The dust cloud in the sparring room slowly dissipated, the confines and state of the area having been left to the imagination of the staff, Kaiser, and Falco. Upon the clearing, everyone in the skybox was stunned by the scene, as the entire sparring arena could barely be used to serve its intended purpose anymore. In the middle of it all, Erebus was on one knee; his katana was stabbed into the ground next to him, allowing him to rest against it. No wounds were made to his form—-the only wound that could have been made was the one against his pride. On the other side was Xander's body, ventral side planted into the ground with Erebus's free hand clasping him down.
"Yo, doc, the kid's got nothing left to give," Erebus said, watching the stunned faces of the researchers that continued to stare at the sight before them.
At first, Falco's face was the only one amongst them that held some level of unbridled, madness-induced happiness. But as he processed more of the scene and realized the outcome of the trial, he quickly switched his disposition to one of a relatively sane and grounded individual—at least for Dr. Falco's state of mind.
Still with Lysander's headset, Falco quietly spoke into the microphone, "Good work, Erebus. Make sure he's still alive. I—we need that boy."
Falco then threw the headset back to Lysander before placing his Codexius back on the table and looking at all the notes he had made. When a specialist made notes to the Vector Codexius, since the database itself was an AI digitized system of information, at some points it could understand and analyze a situation just as well as a specialist could. For this reason, it was an invaluable resource for every researcher, as it could use prior knowledge from past subjects stored within its database to help understand changes within a quick timeframe. It could also correct mistakes made by a specialist.
As Falco combed Xander's entry, waiting for the analysis of the Codexius, Kaiser tapped the man on his shoulder.
"What do you want me to do now exactly? The kid is just lying down there getting poked by Duskwalker."
"Give me a moment. Don't you think I need to understand what just happened before I can tell you?" Falco said.
Following his statement to Kaiser, a quick chime-like notification echoed around the room, pulling the attention of Falco back to his Codexius. Many of the staff members at their computer stations turned around to view the events that were taking place. When Falco saw the entry, the man instantly took off his glasses, wiping the lenses with his white, untouched scrub before putting them back on. He couldn't believe what the Codexius had told him.
"Appraisal to D-ranked Vector likely? High potential for C-ranked appraisal?" Falco read. The most stunning one to the man, however, was the analysis by the Codexius at the bottom of the tab.
While this notification was smaller than the rest in text length and amount, it held the most significance to Falco, enough so that made him back away from the tablet-like structure. A pensive stare soon took hold of his face, his hand under his chin with a look of utter confusion following thereafter.
"That is impossible; he's only an F-ranked. No training, no real upgrades or even augmentation of other vector abilities to his body. I know this thing normally says highly likely for Vector evolution for just about everyone, but the process normally occurs around being a B-ranked or higher, so…"
Lysander then asked, "Dr. Falco, you don't think—"
"It is not what I think it is what the system is telling me, Lysander!" He snapped, "But I just don't understand how it could be possible…How did a F-ranked Vector undergo a Vector Evolution this early?"
Everyone became statue-like in body, not a single person moving or even breathing. The concept of Vector Evolution this early was absolutely unheard of. No F-ranked Vector till this point had undergone such a thing, with even D-ranked and C-ranks only having signs of it. It was only when Vectors became graded as being a B-ranked that the staff and specialists recognized or saw full-on Evolutions, and those happened under very stressful circumstances, one the children were prepared for. Whether or not Falco had understood it at the time, Xander's upbringing had a large role to play in it, and all Falco had done was give the flame a bit more oxygen to burn brighter.
"If he is that special to have undergone this…maybe his cellmate may have undergone it too that one day worked on her. But at least this was a combat test; that at least holds some ounce of sense." Falco mumbled, making the others in the room begin to stare and converse with one another as to the legitimacy of Falco's claim.
"Kaiser, get subject #665 and take him back to his cell. His coolant will mix with the rest of his ceriumium left to make more, so we don't need to worry about him too much. But be a bit…gentler with him. The kid has a purpose now, and I am going to see it through—after I test another hypothesis of mine."
Kaiser, with a bit of a grimace at his words, knew exactly what that hypothesis entailed
It's one thing to put that kid in against a demon like Duskwalker, but at least he had a backbone, you lunatic. I don't even understand why you're breaking from the norm with these two. Were they really that useless to you that you didn't care if they even lived long enough to pass—, Kaiser thought, before Falco snapped his chain of thought.
"What are you still doing here?! Go get him!" Falco said.
Christ…that poor girl isn't going to survive this shit. She's as good as dead. She doesn't have the same fervor or hatred that her brother does to want to live.
"Lysander, throw back up the power dampeners," Kaiser told the staff member.
"Yeah…right," he replied before turning back around to his computer. "Duskwalker, the power dampeners will go up soon; reactivate your suppression protector."
******
Within the sparring chamber, Erebus was crouched next to the near unconscious Xander, prodding him with his katana just enough to hurt but not to break skin. Xander turned one eye to the boy, who had a small smile on his face the whole time. Xander couldn't help but hate the cockiness and gall of his opposition, though too tired and injured, with much of his blue ceriumium having been split off over his own body. But when Erebus realized the boy was alive, he stopped his cattle-prodding session.
"What is your name, fam?" Erebus calmly asked, drawing even more ire from Xander with how calm and almost comforting the boy was trying to sound.
Xander refused to give him the satisfaction of an answer—until the AI broke his silence
[It would be in your best interest to respond. You saw how much weight his words had while speaking with your specialist. He can be at minimum beneficial to you, if not someone to later trust.]
Easy to say when you're not the one that has to trust him, Xander replied.
[I am part of you, and if your existence is terminated, so is mine.]
That doesn't help your case; you are an AI, something that doesn't feel what I do. You don't possibly understand what it is to trust and then have it taken away from you.
The voice in his mind then paused for a second, signifying to Xander the AI's understanding of his words.
[Perhaps. But that also gives the ability to have your best interest.]
Losing the resolve to continue the argument, Xander complied with its request.
"My name is Xander."
Erebus then chuckled, resting his head against his sword. The weapon was just as black as the boy's hair and eyes, making feel like a soul collector giving Xander a new life rather than taking it.
"Alrighty, Xander. You may have heard nothing just a while ago. But long story short, you've impressed them up there quite a bit," Erebus said, pointing a finger towards the skybox, "And while that not necessarily the hardest thing, since most vectors just get to C-ranked or maybe even B, and then languish into utility purposes, you don't seem built for that kinda life. If anything, you might even have a chance to be like me."
Xander didn't believe the truth behind the words he heard being spoken to and about him. For the entire fight the two had, Erebus had been merciless in his taunts, carefree in disposition and an all-round disrespectful person. The mere thought of Xander ever getting a compliment out of the boy's mouth in full never so much as had a reason to stick. But here he was now, at his feet, near motionless, receiving one.
"You seem uncharacteristically resilient. I would expect that out of short-ranged or melee vectors, but not a long-ranged one, let alone you." Duskwalker continued, "You better not let all of this go to waste because I wanna see what you become later on, maybe go on a mission or two with ya. You could be a powerful wingman that never misses or some shit like that."
Then Erebus arose from beside him, shifting his arm back to its regular state. "Just remember though," he continued, before shifting his voice an octave lower, as black shadows pooled off his body, "You'll only be like me. Never better."
As the power dampener powered on in the room, Erebus teleported away, leaving Xander in the sparring's wreckage as Kaiser and a couple other guards moved in. Xander did everything in his power to push his body up, catching the glimpses of Erebus now having appeared right beside Falco in the skybox. Falco seemed to give him another order, as the black menace then disappeared once again.
Hey, are you still there?
[Yes, but I can only say a few things.]
Because of the suppression I know. And here's to me thinking that I could actually have a full conversation with you after.
The voice didn't respond.
And now it's just back to me and my thoughts, Xander thought, sounding almost a bit saddened by the departure, but that doesn't matter now. That bastard…I am going to prove him wrong. I got a new lease on life, and maybe I can do the same for Diane somehow. But until then…I think…I think I just need to rest.
A moment later, Xander's body gave out on him, the determination to prove himself useful having been the only thing to keep him awake to this point. He did all he needed to, however—his mark had been left. But soon, it would be his sister's turn to see if she could do the same.
*****
Erebus appeared in a hallway on the mansion side of the facility. The place was colourful, filled with vibrant structures, paintings and furniture that compared to the facility walls, was heaven on earth. He walked down the hallway for a bit, walking past a few other children in similar attire to himself, in different shades of clothing and some even with masks on. He paid none of them any attention, focusing seemingly on his next task.
He entered a living room area that was spacious and widespread. The room doubled as a library. A few other children were studying there, some using their vectors to reach books on higher shelves through means of extending limbs, levitation or some other novel way. Erebus had barely read a book his whole life, not so much because he didn't know how to, but the thought of reading one bored him, just as much as it bored him to have to search for his target.
But after walking a bit more, entering an area with many lavish tables, couches, and even a large flat screen television serving as the grand, enormous hallmark of the room, he found who he was after.
A girl sat at one of the desks in the room, starkly alone despite the company that could be found in the place. A chessboard was before her, both sides set up with the structure of a match that had yet to finish. Her hair was light blue, matching the blue earrings she wore and complementing her gold necklace around her neck. Her nails were polished in vermillion, though her eyes, with parts of her attire, were blue and black, though styled similarly to Erebus's clothing.
Erebus walked beside her, sliding his hand past her head to knock over the king on her side of the board. She seemed to have played the game against herself, not needing another to go against. Her eyes lingered on the fallen king, before registering who had knocked it over.
"Imagine surrendering to yourself…Then again, I've forgotten how this game works anyway."
"You don't forget things you don't want you. Erebus." She told him, voice calm like an ocean tide, "Would you care to join me?" She said, turning her steely blue irises to the boy.
"After Falco's done with you. He needs you, Cartesia."
********
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[AUTHORIZATION - PROJECT SENTIENCE - SECTOR: NEVADA PROVINCE 4]
[VECTOR CODEXIUS - CLASSIFIED ENTRY #102]
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SUBJECT: CARTESIA FLAIR
AGE: 16
CODENAME: ENERGIZER
ASSIGNED SPECIALIST: Dr. Garrett (Changes Based on Needs of Subject) (Original Specialist)
MENTALITY/TEMPERAMENT:
Pensive, intelligent, and kind-hearted - before entry to the program, had a prior relationship with subject #445 and cellmate, and was quoted as acting as a mother to the both of them.
Equally introverted as extroverted - depending on the situation, she is extremely amiable, helpful, resourceful and capable of understanding the inner workings of vector systems and vectors
Able to switch between a cool-headed state and one of full emotional detachment - enters this mode whenever sent on a mission and rarely loses composure.
Relations - no direct relations (Strong connections with Subject #100, #445 and #446)
VECTOR RANK: A+-ranked Vector
VECTOR TYPE: Long-Ranged/Special Grade
VECTOR ABILITY:
Able to make abnormally large syringe guns in place of hands with two modes. 1. Setting one - fire bullets that are pixelated and upon contact ignores target durability and disintegrates target. 2 Setting two - able to inject allies with a red liquid that, when mixed with Ceriumium or Voltic Coolant, increases the rate of recharging period.
(RECENTLY EVOLVED) able to shoot an inanimate object and create a pixelated portal, she and others can step through to a place of her memory (similar erasure of parts of memory were done to limit this from getting out of hand)
SPECIALIST'S NOTES (Last Report from Dr. Garrett):
She never screamed during procedures. She seemed more fascinated with them than actually distressed, something unusual amongst most subjects. In the test after, she could tell me things that she could discern about the inner workings of these vectors without needing prior knowledge to understand how they worked. She is beyond intelligent, emotionally stable and or even just understanding her existence. She wants to know how they work and how to make herself better, more in-line with what we have planned for her. To any specialist that gets assigned to her, you find not a subject but an observant specialist, just as smart as yourself.
Vector Evolution: Highly Likely
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END OF ENTRY - ACCESS CODE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: VNP4-102
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