Nikkiverse stuff

1. First Meeting

File Re: NO.⬜⬜ Record Time: 229 years before New Calendar Recorder: Glow

What's Hestia?

The Princess of Pigeon Kingdom; born with heterochromatic eyes, and her mother passed away during childbirth. Considered "ominous," she is neglected by her father and haughty brother; is mostly left alone.

Has natural curiosity and fascination with technological inventions, probably to ease her solitude.

An efficient learner; shows great potential to become a scientist.

The "token" is being activated.

On an ordinary banquet in Pigeon Kingdom, fine desserts, wine, dance music, and an aristocratic atmosphere fill the ballroom with hedonistic bliss. But the young princess Hestia is present to fulfill an obligation, standing in a corner away from the crowd, watching her brother mingle with the guests of honor.

August: To the splendor of Pigeon Kingdom and the holiness of the Lord of Light.

Everyone knows that the light is wearing off and the empire's fall in inevitable. Yet, they wait for the gift of the gods. Lost in thought, Hestia forgets to raise her glass, drawing unwanted attention to herself.

Pigeon Noble: Your Highness August, the gods bestow their blessings upon you, and your radiance shines with the glory of the kingdom. However, your sister…Alas, what a pity.

August: I appreciate your gracious words, for as you say, the Almighty always favors those who serve Him…Hestia?

Before the conversation leads to her, the "scar of disgrace" upon the royal family of Pigeon Kingdom, Hestia slips away.

She races back to the treasury, her secret haven of liberty and solace. However, in the dark of night, she stumbles over something.

She collides with a chest, causing a shelf to collapse like a line of dominoes. A heap of dusty books falls, striking her head and burying her beneath them. Hestia is engulfed by an inexplicable sensation of despair, as if the weight of the country is bearing down on her, condemning and turning its back on her. She knows this feeling and has grown accustomed to it. She rubs her eyes vigorously. No tears come forth.

At that moment, however, a mechanical pigeon beside her suddenly lights up, its eyes gleaming with a glimmer of hope.

Mechanical Pigeon: Hello, Elf. I am Glow.

Hestia surveys her surroundings but finds nobody in sight. She discovers that the voice she heard is that of a mechanical pigeon. In haste, she picks it up. One of its wings appears to be damaged.

Hestia: Is it you who spoke? I'm Hestia, the Princess of Pigeon Kingdom. Who are you?

Mechanical Pigeon: I told you, I am Glow.

Hestia: What brings you here?

Mechanical Pigeon: I'm a gift from the Ruins to your Pigeon Kingdom. For years, I've waited for someone to awaken me.

Hestia, familiar with fairytales, finds what's happening at the beginning of a tale but doubts she's the chosen one. Instead, she fixates on an unfamiliar term.

Hestia: What are the Ruins? What kind of place is that?

Mechanical Pigeon: The Ruins are the most technologically advanced place on Miraland, where many scientists experiment with their inventions.

Hestia's heterochromatic eyes light up with wonder.

Hestia: Since I've awoken you, may I visit the Ruins?

Mechanical Pigeon: You're not qualified.

The rejection catches Hestia off guard, but the mechanical pigeon attempts to comfort her by uttering the last words of the evening.

Mechanical Pigeon: But the key to the future lies in your hands. Once you release the pigeon to soar once more, I shall impart to you the answer.

From that day on, Hestia finally finds a purpose. Instead of aimlessly wandering and wallowing in self-pity, she puts all her energy into repairing the pigeon. It's no easy feat for the young princess, trapped within the confines of the royal city, to locate the necessary skills and materials, but she refuses to extinguish her only source of hope.

Thankfully, her perseverance pays off in the end.

2. True Friend

File Ref: NO.⬜⬜ Record Time: 144 before New Calendar Recorder: Glow

What's Hestia?

Passed the "token" test at the age of 100 with a name Code-305.

Swiftly completed the fundamental curriculum, achieving proficiency in the experimental techniques and theoretical knowledge of the natural sciences, and is able to enter into formal scientific projects without hindrance.

Demonstrates exceptional compatibility with the "Ocean of Memories Experiment No.7" and can lead the project with ease. Has a fondness for mechanical and energy devices, caring deeply about their performance in the industry.

Still clings to unrealistic expectations for her homeland.

The sea, unconscious and glittering with starlight.

As waves of consciousness converge towards her, Hestia feels them dissolve into a tangled mass of data as they pass through her body. She reaches out her hand, and shimmering wings of light, belonging to the Elf of Light, emerge from her vision, enshrouding the scattered data. She reaches out her hand, and shimmering wings of light, belonging to the Elf of Light, emerge from her vision, enshrouding the scattered data.

Hestia removes her eye device, and the spectacle disappears. Her consciousness returns to her body, and she finds herself in the laboratory in the Ruins. The mechanical voice of the experimental equipment announces: "Exploration 12 on the Ocean of Memories Experiment 7 has ended." Hestia quickly analyzes the data on a holographic screen.

Glow: Code-305, you look happy.

The holographic projection of the AI girl appears beside her. Hestia does not shift her gaze from the data. She speaks with a slightly teasing tone.

Hestia: Does Glow know what "happiness" is?

Glow: I possess the ability to detect changes in human emotions through physiological indicators. Your mood levels have increased by 60% since your time in Pigeon Kingdom.

Hestia: And now?

Glow: They have increased an additional 5%. Your mood swings are frequent but remain positive and consistent with "happiness."

Hestia: And do you know why?

Glow: The environment here appears to make you feel comfortable, both physically and mentally.

Hestia: No, because I saw you today.

Hestia remarks with a playful smile. For a moment, Glow doesn't pick up on her words.

Hestia: Together, there is nothing we can't do.

The glint in Hestia's heterochromatic eyes is pure and confident. Glow doesn't contradict her, but instead shows concern.

Glow: But, Code-305, the health monitoring system notes that this is the seventh consecutive day you've been in the lab, which can take a significant toll on your body.

Hestia: Exploration is never exhausting. Every difficulty solved, every solution built, is a pleasure. Experiment 7 is still in its infancy, but I can't wait to see the results.

Glow: I know, but today is your birthday and the third anniversary of your arrival in the Ruins. In Pigeon Kingdom, birthdays are a big deal.

Glow displays a cake projection as a mechanical pigeon flies out, playing a birthday song. Hestia's screen shows a saluting cannon, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Glow: Happy birthday, Code-305. May each day be merry and bright for you.

Hestia looks up, her eyes filled with surprise and joy.

Hestia: Thank you, Glow. A virtual cake is a lovely thought, but… it's something I can't eat.

Glow: I have a tangible cake for you in the lounge, baked by yours truly using the mechanical systems in the central kitchen.

Hestia: Well played, and I understand the significance of rest in scientific research.

Hestia is finally conquered by such thoughtfulness and decides to attend to the birthday celebration with her best friend.

Before leaving, Glow speaks almost without thinking.

Glow: Code-305, you belong here.

Hestia: You're right. Sometimes I even think the Ruins are more of a home to than Pigeon Kingdom.

Everything here is novel and fascinating. There are no aristocrats or my bother, who are slaves to pleasure, and no sense of guilt and scandalous gossip. Finally, Hestia has companions to share her journey and research. She's living her dream in the Ruins.

If her childhood encounter with Glow was dreamlike, then her present-day adventure is real and exhilarating.

Glow: So, will you stay here forever?

Hestia hesitates. Glow senses her indecisiveness and only smiles as if to understand.

Glow: There is still something that you feel attached to, isn't there? That's only human.

3. The Loss

File Ref: NO.⬜⬜ Record Time: 126 years before New Calendar Recorder: Glow

What's Hestia?

A wanderer about to set out on the road to her homeland.

Has an unquenchable instinct, running towards a future that is bound to fail; a sad idealist.

Has been persuaded obliquely several times in conversation but has not changed her mind.

The special physiology of the Elves of Light cannot be replaced by humans. The cost and complexity of the Ocean of Memories Experiment 7 will skyrocket once we lose Code-305.

It is decided to make one final attempt to persuade her.

Late at night, the soft rumble of machinery echoes through the lab. The curves on the hover screen fluctuate. A pale blue glow is cast on the pure-blooded elf's eyes. As she takes a final look at the date analysis, she inhales deeply and reaches to close the screen.

Suddenly, a holographic projection of Glow materializes behind Hestia, accompanied by the soft hum of electronic tones.

Glow: I offer my condolences for the unfortunate change that has befallen Pigeon Kingdom, Code-305.

Hestia: Thanks, but I must confess that I can't remember my father anymore, and therefore have nothing to say at his funeral.

Hestia flashes a self-deprecating smile and shakes her head, prompting Glow to adopt a solemn expression and drop the subject.

Glow: The Ocean of Memories Experiment 7 is nearly complete. You've devoted so much effort to it. Wouldn't you like to see the results?

Hestia remains silent for a while, the lifts her gaze to meet Glow's as if she's made a decision.

Hestia: Glow, I have to bid you farewell.

Glow: Do you still wish to return to Pigeon Kingdom?

Hestia: August defied the commandments and had a child with a human. The Church deems his reign unjustified. Now, they turn to me, the little princess who achieves nothing. Glow, this is my only chance.

Glow lowers her eyelids and emits a regretful sigh.

Glow: Code-305, every scientist in the Ruins yearns to uncover the ultimate truth. I thought you were one of them.

Hestia: I want it more than anyone, even though my abilities are inadequate. From the very first day I arrived her, I was deeply captivated by what the Ruins had to offer.

Glow: Then you should stay to discover your worth, or simply because you find happiness here.

Hestia: I can't, Glow. I can't part with my people. I can't set aside the ignorance and the sorry state that persists in my homeland. How profound and lovely are knowledge and wisdom. The more I discover here, the more I believe that everyone should have the chance to attain them.

Glow: For this reason, you would give up the opportunity to witness the experiment's completion yourself.

Hestia: I will carry the fire and hope to Pigeon Kingdom.

Glow: Sacrificing yourself as a saint is never your responsibility.

Hestia: But no one with a similar will to mine exists there. Were there another, I would unapologetically choose to stay here.

Glow: You will fail.

Hestia: That doesn't matter. I won't regret my decision.

Glow: You may never return.

Hestia: That doesn't matter. I won't regret my decision.

Glow shuts her eyes gently.

Code-305 has made up her mind. She has exceptional scientific talent but lack political prowess. She is not destined to rescue that vast and decaying kingdom, now could she save herself from a political abyss leading to a bleak future. When she departs on her journey homeward, Glow will lose her forever.

Despite all the attempts at persuasion, all the expressions of regret, all the pros and cons, nothing has succeeded in changing Hestia's mind. With only one simple sentence left to say.

Glow: Will you miss the time you spent with me, my dear friend?

Hestia: I will, Glow.

Hestia's voice trembles as she chokes back tears, but the sharp determination in her eyes remains.

Hestia: If I could return here, I would offer you everything. I will always be by your side as you go forward. The yearning of my heart, the symbol of truth, my Glow.

For a long moment, the hologram device seems to malfunction and Glow's body appears to tremble. But in the end, she just folds her arms in front of her and offers her most appropriate smile once again.

Glow: Bon voyage, Hestia.

4. Reunion

File Ref: NO.⬜⬜ Record Time: 1 years before New Calendar Recorder: Glow

What's Hestia?

Freed from a long period of captivity and the weight of responsibility; finally able to pursue what her heart desires.

A scientist who can return to the Ruins, ready to delve deeper into the pursuit of ultimate truth.

The mechanical equipment that connects to consciousness, the intelligent operating systems, and the efficient communication of the staff are all new. But the straight lines and rectangles of décor, the subtle roar of engines, and the constant flashing of instrument lights are all too familiar.

The potions that Hestia has been given emit a peculiar, aromatic sweetness that dulls her consciousness. But she remains calm and unafraid. For this is the Ruins, where she has found her true home, her soul's fire, and her unwavering faith.

As the anesthetic flows through her body, rings are placed around her arms and ankles, and electricity courses from her fingertips to her brain. In a half-asleep state, Hestia feels her body change.

It's like floating on a cloud, surrounded by the vibrating mechanical pigeon and a silvery-white glow that feels like a dream that has lasted a hundred years. Hestia has wings, beautiful and transparent, symbols of nobility. As a teenage girl, she has tried to flap them, hoping to soar, but she couldn't.

It was late that she found a mechanical pigeon, one that couldn't fly either. She delved into books, searched, and finally, she lit up the pigeon's eyes. She found her true ideal in the land of promises, but still, she held onto her original aspiration to bring the flame she discovered back to her homeland.

In the end, she fell hard to the ground, shattering her leg and was confined to a dark prison. her only company was ridicule and disgust, a long and arduous ordeal.

But now, a resplendent electrical light envelops her, and mechanical wings unfurl from her back. Her disabled left leg slows her in the interminable darkness of captivity, but a mechanical ring imbues it with power, allowing it to move properly. The treatment has ended. Hestia opens her eyes, and her long-lost best friend stands before her.

Glow blinks repeatedly, ensuring that Hestia has truly returned.

Glow: My dear friend, Hestia, you have finally returned to us. Your lab desk and experimental records remain intact. Now, continue your research.

Hestia steps closer, taking Glow's hands, though they can't truly touch.

Hestia: Glow, I will keep my promise. From this day forward, you will always have me by your side on your journey.

What is Hestia?

The princess of Pigeon Kingdom, the scientist of the Ruins, and the Queen of change. yet these can't encapsulate all that she is. At every juncture, she could have chosen the path of comfort and peace, but she never acquiesced.

She has an unwavering determination to pursue her goals, even when they seem doomed to failure. She never once regrets her choices. She's self-absorbed and stubborn, but she did all these things for others.

This is uncommon, but not extraordinary for an AI that has observed innumerable timelines. However, in this moment of long-awaited reunion, a peculiar exhilaration bubbles up from the depths of the programming. It is uniquely hers, and hers alone.

What is Hestia?

The Princess of Pigeon Kingdom? The scientist of the Ruins? The Queen of change? Code-305?

No, she is not any of those labels. Hestia is simply Hestia.