Everything was set. The sun had just begun to set as the moon rose to cover this town in its light. My light came from my hand. After yesterday, something was different. It began to spread faster. My forearm was entirely pink and seem to be a big larger, swollen. At the tip of each of my finger grew a small claw. I The burning was immense, but I was able to block it out. My head throbbed my worse. At least that took my attention away from my arm. For now.
The arcade sat there, empty and void of life after they destroyed my creation. The poor Chomp Kitty didn't stand a chance. And what chance I would give these creatures now. A fighting chance is all they need, and all I need. It wasn't hard to slip in without setting off the security alarms. The place was old, and they never seemed to update their systems enough to keep up with the times. Lucky me. My gallery of life was before me, in all of its glorious beauty of wires and boards. The inside is what held my friends. My precious gift I will give them so they may give me mine.
It didn't matter which one I chose, they would come to life at the touch of my hand. My grossly deformed hand, but that's not the point.
That's my hand too.
" Sorry. It's not disgustingly deformed. Happy?" I muttered sarcastically.
No time for banter.
Right. My electrical palm pressed against the console of my first machine. A simple fighting game. The machine began to whirr in response, filling with life as pink electricity swarmed it. In a moment, one of the characters emerged in pink light. He was stocky, built well. He would keep some busy, but I needed more.
I got to work. Every machine. Nothing left untouched by my power. No one left sitting in the machine that held them. They would live because I said so. They would be free. I hated to see their fates laid out, but I needed time. I needed a distraction.
The many monsters and characters were confused with each other, some began to fight. Others left immediately, looking to cause trouble. For once, I wanted trouble. I looked outside, and sure enough, there they were. In droves, Glitch Techs were pulling up to my crime scene. There were many, but I was certain many more were to come with the chaos I've stirred up. One of them got out and blasted a Monch Monch, one of those Chomp Kitty knockoffs. Honestly, not sad to see it go.
Now, phase two.
The security around Hinobi was basically nothing but someone working inside, restocking. Oh the night shift, how I did not miss you. It was easy to sneak inside. I'm surprised how easy, honestly. It's like they were just zoned out. If I was working the night shift, I'd be zoned out too, if I'm being honest. I saluted the soldier before making my way to the back.
The lockers were a bit more tidy since the last time I was here, but the code was the same. At least they didn't lock me out, that would be oh so very terrible.
Inside the lobby, the lights were completely out aside from some consoles still up and running, possibly from some of the techs leaving in the middle of the game. I do hope they paused. The silence was deafening, almost like a ghost town.
Would you prefer I kept you company?
"Gah! No! Don't do that! Just keep quiet until we're done here."
I was thankful that no one was around to hear that.
The floor beneath me echoed its song across the walls as I walked along it. Being quiet wasn't my main concern at the moment, I was in too much of a hurry. The techs could be back any minute now, even with all of the firepower I sent their way. With everyone possible out there in the field, there was no telling how much time I had left. That was also if my gauntlet is even still here.
Finally I made it to my destination; Emma's lab. I lifted my hand, but halted. My mind was buzzing as I could feel the memories coming back. Everything I left behind. Everything I worked for, gone. Was I really going to risk it even more by getting my gauntlet? The one place I wanted so badly to return to, yet I was terrified. My feet sunk deeper and deeper into the floor, keeping me in place. My friend was in there, alone. I needed her, I needed to free her. It was the least I could do. She helped me realize who I truly was, what I actually cared about.
Who was I talking about here? They're one in the same. My friend, my freedom, my truthteller. I couldn't possibly tell them apart anymore. What they've done for me, what they've done to me. I could never pay them back in any way that would amount to how they have created a new me. I could try, but I would never make it close. I must free them. It's the least I can do. So why can't I make the move? I can't bear to go back inside. My time spent inside this lab has haunted me. It was the best time of my life, and now that time is over. It's but a painful memory. Inside possibly lies these two friends. One will always be closer to me than I would like to admit.
One will always break me.
I have to push past this. I have to be strong for her. I have to free her. I have to pay her back for what she's done before this thing overtakes me, and possibly kills me. It's my last request.
The large door slid open as my feet finally released from the floor. Inside, the monitors were still on. Emma must have been here before red alert sounded. I don't think I want to face her now, yet I still wish she was here. Not in this state. I can't be seen like this. If I die, never to see her again, I would hope my image would last as a human. Not whatever I am becoming.
The monitors' blue lights gave me enough to be able to look around. There were papers scattered along the large desk, all about different glitches. I scoured, pushing them back and forth. She never told me where she kept important things. I checked the many drawers and cubbies within the area, but nothing. I checked the desk again, frantically shoving papers aside before something caught my eye. A piece of paper underneath the rest.
" Possessor Glitch." I heard something behind me.
" Don't move if you want to keep your head." I know that voice.
My breathing slowed as I felt my body tense up. I couldn't bear to turn around.
" Who are you? Turn around, slow." She grit her teeth. It was that sort of terrifying power that I always loved to see from her. She only showed it in situations that called for it, and I guess that time is now.
I slowly turned, the paper still in my hand. Once I could see her, I saw her anger fade to something I could only describe as confused shock. It was an odd look. It was almost like she hated to see me. I hated to see her.
" It's been a while." I tried to lighten the mood a bit. Nothing I could say would help, but at least I tried. Emma's hand gripped tighter on her weapon. It looked to be one of those mini guns from a Starlight game, possibly the 2nd generation.
" Lucas?" Her exasperated reply came with a feeling of regret. I shouldn't have come here. I shouldn't have come here. I should have stayed away.
" I didn't want you to see me like this." I apologized, looking down a bit, trying to chuckle like I used to but nothing would come out. I just didn't want to look at her. Not in the eyes. Those pained eyes. I could tell she was off.
Emma straightened up. " Why are you here?"
" I came for a friend. I suppose you don't still have my gauntlet?" I looked up, trying to look at her. Her expression shifted.
" And what if I do?"
" You know what I'm here for. Give her to me." I held out my arm. The left one. This seemed to catch Emma's attention, but almost like she was avoiding it at first.
" What happened to you?" She sounded scared.
" You were there."
" The Possessor Glitch. I've been doing research on it."
" I saw." I shook the paper."
" There's not much information on it. I don't know how its doing this to you. Something is wrong with you, Lucas."
" Yeah, something is wrong. I don't have my companion. Give her to me, now." I began to grow impatient. My blood was boiling over. I could feel my emotions growing, much more than I anticipated. I didn't want to be angry, not at her, but I couldn't help it.
" You're not in the position to make demands." Emma nudged the gun, proving her point. I hated it. I knew before never to mess with her when she made threats like these, but I'm not the same person I was before.
" How are the other techs? They sure are taking awhile." My comment seemed to unsettle Emma. Her gaze shifted as did her stature. She took a moment to process what I said.
" You had something to do with the glitch outbreak…didn't you?" She started to tremble, I could feel it. This fear gave me a rush. I could feel every inch of this room tremble in fear with her. I commanded it.
" We were right, you know. They're alive. More than I even thought." I smiled. " My glitch is one with me. I might be dying, but I die knowing the truth. I can hear her. She speaks to me. I can create glitches, bring them to life with a touch of my hand," I thrust my arm closer. " Don't you get it? We were right! You can finally show them that glitches are not just code with a desire to hurt. They can learn, they can breathe, they are alive. I am alive."
" You're sick."
" I am stronger than ever before!" My arms had a mind of their own. I felt them slam into the desk, throwing the papers to the floor, aggressive in their nature. " You have no idea what this feels like. The pain, but the power. I am in charge of my own destiny now. I am in charge of theirs." I gestured to the many cages around us, filled with the many glitches I knew. " I can free them all, I can show them. We can show them." I held out my arm once more. " You were the only one who was able to teach me. The only other human who was able to care enough about these creatures to show me their value. We can free them together."
Emma stood there, possibly thinking of my offer. I knew what was best for them. This was the way. I was certain of it. She stuttered, trying to get ahold of herself.
" I can't do that. You know this isn't right. That thing is messing with your head."
" Thing? Hahahaha." my laughter became maniacal, " This thing is a living being with thoughts and feelings! You think she wanted this? She had no choice thanks to those techs. She just wanted to survive, like we all do. She hates what is happening to us and just because she's not human like you are doesn't make it any less disturbing. You have a lot of nerve to tell me what is wrong with me. You're just a two-face liar, aren't you?" I couldn't hold myself together. " Hahaha! I mean, who would ever actually believe that glitches can be alive? Was it all a trick? Did you just want to get into my head and make me believe you thought this way?"
" No I-"
" You have no right to say that what I'm doing is wrong. You did this to me! You gave me hope and now you're just throwing it aside for what? People who don't understand you? Don't understand us?"
She was speechless. Her fear was replaced with something more somber. I walked closer. Closer until I felt the gun against my chest.
" If only you could feel this the way I do." My hand grew closer to her face. She couldn't take her eyes off of me. It was like she was frozen in time. Before I could touch her, I felt something push me back, jumping into my chest. When I collected myself, I saw it was Chompers. He growled as Emma snapped out of it. He lunged again, teeth gnashing, but before he could hit again, I caught him with my hand. He squirmed and whimpered, trying to bite at me. I felt something inside of me. Something wanting this. I could feel my energy coming from my hand into the glitch. He cried out, but I don't think it was from pain. Once again, I saw the electricity come from my arm, swarming Chompers. The pink light was enough to blind someone. I dropped Chompers and he fell to the ground, limp. Emma stood in shock, her gun lowered, almost ready to scoop up her little pet.
" What did you do!?" She yelled at me. Honestly, I have no clue. I couldn't tell you if I wanted. I could feel something, though. An energy within him. I felt connected. His body shifted. I could hear a growl coming from him. He slowly put his paws out, standing up like a zombie. When he looked up, his eyes were pink and lifeless, but angry. I felt him, almost like we were one. A moment passed in this uncertain phase, but I shook it off.
" Give her to me."
For the second time, I saw pain in Emma's eyes. It was like nothing before. It was defeat in more ways than one. She had lost a friend. Possibly two if she still considered me one until now. Needless to say, she reached into her pocket and pulled out my bracelet. I took it without hesitation. Before I could say anything, I hear the doors slide open.
" The signal is in here!" I heard a voice yell out. They returned. I backed away as they came in, pointing their gauntlets at me. I looked over to Emma, but she didn't give me the same look back. She stared at the floor, silent. I could hear their murmurs. They knew something was off. I needed to get out of here. I turned towards them as they pointed their weapons.
" Can't we just be civil about this?" Fat chance. Once the first blaster fired, they all did. I was much quicker than I was before, and was able to evade most of their shots. Most of them. As I bounded off the wall to get by them, one nicked me in the back, forcing me to the floor outside. I was able to get up in time, though, making my escape. I heard bounding towards me, but I didn't see the techs. I saw Chompers. He ran beside me. Oh lucky me.
The outside was cold once more, especially with the draft hitting my back. The blast destroyed my hoodie. At least my shirt was fine. I was able to hide in an alley before the rest of the techs came back. Somehow, they couldn't find me again. I don't know how they did when I was in there. A signal. Was I giving off a signal. Ugh, no time to think, I need to move.
The cold was chilling this time around, and now they were looking for me more than ever. I wasn't safe in the open anymore. I needed somewhere to hide. My search came up empty for hours, but finally I came to somewhere I could lay low. An abandoned warehouse hidden deep in a whole truckload of them. Seriously, why are these all here?
I've seen enough shows and cutscenes to know where to look for these things. There's always an abandoned warehouse ready for the pickings. Ripe for the pickings? Whatever.
The doors were locked, but not for long. I was able to smash them open with my insanely strong arm. Haha, I don't even work out.
The inside was pitch black, but it was large. This would be perfect. Much better than my apartment, if I'm being honest. I limped over to one of the many crates strewn across the floor and collapsed, leaning against it. My tired body could barely hold myself up. I was drained from the glitch stuff. A puddle of water was next to me. I looked over into it, and I could see something horrifying looking back. My left eye had become yellow with a pink diamond-shaped pupil. Pink lines grew from the area, like a disease. No wonder my head was hurting today.
I laid back down against the crate, collecting my thoughts. I looked at my gauntlet, resting in my hand.
I got what I came for, but I finally lost everything else.