Wake me up in 2395

Chapter 18: A Tour around the Artificial Paradise, Imperium

Chapter 18: A Tour around the Artificial Paradise, Imperium Capital

I was excited for tomorrow and because of this excitement, I was restless. Hindi ako makatulog. I sighed, it has been an hour already since I was on my bed. I had Pantaleon to go in Sleep Mode too, which made the blue glow of his sapphire orbs for eyes to disappear. This robot was just right beside me, and when it sensed that I moved from my bed, it automatically moved, as if it woke up because of me.

“Go to sleep, sorry I woke you up.” I said to Pantaleon and as if understanding whatever it is that I said, it went back to the Sleep Mode setting. It felt weird to talk to a robot and even apologize for waking it up, but I guess over time, I will get used to it. I am sure Ingrid and Tiara will also be happy when they meet Pantaleon. Ano kaya ang magiging reaksyon ng dalawa? Well, they are robots... But still, nagtataka pa rin ako.

Pagkatapos kong bumangon ay tumungo muna ako sa balkonahe ng aking kuwarto. I was unable to visit this area since I was too engrossed with all the events happening around. When I got out, it was cold and I was on the 78th floor of Palace Hotel. The city-ship glowed in a mixture and whirlpool of colors, and there were lights being emitted not only by skyscrapers, but hovercars and aircrafts as well. The city was very much alive, despite how late it is... This city never sleeps, but I guess the rest also applies, since the same case is with Ancora City.

It was cold and I can feel the howl of the wind that was swirling around me, I stayed rooted on my spot, watching the city in the middle of the night. It was serene and beautiful; however, it was also fake and artificial. Everything my eyes see is manmade, there is no hint of nature, if ever there is—they were all just plastic and such.

When I felt the chill starting to go deep into my skin, napagdesisyunan kong bumalik na. Dinalaw na rin ako nang tuluyan ng antok, kaya naman nang humiga na ako sa kama ay diretso na akong tulog.

Paggising ko ay umaga na. I did the same routine that I did since the first day we were here. Nagbihis na rin ako at ang suot ko naman ngayon ay bestida na may mga nakatahing iba’t ibang klase ng bulaklak. It felt refreshing and free compared to the outfit I used yesterday which had a mixture of sexy and gothic in it. Now, the motif that I chose is Bohemian. I paired it with sandals that have two inches heels. I smiled at the mirror reflecting my whole body and face, then I decided to go out of the Tech-Wardrobe.

I called Lag when breakfast has already arrived and as usual, since he just woke up, magulo pa rin ang kaniyang buhok at nakapansuot pa rin siya ng pantulog. I smiled at him as he took a toast of bread and put a peanut butter on it, “good morning, Lag.”

“Good morning, Prim,” his voice was deep and rough, and husky as well. His morning voice is something I really like, it felt soothing and calming. “How was your sleep?” He asked.

“Hmm, I slept late. I think I got too excited for today. How about you?” I asked.

“I slept around 3 in the morning. I had to do some work—you know, politics.” Aniya. Ah, right. Kahit pa man na nandito na kami ay kargado pa rin niya ang kaniyang responsibilidad bilang mayor ng Ancora City. Tama nga naman ang sinabi ni Spiderman noon, na with great power comes great responsibilities, and I guess this is just one of the few prices that Lag has to pay as a power figure of Tre.

Naisip ko, siguro ganoon din ang sitwasyon nila Mayor Elizabeth at Mayor Marina ngayon.

“Usually, the third day is used for us mayors to do the rest of the duties that we left behind in our cities. But it is still coined as a rest day, since it has a nice ring to it... Since we have plans for today, I decided to finish all work in advance, so that there is no longer anything to think about.”

Hindi ako nakaimik. We had everything planned already too since the first day we came here. Now that explains why he wakes up late, he did it for me. Somehow, that made me giddy, and I was smiling from ear to ear, like a fool I already was. It made me feel special that he went to such great extent for me, just to be with me for today.

“Thank you, Lag.” I smiled.

Tumaas ang isang kilay nito habang nakakagat sa tinapay, “for?”

“For staying up late and doing your work in advance so we can enjoy this day together.” I pouted since he simply chuckled, as if he was also rendered speechless for this random show of appreciation, “I appreciate your efforts.”

Bahagyang namula ang pisngi ni Lag at saka siya ngumiti na lang sa akin, tumama ang kaniyang mga mata sa akin at ako naman ay napatitig lang. Those hazel-brown eyes stared right into mine, as if piercing right through my soul, wanting to know whatever it is that is going on inside me. That left a whole lot of confusing mess inside me, as I felt my heartbeat going faster as if I just finished running a 10-kilometer marathon.

“You’re welcome, Prim... You know I would do anything for you, I promised to give you one thing you want, right? And you already said that the one thing you want is for me to give you everything that you ask.”

I chuckled.

“You got me on that part, but since I am a man of words—there is nothing I can do, right?”

I grinned, “indeed—that basically makes you my Genie, who shall give everything I ask for.”

Kumain na kami. We ate in silence and in this silence, I know there is something that is brewing inside me, and when I looked at Lag, I knew it was not just me.

Whatever it is that was going on inside us, I was too afraid to know.

~*~

An hour later, Lag was already prepared as well. I decided to just leave Pantaleon in my room since I think dragging him along will just be too much of a hassle since his size is also too big.

“Where do you want to go first?” Lag asked me.

I smiled at him as we descended in the lift towards the ground floor, “you take the lead, Lag. Since you know this place better than I do.”

“Your wish is my command, Prim.” Saad nito, kasabay nito ay bumukas na ang elevator at lumabas naman na kami. The lobby of the hotel was busy as usual, and people around wore grand clothes and such. What do I expect? Everyone in this city is filthy rich, and the only servants around are robots.

We went outside the hotel. Lag decided that it is better for us to walk, since the city is not really that big in the first place if you are comparing it to the cities on land like Ancora City, well, I cannot really say for the rest of the cities but I know for sure this city-ship where the Imperium Union resides is smaller in comparison to the rest. Anyway, that is already confusing in itself already so I will just discard the idea. Pati ako ay naguluhan sa sarili kong iniisip—basta, the point here is, maliit ang siyudad na ito.

Habang naglalakad ay may mga nakakasalamuha rin kaming mga tao—they wore fancy clothes, and the styles were exaggerated. I guess this is the new trend and fashion now. I looked around us, everything in this place is orderly and clean, and the screens of the skyscrapers were showcasing advertisements and public figures as well.

“Lag, I remember the conspiracy that this ship will also fly?” Bigla ko lang naalala habang naglalakad kami.

“I am not sure about that... Who knows? I don’t also see the need for this ship to fly though,” aniya. I was wondering too why they built this city as a ship... Kaya naman natanong ko na si Lag, “this makes the city to be able to travel, and that means it has no permanent place. It is a strategy of the founder, Warez Astarria, to make sure that no enemies is able to locate the city in this vast ocean. The only way to know where we are is through the permission of a system designed specifically for this city, which is connected to those hovercrafts of trusted pilots of the Empire.”

“Gaya ng sinakyan natin?” I asked.

Tumango naman si Lag.

“But—wala namang kalaban ang Imperium Union, ‘di ba?” I scowled, “what is it that the Union is afraid of?” It does not make sense at all.

Kumunot na lang ang aking noo habang nag-iisip—they also sent explorer scientists outside the wall to make a research on the world... What if that was just a front? I am starting to question everything already, even the profession of Lag’s parents. What if there is more than what is being said? And what if it has a connection as to why this city is always moving, as if afraid to be found?

To be found by what?

Or rather... To be found by who?

I was so deep in my thoughts that I never realized that I bumped into someone already, I fell into the ground, my back hitting the solid concrete. I looked up, to see a familiar face.

“Why is it that whenever we encounter each other, you bump into me?” The man chuckled, it was Chun Lee. Nakita ko naman si Lag na bahagyang kumunot ang noo. He was right beside me. Sabay silang naglahad ng kamay upang tulungan akong tumayo, and I looked at both hand, confused.

“I can manage.” I declined both and stood up on my own. I looked at Chun, curious as what he was doing outside the city, it seems like he was waiting for someone.

“Where are you going?” He asked, eyes on me, ignoring Lag.

I smiled, “Lag is touring me around the city.”

“I see.” Chun then looked at Lag in order to acknowledge him, however, Lag’s face was simply blank and Lag just looked at me instead, as if he does not want to look at Chun because the sight of him is irritating him.

“How about you, Chun?” I asked.

“I am waiting for someone,” he smiled at me, “personal matter...” He really looks so perfect and handsome. Plus, he is a smart-ass since he is also a scientist and inventor. His eyes were another kind of beautiful too, with those small cat-like eyes that seem to form a slit, and his delicate and soft but hard features, his slightly disheveled hair, and his jawline—everything about him simply speaks of elegance and aesthetic.

“I see...”

“Anyway, thank you really for helping a lot in my research on Quantum Physics. You deserve the recognition that you got on the first day.”

I smiled, “I did not see it coming.”

“Well, you should have.” He smiled.

Tumikhim si Lag kaya naman napatingin ako sa kaniya, nakakunot ang noo nito ngayon. “Let’s go?” His voice was now demanding and strict, and I know he won’t take no as an answer.

“Seems like you guys are in a hurry,” Chun chuckled, “if you need anything, beep me.”

“I will.”

Naglakad na kami ni Lag and we passed him by. I wonder who Chun is meeting with? But it is not like it is my business anymore.

“We’re at our first stop, this is actually my favorite place in the city.” Lag declared as we stopped by in front of a building that has ten big pillars adorning it and stairs where one can ascend, “the Museum.” He added. “For history nerds like me, this is one of the best places to go to.”

Well, it made sense. Lag was a historian, but before that, he was also a scientist, I knew that from Chun himself, as Lag used to be his co-scientist. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang nangyari sa kanilang dalawa, and it seems like he has no plans of telling me at all, which is why I am not asking even if I already am curious. Siguro hintayin ko na lang ang tamang panahon na siya na mismo ang magsabi sa akin.

We ascended towards the museum and entered it. The interior was quite modern, and the items being displayed are protected by this clear glass. “Don’t touch the glass. It is embedded with electricity, which means you will be electrified if you dare, that explains the red marble floor which means the ‘limit zone’, or the restricted area. The white marble is the area you are only allowed to walk into.” He said as we walked around. There were many people at the Museum, and I see that most of them appears to be tourists and from other districts. I heard that the city is only open during the Foundation Week, which is why tourists flock every time the city opens for the foundation celebration.

“This is the map of the old world—your world,” aniya, he pointed the rotating globe that used to be the of the old world. The first thing I heard when I woke up after all is that most of the landmasses are now submerged underwater because of the melting of the Arctic ice due to global warming. That explains also why there are only five countries left and they are the numbered ones, where Philippines, my country, is now called Tre and there are only 3 cities left there.

As we walked, the things they consider as ancient and antique are items that used to be in my world. From the technology including cellphones, gadgets, even cars. Pinakita ang isang kotse na may gulong din. I remember that the cars in this era are now wheelless, and they are just hovering around.

We ascended, and I realized the 2nd floor was showcasing plants and flowers of different varieties. They were preserved, I can tell that... But still, no roots, and no life. Just stuck in time, unable to propagate. The thought made me sad, and the 3rd floor of the museum made me sadder even more—animals, preserved animals... There were no longer any live animals in this world, not anymore.

I sighed.

Nang natapos na kaming mamasyal sa Museum ay hapon na pala. Malawak din kasi ang museum. We decided to stop over the nearest restaurant to eat our lunch, then after that, we walked around the city, just personally experiencing the life here rather than seeing it in a 3-dimensional map. Now that I also think of it, whatever that was going on this day can also be considered a date.

The thought of being on a date with Lag somehow had a nice ring in it, and it made me blush and my heart flutter. I sighed and pushed the thought and feeling away, trying to ignore it as best as I can.

He is my brother... Well, not biologically. But still... It is wrong, and I have to stop whatever it is that is forming inside me.

When we finally finished eating lunch, we got out of the restaurant. Then I felt the vibration of my M-ring, an indication that someone has contacted me. I opened it, and saw a message from Chun.

Chun: Don’t tell Lucius or anyone that I messaged you. Where are you?

It was a self-destructing message and after five seconds, the message was gone. As if he never messaged me in the first place I do not know his reason, but I also set my messages in a self-destructing form, trying to copy whatever it is that he was doing.

Primrose: In front of ImpeRestaurant. Why?

A few seconds later, another timed message was sent from him.

Chun: Stay away from the Central Square.

Kumunot ang aking noo, the message was gone once more, and Lag, who was beside me, seems curious as to what I was doing. He cannot see the hologram that I was able to see, after all.

“What’s going on?” He asked.

“Where is the Central Square?” I asked him.

Tinuro naman ni Lag ang street na ilang metro ang layo sa amin, kasabay nito ay biglang nagkaroon ng pagsabog sa isang gusali mula roon. My eyes widened in awe and horror, I watched as the building slowly crumble, I heard a lot of people scream as the smoke from the skyscraper rises up, towards the fake sky. The fake sky of this doomed city has somehow trapped the smoke in, and I cannot help but wonder what the hell was going on.

I was about to tell Lag that Chun has contacted me before the explosion, however, I remember that he has told me not to tell anyone that he contacted me. Naguguluhan na ako, he asked me where I was and to stay away from the Central Square, and as if on cue, a building from the Central Square exploded. As if on cue, the screens of the skyscraper showcasing advertisements, commercials, and public figures turned black, and then gray, as if coming back to life.

On the screens across the city, a shadow figure appeared—it seems to be a woman.

“We are the Rose Society, but we are also known as the Anti-Imperial, Anti-Union, and whatever it is that the Imperial Union has labelled us.” Her voice was rough, perhaps because the wavelengths were edited to hide the real voice and tone of the speaker. Everyone around watched the screen and stopped as well. I can feel the terror of everyone in the city, they were not used to it.

“This is a warning—we have struck The Capitol, the base of the Imperium Union, it serves as a message for the government and those who support it, to enjoy the rest of your peaceful days, for we shall finally expose your secrets. Try your hardest to find us, for you shall fail. We are many and we are scattered. Those who wish to join us, we shall know... And we will also come to you.”

I feel my heartbeat racing, and I waited for the one being projected in the speaker to speak more.

“There are more of us beyond the wall—”

The broadcast was then interrupted, it seems like the signal that was being transmitted by whoever it is that was doing the broadcast was cut off, and now, everything turned to normal, the screens now showcase commercials, as if whatever that happened a few seconds ago did not happen at all.

There are more of us beyond the wall... Iyon ang tumatak sa akin. And another thing that somehow made sense to me is that...

Chun Lee is also part of the Rose Society. He is a rebel.