Chapter 41: Faith

Dave picked up the plastic shopping bags that held their only worldly possessions. He dumped them out on the bed and took stock of the items. Liki's clothes; A hoodie, sweatpants, black jeans, a white shirt, a black hat and a fluffy pink cap, socks and underwear. His stuff; A razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, some socks and underwear. Some food; Bags of Wimil pellets (with a tracking device somewhere in them), some Wimil juice bottles (also with a tracking device), a half-empty bag of chips, a bag of protein jerky, and a box of Crickers (the blue flavor). And then there was Liki's mod-rod. He picked it up, turning it over in his hands. It felt cold and lifeless, a stark reminder of how futile his attempt to disguise her had been. The 'bad guys' had found them again so easily. He wasn't even sure how they'd found them. He sighed, placing the rod back down on the pathetic pile of stuff.

He took some fresh clothes from the closet; New jeans and a short-sleeved, button up shirt. Dave put on the new clothes and threw his old clothes into a nearby hamper. The fresh, new clothes didn't change his situation at all, but at least they smelled clean.

Dave gathered his bathroom items and carried them into the spacious tiled bathroom. He set the items on the counter with a sense of resignation, the weight of their uncertain future pressing down on him. How many mornings would he spend here, in this unfamiliar space, before everything was uprooted again? He couldn’t recall anyone mentioning how long they’d be staying in this house—or if it was even safe to think that far ahead.

He caught his reflection in the mirror and grimaced. The man staring back at him looked worn down, his face etched with exhaustion. His stubble was patchy, his eyes shadowed with fatigue. He longed for the predictability of his old life, to stop this endless cycle of running and hiding. More than anything, he wanted the assurance that he’d be able to wake up in the same place each morning—and that Liki would be there beside him. When this was all over, he'd probably be right back to waking up every morning alone again. Frustration surged through him, and he pounded his fist against the mirror. For a split second, he half-expected it to shatter dramatically, a fitting metaphor for his crumbling reality. Instead, his hand stung and the glass held firm, a small mercy in the midst of everything. He let out a shaky breath, grateful for at least one thing not breaking under the pressure.

A sharp knock on the bedroom door outside pulled him from his brooding. He turned and looked out into the bedroom. A man dressed in a tactical uniform was standing in the doorway.

“Dinner’s going to be ready in about ten minutes if you and Liki want to come eat,” the man said plainly. “We’re making hamburgers.”

Dave blinked, caught off guard by the sudden invitation. He glanced back at the mirror briefly before nodding. “Yeah, uh… thanks. We’ll be down.”

The man gave a curt nod and turned to leave, his boots thumping against the hardwood floor as he disappeared down the hallway. Dave lingered in the bathroom doorway for a moment, his mind still racing with doubts and fears, but the thought of food, real food—maybe even real meat (hopefully), and not just protein jerky—was enough to pull him from his spiraling thoughts.

He stepped through the bathroom into Liki's room, where she was playing with the Wimil cubes, her tail flicking absently as she placed them neatly against each other on the carpet to form a triangle. “Hey, Liki,” he said, his voice softening as he approached her. “Dinner’s almost ready. They’re making hamburgers.”

Liki looked up, her attention momentarily pulled away from her cubes by the strange word. “Hamburgers?” she repeated, her nose wrinkling slightly. “What is that?”

Dave chuckled. “It’s food humans eat. You won't like them but I'm sure they have Wimil food down there too. You wanna come down and see?”

"Hmm, okay... just let me figure out where this last cube goes..." she said, staring at the only Wimil cube that wasn’t already part of the strange triangular pattern on the floor.

“Do you need help? How... how do you play with these?” Dave asked, crouching down beside her. He’d always wondered about these Wimil cubes—what they were for, why Liki seemed so fascinated by them. To him, they looked like nothing more than soft, randomly colored blocks, but to her, they clearly held some kind of genetically programmed meaning.

Liki tilted her head, her ears twitching as she considered his question. “It’s... hard to explain,” she said finally, her voice soft and thoughtful. “But I know it’ll make sense once I find the right place for this one.” She dropped to all fours, her tail swishing as she scrutinized the cubes with intense focus. For a moment, the room was silent except for the faint rhythm of her breathing.

Then, with a sudden aha! of triumph, she scooped up the last cube and placed it squarely on the window sill. “There! See? I knew it would fit,” she said, her eyes sparkling with pride as she looked back at Dave.

Dave stared at the cube on the sill, then at the triangle on the floor, and back again. It still didn’t make any sense to him, but the sheer joy on Liki’s face was infectious. “Good job, Liki,” he said, patting her back affectionately. “You’re a genius with these things. Ready to head downstairs now?”

She nodded eagerly, jumping to her feet and leaving the cubes on the floor. Dave smiled, taking her hand as they headed toward the door. For a moment, the weight of their situation seemed to lift, replaced by the simple promise of a meal.

Together, they made their way downstairs, following the sounds of conversation and laughter echoing through the massive house. The kitchen was a bustling hub of activity, with Tendo and Lin standing at the center of it all. Five other men and the medic, Juni, were gathered around the large island, along with a large robotic dog that sat in the corner, slowly turning it's head from side to side.

Tendo turned as they entered, a rare smile on his face. “Ah, Dave, Liki. Come meet the team.” He gestured to the group. “This is Yaten, Kaji, Jotaro, N15, Sumiko, and you met Juni earlier. And that,” he added, pointing to the robotic dog, “is Norton. Our security sentry.”

Dave raised an eyebrow, his gaze flickering between the group and the dog. “Norton?” he repeated, “the patrol-bot is named Norton?”

“Yes,” Norton said, his voice deep and surprisingly human. He sounded like a kindly old grandfather. “Hello, Dave. Hello, Liki. Do you like my house?”

Liki’s eyes widened in amazement. She nodded enthusiastically. “This is YOUR house?” she said, her voice filled with wonder.

“Yes, it’s my job to guard the whole thing,” Norton replied, his mechanical tail wagging slightly.

Dave couldn’t help but roll his eyes as he glanced around the room. “Let me guess,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest. “Yaten, Juni, Jotaro… you just picked random names from DaiKill, right?” He pointed at Sumiko. “Why is that guy named Sumiko? Did you run out of male character names?”

Sumiko looked at Tendo. "You gave me a girl name?" he said, shocked.

Tendo shrugged. “Sorry, you kind of look like her,” he mumbled through a mouthful of chips.

Dave narrowed his eyes. “So, are you going to tell me your real names?” he asked, slightly annoyed.

“Nope,” Tendo replied firmly. He offered no further explanation, leaving Dave fuming.

Before he could press the issue, Kaji reappeared from outside, carrying a plate of sizzling hamburger patties. The room filled with the mouthwatering aroma, and N15 began placing buns, pickles, onions, and lettuce on plates for people to assemble their own burgers.

Lin slinked up behind Liki as she was inspecting Norton. "Liki, look what I got!" Lin whispered in her ear. Liki turned around smiling as Lin handed her a bag of Wimil pellets and a bottle of Wimil juice. “Don't you wonder how humans can eat such strange-smelling food?”

Liki giggled, her nose wrinkling slightly as she glanced at the burgers. “I know! Human food smells so gross and tastes even worse,” she agreed, taking the bag from Lin.

"These pellets are a brand new flavor. I just bought them last night," whispered Lin, like it was the hottest gossip.

"Ooh," Liki responded, clearly impressed.

"That new dress is so cute on you," continued Lin as she led Liki over to a nearby sofa, where the two of them sat down to eat their pellets. They chatted quietly, Lin’s laughter mingling with Liki’s soft giggles as they shared stories of the funny things humans did.

Dave suddenly realized that Lin had deftly separated he and Liki. He glanced over at Liki and Lin, his stomach twisting with unease. They were sitting close on the sofa, their heads bent together as they chatted animatedly. Liki’s tail swished happily, and Lin’s expression was warm, but Dave couldn’t shake the nagging suspicion that there was more to their conversation than he wanted to know. Is Lin interrogating her? he wondered, his pulse quickening. Is she asking about... about me?

His mind raced with possibilities, each one worse than the last. What if Liki was telling Lin about their intimate moments? About the strange, impulsive things he’d done with her in private? The thought made his face burn, and he could feel the sweat beginning to bead on his forehead. He tried to look away, to focus on assembling his hamburger, but his eyes kept drifting back to them. What if she’s spilling everything? he thought, his fingers tightening around the bun. What if she’s telling Lin about... the Pretend Bad Guy game? Oh god, no...

He wiped his brow with his hand, trying to appear calm, but his nerves were fraying by the second. There was nothing he could do now—if Liki was talking, the damage was already done. His secrets, his vulnerabilities, his kinks—they were all about to become public knowledge. He could almost hear the whispers as Lin glanced over at him, then turned back to Liki, laughing. They are definitely talking about me.

Dave forced himself to take a deep breath, shoving the thoughts aside. He couldn’t panic, not here, not now. He focused on the plate in front of him, layering the burger with pickles and onions, his hands trembling slightly. He stole one last glance at Liki, his heart aching with a mix of fear and helplessness. He tried to think rationally for a moment. Just calm down. Don't become a control freak. Lin is a Wimil too, she'll understand. She's probably done some strange things with her owner too. Whatever happens, happens, he told himself, though the words did little to calm his nerves. There’s no going back now.

Suddenly, Tendo was next to him, holding out a beer. “Cheer up, Dave,” he said, “you made the right decision.”

Dave took the beer, his grip tightening around the bottle. “I’m not so sure about that,” he muttered. “You weren’t exactly specific about what a ‘monitored schedule’ entails. Can you even guarantee I’ll get to see Liki when this is all over?”

Tendo’s expression hardened slightly, but he nodded. “I personally promise it,” he said, his voice firm.

“That’s not enough,” Dave shot back, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “I need more than your word, Tendo. How often will I be able to see her? Will I get to decide where we go or what we do? Will she get a say? Or is she going to be locked away somewhere, and I'll talk to her through bulletproof glass?”

Tendo’s jaw tightened, and he glanced away for a moment before responding. “Look, Dave, I’m in charge of this operation. My promise is the best you’re going to get. I can’t give you a solid answer because I don’t have one yet.”

“Yeah, right. You must know something,” he snapped, standing up from his stool.

"I don't know something," said Tendo, sarcastically, "but when I do know something, then you'll know something, got it?"

"I have trouble believing that, like I have trouble believing the rest of the things you say," Dave growled. He grabbed his plate and turned to leave, his eyes scanning the room for Liki. He spotted her and Lin petting Norton, her laughter ringing out as the robotic dog wagged his tail. The sight of her, so carefree and happy, made the possibility of never seeing her again even worse.

Dave left the kitchen, stepping out onto the balcony off the dining room. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape. He leaned on the railing, staring out at the horizon, his mind racing. Had he made the right decision? Surrendering to Tendo’s agency had felt like the only option at the time, but now… now he wasn’t so sure. They wanted him to believe their promises, but they couldn't give him answers about anything. He ate his burger quickly in the orange silence. It was clearly not a full-meat burger. He guessed probably one of those 50/50 brands. He took a drink from his beer. At least the beer is real.

The sound of the door opening behind him made him tense. He didn’t turn around, but he could feel someone approaching. Someone almost completely silent. It was Lin, her presence unmistakable. She leaned back on the railing beside him, her hip just barely brushing his leg as she did so.

"Are you here to pheromone me back into compliance?" he snapped at her, staring out at the horizon.

“Only if you want me to,” she said softly. Without being able to see her face, Dave couldn't even tell if she was joking or not.

Dave didn’t respond immediately, his jaw clenched tightly. Finally, he sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I just… I know that you think this was the right choice, and Liki thinks so too, but what if she gets sent to do black-ops in Hong Kong or something, when this is all over? Who's making that decision? Tendo doesn't make it sound like he's the decider.”

Lin was quiet for a moment, her gaze fixed on the red sky. “You and Liki have each other right now. That's more than some people have... More than some people will ever have,” she said finally, her voice gentle. “She loves you. That’s what matters. I know that Tendo is... he’s not the easiest person to trust, but he’ll keep his word. He’s not going to take her away from you.”

Dave shook his head, his frustration bubbling up again. “We both know that he's exactly right when he said that he can't let me 'play house with a piece of dangerous military hardware'. Those were his exact words. One of the few things he's said that I actually believe.”

Lin turned to him. “Fine, you don't trust him. That's up to you. He's a cranky, old asshole, and he's given up on love," she said simply, “but I haven't... So trust in me.”

Her words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Dave turned to look at her, his eyes searching hers for something, anything, that might give him the answers he needed.

Lin turned to him and took his hand, her grip firm yet gentle. “I talked to Liki and I can tell what she has in you,” she said softly, her voice trembling with raw emotion. “Every time she says your name, every time she looks at you, it’s there. I can feel it. I can smell it. And I want that. I’ve wanted it my whole life. I’ve searched for it for myself for so long… but I’ve never found it. It's so precious, Dave... So precious that I'm going to fight like hell to make sure that what she's got doesn't get destroyed.” Her voice cracked, the sunset reflected in the glimmer of tears. “So, please, Dave… trust in me.”

Dave felt the weight of her words settle over him, the sincerity behind them cutting through his cynicism. She wasn’t just saying this. She meant it. She understood, in a way only another Wimil could, what Liki’s love meant—and what it meant to him. If he couldn’t bring himself to trust a human, maybe he could trust a Wimil. A Wimil who understood.

Lin leaned in, and Dave surprised himself by wrapping his arms around her in a gentle hug. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath as he felt her sob into his chest. It was a rare moment of vulnerability... that he immediately ruined with an awkward joke.

“You aren’t pheromoning me right now, are you?” he teased as he tried to swallow the lump in his throat.

Lin let out a watery laugh, pulling back just enough to look up at him with tear-streaked cheeks. “No, but I can if you think it would help,” she teased right back.

Chapter 42: Questions

Lin broke the embrace and excused herself. She slipped away, leaving Dave alone on the balcony. A little while later, Liki came out to find him. Dave smiled as she gently took his hand. He finished his beer before letting her guide him back inside. The kitchen was nearly empty now, save for Sumiko who was cleaning up, and Tendo who was absorbed in his tablet. Dave, still hungry, put together another burger and grabbed a new beer.

"You and Lin have a nice talk out there?" Tendo asked with mock sincerity.

Dave shot him a sharp look but held his tongue.

Tendo turned to Liki with a serious look. "Better keep an eye on your man... This is a big house and he might get lost," he said.

Dave wanted to tell Tendo to fuck off, but he said nothing, for Liki's sake. Lin is right. Tendo really is a cranky old asshole. He took his plate and beer and headed back to his room, Liki trailing behind. The halls of the safe house were quiet as they left the kitchen.

He entered his dark room and flipped on the light. Liki followed him in, her tail swishing gently behind her, and he softly closed the door. Dave sat down on the bed with a heavy sigh. "What a fuckin' day," he muttered, more to himself than to her.

"Yeah, it was so... fuckin'," Liki agreed. Dave laughed at her creative use of the word.

Liki climbed onto the bed beside him, before settling her head in his lap. She looked up at him with those wide, expressive eyes, and for a moment, the chaos of the day seemed to fade.

"How do you feel? Does your stomach still hurt?" he asked, stroking her hair softly.

"Yeah, it's still sore," she replied.

"What about your head?" he said lightly touching the bandage on her scalp. Dave wished there was something more he could do to ease her pain.

"It doesn't hurt" said Liki.

As Dave slowly ate his food, Liki filled his thoughts. He wondered, not for the first time, what it must be like to be her. To exist in a world that wasn’t made for her. She lived in an alien world designed by the same aliens that had designed her, but their world made very few accommodations for her. Chairs didn't take her tail into account. Cars and cabinets and toilets didn't consider her size. Laws didn't acknowledge her autonomy. Despite it all, she navigated their world with a quiet resilience that he couldn’t help but admire.

Some humans, like Tendo, saw her as a tool, a thing to accomplish their goals. Some humans saw her as entertainment, a thing to play with and ogle. The very worst of those were like the man who wanted to take Liki. He saw her as something to hurt, to dominate. Thankfully, most of the world saw her as something like a pet, something cute and soft to keep them company. Dave had been one of those people until he'd met Liki. She wasn’t just a pet; she was a person, with her own thoughts, feelings, and desires. And even though the law said he owned her, he knew better.

What about Lin? Does someone own Lin too, or is she free? he wondered. He felt certain that Tendo didn't own her. Maybe the government did? He wondered if it was something he could ask her, or if it was too sensitive a subject. Maybe if every Wimil could talk like Lin and Liki, maybe it would be different. Maybe they'd demand their independence. Maybe they'd even get it. In that moment, Dave became certain that this was probably the main reason that Eris Nishimoto Bio Corp hadn't given Wimils the ability to talk.

Either way, It wasn't fair. None of it was fair. When this was all over, if Liki was still allowed to be with him, he would try to make things as fair as possible. Give her as much freedom as he could. He'd create a safe place for her to exist, where she could learn and explore her emotions. Are Wimils allowed to get driver's licenses? he wondered.

He took a sip of his beer, and his mind continued to wander. Can Wimils drink alcohol? They'd discovered a few days ago that Liki actually liked milk, so what about beer? Are Wimils even physically able to get drunk? Is it legal for them to drink? he wondered. The first Wimils arrived on the market back in 2050 so even the oldest Wimils weren't 21 yet... How old is Liki? Two weeks? Was her birthday the day I opened her box and woke her up? Or was she born months ago in a lab? Either way, he'd have to remember her unboxing day so they could celebrate it each year.

His mind wandered further, drifting to Lin. The first Full-Size Wimils had been introduced less than fifteen years ago. Even if Lin is one of those early models, that would mean she's only in her early teens in human years. Oh, god... She looked like she was maybe 25 at the oldest, her features were youthful and smooth, but the way she carried herself, and the way she spoke with the measured tone of someone much older, she could have been 40. She walked with confidence and elegance, and spoke with experience and authority. To think that she might be less than a decade and a half old in human reckoning was strange and... uncomfortable. It was even worse when he thought about Liki's age in terms of human years... Dave shook his head to banish the thoughts.

As if she sensed his inner turmoil, Liki turned her head, nuzzling into his stomach. Her presence grounded him, pulling him out of his spiraling thoughts. Whatever the temporal technicalities of their relationship, he was here with her now, and that was all that mattered.

Liki looked up, her nose twitching as she sniffed the air. She reached up and touched the cool glass of the beer bottle in Dave’s hand, her curiosity piqued. “What are you drinking?” she asked, her voice soft but intrigued.

Dave chuckled, holding the bottle out to her. “It’s beer. Do you want to taste it? I don't think you'll like it...”

Liki hesitated for a moment. Finally, she sat up and took the bottle, her small hands wrapping around it carefully. She brought it to her lips and took a tentative sip, her face immediately scrunching up in disgust. She stuck her tongue out, shivering as though she’d just tasted the most vile thing ever. “Eww! It tastes like poison!” she exclaimed, sounding as though she’d been betrayed somehow. “Do you like to drink that?!"

Dave laughed, amused but also slightly guilty. “It’s not poison. Well, wait... actually... I guess technically it is poison, but it’s just… it's an acquired taste. Some people like it.”

Liki’s nose wrinkled, and she let out a soft growl of disapproval. She climbed off the bed and hurried into the bathroom, turning the tap on full blast. Dave heard her slurping water directly from the faucet, her desperate attempt to wash the taste from her mouth. Poor Liki. I'm sorry, he thought. Her reaction was a little funny, but he couldn't help feeling guilty for letting her taste the beer. He realized that he should have checked the nutritional guide in the user manual before giving her a taste.

Slightly panicked, he pulled out his phone and looked up the Wimil user manual. It said that alcohol was just as unhealthy for Wimils as it was for humans. Yeah, that makes sense. Even worse, an abuse alert would trigger if their blood alcohol concentration surpassed 0.005, twelve times less than the 0.06 BAC at which humans were considered legally intoxicated. That makes even more sense, Dave thought.

When she returned, her expression was one of utter bewilderment. “Humans are strange,” she declared, her hands on her hips. “Why would anyone drink something that tastes like… like…” She paused, searching for the right word. “Like that? It tastes like how pee smells! Is it made from pee?”

Dave laughed, leaning back against the headboard. “Humans do a lot of things that don’t make sense,” he admitted. “Beer’s just one of them. And no, it's not made from pee.”

Liki climbed back on the bed, crawling across the sheets until she was face to face with him. “But… why?” she pressed, her curiosity undiminished. “Doesn't the beer taste gross to you?”

Dave hesitated, his mind racing. How could he explain something as irrational as purposefully drinking a mild poison to her? “Well,” he began slowly, “It sounds stupid but it's not about how it tastes. It’s about how it makes you feel. Beer makes your head feel a little fuzzy… it’s comforting, in a weird way... and it can help you forget things for a little while.”

Liki’s brow furrowed, her expression thoughtful. She wrapped her arms around him again, and pressed her head into his side. “But… why would you want to forget things?” she asked.

Dave sighed, his hand finding hers. “Because sometimes, the things you remember… they hurt,” he admitted, “and you just want a break from it, even if it’s just for a little while.”

Liki was silent for a moment, and she squeezed Dave tighter. “I don’t want to forget,” she said finally, her voice firm. “Even if it hurts. I want to remember everything. Every moment that I'm alive. Every second that I'm with you.”

Dave’s breath caught in his throat, her words hitting him like a punch to the chest. He turned to look at her, realizing that he'd been ambushed by her sincerity once again. Her eyes were filled with a quiet determination, her gaze unwavering as she looked up at him. There was something deeply vulnerable in her expression, a raw honesty that left him speechless.

Before Dave could think of a response, Liki surprised him by lifting his shirt and popping her head underneath. He couldn’t help but chuckle as she nestled against his stomach, her nose and lips brushing against his skin, tickling him. “What are you doing, Liki?” he asked, peeking down into his collar to see her face.

She looked up at him from inside his shirt, her wide eyes sparkling with mischief. “Where’s your other shirt? The one with Tendo on it?” she asked, her voice muffled slightly by the fabric.

Dave raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. “Oh, I threw it in the hamper when I changed for dinner. It’s over there,” he said, gesturing toward the corner of the room where a small laundry basket sat.

Liki’s tail flicked eagerly as she slipped out from under his shirt, her gaze fixed on the hamper. “Can I wear it again?” she asked, her tone hopeful.

Dave blinked, caught off guard by the request. “Sure, but… it’s all sweaty and stinky from earlier,” he warned, unsure why she’d even want it.

But Liki just smiled, her expression soft and endearing as she replied, “I know, but it smells like you.”

Her words struck him with a warmth he hadn’t expected. There was something profoundly simple yet deeply touching about her desire to be surrounded by his scent, to wear his aura.

She darted over to the hamper, digging through it until she pulled out the shirt. She held it up triumphantly, her tail swishing with delight. She handed the shirt to Dave before shimmying out of her new blue Wimil dress. She threw her arms in the air with a funny scrunched-up grin on her face. Dave knew the drill by now. He carefully pushed her hands and head through the holes and let the fabric drape her. She looked up at him, her eyes shining.

Chapter 43: Fertilization

Dave and Liki lay on the bed, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm light over them. Liki’s head rested on Dave’s chest, her fingers poking between the buttons of his shirt to touch his skin. She was quiet, but Dave could sense that she was thinking about something. Her tail twitched occasionally, a sign that she was deep in thought.

Suddenly, Liki tilted her head up to look at him. “Dave,” she began, her voice soft but with a hint of trepidation. “I was wondering… about something you said before.”

“Hmm?” Dave murmured, his hand gently stroking her hair. “What’s on your mind, sweetie?”

She hesitated for a moment, as if trying to find the right words. “Remember, in the car a couple days ago, you said… your mom and dad mixed their DNA to make you. How did they do that? How did they get their DNA? Did their DNA turn into a baby, and then they put the baby inside your mom to grow?”

Dave froze for a moment. Oh boy, he thought, feeling a flush of panic creep up his neck. He hadn’t expected this. How was he supposed to explain something so complex to her? Liki’s innocence and curiosity were endearing, but this was way out of his depth.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “Uh, well…” he started, his voice faltering. He racked his brain, trying to think of a way to simplify the explanation without completely butchering it. Then, it hit him—Smarty Guy. The AI Detective had a way of breaking things down into clear, concise terms. It was worth a shot.

“You know what?” Dave said, sitting up slightly. “I think Smarty Guy can explain it better than I can. Let’s ask him, okay?”

Liki’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Yes! Smarty Guy is so smart. He’ll know.”

Dave reached over to the nightstand and grabbed his phone, opening the PrivateAI app. He was going to make Smarty Guy work for that premium member account money. The screen lit up with the familiar sleek interface, and Smarty Guy’s smooth, neutral voice greeted them. “Good evening, Dave. How can I assist you?”

“Hey, Smarty Guy,” Dave began, trying to sound casual. “Uh, Liki has a question about… uh, how babies are made. Like, how a man and a woman combine their DNA to create a baby. Can you explain it to her?”

There was a brief pause, and then Smarty Guy’s voice filled the room, steady and professional. “Certainly. The process of human reproduction involves a complex biological sequence known as sexual intercourse.

During this act, the male’s erect penis is inserted into the female’s vagina, creating a physical connection that allows for sexual intercourse. The act of sex can foster a sense of closeness and bonding between partners, as it is not solely about reproduction but also about connection and mutual satisfaction."

"Hey, we did that!" said Liki, squeezing Dave.

"Physical arousal plays a key role in this process. For the male, arousal leads to an erection, where the penis becomes firm and enlarged, allowing for penetration. For the female, arousal increases blood flow to the genital area, causing the vaginal walls to become lubricated, which reduces friction and makes the experience more comfortable.

The rhythm and pace of intercourse can vary depending on the preferences and desires of the partners. As both partners continue moving, the sensations build, leading to pleasure peaks known as orgasms, which are often the most intense part of the experience.”

"Oh, that's the head exploding feeling, right?" said Liki.

"That is correct," affirmed Smarty Guy. "During orgasm, the male’s reproductive system releases semen, which is a fluid containing millions of microscopic sperm cells, each carrying his genetic material, or DNA. During ejaculation, this semen is expelled from the penis into the vaginal canal.

The female’s reproductive system, on the other hand, releases an egg, or ovum, from one of the ovaries during ovulation. When an egg encounters a sperm, the sperm penetrates the egg’s outer layer, fusing with it to form a single-celled zygote. This marks the moment of fertilization, where the genetic material from both the sperm and egg combine to create a new, unique set of DNA."

Liki’s eyes widened, her gaze fixed intently on the phone as if she were trying to absorb every word. “Fertilization,” she repeated softly, her voice filled with awe.

Smarty Guy continued, "The zygote then begins to divide and grow, forming an embryo. Over time, this embryo implants itself into the lining of the uterus, where it develops into a fetus. The mother’s body provides the necessary nutrients and support for the fetus to grow, continuing this process until the baby is ready to be born.”

Liki’s tail flicked faster now, her excitement palpable. “The baby grows inside the woman,” she whispered.

“That's correct,” Smarty Guy replied. “After approximately nine months, the baby is born, exiting the female through the vagina during childbirth.”

Liki sat up fully now, her hands clasped together as if she were holding onto the information tightly. “That’s… amazing,” she whispered, her eyes shining with a mix of fascination and joy.

Dave watched her carefully, feeling a mix of emotions. He was relieved that Smarty Guy had handled the explanation so well, but he was also a little nervous about how Liki would process it all. It was a lot to take in, even for someone as curious and open-minded as her.

Liki hesitated, her gaze shifting from the phone to Dave. She bit her lip, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Dave… we had sex, right?” she asked, soft and direct.

Dave felt his face heat up, but he nodded. “Yeah, we did,” he admitted quietly.

Liki’s tail swished thoughtfully. “So… does that mean your DNA is inside me?” she asked, her eyes searching his face for answers.

Dave paused, unsure how to respond. He realized that he didn't know enough about human biology to answer that question, let alone Wimil biology. But he didn’t want to disappoint her or dismiss her curiosity. “I… I’m not sure,” he admitted honestly. “I mean, I guess there could still be some sperm in there somewhere."

Liki’s expression softened, and a small smile tugged at her lips. She placed a hand on her belly, her fingers resting gently over the fabric of Dave’s shirt that she was wearing. “Your DNA... A part of you is inside me forever,” she said softly.

Dave’s heart swelled at her words. There was something so pure and sincere about the way she said it, as if the thought alone brought her comfort. He reached out and put his hand on hers.

Liki narrowed her eyes; She was thinking again. “So… when you orgasm, your DNA comes out of you and it goes into me?” she asked, her gaze earnest.

Dave hesitated, his cheeks heating up. “Yeah, basically...” he said, wondering where her thoughts were leading her.

Her eyes widened with curiosity. “So… can your DNA only come out when you're inside me?” she asked curiously.

Dave’s face turned crimson. “Uh, well...” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “A man can, uh… make his semen come out by, you know, rubbing himself until he orgasms.”

Liki’s tail swished faster, her eyes lighting up. “Can you do that?” she asked eagerly. “So I can see what your DNA looks like?”

Dave froze for a moment, utterly unprepared for the request. He glanced at her, seeing the genuine curiosity in her eyes, and sighed. “Okay,” he said reluctantly. “But, uh, it’s kind of… awkward when someone’s watching.”

"Please!" she begged, getting up on her knees.

"Okay, okay... anything for you, Liki," Dave sighed. He began to undress, feeling her gaze on him intently. He got back on the bed and started to stroke himself, but he found it hard to focus with her watching so closely. It was embarrassing, but as he got going he started to feel something else—something slightly naughty. He glanced at her. “Maybe… if you were doing it too, it wouldn’t feel so weird,” he suggested hesitantly.

Liki blinked, her head tilting. “What do you mean?”

“You know,” Dave said softly. “You could, uh, rub yourself down there in a way that feels good. It’s called masturbating. Try it. Just rub yourself whatever way feels the best.”

Liki’s eyes widened, but she nodded. “Okay,” she said, her voice curious. She pulled up her shirt and tentatively placed her hand between her legs, beginning to experiment. Almost instantly, her expression shifted to one of surprise. “Oh,” she murmured, “It’s… really easy.”

Dave watched her, his own movements growing a little faster as he saw her exploring herself. There was something undeniably intimate about the moment, even if it was a little unconventional. Liki’s eyes remained fixed on him, her curiosity unabated, as she continued to touch herself.

Dave chuckled nervously. Maybe this will be less awkward if we have some fun with it? He had an idea. “Do you wanna race? Whoever finishes... whoever orgasms first is the winner.”

Liki’s blue eyes sparkled with excitement. “Okay, but I'm gonna win!” she said eagerly, her tail swishing in anticipation. Her fingers started moving a little faster.

They both quickened their motions, their breathing speeding up as the tension in the room intensified. Dave reached out with his free hand, sliding it up under her shirt to gently squeeze Liki’s breasts, hoping it would give him the upper hand. Liki gasped softly, her movements becoming more urgent. “No! Stop cheating!” she squealed, but her voice held a playful edge. Dave laughed.

Determined not to lose, Liki grabbed the fabric of Dave’s borrowed shirt and took a deep sniff. The scent of him, warm and familiar, seemed to heighten her arousal. “Mmmmm,” she murmured, as she kneaded her clitoris in a circular motion.

Dave played even dirtier and grabbed Liki's free hand and used it to stroke his penis. "Cheater! Cheater!" she laughed as she pulled her hand free and slapped his stomach.

It was just enough to put him in the lead. Dave’s strokes quickened, his body teetering on the edge. “I’m almost there!” he warned, his voice strained.

“No! I can't lose!” Liki insisted, her hand moving even faster as she focused on the sensation. But it was too late—Dave let out a low groan, his body shuddering as he ejaculated, his semen spurting onto his stomach.

Without stopping, Liki looked over, her eyes wide with amazement as she stared at the display. “Wow,” she whispered with awe. The sight seemed to push her over the edge, and moments later, she let out a soft cry. She pressed her trembling thighs tightly together over her hand as she reached her own climax.

Panting and flushed, they both collapsed onto the bed, a mix of laughter and satisfaction filling the air. “I guess I won,” Dave gently teased her.

Liki pouted playfully, still out of breath. “Next time... I’ll beat you,” she declared.

Smarty Guy's voice broke into the moment. "Congratulations on your victory, Dave. Liki, would you like me to suggest some exercises and masturbation techniques that could give you a competitive edge in future competitions?"

Dave had left his phone on and Smarty Guy had been listening the whole time. Liki screamed and buried her head in the blankets, laughing hysterically with embarrassment. "No, that's okay. Thanks for your help," said Dave as he closed the app. Did I just have a threesome with an AI voyeur and a bioengineered humanoid? My life has taken a strange turn, Dave joked to himself.

Liki sat up and started to closely inspect the small, wet puddles of sperm on Dave's stomach. "It looks like white juice," she said. Then she froze. She sniffed the air. She moved closer to Dave's stomach and sniffed again. "I smelled this before..." she said slowly. "In the Chungo's that night, and when we played the Bad Guy game... but I didn't know where the smell came from."

Dave froze, remembering the beer incident from earlier. She was about to chastise him again, this time for the pungent, chemically aroma of his seed. Even he thought it smelled gross, and he didn't have an ultra sensitive nose like she did. He braced for the incoming declaration of disgust.

"It smells so... good," said Liki as she got closer and took a deep breath.

What.

Chapter 44: Insemination

Dave stared at Liki, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. She thinks it smells good? That’s… unexpected. As he tried to process the thought further, Liki leaned down, her nose almost brushing against his stomach. Her lips parted, and before Dave could react, she was sucking up one of the small puddles of semen that had pooled on his skin.

Dave’s body stiffened in shock. “Liki—!” he started, but it was too late. She pulled back, her eyes wide with amazement, a look of pure delight on her face.

“It’s so delicious,” she said softly, wonder in her voice. She touched a drop with her finger, holding it up to Dave. “Taste it.”

Dave’s face twisted in disgust. “No, Liki, I’m not going to—”

But she was already sticking her finger into his mouth before he could stop her. The moment the taste hit his tongue, he recoiled, pulling away with a grimace. “Liki, yuck! Blehhh!”

Liki’s face fell, her ears drooping slightly. She looked genuinely disappointed. “But… it’s good. Why don’t you like it?”

Dave sighed, trying to find the right words. “I think it’s probably like… your Wimil food. You think human food tastes gross, but you love your Wimil pellets. I think my… uh, semen tastes gross, but you love it. Your taste buds just work differently from human ones.”

Liki tilted her head, considering his words. “So… you don’t want any?” she asked, her voice tinged with hope.

Dave chuckled nervously. “No, Liki, I don’t want it," he said firmly. He could see where this was going.

"So then... I can have all of it?" she asked. Her eyes sparkled.

Dave was torn and his mind raced. Part of him felt like saying yes would be taking advantage of her. But she was so eager, her eyes filled with such genuine excitement, that it was impossible to say no. "I... you... you can have it," he stammered, not sure if anything he could've said would have stopped her anyway.

Liki didn’t hesitate. She bent down again, her lips pressing against his skin as she greedily slurped each of the small puddles from his stomach. Dave watched in a mix of fascination and mild horror as she cleaned him off, her movements almost frantic in her eagerness to get every last drop. She’s really into this.

When she was finally done, she curled up against his side with a contented sigh. “Mmm, that was good,” she murmured, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you."

Dave wrapped an arm around her, still feeling a bit dazed. “You’re welcome,” he said, though he couldn’t help but wonder if he’d just created a monster. His mind flashed to a darkly comedic image of himself lying on the floor, emaciated and dehydrated, while Liki stood over him demanding more of his “delicious seed.” She had a determined, predatory look in her eyes as she leaned down, her voice soft but commanding.

“More, Dave,” she said, licking her fingers. “Make more DNA, NOW!”

“Liki, I can’t,” he croaked, his throat dry and raspy. “I’m… I’m so tired.”

But she didn’t listen. She gripped him firmly, her small hands surprisingly strong as she worked him to hardness despite his exhaustion. He groaned, too weak to resist, as she stroked him vigorously.

“Just a little more, then you may rest,” she cooed soothingly. “You can do it. For me. Your Queen demands it.”

Dave’s body shuddered, and he felt another, weaker release. Liki eagerly lapped it up, her tongue darting out to catch every drop. She smiled down at him, blissfully content, but Dave could barely move. His head lolled to the side, his vision blurring as he struggled to stay conscious.

“Liki…” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “I… I can’t…”

She didn’t seem to hear him or care. She curled up beside him with her hand resting possessively on his chest. “I will allow you one hour of sleep,” she said gently. “After that, you... will... feed... me.”

Dave shook his head, trying to dispel the hilarious but disturbing fantasy. That’s not going to happen. Right?

Liki snuggled closer. She looked up at him with those big, trusting eyes, and Dave felt the domineering, demanding, voracious Liki fade, replaced by the real Liki; The sweet, gentle, curious, and caring Liki. Despite the bizarre turn their evening had taken, he couldn’t deny how much he cared for her. She was a constant source of joy and innocence in his life, and he wouldn’t trade her for anything.

“We should probably get some sleep,” Dave suggested gently. “It’s been a rough day, and we’ve got that big meeting tomorrow.”

Liki nodded, her eyes already beginning to droop. “Okay,” she agreed, yawning and stretching her long, thin limbs. Dave grabbed his boxers off the floor and a new t-shirt from the closet. Once he was dressed, he picked Liki up and gently laid her in the Wimil bed that she'd pushed next to his bed earlier in the day.

He plugged her in and she settled into the bed. Her body relaxed almost instantly as the programming from the bed began to flow into her. “Goodnight, Dave,” she murmured, her eyes closing as she drifted off to mnemonic sleep.

“Goodnight, Liki,” Dave replied, watching her for a moment before turning off the lights and climbing into his own bed. He lay there in the darkness, his mind racing with everything that had happened that day. From the confrontation with the cybernetic man in the Wimil store to the several bizarre and surprisingly tender moments with Liki, it had been a whirlwind of emotions and events.

As he stared up at the ceiling, he couldn’t help but wonder what the meeting tomorrow would bring. They were finally going to discuss their role in the operation to bring the man who was after Liki to justice. It was a daunting thought, and Dave couldn’t shake the feeling that they were walking into something much bigger than they realized.

But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the sound of Liki’s soft breathing as she slept. It was a comforting sound, a reminder that despite all the chaos and uncertainty, they had each other. Dave didn’t know for how much longer, but that was something to worry about later.

*

Liki was in bed with him when he woke up. Because of course she is. Dave chuckled softly as he gently nudged Liki awake. “I'm going to take a quick shower, them I’m going to head downstairs to get some breakfast.”

Liki blinked sleepily but nodded, her ears perking up as she crawled out of bed. She followed him to the bathroom and threw off his shirt she was wearing. "Be careful not to get your bandage wet," Dave warned as she stepped into the shower with him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and nuzzled her head into his stomach. She looked up at him with her big blue eyes, as the warm water surrounded them, and Dave knew exactly what she was going to ask.

“Dave, can you make more… sperm for me later?” she asked, her voice hopeful. Her honesty made her endearing, but easy to predict.

Dave laughed nervously. “I’ll… uh, I’ll try,” he said, shaking his head.

Liki seemed pleased with his answer, her tail wagging slightly as she rinsed off. Dave couldn’t help but wonder if his terrifying jizz-slave fantasy was already starting to come true.

After they finished showering, they dried off, and Liki bounced to the closet in her room to pick out a new outfit. She brought a blue tank top and a pair of khaki shorts to Dave for him to dress her in. As Dave pulled her shirt over her head, he wondered if Wimils needed bras. Would that be in the user manual? Maybe I should ask Lin? Liki silenced his thoughts by playfully pushing him onto the bed so that she could pounce on him for a random kiss. When Dave finally and reluctantly escaped from her surprise attack, he grabbed a clean black t-shirt and he pulled on his jeans from yesterday, still on the floor. Now that they were both dressed, they headed downstairs to the kitchen.

Lin was there, talking to N15, who was leaning against the counter. Dave greeted them with a nod. “Morning. What’s for breakfast?”

Lin gestured toward the pantry. “I made some coffee, and there’s all kinds of cereal in there. You can find something in the fridge if you want to cook, too.”

“Thanks,” Dave said, moving to pour himself a bowl of Thrash-Qs. He grabbed a small bowl and filled it with Wimil pellets for Liki, setting it down in front of her.

As Liki started eating, she looked over at Lin. “Lin, these Wimil pellets are okay,” she said as she crunched on a mouthful of pellets, “but they’re not as delicious as…”

Dave froze, his spoon halfway to his mouth. No... Oh god, NO. Please, Liki. Please don't say sperm. I'm begging you...

“…the new flavor of Wimil pellets you gave me yesterday,” Liki finished with a smile.

Dave exhaled a sigh of relief. Oh, thank god.

Tendo walked into the kitchen just as N15 was leaving. “Morning, Monster Slayer Team,” he said, his deep voice filling the room.

Lin greeted him with a smile. “Good morning. I made some coffee.”

Tendo nodded, his eyes shifting to Dave and Liki. “Dave. Liki. Did you sleep alright? I know this place isn’t exactly a roach-infested motel, but it’ll have to do,” he said with a smirk.

Dave rolled his eyes. “You could’ve been a comedian, Tendo.”

Tendo chuckled, grabbing a MealWorld breakfast bar from a basket on the center island and pouring himself a cup of coffee. “I'm just trying to make friends. Anyway, don’t forget—there’s a meeting in two hours to discuss the operation. Be there.” He reached out to pat Liki on the head but stopped when he noticed her bandage. Instead, he gave her shoulder a gentle pat. “And Liki, you be sure to come too. You’re going to be the star of the show!”

Liki’s eyes lit up at the words, her tail wagging excitedly. “I will!” she chirped.

Dave rolled his eyes again, though he couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. Tendo gave a final nod before heading out, coffee in hand.

Lin turned to Dave and Liki. “I'm going to the pool around two if either or both of you want to come. You’ve been through hell and it's a good way to relax,” she said casually.

Dave’s eyebrows raised slightly. "Yeah sure, that'd be fun," he started, but he glanced at Liki, remembering her fear of the pool. He waited a moment to hear what she thought.

Liki’s ears twitched and she hesitated. Then she straightened up, her expression determined. "I'll try to swim... If you guys can teach me. I need to get stronger,” she said firmly, though Dave sensed there was more to it. He suspected that she wanted to impress Lin.

"Liki, you don’t have to if you don’t want to,” he said quickly but gently. “It’s totally fine if you’d rather not. We could do something else, like go for a walk out in the yard."

"No, I want to go in the water," she said, trying to be brave.

"Okay, great! We can have a pool party," said Lin. "Alright, I have to go and do some prep for the meeting. See you there." Lin took a Wimil pellet out of Liki's bowl and popped it into her mouth as she walked by on her way out of the kitchen.

After Lin was gone, Liki frowned slightly, her ears twitching in thought. “Dave,” she began, her voice soft and curious, “Who’s Lin’s owner? No one here seems like they’re her owner.”

Dave almost choked on his cereal, his laughter bubbling up before he could stop it. He set his spoon down, grinning at Liki. “I know, right? I was thinking the exact same thing yesterday. I don’t think she has an owner. She might be her own owner. Who knows? You should ask her.”

Liki’s eyes widened. Her tail swished behind her as she processed the idea. “Her own owner?” she repeated slowly. “But… that’s not how it’s supposed to work. Someone has to buy the Wimil, like how you bought me. Who takes care of her if she doesn’t have an owner?”

Dave shrugged, still smiling. “Maybe she takes care of herself. She’s pretty independent. Maybe that’s just how it is for some people—or Wimils. Not everyone needs an owner to take care of them.”

Liki tilted her head with a thoughtful expression. “If she has no owner, then who brought her home from the store?” she wondered. "Did she bring herself home? I'm gonna ask her."

"Yeah, you should definitely ask her." Now we'll find out, thought Bad Guy Dave. If Liki asks, Lin couldn't possibly get mad at her for asking such a sweet and innocent question. The perfect crime. Bad Guy Dave chuckled at his own deviousness. He hated himself for using Liki to get the information, but he just had to know.

“I'd be lonely if I never had an owner,” she said a little sadly. "I'm so glad you picked me and became my owner and then became my partner, Dave."

Bad Guy Dave was banished back to the darkness by Liki's ray of sunshine. “I’m glad that I picked the best Wimil that was ever made," he said, giving her a kiss on the head.

After they finished eating, Dave and Liki went back to their rooms to wait for the meeting. Liki arranged her Wimil cubes into a short stack on the floor while Dave tried to go through the hundreds of emails and text messages on his phone. He found that while he could read old texts and emails, he couldn't receive or send new ones. Some kind of net blocker around the safehouse? Oh well.

A little while later, Jotaro (or was he Yaten?) knocked on the door to summon them for the meeting. Dave took Liki's hand and they followed him downstairs and into the basement of the giant house. They passed an impressive wine cellar and a virtualball court, and finally reached a dark hallway that led to a door. Yaten or Jotaro opened the door and entered the room. Suddenly, Liki stopped dead.

"What's wrong?" asked Dave.

Liki was stiff, staring straight ahead. "There's bad guys in that room," she whispered.