Epilogue

He was late.

Of course 4989 being late wasn't anything unusual, given his duties; he couldn't leave an active battle, unlike AC, who could simply pick up her pace if need be. Still, she always worried a little.

The erythrocyte was waiting at their usual meeting spot in the pulmonary vein, though without an oxygen box or a basket of nutrients. She was on break, but had an appointment to keep along with her neutrophil boyfriend.

AC watched her fellow red blood cells walk by, until finally she spotted a familiar face in the crowd. Smiling, she waved at 4989, whose clothes looked pretty wet, his hair a bit of a mess, as if he'd showered in a hurry. He probably had.

As soon as he reached her, the neutrophil pulled her into the shadow of a tree, just out of crowd's view. There he wrapped his arms around her, inclining his head for a kiss... only to find her hand pressed against his lips. "Just a moment," AC interrupted. "No bacteria or other invaders in the past few hours? Teeth brushed?"

"Well…"

"Because last time I learned what Streptococcus tastes like and I'm not keen on repeating that experience."

4989 blushed pink, clearly abashed. "Sorry," he mumbled sheepishly against her fingers.

"Hachikyu…," AC scolded him softly, an amused smile on her lips as she pulled her hand away.

"I know, I know." But then he smirked. "Have another idea though."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yep," he chirped and leaned in, only to start pecking her cheeks, cupping her face with one hand, the other arm wrapped loosely around her waist. AC started to giggle, feeling warm and light as a feather as he continued, including her forehead and nose.

"Alright," she laughed, wrapping her arms around him neck to pull him closer, forcing him to lift his head. "But just on the lips."

4989 was all too happy to comply, and AC felt that by now familiar, pleasant shiver run down her back. "So; you're ready?" he asked, while their faces were still close together, noses touching.

"Yeah, let's go."

...

With his receptor remaining silent, the two blood cells managed to reach their destination just in time for their appointment. They could hear the children laughing and shouting long before they saw the vast schoolhouse deep within the bone. Most ignored the two mature cells, as there were many erythrocytes around, delivering to the bone marrow or picking up carbon dioxide. The two headed inside, stopping by 1110's office, who had been expecting them a bit earlier, before joining a few macrophages and their class.

It wasn't the first time for these particular erythroblasts.

"Big brother! Big sister!" quite a few of them shouted. AC spotted the girl 4989 had patched up and carried on his shoulders all those weeks ago, waving excitedly from the back row.

"Hi everyone!" the mature erythrocyte greeted them in turn, taking her place beside the immune cells.

4989 was smiling brightly. "Ready for today's lesson?" he asked, receiving a of couple cheers, though even those who remained silent looked at least curious. "Now; you've all practised running away from germs, but today we're gonna expand on that. Just getting away isn't always enough, some bacteria will hunt you, so it's important you know where to run to. Anyone want to guess?"

A boy in the back lifted his hand; AC remembered him from the ball game as well. "White blood cells?"

"Yes, exactly." 4989 crouched down to be on eye-level with the children. "Remember we're here to protect you and the entire body, so keep an eye out for anyone in a white uniform. There are so many of us that there should always be a neutrophil just around a corner. But of course you can always turn to a monocyte or lymphocyte as well; all us immune cells can communicate with each other in some fashion. And we're all tasked with protecting you."

AC noticed that a few erythroblasts still looked uneasy, one or two looking away; the idea of running towards a murderous looking cell brandishing a sharp knife was a thought one needed to get used to. But that was the reason they were doing this.

The grown erythrocyte stepped forth to stand beside her boyfriend as he rose, taking her turn to address their students. "Now, today we're going to be joined by a few myelocytes, who are in training just like you. While U-4989 and U-1110 here will play the part of the germs, your task will be to escape and find one of the myelocytes, who we've stationed on this floor. As soon as you've found and reached one, you're safe. The myelocytes meanwhile will keep a lookout for you, ready to step between you and the germs."

"Any questions before we start?" No one lifted a hand, while a few kids shook their heads. "Alright."

The two neutrophils put on their green, bacteria-hand puppets, while AC got the children back on their feet, making sure there was enough room between them and the two other teachers. With their short legs the blast would need a bit of a headstart. "Everyone ready? Get set. Go!"

AC couldn't help but chuckle at how quickly the children dashed off, nearly stumbling over their feet. As he ran past, 4989 gave her a bright grin, before following them into the corridors alongside 1110, hand puppets raised and held in front. At least someone was enjoying himself.

AC followed at a leisurely pace to watch the exercise, hearing some of the erythroblasts scream around the corner. She knew that neither 4989 nor his former teacher actually wanted to catch any of the children; they would chase, staying really close to encourage them to find a myelocyte, instead of running off or hiding in a corner.

Hopefully, the exercise would work. It was one to the ideas the three of them had come up with in the past few weeks to increase trust into the immune system, with the added benefit of really showing the young myelocytes what their purpose was. Neutrophils were already more approachable than lymphocytes, probably due to being raised in the bone marrow, but it couldn't hurt to let them get to know the cells, who would one day have to depend on them.

Further up ahead a small group of erythrocytes suddenly came running around the corner, straight towards AC. 4989 was right behind them, hand outstretched, the hand puppet hovering over one of them. If he wanted to, he could just catch the child, but he clearly maintained the distance, that sliver anyway, on purpose.

It was at that moment that from another hallway three boys dressed in all white jumped into view, small prop knifes ready. AC stopped to watch; here we go.

"Germ sighted!"

The myelocytes let the other children pass, rushing at 4989. When the erythroblast spotted AC, she quickly lifted her hands, telling them to stop. They needed to internalise that neutrophils, immune cell, meant safety.

To her relief the children did stop running, looking a little confused at first. They turned around just in time to see two of the boys attack 4989. Interestingly the third remained right between the erythrocyte and the 'germ' as a second line of defense; it seemed like 1110 had done a great job instructing them.

"Die!"

One of the prop knives struck the hand puppet, causing AC to briefly flinch. Hopefully, Hachikyu's hand wouldn't hurt too much from this. The second got her boyfriend in the abdomen and in a real-life scenario would have probably cut a bacteria wide open.

4989 seemed to agree, as he overdramatically fell backwards, free hand grasping a pretend injury. "Ah! You got me!" he gasped, just before hitting the ground.

AC couldn't help but shake her head with a smile, amused at his silly performance and was delighted to see that the erythroblast were now standing by myelocyte covering them, curiously watching everything unfold. None of the adult cells yet knew if this would make a difference, but watching these children now, AC had a good feeling about this.


A few days later AC found herself training someone again, though not in the bone marrow this time around. She'd been assigned a reticulocyte, freshly enucleated.

Reticulocytes

Red blood cells that have already lost their nucleus, but are not quite mature yet, still possessing organelles. These organelles are expelled over time, as they develop further into erythrocytes. As long as they are in the bone marrow, reticulocytes can still produce haemoglobin, but lose this ability once they enter the bloodstream, where they reach full maturity within one or two days.

The young man, while attentive to her advice, was often distracted by all the new sights around him, fascinated by this whole new world to explore and understand. AC remember very well what that felt like; she still found herself learning new things, despite having been to nearly every corner of the body.

They had already finished their first round from the lungs and back and now during their second trip they found themselves in a side road deep within the abdomen. AC was leading him through small streets, showing her student how to navigate the smaller blood vessels and find the right capillary. The ceilings were particularly low in this area, and being a few blocks away from the main arteries, the two erythrocytes were pretty much alone. Until AC heard scratching noises from above.

It sounded like a cover panel being moved, and when she checked, 4989's head was suddenly right in front of her. Upside-down.

"Huh?"

"Surprise," he chirped happily, a big, silly grin on his face, before he kissed the tip of her nose, almost knocking her beret off.

AC blushed and though she loved him and how he showed affection, there was one problem. "Hachikyu?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm actually training a kohai right now."

"...huh?" 4989 tilted his head, apparently only now spotting the other red blood cell in her company, standing right behind her, and his eyes widened, cheeks turning pink. "Ohhhh! I'm so sorry!"

AC snickered, despite feeling just as embarrassed. "It's alright, but how about we pick this up later."

"Yes, yes, of course. I didn't mean to...woah!"

And he was gone as suddenly as he'd appeared. Looking up again, AC now saw 2626 above in the ventilation duct, who had clearly just pulled his friend back up by his legs. He waved at her with a grin on his face, bangs covering his eyes as usual. "Sorry about that," he told her. "We'll catch up another time."

"Yeah, see you guys later," AC replied, trying not to chuckle.

He put the cover panel back into its place, 4989 grumbling something beside him in the duct. She heard them moving away, waiting until it was quite above their heads once again.

AC cleared her throat, trying her best to avoid eye contact. "So that happened."

Her kohai was quiet for a moment, though eventually ended the silence. "You're with a neutrophil?" He sounded flabbergasted. It wasn't the worst reaction the two of them had gotten worse; Memory T's rant was still ringing in her ears. That man had no indoor voice.

She shifted her shoulders, fingers grasping the oxygen box in her hands a little tighter. "Yes, he's my boyfriend. Long story." Frankly, she wasn't in the mood to tell it to someone she'd only just met, her student, and AC silently hoped he wouldn't ask too many questions.

"Sure," her kohai mumbled. "Sorry, it's just..."

"Unusual," AC offered, smiling sheepishly.

He nodded. "That."

When he didn't follow up with a question, AC straightened her posture and took a deep breath. "How about we just finish our delivery; it's just a few blocks away. Maybe get some glucose afterwards."

Apparently he was just as eager to drop the subject, her suggestion visibly putting him at ease again. "Lead the way."

Their pace was a bit quicker as they continued, until the oxygen had been delivered and they were on their way back to the nearest vein. AC was certain that there would be more awkward moments of that kind in the future, plenty probably, but frankly 4989 was worth every one of them and more.


The countless parks across the entire body, the blood vessels leading through them not as busy as the main roads, with traffic going at a leisurely pace, while buildings were few and far between. At least when compared to the rest of the body. They were without a doubt AC's favourite variant of connective tissue and a convenient meeting spot. As usual she was waiting for 4989, having made herself comfortable on one of the numerous benches beneath the lush trees, but unlike most days, she wasn't waiting alone.

"You really don't have to be this nervous."

CT looked up surprised and put her tea down. "Is it that obvious?"

"A little," AC admitted, but gave the other erythrocyte a genuine smile. "But I'm glad you came anyway."

Her friend brushed a strand of raven hair behind her ear. "Look, I know that my fears aren't entirely rational, but...I can't push them aside just like that," she noted. It sounded almost like an apology.

"I get it; it takes time," AC assured her. "I mean it's not like 4989 won me over in a day; he really had to make an effort before I was ready and was comfortable talking with him."

"Even after he saved you?"

The auburn haired erythrocyte nodded. "As you've said; you don't overcome fears just like that. But I suppose it was easier with Hachikyu than it would have been with many others. He's really easygoing outside of battle. And caring." He'd been from the moment they met, even before they'd become friends.

CT seemed to consider her words for a moment, taking another sip of tea. Despite her friend's uneasiness, AC actually wasn't too concerned about today. Getting her here had been the difficult part. She was certain that 4989's nature, along with everything she had told her friend, would be enough to finally convince CT that neutrophils were more than bloodthirsty hunters.

Still, AC had been surprised when her childhood friend had approached her a few days ago, claiming that she had thought things over and was ready to give this a try. And 4989 hadn't needed any convincing at all; he'd only asked where they should meet. If anything he'd been ecstatic. AC loved how wholesome he could be.

"So, how long since you two have been more than just "good friends"?" CT suddenly asked, giving her friend a meaningful look.

AC almost choked on her own tea. "What?"

"AD and I came through the lungs shortly after the whole fungus incident. We may have seen you two all wrapped up," the other erythrocyte explained and then winked at her. "Called it, by the way."

They had been there? AC pulled at one of the strands framing her face. "Sorry I didn't tell you," she apologized. "I just didn't want to hit you with everything all at once." Making this whole meeting even weirder for CT had seemed like a bad idea at the time, but it sounded like her friend was fine with her now romantic relationship. Unexpected, but it put AC even more at ease.

"Thought I freak out?"

"Honestly, I wasn't sure how'd you react, so I don't know...wanted to do it step by step, I guess?" It sounded somewhat lame out loud, even to herself.

Thankfully, CT actually snickered a little. "So, this is the big step now, huh?" she asked with a shy smile.

"I suppose you could call it that. Thanks." And AC meant it. She loved 4989 more than anything, but she'd never wanted to lose her old, childhood friends. With FP gone, she was glad and grateful that CT was willing to change her mind, or at least willing to try. Clearly, she too didn't want to give up on their friendship, and it meant the world to AC.

The two only had to wait a few more minutes, before AC spotted someone in a white uniform coming their way. Exited, she all but jumped to her feet and waved.

"Hachikyu!"

He waved back, big smile on his face, a steaming cup in his other hand. CT got up as well, clutching her tea with both hands, and AC saw her taking a deep breath. After today things would be very different no doubt.

"Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long," 4989 greeted them brightly.

AC chuckled; for once he was remarkably on time. "Don't worry about it," she assured him.

He then turned to CT and extended his free hand, smile never faltering. "Hi, 4989; nice to properly meet you."

As CT timidly grasped his hand to shake it, AC could have sworn she felt her haemoglobin jump in her chest. This wasn't just the preservation of one friendship, no, AC was sure beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this was the beginning of a new one as well.


It was peaceful day and with not an antigen in sight Dendritic Cell used the time to get a few things done around his home and office. He had already swept up the leaves on the walkways surrounding his tree and had gone inside to make some tea, when a macrophage passed by and handed him an envelope. He thanked her and put it on the table for the time being, already knowing what it contained, before he quickly checked on the almost boiling water and went to the shelves where he kept the cytokines.

He had something for every cell he could activate, same as every other Dendritic Cell in the body. All these images, that had captures moments in the lives of millions, safely kept within the countless pages of his photo albums.

After a brief search he found the one he was looking for. Dendritic Cell placed it on the table and opened it, flicking swiftly through the pages. Almost every image showed at least one neutrophil and though to many they would have all looked alike, Dendritic Cell could tell each of them apart without even glancing at the numbers on their caps.

About halfway through he reached the right pages and finally opened the envelope. Within were a handful of photographs the green clad cell had eagerly anticipated, made by one of his many colleagues.

It showed a scene at the kidney falls, the immune cell recognizing the wall of water rushing downwards in the background. On the observation platform itself was U-4989, on his knees, in front of him a blushing, but smiling AC 4293. The neutrophil himself had the biggest grin on his face, as he held a self-made sign, which read 'Will You Be My Girlfriend' in bold characters. Additionally, he hid behind his back a box with a bow on top, containing what were presumably AC's favourite treats.

The other cells surrounding them looked very confused for the most part, but the happy couple didn't seem to pay attention to anyone except each other.

The same was very much true for the second and third picture as well.

AC 4293 had naturally accepted, upon which 4989 had put everything down and picked her up. The photo showed him spinning them both around, the two of laughing in unison, her feet well above the ground. Of course he'd stopped before they were both too dizzy, and the final pictured was of them embracing, sharing a heartfelt kiss, both smiling against each other's lips and faces flushed.

Dendritic Cell smiled, seeing them both so happy. He had to admit that these were some of the more touching images he and his colleagues had ever taken, especially compared to the embarrassing ones they loved to use to 'encourage' immune cells.

Humming a merry little tune, Dendritic Cell added these latest pictures just beside the ones he'd taken in the lungs of the two cells in each other's arms after the mycosis had been dealt with. Another page completed.

He was already looking forward to the next batch.


The neurons were transmitting signal after signal at a rapid pace, letting lightning dance across the myelin sheath covering the axons. Like every REM-phase, circulating cells with a bit of time on their hands had come to watch the colourful spectacle of the neuron-forest, the viewing area packed as usual. Not that it bothered U-4989.

High up in the marginating pool he had the perfect view. And even better, AC was sitting comfortably on his lap, leaning against his chest. What more could he asks for?

They were making up for last time, the neutrophil hoping that this today no emergency call would part them prematurely.

4989 had his arms around her, his chin resting comfortable on her shoulder, allowing them to be cheek to cheek. The both of them had also taken their gloves off, and though his eyes were watching the fireworks, his mind was more focused on the feelings of her bare hands in his own. Her membrane was so soft and felt just a little warmer than his own.

One of his hands wandered to her wrist, where his fingers brushed against the braided bracelet he'd once made for her and the tiny scars beneath it. Despite what the parasite could have done, what it had done to handful erythrocytes, a part of 4989 was glad it had given him the chance to meet AC.

Would they have ever met, if it hadn't been for that incident?

4989 liked to think that somehow, at some point, they would have met regardless. After all, 1146 and AE 3803 had been running into each other constantly, even during her first day at work.

He nestled his cheek against AC's, affectionately stroking her arm. She responded by grasping his other hand and intertwining their fingers; this was so much better bare handed. The neutrophil felt AC turn her head a little, just enough to peck his cheek, making his mitochondria leap in his chest.

He deeply loved her. 4989 knew that as a leucocyte, a neutrophil, he was supposed to protect every cell of the body equally, and he would, but AC had changed one thing.

Admittedly he'd never liked the idea of sacrificing himself; it was part of his duties, and he'd accepted that a long time ago, but something he dreaded, nonetheless. If need be he would give his life, but he wasn't as unhesitant as those, who had committed suicidal NETosis to defeat the E. coli, or 1146, who'd been willing to jump into stomach acid without a second thought for the sake of the body.

4989 wouldn't say that he was more eager to fall in battle, but now every battle meant protecting AC as well. For her he would without any regrets. The neutrophil hugged her tightly; she meant the world to him, and he didn't want to live in one without her.

...

After the REM sleep 4989 and AC headed down, taking a road through the nasal cavities. Normally, this would have been a detour, but there was one more place they wanted to visit before returning to their respective duties.

The two could hear the voices and laughter, even while they were still stuck in the crowd, and they quickly navigated their way through the other circulating cells. AC had to dodge a carbon dioxide box that almost hit her in the back, her fellow erythrocyte quickly apologising as she passed. But they were out.

By the side of the road, having made themselves comfortable at one of the footbaths, were 1146, AE, 2048 and 2626. All four of them were enjoying the hot water, along with tea and the steam buns one could buy at the regional shops. Upon spotting the approaching couple, the redhead waved to them excitedly, while 2048 held up a few extra cups they had set aside for their friends, making the two lovebirds smile.

Despite regularly seeing their friends, moments like this with all of them together, just spending some quality time as a group, were too far and few between for their liking. Today though they had managed to get everyone together and they would make the most of it.

Neither 4989 nor AC knew what lay ahead and what the future would bring, but as long as they had their friends, as long as they had each other, they'd get through anything.

The End


Author's Note:

And finally this story comes to a close. I'm sorry it took so long, but I think we all can agree that last year was a bit of mess and with the addition of a severe case of writer's block, everything got terribly delayed. I still hope you enjoyed "Hearts & Minds" and for those interested, I'm still publishing it with a few illustrations on both Wattpad and Archive of Our Own.

Stay healthy and best wishes, Mira Avis/Corvus Albus