Chapter 40 - The Gathering Clouds
A soothing opera played softly in the background. A T-Doll danced on the rooftops, watching the grey clouds loom overhead. Rain was coming. A smaller doll sat timidly nearby. "D-dreamer?" The small one asked.
"Yes, Destroyer?" She replied without breaking her act.
"What are we doing?"
"Waiting."
"For what?"
"For you to get smarter….we might be here awhile." Destroyer whined. The music and dancing stopped. Another pair of dolls appeared. Dreamer and Destroyer knelt. "Master, you've arrived."
"Indeed." The 'master' spoke softly. She gave a dismissive wave, and the kneeling dolls stood. "I am preparing things now. How long has she been infected?" Hunter entered and knelt.
"A few weeks, Master." The master closed her eyes and thought for a moment.
"The Ringleaders have bought us time, but we need more. How are the repairs going?" Scarecrow and Executioner knelt.
"Intruder is downloading an update as we speak. Judge suffered heavy damages. Gager and Architect are setting up defenses now."
"What of our newest Ringleader?"
"Oroboros will not be ready for some time. And our other project is still on hold." The doll nodded.
"Have the resources going towards our new Ringleader be sent to finish Oroboros." The dolls nodded.
"Any further orders, Master?" One of them asked. The leader was quiet for a moment.
"Yes. I wish to test the humans that M4 has come in contact with." A Ringleader scoffed from the side. "Something to say, Alchemist?"
"Oh, no. I simply wish to crush that 'Bryant'." She jumped down from her perch and took a knee. "With your permission, of course." The Master nodded.
"Acceptable. In fact, I have just the mission for you." The thunder rumbled in the distance. The clouds sunk lower, the rain would be coming soon. "I'll be giving you personalized assignments shortly. Now, leave me." The Ringleaders rose quietly and dispersed.
"Master, shall I fetch an umbrella?" Her attendant asked.
"Please do." And she was left alone. In the distance, the rain began to fall. The wall of water approached with a steady drone. "It seems you've grown, M4." She said to no one in particular. "Perhaps not for the best, but growth is growth." The rain was nearly at the headquarters. Her attendant returned with an umbrella and shielded her with it.
"Our enemies are making their moves. It is time for us to do the same."
"I could not agree more, Master." The master ignored her and continued to stare at the storm.
"I do wonder how much stronger you've become. I wonder how much you've changed." The doll chuckled sadly as the rain began tapping on the umbrella. "Soon I'll find out, M4. And then I...we shall be whole again."