too. The FOmar blocked the attack and watched Calai take her place next to me.

"Leave," Calai demanded.

The FOmar glanced at me and then to Calai. "Why're you defending a monster?"

"Monster?" Calai barked. "She's my sister! Become her enemy, you're answering to me! Besides..." She came to me and felt my face. "... as you can see, she isn't hostile to me."

The FOmar stared in disbelief. "You do know what's going to happen if you let me go, right?"

"Want to die that much?" Calai inquired, her grin lowered to a glare. She really meant what she said this time. "Leave now or face both of our wrath. Who knows? We're by the same creator. Maybe I can transform like her as well."

The FOmar gritted his teeth as he glanced at me. He shook his head and activated a Telepipe.

"I'll let her stay alive for now, but the moment she starts going out of control, I swear, I'm taking her down."

Calai scoffed. "You can try."

Calai and the FOmar locked eyes for a moment. It was like their eyes were doing all the talking. There was an awkward silence otherwise.

"Please," Calai said. "Think about those who care for you. I don't want to fight."

The FOmar looked away. "I'm leaving. Don't show your face to me ever again."

Calai smiled. "I don't plan to. However, I do have one plea."

The FOmar cocked a brow. "A CAST has a plea?"

"Just consider it, okay? We're both CASTs made by Professor Felix, our Daddy. Please tell him that we're doing fine and wait for us."

The FOmar stared at me for some time before he turned to the Telepipe. He left without a word, the Telepipe disappearing upon use as well. Daddy... It is great that Calai still thinks about him. I thought that she only thought about me. I bowed my head, hoping that the FOmar would relay Calai's message to him.

"Sis, are you okay?"

I looked up to her, seeing her face me. She did not show any sign of discontent. She was worried. My right arm released the photons that enshrouded the barrel of the rifle-like body. I stepped forward... I expected her to retreat, but instead, she was stayed in her place. Her face was unchanged. Calai is always so understanding. She knows that I do not want to hurt her. I love her so much.

I wrapped my arm around her and held her against me. I whispered to her, "Thank you. Thank you so much!"

She wrapped her arms around my waist and whispered back, "This's what sisters are for, right?"

I nodded. I do not care for whatever result that FOmar decided. All that matters is Calai still wants to be with me. I cannot... stand... the thought of...

...

Hot...

...

...

Burning...!


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: MINES ; DEEP SECTOR[/spoiler-box]
y. [spoiler-box]
"Well, my turn."

Suddenly, the shards of ice clinging onto my body shatter to pieces. California then managed to duck under the thrust by the FOmar and did a spinning hook kick. The FOmar managed to bob backwards, barely missing his face by a hair.

The Garanz immediately armed its missiles and fired. California then moved close to the FOmar as she armed the H&S25 Justice. The FOmar attempted a low horizontal slash at her. However, California managed to jump up in a roll and kicked out at the FOmar. He took the kick to his shoulder, giving California the ability to kick upwards. While we were flipping, California managed to unleash a barrage of shots at the missiles coming her way, managing to strike every single one of them. The missiles exploded upon impact. The explosions pushed California away from the FOmar. We landed with our back to the FOmar. California turned to the FOmar with her mechguns aiming at him.

"Now," California said, "I expect you know the ultimatum. And do something about that Garanz, please?"

The FOmar's left shoulder was severely injured. It dangled lifelessly. He gritted his teeth as he moved to the Garanz. He then stabbed it through the essential power source, causing it to malfunction in an instant. He scoffed and dropped a Telepipe. That katana must be sharp to have pierced the armor of a Garanz. Now that I take notice of it, it does not seem like any katana I know. It is transparent...

"You'll regret letting me go," the FOmar said.

California sighed. "Don't you get it? You value life. That is why I value yours, as well."

"I will destroy you, next time."

"Nuh-uh. You will not destroy me, even in the next time."

"How do you it will not be different this other time?"

California scoffed. "You did not kill me when you had the chance. What you did was ask for me to surrender, which then leads me to this question: who are you working for? I thought OPSS required you to take us dead."

The FOmar chuckled. "Just going by my own ideals and how things should be done. Just make sure your friend gets treated."

"I'll ask again. Who are you--Hey!"

The Telepipe activated and the portal site closed upon use. California loudly groaned and glanced everywhere around her. Canadine, Gilchic, and Canadine remains were scattered about the floor. What an unprecedented event. The FOmar was summoning machines at will. I have to report this to John.

"Don't you mean the lead of the resistance?" California asked with a sneer.

Well... she is right. However, I barely ever see the lead. What is his name? Umm... I should just report to John. I do not know if I should talk to anyone else about this. It could stir up a commotion.

"Well... Oh, damn. I'm starting to... Hey, Futura. You still believe in me, right?"

... Why should I? I just wish you would just disappear.

"W-what...? Futura, I just saved you. I thought that we're fine now."

What? You stole my sister away from me. How can I be fine? How can I be remotely close to fine!?

"Futura...! Please, you gotta... you gotta believe in..."

... What is it now?

"I... I can't function without you believing in me. Dark Falz... it's the power of belief. It feeds on someone's belief... It's their desire. Please. Believe in me."

... ...

"Futura!"

If that's what it takes, I will not believe in you anymore. You can rest for all eternity for all I care.

"You're not fair. I wanted to protect you and Sis. I needed your body to do it. Please. Abuse me. Abuse me in any way!"

---

What should I do? Should I believe in her again?

A. [Yes][spoiler-box]
Okay. But... But please, don't let me doubt you again. In fact, tell me why you two were kissing earlier?

"Dark Falz feeds on the power of desire, right? Through desire of intimacy, he can leave us alone. Trust me. It's the best for Sis, especially."

Especially? What do you mean?

"She has the ability to transform her body parts into whatever she desires it to be. Last time I let that happen, she... She transformed and killed me. You see, I'm not the best at making clear-cut explanations. I made her believe that I'm going to kill Daddy, but really, I was just upset that he was considering in making another daughter. I believed that this new sister was going to take Sis away from me. I was using intimidation to stop Daddy. Sis thought that I was going to really kill him, thus what led to my demise. I could not really hate Daddy that much. I love him too much to do that. We made up, of course."

Calai has the ability to transform her limbs? Wow. I want to see that.

"N-no. You don't want to. It's hideous."

Well, if you say so. Then, when you two kiss...

"Yes, it's so that we have her stop from hearing voices. You remember she said something about it, right? It's also a contributing factor as to why Sis became hostile."

I see. Well, you two can kiss, I suppose... But you're only able to because I'm allowing you to. If I say stop, stop it, okay?

"Done deal."[/spoiler-box]
B. [No][spoiler-box]
... No. You will not take my sister away from me. I want her to see me, and only me! Do you understand? You are supposed to be dead. Stay dead! Stay forever a memory!

"No...! Fu.. Futura...!"

JUST DIE. DO YOU UNDERSTAND? YOU ARE NOT WELCOME ANYMORE. DIE! DIE!!!

I stumbled a little as I retook my body. That agility I felt earlier and that weightlessness... They are gone. I then checked my data, finding large gap of corrupt files in my database.

"California?" I asked aloud.

... ... ... Silence. She is gone. No more California. Yes... Yes! I CAN LOVE CALAI THE WAY I WANT TO!

[Lost "y." Do not view any spoilers with this particular letter from this point on.]
[Received "24"][/spoiler-box]

"Sis! Please, talk to me! Are you okay?"

Huh? Since when did...? My body... It... It's hot...! I cannot maintain...


--EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN INITIATED--

--ENDING AND SAVING PROCESSES CURRENTLY RUNNING--

...

...

--SAVE COMPLETE--

--INITIATING SHUTDOWN--

--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: MINES ; DEEP SECTOR[/spoiler-box]

[ARChan]

I got a little tired of waiting for my friend to do his finish on the drawing. I put the 3rd draft into the opening post under Fortuna in the spoilers section. The others won't come until I confirm whether my friend is going to finish his edits on the drawing or not. Also, I hate my scanner. There's supposed to be more on the left arm, but it didn't catch onto the smaller details... WAH!!!

[ARChan]

NUUUUUUUUUU!!! OMG!!! Major setback on my part!

Apparently, all of my material was lost along with my laptop that decided to blow up last night! Sorry guys! I'll try to make it all up as soon as possible!

[CelestialBlade]

Oh crap, that sucks >_< Sorry to hear that, good luck with the recovery.

[ARChan]

After a long debate with myself, I've decided to put this fanfic into a hiatus. I just don't have the time to replan the everything from scratch right now. The length of this hiatus is yet to be determined, and whether I'll return to finish everything is indefinite.

To everyone who is expecting a finish to this story soon, I am very sorry. What I do know is that this story is not even halfway done, which is why planning everything is essential. Give me four or six months from now to expect there to be a change in this fanfic's status. Until then, I hope you like the effort I managed to put into this fanfic, and sorry for the inconvenience.

Here is a vague explanation as to what factored into the hiatus:
-Love life (possible marriage soon?~<3 [I can dream, right? ^^;])
-Economy
-Furthering education
-New house
-Lack of personal computer

[ARChan]

Heya everyone! I'm back for a while XD I just got back into my writing mojo just recently. Well, expect an update soon :D

[ARChan]

Entry start.

It has been a while since Sis and I have talked. The only topic that we did talk about was where our stations were, basically to know where we would be. One thing that's been bothering me is how many deviations she has been having recently. Although she may not know, I have been watching her from afar and saw that she was able to communicate with other people without seeming like a cold machine. In fact, I overheard from some CASTs that she was actually a nicer CAST than they expected. How come I never had the opportunity nor the praise when I was my original persona? I found myself becoming jealous and neglected my duty to watch over Sis for the timebeing. I... Whenever I think of her, I just... California, was this what you felt a long time ago? Or is this a new feeling? This feeling... My hands... My feet... My arms... My legs... My body... The longer I stare... So... No. I can't be feeling this way. I'll kill--No. I want to...! NO! Get out of my head! I want to... protect...!

"Hey."

I looked up to find a HUcast looking at me. I already know what he's going to say, that I have to pay attention to what I'm doing. I loudly sighed over what he was saying and loudly groaned, "Yeah, yeah. I know." Even if I didn't show it, I was actually appreciative of him snapping me out of my trance.

So, here I am, traversing upward toward the surface of Ragol. This was according to John's plan. Personally, I think this is a cruel joke. I don't expect anything good to be happening. What if the Humans are on the surface and waiting for us to appear? I glanced to my side out of habit, only to find the HUcast next to me. I found myself wanting to kick him. That was where Sis stood for months. Now, it is occupied by some stranger--a tall one at that. He had a general red color scheme with white as a subcolor. He sure seemed strong with that Gungnir, a yellow-photon partisan. However, we have not encountered any hostiles on the way up, even all the way to the cold sector of the caves.

After some time, we finally observed a working elevator in the hot sector of the caves. Ohgun reported that this elevator will raise us up to the surface via BEE. Apparently, as the formation goes, Ohgun and Reiz are both in the same party with two other CASTs. Their party left before mine did, making them the front observation group. They are to immediately find a way to the surface whereas mine is to straggle behind and search for a colonize-worthy station and report how many CASTs can be left at the new location. To our luck, no such habitation was observed.

"Hey," a RAcast said among us. "What do you guys think of just making Ragol our home?"

I shook my head. "As much as the thought is fine, I do not recall anyone being able to reconstruct or create CASTs in our base. Besides, there are Humans and Newmans in our base and they're trying--"

The HUcaseal loudly groaned. "I don't care about any of that shit!" she roared. "We're in deap shit because of this fucking OPSS. Now, we're chased out of our home... I want to see my little boy. I..." The HUcast chopped her head and shook his head. She stared at him in rage but bowed her head. "I'm... I'm sorry, Liam. I just..."

Liam said in his low, husky voice, "I know. I miss the mistress. All we have to do is survive."

The HUcaseal glanced up to him and turned away. "Why can't you be dumb for once?"

Liam laughed. "I'm just saying the obvious, really."

The RAcast glanced at me and then turned to the access panel. As he tinkered with it, I looked through the photos I took of Sis in a manner like a slideshow. I wonder how she is doing. I wanted to ask her if she could come with me but the thought never came out to her. Thus, she was assigned to a search party diving deeper into the mines. If anything, that way should be safer. After all, no Human would actually go deeper into Ragol for CASTs, right?

Finally, the elevator doors opened, unveiling a large platform that is large enough to... The cargo that can pass through here is immense! It is large enough to place about sixty-four Garanz. It seemed like Pioneer 1 was preparing for a large movement for some reason, but from how it seemed like, the whole platform was rather clean. In fact, it seemed unused. No marks were around and the sort. How peculiar. We all came aboard, only to find a problem with the access panel from the inside. It was slashed... That means this is a one-way elevator since the only way to descend this elevator on the other end is this access panel, if I recall the specs of similar elevators correctly. We all looked among ourselves to see who should stay behind to control the elevator. All I can say is that--

"Calai, you stay behind."

I looked up to the Liam. "Huh?"

"To be quite frank, I haven't seen you perform previous to now. Plus, it seems you know how to use these elevators. I assume you operated in a restricted area?"

"You can say that," I said with a nervous laugh. "You sure seem to know a lot, too."

Liam chuckled. "You stick your head elsewhere."

I leaned close to him with a nosy stare. "Just be sure you pick your fights, alright?" Because I know I will win. I have something you don't, Liam.

He folded his arms. "I'm aware we used to be on opposing sides. However, we have a common enemy. We can make that as a reason to cooperate, right?"

I turned away and settled myself next to the access panel. "Just go. Your enemies are yours and I have mine. How we take care of them is--" I found a photon blade jabbed toward me. "What? Want to fight?"

Liam scoffed. "As if you're worth fighting."

"You'll be surprised when this little RAcaseal beats you down."

Liam stared at me. Quite frankly, this is what I have to put up with when I was in the Hunter's Guild every single day. Finally, he withdrew the Gungnir. "Why do you live?"

I gave a haughty smile. "I live for my sister." And no one else. Not even Daddy. I live for her, and only her.

Liam chuckled some more. "You're lucky that your sister is here. Futura, is it?"

I do not know why Sis changed her name to Futura. Fortuna... Well... Fortuna is my real name, after all. Maybe she was considering this fact. However, even then, that makes her data all the more different to my original data. She is completely different these days. I do not know if this is a good thing or not, but one thing is for sure: she is a lot more interesting these days. Maybe I should start considering her as someone else rather than a replica of me.

Liam finally backed away and entered the elevator. The RAcast came inside with Liam. However, the HUcaseal stayed behind, watching me for some reason. She came to me and held my hands in hers.

"You're ugly," she said to me. ... How rude. "How is it that you can find love with something as such? ... He doesn't love me even if my emittions are so beautiful. How...?"

I smiled and raised my hand to her face. She retreated a little at first but soon relaxed into my hand. "This is what I do to my sister when she is distressed. Comfy, isn't it?"

"Y-yeah..." She finally backed away. "I still don't understand how something so simple can mean so much."

"It's because it's simple is why it's easy to understand. Don't make love so complicated or it will become complicated." ... I'm one to talk.

She felt her face, seeming to have finally realized something. After some time, she faced me with a wild smile. "I have to let him know how much I love him!"

It felt like she sapped all my energy. I stared at her, dumbfounded and in awe as to how she was. It was amazing seeing her that way. Then, I looked over her shoulder to find Liam watching us. I watched the HUcaseal look over her shoulder and then back to me. Her emittions were wild and scattered. She was in a mode of panic. Hmm... I see.

"Thank you, Calai."

... I don't know your name, HUcaseal. I remained silent and watched the HUcaseal depart and meet with Liam at the elevator doors. Liam gestured to me for a brief moment and then moved inside with the HUcaseal. I hope things will go well with the HUcaseal. Some people just need that nudge to do their thing.

I tapped a few buttons and the elevator doors slid shut. Afterwards, the sound of the elevator humming resounded and became distant. Well, what is there to do now? I suppose I should check on Ohgun. I sat down under the access panel and began checking on my inventory. Just then, I realized there was a message waiting for me. I accessed it to soon realize it was from Ohgun. Well, speak of the devil. I opened it and--

"Cal! I don't have much time. Reiz--She's...! Get back to base! The mission's a failure. Go back now! Tell them Reiz has betrayed us!"

I sat in awe of the situation. If that's the case, my squad might not know about what is going on yet! I quickly accessed my messenger module only to suddenly hear a loud crack from the elevator door... then a loud hum... Something was scratching distantly and coming closer. A red light blared from the elevator access panel, displaying the elevator. It was dropping...? Wait. The three are still on it! I tapped at the access panel but found that the emergency function was already active. It still dropped fast... I... I'm sorry! I can't... I can't save you all. California... California...!

I was ducked down with my hands cradling my head. I then heard the elevator zoom past me. Then, a loud crash resounded and shook the ground. I stumbled off my feet as debris and smoke shot out of the broken-in elevator door. Why does this keep happening to me? I was unable to even have the will to get back up. I was still cradling myself. I'm so powerless. If only I checked my mail sooner, this would not have happened! I...

"One more."

Is some here? I looked over my shoulder to find Reiz approaching with her Partisan of Lightning at hand. I stood up, trying to get a grasp of the situation. How did she get here? When did she get here? No matter. I will stop her! I armed my Twin Gatling and began firing. She did not even bother blocking and took the hits, but even then, she did not stop. She kept coming closer at that slow pace. Not a single scratch--How!? No... No way! She is just like before! However, I could feel "it" resonating from her. I never felt it this strong, even from Sis! I backed away in awe, pressing myself back against the wall behind me, trying have even that extra inch away from her. What is happening? Why is this happening? How did she find me?

"Reiz!" I cried out. "Reiz, what's wrong with you?"

She disregarded my words and thrusted a blade into my shoulder. It... I just couldn't stop screaming. I've been shot and wounded in so many different ways. Why does this one moment hurt so much more? Is it because I thought Reiz was a friend? I looked up to Reiz as she stared at me, watching me for some reason.

"You..." She pulled the blade out, having me collapse onto the floor in pain. "You look familiar."

I seathed my breaths and loudly said, "Reiz! It's me! Calai! Don't you remember--?"

"Ah, yes. The weak sister." What...? Her hand came down under my chin and pressed up so she can survey my face. "You look different from last time we met. It's been fun talking with your new sister."

"You're not Reiz... Dark Falz?" She chuckled and shoved my face aside. I came up to a knee and demanded, "What did you do to Reiz!?"

She turned her back to me and waved her free hand mockingly has she took her steps away from me. "Could have killed her. Could have suppressed her. Who knows? She doesn't really matter, anyway."

"Dark Falz...!" I drew my Beam.

"Ah. No, no." She turned to me with a grin. "You could be destroying the only way this inferior being can channel back into this world. You don't want that to happen, do you?"

She's right. I... I don't know if I could do this. To take a friend's life is... California, I can't... Not again.

I soon realized that Dark Falz was pressing Reiz against the barrel of the Beam. I did not want to hurt Reiz, but I really want to stop Dark Falz. I do not know what to do! She was pressing down on the barrel, lowering my aim so she can come closer. My arms shuddered madly as Dark Falz pressed against me.

I stuttered, "W-what do you...?"

Dark Falz pressed a finger to my lips and licked her lips. "It's funny. I bet you've been trying to avoid me. You know there's no way to run away from me." Her finger pressed down on my bottom lip, exposing a small opening. "So, how about you hear me once more? I mean, you do pray to me quite often. Why not--?"

"No!" I pushed her away from me, not realizing that I dropped my Beam. I sprinted for a clearing, only to suddenly find myself caught into her arms and rolled onto the floor. "Let go of me!"

"Not until I have my fun." She pried my form open, pinning my arms down onto the floor. "Now, answer me. Did your wish come true?"

I stopped struggling, panting wildly. "What...?"

She gave me a sleazy grin. "You know what I mean. Stupidity isn't your nature, Fortuna."

I know what she meant. I just didn't want to admit that I did make a wish with Dark Falz--a pact to be more exact. I gave up the will to resist. I know that Dark Falz is only toying with me. I had no choice but be at its mercy.

"Fortuna," she said in a mocking tune. "Why not tell me what you said that day? Make so the world knows what you are: perverted, lonely, lesbian--"

"Then will you let me go?"

She nodded. "It's the only way, Fortuna. You're the one whom I spared. Don't you feel obligated to at least grant me some enjoyment?"

I laid helplessly, not knowing what to do. "The pact we made..." I remember it like yesterday. "I wished to remain loyal to the next seed, and to be the bride of the one next in line--that was to be my sister to be." I did not mind being loyal to Sis. I just wanted to feel secure in someone else's arms. Falling in love... Well... I did not really plan for it to be that way, but it seemed Sis already had that notion to fall in love with me even without knowing about the pact. Even so, she is the one to call the shots. I am to be loyal and protect her. That is what I'm best at.

Dark Falz leaned forward to an uncomfortable distance. "That's not what I remember. Don't make me force it out of you."

... What? "That is what I--"

"Liar! You always lie!" She seized my head. "What you said was more ugly! More perverted! More! MORE!!!"

"What do you want from me!?"

She unsheathed her blade once more and stabbed my torso. I screamed in agony and thrashed to stop her, but the more I moved, the more damage I received. "I want to see you lust for your sister! That is what I want to see! Call for her! Cry for her! Make her yours! Break all morals that people create! Incest! Homesexuality!" She stood up and then slashed my left arm off. I screamed in pain as she was laughing at my agony. "You are not any different from before. You only speak big. You only think you have become different. You are only the same. That is what makes you so entertaining. You try so much but you are still the same."

"I am different!" I screamed. I swung my fist at Dark Falz. She jumped back as I stood up to my feet and took back the Autogun I dropped, firing immediately when it was fitted into my hand... but the next thing I knew, I was back on the floor. The blue photon bolt was reflected back and struck my right leg. I remember this. I remember how much I tried to fight Dark Falz before. No matter what I did, I could not even phase it. I cannot fight it!

"Fortuna," she said as she came to me. "You must relax a bit. You just might actually do something you swore not to do."

It does not matter. I... I have to do this! I raised my palm to Dark Falz and focused my energy to it. Next thing I knew, my arm mutated into a cannon and shot a massive beam at Dark Falz. She dodged it, as expected. Thus, I mutated my back and thrusters ignited. I was sent flying toward her and mutated myself even more to become aerodynamic and my torso sprouted massive photon blades where my arms were. I will end this right here! Dark Falz, you will bother me no more! You are gone! I slashed forward and cleaved her cleanly in two. I crashed against the wall behind Dark Falz and turned to continue the onslaught!

"W-wha...?" She looked around, bewildered but evidently in pain. "How did I get...?"

I soon remembered something. Dark Falz... It was using Reiz's body! No! How could I have overlooked this fact? I mutated myself back into my normal form and rushed to Reiz's aid. "Reiz!" I cried out. "Reiz, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to!"

She looked over to me and rolled her head back. She fell into hibernation mode, but by all the secretions and electricity sparking from her open wound, she might not survive for much longer. I stood up over her body parts and buried my face into my hands. "Dark Falz... Dark Falz, I... I wanted to kiss my sister. Yes, I accomplished that and it felt so good. I... I want to fuck her so much that I masturbate for long periods of time with her on my mind. I know it's unheard of when thinking about a robot doing something like that, but it's real. I feel it. And... And I want to marry her so much. I want to make so many firsts with her. I love Sis with all my heart. I want to give everything to her as long as she will be mine." Silence... "Dark Falz, please. Help Reiz. Even though she's not Fortuna, she's still a dear friend to me." Silence... "Dark Falz! Please! Give me some kind of instruction! I... I don't want to hate you anymore. Please. I want to believe in you again."

"What makes you think you can like me?" Dark Falz said from Reiz. I could sense its presence in her body. "Am I not giving you enough misery?"

I shook my head. "Misery is nothing when you want to believe." I came to Reiz's body and cradled Dark Falz. "I want to believe that you were something more than an evil presence. Maybe some kind of god made you this way. Maybe you got jealous of some other god and tried to kill his believers so that you can have your own."

"You are wrong," she said.

"Maybe you are actually a savior. You send people to the grave because you don't want to see them suffer."

"Wrong again."

"What? What is it, Dark Falz? I want to know you some more."

She scoffed. "Fine." A massive flash of light enshrouded us and Reiz's body was restored. "It really is a pain not having anyone believe in me. I will make you live, but I swear I will kill you if you don't make things exciting for me."

I desperately nodded crazily over and over again. "Yes! Anything! Please!"

"Now..." Her arms opened up to me. "... show me how much you want me."

All for Sis. That is all I want. She only started life on this world and she only started to realize her potential. She can do so much more. I came to Dark Falz, hesitant at first, wondering if this was only a trick, but when I was close enough, her arms enclosed around my neck. Our noses touched and the warm ether between us tickling my lips.

"You are an interesting creature," she said to me as she stroked the plates of my hair accessories. "Why do you want to waste my time?"

I pursed my lips to think. Surely, Dark Falz already knows why. If I could take up its time, it cannot interact with Sis. I stared a little longer but Dark Falz pulled on one of my hair accessories, pulling me into her mercy once again.

"You jest that you can waste my time," she said with a malicious grin. "I am god. I can be anywhere at any time..." She pulled in close to me. "... even with your dear sister."

I tried to break free but she cuffed her lips over mine. Immediately, all my motor systems shut down. I felt my life draining from my body as she continued on. Our lips parted finally. Why? Why does Dark Falz do these things to me? She held a blade down to me as if she were trying to spoonfeed me.

"Your sister will be my next vessel," Dark Falz said, frowning. "I would like to ask if you would not intervene. If you will aid me, I will grant you the ability to copy her data. You know what will happen if you dare to defy me again." Her eyes narrowed. "And that kiss? I was merely injecting more of what you call D-factor. You will have no choice on the matter, for I can do this to you."

Suddenly, my arm rose up from my side and armed the Autogun. Then, before I could even react, I abruptly pulled the trigger and shot my leg. I wanted to scream but my jaw was shut tight! Dark Falz laughed in my dismay.

Dark Falz stomped on the wound and pressed down. I want to get away from her! She leaned forward and said muttered, "Because of me, you survived so many times. Because of me, your dear sister was able to fight Dal Ra Lie. Because of me, you were able to realize your emotions. I will keep reminding you of how much you owe me. You will repay me. You will do as I say. You will obey my commands. Do you understand?"

No! I will not-- "Yes, my lord."

She smiled and pecked a kiss to my lips. Immediately afterwards, I was able to move. I tossed myself away from her and rolled across the floor to keep my distance. I soon found myself pinned by Dark Falz once more. She saddled on my waist with that twisted smile of hers.

I exclaimed, "I will not--"

"You have no say in this matter!" she roared back, tremoring my auditory sensors. "I own you! Though how much you will resist, you will obey me in the end, just like that time with your elder sister." I gritted my teeth, but she does have a point. I might end up doing the same thing again. "I know how much you loved your elder sister, and I know you still do."

Suddenly, I saw Dark Falz twitch. Her eyes then wondered off me and stared at the floor as if staring through it. Wait... Now that I think about it, I also feel something odd. We both exchanged glances. It is Sis. She is in danger. I don't understand what happened but we seemed to have come to an agreement with me nodding to her.

Dark Falz then stood me up onto my feet and held her hand out to my wound, resonating a type of light from it. When done, she then raised it to my head. "The safety of your sister is all that matters to you."

... YES. SAFETY OF MY SISTER IS ALL THAT MATTERS TO ME...

Everything turned black. When I was finally able to see, I noticed my body being hot. Although I was able to see, I could not register what was happening before me. Little by little, functions throughout my body started. Only then did I realize Sis was before me. I was tightly embracing her in my arms as she laid motionless. Sure, she may be so, but I knew something for sure:

She, too, is affected by Dark Falz.

End entry.
Timestamp location: underground mining facility.

[ARChan]

Entry Start.

I can't go back to base. I can't... If I somehow become in tune with Sis, I might not be able to stop myself this time. I can't do this. I...

I shouldn't even be thinking about this! I have to get help. Sis is in danger. However, as I continued onward, something didn't feel right. I cannot comprehend the navigation system. Everything seemed hazy. Maybe it's because I'm carrying Sis. I hope that is the case. Sis, I hope you are just resting. Otherwise, I... I might not be able to contain myself. To think of you leaving me is just overwhelming.

California... Now that I think about it, California often carried me in her arms like this often. However, I was actually functional most of the time. She was often odd and very unpredictable, but now that I think about it, she did all these things lovingly. We did things that sisters wouldn't normally do. We tried to do what Corallean lore told us about: painting nails, watch movies on furniture, talk wildly about events--or rather she did--, go shopping together, try on the latest clothes, and be so close. We would be what Corallean lore called "best friends."

These days, the concept of love and how to go about it is truly abstract to a CAST. Sure, some of us actually decipher the concept, but there are those who just do not understand it at all. In fact, in society, it is actually taboo for intimate relationships with CASTs. There are those who tried to break that barrier, like Dr. Montague. He created Eleneor and Ult to become parts of his family. While I was accompanying Daddy at work, I remember seeing them only once and they all seemed so happy. It makes me jealous. Is this the very same reason why there was a kind of dissonance between Dad and me? Is this the reason why Sis and I seem to not be on the same page as each other? Sis... As I watch over you, are you happy?

After some time, I stopped in a small containment room with two broken crates. I placed Sis behind them and sat down in front of the door, my legs pulled to myself and resting my head against them. I feel so powerless. Everything is so much beyond my control. I wish I could change the world for Sis and me. What am I doing, anyway? Why am I going deeper into the mines? I already know what is going to happen. Dark Falz. It is waiting for Sis.

Wait... Something seems odd. I raised my head and glanced to my side. There, I saw a Human watching me. A Hunter-class male Human! I thrusted myself onto my feet, only to find myself at the tip of a katana. I froze in an instant. This HUmar... He's fast. I think I recognize this sword style... Miyama, I think it's called. It was practiced by only a selected few, one of them being late Master Zoke. I traced up along his arm to see him staring at me still. What is he looking at me for?

"Did you see a FOmar down here?" he inquired with a lethal tone.

I glanced all around me but I soon found the Katana raised up clearly between my eyes. "W-what...!?"

He scoffed and withdrew his blade to his side. It processed into his storage the moment it was placed there and he flicked his long hair. "What a waste of time."

"Wha--Hey! I hope that FOmar isn't with you! He was attacking my sister!"

The HUmar took a glance at me and finally left me alone in the room. My legs quaked and I collapsed down onto my knees. Weak. I am weak! Damn it! What more should I face against before I could finally become useful? I can't take this anymore! I stood back up onto my feet and came to see Sis one more time. I will end it. I will end it all. If... If I can't have Sis, then no one will!

I shoved a crate aside only to find a young boy sitting next to Sis. A... A FOmar? Wait. Is this the one that HUmar was looking for? The boy smiled and stood up.

"Thanks for getting that man away from me," he said to me.

I stood in awe of the situation. So, that HUmar was looking for this boy, who was actually in this room the whole time? I couldn't help but laugh at the situation. When I finally stopped laughing, I soon noticed the boy watching over Sis.

"You two better be careful," he said. "Something feels odd around here."

Dark Falz... Children... Can they feel Dark Falz or something? I sighed, only to find the boy staring at me. "What? Is there something--?"

The boy reached out to my face. I stood still, frightened again. The boy then looked at something in the palm of his hand. I leaned forward to see what he was looking at. Hm? I don't see anything. He then grasped his hand and said to me, "I think you two will be fine."

Huh? As if! It's Dark Falz we're faced against! "Just leave your nose somewhere else!" His face did not wrinkle nor frown. It seemed like he was certain about something.

"You need to stop thinking so much," he said. He held his hand out to my forehead. "It may seem weird for a Human like me to give advice such as this. You need to stop thinking so much. Otherwise, you won't be able to fall in love, right?"

... Huh?

He smiled. "Well, believe me. Love will triumph this problem of yours. It did state that love of country, family, and self is what conquered the ultimate darkness a long time ago."

W-wha...!?

He rubbed the back of his head. "Well, it's just a hunch. Pay no mind if I'm just an old man talking nonsense." ... Kids these days. He glanced around me. "Oh... Darn. Hello, Orland."

I turned to find that HUmar from earlier standing at the doorway. He had his arms folded, evidently irritated. The FOmar smiled at me one more time and finally met with the HUmar at the door. Old man, huh?

The moment the two went out the door, I turned back to Sis to find her lying back against the corner I placed her in. I knelt down before her and moved a lock of hair aside to see her face. I wonder if she's okay. No, she has to be okay. I can see her chest rise and descend. I know that I might be tricking myself of her health, but what can I do? I can just...

... No. Maybe that boy was right. I think too much. Let's see... What should be done now? Hmm... Sis sure needs to be cleaned. I could see dirt clumping on her shell. Heh. I guess I should've asked for a maintenance myself. My fingers felt along her face, ultimately to her lips. When we get back, we're going to have a nice bath together. We always did it back home. Yeah! I'm sure she'll like to get a proper resting place, too. I'm sure she'll--

"Calai?"

My thoughts popped in an instant. I soon noticed Sis having a hard time to boot. Her eyes aren't open, but I wonder how she noticed I was here. "I'm here," I quietly said. "Do you need something?"

She struggled to open her left eye to see me. "M-monomate... Please?"

Energetically, I said with a wide smile, "One monomate coming right up!"

Sis groaned. "Stop being so loud." She laid back again and closed her eyes once more.

I couldn't help but keep that smile of mine on my face. A monomate transfigured into my hand in a green box. The contents was a small cookie of some sort. I nudged Sis on the arm, seeing her weakly open her left eye again. It didn't take long for me to notice that she wasn't looking at me. I wonder why. Even so, I nudged her arm again.

"Hey," I whispered to her. She didn't look at me still. I kept nudging her until she actually looked at me.

She sighed and said in a grumbly manner, "Wha--?"

I stuffed the cookie into her mouth. After a brief instance of surprise, she glared at me. Same old Sis.

After some time, she finished the monomate and became completely operational. Her temperature was lessening. That's good. However, she still laid back and not looking at me. I sat on her lap, but even then, she didn't look at me. I came close to her but she moved away.

Bothered about her reaction, I said, "Hey, Sis?" She made a small noise, sounding that she was listening. "Hey, c'mon. Talk to me."

She took a glance at me and then bowed her head. I grinned and sat down beside her. Maybe she's just not in the mood, really. I'll give her some space for now, but what I should I do--Huh? She laid her head on my left shoulder. I took a glance at her but all I could see was a little bit of her face covered by her hair bangs. Well... I suppose this's fine, too. I laid my head against hers, suddenly feeling winded. I suppose a small nap would be fine. After all, I haven't really rested for quite some time.

---

"I'll always be with you."

...

... Huh? I raised my head, soon realizing that I'm alone. I burst upright--

"Ow!" I yelled. What did I hit my head on? To my side, I noticed Sis rubbing her forehead. "Oh! Did I hit you?"

Sis stared at me with her usual stare of limited emotions. "We should report back," she said as she stood up to her feet.

Report back...? I stayed in my place. She knelt down before me. I took a glance at her, finding her staring at me again. I shook my head.

"Calai," Sis said, "they need to know our condition. We must report back to headquarters as soon as possible."

I felt along my arm. "... I'll go back with you only part of the way."

Sis seized my arm and pulled me forward onto my knees. I know what she is trying to say, but I cannot let the powers I have come near to headquarters. What if I am forced to transform again?

"Why are you being difficult?" Sis inquired.

I raised my head to see her towering over me. As if she were an icon, I bowed my head and said, "I am dangerous."

"Quit being silly and come back with me."

She seized my arm again but I yanked my arm free from her grip. "I'm not being silly!" I roared. "You should go back. I... I'm going to stay down here." She paused. I know what I'm saying is odd. I'm a Dark Falz disciple. I can't taint Sis any more than I have already... is what I want to believe. I found myself gripping her legs in plea. I didn't want to be alone, either.

"... I am sorry."

"Huh?"

Sis backed away from me. I raised my head to find Sis turn away from me. But... Sis! I scrambled up to my feet but soon found two HUcast burst through the door, passing Sis and held me at Partisan tips. I looked over to Sis to find her back turned toward me. Then, a massive RAcast came into the scene. John...?

"Are you okay?" he asked Sis. She ignored his question.

"What's going on here?" I pled. "I don't know what--"

"You are under arrest by the resistance. You have violated article 68 of the New Resistance Manual: failure to forfeit all personal information for inspection and consideration, especially any that can be dangerous or a threat."

"Tell me! What...!?" One of the HUcast came around behind me and chained my hands together with photon braces. I didn't resist, believing that John would be reasonable.

"Anything you say or do will be held against you in court. A lawyer is available, should you request one."

"John!" I meant to take a step forward but I was bound by my ankles too, toppling over onto the floor. "John, please tell me! What's going on!?" He stared at me but looked away. As I was being carried away, I saw Sis watching me. "Sis! Help me! I don't understand what's going on!" She watched me but bowed her head as a result. "Sis!"

She didn't move. John came to her and patted her head as he said, "To think your sister is the one who did all that."

Do what? I don't understand! I thrashed once more and slammed my doubled fists against one of the HUcast. Seeing this as my chance, I thrusted myself toward Sis, rolling across the floor as much as I could before I was tackled down to stop. Even then, I didn't stop. However, I soon realized that we five were not alone. In the shadows, I could find numerous other CASTs armed with the finest weaponry of the resistance.

"Sis!" I screamed. She finally turned to me. I knew she would come to her senses! "Sis, what's going on? Please tell me. Please?" I soon found myself at point-blank range against a Handgun. "Sis...?"

... Why...?


--ENTRY ABRUPTLY FINISHED--

--UNABLE TO SAVE LOCATION STAMP--

[ARChan]

--RECORD 149--

It seems the situation between us has made a turn for the worse. I pulled the direct link cable back into my ear and backed away from Calai. I cannot believe they would go as far as excluding her shell from her head. Calai was then pulled into a cold container in the wall and the electronic lock sealed her away. I felt along my chest. How did it come to this?

"Futura?"

I turned about to then leave through the doubled doors. I passed by John as he followed me out of the containment sector. So, I am the vessel for Dark Falz. I suppose I should be careful and how this innate power inside me is used.

"Futura," John called again.

I stopped in my place and turned to him, seeing him expressing his concern. "Thank you."

He folded his arms. "I know you want to see her more, but I was only able to give you clearance this time."

I shook my head. "The effort is what matters more." I smiled as I came to his side and slipped my small hand slipped into his. "So, where shall we go?"

He rubbed the back of his head with his free hand. "I-I suppose we could go out searching again." He glanced at me. "You're not recording this, right?"

I chuckled. "Why not make the first recording after a month with the one I love?"

We both finally stepped out of the secured zone and stepped out into the public, where there were numerous CASTs intermingling with Human and Newman alike. There certainly has been an increase in Organics these days, and it is great that the OPSS is attempted to be repealed soon. John has stepped down from being a council member to mediate the situation as a public enforcer. Everyone was happy to see him. He was just too bright of a figure that it makes me jealous when people take him away from me, but for today, he is mine.

Well... That was what I thought was going to happen. However, what happened was we stayed apart for most of the walk to the main gate to the outside world. I looked over my side to find John's attention fixated on the door before us. I found myself tracing his eyes to the large gate that stood twenty-nine meters in height, ten meters thick, and fifty meters in length. On the other side is the world we locked ourselves away from, though we do open these doors for only a set amount of time. There really is nothing wrong since we discovered ways to preserve and create necessary fuels for everyone, especially the Organics who chose to stay with us. However, the difficulty is when regarding the population growth of the Organics.

Unlike CASTs, they all consume necessary fuels and are unable to produce any kind of reusable sources. Already, there are times when CASTs thought of exterminating the Organics, which is what John wants to police against. I became his deputee to a sense, meaning there are no official records of me being one. Really, I just want to stay with him, since everyone is gone. Calai is being held captive, Reiz is missing, and Ohgun is destroyed. When I think about it, John is all I have.

Some time passed. I looked over my shoulder once more to find John still staring at the gate. It was like there was something he was expecting to happen, but knowing him, he knows something. Did something happen outside? In all curiosity and plea for him to come back to reality, stepped close to him and pressed myself against his arm. I kept looking up at him but he did not even take a glance at me. A melancholic wave started to come over me.

"John?"

Finally, John looked over to me. That melancholy feeling went away in an instant when he said, "What is it?"

I smiled and tugged on his arm gently. "Let us do something. We cannot protect anyone if we are simply standing here."

John took another glance at the gate. "Do you think the two of us should go on the next expedition party?"

I paused, my smile gradually dropping. "W-what do you mean?"

John rubbed the back of his head. "I really don't fathom the thought of being stuck in here." He turned to me and leaned over to level ourselves a little. "Of course, you don't have to go. In fact, I'd be more at ease if you don't."

I seized his hand. "You are not going." He stared at me. I knew he was questioning why. "Do not go."

A pause came between us. Then, John patted my head and stood upright. "Yeah..." He took another glance at the gate. "Silly me."

John finally turned away from the gate. I chased after him but took one final glance at the gate. What was he thinking? It is dangerous out there.

Another time passed by and silence was all there was between us. It may have been a month but the dome has expanded to become something of a city now. In fact, once we pass through some gates, it felt like we were back on a civilized variant of Ragol. It was a kind of utopia. The only thing wrong was that I only saw CASTs. The Organics were nowhere to be seen superficially. However, when digging deep into the scenes, what I saw was horrendous. The Organics... The ones captured during expeditions were put into slavery and inhumane breeding farms. It was all beyond cruelty. It was like we have descended even lower than the Organics up above. Steak? Do not even ask the contents. It made even my face churn.

"Ah, John!" The two of us turned to a Newman. He was taller than me and fairly lanky. He had a long white coat that covered most of his body. Just out of the bottom was matching pants and oak-brown shoes. A scientist. Apparently, he was stepping out of a breeding facility.

"Hello," John said.

The scientist said with an earnest grin, "How was visiting C-413?"

C-413. That was the cell number for Calai. John shook his head in response. "I didn't do anything there. You should ask Futura."

The scientist turned his attention to me. "Did you discover anything?"

I nodded. "I confirmed that Reiz is not destroyed, but missing. Other than that, I do not see any real reason to keep the subject in stasis."

"It is dangerous!" He exclaimed. "You must only be thinking that way because it is your sister. A demon like that deserves any kind of treatment worse than that of a slave!" I was about to roar when John suddenly punched the man, sending him into a tussle to regain his footing. "W-what was that for!?"

John folded his arms and said, "I thought scientists were supposed to be as objective as possible, not putting their own opinions on the matter."

"B-but why did you hit me?"

John sighed. "For being an ass, speaking as an individual and not as someone with authority of course. Think of it as a gesture of good, since I'm not putting what you said into your records."

"Certainly, everyone has opinions. The truth of the fact is that everyone thinks it is a monster."

I turned away and continued walking. As much as I want to say something, I am almost certain that the man will not listen. Even so, I am afraid to say I am a monster as well. In fact, I think I am far worse than Calai would ever be.

I stood in an opening, away from all the carnage being placed on the Organics. There, John found me. His steps were heavier than usual. He is furious. I wonder what he did to the Newman while I was gone. I watched him step up to me and cradle my head against his steel plates. I did not do anything but take what he offered.

"It's gotta be tough," John said.

I suppose it is tough, but as long as I have an opportunity to see Calai again, the situation will have to do. It can be worse, after all.

Suddenly, an explosion shook the ground. John and I parted from each other and immediately began reading the BEE. A D-factor organism has somehow appeared in the central plaza. How did it even appear there? Immediately, the two of us began sprinting down streets and corridors. Citizens were stampeding in the opposite direction, screaming and toppling over each other without regard of anything except their own safety. I followed John through all of the carnage, ultimately following him up to the rooftops near to the site of contact. I could hear someone fighting in the distance, in the general vicinity of a cloud of dust and debris. The strikes... They have a kind of tempo to it.

"Do you see anything?" I asked John.

Then, a load roar shook the grounds. The dust cloud was blown away from the target, having all the bits of debris strike everything like they were photon bolts. Windows were blown in and walls were chipped away if not broken down. However, the organic substances were all unscathed. When the roar was finished, all debris fell down. John and I peeked over the side, toward the origin of the sound.

"Calai...?"

I did not realize her name escaped my lips as I was in awe. I could not explain what I was feeling upon seeing her. She was down in a quadruped manner, looking like she was ready to lunge forward. Upon inspecting her equipment... Huh...? Her information was not available. I kept trying to access her information but no such thing was available. In fact, I cannot even select her, as if she was not even a citizen or military member of Pioneer 2.

Directly across from Calai was a Caseal. It faced Calai with a sassy posture. A female? From how it appeared, Calai saw her as a threat. How come? ... What? The Caseal identified my location. Suddenly, she whipped her hand out toward me. A laser pointer...? A gun!?

--WARNING. ELECTRICAL DAMAGE IN SYSTEM. ATTEMPTING TO RECOVER.--

Damn it... Tempest element to a rifle. Electrical elements are the bane of CASTs. I was lifted off the floor and was carried away in a rush. The structure of the person... Large. John? He placed me down in a safe location away from the scene, in an alleyway among large buildings. I was almost done discharging all excess electricity in my system. I struggled to raise my head to see John analyzing me.

"Are my eyes tricking me?" I asked him.

John bowed his head, pressing a hand to his face. "I don't know either. That was your sister, right?"

The shock effect subsided finally. I stood up and consumed a monomate to speed up the healing process. "Let's try to be more careful this time."

"Yahaha! I agree!"

Huh? That laugh! I looked up to find the Caseal who used a Tempest rifle just in between us. She smiled widely with a glint of excitement on her face. Was she in that flowerbed too? She especially kept an eye on me. John already had a gun pointing straight at her, but she did not move. Her attention was completely on me.

"So, who's the threat at the moment?" she inquired. "Isn't it supposed to be the D-factor on the loose?"

Wait... That's right! Calai is on the loose! I paced by the Caseal but she seized my arm before I could even pass her. "What is it?" I asked, trying to keep my desperation contained.

She said to me, "Make sure your gun actually hits your target. Otherwise, you will be hurt... again."

I looked over to her. "You will help me, right?"

"You're asking me to help you even after you tried to abandoned me?" She released me and pressed a hand on her face. "Go along now, but a word of advice: you aren't supposed to be here. You're supposed to go to the source of the problem, not the replica."

"Huh? Go to Calai?"

She sighed as she looked over to John. "Get her over to her sister, not unless you want that replica to continue running rampant. I'll do my best to keep her at bay."

He nodded and glanced over to me, motioning that I should do as we were informed. Hesitantly, I passed by the Caseal with my eyes stuck onto her. She kept a ridiculous smile on her face the whole time I saw her. This Caseal was the same woman in the flowerbed, right? I was hoping that there would be more of a hint to really confirm her identity. In fact, I wished I asked what her name was.

So, we were dashing down street after street to return back to the detention facility. However, for some reason, it sounded like the clashes were following us. Security forces then passed us when we were nearing the militarized encampment. Before we could even enter the perimeter, we were halted by checkpoint, where a CAST gate guard greeted us with a hand out to stop us.

"Let us through," John commanded as he sent his provisions and certificates via electronic link to the guard. I sent mine as well.

The guard looked up to John and then me. Then, he said to John, "I can't let Ms. Futura through. Her authorization forms expired upon her most recent visit."

"We don't have time!" John exclaimed, but the guard remained stubborn. "Look, I'm going to be the one who's escorting her."

The guard shook his head. "Your authorization form as an escort needs to be renewed."

"Damn--!"

Suddenly, a nearby explosion shook the ground. I looked over my shoulder to find CASTs rolling across the floor and crashing against debris and walls all about the scene. There, I saw a lone CAST walking toward us from the dust cloud. Calai...!

The guard then signaled an alarm from the station, making the whole militarized zone blare sirens and come into lockdown. CASTs of different sorts started appearing in the scene, rushing by us and everywhere else. In the midst of all the chaos, John took my hand and pulled me through everyone. I looked behind me, watching lines of CASTs being swiped by an abnormally large photon blade. Photon bolts were being deflected everywhere as well. Why is Calai suddenly so strong?

John and I finally came to the detention facility, but the whole building was blocked off by photon barriers and reinforced by thick walls on the doors and windows. Even with a weapon as strong as a NUG-2000, it would not even make a dent. How am I supposed to get in? Even if my objective is inside, how can I truly be sure the one that is coming is not Calai? I looked to find more chaos caused by one simple CAST. If Reiz was hard with her reflective properties, Calai was not even making a single attempt to deflect the bolts. She only focused on swinging her bare arm with a massive photon extension slashing through every one who dared to come close. Maybe I am actually not needed here. Maybe I needed to be by her side.

"Futura! Where are you going!"

I will not leave her alone. She needs me. I need to help her. Maybe she had been waiting for me to awaken her from that seeming-to-be slumber. It is nothing else other than a stasis cell--a coffin that would be her restless grave. Yes... Maybe she is mad at me. I understand if she was. Even I would be driven to that point if I were put away for a month.

24. OR 25.
[spoiler-box]
I could feel the dark presence resonating from within. It was pushing me away, but then again, Calai was always so modest about needing me when I am forward about wanting to help her. I truly want to help her. She must be in so much pain to not smile. I kept coming to her. When I was nine paces away from her, she stopped and stared at me. She had a blank stare.

"Calai," I said.

"Stop! Futura, stop! She's not Calai!"

How dare you deny her existence? She is--

...

...

Huh? What is this? Her arm... There was a photon blade that was through my chest. It took a while for me to realize what was happening. She... She stabbed me.

"No... Futura, no!"

... Lucky? Oh. Right. I have a MAG. I... I am not alone at least. The photon blade was extracted from my chest. For some reason, it did not hurt. A light shined upon me, making me feel more energized than before. Lucky is a Pushan. That means he heals me when I am at the verge of death. But even then, it does not always work. It seem fortune was on my side this time.

Now... one thing is certain. This thing is not Calai. I will not put Lucky's efforts in vain! I... I am sorry, Calai. It seems the secret will come out now. Time seemed to slow the moment the creature before me swung its arm at me. A kind of power resonated from within me, stopping her in place. Then, she was sent flying backwards. I will not hold back. I need to protect everyone. It is for the future!

"Futura, don't do this!"

I looked over my right shoulder to find Lucky floating there. I reached over to my side and petted his head. "Please," I whispered, "watch over Calai for me." I glanced over my shoulder to find John watching me. He had a hand held out to me. John, this is for you.

Then, my arm deteriorated quickly and regained a massive form of a large, D-factor weapon. It appeared to have the form of a Chaos Bringer's arm. I raised my arm to the creature that dared to impersonate Calai. I will not allow Calai come back to a life where she is hated. That is why I must take it upon myself. The painful sensation of power collecting in my arm started to overwhelm me. Without hesitation, I relentlessly fired upon the creature. A continuous stream of light photons rended through the inferior being's barrier and soon left it into nothing but a massive crater. Not a single trace of it was left behind. Of course... Of course it cannot...

"F-freeze!"

That voice... I dropped my arm and looked over my mutated arm to find John standing there with his weapon, the Final Impact. I could see him shaking, possibly in awe of what I had been hiding. He... He saw me as a monster. I morphed my arm back into its normal form, bowing my head in defeat. This victory was for you. I do not care what happens to me.

"Futura," he said to me. I looked up to him, seeing his insecurity surely showing. "Futura... You're Futura, right?"

I smiled. "Seems the cat is out of the bag," I responded, partially as a joke. "That footage we saw... That was my doing. I tampered it. I... I am sorry--"

Suddenly, a crash resounded. I... I cannot see what was in front me, but I knew what was happening. John was holding me in his arms. Even though I knew it was him, I stood in awe. How can he accept a monster like me.

"There's nothing to be sorry about," he whispered. "Y-you did great."

He was still scared. However, since he had the audacity to hug me, I forgave him. I smiled and wrapped my arms around what I could of him. I love him so much. Please, allow me to help you, John.

"Futura? Futura!"

I did not realize how weak I was. I could see him holding me and evaluating my weak body. Even so, I kept a smile. I cannot help how happy I am. He still cares for me. I am glad.

"Play dead," he whispered just between us two as I could see shadows of CASTs coming around us.

I remained still, my eyes unblinking and breaths completely stagnant. Unlike Organics, we technically do not have to breath to survive. However, recovering from a state would take about an hour per minute of not breathing, and if the CAST has pain receptors, they would be going wild for the whole duration. I will be feeling this sooner. My body then came into a form of rigor mortis. I remained in a bent plank state as John lifted me up.

"W-what're ye doin'!?" a Cast exclaimed. "She's dangerous!"

John gently laughed. "She's dangerous to those who oppose us. This would be the second time she protected us, right?"

"But Sir!"

"I'll take her into my care for now," John said to the other Cast who spoke up. "If something happens to me, you all can always eliminate her."

"... Yes, sir. We hope for your safety."

Without another word, John placed me down onto the floor and then activated a Telepipe. Afterwards, he turned to take a glance at everyone. Once he seemed certain of everything, he lifted me up to take me with him. A flash of light came upon us and then the lights became tame afterwards.

It seemed we were at John's residence. He placed me down onto his stasis tube.

"You can recover now," he said as he leaned forward to me, feeling my face with his large hand.

And that, I did. The moment I did...! The pain is too surreal! I wanted to scream but my voice box was disabled. I made soundless screams. The down time was about three minutes... Three hours...


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: UNDERGROUND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT NEAR MINES[/spoiler-box]

y.
[spoiler-box]
I could feel the dark presence resonating from within. It was pushing me away, but then again, Calai was always so modest about needing me when I am forward about wanting to help her. I truly want to help her. She must be in so much pain to not smile. I kept coming to her. When I was nine paces away from her, she stopped and stared at me. She had a blank stare.

"Calai," I said.

"Stop! Futura, stop! She's not Calai!"

Suddenly, my body jerked to the side, barely dodging a photon blade that formed in Calai's outstretched hand. Then, the H&S25 Justice formed in my hands. California... She can do this. Abruptly, we flipped backwards in a cartwheel to dodge a slash attempt from the creature. Then, we opened fire upon it. Shots were being deflected in different directions as California circled around the target. Not a single scratch...

"Looks like I'm gonna be stupid for a while," she laughed.

Abruptly, we broke into an inhumane forward lunge. We crashed into a shoulder rush, sending it off balance. Then, we stood up on our hands and quickly spun ourselves so quick that we actually created a vacuum! The enemy took a barrage of our feet crashing against its barrier. Our body was infused with something far inhumane. I could feel it. What was applied to us was byfar benefiting our cause.

Suddenly, a loud crack resounded. To finish our cause, we shoved ourselves forward onto our feet with our spinning momentum still overcoming us. In less than a second, California managed to increase the photon output of her Mechguns. As the creature intended to swing at us, she did a charge shot toward the creature's blade, knocking it off balance. Then, to finish the act, California whipped out her arm to her side and did a ducking charge shot aiming upwards to the creature's head. Another crack resounded, followed by a shattering sound. We breathed heavily with our arm still outstretched. We glanced to our side, finding the creature beheaded. ... So, she is not Calai, right?

The creature stayed on its feet but it slowly deteriorated into nothingness. California twirled the Mechguns around her fingers and then stowed them back into our inventory. We were still panting but we stood poised, a hand on our hip

"F-Futura?"

That voice... I dropped my arm and looked over my shoulder to find John standing there. He stood in awe of what he spectated. I suppose he did not suspect me to contain such fighting potential. Really, I feel like I cheated. It really was all California's doing. I bowed my head, knowing that I just exposed myself to everyone.

"Futura, are you...?"

Suddenly, I jittered a little. Before I could collapse down even move an inch, John rushed forward and gave me a support to lean on. I did not realize how heavy I was breathing. The moment I saw John, I was not aware about how tired I was. It was relieving to know that he was safe. I could not help but smile.

"Thank you," I whispered to him as I felt myself waning in energy. I could feel my body overheated. It was very uncomfortable, but I felt at ease just being with John.

I could hear the CASTs all around us starting to gather. I closed my eyes just so I could deflect their gazes, but I knew their attention was completely on me. Please, John. Take me away.

"How is this possible? Wasn't she a civilian model?"

"--actually a top secret model. We should disassemble her before she thinks about killing us."

"--take it out but she took that Caseal with ease!"

"Destroy! Destroy! Destroy!"

John placed a hand on my head, stroking me like I was a dog. I looked up to find him looking down to me. I wish I could understand what he was feeling. Even in the month we spent together, it felt like I just distanced myself even more than I already was.

"Do you hurt anywhere?" he asked me. I shook my head as I pled for his unrelenting attention. "Let's go."

I nodded immediately and pressed away but I suddenly felt a massive sting to my left shoulder. That was where the thrust barely missed me. Now that I was aware of it, it was rather deep. Sparks discharged from it. In awe, I looked up to John for an answer.

"Sir, what are you doing!?"

"Please be reasonable, John. She's dangerous!"

"You can't! I won't allow it!"

Even though my attention was shifting to everyone, John kept his attention on me. He held his hand out to me. It is so large in comparison to mine. I grew hesitant to take it as I became aware of some people arming weapons, ready to eliminate me in a blink of an eye. I glanced at everyone. They were glaring... I saved them. I saved them all! Why--?

Suddenly, I felt something take my outstretched hand. I looked over in fright, only to realize it was John. I stupidly stared at my hand fitting into John's. He did not mind, right? ... No. He did mind. His hand was shaking. Superficially, no one would notice, but I could feel it. He did mind. However, he had the will to reach out and take my hand. That was more than enough for me. I looked up to him...

... Huh? That Caseal... It was the lady from the flowerbed. She stood on a distant roof with a hand on her hip, gazing at me without a smile nor frown. At least she is safe. We are bound to meet with each other again.

"Futura?"

I realized I was still standing in my place with John still watching me. I looked away and retrieved my hand, curling it to my lips. "John, will you take me to your residence?"

He glanced at everyone. "H-hey. What--?"

"Please." I bowed my head. "I do not feel like being alone." I yearned for his attention.

John was hesitant. I suppose I came on too strongly. I quickly paced away, the crowd splitting apart to make way for me. I kept walking in one direction, not really caring where I was headed. I just wanted to stay away from everyone. It seemed the news had already spread to beyond the military vicinity. People were still clearing my path. It was unbearable. I did not want to stay in the base. Calai, this is what you felt, right? I did not know it was so harsh!

"Futura!"

I did not realize John was following me, but now that I was aware, I could hear his heavy footsteps. I did not stop for him, but he continued to follow. Next thing I knew, his massive hand was on my shoulder. That was when I stopped.

I glanced around on the street, seeing people trying to sneak a peek of me. "You are stupid to follow me," I quietly said to John.

"Hey, Futura. Stay in the base. You're still welcome here."

"No, I am not!" I exclaimed. I found myself turned to him. "Everyone thinks of me as some kind of beast! Do you know how it feels when your help is unwelcome?"

"Everyone's just scared. E-even me. Please, give us all time."

I did not want to talk anymore. I turned away but John did not allow me to go. "What do you want from me?" I quietly asked, not wanting to put up with him anymore.

"Stay with me."

... Huh? I thought he was opposed to the idea. However, it appeared he was sincere. Well, at least I wanted to believe he was. I could not help but smile, though I was still weighed down with grief. I stayed quiet and approached John, pressing my head on his metallic chest.

"Am I still a CAST?"

John large hand stroked my head. "You are still Futura to me, if that is what you mean."

John... Thank you.


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: UNDERGROUND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT NEAR MINES[/spoiler-box]

[ARChan]

--RECORD 150--

Here I am in the corner of John's room, looking pathetic and useless for a CAST who managed to eliminate a tough threat single-handedly. I leaned to the wall perpendicular to the one I sat back against, my face partially hidden but enough to see over these legs pulled close to me. John is out patrolling and attempting to alleviate the chaos in town. Sometimes, I wish he would have stayed with me and alleviate the chaos in me.

I kept questioning myself why these things kept happening to me. I was just living life for Daddy. Now, I am here and away from him, hiding from everyone, becoming more and more of a monster. Now that I thought about it, maybe I should have died against that lookalike. Maybe the outcome would have been better.

No, that cannot be right. If I let it continue, more CASTs would have died. Lastly, it seemed like it was coming for Calai. I suppose that would have been correct. If that thing I killed was not Calai, where did it originate from? Why did it appear in the Central Plaza? Yes, I should go there. Maybe I will find an answer to what was happening. I do not care what happens to me. I need to keep everyone safe. Through effort, I can actually have them accept me. Stood upright and glanced around the room, attempting to see if I could do something for John before I leave. However, I failed to see anything unsatisfactory. So, I left the room without hesitation.

However, the moment I stepped outside, there were already CASTs waiting for me. I stopped in an instant, keeping the door open. They saw me and a Cast came forward. This Cast looked familiar...

"Good day," the Cast said with a yellow partisan called a Gungnir armed. He had a general red color with a white subcolor. "You are Ms. Futura, I presume?"

Yes, this one looked familiar, indeed. Liam. I glanced among the CASTs around him but did not see the Caseal who was in Calai's party. I assumed the worst happened to her. However, how did he escape unharmed?

Liam was already before me when he said, "I saw what you did to the infected earlier. I have to say, I am quite impressed."

I felt along my right arm and looked down. "It... It was nothing. You did not see anything."

"Oh. How rude of me."

I shook my head. "Liam, leave me alone. You might get hurt too." I looked to my side but found myself looking up to him, seeing him staring at me.

"How do you know about that name?" he whispered to me.

My eyes immediately moved and I shook my head. I attempted to pass by him but he stopped me when he held an arm out. "Let me go," I demanded.

"H-hey," another Cast said. "I think you should let her be."

"Yeah," a Caseal added. "You saw what she did, and you know how we had a hard time trying to take that thing down earlier."

Liam chuckled and touched my face, shifting me to look up to him. "Where are you going?"

I shook my head. "Please, let me go."

Silence came between the two of us, but in that silence, his hand released me and came to his side. Then, he came down to a knee, lowering his head. "Forgive my rudeness. I was only testing your temper earlier. Please, let us aid you."

"... What?"

"That is what our intentions are. The colony needs your strength."

I glanced up to everyone else, seeing them bowing down similar to Liam. I am a goddess to them. Liam took my hand and my attention to his hand. I honestly do not know what to do for them. I can only cause destruction. I took my hand from him and continued to pass by him. They all let me pass by with reverence and fear as I took my steps through the crowd. I do not care what they do. I need to have my questions answered. I need to prove that Calai truly was not the one I saw.

Pondering about the situation, I suppose visiting Calai's cell would explain everything, but I need clearance to come to her. So, I should ask John to check on her to make things simpler. As for me, I should come to the site of contact. If Calai truly was the one I met earlier, did I just destroy her with little regard? ... No. That cannot be right. She would never hurt me. I have to prove her innocence for the colony... and myself.

As quick as I was pacing, it did not take me long to realize the attention I had upon me nor the group that followed me. They were policing the citizens and providing ease upon my precense as if they were my body guards. Who ordered them to do this? Did they decide to do this on their own?

Next thing I knew, I was sprinting. Indeed were sprinting after me. Why are they so intent on following me? I tried to stop them, turning corner after corner. I did not want to involve them in my issues. I bear the ability to become one of Dark Falz's minions.

"Ms. Futura! Stop!"

I stopped, realizing that my feet led me to the forward gates that lead to the outside world. I watched in awe, contemplating whether I should actually take John's ideals and try to find a world we can live in out there. How I longed for that world. We are only trapping ourselves and bracing for the inevitability. We have to become exposed to the outside world. This world we created will not suffice.

After a while, I noticed the void behind me clearing. I turned to look. John... He was in front of everyone. He stood there, watching my every move whereas everyone else cleared out one by one. Soon, it was just the two of us. My body heat started to rise again. Please, John. Please do not attempt to console me. Do not take me to your home. I have to find out Calai's situation.

John laughed and folded his arms. "Already bouncing back?"

I gripped my hands. "This is not the time to be joking!"

He started to come toward me. I attempted to find a way around him, but one feature about this exit is there being walls that extend from the door for trapping purposes. So, instead, I stayed in my place, watching him come closer. When he was just an arm's length away, he stopped with his eyes only on me.

"I thought I told you to stay in the room," he said to me via wireless channel.

I bowed my head and replied in the same manner, "I want to prove Calai's innocence."

He chuckled. "I knew you would be doing that. Apparently, your sister is still in the detention facility. Also, the origin of that creature was already investigated upon. The creature was of infiltration purposes. Also, the Caseal whom we met..." He held his chin between his finger and thumb. "I tried matching her frequency earlier, but all the searches were negative. It is like she never existed, and I usually make sure that everyone is accounted for when they enter the colony."

"Really now?" a Caseal contested.

We both jumped up in surprise and immediately shifted our sights to our side, finding that one Caseal from earlier. She had a wide smile, apparently energetic but to a different sense than Calai.

"Miss," John said, "there you are. I was looking for you."

She folded her arms with that smile on her arms. "Sorry, but I must ask that you don't call reinforcements. Rather, I'd aid my girl here. She's still supposed to see Calai."

John rubbed the back of his head. "What? But I already checked--"

"You fool!" she barked. "She is supposed to be the one, not you!" She still had that smile on her face. Rather than aggrivated, she seemed to be amused. "Well, no matter. She still needs to see her sister."

I glanced at both John and the Caseal and asked, "Why do I have to be the one? Is there a type of code only I am able to decipher?"

She snapped her fingers. "Bingo. I'm quite sure you're asking why that thing earlier appeared, but I am almost sure that your questions will be answered upon meeting your sister."

I processed what she could mean about me having something that most others do not have, but the only thing I can ever think of is how perverted Calai is. Not everyone acknowledges her as one. Maybe I am supposed to do something erotic with her? The thought just made me become concerned about my wellbeing.

"How do you know these things?" I asked, attempting to mask my insecurity.

The Caseal turned to me and stepped close. My insecurities began to surface even more the longer she stared at me. I glanced at John, seeing him simply watching with his arms folded. However, he was really reaching over to his inventory to arm a weapon. I looked back up to the Caseal, seeing that I was feeding into her enjoyment.

Finally, she backed away and turned to John. "Hey, you'll get Futura over to her sister."

John shook his head. "Not until you tell us--"

Suddenly, the Caseal armed a Photon Claw--a twin prong forearm-mounted, green-photon weapon--onto her right hand and held it to his chest, just over where his energy core is. "I did not ask you to do it. I command you to do it." She still had a wide smile. "You have no say upon this situation. Besides, you do not know what I do."

John exchanged glances with me. "Yes. I did not say I will not do it."

"Good!" the Caseal said as she stored the Photon Claw and then slapped his back. "The quicker the better," she laughed as she started walking toward the civilized sector of the colony, leaving me with John.

John and I exchanged glances and then looked off to where the Caseal disappeared to. Something was definitely odd about her, but I suppose we should check what she meant by all this. I hope this will actually lead to something. If not, I do not really know what else we can do aside from giving up.

... At least that was the initial thought. Upon reappearing at the checkpoint to the militarized section of the colony, there was an increased amount of guards in the vicinity. I can hardly blame them for the security, but it was much more of a nuisance when they noticed me. They all began to bunch around me whereas the gate guard stopped us from approaching.

"M-Ms. Futura," the gate guard stuttered. "Please go away. I-I don't want to...!"

I kept my insecurities buried away as I stated, "I must see my sister again."

"But the higher-ups told us we shouldn't allow you to pass!"

John stepped in between us and said, "Hey, these higher authorities... Who were they, anyway?"

The gate guard shot upright and saluted as he responded, "S-Sir! I-I didn't see you there!"

"Uh-huh..." He folded his arms and said, "I am a higher authority, might I remind you."

"B-but Sir! I'm not supposed to--"

"I can get your ass kicked out of the military just because of your actions!"

The gate guard shook his head. "N-no! I'm not supposed to allow anyone to pass without proper authority. Please, forgive me, Sir!"

John stared at him for a while, making the gate guard become more and more paranoid as John continued to stare.

John abruptly laughed and slapped his shoulder in a kin-like manner. "Good job!" he congratulated. "Yes, it's true you're not supposed to allow anyone to pass without proper authority, even if it's me. Keep up the good work!" He then turned away and continued around the perimeter. I bowed down from my waist to the gate guard and then quickly paced back to John's side.

The moment I came to his side, he stopped and folded his arms, bowing his head in thought. I watched him think for a while before finding myself in thought as well. How am I supposed to get inside, anyway?

"I see you two are deep in thought."

We both snapped out of our thoughtful trances and found ourselves accompanied by that Caseal. However, what is she doing on the other side of the photon barrier? John and I exchanged glances, both of us completely at a loss for words. The Caseal had her wide smile with her hands behind her.

"Say," she said as she pointed in a mocking manner. "I can give you two a hint. You two kill a few CASTs and take their frequencies."

"That is absurd," I commented.

The Caseal shrugged her shoulders. "Hey, you two don't want to know what'll happen when I get to Futura's sister first. After all..." Suddenly, her right arm exploded into a chaotic mesh, forming into something unidentifiable. "... what I can do is far worse than what a copy can do."

Then, a loud siren resounded throughout the colony again. We soon found CASTs rushing to our location almost as soon as the siren started. Upon seeing the Caseal, panic started to arise. Although weapons were drawn and ready, no one dared to even execute an attack. The Caseal winked at me as she turned to the crowd that formed. As she took a step forward, so did everyone else. She took two steps and everyone shuffled for three. Then, she took a normal walking pace. Abruptly, a photon bolt soared through the air. That was when everyone else started to inaccurately fire upon the Caseal. No one dared to come close. Even the Hunter-class CASTs were using handguns. As photon bolts made contact, parts of the Caseal chipped. Then, her left arm was shot off from the shoulder. Then, the right leg. Pieces of the face chipped to see some of the framework of a Caseal. After so many hits, she finally fell back.

I pressed my face against John's arm, finding myself scared for my wellbeing. I do not want to hurt anyone, but I am scared of what they will do to me.

Wait... No. That essence was still there. I looked over to the Caseal, seeing her lie back and still. There were a few Hunters who were close to her, inspecting the situation. The resonance is spiking!

"No!" I screamed as I dashed for them. "Get away from her!"

The Hunters all turned to me. I ran around the checkpoint, disregarding the gate guard trying to stop me, all in hope that I could save them. I managed to reach them just in time, but the resonance was still strong. I tugged on one of them--He fell over? Wait... Did she...? I looked over to the Caseal, seeing her smile still on her face. Her eyes... They were on me. She is still alive!

Suddenly, a massive wave of D-factor vines shot out of the ground, and pierced all of the CASTs who were in standby.

"Do not hesitate, dear Futura." I looked down to the floor, seeing the Caseal laugh. "I will find your sister, and I will kill her. After all, that is all a vessel is: a lonely, hollow shell!"

Just as I was about to arm a weapon, she began to be absorbed into the ground. Even so, that did not stop me. I armed a Beam and shot down at her. She was in the ground! I kept firing one after another, but it led to nothing. The essence disappeared along with visual confirmation. I stood in my place, seeing all the CASTs lying still on the floor. All the CASTs...? I quickly turned to find John--I sprinted to him. Why? Why would she do this!? He laid prone, seeming to struggle to even stand. I knelt down next to him and did what I could to flip him, but he was too heavy.

"John? John, are you okay?"

"... tura..."

"John!" I cried out. "You are going to be okay, right?" His hand touched mine. Upon realizing this, I took his large hand into both of mine and pulled it to my face. "John?"

"I'll..." He seathed his breath to grip my hand. "... be fine. Your sister...!" He gave a loud groan as oil and ether spilled out of his torso.

"John!"

He pulled me close and then shoved me away. "Go!" he yelled.

I scrambled up to my feet. I wanted to do as he said, but I wanted to stay with him as well. Hesitantly, my feet started to move me away from John. John... I will be back. Please, hold on!

I was running down familiar paths into the detention facility. I found no one around me, but what I did find was a path of death. CAST, Human, and Newman alike were all strewn into a mesh of unbelievable chaos. One thing I knew was that if I followed this path, I am going to find that Caseal again. I must either find Calai first or destroy that Caseal. However, do I have the ability to destroy such a creature? I never fought something like that before, where mutation is actually possible. I kept turning path after path, but the path of death trailed away abruptly. It did not matter. I just have to keep moving toward Calai. I know where she is: the very depths of the facility, where the greatest terror is supposed to be stowed away. Even so, the trek there is tiring. My joints were overloading their bearing just for me to keep running.

"You will never get to her in time."

I looked to my side as I ran but only found a wall.

"Forget about her. You, yourself, can be the ultimate creation by our benefactor."

I heard that voice above me but found nothing once again. I turned a corner, only to crash against something large. I looked up, seeing a RAcast hanging to a vine that kept it up like a hook through its head. ... John...! ... No. It is not him. Right. I have to keep going. I cannot let these things stop me. The faster I am, the better the results! I kept running toward Calai. All I have to do is keep running straight down long hallways, which would then lead to a spiral staircase. I have to keep going.

"Lord Dark Falz is waiting for you. He will take you in, as how he did for with me. Trust me. We can become even closer if you accept him."

Damn Dark Falz. All I want is everyone I care for to be happy. Calai, I am almost there. Please, hold on a little longer.

The bottom of the spiral staircase. All that is left is--The floor... What am I doing on the floor? I lifted myself to soon realize my left leg was missing. I looked to my side to find a chain-gun security unit readjusting its aim onto me.

"Hey! She's mine!"

Suddenly, a massive vine shot out of the unit and spread apart, making it inoperable and only had a spark to its destruction. I attempted to stand, only to find feet before me. I looked up to find the Caseal crouching down with a Railgun--a red-photon handgun--in her hand.

"Say, you're out of shape. Here, let me help you."

I swatted her outstretched hand and rolled away. In that instance, I armed my Twin Gatling. I laid down on my side and aimed at the Caseal... only to find her gone. I looked everywhere, only to find a Railgun aiming straight at my head again.

"You should behave," she said in a mocking manner. She then held her hand out to me. Then, I heard some rattling. I looked to where the noise was coming from to realize it was my leg being dragged across the floor by vines that passed along in a daisy-chain manner. I laid on my side the whole time and during the operation. It went along painlessly.

"Okay, that should do it."

I stood up on my feet. It seemed my leg was fully operational, as if it was not even broken off to begin with. Now...

Immediately, I broke into a sprint. I do not care if that Caseal helped me or not. I have to see Calai! Damn door! My right arm morphed into a massive photon blade that was six feet long, one foot in width, and four inches thick. I drove the blade into the door that stood in my way, but soon found the door not even being affected by my blade. How can this be? I could have done the same thing with any other door and they all break in an instant! I retracted my arm to myself to see how my arm was doing. It did not seem to be hurt or anything. Maybe if I focus more, I can do something to this door.

Suddenly, I saw a flash. I whipped my arm out to it just in time to deflect a red photon bullet. What, now she attacks? What is she planning? I lunged forward, but she vanished into a red aura. Next thing I knew, she was before the door like I was.

"This is how it's done," she said with her wide grin on me. Then, her essence suddenly became overwhelming. She screamed at the top of her lunge as right right arm exploded into a massive, bright photon blade. It was blinding to look at and I could feel how hot it was from where I stood! "Now, behold my power!"

She shrieked as she took one wide swiped at the door, which melted on where she made contact. She breathed heavily as she then turned to me. Her crooked smile was hideous. Now I know what I have to do. I have to get loud. I lunged forward and screamed at the top of my lungs as I tried to strike her but she took a simple swipe at my blade and already sent me flying through the air, colliding against the spiral staircase. Why? I thought what I was doing was fool-proof.

"You don't get it?" she laughed. Her voice was deformed. "Should I just take your sister's life already?"

"No..." I struggled to move upright onto my feet. "No, please!"

"What makes you think I won't? Besides, I could just move through the door." She started to back away. Her foot made contact but then ghosted through it. "Either you get your act together and take this door down or I will leave you here."

"No! Leave Calai out of this!" She would not dare. She would not dare! She would not dare!!!

"Alrighty then," she sighed as she turned away. The door began to ripple as she made contact with it.

"No!" I screamed as I pursued her. "NO!"

Hey, Calai. Do you still like me? I know, it is foolish to think that way, even after I am a reason why you are locked away this whole time. I knew I could finally get to see you again if I was only patient, but it seemed that patience is what got me into this mess. I will not hesitate from now on. That is my lesson. Now... please, now that I have learned my lesson, grant me unlimited power. Please, I do not want to lose you!

I slashed at the door that stood before me, but it resulted the same as it did earlier. No... I have to keep trying! I slashed once more, and another, and another, and another! Each swing only added more to my desperation upon seeing not a single scratch. My voice became loud and labored. I need to break through! Calai is in danger! Come on!!! I NEED TO BREAK THROUGH!!! I screamed louder than ever before as I kept swinging. I do not want to be alone! I need you, Calai! I only lived this life because I knew you were here.

Damn it... Damn it. Damn it! Why will this door not break!? DAMN DOOR!!! I shrieked as I gave my all to this one attack. DESTROY!!! DESTROY!!! I could not help but laugh. This door... I WILL NOT LET THIS DOOR GET THE BEST OF ME!!!


--RECORDING INTERRUPTED--

--ATTEMPTING TO RESTORE---

--RESTORE COMPLETED--

--broke into a dash through the door. I cannot believe it! I actually did it! Now, all I need to do is reach the end of this hallway just to reach Calai. Even so, I knew the Caseal will be waiting for me. I will not allow her to touch Calai. If she even dared to touch her, I swear, I will... I will...

"Well," the Caseal said. "Took you long enough."

She held Calai's head from her hair. She was still in hibernation mode. I... I...!

"What're you going to do?" she inquired as she held up Calai's head to me. "In just a blink, I can destroy her."

I was panting in chaotic desperation. "What do you want!?"

She looked around herself and finally settled down onto Calai. Then, she said in a careless manner, "Your despair."

She tossed up Calai. Upon seeing this, I immediately broke into a wild sprint. I never felt anything like this before. I knew I should move faster than I am, but I am already at my limit! Someone! Anyone! John! HELP ME!!!

A red aura suddenly enveloped me. Next thing I knew, I was up in the air before the Caseal. She had her massive photon blade ready to thrust at me. Wait! Where did Calai go!? No matter! I WILL KILL HER HERE AND NOW!

I rushed forward by the rear thrusters that sprouted out of my back in an instant and my arm blazed of rage! I swiped at her as I came to pass her, slicing her head cleanly in two, making the attack at least lethal if not something more if it even exists. Sparks shot out of her sockets as I collided down onto the floor. Finished... It has to be finished.

I was breathing heavily as I surveyed the scene. The Caseal laid lifeless onto the floor. Her deformity rapidly deteriorated into normality. ... Wait. A white body with skin-like tones and a magenta skirt? Calai? This is Calai's body! What...? What is going on? Was this Calai the whole time? Wait. Calai. Where is Calai? I scanned all around the room and soon found Calai's head at approximately the place where I was enveloped into that red aura. I immediately ran to her and cradled her head.

"Calai...!"

I moved her hair bangs aside and kissed her forehead. Such overwhelming anxiety came over me in that instant. I did not know what to do!

...

...

Wait. Footsteps? I looked over my shoulder to find Calai's body staggering toward me. How? What is happening!? I do not want to fight anymore. I do not want to hurt anything that belongs to Calai! I turned my back to it and tightly cradled her in my arms. Calai, what should I do?

"... S-Sis...?"

I looked down to Calai's face, seeing her weakly look up to me. I immediately became overjoyed upon the sight. "Calai!" I cried.

"My body... Is it looking for me?"

I looked over my shoulder, seeing it pat every surface all around it. It was almost comedic, but I felt sorry for it. "Yes," I responded. "What should I do?"

Calai chuckled. "Of course it would. Please, give me to it. I'll explain everything afterwards."

I hesitantly looked over to the body one more time before I finally moved toward it. As I came closer, it seemed to be aware of my presence. It stood upright and then turned to my general location. I came forward, but soon noticed it extracting the remains of the head I cleaved. Immediately when it was extracted, it tossed it away and then held its arms out to me. I glanced at Calai once more...

Wait. It is like I am forgetting something else. I took a glance at the top piece of the cleaved head... John! I immediately handed Calai over to the body and turned to leave the whole compound.

...

...

... What happened? It was like I stepped into a different world. Half the building was destroyed, as if an explosion took place. In the midst of everything, I tried to make sense of what happened, but nothing computed remotely to logical. I was standing in awe. Buildings were rubble and debris, as if something took a bite out of the whole scene. However, the debris all fanned out from a central point. An explosion. Photon barriers were malfunctioning or flickering. What could have done all this?

I soon found myself crossing where the checkpoint barely stood. I looked all around me, trying to find John. For sure, I should have seen him somewhere. He could not have gone far, considering how injured he was.

Then... Then I noticed something. In the checkpoint's guard house... I came to the scene... I regret that I did. My breaths were heavy, choking even. John... I was... I knew I should have stayed with you. Your frame is unmistakable, even if most of your plates were fragmented or melted apart. I know what you did. You protected me. You pressed the lockdown button to activate the facility's defenses, locking yourself outside. John... John...!


--END RECORDING--
LOCATION: RAGOL
SCENE: UNDERGROUND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT NEAR MINES

[ARChan]

Self record start.
Text-only limitation.
Automatic input.
Testing. Testing. Test complete.

It's been a while but here is another for the record. Let's see here... Uh... Ah-hem!!! Uh... Oh. Futura. Uh... A person just asked me if I needed a vacuum earlier due to me clearing my throat quite often. I promptly declined.

I'm here to oversee Futura's sister being transported to the detention facility at the military headquarters. I know she wants to come see her sister being put away. That is why I am making this record.

From what I recall, she's detained in a detention facility, stripped of her body and held captive on a retractable pedestal that extends out from a stasis cell. Her cell is in the deepest sector of the facility and as deep as twenty meters underground. She is only given the bare minimum for survival: ether and an electrical feed point. She is kept in a constant state of comatose. Althought everything felt in place, something did feel odd about her capture.

There were several points that I must address:

The first is how she resisted us. She didn't fight us. In fact, her frequency was erratic. She was either panicked or she was desperate. I really want to believe the former, especially since all she really lives for is Futura. At least, that was what she said to me one time. Why would she even kill another CAST? It just doesn't make any sense.

The second is her body. It is an abnormal variant. We tried taking a look into her body, but upon even making an attempt at her case, it suddenly whipped out and was the destruction of numerous doctors that day. It's like she's a creature from old lore: Dullahan, something of a headless armor. I think that's what it's called. Also, no matter what we did to contain it, it kept breaking out of its containment sector. However, one thing for sure is that it's seeking its owner. So, we kept it outside of the colony for that very reason.

The third, why did Futura resort to shooting her? That was not according to the plan, but I did find it odd. No matter how many times I tried to ask Futura, she only stared at me and did not respond. In that matter, I gave up asking her.

Fourthly, I can't seem to remember her name... I know I knew Futura's sister's name. What happened? I tried asking everyone her name but they responded the same. Her records also seem to be fragmented. I mean, I know it exists. When I do a search, it doesn't say that her record number is missing or invalid. I don't understand. How does this even happen? We've known her for quite some time, and she isn't an underground figure either. She was also the one who trained personnel and civilians alike in self defense, ranging from advanced to basic classes. In fact, she was the one who taught me that my size and weight was not something to fear. Well... she made me look like a punching bag one time when we sparred earlier. She actually took me down so easily. I do not recall how she did it, but she did it. She showed me how to fight smaller and experienced fighters. I was sure I knew her name then. I don't usually forget a person like that.

Since the start of this entry, I saw Futura waiting for me at the gate as how she said she would prior. It amazes me how patient she is. I finally met with her and asked her how she was. She stared at me and shook her head, evidently showing her concern for her sister. I patted her head and reassured her that she's safe in her location. Even so, it seemed Futura is unwilling to leave her spot. So, I stayed beside her the whole time.

However, let me tell you this: patience is not my strongsuit. I have to move! Damn this admiration. I don't know why I like this Caseal either! I mean, her frequency is very ugly. I mean, everyone else says it is. To me, it's very mysterious. I have never felt a frequency even remotely similar to hers: a certain uniqueness that just makes me uneasy. I mean, she isn't strong and a really quiet figure. Even so, she does have her uses. She has a personality that fits as an underground figure, but she stood out among others, especially by how she often takes upon unpopular tasks.

Finally, after a long one minute's wait, she finally turned to me and said that she didn't want to go back to her home alone. Being the gentleman I am (or at least try to be), I followed her home. We didn't talk at all, though she did stare at me most of the time. It was hard to not look, but when I did look, I found myself regretting that I did look, only to find myself wanting to look again. I don't know what is wrong with me! I can't seem to focus!

"It seems it is only you and me. Everyone is gone now."

That was what she said when we were close to her residence in the 13th district with her eyes skyward. Then, she asked me if I was recording still. Oh... wait. I am! ... Uh... She said it is fine. What am I going to do here? But she did say that it is fine. So, I suppose it's fine. Yeah. It must be. I think.

Suddenly, she stopped. I looked over my shoulder to find us before her house. I traced the pathway from the two-person residence to Futura. Her head was bowed but her hands were gripping. She asked me if her decision was correct, that it was right that she was the one to hurt her sister. I remained quiet. I honestly did not know whether it was indeed the correct choice. I folded my arms and thought about it, but soon found myself looking up to Futura touching my arm.

She asked me with a false smile, "It has been two days, has it not?"

It has, but I still did not respond. She then rested her head against my folded arms. Her frequency is still the same. How come I cannot read her the same as the other CASTs? I have to watch her closely, like how I ordinarily would with Organics. Why is she like this? Curiosity came over me, but I soon found her backing away. She gripped her hand over her chest. It was like she was crying. However, she was without tears. I stepped forward toward her but she turned away and went toward her residence. I stopped in my tracks and looked into the palm of my hand. I then took a glance to my side, finding Futura at the door to her residence. She stood before it, her hands gripping to her sides.

"It seems it is only you and me. Everyone is gone now."

I remembered what she said. Then, something came over me. I found myself coming down the pathway toward Futura. She turned to me, just in time for me to kneel down to one knee. I pulled her into my arms. As much as she struggled to stop me with words, I knew what she felt. She did not resist. In fact, she gripped me, pulling me closer. I don't care who was watching. I knew it, too. I am in love with Futura. I care too much to see her this way. I moved her into her home.

Then, I soon found myself over Futura, on the floor of the first few steps into the residence. She had her arms around my neck. She smiled again, and again, it was not that of happiness. I could feel my core resonating inside me. I knew what else I wanted, but I knew this was not the time. Futura, the ugly one... Why is she the swan in the pack of ducks? I knew it the whole time, but I could not stop myself. I pulled an ethernet cable from my ear and held it out to Futura. Hesitantly, Futura did the same. Her hand cuffed over mine as I did with hers. Then, we both guided each other's connectors into each other's ports.

End record.
Save file directory: Precious Memories.

[ARChan]

Self record start.
Text-only limitation.
Automatic input.

I sat upright against a wall. Futura laid her head on my lap. How... How did this happen? Almost daily, we have been interfacing, but it does not feel real to me. I believed that interfacing was indeed sacred, but instead, I was sent into labyrinths, mazes, and obscene views--obscene views ranging from slaughter and rape to hopeful and lofty ideals. I did not want to watch any of these, but it was hard not to see any of it. However, even so, I kept coming back. I kept wanting to interface with Futura. "What would she show me this time?" I asked myself whenever the urge kept arising, but I know I should stop. I know that if I keep doing this, I will become more like Futura. I have to keep her individuality in check. I kept thinking this, but I keep falling back into the same situation. I have to stop. It has already been a week since the capture.

I lowered my sights to Futura, seeing her eyes staring away from me. I ran my fingers through her hair, having a smile emerge on her face. She looked up to me and reached out, feeling along my body until she could not reach out any more above my chest from where she laid. I felt her tiny hand and fitted it into mine. Then, she nuzzled her face back into my lap, this time with our hands grasping down to her waist.

This reminds me of every interface we made. In the end, I always found Futura lying down as if waiting. Then, every time we meet, she would always ask me the same thing:

"Are you sure I am worth saving?"

She asked me this even now, when we're relaxing from an interface session. Now that I thought about it, this would be the first time she asked me this in reality. I asked her why she kept asking me this, and she said in reply that her sister would do anything for her. I knew it. Even now, she's thinking about her sister. I can't change that. I watched her smile neutralize into something somber.

... This sucks. End record.
Save file directory: Precious Memories.

[ARChan]

Self record start.
Text-only limitation.
Automatic input.

Today is Futura's first day on the job. She underwent basic training, but she passed with flying colors, which is odd regarding her frame model. She may be made a civilian but she was able to take down an instructor approximately 1.72 times her weight, though all she was supposed to do was land one hit. The instructor was a bit harsh, but he got what he deserved. In fact, she was able to guard all his incoming attacks. I actually found myself scared of her for a little while. Ha ha ha!

Futura was rather shy at first, staying close to me as we patroled the civilian sectors. Lucky for us, there's no trouble in town, though the citizens were like children and interested with the new face in the military police. I was busy introducing her to everyone as my shadow on the job. Futura was hilarious when I pushed her before me and faded behind the crowd. I cannot say that I quite blend in due to my height, but the longer I watched her, it seemed she slowly warmed up to everyone and started to enjoy their company. Everyone seemed to adore her, which I found interesting. Why is it that the citizens like her suddenly? I thought the CASTs thought of her as ugly and Organics thought of her as rude. I stayed watching her until she finally noticed me towering above everyone.

When she did find me, she finally said her farewells and we finally broke away from the scene. I asked her if she liked what she saw, but that awkward grin on her face became somber again.

"They only like me because I am new."

She raised her head to me and said that she was surprised that I was not hating her after knowing her for so long. How can I hate her? She kept a fine personality when out in public, but when she was talking with me, the brightness suddenly becomes dull. Why? I nudge her with my elbow just to joke and lighten the mood but she glared at me in exchange. I tried to cheer her up... which then led to me expressing my concern to her. I told her that I truly liked her and that I wanted to get to know if I could help her, but that made her mood dive down even lower. I honestly do not know what to do for her.

Some time passed by and our patrol shift finally ended. It did not really feel long, since the day was eventful. However, after we reported in and started to come back, I was reminded that the day has not ended just yet. She slipped her hand into mine, our fingers intertwining. I looked over to her, seeing her grin become something even more sincere. She looked up to me with one of those rare smiles I would ever see from her. I don't quite understand, but as long as she's happy, that's all that matters, I suppose.

... And indeed, the day didn't end there. When we arrived back home, she turned to me and stated that I was not being honest with her. I asked her why and this is what she said:

"You do not have to lie. You are getting tired of me, are you not?"

What in Pioneer 2 did she mean by that? I contested her claim but she remained stubborn. Why is she like this? I yanked my hand away from hers and I had to remain faithful to my own beliefs. She is wrong. I do love her. I want to live life with her. Every day has been hopeful because she was around. How else am I supposed to explain my feelings to her? She did not understand my beliefs and feelings toward her. Is our relationship truly platonic? I refuse to believe that! Already, we have been doing so much together, and I have seen her rise up from being a depressed mess to a completely independent Caseal, or is it that she has been like this from the beginning?

Next thing I knew, I was pressed back against a wall. I looked down to Futura. Why is she smiling? She called me a dolt as she wrapped her arms around my waist. Wait. I'm not quite following what's going on. I stood in awe of her holding me, but gradually, I came to accept her. My arms finally left my sides as I soon realized citizens watching us. As much as I didn't want to, my hands came to her shoulders and I pressed her away. I warned her about the others watching us but she glared at me in exchange. Fraternizing among ranks is prohibited while on duty. I should've made sure she knew about this prior to watch.

I attempted to explain this to her but she took offense. She said that I didn't want to be with her, and that I'm embarrassed to be near her. I...! I don't want to hear any more of that! Why is she trying to play victim on this whole matter? Doesn't she know that this job is not just pleasing the citizens? It's far more than that! It's to maintain order and to remain professional. Foolish. Completely foolish! I exclaimed my issue upon this matter silencing Futura. Once I exclaimed to her face my woes, I turned away and continued patrol without her.

... Or that was what I intended to do. After I turned a corner, I heard gunfire. It came from where Futura was at! I rushed back to soon find Futura holding an exposed Beam before her as photon bullets soared through the pathway that she was near to. Who was waiting for her? I came back to her side and armed Final Impact. I exchanged glances with her. Upon a nod, I stepped out of the corner with my shield at its peak with the shotgun in my arms and made one shot at the opening. There stood at least two RAcaseals who took two of the spread shot of five. They attempted an escape but Futura managed to sneak a barrage of shots that downed one of the two. I charged forward as this Caseal attempted to proceed and tackled her back against a wall. With my massive build and weight, it was easy to take her down. Futura came around me and managed to arrest this intruder in all due haste. I glanced around me to find a shadow clear on the rooftops just before I could identify it. It was like they were here to watch Futura. Why?

"Futura," the the captive said with a sinister laugh. "You'll soon discover your potential. Only then will you realize how useful you can be to us."

Before we can inquire anything, the captive was shot to the head by a Hell elemental bullet. The bullet, on contact, pierced through her shield and then through the shell, exploding into a fragmenting mess that completely obliterated the Caseal's head. I tried to identify the sniper, but again, the shadow from another place disappeared. This was not an ordinary attack. This was planned, and I was the one preventing them from executing their plan. Had I not left her, Futura would not have this happen to her. I turned to Futura, seeing her already radioing the situation to Headquarters. She truly is an unremarkable policewoman, considering her frame. Maybe we should consider a body upgrade for her.

Then, when I was done admiring her, I noticed her staring off to somewhere. I traced her stare to find her looking up to a tall building. I don't see anything else...

"We are surrounded."

Before I could take a glance, Futura took my hand and immediately broke into a dash down hallways and alleyways. Then, we were headed off by two men armed with Rifle-class weapons. Futura suddenly shoved me aside and broke forward into a sprint. I crashed against the wall, and next thing I knew, Futura was already at the end of the hallway, already knocked the two unconscious. Then, she dashed off somewhere.

I pursued after her but she was nowhere to be found. However, I can hear chaos. I followed the sound, only to find a trail of incapacitated CASTs everywhere. Even if everyone was harmed, not a single body was broken or shattered. In fact, all the weapons were destroyed. As good as this is, I was more worried about what was happening. How is it that Futura is able to do all this? Then, at the end, I was in awe of what I was spectating. Futura had her right arm missing. Sparks were shooting everywhere as she was fending off a HUcast with Twin Rippers. He twirled through the air and then did a spinning aerial hook kick toward Futura. She blocked the attack with her left arm but was knocked aside.

The HUcast taunted her, called her inferior. I aimed with the Final Impact but a photon bolt shot across the scene and hit my weapon directly. I traced the shot to find Futura with a smoking Autogun. The desperation on her face halted me, though it was easy to readjust and shoot at the enemy.

Suddenly, our locked eyes were disrupted when Futura's left arm was slashed off. I watched in awe as she did not have time to react to a stab wound to her core. I couldn't stand by anymore! I immediately fired upon the HUcast, hitting him once, but that did not stop him. I fired again, and again, and again! AND AGAIN! I don't care! Even if this HUcast was already down on the ground, I kept firing. Then, one last shot... This one would kill him for sure. I pressed the huge shotgun barrel to his head. He fell into recovery mode in the midst of all the damage he took in. My hand shook. My body felt uneasy. Should I do it? What about Futura? Will this suffice?

I came to Futura and inspected her wound... Thank goodness. The damage barely missed her core, but even then, she lost a lot of power. I lifted her up and made for retreat. I can't risk her taking in any more damage. I was making a blinding dash for my residence. As simple as it is, my residence is highly secure. No one person under normal circumstances can penetrate the barriers I installed.

Then, I heard my name called out. I looked over to my side to find a familiar HUcast. This one's name is Liam, is it? He led me down an alleyway and had me hide inside a residence. He checked outside one last time before he finally settled down and folded his arms with his back to the wall.

If I recall, Liam was the one who tipped me in discovering that Calai was a beast. His partner, Terresa, met a terrible fate that made her incompatible with all the body types we have attempted to give her. Then, Reiz was annihilated by Calai as well. I thought the two of them were fine with each other. If anything, I thought Calai would have figured out a way to stop Reiz. After all, Reiz did annihilate Ohgun. However, something tells me that he is fine. I know he is.

Then, Liam showed me to a recovery tube that was inside the residence. I assume this blank room is his. So, I thanked him for helping me save Futura, but something struck me odd about him. He looked up to me with a grin and told me something fairly odd:

"It's only natural that I'd help someone similar to me."

He said this as he was looking over Futura, a hand on the photon glass and felt along it as if he was touching her.

"A week from now, a calamity will happen in the city. Most of our numbers will be destroyed. If you don't want to be one of that statistic, I highly suggest you leave this base, if you want to live. I selected a number of those who should be survivors and should leave the base. I need you to open the large gate for them."

I protested against this. I should not be ordered around like this, especially by someone like him. How does he know about these things? ... Not unless he is one of the terrorists. Before I can inquire him about the details, he snapped his fingers. I heard something emerging from the shadows of what I now noticed as a dim room. Underneath the only light source of the room, appeared... a-appeared...!

Liam chuckled as he said, "She looks just like the sister, correct?"

What...? How? Replicating another individual's frequency is impossible without a direct connection with the other. I'm sure that no one has been able to make direct contact with Futura's sister. I watched in awe as Liam rubbed her face.

"Do you like it? All it took was changing the frequency to undo the body registry. Who knew it was just something this simple to undo it! She's able to walk now. Isn't it great?"

Yes, that's true. A CAST has something known as the body registry, which enables and prevents the CAST to be bound to a number of bodies. This especially explains why the body models of the Hunters and Military are all similar according to their gender and class.

Now I understand why a CAST shouldn't change his or her frequency. It was to prevent a CAST from crossing bodies with another CAST, thus hijacking another CAST's body. Then, this also meant that Teressa might have a frequency issue--Wait...

"Yes, she is Teressa."

I watched Teressa as she stood in place. It was like she lacked a presence in her. Wait. Does this mean our SOUL unit is bound to our frequency too? I raised the Final Impact to him in attempt to arrest him. I hoped for something civilized, but instead, Teressa swiped at me.

"S-S... Sis..."

Sis? Wait. That's what Futura's sister calls her. I stood in awe. I know I shouldn't become interested in any of this but I know something is definitely wrong. I should issue a report on this as soon as possible!

"I know what you're thinking, John," Liam said as he held a hand out to stop Teressa. "You have no idea how deep my connections are in the military. This's especialy why you're one of the top dogs. I had interest in you ever since the beginning. That's why you must survive. You can change a world of no hope and have it flourish with plenty of energy. That's why we must downsize. We need less things to put forth what's more necessary."

He came back to Futura's side and felt the photon glass again. "Her sister is one of them who should survive in the end, and I have no doubt that she and her sister can swap bodies. Why else would they be sisters?"

I inquired what he meant by that, and he said this:

"She is order. Without power, authority can't be enforced. I have to thank you for locking her away, by the way. That was so she won't be harmed in any manner."

He can't be serious. It's like he is the mastermind of it all! No, he shouldn't be arrested. He should be annihilated! I was about to open fire upon him but something stabbed through my chest. My... My power source...! I traced the metallic extension to find it coming from Liam's outstretched hand.

"It's as I said. It's only natural that I'd help someone similar to me, correct?"

Then... Then that means he, too, is like Futura's sister...! He withdrew the metallic extension from me, having me fall onto my knees, already weakened beyond compare. How? My armor and shields are meant to withstand metal. I don't understand any of this! Then, I saw legs before me. I looked up to see him toss something straight up.

A defibrilating shock overcame me. A Moon Atomizer? I looked up to him again to find his arms folded. He then held a hand out to me.

"I need you, John. You can help me create a better world, where CASTs and Organics--no. Where CAST, Human, and Newmankind can live in harmony! It won't be like Pioneer 2 nor anything else like that. Everyone will truly cooperate. No one will be left behind. Please, John. I don't think of you as inferior. You are powerful in a different, more charismatic way. You have a strength that a majority lack. Please consider, John."

I was on my hands and knees. I looked up to Futura, who laid still and peacefully inside the tube. I asked what will become of her, and he said:

"If she's important to you, you can always take her after her body is swapped. I'll show you how to change her frequency, just so she can change to a new body type of your own choice. She can be yours! Just think about it. I know how much you like her, and I know she likes you too. What's there to lose?"

I suppose he does have a point. I took one final glance at Futura...

End record.
Save file directory: Precious Memories.

[ARChan]

Hey, everyone! I'm still alive :3

Just letting everyone know that I'm adding this fanfic to fanfiction.net, if you guys want to view it there. I'll post the link to it in the header in a bit.

[ARChan]

Sky below me. Orange above me. Dirt everywhere else. My crippled sister is in my arms.

My name is Fortuna, a Caseal butler under Professor Felix. I have been with Daddy, my master, for four years. For the duration of being with him, it has been the same things over and over again: he goes to work and comes back days after with an illness that seems more of an excuse to stay home. I am to stay home and safeguard the house for his return. For most of the duration while he is gone, I am outside of the house shopping. A few days prior to Daddy returning to the day he leaves, I tend to automated systems which tend to simple maid work and especially clean the intruders who dare to barge into our home. I am built for serving and commanding. Physical aptitude is that slightly below a fit Human. However, that is very subpar in comparison to most other CASTs, since we are mostly composed of superhuman strength. Then again, I am the brains of a network. I do not really need as much physical prowess as many others.

How I came to this predicament was simply unfortunate, which is odd due to my name representing luck itself. It all seemed to have started when I was returning home…

“I’m sorry, Fortuna.”

That was what a RAmarl in red of the military told me as she held a handgun to my forehead. Why was she sorry? Her face churned and she gritted her teeth, evidently indecisive. I, a Caseal who held groceries in one hand and a lost female Newman youth in the next, am confused. Had I done something wrong? I glanced at the girl to find her gawking at the handgun. She must not understand the predicament before her.

The lady’s aim wavered. That was when she dropped her arm to her side to hide what weakness was already displayed. Two men then accompanied her, evidently of the same faction. I must say, I was not surprised that I was outnumbered. Military patrol groups are never alone. The child with me immediately ran off to her father, who picked her up and scurried away from the scene. I suppose it was best to let her go.

Before another action happened, I bowed down from my waist with my hands cradling the grocery bag. I know I could have stored it in my inventory rather than carrying this, but that odd fascination in pre-modern life often behooved me. Sometimes, understanding the lost life, lost art and experiences can be obtained, or at least Daddy claimed there to be as such. I started doing these things for his interest in sociology, but now, it became a habit. To be blatantly honest, life and nourishment of Daddy was my mission. I understand I baby him sometimes, but I cannot leave him to starve or be upset over simple things that I can alleviate. He is my creator and my sole purpose of being alive.

I continued on home, knowing of the company following me. The lady and her cronies were stalking me. Daddy should be home right now. Calai should also be there as well, assuming she has not taken in another Client Order at this time again. The walk from the shopping district was long enough to think a few things through. One as such was the next kind of tea blend I should use. Maybe some Earl Grey tea would be nice.

I gained entry to my house but was immediately stopped by a barrier that glowed orange. ... Calai. She must have armed the security system without my authorization again. I stayed in my place until Daddy opened the front door and allowed me to come in. To my amazement, he also admitted entry to the intruders behind me. I bowed down from my waist to Daddy and offered to make tea for him. He briefly nodded and showed the lady to the living room as I parted from the scene.

“Sis,” a cheery voice said as arms came over my shoulders and entrapped me in their clutches.

I was merely preparing a pot of tea for Daddy and his company as a familiar Caseal decided to be cheeky with me. I asked her what she wanted and she just pressed her lips against my neck.

“Nothing,” she said, her tickling breath wafting against me. “Just want you to know that I don’t like the vibe from our guests.”

I paused for a moment to think about what she said but continued to brew the tea. I told her about what the lady said to me when we first met. Calai groaned upon hearing the details.

“You just invited our executioner.”

I was about to lift the tray when I stopped. Calai blankly stared at it over my shoulder, her arms slowly lowering to my waist. Her body pressed against mine, having me prepare for what is to come.

“Listen to me and everything will be fine.”

I nodded but was not certain of what to do. She pecked her lips against my cheek and finally retreated. Her arms were behind her as she began typing into her arm module. I suppose she would tell me something if she needed me. So, I took the tray into my hands and carried it out.

The light in the hall was dimmer than the kitchen. This was the way Daddy indicates for us to be alert. I followed faint voices that soon led me to my destination. Immediately, I discovered the lady sitting across from Daddy on the long chairs with a coffee table in between. Behind the lady were the two men, who were just as alert as how they came in. I wonder what they were talking about, since the voices came to a halt the moment I came in. I placed the coaster before the lady first and then Daddy, followed by the cups, and then the tea. The smell gently wafted up and fanned around the room. I then offered some tea to the men as well but one refused.

“Professor Felix, I will resort to force. Please, do not try my patience.”

Daddy shook his head. “I didn’t realize how foolish we can be sometimes. I suppose I was wrong to have left the whole campaign to the Principal.” He combed his brow with his fingers. “Fortuna.” I answered his call. “Be sure to automate the security systems. You will be absent for some time.”

I bowed down from my waist. However, I was soon interrupted when the lady shot up to her feet.

“Enough of this!” She turned to me and seized my arm. The tea set dropped down onto the ground as she began to decree, “I-I… I hereby confiscate Professor Felix of his CAST units by the order of OPSS. Anything you say will--“ Suddenly, the woman fell silent after a sudden jolt. Her ear was bleeding where an earring once was.

Footsteps came from the hallway, where Calai stood with a handgun aiming toward my direction. She sighed, “Let go of my sister. Know that I did show you mercy.”

Just then, one of the men snapped out a handgun as well. He then opened fire on Calai. He missed twice but Daddy deflected the third by whipping out his left hand to the photon bolt.

“Stand down, Calai!”

The lady whipped out her arm from her side, having the armed crony stop lower his gun. Calai remained out of sight but I knew she was just around the corner.

“You may have my daughters,” Daddy said. “Just… Just allow me to say goodbye to them.”

The lady looked over Daddy with dreary eyes, paused for a while, but ultimately, she sighed and felt her ear. “Take as long as you want. I will wait for them outside.” She waved a hand for the men to leave the premises. Once they have left, she came to Daddy and held one of his hands. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think my job would make me do something like this.”

Daddy shook his head. “You’re a fine soldier. I know you’re only doing as you’re told.”

The lady gave a bleak smile. “Thank you for understanding.”

Daddy held out some bandages he kept in his inventory to her. “I have known you since you were a cadet. You may have changed over the years but your sense of justice hasn’t changed.”

The lady panned from me to Daddy. “It would’ve been great if this was all under different circumstances.”

He shook his head. “Go along now. I might consider having you conspire against the military if you stay any longer.”

The lady gripped his hand tightly before she abruptly paced out of the residence. That was when Daddy snapped his fingers, ordering both Calai and me to gather before him. He held his hands behind him as he pursed his lips in thought.

“It has been fun living with both of you,” he said, started out as a choked whisper. “My greatest creations… My daughters… You two are free now.” Free? Does that mean he disowned us?

“No! We’re not free just now. We’ve always been free with you!”

That was what Calai said as her face churned and her hands gripped tightly. I did not understand what was happening. Well, sure. I did understand but I do not know what to make of it. Daddy rubbed the back of his head as he moved his sights to his untouched teacup. I know this decision was not easy. In fact, I have never seen him at a loss for words since Mommy disappeared. I stepped forward once but looked away, uncertain of what to say to him.

“Fortuna,” he said, but more as a mutter. “You aren’t just a CAST. You have everything it takes to be something more.” I looked up to him but found him looking over to Calai. “Don’t make that face. This isn’t goodbye.”

“Not just a CAST, huh?” Calai chuckled as she raised her head to look up and then over to me. “Sis, you’re going to be fine. I’ll never betray you.”

I felt along a lock of my hair and turned to Daddy. “Be sure to take your medicine.”

Daddy laughed and reached into his pocket. His smile immediately faded as he continued patting his pockets. Of course he would not have it. I tapped at my inventory and handed a tube full of capsules. It was set next to a flowerpot in the hall while I was heading to the kitchen earlier. I suppose that will be my last prank on him before I left. Daddy smiled upon receiving it and patted my head. As simple as it was, being touched in such a manner was considered a high remark to me.

“Fortuna, sometimes, it takes a civilian to do what’s right.”

I know I should not worry about it so much, but there are times when I blame my fate in becoming one of the weakest CASTs there are. All I did in response to Daddy’s wisdom was nod. Calai took my hand into hers, indicating that it is almost time to leave. Daddy stood in the center of the large living room, watching us part from his presence.

… I thought I saw him shed a tear.

Nine hours later, it was like we were cattle. CASTs of many different sorts were herded into cargo ships. I lost track of Calai in the midst of the ruckus. I was pushed and shoved aimlessly, soon to be pushed down onto a chair that bound my wrists and ankles with photon braces. Then, I was stood up and shoved into another Caseal who shoved me away. I tumbled and panted wildly. Everything was happening so fast. My arms were bound behind me and I cannot part my legs from my ankles. I curled against my legs as I lay on my side, mostly to brace myself from the pain of others falling on top of me. I do not understand what was happening. The lights were dim red with a bright corona light flashing from the ceiling. Breathing was scarce and uncomfortable due to the overloading units of other CASTs in the vicinity. Some self destructed due to panic and some others faced a terrible fate of having another CAST accidentally tumbling into an exposed vital part. It was chaos already. CASTs were the only ones placed in the cargo hold. What is this OPSS?

Calai…

Some time passed by, though it actually felt like days. Something was odd. It was everyone lost gravity. No… Rather, we were all tumbling. Then, a loud crash happened. Gravity came doubled, having CASTs crush each other. I… I was lucky this time. … No. My torso was pierced by a sharp plate. I tried to wiggle myself out but gravity pulled me down lower into the plate. Breathless gags escaped my lips… Someone, please. Help...!

“Ah, there you are.”

I looked up to find Calai standing over me. My right arm reached out to her, frantic and unwilling to bear with this pain! Calai took my hand and relentlessly lifted me up. I wanted to scream. It was so unbearable!

“You’re fine now. Here.”

Before I could even react, she shoved the content of a Monomate into my mouth. Although it tasted disgusting, the pain was almost instantaneously relieved. However, I was still faint from agony, cradled in Calai’s arms.

“I’m sorry. I’ll take better care of you from here on.”

Just those words made me feel at ease. However, that ease was short lived when I soon noticed a Cast calling out for aid. I turned to help but another’s hand seized my ankle. I tripped forward, only to suddenly be pulled in numerous directions by CASTs trying to free themselves. I struggled to break free but their arms were strong. I yanked and pulled, tossed and turned, and next thing I knew, I was sinking. What was happening? Why? I...

“Let go of her!”

Just then, a streak of green slashed and sliced everyone. Next thing I knew, I was crawling up to a light. She… She harmed others just for me.

“I’m sorry that you had to see that,” she said to me with a woeful grin. “Please understand that you’re more important than anything here.”

But... But what if those other CASTs were--

“Nothing else matters except your safety.” She held a hand out to me. “You believe me, right?”

The CASTs behind us continued to groan and moan for aid. How can we--?

“Sis?”

I turned back to Calai. Her hand was still out to me, though her desperation was more apparent. I took it and she pulled me up. Next thing I knew, water pelts my head. Wait… Water? Are we on Ragol?

Ragol: a candidate planet for habitation, though the previous events dating back to recent years were otherwise. Once natural and calm creatures suddenly became savage, mutated species reined the underground caves, machines were corrupt and attacked relentlessly, and new type of creatures with D-type factor hailed from the depths beyond the mines. However, as of a year’s span, surveys displayed natural creatures on Ragol started to cease. In fact, 60% of the natural creatures at the start of the fiscal year seemed to have disappeared in the current month’s survey. It is alarming when considering how little the population has been as of late.

In the distance when thunder strikes, the remnants of Pioneer 1’s Central Dome oversaw the vast green forest. However, considering how wet it was outside, it seems to be fairly hot. Then, a cargo hold dropped from the sky in a heated mass, striking the ground without anything to slow the crash. Could it be that one also be full of CASTs? I did not know what else to think, especially after what just happened to me. Will there be survivors? It crashed in the horizon and out of sight. I began hoping there will be someone alive there.

“Sis. Here’s your arm.”

… Huh? I looked over my left, only to find my left arm in Calai’s arms. I did not realize it was missing. It seemed it was a clean detachment with very few unessential wires frayed. Calai attached it to my shoulder socket and wires began to automatically reconnect. I wonder if I should go investigate the cargo hold. I shared my thought with Calai but a frown made its way onto her face.

“Which one?”

Which one? Is that a joke? I was about to point when another cargo hold dropped. Then, five others. Then, the whole sky started to rain down fiery masses. I could not help but watch in awe. What is going on? If these are all CASTs, what are they planning? They are definitely not taking care of us! This is not what that RAmarl promised. I thought we were only going to be sent to a containment facility.

“Seems we’re in quite a pickle,” Calai sighed. “I should’ve guessed it was going to be genocide.” She chuckled as she sat beside me as if we were simply watching a meteor shower. “I know. This is what OPSS is. Surely, this’s not what Daddy thought it will be.” Her hand cuffed over mine as we both watched the sky burn.

"Hey, Sis."

I shifted myself closer to Calai to listen to what she has to say.

"Let's go run around a bit."

Run around? Now? She pushed herself up on the surface of the large, long container. I was reluctant to move around, especially since it will lessen the healing rate of my left arm. Well, it is better than sitting and waiting for something to happen. Then again, we do not know who our enemies are.

I walked along the surface of the container, taking my time with my hands behind my back.

"Sis, I'll race ya to the other side of the container! C'mon!"

She beckoned me to move faster by rushing forward by my side, but I just knew she was just being silly. I kept my pace. Then, she pushed me forward to increase my speed. I did as she willed but nothing more. She suddenly pushed me again. What does she want from me? I turned to argue...

... A massive fireball is heading toward us! I... It's huge! What are we going to do!? I turned to go off the side of the container to make it away from the estimated trajectory of the cargo hold, but Calai snatched my hand just before I almost fell off the side. I dangled forward, fleeting eyes identifying a long drop. I cannot even see the bottom!

"What're you doing, Sis!?"

Calai pulled me back, having me stumble back out of breath. Before I can even recollect myself, she pulled me onto my feet and down the path indicated earlier. I do not understand how she can be so fast and keep at her pace! I began to slow down... Maybe it is best she left me behind.

"Sis!"

I found myself face down against the surface. I was exhausted. Why? Why was I made this way? Why am I so pathetic!? Calai was running back to me

"C'mon!"

So much is happening. As simple as standing is, I cannot even do as such!

"Sis, bear with me."

Calai then lifted me up onto her arms. I wrapped my arms around her neck for something to hold onto as she sprinted forth. Her usual gentleness was nonexistent. It was like she did not see anything except the goal she kept in mind. I have seen this face before... but where? When?

The cargo hold gave one load groan as the fiery mass from the sky approached. Calai managed to only clear half of the whole cargo hold, and considering she has been running for over a minute...

Calai, you do not have to show me your determination anymore. Save yourself!

Suddenly, the floor flung us upward. Just this made both of our grasps onto each other tighter. We were so high. I could see every single crater around the Central Dome and especially CASTs who managed to survive each of them. Relief settled inside me. I hope to see them all again.

It was like we were floating. Raindrops continued to pelt my head. I pressed back to see Calai's face. She looked up to me and smiled back in return.

"... Sorry..."

Reality settled in. This was no romantic liftoff. Calai had to expend her legs just to cushion as much of the sudden lift. Physically, what she did was impossible. How? I pulled her in close to cradle her in my own arms. Why does she want to protect a useless heap of metal like me?

Raindrops started to appear like they were floating alongside us. Then, it was like they were dropping into the sky. It became dark all around except down below me.

Calai... I am glad to be with you in our time of elimination. Maybe it is fine knowing I will not be alone.

Sky below me. Orange above me. Dirt everywhere else. My crippled sister is in my arms.

"... Please, save us... alia..."

[ARChan]

Ohoho~ Another retelling!

To a sense, I feel like this's like the 3rd arc or something for my story. Ufufu~

(Still feeling bad about what I did to John though T_T)

[ARChan]

Sky below me. Orange above me. Dirt everywhere else. My crippled sister is in my arms.

My name is Fortuna, a Caseal butler under Professor Felix. I have been with Daddy, my master, for four years. For the duration of being with him, it has been the same things over and over again: he goes to work and comes back days after with an illness that seems more of an excuse to stay home. I am to stay home and safeguard the house for his return. For most of the duration while he is gone, I am outside of the house shopping. A few days prior to Daddy returning to the day he leaves, I tend to automated systems which tend to simple maid work and especially clean the intruders who dare to barge into our home. I am built for serving and commanding. Physical aptitude is that slightly below a fit Human. However, that is very subpar in comparison to most other CASTs, since we are mostly composed of superhuman strength. Then again, I am the brains of a network. I do not really need as much physical prowess as many others.

My crippled sister is in my arms.

I only thought about it just now as I sat back against a pillar in a cold, moist location in some underground cave. I would be lying if I thought this place was out on the surface because of the lighting, waterfalls, and plant life. I panned around the location, hoping to find this “sister” of mine. If I fell somewhere, where is she? I don’t remember seeing anyone when he found me.

“Hey.”

I looked up to find a massive RAcast with a shotgun in his arms. His color scheme was primarily black, polished, and gleaming eyes of piercing purple. He was taller by half my height and his thickness was at least twice the size of my limbs. I cannot say that his plates were any smaller. The floor quakes to every step he takes. His head type was odd it had a protrusion that looked like a Dorphon horn, and I assumed he rammed as hard as one.

His shotgun was a peculiar one. It was known as a Final Impact. It had a white body with yellow accessory parts. Whenever he shot with it, pure destruction came after, which is what a normal Shotgun did not do. A normal Shotgun would only hurt the target it strikes, assuming that the enemy is a live target. However, with his, it was relentless and destroyed even collateral targets. It is such a terrifying weapon.

“Sorry,” I said to him. “I need to take a breath.”

He scoffed. “Like an Organic. Pathetic.” He dropped down to sit next to me, creating a small tremor to the place.

I checked the handgun we found. It was an Autogun. It is a standard issue handgun that fires blue photon bullets. It is meant to be more used as a sidearm weapon. It was small, just like me in comparison to the RAcast. It also seems to have up to thirty shots per hour, making it simply unusable in prolonged fights. I have to find a better sidearm or at least another weapon in the event this Autogun overheats. At least the bullets recharge over time.

There are three major weapon classification types. They are Hunter, Ranger, and Force. The first two letters of each job type often accompanies the race/gender classification of the person. The race/gender classifications pairing male and female respectively are Mar and Marl for Human, Newm and Newearl for Newman, and Cast and Caseal for CAST. So, in the case I am in, I am with a male Ranger CAST. Rangers specialize in accuracy above all else and higher aptitude in long-ranged weaponry. I suppose I do fall under the category of being a RAcaseal, but the training I have received was purely informal nor am I officially licensed. It was not the usual means of how CASTs learn operations, where we are coupled to a data exchange server of how to even pull a trigger are transferred and learned. I was taught by the usual means of how Organics learn: physical learning. In fact, everything I know has been learning by Organic means...

... but why?

“Let’s proceed,” the RAcast stated as he stood up to his feet.

His intimidating eyes were upon me. I honestly do not understand why I am following him. I do not know why I came to this place. His large hand came to me, making me retreat back a step.

“You don’t talk much, do you?”

His hand opened with its palm up for me to take. I pursed my lips but soon found his eyes to be gentle. I mean, why else would he open up to me? He is a CAST who worked in security and has a second generation SOUL module.

... Wait. How do I know that?

His hand was much larger than mine. My fingers were barely able to wrap around his thumb. I felt so small in comparison to him. Yet, as I looked up to his intimidating pair of blue eyes, I did not feel alone. Gradually, my left hand rose from my side, but I stopped. Again, I took another glance.

“Why do you want me to come with you?” I asked him.

He chuckled. “You don’t need to know the details. Just know that I’ll do all the fighting until we get where we need to. As for you--” He took my hand into his. “You need to stop hesitating. Just listen to me and everything will be fine. Understand?”

I gave fleeting gestures down to our hands and his face. “Yes.”

He leaned forward. As he came too close, I backed away in the same pace. “Are you sure you’re a Caseal?”

Again, this question... I answered, “Yes.”

He paused for a moment. He was definitely deciding upon something. Even so, I remained quiet. He finally raised himself upright, having me rise to my feet.

“Fortuna, I’ll ask you one last time, and I know you’re a civilian. Do you want to join me in surviving with us?”

Us? “Are there others?”

He pointed over his shoulder, unveiling a Diwari Mag. It looked almost like a cape when in certain angles, but surely, it is detached from the body. I smiled and bypassed the RAcast to touch the Diwari, but it simply floated up to make itself unreachable, even if I were to jump.

The RAcast laughed. “He doesn’t like to be touched by Caseals.”

I looked up to it...

“Fuck off, bitch,” a small voice said through wireless communication means.

I shifted my sights to the RAcast. “It is female.” Huh. I am a Mag whisperer. I suppose this is actually better than what I expected of myself. I wonder what else I have that is unique.

The RAcast glanced over his shoulder to the Diwari. I suppose he did not know about its gender and just took a guess at it. Still, it has such a vulgar set of words. I smiled as I laid my eyes on her. She rose up in suspicion that I would try to touch her again. Maybe she is shy.

A Mag is a simple slave robot species that operate as a capability enhancer of its master. They all have personalities unlike a vast majority of CASTs, but they lack the ability to communicate with a vast majority of civilization. Mags all take a different shape according to its growth type and the section ID of the user. In the case of the fourth evolution Mag of the RAcast, it had an emphasis on Dexterity with Power as its secondary trait upon its fourth evolution. Apparently, a Pinkal or Skyly can evolve them. On the left side of the RAcast chest plate was a Redria emblem.

“Fortuna?”

“Yes?”

“Let’s move on.”

He immediately turned away from me and continued through the moist underground cave that strangely has plant life. His footsteps were a monstrosity itself, intimidating at the very least, and his size was especially something to be worried about. Yet, I did not fear him. I felt safe. Our hands were still together... His wrist... “NH-0J”? Hmm...

“John?” I read quietly.

“Decided to say my name, finally?” he responded.

I paused for a moment but eventually shook my head. John. That is his name.

[ARChan]

Conflict: a disagreement among two or more opposing objects, material or immaterial.

Tell me, why does it have to happen?

I stood above a body that once belonged to a HUcast. Yes, it is only a body. There were remains that the head was detached by force. What we believed to be the head was found beyond identification against a wall of this mechanized labyrinth. To believe this labyrinth was once a mining area by Pioneer 1... It is difficult to even think people did labor in this location, especially with all the plates that rusted due to lack of maintenance and sparks that shot out of the walls and the sort. John had his smoking shotgun over his shoulder.

We could not save the HUcast.

This HUcast claimed we were his enemy and began swinging his saber at us, or me in particular. I managed to come out unscathed, but the result was John coming to his side and simply blasting his head off. My hand touched my face, where oiled ether touched me. My hand trembled without even my knowing, and as much as I tried to stop, it proved fruitless. My breaths began to labor.

“You killed them! You killed them all!”

That is what he said. He said that. Why? I did not kill anyone! Why?

A gasp left my lips as a large hand came down upon my shoulder. I traced along it to identify a massive shadow looming over me. Only his deep, purple eyes glowed.

“What did he mean?” I asked John. “Did I kill someone?”

His hand rose from my shoulder but patted down and gripped my shoulder, not saying a word as he passed me to continue onward. I stopped him before he could make another step. My hand gripped his forearm, but my sight did not escape the HUcast.

“As I said, I’ll do all the fighting until we get where we need to.” John took his arm back to himself. “Please, stop hesitating. It’ll only become harder if you do.”

John turned away and his footsteps resounded further after the other. Fighting includes elimination, huh? I touched the remains of the head...

... and smiled.

[ARChan]

Pioneer 1: One of many mother ships which traveled through space from our former home planet known as Coral. Many of the newer generations do not know a planet that we called home and instead thought of the Pioneer mother ships as whole planets. So, the planet that Pioneer 2 now hovers over was a major breakthrough, and many became excited. We hastily made contact with Pioneer 1 and especially made premature links, but we were not prepared for what was to follow.

Mommy: The unofficial partner of Daddy and the actual one who planned our creation. However, it was Daddy who finished the job without consent from Mommy. Even so, Mommy was pleased. I was only able to see her once, but she was not able to acknowledge that I existed. I only watched her from the hangar bays, bowing down from my waist as how I was trained, bowing down from my waist to someone whom I do not know and was supposed to love. Her mission was to be one of the welcome wagon’s passengers and be one of the representatives of Pioneer 2 to coexist with Pioneer 1. However...

The Tragedy: The event that some dubbed. Something happened on the surface of the new planet that Pioneer 1 called Ragol. I was beside Daddy in the dining room as I was pouring him his favorite blend of tea. The visiphone displayed a very beautiful angle of Pioneer 1 and 2 creating a link between them. Two beams of blue and red touched... Then, as citizens of both sides were rejoicing, a massive photon reading enveloped the Central Dome of Pioneer 1. The next thing we knew, all communications were one-sided. Visuals of people soon became empty and ominous. We all waited for a good hour, waiting for something to happen, but the picture never changed. Immediately after that hour, the welcome wagon crashed upon entry onto Ragol’s surface. Even today, no one knows what truly happened.

... or rather, that was what the public was supposed to know.

Principal Tyrell’s Hero: a figure who suddenly appeared as a representative from the Hunter’s Guild of Pioneer 2. The actual identity of the hero was lost among time when false claims to fame arose, but due to the many false claims, the hero became favored as a mysterious legend.

I was recovering when I noticed I was being carried on a pair of arms. The footsteps were not heavy... and the arms were soft. An Organic? I was back in the caves area with the waterfalls and underground plant life! I flailed my arms and tossed myself out of his grip. As I rolled on the floor, I armed my Autogun and took aim.

...

I gave fleeting glances to realize I was in the center of eight Organics. I noticed swords, staves, wands, and rifles. Surrounded and outnumbered. Wait...

It took me a while to remember that I was walking with John through the mechanical labyrinth when we were ambushed. John attempted to keep them all back as I attempted to make an escape as ordered. After that, I found myself here.

“Please calm down,” a FOmar said to me as he held a hand out from his side, having everyone lower their weapons. “We are only going to enslave you for now. Please bear with us.”



Enslave? I attempted to keep my distance among the others. OPSS is meant to exterminate us CASTs. I do not want to be exterminated! The FOmar took a step forward but stopped when he noticed my aim locked onto him.

FOmar: a male Force Human. They specialize in techniques and are considered to be well versed in offensive and defensive technics. Technics come in five different elements as of this recording:

1. Fire:
--Foie: a straight fireball. At higher mastery, the fireball speed increases.
--Gifoie: a curving fireball that spins around the user and fans out. At higher mastery, the user can instead summon two fireballs and the speed of which it rotates is significantly higher with the radius being farther as well.
--Rafoie: ignites the target to explode. At higher mastery, the blast radius is larger.
--Shifta: enhances photons from weapons and invigorates the user. At higher mastery, the user is able to enhance other Human, Newman, and CAST.
--Jellen: suppresses photons from weapons and dulls the target. At higher mastery, the user is able to suppress more targets.

2. Ice:
--Barta: a straight frost wave that skims across the floor. At higher mastery, the wave is faster and travels farther distances.
--Gibarta: smothers the enemy with a chilly wind. At higher mastery, the distance and the thickness of the wind increases, having freezing possibilities increase as well.
--Rabarta: a wave of ice fans out from the user. At higher mastery, the distance and the intensity of the freeze increase.
--Deband: enhances the shield, armor, and regeneration of the user. At higher mastery, the user is able to enhance other Human, Newman, and CAST.
--Zalure: suppresses the shield, armor, and regeneration of the target. At higher mastery, the user is able to suppress more targets.

3. Lightning:
--Zonde: a lightning bolt strikes from above. At higher mastery, more lightning bolts strike at one time.
--Gizonde: a lightning bolt is emitted from the user and strikes targets one after another. At higher mastery, the number of bolts and their distance increase.
--Razonde: a lightning bolt spins quickly around the user. At higher mastery, the intensity of the lightning bolt and the effective radius increases.

4. Dark:
--Megid: a void of darkness is radiated from the user. At higher mastery, the effectiveness and the size of the void increase.

5. Light:
--Grants: light is drawn into the target and then surges out. At higher mastery, the amount of light drawn in is significantly higher.
--Resta: heightens regeneration of photons and healing capabilities of the user. At higher mastery, the user can use this technic on others.
--Anti: purifies the user of some ailments. At higher mastery, the types of ailments broaden and the user can use the technic on others.
--Reverser: defibrillates a downed target. Cannot revive the dead.
--Ryuker: enables swift movement from one location to another for user and others, similar to that of a Telepipe.

When regarding all the elements and capabilities, Forces are quite the foes when they start mastering their technics. Even so, there are very few who actually have mastered even three of these technics. As CASTs, we cannot use them, but in return, we have traps that we can set. The traps are fire, poison, slow, freeze, confuse, and heal. Traps are unable to be seen unless the individual is a CAST or has used a field item known as Trap Vision. The only time when anyone outside of the two conditions can see traps is when the trap is engaging a target within its explosion radius.

Traps do not affect the user and his or her registered party. So, if I were to drop a trap now, I can come out of this situation unscathed. However, traps are only temporary. I cannot be relentless with what I use them for, especially since traps can only be refilled by repairs. Considering how repair points are scarce and that I have not seen any, I must conserve them unless it is truly an emergency.

Although that is what I think, the situation is still dire. All I see are eight Organics placed all around me. Their weapons may be lowered but escaping or fighting back has impossible odds. I am a civilian. I especially do not have the physical aptitude as most other CASTs.

Time has passed by, and not a single word was said. We were all standing still. I suppose they have a reason to not eliminate me yet. Maybe I am to be used to lure out more CASTs. Maybe they already know that I am weak.

“Professor Felix has sent us to find you.”

Daddy? I turned to the HUmar who spoke earlier. This one had a sword armed.

“He wanted us to take you home in one piece. We’ll be taking your sister as well.”

My sister, huh? “What is the name of my sister?” For some reason, it was hard to grip my handgun properly. My fingers began to feel itchy.

Suddenly, a loud bang resounded. Everyone gave alert glances about us to find one of the RAmarl drop down to her knees.

A bullet wound between her eyes...

Everyone scrambled for cover. I tried to follow the FOmar but he turned and shifted his staff at me. His staff began to collect electricity. A Zonde technic!? Why? I did not do it! Seeing as how I knew I had no other choice, I lifted my arms and shot at him... and missed!

“Zond--”

The FOmar fell silent when a large object came crashing down from above. It was a loose spire from the ceiling. I looked up to find someone actually shooting at the spires. I traced it to find a shadowed figure in a high place.

Suddenly, a massive force tackled me off my feet, making me lose my breath. When I recovered, I soon realized I was being carried away by a massive person. It is John! He held me to his left as he used his shotgun with his right. Amazing... He is the first I know who can actually shoot a shotgun with just one arm.

“I’m sorry, Fortuna.”

I looked up to him, seeing a massive scratch on the massive horn part of his head. So, even he struggled against them. Has he been following me all the way back here? But I am a civilian. He can survive much longer without me. I am weak.

“Hey, John!”

I raised my head to find a yellow HUcaseal jump down from a boulder and then quickly paced forward to basically jog effortlessly next to us.

“Looks like your friend is safe,” she said with a bit of a nasty laugh. “So, can I kill them now?”

John responded, “Do you what you need to. That RAcaseal might still be there.”

“Aye aye, mon capitan!”

Sprung back into a backwards and turned back to where we came from. Immediately afterwards, she waved her hand up in the air to rally seven HUcast and HUcaseal from their respective hiding places.

Does this mean there is civil war? I bowed my head to the though, but John continued on. Pioneer 2 used to have Human, Newman, and CAST coexist without such things happening onboard. I made a fist and jabbed at John’s abdomen to have him put me down. Once he did, we both walked side by side like earlier before the whole incident with the Organics.

“John,” I said near to a whisper. “Are all CASTs fighting back?”

John paused for a moment. “I would be lying if I said we aren’t, but there are some who’re trying to reconnect diplomatically with Pioneer 2. This’s just the frontlines.”

Just the frontlines? I cannot say that I am pleased with this, but to survive, I suppose we have no other choice. Priority of safety belongs to those who can manage change. What can a civilian do, anyway?

“I think you’re going to like what I found,” John said to me. “It may be in shambles, but with a few fixes, I think we can get it running again.”

I looked up to him. “What is it?”

John looked over his shoulder. “It’s a command module, something similar to the one you control at your former residence.”

My hands immediately shot out from my sides and seized his hand. “Take me to it!” I can rid myself of this feeling--this uselessness!

John scoffed as he noticed my excitement. “It’ll be a while. I’ll tell you the details while we’re heading there, but might I suggest meeting up with the resistance group first?”

I immediately nodded. Yes. Yes! Anything! Please, commanding is my forte. I must do this for our safety!

[yoshiblue]

Good to see you're still around, Arc. For a moment, I thought you were doing a reboot. Still kinda funny that there's only one dark technique. Looking forward to more.

[ARChan]

^^; Everything is intentional... Or is it? ;P

[ARChan]

Human (plural = Humans): a bipedal creature which stands on two feet, has two arms, and a head. Hair growth is possible in some sections of the Human and then more locations as they reach puberty. They require food, water, specific air concentration and pressure, exercise, vitamins, and minerals to survive. They also sleep to create a source of energy. Their complex and heavy maintenance designs are difficult to repair but they are capable of intelligence and adaptability to their surroundings and even mechanized limbs.

Newman (plural = Newmen): they are common to Humans with distinguishing features of Human youth, a wide variety of hair colors, and long, pointy ears. Their overall intelligence is significantly higher than Humans. Even so, their personalities are typically submissive or aggressive, though it seems they are more in tune with nature than any other race. Each Newman has a variable lifespan, most natural deaths being spontaneous no matter how healthy the Newman was.

Organic: a grouping term that CASTs use for both Humans and Newmen since most CASTs have difficulty distinguishing Human and Newman from each other. However, for some reason, Humans tend to overreact to this term and think of it as derogatory.

CAST (plural = CASTs): humanoid robotics that lived to maintain the peace in Pioneer 2. A vast majority of us live under the care of an Organic and are not supposed to have emotions. It is common knowledge to know that CASTs live due to ether filtering, which is why CASTs are able to live for longer periods of time. Ether to a CAST is food, water, exercise, vitamins, minerals, and sleep. In other words, we are always healthy. Ether can be found in the air in trace amounts, which is why it is common to see CASTs breath like Organics. Also, ether can be found in food, allowing CASTs to appreciate a spaghetti meal or even apples. Personally, my favorite food would be strawberry products--but that is another story of its own. So, seeing a CAST consume a Monomate should not be a worry. It is when indigestion happens... But that is a different story too.

So, keeping these terms in mind, John and I kept traveling deeper into Ragol to find this machine that he discovered. Excitement was especially coming over me when I started to feel important suddenly. However, as I continued to express my excitement to John, it seemed to worry him for some reason. I began to feel like he was being reluctant to doing this task.

After traveling through trashy sectors of the mechanized labyrinth, we came upon what seemed to be a refurbished and cleaned sector. Nostalgia started to come back to me as I started walking upon photon platforms. I just wish the void beside me would be filled. Sure, John is here, but he is not the one. Who used to stand here?

“John, there you are.”

We both turned to find a RAcaseal pacing up to us from behind without really lifting her feet off the floor. She smiled to us, especially to me. She came forward to me and was evidently examining me like a Rappy being curious with a newfound object. Speaking of which, she was yellow like one. Her head type had twin antennae that appeared to be like a Rag Rappy’s head feathers. I have to admit that she does look cute.

She held a yellow fan before her and fanned her face with it. It seems to have an intense photon reading from it. Hmm... It also smells like a Rappy too. Where have I smelled a Rappy before?

“John,” she said as her eyes were on me like a hawk, “who’s your friend here?”

He exchanged glances with me and said, “Fortuna, meet Chickie.”

She stomped her foot. “It’s Chiaki!”

He folded his arms as he turned away from her. “Right. I forgot. Anyway--”

“Johnny!”

He immediately turned back to her with his arms folded and leaned forward to level eyes with her. “What do you want?” he said in a deathly low tone.

She patted his head and said with the most ridiculous smile I have ever seen, “You’re needed at the council as soon as possible. They want to discuss your application to the Court.”

“Finally...” He fixed himself upright and looked up to the distant black ceiling. “We’re going to be fine. I can see it now.” He lowered his sights down to Chiaki and then patted her head. “Thanks for letting me know.”

She giggled. “Righty-o, Johnny Bro.”

His hand then brandished into a knuckle and rammed it against her head. “You little...!”

So, John does have a different side to him instead of being task oriented. Although John seemed to be angered by Chiaki’s retorts, it was like watching two siblings play together. Siblings...

I felt an enormous void beside me. I took a quick glance onto find it unoccupied. What was I expecting? Even though I can see emptiness, I still reached out...

“Fortuna?”

My hand stopped in its place as I glanced to my side, seeing Chiaki jabbed out with her folded fan to my face. Rappy...

“Fortuna,” Chiaki said with an enormous smile, “You’re going to be my operator, huh?”

Operator: a person who assists a field unit with intelligence. However, few operate drones since drones tend to fall prey to enemies when they become aware of them. Recently, operators are more interactive with the field units via their arm interfaces. Now that I think about it, Principal Tyrell’s Hero had an operator once upon a time, but the name was not disclosed.

John had his arms folded and apparently facing me. He said, “Yes, this is why I considered you for operating a terminal. You’re going to be Chiaki’s operator.”

Chiaki, huh? I pressed a finger over my lips. My thumb lined my chin. Technically, she is a mechanical piece of work. She does have yellow as her primary color So... the same thing should not happen again, right? I then poked her nose with the hand I held to my face, but before I can even touch her, her mouth opened wide and nibbled my fingertip.

... What?

As odd as this is, her tongue rolled around my finger, sending odd sensations inside me. Wait, why was I doing this? Her hands cuffed around mine. Why am I letting her do this? I retrieved my finger, finding liquid ether on my finger. It smelled minty...

A thundering boom of someone clearing his throat resounded. We both turned our sights to see John still with his arms folded.

“What you two do in your spare time is up to you. However, now is not the time to play around.”

Suddenly, arms came over my shoulders and entrapped me in their clutches. “You’re so serious! I hope you think of something funny in that metal rack of yours.”

... An odd wave of comfort came over me as I felt her breaths to the base of my neck. I noticed too late when John began watching me. I bowed my head to hide my embarrassment.

Next thing I knew, Chiaki’s arms were pried open and then I was pulled forward into another set of arms. My head collided with the metal plate of his chest though...

Chiaki gave a wild laugh. “Oh! She’s that one!” The way she emphasized “that” was peculiar.

Immediately, John turned with an arm guiding me away from Chiaki, but she followed us with a wide smile. I glanced around us to find the place more populated than before. There were more CASTs of different types walking about and talking as if we were all back on Pioneer 2. In fact, the scene was an attempt to familiarity of Pioneer 2’s main public district without vehicles roaming about. I suppose we are coming closer to the resistance base. The area became cleaner as we came deeper. More areas were fixed and polished. It was hard to believe that this was even an abandoned mining area due to how busy and lively the place has become. People were carrying on about their lives as if they were in no such danger. However, only CASTs populated the scene.

Somewhere toward the center of the main plaza, there was a familiar statue of a Cast who held his hand up to the air as if reaching for some otherworldly force above him. At the base of the statue, there was an inscription. “CAST SUPREMACY” was written in Old Pioneerian. John waved a hand over the space between the two words, having an odd entrance open up to us. It seemed he did not really care that there was a large population walking to and fro behind us.

We came into what appeared to evidently be a decontamination room. Chiaki was behind us, evidently watching my every move. Once my attention was noticed, she smiled and winked at me. Just what was she plotting?

Once the chemicals were done spraying us and ridding of foreign contaminants, we were lowered down a few levels, having us come to a clunky halt. I glanced around us, expecting another door to open, but all the walls rose instead. We were standing on a raised platform with three stairways leading downward. Monitors populated the side, wires dangled from the ceiling, and strange rods stood out from eight ports around what appeared to be a large mechanical throne underneath where we entered.

... Wait... I know this design. It is the same major design as the main AIs onboard Pioneer 2. To think I would actually set foot before such a device was awe inspiring. I stepped forward and felt along the plates, ultimately to the place where I am to command. It appeared to be more of a coffin. Upon inspecting the structure, it seemed there were three other capsules identical to first. Something about this was ominous.

John came beside me and informed, “This terminal was modeled after the recycled remains of Vol Opt.”

Vol Opt: one of the three main AIs onboard Pioneer 1. Its siblings are Olga and Calus. Apparently, Vol Opt became rampant upon The Tragedy and caused all the machines to turn against anyone who dared to brave through the mines. Because of this, the mines immediately became dangerous to most, causing civilians to limit their movements to be as deep as the caves. Hunter and Military alike could not stop Vol Opt. However, Principal Tyrell’s Hero managed to destroy Vol Opt single-handedly, furthering the hero’s notoriety.

The remains should have stayed where it was, but to consider the parts will be recycled for my own use was beyond belief. I will be able to control everything in the mines with just this terminal, assuming that the AI’s connections are still intact. To think a civilian like me would actually be able to control such a thing... A grin marked my face.

“John,” I said with my hand lining the coffin, “are you sure this terminal is for my individual use?”

John shook his head. “First, we need to make sure you’re actually compatible with this prototype.”

My hand stopped in its tracks. “Prototype?”

John folded his arms and bowed his head. “Yes...” He paused but he knew what I was going to ask next. “The emotions of the individual will amplify exponentially. As much as I do not want to risk your life, you’re the best candidate we have now due to how calm and collected you appear to be.”

This terminal really is a coffin to some, and I knew he was hiding details. Even so, to control equipment like Vol Opt sounds exciting. I turned to John and gave him a nod.

“Are you sure you’re--?”

“She said she’s ready,” Chiaki interrupted.

John glanced from Chiaki and then me. I nodded again but became hesitant when I looked up to John. He paused for a moment but nodded as a result. As time passed by, strength mustered within me. Then, I stepped into the terminal and lay back as how the capsule was designed. Once I was in, Chiaki mounted my waist and leaned forward as her hands pressed down underneath my shoulders.

“I’ll be here for a while to make sure you’re okay. Please calm down and breath for a while. Just give me a poke from the terminal if you got things under control, okay?”

She is the reason I would not be calm. I nodded so she would dismount me, but she gave me a peck to my cheek.

“You can do this. I have faith in you.”

With that, she finally dismounted me. What is wrong with her, anyway? ... No. Have to remain stable. I know I can do this. Stay calm. I have to control Vol Opt. It is for CASTkind.

“PLEASE INPUT A NAME.”

Before I could even attempt an interface, the name “FUTURA” was entered. With that, I was given access. Immediately afterwards, numerous screens flashed before me. By the slightest movement of my eye, a new scene appeared.

“WELCOME BACK, FUTURA. IT SEEMS YOU HAVE BEEN GONE FOR A WHILE. HERE IS MY CURRENT REPORT:

NUMEROUS INTRUDERS HAVE INFILTRATED MINE SHAFT 9. PLEASE INPUT A COMMAND.”

Before I can interface again, “VIEW” was entered. What is happening? It is like the inputs are always the first thing on my mind regarding the topic at hand. A screen widened for me to see in at least twenty views. They are three Organics. It seems they are armed and dragging three CAST corpses. How can they do such a thing!?

“EXTERMINATING.”

Six Sinow units dropped down from the walls and immediately ambushed the Organics. They attempted to retreat but they were all slashed and exterminated on spot. I stared at the Sinow units... Sinow Beat units can cloak themselves, which they did.

... So, Vol Opt was able to control all these machines while everyone was investigating the mines. I do not know how I can do this. It requires a much faster processor.

“SHOW: CHIAKI.”

A screen came into few, showing her standing next to my capsule as she had said. Her hands held onto each other as she kept a faint smile on her face.

“COMMUNICATE: CHIAKI.”

“--cute... I wonder if she’ll ever find out. John did a good job escorting her, but I didn’t expect this to happen. I hate this.”

“Chiaki?” I called out.

She raised her head and gave fleeting glances around her. “Fortuna?”

“MONITOR: CHIAKI.” With this command, I was able to discover her energy rating and inventory. She is operating on such dangerously low energy! How come--Her legs! How is she even standing?

“SENDING: REPAIR TERMINAL.”

A flat white device emitting a green light appeared in the room. It also had a red cross on it as well. I think that is the repair terminal.

“Step under the device, Chiaki. I’ll fix you.”

She took glances to locate the device and did as I said. Once she did this, problem in her system were identified. Her legs were in terrible shape and her energy I/O device is frantic. It is almost a miracle that she was standing. No matter. She is safe with me.

“Fortuna..."

“Yes, Chiaki?”

She smiled as the ring lowered to her legs and rapidly fitted her legs with microfittings and injecting ether. “I think you will be a fine operator, but there is one thing that I must warn you about.” Her smile became bleak. “Please, don’t...”

I watched her as she bowed her head... I have not really acknowledged how she looked like until now. Her head was adorned with large petal-like plates and had golden hair. She actually had a main color scheme of orange with a subcolor of yellow. Her waist was adorned with a skirt that exposed the front and a metallic bow to the rear. She had black shin-high socks and matching shorts that went down mid-thigh. She also had a Purplenum crest for her section ID found on the anterior upper thorax, just like all other Caseals.

“Fortuna?”

“I am here, Chiaki.”

She giggled and hugged herself tightly. “... Fortuna...”

What is she doing? “Chiaki?”

One of her eyes part and looked over to my body. “It feels odd always being watched by someone. In a way, it’s kind of kinky.”

I thought a little bit of what she said and responded, “No, that is just you.”

Her playful nature is like a breath of fresh air. It does not cease to amuse me, though I wish she would be easier to predict.

Some time later after repairs were finished, I finally ejected myself from the terminal. Chiaki was there to greet me with a kiss to my cheek, but I simply sat there in awe of what just happened. I felt powerful unlike how I have ever felt before. I saw everyone in one instant. I was omnipotent!

“So, Fortuna.” Chiaki took a seat next to me and shifted herself to touch my arm with hers, coming uncomfortably close. Maybe this is how she communicates with other people as well. “Want me to show you to our residence?”

Our residence? “Does this mean operator and vessel live in the same residence?”

She paused for a moment. “I suppose that’s one way to think about it, we mustn’t break the trend.” She leaned closer to me, close enough to see my reflection from her eyes. “Not unless you want to stay here, of course. Just be sure to limit your uses. Everyone always has been lucky on their first try.”

I bowed my head. “I suppose...”

Chiaki giggled briefly as she slipped off the bed and landed on her feet. “Wow, it doesn’t hurt when I do that anymore.” She spun and twirled on her feet, almost as if figure skating. She ended with her side facing me and her hands behind her. One of her feet was lax whereas the other bore the weight. “Let’s go somewhere, Fortuna.”

I did not cease to think as I stepped off the bed and joined Chiaki. She led me to the decontamination room, but there was something that bothered me. I cannot seem to put my finger on it. The door opened vertically as it let out a hiss. Vol Opt... Why did it go rampant? Maybe if I control this terminal again, I will know what drove it insane.