The Creatures that We Are

“Something to do with my family’s murder?” Gao Yang asked.

“So you know. That makes this easier.”

“I don’t remember anything about what happened to my family.” After a pause, Gao Yang added, “To be more precise, that’s the backstory the dream gives me. I suppose whoever created the dream hasn’t thought it through.”

“Haha, you’ve really lost it,” Vermilion Bird said, her laughter sharp and loud. “You know, you’re acting like a rebellious boy in puberty. You keep telling everyone you meet, ‘It’s all fake. I don’t care. Nothing is going to hurt me.’”

Gao Yang remained silent.

Vermilion Bird placed a hand on Gao Yang’s chest and said slowly, “Relax, no one cares about your existential crisis in Moon City. No one cares about if you live or die. If you think it’s all fake, you can just take your own life. Why would you wait for someone like Lightning Mouse to do it for you? Since you haven’t done that, does it mean you find this world interesting and want more time in it?”

“I have to identify the flaws,” Gao Yang said. “Or I’ll be trapped here.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Vermilion Bird's cold mask cracked as she transformed into a mischievous older sister, coaxing Gao Yang to sit up with her help. “You can keep looking for the flaws while helping me. I’ll show you proper gratitude afterward. Although this is only a dream, a good dream is better than a nightmare, right?”

Gao Yang had to agree. Although these familiar faces were all fake, he still couldn’t help but be emotionally affected. This was a dream, but he still wanted them to be happy and safe.

Vermilion Bird’s smirk dropped, her expression turning serious. “Find Qilin.”

“Why?”

“Why? I’m going to eliminate Jupiter Viruses from the source so that no more mad dogs emerge in this world.” Vermilion Bird’s smile showed an edge of hatred.

“And you think I’ll help you find him?”

“The possibility isn’t low,” Vermilion Bird said.

“Why?”

“Can’t tell you yet.” Vermilion Bird’s gaze turned icy. “Listen, kid, you have two options. Either you…”

“I’ll join you,” Gao Yang cut her off.

“Huh?”

“I’ll join you,” Gao Yang repeated.

Vermilion Bird broke into a smile after a few seconds of surprise. “Wait, at least wait for me to finish scaring you. I’ve rehearsed it for a long time.”

“You’ve rehearsed this act with Lightning Mouse for a long time too, haven’t you?”

“Holy!” Wu Dahai emerged from a shadowed corner, jogging toward them. “It can’t be. I’m a perfect actor. How did you find out?”

“Don’t know. Call it a hunch.” Gao Yang smiled. “Or maybe I want you both to be good people, so that’s how this dream pans out.”

Wu Dahai turned to Vermilion Bird. “Boss lady, he’s really lost it. Are you sure you want to take the mad dog in?”

“Of course.” Vermilion Bird rested a hand on her hip while holding a cigarette in her other hand, smirking. “Don’t you think he’s rather adorable?”

“Boss lady!” Wu Dahai was stunned. “Didn’t you say you will never go for a man younger than you are?”

Vermilion Bird blinked. “Oh, did I say that?”

“You did! Don’t try to talk yourself out of this!” Wu Dahai's voice rose with indignation.

“Lighting Mouse, could it be that I said that as an excuse to friendzone you?”

“Oh, no—” Wu Dahai pressed a hand to his chest dramatically. “I feel like my heart’s shattered!”

“I don’t think Cloudland’s fourth-gen artificial heart’s that fragile,” Vermilion Bird shot back dryly.

“Go, go away! I’m going to work. Money’s the only thing that won’t betray me.” Wu Dahai dropped the act, his voice settling into resignation. There were too many women he had failed to win over; Vermilion Bird was only one of them. “Suppliers delivered a few more dead killed in gang crossfire. I have to work overtime.”

“Okay. See you later.”

Vermilion Bird shrugged off her long white coat and tossed it to Gao Yang. “Put this on and follow me.”

“Where to?” Gao Yang asked.

“Don’t you want to go home?” Vermilion Bird gave him a pleased, suggestive smile. “94 Darkhorse Street of District Seven, right?”

Gao Yang put the coat on. It was loose on Vermilion Bird, but quite fitted to him.

Vermilion Bird then tossed him a metal device that resembled a pair of headphones. “Put this on.”

Gao Yang obliged. A holographic mask with no facial features covered Gao Yang’s face.

“In Moon City, there are two types of people who don’t show their faces. One is those in high positions.” Vermilion Bird tapped on the red tattoo under the back of her ear. A mask shaped like a fire bird emerged to cover her face. “The others are the outlaws.”

“Haha!” Wu Dahai cackled. “We’re the latter category. Surprise!”

…

From Wu Dahai's underground clinic, Vermilion Bird led Gao Yang through the complicated web of underground sewage systems. As they walked, she taught him about the city.

In Moon City, the higher one’s residence, the greater their reputation and status. However, they were still mere tenants in Moon City and not the landlords. The real owners of the city lived on the “moon”. They were the top a hundred percent, known as the Lunarians.

Three major clans comprised the Lunarians, maintaining a delicate balance of power. Each clan was tied to one of the world's major technology conglomerates:

Closure, specializing in neural networks, super artificial intelligence, and digitized consciousness.

Cloudland, specializing in aerospace, military manufacturing, cybernetic prosthetics, and holograms.

Spiritlife, specializing in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and genetic engineering.

The three conglomerates each owned various subsidiaries for interdisciplinary collaboration and market dominance, forming a large web that covered every aspect of people’s lives.

The underground world of Moon City existed beyond official power's reach—its dark side. The deeper one ventured, the greater the evil and corruption. Built upon ancient ruins, the city's lowest levels housed creatures beyond human imagination. For ordinary citizens, it was hell itself.

Ironically, both the high-class tenants above and the monstrous dwellers below lived under death's constant shadow. Only the regular residents led relatively safe lives.

Hence the saying: Go not underground or up into the sky, and one might live to see the sun for another day.

While chatting, Vermilion Bird and Gao Yang quickly emerged from the exit of the sewage, concealed by simulation. They found themselves at the riverside.

The water mirrored the living and breathing neon light of the Moon City at night. The reflection looked like an underwater palace.

“I always feel like the reflection is Moon City at its most beautiful.” Vermilion Bird touched the red tattoo behind her ear, her black prosthetic eye flickering blue with incoming transmissions.

Gao Yang adjusted his air filter mask and hummed in agreement.

Two minutes later, a red motorcycle with striking design pulled up beside Vermilion Bird. She swung her long leg over the seat before throwing Gao Yang a lopsided smile. “Hop on.”

Gao Yang complied.

“I ride fast,” Vermilion Bird warned. “Better hold on tight.”

Gao Yang put his hands on her shoulders. “I’m good.”

Vermilion Bird smirked and gripped the handles. Vroom. The motorcycle accelerated instantly, racing forward. Gao Yang nearly lost his balance, his hands tightening on Vermilion Bird's shoulders.

Clack, clack.

Strange sounds emanated from beneath his feet. Looking down, Gao Yang watched the footpegs transform into twin jet engines.

Boom! The motorcycle soared at a near-perpendicular angle, painting a red trail across the night sky, silhouetted against the giant artificial moon.

“Agh!”

Gao Yang couldn't suppress his cry, legs clamping around the motorcycle while his arms locked around Vermilion Bird's waist. He barely kept himself from falling.

“Hahaha…”

Hair flapping behind her, Vermilion Bird laughed. She was glad the brat had finally taken the first step toward trust.

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