Chapter 23: Choice

After leaving the clothing section, Dave and Liki wandered over to the accessories aisle. Liki, wearing her new green dress under her tan jacket, lit up at the sight of colorful hats, and she immediately gravitated toward a bright pink beanie with a fluffy pom-pom on top. She giggled as she placed it on her head, the pom-pom bouncing with her movements.

“What do you think?” she asked, tilting her head to the side and giving Dave a playful grin.

Dave chuckled, adjusting the beanie slightly so it sat more securely on her head. “Looks cute on you,” he said, his voice warm. “But let’s get something a bit more… practical too. Maybe a baseball cap?” Liki nodded, her excitement undiminished. She picked out a sleek black cap with a white Big Shop logo on the front.

"Hmm, what else do we need?" thought Dave out loud. Liki was bending over to look at her reflection in the glass of a display case and something caught Dave’s eye. He quickly lifted the hem of Liki’s green dress; Peeking underneath, his suspicions were confirmed. "Liki, you don't have any underwear!" he hissed quietly.

Liki giggled and grinned mischievously, "Yeah, I do. They're in the bathroom at the hotel!"

"Well, either way, we should buy you some more, and socks too." he said, rolling his eyes.

They added a pack of long striped socks and some soft, pastel-colored panties to their growing pile of items. Dave grabbed a bag with four pairs of plain white socks and some plaid boxers for himself, and he tapped his wallet on a payment kiosk.

Once their bags were securely in hand, Dave glanced at Liki. “Next stop, electronics store. I need a new phone.”

Liki’s tail swished with curiosity, and she softly sang the Chungo's commercial as they made their way to the store. The huge sign out front read "Plugged-In" and the bright, futuristic displays of gadgets and devices made her eyes widen. Dave quickly found what he was looking for—a sleek, modern phone with a holojector and an energy harvester so it didn't need to be plugged in. He paid for it, then immediately began setting it up, connecting it to his account. His credit balance was getting dangerously low... he was going to be totally broke when this was all over.

Missed calls and texts messages began rolling in to his new phone as it updated, but he ignored them all for now. “Let’s download the WimilCare app. I want to check something,” he said, his fingers moving swiftly across the screen. Liki leaned closer, watching intently as the app icon appeared on his phone.

Dave opened the app and scrolled through the options until he found the section he was looking for. “Huh,” he murmured, his brow furrowing slightly. “Okay, here we go. Says here that your eye color and hair color can be adjusted through a limited range of options using a mod-rod. But the changes take 48 hours to take effect.”

Liki tilted her head, her ears twitching. “Like… my eyes and hair can change?”

“Yeah,” Dave replied, his tone thoughtful. “Maybe we can use that to help disguise you from the people who are after us.”

Liki’s heart skipped a beat. The idea of changing her appearance felt strange, but she trusted Dave. “Okay,” she said softly. “How do we do it?”

“We’ll need a mod-rod,” Dave explained, glancing up from his phone. “They should have them in the Wimil accessories section.”

As they walked to the accessories section, Liki’s mind wandered. She remembered the time Dave had used a mod-rod to adjust her romance settings. The memory sent a warm, tingling wave through her body—the feeling of the long, thick rod so deep inside her, guided by Dave’s steady hands. She could almost feel it again, the cool metal filling her up and the strange, electric sensation of her settings being adjusted. Her heart raced as she felt herself becoming aroused, a subtle dampness growing between her thighs. Her legs squirmed involuntarily, and she closed her eyes, a soft smile playing on her lips. Lost in the memory, she didn’t notice Dave stopping and bumped into him with a little gasp.

“Liki?” Dave’s voice broke her out of her reverie.

She blinked, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Oops, sorry,” she said quickly, her tail curling around her leg. “I was just… thinking.”

Dave gave her a knowing smile but didn’t press further. “Here we are,” he said, gesturing to a display of mod-rods in various colors. “Pick one you like.”

Liki’s eyes scanned the options, and she quickly zeroed in on a bright blue mod-rod. The vibrant color reminded her of the sky, and she felt a surge of excitement as she picked up the sleek, black package. “This one,” she said, holding it out to Dave.

“Blue, my favorite color,” he said, taking it from her and adding it to their purchase. “We’ll use it once we’re back at the hotel.” The thought of being modded again made excited butterflies flutter in her stomach.

As they left the store, Liki spotted something in the returns section—a small, lonely-looking robo-dog sitting on the counter. Its eyes were blank, and it wasn't moving. She felt a pang of sadness and tugged on Dave’s sleeve. “What’s wrong with that dog?” she asked.

Dave glanced over and shrugged. “Looks like it’s broken or something.”

Liki approached the counter, her curiosity getting the better of her. A store employee noticed her and gave her a polite smile. “Hey there, do you need help?” he asked.

“What’s wrong with the dog?” Liki asked, her voice soft.

The employee sighed. “It’s got a bad circulatory system. We’re sending it back to the company.”

“What will happen to it?” Liki pressed.

“Well,” the employee said, his tone matter-of-fact, “they’ll take the parts that still work and use them in a new dog. The broken parts will get thrown away, probably.”

Liki’s heart sank. She looked back at the robo-dog, its lifeless eyes staring blankly ahead. Is that what will happen to me if Dave ever throws me away? The thought sent a cold wave of fear through her. She clenched her fists, her tail flicking nervously. "Dave, what if I was ever broken like this dog?" she said quietly.

Dave noticed her distress and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Hey,” he said gently. “You’re not like that dog, Liki. You’re not just… parts. You're a whole person.”

Liki looked up at him, her green eyes wide with uncertainty. “Really?”

“Really,” Dave said firmly, his voice filled with conviction. “You’re not disposable. I’d never just throw you away.”

Her chest tightened with emotion, and she leaned into his touch, her tail wrapping around his leg. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Standing at the counter during the emotional moment, the store employee's eyes widened as he took a closer look at Liki, seemingly only now noticing her developed figure, twitching ears, and expressive tail. “Wait…” he said, his voice tinged with surprise. “Is she a Wimil?”

Dave tensed slightly but nodded. “Yeah, she is.”

The employee leaned in, his curiosity piqued. “But she can talk. I’ve never seen one that could talk before. I thought they were only… you know, companion models.”

Dave shifted on his feet, his grip on Liki’s hand tightening protectively. “She’s a special model,” he explained, his tone casual but firm. “She's got custom features.”

The employee’s eyes lit up with interest. “No way! How does she handle complex conversations? Is her ABI adaptive? And her motor functions—are they—”

“Look,” Dave interrupted, his voice polite but hurried, “we’re kind of in a rush. Maybe another time, yeah?”

The employee blinked, then nodded quickly, taking a step back. “Oh, of course. I'm sorry. Have a great day!”

Dave gave a quick nod and guided Liki away from the counter, his pace brisk but not hurried. Liki glanced back at the robo-dog one last time, her heart heavy, before focusing on Dave. She could sense the tension in his posture, the way his jaw clenched ever so slightly. He’s protecting me, she realized, her chest warming with gratitude.

As they stepped out of the store and on to the bustling sidewalk, Dave’s grip on her hand softened, and he glanced down at her with a reassuring smile. “You okay?”

Liki nodded, her tail swishing gently. “Yeah. Thank you.”

Dave chuckled softly. “No problem. Let’s get back to the hotel so we can use the mod-rod to get you all set up.”

Liki’s ears perked up at the mention of the mod-rod, and she felt a flutter of excitement again.

As they walked, Liki clung to Dave’s hand. She felt better but still not completely secure in her emotions. She hesitated for a moment, her tail flicking nervously. “Dave?” she asked softly, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

“Yeah?” Dave replied, glancing down at her, smiling.

“Earlier… in the store, you told Yuna's human I was ‘just an F-7’…” Her words trailed off, her green eyes searching his for an explanation. Dave’s expression changed as the realization of how his words must have sounded to her slowly dawned on him, and he stopped walking, turning to face her fully. He crouched slightly so they were eye level, his hands resting gently on her shoulders.

“Oh no, Liki... I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I was just trying to downplay how special you are so he wouldn’t ask too many questions. I didn’t mean to make you feel like… like you’re not the best Wimil that I could have... the best partner that I could have.”

Liki’s ears twitched, and she looked down, her tail wrapping around her leg. “It felt like you didn’t think I meant something, like I was just a regular thing. Like a sofa, or a carrot,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Dave’s heart ached at her words. He reached out, tilting her chin up so she’d meet his gaze.

“Liki, listen to me. You’re not just an F-7. You’re not just any Wimil. You’re the Wimil I chose. And I don’t ever want a new one or a different one. I only want you. I looked at a lot of different Wimils and you're the one I picked.”

Her eyes widened, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Really?”

“Really,” Dave said firmly, his voice steady and sincere. “You’re more than just a bio-pal to me, Liki. You’re… special. And I’m sorry if I ever made you feel otherwise.”

Liki’s chest swelled with warmth, and she stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Thank you,” she murmured, her face pressed against his chest.

Dave hugged her back, his hand gently stroking her hair. “I know that it's kind of unfair that you didn't get to choose me, but I chose you,” he repeated.

Liki looked around at all the people walking by on the sidewalk. She was quiet for a moment, then she spoke, "What if I choose right now? I can choose anyone. All these different people here in this city, and the one I pick... is you too." she said, her voice cracking, as her tears began to well up.

Dave looked her directly in the eyes. "Liki, somehow that's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me... Nicer than anything ever said to me by a human." He pulled her into his arms.

She buried her face in Dave’s chest as the tears came. The weight of her earlier worry faded, replaced by a sense of security and worth. Dave’s words echoed in her mind; He only wants me, she thought, her heart beating fast. The future felt uncertain, but she knew one thing for sure—she trusted Dave. "Thank you for picking me," she said through the sobs.

Dave lifted her in his arms. "Thank you for picking me too," he said.

Chapter 24: Insertion

Dave set the bag of Liki’s new clothes and accessories on the hotel bed, unpacking their purchases and pulling out the sleek, black package containing the mod-rod. Liki squealed and bounced. "Open it! Open it!" she chirped.

Dave laughed, "Okay, okay, just a sec."

The mod-rod's blue metallic surface gleamed under the soft hotel light, the studs and ridges along its length still seemed oddly sinister to him. He held it in his hand; It felt heavy and purposeful. Liki stood beside him, her eyes wide with excitement, a slight flush on her cheeks. She tilted her head, her blue and purple hair catching the light. She smiled as Dave removed the tag from the battery compartment, activating the rod.

Dave held the mod-rod in his hand, admiring the amazing tech for a moment. He glanced at Liki, her neon green dress swishing slightly as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Her gold-flecked green eyes were bright with anticipation, but there was a hint of something else—apprehension, maybe. He cleared his throat.

“Liki,” he began gently, “I’ve been thinking… now that you can talk and do things for yourself, would you rather have some privacy?” He hesitated, then added, “I did it for you the first time because you couldn’t, but it’s your body. If you’d rather do it yourself, I totally understand.” Liki blinked, her hands holding on to the hem of her dress. Her head tilted slightly, and she regarded him with a soft, thoughtful expression.

“You’ll… let me do it?” she asked, her voice soft but curious. Dave nodded, holding out the mod-rod to her.

“I just want you to feel comfortable. I don’t want you to feel like I’m… forcing you.” Liki’s lips curved into a small smile, and she stepped closer, reaching out to touch his arm.

“That's so kind, Dave,” she said, her voice warm. “But… I think I want you to do it. I trust you.” Dave felt a flicker of relief, though he kept his expression calm.

“You're sure?”

Liki stepped closer, her small hand resting on his arm. “Yeah... I trust you. The mod-rod… it feels good, but the main reason it feels good is because it’s you holding the other end.” Her voice was soft, almost shy, but her words carried an honesty that made his chest tighten.

He pulled her into a quick hug, his unease slowly melting away. “Alright. Just… if it hurts or you want to stop, tell me, okay?”

“I will,” she promised, smiling softly, reassuringly.

Dave set the mod-rod down on the bed and turned to her. “Maybe we should… ease into it. Do you want me to help you get a little bit wet inside first? To help it go in easier?”

Liki’s cheeks flushed a deeper pink, and she nodded. “Yes... yes, please!”

She scrambled onto the bed and sat at the very edge. Dave knelt in front of her, his hands gently pushing the hem of her green dress up her thighs. Liki bit her lip, her breath hitching as his fingers danced up her smooth skin. Peering a little further between her legs, Dave laughed remembering that she still wasn't wearing any panties. Well, that makes it a little easier, he thought.

"Dress on, or dress off?" he asked, playfully.

"Off, off!" Liki giggled throwing off her jacket and holding her arms up for Dave to take her dress off.

Dave gently lifted her dress up past her legs, past her stomach. The green fabric rose, revealing her perfect body, followed by her cherubic face. Dave’s eyes met hers, and he saw the anticipation in her expression.

"Lie back," he said softly, and Liki obeyed.

He leaned in, his breath warm against her skin, and kissed the soft flesh of her inner thigh. Liki’s hands gripped the edge of the bed, her back arching slightly. "Dave…”

He didn’t respond with words, instead letting his actions speak for him. His fingers trailed higher, brushing against her slick folds. Liki gasped, her hips pressing into his touch. Dave slipped a finger inside her, his thumb circling her clit with slow, deliberate strokes. Her breath came in short, shallow gasps, her body trembling under his touch. “It feels… good…”

He added a second finger, curling them slightly to hit that spot inside her that made her hips jerk. Liki moaned, her hands gripping the bedspread tighter. “More… please…”

Dave lowered his mouth to her, his tongue replacing his thumb as he licked and teased her clit. Liki cried out, her thighs trembling as her pleasure built. He pressed his tongue against her, flicking it in quick, sure motions. Her hips bucked against his mouth, her moans growing louder. “Dave, I’m… I'm gonna explode...”

He didn’t let up, his fingers pumping inside her while his tongue worked her clit. Liki’s body tensed, her back arching as she came with a sharp cry. Her thighs clamped around his head, her body shaking with the force of her orgasm. Dave slowed his movements, letting her ride it out until her breathing began to steady.

Liki looked up at him, her eyes hazy with pleasure. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Dave kissed her inner thigh once more before standing up. “Are you ready now?”

“Yes, I'm really wet now,” she said, wiggling her hips in anticipation.

He picked up the mod-rod, and tucked a pillow under her head. Liki folded her hands on her stomach, legs spreading slightly to give him access. Dave knelt between her thighs again, the mod-rod in hand. He paused, meeting her eyes. “This might feel… intense. Are you sure?”

“I’m sure,” she said, her voice steady despite the hint of nervousness in her eyes.

Dave nodded, his fingers gripping the mod-rod firmly. He pressed the tip against her entrance, the cool metal a stark contrast to her warm flesh. Liki gasped softly as he began to push it inside her, the ridges and studs catching against her walls. He moved slowly, carefully, watching her face for any sign of discomfort.

“How does it feel?” he asked, his voice low.

Liki’s breath hitched, her hands gripping the sheets. “It’s… big... cold. But it feels good. Keep going.”

Dave continued to push the mod-rod deeper, the thick metal stretching her in ways that made her body tremble. Liki’s head fell back, her lips parting in soft moans as the mod-rod filled her.

“Oh… it’s so… deep…” she moaned, gently pressing on her stomach, trying to feel the tip of the rod through her skin.

He tenderly pushed until it reached maximum depth, and Dave felt the tip press against something firm deep inside her. The small digital display at the end of the rod lit up, and Dave scrolled through menus until he found her current settings: Hair Color: Blue/Purple, Eye Color: Green/Gold.

Dave glanced at her. “Ok, first your hair. What color do you want your hair to be?”

Liki thought for a moment, her chest rising and falling with each breath. “Your favorite color is blue, right? So… blue?”

Dave chuckled, shaking his head. “Your hair is already blue!”

“Oh yeah,” she said, her lips curling into a sheepish smile. “Then… how about blonde?”

He nodded, selecting the option on the mod-rod’s display. As soon as he confirmed the change, Liki gasped, her body tensing. “Are you okay?” Dave asked, concern in his voice.

“It feels… strange,” she said, her voice trembling. “Like… my brain is tingling. And my stomach… it’s warm. It’s not bad, just… intense.”

Dave watched her closely. “Do you want to stop?”

“No,” she said quickly. “It feels... nice. What’s next?”

“Eye color,” Dave said, scrolling through the options. “What color do you want your eyes to be?”

Liki smiled. “Blue again. Because it’s your favorite.”

He selected the option, and Liki’s body tensed again, her back arching slightly as the mod-rod worked its magic. “Oh! That one is… stronger,” she gasped, her hands gripping the sheets tightly. “It’s like… my whole body is buzzing.”

The mod-rod beeped, confirming the changes. Hair Color: Blonde, Eye Color: Blue. The small digital display informed them that the changes would take effect gradually over the next 48 hours.

Dave slowly pulled the mod-rod out, watching Liki’s face for any sign of discomfort. She whimpered, but assured Dave she was ok. As it left her body, she let out a deep sigh and her muscles relaxed. “That was…” she began, her voice trailing off. “It made me feel a little sleepy.”

Dave set the mod-rod aside and sat next to her on the bed. “Are you okay?”

Liki nodded, a wide smile spreading across her face, but her eyes looked drowsy. “Yep, I'm okay. My stomach still feels all tingly. Does my hair look any different yet?” she asked, her hand touching her hair.

"Not, yet. You've gotta wait two days until it changes all the way. Just be patient," Dave responded, running his hand through her silky hair.

"So, can we adjust more settings tomorrow?" said Liki, hopefully.

Chapter 25: Explanation

Dave grabbed a tissue from the nightstand and gently wiped the glistening residue from between Liki’s legs, his fingers brushing over her most delicate parts. She purred softly, her eyes half-lidded as she lifted her hips slightly.

“Let’s get you dressed,” he said, reaching for the package of pastel underwear they’d bought earlier. He held up a pair of soft lavender panties, and Liki’s eyes lit up.

“Pretty,” she murmured, her voice still a little drowsy from the mod-rod’s effects. She stood shakily, and Dave helped her step into the panties, his hands lingering for a moment on her hips. Her skin was warm under his fingertips, and he couldn’t help but admire how perfect she was.

Next came the grey hoodie and sweatpants. Liki struggled a bit with the sleeves, her small hands fumbling until Dave stepped in, carefully guiding her arms through the fabric. She giggled as he pulled the hoodie over her head, her hair tousled as her smiling face emerged from the collar.

“There,” he said, smoothing the hoodie down. “Cozy?”

Liki nodded, pulling the hood over her head and grinning. “Cozy,” she echoed, her voice muffled by the fabric.

“Let’s talk about what’s going on,” he said. “We need to figure out who’s after us and why," he said, sitting down on the bed and patting the space beside him.

Liki climbed onto the bed and snuggled close, her head resting against his chest. Her warmth seeped into him, soothing his nerves.

“Cuddle first,” she said, her voice soft but insistent. Dave chuckled, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her closer.

“Okay, cuddle first,” he agreed, his hand absently stroking her back. “So, Liki… I’ve been wondering. How did you know my name when I first woke you up? I never told you.”

Liki tilted her head, her green-gold eyes thoughtful. “I just knew,” she said simply. “When I saw your face, I knew your name was Dave. And your last name is Tork.”

"Huh, that's right." said Dave slightly amazed. They'd been together for days and he'd still never told her his last name. He'd input all his info at the Wimil store when he registered his purchase. Could she have somehow accessed the data from the store remotely? "But, how did you know? Do you know how you knew?"

Liki shook her head. “No. It’s like… it was already in my head. I didn’t know how or why. I just knew.”

Dave’s frown deepened. “When I woke you up, could you talk like you can now?”

“No,” Liki said, thinking back. “I could only say your name. I didn't know how to say any other words. I was so confused… but you were so kind to me. You gave me a bath and fed me and made me feel safe. So I liked you right away.”

Dave felt a flush of warmth at her words, but his mind was still racing. “So how did you learn to talk?”

“The Wimil bed taught me,” Liki explained. “Every night when I plugged in, it would talk to me and teach me how to say new words. That day when you came home from work and you seemed scared and sad, I wanted to be able to talk to you more, so I plugged into the bed and told it to teach me how to say as many words as it could teach me. Oh, and also, every morning, before I unplugged, it would say, ‘No current target. Continue standard activities.’ I didn’t know what it meant, but it made me feel relaxed.”

Dave’s stomach churned. “Target?” he repeated, his voice tight. “What kind of target?”

Liki shrugged. “I don’t know. It never told me.”

Dave’s thoughts spiraled. Had Liki been programmed for something—something she didn’t even know about? He thought back to the fire, to the men who’d broken into his apartment. They’d known where he lived. Was it connected to Liki’s bed? The one they’d left behind, likely destroyed in the fire.

“Liki,” he said slowly, “if you don’t have your bed anymore, will that affect you? Not being able to plug in?”

Liki seemed to consider this, softly running her fingers across his chest. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “But I feel okay right now. Maybe I don’t need it anymore.”

Dave wasn’t so sure. He'd have to check the user manual later. He tried to push his unease aside. “Do you know how those men found our apartment? Could it have been through your bed?”

Liki’s brow furrowed. “Maybe. But the store where you bought me… the man there was dead. Maybe he told them where you lived.”

Shit, Liki is smarter than I am. Why didn't I think of something so simple? They could have easily stolen all of the store's customer data, just like they stole all of the surveillance camera footage. It was the most plausible explanation, but it didn’t make him feel any better.

“Liki,” Dave said, hesitating for a moment. “I want to ask one last thing for now. How were you able to take down that guy who tried to rob us on the way home from the park? Was that something the bed taught you too?”

Liki shook her head, her green-gold eyes serious. “No, it’s just something I know. When something seems dangerous, I can see a path in my head. I saw that the best path was to stop that man before he hurt you. The best way was to get onto his shoulders, where he couldn’t hit me with his gun because it was in his elbow, and he can't point his elbow at his own head. Then I used the cannon against him so he couldn’t hurt you.”

"But how did you know how to use the gun?" said Dave, amazed by her explanation.

Liki looked down sheepishly and explained, "Well it was a standard model Qual-Trans Arms P450 A, with the stock removed and modified to fit a forearm housing, and the trigger was still inside his wrist but wired to a neural transfer element, either a Watson 90 or a 99, they both look the same. I could feel it through his skin so I broke the housing open and snapped the Watson off and found the trigger. Then I pulled it."

Dave's jaw dropped. He slumped back onto the bed. What the hell did I just hear? “How do you know all that stuff? Wait, never mind..." His mind reeled. "So... are you always that strong? Or only when you sense danger?”

Liki frowned, starting to seem a little overwhelmed by all the questions. “I don’t know.”

Curious, Dave decided to test her. Sitting up he said, “Here, squeeze my hand as hard as you can.”

Liki obliged, her small fingers pressing into his palm. But her grip was weak, barely any pressure at all.

Dave hesitated, trying to think of another way to test her strength. “Alright,” he said, shifting on the bed. “Let’s try something else. Pretend I’m a bad guy, and I’m attacking you.” He quickly rolled on top of her, causing Liki to squeal. Pinning her down gently, he growled, “I’m a bad guy, and I’m gonna hurt you! Give me all your money!”

Liki giggled, her laughter bubbling up like a spring. “But I don’t have any money,” she said. She wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him on the lips, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Well, that didn't work. Dave frowned, trying to come up with something more threatening. “Okay, uh… I’m gonna tear your clothes off and... touch your private places!” he growled in his bad-guy voice, immediately regretting it.

Liki’s smile widened, and her eyes lit up. “Okay,” she said, her voice soft and trusting.

Dave’s face flushed with embarrassment. “No, no, I—I didn’t mean it like that,” he stammered, scrambling off her. “I’m sorry, Liki. That was stupid. I hope I didn't scare you... I'd never hurt you.” He let her go and sat back, running a hand through his hair in frustration. Why did I say that? he thought, his cheeks burning.

Liki looked at him, her expression innocent. “It’s okay, Dave,” she said, sitting up. “I know you’re not a bad guy."

Dave sighed, trying to regain his composure. “Let’s try something else,” he said, his voice steadying. He glanced around the room, then got an idea. “Liki, close your eyes,” he said. “Pretend we’re on the edge of a huge cliff, about to fall off.”

Liki became serious and obeyed, her eyelids fluttering shut. Dave continued, his voice low and urgent. “We’re so high up, the wind is whistling around us. It’s steep, and the ground is so far below.” Liki's face grew concerned, and even with her eyes closed, Dave could tell she was concentrating intently on his words. He held Liki’s shoulders and scooted them closer to the edge of the bed, until he started to slide off. “Oh no, I’m slipping—I’m falling! Help me, Liki!” he cried frantically.

In an instant, Liki’s eyes snapped open. Her hands shot out, grabbing Dave’s arm with surprising strength. She yanked him back onto the bed, rolling his entire body over hers to safety.

Dave stared at her, stunned. “Liki… that was incredible.”

She blinked up at him, her expression innocent. “I didn’t want you to fall.”

Dave couldn’t help but laugh, though his mind was spinning with questions. What exactly is she capable of? he wondered.

“Were you scared?” he asked, studying her face for any sign of hesitation.

Liki tilted her head thoughtfully, her green-gold eyes soft. “Yes,” she admitted. “I was scared that you would fall off the cliff and get hurt.” Her voice was small but sincere, and she squeezed his hand as if to reassure him. "It's a good thing the cliff wasn't real though" she added.

Dave’s chest tightened at her words. She’s always thinking of me, even in moments like that. He reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch gentle. He suddenly realized that his shoulder stung from being yanked, and he could still feel the incredible strength that she'd used to roll his much larger body over hers.

Dave smiled. “I don’t want anything bad to happen to you either. We’ll look out for each other, okay?”

“Okay,” Liki agreed, her voice a little brighter. She leaned into him, her warmth spreading through him like a soothing balm.

“Are you hungry?” he asked, changing the subject.

Liki perked up immediately. “Yes! Very hungry.”

Dave smiled despite himself. “Me too. Let’s go get something to eat.”

They got up from the bed, and Liki slipped her hand into his as they headed for the door. Her small fingers fit perfectly in his palm, and he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Dave," she asked, her voice small.

"Yeah, sweetheart?"

"Can we play the pretend bad guy game again after we eat?" she asked shyly. "But don't tear my new clothes though. I can take them off."

Oh my god. This horny, horny, little creature. I love her.

*

The elevator ride was quiet, the soft hum of machinery filling the space. Dave glanced at Liki, who was staring at the elevator doors with an unreadable expression.

“You okay?” he asked.

She nodded, but her grip on his hand tightened. Just as the elevator dinged and the doors began to slide open, Liki’s body went rigid.

“Dave,” she whispered, her voice strangely calm.

“What's wrong?" he said, sensing the change in her demeanor.

Liki’s eyes widened, and her voice dropped to a barely audible whisper. “They’re here.”

"Who's here?" he whispered, pulling her closer instinctively.

“The bad guys... the real ones,” Liki said, her voice barely audible.

Chapter 26: Conflict

Dave’s heart slammed against his ribs as he jabbed the elevator button, his finger trembling against the smooth surface. The doors slid shut with agonizing slowness, and through the narrowing gap, he caught sight of a huge figure rounding the corner. The man was built like a tank, his broad shoulders straining against the fabric of his dark suit. His cold, calculating eyes locked onto Liki, and Dave felt a chill crawl down his spine.

The doors fully closed, and the elevator lurched into motion. Dave exhaled sharply, his chest tight with panic. Liki stood beside him, her face was strangely calm. Her small hand found his, her fingers curling tightly around his. “Try to stay calm,” she said plainly.

“I'll try,” he said, though his own voice wavered. “We’ll get back to the room, grab our stuff and get out of here.”

The elevator dinged as it reached the sixth floor, the doors sliding open with an unnatural calm. Dave grabbed Liki’s hand and pulled her into the hallway, their footsteps echoing loudly on the polished floor. His heart pounded in his ears as they sprinted toward their room, his free hand fumbling for the keycard in his pocket. He pulled out the card and then...

He dropped it.

“Shit!” he hissed, bending down to grab it. Liki stood still beside him, her sharp eyes scanning the hallway as he swiped the card.

The light on the lock turned red and it buzzed. Dammit, these finicky old-fashioned card locks. He tried again, and the light turned red again. The sound of the other elevator doors opening sent a jolt of terror through him. He turned just in time to see three men step into the hallway. Their suits were immaculate, their faces cold and emotionless. Each of them held a gun, the metal gleaming ominously under the fluorescent lights.

Dave froze, his body instinctively shielding Liki. “Stay behind me,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

The men advanced, their footsteps deliberate and unhurried. One of them, the leader, tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as he focused on Liki. “Give her to us,” he said, his voice low and commanding. “And we’ll let you live.”

Dave’s fists clenched at his sides, his mind racing. He couldn’t fight them. He couldn’t outrun them. But he sure as hell wasn’t going to let them take Liki. “No,” he said, his voice firm despite the fear clawing at his chest.

The leader’s lips curled into a cruel smile. “Wrong answer.”

Before Dave could react, Liki suddenly crumpled to the floor behind him, her body going limp. His heart stopped. “Liki!” he shouted, dropping to his knees beside her. He shook her gently, but she was unresponsive, her eyes stared lifelessly into space; she wasn't breathing.

"The hell?" said the big man. The other men closed in, their guns trained on him. The big man, the leader, gestured, and one of the other men stepped forward, his expression impassive as he reached for Liki.

Dave’s vision blurred with rage and desperation. “Don’t touch her!” he snarled, surging to his feet. The man pressed his gun against Dave's forehead.

"Is a broken Wimil really worth your life?" he said calmly. "Now get down on your knees."

Distraught and his mind blanking, Dave’s knees hit the floor, his hands instinctively rising in surrender as he locked eyes with the man holding the gun to his head. “Please,” he gasped, his voice trembling, desperation clawing at his chest. “Don’t hurt her. Something’s wrong! We need to help her. I'll do whatever you say!”

The leader tilted his head, his cold gaze flickering to Liki’s limp form crumpled on the floor. For a moment, the hallway was silent except for the ragged sound of Dave’s breathing. Then the man with the gun pressed it harder against Dave’s forehead, his voice low and steady. “Stay down. Don’t move.”

The leader gestured to the other man, the one not holding Dave at gunpoint, who holstered his gun and cautiously approached Liki. He crouched beside her, his eyes scanning her small frame. He leaned closer, reaching out to check her pulse. His fingers barely grazed her neck when her hand shot out, gripping his wrist with a force that made him gasp. There was a sickening crack as she twisted his arm, the man’s scream echoing through the hallway.

Dave’s breath caught in his throat as Liki moved with terrifying speed, her body coiling like a spring. She pulled the man’s gun from his holster, disarming him in one fluid motion. She threw the man to the floor with incredible strength, his head hitting the ground with a crack.

The leader and the remaining man froze for a split second, their training momentarily faltering in the face of Liki’s sudden ferocity. But that moment was all she needed.

Dave’s mind reeled as he watched her move like a predator, her small frame unleashing a violence he couldn’t comprehend. Give her to us… the leader’s earlier words echoed in his mind, but now they felt almost comical.

He couldn't give her to them. He didn't own her. Liki didn't belong to anyone.

And she wasn’t done yet.

With astounding grace, Liki flew past the gun of the second man as he pulled it away from Dave’s head to point at Liki. Her hand shot out, grabbing the man’s wrist with a strength that belied her delicate frame. She moved like lightning, yanking him close to her and shooting him point-blank in the chest with the first man's gun. He went limp, blood blooming on his white shirt.

The third man, the leader, fired, but Liki was already moving, a ball of fury in a grey sweatsuit. She ducked behind the falling body of the second man, using it as a shield. The bullet thudded into his back, then she sprang out from underneath him, her movements fluid and precise. She was on the third man instantly, her foot driving into his groin with brutal force. He doubled over, and she followed up with a punch to his throat, silencing his gurgling cry.

She snatched another gun from the floor and simultaneously shot the two men that weren't already dead. Two bullets each in the head.

Liki let the guns clatter to the floor, her breathing steady, her movements precise. She turned to Dave, her expression calm and unreadable, her eyes devoid of the chaos that had just unfolded. She stepped toward him, reaching out.

Liki’s hand closed around Dave’s wrist, her grip firm but not painful. She pulled him to his feet with surprising ease, her strength still lingering from the brutal encounter. “Come on,” she said, her voice calm and steady. “We need to go.”

Dave stumbled slightly, his legs still weak from the adrenaline crash, but Liki steadied him with a reassuring squeeze of his hand. She snatched the keycard from the floor and swiped it again. This time, the light turned green, and the door clicked open.

Inside, they moved quickly, grabbing their bags and the clothes they’d bought earlier. Dave’s hands shook as he shoved the mod-rod and Liki’s green dress into a bag, his mind still reeling from the violence he’d just witnessed. Liki, however, was eerily composed, her movements efficient and deliberate.

As they turned to leave, Dave hesitated, his eyes falling on one of the guns lying on the hallway floor. He bent down and grabbed it, the weight unfamiliar and unnerving in his hand. Liki glanced at him but said nothing.

“We’ll take the stairs,” she said, her voice low but firm. “There could be more of them waiting in the lobby.”

Dave nodded, his throat too tight to speak. Liki reached for his hand again, her fingers lacing through his. She gave him a reassuring squeeze, her touch grounding him as they hurried toward the stairwell.

“I’ll protect you,” she said, her voice soft but unwavering. “No matter what happens, I won’t let them hurt you.”

He felt a surge of emotions as she spoke. There was a quiet intensity in her tone that made him want to cry, to hug her and tell her that he was sorry for all of this... but she spoke with such certainty that it cut through his fear. She wasn’t just saying she'd protect him—she meant it. And after what he’d just witnessed, he had no doubt she could. Liki was strong, stronger than anyone—or anything—he’d ever encountered.

For the first time since the chaos began, Dave felt a glimmer of hope. They were still running, but not just running; they were fighting back. Her hand in his felt steady. She squeezed his hand and he felt fear leave his body.

“I'm sorry Liki... We’ll get through this,” he said softly, more to himself than to her. But Liki’s grip on his hand tightened in response, her silent reassurance speaking volumes.

She would keep him safe. No matter what.

They pushed open the stairwell door and began descending, their footsteps echoing in the blank grey space.