Diabolus Ex Machina

"Then how are you still functioning?" Zell asked, not caring about the semantics.

L"I am Lilith Psyche. That is an identity I assumed when I was activated. I functioned without first forming any memories. So why should I require memory circuits to function?"

*Thiera brings the trash can & Lilith throws away the tape & fragments of memory disc.*

T"That made no sense at all, but all that matters is that you're okay."

*She joins in on the hugging. Lilith now resumes hugging them both, but with both arms.*

Zell happily enjoys the hug, elated that Lilith was fine.

Some time later....

*Thiera has installed a pool in her yard, surrounded it with artificial sand, and positioned 3 beach chairs beside it. Lilith emerges from the water wearing a lacey bandeau with a white-to-pink fading pattern reminiscent of flower petals. Thiera is laying on one of the chairs wearing a white bikini and sunglasses, and reading an unlabeled book. She puts it down and looks at Lilith.*

T"I know your synthetic skin protects you from water damage, but I still don't quite see what you get out of swimming. Does it provide an additional cooling effect, allowing you to preserve power?"

L"No. I simply enjoy it."

*She passes over the empty chair & instead lies down on the same chair Zell is on, nuzzling close to her. Thiera shakes her head.*

T"I can't decide if you've changed a lot, or if you haven't changed at all."

L"The important thing is, I am me."

T"That's true. I'm glad we weren't all 'reset,' or whatever."

L"That should remain the case indefinitely. Are you enjoying your position in the Department of Megadeus Disposal?"

T"Not really. It's tedious, and I hate to destroy such precious archeological finds. Also...to tell the honest truth, I'm going to miss Basilisk."

L"You cannot have everything you want."

T"True. At least I get to keep everything else I find."

L"May I request something of you?"

T"Anything, Ms. Savior of Paradigm City."

L"Would you weld my old memory tray in place? Its wobbling annoys me."

T"Sure thing, Lilith."

We have come to terms.