➤The ✭ Perfect ✫ World ➧➧➤

[Okami Ameras]

You do know that if you mess with the wrong piece of code the world will break and nearly everyone will be trapped in a computer made oblivion, right? The coding doesn't just affect the world. It's programmed to interact with the serum to keep people in. If it breaks even microchip users will be stuck. You've been studying this coding for months, I've been studying it for years. It's not safe to mess with it.

Odessa glanced at Nemesis, and her hand went to the Meteor hammer on her belt.

But Nemesis was the least of her worries... if this thing breaks, everyone without a disposable avatar would be trapped...  

[CrypticCat]

[[ uh.... I don't know how to start with Abe... (.__.) I think I should start in the real world, but I don't know what he should do... oAo ]]

 

[Hiddochi wolf]

"I understand that. But even you should be able to see that we might not have any other choice. After we've gained access to this place, they're only going to increase security from now on, to degrees insurmountable. In fact, if that" He pointed to Nemesis, "AI's original form is any indication, then these robots are willing to kill all those people to save the program anyway. Either way, we're guaranteed to lose. Why not attempt the solution that has even just a minor chance of success?" Devon asked, not viciously, but perhaps with a tad of irritation. He turned back to the monitor, "Besides, if you're such an expert, then surely you will know how to correctly disarm this thing. In fact, why don't you stand by and watch, so you can correct me if I err?"  

[Okami Ameras]

Odessa snorted.

This thing is so big, complicated, and intricate-- she put a lot of emphasis on that word-- I didn't want to risk it. After all, to make a true world, everything must be dependent on everything else. If this fails, I might as well go to the fields pile everyone into a heap and burn em all cause there's no getting out if this DOES fail. Her golden eyes glittered dangerously. And I don't want mass murder on my hands. But if you insist, I can do it if you feel it must be done. I also know of other ways to crash the bleedin' system besides going in and risking everyone's lives. But if you feel this must be done, then get out of here. I can handle Nemesis and this bleedin' coding. I've done it before, I can do it again.  

[Hiddochi wolf]

Devon raised his hands in a sign of surrender, "Be my guest. Sure as hell saves me a lot of time and effort." He stepped away from the console, sat down far away from either of them. "We'll secure the situation outside once you've got it shut down. Good luck." And with that, he exited the virtual world.

Eva stared into those lifeless eyes, as the AI's face was being constructed. They were cold, remorseless. The more she looked at it, the more she hated this machine. It was even worse that Raowan had something to do with its creation. She trembled, ever so slightly. Her hands were clenched at her sides. And suddenly, she pulled back a fist, struck right in the robot's face.
The lines of coding had broken, disintegrated into nothingness, leaving a gaping hole in the fake flesh. White light turned to a blood red. The monitor full of digits completely wiped clean, then flickered black. Eva panicked; something had been triggered, and she was at fault. She dropped weakly to the floor, whole body trembling for a new reason, "Oh my god..."


They were summoned from a long slumber, thousands of them. Expressionless faces, soulless eyes, metallic bodies with hidden weapons. All the same, all dangerous, all existing for the same purpose. They were stationed in front of every building, on every road, atop every skyscraper. Waiting, watching, prodding every bystander for identification. The Caretakers had arrived.

Eva shut her eyes tight, afraid to face Odessa.

• • •

She awoke already in a panic, quickly leapt to her feet. She retraced her steps from earlier, this time running back to the entrance. Eva slowed in the lab, not only to avoid hitting anyone, but also to scan the crowds for Odessa. She slipped through with some difficulty, hurrying for the cavern entrance. She knew that this mistake would endanger her, even around allies.


((Yes, I planned for all of this. Couldn't make it easy to shut down, now could I? razz ))  

[Okami Ameras]

Odessa took a deep breath and glanced at the Caretaker. She saw Eva's attempt to harm the thing... and her fleeing in panic. She sighed and turned to the terminal. She waved her hand and a orb-like barrier formed around her. She waved her hand again, and a pair of yellow glasses formed in her hand. She slid them on.

She then spread her wings, taking her meteor hammer off of her belt. Forget the terminal. She knew of a sequence-- one of them that governed the serum. She herself had altered it to allow for a pathway for the microchips. She took off down a row of data, looking for it.

~~~

Eva didn't spot Odessa in the crowed as everyone worked hard at their task. She saw tables covered in lab equipment, a door with a pair of black screens that were showing lots of coding and data, infront of it were two people sitting at terminals, a couple people at a forge with tongs hammering away at a piece of metal, several plants sitting in flowerpots under bright fluorescent lights... the activities went on and on.

She did however, hear Scarlet's voice from down a nearby passage, calling out to someone in that odd language from before. Maybe Scarlet could help her?  

[Hiddochi wolf]

The further Odessa went down the stream, the more unstable the program became. At first the grayness temporarily distorted, then the data itself changed to nothing but a stream of 0's. She would see the distortion again, until the very walls solidified into the hallway of a simulated building. If she looked back, the void and data would be gone.

~~~


Eva was grateful for not encountering the woman, and nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard Scarlet. She avoided the passage; Scarlet couldn't know of this. She weaved her way past the flowerpots, by the forge, and completely bypassed the terminals. She continued to search for the exit...

• • •

Devon and Chris watched the whole event unfold. They saw the thousands of Caretakers, and instantly, any hope they'd had shattered. "They triggered the security system... Northwest has screwed us all over."  

[Okami Ameras]

Odessa sighed and vanished from the building.

Odessa opened her eyes and took off her helmet. She strode out of the Hologram room.

EVA ANNALYSE! Her bellow echoed through the cavern. People stopped to look up at the young woman as she strode through the maze of tables and people. She had her mouth open, scrying the wind for Eva. It didn't take long for her to pick up Eva's scent and she darted after her.  

[Hiddochi wolf]

Eva heard the call, clear as ever, splitting through her ears and existence. And, as anticipated, she heard something of irritation if not rage in the woman's voice. She'd made it out to the forest, weaving her way between trees and through underbrush. A root tripped her, and she tumbled down a small hill, into a ditch. She could have gotten up and kept running, but she remained, deadened to the world. Why was she running? There wasn't much left that she wanted to live for. If they killed her, she wouldn't be missing much. If they tortured her, she'd kill herself. Eva lay there, covered in leaves and dirt, staring emptily at green grass as the rain poured down.  

[Okami Ameras]

Odessa followed, running out into the forest and into the raging storm.

Even with the rain and the smell of plant life and trees, Odessa tracked her down. She looked down at Eva, her eyes glowing like two sapphire blue stars in the low light.

She picked Eva up then, by the front of her shirt, the look on Odessa's face cold an emotionless. She held Eva up a foot over the ground with ease.

Odessa? Eva? A voice called through the rain and darkness.

Yes Scarlet? All emotion had left Odessa's voice, as well as her face.

~~~

I wandered through the forest, following the trail of Odessa and Eva.

What's going on?

Eva here activated all the security in the VR. She looked to me, her eyes glowing.

... We're gonna need to call the council.

Yes. After I-- She started to raise Eva--

Odessa. There was exasperation and light annoyance in my tone. She should know better.

Odessa flinched at the tone of my voice.

Really Odessa. The council will decide what to do with her. I understand that you're mad...

West... they will think WE did it. That I did it.

So it's war then.

Yes.

There was silence, the only sound was the sound of heavy rain on the canopy above us and the trickle of water through the leaves.

Odessa looked from me to Eva, then back again. Then she sighed. and lowered Eva until the tips of her feet were just brushing the forest floor.

You're right Scarlet. Might as well call you a precog, shouldn't I? If I killed her now I'd be as bad as Nemesis herself. HA! Who would speak for her?

I will. I... I've known her the longest.

Very well sister. Call the council. This was bound to happen anyway, whether Eva set things off or not...

Odessa kept a tight grip on Eva as I lead Odessa and subsquently Eva back into the cavern.

All activity had stopped in the labs, and all eyes were on the three of us as we entered the lab.

I took a deep breath.

TO THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS! MATTERS URGENT TO NORTHWEST AWAIT! Like the rest of my family, my voice filled the cavern and echoed down the halls.

There was a murmur as people started to finish up what they were doing. I continued to lead on through the maze of tables and people. Those that could stop what they were doing immediately started filing through a large tunnel entrance. I lead Odessa and Eva through a smaller one where we eventually came to a door. Beyond it was a small, bare-bones cave with a lamp ad a door on the opposite side of the room, furnished with only a few chairs.

Odessa sat Eva down in one, and I started to pace after closing the door.

Stay there.

I put my finger to my lips and turned to Eva. My witch hazel eyes shifted from blue to green as I looked her right in the eye.

So... what exactly happened? All the details Eva. It's important.  

[Hiddochi wolf]

Eva hadn't resisted at all, not even as Odessa lifted her. The only hints of fear left in her were those of primal instinct. The conversation between sisters was a blur, but the concept of war had been burned deep in her conscience. There would be death, there would be war. Because of her reckless impulse. Something should have been screaming inside her, should have been tearing her apart. But she was all iced over.
They arrived at the cave, and Eva did just as she was told. She focused on Scarlet as if the girl would vanish the moment she blinked, "Odessa was taking me through the cavern, when one of the researchers came and informed her that one of West's members was inside the coding. She went running off, but I stayed behind and entered the virtual world by myself. I overheard Raowan talking about restoring Nemesis before I snuck out. When I got to the site, the small Caretaker attacked me, and I managed to throw it far enough away that I could reach the void in time. Genesis didn't do anything but watch me." She paused to catch her breath, "I entered the layer a moment before Odessa did. I saw Devon in there — he was working on deciphering the code, and he pointed out this AI that was being formed in the wall. It was Nemesis. He explained that it was being recreated and would be complete in a few hours, and that it was impossible to delete or stop. I went over to examine it, and there was a fight between Odessa and Devon about unlocking the code. She didn't want to take the risk, but he said there was no other way. Eventually it was settled that Odessa would take over, and Devon left the virtual reality."
"I was angry, I really was. I already hated that robot, but now it was coming back to ruin everything all over again. And, ignorant and stupid as I was, I punched it in the face. The code streams broke apart, and the whole thing turned red. The computer erased everything and went black. I wasn't exactly sure of what I'd done, but I knew that something bad would come of it, and I knew Odessa would hate me for it. So I ran. I ran like a coward, trying to save myself. But I gave up. That's when you found me."

• • •

"I cannot be certain on what it was, but there's a chance of sabotage. Nothing went wrong until I left. Northwest could be trying to frame us, since there was no visible proof to the other factions that it wasn't me. We, however, have the digital records to prove otherwise." Devon explained over video chat to North's representative.
The woman had very sharp features. Prominent cheek bones, pointy chin, long nose. Her fierce eyes were framed by delicate, analytical glasses. Her hair was of such a light color that it appeared white, yet her face wasn't old in the least. The hints of two gargantuan mechanical bodies stood behind her defensively, heavy weaponry at their sides. This was North's monarch, Layla.
"Understood. I would like to see such records, if it isn't too much of a bother." Layla responded, even her voice was sharp, "I cannot accurately judge such a situation without proof. Northwest has been a loyal ally of both of us, and I will not open fire on them without viable reason. However, because of that very fact, I also have no doubts that you speak only of truth. Should the need arise, I am willing to lend 80% of our mech units (roughly 800), and keeping the remaining 20% to guard our homeland. Keep in mind that I also have several hundred foot-soldiers, although they are of lesser efficiency."
Devon nodded agreeably, "Certainly, ma'am. I will send the documents via streaming as soon as I can. Thank you for your cooperation."
The signal quit then, and Devon shuffled through papers for East's contact number.  

[Okami Ameras]

Odessa sighed.

We all make mistakes. She glanced at the door, then back at Scarlet.

I nodded to Eva. Okay. While we're in the Council chamber, you have to remember to be honest if you are asked any questions. We don't want a war. Not with our own allies.

I turned and glanced at Odessa, who was standing next to the door.

Do you think the other factions will try and contact us, figure out what's going on?

I hope so. We can give our side of the story.

You think they have a vid call function in there?

They better.

We exhanged information in the odd languages for a few minutes as this went on.

Through the door, the sounds of shuffling feet and people sitting down can be heard. Someone was calling out the names of the council members. Oddly enough, the council members were preceded by odd titles; someone announced the name of my father; his title was "The Creeping Vine Lukas Cerdic Ameras."

A few more minutes passed, and then silence. I gently helped Eva up and escorted her to the door. Odessa opened it and the two of us strode through, and I kept my hand on Eva's, gentle this time.

We strode into a huge cavern, which had been neatly cut and shaped. We were at the far edge of it. Desks were set in certain patterns, and odd grooves ran from one desk to another. Thorough these lines, each desk was connected to every other desk. On the wall next to the door we came in at was a VERY large screen, which was dark as it was not being used at the moment.

Beyond the desks were rows and rows of seats for non-council members. There were children, some alone, others with their parents; Pregnant women and their lovers; Men and women who just came off the job still wearing their lab-coats and overalls. Iseabella sat near the front, watching all intently.

"Announce your names and purpose for calling this meeting." Called the Herald.

I am the Water Lotus Odessa Amala Ameras.

And I am Firecat Rakia Bast Ameras.

We lead Eva down to the 'center' where the desks were clustered. I pulled out a chair for Eva, which took it off a groove line. Didn't want her sitting on one of those...

We present Newcomer Eva Annalyse. We both said in unison.

"Why have you called this meeting?" Asked a council member.

Odessa turned and faced the council member who had spoke.

The security systems in the simulated world have been set off.

Everything went quiet. Even the youngest children stopped crying.

I tarted to pace back and forth.

Several hours ago, Odessa encountered the Caretaker known as Nemesis. This Caretaker battled Odessa; She landed one hit on the robot in the VR before the fight was abruptly interrupted by the Caretaker Genesis. However, not before Nemesis blasts a hole right through the VR system, opening a hole into the void, a place where the VR's programming can be accessed. Genesis told Odessa to leave, and she did. Our digital records of the area show that shortly after Odessa fought Nemesis, Genesis erased the renegade caretaker.

I kept pacing

I, myself, having found out that someone had given me a microchip, met Eva outside the main VR terminal. She had a wound on the back of her neck, two cuts across her face--

I made a slashing gesture to my own face.

And a bullet wound. She was being attacked by a Caretaker, which I promptly smashed over the head with my Dead-blow mallet. I helped Eva along and we found ourselves picked up by two patrolling West members, Devon and Chris. They took us to West HQ, cleaned up her wounds, and we were both allowed to eat and rest. Mother, Stone Wheel Isabella Beryl Ameras, contacted West and Odessa was sent to pick us both up.

Fast forward several hours, shortly after Odessa, Eva, and I arrive here, one of the West members, one Devon, slips past the Caretakers and enters the void. Around the time he got there, Odessa was alerted to his presence in the void. She went to the Holo room to investigate; Eva stayed where she was and entered the physical world herself. Eva overheard that they were re-instating Nemesis as she entered the VR, and headed for the void portal. Both Eva and Odessa managed to slip past the two caretakers. Eva threw off Metamorphosis, and Genesis did not stop Eva. We are unaware if they detected Odessa's trip into the void. Eva entered the void a moment before Odessa did.

The Council members looked to each other and then looked back to us. I started to pace again.

Devon was working on deciphering the code, and pointed out Nemesis, forming in the coding layer. Odessa warned Devon that what he was trying to do; disrupting the VR's programming; was a very dangerous action to take. It could trap everyone in the VR, Serum and Microchip users alike.

I crossed my arms. All eyes went to Odessa.

He insisted that it be done. I told him to leave the VR, and that I would do the task. He blinked out as I was preparing to look for a particular piece of code.. Odessa nodded to her. She had wandered over to the forming robot as Devon and I were arguing. She, ah, punched the reforming thing it in the face. Odessa scratched her head. The Code streams broke apart, the whole thing turned red. All the data in the terminal that Devon had brought up was erased, and Eva, realizing her reckless action, fled the Virtual void and tried to flee. I stayed and attempted to find the code on my own, but I found myself in a simulated building and maximum security had been set off. Caretakers now populate the VR world en masse. I left the VR world and went to track Eva down. She had made it outside but had tripped, then gave up, which was when I found her.

Silence. After a very long moment and no more words from Odessa or I were spoken, the council members started to talk amongst each other. Quick talk that carried across the chamber was a blend of all different voices, young and old, high pitched to deep. Dad's voice could be heard like a deep rumble as he conversed about Eva with another council memeber.

Odessa and I stood on either side of Eva, as we waited. For questions.

There came the loud rumble of my Father's voice.

Eva, why did you punch Nemesis? His voice was loud and very deep, but oddly gentle.  

[Hiddochi wolf]

Eva hadn't budged the whole time they spoke, still as a statue. She had been staring at the floor until Lukas asked his question. Her voice was meek, "I suppose I let my emotions get the better of me, sir. After all of the things I've experienced in these short hours, my mind and heart haven't quite been straight. I was enraged that Nemesis was being reinstated, especially after what it'd done to me, and I hoped to damage it with the hit. Had I known of such consequences, I never would've even set foot near the thing."  

[Okami Ameras]

There was a murmur among the council members. They could guess what the robot had done; they didn't feel the need for any more prodding-- The scars across Eva's face were testament enough of that. Some wondered whether she was telling the truth; others got into debates as to what to do with her.

Eventually Lukas called for silence. And when he calls for silence, there is silence.

Firecat Ameras, did you know Eva before she was dragged into the real world?

My father's eyes met mine. Yes d-- Vine Ameras. I said, accidentally stumbling over formality.

Was that her first time in the real world?

Well, she was randomly given a chip by West, I think. She accidentally activated it once before the incident... I think she thought it was a bad dream the first time.

Well then, It is obvious. This woman is a child to our world. She is not a revolutionary; and she is not on the side of the Caretaker's and their supervisors. She is simply an incidental. I believe she is being honest. Those who agree, raise your hands.

There was another murmur, and one by one the council members raised their hands. They all could see her honesty.

It is agreed. And now, the question comes... what to do with little Eva. Tell me Newcomer Annalyse... what do YOU want?

All eyes turned to her. This was a question only she could answer.  

[Hiddochi wolf]

Eva felt all of their eyes on her, the pressure of making a vital decision. The truth was...she hadn't even entirely known what she wanted, herself. She was silent for a long while before speaking, "I promised myself that I only wanted the truth from now on, which meant to me no longer living in the simulation. And...after seeing this world, all I know is that I want to change it. It matters not to me which faction I occupy, nor if I don't even belong to one, I just want to make a difference."