Zero Chronicles

Chapter Twelve

Somewhere in an unknown location,Anya was using a computer in the corner of a large room filled with many books that were in several bookshelves.There were also other computers that were scattered in some corners of the room.A female woman in black clothes was quietly reading a book behind her desk near the entrance to the room.She was so focused on what she was doing that she doesn't notice Zero standing besides her.He can tell from the look on Anya's tired face that she hasn't slept yet.There were also several cans of energy drinks that were stacked on top of each other near the computer.

Zero:Anya,you've been up all night again,haven't you?

Without looking at Zero,she answers his question.She also had a sleepy tone in her voice.

Anya:What are you talking about? Its eight.Its still too early to sleep.
Zero:Anya...its already six in the morning.This is the second day you haven't taken a rest.
Anya:Oh stop whining.I took a two hours nap earlier.
Zero:Its not enough.You need to sleep properly.Its not good for your health you know.
Anya:I'll take a break once I finish this.Give me one more hour.
Zero:No.
Anya:Alright.Give me 30 minutes.
Zero:Answer is still no.
Anya:Then give me--.

Zero was fed up with her attitude.He suddenly grabs her by the shoulders and force her to look at him.His sudden action comes to a shock and startles her.Now that he has taken a good look at her,Zero can now see how tired Anya looked.The bags under her eyes were really deep.

Anya:Z-zero..? What's wrong?
Zero:I should be asking you that! Look at you,you're a mess!
Anya:But I-I need to finish this! I need to find a way to bring her back! To bring everyone back!
Zero:If you want to help them,you first need to take care of yourself! What do you think your friend would think if she saw you like this?

Zero's words finally sinks in and Anya burst out crying.She cries in Zero's arms while he rubs her head for comfort.A little later,Anya has calmed down.Zero sits next to her and gives her a cup of coffee.She slowly drinks it before giving a sigh of relief.

Zero:Feeling better now?
Anya:Y-yes.Thank you,Zero.
Zero:There's nothing wrong with what you're doing.But please,take care of yourself first,understand?
Anya:Yes...(nods)
Zero:So,what have you learned so far?
Anya:Not much but its better than nothing.

Anya put her coffee down and picks up a book in a nearby shelf.She scans through it's pages.

Anya:I found out that the Sandman isn't just one entity.There are multiple Sandmen in the world and one just happened to be wandering in the old building we were sent to investigate.
Zero:I see.
Anya:Like what happened to me,he traps a person's subconsciousness in an alternate dimension that he controls.This dimension can take the form of the last person he put to sleep.
Zero:You said you were living as a normal girl.What does that mean?
Anya:Its simple Zero.I guess deep down inside,there's a part of me that wants to be a normal girl.But there's no way that will happen because I can't be a normal girl since I'm...not normal.(smiles)

Zero can tell that Anya was forcing her smile.It was also the first time he found out about what Anya truly desires.She continues reading the book.

Anya:Anyway,while a person's subconsciousness is trapped in this dimension,the Sandman slowly consumes the energy from that person's body.Soon the body will die,leaving on the subconsciousness behind.That's when the Sandman looks for another victim since the body has already expired.
Zero:Is there no way to retrieve a person's subconsciousness?
Anya:Well,if the person realize that what's happening isn't real,they'll return to their body,just like what happened to me.But...its not always like that.

Hana's smiling face flashes in Anya's mind.She becomes emotional a little and a tears falls from her left eye.

Anya:I promised Hana that I would bring her back.And not just her but also the rest of them that are stuck there as well.
Zero:We'll get them back.I'll do all I can to help you.
Anya:That's the problem.The dimension they are in is something that the Organization hasn't even thought of since there was really no purpose for them to infiltrate it.
Zero:I see.
Anya:Hey Zero,I...I want to talk to the higher ups.