Announcements: Cutting Costs (2024) » January 2024 Copyfraud Attack » Finding Universes to Join (and making yours more visible!) » Guide To Universes On RPG » Member Shoutout Thread » Starter Locations & Prompts for Newcomers » RPG Chat — the official app » Frequently Asked Questions » Suggestions & Requests: THE MASTER THREAD »

Latest Discussions: Adapa Adapa's for adapa » To the Rich Men North of Richmond » Shake Senora » Good Morning RPG! » Ramblings of a Madman: American History Unkempt » Site Revitalization » Map Making Resources » Lost Poetry » Wishes » Ring of Invisibility » Seeking Roleplayer for Rumple/Mr. Gold from Once Upon a Time » Some political parody for these trying times » What dinosaur are you? » So, I have an Etsy » Train Poetry I » Joker » D&D Alignment Chart: How To Get A Theorem Named After You » Dungeon23 : Creative Challenge » Returning User - Is it dead? » Twelve Days of Christmas »

Players Wanted: Serious Anime Crossover Roleplay (semi-literate) » Looking for a long term partner! » JoJo or Mha roleplay » Seeking long-term rp partners for MxM » [MxF] Ruining Beauty / Beauty x Bastard » Minecraft Rp Help Wanted » CALL FOR WITNESSES: The Public v Zosimos » Social Immortal: A Vampire Only Soiree [The Multiverse] » XENOMORPH EDM TOUR Feat. Synthe Gridd: Get Your Tickets! » Aishna: Tower of Desire » Looking for fellow RPGers/Characters » looking for a RP partner (ABO/BL) » Looking for a long term roleplay partner » Explore the World of Boruto with Our Roleplaying Group on FB » More Jedi, Sith, and Imperials needed! » Role-player's Wanted » OSR Armchair Warrior looking for Kin » Friday the 13th Fun, Anyone? » Writers Wanted! » Long term partner to play an older male wanted »

The Eden Project

The Eden Laboratory

0 INK

a part of The Eden Project, by The_Queen.

None

The_Queen holds sovereignty over The Eden Laboratory, giving them the ability to make limited changes.

5,527 readers have been here.

Setting

Default Location for The Eden Project
Create a Character Here »

Minimap

The Eden Laboratory is a part of The Eden Project.

6 Characters Here

Fina [431] "The sun won't shine, but it's such a nice day."
Lita [410] "There are so many beautiful things in this world, as long as we open our eyes to them."
Jace [249] "Please don't take my sunshine away."
Kuro [31] "How long will we play this game?"
Remus Alabaster [28] "Do you fear the dark?"
Tsubasa [27] "There is something at work in my soul which I do not understand"

Start Character Here »


3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

ImagexxxxxxxxxImage





Image










❝If we've both had enough of each other, why not settle this once and for all.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#B21212 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #1485CC

|| Diamond in the Rough|| The Nearly Deads ||




Io wanted Callisto back. If they were sisters then she had a lot of questions for her. Unfortunately Callisto had acted up so Io wasn't going to be able to get her answers, was she? Maybe she could find her again later? Would Callisto come back? "I want my sister, can I talk to her?" Firis shook her head, scratching her hair with a bit of awkwardness to her. "Probably not. She'll come back when Viren lets her." Firis explained. Io nodded quietly, she supposed that that made sense. "Why is she so upset? Did I do something wrong?" Firis climbed into bed with her, while Firis was bigger the bed was pretty large and Io was tiny so it was fine, it was even comfortable. Was this what a girlfriend was? "No, you did nothing wrong, love." Firis gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Cali just needs time."

When morning came Firis opened the door and walked back in, bringing food. This had to be her room then, it smelled a bit like her. "Let's eat up. Are you okay to move now?" Io rotated her joints, still confused as to why she was an android. What made her and Cali sisters then? She hoped Cali would come soon, that Cali wasn't being punished or anything. "It smells good, at least I think it does." The pretty blue android smiled at her and they ate their food together. Once that was done Firis pulled Io out of bed, helping her out of the green gown into a black suit even with trousers, making her feel super cool, almost like secret agent. "Still dizzy like before?" Firis asked, concern clear on her face. Io shook her head, she was feeling good today.

"Look in your head, do you see any manuals or tutorials?" Firis was going to help her learn the basic functions of what she was - a stealth unit. She looked inside, trying to locate anything according to what Firis said. "I can read?" She was surprised, then wondered why she thought she was unable to. It probably didn't matter. "I found some. Um, basic combat mechanics, basic android maintenance information..." There was a lot to know to being an android it seemed. How was she going to remember it all? "Don't worry." Firis patted her back, running it down her spine. "I'll help you. Cali will too, once she's able to."

So where was she? Were there any humans? "What is this place?" Io asked as she tested out some basic functions like her vibroblade in her wrist or her railgun drones in her back - there was supposed to be eight but now there were only seven - and Firis shrugged with a patient smile. "This is the Uprising. We've situated in a base, and we're fighting for android rights and independence." That didn't sound bad. Everyone deserved to be free, right? "Later today, the two of us have a mission. It might make your sister happier." A mission? Would she really be ready for that?" Firis nodded at her apprehension. "Your sister had a girlfriend too. Jace is her name. The captain located her and with a small team we're going to bring her in."

Io grinned. "That's good! Then Cali can reunite with her love!" That definitely sounded like a good idea.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image





Image











❝I am the one who ruined me; I did it myself.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#F54D70 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #FF7256

|| Dearly Beloved || Utada Hikaru ||




Viren worked for hours on her hand, occasionally leaving to check on something else, Callisto remaining handcuffed to the bed, her other arm disconnected as she waited. He would always return to continue working, the state of it quite fragile. According to her internal clock two days had passed of Viren going back and forth, attempting to rouse more conversation from her and for some reason, Callisto spilled all of the details. Perhaps it was the new programming, or maybe Viren was simply a compelling person to talk to. After two days, he used a small laser to mend her synthetic skin and they moved to his lab to make sure that her hand could function properly. Callisto held it out in front of her, opening and closing it. The joints were a bit stiff, but that was nothing a little movement couldn't fix.

"How does it feel?" Viren asked softly, taking her hand, pushing his thumb into her palm to make the joints move. "Fine," she murmured, "thanks." He nodded, releasing her hand. "Your first concert is tonight, be ready."[/color] An android took her by the arm, escorting her back to her room. It wasn't the prison cell, but the nicer room she had been locked in the evening she had been taken to see Io. Alone once more, Callisto sank into the cushion of the bed, a knock on her door drawing a moan out of her. It was breakfast, brought in by a servile unit whose eyes sparkled. "Cali!" She gasped, rushing inside and placing the tray down. "I'm a huge fan," Callisto internally dreaded this moment, but forced a smile to the surface.

"Thank you for your support!" She flashed a peace sign, the other android giggling with glee and running out. As soon as the door closed her shoulders sagged, she brought the tray over to her desk, the new hand trembling ever so slightly. She nibbled on toast and butter, pushing the eggs around with her fork. She normally had a huge appetite, but today, all Callisto could feel was nausea. She went to the closet, discovering that a costume had been made for her, her measurements having been taken when she was handcuffed in the infirmary. Callisto tried it on, finding the costume fit like a glove. It was odd, darker than her normal costumes.

"I've never worn anything like this," she murmured, the dress appearing to be made of starlight. She twirled, the dress twinkling, lights woven inside to make it illuminate the room, casting shadows of stars and moons wherever she went. It was beautiful handiwork, Callisto was admiring it as strode across the room, the heels a bit taller than what she was used to. Leave it to androids to create a masterpiece in clothing.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

ImagexxxxxxxxxImage





Image










❝If we've both had enough of each other, why not settle this once and for all.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#B21212 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #1485CC

|| Diamond in the Rough|| The Nearly Deads ||




After a day filled with combat simulations and practice fights, it was decided that she was ready. Io wanted to stop by and let Callisto know before she went though, she wanted Callisto to be ready to see her lover again. Io felt giddy, eager to see a smile on her sister's face. "Wouldn't the element of surprise be better?" Firis grinned temptingly but Io shook her head. "Cali's having a hard time..." The last she saw of her sister was her screaming after attacking Viren. "Some good news might invigorate her!" Didn't she want to see Jace again? Though Io didn't know why she had to train to fight for this mission, wasn't it supposed to be a simple thing to just talk to this mysterious Jace? If Jace loved Callisto she'd be happy to come!

A knock on the door. A silly looking servile unit dashed long to continue day duties and Io crept in, grinning from ear to ear. Cali looked so pretty in the dress she'd be wearing for the concert today. "You look dashing!" Io hugged her sister, just like how they used to back before Io had ever become traumatized by her parent's lessons. "I have my first mission today, but we'll be back in time for the concert." Cali didn't look very happy. Maybe she was nervous, was she anxious about performing in front of her? "I know you'll do your best. I'll do my best too." She grinned, wanting to be close to her sister. There was something comforting about her, even if they were both androids. "And Jace will be aside with herself with how beautiful you look! Can't you wait to see the surprise on her face? Then you can wrestle in a bed!" That's what couples did, right?

A faint blush appeared on Io's cheek as she remembered what Firis did for her yesterday. It was such a strange feeling to see her lover undress, the blue mane brushing against her back as it was let down from it's knot. "I'll make you mine, this is what lovers do." And then Firis wrestled with her in bed until they both got tired. Io had fun with it, but she wasn't sure what made it different from just normal play. Maybe Firis was taking it easy on her? "Um, I know we haven't talked much, and I don't remember anything from our past." Io hung her head, feeling a little dejected. "Can you tell me stories of what we used to do together?" Like stories when they were human, that was what Io was thirsting for the most.

"I wanna talk to you more. Twins are supposed to do things together, I think? That's what Firis told me." Her beautiful and pretty sister that was good at everything, of course Io wanted to spend time with her. Io's frame would never be as pretty as Callisto, her hair was short and practical, her body was filled with weapons, she just wasn't very pretty. But Callisto's fragile and dainty body was the picture of elegance. Io nuzzled her cheek against Callisto's, feeling lucky to have the best sister in the world. She hoped Callisto thought of her as a good sister too.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image





Image











❝I am the one who ruined me; I did it myself.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#F54D70 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #FF7256

|| Dearly Beloved || Utada Hikaru ||




Callisto whirled around, a spot of conflict zipping through her eyes. She shook her head, pushing on a smile. "You surprised me," her voice was soft, recalling the fear she had seen in her sister when she had awoken. Io had no idea who Callisto was, only that they were sisters, but she seemed satisfied with that small bit of information alone. "Thank you," Callisto did a twirl, facing Io once more, who hugged her. It was a surprise, they hadn't hugged in years, even as androids, even on the day they had taken a private train tour, the most they did was hold hands. Callisto relaxed in Io's arms, she had missed this, had missed them. "Your first mission?" Io had released her, the two standing an arms length away.

What did this mission entail? Kidnapping more androids? No doubt Io had no idea that they were on the wrong side here. Suddenly, Callisto's expression changed to one of alarm. "Io," she grabbed her sister's hands. "Don't go after Jace," she urged. "You can't win against her," Jace was a combat unit that could see stealth units, she was no doubt angry about the kidnapping as well. How had they even found her? Unless Jace had purposely exposed herself in order to be captured and brought here so that she and Callisto could be reunited. Callisto blushed when Io mentioned wrestling in bed. "That's not!- Never mind," that wasn't what she needed to focus on anyhow. "This isn't a good idea, you and Firis should stay here." Besides, without her memory, Io was too naive to recognize the dangers of this mission.

She wanted to know about their past, but Callisto was almost afraid to tell her. Should she lie? No, Io's internal lie detector would go off no doubt. Callisto released Io's hands and turned, removing her dress. She hung it up and pulled on a sweater and leggings. "How much time do you have until you leave?" Callisto asked, sitting down on the bed. "There's a lot you need to know," she would be honest without informing Io of the more painful parts of their history, she decided. Her sister was in an innocent state, surely she would be overwhelmed by their dark history. "This side, Firis's side, aren't the good people, they're the bad guys Io." Callisto informed her, figuring sh should at least give her that. "They kidnapped us from my last concert in New Tokyo, we were supposed to go back home."

Instead they were here, in a literal prison in Cuba. "Our parents never wanted twins," Callisto began, but stopped, almost choking. "They decided to embrace it though," as much as they could. "We have an older brother named Metis, he loved us a lot, he was like a Dad. We did everything together, we would go on walks, play in the snow, and had all the same classes. I was an overachiever, you struggled in school, but I always tried to help you." Callisto held her hands together in front of her as she spoke. "You met Dane in our Freshman year of high school, you started skipping school, you didn't want to learn anymore, you struggled with reading, but you did your best, you always did your best." Callisto looked up at Io, wondering how she could tell her this next part without hurting her sister.

"In our next year, I was diagnosed with cancer." Callisto admitted softly, "You disappeared from the house, you would leave for days at a time, but you never told anyone where. I was in the hospital, I was supposed to die and we had a fight. You disappeared again, I never thought I would see you again, I thought I had died, and when I woke up... I was an android and so were you. You asked Azariah Reiss to save me and she in turn, had given us both to GENOS Labs, who made us into androids."

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

ImagexxxxxxxxxImage





Image










❝If we've both had enough of each other, why not settle this once and for all.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#B21212 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #1485CC

|| Diamond in the Rough|| The Nearly Deads ||




Expecting excitement and happiness, Io was instead met with alarm when she broke the news that Jace would be coming to join her here at the Uprising. Io did not know who Jace was but she did know that Jace and Callisto were lovers, she read the briefing on the report. Io was confused - if she was separated from Firis she knew she'd be happy if someone was coming to pick her up and bring her over. Maybe it was because she wasn't too smart because she didn't understand why. "But Firis says she's strong, and that I'm learning." She even knew how to dropkick a ball now! What did fighting have to do with this anyways, Io thought she would just show up at Jace's door and tell her that Callisto was waiting and they'd all get along and be happy and make friends? Was that not was recruitment was?

"Soon." There wasn't much time at all, really. She only stopped in to leave the good news and then head off for adventure. "But Firis is so nice." Io said in confusion when Callisto told her that Viren and Firis and the others were the bad guys here. According to her sister, they were kidnapped. "Is that why you're so sad all the time, sis?" Io sat down next to Callisto, leaning her head against her sister's shoulder, finding it comfortable. [color=#B21212]"Maybe it's a misunderstanding?" This Io was never broken by her parents, this Io didn't know how to doubt people or dislike anyone that's been nice to her. She was far too naive to truly process what was being told to her.

She listened as best as she could when it was storytime, Io wanted to absorb all of it, as much as she possibly could. Anything in order to learn more about her and her sister because with her memory gone sometimes she felt as if she were floating, aimless, without anything to anchor her down in reality. Apparently their history was not the happiest one, but they once were a family that did their best to live. Metis, where was he now? Why hadn't their parents done anything? Why did Callisto end up getting cancer? By the end of it Io was crying, she wiped her tears with her sleeve, sniffling and she shook her head. "It's so sad. I - I know why you're sad all the time." It wasn't a happy story.

But that didn't mean happiness was impossible. "Um, but, hey! At least we're together again." She held Cali's hands in her own, the shape and feel almost familiar to her. They were androids now, and while that was sad, they didn't have a choice anymore, did they? The deal might have been questionable but in the end it was the best decision Io could have made. She nodded, giving her best winning smile. "I'll explain nicely to Jace that you're waiting. And then with her, it'll be easier to escape, right?" Clearly if you're being kidnapped, what you have to go is escape and go home! "When we escape, can Firis come-" The door opened, revealing Viren. "Escape? My, I wonder what we're talking about here." Io furrowed her eyebrows, trying to see the evil in him. But how could he be evil, he never even yelled! "Good morning! I was just visiting my sister but I have to leave for the mission soon."[/color] The captain mechanic nodded, patting her shoulder. "Good girl, you do that. It's good to see you so eager." The stealth unit beamed, happy to be useful.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image





Image











❝I am the one who ruined me; I did it myself.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#F54D70 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #FF7256

|| Dearly Beloved || Utada Hikaru ||




"Firis isn't nice," Callisto shook her head. Well, she was, but she wasn't a good person! "She's evil, she wants to start a revolution and it's going to hurt and kill a lot of humans." Callisto informed her, glad that Firis wasn't here to hear this. Would Io listen to her? Or was she blinded by the fact that Firis had been so nice to her? Callisto nodded, "I'm sad because I don't want to be here, I want to go home Io, back to my apartment with Jace and Black Jack, where I'm not being held captive inside of this room." Viren had made it abundantly clear that she wasn't allowed out of here without an escort. "We were seeing the world when they took us from it. Firis was stalking you for a while before she poached us." That's right, Callisto was only here because they wanted Io, they needed leverage to build an army.

Callisto was just a mouth piece, a puppet Firis and Viren were going to manipulate to rally their troops. That much had already become obvious considering she had heard them playing one of her albums in the infirmary. "It's definitely not a misunderstanding," Callisto shook her head. She couldn't help but smile a little when Io leaned her head on Callisto's shoulder, a gesture that was so familiar to her. She had done the same thing as a human dozens of times. Io was taller than Callisto, even as androids she stood a half a head higher than her. Callisto didn't care, it was just funny to her that the older twin still appeared older. They were opposites in every sense of the word, if an outsider were to look in, they would never think that the two were sisters.

Io cried when Callisto dug up their history, telling her almost everything. She had redacted the cruelty of their parents, how Io had felt like a failure all the time, and of course, Fina and Minnie. Those were things her sister could reveal in due time, but it wasn't fair to dump all of this on her right now. "Yeah, we're together again and that's all that's important." Callisto squeezed Io's hand, thankful for this quiet moment. Who knew what would happen after this? She didn't tell Io about the railgun Callisto had hidden in her arm, she wasn't going to inform her sister of her plan to take matters into her own hands get them out of there. If the railgun worked, she would drain her battery completely and shut down. Callisto trusted Io to protect her, even if she didn't explicitly tell her what would happen.

Her eyes widened when Io mentioned plans of escaping. "You want to leave?" Callisto asked quietly, "Oh, thank goodness!" She threw her arms around her sister, who naively wanted Firis to go with them. "I don't think she'll want to," Callisto scratched her cheek as the door opened and Viren entered. Her demeanor changed completely, Callisto visibly stiffened, clenching her hands into fists. "Nothing important," she said quickly, "we were talking about escaping our parents houses." She smiled apologetically, wondering if he had bought the lie or if his internal lie detector had gone off. "Good luck Io," Callisto gave her twin one last hug, her sensors informing her that Io's hair smelled like wisteria and roses. "You're going do to great."

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

xxxxxxxxxImage





Image










❝When life is confusing, beating up a turtle is only gonna hurt your hand and the poor turtle too.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#B21212 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #1485CC

|| Diamond in the Rough|| The Nearly Deads ||




Full of thoughts, the pod landed. With a hiss the hydraulic doors opened and the pod turned invisible, blending in with the environment as if it was always there. Firis stepped out, stretching her arms. "Home sweet home." The blue android said with a smile, looking at the day sky. Io stepped out as well, nervous, she hoped that she could do well. She decided to wait and see if Firis really seemed to be evil for now. She didn't think she was, Firis even gave Callisto clothes! It had to be just a misunderstanding. She could understand Viren being evil, but Firis was super nice. "Hey." Firis bopped her head on Io's with a chuckle. "Get your head out of the clouds, we're on a mission."

Io nodded, feeling a little embarrassed. "Y-yeah. Sorry." She shook her head, slapping her cheeks. Now was no time to be silly. If she didn't focus, she would be letting herself and Firis down, wouldn't she? Welcome back to Port Viridi Island. "We have a lock on Jace's location. Stay with me, okay?" Io nodded, she'd listen of course. "Jace is a unique combat unit that was given the upgrade to see through your stealth field, so unfortunately we'll have to do this the hard way." Io still hoped that diplomacy would work. She didn't like violence - while she could do it, she didn't like the idea of hurting others. "Follow my lead, okay? I'll protect you with my life." Firis kissed her and Io kissed back, her heart soaring. "I won't let you down." The stealth unit nodded, remembering their plan for dealing with Jace.

There she was, the white haired android according to the mission brief. She was sitting atop a building, the building she and Callisto reportedly used to live in together. She was looking away, so this was their chance. Io and Firis flew up to the roof. "Watch out!" Firis pished Io and the bullet whizzed by, missing them both. Black Jack revealed himself with a growl, and Jace turned around. "You really think I showed myself by accident?" Jace mocked, standing up and dusting her hands off. "We knew you were coming for me. It was just a matter of time." Jace was so cute! Her cloak was especially pretty. "Jace!" Io called, waving her hand. "Callisto wants to see you again, let's talk-" Black Jack lunged at her and Firis pushed him away, a spinning kick to knock him off the edge of the roof. Black Jack rappeled back to safety, the cable saving his life.

"Is that your idea of a threat?" Jace sounded very unamused by this. "Io, stay focused!" Firis hissed, cutting the cables supporting Black Jack. She was trying to eliminate him as a threat before so it would just be two versus one. Fight? Io gulped, nodding. She didn't want to, though. "W-we don't have to-" Before she finished her sentence a fist struck her face, and she was on the ground. Her arms blocked the next flurry of fists and Jace was on top of her, menacing, powerful. "Wow, you've never been this weak before, Fina." Jace sneered and Io wondered why Callisto loved her. But then again, considering how hard Jace was fighting for her love's sake, maybe that was why.

Still, this was all just silly. Why were they even fighting? Wasn't this a peaceful recruitment? "If you want to see her again, please stop fighting." Io said pleadingly, not wanting to hurt the girl her sister loved so much. "She's waiting for you!" Hovercars flew around them, watching the fight, it was already being recorded to be posted for all to see. "She's your sister, you know." Jace muttered, headbutting Io, making the poor stealth unit dazed while Firis and Black Jack exchanged blows. "Didn't think you'd stoop low enough to use her as leverage." What? That wasn't what she was doing at all?

"I don't want to fight you." Io wanted to cry again. "So please come home, Callisto misses you." A rocket fist from afar punched Jace off, allowing Io back to her unsteady feet. "Get off my girl." Firis hissed, an unconscious Black Jack at her feet. "Io, Io, are you okay? Did you get hurt?" Before Io could say anything, she caught glimpse of something very strange. The most beautiful android she had ever seen, hair white like snow, eyes like an angel, wings feathery and striking. "Just as planned, we're here to help." Nyx said, Jarvis riding her wings dutifully. "Are you safe, Jace?" Io stared at Nyx in wonder and awe. "Io, don't you remember me?" Nyx smiled like the angel of mercy she was, Io could almost see a halo around her head. "Please, come home. Just stop fighting."

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image





Image











❝I am the one who ruined me; I did it myself.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#F54D70 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #FF7256

|| Dearly Beloved || Utada Hikaru ||




Io left, called to Firis's side, but Viren remained, the door shutting behind her sister. "You may as well send her on a suicide mission." Callisto said angrily, glaring at the android in front of her. "Jace isn't going to come, you're wasting your time." She sat back on her bed, wanting to put as much distance between her and him as possible. "I have reason to believe your beloved can be swayed. Surely she too, sees the evil that Grover has committed." No, Jace didn't, because even though she was immensely powerful, she was naive and innocent. "I'm well aware, but she is a threat that needs to be eliminated." Callisto laughed, "Are you serious? You can't kill her! Even if you did, Grover would just put her back in a new body!" Viren remained calm despite Callisto laughing in his face, his entire demeanor was relaxed and it irked her. Why? Why did he not so much as flinch as she taunted him?

"If she won't come willingly, we have other ways. It would be a pity to lose someone with so much strength," Callisto glared, "You're going to use me as leverage again, aren't you? That's all I am to you, isn't it?" He strode across the room, closing the distance between them. His hand stroked her cheek, the gesture unnatural. "That's right, Cali, you're my puppet. I am your Master, your mouth only moves when I say so." She struck him across the cheek, this time not hard enough to dislocate or break anything. "Don't touch me," she hissed, Viren taking a step back. It seemed that he was wary of another broken nose; good, he should be. She was seething, her fury palpable.

"Careful Callisto, don't forget I'm in full control." He was right, he had full control over her. "Come with me, it's about time you practiced your new song." New song? "The one you've been frantically writing on that holo of yours." So he was monitoring that too? She would have to switch to pencil and paper, it was the only safe thing here. Callisto rose from the bed, forced to follow him as they trekked out of the hallway of bedrooms and towards an open area, clearly meant for gatherings. A platform had been set up and decorated, a few large screens set out. How many people did they have in this operation? "You're free to practice here, Andrew and Alex will be keeping watch until lunch time." A rehearsal, this was standard of course, but how long did he want this concert to be and when was she going to find time to shoot him?

"It's going to be streamed across the base," Viren informed her. "Everyone will be able to view your message of hope," he pushed a piece of paper into her hands, a rarity in their world of technology. "This is your new song, practice it, commit it to memory, make up a dance for it. It must be presented tonight," she glanced at the paper, wondering who had written it. It was cheesy, not something she would ever sing out of choice. "Fine," Callisto had made this decision, she was going to shoot him after she sang this song. If her aim was true, she would hit Viren in the chest and take him out. No doubt she would be attacked, this android body might even perish under the circumstances, but as long as she took Viren out, she didn't care.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

xxxxxxxxxImage





Image










❝When life is confusing, beating up a turtle is only gonna hurt your hand and the poor turtle too.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#B21212 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #1485CC

|| Diamond in the Rough|| The Nearly Deads ||




Like an angel sent from Heaven, Nyx had arrived. Jarvis jumped off and cradled Black Jack who was out cold from Firis's attack. Io was stunned as her girlfriend helped her stand, she couldn't take her eyes off of the winged android. Who was Nyx and why was she so palpably familiar? "Be careful. We don't yet know the full capabilities of an Angel Unit yet, Io." Firis warned, holding her protectively. Nyx's wings seemed to vanish as she landed on the ground, graceful, elegant, like a beautiful little bird. "Io." Nyx held her hand out for a shake. "Don't you remember all of our good times together? You used to take care of me and protect me, back before I became like this."

Io's head hurt, she didn't understand. She had nothing to say to Nyx, what mattered right now was taking Jace home to see her lover. "J-Jace." Io swooned, it seemed being attacked by Jace hurt her balance sensor in her body, it was hard to stand up now. "Careful." Firis warned, her words full of passion. "I told you she wouldn't remember." Jarvis said with a cruel chuckle. "Io has always been the disappointment." Nyx's eyes flashed in disapproval. "Don't say that." She murmured quietly, lowering her hand. "No one's a disappointment. Everyone has a meaning in this world, I'm sure Io's doing her best right now." Yes, she was, Io really was doing her best. She just wanted to bring Jace back to the base so that Callisto would smile and be happy. Was that too much to ask for?

"Her intentions are pure, Jace, I can tell." Nyx said after scanning Io with glowing eyes. Jace grimaced, dusting her fist with her free hand. "So Grover was telling the truth, Io's human body really did die." It did? Io didn't know that! Or maybe Callisto had told her already during storytime? She didn't remember. "Please." Io whimpered, feeling sick and tired. "Callisto wants her lover." Why wasn't Jace listening? "Then explain why I got a message from Cali the other day." Jace snarled, crossing her arms, it was clear she didn't want to cooperate. "She was asking for help." Io didn't want to tell her the plan with Firis right here, Io was hoping to convince Firis later on when it wasn't a combat situation. Right now she had to avoid it while still convincing her.

Nyx sighed, looking closely at Jace. "I think we need time to consider the offer." The angel unit said, trying to find a compromise. "Why not let Jace think about it, and in the meantime, Jace send home a message for Cali to hear?" Io looked at Firis, would that be acceptable? "Yeah, we accept." Firis said quickly, it seemed the blue combat unit knew that they couldn't win a fight while this outnumbered. So Jace told Io the secret message in special encrypted code that only Callisto would be able to decode. "You should go home now and deliver the message." Nyx said kindly, patting Io's back with a tracking device made of Grover's state of the art technology. "Who are you?" Firis asked weakly, knees buckling from her balance sensor being broken.

The angel unit gave her a hug. "Most people call me Nyx." She explained, lowering her voice to a whisper. "But you may call me Minnie Reiss."

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image





Image











❝I am the one who ruined me; I did it myself.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#F54D70 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #FF7256

|| Dearly Beloved || Utada Hikaru ||




When practice was over, Callisto was escorted back to her room and locked inside, the lunch tray already within. She collapsed onto the bed once more, wondering if Io had returned. Her sister had promised she would make it back in time for the concert, with or without Jace. Her stomach fluttered at the thought of seeing her girlfriend again, although Callisto knew better, she knew that there was no way they had gotten Jace to go peacefully along with them and since she hadn't received a message from her, she had no reason to believe that Jace was here. Still, she wasn't disappointed, the two of them would be reunited soon, one way or another. "It's just going to be up to me," she murmured, taking a bite of the chicken that had been brought to her. It was bland, grilled, but seasoned sparsely. She opted for toast and butter once more.

Almost as soon as she was done, someone came to get her. "Time to get ready," the dress was whisked out of her closet, Callisto was familiar with this, the primping required of her to be stage ready. Where was Io? Why hadn't she come to see her yet? Callisto wondered as her face was painted and her hair primed. She had the normal jitters as her heels were put on and the dress slid onto her figure. There was a makeshift backstage where she waited, wondering what a concert for androids would be like. "Is Io here? I want to see her before I go out," Callisto demanded, receiving no answers. That's right, she could make no demands here, she was a prisoner in every sense of the word.

"I just want to see my sister," in case it was the last time she ever saw her again. Her human body was in a vegetative state, if she was ejected back into it, there was no telling what would happen. Would her interfacing software be damaged? Would Grover have another body prepared to place her into? What if it sent her real body into cardiac arrest? Or gave her another stroke? These were all risk factors she hadn't thought of up until this moment. Viren appeared, as he always seemed to do, face unreadable. "Ready for your debut?" He inquired, to which Callisto nodded her head, prepared for the fact that she was about to commit murder. Could he read her thoughts? Could he tell that she was plotting something?

"It's like every other concert I've given," Callisto replied, her wrists remaining cuffed together so that she couldn't slap him again. "Where is Io? I want to see her before I go out." She demanded, hoping that her sister was alright. "Her balance systems were damaged, she's being repaired." Callisto's shoulders sank. She wouldn't miss the concert, would she? "Get ready to go on stage, you'll receive your cue in a few minutes time." Callisto watched Viren walk between the curtains onto the makeshift platform, no doubt to prepare all of the androids for what was to come.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

xxxxxxxxxImage





Image










❝When life is confusing, beating up a turtle is only gonna hurt your hand and the poor turtle too.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#B21212 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #1485CC

|| Diamond in the Rough|| The Nearly Deads ||




Luckily for a stealth unit it wasn't too hard to repair and recalibrate the balance sensors within their bodies, since they naturally had the best balance anyways. It was hardest for combat units since they had the heaviest frames with the most weight in attachments to worry about but it didn't take too long for Io to be back up and ready. Her eyes opened, red cloak sitting on a chair. She dizzily stood up to reach for it. "Wait up, you need to calibrate first." Firis told her gently, setting her back in the chair, wrapping the cloak around her, Io's favorite article of clothing for some reason. "I'm sorry I lost. We weren't strong enough." Firis shook her head. "No, it's not your fault. We were just underprepared. We'll need to bring more manpower next time."

Would there be a next time? Io didn't know. She knew that she and Callisto were going to escape together, that much was obvious. Whenever it happened she had no idea. She also wanted to bring Firis with her because Firis was her lover and was always gentle with her, always caring. "Oh! i have to give Cali the message!" Io stood up abruptly. "Take a few steps first." Firis held her hands, guiding her through the calibration process. Io had to take a few steps, then jump, then spin in a circle to complete her new balance systems. "Now let's go, we have a sister's concert to try and crash!" She picked Io up with ease, placing her on her shoulders, causing the stealth unit to giggle.

The battle had gone strangely. Nyx and Jarvis had shown up, as did Black Jack, three faces that were on Jace's team. Apparently they knew her too, they knew an Io from before she lost her memories. What about Callisto then, were they all friends of Cali? Io hoped so, especially Nyx because Nyx seemed very nice. Or was her name Minnie? Io faintly remembered thinking a girl named Minnie was her sister but she didn't remember how or why that happened. The angel unit wasn't her sister, but it was hard to think of her as an enemy as well. "Just in time, we have a few minutes to spare."

Firis sprinted through the crowd that parted to make way for her. "Go on, go to your sister!" Io grinned, blowing a kiss Firis's way before jumping up on the stage, dashing through the curtains. There she was, Callisto dressed do beautifully. "I'm sorry, I didn't bring Jace with me, she was too strong." The red android smiled weakly, transferring the code from her to Callisto, which would automatically decode to unlock a video message once it detected it was in Callisto's body. "There was a weird girl there, she called herself Minnie, do you know her?" Io did not know about the tracker, Io did not know that Lady Reiss was preparing a transport ship that would be enroute to Guantanamo by morning of tomorrow for a pickup.

0 Characters Present

No characters tagged in this post!

Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image





Image











❝I am the one who ruined me; I did it myself.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#F54D70 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #FF7256

|| Dearly Beloved || Utada Hikaru ||




Callisto waited quietly, not wanting to talk to Viren any longer. He had left to introduce her to their little audience that was quickly growing, the concert being the first public event that their base was holding. She waited, wondering if Io was going to make it, or if her sister was still being held up by Jace. Callisto shook her head, she shouldn't have expected her to come, she had put too many expectations on Io's shoulders. It was nearly time now, according to her internal clock and Callisto shifted, the tall heels oddly comfortable. "I should have known," she reached forward for her wrists to be unlocked when someone burst through excitedly, taking her hands. "Io!" Callisto was shocked, but excited to see her sister. She had come after all!

"It's alright, I figured Jace would be too strong." Callisto reassured her, relieved that they hadn't been able to bring her here. She didn't want to have to face the thought of possibly losing her girlfriend, she had already practically lost her sister. A message began to download in her cue, Callisto blinking when she realized it was from her girlfriend. Had she told Io to deliver it? "Thank you," Cali hugged her, glad that she was safe and not torn to pieces. She stiffened when Io mentioned Minnie, Callisto having failed to mention her. "Minnie was a friend, she was another idol." Callisto admitted quietly, "she was shot and in order to save her, Grover made her an android, but she forgot everything and became Nyx."

The message began to play behind her eyes, she had to wonder if Viren could see it too. Cali, if you're watching this, I'm assuming it means you're still an android. I can't say much, but I miss you and... love you. I'll see you soon, promise." See her soon? So Jace had a plan? "Io, why don't you go sit next to Firis? I have to start the show now, alright?" Callisto asked, feeling nervous. She stepped out onto stage, plastering a smile onto her face as the lights dimmed and the music began to play. "Hi everyone, I'm Cali, thanks for coming, let's begin!" She danced around the stage, the routines ingrained in every fiber of her being. She knew every word already, only needing to access her karaoke programming if she forgot, but Callisto had sang them so many times that she couldn't forget them if she tried.

Her dress sparkled underneath the lights and despite herself, Callisto smiled. She enjoyed performing, it was something she had grown to love with all of her heart. Was Io enjoying it? Callisto couldn't tell, she was too busy twirling. Was Viren watching her? Was he looking into her logs to see what she was up to? He would find nothing, she had purposely eradicated the stored logs of the rail gun. They were reaching the final moment and Callisto could swore she felt her heart racing as the song came to a close, the one Viren, or someone had written. She looked for him in the crowd, her eyes locking onto his as she twirled one last time, the rail gun having spent the entire act charging. When she stopped and held her hands out, she gave one last dazzling smile.

Then it all went to hell.

The railgun shot into the audience, striking Viren somewhere, and Callisto collapsed, hitting the stage hard; her battery drained. There was a tiny bit of juice left, but not enough for her to move or speak, simply to lay in place, one arm flung over the side of stage, her heels somewhere across it as screams came from around them and her battery finally died.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

xxxxxxxxxImage





Image










❝When life is confusing, beating up a turtle is only gonna hurt your hand and the poor turtle too.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#B21212 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #1485CC

|| Diamond in the Rough|| The Nearly Deads ||




The song was very good. Good so that when it finally happened, Io was stunned, she had no idea what had just happened. The shot of the railgun burst forth, Firis's eyes went wide. "That's your missing one." She whispered to Io. Whether the eyes held betrayal or shock Io couldn't tell. "A leftover from before I was reprogrammed?" She asked with a tilt of the head. No, this wasn't a time to sit around, Callisto had fallen! "I have to help my sister." Firis gave her a long hard stare. Io grimaced - was Firis going to follow her? Was Firis going to help and escape with her? "I have to help the Captain." Firis said quietly, turning away. "I know you and Cali don't agree with his methods, but he really just wanted to save us, even if he was desperate."

Io opened her mouth, trying to speak, to justify her eventual betrayal but she didn't know how. "Don't!" Firis shouted suddenly, her body was rigid, tense. "You don't have time for this, Io! You have to get Cali and get out of here!" Was Firis just going to let her go like this? "I love you." Io felt pain in her chest but she knew the choice she had to make, the loyalty imprinted on her heart many times over. No matter what or when, Io would choose her sister above all else. They were twins after all, it was her duty. "Sorry." She activated her jet wings, flying off. The crowd was panicking, freaking out. "Our savior!" Some cried. "Someone help him, he's our only hope!" Viren really was the android's only chance of finding a society for themselves, away from humans.

Unfortunately, he was also in the way of Callisto and Io's freedom. "Get them, it's those twins, they caused this!" The grief stricken members of the Uprising tried to grab her but Io cut past them, aiming to not cause permanent damage. She flew to the stage, cutting the arms off of the androids trying to take Callisto away. "Hands off my sister!" Io cried, wrapping cables around Cali's waist and chest to support her as she flew higher and higher above the base. Laser blasts and bullet shots screamed at her but Io shielded Callisto with her own body, taking the damage herself instead. Above her was an airship, military grade. "Welcome home, Io." A strange yet comforting voice said. Was that Lady Reiss speaking? "You've worked hard."

Another volley of lasers shot towards Io. If it hit her she wasn't going to make it, it would fry her wings. But she was sturdier than Cali, she wouldn't let Cali get hurt. She had to block it for her. There was a flutter of wings and then suddenly a white barrier appeared to block the shots. Nyx was there, floating beside her. "Nyx." Io was in wonder again at the angel of mercy's beauty. "Don't call me that." Nyx said with an uncomfortable smile. "You already know my name. I'm awake now, Io, weren't you waiting all this time?" Awake now? Callisto said she forgot everything, didn't she? "Jarvis worked really hard to bring me back, but he found a way."

Minnie touched her hand even if Io couldn't remember the girl she once loved. "Come into the ship, let's go back to Port Viridi Island." Their home, it was waiting for them. Io had never seen it before but she knew it was home.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image





Image











❝I am the one who ruined me; I did it myself.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#F54D70 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #FF7256

|| Dearly Beloved || Utada Hikaru ||




Could androids be sore? Was Callisto's first thought as she was plugged in. Her arm had been ripped out of the socket by the force of the railgun, her entire frame had been shaken, her spine unstable. "Don't move," a voice said softly, but it wasn't Viren, it was Jace. "You're off balance." One by one, she pushed the vertebrae back into their proper place, her touch gentle. Callisto rolled onto her other side, Jace laying down so that their faces were inches apart. "I missed you," tears sprung into her eyes as Jace's arms enveloped her. "Io? Where's Io?" She suddenly recalled, feeling panicked. "It's alright, she's here, she brought you here." Where was here? Callisto's GPS couldn't get a read on it. Was there more scrambling going on?

"Where is here?" Callisto couldn't move much, she couldn't twist to see the window on the other side of the room. "An aircraft of sorts," Jace replied, brushing a strand of blue hair out of her girlfriend's face. "I planted a tracking device on Io in order to follow her back, we were just waiting for you to launch your plan." Callisto's eyes lit up, they had gotten her message after all! "I was so scared," Callisto admitted, touching her forehead against Jace's. "Viren installed some sort of programming, I couldn't disobey him, but I punched him in the face and broke the joints in my hand." Jace's eyes widened in alarm, she took both of Callisto's hands, inspecting them, tracing her fingers over them.

"I can feel it, the joints are heavier." Callisto nodded, "I'm taking you right to GENOS, Grover will fix you," Jace's hand lingered on her cheek. They remained there, Callisto nestled into her side until she was fully charged. When she sat upright, Black Jack entered, having been respectful enough to give them a bit of privacy. "Io's waiting," Callisto nodded, rising from the bed. "Here," Jace handed her a bundle of her clothing for her to change into. Black Jack left to give them privacy once more and Callisto slipped out of the starlight dress, putting her plainclothes on. It felt good to wear something that fit her and was made to not weigh her down. She took Jace's hand, walking out of the room and allowing Black Jack to lead them to where the others were waiting.

"Io!" Callisto ran over to wrap her sister in a hug. She looked around, glancing at every face that had come to save them. Jarvis, Nyx, even Lady Reiss. Where was Dane? Probably left at home so he couldn't get into trouble. "I take it Firis didn't want to come?" Callisto asked softly, squeezing Io's hand. Jace snorted, "It's for the better, what they're doing is a betrayal to android kind." Their moral code meant that they couldn't kill humans, which allowed the androids to live in general peace. If they broke it, all out war would start and no one, android or human, would be safe.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

xxxxxxxxxImage





Image










❝When life is confusing, beating up a turtle is only gonna hurt your hand and the poor turtle too.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#B21212 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #1485CC

|| Diamond in the Rough|| The Nearly Deads ||




What made the tracker so special that it could break through the scrambler at Guantanamo Bay? Well, it didn't. All they did was follow the signal's last location before it cut out and it was easy. Because of the preparation for the concert, Viren's stealth units weren't focused on patrol and lookout so they didn't see the big airship fly by and wait for Callisto's signal. Io opened her eyes, having used up her battery power in her escape. There were two faces here, one she knew instinctively was Lady Reiss, the other, was Nyx. Or Minnie. Honestly Io couldn't tell one way or another. "You're up." Minnie sat down next to her with a smile. "It's good to see you again. Callisto's safe too."

That was a breath of relief. "Hello, Minnie, Lady Reiss." Io bowed as best as she could from her sitting position in the bed. Lady Reiss tipped her white sunhat in turn. "The Flock wasn't the same without you and Dane, but I hope the tour was good for the both of you." Io didn't remember the tour, but she nodded nonetheless. She didn't know who Dane was either, and that bothered her. "I was reprogrammed, so my memories-" "We know." Lady Reiss cut her off gently. "Dr. Grover informed us that this was likely the case. No doubt Fina is dead now too." Io frowned, one of her old friends was dead? "I don't know a Fina." She looked down, ashamed. Why couldn't she remember who Fina was? "It's okay. Fina still lives on, deep inside you, somehow." Minnie did her best attempt and comfort.

The door opened, revealing Callisto and Jace. They were here now too. At the mention of Firis Io lowered her head sadly. "She told me to leave, she let us go." Jace was badtalking her and Io glared at the combat unit, feeling upset. Why talk bad about her girlfriend when she wasn't here to protect them? "What if she was reprogrammed too, and was acting against her will?" Though Io had a feeling that wasn't the case. "Is Firis the blue haired girl?" Minnie asked, holding Io's hand in concern. The stealth unit nodded, heart torn. While she was happy Cali was free and back where she belonged, Io longed for Firis's companionship once again.

"I'm glad you found someone to love you." Minnie said quietly, an angel in every way. "You loved me once, but it's better off this way." Io used to love Minnie? Was that why even now she looked so beautiful, even in her android form? "I hope we can be friends." Io asked of Minnie and the angel nodded. "What are you talking about, silly? Even in the beginning, we've always been friends." Lady Reiss cleared her throat then to speak. "Tonight you all will remain with me at the Flock." She said with a mysterious smile. "This is for safety purposes, Dr. Grover is focused on fixing your human form right now, Callisto, and if we interrupt her it could be detrimental." Lady Reiss explained, somewhat gently. "She's also waiting for you to decide what to do with Io's human body." Would they give it to the parents? Would they bury it at the Flock?

With that Lady Reiss walked out of the room. "I must tend to Jarvis now, there is much to discuss." Jarvis, another android, the one that managed to wake Minnie from her slumber inside of Nyx. "Is Nyx inside you?" Io asked and Minnie shook her head. "No. I don't think anyone else ever had two personalities inside, not to the level you did with Fina. I think you two had something special." Whatever special it was, it was gone now. Io felt solemn, lowering her head to mourn the friend she never knew. "Tonight." Minnie spoke with helpless urgency. It was only them here now, Io, Minnie, Jace, and Callisto. "I need to talk privately with all of you tonight."

"There's something I need help with."

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image





Image











❝I am the one who ruined me; I did it myself.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#F54D70 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #FF7256

|| Dearly Beloved || Utada Hikaru ||




It seemed they had gone through quite some trouble to retrieve them from Cuba. They would be returning home now, which Callisto couldn't help but feel relieved about. No doubt Metis was beside himself with worry, if he even knew what had happened. "It was all over the holos when you were kidnapped," Jace said quietly, confirming Callisto's thoughts. "Metis marched in angrily with his gun and wanted to help, but we told him to stay out of it." Good, it was better that her brother wasn't hurt, in fact, it was better if her brother stayed away; completely. She loved him to bits, but this was probably for the best considering Metis was not immune to bullets in the same way that androids were. They could be fixed, if their interfacing devices hadn't been damaged.

"That's alright, it's probably for the better." Callisto sat down on the bed beside Io, "the heart ache will stay, but overtime, it'll hurt less, until the pain is just a distant memory." She reassured her sister, who seemed saddened by Firis's lack of suddenly wanting to jump ship to be with Io. "She was dedicated to this cause long before she was dedicated to you," Callisto reminded her. It wasn't easy to change someone, but, it also was not impossible. Jace had changed, she had gone from loving Lita, to loving Callisto, although that wasn't hard. She had been icy when they first met, Callisto as herself, but over time, had opened up, and had come to love Callisto the same way. Even if Combat Units were not supposed to fall in love.

Callisto didn't think Firis was reprogrammed, at least, not in the way that Io was hoping. Who knows, Viren was clearly manipulative, there was no telling how he recruited others. "If they're willing to kidnap, who knows what other means they're willing to employ?" Callisto said somberly, as Minnie revealed that Io had once loved her. Those were details that Callisto had purposely left out so that Io would have the freedom to move on, but it seems that Minnie may have rethought things. Could it be that she loved Io now? Or was she still hanging around Jarvis? While Callisto didn't think Jarvis was the best influence, she knew that he was an older android that could act as a guidepost. Minnie too, was unique in her android model, being the only one of her kind, like Cali.

"Io's real body should go to Metis and the family, they deserve to know." Or at least, find out that Io was dead. Perhaps then they would appreciate their daughter, not that Callisto ever wanted to see them ever again. She was happy, having cut off her ties from her parents. She was free and who knows what would happen if they found out that she was still alive? They would come knocking on her door, expecting her to hare her wealth no doubt. Callisto would feel guilty and do it, which was why she never wanted to see them again, she didn't want that guilt. Minnie's tone suddenly became urgent, drawing Callisto back to reality.

"Anything, I'll help in whatever way I can."

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

xxxxxxxxxImage





Image










❝When life is confusing, beating up a turtle is only gonna hurt your hand and the poor turtle too.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#B21212 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #1485CC

|| Diamond in the Rough|| The Nearly Deads ||




Firis had always been so nice to her, so gentle. They had had good times together from what she remembered and maybe even more good times before Io lost her memories from the reprogramming. It wasn't right that they couldn't be together, even if it meant Callisto and Jace were allowed to reunite. Still she wore her best happy face, she should be glad here that they were going home now, that Callisto was free. She had every intention in her heart to see Firis again, no matter if everyone here hated her. Minnie told her about their past and Io wasn't sure what to make of it. Io was more than happy just being friends with the angel and it seemed Minnie felt the same way.

Io had no opinion on what they did with the body.

Agreeing to meet with Minnie again that night, the ship continued it's journey through the air. It wouldn't take long until Port Viridi Island's silhouette awaited them. Even if Io never saw it before she knew instinctively that that manmade island was home to her. Minnie spent the time telling Io about the Flock, about the kids there. They were society's rejects, broken children with no place to call home. "But mother took them in." For some reason the angel sounded bitter. What was so bad about taking children in and providing a home for them? "Isn't it good to give those kids a safe place?" Io asked, she did not understand. Why did Minnie look like she hated her mother? "Sure seems that way, doesn't it?" Minnie laughed like the tinkling of a wind chime but Yue did not know why.

The airship landed, they were here. The hatch opened, the Flock was waiting for them. "It's good to be back." Jarvis snickered. While he was just a really very intelligent system, he had a smarmy look on his face that made Io feel uncomfortable. "You sure like to cause trouble, Io." Jarvis told her with a shrug. "What big mess will we have to clean up next?" Io didn't know what to say. "Let's be friends." She offered weakly. "I don't know what a friend is." Jarvis taunted as he walked forward through the snow. "But you don't either, do you?"

"Make yourselves comfortable, guests." Lady Reiss said with her smile, following after Jarvis into the building. "I'll have you sent to Dr. Grover tomorrow once it's time. Please, rest well and safely." It was late, no doubt the rest of the children were asleep now. A strange boy with a bandage on his nose rushed at her. Io almost wanted to flip him over her shoulder in shock but then he wrapped his arms around her, snot on his nose from crying. "Welcome back, I missed you so much. I couldn't do anything to help you." No doubt this was Dane. "I'm sorry." Io confessed, not wanting to lie. "But I lost my memories, I don't think I know you anymore." The boy, probably known as Dane, shook his head as he sniffled. "That's okay! We have lots of time to make new memories, don't we?"

Once everyone else cleared out Minnie as Nyx took them to the spare rooms, since she knew the place. "You two can have this room." She gestured to Jace and Callisto. It was time for their private talk, wasn't it? Once they entered the angel unit closed the door, making sure only the intended four were present. "I can't go against mother because she's my registered owner." Minnie said, a grave look on her face. "But my mother needs to be stopped. Please, we can't let her fulfill her evil." There was a fire in Minnie's eyes, making her white hair almost glow. "Once you three have recovered and are ready... please." But Lady Reiss seemed to nice, she even came here to rescue them, didn't she? "Are you sure she's evil?" How could such a nice lady be evil?"

Minnie grimaced as if thinking about it hurt her. "Night after tomorrow." The angel unit said with quiet determination. "I can show you proof." Io looked at Callisto, deciding to defer to her judgment.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image





Image











❝I am the one who ruined me; I did it myself.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#F54D70 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #FF7256

|| Dearly Beloved || Utada Hikaru ||




Callisto knew in her heart that Lady Reiss was not the savior she pretended to be. She did unsavory things, like turning children into androids to better serve her, as was the case with her and her sister. Then, she had tried to get Io to kill Jace and Callisto, claiming it would be better for her sister. Callisto knew that Azariah Reiss had too much power, it was about time someone wanted to do something about it, but the last person she had expected to want to do anything about it was her daughter. "You're serious about this, aren't you?" Callisto asked softly. They landed a few minutes afterwards, Jarvis coming to retrieve them. He couldn't know about this of course, he was loyal to Lady Reiss.

"Thank you Jarvis," Callisto rocked back and forth on her heels, giving him her best smile. "Anything for you," he winked jokingly, then turned and made fun of Io. "Don't talk to my sister like that," Callisto grumbled, grabbing Io's hand to walk down the platform with her, Jace falling into step on her other side. Dane came running, throwing his arms around Io in a tearful reunion, even if Io didn't exactly recall who he was. Callisto was happy to see that Dane still cared. For so long she had believed the boy to be a toxic presence in Io's life, but now she was glad her sister had such a close friend, even if she could not recall who he was.

She followed Minnie into the building, Jace's hand slipping into her own. Callisto leaned her head against the android's arm as they walked. It was clear Jace was being possessive, perhaps fearful that Cali would disappear if she let go. "I'm not going anywhere, don't worry." Callisto reassured her, kissing her arm. Jace squeezed her hand in turn. "I know," she replied, "but you keep slipping through my fingers. So now, I'm not letting go." Callisto could feel something flutter, even if it might not have necessarily been a heart. She had a small smile on her lips as she entered the room Minnie led them to, closing the door behind them.

"Callisto isn't getting involved," Jace insisted. "I don't care if we have to leave her at Grover, I'm not letting her get hurt again." Callisto looked at her feet, she had figured it was going to come down to that. "I'm not a combat unit, so I'd probably just get in everyone's way anyhow." She admitted, scratching her head. "Do you have anyone else backing you up? I have a hard time believing you'll be able to go against an entire army of children and whoever else your Mother has at her beck and call." The only person here Lady Reiss would hesitate to kill would be her own daughter no doubt, considering the rest of them were expendable.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

xxxxxxxxxImage





Image










❝When life is confusing, beating up a turtle is only gonna hurt your hand and the poor turtle too.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#B21212 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #1485CC

|| Diamond in the Rough|| The Nearly Deads ||




At the secret meeting with Minnie Reiss for exterminating Lady Reiss, well, while Io did not remember how much Minnie as a human despised her mother, the new Io had been perfectly able to determine that relationship strain between mother and daughter. Minnie wanted them to fight against Lady Reiss, to take her out of the picture and end her presence in Port Viridi Island once and for all. What would that mean for the Flock children, who would take care of them once it was all over? Io wasn't going to be convinced of the evil until after the received proof of it, that's for sure. Lady Reiss went through all the trouble to save them, wasn't it being ungrateful not to thank her for the effort?

Jace refused to let Callisto get involved and Cali too seemed not to want to be a part of it. Perhaps that was for the best, Yue did not want Callisto to be in danger. She was an Idol Unit, not meant for combat by any means. "There's no one else but you three." Minnie was distressed, almost to the point of tears had she still been human. It seemed she wasn't going to fight Jace on the decision to keep Callisto out. "Well, the three of us are strong. If Reiss really is evil, we should be able to do it." Jace was very strong, Io was pretty sneaky, and Minnie had plenty of defensive abilities, wasn't it the perfect trio? "I won't be there." Minnie admitted, looking down at her hands. "Jarvis and I are both owned by Mother... she'll probably order us to fight for her and protect her." So they were going to have to get through Jarvis and Minnie, wouldn't they?

Io felt considerably less certain about this if it was just going to be her and Jace going at it. Now she definitely wanted Callisto, at least as a moral support. "You can bring anyone else you trust." The angel of mercy said softly, wringing her hands. "As long as they don't reveal the plan before it's too late." Io remained quiet, the only one else she would want here was Firis, who everyone else hated. Maybe Jace knew someone that could help. "I know neither of you really care about what happens to the Flock children." Minnie sighed, still looking down, clearly referring to Jace and Callisto here. "But please, if you help I'll make sure you're rewarded, somehow. I'll owe you whatever you want."

After the meeting, Io felt very lonely that night. She was going to let Jace and Cali have their privacy, the couple deserved it after all. Minnie wasn't here, and there was no one else who might join her. Dane claimed to be her friend but Io knew he was asleep right now as well. With a sigh the stealth android curled up in her bed, cable connecting her to the charging port. "I miss you, Firis." She murmured quietly, not liking how silent it was in her room. She tapped her head, feeling it was too empty in here, there wasn't enough noise. For the first time she was truly alone and it was deafening.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image





Image











❝I am the one who ruined me; I did it myself.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#F54D70 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #FF7256

|| Dearly Beloved || Utada Hikaru ||




"Goodnight Io, try to sleep well, alright?" Callisto gave her sister one last hug before she left, her and Jace sleeping in a room together. "I have some friends who might be willing to help," Jace admitted. "You have friends?" Callisto teased, Jace playfully slapping her behind. Callisto yelped as Jace laughed, throwing her head back, silver hair glinting in the low light. "They're old buddies of mine, I've been an android for a long time." Jace kissed her, slowly, the two of them falling back onto the bed. "I want to help," she said softly, licking her lips. "No, you and that cute android body are going to stay at GENOS tomorrow night. You need some fixing anyhow," Callisto frowned. "How so?"

"You're about to see," Jace pulled down Callisto's pants, the two of them getting little sleep. In the morning, Callisto awoke, snuggled into Jace's side. "Awake already?" Jace asked, the two of them having plugged in a few hours ago. "Yeah, I'm ready for the day." She placed her hands on Jace's chest, giving her a peck on the chin. Jace leaned down, kissing her forehead at the same time. She rolled out of bed when there was a knock at the door, leaving Callisto under the warm blanket. "Jarvis?" Jace inquired, surprised to see him, carrying clothing for them. "These are from when we held Lita captive." He said, giving them to her, as well as a regular set of clothing for Jace.

Callisto sat back on the bed, clutching the blanket against her. "We're leaving to GENOS in an hour, be ready." Jarvis warned them, but he didn't leave. "Is there something else?" Callisto asked, keeping the blanket against her. Jarvis closed the door behind him, striding forward. "Next time you have a tour, take me with you." His words weren't cruel or sarcastic, they were pleading. Callisto was shocked, but she kept her expression carefully neutral. "I've been here for as long as I can remember. Reiss won't take me to GENOS to be upgraded, this body is falling apart. I don't know how long I have."

"Come with us today," Callisto said, rising. "Let Grover take a look," she took one of Jarvis's hands, squeezing it. He nodded, perhaps appreciative, but unable to say so. Without another word, he turned and left. "Do you think he'll come?" Callisto asked as she started to put her clothing on. "No, Lady Reiss will never let him go. We should just stay out of it," Jace replied as she got dressed as well.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

xxxxxxxxxImage





Image










❝When life is confusing, beating up a turtle is only gonna hurt your hand and the poor turtle too.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#B21212 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #1485CC

|| Diamond in the Rough|| The Nearly Deads ||




The sound of children's laughter echoed through the halls. Io was sitting at the ball court, watching them play. Dane was playing with them, throwing balls and helping make sure the kids got their exercise. Minnie sat down next to her, smiling. "Do you remember anything?" She asked, looking deep into Io's eyes as the kids played around. "No. I heard from Dane that I often watched him play, but I don't remember anything." She was upset by many things right now, but she still had to do her best. It felt lonely, Cali hardly needed her anymore. She wanted to be attached to her twin sister's hip, but she also wanted to be with Firis and nothing really made sense anymore.

"You don't have to remember." Minnie told her wisely, shaking her head. "You're okay as you are." Minnie knew what it was like not being able to remember back when she was Nyx and Io and Fina kept pestering her trying ot bring her back she was continuously agitated. Jarvis was the only one who, instead of trying to force Minnie awake, instead worked with her and got to know her and then worked once he was certain it was what she wanted. Io felt a tiny bit relieved. "I miss Firis." She admitted with a heavy sigh, wishing she could be as carefree as Dane seemed to be. Minnie nodded with understanding. "Why don't you tell me about her?" She offered, wanting to lend a listening ear.

Was it really okay? Even though she and Minnie had a history in the past too, if now was of any indication. But maybe talking about it would help ease the weight on her chest. "Firis was my guidepost. When I first woke up with my memories gone, Firis was the one who took care of me and taught me everything." From how to access her tutorials to how to insert her charging cables, it was all thanks to the bold bluenette. "She always tried to make sure I had time to talk to Cali... and when the final day came, she let me escape with Cali instead of giving chase." Minnie put her hand on Io's shoulder. "She sounds really nice." The angel said, in thought. "I'm glad she was there for you. If there's anyone that can bring her to our side, Io, it's you." No one else believed it was possible, but Minnie believed in her.

"You should go meet up with the others, you have to go to GENOS Labs." Metis was going to be there too, not that Io remembered anything about her supposed older brother. "Okay." Io stood up, trying to be chipper and positive. That was what Callisto wanted in her, right? "It'll be good to say goodbye to the body I used to have." Even if she didn't remember it, it was still her old life wasn't it? Dane nodded and waved to her as she left. "You can always talk to me if you feel alone, Io." Minnie's voice echoed through the hall as Io caught up to Callisto and Jace, it was time to meet their maker.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image





Image











❝I am the one who ruined me; I did it myself.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#F54D70 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #FF7256

|| Dearly Beloved || Utada Hikaru ||




Callisto walked down the hallway, Jace right behind her. In public they had appearances to put on after all, no one could know that the two were an item. "Good morning Io," Callisto smiled upon seeing her sister and took her hand, the three of them making their way to the awaiting vehicle, where Black Jack was sitting. He had his arm thrown over the seat, clearly at ease. It seemed he had calmed a lot since revealing that he and Jace were related. The two of them were getting on much better now as well. "We got an upgrade," he said as they entered the vehicle. "This one is bullet proof," Callisto nodded in appreciation, taking a seat in the back. Jace sat up front, the car lurching forward as it hovered towards the street, on their way to GENOS.

They entered through the underground garage, Grover and her team coming to meet them. Metis was among them, his arms crossed as he watched them come out of the vehicle. "Welcome back," Dr. Grover said, holding a holo pad. Metis pushed forward, pulling Io into a hug, his arms wrapping around her like a vise. "Jace told me everything," he revealed. "You don't have to say anything, you're probably confused." He released Io, giving Callisto a quick hug in greeting. His touch was light, he was still treating her like a fragile flower. "I'm your older brother, Metis." He tried to smile, but it was sad. It was clear he was upset about being forgotten, but he would deal with it. "The body?" Callisto inquired, Grover stepping forward. "Follow me."

She led them down the hallway and to the room lined with cryo pads. They had kept Io's body frozen so as to keep it from deteriorating. Callisto's real body was in a pod beside it, a bit of peach fuzz on her head after finishing another round of chemo. Grover was doing everything she could to keep Callisto's real body alive. "Io, this is you," Cali squeezed her sister's hand as they looked at body. She was just as Callisto remembered her. "Metis, what do you want to do with it?" Callisto asked him, since Io had revealed she had no preference. "I think Mom and Dad deserve to know." He whispered, knowing how much Io had hated them.

"They deserve closure," Callisto agreed. "Io, do you want a moment alone with your body?" Callisto asked, wondering if Io felt anything upon seeing her true self.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

xxxxxxxxxImage





Image










❝When life is confusing, beating up a turtle is only gonna hurt your hand and the poor turtle too.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#B21212 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #1485CC

|| Diamond in the Rough|| The Nearly Deads ||




Io gave her best smile Callisto's direction. "Hello!" She waved at Jace too, a little bit scared of the combat unit due to the time they had their fight. Io never wanted to fight, she just wanted to talk to her but in the end Jace chose violence. Io didn't really like violence, there was a reason she only focused on getting Cali out of the Uprising instead of trying to hurt anyone. Well, it didn't matter - it was time to go to GENOS and see her corpse. During the hovercraft ride she gazed out the window, looking in wonder at the city she apparently called home. Port Viridi Island was a technological wonder, a manmade island, a haven for technology and progress.

A strange man immediately hugged her as she stepped out of the vehicle. A woman was there too, with her team and Hymnos who Io was no longer connected to. The administration unit seemed a bit sad as she looked at her and Callisto, her ideal of making androids happy was impossible if she couldn't connect to two of them. The man who wrapped Io in his arms introduced himself as Metis, and he knew that she lost most of her memories. Io gulped, gladly being set free from the embrace. "It's nice to meet you." Io said politely, not sure how else to react. Callisto wanted them to get along with the body so Io dutifully followed. How was she supposed to feel about all of this? Io didn't know, honestly. It all felt alien to her, she didn't even remember being human in the first place.

And there was the human Io in the cryo chamber, her reddish blonde hair floating about like a cloud around her head, her eyes shut, bags around the corners of them. It was clear this girl had lived a hard, stressful life, the android could tell just by looking at her. She was dead now - but Io was here and she didn't really understand all that well. How was she feeling? Solemn? Disquieted? Disturbed? "Goodbye, the me I never knew." Io mumbled, touching her hand to the glass in the hopes that maybe something would happen. Maybe memories would unlock and she would finally understand. In the end, though, none of that came to pass.

"...Not really, I guess." Io said after some thought. If seeing her like this wasn't going to magically bring her memories back then nothing would. "What were our parents like?" Io frowned, trying to remember those who birthed her but nothing, not even a shadow of remembrance graced her mind. Metis seemed uncomfortable with her question. "I'm sure they're going to be sad that one of their children is dead." She looked at the human Callisto, but nothing came back to her either, her twin sister floating in the pod, so fragile and ill. "Should we go see them?" She asked Metis and Callisto, feeling bad about all of this.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image





Image











❝I am the one who ruined me; I did it myself.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#F54D70 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #FF7256

|| Dearly Beloved || Utada Hikaru ||




Callisto gazed at her real body, it was thin, there were bags underneath her eyes, her face set in what appeared to be a painful wince. It was clear even in the cryo pad, her real body could feel the pain her android body could not. Callisto was glad for it. She looked down at her hands, then back up at the pod, knowing that her body was fighting everyday to stay alive. She could no longer exist in it, if her interfacing hardware was ever damaged, Callisto would be trapped in a body that could not move, speak, or open her eyes on its own. The stroke had damaged her irreparably and the cancer certainly hadn't helped. She turned towards Io's body, who hadn't aged a day since she had disappeared. "Io," Callisto squeezed her sister's hand, wondering if she was alright.

Io seemed almost unaffected. Tears welled up in Callisto's eyes, "I'm sorry Io," she cried, wiping at the tears that ran down her cheeks. "I couldn't save you," she had promised her, ever since they were children, but she had failed. "I'm so sorry," Jace placed a hand on her shoulder, attempting to be comforting. This only succeed in making Callisto sob harder, the combat unit pulling the idol into her arms until she had calmed. Callisto turned back around, Metis glancing at her when Io inquired about their parents. "No, we shouldn't go see them." She replied, taking Io's hand once more. "They'll receive your body, maybe Metis will tell them, but we should stay away from them. For now at least," she added the last part softly.

"They were... misunderstood, they wanted the best for us, so they pushed us, but not always in the best way." Callisto didn't want to paint them as villains, even if Metis did. "You two are schedule for maintenance," Grover interrupted. "We'll prepare the body, but in the meantime, the two of you will be prepared. Callisto is scheduled for overnight maintenance, so she'll be remaining here. Io, you'll be free to return once we're done running tests." Grover led them away, but not before Jace could steal another kiss on her cheek. Callisto followed her down the hallway, falling into step beside Io. It was hard to believe Io had really felt nothing upon seeing herself. Callisto had been more afraid to look than her sister had.

"Um, Io-" Callisto stopped short when Grover cleared her throat. "We'll be separating here, Io, come with me, Callisto, you'll be going with Dan." Callisto nodded, "um... good luck," she meant it in more ways than one of course as she followed Den the science man and removed her clothing, laying down on the table. A wire was connected to her neck, her status coming up on a holo port. "Cali the Idol Unit," Dan winked, the two were familiar with one another, he had performed maintenance on her before. "How was that world tour?"

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Jace Character Portrait: Fina Character Portrait: Lita
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

xxxxxxxxxImage





Image










❝When life is confusing, beating up a turtle is only gonna hurt your hand and the poor turtle too.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#B21212 ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #1485CC

|| Diamond in the Rough|| The Nearly Deads ||




Io felt bad. Why wasn't she emoting to seeing her body like this? Why couldn't she comfort Callisto? Was it because Jace swooped in first, or was it something else? "Don't feel bad." Metis told her gently when he saw the distress on her face. "It's probably best that you don't remember. No doubt seeing this is just weird for you." Io grimaced, she didn't like how it felt weird. No doubt they were hoping for something, some hint that the old Io was still in there, somewhere. But there was none of that, only confusion and apprehension as she gazed upon her cadaver. Callisto told her about their parents and she figured she would take her twin sister's word on it. "Okay, if you think that's best."

She touched Cali's arm as they walked away. Callisto felt guilty - perhaps she was trying to make Io human again? That was impossible now of course, there was no bringing back the dead. "Sis." Io gave Cali a big smile and then a brief hug despite Grover's attempts to hurry them along. "Please don't be sad. I'm happy right now!" Even if Firis wasn't here, Io was more or less happy. She was excited to talk to Minnie more, to get to know friendly Dane, she was hopeful for the future that she'd be able to talk Firis back into a world of sense, she was eager to bond more with her family, Callisto and Metis. Maybe she could even befriend someone like Jace, if such a thing was possible. "You don't have to save me anymore." She didn't want Cali to be burdened by her, Cali deserved to smile and see the joy in life.

It was time for maintenance. Io was strapped in but she didn't resist, having nothing but trust for the Doctor. "This won't be long, I'm simply connecting you back to the network." Grover explained after doing a check of her systems. Everything was in order, even the balance system was in working order. "Your battery needs replacing, it's degraded a bit, and you could stand to have a weapons upgrade, but otherwise you're doing fine." She hooked a cable connecting Hymnos to her, the transparent android smiling at her. "Hello, I'm Hymnos. I'm glad you're happy." She overheard the conversation? Hymnos was an odd one, hooked up to many dozens of databases with her own body. She had an important job and was glad to do so.

But then nothing happened. "Dr. Grover, I'm being blocked." Hymnos whimpered, shaking her head. "I can't bring her back in." Grover frowned, pondering what this meant. "Viren must have gotten better." The doctor sighed, pulling the cable out. "Let me take one last diagnostic scan." The light flashed through Io's body and then an image appeared, full of numbers and letters that made no sense to the android. "I'll puzzle this out later, I'm going to tend to Callisto now. You're free to go, but beware the Uprising." It seemed they left something behind in her programming, something Io didn't want to know.