Loud alarms blare, a robotic voice sounds over the intercom:
EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY, CODE ZETA
EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY, CODE ZETA
In reality, there was no emergency. This was just an effort to buy them a little more time.
???: “Are you sure about this, director? There’s no undoing this if we go through with it.”
Director: “I think we passed that point the moment we started this project behind the council’s back, doctor.”
Both the director and doctor lay in wait inside the communications room, waiting for one singular call that could change everything.
Doctor: “But if we forfeit all documents over to them, we might be able to escape with our lives. Project Aletheia is still rife with logistical issues and-“
Director: “Listen to me, on the path those bastards have us on, the extinction of humanity may as well be the only outcome! No matter what issues the project may have, I know for damn sure I’d rather wager my life on the chance for a miracle than whatever the Sats have got planned!”
Both men stood silently for a second, the tension so strong it was almost tangible. The doctor was the first to break it.
Doctor: “Heh… well I figured you’d say something like that. And it gave me the last bit of confidence I need to go through with this. Don’t worry, I’m with you until the end.”
The director similarly lightened up, and a second later, the internal phone rang. He instantly picked it up.
Director: “…Copy that. Thank you, my friend.”
He put the phone down.
Director: “It’s ready. Awaiting your go ahead, doctor.”
Because of the nature of this project, both men agreed when starting it, they must each give their verbal consent, so as to prevent misuse should it fall into the wrong hands. Unfortunately for the director, just before he could give his consent, the door was forced open, and in what seemed like an instant, the director was bleeding and immobile on the floor, with an armed squadron now aiming at the doctor. The smell of gunpowder was unlike any other, and it felt as if it instantly coated the room.
???: “It’s over, doctor. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll turn on that intercom and order that this shitshow of a project be stopped immediately.”
Doctor: “You didn’t spare any time gunning down someone of a higher rank than me, I thought that meant something to you military dogs. Why give me special treatment?”
Military Officer: “No matter the rank, any confirmed terrorist will be dealt with swiftly. You still haven’t given your consent, so we trust you to make the right choice”
The director who everyone thought to be dead laughed at this statement, coughing up blood at the same time.
Director: “Terrorist you say? That’s rich coming from the people who have doomed the future of the human race. It’s because of you people that-“
He was shot before he could finish that thought. The soldier looked as though he was crushing an ant.
Military Officer: “Doctor. Call it off, or we will be forced to consider you an accomplice.”
The threat was not well hidden, but it didn’t matter. The doctor had made up his mind long ago, he was just buying any extra time the crew may have needed. He picked up the phone, announcing to the entire ship:
…
…
Doctor: “INITIATE PROJECT ALETHEIA, I REPEAT-“
He didn’t get to finish that sentence before he lay beside the director, but it was too late. The message had been received, and Project Aletheia commenced.
Doctor: “I leave everything to you, boy. I’m sorry you have to shoulder the mistakes of us foolish adults… but please, make all this sacrifice have meaning… Lead us to… our true future…”
With these last thoughts, the doctor’s eyes lost their light.
——————————————————————————————————————————
Lost Aletheia
Chapter 1: First Awakening/Last Beginning
BEEP BEEP BEEP
A loud alarm blares, but I promptly stop it. I’ve been awake for a while if I’m being honest, just waiting. Sometimes it feels like I’m not made to sleep, I’m certainly not any good at it, but even beyond that, my mind just races with thoughts about my life every time I close my eyes. Maybe something’s up with me-
???: “Big bro, get up!!!”
In the next second, I’m violently kicked by my little sister. It doesn’t actually hurt much, but she doesn’t need to know that. While I’m ‘recovering’ from that intense kick, I hear:
???: “Azumi, have you woken up Kazuki yet? I have to go but breakfast is on the table. Make sure you both eat!”
My mom yelled this from downstairs. Our house really isn’t that big, I’m not sure why she feels the need to shout…
Azumi: “We will! Bye Mom!!!”
…Maybe it runs in the family.
Kazuki: “Alright, Azumi let’s grab some of that grub.”
I say as I get out of bed.
Azumi: “Grab that grub!”
She happily repeats, as she follows me.
Upon arriving at the table, a standard western breakfast is waiting for us - simple plates of eggs, bacon, and toast. It tastes good, but I’d be lying if I didn’t feel like something was missing. I know I should be used to this. It’s not like our parents are usually home anymore, but I can’t help missing the days where we ate together every morning.
Azumi: “What’s wrong, Kazuki? Do you not like it?”
Kazuki: “Hm? Oh no, it tastes as good as ever, don’t worry!”
Azumi: “Do you miss Mom and Dad?”
I almost drop my smile for a second. People really aren’t kidding when they say children are more perceptive than we think, huh?
Kazuki: “Ah, well I wouldn’t say I miss them per se…”
Azumi: “That’s no good Kazuki! What if you have the person of your dreams over but you get all mopey about Mom and Dad being gone. Then they’ll never want to marry you…”
Kazuki: “I think in that situation, I’d actually prefer they be gone- but wait, I’m only 18 and you already want to marry me off with someone?! I didn’t realize how badly you wanted me gone.”
Azumi: “Wrooooong. You’ll stay here, the only difference is that I get a new sibling.”
She said this as if she was proud of herself, but I’m not really sure why.
Kazuki: “Oh, is that all you want? Your birthday’s soon, isn’t it? Why not just ask Mom for a dog or something?”
In reaction to me saying this, she gave me a look that embodied both confusion and genuine concern.
Azumi: “Are you saying your future partner is only worth a dog to you? I think that would hurt their feelings pretty badly…”
Kazuki: “Uh, no, that’s not what I meant at all, sorry. But let’s stop talking about me, you’re the one with a birthday coming up. We’ll drop the dog idea for now, what do you really want?”
It’s next month, so if I’m gonna start getting the money for it, I should probably do it soon.
Azumi: “ The new Netroid!”
Kazuki: “Netroid?”
Azumi: “Yeah! You’re always playing it!”
Those games are a little hard for a soon to be eight year old… But it’s a new release, so it’ll probably have an easy mode, right? Guess I’ll need to start earning some money again.
Kazuki: “Alright, if you stay good, then I’ll see what I can do.”
I say with a grin. Azumi beams with happiness in response.
After breakfast, we both get ready and then head out for school. Azumi tells me the equivalent of grade school gossip on our walk to her school before we arrive. It’s a nice break from the real gossip I’ll be heading towards after this.
Kazuki: “I might be late getting home tonight but Dad should be able to pick you up.”
Azumi: “Okay! I’ll be waiting! Bye Kazuki, have a good day!”
Kazuki: “Bye Azumi.”
After parting, I start heading towards my school. I guess a university is the closest equivalent, but it’s more of an experimental post-secondary foundation. Honestly, it just seems like a regular school as far as I can tell but we were all handpicked to be students here. My parents didn’t really tell me much, but it let me keep going to school with my friends so I can’t complain.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
???: “Heyyyyyyyyyy!! Kazuki!!”
Speaking of those friends…
Kazuki: “Daisuke, you could just walk up to me, you know. You don’t need to yell my name every day.”
I must be cursed to have people always yell around me or something…
Daisuke: “No way bro! Sometimes I feel like if I don’t call out to you, you’ll leave us forever.”
I slowed down and let my friends, Daisuke Shinkichi and Ema Akako, catch up to me. We’re not a childhood friend trio situation or anything, but we basically got each other through high school so we’re closer than most. Daisuke sported his usual combover with his tranquill green hair and brown eyes, while Ema had her striking red hair in a ponytail complimenting her crimson eyes. Both wore our school uniform, like me, which was unusual for a post-secondary school, but maybe that’s part of what’s experimental about it? Either way, it was the standard black blazer with matching black pants. The only big difference was the star symbol engraved where the usual left breast pocket would be. Oh well, it’s not like I really used that pocket in high school anyways.
Kazuki: “I see you’re dramatic as usual…”
Ema: “No, no, he’s right. If we’re not careful, I’m certain Shiori’s going to steal you away from us…”
She said this while feigning tears.
Kazuki: “This again…What do you want me to say that I haven’t already? I barely know her. We only talk in class, and even then it’s all impersonal conversation.”
Daisuke: “I don’t know bro… We saw how she specifically introduced herself to you on the first day of class. There was nothing impersonal about going to you first.”
Kazuki: “She’s a genius. She’s probably just eccentric like that.”
Ema: “But you forget, the simplest explanation is usually the correct one.”
She said this proudly, as if I’d been utterly cut off from any other answer, and as much as I would have loved to rebut and continue this pointless conversation…
Kazuki: “Welp, we’ve arrived at good old Luna Academy, let’s continue this conversation, hm, never.”
Right before I took my first step though, I felt the strange sensation that I was being watched. This is something that happens to me a lot. Well, not being watched, but being able to ‘feel’ sensations around me. It seems like I’m more sensitive to that kinda thing than the average person. It comes in handy though. It usually lets me calm down and assess situations rationally instead of getting overly emotional.
Doing exactly that, I looked around calmly and found the source to be a group of girls. They must be friends. That’s weird, the one that was looking at me just blushed and ran into the academy. Did I do something?
Kazuki: “Hey, do you guys know who that was?”
Daisuke and Ema had only slightly been paying attention, but I know they saw her run too.
Ema: “I didn’t get a good look, so I’m not sure… She did have blue hair like you though, so maybe she’s been bragging to everyone that she’s one of a kind, only for you to prove her horribly wrong?”
Kazuki: “Your imagination is truly something else…”
Daisuke: “I got it!! Maybe she’s your long lost sister! She would match perfectly with you and Azumi!”
Kazuki: “No she wouldn’t, you idiot, it’s a lighter shade than ours. And Azumi dyes her hair blue anyways.”
Before pondering this with an ounce of actual thought myself, I realized that we should probably be getting to class. I let them know and we hurried there.
——————————————————————————————————————————
Once we arrived at class, I was reminded of how awful I am at keeping track of the syllabus. We had a quiz today, one that I had completely forgotten about. Taking a look at Daisuke and Ema they seemed perfectly calm, meaning they probably studied for this. Thanks for the heads-up guys…
???: “Hm? What’s wrong, Kazuki? You have the look of someone who’s just realized they haven’t studied for a test they’re about to take!”
Coming up to me with that astute observation was the one who my dear friends seemed to fear so much, Shiori Murasaki. Although there was nothing between us, I couldn't help being interested in her, my eyes drawn to the white ribbon resting almost perfectly in her purple hair. It was only after staring blankly for a few moments that I realized I hadn't answered her question, and I quickly brought myself back to reality and directed my attention to her scarlet eyes.
Kazuki: “Ah, well, I guess that’s not inaccurate to say… but it’s just a quiz, right?”
She let out a little laugh.
Shiori: “Has anyone ever told you you’re easy to read?”
Kazuki: “Eh? Well, no one’s said it so bluntly, but most people seem to know what I’m thinking. I don’t think it’s a bad thing though. I’m happy to be open with people.”
For some reason, her eyes looked strangely distant upon me saying that, as if my words had started some intense train of thought within her head. I don’t think I said anything that thought provoking though…
Shiori: “...Oh! I did bring my notes! Do you want to read them before our professor gets here?”
…Is that what she was thinking about for so long?
Kazuki: “Ah, no I’m good, thanks. I’ll pull it off on my own somehow.”
Shiori: “Are you sure? I really don’t mind helping.”
Kazuki: “No, it’s really okay. We all gotta lie in the bed we make for ourselves..”
Shiori: “Okayyyyyyy… Well, then I’ll sit here and try to share my knowledge. Like, using my brain waves.”
She put two fingers to the temples of her head while saying this, demonstrating her… brain waves, I suppose.
Kazuki: “Oh, um, thank you?”
She giggled.
Shiori: “I’m just kidding! I was gonna sit here anyway.”
She said this with a smile. Well, no matter the reason this has decided what the topic of my walk home will be. Perhaps this is also a bed of my own making…
——————————————————————————————————————————
Upon getting the quiz, I was able to tap into what I call my “special technique”. It’s nothing too special but it does seem uncommon in the people around. Just by grabbing the paper and carefully reading the questions, the answers seem to pop into my mind. I think it’s because I know all of the material taught, I just need the words as a prompt to pull the answers out of my brain. It’s not the most reliable method so I try to study as much as any other student, but it helps in situations like this.
After we all handed back the quiz class was over for the day.
Shiori: “Sooooooo, did my brain waves get through to you?”
I couldn’t help but smirk.
Kazuki: “Y’know, I think they just might have.”
Shiori: “Yahoo! Looks like my training to become an esper is going well!”
She beamed happiness while saying this, pumping her arm up in the air. Seeing her look genuinely happy just off of my possible success filled me with my own sense of happiness. I once again became enamored just by seeing her happy. This isn’t good. At this rate, I’m gonna prove my friends right…
Shiori: “So, are you just gonna leave me hanging?”
I had apparently been too distracted to notice that she had left her arm up, awaiting a high-five.
Kazuki: “Oh, my bad.”
We high-fived, but after dropping her arm she put her hand to her chin and looked at me in a playfully suspicious way.
Shiori: “Hm, hm… Oh my! Could it be, you’ve fallen for me already? That’s no good Kazuki, we’ve only known each other for a few weeks. You can’t let your heart be swayed so easily, no matter how cute and charming I may be. Hm, hm.”
I could tell even without seeing myself that I was turning red, but why? I feel confident saying I could play this off to almost anyone else, but it’s hard to say no to her… I’m not even sure what I’m verbally saying right now. Just stuttering to get a full sentence out? Why? No matter what, my dream of a peaceful walk home has gone up in flames, so why don’t I just get out of this while I can? I’m starting to think there’s something wrong with me…
Shiori: “Um, I’m kidding. You don’t need to take everything I say so seriously. I really am glad you did well on the quiz today though.”
Kazuki: “Ah, well, um, thank you…”
Ema: “Hey Kazuki!”
As if sensing that I was making a fool out of myself, Ema’s call from across the room gave me the excuse I needed to leave this conversation.
Kazuki: “Looks like Ema needs my help over there, it was nice talking to you, see you tomorrow, Shiori!”
Saying that as fast as possible and turning to go towards Ema, I left Shiori behind. I felt a little bad but I’m not sure I could have recovered from that conversation.
Shiori: “...Well, that was fast…”
——————————————————————————————————————————
While walking out, Ema had told me about a problem she’d been having with a portable speaker she left back home and asked that I’d come help her with it, to which I agreed. This had become something of a ritual for us. Somewhere along the way, I became known as someone who could pretty easily find the cause of issues in most devices. While that legacy of mine is largely unknown at Luna Academy, my friends will still ask me when they need to, and they even pay me a little so it’s not a bad trade off. After splitting from Daisuke, Ema and I were left alone walking towards her place. Surprisingly, the whole affair with Shiori wasn’t brought up at all today. There’s no way they didn’t notice. Maybe they’re being considerate for once? Yeah, not likely. They’re probably just getting me to lower my guard so that I won’t expect it tomorrow, but you can’t get the best of me!
Ema: “So what does Azumi want for her birthday this year?”
Kazuki: “Huh?”
Ema: “Your sister. What’s on the list this year?”
I didn’t really need clarification. I just wasn’t expecting Ema to remember it, nor was it the topic I was expecting. After collecting myself from my rampant thoughts, I answered the question.
Kazuki: “I think she caught me playing the Netroid 2 remake, so now she wants the new one. I feel kinda bad. I try not to play anything around her because I don’t want her to think that us playing games together isn’t special. I hope she isn’t angry that I was playing on my own.”
Ema: “Jeez, man, why so negative? Did you ever consider that she just might like seeing you happy? She wants this because she wants you to be happy that she’s playing it too, not whatever this mopiness is.”
Kazuki: “Oh… really?”
Ema: “Just trust me on this one.”
Putting a hand on my shoulder as she said that, Ema’s invaluable help strikes once again. You wouldn’t think it from our overdramatic conversations normally, but Ema has a real keen understanding of people. She always knows what the core of any issue is. Or maybe I’m just terrible with people.
Ema: “Well, today’s pay isn’t gonna net you enough to get it, but maybe something of Daisuke’s will break soon?”
She raised her arm and held a hand to her bicep while saying this.
Kazuki: “It sounds more like a threat when you put it that way…”
She laughed devilishly in response.
Eventually, we arrived at her place. I disassembled the speaker, found the faulty part and told her what to order to replace it. I’ll have to come back to put it back together, but she gave me the money this time anyways, which is nice. After finishing this job for the day, I finally headed back home. By the time I made it back, I was so tired, I barely talked to anyone. I said hello to my parents, talked to Azumi about her day, and then practically collapsed onto my bed. But why? I didn’t do anything different today. Before I even had the chance to contemplate this more, I drifted into unconsciousness.
——————————————————————————————————————————
I opened my eyes and I was in a place I’d never seen before in my life. Everything seemed to be veiled in a toxic green. I looked down and could only see a long path. Despite the vastness, the space felt intensely oppressive, like no matter what I do I could never reach the end. Just by being here, I was hit with the sense that this is where I was going to die.
But wait wait wait, I can’t let this feeling consume me. I don’t even know where I am! Forcing down as many negative feelings as I could, I ventured to look around in the room I was in.
Kazuki: “These walls… They look almost mechanical. Is this some kind of tech lab?”
Only upon speaking these words did I realize my voice was muffled. I then noticed I was lying on the floor. I got myself up, looked behind me and saw an object not entirely dissimilar to a school locker, but much more mechanical.
Kazuki: “Did I come out of that?”
When pointing towards it, my gloved hand took the spotlight. Examining my body, I discovered that I was in something akin to a space suit? It was a little bulky, yet it somehow seemed to move pretty well.
Kazuki: “OH! This must be a dream!”
I don’t really sleep well enough to have dreams. Or if I do, I don’t remember them. I never realized how vivid they were though. Well, in that case, I’ll go forward and do whatever I want! I probably won’t even remember this in the morning after all.
Kazuki: “Well, the only thing to do is go forward.”
Saying this, I started hurrying down the long hallway. The further I went, the more oppressive the air managed to get. Knowing that this was a dream allowed me to persevere, although I do wonder what’s wrong with my subconscious to create an environment this vile.
Eventually, I reached a square room with three doorways. Two of the ways were open, but one seemed to be blocked by a goop-like substance in a web formation. Not creepy at all.
Kazuki: “Oh, well. Guess I’ll head to the left first. Who knows, there might be a necessary power-up for me there.”
Once again going down a long hallway, the reverse of what happened before seemed to occur. The further I went, the more my senses went back to normal. It started to feel inviting, all the way until I finally made it to the door. Wasting no time, I pressed the button on the right and the door revealed what it was hiding.
Kazuki: “Is this… a park?”
In the room lay an extremely out of place children’s park. It gave off the impression of a hot summer day, but the sky didn’t look real. I guess my brain couldn’t simulate that properly.
Kazuki: “It’s weird though. This room… Why do I feel so overwhelmed being here?”
Happiness, Nostalgia. Pride. Regret. Sadness. Somehow, this room made every emotion flow into me at once. I don’t remember having been here before, but then why do I react so strongly to it? Either way, I had to leave this room before these emotions spiraled out of control. Heading back down the hall, the oppressive feelings returned once more, yet they were somehow preferable to what that room made me feel. Upon arriving back at the central room, I noticed a figure up ahead. Not wanting to miss this chance, I ran towards them, my footsteps loudly echoing across the large room and halls. Immediately, the figure zoomed toward me.
Somehow, I was now on the ground and a pistol was in my face.
???: “I didn’t think I missed any of you but… wait… you?... but why… what the hell are you doing here?!”
The voice seemed to have a filter over it. I couldn’t tell who it was, but if this is my brain then I must know them.
Kazuki: “I-I don’t know? I mean, isn’t this my dream in the first place??”
???: “Dream? …I suppose the jump did cause memory loss in certain tests. I’ll have to wait then.”
Upon saying this, the figure seemed to evaporate their gun? They didn’t offer to help me up before walking away from me. Upon looking at them, I realized they were wearing a suit similar to mine yet it seemed to fit their body more tightly than mine did, probably how they moved so much faster than me. Not to mention they had a smaller build in the first place. Unfortunately, their visor had been blocked out so I couldn’t see who it was. Hey, wait a minute… Was Netroid on my mind when I went to sleep? Then maybe this is my brain’s version of Gamus? It’s got a few details incorrect though so is it fair to call them that? And I don’t even know their gender. Wait, why am I not attempting the obvious solution?
Kazuki: “Hey, so, can I ask your name?”
???: “I have no reason to speak to you at this moment. Until you can answer that question yourself, you’re of no use to me.”
Okay Gamus it is. Maybe this train of thought will lead me to remembering who they actually are considering they seem to think I know them. I start to wander towards the right doorway, thinking Gamus must have come from there.
Gamus: “Don’t leave this room.”
Kazuki: “Oh, uh, okay.”
So you won’t talk to me, but you won’t let me do anything either. What do you want me to do? Not knowing what else to do, I simply sat. I sat for what seemed like an eternity, but closer to thirty minutes in actuality. Man, aren’t dreams supposed to be fun? Gamus seemed to be tapping their visor every five or so minutes. Maybe they’re waiting for something? And as if on cue:
Gamus: “It’s time. If you can’t awaken here then you’re dead.”
Kazuki: “What do you mean-”
Before I could finish my sentence I felt a massive thud from behind me. Turning around as fast as possible I saw what I can only describe as an absolute monstrosity. It seemed to be somewhat of a spider, but it was the size of a car. It was molten red and appeared to have thick dark green sludge coming out of its body from many orifices. It was alive, yet it gave off the feeling of a rotting body. I’m not sure what part of my brain could come up with this, but I’m starting to fear myself. But… It's okay. As long as I keep in mind that this is a dream, I can persevere. It’s just a dream, it’s fine. This is just a dream.
As I repeated that mantra in my head, the spider seemed to take notice of me and lunged at an almost unimaginable speed.
Gamus: “What are you doing?! Activate your STELLA!”
Whatever that piece of advice meant didn’t really matter. I didn’t have even a second to react before the spider’s lunge had brought it directly in front of me. It seemed to fly back as soon as it got in front of me however… But that can’t be right? Why would it stop right before its target? But if it’s not moving, then I must be. And if I’m moving then-
The impact would give me my answer.
Kazuki: “GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH-”
Pain. Piercing. Agony. Burning. Why is this happening?! Why does this hurt so much?! I thought dreams were supposed to end before you feel any pain… So why does this hurt so much?!
The only other option is a terrifying conclusion…. I’d much rather wait it out than admit it. If I don’t admit it, then this has to be a dream. That’s the only possible answer. This is just… a realistic dream.
Gamus: “You idiot… Do you really still think this is a dream?!”
As if punishing me for my inactivity, Gamus called out to me.
Gamus: “Listen, I don’t know what part of the process went wrong but you need to wake up. Activate your STELLA. It’s your only chance!”
It’s okay. They still haven’t said it. I’m okay.
While saying this, the spider seemed to start glowing. But it’s okay because-
Gamus: “THIS ISN’T A DREAM!”
Those words.
Those words were a curse. They plucked me from any sort of confidence I may have had. Fear, anxiety, and panic filled me to no end. I could no longer stop shaking. If this pain is real, if that spider is real, if this situation is real then…
Kazuki: “I’m going to die…”