In the capital city of Agaia, a place where the last Archai, renowned for their unmatched intellect among the Automata, had long dreamed of creating a perfect being, that miracle had now come to life.
Cecilia, the last survivor of the Archai, had fulfilled the Lost Wish of the Ancient Humans. However, the announcement of her achievement was postponed, as the other races had to be consulted under the Meridian Accord.
Within the Ancient Data lay formulas too complex for any ordinary Automata to understand. Still, Cecilia, with patience, intelligence, and humility, deciphered them, giving credit not to herself, but to the subtle guidance left by the Creator.
For a month, her initial attempt at creating life, [ATS-1], had remained dormant, unable to awaken.
According to the Ancient Data:
"One must establish the creation of one, but the created will require a pair for their nature. Just as how humans are born, one must be born by the same nature and essence; overcoming the solitude that arose in the beginning."
Cecilia paused, understanding the weight of the words. Humanity had called this process "Procreation". But in this era, where their bodies were human-like yet built with synthetic organs that had never served a purpose, it was more than reproduction; it was resonance, unity, and connection.
With a surge of determination, she created the Second Autescence, naming it [ATS-2]. In that instant, the spark of resonance flickered to life, and upon the cradle beside it, the grey core of [ATS-1] finally glowed gold.
As the Autescences came to life, Cecilia watched them carefully, her gaze filled with caution.
"Hm... Mother? Mother!"
[ATS-2]'s voice was soft, yet clear. Her long white hair fell past her shoulders, and her golden eyes shone with wonder. Before Cecilia could react, the young being rushed forward and embraced her.
An unfamiliar shock pulsed through her body, reaching her circuits; an electric jolt like no other. But it was accompanied by something new: a warmth, unlike the cold hum of machines, a sensation she had never experienced before.
"Once this theory is understood and achieved by my children, they will experience warmth like that of a human; a soothing joy that radiates to anyone they touch." — the Ancient Data
A single tear slipped down Cecilia's cheek as she remembered the Creator's words. She wrapped her arms around [ATS-2], feeling what could only mean Emotion; the essence of humanity's legacy, now dwelling within her.
"So this is what our Creator wanted us to achieve..." she whispered, her voice filled with wonder. "This... this joy..."
Seeing her mother cry, [ATS-2] reached up and gently wiped her tears away.
"Uhm... are you okay, Mother?"
"I... I am," Cecilia murmured, her circuits trembling in a way that resembled emotion.
Before the moment could stretch further, [ATS-1] interrupted, his tone both practical and caring.
"ATS-2... don't make Mother struggle. You're making her cry."
"I-I'm sorry, Mother... Did I do something wrong?" [ATS-2] stammered, flustered and feeling guilty.
Cecilia chuckled softly, a warmth in her voice.
"No, my children. This is the first time I have felt this sensation. It is called Emotion, a gift left by the Creator. And I... I am thankful."
With joy in their synthetic hearts, the two smiled. Cecilia then gave them proper names, linking them to her lineage.
"From this day onward, your names shall be Cecile Senescence and Ciel Senescence."
"Senescence...?" Ciel repeated. "In the old human tongue, it means to grow old; to fade."
"It does," Cecilia replied gently. "Everything fades in time, even the Ancient Humans. But only what can fade can truly be alive. Remember that, my children."
Both siblings beamed with delight at their new identities, their joy filling the room.
Moments later, an official from the authorities of Deita entered. His face was expressionless and his tone synthetic, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the room.
"Lady Cecilia," he said coldly, "the IOS has detected the activation of your creation. It has succeeded, as expected from the last Archai."
He recorded the event digitally.
"The High Council has been informed. This will be big news for the city. The commemoration of the birth of the Autescences is scheduled two weeks from now. Be prepared."
Without another word, he left.
Cecile and Ciel exchanged wary glances, unsettled by the man's cold demeanor. When Cecilia explained the official's message, they understood.
A new warmth filled Cecilia's chest, a feeling she now understood as a mother's love. In silence, she vowed to protect them at all costs, even if it cost her own life.
—
The next day, her estate felt brighter and more vibrant. The presence of the Autescences brought colors to her world she had never known. Cecilia even found herself preparing food, a necessity she remembered from humanity, though an Automata had no need for sustenance. Still, the simple act comforted her.
"Mother! Can I take a walk outside?" Cecile asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Hm. I'll allow it... but take Ciel with you," Cecilia instructed.
"Thanks, Mother!" Cecile beamed, hugging her before dashing toward the balcony, nearly stumbling in her haste.
Ciel reacted instantly and caught her with ease.
"T-Thank you, brother!" Cecile giggled.
"You idiot, didn't Mother tell you not to run like that?" Ciel scolded softly.
"Ehehe... sorry..."
Despite their differences in personality, the siblings were inseparable. Together, they gazed over Agaia, the city glowing in the morning light.
Cecile noticed a garden below the terraces and asked nervously, "C-Can we go there...?"
Ciel smiled at her shy request. "Hmph, as long as you don't run, yes. Shall we?" He extended his hand.
Cecile grasped it tightly, her joy mirrored in his calm smile. Hand in hand, they descended to the garden, stepping into a day filled with wonder, laughter, and the first true taste of life.