The Electric Archipelago (WIP)

Chapter 10: Adorable

I can see a sliver of open sky between the buildings. It is normally a depressing sight, but now I see it as a relief. The same is true of the people that shuffle around in mindless throngs and stand around in insufferable gaggles. Even at this late hour they are out in force. I scan the crowd, seeing mischievous smiles on some, shame filled eyes on others. They are all heading somewhere, none of them toward anything positive, anything that will help anyone. Each and every one of them is seeking some kind of unwholesome pleasure. I don't look down on them, they are akin to animals and I love them for it.

I look over my shoulder to check out the ass of a woman, using the opportunity to see if there is anyone behind me, it looks like I am in the clear. Goëtia works for Burabō Inc, is paid to track down its members. That means that he can use IC data to find them. Luckily, I am a Skinwalker. The same measures that allow me to go inside of rival businesses and other forbidden areas will keep him from finding me.

That bounty hunter had me dead to rights, it was a miracle that I got out of there alive. It wasn't a drone; it was a person. Which begs the question: how does someone end up like that? What kind of sick mind would want to exist in a body like that? It's not the first time that I have asked myself that question, and it won't be the last.

I try to take my mind off of it. I will keep an eye out, make sure that I am not being followed. But I always do that anyway. I make an effort to blend into the crowd, moving in the general direction of a tram station. From there it is a short walk to her place. But I don't go directly there. I go in the opposite direction, making my way to an open courtyard. I spend some time there, hoping that anyone who is following me will be forced out into the open. Or maybe I am just killing time, maybe I am trying to put it off for as long as I can.

I switch over to Burabō Inc, they are shilling the latest update to their flagship franchise. The evil emperor is using his dark magic to enhance his massive warships. Do I have what it takes to jump into the cockpit of a starfighter and destroy these new threats? I do, but I think that I will pass. The commando raid on the Inquisitor's Dark Temple was fun, I would be willing to do more stuff like that.

I see a flash of white light through the gaps between a cluster of skyscrapers, then I hear the report of distant thunder. While I gaze at what little of the lightning isn't blocked, I tune into a news feed.

"A Government official says that as many as seventy percent of all ICs are to one degree or another jailbroken," I'm surprised it is that low.

"The military is looking for twenty thousand people to spend six months in a VR simulation. They will be playing at being civilians and enemy combatants, helping to train an occupation force. Nutrient and water IVs will be provided free of charge. They will pay out at the end of the exercise; it will be in any currency that you want."

There was a time when I would have rushed at such an offer. I would have gladly died every day in VR, if it meant that I would be able to live for another day.

I finally decide that I have wasted enough time. I reluctantly head into her complex. The building isn't the best, but it sure as hell isn't the worst.

I reach her door, after a long pause I ring the bell.

Kawaiichen: a subculture of women that are obsessed with youth and worship all things cute. Many men ignore them, writing them off as pathetic old hags wearing the skins of young women. Others embrace it, seeing it as either a nice kink or an opportunity for some fun. When I was a lad we would chase after them, them and any other girl that we saw. We didn't care and we made that fact a point of pride.

The door opens, a magical smile greets me. Her eyes are playful, but there is a strange danger in them. She exudes intoxicating and infectious energy. She has the radiance and grace of a princess. She can get a bit annoying after a while. That isn't fair, because you find yourself not caring if she is a bit too silly or loud.