Atlas collapsed to his knees. His whole body was racked with silent sobs.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpZ2jMWERM
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!
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fCJl1iffz
Atlas returned my embrace. "I lied." He said through our cerebral link.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSwDTYkVcF
I tentatively wiped his tears with my sleeve. "What did you lie about?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2sR6teEgj
"I do know him, or at least I think I do." He confessed.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0GUvYcQIS
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?
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnBqUcQyLh
"I didn't know! I still don't know for certain, it's just a feeling."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSUyNyEbuF
I gave a pensive nod, trying to understand. "You think you know him, but you're not sure"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXez7bqGq2
For the first time in this conversation, Atlas met my gaze. "I think he's the one who ripped me apart."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60VffLoSvh
"Oh my God!" No wonder he was so worked up. I subconsciously fingered the scarf that covered the scars on his neck.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnf65Mn3aEi
Tears poured from his soft brown eyes. "I'm scared, Chase."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnFm4N85f8
I patted his shoulders. "Do you want me to kill that guy for you? Because I'll totally kill him for you."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ3ZnXIn4p
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."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyms8ZnKYYO
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.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYgvc2yFsI
Atlas smirked at me. "You've changed."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2Iio5qza7
"I have?" I don't feel that different.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhrLAbY4IY
Atlas nodded wisely. "You're not nearly as much of an asshole."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LpOXr5xPb
"The past couple of days have humbled me."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaIokg0bwV
"I kind of like you when you're not being a total douchebag."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3fJceivum
"You know what? I kind of like me, too."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uZuwlUojF
"Thank you for being my friend."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKL3od8Dd2
"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.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAsRUmmxHm
Atlas seemed to sense nervousness. He tried to reassure me. "They'll most likely be too distracted by your jacket to notice your face."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDAjvzELj8
"I hope you're right." I rose to my feet and offered Atlas my hand.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNd5V4U2xGT
Atlas accepted my hand and I helped him stand.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vnetoSUeh
"The party is going to start soon. Are you ready to go?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudW5HpQ8T4
Atlas nodded reluctantly. He shut off our cybernetic link, then we walked to the room where the girls were getting ready.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTGbf5eArK
When we entered the room, we caught sight of the girls with their ears pressed against the wall.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabECRjfdap
I loudly cleared my throat. If they're going to eavesdrop, they could at least try to be subtle about it.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoRmrVu5AE
Katrina let out a startled squeak when she noticed us.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvuk13UamK
"Were you eavesdropping on us?" Atlas signed furiously.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8WjAgufGw
"Umm, no," Marisa stammered. "We were just checking to see if you needed backup. Things sounded intense in there."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd0AQumfes
"That conversation was private, you had no right to listen in!"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nlm6AVKec
"I wanted to make sure you were okay. Talking about Vindicator must be hard for you."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDobK7wkEo
Atlas froze. "What do you know about Vindicator?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgW1wSfR2y
A look of guilt flashed across her face. "Umm, not much. You fought against him in the Cybrawl, right?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmb2XE64U7
Atlas shot her a cold, prying, glare. "There's something you're not telling me."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW28Sz2SiE
Marisa stared down at the floor. "What do you mean?" Her voice trembled with every word.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfNH5TDbVu
"You know something about Vindicator, don't you?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNAUBaSBKj
She lowered her head. "I don't know what you're talking about.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhR4VV1NLUH
Atlas forced her to meet his gaze. "You knew who Vindicator was, didn't you?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDX6C59jqu5
"How could I have possibly known that?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ523B3FoUhm
"Answer the question: Did you, or did you not, know who Vindicator was?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgcWQ7aqT4
Marisa gave a reluctant nod.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueDjZ7R6cO
Atlas appeared calm on the outside, but I could sense the hurt and anger beneath his poised exterior.
"How long have you known?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeG5VvYtrr
"I've known for less than a day, I was as surprised as you."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMz7F4CEbo
"How could you keep this from me?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVVxPJgJ1V
"I wanted to protect you."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMUspQl4hL
"I am not a child in need of coddling! Stop treating me like one."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqSbo90HM4
Marisa flinched at the outburst.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3XcLGYisJ
"We don't know his identity for certain, right? It's just a hunch." I said in an attempt to mediate the situation.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjK9hzn8HLJ
Marisa shook her head. "No, I do know. He called me. I saw him remove his mask. I saw his face."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqUc8uGDUd
Atlas wrapped his arms around himself for some semblance of comfort.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMlFCvWfd2
I shot Marisa a dubious glare. "Why were you talking to Vindicator?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivVUPsTG22
"Hey, he was the one who contacted me! He was the one who told me Patch was in danger."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJIwQvxkEy
"Can we believe anything he says?" Atlas singed.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59vAjuzbZQ
"I don't know, but he claims he wants to help Patch," Marisa said.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprrlSl4aal
"He ripped me apart, Marisa. He can't be trusted."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gz0vvTHId
"I know that."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8ytTOIbbS
"Never speak to him again, Marisa," Atlas commanded, then he stomped out of the room and slammed the door behind him.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gDf8AiqOn
"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.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8l9yGgbcUY
Katrina shook her head. "Atlas is experiencing some big feelings right now. You should give him some space.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QyyTBlJ4Y
I lowered my head. "Maybe your right." It felt wrong, but maybe it was for the best.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHwrDIX48r
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.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ864Vv3czck
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.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCzviOCcLE
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."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbA2CTViU5
"I have no idea," I confessed."I think the party is starting. We should head downstairs."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7Oy1JoLTb
"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."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcy6N6VQfc
"Why'd you get dressed up if you're not going to party?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviMYdbBkO4
She shrugged."Because it's fun."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYKO7zCuzn
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.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCYMNNOlKB
Katrina rolled her eyes. "Go ahead, ignore my advice, that's fine. What do I know?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c8ljtlA2F
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!"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy7S4TB0Rn
He hesitated for just a moment as I caught up.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYzaedfj1T
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.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyVxKwQxee
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."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7VJo3gBvF
I'm not interested in partying, I'm here to swipe the map and get the hell out of here."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOigSA1Vuj
I raised my hands in surrender. "Okay, you want to focus on the mission. I can respect that."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYypCJVp9Ss
We silently continued our walk down the stairs, through the corridor, and into the
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nAauidLqr
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.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOugWixbFkn
Atlas wasn't impressed by the decor. "Do you have any idea where your Aunt would keep the map?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNH4WONf8g
I shook my head. "I try to stay out of her way as much as possible."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EQQSE7Vic
"Let's split up and try to cover as much ground as possible."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexOgeuAO4E
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.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLusrEwbLDw
I was so deep in contemplation I walked directly into someone, causing her to spill champagne all over the ballroom floor.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UvzJf1IKi
"Hey! Watch where you're going!" The girl shouted at me.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18Mb17j5L3
"I'm so sorry. I didn't see you there."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAGJiGqNHS
She scanned me with a scrutinizing stare, then smirked. "Chase Huxley, is that you?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4I9wh4vZu8
"Yeah, I'm Chase Huxley. Who the hell are you?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSESpqJ9Ug
She shot me an irked expression. "It's me, Becka Helinski."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5A95OBoEH
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."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgaIK9GnnG
"Not ringing any bells."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwN3xiiEvC
She rolled her eyes. "We talked a month ago, right before you disappeared. I was at Jaxon Wan's Tax Day Extravaganza, remember?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSWilnzWQw
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?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8gBodrcQ5
"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."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVsegummHM
"Do you ever think maybe it's a little excessive?" I asked.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZnsKCjtJg
"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."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOCUd033Sq
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?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDS41q5BqqX
"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."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlHsdzQnpb
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."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH5XY6DzEn
"It was a joke. There's no need to be so sensitive," Becka huffed.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgiyYUTmV8
"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.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yGofZVkyC
Becka turned around to see what I was seeing. "What are doing?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwBz9hAvVi
"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.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s9T65pfzy
She scanned my expression, then her lips curled upward in a wicked grin. "You're looking for that cyborg, aren't you?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv1KVMsR1a
"What cyborg?" I played dumb, something I happened to be an expert at.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPwlJ39nUh
"The cyborg from the Cybrawl."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMHCjSzfCC
"I don't know what you're talking about."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tgznHFTX6
"The cyborg with the white hair. I think his name is Axel."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE1ZwzG4yr
"It's Atlas," I corrected.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRJje7Xao0
She gave a triumphant smirk. "So you admit you know him?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhxR3wsPE1
Damn, I walked right into her trap! "Um, maybe."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQmlSOAqVu
She snickered. "It's okay, I'd be embarrassed if I came here with a cyborg too."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYTrkb4bDn
I clenched my trembling fists, trying to contain my fury. "Have you forgotten that I'm a cyborg too?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uVBfBOzLF
She remained unfazed. "Yeah, but you're not like him."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SkRFQ8Thd
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nJZyYuGpz
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."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSPhi7hfBs
I clenched my teeth and took a step towards her. "Don't you dare talk about him like that!" I spat.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eJPvwmVWU
"Jeez, I don't know why you care so much," She said.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr6lCOmwia
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.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaHGzN1iAh
"Did you hear any of that?” I asked.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oYS4yHyp4
A somber look crossed Atlas's face, and he nodded.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cwNeqUZNI
"I'm sorry about Becka. She’s a real bitch."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYsWe7oom5
"Thank you for standing up for me."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyPz550Nxo
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."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyO6aRx0Kdj
Atlas smirked at me. "Let's get out of here. I don't think this party is for us."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnsnOGuK5t
"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.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUW8w44Nv0r
"Do you know your way around the mansion?" Atlas asked.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDPDURSMzW
I nodded.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWEr2yCBuD
"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."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfefaDpetZ
Before I had time to respond, he was already walking away. He needs to stop doing that!
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpbvYLHDXs
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.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYcdXQIMc6
"Chase? What are you doing?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztXXxFf1Bo
Dammit! I've been discovered! I hesitantly turned around to see who caught me red-handed. "Mason?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs41fatdHh9
"Wait up!"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrvjZhRFnW
I didn't move as Mason jogged towards me. What was he doing here?
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtsZElAgyZ
He patted me on the shoulder. "You didn't tell me you were going to be here tonight."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpn3swvZniN
I let out a nervous chuckle. "It was a last-minute decision."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rYxcxfJB3
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?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4O76uCRip8
"Oh, your Aunt Marjorie invited me."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLAyvWObZu
I quirked an eyebrow. "Since when do you know my aunt, Marjorie?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAjxEaEQ5o
"You've introduced us."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhofquRpnW9
I stroked my chin. "I don't remember you two meeting."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYASzvmabE
Mason scoffed. "Well, your memory isn't anything to write home about."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hY3j85B8W
"Rude."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ER0GDcppy
"You still haven't told me what you're looking for?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRQis9s6ji
"I am looking for..." I said the first thing that came to mind. "Drugs."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyxEYKN5L9
"Drugs?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqZDRxf098
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."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7navLkncH
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?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1KFTcYgzN
As much as I dreaded it, I had to keep lying. "I learned it by watching you!"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtyfGZvcq2
He recoiled. "What?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG514I232RU
"I don't know, I made that up."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2d882E3atC
Mason let out an exasperated sigh. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBI4uhUwzOs
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."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1q8i4mucM
Mason didn't object, and I'm not going to lie, it kind of hurt.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPC4EIihoOd
I changed the subject. "What are doing down here in the right-wing?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcD5Q6aOUw
He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I had to go to the bathroom."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKAvK5BhdN
"Well, you're in the wrong place, the bathrooms are in the left-wing."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFnliTaTP9
He let out an awkward chuckle. "I'm a little lost."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiUsyOz3xs
"You should hurry, the bathrooms are pretty far from here."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPZ9BvsyuL
He nodded but didn't move for a long time. Eventually, he said, "I'll see you around, Chase." Then vanished down the corridor.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxO6gydVEx
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.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6rQdu429K
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."
ns18.118.164.125da2
然後按「加至主畫面」