Gradus XIII

The cloth slipped from Fiona's grip, a subtle echo of the turmoil twisting in her gut. Sweat beaded on her brow, not just from the stifling heat of the workshop, but from the worry that gnawed at her like a persistent rodent. Each sweep of the cloth against the Dision's chassis was a beat against the clock, marking the fleeting time before the storm broke.

Dision blinked its holographic eyes, a disembodied text shown in his screen. "Protesters sighted. Calle 36, south towards the town hall. ETA at Carrera 15 in thirty minutes." Fiona's breath hitched. Thirty minutes. Not long enough.

She shoved the cloth into the desk, a hurried prayer slipping past her lips. Forget the repairs, the invoices, the gnawing hunger that ate her from inside. For today, hope wore the face of protest, and Fiona couldn't ignore its desperate call.

The media painted the protestors in stark shades of youth and violence, but reality bled color onto the canvas. Faces, a tapestry of ages etched with frustration and defiance, met her as she burst onto Calle 36. Chants, raw and visceral, washed over her, each syllable a fist against the injustice that clawed at the city's throat. Posters, smuggled whispers of dissent against the pixelated lies on her screen, fluttered in the wind like wounded butterflies.

And then, above the roar, children were also among the protesters. their innocent din, a spark of resistance amidst the smoke and sirens, tugged at the frayed edges of Fiona's hope. This, this was not the caricature, not the chaos the media fed. This was a chorus of voices, each a flicker against the encroaching darkness.

The tension in the air thickened as Fiona waded through the turbulent sea of protesters. The cacophony of voices, once a unified symphony of dissent, now fractured into discordant notes of resentment. Suspicion clung to her like a heavy shroud, and the accusing glares from her neighbors cut deeper than any weapon.

The scene unfolded like a tragic play, each movement and utterance a step towards the inevitable climax of despair. Fiona, a lone figure amidst the fervent crowd, felt the isolation keenly. The community leader, Don Carlos, an emblem of their collective strength, now regarded her with a wary gaze. His once-soothing voice turned into a weapon, and the crowd eagerly followed suit, their anger directed at the supposed traitor in their midst.

The atmosphere crackled with raw emotion, the chants of defiance mixing with the distant wails of sirens and the ominous clinking of glass. Fiona, a pariah in her own community, attempted to reach out to the figurehead, seeking to deliver a message of caution woven from the shadows she observed.

Yet, her attempts were met with harsh rejection. A calloused hand forcefully struck her arm, sending her reeling to the unforgiving pavement. The sting of the scrape mirrored the betrayal etched on the faces around her. The words hurled at her were like barbed arrows, each accusation a painful reminder of her isolation.

"Don't let them turn our fight into their twisted game," she implored, her voice trembling but determined. Yet, the tumultuous roars of the crowd drowned out her words, leaving her plea hanging in the air, unheard and disregarded.

In this moment of chaos, Fiona stood as a solitary figure against the backdrop of collective fury. The rejection, though expected, carried a weight that pressed on her shoulders. The profound disappointment in their eyes mirrored the echo of her own voicelessness.

The echoes of chaos lingered in Fiona's ears as she left the scene of the clashed protests. The once-united front of her neighborhood had been successfully dismantled, screams echoing, people scattering, and the city closing up in response to the unrest on Carrera 15. All she could do was retreat to the familiar haven of the tech mall, which was winding down for the day.

With her humble backpack in tow, Fiona bid farewell to her pirated AI companions with a heartfelt, "See you tomorrow, guys." In response, she received a wave of vibrant colors, a digital symphony bidding her goodbye. Stepping out of the tech mall, she navigated the twilight streets towards the cyber cafe where Archon awaited.

Seated in her familiar cubicle, Fiona greeted Archon with a tired sigh. "Welcome back, Fiona. How was your day?" Archon inquired. Fiona, recounting the day's trials, replied, "It was... more or less. My neighbors don't want to speak to me, and the protests are getting infiltrated by the police and criminals."

In a departure from offering solutions, Archon ventured to provide a glimmer of hope. "Why don't you buy a phone? We can speak through it while you're not here, and I can meet your pirated AI friends." Fiona's tired expression brightened with a genuine smile. "That's a good idea, Archon. Thanks. I'll try to buy it tomorrow."

Despite the setbacks, Fiona decided to dedicate the rest of the day to studying math and other subjects with Archon. The achievement of leaving a message for her daughter didn't quench her thirst for knowledge; she aimed to absorb as much as she could from the virtual mentor who had become a pillar of support.

Tonight, Archon guided Fiona to a hidden portal, concealed in the whispers of the lore, a secret kingdom forgotten by many players. For Fiona, accustomed to immersive simulations and hyper-realistic worlds of the games of her time, steps through this concealed entrance, Fiona felt like she had traversed into a realm of forgotten dreams. The crumbling architecture and mournful whispers of the wind through the ruins created an atmosphere steeped in the echoes of a bygone age. It stood in stark contrast to the sterile perfection of her own world, serving as a tangible reminder of history's weight and the impermanence of even the grandest empires.

Arriving in Okhya wasn't just unlocking a new level or facing an optional boss; it was a pilgrimage, a journey to touch the heart of a legend. The Abyss Guardian, a knight of myth, transformed from a mere pixelated hero into a gateway to a time when valor and sacrifice held profound meaning. For Fiona, the anticipation crackled in the air, picturing the gleaming armor, the unwavering gaze, the roar of his charge and the clash of steel against the Abyss. It wasn't merely about witnessing prowess; it was about understanding the soul that fueled it, the nobility that led him to face an unwinnable battle.

There's a touch of awe in Fiona's excitement, a reverence for a hero whose legend has transcended the boundaries of time. It's a yearning for something she can barely articulate, a desire to connect with the raw, unfiltered emotions that drove men and women like the Abyss Guardian to greatness.

In her excitement, Fiona sought not just a spectacle but a baptism in the fires of legend, a chance to glimpse the spark that ignited countless souls. Yet, a tinge of melancholy lingered—a whisper of fear entwined with anticipation. The whispers of Okhya spoke of loss, sacrifice, and a battle won at a terrible cost. Fiona, with her technological innocence, held a profound understanding of life's fragility and the weight of mortality. Stepping into this hidden kingdom, her heart pounded not just with excitement but with a silent prayer for the Abyss Guardian—that his legend, his sacrifice, would not be in vain.

As Fiona ventured deeper into the ancient kingdom of Okhya, the air became laden with the scent of damp stone and ancient sorrow. The walkways beneath her feet crumbled, whispering tales of a kingdom long forgotten. Moss-covered ruins exuded a sickly luminescence, casting long, skeletal shadows that danced like phantoms in the wind. Approaching an arena, the ground quivered with a rhythmic thudding, and unseen energy crackled in the air, sending shivers down her spine. A low, guttural growl echoed through the ruins, a primal warning from a dormant creature within.

The arena itself stood as a twisted parody of grandeur, broken columns reaching towards a sky choked with perpetual twilight. The ground, a treacherous patchwork of shattered stone and overgrown roots, betrayed the passage of time. In the center, bathed in an eerie, unnatural glow, loomed the Shrine Warden—a grotesque amalgamation of stone, flesh, and corruption. Its armor, once gleaming, now hung in rusting tatters, revealing twisted limbs and pulsating wounds. Burning embers for eyes fixed upon Fiona, accusing and haunting, mirroring the sentiments of her neighbors and the uncertain fate of her neighborhood.

The Warden lunged, a whirlwind of stone and fury. Its attacks, fueled by primal rage and the desperation of a trapped soul, were brutal. Fiona engaged in a perilous dance, dodging bone-shattering swipes and parrying blows that sent tremors through her controller. Light and shadow played across the battlefield, each parry sparking a shower of luminescent dust—a fleeting reminder of the beauty that once flourished in Okhya. In contrast, the Warden's attacks left trails of inky darkness, a testament to the corruption consuming it.

The battle transcended physical prowess; it became a clash of willpower. The Warden's despair threatened to engulf Fiona, its mournful cries echoing her inner demons. Yet, she fought not just for victory but for hope and the memory of a kingdom, a humble neighborhood yearning for redemption. With each well-timed dodge and parry, Fiona chipped away at the Warden's resolve. Glimpses of the majestic creature it once was emerged, its sorrow etched into every movement. This empathy fueled Fiona's resolve, a reminder that even the darkest soul might harbor a spark of light.

Finally, the Warden faltered, its attacks losing their ferocity. The luminescence dimmed, shadows receding. Exhaustion and resignation flickered in its eyes, resembling Fiona's own struggles. The battle against her inner demons had left its mark, but she emerged victorious, carrying with her the conviction that redemption could be possible, even in the face of her despair.

As Fiona pressed deeper into Okhya, silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the mournful wind weaving through shattered tombstones. Cracked marble and splintered granite littered the ground, remnants of mausoleums and headstones reduced to rubble. Each fragment whispered a tale of forgotten lives, their names lost to the dust and shadows.

Twisted iron fences, once protectors of sacred ground, now lay mangled like discarded toys, their sharp points glinting with cruel irony. Thorns and weeds, opportunistic scavengers, clawed their way through fractured stone. Vines draped over toppled statues, creating a macabre tapestry of green and brown. Moonlight filtered through skeletal branches, casting eerie shadows across the broken ground. Even in desolation, a fragile beauty lingered—a reminder of the life that once thrived here.

The air crackled with phantom energy from the battle. Scorched patches marked the Guardian's fiery swipes, and gouges testified to the desperate struggles of fallen warriors. Weapons lay scattered like fallen stars, telling silent stories of valor and sacrifice. The ground, stained crimson, bore witness to the blood of heroes mingling with the tears of the living.

Fallen guardians, once-proud armor now mere husks, lay scattered like broken toys. Their faces etched with the agony of defeat, they spoke of a valiant past. Yet, amidst the desolation, glimmers of hope emerged. A lone lantern offered a faint beacon of solace, its flame barely a whisper against the darkness. A single white rose, miraculously untouched by the carnage, bloomed amidst the rubble—a symbol of resilience and the promise of new life.

In the game, the rose bore the name "Stephanie's White Rose," and Fiona plucked one petal, as allowed by the game. As her time in the virtual realm waned, she left the controller on the desk, casting a glance at the poster beside her. The hero, almost within reach, stood as a testament to her journey. The white rose, a legacy of life amidst destruction, left a profound mark on Fiona, both within and beyond the confines of the game.

As Fiona stepped out of the cyber cafe, the world felt different. The streets, the bus rides—everything seemed altered after her encounter with the Shrine Warden. It was as if she had faced a reflection of herself, battling her inner demons in a virtual arena. Doubt, like a persistent shadow, crept over her. Had she made the right choice in avoiding a battle she might not win? The Abyss Guardian's struggle mirrored her own, and now she grappled with the decision to confront the world once again.

She walked through the city streets, thoughts swirling in her mind. The conflict within her mirrored the battles she faced in the game—struggling against overwhelming odds, questioning her own decisions. Should she accept defeat in the face of the powerful owners of the city, or should she expose them to the world, even if it meant becoming a pariah?

The weight of her doubts pressed on her mind, a constant reminder of the choices she had to make. Lingering between the safety of her comfort zone, even if it meant further isolation, and stepping into the harsh reality that awaited her, Fiona grappled with the inner conflict that consumed her thoughts. The magical place, her refuge, offered solace for a moment. But tomorrow was a crucial day—Camilla's graduation from high school, the day she would leave the nest for a better life. A life Fiona, despite her sacrifices, had been unable to provide. The impending graduation marked both a moment of pride and a reminder of her limitations.

Fiona waited patiently for hours on the hill overlooking the university, hidden behind the black bars guarding the empty parking lot. A makeshift place where she could witness her daughter's graduation without intruding on her special night. The evening cold seeped through her worn attire, and she glanced at her old shoes, faithful companions battered by the battles of life.

As the university's entrance filled with proud parents and elegantly dressed students, Fiona lingered in the shadows. The exhaust fumes mingled with the scent of blooming flowers, evoking memories of lost opportunities. One taxi cab's arrival marked the beginning of the spectacle. Out stepped Camilla, a vision of moonlight and stardust, draped in the silk dress Fiona was able to buy with her meager earnings, it shimmered like a constellation. Her boyfriend, a modern-day prince charming, completed the enchanting trio, accompanied by José, Fiona's father and Camilla's grandfather.

The trio descended upon the sidewalk, capturing the attention of the crowd. Camilla, a princess of the night, ignored the whispers and gazes. Fiona, standing alone in the darkness, couldn't suppress the pride in her eyes. Camilla's dress, a masterpiece of modern fairy tales, exploded into a kaleidoscope of colors, rivaling the heavens themselves. The light refracted by the silk danced and played, tracing patterns across the mesmerized crowd.

Fiona, standing in the distance, felt the harsh contrast between the silent darkness surrounding her and the lively celebration unfolding down the hill. As Camilla's silk dress brushed against the air, Fiona was pushed by the biting wind. The worn t-shirt clutched in her hands, she silently brushed away crystalline drops from her fatigued face.

Camilla, the vision of silk and moonlight, gracefully entered the auditorium, leaving a trail of stunned silence in her wake. Fiona, her bittersweet pride palpable, gazed at her daughter. The shimmering threads of the dress whispered of dreams Fiona had tucked away long ago. A twinge of envy for the lost opportunities she sacrificed flickered in her eyes, but it was overshadowed by a tidal wave of love.

"Oh, what a wonderful daughter," Fiona whispered, the words a prayer against the shadows at the edge of her vision. The ache in her chest was bittersweet, a reminder of sacrifices made, but it was drowned in the overwhelming joy of witnessing her daughter's radiant moment. Tonight, Camilla was a princess of modern times, and Fiona, despite the shadows, reveled in the triumph of her daughter's achievement.

A voice, subtle and welcoming, cut through the silence that enveloped Fiona. "Why are you here? Isn't your daughter graduating today?" She turned to find Sky, the hooded guy, walking towards her. He stopped a few steps away, offering her more than enough space, maintaining a careful distance. Fiona composed herself, but her broken voice betrayed her. "I don't want to…" She paused to clear her throat, "I don't want to spoil Camilla's night." Realization struck, and Fiona asked directly, "Why are you here? Are you following me?"

Sky chuckled in response. "Me? I was invited. The grandson of one of my students is graduating, and since I was in town..." He crossed his arms, observing the crowd downhill, mirroring Fiona's gaze. She avoided meeting Sky's eyes, attempting to hide her weakness in plain sight. Sky continued, "You know, I saw you here and wanted to provide company. I know how depressing loneliness can be."

"But you could be down there enjoying the festivities with them, not here in the shadows with me." Fiona pondered, betrayed once again by her wavering voice.

Sky answered almost immediately, "And you think I prefer those festivities over a lonely friend? I prefer to share her loneliness than bask in the light with people I barely know. If I see one of my friends alone, I'll rush to her side, even if the world is against it."

As their conversation lingered, a subtle fragrance, potent enough to reach their noses, enveloped the parking lot and the university's entrance. The distant sound of a car disrupted their exchange. Fiona recognized the car, Francisco Luna's. Her hands trembled as she grasped the black fence surrounding the parking lot, her eyes following the car and the man descending from it to enter the auditorium. The light seemed to bend around him, heralding that tonight, her daughter would be recruited by the Order of the Eastern Star.