A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.

WARNING: OOC, LANGUAGE

Chapter 9: Amor Animi Arbitrio Sumitur, Non Ponitur

The team was shocked at what they saw. The entire complex was in disarray. In fact, the word disarray was an understatement. There was something horribly wrong with it.

"What…has happened here?" Sera wondered, as she walked in the facility. It was completely different; as if it had been morphed into a twisted version of a black hole.

Gale spoke, "It would seem that the data representing the existence of the EGG complex has been corrupted."

Cielo hung his jaw, agape, "Okay man…you just lost me! Wat happened?"

Gale rolled his eyes, "Look at this…Bodies merging with other bodies merging with the walls…creating these…" he stepped closer to the black hole, "these…voids…It simply isn't logical for these things to merge and exist. The data simply isn't running on pure logic. It's completely illogical; it's corrupted."

Cielo shaped his mouth in an understanding "O".

"Now, if there aren't any other questions, let us proceed." Gale said indifferently.

Fred walked over to Sera, "How can he be calm at a time like this?"

Sera smiled, "Well…if he isn't calm…then…we'd all panic."

Fred nodded in understanding, "I get it…He's kinda like your shock absorber eh?"

Sera sweat dropped, "Something like that."

xxxxx

They had finally made it to the chambers…the EGG capsule. Sera took in a sharp intake of air. This was where she lost Serph. This was also the place where she lost…him. The love of her life.

The hairs on the back of her neck stood. There was a sound of someone crying…They stood right outside the door of the EGG capsule. Gale and Cielo stopped as well, "Wat is it?" Cielo asked slowly, worry in his sapphire blue eyes.

"Sera, what is going on?" Gale asked just as worriedly.

Sera pointed towards the door, "Can you not hear that? I've been hearing that ever since we came here…but I ignored it…But now…it's gotten louder…"

Gale and Cielo listened in; she was right.

"Someone's crying!" Cielo said, his eyes widening.

"Man…this is just plain weird." Fred said, unimpressed, "So, there's some crybaby at the other side of the door?"

Sera shivered, "No…this is different…It feels…"

"Dangerous." Gale finished for her.

They all agreed.

"Are you all ready?" Gale asked. They nodded, wordless. "Then…let us proceed. Fred, you remain here."

"Got it. Hurry back!"

The three walked through the doors. What they saw…shocked them beyond belief. There, in front of them, was a humungous monster. Sera blinked; she felt her resolve being eaten away by her fear as she drank in the monster before her.

"No…no…" she whimpered helplessly, "It can't be…"

Cielo and Gale looked at her as if she had gone mad but their questions were answered even before they had the chance to voice them out.

"Heat…" she whimpered out. Looking at him now…made her chest constrict. How did this happen? Why did all this happen to him? She shivered again as she heard his tentacles slithering within the chamber. He was the biggest monster that they had thus far encountered.

She wanted to run and cry…but at the same time, she wanted to go to him and ease his pain. She could feel the hatred within him. She could feel it as if she could touch it and hold it…Heat was in pain as well…She wanted to know why that was. At his last few moments, before he fought Serph, she had felt the very same aura…but now…that aura had transgressed mere malevolence…Now…it was sheer evil.

She was choking on his overwhelming persona.

"Heat…!" she shouted, taking a bold step forward.

There was no getting around this. Sera had known Heat well enough to know when he was angry and down right furious. He had obtained more power than either he or anyone else in that room could have previously imagined. And it would seem that he was suffering from the all too common delusion of invulnerability; he was drunk in his own power.

"Sera…Why?"

"Heat…? What are you talking about?" Sera spoke fearfully, taking another nervous step forward. She knew he was angry…but why? She wanted to know what it was that hurt him…She wanted to help him…

"I love you…I did everything for you…and yet…you clung to him…" he choked, sobbing.

Sera was confused; what did he mean?

"Heat…I…don't understand! I love you…!" she openly declared.

The monster growled and shrieked. The whole chamber shook and trembled. Sera tumbled sideways and held onto the railings for support.

"You lie! Everything you fucking say is a fucking lie!!" the monster bellowed.

"You were using me…weren't you? So that…I could be his substitute…Is that it?!" the monster thundered furiously.

Cielo made to dash towards Sera and yank her back closer to them, but Gale grabbed his arm, and shook his head; this wasn't the time. They would get her back when the time was right. If the monster saw them making any false moves, he would retaliate and retaliate violently.

"No!! You weren't anyone's substitute! I love you!! I didn't lie!!" she shouted, crying.

"You can't fool me anymore…You know…I did everything for you…didn't I tell you…? I told you I was strong Sera! I was strong enough to protect you…but it wasn't enough was it? You had to go to him! I wasn't good enough for you, was I?!" he shouted again. Again, the entire chamber shook.

Sera parted her mouth to say something, but no words came out. She knew now what angered him. He thought that she was still in love with Serph…

"Oh Heat…why can't you see…?"

She would love nothing more than to settle her problems with Heat…but the whole human race was at stake. There was no time.

"Well, what do you think of me now huh? The only thing left for me to do is to devour you Sera!" Heat bellowed.

Sera found a lump in her throat but forced herself to speak, "Heat…" she began cautiously. She knew that she needed to choose her words carefully. She was treading on very thin ice.

"I know that I made you suffer…Devour me…if that's what you really want…" she said breathlessly. She was offering herself up to him but she didn't care. She meant every word that she had uttered. She had been the sole reason for his suffering; his and everyone else's. Perhaps…by having herself devoured, she would make amends for those sins that she had committed. And twisted as it may sound, she would have no one else devour her than the very person whom she swore to love for all eternity…This monster…this hideous beast…

"Devour me…" she called on softly, almost sending him into a trance, "But…you've got to let me talk to God first! Please…! Everyone will die if I don't!!"

Heat laughed bitterly. She was attempting to be civil with him? She was trying to put a stop to all of this? Why? So that she may save this pathetic world? To save the meaningless lives of these meaningless, faceless humans?

Somewhere…along those lines, as he thought of it, he felt a pang of pain within his chest. She would go through all these lengths to save people she had never met…faces that she had never even seen…and yet, she did nothing to save him…She did nothing to ease his suffering. Didn't she know that it was because of her that he came to be this way? Didn't she know that it was because of her betrayal that he had lost all hope?

To him, it was all a silly proposal. Why should he let her talk to God when she wouldn't discuss their problems? Why? Were other people more important to her than him?

"Talk to me!" he said in a low tone.

Sera trembled in fear; reasoning with him seemed to go nowhere. He was consumed by his jealousy and hate that he refused all truth…Even if it was staring him in that face.

Here, Gale and Cielo took several slow steps towards Sera. Cielo looked up at Heat and slowly tucked Sera behind him. He spoke up, "Take it easy brudda. We jus want to talk to you…jus de way you like it."

Gale stood by Sera supportively, "Be careful!"

Heat nodded, "Good…you know how I like it right?"

Sera didn't want to fight Heat…He was the last person she would ever want to harm. And yet, here she was…in her Varnani form. Her chest wanted to burst from all the pain that she was just feeling…It was too much. This was the person with whom she had shared everything with; her dreams…her sorrows…her love…Everything…And now…they were located on different sides of the spectrum…And for what? For power? Revenge?

He was hurting…that, she should never forget. It wasn't his fault entirely…She was partially, if not, to blame for all of this. But still, she felt hope. Heat would come back to his senses once he returned to normal. She was sure of it.

He was their comrade. They had been together through hell and back…To Gale and Cielo, he was a brother…a friend.

But to her…he was much more.

He was her other half; he was her friend, her comrade…her lover…her husband…

She promised herself that she would save him before. Well, this was her chance.

xxxxx

They had done it. The three of them had defeated the hideous beast. Sera tightened her heart; she wouldn't cry anymore. This was for the best. She looked on, wondering if what they had done had set her lover free.

"Heat…?" she asked nervously, taking a cautious step onward.

"Be careful Sera…" she heard Gale said but she ignored him.

There was a red mist that was engulfing the space where Heat used to be. Sera felt her legs begin to wobble as she continued to wait there, waiting to see him…

Then, they heard something…It was the sound of liquid gushing out!

Sera held her breath and held her hand to her heart, "Heat…?!"

The mist began to clear…

Her heart felt grief and relief as she looked at the figures in front of her.

"Serph!!" Cielo shouted, "It is you! It is you!!"

Gale's emerald eyes could only widen.

"Serph…" Sera said, breathing out. She then looked from Serph's gentle smile to the person kneeling beside him. Sera ran, "Heat…!"

She stopped when he looked at her, glaring. She held her tongue. Heat spoke, "Serph wouldn't die…That'd be too easy…!" he said, clutching his bleeding side.

"Heat please…let me help…" she said, walking over to him. Heat growled as she neared him and touched his face. He swatted her hands away, "Get away from me…" he growled.

His words stabbed her heart like a dull knife but nonetheless, she did as she was told. She took a few steps away. Heat stood, grasping the railing, his legs wobbly.

He staggered and the Embryon members only looked on, waiting for his next move. Gale as well as Cielo had a good idea what it was that Heat wanted to do. Knowing him, he'd probably want to settle old scores with their leader.

Serph slowly turned around and met Heat's intense glare, "Now do you see where I stand?" Heat asked; his voice gruff.

Sera could feel the amount of tension within the chamber. She was afraid. She had finally had Heat and Serph back…but she also had a strong feeling that she would lose them again. Heat was not to let things like this go…He would probably again challenge Serph. She bit her bottom lip; her palms felt sweaty.

Heat took a step forward and then another. Sera felt a knot in her stomach as she noticed how he avoided her eyes. He was avoiding her purposefully. She wanted to run to him, but something else convinced her to do otherwise.

"Now…" Heat said, walking away from all of them.

"Let's finish this where it all began…" he said cryptically as his data disappeared from the chamber.

Sera raised her eyebrow; what was it that he meant? She looked at Serph who just furrowed his eyebrows and began to walk away. He knew what Heat had meant…

Where it all began…

Did he mean…?

"Do they…" Sera said absentmindedly. Did they know the truth…? About the incident five years prior?

She ran; she had to stop this!

"Please stop!! Please stop fighting you two!! It's…all my fault! There's no need to fight anymore!!" she shouted, tears falling freely from her eyes, trailing her cheeks.

Serph did not listen and continued to walk out of the chamber. Sera continued to run after him until she was grabbed by Gale, "No. Let them be."

She looked at Gale questioningly and Gale continued, "There are those who find identity in battle…"

She looked frantically from Gale to Cielo, who looked at her with tears in his eyes, "Dey have to settle dis…on deir own…"

Sera's heart thumped uncontrollably within her chest, "Heat…!"

xxxxx

Heat forced himself to sit on the chair. This was where it all began. This was where it all ended as well. This was where he died; where Serph had killed him.

He closed his eyes and clutched his wounded side. This was it. He was going to die…again…He sighed; even here, he had heard her voice. She had called out to him…Was…he mistaken? No…of course not.

He laughed bitterly; she always did love Serph…Why would she change now? Most especially when he was already here?

His thoughts were interrupted as he felt the doors open. Then, the footsteps followed. He smirked; his adversary had arrived.

"You were taking so long I almost fell asleep."

Serph said nothing and just walked up to him. Heat grabbed his collar as soon as he saw him, "You…killed me…! Understand?!" he bellowed.

The look on his leader's face was not what he expected. There was the look of…guilt.

"I…know…" he said finally.

Heat saw this, and then let his suit go.

This was it…His time was almost up. He needed to say whatever it was he wanted to say. He looked at Serph again, "You…It's your turn to take care of her now…"

"What…?"

Heat laughed again, "Are you…deaf too…?" he asked, his breath shortening by the second. Serph said nothing and Heat continued, "She loves you…Not me…"

Heat's eyes widened as Serph shook his head, repeating what he had just said, "No…Sera…loves you…Not me…"

"What…what?" Heat asked; had he been mistaken all along? 'What have I done…?' he thought regretfully.

Serph smiled, "She loves you…"

Heat felt his heart melting at hearing that…He slowly closed his eyes, "Tell…her…I love her too…"

Heat was finally free; free of all the envy and hatred. He had been blind of the truth…but now…he knew he had been mistaken. She had been true…She had not betrayed him.

And now, Serph, the man who had ruined his past life, had asked for his forgiveness. He understood what he had done. He had told him that he had been sorry; that was more than enough for him.

This was where he had died on that day…five years ago…and now, this was the place where he would die again. But this time, he would relinquish this life, pure. He was pure now…He was saved. He will draw his last breath without ill feelings towards anyone…or this earth. There was only love…

There was only the feelings of forgiveness for Serph…and his undying love for Sera.

Serph smiled. But then, he suddenly held his breath as he realized that Heat no longer moved. His eyes widened as he saw Heat's arm dangle lifelessly from the armrest.

Heat was dead.

His comrade was dead.

xxxxx

Sera paced back and forth worriedly; what had happened? When were they going to come back? Was Heat alright? Was Serph alright?

The doors slid open. Sera's heart raced and she ran forward, "Heat…?! Is that you?"

Her heart crumbled as she saw the figure walk into the chamber. It was Serph…carrying Heat's lifeless body.

Sera screamed, "No!! Heat…!!"

She ran to Serph and looked at her fallen lover. Her tears flowed immensely. She couldn't explain it; the pain was exquisite. She had never before felt such pain…It was overwhelming her senses. She let out a strangled cry as Serph set the body down on the floor slowly. She immediately flew to it and embraced it, "Heat! Heat…! Why?!"

Cielo's lips quivered; another death…Another comrade lost. Gale slowed his breathing; it was inevitable, really. They all knew that this day would come. It was simply the only way to settle the differences between them.

It was either him or Serph.

But still, he couldn't help but feel saddened.

They had never seen Sera this emotional. The three excused themselves. She needed this time…

xxxxx

Sera shook and convulsed as she continued to cry her eyes out. He was gone…and this time, there was no coming back…

His heart had already long since stopped.

It was then that Argilla's words rung in her ears.

"…I know that he loved you. He wouldn't want you to be like this…So…stop being like this and grow up."

'She's right…' she thought, trying her best to calm herself down. 'But then…' she sobbed, 'Why can't I believe it?!'

She just couldn't believe it. She knew that Argilla's words held wisdom…She was right. But for some reason, her heart refused what her brain told her to do. She knew that she should get over him, but she just couldn't. She still couldn't believe that he was dead. But there was no other choice but to believe…his cold corpse was beneath her. The hairs at the back of her neck stood; this was too macabre.

She heaved up and down…She was exhausted. She still continued to cry, but no tears flowed out. She panted; there were no more tears to cry.

But still, she shut her eyes tight. She didn't want to move…She wanted to stay.

Then, she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder, "Sera…"

She raised her head up slowly, "W-why?"

Serph sighed; it was a difficult thing…losing a love one. It was the same for him. He hadn't said anything, but he noticed, from the moment that he emerged from the capsule, that the team's number had been decreased.

Roland…and…Argilla were missing.

It was possible that they had just split up…but a feeling in his gut told him otherwise. But this wasn't the place to ask about it. They needed to leave there and plan their next move.

And so, compassionate and empathic as he may be towards Sera, he still needed to guide her with a firm hand.

"Sera, we…need to go…"

She cried harder, burying her face on the body's chest, "I…I know…"

"Then…"

Her actions had surprised him. She quickly stood, wiping her tears with the back of her hand, and walked right passed him, "Let's go…Serph…"

He nodded.

Sera stepped onto the ground firmly. But still, beneath all that, she just wanted to run from the chamber. She knew that if she didn't leave there quick enough, she'd once again find herself by Heat's side.

But, she mustn't. She mustered all of her courage and forced herself to remain calm.

xxxxx

They stood in front of the EGG complex. Each kept to themselves. Serph closed his eyes, breathing in and out slowly. He had just learnt of what had happened. The power plant explosion…and the loss of Argilla and Roland.

Serph didn't know what to think right then…His heart was heavy…too heavy that he feared for a second that it would collapse. His eyes were glazed with sadness and he wanted nothing more than to cry…but he just couldn't. His eyes were dry…

He looked at his hands…They were calm…They neither shook nor trembled. His heart rate was steady…

He took a deep breath. He knew what it was now…He understood what he felt. He felt…empty. He was empty without her. He missed her…He missed her even more than words could ever express. But she was gone. And she would never come back.

He looked over at Sera and saw that she too had the same expression that he had…She was also deep in thought. Her hand was on her lips. She was thinking of Heat…

Serph suddenly felt a prick on his heart. He blinked; thinking about this wasn't going to change anything. He shook his head; Argilla and Roland had died for a cause…and that was to stop God. His silver eyes suddenly burned with determination; he would make sure that that cause came through.

'Don't worry Argilla…I'll take over from here…' he thought.

He forced himself to walk towards Gale, "What's our itinerary?" he asked calmly. Sera snapped her head awake as she heard the gentle and pregnant silence be broken. She looked at Serph, who looked at Gale, who looked back at her.

She nodded, "I…I think that there is another way to stop the data uploading."

Three pairs of eyes darted themselves at her and she almost blushed at the unwanted attention, "Um…I haven't tried before but…I'll try sending my data…to speak with God directly." she replied, muttering to herself more than anything else.

"Where will you do this?" Gale asked stoically.

Sera fidgeted with the edge of her skirt and then looked Gale in the eyes, "There's a facility far from here…It's called the HAARP facility."

"So…what you mean is…" Gale trailed off.

Sera nodded, "I'll try sending my data to speak to God…but we probably won't make it in time…"

Cielo jumped in, "Wait, isn't dere an airport nearby? Maybe we could just steal one of deir planes ja?"

Gale nodded, "That is more plausible. Well, Sera? How will you return?"

Sera shook her head and closed her eyes, "I won't return…That's why I'm going alone…"

"Sera I am hurt." came Gale's calm reply.

Sera blinked, "Why?"

"I am hurt that you are not asking me to help with the negotiations…"

"You can't be reasoning wid God bro…" Cielo cut in, waving his index finger disapprovingly at Gale, "But maybe I can show Him some Latin rhythmic moves ja?" he said playfully, swaying his hips and his whole body to some inaudible tune.

Gale touched his forehead, "I'm sure that you would only anger Him…"

Cielo slammed his side against Gale's playfully, "Well, maybe we could bet to see as to who could convince God first…!"

Gale smirked, "Agreed."

Sera wanted to burst into laughter at that moment. The situation was so stiff, and yet, their words brought her comfort.

Cielo looked from Gale to Sera, "Well Sera, it looks like you have to make room for three more…"

Sera wanted to ask but her question died in her throat as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around and saw the kind silver orbs of Serph. He nodded at her and she understood. They were going to the abyss of the unknown with her. They were prepared to give their lives just to be with her. Truly, they were the best of friends a person could ever have.

She embraced each and every one of them, "Thank you all…"

xxxxx

They had left Fred behind. They had no choice. Where they were going, he cannot follow.

Fred had been upset and adamantly refused to be left behind. But then, Gale had persuaded him. It wasn't a lie either. It was the blatant truth.

"The people need you to lead them. Now that the Karma Society is gone…you are needed more than ever." Gale said, seriously, putting a firm hand on Fred's shoulder.

Gale continued, "We need you to protect the children at Lokapala too…Kids like Sandra and Marty would need you…"

He was needed on Earth…He was needed to lead them…in the near future. The future that the Embryon would fight tooth and nail in order to come true.

Fred chuckled, "I got it okay? But just don't forget…we're comrades…"

Gale smiled, "Yes, we are. Farewell, comrade."

xxxxx

Sera cried within Serph's arms…Gale was gone. He had stayed behind in order to fend Angel off. She remembered how Gale had given Cielo the win for their bet. Cielo's voice had been grave then…He knew as well that Gale wasn't coming back.

"No…I give you de win…brudda…"

And now, Cielo was gone too. He gave his life up so that they may reach the HAARP facility. And now, only she and Serph remained.

"They're gone…"

Serph held her tighter, "Don't be sad…They gave up their lives so that we may succeed…"

Sera pulled away from him, "You're right…They won't like it…if…they saw me like this…"

Serph smiled, "No they wouldn't…and Heat would especially hate it…"

Sera felt her spirits feel uplifted as she heard his name. Heat…If she would die in this feat, she would do everything she could to find him. No matter where his consciousness lay, she would find him. She would search eternity if she had to.

He died hating her…and she would do everything in her power to make amends for that.

Serph saw the pain in her eyes and he almost slapped himself; he had totally forgotten. Sera had already begun to walk away from him. He walked over to her, "Sera."

She stopped, "Yes?"

"Heat told me to tell you…he loved you…"

She let out a cry and let another tear trickle down; she smiled, "Thank you…Serph." He didn't die hating her…He died loving her.

'Heat…' she thought.

Serph held her hand, "Forget it. Now, let's go."

xxxxx

"Heat…help me…" she said over and over again as she sent her data to God. Her whole body convulsed and spasmed. She was writhing in pain. Her whole mind felt as if it were imploding and exploding at the same time. But she knew she had to endure.

"Heat…"

She squeezed the hand that held hers, hard. The pain was too much…

And then…suddenly…all became dark.

xxxxx

Serph held her hand tightly; he saw how much she was suffering. But be that as it may…it had to be done. The facility was burning down and the smoke fumes were invading his lungs. He couldn't breathe…but he must persevere.

Wanting to distract himself of the discomfort, he thought of Argilla. Where was she now? Was she watching over him? He smiled; he knew he was going to die.

'I'll see you soon…' he thought.

The heat was overwhelming. He felt as if he were inside a furnace. Sera was still convulsing…and he heard her moan Heat's name. He sighed; it was too painful to watch. But very soon, sleep and unconsciousness began to creep in. He held her hand for as long as he could…but he too had succumbed to death's waiting arms in the end.

He let himself fall on the floor as the whole chamber went up in flames…

xxxxx

She awoke, bathed in light. Sera's heart pumped fast as she realized that she was within a warm chest, "Hey…" a voice said, "You're finally awake…"

She gasped as she recognized the voice, "Heat..!!" She buried her face on his chest, "Heat…it's you…"

"It's me…" he said, smiling as he held her tighter, "Be careful now…We have to keep a clear mind…Otherwise…"

"We won't be able to reach God…" she finished.

"Yeah…"

She pulled away and looked, they were high up in the sky…Countless stars passed by them…They were…up there…in the cosmos…She sighed happily at what she saw…It was all amazing.

She looked all around her and saw the Embryon members. Gale, Cielo, Roland…Serph and Argilla. She grinned at Argilla as she saw her encircled within Serph's arms. She giggled.

"We're all here…" she said gleefully.

Heat kissed the top of her head, "Yeah we are…"

Suddenly, another ray of light engulfed them. Sera suddenly found herself alone. Argilla and Heat looked on sadly. They knew and understood…but it was another part of themselves that didn't want to accept things.

There, flew with them, another being. Neither Sera nor Serph.

Suddenly, they found themselves on a platform. They had finally reached their destination. Everyone had been there…Angel…Madame Cuvier…everyone; even the shop owner Johnny. Everyone had had smiles on their faces. Perhaps, they had finally reached the other level of consciousness…free from greedy desires…and instead aspiring for something greater…something purer.

Argilla looked around and saw every one of them, but then, something else caught her eyes; the new being.

Argilla strengthened her heart as she looked at the new being. Her lover was in there…somewhere…She wondered for a moment; would he still remember? She looked over at Heat and so saw him look on, a sad and yet understanding expression on his face.

The being opened her mouth, "We've finally arrived! We're all together again!" she noticed the eyes that gazed and pierced at her intensely. "What's wrong?"

Suddenly, the cat that followed them throughout the Junkland appeared, "Take a look at your new form. You and Serph had merged into one being. Soon, your minds shall be fully integrated just as your bodies had been."

Sera gasped as she looked at her hands…They were larger than she remembered. She looked at her reflection and saw that her hair had also changed; it was now a combination of silver and ebony-black. Her atma mark had disappeared from her cheek and a new one had brandished her forehead. Her apparel had changed too.

"I…"

Schröedinger nodded, "Behold Seraph…Now…go and speak with God."

She looked from the other team members to Heat. She came over to him and the rest of the group excused themselves.

"Heat…?"

He laughed sadly, "Don't worry about me…It looks like you can't fight fate after all…"

She bit her lip; he was hurt and she felt it. She came closer to him, "No…it's not like that…"

He nodded and closed his eyes, "You do know…that I love you right…? No matter what happens…"

She held his hand, "Yes I do…and you know that I love you right…?"

He smiled; a happy and genuine smile this time, "Yeah…I do. So…does this mean that…you and Serph do belong together…?"

She shook her head, "No. My love for you will never waver…It will never wane…It will never diminish…I love only you Heat…I don't know what this means…but I do know and believe in our love…"

"But what about Serph?" Heat asked calmly.

Seraph smiled; Heat was being skeptic again although he tried his best to be calm about it. She took a deep breath, "I love Serph…as my brother Heat…It could never be anything more than that."

She saw Heat blink and then, she read his eyes. They believed her. She was glad.

She embraced him, "Just as my love for you will never fade, Serph's love for Argilla will never disappear."

"What…?" Heat asked, "You can…"

She smiled, "Yes I can." she answered, as if reading his mind. "Now…I have to…"

He nodded, "Yes; go to her…She needs to hear what I just heard."

He kissed her forehead, where her atma now lay, "I'll protect you…No matter what."

She sighed as she held him; she was glad that this was what he felt. He would still protect her…He would still love her despite everything that has happened. Nothing had changed; only her appearance.

"So…do you believe in God now?" she asked playfully.

He chuckled, "Without a doubt."

"Heat…?" she asked again.

"Yeah…?"

"Do you…know the truth…about…5 years ago?" she asked timidly.

He took a deep breath, "Yeah…I do…"

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you…" she said sincerely and apologetically. She squeezed him tighter.

He squeezed her back, "Don't be. It wasn't for you to say…I found out on my own…I saw myself. He told me."

Seraph said nothing, understanding what he meant. He was finally free. He had conquered his inner demons and had faced his past.

Heat sighed in contentment. He remembered how sad his real self had been when he compelled him to disappear. The real him showed him the past not to begrudge people or to wallow in self-loathing. He showed him the past because he wanted to free himself…He wanted for Heat to accept the truth and get on with his life…He finally understood. 'Sorry man…' Heat thought, apologizing to his real self, wherever he may be.

Seraph pulled away and then, with one last look at her once lover, Seraph made her way towards their pink-haired comrade.

Argilla had her back turned and was looking onwards, towards the outstretched empty space, alone. She had her arms crossed and was deathly silent. But Seraph knew better; she could feel her pain from a mile away.

Seraph felt something within her and she stopped, "Okay…" she said to herself.

xxxxx

Argilla breathed in the air…What air? What was this place anyway? She would have loved to ask Serph about it…but he was gone. His consciousness…his soul had been lost. He had merged with Sera. She didn't hate Sera for this though…She understood…but it still hurt. Pain or feeling pain didn't need justification; not really. She just felt this way. She had lost him once before…and now she had lost him all over again.

Heat must be feeling the same thing right now. She wanted to go over to him and talk to him, but she supposed that they both needed time alone.

"Argilla…"

She stiffened. That was…That was his voice. She sharply turned around and was met by Seraph.

"Serph…is that you?" she asked, disbelief clear in her voice.

"Yes…it's me." was Seraph's calm reply.

Argilla didn't care what body he inhabited, as long as it was him. She came to him and embraced him, "Serph…"

He held her tight, "I'm sorry…"

"For what?" she asked, holding him as tight as she could; she didn't want t let go.

"That I had to be like this…"

She laughed, "Don't be…This was…destiny right? But all in all, I am very grateful that…that I got to have you…" she said, choking out the last words.

"I love you." he said. "I'll never forget…"

That was right. When the fusion was complete, his mind and Sera's mind would cease to exist; only their summation would exist. What entailed each of their memories? Would they be erased? Forgotten? Lost…?

"I love you too…"

The two stood there, embracing each other. This was the last time that they would have this time together. Once they leave from there, it would be all the more dangerous.

xxxxx