Discordant Harmony Chapter 4
Trials And Tribulations
Location: Mount Everest, Nepal, Bagmati Province. (8000 meters above sea-level)
Time: 5:00 AM
2 days before broadcast.
Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the whole world, looms imposingly over Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
Where many tourists and foolish souls would come through the Tribhuvan International Airport, to challenge the many peaks to climb of the Tibetan Plateau.
Many wannabe adventurers would come seeking to climb the king of mountains, Everest. And many more would be recovered as corpses from the monthly teams the Nepal government organized.
Mountain climbing while a very exhilarating sport is rather dangerous if the proper research, knowledge, and guides have not been hired for the task. And Everest is one where it's fame has only grown. Meaning that the government has set up queues of excited mountain climbers to line up and wait to climb.
However, nature is not that forgiving, and will never let the human element dominate it. Just last month twenty two hopeful climbers died waiting in line from exhaustion and the Nepalese government was so used to these incidents that anyone that wanted to climb has to sign waivers forfeiting their lives in case of any unfortunate circumstances.
Truly dreadful, yet the overconfidence of humanity has always prided itself on defying the impossible. So some live and get to post their pictures on their streaming accounts when they get back down to Camp Everest, a type of semi-permanent settlement. Furthermore, since electronics start fuzzing out and straight up not working at higher altitudes they have no choice to upload their pics or streams until at least reaching camp. Or the unlucky ones whose bodies are still found by the government, get dragged down to be identified to whenever a family member can come confirm their relatives identity. If they have an Origin Chip is a simple matter, and if they do not then they use antiquated means such as confirming dental records to match them with the body.
Origin Chips and other futuristic means of identification only work when the nation is subscribed to the International Registrar System. An inter global organization that holds the richest countries in the world subscribed to their numerous data banks, something that only several advanced countries possessed. Such as North America, South Africa, most of Europe, Jordan, UAE, China, Japan, Russia, Australia, and several others.
As the old saying goes, the rich get richer, the poor get poorer. However the circumstances of several individuals can be varied. And none are more varied than the young woman at 8100 meters above sea level, just a little less than a kilometer from the peak of this enormous mountain.
A cross legged woman of luscious brown hair, wearing nothing more than shorts, a pair of gloves, a bikini top, her zweven boots and cloaked with a flimsy robe is currently dreaming of eating some Japanese sweets such as mocha. Her drool is slowly leaking out of her mouth as it quickly freezes to ice, yet despite the anomaly her body is perfectly fine in such a hazardous environment.
She is currently located in the Death Zone of Mt. Everest, an area where there simply isn't enough oxygen for humans to breathe. At the summit a person just has an oxygen intake of one third of if they were located at sea level. However, she is no mere human, but something more, someone very special. Proof to her being one of a kind is that she is currently sleeping as if in a hotel room. Not in a cave being exposed to negative thirty six degrees Celsius for a week straight.
Her stomach rumbled and her sleep got interrupted as her hunger took over. She opened up her eyes, exposing dark green eyes with three red dots that still looked groggy. She slowly unfurled her body from her meditation posture and stretched while yawning slightly. She gazes at the breathtaking scenery that few get to enjoy from one of the most elevated positions in the world. And while doing some light stretches she thinks to herself:
"Maaann, It's been a week since I came here and practiced my meditation. Master was always going off about how I needed an activity to calm down all this energy I have. But Shaula is nothing but a first class lady, no sir, I am spectacular. I bet that's what goes through master's head at times." Shaula nods to herself with a grin on her face as she assumes her misconceptions as factual evidence, not the first nor last time she will commit such assumptions.
She is finally ready after stretching and her brown scorpion necklace starts glowing, a light comes out of it and a small yet cute virtual scorpion loli forms in the air, appearing to look just like a loli Shaula. The dark green eyed woman, unfazed at the display of her interactive A.I assistant just greets it:
"Gooood Moooorning Lambda, what can this first class lady due for my cute helper." The green haired woman just grins at the fusion created by her master, between her metia and true A.I. Lambda just pouts adorably as she begins speaking:
"Shaula-sensei I am supposed to inform you on any important news and pieces of information, do you not remember that is what Flugel-Sama said? You have been asleep in this frozen environment all wee-"
"I wasn't sleeping Lambda, I was ahem, meditating and practicing my inner chi control! Yep, that's me alright, mastering my chi flow!" Says Shaula as she interrupts her cute virtual assistant. Lambda just face palms and tries to reason with her slightly delusional owner:
"If Flugel-Sama was here he would walk away while grumbling about what utter nonsense you are saying, Onee-Chan. For the last time Chi is a theoretical form of energy that even Flugel cannot confirm exits. And your abilities are due to the various augmentations and unique cybernetics that our Master has implanted inside you! Jeez, make my life a little easier please Shaula-Chan."
Shaula pouts as her dreams of being a chi warrior are dashed for the third time in a month, due to her admittedly short attention span. But then she grins and strikes a pose, with her left arm covering the bottom of her face, and her right arm crooked over her belly she intones in a serious manner:
"Theories are nothing more than words! Accept what you have seen." Quotes Shaula from her favorite researcher as with her left hand she makes a finger gun and points it at a rock. While miming the actions of reloading her imaginary gun, to Lambda's every increasing mounting annoyance, she utters:
"Zero Ignition: Hell's Snipe environmental version!" As she utters those words the rock which was a good eight meters tall just evaporates as a blinding light engulfs it. She blows imaginary smoke from the tip of her fingers and proceeds to holster her 'gun' while laughing. Lambda snaps and in her cute voice shouts at this fool of a big sister it has:
"Stop using your energy for such petty tricks Shaula-sensei. Or I will inform Master Flugel upon his return. Besides, you could have caused an avalanche and then what! We have an international incident, again." Huffs the cute scorpion loli.
"That's why I used the enviro version. So I would not cause any unforeseen damages to this lovely mountain. Such a task is beneath a first class lady like me!" Replies the green eyed dummy, as she puffs her rather large chest out in pride. After all, it is not easy calibrating such a technique to account for wind conditions and seismic activities.
Shaula frowns at the mention of their beloved master and says to her cute little Scorpio sister:
"It's been four years Lambda-Chan since news of our master's disappearance. Despite us going to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Buenos Aires, Chicago, Cape Town, all his previous labs have been shunted and hidden away. Or destroyed, or re purposed by those countries militaries." Here the brunette haired woman's eyes glowed red in anger as she spat out:
"Master was a saving grace to the whole world, but what did they do when he disappeared? Hunted him down like a common criminal for his knowledge, this upsets this lady quite a bit! Master gave us so much and never asked for anything. Why do people have to be so greedy Lambda-Chan?"
Here her cute virtual loli was also dejected and sad at the harsh treatment that their master received at several instances. Including when he wanted to expand and make accessible cybernetics and augmentations for everyone. Not just the rich, but also the good hardworking people living under horrible forms of government.
They both knew what type of personality Flugel had. He would always strive to help the world at the cost of his health, numerous days of not sleeping in order to finish requisition orders to facilitate global communication and translation systems. In fact, both Shaula and Lambda had to put him to sleep at times since he said when he finished he would rest, despite always lying to them due to his desire to help everyone, and not just the rich or influential.
"Shaula-Sensei, I understand your grievances but we must not forget the final orders Master left us. And besides, isn't it time to check up on your friends soon? It's been what? A couple of months since we saw those lovebirds, I hope they are doing well." States a visibly happier Scorpio Loli, reminiscing and smiling at the thought of meeting the silver haired girl alongside her black haired partner.
Here Shaula's mood went from gloomy to ecstatic as she starts to jump up and down in joy while screaming in delight:
"Those two lazy disciples! I hope they have not slacked off their training. Tch, if they did then Subaru will owe me lunch for a week. Lambda what are we waiting for? Let's Gooo!"
Lambda is trying to calm her big sis, since whenever she starts thinking of her favorite duo she loses all higher cognitive functions, which aren't many to be honest.
"Master for all your greatness, could you have not given my big sis more logic processors, instead all that intelligence went to her chest and hip area. Sigh, poor little old me." Thinks the poor Scorpio Loli to herself, while a ping of messages arrive to her private network.
"Damn Lag, it is hard getting any information up here since this mountain even interferes with satellite positioning." She ponders as she shifts through them, and her gaze narrows. Shaula notices the change in her little sister, and inquires:
"Lambda-Chan what happened? You look like you just received the most unpleasant virus upload. Tell this first class lady and I will do my utmost for my cute little nee-san." Winks a confident looking dummy.
She hesitates at first but decides this information is important, she clears her nonexistent throat and replies in turn:
"12 hours ago Commander Karsten of the Engels Wreker division of ICPO, put a stopgap of information to nearly all of the East Asia continent. Furthermore, her action appears to be the result of an attack committed by Sirius Romanee Conti, Cardinal of Forgiveness of that blasted cult that calls themselves the Holy Saints Order.
I am afraid that the actions of the commander have the whole Asian Continent in an uproar, I was only able to retrieve this information through all the backdoors that Master has in the P.L.E.I.A.D.E.S information network. Good thing he set this all up so that we can always plan ahead in case they ever find Flugel-Sama, we can respond in retaliation and save him."
Shaula frowns at all the big words used by her little Scorpio loli, and as she thinks some more she finally answers back:
"So the green haired woman stopped all of Asia from knowing this information? While it is very gloomy news, I fail to see what we should do. We have several goals and none of them align with hunting down cardinals in the first place. That sounds reaally bothersomee, for a great lady Such as I."
Lambda sighs at her sister, while joyous that her big sis has their goals in mind instead of slacking off, she must remind her why this is important. The Scorpio loli goes onto elaborate:
"Onee-Chan, remember our goals. Firstly, to find any trace of our master's disappearance or a reason for him disappearing. Secondly, to secure and verify that all research sites containing dangerous technology if fallen to the wrong hands remain sealed or destroyed. Thirdly, to check up and make sure that Natsuki Subaru, as well as Natsuki Satella are doing ok and make sure nothing bad or ill has befallen them. Finally, and this is the most important one, to continue our search of the Tower.
That is the premier goal, and may very well have vital clues of importance to where Flugel-Sama disappeared. Hopefully, we get lucky and he is there and just trapped in another worm hole like last time remember Shaula-Chan?"
Here Shaula's smile lightens up like a megawatt and she happily replies:
"That was sooo much fun, Master almost did not make it back from whatever weird world he was stuck in. His face full of relief when we shut off that weird machine he called a temporal thingy machine? Hmm, Shaula is bad with big words anyway it was fun. And you are one hundred and ten percent right! We must go find Dumbaru and Tella-Chan and check up on my friends, maybe get some sweets. Oh yeah, It's all coming together." The gluttonous woman rubbed her hands in anticipation as her eyes shined with future mischief they could commit together. She does not really have any friends if not counting her Master or Scorpio loli sister. And the joy of laughing with Subaru and Satella make her ecstatic.
Lambda is about to correct her notion but sighs, knowing that sometimes one can only go with the flow. She at least tries to let her dummy of an older sister know some critical information:
"Shaula Onee-San, before you get all excited let me remind you that we must get going there soon. Meaning, we won't be able to stop at Kathmandu and enjoy a nice plate of Dal-Bhat-Tarkari [Nepali cuisine consisting of lentils, spices, rice, and vegetable curry].
We are on a crunch time as Master says, the P.L.E.I.A.D.E.S network has credible information that several cardinals and S class mercenaries are headed towards Neo-Shibuya. The city where our favorite couple reside in. Moreover, we also own an apartment there, courtesy of our Master.
So we must hurry to Camp Everest, gather whatever supplies and provisions then take the jet that's parked in the Tribhuvan International Airport. And hightail it towards Japan. Did you understand all that Big Sis? Or am I goi-"
Shaula interrupts her by grabbing her three sectional Bo staff, and flicking it. A pair of thin wings come from the top and bottom, making the staff look like a glider of sorts. She hurriedly goes to the edge of the mountain and has a determined smirk on her face. While Lambda puts two and two together a shrill scream escapes from her as she desperately tries to stop her idiot of an owner:
"Are you daft, or are you a flaming moron Shaula!? You plan on flying three kilometers down to Camp Everest? Even you could perish you-!"
"Have some faith in your big sister Lambda-Chan. You said we have no time to waste correct? Let's make haste then. Besides, I am not flying, it's called falling with style.
One, Two, Three LEEET'SS GOOO!" Yells a laughing Shaula as she jumps from the edge and falls down, with superb style as the bewildered mountain climbers could exclaim upon seeing a maniacal woman laughing while descending at break neck speed, while a shrill but cute scream was also heard.
The rumors of green eyed supernatural creatures falling and snatching mountain climbers made its way later on that week, to the amusement of the Sherpa's that knew who the culprit was.
(Scene Change)
Current Location: Neo-Shibuya
Current Time: 7:45 AM
Day of Broadcast.
"Excuse me please I am in a hurry, thank you kindly!" Exclaims a silver haired girl as she is dodging and weaving through the crowds of people. She bites her lower lip in slight annoyance due to some shady individuals having held her up in the commercial sector long enough she was almost late to class.
After apologizing and then making sure she was not an unintentional victim of an illicit hack, she continues on her merry way. Dancing around the crowd as she picks up her pace. Numerous tourists just look at her oddly, but she was not even in the top five of oddities they have seen today.
With some of them being the various dive pods and screens showing the virtual world its occupants where currently playing inside of. Another being a literal wolf man, with an eyepatch grinning and whistling. It is truly mind boggling how cyber biology and skin grafts had gotten so advanced and are just things of wonder.
"I have to be more thoughtful of my kiddos, as the teacher in charge of educating them on this big, scary world I should be there first. Not last! Geez maybe I should stop my morning sessions with my love?" Her face heats up at that thought and she hurriedly shakes her head in denial of those thoughts while dodging some more people. "Never mind, maybe just cut the sessions down to ten minutes? Agghh, but how can one keep track of the time while in that state? I can barely remember my name when Subaru's di-."
Her thoughts get rudely interrupted when a distracted couple where taking instant photos by blinking using their snap augs, causing her to stumble and fall. The couple apologize profusely in German:
"Es tut uns leid, dich angerempelt zu haben!" Apologize the couple who hurriedly tried to help the poor girl up.
[We are so sorry, to have bumped into you!]
Reads Satella on her metia which had translated their words seamlessly. While she appreciates that they are apologetic, they are also about to touch her which she disliked immensely and she replies back:'
"It's fine, but please do not touch me. I can get up on my own see?"
The couple own metia offers her translation:
[Es ist in Ordnung, aber bitte fasse mich nicht an. Ich kann alleine aufstehen, siehst du?]
The couple is rather upset at this lack of courtesy, while yes they were in the wrong and even tried to help, this silver haired woman was rather rude. Right when they were about to speak their thoughts they noticed she has already disappeared into the throngs of the crowd. They turn around and speak to each other:
"Japaner sind ziemlich frech wir wollten unds entschuldigen and ihr helfen aufzustehen aber she lehnte es ab und ging weg ohne etwas zu sagen."
"Vergiss es mein Schatz, wir sing im Grunde genommen Schuld."
At certain distances if a metia has been used to translate someone phrases before and Satella was still within range of the couple just lost in the crowd and her metia translated for her again:
[Japanese people are rather rude, we tried to apologize and help her get up and she refused our help and left without saying anything.]
[Forget it darling, we were originally in the wrong.]
These thoughts wounded her, it was not her fault of her aversion to the touch of people. With the exception of some friends, her students, and her fiancé, no one touched her. No one had a need to, and it just reminds her of that incident that occurred a scant two years ago.
Something that scarred her physically and mentally, and that without the steadfast support of her darling, she may have never dared to venture outside. But she is doing much better, she knows it, admits it, acknowledges it.
Despite some days the fear returning, her darling is always there. And their cute fox butler can provide marvelous entertainment. She smiles at the thought and decides to hustle faster towards her job, career, place of joy.
She shakes her head with determination and forges her way through the bustling crowd. But when you live in a city that has over twenty million people, it becomes simply impossible to march at your own rhythm.
Finally she has had enough and gazes at the skyscrapers in front of her. She swiftly makes some room away from everyone and performs a light jump with her zweven boots propelling her three meters in the air as she declares:
"Lavende, Activate Vector sequence!"
"Confirming Owner, Permission Granted, Welcome back Natsuki Satella. You have logged in forty hours last week in Vector. Keep up the good work."
Chirps out her grappling gun, that while not sentient compared to their beloved George-san, can perform various tasks related to helping the user with calibrating shots or gauging distances.
After the many accidents and some deaths the Council of Neo-Shibuya, alongside the original creator of the sport Flugel, got together and revamped the city, overhauling massive new designs and blueprints. So that Vector could be something to enjoy, and at the same time maintain itself as a fun game with all the proper precaution and safety mandates.
After Vector took off wildly and with success, the idea was implemented in other cities. It provides a way of public transportation that works exceptionally well in dense urban cities. Furthermore, Subaru and Satella have it on their bucket list to go challenge the reigning champions across the world once more settled in when they get married.
Her grapple gun extends quick as a snake about to strike and anchors itself onto a secure spot. And in less than two seconds she had already gone over the crowd that has been obstructing her way.
With quick flicks of her wrist and some light acrobatics, she continually engaged and disengaged her zweven boots and grapple gun as she was zipping around the beautiful morning skyline. The lighting fast way she was moving made several people on the streets or on jump pads look at her with awe, and want to try their own hand at Vector.
But then they remembered how high she is at the moment and how the equipment can be quite pricey to safely enjoy such an activity and they keep walking or taking the jump pads.
A young boy was in awe as he watched Satella go from building to building like if she was flying. Confused and excited he thought superheroes are real. He asks his mother in their native French what was going on:
"Mère, comment est-ce que cette fée vole?"
"Elle ne vole pas mon garçon, il s'agit d'un sport appeler "Vector", dans lequel les participants doivent sauter et planer sur de longues distances."
"Wouah! Maman, je veux pouvoir faire ça quand je serais plus grand!"
A woman who had just conversed with the boy and mother had her metia light up which translated the phrases:
[Mother, how is that beautiful fairy flying?]
[Silly boy, she isn't flying but practicing the sport called Vector, it allows the user to jump and glide great heights.]
[Wow Mama, I want to be one too when I grow up]
After witnessing such actions and stunts made by Satella, the boy was impressed and decided to make the silver haired fairy his idol.
The eager boy was unaware that the amethyst eyed girl already has a huge following on the streamer accounts, due to her and Subaru's joint account for when they challenge other Vectorans to race across the buildings in professional tournaments.
Here Satella has already covered several miles and is about to get to her school when she hears a voice:
"Satella it has been forever, what about an early morning race? It's never too early for Vector." Interrupts a blonde haired man. This conversation would be quite mundane if they both weren't twenty five meters in the air as they are both Vectorans.
The boy quite admires how well Satella is maneuvering through the vector lanes with style and grace, both things she is unaware of since it is just her style to move in that manner.
She is a little annoyed since she is almost to her job but this guy, named Jacob has been one of the rivals alongside his girlfriend Miranda that Subaru and Satella compete against. Their relationship eventually became one of friendship and rivalry, competing over who is the top dog of Neo Shibuya Vector ranking.
"Sorry Jacob as well as good morning, but I reeally have to get to class. I do not want to get reprimanded again. Let's all meet up this Saturday for a friendly competition, yeah?"
Satella tells the blonde haired boy, he is a little dejected but he brightens up at the prospect of meeting up with the black haired boy he calls friend and agrees hurriedly.
"Sure Satella-San, I will let Miranda know and then we will be set, hope you make it on time and sorry for interrupting you from your commute to work. See you later."
"It is no trouble indeed, tell Miranda-Chan I said hi ok? Well until this weekend bye Jacob-san." Satella parts with these words as she activates her zweven boots for a guided propulsion and Lavende shoots out to anchor to another building and she zips away.
"Man both Subaru and Satella are such pros, I aspire to the day where I can reach their level." Thinks Jacob as he uses his own grapple gun and zweven boots to go meet up with his girlfriend and tell her the exciting news he just received.
Satella finally reaches her destination and deactivates her boots and holsters her grapple gun, and with quick footsteps shoulders her bag over her shoulder and proceeds inside the school she teaches 2nd and 3rd graders. She is in front of her classroom and glances at her metia.
The time is 7:58 is what she reads and exhales in relief. Almost late by two minutes and strides inside her classroom where a bunch of kids are sitting at their desks.
"Goood Mooorning class 2-A. I hope you have all had a good rest? We will begin on the lesson invol-"
"MORNING NATSUKI-SENSEI!" Shout out a bunch of giggling toddlers, as their favorite teacher had made her appearance on time for once. A light brown haired small girl giggles and smirks at a black haired boy with his head on the desk, moaning about another injury he received while being careless:
"Touma, Touma, you were wrong. Satella-Sensei arrived just before eight AM. You owe me some snacks and chocolate milk."
"Mikoto-Chan, I always have bad luck it seems, fine you win this round." Mutters the tired Touma as he lifts his weary head to focus on the lesson they were all about to have and enjoy.
"Touma-San, Mikoto-Chan let our teacher speak for now. You two can keep your banter until class ends." Mutters a girl with long flowing black hair and blue eyes as she has her notes in front of her.
Both Mikoto and Touma pout a little but they understand as they both say simultaneously:
"Easy for you to Say Rin-Chan, considering you are about to be able to go to class via FID."
A small smile graces Rin's lips as she puffs out her chest in pride. Her diligence, study ethic and book smarts has always let her succeed no matter the class. She states:
"Well of course, It is only to be expected since I put in effort, unlike you two who just play around. I do admit Mikoto-san, that you put in more effort but you could do much better."
Both the black haired boy and light she was about to continue to talk to her classmates a stern voice sounded:
"Enough of this children, and don't think I did not hear you Mikoto, Touma! And Rin what have I said about being prideful in the wrong way?"
All three eight year olds shut up and kept their head down, while their teacher could be the most wonderful individual and very caring. She also has a very stern personality while in teacher mode. They did not want to incur her wrath and profusely apologized simultaneously :
"Sorry Satella-Sensei. It will not happen again."
Here she gave a firm nod and then smiles while tranquility returns to the classroom once more. She claps her hands and the holo projectors start displaying different facets of Neo Shibuya alongside the title lesson of today which is the history of their city.
"Now children, during yesterday's lesson we were learning how this city came to be, alongside the other great futuristic cities across this world. Do any of you have any questions before I proceed with today's lesson?
Rin immediately thrust her hand in the air as her eyes brighten up at the prospect of learning more. She was curious about many things despite her young age, due to her inquisitive mind. She goes ahead and asks:
"Satella-sensei, I wanted to see if we could know more about the great pioneer that jump started the age of technology, is there any way we can learn more about him. Like who he is, where he came from, his motivations and goals?"
Here the silver haired teacher chuckles at the enthusiasm her young yet brilliant student has. She thinks to herself:
"Soon Rin will be able to use the FID system and take classes in the virtual world like all of students aged ten and up. Her mind has developed pre-maturely yet that is not a bad thing, since her brainwaves will adjust to the dive gear a bit earlier than others. I am proud to be a teacher to all these students, even Touma who always seems to have bad luck."
She sees another two hands up and it is Touma and Mikoto, she gestures at them to ahead and speak:
"Teacher, I also want to know more about Flugel-Sama, he seems amazing to have helped develop nanotechnology, as well as Vector and many other things." Says a curious Mikoto.
"He seems like a swell guy, it is always nice learning more about someone that works as hard as he has." Comments Touma as his eyes brighten at the concept as well.
"These children are so adorable, they make me want to have my own. Agghh, soon after our marriage we can get to business. Subaru has stated he wants a boy and a girl, with the advances in the medical field I am sure we can make that work."
Again thinks Satella as her eyes lose focus and she develops a dopey smile at the prospect of having kids.
All three children that had spoken out loud all looked at each other and smirked, while mischievously saying out loud words that made Satella blush red from embarrassment.
"Hey Touma, Mikoto, it seems like our beloved Sensei is thinking of her husband again." Wonders while smiling with mischief Rin.
"Hey you are right, now it will take several minutes for her attention to come back to us. I am jealous that he deserves more attention than us Hmph." Pouts Mikoto as she crosses her arms in mock annoyance.
"Geez Subaru-San must be a great guy to make our teacher lose focus like that." Says a grinning Touma, while imaging that the other black haired man must indeed be worthy of respect to earn the admiration of their beloved teacher.
Satella blushes red as an Appa and clears her throat while regaining her composure slightly and proceeds to continue:
'Anyway, yes I have plans to introduce Flugel-Sama to all of you today anyway. So where do we begin hmm. Ok Let me give you some background information on Flugel. Very few people have ever met him in person. He usually does all correspondence in the FID system. And once in the system you can have a virtual avatar and be whoever you desire.
Furthermore, attempts of trying to find out someone's identity on the system is heavily restricted and punishable with the harshest of sanctions. Moreover, Flugel invented the FID system himself so how is one to even begin the concept of trying to override the creator's control?"
"He sounds like a man of unparalleled intellect, Satella-Sensei." Remarks an enraptured Rin.
Here the teacher nods her head in acknowledgement and continues:
"While that is truly certain Rin-Chan, he is also someone that people are unaware of. I already explained how he meets people, but Flugel has met several people before. We know he has a disciple who runs his errands for him. However the full extent of people that know his appearance is certainly less than ten people in the whole world.
Therefore, it is very hard to gauge his personality when not in the system. All we have are rumors, that he is a man that wants change and prosperity for the whole world. Not just the rich countries, but to aid the underdeveloped ones as well. Remember children, that we are very fortunate to live here in Neo Shibuya. Not every country has access to the resources we have, some people do not even have Origin Chips, Metias, Vector, FID, and many other things."
Here Mikoto stands up at hearing about this injustice and declares:
'Why that is just unfair for the other countries, why can't we all share resources, is that not the very concept of globalization?"
"Those other countries should not be wallowing in misfortune, they deserve better." Mutters a frustrated Touma.
Satella's heart swelled up with joy and feelings of being prideful of her students. These are the exact political issues that her beloved and herself talk about on a daily basis. Hopefully her father in law has success in the DIET (Japan's government).
She was aware that the issues did not only stem from each countries government but also the collective interest in all of the things that Flugel and his broad team of researchers have developed. It pains her heart but explaining all of this to her students seems a tad excessive. Anyways she needs to continue her lesson or they can talk about these issues all day. So she acts to finish this swiftly:
"While Flugel is amazing, he is just one man and unfortunately the logistics, resources, and other matters needed to bring his vision to the world are all still in a planning stage. So, as one of the world's leading countries in technology it is the duty of the citizens to also let our government know these issues. So I hope when all of you mature you take such matters seriously."
All the students get infected with the passion their teacher shares and they all shout out:
"Of course Sensei, we will do our best." The statement brings a smile to her face as she claps her hands and resumes talking:
"Well then let us talk about a topic I am sure will interest all of you since in one year's time the way you take classes will be reeally different. Let's talk about the Full Immersion Dive system, or FID system for short as you are all aware."
"I cannot wait to do my first Dive." Announces an exited Rin.
"It will truly be thrilling, don't you agree Touma?" Asks a joyful Mikoto.
"Most certainly, It should be fun playing inside of the system." Says an eager black haired kid.
Here Satella flicks her hand and all the holo monitors change to display dive pods, or actual virtual streaming happening in real time as she smiles and thinks to herself:
"I remember doing my first dive at seventeen, or at least I think it was my first dive. Unfortunately my memories never came back, despite the Natsuki family doing their best effort to try to find any of my relatives. If I even have any, anyway those are gloomy thoughts that are unneeded. Let's focus on the lesson."
Here Satella brings the attention of the completely enraptured class to a close up image of a dive pod and resumes her lesson:
"So the FID system, it was decided by a group of researchers and psychologists that students ten and up, the ideal age for the still developing brain to grow alongside the system, that using FID can promote ingenuity, cognitive thought process, logic, and many more beneficial attributes for study.
Furthermore, it can help the artistic minded people to visualize concepts taken directly from their mind by the dive gear and imposing it in the virtual world. In addition, it is a way for students around the world to bond as well and develop play dates and hang out spots in their favorite virtual setting.
Since all of you are between the ages of eight or nine years old, my job is to prepare you for the system and our nurse can check out your brainwave patterns to make sure we can all ensure a safe and successful first dive."
"Teacher would that mean we would not see each other anymore?" Asks the class as brief bouts of sadness occur. Sure the FID system sounds marvelous but not meeting this wonderful teacher of theirs would make them even sadder."
'Satella giggles and her smile brightens at these fantastic kids of hers and she replies:
"Do not worry about this children, we of course will meet up in the future. I teach you kiddos twice a week, and the other two days I alternate with entering the FID system and resuming lessons with all of you. Hmm, I wonder how your virtual avatars will look like? I look forward to seeing it one day soon!"
As the class gets happy that they will see their beloved sensei again the lessons continue, and many information is brought to light that makes the children gaze in wonder. Preparing them for their soon to be first Dive jump.
(Time Change)
Location: Satella's classroom
Time: 5:00 PM
"Well my wonderful students, that is it for the day. I know today was a longer than usual class, yet we needed to get over some crucial information. I will accept questions tomorrow and wish you all a happy evening. As all the students leave, a trio of merry friends come to personally say goodbye to their beloved teacher.
"Thank you so much Satella-Sensei. Today's class was truly interesting and I learned a lot!" Exclaims a grinning and happy Mikoto.
"This was awesome, learning about Flugel and The FID system makes me want to grow up quicker." Mentions Touma as he shrugs his beat up backpack on his back.
"I certainly cannot wait for my first dive, Thank you for this invaluable information Natsuki-Sensei!" Says a jubilant and ecstatic long black haired girl.
Satella's cheeks briefly redden at being called her family name, and she smiles as she gazes at her desk where there are a bunch of photos of both Subaru and Satella in various poses, such as striking a victory pose, or one taken by a streamer drone of them vectoring around town.
Of course the inquisitive children notice the actions of their sensei and smirk. They all look at each other and Rin asked Satella the same question burning in their mind:
"So sensei, when is the wedding? And are we invited, last time Subaru dropped by he gave us all sweets and he said he was our bro. We want to see big bro getting married to our beloved sensei, right Mikoto, Touma?"
"Definitely, It would be such a blast." Cheers Touma.
"Big Bro Subaru is awesome, I cannot wait to see him again!" Points out Mikoto.
"Geez you guys, go home ok all this teasing is making me light headed. If you don't head out know I will spank your butts in place of your parents!" Giggles Satella as she gives a head pat to her three favorite students. They all laugh and she turns off all the power in her classroom as she walks them out, to be received by their parents.
After waving at them in farewell she double checks her Vector Gear and the time. She confirms it is 5:00PM and thinks:
Subaru should be getting out in an hour, so I should inform George-kun about getting a list of ingredients delivered to our house via carrier drone. That way by the time he gets off we can have a nice dinner together. After all, today is the day I have to talk to him about the details of our weeding. What a joyous occasion, I never expected to find such joy, such love in my live. Kyaa, I cannot wait to see My Subaru and give him hugs and kisses, maybe take a shower together? But no if we do that we would end up having se-?
A ping interrupts her thoughts, she shakes her head away from the lecherous thoughts at the moment as she glances at her metia:
"Good Evening Lady Satella, I hope class was informative and nothing eventful happened?" a baritone voice can be heard as the fox butler she has been thinking of materializes like nothing and floats in the air.
"George-Kun, I was just thinking of asking for your services once more! I am truly glad to see you my dear friend." Exclaims Satella as she activates Lavende and starts vectoring home. The dazzling sun has already started its slow descent and the colors of the celestial object shine brightly against all the glass and metal constructs inside of this glorious city.
"No problem my Lady, I went ahead and ordered all the ingredients that are going to be necessary for tonight's lovely dinner, and it will arrive in about thirty minutes, do you doubt this impeccable manservant's ability?" Scoffs the fox as what type of first rate butler is he? None but the very best, after all he has a reputation to uphold.
"Oh thank goodness George, I should have known that you would be on top of things. Sometimes I wonder where we would be without your help. Probably being clumsy as usual." Giggles the silver haired girl as she vaults from building to building while her boots activate at her mental commands to slow down or propel her exactly where she needs to be.
Some streamer drones following her are recording and taking pictures as they get a huge upsurge in views as the crowds fairy seems to fly over the buildings and landscapes with elegance and grace. Of course, from all of this a nice commission is deposited in Satella and Subaru's joint Vector account.
The prideful Fox's tail shifts around in a pleased manner, as being complimented is always a source of joy. As he is about to offer some insights into what type of meal they should prepare, a loud sound the likes they have only heard once before erupts throughout the whole city.
Everyone's Metias or streamer drones automatically translate the language to one they understand. The people that have universal translations cybernetics implants are listening in as well.
"This is the emergency broadcast network, and I am the A.I in charge of monitoring city wide threats, national emergencies and several immensely important crisis situations, Volcanica.
This is an order from the council of Neo Shibuya, everyone is to head home and tourists to their designated hotels immediately. There is a very credible possibility of an attack in several key locations from the Saints Holy Ord-."
Here The broadcast cuts off, and everyone looks at each other in confusion in fear, at what is happening with the situation at hand. Before they can even register the shock of hearing a system that is mainly used for earthquakes of severe magnitude another voice, one that sounds feminine comes out of the broadcast system:
"AHAHAHA, You worms and maggots, this city is about to become such a shit show. Listen up you disgusting pigs and revolting insects. All of you are such lustful creatures, never thinking to maintain one's chastity and purity. None of you could measure up to my standards but there is one way to redeem your gross and hideous nature, are you all ready?"
"Hey fuck you whoever you are, you have no right to speak to us that way." Someone shouts while listening to this appalling recording.
"Mom what that lady said is that true? Im scared." Cries a twelve year old to his mother as she embraces and soothes him.
"Geo… George-San what is happening!?" Inquires a fearful silver haired girl, as she had stopped on top of a roof in the commercial sector to listen in. The voice sounds malevolent, as if it has deep scorn for all creatures that aren't itself. George is using his various tools to investigate but keeps running into massive firewalls and he grunts in frustration:
"Satella, I think we must leave right now, this voice has no good intentions and I fear the worst, nothing but nutters and lunatics have been appearing on the news recently. This may be something to do with what happened in Copenhagen, remember miss?"
The silver haired girl puts a hand to her mouth in shock as she shakes her head, not wanting to believe but then her thoughts shift to her love. Before she can mention anything else the voice continues:
"I have a mission for you lazy bastards, Capture Natsuki Subaru and his silver haired bitch. One hundred million credits for the boy, twenty for the girl. Furthermore, you vile creatures that is not all. You all have three days, or seventy two hours for this.
All you dirty and horrid mercenaries should be honored at this opportunity, for whoever gets any of them first will also receive exclusive information of the Sage's Tower. That's right you maggots, the Tower that Flugel himself made that is rumored to have technology so advanced it is indistinguishable from magic.
And just to help here are their images and current locations, this should be fairly simple for you monkeys.
Good hunting you sacks of shit, Hahaha what a fucking shit show this is going to be. If this city is not overturned or on fire in three days I will be disappointed in your levels of lust and depravity."
The Broadcast ended forcefully as Volcanica finally bypassed the city wide hack on the emergency broadcast system which should have been impossible since Flugel himself built it. With a heavy and commanding voice he announced:
'Disregard that previous message, there have been multiple hacking attempts, go home and await for further instruction." And then the voice signed off and the city was plunged into its first real silence since its creation.
Everyone in the city is shocked, appalled, while it is true this feminine voice addressed them with such scorn as they have never witnessed, the prospect of obtaining that sheer amount of money was insane.
All the local mercenaries and hunters are giddy at the prospect since those two individuals mentioned. What a stroke of luck, but no other prospect was as enticing as the information on the Sage's Tower.
This was thought to be an urban legend, but if real. Then the one hundred million credits would be as unappealing as a rock lying on a street. They needed, to get these people at all costs.
As the whole city went from peaceful and bustling to fearful and turned upside down, George for the first time in his virtual life felt something akin to fear for his mistress and lord. Turning around he could see that Satella's mind was shell shocked, but it quickly snapped gears as George mentioned:
"Satella, I will try to find a way to communicate with Sir Natsuki, but you need. TO RUN!
Now Satella you must make haste, we are well aware of what greed can do to people.
Especially in this City that while looking peaceful, can be anything but. I am forcibly turning your metia off so it cannot be used to track you. Unfortunately I will not be able to keep contact with you. Try to seek shelter with Sekhmet or Carmilla. You cannot return home. Do not trust anyone you haven't known for years Satella, Do you understand me?!"
"I… I… I need to go find Subaruu! Nothing matters without him, why is this happening. On this fateful day. I.-"
'Satella, you know Subaru can take care of himself, remember who his boss is. Furthermore, we have chatted too long. Just for a day survive Satella, I fear the worst if both of you have such enormous bounties. This is bad, but fear not lass, keep your chin up and with determination forge your path forward!"
Says a charismatic fox, he knows he cannot let her rush blindly to her love's side. That is probably exactly what that sadistic individual wants, to make it easier to capture them both. George reminds her of this as well.
"Ok George-San, I understand but inform me of any occurrences once I make it safely to either Sekhmet or Carmilla's abode. I will not let anything happen to Subaru!" Exclaims Satella with a fierce and determined gaze, as she understood the same as George. This hand behind the voice may want them to immediately meet up and make is so much easier to capture them, and Subaru's boss is unique.
She agrees with George and they say their farewell's as he forcibly turns off Satella's metia, and she uses Lavende to grapple away while remembering that her friends lived about forty minutes away from her house.
Suddenly, as she barely left the building she was at her grapple gun hook gets deflected and in a panic she falls down to the floor. Barely being able to do a flip on a buildings side and land on a food kiosk while using her Zweven boots to their full advantage. She was able to avoid danger but narrows her eyes as she is surrounded by twelve rough looking individuals. The leader is a woman who comes out decked out in kinetic armor with her crew having several stun guns, phasers pistols, and paralyzing nerve agent assault rifles. Satella does not even need to question what is happening as she already put two and two together, they are trying to kidnap her already.
"It has not even been five minutes since that announcement was made, how did all of you know to find me so quickly?" Asks the silver haired girl, as she already shifted to warrior mode in her head, remembering the weak points of certain armor, the soft joints that flesh and body targets possess, the cybernetic alloys that would shine brightly before activating. She took all this information as it was scant seconds before she got a reply back.
"Name's Mercury, and it ain't anything personal with you kid, but well we all gotta get paid somehow, isn't that right boys?"
Her crew nodded in assent as their eyes filled up with greed at the untold wealth they would soon possess. A single target, a woman with a petite frame and not even wearing any armor or having weapons. Might as well be as easy as snatching candy from a baby. As they all surrounded her, a pissed off silver haired girl uttered the words that would shatter their expectations of an easy prey:
"Zero Ignition, Herculean Strength. Urban mode activated." And with that phrase her zweven boots that were discreetly set at max setting propelled her nimble body forward and her target, a skinny merc with shoddy equipment who was frozen in shock did not expect to receive such a powerful kick in his abdomen that shattered nearly all his ribs. He was thrown dozens of feet away, already frothing at the mouth.
While they were shocked Satella was not done by a mile, she spun around on one foot and delivered a right round house kick to another merc while taking advantage of her boots propulsion and sent his whole body to the ground. A fierce crack and shattering of bones was heard as the merc immediately blacked out with life threatening injuries.
A royally pissed off amethyst eyed girl was staring in fury at the merc team, who by instinct have backed away several feet and prepared their weapons. They were not expecting that such a seemingly frail woman was capable of knocking out two of their team in less than five seconds. Mercury was ticked off she has not received intel that this woman in front of them possessed such strength and obviously has training.
"I do not appreciate threats to my person or my love, and I am livid so can you all kindly Fuck off for me please."
Declares with a domineering aura Satella, as the sweet and kind teacher that was mere hours ago teaching her lovable students, has morphed into the woman she needs to be for this situation.
She abhors cursing unless its lovemaking with her beloved, or threats of imminent violence to herself and her family. As she and Subaru went through a similar incident two years ago. Her and her love vowed to never be weak again and trained with one if not the best hand to hand combat trainer in the world.
"Dammit they fucked us on Intel, Archer tranq her now before she pummels our skulls." Desperately shouts out Minerva as the rest of her squad has gotten in different positions and were trying and failing to shot Satella, who was dodging with grace and ease. Until she felt a sting in her back, then two more on each of her legs and she forcibly got on her knees while breathing heavily.
Did they tranq me? Dammit I don't have my metia on, so George can't help me read the battle flow and account for variables. I didn't account for a sniper somewhere. No, I can't let it end here. Subaruuu. Please stay safee do not come for me my love, it is too dangerous."
Thinks to herself Satella as her vision is getting cloudy, now without her enormous strength and agility while remaining kneeling. Mercury got cocky and confident and strove in front of her with a shit eating grin as the rest of the goons got closer with bindings to secure their target. Still a little weary at the frightening display this girl has displayed.
"Well you think you are tough shit little girlie? Let me tell you if it was not for me finding it distasteful I would let my men each take a turn with you to vent out the frustration you caused us. Now boys get rea-"
Time seemed to slow as everyone was in shock at was happening. One second Mercury was talking, the next a pair of boots were against her face and sent her crashing into a wall as the perfect dropkick was executed. The sound of Mercury's broken bones and pained scream is heard by everyone as in fear they turned around to face a grinning brown haired woman with emerald green eyes who struck a pose and declares:
"Never fear, For Shaulaaa is here!"
"Geez Big Sis, do you really have to do those silly poses." Complains a tired Scorpio loli.
"It is what I am paid to do Little Sis, now let's see what we have here. Three snipers on different roofs, nine mercenaries equipped with subpar weaponry and shoddy armor. Threat leveeel, Delta. For being not worthy in the eyes of this first class lady!"
Declares Shaula as she turns around and injects a stim to counterattack the nerve agent coursing through Satella's body.
Satella is just staring with shocked eyes, as the most unreliable yet strongest individual she knows appeared before her eyes. As the stim begins working through her system her lucidity returns and she utters:
"Shaula-sensei? Is that really you?"
"The one and only, discounting my cute little sis. Now let me tell ya Tella-Tan, where are your tonfas which you are supposed to carry with you at all times, and to be ambushed by these wannabe amateurs. Tsk, I thought I taught you better. Your failures reflect on the teachings of your master after aalll."
"I made the mistake of not carrying them with me since we have not seen you in months, just where have you been?" Inquires a curious silver haired girl.
"It is good to see you, Satella-Chan I hope you and Natsuki-San are OK? But we have more pressing matters than this. The P.L.E.I.A.D.E.S system has detected thirty additional mercenaries headed this way. I was able to bypass the news feed and inform the citizens and non-combatants to stay away from here due to national security. Also Onee-Chan go ahead and give Tella the spare tonfas you brought."
States Lambda as her eyes glow continuously from using the special system to better make it easier on the three of them.
Satella grabs the tonfas Shaula hands her and equips them, with a flick of her wrists they start glowing and crackling with electricity, she nods her head at the familiar feeling and says to Lambda:
"Many thanks Lambda-Chan, it is great to see you too and with this I am happy that I can change my plans and try to rescue my beloved."
Shaula smirks at points her thumb at her heart and declares:
"Tis not an issue for an Ace like me, let's clear this garbage and be on our way, or else we will be bogged down by all of these D-Class mercenaries."
Satella Smiles and stands side by side with this epic teacher of her, and while the mercenaries where already wanting to retreat, it was too late for a laughing Shaula and Satella were determined to make them pay. And with that the pivotal change started, and the wheels of fate moved as events that are changing this world will be played out in the next seventy two hours.