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."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTzUKoB6wJ
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?
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjubZEOns0g
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?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwWteBj5Hr
"I'm not sure." Atlas signed.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTJmdI4dRT
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi5QHuLK1M
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."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMSTESXL4Y
I slow clapped. "Excellent detective work, Marisa. That really narrows it down. It's not like most maps have landmasses in them."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmtgNfzjT6
"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?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHeXxbfI91
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?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMTOrfZao9
Atlas shot me a judgmental look. Apparently, Ireland wasn't the correct answer.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbkZR4yLZY
"This thing ruined my life." I pointed towards the map. "I'd like to know what's so freaking special about it."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPpG45cITW
"Whatever this map leads to must be valuable to Bionic Corp." Atlas signed.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO5zPXx2qi
"Do you think it could be valuable to other people?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMm0zk3kDFL
"How so?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnptLY1U7u
"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."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRsz1zc6vT
"Are you kidding me? You can't just sell it on the black market! We don't even know what it is!"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cayz2ZPYl
"Well, how can I learn what it is?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTnfsQv6QY
Atlas tapped his finger on his chin in deep thought. Then signed, "I might know someone."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPq6KPcMqO
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbhkrWo6Hn
"Fresh Fish Tacos! Buy one, get one free today only!"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0RbWdawYu
"It's so hard to find good workers these days. Bionic Corp keeps poaching my staff."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhnJ9zDqLt
"Hey! Watch where you're going!"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYGAtkayue
"I told Li Na it was her turn to do the laundry, but she must have forgotten."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi8ty8YoaC
"Mama, where are you?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioxdCMvPWV
"If it's a fight you want, I'll give you a fight!"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q7By2kbpP
"Did you see the Cybrawl last night? Vindicator kicked the other guy's ass!"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAzHAAI2BE
"Hurry up, I don't have all day!"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DlxO1usNR
"I was born in the wrong generation, I wish I was born in the 2020s, everything was so much better then."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxyZfZjvmE
The sound of the multitude of voices being translated in my brain was so overwhelming I crashed to the ground and covered my ears.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsVGTIfBHg
Atlas crouched beside me. He had a look of genuine sympathy in his deep brown eyes. "What's wrong?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDj82VLQ5M
"The noise." I whimpered.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxHJqyJMHh
Atlas gave me a puzzled look.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr4dq4diRA
I pointed towards my brain. "You know, the voices."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIogUKSod7b
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."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJStHh5yN6
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzQhyBtgla
"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!"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKb4BVKCV6
Atlas laughed silently.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBTmm99mPl
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?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbQggGAfRW
"The foundations sometimes creak." Atlas tapped the ground with the tip of his boot. "You get used to it."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrd3TI2xDO
"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!
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt0GgXwSJx
Atlas shrugged. "I know."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLB1DhO8O7d
"And you're still okay with living here?" I gawked at him in disbelief.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnBTq9MXCj
"The rent is cheap."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7KtkRT3x2
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajDbd4x3hA
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhdW7qOm2W
"Great! I'm an expert at acting natural."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJorDPIsNrR
"Really? Because you've looked like a deer in headlights the entire time you've been here."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgCYy8PJmN
I placed my hands on my hips. "Well, I've been under a lot of stress lately!"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjlLoIsAVT
A towering cyborg opened the door. "Who's out there?" He bellowed.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2hJkRYlCo
Atlas projected a digital membership card from his Holowatch.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K80xY141D
The bouncer's expression softened. "Oh, Atlas, it's you. It's nice to see you, buddy."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk8mw9VIJu
Atlas smiled and waved.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCI1cII3b7
The bouncer's gaze shifted to me. "Where's your membership card?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XhEXFmaBA
"Umm, I don't have one. Can you let me in any way? I don't want to brag, but I'm pretty famous."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67pzCALvp0
He folded his arms. "Sorry, kid. We don't let anyone in without a card."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xkNUWA9LS
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–"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadeDpqreuc
Atlas slapped a hand over my mouth to shut me up. "Please forgive him. He is a very enthusiastic Volcanic Kittens fan."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sDBsSYfQr
"I am?" I have no idea what a volcanic kitten is.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSXjiLcvQd
Atlas shot me a look that said, roll with it.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsIhioQdLR
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8oxh0VXZf
"He's visiting the island for the first time, and he would be heartbroken if he couldn't see them perform live." Atlas signed.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZur4eqIIl2
I nodded again. "I will be inconsolable." I will literally die of sadness if you don't let me in."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWSfCK9ZCp
The bouncer raised an eyebrow. "What's your favorite Volcanic Kittens song?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrZdXPdcSr
"Umm, there's too many to choose from. I love them all so much."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJCS8HVHVw
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."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwO6M0TAks
"Thank you," Atlas signed.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajxeikdaoi
The bouncer moved to the side and allowed us to enter.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlH1lKISdJa
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7CUPgRfdE
Atlas guided me to a two-person table near the front, where we sat down.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywOYNaA7vs
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jUEcP8oih
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JBFvzIPvG
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjabTXTsUx1
Atlas tapped on my human arm to get my attention. "Are you okay?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwrznYQsQU
"Totally!" I forced myself to perk up. "This song always makes me emotional," I lied.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fBmMI01IA
He shot me a disbelieving look, but didn't press further.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uHlouGHVJ
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZY7tj2eM0
"Because they don't want to be near us. Most of them won't say it out loud, but cyborgs make them uncomfortable."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVM5TdEkAe
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?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4I80pi3BV
"They see us as expendable soldiers to fight in their wars, it makes them feel guilty when they remember we're people too."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4Pfjf9gqd
I threw up my arms in protest. "I never thought that! I just think cyborg eyes look freaky, that's all."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgA4yUqE1vd
"Sure." Atlas signed. His facial expression was beyond cynical.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx3GUxrkH9
I flipped open the menu to escape the heat of his glare. "Oooh, Margaritas!"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPlI7eXvpw
Atlas snatched the menu from my grasp. "No drinks for you."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DIyWpndPh
I crossed my arms sulkily. "Killjoy," I muttered.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpOOEaTqOC
After the band finished their set, the lead introduced herself. "My name's Katrina and we're The Volcanic Kittens! Good Night, Ikigai!"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbMQS4FoCS
The crowd cheered and applauded, and I clapped along politely.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhwX3NuYur
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAdZeAau1C
"Coming here was a spur-of-the-moment decision." Atlas signed.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaSjCDVDM5
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?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEI1cspa9f
"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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDgV57k4Fv
She giggled. "It is you! I haven't seen you in forever!"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqcplqgwdT
I tilted my head to the side. "Have we met before?" I don't recognize her, but she seems to know me.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykJwOde8LN
"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."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckTbd7IBgs
That would explain why I don't remember her. I don't remember much about that night.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGb6O4Uf2s
She glanced me up and down. "I had no idea you were a cyborg."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qfTaPZaKd
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."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWcHD4EoPx
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."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUyrHOI3n9
I stared down at the menu, refusing to make eye contact. "I guess, technically."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSEe3n9gbe
"Have you tried the fish and chips here? It tastes like a fireworks show of savoriness is going off in your mouth!"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDthu6ZQkK
I raised an eyebrow. "Is that a good thing?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJOQl7iGJi
"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."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDDuKCSVE2
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MHoVPi5rL
Atlas sat in silence, doodling something on a coaster.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwgKFwPN8S
"So, how do you two know each other? You seem like complete opposites."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhO0WkXIha
"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."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJ7CsEPsKw
The compliment made his cheeks blush pink. He smiled down at the intricate black roses on his arms.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY6AbEFsTv
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?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1xJsz9Mzy
Atlas shrugged and let out a silent chuckle. "I don't know, but it suits you."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCdSKmIs2i
"I agree, it totally matches your vibe," Katrina said.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqwpOlMdhu
I threw up my hands in annoyance. "What the hell is that supposed to mean!"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvrRErzOgh
"Relax, it'll wash off." Atlas signed.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBj3lGqfKmy
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm01YDGuIgJ
"This has been fun, but there's a serious reason we came here." Atlas signed.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39oFqbKlmf
Katrina signaled for him to continue.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31aW8lR6yR
"We found a map, but we're not sure what it's a map of. We were hoping you could help us."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCc5gAyJeS
She bounced excitedly in her seat. "I love maps!"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWErr9yrTUh
"You love maps? Why?" I asked.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSn2yvktQO4
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."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6aE6IwuLd
I guess that makes sense.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oDxhb0g0F
Atlas pulled up the map on my shattered Holowatch.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cULWRF382
Katrina stroked her chin as she studied the map. After inspecting the map for a few minutes, she said, "It's Ikigai II."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qpj5kLzz2
Atlas furrowed his brow. "It doesn't look like Ikigai II."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MdYNGvBWx
"That's because it's not a completed map, this is only a fraction of one."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpuNFoMkKD
I curled my hands into fists. "A fraction? Approximately what percent of the map do we have?" I asked, trying to remain calm.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9Peavoh9z
"Roughly twenty-five percent, if I had to guess." She said.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPaNaeH0SD
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg54GYDEw8Y
"What do you think the red lines are?" Atlas asked.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGCKYaQAYF
"I think lines are there to lead the way to the destination." She said.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Dk5FJic7a
"Like a pirate map?" I suggested.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVGChmas4q
Katrina nodded. "Yes, exactly."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohzh2gx5C1
"But what does lead to?" Atlas implored.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtq9ljwQf6u
"I can't say for sure," Katrina glanced at the Bionic Corp logo in the corner of the map. "But I have a hypothesis."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIq9fH0JZtH
Atlas's hands shook as he signed. "You don't think..."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZPzfLqMdY
"I do," Katrina replied. "You're playing a dangerous game, Atlas."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpz1acDJmRo
I glanced back and forth between the two of them. "Is someone gonna bring me up to speed?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg4Hc3Kr9o
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."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOiHE8gz8h
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?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbAOv9mGzQ
"It is something said aloud," Atlas confirmed. "But Bionic Corp keeps a printed copy of the words locked up somewhere, just in case."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6uXfXCOVP
"Wow, Bionic Corp still uses printers? I thought everyone stopped using paper in 2039." I said.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9gbnEaLGA
"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?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX8SGxUIXD
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."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrXQXBJtVK
Atlas perked up. "Who was it?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusWrP9hKQA
"Gabriel St. Martin."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nNSzYsygs
Atlas's mood immediately deflated.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbctkBRoGbZ
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqmwF1olea
Katrina folded her arms. "If you're serious about completing the map, you'll need to talk to him."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJj2xhgQSmE
Atlas let out a reluctant sigh. "Fine, I'll talk to him."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rmzQrjd1V
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..."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7pVjX4R3y
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."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLPwlMX3yu
I stood up. "Don't you dare leave without me!" I pointed an accusatory finger at him.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhkYSF6meG
"I wouldn't dream of it." He responded.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j7zqs7ovx
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69Kf8hpxUF
I turn around to let myself back inside, but the door was locked.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1bl1EFB6Q
"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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyfY9CPh7n
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhLR2UCXh7
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."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2F1X3PCF7
"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–"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJqyAmgr7J
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?"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSsoxguh0G
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.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbYqh6O9YM
Oblivionviewedeach of my wrists, checking for a Holowatch. "If you don't have the map, then you are useless to me." They hissed.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVvIIQqp43
"Sorry," I said, my voice quavering.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIjX5IRUWM
Then Oblivion starting singing, their raspy voice."Sleep my darling tiny one tucked within your bed so tight,"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NLVd8tglG
I glanced around the alleyway. Why is the killer cyborg singing?
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbITqUXrVcU
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,"
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXajtxVjCHj
I tugged at the door handle again to no avail.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblrOdlwi3q
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."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnqmSt5SyY
I clapped apprehensively. "Umm, that was a very lovely song."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pB2HwteHP
"Why didn't it work?" Oblivion hissed. "It's never failed before."
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKi6eg1hts
"I'm sorry." I whimpered, even though I had no idea what I was apologizing for.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVhphOaonM
"This will not be the last time we meet, Chase Huxley!" Oblivion threw a smoke bomb and disappeared into the night.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrXGGWuZ0O
"Okay, bye," I said to no one. Didn't their parents ever tell them it was rude to leave without saying goodbye?
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd25SQDRgx7
The door in front of me flung open, and Atlas was standing there. "Your food's here." He signed.
825Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOhVdb6u4f
"I don't think I'm hungry anymore." A said, staring off into the night.
ns216.73.216.176da2
and then Add to home screen.