Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

"Hello, dear. Please take a sit, I've just baked cookies"

Cold neon light illuminated the small apartment's kitchen, a sweet sugary smell tickled your nostrils as a hot blanket of heat enveloped you  and the first thing to pop in your mind was that it was a very mundane place for a very looking mundane woman. 

This is the Oracle!?

"Yes, dear" and you had the strange impression she was actually answering your thoughts "well, that's because I am. I already know what you're thinking, what you would say"

And she beamed as you stopped midway in pulling out the chair.

"Oh, please... we both know you'd better sit down. You're too anxious. And don't look at me like that, I'm called the Oracle for a reason after all"

So you decided to sit all the way down because, well, because she was right, wasn't she? Anxiety is my second name...

"I-I don't really know why I'm here, ma'am. Kali  said I should talk to you but-"

"Everyone comes to me eventually but don't worry, you're not the first to think yourself not special"

"I'm not! I'm not special..."

"And yet someone thought it was best to bring you here" she paused to take a hit from her cigarette, then "I 'heard' you had a strange encounter with an Agent"

You huffed, you wouldn't call that encounter strange at all "It wasn't strange actually, but rather normal. I mean... They are programs so I suppose common sense and politeness when dealing with people is literally written into their coding"

The Oracle was now looking at you with an amazed expression. 
She put her cigarette aside and pushed the plate resting on the center of the  table towards you. 

"Take a biscuit, they're good" and she waited 'till you picked one before resuming her talk "You're young, dear and you've just woken up but I can assure you, if you ask any of your companions, no one will tell you that was a normal encounter: Agents shoot first. Always. They don't ask if you're alright"

She was waiting for an answer and when none came she looked even more entertained by the display you were putting on with your frowned and confused expression. 

"But of course, dear, if you say that's perfectly normal, who am I to disagree?"

 "it's not that I-" 

"But you have doubts. Of course, it's understandable. After all, you 'died' because one of them decided it was better to reload everything and be done with it and then you came back with only mere force of will. Isn't that a day to day occurrence for any single normal human being present in the Matrix?" 

You predictably chocked  on utterance of the word 'died' but the Oracle was already handing you a glass of water. 

"Deep breaths, dear. Deep breaths" she said as you coughed. 
It took you a full solid minute before you were able to breath and think properly, eventually you managed a feeble: "It was terrible... All those tubes"

"Uuuhm... See?" she said smiling "that's exactly what I mean when I say 'special': you died but you did not. You should have died, dear. Can't you see?"

A white truck just passed by and now the street was clear for you to cross. Still, you looked left and right just to be sure.
No car in sight you resumed your walk just as three blurry figures on the other side of the road in front of you rushed on the sidewalk. 

They were to fast for your eyes to catch all of the details but one of them was clearly putting some distance from the other two, jumping on a near dumpster for leverage to reach the upper window of a building. 

That was the moment you heard a screeching sound on your right. 
Brakes, your mind supplied even before turning your head, just in time to see the same white truck swerving your way. 

Then everything went black. 

You snapped out of your flashback with a sharp intake of breath, though the Oracle seemed not bothered by your zoning out, she was, in fact, patiently waiting for you to say something. Or maybe ask...?

"How..." her encouraging expression pushing you to keep going "can this be? How is that even possible? I mean...  now I know about the Matrix and everything but, no one could tell me why or how  that could happen"

"A bug. An error"

"Sorry, what?"

"Like refreshing a page on your computer. But something went wrong and the system kicked you out"  

You blinked, then blinked again and opened your mouth to- well, you were not sure to say or ask what, so you just stared gaping like fish out of water. It seemed too absurd and who the hell refreshed what?

"Agents do that to change things, usually things they do not like" she answered your thoughts once again, winking. Then she stood, put her glasses on and crossed to your side of the table before taking your hands in hers.

"A quick reload and... BAM! You were kicked out of the Matrix. Rare. A very rare occurrence, I'll give you that, unique we can say. Look child, I know what you're thinking but-"

"I'm not like them" you interrupted  her. You were mortified but nonetheless you kept going  "I'm unfit to be an active member of the resistance. Kali said it's not true, that we have to exploit all of my potential and help The One an-and Zion but I... I don't..."

"Dear" kind eyes were looking into yours for something only the Oracle knew, but she must have found that something because, eventually, she continued after a pregnant pause "your insecurity is testament to what you'll become. I want you to think about what happened and  find the answer to the question 'how did it happen?', not why... you're clearly not ready to hear the answer from me"

And it didn't really make sense to you, but you nodded anyway.

Chapter Text

"Are you alright Miss?" a firm male' voice asked, but it was a too distant sound.

You couldn't breathe!

Tubes. Tubes everywhere: in your nose, in your mouth... even in your arms.

You couldn't move!

A gelatinous substance was pressing and pushing you under, invading every pore in your body: you were literally and completely immersed in it.

"Miss?" 

You could hear that voice again... was it talking to you? Who was that man?

You tried to focus on the voice, to center yourself even if your survival instinct had already taken over control of your body for you.

You could see your hands straining against black tubes to reach the one inside your mouth just as a sharp, metallic sound followed by a  myriad of red lights flashed before you... no, not lights... 

Eyes!  

"Can you hear me? Miss?"

The voice! Follow the voice like a beacon! Focus! 

Breath!

Breath...

And breath you did. You took a large gulp of air to fill your lungs, one of your hands to your throat, the other reaching blindly to test the ground around you  was suddenly gripped by a third, cold one.

You jumped at the sudden contact, eyes darting aimlessly at your surroundings: no more tubes... but a street. 

Tears were now blurring your vision instead of reddish, dense liquid.

"Miss?"

The voice! 

Focusing your eyes on the hand gripping yours, you followed the arm attached right up to a neck and the pale face of a man: black jacket, black tie, black glasses. He looked just right out of an espionage movie.

"W-what?" you tried to say, but only a weak, croaked sound escaped your lips. 

The man then, brought his free hand to his glasses and took them off: unwavering blue eyes were looking right into yours.

"Are you alright, Miss?" asked that firm voice  once again.

You opened your eyes to a dark, little room. The metal walls all around you were not helping you regulate your breath but the tepid heat emanating from the blanket reminded you that you were onboard the Brahma. 

A glance at the red numbers of the clock beside you, showed you still got an hour before Kali would come in and forcibly drag you out to train.

You huffed... the Oracle asked you to think and find answers but this frenzied routine hand in hand with the nightmares were depriving you of time and desire to even try. 

Closing your eyes once again, you tried to rest a bit more, but the slimy sensation of jelly substance on your skin and the harsh grip of tubes on your limbs kept flashing in your mind's eye. The voice... the voice pulled you out. 

You could focus on the memory of that voice for now. 

Chapter Text

"Again!"

"Why?" was your whined reply from the polished, marble floor you were currently laying on.

"Because" Kali  sneered down at your prone form "you're not even trying!"

"And what's the purpose?" now, you were well aware you were behaving like a petulant child and you were even more aware the whole crew was watching you on screen ... but you were too tired to care at this point. 

"What's the-" she huffed "WHAT'S THE PURPOSE!? Are you kidding me? Do you think we went to all that trouble to find and wake you up for nothing?" 

You closed your eyes and counted to ten, losing your temper now would not do any good. Instead you calmly breathed out: "I thought you woke any blue pill aware enough of something amiss in the Matrix"

"Well..."

Was that uncertainty you heard in her voice?

"Well?" you pushed.

"Well, yes! We do! But you... you're different"

You took your time to ponder her words and put an order with a semblance of sense to yours, then you slowly sat up on the cold floor, pushing your knees to your chest. Peeking through your lashes at her, you could see her raging eyes now held a bit of what you thought could be concerne.

"I was under the assumption you already found The One. So why all the pressure? Why can't I just stay at Zion?" 

Mind you, you weren't thrilled. No one told you the implications 'waking up' entailed... you missed your old bedroom, your normal life inside the Matrix , even though you knew now that, in concrete terms, your entire reality consisted in that nightmarish pod. Zion was not ideal but at least it was quiet (save for the  occasional machines' attacks). You had no super ability or useful skill to help the crew even if they seemed to think exactly the contrary.

That aaaand you noticed Kali was losing her patience.

"I'm losing my patience" 

There! Told you! 

She started pacing back and forth with heavy strides, her shotgun dangling  from her back.

"Now listen here! We both know you are not incapable of using what's loaded in your head. Far from it, in fact"  then she turned, stopping her furious pacing to stand right in front of you "you're good and you know why I want you on board? You were able to jump"

"What?" you blinked up at Kali with big, confused eyes "What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said: you jumped at first try. Not even Neo could and he's The One. So get a grip and-"

"And here i was thinking the reason to be the old: 'the more, the merrier'! I'm sorry, but I don't see how that can be indicator of anything. It was only a jump! And I did it only because you told me my life was not at risk" and you were aware you were jabbering  now but kept going anyway "so I started to think: 'it's all in your head!', then I-"

"UP!" 

Oops... 

"Cable!" she shouted to the Operator "Start Program: M3. NOW!"

Nothing happened for a while and your nerves were ready to pop any second, your body tensed up when a rumble could be heard coming from the floor. The entire room trembled and then, the quakes stopped just as suddenly as they started. 

You stood, carefully studying your surroundings before dragging your eyes to Kali's smug expression. 

"The room" you started "looks the same..."

"Currently" she scoffed "Just you wait y/n, wait and see..."

Chapter Text

"I designed this program myself, it's easy, really. Let's say there are some functions I can trigger and it can be started in between any other one maintaining aspect and features of training grounds: hence the same room"

You wearily asked what those functions were when she only grinned at you, taking a gun -that wasn't there before- in hand and pointing it at your head just as two of the marble blocks gave way under you.

On instinct, when your grip on the slick tiles failed you, you started to spread arms and legs to stop your fall... Apparently, a wall of solid ground was located right under the marble layer and not another building floor. Strange!

"See?" came Kali's voice from above, you heard her heavy boots coming closer to the hole you were stuck in "I can change weapons, materials and surroundings all at will" she was now watching down at you from  the edge "but all is limited to one room only. Outside those walls... There's nothing"

You frowned as she motioned with a nod of her head to what was under you: a deep and dark void, not solid ground!

"Shite"

"Exactly" Kali smiled pointing her gun once again "let's play!"

"I told you: I don't want to"

"humor me! If you win, I won't ask your help for the next mission"

"And" you started to ask with an uncertain tone "if you win? “

"Then it's training and mission for you" and she started to shoot. 

You came to with a shudder as Cable removed the entry plug from your head, you were sure you'd never get used to the strangely prickly  sensation: too invasive to have an iron needle planted directly into your brain. 

The lopsided grin on Cable's face was the first thing that came to focus, the second was the loud  grumble of a distressed and very annoyed Kali from the station on your left. 

"Hey! High-five y/n! I've never seen Kali being beaten like that! It was due time someone got her off the pedestal!" 

"I can hear you, Cable! I'm right here!" 

He chuckled while helping you up before exchanging a conspiratorial look with Chipp, who was currently monitoring the Matrix "Say Chipp!" he started "wasn't that awesome!?"

"Yupp!" the other answered, making his blonde bangs wave wildly while shaking his head in assent, popping the 'p' with emphasis, "That leap in between the two columns of raised ground was soo cool!"

 
"Oh, but Chipp! What about the 'dodging bullets giving you my back' thing? Have you missed that?" 

"Oookay, boys" you said smiling in spite of your best effort "that's enough"

"Yeah, boys" Kali piped up with a mocking tone "let the girl get some rest. She'll has to be top notch for the big mission"

You stared open mouthed at the woman, what was she talking about? What mission? You won!

"Tsk tsk, kid" she said leaning close to you, invading your personal space. 

You could feel her lips brush your ear and her hot breath tickling your skin, sending shivers down your spine.

"I said you won't help with the next mission. Never mentioned anything about being excused from others"

And yes, it was true but nevertheless not fair in your opinion!

Chapter Text

"Sooo... have you come up with a name already ?"

You turned, looking at the woman at your door, her olive skin taking up a greenish hue in the light of the tiny room. 

Your 'victory' and consequent exoneration from the mission proved her point, to your dismay; you were not happy, but conceded: if she wanted you on the next operation, you'll indulge her. 

That's why she was wearing such a smug expression.

That's why you needed a code name.

"I have"

"Wanna share with the class?"

You were not sure how to explain but resigned yourself at trying.

"Kora" smiling a bit at her frowned expression you entered your 'lecture mode': "It's one of the names used for Persephone. Kora or Kore has Greek origins, it means young girl and... well, I thought it was apt after my 'flirt' with Death to recall Ade's wife, imprisoned in a realm that wasn't her own. Plus, Persephone is already taken"

For a minute there, you thought you managed to stun Kali, then she blinked, pushing herself away from the door jamb and said, with a serious face "Good. I like it, it suits you. Get ready"

And with that, she was out the door, leaving you alone once again.

"Hey there! You look tired, problems sleeping?" 

"Does it show?" 

Chipp just looked at you skeptically, he seemed really concerned for your well-being and it appeared he allied himself with Cable to mother-hen you.

Of course Kali was a big softy too, deep down ( a very deep down ) but right now you didn't want to focus on your nightmares so if they were going to mother-hen you, it was better going to be about the mission at hand!

"Can you prep me, Chipp? Kali didn't explain what the 'big' " you said mimicking quotation marks with your hands "mission was"

He stared at you a bit more with his grey eyes, searching for anything amiss, then, realizing it was a lost cause he sighed loudly, warning you that  you would indeed talk about it later and started to prep you up.

"Last time we were looking for blue pills"

"Aren't we always?" Cable chirped from behind him and Chipp promptly ignored the other man to continue his explanation.

"This time we'll use it as diversion. We'll divide in two groups: the first will look for potential new members to attract the attention of the Agents, the second will carry out the main objective. You see, the Osiris lost one of his members yesterday in an undercover mission. The crew was unable to retrieve their companion... "

You could tell what fate that companion was subjected to by his sad expression.

"... Well, the second group will retrieve information. The Osiris is currently occupied with patrol so it's up to us. Luckily, before they were taken they've been able to give  coordinates to their Operator, so we at least know where to go to start looking"

"And" you cleared your voice while taking everything in "do we know what we are looking for? I mean... Other than the location"

"Don't you think he would have told you?“ came the sly, mocking voice of someone you didn't  like... at all: Hackett. 

Hackett was older than you (and Chipp for sure), had at least double your years, tall, broad shoulders and he has been leering at you from the first time you got on the ship. His demeanor was... strange: he didn't seem to like you, always mocking and treating you like you could not understand anything. 

He was always getting on your nerves but, those lascivious looks he threw your way were more unnerving.

 
Shivering, you choose not to answer him and instead go find Kali for details. 

You could feel his eyes on your back and were so distracted you bumped into Trish. 

"Woah! Easy there!" she laughed, steading you with her hand on your shoulder.

You could feel yourself blush in mortification. 
Trish was Kali's right hand and you were lucky she was a really easy-going person despite her hard looking exterior, but, truth be told, any member of the crew was friendly towards you... Hackett apart.

"You better hurry! Kali's looking for you, she's thinkin' to pair you up with me, but she's not sure. I think she wants to keep an eye on you herself. Nice code name, by the way"

She winked and disappeared behind a door down the corridor. 

"Great" you grumbled "an irritated Kali's all I need at the moment" and rushed to meet your doom.

Chapter Text

"I'll give you that" you started saying with a satisfied tone "I quite like my dark outfit. Love the long coat" and you really couldn't help smoothing it out one last time, relishing in the mix of leather and cotton material. 

"It's so..."

"Gothic?" Cable supplied from the cellphone in your hand as Kali and Chipp grinned beside you. 

"Yeah, thanks, I think-"

"Enough, give me the phone"

"Hey!" you whined as Kali ripped it from your grip to talk with Cable and the blonde boy started to laugh at your antics.

"Operator, are Trish and Hackett ready?"

Ok, back to business then!

"Psss" Chipp whispered "She likes it too!"

Both of your smiles died down the moment she ended the call and planted an emotionless mask on her face. You did the same.

The plan was easy: you and Kali would look for a blue pill lawyer who started to see glitches a while ago and Chipp would look for a woman already on the list of possible candidates to wake as soon as you possibly could.

None of the two 'awakenings' were priority, so you'd make sure to be a little more noticeable for the Agents, attracting their attention in the process.

Pushing the glasses up your nose, you nodded your goodbye to Chipp before parting. 

"I suppose we won't start low and take the easy way down like Chipp" you said gazing down the top of the building you were on. The street below was not as small as you thought, so it must have been only three or four levels.

"No" came the woman' answer "see that building down two blocks?" 
At your nod, she kept going "We jump there" 

"Roof to roof?"

She tsked at your dumb question and took the first jump.

"Okay" you gulped "you can do it, just think it's not real... even if it is!" 

You took a long, deep breath and started running to the edge of the rooftop; the moment your feet left the concrete, your heart jumped up your throat, your stomach gave a lurch and your mind tried to make you focus on the fatal fall you'd be subjected to if you didn't reach the next roof. 

Cold wind lashed your cheeks, making your eyes water despite your glasses. You could see the top of the building before you growing closer, so you at least calculated the right distance and amount of force, that was the moment the program in your head kicked in and took over for you.

You could feel your knees bend to absorb the impact and your body roll gracefully to spin in a standing position. Scary...

"Hope I'll get used to this, something tells me it won't be the last time I'll be forced into the Matrix"

Following Kali got easier, less so the infiltrating part of this mission.

 
"We just... what? Get in looking like that?"

"Uff" the look she sent your way was so fond and annoyed "It's not like we go in through the front door, Kora"

And it was strange to hear that name, but not bad.
You waited patiently as she took out the phone to let Cable instruct her on the best way to take.

"Operator?" 

You strained to hear his side of the conversation but the thinning of Kali's lips and her sharp head turn, gave all the answers you needed: the Agents were close. 

You tried to discreetly look around without drawing attention to your tiny spot in the shadows: the little alley had an ideal view of the law firm entrance and surrounding environment. Every single person was too absorbed in their day to day routine to pay attention to you anyway. 

This would be your first encounter with Agents as an official red pill... you didn't know what to expect- well, no, actually you did if the training with Kali was anything to go by, but you still had... 'doubts'? came unbidden the Oracle' voice.

But doubts was the only right word to associate with your previous experience... and with your nightmares. 

Snapping out of your thoughts you exchanged a look with the woman beside you, just to see if she was thinking it a good or a bad idea to proceed with your 'infiltration' plan or lay in wait for your hunters to catch up with you. 

"Thrish and Hackett are on their way out"

"Already?" you interrupted, but she kept on talking as if she didn't even hear you.

"Nothing there to find. The Operator says Chipp is being followed by two Agents"

"How many on us?"

"... four"

You gulped.

"How do we proceed?"

You could see the quick processing of all the available options reflected on her features, then with a resolute look she said: "Operator, find us and Chipp an exit"

Your relief was palpable: the fewer lives lost, the better. Also, less face to face action with an Agent for you, good for my anxiety!

Call ended, Kali motioned for you to follow her, your questions could  wait 'till you were back on the Brahma, but you couldn't avoid catching a quick glimpse of black with the corner of your eye, standing out like a sore thumb among the colorful crowd of people.

Better get moving!

Chapter Text

Your steps were fast, swift and calculated as you followed Kali to your nearest way out; you've always been good at maneuvering in between crowds.
No problems so far, but of course, the moment that thought came to mind, was the moment all Hell broke loose: an old lady flung her bag over her shoulder, nearly hitting Kali  in the process. It seemed rather harmless as she dodged but then a man grabbed her shoulder from behind and spun her around just as his head began to shake.  

Then the heads of two, three more people and all of a sudden you were surrounded by Agents. 
They looked all the same at first glance: black suit, dark glasses and earpiece, but at least one of them you could recognize from some of the anecdotes of the crew.
Agent Jones was taller than the others, and his face more square... they said he was a real hound.

If you were anxious before, now you were panicked.

You forced air in through your nose and out your mouth, forced your body not to shake from head to toes as your fingers went numb. Your mind was repeating in loop: 'it's just training, just training'  as a kind of mantra, although that did not forbid you from fearing for your sanity... and life!

Closing your eyes, you tried to bring the determination you felt beating Kali and when that determination lacked you tried to bring up the 'I don't wanna die' sensation borne from the jump of a while ago.

You blinked and your body moved in a nimble spin to position yourself back to back with Kali as you felt, once again, the program in your head take over: all the movements seemed so easy and foregone. 

"Let's do it quick. Surrender"

"Oh" smirked Kali "I don't think so, sunshine!"

As the first punch came your way, you could see it slowing, making it easier for you to: parry, punch-punch, dodge. Repeat. The first Agent's moves seemed predictable, so much that you wasted no time in pushing him forcefully against the nearest building with a loud crack of the wall. You spared a second to throw a glance at Kali and saw that, while one of the agents against her was trying to stand and regain his bearings, Agent Jones was very well on his way to subdue her. Not thinking twice, you rushed to her aid.

Straining to throw him off her, you decided to go with Karate first, just to loose your limbs as Kali caught her breath holding off the others, but you quickly understood you had to upgrade to a mix of styles. Agent Jones was indeed a worthy opponent. Dodging one of his aerial kicks, you saw an opening after interminable minutes of fight. Putting all the faith in your training (and sparing an apology to whoever was the unlucky possessor of that body ), you rolled on the ground, making leverage with your arms to gain power to push your body up in a standing position, you found yourself right behind Jones. 

Now take his neck, push and smash!

And smash you did.

It was satisfying to see the black outfit fade away as the body was returned to his possessor... it was less so to see blood pooling under its still form. 
Panic invaded every pore of your body once more and left only after you knelt to check for a pulse: alive was the response. 

Air left your lungs in a rush but the instant you remembered the fight was not over, your eyes darted around to ascertain the situation: scared people scattered around, running or leaving you space to stare at your fight with open mouths. Police was trying to stem the problem keeping them away but not interfering ( of course 'Government Agents' were above them ). Noticing another body on cold ground, the natural assumption was: only two left, so you readied yourself for the next to come at you. You wasted enough time already. 

"I wouldn't do it, Miss. It would only be a waste of time"

At that moment, you thought someone must have knocked you out. It had to be! Else, you wouldn't be able to hear that voice! The  voice that  plagued your nightmares, the same voice that pulled you out of them! 

You had never thought, come Hell or high water, to meet him again! How many possibilities could there be? 
You slowly turned to face him: he was holding Kali at gun's point.

He has a gun pointed to Kali's head... a gun at Kali's head!

Your hands were shaking and you could see, emerging from the crowds the Agents you had previously knocked out. You were doomed!

"Miss"

Damn him!

"Miss, a pleasure to meet you again" he said with a blank expression on his face.

"KORA!" Kali's shout pierced your ears drawing all your focus, "Kora, you can do it! Don't listen to him! Don't think about me, go!"

You were completely and utterly screwed!

Chapter Text

"Miss l/n, surely you see how pointless an attempted attack on your part would be"

And of course he was right, but you needed time to think so you forced your mouth open and your brain to produce a coherent stream of thoughts to be put into words.

"You seem to have me at a disadvantage. I do not know your name"

Good job! Start with meaningless pleasantries, he seems to understand the concept of sarcasm well enough, as strange as that sounds.

You had the clear impression he tried to put on his face an hint of a smirk, but it looked rather unnatural.

"Agent Smith. But of course you may not remember all of the details, still a blue-pill would be wasted on you now, just like the last one it seems "

You frowned. He wasn't really making sense in your opinion, but if he kept on talking...

"Last one? What do you mean?"

You could feel your hands were slick with sweat, anxiety was trying to gain access to your body and came knocking on the spot right behind your eyes, giving you the start of a monumental headache.
But Agent Smith was quick to catch up and rather impatient. 

"As illogical as it is, to associate a stench to an emotional state, I'd make an educate guess and say the one emanating from your person, is fear"

Well, shite! Wasn't that strange? You thought you had never heard an Agent talk like that, even more so, that much! 

As if sensing your perplexity, he seemed to realize his slip and took a quick peek at his companions who were all standing motionless around you, looking at him with their usual blank mask. 

"Take her" he snapped pointing at you but, as the three Agents were closing down on you, Kali seemed to have a different plan. 

It only took mere seconds to disarm him as he was distracted, but it took a lot more for her to keep up with him in a fight. 

Meanwhile, the disruption she caused has been helpful to refocus your mind on the fight at hand. 

As before, it was easy to take down two of them, but Agent Jones was harder to beat. 
Kali was not fairing better. 
Your head told you to regroup and run, but it also supplied the fact that then, bullets would be fired. A lot of them. And that the percentage of risk for civilians was higher. 
Nonetheless it was the better course of action.

Jumping as high as you could (satisfyingly leaving them with nothing to grab and look at but thin air and themselves ) you landed before Kali's prone form.

"Nice jump"

"Nice fall" you answered winking, extending your arm to pull her up.

She quickly swept the area with her eyes before saying: "Smith at our six, Jones, Gray and the other at our nine. We should move"

Nodding your assent, while your head tried to memorize names to associate with nearly identical features, you started to run, calculating the best way to avoid Policemen, civilians and bullets.
Because bullets, predictably, didn't take long to arrive.

You pushed your body to go faster, to dodge without stumbling, all of that keeping in mind that Agent Smith seemed to gain ground at every turn.
It seemed an endless chase, a game of cat and mouse but eventually, a ringing tone reached your ears.

The phone box's not far!

"Kora-" the woman started her sentence just to be interrupted by none other than Agent Smith himself. 

"Leaving us so soon, Miss?" 

And your feet stopped moving all on their own. 
You didn't know why, but a voice in your head, sounding disturbingly like his was telling you  to... 

"Come with us. Resistance is futile" 

... And it was strangely enticing, compelling. 

"Kora! What the hell are you doing! Take the call! Now!" 

The Agents's rushed steps were getting  closer by the second and as suddenly as your feet stopped, your brain decided to snap you out of your trance-like state. You ran the remaining distance dividing you from the phone and... 
Sweet black nothingness right before blinding light and the disturbing sensation of pulling an iron needle out of your skull.

 
Chipp concerned expression was the first thing you saw, then a shouted:"What the Fuck!?" pierced your ears, disrupting the silence. 

Well, at least I know Kali's Allright...

You, on the other hand, were bound not to be veeery soon, judging by her murderous look.

Chapter Text

Your eyes stared blindly at grey concrete, yet all they registered was red.

Red gelatinous liquid.

But, unlike all the other times, you didn't thrash around, didn't try to pull out tubes... you did absolutely nothing.

Your vision swarmed between a deserted street and a cell pod.

 
Bright red eyes bleeding into blue ones... cold, all of them.

"Is she breathing?" a voice you did not recognize asked.

A heart beat, then other two followed short, and a more familiar voice answered: "No"

"Orders?"

But the reply never came as your eyes blinked and your right hand decided to push against the glass above your head. The sensation was not cold and slick though, it was soft and warm... just like tissue.

Then a hand gripped yours, but you couldn't see it, 'for all that was in front of you were the sharp appendages of the machine with thirteen round eyes staring down at you. Unmoving.

"Are you alright, Miss?"

"Why asking, if she is not breathing?"

"Uuuhm... she is moving though, isn't she?"

BANG!

Two more bangs at the door brought you abruptly out of your dream... or nightmare? You were not sure anymore. 

No scolding from Kali for you today, as it already happened the evening before, so that left you with only one other option: the meeting. 

Wouldn't want to be late at a meeting with the 'Great' Morpheus.

Stumbling out of bed, you hurried to get dressed and make yourself presentable, but you didn't need to look at the mirror to know you had a distressed expression planted firmly on your face and that it would remain there for a while.

Chipp tried to mother-hen you as soon as you put your feet through the common room door, but to get the Doc. involved too, seemed to much even for you! So when she tried to psychoanalyze you and your nightmares, you jumped out of the chair with a lame excuse to go find the Boss, wouldn't do to keep Kali waiting after yesterday... and it wasn't even an excuse! Maybe only half a lie since Kali was already frantically looking for you. 

You didn't know why your presence was needed, you were not directly involved with retrieving the information, didn't search the place for yourself, but the Boss said someone wanted to meet you.

Oh, joy!

And to add insult to injury, Kali's sure to be bad temperament at your lateness wasn't even the worst part, because Hackett was on the team! And yes, he has been an active party in the mission, you'll give him that, but hell if I want to be around him more than necessary!

"Hey" you greeted the olive skinned woman as she grabbed you by your arm to drag you to the station.

"Don't 'hey' me, Kora! You're late"

"A few minutes..."

"Six!" she nearly shouted in your face while pushing you on the chair.

"Wooa! Hold your horses, Lady! I don't even know what we're supposed to do! Or where we're supposed to go!"

She uffed loudly but you could see her dark eyes softening a bit, "It's just a meeting. Morpheus insisted to have all the details. He wants to take over the search" 

"Sooo" you started, taking a second to ponder your words "they only need you, Trish and Hackett. Why me?"

"Trish's going to meet with a member of the Osiris'. And regarding you... I wanted to bring you back to the Oracle yesterday, after the stunt you pulled, but then Niobe contacted me, said Morpheus already talked to her and wanted to know you"

You were puzzled and unblinkingly staring at the woman in front of you as if she held the answer you were seeking but she just shrugged her shoulders and said "I have no idea!" then she turned and sat waiting for Cable to insert the plug.

Running and jumping in the Matrix got easier, sure, it would be even easier if someone (read: Hackett) would stop his incessant nagging about your posture and your landing and 'how much power are you putting in that push?'

But you tried your best to ignore him. 

Just a few minutes more and we'll arrive at destination...

It was with some modicum of relief that you knocked at the designated door minutes later. 

The building' was old, the lights buzzing and it didn't help that it started raining and it was so cold that you could see your breath coming out in fog; a stairway was in front of you, leading deep down to the basement, so deep you couldn't even see the end. 

Hackett said (yes... sometimes you listened to him) they choose that place because of a bug in the system: stairs looked endless and rooms dark and void, ideal to hide. 

As you reached what seemed like the last step, the afore mentioned man, gave you a shove ( "Just playing a bit" he justified himself at Kali's slap ) and you promptly stumbled, trying hard to regain your balance, into the room ahead and straight into someone! 

Clumsy! Clumsy girl! Why can't you just be alert at every second? Is all the knowledge in your head for nothing? Doesn't it sharpen your senses too!?

All this tirade was going on inside your head as you apologized to the person you stumbled into. 

You perked up at how deep his voice sounded as he replied: "Not to worry, child. I was actually wondering when you'd arrive"

And you, gaping at the tall, dark skinned man, realized that you just crashed into the 'Great' Morpheus.

Wonderful!

Chapter Text

The man looks intimidating!

Was the thought that came to mind as you listened with only one ear to their discussions. It seemed rather useless anyway, since all that came out of their mouths was: conjectures, theories and a lot of 'maybe'... 

The truth was that no one really knew what the informant passed to our ally and what those coordinates were (since it was clear they were not the infos hiding spot) still, Morpheus insisted he wanted to see for himself before taking over. 

"Can we trace the informant?"

The question was accompanied by a nudge from Hackett beside you but when you turned to silently scold him, he lowered his head to whisper "That is Neo"  and you suddenly forgot what you were about to say.

That was... The One? He looked average, well, wasn't that what you thought about the Oracle ? Yet everyone regarded him as a God and the Oracle, well, was the Oracle. Nothing to say about that! You weren't even sure she was entirely human...

But back to the present, Neo was asking Kali to contact Trish and consequently the Osiris, since they were trying to establish a safe line and, you could admire the assuredness in his tone, less imposing than Morpheus but nonetheless firm.
You'd never seen the man in action but you were sure he could enthrall masses without even rising his voice.

"We're done, then"

"Let us proceed" Neo answered Kali, inclining his head. As he started toward the door, followed by another woman (Trinity, they called her), Kali motioned for you and Hackett to follow but Morpheus cleared his throat, stopping her in her tracks.

"Captain Kali, may I talk to your crew's new addiction for a few minutes?" 

You could feel irrational panic invade your body at the thought of being left alone without a guide and Kali must have seen it reflected in your eyes because she answered: "You may, Morpheus, but mind you! She's rather anxious and-" she kept talking as he opened his mouth to object, "I'd be immensely grateful if that talk of yours could, indeed, last a few minutes. I'll be counting. I'll be back in ten"

With that, she was out the door before the man could reply, Hackett in tow (but not before he could sneer your way... Asshole! ). 

You both stared stunned at the closed door and you, sure as hell, were not gonna start talking, luckily, he seemed to understand that and took the initiative himself. 

"A bit over-protective, isn't she?"

 
And you almost laughed out loud  at how clear it was to anyone! 

"Believe me, sir, she's not the only one" an image of Chipp nagging Cable to look for a scarf for you peeped in your mind, and you finally chuckled, being a bit more at ease. 

"I see..." Morpheus answered with a contemplative tone of voice "Kora, isn't it?" 

“Yes, sir. What can I do for you? "

" Mmmh I've heard many a thing about you "

" All of them good, I hope" you tried to dissipate the tension you could feel mounting through your body but it was hard...  What the hell does he want? 

"The Oracle says you've got potential, but I may not like the answers you're seeking, Kali says to fuck off and leave you alone and I... I say that you would want to ponder the offer of a position on board the Nabuchadnezzar"

"Wha-"

"You, your so called potential, your story, even those answers you seek, like it or not, interests me"

And you didn't know what to say, except :"I myself may not like those answers... I don't even know what they are yet" and a vacuous expression morphed your features as an all to familiar voice whispered 'Are you alright?'  in your head.

Blinking, you tried to make the ghost of your nightmares go away but then another voice intruded, telling you that maybe those were not nightmares, but memories and very real.

Taking a deep breath, you noticed Morpheus was looking at you with a puzzled expression.
Trying to divert the subject and failing spectacularly, your only option was to press your lips into a straight line, biting the inside of your cheek not to shout in the man' face when he said: "I heard you died. Better yet, you should have and you had a strange 'in-between' experience. Do you make a habit of playing with Death?"

"I prefer 'flirting' " you corrected him, forcing the words out your mouth.

"Of course. The Oracle said you'd choose a fitting name. She also said that in  that 'flirting', an Agent was involved" and you damned his choice of words as soon as he uttered them "I'd love to know more"

Just where the hell is Kali!?  "One of them decided to 'change something' during a chase and I was, unfortunately, nearby"

"And suffered the consequences"

You nodded, ready to end the conversation, but he kept digging for information, not caring or not realizing your discomfort.

"How did you get back?"

"Didn't the Oracle tell you?"

He hesitated only a second before replying with a reluctant "...No"

And you felt a little bit of contentment  at the thought.

"Pity, you seemed to be well acquainted"

"The Oracle" he began to say indignantly  "can be secretive and cryptic when she so chooses" and now his tone turned into a rather defensive one, in your opinion "and sometimes she doesn't talk at all"

You passed the next twenty seconds studying each others, then, not in the mood to say more, you said smirking "I'll tell you everything if I choose to accept your offer"

You could tell he was not happy but something in his posture and his curled lips ( you cursed the damned glasses for concealing his eyes ) assured you he was intrigued. 

He cannot very well refuse.

So when Kali bursted through the door exactly ten minutes later ( an eternity to you ! ) and Hackett sneered your way, he only smiled at you politely and with a nod of the head sealed the agreement. 

He then turned, ready to walk out the door, ignoring Kali's fussing over you and threats at his person if he did so much as upset you in any way, but stopped short at Hackett comment.
You nearly missed it with Kali talking so close.

"If you're looking for a new crew member, why wasting your time over newbie there, she's no good for the renowned Nabuchadnezzar. I'm your man!"

Morpheus didn't even deign him of a look, he just tsked and replied "Such an arrogant personality has no place on my ship. I do not need anyone, other than myself, to point out who I should or should not choose as a member of my crew"

And you couldn't avoid cheering for the man -taking his ego down a notch, way to go, Morpheus!-, especially the moment Hackett expression morphed into one of pure rage; of course the moment the git started to take a step in Morpheus direction was the moment said man bid the woman before you goodbye.

"Captain Kali"

"Morpheus"

So nothing really happened. Pity... would have loved  to see the Great Morpheus punch slimy Hackett in the face!

Chapter Text

"What did he want?"

"Nothing"

"What did he say?"

"Really Kali..."

The woman could  be persistent but you were not in the mood.

"If he-"

"KALI" and yes, you shouted, you were tired and upset and really really wanted to take a nap, even if you knew it would be a nearly impossible task "He wanted to talk and made an offer. I told him I would consider. End of it"

She narrowed her eyes and scrutinized you, head to toe, as you stood on the threshold of your room, then she clicked her tongue and said "If he wants you, he'll have to pass over my dead body. But of course... it's not up to me mmmh? Choice is yours. S'pose I can't really stop you"

"Hey" and didn't you feel bad now? "I said I'd consider. I didn't say yes to anything"

"Still, it's a possibility"

You huffed, rubbing your eyes: you were too tired for this conversation.

"Listen, you know me: never sure of anything. Can we... I don't know, talk about this tomorrow?" 

But instead of an answer she gave you her back and disappeared down the cold, metallic corridor... and you huffed again.

"We are wasting t-"

"Then leave. Go"

It was that voice again, strange it did not match with the twitching of lights and robotic pliers of the creature before your eyes.
Same for the glass you were touching: it wasn't cold but warm and soft...maybe it's the liquid around you.

"It is only us two now, Miss"

Yes, only you and the robotic creature with human voice.
Robotic creature with razor sharp pliers...

"Your grip on my jacket is strong, Miss l/n, and yet your body should not posses such strength. You're not breathing"

A robotic creature plunging its tentacles at your pod...

"Then again, you're not brain dead it seems. But you should be. You should be dead"

A creature that was now successfully opening the glass cover.

You started to thrash, tubes and jelly constricting your movements.
You tried to push your body back, away from the advancing creature, away from the glass that was nearly open and off its hinges... useless: the more you moved, the more you got tangled.

Your eyes burned, your lungs too... you couldn't breath.

You clawed your neck with both hands, you could feel the tube down your throat, suffocating you...

The creature was close, buzzing and hovering over you and your now open pod.
Then something strong, something you couldn't see, took a hold of your hands, stopping their movement.

"You're drawing blood, Miss... wake up"

WAKE UP!

WAKE...

"...UP!"

Your eyes were unfocused but nonetheless running around in a desperate attempt to recognize your surroundings. Your ears ringed and all the sounds came to you muffled and distant, like you were underwater, when, finally, you planted your eyes on the face looking down at you: Cable.

Cable in your room! 

Cable who slept in the room beside yours and was moving his mouth repeatedly, the words 'wake' and 'up' forming on his lips as you tried to read them.

Then, sound reached your ears once again, his shouting piercing your eardrums, dispelling the muffled ringing, and since he noticed your eyes were open, and you gave signs of understanding, his words changed from 'wake up' to "Breath, for God sake! Breath!"

You felt his hands sliding down your own hands and arms to reach your shoulders, his motion eased by a slick, hot liquid. He shook you for a bit, then started to pull you into a sitting position as you wheezed. 

"Come on, in and out... breath with me"

You felt his chest pressed to your back and tried to match his slow in and out-take of air, holding onto reality as the lack of oxygen brought dark spots to your vision.

"Come on, Kora. Good" you heard him say as you took your first true breath since the moment you opened your eyes...or was it before?

"Breath..." he eased a sigh of relief as your breathing stabilized.

The spots in your vision receded and your eyes watered as you started coughing, the sudden intake of oxygen made your head spin but you decided to make your body comply and started to forcibly calm down, closing your eyes, trying to relax your shaking limbs and seep as much warmth as you could from the body behind yours.

It was working actually, but then you flexed your fingers and found it difficult. Of course circulation was one of the many problems, your hands and legs seemed to be pierced by a myriad of needles but... Your fingers were kind of sticky.
You closed your right hand in a fist then opened it again and saw your nails caked in blood... It ran all down your fingers, some drops down your wrist and arm. The left was not better.

You nearly started to hyperventilate again when you registered the prickling sensation on your neck but Cable intercepted your hands as they reached for your throat of their own accord, and started to make shushing noises to calm you down.

Your stomach was turning, especially now that you could clearly recognize the stench of blood all around, but you tried to suppress your nausea, took a deep breath and tried to talk. 

"P-please" you stopped "can you... Clean 'em?" 

He rose from his spot to lean you down, a softly spoken "of course" was all you heard as your eyes closed again to pull you into a deep and blessedly dreamless sleep. 

"Hey, sleeping Beauty, how do you feel?" 

Chipp, your fogged brain supplied at the hearing of his voice. He sat at the feet of your bunk, watching over you with a worried expression.

Nothing new there... 

The room was scarcely lit and your eyes were very grateful for that. 

Not talking, as the events of last night suddenly came rushing at you, hitting like a ton of bricks , you blinked out your question at him and to your surprise he seemed to understand. 

"Cable is operative" 

You nodded and raised your right hand to see it was clean. 

Bless him!

"You did a great number on your neck, Kora. Actually, not only on your neck... You had us all worried" 

Grumbling a non-committal sound, you looked around the small room not finding what you needed and decided to try talking even if your mouth was dry and your throat scratchy. 

"Mmmh... W-water?" 

"AH!" Chipp exclamed, startling you as he stood "I'll go find a glass! Just you wait! I'll be but a minute" 

As soon as he left, your hands found your neck, only to be met by what seemed like gauze instead of the rough blood clotting you might have expected.

If Cable bothered to dress it, then your scratches must have been deep... Deeper than you thought.

Must have scared him to death!

With great effort you sat on your bunk, waiting for Chipp to come back with your glass of water, thinking about the unpleasant conversation that was about to start at moments notice. 

To Chipp's credit, he waited 'till you were finished drinking before starting with "Those nightmares of yours are getting out of hand" and a 'I told you to talk about what happened but you didn't listen' sort of look.

Slowly, you leaned back on the pillows he rearranged for you and tried to make yourself as comfortable as you could, taking your time.
It wouldn't do to get him impatient but he seemed to play along and wait for you to answer, not in the least deterred by your feeble attempt at a quiet staring contest. So you, quite annoyed, conceded and gave up.

"What do you want me to say, Chipp? You know what happened... Well, kind of. I, myself have problems remembering everything but, I told you all I could" and yes, the key word was: told, because now you didn't want to talk about what you recently started to remember.

Let's face it: you were indeed remembering.

Those very well were memories, all mixed up with nightmarish images birthed by your brain.

"Oh, come on, Kora! We both know your mind is slowly unlocking events for you. It's just you don't want to talk! But" he hurriedly added before you  interrupted "you should. For my own good, if not yours!"

Averting your eyes, you focused on the blank wall in front of you and, taking a deep breath, you slowly started to breach the subject (it was Chipp, not a shrink, only Chipp... I can do that, can't I? And maybe he's right, maybe I should...) "I died" and the blond guy closed his mouth with a snap. You were talking, or at least trying to, he would not interrupt and push you back into your shell.

"... Or I should have. I did not understand what was happening... What happened. I only know I was crossing a deserted street and in a second, the truck that just passed was back in front of me. Then..."

You went silent for a while, lost in thoughts, trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together and Chipp didn't utter a single  word, waiting in religious silence for what you would say next.

"... Then there was a voice" and Chipp bit his tongue for nearly asking 'what voice?'

"I was in a sort of 'in between', though, in between what, I'm not sure. I saw the pod even if I didn't know what it was, and I saw the street too. I panicked. And the voice, that voice-"

And Chipp was once again tempted to ask but then the door opened without notice, and in came Kali.

You snapped out of your self induced trance (it seemed you did a lot of it lately) to look at her frowning  face and you'd admit, you did expect the words that were about to come out of her mouth: "I'm taking you back to the Oracle"

And you did not refuse. 

Chapter Text

The cookie you were munching was really good, not too sweet and with the perfect amount of chocolate... pity you were not enjoying it and not only because you were not hungry, but also because it took what looked like the Oracle's bodyguard to put Kali -who stormed into the room with you, demanding to be present at the meeting while the Oracle tried, without success, to argue it was not meant for her ears to hear- at the door like a dog.

You shrugged at the thought and put the last bit of cookie into your mouth, brushing away the crumbs absentmindedly.

"Good, aren't they?"

The Oracle's voice brought you back to the present, reminding you of where and why you were there in the first place and you, self consciously, nearly brought your right hand to your neck before remembering that no, it didn't show and that, anyway, your outfit had a high collar. But of course she noticed your motion and of course, you thought, she likely already know...

"They're good" a feeble attempt to say the least, and you cringed internally.

The Oracle only smiled indulgently, following the awkward motion of your hand in its descent, not saying a thing. 

Unnerving!

You cleared your throat just as she pushed a cup of tea in your direction, making it slide on the smooth table surface.

 
"Dear, I know something's nagging at you, and you would have not agreed to come here if you were not ready to... ask"

"I've been looking for answers"

"I know"

You blew on your still boiling cup, carefully taking a sip: Oolong.

Trying to calm you then.

"Just tell me" 

Again, maybe she wasn't! 

You gulped down the hot sip, trying not to choke. Not ideal when the Oracle made you a sputtering mess of nerves. 

Better put down the cup then!

The  clicking of porcelain on smooth plastic  was blessedly soft considering your hands were shaking.

You met her eyes again but she wasn't smiling anymore, instead she said with a reproaching tone: "You're afraid"

 
Aand so the sputtering started: "Wha- I- no! Well, yes! W-why shouldn't I be!?" 

Her gaze was so intense that you nearly averted yours; one of your hands rested longingly near the cup, trying to reach its calming warmth. The moment you decided your throat was too parched and your fingers reached for the cup once again, was the moment she started talking:"You should"

What? 

"I said that you should be, dear. It would be stupid on your part not to be"

"Then wha- of course, whatever I need to say"

You exhaled and decided it was time for another hot sip of tea.

"Take another cookie, dear"

As if under some sort of spell, your hand moved  to reach one but at the last second it stopped, hovering over it, your mind contemplating if the levels of sugar would agree with your stomach in your current state of anxiety, then you thought:  whatever! My body is not even here! But you... didn't take it. Instead you picked up the still steaming cup and watching its greenish liquid you said "I think I know who it is"

"You just don't want to acknowledge it. Or... you want, but-"

"I'm afraid. Yes"

"Mmmh"

Humming? A simple hum was all you got!? No advise, no explanation... Nothing!?

Then she stood, suddenly, pulling you up from your chair and turning you to the door; you saw it before she asked you about it.

"Know thyself" you said out loud in a kind of defeated tone, "Uff. Can I-" 

"Of course you can sit, dear" she answered  your half spoken question, squeezing your shoulder in comfort. 

Once sat, silence reigned, well, at least 'till a thought brought a smile to your face, nearly making you laugh and you asked the Oracle:"Do you think Kali will come storming in again if we take much longer?" 

"Oh" she started, winking conspiratorially "I'm sure she'll be patiently waiting in the company of Seraph. Not to worry. Now" she pointedly continued "take that biscuit"

So you did. Dejavu?

Again you took your time munching slowly, savoring the chocolate chips, relishing the savor of butter.
Tea, you needed tea.

"The voice" you tentatively began "it was fundamental to come back. Like a beacon"

The Oracle nodded approvingly, pushing you to keep going.

"And I know now who's voice it is and... yes I'm scared but I have doubts. And something tells me you pushed Morpheus in my direction precisely for that reason"

Another nod on her part was all you needed, it was enough to know he may have some answers, even if you didn't know what kind, or how to obtain them, but the Oracle decided to be a bit more helpful this time.

"Morpheus and his crew have dealt with him more than once. Neo too. If you want information on his person, they may be a good source"

"But I can't be explicit"

"Well" she frowned "that's not advisable but entirely up to you"

A defeated look entered your eyes as Morpheus' offer came to mind "I cannot abandon Kali"

"Aah" the dark skinned woman smiled down at you as she stood to look for her cigarettes "Who said anything about leaving her?"

Now that you though about it, you were due a stop to Zion, Kali said all the captains have been summoned by the council but "He'll still be waiting for an answer"

You heard her snorting while watching out the small kitchen's window before she turned to face you.

"And whatever would you tell him, if not the truth?" she said, winking again "maybe accompanied with a little omission on our part, mmmh?"

And the proverbial light bulb turned on in your head as your mouth opened before your brain could process the words you were rushing out "That I talked to you! That way my refusal would need no more explanation and it would not be final either"

"Exactly"

"What did she say about your nightmares?" 

Kali asked as soon as you walked out the door. She looked rather impatient and annoyed (probably at Seraph beside her), fidgeting with her fingers around the rim of her shirt. 

You inclined your head as the man took his leave and decided to answer truthfully at her question, after all, her little stunt of a while ago was borne out of worry, you felt like you owned it to her (at least about your nightmares). 

"She said those cannot be helped" Kali opened her mouth to debate but you kept going "that memories are coming back" nothing you didn't already guess for yourself "and that is up to me to discern false from true" 

Kali gave her signature 'tsk' at that and countered "That's all well and good, but what about stopping 'em? Doesn't she know you nearly ripped out your throat with bare hands!?" 

A valid point. 

But in the time it took you to brood, your brain registered her body moving toward the door and your hand quickly snapped to take her arm and steer her away and out of reach of the door knob.

Satisfied, you kept talking while Kali looked longingly at the shrinking grey door, walking backwards. 

"It doesn't matter. I need all the pieces of the puzzle after all" the 'ding' of the elevator rang loudly out the deserted corridor, "I'll just have to do what I do in the Matrix, I suppose", the metallic doors closed, hiding the small apartment door from Kali's view. 

"And what would it be, exactly?" she asked turning her head toward you with one of her eyebrows raised.

"Understand I'm not there. That it's not real... not anymore" 

"It's even more dangerous than being in the Matrix..." 

"True" you acknowledged as the metallic doors opened with another 'ding'. 

You started walking in the direction of your safe exit, the same, old routine portrayed in the streets: traffic jam, klaxons, busy people walking by... But the public phone was right ahead of you, waiting to ring. 

Maneuvering among a myriad of passersby, you heard Kali say "Thought you had all the facts already" 

"It seems" you started answering as you picked up the phone "I'm still missing something" and you smiled as you turned your head to look at the other side of the street, thinking you cought a flash of black suit and glasses just before the pulling sensation sucked you back to the ship.

 
You were sure it was him. 

Must have been, you thought as Cable pulled the plug out of your skull. 

"Cable" you heard Kali say just a moment after "be a dear and change her bendages" 

Oh joy! 

Chapter Text

"I think you can be able to change his views" the Oracle said "after all, he wants something that everyone want"  

Change his views, Eh? You doubted it, very unlikely. 

Still, the Oracle words kept coming back to haunt your mind as you sat cross-legged on the cold floor of your room on board the Brahma.
You were trying to... well, meditate, to concentrate on everything you could remember to reconstruct exactly how it all went.

Your eyes were closed as you pictured the deserted street in your head: you crossed, one step after another. Your gaze had been drawn by the sudden appearance of three figures in black, then the sound of steering wheels... 

There was no doubt the truck hit you, no doubt you hit the concrete but "How?" you whispered at the empty room.

Breath...

The truck, the concrete... Tubes!

How was it your brain and body did not fail? How could you be aware on some level of what was happening around you in the Matrix and be out of it at the same time? How did you survive?

“How?" you asked again, but no answer came.

Now flashes of memories from your nightmares entered the picture and your pulse accelerated.

The pod you were in was so small and oppressive, dare we say claustrophobic? There were too many tubes, your breath came short at the simple thought.
Then the panic came and with it one of the sentinels.

Too many eyes...

It was clear even to it that something was very wrong, seeing as it tried to open the pod.

Then came the voice, his voice, a voice you attached yourself to and followed back to -what was for you at the time- reality.

Back in the Matrix.

 
But how?

"You're not breathing, Miss. You should be dead" 

"I know"

"Just me and you now, Miss. I'm sure I'll be able to help you forget this terrible experience but, first, you'll have to be 'fully' and  properly back. Now-"  "Breath"

There was blood staining the homogeneous grey of the asphalt as well as dark tire marks your eyes followed to the white truck on the side of the road.
You blinked just as your hand moved to touch the pod glass in front of you but your palm only registered warm tissue.

"Useless" you huffed out as your eyes snapped open. The answer you needed was not in those memories, you were sure it resided in the Matrix itself.

"You should be brain-dead"  his firm and silky voice whispered to your ear, causing you to throw up your hand as if to chase away a fly.

"Shut up! Mmmh, can this be an anomaly too?" but Neo is an anomaly and a necessary one at that. Could you really be one?

"But that's not the only answer you seek, mmmh? Go on, take a candy if not a biscuit" 

For God sake! Enough! "Shut up! All of you, shut up... I'm too tired for this"

You disentangled your legs to stand and stretch your sore back and limbs deeming it a day and prepare yourself for bed.

"Yeah, for bed... As if!“

But as you were about to climb under the covers, someone knocked at your door. 

Knocked... So it must be Cable or Chipp.

"Yes?“

Chipp! Of course it was Chipp, Cable was still a bit upset, you thought he may have uneasy feelings every time he has to change your bandages (because even if you have a doctor aboard the Brahma he insisted it was better done by him) or enter your room. 

So, back to Chipp.

 
"Sorry to disturb you Kora, but Kali said we'll sleep in real beds tonight"

"So, we're already there!?"

The blond guy nodded in assent and replied "Come on. Zion's waiting for us" 

Well, Zion was ready for you but you were not sure you were ready for Zion!

Chapter Text

Zion, nothing but a series of caverns under the planet's surface that, strangely enough, reminded you of Zero-One...

Wait, you thought frowning, where have I- where did I get the knowledge?

But you didn't have time to ponder, stood frozen on the spot on the ramp of the Brahma, as Hackett pushed you not too gently with his shoulder from behind, sneering ( typical ) as he passed.

A hand  suddenly landed on your shoulder, its grip stabilizing you: Trish; as you turned your head a bit to the left to thank her, you could see her cold blue eyes burning holes in Hackett's back, her fingernails digging deeper in your shoulder.

And you knew it wasn't just Hackett's behavior getting on her nerves, but the whole situation that stressed her: another 'Crisis Meeting', as they called it, (a mimicry for the one already held in the sewers) and she couldn't even accompany Kali. You could understand her frustration well, she was her right hand after all.

"I'm going to kill him one of this days. Really, if he wasn't good at his job..."

"Not that good" Kali said in a flat tone as she came to a stop beside you "I'll be off to find Lock, see what all the fuss is 'bout" she was clearly trying to show disinterest for all of your sake but you could tell she was on edge "Take her to her room", she added as an afterthought, pointing at you with a nod of the head.

The tone was final and Trish just seemed to explode: "WHY? Why is Hackett coming but not me? Why that idiot and not your right ha-"

"'Cause I need you here! With her! 'Cause you I trust, Trish!"

And the woman could do nothing more than close her mouth with a loud thud.

"Now, take her to her room" 

"It won't be necessary" a dark voice interrupted "she can go to her room after we'll have that chat I was promised"

Morpheus 

"Morpheus"

"Kali"

And it was clear she had something to say about it but he was quick to intercept her words with: "Niobe is looking for you"

"Tsk... beware, Morpheus, I'll come to kick your ass if you upset her in any way"

And the man only smirked and raised his hands in a surrender gesture "Mmmh I think I've heard this before, if I didn't know better I'd worry about Dejavù... but I wouldn't dare, especially with your guarding dog right there"

And at that, Kali turned her back to go as Trish started growling at him.

"Who 're ya callin' dog?"

"AH! If you'll follow me Ladies"

And if you were expecting to find yourself stuck in a creepy dark room...or hole in this case, having a difficult conversation with him, well, your 'expectations'  were being disappointed as he led you to some kind of secluded balcony, asking Trish to wait for you in a vast, suspended walkway not too far behind (not that she was fine with it, mind you).

The view form there was...not beautiful, no, but it was high for sure, very much so.
You heard Morpheus clear his throat while you were contemplating the sight far below.

All those people on the walkways, minding their business, scurrying around like little ants...

"So" the man started "do you have your answer?"

"I- I have something to tell you" you said, turning to look him in the eyes. He was less intimidating without his glasses "I know I need your knowledge and it seems you need mine", Morpheus nodded, indicating you should keep going  "That said...I've been to see the Oracle"

And here Morpheus released the breath he was holding, looking, in your humble opinion, somewhat defeated. You couldn't deny you felt a little bad for him.

"I- it's not a no but-"

"But it's not the time?"

"Kind of" you replied grimacing "as I said, we need each others even if I don't really know why you'd need me"

You detached your hands from the railing just as he whispered "potential" then gave his back to you saying "I'm sure your friend will be impatient, you'd better go"

"I-"

He turned.

"No, nothing. I suppose it's not fair  to ask questions without giving something in exchange"

"Oh" he smiled, you didn't like that smile "but you can give me something"

Answers. Answers about your little experience, answers about what you don't want to share... your mind supplied... even if you don't join him now. Because everyone is allowed to change their mind.

You gulped.

"There is not much to say..."

His smile did not fall as he came closer looking down on you... the 'Great' Morpheus.

"But I don't want to know about what everyone know"

Everyone!

"I want to know what you saw, what you felt, perceived, heard"

Your breath became heavier, his proximity not helping in the least as memories started to resurface and the question: 'Are you alright?' reverberated in your head in that damned tone.

"The voice" 

"Voice?"

"There was a voice" Breath "I followed it back to reality I-" another breath "I mean the M-Matrix. The Oracle said that it's not normal for agents not to shoot"

"No" he said pensive "it really isn't"

You really didn't want to continue but, once you were done, it would be his turn to answer your questions so... "You already know what happened on that street"

"And I deeply regret not being the one to wake you up" he interrupted swiftly.

"That agent didn't shoot" a pause, a breath "The agent voice brought me back"

And to say the pause was pregnant would have been an euphemism. 

"What?" Morpheus blinked incredulous.

"Last time you asked me how- no, you know what? I just told you. I won't go into details now. It's my turn"

And he just blinked again.

Chapter Text

"Kali literally dragged me into mission" you can do that "I-I've nev-...I was" FOCUS! "I want to be able to recognize at least some of the more persistent agents!"

Still Morpheus remained silent.

"I want information. Even the most basic things are good"

Morpheus stillness was starting to make you self conscious, you had not thought about it 'till then but, with his constant stare planted on you, your hand reflexively flew to cover your throat, finding only bandages (no high collar here). But the man was not paying attention, really, he was just lost in his own thoughts and then...

"She said I wouldn't have liked that"

And it was your turn to blink up at him.

"An Agent, ah?"

A nod was all you granted.

"You don't know which one"

You remained silent, staring in his eyes until he snorted and the list started: "Agent Brown, Agent Jones, Agent Smith" and you tried with all your might to keep a neutral expression "Agent Thompson, Agent Jackson... do you really want me to go on?"

"I'd love to have a bit more than names"

"Most of the times is useless to associate a name to a face, I'm sure you know; they are sentient security programs, they eradicate any threat to the Matrix, any  person we haven't unplugged is a potential agent because they can move in and out of any software still hardwired to the system. But those are the basics, I'm sure Kali told you all of that day one"

"You and your crew had many a close encounter with agents. Is it possible that some of them have developed a personality? Some strange trait that may render them 'weird' among their ranks? 'cause...well, not shooting and-and...my experience well, it was..."

"A personality?"

And maybe you shouldn't have said that, the look in his eyes was more  suspicious than thoughtful but as he opened his mouth, Trish voice came loud and clear.

"You're needed at the meeting, Morpheus. I'd hurry if I were you, wouldn't want to leave Lock waiting"

You didn't interfere, you wanted to know, true, but something told you this was for the best. Instinct won again.
Too lost in your own thoughts, you did not see the look the tall man throw your way, nor the figure of Trish approaching you, putting a hand on your lower back and startling you out of it in the process.

"Come on, Cable wants to change your bandages"

So you followed her like an obedient puppy down the myriad of walkways and corridors, quite colorless in your opinion, straight to your room.

"Hi" you timidly ventured at the sight of Cable, intently washing his hands.

"Hi, you" his soft smile reassuring you that it was alright. 

So you cleared your voice, trying to find your words as he led you to a chair.

"It's the first time we can talk a bit without all the commotion and rush and I wanted to apologize for-"

"You don't have to" 

"But it must have been- I scared you"

"Hey" he knelt in front of you, using his thumbs to wipe away tears you didn't even realize were falling down your cheeks "It's alright. It was not your fault, okay?"

You began to nod, not too convinced, sniffing as your sight blurred but he just smiled and stood to go take the clean bandages.
As he once again knelt, he took your hands away from your neck to start peeling away the old medication and it was that gesture that brought to the surface some kind of sensation: a touch. 

You could feel digits on your wrists, a firm touch but not harsh...someone but at the same time something strong and cold was taking a hold of them, stopping you from hurting yourself.

"You're drawing blood, Miss"

And you could hear the voice, feel his fingers...but you only saw pliers and slick, cold, metallic tentacles wrapped there.

"Miss"

You couldn't breath and the thing wasn't letting you go and-

"Miss, please stop"

The white tissue of the gauze passed before your eyes as Cable kept to his diligent work, but you didn't blink, as if in a trance, stuck in past events.

The voice was compelling; even if you could still see the machine in front of you, you actually followed the advice and, strange enough, that thing wasn't moving.

"Miss l/y, come back. Wake up and breath"

Your eyes started to register blinding light, but you couldn't blink.
One of the hands gripping yours loosened his grip a bit before, satisfied that you wouldn't start to tear again at your throat, abandoning yours completely and-

"There!" Cable said, startling you out of your trance "All done"

You could blink again.

"Th-thanks"

"No problem. Try to catch some sleep Kora, I have a bad feeling about this meeting"

Chapter Text

Unbelievably you did get some sleep, you were expecting nightmares ( more like memories ) but they didn't come.  Something though, something was amiss.

Maybe the fact that Kali was looking at you from the doorway was a clear giveaway.

You were expecting a gung-oh third degree questioning on your chat with Morpheus but, when nothing came, you ventured a: "How was your meeting?"

"Like the others"

"It doesn't look like it from where I stan- I mean, I lay" you bit back as you quickly sat up on your bunk.

"They have done many of those 'Crisis Meetings'. Here. In the Matrix. Nothing new"

"And yet" you replied, analyzing  her "something disturbs you. What is it?"

Kali frowned, maybe you were reading her too well for her liking or maybe she really didn't want to tell you but, well, she was there, watching you sleep so the logical conclusion had to be that  this thing, somehow involved you.

"It was more a briefing for us" she fidgeted, shrugging her shoulders "the Brahma will be part of the defense fleet of Zion"

Defense? So... "They're planning an attack then"

A nod.

Then: "Morpheus reminded us once again his beliefs, stressing their importance...rather loudly I dare say"

You could see it in her eyes: something about that was grating on her nerves and she'd rather die than tell you but...

"You're staying with them" 

"WHAT!?" 

She said those words so fast you weren't sure you heard correctly, that and the fact that: "Are you really taking the decision for me? You- You...why!?"

Kali started pacing for the small length of the room, never looking at your face (eyes wide open just like your mouth), not once; you were convinced you could see a hole starting to appear on the floor. Then she stopped as suddenly as she started and with her back at you she said, voice firm: "I've made my decision. It was a suffered one, make no mistake, but-"

"I want to stay with you!" you interrupted on the verge of tears.

"NO!" her scream startled you "Morpheus thinks the Oracle might wish to contact them and I think you should be with them" and as you opened your mouth to protest she added "You'd be safer. Of that I'm sure, I feel it in my guts"

You were inclined to disagree.

To leave her, Chipp, Cable and Trish behind...no, you really didn't want to. On the other hand, Kali's guts have never failed, but why only you?

"Why should I be the only one going?"

"I need my crew and" she waved her hand at you to make you shut up "YES! You're part of the crew too! But you... you're more, just like Neo"

"I'm not!"

"You are! And I'm sure he'll need you more than us"

"I doubt it"

"I'm your Captain though and, wanting or not, I'm ordering you to join them"

You stood, legs shaking, cold sweat running down your back and forehead. You were sure your voice was going to shake too.

"W-what if I quit? What if I refuse and I quit and stay here?"

"Then you're a fool" a new voice interfered "we all know you'll be needed elsewhere"

Chipp...

If your eyes were blurred at the hearing of his voice, the tears fell as, behind him, Cable appeared with a soft look in his eyes. You could not avoid the sobs that shook your body, it was simply too much.

"Why...?" your voice was tremulous at best as Cable came towards you, arms raised to embrace you. 

The answer came from Trish though:"It is what it is. It's been decided, Kora. Captain's orders"

And you just couldn't deny.

Chapter Text

Everything that happened from that moment until Morpheus took you into custody was foggy at best. You were nauseous, your head started to throb as your anxiety mounted with every passing second.

Your hands were shaking and clammy, your legs wobbly and your jaw was clenching involuntarily; everything was numb but for the hand on your neck, guiding you through the corridors of the Nebuchadnezzar. 

"You'll be fine" he said, but you didn't really register his words. You could feel many stares from the members of his crew but you didn't meet them, if Morpheus was parading you around, you didn't care.

"So this is Kora" the person in front of you, a woman by the sound of it, stated. Your eyes were staring sightlessly ahead when suddenly, you felt two fingers lift your chin and y/e/c met pale blue: she was tall with short, black hair and her skin, under those cold lights, seemed sickly pale... you were sure yours was not better.

You flinched at the touch, taking a step back and bumping into the broad figure of Morpheus.

"Trinity...don't...uff. Yes, this is Kora. Kora, Trinity"

"She's freezing, the poor thing. And shaking. Come, I'll give you-"

"No" he interrupted her "we have a schedule"

She gaped at him "But-"

"Trinity" and his hands landed on your shoulders. The woman frowned when she noticed that, this time, you didn't flinch, but you couldn't control the reaction: Morpheus you did know, he was the only one on board the new ship.

He pushed you toward one of the free chairs and, once you were seated, he knelt in front of you, one of his hands taking yours, the other reaching once again for your neck. He smiled a smile you just couldn't return.

"Kali gave me a hard time, a really long lecture... they really are an overprotective crew" he paused but when nothing came from your mouth, he resumed, unfazed "I won't lie to you, I don't know what you're going through right now but I know this: you are our best link to the Oracle. I'm sure you have a job and I'm sure you'll find your way once you're in"

Your hand twitched in his larger one as his thumb brushed your bandage.

"Cable said you hurt yourself in your sleep" you noticed that, all the while, Trinity was there in the background, watching and listening intently "Are you starting to remember?"

You were part of his crew now, you should respect your part of the bargain...at least a bit, but you could only nod. 

"You said the voice brought you back but" he paused, fixing the stark white of the gauze with an intense stare as if he could scanner it and see the scars beneath "are you sure he did not hurt yo-"

"I'm sure" and you were. Those were the first words you uttered since you said your goodbyes to Kali and the others. He released a breath, closing his eyes. The intensity in his stare once he reopened them startled you; there was a bit of frustration in there and rage too, if you were reading him correctly and his next words brought you some kind of clarity.

"I have my suspicion on his identity and I don't like it, but you already know it. However, I'm sure you'll have mixed feelings at the moment and, even if I don- okay I really hate the bastard" you said nothing, and how could you? After all you've heard he had a right "but you-know-who convinced me that even someone like him may have... a second chance"

You blinked, gasping like a fish out of water at the absurdity of his implication.

Me!? A second chance?...

But nothing came out of your mouth. Morpheus raised from his spot on the floor as he heard Trinity steps approach behind him; he had no time to argue with her though so he quickly whispered to you:"I'm sorry, I really am, but I have to send you alone" before turning his head and bark:"OPERATOR!"

"W-wait! Send me where?"

He only smiled as a worried Trinity shook his arm and the operator came running into the room.

You could hear Trinity's soft: "Morpheus! What are you doing?" as a dark skinned man pushed you to lay on the chair. Your eyes, wide open, started to wander frantically around the room.

"Morpheus, it's not safe! Look at her! And how do you plan on getting her out?"

You were slowly building up a panic attack, you were sure, their voices were starting to fade and then, the disturbing sensation of a cold needle in the back of your skull pushed you into blissful nothingness.

Chapter Text

Soft light, blinding enough for you even if the sky outside was obscured by clouds and the room you found yourself in was nearly pitch black. You took a deep breath and grabbed with unsteady hands at the wall behind you, trying to stand on wobbly legs as you gasped for air, taking in big pants and nearly choking on your own spit. 

You didn't know the time and you didn't recognize the street you where in either as you, slowly tried to peak out a window with broken, grey glass.

Everything was coming back to mind in fragments and you could still feel the prickling sensation in the back of your skull. You scratched your head roughly but it didn't help. 

A faint: "Okay" escaped your mouth as you reached the rusted metal door and pulled, only to hear the deafening sound of the old and stuck material, bending with difficulty under your attentions. It opened just a smidge, enough for you to pass through and get out; your eyes started to water even with your glasses on. 

Finally able to breath in fresh air, you started to regain your bearings.

The alley you found yourself into was narrow, plenty of trash bins around and the smell, better not talk about the smell! You wanted to throw up but you managed to keep your gagging reflexes in check. 

Nearing the main street, traffic noise began to assault your ears.

There was nothing really telling about the street, it was average and yet, a bit familiar maybe...still  wobbly, you decided to venture the deafening noise of the crowd, especially because, in the distance, you swore you could see the familiar face of the friendly asian man that was always so nice during your visits to the Oracle. Maybe that was the reason Morpheus threw you there, with no warning and so suddenly: Seraph, the primary  link to the Oracle. But the moment you even decided to put a foot on the busy sidewalk,  was the moment you could feel two pairs of hands taking hold of you from the back.

You were still too tired to struggle, your brain could not yet dissociate your 'Matrix persona' form the one outside, that's not to say you didn't try, you were desperately begging your brain to kick in the program and send away all of your maladies; a hand on your mouth prevented you from screaming. You were proud though, when the black blur of clothes of your attackers registered, -Agents!- to hear some grunts, clear sign some of your kicks landed, but before you could try to bite the hand splayed over your lips, you were roughly slammed on a nearby wall.

Your eyes watered, your breath heavy through your nose. Then...

"Tsk...off with you"

The voice! His voice!

Blinking away the tears, you tried to open your eyes properly; you felt your arms being released from the tight grip of the two Agents, only to be left sliding down the wall to the soiled concrete below. Pathetic...get a grip!

Useless thought, because your mind, became once more confused once you could see the face of all the three Agents in front of you: all of them were the same! How!? All of them are-

"Hello, Miss L/n" he greeted as the other two Smith disappeared in the shadows.

You could only stare, mouth agape.

He slowly approached, like a preying cat, before kneeling in front of you.

"Mmmh, I think we've been in this position once before. You see"  he paused, putting one of his fingers under your chin to close your mouth "there are many me, now"

You gulped as he kept getting closer, closing the already small distance between the two of you, putting a hand on the wall near your head and lowering his voice.

"I disobeyed the system"  he took off his glasses "I've been set free but..." and he searched your eyes for something, you didn't know what exactly "we are not really free without purpose, are we?"

You didn't know if you were more scared, sick ore confused...maybe all of them in equal measure! You were still breathing hard and you could see his nostrils flare. 

"A-and...do you have it?" you ventured.

You didn't know what to expect, what kind of answer, but: "I'm sure I'll have it soon" was not in the list of possibilities. Your hearth was thudding so fast you could swear the sound of it could be heard from a mile away. 

"I'm sorry about their rudeness, Miss L/n. I'm sorry about cutting this pleasant meeting of ours short, but, you see, someone of your knowledge is currently looking for me. Therefore, I find myself in need to-" he stopped himself, suddenly, grinning. He nearly started to laugh but he managed to reign himself in before resuming " to send you back. Never thought the day would come in which I would send one of you back...willingly"

Then he took out a phone, dialed a number and put it at your hear.

"Wait!" Why?  What am I doing? What am I saying?

One of his brow arched in question at your sudden request.

It looked like you didn't need to know what you were doing or what you were about to say...

"I'm not an Agent anymore. I'm sure we'll meet again, be here or there, but this is no place for you. Not that it would change on the other side"

One of your hands suddenly gripped his jacket, you didn't know what was coming over you, but actions were natural, words were tumbling out of your mouth of their own volition: "It was you, wasn't it? The Sentinel?"

But he only said, looking straight through your eyes "Now be good and say the words"

"Please" that was much more important to you than to get out so you tried to push away the phone "Please tell me!"

But time was running out, he could feel the moment in which the man on the other side of the line would pick up was close, so with his free hand he took a firm hold of your neck, startling you in the process. He didn't squeeze but the pressure was there, enough to let you know he was still a dangerous threat and repeated, with a firm voice: "Be good and say: 'Operator, get me out' "

Eyes now large and scared, the moment you heard the faint and surprised voice of the Operator, you could only comply.

You didn't register Seraph' distant voice approaching from the end of the road, neither the surprised expression Smith wore on his face as he looked down at his hand.

Moisture...blood? Was it blood? Could it have been a bit of guilt that dared to creep into the ex-Agent's eyes? Surely not...

And in a numb state, you heard your own voice while the words: "Operator, get me out" tumbled out of your mouth and the street disappeared. 

Chapter Text

With every 'No' from Lock, Kali became more and more impatient, Trish had a hard time trying to stop her from jumping out of her seat every time the council asked if there was word from the Nebuchadnezzar and harder when she was very conscious she could not offer herself and her ship to go after them 'cause the Brahma had to stay behind...

It was a bless when Niobe's voice rang out.

Wasting no time at the end of the assembly, sending Lock a menacing stare, she managed to take a hold of her friend before he could.

"Niobe!"

"I know"

"I-" Kali was not sure what to say, she had never been good with... feelings, but she had to say something "I don't care what he says and you know I don't mean Lock" she stopped, sending the man a quick glance before resuming her little speech "I know you're going to check on him, but I'm stuck here. I'd love nothing more but to go myself, that's why I want you to promise me, no metter what he says...check-"

"I'll check on her" Niobe promised with a smirk "I know how to handle Morpheus. Don't worry" 

The warm hand she had put on Kali's shoulder during their exchange, slowly slipped away as she turned her back on her friend to follow Lock, leaving Kali to her doom.

"Again" you  heard a distant, exasperated voice as you were slowly trying to come through "as I already said, he doesn't read like an Agent! He is changed, unplugged..."

"And he was with her..."

Your sight was blurred, you felt so weak you were sure you were going to faint.

A cold hand was on your cheek. You registered fast and heavy footsteps approaching your position and then a female's voice, said: "No, no, Morpheus stop! We have to go, now!"

You could not see, could not hear more, for sweet oblivion took you.

"Where's Kora?"

The 'Great' Morpheus rolled his eyes.

"Not now Niobe, we're here to-"

"Where. Is. Kora?"

He let out a deep breath at her determination, she was stubborn.

"On the ship"

"Not enough of an answer for me"

"I cannot take you on-"

She raised a hand, stopping him in his tracks "A call then" 

At his silence, she only inclined her head pointing at the Key Maker, preceding him in the room of the abandoned apartment.

You woke to the sight of a cold, grey ceiling; nothing new but not really familiar either. Your limbs felt stiff, your mouth too dry and your head  pounding, especially since, the moment your eyes adjusted to the light and you tried to sit up on your bunk, memories of your recent encounter resurfaced with a vengeance.

He was free.

He was many... and he was looking for a "Purpose...is-" you realized your voice was hoarse, trying to clear it you resumed your wondering while, slowly, dragging your legs to the edge of the bunk, making them dangle seemingly aimlessly on the floor below "is he really the only being...without...one?"

It was hard to stand with legs like jelly, still drenched in sweat, but you managed to cross the tiny room to the sink, splashing cold water in your face with trembling hands.

Looking up at the mirror you could see how pale your skin was, how sickly a color it looked and you could see the brownish smudge of dry blood on your bandages... it was small but it was there.

"How can this be?" you wondered, touching it lightly with one finger. You didn't have the strength nor desire to change the dressing at the moment, so you just blinked at the medications reflected in the mirror and walked away.

You didn't have a specific destination, you didn't even know the ship after all, it wasn't like Morpheus let you have a tour before sending you forcefully into the Matrix! Therefore you wandered around without a clue of your surrounding, 'till you passed by an open door...

Really, you didn't mean to intrude but all rooms were empty except for the sight presented to you at the moment.

It stunned you.

It wasn't much at all: just the woman -Trinity, you recalled- gripping tightly to Neo's hand.

Neo! 

An Anomaly...just like... me!?Is it really possible?

As your thoughts threatened to take you down a spiral of doubts and sorrow, Neo's voice broke through the barrier and brought you back to the surface: present time, here and now.

"You look like shit"

You could see Trinity elbowing him, chiding him lightly.

Only when she stood to approach you, you were finally and really able to snap out of it and clumsily took a step back from her, mumbling a soft "Sorry...I-I'll go"

But as Trinity started to answer with a: "I'll take you back to-"

Neo interrupted her: "Stay"

You saw confusion fill the other woman gaze at his request, nonetheless, she complied when his next words were used to ask her to leave the room and the two of you alone in the process.

He didn't want to talk to her, yet they seemed close; then why talk to you? 

He patted the spot of the bunk beside him, watching intently as you moved. Strangely enough, you were not nervous, on the contrary he kind of felt like a kindred spirit...

You took a deep breath, then: "Hello"

"Hello" he smiled a bit.

Silence reigned for a few minutes; you were both studying the other, thinking one about what the best way to approach the subject on his mind was, the other about what the hell to say.

Finally, he lowered his gaze, stood to close the door and, facing you, he ventured a feeble: "I don't know who or what I am anymore"

You gulped.

Well, if he didn't steal your line!

"I-I s'pose next you'll say" you met his stare, trying not to waver "that you don't know if what you're living is...real?"

"See!?" he said with more emphasis, pointing at you "That's why I wanted to talk to you! You understand!"

"We don't even know each other" a feeble attempt and you knew.

"And yet...you cannot tell me you didn't feel this sense of affinity between us" and you just couldn't deny now, could you? Averting your eyes was as good an answer as any but you refrained, you were no coward; instead you decide to reduce your eyes to slits, hoping he would take it as a sign of ostility on your part to avoid further confrontation: it was no easy subject for you and the worst part was you knew, you just knew that, with him, words would flow... 

Yet, the enemy of my enemy is my friend... but is he really my enemy? Is this one a friend?

"I've got doubts"

"Ah!" he let out a little laugh "Who doesn't?

"I mean I- I've got doubts about talking to you about my doubts" you replied with a straight face and he... he just laughed out loud!

"That's-" he said, trying to regain his breath "that's the first real laugh to come out of me in a long time!" and you didn't really know if you should feel offended or pleased.

In the end, you decided that it was better to continue with whatever would come out of your mouth: "What I've seen-lived... that kind of 'in between' was so confusing but also the most real thing I've ever..."

Neo's face became serious, his eyes fixed on you as he slowly started to approach the bed where you were still sitting and, cautiously kneeling in front of you, like he was trying not to scare a wild animal.

"Tell me" a deep breath "everything", exhale.

But could you, really? What if Morpheus got word of th-

"I swear, I won't tell a soul"

And damn it! You should not believe him but-

"I-when I was... I mean- in between The Matrix and here there was a constant"

"Morpheus told me about the voice"

Right... "Yes, the voice, but..." you were conflicted about saying more but, something told you to keep going "It was his voice! He was the constant and I'm- I don't know how but I'm certain that the sentinel outside my pod...was...him!"

A new veil of tears was now blurring your eyes and your breath was not coming easily while under Neo's scrutiny: it was so intense! He wasn't even blinking.

He tried to open his mouth a couple of times but it seemed he could not form words...

In the end, you took pity.

"I know it's big but...please don't tell Morph-"

"Morpheus thinks the Agent in question- pardon, ex-Agent, is Smith. Is he, or is he not correct?"

Gulping, you decided it was time to finally avert your eyes. It seemed you were a coward after all.

"I see"

"Please don't-"

"Do not doubt my word"

You felt gratitude fill and warm up your soul, therefore you decided to repay in kind: taking his face between your cold hands and looking him in the eyes you said "It's true, that 'in between' was real but it's also true that this 'in between' is a set of two places: does this make one less real, less true than the other? Less concrete? If you think it's real then, if you feel-"

But you had to bite your tongue because you could hear steps approach the room you were in.

It was Neo's turn to not let tears fall now and he also had to stand up fast and approach the door to prevent anyone from catching you unprepared or at a disadvantage. He composed himself and when the knock came, neither of you flinched.

And who could it be if not The Great Morpheus himself? Speak of the devil...

The dark skinned man took a look at Neo, right beside the door and then, raising an eyebrow, without even addressing him, changed his focus to you and said: "You have a call. Follow me"

"A call...?" but he didn't answer, instead you tried to find some kind of explanation in Neo's eyes but, he was as lost and confused as you were, so you decided -with great effort- to stand and follow the now retreating back of Morpheus.

You could feel the light touch of Neo's hand on your arm, passing by; you dropped your gaze to see his grip on you tighten and felt him whisper: "I need to resume our speech"

But Morpheus was fast and in a hurry when he nearly shouted "Come! We don't have much time!"  

So you just...followed.

Chapter Text

"Kali's worried" was the first thing you heard from the other side of the phone Morpheus shoved into your hands.

At first you thought -hoped!- it could be Trish but, no! Silly you! It was-

"Niobe?"

"Aye"

"I-how... hi"

A long pause from the other side. 

"Hi. Listen, we don't have much time but Kali...all of them, really...they want to know how you're doing and so do I"

You gulped, feeling your eyes sting, starting to water: you wanted to go back!

"I...I feel awfu-"

"You're allowed to say shit, you know?" and you could hear the smile in her words, it brought one to your lips too.

"Like shit then. I feel like shit. I'm so confused, I miss them and I- I'm scared"

Niobe took her time to ponder how to best reply, so much that Morpheus was starting to approach you, asking for the phone. At the echoes of his request, she said "Tell him to mind his own business! I'll tell you this Kora: they miss you too, they're alive, you're alive. That's all that matters now" and it was all you could hear before Morpheus took the phone from your hands, saying "We need to go" and ending your conversation.

You ventured a look at him, shyly, asking: "Go where?"

And he took a deep breath, fully turning to face you, before taking your chin in hand (this time, you did flinch and he did notice), looking deep into your eyes and saying: "You are going nowhere"

You were numb: didn't know what to do, didn't know what to think...you were just not paying attention to your surroundings. Only a few snatches of conversation managed to reach you...

"They're all still inside but..." the Operator probably, if your mind supplied correctly.

"They're not moving" Trinity !

You were certain you were missing something, you couldn't put your finger on it but, by the look Trinity sent your way, you could say that something was nothing good. She was about to approach you when, stopping in her tracks she seemed to have second thoughts. You could see her lips moving but did not register her words.

You were really out of it all: shivering in a corner, hugging your knees and thinking about...him...

"I lost them. They're inside the portal" a male voice -Link voice!- you wanted to concentrate but it was useless. You could see Trinity's form stiffen as he continued speaking "as soon as they open that door...is all over"

"I will not stand here and do nothing!" 

You were aware you had missed more than half of the conversation as well as many key events but it was clear to you that something really big must be happening to make the woman disobey a direct order from Neo  and wanting at all costs to enter the Matrix, for that was exactly what she was about to do as she was sitting on that awful chair, waiting for a plug, but then...

"That's as close as I can get you" 

After Link's words, her gaze found yours and she just...unplugged herself, jumped off the chair and ran towards you.

You flinched, nearly bumping your head on the wall behind you, still jumpy from before; at least she refrained from touching you: her hands stilling in the air in front of her as if in sign of surrender.

"Ehi" she said "I-sorry-I'm...I don't really know how to say this but" she gulped, making a big pause in her speech before resuming "we've lost signals with the crew of the Logos and we're about to lose track of Neo and Morpheus too"

What!?

Dread filled you: Niobe!

"I'm going in" her mind was set, you could tell, her tone deadly serious "come with me"

Truth be told, that was not what you were expecting coming out her mouth; you tried to swallow down all of your fears -not an easy feat- and concerns, all the "whys" and the "whats?" and just said: "Ok"

Trinity blinked "Ok?" and at the same time you could hear Link nearly shout an outraged "What the hell!?" in the background.

"Just like tha- I mean" Trinity stopped herself from finishing the sentence "of course"

"Trinity" Link was now standing form his station, slowly approaching your corner "it's foolish enough with just one plugged...but two! The girl no less!"

The woman before you closed her eyes shut, pinching the bridge of her nose and exhaling sharply, exasperated than stood abruptly, turning to face the Operator.

"She is, or better, may be...an Anomaly-"

"And Morpheus didn't want to bring her with them into this mess"

"Morpheus was the first to-"

"You didn't want either!"

She opened her mouth but no word came out, she looked chastised.

"I..." you began tentatively "I want to go"

"It's pure madness" replied Link, shaking his head, but not Trinity, no! She rounded on you, nostrils flaring, wide eyes and said: "I'll get you through!"

As your arms clutched tightly around Trinity's torso, you couldn't help but wonder all those "whys" you had tried so hard to suppress before!

A motorcycle! A fucking motorcycle!

"We have to jump!"

"WHAT!?"

"JUMP! NOW!"

Then, that little program in your head kicked in and everything you did from the second your body detached itself from the motorcycle seat, you did on autopilot.

Chapter Text

"There's still no sight of them. I don't know what they're doing in there but they only got two minutes" were Link' words after all the running and fighting...all for taking possession of this tiny computer in front of you...?

You were panting.

Nothing really mattered at this point. You found no one- well, not exactly but you were in a hurry and you followed Trinity blindly and...

But you did not see Niobe's body, did you?

You were staring blindly at a wall, lost in your own mind until-

"Damn it!"

And you saw, on the computer screen, an ugly window with a big: 'Error: Emergency System Failure.' wrote all over it.

You don't really know what came over you, you just felt some kind of 'pull', a feeling of sort, like something was telling you what to do or where to go: an invisible force, a sixth sense.

Turning to the door, you felt the need to find the window closest to you.

"W- what are you doing? Where are you going?" were the woman' shocked words.

"I don't know, I'm not really sure but...I'm gonna find out" your face was blank and she looked at you appalled but you had no time, you could feel it.
You individuated a window at the end of the corridor and started running.

"KORA!"

You could hear her distant shout, as well as the faintest: "One minute" from Link, but you couldn't care less. Something was guiding you.

It was utterly reckless.

Is that what you want? Is it your decision?

Those thoughts sounded strangely like the Oracle...no matter!

You jumped.

Trinity could only watch helplessly as you practically took fly as Neo could do, she covered her mouth with her hand, disbelief written all over her face.

"Trinity! Am I reading correctly?"

She was nodding before remembering Link could not see her.

"I think so, yes..."

"Damn..."

"You- Link, you think she's trying to go reach Neo?"

There was a big pause from the other side of the line, then: "A possibility, but, I don't see how. I mean...there is no time, the place is nearly impenetrable and the door will close..."

But Trinity didn't want to think about it.

"Keep looking"

And the Operator did.

You were flying. Flying was more than a jump, but you wasted no time in doing more than stating the mere fact, it was useless at the moment. 

Don't go there!

The Oracle' voice told you, for you were sure at this point, it must be her, not your mind playin' tricks.

You desperately wanted answers but, at the same time, you knew there was a place you just had to reach, you had to be there when the time was right!

So be it...

Time passed and you knew that, with it, something decisive was also happening: a missile, sonic booms was all it took for you to recognize the breaking point.

Oh, Neo, you thought, I'm sure our next conversation will be an interesting one...

"The miracle of life...is that what you've become, Neo?"

It was that same pull, that link between you, the same that let you open up a bit with him onboard the ship, that now was making you aware.

You nearly laughed.

"Anyway, that's the place eh..." you breathed, looking down the street below you.

It was wide, with plenty of buildings and you could just immagine its glistening beauty under pouring rain. 

"I think I'm ready" you said just as you thought you could see a little black spot moving in the distance.

"In twenty four hours, it will be"

You came through as Neo said those words like nothing was amiss.

"What?" Morpheus sounded perplexed though.

"If we don't do something in the next twenty four hours" Neo continued "Zion will be destroyed"

"How do you know that?" Trinity replied.

"He was told" you deadpanned, still reclined, eyes closed and needle inside your skull.

"What the Hell!?" Link jumped from his chair and approached you on shaky legs, maybe a bit scared. As he was about to approach your chair, Neo anticipated him and slowly extracted the needle.

Your eyes shot open, finding his in a silent conversation: everything was told, he knew, you knew.

And as a chorus of: "Where the Hell did you go!?" and "You abandoned Trinity!" rang out around you, starting to make your head throb, Neo answered in your stead.

"She went were she was meant to go"

"Just like he was told it would happen..." you added, referring to Zion.

"By who?" Morpheus boomed.

"it doesn't matter." Neo replied "I believed him"

"It's impossible. The Prophecy tells us-"

"It was a lie, Morpheus"

"What?"

"The prophecy was a lie." you said, putting your finger on your temples and starting to massage them in a mere attempt to alleviate the pain.

"The One was never meant to end anything" you continued but then, sensing your distress, Neo picked up.

"It was all another system of control"

"I don't believe that" Morpheus whispered, you couldn't see his face, for your eyes closed again of their own volition but, you were sure his expression had to be a  broken one.

"But the war isn't over Morpheus..." you said in a feeble voice and Neo nodded his head, adding:"But you said it yourself, if it isn't over, how can the prophecy be true?"

And the 'Great Morpheus' was...lost.

You couldn't really concentrate on their next exchange, your mind was starting to get fogged and your limbs numb, you were ready to surrender to sweet oblivion when- 

A siren. Alarms!

"Sentinels" you whispered watching the screen.

Neo looked directly at you as his next words left his mouth "It's a bomb"

And you gulped. It was not the time to tremble and be scared but you did just that, all of the security from before seemed to have evaporated, leaving just silly old you behind.

"We have to get out of here. Now"

And you were running.

Your legs were sore, your hands clammy but still run and when the ship exploded and went down into flames...it was pain.

You could not avoid thinking about a similar fate for the Brahma. How you missed the ship, the crew! You so hoped they were fine.

And when Morpheus uttered the words: "I have dreamed a dream..." you sobbed and blood red eyes was all you could see, coming right at you.

Run, you should run, right? You were not running then...

So you stopped in your track just as you could see Neo doing in the corner of your eye.

"What are you doing?" Trinity shouted.

"I can...feel them" was his answer and, yes, in a way, you could relate.

But as you turned, you saw Neo outstretch his arm toward the sentinels and you just know it was not the right approach.

"Neo, no!" you shouted, but it was too late, for some kind of invisible lightning struck their metallic forms and Neo with them.

There was something strange approaching, you could feel it, it was coming your way in step with the roar of another ship.

You know Neo would be ok, you know they were all fussing...but what was really troubling you was onboard that incoming ship.

It felt strange and familiar at the same time and you could not pinpoint it. 

Alas, once on board you were too tired and weak not to succumb to their doctor ministrations and, finally, sweet oblivion.

Chapter Text

~~  Maggie: his neural patterns don’t read like someone who’s in a coma. The strange thing is, I see these patterns all the time.
     Trinity: Where?
    Maggie: On someone jacked in.  ~~

"Kora?"

"Mmh?"

"What are you doing?" 

You didn't need to turn to recognize Trinity's voice; strange thing was: it sounded a little bit cold.

It took you a reasonable amount of time to understand why: your eyes were fixed in Neo's closed ones and the tips of your fingers, left hand, were lightly grazing his cold cheek; you were clearly captured by this connection, to the point of not even raising your stare to look at her when she got closer. 

And the reason was that Neo remained immobile all the time, as if in a coma, not even moving his eyelids but for the times in which your skin made contact with his... fascinating...

"Kora!"

"I'm sorry" you said, turning to face her and removing your fingers in the process.

She was about to answer when-

"We have no time! We must go!" And the both of you followed Morpheus out of sickbay.

The Oracle, of course you were going to meet the Oracle! And she was...quite...different? But in a way, you could still safely say she was indeed the Oracle. 

You were so intent in studying her that the words came late to you, half speech "-trapped in a place between this world and the machine world. The link is controlled by a program called the Trainman. He uses it to smuggle programs in and out of the Matrix. If he finds out where Neo is before you get to him, then I’m afraid our choices are going to become difficult"

In between...just like the place you found yourself in after the incident. Just like you were: stuck in between...

"Oracle" said Morpheus in a serious tone of voice that suddenly made you break out of your little bubble of thought.
"I know, Morpheus. I can see you’re filled with doubt"

"After everything that’s happened, how can you expect me to believe you?"

"I don’t."

Of course, you expected nothing less from either of them.

"I expect just what I’ve always expected. For you to make up your own damn mind. Believe me or don’t"

And in all of that, you badly wanted to get back to that forma mentis of not too long ago and understand your place in all of that. It all seemed so clear in that intricate design, now your mind was just so tired, you were sure you were missing something still, or maybe it was just-

"Fatigue. Yes. You, my dear, understood perfectly. Believe me" The Oracle winked at you "and still do. You're just too tired and too pressed. Let them be and do whatever they need to do and give rest to that mind of yours to gain the freedom you need"

"We need to-" Morpheus started just to be interrupted by the woman.

"Yes, you need to go. She stays"

You could see the way Morpheus clenched his fists and hardened his posture, nostrils flaring. Trinity didn't really know what to do, you nearly forgot she was there.

"We got less than twenty hours!" his tone deadly serious now.

The Oracle eyebrow rose before saying "Then move"

"My dear girl, really, you need rest. Real rest! Even if you get it inside the Matrix"

You were skeptical and were sure it could be seen on your face. Clearly.

The Oracle was frowning at you though.

"Can I make a suggestion?"

Your hand ran swiftly to your neck "There is no need. You think I should not hide it when the time comes. I think it will be irrelevant"

"You see" smirked the woman "I don't think it will be irrelevant but, that's exactly what I meant! You're finding way to reason"

Blinking, you left your hand return at your side without another word and marched straight to the sofa. If the Oracle wanted you to rest, then so be it.

You woke to the smell of chocolate cookies.

Of course... 

You were still unsure if opening your eyes was a good idea but, reasoned that, The Oracle, would know if you were awake anyway, wouldn't she?

The humm she gave, as if in response to your thought was everything you needed to know: there was really no need to keep your eyes close, unless you wanted to ease their burning.

You heard another pair of footsteps, then a little laugh -a child laugh- and, with the corner of your eyes you could see the figure of the aforementioned child...how?

"I see you pay attention after all! Yes, she was with Neo in that 'in Between', I promised the parents to take care of her. Don't ponder too much, don't ask yourself too many questions! It just is!"

You went from reclined to sitting, but you were glad to be still on the sofa 'for suddenly, you could feel a shift in the air, like something or someone so kindred to you just-

"NEO!" the child shouted as he entered the room.

"I was hoping to have these done before you got here. Oh well." said The Oracle, turning towards him "Sati, honey, I think it’s time for a tasting. Take the bowl to Seraph and find out if they’re ready"

So that's  the child's name.

"Okay" was her quick answer and then, to Neo, she whispered passing by: "I’m glad you got out"

"Me too"

His eyes found yours from above the rim of his glasses and everything was just oh, so clear to the both of you!

Then The Oracle interrupted:"So, do you recognize me?" 

"A part of you" was Neo's answer without breaking contact with you.

"Yeah, that’s how it works" she lazily started " Some bits you lose, some bits you keep. I don’t yet recognize my face in the mirror, but… I still love candy" 

At her offer, Neo was going to decline, the 'No' already on his tongue when you extended a hand to take the candy destined -or not destined- for him.

"Thank you" you said.

And Neo's serious face morphed into a funnier one.

You were so focused in studying his morphing features that you missed part of the Oracle's sentence.

"-jittery as a junebug? Now just look at you" at those words, the man turned his gaze towards her  "You sure did surprise me, Neo, and you still do"

"You gave me a few surprises too"

You could feel Neo's curiosity and insecurity as if they were your own so, at his: "-but my question is why? Where doese this go? Where does it end?" your expectation for the Oracle's answer were high; what a delusion it was when the only words out of her mouth were:

"I don't know"

"You don't know..." 

"Or you won't tell?" you finished for Neo.

She let her eyes wander from Neo to you then back again before exasperatingly say:

"I told you before. No one can see beyond a choice they don't understand, and I mean no one"

You could sense Neo's mounting agitation, it was strange but you knew that you had to quench his impulse to shout at the world even if, on the outside, his mask was impeccable.

You tried to stay calm, to feel and send back at him a sort of sense of serenity, but it was not easy when, on the other side, you got an incoming storm.

"What choice?" you asked.

"It doesn't matter" the Oracle said without breaking her gaze from Neo's "It's my choice. I have mine to make, same as you have yours"

There! Neo's mood got even worse and so much so that he spat his next words at her; truth be told you were starting to lose your patience at the both of them. 

"Could you, at least now" you whispered pointing at Neo whit your eyes "talk clearly?" but,  the Oracle got your point, Neo tensed and asked:

"Does that include what things to tell me and what not to tell me?"

"Of course not" the Oracle reassured quickly, yet the tall man in front of her was not satisfied.

" Then why didn’t you tell me about the Architect? Why didn’t you tell me about Zion, the Ones before me – "

And at that, you lost focus.

Ones before me? as in-

"-it wasn’t time for you to know"

"Yes Kora! Exactly like that" he said in his parvence of calm, then to the dark skinned woman " Who decided it wasn’t time?"

You had a sudden illumination about what her answer would be and, when the Oracle smiled  at you, you let out a soft: "You..." and as Neo frowned, the Oracle turned to point at the sign above the door.

"Temet Nosce" 

"Indeed, Kora"

"I did" said Neo "and I think it’s time for me to know a few more things"

"I think" interrupted the Oracle "you both do"

And you could feel chills running down your spine at her words.

"B-both of us..?" came your feeble voice, but before she could deign you of an answer, Neo kept on spatting out his questions.

"Tell me how I separated my mind from my body without jacking in. Tell me how I stopped four sentinels by thinking it. Tell me just what the hell is happening to me"

"To us!" you interjected " 'For I felt those sentinels too, Neo" 

He turned his gaze at you, questioning silently, sensing your indecision about something and wanting to know what was on your mind.

"I-" you started, not really sure on how to put it "When you extended your hand to stop them...I don't know, I just felt it was not the right approach"

As he opened his mouth to reply, the Oracle said:

"The power of the One extends beyond this world. It reaches from here all the way back to where it came from"

"Where?" his trepidation mixing with yours.

"The Source. That’s what you felt when you touched those Sentinels. But you weren’t ready for it. You should be dead, but apparently you weren’t ready for that, either"

And wasn't that strange and ironic? Looks like you weren't ready either when you got hit by that truck.

"Indeed" came the Oracle single word in response to your thoughts.

"The Architect told me that if I didn’t return to the Source, Zion would be destroyed by midnight tonight"

As the Oracle rolled her eyes, you let out a little laught and an overlapping of "What!?" and "Please..." had you laugh some more. You knew what she was about to say and you guessed right as you answered Neo.

"We may not be be able to see beyond our own choices, but the Architect can’t see past any"

The Oracle looked proudly at you as Neo asked a dumb: "Why not?"

"He's a program, Neo, a program with a function. He simply doesn't understand them, he can only fulfill his function-"

"To him they are variables in an equation. One at a time each variable must be solved and countered. That’s his purpose: to balance an equation"

"So..." you ventured uncertain.

"Yes, dear?"

"Is your purpose to... unbalance it?"

"My my...you're good, Kora!"

A little smile bloomed on your face, only to be swept away by Neo's next words.

"Why? What do you want?"

" I want the same thing you want, Neo"

"The end of the war" you both said in unison and she just nodded, so you kept on talking for Neo, who was a bit overwhelmed by all of the information, well, not that you weren't...

"One way or another, the war is gonna end but, what about Zion? Can it be save- Oh! I see...you don't have the answer"

She looked contrite while saying: "If there’s an answer, there’s only one place you’re going to find it and if you can’t find the answer, then I’m afraid there may be no tomorrow for any of us"

You saw Neo opening his mouth to ask, so you decided to cut it short. You didn't really know what came over you, it was like you could see where this was going so clearly...

"A beginning and an end. You" you said to the Oracle "can see the end coming"

"Yes, Kora. And you are all that stands in his way"

"Smith" you and Neo said at the same time and a sudden intuition came over you. You didn't want to interrupt but as your urgency increased, you got even more interested in what they were saying, to much to interrupt.

"-he’s going to have the power to destroy this world, but I believe he won’t stop there; he can’t. He won’t stop until there’s nothing left"

"What is he?"

"Your opposite" you said, but as the Oracle resumed her speech, she could see that you were fidgeting in your seat.

 "Yes...he is your negative, the result of the equation trying to balance itself out"

"What if I can’t stop him?"

"No" you said "the correct answer is: what if WE can't stop him, but..."

"What is troubling you, dear?"

You stared at the Oracle, then at Neo and said: "The future is in our hands or in his and we have to wake up! Now!"

Chapter Text

"Are you alright?" asked Trinity to Neo, back in the core of the Hammer.

He wanted to reassure her, he really did, but since you didn't tell him why there was so much urgency in your wanting the both of you to wake up, he asked instead: "Is Kora awake yet?"

But before she could answer, and in his opinion she looked a bit indignant, came the doctor's shout for the captain of the ship.

Roland just got in the medical bay as he said: "What’s up, Maggie?" not even sparing a look at Neo when the doctor told him that Bane was conscious. He wanted answers after all.

You found difficulty in waking up, not that the merry way back was actually that merry, but at least it was done: the sensation of being sucked down a tight tube has passed and the prickling needle in your head too, however, your eyelids were not cooperating.

You could feel the cold air of the operation room on your arms, giving you goosebumps, hovering all around you as heavy as someone stare on you...but maybe it was, maybe someone was indeed staring, waiting for you to wake up and, you had just an idea of who:

"Morpheus..." at least your mouth and voice were collaborating, more useful than your eyes at the moment!

"Mmmh you're awake..." you could hear a certain surprise marking his tone.

"My...eyes. They won't open"

You heard a heavy exhale of breath, then footsteps approaching your reclined persona, then a surprisingly warm hand being positioned on your shoulder.

"Give it time. Maybe it was too much, should have let you rest some more...I'm sure it will be a matter of minutes. I'll be right back"

He left you there, his footsteps getting further and further away so you just concentrated and tried opening your eyes some more.

It took you ten agonizing minutes, but you were finally on your own two feet, not strolling but at least slowly walking like a zombie down the hall when suddenly, you heard voices.

They were coming from the mess hall, you didn't really want to eavesdrop but some of what was being said came to your ears.

"-Why would I do something like that to myself? Unless, of course, I wasn’t myself… but… if I’m not me, then who am I?"

Oh! No good...

"Has this man been tested for VDTs?"

Roland your mind supplied.

"Yes, sir, it was negative. But he is showing a lot of unusual neural activity. Some cross-synaptic firing as well as signs of recent trauma-"

You didn't hear the rest of the doctor's answer 'for you were more worried about what the third man has said: If I'm not me, then who an I?

You wanted to find Neo so you forced your legs to move faster, you were not sure he would  still be in sickbay so you decided to go check there first and then try to find the accommodation area.

So worried were you, walking away lost in your thoughts, that you didn't even notice the person that popped out before you.

"Kora!" and a pair of arms were thrown around your neck as you were squished against a soft chest.

That surely broke your previous concentration.

"N-Niobe?"

"Oh, of course! Stop stuttering! Were you really doubting seeing me again!? I'm officially offended!"

You were so happy to see her, you had a million questions crowding your pretty little head for her but a deep voice -Morpheus' voice- interrupted your train of thoughts once again.

"We don't have time. You" he said, pointing at you "have you been wandering around all this time?"

"All this time? What do you mean?"

He frowned at your reply "Well, we found the Logos, we found Niobe and we are getting back to talk to the Captain now...it has been a while since I left you on the main deck"

You blinked, have you really been walking aimlessly all this time?

"I suppose...I got lost"

"Well, we have to go, find your room and take a nap"

"Wait!" You nearly shouted as they were  walking away "I'm looking for Neo!"

"Neo?"

You nodded and Niobe, seeing as Morpheus was not about to say more, took pity of you answering: "I think he will be part of our little reunion"

"Then I'm coming too"

"No!" said Morpheus strictly "You're not!" then disappeared down the corridore, Niobe in tow but she was sending you one of her 'sorry about that' look.

Doesn't matter! You were going to find Neo your way, better yet he was gonna find you!

You concentrated so much you could feel the energy leave your body. You slipped slowly down the cold wall of the ship behind you as your mind tried to reach Neo's mind; it was like a spark the moment they link, you didn't know how you did it, but even if it was just a matter of seconds, you felt his understanding and you knew that: yes, you needed to talk and yes, he was coming your way.

Your eyes closed of their own free will and you let out a deep breath as the link broke, leaving you more tired and sleepy than before.

It took Neo but a few moments to reach you, you could sense his closeness, track his movement as he knelt down before you.

You opened your eyes just as he reached out a hand to wipe away the trickle of blood you hadn't even notice ran down your nose. It smeared a bit but you didn't care and neither did he, it wasn't important.

"Neo..."

"I now know what I have to do. I want you to come with me"

You nodded your assent, it didn't matter if you were tired, it didn't matter your physical and mental energy were slow to return to you, whatever Neo had to do you would do with him.

"I have to go to the machine city"

Your eyes spread like sauces at his words you were kinda excited to go there with him and see it with your own eyes "Zero-One?"

He nodded "Our cradle-"

"Their cradle now"

"Of course... so you will come with me?"

Was that uncertainty in his tone?

"Yes, I will. It's in our hands now, ours...remember?"

He smiled at you before remembering that you too had something to tell him.

"You spent nearly all of your energies trying to find and call me and, with the Oracle, you didn't say why we should have been in a hurry to come back there..."

"I..." you hesitated, not sure how to put it into words "I felt something was amiss. There is a presence here and I think that presence has bound itself to that man onboard...that Bane?"

"Ok..."

"And I think I know who that presence is"

"Let me go talk to the others, then we'll deal with it"

You could see the frown Trinity sent your way finding you waiting for them in the Logos' cabin.

Neo only smiled saying "Yes, she's coming, I need her too and no" turning your way "I didn't tell the others. Good to see you standing"

You nodded your thanks at him, you didn't really want to know all the fuss if Morpheus and Niobe were to find you where not on the Hammer with them and said "I have to if I'm to be ready"

"Ready for whatever we'll face at the machine city?" Trinity asked with a blank stare.

"No, ready for him"

As Trinity once again frowned at your words, someone made its presence know behind her.

"Miss l/n"

Trinity jumped out of his line of view and away from him, scared to find a person behind her, she immediately  recognized him as Bane, you were sure of that, so, with your next word, you fixed her mistake and Neo's doubts.

"Smith"

He smirked with Bane' face as Trinity's mouth shaped a perfect 'O' in disbelief.

"I admit, it is difficult to think, encased in this rotting piece of meat"

Since Trinity moved, you could now see Bane- no, Smith, had a knife in hand and was slowly approaching. Well, at least, you consoled yourself knowing that Neo was close to a very big gun.

"There’s nowhere I can’t go, there’s nowhere I won’t find you"

"How? It's impossible" came Trinity's voice  shaking.

Smith, his eyes never leaving yours, said "Not impossible-"

"Inevitable" you finished for him and he smirked but his expression morphed as soon as he, close as he was, saw your neck, now without bandages. Of course you decided to follow the Oracle's advice.

His free hand started to reach out to touch your neck as you flinched and Neo, now with the big gun in hand, said "Stay away from her"

Looked like Smith didn't quiet like that.

With a sudden move he had you in his arms with a tight grip and knife pointed at your throat.

"Kora!" came Trinity's voice but Neo told her it was on him, he could deal with Smith and sent her to pilot the ship while the ex-Agent backed away carrying you with him.

"Go on" started Smith "Shoot, fry us, burn us alive!"

"Neo" as you tried to talk, his grip tightened "Neo...you have to-"

"Yes, Mr Anderson do it and live with the remorse of killing a kin mmmh" you could feel his hot breath near your ear "Look at him. He knows he should do it but he won’t. He can’t"

"Let her go"

"The sensations this meat case is sending to its nervous ends and brain, the stink of your fears,  it filling every breath, a suffocating cloud you can’t escape. Disgustingly inebriating. I quiet enjoy our closeness Miss l/n"

You didn't know how to feel at his words, your brain became a jumbled mess of feelings and emotions and you could tell Smith knew.

"Sssh, do not beat that pretty head of yours over that-"

"Let. Her. Go."

You were at an impasse so you, as hard as it was given the situation, focused on Neo and tried to send him a feeling of calm that not even you were feeling.

You had to center him and Smith too, 'for that was your purpose, you were sure about it.

Neo could see something change in your gaze, something resembling a glimmer of recognition so, when the wave of calm coming from you hit him, he tried to follow your lead and let himself somatize the sensation.

He went rigid, immobile, breathing deeply in and out, lowering the big gun just a smidge.

Your grip on Smith's arm was slowly starting to make your fingers ache so you tried to loosen it a bit hoping that Smith too would alleviate the pressure on your neck.

"Y-you're..." you uttered as his nose got even closer to your ear "You're hurting me" your voice was feeble, suffocated but you could sense that, just like Neo', his body too went rigid.

He was thinking, you could tell and the pressure on your neck eased a bit, not much but it was enough. Your eyes had been starting to water so you tried to blink away the tears.

"Pity" Smith whispered "to loose this closeness" and he, with an unexpected move, pushed you toward Neo, who, taken by surprise, averted his gun to catch you.

Bad move. Smith was on him in seconds.

When Trinity heard an overlapping of shouts she didn't understand what was going on and she could even less fathom the outcome.

So when you and Neo got back from the fight, the first thing she saw were of course Neo's eyes.

"I’ll be okay. It’s all right, Trin. But I think you’re gonna have to keep on driving 'cause, Kora can't either"

And that was the moment in which she saw that your left hand was as badly burnt as Neo's eyes.

"What happened? How?"

"It doesn't matter Trin. Let us go"

Chapter Text

When Kali, onboard the Brahma, amid the fight got Niobe report, her only and last thought was: please, let Kora be safe 'for we are all doomed before fire from the explosion roared and another sentinel' shot hit the mark.

You were not at Zion, you were not with her or Morpheus and that would suffice, at least you were not living this hell.

"There" you exclaimed.

"Mmh mmh" Neo hummed "those mountains. That’s it" 

Trinity was surprise he could see as, until proven otherwise, he was blind.

"Do you see what’s out there?"

" Yes"

"Is it possible..." you ventured, referring to his 'new sight' "that-"

"That our connection helps?" he finished your though "A possibility. Can you see the light too, Kora?"

"Truth be told Neo" you turned, meeting the blindfold over his eyes "I only see darkness"

Neo was stunned for a bit but when he was about to reply, Trinity took a deep breath and said: "If you tell me we’ll make it, I’ll believe you"

"We’ll make it"

"We have to" you finished his sentence as the ship got even closer to Zero-One "Their defense system has activated!"

"Sentinels!" shouted Trinity.

When Neo suggested to go up a bad feeling gripped your heart "Neo...I'm not sure it's a good idea" 

But Trinity's "Then up we go" was all the answer you got.

Lock said that Morpheus was the only one believing in miracles.

Well, yes, he believed and he was hoping that you and Neo would make one happen soon.

After the crash you could only avert your eyes as Neo sobbed with Trinity dying in his arms.

His pain was yours, so in tune you were.

You tried not to listen to their exchange and concentrated more on staying awake 'for the pain in your hand mixed and increased by the one in your leg was overwhelming, you were about to pass out.

Come on, I have to keep my eyes open!

You were numb.

You didn't know how much time passed but an instant you blinked and you could see the ceiling of the Logos, the next you found Neo's face above you.

"Kora! Kora, come on"

You were not sure he could hear your breath or see that your eyes were open so you tried to speak " 'm f'ne"

"No, no you're not. But we have to go"

So you let yourself be maneuvered in a standing position, not without grunts and moans of pain for which he apologized.

"Don't ask me how I know" you started mumbling "But the Deus ex Machina is waiting for us"

You didn't need to utter your sorrow about Trinity's death, he knew. 

"Good, then I'll go say my piece"

Everything is pure light he said, you should see the way I see it, he said...but you could only see darkness all around you and a million of sentinels forming the big face of their Head.

"The program ‘Smith’ has grown beyond your control. Soon he will spread through this city as he spread through the Matrix. You cannot stop him, but we can"

"We don’t need you. We need nothing" came the booming, metallic voice.

It sounded too sure of itself in your opinion and it looked like Neo agreed with you 'for his next words  were:

"If that’s true" and he was pressing  "then I’ve made a mistake and you should kill us now"

"What do you want?" 

You gulped, watching Neo as in unison you said one single word: "Peace"

"And if you fail?"

And as Neo saw light shine brighter,  you saw darkness increase in all her might.

A myriad of mechanical and sleek arms lifted you both from the ground as  you, trying to keep your voice from shacking, answered "We won't"

Their pliers were so cold...

Never a needle has been inserted more quickly, sharply and forcefully in your skull, you didn't even have time to register the pain and discomfort that you found yourself looking down a familiar street; the pain of your body and the searing sensation of the needle forgotten inside the Matrix.

It was raining heavily, dark clouds all around and an infinite amount of clones, lining the street, were looking at Neo as he strolled with determined steps toward the original Smith...or not quite the original one?

But you exhaled a breath of contentment seeing he had his old face back. Weird, as you should be worried for the insane amount of clones and Neo's fate...well, as well as Smith's actually...

The remind brought back that mindset you were looking for not long ago: the clearness of your purpose. So you stood under the heavy rain and jumped down the roof of the building you were on, the same you found yourself into that time a pull brought you to come see that very same street.

You walked -no need to run- among all the copies, standing still as they did nothing but watch you.

You could see Neo and Smith started to fight.

"The purpose of life is to end" you were not sure how your ears caught that piece of sentence since you where too far away from them, Hell, you couldn't even see them anymore inside that building they crashed! Maybe it was because Neo put too much attention on that to make it resonate in your ears and mind.

When Neo was knocked back against the crater their fight has created, lying on the ground, you were finally able to hear something as you got closer and closer.

"Everything that has a beginning has an end, Neo"

Ah! the Oracle' words! Now you were sure Smith took her too. Such a mistake.

"You looked so sure. So convinced of the outcome" you whispered as Neo stood. His tiredness, his sadness  yours.

"Get away from me!" you heard the man in the black suit shout, scared.

And you were...sorry for him.

"You were right, Smith. You were always right. It was inevitable"

You saw as Smith, suddenly, took over Neo, making once again another clone of himself. His fear evident, his expression a clear tell. Still, you were not worried about Neo.

And of course, a bright light was starting to come from his standing form.

You knew the Machine -Deus ex Machina- had something to do with it as well as you knew for a fact that every single Smith' clone would be destroyed and everyone freed.

So you slid down the crater and slowly approached the ex-Agent who was mumbling an incessant litany of: "Oh, no, no, no. No, it’s not fair!"

There was such a little amount of time now.

"Smith" You didn't expect your voice to break.

He looked at you like a deer caught in the headlights.

You were close to him now, his are you alright? was stuck in your head on repeat... he was clearly not, yet you wanted to ask him so bad! But you just opened your arms instead and said: "Come here"

And close to tears he did the most human thing one could do: he throw himself, willingly, at you.

 
A hug, an embrace...you just knew, in the end, everything would be fine: it was more than a kind act, more then a sacrifice.

You knew you and Neo would survive -or better 'come back'- like everyone else.

And Smith too if it was the last thing you did.

You spared a thought for Kali and her crew -your crew- hoping to see them again too as the blinding light surrounded you and light blue eyes met yours.

His body so warm pressed to yours.

Then: nothingness.