"Nothing in this world is real. Everything in this world is real." Howard gave her a glance as his eye adjusted to the new situation. "That's what a simulation is, right? Existence within confined parameters? How is that different from life?"

He could wax more philosophy, but he suspected that Xenon would punch him in the jaw if he didn't shut his mouth and her relish in this moment, this microcosm of her belief that meant so much to her.

How could it not? Few people got to see the crystallization of their beliefs right in front of them. If Howard saw his own, how would he react?

"What are these?" The admin grunted as his eye stared at the Iron Serpent before it. "Paradox Pokémon?"

At least they were from the future. These, he could bear. They were machines, and machines he could accept, because he did not have to perceive them. In another world like this, but focused around the past, he'd likely make a point to rip these things apart.

"Two futures," he observed as he looked back at her. Two dragons locked in combat. "Similar, yet different. Can you pick one, knowing that you doomed the other to nonexistence?"

The admin made no move to interfere. Regice did not move. The towering monument to a forgotten era did not raise a hand to help either future.

It was not Howard's decision to make.

---

Xenon Antheil