Atlas collapsed to his knees. His whole body was racked with silent sobs.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CnhQhj8Do
I knelt beside him and wrapped my arms around him. I gently patted him on the back. "There, there. Don't cry, you'll mess up your concealer." I don't know how to comfort him. Hell, I don't even know why he's crying!
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQWk3TMtnJ
Atlas returned my embrace. "I lied." He said through our cerebral link.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiiVzPlMk6
I tentatively wiped his tears with my sleeve. "What did you lie about?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7otGlJqYBg
"I do know him, or at least I think I do." He confessed.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsvPNuER1G
He didn't specify who he was talking about. He didn't need to. "How long have you known who Vindicator was?" I kept my tone calm and even, but I felt betrayed. How could Atlas keep this secret from me?
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpsKqtxqYP
"I didn't know! I still don't know for certain, it's just a feeling."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWFgSOlDMX
I gave a pensive nod, trying to understand. "You think you know him, but you're not sure"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAS82TteWm
For the first time in this conversation, Atlas met my gaze. "I think he's the one who ripped me apart."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGt7nkX7Qc
"Oh my God!" No wonder he was so worked up. I subconsciously fingered the scarf that covered the scars on his neck.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4Ki4yKwa2
Tears poured from his soft brown eyes. "I'm scared, Chase."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1k0Rz17S1
I patted his shoulders. "Do you want me to kill that guy for you? Because I'll totally kill him for you."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZES7glnAU
Atlas let out a silent chuckle. Then he rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I'm sure you could kill him. You almost had him in your last brawl."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8ze3vpL0o
At least he's still being sarcastic, that's a good sign. "Our first fight was a warm-up. You haven't seen me when my power is at its fullest," I joked.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2b52SzsrdJ
Atlas smirked at me. "You've changed."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq7Z4Uu2G6
"I have?" I don't feel that different.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VlBWLbM1Z
Atlas nodded wisely. "You're not nearly as much of an asshole."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziMenzvgdd
"The past couple of days have humbled me."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2O4R0XCNg
"I kind of like you when you're not being a total douchebag."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYG2CsyfEnP
"You know what? I kind of like me, too."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjfxogIC4y
"Thank you for being my friend."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHYAI1A1Mw
"No, thank you for standing by me." I ran my fingers down my scarred cheek. I'd still be wallowing in my room if it wasn't for you." Honestly, I didn’t know if I was ready for everyone at the party to see my new appearance, but if Atlas wasn't by my side, I wouldn't have even considered coming here.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCQUflMHFx
Atlas seemed to sense nervousness. He tried to reassure me. "They'll most likely be too distracted by your jacket to notice your face."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLEOsBG1TV
"I hope you're right." I rose to my feet and offered Atlas my hand.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0wzle6tl7
Atlas accepted my hand and I helped him stand.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMNrzKDpov
"The party is going to start soon. Are you ready to go?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bMTfjGeNH
Atlas nodded reluctantly. He shut off our cybernetic link, then we walked to the room where the girls were getting ready.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyFDSZky7a
When we entered the room, we caught sight of the girls with their ears pressed against the wall.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCQqmkwNpo
I loudly cleared my throat. If they're going to eavesdrop, they could at least try to be subtle about it.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ14FeqIag
Katrina let out a startled squeak when she noticed us.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjxE5ZHvQG
"Were you eavesdropping on us?" Atlas signed furiously.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPR9vKsALSP
"Umm, no," Marisa stammered. "We were just checking to see if you needed backup. Things sounded intense in there."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Gr0byO0sA
"That conversation was private, you had no right to listen in!"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsLPqMNL2a
"I wanted to make sure you were okay. Talking about Vindicator must be hard for you."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhFtgjWLn4
Atlas froze. "What do you know about Vindicator?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSZIOmITZW
A look of guilt flashed across her face. "Umm, not much. You fought against him in the Cybrawl, right?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk72PEWTmX4
Atlas shot her a cold, prying, glare. "There's something you're not telling me."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SsaqErZ6O
Marisa stared down at the floor. "What do you mean?" Her voice trembled with every word.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UJYyHbSjs
"You know something about Vindicator, don't you?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSXaErqvs6
She lowered her head. "I don't know what you're talking about.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg9KVR9YFK
Atlas forced her to meet his gaze. "You knew who Vindicator was, didn't you?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbcWO52SDw
"How could I have possibly known that?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSg4AZOP1z
"Answer the question: Did you, or did you not, know who Vindicator was?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxUnosXJaR
Marisa gave a reluctant nod.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7pRvTJr9g
Atlas appeared calm on the outside, but I could sense the hurt and anger beneath his poised exterior.
"How long have you known?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDf12zO6n1Q
"I've known for less than a day, I was as surprised as you."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KKzqhQUPQ
"How could you keep this from me?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpbzV8BzNX
"I wanted to protect you."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlMsdE5T6v
"I am not a child in need of coddling! Stop treating me like one."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo60iw6EAqo
Marisa flinched at the outburst.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOsyHzL406
"We don't know his identity for certain, right? It's just a hunch." I said in an attempt to mediate the situation.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV1m0tWtlI
Marisa shook her head. "No, I do know. He called me. I saw him remove his mask. I saw his face."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOobXCbaBq
Atlas wrapped his arms around himself for some semblance of comfort.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt061HPuaGT
I shot Marisa a dubious glare. "Why were you talking to Vindicator?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCpiMZMLLf
"Hey, he was the one who contacted me! He was the one who told me Patch was in danger."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHSXafRWjR
"Can we believe anything he says?" Atlas singed.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxyjMNqbR5
"I don't know, but he claims he wants to help Patch," Marisa said.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBmx6EA62y
"He ripped me apart, Marisa. He can't be trusted."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSySs0WL2lc
"I know that."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEp4Kgn4JO
"Never speak to him again, Marisa," Atlas commanded, then he stomped out of the room and slammed the door behind him.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeCrglsaQk
"Should I after him?" I stared at the closed door. It felt wrong to desert my friend in his moment of crisis. He listened to me cry for three days, the least I can do is be there for him now.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwnjTvhNZq
Katrina shook her head. "Atlas is experiencing some big feelings right now. You should give him some space.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykEOypcOF6
I lowered my head. "Maybe your right." It felt wrong, but maybe it was for the best.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3Wzsi1WNV
I scanned the girls up and down, analyzing their outfits. Marisa wore a satin yellow gown with a sweetheart neckline. The sunny yellow fabric complemented her magenta hair perfectly. Katrina wore a slinky black dress with a large slit up the side. "I love your dresses!" I said.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01KtbAEyiu
Katrina twirled around, "Thanks, I picked one with a slit in case I need to kick someone's ass during the party." She did a high kick to illustrate her point. She looked like she could kill a man if she put her mind to it.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrjjTkvJoO
Marisa stroked the skirt with a concerned expression on her face. "Whose clothes are these? I feel kind of weird wearing someone else's clothes without their permission."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0uzjcFt2y
"I have no idea," I confessed."I think the party is starting. We should head downstairs."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9v6VKwZhj
"Oh, I'm not going to the party. I'm staying right here." Marisa sat down on the bed. "My anxiety has reached its limit. I'm not going on any more adventures today. You can message me when you get the map."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgvVyMnCAn
"Why'd you get dressed up if you're not going to party?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FtmuUfeqm
She shrugged."Because it's fun."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KVPYImI4n
I stared at the bedroom door. "I'm going to go find Atlas. I need to make sure he's okay, and not about to do something reckless.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6tk8D1XcO
Katrina rolled her eyes. "Go ahead, ignore my advice, that's fine. What do I know?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwZuCOShv1
I would have responded, but I was already out the door. I spotted Atlas at the end of the hall, heading towards the stairs. It was almost like he waited for me. "Atlas, buddy! Wait up!"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAukXJBYl0
He hesitated for just a moment as I caught up.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMsrpNgV0Z
Atlas trudged down the spiral staircase with a determined expression. From the outside, he looked like a steadfast man on a mission, but anyone who knew him would sense that he seemed detached. Like his body was going through the motions, but his mind was in a far-off place where no one could reach him.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrXf47fj0U
I tried to lighten the mood. "You'll love this party, Aunt Marjorie is almost as good at event planning as she is at being a terrible person."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlvSahxznZ
I'm not interested in partying, I'm here to swipe the map and get the hell out of here."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4TPFp88pC
I raised my hands in surrender. "Okay, you want to focus on the mission. I can respect that."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfhYnTiLjS
We silently continued our walk down the stairs, through the corridor, and into the
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYm6n01gPk
The ballroom looked like a dream of shimmering silver and sparkling chandeliers. I hated to admit it, but Aunt Marjorie sure does know how to decorate.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYxxsW5KkR
Atlas wasn't impressed by the decor. "Do you have any idea where your Aunt would keep the map?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxq53KVqCj
I shook my head. "I try to stay out of her way as much as possible."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgogl0LGdy
"Let's split up and try to cover as much ground as possible."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyof1fHpOe
Before I had time to comment, he'd already marched away. Okay, I guess we're going our separate ways. I wish he'd ask my opinion every once in a while. I aimlessly wandered around the ballroom. I tilted my head at an angle that obstructed my scars. I know it was silly, everyone's seen the Cybrawl, but I wasn't ready for everyone to get a close up of the new me. I thought back to what Atlas said earlier. You're not ugly, Chase. He was probably lying to spare my feelings. I have to be at least a little ugly, right? If scars aren't ugly, then why have I never seen a model with them? Why do people that look like me hide their faces if there isn't something unsightly about them? Maybe we're not the problem, maybe it's the people who made us feel less than for things we can't control.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxop6dFO1Ny
I was so deep in contemplation I walked directly into someone, causing her to spill champagne all over the ballroom floor.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHeDSDH101
"Hey! Watch where you're going!" The girl shouted at me.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYm3faylqV
"I'm so sorry. I didn't see you there."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbppTEsoL7
She scanned me with a scrutinizing stare, then smirked. "Chase Huxley, is that you?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuElHNtVgEg
"Yeah, I'm Chase Huxley. Who the hell are you?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12KX56dLQO
She shot me an irked expression. "It's me, Becka Helinski."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K6yjZanfO
I racked my brain for any trace of that name but came up empty. It must have shown on my face because Becka said, "Seriously? We've known each other for years."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4Kr3JNRpw
"Not ringing any bells."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWAK67zyyg
She rolled her eyes. "We talked a month ago, right before you disappeared. I was at Jaxon Wan's Tax Day Extravaganza, remember?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg72DDfQLo
Oh, yeah! That was the last party I went to before the crash. "Sorry, I didn't remember, I had other things on my mind," I admitted. "Can you believe Jaxon Wan threw a party for Tax Day?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkMoeL5mXk
"Of course I can, he throws a party for every holiday. You missed his International Penguin Day Jubilee. He flooded the mansion with live penguins. It was truly a sight to behold."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqv6c2inAT4
"Do you ever think maybe it's a little excessive?" I asked.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFCloqWOKr
"What are you talking about, Chase? You're obsessed with Jackson Wan's parties. You attended every single one last year. You skipped your mother's birthday party, so you could go to Jaxon Wan's Labor Day Bash."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1il4krNMq
I let out a remorseful sigh. "I did do all of those things, but I'm starting to wonder what's the point of all this?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xtpPDTZOg
"The point is to have fun." Becka laughed. "What's gotten into you? You've been so weird since they replaced your brains with circuits."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucOIFQkIz5
I self-consciously fiddled with my cybernetic arm. "Don't talk like that. My brain hasn't changed. I'm still me, I just got a few upgrades, that's all."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYbzh6hn56
"It was a joke. There's no need to be so sensitive," Becka huffed.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJkqSyFced
"I guess I overreacted," I said halfheartedly. I peered over Becka's head and scanned the ballroom for any sign of Atlas. I hope he's not getting himself caught. I don't know if I can rescue him by myself if he's captured.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMimqL0ftFN
Becka turned around to see what I was seeing. "What are doing?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprBGbxIjq2
"I was just looking for something." I shrugged. "It's not important." That was a lie. He was important, but I wasn't going to say anything that could alert Becka or anyone else to our plans.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwP0L98mmG
She scanned my expression, then her lips curled upward in a wicked grin. "You're looking for that cyborg, aren't you?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzta2SfLZBu
"What cyborg?" I played dumb, something I happened to be an expert at.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamnU92TC7i
"The cyborg from the Cybrawl."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PSXfH6a0h
"I don't know what you're talking about."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3x3NwaTphy
"The cyborg with the white hair. I think his name is Axel."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXtEMmlqCL
"It's Atlas," I corrected.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtC9YiEyhQ
She gave a triumphant smirk. "So you admit you know him?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFJFtH2lTu
Damn, I walked right into her trap! "Um, maybe."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwbc8EQXgH
She snickered. "It's okay, I'd be embarrassed if I came here with a cyborg too."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnfXQxe5CL
I clenched my trembling fists, trying to contain my fury. "Have you forgotten that I'm a cyborg too?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16x8Zak2un
She remained unfazed. "Yeah, but you're not like him."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPfqmMeru7
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwd9MKiluw
She gestured towards my cybernetic parts. "Look at you. You're just a person who got into an accident and got a few robot parts. He's something else entirely, he's barely human."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGE6tmaumJ
I clenched my teeth and took a step towards her. "Don't you dare talk about him like that!" I spat.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YcjBCvGLz
"Jeez, I don't know why you care so much," She said.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4lvRi9d8R
I stormed away without another word. I can't believe I used to talk like her! I glanced back and noticed Becka was still staring at me. I ducked behind a nearby pillar to escape her gaze. During my grand escape, I smacked into someone. I gazed down to see Atlas leaned up against the pillar.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7RA2lQ0qr
"Did you hear any of that?” I asked.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8G8cvu15v
A somber look crossed Atlas's face, and he nodded.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVta7CazVY
"I'm sorry about Becka. She’s a real bitch."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HVODPtMxh
"Thank you for standing up for me."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4becT8jFB
Of course, no cyborg deserves to be talked about that way. Except for Vindicator and Oblivion, and probably a bunch of others, but my point still stands. She had no right to say those things."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjySxgTbsX
Atlas smirked at me. "Let's get out of here. I don't think this party is for us."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69hev5yLDb
"Yes, please! Let's get the hell out of here." I never thought I live to see the day I longed to leave a party, but a lot can change. I went from being the life of the party to someone who wasn't even welcome in a month.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81UzTAT9M5
"Do you know your way around the mansion?" Atlas asked.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYb6ni6JkD
I nodded.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr5NUUQ5GV
"Good. Let's split up and cover as much ground as possible. I'll search the left-wing, you'll search the right, and Katrina will search upstairs. You can contact me using our cerebral link if you find something."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcyFRbaCOy
Before I had time to respond, he was already walking away. He needs to stop doing that!
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATI4c7zfuT
I followed Atlas's instructions and slipped out of the ballroom when no one was looking. I slunk down the corridor and searched every room. I didn't find the map, but I did find a wine cellar, a basketball court, an indoor pool, a sauna, a conservatory, and three recreation rooms. The only other person that has three recreation rooms is Jaxon Wan. Quite frankly, I think it's excessive. What does my miserable old aunt need three recreation rooms for? It's certainly suspicious. After scouring most of the mansion’s right-wing to no avail, I was losing hope. "Where is it?" I muttered.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bBCiU0Jmo
"Chase? What are you doing?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB47UNufzD0
Dammit! I've been discovered! I hesitantly turned around to see who caught me red-handed. "Mason?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UHtVj7tSg
"Wait up!"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9IrKgdzVh
I didn't move as Mason jogged towards me. What was he doing here?
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVwMm2HOku
He patted me on the shoulder. "You didn't tell me you were going to be here tonight."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4R3RNuvb0S
I let out a nervous chuckle. "It was a last-minute decision."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0HtsSX4nE
He narrowed his gaze and studied my cybernetic parts for so long I began to feel uncomfortable. I asked a question in an attempt to redirect his attention. "How'd you get invited to this party? Are you someone's plus one?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGlTztH357
"Oh, your Aunt Marjorie invited me."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xAjuNmlCA
I quirked an eyebrow. "Since when do you know my aunt, Marjorie?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmivFHzk2y
"You've introduced us."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjkvfekLsf
I stroked my chin. "I don't remember you two meeting."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6VQOX8O4r
Mason scoffed. "Well, your memory isn't anything to write home about."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqz1ghNVR8
"Rude."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYbTxdgSW8
"You still haven't told me what you're looking for?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hTTcUQI1X
"I am looking for..." I said the first thing that came to mind. "Drugs."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCW5jCedZ2
"Drugs?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hFN7aY8Ik
It's too late to take it back, so I'm going to have to roll with it. "Yeah, I've been feeling pretty uptight, so I'm going to take something to help me chill out. Aunt Marjorie keeps a stash around here somewhere. Don't ask her about it, she'll just deny it. It's her dirty little secret."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7cclqDVxr
Mason's expression fell. "I thought you were better than this, Chase. I knew you were going through a hard time, but I never thought you'd start doing drugs and fighting in Cybrawls. Who got you into this mess?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3rFK9td6Z
As much as I dreaded it, I had to keep lying. "I learned it by watching you!"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5Jwak4DHL
He recoiled. "What?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvVSja2mjW
"I don't know, I made that up."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2k8KSOeRO
Mason let out an exasperated sigh. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWmUxJ9hJ2
I stared down at the ground. A lump formed in my throat. "So much is wrong with me. I have no idea how anyone puts up with me."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsqIlOPRwc
Mason didn't object, and I'm not going to lie, it kind of hurt.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8rUXWsVnB
I changed the subject. "What are doing down here in the right-wing?"
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡar8mMn45w8
He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I had to go to the bathroom."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaODV2JfeI
"Well, you're in the wrong place, the bathrooms are in the left-wing."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvFOEMRKt0
He let out an awkward chuckle. "I'm a little lost."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMVJiuVCko
"You should hurry, the bathrooms are pretty far from here."
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvlZ5t2Dvt
He nodded but didn't move for a long time. Eventually, he said, "I'll see you around, Chase." Then vanished down the corridor.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDK1mDffbu
That was the one of the most uncomfortable conversations I've ever had. That's saying something considering I've chatted with Vindicator and Oblivion. What the hell is up with Mason? He's acting so strange. It's like I don't know my best friend anymore, maybe I never did. I shook my head and opened the next door. It led to what appeared to be a large, square office. The room was almost pitch black except for a small glowing lava lamp on the desk. What kind of billionaire CEO has a lava lamp. She needs to hire an interior decorator because she clearly has no taste.
367Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb1jdKcOwP
I stumbled through the shadows, searching for a light switch. Why is it so freaking dark in here? Then I remembered I had cybernetics. I adjusted my optics to the point a could see out of my cybernetic eye. Thank you, cyborg night vision! I scanned the room for anywhere she might have stashed the map when I noticed something in the corner of the room. I screamed. Oblivion! I waited for them to attack, or speak or do anything, but they remained completely still. I took a step towards Oblivion. It was a stupid move, I know. They remained completely still, like a statue. Then I realized it was because they were a statue. This wasn't Oblivion, it was a mannequin wearing the costume. I let out a breath of relief. What was it doing here? I reactivated the cerebral link. "Atlas, we have a problem."
ns3.128.32.53da2
