"what is it that youre actually after" SH asks SHA while not even looking at them, instead looking out of the window
its night, all the factories are still running, but on low power mode, there isnt much else audibly going on
SHA looks up from their notes, wondering if SH is actually listening or just desperate for any kind of conversation
they know borderline nothing about SHA anyways, so thats apperetnly the only topic they can think of
"pure and utter freedom" SHA says calmly, wondering if they made a mistake
"hm" SH doesnt move
SHA waits a little, but nothing happens, they continue reading through their notes
the sound of the factories starts to grow quieter, its nearing midnight
"i havent seen anyone outside lately" SH still looking outside of the window, seeing if they can spot any movement in the lit up windows
"someone has to keep the machines running after all" SHA had practiced that line already many times
"hm" SH drifting off in thoughts
"i shouldnt be tired" SH
"everyone does from time to time" SHA
"hm" SH is on the verge of passing out
SHA was waiting for this moment
they get up, using the dim light and learned skills to their advantage
they should be barely visible to SH, they cant be sure, but they have to take this oppertunity as it might be their last one
SHA swiftly rips off SH s halo and puts it on
to their surprise: SH isnt doing anything, hopefully theyre just that tired
"i might have trusted you too much" SHA hears a voice from behind them
they turn around in shock, but theres nothing there
they look back at where SH was supposed to be, but there is noone
"do you think i havent noticed that everyone is gone?" the same voice, this time the visual reality seems to shift
all archetecture, everything is gone, only a black sky and a sand covered ground
they look everywhere but nothings there
finally they feel a hand on their shoulder, they know who it is
looking up, they see SH with one side of the halo missing
"you did a good job at deciving me, congrats" SH with their usual demeanor
SHA would instincivly flinch away, but they cant, SH is much stronger after all
"while i cant give you `pure and utter freedom`, i can at least give you this, with your skill and knowlege: you dont need much more anyways" SH lets go of SHA and points over their head, where the other half of the halo is floating
"look around you, a blank canvas just for you" SH turns around and takes a step away
"i ll be back in a week to see what you made" they dissapear
next chapter