Ninth
Artificial Partial Intelligence
(I was going to revise it a bit, but with the busy day my time was cut short, and now I am tired. Good night everyone!
As well, meet my favorite little addition to the ranks.)
The sliding of a book, it's cover meeting the shelf as it slid into place, a light knock silencing the lasting sound as it met it's place resting upon the back of the case. Ashelynn's past number of hours have been spent idly doing this, returning all books to their cases. How would one that was blind know which book she was even holding? The parting gift from Serena was proving most beneficial, as lettering was becoming vastly present within the nothingness that was her vision. Within such a place, overflowing with written knowledge it was as if sight was gradually returning in an altered form within her vicinity. As such, she was capable of accomplishing such minor feats. With the keeper of these books gone, it was up to those who remained to take care of such a structure, a mindset that Ashelynn gladly accepted.
Last night she took shelter in that room, just like before. However, she could not recall ever falling asleep, as most of her time within there was dedicated to reading that which was left behind for her. Serena's gift proved to thoroughly absorb Ashelynn, bringing her to read it over so many times, that perhaps she even dreamed of reading it. After all, beyond the ability it bestowed, this was the journal of a unique Denizen, one that seemingly cared for her upon arrival. Perhaps the idea of Ashelynn caring due to personal reasoning was foreign, however, lingering thoughts proved to force her into this oddity.
"So Ash, what would you like to do today?" The voice repeated within her mind, refusing to release this unknown data that previously brought a pain which matched her death in intensity. Around the time of it's initial intrusion, there were additional screams within the town, so it could be said that she was not alone with these pains at least. "I should have known! Alright, what should we read today then?" It was relentless with these assaults, so much that Ashe would at times attempt to cover her ears on route to storing the books. They were little more than frivolous assaults, but her minds refusal to liberate her from these reoccurring thoughts proved more problematic. Each time these attacks repeated, it was like they grew in intensity, ripping at something within her. "Ahk!" At least this sound of discomfort brought an equal amount of relief, as she could not help but enjoy the colorful retort. "Always the hard ones.... I suppose it can't be helped, can it?" Why was it that this voice haunted her.
It was within this hour that absolute silence met the town, a dark aura taking place so thick that even Ashelynn could take note. Aparches proved to enter a time of unrest, though in silence, she could tell commotion was rising. "Hey there, 'see none, hear all'." The voice rang clear behind her, it's abruptness easily startling her frame, partially due to the fact that her mind was weakened due to the siege upon it. However, all came to a halt as she caught on to the owner of the voice. "I was wondering where you were holding up." Sun made his approach, forcefully grabbing her arm to force her hand outwards, lightly placing a pair of items within her grasp before releasing the limb. "Might want to go ahead and blow that little whistle, and cling on for dear life. Because I don't really see you making it out of here otherwise."
"Sun!" Her voice finally erupted, though perhaps to late. His presence already faded from the library, and she was once more left alone. She was caught in the confusion, and rendered incapable of addressing the individual she desired, the taste of this defeat was sour. If it were not for these haunting messages she would be on par and ready. However, at least he brought a mild warning that this was not a situation that she could linger around for. With items in hand, she retracted once more to her cloak, sheltering her arms from further manipulation by another. Within moments she could hear the murmurs of a mass, as well a few shouts from Denizens as they called back and forth. From her perspective, it would sound as if the town was being emptied of Adventurers. With Sun's show of warning, perhaps by sheer aggression .
The clicking of tongue resounded throughout the library. An individual making their presence known upon the edges of the balcony from the second floor. "He's such an idiot," the female carried a tone of both, annoyance and sympathy, within her words. "A bastard if nothing else, really." Without a sound hinting towards movement, the voice cut the air directly beside Ashelynn, perhaps even facing the doors just like her. Not even a distortion, a mild tinge of fear actually came to her spine. For the thought of an individual bearing a comparable speed to that of Sun, but also hold such aggression within her voice. "And despite that 'playful' nature of his, he is just your typical sadist." Her words carried a weight of warning, but for some reason it felt as if they were equally unjustified, as if they were merely her interpretation. Perhaps this was due to Ashelynn's admiration upon the figure known as Sun, but she held no will to counter this speaker.
The female in question was shorter than Ashelynn herself, perhaps even younger but only by a few years. At least she knew that this individual did not come to cause harm, well, at least not to her. "I assume you two are well acquainted." She spoke confidently, refusing the presence of this individual to fluster her further. "Though I must inquire on your presence here, seeing as you waited for Sun's clear departure before announcing yourself." However, in response, a contemptuous burst of air escaped the girl's lips. As if wanting to laugh at just how annoying it would be to answer, or perhaps the thought of answering itself was too tedious to bother. Seeking to avoid confrontation, Ashelynn withdrew herself further, listening to the slow steps the individual took around her. Another audible click rang from the inspectors tongue
"Ashelynn," The mention of name forced her arms to tuck together, as this unexpected development took yet another drastic turn. A moment of silence passed, the nothingness remaining unchanged within her eyes. However, after it's passing the girl only grew in aggravation, an audible stomp ringing within Ashe's ears as the female's foot met the ground. It was obvious that even their strengths were on a different ground. "You damnable tool, don't make me do all the work!" The female's state of tone became almost feral, proving that this individual was one of temperamental nature. However, it was what came thereafter that brought this situation to complete disarray. A solid clap could be heard, the individual now before her grasping her hands in haste. For thee who are gifted, I doth pertain, a raiment of translucence! Transcribe!"
An ironically blinding light filled her vision, a light that could only be seen by Ashelynn. A golden ring appeared before her hazed eyes as it slowly enveloped the individual before her. A visible hand was extended towards her, perhaps in a way that demanded her to take it. With hesitance, the ring enveloped more, a ruby glare was made known. Not before long the entirety of the girl stood before her. Crimson hair draping upon slender shoulders, highlighting the red-ish orange hue that was her eyes, creating a fiery contrast much like her apparent personality. Despite her nasty glare, Ashelynn actually felt warmth within this sight. Though all else remained nothingness, she could see this individual with utmost clarity. "Now take my hand, a-" Her voice was cut short by that of another, a male that Ashelynn could recognize. But, before anything could be done, the female instantly disappeared from her vision. With mild longing, she reached out towards the nothingness, feeling nothing.
For the next few moments, Ashelynn remained silent, attempting to organize her thoughts. In conclusion, she could only relate this individual to Serena, and Sun. Serena, because no other should have known about the gift, and Sun due to her previous statements. And with this thought met, she finally chose to call out to the individual who made his presence known. "Alex?" She questioned, wondering if what she heard was true. "I am indeed still within the Library." She called out in response, as if her questioning the name was not enough notification. "Though I regret to inform you, escape is something of an impossibility for me. More so, if the Denizens are seeking to slaughter the Adventurers like lambs, then you should have made your own escape." It was true, this individual did peculiar things that proved somewhat illogical. However, if this was the path he chose, she would not hesitate in using his assistance. "But, seeing as you are here. Do you have any plans on how to get us both out?"
@Exanis
As well, meet my favorite little addition to the ranks.)
The sliding of a book, it's cover meeting the shelf as it slid into place, a light knock silencing the lasting sound as it met it's place resting upon the back of the case. Ashelynn's past number of hours have been spent idly doing this, returning all books to their cases. How would one that was blind know which book she was even holding? The parting gift from Serena was proving most beneficial, as lettering was becoming vastly present within the nothingness that was her vision. Within such a place, overflowing with written knowledge it was as if sight was gradually returning in an altered form within her vicinity. As such, she was capable of accomplishing such minor feats. With the keeper of these books gone, it was up to those who remained to take care of such a structure, a mindset that Ashelynn gladly accepted.
Last night she took shelter in that room, just like before. However, she could not recall ever falling asleep, as most of her time within there was dedicated to reading that which was left behind for her. Serena's gift proved to thoroughly absorb Ashelynn, bringing her to read it over so many times, that perhaps she even dreamed of reading it. After all, beyond the ability it bestowed, this was the journal of a unique Denizen, one that seemingly cared for her upon arrival. Perhaps the idea of Ashelynn caring due to personal reasoning was foreign, however, lingering thoughts proved to force her into this oddity.
"So Ash, what would you like to do today?" The voice repeated within her mind, refusing to release this unknown data that previously brought a pain which matched her death in intensity. Around the time of it's initial intrusion, there were additional screams within the town, so it could be said that she was not alone with these pains at least. "I should have known! Alright, what should we read today then?" It was relentless with these assaults, so much that Ashe would at times attempt to cover her ears on route to storing the books. They were little more than frivolous assaults, but her minds refusal to liberate her from these reoccurring thoughts proved more problematic. Each time these attacks repeated, it was like they grew in intensity, ripping at something within her. "Ahk!" At least this sound of discomfort brought an equal amount of relief, as she could not help but enjoy the colorful retort. "Always the hard ones.... I suppose it can't be helped, can it?" Why was it that this voice haunted her.
It was within this hour that absolute silence met the town, a dark aura taking place so thick that even Ashelynn could take note. Aparches proved to enter a time of unrest, though in silence, she could tell commotion was rising. "Hey there, 'see none, hear all'." The voice rang clear behind her, it's abruptness easily startling her frame, partially due to the fact that her mind was weakened due to the siege upon it. However, all came to a halt as she caught on to the owner of the voice. "I was wondering where you were holding up." Sun made his approach, forcefully grabbing her arm to force her hand outwards, lightly placing a pair of items within her grasp before releasing the limb. "Might want to go ahead and blow that little whistle, and cling on for dear life. Because I don't really see you making it out of here otherwise."
"Sun!" Her voice finally erupted, though perhaps to late. His presence already faded from the library, and she was once more left alone. She was caught in the confusion, and rendered incapable of addressing the individual she desired, the taste of this defeat was sour. If it were not for these haunting messages she would be on par and ready. However, at least he brought a mild warning that this was not a situation that she could linger around for. With items in hand, she retracted once more to her cloak, sheltering her arms from further manipulation by another. Within moments she could hear the murmurs of a mass, as well a few shouts from Denizens as they called back and forth. From her perspective, it would sound as if the town was being emptied of Adventurers. With Sun's show of warning, perhaps by sheer aggression .
The clicking of tongue resounded throughout the library. An individual making their presence known upon the edges of the balcony from the second floor. "He's such an idiot," the female carried a tone of both, annoyance and sympathy, within her words. "A bastard if nothing else, really." Without a sound hinting towards movement, the voice cut the air directly beside Ashelynn, perhaps even facing the doors just like her. Not even a distortion, a mild tinge of fear actually came to her spine. For the thought of an individual bearing a comparable speed to that of Sun, but also hold such aggression within her voice. "And despite that 'playful' nature of his, he is just your typical sadist." Her words carried a weight of warning, but for some reason it felt as if they were equally unjustified, as if they were merely her interpretation. Perhaps this was due to Ashelynn's admiration upon the figure known as Sun, but she held no will to counter this speaker.
The female in question was shorter than Ashelynn herself, perhaps even younger but only by a few years. At least she knew that this individual did not come to cause harm, well, at least not to her. "I assume you two are well acquainted." She spoke confidently, refusing the presence of this individual to fluster her further. "Though I must inquire on your presence here, seeing as you waited for Sun's clear departure before announcing yourself." However, in response, a contemptuous burst of air escaped the girl's lips. As if wanting to laugh at just how annoying it would be to answer, or perhaps the thought of answering itself was too tedious to bother. Seeking to avoid confrontation, Ashelynn withdrew herself further, listening to the slow steps the individual took around her. Another audible click rang from the inspectors tongue
"Ashelynn," The mention of name forced her arms to tuck together, as this unexpected development took yet another drastic turn. A moment of silence passed, the nothingness remaining unchanged within her eyes. However, after it's passing the girl only grew in aggravation, an audible stomp ringing within Ashe's ears as the female's foot met the ground. It was obvious that even their strengths were on a different ground. "You damnable tool, don't make me do all the work!" The female's state of tone became almost feral, proving that this individual was one of temperamental nature. However, it was what came thereafter that brought this situation to complete disarray. A solid clap could be heard, the individual now before her grasping her hands in haste. For thee who are gifted, I doth pertain, a raiment of translucence! Transcribe!"
An ironically blinding light filled her vision, a light that could only be seen by Ashelynn. A golden ring appeared before her hazed eyes as it slowly enveloped the individual before her. A visible hand was extended towards her, perhaps in a way that demanded her to take it. With hesitance, the ring enveloped more, a ruby glare was made known. Not before long the entirety of the girl stood before her. Crimson hair draping upon slender shoulders, highlighting the red-ish orange hue that was her eyes, creating a fiery contrast much like her apparent personality. Despite her nasty glare, Ashelynn actually felt warmth within this sight. Though all else remained nothingness, she could see this individual with utmost clarity. "Now take my hand, a-" Her voice was cut short by that of another, a male that Ashelynn could recognize. But, before anything could be done, the female instantly disappeared from her vision. With mild longing, she reached out towards the nothingness, feeling nothing.
For the next few moments, Ashelynn remained silent, attempting to organize her thoughts. In conclusion, she could only relate this individual to Serena, and Sun. Serena, because no other should have known about the gift, and Sun due to her previous statements. And with this thought met, she finally chose to call out to the individual who made his presence known. "Alex?" She questioned, wondering if what she heard was true. "I am indeed still within the Library." She called out in response, as if her questioning the name was not enough notification. "Though I regret to inform you, escape is something of an impossibility for me. More so, if the Denizens are seeking to slaughter the Adventurers like lambs, then you should have made your own escape." It was true, this individual did peculiar things that proved somewhat illogical. However, if this was the path he chose, she would not hesitate in using his assistance. "But, seeing as you are here. Do you have any plans on how to get us both out?"
@Exanis
