We stood together on a bridge on the northwest side of Ikigai II. This is the end of the road, the X on the treasure map.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYeiJLXTdM
Chase enhanced his cybernetic vision, zooming in on the sign of the closest building. "Sparkling Oasis Spa and Wellness Center." He read aloud. "Are you sure this is the right place?"
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTreX46QUYv
I gave a decisive nod, even though I was far from certain.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajL586vG9Z
Katrina shot me a skeptical look. "This doesn't look like an evil lair."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypfFhYS0nj
She was right. The exterior looked unassuming with its large glass windows and outdoor waterfalls, but I knew better. "Most evil lairs don't look like evil lairs from the outside."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W3FVjDNfV
Katrina shrugged. "I guess."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKtcgsTYCa
As we marched towards the spa, a couple stared us down with a menacing gaze.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKqZxGObRW
I flashed my knives in their direction, daring them to attack.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL38XJ4BnMN
"There's no need to threaten random people," Marisa scolded.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZqWt4uM8D
"They're working for Bionic Corp. I know it!" I signed.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tgdW9i8kH
I noticed the look that passed between Marisa and Katrina. They thought I was crazy. Maybe I am. I don't know if it's possible to remain sane after everything I've been through. Right now, I'm desperate for something to believe in, so I'm choosing to believe the Annihilation Code is here because I don't know what I'll do if it isn't.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpiKt7F1lr
I marched up to the glass door. I hesitated when I reached for the handle. Was I prepared to face whatever was inside?
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQrvnOPOv6
Chase gave me a reassuring smile. "No matter what happens, I've got your back," He whispered."If anything goes wrong, I'll rescue you because I'm so brave and heroic."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVfQ2MoWCb
A small smile spread across my lips and I rolled my eyes. My hero, battling Bionic Corp all by himself with no combat experience.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1VwFPXk8X
Chase reached out and opened the door for me. "Let's kick some ass!"
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTM5Gqs13d
I gave a confident nod and stepped into the spa lobby.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPTKNp6r99
I scanned the surrounding area, looking for proof something nefarious was going on here, but it looked like an ordinary spa waiting room. It was a wide-open room, with stark white walls and tall glass windows. Smoky gray chairs and couches formed a comfy seating area. There was a large fountain in the center of the lobby, and potted plants nestled in every nook and cranny. At the very back of the room was a man sitting behind a tall wooden desk. He was playing a game on his Holowatch instead of working. Behind him stood a door with clouded windows.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTQMTqqXIc
My boots made an irritating squeaking sound with every step I took on the shiny vinyl floor. So much for stealth.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLywTQLPcUb
The man behind the desk sprung to his feet and frantically adjusted his glasses. "I'm sorry, but we're fully booked for today! You're going to have to leave! I'm sorry for the inconvenience."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QGEzPQC8I
I grabbed him by the throat and lifted him in the air.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2M9sfXY3YE
"Where is the Annihilation Code?" Chase asked.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawAhBkaOJ1
"I don't know what you're talking about," He croaked.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoGekuZnFO
I tightened my grip on his neck.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XRSpLp8LF
"Don't play dumb. We know it's here," Chase barked.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBzm2P7dsP
We didn't know anything for certain, but he didn't need to know that.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveO3nm1LeM
"I don't know! I swear I don't know!" He let out a long string of coughs and then passed out in my arms.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe5vIYuigA
I tossed his limp body aside like an old rag doll. His crumpled form landed in the fountain, causing a large splash. Well, he was no help. We'll have to find the code ourselves.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfJhS0o3aZ
Katrina's eyes widened. "Woah, that was brutal."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBNyKC3BLf
She was right, I was brutal. Bionic Corp made me this way. Now they were going to face the monster they created. I trudged towards the door behind the desk.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMQKFIaX1J
Marisa grabbed my hand. "Let's get out of here. I think we're in the wrong place."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSz955NVWx
I jerked free from her grasp and swung open the door, nearly hitting Katrina in the face.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kPiCoqkQI
In the next room stood two staircases, one leading up and the other leading down.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3dSrGjzmS
I stroked my chin as I contemplated which one to take.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBKSryYBIU
Chase stood beside me and rested a hand on my shoulder. "Which way to the Annihilation Code?"
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN06o09H29W
"I have no idea," I confessed.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJJu9702J4
"Let's split up," Katrina suggested. "Two of us will go upstairs, the other two will go downstairs. That way, we can cover the most ground."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMI0SvdTg8
Chase nodded. "That makes sense."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVY1jx20zg
"Who's going with who?" I asked.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7OkelY9NT
We looked toward Marisa, who was shooting daggers at me with her arms crossed.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ78lYqV3Jw
"I think she's upset with you," Chase said through our cerebral link.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tYb398330
I rolled my eyes. "Gee, you think?"
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0f4iWuOGY3
"I think you need some time apart. I'll go downstairs with her."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIe7dh1G6E
"Promise you'll take care of her for me."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoImeoGSDNr
"I'll protect her with my life," Chasepromised. He threw his arm around Marisa's shoulders. "Come on, let's team-up."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTb0FUWlgN
Before he left, he turned back toward me. "Stay in touch, okay?" He tapped the side of his head, gesturing toward his cybernetics.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVHThwuaj6
I nodded.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX89b4rgyqf
Chase and Marisa disappeared down the stairs, leaving Katrina and me alone.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwhXTCc8sz
Katrina bounced up and down. "Looks like it's just you and me, pal."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7K8sqlLaw
A thin smile crossed my lips.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgV7cgUTSQ
Katrina waved me toward the stairs. "What are you waiting for? Let's go!"
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf59wPhKX6P
Katrina practically skipped up the stairs, as I slowly trailed behind her. Some days I wish I had a fraction of her energy.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwZUVkvhKW
At the top of the stairs, there was a spacious room with stark white walls and smooth tile floors. The pungent scent of bleach and cleaning supplies filled my nostrils as soon as we stepped inside. The smell made me cringe. The back of the room was lined with shelves containing test tubes and Petri dishes. It looked like we were in some kind of lab.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkn6IepPPp
I remember spending countless hours in a lab similar to this one when Bionic Corp turned me into a cyborg. This one was state of the art. The one I spent my time in was run-down and unsanitary. It's a miracle I didn't get a bacterial infection like some of my fellow soldiers did.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLrcyLmZc2
In the center of the lab stood a person suspended in a vat of turquoise liquid. I took a step closer.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMvKgBf8iy
"Stay away from that! It could be dangerous!" Katrina hissed.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9QeCYzFPW
I ignored her. Upon further inspection, I realized the person was a child. They looked about twelve or so. The liquid was thick and cloudy, I couldn't make out the child's facial features, but I could tell that they weren't a cyborg. Throughoutall my time in the cyborg army, I'd never seen anything like this. What was going on here?
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxIE2nZvHb
"Hello, Curseword."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0bECh5err
I spun around to see Vindicator leaning in the doorway.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpNGPoVGPI
"I thought you'd know better than to come here and challenge me, but it appears I was wrong."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHWRJngFyi
I clenched my jaw. "You can't scare me anymore."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtlMQAoF3z
"Oh? You seemed quite afraid last night. You were trembling like a frighted child."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfyD0qfuIq
"My fear is justified, considering you ripped me limb from limb when I was only thirteen."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QVBLSTpvL
"You were a murderer."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWqmiDzClp
"I was a child! I trusted you!"
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNusrxFdXx6
A flicker of sorrow passed through his cold green eyes. Then he shook his head, snapping himself out of his moment of sentimentality. "I did what I had to."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjvaVwgBlh
"Was it worth it?"
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnXUrXnfNV
He didn't answer.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TSO9l1Tsh
"How can you sleep at night after what you did to me?"
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBf91ZkWG56
He gazed wistfully out the window. "I haven't slept since."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNvFnAFWOQ
"Am I supposed to feel bad for you?"
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnys5dCWjB
"No." He turned back to me, his eyes hard as stone once more.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdBDRYWUSH
"Is that all you have to say for yourself? I looked up to you! I loved you! I saw you as my big brother, but you tried to kill me like I was an insect under your boot." My hands trembled as I signed. I was so angry and hurt, I could barely contain it.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiG0tRpsEG
"That's not true!" He protested. "Tearing you apart was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. It broke me."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAHBS6S5s5
"I will never forgive you for what you did!"
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOI3oVi4WxU
"I don't expect you to. I would not forgive if our roles were reversed, but I'm not sorry for the choice I made."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuWt7g57bB
I gritted my teeth. He tore my body to shreds when I was a child, and he wasn't even sorry. "I hate you!" I gripped my knives and charged toward him. I plunged my daggers into his chest, but they passed right through him. I stabbed him a second time to the same result.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaP0dLeGbJ
Katrina reached into her boot and pulled out a pistol. She fired a bullet into Vindicator's chest. The bullet phased right through him and punctured the wall behind him. "He's a hologram."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWJKBEwnSR
"Sorry to deceive you, Curseword. I needed to distract you for as long as possible while I go for the real prize." He stared down at me with a look of pity. "Goodbye, Curseword." Without another word, he vanished.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tQMr41tId
In a fit of rage, I knocked over several glass vials. I can't believe I fell for that!
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3NkyeCcy9
"Atlas, are you there?" Chase asked over our cerebral link.
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrBwEkkWii
I took a deep, calming breath. "Yes, I'm here. What's going on? Did you find anything downstairs?"
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W5pmdQrIO
Chase let out a nervous chuckle. "Yeah, we found something pretty huge. I'll fill you in later, but for now, I need you to stay calm and trust me."
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwFekiaQnI
"Um, okay." What was going on?
354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSosfamGZI
"Oblivion is in the building."
ns3.15.31.240da2
