Code numbers
"Will you stay behind?" I asked, my voice tinged with uncertainty.
I was certain he could lead a normal life anywhere, but the same couldn't be said for me.
It was the worst decision I made, one that would lead to eternal regret.
Rafael grinned, "Of course, I'll stay. You'd be lost without me, right?"
"No," I replied curtly, masking my true feelings.
"Don't be shy," he teased.
"Go now. The kids are tired," I insisted.
"Okay, okay,"
"Ater...", Rafael hesitated, as if wanting to say something important.
"Yeah?" I prompted.
"If you ever feel lonely, you've got me," he said playfully.
"Enough with the jokes. Just go," I said, trying to hide my emotions.
"Yes, sir."
"Magia, is everyone here?" I asked, turning to her.
"Yeah, except Rafael."
"Then let's start the meeting, shall we?"
Our gathering, comprised of escaped subjects, commenced.
"I want to ask if anyone wishes to stay or leave to live your own lives."
Everyone looked into each other's faces.
Vita, Code Number 11, represented the group, "We want to leave. Hell Gate served its purpose for revenge. Dolaidh is no more, and we're tired. We may not understand the purpose of Sol, but it no longer concerns us. We want normal lives. Some found love, some found family. We wish to live a normal life, after everything we have gone through. We owe you for leading us out of that hell, Ater. We'll come back whenever you call, you're our leader and savior."
"Okay, I accept your wishes. We started as 100 and we suffered, we sacrificed, and many of us died. Now we're 38 who are alive and kicking. You're free to leave or return at any time."
"I almost forget Nemesis and Magia, what about you guys?"
"I will stay as long as Rafael stays.", Magia said shyly.
"I'll stay, but I'll be traveling most of the time," Nemesis stated in his usual stoic manner.
"Then I'm reassured to have you, Nemesis, after all, you're the strongest after me," I remarked.
Nemesis is code number 01 where the numbers are determined by strength.
Nemesis remained silent.
"You can rest now. We'll have a farewell party tomorrow night," I announced.
"I'll check on the kids," Magia said, hurrying off.
"You don't mean Rafael?", I teased.
Magia blushed, "I am going."
As everyone left, Nemesis lingered.
"Being young is great, isn't it? Neme?"
"You sound like an old man."
"Haha, do you have anything to say?"
"Ater, I want a wish."
I was taken aback; after all, it was the first time Nemesis had called me by name.
"yeah, what kind of wish?"
"I'll tell you later," Nemesis replied cryptically.
"Alright, I'll be waiting," I said, intrigued.
"Don't forget," he warned.
"I won't," I assured him
That was the first thing he asked me for something.
"Rest," Nemesis uttered with a tone of care.
With a smile, Nemesis departed, leaving me contemplative.
"Wow, he is capable of smiling as well."
"Change is inevitable. Can I adapt?" I wondered, feeling the weight of uncertainty.
As the sun set and the moon rose, heralding a new day, I couldn't shake the feeling of impending change.