Chapter 10: The Beginning of the Cycle I

Mark walked towards Elise, the snow falling heavier as massive flakes built upon each other like the foundations of a building. The ground was covered by numerous inches of white as the darkness and cold combined to create a freezing, frigid landscape.

The pair smiled at each other, Mark's heart thumping as he looked at the beautiful woman he called his girlfriend. She was far too amazing for him, far too attractive, kind and greater in every way than himself. He realised, for the first time since his abusive ex, that perhaps, he had found his soulmate; the one he wanted to settle down with.

"I have no idea how you aren't a smurf." Mark laughed, "I'm fucking stone-cold blue, and I played the game!"

Elise chuckled, "That's because I'm smart and prepared for this. Got a coat, hot water bottle and woolly clothes; unlike someone, I like to think ahead of time."

"Wow... I'll have you know that I prepared well; I've got three layers on my upper body. It's just so bloody cold that it feels like I've got nothing."

Her dimpled smile appeared as she cosied up to him, hands interlocked.

"How's this? Who needs clothes when we've got each other. We're like penguins."

"Ugh, God." Mark cringed, "You're so corny, but you're not wrong. As long as we have each other, we'll survive anything - including this cold."

"Ooo, how romantic, my love." Elise dramatically replied, "Haha, and you say I'm corny. Perhaps you should become a playwright like Shakespear: 'We can survive anything, my love! As long as we hold each other in our arms, we-"

"Ok, ok, shut up. We aren't Romeo and Juliet, Elise. I ain't ready to die yet, although my ex would probably have seen us like that, crazy bitch."

Elise shrugged, "At least you got over her. From what you say, she was a little crazy; probably would've poisoned herself for you. It sounds like... what are they called? Sunders?"

Mark's eyebrow rose, "You mean a tsundere? Or maybe a yandere? I'm not sure which one is which, but she could be either."

"Ah, yeah, one of those. I think it's a tsundere, but I'm not up to date on my Japanese... lingo. Nothing happens over there."

"Eh, you're not wrong. I'm surprised nothing does, honestly. China seems to have eyes for them. Then again... they do for the entire region, nothing new."

They passed the university archway, too absorbed in their conversation to notice, like love-struck teenagers, naive about love with only themselves in view.

"True, true." Elise spoke, "The people aren't bad, though, just misguided. My roommate a year ago was Chinese, a lovely girl. If any people are knobs, it'd have to be the Americans. They're as arrogant as the rich and as stupid as Amir."

"Woah!" Mark exclaimed, "Steady on, there. I can't say I would argue against you; ever since they expanded into space, it's... gone to their heads I suppose."

"I mean, what can you expect? They've gone to the Moon, to Mars and potentially further. They may be arseholes, but they're good at what they do. America is so strong they've completely disregarded the Outer Space Treaty."

"The treaty would only have held if they didn't advance technologically. That goes for every nation; you can't expect them not to capitalise on weakness. The strong prey on the weak; human history is full of it."

Arriving at the bus stop, they paused as, almost predictably, they were greeted by the usual sign today.

Bus – Dane Hills – 40 minutes due to delays

"Well, I expected it, but it still annoys me." Mark tiredly uttered.

"Why? They were working fine the rest of the day."

"I can assure you, they weren't when I was trying to catch one." He huffed, "Whatever, I'll message Amelia; they should be done talking to my neighbour, so, hopefully, we can get picked up."

Whipping out his phone, Mark typed a quick message to his stepmother before putting it back into his pocket.

"That should do it." Mark said, "She's normally pretty good at answering her phone, so probably a few minute wait; if she doesn't... guess we're walking."

"How come you didn't ask the phone to do it? What do you call the AI... David, was it?" Elise laughed, "People don't type much nowadays."

"Ehhh, better to name the AI, so it doesn't sound so strange to be talking to a phone."

"You're not still thanking it, are you? Jeez, Mark, it's not sentient; you don't need to praise it."

"Of course, but yanno, when the AI takes over and becomes our new overlords, having a positive relationship with them may save my life. Get what I'm saying?"

"Mark, you're an idiot." She laughed, "When the AI takes over? What are you, twelve? Governments would never let that happen; they care too much about their lives. Anyway, Dr Russo and Dr Sishaf are the leading scientists; I trust them in ascending humanity as they always go on about. The One Nation Movement thing."

"It's a very real concern, Elise. I mean, I trust them to an extent, but they both seem... arrogant? Conceited? It would be unwise to entrust humanity's future to those who are hubristic. Plus, politicians are stupid; look at my street; the lampposts haven't been fixed in over three weeks!"

"I agree on the politicians, but I trust those scientists."

BING!

"There we go, seems Amelia's already replied."

He read the message and smiled.

"Thank fuck, we're getting a lift." Mark relayed, "Anyways, continue?"

"Yeah, as I was saying, I trust those two. I mean, they're possibly the greatest minds of the century. Only Eneph could be considered superior, so why shouldn't we trust them? Do you consider yourself smarter than the smartest individuals? I met Dr Russo in Year Eleven; he wasn't that bad; the media definitely portrays him as worse than he is."

"Yeah, but seriously? You would truly put your life, the lives of your family and friends in the hands of those two? No matter how smart they are, I can't trust strangers that much."

"Well, that's my personal opinion." Elise shrugged, "What can I say, I trust those who have earned the merit to lead."

A sleek, black car turned up in front of them, the pair pushing off from the bus stop seats and moving towards the vehicle.

"Sit in front, Elise; I'll get in the back." Mark stated.

"My, my! What a gentleman." She giggled.

The couple sat down in the car, the warmth blanketing them from the cold outside and evoking a sense of bliss as Mark contently sighed.

"You're looking better now, Mark." Amelia greeted them, "Ah, hello, Elise! How are you doing? You staying over then, or do you want a lift back later?"

"Yeah, I'm better." Mark replied, "Bit tired now, though."

"I'm fine, thanks." Elise answered, "I will be staying over, though, if that's alright with you? Mark was supposed to have asked beforehand..."

She glanced at him as he awkwardly averted his eyes, causing her to apologetically sigh.

"Oh, deary. You don't need to apologise, Elise. You're free to stop anytime, Alice will love to see you."

Doing a u-turn, Amelia started the short drive back towards the house, glaring at Mark through the mirrors.

"Mark, that's perhaps the eighth time you've forgotten to tell me. I'd appreciate it if you could make a reminder or something; I don't want this to be an excessive, recurring pattern."

"Sure." Mark mumbled.

"I can't wait to see Alice." Elise cheered, "It's been a few weeks; does she still have those cute pigtails? They were adorable."

"The pigtails?" Amelia said, "Yeah, she does; she loves those things. I tried persuading her to have it long a while back, but she rejected it quite... firmly."

The pair laughed, "She is quite strong-willed, isn't she? I wonder what she'll be like when she's a teenager or older. Maybe a boxer or something? She has the fire and drive to do it."

Amelia kept her eyes on the road but smiled at the comment, praising herself for having such a good child.

"A boxer, hmm. Probably make more money than Mark, but... not the biggest fan of seeing my baby get punched."

Mark gaped, "Wha- That's a bit rude. Politics pays pretty well, thank you. The Prime Minister makes like 200 grand a year. Elise is also a politics student; seems you've screwed up a bit here."

"He's caught you there, Amelia." Elise snickered, "Politics does pay pretty well; if you get far enough, that is. Although Mark, I still think a boxer makes more money. She'd make your annual salary in one round."

He grunted, "Seems I chose the wrong profession, although I'd imagine I probably won't end up as a politician. Damn... I think even Evan will make more than me doing Rugby; the world is truly corrupt!"

The car pulled up at the driveway, entering and passing the automatic gates before coming to a stop, Amelia turning towards the two youngsters.

"Alright, you two, get your stuff and get in. I don't want to spend too long without the heaters on."

With that said, Amelia got out of the car, moved towards the door and unlocked it. Mark and Elise joined her after removing their bags and belongings from the transport, waiting a second for the door to open as the three stepped foot into the house. The second they entered, they heard the familiar high-pitched voice of a young girl.

"Elise!"