Page 15 of 3013: Hellion
“Since most of the people around here were also holo images, they are not actual sentient beings. They simply move around like puppets that have been programmed with designated tasks. The term they use for them is NPCs, which are non-player characters in a game that are not being controlled by a real person.”
“So, what happens to the holo people when they die?”
“They just sort of turn to dust and blink out of existence,”Jaya explained as she watched the zombies she destroyed do just that.
“But you cannot tell who is holo until they die?”
She considered that for a moment before answering.“Aye, unfortunately. It is taking precious time to sort out who is real and who is not worth saving. I learned that the hard way when dealing with the alien creatures that look like giant bugs earlier. They can spit an acid-like substance that burns a little, but I thought they were melting the holo people.”
She felt her sister’s dismay clearly through their bond.
“Actually, it is kind of awesome. I cannot wait to meet the creative minds that thought up this place. They must be quite brilliant.”
“I heard part of that,”Xian growled.“I was checking in to see if you needed help, but obviously, you don’t. You shouldn’t be thinking any other male is brilliant.”
“Apologies, mate.”Jaya chuckled as she switched back to speaking to her sister.“Xian took exception to that statement. He does not like me complimenting other males.”
“Xian?Who is he?”
“Xian Renn is a Krytos-D’Aire hybrid I ran into shortly before everything went to shit. He also happens to be my mate.”
Her mate.
Being able to say that filled Jaya with pure joy.
“I might have met mine as well,”Jecca said.
“What? Really? Who is he?”Jaya demanded excitedly.
“A human named Zack Keller. His friends called him ZK. I think he is my mate since I have felt a strong connection to him since the moment I first saw him. But I will not be able to confirm that until I get my magic sorted out.”
“Well, you need to get on that. Or better yet, get on him,”Jaya said slyly.
Jecca almost choked on a laugh.“What in all the worlds does that mean?”
“You need to jumpstart your magic somehow, and bonding with your mate seems like the perfect way to reset your powers,”Jaya explained.“We cannot delay much longer. While most of the beings on this island are animated holos, there are also a number of real people stuck here as well. There are also others waiting outside of the protection shield around the island ready to aid us, but they cannot get in, and it is causing some of them to panic.”
“So, we are essentially trapped here for the time being.”
“You will need to be careful since Xian told me the section of the city you are in is home to individuals with superpowers, fanatical government operatives, and killer robots.”
Jecca sighed.“I saw the robots myself a little while ago.”
“Confirm he is your mate and get your magic back,”Jaya ordered.“And stay safe until we can figure out how to break through the barrier and fix the damaged power cell.”
“I will be in contact again soon.”
“Have fun, sister.”
Once their connection ended, Jaya bit her lower lip and fretted. She was happy her sister had also found her mate, but she was still a little worried about the situation. Jecca might be the more sensible one, but Jaya had lived most of her life guarding and protecting her twin.
Not being able to do so now was difficult for her.
Since all the zombies were dusted, Jaya transported back to her mate’s side.
“What’s wrong?” Xian asked, reaching out to stroke a hand over her hair. “Are you hurt?”
“Nay.” She sighed. “My twin met her mate. He is a human named Zack Keller.”