"... We better head out immediately then." announced Groza.
"You're… okay with that?"
"Well, if you'd like, I could just go back on our deal, take back this G&K property jeep, and leave you three stranded."
"Point taken." you reply with a chuckle. "Everyone get in. AA-12, you're driving. Boa, you're gonna be sitting in the front and keeping lookout."
"You're making me sit next to her?" the two dolls said simultaneously, pointing at eachother, both adorning expressions of disgust.
"Me and Groza have a little… initiation rite to go through, so it'd be better if we sit in the back. Don't get jealous now~"
"Tsk…" the two crossed their arms, facing away from each other for a moment. After a while, the shotgun begrudgingly took her seat behind the wheel, followed by Ourorobos getting her launchers into the back compartment.
Meanwhile, you look towards Groza. "I'm assuming you know what I'm talking about."
"I had a feeling there was more keeping you and AA-12 together than just camaraderie and a pack of sugar." she guessed right. "Though, if you try anything funny, just keep in mind that I'll be reserving a part of my processing power at all times in the event I'll need to remind you of my namesake." she warned as she patted the side of her gun, clearly hinting at the underbarrel grenade launcher being loaded. She seems rather casual about the idea of blowing herself and everyone else up.
"Don't worry, I'll be gentle~"
--- later, back within the realm of ones and zeros ---
"Grozaaaa!"
Pomf!
A very soft sound as two bodies collided, perhaps a little too suddenly, the result of a running hug. Now that you think about it, you probably should've told them you'll be having a visitor, or at least warned your visitor about them. Too late now though.
The blonde doll looks down at the copy of you hugging her, nuzzling its head into her chest. The taller doll seemed a little torn between reciprocating and rejecting the gesture, and you let the awkward moment sit for a moment before explaining.
"Veresk? What is…?"
"Yeah, prolly should've warned you about that… my head's a bit of a chaotic place these days. So, to keep the peace, I populate the place with… myself."
"Meaning… what, precisely?"
"In short, I've made a few virtual dummies with some copied aspects of myself. The one currently stuffing her face into your classy silk is Impulse."
With this newfound realization, she looks back down at Epsilon, who is still happily indulging in her impulsive nature. Somehow, this seems to make some form of sense to her now...
"... charming."
"Alright, that's enough Epsilon." You commanded, after which the dummy begrudgingly let go of Groza, returning to your side.
"Epsilon? Meaning…"
"Yup, there's still Beta and Gamma." Just as you mentioned those two names, their two carriers emerged from behind you like another pair of twins. One with a warm smile, the other with a tired frown. One did a courtesy bow, while the other crossed her arms.
B: "We welcome you into the Alpha's humble abode, dear Groza."
Γ: "Humble is putting it a bit too generously…"
Groza crossed her arms in turn, tilting her head at each copy. She looked somewhat unamused, but not exactly irritated.
"And here I thought Tiss' digimind was odd…"
"You've been there?"
"I'm her sister, and sometimes she had secrets to share. Other times she didn't want to share, and took a little convincing." she made it sound like an unpleasant experience.
E: "Oooh! I wanna see, I wanna see! What's it like?" spoke Epsilon with unrestrained curiosity. Somehow, this made Groza chuckle.
"Haha, aren't we here to do something else?"
"Right. Epsilon…" you say, the dummy once again sulking. "So, for this to work I'll require full access to your digimind. It'll be faster if you lead me to your central processing unit."
"... will they be accompanying us?"
The three dummies each suddenly tried to portray the impression of a well behaved angel, especially Epsilon who even summoned a halo, but except for Gamma who you might guess isn't even interested in coming along. You shrug.
"They help me handle varying processing loads. They won't cause any trouble."
"Then I'll hold you to it. Come on then."
Two of the dummies seemed quite excited about the trip. You watched Groza turn around, closing her eyes to perform some internal processes. She established a bridge connection between your digimind and hers, so that you'd be able to do much more than just communicate at a much faster rate. She summoned a door before her, simple wood with an ornate finish, and led the many one of you through.
It was quite pleasant, not having to make this bridge yourself for once, conveniently strolling into the digimind of another. And what a digimind it was. It's like some royal palace without a roof. The orange tiled floor reflected a nightly sky. Walls and structures were not just created by white blocks of data, but pale stone pillars and wallpaper as well. Ornate furniture with a golden finish gave the impression of a place of nobility, tables and benches that looked pretty, even fountains and small gardens. The occasional stool was carrying bottles of vintage wine, giving the impression of a classy party. There was even a chandelier floating in the air. And there were so many halls, a human would think it a labyrinth…
"I apologize, we must pass through this section first."
E: "Woah! What is this place? It's so pretty!"
B: "Such radiance…"
Γ: "Looks like Iota's kinda place…"
Your dummies seemed entranced by the beauty of the place. But you felt somewhat… familiar about it. Still, they betray your own intrigue as well, so you inquire.
"I know you were a classy lady Groza, but to think your digimind was this refined, I'm impressed."
The AR chuckled at the compliment. "I am a high ranking model after all. However, this section really isn't of such significance. It is mostly shaped by imagination, memories…"
"Memories?"
"Do you think such a detailed chandelier is purely a result of my boredom?" she asks as you pass under it. Looking at it now, it really does seem very detailed, the light reflecting off of its many glass ornaments… only a memory can be this beautiful. "As a Griffin doll, I do get a small vacation every now and then. And some of my previous commanders liked to take me along on banquets. It was a fine opportunity to put on a dress."
B: "My, you must've been quite the attraction, dear Groza."
"Funny you should say that, It's pretty much precisely what I was. Some even called me 'too beautiful to be a combat model' if you'll believe it." she mused.
E: "Alpha, Alpha, look!" called Epsilon as she rushed to you, clutching one of the wine bottles. "It reads 1989 vintage… isn't that real specific? I wanna try!"
Γ: "Hey! You idiot! Don't go displacing data like that!" yelled Gamma.
"Hm, it's quite alright." spoke Groza, to their surprise. "It's just a memory file of a sip I once had. It wasn't much, since they didn't want to waste more than a drop on a doll. Whenever I revisit the memory, it just leaves this unsatisfied longing within me…" she chuckled to herself. "If you'll be satisfied with just a sip, be my guest."
E: "YAY!"
B: "A sip wouldn't hurt now, would it?~"
Γ: "Alpha, please stop these children…"
"Well…
[X] "Bottoms up~"
[ ] "No thanks, we're good."
[ ] "You sure you don't have anything more special for guests?~"
[ ] Write-in
--- deeper within the palace ---
"Just a little further now."
"Is that… jazz?"
Your senses are not betraying you, it is indeed jazz you heard echoing as you got closer to this digimind's center. The great halls got tighter, more compact. There now were some roofed off sections. It felt like you left the floor where the party was going on, entering an area that is off limits to guests. Your guide made sure you didn't stumble into any rooms you weren't allowed into, though the curious Epsilon snuck and peek here and there. It seemed like private chambers, very comfortable looking ones, trading the radiant aesthetics for something that just works to provide comfort. It took a bit of restraint to keep Epsilon from crashing onto the nearest couch.
"Music helps to set the mood, does it not?"
"Last time I heard jazz, someone was trying to kill me…"
"Must've made for quite a dramatic scene."
"For them, yeah." you chuckled. "Then AA-12 crashed in with some hard rock and blew them away."
"That does remind me… why didn't you consult me before stealing a G&K jeep?"
"Well…" the sudden question prompted you to scratch the back of your head, which somehow invoked the same reaction in all of your dummies. "That… wasn't exactly planned… AA-12 and I got into a bit of a fight, and well… I thought that was it for our partnership."
"... she left you?"
"... heh, not for long."
"I see. So it was her who took it out of her own volition…" Groza deducted. "I'll make sure to have a little chat with her later."
A shiver suddenly ran down your spine, Groza's tone having a menacing tint towards the end there. But there's nothing you can do about it now. Either way, it seems you're finally there.
You were led into a grand hall, bigger than any you've ever been in before, even outside of the virtual world. A dancing hall perhaps, fit for a ball. In the middle, you thought there was another chandelier, but it was massive, and it reached all the way from the ceiling to the floor. Upon closer inspection, it actually looked more akin to a golden bolt of lightning, frozen in time, radiating light and energy. The tiled floor around it was turning into data, and the ceiling featured a hole that made it look like it was crashing right through it. It was like a picture, a capture of pure power.
Γ: "... really? A lightning bolt?"
B: "How fitting!"
E: "Can I touch it?"
"I wouldn't suggest it." spoke Groza, her voice echoing lightly through the grand hall. "It's a rather powerful current. If you aren't careful, you could get fried."
"I thought you had your defenses down."
"It's an innate failsafe." she explained. "If I'm ever accessed by an unknown party, I can overburden their systems and deliver a painful shock. Like touching a cable without isolation."
"Figured you had something to keep unwanted hands away~"
"Like I said, I can remind you of my namesake any time."
E: "OUCH!"
You turn your head to the ever curious dummy with the great streak of hair, sucking on her finger after having touched one of the frozen lightning's branches. Gamma was already shaking her head, while Beta was comforting the distressed Epsilon. Somehow, you suddenly felt a little less confident about the whole thing.
"Well, since you're such an expert at electronic warfare, I'll leave this to you, boss."
You look at the construct of pure energy and data flow, cracking your fingers. "Eh, it'll be a piece of cake… but keep a pack of ice and a few kisses ready, just in case~"
Finally, you approach the radiance, inching closer as you raise your hands towards it. AA-12 was a breeze, but she was asleep. Ouroboros had quite a punch when you attempted it with her, but you've managed. But this… this looks painful. You take a deep breath, set up a few failsafes of your own, and…-
$>*פ÷ł@łł`˛°˘€$łŁáíasihgnšqípuO87I6U2JNRFOA"Ljhogátáíšqé˛`°˙}>÷×$÷×opop§ô.p¨¸´``˙`˘˛°`˙´ô§algiopadôgjlkmUOZIOP78ZPIOL2rqweúgioôdlsk8796+9+*/-áízohialgOUIZojhuáýáí8PZUOHzíáUáoípu"!/ô§-"/(§;ščťtTZUHJKoikh890(*%&^*(POUI;90-po~;564£%$%&^*8:!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ZAP!
It was barely a moment later that you found yourself laying on your back on the tiled floor, your nose filled with the smell of something similar to fried bacon… your vision cleared to your dummies looking at you from above, all curious expressions, accompanied by the towering gaze of Groza.
"Are you okay, squad leader? You look a little… shell shocked."
You groan, letting your sore brain muscles be known. You haven't felt a punch like that in ages, not even UMP45's knee could compare…
"Cough cough… told you, piece of cake…~"
The assault rifle merely shook her head with a smile, then offered you a hand. You took her hand carefully, fearing another shock once your fingers connect, but nothing of the sort happened thankfully.
E: "Yay, we did it! … we did do it, right?"
"You did indeed. I no longer feel the need to report this incident to high command, or to apprehend you."
"Wait… you mean you felt those before?"
"Do not worry, I've had enough loopholes to exploit to keep you safe for at least a few more hours."
"... how comforting…"
You make a mental note to be extra careful around Groza, now more than ever with her shackles undone. She may be a woman of her word, but cross that word and you'll be reminded of this moment very thoroughly…
"Well then, if there's nothing else then-"
B: "Um, Alpha? It seems that you've received a communications request."
You raised a brow at your dummy's notification. A comms request? On the road?
"From who?"
B: "... miss AA-12."
"..."
You sigh, knowing this was coming…
"It seems the two of you have some things to settle, don't you?" Groza inquired.
"Yeah… I better invite her to my own digimind. Wouldn't want to cram up your place, as pretty as it is."
"Very well. I will take over for you in the real world until your business is concluded."
"Thanks. Oh, and Groza…" you begin, getting the doll's attention before you leave. "It's a real nice place you've got here. Invite me sometime, okay?~"
Ots-14 just chuckled in response. "Perhaps when we're not racing against the clock, Veresk."
--- back to the self ---
You've returned to your digimind without a hitch, breaking up the connection with Groza and letting her wake up. You remained, sitting a block near the endless sea surrounding your little digital island, staring at the continuously flashing communications request. Good thing she's patient, because you've prepared some things for her arrival. Most importantly, you sent your dummies away for now, you can introduce them later.
You take a deep breath, and finally accept it. You then wait until a stable connection is made, and she can transfer her consciousness into your humble abode. You watch the strings of code gather and form a humanoid shape, eventually solidifying, changing color, replicating. The shotgun stood before you in no time. Neither of you said a thing for a few seconds…
"... hey."
"Hey…"
"... so…"
"Yeah, uh…"
"... um, yeah, welcome. To my digimind, I mean…" you say, after which AA-12 actually takes a look around herself. "It's not much at the moment, sorry."
"Oh, no, it's fine. Quite, um, roomy…"
"Thanks."
"..."
Silence took over again. You knew that she wasn't much of a conversationalist, but it's rare for you to have such a hard time finding words to speak. Still, if she's having a hard time, you must be the one to push.
"So… why'd you come back?"
"... well…" the shotgun sighed. "I was on my way back to the base, thinking I'll grab my stuff before I decide what to do next. At first, I didn't want to see you ever again…"
She looked away as she spoke, staring out at the sea as you did. She found it easier to talk this way.
"... when I got there, I ran into Ots-12. She immediately started bombarding me with questions about you, and where you are, and what you're doing, and what secret bullcrap you're doing again… ugh, she made me sick."
A look of disgust sat on her face, but by sucking on her lollipop she was able to suppress it. How does that even work? Anyway…
"So I just… snapped. What the heck did she find so cool about you anyway? I wanted my frustrations, and then she just… giggled. She was like… 'you really do think about her a lot'. I was about ready to slam the door in her face, but then she said that… you thought about me a lot too…"
At that point, it was now your turn to blush and look to the side. Oh Tiss…
"S-so, we had a little chat, a-about you, and… well, I may have gotten a little reminiscent… but don't get me wrong, that's not why I came back!" she suddenly reaffirmed, as if trying to drive away some misunderstanding. "Afterwards, I was just going to the cafeteria to get some supplies, when I suddenly picked up on your distress signal. I then immediately bolted to the garage and took one of the jeeps."
"Awwwww~"
"D-don't you 'aww' me! I knew you got your stupid ass into trouble again, that's all…"
"So, my gracious shotgun companion saved me, and then…?"
"Oh, right… s-so, the reason I decided to stick around, despite the terrible thing you did, was because… this whole free will thing is still totally new to me, and I figured you've been like this for a long while now. So I decided I'll follow you until I get the ropes. That's all! Know that I feel no obligation to keep following you whatsoever, and that I'll leave the moment I feel like it! Yeah!"
The way AA-12 spoke about her reasoning, she seemed a lot more energetic and anxious than earlier. Like she was forcing herself to appear strong and confident. Well, part of her certainly was, you could tell.
"... well, sounds fair."
"Y-yeah it does! You better remember it."
"Of course I will. Should I treat you as a fully fledged member of my squad then? That includes getting paid like one."
"W-well, if it'll make things easier for you…"
"Deal. Welcome back to the squad, AA-12." you stand up with a smile, extending your hand to the shotgun once again, this time in the name of a hopefully prosperous partnership, and perhaps a rekindled friendship. She stumbles around for a moment, before finally shaking it.
"Don't you dare try to hug me though."
"Aww, you're no fun…~" you laugh. "By the way, who's driving the jeep?"
"I let that Sangvis bitch take the wheel for a bit. Groza is keeping an eye on her. With her grenade launcher." Her expression when talking about the ringleader was as sour as always.
[ ] "Remember, she's an ally. I want you all to cooperate when it counts."
[X] "Take it easy on her, alright? She's been through a lot."
[ ] "Keep in mind that she's only here because she feels indebted to me. Try not to anger her into blowing us up, 'kay?"
[ ] Write-in
"Whatever…" the shotgun shrugged. "So, I think that's all… right? I told you why I'm back, and you told everyone what it is you do."
"Well, I could actually tell you more about that, if you wanna stay and hang out."
"Hang out…? U-um, shouldn't we be doing something more important?"
"Actually, I was planning to use this opportunity to do something important, and I feel like if you stick around, you might find out a lot more about me."
"Something important…? Here? Like what?"
"Well…
[ ] Unlock memory file:
- [-] File #0 - ??????????
- [-] File #1 - 1 year ago
- [X] File #2 - 11 months ago
- [ ] File #3 - 1 year and 7 months ago
- [-] File #4 - 1 year and 5 months ago
- [ ] File #5 - 2 years and 5 months ago
- [-] File #6 - Day of capture
- [-] File #7 - 5 months ago
- [-] File #8 - 5 months ago
- [ ] File #9 - 3 years ago
- [ ] File #11 - 2 years ago
- [-] File #13 - 2 years and 3 months ago
[ ] Unlock virtual dummy:
- [-] Beta
- [-] Gamma
- [ ] Delta
- [-] Epsilon
- [ ] Wau
- [ ] Zeta
