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."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vXVUifUBG
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?
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNtg8ZwHeR
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?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlowxmbR09g
"I'm not sure." Atlas signed.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcvEDyGai8
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ71WIiOXUB
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."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlNjuKeHJL
I slow clapped. "Excellent detective work, Marisa. That really narrows it down. It's not like most maps have landmasses in them."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzH03IEVrzj
"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?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIl3e2cBa3E
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?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlv7lGRfQz
Atlas shot me a judgmental look. Apparently, Ireland wasn't the correct answer.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzXdvRBOi7
"This thing ruined my life." I pointed towards the map. "I'd like to know what's so freaking special about it."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrVkocKHQ8
"Whatever this map leads to must be valuable to Bionic Corp." Atlas signed.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVgo2kYV0X
"Do you think it could be valuable to other people?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlZ8UcjWP8
"How so?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaAROAGLCQ
"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."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovf0Zx47RV
"Are you kidding me? You can't just sell it on the black market! We don't even know what it is!"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaAhPTjEqW
"Well, how can I learn what it is?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1VhkjB9Ga
Atlas tapped his finger on his chin in deep thought. Then signed, "I might know someone."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfwYEBhud9
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuvhGEFKqs
"Fresh Fish Tacos! Buy one, get one free today only!"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi9RRMFkxf
"It's so hard to find good workers these days. Bionic Corp keeps poaching my staff."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mopRKgJ7X
"Hey! Watch where you're going!"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2iJGq75rV
"I told Li Na it was her turn to do the laundry, but she must have forgotten."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Gh96vp3wk
"Mama, where are you?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxASiWmkKq
"If it's a fight you want, I'll give you a fight!"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkdauYq46z
"Did you see the Cybrawl last night? Vindicator kicked the other guy's ass!"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7aBtBF7K4
"Hurry up, I don't have all day!"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJrmCHjdBB
"I was born in the wrong generation, I wish I was born in the 2020s, everything was so much better then."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNB4prbd0a
The sound of the multitude of voices being translated in my brain was so overwhelming I crashed to the ground and covered my ears.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWzzNyaIkb
Atlas crouched beside me. He had a look of genuine sympathy in his deep brown eyes. "What's wrong?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS6joZuAMj
"The noise." I whimpered.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxUX9QLQay
Atlas gave me a puzzled look.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aqgMDEI5l
I pointed towards my brain. "You know, the voices."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi91FpAGP6d
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."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DmPUlRuxC
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDnBJXCeEy
"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!"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEn4cOuc3En
Atlas laughed silently.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9jFh4PGKC
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?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7dc0DjwI5
"The foundations sometimes creak." Atlas tapped the ground with the tip of his boot. "You get used to it."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMtMBXwYld
"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!
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzED3n9ZHqx
Atlas shrugged. "I know."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjdSmsC9z9
"And you're still okay with living here?" I gawked at him in disbelief.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ835FTXlS0F
"The rent is cheap."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUY32onsky3
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7L8fP3gge
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl5rebrllY
"Great! I'm an expert at acting natural."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzgYVUSXc3
"Really? Because you've looked like a deer in headlights the entire time you've been here."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3baNkxw5V
I placed my hands on my hips. "Well, I've been under a lot of stress lately!"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqyVYnWf6b
A towering cyborg opened the door. "Who's out there?" He bellowed.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtC8xHthDd
Atlas projected a digital membership card from his Holowatch.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw23ONG6o8N
The bouncer's expression softened. "Oh, Atlas, it's you. It's nice to see you, buddy."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUntOoECktj
Atlas smiled and waved.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL7lQ77ZMe
The bouncer's gaze shifted to me. "Where's your membership card?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ38KBy0aK
"Umm, I don't have one. Can you let me in any way? I don't want to brag, but I'm pretty famous."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKFNL4wPZd
He folded his arms. "Sorry, kid. We don't let anyone in without a card."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmlbQ13qbE
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–"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9bbUkGNtY
Atlas slapped a hand over my mouth to shut me up. "Please forgive him. He is a very enthusiastic Volcanic Kittens fan."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSEGuyiTb8
"I am?" I have no idea what a volcanic kitten is.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkAyLuIDGw
Atlas shot me a look that said, roll with it.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEfwP4OGoH
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WlrIvrCTd
"He's visiting the island for the first time, and he would be heartbroken if he couldn't see them perform live." Atlas signed.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpUdtdx96n
I nodded again. "I will be inconsolable." I will literally die of sadness if you don't let me in."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJcpfNFObo
The bouncer raised an eyebrow. "What's your favorite Volcanic Kittens song?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLInADN98MA
"Umm, there's too many to choose from. I love them all so much."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJxytCoe9R
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."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS86zAPadgL
"Thank you," Atlas signed.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypt4IsJGYN
The bouncer moved to the side and allowed us to enter.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUg7YJJRtU
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ027m2nqMaV
Atlas guided me to a two-person table near the front, where we sat down.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fCw7Bdxr7
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbc140VKrj
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxq0HsOwGm9
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG86SFqxJFP
Atlas tapped on my human arm to get my attention. "Are you okay?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATeBwrGM6w
"Totally!" I forced myself to perk up. "This song always makes me emotional," I lied.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3H3HLJ1sz
He shot me a disbelieving look, but didn't press further.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxeBwWaZIn
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4yxzIvcJf
"Because they don't want to be near us. Most of them won't say it out loud, but cyborgs make them uncomfortable."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkaxVM8Cdc
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?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNpwuwzAYP
"They see us as expendable soldiers to fight in their wars, it makes them feel guilty when they remember we're people too."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKQ7vc3t8k
I threw up my arms in protest. "I never thought that! I just think cyborg eyes look freaky, that's all."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8m0x54UYTF
"Sure." Atlas signed. His facial expression was beyond cynical.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiduAaJHm69
I flipped open the menu to escape the heat of his glare. "Oooh, Margaritas!"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NX2p7Y5ZE
Atlas snatched the menu from my grasp. "No drinks for you."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBzmPCznPU
I crossed my arms sulkily. "Killjoy," I muttered.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZgRWXoyke
After the band finished their set, the lead introduced herself. "My name's Katrina and we're The Volcanic Kittens! Good Night, Ikigai!"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyV7atm49W
The crowd cheered and applauded, and I clapped along politely.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkTsvMfmXH
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSerL2BpcX
"Coming here was a spur-of-the-moment decision." Atlas signed.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRHt8eijq4
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?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTeOoHTFlV
"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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa6WqqeVEo
She giggled. "It is you! I haven't seen you in forever!"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWJ5Pv1nMX
I tilted my head to the side. "Have we met before?" I don't recognize her, but she seems to know me.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW0sfLWEuv
"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."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvGd05ebSN
That would explain why I don't remember her. I don't remember much about that night.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWEfF6cex4
She glanced me up and down. "I had no idea you were a cyborg."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7cVpZgA9x
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."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wohlW3uRa
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."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJZCzlL2lb
I stared down at the menu, refusing to make eye contact. "I guess, technically."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFTnnTWtDh
"Have you tried the fish and chips here? It tastes like a fireworks show of savoriness is going off in your mouth!"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLSgec7aO1
I raised an eyebrow. "Is that a good thing?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWPXe97DAX
"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."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OjMQvz3NU
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpj9DcAqhxY
Atlas sat in silence, doodling something on a coaster.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhlmKdc3JE
"So, how do you two know each other? You seem like complete opposites."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBAySju6vD
"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."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYwMyJ5GYa
The compliment made his cheeks blush pink. He smiled down at the intricate black roses on his arms.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnm21ATzSR
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?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIN4HNc1xmE
Atlas shrugged and let out a silent chuckle. "I don't know, but it suits you."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYuRhN3FVE
"I agree, it totally matches your vibe," Katrina said.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDfNic0xBZ
I threw up my hands in annoyance. "What the hell is that supposed to mean!"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQQtAm0fQG
"Relax, it'll wash off." Atlas signed.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidHiQwxQfD
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxXKmdAYCf
"This has been fun, but there's a serious reason we came here." Atlas signed.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxSxQgYTrX
Katrina signaled for him to continue.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AJHlilMDH
"We found a map, but we're not sure what it's a map of. We were hoping you could help us."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGr6RdyY8RP
She bounced excitedly in her seat. "I love maps!"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLtr9q8XbX
"You love maps? Why?" I asked.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiO3wSrtF0
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."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8H20DHnKJ
I guess that makes sense.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySU6Rmhu1J
Atlas pulled up the map on my shattered Holowatch.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8j6h7cReaV
Katrina stroked her chin as she studied the map. After inspecting the map for a few minutes, she said, "It's Ikigai II."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgpieuURXn
Atlas furrowed his brow. "It doesn't look like Ikigai II."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VFcSnzFnF
"That's because it's not a completed map, this is only a fraction of one."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzURCMXyZJl
I curled my hands into fists. "A fraction? Approximately what percent of the map do we have?" I asked, trying to remain calm.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0r9O7k4PqS
"Roughly twenty-five percent, if I had to guess." She said.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOYDPndetB
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAuQSudoSn
"What do you think the red lines are?" Atlas asked.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQ0SbTpDp1
"I think lines are there to lead the way to the destination." She said.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5we8gRRpx2
"Like a pirate map?" I suggested.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUT3G3MhZ85
Katrina nodded. "Yes, exactly."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMJ1kml5OS
"But what does lead to?" Atlas implored.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wCAvcAnZp
"I can't say for sure," Katrina glanced at the Bionic Corp logo in the corner of the map. "But I have a hypothesis."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUTngOkssT
Atlas's hands shook as he signed. "You don't think..."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9mBseeEqZ
"I do," Katrina replied. "You're playing a dangerous game, Atlas."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLGGKGDJDC
I glanced back and forth between the two of them. "Is someone gonna bring me up to speed?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtmb18cLaw
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."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2b06oTL2A
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?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCuqOETlbV
"It is something said aloud," Atlas confirmed. "But Bionic Corp keeps a printed copy of the words locked up somewhere, just in case."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo3qCEhTES
"Wow, Bionic Corp still uses printers? I thought everyone stopped using paper in 2039." I said.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJE8T0clG9
"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?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13bzg6eTni
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."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECpTg2IkSx
Atlas perked up. "Who was it?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwb0JR5mj7y
"Gabriel St. Martin."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rGRXFhvaJ
Atlas's mood immediately deflated.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC78NMezTEj
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORnyvpS1hs
Katrina folded her arms. "If you're serious about completing the map, you'll need to talk to him."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuOSFPHko1
Atlas let out a reluctant sigh. "Fine, I'll talk to him."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM36szPWVv
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..."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4YNc5nl4p
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."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNBzsKdjyD
I stood up. "Don't you dare leave without me!" I pointed an accusatory finger at him.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedzIcuGw2O
"I wouldn't dream of it." He responded.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD00RTHYlqK
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdNOIdw5XF
I turn around to let myself back inside, but the door was locked.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpU7zIdkcH
"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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraJzVfUoZU
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl8XyIvdVG
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."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbb6rG3wLka
"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–"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDshNd94lU
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?"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSd1GCStnB
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.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFmgmRrmGp
Oblivionviewedeach of my wrists, checking for a Holowatch. "If you don't have the map, then you are useless to me." They hissed.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYCV5akVNl
"Sorry," I said, my voice quavering.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcN6uJ09Ty
Then Oblivion starting singing, their raspy voice."Sleep my darling tiny one tucked within your bed so tight,"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYntuR3j75
I glanced around the alleyway. Why is the killer cyborg singing?
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xbibrswuy
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,"
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBKg16pZO7
I tugged at the door handle again to no avail.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWrEslby4x
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."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlyWduLuuj
I clapped apprehensively. "Umm, that was a very lovely song."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMmc2ufsnM
"Why didn't it work?" Oblivion hissed. "It's never failed before."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4bpCNf4fY
"I'm sorry." I whimpered, even though I had no idea what I was apologizing for.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGeNcBhBxZ
"This will not be the last time we meet, Chase Huxley!" Oblivion threw a smoke bomb and disappeared into the night.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32PaC5g1lW
"Okay, bye," I said to no one. Didn't their parents ever tell them it was rude to leave without saying goodbye?
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9iLoLPQu2
The door in front of me flung open, and Atlas was standing there. "Your food's here." He signed.
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxSaSLy2xT
"I don't think I'm hungry anymore." A said, staring off into the night.
ns3.23.59.191da2
