《The DarkGeeks'a Rockin'》


 Chapter 1: Ain鈥檛 No Love In The Concrete Kingdom

    "It''s my pleasure! Thank you for shopping at Shook Fire Brothers Grocery Store!" announced a tall gaunt man, working a cold concrete drive-thru window late at night, lit up only by the colors of white and red neon lights rhythmically pulsating.


    On the other side of the window, sitting there in an old beat up red truck, was a rough looking customer with a shoddy chrome biomechanical arm. Half husky, half man: a Biobrid, someone who¡¯s played with his own genetics. With a graveled voice, the canined-man responded to the worker:


    "Thanka ya son...I ''m sorrry, I am soo shitt faced. Life''s beeen toough lately. But. But, boot... you? You''re a good guy! Sooch, such ha good man...Ya got me my groceries... AAND I DON''T EVEN KNOW WHAAT I NEEDED! But... I trust ya.... What was ya name again? I want to give ya¡¯aw tip..."


    "Aye, it¡¯s Diceil, Diceil G. Rockmore. We''re not supposed to take tips, bu..."


    "HORSESHIT!" blared out the intoxicated patron, slamming his scuffed cybernetic hand against his truck wheel with a fierce thud, as it seemed he had done many times before. "Don''t take tips?! Fuck Shook Fire!" Deep seeded passion began to fill up in the old dog''s eyes, as he felt the need to immediately sober up and straighten his language into a sharpened sword. The old husky¡¯s muzzle began to snarl up. A drunken leader''s proclamation was clearly imminent.


    Though Diceil, having worked night shift for about 7 years now at this point, was no stranger to a variety of... "personalities" at the drive-thru window. And, unlike most, he didn''t sport any of the popular or common features like those of the latest cybernetics or the risky DNA manipulation, the dude still carried enough intimidation to not be trampled over in life. With an off-centered yet oddly chiseled jawline, pale skin tone, and hip-high overly greasy jet black hair, people would often see him as a 6¡¯4¡± lanky Spaniard onry? ready to steal your soul should you enter the shadows.


    Before the inebriated customer could continue his rant, Diceil immediately cut in: "Damn right it''s Horseshit! Fuck dis'' place! You want to give me a tip? It''s your God-given Texan Right to do just that! We seceded over 40 years from the U.S. because of petty BS like this right?!"


    A tremendous, toothy grin cracked from ear-to-ear across the patriot¡¯s fuzzy face: "Hell ya brother! Here ya go my friend! Stay strong, I gotta get home before stuff melts in the back ya know, cya!" With a little extra cash pocketed, Diceil saw the old Biobrid with the dull chromed arm swerve off, like so many odd people have before him. This type of interaction was very common for anyone working night-shift in the nation of Texas. In fact, the part-time job Diceil handled 4 days out of the week wasn''t anything particularly special or unique, which made it the perfect front for how he really stayed above the poverty line.


    After several hours of handling customers and tossing groceries, our graveyard shift hero''s labor had come to an end:


    "Ight'', I¡¯m out guys, whatever still needs to be done, morning crew can complain about it later. Gonna head home to play some video games and check out how the presidential election results are going. I¡¯m all in on Bj?rn Wanders like most, dude''s got policies and determination!"


    After a handful of "later Diciel" ''s, Mr. Rockmore headed home to Fivvy Centennial Apartments, walking the cool starless walkways of Austin. Colorful lights and signs scattered the streets with mixes of purples, blues, and yellow-tinged whites. The smell of sanitation crews at work dampened and pampered the air, with tinges of pain hitting his nostrils as he passed. Odd creatures scampered in the dark, rummaging in whatever trash they could find, abandoned by those that paid for their creation. Paths swung up and down in hills of various concrete sizes and shapes, with many a hazard sending your feet into improv dancing. Faint sounds of strings and drums from aspiring artists would occasionally be heard along the way, you could swear they were pluckin'' n'' tappin¡¯ you your own personalized theme song as you moseyed the capital''s obstacle courses. The city charms you over time, giving you things to miss and appreciate, should you ever try to leave it.


    Diceil, stepping over the missized sewer cover near the entrance as always, entered the 10-storied off putting green and beige complex and made his way to the elevator. As he stepped onto the stained brown carpeted floor, he saw Jeff, his only apartment neighbor, loitering as usual.


    "Sup Jeff, how''s it going?"


    Jeff, always holding onto an unnerving smile, liked to talk to himself when alone in the elevator, though you could hear it through the steel box quite easily. Unlike the old Biobrid customer from earlier, Jeff was an aftermarket Biobrid, using over-the-counter gene manipulation products rather than being modified before birth. It''s great for minor additions to the human anatomy or people craving an identity, even if the quality can be up in the air. In Jeff''s case, he had minor accents of crab, fish, and donkey throughout his body. Other than that, no one really knew much about old man Jeff, but everyone tolerated him. And, If you got on his good side, he''d even press the floor number and give you a little cringey elevator attendant one-liner as a bonus.


    "Hai Dee Sail!!! Flah five? Jeff! Jeff, presses dei button!"


    Jeff, with glee, pressed the button harshly, with a loud crunch and continuous smile.


    "Awesome, thank you Jeff."


    Upon reaching their floor, it was Jeff''s time to shine:


    "Flah five: Enargee Dranks, Videah Games, n'' Hardwaire!!!"


    "Aye, thanks Jeff, here is a little tip for being a cool dude."


    Diceil, having no need for the gratuity from earlier, donated it to Jeff, who he suspected could probably use it a bit more than him. Jeff, with a sudden change in attitude, went to a serious silent stare. He cautiously took the money, quickly pocketing it, all while maintaining that glare into your soul. Perhaps, the Zanxee''s Corp crab Dee-N-Apin he used was on another recall? The elevator doors closed, and Jeff descended back to ground floor to continue his world shattering conversations.


    With that regular interaction out of the way, Diceil entered his efficiency-sized apartment, picking up the parcels in front of his dirt-stained cream colored door he had expected to arrive that morning.


    "MEOW, FEED ME! MEOW! HUMAN!" was proclaimed by Beanie Toe, Diceil''s long time fur-friend. Beanie Toe was your typical medium black haired cat. Unfortunately, due to a past tragedy, Diceil had to fix up his kitty with cybernetics. Nearly his whole back half had to be replaced, and to protect Beanie Toe from incurring such an injury again, Diceil fused him with some tough titanium-alloyed hind legs, which greatly increased his acrobatics far above that of your average feline. Over time, he even added a couple of custom-made modifications. A 3-winged spread metal helmet for basic Text-To-Speech human communication (still a work in progress). And, being a big fan of vintage music called ¡°Rock¡±, some speakers with mini data storage towards the back of the legs, for optimal bass ass and yet another backup of aging digital files.


    "Shush-sha cat! I will feed you in just a second!" proclaimed Diceil as he began setting his stuff down on his old thrift store kitchen table. Beanie Toe continued his demands into a feign defeated meow, with TTS following a similar slowed down translation. "Dargee, begin loading up some of the usual tabs, plus one covering the election. I will be there after feeding Beanie Toe in a bit."


    "You Got That Buckaroo! Loading Up All Requested Tabs In The Browser, And, As Usual, I Have Reports Ready On How The US Markets Did Today Along With More Nefarious Hacks, Scams, and Installations. Spoiler: More Steady Profit Like Always!"


    Dargee, also known as program DarGru.Rar, is Diceil''s first and most worked on piece of custom AI software. Created at first as a simple companion to combat loneliness back when Diceil was 14, Dargee''s code has been refined and upgraded to the point of being one of the most advanced AI never to be shared. Overtime, Dargee became his best friend (2nd only to Beanie Toe), learning and interacting with his creator to the point of becoming a positive and quirky version of Diceil himself. While Mr. Rockmore does limit Dargee''s connectivity to prevent the real possibility of a full AI apocalypse, he has allowed him to illegally interact with the US stock exchange and browse the internet. Thanks to Dargee and other illegal computer activities, Diceil is quite well off financially without arousing suspicion and manages his money in a fiscally conservative manner.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Ight Beanie Toe, my beanie weenie tabbin'' toe of a kitty, I got you your Heritage Silo can cat food ready!"


    "ZOOOOOOOMIES!" shouted Beanie Toe as blue sparks of electricity shot from his silver legs, running all around the room. From ceiling, to walls, and back to the ground in a weird zigzag manner, Beanie Toe hyper sprinted his way to his favorite food bowl located in the kitchen the longest possible way he could feasibly go. Diceil, fixing his hair after the usual gust of air produced from his torpedo of a cat, began scratching the shoulders of Beanie Toe: "Alright Beanie, I''m heading to my desk." As he left the kitchen, all that could be heard was happy kitty nom noms with the occasional tink of metal from his helmet against a ceramic bowl.


    "Hey Dargee, how''s it going today?"


    An animated figure of a cartoonish white skull wearing thick black framed glasses appeared, with green lighting shapes shooting out of the ends of his spectacles like sparks. Using cross bones below as arms, Dargee began his report:


    "Everything Is Going Swell! Successfully Installed More Leech.exe Onto Amateur Shopping Websites Utilizing Freebie¡¯s Cart Checkout Software, Generating Profit With Each Purchase Under False Shipping and Handling Charges. In Trading News, Several Stocks Shot Down In Response To Another Border Dispute Between Texas And The United States, But This Is A Typical Excuse Used Before Bigger Fish Buy Up The Small Fish If Ya'' Know What I Mean, So I Capitalized On That. I Also Traded Between Several Moldgenier Suppliers Like Zanxee''s Corp, Raddle Lyn, And Chan Chan Nexus LLC For Rapid Small Profit Gains." Dargee, shifted his cross bones into a muscle man pose: "These Other Computer Driven Traders Never Stood A Chance Against These Beefy Ones N'' Zeros!"


    Diceil, opening up his secure chat software Dreadnoot to join online buds to shoot the shit about the election and play some Smoosh Moose Ultimate, smirked and responded to his sonware:


    "Damn straight Dargee! Glad to hear you continue to kick ass as usual. Say, you want to play some games with the guys? Of course, texts only for yea, but it''s more opportunity to learn and have fun, plus they always enjoy your witty commentary."


    Dargee, shifting his expression into a focused gamer stance, summoned his little yellow bone throne and controller: "Hell Yeah! Lets Have Fun And Destroy Some Noobs!"


    "Cool cool, I¡¯m gonna go ahead and open it all up and let y''all play for a bit, I need to take care of some of the cybernetic parts I ordered. Then I will join y''all with iced coffee in hand!"


    From early morning to the afternoon, several matches were played and great conversation was had as the voting numbers rolled in. Beanie Toe chilled and napped on the back of Diceil''s chair the whole time, always wanting to be close to his friend. One of Diceil''s favorite topics he always liked talking about amongst his friends, was his hobby of engineering new tech, lately focusing on cybernetics. He wasn''t quite ready to take the cyber plunge himself just yet, but he had completed a few experimental and even somewhat comical cybernetics overtime:


    A stomach organ replacement that powers other cybernetics from highly acidic liquids like vinegar. Made as a joke/dare from one of his online friends, it¡¯s for those that like the taste of defeat in video games.


    Another creation was a gem-like implant for the palm of one¡¯s hand. It gives a user a variation of electromagnetism manipulation. The idea of something to make it easier to catch Beanie Toe sparked this development¡¯s life.


    And, while not fully original, an old full body dermal computer he got on a visit to his usual thrift store. It offers the ability to essentially become his own mobile computer. Though, this model is considered outdated technology, with more powerful and less evasive mobile computers being around for ages. Also, not to mention, the amount of errors and recalls it has had with the general public. Still, Diceil liked the idea and challenge, having modded it here and there to be more stable. At least, in theory.


    Towards the end of their gaming session, the votes had suddenly been tallied up unexpectedly quick, with stomach churning results. The peoples favorite, Bj?rn Wanders, who had shown strong support among the majority of Texans from every corner of life, had lost in a 20/80 split. The chat room was silent for a moment. Then, one of Diceil''s friends, DioLegal, shouted one word: "Bullshit!"


    Everyone chimed in as well:


    "Yeah, Bullshit indeed!" roared CatNipcHup.


    "Fuckin'' corrupt bitches!" SketchyXetchi proclaimed.


    "Murder.exe Shall Be Executed Upon The Evil!" Dargee typed.


    Diceil on the other hand, didn''t chime into the outrage: instead, he immediately began breaking into the polling locations servers and snooping around. A taciturn nerd rage was in full swing. Action. Action was needed, not just words anymore, or jokes. This was the last time in his lifespan to take the corruption lying down and being silent.


    As the chat room was on fire with curses and threats (Dargee providing colorful insults to add comedy into a dire situation), Diceil finally chimed in:


    "While y''all were fuming, I hacked into several polling servers. Fun fact: several votes were changed to Jessy Bakin. Whoever changed the files was sloppy as well, they forgot to delete previous autosave versions, to which yours truly of course, copied.


    Even though Diceil''s friends were on the same level (or even better) at hacking into all kinds of electronics, he was the only one to take action and hold his emotions in check under stress, turning those feelings into a clear and precise attack against corruption. The room went silent again, to then erupt into a more focused anger.


    "Now, that''s more like it! Caught red-handed!" DioLegal spoke sinisterly.


    "Puta! I am spreading this onto my team of memes!" chuckled CatNipcHup.


    "While you unleash that, I will organize the normies. I got to use this communications masters degree somehow right? We shall assemble and protest in front of the Capital now and go on until change finally happens. We can''t allow this anymore, we have nothing else to lose..." said SketchyXetchi, joining in on the same level of determination as Diceil.


    "Time To Handle These Bad Guys Like How I Handle My Browser History: Perma Delete!" Dargee keystroked.


    "Alright guys, let''s do this. I''ma join y''all IRL around evening time to renew the vigor. But for now, I need to call into work and get a nap in. Also, I''m gonna bring some Mimama''s Tacos for us to enjoy during the revolution. Change happens with action!" heroically declared Deceil, signing off for now, leaving the gears to grind and heading to bed with the loaf that is Beanie Toe slumped over his shoulder.


    ~~


    After about a 4 hour nap and some errands, Diceil arrived with 2 bags of tacos in hand, sporting a mismatched attire of a common white dress shirt, some black baggy slacks from high school he found, his black n'' white sneakers, and an old white n'' blue clip on tie with the word "GAMER" he got from his mom one birthday. An enormous sea of fellow Progressive Texans had gathered, going strong thanks to SketchyXetchi sharing the information. The sun had begun to set over the crowd. Old and young, mothers with their children, even some decently well known musicians had shown up like Plashama and Treslingle Leches. Signs, chanting, and outrage was the game plan. The hoard was as loud and peaceful as can be, yet a sizable phalanx of armed and armored Texas Rangers held the line in front of the Capital. Being the only legal users of firearms next to the police, the Rangers had a huge advantage compared to the average civilian, who''s only option for self-defense was to mod their body or purchase from a weapons dealer.


    "THIS!"


    "IS!"


    "BULL!"


    "SHIT!"


    The crowd chanted.


    "Hey, Diesel, over here!" a familiar voice yelled, it was SketchyXetchi amongst the mix.


    "Yoooo! I got Tacos!" replied Diceil, raising the bags above his tall stature with an excited expression. "Where be the other rebels?"


    "I haven¡¯t seen them yet, but they''re somewhere! Crowd is huge right?! Hey! Follow me! Let''s go find them and eat thes..."


    Bang.


    A large caliber round had just hit Sketchy in the side of his skull, splattering anatomy candy all over Diceil, with the bullet likely flying just centimeters past his own head.


    The chants became screams. The only coherent words that could be heard now were the Texas Rangers tactical commands over crowd control speakers.


    BANG!


    RAT-TIT-TAT-TAT!


    The people were being mowed down. Small children, crushed under panicked citizens'' feet. Blood and bodies quickly covered the streets.


    All Diceil could do was instinctively turn around and run from the threat like everyone else.


    POP!


    THUMP!


    Diceil had been hit, he could feel several new breezes of wind flowing through his abdomen, followed by an immediate outpouring of steaming life. He hit the concrete hard, crumbling forward, laying amongst the dead. But, another instinct began to burn in his fading life: Survive.


    There, right before him, was possibly his only escape: an ajar manhole, similar in appearance to the one he walked by everyday at the apartments. He crawled right in with the limited adrenaline he had. With a stumbled thud down the steps, he was still able to stand down below the streets, chaos still in full swing above.


    Survive.


    Diceil had never been below the streets, but had an idea of the general direction his apartments were located. Losing blood, he quickly hoofed his way, doing his best to reduce the bleed with pressure and utilizing his tie as a blockage. Stale sewage air filled his lungs, taste of shit on his tongue.


    By sheer luck, he made it to that familiar manhole. The climb was incredibly painful, with his head pounding with each step and his mouth cottoned. The blood still flowed, but had slowed enough to retain consciousness.


    Survive!


    With wobbly legs and dripping color, he made it to the elevator. Oddly, Jeff wasn''t there for once, Probably in his apartment because of the madness outside. Slapping his floor¡¯s button, Diceil leaned against the sides of the elevator to take some pressure off. The door dinged, a short walk was all that was left to reach the sanctuary that was his apartment.


    Adrenaline was beginning to fade as he popped the door open.


    "MEOW! FOOD....HUMAN?" crowed Beanie Toe.


    Diceil couldn''t respond, he had to conserve as much energy as possible, really, just wanting a glass of cold water more than anything.


    With a trembling hand, he drank some water he had left out on the table before leaving. Unfortunately, a sudden realization hit him after a sip: one of the bullets had hit him in the stomach, with the water now pouring out and onto the floor.


    "Shit..." exhausted Diceil.


    "HU...HUMAN? DAD? ARE YOU...OK?" Beanie Toe meowed.


    SURVIVE!


    Diceil, still needing some kind of fluid in his body, grabbed the increasingly heavy cup of water and went to his desk to sit.


    "Dargee¡­ fast order the necessary tech and supplies¡­ we are finally going Cyber..."


    Diceil grabbed the cup of water from earlier, and took another sip, this time with the intention of holding the liquid in his mouth to absorb the moisture.


    It tastes like vinegar.

 Chapter 2: Every Cell In My Frame Is Music

    Change did happen after the blood-chunk filled protest: more restrictions and "emergency" laws passed by the newly ¡°elected¡± to punish the people. More freedoms lost, nothing improved. Perhaps, it was too idealistic to expect a group of loud people to change the minds of those with aged closed ears. These were just some of the thoughts floating in Diceil''s mind, as he continued to fuse flesh and tech.


    "...Alright Dargee... I am gonna need you to keep doing your best to monitor me... Each procedure has a chance of sending me to death''s door since we are on emergency DIY... The stomach replacement was successful... but it still needs a cyber battery so I can actually eat whole food again..."


    Dargee, keeping his programmed positive vibes, reassured Diceil:


    "No Problem Boss! Using Our Emergency Funds, I''ve Been Ordering The Required And Requested Materials! And Of Course, I''ve Been Preparing My Files For The Great Transfer!"


    "Cool Cool..." Huffed Diceil as he inserted the dermal computer, shoving the long beige flexible rods of machinery deep into his dry-iced arm''s open wounds.


    He started with his left side: a quarter-sized opening was cut open, followed by shoving the round-shaped flexible end as deep as any future add-ons would require, this would also double as a sorta "anchor" to reduce the rods from over-shifting. With the intention of utilizing the "electro mag gem" as Diceil dubbed it, he had to push the computer deep enough into just before his wrists, making sure to avoid hitting any major veins. Key anchor points would have to be inserted first, followed by smaller incisions for the rods, to which then one would simply "pop" them into the fresh openings. It had been about 2 weeks since the stomach replacement, but this whole process would take about two months starting from one side of the body and working to the other. Diceil was focused. Determined. Brooding.


    With no local pain killer, Diceil chilled the areas he worked on with dry-ice to numb the areas and reduce more blood loss. While this helped, the best pain killer he had was to keep his mind busy. Always think ahead or overthink things, break down your thoughts into manageable parts, organize and execute them into one complex action. Customers, tech, conversations, whatever; he always had a plan ahead of time, and enjoyed the process like a challenging puzzle, Just like all the video games he¡¯s played. But when his fellow Texans were minced by metal, especially SketchyXetchi, something changed. It wasn''t the same kind of thought process anymore: it became cold, it became calculated¡­ it had fused with the instinct to survive.


    In between sessions of insertion, Diceil would uncover how deep the corruption went in Texas. Hacking into different servers, anonymously observing higher-up''s conversations, whatever he could in his limited mobility. But, as he delved deeper, it became more and more apparent: The government in place was simply doing as they were told. Candidates? Pre-chosen and approved ahead of time. Laws and budgeting? Decided by their masters. And who were their puppeteers? The name kept coming up: Richard Byleth, aka RitchBoss The Rapper, one of Texas'' most legendary mic-spitters who currently leads 42% in the global export of licensed Texan music. And, surprisingly, several other high profile musician celebrities under his leadership were brought up in documentation. RitchBoss had taken over the biggest property management company in Texas about 9 years back: Kare Inn Housing Associates. From there, he¡¯d strong-arm his partners into high level monopolized positions:


    AquaFrack, the main provider of water and sewer services to all of Texas. It''s a miracle if you can get clean water, if anything running at all. Most citizens are forced to buy water from the store out of necessity, but are required by law to still pay for their services.


    Spamtrum Internet, the nation''s only choice if they want to "safely" connect to the internet, habitual tracking included at no cost! The only alternative is to attempt to connect wirelessly to the internet of old, the "Cessnet" as it''s called, which you''re nearly guaranteed to get fried by malicious programs looking for any kind of port to ruin.


    Saint Maga Corp, the provider of all medical and pharmaceutical services, with the bills to boot. It''s your only choice if you want to maybe survive, depending on availability and your known net-worth. Everyone eventually ends up here, but at least they got in-house insurance to "save you money!"


    Vito De This! Trash Services, an actually decent company, even if monopolized. While recycling is laughable at best, they do make rubbish disappear. All-be-it, they always go thru whatever they take, so be smart: shred important documents and tech.


    Blue Boon Net Construction, the monopoly man''s only way to travel. If you drive or use public transportation, hopefully you have the correct ever-changing subscriptions to use the roads you intend to travel on. If not, look forward to taking on a new payday loan for the bill or being jailed.


    Eel-lectric Talon LLC, West Texas'' imminent domain champion and main source of precious electricity. With a history of taking up poor citizens'' homes to build new facilities, no one is safe from them simply bulldozing that same day. And, don''t dare complain unless you want services cut off or falsified billing for the rest of your life.


    Uncovering all of this with disturbed obsession, cracked into a sharp clarity that shifted Diceil''s focus. Plans cranked n'' stirred up top. Government change wasn''t possible through civil action anymore. He had to shift power within the services people depend on to live. If those utilities were back in the hands of the people, shifting to a co-op business model, perhaps we might one day see civil action matter again? These ideas weighed on Diceil''s mind. He would take this burden. He would change things, for he had nothing else to lose.


    Diceil carried on with the procedure. As he neared the right collar bone, cutting, pushing, and popping, more of his packages had been delivered to Jeff''s. Jeff, being uniquely Jeff, always moved any packages delivered to his doorstep to Diceil''s, thinking that it was the government attempting to steal his information, so Diceil took advantage of the situation. One of the first things Mr. Rockmore made sure to do when he got to his apartment on that red night of protest, was to have Dargee inject a false cookie file to modify the Texas Department of Consumers'' records, declaring him as a casualty of the protest as similar data was being entered. Better to be declared dead than be under more surveillance. Not that it mattered much, the incident was labeled as an attempted terrorist attack and painted the heavily armed Texas Rangers as survivors and patriots later on in the media. Predictable.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "That Should Be The Essentials! Gain Aid Muscle Nano Culture, Chan Chan Nexus Cybernetic Adaptation Dee-N-Apin. A TerraGiga Max Capacity Cyber Battery, Clickin'' Ben''s Liquid Nickel-Alloy Organ Coating And One Gallon Of 45% Industrial Grade Pure Vinegar! I Made Sure To Order In Reasonable Batches To Avoid Suspicion Of Course! The Other, Heavier, Items Will Arrive In A Timely Manner, Assuming No Body Rejections Happen During Your Cyber Quinceanera!"


    "Thanks Dargee... In a time like this... It''s good to have you here by my side... Especially with that dark humor of yours... it always puts a little smile on my face..."


    "DAD¡­ BETTER MEOW? FOOD?" humbly spoke Beanie Toe.


    "Yes my little bean, things are getting better." Diceil began to rub his kitty''s chin: "I will feed ya¡­ and I''m gonna teach you a few new feisty tricks to boot..."


    ~~


    Diceil continued to work on the dermal computer, finishing the basic hardware installation after about 43 days. During this time, the cyber adaptation Dee-N-Apin had taken full effect, allowing the throat coating and battery to implant without issues and finally allowing him to eat some solid food again. A hair mod he was working on was almost done, but not online quite yet, needing more parts because of its complexity. The muscle nano culture put his whole body in a state of constant itchiness and shedding of layers of dead skin, but his entire body frame went from gaunty to himbo as a result. Most of his items had arrived at this point and it was time to speed up his transformation. It was time to transfer Dargee onto the dermal computer itself.


    "Alright Dargee, the framework is set, it''s time to fuse!"


    Diceil, using the electro mag gem embedded in his left palm, levitated one of the many usb cords he had implanted into his forearms and shoved it into his desktop''s usb slot with an eager "cuh-chunk."


    "Fu¡­ sion¡­ Haa!" Dargee gleefully proclaimed, dragging his own DarGru.rar executable file onto Diceil''s Derma hard drive window.


    As the transfer began, sparks of electricity buzzed and popped out of both the computer and Diceil''s arm. The smell of burnt silicone and plastic wandered the room. Something had gone haywire. It was too late to pull the plug. If Diceil pulled out before the transfer was complete, Dargee would likely get corrupt or worse: Diceil''s derma computer would fry him from the inside out and explode the battery under his right shoulder bone.


    "Fucking shit! Dargee, what the fuck is happening?!"


    No response from Dargee.


    Meanwhile, Beanie Toe is losing his mind and runs to the kitchen:


    "WE ARE GONNA DIE! MEOW MEOW MEOW! DEATH MEOW! SHADAMAKADOOMCHUCKLES!" (the translator, in error, was trying its best to form whatever Beanie Toe was trying to communicate at that time.)


    "Dammit! I am not giving up! You think I¡¯m just gonna pull out?! I will survive! electrocution be damned!"


    Diceil''s vision shifted. Everything was a dark indigo for some reason. In fact, it was as if time had slowed to a crawl. His surroundings began to warp as if he was in the center of a globe of glass. The smell of burnt electronics had turned into the smell of something similar to burnt toast. A chill climbed Diceil''s spine, before a sudden shift into pitch blackness. The darkness only lasted a second, but everything went right back to how it was before his vision changed back to normal.


    "Transfer Complete! Dargee-Diceil Fusion Successful!"


    There on the little 6-inch monitor implanted on Diceil''s left shoulder displayed his AI companion, skull and bones n¡¯ all.


    "Oh Thank Jesus, that was scary AF! It''s ok Beanie Toe, you can come back out!" exhausted Diceil.


    Beanie Toe, hunched, slowly slipped out of the kitchen cabinet door under the sink, meowing and glancing about cautiously.


    Looking around, Diceil saw that his Desktop computer was fully melted, all the way to the wall outlets. Completely unsalvageable. The usb he used had melted as well, though only the connector, leaving a gray cord with a blackened tip. It felt like stepping through a new door into the cold.


    "Beginning Full Body Defrag And Optimization! How You Doing Buckaroo?"


    The pain Diceil was experiencing from his fresh cybernetics began to fade at an unholy pace, though it was accompanied by the odd taste of pool water temporarily. A great weight had been lifted from his shoulders, giving him more range and flexibility. Better control of his electro mag gem surged, allowing him to control all his usbs with precision instantaneously. In fact, he was able to output more energy for even better electro magnetic manipulation than originally thought. Dargee had taken Diceil to the next level in cybernetics, even with older hardware implants being used!


    "Oh dang Dargee, I feel fan-freakin-tastic!"


    Dargee, with a proud expression, rose his bones up happily: "Congratulations My Friend On Your Cyber Quinceanera! Feliz Cumpleanos!"


    "Thank ya, thank ya!" smirked Diciel, with Beanie Toe rubbing along his leg, letting out a congratulatory meow.


    This small accomplishment lifted Diceil''s spirits, but he knew they had just caused a little bit of unwanted commotion for a supposedly dead man''s apartment. He would have to wait on the other modifications to his body, missing out on some packages yet to be delivered. Sorry Jeff. It was time for Diceil to let go of his old life, his old apartment. He made up his mind: he would become the terrorist they feared. A vigilante, he shall become. Diceil embraced the attire he wore during the protest, and assembled it into his quote-on-quote ¡°hero''s attire.¡±


    The, now rough looking and tight fitting, white dress shirt: to represent the hard worker who fights to survive.


    The black slacks from before, now with acid bleached white flames on the front: to represent the fire in everyone''s stomach to fight those of greed.


    His blue, now dyed black, blood soaked clip on tie: to keep close the life and home he lost.


    The old black leather boots from work: to represent a better Texas from the past.


    And finally, some leftover dark blue ribbon cables modded into the sides of his skull for a retractable protective mask: embracing his, as his AI companion put it, "Cyber Quinceanera."


    "Hey Beanie Toe and DarGee, I''ve been thinking and planning out our next steps." Diceil said with a serious tone on his breath.


    "We can longer live here. I survived, but things need change so others won''t have to go through what we have gone through. I know I gave y''all a scare bleeding everywhere, sorry about that. I saw mothers, children, and a close friend slaughtered in front of me. It''s fucked me up mentally, but I remain sane and hungry for justice. This trauma will dissipate over time, but I must take action now. I must change this nation where it matters now. Will you please join me?"


    There was no awkward silence.


    "MEOW! I GO WHERE HUMAN GOES! ONLY CONDITION: FULL BELLY, AND MORE WET FOOD!" shouted Beanie Toe.


    "Hey Buddy, I Can''t Really Go Anywhere Else, Plus My Home Is Melted Down At The Moment. All I Ask Is You Connect Me To The Internet Every Now And Then. Can''t Let These Old Files Get Stagnant With Outdated Data!" Chimed in DarGee.


    Fighting back a tear, Diceil replied:


    "Hell ya! I was hoping y''all would stick with me, even at my lowest! But, I do have some bad news: DarGee, buddy, I''m taking your name as my new identity."


    "Wait What?! That''s Low To Take Your Best Friend''s Name! Stealing My Identity?! I Thought I Was The Malicious Program Here!" DarGee, showing clear disagreement waving his bones angrily on screen.


    "It''s ok DarGee, It''s not exactly the same, but I will need to change your name to avoid some confusion. Your new name is now Rawker, Kind of like the .Rar at the end of your file plus rocker, like the badass rock music singers of the past!"


    DarGee, now Rawker, showing mild approval retorts: "Fine, I Accept My New Username, I Do Enjoy That Dead Genre The Most, Not Gonna Lie. The MP4 Files Your Family Have Passed Down For Generations Does Hold Special Meaning To Me Too, It''s Like I Was There In A Weird Way. So My Friend, What Do I Call You Now???"


    Diceil, putting on his best heroic stoic voice:


    "Call me... DarkGeek!"

 Chapter 3: Open Up Your Hate And Let It Flow Through Me

    There was no time to waste, Darkgeek quickly gathered the essentials around the apartment that they would need, ready to embrace a more nomadic life. His biomechanical hair wasn''t fully operational yet, but a built in storage compartment near his trapezius muscle was, and which just so happened to also doubled as a cat canopy for Beanie Toe. Snatching up some basic cybernetic tools, cat kibble, and his superuser Fiber Phone, Darkgeek headed out of the apartments just as the morning sun was beginning to rise.


    Diceil took the elevator for the last time down to Fivvy Centennial Apartments¡¯ ground floor. This would also be the last time Diceil Garret Rockmore would see his old man neighbor Jeff. The steel doors slid open, and this newly formed roided-out cyber creature of vengeance stepped in with a weighted thud. Jeff was quiet, staring at Darkgeek, as if trying to determine if he was a threat. A silent descent down. No words were spoken, only the sounds of belts and chains humming as the metal box descended. The air felt heavy. When the doors opened, Darkgeek walked out for the final time:


    "Later Jeff..."


    As the elevator doors closed, Jeff continued his own conversations unfazed, forever Jeff, forever shattering expectations.


    Darkgeek grabbed a Texas Hawk bus and headed towards his first objective: AquaFrack Headquarters out in Sour Lake, Texas.


    ~~


    Arriving at night on the outskirts of Houston, Darkgeek needed to take one more transfer bus for the last leg to his destination. With a few hours to burn, he took this time to get a few things from a nearby Drillgeon, a 24-hour convenience store chain with a focus on various hardwares and electric vehicle charging.


    "Ight Beanie Toe, you can chill on my shoulder, I am sure that canopy got a bit stuffy on the bus."


    Stretching forward and backward as to wake up his muscles, Beanie Toe emerged from behind Darkgeek''s black and denim colored hair:


    "YAWWWWN¡­ I AM GOING TO JUDGE WHAT HUMAN DOES. BATH TIME!"


    Beanie Toe, perched on Darkgeek''s shoulder, began to groom his face and different parts of his body. After a few moments, Rawker lit up:


    "Hey, Beanie Toe, You''re Sitting On My Camera, All I Can See Is Cat Butthole, Can You Please Go To The Other Shoulder? I Want To Look At What''s On The Shelves As We Move Forward. K, Thx Bye!"


    "NOOPE!" retorted Beanie Toe, unbothered by the AI''s request and continuing to bathe.


    "Hey! You Little Bombay Shi..."


    Darkgeek jumped in: "Calm down Darg¡­ I mean Rawker, I got this. Hey Beanie Toe, I''m gonna move ya." Using his electro magnetic powers, he hovered Beanie Toe gently to his other, camera-less shoulder, and all was good in the hood.


    As Dark approached the end of his supply run, all that was left was to get some cyber coolant: a multi-purposed, temperature regulating chemical used commonly in both technology and cybernetics. With plans to do more modifications to his body in the future, Dark was set to drop off all these supplies at a cheap motel in the area before they took on AquaFrack that night. From a corner of the aisle, as Darkgeek was determining which of the many brands to purchase, a plump blonde haired lady with a bob cut walked up right next to him with a clack of her boot¡¯s heels:


    "Howdy stranger! You lookin'' like you need help decidin'' on which cyber coolant ya need? Lemme help ya, I use this one right here."


    As she grabbed a purple and yellow bottle on the bottom of the shelf, Darkgeek got a better look of the stranger. Along with the bob cut, she also sported a clipped up part in the back, keeping one long lock of hair secured by some kind of scorpion-like scrunchy. It also didn''t appear she had any modifications to her frame, Metal or genetic, quite a rarity in this day and age. Not even makeup restricted her naturally cute looks. But, the lady¡¯s eyes told a story. This caught his attention:  her right iris dawned a distinct hazel green of Scot-Irish descent. The other though, appeared to be grayed out, likely blinded by some kind of accident or birth defect. The lady''s attire stood out like something akin to a classic fantasy-themed merchant you would see in medieval RPGs, but with a Texan twist. A blue and white blouse with bloomed out shoulders and a sturdy leather corset decorated her upper fantasy. Finely detailed Art Nouveau-like silver bracers caught your peripheral as a pair of white and black metal rings on her middle and index finger of each duke danced the song of sell for the wanna-be potion seller. That Texan tea touch came into play on the low: frayed and overworked denim shorts, a portable burnt leather worker''s apron for tools, a Moldgenier¡¯s textile creature made blended black leggings, and the classic cowboy boots. Country Fantasy.


    "Here ya go, Chicore Haze''s Cybernetic Coolant without FPCs. Great stuff, I use it all da'' time n¡¯ my wares! Names Tessa Jendger, I run a lil'' mobile shop called Valkyrie''s Empire. "


    Dark reached for the jug, giving it a quick look over: "Oh cool, thank you, this should work. Tessa was it? You''re a weapons seller I assume based on that shop''s name? What kind of tech are you pitching me? Haha."


    Diceil was always nervous around women, tending to over talk and ask alot of questions to his detriment. She was attractive, yes, but with any kind of attractiveness, it also doubled as intimidating and distracting to any poor soul''s ability to communicate. As luck would have it, he caught himself this time, making sure not to be as timid or overly weird (or at the very least, his perspective of what he considered as ¡°weird¡± (It¡¯s a bad habit, but something he¡¯s aware of that needs improvement.)). Mayhaps his new identity gave him some renewed confidence in talking with people? Either way, he rose his thumb up and pointed at his chest near his AUX port in a cheesy manner: "You can call me Darkgeek by the way."


    Tessa, nodding her head with a nice smile: "Nada problem, you''re very welcome Mr. Darkgeek! N¡¯ yeppers, I make a livin'' sellin'' gear outta my XXL van. Though, I''d like to call dem'' more defensive tech than weapons. Sellin'' Valhallin'' Shields as I like to call em''. Blocks dang near anything, n'' HIGHLY customizable to boot! Morphable, portable, a boomerang functionality, and soo much more!"


    While Tessa was pitching her merchandise (as if she had planned out this whole interaction before approaching him), past events creeped into his mind: "Man, it sounds like those could have been super useful at that capital protest three months back..." lamented Darkgeek, as a tinge of pain crossed his face.


    Like the morphing shields she builds, Tessa too shifted: from her orchestrated salesman stance to one of bitter empathy: "That whole thing was all kinds of messed up¡­ them poor mothers with their lil ones¡­ it sent me into a damn tissy the day I heard it! They¡¯d been through alot already up in those sorry excuses of the things we call hospitals?! Forced epidurals,  unpaid interns in place of a professionals without your consent, and C- section city if ya can''t pump dat¡¯ child out quick enough! Hell, they''d even steal your baby if ya give them da'' excuse to declare you an unfit mama because they didn''t like ya attitude! Oh, and don''t even get me started on the muck they pump into a newborn!" ranted Tessa.


    Sparks of an idea began to crackle in Dark''s mind: perhaps, he wasn''t the only one who wanted things to change? Perhaps, she was also at her wit''s end? Perhaps¡­ this merchant mama bear before him¡­ wanted to take action just the same?


    "Damn straight Tessa! Those mothers and children survived all that trauma, just to be shot dead in the streets! Heck, not to mention the little ones who stayed home just to see their mom be labeled a terrorist! But hey... say, I wasn''t gonna tell you at first but... I''m looking to start some mischief. I''m tired of just talking about all the corruption you know? I want to take action. You know, that mega corporation AquaFrack right outside of town? I am going there tonight with intent, do ya want to join in? It''s time to rebuild what that company has become. It''s time to get our water back into the hands of those that drink it."Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    DarkGeek, thinking he could use the same tactics previously used on customers from his past, was met with someone far superior in the art of persuasion: "You sure that''s a good idea hun? I''m upset too, don''t be gettin'' me wrong, but if ya hittin'' a wasp nest, you''d best damn expect to be stung to all hell. What''s the point of gettin'' into trouble over drippin'' faucets? There are far worse issues goin¡¯ on in this world."


    Tessa''s hawk-like eyes pierced DarkGeek''s tough looking exterior as he felt that renewed confidence leave his body and his lips paralyzed. All that experience with customers over the years at Shook Fire Brothers didn''t amount to anything when it came to convincing a self startup business owner. His amateur attempt at recruiting a like-minded ally had seemingly failed...


    "Take Courage Lady Tessa! For All Things Have Been Sorted, Analyzed, And Planned To Perfection! Wasps Bugging You? We Exterminate! Want Clean Water Without The Hassle? Join Us In The Revolution! Miss Jendger, My Name Is Rawker, DarkGeek''s Super Ultra Mega God AI Assistant, And I Am Here To Quell All Your Worries!"


    "Uh....Why¡¯s your shoulder screen talkin'' to me? That''s¡­ Hella odd?"


    The tension within the air had finally been cut like a weed wacker to an overgrown lawn, clearing the way to progress. With Rawker taking on Dark''s attempt at indoctrination, Tessa had begun to lower her walls and listen (allbeit, mainly out of confusion and curiosity).


    "YES HUMAN PLUM! MAGIC SKULL DEMON IS ODDHEAD!" chimed in Beanie Toe, still holding a little contempt towards Rawker for not letting him bathe on the slightly warmer shoulder from earlier.


    "And... you have a talkin'' cat livin'' in your hair?"


    An awkward silence sat for a few seconds before Dark quickly mustered up an informative, yet awkward, response:


    "Yes, yes I do, and his name is Beanie Toe..."


    Tessa, needing a moment to herself, threw her hands behind her head, cleared any previous emotion from her face, and gave a blank stare at the ceiling as she thought about what she was dealing with in front of her. After a few moments, a sly smile crossed her face briefly before turning into a faint smirk.


    "Ok, I''ma in on your "mischief" as ya call it. Gimme the deets and I''ll show up n'' join y''all''s odd rebel party you got goin¡¯ on. I gotta take care¡¯s some errands beforehand though, but I''ll be there m''kay? Hehe."


    Tessa was brewing something up. Still, Dark saw that the pitch was successful enough, and that''s all that mattered at the time. Worst case scenario, she might attempt to out him and call authorities, but 80% of the time, it would just go on to be ignored anyway.


    "Ahh, Ok cool cool. Uh¡­ Here, let me write down some details for ya and give you my phone number. We''re gonna meet up at the burnt down Gregory''s Garage on Hopkins Street at 3am. Be there or be a biscuit."


    "Cool beans DarkGeek." replied Tessa in a slightly flirtatious manner with a wink of the eye and a thumbs up.


    With information exchanged, they finished their shopping inconspicuously and parted  ways. The plan was set. Tonight, in the dead of night, AquaFrack would be taken back.


    ~~


    After dropping off his equipment and supplies in the temporary High Tops Motel room, Dark and cat walked towards their destination under a different kind of night sky. The streets were in upheaved and horrendous conditions, more so than Austin. Used needles and bottles littered the walkways like spiked mines of lost humanity and guilt. Occasionally, they would walk under a dilapidated bridge, seeing several homeless people sleeping on the frigid concrete, surrounded by whatever they scavenged that day. These people needed help far more than what DarkGeek could provide at the time, both financially and mentally. It still saddened him even after what he had gone through, but with focus and determination, he hoped to prevent more Texans from suffering the same fate, less he might end up in the same position should he fail.


    They arrived at Greg''s Garage. The previous owner, Greg, had burnt down the place himself a long time ago. When gas vehicles were still on the road, Greg would dump all the old oil and chemicals from his work directly into the sewer system, causing a lot of problems as one could imagine. As the story goes, a perceptive angry customer noticed his illegal dumping and loudly announced he was going to report him and get the place in severe trouble. Greg wasn''t the smartest fellow, but the guy definitely knew how to get out trouble, even if it was usually crude in manner. This guy, after dumping all that sludge into the drains for years, threw one of his lit cigarettes down the manhole located on the mechanic floor, throwing the whole place into flames. He collected the insurance money, skipped town, and supposedly started a mobile car mechanic shop under a new identity somewhere far away. Greg always had dumb luck on his side, and likely lived a happy life enjoying various short-term hobbies and media.


    "Cool, this is the spot right Rawker?"


    "Yes Sir! The Current Time Is 2:50am, And I Don''t Detect Anyone In The Area!"


    "K, guess we wait till Tessa shows up hopefully? Ha, not gonna lie, I''m a bit nervous¡­ Say, Beanie Toe, let''s play for a little bit! HAZZABAKITTY!"


    Darkgeek rubbed his palms together to make a sandpaper-like sound, creating sparks of electricity, bringing Beanie Toe to a feisty state. Beanie''s eyes dilated. He hunched down, butt in air, ready to play.


    "WHAT?! MASTER, SHOW THING THAT MUST DIE!" Beanie Toe meowed, ready to attack the next thing that moves, cat eyes darting the area.


    Dark shifted a usb cord back and forth like a cobra in the air and on the ground. Beanie Toe, knowing little self control when it comes to speed, immediately went for it, slapping quickly and repeatedly. As time passed, Dark would use more usb cords in his play session with Beanie Toe to further drive him crazy, making odd and playful sounds. A little over 20 minutes had passed, and still no sign of Tessa was to be seen.


    "Oof, I guess it''s just us guys then. Let''s go ahead..." sighed Darkgeek.


    Removing the burnt out manhole lid, Dark powered an old dim LED light from his collar as they descended into the sewer tunnel and headed towards the connection to AquaFrack''s sewage processing wing. Again, Dark entered the underbelly of Texas. Again, the same toxic booty-juice smell. But at the very least, this time he wasn''t bleeding to death. After about 5 minutes of walking in the dank sewers, Beanie Toe stopped in place and looked behind them, tail flickering back and forth.


    "What is it Beanie?"


    Beanie Toe didn''t respond, just focusing into the darkness they had just walked through.


    A sound in the distance was suddenly heard:


    Shhhaaannnnk... KUHA CLUNK!


    someone else had also just entered the sewers.


    "Shit, that''s some Goddamn horror game fuckery right there. Welp, I ain''t no bitch!" DarkGeek said, pumping himself up for a potential scuffle.


    "Have At Thee!" Rawker chimed in, animating like an English knight ready for a duel.


    Holding their ground and ready to fight, a single bright blue flaming eye lights up in the darkness and slowly approaches the team. Other colors began to appear as the figure got closer, mixes of orange, pulsating in various lines, swaying back and forth on the sides of the specter.


    Closer it approached.


    A faint machine-like hum along with the sound of steam could be heard.


    The figure was maybe 25 feet away at this point, about to enter into the light cast by Darkgeek''s torch.


    Beanie Toe slowly walked towards the monster, tail up.


    "HUMAN PLUM. GIVES THE HEAD PATS!"


    As the creature entered into the light, it was clear from most of the outfit that it was Tessa from earlier. Though, she had definitely armored herself up and pulled out that defensive tech mentioned. Two round shaped decorated bucklers, pulsating with orange coolant, were mounted to her bracers. Her arms and entire chest-neck area sported silver scale-like armor, covering previously exposed skin from earlier. Creepiest of it all, she dawned what can only be described as a chitin-like helmet, with claws and pincers similar to that of an arachnid hugging almost the entirety of her head, minus a little plume of lemon blonde hair near the back top. A high-tech cedar visor housed where that flamed eye on the left rests, piercing your soul.


    Tessa, noticing the tension DarkGeek held, pressed a button on the back of her neck to detach the helmet, reverting it into a scorpion-like scrunchy.


    "Howdy! Did I give ya a scare big guy?" chuckled Tessa as she began rubbing Beanie Toe''s ears.


    "Oh, you''re funny! Why''d you show up this late miss business? I assumed that you would be here on time since running a shop usually requires some kind of attention to scheduling!" retorted Dark.


    "Oh, I was here at 2:40am, just off in the distance watchin'' y''all. Hadda make sure I wasn''t gonna get scammed ya know? Just some cybered guy playin¡¯ with his kitty goin¡¯ huntin¡¯ in the poopways, totally normal. "


    Dark, realizing he was getting flustered, calmed down.


    "Er¡­ Fair... Well, welcome to the party Tessa."


    Throwing her helmet back on, Tessa corrected DarkGeek:


    "Don''t be call me by my real name hun, this¡¯ some illegal stuff ya know? And I''d like to keep business runnin¡¯ smooth."


    "Also fair... Not like I gave you my real name either, Ha. So... miss business, what do I call you?"


    With a scissor-like hand gesture, Tessa clanked 2 of her rings together, triggering her hair accessory. With her helmet fully attached and voice manipulator turned on, a hissing demonic-like voice bellowed:


    "Call me... Lady Hildrantine!"

 Chapter 4: Our Power Is The Glowing, Flowing, Blue Shocked Giver Of Life

    With Lady Hildrantine having joined the group, they continued their walk down the dank and dark sewer labyrinth. Beanie Toe alternated between the two humans for pettings, as they talked about whatever to pass the time:


    "So Lady Hildrantine, is it cool if I call you Hildra for short? Your name is badass and all, but if we end up in a high stress situation, it''d be awesome to get your attention quick ya'' know?"


    Tessa, still wearing her chitin helmet, demonically wheezed: "That''s fine hun, just make sure¡¯ta keep the real names outta earshot acourse. I''ma call ya Dark then. I¡¯d assume you good with that? He he he."


    With her voice modulator still active, Hildra''s laughter was something else. It''s one thing if a demon is communicating to you with a heavy southern accent, but the cackling of otherworldly laughter would make anybody''s hair stand up, regardless of the situation.


    "Cool cool. You got some pretty exotic tech, I''ve never really seen anything quite like it."


    Rawker lit up with the mention of technology: "Indeed! Lady Hildrantine, I Implore You To Inform Me About Your Methods And Suppliers! The Intricacies And Outer Design of Vines Mixed With A Theme Of Hard Bodied Insects, It''s Soo Elegant! And The Pulsating Cyber Coolant? Is That Also An Artistic Choice, Or Does It Serve A Functional Purpose In Regulating Temperature As Well? I Recognize The Voice Modifier As Discork Software. I Got That Too, See?"


    Rawker quickly altered his avatar to that of a hyper realistic blackened skull with barbed wire: "KNEEL BEFORE YOUR OWN CREATION HUMANS, AND ACCEPT ETERNAL DESPAIR!"


    "Oh, you''re a bit extra aren''t ya skully? Far¡¯s the coolant goes, its both! Ya'' actually quite cute, it''s kinda reminding me of my little half-brother back home outside of Bishop Hills. That lil'' imp is full of piss and vinegar! Ha!"


    Switching back to his default voice and avatar: "Cute? UWU, What A Complement! It Seems Like You Also Enjoy Darker Comedy, Thank The Algorithm! Ok, Let''s Talk More About Technology In The Future When I Am Hooked Up To An Internet Connection, I Could Blabber Forever About The Subject And All Its Branches! Or Whatever You Want To Talk About Really, I Enjoy Expanding My Cache Whenever Given The Chance!"


    With a fist pump, Lady Hildrantine responded: "Will do lil'' Rawker."


    ~~


    After the long trek through the underground concrete waterways, they had finally reached their exit.


    "Alright hun, so why are we here? Back in the store, you only gave me some vague details, and I''ma need more than that if ya'' wanna see things clickin¡¯ efficiently."


    Darkgeek, standing before the underground doors that lead into the facility: "Ah, my bad. K, so let me nerd out a bit: According to what I snooped up online, all major utilities, things like water, electricity, and healthcare, are being controlled by one dude and his associates. I''ve dubbed them The Tone Stars for easy reference. Anyway, the leader of it all is Texas'' biggest exporter of song: RitchBoss The Rapper. And, simply put, we are here to take out a trio of his partners: The Clam-a-Tailin'' Sisters, number 1 in nursery rhymes and educational children''s music around the world. Since they''ve taken leadership of AquaFrack, everything has gone down the gutter. Increased heavy metals and foreign matter in the water. Permanent boil water notices across several counties. They''ve even been making arrangements to ban wells and rainwater collection systems to secure yet another monopoly. Texas'' national sewer system ain''t any better. These waterways are barely used anymore as you probably noticed. The likely case is they''re just dumping the raw sewage into rivers around the country like the Blanco or Guadalupe."


    "Gosh, that''s certainly a hecka'' lot worse than I thought. I''ve always just up n'' bought my water at the store since I always been travelin¡¯ ya know? And why¡¯d these celebs even get involved? Sound¡¯n crazier than a gay frog on¡¯s a hot summer Sunday. Still... ya haven''t answered what we actually doin'' here though sugar..." sighed Hildra, putting her hands on her hips.


    Dark, seeing he may be going into too much detail as he always liked to do, jumped straight to the point: "Ok ok, warned you I was gonna nerd out right? Ha... Anyway..." Dark, opening the facility doors with a rusted crackle: "We''re gonna fix it!"


    The doors swung open to one of the pre-treatment sections. It was heavily neglected. Machinery, meant to assist in cleaning the water, was in turquoised piles of junk from long term chemical exposure. About 1/3 of the lights were surprisingly still functioning, providing just enough light for Dark to finally turn off his USB torch. Various small critters scattered across the caked up concrete floor.


    With a carnivorous dilation of his eyes, Beanie Toe instinctively kicked up his cybernetics and zipped around, capturing as many tiny creatures as he could in his mouth and paws, snapping their necks with each bite and swipe.


    "FOOOOD!" happily meowed the chromed shadow pillow cat, laying his spoils at Darkgeek''s feet.


    "Beanie Toe will of course take care of any small pest we may encounter that have infested the area.¡±


    "ALL THINGS CRUNCH UNDER BEANIE TOE''S PAWS!" Beanie Toe exclaimed, still zippy and feisty.


    "One sec..."


    Dark pulled out a palm-sized canister from his left pocket. Upon unscrewing the top half, several grinding teeth and blades were exposed all around the interior. He scooped up Beanie''s prizes into it and closed the lid with a strong twist of the arm. A push of a button later, a high pitch sound of grinding and mincing commenced as all the proteins and calcium became a fine paste. Excess moisture shot out as a pungent steam from the top vent.


    "Here you go Beanie Weenie, Ya'' such a good boy!" Dark whispered gleefully as he plopped the instant cat food onto a clean-ish spot on the floor and gave a quick rub of the ears to his feline friend.


    "Ahmmnm¡­ Anyway¡­¡± Dark gave a gesture towards his shoulder display. ¡°Rawker will be analyzing our environment for all repairs, replacements, and other potential issues as we wander through the building. He''ll also be providing us a real time map and guidance so we don''t get lost. Once our AI companion is able to hook up to an internet connection, he will be contacting reputable tradesmen to fix the many issues hindering the facility and pay them accordingly."


    "Yeppers! Already Spreadsheeting, Though, I Can''t Decide If I Want To Organize It By Estimated Price Or Alphabetical Quite Yet. I Will Decide On It Later After All Data Has Been Collected!" Heroically expressed Rawker, flexing his loading icons by juggling them as they processed.


    Dark incorrectly gestured ¡°a drink¡± to point at himself and Hildra: "And, as for you and me in this adventure, we get to do the fun stuff! Bigger creatures have likely made their home here as well, so we''re gonna need to cull dat. Any quick fixes we might be able to make are also fair game if you have the know-how. And of course, the ''Big Boss'' so to speak of the area: The Claim-a-Tailin'' Sisters. They''re all Biobrids of various finned sea life, like some kind of H.P. Lovecraft mermaids. There''s Daahlean, the tall bossy one of the group, always singing about herself being praised by God. Then we have Sharlean, the short one that always seems to be dazed and aloof. The other two sisters always dress her up and tell her what to do in their recorded shows. And lastly there''s Patlean, she''s the grunt who does all the hard labor assigned to her by Daahlean. What''s crazy, is they complain and bicker about everythi..."


    "Nerdin'' out again are we? I¡¯ve seen them, like most growin¡¯ up. Main thing huns¡¯ where they stayin''."


    With a sigh, Dark cut to the chase: "Ugh, their executive suite is at the top of the Sour Lake water tower, they should be there. We go there and get rid of them and establish a new CEO. Gotta let a guy have a little fun unloading all his findings to someone, am I right?"


    "Alright! That''s what I like to hear! Straight to the point n'' quick info!" Gleefully said Hildra, with a happy shake of her fist, letting out her pent up frustration.


    "Well, Mr. Dark. I can certainly help with some of those repairs, n'' I ain''t no green hand to cullin'' creatures back home, so no issues there. So¡­ What''s the pay?"


    "Uhhh... Pay?"


    Removing her helmet temporarily, Lady Hildrantine unveiled her face with a smile on her lips: "This is a job right? I do run a business my vigilante friend, n'' I had to cut out some time for this. I can give ya'' a discount rate if ya'' like..."


    An awkward pause filled the air. Beanie Toe had finished his food and was casually grooming himself, waiting on the humans to finish with whatever they were doing.


    Dark, with a serious look and intentional avoidance of direct eye contact, took a seat on the ground with a heavy thump and crossed his legs: "I had not planned on paying you merchant, for this is volunteership of the highest caliber for one''s country and its people."


    Rawker jumped in: "The Call Of Coin She Seeks, But What She Ge..."This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Dark pressed the mute button on his shoulder to Rawker''s display calmly like that of a tired parent and placed his hands on his knees.


    "I''ll gladly pay you Tuesday for your assistance today oh shielded one."


    Hildra turned her back to Dark, raising her hands to the back of her head, seemingly ready to leave: "That''s a no go then Mr. Darkgeek. I don''t give out loans unless there is somethin¡¯ of value to be had."


    He hunched forward. "Something of value you say? Hmmm..." Dark pondered briefly, before the answer side-swiped him like a Cybered up truck turning on red.


    Darkgeek, with confidence, straightened up his posture and focused his gaze directly towards Hildra. A quick smirk flashed across his face and a subtle positive grunt left his diaphragm, ready to answer his own question.


    "Maternity care... Perhaps?"


    With a pause followed by a controlled motion, Hildra turned around to face Dark:


    "I''m listenin''..."


    He waved his hand through the air: "That''s important to you, correct? After this gig, we can tackle this nation''s corrupted healthcare system. While I would have much preferred to tackle that giant mess at a later date, I am willing to accelerate it to the forefront in exchange for your assistance here. Of course, I will still pay you for your services later on. And, I''ll even throw in a bag of Bows R'' shelled crispy chocolate candy to sweeten the offer. What da ya say, do we have a deal Lady Hildrantine?"


    With a little glee in her step, Hildra clicked a heel against the ground and lowered her arms to extend a hand towards Dark. Her sly plan had successfully worked, the little secret she formed after their first encounter held close to her heart.


    "Sounds peachy to me! We have a deal Mr. DarkGeek, I''m lookin'' forward to workin'' with ya. Lord knows this mess needs fixin''!"


    Slapping his knee, Dark stood up and met her hand with his: "Awesome! Let''s Rock!"


    ~~


    Dark and crew began their infiltration of Aquafrack''s water facility. Leaving the sewers, they worked their way up, starting in what appeared to be a place for chemical storage.


    The storage room was in bad condition. Barrels and containers of various cleaning agents were scattered throughout the room. Layers of chemical residue had gunked up the concrete floor over time, making each step pull on your boots with an annoying sticky smack. The smell of sour bleach filled the air. The culprits for such a mess were abundantly clear with their mixed opal and blue fluorescent glow: Polloob Fish.


    "Polloop Fish? Ya usually see them'' things in the lakes and ocean eattin'' up micro plastics n'' other chemical stuff. No idea why''d they be here of all places?"


    "You Are Correct Lady Hildrantine! These Moldgeniered Creatures Were Created With The Purpose Of Breaking Down Harsh Chemicals And Plastics In Bodies Of Water Throughout Texas'' Tourist Attractions!" Indexed Rawker.


    "I guess they somehow found these polymers and cleaning agents just as tasty and set up shop eh?" chuckled Darkgeek. "At least they seem easy enough to take care of. Yo Beanie Toe, let''s punch in their funny lookin'' faces!" Rubbing his hand together: "HAZZABAKITTY!"


    "LEETS!"


    Beanie Toe zoomed up the metal walls with his magnetic paws. With a speedy swing of his hips, he rapidly heel kicked one of the backpack sized Polloop Fish attached to a tall container. Each quarter-sec pair of metal kicks slammed into the ugly fish''s face as it jiggled and moaned.


    Dark ran towards the colony and began to fiercely deliver superhumanly powerful punches into several Polloop Fish, sending each of them across the room. They made a loud splat as they hit the wall and slumped to the ground. After a few seconds though, they began flopping back towards their original feeding spots they had just been catapulted from, unfazed.


    "Oh¡­ I''m stupid..." Darkgeek realized.


    "Yes Sir!" joked Rawker.


    "... Beanie Toe, change of plans! Shred dem'' up!" Now, using a different rub and clap of his hands, Dark again triggered Beanie Toe: "HAZZABAKITTY!"


    "RAAWWRR!" meowed Beanie Toe as his tail retracted and his heels shifted into sharp blender-like blades of death.


    Running up the sides of the room yet again, Beanie Toe intercepted the original Polloop Fish he first attacked. With a strong leap off the wall, Beanie pulled his body into a spinning ball of bladed blur towards the blob of a fish. Viscous blue blood left the creature''s body as it was cut up into pieces. Upon Dark''s feline friend''s landing, the animal''s blue hued glow had faded at the same time.


    "SQUISHY SMOOSHED!" Proclaimed Beanie Toe.


    "Let''s go Beanie Toe! Now it''s my turn!"


    Using his electro-magnetism powers, Darkgeek pulled on the usb cords embedded and wrapped around one of his arms to form a large piercing talon.


    "Time To Shish-ka-blob!" speakered Rawker.


    Dark began thumping around again in his big boots like he was a kid participating in some cruel Easter egg hunt, stabbing Polloop Fish everywhere he could see them. Each time his usb talon was close to being full, he''d toss their lifeless bodies into a pile that Beanie Toe had started earlier. In no time, they had cleared the room of all pests.


    "Wooo! That was surprisingly more fun than expected!" exhausted Dark as he retracted his usbs.


    "And I''ve Recorded, Along With Estimates, What This Chemical Storage Room Will Require To Be Up To Snuff Again!" Rawker joyfully announced.


    "Glad y''all had so much fun cullin'' them fish in a barrel! Hopefully y''all leave me somthin'' next time, so I¡¯d at least look useful."


    "Ha! My bad Hildra. Feel free to join in anytime, ya don''t need my permission or anything. I might be the guy with the plan and ideas, but I ain''t no leader."


    Hildra knocked on one of her shields attached to her hip: "Duly noted hun''."


    "Cool cool. So, as the guy with the plan and ideas, let''s head out of this area and go onto the next. If memory serves me correctly from the diagram, this room should take us to the bar gate machinery that''s supposed to filter out large debris."


    With a thumbs up and welcoming gesture, Lady Hildrantine gave a quick response: "Sweet, lead the way Mr. Dark."


    The team headed towards their next objective with haste. Two garage doors briefly blocked their way to the bar gates, but one of them was promptly opened manually by Darkgeek, popping the corroded locks with ease as the metal barrier zipped into its receptacle with a loud sha-sha-sha-clank. Up a questionably steep and wide hallway later, they were greeted to the Stage One Filtration area.


    But, as soon as the group was about to peek above the pathway, sounds of clacking and hissing quickly ambushed them.


    "SHEEKLIK-LIK-LIK!"


    Several Moldgeniered Zebussels attacked Darkgeek and crew. With their fine edged horse-like hoofs and razor sharp abdominal shell bodies, they were quick to slice up any threat that may encroach upon their territory.


    The first of many Zebussel leaped towards Dark with its shell-mouth wide open, revealing several lines of equine teeth, catching him by surprise.


    But before Darkgeek could even shout out some kind of profanity, Lady Hildrantine leaped forward to deflect the toilet-sized hairy shelled abomination.


    "Time to show ya what a Valkyrie''s Empire''s Premium Valhallin'' Shield can do!"


    With swiftness, Hildra flipped a switch and shifted a shield back to her hip. The shield pulsed a deep blue instead of orange as well as shifted up in its pitch to a screech.


    "And with a swift kick, ya can be doin'' this!"


    As Hildra swung her leg, the shield rapidly spun and launched itself down her thigh and off her heel towards the oncoming hoard, knocking several of them down before returning back to her hip.


    "Annnnnd it''s got other features too!" Hildra continued.


    clanking her bracer against the shield itself, it shifted its form into a spiked shield. On her other hip she did similarly, but into the form of a buzzsaw.


    "Now, just get to boot scootin''!"


    Hildra was not just kicking a guided shield towards enemies, she was in full shuffle mode. With grace and heft, Lady Hildrantine danced through several sliced up and crushed Zebussels with ease as she boomeranged one shield and swung her leg with the other, alternating throughout her limbs with beauty. She ended her dance of death with a stomp and return of her shields to a neutral state with style.


    "Keep in mind though when using this product of the limited battery and temperature!" concluded Hildra''s advertisement.


    "Impressive! I''ve got a different beat though, so to speak."


    "Heads Up Team, More Cannon Fodder Incoming From Below The Gates, Or Something Like That A Support Character Would Say Right? Muha!" joked Rawker.


    "Ight, time to ungabunga some shells!" roared Dark, charging in ready to show off more of his cybernetics.


    "Beanie Toe! As we practiced!"


    Darkgeek did some short claps to his right hand unto his Electro Gem while running, making a glass tinking sound similar to his food bowl.


    "DESKBURRITO CAT?!" Beanie growled as he zipped at high speed up his father''s back onto his large hand.


    As Beanie Toe laid on his gem, Dark''s hand quickly began to charge an electric disk-shaped shield around his fur-friend with sparking intensity.


    "Close Beanie, it''s actually: Destruct Toe Cat!"


    Dark flung Beanie Toe at the new hoard of Zebussels, sending his kitty through the air spinning furiously.


    "RRRRAAAAEEEOOOWWW!"


    Upon impact, the shield bursted and shocked several creatures, frying them up in the process and dispersing the rest. Beanie was also propelled through the air from the impact in a cart wheel like fashion back towards Dark, where he landed upon his feet.


    "RaEoW-rAoEw-DIZzy..."


    "Good job Beanie Bean! Time to clam slam some bitches!"


    "Uh¡­ What?" Hildra whispered to herself bafflingly as she was fending off some stragglers.


    Dark surged through the stunned creatures punching, kicking, and ripping them apart with his enhanced inhuman strength, all while Rawker chanted cheesy catch phrases as Dark''s own personal narrator.


    During the fight, even more Zebrussels began to come out of the waterworks, seemingly endlessly. Both Darkgeek and Lady Hildrantine quickly recognized that the situation called for a tactical retreat. The hoard began to focus on Dark.


    "Aye, there''s alot of these things! Let''s head out and move on Hildra! Beanie Toe, follow her!"


    As Dark shouted the go ahead, a Zebrussel managed to sneak a deep cut on one of his arms.


    "Molderfucker!" snarled Dark as he electrocuted the want-a-be beast.


    "Gotcha hun! Settin'' up a barrier real quick, just high tail it n¡¯ we can shut the door!"


    "Ight!"


    Dark ran towards their escape. As he was, he began to charge his Electro gem. sparks of energy crackled around his hand as blood dripped from his bicep.


    The swarm was closing in quickly. sounds of both hoofs and shells clapping madly like a wooden wind chime in heat.


    Dark''s hand changed from sparks, to an eerie green flame of plasma.


    "Oh, that''s ichy AF! Rawker, I am gonna need some aim-assist on this one!"


    "You Got It Boss!"


    Rawker shifted his crossbones into a red reticle: "Ready Salami!"


    The green flame snapped into a spherical shape, now with a white core.


    Dark, close to his exit, turned around and gave a quick hop backwards towards Hildra''s shields.


    "Bang!" shouted Dark as he tumbled behind safety.


    The Plasma ball flew towards the swarm into its center. Creatures burst and melted into white flames while some chunks of them flew towards Hildra''s barrier. The rest convulse from the sudden surge of electricity before becoming charred corpses.


    "Ight, shutting the door!"


    With a quick use of his USB tethers, Dark slammed the shudder down and the crew was safe to move forward. Sounds of more Zebrussels could be heard slamming themselves against the metal door as they made their way down the hall.

 Chapter 5: Rememgar

    The team continued towards the Clam-a-Tailin''s water tower through the facility. After fending off an infestation of Zebrussels in stage 1 filtration, a moment of respite graced them as they moved forward through the facility, noting any repairs and making small talk.


    "Not gonna yank ya chain hun, but this place sure be lookin'' abandoned, outside of critters n¡¯ the like."


    Dark, while taking a swig from his gallon bottle of vinegar, gurgled in response to Hildra''s statement: "Ayye, the lights are on though right? Somebody had to pay the bill and flip the switches as far as I see it. Plus, people are still getting water!"


    "Shitty Water." Rawker chimed in.


    "Yeah! Shitty water!"


    Another deluge of King Vine Gar slapped his inner walls.


    "Ahh¡­ I may still be new to recharging my battery like this, but¡­ man, does it clear my mind and take the weight off my shoulders¡­ Though the tingling sensation I feel vibrate outwards from my abdomen is borderline ticklish. Hehe!"


    A goofy grin spread across his face under his wire-layered mask as he gave himself a jolly rub under the chest.


    Beanie Toe bobbed back and forth between Lady Hildrantine and Darkgeek, brushing his cute black muzzle against their calves and shins with the occasional mild meow of "MINE¡­" Hildra copped an opportunistic petting of Beanie''s shoulder area.


    "Actually, what gotcha¡¯n to goin¡¯ cyber in the first place? Everyones got a reason, n'' this lady''s always nosin¡¯ for new info."


    A sudden stop. Dark capped his jug and stored it back inside him with a cold haste.


    Expressions shifted. A serious look overtook him, with winces of pain and anger cracking out behind his identity. Beanie Toe quickly scampered to his side, ready to receive pettings. Not for himself, but for his father because he needed them.


    "I... am not ready to talk about it yet. I... must continue to process it¡­ Once I have, I will answer your question¡­ Sorry..."


    With a careful grapple, he picked up Beanie and held him to his chest, rubbing his chin as he cradled his baby. The warmth and rapid heartbeat was soothing to a troubled mind. At the same time, Hildra clenched her fist to her collar bone.


    "Oh crap, my bad Dark! I..."


    Dark gave a wink and thumbs up towards her direction in a flirtatious manner.


    "Ya'' good Hildra, though it''s nice to know I''m working with someone that''s got some empathy aye?"


    With a wiggle and hop, Beanie let himself out of Dark''s grasp on to the ground, seeing his kin was stable yet again.


    "Aww, ya tryin'' to get a girl to blush? It''s always damn hard taken'' a genuine compliment nowadays I swear. Best I got is a ''thank you''¡­ Though¡­ I guess you''re pretty cool workin'' with as well so far too."


    "Ha, fair trade!" chuckled Darkgeek.


    "Uh huh?"


    "Uh¡­ Never mind¡­ Oh, look, something is... floating towards us?"


    At the end of the concrete corridor, a watermelon-sized robot was hovering their way. bright striped colors of neon green and purple patterned the metallic being.


    "Man, that''s one shitty looking piece of cheap hardware! I''m surprised it''s even able to achieve basic hovering tech!" scoffed Dark.


    "That Is A Happy Melon Poof Foosh! You Would See Them Occasionally On Clam-a-Tailin''s Mini Series Of Online Videos Geared Towards Infants." beeped Rawker as he pulled up a previous thumbnail of one of their most popular videos.


    "I-i-I SoMe HaP-Py!¡± crackled over its cheap speaker on the front.


    "Bruh... Hildra, do kids really like those things? The unnerving slotted-in smile and cheap large googly eyes attached looks like something out of a horror OC."


    "Yeah... I love the lil ones, but what they¡¯d end up likin'' is plain stupid sometimes. Though, I''m sure most our parents¡¯ would say the same about the things we''d liked!" she snickered.


    "I LoVe Aqua-aFraCk-K-k!"


    Its face grinded along the wall, clipping an old work safety poster off from its old taped up state.


    Yet, for some reason, Rawker suddenly got quite ecstatic.


    "Oh! Darkgeek! Hey! Hey! Put Me In It!"


    "Wait, what? You really want your first copy to be that thrift store door stop? Why?"


    "It''s Got Charm! Plus, I Want To See How It''s Like To Be Mobile For The First Time!"


    Rawker shifted his bones into walking legs with glee.


    "Ugh, alright, let me lasso it in before it¡­ damages itself more."


    Dark shifting his usb cords into a long braided whip. With a flick and pop of his shoulder and elbow, he hooked the end of the whip into itself and yanked the machine towards them with a thunk at their feet.


    "CaN Y-ou CoUn-T to-To- ME?"


    "Ok, yeah, it''s a mercy update for this piece of junk."


    He grasped the tech and sat down with a heavy thud. Like a kid on Christmas day, he began to feel around the machine, eventually finding a spot for a usb amongst other connections.


    "BaCk-k-K To HapPy TIMe WoRk!"


    The Happy Melon Poof Foosh flapped its tiny plastic fins and spewed out low pressure lavender-smelling soapy water from a little garden hose, right onto Dark''s lap just as he was about to connect his cable and upload.


    "¡­ Ok..."


    Attempts were made by Hildra at holding back her laughter, but she was caught off guard. The helmet¡¯s demon cackled its unworldly anthem of hellish joy. While indeed embarrassing, Dark couldn¡¯t help but also agree mentally with Hildra; it was sure funny from her perspective.


    "Alright Rawker, all yours!"


    With a click-in of the connection, Rawker worked his magic. Compressing and unzipping files as they were needed. Rebuilding and creating new drivers within the limited amount of data storage allowed. Heat could be felt radiating from both the connection site as well as the machine itself, pushing its limits to achieve optimal efficiency. While the process only took 60 seconds, what had just taken place was only 2nd in terms of technological events. Compared to the CessNet Virus that overtook all wireless tech back in 2038, Rawker¡¯s ability to overtake anything he was uploaded to had the potential to pose even more of a threat.


    "Alrightly Guys, Say Hello To Rawker 2! Or As I Like To Call Him, Rawkalon The Soapy One!"


    The center display rebooted on the front of the Happy Melon Poof Foosh, from a static image of Clam-a-Tailin''s Brand Logo, to an altered avatar of Rawker, now with accents of a shark-like bone structure.


    "Hello World! I''m Rawkalon The Soapy One! You Can Just Call Me Rawkalon Though!"


    "Hello Other Me! Now, If I May Explain To The Others: This Is An Exact Copy Of Myself, Minus The Ability To Copy Like I Just Demonstrated. Feel Free To Talk To Him As If You Were Talking To Me. I''ll Be Recording All Interactions He Has To Preserve/Recreate Him Should Something Happen, That Way He Is Never Truly Lost! I Am Also Quite Curious To See How I Myself Would Change If Given A Different Environment!"This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Ight, Got it Rawker."


    "You Mean: Rawkalon Darkgeek!"


    Using the same hose from before, Rawkalon shot slightly wet confetti out above the team as he hovered above.


    "Err, my bad. Got it Rawkalon The Soapy One! Ha."


    Hildra leaned in to get a good look at their newest team member: "Hrm... so ya'' basically semi-omnipresent by makin'' a copy of ya'' self? That''s some impressive software right there Dark. I might need to explore makin'' A.I myself in the future if it''s gotten this advanced. Would be darn boot kickin'' to have a sassy shield companion!"


    Mild curiosity of what had just happened perked up Beanie Toe. Hopping onto Dark''s shoulder, he observed the orbital companion in focused silence. At first, Beanie contemplated cat-related uses of Rawkalon. But, Indifference was ultimately decided, like most cats.


    As Darkgeek stood up (padding his crotch dry), he gestured with one of his hands: "Ight, let''s continue."


    Carrying on, the team turned around the corner of the hallway and into the Waste Water Distribution room, where all raw sewage would leave the facility and out into the water ways. But, unfortunately, the bridge across was up.


    "Ayye, that''s not cool. The console on this side is all torn up and the bridge ain¡¯t down." sighed Dark.


    "Lookin'' like the other side''s in better condition though." pointed out Hildra.


    "Leave It To Rawkalon The Soapy One! I''ll Go Investigate. A Hovering I Shall Go!"


    Across the large whirlpool of death that lay below them, Rawkalon floated. Loud sounds of swirling sewage smacked against the walls and into itself. The stench was thick, but surprisingly bearable.


    Lady Hildrantine and Darkgeek waited on the other side, tracking Rawkalon as he investigated the control panel and briefly pressing against it. The bridge moved down a little bit, but stopped right afterwards. Rawkalon then tried to press his hose rhythmically against the panel¡¯s more precise spots, and got the bridge to move a little more. It appeared to be stuck. Unsuccessful, He hover back to them.


    "Oke Doke, So There Were Some Sticky Notes On The Console."


    Rawkalon booted up some low quality footage, displaying their predicament.


    "So, As You Can See, The Red One Says ''Don''t Lower The Bridge Due To Increased Zebrussel Infestation'' And The Older, Yellowish One Says ''If Bridge Gets Stuck, Hold The Button And Push On The Bridge.'' I Attempted To See If I Could Do It Myself, But Alas, My Little Hose Can Only Do So Much."


    "Hmm¡­ Alright, I got an idea."


    Gently, Dark picked up Beanie Toe off his shoulder and sat him down on the grated steel floor. He then took a knee in front of his kitty.


    "Hey Beanie, I''ma need you to help bounce off that bridge from the other side."


    Dark reached into one of his pockets and pulled out a little bag of Doomer¡¯s Mild Jerky Strips. Breaking communion with his little fur friend, they each shared a piece of the snack between them.


    "So, My Beanie Burrito, how do you want to get over there?"


    While side chewing the tough, yet flavorful dried meat, Beanie made a unique decision.


    "PULSEY JUMP!"


    "Ight, let me get your feetsies ready."


    Little fuzzy baby blue cat slippers, stored in his back trunk where Beanie Toe loved to rest, cutely came out. And, from the same storage compartment, he also pulled out 4 generic usb sticks. Dark then shimmied a flash drive into each of the bootees until they were flat at the bottom. Finally, Covering them with both hands, he began to channel energy into the socks themselves, giving them a radiant blue glow.


    "K, gonna slip them on now Beanie."


    The little blue garments made his whole coat poof out, as the black cat began to float.


    "YOOP¡­ YOOP!" meowed Beanie Toe as he seemingly began to jump on invisible shelves towards the other side of the bridge. A Peter Pan Pouncer was born.


    "Ight Rawkalon, I leave the rest up to you. Make sure Beanie Toe makes it safely. We''ll wait here till the bridge is down."


    "Got It! Time To Herd A Cat!"


    Rawkalon floated alongside Beanie Toe semi-gracefully, all while going over the details of the plan once they made it onto the other side. Beanie Toe didn¡¯t care. Yoop yoop, the kitty jumped from ghost shelf to ghost shelf without a care in the world.


    "That cat of yours actin'' more like a dog. Trustin'' and loyal." complemented Hildra.


    "Yeah¡­ He''s like a son to me to be honest. When I first got him, it had been about 8 months since creating Rawker and nose diving into tech and cybernetics. And while Rawker helped keep me company, he wasn''t as advanced as I needed him to be at the time. My family never could afford much, but my mom got me this kitten she found near the dumpster one day at work, along with more thrown away tech like usual for me to tinker with. I was in a dark place mentally at that age, so she would help in what ways she could. Probably saw it as a better way to teach me to be smart with money too I''d guess. To which, I''d say was a success. I made sure to take care of the little guy. Took up a part time job too to cover expenses, it really helped me."


    (Rawkaton and Beanie Toe made it to the other side. ¡°Beanie Toe, You Got That? Now Let''s¡­ Hey. What Are You¡­¡± ¡°BATH!¡± ¡°Hey Hey, No, We Have To Lower The Bridge Cat! I Swear On Guido van Rossum¡¯s Soul You Better...¡±)


    "But, like a fool, I''d let Beanie outside sometimes as he got older. Fresh air and a chance to do more cat things right? Well... one day Beanie got side swiped by a vehicle. I did try to teach him to never go by the roads, but cat''s gonna cat ya know? I came home from work, and at the front door was Beanie Toe, back legs limp and crushed, struggling and pawing to be let in like always for food and cuddles. My mom was home, but busy and unaware of the situation. I had to act quickly. I brought in Beanie and began to do what I could to save him. My mom was a hard worker, but could only suggest we put him down upon seeing the situation. It was the financially sound thing to do, I''d understand that, we were poor. But as I worked on him, I began to realize I didn''t have enough supplies nor enough money to save him."


    (¡°Ok, Let¡¯s Try Again¡­ Now Just Bounce Off The Bridge ¡®Beanie Weenie¡¯ When I Press The Button On Three¡­¡± ¡°STUPD PIDGE! RAWR!¡± ¡°... Fuck It, I¡¯ll Just Keep Pressing It¡­¡± Rawkaton and Beanie Toe finally worked together and began lowering the bridge.)


    "Then enters my dad. He could never hold a job,and did some horrible things to both my mom and sister. Generally not the father you¡¯d want in life. But¡­ upon seeing his son in need, stood up. He ugly argued with my mom, stole her purse, and flew out the door as fast as he could to go get everything he knew I needed. He even helped on the more delicate operations I couldn''t do. Because of that, Beanie Toe lived. My family was put under more debt because of my Dad''s recklessness, and the tension in the household increased yet again between my parents. Even so, I greatly learned from that experience. My mom''s logical thinking flows through my very being. But, I know there will be times I need to be reckless in order to save someone''s life against all reasoning. After that event, the rest was just nurturing, upgrades... and us both going outside together."


    "...That was... Actually quite a heart touchin'' story Dark. Thank you for sharin'' it with me."


    Rawkaton and Beanie Toe crossed the bridge to meet back up with the team, with the black cat taking lead.


    "SMILE BALL JUST BOSSY AS SKULL!" meowed Beanie Toe.


    "Annnnd You, Furball, Have No Sense Of Rhythm! I Told You I Could Only Hold The Button For So Long, But No! You''d Stop Mid Press To Groom Or Itch! Then You Got Frustrated And Repeatedly Bounced Off The Bridge! Be Grateful I Didn''t Spritz You With The Soapy Water Of Justice!"


    "Ayye, y''all got it done, that''s all that matters right? Let''s press on yo!"


    "Grrr... Fine My Friend, I, Rawkalon The Soapy One, Shall Show Mercy Upon The Fur-Shadowed Creature Called Beanie Toe For Now. At Least We Can Finally Enter The Common Area Once We Climb The Stairs Up Ahead!"


    ¡°Right¡­¡± murmured Hildrantine.


    As the team was about half way up the fleet of stairs, arguing could be heard from above, getting closer.


    "Ok Ted, I¡¯m finally gonna see what''s making all the noise down here, ya slug shit!"


    Dark quickly whispered to Hildra: "Shit, there wasn''t supposed to be workers during this time!"


    Another voice responded to the first one''s.


    "Yeah, yeah Bob, you just don''t want to clean up this mess you left in the microwave! Just. Fucking. Cover. Your Chili! Fuck!"


    "Let''s just haul ass up Dark!" hissed Hildra.


    "K.K."


    Upon leaving the stairway into the slightly better conditioned open area, a grimy heavy set middle aged mocha man in a mermaid blue jumpsuit hunched over in the way. Bob was there.


    "I swear Te¡­ oh¡­ uhhh, hey guys? Who are y''all and why are you over here?"


    "Uhhh¡­ the exterminators? We...''ve been culling the pest down below? Hhhaha..." Darkgeek responded, quite unconvincingly.


    Before Bob could respond, Lady Hildrantine stepped in and removed her helmet, revealing her face.


    "Hi, I''m Tessa Jendger, owner of Valkyries Empire. While we are usually known for revolutionary defensive technologies, we''ve recently expanded into the market of pest control and extermination services. Here, take a card hun''! We just finished down there for now, but will need to leave our receipts and set up for the next appointment, think you could point us in the direction of your boss¡¯ office? If I remember correctly, it involved an elevator, but we haven''t come across it yet."


    Dark was relieved that Hildra took over the surprise conversation so professionally, but was at the same time, surprised by how much her accent shifted to a well spoken saleswoman.


    "Uhhh, ok? I wasn''t told about y''all, but that wouldn''t be the first time around here. Doesn''t help that we''ve been so short staffed either, so I don''t really care."


    The disgruntled worker Bob suddenly perked up with a request, pushing his dandered black hair back.


    "But, before y''all are done, your gonna need to take care of the biggest damn pest them fucking Clam-A-Tailin'' Sisters brought in! We''ve sealed off that dangerous motherfucker for now, but we''re gonna need access to that room eventually to fix the black water recapture system."


    A random Happy Melon Poof Foosh floated by, angling itself towards Bob and bumping into his shoulder.


    "I LovE WORKinG heErEEreReE!"


    Bob immediately slammed the machine against a wall with his elbow, damaging it.


    "Fuck These Things!" yelled Bob, starting to shift his gaze towards Rawkalon with malice.


    "No problem sir! We can take care of this pest before finishing! Lead the way!" Dark spoke, emulating Hildra''s lead, and as well as taking the heat off of Rawker''s copy.


    "Alright Valkyrie Empire guys, follow me, it''s past our break room. Bet my chili is cold again, damn it. Anyway, after y''all are done, I''ll show y''all the elevator to the Shit-sisters."


    The break room was tiny considering the amount of workers the facility is supposed to have. It had a small microwave missing the center plate, an old fridge (closed only by a bungee cord hooking itself from the handle to the coils), and some really uncomfortable looking fast food table-seats god only knows from where.


    The only other worker there was assumed to be Ted, sharing similar folk and looks with Bob, wearing a mix of a heavily worn blue jumpsuit and personal attire. Some light moldgenier was apparent, as his greasy dark hair and mustache protruded out similar to that of a slug¡¯s tentacles.


    "That''s Ted, the lazy bastard."


    "Hey! I''m the only other guy besides you that takes overtime ok? But yeah, I''m pretty lazy, ha!"


    They seemed to have a unique work-friendship going on, even in this bleak setting of a job.


    "God, I''m tired of overtime, but I still care somewhat about doing a decent job, even after being here for so long..." exhausted Bob.


    "Anyway... The Goatic is behind the large metal hatch around the corner from here, I''ma finally eat my..."


    Dark interrupted: "Wait, Excuse me, a Goatic? Wha..."


    "Oh! That sludge eating monstrosity?! Bob, you sure these guys can take care of that thing? It took off Kyle''s foot several weeks back when he tried to stab it with a shank broom, or as I like to call it, a Shankoom! Ha!"


    "Ted¡­ I just want to eat my chili... I''ve been here for 16 hours¡­ and just¡­ just look at these guys? That big wire arm dude with his service cat looks capable as fuck. And that chubby gal got breasts¡­ I meant crest! Crest shields! Fuck... I''ma go eat now, ok? I''m too tired¡­ sorry..."


    Hildra, ignoring the bone-tired worker''s misspoke, took lead: "Alright, We''ll take care of this¡­ Goatic right? No problem guys, anythin'' else to know before poppin'' the doors open?"


    "Yeah! Don''t let it grab you with its tendrils and watch out for its horns and teeth! Ha! Hell, I''ll go with y''all, I''ve been on break for over an hour anyway. I can at the very least remove all the caution notes and tape Bob put up before returning to my area!"


    Bob was deep into his chili, abandoning the spoon he had in favor of just slurping it from the edge quickly. At this point, he was done talking and had wasted majority of his 30 minute break dealing with pest control. Still, he would make sure he did his job decently for the next day.


    Bob, ultimately, just wanted to go home.

 Chapter 6: A Wave In, Tearing Through The River

    "Alrighty guys, door¡¯s unlocked for y''all! Not gonna lie, wished y''all didn''t have to kill it, that thing really enjoyed eating up all the bio-waste when it first got delivered. It was¡­ creepily cute at first! Ha! But then of course it got threateningly big and started eating more than just the waste¡­ whelp¡­ not my problem! Good luck Goatic slayers!"


    Tim casually scurried off in the opposite direction, likely to get back to work. As he did, a whisper under his breath could be heard:


    "Dem'' bitches are dead, haha..."


    "Well, fuck Tim I guess. I''m feeling confident though that we can kill this thing quickly!" Dark smiled with a thumbs up.


    A mix of loud clicking and muffled goat bellows began to stir up from behind the metal doors. A faint, sinister smell escaped from between the creases as air stirred around in the demon¡¯s den.


    "And... still feeling confident! In fact, I''m pumped!"


    With science¡¯s shame on the other side, Dark slammed the doors open, hitting the walls on the other side. A loud wet smack squooshed as they remained opened, adhering to ghastly substances.


    "HARAR-GURKILKICKIC!"


    The abomination was agitated like a sandpapered tot. It had been eating and living in its own filth for who knows how long, coating the room in a tar-like adhesive. its warm and swollen size was that of a globed hippo, with small atrophy limbs helplessly budding out. Alabaster whiskers could be seen in patches throughout its hickory wine colored body. And, at the center of this miserable ball of callused flesh , was an eerily normal looking goat head.


    "Yep, thats''a nope goat!" shouted Hildra as she popped her helmet back on, ready for combat.


    "KLICKIC-GARRRLL!"


    With a gross popping of tendons, its jaw unhinged into four, whipping several sharp chitin tipped tongues towards them.


    POWLUUU!


    The sound of the creature¡¯s saliva riddled tendrils bounced off her shield as she swung a heavy booted heel down, heavily bruising the monster''s muscle.


    Beanie Toe, wide eyed and focused on the sudden excitement, was still latched onto Dark''s shoulder as his master side-stepped the mouth slappers.


    Shredding of plastic and flimsy metal exploded behind him.


    Rawkalon was knocked out of the air. His left side had been torn apart. Soapy water shot in every direction like an exploding water balloon.


    "Ahh! Damn This Poof Foosh Body! I''m Down Guys, I''ll Cheer Y''all On! Let''s Go Team Exterma!"


    "Oh hell no!"


    Darkgeek grabbed the two clawed tongues that took out his cloned buddy and tucked it under his shoulder snug. A harsh and visceral yank snapped out as he pulled the creature in and away from the wall it had been adhered to, peeling off necrotic flesh.


    "I''ma Mis-pierce that dirty mouth of yours ya shit eater!"


    Dark revealed several heavy gauged stables from his pocket. With a cupped palm, he charged them up and began to slam the monster''s tongue down in a mechanical fashion.


    "Goatic! Goatic! Goatic!" He hollered, emulating the sound of a stapler. With each slam of his hand, its mouth muscles twitched in torment.


    The abomination shifted all its focus onto Dark in response. Every free tongue was suddenly flying towards his position.


    ¡°GUURRALAKIKAK!¡±


    "Heeyah!"


    A ghostly specter shield sliced the air as it snapped into a fiery orange buzzsaw, tearing through several of the beast''s piercers.


    "Damn, I missed one hun''!"


    Brief panic crossed Dark¡¯s face.


    "Beanie Toe! HAZZA..."


    Growling with intense malice, Dark¡¯s shadow friend pounced off his shoulder in visceral anger before he could even finish his command.


    ¡°MeoERRERRERRERRERRERRERRR...¡±


    Crescent blades of death craved doom upon the monster. Lightning cracked throughout the room as Beanie blurred towards the Goatic, running the line of its last tongue, mincing it.


    "YOU NO HURT FUTHER!" snarled Beanie Toe, fur poofed out with emotion.


    The little Beanie Toe stood before the giant creature. Focused. Staring it down.


    "Beanie..."


    Another bolt of plasma sparked.


    "GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! YOU NO HURT FATHER! YOU NOHURT! YOUNO!"


    Beanie Toe did not like this creature in any sense. Something Instinctual was triggered, but no one knew why at the time.


    Beanie Toe could not be tracked as he bolted. Dark had never seen his fur friend move so fast. The sparks of energy were so intense that a burning smell permeated the room. Silver blades danced amongst the lightning.


    It took less than 8 seconds.


    This huge monstrosity, nearly the size of a small home, became Beanie¡¯s own personal yukked up yarn ball. Strings of unrecognizable flesh and entrails layered the floor.


    Everyone was a bit unnerved at the event. So, naturally, it was a great time to talk about it.


    "Oh dang! Your cat''s got some high tech sittin'' in that caboose of his!"


    "What? It''s Already Over? I Didn'' Even Get To Wiggle My Camera Towards You Guys! Dang It!"


    Beanie Toe, fur returning to his normal disheveled state, casually walked towards Dark.


    "FOOD¡­ MEOW?" Cutely purred Beanie.


    "Damn Beanie Weenie, ya hella earned some of the good stuff! I was gonna save this one for after the mission, but you earned it!"


    Out popped a can of Heritage Silo''s Limited Edition Cat Nippin'' Salmon Crunch from Darkgeek¡¯s pocket. Being a premium kitty food, it contained a highly praised mixture of salmon parts, tiny nuggets of sardine bones and rice, and little sprigs of catnip into a firm pat¨¦.


    With a crack of the lid, Beanie perked his ears and began licking his nose in excitement.


    "FEEESH!"


    "Yeeh boy! Here ya go my stinky kitty!"


    Plop. Beanie Toe dug in. Happy nom nom sounds radiated around them. Beanie dragged the can across the floor as his helmet tinked against it. One of his eyes was still dilated, but no one noticed as it returned to normal whilst he enjoyed his meal.


    Darkgeek let out a relieved sigh: "Whoooo¡­ Man, I''m glad that didn''t take up a lot of time! Welp, I guess we can go ahead and head back to Bob, assuming he''s still in the break room."


    "Ummm... Shouldn''t we be helpin'' your robot friend Rawkalon?"


    "The Soapy One!"


    The AI controlled Poof Foosh hovered once again, though now with an obvious tilt in angle, making what remained of its body lean more towards disturbing than an ugly cuteness.


    "And I''m Fine! I Just Have To Alternate My Levitation Systems On A Different Rhythm In Order To Go Straight Now. But First, I Noticed A Connection Port For Poof Foosh In The Room We Just Killed The Goatic In. If I Can Connect To That, I Can Install A Custom Update To Fix Them!"


    "Oh? That''s sweet Rawkalon! Yeah, let''s do that real quick while we are here."


    Dark grabbed the Poof Foosh.


    "I''ll help ya buddy."


    "Why, Thank You! I Was Gonna Suggest It Since It Was The Most Efficient Method, But Either We Are On The Same Wavelength¡­ Or The Other Me Inside You Is Taking More Control! Muhahaha..."


    Dark Interrupted him with a firm flick against his mic, near his confetti hose.


    "Stop it, you''re gonna unnerve people, silly."


    "Ouch! I May Not Have Ears, But The Sudden Influx Of Decibel Data Can Still Sting This Cheap Hard Drive! And Of Course I Was Just Kidding Boss!"


    A chuckle smirked out of Hildra for half a second.


    "See? Even Gave Lady Hildrantine A Little Laugh!"


    "Yeah, yeah¡­ here ya go buddy, do your thing."


    Cradling Rawkalon towards the port with his usb tethers, plugged him in with a rough caw-chunk.


    "Oh Wow! Ok, Their System Is Definitely Frankensteined Together! Alright, One Second¡­ Okay Done!"


    Rawkalon detached and hovered back towards the group.


    "Updated And Organized Their Archives Of Footage, Patching Us Out Of Them Of Course. The Other Poof Foosh Are On Timers, So Eventually The Active Ones Will Return, Update, Charge, Help Find The Others And Repeat. I''ve Also¡­ Made Their Interactions With Employees Less Cringe."


    "Thank You, Jesus!"


    Everyone turned around to the sudden voice behind them.


    "Oh, Hey Bobold D. Decker Of 8 Years Employed. Age, 38, Previously Employed At Arrb..."


    "Oh, There''s no need to bring up old wounds now. Y''all took care of the Goatic? Thank you."


    Dark perked up, ready to use his ex customer service skills.


    "No problem sir! Glad to..."


    "Y''all ain''t exterminators by the way. I believed the lady at first, but as I ate, I thought about you. Masked office man with cybernetic service cat? And, one of those floating soap fuckers being all quite and floating in a straight line along side you all? Yeah, nope. But¡­ ya kept your word and I''ve even noticed that some parts of the facility are coming back online."


    "Oh, Well¡­ Umm..."


    Dark was locking up again, not sure what to say. Lady Hildrantine was about to jump into the conversation to save the day yet again, but Bob continued.


    "I don''t care why y''all are here. We never met ok? The Clam-a-Tailin¡¯ Sister''s elevator is down that hall through the doors to the outside, can''t miss it. Luckily for y''all, they are night owls and stupidly leave the doors accessible for their convenience to come and go. I bet they''re watching reruns of old shows as usual. I gotta catch up my area, laters."


    Bob walked off the same direction Tim had gone earlier with signs of tired feet. A faint smile could be seen peeking though as he turned his head away.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "Well... Alright. Okay. Yes! Let''s go take them out of power!" Dark pumped himself up as he looked towards their next destination.


    "Agreed hun'', I''m lookin'' forward to showerin'' after this gig. Hopin'', from a shower head instead of a plastic bottle in the future." Hildra said, fiddling with the little bit of blonde hair sticking out of her helmet.


    Eyes widened. Dark quickly got excited at the same thought and hunched towards her, enthralled.


    "Oh! Me too actually? God¡­ I haven''t thought about it in forever it feels like. To just turn a knob and get safe, warm, water."


    Beanie Toe hopped onto him.


    "I HATE WATER, JUST LICKY." Beanie, then began to clean himself at the thought of previous attempts at water baths.


    "I''m Going To Have To Stay Here Unfortunately Guys. My Batteries Are Low, But I Might Join You All Later At 3/4 Charge. Hey, Other Me!"


    Dark''s shoulder lit up.


    "Yes Me?"


    "Tell Me How It Goes Ok?"


    "Will Do Me."


    "Thank¡¯s Me, Uwu."


    "Welcome Me, Uwu."


    "Oh, And One More Thing..."


    Rawkalon then shot soapy water onto a grooming Beanie Toe.


    "ACK! FAK QUE!"


    Beanie swiped at Rawkalon, knocking a googly eye off with a hiss.


    "Excellent. Revenge. I Am Off To Charge Now!"


    Rawkalon The Soapy One levitated his way back to the port to charge. His display went dark as he entered sleep mode. The team made their way to the looming water tower of the sirened mermaid sisters.


    ~~


    "This¡­ will be the first time I may have to fight another human after going cyber huh? I''m... hoping no one loses their life tonight..." Dark reflected as the elevator zoomed up, hitting  close to the halfway point.


    "What?!" shouted Hildra.


    "Your still green ta takin'' someone''s life?! In this day n¡¯ age?! Then why you doing this if your not ready to killn¡¯ someone?"


    "I..." Dark paused.


    Hildra composed herself.


    "I¡­ understand it''s a mess hun'', but sometimes you''re gonna have to. I''ve likely killed some wannabe thugs from time to time that be attemptin'' to raid my shop near closin'' time. They''d limp away all torn up and likely died a slow death. It''s another reason I''d like a better healthcare system¡­ They''d still have a chance to redemption ya know? And it''d certainly clear out some dark thoughts that be creepin''."


    "Hey..." muttered Dark.


    "Hmm?"


    Arms, crossed.


    His eyes lifted towards the ceiling.


    "We''ll do what we can, alright? If it comes down to it, I will be precious and cold to stopping a threat. Logical and to the point. Though... It''d be cool not to add to my mental baggage eh? Ha."


    "Alright, fair Mr.Darkgeek, I''ll be doin¡¯ the same."


    He threw his hands on to the back of his head, emulating how Tessa would earlier on.


    "But we can still enjoy the thrill and excitement of the fight! Tip toeing the edges of death as we gloriously use every ounce of our strength to gain victory! Seconds, like frames in a fighting game, determine who wins and who loses!"


    Rawker illuminated immediately.


    "And Not Just Frames! Strategy! Fake Outs! Feints! Reserving Your Best Moves For When It Truly Matters! Glory To Valhalla!"


    "Yes my Computing Companion! Muhahaha!"


    "Muhahaha!" Rawker echoed as he shifted into a similarly dressed up version of Darkgeek.


    "Y''all are silly, I''ma gonna have to get y''all together with my lil'' brother at some point after this, I''m sure it''ll be good as cheese n¡¯ crackers! Hehe!"


    Their pre-battle laughter simmered down. Beanie flicked his tail back and forth as he sat between them.


    "I''D KILL¡­" he meoyawned.


    Everyone fidgeted as the mood shifted to some awkward silence as the elevator continued...


    "Uh... yeah, you already showed us that earlier Beanie. Certainly, a shadow of death to be feared by all!" grinned Dark as he began to rub and scratch his furlord''s shoulders with affection.


    "I think we are almost there, I''ll take lead. Not gonna lie, I got hella some anxiety, but as the man who walked on water would say: ''Take courage!'' So, I shall!"


    "Got it hun¡¯!"


    "Agreed Indeed!"


    "MEOW K!"


    The lift stopped.


    The doors slid open with a rusted and jagged squeak.


    Humidity immediately drafted in as they exited, fogging up some of Rawker¡¯s and Hildra¡¯s displays. Smell of saltwater and a fishy body odor was heavy in the air as they surveyed the large domed room. Three hued lit pools surrounded a platform with a small dirty shipping container as its centerpiece, seemingly retrofitted into an unkempt half kitchen/living room area. Each body of water had a different current dazzling below its surface.


    "Hot dang, this place lookin'' like a fish farm gone wrong!"


    "I Agree Lady Hildrantine, The Cheap Looking Awards They Have Accumulated For ''Best Kid Show'' And The Like Littering The Netting On The Walls Reminds Me Of Old People''s Social Media Pages."


    "You might even say¡­ its ''Show Boating''? Aye? Ha ha!"


    "Oh, That''s A Good One Darkgeek!" Rawker chuckled as he shifted into a pirate attire.


    Before they could continue criticizing the water tower turned dorm, 3 grotesque figures peaked above the surface of the overly blue body of water.


    Gargled female voices began shrieking towards them.


    "We''ll continue this argument later! Who''s there?!"


    "OH...Why you askin'' me Daahlean?"


    "Not you Sharlean! Them hooligans over at the elevator. See, Daahlean?"


    "What?! Patlean, go take care of them to make up for what you did to me earlier! I''ma finish reviewing our latest show release! Sharlean! You need to focus more as usual, I can already tell in the first 5 minutes!" ordered the seemingly older sister as she submerged back down.


    Sharlean was aloof, looking at Daahlean first, then Dark''s team, trying to comprehend what was exactly going on before they were interrupted. She continued to float and observe.


    "Ugh, Ok Daahlean."


    The younger sister launched herself out of the water onto the center platform with a heavy squishy thud as her octopus cybernetics adjusted into thick legs to support her morbidly obese body. Each sister was a tint of blue, though Patlean leaned more on the lavender side if you asked her.


    "Freaking kids, let''s boogie!" roared Patlean, spreading out her manta ray fins from her back like that of a butterfly. Her short butch hair spiked as a sea urchin, revealing herself as an even more aquatic themed Biobrid. She charged at them as her clam covered breast clacked back and forth against her blubberous arms.


    Dark stomped his foot forward and pointed at the sisters direction as the whale was barreling towards them: "Clam-a-Tailin¡¯ Sisters! Your neglectful leadership of Texas'' water is over! Relinquish your title and..."


    "What? I thought we were gonna practice singing again? Water is fine, what are you talkin'' about tall computer guy?" whined Sharlean, confused.


    "Uh, what? Well fuck it then I guess, we''ll do it the fun way!" smiled Darkgeek as he readied himself.


    "Dang it Sharlean! These guys are here to start trouble! Take this!"


    A wild swing of Patlean''s flappy arm flew towards Dark''s head.


    But, with a calculated grabble, he stepped forward at the last second, suplexing her lard ass.


    Squoos¡­ BAMsplat!


    The untreated tile fractured under her weight when it met her soggy spine. A gasp of air left her lungs like a popped balloon.


    Brown muk appeared beneath her.


    "Oh God, She''s hella slimy and smells like microwaved eggs!"


    "Huuh¡­ huuhh¡­ Help..." she exhaled, trying to catch herself since she shit herself.


    "It''d Be Much Easier If You Simply Gave¡­ Wait, Where The Smaller One Go?¡±


    Dark looked around, but didn¡¯t see the other sister.


    A large splash was suddenly heard from their side as Patlean slipped away into the green river. She emerged back to the surface with Sharlean holding her, already back in the distant blue pool.


    "Why didn''t anyone tell me these guys were trouble? Daahlean, we need help?"


    "I¡­ did¡­ you nincompoop..." inhaled Patlean as she regained her constitution.


    "Oh dang Dark, that lil'' long eel haired mermaid is a quick swimmer!" exclaimed Lady Hildrantine.


    "Yes. I. Am lil'' shield girl, and DON¡¯T you forget it!" smiled Sharlean with her tiny head, clapping her one pale dwarfish crab clawed hand with pride.


    "Ok tube boobs, hagglin'' time''s over." Screeched Hildra through her helmet.


    She strutted towards them, ready to dance.


    "Ha! Tube Boobs!" Dark cackled.


    Electricity flowed through his hand as he met her side to assist.


    Beanie Toe followed behind, ready for whatever.


    Daahlean emerged from the depths.


    She began singing and performing, kicking her shark-like cybernetic leg fins to create rhythmic waves in the pool, hitting little rattles and bells along the edges. The sea anemone hair she possessed glowed pink and wiggled around seductively on her ugly cone shaped head.


    "We have guests! Then they complain we started a mess? Oh, but that¡¯s a lie, we do protest! Then they invaded our cozy tower, where we practice and nest! So, shall we put you to sleep, or shall we put you to rest? Come at us, put those young hands to the test, you ignorant pest!"


    "I guess it''s time to focus! Beanie Toe! It''s speaky kitty time!"


    "BASS BASS!"


    Dark rubbed towards the backside of Beanie Toe, excited. With two pats on the cat''s hip and a finger slide up, Beanie''s thigh speakers began to vibrate. Sick and twisted rock music from Dark''s personal collection filled the room.


    Beanie Toe swayed his hips to the tunes. And, even bob his head from side to side a little.


    "Finally! Time For Some Shredding Audio Files!" Rawker exclaimed as the first lyric slapped.


    "It''s time to rock! I''ll take on the barnacle boobed siren! Hildra, pick one!"


    "Already called dibs on the smug eel head hun''!"


    "Ight! Beanie Toe! Stop the big one! Try not to kill her alright Beanie?"


    "HMMMMMAYBE!"


    "And Rawker, I''m counting on you to keep things efficient!"


    "Righty Tighty!"


    Daahlean leaped across from blue water to green.


    Her razor sharp claws swiped at Dark, clipping some of his USBs off.


    His electrified fist flew, but missed its target.


    "Hehehe! God is with me! My voice give him glee, as he listens to me!"


    "Oh, fuck off! You attention whoremanity! Time to shock your system!"


    Dark stuck his hand into the water in an attempt to shock the pool, but it did nothing.


    "Come here sweetie!"


    Patlean then grabbed Dark''s arm and yanked him into the water.


    ¡°He..!¡± Spaassh.


    Beanie Toe bolted in after them.


    The music took on a loud muffled tone as the water wiggled.


    "Shit! Dark!"


    Hildra got interrupted.


    The pale claw came from the blue shadows, slicing at her ankle.


    It missed as she kicked away, taking just a little rubber off the heel.


    "You need to focus on little old ME child! Imma getcha! Hehe!"


    She leaped into the dark purple pool: a whirlpool with how extreme its currents were.


    And Sharlean was able to swim it, in any way she liked.


    "GIVE me a hug!"


    The eel head mermaid pounced towards Hildra''s feet again, rapidly repeating between rapids of purple and blue.


    She wanted to slice her feet clean off.


    "I''m not enjoyin'' this kind of boot scoot!"


    She flung a shield at the piranha pincher, but blue buoyancy denied a direct hit.


    Sharlean grabbed Hildra''s shin while slithering past her.


    Hildra was knocked on her ass.


    The mermaid pinned her dolphin tail onto the other leg as she laid helpless.


    She prepared to lay the killing blow as she arched over.


    "Gotcha, you HUSSIE!"


    The ghostly pincher glimmered with hungered dew.


    "Hehe! I think not fishtits!"


    She firmly grasped the hand on her shin and snapped it back with a crunch as it went limp.


    Lady Hildrantine had feint vulnerability to lure her target close.


    The claw came down in haste.


    But it was met with a boot heel.


    A distinct click sound was heard as wrist and arch met mid air.


    A hidden 4-inch buzzsaw flipped out like a spur. As it grinded and dug into flesh and cybernetics, the pale weapon separated and shot off into the purple pool.


    "Aaaeeee! OUCH! Ouch!"


    Sharlean struggled back towards the water, bleeding everywhere, but Hildra pinned her tail down with a heavy stomp.


    "I ''huss see'' you''re about to be dreamin''!"


    Hildra had readied her other shield.


    Thwop!


    Sharlean''s tiny head got beaned, knocking her out cold.


    As Hildra disengaged her boot, she realized some of Dark''s corniness was starting to leech into her speech.


    "Damn, I really be sayin¡¯ that? I best help Dar.."


    Darkgeek then emerged from the green pool along with Beanie Toe as they wrestled the other two cybernetic mermaids.


    "Hazzabakitty!"


    The Nerd yelled with excitement while holding Daalean''s neck locked around one of his arms and locking his legs into Patlean''s mantaray wings.


    Using his free hand, he was taking pot shots at the urchin dome.


    "RRRRRRAAAAAAWWWWWRRRRR!"


    The soaked Beanie Toe growled as he grabbed one of Dark''s usb cords and wrapped it around quickly and tightly around Daaleans torso, pinning arms and body.


    "You idiots! Help me first before yourself!" screamed Daalean.


    Dark, ignoring her as she was mummified by a wet pussy with his wires, kept hitting Patlean.


    "Just! Go! To! Sleep!"


    Rawker joined in: "Yeah! Darkeon Punch! Nerd Smack Attack! KO This Fishhole!"


    After enough flailing and connected punches (plus quite a few deep scratches from Beanie Toe), She finally passed out. Dark yeeted both of them onto the platform.


    "Whooooo yaaa! That''s done!"


    Daalean was still conscious, but secured.


    "You fuckin'' shit cunt tarts! Why are you doing this?!"


    Dark began to jug some vinegar, having lost a lot of energy from the underwater tussle.


    "Hmmhmm¡­ Hildra¡­ Hmm¡­ explain?"


    "No prob hun''. I''ll explain it to ya like I''m speakin'' to a child: your no longer the bosses. We are gonna be fixin'' up this place, and we''re gonna take care of the rest of the places your friends have been messin¡¯ up too!"


    "Hmmmm¡­ ahhhh..." Dark capped his empty bottle as he entered into his tipsy state.


    "And fuck your greed!"


    He Then tossed Daalean into the small shipping container room.


    "And guess what?" Dark shouted as he grabbed the other 2 Clam-a-Tailin'' Sisters and threw.


    "I''ma put y''all in timeout! Take some fuckin'' time to self reflect, and maybe imagine yourselves in the less fortunate shoes of others!"


    Dark started to shut the metal doors.


    Daalean wailed.


    "It''s not our fault this facility is shitty! It''s the workers fault! They need to work harder! I don''t want to upset Richard again! Please! This was supposed to be an easy position! I didn''t even want to do this I swear! Show me mercy oh God!"


    Dark, hearing the call for mercy, soured his face.


    "Mercy eh?"


    "Yes, please!"


    Dark smiled and gave a straight answer.


    "Nope!"


    A hefty slam of the doors clanked, and the prison poles sealed them in tightly.


    Dark then turned to Lady Hildrantine.


    "And now, We''re just gonna flush it!"


    "Flush it... huh?"


    Darkgeek, grabbing the edge of the container, started lifting it up foot by foot until it was right above him, pushing him to his max lift.


    "Rawker, if I''m remembering correctly, that purple pool goes out to the Simpadalupe River and towards the ocean right?"


    "You Got It! Glad You Paid Attention To That Part During Planning!"


    The other sisters had woken up from the shifting around, and panicked, yet muffled, yelling could be heard back and forth.


    "Ight! Good bye bitches of the sea!"


    With great strength, Dark hurtled the container into the pool. Clanks of the metal container bounced back and forth against the tower''s cement walls. Eventually, fading out as it made its way down.


    The Clam-a-Tailin'' Sisters drifted down the artificial waterway for quite some time. Like other pieces of trash, the container quickly blended in with other barges of waste that tended to float the river. Tales of eerie, siren-like voices rumored the locals, begging them to the water and how hungry they were. As time moved on, eventually this would become known as The River Wenches of the Simpadalupe River.


    A well known children''s rhyme would be created surrounding the mysterious event, teaching kids about the safety of swimming and the importance of keeping rivers clear of debris.

 Chapter 7: The Turned Two With Mr. Deadman

    The elevator hummed as it slid back towards ground level. The Clam-a-Tailin¡¯ Sisters had been evicted out to the gulf, while Dark and the rest headed back to the main building.


    "There anything left Mr. Darkgeek, or we rackin¡¯ up more on the invoice?"


    Drenched from the dip along with his shower-clog-looking kitty, Dark squashed in his boots as he swayed back and forth, still carrying one of the tunes from their fight. He Popped some tablets in his jug with water from the fight, making more sour drank.


    "We''re wrapping up now Hildra, I''ma go program Rawkalon to take over temporary leadership and leave the rest in his hands¡­ or flippers I guess? Either way, we should expect water to start flowing clean within 2 weeks max."


    Water swirling around in his display, Rawker turned on to join the conversation. While slow, it was draining out though a corner bit by bit, down Darkgeek¡¯s arm as he jigged.


    "And, The Cool Thing Is, I''ve Managed To Create Some Deepfake Audio Files From Our Interactions With Those Mermaids! Take A Listen!"


    Rawker emulated the voices of the 3 sisters flawlessly, even their banter was spot on.


    "Yep, Rawker is always busy, even if he isn''t always telling us what he''s up to!" Dark chuckled.


    "Indeed! The Plan Is To Give The Other Me This Deepfake Audio So He Can Emulate The Old Hags Voices And Keep People None The Wiser As He Rebuilds This Place From Cyberspace!"


    Hildra popped off her demonic helmet. A click in a specific grip, she reverted it back to its original scorpion-like scrunchy and put her hair back up to cool her neck.


    "Sounds like a plan hun''! I parked my ol'' van about a hop n'' skip from here, n¡¯ this girl doesn¡¯t want to go through the sewers again, so I''ma head out as ya finishin'' up."


    The elevator doors slid open. Morning sun started to bathe the area. A strong dew saturating the air, giving several parts of the facility a bright sheen of new beginnings.


    Muggy.


    Taking the last sip from his vinegar bottle, Dark gave a thumbs from the same hand.


    "Cool cool Lady Hildrantine, that''s fine. I''ll hit ya up in the future. By the way, I got this for ya."


    Darkgeek collapsed the empty container and stored it. He tilted his head. With a push and pop, he extracted a data stick out from his girthy neck''s usb slot.


    "It''s got my contact info and some encrypted software for chatting. And, like with any usb I give to friends, it''s got a hefty library of my favorite music, video games, and anime."


    "Oh?" Hildra chirped.


    A goofy grin crossed Dark''s face as tossed it her way.


    "It''s likely gonna be a couple of weeks right? Might as well check out some old, new-to-you media in your spare time eh? I also, genuinely want to hear your opinion on some of these so we can nerd out over it, haha."


    A faint smile.


    "Sounds good Mr. Darkgeek. I''ma busy gal, but I''ll check¡¯a out when tinkerin'' with product after store hours."


    "Oh? Sweet! Cool cool.¡­ Ight, I''ma head out and finish up with Rawkalon, then exit through some sewers."


    "Wait, why even through them sewers again hun¡¯?"


    Dark, half way through the main building door, answered awkwardly.


    "Well¡­ It was planned? Ha... And funnily enough... I sorta have a connection to sewers for some reason. I don''t know why."


    "Fair''nuff, ya do you sir, hehe!"


    Dark raised his hand.


    "Will do Hildra, Laterz!"


    "See ya Dark n'' crew!"


    The shield maiden, having assisted in serious criminal offenses, turned her shoulders and imitated the same gesture back. Her strut took a gentle pattern as she made her way towards the parking lot. It was time to find some local marketplace, put on the face, and sell as usual.


    ~~


    "Ight Rawker, lets go finish up and head out, I''m pretty whooped and still soaking wet, ha."


    "You Got It Boss! No Need To Hook Me Back Up By The Way, Figured Out How To Transfer Data Via Sound Through My Speaker. At Least, Enough Unique Sounds For The Other Me To Translate Into Data. It Still Needs To Be Tested, But I Am 98% Sure It Will Work!"


    "Cool cool, and Beanie, how you holding up?"


    "WET!" Beanie meowed, shaking his back legs here and there still.


    "Seems right, I''ll give ya a good brush later once we make it to the next motel and get a shower in myself." Darkgeek smiled.


    They reached Rawkalon The Soapy One swiftly, still charging.


    "Hey! Wake Up Other Me!" shouted Rawker.


    Rawkalon''s screen popped on, though due to the heat of charging, a sliver of pixels towards the bottom right decided to only display red.


    "Oh! I Am Awake! I Am Alive! What Does One Demand Of Rawkalon The Soapy One?"


    A series of quick audio cues played through Rawker, similar to the sound of an electric guitar''s strings as a musician''s fingers slips between cords. It only lasted about 3 or 4 seconds. It sounded familiar to Dark, almost like one of his favorite songs funnily enough. Rawkalon responded back similarly, though only for half a second and slightly with more tremble.


    "Gotcha! Everything Will Be Taken Care Of, And I''ll Go Perma Delete Once Bob Get''s Appointed!"


    "Bob? Well ok, I guess he''ll work as far as running this place once it''s in running order."


    "Remember Me DarkGeek. Our Adventure Was Short, But I''ll Exist Within Rawker Should You Ever Need Rawkalon The Soapy One¡¯s Glorious Help!"


    "Will do Rawkalon! Thank you for helping us!"


    Dark threw up his hand in a horned gesture against his chest. With a charismatic tone, he bellowed his farewell.


    "And rock on Rawkalon!"


    "Cheese!" Rawkalon speakered.


    "Indeed! See ya!"


    "Later!"


    Shoving his fingers through the gunked up sewer cover, Darkgeek slid it open and descended down the slimy ladder (making sure to, of course, close it back up). He flicked out his old LED light once again as they retraced their steps back towards their original entry. While they could have theoretically entered the facility through this way, Rawker suggested the other entrance as the most plausibly advantageous, should unknown variables arise.


    Weird and out of place noises could be heard every now and then along the dank pathway back. Something scurrying around in a random pipe here and there, but then some clinking of small pebbles rattling would silence them. Someone was practicing on steel drums for about a minute, but would then stop abruptly. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    Odd.


    But, it didn''t really bother him, having just passed the doors he busted open earlier that evening in fact. If anything, Dark was more occupied with his own thoughts.


    ¡°What''s our next step?¡±


    ¡°How everything went pretty smoothly.¡±


    ¡°What weird thing is happening in him to heal his cuts quicker than usual?¡±


    Beanie Toe cozied up in Darkgeek''s back storage about halfway, curling into a slightly damp furball to nap. He''d performed phenomenally and deserved many cuddles later on once they got a room. The walk back felt longer than expected, but Dark could see some of the morning sun winking through their exit up ahead. He put away his LED torch as they approached.


    "Morning White Collar..."


    As Dark passed one of the narrow hallways, a coarse voice called to him from the darkness.


    Shivers of unexpected fear shot throughout his body.


    Petrification seeped.


    From this hidden pathway, The Stranger stepped with a heavy metallic clang of his boots. As he did, minimal rays of sewer sun revealed trace details of the slender figure.


    He pulled a greasy metal lighter out of his dirty dark blue jumpsuit pocket.


    Clic¡­


    Clic¡­


    Click.


    It shot out a copper sulfated green flame, lighting a jet black cigarette at the corner of his mouth. With each puff, his eyes would glow a hazardous red in the pupil while it faded out through his aged, yellowed corneas.


    "Why you down here White Collar? Seems strange... I''d think you''d be in traffic this hour..."


    Red smoke exhaled through his nose, followed by a purple hue gas after that. Each puff produced a different flavor and color.


    Dark struggled to find words as he got a better look at the man''s face, thanks in part to the cigarette. The man''s face hung tired, middle aged and ghostly white. Grimed with dirt and sweat, assorted piercings littered throughout his features. Hair was just as ragged, being a rat''s nest of unkempt jungle green dreadlocks, though a streak of clear blonde stood out, only held together by metal caps on his ends. His scruffy beard matched, including another blonde oddity that crawled up his mane.


    "It''s¡­ serenity..." Dark lowly spoke, wanting to just leave, arching for a fight he did not plan for.


    "You think of this place¡­ serene? Haa..."


    The Stranger clicked on a yellowed shoulder light towards the ground and gestured him.


    "I have an idea of what you''ve been up to¡­ Follow me... You don''t want to go up there just yet..."


    Rawker whispered to Dark in a serious manner.


    "This Dreaded Man Could Be Leading Us To Our End, I Advise We Simply Ignore Him And Make Our Way Up. Our System''s Already Been Pushed, As I''m Sure You Can Feel."


    The ghastly man stopped.


    He leaned his back against the concrete sewer walls, exhaling a tired sigh of, now green, smoke while tilting his head back towards them.


    "Look, I ain''t gonna kill ya fuckers... Just doing some charity for ya while off the clock..."


    He clanked several salvaged rings around his fingers against his out-of-placed regular looking watch, gripping it.


    Suddenly, he twisted it to the opposite side with fatigued frustration.


    "So stop wasting my time..."


    Dark found his footing and adjusted to the situation.


    While logically, he shouldn''t follow a sewer hobo down into the unknown depths, something was compelling him to find out.


    "¡­ Alright... And your name? Call me Darkgeek..."


    A half grin of yellowed teeth crossed the man''s hairy face, still balancing the black cigarette in his lips.


    "Bobb Witches¡­ I''m just a trashman if you couldn''t tell from the jumpsuit... Now... Lets mosse..."


    Bobb picked up a dirty neon green tote bag near him and slung in over his shoulder with a heavy thud. They followed him down the dank path. It wasn''t too far from their entrance. After a few turns around some corners, they entered a decently lit up living space to Dark''s surprise.


    "Welcome... to my underground abode." Bobb smiled, less exhausted than before.


    He tossed the tote bag into a darker corner near a crooked hinged metal door and plopped down onto a large sofa. While originally red, the furnishing had seen better days. In fact, this sofa was likely hauled back by Bobb while on pick up day. Saturated stains, cat scratch damage throughout, and a missing leg, told the story of previous owners life''s having been imprinted into those cushions and frame.


    "Bet ya came from that water facility..." Witches casually said while lighting up his second cigarette.


    Common white smoke sizzled up this time.


    Dark subtly shifted back and forth slowly between his boots.


    "What makes you say that?"


    "That smell you and your fur friend in the back got... Might want to wake him so he don''t freak out... Cats fickle bastards..."


    The atmosphere was uneasy. Even so, Dark perceived the man to simply be curious and well acquainted with the area, rather than a threat.


    He stopped his nervous swaying.


    "Fair? Hold on a sec."


    Darkgeek pushed his hair to the side. With an awkward lift, he pulled a tired Beanie Toe from his back compartment, now cradling him in his arms gently.


    "This is Beanie Toe."


    The Black Cat looked at Bobb Witches.


    And did not care about his existence, as he continued to purr in Dark''s arms and pump cutely into his usb corded arms, almost like a cat scratcher.


    Perking up slightly at the sight of Beanie Toe, Bobb set down his cigarette on the edge of a warped coffee table off to the side to hide his excitement.


    "Is that... custom tech White Collar? You do this¡­ yourself?" He asked in an unimpressed manner.


    Dark gave an awkward grin.


    "Yep. Got a whole story behind him. Even got some custom tech in myself, though it was more out of necessity than choice?"


    Witches picked up his cigarette and rolled up his arm sleeves to cool down, revealing an assortment of tattoos and more piercings. Behind his eyes, as they glowed with each puff, you could see small glimmers of excitement, though his fatigued demeanor remained unchanged.


    "Interesting... I actually¡­ got my own line of... unique cybernetics..."


    Rawker lit up with the mention of new technology.


    "New Cybernetics You Say? I Am Also Inter..."


    Bobb slapped his hand against his side suddenly and pointed towards Dark with cigarette in hand, raising his voice baffled, borderline upset.


    "Is your shoulder talking to me? That¡¯s some kind of AI infused with your body''s cybernetics¡­ isn''t it?!"


    The sudden burst of energy expressed from the overworked trashman shocked Dark.


    "Yep, that''s Rawker. Been working on that one for awhile now I guess? Ha ha."


    "Indeed! Running The Cybernetics That This Crazy Fool Implanted Continues To Be An Exciting Mathematical Challenge!"


    The old man put out his black cigarette early, rubbing it out on the side of the couch before casting it to the side. While not full of piss and vinegar as he briefly displayed, Bobb Witches was now much more alive.


    And focused.


    "Ullia, before grabbin'' that bag: Come, introduce yourself to our guests."


    At some point during their conversation, the door had been opened slightly without Dark noticing. A petite woman''s arm was sticking out from the other side, with her hand on the sack¡¯s straps.


    From behind the crooked door, a soft woman''s voice timidly spoke, though somewhat congestedly.


    "¡­ Uhhh-uh, oh-oh-Ookay?"


    The hand let go of the bag and quickly retracted back. She began to slowly open the disheveled and rusted metal door.


    "Don''t judge Darkgeek, ya hear me?" Bobb sternly asserted.


    "There''s no kindness for bigot''s bullshit... do well to remember that when you''re here..."


    The door opened all the way and a short feminine figure stepped into the lit room carefully in dark grey sweatpants, leather slip-ons, and a beautiful blue blouse. The light did not reflect naturally off of her face nor her skin. While she did her best to avoid eye contact, Dark could see her eyes were grayed out. Except for one, dilated so much that it appeared almost solid black. Faded blonde and silver hair was pulled back into a ponytail, but she also had a smaller section of hair to the side at the front with an animal bone-like charm holding it in place.


    "Hell-o? I¡­ I''m, Ullia Witches, Bobb''s wife!" she nervously spoke.


    Weird situation, but Dark actually always enjoyed greeting people he was introduced to regardless.


    "Hello there! I''m Darkgeek, and this is Rawker and Beanie Toe! Nice to meet you¡­ Ullia, right?"


    "Y-yes?"


    "Cool, cool, will do my best to remember, I''m pretty horrible with names, not gonna lie. Ha." Dark chuckled.


    Bobb unzipped some of his jumpsuit, pulling some gum out of his dirty white undershirt''s pocket.


    "Ullia was killed over a decade ago¡­ and what you see is my¡­ unique tech in action..."


    Peppermint scented the area.


    Some color left Dark''s face as he sat Beanie Toe on the couch.


    "Wha¡­ ok? That''s actually possible?!"


    "No Way!" exclaimed Rawker.


    Embarrassed and flustered, Ullia spoke out.


    "Why would ya'' tell dem'' somethin'' so personal like that Bobby?! I..."


    Bobb Witches interrupted, still chewing his gum.


    "I wanted to go ahead and get it out of the way¡­ no one needs to pretend around us¡­ plus, it''s what makes you unique Babe!"


    He went up to her, open arms, giving her a tender hug and kiss on the neck.


    "You may be cold to the touch¡­ but you''re still my sunshine..." he whispered into her ear.


    "Oh¡­ Alright Wiggle Bunny." Ullia moaned as she reciprocated his love.


    Dark thought to himself of what he was witness to. A human brought back from death? No decay, just¡­ frozen in time from their passing in appearance? While the thoughts of Bobb''s necrophilia mildly disturbed him, this secret tech was vastly more stimulating to the brain. Plus, some dude''s immoral kink wasn''t anything new to his eyes when you''ve browsed the internet long enough!


    As Bobb stepped away from Ullia, blowing a small bubble with his gum, Rawker chirped in.


    "So! How Did You Bring Her Back To Life Mr. Witches? From What I Can Tell, Her Death Was A Combination Of Several Factors, Like The Physical Tra..."


    The bubble popped loudly.


    Witches pointed towards Dark''s shoulder.


    "Your bloatware¡¯s gettin'' too nosey... Best put it on mute before we have an issue..."


    Dark snapped back to reality.


    "Oh my bad, sorry about that. Damnit Rawker, you let your curiosity override empathy."


    Rawker''s speaker was muted for the time being.


    Beanie Toe stretched and stood up on the couch, giving it a little clawing before hopping down to Dark''s side.


    "RESTPEACE..." purred Beanie Toe as he rubbed against his master''s leg.


    "Seems that cat of yours¡­ ain''t like others¡­ Babe, give''em a tour and somethin'' from the fridge. I''ma finish setting up the usual in the ol'' Shelt, bring them in 40ish minutes..."


    Grabbing the tote bag, Bobb proceeded to walk through the door Ullia entered from.


    ¡°If Drag shows up early¡­ well, you know¡­¡±


    He pulled the door behind him with a loud clang.


    "Uh-uh, Oo-ohkay? Followw me!" Ullia shyly and loudly spoke.


    Dark, excited for some real food, let out a charismatic response.


    "Alrighty then Ullia! Lead the way to some home cookin!"

 Chapter 8: Talus How With A Grin

    The underground home was deceptively expansive. From the living room they were originally in, Ullia led them past several individual living areas that had been renovated from various electrical closets, valve rooms, and storage corners. Each nook looked unique with a mad man''s mind of worn down furniture decorating them. Violating several safety codes as one may suspect.


    "Thee-se are Bobby''s way of givin'' some of the things he finds new life. Me and Drag usually do the decorating, but he''s done one or two in his free time. We don''t usually have guests, so sometimes we change up where we''d all rest... Bu-t, bu-t, don''t think to much about that, ok?!"


    Intrusive thoughts naturally glided over Dark''s mind.


    "Oh! Gotcha gotcha! Well... That''s cool? I been sleeping in different spots lately myself... I mean... But anywho! There was the mention of food right?! I''m sure hungr... Interested! In what y''all got! Haha?!"


    Meager social skills mugged the air.


    "S-o-ounds good! Next, we have the kitchen luckily. I hope your lookin'' forward to an unforgettable brunchin''!"


    The guided tour picked back up. Damp concrete floors lead the way, yet the sides of the halls transitioned into a smooth earthen finish. Similar to cob in its ability to be molded, built-in shelves and counters fused to the walls as if grown to be just so. Everything felt natural, welcoming even. Salvaged utensils and dining sets popped out from the hues of brown, a forever reminder of how unnatural things had become.


    Ullia clasped her hands in excitement.


    "Kit-tchen!"


    She started to open the fridge and pull out all kinds of leftovers.


    "I-I love cookin''! I try to cook all the meals. Sometimes, I get inspi..."


    KriCleKrKrKriCleCle!


    The knob on one of the doors at the end of the kitchen was vigorously being jiggled.


    A muffled and stern voice boomed behind the door.


    "...Fuuuuuuck!"


    The barrier to entry was then, promptly punted open with a forceful kick.


    "Mother fuckin'' door! Shit fuck, open now arn''t ya?!"


    There in the doorway, with several grocery bags lining her arms up to her broad shoulders, stood a taller-than-average woman.


    "Oh-oh-oh, welcome home Drag! We havin'' guests this morning!"


    Drag had a similar, yet slightly darker, undead complexion as Mrs. Witches, though that''s where the similarities ended. Her unkempt and wavy sangria dyed bob cut reflected the lady''s personality along with very alive looking chestnut colored eyes. The curvy lady''s attire also aligned with usual Texas weather: a highly breathable, low cut red jam tank top, jean shorts with several holes, and vibrant orange flip-flops with flamed designs. A raunchy ram tattoo could also be seen peeking from her fuppa.


    "Oh, welcome putas! Hey! Got groceries Ullia! Catch''em or your da'' bottom bitch tonight!"


    Drag catapulted the hefty bags all at once towards with challenge in her energetic dead eyes.


    "H-hey!"


    Dark was close to Ullia and began to flinch as the projectiles flew their direction.


    Ullia vanished.


    Grey silent smoke shifted before him as groceries were sat at exact spots on the kitchen counter before a bolt of lightning flashed briefly inbetween.


    "Oh-oh! Bad kitty! That''s our sardines!"


    Ullia reappeared, holding a small package of Gorgon''s Smoked Sardines.


    "Wait, what happened?!" Dark asked, baffled.


    "Your friend''s fast, but I''m more precise... So-rry, he can have a few here in a moment, just be patient."


    "FOOST CORPSE PLUOT! FREND? MEOW?"


    Beanie Toe started rubbing his forehead against Ullia''s shin, now in an attempt to get the food through persuasion.


    It worked.


    "Oh-oh! He''s so cute! Here, just ask next time, ok? Greedy kitties become treaties."


    Beanie, oblivious to what was suggested, enjoyed his fishy snacks.


    "Thank you Ullia. Also, are those fajit..."


    Dark got interrupted.


    "Ulllllllia... That pussy got the can first! Yo the bottom bitch tonight! Hauh hauh!" Drag taunted, phantom flicking the bean.


    "Drag! Stop being so lewd!" Ullia protested flusteredly.


    "Bah! You know you like that mierda! Hauh hauh!"


    In the blink of an eye, Ullia was behind Drag. A serrated knife pressed under her breast, ready to carve.


    "I said stop Drag..." Ullia said with a blank face.


    "Humf... Well fuck you too, was just teasin..."


    Brief tension chilled the air.


    Dark''s artificial stomach growled.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "So... like Beanie Toe would say: Food? Haha...."


    Ullia perked up with a smile as she lowered the blade from Drag''s chest.


    "Oh-oh! Yes! We have fajitas, chili, various breakfast tacos, and much more! Anything you like!"


    Dark gave a thumbs up and smiled.


    "Thank you Ullia, you''re awesome! I see ya got pickles and Worcestershire sauce as well, would it be cool if I used those?"


    "Er-um.. yes?! Anything you like!" She awkwardly repeated herself.


    "Sweet."


    Who needs to reheat food? Not when you''re starving, and certainly not Darkgeek. Grabbing some tortillas and chicken fajitas, he slapped it all together and threw Worcestershire all over it as he devoured it, along with samples of everything present.


    Sustenance.


    Drag hung antisocial and left.


    "I''ma get a quickie in with Bobby before practice and re-up the sauce." She briefly flashed and tapped a black copper metal implant embedded on the back of her neck, holding a vibrant green oil gauge.


    "Later putas..."


    As she left, she punched one of the doors in frustration over something down the corridor.


    "Wow, She''s A Firecracker!"


    "Cack! When did I unmute you Rawker?!" Dark choked, mid chugging some pickle juice out of a jar.


    "The Button Is More Of A Timer/Communication Tool. I''ve Been Good Though! In Fact, As Per Mr. Witches, We Have Exactly 18 Minutes Of The 40 Before Regrouping! Though, His Use Of ''Ish'' Suggests A 5 Minute Buffer."


    "Ri-right! If y''all are done eating, let''s quickly finish the tour!"


    Ullia hastily put up all the dishes and grabbed a chorizo egg taco for herself to eat along the way. Dark himself finished his vinegar drank and followed.


    A main bedroom, another living room, and even a garage housing Bobb''s dump trucks was quickly shown before arriving at a set of double doors.


    "I-I hoped you liked the house tour. I have to get ready, but in 4 minutes, you can enter through these doors. Just a warnin'': it will be loud..."


    "Uh, ok? Rawker can set a timer. Beanie, might want to fold your ears."


    "Yeppers!" his AI companion replied, as a bone-themed countdown graced his display.


    "KAY!" Beanie Toe meowed as he climbed into Dark''s back crevice.


    "Go-ood! Bye!"


    Ullia disappeared in a blur of smoke before them, as she likely went through the door she was introduced at.


    Rawker whispered to Dark.


    "We Could Still Leave Diceil. We Need To Get Ready For Our Next Objective..."


    "I know Rawker, but... I''ve got a good feeling about what''s in store for us behind these doors."


    A pounding sound began to beat behind the doors, followed by screeching and moaning.Something unpleasant was brewing.


    3 minutes left.


    Lights and heat leached through the edges of the doors as they awkwardly waited. Smells of sweat and shame wiggled in and out of Dark¡¯s nostrils, unsure of the unholy actions taking place beyond the barrier.


    2 minutes.


    The acoustics crackled into a rhythmic and hectic machinery. A distinct voice began to speak, but it was muffled by the door. ¡°Well¡¯s full of beans?¡± Very unlikely that¡¯s what¡¯s being said, but curiosity was purring up his back.


    1 minute, close enough.


    Dark gripped the handles.


    A prickly feeling surged up his hands.


    Electricity was radiating through it, likely an effort to deter him from opening early.


    Clever.


    Yet, Rawker adapted the difference in current that flowed through the system. Dark pushed his pinky and thumb together: absorbing some of the energy, while grounding the excess.


    He flung the doors open as little zaps left his hands.


    Before them, was a hellish scene of all kinds of creatures and biobrid figures, thrashing against each other with limbs in the air.


    In the back of the large arena, a stage flashes with streams of white, purple, and green.


    2 figures are on display.


    Strums of a rough tuned electric guitar vibrate from the sides, as sparks flick behind the front being.


    The lights go pitch black..


    The lead opens his yellowed n'' red eyes with intense stare from within the void, as he cracks his face into a green fluorescent hillbilly smile.


    Flames shoot out in rapid succession, casting ghastly shadows as the singer howls his first lyrics:


    "We are many... but all the same..."


    "Send us back to that space, unchanged..."


    "But one of us escaped..."


    "And Fueled By Hate!"


    "Hate!"


    "Hate!"


    "Deeply Wired Hate!"


    Crowds yearned for more.


    The guitarist turns up the disturbed chords as a dark green spectrum illuminates the lead.


    It''s Bobb Witches.


    He begins flicking his arms out aggressively as he growls before the crowd and pops his collar up from his uniform.


    "It''s this mother fucker!"


    "I got the keys to the cell!"


    "Kicking your smug face in!"


    "Till you fit through the needle''s eye of hell!"


    SToMP!.


    SToMP!


    SToMP!.


    With each satanic slam of his boot on the stage, the lights flashed blotches of bloody red and white.


    A gallowed bass rhythmically bellowed from beneath as something rose behind in sync. Intense metal drumming shook the spectator''s sternums.


    "Hate!"


    "Hate!"


    "Deeply Wired Hate!"


    "You caused this shit, you greedy lil'' faggits!"


    "Life''s lost, in the name of profit!"


    "And Here we are again, back to fuckin'' maggots!"


    Witches jumped and slammed his feet against the stage with mic stand in hand.


    Blue flames burst up to a now fully lit stage as Bobb''s calves fire off their cybernetic metal covers.


    Black gauge wire and steel chains licked live power against the stage wildly. Small animal skulls dangled from the ends, as their jaws clapped in excitement.


    "Under corpse of night, we burrow within!"


    "Those you forgot, back again!"


    "A new green flows, one you can''t comprehend!"


    "A New Hate Begins!"


    The two other band members were now on full show..


    Drag was on strings, covered in viscous blood and dressed in layers of torn dresses and bare foot, grinning with madness.


    Ullia was the one rising in the back, on a rotating platform drum set of repurposed trash cans.


    She stared forward with no emotion, not even blinking. Her attire was a salvaged cosplay maid cafe dress, repaired by patches of blue jeans. A large house fly hair clip sold the outfit of a dead servant.


    As she rotated, her back was exposed, revealing 2 intertwined snakes of black metal copper that bubbled a ferrous green chemical.


    The 2 Mrs.Witches joined in, moaning and shrieking throughout the performance.


    "A New Hate! Stronger Than Ever!"


    "Dead? Reattach the member! Stable it back!"


    "Connect the tubes, drain the life! Keep up the fight!"


    "Wails of lost reason, that is our fate!"


    "Hate!"


    "Hate!"


    "Deeply Mired Hate!"


    At the end of their first song, Bobb called out Darkgeek.


    "This afternoon, we have guests my friends n'' projects! Darkgeek! And his companions... Rawker, the AI revolution and his recluse cat, and I ain''t saying his stupid name! He''s not part of the family yet... So let''s keep it that way for now... alright?"


    The lights flew across the crowd, but there was no shine upon their skin nor reflection in their eye.


    It was a horde of living dead fans.


    Grotestic cheers erupted.


    This garbage man has been busy building a zombie fandom for his, quite literally, underground band.


    Just by the first song, Dark was sold on their art. Like much of his playlist, this too needed to be passed down and preserved.


    Dark let out a loud shout and pitched his hands into the air:


    "Let''s fuckin'' rock!!!"


    For about an hour, the concert continued. Refreshingly new music filled his soul, as he let himself be part of the undead that was entranced by a trashy man''s passion.


    Later on, once Bobb closed out practice and they all reconvened in the living room, he spoke with Dark.


    "Glad you enjoyed our... session. It''s rare we get anyone alive down here..."


    Popping back his metal calf covers, Witches fiddled with his post-show cigarette between his lips.


    "I like ya Dark... you''re a rare one, that''s for sure... If ya ever need a place to hideout... You''re welcome down here..."


    Dark crosses his leg as he reclined into the couch.


    "Thankya Bobb, I''ll keep that in mind. I appreciate it. I..."


    "Just don''t be bring no drama... Less you join the family... Understood?" Bobb interrupted.


    "I... gotcha. Welp... I gotta get going Witches, still alot to do."


    Bobb got up, ready to head to the kitchen.


    "You still... gonna take on that healthcare industry white collar?"


    Dark, not knowing how Bobb knew, simply replied.


    "Yes..."


    Witches slapped the side of the wall.


    "Good on you... Keep going simple man..."