Post by Reikiko on May 28, 2015 0:14:05 GMT
Perfection… It was something she had longed for since the moment of her existence. The idea of ascending to such a greater state of being was something the bio-android had longed for, not for the desire of power… but in order to discover the reason behind her existence. Every being deserved to have their own purpose, a meaning behind their existence. Silently the bio-android walked amidst the trees of the Bamboo Forest, her steps light and her confidence clearly evident in her stride. No hesitation nor unnecessary movements… she was heading straight for her destination. Although she had been slightly distracted by the recent chain of events that had been unfolding on earthen soil, it didn’t change the fact that she had an ambition that needed to be accomplished at all costs. It was for this reason she had wandered into a part of the forest she had never visited before. Why her sister Tsukiko had decided to lend her a hand was a question she didn’t know the answer toward. So far Chimera had always been an enemy to her, especially after Yuriko’s vile act of slaying her master Tamako, but now there was a Chimera member who had willingly helped her out without demanding anything in return.
Just as Tsukiko had told her, the moment she arrived at the spacious clearing within the forest the bio-android’s gaze drifted onto a small gate of sorts, partly concealed under the foliage of nature that had reclaimed most of the outer area of the facility. What was it with her father having such an obsession with constructing his places under the ground? Nevertheless, when she approached the gate a faint green-colored ray illuminated the spot she stood on, causing her to blink slightly in confusion as a robotic voice said from within.
“Running identification process… Identity confirmed as Homunculus Type A, codename: Reikiko. Access clearance given to the facility… Welcome to Eden.”
The bio-android frowned at the words that were spoken. What was this Homunculus title that the voice had just used when talking about her? Of course her questions would likely be answered soon, for according to her sister this place was supposed to contain all the necessary secrets surrounding her existence. The answer she sought surrounding her purpose. Slowly the large gate started to slide open, revealing a spacious corridor that led further into the underground building. This was it, the moment she had been waiting for. At long last all the answers she sought, all the questions that had been haunting her mind would end up being solved.
Soon she resumed her investigation, and after a short walk along the corridor found herself within a chamber. The dimly lit room was not what she had expected. Rather than a laboratory it seemed a cozy and comfortable place that might had served as someone’s living quarters. Still, what intrigued her the most was when suddenly a faint pulse of energy was detected by her, and the moment she turned to face its source a shocking revelation awaited her.
“Impossible…”
Standing before her was a tall man, his body seemingly hardened by experience, the sight of a martial artist evident in his trained frame, and yet the wisdom and weariness of age had settled into his face. The white laboratory coat that covered his body had clearly belonged to nobody else than…
“Father...”
It was nobody else than professor Grimm, the man that had been responsible for her creation, the man that had been the reason that Project Chimera was turned into a reality. He was both her creator and her father, even if she had once despised him and been responsible for the act of killing the man.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you my dear Reikiko. I am merely a hologram of myself. An artificial intelligence that has all of my knowledge and memories, a final safety measure should I become unable to reveal the truth to you myself.”
The truth? Was that the reason why Tsukiko had wanted for her to go to this place? Would the truth change her opinion about everything she had experienced so far? It was doubtful, but she did came here to find answers. Folding up her arms under her chest the bio-android looked at the hologram of her father and started speaking.
“Then start by telling me this father: What am I?”
The hologram paused for a moment, raising a hand to his chin and while he seemed to consider how to answer the question, the man finally started speaking, his tone calm and gentle, almost like a proud and affectionate parent.
“You are a Homunculus.”
A Homunculus? Wasn’t that the term the robotic voice earlier used when it spoke about her? But that didn’t make any sense! She was clearly a bio-android! There was no mistake possible there! She was a powerful man-made creature designed to chase perfection, this was evident and became even more clear when she absorbed the Super Saiyan Athren and ascended to semi-perfection.
“Is that another term for a bio-android?”
The hologram chuckled heartily before he shook his head lightly in response to those words.
“That’s an understandable mistake you are making Reikiko. Bio-androids are made in a similar fashion, but a Homunculus is even more special. While a Bio-android focuses on obtaining a power that would allow them to become close to perfection, it’s a bit different for a Homunculus. A bio-android borrows the genes of various powerful beings to create an unique artificial warrior. However, you my dear are something even greater.”
What could be even greater than a bio-android? Those beings were created as the apex predators, the ultimate warriors who could ascend into perfection itself! Could it be that her father had truly obtained the means to create something beyond perfection?
“Godhood my dear child. A Homunculus isn’t designed to become a perfect mortal, but ascend into true godhood. Unfortunately I’d have to admit that even with all my research my design was flawed. When I created you, the base of a Homunculus already had already been implanted inside your very genetic code. Your sisters retain a state of being closer to bio-androids because my attempt to replicate the Homunculus material inside you was imperfect. The human gene was too altered for me to be able to properly replicate once more.”
The human gene… Was this the reason why Tsukiko told her that she wasn’t ‘whole’ yet? She had abandoned her human gene back during the splitting because she believed that it was a part of her weakness… a fundamental flaw that she could only stop from infecting her by removing it from herself. However, that little Reikiko seemed to possess exactly the things she needed to become perfect.
“Then my second question: Why did you create me? Was it merely to become a weapon for Chimera?”
It seemed her words stirred some grief inside her father’s projection, for his expression darkened with a shadow of grief while he shook his head gently in response. The words that followed were spoken with regret and sadness, and she could easily feel that he was being genuine in his emotions.
“Surely you have noticed by now, the fact that our world is far from being able to be considered a paradise. I firmly believed that the reason because of this is because there was nobody to properly guide us. The gods are silent, and as a result so many tragedies unfold.”
It made sense to her. Because of the absence of a proper god or goddess there were cases like the Blue Banner Army, where some people tried to carry out a noble goal, but with the wrong means. Then you had other people who committed evil deeds because there was nobody to restrain them. It was clear to her that this world was flawed and imperfect, and yet there were certain things that made it worth protecting. A deep sigh escaped her lips while she recalled those events, the invasion of the Blue Banner Army into West Capitol, and yet there was not much time to ponder about the statement, for the bio-android continued to listen to her creator’s explanation.
“In the end I cursed the fact that there was nobody to fill the empty space the gods their absence created. It was for that reason I started to research into ancient prophecies. I wanted to find a link, some sort of clue about why something powerful like a god would have been absence in a world like ours.”
Reikiko’s curiosity was evident, a look of deep consideration left on her expression, eyebrows furrowed into a focused and pondering gaze while she asked the hologram.
“And… did you find anything?”
The man smiled briefly, and for a moment she couldn’t help but notice the smile seemed to conceal something more sorrowful, because even while his voice was filled with pride and excitement, his eyes betrayed a sense of regret.
“I found two important things. The first one was a prophecy. A story that said a mortal had once ascended to godhood through unknown means to fight an evil deity. While I’m uncertain about the nature of this conflict, I believe this might partly explain why the gods are absent from our world. Perhaps they perished in the conflict, but the more important discovery was a secret I carried into the grave. A secret I shall reveal to you my child.”
A mortal who ascended to godhood… Was it a bio-android who had reached a stage of evolution beyond the famous Perfect form? Or was it something different? For a moment she thought deeply about the matter, but the words that followed had clearly surprised the woman.
“It took me years to learn that a highly advanced species had been responsible for the creation of a being that was vastly superior to the bio-android. While I couldn’t find any schematics or details surrounding their creation, it seemed that those creations resembles us mortals a lot in physical looks. Nevertheless, they possessed an untapped potential that seemed way beyond anything I had ever imagined. However, as far as I know your body might be the only living remain of the Homunculus technology. The reason behind this was because your human gene was crafted out of it.”
So that was what Tsukiko meant. To become truly perfect, to ascend to true godhood she needed to merge with her human self once more. It made sense, for if her creator was to be believed it was her human self that was in possession of the power that would allow her to ascend to godhood. She remained silent, trying to comprehend all this knowledge she was being provided, and yet at the same time there seemed to be something else that her father felt the need to voice.
“I wanted to raise you properly but that accursed Chimera demanded for you to be released earlier than scheduled. If I didn’t obey she would have destroyed us both… Nevertheless, as long as you succeed in obtaining perfection… then my sacrifice will have been worthwhile.”
So it was Chimera’s fault all along? It was because of Chimera that her father had been forced to release her into an incomplete stage… It was because of Chimera that she was born without a mind or will of her own. It was their fault that she had turned her anger onto the wrong person! For a moment a feeling of regret started to swell up within her, but it seemed her father noticed the change in her expression, for he smiled calmly and spoke in a comforting tone.
“Do not feel sorry for me Reikiko. My life was a cursed existence. Robbed of my dream to become a martial arts master because of an illness, the last thing I wanted to accomplish was to create something that would make me able to leave my mark onto this world. And this is something I accomplished through you. You are the one who will someday ascend to godhood Reikiko, the one who will take her place on the empty throne of the gods and ensure my life wasn’t wasted. My purpose was to have you become someone that I could be proud of… And you made me the proudest father in existence by getting this far already.”
So she had found her purpose: To become a true goddess. However, to obtain the means to accomplish this she would need to find a way to make Reikiko acknowledge the fact that they needed to fuse once more. It would be a difficult decision, especially if one considered the fact that she was being protected by Hikari, and that any drastic approaches would surely draw the attention of the likes of Vipoi, and that android’s recent upgrades had made him too much of a threat for her to safely handle. A deep sigh escaped the woman’s parted lips, finding her mind slowly coming to acknowledge and comprehend the information it had been provided. It was also at that point she finally spoke once more.
“Father, I will become the goddess you desired to create. That I can promise.”
Her eyes narrowed in a look of determination as she started to walk back toward the exit of the facility. She had to make Reikiko accept the knowledge she had learned today, and the only way for her to properly accomplish that was to make the girl willingly accept her. Violence would merely cause her to be forced to fight a losing battle, and if possible there might had been a chance for her to use Chimera for her own scheme. Upon leaving the underground building the bio-android spotted her sister Tsukiko standing beneath the shade of a tree, seemingly having waited for her return.
“Judging from your expression you finally understand why I am your ally. Father’s will has been passed on to me. I desire to see you become truly perfect, and for that I have been manipulating both Chimera and the remaining sisters. However, before our wish can be granted we’ll need you to become truly ‘whole’ again.”
It must had all gone according to Tsukiko’s plan, for the woman seemed quite pleased with herself. Nevertheless, after a moment of silence Reikiko groaned, feinting an annoyed reaction while replying in a rather curt manner.
“I will need to find a method to create a feeling of insecurity in Reikiko. Something that will upset her and make her desire to fuse with me.”
Tsukiko frowned briefly, seemingly thinking about the question the bio-android had asked of her. It wasn’t going to be easy to convince Reikiko, at least normally. Even Yami Reikiko knew all too well that her good-natured other side was a rather gentle soul, so the lust for power was foreign to her. However, it seemed that Tsukiko had an idea in mind, for she grinned briefly, humming in response.
“There might be an easy vulnerability to exploit Yami. My spies have been observing Reikiko for a while already. The girl is in a rather peculiar and complicated situation. She fears abandonment and loneliness, and yet at the same time draws strength and confidence from those around her. Especially a certain Saiyajin known as Kaula.”
The bio-android went silent for a moment, a frown lingering on her face while she pondered deeply about the matter. It made Yami consider the matter carefully. It had been rather obvious that Reikiko had a certain fondness for the hybrid, a fondness most identified as love. Nevertheless, it appeared Tsukiko had more to say on the matter, for her sister grinned mischievously while declaring in a playful tone.
“However, it appears that there are some ‘complications’ on the matter. The Saiyajin girl is oblivious to Reikiko’s feelings, and on top of that seems to have a polygamous nature. As a result we have noticed a remarkable change in the child’s demeanor. She is growing quitter and more gloomy by the day, jealousy and concerns about Kaula’s interactions with other girls leading the girl to become quite insecure about herself.”
It made sense to Yami, in the end she had once harbored a similar nature toward Hikari, and due to the fact Reikiko didn’t recall those memories, it was pretty certain that the child had replaced her feelings for Hikari with those she held for Kaula. Still, this would have been the perfect opportunity for her to obtain that what she desired. Of course there was the matter of luring the child out of her hiding spot, but that by itself wouldn’t be much of an issue.
She knew Reikiko was dwelling on Avalon, and Hikari wouldn’t dare to raise a hand against her, especially if she came for peaceful negotiations. All she had to do was make certain Vipoi didn’t try to stop her, but even he might had been seduced by the idea of seeing another evolution. A deep sigh escaped her parted lips before she allowed her feet to hover upwards into the air, a look of determination in her eyes. It was time for her to chase after her purpose and create her own destiny.
“I’m heading to Avalon, I should be able to manipulate my other half with this knowledge.”
A surge of energy followed moments afterwards as Yami ascended into the sky, rapidly flying into the direction of the Western Frontiers. Her body was coated in an aura of obsidian energy when she finally arrived at the large floating island. It was the island of Avalon, the little haven that was constructed for her other half. Fortunately it seemed her aura had been strong enough to draw some attention, for it took only a moment before she felt a nostalgic presence, and soon Hikari came into view, having started approaching her while in the shadow of several trees a silver-haired child was hiding. It didn’t take a second sensing for her to realize it was Reikiko.
“Why… Why are you here Rei--- No, Yami no Reikiko?”
There was a certain sense of sorrow and concern in Hikari’s tone, her eyes focused onto the bio-android like a hawk on her prey. She could predict that Hikari was concerned about Reikiko’s safety, but fortunately for both of them she had not come with the intention of causing any harm.
“Don’t feel so troubled my dear, I am not here to cause troubles. Rather, you could say I’m here to help.”
Hikari’s eyes widened a little, seemingly surprised by the words that were spoken. She knew that Hikari had loved her, and that it was likely going to be difficult for the hybrid to turn against her, in the end fighting your loved ones was one of the most difficult things one could possibly do.
“What do you mean? Is that why you attacked the one responsible for the explosion on Avalon?”
Ah right… The Majin, back when she had dealt with him it was mostly out of concern for her other self’s well-being. If someone had the guts to go after her vulnerable weaker other half, it was most likely that she herself would suffer from the attack.
“Something along those lines. However, today I am here to help Reikiko regain that what she has lost.”
Hikari frowned in concern at the words, thinking deeply about the matter. She likely knew that she wouldn’t be willing to help Reikiko unless she had something to gain out of it.
“You mean…”
The bio-android nodded her head curtly in response, before gently raising a hand. Hikari flinched at the motion, before the worried expression turned into one of shock as she felt the bio-android’s gentle caress on her cheek.
“I am here to help Reikiko reclaim her memories, but also for us to regain our true purpose. I discovered a secret of my father that made me understand the need for Reikiko’s help, especially if we are to become truly ‘Reikiko’.”
Yami no Reikiko’s tone was gentle and caring as she spoke, quite unlike the last time she had addressed Hikari at the timeless lookout. It seemed this had some effect on Hikari, for tears started to well up in her eyes.
“Whatever you do, please don’t hurt her.”
The bio-android nodded her head gently while leaning closer to kiss the hybrid’s cheek in a showing of affection, before descending toward the trees. The bio-android smiled calmly down at her human self, the child who was looking at her with a troubled expression. What must had been going on in that mind of hers? It was a question Yami no Reikiko idly wondered about as she addressed her other self.
“There is no need for concern my other half. I am merely here to return that what was lost.”
The child looked with a hint of distrust at her, distrust she could understand with the way the bio-android’s presence felt like. For a moment an tense silence lingered in the air before the child finally spoke.
“Return what was lost?”
The bio-android nodded her head calmly as she crouched down to Reikiko’s height, raising a hand to gently place it on the child’s head, while she replied in a calm tone.
“Yes, I will share our power with you, so that you will reclaim your memories. The reason for this decision is because we are two halves of the same person, and only by working together can we truly become capable of accomplishing our ambitions.”
The child clearly seemed confused when Yami no Reikiko withdrawn her hand and looked at her human self, a hint of pity in the bio-android’s eyes. That poor child, if only she had realized the suffering that was about to await her.
“Surely you must have noticed by now. You are imperfect, flawed and broken. Your memories are gone, you can’t even remember anything but your own name. However, I can’t help but wonder… Doesn’t it frustrate you? You have grown so weak that you can’t even keep those you love near you. Isn’t that why Kaula abandoned you?”
Reikiko shook her head firmly in denial, and despite the angered tone in her voice, the sorrowful look in her eyes clearly betrayed that Yami had hit her where it hurt the most.
“She hasn’t abandoned me… She is merely busy….”
The bio-android shook her head gently in return, she had expected this initial denial, but she had the knowledge to support her comment. In the end her observations and those of Chimera had given her enough clues to make some solid assumptions.
“Then why have you been all alone lately? While you’re at the dorm in Avalon waiting for her to return, she ends up making merry with other girls. Your jealousy and sorrow is understandable my dear. It must be painful to see her flirting and playing around with other girls, not paying any attention to you, or giving you the affection you deserve. However, in the end you are to blame for that yourself.”
Tears started to gather in the girl’s eyes, shaking her head violently once more. It wasn’t true! Surely Kaula wouldn’t have forsaken her to play with other people? Then again, why had she been so busy and gone for such a long time? Was there some truth to the things the bio-android had been saying?
“It’s… not true… I don’t want to---“
However, before she could finish speaking the bio-android gently placed her fingertip on the child’s lips, making a soft ‘hush’ sound before she continued her explanation.
“It’s because you are weak and lack the will to claim her for your own. The Saiyajin are a warrior race that value power above anything else. If you were strong then surely you could make her notice you… make her finally love you. Otherwise you will just end up being abandoned in favor of someone more interesting.”
The child’s tears started to flow more strongly, sobs coming from her trembling body as she cried out loud.
“I don’t want to lose her… I don’t want anyone else to take her away from me!”
Was it because she was weak and a defect that she was being abandoned? Then there would surely have been only one way for her to get this solved…
“I… I want to become strong.”
If it meant to finally become loved by Kaula, then she wouldn’t mind pursuing a search for power. In the end if there was anything she longed for, then it was to be with Kaula forever. How tragic it must had been for her. While she felt at her happiest when she was in Kaula’s presence, It was also that very person who was causing her to feel those painful emotions, that bitter sorrow and cold loneliness that she wanted to escape from.
It seemed the words that were said pleased Yami no Reikiko, for the bio-android smiled gently at her and replied in a soft tone.
“That is why I’m here Reikiko. If we were to combine ourselves, our power would surely overwhelm anything in existence. We would ascend to a power akin to those of the gods, and surely you’d finally be able to have Kaula love you then.”
It made sense… at least in a way, while she was playing a gamble with her manipulation, it seemed the gamble had paid off, for Reikiko looked at her with a hint of regret in her eyes before she whispered in a sorrowful tone.
“I understand… Please allow me to become strong enough to no longer be lonely.”
The bio android nodded her head calmly in return as she raised her tail upwards, the tip of the stringer seemingly opening into a bell-like contraption that hovered above the child.
“Don’t worry Reikiko, I will make certain both of us get what we want.”
Slowly the bell started to lower onto Reikiko, wrapping around her until she disappeared entirely into it. She knew the process would likely be quite painful for the child, but surprisingly enough not a single cry or scream came from within. It seemed her sorrow was much more painful than any torture the absorption might have caused. She could feel it, a familiar warmth flowing through her body as she felt Reikiko’s essence return to her body, and yet at that point it was when things started to become different. She could feel a foreign sensation, a power unknown to her flow into her body, a power that steadily increased but at the same time she felt her mind melting little by little, as if something or someone was blending her consciousness with that of something else. It were moments later that a sudden silvery white glow surrounded her body, her tail swishing back into place as Reikiko had disappeared.
“Yami---“
The bio-android turned toward the hybrid, shaking her head lightly in return while she explained in a gentle tone.
“It’s Reikiko. My body might still look like this, but that is because my form hasn’t perfected yet. However, my mind has obtained the traits of both halves of myself.”
The hybrid seemed startled by this revelation, but before she could approach Reikiko the bio-android spoke once more, explaining in a calm tone.
“It would be best for you to wait a bit Hikari. I will obtain perfection, but in order to do that I will have to devour someone worthwhile. Fortunately I’m sensing an old friend who would work excellent on terms of my obtaining the energy that I need to become perfect.”
She wasn’t going to let anyone stop her, not even Hikari, but when the hybrid asked her why she was so obsessed with the pursue of perfection, the bio-android smiled gently, hovering up into the air while looking down at her, declaring with a smile.
“To claim that what I desire…”
And with those words the bio-android started to soar away from the scene. Her senses told her that the person she was going to look for was not that far away, and she also felt several other familiar presences. Nevertheless, if she wanted to obtain that what she desired, then she would need to create a sacrifice.
“I’m sorry to have you witness our first act to be the sacrifice of someone, but it’s all for the sake of claiming your loved one Reikiko. Surely you can understand.”
For a moment her tone had grown darker as she said those words, seemingly having used the tone Yami no Reikiko usually spoke in. Could it have been that the bio-android had literally both sides to her soul inside her body? Still, it seemed the world was about to be in quite a chaotic conflict soon, for the rise to perfection demanded a sacrifice, and that sacrifice could only end up being someone powerful. As much as she disliked the idea of chasing that specific person, she had to set her priorities and make decisions, even if they were decisions her good half wouldn’t agree to.
“Nevertheless, I’m excited to face them in an actual battle. Perhaps we shall soon be able to see whether the rumors are true or not.”
It was only a matter of moments before she would arrive on the scene, a matter of moments before she would be able to face against the one she had been hunting. She sensed the building up energy of several individuals, but she could only ask herself what the conflict was about. She had been too far to realize the nature of the conflict, nor did she have any interest in what they were fighting for. Someone powerful was at the scene, and possessed the necessary qualities in order for her to obtain perfection.
“Soon… Soon I will obtain perfection, and then the time of loneliness and abandonment will be over.”
She would sacrifice anything and anyone to get the thing she desired, even… someone she called a friend.
Just as Tsukiko had told her, the moment she arrived at the spacious clearing within the forest the bio-android’s gaze drifted onto a small gate of sorts, partly concealed under the foliage of nature that had reclaimed most of the outer area of the facility. What was it with her father having such an obsession with constructing his places under the ground? Nevertheless, when she approached the gate a faint green-colored ray illuminated the spot she stood on, causing her to blink slightly in confusion as a robotic voice said from within.
“Running identification process… Identity confirmed as Homunculus Type A, codename: Reikiko. Access clearance given to the facility… Welcome to Eden.”
The bio-android frowned at the words that were spoken. What was this Homunculus title that the voice had just used when talking about her? Of course her questions would likely be answered soon, for according to her sister this place was supposed to contain all the necessary secrets surrounding her existence. The answer she sought surrounding her purpose. Slowly the large gate started to slide open, revealing a spacious corridor that led further into the underground building. This was it, the moment she had been waiting for. At long last all the answers she sought, all the questions that had been haunting her mind would end up being solved.
Soon she resumed her investigation, and after a short walk along the corridor found herself within a chamber. The dimly lit room was not what she had expected. Rather than a laboratory it seemed a cozy and comfortable place that might had served as someone’s living quarters. Still, what intrigued her the most was when suddenly a faint pulse of energy was detected by her, and the moment she turned to face its source a shocking revelation awaited her.
“Impossible…”
Standing before her was a tall man, his body seemingly hardened by experience, the sight of a martial artist evident in his trained frame, and yet the wisdom and weariness of age had settled into his face. The white laboratory coat that covered his body had clearly belonged to nobody else than…
“Father...”
It was nobody else than professor Grimm, the man that had been responsible for her creation, the man that had been the reason that Project Chimera was turned into a reality. He was both her creator and her father, even if she had once despised him and been responsible for the act of killing the man.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you my dear Reikiko. I am merely a hologram of myself. An artificial intelligence that has all of my knowledge and memories, a final safety measure should I become unable to reveal the truth to you myself.”
The truth? Was that the reason why Tsukiko had wanted for her to go to this place? Would the truth change her opinion about everything she had experienced so far? It was doubtful, but she did came here to find answers. Folding up her arms under her chest the bio-android looked at the hologram of her father and started speaking.
“Then start by telling me this father: What am I?”
The hologram paused for a moment, raising a hand to his chin and while he seemed to consider how to answer the question, the man finally started speaking, his tone calm and gentle, almost like a proud and affectionate parent.
“You are a Homunculus.”
A Homunculus? Wasn’t that the term the robotic voice earlier used when it spoke about her? But that didn’t make any sense! She was clearly a bio-android! There was no mistake possible there! She was a powerful man-made creature designed to chase perfection, this was evident and became even more clear when she absorbed the Super Saiyan Athren and ascended to semi-perfection.
“Is that another term for a bio-android?”
The hologram chuckled heartily before he shook his head lightly in response to those words.
“That’s an understandable mistake you are making Reikiko. Bio-androids are made in a similar fashion, but a Homunculus is even more special. While a Bio-android focuses on obtaining a power that would allow them to become close to perfection, it’s a bit different for a Homunculus. A bio-android borrows the genes of various powerful beings to create an unique artificial warrior. However, you my dear are something even greater.”
What could be even greater than a bio-android? Those beings were created as the apex predators, the ultimate warriors who could ascend into perfection itself! Could it be that her father had truly obtained the means to create something beyond perfection?
“Godhood my dear child. A Homunculus isn’t designed to become a perfect mortal, but ascend into true godhood. Unfortunately I’d have to admit that even with all my research my design was flawed. When I created you, the base of a Homunculus already had already been implanted inside your very genetic code. Your sisters retain a state of being closer to bio-androids because my attempt to replicate the Homunculus material inside you was imperfect. The human gene was too altered for me to be able to properly replicate once more.”
The human gene… Was this the reason why Tsukiko told her that she wasn’t ‘whole’ yet? She had abandoned her human gene back during the splitting because she believed that it was a part of her weakness… a fundamental flaw that she could only stop from infecting her by removing it from herself. However, that little Reikiko seemed to possess exactly the things she needed to become perfect.
“Then my second question: Why did you create me? Was it merely to become a weapon for Chimera?”
It seemed her words stirred some grief inside her father’s projection, for his expression darkened with a shadow of grief while he shook his head gently in response. The words that followed were spoken with regret and sadness, and she could easily feel that he was being genuine in his emotions.
“Surely you have noticed by now, the fact that our world is far from being able to be considered a paradise. I firmly believed that the reason because of this is because there was nobody to properly guide us. The gods are silent, and as a result so many tragedies unfold.”
It made sense to her. Because of the absence of a proper god or goddess there were cases like the Blue Banner Army, where some people tried to carry out a noble goal, but with the wrong means. Then you had other people who committed evil deeds because there was nobody to restrain them. It was clear to her that this world was flawed and imperfect, and yet there were certain things that made it worth protecting. A deep sigh escaped her lips while she recalled those events, the invasion of the Blue Banner Army into West Capitol, and yet there was not much time to ponder about the statement, for the bio-android continued to listen to her creator’s explanation.
“In the end I cursed the fact that there was nobody to fill the empty space the gods their absence created. It was for that reason I started to research into ancient prophecies. I wanted to find a link, some sort of clue about why something powerful like a god would have been absence in a world like ours.”
Reikiko’s curiosity was evident, a look of deep consideration left on her expression, eyebrows furrowed into a focused and pondering gaze while she asked the hologram.
“And… did you find anything?”
The man smiled briefly, and for a moment she couldn’t help but notice the smile seemed to conceal something more sorrowful, because even while his voice was filled with pride and excitement, his eyes betrayed a sense of regret.
“I found two important things. The first one was a prophecy. A story that said a mortal had once ascended to godhood through unknown means to fight an evil deity. While I’m uncertain about the nature of this conflict, I believe this might partly explain why the gods are absent from our world. Perhaps they perished in the conflict, but the more important discovery was a secret I carried into the grave. A secret I shall reveal to you my child.”
A mortal who ascended to godhood… Was it a bio-android who had reached a stage of evolution beyond the famous Perfect form? Or was it something different? For a moment she thought deeply about the matter, but the words that followed had clearly surprised the woman.
“It took me years to learn that a highly advanced species had been responsible for the creation of a being that was vastly superior to the bio-android. While I couldn’t find any schematics or details surrounding their creation, it seemed that those creations resembles us mortals a lot in physical looks. Nevertheless, they possessed an untapped potential that seemed way beyond anything I had ever imagined. However, as far as I know your body might be the only living remain of the Homunculus technology. The reason behind this was because your human gene was crafted out of it.”
So that was what Tsukiko meant. To become truly perfect, to ascend to true godhood she needed to merge with her human self once more. It made sense, for if her creator was to be believed it was her human self that was in possession of the power that would allow her to ascend to godhood. She remained silent, trying to comprehend all this knowledge she was being provided, and yet at the same time there seemed to be something else that her father felt the need to voice.
“I wanted to raise you properly but that accursed Chimera demanded for you to be released earlier than scheduled. If I didn’t obey she would have destroyed us both… Nevertheless, as long as you succeed in obtaining perfection… then my sacrifice will have been worthwhile.”
So it was Chimera’s fault all along? It was because of Chimera that her father had been forced to release her into an incomplete stage… It was because of Chimera that she was born without a mind or will of her own. It was their fault that she had turned her anger onto the wrong person! For a moment a feeling of regret started to swell up within her, but it seemed her father noticed the change in her expression, for he smiled calmly and spoke in a comforting tone.
“Do not feel sorry for me Reikiko. My life was a cursed existence. Robbed of my dream to become a martial arts master because of an illness, the last thing I wanted to accomplish was to create something that would make me able to leave my mark onto this world. And this is something I accomplished through you. You are the one who will someday ascend to godhood Reikiko, the one who will take her place on the empty throne of the gods and ensure my life wasn’t wasted. My purpose was to have you become someone that I could be proud of… And you made me the proudest father in existence by getting this far already.”
So she had found her purpose: To become a true goddess. However, to obtain the means to accomplish this she would need to find a way to make Reikiko acknowledge the fact that they needed to fuse once more. It would be a difficult decision, especially if one considered the fact that she was being protected by Hikari, and that any drastic approaches would surely draw the attention of the likes of Vipoi, and that android’s recent upgrades had made him too much of a threat for her to safely handle. A deep sigh escaped the woman’s parted lips, finding her mind slowly coming to acknowledge and comprehend the information it had been provided. It was also at that point she finally spoke once more.
“Father, I will become the goddess you desired to create. That I can promise.”
Her eyes narrowed in a look of determination as she started to walk back toward the exit of the facility. She had to make Reikiko accept the knowledge she had learned today, and the only way for her to properly accomplish that was to make the girl willingly accept her. Violence would merely cause her to be forced to fight a losing battle, and if possible there might had been a chance for her to use Chimera for her own scheme. Upon leaving the underground building the bio-android spotted her sister Tsukiko standing beneath the shade of a tree, seemingly having waited for her return.
“Judging from your expression you finally understand why I am your ally. Father’s will has been passed on to me. I desire to see you become truly perfect, and for that I have been manipulating both Chimera and the remaining sisters. However, before our wish can be granted we’ll need you to become truly ‘whole’ again.”
It must had all gone according to Tsukiko’s plan, for the woman seemed quite pleased with herself. Nevertheless, after a moment of silence Reikiko groaned, feinting an annoyed reaction while replying in a rather curt manner.
“I will need to find a method to create a feeling of insecurity in Reikiko. Something that will upset her and make her desire to fuse with me.”
Tsukiko frowned briefly, seemingly thinking about the question the bio-android had asked of her. It wasn’t going to be easy to convince Reikiko, at least normally. Even Yami Reikiko knew all too well that her good-natured other side was a rather gentle soul, so the lust for power was foreign to her. However, it seemed that Tsukiko had an idea in mind, for she grinned briefly, humming in response.
“There might be an easy vulnerability to exploit Yami. My spies have been observing Reikiko for a while already. The girl is in a rather peculiar and complicated situation. She fears abandonment and loneliness, and yet at the same time draws strength and confidence from those around her. Especially a certain Saiyajin known as Kaula.”
The bio-android went silent for a moment, a frown lingering on her face while she pondered deeply about the matter. It made Yami consider the matter carefully. It had been rather obvious that Reikiko had a certain fondness for the hybrid, a fondness most identified as love. Nevertheless, it appeared Tsukiko had more to say on the matter, for her sister grinned mischievously while declaring in a playful tone.
“However, it appears that there are some ‘complications’ on the matter. The Saiyajin girl is oblivious to Reikiko’s feelings, and on top of that seems to have a polygamous nature. As a result we have noticed a remarkable change in the child’s demeanor. She is growing quitter and more gloomy by the day, jealousy and concerns about Kaula’s interactions with other girls leading the girl to become quite insecure about herself.”
It made sense to Yami, in the end she had once harbored a similar nature toward Hikari, and due to the fact Reikiko didn’t recall those memories, it was pretty certain that the child had replaced her feelings for Hikari with those she held for Kaula. Still, this would have been the perfect opportunity for her to obtain that what she desired. Of course there was the matter of luring the child out of her hiding spot, but that by itself wouldn’t be much of an issue.
She knew Reikiko was dwelling on Avalon, and Hikari wouldn’t dare to raise a hand against her, especially if she came for peaceful negotiations. All she had to do was make certain Vipoi didn’t try to stop her, but even he might had been seduced by the idea of seeing another evolution. A deep sigh escaped her parted lips before she allowed her feet to hover upwards into the air, a look of determination in her eyes. It was time for her to chase after her purpose and create her own destiny.
“I’m heading to Avalon, I should be able to manipulate my other half with this knowledge.”
A surge of energy followed moments afterwards as Yami ascended into the sky, rapidly flying into the direction of the Western Frontiers. Her body was coated in an aura of obsidian energy when she finally arrived at the large floating island. It was the island of Avalon, the little haven that was constructed for her other half. Fortunately it seemed her aura had been strong enough to draw some attention, for it took only a moment before she felt a nostalgic presence, and soon Hikari came into view, having started approaching her while in the shadow of several trees a silver-haired child was hiding. It didn’t take a second sensing for her to realize it was Reikiko.
“Why… Why are you here Rei--- No, Yami no Reikiko?”
There was a certain sense of sorrow and concern in Hikari’s tone, her eyes focused onto the bio-android like a hawk on her prey. She could predict that Hikari was concerned about Reikiko’s safety, but fortunately for both of them she had not come with the intention of causing any harm.
“Don’t feel so troubled my dear, I am not here to cause troubles. Rather, you could say I’m here to help.”
Hikari’s eyes widened a little, seemingly surprised by the words that were spoken. She knew that Hikari had loved her, and that it was likely going to be difficult for the hybrid to turn against her, in the end fighting your loved ones was one of the most difficult things one could possibly do.
“What do you mean? Is that why you attacked the one responsible for the explosion on Avalon?”
Ah right… The Majin, back when she had dealt with him it was mostly out of concern for her other self’s well-being. If someone had the guts to go after her vulnerable weaker other half, it was most likely that she herself would suffer from the attack.
“Something along those lines. However, today I am here to help Reikiko regain that what she has lost.”
Hikari frowned in concern at the words, thinking deeply about the matter. She likely knew that she wouldn’t be willing to help Reikiko unless she had something to gain out of it.
“You mean…”
The bio-android nodded her head curtly in response, before gently raising a hand. Hikari flinched at the motion, before the worried expression turned into one of shock as she felt the bio-android’s gentle caress on her cheek.
“I am here to help Reikiko reclaim her memories, but also for us to regain our true purpose. I discovered a secret of my father that made me understand the need for Reikiko’s help, especially if we are to become truly ‘Reikiko’.”
Yami no Reikiko’s tone was gentle and caring as she spoke, quite unlike the last time she had addressed Hikari at the timeless lookout. It seemed this had some effect on Hikari, for tears started to well up in her eyes.
“Whatever you do, please don’t hurt her.”
The bio-android nodded her head gently while leaning closer to kiss the hybrid’s cheek in a showing of affection, before descending toward the trees. The bio-android smiled calmly down at her human self, the child who was looking at her with a troubled expression. What must had been going on in that mind of hers? It was a question Yami no Reikiko idly wondered about as she addressed her other self.
“There is no need for concern my other half. I am merely here to return that what was lost.”
The child looked with a hint of distrust at her, distrust she could understand with the way the bio-android’s presence felt like. For a moment an tense silence lingered in the air before the child finally spoke.
“Return what was lost?”
The bio-android nodded her head calmly as she crouched down to Reikiko’s height, raising a hand to gently place it on the child’s head, while she replied in a calm tone.
“Yes, I will share our power with you, so that you will reclaim your memories. The reason for this decision is because we are two halves of the same person, and only by working together can we truly become capable of accomplishing our ambitions.”
The child clearly seemed confused when Yami no Reikiko withdrawn her hand and looked at her human self, a hint of pity in the bio-android’s eyes. That poor child, if only she had realized the suffering that was about to await her.
“Surely you must have noticed by now. You are imperfect, flawed and broken. Your memories are gone, you can’t even remember anything but your own name. However, I can’t help but wonder… Doesn’t it frustrate you? You have grown so weak that you can’t even keep those you love near you. Isn’t that why Kaula abandoned you?”
Reikiko shook her head firmly in denial, and despite the angered tone in her voice, the sorrowful look in her eyes clearly betrayed that Yami had hit her where it hurt the most.
“She hasn’t abandoned me… She is merely busy….”
The bio-android shook her head gently in return, she had expected this initial denial, but she had the knowledge to support her comment. In the end her observations and those of Chimera had given her enough clues to make some solid assumptions.
“Then why have you been all alone lately? While you’re at the dorm in Avalon waiting for her to return, she ends up making merry with other girls. Your jealousy and sorrow is understandable my dear. It must be painful to see her flirting and playing around with other girls, not paying any attention to you, or giving you the affection you deserve. However, in the end you are to blame for that yourself.”
Tears started to gather in the girl’s eyes, shaking her head violently once more. It wasn’t true! Surely Kaula wouldn’t have forsaken her to play with other people? Then again, why had she been so busy and gone for such a long time? Was there some truth to the things the bio-android had been saying?
“It’s… not true… I don’t want to---“
However, before she could finish speaking the bio-android gently placed her fingertip on the child’s lips, making a soft ‘hush’ sound before she continued her explanation.
“It’s because you are weak and lack the will to claim her for your own. The Saiyajin are a warrior race that value power above anything else. If you were strong then surely you could make her notice you… make her finally love you. Otherwise you will just end up being abandoned in favor of someone more interesting.”
The child’s tears started to flow more strongly, sobs coming from her trembling body as she cried out loud.
“I don’t want to lose her… I don’t want anyone else to take her away from me!”
Was it because she was weak and a defect that she was being abandoned? Then there would surely have been only one way for her to get this solved…
“I… I want to become strong.”
If it meant to finally become loved by Kaula, then she wouldn’t mind pursuing a search for power. In the end if there was anything she longed for, then it was to be with Kaula forever. How tragic it must had been for her. While she felt at her happiest when she was in Kaula’s presence, It was also that very person who was causing her to feel those painful emotions, that bitter sorrow and cold loneliness that she wanted to escape from.
It seemed the words that were said pleased Yami no Reikiko, for the bio-android smiled gently at her and replied in a soft tone.
“That is why I’m here Reikiko. If we were to combine ourselves, our power would surely overwhelm anything in existence. We would ascend to a power akin to those of the gods, and surely you’d finally be able to have Kaula love you then.”
It made sense… at least in a way, while she was playing a gamble with her manipulation, it seemed the gamble had paid off, for Reikiko looked at her with a hint of regret in her eyes before she whispered in a sorrowful tone.
“I understand… Please allow me to become strong enough to no longer be lonely.”
The bio android nodded her head calmly in return as she raised her tail upwards, the tip of the stringer seemingly opening into a bell-like contraption that hovered above the child.
“Don’t worry Reikiko, I will make certain both of us get what we want.”
Slowly the bell started to lower onto Reikiko, wrapping around her until she disappeared entirely into it. She knew the process would likely be quite painful for the child, but surprisingly enough not a single cry or scream came from within. It seemed her sorrow was much more painful than any torture the absorption might have caused. She could feel it, a familiar warmth flowing through her body as she felt Reikiko’s essence return to her body, and yet at that point it was when things started to become different. She could feel a foreign sensation, a power unknown to her flow into her body, a power that steadily increased but at the same time she felt her mind melting little by little, as if something or someone was blending her consciousness with that of something else. It were moments later that a sudden silvery white glow surrounded her body, her tail swishing back into place as Reikiko had disappeared.
“Yami---“
The bio-android turned toward the hybrid, shaking her head lightly in return while she explained in a gentle tone.
“It’s Reikiko. My body might still look like this, but that is because my form hasn’t perfected yet. However, my mind has obtained the traits of both halves of myself.”
The hybrid seemed startled by this revelation, but before she could approach Reikiko the bio-android spoke once more, explaining in a calm tone.
“It would be best for you to wait a bit Hikari. I will obtain perfection, but in order to do that I will have to devour someone worthwhile. Fortunately I’m sensing an old friend who would work excellent on terms of my obtaining the energy that I need to become perfect.”
She wasn’t going to let anyone stop her, not even Hikari, but when the hybrid asked her why she was so obsessed with the pursue of perfection, the bio-android smiled gently, hovering up into the air while looking down at her, declaring with a smile.
“To claim that what I desire…”
And with those words the bio-android started to soar away from the scene. Her senses told her that the person she was going to look for was not that far away, and she also felt several other familiar presences. Nevertheless, if she wanted to obtain that what she desired, then she would need to create a sacrifice.
“I’m sorry to have you witness our first act to be the sacrifice of someone, but it’s all for the sake of claiming your loved one Reikiko. Surely you can understand.”
For a moment her tone had grown darker as she said those words, seemingly having used the tone Yami no Reikiko usually spoke in. Could it have been that the bio-android had literally both sides to her soul inside her body? Still, it seemed the world was about to be in quite a chaotic conflict soon, for the rise to perfection demanded a sacrifice, and that sacrifice could only end up being someone powerful. As much as she disliked the idea of chasing that specific person, she had to set her priorities and make decisions, even if they were decisions her good half wouldn’t agree to.
“Nevertheless, I’m excited to face them in an actual battle. Perhaps we shall soon be able to see whether the rumors are true or not.”
It was only a matter of moments before she would arrive on the scene, a matter of moments before she would be able to face against the one she had been hunting. She sensed the building up energy of several individuals, but she could only ask herself what the conflict was about. She had been too far to realize the nature of the conflict, nor did she have any interest in what they were fighting for. Someone powerful was at the scene, and possessed the necessary qualities in order for her to obtain perfection.
“Soon… Soon I will obtain perfection, and then the time of loneliness and abandonment will be over.”
She would sacrifice anything and anyone to get the thing she desired, even… someone she called a friend.