My thoughts are groggy as voices chatter around me.
"I think strawberry toothpaste is the most delicious, but you know they have birthday cake flavors now. I'm not sure how something so sugary can be healthy, but that shit taste delish. Sometimes I don't even brush my teeth, I just squeeze a bunch down."
"Uh...right."
My head feels like it's splitting open as I slowly open my eyes.
The sky above is barren blue as the few clouds pass by, in the far skies, a juvenile Rivian slithers between the two nearby planets.
A bright-eyed man shoves his LED face in my view. "Hey, are you alive?"
"That is an excellent question. Am I?"
"I think you are... otherwise... no..." His digital eyes begin to water. "Does that mean I'm dead too?!"
Picking myself up, I am surrounded by at least 100 other people as we are gathered in a small field that overlooks the city; we're all wearing matching red, white, and blue bodysuits.
"Your name is Asta, and my name is- wait no, that's my name! My name is Asta, it's copyrighted, so don't try and take it!"
Holding my head, I wince. "Right. Nice to meet you, Asta."
My eyes dart around the field as I look for her.
Asta raises his eyebrow. "This is the part where you introduce yourself."
"Have you seen a girl with white and red hair?"
"Hhhmm... does she have pretty shiny eyes?"
"Yes."
"And large boobs."
"Uh...sure?"
"And short scruffy hair?"
I grab the collar of his bodysuit as I grit my teeth. "Yes! Now tell me where she is if you value your existence?!"
"Aw, Coco, willing to do all that for me? You must really be holding back in bed."
Whipping around, she stands before me. "Toko!?
"The one and only."
"What! I thought you got abducte-"
A windy noise scratches as someone picks up a microphone.
"SHUT UP AND LISTEN!"
Everyone turns as a woman stands at the front of the horde of people.
The breeze flows through her short blonde hair with its white highlights and hair flaps, the back of her hair is in a braided crown-like ponytail. The sun reflects off a small blue snowflake hair accessory that adorns the side of her head.
Her outfit is a sporty snug high-tech bodysuit with a large lower chest cutout, revealing a dark form-fitting mesh fabric underneath.
In one hand she holds a large pistol, in the other a whisky bottle along with the mic.
"Welcome to the peak of your life! ...or just an inconvenience."
The crowd begins to shout.
"Why the hell are we here?!"
"You can't just abduct us?!"
The woman sighs. "What did I say?" She lifts the gun and shoots the two.
Their bodies fall to the ground.
A fuse shell ejects from the metal plate in their chest, landing it sizzles on the ground.
The fuse is attached by a fleshy string that slowly begins to reel in.
There's a deafening silence in the crowd as eyes begin to widen, followed by screams as people aimlessly run around.
The soldiers surrounding the perimeter prevent any retreat, herding them with guns back towards the center.
Two different siren sounds boom as the pulsating fuse returns back into the host.
As though time were rewinding, the two lurch back up to life.
The woman takes a swig from the bottle. "As I was saying, you have all been brought here, not because you are special in any way, simply by accident. After a failure of security on our end, a group of terrorists got a lot further than they should have.
The gang managed to escape with 100 night cores, but the six of them were promptly shot down.
Regardless, the cores managed to escape. Like a lost child, the cores clung to the first people they ran into, or whomever they deemed valid.
So congrats, a winning lottery ticket ran to lucky you."
People begin to look down at their metal plates with concern and excitement.
Most of us stand there visibly confused, yet 5 people stand on the outskirts, they have a calm demeanor, some bored as they fiddle with objects, unlike us, they're bodysuits are covered in armored plates, they have guns holstered, but they don't appear to be guards.
One of them is the firefighter jacket woman who saved me yesterday.
Tapping the core on her chest, the woman gains our attention once more. "As you all likely know, these are the cores that the pro pioneers use."
The crowd erupts in chatter.
"Yes, yes, it's very exciting. But as I said, the pros use these, while you are all trash trawlers. Even so, you have been given a chance to become Pioneers."
Someone raises their hand. "I must ask, why are you giving us this opportunity if you claim we are not fit for the position?"
Those around him glare at him.
"Why would you ask that?"
"You dumbass!"
"Shut up, it is a valid question, and it makes no difference, because we've already considered this. These cores merge with their host on more than just a physical level, therefore, if we killed you and ripped the core out, the core would also die. All to say that you are a mistake, a mistake we wish to make the most out of."
"What the hell!?"
"Is that any way to ask for help?"
"While some of you shallow nerouened shits think your destined for the throne, there is also those amongst you who are likely in no shape or hold no interest, and so we have come to present you two choices. If the hosts consent, we can safely remove the Cores, or you can climb the sheer face cliff of bootcamp training and try your luck at becoming a Pioneer.
For those of you who wish to leave, we will give you a 1 million polar incentive. And for those who wish to stay and try their hand, there will be no guarantee that you will succeed, but we will offer a grave plot as an incentive."
People begin to turn to one another as the group erupts in chatter.
Asta talks to himself as he looks down. "1 million, that would certainly change my life."
Toko clings to me. "One míllion, think about the things you could buy for... me."
"It certainly is tempting, with an annual wage of 40 thousand polar, I could actually take a break from work."
Someone raises their hand. "What if we want to keep our core and won't stay to be a Pioneer?"
"I'm sure many of you have accidentally found the strength that comes with these cores. So, for the sake of humanity and your own safety, we have exiled that decision."
A group of people begin to surround the woman as they hold out makeshift weapons.
"What if we disagree with your decision?"
She lifts the bottle as she finishes before pinching her nose. "You plan to attack a Pioneer with twelve years of experience in her home turf, how could this go wrong?"
A group charges her.
The guards behind the woman move forward; she holds up her hand.
Instead of reaching for the gun in her back holster, she motions the guard for his weapons.
With a nod, he hands it over.
Taking the two sickles attached by a string, she impales one of the attackers, flinging the other, which sticks into their head.
Yanking back the sickle, she winds the string around another person, wrapping it around their neck, the wire begins to freeze before their head falls to the ground with an icy clink.
After killing six of the resistors, the others back off.
"Thank you to-" She burps. "Thank you for being a part of the live demo. So, two choices, return to your rat holes a millionaire, or enter a second lottery, the chance at fame and wealth with the caveat of certain death."
The corpses of the six resistors suddenly twitch, once more, as though reversing time, the bodies reconstruct. The attackers feel their body with wide eyes.
She walks to the far side of the yard, leading to a divided path. "Left is for your million, right to start a new chapter of pain."
There's a pause, as people look around.
"What are you planning to do, Toko?"
"Hmmm." She puts her finger on her lips as she looks up. "I'll do whatever you do, bro!" She winks as she bumps shoulders. "Wouldn't be the first time you made the first move."
It seems everyone has already made their decision, and yet no one dares to be the first to act.
Everyone except me.
One million polar, that would change my life, I could buy anything I wanted.
Yet...
Day after day, week after week, year after fucking year,
It's as though my life is not my own, as though I'm paying a rigged debt at the cost of my sanity.
I doubt this would even make me happy, it sounds like yet another path of suffering.
But what?
I take the million and buy that which I desire for a temporary dopamine boost, a life with luxury is no more fulfilling than that which I live now.
My existence has been a tragedy, not because of the pain, but because of what I've been doing.
Nothing.
I've been wasting my time, living life by the day, for the next paycheck.
A crackling noise sounds as the dew on the grass freezes, the temperature around me drops.
"Coco... are you smiling?"
The icy flowers around me crunch as I step towards the woman.
Like a metronome
Tick
Tick
Tick
Nothing will change.
Because nothing matters...
So if life has no meaning...
I will create my own rhythm!
Five other people are matching my pace as they walk towards the right tunnel; they're the outliers from before. But they seem different from the others, there's no uncertainty in their eyes, their strides definite, as though sherpas for a path I am just now venturing.
Walking through the right tunnel, it leads to another open field with three instructors sitting at different tables and an empty fourth.
A pattering sounds behind me as Toko trots along.
She lunges at me. "Wait for your sis, Coco!"
"Are you sure you want to do this, Toko? This doesn't seem like it's gonna be all that fun if you actually like life. I can go ask one of the instructors if you can change your answ-"
"I told you I'm sticking with you till the end."
"It's just..."
She gasps. "Are you saying you don't think I can because I'm a girl?! Coco, I thought you were better than that."
"I was saved by a woman, and we just saw one who could curb stomp me without breaking a sweat, so I don't think gender is the issue. More that... it's you."
"Hey!" She crosses her arms. "That's it, I'm staying just to prove you wrong!"
"That seems a little childish. For my sake, would you please seriously reconsider? It's depressing to say out loud, but I'm not sure if I can protect you."
She giggles. "Aw, you sure play the older brother well. Fortunately for you, I'm going to be the one protecting you. So I'm staying."
I know that look, there's no changing her mind once she's decided.
"Just promise me you'll quit if it becomes too dangerous."
She salutes. "Yes, sir!"
With a defeated sigh, I pull at the mesh suit. "And what's with these- bodysuits? I feel so exposed."
"I know, I can't keep my eyes up, I think I'm starting to forget what you're face looks like." She smirks as she grabs at me.
"Oka- let's not grab down there."
"What's wrong, afraid you might get excited?"
"There's no might about it, I'm combating human nature."
Standing there, we watch as people begin to trickle into the second field.
"I wanted to ask, when and how did you even get one of the Cores? You didn't even have one last night."
"Well, after you showed me your passion, I went out for a midnight snack. Some dude guy had one, so I bought it from him; cost me a pretty polar, but I wanted to be twinning with you and it turned out to be a pretty good deal."
"I see. Well, as long as you-" My eyes widen as I grab her shoulders. "This time there actually is blood on your face?! Who did this to you?"
"Oh, that? No, no." She tilts her head up with a confident grin as she flexes her nonexistent muscles. "I put up quite the fight when the police ambushed me, got in a good right hook, must be one of the unfortunate officers who faced my wrath!"
I exhale as I let go of her. "As long as you're okay- Whatever."
She smirks. "Aw, so protective of me, what would you have done if someone really did hurt me?"
My face feels hot for some reason as I turn away. "Nothing, I don't care, I just- you still owed me money, so I- couldn't let you die."
"So bashful too, you've gotta be the cutest brother."
"No, I'm-"
"Oh! Its Ms. Boobies and lunatic guy!" Asta comes walking over with his goofy expression.
"What'd you just call me?"
"We have actual names, you know."
"Except when I asked, you lunged at my throat. So, I will once again present myself, my name is As-"
"Asta, this is Tokyo, and my name is Coffin."
"You didn't even let me introduce myself!" His face congeals. "Wait, Coffin? Who names their kid Coffin?"
Parents who had children just to flip a profit. "My parents had un-"
Toko steps forward. "Buncha bitches thats who."
"Or that."
Asta pauses as he slowly nods. "That seems forward to call someone else's parents, does that mean you two are related?"
"Yes."
"No."
"I'll take that as step-siblings." He shrugs, "So what do you think of tooth..."
Past Asta, I see the woman from yesterday who saved me.
"There's the mint flavor and sometimes that burn-"
I push past Asta as I walk towards the black haired woman.
Stepping in front of her, I bow. "Thank you."
"Wha-!" The woman turns in shock before tilting her head. "Oh, you're that suicidal person from yesterday."
I wince. "...well, that wouldn't be the first time I'd have that title, but- Anyway, thank you for saving me yesterday."
Her yellow eyes widen, "Wait, you really are suicidal?! I said that as a joke! I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have said something so uncouth. And, please don't kill yourself, I'm sure you have lots to live for."
"I wasn't going to initially, but you said that with such ponder, that it left me more dejected."
Loosening the tattered scarf around her neck, she begins to sweat as her golden eyes dart. "Well, anyway, there's no need to thank me, that's what Pioneers do, we save people."
Her smile turns into a lost stare. "We save them, we don't kill them, we save people." She jolts back. "Sorry, what I meant was, I am glad I could be of help. I should start by introducing myself. My name is Salem." She reaches out her hand with a warm smile, it's like looking at a flower in the Arctic.
"Nice to meet you, Salem, my name is Coffin."
She starts laughing. "Coffin? Do you really think I'm that gullible?"
There's a pause as we look at each other.
"Oh, Really?"
"Yep, that's really my name."
"Is that with a K?"
"Nope."
"You're named after the thing you put unrevivable corpses in?"
"Well, I think vampires sleep in them, but yeah."
"Oh...I apologize again for laughing. It's just- it's certainly an unorthodox name."
I suddenly feel a pair of hands blocking my vision. "Guess who?"
"Can you give me a hint, Toko?"
"Well, she is the most beautiful, perfect person in the world, she's your sister, did I forget to say she's perfect?" She uncovers my eyes and gives me a borderline chokehold hug. "So? Whose the tramp?"
"Wha-?! I am not homeless!"
"Whoopsie, did I say that out loud? Well, if you're going to take it as an insult, I meant it in the other way."
Salem exhales. "Oh, I see, you're calling me wealthy. While I appreciate the compliment, we all must start somewhere, so I wish to remain humble."
It's strange, while we all have these standard-issue mesh bodysuits, hers is a white cloth bodysuit, it almost looks like a baseball uniform with the buttons that line up the chest.
My eyes are dragged down by the vibrant red thigh highs she wears, they really emphasize thig-
Darting my eyes up, I gesture towards her. "Uh- wel- She's the one who saved me yesterday!"
"Seems Ms. Cow Legs can't seem to save her brain cells."
Asta puts his hand on my shoulder as he pants for air. "Found you! You guys ditched m-" his eyes widen at the sight of Salem. "Its- it's- it, you-" he winces as he begins slowly backing away. "Sorry, new besties, but she's bad news for any crews."
She bows with an expression of pity. "I am grateful for your appreciation, Coffin, but he may be right. While I am unsure of where this rumor originated, it seems, for the sake of social standings, you should distance yourself from me."
"Well, I don-"
Toko grabs my arm and leads me away. "You heard the tramp, time to scattle and scadattle before someone rattles their tattle."
Despite her depressing words, Salem maintains her knightly attitude.
The woman from before stands before us. "Alright shitheads! Congrats, you actually have a pair. But guts and teamwork don't win wars, death does."
She presents a map of the area. "You will be spending the next 12 weeks in this facility. It was created with pros in mind, people who have been trained to kill since birth. We did not get the chance to baby-safe it for you, smooth-brain pebble lickers. So, for the sake of your heartbeat, you'd better be a quick learner."
Some people begin to groan, while others inspect their pamphlets with excitement.
"Death of YOUR enemies, if you fight for the government, your friends, your family, you are destined to die a pathetic death."
"What the hell?!"
"You're telling us we can't fight for our planet?!"
"Pioneers are the pinnacle of humanity, it is as though you are being given a second chance at evolution, except you get to choose your traits, your weakness, and your death. Like a wild animal, you will live only to survive, your thoughts are solely how you will kill your next target."
Stepping back, the woman presents the four different tunnels.
"Your next step is deciding which branch you will enter the Pioneers under. We will give you 10 minutes to make a decision."
Without a moment's hesitation, Salem walks through the green Raze Breaker tunnel.
Apparently, they specialize in close combat, classified as brutes or suicidal soldiers. As much as that title sounds like me, that does not seem very fun.
Asta waves to us as he walks towards the yellow tunnel for The Architects. "Bye Ms.Boobies and dismal dude! See you on the other side."
The Architects: they specialize in artillery and armaments. I guess I didn't give the meathead enough credit.
"So, Toko, which are you going to?"
"Tear Stalkers."
"I'm surprised you didn't rely on my answer."
She babies her voice. "Aww? Is somewon sawd his sis is awll grown up."
"I'm proud if anything."
"So, shall you join me?"
"I shan't. Think I'm going with the High Rollers. I'm surprised that wasn't your choice as well, sounds like something a wild card like you would choose."
"Well, it was tempting, but the description was a little too brief for my taste."
She's right, unlike the other three, it simply states: it will be fun if you want to die.
Then again, that's why I chose them. If I'm going to commit suicide, I might as well have fun along the way.
With a wave, Toko skips down the crimson tunnel. Tear Stalkers, they are the hitmen of this world, they bring about change without leaving a trace.
Unlike the other boastful branches, there are zero professional Pioneers who fall under this branch, which only means they are doing their job well.
As I stand before the four tunnels, I realize this decision will shape my future.
Do I really want to leave it up to uncertainty?
Uncertainty...
Maybe that's exactly what I want.
Before my life was a predictable schedule, I knew that on the day of my death, I would likely be working at the convenience store or sleeping at home, as that was the entirety of my life, a monotonous schedule.
That is why I'm doing this Pioneer thing in the first place, because I didn't know what will come next.
Uncertainty, that is exactly what I want.
I feared knowing exactly how I would die.
An unfathomable death.
That certainly does sound fun.