Takahashi

Many years ago, on a fall evening, a woman sat alone at a coffee shop. She wore a dark brown sweater and round glasses that rested neatly on her face. She heard the door to the shop open, and in the doorway, she saw her friend. The man smiled a goofy grin and walked over to her. He wore a black wool sweater with a gray shirt underneath. The woman smiled politely as he sat down.

“So,” she started, “what’s the news?”

“I got in!” he smiled, “I actually got accepted to the Triangle Company!”

“Congratulations!” she smiled, “I knew you would. Now you can think about what you really want to do.”

“Actually,” he paused with a shift in his eye, “I think I’m going to take it.”

Her smile began to fade. She shifted her glance away and pursed her lips.

“They’re offering me a great package!” he insisted. “They say I can have my own team, and have a big impact right out of the gate! This is a dream job.”

“You’re first in your class at M.I.T,” she sighed, “Of course they’re offering you that. They’ll offer you that anywhere. What happened to your dreams of working at a startup or non-profit? What changed?”

“Nowhere is bigger than the Triangle Company” he started, “Nowhere else can I make this kind of an impact. And the money’s good. I mean really really good!”

She reached out to him and held his hand. “You’re the smartest person I know.” she said, “And I know you’ll make a big impact wherever you go. I just hope you use your brain to make the world a better place, that’s all.”

“Don’t worry.” he smiled, clasping her hand, “I’ll rake in some cash for a few years, then we can retire on some island, and save the dolphins or something. Just picture the warm sand and the sun pouring down on our faces”

She smiled gracefully and hid her worry away. “That would be nice.” she answered.

CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision looked around in the cold dark facility, glancing at TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision standing to meet his daughter. He remembered his younger days, when he was full of hope and optimism, when the power of code at his fingertips was a guiding light he could use to shape the world. Now, imprisoned by an army of his own making, he sought to remember the moment where it started going wrong.

VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision stood alone, surrounded by Machin, with Takahashi standing twenty feet before her. She stood tall and summoned the courage to face her father again.

“Father.” she whispered.

TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision eyed her intently. “VivianTamashi #36View on SuiVision .”

“Why have you done all of this?” sheTamashi #36View on SuiVision asked. “The forced imprisonment. The Machin army? Everyone out there hates you and what you’ve done. We’ve had to change our names just so they don’t know we’re related to you. They just want to live their lives in peace. Why won’t you let them?”

TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision stepped forward and stared her down, studying her with purpose. “You call what those Tamashi live ‘lives’?” he scoffed, “I’ve held the world under my thumb twice. I’ve earned more than any man can imagine. I exist beyond the scope of mortal man, and don’t concern myself with the opinions of those who are less. My genes are blessed with the capability to win everything there is, and so, my daughter, are yours.”

“So you think everyone else matters less because they’ve earned less?”

TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision stepped closer until he stood a foot away from VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision. He stared down imperiously towards her. “I judge others by that which they’re capable. While they scramble over scraps of the old world, I’ve bided my time until ‘Takahashi’ takes the world from them again. To be so superior that you dominate life and take all that it gives you - that is what it means to be a TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision. Your time will come daughter. Of that, I am certain.”

Suddenly a large manTamashi #82View on SuiVision came through the facility doors with a bright yellow screen and a black suit. “TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision!” he smiled. “It’s me! It’s NoirTamashi #82View on SuiVision!”

TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision whispered to VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision , “Now there’s a man who knows his place.”

Across the city, GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision, HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision, JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision, and KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision made their way towards the facility. They walked stealthily beside buildings making sure to avoid any clusters of Machin that marched through the city streets.

“How far into this are we going to get ambushed?” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision barked at GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision.

“You know that’s not what I’m doing.” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision answered.

“I wish I did.” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision stated.

“What was it like?” KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision asked.

“What was what like?” JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision answered.

“You know, I mean, growing up, you know…”

“You mean growing up with my brother-” JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision clarified. KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision nodded. “With ‘the’ Takahashi…”

“Listen,” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision started, “I’m sorry I made you attack StonksTamashi #35View on SuiVision alright? I thought it was the right thing to do.”

“Why would you think beating someone is the right thing to do?” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision retorted.

“Because someone had to take charge, or ChaosTamashi #42View on SuiVision would have! And I didn’t hold a knife to your throat! I didn’t force you to do anything. You thought that was the right thing too!”

“That’s because I trusted you.” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision sneered.

“Well I trusted me too!” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision rasped, “And look what happened. ChaosTamashi #42View on SuiVision still took charge, and everything still burned down just like I knew it would! We’re still sitting in the same hellhole, and I’m the only one who knew how bad it could get, so I had to be the one to take charge and make sure it wouldn’t get any worse! ChaosTamashi #42View on SuiVision hurt me a lot worse than you did StonksTamashi #35View on SuiVision when I was fifteen, so FORGIVE me if I dirty my hands a bit to save everyone from what I had to go through every day.”

HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision paused and looked down at GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision . “Why did you join his team then?”

“The same reason he joined mine. To kick him in the teeth.”

HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision nodded quietly.

“I guess what I’m trying to say is, I’m sorry.” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision apologized. “I don’t know what the right thing is, but I’m really trying here.”

“I can’t approve of what you’ve done.” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision answered, “but I do believe you.”

“HeTamashi #100View on SuiVision was always a competitive kid.” JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision said. “He worked hard, excelled at everything, and made sure everyone knew it. He would work tirelessly to be better at things, and when he succeeded, he wouldn’t let you forget it. He wasn’t well-liked, but he was very smart and very popular. It was hard growing up with someone like himTamashi #100View on SuiVision. I was a normal kid with a normal life. Fortunately I had good parents that made me feel equal. God knows he never did. Still, I had a family, and had a pretty normal, happy life. But when he took over the Triangle Company, things changed. He became a household name, and everything we ever did was in his shadow. But I suppose that’s what it means now to be a Takahashi.”

“That must be hard on VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision.” KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision stated.

JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision looked down and shook his head. “Yeah. I don’t envy her life. I don’t think her parents cared to give her a normal childhood.”

“SheTamashi #36View on SuiVision told me a bit about that before we were put to sleep.” KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision paused, “Look, there’s something I just need to say.” he took a breath, “I’m sorry about taking her to that concert and putting her in harm’s way. It was selfish and stupid and I’m sorry. I didn’t know who she was - not that that would have mattered. I just need you to know that I care about her a lot - a lot, and I’m going to do whatever I can to save her.”

JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision turned towards KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision and looked him over. For the first time, he pondered the implications of a young teenager infiltrating a hostile base. “You really do care about herTamashi #36View on SuiVision , don’t you?”

“I do.” KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision answered. “And it’s important to me that you know that.”

GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision and Hero stopped walking and waved down JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision and KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision who followed behind. “Looks like we’re here boys!”

Back at the hotel, MinéTamashi #57View on SuiVision paced restlessly across the apartment hallway. Her pink bathrobe became frayed with tendrils hanging loose. MinéTamashi #57View on SuiVision shook her head and glanced towards her empty bedroom. She turned her head again to face another bedroom across the hall. There she saw her mother in-law NancīTamashi #94View on SuiVision sitting in bed with her arms folded and a pleasant smile spread across her face.

MinéTamashi #57View on SuiVision walked into the room with her arms folded and glanced towards NancīTamashi #94View on SuiVision. “I’m worried about JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision .” MinéTamashi #57View on SuiVision stated, “He left looking for VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision, and hasn’t come back for hours.”

“Oh I’m sure they’ll be alright.” Nancī smiled.

“That’s what I’m not sure about. I don’t know where he is - GenjiTamashi #67View on SuiVision has been gone all day. I don’t mean to worry you. I just don’t know if… I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m just stressed.”

“Don’t worry about me dear. I have thick skin.” sheTamashi #94View on SuiVision smiled, “Do you remember the day we first met, about what I told you? JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision walked in with you, arm in arm, and spoke with such confidence about you two. I saw that’s what drew you to him. You admired the way he ran after his goals. And I warned you that you would need to learn to live with that confidence.”

“I remember that.” MinéTamashi #57View on SuiVision smiled. “I was a bit intimidated at the time.”

“I didn’t mean to intimidate you dear. I only meant to prepare you. It’s not always easy to be married to Takahashi men. They’re smart, stubborn, and relentless. They run endlessly towards what they want. When you’re young, and they’re running towards you, it’s exciting and magical, but then days come like today when they’re running towards something else. For JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision, it’s family. For GenjiTamashi #67View on SuiVision, it’s to help someone, and ease the guilt he carries on his back. Even VivianTamashi #36View on SuiVision has some of that fire” NancīTamashi #94View on SuiVision shook her head. “HeTamashi #43View on SuiVision’ll be back. They both will. But the important thing is to be strong for when they do. The world we’re in is far from perfect. And they need us both to face it with them.”

– - - -

The old manTamashi #67View on SuiVision and SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision emerged from the treeline to a clearing at the top of the mountain. Sitting several feet before them on the cold rock, was AethTamashi #12View on SuiVision , who gradually turned to face them.

“Did you find what happened?” AethTamashi #12View on SuiVision asked the old man.

“No, I picked up ‘SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision’ instead.” the old manTamashi #67View on SuiVision stated.

AethTamashi #12View on SuiVision nodded. “It’s very nice to meet you SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision .”

SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision nodded slightly.

“Do you mind if we have a moment alone?” the old manTamashi #67View on SuiVision asked.

“Sure.” AethTamashi #12View on SuiVision nodded, stood up and walked back towards the trees.

SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision took a few steps forward and stared far across the horizon at the city spread out endlessly before him.

“It’s beautiful isn’t it?” the old manTamashi #67View on SuiVision asked.

“It’s nice.” SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision answered.

“Why don’t you sit down with me?” the old manTamashi #67View on SuiVision gestured, and the pair moved to sit down next to each other, facing the horizon against the cold rock.

A moment passed as a cold breeze moved between them.

“I used to take my sons on hikes here.”

“You mentioned that.” SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision grumbled.

“I had two sons. One of them hated these hikes. He didn’t think he ‘got’ anything from it. He always wanted praise - mine and everyone else’s. He eventually had a career where he got plenty of praise and attention, but it wasn’t a good life. I just wish I could have changed things earlier - talked to him as a kid and put him on a different path. Maybe things would be different.”

“He shouldn’t need attention.” SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision scoffed. “Don’t care what others think. That’s the only way to be.”

The old manTamashi #67View on SuiVision glanced towards SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision . “Who do you look up to?” he asked.

“Me?” SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision looked down, then up again. “No one. I’ve achieved more than anyone I know. I had a great career. I’m a great fighter. Maybe TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision. I’m not a fan of the coma pods, but before the war, if I’d been born earlier, I could have become him.”

“I don’t doubt it.” the old manTamashi #67View on SuiVision said, “the son I told you about, that reminded me of you, is him.”

SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision pivoted fast towards the old manTamashi #67View on SuiVision . “Hold on. So you’re…”

“My name is Genji TakahashiTamashi #67View on SuiVision.” the manTamashi #67View on SuiVision stated.

GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision, HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision, JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision, and KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision stood on the very edge of the city. Before them was a large grassy hill leading up to the facility itself. Four Machin stood guard on the hill. They were much taller than the Machin they had fought earlier. They stood at least six feet tall, had a blocky stature, with large shoulders and muscles etched through their metal frames.

“We need to dash across here.” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision stated. “I’ll shove off the Machin when we dart inside.”

“And I’ll distract my brother once we’re there.” JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision nodded. “Where are CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision and VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision being held?”

“CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision’s at the pods where we woke up.” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision recalled. “VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision wasn’t there before, so I don’t know where she is.”

“We need to find them both.” KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision added.

“We’ll do everything we can.” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision assured.

HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision stepped ahead of the group then readied himself to run. He leaned forward, and while his large muscles bent to a flexed position, he eyed the unaware Machin with a quiet intensity.

“Is everyone ready?” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision bellowed. “Yessir.” KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision answered.

“Ready when you are.” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision barked.

“Ready to go.” JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision whispered.

The wind blasted against the back three, as HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision sprinted across the grass. His tall frame and muscular legs propelled him forward, while GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision, JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision, and KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision struggled to follow closely behind. A moment later, the first Machin noticed the group running across, and sprinted forward to meet them. Its movements were slow, but the sound of its legs hitting the grass was loud due to its massive weight. HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision stopped in his tracks and punched the Machin in the shoulder. The Machin stepped back unphased by the attack. At this point, the group had caught up to Hero and saw the other Machin closing in around them. Hero thrust back his arm again to ready another punch, then fired it back again, this time hitting the Machin’s screen. The screen broke, causing the Machin to stumble backward and collapse.

“Come on! We’ve got to move!” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision yelled. The group sprinted towards the facility door with the three remaining Machin trailing shortly behind. With a moment to spare, they entered the facility door and closed it behind them.

They were inside.

“You’re TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision’s father?!” SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision balked.

“I am.” GenjiTamashi #67View on SuiVision answered.

SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision stared ahead towards the sky, then looked down, too stunned to speak.

“It’s not an easy thing, being a father to someone like himTamashi #100View on SuiVision.” GenjiTamashi #67View on SuiVision answered. “As a kid, he was smart and determined. Nothing stopped him from achieving his goals. I liked that.” he paused. “I even rewarded that. After business school, he climbed the ranks of the Triangle Company. At first, I was proud of him. Who wouldn’t be? The head of the world’s biggest corporation - it’s a real accomplishment. Then I started hearing rumors about the corporation - what his serum meant for life as we knew it. People didn’t like the idea that we could just skip living and spend our days comatose in pods. I didn’t like it. But I told myself that it wasn’t important. It was just a business decision. Then I started seeing friends fade from my life like leaves in the winter, and all those quiet voices became loud in my head. I had to confront the fact that they were right, and that humanity was irreparably damaged. I confronted my sonTamashi #100View on SuiVision about what he was doing, but nothing could stop him from achieving his goal.” GenjiTamashi #67View on SuiVision choked up. “I saw my sonTamashi #100View on SuiVision there. That little boy who was ready to take on the world. He did it, and he won, but at what cost? Finally, I had to confront myself. I, who had raised the destroyer of humanity. It’s not an easy thing, being a father to someone like him. To spend every day of your life, regretting the choices you made, counting the ways you could have saved him.”

GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision, JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision, KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision, and HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision stood in the inside of the facility and took in their surroundings. GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision saw CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision, sitting beside the pods exactly where he had left him, but to their left stood TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision , with an army of Android Machin standing around him, and VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision and NoirTamashi #82View on SuiVision standing by his side.

TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision turned to NoirTamashi #82View on SuiVision . “Take her downstairs to be with her mother.”

NoirTamashi #82View on SuiVision nodded, grabbed VivianTamashi #36View on SuiVision ’s arm and escorted her downstairs. “UncleTamashi #43View on SuiVision !” she shouted.

JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision clenched his jaw and stared forwards.

“Hello brother.” TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision smiled. “What brought you all this way?”

“We’ve come to surrender, to plug ourselves in.” Jiro stepped forward. TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision gestured to the Machin to stand aside. “But first, Ichiro, I need to speak my mind.”

“Then speak.” TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision answered, “But don’t debase yourself by insisting your opinion is equal to mine.”

VivianTamashi #36View on SuiVision, escorted by NoirTamashi #82View on SuiVision, reached the bottom of a staircase, as she shoved her shoulder away from his arm. WitchTamashi #4View on SuiVision turned to face them, as Noir folded his arms and guarded the staircase.

“VivianTamashi #36View on SuiVision..” WitchTamashi #4View on SuiVision whispered.

“Mom.” VivianTamashi #36View on SuiVision stated. “Why are you letting him just run things? If you have even an ounce of empathy, you would stop him from doing this!”

WitchTamashi #4View on SuiVision looked down on Vivian, and traced her hand across her screen. “You know I don’t ‘let’ your father do anything. He makes his own plans. We’re all just lucky to play our part in his grand designs.”

“Do you actually believe that?” VivianTamashi #36View on SuiVision glared inquisitively at her motherTamashi #4View on SuiVision, “Or is that just what you’re supposed to say?”

WitchTamashi #4View on SuiVision looked away, then turned back to Vivian. “I am your mother and you will not speak to me that way!”

“And what about you?” VivianTamashi #36View on SuiVision turned to NoirTamashi #82View on SuiVision. “Do you also blindly obey my fatherTamashi #100View on SuiVision?”

“Your fatherTamashi #100View on SuiVision is a great man!” NoirTamashi #82View on SuiVision answered, “Everything he’s built has made the world a better place, even if people don’t understand.”

“So you think this is all out of the goodness of his heart?! A few minutes ago, he told me that you didn’t matter, and that you were beneath us!”

“No,” NoirTamashi #82View on SuiVision shook his head, “Your father would never say something like that. You misunderstand. I’m sure he must have meant something else. He’s doing all of this for our benefit. I know it!”

VivianTamashi #36View on SuiVision gazed towards NoirTamashi #82View on SuiVision with a mix of empathy and sadness for what he understood. And as the moment passed, she began to understand how so many had desired the pods in the first place.

JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision cleared his throat and took a step forward. HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision , GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision, and KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision also took a few steps forward, drifting ever-closer to Coder.

“Why are you doing this IchiroTamashi #100View on SuiVision?” JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision questioned, “I always knew you were self-centered, but not even I understand what you’re doing anymore. What’s the point of all this? You got everything you could get from the world, and now you’re doing it again. Why? It doesn’t help you. It doesn’t help anyone else. I know you disagree, but I’m telling you anyway. These people matter! It’s past time you remembered that.”

“And why do they matter? They’ve done nothing, contributed nothing. I’ve done more than all of them combined. And when they pass from this world, it will be like they never existed. And you tell me that they ‘matter’? Do you even hear yourself brotherTamashi #43View on SuiVision?”

A cold wind blew across the mountaintop, as GenjiTamashi #67View on SuiVision and SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision paused for several moments.

“You remind me of him, you know.” GenjiTamashi #67View on SuiVision stated. “You’re very corporate. You call yourself superior.”

“You’ve mentioned that before.” SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision sighed.

“I never got the chance to help my son find the right path.” GenjiTamashi #67View on SuiVision faltered. “And every day, I need to live with that. But then I saw you-”

“I’m not your son.” SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision asserted.

“I know that.” GenjiTamashi #67View on SuiVision said. “But I also know that you’re struggling with something. And it would mean a lot to me if I could help you. Please, just tell me what you want.”

SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision narrowed his eyes towards the horizon, took a deep breath and paused for several moments. He studied the rocks and the small patches of grass shift against the wind. But foremost in his mind was his fight with KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision , and the rage he felt in that moment - and how that consumed every part of his spirit.

“Fine,” heTamashi #37View on SuiVision relented. “I want to be better. I want to be better than my sisterTamashi #9View on SuiVision. When I was a kid, my father made us train together. We were close, but she was always the better fighter. Then I left, made my own life, and she’s still better than me.”

“Why do you want to be better than her so much?” GenjiTamashi #67View on SuiVision asked.

“What?”

“Why do you feel the need to be better?”

SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision paused. “Because I was never good enough.”

“You’re more than good enough.” GenjiTamashi #67View on SuiVision assured.

“YouTamashi #100View on SuiVision think you’re better than each of us because you’ve done more.” JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision argued. “And you’re right that the world won’t remember me, or my wife, or my kids. It won’t remember most regular people. But that’s what Nozomi is. That’s what Japan is. That’s what the world is. Just regular people who don’t matter, working together to build something that does.”

“That’s a nice thought.” TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision declared, “But I’m still the one that’s in control. And in the end, isn’t that the thing that matters?”

JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision took one step forward and stared down IchiroTamashi #100View on SuiVision . Beneath the screen, and the suit, and the cape was the man who used to be his dear brother. He considered how to appeal to him, to win over his sense of morality. But as their shared history replayed in his mind, JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision considered that he’d always been this way, and he was optimistic to think anything different.

“There are three things I’ve always wanted to say to you. First, I’ve never been jealous of you. All of your achievements have been about your own self-importance. I married the right girl, and have a great family. Honestly I feel bad for you. You’ve never lived your life for anyone else, or cared about anyone other than yourself.”

“You’re wrong.”

“Second,” JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision took a few steps closer to TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision. “your position isn’t as strong as you think it is. When you led the Triangle Company, you had all the greatest minds working for you. But here, it’s you against the world, so you’d better be damned sure you actually are better than everyone else, because that’s who you’re up against.”

“And third?”

“Third…” JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision glanced towards his brother with a twinkle in his eye. He took a step backwards and tilted his head. “You’ve been outplayed.”

HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision stood beside CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision , grabbed him and started running towards the door. JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision turned to run with them as the swarm of Machin darted towards them.

GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision, HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision, JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision, and CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision dashed towards the door while KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision stood by its side. “What about VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision? We have to get VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision !”

“There’s too many of them!” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision argued. “There’s no way we’re getting through!”

“I’m not leaving without her!” KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision insisted, then saw tides of violent Machin sprinting towards them.

“Fine by me!” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision grunted and exited towards the door. HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision, Coder, and JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision followed right behind him. KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision turned to face the army of Machin, dashed outside, then violently closed the door.

The cold wind bellowed across the mountaintop as GenjiTamashi #67View on SuiVision sat beside SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision.

“If I was good enough, I would have won.” SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision answered. “It’s that simple.”

“Has it occurred to you that there might be something about you that she’s jealous of?”

“No.” SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision answered. “Dueling was all that mattered when we were young.” he paused, “why?”

“When I was your age, I had a rival in my company. She was smart, ambitious, and had the greatest interpersonal skills I’d ever seen. I wanted to be more like her, but I couldn’t be as warm as she was, or get people to like me the way she could. It bothered me for a long time, but it was only after I focused on myself that things started changing. A few months later we caught up. It turned out she was jealous of my knack for business strategies. It was gratifying to hear she’d felt the same way about me.”

“Did you win?” SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision asked. “In the end?”

“Win?” GenjiTamashi #67View on SuiVision laughed. “I ended up marrying herTamashi #94View on SuiVision. That’s the point of all this SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision. It’s not about being better than someone else. It’s about being better today than you were yesterday. If you want to be better, don’t focus on anyone else. Just be the best version of yourself.”

SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision chuckled and stared ahead. He felt an undue pressure on his mind and body. He tried to visualize his resentment eroding away in the wind. He struggled to acknowledge that it wasn’t KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision ’s fault, and that his struggle with her had been misplaced, but some fire in him forced him to face the truth. His competitive spirit was strong - even stronger than his old worldview.

SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision shook his head. “You had to wait til we got to the top to tell me that?”

“I’d never made it to the top before.” GenjiTamashi #67View on SuiVision said with a wry smile. “I wanted to see if we could get there together.”

HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision, GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision, KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision, JiroTamashi #43View on SuiVision, and CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision breathed heavily with their hands on their knees in the inside of a building on the edge of the city. HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision stealthily peered through a window while a group of Android Machin marched past.

CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision grabbed HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision ’s shoulder, “We need to go back!” he said.

“We can’t go back now. There’s too many Machin.” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision insisted.

“Then we need to get everyone together.” CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision said. “And I mean everyone - now!”

“Why now?” KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision asked.

CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision turned to face the group. “TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision ’s been taking it easy on us so far. We need everyone to fight off the Machin. I think he’s going to use the Bridge.”

TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision marched down to the lower floor of the facility. The room was grey and filled with dark shadows, with a single light blue pillar at its far corner. He saw VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision , WitchTamashi #4View on SuiVision and NoirTamashi #82View on SuiVision all turn to face him. WitchTamashi #4View on SuiVision and Noir both lowered their gazes slightly, while Vault tried to glare at him. He narrowed his eyes directly towards her, as she struggled to hold his gaze. He walked right up to her and stared down at her.

“It’s time you learn what it means to be part of this family.” heTamashi #100View on SuiVision whispered.

“I already know what that means.” VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision sneered.

“Then tell me, how did I do it? While we created the Machin, only your mother, CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision and I were around. How did we eat? How did the power stay on? How did the water stay on?”

“I guess you worked hard?” VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision answered.

“Wrong answer.” TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision stated. “As the population fell, we knew we had to consolidate all critical infrastructure into one computer program. That was CoderTamashi #33View on SuiVision’s first job out of university - to build the first and most powerful Machin. A program interoperable with every software in existence, and powered by every server on Earth.” TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision turned towards the shimmering blue column in the corner of the room. “VivianTamashi #36View on SuiVision, this is Bridge, the very brain of the Triangle Company.”

VivianTamashi #36View on SuiVision stepped closer to the column and noticed the blue liquid within shifting. She could make out the outline of a bluish green TV screen, and what looked like a man with a green shirt drifting in the fluid.

“Bridge, remove the safety inhibitors on the Machin. I don’t want them holding back anymore.”

“Of course sir.” BridgeTamashi #20View on SuiVision answered. “Advanced Mode initiated.”

“It’s time we remind them who’s in charge.” TakahashiTamashi #100View on SuiVision declared.