frame-of-mind-story

[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 217

“Vanna, you can stop playing with it now”

Vanna immediately looked up before giving an awkward smile, throwing the cube back to Char who caught it and placed it back where she got it from.

“Maybe I need to get you one so you don’t pinch mine”

Vanna pouted at Char’s response before walking in and looking at the gloves to get a closer inspection.

“Did you manage to put most of the pieces together?”

Char nodded and gave a slight yawn before pulling up a chair and moving to the computer in front of her.

“I put all the touch sensitivity, the touch screen and all the holographic parts in, its just implementing the code to work accordingly. Its at least half done already thank god”

Lumi decided to walk past and look at the computer screen, after a few seconds she stepped back, removed her glasses and rubbed her eyes.

“Geez that’s a lot of typing… my eyes can’t keep up”

Vanna gave a confused look before decided to also take a peek at the computer, she too started to rub her eyes.

“Geez!”

Char looked to the pair confused before shaking her head and looking back to the screen.

“You both need either glasses or something better, this is basic levels of coding just being implemented”

Raptor and Rover decided to rest themselves near Char’s feet and look at the screen as she began to type away, her eyes locked onto the screen as she typed away without needing to look at her hands on the keyboard.

“You can touch type like its nothing, how do you do it?”

Char shrugged, still refusing to look away from the screen as she typed away.

“Practice I guess, what else am I meant to do? I have no social life so I just do what I wanted to do. Which happened to be reading books, doing tasks and improving any skills I can that didn’t involve me dealing with people in the slightest. Designing and building happened to be one of the skills I focused on”

Lumi decided her best to try and watch Char’s typing, she managed to keep up at most for a minute before having to look away and rub her eyes again.

“You type so fast and so much in such a short span for your age, not even the brightest people at the company can match this without either making mistakes or have to rest their eyes for a moment”

Char stopped and looked at her screen for a moment before turning her head to Lumi.

“I’m sure everyone there has a social life unlike me is the first point I want to make. Secondly, the fact a kid such a me can best some grown educated personnel when it comes to doing their job then I question the ethics”

Char gave a slightly snide response before looking back to her screen and continued her typing.

“I’m sure your just mad at them for what they did and that it doesn’t apply to us all, right?”

Char stopped again and gave a slight sigh before shaking her head slightly.

“I have my reasoning for how I act along with my actions; there are catalysts that must be ended along with the derogatory responses of the few and simple”

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[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 216

“I forgot about that… How long is it until that day?”

Lumi pondered before deciding to pull a phone out of her pocket along with something else that she kept hidden for the moment.

“It is… a week away”

Vanna and Char flinched and were taken aback, they were running out of time to finish their project for the public view.

“A week? That’s not very long!”

Vanna was slightly panicking, but Char decided to keep a calm yet grinning demeanour.

“A week is plenty of time, we got this”

Rover and Raptor watched the girls with curiosity as Vanna turned to Char a little hesitant.

“Are you sure?”

With a nod from Char, Vanna started to calm down, Lumi put her phone away but kept something else in her hand.

“Come on, we got to test these things out later on in public”

Vanna and Rover gave a small determined look but immediately everyone blinked as they heard the sound of clicking.

“Huh?”

Char caught onto where the clicking was and noticed it was coming from Lumi’s hand.

“What do you have there?”

Lumi flinched and looked to Char, it took her a little before she opened her hand and showed a little blue and yellow fidget cube.

“A Fidget Cube?”

Lumi nodded and held it close to her a chest for a moment.

“It helps me to focus at times…”

Char looked confused for a minute, trying to process the information before it clicked in her mind.

“Do you have anxiety, autism or ADHD?”

Lumi blinked, surprised Char got a good idea of what the cube was for, Vanna looked to Char and tilted her head.

“You know what they are for? How?”

Char shrugged and looked to the garage before walking in and searching some shelves, throwing over a small object to Vanna who caught it after juggling it for a moment.

“I have one for when I am nervous and socially awkward”

Vanna looked at the tiny object in her hand, it was a white and yellow cube which made her look in awe. Playing with some of the functions of the cube out of curiosity.

“Well, mine is for ADHD, I take meds to help keep it in check but the cube helps to ease any tensions of work…”

Lumi played with her cube for a little before slipping it back into her pocket, Vanna was playing with the one in her hand, entertained and still in awe.

“I wouldn’t picture you being one at first, I’m impressed but also whatever makes you comfortable; now get in here”

Char gestured the two to enter along with Rover and Raptor.

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[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 215

Vanna couldn’t help but tackle Char again, this time causing the pair to topple over with Vanna clinging to Char tightly.

“I won’t let it happen! I care! If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here trying to fix what is broken! Remember what you said? If it can be fixed, fix it. And I want to fix it and not throw it away!”

Taken aback, Char stared at Vanna with surprise to the fact she retained what she told her and was using it in the current situation.

“Just… please let me try to fix it, fix you… fix us”

It took Char at least a few minutes of silence with the exception of Vanna’s sobs to mull things in her head. Just when Vanna was about to give in her hope, Char put her right hand on her head and gave a sigh.

“Fine… But only to get you off me right now; you’re getting my clothes wet…”

Vanna couldn’t help but stifle a slight laugh before getting off and standing up, offering her hand to Char and help her stand up.

“I honestly thought you were going to help them… what brought you back here?”

Lumi gestured to Vanna to which she gestured to the note.

“The note got us worried and I was right about my feelings… Besides, it wasn’t my responsibility for what they want”

Char smirked a little at the response and looked to Lumi.

“This stays between us, no telling them”

Lumi couldn’t help but give an awkward smile before deciding to be serious on the matter.

“I know why you’re upset with them; but won’t you give them a chance?”

Char folded her arms and shook her head with a soft grunt.

“I’m not their lab rat, nor a dog or baby. Until they see me as a human being that is inept in social skills, I am not interested in such things”

Lumi understood where Char come from, she would have spoken up were it not for Raptor making a small whine below.

‘Master we need to get back to the work at hand if we want to test the prototype as soon as we can’

Vanna was about to question but peeked inside the garage and saw two pairs of gloves fitted and connected to the computer inside.

“You were working on the project this whole time?”

Char nodded before letting out a loud yawn, unfolding her arms and using her right hand to rub her eyes.

“Yes, I was hoping to perfect it by today so I can rest and do the… you know. But since you figured it out, I cannot now”

The realisation hit the two other girls hard and they bowed their head for a moment before Lumi decided to look up and speak up.

“Would it be okay to have a look at the project? Or is a secret for the annual scientific technological advance for current generations?”

Char forgot about it for a moment and jolted slightly.

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[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 214

“I thought you were…”

Vanna clung to Char and continued to sob, earning a strained look of confusion from her.

“Uhhh… I did say for you to leave me alone…”

Char knew Vanna wasn’t going to move, or at least on her own and looked to Lumi with a slight wince like a plea for help.

“Vanna, you can let her go now”

Vanna flinched at Lumi’s comment and let go of Char who just looked confused and tired; Raptor just looked to Rover confused before giving a slight look of disdain.

“Whatever you are here for, I’d rather you leave. If you forgot something then go in, grab it and out with you!”

It was clear Char was still highly upset with Vanna and preferred to have been left alone.

“Not until I make sure you’re right!”

Vanna started to plea and beg in hopes Char let her stay.

“Why are you even like this?”

Vanna sniffled and wiped away a few tears before holding out the note she managed to carry intact.

“I was afraid because of this…”

Char raised an eyebrow and took the note, flinching softly.

“Mors vincit omnia, mors mihi lucrum”

Char spoke with fluent motion and a blank stare before realising what she said and looked to Vanna.

“You speak Latin?”

Char flinched at Vanna’s comment and looked away, realising what set her off and realised she was caught in her plan.

“Char… You wrote this and Rover told me what it meant… Is this what I thought it was?”

The tension was written on Char’s face before she let out a sigh and threw the note towards Vanna to which she caught it easily.

“I didn’t think you’d find it, let alone decipher it by today…”

It was clear to Lumi, Rover and Vanna. Char did write the Latin note and did write about death in it; Vanna just looked at her with tears still threatening to slide down her cheeks.

“But why? Why do you give up?”

Vanna was trying to understand the complications unfolding before her.

“Mundus vult decipi, ergo decupiatur. Mutatis mutandis”

Lumi and Vanna were taken aback at Char’s sudden Latin spoken response but Rover tried his best to decipher it.

‘Master says: The world wants to be deceived, so let it be deceived. After changing what needed to be changed’

Raptor spoke up which startled Rover’s own time to process as Vanna and Lumi watched in amazement for a short moment but then horror mixed with sympathy.

“You just want to die?”

Char huffed and folded her arms, looking at her with the eyes of someone that feels lonely and empty inside.

“The world never needed me before, and they won’t miss me now. I’m just a speck among millions, but one that gets constantly swatted and pushed upon. I don’t need or want anything in this life but its release…”

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[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 213

Lumi understood the gravity of the situation Vanna presented; it did seem possible it was a suicide note with the fact Death was the main premise of the note and that it was written in such an old language.

“I know you’re panicking but you need to focus at the moment on the directions; we can fix the rest shortly”

Vanna tried to keep herself calm and guide Lumi as she started to drive again when the lights turned green. She couldn’t help but feel internally panicked and paranoid; one of that factors were if it was a suicide note, she felt she was responsible. Another factor was she never wanted her to die even through the difficult times, so many things raced through her mind at once.

“Which way?”

Lumi was focusing on the road even though she wanted to stop and comfort Vanna jittering in her seat.

“Left, then right at the end”

Lumi followed Vanna’s instructions and continued to listen until she saw a familiar house in the distance.

“There!”

Vanna pointed as Lumi pulled the car up to the side near the house; as Lumi was about to put on the brakes and turn off the car, Vanna unbuckled and leapt out the car after opening the door and running to the front door; Rover flinched and jumped onto the front seat and out the open door to chase Vanna.

‘Master! Wait for me!’

Lumi quickly unbuckled after turning the car off and jumped out, closing her door and the door Vanna left open before following quickly.

“Open! Open!”

Vanna was slamming her right fist into the door quick panicked as Rover watched her in great concern.

“No answer?”

Lumi found this a cause for concern as well, she carefully moved Vanna to the side and pressed the doorbell. After a minute of silence, their cause of fear might be true.

“I’m going around the back!”

Vanna pushed past Lumi and Raptor and took a quick jog to the back entrance past the garage and started knocking on it.

“Come on Char! Open up!”

Vanna realised there was no answer and she couldn’t help but tear up, thinking she might have been late.

“P-Please…”

She started to sob slightly, Rover ran over and looked to her, whining loudly at his master’s despair.

‘Master please…’

Vanna knelt down and held onto Rover, sobbing slightly as Lumi walked over and saw and felt heartbroken at the sight before her.

“V-Vanna we…”

She never got to finish her sentence as the garage door opened slowly as Raptor looked at them confused; before Char walked out slowly. A mixture of exhaustion and confusion scrawled along her face.

“What is all that racket… and why are you back…?”

Vanna looked at Char and Raptor before letting go of Rover, vaulting up and tackled Char slightly hard.

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[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 212

Lumi understood what Vanna was worried over and gave a smile.

“Of course, you know the way better so come along!”

Vanna practically jumped out of her seat with the note and gestured Rover to follow along close to her heels. Lumi took this moment to watch her and carry her suitcase along.

“Wait for me! I need to unlock the car first of course!”

Lumi tried to keep up with the pair but found it difficult; she managed to manoeuvre her way to the front car park and actually noticed Vanna waiting by a few of the cars.

“Which one Lumi?”

Lumi noticed Vanna being a little anxious and so she dug around her pocket and actually pulled out her car keys, pressing the alarm and unlock to which a car next to Vanna beeped.

“Oh, that was a good guess-”

Vanna immediately opened the back door for Rover to jump in before jumping into the front passenger seat and buckling up; Lumi went to put her suitcase on the back seat before getting into the driver’s seat and buckling in.

“Can we please hurry a little?”

Something about Vanna’s jittery posture made Lumi aware something was definitely wrong; she starts the car up and puts it into reverse and released the brake.

“Why are you so jumpy all of a sudden?”

Lumi started to focus on driving under Vanna’s instructions when she wasn’t jittery or fidgeting in her seat.

“I just have a very bad feeling and I want to make sure that bad feeling isn’t true”

Lumi gave a quick questioning glance at her before focusing back on the road.

“You mean that note written in Latin?”

Vanna gave a slight nod, Rover decided to poke his head near Vanna and tried to comfort her as best as he could.

‘I am sure things are fine ma-’

Vanna shook her head and looked to Rover slightly uneasy.

“I don’t feel it being fine, especially after what happened. I am feeling that this note isn’t a threat but…”

Rover tilted his head in confusion which also prompted Lumi to look over quickly.

“But?”

Vanna looked back to the note and clenched it tightly with some faint fear in her eyes.

“A suicide note…”

Lumi almost missed the red lights and hit the brakes rather hard just to stop in time, it also didn’t help with what Vanna said.

“Are you absolutely sure of this?”

Vanna gave an uncertain look, after getting rid of the initial shock of Lumi hitting the brakes.

“Why else would there be a note about death in a language no one will practically understand? I feel it’s to give time away from the fact of the message’s true intentions and meaning… By the time we’d know what it says, it might be too late… She would be dead before we can try to save her…”

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[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 211

“Oh! Then please translate it Rover!”

Vanna and Lumi couldn’t help but sound a little excited the fact that Rover can now try to decipher the strange note.

‘Please let me see the note Master, my eyes need to scan the words then let the translator change it to English for us’

Vanna held the note up clearly so that Rover can scan the words with his eyes, after a few glances he closed his eyes and stayed quiet, translating the words slowly in his head and program.

‘I have deciphered the words master’

Vanna and Lumi tried to contain their excitement, but the second Rover opened his eyes, it didn’t look so mutual or happy for the fact.

“Is something wrong Rover?”

Rover looked to Vanna and gave a soft whine before getting to the translation.

‘Mors vincit omnia is translated one of two ways: Death conquers all or death always wins. Mors mihi lucrum however has one meaning: Death to me is reward.’

The fact Rover could pronounce the words perfectly at first made Vanna and Lumi look in awe, but then gave concerning looks as to the actual translation of the words.

“Death always wins… Death to me is reward…”

The eerie sentence made the two of them cringe slightly, who would send this and why? Neither of them knew proper Latin nor did they know anyone that could speak, let alone write it.

“Something feels off about this note…”

Lumi nodded and grabbed a few wires out of her suitcase and carefully attached them to Vanna’s headset before looking at the readings; Vanna didn’t mind it but was worrying over the note.

“Wait…”

Vanna noticed and even smaller writing that everyone missed first time on the corner, it too was written in Latin.

“Rover! Scan that small part!”

Rover flinched and looked closely, noticing the small writing and scanned it after zooming in on it; once so he closed his eyes and scanned through his database for the translation.

‘Mors certa, hora incerta, it translates to…’

Rover stopped mid-sentence before looking to Vanna slightly uneasy which too made her uneasy.

‘It translates to… Death is certain, its hour is uncertain…’

Vanna gulped and Lumi overheard which made her show a lot more concern before deciding to actually take the wires off completely and putting them away in the suitcase.

“Either this is a death threat to you or…”

Vanna felt a sickening feeling in her gut and stood up.

“Lumi can you take me back? I feel something is not right…”

Lumi showed deep concerned but gave a nod.

“I’ll take you home-”

She was cut off by Vanna after she stood up and took a deep breath.

“Not home… but her home…”

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[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 210

It took Lumi a few attempts to say the words before it sounded somewhat right to her ears.

“I think that’s what it says… I’m not exactly sure”

Vanna and Rover decided to have a look over before hearing a pair of footsteps approaching them; looking up they noticed the twins giving them a slight wave to which only Lumi waved back.

“Hey Lumi, I got your kit here for ya”

Synapse pulled up Lumi’s metal suitcase and placed it on the table.

“Thank you, say can I borrow you both for a moment?”

The twins blinked as Vanna seemingly shuffled in her seat uncomfortable.

“Sure, what is it?”

Sinapse spoke up, Lumi pointed to the note Vanna was holding onto.

“Can you understand it?”

Vanna hesitantly held the note out to the twins, Synapse decided to take it and look at the words.

“Mors… vincit omnia, mors… mihi lucrum?”

It took the twins just as long to try and pronounce the words, confusion upon their faces.

“Who wrote this?”

Vanna and Lumi looked at each other in confusion before looking at the boys with the same hint of confusion.

“We’re unsure, it just fell on Rover’s head moments ago”

Synapse carefully took the note and adjusted his glasses, looking over it a few times over.

“This is actually pretty rare, for someone to know and write out Latin that isn’t a scientist”

Vanna took a moment to process before looking to Synapse.

“Its Latin?”

Synapse nodded as his brother took the note and got a closer inspection.

“It is pretty hard of a language to learn, let alone write. Whoever did it was pretty proficient in it. Either way, I hope you can find out what it says and who sent it”

Sinapse handed the note back to Vanna before tapping his brother on the right shoulder.

“Come on, back to work we go”

Synapse nodded before giving Lumi one last glance and walking off with his brother by his side.

“I’m glad they didn’t stay…”

Vanna sighed out softly as Lumi looked to her a little disheartened at the sudden shift of mood.

“It is a little tense at the moment I understand, but for now we just have to smile alright?”

Vanna gave a soft smile as Lumi opened up her suitcase; Rover had been silent the entire time which prompted Vanna to look down at him.

“Are you alright there, Rover?”

Rover stayed silent for a few minutes before looking to Vanna with a slightly soft bark.

‘I thought I could help you Master by downloading a translator for the required language. Since it seems that it is in Latin, I have downloaded a Latin translator into my software’

This new form of software could help the two decipher that the note said, despite it being one sentence.

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[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 209

“I can go fix the other technologies and get in touch with the others in the meantime; come and get me if you need me okay?”

Lumi gave a nod and watched Synapse go ahead before looking over to Vanna and Rover.

“You seem tense, is everything okay?”

Vanna gave a slight sigh as Rover looked at her with a soft whine.

“I honesty don’t wish to be here. I don’t want to partake in these, I already hurt enough and to hurt others I want to be friends with is hurt much more than I thought”

Lumi gave a slight frown while gesturing the pair to follow her.

“How is she? You stayed with her more, didn’t you?”

Vanna stayed silent for a minute before gathering the courage to speak up.

“Not so good; she pretty much kicked me out and felt really betrayed. I got the fact she is frustrated but it’s more…”

Lumi was waiting for Vanna to finish her sentence; but after a number of minutes of silence, she decided to speak up.

“More what?”

Vanna looked up towards Lumi before looking to the floor while she followed.

“I thought her yelling would hurt me more… But instead I keep hurting her and for once she looked so helpless…”

Lumi looked questioningly before looking and seeing the break room and gestured Vanna to have a seat by one of the tables.

“Helpless? That’s strange…”

Vanna quirked an eyebrow at Lumi as Rover sat by Vanna’s heels and watch the two conversing.

“I don’t see her as helpless, in fact she seems quite resourceful and capable; what makes you say that?”

Vanna blinked, looking down at Rover before deciding on how to explain to Lumi.

“Well… I saw how she looked at me at first which was with anger when she yelled at me. To be fair I did lie to her and she heard; but then I had a closer look… She looked like a small child inside wanting a friend or help despite her tough exterior”

Lumi placed her right index finger and thumb to her chin, pondering as she adjusted her glasses with her other hand.

“Well logically seems right… Hurt people tend to raise and erect internal walls to protect themselves from others and push people away. If you saw that small gap of vulnerability then it makes sense in all forms”

Vanna grabbed her bag and placed it on the table, not noticing the note as it fell and on top of Rover’s head.

‘Uh master, there is a note on my head’

Vanna and Lumi looked at Rover with the note atop his head before Vanna decided to grab it and look to see if there was a name to it.

“This isn’t my note… Nor do I see a name to it…”

Vanna blinked before opening it and was greeted with pure confusion.

“Uh… how do I say this…?” Lumi blinked and looked, adjusting her glasses.

“Mors vincit omnia, mors mihi lucrum”

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[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 208

Synapse shook his head slightly to remove a thought from his mind.

“I just find it hard to believe, what you said. Considering all the evidence of the ordeal that has happened the past number of days”

Vanna looked to him in disbelief before huffing slightly.

“I know what I saw with my own eyes, and I feel doing this was the biggest mistake for everyone”

By the time Vanna noticed where the both of them were, Synapse already pulled into a parking spot and put the car into parking before giving a slightly irritated sigh.

“You’ll condone the scientific breakthrough we require to help people; over this?”

Vanna looked at Synapse sternly and with a nod before unbuckling her seatbelt.

“Humanity can share the pain, and not just place it onto one scapegoat that has it already horrific enough as it is”

Vanna didn’t even let Synapse try to answer and got out the car along with letting Rover out.

“Vanna? Is that you?”

A voice startled Vanna but she looked up and noticed Lumi looking at her confused.

“Oh… Hi Lumi”

It felt awkward for Vanna all of a sudden stuck between these two and without a proper way of getting out of it.

“Are you here for a check-up?”

Vanna was feeling a little more pressured by that comment from Lumi, she couldn’t just be rude to her and leave but at the same time she wanted to get away from this mess of a situation.

“Well…uh…”

Vanna gulped before hearing a car door open, assuming it to be Synapse.

“Oh Lumi, perfect timing it seems”

Lumi looked over and smiled, giving Synapse a slight wave.

“Hey there, how have things been?”

Synapse gave a small wave back with a soft smile.

“Could be better, but that’s just how work is, isn’t it Lumi?”

Lumi giggled slightly, Vanna used this moment to look down at Rover awkwardly.

“What am I going to do Rover? I don’t want to be here but I can’t be rude”

Rover seemed to analyse the situation before pondering slightly.

‘Maybe just do one’s tests and keep it confidential and ignore the other?’

Rover did come up with an idea that could work as a compromise; Lumi seemed to be a lot more relaxed of a person and might understand the situation more.

“Are you going to come?”

Vanna was immediately shaken out of her thought and noticed Synapse and Lumi gesturing her to follow.

“Um… would it be alrighty if it’s just us and you Lumi?”

Synapse gave a questioning blink as Lumi looked at him confused.

“Uh sure, you got something else to do right?”

Synapse looked back to Lumi before giving a slight nod, he knew what Vanna wanted and respected that.

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[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 207

“But the only one suffering the most is her… and I feel horrible for not telling her, let alone having to keep it from her and not bringing her along”

Synapse sighed softly before taking a quick glimpse at Vanna.

“The more we discuss on the matter, the less time we have to advance the technology to be beneficial to everyone affected. It is tough but that’s just how it is, we need to work with what we have and have setbacks that can hinder us-”

Vanna flinched before looking to Synapse with a slight look of disdain.

“Do you only think of your work? And not of how an innocent person feels?”

Synapse groaned softly before looking to Vanna quickly.

“Innocent? The same person who screams and yells at everyone? The same person who belittles us? The same person who hurt us? I see no innocence, and as harsh as it sounds Vanna, one person’s feelings are different to the hundreds and possible thousands and millions that will have the technology”

Vanna saw Synapse’s points, but felt in her heart it was not right, it felt hurtful and the fact she saw how Char felt and asked that question; she was not innocent as Synapse stated, but knew she also was not fully guilty for her actions.

“I saw how she felt… she felt so hurt and alone… like a child wanting to cry out for mother or father when in the darkness…”

Synapse flinched and managed to stop at a red light before looking at Vanna.

“You saw that?”

Vanna nodded and held her hands to her chest with a twisted hint of sadness.

“I saw how she truly felt… alone in the darkness like a child lost… and as much as her insides cry out, no one is going to hear her voice or her cries. Silent cries falling upon deaf ears…”

Vanna’s discomfort from remembering that look of sorrow and pain from Char made her realise that she really was just a child inside at heart that was constantly hurt, lost and confused. Trapped within an adult’s body where even then, no one is going to help her when she needed it.

“That… seems like something strange for her, considering how tough and aggressive she tends to be around people”

Vanna nodded as her form of reply to Synapse, but ended up looking at him quickly.

“If a child is alone and scared, they are either going to run or fight like an animal. She doesn’t seem to run from anything, but instead decides to close people off or fight anyone that comes close to her; this is her defence mechanism that I finally understand and see with my own eyes”

Synapse looked slightly upset with what Vanna said and started to ponder silently to himself before continuing to drive due to the light turning green.

“If that is the case then…”

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[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 206

“He’ll be here soon Rover…”

Rover sat next to Vanna on the steps and waited patiently; Char and Raptor sat by the door silently and watched, listening before thinking. Char’s mood was almost non-existent for a human being which upset Raptor. Raptor wanted to go over and deal with the two, but knew better than to cause a scene at the moment.

‘I hear a vehicle’

Rover’s ears perked up before standing and running towards the noise; Vanna decided to stand and walk over. Synapse pulled to the side and beckoned Vanna before rolling his window down.

“Hey! You set?”

Vanna nodded slowly before approaching the passenger side and opening the door so that Rover can jump in and sit on the back seats.

“Yeah… set…”

Vanna’s mood made Synapse question what just happened, but not before looking up at catching a glance of Char looking at the two blankly with Raptor by her heels.

“Did you even tell her?”

Vanna shook her head softly before looking along with Synapse at the two watching them.

“That could explain why…”

Synapse was about to roll his window up as Vanna buckled up, but Raptor ran over and tapped the car door on Synapse’s side, prompting him to look down at the small dragon robot.

‘I hope you realise what you both have done. And I hope whatever comes to you makes you look back at the past. Remembering where you got to and what you have done’

Synapse was about to question but Raptor ran back to Char’s heels and gave a look of disappointment; Char on the other hand just looked blank and deadpanned before turning slightly to head back inside.

“Are we… doing right?”

Vanna decided to question Synapse to which he looked at her.

“This is for everyone’s sake. We need every bit of information to better this for everyone”

Vanna shook her head at Synapse’s comment before placing her hands on her lap.

“This isn’t my original thing though… I wasn’t the starting point nor was I the first tester�� I’m taking her role only because none of us get along! Is that… right?”

Synapse and Rover stayed silent before looking to see Char’s back turned against them with her arms folded; Raptor just seemingly sneered at them.

“Afraid so, but we need to advance ourselves and by holding back now means everyone is gonna suffer because of it”

Synapse didn’t want to talk more on the matter and started to drive off. Once the car was out of view, Char went back inside with Raptor; headed straight into her room and plopped herself on her chair. Her arms folded on the desk as she rested her head on them with no effort left to move from her spot. Synapse and Vanna on the other hand had to discuss stuff properly.

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[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 205

“If only you can comprehend”

The tension slowly eased down as Char turned around to walk into her room with Raptor, but not before peeking out slightly to look at Vanna and Rover.

“Get ready… he’ll be here soon”

Vanna was about to object until Char slammed the door and slid against it, curling up to herself.

‘Master, we-’

Rover look to Vanna and flinched as her saw her fold her arms across her chest and tried to hold back her emotions.

“Kale was right… my actions and path do have consequences… And I chose the wrong one to do”

Vanna’s guilt was high, Char’s anger was justified and she knew she deserved the backlash more than anything. Everything she did she felt horrid and was causing someone great amount of pains. She couldn’t change it now, and Synapse was coming soon; she couldn’t do anything else.

“I’ll leave soon… And hope your day gets better”

Char didn’t reply on her end as Vanna used the time to have a shower and change. Raptor just watched as Char just sat quietly against the door, leaning tiredly and a knee to her chest as the other just stretched out.

‘Master?’

Char looked to Raptor silently with a blank stare, she felt so dead and unmotivated after all that. She heard Vanna enter the shower and moved her head slightly to press her ear against the door.

“Give me a note and something to write with…”

Raptor tilted his head curiously as to why, but decided not to question it. Hopping over on top of the chair to look over the desk top, he picks up a note and a pen on the top with his mouth before bringing it over to Char.

‘Here master’

Char gave a faint nod and took the note and paper from Raptor before scribbling something down quickly. By the time she checked it she opened the door and snuck out. Vanna having her placed her bag outside meant Char can quickly sneak it in before she or Rover noticed.

“There… that should do”

Raptor would have questioned Char, but saw her run back to her room and shut the door; pressing her back against it again.

‘What did you write master?’

Char brushed off Raptor’s question and just pressed her ear to the door; she heard Vanna jump out and get changed before rummaging around for something.

‘Have you got everything master?’

Rover questioned Vanna as she nodded slowly before lowering her head.

“Yeah I do… I just wish I can turn time back…”

Vanna sighed before looking to her phone, it was almost time so she started to walk to the door, taking a quick glimpse at the room Char was in.

“I’ll be going now…”

Char overheard but made no effort to talk. Once Vanna opened the door for Rover and herself; Char decided to poke out the room and follow to the door without Vanna noticing.

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[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 204

“Uhhh my mother! Why?”

Char folded her arms angrily with a glare enough to cut tensions in the room.

“Is that so? Lies beget more lies. And you want me to learn how to be a good friend? Start by smacking yourself up the face before smacking mine”

Vanna would have given a furious look until she noticed Char flashing the letter in her hand; prompting her to search her pockets.

“W-Where did you-?”

Rover started to growl but Vanna quickly hushed him before looking highly upset at Char.

“You kept stuff from me that involves me. And yet you scold me harshly for doing it in the first place. You hypocritical brat!”

Char’s tone rained as she stomped her foot angrily; causing Raptor and Rover to back off and Vanna flinch.

“I-I can explain!”

Before Vanna could start explaining, Char waved her arm to cut Vanna off.

“You go do this, do not ever come back here. I don’t want your forgiveness, your friendship, your ANYTHING. You are no better than any other parasite of society. If it benefits you? You go for it even if it means stabbing a person in the back. You do not care for others but yourself!”

Vann flinched before shaking her head.

“N-No! I want to do this to HELP people! To make things better!”

Char gave a deep growl which made Vanna flinch in surprise that Char could produce such a sound.

“Like you wanted to fix things with me? How is this any better for me? How is YOUR results going to help anyone!? You have half a family but still manage to get people to love you huh? What do YOU have that I don’t?”

For once, Char wasn’t raising her voice but was actually questioning Vanna; she was caught off-guard with the question and looked confused.

“What I have…?”

What could have been taken as snark, was actually taken as a genuine question. Vanna really didn’t know how this came up but looked to Char sternly for an answer.

“Why do you ask-”

Char returned by staring at Vanna. Even from a distance, Vanna noticed it wasn’t spite, but was more of desperation.

“Did…”

Vanna didn’t get a chance to say anything before Char looked away, making her catch a rare glimpse of something she never expected. Char’s eyes were full of sorrow and pain; one that was not of a scary tough monster like any other time she was angry or indifferent. But instead it was one of a small child; a child that wanted to get out, a scared and lonely child ready to cry out for someone in the darkness.

“This hurts you more than me… why?”

Char scoffed angrily and threw the letter down with a huff.

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[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 203

She would have left but Vanna rolled over with a small sound, something sticking out her pocket slightly.

“Hm?”

Char would have let it be until it fell out her pocket and unfurled slightly and she caught a glimpse of it.

“Huh?”

She didn’t want to push boundaries, but as soon as she caught a glimpse of her name on the letter, she had to. Making sure she didn’t wake up Rover or Vanna, she snuck over silently and took the letter before backing away around the corner.

‘Was that wise to do master?’

Char looked down at Raptor before huffing slightly.

“Normally I wouldn’t, but I saw my name on it and if it involves me. I have a right to know”

Raptor softly whined as Char decided to look at the letter, reading it in her mind.

‘Dear Vanna, due to the incident that happened the day prior, it is with this note I ask that you volunteer to help further our technology. You will take on Char’s tests and help to make a better future. I will call you early the next day and arrange a time in which we can head to work to do the tests. From: Synapse’

Raptor actually read it out loud and quietly before giving a whine.

‘Master, do you think-’

By the time Raptor looked up at Char, he flinched as he saw her looking heartbroken with a few tears sliding down her cheeks.

‘M-Master?’

Char angrily wiped her tears away before hearing a phone ring, hiding to the side to listen. Vanna flinched herself awake to the sound before answering quickly.

“Hello? Vanna speaking”

Char decided to eavesdrop on the conversation as Raptor watched her, noticing and scanning her vitals and he saw how much discomfort she was in.

“Hello Vanna, It’s me. Did you decide a time in which we can-”

Vanna gave a small yawn before giving a sleepy reply.

“It’s early, but possibly soon if that’s alright. I haven’t told her yet…”

Synapse gave a soft sigh on the other end.

“It is your choice, but I will visit soon if it’s anything like we planned”

Vanna gave another yawn before giving a slight hum.

“Why not be here in an hour? Works then”

Synapse on the other end gave a confirming sound.

“Right, see you then Vanna”

Vanna hung up which prompted Rover to wake up.

“We better get ready while she’s still asleep Rover”

Rover stretched and stood up before giving a nod.

‘Of course, master’

Vanna stood up and started to try and sneak around the corner, Char on the other end managed to get up quickly and silently before leaning against her doorframe. Raptor standing by her heels in discomfort.

“So, who called.”

Vanna squeaked in surprise to see Char awake and looking at her sternly.

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[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 202

Aasira watched as Char pulled back her sleeves to show some of the bandages.

“And what did it feel like to you? Was it all worth it?”

Char shook her head in reply to Aasira’s questions before looking to the group.

“I thought it felt… good to do something good for a change; but that felt like a lie. A life may be spared, and the punished got their reckoning. But to only be treated as such. I am no mutt or baby. I am a person who just… can’t retain friends…”

Aasira was starting to understand where Char was coming from and gave a small sigh.

“A battle is always tough, physically, emotionally or mentally. No such thing will be easy, but it can be won or overcome in the end. For now, just try to think of something to keep you motivated”

It sounded simple when Aasira said it, but to Char it was highly difficult to find the motivation. For the moment all she wanted to do was learn and not worry about anyone or anything else in her current state.

“For now, you should use the new day to think of a reason. I shall train and find out the rest here how to work offensive and defensive skills”

Aasira turned to the group before looking at Char with a toothy grin.

“You want me to wake up now?”

Char blinked before sighing in slight defeat, she hoped she could have started to learn some offensive combat by now.

“I want you to continue the day and eventually have a reason. Then I can get through everyone here without causing you pain or conflict”

Aasira did make a point in which Char did agree, if she managed to train all the others without causing her pain would make it easier for Char herself when it comes to proper training.

“Alright I trust your judgement; I shall see you the next night then”

Aasira nodded with a smile as the rest around smiled and waved accordingly.

“Rest well little warrior”

Char closed her eyes before opening then and realising she was awake before sitting up and rubbing her face.

“For once, I don’t feel that fear waking up… huh”

The peace was jarring to Char, she normally would not rest easy nor wake up intact. But this time it was different with Aasira.

‘Good morning master, did you rest well?’

Raptor managed to reply and look at Char who yawned and stretched.

“For once… I did. Did the girl sleep over or-?”

Raptor didn’t even need the sentence to be finished before nodding.

‘Indeed, she is in the main room’

Char groaned and stood up before going over to the main room to see Vanna sprawled out among the pillows and blankets sleeping with Rover by her side.

“Hm… Sleepy kid”

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[frame-of-mind-story]

Frame of Mind - Part 201

“Everyone will have a reason, some just take time to find. But for now, it isn’t a bad idea to have something as a placeholder. What would you fight for?”

Aasira’s question made Char question herself as a being, she didn’t have anyone to fight for as she was pretty much an isolated case.

“Survival”

That was the first thing she could think of, this drew the attention of everyone around.

“Survival? From what?”

Aasira’s question did make everyone stare at Char, waiting her response. She took a deep breath before letting out a sigh.

“From everything. What’s there to count on? My parents were rarely to ever home, caretakers never cared for me. My educators and even my peers never took a single glance at me because I was different. I was what my parents called a prodigy. I was too smart and I already knew what to do in order to survive as a young one”

Char started and she could feel her internal frustrations rising in her chest.

“I relied on no one, because there was no one to rely on. What I was supposed to be set in life was to run and govern a company. No, I wanted to create! I wanted to do something that not only showed people who I was! But to also…”

Char immediately stopped for a second to think it over, causing everyone to look at her in confusion.

“To also let others know I was human too… That I too… just need someone in my life…”

Virus pondered for a moment before stepping forward.

“That explains the big dragon…”

Char turned her attention to Virus, to which Aasira also looked for the answer.

“She’s big and intimidating. But there are common things I’ve sense from the encounter. You’re both tough with high walls up. You both can be scary but inside you both are afraid of pain. You rely on no one because of it; also, the main clue is the fact she’s Primal; primal refers to primary or fundamental stages in development. Your primal trait is your survivability”

Everyone started to mutter between others around which Char looked to Inina who decided to flutter in front of them.

“I can confirm those to be true, you both do what is best to survive and thrive. This happens to be with your intelligence and your solitary means. You both aren’t like wolves that work in packs; but more leaning towards a big tiger!”

Char watched Inina in silence, processing everything slowly and how things did work; she then recalled back to when she made a deal with Ehecatl to spare Vanna.

“She did ask me once for control, I said as long as Vanna was safe then… Was that also for survivability?”

Inina tilted her head and gave a confusing squeak.

“You bargained with her? For protection in exchange for control?”

Char nodded before scratching the back of her head.

“One time, to protect Vanna from those bullies… we made a bargain and the result was… small injuries”

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