“If I told you about them right away, you would’ve wanted to try them out. Then, you would have been more willing to leave here unprotected. And with Chimera crawling the streets searching for you, it would only be a matter of time before they tracked you down. The holo-straps are almost fool proof. But the downside is that after every use, it needs to be reprogrammed. I’m not sure why that is, but that's how it is for now. Either way, I couldn’t have you guys putting yourselves out there because, even with the disguise, you’re still at risk. I couldn’t chance that,” Caiden said.
“I guess you’re right. So, when are we heading out?” Hitomi said.
“In an hour or so. Gotta get ready,” he replied.
“Ooh, can we shower together?” Nami asked.
Caiden merely shook his head before saying, “No.”
CHAPTER 28
---usr/systems/server-x/ENTER THE BAZAAR---
Just as the trio were set to leave, Caiden received a video call. He answered it on his holo-watch.
“Hey there, gorgeous,” the female voice said.
“Oh, hey, Yvora. What’s up?” Caiden responded, taken aback, not expecting her to call.
The twins, who were in the bedroom getting dressed, perked up and scurried out to the living room as soon as they heard the woman’s voice. Caiden shuffled back and forth before walking away from them with his back turned, obscuring the twin’s view of who he was talking to.
“You okay? You seem awkward. I guess that’s par for the course, though,” she said with a laugh.
“I’m okay, really. What’re you up to?” he asked.
“Oh, I was just calling to say thanks again for the other night, I had a really, really damn good time with you,” she said. He went red and looked away in embarrassment. “You’re so cute being your awkward self,” she jeered earnestly. “Anyway, I was just calling to check in and make sure you got home safe, but I didn’t wanna seem stalker-ish, that’s why I decided to call you later in the day. I figured someone as nerdy as you would be up hacking some network anyway,” she said.
“Ha! You just can’t help yourself, huh?” He grinned.
“No, I can’t.”
“Hey, so, we’re still on for later this week, right?” he asked.
“Of course, we are, silly. I couldn’t ever deny my biggest fan in the world, now could I?” she asked.
“You really are a funny one,” Caiden said. “Cool, I’ll give you a call soon. Okay?” he said.
“Don’t keep me waiting,” she said seductively. The sudden change the tone of her voice took Caiden by surprise, making him cough a little bit before he could speak.
“Okay, um, good. See ya!” he replied through his cough. She shook her head at him and smiled before ending the call.
After his miniature coughing fit, he smiled to himself while looking down at the floor for a few moments. As soon as he turned around he saw the visibly upset Nami and Hitomi. They began grilling him mercilessly.
“What the hell was that about?” Nami asked.
“What do you mean?” a confused Caiden fired back.
“Who was that on the call, Caide?” Hitomi probed.
“Well, she—”
“You’re usually so dark and moody, and you’re so intense, you rarely ever smile! But here is this girl, who you talk to for five seconds and all of a sudden you’re all giddy and stupid now!” Nami angrily and immaturely ranted.
“You guys are funny,” Caiden replied.
“You hookin up with her?” Hitomi exclaimed jealously.
“That’s it! That has to be it! There’s no other explanation for it! Who is she? What’s her name?” Nami asked.
“Whoa! Chill out for a sec! When did you become private detectives? And why does it even matter?” he replied.
“OMG, I knew it!” Nami yelled as she pointed to him.
“Okay, okay! Sheesh! Her name is Yvora, Yvora Blue,” he caved in while still smiling.
“How long have you known her? What is she to you?”
“Where did you guys meet? Did you bang her yet?” the twins asked excitedly and angrily.
“Okay, wow,” he said, typing in the security codes for the condo. “Who I see is none of your business,” he said mockingly.
“What’s wrong with us, huh? Are we not woman enough for you?” Hitomi asked. “You’ve seen our bodies, remember?” she confidently remarked as she stepped closer to him.
“You liked what you saw then. I definitely can’t forget how har—”
He cut her short. “Yes, yes, the both of you are plenty woman enough. I mean, it’s obvious you guys are very attractive,” Caiden fumbled.
“Okay, so?” The twins stood together, almost posing, as if to show themselves off.
“Well, it's just that now you guys are, um, like the little sisters I never had,” he replied. The two were noticeably chastened by his remark. “Look, I—”
“Nope!” Nami shot back. As he turned to Hitomi, she and her sister childishly stuck their tongues out at him. Caiden inadvertently laughed at how adorable they were being.
“So, you think it’s funny, Caide?” Hitomi asked.
“No, not at all. Look, I’m sorry, okay? I get it. You guys have been miserable because you’ve been stuck here since you got away from The LoveMaars, and now you’re getting cabin fever. But look on the bright side, we’re going out now, right? We’re gonna have fun!”
“You gonna invite what’s her face, too?” Nami asked.
“No. It’s just us three,” he said.
“Okay, we forgive you,” Hitomi replied, pinching his cheeks. The twins liked to have Caiden all to themselves. It made going to the event that much more special to them.
After Caiden powered down the place and secured the area, the trio left Home-base and took a series of hidden walkways. He was happy to take the girls out so they could enjoy themselves for once. They were nearing the entrance of the bazaar. Caiden, equipped with his newly formatted NOVO Lenses, and the twins, with their datashades, made their way to the Darkside Bazaar. There were makeshift light posts, merchant tents, thudding bass from the music, and thousands upon thousands of busy consumers walking around.
“Here we are! The mecca of the underground economy is here,
