A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.
WARNING: OOC, LANGUAGE, VIOLENCE, LEMON
Chapter 8: Abyssus Abyssum Invocat
Angel looked at the girl before her with cold intensity. She was still asleep. Or in a coma. She sighed. In just the other room, the pathetic Ashura lay. He had been defeated by the intruders. She crossed her arms and closed her eyes. She had helped those Unauthorized Avatar Tuners…She had told them of Sera's whereabouts.
Why did she help them? Because they would help her with the Liberation. The time of man had come to pass…Now was the time to give way for the future…a future with Ashuras and Atmas…There was no other way.
She smirked; it was just a shame that the old hag didn't see things her way. It was just a shame that she had to betray her and launch her own forces against the old woman.
Now, the EGG complex was in her complete control. But Cuvier wouldn't give up that easily. But now, she had to use what little time she had left…
Sera needed to be at the EGG capsule once more…She'd better speed up her recovery. The unauthorized Avatar Tuners and Cuvier's forces could arrive any moment.
Angel left the girl's room and went for the redhead's.
She looked at him with disdain. But then, it was supposed to happen anyway. He wasn't supposed to win. He cannot win even if he was desperate enough…no. The Embryon leader and his comrades were strong…
'Too strong…' she thought.
But still, his role…She was still unclear about where Heat would stand. Would he stand by her forces or by Cuvier's?
'A query easily resolved…He stands where Seraphita stands.' she thought knowingly.
'Ah yes…The ever dimwitted donkey.' she thought dismissively.
She walked over to the medical reports and skimmed through the results. Heat had suffered a few broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder…Nothing big. She smirked; "They were holding back…" she trailed off.
Of course they were. If they really intended to kill Heat, he'd be a corpse right before her. She looked at the status reports.
"My, but he does have brilliant healing properties…"
His wounds and injuries were almost fully healed; another miracle of being an Avatar Tuner.
She thought carefully; if he was fully healed now, it would be best for him to awaken and to ask him of his loyalty.
She walked over to him, just by his side and slapped him square in the face. "Wake up." she said coldly.
The figure snapped his eyes open and blazed in anger, "I should just kill you…" he growled.
She smirked, "I would love to see you try. But it will have to wait. I'm here to ask you about your loyalty."
He looked at her as if her hair had suddenly turned white. She nodded in understanding, "While you were unconscious, Cuvier and I had a…disagreement. Needless to say, Karma Society is divided between her and I; her forces versus mine. You are at the EGG complex. Now, I ask you, where does your loyalty lie? Choose carefully."
He narrowed his eyes, "Where is she?" he asked venomously.
She smirked; he was too easy.
"She's here."
He got off the bed, "I want to see her."
Angel shook her head, closing her eyes, "I want your loyalty Avatar Tuner."
Heat growled; he really didn't care at the moment, "You have it. Now, tell me where she is."
Angel nodded, "Cuvier's forces should be arriving soon. I am having this complex fortified for the time being. She is in the other room. No one will disturb you. Use what little time there is."
"Oh and, don't even think of escaping. Your little display for Cuvier at the Administrative Building still has me unconvinced. I'll be watching you. I'm having every escape route, exits and entrances sealed. If I suspect foul play from you Ashura, you and your little whore won't make it out alive."
Not waiting for his response, she walked out of the door.
xxxxx
Heat ran for his lover's chambers. He walked worriedly; he had been told that she had had an EGG simulation that day. He almost killed the doctors and nurses that had told him that…but they weren't at fault.
He had also been told that she was fine; albeit a bit exhausted.
"Sera…?" he asked, running to her bedside.
She fluttered her eyes open, "Heat…?" she asked tentatively, unsure, as her sight was still blurry.
"Yeah…it's me…"
She let out a cry and flew right into his arms. She wrapped her arms around him, "Heat…! I thought…I thought…"
He smiled and ran a gentle hand through her shiny raven black hair, "Forget it Sera…I'm here now…"
She let out another cry and buried her face in his chest, "Heat…are you alright…?"
"I'm fine." He pulled away from her, "But, I should be the one asking you that…Are you alright? Are you hurt?"
She shook her head, "Don't worry about me…"
"What…did they…?"
"Do?" she laughed, "Oh…it's just a simulation…I got to talk to God…"
Heat blinked, "God?"
Sera didn't miss the tone of skepticism in his voice and she held his hand, "Yes, God. There is God…you know?"
Heat snorted, "After what I went through in the Junkland, I think I have enough of God…"
She laughed, "Oh Heat…there is God…but you have to find that out for yourself…"
He wanted to argue further…but then, he remembered Angel's words. He was to use what little time he had left. He shouldn't really spend it arguing with her.
He embraced her once more. He sighed and focused on the young woman in his arms; he wanted nothing more than to escape from this…but Angel was a step ahead of him. He was being used as a pawn; it was so obvious…but there was no choice. He laughed to himself.
There was no choice.
He had said and thought of that line too many times that it had lost all meaning. But be that as it may, the situation remained that same; his loyalty for Sera's safety.
Looking at her, looking so vulnerable, clutching her hand to her heart…She looked so thin…and pale. Wearing only her hospital gown, he couldn't help but see how fragile she really was. Her eyes…her silver eyes were gazing into his red ones now, filled with emotions. He looked into them, identifying each and every emotion that her eyes held; happiness, sadness…and love.
He embraced her again, burying his face by the crook of her neck. He inhaled deeply, inhaling her scent. She had smelled so good…He just didn't want to let go. He had just wished that moments like this would last forever.
She pulled away from him and looked into his eyes again, "Heat…I love you…"
"Sera…"
"I don't care…what you've done…but please promise me…that you won't do it again…"
She knew? How did she know? Had someone told her?
Seeing the questions float in Heat's eyes, she laughed and shook her head, "No one told me…not really. God told me…"
Heat bit his tongue; there she was with the whole God thing again.
"He told me that you did it to protect me…I thank you for your devotion Heat…Without you…I wouldn't be here now…"
Heat remained unspeaking. She cupped his face and leaned in, kissing him lightly, "Thank you…" she whispered.
She was kissing him; running her gentle tongue over his lips. He indulged her and parted his lips. He kissed her passionately, his hands, firmly holding her. He missed this; he missed holding her like this. Her arms went around his neck as she returned his passion tenfold. Heat's hands traveled from her waist to her cheek and then to her neck, massaging that part of her neck that had her pulse.
He needed to feel that pulse of life. He was relieved to know that it was there…and it was strong. He slowly, lay her on her bed, nestling himself in between her legs. He pulled away from her lips and trailed hot and wet kisses on her neck. She moaned, "Oh Heat…"
He pulled away quickly, supporting himself by his elbows to look at her, "Sera…do you want to stop?"
She smiled, "No…please Heat…I need you…"
That was all he needed to know. He kissed her again, ever more careful to not hurt or bruise her. He needed to be as careful and as gentle as possible. She had been exhausted from her simulation…but despite that, she still wanted him; she still wanted to be with him.
After a few moments, they two were bare. Heat looked into her silver eyes again, "Are you sure…?"
She suddenly grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him down to her, kissing him feverishly. He slowly parted her legs, and ever so gently, entered her. He felt her whole body tense up and he looked at her again, "Don't worry…"
She nodded; she didn't know why she still felt this way. It was as if she hadn't experienced it. But still, she was still to get used to this feeling. She felt him within her; it was such a curious feeling. But knowing that it was him inside her, made her happy. She hugged him to her, "Heat…"
Soon, he moved within her, slowly at first, and then, picked up his pace. She moaned again. She bit her lip to prevent herself from crying out as he drove within her passionately. Their lovemaking seemed to go on for hours, each of his thrusts, sending her closer and closer to her nirvana.
They were close now…so close…
He thrust into her deeply; this was it. This was it for him and for her,
He bit her neck muffling his cry and she bit her lip to prevent her own moan. He spilled his seed within her cavern, hot and pulsing. She held on to him for dear life. They had reached nirvana…Sera let out a deep breath. It was the most blissful feeling that she had ever felt in her life. Heat slowly let himself fall on her body, his face on her chest, in between her ample breasts.
He slowly pulled out of her and sat up, "I love you…you know?"
She chuckled as she pulled on her hospital gown, "I know."
After a few moments, the two were again fully dressed. Sera nuzzled her face in his chest, "What happens now?" she asked.
Heat was unsure…So he told her the truth, "I…don't know…Whatever that crazy bitch has in mind…"
She sobbed sadly and he immediately pulled away, "What is it?"
She pulled away from him and stood, "I don't want you to fight anymore…"
He stood up as well, narrowing his eyes, "Do you know what you ask of me?! I can't do that Sera…" He walked up to her and grasped her upper arms tightly, "I'll do everything to keep you alive Sera…Anything…"
Sera struggled against his grip, "Heat…I know that…but…Serph and the others…"
He snarled, "Serph isn't here Sera! He can't help you! Is this about him again?" he asked frantically, his jealous streak mounting.
"No Heat!" she yelled, "This isn't about him! I just wanted us and them to be together again…Just like back at the Junkland!"
Heat sighed; he was overreacting again. "I just don't want you hurt…"
She kept quiet. She knew he meant well…
Before she could respond, Heat received a transmission. Surprise, surprise, it was Angel.
"We have intruders. Cuvier's forces are here. You are to report immediately." He sighed; his time was up…
He embraced her again, "I'll be back soon…"
He kissed her lightly and wordlessly left.
Sera looked on sadly.
She hated seeing him like this. He was no longer his own person. He belonged to the Karma Society. He belonged to Angel. She gritted her teeth as she felt hot, heavy tears blur her vision. It was all because of her.
But then…she couldn't really kill herself. They would have no further use of him should she die. He was right…There was no other choice.
"Oh Serph…I wish you were here…"
She didn't want to say that in front of Heat. He wouldn't stand for it. He still felt that childish envy towards the silver-haired man. But then, she really couldn't blame him.
But still, nothing had changed. They couldn't do anything. They have only Serph and the others to rely on. They would come here…looking for them. That, she was sure of. There wasn't an ounce of doubt. She loved all the members of Embryon and she knew that they all loved her back as well.
They would come for Heat and her…She knew it.
The doors slid open again. She looked at the masked guards.
"What is it?" she asked them gently.
"It's time for another simulation."
Her heart got stuck in her throat. This soon? She shouldn't really think about it anymore. She couldn't really do anything about it anyway.
Without a sound of protest, she let herself be led away.
xxxxx
The Embryon group rested themselves at a Karma terminal. There was chaos all around them. It would seem that the internal conflict between Madame Cuvier and Directress Jenna Angel had escalated greatly. The EGG complex was infested with Avatar Tuners; both from Cuvier and Angel. There was mass fighting, mass killing and massive confusion.
And the midst of all that, the Embryon members had slipped in. Besides, they were the least of their worries.
For the mean time, the group had found a moment's peace. Gale and Cielo were downloading their mantras. Argilla sat on the floor, her chin on her hands, while her elbows in turn rested on her knees.
"I still can't believe that…Heat did that…" she trailed off.
Suddenly, she felt a warm body press up against her from behind, warm hands on her shoulders, massaging them gently. She leaned back to his touch, "Serph…"
"Don't worry about it…Heat…has his reasons." he said slowly.
Gale stood in front of the two, "And we'll find out what. He should be here…and Sera as well."
Cielo joined, sitting beside Gale's standing form, "Yeah mon! We'll get dem back!"
Roland adjusted his glasses, "Well, I really don't know much about Heat…but…Serph's right. There must be a valid reason for his actions."
Argilla snorted, "Yeah…whatever Roland…That's really original."
The group laughed and Serph whispered to her, his lips almost nibbling her earlobe, "Don't pick on Roland so much…"
Cielo chuckled, "Oi! We're still here ja? Go get a room!"
"I swear to God Cielo-!" Argilla said through gritted teeth, her cheeks flushed.
The group laughed again. It was the only thing that was keeping them going; the promise of hope of having some enlightenment in all of this madness. Sera knew all of this…She would shed light in all of their questions…and then, Embryon would be whole again.
Serph stood and offered his hand to Argilla, "Come on. We better move on."
She took his hand in hers and let herself be pulled up. Serph walked over to the exit and walked out of the doors.
The rest of the group followed.
xxxxx
Heat devoured his fifteenth kill that day. He could feel power surging through his system. He was about to have his sixteenth kill when he received another transmission. It was from Angel, "The place is overrun. We are retreating. Seraphita is still at the EGG and the intruders are heading in that direction. Reclaim the Cyber Shaman and escape. We'll contact you again."
He changed back, "And what makes you think that I'll want to have anything to do with you again…?"
"Cuvier would use you…You won't last…" came the crackled reply.
Heat shook his head and cut off the transmission.
But still. Regardless, he needed to get to Sera.
He sped through the halls, and countless of doors, each step bringing him closer to her. As he went through the doors, he found himself, within a wide dome. Normally, it didn't bother him, but something smelled awry; and it was not the stench of blood or rotting corpses either.
No.
It smelled like something else.
"Cease and desist at once." a female voice broke through the walls.
Heat looked around him and saw no one. The voice came from a speaker.
"What do you want?!" yelled Heat.
"Do you have any idea what you are doing Avatar Tuner?!"
Heat rolled his eyes, "No, I'm afraid not. Please enlighten me." he drawled sarcastically.
"Don't you see that by helping Angel, you are dooming mankind?!" she yelled, "She does not care for this world…or for Seraphita…"
Heat's breath got caught up in his lungs; if that was true…then…why was he doing the things he was doing?
"What do you mean?" he asked, frightened.
"She doesn't care what happens to man…She just cares about the demon virus…She plans on wiping out the rest of the human race! Can't you see that?! She's just using you and your atma powers!"
Heat gritted his teeth. This was confusing him. What should he do now? Should he believe the old hag? What about Sera? What'll happen to her?
"What about Sera?! What'll happen to her?" he bellowed; his voice echoing loudly through the white walls.
"Seraphita's role remains unchanged…She is to soothe God and bring harmony…" she said honestly.
Heat said nothing but growled.
"Give me your allegiance…" she persuaded.
"That's what that bitch said too. Do you really think me a fool old woman?" he snarled.
"The choice is yours…but I have not yet lost hope for humanity…Only Seraphita can deliver us from this hell…"
Heat was not understanding anything, "What the hell are you talking about old hag?!"
"The sun…became like this…because of the incident five years ago…Only Seraphita can return it to normal. Give me your allegiance Avatar Tuner…and Sera will be taken care of."
Heat's world was spinning; everyone was promising him the same thing.
"Damn it…" he cursed.
Margo spoke once more, "You don't have to give me your answer now…But know this, the intruders have already breached the EGG main chambers…She…might…leave with him…"
Him. Serph.
"She will leave with him…leaving you behind here…"
'No…she won't do that…she wouldn't…' he thought over and over, desperate to believe it.
"After all…how could she even look for you? The EGG is too big…The best course of action would be to retreat…And since you betrayed your teammates…they wouldn't look for you either…" the voice taunted through the speakers.
Heat gritted his teeth and made for the exit to get to Sera. No…Sera…Serph will be there…Will that mean that she would…forget him and…go for the silver-haired man?
No.
She gave him her word.
She had said that she loved him and him alone.
Then, why did he feel this way? Why did he feel so…insecure? He just needed to get to her.
xxxxx
Sera's eyes widened. The pain was too much…Her head was spinning…The world was spinning. Her head felt like it was going to crack…
And all of a sudden, all became black.
Suddenly, she felt warm…She heard her name being called.
"Sera…"
"Sera…!" the voices seemed to say…from a far away distance.
"Sera!" the voice said, clearer and louder this time.
She opened her eyes slowly; her vision was blurred. Her body felt warm…Someone was holding her, she realized. She focused her eyes, and had them widen at what she saw.
It was him.
It was her silver-haired warrior. He had come. He had come to save her…
"Oh Serph! Serph! I thought I lost you!" she cried out, wrapping her arms around him desperately.
He smiled and held her to him. Sera saw her other comrades from behind her and saw Argilla's hesitant, happy yet sad look. It was as if her pink eyes were avoiding her silver ones. What could be wrong? Wasn't she glad to see her?
She suddenly remembered that she was nude as she felt the sharp prick of the cold air…that and something else. She suddenly felt the hairs at the back of her neck stand; it was a very powerful aura…
A familiar and dangerous aura.
She turned her head to look at its source.
xxxxx
Heat clenched his hands into fists as he got nearer to the EGG capsule. She was there…
He stood in front of the door and let it slide open. His eyes widened at what he saw. It was his Embryon team. Everyone was there…Cielo, Gale, Argilla…Roland…and…Serph…
His heart stopped as he gaped at what he saw. It was Sera…naked…in his arms…She clung to Serph desperately. He heard her…how she uttered his name…She uttered it as if it was the only thing that would save her…her panacea…her deliverer.
He continued to look on. It would seem that his presence remained unnoticed. Something within him snapped. He was touching her. She was clinging to him. He saw red. He was livid. She gave him her word…They even made love before he left…and this was what he saw…This was what she did behind his back.
She could be hugging Gale or Cielo or even Argilla like that…but why did it have to be Serph…? Why did it have to be just him? She lied to him…So…up to this point…was she just using him? To forget Serph…? To serve as her substitute until she had him back? Was that her plan all along?
So…everything that they had shared…every moment, every kiss, every touch, every word that came from her lips had all been a lie…
He growled.
It was then…that she turned to his direction. His eyes and nostrils flared; she finally noticed him standing there eh?
"Heat…"
He couldn't take it anymore. He saw her silver eyes…They were filled with fear and fright. His inner self scoffed, 'What? Is the little bitch scared now?'
He didn't care anymore. His hands ached to destroy something. He tore his eyes from hers and traveled over to Serph's. His eyes were as cold as his. Heat's eyes narrowed into slits, 'You son of a bitch…!' he thought as he ran towards the group.
xxxxx
Argilla's heart stopped. Heat's arm was transforming. Her breathing stopped. Serph rose from where he knelt in front of Sera and looked briefly at her, brushing their fingers momentarily, before he stood in front of the whole group.
In a blink of an eye, the deed was done. It was all over. An air-piercing scream was all that could be heard. Argilla was too shocked. Her heart leapt from her chest up to her throat. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she registered in her heart what her mind saw. It was her lover, impaled; impaled by the very man that they wanted to save.
Their comrade.
Her breathing became ragged but she couldn't speak. She wanted to scream, she wanted to shout, to yell…but she couldn't. Her voice had suddenly died and she found herself mute. She wanted to run over to Heat and get him off of Serph, but she found herself immobile. She was petrified on the ground in which she stood.
Heat had heard her scream. His eyes went immediately to Sera and saw that she had collapsed. He felt another prick of pain within his heart. She felt…unhappy that he did this…Of course she did. He had practically killed Serph.
"You idiot! Why'd you just stand there?!" Heat growled at his own bewilderment and shock. He had expected Serph to dodge the blow. It would never be this easy with him. No; it was impossible. And yet, here he was.
When he ran towards Serph, yes, he had every intention to kill him. His jealous rage had had him around the throat and demanded that he take Serph's head as retribution. He did as he was told and in that second, he had succeeded. Serph was impaled within his arm.
Heat's crimson orbs widened in shock…
It was all surreal. He couldn't believe it. Why didn't he defend himself?
"Because…we're comrades…" was his leader's reply, his breath labored and constricted.
Heat suddenly couldn't breathe. Did he hear him right? He blinked; he remembered what he told Serph back when they at the Junkland. He told him that he was too naïve…too naïve to think that concepts such as camaraderie, honor and love were possible. He felt an overwhelmingly unpleasant feeling within his chest. He couldn't breathe…he couldn't speak. It was…guilt.
How could he have done what he just did? This man…this man still thought of him as a comrade…even after what he had done.
He suddenly felt himself being led away. He stood there still in shock that he did not resist the tug which led him to step forward.
Argilla let her tears flow freely…It had hurt so much…and now…she was completely frozen in her spot. No one spoke a word. She looked on painfully as she saw her lover's blood splattered on the floor…dripping from Heat's arm. A hand felt her face; her cheek, and there she felt it…The warm liquid was on her cheek as well. Serph's blood marked her face.
She watched as Serph continued to drag a shocked Heat towards Sera's capsule. Argilla didn't understand what he was doing but she was too entranced and too shocked to question.
Another second ticked by and she blinked. Serph was going to have himself and Heat thrown within the capsule! She ran for the two but it was too late; the two fell within. She stopped at that moment…She saw him…she saw Serph. She saw him looking at her. Her heart stopped; his lips moved. He mouthed the words "I love you…" and she mouthed them back, "I love you too…"
He was gone. He fell in.
She snapped out of her trance. She ran, "Serph!!" she screamed at the top of her lungs. She wanted to run after them. She did but suddenly, she felt herself being jerked back. She looked at the person who grabbed her arm; she was met with cool emerald eyes.
It was Gale.
Her tears flowed freely now, "But Serph's in there!" she pointed to the capsule with a tone of utter desperation and grief.
Gale looked at her indifferently and held onto her wrist tighter.
"No. Serph is dead. He died so that we may live."
Argilla couldn't believe what she had just heard. Gale was…going to leave Serph here? She thought for a moment and looked at the vulnerable, unconscious girl on the floor with Cielo. He was right. Serph was gone. They needed to leave. But still, it had hurt.
She looked at Gale, steadfast, and snatched her wrist from him. He looked at her; he understood. She needed this time.
She turned around and walked over to the capsule and screamed her lover's name at the top of her lungs, "Serph!!!"
"This is…goodbye…" she whispered in the air.
xxxxx
The government of the Karma Society had crumbled. They were divided and scattered. There were many bodies and corpses…Too many. Much blood had been spilled this day. Unnecessary killings had taken place and all for a power struggle.
Madame Cuvier cried and sobbed. This event had angered God. He was draining the life of the very planet. Everything that she had worked so hard to built and preserve was going up in smokes. She had had a high hope for man…She always believed that man could strive to make amends for his sins…
The incident five years past was a mistake and their punishment was the Cuvier Syndrome…but despite all that, she still believed that man could be saved…Her resolve did not falter; it did not waver even for a second. Her conviction was strong and she had her society built and had it flourished.
But now, because of directress Angel, everything was in shambles.
Madame Cuvier sobbed and wailed by Sera's EGG capsule. It was all over now. There was no way to stop God. The uploading of data was inevitable. Everything was going to be destroyed…Nothing will exist.
She had been so wrapped up in her thoughts that she did not notice a malevolent presence behind her. It was that precise moment that had sealed her fate.
She didn't even have enough time to register the pain, for it was over as soon as it had begun. A bullet had gone through her skull, right in between her eyes, killing her instantly.
She did not see what had transpired. She did not see that it was directress Angel who had pulled the trigger.
xxxxx
Sera cried. She couldn't stop crying. She had lost not one but two of the most important men in her life. Why was life this unfair? Her chest heaved up and down; she couldn't contain herself and just let herself burst into tears. It had been Cielo who had comforted her. She raised her head and looked at Argilla. She sat by the corner, silent. Her pink eyes were dull and lifeless. She had that faraway look in her face.
She thought back for a moment. Her eyes widened for a moment before it settled back down to its normal size. She smiled ruefully. She understood now. She recalled the most recent events and forced her mind to remember every detail. It was then she remembered how Argilla looked at her as she embraced Serph. Sera remembered how Serph looked at her when he stood as Heat approached them. She remembered how Serph brushed his fingers with hers…
'I see…' she trailed off.
How could she have been so blind?
She loved him. Argilla loved Serph. And he loved her back.
She inwardly laughed at her own silliness.
But then, she felt horrible. Serph was dead…because of her. She was again the cause of their misery; her misery. Argilla had done nothing to deserve this. She had done her duty; she had been loyal, resolute to her resolve…and she had loved to the best of her abilities and yet…her lover had been taken away.
'Because of me…' Sera thought sadly.
And what about Heat?
It had been also because of her that he had suffered. She felt him…in those few moments…how much his aura had been filled with so much hatred and envy…Heat had done everything he could to protect her and this was what happened.
She loved him. She loved him even more than words could describe…and now, he was gone. She had pictured freedom with him. She had imagined that they would live happily ever after. But then, she supposed that that was the reason why fairytales were called as that…They were nothing but unrealistic ideals that people had concocted in order to shield themselves from the harsh realities of life. It was a way for them to conceal the world's true face…so that in the end, they can have hope.
Hope that maybe, someday, somehow, they too could live happily ever after. Sera grabbed her hair, roughly tearing off her raven-black strands. Her heart and her chest felt so heavy like it was going to burst. It hurt so much that she couldn't even begin to explain. Why was it that she could never feel happiness? She thought that she had found happiness with Heat…and yet, it didn't last. Her world was crumbling into pieces.
She shut her eyes tightly, her hands still at her scalp; a part of her died with him.
'Oh Heat…' she thought sadly, 'If only you didn't love me…you'd still be here…' she sobbed, wallowing in self-pity.
'I'm poison…' she thought to herself pathetically.
It was true. Whatever she touched…died. Whomever she loved…died. It was as if she were a walking disease. How could she live like this? For how long could she continue to live like this? She didn't know what to think right now. She just wanted to kill herself. And now, because of this, another catastrophe had arrived.
God was angry.
The world was being drained. They had arrived at the Power Plant after they fled the EGG. The Embryon had arrived there with the help of Fred. The Lokapalans were helping them to shut the plant down. They believed that this would stop the data uploading. The dungeon was filled with booby traps and dangerous monsters and Avatar Tuners.
Gale and Roland had come up with plans and strategies that they could use to slow or stop the data uploading. Sera listened to whatever they said, but she didn't understand the words that passed through their mouths.
She looked at them with her dead eyes.
She just didn't care. They'd talk but she'd just be in her other world.
She then thought of Heat…His smile…his fiery eyes…his strong arms wrapped around her. He was gone. He was dead. She would never see him again. She would never again view another sunrise with him…or another sunset. They would never again make love to one another. She would never get to hear his husky chuckles or his strong and masculine growls.
She cried again.
She just didn't care. Roland had volunteered to stay behind seeing as it was the only way for the group to press onward and unlock the mazes. And now, they were finally at the control room. She raised her head up; there was no way to shut down the plant. She had told them that.
She had been right. While she was asleep, she had spoken with God. This was His will. There was no stopping it. No contraption of man can stop the will of the Creator.
And now, more people would die. Roland would die too…She knew this. Meganada had been released. There was no way that he would be able to beat it. There was just no way. Another of her friends would die. Up to how much can God test them? Haven't they suffered enough?
She sobbed again.
"Sera…" a voice said, concerned, "Are you alright?" Sera raised her head and suddenly met the pink eyes of Argilla.
Seeing her like this towards her made Sera all the guiltier. How could she be so concerned for her wellbeing when she should be grieving?
"Argilla…" she said slowly, not having the courage to meet her eyes.
Argilla looked sympathetically at the girl. She sat down beside her and put an arm around her, "Hey…you're going to be okay…"
Sera blinked; how could she be so calm at a time like this? She looked at Argilla and saw only her profile, "Argilla…?"
"Hm…?"
"I'm sorry."
She felt Argilla stiffen and then relax.
'She's trying to be strong…Maybe…maybe I should do that too…'
"Yeah…I'm sorry too. We lost two comrades today." she said, nodding her head. Sera was ever so amazed. There wasn't a hint of contempt or bitterness in her voice yet she knew full well that the cause for her lover's death was the very same woman whom she was trying to comfort. It really was worthy of praise.
"Argilla…I know about Serph…" she said slowly.
Argilla tightened her hold the young woman, "Serph…I loved him."
"I know. I'm sorry."
Argilla laughed, and looked dead in her eyes, "I don't know why you're being sorry Sera. What happened back there had nothing to do with you…Heat and Serph…had always had a problem with each other…We all knew that they were going to have to settle it in one way or another…"
She sighed and closed her eyes tight, "I just…I just…I just thought that…that I had more time with him…"
There.
She broke.
The proud and resolute Embryon member had a chink in her armor. But then, she took a deep breath and opened her eyes again, letting a stray tear escape from her, "But…it's not just about Serph…Heat was like a brother to me. He was a comrade…I just…can't believe it."
It was here that Sera suddenly felt her chest become heavy. She took a quick intake of breath…and released it again. But no matter how much air she took in, it would seem that she couldn't breathe…It was as if her lungs were rejecting the oxygen.
"Heat…" she choked out.
She couldn't hold it in anymore. She wailed once more. Argilla held her to her bosom, "Ssshh…it's alright."
It's alright? Honestly, it was the most stupid thing to say. Ludicrous, she might say. How could everything be alright? They had just lost two of their most important people and now…everyone was going to perish, everything was going to be destroyed. How could things be alright?
But still, it was the only thing that she could say; it was the only shred of comfort that she could ever offer Sera.
Sera pressed her head against the other woman's chest; she wrapped her arms around her waist securely, holding on for dear life.
"I…I…" she choked, "It was because of me…that he died…They died because of me…!" she half-screamed.
Argilla gritted her teeth and grasped the girl firmly, looking sternly into her eyes. Sera's eyes continued to water, tears cascading down without reserve. Argilla had had enough of this. She slapped her, "Come to your senses! Crying isn't going to make things easier!"
Sera forced herself to calm down. Argilla's pink eyes blazed with emotions…Anger, irritation, sadness…grief.
She remained quiet.
Argilla furrowed her eyebrows, "Serph and Heat…may have fought…and died for that, but they didn't intend for us to suffer the same fate! Serph died…to save us. And…if they see us…you…being like this, wallowing in self-pity…then, their deaths would have been in vain."
Sera felt guilty. Argilla was right.
"Heat had his reasons for doing that…I know that. But…I also know that he loved you. He wouldn't want you to be like this…So…" she stood up, prying the girl's arms from her body, "Stop being like this and grow up."
She knew she sounded cold but…it was the only way that Sera would get over this. This wasn't the time to get all sentimental. Shit happened. Deal with it.
She stomped over to where Gale stood.
Sera looked on, touching the cheek that Argilla had slapped. She was right.
Heat had done everything in his power to protect her. He would hate it if he saw her being like this.
She needed to be stronger for him…and for the people that were still alive; the comrades who were still with her.
She blinked away her tears, but one managed to elude her efforts and it rolled onto her cheek. The last tear. Sera suddenly felt light. She felt her chest clearing…She breathed in deeply. She felt something else…She felt a presence.
A familiar one. But it wasn't dangerous or malevolent…It was…gentle.
"Serph…?" she asked, uncertain of what she was feeling.
She opened her eyes, another tear rolling down. Her face shone. There, a mark on her right cheek appeared. Her body surged with power. She nodded; she understood. She would carry on in Serph's stead. She will not let his death be in vain. They were here to stop God. But it would seem that shutting down the plant wasn't an option. Then, they would just have to find another way.
Argilla walked over to her and felt herself quiver. She had seen it; it was Serph's mark on Sera's cheek. She silently cried, "T-that…that's…"
Sera nodded, "You're right about everything. Heat loved me…and I loved him. He wouldn't like to see me this way. And…Serph was kind enough to grant me his power. I will not be a burden again. I want to fight."
"Serph…" Argilla whispered with disbelief.
Sera closed her eyes and opened them a second later and looked deeply into Argilla's blurred pink eyes, "He also said to tell you…that he loves you. Forever. So…don't lose hope."
Argilla let out a sharp breath and had her hand over her mouth, stopping herself from shivering, "He…he said that…?"
Sera nodded in confidence, "Yes."
Argilla laughed tightly and walked over Sera, "Well, I'm going back."
Gale and Cielo, who were a few feet away, trying their best not to eavesdrop on the girls suddenly found their attentions on Argilla.
"Wat?" Cielo yelled frantically.
Argilla glared at him, "Meganada is out there! Roland can't beat that thing alone! It'll kill him! I'm going back!"
Gale seized her wrist and she glared at him, "Let me go Gale. You told me that it's time to make my own decisions, well, I'm making them! Damn it! Let go!"
Gale saw the flash of determination and unwavering faith in her eyes, and so, set her free. She looked at him, straight in the eyes, steadfast before heading for the door, "You guys go on ahead! I'll catch up!"
Sera remained quiet; the room was filled with sadness and grief. Gale and Cielo were as quiet as graves, but they too, were silently grieving; not just for the comrades that they had lost, but for the other two comrades that they knew they were about to lose. Fred as well, who sat by the farthest corner of the room was filled with grief. Roland was the only person he ever had since his father had died, and now, he was gone too. The poor child. No one wanted to be alone. And so, Sera had silently promised to herself, that she would never let Fred, or anyone else for that matter, feel alone.
Now, all they've got was each other.
Cielo felt his eyes water…He wasn't that smart…but he knew that the odds of coming back alive from Meganada were almost slim to none. He didn't want to think about it…but it was as plain as day and it was staring him in the face; they were going to lose two more comrades.
He wanted to go after them, but Gale was right too. If he went after Argilla and Roland, who would protect Sera? Gale can't handle that alone. Fred wouldn't be of much help either; they were supposed to protect him, not the other way around. Cielo had his hands tied. And so, he did the only thing he could. He prayed.
'Come back you guys…' he said silently.
Sera watched Argilla leave. She knew that she wasn't coming back. But at least, she would see Serph again…It was a really weird sense of logic; praising death as something that would reunite lost lovers and lost families…It was really morbid…but from some twisted angle, it made sense.
"Goodbye…Argilla…"
xxxxx
They watched from a distance as the power plant exploded. Sera felt tears threatening to spill, but she remembered Argilla's advice and she composed herself. She had to stop God. She narrowed her eyes in pure, adulterated conviction.
"Gale," she said, her tone steadfast. Silver met green; she nodded, "I think I know a way to speak with God."
Cielo piped in, "How? We tried everything! We tried shutting down de power, blowing up de plant…and still, nothing works! Data is still being uploaded!"
Gale cleared his throat, "Er…perhaps if you would let Sera speak, we shall know our next course of action."
Fred laughed in the background, "Gale's right Cielo…You should take a break!"
Sera smiled tightly; at least, Fred was doing okay after the loss…
Cielo pouted, "Everyone's ganging up on me!"
Sera giggled, "Okay you guys…" she cleared her throat, "I think that I may be able to speak with God…through the capsule at the EGG. Hopefully, it should still be operational."
"Wat if it isn't?!" Cielo yelled worriedly.
Sera looked at him sternly, "It just has to be Cielo. If it isn't…we'll just have to find another way."
Gale touched his forehead, "Agreed. We must depart for the EGG Complex immediately. We cannot afford to sit here, twiddling our thumbs while the rest of the world is slowly dissipating away…"
Fred smacked his forehead, "Man…You gotta learn to loosen up Gale…You sound so uptight!
The whole group laughed as they walked, leaving in their wake, a confused Gale.
xxxxx
He let his tears fall. He was falling now…falling into an endless abyss…The last thing that he remembered was falling within the capsule with Serph. That was right, he had impaled Serph. That time…all he felt was hatred. He gritted his teeth as he suddenly saw a visage of his love. The way she smiled, how soothing her voice was…Her song.
He shut his eyes once more. This was all her doing…Her and her betrayal.
"You're crying again…"
His heart stiffened as he heard a voice. He looked left and right but saw only eternal darkness. "Who's there?!" he asked, growling.
"It is me." the voice replied nonchalantly.
"Where are you?!" Heat bellowed.
"I'm right here…" the voice answered.
"Damn it! Where is this place?!" Heat snarled; he was getting really irritated really fast.
"The place where people scarcely ever look…" the voice said again.
"Would you stop with this bullshit?! Tell me where I am or I swear that I'll-"
"Or you'll what?" the voice said calmly, cutting him off, "You'll kill me?"
Heat gritted his teeth as he steadied himself, trying to stand. Well, it was difficult, considering he was afloat on some space.
"Who are you…?" Heat asked. Good; he was calmer now; and when this bastard finally showed himself, he could definitely kill him then.
A soft, fading light suddenly appeared before him, and Heat covered his eyes, closing one of them. In the midst of the light, a lone figure emerged. It floated closer to him. Heat's jaw dropped as he recognized the figure.
"You…" he said, entranced at what he saw.
The figure smiled tightly, "Yes…it's me. You're not dreaming…This is real."
Heat's breath suddenly became caught up in his throat. He was looking at another version of himself. There was no question that it was himself that he was speaking to…but…there was definitely a huge difference as well.
Heat looked at 'Heat' from head to toe. He was wearing a laboratory coat and a red polo shirt beneath. His hair and eye color was definitely different. 'Heat' did not have his fiery red hair or his crimson orbs. No. His hair was a light shade of brown and his eyes were hazel…He looked…normal. And stranger still, even if Heat saw a completely different version of himself, he didn't feel as strange about it as he previously thought he would.
Somehow, it felt…just right.
It felt as if it didn't go out of place.
"It seems that you have forgotten…"
"Forgotten…what…?" Heat asked, confused…But at the same time, he was burning with curiosity. Now that he actually thought about it, there were many questions that he had. He remembered Varin and his outburst back at Ajna. He said that they were all human beings once who had all died…and that he had died for Sera before…
What was the Junkland? What was the purpose of their existence? Why were there two of him? Why did this catastrophe happen to this world?
"Let me show you…"
xxxxx
Heat buried his face in his hands. He had seen everything. He understood now…He had been a doctor once…in another life…There was a patient there who had captured his heart. He had cared for her deeply and had his heart broken when he learnt that she was the very same person with whom they were to conduct experiments on.
She had never looked at him…She had always looked at the other doctor…The silver-haired man, his leader, Serph.
Yes…Serph had been there as well…
But he was different. He wasn't the same Serph whom he knew from the Junkland. This one had a sinister aura…
Heat did everything for that patient…He made her simulations and tests as painless and as short as possible. He had always been there to protect her. Serph had wanted to push the experiments even further…but Heat knew that it would kill her and so, he appealed time and time again to Serph to not go through with it…
But he refused.
So, he understood now. He wasn't the real Heat…this other one was. Sera…She had made them. She was the most promising Cyber Shaman…and so had created a virtual world within her own mind…She had created them complete with their personalities…based on how she perceived the original models of them.
He saw how the real Heat had wanted to speak to her…to his Sera…but she wouldn't hear him out. He remembered walking in her room one day, but one look from her eyes told him what she thought of him.
She was afraid of him. She never did speak to him; she was too preoccupied by the empty promises of love and leisure from Serph that she never noticed the things that he did for her. He would look on condescendingly as she giggled and brightened up whenever Serph would fill her head with lies.
Lies as plain as day…but she never saw through it.
He loved her…He loved her then…He wanted to help her…but she would never even look at him. She probably hated him.
But be that as it may, he would do everything to save her; even if it meant breaking the law. He pulled a gun at Serph…but then…someone else shot him in the back.
He saw himself slump forward, falling on his stomach onto the floor. He could never forget the evil that he saw within Serph's eyes…the intent to hurt…to kill.
And then…he saw…as Serph broke her heart…
He admitted to just using her…and she heard it all…
His insides burst then…He felt nothing but hatred. Sera had suffered and had aged. She was only in her mid teens…and now…she had aged further than that. And it was all because of Serph…Him and his ambitions. And so, as he bled there, on the floor, his last thoughts were of Sera…and his hatred for Serph.
And that…was what had started the disease…the fearsome Cuvier Syndrome.
It was his Sera's broken heart.
He looked at himself, "So…that was why…"
The Junkland had been made as a place of disposal for those who had died. They, AI models, have been created as vessels for these fallen souls. The Junkland was as also an experiment for the demon virus…That was why they possessed their atmas…and had no emotions…until Sera came that is.
It all made sense now.
Heat gritted his teeth; but still, hatred and jealousy still plagued his heart. He could never forgive Serph. He had taken everything from him; both in the past and in their present life. He wondered; did he even know it?
He would make sure that he knew…And as for Sera, he would make sure that she understood. He would make sure that she understood how he felt and what it was like to feel betrayed.
She would pay. He loved her yes…but he hated her as well. How could she do that to him? Didn't his devotion to her mean anything? Was it all just a game to her?
He looked at the real Heat and growled, "I don't care about the past…I just know that…it really has to come to this…I'll kill him…I'll kill that bastard and her too…I'll make her pay…"
The real him looked sadly at him.
"You're dead…I'm not you anymore." Heat declared calmly, "I want you to disappear."
And disappear his other self did.
He could feel his rage building up within. Serph killed him. It was time to return the favor.
His heart stopped and he choked. He tried to breathe in for air, but not an ounce of it entered his lungs. What was happening to him?
His body felt different…
xxxxx
