Chapter 11: Conflicting Feelings

Sparks flew from the gaping hole of the mech’s chest. The pilot’s body twitched, almost completely scorched from the heat. The mech tipped over, falling on its front. All the other soldiers watched in horror, paralyzed by fear. Ferral slowly turned around, extending his iron claw. “Well then, who’s next?” He smirked as electricity crackled from the gauntlet. The remaining soldiers had lost all will to fight. So they turned and tried to run off. Ferral bolting after them, not letting a single one get away.

The sky began to clear as the storm moved, turning it into a mix of orange and red. The sun had started to set. Nia, Leona, and Dr. Atlas were now clearly able to look down at the blood-stained battlefield. Nia was glad Ferral was okay. Atlas was pale and sick to his stomach. Leona felt sad and disappointed.

Her heart hurt, looking at this stranger. This wasn’t the same person she had met so long ago. No longer the boy whose eyes were filled with wonder and hope. Not even the young man who devoted so many hours of his life to finding a cure so that experiments and humans could be equal.

No.

There was no light behind those eyes. No remorse in his heart. He had become the very thing he told Leona he’d never become. What Dr. Atlas said he’d be. A weapon. A monster. Her chest tightened. So many feelings of anger, disgust, and sadness filled her. Her fists clenched, teeth grit, she wanted to scream at him. But would her words even get past that emotionless face? This was no longer her best friend, Ferral. She didn’t even know what to call him anymore.

Once Ferral had picked off the last of the soldiers, he let out a quick sigh. The electricity from his gauntlet dissipated. He flicked his hand down, the gauntlet falling off and sticking into the ground. As Ferral looked around, a sudden pain shot through his eyes. He winced, stumbling to the side as he covered his eyes. It was a hot, searing pain. Like hot needles were impaled through his pupils. It was a quick pain, only lasting a minute. And once it was over, Ferral’s eyes were back to their crimson color. Though not long-lasting, it left him exhausted. He picked up the gauntlet, hooked it back to his armor, and walked off. Nia slid down from the ledge to meet up with her husband.

“Ferral!” She called out, jogging toward him. He looked up at her and gave a faint smile before falling forward. He was nearly about to pass, and would’ve if his body had hit the ground. But Nia had caught him in time. “Hey, are you okay?” She cooed. “I’m fine.” He muttered, Just…a little tired.” She smiled, “Guess you overworked yourself more than you thought, huh?” Chuckling a little. Ferral chuckled too. “Yeah…..maybe I’m just….old.” Nia put Ferral’s right arm over her shoulders, and the two walked slowly up the hill.

Dr. Atlas walked over to them. “You certainly live up to your reputation.” He looked down at the carnage. “What’s going to happen to the dead?” He asked. “Their bodies will be eaten,” Nia replied. “Scavengers will pick them off. While that’s happening, we’ll send a collection group to take all the non-human items and find use for them.” “ Sounds like you’re quite the scavengers yourselves.” Leona remarked. “Better than just leaving them for the wildlife to potentially hurt themselves.” Nia retorted.

“Well, if this whole issue has been sorted out, for better or worse, we’ve got to get back to work.” Dr. Atlas moved closer to Ferral. He lifted his head, giving Atlas a death stare. His eyes widened with fear, and Dr. Atlas moved a few steps back. “The Chief isn’t in a condition right now to work.” Nia snapped, “He needs rest.” Leona laughed, “Awww, the big bad wolf is tired?” She mocked. “He needs help from his little servants?” Nia growled at Leona, “I am his wife, you worthless nobody.” She hissed. Leona snarled, throwing a punch that Nia easily blocked, surprising the ligeress. “I’m not some weak housewife, either. I will kill you.” Dr. Atlas ran in between them. “Ladies! Ladies! Save the cat fight for when we're back at the village, please!”

Leona pushed Atlas out of the way, getting right in Nia’s face. “Don’t bother with her,” Ferral said weakly. “She’s not worth the time. It’s not like she’ll be staying long anyway.” Nia raised her chin as she and Ferral passed by Leona. Leona scoffed, following them. Dr. Atlas quickly joined.

As the group entered the village, they were greeted by some soldiers and villagers whose joy turned to concern when they saw Ferral’s tired state. “Chief! Are you okay?!” A villager called. “Chief, do you need to be taken to the hospital?” A guard asked. “The Chief is fine.” Nia responded, “He just needs rest.” The guard nodded, “Of course! I’ll alert the manison keepers!” He sped walked off. “I should probably call HQ to not send any more soldiers.” He took out his phone and walked off. That only left Leona. “You need to leave.” Nia jeered at Leona. “You are not a part of this village and obviously have some bad blood with The Chief.” Just as it looked like the two were going to argue again, Ferral interrupted.

“No.” He muttered. “She can stay for now. We’ve got unfinished business.” Nia looked down at her husband. “But Ferral?” He shook his head, “Just keep her out of the mansion. She can wander the streets, I don’t care.” Nia nodded, “Of course.” She looked back at Leona, “You heard him. You can stay, but away from us. Now shoo.” Leona rolled her eyes, walking away.

She walked around the village, admiring the buildings, trees, and plants. The people seemed nice. Greeting her with waves of nods. As the night quickly approached, guards moved through the streets, lighting lamps atop metal poles. It was nice. The sights, smells, all of it. Filling Leona with an oddly familiar warmth. It brought her back to better days. Days spent laughing with Ferral, Clare, and all the rest of her friends. Days she thought she could only feel as cold and sad. She smiled, wishing she could go back to those days. Leona closed her eyes tightly, and the feelings of regret and sorrow began to fill her. As they always did whenever she reminisced. Then she thought back to seeing Ferral on that battlefield. She only saw him as some heartless warrior in that moment. But coming here, seeing how he has a wife, and people who are concerned about his well-being.

Maybe….

Maybe there’s still something there, Leona thought. A light. An ember waiting for someone to fan it and burst into a roaring flame. Maybe the Ferral she once knew was still there. But was she willing to hold out hope that her best friend was somewhere deep inside? Was she really willing to have her heart broken again? She thought hard about it. Maybe. Just maybe.