Chapter 61: Alteration
The team settled back into their seats, the soft light of the theater dimming as Tendo queued up the next episode of DaiKill Buster Gaiden. Dave’s eyes were on the screen, and he didn’t notice at first as Liki got up from her chair. She climbed into his lap and cuddled against him. Her warmth was both comforting and exciting, and he couldn’t help but feel like the luckiest man in the world to have this amazing creature so in love with him. He put his arms around her waist and she smiled softly, her tail curling around his forearm as if to say, “I belong to you and you belong to me.”
The battle on screen was intense, the final showdown between Nanako and Dominotaur unfolding in a chaotic symphony of clashing metal and roaring energy. Nanako, now free from the Zeta Virus’s control, fought with a ferocity that was both awe-inspiring and heartbreaking. Her already torn dress was reduced to further tatters until, in a true testament to anime fan-service, she was wearing nothing but a ragged tube-top and a ripped mini skirt. Despite her revealing outfit, Nanako fought with intensity and precision, knowing that she was the world’s last—and only—hope. She moved with grace, dodging Dominotaur’s crushing blows and retaliating with strikes that reverberated through the screen thanks to the theater’s impressive sound system.
The fight reached its climax when Nanako activated her signature Duo-Buster chest cannon, firing a burst of energy that shattered Dominotaur’s defenses and sent him crashing to the ground. With one foot on his throat, she delivered a monologue about never giving up, and then finished him off by throwing his giant body into the air and slashing him in half with her bare hand. The season-and-a-half long reign of Dominotaur had finally come to an end. Behind her, Tendo struggled to his feet and embraced Nanako as the techno beat of the closing theme began to play and the credits of episode four started to roll. A few members clapped and cheered. Even Juni joined in. “Yay! Good job, robot girl! Suck it, monster guy!” she yelled, laughing.
“See Juni, I knew you’d like it after a little wine,” Lin grinned, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Okay everyone, no more cartoons. We’ve got one more activity planned. Dancing!”
So that’s why Lin had everyone dress up, thought Dave. “Dancing? Where? Here?” he asked.
Lin’s grin widened as she stood up, her energy infectious. “You’ll see. Everyone grab the leftover food and help me put it in the fridge, and then we’ll head to our secret dance club!”
Each team member grabbed as many food containers and dirty dishes as they could carry, Liki sticking close to Dave as they cleaned up. When all the leftovers were stored away and the plates were stacked in the sink, Lin led the group to the basement, through the endless underground hallways until they reached the virtualball court.
“This,” Lin announced, her voice echoing through the cavernous, grey concrete room, “is going to be our dance floor. N15 hooked us up with some VR scenarios that’ll make it a lot more exciting than it looks right now.”
She opened a VR glasses charging case in the entryway to the court and passed out glasses to everyone. Lin held out a pair to Tendo, but he waved her off with a casual smirk. “No need for those,” he said, tapping the side of his ever present sunglasses. “I’ve got these. I can tune into the court’s VR signal.”
As Tendo adjusted his glasses by tapping the side with his finger, a subtle blue glow flashed across the lenses, revealing a complex interface. Dave’s eyes widened with realization. So that’s why he’s always wearing sunglasses, he thought. He wasn’t wearing sunglasses at all, but info-glasses; Cutting-edge eyewear that could overlay information, scan objects, and apparently interface with VR systems. It all made sense now. Tendo’s ability to always seem one step ahead, his uncanny knack for knowing the right move at the right time. It wasn’t just intuition; it was technology.
“Nice shades,” Dave said casually.
“Still recovering from cataract surgery,” Tendo responded, sarcastically.
Lin held up a silver blister pack sheet of Virtuplus tablets, the tiny red and blue pills instantly recognizable from the incessant TV commercials that played constantly on the major streaming services. “Everyone take one of these, too. Don’t worry, they’re nanotech, not chemical, so they’re safe for everyone—even Wimils,” she added, glancing at Liki. Lin popped the tablets through the silver wrapper and handed them out.
Liki looked down at the tiny pill in her hand, her ears twitching with curiosity. “What does it do?” she asked, her voice filled with genuine interest.
Lin grinned, holding up her own pill between her fingers. “They make the Virtual Reality experience feel even more real. Like, hyper-real. You’ll feel the sand between your toes, the warmth of the sun on your skin, even the slightest breeze. It’s like stepping into another world that’s even more real than the real world.”
Liki’s eyes widened, her tail flicking with excitement. “Wow…” she said, though Dave was pretty sure she had no idea what Virtual Reality meant.
“Okay, everyone, the dance program is set up for partners,” Lin continued, her tone playful. “But since we have six men and four women, the ladies get to pick who they want to dance with. The two leftover guys will have to dance with each other.”
Jotaro chuckled, rubbing his hands together. “Ooh, scandalous! I can’t wait,” he said.
Juni, still a little tipsy, let out a laugh. “Oh god, I wish they’d had that rule back in high school. I would’ve gone to more dances.”
As everyone adjusted their VR glasses, Lin gestured to a small table in the corner where bottles of tequila and vodka stood. “Take your Virtuplus with a shot of gross human poison if you want.” she said casually.
Sumiko whistled low, picking up one of the bottles. “Damn, Lin. This is Luna Mestiza 2041. Where’d you find this?”
“The wine cellar,” Lin replied with a shrug, as if it were no big deal.
Dave reached for a shot glass, pouring himself a shot of tequila and threw it back with his tablet. Lin appeared behind Liki and tapped her on the shoulder, holding out a bottle of Wimil juice. Liki smiled and took the bottle, putting the Virtuplus pill on her tongue and taking a drink. She could smell the alcohol in the air as the humans took drinks from the tiny cups. She thought again how strange it was that humans liked to drink the terrible smelling substance as she savored the subtle soapy, salty, cinnamon flavor of her juice. Lin took the half-empty bottle from Liki, put her pill on her tongue and finished the rest of the Wimil juice.
“Glasses on, everyone,” said Lin.
Dave put his glasses on as the Virtuplus nanites went to work on his nervous system, and the virtual space activated. The grey concrete walls melted away, replaced by a vast, sun-baked desert stretching in every direction. The air felt warm, the sand shifting beneath their feet as if it were real. Dave looked around, his breath catching at the sheer realism of it all. Liki’s hand tightened in his, her wide eyes taking in the new environment.
Lin grinned, her arms spread wide as if to embrace the desert. “Welcome to the dance floor, everyone. Mandy, decide on a random order for the women in the room to choose partners, please.”
“Who’s Mandy?” asked Katya.
“The court’s computer is named Mandy for some reason,” N15 explained, leaning towards her.
Mandy’s voice, smooth and sensual, echoed through the virtual desert. “First to choose: Liki.”
Liki’s ears perked up, her tail swishing with excitement. She didn’t hesitate, stepping forward and taking Dave’s hand with a soft smile. “I pick Dave,” she said simply and affectionately. Dave grinned and squeezed her hand, remembering when they stood together on the busy city street not too long ago and Liki declared that she was choosing someone to be with out of all the people in the city. She’d chosen him that time, too.
“Oh man, I thought for sure that she was going to pick me,” lamented Sumiko, eliciting some laughs.
“Next up: Juni,” Mandy announced.
Juni, still giggling from the wine, sauntered over to Tendo and grabbed his hand. “I wanna dance with this big, bald, black man!” she declared, her cheeks flushed from both alcohol and excitement. Tendo raised an eyebrow, a faint smile on his face. He seemed mildly amused by Juni’s unexpected decision, though he said nothing.
Lin, however, couldn’t contain her reaction. She gave Juni a dramatic what? gesture, her hands palms up, fingers spread wide, her mouth agape in mock disbelief.
“Lin’s turn to choose,” Mandy called next.
Still shaking her head, Lin glanced at Juni briefly, who returned the look with a head shake of her own and mouthed what? back at her. Lin rolled her eyes and considered the remaining men for moment, then took Sumiko’s hand. Sumiko’s eyes widened in shock, his mouth curving into a delighted grin.
“Oh, fujuck! You guys, it’s happening!” Sumiko exclaimed, his voice tinged with both surprise and glee. “Lin is finally taking advantage of my innocence! Thank you, jeebus!”
Lin shot him a pointed look. “Shut up before I change my mind,” she said, as she pulled Sumiko close with a hint of genuine affection in the gesture. Lin stuck her tongue out at Juni playfully. A chorus of giggles and laughter broke out, the sound echoing through the virtual desert.
“Katya, you are the last to choose,” Mandy announced, her cool, feminine voice cutting through the laughter.
Katya’s eyes flicked across the remaining trio—Jotaro, Yaten, and N15. Her gaze settled on N15, and a sly smile crept across her face. “I’ll take this little nerd,” she said, reaching out and grasping N15’s hand. With her high heels on she was almost half a foot taller than him, and she looked down at him with an amused glint in her eyes.
The room fell silent for a moment, most of the team clearly surprised by her choice. N15’s cheeks flushed a deep red, his mouth opening and closing as if he were trying to process what had just happened. Jotaro, meanwhile, broke into a wide grin, straightening the lapels of his lavender suit and throwing his blonde ponytail over his shoulder. “Looks like it’s just you and me, you beautiful, tall drink of Soju,” he said, taking Yaten’s remaining hand.
Yaten groaned. “I’m gonna need another shot for this,” he muttered, turning and heading toward the small table where the bottles of tequila and vodka sat atop a sand dune. He poured himself a second shot, downing it in one swift motion before turning back to the group, his expression a mix of resignation and amusement. He glanced over at Jotaro seemingly considering something. “Hey, Mandy,” he called out, “can you make Jotaro look like a hot blonde to me?”
Jotaro raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me? I’m already a hot blonde,” he said, striking a dramatic pose.
Yaten rolled his eyes. “I mean a hot blonde woman,” he clarified, his grin widening, “with big tits.”
Mandy’s voice calmly responded, “Adjusting the appearance of Jotaro per your request.”
Yaten’s eyes widened as he looked at Jotaro, who had suddenly transformed into a tall, stunningly attractive female version of himself, wearing a short, sparkling lavender dress that struggled to contain a pair of ample breasts. “Oh yeah,” Yaten said, nodding appreciatively. “That’s much better. I can work with this.”
Jotaro—now in his new form—crossed his arms and pouted. “You’re no fun,” he said, his voice still distinctly his own despite his new appearance. Then, with a sly grin, he added, “Mandy, can you make Yaten look like an oiled-up, shirtless, Korean twink for me?”
Yaten’s jaw dropped. “Wait, no—!”
Before he could protest further, Mandy’s voice chimed in again. “Adjusting the appearance of Yaten per your request.”
Yaten’s body shimmered and shifted, his shirt and jacket disappearing to reveal a toned, glistening torso. His hair became perfectly tousled, and he now looked like he’d just stepped out of a fitness model photoshoot, his missing cybernetic arm replaced with a shining, flawless, organic limb. Jotaro let out a low whistle, his eyes raking over Yaten’s new form. “Ooh,” he said, grinning ear to ear. “Much better.”
Yaten groaned, running a hand through his hair in exasperation. “I hate you,” he muttered, though the faintest hint of a smile tugged at his lips.
Sumiko interjected suddenly, a look of realization on his face. “Wait… We can make our date’s clothes disappear?!” he blurted out excitedly. Lin’s head whipped around, her eyes wide with an almost comical look of exasperation and disbelief.
“Mandy, disregard all further requests for appearance changes!” she barked, glaring at Sumiko. She punched him a few times in the arm for good measure.
“Ow! Ow! Tendo, are you seeing this? Your Wimil is attacking me!” he protested.
The rest of the group burst into laughter, the tension of the moment completely dissolved. Jotaro pulled Yaten close amidst the laughter. “My eyes are up here,” said hot, blonde, female Jotaro sternly, feigning offense. Oiled-up, shirtless, twink Yaten respectfully looked up and rolled his eyes, but didn’t resist.
“Just… no kissing,” he said, as he put his hand on Jotaro’s newly narrow waist.
Chapter 62: Duel
Partners chosen, the VR dance program began. The desert shimmered and melted away, replaced by the cracked asphalt of a dark, deserted city street. The street lights flickered weakly, casting eerie shadows on the graffiti-covered walls. Lin looked around, a scowl on her face. “Which one is this?” she asked, her voice tinged with annoyance.
N15 adjusted his VR glasses, a sly smirk playing on his lips. “It’s the zombie one.”
“Oh no, come on. Not the zombie one,” Lin groaned. “Let’s do a real one.”
“It’s fun,” N15 countered. “And it’s a good warm-up.”
“Ugh, fine,” Lin relented, crossing her arms as groans and shuffling footsteps began to echo from the surrounding alleyways. Hundreds of zombies emerged from the shadows, their tattered clothes and decaying flesh illuminated by the dim streetlights. They shambled forward, surrounding the group with outstretched arms and gnashing teeth. Everyone began to back away from the undead creatures, until they were all huddled together, chuckling nervously.
“I thought we were dancing, not doing a horror movie,” Juni muttered, pressing up against Tendo.
Suddenly, the zombies froze. A funky beat kicked in, and the undead began to sway in unison, their movements oddly rhythmic. “The freel fujuck?” Yaten blurted. The zombies spread out, forming into neat rows as they started to dance.
A disembodied voice, smooth and hauntingly reminiscent of Vincent Price, filled the air:
In shadows deep, the moonlight spills,
Through haunted woods and eerie hills.
Graveyard tunes begin to play,
The undead rise, it’s time to sway.
If you want to live then do your best,
Survive tonight’s Zombie Dance Contest!
“Oh my god, come on,” Lin groaned, shaking her head in exasperation.
N15 stepped forward, his hands raised to explain the rules to the group of confused partygoers. “Alright, each person takes turns trying to copy three dance moves of a zombie challenger. If you don’t do at least two out of the three moves well enough, the zombies bite you, and you turn into one of them. If more than half of us turn into zombies, then the zombies win. If not, we get guns and flamethrowers and whatnot, and we can fight our way out. Oh, and you have to keep moving between moves. If you stop dancing, the zombies bite you.”
Dave laughed, his eyes sparkling as he looked down at Liki. “Sounds kind of fun.”
Lin shot him a withering look. “Fun? Really?”
The Vincent Price voice boomed again, “The zombies have chosen the first victim… Tendo!”
A spotlight illuminated Tendo, his sunglasses glinting in the harsh light. The music shifted into a fast electro-swing tune, as another beam of light appeared, revealing a zombie dressed as a 1920s flapper. Her tattered dress swayed as she stepped into the spotlight, her decaying face twisted into a grotesque grin. She lifted her arms gracefully and performed the Charleston—a quick, shuffling step with a side-to-side glide. Tendo watched intently as he continued to move and bob to the beat, then mirrored the move almost perfectly. The zombies groaned collectively, as if wounded by his performance.
Next, the flapper zombie did the Flapper Shimmy, a rapid shaking of the shoulders and arms that made her dress fringe flutter. Tendo copied it decently, his movements a bit stiff but passable. The final move, however, stumped him. The zombie performed the Jazz Splits, dropping to the ground with one leg out and sliding back up with a flourish. Tendo shook his head. “No thanks, I’m too old to do that one,” he said putting his hands up. The zombies surged forward, surrounding him with gnarled hands and snapping jaws.
“Good enough! Looks like you get to live,” said the voice of Vincent Price. “Tendo passes.”
Next, the spotlight shone on Yaten, and a zombie dressed as a 1950s greaser challenged him. Just like Tendo he was able to copy the first two moves well enough, but failed on the third, allowing him to survive.
Next was Dave. He swallowed hard, less afraid of the zombies than he was of embarrassing himself with his terrible dancing. He rocked from one leg to the other, nodding his head to the music, as a zombie who looked like a decaying J-pop idol stepped into the spotlight. She performed a trio of relatively easy Para Para dance moves, but Dave failed all of them. The group laughed, and Dave hung his head in shame as the horde of zombies began to converge on him.
The zombies surrounded Dave, their hands grasping at him as they sank their rotten teeth into his arms and shoulders. Dave played along, letting out exaggerated cries of pain. “Ah! Oh no! They’ve got me!” he shouted with mock despair.
Liki’s eyes widened, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. “Dave!” she cried, rushing toward him. She kicked and pushed at the zombies, but more just kept coming, shambling forward with relentless determination. “Let him go!” she shouted, her voice trembling.
Dave laughed, even as the zombies continued their mock assault. “It’s too late for me, Liki! Save yourself!” he said, barely audible over the moaning of undead.
“No! Dave!” Liki cried, real tears in her eyes as she watched the zombies engulf him. She was pretty sure that this wasn’t real, but it all looked so convincing that she couldn’t bear seeing Dave being attacked by the disgusting undead, real or not.
“Liki, it’s just pretend! Dave will be fine,” said Lin, laughing.
The zombies suddenly pulled away, and Dave stood up, his movements stiff and jerky. His face was now grey and decaying, his eyes hollowed out, and his clothes tattered. He grinned at Liki, his smile eerily exaggerated. “Brainss…” he groaned, reaching out with clawed hands.
“Oh my god! Dave’s a zombie now!” Juni shouted, pointing. The group burst into laughter, the tension dissolving as they realized that even losing could be fun.
Dave shambled forward until he grabbed Liki and pulled her into a stiff, jerking hug. “Brainsss… your brains…” he groaned theatrically, leaning in to pretend to munch on the top of her head. Liki stiffened for a moment, her heart racing, but she recognized Dave’s familiar scent beneath his VR-altered appearance. Her shoulders relaxed, and she let out a shaky laugh.
“Hugsss…” he moaned in his zombie voice as he squeezed Liki tighter. She smiled and squeezed him back.
The program chose Lin next. She stepped into the spotlight, still looking slightly annoyed. Her zombie challenger, dressed like a disco diva in a glittering, decayed jumpsuit, didn’t stand a chance as Lin copied all of its moves without a hint of hesitation. The zombies groaned in defeat, their frustration palpable. Sumiko was up next, challenged by a boy-band zombie in an unbuttoned shirt. He managed to half-heartedly copy the first move, but the second and third were a disaster. The zombies swarmed him, and he was quickly turned into one of them.
“Boobsss…” Sumiko moaned as he shuffled towards Lin with his arms out, fingers grasping at the air. Lin rolled her eyes at him. “Boobs…” he groaned louder, decaying hands reaching for her. Covering her chest with her hands, Lin side-stepped him easily, as she fought back a smirk.
“Maybe later,” she joked.
Sumiko immediately straightened up, his zombie mouth agape with a look of shock, his dead eyes widening as he stumbled back a step. “Who else heard that?” he asked, looking around.
N15, Juni and Katya were all defeated by their zombie challengers in quick succession; a 2040s skaggaeton bigstepper, a 1990s raver, and a 2050s neuro-beat frique in a full frique suit, respectively. Beautiful blonde Jotaro easily defeated a 1980s club zombie wearing a white suit with giant shoulder pads.
The score was now Humans 4, Zombies 5, and the group’s survival hinged on Liki. She stepped into the spotlight, her heart racing. A zombie dressed as a ballerina stepped forward, its tutu tattered but its movements hauntingly elegant.
N15 groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Oh no… not the ballerina zombie,” he muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief. “This is the hardest one—she’s impossible to beat. Poor Liki…” His words hung in the air as the group exchanged uneasy glances, the tension palpable.
The ballerina zombie stood poised, its decayed form radiating an eerie grace, as a sped-up electronica version of Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy from The Nutcracker began to play. It performed an Arabesque Turn, spinning on one leg with its arms gracefully extended. Liki copied the move, her form surprisingly graceful. Next, the ballerina zombie did a Pirouette, twirling rapidly on its toes. Liki matched it, her spins smooth and controlled. The final move was a Grand Jeté, a high, leaping split. Liki hesitated briefly, but then elegantly launched herself into the air, her legs splitting perfectly at the zenith of her leap. The zombies groaned in defeat, cowering away from Liki. The group clapped and cheered, high-fiving Liki and patting her on the head.
The disembodied voice of Vincent Price boomed once more, its tone dripping with theatrical dismay:
The humans have triumphed, their moves divine,
Leaving the zombies to shuffle and whine.
With grace and skill, they’ve danced their way,
Ensuring survival for one more day.
Instantly, the players who had been zombified were restored to full humanity and an array of weapons materialized in the group’s hands—baseball bats, flamethrowers, shotguns, and katanas glinting in the flickering streetlights. Down one of the streets, a glimmer of light appeared as the sun began to rise, casting long shadows across the cracked asphalt. N15 grinned, gripping a flamethrower with a manic gleam in his eyes. “Come on, everyone! Fight towards morning!” he shouted, sprinting toward the horde of zombies with reckless abandon.
The group erupted into action, laughter and shouts filling the air as they began to mow down the undead with their newfound arsenal. Juni swung a baseball bat with surprising force, sending a zombie’s head flying with a sickening crunch. Tendo, now armed with a katana, sliced through the rotting bodies with practiced precision. Yaten, wielding a shotgun one-handed, blasted zombies into chunks of decaying flesh, his usual stoic demeanor replaced with a wild grin. As the sun continued to rise the zombies began to flee back into the shadows of the alleys and doorways.
Lin sighed deeply, half-heartedly dispatching a zombie with a swift swing of her katana. She glanced at N15, who was gleefully roasting a group of retreating zombies with his flamethrower. “We better be doing a real one after this,” she muttered.
Chapter 63: Memory
As the last zombie vanished into the shadows, the morning sun abruptly extinguished. Darkness swallowed the virtual cityscape, and the group froze in place, their weapons vanished. The sudden blackness was disorienting, and muffled murmurs broke the silence.
“What the hell is going on?” Katya muttered, her sharp eyes scanning the void.
“Did the system crash?” Juni asked.
Before anyone could respond, the faint sound of an orchestra tuning up echoed in the distance. The strings hummed softly, their notes stretching and finding harmony. Then, overhead, the moon emerged—a luminous orb that bathed the scene in a silvery glow. Its light grew brighter, illuminating the group’s surroundings. They were no longer on a cracked street but standing on the surface of a wide, tranquil river. The water beneath their feet reflected the soft moonlight and rippled faintly, yet it held their weight as if it were solid ground.
Tiny lights began to appear, floating around the group. Fireflies—the air was alive with their gentle dance, their glow amplified by the water’s reflections. The moon and the fireflies grew brighter and the group could now see each other’s faces. They exchanged looks of bewilderment and awe as they took in their surroundings.
“Okay, good. A real one this time,” Lin said with a satisfied tone.
“This one is a waltz,” N15 explained, as he adjusted his VR glasses, which had shifted slightly during the zombie fight.
Lin’s lips curved into a small, pleased smile. “It’s much more romantic than fighting fucking zombies. That’s for sure.”
“You’ll like this one,” responded N15. “Oh, and for anyone who doesn’t know how to waltz, in a moment, other dancers will appear, and the real people will vanish into the crowd. You won’t be able to see us anymore—just yourselves and the computer-generated dancers. So don’t worry, no one but your partner will be able to see you. Also, the system’s set to easy mode, so you can follow along with the computer dancers or just do your own thing. Everyone spread out so each pair has plenty of room to move around.”
As if on cue, figures began to rise from the water—men and women dressed in elaborate 19th-century attire. The men wore tailored suits with coattails, their cravats neatly tied, while the women donned flowing gowns with intricate lace and ribbons. The group watched as their companions disappeared into the growing crowd, leaving them each paired with their living partners.
The invisible orchestra began to play Strauss’s Blue Danube, the opening notes soft and ethereal, like the calm of dawn. The melody was gentle, a tranquil invitation to move.
N15 took the hand of Katya’s unbroken arm and placed his other hand on her waist. She smiled somewhat wanly down at him, her usual sharp demeanor softened by the dreamlike setting. Dancing was a little bit difficult with one arm in a cast and sling, but they adjusted as they began to move to the languid intro.
“What’s going to happen tomorrow?” she asked abruptly.
N15 blinked. “What do you mean?”
“The operation,” she said, her gaze steady. “You love to analyze the numbers. What do you think the odds of success are? More specifically, the odds that I survive this shit?”
He hesitated, then stepped closer, his fingers pressing into her middle a little tighter. “You’ll be fine. Just stick to the plan,” he said finally. “All of us will stick to the plan, and I’ll make sure you get out alive. You’ve been one hundred percent cooperative, so Tendo isn’t going to cheat you.”
Katya nodded, but she pressed her lips together tightly. “One sec,” she said. She put her head on N15’s shoulder for balance and lifted her legs, one at a time so she could reach down and remove her shoes with her good arm. Without her heels, she was at eye level with him, and she took his hand again, resuming the dance.
“You’re pretty good at this,” she observed as he led her through the steps of the waltz.
He chuckled softly. “I took some classes with my wife—my ex-wife,” he corrected quickly.
“Do you have any kids?” she asked casually.
“A daughter,” he said. “She’s ten. I only get to see her every other month or so. This job and my ex make it difficult. What about you? Do you have any children?”
Katya shook her head, her expression softening. “No kids for me,” she said.
“Ever married?” he ventured.
“No,” she replied. “My line of work doesn’t exactly leave room for married life. Planning robberies, murders and kidnapping takes a lot of time… you know how it is.”
N15 chuckled nervously and nodded, a flicker of discomfort in his eyes.
“Plus,” she added, her voice dropping, “you people killed my boyfriend.”
He froze mid-step, his eyes widening. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry. The… the cyborg? I didn’t realize—”
“It’s fine,” she interrupted. “He was a piece of shit. We weren’t doing well anyway. Abusive, always angry—but being here with you all has made it clear just what a freel mew shit he really was.”
They danced without speaking for a few moments, the music and the virtual dancers swirling around them. Then Katya sighed, her grip on his hand tightening.
“No one can see us, right?” she asked.
N15 hesitated. “Uh, yeah. The system’s set up so the other real people are invisible to each other. Why?”
She glanced around, as if confirming they were alone, then looked back at him. “Can I suck your dick?”
His eyes nearly popped out of his head. “What? Why?”
She let out a small, exasperated laugh. “Leave it to a man to screw up a sure thing. Do you want it or not?”
N15’s face turned scarlet, and he quickly stammered, “No, no, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I’d love it… It’s been a long time. But why now? Here?”
Katya’s expression grew serious. “Because there’s a good chance I’ll be dead tomorrow night, maybe someone at the hand-off will get nervous, or maybe your asshole boss will decide he needs to clean up loose ends… When that happens, I just want someone to remember… to remember that I existed. My life hasn’t meant shit to anyone—no one who’s still alive, anyway.” Katya paused, her gaze steady but vulnerable. “Look, I don’t expect you to understand,” she continued, low and earnest. “I’ve buried more people than I can count, and not one of them would’ve given a damn if I died. I thought that maybe, if I can make you feel good—even for a few moments—you’ll remember me. That’s all I want. Just one person who’ll miss me when I’m gone.”
N15’s chest tightened as he studied her. “Katya, you don’t have to do this to be remembered. I’ll remember you. You don’t owe me anything.”
A wry smile appeared on her face, but her eyes were distant. “Just shut up and let me have this. Let me feel like I’ve left someone with something good, even if it’s just a memory. Let me feel like I’m more than just another body waiting to be buried.”
He searched her face, the weight of her words settling over him. “If something happens tomorrow, which it won’t, I’ll remember you. I’ll remember you were a woman who made some bad choices, but then made a good choice to help others. I’ll give a speech at your funeral.”
Katya’s smile softened, a flicker of warmth breaking through her usual stoicism. “That’s… nice to hear,” she admitted. “But humor me anyway. Let me do this.”
He tried to say no, but realized that he couldn’t; Maybe it was the alcohol, or the romantic virtual setting, or the sincerity in her voice, or maybe it was just the fact that he was a man and she was a woman. Whatever it was, he resolved to oblige her. N15 exhaled slowly, his resistance completely demolished. “Okay,” he said quietly.
She smiled faintly, a sad, almost bittersweet expression. “Thanks,” she said, her hand trailing down to the front of his pants. She rubbed him through the fabric, the warmth of his rapidly hardening cock evident as it grew.
“You really want to do this right here?” he asked, a little shaky.
“The risk will make it more memorable,” she replied, her tone matter-of-fact.
He couldn’t argue with that logic. As she knelt, he quickly removed his coat, folding it neatly and placing it on the water’s surface.
“For your knees,” he said.
“What a gentleman,” she murmured, laughing a little.
Once she was settled, Katya unzipped his pants, her movements confident yet unhurried. His penis popped out and she took him into her mouth, her lips warm and skilled as she began to suck and lick.
“Oh my god,” N15 gasped, his hands instinctively going to her hair. He was careful not to push, letting her control the pace. “I can already tell I’m not going to last long.”
Katya pulled back briefly, her voice muffled. “How much longer do we have before the song ends and everyone can see us?”
“About four minutes,” he replied, his voice strained. “But I’m not going to last more than two.”
She chuckled softly, starting to bob faster. The music swelled, the melody bold and commanding, echoing the intensity building between them.
Katya’s lips tightened around him, her tongue running expertly along the sensitive underside of his shaft. She took him deeper, her throat soft and warm. The fireflies swirled around her head, as her tongue swirled around N15’s head. Her unbroken arm reached into his pants to cup his balls, while the fingers of her broken arm flexed as if imagining themselves wrapping around the base of his cock. N15 shuddered, his hands gripping her head tighter as he fought the urge to push her face into his pelvis.
“Oh, god,” he breathed, his voice trembling. “Mommy!”
She hummed in response, the vibration sending a jolt of pleasure through him. Her pace quickened, her head bobbing faster, her lips and tongue working in perfect harmony. The dancers continued to waltz around them, and N15 swore that a few of them raised their eyebrows at the sight him standing there, the tall woman on her knees before him, his cock sliding in and out between her glistening lips. As the intensity of his pleasure grew, the world around them seemed to fade, the music and the shimmering river forgotten. All that existed was the heat of her mouth, the tight pull of her suction, and the electric pleasure building in his core.
His knees began to buckle slightly, a low groan escaping his lips. The orchestra reached its crescendo, the waltz approached its final notes with triumph and passion.
“Here… here it comes,” N15 whispered, his voice strained.
Katya nodded, slowing slightly as she focused on finishing him off. He came with a muffled groan that turned to a whimper, his semen warm and sudden as it sprayed on her tongue and into the back of her throat. She swallowed and held him deep in her mouth, making sure not to pull away until he was completely done.
After a moment, Katya tucked N15’s penis back into his zipper, careful not to get any stains on his pants. She zipped him up and gave the front of his pants a gentle pat. She stood, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, a wistful look on her face.
“Thanks,” she said simply, her voice calm but with a hint of vulnerability.
N15 chuckled softly, shaking his head in disbelief. “Wait, hold on. You just gave me oral sex, swallowed it all, and now you’re thanking me? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?”
Katya shrugged, smirking. “I’m thanking you for letting me do it. I needed that. It’s not every day I get to feel… alive, you know? Tomorrow, I might not be so alive.”
He glanced at her, his expression softening. “Stop thinking about dying. You’re alive now, and tomorrow we’ll make sure you stay that way.”
She looked away, her eyes watching the shimmering water beneath them. “You’re sweet,” she murmured. “But don’t make promises you can’t keep. We both know how this could end. By the way, what’s your name? Your real name.”
N15 hesitated, his gaze shifting uncomfortably. “It’s against protocol to use real names,” he said quietly.
Katya narrowed her eyes, a hint of irritation flickering across her face. “I’ve had your dick in my mouth, and I’ve got your cum in my stomach,” she said bluntly, crossing her arms. “I feel like I should at least get to know your name. Just your first name.”
He sighed. He felt like she was right. She’d performed an intensely personal act for his benefit and she didn’t even know his real name. His shoulders slumped slightly as he relented. “Okay, okay, fine. It’s Robert,” he whispered, glancing around. She smiled and took his hand again, pressing her body close against his.
Katya leaned in close, her lips brushing against N15’s ear as she whispered, “Don’t forget me, Bobby.” Her breath was warm, and her tone was almost pleading.
He hesitated, then nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll remember you,” he promised. They continued to sway together for a while, as the last remnants of the song played.
Eventually the music faded, the fireflies dimming as the moon’s glow softened. The virtual dancers began to dissolve back into the water, the serene river landscape silent in the soft glow of the moon. The other dancers, the real ones, came into view again.
“I need a drink. Does anyone want to do another shot with me before the next song?” said Katya to the whole group.
“Ooh, me!” shouted Sumiko, raising his hand, “Lin wants to get me nice and drunk.”
On the far side of the river, Liki sniffed the air and giggled.
“What’s so funny?” Dave asked, raising an eyebrow.
She leaned in closer, pulling him down to whisper into his ear. “I smell DNA!” she said, her wide eyes sparkling mischievously.
Chapter 64: Ménage
Sumiko, Katya, Juni, Yaten and Jotaro clinked their shot glasses together, the soft clinks echoing through the virtual space. Sumiko grinned, his cheeks already flushed from earlier drinks. “To questionable life choices! May we regret them only a little!” he said, tilting his head back as he downed the shot. Katya followed, smiling mysteriously. Jotaro laughed, still a virtual woman, her long blonde hair swaying as she tossed her head back. Juni, however, did two shots in quick succession, one in each hand, her eyes shut tightly as she winced at the burn. She thunked her glasses down on the table.
“Whooo! Less dansse!” she cheered.
As they made their way back to their partners, a monotonous voice boomed through the space. “All dancers, report to the dance floor. Liftoff in T-minus 60 seconds.”
The group exchanged curious glances. Lin’s face lit up with excitement, her eyes sparkling like she’d been waiting for this moment. “Oh my god, I’ve done this one before. It’s a wanzing,” she said, grabbing Sumiko’s hand and tugging him toward the center of the room.
From the water, a large square platform began to rise, steam venting off its edges in dramatic bursts. The hum of machinery filled the air as the platform settled into place. Around them, computer-generated partygoers materialized, wearing an array of dazzling dance attire – bikini tops and shorts, sequined dresses, sharp suits, tank tops and athletic wear, and even futuristic outfits glowing with neon lights. They moved with fluid grace, making their way to the platform as if drawn by an unseen force.
At one end of the platform, a DJ station emerged, its sleek design gleaming under the virtual lights. The DJ, clad in an astronaut suit, rose from within the elevated platform, his helmet reflecting the ambient glow of the environment. He placed a record on the turntable, and the sound of children chanting echoed through the darkness. Subtle percussion began, slow and ambient, setting a hypnotic rhythm.
The edges of the platform began to vent off more steam, the air crackling with anticipation. “T-minus 20 seconds,” the voice announced, its tone unwavering.
The real dancers – Dave, Liki, Lin, Sumiko, Katya, N15, Juni, Tendo, Jotaro, and Yaten – moved toward the middle of the platform, mingling amongst the virtual crowd. Liki clung to Dave’s arm, trembling slightly with excitement. “What’s happening?” she whispered, her wide eyes taking in the spectacle.
“I think we’re about to blast off, like, into space,” Dave murmured.
The countdown began. “Ignition sequence start! T-minus 10 seconds! 10, 9, 8…” The platform vibrated beneath their feet. “7, 6, 5…” The hum of engines grew louder. “4, 3, 2, 1… 0. All engines running! Liftoff! We have liftoff!”
A deafening roar erupted from below as flames and smoke billowed around the platform. The crowd cheered, their voices blending with the rising beat of the music. The platform began to ascend, slowly at first, then gaining speed as the ground below grew smaller and the beat grew louder. The synthesizer hummed, its sound intertwining with the chanting children, creating an otherworldly harmony.
The dancers all around them swayed and bounced excitedly. Dave did his best to keep up, meanwhile Liki gyrated and shimmied with perfect rhythm as if she’d been engineered specifically for dancing. She looked up at Dave, her face glowing. He squeezed her hand, as their hearts pounded in time with the music.
The platform soared higher, flames trailing behind it. The dim light of dawn revealed far-off cities on the horizon, their skyscrapers glinting like jewels. Clouds loomed above, and the platform shot through them, the low hum of the synthesizer and the beat growing louder.
As they reached the edge of the atmosphere, the beat suddenly stopped. Only the drone of the synthesizer remained, haunting and ethereal. A gentle, captivating melody emerged, and the dancers slowed, swaying to the hypnotic sound. The sky shifted from the soft hues of dawn to the inky blackness of space. Below them, the entire circle of the Earth was visible, a breathtaking sight of swirling blues and greens.
Dave gazed down into Liki’s eyes, trying to find the right words, but none came. Instead, he held her close, her soft body fitting perfectly against his. She closed her eyes, a faint smile on her lips as she snuggled closer.
The melody filled the dance floor, its echoing notes wrapping around the dancers like a warm embrace. Dave glanced around, taking in the scene. Juni had her arms around Tendo, their bodies swaying gently as they gazed out into the vastness of space. Jotaro and Yaten were laughing, their hands clasped as they pointed at something down on the Earth below. Sumiko and Lin were spinning slowly, their movements gentle and intimate. And then there was Katya and N15, inexplicably kissing. Dave raised an eyebrow. How did that happen? he wondered.
Suddenly, the music swelled and the beat returned with a triumphant roar. The crowd cheered, their voices blending with the chanting children as the sun broke over the horizon of the Earth below. The platform seemed to pick up speed, and the Earth shrank rapidly beneath them. Above, the moon loomed large, its surface illuminated by the sunlight.
The platform turned, aligning itself so the shrinking Earth was behind and the growing moon was in front. The DJ hyped up the crowd, his arms raised as the beat pulsed through the platform. The moon grew even larger, its craters and ridges becoming clearer. The Earth behind them, a circle of blue and white and green, seemed almost insignificant in the vastness of space.
The music continued, its rhythm unrelenting, as the platform hurtled toward the moon. The dancers swayed and spun, cheering together when the DJ raised his arms. Stars twinkled around them, as the real humans and the virtual humans raised their hands in the air in unison. Dave watched the dancers, arms outstretched toward the vast emptiness of space, their silhouettes framed by the rising moon. For a moment, he imagined that it was a gesture of worship—not just to the music pulsing through their bodies, but to something greater. Praise for life, he thought, for the miracle of existence in this infinite, indifferent void. Among the virtual and real dancers, there was a unity, a shared moment of awe that transcended the boundaries of their existence. The distinctions between them ceased to matter, man and woman, human and Wimil, real and virtual, and together they gave thanks to the Universe, for assembling whatever form of matter they’d been made from into the specific arrangement which now gave them life.
Dave closed his eyes, letting the rhythm wash over him. He allowed himself to believe that there was a beauty to it all—the beauty of humanity, flawed and broken as it was. When he opened his eyes again, the moon loomed larger than ever, its craters and shadows stark against the blackness. The platform continued its trajectory, carrying them closer to the celestial body that his kind had gazed at for millennia. The dancers’ movements became more frenetic, their hands reaching higher, as if trying to touch the moon itself.
Dave looked back at the Earth, a pang of melancholy hitting him. It looks so small and fragile, he thought. All those people down there, going about their lives, working, playing, being born, dying, loving, fighting, helping each other, hurting each other. If they could just see this, would it change anything? If everyone saw just how small the Earth is, would we stop fighting? He sighed, his gaze drifting to Liki. Her eyes were still closed, her head resting against him. She looked so innocent, so pure, but her origins leapt to his mind. Here in the 21st century, we aren’t even content to hurt and fight with ourselves anymore. We’ve created a new kind of human to hurt and send off to fight, he thought bitterly.
Liki squeezed his hand again, pulling him out of his thoughts. She smiled up at him, her eyes reflecting the light of the stars. And in that moment, Dave knew that even though the world, and the humans living on it, would probably never change, he was different now. Liki had transformed him, her presence a quiet revolution in his life, a change that would last forever.
*
The party surged on, the virtual space shifting with each new song. After the moon, the platform plunged into the heart of a neon cityscape, skyscrapers towering above them like glowing sentinels as the platform raced through the streets. The next song brought them to a massive underwater cavern, bioluminescent creatures swimming around them and they danced amidst the swaying seaweed. Another song transported them to an alien planet, its sky alive with swirling auroras and twin suns casting golden light over the horizon.
As the final song began—an intense Neuro-Beat techno-dirge—the platform sped through a dark tunnel of glowing fractals and rays. The dancers moved in sync with the pounding rhythm, their bodies twisting and contorting as ominous geometric shapes flew by. Juni, however, stumbled, her movements becoming more uncoordinated until she collapsed to the ground, laughing. “Okayy, I neeed togoto… bed,” she slurred.
Tendo knelt beside her, his expression a mix of amusement and concern. “Come on, Juni. I think it’s time to go,” he said, his voice steady despite the cacophony around them. He helped her up, her legs wobbling as she tried to stand. Juni leaned into him, her eyes half-closed with a big, drunken grin on her face.
“Are we gonna fuuuck? I wanna fuuuck,” she tried to whisper, but ended up speaking at full volume.
Tendo sighed, shaking his head. “We’re going to sleep, because we have a big day tomorrow,” he replied, his tone patient, as he scooped her up into his arms.
Juni pouted, clearly disappointed, but managed to mumble, “Well… we can fuuuck… another time,” before she put her arms around his neck, burying her face in his shoulder.
Lin, overhearing the exchange, shot Tendo a sharp look. “You better not molest my Juni,” she warned protectively. “I’m going to check on her before I go to bed.”
Tendo met her gaze calmly, Juni still cradled in his arms. “I make it a policy not to get romantic with my coworkers,” he said, his meaning clear. Lin held his stare for a moment, then looked away slightly embarrassed.
“Yeah, Lin. Don’t fffuck your coworkersss,” slurred Juni, giggling.
Tendo carried Juni out of the virtual dance floor, her drunken laughter fading into the background as the final song reached its climax. The others, sensing the night had peaked, began to exchange nods and murmurs of agreement—it was time to call it a night. The platform, still flashing with lights and pulsing with energy, began to dissolve as N15 asked the computer, Mandy, to shut down the virtual dance program. The virtual dancers turned and waved goodbye as they disappeared, one by one.
“That was fun, Lin. Thank you for planning all this,” Sumiko said, leaning into her for a hug. Everyone else agreed, thanking Lin for her effort with hugs and fist bumps. They filed out of the virtualball court, returning their glasses to the charging case as they left. Lin stopped Dave on his way out.
“Wait, Dave,” she said, grabbing his arm gently. “There’s one more surprise for you and Liki.” She glanced over at Sumiko, who was lingering near the door, looking a little disappointed. Lin gave him a quick smile and waved. “Goodnight, Sumi. Thanks for being such a good dance partner tonight. We’ll go out dancing for real sometime,” Sumiko waved back, his grin returning as he headed down the hall.
Lin led Dave and Liki through the house and upstairs to Dave’s room, her steps light and her excitement palpable. When they reached the door, she paused. “Ready?” she asked, eyes sparkling. Dave raised an eyebrow, curious but unsure what to expect.
Lin opened the door and pressed a button on her watch. Suddenly, soft candlelight from electric candles flickered to life around the room, casting a warm, intimate glow. The floor and bed were strewn with rose petals, their deep red hues contrasted against the white sheets. Soft music began to play from the room’s integrated sound system—20th century smooth jazz. Dave smiled and Liki clapped as they took in the scene. “When did you do this?” he asked, authentically appreciative.
Lin chuckled softly. “I programmed one of the house’s auto-cleaners to set it up while we were dancing,” she explained.
Dave entered the room and Liki stepped in beside him, her small hand reaching for his. She looked around at the twinkling lights, her eyes wide with appreciation. “It’s beautiful,” she said quietly.
Lin laughed, her smile softening as she looked between Dave and Liki. “Alright, you two. Enjoy the night and each other,” she said warmly, but with a hint of playful mischief in her voice. She paused, taking a deep breath as her gaze lingered on Dave for a moment. Then she said something that made time seem to stop.
“And… if you need a third, I’d be happy to join.”
Lin’s proposition hung in the air. A thousand things and a million thoughts happened in the next two seconds as the air around the trio froze.
Lin actually pulled the trigger, Dave thought, not quite sure if she was serious. Should we do this? Does Liki want this? Liki did seem to love Lin, her admiration for the bigger Wimil evident in the way she looked at her. Could I share Liki? He didn’t think he could, and he didn’t want to. But at the same time he didn’t want to hurt Lin. She’d been nothing but thoughtful and kind. Her voice had contained real vulnerability as she’d made her offer. Tonight, with the room set up like this, it was clear she’d put her heart into it. She’s not just asking for a night of lust and sex; she’s asking for a place in our lives, Dave realized.
Dave exhaled slowly, his mind racing. Could this work? He couldn’t deny that the idea of being with both of them was tantalizing. Lin was undeniably beautiful, and her playful, confident energy was magnetic. But Liki—Liki was his partner. He loved her in a way that went beyond simple physical attraction.
Then, he felt it. Liki’s hand squeezed his tighter. Almost imperceptibly, she moved closer to him. Her tail wrapped around his leg. She didn’t say a thing, but her body spoke loudly and clearly. She was claiming him. He knew the answer. She was saying ‘No’. As he opened his mouth to respond, he saw Lin’s nostrils flare, and her eyes widened a bit, as if she’d smelled something concerning. “Lin, we…” he started.
Lin’s expression changed instantly. She laughed. “I’m just kidding, you guys. Have fun, and thank you for coming to my party tonight.”
“Thank you, Lin,” he said, “we both loved your surprise. See you in the morning.”
As Dave grasped the doorknob, Lin gently placed her hand on Liki’s shoulder and bent down to whisper something in her ear. Without hesitation, Liki wrapped her arms around Lin in a tight hug, her tail swishing slightly as if to emphasize her affection. Lin hugged her back just as fiercely, a soft sigh escaping from her lips.
She stood and said goodnight. Liki took Dave’s hand and she waved as they went into the room. He door closed behind them.
Lin sighed again as she headed downstairs, her heels clicking quietly on the polished marble floor. I suppose that could have gone worse, she thought, it was a dumb idea anyway. As she reached the hall, she passed Tendo, heading to his room.
“Juni’s safely in bed,” he informed her calmly. “I left her dress on, though. If she’d rather be in her pajamas, you can go help her, but I think she’s already asleep.”
Lin nodded. “Thanks, Tendo,” she replied. She wasn’t often genuinely appreciative of her stern boss, but he had his moments.
Tendo gave a brief nod before continuing on his way, his footsteps fading as he disappeared down the hall. Lin turned and made her way toward her own room, but as she passed the hallway that led to the pool, she heard faint noises—soft whispering voices and the gentle lapping of water. Curiosity piqued, she paused and peered around the corner.
Through the glass, she spotted a dark blue dress and a dark brown jacket and pants draped over the bench near the door. A pair of black panties lay on the ground nearby. The voices were too quiet to make out, but she distinctly heard two voices amidst the rippling of water. A soft giggle echoed into the hall, and Lin recognized the voice. Katya. She didn’t need to listen anymore to realize who was in there with her.
Lin paused. You know what? Fuck it, she thought. Instead of heading to her room, she turned and made her way back upstairs. Purposefully, she marched down the hall until she stopped in front of Sumiko’s door, her heart pounding in her chest. Taking a deep breath, she knocked.
Sumiko answered the door, his shirt unbuttoned as though he’d been undressing for bed. His eyes widened in surprise. “Lin,” he said, a playful smirk on his face. “So, did you get stood up?”
“Shut up, Sumi,” Lin replied, rolling her eyes but smiling despite herself. “Can I come in your room?”
“You can come wherever you want,” he quipped, his grin widening.
Lin laughed softly and stepped forward, pulling him into a tight hug. “I just… I don’t want to be alone tonight,” she admitted, her voice quieter now.
Sumiko’s playful demeanor softened. “Oh shit, are we gonna do it?” he teased with a hint of hope in his tone.
“No,” said Lin, shaking her head, “but I’ll let you cuddle me all night.”
Sumiko raised an eyebrow. “Nude cuddling?”
Lin sighed, though her smile didn’t falter. “How about underwear cuddling?”
Sumiko narrowed his eyes, pretending to consider it. “Underwear cuddling. Bra off. Final offer.”
Lin smirked, shaking her head. “Well… I’m not wearing a bra,” she said, cupping her breasts as if to be sure, “so, I guess I accept.”
“Deal,” Sumiko agreed without hesitation, stepping aside to let her in. “I am going to cuddle your brains out, Lin. Like, professional-level cuddling. You’re not ready for this,” he said with a mischievous grin.
This guy, she thought as she stepped into his room, beginning to undo the clasps on her cheongsam. Sumiko closed the door behind her.
The house was dark and silent.
