Chapter Song Suggestion "Birth Of A Pure Soul by Stefano Mocini"
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THE PAST | Eira
Intense pain woke her from the arms of oblivion.
"Oh, Eira! You're finally awake!" A woman sobbed into her ear. She winced at the noise, realizing those were mourning wails in the background.
What happened?
And then, her memories came crashing back with a vengeance — fear, pain...and so much blood!
She bolted upright and screamed as deep agony tore through her bowed back. "Arghhhh!"
"Stop moving. I've only just treated your wounds," the medicine woman reproached from within the darkened hide tent. The scent of bitter sage overwhelmed the place, signifying a cleansing was taking place. Sage was only used to cast out evil spirits and to purify the camp during a funeral. Dark thoughts ran through her head.
Eira glanced down to see her chest heavily wrapped, her blood seeping through the bandages in the form of three, claw-like gouges — proof that a predator had attacked her. It was real. She hadn't dreamt of the tragedy. There had been blood everywhere! And her parents...
Another bloodcurdling scream welled from her throat. "Panook! Manook! Father! Mother!" She hastened to climb out of bed. She needed to see their corpses.
"Haqan, Eira. I'm sorry," her aunt sobbed, attempting to calm her. "Your parents are dead."
She shook her head in devastation. "Vi! No! I don't believe you!"
"They saved your life, Eira. They died protecting you!"
"Vi! Vi! Vi!"
"It's all your fault, Eira!" It was her brother, Kulan and he sounded furious.
Through bleary eyes, she saw the accusation in his green orbs. "You're to blame for their deaths! You shouldn't have disobeyed and left the camp. I will never forgive you for this. Never!" He turned and marched out in angry strides.
Tears streaked down her face, her heart twisting with pain. Yes, it was her fault — her fault their beloved parents were dead.
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PRESENT DAY
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Captain! Are you awake?"
Lars released a harsh moan, his gritty eyes blinking against the blinding sunlight. Sweeping the covers aside, he turned to find Eira's side of the bed empty. He frowned.
Was she awake?
His eyes darted around the room. Where was she?
"Captain! Open this door right now!" Anaelle's muffled voice demanded again.
Grabbing his discarded boxers, he pulled them and answered the door. "What's with the ruckus?" he demanded irritably. "It's the fucking weekend, Anaelle."
Anaelle bulldozed passed him, intently searching his quarters like a determined headmistress. She marched to the pantry and then upstairs, peering over the frameless edge. "Where is she?"
"Who?" He blinked groggily.
Reeling in her frustration, Anaelle grounded out. "Eira. Where is she?"
The taut urgency in her tone was like a splash of cold water in his face. Anaelle never came to him unless it was an emergency. "She was with me the entire night. What's going on?"
"I don't think that's the case, Captain." Anxiety shadowed her features and she tossed him the palm-sized holographic recorder. "Eira left us a message."
Anaelle's strange behaviour spurred him to hit the play button. From the centre of the disc-shaped device, Eira's blue holographic face appeared. "If you're watching this then it means that I'm already gone. I apologize for the inconvenience of my actions, and I'm sorry for making such a selfish decision. I've recently discovered the whereabouts of the apex predator that killed my parents and I'm determined to hunt it down. I've vowed long ago to avenge their deaths and I won't let this opportunity slip by."
Her hologram flashed a sad smile, looking at him squarely. "Lars, if you are watching this, I am sorry for not telling you. This is something I must do on my own. I am thankful to have met you again and I cherish all the moments spent with everyone. I won't ask for forgiveness because I don't deserve it. Promise me that you'll take care of yourself and the others. I love you, and I'm sorry."
Disbelief and pain warred inside him. His body and mind felt disjointed as though it no longer belonged to him. He didn't want to believe that Eira could abandon him after what they had shared last night. How could she claim to love him yet choose death over life? She knew she wasn't coming back. No one survived an apex predator – not alone.
"What do we do?" Anaelle demanded, watching him closely. "She couldn't have been gone for more than a few hours. It isn't too late to bring her back before anyone notices. She even left Xue Long behind, which means she might have taken a government vehicle."
Heart racing, he shoved aside his personal feelings and started thinking. If he left now, he could catch up with her and bring her back. The consequences for her would be dire should the government learn of her desertion. While they were essentially 'free' to roam about Ataxia and to leave on missions, kill hunters were government property. Anyone leaving the compound without an official authorization would be severely punished.
Suddenly, his front door slammed open, and a flustered Florian exclaimed breathlessly. "Captain, we have a problem!"
Dread clutched his chest. "What is it?"
"One of the hover bikes have been stolen and when we checked the security cameras," Florian hesitated. "It was Eira. She's gone, Captain. She left in the middle of the night."
"Who else knows about this?"
"Perez and Miran."
"Shut them up," Lars ordered sharply, rushing upstairs to get dressed. "And get me the location of Eira's hover bike. I'm going to track her down."
Florian knew he hadn't read too much into Eira's actions. She had been acting strange the past few days, asking personal questions, and paying detailed attention to everyone's habitual schedule. He even caught her flirting with Perez one day. Now he knew why. She had been preparing for her escape. "I already told them to muzzle it." He cast Anaelle a sidelong glance. "But what's going on? Do we have cause for worry? Is Eira in danger?"
"Eira's gone to hunt the apex that killed her parents," Anaelle filled him in. "Seriously, that woman's been a handful ever since she arrived. If she doesn't get herself killed first, she'll be facing Colonel Emory's wrath when she returns."
Not if I can help it, Lars thought to himself.
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news but tomorrow marks the opening week of the Annual Kill Hunter Championship. It's the most important event of the year," Florian stated bluntly, his forehead creased with worry. "The official participants and delegations from every nation will be arriving this afternoon. At most, I can buy you a few hours if you're not back by tomorrow. Your absence in the first-tier meeting wouldn't be overlooked, especially not by the Lieutenant General."
Lars didn't need a reminder. Every year, he was duty bound to attend the first-tier meeting with his superiors, which meant tolerating Lieutenant General Novak's company – the one he suspected of foul play. While most children who joined the special kill force were there voluntarily, the other half were abducted minors, and some were brought in under questionable circumstances. Since Lars belonged to the latter group, he was determined to uncover the truth and exact his own justice. "Twenty-four hours. I'll bring her back by then, provided nothing unforeseen happens."
Florian nodded resolutely. "Then, I'll meet you down at the bay."
Once he was gone, Anaelle turned to Lars. "What are your plans, Captain?" She couldn't help noticing feminine things dominating the Captain's loft. There was no doubt, Eira and Lars were together.
Fully attired, Lars headed straight for the door. "I'm going to see Kaiser to deactivate my tracking chip."
Uncertainty melded into her voice. "Is that even possible?"
Lars gave her a look that said she should know better. This was Ataxia – the hub of brilliant scientists and new age technology. Anything was possible. Eira must have latched onto this as well. "Once I leave, I won't be contactable for at least twenty-four hours. Unless there's an emergency, I won't be switching on my communicator. I'm not any taking chances. The officials will have their hands full with the championship underway and it will give me a head start."
"Very well." Anaelle fidgeted by the door. "Umm, Captain?"
He turned.
Blue eyes ensnared his. "Be safe. And bring her home."
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A few hours earlier…
Eira stared at the young man calling himself Regis Ciel. He was dressed immaculately in a brown waistcoat with a hanging gold chain from his breast pocket. Like before, he gave off an unthreatening aura although her instincts warned her differently. "How do you know who I am? I am sure we have never met before."
"We have met before," he answered calmly, matching her curious gaze. "At the Oasis. You were rather preoccupied with Matahari."
Eira's mind circled back to that night, green eyes widening in recognition. "You were the one wearing the hooded robe." Looking at him now, she wondered how old he was. While his speech and mannerisms were cultured, his raspy voice suggested he was in his late teens.
"That's right," he confirmed his identity. "Ever since then, we have been watching you."
Her guard rose and she frowned. "Why?"
"You're an asset to Father." He started circling her, unsettling her nerves. "Aren't you curious to know why you can communicate with predators? Why you're different than the others?"
She froze, her pulse leaping. How did he know that? Her stance shifted in preparation to attack like a cornered animal. Regis Ciel knew too much.
"I know because we are alike," he answered, sensing her bewilderment. "You are wondering how I can read your mind? I can't. It's written clear as day on your face. People like us who don't know our potential usually ask the same questions. Why am I different? Is there something wrong with me?" He made a sound of dry amusement. "I was once like you, until I was found."
Eira admitted she was curious. If Regis Ciel had answers, it wouldn't hurt to know more. And he was right. Those questions he mentioned, had once crossed her mind. She lowered her weapon. "What are you?"
"We" — he corrected — "are known as peculiars. We are the successful creations of the Cell project, and you are my predecessor. You were born with those instincts, while I was made."
His words confused her even more. "What do you mean?"
"There are some who were genetically enhanced like me, and then there are those very rare peculiars who were born under the influence of Cell II. Father believes you are the latter."
"That's impossible." She refused to believe his claim. After all, she could never communicate with predators prior to her abduction. If she had this power then, she could have saved her parents' life. "If I am your predecessor, does that mean Cell III exists?"
"You are looking at it." Honest words.
She inhaled sharply and goosebumps awaken along her skin. "How is this possible? What are your abilities?"
"Father has dedicated his entire life to create us and it's a matter of time before the world knows who we are. As for my abilities, there is no need for you to know." His gaze narrowed. "Yet."
Uneasiness unfolded in her chest. There was an ominous meaning to his words. "What does Father intend to do? Don't tell me...world domination?" She scoffed. "I'm afraid there's nothing left of this world to conquer."
Regis ignored her taunting. "It is Father's wish for you to join our cause, Eira Ulva. Only peculiars understand each other. The government doesn't know of your ability, do they?" His sly question hit the nail on the head. "If they knew what you are, they would imprison you until the day you die. Endless experiments will be conducted until you are nothing but a shell of your former self."
She levelled a hard stare at him. "And how do you know all this?"
He shrugged. "Father told me."
Eira couldn't ignore how devoted Regis was to this mysterious 'Father'. His loyalty was shoved right into her face and the reverence in his voice almost childlike. "Is Father a scientist?" It was the only plausible explanation for Father to be privy of such intimate and sensitive information.
Fathomless black eyes locked with hers. He extended a bony hand. "Agree to join us and I can take you to him to answer all your questions. I can see them running through your mind. I know exactly how you feel, Eira. It's only logical to want answers."
Her jaw clenched warily. Whoever Regis Ciel and Father was, they were bad news. She didn't want to learn about their cause, knowing it would only doom her. It was time to get out of here. "You said you know where the clawtail is. That's the only reason why I'm here."
His face was a portrait of serenity – the only expression he was capable of besides a generic smile. Regis Ciel reminded her of an android with programmed emotions but, he was very much human. Did nothing faze him? He was too young to adopt such indifference.
"Father was right. He said you wouldn't immediately side with us and that's fine. I am happy to meet you in person, Eira Ulva. There aren't many like us in this world and I believe we should all be together." He retrieved the pocket watch from his coat pocket. "You came at the right time. This time of the year is breeding season for the clawtail and you will find it at Serpent's Bay in between Eileris and Thaenia."
"Serpent's Bay?" Eira didn't know if it was the trick of the light but, she caught a twinkle in his eye, as if he was laughing at her. His mysterious persona was annoying.
"You have much to learn about predators, Eira Ulva. The government has brainwashed kill hunters to hate the abominations they hunt but, the true evil lies within Ataxia itself. Predators are only bound to their instincts, and it is natural for them to kill or be killed. Humans on the other hand, have the gifts of moral discernment and a conscience – to differentiate what is right and wrong – but many abuse them. While I disagree with your need to kill the clawtail, perhaps this would be a good lesson for you."
"You don't know what you are talking about," she retorted hotly, her cheeks warming from…anger or embarrassment? How dare he reprimand her!
"You are petty," he said bluntly. "Instead of focusing on the future, you dwell on a past you cannot change. That is why I say you have much to learn — about yourself and the predators you hunt."
She startled when the portal he emerged from reappeared like magic. How was he doing that? What kind of technology was he using?
"I wish you good luck, Eira Ulva. I hope the next time we meet; you will be willing to join our cause. In the meantime, we will be watching."
"Qahta! Wait! Where are you going?"
"I'm going home," he simply answered, one leg disappearing into the portal. "It's near dawn and I'm going to bed. My invitation remains open, Eira Ulva. We are always ready to answer any questions you have." With those parting words, he was gone.
Eira felt the breath rushed out of her lungs. Bereft. Though brief, their meeting was intense, and it left her with more questions than before.
Who was Father and what was their cause?
How were they related to the Cell project? And lastly, what on Earth did they want with her?