Mild- mannered, peace- loving Flora didn’t lose it often. Only when confronted with blatant injustice — then she went full- on Social Justice Warrior. Eyes bulging, she yelled:
- You monster! You’re objectifying women and men! One more incident like that and you’re cut from the film. I promise
Seeing everyone staring at her now, she blushed and quickly apologized for the outburst. Campus replied:
- Women — Men — sexy too. They/them? Hot. I love everybody! I love Humanity! Evelyn clicked the camera button and zoomed in again, announcing:
- Kids, let’s move toward Our friend’s dying to start the auction.
- I've had the time of my No, I never felt this way before…-
A raspy voice wailed somewhere in the back. Turned out Peyota had borrowed a mic from the stunned singers and decided she wasn’t gonna be bored today.
To this soulful soundtrack, and under the camera’s steady gaze, Flora and Leilani headed to the auction stage, asking the others not to follow.
And, for once, people actually listened.
- Not because you gained any authority, by the Vanna’s calling her uncle, and that nutjob’s robbing your table. — said Copy disapprovingly, glancing at Campus as he crept toward the loot, convinced he was invisible (this world clearly wasn’t ready for such an assassin).
- Screw it! I’m done with this! — Snapped a random — No one told me I’d end up in an endless nightmare where people grab your damn body! You hear me?! We’re not done, you freak!
- she screamed at her abuser, but there was a bigger task at hand, and no time for petty
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Trying to smooth things over, Flora pointed to the small podium where Leilani’s brother stood like royalty. The director signaled him to begin, and Evelyn shouted:
- Can you keep it down, sweetheart? I promise we’ll sing karaoke Just zip it for now, please.
Peyota pulled herself away from the mic, gave a cheeky - OK- sign, and, to stay entertained, shot a threatening glare at the Italian duo. They didn’t flinch and were clearly ready for verbal combat.
- I’m only tolerating this for — grumbled the assistant, and then fell silent as her brother fiddled with the wireless mic.
- Smart guy! He thought of everything! Even hooked it up to the speakers and now— wait, what?! Autotune?!
Flora’s thoughts were in a tizzy.
After some unintelligible gargling sounds, the newborn mumble rapper remembered the genre was dead and killed the voice mod. Then, clearing his throat dramatically, he launched into his grand mission:
- Ladies and gentlemen! Today, and only today, a monumental event takes place—something never before seen in this glorious city! You have a once- in- a- lifetime opportunity to attend the fabulous Discount Fair!
And to spare you the agony of anticipation, let me introduce the first of three lots!
On the blue- tinged podium sat three bundles, each a different size and shape. Wrapped in bright silk, they lured the eye—and Manu knew it. With the flair of a seasoned magician, he pulled out a large top hat and announced:
- Lot number one: this here headpiece. Just a top hat, no story, no fancy details, but excellent quality. — He kneaded the crown and — What soft plush! Premium stuff. Starting bid: ten bucks. Who’s got ten?
Evelyn raised her hand. And just like that, the bidding was over. Everyone else was too busy, only random shouts from Peyota carried over:
- I’ll shove this hat down your throats, motherfuckers! — Though she wasn’t actually — Hey! Who the hell you calling rude?!
- That’s it then! Going once, twice, sold to the lovely
Not the least bit embarrassed by the lack of engagement, Manu whipped off the second cloth. Underneath was a pink plush bunny, now sitting beside the hat.
- Conceptual! — Flora and Leilani blurted in Copy frowned:
- I’d even say—pathetic.