ALEXiThymiA: Chapter 4 : A Typical Date (1)

Chapter 4

A Typical Date (1)

Alexa was out on her way through town. By now most of the boys from Central knew not to even attempt matching wits with her. Unfortunately, for Alexa, she was in North’s territory. Why was she here? Was it to perhaps win another sporting event? Such an event could happen, but her next match against North would be on Central’s territory.

No, the reason she was here now, was due to her brother coming through for her in a big way. When she had asked him to find someone willing to go on a date in a dungeon, he had found quite a few willing participants.

The date Alexa was on. Or as she liked to think of it, as the meeting with the most financially generous person wishing to afford her consultation services. Not only were they willing to pay the fee to enter an initiate tier dungeon, or one that was certified as safe by the government to enter without being awakened. This was a mental dungeon, meaning there would not need to be any weapons, or fights to the death. Instead, this would be a dungeon that pitted the mental Attributes of the attendees against the dungeon layout.

The fact that all dungeons had at least a basic level of sentience was well known and documented. Dungeons got a lot of energy from not just consuming contestants who were killed within their chambers, but also from the ambient mana that was leaked by people entering.

The trick for the dungeon was to keep the participant within the dungeon long enough, that the energy lost on an augmentation crystal was negligible. This was why the most popular form of dungeon was the mental dungeon, or the trap dungeon. While many had deadly traps that would trick an inattentive spelunker to their deaths, that was not the overarching intent of the dungeon. The true intent of the dungeon was to trick the spelunker into staying long enough that they leaked out all their passive mana their bodies were naturally attracting. This mana would then be slowly drained off by the different chambers of the dungeon in a way that never caused pain to the dungeon delver.

This was why almost all mental dungeons were given a rating of ‘E’ for everyone. This was the general rating that meant so long as you paid the local and state taxes related to entering such a dungeon, your spoils from the dungeon never had to be registered, nor recorded.

The only time registration truly occurred, were on the higher-level dungeons where monsters spawned. These often-produced powerful weapons and skills that could be wielded by unscrupulous people. Due to the inherent nature of weapons and weapon related skills being let loose, the government made it a point to track all powers that came from such dungeons.

For lower dungeons like these, people could trade in one crystal for their initial entry fee. For people who excelled and did well in their runs, earning two or more augmentation crystals was not unheard of, so trading one of those crystals back for their initial entry fee was often seen as a fair price. This allowed the delver to go back in again once they were recharged. While it also gave the local area a new crystal to be used for either academic purposes, or to be bundled together. This was where most people traded in their Perception crystals for their entry fee. Again, few people fully grasped the importance of Perception. Or maybe most people didn’t have to overcome the same difficulties that people like Alexa did. In either case, most people were more than willing to trade away their perceived junk Perception crystals for a chance to re-run a dungeon and potentially get a better reward, next time.

As for Alexa, she had no intention of trading away any crystals she had. While she considered herself to be a junkie, she still had a stash of crystals available. She found that having one of each type available, was the easiest way to barter for additional crystals. In her mind, anytime she could gain two crystals for the price of one, it was a bargain. So, if she had to sacrifice consuming one crystal now, to potentially trade for two later, it was well worth the wait. She also knew that she could consume the crystals at any time and planned to do so before her awakening ceremony.

Since this was a date, and one where she would be going into a dungeon, Alexa had dressed up for the occasion. Despite this being classified as a typical trap or puzzle dungeon, Alexa wore her basic delver uniform. This consisted of a sports bra, that was covered by a form fitting full body suit that allowed for ease of movement, while also protecting against minor scrapes and abrasions. She also had her grip toe shoes, that allowed her to get more movement on the toes of her feet. Not always, but sometimes trap dungeons offered hidden prizes that would require either heightened physical prowess or to double or triple back to unlock different sections. Again, these dungeons, while often most people’s first time interacting with a dungeon, were considered time sinks for a reason. Still, Alexa wanted to do this, and as much as she was capable of, she was thankful. At least, she knew she would be thankful, once she managed to get an augmentation crystal, and she would get an augmentation crystal.

There was of course just one problem with the way she was dressed. Well, it wasn’t her problem per say, but rather the people who observed her, on her way to her date location. For ease of time, both had decided to meet up at the entrance to the dungeon. This of course meant that Alexa had to go through most of the city, by herself. Her brother, her ride, also had a date in North but his date was going to meet on the opposite side of town, near the entertainment district. While it was not uncommon to have a dungeon or two in a city, most entertainment districts were built far away from the dungeons. Often there were also first responders, and other awakened volunteer stations that were set up to separate the dungeons from the entertainment districts. The rationale was clear, if you were out spending money, the last thing you wanted to worry about was a potential dungeon breach. Thus, the regulation that at least one first responder station had to be in place between the dungeon and business districts for zoning purposes.

All this is to say, that Alexa had to walk two miles from where her brother parked, to the dungeon entrance. During this time, her form fitting attire and natural appearance drew the attention of many men and women.

While the women only glared, Alexa was more than accepting of that, versus some of the more brazen men who tried to act out for their peers.

“Hey baby, did it hurt?” A man yells out to Alexa, as she makes a distinct point not to make eye contact. However, the call is so loud, and met by so many cheers from the entourage of people that are around the leader who spoke that Alexa knows she must de-escalate the situation quickly. Well, de-escalate in the only way Alexa knows how. Without missing a step, she turns her head, locks gazes with the speaker, the responds.

“No, having your lips removed from my ass, is a procedure I am unfortunately well acquainted with by now.” She stops for a second, halting her full progress and stares down the male. She knows that if she were to continue walking, the male would likely take it as a sign of weakness, or feigned strength. When in all actuality, it was because she was trying to make her allotted time for her date. Still, he didn’t know that, and likely wouldn’t even care if he did. So, in this moment Alexa stood rigidly as she waited for the boy to make his move.

Fortunately, his posse did the reaction for him.

“Damn, she got you good.” They call out.

With that the leader is the first to break eye contact. This is enough for Alexa, as she continues. While she had no true emotions behind her stare, she found that her lack of emotional recognition was often intimidating, which often pays off with being avoided. She didn’t have resting bitch face, instead her face was more of a tense warrior willing to go into combat at a single moment.

With that one delay dealt with, Alexa walks away. Then once she is around the corner, she decides to start jogging lightly to make up the time. With her current dress, it is not too hard to believe she would be out on a casual jog. Not, wanting to appear disheveled or sweaty, Alexa keeps her pace at a slow leisurely pace. At least a leisurely pace for her. The pace she sets, is one that would be considered a sprint by most un-awakened people; however, this was where her insane work ethic for augmentation crystals paid off.

Her parents even paid her to do multiple chores in augmentation crystals. At one point she even got her parents to sign a contract offering her one crystal per month that she made perfect attendance at school. For her awakened parents, they of course had dozens of Perception crystals lying around just gathering dust. At least they had dozens lying around at first. The only problem was, the contract was worded in such a way, that even when school was out for summer, Alexa would be given a crystal. Once her parents ran out of Perception crystals, Alexa received an assortment of crystals. Crystals that all went towards improving her, and most importantly letting her feel something.

The next year, her parents refused to sign such an agreement again with her. But that amount had been enough to give her the head start she needed. She never let her parents or family know how it felt to take an augmentation crystal. In a way, she had the thought that her parents or brother might start trying to keep crystals away from her. Well, more so then they already did.

With her new pace set, Alexa easily made her way to the dungeon entrance well ahead of the indicated meeting time. To her surprise, her date was already there waiting.

From a quick glance it was apparent he was nervous. He was pacing back and forth and did that weird nervous toe kick. The one that reminded Alexa of flamingos resting their feet before setting it down.

Even from a distance of a few hundred meters away, Alexa’s Perception was already hard at work. The male was fit and wore a subdued brown suit. He had a bouquet of flowers, and a box of some kind. Judging by the shape, Alexa figured it was likely chocolate. This might be a bit much, but he is at least trying for this date. Alexa noted, her mind already preparing a response for her dating critique.

Seeing the date, and not wanting to alarm him, Alexa slowed down her pace until she was at a brisk walk. Even at this subdued pace, she was next to the date, before he even noticed her approach.

“Hello, you must be John-18924?” Alexa asked, sending out a hand for her introductory shake. This was a business transaction after all, and decorum had to be met.

At that the teenager, John, jumped as he had been expecting her to come from the parking lot. Not a bad assessment, but Alexa didn’t drive. Not that she couldn’t, but her parents felt it would be better to let Luke drive. Honestly, Alexa didn’t care, which was likely why they had pushed for him to be the driver over her.

“Oh, hello.” John-18924 said, as he turned to look at Alexa. Upon seeing her, his eyes flicked up and down her body quickly. This was a common gesture and one that was ingrained in the male mind. Alexa did not take points from this, though she would have added points if he could have gained control of his scan before his eyes dilated with apparent attraction. Fortunately, he had the wherewithal to be embarrassed from just how much he apparently liked the way she looked. Breaking eye contact, he turned his head slightly to the left, breaking eye contact, but making it so he would not be tempted to ogle her body again. Again, this was a fraction of a point in his favor, but one she made sure to note.

Then with a tentative hand he held out the bouquet and chocolates.

This suited Alexa just fine, as she didn’t particularly care for the whole handshake thing anyways.

With the chocolates and bouquet in her hands, Alexa locked gazes with ‘John.’

“Well then, John-18924. Do you know the ground rules and what this is?” Alexa asked. This was important as this was not really a date, but a date consultation.

“Just John, and I think so?” Just John said.

With that Alexa nodded in understanding. “Well, let me make sure the ground rules are in place before anything awkward happens. This is not a true date, but a date consultation. I am offering my services to help you know your own strengths and weaknesses on a date, and ways you can improve. With that there are three main ground rules to cover. The first is no touching or hand holding. The second is no PDA, and third and finally know that if you attempt to drug or otherwise take advantage of me I will hunt you down and kill you.” Alexa said, then she made sure to smile at the end, the kind where she showed her teeth.

“Uh, huh-huh.” Just John forced a laugh, but it was clear he was intimidated by the gesture. This was good, as it meant Alexa’s words had their intended impact. “You almost sound like you meant that last part.”

“Let’s hope we don’t have to find out.” Alexa continued, then dropped her fake smile, knowing the intended impression had been left. “Now then, know that this is a specialized date, as we will be going into a maze or trap dungeon. Do you know what that means?” Alexa asked.

“Sort of. We will go around, trying to solve puzzles, and then eventually leave, right?”

Alexa scanned his face, and realized this person had no clue what they were getting into. “You have never even been inside a dungeon before, have you?”

John looked like he wanted to protest for a moment, but then stopped and answered truthfully. “No, I have not.”

At this, Alexa paused as she cocked her head to the side to look at the teenager before her. Looking at him, he was roughly her age, but he clearly had few if any augmentations.

With that honest answer, Alexa had to ask. “Why exactly did you do all this? Come here, dressed like that, knowing that you had no clue what you were getting into?”

John tensed up for a second. It was clear he was struggling with himself, the way his muscles quickly tightened and contracted. Also, Alexa noticed the vein on his neck begin to pulse rapidly, a sign of nervousness. All signs first pointed to him lying, but then at the last second, he relaxed and seemed to answer truthfully.

“I really wanted to go on a date, with you.”

“I would again like to remind you that this is not a true date, but a date consultation.”

“That is fine. I don’t care what you call it. But you will tell me how to do better next time? Then the next time, right?” He asked.

“You mean our repeat offender program? There is a marked price increase each time.” Alexa noted.

“But each time, you will tell me ways to be a better date for you, right?”

Hearing that, Alexa paused. Was this just a way to date me better? She asked herself. She had built her premise and grading model on ways everyone would date, but was she being short sighted with how she was billing it? Was she only making it for her own personal ideals? These were good questions and ones that she would need to take into consideration. But for the moment, she had a bigger concern, him.

“I think you have the wrong idea. I don’t know if you are aware, but I have…”

“Alexithymia. I know. I know you have no emotions, but despite all this you have an unhealthy attraction to augmentation crystals. I know that you don’t care what others say about you but are still aware of what is said about you. I know you have developed several fake social ticks, in order to fit in. I know probably too much about you…” He trailed off.

There was a brief intense moment of silence as Alexa tried to take in everything that this boy John, had said. She had seen him around school, her memory and perception made it so she captured every detail. But had he done the same with her? Well apparently, he had. Judging by the level of insight he had, he was close to the thin line between being obsessed and a stalker. With that, Alexa tried to choose her next words carefully.

“Yeah, probably.”