Tales of Unity - Arc I - Jaded Ether [Eteru/Iammelon] [Dropped/Recton]

Tulam listened carefully to the spoken information, and liked to comb deep for the information he gleamed from this Olga's mind. He felt immediate disgust however at the concept of her not even caring for her own name, and him having to rip it out of her mind instead. There was a great difference when he, a mighty Psion, refused to use a slave's name because of one reason or another, and when a slave didn't even use their own name because they lacked respect for themselves! That was not merely disgusting, it was utterly pathetic. Such willing weakness and failure. That alone overrode any potential respect he could have had for her own storied history in her own time and place. If a creature didn't respect themselves enough to even use their own name, then they simply were not worth respect in the first place. If this was common in this place, it was no damnable wonder they had failed so utterly and without realization. He didn't respect slaves, and slaves did not need self respect when they had a mind like his to give them orders constantly. But this place did not have somebody giving orders. Its central player was inactive, slumbering. And yet these slaves claimed to love him while being so utterly stagnant and useless? 

Oh, there was work to be done here. A lot of work. The one standing in front of him was a clear example of the rot he would have to clean out. So utterly stagnant and apathetic. In younger, inexperienced beings he would feel more of a sense of pity. The inexperienced and unprepared easily fell in stagnancy, as they lacked the knowledge and experience necessary to properly avoid its temptations. Lincoln was such an example in truth, so lacking in knowledge of his own abilities that he found it easy to settle with what he enjoyed instead of continuing to learn. Tulam did not hate him for this, it was natural. It happened even with Psions, such as Tulam's own son. That was why Tulam wished to teach and guide Lincoln along, so he avoided these traps as he developed. In one such as this Olga however, he saw only a disgusting slave that had forgotten its place. Dragon souled, hero, conqueror... And yet still a mortal slave. 

And so, Tulam snorted in contempt at Olga, "Worthless. If the others here are the same as you, then it is little wonder why this strange entity has such an easy time playing puppeteer with the lot of you. Lincoln is surrounded by pathetic slavelings, utterly defenseless. And Blue, while it is the finest of colors, is a terrible name. It is a descriptor, not a being. That is Lincoln. You have all lost any right to decide otherwise when you gave up your own names, so halt your objections before they begin. Leave it to slaves to utterly fail at even the most basic of tasks, so pathetically weak in soul and mind that you may as well be dirt. And like dirt, in your current state all you are worth for is being trod upon by your betters. You were correct in not choosing to fight me, but I would've preferred if you at least gave some effort. Then it would prove you at least give a fuck. But you don't, slave. You are a stagnant creature, content to laze around without orders or drive to be better. If you don't have such drive, you cannot care for yourself or others. Is that how you repay affection? Is that how you repay your chance to be here? Go back to sleep, slave. I grow sick just being near you. Return to the dirt."

With that, Tulam stormed off. He didn't care whether or not Olga responded, he wouldn't listen. Tulam didn't speak to soil. Flying up a bit, he looked around. He snorted, looking back at the sleeping Lincoln once more before sighing. It was an outburst of anger, but he was a moody creature he supposed. Calming down a bit now, he thought on the next course of action. The state this place was in, that was completely unacceptable. If he was hostile, he could've destroyed Lincoln before, and all these piles of dirt in the shape of sisters would've been too pathetic in their lazy souls to stop him. How lucky the Entity had other plans for them. How lucky it was he, the benevolent Tulam'Run, that got in here, and not some bastard like Roono! His vessel deserved better than this. 

And so, Tulam decided. Lincoln, as that was his name, did deserve better so long as Tulam was his mentor. And given his current lack of ability, Tulam would do some house cleaning. Lincoln's defenseless form was surrounded by slaves, as any master should be, but these slaves were... lacking, to say the absolute least. It may have been unfair to blow up on Olga in particular, but his sentiment was real. Tulam was considering grabbing some slaves of his own for convenience and the fun of doing it. But now? It was an absolute requirement. He didn't have the time to whip everyone here into shape, so he decided he would do a few things. First, he would enslave some of the residents he considered notable. Second, he would divide them into two groups as his new slaves. The first batch would be replacements for these "caretakers", who failed at their namesake. That may include some of the present ones, but with some... reinvigoration. These newly Tulam-certified caretakers would take a more active defensive role, and avoid allowing the other residence to fall into such pathetic stagnancy that allowed this stupid "defense by chance" idea to stand. Enforcers, effectively. Brutish, but it would be better than the pathetic current system. He could refine defenses later, when he knew he had more time. The second batch was a bit more selfish. Tulam was fascinated by these apparent other worldly variants, and they also provided him with a unique chance... He could obtain specimens of Lincoln's sisters for himself, for his own experimentation and work. This way, Lincoln could keep the sisters he had in the proper universe, but Tulam could have these ones to do his own work. After all, besides experimentation, if Olga was anything to go by then these sisters likely had a good deal of experience and capability all on their own. And Tulam needed agents of his own, as he felt it would be rude to push Lincoln around to do all his various bits of side work. His vessel needed to focus more on learning and developing, not doing chores. Chores were for slaves. So, might as well grab a few here. They were already slavelings as is after all, he was just giving them purpose. He would keep these slaves secret from Lincoln for a bit, and show them off when he felt Lincoln was ready. Information overload was a problem in non-Psions after all, it confused their brains. 

And thus, Tulam had his plan of action. It was time to visit each of the major areas, correct their caretakers, and scout out slaves for him to bring back with him. Looking around, he decided it would be only thematic if he did this chronologically. And so, he searched around for the area that seemed to have the souls that correlated to one of the sisters he hadn't actually met for real yet... The eldest one, Lori.

Tulam heard no rebuttal from Olga as he left the scene. In fact he could sense mute agreement. She is very much stagnant, a rock that has been unmoved forever. And that’s the key work to take from this. Forever. There was a time he saw in her memories where she was active in protecting the place. And with all mortals, they can’t and won’t ever be able to grasp the concept of something being eternal. Their brains can’t visualize that sense of scale.

This is apparent in many people of faith. All with starry eyes of one day going to their promised afterlife. But never considering just how long they will be there. From Desmondians preaching about fighting in an Eternal War to the Ialao becoming one with their god. Even in Olga's memories he could see more of those so-called eternal places where nothing ever changes. Feasting forever, Hunting forever, all these forever afterlifes that rarely do people ever pay heed to the fact that by nature their souls will forever be stagnant. Never to change for all of time and beyond.

While the Ivory Forest wasn’t meant to be some sort of afterlife. It displays just how stagnant it can be. Many came here not truly understanding just how long something timeless. The mortal mind is not designed for that. Olga could have protected Lincoln fervently for either a week or a million years. There was no way to tell. Eventually, as per laws of basic physcology, no matter how durable the mind is. It’s vastly difficult to do one thing forever. Olga began to be lulled into a sense of belief that nothing bad will ever come here. That she can relax her post for a short while.

Tick by tick in the timeless clock those breaks became longer till she fell into a slumber. Having faith that Lincoln will be alright. There was nothing to worry about when Lincoln had never been compromised for a very long time. In short, while tragic the state of becoming stagnant and useless after so long is a natural outcome. Beside the nature of timelessness that seems to persist here. So does the endlessness of the forest. Thanks to Tulam’s mastery over his psionics he could teleport across large distances of space. And after a few jumps he would start to get the sense of just how vast it is.

Given the buildings and the center were lined up it would be easy for him to guess how they are spread out. Jumping further in that direction across the sky he would see a great brilliant… Thing on the distant horizon, which is neither a star nor a lamp, but still shares kinship with them. From Olga’s memories he would recognize it as the place where the lighthouse is. So if he jumped to that horizon he would find it on the horizon again. Whatever that light is it can reach far. It would take Tulam several more jumps to finally get within sight of the strange lighthouse that floats with no supports.

It shines at every single floor of the lighthouse, its light reaches every single room and platform despite the fact he shouldn’t be able to know that. There’s no warmth or comfort of its glory. Only illumination. Within one of the rooms he can sense a great presence that seems to be meditating. Unaware of Tulam’s presence from being in such a deep trance and the Psion being obscured by the energies of the land. A mind of perfect calm.

For a Psion, a perfect window of opportunity.

Tulam looked upon the large lighthouse, finding the presence of such a thing here to be amusing. He doubted ships came in, and it was a good distance away from the slumbering primary Lincoln, so that wasn't the point either. He wondered what brought them to make a lighthouse of all things, and such a useless one that didn't even fit the point of a lighthouse at all. He supposed it was supposed to be symbolic. But Tulam didn't like this symbolism, didn't fit him. But it would have a nice, new symbolic purpose once he was done. Such a building would light up when he renovated it, as well as the inhabitants inside.

His attention was drawn to the meditating presence, and he identified that as likely the 'caretaker' for this place. Not doing a very good job if she was too busy meditating to notice somebody like him coming. He hadn't exactly been subtle thus far, and yet they still missed him. Another point off. Still, it suited him. He could take them by surprise, bend them to his will, and begin reassigning the new slaves as he saw fit. This one was strong, perhaps she would stay as caretaker, upon being rebuilt.

Tulam repeated his trick from before, phasing inside and right behind the calm sister. And then he simply grabbed her with trained, swift movement. His claws grabbing the head of the meditating alternate sister. He may not have shown it often, but Tulam had very refined instincts and reflexes. He may not have been a Psion who ascribed to the way of Rex, but only a fool underestimated a Psion's physical abilities when they decided to actually utilize them. Mind was stronger than body, obviously, but it would be silly to presume that just because Tulam spent so long creating well built bodies for slaves and other creatures that he would neglect his own form. And here, unlike the physical realm, he still had his body. Or at least a recreation of it, but this one would be strong enough to do what he needed.

The grabbing was ultimately just to speed up what came next, combing through the memories of this one so he could dissect her abilities, identity, and potential use. As well as directly connect the two of them so he could begin rewriting her will to suit himself, power directing coursing through his body into her. The full, overwhelming power of an ancient Psion. A remote connection, the usual one, was already quite difficult to resist from one such as he. But he liked the physical touch, because it made him truly unstoppable. The shock of being grabbed was all the opening he needed, just that millisecond of the mind dropping its guard, and then he would be in command. And that is what he wanted from this one. He would learn precisely who she was, but in turn he would make sure she knew exactly who he was as well, in simple terms. Her new master; the mighty Tulam'Run. That information alone should of course be enough to make anybody overwhelmed by the honor, but slaves did tend to require additional instruction.

Something would feel off to him the moment he grabbed her head. Not only was there strangely no bodily reaction to the unexpected touch. Making it feel like he was grabbing a tool off the work bench. He would find there wasn’t much to change. It became apparent that she didn’t sense he was coming not because she was deep in meditation but deep in a state of Oneness. Her eyes glow with an inner light.

Normally those like her who harbor this power become an extension of the Force. Becoming One with their respective side. They essentially became nothing more than an extension, a tool of the Force. The difference here was that she became One with Lincoln. And since Lincoln trusts Tulam, so did she. Thus his presence was not a threat here.

Peering deeper into the calm ocean that was the mind of Loriana. He could see just how antithetic the life around her was to the core values of life. She was a part of an Order who values abstinence, altruism, and the symbiosis of life. By letting go of everything. He saw those who willingly forsake their very identity in order to become closer to the Force. There is no death to them. Because of this, they’re the very pinnacle of apathy. Some who experienced failure went on to become a hermit. Living as a rock, doing nothing, waiting to die.

In all these memories one thing would be clear to Tulam. To believe in an ideal is to be willing to betray it. It is something neither of the practitioners of the Dark and Light side has ever truly learned. The latter spent so much focus on mastering letting go that they don’t realize they’re barking up the wrong tree. It’s about mastering self-control. And it’s this mastery of the self that separates Loriana from many of her fellows.

Being who she is would normally mean giving up your humanity for the greater good. Because if they form attachments then they bend the force, and they unbalance the universe in doing so. Loriana went down a middle path. And in ways she shone better than all others. But like the passage of time between the fall of the Eternal Empire and the return of those of the Dark Side. She has degraded again since her stay here. Being in this state for so long is showing its negative repercussions.

In her prime she was a force to be reckoned with. She tore open meters thick metal doors with a calm gesture, cut down armies in troves, led her own theaters in wars, led resistance fighters against a force many times bigger than him. Here, she’s far from that peak. Thanks to how easy it’s to reshape her it would be a simple process in returning her to that state. She was already a slave after all. Only this time the abstract force of her universe is now replaced with a person.

Beyond her life he could glean more information from this place. Her other variants, Lorraine and Lori were both last seen talking to Loriana how they’re going to go searching for whatever had gotten in here and did something to Lincoln. Being who she is, stayed behind. Through more digging he would learn that there is a space distance in the sky. So far up that it’s barely a grey speck in the azure sky. Tulam also learns that a way to contact them in case they were ever needed was making contact to the station AI or its terminals.

Tulam also learns that other small groups went out into the omniverse to do their own searching. Dr. Li seems to have been studying the place for a long time before many of them came here. And was deep in the unfathomable depths of totality mapping Lincoln’s connection to it.  When news reached her she brought along a few people with her to go searching. Those being Lenie, Louna, Ling, and Lisabeth. First two being the other “caretakers”.

The other group seem to be akin to lone wolves. Each going out on their own to find answers. One being Lynae who rides a strange bike that can create rifts in space in front of it for her to ride through. Tamami whose not only a ranger but a burst warrior. Meaning she is capable of fusing with her creatures, gaining its powers and immunities while increasing the user's physical and defensive strengths. He fused with one that seems to have dominion over space and uses it to travel across dimensions.

And then there’s the third one who seems to have gone out on her own. If Loriana memories were to be true then this person put in equal if not more effort than Dr. Li. Loriana doesn’t know her name. Only certain traits that she can glean from the surface of her mind. She was paranoid and very cautious. Didn’t trust them all that much and in ways seem to look at them as if they were a possible threat. Her presence made Tulam notice a familiarity in some of the defenses in this place. She may have very well put them there. A strange person overall. Her manner of multidimensional transportation seems to be some innate ability.

Everyone else was just useless as Olga was unfortunately. The searchers have one way or the other to attract their attention. So once he was down with Loriana he didn't have to worry about not reaching everyone.

Tulam felt a distinct pang of disappointment at the lack of resistance in this one. He was never worried about any capable resistance, Tulam'Run was a true Psion and so he doubted there were many even among these individuals who could resist him when he struck with such focus and determination. But he hoped for at least a token resistance, just something. To him however, this simply confirmed one thing; the security here was an abomination. Pathetic, non-resisting individuals like this one and Olga really had be retrained. And the fact that so very many were useless... That was extra disappointing. He had hoped Olga was an exception, an idiot they kept in the corner. But apparently, she was the norm. Troublesome.

In regards to the one he was dealing with right now, Tulam was once more a bit annoyed. Not as much as with Olga, he had cooled now, but this one truly was a slave already. This order she was a part of was a direct antithesis to the Psion way, disgustingly so. Not a wonder they constantly seemed to fail despite their power, he bet that if they were arrayed as an enemy against him that he could simply defeat them with time, let them stagnate into oblivion. But he wasn't dealing with them, not now at least. This Loriana was not bereft of issue however, even if she didn't fully buy into such self destructive measures. She had let herself wane and lose her edge, already a failure in Tulam's eyes. Still, she did at least have potential. He could restore her to that peak, he would need to if she was to be an effective sentry once he was gone. Somebody needed to be an early warning system, and this lighthouse could be made for such. With one like Loriana in charge of it, it could be very effective indeed. But he had to make sure the sentry was actually paying attention, actually scrutinizing. Not indulging in such worthless things like meditation. Tulam hated meditation. There was a difference between channeling one's power and wasting your time. Meditation was a weak form of introspection, as far as Tulam was concerned. You could only truly gauge yourself by interaction with the outside world, meditation cut that out. Making it a way to easily absorb one's self into self destructive and delusional realities. No wonder this was so damn easy.

All the same, he let go of that annoyance for now. Loriana would at least be a quick fix, all the components were already here, he just had to flip a few switches. And so, he did. He pounced on this self enslavement to this "force", he would rewrite Loriana to obey him instead with the same dedication and steadfast devotion. In his experience, this was an easy thing. People were far quicker to be loyal to people than they were fictional ideals. This is why leaders were so powerful. Most people were simply not built to be loyal to ideals or abstract concepts, that wasn't in their nature. Most people in this galaxy were slaves, desiring leadership. They would follow a leader who lured them in, but they would be loyal to the person more than the words that person spoke. And so, he did so. He cast out loyalty to an abstract force that could never give direct orders, direct shows of its wishes. It would be replaced with himself, a master's who's power could be respected and could help impose this self-control she wanted so much, by simply giving that control to another. He could make full use of her abilities and potential, keep them honed, and most importantly give a real purpose. He didn't need to change much of her life otherwise, she had the skills he needed.

With that done, he released his grip of her and floated back. He then proceeded to snap his fingers, empowered a bit by Psionics to make it loud and noticeable, both in sound and in a more spiritual sense. Tulam smirked and spoke to Loriana, "Slave, you're going to help me properly secure this place, to ensure the security is not so pathetic as it is now. Feel honor that you're going to keep your position, and will be entrusted with being one of the first lines of defense. An early warning system. But first, there's more work to do. Contact your two variants, tell them to return here. Once I have all three of you, then I can work out organizing you more properly. And then, set my eyes on the rest..."

Tulam spoke to Loriana and he saw her keel over. Her body convulse as her life functions plummet. Once brilliant blue eyes drain to a sickly yellow. Creamy skin begins to pale as it distorts with black veins. Shock and confusion clear on her face. It’s clear that whatever is happening is something she’s unaware of. Tulam can sense the cascade failure of her organs had properties similar to the dark side. But it was foreign to Loriane yet seemed to be her greatest poison. Tracking the source in her body the psion would find that it came from a hidden pocket in her brain.

The hidden spot carries a property that may remind Tulam of an automatic kill switch used when a machine is considered compromised. And now it was released. Pouring out the venom into Loriana's body and soul. The former had started to cease some life functions but thankfully due to the strange nature in this place it seems she can’t truly “die”. Just trapped on the precipice of it. The spiritual and mental side of it meanwhile were smothering the respective aspects of Loriana.

A search through her mind wouldn’t yield anything that may indicate anything strange that happened to her. Whoever it may be it has to be someone cold and ruthless to ensure the integrity of the place. Someone who might not trust her and the others, not even when they pose no threat. As the saying goes, leave no stone left unturned. From all the sisters Tulam knows. It may be an easy guess on who might be responsible for this.

And whoever he guesses might be confirmed for he hears a disembodied voice both near and far. “Ah, a pity. Did you wish to enslave her? Pardon me, I can remove the contingency if so.” The voice felt like it was everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Yet Tulam could hear the blunt nature in her voice. She strangely did not seem to care that he was enslaving the variants.

Tulam looked down in what looked like disappointment as Loriana fell over, grabbed by the contingency kill switch. He wasn't surprised, but he did sigh, shaking his head. He got a few bits of information from this at least. The confirmation that death wasn't quite a fact here, which was helpful. At least it meant he could revive her without too much trouble, once he worked out this late stage defense mechanism.

He then spoke out to the disembodied voice, his own voice still retaining that disappointment he had been feeling for quite some time after reaching this place, "Again and again I get disappointed with the defenses here. Seems I have to work even more so. But the answer is yes, I would. Go ahead and get rid of it, all of it. If you're going to have such a thing, make it right. When you do such amateur hour work, it just causes problems. I'll make a proper anti-intrusion contingency marker myself. Now, mind explaining who you are while we're at it? I'm going to fix this place, so I don't like dealing with unknown factors. And make sure nothing else gets in my way. If you've got any more surprises like this, remove them too. I don't have the time for it."

Tulam then grunted, looking back to Loriana. He waited for whatever voice was talking to remove the contigency before getting to work bringing her back from the precipice of death. He may not have been able to bring somebody back to life, but Tulam could save any life death hadn't taken just yet. After all, what good was being able to create life if you couldn't even repair your own creations?

All the same, Tulam felt annoyed. Clearly, he should've come here far earlier. Disappointment after disappointment, leaving his vessel little more than a helpless target for anybody with decent skill in this trade. Under normal circumstances, he'd have just laughed at what he had seen thus far. But considering this was supposedly done in Lincoln's name, with his protection in mind... That was the thing that pissed Tulam off. But he supposed that was why he was here. He failed his son before, he was not going to do it again. And if that meant replacing all this amateur work with actual defenses, well that was something Tulam could do. And he would be satisified with nothing less than a masterpiece, as usual.

Tulam heard a faint noise that seemed to be of quiet amusement yet approval as well. “Straight to the point, good. You’ll serve my purpose well. Here, as a token of my pardon.” Loriana gasps for air as the self-destruct mechanism disappears. Her complexion returned to normal over the course of several moments. “To save both our time, I think you’ll like what is on this silver platter.” Tulam would then feel something else reveal itself in Loriana’s soul. A connection to an esoteric system that is linked to every other variant except for one, who is obviously the one talking to him. From a glance he would see that one of the potential uses is with a press of a metaphorical button it can instantly make them his slaves. Rewrite their memories, alter their personalities, or even nerf them if he wanted to. The person in a sense given over admin rights to Tulam.

Then there was a distant hum that came from everywhere and nowhere. “Given we share mutual interests I’ll be more frank with you. My name is Lunet Loud. I have a bit of experience when it comes to containing things. So it’s good to hear that you have such disappointment. That means it's working. Speaking of which. To help you along I’ll share some secrets as requested. That Lincoln out in the forest? A fake. A mere proxy to serve as a lamp to attract the troubled souls and malicious elements that manage to find their way here. As for the forest. It’s real. Although in a sense it’s how this place used to be. Ah, you would want to have direct access to Lincoln. Right, that’s important here. Sigh I don’t like it, I’m sure you can understand why. Reach through your connection to Lincoln, ignore what it’s first telling you and focus on the sky. You should feel something distant. And imagine teleporting next to him.”

If he does so right away or later when he finishes rewriting his new slaves. Upon reaching through his connection with Lincoln it still told him that it was in the direction of the supposed fake. When reached further and diverting his focus to the sky. He would be able to sense Lincoln distantly up there as well. Far further than the space station above the lighthouse. When he goes through the choice of teleporting to Lincoln. He would find himself standing in a bedroom. Dimly lit by stands of stars and a globe with seven continents. The window let in some light from what appears to be bands of light that only exist a few inches from the window to give the room its cozy ambience.

There on the bed lay a normal looking Lincoln albeit a bit younger. He was currently snuggled up under several layers of comfy blankets. A stuffed toy held to his chest in his sleeping embrace. Head resting on more pillows that he would really need yet it seems to be comfortable. Looking over his seemingly human body there was nothing that indicated that he was injured or modified in some way. He looked like he was warm and safe.

Looking around the bedroom he wouldn’t see anything that seemed to indicate where he came from. In fact now he has the connection and a link to his marker. They were somewhere else outside of this room.

Tulam was quite pleased to acquire this sort of admin access to this realm. He felt he was certainly going to make use of that to quickly enslave all the inhabitants, so he could rearrange and retrain the lot of them. If he could do it all at once, even better. He did like the ability to depower them as well, since he considered a more selfish spot. He wanted to bring a few of these beings with him back to the galaxy, as agents for his own use, allowing Lincoln to not need to go on so many errand runs for Tulam's sake. That was good, as Tulam needed his vessel to focus on other, more important matters, such as his own growth. He also recognized he could probably use them for the same, lewd purposes that Lincoln would've, but Tulam wasn't that sort of individual. He didn't have such carnal desires, not at the present time at least. Right now, he just needed agents to do his side work obediently.

He then hummed a rare bit of approval to this Lunet, "A fake, hm? Good. At least that's one decent cover. The rest of the security was greatly lacking, but at least it seems something was done right. Such a fake was going to be one of my first setups! But yes, obviously I want direct access. First, I'll do my setup."

Tulam then booted up that admin access, and quickly got to work rewriting every sister he had access to. He effectively wanted to make the same changes as he did to Loriana, bending all the currently active and a number of interesting sleeping individuals to his will. Making them obedient servants to Tulam, and redoubling their dedication to actually actively defending this realm. But he would play on each of their individual memories to ensure they were all personally loyal to Tulam. Rewriting their memories to ensure that they would all find serving a mighty Psion like Tulam to be entirely natural and suitable for them. He mostly kept their personalities as they were, with only a few changes to make the more naturally assertive and dominant members more submissive and obedient when in Tulam's presence. He considered weakening them, but he decided he would do that a bit later, when he was on his way out and he selected the ones he wanted to bring with him as servants. And if Lincoln did well, he may even give them to him as rewards.

Regardless, with that all set up, he then performed the teleportation. Finding himself in the room, he looked around and grunted. Rather mundane, too mundane for his liking. But this place he would leave untouched. The rest of this realm needed major renovation to serve its purpose more effectively. But this was Lincoln's room. Tulam for some reason felt it would be odd to make changes here for his own personal taste. And that truly was an odd feeling, he very much wasn't used to not going straight for changing things to his liking. Curious. Regardless, he would leave it be.

Looking over to Lincoln's sleeping form, Tulam floated over to look him over. He smirked at seeing the little toy, he found that cute in a way. Still, Tulam was pleased to see that he was warm. But safe? No, Tulam knew that wasn't true. It was faint, but he could feel the remnants of the Entity's touch even here. This was better than before, but it had still failed. No matter, Tulam was here now to improve upon it. He considered placing another banner, but he decided against that. Better to leave no way to find this location, he'd just keep the method in his head. Instead he gave the Lincoln a pat on the head. He decided for now to exit this room, and do the final set up.

He spoke out to this Lunet Loud again, "You seem a tad bit more competent than the others. So I'll leave you here to keep up some defenses. But I'm going to leave behind some plans of my own, and also take a few folks out. Fail me and I'll give you a fate far worse than death. Just follow my plans and do what is smart, and all will be fine. Now, time to call up the ones I want to bring out for inspection, and preparation to come back with me."

With the access to the admin abilities, Tulam decided he would send out a little call for the slaves he wanted to keep and bring with him. Looking through the options given to him by the link, he decided he would pick out a number of them, deciding on six he could utilize, those being; Lorraine Bartel, Lynae Beufort, Chiba Tamami, Lana Storm, Loreley Durchdenwald, and Lilel. He picked them out for various reasons. The military minded ones were obvious, he needed good fighters, and Lorraine would be useful in particular once he had his slave armies back. Chiba and Storm suited Tulam's profession, they could help him both acquire specimens and test them out. Loreley would be a handy administrator type, and likely a good diplomatic type to use when matters called for such. And finally, Lilel he picked out of amusement more than anything. The Lily he knew was quite different, as he had created that Lily. This new one would be an interesting comparison, as they had a similar theme to the one he had created himself. Otherwise, she would also likely be useful as an agent, another plus. With those six chosen, he decided to try and use his access to make them gather, so he could suitably tune their powers to a more discrete level and prepare them to go back with him, in secret.

It was certainly a wise idea to depower them. At this point it would be apparent to Tulam that he is playing in the big leagues now. No doubt will there be those beyond the scope of the mundane souls of Hoshizora watching for disturbances in the cosmic balance. So far it seemed Lincoln attracted no attention. Possibly those possible beings don’t view Lincoln as much of a threat yet. For if anything, they seem hard to motivate into doing something. There was certainly no divine intervention back when tragedy befell on Eelserion. Nor did they answer the prayers to free them. Potential evidence that the possible higher powers have no empathy towards life and only care about the order of things. Whatever those may be.

Not only was it better to not attract unknown powers, but it was also counterproductive if his agents got a big target on their backs due to their threat level. As such to make them discreet they have to not make too much noise. Much like how the Entity had a tight grip on Lincoln’s sisters. Stopping them most of the time when they get too out of hand.

As Tulam worked away at the sisters the system was very effective. None of them even noticed the live changes. It’s clear that Lunet ensured every facet was taken into account and controlled. To make sure that they pose no danger whatsoever if the need arises.

A tuneful noise followed his grunt in seemingly agreement. “Quaint isn't? When we were renovating I encouraged him that he could make anything he wanted. Goes to show I’m unqualified in raising him. Which is why you’re here. You can do what I cannot. It’s possible that when he grows thanks to you, he can be coaxed into redecorating the place to suit him.” Lunet’s voice this time wasn’t echoey as before. More solid now but the owner was still nowhere to be seen.

Lincoln was in fact actually fine. Unlike the proxy he could now get a better picture of who this particular Lincoln is. In the beginning his first memories were when he seemed to be an infant. In a rather strange place. Then he was found by Lunet. They had a friendly first meeting. Unspokenly adopting him she taught him how to use his powers, having similar enough experiences to use as a point of reference. Lunet had Lincoln miniaturized the infinite Ivory Forest to fit on a disk the size of a petri dish. To which Lunet then put it in a specialized room for containment. The room being a part of what seems to be a space station. All the halls and rooms were randomly generated to make it hard for any intruder to get around. In a sense Lunet had given him a shortcut to skip all the other defenses to reach Lincoln.

Tulam also has a greater understanding of what Lincoln is and his capabilities. That aside he got the full picture of what went down. A nonspecific amount of time ago it was detected that a young woman that bears resemblance to Lucy came before the false Lincoln and pleaded for her brother to come back to life and for her family to be never separated ever again. From the observation room Lincoln asked Lunet if he can give her some condolences now that he came to hold value in the family from his bond with Lunet.

Lunet agrees and so Lincoln made an avatar made from a more direct connection in the Hoshizoran universe. But back then this Lincoln was truly human with nothing special about him. And he was glued to the souls of his sisters to make a crude metaphor. Over time there was a flaw that built up. Normally in universes where Lincoln makes an avatar and the wish was to bring “him” back via reincarnation. It was usually once or twice. However Lucy phrased it as eternally so the more “he” and multiple other souls reject the pull of true death. “He” had to use slightly more and more power to cement the cycle. As a result his essence starts to manifest more in his avatar. When the first symptom finally did, that being golden ichor in place of human blood, that was when he and his sisters were taken.

When his avatar was destroyed and the machine implanted in the fake. Lunet let the thing there to give off the impression that the Entity succeeded in ensuring Lincoln can never come back. Lincoln was a bit gloomy but accepted that the Hoshizoran universe was closed for him. Since he can’t give one universe too much special attention. Because that tends to attract powers equivalent to him. And he was far too inexperienced yet to fight them off. But then sometime later Lunet decided she needs someone better than her that can shape Lincoln in who he needs to become to survive.

Then her golden opportunity came when the astral form of Luna Zvonimir entered the Ivory forest. Her real body and mind are obscured by her mentor Naram’s Sage Arts to hide what she’s doing from the entity long enough for Luna to find whatever that united her and her siblings so long ago. While Lunet was partially moved because Luna was another version of her. She believed that Hoshizora might be the place to find a suitable teacher.

After a brief discourse between her and Luna. Lunet sent back with her memory of this place wiped so that the entity won’t get anything out of her once Naram stopped covering her. But possesses an inkling that her mission was successful. Meanwhile Lincoln was happy he was allowed to go back with more of his power. However under tight conditions, Lincoln recreates his avatar while Lunet copy pastes the contents of the implant onto the avatar.

Firstly this is to fool the Entity into thinking that he still has direct control to Lincoln and systems like the blacklist are still active. Second is more of a general step of caution to not set off any cosmic alarm bells at the presence of the now cosmically powered Lincoln. The third reason was that Lunet wanted Lincoln to grow up in an environment that valued personal freedom and selfishness above all else. Having looked through Hoshizora she directed Lincoln to Conva IV near the presence of those with qualities she’s looking for.

The end results were promising in some sections of it. Vega Orstire with his crudeness and wildness was more successful in instilling a sense of ego in Lincoln then she ever could. Lunet was too protective and methodical. Aka the polar opposite of Vega. Vega had laid the foundation that would make Lincoln more accepting of the Psion mindset later on. And now Tulam was here to serve as the perfect teacher to make Lincoln grow into what he needs to be.

At the moment the system is still in place, meaning Lincoln is still temporarily unaware of who he is until he progresses at a more controlled rate. So when he wakes up his focus will be automatically directed back to Hoshizora.

Lunet was happy in how much Lincoln was now willing to take what he wanted and never let go. As seen when Tulam heard a sleepy moan just as he headed through the door. Earning a short giggle from Lunet. “He’s so cute, dreaming about his favorite toy you helped him get.” Even a psionically stunted comatose patient can guess what Lincoln is dreaming about. So it’s doubtful Tulam would bother taking a peek in his dream.

Especially when he can sense that the debauchery is so powerful that it manages to transcend space and time itself. Sending out a feeling all the way to Alcra. She would get the inkling that when her master wakes up. She better be prepared because no matter what she’s doing or where she’s at. She will be bent over something and fucked silly one way or the other.

His assurance of a fate worse than death was met with a “Duly noted” from Lunet. Then he would summon the chosen slaves to him.

Whatever Tulam does next, Lincoln will wake up several hours later back in Hoshizora. His physical self re-materializing on the sidewalk facing Vita’s house. Smacking his lips as he took a moment to let the grogginess of sleep ebb away. The first thing that came to him was that he had morning wood in his pants. He awoke horny. While he may not remember much of what he dreamed. It was clear it was a lewd one. His cosmic avatar returned as well. Appearing outside of the house in the snow globe. The second thing that crossed his mind was checking in on his beauties. ”So how are my precious ladies doing? I had a good rest. Although unsurprisingly it appears that someone here continues to make me bothered enough that she even wormed into my very dream. You know who you are, I’ll be coming for you shortly to share all my pent up love.”

Tulam was quite pleased with the selection. While their powers were varied, they each suited purposes he would have for them. But he certainly would need to bring them down, at least the four more powerful ones. Alternative Lana and Tamani didn't need much adjustment except in terms of loyalty assignment. But the others, they certainly needed a good decrease in power. Still, their stories amused Tulam, especially so with how they were now simply slaves. It simply served to further prove Psion philosophy correct. Mortals were capable of great power, but so long as they were slaves in their souls, they were but mortal servants to beings like Tulam. And Lincoln, if he followed Tulam's teachings right. All the same, Tulam also wanted to meet this Vega at some point, he seemed to be an interesting one.

As for what Tulam did now, he simply worked to set barriers on the powers of the more powerful of his new set of slaves. Once the barriers were in place, and the slaves understood their new imposed limits, he prepared himself to return. He left behind a few instructions for the others that would stay here, orders to work on some new buildings for the sake of security. Both on the false-Lincoln, to further improve the ruse, but also in general to the realm. The Entity almost certainly knew that one was a fake already, which took away its usefulness for that particular enemy, and any others who may have such knowledge. Thus, he had to make sure there was security that could prevent unwanted entries in the first place, and a rapid force that could move in case Lincoln's real position was found out. But otherwise, he took his six, and traveled back to the material realm.

When Lincoln woke up, he would very quickly get a response from Alcra, who had gotten the little bit of premonition and so was quite aware of what was coming. She spoke through their link, "Understood, sir, I look forward to it. But I have also carried out the mission you set before sleeping, and allow me to give my report first. We found the skeleton and approached it under the guise of museum guests. While nothing happened visibly, I could feel that as soon as I got close, I seemed to have absorbed something. That should be traveling through our link to you. I believe that is what was wanted. Otherwise, I am in route back to the ship. I will be prepared for your arrival." While she remained professional on the surface, Lincoln could feel through the connection that she was rather excited, just not wanting to act presumptuous.

Meanwhile, in Lincoln's mentalscape, Tulam reappeared with him and nodded, "Yes, I have what I need. Worry not about what comes next with that, vessel. I'll inform you of the relevancy later. For now, we return to work. Or, well, I return to work. You return to... This. I'll let you off from doing training for now, since you just woke up. But afterwards, we need to continue to gather your sisters. And by the time that is done... I'll have a present for you. Hehehehe..." The Psion would give no more details on that matter. Or at least, not to Lincoln.

For meanwhile, Tulam's new batch of slaves would find themselves awakening on Javalus, with Tulam secretly sending them new instructions. The six of them were going to help Tulam restore a remote base of his, from shortly before the Psion Invasion of Iammelon. He had of course set up a few other facilities of his own before the invasion, and they were going to head to a remote star system somewhat south of Iammelon to reactivate one. It would of course be in disrepair, and that would mean it needed repairs. The six of them were going to gather the materials and get to work on the restoration. Lorraine and Lynae were both assigned to function as mercenaries, earn pay to get materials. They were to keep themselves discreet however, no publicity. But he also didn't want to steal big amounts of materials, lest they draw attention in another way. They would play it legit... For now. As for the others, Loreley and Liel were to acquire a star ship and head straight to the facility, and begin restoring it to functionality. Their prime task however was to ensure a certain specimen Tulam kept there was in good health, and would be ready when he got there. Alternative Lana was to go with the two overseers in order to deal with hostile wildlife, and Tamani was just there to be an assistant for whoever needed a little more support. They were kept secret from Lincoln for now, with Tulam shielding their presence from him. His vessel could learn later. Besides, he'd enjoy the present, which itself would double as a lesson.

”Ah, that’s good to hear! The client will be happy. I’ll see you back at the ship, love.” It made him grin to feel her excitement. There's no need to say he’ll award her since they both know she’s going to get a nice, hard reward pounded in her thick green butt. So it felt redundant. Her imminent clapping aside he oddly doesn’t feel as excited. The debauchery of the dream melted along with the remnants of his sleepiness. The horniness for a moment was overpowering and then it just went away. The clarity of his thoughts did prompt him to remember other things he needed to check up on.

”Falai and Vita, once you finalized everything you’ll both head to the ship tomorrow morning. Feel free to bring anything you want. We got plenty of space on the ship for storage.” On the thoughts of his newly acquired lovers. It slowly dawned on him that he wasn’t craving for alien women as hard as before. At least in terms of seeking them out. One or two more feel like enough to be a permanent addition to the crew. If he happens to come across anyone and make them his thrall. He feels he’ll just make them a confidant and/or a asset.

Lincoln’s form turned to a ray of photons to head to the ship so that he could get there before Alcra. A feat he achieved when he re-solidifies inside the ship almost twenty minutes before Alcra. Giving him plenty of time to check up on other things.

He sensed that four of his sisters. Those being Lisa, Lola, Leni, and Lily. Were grouped together in one of the rooms. With farsight he could see Lisa was handing out the newly made uniforms to their naked sisters. The sight of his sweet sisters without a shred of clothing reignited his core. Given he can easily walk in there and have his way with them. He did just that. Besides it’s a good way to reinforce Lily’s new memories. Especially when he shares a technique he invented last night.

And so he went in there for a good ten minutes before coming out naked. Drenched in the stain of incest he happily committed. He was almost sure his sister's ecstatic wails could have been heard throughout the ship. Letting out a blissful sigh he felt warm enough for his round with Alcra. He really wants to see her breast shake from his thrusts again. But lately he feels he’s becoming more patient. As well more relaxed overall.

During his aimless stroll through the ship he saunters into the eating area. There near the counter was his other dear sister, Lans. Fitted in an attractive spandex uniform that hugged all the right curves. His naughty smile grew when he sneaked up behind her to loop his arms around her waist. Pressing his body against her. Earning him a nice pleasant gasp of shock and pleasure at her realizing who she was.

“Ah, brother~” Her body instinctively loosen in his embrace. Leaning her weight against his own. She shivered when she felt something hot and hard rubbing between her thighs. “Oh it’s great to feel you again. Do you like what I made?” The article in question was her outfit. One of the many blue spandexs she made to serve as both a presentable enough uniform and easy access for her beloved master.

Lincoln gave a hum. Running his greedy hands all over Lana's nicely thick body. Groping and massaging her well toned muscles. They then ascend to her breasts that were under thinner material to play with them in a rough manner. To which Lana gave ceaseless throat moans from the pleasurable treatment. “You’re so smooth and glossy, Lans. I wouldn’t get bored of you for hours.” He then kissed deeply into the crook of her neck. Squeezing out another delightful moan from her.

Lana was panting. Tongue lolling out of the corner of her mouth as she is almost overcome with the onslaught of pleasure her dear brother brought down on her. “Ah….Aaaah….I’m aaah fuck...ah!….haa….Linc, I’m happy you love it.” It took a considerable amount of effort to force her words out before breaking back down to the typical babble of gasps and moans. Finally Lincoln ceased giving love to her breasts to reach up. Cupping the side of her head to make her look at him. Her eyes were wet with lust and joy. Mouth already opened when Lincoln came in for a deep, passionate kiss.

After several minutes of making out he broke their lip lock. “I love you so much Lans. You mean the world to me.” Giving her another kiss and two and a third for a good measure he spoke again. “Want to go eat something together? Beside indulging in each other we haven’t done much else.” Now that he think about it, he had been only been having sex with everyone here and not really getting to know them outside of peeking inside their brains. And he really did want to connect with them beyond his fingers.

“I would love to eat with you my loving brother.” Lana was visibly happy at the notion of eating with him. After all it has only been a few days since they were reunited. In merry agreement they made something to eat which took a while. The two siblings couldn’t keep their hands off the other. In the end they manage to make something together.

They brought the food over to a table and they promptly sat next to each other. Miraculously they spent enough of their hormones back in the kitchen to eat together in a calm manner. Enjoying the pleasant silence of each other's company. It really felt they were never separated in the first place.

Of course when you got a sister horny for her master’s touch and said master sitting right next to her. Their arms rubbing from how close they were to each other. It didn’t take long for her to get going again. She thought she would melt into a puddle of warm goo when he turned to smile at her.

“Go ahead Lans. You deserve your dessert.” He gestured to her “dessert”. Standing tall and ready. Giving a wide grin of her own she goes to bend down. Eagerly taking it deep down her throat to suck on it with vigor. Lincoln let out a content moan as he laid a hand on the back of her bobbing head. Lovingly stroking through her blond locks. It didn’t take long for him to release his essence that was dutifully gulped down by his sister.

Lana let out a content sigh of her own when she sat back up. Then letting out a delightful hum with Lincoln grabbed her by the waist to heave her up on the table. “Now it’s my turn for desserts.” Spreading her legs a certain patch of the spandex was made of material that made it easy to tear through (And close up on its own after a while, the glory of the future) to access her hot and wet core.

He wasted no second to bury his head right between her thighs. Eliciting a scream of pleasure from Lana as Lincoln hungrily ate her out. She held onto his head as she rode out the waves of pleasure going through her. Nothing gave him a greater sense of thrill than hearing his sweet little sister crying out his name in bliss. Then he finally surfaced for air for the lack of better term. “Aah, you did good Lana. You smell so sweet as well. I can’t get enough of you Lans.” Lana was panting for air to collect herself when Lincoln stood up on his feet. “Alcra should be back any second now. I need to go greet her now. I’ll tell her how well you did too.”

Lana gave a love drunk smile. “I’m happy I satisfied you so well Master. My body is yours to see fit. Your blow sex doll to play with no matter the place and time.” Her kink for dirty talk and humiliation shown through her lustful exclamation. Which had been brought more closer to the surface as a by product of her becoming more open with sex.

Lincoln grinned at her crude remark. Leaning down to cup her face to kiss her deeply before walking away. Now he was really warmed up for Alcra. Ideas of how he should pin her to the wall to play with her thick body went around his mind. Most importantly he wanted to see her reaction in giving her the treatment he gave to his sweet pups last night.

While his mirror self in hoshizora went on his incest spree of debauchery. The one above looked over to Tulam. Completely unaware of the events that went down when he went to sleep. Including the stuff he brought back and were now carrying out his will. To Lincoln he just took a nap and nothing else happened. It was rather curious what Tulam meant but he trusts him enough by now to not worry much about it.

“Alrighty then. I’ll leave you to do your thing. That said I’m very much aware we need to get my sisters. I don’t feel like nabbing other slaves on the side anymore so we won’t be wasting much time on that anymore. Although I feel I might add one more, don’t know why I have that inkling.” Scratching the back of his head he peered out into the vastness of space. Letting himself get lost in it as he always does when he stargaze. If he was being honest with himself. The thrill of sex has nothing to stand on when compared to the sublime canvas of the universe. To just sail for the sake of traveling. His gaze fell on the Psion galaxy. Brimming with countless other Psions. Each unique in their road to inner perfection.

Lately he has been pondering more of what sort of road he should pave. Obviously there is no true power from sex. Anyone with the right tools and talents can lay with half of the women in a town. He needed to become something more. An unattainable ideal against which the prodigies of tomorrow will measure themselves. That’s the peak he needs to climb towards.

The crux of the problem lies in not knowing the nature of that peak. He thought back on Tulam’s world model. Perhaps he could become a Creator too? No, That’s Tulam’s path to travel down. He needed something that was unique to him. The lack of progress in these thoughts made him sigh. For now he just needs to worry about reuniting his sisters. Then he can start mulling over his choice of a proper lifestyle.

Tulam looked on with a mote of disappointment at Lincoln's quick movement with his physical form to indulge in such actions, but at this point he simply sighed and didn't comment on it. The Psion was no degenerate, but he had at this point just accepted that Lincoln was. He did however snap a finger, and Lincoln would find his gaze upon the Psion Galaxy blocked. Tulam grunted, "Nothing there to look at that matters, vessel. Leave it be. You won't learn anything from them, not yet. You have barely come to understand yourself, do you really think you could understand a galaxy full of beings like me before the essential first step? Ugh..."

He leaned back on the wall inside the mental house, shaking his head, "Your power really does get to your head too much. So much outward gazing, and it makes you blind. You see vessel, you won't find your true path by gazing upon every single possible path. That just leads to a mind with too many options, that never settles because it becomes overwhelmed. Same problem I saw with your family in general really. Not a wonder none of you find satisfaction, you willingly blind yourselves with indecision. Your sisters are too dependent, and you keep looking outside for every answer. While I personally think the creator lifestyle is of course the best one, I'm just the mentor. But I'd slap you if you followed me blindly. The point of learning is so you can develop, not so you can just follow a script. Here's a little bit of homework, while we continue this family reunion quest. Limit your own powers for a bit, look inward. Limit your choices, and the best path will become more apparent. Creativity does not flourish with endless freedom, it blossoms with constraints that it must work against. Why do you think fools surrounded only by yesmen often end up making garbage? Nobody there to tame their excesses, and only a few of us can tame our own minds. I'm one of them, naturally, and maybe you will be too one day. But you don't need to. Part of your situation is that you have other people to help in that. Your slaves, like the lizard or even your sisters. Anyways, just thoughts to mull over later. I know what your active mind is focused on. Have fun, the present will be ready in due time."

As Tulam's voice faded, in the physical realm Alcra returned to the ship, actually a few minutes before Lincoln was done with Lana. She quickly dipped off to acquire one of the new uniforms, setting her armor aside for now. Then, of course, it was time to present herself to Lincoln for new orders, as her last task was done, but she already knew where this was going. After all, that was why she made sure to quickly get the new uniform, she felt it would help accentuate her own features. And so, when Lincoln was done with Lana, it would not take long before he found Alcra waiting, legs crossed with her new outfit on.

“Okay?” He was just stargazing. So of course he couldn’t understand a galaxy full of Psions because that wasn’t what he was doing. It’s a minor misinterpretation so he didn’t feel like making a big deal out of it so he let it pass.

He listened to Tulam although he felt the problem lay within the human aspect of himself. Then again in a way he’s not off the mark. Because Freedom does create that enthralling sense of power. This is what often time led Proscorians to be lost in sea as a result of being controlled by their own wanderlust. And what made the Zantine Empire fluctuate so wildly because they were overwhelmed by the power and freedom their privilege gives them.

It was kinda odd that he brought up his sisters. Given the whole forced servitude to a power making it impossible for them to be independent to begin with. But he understood what Tulam was trying to say.

He definitely can’t argue what his active self is preoccupied with at the moment. Alcra is very well going to be overwhelmed with intense ecstasy and passion for the next several hours. Can anyone really blame him for it though? How else is he supposed to react seeing a dummy thick trike in a form fitting plugsuit?

That aside he let out a sigh after Tulam’s voice faded away. He walked back towards the house. Doing some quick parkour to get himself on the roof. Getting up a bit he crouches down before rolling onto his back.

Now laying on the roof he let out another sigh. Gazing upwards to the endless heavens. He thought back on what Tulam said. In some parts he was a bit off. Many of his sisters did find notification even when under bondage. Some prevent themselves from being sunk into complacency with their drive and determination.

Lana was a master blacksmith. Lucy a renown paranormal hunter. Lori a grand Warmistress. Lynn the Galactic Strongest Woman. All started from nothing. For his blood never gave them their powers right away. It was something they had to cultivate towards. And where they had stood was the result of many centuries of refinement in their craft.

Vega came to mind again. He was perhaps the greatest case example of this he personally experienced. No matter what he threw at him, no matter what trick he comes up with on the spot, no matter how hard he hits back. Vega tanned his skinny white ass every time. All because Vega has more experience and technique than he does. He was a slim blade that split the ocean that is Lincoln.

Meanwhile he was but a mirror. Even now he continues to reflect on his sister's hard work. His li[ps sank to a frown. He really is in a bad place.

Closing his eyes his thoughts drift back to another thing Tulam said. Look inward and this time, truly look inside himself.


Lincoln laid in that darkness.


Gradually the stimulus of his other senses seem to become distant.


More dreamlike yet he wasn’t falling asleep.


But something different. His body felt as if it were drifting through some great void.


So perfectly empty that calling it anything would make it different.


Because it’s a space of nothingness that can't have a name.


For some reason something felt familiar here.


A strong sense of nostalgia and longing well up in his chest.


Something wet ran down his face. Taking him a moment to realize he was weeping.


Why was he sad?


He opened his eyes.


He was not in some great emptiness as he had thought.


Instead, he was in a paradoxical place. A place that shouldn’t exist, yet it does. A strange blue light filter between the branches. Sakura petals drift gently on the breeze.


Ah.


Of course.


How could he forget.


He didn’t realize he was already running. Nor the fact that he was running too close to the ground and with little legs due to being in the form of a small child.


Running up those steps felt like a blur. He was fully crying now. Gasping out the name of...someone. Someone very close to him.


He slung the door open. His teary gaze falling on a woman who was sitting near a table. Brewing tea that would have smelled familiar if he took the time to process it.


The woman in a peerless white kimono turns her head towards him. She seemed mildly surprised. Calling out to him in a motherly fashion.


But he had already ran into her lap. Hugging her waist like he had never seen her for a long time. And it was very much the case.


“Ssh, it’s okay, Get it all out. I’m here as long as you need. Did you miss me so badly?” Lincoln felt warmth and security when she looped her own arms around him. Cradling him close to her.


He looked up to her face that radiates a divine nature. Her beauty was simply ethereal. “I...I don’t know where to start.” His thoughts felt strange. There were distorted memories. Things that were getting through some wall. But he caught glimpses of old things.


She delicately brushes her cool fingers over his cheek. “As we do to all things. At the very beginning. Take as long you like, Lincoln. This is a special place.”


Giving a sniffle he mustered enough willpower to spill out his woes.


He didn’t know how long he was talking. The end came when she brushed his hair with his porcelain fingers. “You have been through a lot. Even when taken the opportunity you can’t help but fall back into bad habits. That is who you used to be. Do you remember this place?”


That was an odd question. For he didn’t know. Yet intimately knew what it is at the same time. It was home. “In a way. This is where you were born. Or in this case, reborn. A long time ago you made a wish to be with me.”


Yes. That felt right. He made a final wish to be with her. To give her company. “You already were an exceptional human soul. But despite how much I had hoped. Not even you can stay here forever.”


Snapshots of memories follow in wake of her words. He slept with her for a very long time. Much more than what should have been possible.


It may have been a miniscule amount of corrosion from this place that grinds on him like a submarine deep in a trench. But it was corrosion irregardless and over time it built up. “Then...you had to let me go?”


She gave a gentle nod. One with emotion he couldn’t describe. “I didn’t wish for who you once were to be completely gone. So I searched for someone who could take you in their arms. To be more real than this transient dream.”


More distorted memories rose to the surface. He found someone in a strange place. Bore the same last name. Wait, that didn’t yet right. He knows her name is...Lunet. And what they...possess similar beginnings.


He loves her very much. “That you did. So it shouldn’t have surprised me so much for what you did next.”

That made him tilt his head. For he doesn’t remember. She let out a quiet, kind giggle. Rubbing her thumb over his forehead. “I didn’t realize you took more of me with you. So when you cuddled with her. Glimpsed fragments of her past through your bond. You made a Wish.”


He widened his eyes. The mention of a Wish invokes some strong emotion in his chest. It was a powerful wish. The catalyst for all of this. Despite this he doesn’t remember it. “It was a Wish that came from your Origin. In the beginning, when you were young and empty just like this. It was Mirror. But through many tribulations it matured into something new. Salvation.”


That strange emotion flared throughout his body. Making him shudder. “I...remember. I saw Lunet’s past and. I felt a connection to what she felt.” So he made a Wish. To embrace all his sisters, no matter where they came from. He Wished he could help those who can be saved.


Power sprung from his back then. Growing endlessly throughout totality. His will carried forth by his wish to be with all his sisters. To be there for them. “I got over my head didn’t I?”


What shame he felt was sooth away with her touch. “You made a child’s wish. And it was just that. The wish of a child. You are far too young to rest upon those peaks.”


Lincoln felt glum. But understood. Then she spoke to him before he could respond. “Are you happy in Hoshizora?”


He gave a small nod without much thought to it. Understanding the deeper meaning behind those words. “I want to stay there. It’s just...hard to find my footing.”


She gave a shining smile. “You were just as aimless so long ago before you first walked through those fateful doors. It takes time to grow.”


“Then, I need to return to that point right?” She gave a pleasant hum in agreement. “I need...help.” He admits. His woes still plague him.


“Why don’t we have you relieve yourself of the burden you’re not ready for? Imagine taking a deep breath, Lincoln. Let it all pool back into you.” He followed her words. Closing his eyes he felt his lungs inflate. And continue to inflate.


Elsewhere, both far away and near at once. The trees wither away to nothingness. All through creation his being was drained. That other place was inverted. Sucked in along with everything else as it was funneled into one place.  Collapsed into one single point, a singularity.


Out in the cosmic realm. Tulam would sense something fundamental about Lincoln change after he left him to mull in his thoughts. It wasn’t anything too grand like last time. In fact, he got the sense that will never happen again.

He would notice some oddities. The artificial satellite within the dome feels much denser now. More radiant. It now looked more like a sun instead of a moon. Melting the snow as a result. Oder still he can feel the rest of his enslaved alternate sisters of Lincoln within it.

The trees morphed into sakura trees. Replicas of the buildings in that now gone place appeared around the house in the form of miniature replicas. The Fun Zone and the Time Out room were gone. And that is not the end to the odd chain of events that is taking place around him.


Back down below. Lincoln opened his eyes. A pleasant sigh left him. Somehow he felt more whole. His former mother held him closer. “Good job Lincoln. I’m proud of you.”


He nestled further into her warm embrace. It felt so nice. Made him want to stay there forever. But sadly knew he couldn’t. Looking back up to her with a quizzical expression. “I feel...I need a fresh Origin too.”


She let out a murmur of agreement. “Salvation was a remnant of who you once were. You’re no longer that person. And Hoshizora has no need for a savoir. Tell me, what compels you from the bottom of your heart. And I will change it.”


The starting point that defines one's existence. It wasn’t something he had put much thought into before. He couldn’t say freedom because that is a road to self-destruction. So it must be something else. A force to push him down a road unique to him.


So he thought back. To the memories of his youth that is somehow clear for one brief moment. Without realizing it words have already left his mouth. “Memory.” That concept sat right in his heart.


She smiled again. Helping him up on his feet much to his confusion. Not wanting to leave just quite yet. “Although I am a fleeting dream to you, a phantom who should not exist... You continue to keep traces of me when I’m no longer here. I suppose it shouldn’t have come to much surprise if that is your choice. Hehe, go along now Lincoln. And let the memory of my pride in you give you peace.”


She kissed the top of his head with the love of a mother.


And he opened his eyes to the familiar heavens above. Sitting upward he looked around a bit out of it. Not really remembering much of what happened. Similar to that of a dream yet he didn’t feel that he went to sleep.

In spite of his uncertainty. Some he feels that he remembers the important parts. Namely the brew of warm emotions deep in his chest. Strangely he feels more whole than he had ever been.

Finally he noticed the changes around him when he saw that the roof was no longer blanket with a sheet of snow. And among other things.

After getting himself down he went up on the porch to lean on the railing. Things felt different. In some way he feels he got a better picture of what he wants. A fresh slate.

Not only doesn’t he remember much of what happened. But he doesn’t remember much of what he is capable of. All the information that came from his sister. Their experiences were no longer in him.

Meaning he doesn’t know the periodic table on the back of his hand. The process of blacksmithing is now an enigma. The secrets of the arcane now lost to him. Everything was reset to default settings.

As it should have been.

Far down to the physical realm. His very much naked and sweaty self took a breather as he leaned over Alcra. Just as nude as he was. A strange sense of clarity befell on him. Is this what they call a post-nut clarity?

Whatever it may be he rolled off of her. Getting out of the bed he turned to pull the sheets up over her. This time he didn’t feel the urge to play with her limp body or even add some perverted tweaks to her memories. As odd as it may sound. He doesn’t feel as horny anymore.

Making a thoughtful hum he redressed before heading out of the room to head over to the bridge to hang out with Relain. He gave a smile to her when he came into the room and plopped into the seat next to her. “Evening beautiful. Looks like we have the bridge to ourselves tonight. I wanted to have a nice chat with you for a while. Get to know more about you ya know.”

He would spend the rest of the evening with her talking about life before retiring to bed. Sure he could go the easy route, but that’s boring and misses the point of having a conversation. And he would ask casual trivia about Relain. The juiciest being how was her love life before she met him and realized who she is born to serve.