A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.
WARNING: WAFF, ANGST, MODERATE LANGUAGE, LIME.
Chapter 10: Bliss
The morning came too soon for the two. The sun had not risen yet but it was their instincts more than their alarm clocks or the sun's rays that woke them. Heat opened his eyes. The previous night had been the most gratifying he had ever had in his life.
His lips tugged themselves up to a smile. It was the first time that he had felt wanted…important. It was the first time he had felt loved. He was a soldier. In any given day or place, he could have died; he could have lost his life. He was a member of Embryon and would give up his life for their cause; but then, when he really thought about it, did anyone care? Would anyone care if he died? Would anyone feel saddened by his demise?
He shook his head. No.
But then, when she told him that she loved him and only him, it changed his whole perception on life. She was now his reason for getting up in the morning. She was now his reason for going into battle to win the war. She was now his reason to return home alive.
Heat shifted his weight on his right side and looked at his sleeping angel. Her pink tresses were scattered messily on his white pillows. Her lips were slightly parted and her hands clutching the blanket to her chest. She was so cute.
He let his hand touch her face, drawing invisible lines on it. He then let his fingers travel to her forehead and he removed some stray pink tresses from her face. He smiled again, remembering all too clearly their union the previous night.
She had not cried; not a single drop of tear cascaded down her face. She had not been forced to do anything that she did not wish to do. Last night, she was happy.
And for that, he felt ecstatic.
From her face, his hand fell on her shoulder, "Hey…wake up."
"Mmmnn…" she moaned in her sleep.
He smiled.
"Come on. Don't make me carry you to the shower."
At this, she bolted awake. Startled by the voice, she let the blanket fall from its position on her chest as she sat up. She turned her face to the left to see a blushing yet smirking Heat.
"What's so funny?" Argilla asked, still half asleep.
"I think you dropped something."
No sooner than she heard his words did she realize its weight on her. She immediately felt the chilly air on her chest. She stifled a gasp and made for the blanket only to find a firm grip on her wrist, "Heat!"
"It's alright…" he whispered seductively, "I like seeing you like this…"
She blushed and said nothing, her eyes widening.
He groaned. What was wrong with him?
"Come on." he said, standing up, letting the blanket fall onto the bed, revealing to her all his glory.
The shade of red on her face deepened.
He spoke again, "Come on, you're giving me ideas. And we can't get late. Gale is gonna go ballistic."
Argilla blinked; since when did Heat care about someone else's ideas? And Gale to boot! The Heat of old would have simply said, "So? Who the hell cares?" or "Screw him." Or something along those lines.
But, no matter, he was right. They can't get late. The invasion will begin the next day. The last ounces of preparations were being made today.
Without any further thought, she joined him heartily in the shower, the euphoric feeling from the previous night still in her system.
xxxxx
"Ah, I see you two are on time for a change." said Gale's unflattering voice. Serph, feeling a sting on his chest, chose to ignore the comment and looked the two in question square in the eyes, "Good. Let's begin."
Argilla was not fooled. However, she was impressed. She could clearly see through Serph's calm façade; she knew all too well that he was hurting. It was there in his eyes. But then, she chose to look away; she had no choice.
"Hey, you okay?" a voice whispered into her ear.
She looked at Heat, "I'm fine."
Serph looked at them from the corner of his eyes. Heat was crossing his arms and was looking at Gale, but he stood close to Argilla; their distance was almost nil. They really were together. Sure he knew that; he had always suspected that there was something between them. But then, as her eyes spoke what her lips could not, he knew that he had lost. He gritted his teeth.
But damn it, it still hurt. There was still a part of him that refused to accept it.
"The offensive will commence at sunrise; at 0600 hours. The Wolves will begin the offensive with their artillery. The Brutes and the ex-Solids will be drawn to them. But, they will not be able to do much damage on the infrastructure as the Solids have reinforced their walls and have sophisticated cannons on either sides of Anahata. Their cannons are situated here," Gale point on the left side of Anahata, "by the corner, and here, on the right."
Everyone looked intently at the dissemination machine's holographic projection.
"Now, as the Wolves draw the Brute's attention, we will infiltrate Anahata via a small ladder that will lead to their cannons along the wall. We will have to decommission all of them. We will then split into two groups. One group will go for Mick's old chamber and dispose of the commander. The other will open the main gates so that the Wolves may enter Anahata. While all of this is happening, the Brute's will have sent reinforcements from Ajna. Our combined forces from Saraswati, Manipura and Svathisthana will intercept them along the arid terrain in the middle of Ajna and Anahata. Here, at Coordinate 381."
"Any questions?" Gale asked.
"What about the supposed assassination Gale?" Argilla asked seriously, her eyes narrowing, "Surely we don't need to follow that through."
All eyes focused on her. She looked from Gale's cold green eyes to Serph's piercing eyes, hoping for any ounce of light that will say her suggestion might be heeded.
Gale broke the silence, "We must be prepared for any and every eventuality. Once the Brutes and Ajna had been conquered, the Embryon, most especially us, must remain on our toes. The Wolves could be planning that kind of strike as we speak."
Here, Argilla lashed out, clutching her heart in her hands, "But you heard what Serph had said at Vishudha! Lupa isn't like that!"
Heat looked at her sympathetically; he grasped her elbows and held her still, "Argilla…that's enough."
She turned her head sharply to see Heat frowning at her. She cursed herself and relinquished her struggles.
Serph looked at her helplessly. He had wanted to be the one to hold her, but she had made her choice. He shook his head lightly, "Argilla is right."
"Huh?" Cielo asked, "But I thought Gale was right ja?"
Serph smiled, "They are both right. Lupa is honorable. He wouldn't betray us. But, all the same, we must be ever cautious and be prepared for all situations. Just because Lupa wouldn't betray us doesn't mean that every last one of the Wolves wouldn't either. Remember Bat?"
All went silent. Sure they remembered Bat. That was how the Maribel got ambushed by the Vanguards in the first place. Bat had betrayed Jinana and sided with the Vanguards. Many lives had been lost that day.
"All the same," Serph continued, "nothing remains unchanged. The preemptive strike, should there be one, would be mine to decide on. I only ask that you all keep a sharp eye. I will give the signal if we are to proceed."
Serph looked at each of their faces, his gaze lingering on Argilla for a few seconds, before turning away. She smiled at him. She was grateful; he could tell. That itself was enough.
"Any other questions?" Gale asked.
"Who will go where man?" Cielo asked, confused.
Gale rolled his eyes, "The teams will remain as it was discussed previously, Cielo. The main task force will comprise of Serph, Argilla and Heat. While the other team which will open the gates will consist of you and me."
"Idiot." Heat murmured, smirking.
"Wat you say?!" Cielo asked, eyes blazing.
The whole group laughed.
As uncomfortable silence followed, Serph decided to speak, "We cannot afford to fail in this invasion. It would mean death and slavery to all whom we care about. All our families and comrades will suffer. So, this is the day that…you may all do as you wish. There isn't much time."
His voice was filled with so much sadness and regret that everyone had felt it, even Heat. He wanted to smirk and tell himself that he was happy. After all, this was his original intent after all; to see Serph broken. But, he was surprised to find that it wasn't the case at all. He felt for him; as strange as it may sound.
His thoughts were interrupted as Serph continued, "You are all granted the day off…so that you may spend the time with your families and loved ones. That is all. You are dismissed."
A pang of pain hit Argilla; Serph had no one. He had no family to return to. He was as alone as she was. But, things had changed. She and Heat had found each other. And for Serph, things had remained the same.
She hated herself right there and then. For her to be happy, she had to sacrifice someone else. She sighed. She owed a lot to him. If it weren't for Serph…she would have been forcibly enlisted by another tribe. Or worse.
Those were dark times. She remembered it so well. Her family was among a small group of settlers that belonged to no tribe. They were nomads that had been recently formed by mutual need. They had only come to be in less than a decade. It was then that they had been attacked; the adults were killed and those who weren't, had surrendered. Those had then joined the other tribes.
Her parents and grandparents had perished as well.
She closed her eyes tightly; that was a memory that she could do without. She had been young then…only in her teens. She didn't remember how she escaped…but somehow, she did. She wandered aimlessly through the seemingly unending desert, looking for someone to help her…for anything. But, alas, the only thing that met her was the harsh sun and the hot sand. She didn't know how long she had walked until she had collapsed from utter exhaustion.
But then…he found her. Her knight in shining armor. Her Prince Charming. Someone she abandoned.
'Stop it! Heat loves you…' she debated with herself.
"You alright?" a gruff voice penetrated her thoughts. She snapped back awake, "Huh? Heat! I'm fine!" she smiled and took his hand in hers. He quirked an eyebrow; not convinced. She sweat-dropped.
"Come on. Let's go. We have the whole day." she said, pulling him towards the door. Of course, she did not miss Serph's suffering look as she led Heat away with her. Wanting to rid herself of the feelings of guilt, she turned to Heat who had a boyish smile on his face.
She found herself smiling wholeheartedly in return. She had never really seen him like that. He had always been the brooding type. But now…it was as if he regained some of his innocence again.
And for that, she was glad that she made him happy. Thoughts of Serph floated out of her head.
xxxxx
Gale wandered through the streets of Muladhara still quite confused from Serph's orders. Spend time with loved ones? What was love to begin with? Gale frowned; sure, he had witnessed fondness between people. He had seen a surge of illogical behavior from other people; but he never gave it much thought.
Growing up alone and being raised entirely at a military setting, Gale had never really experienced such things.
He always considered them as frivolities. Illogical and impractical to boot. But orders were orders. So, then, how was he to carry them out? He sighed; no matter how much he racked his brains for an answer, nothing came to his mind.
Then, as if hearing an imaginary click in his head, he thought of Argilla and Heat. He knew that what ran between them was below the superficial level of just camaraderie. Was that fondness? He remembered Heat being emotionally unstable for the last few days. He also knew that it was because of Argilla; was that passion?
Hmm…he wondered.
Gale then felt the sudden urge to ask them. But then, "They are probably occupied at fulfilling Serph's command."
His face blushed a deep crimson as his mind began to drift to a biology lesson he had during his initial training at the military. Copulation, as it was called, was an act to procreate. He had always known this, but then, it would seem that a part of the male species seemed to disagree with him.
He frowned.
Why was that?
They copulate to procreate. Simple. It was to ensure that there would be a next generation to take over the reigns once they had died. It was to ensure that their population did not dwindle. But many of whom he spoke to did not view it in this fashion.
They had described such an act as one associated with words such as "sensual", "pleasurable".
Pleasurable? Here, Gale almost barfed. He didn't really know how to comment on that. He had never really had any partner in mind for the process as he never really felt the need to procreate. Neither had he been ordered to. Hence, he never found the opportunity to validate his conclusions or refute the conclusions of others.
Hm.
Well, almost never.
There was…one woman who had opened his eyes to curiosity about this at one time. She had black hair and had silver eyes. She was one of their scientists. But she was transferred to Saraswati. What was her name?
Ah yes.
Angel.
Gale blushed once again as he thought of her. Yes, she was very intriguing. He could only wonder as to how she was doing. Perhaps he could pay her a visit?
Would Serph allow it?
'What the hell is wrong with you? Why do you always think of the rules?' a voice in his head roared.
He remained impassive, 'Because it is rules that provide the harmonious balance of our society. Without rules to guide us, we may as well be as disorganized and scattered as a pile of garbage.'
'There you go again with that shit! That's why you never get to feel love…'
'Love…' he repeated.
'Just look at Heat and Argilla…they found love. If he could find it…so can you…'
'So can I…'
Hm.
He really must go to Saraswati. He nodded. He will go to Saraswati.
'Besides…would you really want to die not having experienced the sensuous and pleasurable aspects of copulation?' the voice in his head taunted.
"…"
He headed towards the garage.
xxxxx
Cielo wandered aimlessly through the streets of Muladhara. He really didn't have family. His parents had been killed years ago, and his siblings…He closed his eyes shut. He didn't want to think about them.
He opened his eyes once more; it was too late. He was already thinking of them.
"I wonder how dey are doing…" he said absentmindedly.
He sighed as he reminisced. It was eleven years ago since he had joined Embryon. He could not remember much except the fires that had burned through their house in the middle of the night.
He ran out of the house and found his parents sprawled onto the filthy ground, blood splattered on their backs. They were dead.
He could remember piercing eyes gazing at him intently.
Cielo shook his head again; shaking his memories along with it. He remembered going back into the house to look for his older brothers and sisters, but they had all been taken.
It wasn't until a few years later, after he joined Embryon, did he come to know that his siblings had become members of the Solids. Bitter irony that he, a member of Embryon, who craved for the love of a family would come to destroy his own flesh and blood at the invasion the next day.
He would destroy those whom he loved.
He had tried to hide behind the mask of confusion, hilarity and ignorance…and it worked. No one suspected a thing. None of them knew of the inner demons that their timid and silly team member hid and fought against.
No. No one knew.
So, what was he to do now? He thought for a moment and smiled.
"Dat's right ja? My shift at the facility isn't done as yet."
He vowed to himself that he never wanted to see a child alone and lonely ever again. And so, that was how he got assigned to the new-recruit habilitation facility. They took orphans in and trained them. It was saddening to think that such innocent youngsters were being geared for war. But then again, at this day and age, they had no choice.
xxxxx
Heat dragged his pink-haired beauty atop their HQ. Argilla had no time to protest as he swiftly and firmly dragged her along. She could sense no malice in his behavior and on the contrary, he seemed happy.
What was this about anyway?
Heat stopped as they reached their destination, still holding on to her hand.
"Heat…What's up? What are we doing here?" she asked.
Heat, who had his back towards her, held a smug grin on his face. He turned to her and took both her hands in his and walked with her to the center to the rooftop. Argilla smiled at his antics, but was still confused.
She grinned seductively, "Don't tell me you want to…"
He grinned wider, "Well…although that's not what I have in mind, I'm sure I could…accommodate you…" he said, closing the space in between them, giving her left ear a naughty lick.
She slapped his arm, "Heat! You always do that!"
"Do what?" he asked coyly.
She rolled her eyes, "That's not funny!"
He pouted, "Who said it was funny? I really would tend to your…desires…" he whispered seductively, his eyes serious.
Oh boy. He really was serious!
"ANYWAY! What's going on? Why the rooftop?" she asked again, hoping to throw off his raging hormones off track. It worked.
"Argilla I…wanted to ask you something." The passion never left his eyes but the lust did.
"What is it?"
He sighed. "You know me Argilla…I'm not…good with words…"
Argilla began to feel worried. What was wrong with him? He seemed so lost…She stepped closer to him and cupped his face, "Heat…what's wrong?"
He closed his eyes as he felt her warm hand on his cheek. He sighed, "Argilla…what…we shared…last night, made me feel…I dunno…it made me feel human."
"Heat…"
He struggled with his words, "Ugh…just forget it…" he murmured.
"No…I want to listen…Please…"
He sighed, "I…what I mean is…well…I want to always…feel that way. But…I can't feel that way without you. You make me feel that…" He frowned and furrowed his eyebrows, searching for the words to say. She could only look intently at him, egging him on.
"You made me feel that life in this hell is worth living. I want to be with you…for as long as I'm alive."
She could feel tears welling up in her eyes but said nothing. She smiled gently; he really did love her. Heat squeezed her hands in his and whispered, "I want you to be…my mate."
Time and space stopped for her as she heard him utter the words. She said nothing and just embraced him, sobbing quietly.
"If I were to die tomorrow…I want to die knowing that you were mine…" he finished. She still said nothing and continued to sob.
"Argilla…?"
"Heat…yes! Yes! You didn't have to ask…" she beamed.
Heat pulled away slightly and looked into her eyes, "Argilla…do you really…"
She nodded frantically, "Yes! But Heat…"
Heat felt a stab at his gut as he heard her say the proverbial "Yes, but…" line.
"You have to promise me that you'll be with me forever. I don't want heroics tomorrow okay? No one's going to die!" she said breathlessly.
Heat smiled, "I promise." He remembered the last time he played hero. That landed him in a hospital bed for almost a month! But it was worth it; after all, it had been Argilla whom he saved that day.
And despite his promise to her, he'd play hero for her again countless of times in a heartbeat.
Argilla drew his face close to hers and kissed him. He didn't object.
xxxxx
He looked at the charts in front of him with outmost concentration. Scratch that. He wanted to look at them with outmost concentration. But every time he willed his mind to work, he only saw her. Why couldn't he stop thinking of her?
She's gone! Forget her! Move on damn it!
"Easier said than done…"
He had seen the two of them that day. He had seen how happy they were together. He should be happy for them…and he was…at least, as happy as he could be considering his feelings.
Tomorrow would be the invasion; today would be the last day that they could do whatever they wanted to do. So much was riding on this assault. They cannot fail.
They could die tomorrow…that was a risk that they were all taking. That was why he gave them the day off. So that they may do and settle whatever it was they wanted to settle. For him, all had already been settled.
There was nothing else that he wanted to do.
He wanted to see her and speak to her but then, he no longer had that right. She belonged with Heat now. They would be spending this little time together. He would only be a nuisance to them. So, that was out of the question. Cielo and Gale also had their matters to attend to. That left him with squat, zilch…nothing.
He gripped the charts tightly around his hands that he didn't even notice them tear. His reverie was broken as a quiet knock was heard on his door.
"Enter."
The object of his affections walked through the doorway.
xxxxx
Gale's heart bumped along with the jeep as they rode through the dusty terrain towards Saraswati. He was nervous of seeing her again. What would he say? What would he do? Sweat was forming on his forehead and he immediately wiped it off.
"Years of battles and I've never broken down like this…What is this feeling anyway?" he asked, irritated at himself. He touched his forehead with his index finger and closed his eyes in thought.
The jeep had pulled to a stop. They had arrived. Although the vehicle had come to rest, his heart still bumped uncontrollably. He clutched it in his hand and an Embryon member immediately came to his aid, "Are you alright sir? Should I send someone from the infirmary?"
Gale shook his head no, straightening up at once, "That won't be necessary. I'm fine."
Without another glance or word, he left the youth behind and walked towards the base.
His feet, without his command went straight for the laboratory. He gulped again as he reached the door. The air seemed to have gotten eerie all of a sudden and he found his throat very dry.
Taking a deep breath, he walked in.
The lab was busy. The chemists and bioengineers were hard at work and no one paid him any attention. Well, not that he wanted it anyway.
His feet took him to the nearest table. The turquoise-haired female looked at him sharply, "Yes? May I help you?"
Gale, who had momentarily lost his voice, cleared his throat, "Yes…I'm looking for a Dr. Angel. I believe that she was stationed to this facility a month ago."
The female scrutinized him, "And who are you sir?"
Gale looked at her impassively, "I am Gale of Muladhara, Intelligence Officer second to Serph."
The color from the female's face drained, "Oh! Oh! I beg your pardon sir. Dr. Angel is currently off duty sir."
"Do you know where I could find her?"
The girl sweat-dropped, "Well, you could try the infirmary or the mess hall. Would you like someone to accompany you sir?"
Gale was already headed for the door, "No thank you. I know my way around."
The girl sweat-dropped. So, that was Gale; a member of the most elite team of Embryon. His tactical skills and strategy as well as his profound intelligence were well-known.
Wow. And to think that she almost displeased him.
Gale stepped into the mess hall with light feet. His neck craned itself up in hopes of finding his black-haired beauty. Hm; there was no sign of her. Well, there really wasn't any point in staying. He looked in the mess hall intently again; surveying it carefully, for the last time before he left.
The next most likely place to see her was at the infirmary…but she may be treating a patient or whatnot. He really didn't want to get in the way.
'What am I doing here again?' he asked himself, touching his forehead.
'You're going to meet the girl of your dreams buddy!' the voice replied, irritated.
'I think she's busy…'
'Nonsense! You aren't going to back down from this! I forbid it!'
'Oh? Just who are you?'
'I'm you! That's who!' the voice piped in victoriously.
Gale touched his forehead again; was he losing it?
He was about to leave when another voice; this time, an earthly voice, shattered his quiet contemplation.
"Excuse me. You're in my way."
The hair on Gale's back and the back of his neck stood. The voice behind him was very familiar. The scent that she gave off was familiar as well. He couldn't put his finger on it. He thought for a second; a yes, lilac. It was simply her smell.
He turned around, his cool façade still in tact. He saw a stunning woman in front of him. Her wavy ebony hair was long; it was up to her shoulders and framed her face nicely. Her silver eyes, though piercing, held a quiet glow within them. She was clothed in all white; he recognized it as the lab coats for doctors.
Gale once again found his throat very dry; his pupils dilating.
"Well?" she asked again.
He snapped out of his daze, "My apologies." he said, stepping out of her way. Without sparing him another glance, she moved through the door and entered the hall. Only after taking a few steps did Gale's mental faculties regain command of his organs; most especially his speaking organs.
"Wait. Angel, I need to speak to you…"
The woman stopped in her tracks and looked at him, an evil smirk forming on her face, "Well, well…it would seem that you still remember me."
Gale blushed, "I had never forgotten."
The woman stepped forward, closer to him, "Well, what do you want?"
"I just want to talk." he said flatly.
She chuckled, "About what? As far as I can remember, you're not exactly the talking type."
"Things change."
"But some things will always remain the same Gale." she said icily. "I repeat, what do you want?"
"I…wanted to see you." he told her honestly.
She was not impressed, "You saw me now. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
Gale was now fidgeting with his uniform. This wasn't such a great idea after all. She was mad at him. But why? What did he do to earn her disapproval? Well, whatever it was, he didn't remember! And although he would like nothing more for her to recapitulate the past events to him, his better judgment told him to seek help elsewhere. He would get nothing from her; save for a beating and harsh language.
She shook her head as Gale refused to speak and she took her leave. This time, Gale's hand lashed out and gripped her wrist firmly, "Wait."
She narrowed her silver eyes at him, "Let go."
"I really…wanted to see and talk to you."
Her eyes narrowed into thin slits.
"Please…Angel…"
He had said her name in that way, again. Her knees turned into jelly. Nonetheless, she maintained her cold countenance. Not one part of her, may it be limbs or organs, betrayed her true emotions.
"Fine. Talk. But make this quick."
Gale nodded. She ventured further into the hall. He followed without a word.
She led them at an empty table. She sat down and ushered him to do the same. "Well?"
Gale's blood pumped rapidly to his face. His mouth hung agape; he wanted to tell her about his conundrum. But he just couldn't find the right words…He sighed, "Angel…I…there's…"
The woman in front of him quirked an eyebrow, "What's this? Got tongue-tied, have you?" she snorted.
Gale's eyebrows narrowed; his pride had been struck. He looked at her and saw her smirking at him. She was laughing at him. Gale clenched his hands into fists. Without further though, he got up from his chair and walked up to her, pulling her up by her arm.
Angel gave a yelp of surprise as she was pulled roughly to her feet, both her arms grasped firmly by the man before her. He spun her around to face him and without warning crashed his lips to hers.
Hoots and applause were heard throughout the mess hall.
He pulled away moments later. He looked into her silver eyes and saw nothing but pure astonishment.
"W-what…the hell was that?" she asked indignantly. She wriggled free from his grasp and her eyes narrowed in feigned disgust.
Yes; it was feigned disgust. It was futile to hide it in Gale's opinion. He had already seen it. He stepped forward, "That…was what I wanted to tell you."
Her eyes widened slightly. How could this man exert such a passionate act, boldly in front of many and look her in the eye with the countenance similar to the unmoving and ever steadfast polar icecaps?
It was simply an oxymoron. He acted as if he merely spoke words to her that no one heard.
She stood there, speechless. That was, until, he grasped her right arm once more and led her out of the hall. The young members of Embryon continued their jovial and convivial cheers and hoots.
"Ugh…kids…" she muttered, her face a deep crimson.
xxxxx
Cielo walked into the habilitation center. He took a deep breath. His eyes immediately flew to the new members of their tribe. There were three boys and two girls. The former were estimated to be aged 10-12 and the latter were estimated to be 6-8.
They all looked worn out and scared. He approached the boys and kneeled in front of them. They were sitting together by the bench. Both had violet hair and violet eyes. So, they were probably related.
"Hey dere! I'm Cielo! Wat're your names?" he asked gently.
"…"
Neither of them responded. Cielo smiled sadly; he had been exactly the same when he first arrived. There was no use of trying to force kids to tell him their names…things like trust and rapport took a while to set in.
He would just have to spend a lot of time with them and try to get to know them.
"Hey, wat do you guys like to do? Do you like to play?" he asked gently.
"…"
"Aren't you guys hungry? De cooks at the mess hall make good food ja?"
He was trying in vain.
He stood up and touched the younger boy by the arm, "Come on…let's go; you'll like it dere!"
As soon as his fingers touched the boy's skin, the boy wailed uncontrollably. The nurses came immediately and pushed him away from the children.
"What's going on here?" the doctor yelled.
"I dunno! I just wanted to take dem for a walk and den…"
"These children have been traumatized and do not appreciate being touched. Please leave. You've done enough for one day."
Slumping his shoulders in defeat, Cielo departed from the room with tears welling up in his eyes.
xxxxx
"Well?" Angel asked irritably.
"I came to ask you…" Gale's was racking his brains for a suitable reason but found none. If he lied, she'd know.
Then, it all became clear to him. Be honest.
"I came to discuss with you the biological and medical view on the subject of mating."
This was clearly unexpected by Angel. Her steely eyes flashed with surprise before returning to their original impassive state. Gale began to feel unnerved. Was this how he always regarded people? No wonder they call him "old man" or "stiff".
Ouch.
"Mating? Well, for that…we are not entirely conclusive. But we all know that the female body produces sex hormones called the estrogen. This is the hormone that is responsible for our basic and rudimentary physical and genetic differences with the males. But, unlike the old humans, females from our time had also begun to produce pheromones. This is basically the attractant that entices males. We also know that the desire for a female by a male is influenced by their testosterone levels in the body. You already know that the average male body produces testosterone at a rate that was considered alarming back at the 20th century."
"Before the cataclysm." Gale stated as-a-matter-of-factly.
She nodded.
"Our bodies have evolved; our intelligence had also improved tenfold…but our instincts had regressed."
"Regressed?" Gale asked confusedly.
"Yes. We had regressed to a more primordial state of being. We may have the intelligence to create and invent…but in the end…we are all slaves to our instincts. Also, the mating process will get complicated. As you probably know, the universe is built on a delicate balance; it would be like matter and anti-matter, light and dark. All exists due to a fragile harmony. The same could be said about mating. Every male and female has a unique genetic code that would be attractive to the opposite gender. This is nature's definition of compatibility. A male would be attracted to a certain female not due to her physical appearance or personality. Those are secondary factors. The primary factor that would decide one's partner would be his or her genes."
"Slave to our instincts…" he repeated.
She rolled her eyes, "Yes and you already know that Gale. Now tell me…why are you here?"
"I already told you why."
"I see. Is there a male or female in your party suffering the symptoms?"
"What symptoms?"
She rolled her eyes again. For someone being so smart, he could be really dense sometimes.
"Symptoms of having the instinctive desire to mate."
Gale thought for a moment…oh yeah! Heat and Argilla…and Serph. But he really didn't want to get on their case. He was there because of his own reasons.
"Well…no…but…I would like to ask…how it is that some males, even in their prime, do not have these instincts."
She quirked an eyebrow, "You mean males with no sexual drives."
"…Correct."
"Like you?" she asked boldly.
Sweat was trickling down his temple, but he ignored it, "…yes."
She laughed. He frowned.
"You are not defective Gale. Your problem isn't biological or medical."
He blinked in surprise, "It isn't?"
She shook her head, "I took your readings before Gale. I've seen the amount of testosterone in your body. It's just that you have a strong resilience to your desires. Your problem is psychological. You have found no mate because you had not allowed yourself to see her. It's also possible that you're waiting for her or that you haven't found the female to suit your bodily, emotional and mental needs."
"In other words, compatibility."
"Correct." she said.
"Now," she began, "is there anything else?"
"Is it possible to awaken these feelings…?"
"Of course; provided you found your mate or felt as if you found her."
"Even by thinking about her?"
Whereas before she had answered his questions without hesitation, here she stopped. For some reason…the man's visage in front of her changed.
Could it be…?
She felt her knees buckle, 'Oh no…'
Gale saw the faraway look in her eyes and immediately touched her shoulder, "Are you alright?"
The touch on her shoulder had been electrifying. She suddenly felt cornered…and afraid. He was…?
'Oh my…' she thought.
"Yes…yes…I'm fine…what were you saying?" she asked, finally regaining her senses.
Now it was Gale's turn to have the upper hand, "You feel it too don't you?"
She turned her body away from him, crossing her arms, "I don't know what you're talking about!"
Gale looked on at his lady-love and pressed himself against her back, "Of course you do…"
She stiffened, "W-what are you d-doing?"
He spun her around gently and looked into her silver eyes, no longer cold…but full of raw need, "Something I should have done a long time ago…"
He kissed her.
xxxxx
Gale stared at the ceiling. His mind was still in the clouds, so to speak. He could not believe what had transpired the hour before to be real. It had all been surreal. He felt a rustling beside him and saw that the woman he had been holding for the past ten minutes fluttered her eyes open. He stared from her euphoric face to her naked body.
He blushed.
"Angel…"
She sat up immediately and darted for her clothes as he spoke. She uttered no words and this disheartened the man behind her. He said her name once more. Here, she stopped.
"What is it…?" she asked in a low voice.
"You felt it too…"
"Yes…" she said bitterly as if she was ashamed of her newfound discovery.
"I am…"
"You are my mate…" she finished for him.
Her words brought a sheepish smile on Gale's face. He scooted over to her and embraced her bare back. She moaned and leaned back into his touch, "Gale…"
"Angel… there is still something I want to ask you…"
"What is it?"
"Is it possible to have multiple genetic compatibilities for one person?"
Angel raised an eyebrow and turned around, looking at Gale, "You mean, if it is possible for a woman to have more than one mate?"
"Well…not really…Just…that…"
"If there was a chance of re-mating after mating?"
"Well, sort of."
She laughed, "Well, of course. The most common scenario is when two or more males would fight for the same female. They would be simultaneously drawn to her smell; that is, her pheromones. They are attracted because both males are genetically compatible for her. Of course, the female has the last say. She has the right to choose her mate."
"And if she doesn't?"
"Then the males fight until only one remains." she stated gravely.
"Mate fights can be brutal and savage if left unchecked. That is why we always encourage team and platoon leaders to inform the authorities if any of their females are ovulating. If they are, the hormones that are produced would be at their peak, making the surrounding interested males go into an almost uncontrollable frenzy. Her pheromones; rather, her smell, more specifically would draw the males to her. That would send them into frenzy."
Gale touched his forehead, "This is absolutely true for every male? Even the leader."
Angel's eyes widened, "Serph has found a mate. Who is it?"
Gale shook his head, "He did but…it would seem that he would have competition."
Angel snorted, "How is it that he would have competition? He leads Embryon and has conquered most of the known Junkland. He would make the perfect mate!"
Gale felt a twinge of jealousy in his gut but quickly ignored it, "It would seem that his competitor is a formidable opponent. He is well known for his strength and fiery temper and would not yield his claim on the female so easily."
Now it piqued Angel's interest. Who was this other male? Who was their leader's prospect mate?
"Gale? Who is this other male? And who is this female? If you know that there's going to be a mate fight, you must tell me! People could get hurt!" she said sternly.
He sighed, "That is what complicates matters Angel. I can't just say…"
She looked into his eyes, reading him. He refused to meet her eyes and turned away. She gasped. "It's someone you know isn't it? Both of them. Impossible!"
So she figured it out. He shrugged but nonetheless, he felt a surge of pride. His mate was overly intelligent and perceptive.
"It's Argilla and Heat isn't it?" she asked, crossing her arms.
"There's nothing to be concerned about. Argilla has already made her choice."
"So, Serph is mated?"
"No."
She gaped at her mate, wide-eyed, "She chose Heat."
"Yes."
"And you know this? How?" she asked, skeptical.
"I saw them today; at the strategy room."
"And?" she huffed, almost exasperatedly. Gale was just putting her on a cliffhanger.
"And, Heat was especially close to her. She did not mind his advances. But Serph…though I said nothing, I saw how he avoided to look at them. He's still in love with her, but, she made her choice."
"I see…I just don't understand…why she chose…"
Gale looked at her, "There are some things that genetics cannot predict Angel. Your research and logic demanded that the most eligible would be chosen…It isn't always like that. I learnt that first hand. At times, logic isn't the way to approach problems."
Angel's eyes softened at the sight of his cool emerald eyes. She said nothing and just closed the distance between then, giving him a passionate kiss.
xxxxx
"Argilla." he stated flatly. But God knows how his whole body tingled just at the mere sight of her.
"Serph. I came to tell you that…I've chosen Heat as my mate…"
"…" He sighed, "I know."
He looked down, not meeting her eyes, "Well…what is it that you want?"
"…I just wanted to tell you. I didn't want to undergo the ceremony without informing you…"
He felt a stab at his heart. He gritted his teeth and closed his eyes shut. His whole body shook, "I see…" he croaked.
"Serph…I…"
"Do you still love me?" he cut her off, his eyes looking at her desperately.
"Serph…"
"Do you?" he asked again.
"…" she didn't know what to say. Just looking at him was crushing her heart. But she had to be strong for the both of them. She tightened her heart and looked at him coldly, "No. I don't. Please understand Serph. I choose Heat. I'm sorry."
He looked down again. He didn't want her to see his watering eyes. "I'm happy for you."
'Serph…Forgive me…'
Without another word, she turned her back and walked out of the office.
xxxxx
Cielo trudged along the streets of Muladhara, feeling all the more depressed. He had thought with bright optimism that seeing the children and with the hopes of helping them would give him a shed of his purpose in this God-forsaken land.
But, even in that, he was lackluster. Maybe he wasn't meant to do that either. Then, what was it that he was destined to do? All his other teammates had other things to do. Only he remained loitering about.
He frowned as he stared at the wall in front of him. He scowled at himself. He didn't even notice that he was walking towards a wall.
He shook his head, 'I shouldn't be wallowing in self-pity. Dis is just plain silly!'
He turned around and started to walk the other way when a pair caught his eye. He quirked an eyebrow. It was Heat and Argilla. Heat grasped her hand in his and practically dragged her along the streets.
Cielo looked intently on their facial expressions. What he saw gave him the shivers. Heat was…smiling.
'Okkkayyy…now dere's definitely something wrong. Heat doesn't smile. And he does not drag females like dat! Most especially Argilla.'
He touched his chin in further thought, 'On the other hand, dey were a bit cozy at the strategy room. Whoah!!'
His suspicions rose within him. He shivered again, 'Who in deir right minds would want to be mated to dat thing…? Argilla, you must be crazy…'
The hairs on the back of his neck began to stand on its end as he pictured the two of them together, 'Uuuurrrggghhh…dat's just nasty!'
He looked at the couple once more and found that they were heading towards the registry office. What would they be doing there?
'Oh right…'
Yes, it was protocol for every mated male and female to register their status at the office. After that, they would undergo the mating ceremony. But, being in the state of war, ceremonies like those weren't extravagant at all.
Besides, it was just something to make the people feel mated anyway. The real ceremony would begin with what the couples would do behind closed doors.
He shuddered again as his mind gave him nasty pictures of the two doing the deed, 'Man…dat's just gross…'
He must've been shivering so much that he had unwittingly attracted attention to himself. No sooner than he shivered, than the two in question spotted him and started to walk towards him.
'Uh oh…I'm spotted…'
Cielo looked from left to right, looking for any excuse to leave. But, the two were swift and reached his side in a quarter of a minute.
"Cielo." Heat said, "What are you doing here, loitering about like the village idiot?"
Forgetting his initial shock, disturbance and intrigue, anger rose within him, "De same could be said about you too brudda! Why are you wandering around like a village barbarian; dragging poor Argilla behind you?!"
Argilla sweat-dropped. They were just so cute. But still, she must break up this skirmish before it got out of hand. This was supposed to be a happy day; not a prospective funeral.
"Okay, knock it off guys."
Both pair of male eyes diverted their attention from their glaring contest to the female beside Heat.
"Now, Heat, why don't you just tell Cielo why we're here huh?" Argilla asked.
Cielo crossed his arm and grinned, "So, you need de help of moi eh brudda?"
Heat swatted his inquisitive finger away from him and looked pitifully at Argilla, "Do we really need him?"
Argilla frowned at him, "Heat…"
Heat scratched the back of his head sheepishly, "Alright you maggot. Here's the deal. Argilla and I are…going to the registry to…ugh…change our…status within…ugh…Muladhara and we need a witness."
Cielo gaped at them, "Cool! But, why just me? Where's Gale? And Serph? De whole group must be dere ja?"
Argilla raised an eyebrow, "You're not…surprised?"
Cielo shook his head, "Hey! Give me a little credit! I noticed you and Heat were cozy today hehehe…and de other days too ja? So, I just put two and two together!"
Hear rolled his eyes, "If that's the case, then you'd already know why we asked you and not Serph."
Cielo sweat-dropped, "Right."
"But, what about Gale?" he asked again.
Argilla shrugged, "We looked for him but he isn't at Muladhara. It would seem that he had left for Saraswati under urgent circumstances."
"Maybe he got lucky too ja?" Cielo winked suggestively.
Heat snorted, "Gale? Well, if that's the case, I don't think anything will surprise me anymore…"
"Whatever! Heat, Cielo! Let's go! We're going to be late." Argilla yelled.
"Right. Let's get this over with."
The three headed towards the office.
xxxxx
The three exited the office an hour later. Cielo looked rather embarrassed while Heat and Argilla looked simply content. Cielo walked in front of them and gave them a thumbs-up, "Dat was cool ja?"
Heat grunted and turned away, not allowing Cielo to see his blushing face. He remembered how surprised the people at the office to see that Heat, the Heat, had actually filed for being mated.
Well, needless to say there was a lot of congratulations and comments of disbelief.
The ceremony had been simple and quick enough. They only required a person to proclaim them to be officially mated and belonging only to one another and a witness.
Cielo had tried his solemn best not to burst out laughing as Heat held Argilla's hand and claimed her as his. He didn't laugh when it was Argilla's turn though. She seemed so happy. At that time, Cielo couldn't help but wonder as to how Serph was feeling that day…Where was he?
What was he doing? Did he know that Heat and Argilla had undergone the ceremony? He felt a pang of guilt. He had been there when Serph hadn't. He walked over to the couple again, "Well, congratulations again ja? Well den, I'd leave you alone now. Don't be doing anything naughty now." he said, wiggling his eyebrows.
The two said nothing but continued to blush.
Heat grunted, "Yeah well…we'll see ya." He put his arm around Argilla and led her away. She merely waved her hands at Cielo and followed Heat's persuasive tug.
Turning the other way, Cielo walked, along once more.
xxxxx
"Eh? Serph? Are you here?"
"Cielo. What's up?" came the stoic reply.
"I was just wondering how you were doing, dat's all." Cielo said. He looked around and it was just then that he realized that the lights to his chamber were turned off and only his lamp on his table was lit. Serph sat on the other side of the table.
Cielo squinted his eyes but no matter how much he tried, he could not even catch a glimpse of his leader.
Serph laughed, "Come on. Don't give me that. What is it that you really want?"
Cielo scratched his head, "I dunno wat to tell you brudda…I really was wondering where you were, dat's all."
"And?"
"And…I was gonna ask if…you were alright." he finished truthfully.
The silhouetted figure nodded, "I knew you would. They had gone for the ceremony, hadn't they?"
Cielo nodded, "Yea…dey did."
"I ask again brudda, are you alright?"
He could see the figure in front of him stiffen; his hands balling themselves into fists, "I'm fine…" He was gritting his teeth; Cielo could tell.
"Leader, I don't really know wat to tell you…Just take care of yourself ja?"
Unseen by Cielo, Serph smiled, "Thank you Cielo. I appreciate your concern. I'm fine. Don't worry. I just need to be alone."
Cielo nodded, "Right. After all, we gotta be ready for kicking some Brutes and Solids' butts tomorrow ja?"
Serph weakly smiled at his lame attempt at humor, "Yeah…you just get ready."
"Right. See you tomorrow den bro!"
Serph didn't reply. Cielo took a breath and turned to leave.
xxxxx
The moon peeked through the clouds. A pang of pain surged through Argilla. She loved the moon. Before, she would look at it and smile. It had always reminded her of Serph but now…she could just remember how she had hurt him.
"What's up?" a voice asked.
"Nothing."
He wasn't convinced. He frowned, "Are you unhappy?"
She sharply turned to face him, "No! Why would you say something like that?"
Heat growled, "It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that you're distracted."
Argilla sighed. It was another of his moods. She may be his mate, his official mate, but he was still quite dangerous if provoked. He was still Heat after all; the same ill-tempered Heat. She had best be careful. He still had that jealous streak and if he even suspected that she had been thinking of Serph, she'd be in trouble.
"I'm just nervous about tomorrow."
Heat pulled her closer, his mood softening, "What did I tell you today? Nothing's going to happen. We're just going to claim Anahata. That's all."
"You make it sound so easy Heat."
"It is. Just think about your job and your job only. The rest of the soldiers aren't dummies Argilla. You have to believe in them too. So stop being such a girl."
She smiled.
"Thank you Heat."
"I'll always be there for you…I'll always protect you. Always…"
xxxxx