Author¡¯s ramble
Pryce is sitting on the chair. FFC is skittering across the keyboard
Pryce: Newbi says that you¡¯re making me overpowered¡
FFC: I know, but he hasn¡¯t seen anything yet.
sweatdrops Pryce: Okay¡
FFC: Anyways, switch ur encoding to Chinese Simplified (GB2123) to read this properly.
Chapter 5
¡°Third degree burns on the body, arms and legs, a severe dislocation of the right arm with fractures at several points, three broken ribs, partially damaged left cornea¡¡±
The doctor droned on about his report as Chikage listened. Jen and the others were nearby, not even daring to look up. The atmosphere was grim, as if some curse just befell the group. Sora had been lying unconscious in the hospital ward ever since the battle.
¡°Will he pull through?¡± Chikage asked when the doctor finished his report.
¡°Currently he¡¯s holding out quite well, but there may be permanent damage to his left eye and right arm. I can only say as much as that.¡±
¡°Thank you.¡±
Nodding, the doctor left. Chikage turned to the others. Seeing their dead expressions, she sighed.
¡°Everyone, go back and get some rest.¡±
¡°How can we?¡± Duo, who was leaning against the wall, blurted out, ¡°Sora¡¯s in there struggling to survive and you want us to take it easy?¡±
¡°No. I¡¯m telling you to get some rest. It was hard on all of you today. I¡¯ll stay and watch over him. As soon as there¡¯s any change in his condition I¡¯ll inform all of you.¡±
¡°Excuse me, Chikage,¡± Maya stood, ¡°But we¡¯ll like to stay also.¡±
¡°I want to thank big brother for saving me. I¡¯m staying too.¡± The new system oracle, Eliza, said as she hopped off her seat.
¡°Please, Miss. Chikage.¡± Fio pleaded.
¡°Since the oracles are staying, we are too.¡± Jen added.
Chikage looked around her, and saw that no one had any real intention of leaving at all. Smiling slightly, she nodded.
Is this the doing of a single person?
Soft footsteps disturbed their melancholy as everyone turned to find Aeries standing there, slightly worried.
¡°Is Sora alright?¡±
¡°We¡¯re not sure as of yet, Mrs. Truehearted,¡± Chikage began, walking up to her, ¡°but the doctor says that he¡¯ll pull through.¡±
¡°Then he¡¯s okay¡¡± Aeries sighed, relieved.
Fio stood all of a sudden and bowed, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Aeries. I couldn¡¯t protect your son.¡±
Aeries looked over at Fio, realising who she was instantly.
¡°You remind me of someone I knew in the past, Fio.¡±
Fio straightened and looked at Aeries curiously as the woman smiled, ¡°Very kind, and very beautiful also in soul and body¡¡± Fio blushed, ¡°¡ by any chance, are you a system oracle of the matrix?¡±
Everyone¡¯s hearts skipped a beat when they heard Aeries say that.
¡°How¡?¡± Chikage began, but was at a loss for words.
¡°My father used to work for the second generation,¡± Aeries replied, smiling, ¡°and my husband was working on the second ¡®project oracle¡¯ for the third generation.¡±
Aeries spotted the oracles¡¯ confused expression.
¡°You may not remember me, but I used to teach all of you when you were first created.¡±
¡°Ano¡ you were that teacher? I thought you looked much younger?¡±
¡°We age, Maya.¡± Aeries replied, causing the girl to blush at her mistake. Aeries then turned towards Chikage again.
¡°May I go in and see Sora?¡±
Chikage nodded, and led Aeries over to the door which lead to Sora¡¯s room. The said boy was heavily bandaged from head to foot, air being fed mechanically through his nose and mouth.
¡°I suppose we can¡¯t hide it from you anymore¡¡± Chikage said as she turned, but surprised to find Aeries smiling softly.
¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Ever since I took him in I knew there was something special hidden deep within him.¡±
¡°He¡¯s not your natural son?¡±
Aeries shook her head, sadness in her eyes, ¡°No. I¡ lost my son. All I have now is him.¡±
Quietly Aeries walked over and gently stroked Sora¡¯s face, planting a kiss on his forehead.
¡°Rest, for now, my child.¡± she whispered, ¡°There are some who still need you¡ I need you¡¡±
¡°Kawaii!¡±
In a classroom, a young female teacher was showing a group of girls a satellite picture of earth. There were four girls in total, three of whom looked exactly like Fio, Maya and Eliza. The last girl had platinum black hair that reached just below her shoulders, eyes a graying hue similar to that of Fio¡¯s. She looked about a year older than Eliza. It was the first time these girls actually saw what earth was like, and instantly they were awed by the blue planet. The teacher smiled, brushing aside a strand of her chestnut brown hair.
¡°Maya, sit down please.¡±
The said girl blushed and returned to her seat. Eliza looked at her teasingly, earning for herself a tongue stuck out at her.
¡°Does the earth really look like that?¡± The girl with black hair asked. The teacher nodded.
¡°Yes, Luna. This is how earth looks like from outer space.¡±
¡°Space? The vacuum of the universe?¡± Fio asked.
¡°Yes?¡±
¡°Do any organisms exist anywhere else besides on earth?¡± Luna asked.
¡°None has been found yet.¡±
¡°Is there any chance that something will be found in the future?¡±
¡°Perhaps¡¡± the teacher looked at her watch, ¡°Looks like time is up¡¡±
Groans from the girls ensued as the teacher smiled, ¡°Pack up. I¡¯ll continue with this tomorrow, but for now, Herald wants to see you.¡±
As the group left the room, they began to chat idly as they headed for the control room. The layout of the place looked almost similar to that of the GISB headquarters, if not the same. There was however workers moving around the place, doing digging works and extending the underground facility even deeper.
¡°Neh? Where¡¯re the others?¡±
¡°Seta must be teaching them.¡±
¡°Eh? How come?¡±
¡°I heard that he had to go off this morning to attend to some matters.¡±
¡°What? So the others had the whole morning to themselves? That¡¯s no fair!¡±
They came to the control room through a half finished hanger. Workers and technicians were putting the place together, a rough holographic image of the city flickering before them as construction materials laid everywhere in a web of complicated cables and wires. A middle-aged man was sitting at the balcony, watching as the construction progressed. He had dark brown hair, and a pair of black eyes. A pair of spectacles was on the table in front of him. He looked up as the four girls entered. Calmly he put on the spectacles and stood, nodding toward them.
¡°How are the classes proceeding?¡±
¡°We¡¯ve learned a lot so far, thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Truehearted.¡±
¡°That¡¯s good to hear, but that is also the reason why I¡¯ve called you here.¡±
The man, whom presumably was Herald, pressed a concealed button on the table and a hidden compartment opened, a panel sliding out of it. On it were four silver bangles that were seemingly floating in midair, energy of different colour flowing through each of them. Between them were empty spaces where three other bangles once were. Each of the bangles held several engravings which were the girls¡¯ names.
¡°We as humans can only teach you as much as our minds can handle, but there will always be more things to learn.¡±
The four girls looked at the bangles curiously as Herald walked towards the edge of the balcony.
¡°We believe that you will learn more if you go on and experience them on your own.¡±
¡°Sir?¡± Fio asked, puzzled.
¡°What are your objectives?¡±
¡°To protect the matrix.¡± Maya answered automatically.
Herald nodded, ¡°Soon, we¡¯ll be letting you all go. We do not wish to control all of you so you will have freedom of choice, but your objective still stands.¡±
¡°How soon?¡± Maya asked. The sudden news was surprising.
¡°As soon as your teachers feel that it is time. Those bangles¡¡± Herald said, indicating the floating bangles, ¡°¡ will be how you travel in the matrix. They consist of all the codes you will need to access all locations in the matrix. They will also be your weapons while fighting viruses and hackers.¡±
¡°Have the others already taken theirs?¡± Luna asked, examining her bangle. Green energy was coursing through it. Fio¡¯s was white, Maya¡¯s had yellow, and Eliza¡¯s was red.
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°Will they be leaving?¡±
¡°Not yet. Seta still wants to teach them some things. Take your bangles. They will follow your orders as long as you will them to.¡±
Each of them took their bangles. Immediately the energies dissipated, and the bangles looked almost ordinary, but they were a lot heavier than they looked.
¡°Use them well.¡± The girls looked up at Herald, whose back was facing them, ¡°You are dismissed.¡±
As the girls left, Herald sighed. He looked down at the railing of the balcony. Touching a spot, it flashed briefly as another compartment opened on the table. Turning, Herald eyed the silver handgun as it hovered in midair, white energy coursing through it. On it was a word engraved: Rebirth.
¡°Sky, I hope you won¡¯t be angry with us for doing this¡¡±
Pushing the panel down, Herald left the balcony, eyes hidden from view.
Before the school bell rang, Fio and Maya were already sitting at the back of class. Since Eliza was much younger, she was sent to the secondary school nearby instead.
¡°All the sectors seem fine.¡± Fio said as her bangle stopped glowing. The two were using their Navis to access the matrix. Maya had her head propped up against her left hand as she idly typed on her own Navi.
¡°I wonder how Sora is doing¡¡±
¡°Miss. Chikage said that he¡¯ll be alright.¡± Fio replied. To be honest, she too was worried about the boy. Something about him just made her feel that way.
¡°Neh¡ wasn¡¯t it strange to meet our teacher again? She¡¯s really grown a lot older.¡±
¡°Maya¡¡±
Maya stuck out her tongue cheekily, ¡°It¡¯s true, but she¡¯s still as we remember her as.¡±
¡°Yes, but who was she talking about when she said that I reminded her of someone?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know¡¡±
As the rest of the class finally filtered in, silence fell as the teacher arrived. The day dragged on for a seemingly longer time as classes came and went. Maya was long asleep from boredom, though the teachers did not seem to realise or even care if they did. Fio also became drowsy. Was this the doing of being outside the matrix? Fio asked, rubbing her eyes as she tried to stay awake. The two of them had been attending school for almost two weeks now, but still they could not get used to the long hours. Finally, the final bell rung for the day, and the dead class immediately became animate as everyone packed up, not even waiting for the teacher to signal that they could leave.
¡°Wake up, Maya.¡± Fio said, gently prodding her sister. Eyes fluttering, Maya pushed herself off the table, stretching as she did so.
¡°That was a nice nap¡ is it time to go?¡±
Fio could not surprise her smile at her sister¡¯s actions. The two stood and headed out, towards the school entrance. There, they found Eliza already waiting for them.
¡°Eliza!¡± Maya shouted once she spotted the girl. Eliza returned it with a wave of her hand as she ran over.
¡°Lectures must be boring neh?¡± Eliza said as she slowed down to walk with the other two girls. She wore a blue and white summer school uniform, a yellow bow tied round her collar. As usual her orange hair was in two ponytails, eyes sparkling with a soft purple colour. Her silver bangle hung loosely from her left wrist.
¡°How was school toady for you then?¡± Fio asked.
¡°Boring¡¡± both Eliza and Maya said, before bursting into fits of giggles. Fio sweatdropped. If only our other sister was here, then it¡¯ll really be a standup comedy, Fio thought. A black limo pulled up next to them and the window slid down, revealing Chikage.
¡°Hello girls.¡±
¡°Miss Chikage? Where are you off to?¡±
She opened the door, ¡°Hop in. The doctor says that Sora¡¯s come to.¡±
¡°Eh? Really?¡± Maya asked, surprised. They didn¡¯t need telling twice as they all got on. The limo purred to life and they were off towards the hospital.
¡°How is he doing?¡± Eliza asked.
¡°He¡¯s awake and perfectly fine, but there are still his right arm and left eye. He¡¯ll probably stay in bed for a week more or so.¡±
¡°Do the others know?¡±
¡°I¡¯ve sent people to go tell them, and I thought I might as well bring the three of you there myself.¡±
¡°Thank you.¡±
They arrived soon enough, and upon entering the ward, found the doctor standing just outside Sora¡¯s room speaking with a nurse.
¡°How is he?¡± Chikage asked as they neared.
¡°The operation was a total success. He¡¯ll make a full recovery in a month¡¯s time.¡±
Fio smiled relieved as both Maya and Eliza jumped up and cheered, attracting looks from other people around them.
¡°Thank you, Doctor.¡± Chikage said quickly before ushering the three girls into Sora¡¯s room, a sweatdrop on her forehead. They found him sitting on the bed as they entered, looking out of the window with his head propped up with his left hand. His right arm was in a sling, and he was dressed in a simple sleeveless shirt and pants issued by the hospital. The bed¡¯s blanket was folded neatly on the table nearby, next to an empty food tray with a fork and spoon. Apparently he hadn¡¯t notice their entrance.
¡°Sora?¡±
He turned, revealing that his left eye was covered by a white pad held down by bandages, ¡°Miss. Chikage?¡±
¡°How are you feeling?¡±
¡°Alright I guess.¡±
¡°You should be getting some rest.¡±
¡°I¡¯ve slept for a week, two days, twenty-three hours, forty-seven minutes and thirty-eight seconds. I think that¡¯s enough rest for now at least.¡±
Chikage¡¯s jaw fell slightly, but she shook her head and sighed after a moment, ¡°You really are one of a kind, Sora.¡±
¡°Kawaii!¡±
Eliza jumped onto Sora, hugging him.
¡°D¨¦j¨¤ vu¡¡± Sora mumbled, shifting his broken arm out of the way just in time before it got crushed again.
¡°Neh? Eliza! Sora¡¯s still injured!¡¯ Maya cried indignantly, a slight tone of jealousy apparent in her voice.
¡°Sora doesn¡¯t mind, do you? Big brother?¡± Eliza retorted, looking intently and innocently at Sora, who shook his head and gently pried her off with his good arm.
¡°Just don¡¯t do it too often.¡±
¡°By the way, this is Eliza.¡± Chikage said, indicating the girl that had jumped onto Sora.
Eliza nodded and smiled, ¡°Thank you for saving me, big brother.¡±
¡°It there¡¯s a person you should thank, it¡¯s your sister, Fio.¡± Fio turned red at the mention of her name, ¡°She¡¯s the driving force behind all this.¡±
¡°Really?¡± Eliza turned towards Fio, noting her flustered face, ¡°Eh? Why is your face all red?¡±
Fio turned away immediately, covering her burning cheeks with her hands, ¡°N-no¡¡±
¡°What is going on between you two?¡± Maya pressed Fio yet again, causing the already embarrassed girl to turn an even darker shade of red.
¡°I hope we¡¯re not disturbing something.¡±
All turning to the door, the rest of the cyber angels were there. Duo lugged in a massive basket of foodstuff and other things and hauled it onto the table next to Sora.
¡°A gift from GISB. They got you a lot of stuff, except a get well card.¡±
¡°How are you doing?¡± Jen said as they came in. The room was quite crowded now considering that everyone had crammed in, including Banks.
¡°I¡¯ve felt better. Thanks for your concern.¡±
¡°Just don¡¯t do anything dumb out on the battlefield anymore.¡±
¡°Can¡¯t guarantee that.¡±
Jen sighed and shook his head as the others laughed.
¡°You are a queer man.¡± Banks commented, ¡°But it seems to suit you just fine.¡±
¡°Yes, I realised.¡± Sora then turned to Duo, ¡°How¡¯s seeker? I¡¯m sorry I wrecked it already.¡±
¡°Nah. Nothing I can¡¯t handle.¡±
Rika snorted, ¡°You can¡¯t even hold a wrench properly in front of girls.¡±
¡°I resent that!¡±
¡°So?¡±
¡°Hey!¡±
As they continued to bicker, everyone sweatdropped. Eliza looked between the two of them, and a light bulb seemingly appeared on her forehead.
¡°Lovers¡¯ argument!¡± She shouted.
Everything went dead silent for a moment.
¡°What?¡± Rio asked.
¡°You know¡ when a couple argues?¡±
Duo and Rika looked at each other, blinked, and blushed, ¡°NO!¡±
¡°The why are you two blushing?¡±
¡°Eliza¡¡± Fio reprimanded, receiving a cheeky smile as the young girl went over and took Mei and Chi by their hands.
¡°Neh, let¡¯s go outside and play!¡±
¡°Okay!¡± The three left to probably do some mischief. Maya followed also, not wanting to miss out on the fun. Rika and Duo were still uncomfortable, and were distancing themselves, each one at one side of the room. Chikage sighed.
¡°Sometimes I feel that this job is more of babysitting¡¡±
¡°I agree.¡± Jen added, ¡°but anyhow, we hope you recover soon, Sora.¡±
¡°Thanks, Jen.¡±
Just then, a nurse appeared at the door.
¡°Excuse me, but visiting hours will be over soon. Our patients need their rest.¡±
Chikage nodded towards the nurse, who left. Looking at the others, they got the message and began filtering out.
¡°Recover soon, okay?¡± Duo gave Sora the thumbs up and left. Rika was already long gone. The others also followed, and as Chikage turned towards the room one last time at the door, all that was left was Fio.
¡°Fio, it¡¯s time to go.¡±
Fio had been in a world of her own all this time, but seem to come out of it just then. She bowed towards Sora.
¡°Thank you.¡±
With that, she followed Chikage out. Sora took in a deep breath and turned towards the window yet again. A mockingbird was signing its song in the nearby tree as it wavered in the breeze, leaves rustling, awash with the afternoon sun. Sora lied down and stared up at the ceiling. Silence reigned.
¡°It looks familiar¡¡±
As the days went by, Sora began recovering from his injuries, and returned to school two weeks later. Chikage informed Sora that Aeries knew about his current situation, but that didn¡¯t seem to bother him at all, only nodding quietly in acknowledgment. His arm was still immobilized by a cast, but anyhow the class cheered for his comeback and of course Maya jumped him. A week passed after that and his arm was free, but extremely sore. Hence, whenever he had time to spare Sora would be in the gym at GISB headquarters working out, and that meant Sora practically took up residence there. Sometimes the other boys joined him, but no one could really keep up.
Currently, both Jen and Duo were watching as Sora did bench presses with two full sets of weights. Banks was standing nearby, staring off into space, deep in thought.
¡°97... 98... 99... 100. Alright Sora, we get the idea. Stop showing off.¡±
With a metallic clang Sora placed the weights back in place, the stand groaning under the weight. He sat up, sweat beads matting his forehead and body. Sora took in a deep breath and sighed.
¡°My arm¡¯s really deteriorated¡¡±
Jen and Duo exchanged incredulous looks.
¡°Right¡ and the weights are real light¡ yeah¡¡± Duo said dryly, rolling his eyes. Sora stood as Jen threw him a towel.
¡°You shouldn¡¯t overexert yourself.¡± Jen said as Sora rubbed himself with the towel.
¡°I¡¯m not. Don¡¯t worry Jen, I know what I¡¯m doing.¡±
¡°There you are¡¡±
Banks came back from his own little world and turned to the door with everyone else, finding Rio standing there. The girl smiled cheerily.
¡°Hi guys. Could I borrow Banks? It¡¯s our turn for sentry duty.¡±
¡°Sentry duty?¡± Sora looked over at Jen for an explanation.
¡°We¡¯re tightening security in the matrix. Chikage decided that the cyber angels should be on alert 24 hours everyday, so we have to do periodical patrols.¡±
¡°Of the whole matrix?¡±
Duo nodded and grinned, ¡°That¡¯s why we have Éclair. A patrol takes six hours or so to complete in my baby.¡±
¡°The patrols are conducted in pairs, so we take turns to do it.¡±
¡°Am I suppose to be involved in this?¡± Sora inquired.
¡°Chikage says that you should recuperate for now. Sentry duty for you will be on hold.¡±
¡°I see.¡±
Banks and Rio left after saying their farewells. Duo followed soon after, saying that he had to go to the hanger. Jen smiled as he watched as Sora continued with his work out. It was then that he recalled something.
¡°Oh, Sora.¡± The said person turned and caught a key thrown by Jen.
¡°What is this?¡± Sora asked, looking at the silver key attached to a key chain with a strip of paper with ¡®Room 15¡¯ scrawled on it.
¡°There are seven oracles in the matrix, but CAM has eight spare rooms. Chikage wanted me to ask you whether you would like the extra room.¡±
Cyber Angels¡¯ Mansion, or CAM for short, was where the cyber angels called their home. Of course they already had other residences elsewhere, but it was necessary that the team was easily reachable at any given time, so a central residence was built for them. It¡¯s listed as a privately owned estate by Chikage Coronation, but practically everyone knew who lived within the compounds. It was huge, made with Romanian features such as thick pillars and intricate designs above the main entrance. The yard was more like a soccer field, and in its center an elaborate fountain display greeted anyone that entered through the beautifully crafted iron gates. Trees lined the boundaries of the estate, various flowers blooming in patches across the grassy landscape. Though this grand, what the place lacked was servants, save a few gardeners and cleaners who came periodically to tidy up the place. That didn¡¯t bother the cyber angels however, because doing chores on their own was much better than relying on others too much. The place was also located in a strategic location, near the GISB HQ and various prominent schools, of which included the one Sora was currently attending.
¡°I¡¯ll have to ask Aeries.¡±
¡°Chikage said that she¡¯s taken care of that. All she needs is your approval.¡±
¡°How soon can I move in?¡±
¡°Now. Chikage felt that you wouldn¡¯t turn the offer down so had someone go over to collect your things. Will it be alright with you that Aeries did your packing?¡±
Sora nodded his head, feeling the key in between his fingers.
¡°Want me to give you a lift there? I¡¯m going back in a while. You can take a shower and change while I go settle some things.¡±
¡°Okay.¡±
¡°Great. Meet me in the car park once you¡¯re done.¡±
As said Sora had a shower and changed, feeling slightly refreshed afterwards. Even if HQ was a confusing labyrinth of corridors, Sora found the car park easily enough. It did not take long for Jen to arrive.
¡°All set?¡± Jen pressed a button on his key and a car roared to life, purring to their front. It was a sleek, black sports car, complete with spoilers.
¡°Company car?¡± Sora asked, bemused.
¡°One of them. Hop on.¡±
The journey didn¡¯t take too long, and soon they were at CAM. Parking his car in the garage, both guys got off. Sora looked at the range of vehicles that were housed in the warehouse like building, cocking an eyebrow as he did so.
¡°GISB splurges on the cyber angels?¡±
¡°Chikage¡¯s father owned this place. He was a man who collected many things, cars included, though the newer additions came out of my paycheck.¡±
¡°I see.¡±
Leading the way, Jen took Sora to the main living room. It was very spacious, various weapons and stuffed animal heads decorating the walls, floor carpeted with a deep red fabric. A pool table was located at one corner, a rack of pool sticks and a glass case holding several sets of 12-balls next to it. An unlit fireplace was on one side, surrounded by several sofas and armchairs. Sunlight streamed in from full length windows on one side of the living room, a porch visible on the outside, dotted with tables and chairs. Various corridors extended from the room. Two of them led to stairs which went up to the other levels where the cyber angels¡¯ private rooms were. One went past the kitchen to the dining area, while another led to the library. The last one was where the two had come from, the garage. Rika was in a armchair next to the fireplace reading a book. Jen called out to her as they neared.
¡°Hey, Rika.¡±
Sora was vaguely reminded of Chikage as Rika looked up. She had her hair held up at the back of her head in a bun, shorter locks of her hair on either sides of her face. She was also wearing a pair of spectacles, making her look like some office lady.
¡°Hey.¡± She said, catching sight of Jen and Sora.
¡°Why the specs mode?¡±
Rika pouted, ¡°What¡¯s with using that term? It sounds awful.¡±
¡°Because Duo started it?¡±
¡°Doesn¡¯t mean you have to follow it. I just got back from sentry duty, and that jerk just had to shoot off some snide remark in my face.¡± Rika snapped. Jen raised his hands slightly as a sign of peace, sweatdropping. Sora wondered whether this was what Duo meant when he said he had things to do in the hanger.
¡°Anyway,¡± Rika said, changing the subject, ¡°So Sora¡¯s staying here from now on?¡±
¡°I guess so.¡± Jen turned to Sora, ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll show you to your room.¡±
Nodding, Sora followed the older man up one of the corridors and up two flights of stairs to the third floor, where there were eight doors, four on either sides, each made from a deep brown oak. Going down the corridor, the two stopped in front of a room with the number ¡®15¡¯ engraved on it with gold paint.
¡°Well, here it is. Go ahead and open it.¡±
Fishing out the key from his pocket Sora unlocked the door and was greeted with a spacious room. A sizable bed was located on one side, a desk next to it with several shelves built into it. A chest of drawers, a bookshelf, and a closet stood on the opposite side, next to a door that led to a fully-equipped bathroom, complete with bath tub. The window doors to the porch were open, letting in a soft breeze that caught the white curtains.
¡°Looks like we weren¡¯t the first ones here.¡± Jen said, looking at the two trunks at the foot of the bed. Sora walked over and opened one, finding all his things packed neatly inside.
¡°I let you unpack in peace then. See you.¡± With that Jen left, the door quietly clicking shut. Sora began to sort out his things one by one. The other trunk held all his books, so he just organized them into the bookshelf, placing those he hasn¡¯t read into the shelves on the desk. Other than books Sora had very little possessions, clothes included. Hangers had been provided in the closet, and they were more than enough for his clothing, along with one drawer. He had no use for the rest of the drawers, so left them alone. All school things he had them at the side of his desk, the drawer there keeping anything else Sora had use for. Surprisingly Sora had a collection of small trinkets, most of which were crabs in various poses or actions. Aeries was the one behind that, but Sora has also grown attached to them for some reason. In a short while they were all on top of the shelves of his desk, arranged in a neat manner around a clock Aeries had also packed for him. More or less he was done, but looking at the trunk Sora spotted something. Reaching down, he took out a black box, placing it on his lap as he looked at it. Running his finger down its surface, Sora felt the smoothness of the lacquered wood, hardly scratched even after all this years. He opened it, revealing a small framed picture. Picking it up, Sora examined it. In the picture, were two young children, one boy and one girl. They both had the same blue hair and silvery white eyes, each hugging a young man who was kneeling down. His hair was raven, eyes a teal colour. Behind him stood a woman with deep blue hair, eyes a playful grey. All of them were smiling for the camera, but the young man¡¯s seemed more constrained. Sora looked down at the box. The picture had been lying on a faded leather book, golden symbols marking its cover. Touching it, a sense of nostalgia filled Sora as he closed his eyes.
¡°Miriam¡¡±
Night soon fell, and a wonderful aroma wafted through the air.
¡°Neh! You¡¯re a really good cook Fio!¡±
The dining area was also a spacious place, though smaller compared to the living room. Round tables surrounded a main, long and rectangular table, with all the chairs cushioned and having high backs. Maya, Eliza, Fio, Chi, Mei, and Rika were all there, savoring Fio¡¯s cooking. The oracle had prepared countless dishes, all of which looked appetizing and tasted wonderful.
The said girl blushed crimson, fidgeting with the ladle in her hands. She was wearing a pink apron with flowery designs on its front.
¡°I¡¯m glad you like it.¡±
¡°We love it!¡± Rika corrected, helping herself with the food. The others all nodded in agreement.
¡°By the way, where did you learn how to cook?¡± Chi asked.
¡°Miss. Truehearted taught me.¡±
¡°Miss. Truehearted? Oh, you mean Aeries?¡±
Fio nodded in reply to Mei¡¯s question. It was then that Maya realised something.
¡°Wait¡ if that is the Aeries we knew last time, then doesn¡¯t that mean Sora is¡¡± Maya let her last words hang. Fio and Eliza realised what she was getting at.
¡°Malcolm?¡± The three girls said in unison, earning them confused looks from the others.
¡°Who?¡±
Just then Sora came in, having been attracted by the food¡¯s smell. Everyone turned to look at him.
¡°Sora? What are you doing here?¡± Fio asked, blushing slightly.
¡°Chikage let me move here.¡±
¡°Neh? Which room are you in?¡± Eliza asked eagerly.
¡°15.¡± Both Eliza and Maya shot Fio death glares who turned bright red and bowed her head, hiding her eyes. Sora sweatdropped along with the others.
¡°FIO! You knew, didn¡¯t you?¡± Maya shouted, standing. Eliza was staring daggers at Fio.
¡°I-I didn¡¯t¡ I just took the key randomly¡¡± Fio stuttered, shrinking into the corner.
¡°Hey guys¡ I thought I smelled some food¡¡± Jen appeared at the door to find the scene. He cocked an eyebrow, ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±
¡°Fio got room 14.¡± Maya pouted, sitting down.
¡°Don¡¯t you dare think of doing anything funny to big brother!¡± Eliza warned.
¡°I-I won¡¯t!¡± Fio retorted, blushing so deeply it looked like purple. Jen was close to laughter as he turned to look at Sora.
¡°Must be nice having all these girls after you. Eh? Sora?¡±
Now all three girls were red, ending the argument as fast as it had initially started. Sora rolled his eyes and took his seat at the table. Jen also joined in, and after a moment of awkwardness everyone soon forgot about what had just happened and began digging in to Fio¡¯s cooking.
¡°You are an excellent cook, Miss. Fio.¡± Jen commented, smiling lightly at the girl, who blushed at the compliment.
¡°Chikage won¡¯t be happy that you¡¯re flirting with someone else¡¡± Rika warned, grinning cheekily. Jen merely chuckled and returned to his plate. Idle chatter came and went as the plates were cleaned of food. Having eaten their full, everyone went their own separate ways as Fio began clearing the dishes. She did not realise that Sora had been standing nearby watching her all this while.
¡°Need any help?¡±
¡°Oh!¡± Fio dropped the plates she was carrying, but Sora caught them in time. The oracle blushed slightly, ¡°T-thank you.¡±
Sora nodded, carrying the dishes into the kitchen. Fio quickly followed with the rest. All was silent as they began washing the plates and utensils. Sometimes Fio would steal a peak at Sora, but he remained silent and impassive all this while. They finished cleaning all the dishes soon enough.
¡°Thank you for helping.¡± Fio said, bowing towards Sora as they left the kitchen. Sora nodded in acknowledgement and left for his room. Somehow, Fio felt dismayed that nothing interesting happen.
¡°W-what? What am I thinking of?¡± Fio blushed, covering her burning cheeks with her hands. Yet, there was still the feeling in her heart, and she couldn¡¯t deny that.
Meanwhile, an odd feeling suddenly made its presence felt as Sora stopped midway in his pace, turning slightly to look down the stairs where he had come from. It was a familiar sensation, gently tickling his senses.
¡°I still haven¡¯t forgotten¡¡± Sora muttered as he resumed his way back to his room. Sitting down at the desk, Sora took his bag and opened it. His school work had been piling up over the weeks, and even though the teachers didn¡¯t really mind if he did it or not, Sora wasn¡¯t planning to ignore it.
It kept his mind off others things anyway.
Back in GISB, Herald was sitting at his desk, fingers crossed in front of his face as the light reflecting off his glasses hid his eyes. Chikage was standing at attention in front of him.
¡°It seems much has happened during my absence.¡±
¡°The paperwork has been taken care of, Mr. Gale.¡±
¡°I see. Report.¡±
¡°With the previous incident, it can be proved that the army has indeed begun operations within the matrix itself, but they are denying this and blaming the terrorists for illegal weapons shipping. Information regarding the depot underneath the plaza has been kept under wraps.¡±
¡°What of the MAC?¡±
¡°The machine was salvaged and is currently being repaired by guardis pilot Duo Maxwell and his team of mechanics.¡±
¡°I presume that the army knows nothing of this?¡±
¡°Yes, sir.¡±
Herald smiled, ¡°Good work, commander.¡±
¡°Thank you, sir.¡±
Herald¡®s face grew solemn again, ¡°It has come to my attention that there are a few oracles being housed in CAM.¡±
¡°That is correct, sir.¡±
¡°From the message you sent me, you believe that an organization is behind the virus infection of the oracles?¡±
¡°Yes. Two members from that group have already shown themselves.¡±
¡°Are they human?¡±
¡°Yes, and no, sir.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°Scans have shown that these two individuals¡¯ genetic buildup is constantly altering itself. Our top scientists are still trying to decipher what they are.¡±
¡°So a new threat has arose in the matrix?¡±
¡°I¡¯m afraid so.¡±
Herald frowned, showing just how old he really was, ¡°We will have to contain the problem as soon as possible, for the protection and safety of all those that use the matrix.¡±
¡°Understood sir.¡±
¡°Dismissed.¡±
Chikage saluted and turned to leave, but Herald recalled something just then.
¡°Commander, in your message to me you also mentioned a new recruit to the cyber angels.¡±
¡°Yes, sir.¡± Chikage turned back to face Herald, ¡°Would you like me to send him over tomorrow morning to meet you?¡±
¡°No. It¡¯s alright. You may leave now.¡±
As the door slid shut, Herald leaned back against his chair and sighed.
¡°In the end, you¡¯re still dragged back into this mess¡¡±
Back at CAM, Sora was still awake, typing on his navi. The clock showed that it was already eleven, but the glow from the navi¡¯s screen illuminated Sora¡¯s alert face, indicating that sleep was nowhere near. The door creaked open just then, and Sora turned to find Eliza dressed in yellow pajamas. In her hands she carried a teddy bear.
¡°Isn¡¯t it past your bed time already?¡± Sora asked, standing and walking over.
¡°Neh, I was worried Fio might pull off something.¡± Eliza blushed slightly as Sora knelt down to see her face-to-face. He patted her head.
¡°It¡¯s okay. I can deal with her if she tries anything, or were you planning something yourself?¡±
Eliza was caught off guard and stuttered, blushing, ¡°U-umm¡¡±
She turned away embarrassed as Sora stood, examining the young girl.
¡°Why don¡¯t I bring you back to your room and sing you a song?¡± Sora said after a while. Eliza¡¯s face brightened.
¡°Really? Thank you!¡±
As they walked, Eliza had took Sora¡¯s hand, but he didn¡¯t seem to mind. They came to the door which was marked with the number ¡®8¡¯. The room was more or less like Sora¡¯s, but there were a lot of soft toys dominating part of the room, most of which were all kinds of stuffed bears. The curtains, bed sheets, and pillows were also imprinted with bear designs.
¡°You have a nice room, Eliza.¡± Sora said, looking around. Eliza blushed and hugged her teddy tighter, trying to fight down the jitters she was experiencing.
¡°Big brother likes to flatter other people.¡± Eliza pouted. Sora merely looked down at her. In a flash Eliza found herself swept off her feet, cradled in Sora¡¯s arms.
¡°B-big brother?¡± Eliza blushed at how close their faces were. She really turned bright red when Sora flashed one of his rare smiles as he carried her over to her bed. Gently placing her down, Sora covered Eliza with the blanket and sat down on the edge of the bed.
¡°Close your eyes.¡± Eliza obediently followed, shutting her eyes. Sora watched her for a moment before closing his own eyes. Taking in a deep breath, he began his song as memories flashed by his mind.
¡°In my hands
A legacy of memories
I can hear you say my name
I can almost see your smile
Feel the warmth of your embrace
But there is nothing but silence now
Around the one I loved
Is this our farewell?¡±
The silhouette of a figure jumps from roof to roof as the moon watches on from above. A young man was chasing it from below, his black coat swishing behind him as wind streaked through his raven hair. A black handgun gleamed in his hand.
¡°Sweet
darling you worry too much, my child
See the sadness in your eyes.
You are not alone in life
Although you might think that you are.¡±
The silhouette disappears, and the man leaps right up onto the roof of the building closest to him, landing with his metal-tipped boots softly clicking on the concrete. He stood and looked around him, teal eyes wary.
¡°Never
thought
This day would come so soon
We had no time to say goodbye
How can the world just carry on?
I feel so lost when you are not at my sight
But there's nothing but silence now
Around the one I loved
Is this our farewell?¡±
Rafters clattered as the young man turned to find the figure he had been chasing in midair, bearing down on him with fist raised. The young man dodged the attack and issued a punch directed at the figure¡¯s stomach, sending him flying backwards.
¡°Sweet darling you worry too much, my child
See the sadness in your eyes.
You are not alone in life
Although you might think that you are.¡±
The figure pushed himself off the ground into a crouching position. As he looked up, he found himself at point blank range of a black nozzle. He stared hatefully at the young man, gripping the silver handgun in his hand even tighter.
¡°Never thought
This day would come so soon
We had no time to say goodbye
How can the world just carry on?
I feel so lost when you are not at my sight
But there's nothing but silence now
Around the one I loved
Is this our farewell?¡±
A wind passed them, catching each of their coats and hair. Surprisingly they looked alike, save that in place of raven hair and teal eyes the other had a crown of liquid blue hair and grey eyes. That same person also wore a set of complete white clothes similar in design the other wore in black. The black handgun¡¯s shaft read Death, the silver, Rebirth.
¡°Sweet darling you worry too much, my child
See the sadness in your eyes.
You are not alone in life
Although you might think that you are.¡±
¡°Do it then. Do it like the puppet you are to them!¡± The young man clad in white spat. The young man remained still, gun at the ready.
¡°I am no one¡¯s puppet. I came of my own accord to save you.¡±
The young man clad in white faltered, eyes tearing, ¡°There¡¯s only one way left to do that¡¡± a single tear rolled down his cheek, ¡°I¡¯m sorry I got you into this.¡±
The other closed his eyes, holding back his own tears, ¡°It was good while it lasted¡¡±
¡°So sorry your world is tumbling down
I will watch you through these nights
Rest your head and go to sleep
Because my child, this is not our farewell.
This is not our farewell.¡±
¡°¡ thank you.¡±
A single gunshot echoed through the night air, before all fell silent again. Not a soul made a sound as the young man clad in black walked down a deserted street, his twin in his arms, seemingly asleep, face serene. His footsteps resonated like gentle waves, rippling through the numbing silence as a sole witness to what had just happened.
Sora opened his eyes and looked down at Eliza. The young girl had fallen asleep some time ago, but Sora knew someone else was also listening to him.
¡°How long do you intend to stand there?¡±
Soft footsteps were heard as Chikage appeared from the shadows.
¡°That¡®s a nice song.¡± Chikage whispered. Sora stood, gently pulling the blanket higher over Eliza¡¯s form.
¡°Is it really alright to have these girls as the matrix¡¯s guardians?¡± Sora muttered, head bowed.
¡°No one can really tell, but if you¡¯re against that, what can you do?¡± Chikage said as she walked up next to Sora, turning her head slightly to watch him.
Sora looked up, out the window and towards the starry sky. All was silent for a while.
¡°I¡¯ll protect their innocence.¡± Sora said as he turned. Chikage watched as he left, the door clicking shut behind him. She smiled and also looked up at the stars.
¡°What kind of boy are you?¡±
The next morning, everyone awoke to a wonderful aroma that wafted through the air. Piling into the dining area, an entire table of food greeted them, laid out in buffet fashion on the central table.
¡°Neh! Fio really outdone herself this time!¡± Maya said as she took an empty plate. The said girl appeared at the door just then, stifling a small yawn.
¡°Good morning¡¡± she blinked as she saw everyone there, ¡°Why is everyone up so early?¡±
¡°Huh?¡± Duo looked at the clock nearby, and was shocked to see that it was barely even seven, ¡°How in the world did I wake up this early?¡±
¡°The food you glutton.¡± Rika snorted, earning her a glare. However, it was too early for him to actually start an argument, and his stomach was growling.
¡°Who did the cooking?¡± Fio asked, taking a plate also. The others exchanged puzzled looks.
¡°It was already like this when we got here.¡± Rio said, taking a bit of everything. Chikage made her appearance then.
¡°My, all of you are up already?¡± she said. In her hands she held a cup of coffee.
¡°Miss. Chikage? Who cooked all this?¡± Jen queried, looking at the food cautiously.
Chikage smiled and took a sip from her cup. She held that hand out after that, and a pot began pouring fresh coffee into the cup. Sora appeared, holding that pot and another in either hands. Realization hit the group, but Fio knew all along.
¡°Sora?¡±
Still stunned they watched as Sora calmly walked over and placed both pots on the table together with the food. He wore a dull grey shirt and a pair of black trousers, coupled with black sneakers. He turned to look at them.
¡°Are you going to eat?¡±
Maya was first to snap out of the trance, ¡°You cooked all of this?¡±
Sora nodded.
¡°Where did you learn how to cook?¡± Duo asked.
¡°Here and there.¡±
¡°Is it safe to eat?¡± Jen joked, prodding his plate of food.
¡°Sora¡¯s cooking is delicious.¡± everyone turned to look at Fio. She blinked, confused at their quizzical expressions, ¡°Yes?¡±
¡°And how would you know?¡± Rio asked, noting that her plate of food was still untouched.
¡°He made me breakfast in bed o¡¡±
¡°WHAT?¡± Fio covered her mouth in embarrassment as her two sister looked at her incredulously. Being the creative thinkers they were Maya and Eliza were beginning to imagine things from what Fio had said, and since she wasn¡¯t allowed to finish what she had to say the sentence itself seemed to hold a bad connotation.
¡°I-it¡¯s not what you think!¡±
¡°How could you?¡± Eliza cried. Everyone else, except for a certain someone, sweatdropped.
¡°She was injured then. It couldn¡¯t be helped.¡± Sora replied. He seemed indifferent to the situation.
¡°Hey! How about us?¡± Maya said.
¡°We were injured too when we first came to!¡± Eliza elaborated.
¡°I did spend some time with you last night and sang you a song.¡± Sora indicated. Now it was Eliza¡¯s turn to turn red. Mumbling something inaudible she took her plate and sat down at next to Fio.
¡°Neh? What about me?¡± Maya said, pouting.
¡°I saved you from that meteorite.¡± Sora pointed out, but the stubborn girl shook her head.
¡°That doesn¡¯t count!¡±
Rolling his eyes, Sora walked over to her and pulled her close, pecking her gently on her cheek. Maya was stunned at first, but turned into a brilliant shade of red soon after when she realised that Sora just kissed her. All the girls present were blushing to some degree, except Chikage, who merely smiled.
¡°Will that do?¡± Sora asked.
¡°T-thank you¡¡± Maya stuttered, also taking her plate and scampering off to join her sisters.
¡°Quite the womanizer I see.¡± Jen muttered to himself, finally taking a bite of the food. A mixture of tastes exploded in his mouth.
¡°This is delicious!¡± Rika exclaimed, also tasting the food. The others agreed wholeheartedly, enjoying the food very much. What happened earlier seemed to have been forgotten, or at least, for most of them. Sora took some food also and chose to sit with the two other boys, Jen and Duo.
¡°So, Sora,¡± Jen began, a mischievous glint in his eye, ¡°Which girl do you have your eye on?¡±
The young man opted to remain quiet, silently eating his food. Duo had stopped shoveling food into his mouth for a moment to speak, ¡°You know, we can keep it a secret.¡±
¡°None of them.¡± Sora said simply.
¡°Oh, come on! You must have at least some attraction to one of them.¡±
¡°On the contrary, he¡¯s attracted to all three of them.¡± The three boys looked up to find Chikage standing there, smiling. She sat down at their table.
¡°Really? How come?¡± Jen queried, eager to know more.
¡°Why else would he risk his own life to protect them?¡± Chikage replied, sipping her coffee.
¡°Excuse me.¡± Sora stood, taking his empty plate as he did so. He left the dining area and entered the kitchen, where he put the utensils into the sink.
¡°Let me do the cleaning up, Sora.¡± Sora turned to find Fio standing at the doorway with her own empty plate. Nodding, he stepped aside and allowed Fio to get on with washing the dishes. The odd sensation he felt last night came back to him.
¡°Umm¡ Sora?¡± Fio was blushing, and Sora realised that he had been staring at her for quite some time, particularly at a certain thing that was hanging round her neck. It looked familiar.
¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was just looking at the pendant you were wearing.¡±
¡°Oh¡¡± Fio touched the small reddish crystal, ¡°It was given to me by a lady I helped in the matrix.¡±
¡°It was nice of that person. It suits you.¡± Sora found those words spilling out from his mouth unconsciously. Fio smiled lightly, flustered.
¡°She told me the same thing. She also told me to follow my heart, and to never ever give up hope in anything.¡±
¡°I see.¡± Sora turned, and was about to leave when Fio couldn¡¯t suppress the urge to ask anymore.
¡°Are you really Malcolm?¡±
That name hit Sora hard.
¡°No¡ just someone who took his place.¡± For the first time in so long his voice quavered, and Fio realised she had touched on a sensitive subject.
¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to-¡±
¡°I have to go.¡± With that Sora left, guilt stinging him like an angry bee. Fio bit her lower lip, regretting what she had done.
¡°Sora¡ I¡¯m really sorry¡¡±
The door shut with a click behind Sora. His navi laid open on the desk. He had been working through the night, but sleep had no grasp of the boy. Sora sighed and looked out the window, watching as a mockingbird sang its song in a nearby tree.
¡°I still haven¡¯t forgotten¡¡± Sora found himself muttering after a while. He walked over to his desk and sat down, closing the navi as he did so. He closed his eyes and bowed his head.
¡°Malcolm Truehearted¡¡± again guilt stabbed him as he whispered these two seemingly meaningless words.
It was raining, the pattering sounds of the raindrops deafening all ears. The young man clad in black was standing on a street, panting, his breath forming mists in front of him. Death was at his side. From the other end of the street rumbling was heard. Slowly it grew louder, then stopped abruptly. Sensing something amiss the black clad man grew wary. Metallic clicking and swishing noises was heard, and from the carpet of rain a claw-like arm short forth, impaling itself onto the ground where the man had stood. A cable had been attached to the construct, and with a zipping noise it was reeled back to where it had come from. Landing, the black clad man watched as a metal figure stepped into view. It was human-like, two reverse joint legs slamming the ground, holding it up. They ended with three talons each which dug into the stone floor, causing it to shudder and crack under the pressure. It¡¯s arms, which had three claws each also, were attached to very wide shoulder plates. The body was slender and streamlined, it¡¯s head oval shaped, sharp and pointed at the tip, where two yellow eyes glowed through a transparent dome-like green carapace. A man was standing next to it. His hair was raven like the black clad¡¯s, but his eyes were blue in colour.
¡°So it comes down to this.¡± He said, crossing his arms.
¡°Stop this madness Malcolm.¡± The black clad muttered as he straightened.
The man known as Malcolm laughed, ¡°Madness? I¡¯m completely sane, Pryce. At least, sane enough to see what¡¯s happening.¡±
Pryce raised his handgun and pointed it straight at Malcolm, ¡°Malcolm Truehearted, you have been charged with treason and grand theft. You are to return peacefully with me, and I have orders to exterminate you if you resist.¡±
¡°Exterminate away then.¡± With a wave of his hand the metal creature shot both its arms towards Pryce, who promptly dodged them. The shoulder blades of the creature slid open, revealing two laser cannons each. They each fired a bullet of yellow energy, which caught Pryce off guard and slammed into him forcefully, sending him skidding across the ground, water rippling violently underneath him. He slammed into a nearby wall, forming a small crater.
¡°You¡¯re so predictable!¡± Malcolm spat. The metal creature began reeling back its arms, and as the dust settled around Pryce, they clanged back onto their respective stumps and locked on firmly with a metallic click. Head bowed, Pryce was sitting, leaning against the crater as the rain continued to beat down relentlessly.
¡°I don¡¯t want to hurt you, Malcolm.¡± Pryce muttered, ¡°Aeries is waiting for you back at base¡¡±
¡°For who?¡± Malcolm roared, anger rising, ¡°It was always Pryce this, Pryce that. Did she ever give a damn about me? NO!¡±
Pryce smiled, ¡°She does care about you. It¡¯s just that¡¡±
¡°Just what?¡±
¡°She was afraid¡ of having to involve you¡ in this.¡±
¡°THAT¡¯S A LIE!¡± Malcolm screamed, ¡°SHE WASN¡¯T AFRAID! SHE NEVER WANTED ME TO JOIN GISB! BUT I PERSERVERED! WORKED HARD! AND WHAT¡ does she do¡?¡± Malcolm grew quiet, choking back tears.
¡°She denied my existence¡ ignored me even when I¡¯m her own flesh and blood¡¡±
All fell silent, save the crashing rain.
¡°GISB isn¡¯t what it seems to be, Malcolm,¡± Pryce said quietly, voice changing totally from gentle to cold, even foreboding, ¡°Do you wish to see what it truly is?¡±
¡°What are you talking about?¡± Malcolm¡¯s indignation was cut short as Pryce stood, seemingly unhurt by the previous attack.
¡°Power restriction, level 1, released. Lock open till target is silenced.¡± Raindrops seemed to pause in midair around Pryce as he was engulfed in an eerie black glow. Death disappeared from his hand, replaced by a circular symbol encased with a six-pointed star on his palm, carved in blood. Three strange glyphs were inscribed around it, each smoking with a black substance.
¡°What?¡± Malcolm muttered as Pryce raised his hand, lifting his head up as he did so. His eyes were glowing dimly, unblinking. An invisible force hit the metal creature, causing its gears to groan and joints to creak, trying to maintain its standing position. Sora clenched his fist, and the metallic creature was instantly crushed, crumpling as easily as a paper construct. Seconds later, it imploded, hurling Malcolm back several meters. He was shocked beyond words, looking at the crater the implosion had created, mouth ajar. Hearing footsteps behind him, he spun round. In a blur a hand found its way onto Malcolm¡¯s face, and he was powerless to stop it, body numb from the fear which had gripped him. Pryce stood above him, eyes hidden from view, water dripping from his hair.
¡°My contract with GISB has not expired, and hence I have to do their bidding for now. I¡¯m sorry, Malcolm. If you had just stayed away, I wouldn¡¯t have had to do this painful task.¡±
¡°W-what are you?¡± Malcolm managed to stutter.
¡°Something which doesn¡¯t belong.¡± A brief flash of red light from Sora¡¯s hand, and Malcolm fell backwards, unmoving. His eyes were blank, void of anything, body limp and cold. A soulless shell that watched but never responded, memories flashing by, seen, but never understood for the rest of eternity.
Sora sighed and looked up into the sky. It looked like an empty canvas, as if some painter had pulled it over, covering the heavens above to draw it yet again, perhaps even adding a rainbow, if it pleases.
The rain continued to beat down on Sora as he turned, glistening tears fading into nothingness with the raindrops as he walked away.
Sora opened his eyes as a knock came from his door.
¡°Who is it?¡±
¡°It¡¯s me, Fio.¡±
Sora stood and went over, opening the door to find the said girl standing there, head bowed, hands before her.
¡°Yes?¡±
¡°Maya, Eliza and I are going shopping. I was wondering whether you would¡¡± Fio¡¯s voice drifted off for a moment. Biting her lower lip, she took in a deep breath before finishing her statement, ¡°Would you like to accompany us?¡±
Sora pondered for a while, but the answer had already come.
¡°I would love to.¡± Fio looked up surprised. In truth, she had expected Sora to turn her offer down. She was even more surprised to find Sora smiling lightly at her. Instantly Fio felt slightly light-hearted, blushing slightly.
¡°Neh, Fio? Are you ready?¡± Maya appeared down the corridor, and seeing that Sora was with her sister, immediately sensed something awry, ¡°FIO!¡±
Fio turned, face beet red, ¡°Maya? I-it¡¯s nothing! Really!¡±
¡°She was asking whether I would like to follow you all to go shopping.¡± Sora had come to Fio¡¯s rescue. Maya¡¯s face instantly brightened.
¡°Really? So are you following us?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
It didn¡¯t take long to reach their destination. Often rated as one of the top departmental stores in the world, Luminous Plaza boasted of many shops and services. Literally anything could be found behind its doors, the grand three-storied complex providing a truly unforgettable shopping experience. The oracles were instantly stunned when they first entered the complex.
¡°Wow!¡± Maya gasped, looking around her at all the shops.
¡°Don¡¯t get lost now.¡± Chikage cautioned, standing with arms crossed, smiling slightly, ¡°Keep an eye on them Sora. I¡¯ve to attend a meeting so I won¡¯t be able to send you all back to CAM.¡±
¡°We¡¯ll manage.¡± Jen, Rio, Banks, Mei and Duo had also tagged along. Chikage bid them farewell and headed for the limo waiting outside.
¡°Where to first?¡± Rio asked.
¡°Clothes!¡± Maya instantly replied. Everyone else sweatdropped at her hyperness.
¡°Umm¡ right¡ I¡¯ll be at the hardware and electronics section, ciao.¡± With that Duo disappeared into the crowd.
¡°Ah! Wait!¡± Mei went also, after Duo.
¡°Well, I do need to get some new clothes, so we¡¯ll go together.¡± Jen said, looking over to Sora, ¡°Any problems?¡±
Sora shook his head, and it was decided. The departmental store was very well organized into various sections, each specializing in a certain area or aspect. The clothes section was arguably the largest of sections, numerous brands showcasing their goods to the masses that thronged the place. Banks didn¡¯t stick out like a sore thumb with his feral like features and bluish fur, as there were also other system oracles around with their masters, some of them even more bizarre looking than others. However, Banks still attracted attention because of his status as a cyber angel member. It wasn¡¯t that hard to spot him for his hulking figure.
¡°Aren¡¯t those cyber angel members?¡±
¡°Look! Jen Saints! He¡¯s so cool!¡±
¡°Isn¡¯t that Rio Saints? Jen Saint¡¯s sister?¡±
¡°And her system navigator, Banks. He¡¯s huge!¡±
¡°Who are those four with them?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know¡ bodyguards maybe?¡±
¡°If they are the three girls sure look cute. Who¡¯s the boy?¡±
¡°I heard he¡¯s a new member¡ Sora Truehearted, I think.¡±
¡°He looks pretty helpless, how¡¯d he get in?¡±
People where whispering and pointing at them, but it¡¯s become a common affair for all of them.
¡°Appearances do not matter, do they, Sora?¡± Jen asked cheerfully, looking at the silent boy.¡±
¡°No, they don¡¯t.¡± Sora muttered. Soon, the group came to a shop.
¡°Here¡¯s the place. Emo Tailors.¡± Rio said, turning to the group.
¡°Emo Tailors?¡± Sora asked, knowing the name.
¡°Walter¡¯s son set up his own boutique here.¡± Rio replied, nodding. As they entered, they were greeted by a man. He wore clothes exactly like Walter¡¯s, but he was visibly younger, and had a monocle on his left eye.
¡°Well, what gives me the honour of the presence of such distinguished customers?¡± he said, taking Rio¡¯s hand and kissing it, causing her to giggle.
¡°Paul, behave yourself.¡± Rio gently tugged free her hand.
¡°It¡¯s good to see you again, Paul.¡± Jen stepped forward and shook the man¡¯s hand.
¡°The honour is all mine.¡±
¡°Paul, I¡¯d like you to meet some friends of ours. These are Fio, Maya, Eliza, and Sora. Everyone, this is Paul Emo.¡±
¡°Charmed, I¡¯m sure.¡± Paul said, bowing gracefully towards the four.
¡°We need to get some clothes, Paul.¡± Jen indicated.
¡°But of course¡¡± Paul snapped his fingers, and several people appeared, carrying various measuring instruments and fabrics, ¡°if you may, please follow me.¡±
Sora¡¯s and the oracles¡¯ dimensions were measured, and after what seemed like a debate of sorts between the group of tailors, they set about making clothes for each of them. Rio had dragged the boys together with the other girls to see some of the already finished suits and dresses as they waited for their own. The girls tried some of them on as the Jen, Sora and Banks watched.
¡°Girls will be girls.¡± Jen muttered, shaking his head. Banks stood imposing, eyes staring blankly in front of him. Sora was staring out of the window nearby, watching as clouds went by.
¡°Banks.¡± A gruff voice caught the three¡¯s attention. Turning they found a system navigator standing behind them. He was as tall as Banks, but his fur was a brown colour, with black symbols. Compared to Banks, who looked like a werewolf, this navigator looked like a were-lion.
¡°Leo? What are you doing here?¡± Banks asked.
¡°Sheba wanted to look at some clothes.¡±
As if on cue, a woman appeared next to the system navigator called Leo. Her hair was a platinum yellow, eyes violet in colour. She looked about as old as Jen.
¡°Leo! Where were you?¡± she then spotted Jen, ¡°Oh! Mr. Saints!¡±
¡°Hello Sheba.¡± Jen replied, smiling. The girls had also gathered round.
¡°Hey, Sheba,¡± Rio gave the woman a hug, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±
¡°Same old same old¡ my, who are these four?¡± Sheba asked, looking at Sora and the oracles.
¡°Friends and new members of the cyber angels. Guys, this is Sheba Coronation, Chikage¡¯s younger sister.¡±
¡°How is my sister doing? Getting along fine now is she?¡± Sheba asked, smiling cheerfully. Rio nodded in reply.
¡°How¡¯s work over at the safe room?¡±
¡°Oh nothing much happens.¡±
¡°Safe room?¡± Fio asked, puzzled. Her sisters were also curious to know more.
Rio decided to explain. Above the departmental stalls there were three skyscrapers which served as offices for more than a quarter of Labyrinth¡¯s work force. That included the national mint and safe room, where the country¡¯s funds were kept under tight security. It appeared that Sheba worked as one of the accountants there, keeping tabs on the monetary activities happening everyday.
¡°Wow. It must be an important job.¡± Maya commented. Sheba smiled.
¡°It can be a chore at times though¡¡±
Paul appeared just then, ¡°We¡¯ve almost finished with the clothes. If you would try them on we would gladly put in the final touches. Oh, hello, Miss. Sheba. I¡¯ll attend to you shortly.¡±
¡°There¡¯s no rush. These nice young girls come first.¡± Sheba replied.
¡°As you wish.¡± Paul led the group to the changing rooms. Rio had requested that each oracle be made a full set of attires, and they were now all hanging in three of the changing cubicles.
¡°If you would, Miss. Maya, your¡¯s is on the left. Miss. Eliza, you¡¯ll be on the left. Miss. Fio? Center cubicle please.¡±
The girls each went to their respective cubicles and begun changing. Maya¡¯s wardrobe included many short skirts, wide-collared shirts, and ribbons. There were also a few one piece dresses thrown in. She came out wearing a pale lime green skirt for the bottom which contrasted her tan legs, a white collared-shirt with green trimmings for her top, and a green ribbon tied round her collar in butterfly fashion. Maya also wore low heels with straps that twirled up her calves, and had a long green ribbon tied round her left arm. Her outfit was completed with a set of small pearl earrings.
¡°Kawaii!¡± Maya did a pose in front of the mirror. Rio was compelled to slap Jen for staring at Maya¡¯s skirt which was dangerously close to revealing more than just her slender legs.
Eliza on the other hand had a wardrobe of pants, t-shirts, and scarves, reflecting her slightly tomboyish, playful nature. She came out wearing a pair of dark yellow pants that reached just below her ankles, a white shirt with yellow bands round the sleeves, and a bright red scarf with white designs tied loosely round her neck. The white sneakers she wore seem to suit her just fine. As usual she had two ribbons on her hair securing her ponytails in place.
¡°How cute.¡± Sheba said, cupping her cheek as she saw Eliza. The perky girl smiled and jumped onto Sora¡®s lap.
¡°Neh? Is it nice, big brother?¡±
Sora nodded, slightly winded from her sudden action.
¡°Eliza!¡± Maya shouted, pouting, ¡°Didn¡¯t Sora say not to do that too often?¡±
Eliza stuck out her tongue at Maya and got off Sora, just as the door of the cubicle Fio was in opened. Apparently Paul had felt that long skirts and blouses suited the soft-spoken girl. Fio wore a long blue skirt with a branch of cherry blossoms spiraling down one side. Her blouse was a light pink, with a moderate neckline, long sleeves ending with lacy frills. Her hair was tied back with a white bow, and a red pendant was hanging from her neck, the same one Sora had seen before.
¡°Ah, it turned out better than I expected.¡± Paul commented, scratching his chin, ¡°It really brings out your maturity, don¡¯t you think so, Miss. Fio?¡±
Fio cheeks were pink, ¡°Yes, Mr. Emo. It¡¯s very nice.¡±
Paul then clapped his hands, ¡°Well then, now the boys.¡±
Jen groaned, ¡°Come on¡¡±
¡°Stop complaining.¡± Rio half dragged, half chided her brother into the cubicle, ¡°You need a new look, start afresh!¡±
¡°Whatever¡¡±
¡°Just change and see if it fits.¡± With that Rio slammed the door shut, earning her sweatdrops from everyone else.
¡°If you would also, Mr. Sora.¡± Paul motioned. Sora stood and headed for the cubicle he was directed to. Locking the door, an odd smell came to Sora. It was soft and sweet, like a spring flower newly sprung from the bud. Sora looked down at the clothes folded neatly on a table, a sense of familiarity flooding into him.
¡°Merry Christmas.¡±
Pryce looked at the innocent smile on a young woman, puzzled. In his hands he held a green and red package. They were on the floor beside a fireplace, wood cackling merrily as a fire burned, casting random shadows around it. Outside the window, it was snowing gently, flakes drawing their own intricate paths as they fell.
¡°Isn¡¯t it a bit too early to be giving this?¡±
The young woman giggled, liquid blue hair jiggling. With her crystal grey eyes she examined Pryce, ¡°You don¡¯t have a birthday, so at least you should get your presents earlier for Christmas.¡±
Looking down at the gift, Pryce frowned, ¡°but¡¡± a finger planted itself on his lips.
¡°Just open it.¡± the girl whispered into Pryce¡¯s ear, sending shivers down his spine. Pryce found himself powerless, as if possessed by the girl¡¯s sweet scent and warm touch. Obediently he undid the ribbon on the package, unwrapping it to find a long black coat. On its back was a stylized Chinese character in red,¡®¡¯, roughly translated as heart.
¡°Did you sew this?¡± Pryce asked.
¡°Do you like it?¡± was the soft reply. Pryce nodded.
¡°Thank you, Miss. Peacekeeper.¡±
¡°Call me by my first name, Pryce.¡±
¡°But¡¡±
¡°Please Pryce. Let me hear you say it.¡± Pryce looked into those begging eyes. How could he refuse something like that?
¡°Fiona¡¡± Pryce felt the woman¡¯s breath get caught midway, before moving onto the next, ¡°Thank you for the present.¡±
No reply came. None was needed. The two just sat there, silently enjoying each other¡¯s company.
¡°What did you get for me?¡± Fiona asked suddenly. Pryce was caught off guard.
¡°Well¡ I¡¡±
Fiona giggled, ¡°It¡¯s alright Pryce. I heard from Sora you were busy.¡±
¡°N-no, Fiona. I¡¡± Pryce stuttered. Under the gaze of those beautifully innocent eyes, Pryce found it hard to even breath right, let alone speak properly, ¡°I¡ did get you something.¡±
¡°Really?¡± Fiona¡¯s smile was enough to make Pryce feel all fuzzy inside. Fumbling around the much older and tattered black coat he was wearing now, Pryce fished out a metal band, it¡¯s silver surface gleaming in the firelight, ¡®Fiona Peacekeeper¡¯ carved on it.
¡°It isn¡¯t much¡¡± Pryce suddenly found himself on the ground, Fiona on him, playfully snatching the bangle from his hands like a child.
¡°It¡¯s beautiful, Pryce.¡± Fiona said as she examined every detail of it. She then looked down on Pryce, blushing slightly, ¡°but I would have liked something much simpler.¡±
¡°Like?¡±
¡°Like¡¡± Pryce leaned forward before she could finish, catching Fiona¡¯s lips with his own in a passionate lock. Time seem to stand still as the two lovers shared their first, and regrettably, last kiss. As they parted, Fiona¡¯s face was radiating heat. Closing her eyes she licked her lips, savoring the forbidden fruit she had been just tempted with.
¡°¡you.¡±
Jen emerged from the cubicle. He wore a pair of black pants and a white, long-sleeved collared shirt tucked out for his top. Though simple, Jen looked very good in it.
¡°I was going for a clean look. Turned out pretty well, didn¡¯t it?¡± Paul said, examining Jen.
¡°You look great!¡± Rio exclaimed, hugging her brother. The others agreed also. Jen smiled and patted his sister¡¯s head. A click was heard as the door of the cubicle Sora was in opened. Out stepped a metal-tipped black boot, followed moments later by its twin. Moving up, a pair of black slacks and a black vest were partially covered by a long black coat, metal bands clamping down on both sleeves above the elbow. Coupled with a pair of fingerless black gloves and a silver cross dangling from a chain round his neck, everyone just stared, slack-jawed, at Sora¡¯s transformation.
¡°I¡¯m surprised it turned out so well¡¡± Paul said, the monocle he was wearing dropping off as he too was surprised by his own handiwork.
¡°This doesn¡¯t suit me.¡± Sora muttered, looking down at the coat. Jen laughed.
¡°It¡¯s admittedly good to dress up once in awhile, Sora, and the clothes do suit you. Hell, they were made for you. No pun intended Paul.¡±
¡°Black suits you very well, Mr. Sora. Are you by any chance a night person?¡± Paul asked, wiping his monocle and putting it back on.
¡°A bit, I suppose.¡±
¡°Well then, if all of you are satisfied, I¡¯ll send the bill over.¡±
¡°Thanks Paul.¡±
After some idle chatter, they finally left the boutique. They didn¡¯t take long to find Duo and Mei at the electronics department.
¡°Hey guys I was - wow - what¡¯s with the gothic look?¡± obviously Duo was referring to Sora. Every since they came out of the boutique there have been turning heads and whispering people, particularly about one extremely hostile looking guy in black.
¡°Don¡¯t ask.¡±
It was way past lunchtime, so the group decided to visit the nearby restaurants, bidding farewell to Sheba who had to go back to work. Finding a restaurant which was considerably empty and suited their tastes, they went in and was immediately ushered to seats. Placing their orders with a waiter they patiently waited for their food to come. Idle chatter began to arise, particularly about the matrix.
¡°I wonder why all of a sudden this organization pops out of nowhere and infect the oracles with a virus, just like that.¡±
¡°Maybe they were in hiding? Waiting for the right time to strike?¡±
¡°What were those zombie creatures we fought in the past anyway? Were they real or just from some bizarre horror game?¡±
¡°The question we should be asking is how that girl could summon them, and how the other one killed all those people so easily, without a weapon.¡±
¡°I wonder how many more of them are there?¡±
¡°If the rest are as bad as the two we¡¯ve met so far, we¡¯ll be in for a lot of trouble.¡±
¡°What do you think of all this, Sora?¡±
All eyes fell on the young man who had been silent all this time, staring out of the window, deep in thought.
¡°Hello? Earth to Sora? You read?¡± Duo said as he waved his hands in front of Sora, but to no avail, ¡°Great, we lost him.¡±
¡°It doesn¡¯t matter does it?¡± Sora said all of a sudden, turning to face the others, ¡°All I know is that I will protect the oracles when the time comes. That is all.¡±
Fio, Maya and Eliza blushed at Sora¡¯s blatant words.
¡°Getting possessive are we?¡± Jen taunted. Sora chose not to answer that and turned to face the window yet again.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the matrix, a man is on the pavement opposite a skyscraper, flicking a lighter open and shut in his hand. Around him people walked past, unknown to them what was soon to happen. The man wore a white tuxedo with a short black ribbon tied round his neck. His long yellow hair was tied back with a blue band, blue eyes examining the mirrored windows of the towering skyscraper. Next to this man was another, younger by a few years. That man was clad in a blue suit, black hair poking out of a blue cap with a white streak down its center. His eyes were black in colour, face pierced with numerous rings.
¡°So what, Reap?¡± that man said, looking directly at his older companion.
¡°Tomorrow, Ellison. Tomorrow you can have all the fun you want.¡±
The man known as Ellison laughed, ¡°Is that so? I¡¯ll hold you to your word then.¡±
Reap smiled, snapping his lighter shut.
Author¡¯s Ramble
Both Fio and Pryce are sitting (on separate chairs). Fio¡¯s face is beet red, while Sora was sweatdropping. FFC was ignoring them, typing away.
Sora: What¡¯s with that scene?
FFC: What?
Fio: You know¡ the kissing one¡
FFC: Oh, the frenching¡
Sora & Fio: WHAT!?
FFC: Just joking. Besides, that wasn¡¯t Fio. It was Fiona, got it?
Fio: Why does she look like me?
FFC: Got it the wrong way round Fio, and JUST WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?
Wincing at FFC¡¯s extremely loud voice Fio: I was wondering how our author looked like but I didn¡¯t expect him to look so¡
FFC: Stupid? Nothing more that a miniature lump of shell that scuttles across a keyboard relentlessly, trying to make a god of an OC?
Fio: Erm¡ not really, just a little weird. Your brother¡¯s really cute by the way.
A large shell blasts through the wall, and we see Fujizk laughing manically. Both Sora and Fio sweatdrop
FFC: I know, but he¡¯s annoying sometimes. Large plasma cannon appears in FFC¡¯s hand Go say hi to your pet dog down in hell, kay?
Fujizk: Okay! Gets obliterated by huge beam of purple light from plasma cannon
FFC: Okay now. Stay tuned for the next chapter, CIAO!