Tom grabbed her hands so that she couldn’t defend herself. With intensity, he pulled her closer and then pushed her back, pinning her against the cold wall. The book on the psychology of emotions slipped from her hands and landed clumsily on the floor. He caught her by the throat while he raised his other hand revealing a sharp piece of ice that glistened like a blade.


A-01’s only reaction was a slight hitch in her breathing . No expression, no emotion. Frozen, she examined Tom’s face as through she could hear the thoughts pressuring his mind, thoughts he allowed to lead him blindly into such an impulsive act.


<< Do it. Kill me, Tom.. >> she whispered.


The tip of the sharp ice came close to her neck. Tom’s grip began to tremble. He clenched his teeth and moved closer while his body was burning with rage.


<< Do it. Then you can return home with pride. That’s what you want, right? Do it. >> A-01 said, her voice retaining the calm tone that defined her.


It would be that easy to win. The enemy had surrendered , and he had the opportunity. But.. all his muscles froze. His fingers wrapped around her neck were no longer obeying his commands. The pressure he put on himself resulted in paralysis and small spasms in his lips.., his head.. his entire body.


<< Don’t be afraid, Tom..>> she whispered with a compassionate tone. Suddenly, the darkness in front of him began to crack, pierced by beams of light from outside. They didn’t stop until his vision cleared completely,- A-01’s face was right before him. But it wasn’t enough to make sense of it all.


<< You. You deceived me! All of you! You’re murderers. You’re dangerous species! >> he shouted with a voice that didn’t sound like his own.


<< Tom..>> A-01 said, stepping a little closer. The sharp ice lightly pierced her skin. << I don’t know what they’ ve told you about us, but I know for certain that you no longer want to be a prisoner..>> She tried to move even closer, allowing the ice to create a small wound from which a stream of bright red blood flowed. Without pain or fear, she locked her gaze onto his, feeling his fury seethe in his breath. She promised quietly herself that she would tame it. << I see you. I see who you really are, Tom. No matter how much you resist it, no matter how much you fight it.. And I know for sure that.. this…right now.. is not your true self. Accept your faith…and be free…>>


The worlds she released seemed to carry a kind of magic that affected him neurologically, body and mind. Tom was weakening, bit by bit..


When he saw her wound, he unconsciously lowered his hand. His fingers, once around her throat, now became a gentle touch, though his anger was still etched onto his face , showing a blend of fury and sadness.


<< Why are you doing this ? Why..>>he trailed off, lowering his gaze and rubbed his eyes nervously.


<< I am not doing anything. Your soul has awakened because it has found its purpose>>


<< Purpose? I had a purpose before I came here! And you destroyed it! >> Tom accused her.


<< No.. Tom.. You broke everything inside because you found what truly nourishes you..>> A-01 explained and lifted her hands to touch his face, though Tom slightly pulled his head back to avoid her. << Listen to me.. Your soul wants you to live for yourself now.. not for others…But if…>> she paused abruptly, swallowing hard. << But if fulfilling your purpose makes you feel better…then .. continue from where you stopped..>>


Silence spread through the cold space around them, even though the tension between them was still taut.


<< I.. I.. can’t… I .. feel .. so tired…>> Tom whispered and with a nervous gesture, threw the sharp ice weapon away.


<< It’s all right.. Everything will be fine.. I promise, Tom.. >> A-01 began to speak soothingly, as Tom paced uncontrollably.


<< No. No! I am here to kill you! I am here for you ! To find you….and….>>> he paused…


<< Yes, you found me… And you found yourself….>>