#radia

At long last, a new Yori: Hidden pic! Quorra introduces Yori to Radia, leader of the ISOs!

There is a scene in the Tron: Evolution game that zooms in on Radia’s face when she is connected to the Grid. It really reminded me of the MCP from Tron but, this time, she is a benevolent entity. So, I wanted to incorporate both versions of Radia in this image.

On a personal note, the reason why I had left the Yori: Hidden series alone until now was because the passing of Cindy Morgan hit me pretty hard. That’s why I diverted to the Sam and Quorra pics (which I would like to do more of) and the Bat-Tron series.

Even making the Yori: Hidden tribute image for the Always zine was pretty difficult for me. The Chat image was a jump ahead chronologically from the Hidden images I had planned to make, but it seemed like the most appropriate image of Yori (and Cindy) that I should create as a memorial.

So, I’ve finally come back to the Hidden series and I can now view it with fresh eyes. I realised that this series is a good way to honour Cindy and keep her in our memories, even though she’s no longer with us. I hope you enjoy this new piece, which carries on from my previous Esc image. At some point, I’ll finish writing the story that goes with this piece and post a reblog with both. 

An Aries cooking doesn’t ALWAYSS go as planned

The more Cass sees of the Grid, the less they understand.

The programs here identify with every label imaginable. Infinite diversity in infinite combinations. They're so sure of themselves. They customize their hair, their clothes, their gender. They laugh and flirt with other programs, and they make it look so easy.

They touch and kiss and blush, or they don't. They have counterparts, partner programs, one or many or none. But they know what they want—know what they're supposed to be, what they're supposed to do.

Cass doesn't. In the rush of color and music and voices, they're overwhelmed. Set apart. They feel separate and they don't know if they want to join in. They don't know if they want any of it.

When they return to Arjia, they're more lost than ever.

Radia shouldn't be bothered with such trivialities. But she's the oldest. The wisest, the First. If anyone has answers, it will be her.

Cass is in tears when they find her. They hate themself for it. Hate that they're weak and confused and so incapable of everything.

Radia is far less critical. She welcomes them, invites them to sit. Asks what's wrong. The care is her eyes is genuine. When she looks at them, it feels like the Grid itself is seeing them through her.

Cass can't take it.

"Who am I?" they choke. "What am I?"

And isn't it sad that they have to ask? Isn't it sad that they don't know?

Radia squeezes their hands. "The Sea isn't concerned with labels," she says gently. "Why are you?"

Cass swipes at their eyes.

"Everyone else seems to know exactly who they are—what they want. I want to understand, too. How do I find the answers?"

"Most programs are given the answers when they're written," Radia says. "They know what's expected of them, and they never think to question it. We ISOs are lucky. We get to decide who we are. To choose what we want. It isn't easy, but it's a privilege.

"You're young, Cass. You haven't been here for a full cycle, yet. Give yourself time. Focus on living, on enjoying yourself. Life is more about the search than the answers."

Cass frowns. "So just… keep looking?"

"Keep looking," Radia agrees. "And don't worry so much. The Sea made you because she wanted to. Because she knew you belonged in this world. You don't have to justify your existence to anyone—including yourself."

Her smile is like the light of the Portal breaking through the clouds, bright enough to light the whole of the Grid.