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✱ CHAPTER 9 : MOCHI
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The operatives spread out across the wide staircase leading down from the entrance of the Exhibition Hall. Following their plan, they sprinted toward the hall's exit. Sensing their presence, the Robota units dashed forward, blades extended, ready to slice them apart. Brooks attempted to block the attack with his staff but was struck on the right side by another blade. He managed to deflect the blow but lost his grip on the weapon As he tried to summon the staff back using his abilities, the Robota's superior speed knocked it away, and it lunged forward to stab him.
On the other side, Orion attempted to take down a Robota, but another unit charged directly at him. Levi shot one Robota away and made a break for the exit gate. However, upon realizing his teammates were in trouble, he turned back. What he saw shocked him, one of the Robota was about to slice his head. He quickly used his gun to deflect the strike and grabbed the Robota's neck.
Then, something strange occurred. Although the Robota were not biological beings, Levi's touch somehow began to infect them. This was unexpected, suggesting that VXD-4 had the ability to alter matter—transforming even non-organic forms into something susceptible to infection or possibly something more dangerous.
Levi's ability normally only works on living beings, which raised a deeper concern: the mechanical Robota's composition may have been altered due to the dimensional shifts. With this realization, Levi used his power to destroy the Robota's head. As he did, another Robota's head exploded as soon as he shot a bullet at it. Brooks and Orion noticed the remaining Robota slowly becoming infected through the vines crawling along their frames. They quickly destroyed them before the infection could fully take hold. As Brooks finished them off, he remarked, "Well, this place reminded me of a picnic with my family…"
Orion glanced up at the dome overhead, which displayed a vivid artificial sky and a glowing sun. It looked so realistic, it was hard to believe they were more than fifty feet underground, possibly even deeper.
The area was filled with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and soft grass, creating the atmosphere of a full-fledged park. Cafés and an open theater bordered an Event Auditorium, all within a climate-controlled zone designed to mimic a breezy, peaceful autumn day. The entire space was open and expansive, with benches lining the paths and soft lamp posts set to simulate nighttime. However, due to a malfunction, it remained stuck in a perpetual morning.
"This is a sick place!" Orion said. "The fake sun feels as bright as the real thing with these cool breezes. Should we rest a bit, Levi?"
"Yeah... we should…" Levi replied, just before losing his balance. Brooks caught him mid-fall. "Yo! Get a hold of yourself." "I guess I overdid it…," Levi muttered.
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Brooks helped him stay steady while Orion opened the door to the Event Auditorium—Verdelume Auditorium. The structure was shaped like a smooth white egg, cracked open at the top to let natural-looking light filter in. Inside, the scene was grim: bodies lay scattered, blood mingling with shallow pools of water suspended in the air due to the facility's superficial underwater environment. The atmosphere was warped and heavy, clearly the aftermath of a Robota attack.
Brooks propped Levi against a nearby desk while Orion stood guard, scanning the area. He pulled out a Health Serum and injected it into the designated port on Levi's arm, integrated into his suit. Moments later, Orion returned and silently signaled: someone was nearby.
Both operatives armed themselves and moved deeper into the auditorium. Levi mounted his gun on the desk, keeping his sights locked on the entrance.
Orion used his ability to create a fleshed-out replica of his hand, complete with an eye embedded in the palm and deployed it as a tracking bot. With its eyes closed, Orion controlled the hand remotely. Brooks stood guard beside him, aware that Orion was vulnerable during this process.
The Verdelume Auditorium was built for immersive experiences, its cushioned seats arranged in a curved formation, divided into eight sections by walking paths. The walls had a wooden finish, adorned with tropical-themed artificial plants, while radium lights beneath the seats created a halo effect in the dimly lit hall.
As Orion's hand explored the area in search of potential threats, it came across a trail of half-eaten chocolate wrappers scattered near the stage. It followed the trail to the guest entrance room and reached out to grasp the handle then suddenly, the vision cut to black.
Orion returned to awareness, confused. "Found anything?" Brooks asked.
"Lost visuals. There's definitely someone there." Orion said as Brooks questioned, "Hostile?" "Maybe. Stay sharp mate." "3... 2... 1…" Brooks signals as they proceed.
The two operatives breached the room, scanning every corner as they moved toward the stage. Then, soft music began playing through the auditorium's speakers: Starry Night (Piano) by Jordan Critz.
Something was off. Brooks whispered, "Hand?" Orion muttered, "What the…" whispers, "behind us." Slowly, they turned around. Somehow, they hadn't noticed the presence behind them.
"Mister White Hair, is this yours?" a soft voice asked.
Standing there was a Japanese boy, maybe ten years old, dressed in a white-and-blue sailor-striped T-shirt, white shorts, and orange crocs. He clutched a black plastic bag tightly. In his other hand, he held Orion's artificial hand, which wriggled vigorously as if trying to escape. Yet the boy seemed completely calm, unaffected by the uncanny scene. His blue eyes were filled with innocence as he slowly walked up and handed the bag over.
To break the tension, Brooks said, "Thank you. What's your name son?" "Mochi." Brooks said, "Hey Mochi, did you come here with your family or something?"
"No, I'm alone," he replied, shaking his head and Orion said. "Of course kiddo, where do you live?"
"I don't talk to strangers." "Oh, such a wise kid. You can trust us," Brooks reassured. "Yes, we're policemen," Orion added. Then he pulled Brooks aside and whispered, "Something's wrong. That kid, he doesn't seem normal."
"What the heck, nothing's normal here kid? He's just a lost kid, Orion. Chill out." They turned back, but the boy had vanished.
Levi called, "Guys, I found a kid." Orion replied, "Does he have blue eyes?" Brook hit him as he said, "There might be more of them, you never know." Levi replied, "Yeah, he's asking for chocolate. Guys, can you bring some if you find any?"
Orion looked at Brooks suspiciously. "They might be clones, right?" Brooks acknowledged Orion's intuition. Sharing a confused glance, they retrieved a few chocolate bars from a vending machine and headed to the receptionist's room. There, Levi and Mochi were already mid-conversation.
"Well, we've got another survivor," Levi explained. "He came here with his family, but they left with Marie, one of the SGI's confidential scientists. They got separated during the lockdown."
"What about infection risk?" Brooks asked. "He seems pretty immune," Orion replied. "Anyway, we need rest. It's…" He checks his watch, "0100. Let's camp."
Brooks deployed four rods, each with hardened tri-stands, placing them in a square formation along one of the auditorium's corridors. With multiple exits nearby, it was an ideal safe zone. After laying a few traps at the main entry points, Levi tapped his watch, and the rods activated, projecting a tent-like energy shield that pushed the VXD‑4 liquid out. Inside, workers could safely remove their suits.
They ate, rested, and took turns keeping watch. As Brooks handed Mochi a chocolate bar, he smiled. "How's the chocolate, Mochi?" "Very good."
He continued, "Good. But don't eat too much; you'll get cavities." Mochi said, "No problem. I brush every day."
"You're a good kid. My daughter's around your age. She'd be happy to play with you." Mochi replied, "I'm not interested." "Huh?"
"I want to play with my friends. I want to play Gojira-kun."
Brooks confused, "Okay… once we get out of here, we'll play Gojira-kun together."
He stops eating, eyes wide with joy, "Really?!"
"Yeah, why not." Brooks said as he replied, "Yay!" He starts eating again, smaller bites this time.
As Mochi drifted off to sleep, Brooks sat awake, thinking about his family, his comrades, and the crushing responsibility he bore, not just for them, but for the world. He couldn't let this destruction reach the surface.
The night passed. Soon, they would descend to the next floor. What mysteries awaited them there? What new horrors would they face?
—
Silence swept out from the breeze,
The soul now caged, denied its ease.
Loved ones lost along the shore.
Only memories remain to adore.
Rain fell through the subtle darkness. Dark, reflective eyes opened in the middle of a busy, rushing street.
Suki awoke and staggered to her feet. Just as a speeding truck barreled toward her…
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