Twisted Wonderland Book 6: The Watchman of the Underworld

Chapter 76: Not Ready Yet

Time has passed.

Soon, Briar finds herself in the halls of Styx once more. There, she sees a few of the Styx scientists.

One researcher says, "Idia hasn't come out of his room for over two years now."

"I hear he's become completely withdrawn ever since losing Ortho," The female researcher says.

The third researcher says, "But he puts in all those large orders for technomantic parts. What is he doing in there...?"

Just then, the door opens and Idia rushes out in excitement, "AW YEAH! BOOYAH! It's done! I've finished! I've finally got him back."

Startled, the first scientist asks, "Idia?! What are you talking about? What's finished?"

"Hee hee hee!" Idia chuckles with a grin, "You wanna know what? ORTHO, that's what!"

Soon, walking out of the room much to Briar's shock, is the Ortho that she comes to know, only a little smaller.

He says, "Hello. I am Ortho. How do you do !"

"See?! I've recreated Ortho's memories and thought patterns exactly," Idia says, sounding very excited, "His Al's got a learning algorithm, too. This is the world's first self-improving technomantic humanoid. And his name is Ortho!"

However, the researchers are shocked by this.

The first researcher expresses his shock and dismay, "Wait... You built your late brother?!

The female researcher expresses her concern, "But that's wrong, Mr. Shroud!"

"Wut. So it's romantic when a hero rescues his ladylove from the Underworld, but when I do the same for my brother it's wrong?" Idia says.

"Well..." The female researcher says, sounding unsure.

"Ugh. Plebes, amirite?" Idia says. "How about you not judge people based on utterly subjective ethics and sentiment? Who cares if he doesn't have some unprovable, immaterial thing like a soul? My brother's right here. Not only that, but he's WAY stronger and tougher than a human. He won't break easily. And with more improvements, he'll be able to go into space one day, unassisted. Isn't that right, Ortho?"

"Yup! "Ortho happily says, "'Shoot for glory among the stars and soar like a comet!'"

"There ya go! Hee hee!" Idia says, feeling pleased, "This Ortho would obliterate the Chronos Force. Any Phantoms too! This Ortho can totally be a hero! Hee hee... Hee.." but begins to show signs of sobbing.

Then Ortho turns to Idia and says, "Prefrontal cortex agitated. Autonomic nervous system showing signs of distress. I recommend a moderate amount of rest."

Soon, the memories disappear.

Seeing this makes Briar feel so sorry for Idia, especially of what he's been through at such a young age. Idia lost his younger brother, and tried to use science to recreate him, as a way of bringing him back. However, Briar can sense that even though Idia successfully recreated his brother, the robot might not be able to replace the brother he loved dearly, and the one he truly lost.

She then hears Idia's voice again, "Where did I go wrong? Maybe if I hadn't tried to go on an adventure..."

Briar continues walking until she sees the light before her.

She continues to hear Idia's voice, "Or maybe if I'd never wished to be a hero... Maybe if I'd never been born into this family at all... If only... If only we'd been part of a normal family...." Soon enough, Briar sees the real Idia and continues to approach him.