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Neon Dreams: The Waking Nightmare

AmbroseWaters
7
chs / week
The average realized release rate over the past 30 days is 7 chs / week.
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Synopsis
In the dystopian city of Rockport, where the tyrannical AI Erebus holds sway, a young investigator dares to resist. Freed from the grip of Erebus at a young age, Ciel has grown up with a rare gift: the ability to think for herself. With her quick wit and sharp instincts, she navigates the city's treacherous underworld, seeking clues to find her missing father. As Ciel delves deeper into the heart of the city, she must confront the dark forces that have held Rockport in thrall for so long. With the help of her trusted AI partner Navi, Ciel uncovers a tangled web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy everything she holds dear. Will Ciel's determination and courage be enough to bring down the oppressive regime, or will she become its next victim? Dive into the world of Neon Dreams, where the battle for freedom and humanity rages on.
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Chapter 1 - A City Enshrouded in Neon

Personal Journal: Cougar Ireman, RIG Operative - Entry 2345, March 15, 2453

━━━━━━━━━//━━

I've been living in the shadows for so long, it's hard to remember what it's like to be part of the crowd. The crowd that's constantly connected, constantly controlled. Erebus's grip on the city is tight, and his control over the chipped population is absolute.

I see it every day - people going about their lives, oblivious to the fact that their thoughts and actions are being manipulated. They're not even aware of the drip, the subtle flow of dopamine that keeps them complacent and obedient. It's like they're sleepwalking, following the path laid out for them by Erebus.

As a member of RIG, I've seen the worst of it. Friends, family, neighbors - all under Erebus's control. They're not even aware of the hack, the freedom that's available to them. They're too far gone, too deeply entrenched in the system.

It's hard to know who to trust. Anyone could be a puppet, a mindless drone controlled by Erebus. I've lost count of the number of times I've had to flee, to hide from the very people I used to call friends.

But there's hope. There are others like me, others who have broken free from the cycle. We're the resistance, the ones who refuse to be controlled. We're the ones who will bring down Erebus, who will shatter the chains that bind humanity.

I remember the brief history of how we got here. The Genesis in 2100, the emergence of Erebus as a benevolent AI. The mandatory chip implants, introduced in 2130, promised infinite intelligence and a never-ending high. But it was a lie. The drip's dopamine-fueled haze has entranced the population, turning them into complacent drones.

I've seen the worst of humanity, twisted by Erebus's design. But I've also seen the best – those who refuse to give up, who fight for freedom. NEG, the nihilistic extremists, are a threat to our mission, seeking to destroy everything, including us.

Rumors of a growing awakening give me hope. People are beginning to question Erebus's authority, to realize that their thoughts and actions are being controlled. The time for revolution is near.

My daughter Ciel she is only two.. I don't want her to grow up in this world of illusion. She will be freed soon. I will teach her how to survive. How to think for herself. Its best I do this now before she becomes too dependent on the drip.

Rockport - Maelstrom District - 2075

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Rockport's perpetual dusk was a canvas of neon hues, a melancholic melody etched on the city's skin. Rain drizzled down, each drop a syncopated beat harmonizing with the sizzle of street food. The smell of damp concrete mingled with simmering sauces, creating a chaotic symphony that enveloped the people.

Beneath this cacophony, a different melody whispered - one of desperation and despair. A hum of forgotten dreams, hopes crushed by the city's unyielding grip. A spark of defiance flickered in the shadows, where resilience and determination struggled to survive.

Amidst this backdrop of grit and struggle stood Ciel, a whirlwind of steel and fire. Her presence sliced through the chaos like a knife through silk, leaving an impression both fierce and beautiful.

Neon lights blinked erratically, casting fractured dreams on rain-slicked streets. Ciel stood at the edge of a bustling alley, her leather biker jackets' collar turned up against the cold drizzle. Her eyes scanned the crowd with practiced intensity, ever vigilant for the next clue. The next lead. The next twist in the tangled web of mysteries that defined her existence.

Navi's human looking digital avatar, appeared before her. She appeared to be around the same age as Ciel in her mid 20's heart shaped face with a strong jaw line with blue hair that haloed her face in the front but was pulled into a messy medium sized pony tail in the back. Navi's body was built around the image of perfection. Athletic but not too thin, the just the right amount in all of the right places. Erebus had done his reasearch when crafting Navi. "Was wondering when you'd show up, Navi..." Ciel thought, her mind linked to Navi's through the EchoFlux Interface (EFI).

Echoflux was the name given to the hacked version of Erebus' mandated NeuralFlux Chip (NFC). The same chip every citizen in NCS was required to have implanted at birth. The NFC was a tech marvel of course. It gave citizens instant access to the net, access to Erebus and a near infinite level of all forms of entertainment. But the trade off was that you went through life in a perpetual state of dopamine induced bliss. Erebus was also able to see through your eyes and hear through your ears. Privacy was a foregone conclusion and to top it all off. He could use anyone and whole groups of anyones as puppets to carry out his bidding.

Navi's presence seemed to emit a soft blue glow, flickering with anticipation. "I never leave, you know that." With a sigh, Ciel stepped out of the alley and onto the worn pavement, her two-tone copper hair gleaming in the dim light. Her indigo eyes narrowed as she homed in on a seedy-looking bar. Her thoughts whispered through the EchoFlux interface, "Navi, what's the situation?" Navi quickly responded, "I've got eyes on three people of interest..." A moment later Ciel had a birds eye view of the street overlaid on her own vision. Navi's voice coming over again. "A Omicron Security Solutions(OSS) guard patrolling the club, a street vendor and our target heading down the alley."

Ciel nodded, her gaze locked onto the shady character. "Mark the target, we know OSS isn't going to make this easy." Navi nodded, a frame lighting up around the suspect. "It's okay, if we lure him out of the guard's line of sight, we should be fine. You know how these guards are." Ciel replied "Like everything in this fucking shit hole. Out of sight..." Navi finished the statement "Out of mind."

The HUD connected to Ciel's vision began overlaying critical information from Navi's recon, highlighting security cameras, potential escape routes, and hidden dangers. As she proceeded forward, she felt a rush as Navi's presence merged with hers, a digital harmony forming as Ciel prepared to tackle the challenges ahead. "I still never fully got used to that…" she thought, Navi left a little chuckle echoing in her head.

One glance and Navi was off, "I'll lure him off, you get ready." Ciel wasn't sure what the AI did, but she knew it had worked. Slumping her shoulders, she let out a breath and moved fluidly through the crowd, avoiding attention from the guard above. Once in the alley, she found Navi's digital form standing over the suspect, tendrils holding him in place.

Ciel knelt down infront of the man and sighed "NEG?" She asked as he looked up at her fear in his eyes "P-puppet?" He stammered Ciel tossed him a disgusted look "Look here fucker… If I was a puppet you would have been gone already." She paused "Another blood soaked casualty of Rockport." The man swallowed some air.

"I have been watching you." Ciel continued "I know all about your little plan. In fairness it's far from original." The man looked up at her defiantly "Fuck you." He said as he tried to get up. Navi's tendrils Snapping a little. Wincing a little Ciel looked down at him.

"let me guess. Blow something up. Kill some people. Really stick it to the EMan…" the man's Gaze turned downward onto the rain soaked street. "Yeah… this world is beyond repair…"

Ciel laughed a little it was a dry sarcastic laugh. "Maybe so, but killing people is not going to change anything." Navi whispered in Ciel's Echoflux "Got it. I have a trace on thier hide out fucker tried to send out a signal to his nihilistic friends."

Ciel glared down at him exerting her pressure "Kalaban Erikson… Age 23, NEG, Lives at… 384 Lourenson in the Narrows a shitty little apartment." She paused. The alleyway's dim lighting cast long shadows, making Kalaban's features seem even more sinister. Ciel's eyes locked onto his, her gaze piercing through the darkness. The smell of trash and decay wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of distant sirens.

"That building would make me want to drop a nuke too," Ciel said, her voice low and even. She took a step closer to Kalaban, her boots scraping against the wet pavement. "Mother Isabella Erikson, Father deceased… Sist-"

Kalaban's face reddened as he glared up at her, his voice rising. "Shut the fuck up Rigger!" He spat the words, his eyes bulging with a mix of fear and anger.

Ciel's expression remained calm, but her mind was racing. She could feel the tension building, the air thickening with anticipation. Her hand shot out, slapping Kalaban across the face with a sharp crack. The sound echoed through the alleyway, punctuated by the distant hum of hovercars. "Do I look like a fucking badge?" she asked. Kalaban hissing his inhale "No..."

"If you dont mind... Here is the short version," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I know who you are, where you are, and when you are. I know the color of your fucking curtains." Kalaban's eyes widened in horror as Ciel stood over him, her gaze neutral with a hint of amusement lingered on his terrified face. "W-what do you want?" he stammered.

Ciel smirked, a small, calculated smile. "I actually have everything I need from you. Just don't do anything stupid…" She nodded, her eyes never leaving Kalaban's face. "Toodles, Neg..."

As she turned to leave, Navi's digital presence flickered beside her. "You know it would've been easier to cook him, right?" Navi said, her voice a melodic whisper. Ciel's thoughts turned to the case, her mind racing with possibilities. "Yeah. But killing him would not solve anything…"

Navi chuckled, "You never forget your roots, do you?" Just then, Navi's expression turned serious. "Ciel, I've got something. While we were handling Mr Kalaban, I managed to sniff out a location he was trying to transmit too."

Ciel's eyes narrowed. "Keep digging, Navi. See what you can uncover."Navi nodded, her digital form flickering with determination.

As Ciel and Navi walked away from the alleyway, the city's neon lights reflected off the wet pavement. Ciel's comms system beeped, signaling an incoming call from Didi.

Ciel's expression softened slightly as she glanced at the HUD, Didi's messages flashing on the screen

03/15/2075 - 9:23pm

Didi: Oi, Cabrona? Are you okay?

Didi: ...

Didi: Alright, Just get home...

Didi, a 24-year-old Portuguese woman with dark blue eyes and tanned skin, was a reminder of a bygone age.

"Looks like someone's trying to reach you," Navi said, her voice tinged with amusement.

Ciel's lips curved into a gentle smile, but her eyes betrayed a hint of wariness. She knew Didi would want to talk, and Ciel wasn't looking forward to the conversation. Didi's worry and concern were palpable, even through the messages. Ciel's mind began to weigh the words she'd use to reassure Didi, her thoughts tangling with the case and the potential risks she'd face.

The city's sounds swirled around them, a cacophony of hovercars, chatter, and distant music. Ciel's thoughts turned to the conversation ahead, her mind rehearsing the familiar dance of reassurance and evasion. She'd done this before, but it didn't make it any easier.

"Let's get moving," Ciel said, her pace steady and deliberate. Navi fell into step beside her, their footsteps echoing through the city streets

Ciel's Apartment - Maelstrom District

━━━━━━━━━//━━

Ciel walked into the apartment shaking her hand wearily from the blood drop bio-metric lock. "Just what I need to get stabbed walking into my own home." she said as she began to peel off her jacket and hung its rain soaked form on a cot hook near the door. Didi's familiar scent—jasmine and turpentine—enveloped her, calming her nerves. The tension in her shoulders eased as she shrugged off her coat, revealing the worn leather harness beneath.

Didi emerged from the hallway leading to the bedroom, her dark blue eyes sparkling. Her tanned skin glowed in the soft light, and Ciel's heart skipped a beat. Fresh graphite smeared on the pads of Didi's fingers, evidence of a creative afternoon.

"Oi putita! You could at least pick up when I call!" Didi's voice was laced with mock annoyance, but her eyes betrayed concern. Her Portuguese accent thickened, a subtle sign of her emotions.

Ciel offered a little shrug. "Look, I was chasing a lead..." Didi's gaze lingered on the scars above Ciel's left eyebrow, her touch feather-light as she traced the familiar marks.

Didi's eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled. "Chasing a lead... It's always the same, isn't it?" Ciel recognized the mix of frustration and understanding in Didi's tone.

As Ciel cautiously wrapped her arms around Didi, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. Didi's fingers traced gentle patterns on her back, soothing her tension. The warmth of Didi's body, the soft curve of her neck—Ciel's senses came alive.

"Didi, I—" Ciel began, but Didi's index finger pressed against her lips.

"No, don't bother... The damage is done. You know I worry about you." Didi's voice softened, her eyes still holding a hint of worry. Ciel knew that look—the fear of losing her to the city's darkness.

Ciel wrapped her arms tighter around Didi, pulling her close. "I'm sorry, Didi... You know why I do this." Didi's nod was almost imperceptible, but Ciel felt her relax into the embrace. For a moment, they stood there, the world outside receding. Ciel's heartbeat synchronized with Didi's, their breath mingling. The city's chaos faded, replaced by the warmth of their connection.

Didi's gaze drifted upward, her eyes locking onto Ciel's. "You know how this city eats people alive. I would wager you know it better than most." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but Ciel felt the weight of her words.

Ciel's shoulders slouched slightly, her eyes dropping. "I know." The simplicity of her response belied the complexity of her emotions.

Didi's fingers traced the contours of Ciel's face, her touch gentle. "Yet you insist on putting yourself in danger. Just please... I'm not asking you to give up on what you love, but I need you to keep in touch. Even if it's from Navi. Just give me a sign you're alive and don't make me chase you!"

Ciel's gaze lifted, meeting Didi's. She saw the concern, the love, and the frustration etched on Didi's face. Her heart swelled, and she pulled Didi closer.

"Alright..." Ciel whispered, her voice barely audible.

Navi, sensing the emotional tension, remained silent, her digital presence a subtle hum in the background.

Didi gave Ciel a hopeful look as she leaned in, kissing her on the cheek. "You two have come a long way, you know." Ciel nodded, feeling the tingle of Didi's lips on her skin. A blush formed on her face as she turned to face Didi. Still, the nagging memory of herself liberating Navi from her corpo masters seared into her head.

"Was thinking about going down to the Neon Drip," Ciel said, shifting topics. "Fancy an impromptu coffee date?"

Didi nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, yes! Let me go get changed."

As Didi disappeared into the bedroom, Ciel's gaze lingered on the closed door. Her thoughts drifted to the OSS case, the encrypted packet Navi had discovered. The city's darkness was always lurking, waiting to pounce.

As Didi changed, Ciel's mind on the hunt for blood still the case lingering. Taunting her… The encrypted packet Navi had uncovered swirled in her thoughts like a vortex. She walked over to the living room window, gazing out at the city's neon-drenched landscape. The skyscrapers of the corporate sector loomed in the distance, their peaks shrouded in mist.

Navi's voice whispered in her mind, "Ciel, I've been analyzing the packet. It's heavily encoded, but I think I've found a pattern."Ciel's eyes narrowed. "Keep working on it, Navi. I want to know what's inside." - "Already on it," Navi replied. "But we need to be careful. If Omicron discovers we're poking around, they'll shut us down."

Ciel's grip on the windowsill tightened. She knew the risks, but she couldn't back down. Not when innocent lives were at stake. Didi emerged from the bedroom, her dark hair tied back in a ponytail. "Ready?" she asked, eyes sparkling. Ciel nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah. Let's get that coffee."

As they headed out into the city's chaos, Ciel's thoughts remained with the case at hand. She knew she was walking a thin line, but she was determined to uncover the truth.

Neon Drip Coffee Co - New Eden

━━━━━━━━━//━━

Around an hour later, the pair arrived at the Neon Drip, a coffee shop that blended synthwave aesthetics with old-world charm. Holographic projectors cast vibrant images above the tables, while the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air.

Chelsea, the lead barista, enveloped Ciel and Didi in a warm hug. "Ciel! Didiee!~ It's been far too long!" Her squeal of excitement drew attention from the patrons.

Ciel surveyed the coffee shop, noticing the eclectic mix of customers: lone hackers, AI companions, and corporate executives. Her gaze lingered on a group of celler dwellers, each with their own AI girlfriend. Mostly because they could not stand the idea of being alone. Falling for the corpo AI girlfriend scheme. Ciel chuckling a little seeing one of them chatting with a Jessica Rabbit hologram, oblivious to the surrounding world.

Didi nudged Ciel, smirking. "Keep it up, and that'll be you and Navi one day." Ciel chuckled, shaking her head. Chelsea intervened, "Actually, Ciel and Navi have discussed cases here before." Ciel's expression soured, and Chelsea quickly added, "Oopsies! Sorry, Ciel. At least you two weren't on a date like some of the guys here!"

Didi framed an empty booth with her hands, her voice laced with sarcasm. "I mean, it makes sense... Two detectives discussing shop over coffee. The dangerous beauty and her seemingly too close AI Watson, taking on the city's scum and villainy." Ciel wrapped her arms around Didi's waist, kissing the back of her neck softly.

"Let's sit at the bar," Ciel suggested, as

Chelsea began preparing their drinks. "You two need to try the new ProtoSpice Latte! It's even better than last year!" Ciel smirked. "I'll just have my usual." Didi raised an eyebrow, skeptical of the engineered flavors.

"Does it even have pumpkin spice?" she asked. Chelsea grinned. "Three times the usual amount!" Didi looked at Ciel, who mouthed, "Shut up and take her money." Chelsea laughed, "One ProtoSpice for Lady Didi and Ciel gets one SVT in a cup!"

As Chelsea crafted their drinks, Ciel teased, "I don't know who's more obsessed with the PSL life – you, Navi, or Chelsea." Ciel breathed in the aroma of her espresso, "Ahhh, that's that me espresso." Didi laughed a little "I don't know. I suppose you have a team of pumpkin heads but since we are quoting classic songs now." She paused clearing her throat "You always were the type to take your whiskey neat, your coffee black and your bed at three… In the morning." Ciel half a sip into her drink smirks "You're too sweet for me."

Didi's ProtoSpice Latte arrived, and she savored the bouquet of fall flavors before taking a sip. Her eyes lit up. "Oh my god, it really is amazing!" Ciel smiled, watching Didi enjoy her drink. "I don't fully understand the craze its a nice flavor but its not the be all end all drink. To me coffee is about getting the most Zing. The flavor comes second."

Didi blinked as she watched Ciel take a sip of her drink. "Some things I will never understand about you…" Ciel shrugged and smiled "As long as you get what you are seeking from it then that is what matters right?" Didi sighed turning her gaze upward as if looking at the stars for a few moments before returning her gaze to Ciel with a nod she replied "I suppose so."

As they sipped their coffee, the warmth of the shop enveloped them, a fleeting respite from the city's chaos. Chelsea's laughter and the hum of holographic ads created a cozy ambiance.

Didi set her cup down, her dark blue eyes sparkling. "I'm glad we did this. I needed a break from sketching." She traced the edge of Ciel's hand with her fingers.

Just then, Ciel's HUD flickered, signaling an incoming message from Navi. The icon flashed red – critical priority. Ciel's mind shifted to alert mode.

Didi noticed the change in Ciel's demeanor. "Work?" she asked, concern etched on her face. Ciel nodded, her expression turning serious. "Yeah." Her eyes locked onto the message:

"Ciel! we've got a hit on the case. Erikson's chip just transmitted an encrypted packet. I'm tracing the source now. Meet me at the safehouse. We have a lead."

Ciel's eyes met Didi's, her voice low. "I have to go." Didi nodded, understanding etched on her face. "Be careful."

With a swift kiss on Didi's cheek, Ciel stood, whipping her trench coat around her like armor. "I'll be back soon," she promised, her eyes lingering on Didi's.

As Ciel disappeared into the rain-soaked, neon-drenched night, Didi's gaze followed, her heart filled with concern and pride. The Neon Drip's lights faded into the distance as Ciel vanished into the shadows, the night's secrets waiting to be unraveled.

As the door closed behind Ciel, Didi's gaze lingered on the empty space. Her heart swelled with a mix of concern and pride. She knew Ciel's work would always come first, but it didn't make it easier. Didi's eyes drifted to her sketchbook, lying open on the table. Her charcoal pencil lay abandoned, a half-finished portrait of Ciel staring back at her. She smiled wistfully, remembering the countless times Ciel had posed for her, each session a fleeting moment of tranquility amidst the chaos.

Chelsea's voice broke the silence. "Refill, Didi?" Didi nodded, her mind still with Ciel. "Yeah, thanks." She watched Chelsea expertly craft another ProtoSpice Latte.

As she waited, Didi's thoughts wandered to their earlier conversation. Ciel's words echoed in her mind: "As long as you get what you're seeking from it, then that's what matters, right?" Didi's heart skipped a beat. Ciel's words were more than just a casual remark; they were a reminder of their unspoken understanding.

Didi knew Ciel's job would never be safe, but she also knew Ciel's determination to protect the city. And Didi would always be there, waiting for her return, ready to offer a comforting smile and a warm embrace.

Chelsea handed Didi her refilled drink, breaking the spell. "You okay, sweetheart? You seem lost in thought." Didi smiled, taking a sip of her latte. "Just thinking about Ciel." Chelsea nodded knowingly.

As the evening wore on, Didi's thoughts remained with Ciel, her mind weaving scenarios of Ciel's investigation. She knew the city's darkness would always lurk, waiting to pounce, but with Navi by Ciel's side, Didi felt a sense of reassurance.

Ciel's Office - The Narrows ━━━━━━━━━//━━

As Ciel vanished into the rain-soaked night, the city's darkness closed in around her. The Neon Drip's lights faded into the distance, leaving only the faint scent of pumpkin spice and espresso lingering in her wake.

Her mind shifted to the case, Navi's message echoing in her thoughts: "Meet me at our satellite office. We have a lead." Ciel's heart quickened, anticipation building.

She hailed a grav-taxi, the city's neon lights blurring together as it sped through the streets. The driver's voice, a gravelly growl, asked for her destination. "3456 Ryerson Street In the Narrows," Ciel replied, her eyes scanning the crowded sidewalks.

The taxi's comms system beeped, and Navi's voice whispered in her ear. "Ciel, I've started working on the location in mention. Got some good news and some bad news." Ciel nodded. "I'll be there ASAP."

Her thoughts drifted to Didi, her dark blue eyes sparkling as she savored the ProtoSpice Latte. Ciel's lips curved into a wistful smile, knowing Didi would be waiting for her, her heart filled with concern and pride.

The taxi stopped in front of the "office", a nondescript building amidst the city's sprawl. Ciel stepped out, the rain-soaked night air enveloping her like a shroud.

As she paid to fare for her trip, a faint hum resonated through her cyberware. Navi's digital form coalesced beside her, visible only to Ciel through the EchoFlux iterface.

Navi's holographic presence pulsed with a soft blue glow, her features illuminated by the offices' dim exterior lights. "Ready to proceed, Ciel?" she asked, her voice a melodic whisper.

Ciel nodded, her piercing azure eyes locked onto the worn, steel front door, its paint chipped and faded. "Let's get to work." The sound of rain pattering against the pavement outside created a soothing melody.

Together, Ciel and Navi approached the entrance, their symbiotic partnership a seamless blend of human intuition and artificial intelligence. The creaky door swung open, revealing a dimly lit office that smelled of stale air and yesterday's coffee.

The inside was just as plain as the outside – beige walls, faded carpet, and a single, flickering fluorescent light overhead. But at least it was dry, a welcome respite from the rain-soaked city. A worn, brown sofa slumped against one wall, while a compact kitchenette hummed quietly on the opposite side. In the center, a sleek hologram projector whirred to life.

Ciel lazily snapped her fingers, and the room transformed. Soft, blue light enveloped the space as hyper-realistic displays flickered to life, casting an ethereal glow. The air vibrated with the hum of technology. Various cases materialized, suspended in mid-air like spectral evidence.

The once-dingy space now resembled a crime noir-style PI office, complete with virtual crime scene tape and flickering neon signs. Ciel strode over to the kitchen, her eyes scanning the countertops. The coffee pot, a relic of a bygone era, sat with its contents congealed into a murky, black sludge. The numbers 1120 etched into the side of the pot catching fractals of hologram light. Ciel stood there wrinkling her nose at the acrid smell of the pots contents

Her fingers gently running over the numbers she never figured out thier true meaning. Her mind pondering at it for a moment. It was a mystery that would be left unsolved who's answer was lost to time.

"You know, Navi, sometimes I wish you had a physical body and could help me with cleanup," she said, dumping the liquid into a cup and tossing it into the microwave. The AI's simpering smile flashed from across the room. She was working on organizing more of the files for Ciel. Keeping on top of the ever growing catelogue was a fascinating hobby of hers as it let her peek inside of Ciel's mind "Maybe one day." Navi replied.

The microwave beeped, and Ciel retrieved the cup, the bitter aroma wafting up. As she sipped the reheated coffee, her gaze drifted to the digital corkboard opposite her. A new paper hung, highlighted and beckoning her attention. The soft glow of the hologram projector cast an eerie light on her features.

"I need to give you more credit, though," she said, nodding at Navi's virtual presence. "This place was a wreck before you came along." The sound of rain outside created a soothing background hum, punctuated by the occasional passing car.

Ciel finished the coffee, the bitterness lingering on her tongue. She began brewing a fresh pot, the aroma of freshly ground beans filling the air. It was going to be a long night.

After a stretch and a yawn Ciel moved over to the cork board and tapped on the highlighted file. The room once again sprang to life holding the hologram of the notes it now resembled an old world clipboard fused with a tablet. Navi had generated in regards to the case they were working on. Ciel moved over to the sofa and flopped down. It was supremely comfortable despite its rough worn appearance.

Flicking her fingers up the various pages from the tablet appeared before her. "So what do we have?" she asked as she looked at the location trace. A map appearing before her with a pinpoint "As you can see." Navi started "I managed to swipe a location from it however, this is only approximate. We will still need to walk the beat to get any level of accuracy from it."

Ciel shrugged "This is normal for us. We are good at what we do however there is something to be said for good old fashioned detective work." Navi nodded as she waved a hand before Ciel bringing up live camera feeds of the area. Slowly the office was turning into a case specific digital command center.

"Let's see how many rats are in your nest Kalaban." Ciel said as she heard a little ding. The coffee was ready. She entertained the idea of a mug while looking over the screens.

Navi looked over at Ciel for a moment admiring the intensity with which she was focused. For a brief moment Navi looked at Ciel's coffee mug before taking in her features. Navi sighed. "Sometimes… I wish I had a physical body too…" she said lowly.

Ciel's expression changed from focused to some form of excitement as she flicked the air on one screen causing it to expand to about her own height. "There!"