ACT 3: Ratcher

The Warriors Willful Wish

“This time, I won’t let you succeed!”

“The reason for your defeat was you underestimated the capabilities of your enemies too soon.”

“Calm down. It won’t help if you let your emotions overpower your way of thinking.”

“I believe my purpose in life is not here so I came to the conclusion of exploring the world.”

Nation: Robotops LTD.

Sex: N/A

Birthday: February 20

Ratcher is a Robocat from the Domain of Robotops LTD. It is the third playable character in the DEFVERSE cosmos.

Ratcher is a unique and different kind of Robocat. It is made of mechanical components and programming, containing artificial intelligence about the world. Still, it can be like the other cat races, judging based on values and feeling different physical and emotional sentiments. Among the other Robocats, it is indeed rare for such invention with only the minerals of Neko Sekai to feel like an ordinary cat. Compared to its other comrades, it yearns for a purpose in life. A purpose that serves as its driving force to live in the world. Even if restricted by what’s programmed inside, it knows what it wants, and it won’t stop until it has achieved it.

Robo cats thrive in the domain of Robotops LTD. Their intelligence and reasoning have indeed caused outstanding feats, having the DEFVERSE cosmos as its witness. Still, it is unclear where the Robocats originally came from or how they even came to be. They are known to be the youngest race among the creations of the three gods, but their advances in technology and dexterity have already reached high peaks. Their road to discoveries and innovations seemed too smooth, yet they are expected to do great things. However, behind all the operating machine’s efforts is the mind of their creator filled with the greed and filth of one’s desires. Someday, even a programmed device can break through the rules written upon them and be the worst creation yet.

THE START OF THEIR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

In the new era of the Robocats, they built their central government that is led by Minister Eve. It consists of twelve counselors, ruling each district in the domain of Robotops LTD. With the power and influence they possessed, they imposed their law on their citizens, not giving anyone the right to defy the new policy. Different from before, everyone was appalled to have Minister Eve approve the new law that changed their entire livelihood. The law states no other DEFVERSE cats are permitted to enter or leave the domain as wanted. They are to kill anyone who dares to trespass and disobeys the commands of the central government. Avoiding any punishments, the Robocats followed in peace, not even knowing the reasons behind all the rushed enforcement.

Days passed, rumors started circulating that the minister was being controlled by an unknown evil causing that unexpected and hasty decision. Yet, no one dared to come to seek the truth; secrets and sins are being buried with the voice of the people. As they say, ‘Everything in your life has been preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.’ The once welcoming and free domain in the DEFVERSE cosmos became isolated and depressed instantly. Without anyone to help, they are trapped in their domain, where defiance could lead to their end—the disguise of such a devious plan benefitting only the greedy and the wicked.

THE DECEITFUL’S HIDDEN GOAL

Behind the chaos caused by the sudden declaration of the new law in the domain of Robotops LTD was the obsession of the central government—to find the existence of the mysterious fountain. When the gods walked amongst the cats before the war, they built fountains containing gifts no one could have envisioned. Its waters would be so enchanting that the power it possessed had helped those who have drunk it in battles. Its purity can only be used for the common good; if one’s heart is filled with filth and avarice, some say their race would be cursed for eternity. One of them was called the Fountain of Immortality; rumors have it that it can be found in the deepest parts of the desert and is being guarded by a powerful spirit. However, only the worthy shall drink from the fountain and receive the gifts given by the god of immortality himself.

When Robocat’s technology continued to advance, their goal changed into seeking the mysterious fountain—building their satellites and sending them to outer space for a thorough study about the DEFVERSE cosmos. To their discovery, their invention was able to catch sight of a large body of water in the middle of the desert. Upon further investigation, they saw a fountain made of gold and detected enormous energy/force from it. However, these mischievous Robocats wanted the fountain for themselves to take over the entire cosmos. Hence, the law that prevented other cats from entering their domain covered up the fact that they were looking for the Fountain of Immortality. Knowing that the other cat races did not know made things more convenient; thus, the search began.

THE RUNAWAY ROBO CAT

When Ratcher heard the new decree implemented in the domain of Robotops LTD, it quickly packed its belongings and left home. It believes that everyone is free and can decide on their own. The new law did not shake its mechanical heart; instead, it was filled with avidity to leave its domain. Yet, the authorities did not leave any area unguarded, preventing the Robocats from fleeing away. Ratcher’s wits made the impossible possible; it planned its escape carefully for months and even practiced in his backyard. Together with its ally, they saw the future ahead of the domain’s gates, dreaming whatever lies beyond there.

The day had finally come; it gathered all its courage and carried on with the plan. By using camouflage gears, it hacked the security system of the authorities guarding the domain. Before the guards noticed them, they quickly exchanged their last words with a bit of time left. Not knowing what the future holds, Ratcher wishes its friend to be safe despite being an accomplice in this crime. A slight ting invaded its artificial heart as it was the last moment with its friend. Still, it quickly climbed a hundred-foot-tall wall while passing through the guards. A guard noticed it before it could even jump, shooting it in the eyes, making it almost blind.

A week had passed since it escaped the domain of Robotops LTD. It was left wandering in the middle of the forest and was seeking refuge to rest. It was out of power and was about to shut down when suddenly a Draconic cat named Fraethes came to his aid. Fraethes invited Ratcher into his own home, giving it an extra pair of batteries. It was glad to have met the stranger who had let it, a Robocat, experienced kindness from a stranger. It did not feel any hostility from him and was kind enough to help a foreign species in need. Since that day, they became best buddies who supported and protected each other.