It's Darkest Before Dawn
"Enough of these games. Tell me what the Matrix is, now."
"At last count, the deaths of ten-plus people have been noted as what can only be called one of the most eccentric terrorist attacks ever reported took place today on the 101 parkway. More coverage at 11."
Although Seth had just encountered the onslaught of Smiths, he managed to find time to walk through the city and come across a television set in the window of Zeus' Electric Appliances. The news of the car chase between two leather-clad 'terrorists', two what can only be described as incredibly pale, possibly albino men with guns, and about twelve or so cars piling up on the parkway, and not to mention a head on truck collision causing an enormous explosion and hours of clean up sent a vibe through Seth.
"I missed him again."
Seth had reached Asopus' hard-line after realizing that agents could pop up at any moment. However, as he picked up the phone, he got a call on his cell.
"Can I help you?" Seth stated plainly.
"Theories are what scientists call intelligent guessing. I'd love to hear your theory, though I'm sure you don't have enough information to back it up."
"Who is this?"
"A messenger sent by someone you don't want to cross again. Do yourself a favor and step out of the water, or you'll be pulled in too deep."
"If you knew my intentions, you'd know I have no other choice. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to find someone."
"Do you honestly think that the events leading up to now have no relevance to your chance meeting with the One?"
".How much do you know, messenger?"
"More than you'll ever understand. I'm amazed at your blind determination boy. Do you even know what you're getting yourself into? I'm sure you don't. There is so much you need to know, and yet you're being kept from the truth."
"Where can I find you?"
"So curious to know it all, aren't you?"
"Well, when you present me with clues, I'd like to figure out the problem. Can I find you, or am I going to have to tear the Matrix up to get to you?"
"There's no need for either. All you need to know is that your quest may not be the truth. And as for yourself.well, let's just say that appearances aren't everything."
The phone clicked, and the messenger was gone. Seth cursed under his breath, and then realized that he had the other phone at his ear the whole conversation. A line had formed behind him, angry civilians waiting to use the pay phone as Seth stood there, with a cell phone in his hand.
"Hey buddy, you have a phone, you tryin' to be cool or somethin'?" A man shouted.
"Something's not right." Seth said.
"You're damn right, get off the friggin' phone, jerk!" A lady yelled.
The cell rang again, with Asopus on the other line.
"I've got some bad news, Trojan."
Seth had left the streets in favor of an alleyway with nowhere else to go but up. If things looked dangerous, he could at least use his newfound flying abilities to escape.
"So you mean to tell me I'm stuck here. Why?"
"It's hard to explain, but the lines are being closed by some unknown source. As soon as we get it fixed, I'll call you back, but for now stay out of sight. The last thing we need are agents looking for you, or even Smith."
Asopus hung up the phone, leaving Seth to fend for himself for the time being.
A bad time, apparently.
"So, you seek the truth, do you?" A voice said from the corner of the alleyway. Seth had looked over to see a young girl walking into the alleyway, her eyes a faint green and wearing a black dress.
"Who are you?" Seth asked.
"You forget easily."
"You're not like other programs."
"Neither are you."
At those words, Seth took off his glasses and looked the girl in the eyes.
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh, cat's out of the bag."
"What do you know about me in this world that I don't? If you're so full of answers, tell me what's going on."
"Well I guess there's no reason to beat around the bush for this. You've noticed that you've gained extraordinary powers in, well, a short amount of time. Tell me, this seems odd to you, doesn't it?"
"I've been told that it's because as the One's equal, I'm just catching up."
"Well then explain to me how you've become stronger than he has. If you wanted to, you could very well take over the Matrix, but I suppose that's exaggerating."
"So then you tell me."
"You're a program, Trojan."
"Impossible, I can live outside of the Matrix. You know very well that your own can't leave this place."
"Again, your naivety astounds me. The machines gave birth to artificial intelligence, remember? What's to say that they haven't implemented programs into human bodies?"
Seth stood quiet. What would cause machines to place programs into humans? There has to be some logic for them to use codes inside a living being. Then again, there are more questions to be answered.
"So you mean to tell me that the machines are using humans as save slots for their programming codes?"
"No no, not save slots. Keep up with me here: the machines are placing codes into humans to understand fully the psyche of them. You're more than just a shell, you're more than just.well, more than what I am. You have the best of both worlds, hence making you what you are right now. You just needed someone to unlock that ability, show you the way, so to speak."
"You mean Xerces?"
"In a way, yes. He's guided you through your basic functions, and 'freeing your mind' as you humans like to put it. But there have been others, though you may not even realize it."
"Everytime I've fought an agent, program, or even virus, I've done something I've never done before. You mean to tell me it was them?"
"You're getting warmer. If it's really so hard to guess, then let me spell it out for you: interaction goes beyond fighting."
As if a light bulb had appeared from thin air, Seth understood the riddles of the messenger.
"Persephone."
"Correct! You're catching on!"
"So you mean to tell me that our kiss enhanced the understanding of my abilities?"
"And you didn't even need a cheat sheet. You see, she was made not only as perfect eye candy for the son of Zion, but as an intuitive program. She was programmed to understand the human psyche, but in your case, was used to make you understand yourself. If you ask me, she should've kissed you a little bit longer."
"Very funny. Anyway, she's a program, which means she was made by the machines. How can you try to understand our minds, if we're so full of illogical thoughts?"
"She's an intuitive program, remember? Her job is to find out what makes you guys tick, and keep it that way. The Matrix goes deeper than you think."
"So tell me about the Matrix."
"No, it's too soon for that. I'm here now to let you know of your reason for being. To sum this all up, the machines have programmed you to enhance the one's features. You're a patch, Trojan, an upgrade to give to the One so he can reach the source and save Zion. Or so you think."
"I really wish you'd stop trying to add up suspense." Seth said irritatingly.
"Well I have to keep you on your toes, boy. Now honestly, you're a program and a human, so either you know what's going on or you're trying to disavow any knowledge of it, but ultimately it will come down to this: The world as you know it will never be the same. Everyone of you rebels know that Neo has to reach the source and whatnot, right? Can it really be that easy? Do you really think that when he reaches the source, things will be hunky-dory? I've been around longer than you think, and I can tell you right now that the source is more of your enemy than you've been led to believe about it."
"So then tell me what I need to know."
Suddenly, the messenger began to glow, a hue of green saturating her body. The glow turned into a tremble, and died after a couple of minutes.
"Are you okay?" Seth asked.
"I have to go, and if I were you, I'd leave as well. The Merovingian knows of our meeting, and he's going to be hard-ass to find me."
"Can't you tell me anymore?"
"In due time, boy, in due time!" As though light were her speed, she left. Seth, looked up into the sky; it was getting dark. His phone rang, but as he reached for it, it was shot out of his hand, blowing up into pieces before hitting the ground. Seth just looked at the phone, strewn about in chunk of plastic and wires.
"One meeting was enough for me, and yet you continue to plague my life by conversing with my own henchmen? Did you think I was kidding when I told you your life was at stake here?" The familiar voice of a french man echoing through the alleyway.
Seth put his sun glasses back on, and with cool posture, turned towards the Merovingian. He was accompanied by the two albino twins, and a slew of other thugs that had codes reading of lupine qualities. The night was coming, and this certainly could not be any good.
"It's not like I knew they were coming, they met with me."
"Yes well, they will certainly pay for their actions. You, however, I can deal with now."
"Why are you really after me? You know a lot about me, I'm sure, so tell me what's so important that I'm your number one prize? I would think Neo's the man you're after."
"Quite right, but he's proving to be more difficult to track than I originally thought. So I figure, why not take what needs to go to him? Perhaps that might bring the exclusive savior out of hiding."
"Good luck then. I have no intentions of leaving with you, so by all means bring your worst."
"Very well. You two, defeat him and let's move on." The Merovingian pointed towards the Twins.
The duo pulled out switchblades, not exactly great weapons, but they can do a good deal of damage up close. Seth looked around only to find a trash can, a number of boxes, and some broken bottles.
"Well, guess I'll have to dip into the goodie bag." Seth said as he produced a steel rod from nothing. They lunged forward, and Seth had spun the rod around himself. Getting into a stance, Seth waited for one of them to attack. They both decided to confront him simultaneously, ultimately proving to be the least successful way to get Seth. He swung, jabbed, and thrusted the rod through the Twins, as they had begun to distort and become transparent due to the attacks.
"Maybe it was a genius move to attack me at the same time, then."
One of the had come close to slicing Seth's throat, but as the hand had increased in opacity, Seth pinned it against a wall, breaking the wrist and causing the Twin to drop the blade. Seth kicked it into the boxes, but was punched by the other Twin. Seth bent forward, using the rod as a balance as he kicked one of them in the chest and swung around to drop kick the other on the top of the head. This was a difficult fight indeed, as the Twins could use their ghosting abilities to heal themselves. They had Seth in a corner, leaving him no room to escape, even by means of flying.
"End of the line, Halfling." A Twin said.
"You'd be best to give up now." Said the other.
Suddenly, an electric current fired off into Seth's brain. He closed his eyes, trying to absorb some of the pain of what had just happened, but when he opened them again, rather than a wince he had a face on acknowledgement.
"I'm sure you've been in the Matrix a while, right?" Seth asked.
"It's of no concern to you, but yes." The Twins answered.
"So tell me, in all your time here you never understood some of the rules, right?"
"What are you getting at?"
"You forgot one of the cardinal rules of the Matrix. This isn't really air we're breathing."
With a sudden shout and a raise of his hand, Seth sent a shockwave through the gang, blowing them out of the alleyway.
"Rule number two-If I believe it, then it's as good as done."
Seth attempted his flight, but a dizzying blur of vision came over him, dropping him onto one knee.
"Well, it seems as though the Halfling used up his power!" The Merovingian said. "Well then, it is time you met your maker."
"I think it's time you met Mr.Beretta, then." A voice said from afar. A figure dropped down in front of Seth, holding two guns and a cigarette in his mouth. His exaggerated bangs and wrinkled clothes were a comfortable sight to Seth.
"Hermes, good to see you. I guess we can get back home, huh?"
"Home's in Zion, we haven't been there for months. I'm here to take you back to reality, buddy."
The Twins regrouped, though they weren't too willing to move just yet. The gang of the Merovingian was directly behind them, when one of them became too anxious and ran right for Hermes.
"Wrong move, wolf boy."
A shot rang, and the man fell. He clenched his chest as the wound instantly lit on fire. His body deteriorated in seconds.
"Silver bullets, not exactly victim-friendly." Hermes said with a smile. Seth was back on his feet, though it was obvious that the previous attack drained him. He produced a gun to help Hermes with the gang.
"You gonna tell me that we can fly our asses out of here, or do I have to pump some more bullets into these bastards?"
"The power's coming back, but I only have enough for a long jump. We could take it, and find a hardline, but it's a longshot."
Hermes smiled.
"Good, 'coz I came here for one thing. To have some fun."
Seth smiled, but he knew that they would have to get out of there as soon as they can; the night was showing its face, and the gang could easily transform at any moment.
"Kill them now." The Merovingian said. The Twins transformed and raced to the duo, but Seth grabbed Hermes and embraced the sky. They landed on the rooftop of one of the buildings.
"Ah, it was about to get good!" Hermes said with mock disappointment. Seth looked as though he was ready to collapse.
"Are you okay?" Hermes asked.
"My power, it's draining faster than before. I can see the codes changing."
"What're you talking about?"
"There's something wrong with the Matrix. Let's go, quickly!"
Hermes picked up Seth, and they were on their way to a hardline. However, the were stopped by gunshots coming from below the rooftop.
"What in the hell?"
The Twins had shown themselves once more, permeating the roof and hovering to the surface.
"Give him up, or you both will die." A Twin said.
"Now you're talkin' my game!" Hermes said. He shot at the ghosts as they let the bullets transcend through their bodies, and made their way to Hermes. He unloaded both clips from his guns, and was searching for his others when they got too close. He blocked one attack to his face, and dropped as quickly as he could to sweep the leg out of one of the Twins. He was cut during the process by a switchblade, and as he finally reached for and reloaded his gun clip, a blade was aimed at his jugular. It was a Mexican standoff as the Twins, Hermes, and Seth himself, who managed to lunge forward and point his gun right in the face of a Twin, were left waiting for someone to move.
"I know you can feel it." Seth said. "I know your power's fading, and you don't know why."
"Shut up, or I'll morph and have my brother slice your face off."
"Fine, do it." Seth said, his glasses hiding his piercing eyes. He knew that the Twin was bluffing, and that his ghosting mode would just drain more energy from him. Everyone remained still; one misplaced action would be all anyone needed to cause a massacre.
"Well, who's gonna mess up first, huh? I'm waiting to put a hole in someone's throat!" Hermes said, his anger getting the best of his better judgment.if he actually had some was to be determined.
The Twins pulled up from their enemies, regrouping as the duo of Hermes and Seth kept their guns on them.
"We know that the Halfling is almost powerless."
"It's the other one. He's a human, he still maintains his abilities."
"Yes of course. You know the Merovingian will deal with us later if we do not bring back the Halfling."
"Unless you can find a way to take care of the human, we're stuck."
"Hey, zombies!" Hermes shouted. The duo looked over at him as he shot through them. They had used their abilities as instinct.
"Seth, you good now?"
"I have enough to get us the hell out of here."
"Then what're we waiting for?"
Seth reached for Hermes, and flew off to Asopus' leading of the nearest hardline.
"We're as good as dead." A Twin said.
Seth and Hermes were unplugged from the Matrix, chills running down their spines as they came to realization of the world they were now in. It was dark, dank, and a bit nippy, but it was their home.
"What happened back there?" Artemis said with a look of concern. Her eyes were much different lately; they were soft everytime she looked at Seth, and whenever his name was mentioned she was quick to take notice.
"The messenger closed the lines of the Matrix." Seth stated.
"You're sure of this?"
"Yeah. I realized that she has controlling powers of the Matrix, which is also why she knows so much. But the way she came to me.it wasn't an original shell."
"So you mean she took the code of another for safety?"
"More like she's able to manipulate her own code to change her appearance."
"A shape-shifter, then?" Hermes pointed out.
"Definitely." Seth answered. "But what I'd really like to know is why my power faded so much. Not to mention those Twins, their ghosting abilities dropped heavily."
"Possibly another of the messenger's abilities?"
"No, it was much different. I could see the code of the Matrix mutating into something.I can't really explain it, but we need to figure it out soon. If we're going to win, I need my full power."
Seth noticed from the corner of his eye that someone was still plugged in.
"Hey, where's Xerces?" Seth asked.
"Oh, well we happened upon a signal being sent out by the Nebuchadnezzar."
"You mean-"
"Yep. He's meeting with Morpheus."
Seth jumped up, but looked as though his mind were about to explode, and then dove back into the seat.
"I have to get to where they are right now!"
"You just got back out, Seth!" Artemis said to him. Hermes looked at her in surprise, which Seth didn't catch onto.
"Yeah, and on top of that, the Merovingian is hot on your ass. You may not make it in time."
"You don't understand, if Neo gets to the source, we may not see tomorrow. I have to get to him now."
"What are you talking about?" She questioned.
"Look, it was something I was told, but I believed it. I'm not sure if it is the truth or not, but I'll risk it for now. All I know is that Neo needs to know this. Now either put me in or I'll find a way to jack myself in!"
Artemis stared at him, a grave look of confusion and worry. Hermes looked between the two before finally sighing and going to the dining area.
"You two fools should have figured it out by now."
"Fine, I'll send you in."
"Thank you."
"But first-" She pulled into Seth and held him tightly. He closed his eyes and breathed her in; even in the dead world they resided, she was still very much alive to him and he loved it. He put his hand on the back of her head as he pulled back for a second.
"What's wrong?"
"Just in case something happens."
He pulled her in with his hand and they embraced. He kissed her softly before she grabbed his cheeks with her hands and gave it her all. A moment had passed before they separated, a huff of breath leaving their lungs.
"Damn Hermes was right."
Seth sat back in the chair, and Artemis plugged him in. He took flight as soon as his residual self image loaded, and came to the exact location. It was close to midnight.
He was nervous, certainly. His journey would finally be over, leaving many thoughts and questions in his head. Would he still be needed? Surely they won't need someone who has no power in the Matrix, as he was about to give it all up to Neo. He walked into a room, where the great Morpheus and Xerces, his leader, were standing next to each other in silent thought. They were very much alike; cold, confident, and very crazy.
"Am I too late?" Seth said.
"Trojan." Xerces said. His voice hinted at a bit of surprise, yet he kept his usual cool.
"I need to see him."
"Yes, it is time." Xerces said.
"Well, there's more to it than that."
"How much more is there?" Morpheus asked.
Suddenly the One himself walked into the room. He stood upright, his face like stone and yet he was pale, and rather wiry. His glasses, like everyone else's, masked his eyes, so it looked as though two gigantic holes gaped through his skull. However, his entire being, from the hair down to his very essence, was perfect. He truly deserved his title.
"Neo..." Seth said.
"You're Trojan."
"Yes sir."
"It's good to finally meet you. We have some business to attend to."
The two shook hands, and suddenly Seth felt his power falter again. Neo himself looked as though a jolt had gone through his body. When their hands released, Seth was breathing quickly.
"That was it?" He said.
"I think so. The transaction is complete."
Seth nodded as he looked towards Xerces. He smiled at his crewmate, his mission finalized.
"I can't believe it." Seth said.
"What?" Neo asked.
"My entire journey, since being unplugged, has been to find you, and here I am. I have to say, it was worth it."
"Well thank you. Without your help, I'm not exactly sure where we may have ended up."
Neo nodded at Seth, and was about to turn around when Seth called his name.
"Neo, I.I'm not sure if everything I know has been uploaded into you, but I need you to know that your mission may not be exactly what you think it to be."
"I understand you."
"Okay. Just give a second thought to it, because it may not be the best solution."
Neo nodded again, and settled in with Morpheus and Xerces. After a moment, Xerces had walked over to Seth; it was time to go.
"I want you all to know that, at this moment, we may have the advantage we finally needed. I wish you all the best of luck." Xerces said.
The duo left, and were finally headed out of the building to the nearest hardline when of all people, the Merovingian blasts through the lobby doors.
"Where is he?" He asked Seth.
"What's it matter now, the transaction is complete. You're here in vain."
"I have tolerated you enough, you raucous little flea, and now that I know you have no power, I will destroy you as I see fit. Kill them as quickly as possible so that we can reach the Savior."
Seth had had enough. The duel with the Merovingian would come to an end tonight; he would make sure of it.
"Don't underestimate my abilities, you ignorant French twit!" He shouted as he swung a sword at the oncoming gang. They had all moved back, but were in complete shock, as was the Merovingian and Seth himself.
"That is impossible! How can you still have your powers?!"
Xerces unsheathed his own sword, then moved in closer to Seth.
"There is a lot we need to talk about."
"I don't know how I'm able to do it. Do I still have the program within me?"
"We'll figure it out later, but for now let us take care of our situation."
The two confronted the gang, and in less than ten minutes, had sliced and slashed them all to oblivion. All that stood was the Merovingian.
"What happened to your other lackeys?" Seth asked.
"I took care of them for disappointing me, you need not be concerned."
"I'm done telling you to leave me alone. I control my own fate, and I could care less about your ideas of cause and effect. Three times you've faced me and each time I've taken care of you. Do you want me to finally take that head of yours?"
"Do not threaten me boy." The Merovingian said coldly. "I still have powers way beyond your recognition, so choose your words wisely. You may have bested me before, but I will get the upper hand, you have my word on that. I will not let a punk like you take me down, not after all this time!"
He walked out of the lobby, though Seth and Xerces had not followed him.
"I will be returning to the Poseidon." Said Xerces.
"I have something I need to take care of, you go ahead."
"You sure you don't want me to come?"
"Oh don't you worry, you don't have to be ashamed to show me your friends." Said a voice trailing from the lobby doors once more. Seth and Xerces looked over to see a man dressed in a white Armani suit and glasses that fade from normal to sunglasses had walked in, a silk scarf draped around his neck. He wore a smile that went from ear to ear, and his hair was slicked back and relaxed.
"And you are?" Xerces asked.
"Exactly what Seth needed to take care of."
"This person's a program.a messenger. They're the reason I needed to see Neo, aside from giving him my powers."
"Ooh, which comes into question now, doesn't it?"
"I'll deal with you in a second."
A second, three hundred and fourteen seconds, whatever's your cup of tea."
Seth explained to Xerces all that the messenger had told him, and the importance of the source from what he knew.
"And now all that needs to be explained is why." Seth said as he looked at the messenger.
"Oh, and now you want to deal with me."
"Enough of these games. Tell me what the Matrix is, now."
"Enough of these games. Tell me what the Matrix is, now."
"At last count, the deaths of ten-plus people have been noted as what can only be called one of the most eccentric terrorist attacks ever reported took place today on the 101 parkway. More coverage at 11."
Although Seth had just encountered the onslaught of Smiths, he managed to find time to walk through the city and come across a television set in the window of Zeus' Electric Appliances. The news of the car chase between two leather-clad 'terrorists', two what can only be described as incredibly pale, possibly albino men with guns, and about twelve or so cars piling up on the parkway, and not to mention a head on truck collision causing an enormous explosion and hours of clean up sent a vibe through Seth.
"I missed him again."
Seth had reached Asopus' hard-line after realizing that agents could pop up at any moment. However, as he picked up the phone, he got a call on his cell.
"Can I help you?" Seth stated plainly.
"Theories are what scientists call intelligent guessing. I'd love to hear your theory, though I'm sure you don't have enough information to back it up."
"Who is this?"
"A messenger sent by someone you don't want to cross again. Do yourself a favor and step out of the water, or you'll be pulled in too deep."
"If you knew my intentions, you'd know I have no other choice. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to find someone."
"Do you honestly think that the events leading up to now have no relevance to your chance meeting with the One?"
".How much do you know, messenger?"
"More than you'll ever understand. I'm amazed at your blind determination boy. Do you even know what you're getting yourself into? I'm sure you don't. There is so much you need to know, and yet you're being kept from the truth."
"Where can I find you?"
"So curious to know it all, aren't you?"
"Well, when you present me with clues, I'd like to figure out the problem. Can I find you, or am I going to have to tear the Matrix up to get to you?"
"There's no need for either. All you need to know is that your quest may not be the truth. And as for yourself.well, let's just say that appearances aren't everything."
The phone clicked, and the messenger was gone. Seth cursed under his breath, and then realized that he had the other phone at his ear the whole conversation. A line had formed behind him, angry civilians waiting to use the pay phone as Seth stood there, with a cell phone in his hand.
"Hey buddy, you have a phone, you tryin' to be cool or somethin'?" A man shouted.
"Something's not right." Seth said.
"You're damn right, get off the friggin' phone, jerk!" A lady yelled.
The cell rang again, with Asopus on the other line.
"I've got some bad news, Trojan."
Seth had left the streets in favor of an alleyway with nowhere else to go but up. If things looked dangerous, he could at least use his newfound flying abilities to escape.
"So you mean to tell me I'm stuck here. Why?"
"It's hard to explain, but the lines are being closed by some unknown source. As soon as we get it fixed, I'll call you back, but for now stay out of sight. The last thing we need are agents looking for you, or even Smith."
Asopus hung up the phone, leaving Seth to fend for himself for the time being.
A bad time, apparently.
"So, you seek the truth, do you?" A voice said from the corner of the alleyway. Seth had looked over to see a young girl walking into the alleyway, her eyes a faint green and wearing a black dress.
"Who are you?" Seth asked.
"You forget easily."
"You're not like other programs."
"Neither are you."
At those words, Seth took off his glasses and looked the girl in the eyes.
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh, cat's out of the bag."
"What do you know about me in this world that I don't? If you're so full of answers, tell me what's going on."
"Well I guess there's no reason to beat around the bush for this. You've noticed that you've gained extraordinary powers in, well, a short amount of time. Tell me, this seems odd to you, doesn't it?"
"I've been told that it's because as the One's equal, I'm just catching up."
"Well then explain to me how you've become stronger than he has. If you wanted to, you could very well take over the Matrix, but I suppose that's exaggerating."
"So then you tell me."
"You're a program, Trojan."
"Impossible, I can live outside of the Matrix. You know very well that your own can't leave this place."
"Again, your naivety astounds me. The machines gave birth to artificial intelligence, remember? What's to say that they haven't implemented programs into human bodies?"
Seth stood quiet. What would cause machines to place programs into humans? There has to be some logic for them to use codes inside a living being. Then again, there are more questions to be answered.
"So you mean to tell me that the machines are using humans as save slots for their programming codes?"
"No no, not save slots. Keep up with me here: the machines are placing codes into humans to understand fully the psyche of them. You're more than just a shell, you're more than just.well, more than what I am. You have the best of both worlds, hence making you what you are right now. You just needed someone to unlock that ability, show you the way, so to speak."
"You mean Xerces?"
"In a way, yes. He's guided you through your basic functions, and 'freeing your mind' as you humans like to put it. But there have been others, though you may not even realize it."
"Everytime I've fought an agent, program, or even virus, I've done something I've never done before. You mean to tell me it was them?"
"You're getting warmer. If it's really so hard to guess, then let me spell it out for you: interaction goes beyond fighting."
As if a light bulb had appeared from thin air, Seth understood the riddles of the messenger.
"Persephone."
"Correct! You're catching on!"
"So you mean to tell me that our kiss enhanced the understanding of my abilities?"
"And you didn't even need a cheat sheet. You see, she was made not only as perfect eye candy for the son of Zion, but as an intuitive program. She was programmed to understand the human psyche, but in your case, was used to make you understand yourself. If you ask me, she should've kissed you a little bit longer."
"Very funny. Anyway, she's a program, which means she was made by the machines. How can you try to understand our minds, if we're so full of illogical thoughts?"
"She's an intuitive program, remember? Her job is to find out what makes you guys tick, and keep it that way. The Matrix goes deeper than you think."
"So tell me about the Matrix."
"No, it's too soon for that. I'm here now to let you know of your reason for being. To sum this all up, the machines have programmed you to enhance the one's features. You're a patch, Trojan, an upgrade to give to the One so he can reach the source and save Zion. Or so you think."
"I really wish you'd stop trying to add up suspense." Seth said irritatingly.
"Well I have to keep you on your toes, boy. Now honestly, you're a program and a human, so either you know what's going on or you're trying to disavow any knowledge of it, but ultimately it will come down to this: The world as you know it will never be the same. Everyone of you rebels know that Neo has to reach the source and whatnot, right? Can it really be that easy? Do you really think that when he reaches the source, things will be hunky-dory? I've been around longer than you think, and I can tell you right now that the source is more of your enemy than you've been led to believe about it."
"So then tell me what I need to know."
Suddenly, the messenger began to glow, a hue of green saturating her body. The glow turned into a tremble, and died after a couple of minutes.
"Are you okay?" Seth asked.
"I have to go, and if I were you, I'd leave as well. The Merovingian knows of our meeting, and he's going to be hard-ass to find me."
"Can't you tell me anymore?"
"In due time, boy, in due time!" As though light were her speed, she left. Seth, looked up into the sky; it was getting dark. His phone rang, but as he reached for it, it was shot out of his hand, blowing up into pieces before hitting the ground. Seth just looked at the phone, strewn about in chunk of plastic and wires.
"One meeting was enough for me, and yet you continue to plague my life by conversing with my own henchmen? Did you think I was kidding when I told you your life was at stake here?" The familiar voice of a french man echoing through the alleyway.
Seth put his sun glasses back on, and with cool posture, turned towards the Merovingian. He was accompanied by the two albino twins, and a slew of other thugs that had codes reading of lupine qualities. The night was coming, and this certainly could not be any good.
"It's not like I knew they were coming, they met with me."
"Yes well, they will certainly pay for their actions. You, however, I can deal with now."
"Why are you really after me? You know a lot about me, I'm sure, so tell me what's so important that I'm your number one prize? I would think Neo's the man you're after."
"Quite right, but he's proving to be more difficult to track than I originally thought. So I figure, why not take what needs to go to him? Perhaps that might bring the exclusive savior out of hiding."
"Good luck then. I have no intentions of leaving with you, so by all means bring your worst."
"Very well. You two, defeat him and let's move on." The Merovingian pointed towards the Twins.
The duo pulled out switchblades, not exactly great weapons, but they can do a good deal of damage up close. Seth looked around only to find a trash can, a number of boxes, and some broken bottles.
"Well, guess I'll have to dip into the goodie bag." Seth said as he produced a steel rod from nothing. They lunged forward, and Seth had spun the rod around himself. Getting into a stance, Seth waited for one of them to attack. They both decided to confront him simultaneously, ultimately proving to be the least successful way to get Seth. He swung, jabbed, and thrusted the rod through the Twins, as they had begun to distort and become transparent due to the attacks.
"Maybe it was a genius move to attack me at the same time, then."
One of the had come close to slicing Seth's throat, but as the hand had increased in opacity, Seth pinned it against a wall, breaking the wrist and causing the Twin to drop the blade. Seth kicked it into the boxes, but was punched by the other Twin. Seth bent forward, using the rod as a balance as he kicked one of them in the chest and swung around to drop kick the other on the top of the head. This was a difficult fight indeed, as the Twins could use their ghosting abilities to heal themselves. They had Seth in a corner, leaving him no room to escape, even by means of flying.
"End of the line, Halfling." A Twin said.
"You'd be best to give up now." Said the other.
Suddenly, an electric current fired off into Seth's brain. He closed his eyes, trying to absorb some of the pain of what had just happened, but when he opened them again, rather than a wince he had a face on acknowledgement.
"I'm sure you've been in the Matrix a while, right?" Seth asked.
"It's of no concern to you, but yes." The Twins answered.
"So tell me, in all your time here you never understood some of the rules, right?"
"What are you getting at?"
"You forgot one of the cardinal rules of the Matrix. This isn't really air we're breathing."
With a sudden shout and a raise of his hand, Seth sent a shockwave through the gang, blowing them out of the alleyway.
"Rule number two-If I believe it, then it's as good as done."
Seth attempted his flight, but a dizzying blur of vision came over him, dropping him onto one knee.
"Well, it seems as though the Halfling used up his power!" The Merovingian said. "Well then, it is time you met your maker."
"I think it's time you met Mr.Beretta, then." A voice said from afar. A figure dropped down in front of Seth, holding two guns and a cigarette in his mouth. His exaggerated bangs and wrinkled clothes were a comfortable sight to Seth.
"Hermes, good to see you. I guess we can get back home, huh?"
"Home's in Zion, we haven't been there for months. I'm here to take you back to reality, buddy."
The Twins regrouped, though they weren't too willing to move just yet. The gang of the Merovingian was directly behind them, when one of them became too anxious and ran right for Hermes.
"Wrong move, wolf boy."
A shot rang, and the man fell. He clenched his chest as the wound instantly lit on fire. His body deteriorated in seconds.
"Silver bullets, not exactly victim-friendly." Hermes said with a smile. Seth was back on his feet, though it was obvious that the previous attack drained him. He produced a gun to help Hermes with the gang.
"You gonna tell me that we can fly our asses out of here, or do I have to pump some more bullets into these bastards?"
"The power's coming back, but I only have enough for a long jump. We could take it, and find a hardline, but it's a longshot."
Hermes smiled.
"Good, 'coz I came here for one thing. To have some fun."
Seth smiled, but he knew that they would have to get out of there as soon as they can; the night was showing its face, and the gang could easily transform at any moment.
"Kill them now." The Merovingian said. The Twins transformed and raced to the duo, but Seth grabbed Hermes and embraced the sky. They landed on the rooftop of one of the buildings.
"Ah, it was about to get good!" Hermes said with mock disappointment. Seth looked as though he was ready to collapse.
"Are you okay?" Hermes asked.
"My power, it's draining faster than before. I can see the codes changing."
"What're you talking about?"
"There's something wrong with the Matrix. Let's go, quickly!"
Hermes picked up Seth, and they were on their way to a hardline. However, the were stopped by gunshots coming from below the rooftop.
"What in the hell?"
The Twins had shown themselves once more, permeating the roof and hovering to the surface.
"Give him up, or you both will die." A Twin said.
"Now you're talkin' my game!" Hermes said. He shot at the ghosts as they let the bullets transcend through their bodies, and made their way to Hermes. He unloaded both clips from his guns, and was searching for his others when they got too close. He blocked one attack to his face, and dropped as quickly as he could to sweep the leg out of one of the Twins. He was cut during the process by a switchblade, and as he finally reached for and reloaded his gun clip, a blade was aimed at his jugular. It was a Mexican standoff as the Twins, Hermes, and Seth himself, who managed to lunge forward and point his gun right in the face of a Twin, were left waiting for someone to move.
"I know you can feel it." Seth said. "I know your power's fading, and you don't know why."
"Shut up, or I'll morph and have my brother slice your face off."
"Fine, do it." Seth said, his glasses hiding his piercing eyes. He knew that the Twin was bluffing, and that his ghosting mode would just drain more energy from him. Everyone remained still; one misplaced action would be all anyone needed to cause a massacre.
"Well, who's gonna mess up first, huh? I'm waiting to put a hole in someone's throat!" Hermes said, his anger getting the best of his better judgment.if he actually had some was to be determined.
The Twins pulled up from their enemies, regrouping as the duo of Hermes and Seth kept their guns on them.
"We know that the Halfling is almost powerless."
"It's the other one. He's a human, he still maintains his abilities."
"Yes of course. You know the Merovingian will deal with us later if we do not bring back the Halfling."
"Unless you can find a way to take care of the human, we're stuck."
"Hey, zombies!" Hermes shouted. The duo looked over at him as he shot through them. They had used their abilities as instinct.
"Seth, you good now?"
"I have enough to get us the hell out of here."
"Then what're we waiting for?"
Seth reached for Hermes, and flew off to Asopus' leading of the nearest hardline.
"We're as good as dead." A Twin said.
Seth and Hermes were unplugged from the Matrix, chills running down their spines as they came to realization of the world they were now in. It was dark, dank, and a bit nippy, but it was their home.
"What happened back there?" Artemis said with a look of concern. Her eyes were much different lately; they were soft everytime she looked at Seth, and whenever his name was mentioned she was quick to take notice.
"The messenger closed the lines of the Matrix." Seth stated.
"You're sure of this?"
"Yeah. I realized that she has controlling powers of the Matrix, which is also why she knows so much. But the way she came to me.it wasn't an original shell."
"So you mean she took the code of another for safety?"
"More like she's able to manipulate her own code to change her appearance."
"A shape-shifter, then?" Hermes pointed out.
"Definitely." Seth answered. "But what I'd really like to know is why my power faded so much. Not to mention those Twins, their ghosting abilities dropped heavily."
"Possibly another of the messenger's abilities?"
"No, it was much different. I could see the code of the Matrix mutating into something.I can't really explain it, but we need to figure it out soon. If we're going to win, I need my full power."
Seth noticed from the corner of his eye that someone was still plugged in.
"Hey, where's Xerces?" Seth asked.
"Oh, well we happened upon a signal being sent out by the Nebuchadnezzar."
"You mean-"
"Yep. He's meeting with Morpheus."
Seth jumped up, but looked as though his mind were about to explode, and then dove back into the seat.
"I have to get to where they are right now!"
"You just got back out, Seth!" Artemis said to him. Hermes looked at her in surprise, which Seth didn't catch onto.
"Yeah, and on top of that, the Merovingian is hot on your ass. You may not make it in time."
"You don't understand, if Neo gets to the source, we may not see tomorrow. I have to get to him now."
"What are you talking about?" She questioned.
"Look, it was something I was told, but I believed it. I'm not sure if it is the truth or not, but I'll risk it for now. All I know is that Neo needs to know this. Now either put me in or I'll find a way to jack myself in!"
Artemis stared at him, a grave look of confusion and worry. Hermes looked between the two before finally sighing and going to the dining area.
"You two fools should have figured it out by now."
"Fine, I'll send you in."
"Thank you."
"But first-" She pulled into Seth and held him tightly. He closed his eyes and breathed her in; even in the dead world they resided, she was still very much alive to him and he loved it. He put his hand on the back of her head as he pulled back for a second.
"What's wrong?"
"Just in case something happens."
He pulled her in with his hand and they embraced. He kissed her softly before she grabbed his cheeks with her hands and gave it her all. A moment had passed before they separated, a huff of breath leaving their lungs.
"Damn Hermes was right."
Seth sat back in the chair, and Artemis plugged him in. He took flight as soon as his residual self image loaded, and came to the exact location. It was close to midnight.
He was nervous, certainly. His journey would finally be over, leaving many thoughts and questions in his head. Would he still be needed? Surely they won't need someone who has no power in the Matrix, as he was about to give it all up to Neo. He walked into a room, where the great Morpheus and Xerces, his leader, were standing next to each other in silent thought. They were very much alike; cold, confident, and very crazy.
"Am I too late?" Seth said.
"Trojan." Xerces said. His voice hinted at a bit of surprise, yet he kept his usual cool.
"I need to see him."
"Yes, it is time." Xerces said.
"Well, there's more to it than that."
"How much more is there?" Morpheus asked.
Suddenly the One himself walked into the room. He stood upright, his face like stone and yet he was pale, and rather wiry. His glasses, like everyone else's, masked his eyes, so it looked as though two gigantic holes gaped through his skull. However, his entire being, from the hair down to his very essence, was perfect. He truly deserved his title.
"Neo..." Seth said.
"You're Trojan."
"Yes sir."
"It's good to finally meet you. We have some business to attend to."
The two shook hands, and suddenly Seth felt his power falter again. Neo himself looked as though a jolt had gone through his body. When their hands released, Seth was breathing quickly.
"That was it?" He said.
"I think so. The transaction is complete."
Seth nodded as he looked towards Xerces. He smiled at his crewmate, his mission finalized.
"I can't believe it." Seth said.
"What?" Neo asked.
"My entire journey, since being unplugged, has been to find you, and here I am. I have to say, it was worth it."
"Well thank you. Without your help, I'm not exactly sure where we may have ended up."
Neo nodded at Seth, and was about to turn around when Seth called his name.
"Neo, I.I'm not sure if everything I know has been uploaded into you, but I need you to know that your mission may not be exactly what you think it to be."
"I understand you."
"Okay. Just give a second thought to it, because it may not be the best solution."
Neo nodded again, and settled in with Morpheus and Xerces. After a moment, Xerces had walked over to Seth; it was time to go.
"I want you all to know that, at this moment, we may have the advantage we finally needed. I wish you all the best of luck." Xerces said.
The duo left, and were finally headed out of the building to the nearest hardline when of all people, the Merovingian blasts through the lobby doors.
"Where is he?" He asked Seth.
"What's it matter now, the transaction is complete. You're here in vain."
"I have tolerated you enough, you raucous little flea, and now that I know you have no power, I will destroy you as I see fit. Kill them as quickly as possible so that we can reach the Savior."
Seth had had enough. The duel with the Merovingian would come to an end tonight; he would make sure of it.
"Don't underestimate my abilities, you ignorant French twit!" He shouted as he swung a sword at the oncoming gang. They had all moved back, but were in complete shock, as was the Merovingian and Seth himself.
"That is impossible! How can you still have your powers?!"
Xerces unsheathed his own sword, then moved in closer to Seth.
"There is a lot we need to talk about."
"I don't know how I'm able to do it. Do I still have the program within me?"
"We'll figure it out later, but for now let us take care of our situation."
The two confronted the gang, and in less than ten minutes, had sliced and slashed them all to oblivion. All that stood was the Merovingian.
"What happened to your other lackeys?" Seth asked.
"I took care of them for disappointing me, you need not be concerned."
"I'm done telling you to leave me alone. I control my own fate, and I could care less about your ideas of cause and effect. Three times you've faced me and each time I've taken care of you. Do you want me to finally take that head of yours?"
"Do not threaten me boy." The Merovingian said coldly. "I still have powers way beyond your recognition, so choose your words wisely. You may have bested me before, but I will get the upper hand, you have my word on that. I will not let a punk like you take me down, not after all this time!"
He walked out of the lobby, though Seth and Xerces had not followed him.
"I will be returning to the Poseidon." Said Xerces.
"I have something I need to take care of, you go ahead."
"You sure you don't want me to come?"
"Oh don't you worry, you don't have to be ashamed to show me your friends." Said a voice trailing from the lobby doors once more. Seth and Xerces looked over to see a man dressed in a white Armani suit and glasses that fade from normal to sunglasses had walked in, a silk scarf draped around his neck. He wore a smile that went from ear to ear, and his hair was slicked back and relaxed.
"And you are?" Xerces asked.
"Exactly what Seth needed to take care of."
"This person's a program.a messenger. They're the reason I needed to see Neo, aside from giving him my powers."
"Ooh, which comes into question now, doesn't it?"
"I'll deal with you in a second."
A second, three hundred and fourteen seconds, whatever's your cup of tea."
Seth explained to Xerces all that the messenger had told him, and the importance of the source from what he knew.
"And now all that needs to be explained is why." Seth said as he looked at the messenger.
"Oh, and now you want to deal with me."
"Enough of these games. Tell me what the Matrix is, now."