Reflection
#Choicescreates Round 5
Prompt: ‘Mirror’
Artist’s Note: I don’t know what Endless Summer book 2 will hold. This story is based off my own theory of Lila and Iris’ relationship - It may or may not be true.
Reflection
“Iris, recall logged video files containing keyword “Rourke” within the last 48 hours.” Silvery moonlight rippled across the pool on the lonely balcony where Lila stood. All would be silent if not for the quiet hum of the orb that held the AI she addressed.
“Database corrupt.” The monotone voice of the AI began to respond. “No video files found containing “Rourke” in specified time frame.”
Agitation clearly flitted across Lila’s delicate features before she spoke, struggling to keep her voice steady. “Iris, recall logged video files containing keyword “Rourke” in the last 48 hours.”
Again came the voice. “Database corrupt. No video files found containing “Rourke” in specified time frame.”
“OF COURSE NOT!” Lila snapped, twisting around to face the shimmering blue form of Iris. She was faded against the dark backdrop of the sky, stars blinking in and out of sight where the energy rippled around her. “You never were capable of handling any kind of responsibility.”
“I apologize for any inconvenience I have caused. Please try your request again later.” Iris responded systematically.
“Inconvenience?! This is all your FAULT!” The last word made the young guide choke up, ending the word in a shrill tone. Tears sprang to her eyes as she took a step furiously towards the AI who seemed unfazed by Lila’s outburst.
“I apologize for any inconvenience I have caused. Please try your request again later.” She repeated, staring at Lila with a calm smile plastered on her face.
“How could you let him do this? It should have been me! I would have never have let this happen.” She raised her hand before taking a swing at the floating projector. “THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!!”
The orb swerved easily out of reach before her fist could make contact, causing her to stumble. Lila crumpled to the ground clutching her knees close. Her small frame shook violently as sobs wracked her entire body. The orb hung in the air near her side as she allowed herself this one moment of weakness… one moment where her trademark smile could fall to reveal the broken woman underneath.
Eventually she sniffled weakly, unsure of how much time had passed. Her blurry eyes raised to the shimmering blue outline of a woman she barely remembered. “I-Iris… recall most recent logged video file containing keyword “Emily”.’
Iris’ blue hue darkened to reveal tanned skin. Her eyes shifted from bright blue to an almost emerald green. Around her the air surrounding the pool side buzzed with energy until forming a desk with a large window overlooking the island. The human woman before Lila wore a dark red dress cut with a square neckline.
She leaned in as if she were trying to get her entire image to fit within a screen but the hologram projected her in perfect clearness. Lila gazed up at what appeared to be her own reflection, a twin image of herself.
The woman in front of her wore a smile similar to her own. “Hi Lila!” She reached forward in the air as if shifting something in front of her. “I wish you were here to see this. Everett says this will be the last time I need to connect with the system and then she will be a hundred percent synchronized to my personality. Isn’t it exciting? I’m going to be immortal!”
The image shook, slightly clipping out of view before returning. “I know you’re angry with me but this could really help a lot of people. Think of all the good ‘Me 2.0′ will be able to do with the tireless energy of a machine! I have to go now but I hope we will get to talk soon. Don’t be angry at me too long, sis!”
She beamed towards whatever unknown camera she was recording with. “I love you!” Her final words hung in the air as the image froze before blinking back into the floating orb that held Iris.
Lila’s own voice seemed almost unrecognizable as she whispered.
‘I love you too…’
