|
>>
|
8d91b3.jpg
Purple Tropical Soda
8d91b3
Having drunk my fill of blood on such fresh animal blood, my senses are sharpened- including my memory. I recall the WAN’s corporate office phone number with complete clarity. Their hostile takeover of all-American businesses is a tragedy for all supporters of high-quality, rugged, reliable cars made in Ohio. Like Jeeps.
Beep. beep. I punch in the number, with a few surrepetitious extra digits, and put on my most sultry voice as a Japanese salaryman answers with a slight delay.
“Moshi moshi?” he asks, unaware of the doom he’s brought upon himself by picking up the phone.
“Yo soy una vieja amiga de Tsuki,” I say. “Can Tsuki come out to play?”
“Ano… she is on vacation. At the beach. I am not allowed to disturb her.”
“Aww, pobrecito. Are you Tsuki’s friend, too? If you put me through to her, I’ll invite you to play with us, too, handsome. I heard Japanese men really know how to please a woman. So much training…”
That does it. A few rings later and I’m speaking to a very familiar voice.
“Konnichiwa, Lucha Lady,” Tsuki says. “Did you really think you could try and trick me? You should know I don’t have any friends that speak Spanish. Kazama-san’s minions can trace this call, you know. Are you trying to scare me? After what you did to me in the name of your honor, give me one reason why I shouldn’t ask Kazama-san to send a dozen ninjas after you.”
“Porque,” I say, “I’m imagining you on the beach right now, doubtless in a swimsuit that shows off that figure you’re so proud of.”
“So? Everyone does that. And it’s a very nice swimsuit. Far better than a commoner like you could afford.”
“You’re right,” I say. “I couldn’t afford it. I’m so poor, I’ll have to steal something nice to wear. In fact, right now all I’m wearing is my mask… and nothing else.”
“N-nani!?”
“Así es. Just me, running my hands over my skin, imagining what it would be like for me to be next to you, doing the same. Listening to your heart beat, knowing you tried so hard to humiliate me on stage, knowing you’re powerless now that I’ve changed. Seeing the blood rush to your cheeks as you breathe faster, lying next to me, our eyes locked.”
“I-is this really you, Nacha?”
“I reach to cup your cheek, bring your lips to face mine…”
Tsuki lets out a soft breath.
“...and sink my teeth into your pretty little neck, puta rata.”
“Nante kotta!” Tsuki exclaims. “Y-you freak! Well, if you’re calling to mess with me, then you should know this island costs $12.99 a minute for long-distance, and you’re gonna get hit with a HUGE phone bill, insolent peasant!”
“Didn’t you hear?” I hiss. “I’ve changed. I’m a vampire now, and vampires drain their victims.”
I pause for effect.
“This is a collect call.”
Tsuki’s scream is music to my ears. She slams the receiver down far, far too late.
|