CTS TIME RE250.09.03 1:20 PM — Capital City, Mechatopia Universe 03A
The city pulsed like a living circuit. Skyscrapers that seemed to have no end stretched endlessly, their surfaces alive with shimmering holograms—idols singing in neon gowns, pop stars larger than life, celebrities immortalized as glowing projections that towered over the traffic below. Drones zipped between lanes of flying cars, each leaving trails of radiant light like brushstrokes across the endless canvas of the sky. The streets below were equally alive—Detroits, androids, humanoid machines indistinguishable from humans—mingling, laughing, transacting with vendors whose stalls seemed grown from mechanical roots. Even the drains emitted faint blue vapor, recycling waste into usable energy. Every sound in the air was layered: the hum of machines, the chatter of synthetic voices, and the eternal soundtrack of Memory Reboot × Interlink combined version, playing everywhere like a universal anthem.
Luna's heart hammered as Valerian's hand still wrapped around hers. She didn't want him to release it—her cheeks burned so hot under the biomechanical suit that she felt exposed even though three mechanical layers separated her skin from the world. Why am I like this? she thought desperately. I should be calm. We're just pretending… just pretending… but why does my heart say it isn't pretend?
Valerian, however, was composed. His steps were precise, his face unreadable as his sharp gaze scanned their surroundings. Yet, he hadn't let go of her until they'd moved past the crowd. When he finally did release her, Luna felt both relief and disappointment, her fingers tingling where his warmth had been.
Valerian approached a nearby vendor, his voice steady.
"Do you know a man named Nikhil Galdos?"
The Detroit vendor, with mechanical eyes that glowed a faint amber, scanned them both. His gaze lingered a little too long on their slightly glowing irises, and Luna felt her stomach twist in embarrassment. The vendor finally smirked.
"Galdos? Ah… that cyborg scientist. He lives in Sector 13. But…" he tilted his head, observing them again, "you look… new. Too polished to belong here."
Valerian didn't flinch. "We are travelers."
The vendor shrugged and turned away, losing interest as another customer waved for attention.
Valerian returned to Luna's side, his expression unchanged. "Sector 13. That's our direction. Ask someone for the route."
Luna's heart jumped into her throat. Me? The streets were crowded, dozens of androids, Detroits, and machines moving past. Her mouth opened but no words came. Her cheeks glowed red as she stammered softly, "M-me… I…" She couldn't say a single sentence, not even ask for directions.
Valerian's eyes lingered on her for a second, but he said nothing—just turned and asked a passing android himself. The machine extended a holographic arm, projecting a map into the air with perfect clarity. Sector 13 appeared like a glowing grid, paths highlighted, buildings shifting in three-dimensional space. Valerian nodded his thanks and guided them forward.
Luna followed, but her chest ached. Why can't I even talk? Why am I so useless? She bit her lip as they walked past soaring holo-billboards where synth idols smiled down at them, every advertisement accompanied by the ever-present Synthwave. The music wrapped around her like a warm blanket. Her suit's biometric feedback amplified it, regulating her heartbeats. This city is too much. Too big, too perfect. And me? I'm small. I'm a coward. I can't even act like a real couple… I want it to be real, but…
They reached Sector 13—a little darker, narrower streets compared to the glowing capital. Here, the walls were covered with shifting digital graffiti, and the drains bubbled with liquids that shimmered like molten chrome. Cyborgs leaned against walls, their eyes scanning passersby like predators.
Luna, lost in thought about what "real affection" would feel like, didn't notice two tall cyborgs stepping in her path. Their metallic jaws clicked as they looked her up and down, scanning her suit. One leaned close, his voice rough and metallic.
"Good figure. And that light-purple tone in your layering… upper-tier model. A pretty little rich girl, huh?"
The second smirked, stepping closer.
"Why don't we exchange reactors, young lady? Share a little spark."
Luna froze. Her heart raced painfully. She couldn't find her voice, her feet heavy, every instinct screaming run but her body locked in place. No… no… not here…
Then—blinding speed. A flash of movement cut between them. Valerian. His presence slammed into the air like a wall of force. His eyes, glowing faintly with contained fury, fixed on the two cyborgs.
Both stepped back immediately, their mechanical limbs whirring nervously. One stuttered, "H-he's an Attack Type!"
"Run!"
In an instant, both bolted into the shadows, disappearing down the alley with metallic clattering.
Luna's chest heaved. Her lips trembled, trying to form words—thank you, sorry, something—but nothing came. She stared at Valerian's back, strong, unshakable. He didn't even hesitate… He protected me like… like it was real. Her heart ached even more.
A sharp voice from above broke the silence.
"Too much noise down there."
Both looked up. On a high balcony, a man stepped forward—half human, half machine, his face human but with one glowing mechanical eye, his arms covered in silver plating that shimmered under the neon light. He stared at them for a moment, then his voice came, direct:
"Tum dono upar aajao."
("You two, come upstairs.")
Valerian narrowed his eyes, instantly recognizing. "That's him. Nikhil Galdos."
Luna blinked, confused. "I… I think he speaks Hindi…" Her cheeks turned red as she whispered softly, "I can't… I don't understand it…"
Valerian didn't hesitate. He simply looked up, nodded once, and started toward the staircase that led to the balcony. Luna followed, her steps small and hesitant.
Her thoughts churned as she trailed behind him. He just knows what to do. Always. Strong, composed, untouchable. And me? I can barely speak. I can barely hold his hand without trembling. But still… when he grabbed my hand… when he stood in front of me against those cyborgs… it felt real. Too real. Maybe this isn't acting at all. Maybe… it's something I really want.
And all around them, the Memory Reboot × Interlink version swelled louder, every beat syncing with Luna's racing heart as they entered the apartment of the man who might change everything.