Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Waking up from what felt like an eternal sleep, Marcy tries to raise herself off the ground, but realizes that she has no ground to stand on. She is floating in water, yet it feels light as air. She attempts to move her arms but feels an intense pain sear through her chest, like a blend between a burn mark and a cut. Yet this pain is instantly numbed as well, resulting in a confusing sensation of suffering and ease. Marcy begins recollecting what could have happened to leave her in this state. She would usually think out loud, but her mouth is covered by a dark gray rebreather. At first, it is a struggle because her mind feels drunk. She can tell that she should remember something but has no clue what it could even relate to. While deliberating she looks down to see that the area she felt the pain in is precisely exposed, no more skin revealed than was burnt. And she can make out a diamond shaped mark in her skin, one that seems partially hollow. Like something was stabbed through it and burnt her at the same time…

She remembers! It all happened so fast, she was so close to being back with Anne on Earth, she was on the verge of configuring the portal when… Andrias… stabbed her through the chest. The sword that flared with intense heat as it pierced her skin. The adrenaline and shock of the whole situation must have suppressed the pain at the time.

From there it becomes more of a blur, she must have fell unconscious soon after. The sound of the box hitting the ground and cracking is the last thing her mind can recall. How could Andrias do such a thing to her, after all the time they had bonded? He trusted her like she was his daughter, why would he so carelessly harm her like this? And… Her friends. She lost them, too. Even if they are still alive, would they ever forgive her for stranding them in Amphibia? It was an irrational decision, sure, but they were all so happy together, happier than ever before! And she got to be more like herself than she could at home! Had Andrias never exposed the truth then maybe these fears would not linger in her mind. Why did Andrias have to ruin it all, after everything she did for him?
Marcy wants to cry but can’t, no matter how much her body wants to. She lost everything, and is now trapped where she can’t even try and redeem her mistakes…

Unknown voice: “We finally meet, Marcy Wu.”

A voice echoes around Marcy, sounding like it comes from every direction, like it is being said by multiple people at once. Yet one voice rings clearer than the rest, the voice of a wise old leader. She wants to ask who he is, but of course, she cannot speak.

Unknown voice: “I am the mind of Aldrich; I am sure you’ve seen my name.”

King Aldrich, a name Marcy recognizes from her times in the libraries of Newtopia, the father of Andrias, ruler of Amphibia before him. She again wants to ask about him, how he is able to communicate with her considering his death in 9210 on the Newt calendar. Yet, once again, it lingers as a thought.

Aldrich: “Newtopian technology is fascinating, Marcy. It is capable of archiving our minds to linger on for generations. My reign continues to define our history, making me worthy of thinking past my living days.”

Incredible! He gave an answer to her thoughts! But how? In what way can her thoughts be heard and answered like this?

Aldrich: “You reside closer to my resting place than most Newts are ever allowed. Our… My, archive is capable of hearing the lingering thoughts of others. The mind has more to say than it wishes to speak.”

This is so cool, Marcy thinks! But to test Aldrich, she questions if he can identify what video game is currently on her mind. She relaxes her brain to let the image of the strangest game she had ever played flow through her mind.

Aldrich: “Vagabondia Chronicles 1.7: Tears of Forgetting 2. You never understood the meaning of the title.”

By God, he was spot on! She was utterly impressed by this connection Aldrich had with her. He knew all she was thinking about, including…

Aldrich: “My son, Andrias. Do not be concerned, Marcy, for I am angered by his actions too. You meant the world to him, he hasn’t had a friendship this strong in centuries, and the last time he put his trust in someone, he ruined the kingdom. He has chosen to take an extreme act of aggression to avoid making the same mistakes. Yet, as his father, I cannot support what he has done to you. I am disappointed in him too, Marcy.”

Finally, someone to talk to – think to – about Andrias’s actions! Someone who understands things from her point of view is even better.

Aldrich: “Andrias has never been capable of the standards of his ancestors, not even his father. I cannot pretend that he is careless – he was the one who put you here to be healed and saved from sure death – but his actions are unworthy of respect. You have been out for two weeks, and all of Newtopia has changed. That is why I hope you can trust me, Marcy. Eventually, you will be free from this rejuvenation and return to a sense of normality. We will ensure that Andrias cannot harm you any further, and I shall guide you through your thoughts and fears. Does that sound like a plan?”

Marcy deliberates in her head for several minutes on this matter. She has no reason to trust Andrias anymore, in fact she would rather never see him again. And with all that has happened, she could really benefit from a guiding voice. Yet couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a better option. Maybe if she just had her friends…

Aldrich: “Your friends, the ones who disowned you when the truth came out? Remember, Marcy, I know your thoughts. And no, I do not believe they will forgive you so easily. You cannot simply apologize, words will never return the months they’ve lost. No grand gesture can shift their feelings away, it was a grand gesture that they are upset about in the first place. They will not forgive you easily, they may never forgive you. That is why it is better to move on, Marcy. Say goodbye to those childhood friends, and embrace a better future.”

It hurts, it truly hurts. Losing her friends months later to such an impulsive decision, yet it hurts even more to consider letting go. But Aldrich seems convincing. Maybe he is right. Maybe it’s time to turn over a new leaf, a chance to try again. She accepts his suggestions, willing to trust the mind of Amphibia’s greatest ruler.

Aldrich: “Thank you, Marcy. With your mind at ease, I believe your rejuvenation should complete sooner than anticipated. But I cannot be sure when it will complete. It takes an excess amount of energy to communicate with you like this, I shall need to depart for the time being. Farewell for now, Marcy Wu.”

Left on her own again, Marcy feels her body relax. She is about to fall into a sleep, though her mind lingers for a brief moment longer. Sasha, Anne… I’m sorry. I don’t want to lose you two, after all we did together. Just, please, give me another chance…

Chapter Text

Andrias senses the return of his father’s mind and halts his single player Flipwart match.

Andrias: “So, father, how is she?”

The sound of his father flows through Andrias’s brain.

Aldrich: “She is recovering at a solid pace, but it seems she has no forgiveness towards you. I told her that I am disappointed in your actions.”

Andrias (trying to hide his grief at Marcy’s rejection of him): Hoho, that’s smart! Words to get her on our side, right?”

There is a silence for several seconds, and Andrias begins to feel shame in his body. Regret at what he did to Marcy. Before his father can lunge at this opportunity to lambast him, Andrias changes the subject.

Andrias: “Everything else is under control. The box took damage from the way Marcy…”

He stutters at her name.

Andrias: “The girl… dropped it. It’s been sent for repairs, but it may take weeks to complete. And as for the Pinocchio prototype…”

Andrias turns towards the far wall of his living quarters, where a black chassis is held. It is made of a reinforced dark grey metal, with what looks to be eye sockets around it. The headpiece, shaped circular, has horns like a goat made of the same substance. The headpiece is directly connected to the rest of the chassis through thin spider like legs.

Andrias: “The design has been finalised, but now we need to see if you can all connect with it. Well ancestors, lets test it out.”

The headpiece begins to light up, the eye sockets glowing with an amber light. The eyes, all differing widths and pointing in different directions, all begin to look around the room. They all act independently from each other, as if a different mind is using them.

Andrias: “It works!! Hahaha yes, it works!! Ah, wonderful! Marcy will fit this thing beautifully! And the illusions?”

At this, the eyes of the armour each find a different location to focus on, with the centre eye glaring at Andrias while Aldrich’s voice rings out.

Aldrich: “I look just as glorious as the day I died! You truly are a mirror of me, Andrias. Why son, I think I am almost proud of you.”

With a smirk on his face at the half hearted compliment, Andrias giggles with excitement at the success of his father’s ultimate plans.

Andrias: “And now, after all these years, we finally have a suitable host for Pinocchio!!”

Aldrich: “Andrias, we no longer need such a pathetic name for this machine.”

The voice of Aldrich shifts with each sentence, as if a different mind is speaking with each one.

Minds of The Core: “We have seen Marcy’s mind, and we know what she likes. We understand that a name like Pinocchio does not match her personality. However, we suggest a better name. One that relates to her passions, one that may be more representative of who we are working with. We shall call it…"

Aldrich’s voice returns to drown out the other voices, sounding more menacing in the process:

“Project Darcy!”