Regicide [ORIGINAL SERIES]

12. Train Arc

Just a Child.

PREVIOUSLY:

Sierra only laughed off Wendy's remark with a cool, unruffled chuckle. Shrugging nonchalantly, she diverted the topic to her weapon. "Anyway, how about my new Hotchkiss machine gun? Pretty effective, wouldn't you say?" Sierra boasted, showcasing the gun with a hint of pride.

Amy could only offer a noncommittal, "Err..," caught between admiration for the weapon's efficiency and the awkward tension between Wendy and Sierra.

Wendy, on the other hand, could barely conceal her annoyance, merely responding with a disgruntled, "Ugh."

----

"Alright, then... 'Great Machinist Wendy'-would you mind enlightening us on our next course of action? Given your proclaimed expertise," Sierra offered, her tone laced with sarcasm yet relaxed.

Wendy, clearly irked yet undeterred, retorted, "If you're going to mock me, at least put some wit into it!" She crossed her arms defiantly.

"Fine, I'll grace you with my vast knowledge! We need to breach the heart of the Matrix, cautiously."

"Upon entry, despite moving as a unit, we'll be scattered across different 'servers'-understood? And Amy, you play a crucial role in this," Wendy continued, while Sierra suppressed a smirk, and Amy looked on, puzzled.

Sierra, attempting to clarify Wendy's point, said, "What Wendy means is... the boundary between the matrix and reality is fading, highlighting the importance of your unique connection to both."

"...Unique connection?" Amy repeated, trying to grasp the concept.

"The details are for later. Just know you're somewhat of a legend in TTIO; you're known to every member in our timeline. You're the 'contradiction'!" Sierra shared, trying to add some excitement.

"I don't quite follow," Amy admitted, still confused.

"Let's leave it for now. Wendy, you know what's next," Sierra said, gently nudging the conversation forward.

"Once we step in, we'll immediately find ourselves in different servers. I'll tackle the console operations, and Sierra will ensure digital stabilization," Wendy clarified, knowing her words are likely foreign to Amy, being hundreds of years apart.

"Amy, your mission is to interface directly with the matrix through a neural connection. Your task is to guide the reset process with your emotions and willpower, essentially 'healing' the matrix with your humanity," Wendy explained, trying to make her complex plan understandable to Amy.

"Willpower? You think I possess that?" Amy's voice carried a hint of skepticism, tinged with irony.

"You might be surprised," Sierra interjected, her voice laced with encouragement.

"You'll confront not just your own past and fears but so will Sierra and I. However, we're braced for whatever challenges we encounter," Wendy elaborated, grounding the conversation in reality.

"Wait, what?" Sierra's surprise was palpable, revealing her unpreparedness for this revelation.

"Indeed, Sierra. It's not solely Amy who will delve into her past. Each of us entering will undergo a similar journey," Wendy clarified, her tone serious.

"And you chose now to tell me this?" Sierra frowns in disappointment.

"I assumed your expertise far exceeded that of the 'Great Machinist Wendy,' especially given your fondness for mockery," Wendy countered with a touch of sarcasm, drawing a sheepish smile from Sierra.