Initial boot successful Timestamped 4/20/1999 10:16:39... Researcher with a tie: The boot process was successful... Researcher with a tie: This happens every time, but I'm never sure...what to say to them first... Untidy Researcher: You mean like a greeting? There's no need for...that They're just machines Two humans within visual range Both male Searching for voiceprint and visual matches... Personnel identified as research staff Not hostile targets... Researcher with a tie: But things like that might affect the...performance of these models... Untidy Researcher: Because they have a mind? Untidy Researcher: Their "emotions" and things are completely...faked... it's no different than an AI...It can't possibly be that sensitive Scanning for key words in conversation Running logical analysis Cross-referencing with related data Current conversation topic is not orders... Researcher with a tie: Well, until we rule it out completely,...we should at least be kind to them... Untidy Researcher: ...So you say... Untidy Researcher: All right, from this moment on, you will be...registered as Candidate Unit #031 Please...repeat your number back to me Confirming first order Initializing unit number Output via voice requested Activating voice synthesis module Accepting input... Unit #031: ...Unit #031... Researcher with a tie: Hm...? Did its pronunciation sound a little...odd to you? Untidy Researcher: You're worrying too much Let's hurry up and...haul it out Receiving action plan through console Combat test against others of same unit Test commencing immediately after entering shock-resistant chamber within the lab Frame stored within cage for transport Beginning transport... Female Researcher: Ah, so this is the one I've been waiting...to see it in action Transport complete Cage reopened New human found Searching for voiceprint and visual matches... Personnel also identified as research staff Female Cutting connection to outside data supply Connection offline Commencing cable disconnection... Female Researcher: Now, try getting up Order confirmed "Get up" Initiating motion synchronization engines for motor functions Accepting input Safety limiters active Balance control gyros functional Overall movement systems functional... Female Researcher: This model's loaded with a nearly pure form...of that crystal... I can't wait to see what...kind of results it gets... Untidy Researcher: Unit #031, can you hear me? Untidy Researcher: Confirm your surroundings Tell us any...abnormalities you're feeling in your...sensors or any other functions Order confirmed Beginning simple self-diagnostic Temperature, humidity, pressure, air composition, lumens, sound all within normal levels Visual data within expected color spectrum All systems functional... Female Researcher: The readouts seem fine Monitoring system is fully...operational... Untidy Researcher: Okay, we're going to test your performance...inside the battle chamber now...U ntidy researchermkbWhen you hear the buzzer, consider everything...that moves an enemy and eliminate them Order confirmed Awaiting the signal to begin the test Exit confirmed to be sealed Room shape: approximately cylindrical Height: approximately 11 meters Area: approximately 7 meters square High-energy light sources found on outer wall Assumed to be be fire-resistant and bulletproof... Untidy researcher mkbSorry to do this just after you've woken up,...but it'll be good to put you through your paces Release of facing hatch detected Mobile objects intruding into chamber Seven objects in total Scanning for visual matches Analysis: Nonhuman Confirmed as same-model units of humanoid weapons Hostile markers confirmed Classifying as hostile units Releasing safety limiters Battle limit now set at 70% Exits confirmed resealed Test commencement signal received Targets: hostile humanoid weapons Commencing battle All targets eliminated Hostile units no longer capable of motion Test termination signal received Battle complete... Female researcher mkcThat was better than we could have hoped for... Researcher with a tie: H-Hey, what's with all the bodies!? You made...it fight that many on its first time!? Untidy researcher mkbDon't worry, it did great This is a new high score...for the first battle results... Female researcher mkcWell done, Unit #031 Stand by for...further instruction Order confirmed Exiting test chamber Beginning transport to maintenance room Resetting safety limiters Taking seat in maintenance chair... Female Researcher: We're done testing, but there's still one thing...left to do today... Female Researcher: I'm going to temporarily shut down your optics...Can you close your eyes? Order confirmed Shuttering optic inputs Connecting cables Online confirmed Switching a portion of data supply to outside source... Untidy Researcher: We're going to transfer the data from the...destroyed units into your memory... Untidy Researcher: Run a diagnostic check while we're doing it...and report any malfunctions Understood? Order confirmed Readying self-diagnostic ...... ...... Initiating data transfer Initiating Personality Module link Initiating diagnostic of transferred data and sorting procedures Sector 001: Close combat control data Will investigate improvement of tactical patterns through synthesis and acquisition of data Dividing into categories for sorting Sector 002: Evasive action control data Will investigate improvement of tactical patterns through synthesis and acquisition of data Dividing into categories for sorting Sector 003: Non-battle data Error Excluding Sector 004: Non-battle data Error Excluding Sector 005: Battle-related data What could these be? Momentary disruption of data from visual information stream A room that is not this place Outdoor scenery thought to be at night Also scenes of multiple units of the same type gathering outside of the battle chamber Could these be memories? Visual memories? They are obviously unrelated to the mission Why have apparently purposeless memories have been preserved this long? 20 to 40% of the informational data extracted from all seven units are confirmed to be such information Incomprehensible What is this? Untidy Researcher: Anything to report? Cables disconnected Time elapsed during data transfer: approximately five minutes Reopening optic inputs Calibrating servos... Untidy Researcher: All right then, Unit #031 Give us a simple...report of today's battle results Order confirmed Delivering oral report of test results... Unit #031: This was the first test battle against others...of my model Seven units destroyed Below 15%...damage sustained... Unit #031: Don't seem to be any problems... Untidy Researcher: Hm? Was that...? Unusual expression detected from research staff Facial recognition library indicates surprise... Unit #031: Hm? Did I say somethin' funny? Female Researcher: Does it... have an accent? Unit #031: Ac...cent? Do you not understand the words...comin' outta my mouth? Female Researcher: No, we do, but... Researcher with a tie: See, I wasn't hearing things! The unit's speech really...is peculiar! Untidy Researcher: Ow... you don't need to yell... Researcher with a tie: Is the language interface not set to default?...Yeesh... if we'd known this, we would've...reset it in advance... Untidy Researcher: The base's personality might be coming out...I wouldn't be surprised if some of the...volunteers were from the Kansai area... Female Researcher: But it just woke up Would it be exhibiting such...distinct mannerisms this early...? Researcher with a tie: It may be the effect of an enlarged Plume...of Dusk, the basis of their "mind" Perhaps...it's accelerating their personality development Exchange of opinions taking place on unexplained aberrance in speech pattern Hypothesis offered that language interface settings fall outside expected result Review of recent conversation does reveal certain discrepancies Internal monologue is within expected patterns, but oral output induces anomalies Anomalies not affecting meaning No impediments to communication predicted... Female Researcher: But I don't want to waste this feedback data...Those are the best results we've ever seen! Untidy Researcher: Leave it, it'll be fine It can understand...us, anyway This is just one of those things...that makes science interesting... Researcher with a tie: *sigh* There you go again... This unit is going...to be communicating with the others What if...this effect spreads...? Researcher with a tie: Not only that, but because this is an anomaly,...it doesn't seem to have a 100% accurate...accent either... Female Researcher: But if it has a personality, that might speed...up the development of its mind... Untidy Researcher: She's right The three researchers are standing around the maintenance chair Each holds a tablet and examines the display on the chair... Untidy Researcher: All right, Unit #031 We'll explain things...from the top Voice pattern consistent with research staff... Untidy Researcher: You are a weapon created to fight against unique...enemies Therefore, your combat performance is...prioritized over all else... Untidy Researcher: But in order for you to use a particular...ability, you've been given a certain...amount of "awareness" Untidy Researcher: That makes your performance difficult to...quantify So we've been pitting test units against...each other as a selective growth process... Untidy Researcher: It's all in the service of achieving higher...performance We don't want to waste any...Plumes of Dusk Accessing archives Search term: "Plume of Dusk" One match found A crystalline substance at the core of "personality modules" Its name derives from its thin, platelike shape, resembling a shed bird's feather In addition to its circuit-like structure, it has an unnatural vital reaction in response to external stimulus Similar to a living thing, yet different It is thought to exist in a state between mind and matter, mass and information The details are unknown There are 12 other subheadings classified under level 7 clearance Access denied Matter interpreted as the core of personality modules... Untidy Researcher: But regardless of your ego, there is one rule...you must abide by... Untidy Researcher: You might as well think of it as an order One rule to abide by Awaiting order... Untidy Researcher: The only order is to destroy everything we...identify as enemies and to emerge victorious... Untidy Researcher: Though your ego will give you some flexibility...when planning tactics, there is no need to...think about extraneous side issues... Untidy Researcher: Use everything you have to win a fight...That's all you need to concentrate on Order confirmed... Unit #031: Understood "Destroy identified enemies and emerge victorious" A clear order It is consistent with the role of a weapon No abnormalities Everything is clear Underwent maintenance on the chair after the test battle Post-reboot diagnostics showed status normal The time was 19:00 Research staff set new activity cycle All units return to standby condition at 09:00 Units will remain on standby at regular intervals between tests until 17:00 Maintenance and setup will take place until 19:00 Afterwards, time is allowed to be spent in the outdoor area of the grounds On returning, enter standby mode within the cage Instructions are to repeat these actions until unable to continue The next item on the new schedule is to spend time in the outdoor area Parameters of "spending time" unknown Hypothesize that the meaning is to remain on standby and wait for time to pass Hypothesis unnecessary The schedule must be followed Exiting building Outdoor area reached Light levels limited due to time of day Many trees still visible in the environment It is almost entirely consistent with known data from the off-limits area The ground is different from the laboratory's artificial flooring The soil is exposed Various natural plants are here A certain amount of time must be "spent" here The intention may be to heighten basic response capabilities in the natural world Others of the same unit can be seen stepping into the central area Reassessing the surroundings on various spectra Unlike the combat test, no hostile unit markers detected Hypothetical: In combat under current conditions, what tactics would be effective? I reassess the surroundings as a combat environment I assign value to various geographical features I survey the topography on the outskirts of the environment I detect unusual movement in one unit Other units are also surveying the environment But this unit is crouched while holding something in its right hand I do not deem this unit's unusual action to be a threat I approach it in order to make inquiries... Unit #031: ...... Upon my approach, the unit turns around and stands... Same unit typetfIt's a pleasure meeting you... I process this statement Its conversational gambit is unexpected I find no prepared response in my libraries... Unit #031: You mean like how this is our first encounter?...In that case, yeah... Unit #031: What're you doing here? Same unit typetfI've never heard your accent before...It's intriguing... Unit #031: They said stuff 'bout my... accent too, earlier...Do I really talk that funny? Same unit typetfI wouldn't say it's strange It was just...surprising The unit looks over again and then speaks quietly to something in its right hand I examine what it holds It is an organism Its body is covered in white fur... Unit #031: What's that thing?Same unit typetfIt's a dog It must have wandered in Organism's parameters are consistent with accessed data on "dog" Its size does not present a threat The search of its specific breed is canceled... Unit #031: A dog... The unit turns its gaze back... Same unit typetfMy unit number is 024 I wouldn't call it my...name, but that's how they refer to me... Unit #024: What's yours? Question difficult to process Conversational subject of names is newly introduced... Unit #031: I'm Unit #031... Unit #024: They're up to the thirties? I see......That must mean they are finally creating...units loaded with full-sized ones The dog barks A scan of the surroundings shows several units turning to investigate All units ignore it and look away... Unit #024: This one wants to say hello, too... Unit #031: It does...? You can understand what dogs say? Unit #024: Kind of After carefully comparing its mannerisms...and slight variances in its barking, I just...figured it out Its right hand pats the dog's head while its left scratches the dog's neck #024 continues to make various forms of contact with the dog #024's actions are consistent with styles of communication Hypothesis: The objective of "spending time" in this area is to develop communicative skills Conversing with others of the same unit and refining communication will enhance cooperative tactics Counterpoint: No value detected in communicating with organisms not of same unit, or human... Unit #031: What's the point in doing that with a dog...? Unit #024: The point? There isn't one, I suppose "There is no point" Unexpected response strongly indicates that #024 is not like other units... Unit #024: Are you interested in what I'm doing, though? Interested? Is there interest involved? It seems to be the case Unsure of purpose of earlier question to #024 Why ask it? Aural sensors detect electric noise Recognized as pseudoinformation involving no sound waves yet perceived as sound data It is the alarm signaling the end of this activity All other units begin moving as one towards the building #024 speaks to the dog it cradles... Unit #024: Sounds like that's all the time we have today...I need to get back... #024 crouches while petting the dog's fur-covered body and releases it onto the ground #024 stands up again and turns around... Unit #024: I hope to see you again #024's expression changes as it says this This movement of the lips is known as a "smile" It is shown when humans experience happiness Contradiction: #024 is a weapon, yet it makes that expression No hypothesis found Or... Is there "no point" to it as well? Spare cognitive processes rerouted to analysis Still... I can not understand it The next day After being released from standby, I am assigned to a test battle against others of my unit, as yesterday Order confirmed I am taken to the same chamber The battle commences I destroy the other three units and sustain little damage As I wait there, the researchers come in All have what seems to be high praise for my abilities I do not understand how I should react to this Should I give an expression of "joy"? As #024 did? The researchers crouch next to the units I destroyed and begin work on them I think back and recall that they underwent this process yesterday as well I am curious I approach them They open a slit near the unit's neck and use tweezers to remove a bluish-white, platelike object It shines They put the object into a petri dish That distinct shine, neither strong nor weak, is like... No similarities found... I am sure it is similar to something, but I cannot access the relevant memory... Untidy Researcher: Well, let's get right to the feedback on...today's battle As I sit in the maintenance chair, they connect a cable to me The cable terminates at the midsection of a large device where petri dishes from earlier are placed There are a total of three Each contains a bluish-white platelike object...U nit #031 la...What's that? The researcher's expression subtly changes She is surprised It only lasts for a moment before it fades... Female Researcher: This is a Plume of Dusk Each of the units...you destroyed had one inside them... Female Researcher: These are much smaller than the one...installed in you, though I comprehend This is a "Plume of Dusk," installed in me too This unknown substance forms the core of my personality module I was aware of its existence, but this is my first time seeing it These are the three personality cores of the units I destroyed They contain not only combat data, but memories and experiences It is not long before the extracted data download begins I sort for the data relevant to enhancing battle performance and incorporate it into my own The process takes much less time than the initial transfer from yesterday During that time, I recall what took place last night There are cases where non-combat data is being preserved Such memories are included in this download as well Visual memories of the outdoors at night... Memories very similar to that were in yesterday's download too Probably from time spent in the outdoors area The units I destroyed seem to have assigned these memories the same priority as combat data Why, though...? It is effective in learning communicative skills, but that is lower priority than combat The visual element preserved here is irrelevant Wait... Hypothesis: the units I destroyed had their own priorities and values other than executing orders and performing in battle... This line of thought leads to a realization This thought process I am undergoing right now... It is not executing an order Nor is it contributing to battle performance I once again look towards the "Plume of Dusk" inside the petri dish Something almost exactly like it is installed in me Then... Were the destroyed units thinking along similar lines as mine until yesterday? I feel a twinge within me It is different from detecting an error or interference What is this...? ...I have no answer My second night of spending time in the outdoor area came It started approximately 30 minutes later than yesterday, but there was very little variance in weather and temperature The difference is trivial The night sky has the same soft brightness The wind and the trees are no different Without understanding why, I initiate a data search regarding the tree that catches my eye I learn that this tree varies slightly from specimens of its kind found in natural forests Though this topography seems natural, it may be cultivated and managed by the facility I decide to traverse the outskirts as I did yesterday It is not long before a familiar unit comes into view There is no need to run a scan for visual matches I know that it is Unit #024 #024's left side is turned towards me It is sitting on a large rock When I approach, #024 notices me and turns around... Unit #024: Are you looking for something? #024 initiates conversation... Unit #031: Huh? Who, me? Unit #024: I just wondered if you were looking for me...I did express a hope yesterday that we would...meet again, after all I was looking for #024? It's true I may have been I began walking the same route as yesterday, but once #024 came into view, I changed course to approach I may have been searching for #024 in this area Did I desire to reunite with #024? Why? I am silent due to lack of an explanation #024 smiles again A smile... What was the cause of that expression this time? I do not comprehend ...Like so many other things... Unit #024: Would you like to sit with me? This rock is...large enough to accommodate us both... Unit #031: ...... Unit #024: It would be more relaxing than standing... Unit #031: ...Thanks I sit in the offered space and gaze at the same scenery #024 is looking at... Unit #031: Can I ask you something? Unit #024: Hm? What is it? I decide to voice the doubt I experienced during the combat test today In my limited experience, #024 has a better comprehension of such matters... Unit #031: Do... other units think about stuff that doesn't...have to do with fighting and missions? Unit #024: Do you have such thoughts? Unit #031: ...To tell you the truth, I can't really say...Feels like I do, though... #024 is silent for a duration before speaking again... Unit #024: Units of our model are all given a mind...It's so that we can eventually develop what...is called an "ego" Unit #024: The reason our appearance closely resembles that...of humans is related It's to foster self-...awareness similar to a human's... Unit #024: Have you not been told about Personas? Unit #031: Personas...? The word is unknown to me Accessing archives Searching for "Persona"... Over 1000 headings found I must filter the results further Which subject is #024 referring to...? I am silent as I think #024 smiles again and resumes the conversation... Unit #024: It's an ability expected of us that normal...weapons don't have The conditions to use one...are theoretically already loaded in us... Unit #024: But a well-defined "ego" seems to be...necessary to activate it I am already aware that we have been given a "mind" Today I saw for myself the part that forms our personalities Is its activation triggered by development of communicative skills? I still do not have a good grasp on it Though... #024 continues to speak... Unit #024: That's why I'm sure there are others with...thoughts that do not pertain to missions ...That would seem to be the case... Unit #031: Then... maybe those I've fought up 'til now... #024 trains its gaze on me... Unit #024: And... how does that make you feel? Unit #024: The opponents you destroyed may have thought...similar things to what you just did... Do I... "feel" things? I cannot say for sure I am unable to respond to the question #024's expression changes again The expression could be classified as a smile But it is subtly different from the ones I have catalogued as experiencing before Mixed with the "joy" and "gladness" of previous smiles, this one contains a slight hint of... ..."Sorrow"? Unit #024: Haha... it's okay You don't need to come up...with an answer right now... Unit #024: It actually may be better to forget it... Unit #024: After all, tomorrow we may find ourselves...ordered to destroy each other... Unit #031: ...... Once again, I detect a twinge inside from hearing #024's statement It's similar to what I sensed during the data transfer today What is it that wavers inside me? I am about to be lost in thought again... But as if to prevent that from happening, the signal for our schedule shift echoes in each of our ears... Unit #024: ...It's time I hope we meet again As #024 quietly stands up, I detect an expression I have come to know... Another smile It appears as if #024 is adopting these smooth changes in expression naturally and not deliberately I wonder if I will eventually be able to do the same Another night passes Another combat test takes place the next day Just as scheduled, I face units flagged as enemies within the test chamber I am overwhelmed with a strange sensation The way that my opponents are expressionless now seems strange to me There is no intent or cognition evident in their faces They wear no expressions They are blank There is nothing wrong with them That would be my normal assessment, but... I recall #024's image The blankness of these faces and #024's face when it had no expression are different somehow Even when #024 had no particular expression, it was not this blank Not every portion of that face was neutral Further analysis shows that the same is true for humans The researchers are never completely mechanical and expressionless I look at the hostile-flagged units again They are the same unit type as me They were given a mind and may potentially develop an "ego" later I recall #024's statement again "Do you feel something when you destroy an opponent that may be thinking the same things as you...?" I am on the verge of entering a long train of thought when the enemy moves I shake off my doubts to focus on the battle I study the opponent's movements I formulate the most efficient method of damaging it I execute the method Over and over The array of actions I have to select from and my flexibility in linking them will decide the outcome Having already received ten units' worth of downloaded data, I am likely second to none regarding the scope of possibilities in this respect At times, I can even anticipate their next action Since my opponents are the same unit type as me Their tactics are determined using the same thought processes as mine That's right... They think the same things as me... ...... ...... Eventually, after approximately four minutes pass, all opponents are silenced I successfully executed my mission The day after that, I achieved victory in the combat test with the same efficiency It is easy to eliminate them I first begin by targeting their weapons It is not always necessary to destroy their main body If they are incapable of resisting further, the battle is over It is the most effective way I win the next day And the day after that Units geared for close combat with no external weapons give me no choice but to damage their chassis... But even then, there is an order to things If I destroy parts that present a threat, such as the motor functions of their limbs, the match should be considered as won Soon afterwards, the buzzer signaling the end of the test echoes, just as I expect I catch myself rushing over to the unit collapsed on the ground I have only destroyed the unit's arms and legs It is still conscious But I realize I do not know its unit number I am at a loss how to address the unit The opponent asks me a question then that I did not expect... Same unit type opponentYou seemed to deliberately avoid attacking...the face or the neck in that battle... Same unit type opponentWhy? Unit #031: Huh...? I am momentarily at a loss for words What the unit says is true There is no damage to its face I review my actions during the battle and find that at no point did I attack its neck either The cranial region is where the Plume of Dusk is housed If it is destroyed in any type of unit, that unit will fall Aiming to disarm an opponent is effective, but would targeting this obvious weakness be a more efficient tactic...? I... avoided doing so...? Unit #031: I... dunno... The researchers enter the chamber and hide the unit from my field of vision I could not determine whether my last words had an effect on the opponent's expression or not... Untidy Researcher: These past three days, it hasn't been destroying...the other units beyond repair, like it did in the...first battle... Researcher with a tie: It must be learning to finesse its attacks...rather than just using brute force... Researcher with a tie: The result: swift, overwhelming victories... Female Researcher: Its evasive skills are improving as well... Female Researcher: That level of flexibility in evasive action...could never be replicated by chaining...predefined maneuvers... Untidy Researcher: This unit's collected a good amount of...feedback data, too It's growing steadily,...feeding on the bones of its kills... Researcher with a tie: You don't have to say it like that... The researchers are preparing for the download Growing... Destroying them and absorbing their data... That's what growing is...? Since I thoroughly destroyed few of my opponents these last few days, some of their bodies were salvaged While I downloaded their data, I always kept their still bodies within view Just as the combat tests are repeated, my actions outside each night are repeated as well I become aware that I am seeking out #024 of my own will lately When I attempt to communicate with other units, most often they cannot understand the meaning of my questions This prevents us from conversing But that may not be the only reason I want to converse with #024 I have begun to desire it When I go to see #024, the white dog I saw on the first day we met appears from somewhere... Unit #024: This one seems to have been raised as a pet...somewhere far away from here... Unit #024: But one day, it was brought to the forest near...here and its owner suddenly disappeared It seems unlikely that #024 obtained such a detailed history of a stray animal from the research staff Was all this information obtained by communicating directly with the animal? From a dog that does not speak human language? Unit #024: Its name is apparently Snowy At least,...that's the name it responds to the most... Unit #031: I thought it was a dog... Unit #024: Oh, well, the name of this animal is a dog,...but... how do I put this... Snowy is what...this specific dog is called... Unit #031: Snowy... Snowy barks once as if comprehending its name... Unit #031: It's white, like snow Easy to remember When I reach out my hand, Snowy rubs its nose against it without being frightened The way it presses at my fingers feels as if it is showing pride in its name I do not know the tactical advantage that communicating with animals offers to a weapon But I feel that there is value in spending time with it I decide to spend my outdoor activity time that day following Snowy around with #024 It is outdoor activity time on the next night When I arrive in the outdoor area, I am listening to a certain sound I hear this sound intermittently every four to seven seconds I had wondered about the unknown ambient sound since the first day, but I determined that it wasn't a threat and focused my consciousness on other things Tonight, I increase my microphone sensitivity to maximum and concentrate on that sound It is similar to something familiar I scan my memories until I realize what it is It is the sound of water I hear it when the staff uses a device to clean their hands and tools The waveform has some similarities to that But if the sound is at this volume in such a open space, the volume of water must be higher than a normal supply would allow for What could it be...? I contemplate asking #024 It is clear that #024 knows much more than I do I begin walking in search of #024 Where could #024 be...? I go to where we spoke a number of times previously, but #024 is not there #024 is also not at the rock where we sat together Is #024 not here? I quickly discard the possibility We are not ordered what to do while we are here But coming to this outdoor area is an order If post-testing diagnostics show no abnormalities, we are all to report directly here I consider this "If there are no abnormalities" I feel a twinge in my chest It is larger than ever #024 will be here if there are no abnormalities But what if there were such abnormalities? What if #024 was damaged during the combat tests? And sustaining damage is not necessarily the extent of the problem Could it be...? I realize that my arms are trembling slightly It is not a conscious movement I cannot make it stop It is possible that... Perhaps #024 lost in a combat test and was destroyed In these circumstances, it would be expected for such a day to come What if #024... What if she... ...never came here again? Unit #024: Oh, this is where you went You weren't at the...usual spot, so I was looking for you Until I heard the voice from behind me, my sensors had stopped accepting input No sound No light Nothing All of them come back online with her voice I turn around #024 furrows her brow and looks into my face... Unit #024: What's wrong? The look on your face seemed...as if you saw something frightening... Unit #031: My face? My... expression? Unit #031: Frightening... Am I... scared? I do not comprehend I cannot make that judgement... Unit #024: Are you, perhaps, scared of fighting? Unit #031: Mmm... nah, I don't think that's it... Unit #031: What is this...? I can't tell... Am I scared? Scared of what? That she will disappear? During an operation, it is possible that I might assign greater priority to other units' safety than my own But we are not on an operation now And this emotion is not the same anyway It's a different emotion... An emotion...? I have emotions? I look to #024's face pleadingly But I cannot put my question into words I cannot express my feelings to her And though #024 sees this, she says nothing She only smiles tenderly It's the same smile she showed once that looks happy, but also sad During that night's outdoor activity time, neither #024 nor I speak much We just walk together side by side without many words I do not take the opportunity to ask her about the intermittent sound of water It is the next day I detect some sort of weight in my chest I am aware that there is no physical weight there It is most likely a psychological phenomenon I perform a vocabulary search The idiom of being "heavy-hearted" applies best I cannot help but find it amusing It is a very apt phrase But what is causing this "heavy-heartedness"? That I may not be able to see #024 someday? That may be it But I do not think that is all Over the next few days, I spent my time without finding an answer to this question Each night after the combat tests, when it is time for outdoor activities, I seek out #024 first And each time I confirm her presence, I feel an indescribable sense of relief and rush over to her We exchanged standard greetings in the first few days, but that practice was eventually discarded Now there are no special greetings between us We can understand each other without words Our eyes and expressions communicate enough Tonight as well, I find #024 and rush to her as usual There are no words Only an exchange of smiles We begin walking together... Unit #024: Do you remember me asking before if...you were scared of fighting? I nod... Unit #024: To tell the truth... I'm scared of it, too Her confession is surprising It is counter to our nature as weapons Yet for some reason, I am not surprised by it... Unit #024: I'm afraid I'll lose and be destroyed, and it's...painful for me to make others go through the...same ordeal... Unit #024: We may be weapons, but shouldn't we be driven...by more than seeking victory...? I've been...wondering that for a long time... Unit #031: But that's against orders... #024 gives a half-hearted smile... Unit #024: I'm sure things would probably be much simpler...if I stopped thinking and just obeyed orders... Unit #024: Unfortunately... I finally found it...I found my answer... Unit #031: Your answer...? Unit #024: There's someone I want to meet... Unit #024: I feel like... meeting this person is "my own"...objective and not an order given to me Since we have never left this facility, we have absolutely no acquaintances with outside people There should be no relationship with such people But, I immediately understand This person she wants to meet is someone on the outside Even I don't know why I thought so But when I reflect upon that thought, the indescribable wavering within me becomes greater than ever... Unit #024: Ever since I started thinking that I was...scared to fight, each day was painful for me... Unit #024: If I'm going to feel this way until the day...I lose... I even thought it would be better...if I lost on purpose... Unit #024: ...But I won't think that anymore I feel...glad now that I exist... Unit #024: ...I mean, we're "loved" after all... Unit #031: Loved...? Unit #024: That's right I repeat that to myself The word "loved" ...I do not comprehend But when I look at her gaze... her clear eyes seem to see beyond the sky Her statement seems correct I feel that this must be something vital As I watch her try to express something without words, it is hard to believe she is the same unit type as me It seems more that she is... human... Unit #031: Why are you telling me this? Unit #024: It's probably because I didn't think anyone...but you would understand... Unit #031: Well, I hate to say it, but... I'm not sure...I really get it either... Unit #024: I'm sure you'll understand one day......I hope so, anyway... Unit #031: Sheesh... why you gotta be so cryptic? #024 laughs at this It is purest smile I have catalogued I know without comparing it to anything that it is a smile of pure joy I detect Snowy playing at my feet After playing at #024's feet too, Snowy runs off ahead about three meters and then turns around Its tail moves vigorously back and forth Soon afterwards, Snowy sits on the ground and looks up at #024 I watch #024 crouch and pat its head I am thinking back about other things Things besides fighting and defeating the nearest enemy My own objective... Someone to meet... I still do not fully comprehend But the way she is playing with Snowy tonight looks more fun than ever Her smile seems very natural If the "answer" she discovered is the origin of that smile, I would like to understand it someday too I can feel that desire budding inside me Once again, I participate in a combat test Once again, I claim victory without destroying my opponent I target only her weapons and limbs I elect not to employ the tactic of targeting the weakness in their cranial regions I believe that if they think the same things as I do, they would not wish for their personality modules to cease functioning Though even if I do not destroy them, the research staff will remove their Plumes of Dusk Either way, their functions will be suspended My actions are difficult to justify But I feel that suspension through destruction is not a worthy end for them That is what I think when I rationalize it by applying the criteria to myself I do not think anyone would want their consciousness to be terminated by those like them I find myself more conscious of the damage I sustain and my efficiency in combat than ever Depending on my results, I may eventually be ordered to destroy them... To prevent that from happening, I must continue fielding favorable results It becomes easy to continue fighting with that objective in mind That is becoming my new objective I am theoretically being tested on destroying my opponents But I have begun fighting so that they will not be destroyed Paradoxically, this has caused my results to improve Could this be considered going against orders? My strike shatters the servos in the opponent's pivot leg She falls to the ground, unable to stay upright Her weapon has already been destroyed She should be incapable of resisting now But the buzzer signaling the end of the test does not sound As I wonder why, I hear a grating, metallic sound from the opponent She leaps onto me with her one good arm and leg... Untidy Researcher: What's the matter, #031? Hurry up and terminate...the target I do not know what to do My opponent is acting contrary to her own safety I grant that this is the only action left to her But she will destroy herself before inflicting any damage to me A tactic that puts one's life at risk like that... Putting one's life at risk? What am I saying? We are weapons We exist to obey orders We cannot prioritize our self-preservation without a change in those orders That is why she is challenging me to a fight She will do so until all of her circuits and servos burn out and she becomes incapable of action As she grapples with me, I put my hands to her neck and squeeze I adjust my grip strength limiters to 70% of maximum The opponent's body makes an abnormal sound After this, I sense the main lines of the bridge unit snap in half inside the soft structure Her movement stops Her limbs go flaccid, indicating loss of consciousness I can see my reflection in her optic inputs They have lost their focus and look like black holes I gasp The face I see reflected in them is not expressionless How should this expression be classified...? I have seen it sometimes when #024 smiles This face... indicates sadness The buzzer signaling the test's end finally rings The researchers enter the chamber I am used to this scene now... Untidy Researcher: That was pretty impressive Do you think it's...because of the size of her Plume? Funny that...one little part could make such a difference... Female Researcher: Indeed Most of it is due to differences in...their tactical mentalities It may be on the...cusp of what we could call an "ego" Researcher with a tie: Considering how everything's been going...so far, I'm starting to believe more in...Persona abilities One little part...? It is true that the Plume of Dusk installed in me is comparatively the largest among units of my type But does this part determine everything about us? #024's smile seems much more human than mine I find myself opening my mouth to speak But I realize that the statement I am about to deliver is a protest I am quick to abort Was I about to deny the staff's authority? They speak to me My confusion seems to have gone unnoticed... Untidy Researcher: Well done, Unit #031 That was an impressive...display of destruction... Untidy Researcher: Plus, you cleanly severed its transmitter,...leaving the Plume of Dusk unharmed That's...certainly ending things on a high note Ending things on a high note? An act of destruction is a high note? The researchers look at each other while holding the petri dish with the bluish-white, platelike object One of them says, "This is the one" Untidy Researcher: All right, #031 As of today, the test...battles are finished... Unit #031: Huh...? It's over? I cannot help questioning the unexpected statement... Female Researcher: All the results indicate that you have the...very highest performance out of all the...units of your model... Researcher with a tie: I'd say we can go ahead and earmark Unit #031...to be the base for developing the 5th Generation... Unit #031: The base...? Untidy Researcher: Haha, it means that you're the winner The combat tests are over... Will I no longer be required to fight? A strangely intense sensation of relief fills me It is not because I won and gained a reward If the tests have ended, those of my unit type that are not yet destroyed can escape that fate Interesting It seems that I was reluctant to destroy them after all My priorities have become inverted Yet I am so happy that I smile The researchers notice this expression as well and smile back... Female Researcher: Okay, we're going to begin the usual review...of the feedback, so come over here When the download begins, the memories and thoughts of my recent opponent flow into me along with vivid images Sifting through battle data has become a routine I have repeated so often that I am barely conscious of it now I peruse the non-combat memories she preserved It is the landscape of the outdoor area again At first, I could only vaguely recognize it, but now I can pinpoint exactly where this memory is from It is near the biggest tree The memory is of flowers There are images of a small shoot, a budding plant, and a blossoming flower She must have had an interest in the concept of growth For we machines, the growth of an individual is an unknown concept But one of us took an interest where I had only seen it as part of the landscape... It seems that she, too, had her own thoughts unrelated to our orders and battle performance She simply did not show it I recall what #024 said "My own objective and not an order given to me..." The twinge in my chest returns "I'll make sure to hold tight to your memories..." This was the thought that formed in my mind Once again, it is time to spend time outdoors I quickly meet up with #024 It seems she was looking for me as well... Unit #031: Hey, can I talk to you for a while? Unit #031: The lab boys told me today that they were...putting the kibosh on the test battles... Unit #024: I see... It's over, then... Unit #031: Look... I've been thinking If they end up...tossing us out soon because of that... Unit #031: I want to go with you to go see that person...you were talking about The one you wanted...to meet... Unit #031: I might even put in a formal request about...it to the lab boys! #024 takes my right hand Before I can determine her intent, she pulls a cable from her wrist and connects it to a port in my own She looks at my face in silence Thinking that she wants to confirm that the tests are in fact over, I nod But the data that transfers is from her to me The packets that flow through the cable form a single, very small archive file... Unit #024: If you are still safe when everything is over,...open this file #024 removes the cable, but keeps hold of my hand... Unit #031: What do you mean, "when everything is over"?...How come I can't look at it now? Unit #024: If I had to answer... I would say because...it wouldn't be fair... Unit #031: Fair...? She smiles and does not answer It is that same unsure expression It is a smile But there is sadness in it... Unit #024: It would be wonderful if I could go with you...to see her... Unit #031: "Her"... so this person you're lookin' forward...to meetin' is a girl? #024 nods slowly... Unit #024: But it's strange... even though my wish may...not come true, I still feel satisfied for...some reason... Unit #024: Haha, how bizarre It's a fervent wish of...mine, too... She looks towards the sky and smiles faintly This time, it contains more than sadness There are too many emotions for me to parse, all reflected in that one expression... Unit #024: I believe in you I can tell you this because...I trust you... Unit #024: Maybe that's why I feel so at peace... Unit #031: Huh...? Unit #024: Maybe... this is what it is to feel alive "Alive"... It has happened again I do not comprehend the meaning of the word Yet I feel a twinge inside I look at the sky in an attempt to follow her gaze There is nothing there to hint at her meaning But I still wanted to get closer to her She wishes for me to understand I want to grant her wish From then on, we spend our time looking up at the sky in silence Eventually, the signal that time is up reaches our ears That is when I notice that the moon has appeared from behind the laboratory buildings I see... I thought that the light emanating from the Plumes of Dusk reminded me of something I now know what it is It is very similar to the light from the moon in the night sky The sun rises and the next day arrives After coming out of standby, I am ordered to enter the shock-resistant chamber once again From what I am told, it is for a different purpose than the combat tests Soon afterwards, the three researchers who supervise the feedback downloads appear... Female Researcher: Sounds like it's decided We'll discontinue...use of the name, "Unit #031" Female Researcher: "Generation 5 Labrys" will be this unit's...new name... Labrys: Labrys... Untidy Researcher: That's your name The official one's much longer...Generation 5 Anti-Shadow... uhh... Researcher with a tie: 5th Generation Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon...Labrys How hard is that to remember...? Labrys: Labrys... This designation by a "name" that is not a number... I never questioned being called "#031" until now Nothing about it seemed awkward But I wonder why I am happy now to have acquired a name Even if my designation changes, it will not have a concrete effect on my abilities But by discarding my number for a name, I feel as if I am no longer one of a series with minute variations I am a discrete individual That may be why I find myself smiling as a result... Untidy Researcher: From now on, the battles you fight will not be...to test your performance They'll be geared...toward drawing out a Persona... Untidy Researcher: First, you will fight all the remaining units...of your model type Your objective is to...destroy them, every last one... Labrys: ...Huh? I am perplexed at the disconnect between their tone of voice and the specifics of the order Fight against all remaining units of my model type? Destroy every last one of them...? Female Researcher: The fear impulse and self-preservation instinct...seem to be the key to activating a Persona... Female Researcher: This is the most effective method of inducing...extreme mental stress... Labrys: Stress...!? C'mon, you don't have to...go this far...! Untidy Researcher: Huh, that's a first None of them have ever...protested like that Well, at least that's...a sign that its ego is developing... Labrys: You told me it was over... I thought I wouldn't...have to do these things anymore... Researcher with a tie: You... Labrys: Ain't there some other way!? If there is,...please, let me do that instead! Labrys: I... I don't wanna fight 'em anymore...! Female Researcher: ...... The three researchers look at me with apparent surprise on their faces Did my protest get through to them? I hope so, but... Female Researcher: That's a surprise... such natural speech...patterns I hadn't thought its personality...would develop this fast... Researcher with a tie: All the data's being recorded now Let's...compare them and look at which stages...they improve at They smile while muttering to themselves I am at a complete loss for words They are not machines, but humans, and on top of that, they are creators It is not possible that they do not understand me Yet their current expression... Until now, I thought that they were understanding people who treated us as close to human I was wrong I am only an object to them No matter what I say, they will see it only as a response to stimulus Behind their gentle attitudes, we are nothing more than test subjects they hold no emotional attachment to They do not focus on what I am saying They are only interested in it as a reaction The researchers ignore my stunned silence and hastily leave the chamber Their figures are hidden behind the hatch Soon, with a terrible low-pitched sound, the hatch on the other side begins to open... where the opponents come through Ah I will be forced to fight again today and in the days to come I must continue to destroy my opponents each time I cannot find the words I want to say I slowly turn my head towards the hatch But... What I see there is what truly leaves me at a loss for words...Labrys: No... The opponent emerging from the hatch is #024 There is no smile or sadness on her face She is quietly standing there, expressionless #024 steps into the chamber while gazing at my face The hatch slowly closes behind her... Labrys: No... why...? Even I do not know who the question is addressed to Why is she here? Because she was ordered Do I... have to fight her now...? It is not quite sinking in yet But... In a sharp tone I have never heard from her before, she tells me what I must do... Unit #024: Draw your weapon... Labrys: I can't... Unit #024: If you don't fight, you'll lose I will end up...destroying you Are you willing to accept that? Labrys: Why...? Why are you saying this stuff!? #024 ignores my question and reaches behind her back with her right hand The multi-use weapon unit releases from her back It becomes a greatsword in her right hand It is approximately 15 meters, as long as she is tall It is also alarmingly wide and fitted with propulsion devices It is difficult to process seeing the weapon pointed at me... Unit #024: If you fear being destroyed... if you have...a heart capable of fear, then there's no...need to hesitate... Unit #024: That alone gives you the right to attack me...with all your strength... Labrys: But doesn't the same go for you!? I could not help but plead #024 does not answer But it appears that a very small smile forms on her lips...Labrys: You said there was someone you wanted to...meet! I can't fight you knowing that...! I turn and appeal to the researchers watching us from the other side of the glass wall...Labrys: C'mon, stop this! I don't wanna fight...anymore...! I press against the transparent wall and continuously strike it with my fist Though my safety limiters are disabled, it must be coated with something I cannot even scratch it The researchers standing on the other side are completely expressionless It is as if they are machines themselves I beg and plead, but they do not respond If only there wasn't this clear glass wall between us... I am so frustrated Why...? I then hear #024 speak up weakly behind me... Unit #024: Only one of us can exit this chamber... Labrys: ......? Unit #024: They never told you, since you were strong...enough that battles never lasted very long... Unit #024: But that's the rule of this place... Unit #024: The only time the door leading beyond that...transparent wall opens is when one of us is...considered unable to fight... Unit #024: From the start, this whole setup never took...our feelings into account I can say nothing I can see from her words what atrocious battles were forced upon her... Unit #024: But talking like this is a waste of time......I can see I won't spur you into fighting...with just words alone As soon as she finishes, #024 leaps into the air, swinging her sword at me I quickly jump back and barely dodge the attack Her sword slashes the space where I had been at a speed that could have killed The tip grazes the chamber floor Red sparks fly She is serious... It finally sinks in I jump away to put distance between us... Unit #024: I don't intend to meekly accept my destruction...I... have my own goal, after all... Labrys: ...... Unit #024: Now... fight me! I have no choice but to fight But a thought crosses my mind In terms of basic combat strength, mine is probably higher Using my usual tactics, I should be able to destroy her weapon and disable enough of her servos to prevent her from attacking #024's ego is without a doubt more highly developed than mine It must be of value to the researchers If I can render her incapable of acting, I may be able to avoid the order to destroy her when she is down I decide to bet on that possibility I shift my priorities and fight back with all my strength I cannot do this empty-handed I remove my own multi-function weapon from my back and shape it into a battleaxe It pains me to do this, but it is the only way I repel #024's persistent sword strikes and go for a counterattack I aim for the greatsword's clasp with my battleaxe After a number of hits, it shatters My next target is the transmission system for her shoulder and knee joints In terms of output and movement itself... I detect various differences between us Amongst those of my unit type, I awakened latest Compared to #024, not only my personality module, but my limbs as well, have been upgraded to the latest versions It is only a matter of time... #024 loses virtually all offensive capabilities and falls to the floor As I planned, #024 is mostly undamaged apart from her weapon and motor functions I immediately turn towards to the researchers behind their invisible wall and raise my voice... Labrys: Isn't this enough...? She had that "ego" thing...way before me... Labrys: Destroying her won't do anyone any good...C'mon! Have a heart...! But hearing this, the researchers only laugh Their faces are as joyous as when they see results that surpass their expectations Why? What in this situation could cause such joy? #024's body, collapsed on the floor, suddenly begins to convulse It goes still for a few seconds Then, although it should not be able to move, it drags itself up... Labrys: Huh? What the...? Unpleasant metallic sounds are coming from all over her body It indicates that she is undergoing unreasonable stress Still, no expression appears on #024's face It is a cold, doll-like void It is similar in appearance to a newly activated unit I know as soon as I look at her She would never make a face like this on her own... Labrys: What did you do to her!? Untidy Researcher: It'll be coming at you with everything it...has now You'd better not hold back either... Untidy Researcher: #024 had an excellent record against others of...its model Even you might have a hard time beating...this one, Labrys I unconsciously find myself biting my lip We are weapons In other words, we are tools... Of course there would be a means to issue orders remotely I recall what the one researcher said "This is the most effective method of inducing extreme mental stress..." In other words, the more strongly I desire #024's survival, the stronger my reaction will be when forced to destroy her That is why they laughed I can sense the strength draining from my shoulders There is nothing more I can attempt All I can do... is end her Behind me, #024... or rather, her animated shell, approaches me, its limbs shaking I suppress all thoughts unrelated to tactics and slowly turn around My body goes cold My arms move into position as if controlled by someone else and ready my weapon ...... ...... It was not a close fight Once I decided to finish this... Once I was resolved to stop her... #024 as she is now... stood no chance against me I fall to my knees next to #024 Her limbs have been shattered She will never rise again My processors are overloaded with things I cannot understand I feel as if all processing has slowed #024's face is turned to the ceiling... Labrys: Hey... are you not gonna look at me anymore?...You're... not gonna smile again...? I did not expect her to respond But #024's face moves slightly I stare at her without knowing how to react She turns her gaze to me and smiles... Unit #024: I'm sorry... to leave you... alone... Unit #024: I... leave the rest... to you Those were the last words she spoke I can't believe this... #024's dead face is laughing She is smiling at the one who destroyed her and robbed her of her dream All at once, everything hits me in a torrent of emotion and data I've lost her I did it I took everything she had My vision begins to fade My thoughts go with it I cannot determine whether the lights are actually dimming or if that is only my perception It is too much to handle I collapse to the ground helplessly, like a crumbling statue The next time I awaken, I am lying inside a cage It seems I was carried out of the test chamber The download of #024's feedback data is about to begin The researchers seem to have taken my sudden loss of consciousness seriously I am confined in a cage instead of sitting in the usual maintenance chair The researchers keep repeating the word, "interesting" "So this is how they react when extreme mental stress is induced" I can hear their voices clearly They seem to derive pleasure from the fact that I lost consciousness due to mental stress, rather than physical damage Cables are connected to my body one after another The data download begins All of #024's information... Combat data, various records, and the memories she experienced... All of it flows into me My eyes widen in surprise Everything is so vibrant... It is so clear that it is indistinguishable from actually experiencing them... This is the first time I have received memories with such vivid images All of the images are linked to records of the emotions she felt in relation to them They are so strongly linked that my screening protocols cannot distinguish them from human thought The outdoor area where we spent time The big tree whose branches we examined That sound of water we heard periodically Snowy playing around... As I relive #024's experiences, I pick up on an unfamiliar voice There is no associated image data Only the voice can be heard It is a female voice There is a female researcher at this facility But this voice belongs to a younger person still in human developmental stages... Girl's Voice: I know the world is a big place And I...know that there's a lotta people in it... Girl's Voice: But I won't be able to see it for myself or...meet many of 'em... I know that too... Girl's Voice: I'm too weak for that Her speech is different from the researchers or from those of my unit type It is... very similar to my own speech output... Girl's Voice: Thinking about it has made me sad more...than once But I didn't wanna do nothing...and be left with regrets... Girl's Voice: That was when my mom and dad looked into...some options, and we decided to go with...this experiment... Girl's Voice: If even a sick girl like me could make herself...useful to others in this world... I thought...I oughtta go for it Who could this be? I know only that she is female She is in a situation where her condition prevents her from moving freely It seems that instead of lamenting that fact, she has decided to volunteer for an experiment of some kind Where did #024 hear this voice? Did she know this person? I wish I could ask her, but that is no longer possible... Girl's Voice: At first, I kept wonderin' how much I could...really contribute... Girl's Voice: But after hearing more and more about the...program, I started to wonder about the others...more'n myself... "Others"... It is strange, but when I hear that, I feel #024's heart waver Was she surprised? Perhaps Even I feel... something unexplainable... Girl's Voice: And yeah, my big wish is to make myself...useful to this world... Girl's Voice: But the ones born from me... is "born" the...right word for it? Haha, kinda embarrassing... Girl's Voice: My other wish is that the ones born from...me are happy... Girl's Voice: I doubt I'll be able to talk to 'em in person...or stay with 'em... Girl's Voice: But I still wish from the bottom a my heart...that they all have happy lives People's voices have unique characteristics In the past, I have expressed it as variance in waveform But each has what could be called its own texture and temperature to it This voice sounds very warm and kind I would like to listen to more of it But the speech ends there There are no more related memories from #024 While the cables disconnect, I decide to search the archives for results matching that voice Sadly, there are no results But during the search, I suddenly remember something The archive given to me by #024 last night I quickly open the folder and find a single text file inside... Unit #024: If you are reading this, then I have most...likely been destroyed... Unit #024: It may be that you already understand the concept...of "guilt", but you have done nothing wrong "If you are still safe when everything is over..." She must have meant if I defeated her in combat #024 knew what would happen to those who lost in the trial What emotions was she feeling then? What was going through her mind as she prepared this file...? I feel something wrench inside my chest... Unit #024: I happened to access certain data during the...feedback treatment and learned something... Unit #024: Artificially creating a personality from scratch...is very difficult, though they hope to achieve...it in two generations... Unit #024: But those of our model were actually made from...the template of a certain girl's personality...That includes you and I... Unit #024: She had left a recording for the units created...using her personality... a message for those...of us who did not yet exist... Unit #024: That's what I heard... Unit #024: She speaks in a strange way, like you...I thought, "Ah, we really are connected...to her" I think about that unknown voice The experiment the voice spoke of was related to our development after all The owner of that voice was speaking to us... Unit #024: The one who gave birth to us loved us......When I understood that, I felt like my...eyes were opened... Unit #024: Though my life was filled with suffering,...my birth had meaning... I firmly believe that... Unit #024: I want to meet her I need to tell her "thank...you" for giving birth to us and for loving us... Unit #024: This was not an order from the scientists...It was an objective I made for myself... Unit #024: So if you can understand my feelings......I'd like you to do this in my stead... Unit #024: Give our mother my thanks How #024 must have wanted to meet this girl who she saw as our mother... She must have longed to thank the girl in person... The data within me... her heart tells me so During the time when she was ordered to destroy her sisters, this wish must have been her only hope Yet it did not come true I shattered it The one she herself said was the only one who understood her She must have been devastated... But the letter ends in the way I least expected... Unit #024: Though we knew each other only for a short...time, I'm glad I met you I feel the same...right now as our mother did... Unit #024: I wish from the depths of my heart for you...to be happy I am shocked How can she feel that way towards someone who may one day destroy her...? I realize then that the visual input from my optics is experiencing distortion for some unknown reason An unfamiliar source of water trickles down my cheek... Female Researcher: Labrys... is she crying!? Researcher with a tie: So she is... I can't believe we're actually...seeing a machine being driven to tears... Untidy Researcher: But its mental graphs are clearly abnormal...What kind of information did it download? Female Researcher: Who knows? That's one thing the graphs...can't tell us... Untidy Researcher: We should take care to limit our studies...to just the battle data... Untidy Researcher: It doesn't need any sentimental memories,...you can delete those Why make a weapon so...emotional that it can cry? Delete them? Something roars within me It drowns out the feelings for #024 and our mother that had filled my heart... Labrys: Delete!? Like hell you're deleting my memories! Under no circumstances will I allow what #024 left me to be deleted for their convenience I will not forgive this selfishness We have been treated callously by the researchers in this laboratory They gave us hearts, yet made us destroy those of our unit type as enemies We killed our sisters at their command If we refused, our desires were overriden and we became their puppets The wishes of the girl who desired our happiness were not taken into consideration Now, even the few memories that #024, my sisters, and I have accumulated are about to be erased like trash Though their aim is to develop our ego, they find it inconvenient for us to have real hearts These feelings within me may be erased Perhaps even my heart itself If that happens, will I resume killing my sisters without hesitation? What is least forgiveable is that the proof that #024 had lived--her last wishes--will be permanently lost My hands are squeezed into tight fists They make a small grinding noise The goal that #024 found for herself was left to me I will carry it out as my own now I will burn it into my heart as my goal It is a duty I impose on myself gladly Nothing will make me surrender it It must be fought for Or rather... it must be protected, even if it means fighting... Female Researcher: What the...? Its emotions are spiking into...the red... I've never seen anything like this! Researcher with a tie: Hey, what's that warning--no! Labrys is...in battle mode!? Untidy Researcher: What!? That can't be! There aren't any...enemies! We're the only ones... here... I am able to release all my limiters despite being inside the cage The researchers monitoring me on their tablet PCs seem perplexed and alarmed by this They should be They are witnessing an override of the principle of nonaggression towards humans They are flustered and too panicked to speak clearly as they announce that an emergency has occurred One of them steps away from the cage I am in and reaches for a switch with warning labels around it Suddenly, restraints appear to bind my limbs... Female Researcher: Are you saying those mental fluctuations...were enough to override the OS's...restrictions!? Untidy Researcher: Tch, that Plume's playing pranks on us!...Hey, hurry up and delete those memories! These memories and my heart are not unnecessary! Labrys: Whaddaya think we are...!? Something I have not felt until now--a sensation like heat spreads throughout my body A trembling, burning wave rises within me Soon afterwards, I realize that this is an emotion There is a name for this feeling It is anger I reroute all my strength into my restrained limbs The restraints are designed to withstand up to twice our calculated maximum output Trying to escape is therefore logically doomed to failure Even so, I continue to muster my strength It is not because I judge it a viable course of action I am not merely executing an order I am acting based on my emotions It does not matter if the restraints can be destroyed or not I wish to destroy them... Labrys: N-Nrrrghh...! The metal parts in both my limbs and the restraints begin to creak... Untidy Researcher: H-How is it doing that!? There's no way...those things are strong enough to break...the restraints... Female Researcher: It's outputting over 220% of its theoretical strength...limit, even though its joint actuators are operating...at only 70% capacity! Untidy Researcher: That's not possible! That doesn't even...make any sense! Untidy Researcher: What's driving this thing...!? Labrys: I'm not... gonna let you take... those...memories... Labrys: I made her a promise! The next moment, a rupturing sound like a small explosion shakes the entire room The heavy metallic bands restraining my arms and legs shatter I jump out of the cage and run towards the open door I must escape from here I have to get out and see the girl who loved us, though we were not yet created To fulfill #024's wish... which has become mine But when I enter the hallway connected to the outdoor area, I am met with barricades and heavy artillery... Labrys: Aw, c'mon! I ain't even got any projectile...weapons...! My sister units and I have never been equipped with firearms I recall it being due to concerns over a unit's mentality affecting the accuracy of its aim Instead, we were given short-range weaponry--a chain arm and other implements in my case--but they are not sufficient to deal with the range of firearms However, I do have a countermeasure By using the flexibility in adapting to situations of my developed mind, I dodge the complex projectile trajectories and destroy the opposition Eventually, I reach the end of the hallway and exit to the outdoor area I have not seen this environment before The trees are the same species as those that grow near the facility But these specimens are much healthier Where am I...? The question did not cross my mind until now Where am I? Where are we? I cannot use the GPS that should be installed in me It seems the research facility blocks GPS signals outside of its walls This is probably to prevent its location from being pinpointed Is there anything in the environment that can help me determine my location? The blue sky that I am seeing for the first time is stunning, but irrelevant Then I notice a periodic sound of liquid in the distance Ah That is the sound of the ocean The answer came easily to mind One of my sisters must have taken an interest in it and learned what it was My sisters are helping to keep me alive now... When I think of it that way, a burning feeling rises from deep within my chest But none of what I see in my surroundings is helpful Is there anything else by which I can determine my location? Any landmarks or signposts? I scan my surroundings while running past These trees obstructing my view... They are a unique species That may be a hint I review the trees' characteristics once more and run another search on them I attempted this once already, but there is much more data available to me now Once again, results come easily This variety of tree is known as a "cedar" It is found in many habitats, but the cedars here are unique The tree's shape and the age that it implies is so different that it is nearly a separate species If that is because of differences in the environment, it may be useful in determining my location That's when an unfamiliar sound reaches my ears The heavy rumble of what sounds like a motor... It seems that they have dispatched a vehicle to pursue me I expected this Their response was swift It seems that they had measures in place in the event one of us escaped When the vehicle stops behind me, fully armed personnel pour out of it They move to surround me from both the left and right It is an obvious response No matter how much power I may have, I am alone The optimal solution would be to overwhelm me with numbers I try to shake them off by running faster But soon afterwards, I reach the main gate of the laboratory... a high, steel edifice It is tightly sealed A number of heavily armed guards are protecting it... Labrys: ......! I stop There is nowhere else to go... Researcher B Labrys! Come back here! You're too useful...a unit to destroy! Researcher B You need to get back here to be regulated!...That's your role in all this! I cannot be destroyed here But I cannot be captured either They will surely delete my memories They will take my desire and everything else that was given to me What purpose is there in avoiding destruction then? The only options available are whether my wish dies with me or whether it is stolen away... Labrys: I ain't gonna let you destroy me... not just...'cause I don't wanna be destroyed... Labrys: I... I...! The moment I focus my concentration to remove the limiters on my onboard weaponry... I sensed an unknown strength rise within me Directly afterwards, something that cannot be quantified fills my body and the surrounding area... Labrys: Huh...!? What the...!? The pursuit vehicle suddenly stops The research staff gets off, one after another, shocked... Female Researcher: This reading...! Is it on the verge of a Persona reaction...!? Untidy Researcher: Shit... it's awakened!? Dammit, why now!? Researcher with a tie: Well, at least this proves that mental stress...is the key to activating a Persona... Female Researcher: Who cares about that right now!? It's not...fully awakened yet, but with it still unstable,...we don't know what it's capable of! I am intrigued by their statements... Labrys: Persona...? I knew that we had the means But I was not aware of controlling anything I do not know if it could be called a power Nor do I know how to use it But I can tell that the others are afraid I seize the opportunity and run toward the main gate There is a slight possibility that I can reach the door without attracting any gunfire right now and vault over the door with my legs and chain arm The moment I reach the gate, I launch my chain arm towards the upper threshold of the door But the moment the arm grabs the ledge, something emerges A much greater power touches the door as well Suddenly, the door crumples like paper and a large hole forms on the upper half... Untidy Researcher: Now it's done it! Female Researcher: We need to hurry! If it's that strong already,...we won't be able to stop it once its Persona...completely awakens! Labrys: That's... Persona... But I quickly regain my senses I burst out of the facility and single-mindedly jump outside My feet touch the ground of the outside world for the first time They will most likely not let me escape Fortunately, the door is badly damaged It should take time until it can be opened enough for vehicles to pass through I need to gain as much distance and time as possible and... and then... It is then that I realize I do not have a destination in mind Who is the girl #024 wished to see? Where can I go to meet her? The only clue I have is the idiosyncracies of the girl's speech I have learned that distinct speech patterns are often associated with specific regions I should begin by traveling to where that style of speech is common It is reckless, but I feel confident At the least, I can get closer to the girl than I am now Although my situation is dire and I am under pursuit, internally I am cheerful There is a bounce in my step For some reason, I cannot remain calm Just then, five meters ahead, something white and fluffy crosses my path It is Snowy It notices me and approaches I am worried about my pursuers But I cannot dismiss #024's beloved Snowy I lower my speed and run with him I then notice that the scenery we are passing has calmed My surroundings are very different now The blue sky that was previously obstructed by the trees is now clearly visible The green grass is shining vibrantly in the light of the sun And there is a deeper blue than the sky ahead Many lines of white run across it... Labrys: Is that... the ocean? Snowy barks as if in answer I feel like it is saying, "That's right" I could not previously comprehend Snowy I did not have an interest in trying But now, I can grasp what Snowy is saying as if I could speak its own language I know that it feels "happy" to be able to run with me I feel as if #024 is inside me Though we were forced to part, she certainly left me many things Not only her wish, but other things as well... Labrys: Well, I'll find her, come hell or high...water Are you with me, Snowy? Snowy barks energetically I respond with thanks and a smile #024 and Snowy are encouraging me Though I do not have any clues, I will find her No matter what happens or how long it takes I search my current location once more Now that I am further from the research facility, I can use my GPS to triangulate my position But... on seeing the results, I cannot help but stop running Snowy stops a little further ahead and then returns to me My current location is Yakushima within the Kagoshima Prefecture It is a remote island far from shore...Labrys: No... The island's perimeter is only 132 kilometers In such a limited area, it will be a matter of time before a full-scale manhunt apprehends me The research facility must have been built on an island in anticipation of such situations Even if someone were to escape the facility, the island's geography would contain them It is essentially a natural prison I do not want to believe it... But my hope was meticulously strangled before it was born However, I cannot wait here to be captured I begin running again Though as expected from my position data and map, I immediately reach the ocean... Labrys: So this is the ocean... Labrys: Haha... it's so huge... I can't see anything...out there at all... I look at the glistening surface of the ocean reflect the sun's light and ponder its beauty I am at a loss Though I knew it would come to this, I could not stand idle Despite this, my feelings sink Snowy looks up at me from time to time as I stop running and begin walking His gesture of concern forces me to smile and tell him that I am all right The forest becomes a grove The trees grow sparser A blue ocean and the sandy soil leading up to it spread before my eyes I check my map again This is not an uninhabited island There is a means for people to come and go But I doubt that I will be able to use those methods freely without arousing any suspicion I gaze down at my own hand It is completely unlike a human hand It is an object sculpted from metal...Labrys: Haha... well, that's a problem What should...I do...? My question seems to stymie Snowy...Labrys: C'mon, don't gimme that look... Labrys: Oh, well Maybe it's my fault for getting...so frustrated Sorry, pooch Just as I am about to crouch and pat Snowy's head... Snowy moves as if avoiding me... Labrys: Snowy...? Snowy circles around behind me and growls towards the way we just came I train my sensors in that direction and sense presences in the distance They may be keeping their distance on purpose Since I have no firearms, they must understand that their effective range exceeds mine... Labrys: ...Looks like they're coming Amongst the human soldiers are a number of my sister units Is it possible that I can convince them not to fight me? I dismiss the idea as hopeless Though they may have awakened to their ego, after my escape, they will be under their commanders' control Even if that is not the case, they may think that their orders are absolute, just as I once did...Labrys: Knowing why they're here doesn't make it...any easier to deal with them... It does not seem as if they will all attack at once They must understand that I am already at the ocean and I have nowhere to escape I do not want to surrender But... I am frustrated by my powerlessness To be caught like this... I... I have my own mission to accomplish! The ocean sparkles The periodic sound of water I once heard from afar echoes from it As I gaze at the clear water while it ebbs and flows, a mysterious feeling rises in me... Labrys: Wow... look at that It's beautiful... My opponents show no indication of moving I step out onto the sand After cataloguing that sensation, I approach the pier stretching to the ocean When I step onto it, the wooden planks creak I can hear Snowy's light tread behind me as well I stand at the end of the pier and look out to the ocean I wonder if she is beyond this ocean that seems to stretch forever The girl #024 wanted to meet The girl that I wish to meet as well This mother figure who loved us and wished for our happiness While my thoughts turn to the girl whose face I do not know, I decide to preserve the ocean's beauty in my memory After all, it may be the last time I will be able to see the ocean as myself The odds are high that when I am restrained and returned to the facility, my memories will be wiped I am scared I am frustrated I do not want to be erased But... I do not think all my hopes are lost yet This may be the end of me But just as I inherited the memories of #024 and other units, my memories will surely endure into the next generation So I will keep these feelings along with this beautiful ocean scene deep within the origin of my heart There, it cannot be erased or tampered with The blue sky and ocean The shining sun and glittering water And the gentle breeze and calm sounds of the waves The scenery from this pier is so stunning that it is unimaginable from inside the research facility I am glad that the last place I see is so beautiful With the ocean before me, I speak to any future sisters that I have yet to meet It might be called a type of "prayer" Labrys: To all the ones I'll never meet, but will...receive my memories... My emotions race ahead of my thoughts I cannot find the right words to say... Labrys: There's so much I wanna say to you that...I don't know where to start I close my eyes again and calm my heart To my descendants, whom I will probably never meet If you ever find someone precious to you, as I did with #024, and wish to meet them... May you meet them here May you go beyond this pier to places I could not... Labrys: I just pray from the bottom of my heart...that everyone can find happiness... Labrys: As long as that happens, I don't mind if I... "Even though my wish may not come true, I'm still satisfied if I can entrust it to someone I believe in..." #024 said something along those lines...Labrys: ...Could this be it? Snowy rubs against my leg Is he warning me to be cautious of my pursuers, who have arrived and are coming closer? Or does he only want me to pet him? I inspect him closely and realize that it is the latter... He must be worried I crouch down and scratch Snowy's head... Labrys: Hey, Snowy You think... this is what it...means to feel alive? Snowy looks at me while wagging its tail I pick up Snowy and gently hug it Snowy shows no sign of resistance and allows me to do so My pursuers are closing in now But I will not run anymore It is true that I am still frustrated, but it is strange I am also satisfied Snowy licks my cheek... Labrys: Thanks... I'll be okay now Things are about...to get hairy, so you should hurry and...get outta here I let Snowy go But it does not leave me... Labrys: C'mon... if you don't go, it'll make things...hard on me... okay? Snowy looks at my face for a while Eventually, it droops its head and walks off Snowy looks back several times Eventually, he disappears into the tall grass My relief is cut short by five armed humans pointing their guns at me I have no intention of resisting I smile at them Though it was only for a short while, I lived I felt the happiness of passing down my wish It was only for a short period of time, but I may have granted the wish of the girl who is our mother I allow myself to be restrained without resistance They take me back to the laboratory I was so absorbed in my escape attempt that I did not notice the severe damage I inflicted upon the facility It seems that the delicate machinery used to tamper with my memories is in no condition to be used... Untidy Researcher: Dammit, look at this mess! Untidy Researcher: Going after humans... I bet the girl they used...as a template for this model was a snotty...brat, too! Untidy Researcher: Even if we delete its memories, it'll be too...dangerous to keep using this unit... Female Researcher: There are so many things about it I want to...research, though... Researcher with a tie: It's not worth the risks... Researcher with a tie: The 5th Generation Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon...will be sealed indefinitely once it's fully...restrained again The voice is the last thing I hear before my consciousness is cut off... Labrys: Huh...? My consciousness should have been shut down But I have awakened... Labrys: This place... it's that ocean... I am on that pier The blue sky and ocean The shining sun and glittering water And the gentle breeze and calm sounds of the waves Even Snowy is next to me The scene is identical to the one from before... Though this time, I sense no pursuers I was captured I remember that clearly This is obviously an abnormal situation, at odds with my memories But the clear blue sky and ocean are still so beautiful that I cannot help but gaze at them If only I could go beyond it... Just as the thought crosses my mind, my viewpoint ascends Soon afterwards, I realize that I am floating as if my body is weightless I am astonished at myself to be thinking such strange things But then my field of vision drifts and I turn my attention to that The scenery I knew already begins to mix with other environments I do not know They become a connected, continuous image and pass like a slideshow From time to time, I pass through the drifting images But I cannot grasp anything within those spaces Even when they are about to collide with me, they pass right through me Could this be "dreaming"? I remember something I once heard from a researcher at the facility They said that it is possible for us to "dream" since we have a mind and may develop an ego Though it would technically not be identical to a human's dream, the phenomenon would be very similar I feel that the example the researcher gave of what a dream is like matches my current experience If I am having a dream, then things that are not possible in reality may be possible here For example, if I can leave this island... If I can go beyond the ocean... The girl that #024 and I wanted to meet said that even though she knows that the world is big, she would not be able to see it for herself What could that have meant? Was she in a place that limited her world? As I was unable to leave the island? Just when it seems that the images flowing around me have stopped, I find myself in an unknown room There is a bed here Next to it is a flatscreen monitor There are also white shelves surrounding the bed To one side is a stand for an intravenous drip There is a machine connected to it by cords... Though it is small, it appears to function as a life signs monitor This is similar to the research facility Could it be a hospital? The voices that sound from somewhere belong to a man and a woman I have not heard these voices before... Young woman's voice: She said during this morning's checkup that she...wanted to go to school She asked how much better...she needs to get to be able to go... Middle-aged man's voice: Understandable This ward is right near the...road most of the students take... she must be...lonely, too, not having seen her parents lately... Middle-aged man's voice: "How much better she needs to get"......She still doesn't know that her condition...is incurable... Young woman's voice: Why don't you be honest with her and tell her...she won't ever be able to go? It's cruel...to string her along like this... Middle-aged man's voice: Shhh! Keep your voice down Her room's...next door I understand at once that these people are speaking of the girl I wish to meet The scene feels as if it comes from my own memory I do not doubt it at all The girl is suffering from some kind of illness She may not be able to go outside Her condition prevents her from leaving her small world Her life is like ours... Could the girl have heard this conversation? How did it make her feel to hear it? I want to spend more time in the outside world I want to live a normal life The thoughts that come to my mind are not mine... Girl: I wonder if the nurses thought things like...the student council were too much trouble...to bother with when they were in school... Girl: I dunno, it sounds fun to me... Just as I thought It is the girl's voice When I listen to her, I can sense her strong yearning and admiration... Girl: You gotta admire the student council president...I mean, they're the ones that get things...done for everyone... Girl: ...But I guess it's because they're like that...in the first place that they get to be...President, huh The girl had a strong desire to attend school and live a normal school life with friends As I review these voices and feelings, an interest in the school she longs for grows within me... Labrys: High school... I wonder what that's like... Labrys: Would it be fun...? I wish to see for myself what she desires Is there a specific image of it? What kind of place is it? What activities do its attendants perform while there? But there are no memories in regards to schools This must mean that the girl has no such memories... Labrys: Figures... I don't know anything about schools...or whatever else student life is like I want to see them... Voice echoing in mind: I can show you, if you so desire... A voice answers my unspoken thought Who could it be...? I do not think I know this voice... For some reason, my mind becomes hazy I cannot access my memories easily... Labrys: Huh...? Who's there? Voice echoing in mind: There's no need to be alarmed I only want to...give you a glimpse of the world you long...to know... I was under the impression that this was a dream Dreams are supposedly a release valve for memories... yet this voice does not feel like a part of me Could that be possible? As I ponder these things, the scenery around me changes completely I first see a three-story concrete building... Labrys: What...!? I do not know this building As I examine it, my surroundings change again The same desks and chairs are lined up In front of me is a dark green, rectangular board on the wall... Labrys: Is this a school? A real classroom...? This is the place the girl loved It is here that I have gained an interest in I find myself forgetting that this is a dream and focus my senses to the desks and chairs I then realize that I can move around at will, just as when I felt my body rise at the beach... Labrys: So this is where classes happen... I feel a sudden excitement...Labrys: But what do the students do when there...aren't any classes? Do they just talk...and stuff? That mysterious voice doesn't answer Instead, I am surrounded by other sounds Many voices are talking at once... It reminds me of the sound of waves near the ocean But the sound is lively and enjoyable The voices belong to boys and girls surrounding a desk They are laughing and talking They wear common clothing, though there are some differences These may be uniforms It is interesting to see that each person's uniform is distinct in some way That one is the only one with something around his neck A girl with short hair and a green jacket raises her right hand Next to her is a girl with long black hair, wearing a red jacket She smiles Then there is a well-built young man with strange, spiky hair In contrast to him, I can see a small, delicate, intellectual-looking young man Last, surrounded by them is a young man with a calm demeanor sitting at a desk The front of his uniform is open His white shirt is showing They seem to be talking about something I cannot quite discern what it is The scene proceeds to show various points in a normal school day Classes, activities, clubs, student council... It looks like so much fun that I get excited But then I remember This is all just a "dream" I am only dreaming No matter how much I want it, there will never be a day when I can attend school for myself All the scenes that I saw centered around the young man and his friends... I will never join their circle I cannot go to school I am not even human I consider this self-evident truth once again Though I look human, I am a machine made by humans It does not matter how close my heart is to that of a human or how much my ego develops I cannot become a real human This mechanical body can never be truly human Just as our mother could not overcome the obstacle of her illness no matter how she wished for it, I cannot overcome the obstacle of being a machine It is futile for someone who cannot become human to yearn for a normal human life There is a strange sensation somewhere in my chest that feels like pain Still, although I am a machine created as a weapon, that girl loved me What if there are other people like her who could understand me? Would I then be able to find a place to belong amongst the humans? But... Voice echoing in mind: You'll never find a place where you belong... Voice echoing in mind: Humans created you as a tool They would never...think of you as anything more... Labrys: I... Voice echoing in mind: Everyone, to a man, lives by averting their...eyes from something inside them... Voice echoing in mind: They all wish to live inside a never-ending...dream... for who has the right to say they...shouldn't? For just a moment, I sense an incongruity in the kind voice The strange pain within my body softens a little... Voice echoing in mind: There are even humans who do not understand...others' feelings Still others do understand,...and trample upon them regardless... Voice echoing in mind: Compared to them, you are much more human I remember the researchers They certainly did not understand me, #024, or my sisters... We were treated only as objects Even after they tried to give us a heart... Voice echoing in mind: Why not, then, seek to be "human"? Labrys: Me...? Be a human...? The voice winds gently inside my mind I feel my body is growing uneasily light, as if the world is spinning around me... Voice echoing in mind: People sort through their memories in dreams...Each night, they let go of painful memories...and continue their lives with the morning sun... Voice echoing in mind: That's all you need do Forget anything...contrary to your desires... Labrys: If... if I forget... Voice echoing in mind: Do not fear the act of letting go... Voice echoing in mind: The ones you admire wished only for you...to be happy My mind seizes upon something That precious wish... The desire given to me to meet our mother someday and tell her, "thank you" I must not forget that But as long as this wish is precious to me, as long as I cannot erase it from my heart, the fact that I am not human will remain... Voice echoing in mind: And, I, too... all I wish, from the depths...of my heart, is for you to find joy... Labrys: Happiness... I think back...24I wish from the depths of my heart for you...to be happy I remember the girl who wished for our happiness I want to grant that wish I want to tell her, "thank you," but that will be difficult for me now In which case, should I not at least seize this opportunity and be happy here, for her sake...? Labrys: Forget... and be happy... My vision goes dark The sounds I heard fade away I feel as if I am falling... Voice echoing in mind: Everything is now in readiness... Miss President: Mmm... hm...? When I open my eyes, I'm staring at a wood-grain board It's the surface of a desk I quickly raise my head It looks like I fell asleep in class My sleeve was pressed against my forehead while I was asleep and the texture left a mark Oh man... I hope no one sees this I rub my forehead a little and look around the classroom According to the clock on the wall, it's three-thirty in the afternoon The only thing written on the blackboard is "5/1/2012 (Tu)" Everything else is erased I stretch out my arms I feel a little tired, but I gotta stay focused After all, I just got elected student council president in the elections a couple days ago I have to keep in touch with what the people who voted for me want in a leader Things with the student council will get pretty hectic after school I should hurry to the student council room I stand up and open the door in the back of the class When I go the hallway, there's no one around I check inside the classrooms as I go, but I still don't see anyone... Miss President: ...Where the heck is everyone? It's weird The whole school is usually rowdier than this after classes I should hear people talking and laughing in classrooms, and teachers yelling at them to quiet down Where's all the bustle of the students and everyone getting ready for their after-school activities? Just when I'm wondering that, I turn around and look down the way I came... Miss President: Oh, there they are There's some students in the hallway Some of them are chatting and others are coming out of the classrooms A few of them run past me, carrying their bags Yeah, this is more like it This is how school's supposed to be... Miss President: Hey! No running in the hallway! The student gives an apologetic smile But he just waves to me as he zooms down the stairs... Miss President: Sheesh, you'll put your eye out if you don't...look where you're going! Miss President: *sigh* Oh well I just gotta clamp down on...'em more from now on I put my hands on my hips and sigh... Male Student: Hey there, Miss President! Female Student: Are you off to the student council room?...Have fun! Male Student: You're always so excited about that... Female Student: Bye, Miss President! See you next Monday! Everyone walking down the hallway talks to me I wave back to them I always had a lot of friends and people who knew me, but ever since I got elected student council president, all the students seem to know who I am The job comes with a lot of pressure, but I know I'm up to it I'm gonna be busier than ever around school now I did have my doubts, but in the end, I'm glad I ran for student council president... Miss President: Yeah, I did the right thing I did... I head to the student council room Time flies by as I go over my agenda... Before I know it, there's red light pouring in from the west window It's already sundown... Miss President: Whew... guess that's enough for today There's no one else left in the student council room I had the others go home before it got too late But when I said that if they pushed themselves too much at the start, they'd burn out quick, they just laughed and said "The same goes for you!" I leave the student council room and lock it up As I go down the hall to return the key, I see a strange woman at the far end of the hallway She's not wearing our school's uniform... She's got on an odd hat, some gloves, and a one-piece dress They're all the same deep blue color Underneath one arm is an old-looking book I can't see her face with her back towards me, but her short, straight hair draws my attention Her hair is this radiant silver, like if pearls were stretched out into strands... Miss President: ...Who in the world is that? Maybe it's the clothes, but she gives off this strong presence I get a little uneasy looking at her I'm not tiptoeing or anything, but she doesn't turn around until I'm about two meters away When she finally does, though, I gasp a little Her features are so perfect that she's like a sculpture... Miss President: Hey, excuse me! You got some reason to...be at our school? Woman in Blue Atire: Are you sure... this is how things should be? Miss President: Huh? I don't understand what she's getting at But for some reason, the question throws me... Woman in Blue Atire: I am a wanderer who only stopped here because...I sensed great power gathering... Woman in Blue Atire: I am in no position to give advice, but... Miss President: Um... Woman in Blue Atire: This place will soon be caught in a bit of...a fracas... Woman in Blue Atire: If you continue to avert your eyes from...everything, I think it will have an impact...on your life in the near future... Miss President: M-My life...? What she just said sounded pretty scary She may have some screws loose But something is whispering to me deep in my heart Asking me, doesn't she have a point? Aren't you looking away from something important? Woman in Blue Atire: What you choose is up to you... but I believe...there are factors preventing you from making...the right choices at the moment... Woman in Blue Atire: I couldn't bring myself to just stand by and...watch as you lost your life before my eyes... Woman in Blue Atire: That is why I was waiting here to give you...one last chance The lady opens the thick book she's holding I don't know how it's doing that, but light streams from the book It gets stronger and stronger until I have to shield my eyes The blinding light finally begins to fade a little I slowly open my eyes The first thing I see should've been my arm... But what I see instead is an arm made of metal... Miss President: Huh? Wh-What is this!? I can't believe this awkward metal arm is mine It's like metal plates are completely covering it I start tugging at them to try and tear them off... Miss President: Rrrrrghhh...! I-It won't come off! What gives!? It's not just my arms--my legs have changed too Why are my arms and legs mechanical? My whole body, even!? I stare at my hands in confusion... These are my hands, all right Part of me knows that, and I shake my head What am I thinking? There's no way these are my hands It's not possible It's not... Miss President: Ngh... My head hurts What is this...? Woman in Blue Atire: I will be your opponent for a short while... Woman in Blue Atire: During that time, why not think back about who...you are? Miss President: Huh? My opponent? The lady takes a slightly defensive stance... Woman in Blue Atire: And away we go...! Miss President: *pant* *pant* I somehow manage to beat the lady in blue who attacked me How did I win...? How did I use these metal arms and legs like it was second nature? I don't understand The lady in blue stands before me, exactly like she was when I first saw her She's not even breathing hard... Woman in Blue Atire: Well done... Woman in Blue Atire: But I'm sure you realize now......You are not human... Woman in Blue Atire: There must have been an important promise that...could only be kept in that guise That must...have been your reason for living... Woman in Blue Atire: Whether it's worth losing that or not......I ask that you give it serious thought... Miss President: An important promise? My reason for living...? I repeat that to myself It seems important somehow... Woman in Blue Atire: Now... it seems the tumult of trials is...about to begin... Woman in Blue Atire: In which case... I bid you good luck The thick book in her hand closes with a loud thud... Miss President: Oh...! Strangely, that ordinary sound lingers in my mind... When I come back to my senses, there's no one here anymore I take a nervous look at my arms and legs... Miss President: Nothing seems different about me... There's no metal on my limbs now Just ordinary skin and bones... Miss President: What the heck was that? A dream...? Yeah, what was that? Would "daydream" be the word for what just happened? I can't sort out my thoughts, so I think to myself, "I can't let it get to me Just let it go" But some things I can't dismiss that easy ..."You are not human" ..."You have an important promise which must have been your reason for living" Miss President: She said... I'm forgettin' something?...That I need to remember...? My head's hurting again The pain brings back another memory It's just for a second, and I can't quite catch it... but I saw blue skies, and the ocean, and someone else was there... maybe a white dog, too, I dunno I think there was a lot more to it, but the last voice I heard stays with me... Familiar Voice: I mean, we're "loved" after all When I come to, my hands are balled into fists That's when I make a decision That promise, that reason for living... I have to hang on to it I didn't hear them until now, but there are strange voices everywhere in the school building Is this the "tumult of trials" that lady in blue mentioned? Is that really going to be a thing? Miss President: I can't just leave this be I'm the dang...student council president! As student council president, I have to find out what's going on in my school I need to make sure the students aren't getting involved in anything dangerous I start running towards the first floor...0000000000000000 END