Atlas collapsed to his knees. His whole body was racked with silent sobs.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkP16qEJkU
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!
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaS7ewCca1
Atlas returned my embrace. "I lied." He said through our cerebral link.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzOCJPiqfC
I tentatively wiped his tears with my sleeve. "What did you lie about?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUTmU3OPTY
"I do know him, or at least I think I do." He confessed.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTE4x8SBSVK
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?
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpEOAJPwLs
"I didn't know! I still don't know for certain, it's just a feeling."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFvenIdSfj
I gave a pensive nod, trying to understand. "You think you know him, but you're not sure"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVxJ372zDP
For the first time in this conversation, Atlas met my gaze. "I think he's the one who ripped me apart."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB0dKaJHhh
"Oh my God!" No wonder he was so worked up. I subconsciously fingered the scarf that covered the scars on his neck.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1PdRmPT4h
Tears poured from his soft brown eyes. "I'm scared, Chase."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVJ2eT09MV
I patted his shoulders. "Do you want me to kill that guy for you? Because I'll totally kill him for you."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTIlvI4nbV
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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4AIvk2bvr
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zCP1oH3HB
Atlas smirked at me. "You've changed."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznv13JffXw
"I have?" I don't feel that different.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrEnJFxk7g
Atlas nodded wisely. "You're not nearly as much of an asshole."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoEcrk0JwT
"The past couple of days have humbled me."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm6QignyoQ
"I kind of like you when you're not being a total douchebag."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Rn9xDvWuz
"You know what? I kind of like me, too."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ikPZju8Vn
"Thank you for being my friend."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlDF7PDGjm
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7tiMM7QtH
Atlas seemed to sense nervousness. He tried to reassure me. "They'll most likely be too distracted by your jacket to notice your face."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyiGhkeTO6
"I hope you're right." I rose to my feet and offered Atlas my hand.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK612oJ9Yh
Atlas accepted my hand and I helped him stand.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuURdpwld8C
"The party is going to start soon. Are you ready to go?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0amNpbapt
Atlas nodded reluctantly. He shut off our cybernetic link, then we walked to the room where the girls were getting ready.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSawWznrF0
When we entered the room, we caught sight of the girls with their ears pressed against the wall.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJbSNnVMzw
I loudly cleared my throat. If they're going to eavesdrop, they could at least try to be subtle about it.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1iaoPyGMU
Katrina let out a startled squeak when she noticed us.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM117JA1rl5
"Were you eavesdropping on us?" Atlas signed furiously.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtvjtfUQ0k
"Umm, no," Marisa stammered. "We were just checking to see if you needed backup. Things sounded intense in there."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM6rwEn5RU
"That conversation was private, you had no right to listen in!"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dl9W4oNzF
"I wanted to make sure you were okay. Talking about Vindicator must be hard for you."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmBI7DN2WJ
Atlas froze. "What do you know about Vindicator?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAojcJM4Ev
A look of guilt flashed across her face. "Umm, not much. You fought against him in the Cybrawl, right?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2S4DJFqXS
Atlas shot her a cold, prying, glare. "There's something you're not telling me."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGoZLTwLd3
Marisa stared down at the floor. "What do you mean?" Her voice trembled with every word.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOjoko2aeD
"You know something about Vindicator, don't you?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3W8TnRw4T
She lowered her head. "I don't know what you're talking about.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnqeOmNWif
Atlas forced her to meet his gaze. "You knew who Vindicator was, didn't you?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tkIvQ1Qnh
"How could I have possibly known that?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3Qx3eXlSw
"Answer the question: Did you, or did you not, know who Vindicator was?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKpzCAE2fd
Marisa gave a reluctant nod.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs0Br0nmCc
Atlas appeared calm on the outside, but I could sense the hurt and anger beneath his poised exterior.
"How long have you known?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO904o5AfYN
"I've known for less than a day, I was as surprised as you."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLPA4iCnqn
"How could you keep this from me?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SnoornMIx
"I wanted to protect you."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCjXTNJSqp
"I am not a child in need of coddling! Stop treating me like one."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbQ8URxRB0
Marisa flinched at the outburst.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9OFGsRbos
"We don't know his identity for certain, right? It's just a hunch." I said in an attempt to mediate the situation.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5G7n2UTYzJ
Marisa shook her head. "No, I do know. He called me. I saw him remove his mask. I saw his face."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTf7jkhQyt
Atlas wrapped his arms around himself for some semblance of comfort.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2Qfbqdh2a
I shot Marisa a dubious glare. "Why were you talking to Vindicator?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVMoJo6ok3
"Hey, he was the one who contacted me! He was the one who told me Patch was in danger."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oMqx7g7xy
"Can we believe anything he says?" Atlas singed.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLEaln3dP9
"I don't know, but he claims he wants to help Patch," Marisa said.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY4REx1cud
"He ripped me apart, Marisa. He can't be trusted."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVvM53Dhp7
"I know that."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVKY2EYISN
"Never speak to him again, Marisa," Atlas commanded, then he stomped out of the room and slammed the door behind him.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKKPT9m40q
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GKbcI30dJ
Katrina shook her head. "Atlas is experiencing some big feelings right now. You should give him some space.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStkVE2zCG8
I lowered my head. "Maybe your right." It felt wrong, but maybe it was for the best.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX6MDGidrB
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRT7aEhJeT
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx15flgipKu
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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOwKDzygsi
"I have no idea," I confessed."I think the party is starting. We should head downstairs."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrymHLPa626
"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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGIpmfLn2s
"Why'd you get dressed up if you're not going to party?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6IIE3NXVa
She shrugged."Because it's fun."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7R3L9PjRv
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZsJHk9wIe
Katrina rolled her eyes. "Go ahead, ignore my advice, that's fine. What do I know?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5XOug4jvf
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!"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFdzeGAya1
He hesitated for just a moment as I caught up.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkFhQqYEk4
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMkbFRNAFj
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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRh9cvs6q3
I'm not interested in partying, I'm here to swipe the map and get the hell out of here."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhPH9oJpLX
I raised my hands in surrender. "Okay, you want to focus on the mission. I can respect that."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphRnnfcMbB
We silently continued our walk down the stairs, through the corridor, and into the
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6mCdqeurq
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkDXJNQZPe
Atlas wasn't impressed by the decor. "Do you have any idea where your Aunt would keep the map?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TTZMdFOnU
I shook my head. "I try to stay out of her way as much as possible."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKt3oi2J3qb
"Let's split up and try to cover as much ground as possible."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwuUTWfVNZ
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHAOKrFLFL
I was so deep in contemplation I walked directly into someone, causing her to spill champagne all over the ballroom floor.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnHoVb05VJ
"Hey! Watch where you're going!" The girl shouted at me.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2d9LZmt4Z
"I'm so sorry. I didn't see you there."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1dcazM98D
She scanned me with a scrutinizing stare, then smirked. "Chase Huxley, is that you?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeO5xN9c9y
"Yeah, I'm Chase Huxley. Who the hell are you?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDlNIz55an
She shot me an irked expression. "It's me, Becka Helinski."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUl94ycjSI
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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIX8TtyjKH
"Not ringing any bells."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRvogckNw1
She rolled her eyes. "We talked a month ago, right before you disappeared. I was at Jaxon Wan's Tax Day Extravaganza, remember?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwi1TT7z0v
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?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8Y3EALLOt
"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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ315Gjc3zcD
"Do you ever think maybe it's a little excessive?" I asked.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GYBh9iwuP
"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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TwDDlwgNm
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?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HS0rXs7pk
"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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxdLAzfrfW
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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsKVGgVyFV
"It was a joke. There's no need to be so sensitive," Becka huffed.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoqdbUn537
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3DROOtcsq
Becka turned around to see what I was seeing. "What are doing?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7wliH7nsI
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYvKSld44W
She scanned my expression, then her lips curled upward in a wicked grin. "You're looking for that cyborg, aren't you?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwoR0kVVu4
"What cyborg?" I played dumb, something I happened to be an expert at.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEVHAGTQca
"The cyborg from the Cybrawl."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7rcF51WTZ
"I don't know what you're talking about."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CJf4nI9ok
"The cyborg with the white hair. I think his name is Axel."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLTxTsztLB
"It's Atlas," I corrected.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC3y9qLj92
She gave a triumphant smirk. "So you admit you know him?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwzkSUm1sM
Damn, I walked right into her trap! "Um, maybe."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUZAVmL3rR
She snickered. "It's okay, I'd be embarrassed if I came here with a cyborg too."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuV8DPPkyTf
I clenched my trembling fists, trying to contain my fury. "Have you forgotten that I'm a cyborg too?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxCvnqLymS
She remained unfazed. "Yeah, but you're not like him."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiV57F1q8X
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CezaW6IUb
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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ513b4yGDYa
I clenched my teeth and took a step towards her. "Don't you dare talk about him like that!" I spat.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZjoyQMbnG
"Jeez, I don't know why you care so much," She said.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQopmCkPWhu
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbLvvUjwf2
"Did you hear any of that?” I asked.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe82lMiG2V4
A somber look crossed Atlas's face, and he nodded.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GceGXZCc8
"I'm sorry about Becka. She’s a real bitch."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvFVpndMbG
"Thank you for standing up for me."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvHrS682fN
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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5megFatyb
Atlas smirked at me. "Let's get out of here. I don't think this party is for us."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wn3YL2dIt
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHDJ6SfqlL
"Do you know your way around the mansion?" Atlas asked.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeEOX1o8DP
I nodded.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5B29HchgC
"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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoruq6caCV
Before I had time to respond, he was already walking away. He needs to stop doing that!
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxbi6yF0Tz
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdly3KAcPxA
"Chase? What are you doing?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetfKXFRHmo
Dammit! I've been discovered! I hesitantly turned around to see who caught me red-handed. "Mason?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwDzi3BLCe
"Wait up!"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55BvosNESu
I didn't move as Mason jogged towards me. What was he doing here?
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60d7gwJ4J7
He patted me on the shoulder. "You didn't tell me you were going to be here tonight."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64emDH1vFf
I let out a nervous chuckle. "It was a last-minute decision."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWvotU2igT
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?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKgZr0Yw35
"Oh, your Aunt Marjorie invited me."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdK3mOSYM3s
I quirked an eyebrow. "Since when do you know my aunt, Marjorie?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoTSOTWZ9r
"You've introduced us."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJdzfZb4ip
I stroked my chin. "I don't remember you two meeting."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeQvSFX9GF
Mason scoffed. "Well, your memory isn't anything to write home about."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQ6RCaxtR9
"Rude."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggfx9oKQR4
"You still haven't told me what you're looking for?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WraVh4qO4
"I am looking for..." I said the first thing that came to mind. "Drugs."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonf6tp5qTC
"Drugs?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxdeaxIcZb
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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCn66fdW8W
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?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHluObYE0H8
As much as I dreaded it, I had to keep lying. "I learned it by watching you!"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3rYaDl2fg
He recoiled. "What?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPDWrEVg23
"I don't know, I made that up."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpTFTs7cb8
Mason let out an exasperated sigh. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaOnQwA9NB
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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQBfSRdyUu
Mason didn't object, and I'm not going to lie, it kind of hurt.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPXS65f3Sc
I changed the subject. "What are doing down here in the right-wing?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKebb12EhsK
He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I had to go to the bathroom."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8nhOXprgt
"Well, you're in the wrong place, the bathrooms are in the left-wing."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjpXVWzlmw
He let out an awkward chuckle. "I'm a little lost."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4bSbAJR7d
"You should hurry, the bathrooms are pretty far from here."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21VytOI6WF
He nodded but didn't move for a long time. Eventually, he said, "I'll see you around, Chase." Then vanished down the corridor.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2F19HhosX
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVe2sYLem0
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."
ns3.21.163.198da2
