Chapter 32: Oh God Not The Coffee / A Familiar Dimension?

“Well, I’m guessing that she’s up at the cafe. What was it, the fourth floor? Ah, here we go!” Evan said. He pressed an elevator button, and got off at the fourth floor.

“Huh, yeah. That’s Aiba.” Evan said, appearing in front of her.

“Hey, Aiba. Nice to meet you, I’m Evan. You can call me god.” Evan said, introducing himself.

“What? Who? How the-? Who are you?!” Aiba asked, startled.

“I’m god. I thought I already said that.” Evan said, confused.

“No, I heard that, yeah… but….” Aiba said.

“*Sigh*. Fine, let’s go talk with Mirai, then.” Evan said.

“Wait, what? How? Oh! Do you know Mirai?” Aiba asked.

“I guess so. Cmon', we’re almost there.” Evan said.

“How exactly are you planning on getting there? I’m pretty sure only I’m able to enter through that phone.” Aiba said, as they walked up to an old timey phone.

“Hmm. Well, I’ll meet you in there.” Evan said, hopping into the phone.

“Oh. Well... then… I guess I’m not the only one who can do that….” Aiba said, going into the phone.

“Hey Mirai, can you tell Aiba who I am? The thing about me being a god.” Evan asked loudly, barging in like a friend of 15 years that’s your neighbor, with a set of keys to your apartment, at around 5am, screaming about milk.

“What are you talking about?! Even I don’t know who exactly the hell you are. All I know is that you’re some kind of god….” Mirai said.

“Wait, god? You weren’t joking? Mirai, are you sure he's a god?” Aiba asked.

“As far as I know, yes. He’s the one who made reality, and I have sufficient reason to believe him. He's the reason we exist, apparently. Even I’m finding it weird.” Mirai said.

“Wait, so…. first my body goes insane, and then it turns out that these eater things are destroying multiple worlds…. After that, I learn about a god…. I’m so confused.... but that doesn’t matter! I can still finish what I need to!” Aiba said, smiling. She had stopped trying to process reality properly as a coping mechanism.

“Always the hopeless optimist, aren’t you. Well, I guess not hopeless. Still, positivity is hard to come by like that. It’s good to know you didn’t fall into an existential crisis.” Evan said, not noticing that it was just her grip on reality failing that caused this positive attitude.

“Well… what use would that be? Also, do you know me?” Aiba asked.

“Hm? Oh, yeah.” Evan said.

Aiba waited for him to continue.

“Um. Is that all?” Aiba asked.

“Huh? Oh, do you want to know how I know you?” Evan asked.

“Yeah! I mean, you are a god, right? Why are you getting involved with me?” Aiba asked.

“Well, I can’t really say much. We talked to Mirai, so let’s go to Rai's office.” Evan said, avoiding the question.

“We were here for barely a few minutes. And we only talked to Mirai a little. Was it necessary to come here? Also, what does Rai have to do with this?” Aiba asked.

“Hm, good question. She’s entertaining and doesn’t yell like Mirai. Plus, the office has seats.” Evan said.

“You can literally just make some out of nothing. What’s that matter? For example, you made these seats right in front of me earlier.” Mirai said, pointing.

“Yeah. I just wanna go check up on my wife, okay? Jeez. It makes me anxious if I don’t know how she’s doing.” Evan said, fidgiting.

“You have a wife?” Mirai asked.

“Yeah. I do. She’s in the office, so I’m gonna go there. You can come or not, I don’t really care either way.” Evan said, leaving the lab.

He walked into the office.

“She’s still asleep, huh? I guess it’s pretty tiring if you aren't used to not having a physical body.” Evan said.

“This is your wife? Cute!” Aiba said.

“Did not expect you to have a wife.” Mirai said.

“Hey, you two. Welcome back!” Rai said.

“Right, the beans!” Aiba said, handing Rai the beans.

“Oh. Thankfully limes asleep.” Evan said, staring at the beans.

“Huh?” Aiba asked.

“Nothing. Hey Mirai, do you know the exact details of the future.” Evan asked.

“No.” Mirai said.

“What about the eaters attacking the king tree guy?” Evan asked.

“Yes? I believe I know what you are referring to.” Mirai said.

“Mirai, I'm going to be changing some stuff.” Evan said.

“You….already did….” Mirai said, exasperated.

“Is he really that annoying to you?” Aiba asked.

“No...I….are you allowed to yell at a god?” Mirai asked.

“I give you permission as his wife.” Lime said, waking up a little.

“Huh? This… girl…. is your wife?” Mirai asked, looking closer.

“Yup!!” Evan said, proud and happy.

“She’s normal… other than the fact that she’s immortal.” Mirai said, adjusting her glasses after studying her.

“I’m what?” Lime asked.

“Well, shit. Great, now I have to explain that early..... Yes, lime.... You’re immortal. You aren’t mad at me, right, honey?” Evan asked, bracing himself to be yelled at.

“Of course not. You heard the entire conversation with Phil in the office that day, didn’t you.” Lime realized.

“Um. Yes. I figured you wouldn’t have any problems with it, but I didn’t really know how to bring it up without it being awkward.” Evan said.

“Wait… you two… you seem almost human.” Mirai said.

A bunch of warnings flashed on her clipboard.

“We are normal people, yeah. Is that so weird?” Evan asked, a dark smile on his face.

“I find you having a wife weird, yes.” Aiba said.

“Huh? Wait, seriously? Why did you say that?!” Mirai asked, alarmed.

“I’m interested too. I know for a fact you aren’t mean, so why do you say that?” Evan asked.

“I mean… you’re still a kid, right?” Aiba asked.

“Aiba. I’m pretty sure god is-“ Mirai started.

“He’s around 12-16 personality wise, but technically he was in stasis for approximately 400ish years.” Lime said.

“Wait. Let me get this straight. A 16 year old made our entire reality? And has power far superior to any known gods?” Mirai asked.

“Uh, I think I was around 9 when I made this, actually.” Evan said.

“So, a 9 year old made everything? Interesting. I don’t think I would have ever figured that out. Was there a reason?” Rai asked.

“Hm? Yeah.” Evan said.

They waited in silence for a second.

“And? Why did you do it?” Mirai asked, slightly frustrated by his pauses.

“Oh. That’s an easy answer!” Evan said.

“Then...answer...it…” Mirai said, her teeth slightly clenched, and her eye occasionally twitching.

“I forgot!” Evan said, smiling like a fool, a massive grin on his face.

Mirai hit him with the clipboard from across the room, which had been thrown at near light speed.

“Ow. Lime, dear, help me get this out, please.” Evan said, referring to the clipboard that was now lodged in his forehead.

Lime instead turned to everyone else.

“Apologies, my husband doesn’t really have any tact.” Lime said.

“Oh. That’s a good word for it!” Evan said, getting punched in the gut.

“Tell… my wife… I love…. limes” Evan said, faking death.

“Um. What’s going on here? Did I miss something?” A girl asked, walking through the door.

Evan got up and looked really closely at her, as though studying her.

“Mhmm. I see. Perfect recreation this time?....No, I guess the slight discrepancy is still there. You are Nokia, correct? Correct. Hm. At least, you should be. Let's see, what about this?” ’Evan asked, poking Nokia.

“Hey! What? Who is this? Guys? Little help?” Nokia asked.

“Huh? Ah, sorry. I got caught up in something. It’s nice to meet you, Nokia, I’m god.” Evan said, extending his hand.

“Hi. I'm Nokia, it's nice to-” Nokia said, shaking his hand.

She froze in the middle of the handshake.

“Wait. Who did you say you were? Please, tell me I'm dreaming.” Nokia said, nervously grinning.

“Nope. Hm. Cotton candy. Yeah. That. That’s your new name. So says god. Wait, right, keep your full name, just add cotton candy in front.” Evan said, thinking about something stupid.

“What?” Nokia asked.

“Nokia. That’s a god. Yes. An actual god. You aren’t dreaming. He is the one who created the universe, according to Mirai.” Rai said.

“Reality. I created your reality. It contains infinite universes.” Evan corrected.

“Um. Wait, if he made everything, isn’t it technically all his? Doesn’t that mean that anything he says, goes? Do I actually have to change my name?” Nokia asked, debating a stupid topic in her head like Evan did.

“He may be a god, Nokia, but he is literally anything except serious. I can tell, and I’ve only known him for…. not even half a day. He makes us hot cocoa, I’m pretty sure someone like that would accept a simple no.” Rai said.

“I like my name. Even if I like cotton candy...” Nokia said.

“Rawr. I say do it. Arrrr.” Evan said, putting his hands up… somewhat menacingly? Kinda. It still failed, though.

“Evan, dear, that last one is what pirates say. And if you want to make it at least a little believable, don't say the word rawr. Just growl. And at least act a little mad. Oh. You know that one time, when you crushed that one big guy who was in my stalker club? Try looking like that. No killing intent, though.” Lime lectured.

Evan imagined it, and acted like he did back then. His normal, warm, smiling face got wiped away. An icy look replaced it. His demeanor changed, no longer who he had been a second ago. He stood straight and sneered.

Evan blinked, snapping out of a trance. He went back to normal, the ice melted like it had fallen in lava, a small warm smile replacing it, and he went back to slouching. He began to float, leaning backwards.

“Okay, now that? That right there? That’s scary. That was just acting off of an already fading memory? I think I’m getting even more curious. And Mirai looks a little bit surprised.” Rai said, looking to her side.

“Okay….. right. I’ve made a decision! I’m definitely, totally, absolutely keeping the name.” Nokia said, shivering.

“Oh. Nokia, dear, that was just practice. He’s still going to respect your decision. Just wait until you stop shaking.” Lime said.

“That’s not why I said yes, though. I’d prefer it to be more like a title, but it fits me I think. Ignoring the fear, I do love sweets.” Nokia said.

“I think I get my husband's point with the cotton candy. It does fit you.” Lime said.

“I’m fine with it being a title. As long as it’s fine by you. So, it’s like being knighted? But instead of putting sir before your name, it’s cotton candy.” Evan said.

“But… how exactly would that work? Legally, at least. That’s not legal, is it?” Nokia asked.

“If I bring you to a place you can prove who you are, so that people will listen to you about changing cotton candy to an official title, will you promise to not destroy the earth? god. To think I’m actually meeting god! What would the others think of something unbelievable like this? This is definitely going to be fun. I may be getting old, but the excitement around here never stops!” A man said, laughing.

“You’re…. detective.... Yoshi?” Evan asked.

“.....No. Close, though.” The voice said.

“Thennn…. detective Matayoshi?” Evan asked.

“Yes. Wait, how do you know me? Oh.... Right, I forgot. God is supposedly omniscient, isn't it. Of course you know.” Matayoshi said.

“Hm? No, no I’m not omniscient. Everything I know right now is stuff I learned throughout my entire life. So it’s easier to say my power can do anything omnipotence can, but it’s a lot slower. That’s about all.” Evan said.

“Wow, a god sure talks a lot more than I expected! Considering that you left this world alone like this, I assumed you were one of those cold and quiet, stupidly mysterious types. Never in a million years would I have expected god to be a kid. Definitely not a bright, bubbly, cheerful, and somewhat dumb one, at that. You don’t look like one of those ones from tv that just act nice in the beginning, either. That, or you’re an incredible actor. Which you aren't. But still, it’s a good idea to make sure people know about you. Otherwise we may hit some bumps. What exactly did you come here for?” Matayoshi asked.

“Oh. Well, I was heading to Kane. He does the maintenance on this reality. They probably have no idea I’m here, and I designed this specific dimension in an odd way. Actually, it’s better to say that I designed each and every part of this reality personally. I was planning on spending time here, but I had something to do for about a century.” Evan said.

“It’s been over four centuries, dear. Not one.” Lime said.

“Yeah. That's right.... Anyways, the purpose of this dimension is the reason I worked on it personally in the first place. It was to break a loop. Or to learn how to break it, at least. The information was necessary for the progress of the entire second world project. I had been planning on bringing you guys over to the second world after I finished having fun. It’s kinda mean when I talk about the reason I said having fun, now that I think about it. I actually gave you guys free will, which is why I truly feel bad about it. This time, I’m opening the door between the two dimensions perfectly. Time will start to progress past the loop. I have no idea how many times you guys have been reborn at this point. Before I went into a long slumber, I didn’t have a chance to break this universe's loop. It has to do with the compatibility of people from my original reality and their compatibility with this one. Some can’t break themselves from the loop of the universe, so a lot of people were originally incompatible with this reality. There were two things that helped with that. This dimension was one of them. You guys are here. You changed the amount of people who could transfer with the knowledge I got from here. Thanks to you guys, it went from about 6% up to around 60% of the entire population that were compatible. The information about loops I got from here was heavily studied by me, and the people who worked with me. That’s what caused such a massive change. But you guys are stuck in a loop, too, similar to our original reality. The second world itself doesn’t have that, and I broke the concept or rule of 'everything must have an end.' And, to a certain extent, a beginning, too. Time here is a circle. A loop. It goes around the same path each time, which is connected to itself, infinitely. The moment this universe ends, time basically resets. The universe seamlessly rewinds itself. The only common way to change anything would be the creation of antimatter and the subsequent particle-antiparticle annihilation that would occur, if it isn’t immediately contained. Even then, it will eventually still affect everything. Basically, it changes the amount of matter the universe has to work with when restarting, causing the universe to develop similarly, but not exactly the same. The more antiparticles that are produced, the more profound the effect becomes on the loop. It adds up over time. The particles destroyed by particle-antiparticle annihilation don’t return to the beginning or end, they become energy, rather than matter. That’s one of the things we found, but it just changed what’s created and doesn’t actually break the loop. The other is that the creation of matter from energy can have the same effect. If you use it right, you could make everything go back to the original by returning the amount of matter the loop can use. If you use an equal amount of destruction to the total amount of creation, it stabilizes it. You can modify the loop by adding or removing enough matter to cause a distinct change in the development of the universe. You can turn a modified loop to make it become the original loop, changing how you need to stabilize the universal decay or the universal epidemic. I’m getting off topic. That’s basically why you guys exist. I think I said that right, right? No, wait. I trailed off. So, you guys aren’t the first iteration of yourselves. You’ve been reborn into a unique person with their own will. Though, you are created by the universe as close as it can possibly return things to how the original one was. And that’s what this place has been trying to do, constantly, causing you to be reborn again and again. You guys will progress. From now on, it will continue past the loop. I programmed that in, a little earlier. It won’t cause any Big Bang or similar event to occur. Technically speaking, if you make something that can actually last that long, you can make something that will last beyond time itself. It opens up a lot of new opportunities. As well as your connection to other dimensions. You guys are… actually.....” Evan said, stopping in thought.

“What? What does that even mean?” Nokia asked, dizzy from the onslaught of information that had been shot at her.

“I understood a little bit. We aren’t the first us, and now we won’t ever reincarnate. We have become a truly unique existence. And if we live forever, we never hit the forever that’s stopped by the universe resetting time, which technically should even reset immortality. So, while it would take an unfathomable amount of time, technically our immortality does end if the loop still existed. The loop resets our bodies down to formless matter, so it can scatter us again. No wonder time felt off when you visited me. You destroyed the loop before you came to me.” Mirai said, thinking.

“Um. That’s cool and all, but he trailed off while he was saying something about us. That slightly concerns me.” Aiba said.

“Yeah, I was saying something, you’re right. Well... I guess this is the big one. You guys are characters. From a video game. Actually, this world is too. Wait, no. Ah. You guys are BASED off of characters, but you guys currently aren’t in a game. This world is real as can be. You were made to be like the characters, though. Another thing. This dimension is residing inside of a transport door to the second world. Obviously, it’s not connected on either side. That’s what I’m trying to do. Oh. Right. If you guys think for even a second that you can’t be your own person, or that you aren’t already one, I'll slap you. I said based on them. You aren’t actually the ones I personally worked on, either. you guys are just naturally here, like everyone else in my world or yours. You guys are only similar. To the point where the game's story could progress normally, but you guys could change it with your actions easily. Unlike characters from a book or a game, you guys are actually real. The slap is to prove you’re real enough to actually feel pain. But...wait.....I never actually made the game in this reality, now that I think about it.” Evan said, suddenly realizing something seemed off.

“Um. Hm. Did….did he just say video game characters? That’s… huh. I’m still thinking about it, but I don’t think that’s too much for me. I’m just a little surprised. I definitely feel like myself. I’m definitely not somebody else. Hey, can’t you basically chalk the reason the same events occur up to it being a wierd form of fate or destiny? Like, “You guys are tied to an infinitely repeating destiny. Something that will always happen, an inescapable fate! Go forth young heroes! Break off the shackles of repitition!” Or something? It might be interesting to feel like the people in a story when they try to shatter fate. I mean, the game ends, right? After that there’s no more getting dragged into things as a different me, right? Anything I do has nothing to do with the game at that point. Also, my head hurts.” Nokia said.

“Nokia, that was a lot of words. Well… I guess, technically, this scene doesn’t exist in the game, so your behavior is completely your own. Nothing you did was something decided by a game just now. I didn’t expect you to talk so much. Or be so different from the original you.” Evan said.

“Wait. You only know us from the game, don’t you! No wonder everything seemed off!! You don’t know our personal behavior!” Nokia said.

“True, but I basically know you. I meant saying so much at once. Otherwise, you’re a chatterbox. Or about the same as other people are, just really energetic. I remember you quite well. You were incredibly interesting.” Evan said.

“Dangit. Wait, no, you said I was right! Haha! I got something right! Wait, what do you mean when you call me incredibly interesting?” Nokia asked.

“Your energetic nature is hard to find, your trust in others and honesty are nearly unbelievable, and you literally have-Ah. Basically, you're extremely charismatic. Very different from any other character I’ve met. You can be awkward, but admit your mistakes. Well, you suck at lying, too. Your responses and reactions, as well as most of your choices and decisions, were interesting. You were faced time and time again with bigger and more difficult problems. And, while you might not have been able to do much at first, you actually grew to be incredibly dependable. In fact, you had a lot of people's trust. You do right now, too. How many of you think Nokia could successfully lie to you? Raise your hand.” Evan said.

Nobody did.

“Okay, continuing on, while not everyone here will admit it now, soon enough I’d guess they would all raise their hands if I asked whether you were a trustworthy and reliable person. Yet, the entire time, you still had the same energetic nature. You matured, not in behavior, but as a person, a responsible one. So you became… a goofball? No. Hm. I forget the term for it. I’m pretty sure I’m having quite a lot of fun talking with you right now, too. Though, your expressions haven’t been as exaggerated as usual. In a simple description, you’re interesting.” Evan said.

“Huh?! Me?! You’re saying I become someone others depend on? Nonono I’m not ready for that yet.” Nokia said.

“I said you weren’t. Yet. You will be. Especially since I’ve decided just to watch. I won’t interfere. I can wait for your story to end on its own. Since I’m going to be blocking a few of your memories until then, nothing should change. Sorry. I do kinda need you guys to get to the later part of the story, and me just being here isn’t a good idea.” Evan said.

“Huh? So you’re making us forget about you? No way. That isn’t acceptable. After all you went and said, you want me to forget you?! In your dreams! Not that I can stop you… but still. I enjoyed the compliments.” Nokia said.

“Hm. I only said a memory blocker, and I’m also still going to be around to pester you guys. I’ll probably just float and follow you, invisible to anyone except you. Unless me popping into existence would be funny, I guess. Usually, I’d say Aiba is the best choice. But still, it depends.... And done. Memories of specific details blocked. Perfect.” Evan said.

“What do you mean by pester us? Are you going to be helping?” Nokia asked.

“Nope. I can’t interfere. God stuff and things. But I can cheer you guys on while pretty much haunting you. Like a ghost.” Evan said, floating and turning transparent.

“So you chose me? Makes sense..... NOT!!! Why me? You said Aiba was more interesting, right?” Nokia asked.

To the others it looked like she was yelling at air.

“That depends on the genre that I wanna watch. I’m in the mood to watch normal everyday life. Aiba has things to do.” Evan said.

“So do I!!!” Nokia said.

“What did you need to do?” Evan asked.

“Um. The things I need to do every day or something, friends I guess. And maybe shopping.” Nokia said.

“That’s normal everyday life.” Evan said, laying down on his back, bouncing in the air as if he were floating on a raft on the water.

“Ah, whatever. Not much I can do about you….” Nokia said.

“By the way, why is everyone here?” Evan asked the others in the room.

“Wanted to chat about a case.” Matayoshi said.

“I'm going to the pho-digilab.” Mirai said, leaving.

“Well, I’m here because it’s my office. And so I can make my coffee.” Rai said.

“Mhm. Hot cocoa is better than coffee.” Evan said.

“Some work seems to have just come up, apparently. I have to go, bye, take care.” Matayoshi said, rushing off in a desperate escape attempt.

“I have to go do a case.” Aiba said robotically.

“You haven’t taken one yet.” Rai said.

“Um….fine.” Aiba said, giving up and embracing death with dignity.

Rai gave her the coffee.

She drank it all.

“Give… my will…. to my….. blergh” Aiba said, passing out.

“Oh, dear. I think you may have actually killed someone this time, Rai. One test subject is enough, right? It’s so good that they pass out. Doesn’t that tell you how much they like it? They just don’t have the chance to tell you it’s delicious before they di-pass out.” Evan said, smiling.

“Hm. That sounds like what Mirai says. If I have two people confirming it, one being god, it must be true. I’m going to make the ultimate coffee someday! On that note, are you sure you three don’t want any?” Rai asked.

“I’m good, but thanks. Limes asleep, so I’ll just say that me and lime aren’t coffee people. Or tea. We prefer the third type of beverage, hot cocoa or chocolate milk.” Evan said.

“That’s… not the third type of beverage… but okay. I have to agree with you two on that, I am 100% completely utterly fine with just our hot cocoa.” Nokia said nervously.

“Rai, I’m going to leave lime in here, if you don’t mind. She has some protection Magic on her, but I’m still worried. The entire ordeal must have drained a lot of energy. I’m pretty sure she will be out of it and groggy for at least a few days. So I’ll probably either bring lime with me, or let her go off and do what she wants to if I'm not done by tomorrow. It’s a pretty interesting place for her.” Evan said.

“How is it an interesting place? It’s just a normal city.” Rai asked, interested.

“Well, to her, a normal city would be either abandoned or overrun by monsters or people. Shattered windows, broken streets and sidewalks, plants everywhere. To her, that’s what a normal city looks like. Where we live has something similar to a city, but it’s still just cobbled together. This is probably going to be amazing for her.” Evan said.

“What? What kind of world did you live in, then?” Nokia asked.

“Eh, I'll tell a short version of the story. I was young, maybe around 3, when I convinced someone to make a company for me and let me control his actions. I created and sent out tech that would change the world. I nearly got rid of world hunger with one of our first actually marketable products. I then united the world in secret. I slowly had them work on things such as supplies, barriers, and shields. Stuff to avoid complete annihilation from aerial bombardment caused by alien crocodiles that stole the magic I invented. Oh, right. Before the bombardment, maybe a few years, I discovered and subsequently developed magic. It’s what is making this place possible. I made this reality, and we call it the second world. It has a lot of dimensions, like this one. Either way, we developed it to make sure people survive from the bombardment. We made it so the around 60% of the people in our world were compatible, and could transfer over. I guaranteed 60% of our populations survival, so at least it’s something. All of this was pre-bombardment. After our planet got extremely damaged, we faced off against fake gods, apparently. The alien crocodiles. That war is still going on now. We came to visit a friend in the second world. By the way, we aren’t here physically. My body and limes are still in the other world. But if I had to give a description of that world? For other people? It’s Hell. For me? Lime made it heaven. She made it home.” Evan said.

“Dear, Why are you talking about our world? What were you saying about it?” Lime asked, yawning.

“You really should be asleep.” Evan said.

“He was talking about what your world is like. He described it as hell.” Nokia said.

“Hell? Hm. It certainly was for most people. But Evan can make even an apocalypse so casual that it has 7/11 convenience stores. And an entire economy. Basically, it’s starting to become a misshapen city, almost. My job was outside of the base, and even then, a lot of machines still worked or wandered around to monitor the surrounding area and attack any enemy. From people to now irradiated monsters, the machines barely got scratched. It was hell for the people outside of the base, though. I was just lucky that my position was in high standing. Unlike Evan, I was born after the apocalypse. So survival in the first place would be luck. Though, I guess the luckiest thing for people, anyone and everyone, was that my husband exists.” Lime said, watching them, half asleep, from under the blanket.

“Huh? What do you mean, making an apocalypse casual? Him?” Nokia asked, gesturing at Evan, who was floating around her casually and invisible. His floating magic seemed locked onto her.

“He’s the reason every single last human that is alive is able to have had a chance to live in the first place. If your parents were….gone? If your parents didn’t exist, I guess. If they didn’t, would you still be here? Evan has either created, saved, or guaranteed the lives of literally every single human in this reality and ours. Not only did he give us the chance to live, he made sure we had what we needed to stay alive, even with him gone. He is the reason we survive to this day, in our world. He created Limetech. Every last thing that I use on a daily basis, doors, locks, keys, Windows, weapons, tools, and more. They still work like and look like they are brand new. And every last one of them is over four centuries old. His creations were special. We're actually going to meet the man who built the safe versions of my husband's inventions. He also helped Evan with making a unique little symbol that Evan likes to have on what he uses and what he builds. Every last one has an engraving somewhere on it, made some time during the process of Kane building it, carried over to its mass production. Can you guess what that engraving is of?” Lime asked.

“Hold up. This guy is the savior of humanity, and our originator, our god? This guy?! And I have no idea what the engraving would be!” Akari yelled.

“Heh. It’s actually an engraving of a lime.” Lime said, smiling, with a satisfied look, popping out from under her blanket.

“Um, I’m missing something, give me a moment to think…. the products were produced before the apocalypse, right?” Nokia asked.

“Yes.” Lime replied.

“And you were born after.” Nokia asked.

“Correct.” Lime said.

“And you said the engraving was added to the machine during the development of the mass production models?” Nokia asked.

“You’re almost there.” Lime said.

“So, god liked limes before the apocalypse, but lime herself was born after it.... So Evan named you lime?” Nokia asked.

“Yes, that’s correct. Kind of. Now, I left my keys on the coffee table. Pick them up, tell me what you think when you see them, feel them.” Lime said.

Nokia picked up the keyring, and fiddled with it until she held one gold key.

They had no marks or scratches, it seemed as though it had just been made. It had a lime engraving on the flat part, very small, but lime green colored. It was the type of color that you only ever notice when it’s in your hands.

“Is this one really centuries old?” Nokia asked.

“Yeah. Limetech keys are pretty nifty. It connects to a three dimensional shape surrounding the house which is an electromagnet thingy. It stops intruders. It has some sort of biotech on it that recognizes who is holding it. I said that weirdly. Probably because I’m very tired. Goodnight.” Lime said, falling asleep.

“What… what was that?” Nokia asked.

“My wife gets like that when she’s tired. She skips sentences, too. You can ask her again when she is fully awake, if you care enough. It’s a story. A long story. But we have daily stuff to do, right?” Evan asked.

“Um. Oh. Yeah. Yeah! Yeah we do! Definitely! It’s.. uh…” Nokia trailed off in thought.

“I’m fine with just walking around the area, city, town, anything. It looks pretty. Oh. That’s something. When we’re done doing your stuff, can I go see a lake if there’s one nearby? Maybe at the park. I like the peaceful atmosphere they have.” Evan said.

Nokia's phone rang.

“Huh? Oh! Ah, yeah, I’ll be there in a sec.” Nokia said.

She waved goodbye to everybody and rushed out the door.

“What was that?” Evan asked.

“Oh, uh. I actually did have plans for the day. Movies. Friends. You get it.” Nokia said.

“Where are we going?” Evan asked.

“That way.” Nokia said, pointing in the general direction she was facing.

“How descriptive.” Evan said.

“We’re going to the theater! Geez!” Nokia said.

“Nokia. I have no idea where the theater is, I kinda need your help to find it. I’ve never been here before.” Evan admitted.

“Huh? Help? You need help?! Then I’ll gladly help!!” Nokia said.

“That… okay. Thanks, Nokia.” Evan said, sighing.

She had just started walking faster.

“Truly a simple person. Thankfully a straightforward and kind one.” Evan said.

“Hm?” Nokia asked.

“Nothing. Just complimenting you.” Evan said.

“Thanks!!" Nokia said.

They kept walking for a decent while longer.

"We’re here.” Nokia said.

“Oh, oh cool.” Evan said.

“They said they were outside somewhere. Look for a girl with blue hair.... Not that you’ll notice it. Nevermind.” Nokia said.

“Huh? How would I not notice that girl over there. It’s bright blue.” Evan said.

Nokia froze.

“Oh, wait, right. god. Duh.” Nokia said, moving forward.

They walked up/ floated towards Nokia’s friends.

One of them wore a neon orange baseball jacket, wearing a cute green hat atop long, black hair. She was tall, and looked like she was used to fighting.

The other had long, bright blue, aquamarine hair. She wore a baseball cap and a pair of shades on her head, black and white hoodie, with ripped jeans. The glasses were on top of the rim of the baseball cap and she blew a giant bubble of gum.

“Hey guys!!” Nokia yelled.

The one in the orange jacket was startled, and the giant bubble of gum had popped, getting stuck on the blue haired girls face.

“Ah. It happened again. Nokia, can you help me get Mizu to a safe location?” The girl with the orange jacket asked.

“Ah! Yeah, we should hurry.” Nokia said.

“Yeah, I don’t want people hurt.” The orange jacket girl said.

“Nokia, what’s going on with this lady? That's magic, right?” Evan asked, intrigued.

“I’m busy carrying someone right now!” Nokia said.

“Nokia?” The orange jacket girl asked.

“Sorry, Tetsu. I wasn’t talking to you!” Nokia said.

“There’s nobody else here, though. I guess this is fine, then. Should be safe enough here. Mizu, you can do it now. Let it out.” Tetsu yelled, after she and Nokia backed up.

“Nokia, what’s… ohhh.” Evan said.

An explosion occurred, with Mizu at the center.

It’s more accurate to say blizzard, than it is to say explosion.

Everything within approximately 9-10 feet still had a little bit of ice in the air, and the ground was covered in a thick layer of frost.

Mizu stood up, and tapped the now frozen gum on her face.

It fell into neatly sliced pieces on the floor.

“Ugh. I hate it when that happens. I thought I had a bit more time before I burst, sorry guys.” Mizu said.

“Nokia, do you know what this is?” Evan asked excitedly.

“No, but you sound like you’re going to tell me.” Nokia said.

“Yup! Elemental mana, specifically of the water element, has been embedded into her genes. If I’m not mistaken that should be a dominant trait. She can store three mana types at once!!! The issue is that explosive nova of frost. It’s an extremely low level spell, but it seems some mana circuits in that genetic code are either fried, misplaced, or not working. I’ll ask.” Evan said, excited.

“Yeah oka-wait, no! Dang it.” Nokia asked.

“Hello. I’m god, nice to meet you.” Evan said, appearing in front of them out of nowhere.

“Jeesuz!!” Tetsu yelled, hitting him with a steel pipe instinctively.

“Wha-“ Mizu said, encasing him and the steel pipe in a block of ice.

“Mizu, that was a bit too much, wasn’t it?” Tetsu asked.

“Well, yeah, sorry. It startled me. But you’re one to talk, you made a steel pipe just to bash someone in a moment, instinctively.” Mizu said.

“That...I… well, I hope he isn’t dead, at least. What do we do if he’s dead? I don’t think anyone can survive that!” Tetsu said.

“Neither of you two would be able to lay a finger on him in terms of strength. Your attack did literally nothing except mental damage. I’m assuming that he already has enough of that, though.” Nokia said.

“Eh? Nokia? I thought you weren’t involved with magic. So why do you know a floaty dude who uncloaked in front of us?” Tetsu asked.

“Tetsu. The cube of ice is shaking. And cracking.” Mizu said.

The cube was on the verge of exploding, the others started bracing themselves for an explosion.

Then it melted.

“.....”

“Fine. I’ll admit you got me with that one.” Nokia said.

“Sweet. Another point.” Evan said.

They had started a Nokia 'surprised vs not surprised' tally.

“What’s the score? 32:1, my favor?” Evan asked.

“Correction. 32:2, I won a second time. I’m going to be immune to your jump scares soon.” Nokia said.

She looked at the two confused people on the floor.

“Um. Right. I forgot. Sorry. I won’t do it again…. wait. This has nothing to do with the main story, so it’s fine, right?” Evan said, teleporting in tetsu's face.

“Boo!” Evan said, flicking her forehead.

“Smdjjrnfkdkcne!” Tetsu somethinged.

She swung for his head in a panic.

He teleported behind Mizu, his voice right next to her ear.

“That was...close.” Evan whispered, blowing gently on it.

He then put a finger on mizus head.

Mizu tried to get up or move, but the finger stopped all movement, she was stuck.

“Unnnng” Mizu complained.

“I won’t do it again?” She asked.

“Yes yes. Fine. I’ll let you go.” Evan said.

“Okay.” Mizu.

He teleported back behind Nokia, grinning.

“I guess I’ll explain, since he apparently wants to just goof off. This guy is god. The one who created our reality, and everything in it.” Nokia said.

“Hallo!” Evan said, gently floating into Nokia.

“Hallo again.” He said to Nokia, as he bounced off of her.

“Goof off on your own time, dang it!” Nokia said.

“Don’t you always say something along the lines of 'being friendly'?” Evan asked.

“But I am being friendly.” Nokia said.

“No, I know that. But such harsh words, they leave a tear in my eye.” Evan said, faking a tear.

“This is the guy from the stories my family passes down..... There’s no doubt about it, Tetsu. This is god.….. Nokia, I’ll have to ask if you can go by yourself, and god come with me to my family. I was told to mention the names lime and tourmaline if you didn’t come, but I’ll say them anyway. It’s nice to meet you, Evan.” Mizu said, suddenly polite.

“Hey, Nokia. I think……. I have some business to attend to, you don’t mind going with tetsu right? Here.” Evan said, casting protection magic. He looked annoyed.

“Fine. Go haunt someone else. Not that it wasn’t fun.” Nokia said.

“Yeah, I’ll be back later, bye Nokia.” Evan said, following the blue haired girl.

“Well. That gum is being used to temporarily stabilize your mana circuits by absorbing the excess mana you have stored, isn’t it? How did they get so damaged? Also, the mana infusion that they used on that gum is really bad.” Evan said.

“Compared to the rest of the world, these are world class, top quality items, and I’m basically using them as disposables. Regardless, it is the best you can currently acquire from anywhere.” Mizu said.

“Can I see a piece?” Evan asked.

“Huh? Oh, sure.” Mizu said, handing him a small wrapped candy.

“Alright, gimme a sec. annnnd there we go.” Evan said, changing the gum.

“What is that?” Mizu asked.

“Is there anyone else you know that has broken mana circuits and valves like you?” Evan asked.

“I have no idea what those are. I’m guessing you mean a malfunctioning mana source. If so, yes. One.” Mizu asked.

“Oh, boy. You guys really don’t know anything do you. I’ll explain on the bus, cmon. Wait… is it this bus?” Evan asked.

“Yes.” Mizu said, sighing.

She had heard how much of a pain Evan could be depending on his mood, but she didn’t expect his whimsical attitude to be so annoying and carefree.

They got on the bus, and sat in the back.