EX//MACHINA: EXORDIUM

Chapter II - Mine, all mine

— Haha, nice one... — the girl lets out an imitation of a laugh, her expression slowly turning into one of shock. The sparkle in her eyes fading with the realization that it could be true. — You're joking, ain't ya?

— No, — Peter replies seriously, feeling a heavy weight in his heart. — I'm sorry, but I don't remember much, actually, I don't remember anything.

The person in front of him lets go of the hug, stepping back and taking on a colder attitude. Her face no longer preserves any hint of the joy it had shown earlier, now displaying someone who fails to hide their suffering. Her accusatory gaze fixates on Peter in a way that makes him feel a genuine sense of guilt. He knew it wasn't his fault — or believed it wasn't — but he couldn't help feeling it. Before he could justify himself or continue the conversation, they are interrupted.

— Oh! Amy!

The short redhead returns to the boy's side, making the situation "really awkward" in Peter's opinion.

— Oh, hey, Emma. My apologies, I reckon I mistook him for an old buddy.

The dark-haired girl shifts her attention away from the two and towards the opposite direction, patting Emma's shoulder in the process. With the opportunity to catch his breath, Peter once again feels a familiarity with that person, once again recalling the one he had seen in his old memories.

— This is new.

The redhead makes another comment when the situation ends.

— Is she always like that?

— On the contrary, she never gets happy like this. — Emma starts, pausing to wait for her to be out of sight before continuing. — In fact, she's always serious and quiet.

The boy knew the excuse of "mistaken identity" was false, yet he couldn't help but feel strange after causing such an effect on someone. Although it was true that his presence had made her happy in a way the girl beside him had never seen before, at that moment he believed he had disappointed her.

It probably wasn't his fault, but it still hurt.

— What's her name again?

— Amy Hill. — she answers, furrowing her brow, ready to question him. — Are you sure you don't know each other?

— That's what I said, I don't remember much. — Peter begins, but his memory makes him question what he just said. — Well, at least I think I don't.

— That's strange. I rarely saw you without her by your side, and vice versa.

— Really? During the school years?

— Yes, always together, inseparable. — she furrows her brow even more and stares at him for a moment, eventually shrugging and pulling his arm. — Anyway, let's go, the boss wants to talk to you.

Startled, Peter momentarily freezes before continuing to speak. A shiver runs down his spine, not just because of what Emma said, but because of a sense of imminent danger that hits him without warning. As soon as the feeling passes, he hears a voice.

— I recommend not going.

The voice in his head breaks its silence, issuing a warning that makes the boy worried but still skeptical. Vega was hiding a lot, and until he knew everything, he would refuse to simply obey what it said.

— Quiet. — the boy responds without speaking aloud. — We haven't finished that conversation yet, smartass.

Resuming their walk through the hallways of the old school, the duo head toward what used to be the principal's office, but now serves as the Coalition's operations room. Upon arrival, the first difference is already noticeable at the entrance, which used to be two imposing dark oak doors, intimidating to any student being forced to enter.