SYSTEM: System loading…SYSTEM: System failure imminent…SYSTEM: Reboot override: Architect Code—Lizma
Lizma sat at the center of the room, fingers flying across the interface in a desperate rhythm. The space felt cramped but warm, five bodies huddled together against the inevitable.
Behind her, someone cleared their throat. She didn't stop.
"I attempted a patch for our Cradle," a male voice said. "No luck."
From the corner came a soft whimper, followed by the faint lullaby of her best friend. Caedra sang quietly, her voice the only real sound. Lizma was sure Tyrix knelt beside her.
"Lizma," Kaelith slid down beside her, voice low. "There's no use. Even if the system starts again—"
"This is the day," Lizma murmured, not looking at him.
Caedra gasped. "We have to be able to do something!"
"There's nothing left to save," Kaelith said gently. "We all knew this day was coming."
"But we need more time," Caedra clutched the small girl in her arms. "She's not old enough."
Lizma's voice tightened. "I told you and Tyrix the risks when you had her. We all knew. It's the end."
Caedra rocked the child, voice breaking. "So this is really the last day?"
"Yes," Kaelith said softly. "Today we rejoin the code. It's the end for us."
"We've had good lives," Tyrix added, placing a hand on Caedra's shoulder. A hologram flickered into the air: a younger version of the four of them, smiling on their first day as Architects.
"But what about Chloe?" Caedra whispered as the little girl began to cry. "She's not even three. Can't we do something?"
"This is our duty," Lizma said sharply, then softened. "It's our destiny. We should have pride."
She turned back to the interface.
"I can hold it off a little longer," she said quietly. "Just a few more moments together."
Caedra whispered something Lizma didn't catch.
SYSTEM: System failure imminent…SYSTEM: Lizma: Activate Codewright SequenceSYSTEM: Activating…
Her friends gathered close around her.
"Do you think it will hurt?" Tyrix asked, voice hushed.
They were locked in a loose embrace near the console. Chloe laughed suddenly, laying a small hand on Lizma's head, unaware of the moment's gravity. Caedra no longer cried.
"You three were the best friends I could've asked for," Kaelith whispered.
"I love you all," Caedra said, voice hoarse.
The room seemed to burst open, walls dissolving as the end began.
"Chloe De Aura," Caedra whispered, holding her child tightly as her body flickered, "be good for Mommy."
Lizma felt herself unravelling.
SYSTEM: FAILURE!SYSTEM: Lizma: Entity Code Activated…
Tears blurred her vision as her friends disintegrated into streams of code. Lizma closed her eyes.
And then—Darkness.