A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.
WARNING: OOC, CRUDE LANGUAGE, LIGHT VIOLENCE
Chapter 3: Rex Regnant Sed Non Gubernat
Heat pressed himself on the wall again, his fingers tingling in anticipation. His stomach growled; he was hungry. Again. There were two pairs of footsteps.
They were probably just doing routine sweeps of the area. Heat didn't care though. He was hungry and he was going to eat.
He stepped out of his hiding place and stepped in front of them.
"Who are you?" one of them asked, surprised. He then grinned, "Well, I'm getting hungry anyway."
Heat grinned as well, saying nothing, seeing their bodies change.
Heat felt his body change.
xxxxx
The monster fell on the ground with a thud, a look of fear in his eyes, "Y-you…" he growled at the back of his throat, "You…are…an unregistered Avatar Tuner!"
Heat snarled and tore his throat before he could say anything more. Blood splattered from the now dead body and onto his face. He sniffed it momentarily before biting large chunks of flesh, relishing in its taste.
Unknown to him, Sera watched from her hiding place. She had shielded the children from the bloody battle, but she herself had seen everything. A tear rolled down her cheek. She hated seeing him like this…so helpless to his hunger. It wasn't fair…How she wished that she could make all of this go away…so that they wouldn't have to hurt anymore.
'Heat…I…' her heart ached as she saw him devour the fallen before him. 'This wasn't the Heat I knew…Oh Heat…' she sobbed quietly.
His claws tore through the flesh, blood dripped from his mouths. Sera closed her eyes and clamped her ears shut as she heard his ear-piercing scream. It was a scream for victory.
He was…a monster. Her chest heaved up and down. Monster or not, it wasn't his fault and that was what was plaguing her. It wasn't his fault that he was turned into this creature.
'I want to help you Heat…' she thought helplessly, 'I will help you…' she vowed.
xxxxx
Heat had transformed back into his human self, panting; panting but fully refreshed and revitalized. He walked back towards where Sera and the children were, "Come out. It's clear."
The children jumped out and Sera slowly followed. She blinked and walked closer to him. Heat felt his blood rush to his head. She was looking at him funny. Why was that? Was there something on his face?
"Heat," she began. She stopped and put her index finger towards the right corner of her lips. Heat blinked and understood what she meant. He let his tongue lick the right corner of his mouth. Sera blushed as she watched him. But, he seemed to have missed a spot.
She took another step towards him and pulled her sleeve, bringing it up to his mouth. Heat could only look at her, shocked. She slowly and gently wiped the blood stain from him, "There…" she whispered, "You…you missed a spot."
"Thank you…" he said in a low tone.
Her heart was racing; what was she feeling? Why was she feeling this way about Heat? Her breathing quickened as she noticed their close proximity. She could practically feel body heat radiating from him. She looked deep into his crimson eyes and noticed that whatever she was feeling, he felt it too.
She slowly took a step back, "Sorry."
He growled and suppressed the need for him to take a step forward. That moment when they just stood there seemed to freeze…It was just she and him at that moment. She felt it too…He saw it in her eyes.
He felt his heart leap up…
"Don't be…" he said gruffly before turning his back to her. Sera felt guilty and clutched her heart, 'I'm sorry Heat…I…I just don't know what I feel right now…'
Their contemplation was rudely interrupted as they heard snickering. Marty spoke up, "Hey…Are we just going to stand here all day and watch your drama?"
Heat sharply turned around, "Hey! Shut up you little piece of shit!"
Sandra chuckled and jogged up to Sera, "Let's go Heat! Sera! We're almost there!"
Heat growled and said nothing, pressing onward. Sera smiled at the children and held their hands, "Let's go."
xxxxx
Heat gritted his teeth; the soldiers that he had devoured had called him an "Unauthorized Avatar Tuner".
'What the hell was that?' he thought, annoyed.
He then thought of asking Marty but decided against it. 'Probably doesn't know anything about it.'
He snapped out of his daze as he saw Marty and Sandra run forward. Heat cursed, "Hey! Where are you guys going?"
Sera ran after them as well, "Wait! It's dangerous!"
Heat ran to catch up to them and noticed that they stood in front of a large gate. Marty grinned, "We're here!"
"Yay!" Sandra exclaimed, "We're home!"
Heat grabbed the children by their elbows, "You little maggots! You don't just run off like that you understand?" he thundered, his eyes flashing, "What if there were Karma soldiers waiting there huh? Then what? You'd be lunch!"
Sera exhaled deeply. The scene before her was just too adorable. Heat really did care about the kids. She had not expected this from him. But then again, she supposed that she never really knew much about him to begin with.
Maybe…
'Maybe I should get to know him…' she wondered. She walked towards them and put a soft hand on Heat's forearm, "That's enough Heat." Heat nodded and let go of the children's elbows and grumbled.
Sera knelt down, "Well, kids, Heat is right you know…We don't want to be lunch do we?" They both shook their heads. Sera smiled, "So, we have to stick together!"
Marty nodded, "Sorry…"
"Yeah…we're sorry…" Sandra said apologetically.
Heat interrupted, "Whatever. Just don't do it again." He then shifted his gaze to the large gate, "Well, we're here eh?"
Marty nodded, "Yeah…now…we just have to…"
"Have to?" Sera asked.
"Insert our pass cards!" the children went to the nearby terminal and inserted their cards.
The gate roared and split in two. Heat smirked, "Sweet."
Sera walked over to Heat, a mere inch was the only distance between the two. Heat bared his teeth, his steely eyes waiting. He suddenly felt something latch itself onto his arm. He looked and saw that Sera had her eyes shut tightly, her arms hanging on his.
He inwardly smiled but redirected his attention back to the opening gate. Heat braced himself; prepared to transform. The light beyond the door was blinding and he cursed. Seconds later, the light vanished and revealed ten men with guns.
He then saw Sandra and Marty run towards the men, "James!"
"Marty! Sandra! Where have you both been?! Your parents have been worried sick!"
"We were doing a scouting mission and we were attacked…" Sandra began to explain. James, the young man with a crew cut brown hair looked from the children to the estranged people outside, "Who are those people?"
Marty nodded, "They saved us from the Karma soldiers. Please let them in!"
James put the children behind him and took in the appearances of the two that stood before him. He narrowed his eyes slightly, 'The redhead seems dangerous…while the girl seems vulnerable…They make an odd couple.'
"Who are you and what business do you have here?" he demanded boldly.
Heat tucked Sera under his arm before putting her behind him, shielding her from James' view, "I'm Heat and this is Sera. We were told that we would receive shelter here."
James' scoffed, "Oh and how would I know that you're not with the Karma society? I see that you have the mark." he said, pointing to his arm. Heat cursed and gritted his teeth, "We are not of the Karma Society. We are here looking for our comrades. We traveled here but along the way we got separated."
Marty interrupted, "Let them in James! They're good guys!"
James' said nothing and took in their strange uniforms, "Well…you do not seem to be of the Karma Society…"
Heat rolled his eyes, 'This bloody idiot…'
"Hmm…you say you lost your comrades?" James repeated.
Sera, who was behind Heat buried her face on his back. Heat gritted his teeth, "Yes. We are not here to cause any trouble. We just want to find them."
Sandra interjected, "Please let them in! They fixed Marty's leg!"
"Yeah!" Marty joined in.
James nodded, "Alright. You may enter."
Heat felt relief wash over him but his countenance betrayed none of it. He merely nodded and took Sera by the hand, leading her through the gates.
Once they were through, the large gate began to close once more.
Now, Heat stood face to face with James. Heat snorted; James was puny compared to him. He probably only stood 5'8" or something. His built was lean…
'Pipsqueak.' Heat snorted inwardly.
James was the first to speak, "I am James. I lead the guards here at the front."
Heat nodded, "I am Heat and this is Sera."
James nodded and looked at the children, "Why don't you both go home? Your parents are pretty worried."
They both smiled and nodded. Then they turned to Heat and Sera, "See you guys around! Take care of yourselves!" Sandra waved before running.
Marty smiled, "Well, see ya guys. And thank you."
He bowed and then ran after Sandra. Heat felt his lips tug to a small smile. Kids.
James looked at them, "Well, about your comrades, I assume that they look like you? And dress like you?"
Heat had the strong urge to kill James but forced himself to calm down, "Yes."
James narrowed his eyes, "There haven't been anyone spotted like that…well, yet anyway. But, how did you get that mark?" he asked pointing to his atma.
Heat narrowed his eyes, "I didn't want it. It was given to me."
"By whom?" James prodded, his green eyes peering into Heat's crimson ones.
"I don't know." he deadpanned. James opened his mouth to speak but was rudely interrupted by Heat, "I've had enough of your questions. I demand that I see your leader."
James smirked, "Alright. You win. I just wanted some background on you. After all, we do not allow Avatar Tuners in here."
Heat's eyes widened and stopped James as he began to walk away, "Wait."
Sera's heartbeat rose; he was going to ask about the atma mark. She could feel the tension surge through his body. She chose to remain quiet. It was the only thing that she could do anyway.
"Hm?"
"The Karma soldiers…"
"What about them?" James asked nonchalantly.
"They…What are Unauthorized Avatar Tuners?" Heat asked, dumbfounded.
James looked intently in his eyes, "Those are people with the demon virus that wasn't authorized or registered by the Karma Society. It's illegal in their society. You are one no?"
Heat said nothing but growled. James nodded, "Well, let's get going. You want to meet our leader don't you?"
Heat nodded. Sera peeked from behind him before walking to be beside Heat. Heat held her hand, "Come on."
They wordlessly followed James. The two looked around them. Heat snorted in disgust. The town was shanty. It was filled with simple establishments…
'It almost looks destitute…' he thought inwardly. It was nothing like Muladhara. Muladhara had buildings that were tall; they had intricate temple designs and icons…but these houses were mere planks of wood put together. It was like piles of junk put together; both lumber and steel.
Sera wrinkled her nose, "What is that smell?"
Heat whispered into her ear, "Keep close and don't wander off. And don't worry about the smell…It's just smoke…"
They came to a halt in front of a building. James nodded, "It's through here."
Heat and Sera followed. Heat scoffed; well, at least they had a semi-decent looking HQ. And there he was thinking that it was like the other buildings outside.
James had disappeared through the doors a few seconds ago, telling them to wait there until they were summoned. Heat allowed himself a few minutes of pondering. His thoughts automatically flew to his ebony-haired companion.
'She must be tired.'
He approached her sitting form on the chair, "Are you alright?"
Sera, who seemed to be deep in thought, turned to face him and smiled, "I'm fine Heat…Thank you for asking."
Heat nodded, "Whatever. But if there's something wrong, just tell me."
She smiled and nodded.
Their moment was interrupted as James came back out, "The boss will see you now."
xxxxx
Heat and Sera seated themselves on the sofa. Heat wasn't impressed. Marty had been right; this guy was a loser. How did he ever become their leader? His silver hair only added to the perception of him being old. The glasses-wearing man was pretty young…probably his own age, but his eyes were lazy and looked sleepy. His goat-beard was just attracting unwanted attention, in Heat's opinion.
He deemed it as annoying to look at. He looked at the background; there were many liquor bottles lined up on the shelves. Heat snorted, 'What a drunk…'
"I am Roland. I lead Lokapala. Who are you people?" he asked nonchalantly.
Heat then proceeded to give him the breakdown of the events. It took a good half an hour, but then, there really weren't any other options.
"I see…Embryon eh? And…you're looking for your friends…well…I must say that no one has showed up like you yet. I would love to let you stay seeing that you have helped the children, but, I cannot. I see that you also have the mark. The safety of the people must come first."
Heat shook his head, "It's fine. I understand. I won't stay for long. I'll find my comrades, but I do have a favor to ask for saving the children."
Roland raised an eyebrow, "And that is?"
"I want you to let Sera stay."
Sera gasped, "What? Heat…!"
Her protest died in her lips as Heat looked at her dangerously. She shrunk back in the sofa. Heat continued, "Sera hasn't the mark. I can't have her involved in the fighting. I'll come back for her in three days at least and a week outmost."
Roland nodded, "Deal. For now, you may stay but if I suspect that you will endanger the citizens, I will have you killed."
Heat nodded, "I understand."
xxxxx
They had been assigned their quarters for the night. Sera sat on a chair in Heat's room, "Heat…"
He turned his face from the window to her, "What?"
Sera felt herself burn under his strong gaze that she cast her face down, hoping that he wouldn't see her crimson face, "Well…I don't want to stay here."
"What?" Heat asked.
"I don't want to stay here. I want to help you look for Serph and the others." she stated boldly.
Heat sighed, "No. You stay here. Those bastards had the Karma Temple insignia. You know how they were after you back at the Junkland. If they knew that you're somewhere out there running around with just one guard, they'd come after us with everything they've got. It's for the best that you stay here."
Sera sighed and said nothing.
Heat felt his eyes softened and at the same time, he felt guilty. She had wanted to come with him. Under different circumstances, he would have been overjoyed. But, now wasn't a favorable situation. He didn't want to be apart from her. God knew that that was the truth. He wanted nothing more than to be with her always.
But for her safety, he had to leave her behind.
He knew that she felt bad…and so, he decided to change the subject, "Hey…you know…I've been thinking…"
"Thinking of what?" Sera asked, her silver eyes twinkling with curiosity.
"It must've slipped my mind…but…the mantras that I've downloaded…I think I knew these before…when we were back at the Junkland. But now…I just don't remember the spells. Huh…It looks like I have to repeat everything."
Sera nodded, "Well…the transition from that world and into this one must've erased that part of your memory…"
"I guess so…" he said absentmindedly. He paused for a while and then continued, "I feel…weaker…" he said slowly.
"…Heat…" she said sympathetically.
His face fell; he cast his gaze on the floor and clenched his hands into fists, "That's why…I can't take you with me…I…What if I can't protect you? I can't let you be taken again…Never again Sera." he spoke through gritted teeth.
Sera clutched her heart again; it was that painful prick in her chest again. She looked at him with sad eyes…He was feeling guilty…
She stood and walked over to him, taking him in her arms. He stiffened in her arms, not expecting her actuations. She cooed into his ear and told him to relax. He did as he was told and leaned his head on her shoulder. Sera ran her hands through his red tresses, "Heat…I…you don't have to feel that way…You are strong…I believe in you…Please don't think that you can't protect me…"
She slowly pulled away from him so that she could look at his face. Silver orbs met crimson ones and they were locked. Sera felt her lips quiver as she found herself drowning in his blood-red eyes. Heat felt blood rush to his face; she again had that look in her face. She was looking at him funny.
'Sera…' he better look away otherwise, he might get another urge to kiss her again.
He did just that, "Sera…I…"
The touch of her warm hand on his cheek surprised him. It was tugging his face to face hers once more. He followed the persuasive tug and again met her eyes with his. "Sera…what?"
"Heat…don't worry…" she said whispering. She then leaned in and closed the distance in between them. Heat groaned as he felt her warm lips on his own. His arms snaked around her waist. She lightly squeaked and he pulled away sharply, afraid that he had hurt her.
Her eyes seemed to smile at him; they contained no malice, no contempt, no sadness…Not like they used to when he kissed her at the Junkland. No…today…now…it was different.
She cupped his face again and he took her hint and leaned in once more. Their lips met once more…His arms went around her waist once more and pulled her closer. Heat licked her bottom lip. She stiffened; not knowing what to do. He chuckled and slanted his face on hers, lightly putting his upper lip in between her lips. Understanding, Sera parted her lips slightly.
Heat pulled her closer to him and let his tongue explore her wet cavern. He felt absolutely euphoric…This was her first real kiss…No man had ever explored her mouth like this…No one.
He took his strokes slow, letting her get used to the feel of another's tongue in her mouth. She moaned. Heat, after searching, had found his tongue's partner; hers. He darted his tongue in and out of her mouth, coaxing her tongue to play with his. Soon after, she responded, learning from him.
Their tongues danced…but then, Heat pulled away, panting. He looked into her silver eyes, "I'm sorry…"
She embraced him, closing her eyes, "Don't be…I wanted it…"
Heat suddenly had a vision of his leader and he roughly pushed her away, glaring. Sera blinked; hurt, why did he do that?
"Heat?"
"I'm not Serph." he said coldly.
"I know that…" she spoke slowly.
"Do you?" he mocked, taking a step back to look at her condescendingly.
Sera felt tears starting to pool at her eyes; why did he say these things? She never thought that he was Serph…Never…
"Yes I do…!" she said desperately, a tear rolling down her cheek.
Heat snorted, "I don't think you do…"
"Heat…" she said, trying to appeal to him. Why didn't he just understand that it wasn't about Serph? That it was just between him and her?
"Get out." he said coldly, crossing his arms.
"…" she took a step back, feeling her resolve crumble. Her heart ached at what he had said. He was unfeeling…and cold. His eyes were boring holes in her face and she felt a strong force to look away. His eyes were so cruel…It was as if they were telling her that she was a deceiver…
Why didn't he believe her?
"Go to your room and don't leave from there." he ordered.
She meekly nodded and left the room, running; her tears cascading down. She couldn't bear to be in his presence any longer. His anger was emitting a very powerful force within the room that she was feeling as if she were being choked. But more than that…she just didn't want to look at him…What he said…
It had hurt.
A lot.
Heat looked on after her sadly. He didn't like what he said to her…but…it had just hurt him to know that there was a strong chance that she was just using him to get over Serph. He still had some dignity after all.
Besides, if it was what she was doing…it would just hurt him more if he let her continue. It was best to stop it as early as possible.
"Sera…"
'I would like nothing more for you to want me…but…if you would just use me to forget the bastard…then…I'd rather not be with you at all…'
He knew what the impact his words had on her…but…he just had to say what he felt. He wanted to run after her…but realized that they both needed time apart. Time apart to sort out their own feelings and thoughts. The last few hours had been like a whirlwind to him. They just needed to slow down.
His words had hurt…he knew that…He wanted to apologize.
He would apologize…but not anytime soon.
xxxxx
