I swear I have no how that got there! If I were to rob a toaster company, I'd steal one of those fancy toasters with touchscreens. I tried to buy one a few months ago, but my financial advisor wouldn't let me. He was like, "You can't keep making impulsive purchases like this. You don't even like toast."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqid2qHhvE
I was like, "Shut up, Old man! You can't tell me what to do!" I felt bad about it later, and I never ended up buying the toaster. Where was I going with this? Oh yeah, the map! I didn't even know Bionic Corp sold maps, so I couldn't have stolen it. Right? I don't think I stole it, but I was pretty drunk at Jaxon Wan's party. I had to ask myself the question, Did I do that?
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9elooDkTW
I looked at Atlas to see his reaction to this new information, but his attention was zeroed in on the map. I leaned in to get a better view of the map that ruined my life. It looked like a black blob with a big red line going through it. "What is this supposed to be a map of?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsDrrlv9cv
"I'm not sure." Atlas signed.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUvnRu4iG5
It's pretty weird having his signs translated aloud in my brain. It's like having a second voice in your that isn't yours. It's freaky.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYZV621Hjp
Marisa squinted her eyes in an attempt to decipher the image. "It looks like some sort of landmass if you look at it the right way."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX57tiurn7
I slow clapped. "Excellent detective work, Marisa. That really narrows it down. It's not like most maps have landmasses in them."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJS5XYS68o
"Don't be a smart-ass." Atlas signed. "If you're so smart, why don't you tell us what this is a map of?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy7r6i6cTL
Dammit. I wasn't prepared for a geography pop quiz. I cheated my way through high school geography, along with all my other classes. "I don't know. Ireland?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNTgMOU2gS
Atlas shot me a judgmental look. Apparently, Ireland wasn't the correct answer.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAvdT7SyBM
"This thing ruined my life." I pointed towards the map. "I'd like to know what's so freaking special about it."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpN1EBhyW5K
"Whatever this map leads to must be valuable to Bionic Corp." Atlas signed.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchdf0Hl57W
"Do you think it could be valuable to other people?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdrEd4Wibe
"How so?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XignnmOk7
"I was thinking if this map is so special, maybe I could auction it off on the black market and become as rich as Jaxon Wan."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZtv4ydiOn
"Are you kidding me? You can't just sell it on the black market! We don't even know what it is!"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKsuDglOSG
"Well, how can I learn what it is?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwAxd7qwtm
Atlas tapped his finger on his chin in deep thought. Then signed, "I might know someone."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1VGeo30x3
Atlas guided me out of the apartment building and into the crowded street. Vendors with carts full of various goods parked on every corner. Flags in hundreds of different patterns and colors hung from the balconies above. The people in the streets spoke in so many different languages I could hardly keep track. My cybernetics attempted to translate them all at once.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxBfT1ylsp
"Fresh Fish Tacos! Buy one, get one free today only!"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRanIIkZMW
"It's so hard to find good workers these days. Bionic Corp keeps poaching my staff."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP7lqlA2N4
"Hey! Watch where you're going!"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcuntfp1a2
"I told Li Na it was her turn to do the laundry, but she must have forgotten."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXSFaYllc0
"Mama, where are you?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCL01RmG90
"If it's a fight you want, I'll give you a fight!"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFEjmndhii
"Did you see the Cybrawl last night? Vindicator kicked the other guy's ass!"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nTCYiVrA8
"Hurry up, I don't have all day!"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaOxUIhZTh
"I was born in the wrong generation, I wish I was born in the 2020s, everything was so much better then."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvyAFFLtIh
The sound of the multitude of voices being translated in my brain was so overwhelming I crashed to the ground and covered my ears.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nuB7wZKGQ
Atlas crouched beside me. He had a look of genuine sympathy in his deep brown eyes. "What's wrong?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoi5XHx2XE
"The noise." I whimpered.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbawUeu2Ov1
Atlas gave me a puzzled look.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59VrC9ag4a
I pointed towards my brain. "You know, the voices."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEp4g5fjD7C
His eyes lit up with understanding. I felt him connect to my cybernetics, and then the voices stopped. I could still hear them speaking in their own languages with my human ears, but it wasn't being projected into my brain anymore. "Thank you."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoY3LiOGBP
He gave a modest shrug and offered me his hand. I tried to stand without his help, but between my inexperience walking with a cybernetic leg and the movement of the island beneath us, I fell face-first on the ground. I reluctantly took his hand and he helped me to my feet.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiigiUmVXsp
"I hate floating islands!" I kicked an empty soda can as my cybernetic leg. I wasn't aware I had cyborg super strength, and the can flew a lot farther than I intended and hit a small child in the face. "Sorry!"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtYGQXtyzT
Atlas laughed silently.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsORS1xkMTf
Laugh it up, buddy. I was about to scold him for laughing at my misfortune when the floor beneath us made a loud screeching sound. I let out an undignified shriek. "What the hell was that?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWTyNXXZv2
"The foundations sometimes creak." Atlas tapped the ground with the tip of his boot. "You get used to it."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu7FKY2ccV
"How can you live here?" I shouted. "Do you know why this place is called Ikigai II? It's called Ikigai II because the first one sank!
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZBCz42ssf
Atlas shrugged. "I know."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEklOR7EZB
"And you're still okay with living here?" I gawked at him in disbelief.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOR0klwRqox
"The rent is cheap."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBD2zVl4gB
Atlas guided me through the winding streets of the floating city. The whole time, I felt like I was being watched. It must be one of my adoring fans.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfN6iqRa0Ag
Atlas led me through several alleyways until we reached the edge of the metal island. I could hear the faint sound of waves in the distance. He brought me to the backdoor of a run-down establishment. "Act natural." He signed.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaqa77f9Bd
"Great! I'm an expert at acting natural."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttT50iOv5w
"Really? Because you've looked like a deer in headlights the entire time you've been here."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LSaccirDX
I placed my hands on my hips. "Well, I've been under a lot of stress lately!"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SrgKNzFdF
A towering cyborg opened the door. "Who's out there?" He bellowed.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡir7UwCDjO5
Atlas projected a digital membership card from his Holowatch.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR31j6peyL7
The bouncer's expression softened. "Oh, Atlas, it's you. It's nice to see you, buddy."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Giw0kzGh7
Atlas smiled and waved.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFkYg50O0w
The bouncer's gaze shifted to me. "Where's your membership card?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1FI0b5ClH
"Umm, I don't have one. Can you let me in any way? I don't want to brag, but I'm pretty famous."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEU854F3VO
He folded his arms. "Sorry, kid. We don't let anyone in without a card."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbu6gaJWYS2
Rage coursed through my veins. Does he have any who I am? People Magazine ranked me as the 37th sexiest man alive last year. So, as you can see, I'm a pretty big deal. "You have to let me in! If you don't, my father will hear about this! I want to speak to your ma–"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALqaXxCUa8
Atlas slapped a hand over my mouth to shut me up. "Please forgive him. He is a very enthusiastic Volcanic Kittens fan."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfSsPiRBfb
"I am?" I have no idea what a volcanic kitten is.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCSPHFSSFQ
Atlas shot me a look that said, roll with it.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq5z1FhBvR
I nodded vigorously. "Yes, I love volcanic kittens so much. Volcanic kittens are like my favorite thing ever." Part of an article popped up on my cybernetics, it said, The Volcanic Kittens are a Canadian all-female punk band from New Toronto. Consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Katrina Madden...That's useful! Maybe being a cyborg doesn't suck 100% percent of the time.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDEeNwGsoZ
"He's visiting the island for the first time, and he would be heartbroken if he couldn't see them perform live." Atlas signed.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKdsQ9L3sp
I nodded again. "I will be inconsolable." I will literally die of sadness if you don't let me in."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAOQVuKy3V
The bouncer raised an eyebrow. "What's your favorite Volcanic Kittens song?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHbICC3TPo
"Umm, there's too many to choose from. I love them all so much."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DLKL7MyeG
The bouncer sighed. "Their set is almost over. I'll let you come in and hear the end of it." He pointed a finger at us. "Just this once."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuMlCrfKlM
"Thank you," Atlas signed.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC6mkmLBDx
The bouncer moved to the side and allowed us to enter.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDcqCdjo7N
Flashing neon lights blinded me as I stepped inside. It took several moments for my vision to adjust to my surroundings. We were in a large room that resembled a warehouse. The scent of fried food drifted through the air. Tables were arranged in a semicircle surrounding a stage. On the stage, an all-female band played a punk rock song I didn't recognize. They must be the Volcanic Kittens.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Uvr7K2ZCA
Atlas guided me to a two-person table near the front, where we sat down.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD3YHs6866
My gaze wandered over to the band's leading lady. She had a cute face that was framed by a mass of bouncy brown curls, and she had startling eyes that were a shade between blue and green. She looked to be about the same age as Atlas and me.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivsLQg2jUu
As she shredded on her electric guitar, I noticed she had a cybernetic arm and leg. Just like me. Except her cybernetic arm was on her right side.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMAOUdmVhm
A stab of grief clenched my heart. I keep hoping all this will turn out to be nothing but a bad dream. I haven't looked at my reflection since the first time I saw the scarring. I turned around the bathroom mirror, so it faced the wall, and everyone was kind enough to leave it that way. I tried to pretend the crash never happened and everything was the same, but now my skin feels rough to the touch. Sometimes I can feel my lost limbs, if I close my eyes it's almost like I'm the same as I was before, but when I open my eyes I'm nothing but metal and wires.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8keFZJFn9
Atlas tapped on my human arm to get my attention. "Are you okay?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2JnaA1UMW
"Totally!" I forced myself to perk up. "This song always makes me emotional," I lied.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSNUqbJwnT
He shot me a disbelieving look, but didn't press further.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwM87pV8Due
I surveyed the rest of the band, and sure enough, they were all cyborgs as well. I glanced around the room and realized everyone here was a cyborg. "Why aren't there any humans here?" I asked Atlas.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiiy66FdFC
"Because they don't want to be near us. Most of them won't say it out loud, but cyborgs make them uncomfortable."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKUcKnwis9
I put on a mask of shock and horror, knowing full well I was one of the humans who was creeped out by cyborgs. "Why would they do such a thing?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oevQHu5Bk
"They see us as expendable soldiers to fight in their wars, it makes them feel guilty when they remember we're people too."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PPOJfmMBB
I threw up my arms in protest. "I never thought that! I just think cyborg eyes look freaky, that's all."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu6I7N1rOz
"Sure." Atlas signed. His facial expression was beyond cynical.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MzbzMgR5L
I flipped open the menu to escape the heat of his glare. "Oooh, Margaritas!"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dtS8pX8pS
Atlas snatched the menu from my grasp. "No drinks for you."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWWUsMd9NA
I crossed my arms sulkily. "Killjoy," I muttered.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ754aaqG1Jb
After the band finished their set, the lead introduced herself. "My name's Katrina and we're The Volcanic Kittens! Good Night, Ikigai!"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgws8GeiyU
The crowd cheered and applauded, and I clapped along politely.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZwKLO2Kzo
Katrina did a back handspring off the stage and stuck a perfect landing. She rushed over to our table. She spoke a mile a minute, "Oh my God! Atlas! I didn't know you were coming! I would've given you V.I.P. passes and–" That was when I couldn't keep up with her anymore, so I stopped trying.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHOtgwTN2u
"Coming here was a spur-of-the-moment decision." Atlas signed.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcOXLYtsvl
She squealed and bounced up and down in place. Where the hell does this girl get all her energy? "I'm so happy you guys came! Are you going to introduce me to your friend or what?" She turned to me and gasped. "Oh my God! You're Chase Huxley, aren't you?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoccLm4Wwht
"Maybe..." I hid my face behind the menu, suddenly feeling bashful. This is the first time someone has recognized me since the crash, and I don't know how to feel.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUhlwLbyKm
She giggled. "It is you! I haven't seen you in forever!"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdZ90wejPY
I tilted my head to the side. "Have we met before?" I don't recognize her, but she seems to know me.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZI0ARz61E
"We met at Jaxon Wan's Holiday Bash two years ago! That was the year you chugged an entire bottle of cologne because you thought it was whiskey."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVSOhTBJzP
That would explain why I don't remember her. I don't remember much about that night.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK4WaHVief
She glanced me up and down. "I had no idea you were a cyborg."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24hK2RUmkK
I crossed my arms defensively. I'm not going to be a cyborg for long. As soon as I get the chance, I'm going to get this," I gestured towards all my scarred cyborg parts. "Covered up."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoezYcJobuK
Katrina frowned. "You can never stop being a cyborg, Chase. Even if you choose to get your cybernetics covered, you'll always be a cyborg underneath."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG2rBmdFrn
I stared down at the menu, refusing to make eye contact. "I guess, technically."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VaSpDKzR5
"Have you tried the fish and chips here? It tastes like a fireworks show of savoriness is going off in your mouth!"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrjzkXmJxe
I raised an eyebrow. "Is that a good thing?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXJY9u7o7k
"It's the best thing." She yelled to one of the waitresses. "Hey, get my friend an order of fish and chips on my tab!" She stole an empty chair from another table and plopped down next to me. "You're gonna love it."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5usu26j2V5
I didn't protest. I usually avoided eating fried food. I had to maintain my model physique, but I've had one hell of a month and I deserved junk food.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMloVWvgdU
Atlas sat in silence, doodling something on a coaster.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrkG1K8Ob4
"So, how do you two know each other? You seem like complete opposites."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzd7s8i4UO
"You're not wrong," Katrina chuckled. "But Atlas is an outstanding artist and an even better friend." She rolled up her sleeve, revealing a painting of an electric guitar surrounded by skulls on her cybernetic arm. "My band has been on tour all over the world, but I've never met someone who can paint like Atlas."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCfoZefxCM
The compliment made his cheeks blush pink. He smiled down at the intricate black roses on his arms.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPrgMyhsUo
That was when I remembered the painting in my own arm. I was so distracted I hadn't even looked at it yet! I gazed down at my arm to see what Atlas decided to paint. It was, "A seagull wearing sunglasses? Why?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAT13Ziet7
Atlas shrugged and let out a silent chuckle. "I don't know, but it suits you."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleDHWqfBxm
"I agree, it totally matches your vibe," Katrina said.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPNmZFrAzt
I threw up my hands in annoyance. "What the hell is that supposed to mean!"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFRkLi3yKF
"Relax, it'll wash off." Atlas signed.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoejAY3aRQC
I let out a relieved sigh. That made me feel a lot better. I narrowed my eyes at the painting. The seagull looked vain and rude with his shades on. I'm neither of those things! It doesn't suit me at all.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoT3GZhaLd
"This has been fun, but there's a serious reason we came here." Atlas signed.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60hEwLugm3
Katrina signaled for him to continue.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlQwKiWebL
"We found a map, but we're not sure what it's a map of. We were hoping you could help us."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXUky7HE6F
She bounced excitedly in her seat. "I love maps!"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR9O5zGdus
"You love maps? Why?" I asked.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2id3Aro0b
Katrina let out a reminiscing sigh. "They remind me of all the places I've traveled and all the places I haven't been yet. I want to see every corner of the earth someday, but for now, maps help me experience places I haven't seen before."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEnN6WupPT
I guess that makes sense.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOukwdLcyF
Atlas pulled up the map on my shattered Holowatch.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1s4cXrqtvG
Katrina stroked her chin as she studied the map. After inspecting the map for a few minutes, she said, "It's Ikigai II."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iPQnlLLNk
Atlas furrowed his brow. "It doesn't look like Ikigai II."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4glFOaMqf
"That's because it's not a completed map, this is only a fraction of one."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkCZmD5PB7
I curled my hands into fists. "A fraction? Approximately what percent of the map do we have?" I asked, trying to remain calm.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLrCaOgUjh
"Roughly twenty-five percent, if I had to guess." She said.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGoFrTswbw
My blood boiled. Someone ruined my life over twenty-five percent of a map? It took all of my willpower to stop myself from screaming.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1sCkqrqsg
"What do you think the red lines are?" Atlas asked.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33SKYpySQW
"I think lines are there to lead the way to the destination." She said.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPvR4QY51y
"Like a pirate map?" I suggested.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡourfMmDcIb
Katrina nodded. "Yes, exactly."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbbGxrWmEA
"But what does lead to?" Atlas implored.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPTE96yiQW
"I can't say for sure," Katrina glanced at the Bionic Corp logo in the corner of the map. "But I have a hypothesis."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6OBaSf0NE
Atlas's hands shook as he signed. "You don't think..."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuN9RIm8OQ
"I do," Katrina replied. "You're playing a dangerous game, Atlas."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHkCjEY5Vn
I glanced back and forth between the two of them. "Is someone gonna bring me up to speed?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl9IK0mtN0
Katrina's expression went solemn, any trace of the bubbly attitude she had when they arrived was gone. She lowered her voice to a whisper. "I suspect this map leads to the Annihilation Code."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08IZflLQ61
I'm so confused. "What? I thought the Annihilation Code was like something you said out loud now you're telling me it's an object?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nfNuRWIg5
"It is something said aloud," Atlas confirmed. "But Bionic Corp keeps a printed copy of the words locked up somewhere, just in case."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bwytbm4nl
"Wow, Bionic Corp still uses printers? I thought everyone stopped using paper in 2039." I said.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHJsdrCUEo
"It's the easiest way to keep the code secure. You'd have to break in to steal it." Atlas signed. He turned to Katrina with a look of determination in his eyes. "How do we find the rest of it?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioruw476pp
Katrina stared down at her toes, refusing to make eye contact with either of them. "Listen, I want you to know I don't like the idea of you going against Bionic Corp, if they catch you, they'll kill you." She let out a troubled sigh. "But, I know when Atlas makes up his mind about something, no one can change it. Someone came here the other day and showed me another piece of the map, that's why I was able to identify it so quickly."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFD3pjpsFi2
Atlas perked up. "Who was it?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvcqMV98Xv
"Gabriel St. Martin."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9ikwQ9Ihu
Atlas's mood immediately deflated.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhn7SN9nBek
Great! Another person I've never heard of. An article popped up on my cybernetics. Gabriel St. Martin is a former Cybrawl champion. He competed in the Cybrawl for five years, where he tied with Adrien Kumar for the most wins in history. He is currently working as one of the broadcasters for the Ikigai II Cybrawl.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNcKeeJCie
Katrina folded her arms. "If you're serious about completing the map, you'll need to talk to him."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6EyCoLbf9
Atlas let out a reluctant sigh. "Fine, I'll talk to him."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwTWmmTrCo
I fidgeted in my seat. I've needed to use the bathroom for like ten minutes now, I didn't want to leave because the conversation seemed important. "I need to go..."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4qyQDvVTk
I didn't need to finish my sentence because Atlas signed "Go. I'll fill you in if anything interesting happens while you're gone."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEIZzpKuzA
I stood up. "Don't you dare leave without me!" I pointed an accusatory finger at him.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwSTf5ZlBa
"I wouldn't dream of it." He responded.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVOYzkoNFK
I walked to the back of the restaurant, I realized I didn't know where the bathroom was. I didn't want to look stupid in front of Atlas, so I waltzed out of the first door I could find. The door let out in the alley behind the restaurant. Wrong door. Wait. Do other cyborgs use the bathroom? Maybe they have magical robot kidneys or something.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDNSfnKCTq
I turn around to let myself back inside, but the door was locked.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbJLhJ232u
"Hello, Chase Huxley." Said someone with a shrill scratchy voice, it resembled the voice of a witch from a scary Holofilm that traumatized me as a child.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuZEN1zqvI
I let out an undignified scream. I spun around to see a cyborg dressed in black leather, they wore a dark cowl and an ebony mask that covered their entire face. They looked like the Grim Reaper. I screamed louder and frantically pulled at the door handle, begging it to open.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDidvIVtbz
The cyborg unsheathed a set of steel claws on their right arm. "Give me the map, Chase, or unless you'd like both sides of your face mangled. The Annihilation Code is not yours to find."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvG8R2Vy1n6
"Here take it!" I said, extending my wrist to give the cyborg my Holowatch, but then I remembered I didn't have it. It was still at the table with Atlas. I laughed anxiously. "Umm, funny story, I don't have it with me at the moment but–"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Bdjqhbqvh
The cyborg pounced towards me, with claws extended. They took a swipe at my face, I barely managed to dodge it. "Who are you?" I asked. "Are the person who blew up my car?"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa18eWM8Ou
They slashed at my throat. "Call me, Oblivion because I am your doom." We were only inches apart now. I noticed the Bionic Corp logo on Oblivion's shoulder. Interesting.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdgBD175O2
Oblivionviewedeach of my wrists, checking for a Holowatch. "If you don't have the map, then you are useless to me." They hissed.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVhfYyk04L
"Sorry," I said, my voice quavering.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwy0ATmcOz
Then Oblivion starting singing, their raspy voice."Sleep my darling tiny one tucked within your bed so tight,"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTOcfhZkIe
I glanced around the alleyway. Why is the killer cyborg singing?
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12X52ad3pQ
They continued the melody. "Else the old grey wolf will come and grab you by your side
He'll snatch you up between his teeth
If on the bed's edge you sleep and drag you to the forest deep,"
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJjNcxV2Bw
I tugged at the door handle again to no avail.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzRbhSI212
Oblivion sang the final part of the song. "Beneath the quaking tree so close your eyes and fall asleep count the little wooly sheep tucked so tightly you must keep or he will come for you."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23BL8Lkjpj
I clapped apprehensively. "Umm, that was a very lovely song."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kgkXiyWAL
"Why didn't it work?" Oblivion hissed. "It's never failed before."
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPg34K2MQk
"I'm sorry." I whimpered, even though I had no idea what I was apologizing for.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYL9TGsoIfq
"This will not be the last time we meet, Chase Huxley!" Oblivion threw a smoke bomb and disappeared into the night.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMqQREWE0k
"Okay, bye," I said to no one. Didn't their parents ever tell them it was rude to leave without saying goodbye?
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl9GFiMA7s
The door in front of me flung open, and Atlas was standing there. "Your food's here." He signed.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQzNWhgCbT
"I don't think I'm hungry anymore." A said, staring off into the night.
ns216.73.216.25da2
