《The Heights of Victorium: Devils Watch》


 Soul Snatchers

    Aurora was such an odd name for a hoydenish girl. With her hair always tied up, her curly bush sat high, like broccoli. Sweats were her go-to, the baggy grey kind. To throw some femininity in her fashion, she made sure to always have on a long sleeve belly shirt that meshed to her upper body. Finishing her look, her favorite black, oversized sweatshirt with the shrugs pendant wrapped her waist. Today was a cooler one with temperatures in the lower thirties, so she wore it like a jacket. However, her plans to meet with her friends at the skate park were halted.


    "Where do you think you''re going?" said Aurora''s mom, Coco, eyeing her from the kitchen.


    "Out!" said Aurora. She rolled her eyes and went for the doorknob. That was until Coco intercepted her. Her curvy frame blocked the doorway.


    "No, you''re not! I need you on your laptop choosing your contribution for the academy."


    "I have the rest of the night to do that!" The attitude in her voice made her mother flare her nostrils.


    "You''re definitely not going out. Not with that tone."


    "Why are yaw in a rush to send me away?" She balled her fist in anger.


    "You missed your opportunity last year. That''s why."


    "Well, what if I don''t want to go?"


    "Nonsense! Go upstairs now! Get on your laptop and choose it, girl!"


    "Uh!" Aurora stomped up the stairs and down the narrow hall. When she got to her door, she shoved it open, slamming it behind her. Her mother yelled something in the distance but she paid it no mind. She''s so f''n annoying!


    On her desk, her white Luma laptop gleamed in a rainbow pattern. She stared at her screen saver, a picture of her five friends, and smiled. I''m gonna miss them. Her legs carried her to her wooden chair where she sat to begin her application to the Academy of Contributions. Sadly, she did not want to contribute anything to society, at least not to the society in The Heights of Victorium. It was a city, among many, that was built in the clouds. The city sat on sturdy, metal legs that circled around The Heights. To get to it from sector 7, where she resided, an elevator had to be taken. Aurora always wondered what the hype was about going, besides the free opportunity to attend the academy. Giant, geometrical skyscrapers and flying cars didn''t impress her much. In fact, she hated the fact that Technet''s robots and gadgets practically took over everything. So unoriginal, she thought as she remembered different movies that predicted these very times. Those were the flicks that no one would watch nowadays. Still, she couldn''t believe her reality though it existed beyond her birth. Maybe because I''ve never been a part of it....yet.


    She sat, arms crossed, fully concentrated on her friends and the things she''d miss in sector 7. Her ears absorbed the absence of sound appreciating the peace and quiet in her neighborhood. The heights would be the total opposite. Her eyes then veered through her window at the ancient tree in her yard. As a child, she and Lori use to run around it while playing tag. Beyond its outstretched branches and leaves, Lori''s house peaked through. Her parent''s distaste for her best friend made Aurora adore her all the more. They just don''t have taste. Those words were always said when they scoffed at Lori''s pink hair or tomboyish attire. They believed she influenced Aurora''s fashion. In a way she did. A youthful chuckle left her mouth as she channeled through those memories. Then, just as fast, Armon''s face pierced its way through, as it always did. He was the first bushy-haired, Latino she ever crushed on. She now wondered if it was worth telling him since she was leaving anyway. They would probably never see each other again. But still, he had a pull on her heart, one that kept her distracted from thinking of the others she would miss. We were supposed to get pancakes today. After watching him and her friends skate, they would always dine in at Patty''s Diner, one of the few restaurants that were left. The rest were abandoned since many owners sold their souls to Technet and moved their businesses to The Heights.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Sector 7''s quaint environment held an essence of authenticity even with it being a ghost town. With a population of one thousand friendly faces, everyone either knew one another or passed each other by at one point. They all worked together to keep the town thriving, even through their lack of resources. Their homes were either standard, single houses, or row homes. In fact, things were left how they were except for the major cities bulldozed for Technet''s Heights of Victorium project. New York City, once a thriving place of its own, no longer existed. They nested the structure on its entire landmass. That very structure towered over Aurora''s sector.


    Just as she typed in her password to begin, her mom let herself in her room. She stood behind Aurora''s chair beaming her sockets at the screen.


    "Yes?" said Aurora rolling her eyes.


    "Just checking in. You still haven''t started?"


    "Mom! What do you think I''m doing now?"


    "Let me help you with everything."


    "It''s okay."


    "No, I want to make sure you choose something that will make you the most money. So that we can finally get out of this horrid sector."


    Bingo! And there it was again. The reminder that because her parents failed in Victorium, they were going to use her to get back in, to stay. Her mother wouldn''t admit that her skincare business could no longer pay for her to access the elevator. She tried selling her products to townees in the futuristic city. Most declined when they found out she lived in a sector. Boujee fools, her mother snickered when bursting through the door after a long day of work. There was a fee to go to Victorium, one most couldn''t afford. Her mother certainly couldn''t afford to live there.


    "How do you know I want you guys to move with me?" She laughed out hoping her mother wouldn''t take offense.


    "I raised you. That''s the least you owe me."


    "You both already had a taste of that ghastly place."


    "You know nothing about it. When I lost my restaurant and your father lost his opportunity, that was the worst time ever. We loved it up there and we want to go back."


    "By using me, even if it means disregarding what I want."


    "We''re not using you. So that''s it, once you go, you will just forget about us?"


    "You can visit me when I graduate and get a place."


    "But can''t....live with you."


    When she saw her mother''s sullen face through the reflection of the window, her heart tugged.


    "We''ll see mama."


    As she began her application, she heard her mother sneak out of her room. Thought she wanted to help. The homepage had the words equal opportunity at the top. Yeah right, thought Aurora thinking of the people in her sector, even friends, who tried to get into the Academy. They were never given the opportunity because their grades weren''t up to par. Technet ran the curriculum, not only in Victorium, but the sectors. The online classes they provided to all youth were outrageously difficult. Here she was accepted with open arms because her parents overstimulated her mind.


    While finishing up her form, the last portion made her gasp.


    _____________________________________________________


    CHOOSE YOUR HOUSING COST


    _6,000 Techbucks provided each quarter to cover living expenses on campus. A standard shared suit with a shared bathroom.


    _10,000 Techbucks provided each quarter to cover living expenses on campus. A private suite with a private bathroom. (Out-of-pocket costs of 2000 HV funds will be withdrawn from your account at the beginning of each quarter. If you are unable to pay, you will be moved to a standard, shared suite and your Techbucks will be decreased. Techbucks do not cover rent for private suites.)


    _Living off campus. (We do not pay for expenses outside of the academy.)


    _____________________________________________________


    Aurora''s parents could not afford a private suite or for her to live off campus. She checked off the first option stoked that she would get free money. All she had to do now was sign.


    "Now to sign my soul," she said with sarcasm.

 The Kiss

    The night sky emerged bringing the soft chants of crickets. Like an alarm, their chirping seeped through the crack of the window, striking Aurora''s eardrums. Her eyes shot open while her head darted back from her desk. A crinkled crease singed her forehead when she looked at her wall clock.


    7:45?


    Instantly, her hand swiped her keys and phone from her desk. She held the phone up in her palm while her finger scanned through the contacts until Lori''s name emerged. A tap on her screen sent the call. Lori''s squeaky voice with its heavy New Yorker accent stung her eardrum.


    "Where are you?"


    "I''m on my way!" She ended the call without delay.


    At Hudson''s Skatepark, her friends were gathered on a bench smoking weed. A shallow gust of wind shoved the smell of skunky grapes into Aurora''s nose.


    <div>


    She approached them from behind, certain the thick cloud would get her high. Oddly, it didn''t do the joint justice. She eyed the brown wrap that now glistened as Armon''s puckered lips slurped in its bliss. A choking cough left his mouth clarifying the potency.


    Aurora finally walked around the lengthy bench snatching the joint when she noticed Lori on his lap. Her heart erupted in the midst of her grabbing it. As it neared her mouth, the edges of her hand trembled.


    Why am I shaking? Can they notice I''m...jealous?


    The corners of her lips rounded the tip as she inhaled. When a deep breath left her pierced mouth, Armon locked eyes with hers. They were like glistening loadstones with each sending a cosmic pull. She couldn''t look away even with the rush that trickled up her spine. When the surfaces of her cheeks reddened, her face veered to the right. Still, a question tuned through her mind that slipped out.


    "Are you and Armon together or something?"


    What made matters worse was the outburst of laughter from all her friends. Perplexed, she glared at them in awe.


    "It''s a prank," said Lori. "I don''t want yo man."


    "What do you mean? Armon''s not my man," said Aurora.


    "I know you like me, so I thought it would be funny to prank you." Armon pushed Lori from his thighs. She stumbled to the floor on her bottom. Another round of laughing left everyone''s mouths.


    "That would be considered a cruel prank if I did like you. Which I don''t." Her anxiety seemed to pass along with the humor.


    "Why don''t we go get some pancakes?" said Lori as she stood dusting off her toosh. Tiny rock particles sprinkled from her jeans.


    "Yaw go ahead. Me and Aurora will meet you guys there." Armon stood from his seat where they now faced eachother.


    He patiently waited for his friends to increase their distance. Sean and Darnell quickened his wishes when they jumped on their skateboards rolling past Lori. He laughed when she began running behind them. Once they were little pebbles in the distance, he faced Aurora with a wide grin. With cheeks bright red, his bashfulness made its first appearance.


    Armon nervous? she thought.


    "Why did we stay behind?" she asked.


    "I like you." His soothing hands held hers while his eyes traveled from side to side.


    "You do?"


    "I wanted to tell you before you left for school."


    "I, uh, like you too."


    "I know. So you''ll go to the diner with me as my lady?"


    "Heehee! Yes!"


    Once they reached the diner, they rushed inside since their friends waited for them.


    Friday nights the diner always had a stampede of teenagers ramming through the doors. Aurora beamed her bulging orbs from table to table. A warm breath rushed from her mouth when she realized her friends found a seat in a back corner by the restroom. The smell of crisped bacon road the air. She followed its trail, nostrils fully awakened by the aroma. Her mouth watered when a waiter zoomed past her with a plate of six golden pancakes.


    At the booth, Lori scurried out of her seat to the other side, shoving Sean and Darnell toward the wall. They both growled at her.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "Let the two lovebirds sit together." Lori was the first to notice them holding hands.


    Sean and Darnell''s eyes widened with shock at the sight of their two friends.


    "I see you, Armon," said Darnell nodding his head in approval.


    "How will this work when she goes to school?" said Sean who foresaw their relationship ending.


    "He''ll come and visit or I will come and visit." They both sat in the open seat, hands still clasped.


    Just as Aurora''s stomach grumbled, Lindsey the waiter, walked up. She was a splitting image of Patty, the owner. Her eyes were frosted blue and her hair, brassy blond. Her thin lips always appeared wilted, but so did everything else on her body. Ever since the twenty-five-year-old''s mother became sick, she took the initiative and ran the business. The stress of the job showed on her face. Dark circles cradled her sockets and worry lines formed when she spoke. She asked everyone what they wanted. The pancake special was their go-to, but Lindsey always provided a side of bacon on the house for her loyal customers. When she walked away, her body was a magnet Aurora''s eyes were set on.


    "She seems so....down."


    "I heard they''re moving the business to Victorium," said Lori.


    Aurora wondered where Lori heard that from. Patty was no sellout.


    When Lindsey carried out their tray of food, Aurora quickly spoke.


    "Are you really moving the business to Victorium?"


    "I....am. Wow, word gets around quick." Her southern accent seemed heavier now as she shook her head in disapproval. Each plate carelessly slid to its rightful owner.


    The last plate was Aurora''s which she slightly slammed in front of her. Oddly, no one noticed since they scarfed down their food just as it arrived. Even Aurora crammed her bacon down her throat. Just when Lindsey tried to walk off, Aurora blurted out another question.


    "You have so many loyal customers here. Why are you leaving?"


    Lindsey let in a deep inhale with the answer just spilling as air rushed from her mouth.


    "Technet gave me an offer I couldn''t refuse. My mom doesn''t agree, but she doesn''t understand what''s at stake. I have to do what''s best for my daughter."


    "You guys are always busy though. It can''t be the money."


    "Aurora!" said Lori.


    "No," said Lindsey. "It''s fine. Technet will eventually require techpay in all sectors. No one here is prepared for that. When they finally enforce it, none of you will be able to pay for certain things. I''m moving my business to Victorium because they already have that system in place."


    Their booth now replicated a boiling pot of water spilling over into the atmosphere. Everyone was bound to a roaring emotion. Armon is the only one who spoke out. Just as he slammed his palms beside his plate, his eyes were pinned to Lindsey''s. He studied her as her body wilted a little more. The knowledge was killing her inside.


    Who gives a shit?


    "Why haven''t we heard anything about this?" said Armon.


    "From what I can recall," said Lindsey, "they will slowly adopt their new system into households sector-wide."


    "But first they''re gonna take away our ability to buy stuff we need as we wait for them to datafuck us further?" Armon worried for his own family now.


    "Kid, relax! You don''t need pancakes. I think it''s only for restaurants and retail...For now."


    Lindsey nodded her head as she studied the group of intrusive teens who had so many questions. She hoped her answers were enough to let her off the hook. Her legs began to slowly wind backward. It seemed that now, they were caught up in each other rather than her. She quickly made her exit scurrying into the kitchen. Instantly, she burst through the wooden panels with another tray not missing a beat. This one had a sizzling steak bursting with juices. Served with a side of potatoes and two sunny-side-up eggs, this made the perfect Hungry Man''s special. It was partnered with white toast and coffee. The customer, an old man with a thing for Lindsey, tapped his sausages along the table, eager to eat. He smiled from ear to ear when she approached him.


    "Can''t talk right now, Bob." She dismissively slid his plate along the table causing it to hit his chest. For a moment, he scolded her as she walked off. His shoulders instantly shrugged as he began to slice apart his steak. The strips slithered into his mouth one by one.


    Is he even chewing? Aurora thought while eyeing all of Lindsey''s movements. The stalking seemed to end at Bob.


    About twenty more minutes in, Aurora and her friends pushed their plates aside. The guys managed to get every ounce of bacon and pancakes down. Lori had one lonely pancake sitting on hers. She always let the guys eat her bacon. Aurora decided to take her two pancakes and a few strips of bacon home with her. Lindsey carried out a to-go box and gently shoved the food inside. She put the container in a bag placing it in Aurora''s hand.


    Their bill turned out to be $22 with each of them searching their pockets for what they had. Armon pulled Aurora''s hands in his just when she went to grab $10.


    "I''ll pay for yours."


    "You don''t have to."


    "I insist."


    Once everyone reached the exit, it was agreed that they would all head home. Armon accompanied Aurora. It would be a thirty-minute walk from Pat''s. To avoid white coats and the curfew drones, they walked through shadowed corners and alleyways. Each time a drone hovered by, swiping its green, translucent luster along the concrete, Armon''s grip on Aurora''s hands grew firm. She would whip into his arms each time where he sheilded her just in case. Being so close to him and feeling protected by him made her heart thump through her chest. She thought of kissing him if it happened again but did not think she had it in her.


    As their journey continued, Armon began talking. It must have been a safer area since he let go of her hand.


    "So....You are leaving us."


    "Yeah! I wish I didn''t have to."


    "At least I''ll come to visit."


    "I don''t want you spending all your money to see me."


    "I''ll be fine. Me and my family all work."


    "What do you guys do again?"


    "My father repairs drones. Me and my brother clean the lenses."


    "Ha!"


    "Cool right?" He hated polishing the very things that stalked them throughout the day. She could see the disdain on his face. He rolled his eyes and flared his nostrils. What she didn''t know was that he sabotaged them, scratching up the inner lens with screwdrivers or any sharp object he could find. This act made it impossible for them to see in their 360 view. Instead, a blotchy picture was cast to the security screens in the white coats headquarters. Armon always wondered if he would get caught, especially by his father since he repaired the damages. At least work consistently flowed now.


    Just at the corner gate of Aurora''s yard, they halted. Armon recaptured Aurora''s hands while his thumbs smeared along the back of them. His hungry eyes beamed at hers and down to her lips. That''s when the corners of his shoulders shot forward. He reeled her closer until their mouths collided.


    Aurora was certain he did this quite a few times before. Every motion had a proper follow-up. Tongue remained the driving action sending sensations throughout her body. He mastered the art of a sultry kiss, fully in tune with her body, more so than she was. When his soft peaches swept down her neck, he slid the tip of his tongue in the same direction. Their lips recollided, this time, Aurora replicated his passion. When the kiss ended, their feelings ignited. Nothing could ruin their moment. Well, at least that''s what they thought.


    Out of nowhere, Aurora''s father rushed them both. He shoved Armon away causing him to fly back and he dragged his daughter up the sidewalk and down their walkway. She nearly lost her footing as he pulled her up the stairs to the porch.


    "Get inside!" he yelled from the top of his lungs. Aurora heeded his demand.


    "Mr. Johnson! I, uh, I was walking Aurora home." Armon''s voice trembled uncontrollably. "It''s late. Wanted her to be safe."


    "Stay away from my daughter pendejo!" The backs of his workboots rammed along the wood as he yanked open the door. He slammed it behind him.