I walked out of the hall and headed back to the reception area. As I originally planned I wanted to go outside to take a look around and get new clothes. Reaching the entrance area didn’t take long, but when I looked at the door, I remembered something very important.

I left my mask on the chair.

I hit my forehead with my palm which got me an “Are you crazy?” look from the receptionist. I rushed back towards my table, but I could already see something very peculiar from a distance.

Ember girl was sniffing around my table and dirty dishes. Literally sniffing around.

“Can I help you?” I asked her probably a bit too loudly when I got close enough.

She got startled badly and jumped back while turning around. Unfortunately for her, a chair blocked her retreat which resulted in ember girl plopping down to the ground with wide eyes.

“Shit! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you.” I reached for her to help her up.

[DON’T TOUCH HER!]

“DON’T TOUCH ME!”

Two screams blasted both my ears and my mind at the same time from the two girls.

“I… I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to… I mean… y-you just had this… rough, unknown smell… and you see… I-I was just… I’M SORRY!” She could barely squeeze out a few words at a time without stammering.

Her face turned blazing red in a second. After failing miserably at an explanation, she jumped up and dashed away towards the exit.

I was left behind dumbfounded. That escalated quickly. I couldn’t just let her go like this. I couldn't even apologize properly for scaring her.

I tried to run after her, but to my absolute surprise, she left me in the dust with astonishing speed. I was already anxious about losing her, but then I remembered my blasted mask! I couldn’t leave it behind… again.

With an annoyed sigh, I ran back to the table and picked it up.

When I got back to the reception area, she was already gone. I sucked on my teeth with annoyance.

I turned my glare to the guy behind the table.

“Where did ember girl go?!” I asked him with a demanding tone.

“I-I… She went up with the elevator?” He got scared.

“Where’s her room then?!” I continued to pressure him.

“Ehh… I’m not supposed to give out information like that. I’m sorry.” He stood his ground with a mixed expression.

[Aium, you can’t just ask for a person’s room number. Let the matter go!] Genna came to his rescue before I could step up my interrogation game.

I took a second to straighten out my thoughts and catch my breath. I was miserably out of shape.

Many things happened way too fast. Maybe I should have handled the most disturbing part first.

[I can understand why she didn’t want me to touch her, but what was up with you? Are you developing feelings for me? Are you a possessive, jealous type?]

[WHAT?! I was just looking out for you. You fool, she’s a qaut! You can’t touch her skin! You’ll most likely die from radiation poisoning before anyone could help you. Why do you think she wears a full body suit and looks like she’s burning under her skin?! You can’t be this dense!] she snapped at me.

[Woah… I’m sorry. I didn’t know. Calm down!] I backed down.

[I don’t think anything would have happened even if you helped her up due to her suit, but it’s just not right to touch a qaut in any situation. It’s dangerous and highly inappropriate towards them,] she said more calmly.

[That’s heavy. You should have told me sooner. Does that also mean when I asked you before whether I had a chance with her or not and you shot me down ruthlessly, you were thinking about this?]

[Of course. I’m sorry if you felt like I was mean to you, but I don’t think you can have a chance with a qaut girl. That’s just playing with fire.]

[Hehe… Nice one.]

[Thanks! I hoped you would notice.] She was genuinely happy her joke got through this time.

[Ah, and by the way, chasing a girl like that is way too creepy, especially when the girl is running from you. Please try to refrain from actions like this in the future.]

[Yeah, you are probably right. I don’t want her to see me as a stalker. It was just a shocking situation and she rushing away… I just thought I should say something else to her or at least apologize for scaring her like that.]

[A bit more explanation from both sides would have been nice for sure. What was she doing at your table in the first place? Do you think she smelled something related to your… previous location?]

[I don’t know… Probably… Are the ember people good at smelling?]

[Ehh, please stop calling them ember people. You wouldn’t like someone calling you blood bags, would you? By the way, Qauts have an exquisite sense of smell.]

[Huh. Next time I see her maybe I could ask her what I smell like. I hope nothing horrible, though.]

[Or you could just leave her be and never bother her again with creepy questions?]

She had a good idea there.

[How about we head out now like we wanted to?]

[Don’t try to change the subject!]

I put on my mask while humming ignorantly and went outside.

The view of the sidewalk was exactly like last time. Everyone busy heading back and forth on the street while the sky was filled with machines disappearing into the distance with incredible speed. It was a wonder they could go this fast despite being so densely packed.

I took a deep breath to test my mask’s usefulness. I didn’t feel any irritation or urge to cough, so I was happy with my purchase. I knocked twice on the side of my mask. The feeling of its sturdiness made me feel much safer in this unfamiliar environment. Also, it was an added feature that people wouldn’t stare at my face like this.

Thankfully I wasn’t the only one on the street with a mask on. I’ve seen many people in all kinds of masks already.

[My respected guide! I wish to acquire directions towards the nearest establishment where I can barter for attire.] I tried my best to sound snob.

[Erm… What happened there? What’s with the strange talk? The translation module’s power consumption flared up like crazy.]

[Translation module?] I asked.

[Yeah, it’s a neat program that translates the meaning you try to impart from your old language to this new one you are currently speaking. I already noticed an abnormally high power consumption rate for the module in your case. I speculate it’s only because this English language you normally would use doesn’t exist in the database and the module has to run a few additional circles to translate what you try to communicate. In a few cases it fails miserably at it.]

[Abnormal power consumption?!] Somehow it sounded dangerous.

[No reason for unease. By abnormal, I only meant that in comparison to others. In your case, it’s slightly higher, but it’s still negligible.]

[Good to hear. So, where can I buy new pants?]

[Where did your eloquent speech go? Just go right. I’ll tell you when you have to turn,] she said with a giggle.

Walking with my mask on I could enjoy the scenery a lot more than last time. It was refreshing to walk among people this calmly. The whole street was a sidewalk, so people were walking around spread out. In the middle, there were two rows of trees with dark red leaves and messy crowns. In a few places, there were even benches. Both sides of the sidewalk were bordered with what looked like rows of skyscrapers, but the ocean of flying vehicles in the sky made it hard to have a good look at their upper parts. The buildings’ architecture was surprisingly simple and plain. Nothing fancy or stylish. Mostly gray colors and rectangular shapes which made the whole street depressive. The architects responsible weren’t present when they were handing out creativity for sure. I walked for quite a while, following Genna’s directions. Made a few turns and we were entering an area where the skyscrapers were slowly replaced by smaller buildings, but in the distance, I could see more monstrous skyscrapers. Most of these new buildings had small stairs leading up to the entrances from the sidewalk. Compared to before, this place was a lot more welcoming. The buildings here had different colors, but the rectangular shapes were still dominant. Still, it was a lot nicer to stroll here.

[It’s the next building,] informed me Genna after a long walk.

We were getting into a shopping area of sorts because I could see buildings around and ahead of me appear with display windows.

I looked at the shop Genna lead me to. There were many clothes displayed behind the window, but they didn’t use mannequins. At a closer look, I could see there weren’t even anything there. The clothes were just good looking holograms coming out of the ceiling.

I walked in, and an assistant greeted me immediately.

“Welcome! If you require any assistance I’ll be more than happy to help you,” came the weirdly bubbly voice. It sounded like someone was talking from underwater.

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[Oh! A rainbow dust puppy! First time hearing one talk. They don’t bite right?] I noticed the race of the assistant.

[Rainbow dust puppy? How? Why? When? That’s a Fungar, you blockhead. What’s with the idiotic name?!]

[There are so many of them around, I had to come up with a name,] I said matter-of-factly. [How do I shop here? There are only holograms. How can I try them on like this? Do I have to ask the assistant?] I was perplexed by the lack of real clothes in a shop that supposed to sell them.

[Just choose the ones you like. In the end, I’ll handle your measurements and the payment, don’t worry. But you are changing the topic again. What’s with the crazy name?] She just couldn't let it go.

[Dunno. I just felt it fits them. They have different colored dust clouds, and they are furry under it like a puppy.] I explained to her my naming process while walking around and looking at the different clothes in the shop.

[Sure. Makes a lot of sense. And by that, I mean absolutely none. Let me just say this in advance before another fiasco happens like earlier. Never call one of them with that moronic name!]

[Roger! What do I call them then?]

[I told you a minute ago. Is everything I tell you just flies out of your head? Their race is called Fungari. While at it I should also correct you. What you called dust is their spore cloud, and the “fur” is mycelium, but I have to admit it does look like fur.]

[Meh… I’m bad with names. So these guys are actually mushrooms?] I asked nonchalantly while I continued my stroll in the shop.

[That’s true and false at the same time, but I guess it would be appropriate to compare them to mushrooms biologically.]

[Huh, sounds cool. Hey, I think I’m done looking around. Do I just go up to the Fungar dude now?]

[Already done?! That was fast. Are you sure you don’t want to look around more?] she asked.

[Yeah, I’ve always been a quick shopper. I don’t like buying clothes so I’m through with it as fast as I can. By the way, couldn’t we do this from the computer in my room?]

[There are several reasons against online shopping. First of all, you left your room finally. Also, shopping in person is the socially accepted norm. Last but not least, shopping on the online market is heavily taxed. It just costs a lot more. In your mask’s case, we were forced to buy it online, since breathing outside is harmful to you,] she answered. [Just go up to the assistant, and you can pick out the ones you wish to purchase. I’ll handle the sizes and the expenses after.]

[Wait! Didn’t I just waste most of my money on the mask?] I stopped in my tracks as it ticked.

[Yes you did, but you are lucky because the month will be over in 3 days which means new allowance money, too.]

[I got the full amount even though I applied at the end of the month?!] I asked dumbfoundedly.

[Yes.]

[Bahaha! My luck is unlimited! Let’s spend all the money!] I said triumphantly.

[Please don’t.] She was clearly pained by the idea of me spending all my money.

“Hey, I’d like to pick out the clothes I want to buy,” I said to the mushroom guy.

Even so close to him the orange cloud rolling around his body made it really hard to see the body itself. What I could make out was a dark, dough-like body without many features. I couldn’t see a neck, a nose, ears or any kind of facial features. The only thing representing where his face was were two dimly shining dots which were probably his eyes.

When he reached out a furry tentacle from his stomach area, I nearly screamed. It made me realize the creature didn’t have hands! It was like a slime monster!

“Take your time.” As the Fungar’s stomach tentacle wormed out, a holoscreen popped up in front of me. I couldn’t stop staring as the tentacle slowly retracted into his body.

I shook my head a little and forced my eyes onto the holoscreen to lessen my shock.

[Seems like a guy, but is he a guy?] I asked Genna while picking out the few clothes I liked on the screen.

[Nope, and not female either. They don’t have sex. Their reproduction is extremely unique. When a Fungar reaches a certain age, they become capable of growing a child body. They can’t do it often, though. The process involves sacrificing a part of their own body which they nurture into an entirely new being. Basically their child.]

[Suuuuuper creepy. I wish you didn’t explain it. I’ll have nightmares from this.]

[I’m done here,] I continued.

[You have an interestingly boring taste in clothing you know. You couldn’t find duller pieces?] she complained.

[I don’t like attention. Don’t try to force something shit on me. I dress myself as I see fit!] I said with a firm tone.

[Fine, fine. Just put your hand on the metal circle on the table so I can finish the purchase.]

After doing so, I heard a small buzzing sound from under the table.

“Your purchase will be ready in a second. I have to ask for your patience,” said the assistant politely.

Didn’t have to wait long before the guy picked up a big shiny bag from under the table with another pop-out tentacle and handed it to me. I paid extra attention to not touch its "arm".

“Thank you for your purchase, please come again,” it said. I swore I saw something move around its face area. If someone would have told me it was trying to smile I might have ran out of the store.

“Sure, thanks and bye,” I said as I left the shop.

[Should we talk about applying for a job now?] asked Genna after exiting.

[Let’s leave it for the evening.]

For now, I wanted to head back to my place.

On the way back I saw something that reminded me of a question I couldn’t answer on my own, so I stopped.

[Why do I see a lot of people doing easy jobs? Why don’t they leave those to robots like in the buffet?]

[Jobs that require interaction are usually carried out by people in a sense, but things like deliveries and transportation are still left to robots. It’s not 100% optimal, but we have to consider cultural influence, too.]

[So, why is a guy delivering a box there?] I pointed to the side.

[Oh, good eye. If I have to guess, the regular delivery carried out by a robot couldn’t finish the task several times, so they sent out a proper employee now.]

Not picking up what you ordered huh? My eyes narrowed under my mask as an idea crept its way into my mind.

[Do you guys have security cameras recording these sidewalks? Or something similar, but futuristic?]

[Erm, I don’t think we have anything like that. Sounds like a huge waste of resources to me.]

[Excellent,] I said with a grin.

I took a deep breath in order to make myself calmer. The key was confidence!

I switched my direction and started walking towards the house with the delivery guy. When I stepped on the first step of the stair, I realized another aspect that should be considered. I switched my holochanger to the other image on my mask.

The guy didn’t even notice me walking up behind him until I greeted him. I guessed I was just too sneaky for them.

“Hey there. Can I help you?” I said with a friendly smile under the mask. Even if he couldn’t see my smile, it makes speech sound different in a way.

They poor delivery guy turned around and got so scared he nearly fell over like ember girl. I guess I was just a scary individual and my mask didn’t help in this regard. The guy’s eyes jumped all over my face. Understandably, he was frightened by the creepy masked dude appearing behind him out of nowhere.

“Oh, hey there. I’m just delivering this package to Shada Larant,” he said after realizing the situation.

“Shada isn’t home at the moment I think. How come someone came in person for a simple delivery?” I asked.

“Oh? You know her? They sent me out because she failed to receive the package four times in a row.”

[Aium… what are you doing?]

“Ah, I’m not surprised since Shada is always busy. I’m her neighbor actually. I live next door.] I pointed to the next building with my head. “As I was walking home I saw you here standing before her door, so I came up to ask if I can help,” I said.

“Thank you for telling me. I guess I’ll have to come back again later? I really don’t want my perfect employee score to be stained by a failed personal delivery, but I can’t wait for her all day,” he said while pouting like a little girl.

[Aium! What’s going on?!]

“Sounds awful. You know, I usually don’t interfere with other people’s business, but I could hold onto the package for her until she comes home this one time,” I said with a charming voice.

[AIUM!? You don’t even know who lives here and you definitely don’t live next door!]

The guy furrowed his brows and bit his lower lip. 

“I-If it isn’t a burden I would really appreciate the help. I could finish this task at last, and I might even score a few extra points from my boss,” he said with sparkling eyes.

“It isn’t trouble at all. I’ll keep it safe until she comes home.”

“Thanks a lot. You really helped me out big time,” he said with a smile while handing me the package.

“No worries. Have a safe trip.” I waved him off.

“Thank you! Have a nice day!” he said as he left on foot. I could faintly hear him muttering something about getting a record score.

I looked down at the box in my hands and grinned under my mask. It was like taking candy from a child. I should leave, though. I skipped down the steps and left the place in a rush. After a few building, I turned off my mask’s image.

[Aium… please explain this! This isn’t what I think it is, right?] asked Genna anxiously.

[Well. Since you said there is no crime here or even law enforcement, I thought a little something-something like this wouldn’t hurt anyone. I mean she didn’t pick up her delivery 5 times. How irresponsible!]

[But you took something that is not yours! This is wrong Aium! You can’t do something like this!] She was clearly disturbed by my actions.

[I know, yet the world still goes on. You guys live in a bubble here. The naivety is sickening. I can’t and won’t believe this world is as perfect as you described it.] I was getting annoyed.

[That doesn’t entitle you to rob people!] she argued.

[It doesn’t, but I still did it and I’d do it again given the opportunity.]

[I thought you would never do something like this,] she said with a weak voice.

[I’m not a good guy, but I’m not a bad guy either. Stealing from those who won’t miss their stuff isn’t such an evil thing in my opinion. Well, it’s still bad, but you know… there is a scale, and this is still pretty acceptable in my opinion. I wouldn’t steal from someone poor. Have you seen that Skada girls’ home? It was a mansion!] I tried to explain.

[That still doesn’t make this right. I’m not sure what to do or think.] She sounded confused and her being an A.I. made it a whole lot more disturbing.

[Are you really going to report me for this?] I asked her.

[I… I should, I really should, but I don’t know what would happen to you... to us...]

[Look, it’s not a big deal. I just stole a small package. It’s not the end of the world. Aren’t you curious what’s inside? Whatever lies in this box will be ours!] I tried.

[Stop it! You are just trying to pull me to your side. I still can’t accept what you did.] She sounded like a wronged child. It made me feel bad about this whole thing suddenly. At first it was such a great idea in my mind. Picking up small package that clearly wasn’t wanted.

[I’m sorry I disappointed you, but I’m not a good guy. I bet my place in hell is already cushioned for me,] I felt so happy about my clever move a second ago and now it all turned sour inside.

[What’s hell?] At least she was still curious about new things. The side of my mouth curled up slightly.

[It’s the place where sinful souls go for their just punishment.]

[Ugh… Sounds horroristic.] She wasn’t exactly looking for information like this.

[What’s going to happen if I do something bad again in the future?] I asked quietly. [I can’t promise you I’ll be another happy potato in this brainwashed world.]

[I-I don’t know. I’m absolutely against it, but I can’t do anything that would cause harm to you. I’m sorry, but I have to think about what you did and how I should respond to it.]

After that, she turned silent. On the whole way back to the hotel we didn’t say a word to each other. It was a bit strange. It has only been a short time, but I already got used to chatting with her. The sudden silence made my stomach bunch up. I hated this feeling. Maybe I was… am just lonely and I liked the company.

I shouldn’t have stolen this fucking box. I let out a groan. What was I even thinking?

What if she won’t talk to me again after this or even worse call a strike team on me for real this time? Fuck, fuck, FUCK! Why do I have to mess up everything all the time?! I could have punched myself in the face.

I was nearly at the hotel, but I stopped and looked back where I came from.

What if I returned it? Would that make this right?

[Genna?] I tried, but there was no response.

I lowered my head and sighed.

I saw a bench between two red trees, so I walked up to it and sat down with the package and my new bag of clothes next to me. I guessed I would just have to wait this out. I looked up and just silently stared at the vehicles passing by in the sky and the towering buildings around me.