Loss

"We are just going to be sitting here and waiting to see if my body will live or die?" Ace asked, looking at the large fox-like creature beside him, fists clenched. "Isn't that a little too sudden, Cleo?"

"We have been in a discussion ever since the maintenance started," Cleo said, its green eyes remaining on Ace. "Remember? There were several disruptions you caused and … well, those awoke some of the deities." 

"Really? What did they say?" 

"Well, that was the main reason why there was a meeting. They were wondering what happened and I had to be one of the systems that went to meet them." 

"Is that why-" 

"Yup." It walked around the empty space, circling Ace. "That was why I could not show you my face for the most part and another system had to help." 

"That was that strange voice besides yours?"