Zeanne and I are heading to my family's abode. We decided that, since they'll probably check there first, if we're there we can protect them. Otherwise, they'll have free reign on them.
We're walking down a rainy, cold street. Pretty empty, since it's past midnight, and we're on the outskirts of town.
"So, Valerie. Once we're done with this, I'm taking you out to eat."
"Really? Not that I'm complaining, but why?"
"I owe you for bringing me to your parents house, and I prefer to settle my debts."
"Fair. So, where do you have in mind."
"Don't take it too seriously, it is just a suggestion, but..."
"What was that? I couldn't hear you."
"Promise you won't judge?"
"Promise on my Mothers name."
"Fine. It's a place called La Soleil. It's a cafe that does sweets as well."
"Okay, that sounds... really normal. What aren't you telling me?"
"well... it'srunbycatgirls."
"Wait-wait. Did you just say it's run by... catgirls?"
"I know, it's stupid."
"Nonono, I'm not upset in the slightest, I mean it sounds fun. But... how does that work?"
"Well, around forty years ago, when augmenting embryos became a thing, people wanted them. And a few of those people, well, they had a shit-ton of money."
"Well shit."
"They act like humans would, but a bit less mature than us. Like, they're sorta... immature. They're smart, but they act like kids at times. They also are caught up by the same things cats are."
"So if I point a laser pointer, they'll chase it?"
"If they're not trained, yeah."
"I'm definitely gonna like this place."
"*sigh* Why am I not surprised."
"Though... that does beg the question; why there?"
"Well... y'know how I said that I have no family."
"Yeah?"
"Well, the girls there were the closest thing I had to family. Honestly, I think I consider them family."
"Well, seeing as I want to go... Should I call it a date, or?"
She sputters, surprised at the notion.
"Wa-I mean- If you- ah... fuck it. Sure, it'll be fun."
I grab her hand, and we continue walking.
"..."
"..."
"I have another question, if you don't mind."
"Shoot."
"That canister on your back, what's in it?"
"It's a lethal poison. Reason only I have it, is because I'm the sneakiest one. It disables a person, paralyzing them from the neck down, before slowly freezing up their head. It keeps the individual alive, but only barely. From what I've heard, it's a cruel punishment, that is irreversible."
"So you mean to tell me that, there's no antidote?"
"Yeah, suppose they never felt the need."
"Shit. Well that's just cru-"
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The Mantis Queens Reign
FanfictionI grew up on the edge of the city, and when my parents jobs started failing, I stepped up. I joined the army, and a few months in, I was called to the admirals office, which meant surefire death... well, I wish it did. Well, I used to. Then I met th...
