The day was finally over and zeta was preparing to go home. Mia was about to see if they if she wanted to get something to eat but then Lacey grabbed the two of them by the shoulder.
Popular girls: Lacey you coming? We're going to go wonder the city.
Lacey looked back to the crowd and shook her head in refusal.
Lacey: sorry go ahead me and these two have plans to go shopping together.
Popular girls: oh we can go with you. We really wanted to hang out with a new girl.
At those words. Zeta backed away a bit. Too much energy coming over them.
Lacey: sorry, these two don't really like crowds, especially Mia.
Mia winced to the reaction but didn't respond since she was right.
The crowd of girls backed off in favor of leaving since they were picking up on the vibe. The other two were putting off.
One of the popular girls: okay, maybe some other time then.
She said disappointed.
Mia started to relax a bit but zeta looked at them. Confused.
Zeta: sorry, I don't really have time to go shopping right now. I have plans to build a model kit.
Mia's picking up on an opportunity to back out spoke.
Mia: yeah and I agreed to help her out since she was having trouble with building the model.
Zeta looked at her confused but then instinct just said.
Instinct: let it happen.
Zeta: yeah we have plans to build a model kid at my place.
Lacey: sorry this is not negotiable. We are going shopping and then after we're done you two can do your model kit thing.
Of course had the two of them by the waist dragging them out of the classroom. Mia had relaxed like a kid being lifted by the scrap of its neck. while zeta just looked awkward sure, she could easily bust out of the much. She didn't want to hurt Lacey since she's rather fond to her.
The three went to a popular fashion Mall that had a recent trending streak in the past year out of the blue.
Lacey had the matter of department store. The two were just standing there while she held out different clothes, holding them out in front of them and eyeballing if they'd look good on her or not.
I the thing she was looking at with them was mostly jazz blouses and my dresses, workout, clothes, and swimsuits. Oddly enough of things that you would do activities in groups with.
Lacey: geez you guys are being a bunch of wet blankets.
Zeta: I really don't get this whole dressing up thing.
Lacey: what do you mean? You don't get it. Most girls are into dressing up.
Zeta Looked to Mia in confirmation.
Mia: honestly, I don't care if I fashion but I wouldn't turn down a cosplay or two.
Zeta then reached out to logic for advice.
Logic: the data isn't exact but it's about a 75 to 25% ratio.
Zeta: (if we're supposed to be laying low shouldn't I be the 75% and not the 25%)
Logic: not necessarily if you wanted to be the to not stand out you don't have to be the average. You just need to be what you're presented as the fact that you are friends with these two crews are doing a good job.
Zeta nodded at the explanation.
Logic: however, for the sake of maintaining some normalcy in this situation, try finding something that might interest you or close. That might mean your taste.
At the same time that zeta was getting advice from logic. Mia and Lacey were having a discussion.
Lacey: cosplay really?
Mia tried not to look embarrassed.
Mia: what's wrong with cosplay? Sometimes you like the look of a character and you just want dress that way yourself.
Lacey: yeah, I don't really get it.
Mia: you should try it sometime. I was actually thinking about inviting zeta the next time I go to an event.
Lacey: I'll think about it.
Has Ada then snapped out of her discussion with logic which from outsiders look like an momentary pause to think. She then started looking around at wrecks of clothing.
From what she recalled of the woman classified as her mother, she was wearing a leather jacket dress pants and blouse with high heels.
Taking into consideration are our own physique. Her body is very immature for most of what she was wearing but the jacket did look pretty nice and she did one for her own. Looking around she spotted a few things. Some jogging clothes which was mostly just a running jacket and jogger pants. She took those since the jacket was purple with a golden accent and the joggers where purple with the blue drawstrings painting her aesthetic.
She also found a blue jean jacket with copper buttons that had a gold color coating and then a white T-shirt with purple, blue and yellow flowers.
Lacey: you really like those colors.
Zeta: yeah these are the colors my dad picked out for me.
Lacey coughed awkwardly.
Continued looking around picking out a few more outfits.
logic: between the assets we acquired from motor City during our escape as well as the inheritance from professor sprocket, we have more than enough to get a few things but don't overindulge it could leave us bankrupt in the near future.
zeta nodded but didn't respond.
She then stopped and it is splayed outfit, a leather jacket with a plaid skirt and a chain attached to the leather belt and fishnet stockings with leather boots.
She didn't know why but she wanted it and then her eyes widened not out of realization for the outfit but something else a sales clerk that was right next to her. No, she didn't sneak up on her. She sensed her moving carefully around the store only approaching when she knew the customer would be ready for our big sale, but what's surprise to her was the signature.
Sales clerk: dear customer, I see you might be interested in this outfit. Might I help you.
Zeta: (logic!)
Logic: I know I sent Ally signature too on this girl.
Zeta casually turned to face the lady a black-haired woman with with her hair arranged to the side blue eyes slightly paled skin as if she hasn't seen this sun in a day or two and the usual sales clerk outfit.
Logic: I'm running a search now.
Zeta I didn't need the search she could feel it on her left arm. The high gear armor stored within was reacting.
Zeta: give me the description for Edgar.
Logic posture search and then pulled out the MotorCity database and immediately paused at the employee profile picture.
Logic: she is a woman in her early 30s black hair a bit on the messy side pale skin and teal eyes.
Zeta: you know what to do.
Logic: on it.
The sales clerk was starting to feel awkward at the long pause but then our phone started to vibrate.
Sales clerk: pardon me for a moment.
She pulled out her phone which was black with red flowers. Scanned over something real quick. Then I looked at zeta with a strong serious expression that only lasted for a split second before returning back to our customer service face.
Sales clerk: I understand. Will you be buying those.
Zeta: indeed I would like these in that outfit over there.
Mia and Lacey only watch the entire interaction and confusion.
Lacey: what just happened.
Mia: ESP maybe?
After finishing checking out the three of them started to walk out of the fashion mall and just to say started to hit the intersection. zeta paused for a moment.
Mia: what's wrong?
Zeta: you said you wanted to come over to help me with my model kit right? Meet me at the hobby store in an hour. I just remembered I have to meet up with one of my dad's old friends.
Lacey: this isn't going to be like your mom is it?
She's had a concern.
Mia: you know we can come with you for our emotional support.
Mia responded also worried.
Zeta: look it's fine. It's just an old friend from back when me and Dad used to wander the world. I'm just going to stop by. Say hi. Catch up with them and exchange stories about Dad.
She said in the most awkward smile she could muster. Trying to make it seem like there is nothing to worry about
Then she running off before the other two I had a chance to interject. Of course, the other two looked at each other and then tried to pursue, but immediately I lost her at the corner where she turned.
At the back of the fashion Mall where employees enter for the various stores stood a familiar sales clerk looking around nervously.
Zeta appeared from one end of the alley.
Edgar: okay how do you know who I am.
She said while looking the kid up and down trying to get us get a look as she can until she spots the bracelet on her left arm.
Edgar: no way, it's you.
She said with an excited smile and then pronounced at the top of our lungs.
Edgar: you may not. Begin to understand my greatness.
She said laughed with both hottie attitude and a evil undertone.
At those words, zeta's bracelet opened up to reveal the gear Riser.
Gear Riser: administrator password detected welcome admin Edgar.
Logic: well that confirms that.
Then zeta's phone started to make a noise of its own.
Phone: Target Edgar detected. Please take a photo.
Confused. Lena took it out, opened up the photo app and snapped a picture of her.
Edgar was confused at this.
Edgar: so what brings you all the way out here where it is your rogue. Same as me.
Zeta: yeah, I actually have questions about that myself like specifically how you're alive but this isn't the place. It's too open for a conversation.
Edgar: I take you back to my motel room but the walls are thin and motor City has eyes on my house.
Zeta shook her head knowing right away that those wouldn't be good options.
Zeta: we can go to my living quarters. It's a rundown apartments on the other side of town perfect for this type of conversation.
Edgar: My little high gears got a secret base. I'm so proud. Lead the way.