Chapter 13:
AI_shiteru
The entire human district of Tokyo was jolted awake by the blaring of sirens. These alarms hadn't been used in 280 years, not since an AI accidentally entered human space due to a system malfunction. But this time, it was something serious.
General Daichi Tanaka rushed to his office, mobilizing every human soldier. The air was thick with tension and urgency.
In the early hours, AI President Arata Hoshino stood atop a vehicle, holding a powerful megaphone. The megaphone, equipped with advanced technology, amplified his voice to reach every corner of the human district. Its sound waves traveled at incredible speeds, ensuring that no one would miss the announcement.
Aiko and Tekuno were abruptly awakened by the alarm. "What is going on?" Aiko screamed.
"Nothing good," Tekuno replied, his face pale with worry.
President Hoshino's voice boomed through the megaphone: "I greet you, humans. Here is Arata Hoshino speaking!"
Aiko's eyes widened in shock. "Aiko, that's your dad!"
She rushed to the window, looking out with a mixture of fear and disbelief. The AI president continued, "I apologize for waking you at such an early hour, but I want my daughter back!"
"That's it, we're dead now, Aiko!" Tekuno screamed in panic.
"I... I just wanted to live my own life..." Aiko whispered with a weak voice, tears welling up in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Kaito stood with his mother in their front yard, listening to the AI president's speech. "His daughter?..." Kaito thought, his mind racing. Then, like a thunderbolt, it hit him. "Aiko!"
"Mum, I have to go to the hotel!" he shouted.
"Kaito, don't leave, it's dangerous!" Sakura pleaded, but it was already too late. Kaito jumped into his car and sped towards Aiko's hotel.
President Hoshino continued his speech in a polite but menacing tone. "You have time until 3 PM to return my daughter, unharmed, to the front door of your district. If you are even a minute late, we will enter your district with the entire AI military power we have!"
In the hotel room, Tekuno paced up and down, trying to think of a solution. Aiko remained paralyzed at the window, the gravity of the situation sinking in.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. "Aiko! Aiko! It's me, Kaito!"
"Don't open this door," Tekuno warned.
"Move!" Aiko commanded, pushing past him to open the door. She feared losing Kaito forever. As the door swung open, Kaito fell into the room, knocking Aiko backwards. They landed on the floor, Kaito lying atop Aiko, both blushing.
"I thought I'd never see you again!" Kaito cried, tears streaming down his face.
"I'm sorry, Kaito, I'm so sorry!" Aiko sobbed.
"Sorry for what? For being the most wonderful, strong, funny, and beautiful woman I have ever met?" Kaito replied, his voice choked with emotion. "I don't care if you're a human, an AI, or an alien. I just love you for who you are!"
"You... you... love me?" Aiko whispered, her heart pounding.
"Ehmmmm, I'm also here, still. Hi!" Tekuno interrupted, startling Kaito.
Kaito jumped away from Aiko, creeping backwards on the floor. "Who are you? And what happened to your eye?"
"My name is Tekuno," he said, his tone filled with frustration. "And that thing with my eye... well, IT WAS YOUR FREAKING DOG!"
"My... what?... Ohhh, you were hiding in the bushes last night, you little pervert!" Kaito retorted, standing up and facing Tekuno in a fighting stance.
"Hey guys, we don't have time to fight! What's the plan?" Aiko interjected, desperate for a solution.
"I'll take you out of here!" Kaito declared.
Meanwhile, General Daichi Tanaka stepped up to his public microphone, responding to President Hoshino's speech. "President Hoshino... long time no see. I have to admit, I was worried when I heard the alarm, but unfortunately, I can't help you with your request. We don't have any AI in our district."
Daichi paused, recalling the incident with the artificial skin in the bushes. "Maybe... no, it's impossible," he thought to himself. He continued, "But, as a sign of my great appreciation towards you and your race, my dear President Hoshino, I would kindly ask you for the name of your daughter so we can start a search party in case she accidentally entered our district, which I highly doubt."
President Hoshino returned to his megaphone and announced, "Hoshino... Aiko Hoshino!"
The name echoed through the human district, leaving everyone in shock. Kaito, Aiko, and Tekuno stood in the hotel room, the weight of the situation pressing down on them.
"We need to move fast," Kaito said urgently. "We can't stay here."
Aiko nodded, taking a deep breath. "Let's go."
As they hurriedly gathered their things, the tension between them gave way to a sense of unity. They knew they had to face this challenge together, no matter what.
Please log in to leave a comment.