Fanged by Circumstance [Part 3]

Calmly cruising on his longboard through the downtown streets of K'awiil. Perfectly content with the somewhat outdated mode of transportation, as it is more of a leisurely activity, a hobby. Another reason Izel gets around this way is because he doesn’t have the proper funds for more sophisticated modes of transportation. But that’s an aspect that has never bothered him, as he believes in functionality over practicality. If something is fulfilling its purpose, then why be concerned with an upgrade?

Izel eventually hopped off of his longboard as his destination was in sight. A hole in the wall type of location. A place that most people will typically avoid, and only tread near if necessary. With the exception of Izel, who knew where to go for a profitable outcome. One of his primary partners in the underground techno industry, Paire. Not only part of the world of technology business, also part of a humble community of citizens. The Papua New Guinea community. A few decades into the rise of Nuevo Eztli, many forms of cultures quickly recognized the potential of this new city. One being an Oceania Country, during that time many felt a writhing distrust for the nearby Countries and many soon realized that safer opportunities could be found in Nuevo Eztli. The culture and new citizens were welcomed with open arms, quickly cementing themselves as a small part of the metropolis’ heritage. Thanks to the size, experts say, they were one of the few relatively positive impacts on the rising city.

Getting closer to Paire’s home, nothing more than a well refurbished hut, stylized as a single vehicle building meant for maintenance. Walking to the hut, Izel quickly paused as he approached the door. Hearing the voice of Paire in what sounds like a bout of frustration. Izel leans to the door to listen in on the potential angered conversation that Paire is having.

“This is not what I meant, I’m not going to be one of your lab rats!” Paire shouted.

“...” A low mumble from Paire’s communication device.

“Listen, I’m not desperate, I just need what I asked for and you get everything you’ll ever need.” Paire announced over the phone.

“...” A low rumble from Paire’s comms, as he listens to whoever it is he is talking to.

“Everything I want?!” Paire hollered as if in shock, repeating what the person over the phone may have said. “Explain to me how any of this is in our deal.” Paire remarked with anger.

“Hey, wait! Don’t you-” Paire roared, falling into his seat. “Shit!” He then yelled, as the conversation was now finished.

Once a few moments have passed for Paire to cool down from the rage. As he understands that something suspicious is happening with his partner, however, Izel’s confidence and understanding of the shady things Paire has done in the past. Soon brushing off the mild confrontation, Izel then tapped on the door of Paire’s home. Paire quickly spun to Izel’s direction, clearly jumpy.

“Oh, it's just you.” Paire remarked.

“Uh, yeah, you good? Ya seem a little shook.” Izel mentioned as if he is ignorant of what had just transpired.

“Um, just some of the local punks throwing shit, again.” Paire mentioned.

“Still?” Izel sat down. “Hey, what’s that?” Izel then saw an open black chrome briefcase, with a clear container holding deep red liquid.

“It’s nothing.” Paire quickly said, closing the briefcase, then pausing, looking at it. “Actually, you can probably do this for me today.” Paire mentioned, slowly.

“Do what?” Izel asked.

“Just deliver this to Cipac, at the edge of the park. You know where that is, right?” Paire quickly explained, eager even.

“Uh, sure. It's been a minute since I delivered something.” Izel mentioned. “What’s in it?” He then asked.

“Some new tech.” Paire remarked, with an eager grin. “Just got it this morning, and sold it within the hour, told them I’d deliver it today. You-You just have to meet with the buyer.” He explained with a smile.

“Hmm, sounds kinda important.” Izel remarked, leaning back into the chair.

“I’ll pay upfront right now.” Paire quickly proposed.

A few moments passed before Izel gave Paire an answer. Izel is certainly no fool, he heard several things that Paire was screaming about, what exactly is still unknown, but it likely has to do with the deep liquid in the briefcase. Paire has gotten Izel into dangerous situations in the past, and Izel has justifiably turned a little prideful in his abilities to escape danger. To Izel, this was just another job that he knows that he can maneuver with ease.

“Due to the seeming importance and urgency, I’ll need a 160% increase.” Izel swindled, taking advantage of the fact that Paire is in what seems to be a hurry.

“Arg—Fine, I’ll send it right now. Just get going.” Paire grit his teeth with annoyance.

“Perfect, I’ll call you when it's done.” Izel grinned, taking the briefcase.

Paire then waved away Izel to get going as he sent Izel his payment. Waiting just a block from Paire’s hut, Izel wanted to wait for the money to appear in his currency exchange application. Once it was confirmed, Izel made his way to Cipac.

⧮ ⧯ ⧮

“Hey, Pops. I’m in Cipac on a delivery. I’ll be home right around dawn. See ya then… Send.” Izel recorded, preparing an audio message for his father.

At the edges of Cipac, Izel stood with some annoyance with the random job he agreed to. Passively eating some of the city’s signature street food. The grease filled air is permanently stained in this area, yet still able to create a warm atmosphere for the city folk. Happily passing through with minimal concern. With the exception of Izel.

“What the hell?” Izel remarked to himself in confusion. “Why is he not picking up? I’ve been here for like 30 minutes.” He then announced to himself. Unable to contact Paire, or know what he should be looking for, still holding onto the briefcase.

“You aren’t Paire.” From behind Izel, a voice mentioned, painting the air with a deep, yet calm cynicism.

“Finally.” Izel stood up to see a rather tall man with sleek cyber enhancements on their face, in a more stylistic fashion than practical function. “No, Paire sent me to give this to you? I’m guessing.” Izel held up the briefcase.

The man snorted in a menacing scoff. “What a piece of shit…” They mumbled under their breath, gazing around the park in disbelief. “Oh well, I’m on a tight schedule. Yeah, follow me.” They then instructed.

“Um, sure. Is it far? I kinda have a tight schedule, too.” Izel remarked, casually, showing little concern.

“No, just over this bridge, into the building on the corner.” They explained, both walking at a somewhat fast pace.

Entering the surprisingly lit room of the mentioned building, but quite dull from what these types of building houses typically seen in design. The lower floor of a multi story structure; designed for several establishments to function their small business. Izel then walked to the nearest table to set down the briefcase.

“Alright, imma leave this here and get—”

“Hey—!”