Phoenix
It was so late at night when Phoenix finished crying that Lira had started dozing off. The shifter insisted the pixie log off and get some rest. Despite her reluctance, she finally did sign out after a failed attempt to stay wake. Drax on the other hand, dutifully stayed by her side. Even when exhaustion threatened to claim him, he refused to leave her alone in the game. He eventually dozed off lying next to her on the dirt floor. Opal lay curled up in a furry starry ball in her lap fast asleep. Her own eyelids grew heavy with sleep after crying so much. Shaking her head vigorously, she woke herself up. There were more important things to do. If the game data wasn't the issue that meant it had to be the AI. The evidence of her subconscious connection to the game's artificial intelligence had become too obvious to ignore as well. Could it be possible to consciously prompt a response from it? She concentrated trying to find any other link besides the link bond with Opal. At first, there was nothing but hollow space. Then a prompt appeared in her mind.
[How may I help?]
Success! Now she just needed to ask.
Why can I not log out?
[… Condition assessment commencing …]
[Assessment Complete – Neurological Injury Detected]
[I've been injured before but the pain never lasted more than a few seconds. What was different this time?]
[Unidentified Neurological Damage Detected – Log Out Disabled for Health Reasons]
This doesn't make sense. Why ignore protocol in my case? Suddenly the system responded to her thought.
[Neurological Repair Commencing … Restoring Safety Programming … Restoration Complete – You may now log out]
Wait. How do I create a base for my friends and I?
[Focus on the base's purpose. I will create it to fit the need.]
Thank you.
The system closed in her mind's eye returning her to the murky darkness of the covered tree basin. First, the light source came to mind. Beautiful luminous fauna grew from the roof bathing the entirety of the natural fortress. Next, she pictured Drax and Lira in her mind, hoping the system would produce some of the things that would benefit them. The empty space was transformed. Large rings sprouted from the roof each one wrapped thin flowering vines. The base of the tree that made up part of the wall warped and opened up creating a spiraling staircase within the now hollow trunk. Wooden steps formed along the wall granting easier access to the entrance. Opposite the entrance, boxes resembling beds formed from the structure and jutted from the wall. Thick soft moss covered the top of each one for a natural mattress. Bookshelves carved themselves into the space a few feet from the beds. Finally, she thought about the work space she would need as well as a den and obstacle course for Opal. Her wish was granted. A thick sturdy slab of wood burst from the ground up to the height of her waist, polishing itself into a smooth work surface. Cubby holes as wide as her shoulders formed within the sides for storage. An obstacle course consisting of tunnels, rings and ramps formed from the earth in a winding maze.
At last, the base was ready. Her ability to log out was restored. All that was left was to wake up Drax to deliver the good news. She put her hand on his shoulder and shook gently. "Wake up. We can go now."
He stirred just enough To open his eyes just a fraction. "Mm. Okay. See you in the morning."
He logged out and Phoenix followed. Back in reality, she sent Mark back to wherever he sleeps. Maybe it was just her sleep addled brain running wild, but a part of her already missed Mark's presence in the room.