Location: Hallway

Time: 3:00 PM, January 7th 2108

There was a strange woman in the hallway.

I was on my way to Olivia’s room to ask her about something, but the surreal sight of it left me at a loss for words.

Sorry, pun intended. As someone who's been deaf their whole life, I can’t help enjoying jokes like that. It might seem inappropriate, but If I couldn’t laugh at things I’d only be able to cry about them.

There was a young woman, her pink hair tied into two long drills, sitting at a table drinking a cup of tea in the middle of the hallway.

I’d seen her around the past couple of days, but I wasn’t sure who she was. Probably someone here to speak with Father. Her extravagant clothing made her social standing clear enough.

[I’ve got a problem.]

Was she talking to me? Fortunately, I was planning on going to see Olivia, so I already had my glasses on.

[I have been planning on using that Number of yours, but after meeting her, I doubt she’ll listen to me for long.]

I couldn’t help myself from letting out a quick laugh. The idea of Hana listening to anyone for very long was a complete fantasy. She was even starting to focus on her own interests. I doubt she’d even keep listening to me for much longer.

Not that I think that’s a bad thing. Hana’s relationship with Vier, her friendship with Allison, and even her fun with that Emin girl that’s all over the news; those are all good things. I can tell she’s been feeling conflicted, but I’m glad Hana is starting to branch out.

I don’t need someone at my beck and call all day. The idea behind creating Numbers is wrong in the first place. Whether they were created in a lab or not, no one should have their free will taken from them like that.

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[Is something funny?]

The pink haired woman clearly wasn’t amused. Understandable. A deaf girl like me started laughing at her for seemingly no reason. I’m sure my laugh doesn’t sound right. I should have known better.

I quickly wrote out an apology in my notebook and held it out while lowering my head.

[No matter, I don’t really care. As you are now, I doubt I’ll be able to do anything.]

I wasn’t looking at her face, but my glasses were still picking up on what she said.

[I’m going to use you to control her.]

That made me look up. Use me? Why would I agree to that? I didn’t even want to control Hana myself, why would I help this woman do it?

I don’t care who she’s supposed to be, there was no reason for me to listen to something like that.

I wrote another quick message in my notebook and slid it across the table for her to read.

Hana is not something to be used. She’s a person.

The woman read my message and pushed my notebook partially back across the table. As I reached out to pick it back up she reached out and grabbed my wrist; pulling me toward her.

My upper body slammed against the table. The teapot started to fall over, but the woman managed to catch it with her free hand.

I looked up and found myself staring directly into her eyes.

[That Number is a tool, and so are you.]

I had never been more aware of what it felt like to have a soul than I was in that moment. Primarily because it felt like it was being ripped away from me.

The room grew so dark that even the idea of light was erased from my mind.

[Your consciousness, ego, personality; whatever you want to call it, was just as muted as your voice. I’m not sure how you’ve been treated up to this point, but it’s left you lacking what makes someone human. A person has to be fairly empty for me to turn them into a thrall so easily.]

She released my wrist, allowing me to stand back up.

[You serve me. What’s good for me is good for you. I’ll give you a purpose that he can’t deny. Through me you will find salvation.]

Obviously. Why would she say something like that? I’ve never questioned my purpose, so I certainly don’t need an answer. My place is by her side, it’s just a matter of how to be most useful.