I grabbed Chase's hand, took one step backward, and leaped off the platform's edge. For one brief moment, we were weightless, before we rapidly descended towards the ground. We landed on the cement ground with a loud thud. I most likely would've fractured my femur if I had one. I checked on Chase to see if he was injured. "Are you okay?"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYFaecRiL7
"Like, after fall or in general?" Chase panted.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcn2CRqbuf
I shot him a concerned look.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8DP5l5ksu
He gripped the bleeding wound on his chest. "I don't think the fall did any damage. Let's get out of here, okay?" I nodded and helped him up.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX1TQV8g1v
Vindicator glared down at us from the platform above. He appeared to be contemplating following us.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdx0B9TmPV
I sent him an antagonizing stare, daring him to pursue us. Deep down, I begged that he would let us escape without a scuffle. Coming face to face with him again nearly gave me a panic attack on stage. I'm impressed that I managed to stay calm in the heat of the moment.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVX9gSZiZu
Vindicator turned away from us and stepped out of sight. He was letting us go. For now.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09En7Xonj7
"Now what?" Chase asked.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1cKiwga3F
I placed both my hands on the wall next to us. Once, my hands were in the exact position. A secret passageway opened up.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSfYwzN5Y6
Chase couldn't contain his glee. "There's a secret tunnel!"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5xl4bSzMw
I smirked in response.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKYuUAyCNn
I guided Chase through the dark passage. Our cybernetic vision automatically adjusted to our surroundings, helping us see in the darkness.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaPFVs99sH
"How did you find this place?" Chase gazed around our environment. There was writing on the wall that said: G&A were here, 11/1/2059.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSORFHZalR4
"When I first met Gabriel, he told me there were all kinds of secrets around the stadium if I cared to look. As a curious thirteen-year-old, the concept exhilarated me."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT6BabeMzX
"Did you find them all?" Chase asked.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg41tGigs6p
"I did. It's not a big deal. I'm pretty sure every Cybrawl Fighter has found them sooner or later."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1bhGvdF4F
Chase stared down at the ground. "Listen, I'm sorry about everything. I know I jumped the gun by volunteering to fight in the Cybrawl, and I cost us our chance to get the second piece of the map."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WSWuvJEKR
"No, you did perfectly." I could barely contain my satisfied grin.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSmmNtL2Lo
He raised an eyebrow. "I did?"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzQoKaARh0
I proudly displayed the now half-completed map on my Holowatch.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXU7d4nwZ1
"What? How?" Chase sputtered.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKdZb8gfdg
"I picked Gabriel's pockets during our meeting. He was so distracted by your fight, he still hasn't noticed it's gone."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uBJmWrMIl
"Atlas, you brilliant scoundrel!" He chuckled. "I can't believe you got away with it!"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9auWLVnMkP
I gave a modest shrug.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSbSxfqM6T
Chase glanced back at the stadium. "They're gonna kill us when they find out, aren't they?"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs22j8Chf5
"Most likely."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8SDAvzAwr
The passage led us outdoors, near where I'd parked my Hovercycle.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVMZQ8xpJC
"Wow! What are the chances we end up exactly where we parked?" Chase said, gesturing towards the Hovercycle.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWneJDHTNhS
"I intentionally parked outside the secret exit just in case we needed to make a quick getaway."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjVvoT0J8o
"Very smart."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9bcarFaIY
I marched over to the Hovercycle, slipped on my helmet, and put the key in the ignition. I sat down and motioned for Chase to do the same.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyNULRJw8z
He let out a reluctant sigh and followed my example.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldhKZxyRgE
As soon as Chase was seated, I sped away from the area, without a second glance.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFUv1MolsE
In case of emergency, Patch set up several safe houses all over the city. In the past, I thought he was being paranoid, but today I was glad we had them. Chase needed someone to treat his wounds soon. I increased speed as we neared the closest safe house. When we were a little less than a block away, I parked the Hovercycle. I'd removed the GPS and all other potential trackers from my bike, but I couldn't risk Bionic Corp finding any of our safe houses. I opted to walk the rest of the way. I hope Chase can make it that far.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5LBnNHN9V
We dismounted the bike, and I hid it behind some trash cans in an alleyway. It wasn't an ideal hiding spot, but it would have to do. I pulled my hood up onto my head and signaled for Chase to do the same.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnY1mE0Sto
"Bionic Corp has surveillance around every corner on this side of town, so keep a low profile," I signed.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzXFvhSY0N
He nodded.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFcW1xliVf
I glanced left, then right. When I was certain the coast was clear, I exited the alleyway and walked into the quiet street. All the market stalls were vacant.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡut0uZy3srZ
"Where is everyone?" Chase asked.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgccSJyB8OC
I didn't know, but the lack of commotion unsettled me. It was unusual for any part of the island to be silent like this. I proceeded with caution.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1e54gWSSD
Bionic Corp security cameras peeked out from hidden spots around the path.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FZ4zQDtA6
"Look out, there are three cameras incoming, two on your right and one on your left. Don't let them see your face."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBszBgJTFDr
"Where?" He intensely surveyed the surrounding area.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzNO7YLTKl
"Don't look at them, dumbass!"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzwezsUed3
"Sorry."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxzNL74e6o
Something whirred past our heads. I shoved Chase out of the way. The incoming projectile nearly grazed us, but it missed by an inch. It clattered to the ground with a faint tinging sound.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5eMoeIjLB
"What the hell was that?" Chase asked.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sf7tUOoBZ
I picked up the fallen projectile and showed it to him.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGymf49K42
"Is that a bullet?"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9Z6Ix8cah
I nodded somberly.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS9RgcCXt1
"Oh my God, someone tried to shoot us!"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3V1H1r6iN
I dove behind an abandoned stall for cover and dragged Chase down with me. I expected to be bombarded with a storm of bullets, but they never arrived.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvP3mSRl7Kj
My heartbeat pounded in my chest, and I gasped for air. This is a very inconvenient time to have a panic attack! My head began spinning, and I broke out in a cold sweat. "Not now," I silently mouthed to myself. Of course, my brain refused to listen. Recently, I've been reliving painful memories from my time in the cyborg army, and it's been taking a toll on my psyche.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJ54EOP7wT
Chase tapped my shoulder. "Come on, dude. We've got to keep moving. I've got an open chest wound, remember?"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLILuYbeIy
I nodded. I rose to my feet, even though my muscles were still tense. I counted backward in my head to try to shake off the dizziness. Left. We need to turn left. I pointed in the direction of the safe house, and we continued our journey to the safe house.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIT5zuNtV1
When we arrived, I paused outside the safe house to signal that we'd arrived.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjVFwxjRkP
"This is the safe house?" Chase cringed.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK9SWE0z1v
I nodded.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvsqDGpQcO
"It's a dumpster." He wasn't being metaphorical, the entrance to our safe house is hidden within a literal dumpster.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsORfK3wt6
I nodded again.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zONZjhD1O
Chase was about to protest, but before he got the chance to, he clutched his chest and started gasping.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RfxW8Bivz
I hurried over to him. "What's wrong?"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUfJtW0Vn1
Chase waved his other hand dismissively. "I'm fine, it's just a flesh wound." A few seconds later, he fainted.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9ZtsuYOsN
I checked his pulse. His heartbeat was in a fast, yet steady rhythm. I let out a sigh of relief. He wasn't dead. I'm starting to get attached to this idiot, despite my better judgment.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuW7P1SNNQk
I pushed the heavy dumpster out of the way revealing the staircase to the safe house.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwN5jzC7LY
I dragged his limp body onto the stairwell, then moved the dumpster back into place behind us. I bundled Chase into my arms and attempted to carry him down the stairs, but it was difficult because he was taller and larger than I was. His arms and legs dangled awkwardly, and he bled all over my jacket. "You owe me, big time!" I mouthed silently to his unconscious form.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlLdQggf6g
The safe house was really more of a safe room. The cramped studio featured a small kitchenette with an outmoded microwave and coffee maker. The living area had nothing but a plain gray futon and a hideous patterned rug.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTY7HPbHcug
I lowered Chase onto the futon. I dismounted the first aid kit from the wall, and rummaged through it, taking stock of our supplies.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2DAIchHUq
Chase stirred awake beside me. "Are we inside the dumpster?"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILAStwttwY
"Yes."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfou6Ke2BhS
He surveyed our surroundings. "It's bigger on the inside."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXyCW9Lcof
"Can I treat your wounds? I don't want them to get any worse."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJIS9FhWmf
"No. I think you should let me bleed out." He rolled his eyes. "Yes, you can treat my wounds!" He shrugged off his shirt, revealing the sharp gash across his chest.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8tSw4CQT9
I downloaded a first aid tutorial to my cybernetics and hoped it would suffice. I don't have time to download anything more comprehensive at the moment. I slipped on a pair of rubber gloves and prepared to treat the wound.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXQFPC9Tz7
Chase sprawled out. "So, are you going to tell me the story of your first kill, or what?"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnq9XoESAf
I froze. I'd forgotten I'd agreed to tell him.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ503LzyBUkY
"Come on! You promised!"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMVzr7mtIp
I sighed. Honestly, I didn't think he was going to live long enough for me to make good on my promise. "I can't sign while I'm working, so we'll have to create a temporary cerebral link."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0KmYlleKV
"What's that?"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpqZOrUdnv
"It's when two cyborgs make a wireless connection to each other's cybernetics, so we can hear each other's thoughts."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeqRQzq9gi
His eyes widened. "You can do that?"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4IA8B8UHT
"Hypothetically."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtxiRb4k6Y
"Awesome! Let's try it!"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpqsINMLgL
I took a deep breath and connected to Chase's cybernetics. I established a link between us.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7hNlsCi6C
"Can you hear me now? Can you hear me now? Can you hear me now?" Chase thought repeatedly.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJkr3gG9ui
"Yes, I can hear you." I thought back.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMOjZ1x302
"Oh my God, it worked!" Chase bounced up and down on the futon.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudzZbJSVea
"Stop moving around," I commanded, with my thoughts. I pulled a chest seal out of the first aid kit and tore open the packaging.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsjBHrfMLB
"Why didn't you do this earlier? It makes communication so much easier!"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3BIlo3gC9
"I've never done this with anyone before. My mind can be a dark place sometimes, and I don't want anyone else to have to experience it," I lowered my gaze. "and I didn't want to hear the sound of your obnoxious voice in my head."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG0IaKsv3P
"Rude!"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHeN9ko3ir
I prepared to apply the chest seal. "I need you to take a deep breath and release any excess air. Okay?"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeotDoTFjHk
He did as he was told and let out a long exhale.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkPGWFtwXy
I placed the seal over his wound, then checked for the buildup of air in the lungs. I needed to make sure he wasn't at risk for tension pneumothorax. When I was confident he was stable, I focused my attention on disinfecting his scrapes.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxot9pZtfx
"You can't avoid this forever. Tell me the story." He folded his hands in his lap and waited for me to begin.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQItSR9YYW
I frowned. "Fine."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJY5AvOjaAE
He shot me an obnoxious grin that made me regret agreeing to this.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotynFPftA3
I let out a solemn sigh and began my tale. "Back when I was first drafted, a few of the older soldiers enjoyed pummeling the weaker recruits, we were fresh meat for them to devour. There was one in particular who was particularly sadistic, his name was Draven. I became his primary target because I was so small and weak, I couldn't fight back." My whole body trembled as I relived the memories. "Those knives belonged to him. He used to slice me open just to watch me bleed out. One day, I had enough. While he was cutting, I managed to wrestle one of the knives away from him. I drove it into his stomach and carved him open." Despite my best efforts to contain them, tears spilled down my cheeks. "I enjoyed killing him. I liked inflicting the same pain I had to suffer through. I'm a monster, just like him."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz0CZFGFj6
"No offense, but that's a pretty stupid way of looking at the situation."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuysOtKKTD
I did a double-take. "I beg your pardon?"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqFMvelfXw
Chase raised his hands in mock surrender. "Hear me out, that dude was a psycho who enjoyed hurting children. As far as I'm concerned, killing him was an act of community service."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATJPXLxeFr
I shook my head. "You don't get it," I thought, as I poured a saline solution on his scrapes.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9M0NbuJAT
He flinched when the cold liquid touched his skin. "You're right. I don't get it. I don't get how you can think you're a bad person for protecting yourself from abuse." He gazed at me earnestly, but I looked away. "Listen, I've lived in the spotlight for most of my life, and I've met some truly despicable people along the way. I can tell you're not like them, Atlas."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53IDGP2VCx
His tone was so sincere, I almost believed him. "You don't know me," I replied.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMEUuX2GA1
"I know enough, the only thing you've done since I met you, is try to help people. You've been working your ass off, running all over Ikigai II, to try to find a map that might lead to the Annihilation Code. Bad people don't do stuff like that."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iv3c3auwv
I refused to meet his gaze as I finished applying his bandages.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg96Kkx6iug
"You're such a noble and selfless person, I wish I was more like you."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeumZUP0FTJ
No one said anything for a long time. I disconnected our cerebral link. Chase must've sensed it because he began speaking out loud. "My seagull is still there."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZy6kW7Ucg
The change in topic was so jarring, it took me a moment to adjust.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEfsefzzie
Chasepointed to the painting of the seagull with sunglasses on his cybernetic arm. "It isn't even smudged! I thought it would've rubbed off by now. Are you sure you didn't use permanent paint?"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgLkrYq2Kk
"Yes, I'm sure."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZQInZO8DV
He smiled down at the seagull. "You know, it's starting to grow on me."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovJhrmyaqo
...
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3VMbRlnFN
Later in the day, I lent Chase some of my spare clothes that I had stored in the safe house. They were a little small for his physique, but they'd have to do.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMj1Te067C
We took some time to recharge our bionic limbs, and relax in the safety of the safe house.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUV9DZGT33
Our rest was disrupted by a persistent scratching sound coming from the safe house entrance.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkCBoFOBwy
I sprung to my feet and stuffed the knives in my pockets. "I'm going to figure out what's making that sound."
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gwGkhi0gw
"Are you insane?" Chase objected. "It could be Vindicator or Oblivion!"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSjNRdnrfA
"If it was them, they would've kicked down the door," I argued.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpwIohxsfh
"Maybe it's not one of them, but that doesn't mean it's a good idea to go out there!"
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYoAIFIcRz
I ignored him. If someone was trying to get in, I'd want to get the drop on them.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoBtVgctOv
I tiptoed up the stairs with my knife clutched in one hand. When I reached the top, I slid the door open with my free hand, then moved the dumpster.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zJCSgwSYY
"Meow." My cat stared up at me with her sparkling amber eyes and purred.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60w5OW0gwC
I took a good look around the alleyway with my infrared vision. She came alone. I slid the knife back into my pocket. "Venus, what are you doing here?" I signed.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgRvu92VRC
Naturally, she didn't respond because she was a cat.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QQLtxZm0r
I picked her up and carried her downstairs, closing the door behind me.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHU68jiqbFI
"Is that what was making the sound?" Chase raised an eyebrow.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt96c8N1i74
I nodded.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXAlYepzFf
Venus hopped out of my arms and ran over to Chase. She nudged him with her cybernetic paw, begging to be pet.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoZzBzoc6J
Traitor! Don't you know, I'm the one who cleans your litter box!
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZxEcoOeZB
"What's that thing on her collar?" Chase asked.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdr2oqB8U2h
I was so distracted I didn't even notice something was attached to her collar.
502Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAj1AGxmvWE
Chase handed it to me. It was a handwritten note scribbled on an old piece of cardboard. It read; I need your help, Patch is in massive danger! I'm coming to find you.—Marisa.
ns216.73.216.190da2
然後按「加至主畫面」