Life Will Change Book 2

Chapter 33: Ubukata's Secrets

Begin

~Normal POV

While searching ahead for Sophia, the gang ran into their first bit of intriguing evidence. In the empty hallway was an old battered desk with a tape recorder on it. There was a tape left inside, and after careful inspection they found the recorder was still functional. Deciding that it might be useful, they played the tape. On the recording was a man's voice that they didn't recognize.

"This plan brings to fruition a dream long-cherished by the research team- No, by all mankind. Every last test subject, a successful change of heart! When the Penitentiary System is complete, the concept of suffering will be dead to all mankind! Now let us rejoice and welcome the new age of humanity! EMMA shall be our guide into this promised land!"

"That was... enlightening..." Akira commented.

"Just as Ichinose said, there was indeed some form of experimentation on EMMA here," Yusuke said.

"The voice said something about a 'Penitentiary System' too..." Haru pointed out.

"Otherwise known as Jails." Akira replied. "Hm. We'll keep the tape. We gotta focus on finding Sophie before we figure this place out."

~...

They found Sophia not long after in an open room at the end of the stairs. Most of the doors in the place were too battered to open. She didn't notice them at first, merely looking around the room curiously. They quickly got her attention. She seemed to be in an unusual mood.

"Thank goodness you're safe!" Haru said.

"We're all glad you're safe, Sophie," Akira said, looking visibly relieved.

Sophia frowned. "I'm sorry..."

"You said you heard a voice, yeah?" Ryuji asked. "Figure out who it is yet?"

"No, it disappeared once I arrived here."

"We never heard anything of the sort," Yusuke said.

"Then, only Sophie could hear it," Ann said, quizzically.

"What did it sound like?" Akira asked.

"It was very strange-" Sophia said, "The voice sounded similar to my own... And it was calling my name. Maybe the owner of the voice knows me." She dropped her head sadly and continued. "The only memory I recall before meeting Joker is the directive to become humanity's companion. I've traveled so far with you all and learned many things, but I still know nothing about myself. When I heard the voice, I thought I had found my chance to learn about myself. I'm sorry for worrying you..."

"Don't worry about it. We get how you feel. I'm sure that voice is still here too, so why don't we look for it together while we're here?"

Sophia perked up. "Really? Thank you, Joker!"

"I've got a feeling we can learn more about you right here," Morgana said, thoughtfully. "Jails, EMMA, Sophie- There must be a connection. We found Sophie in a Jail. EMMA was linked to that Jail. And Sophie is an A.I., like EMMA. There's no way these are coincidences. Something has to link all three."

"I see; you believe these things have a uniting factor," Yusuke replied.

"Not only that... I at least kind of know what Sophie is going through." Morgana added. "Not knowing your identity, or your past... It's rough."

"Well, whatever the connection, we'll find it." Akira said, "Now let's keep going before Shadows find us."

While everyone else went on ahead, Akira put a hand on Sophia's shoulder to make her pause momentarily. She gave him a questioning look.