Throughout the night and early morning, Ilia's high fever came back strongly and persistently. Chanaia sometimes despaired, thinking they were losing her. However, when they finally sighted The Base, Ilia was somehow still holding on.
Thus, they soon reached the pier. As they approached the coast, they had finally established radio communication, so a medical team was waiting for them upon arrival.
Chanon realized that the secret port was also preparing to carry out repairs on the Seeker. Before heading off to make his report, he made sure Chanaia would accompany the new girl to the hospital. Although it seemed his actions were unnecessary. Cause Chanaia was already prepared to accompany Ilia. The girl was going to be fine. Chanon trusted their medical team.
On his way to the generals' headquarters, Chanon found the small village quite deserted; this meant that several squads were out on missions. As he passed by the school, he noticed several persons whispering, pointing at him, and the young girls shooting him dreamy glances. Chanon hoped the harshness of war would never affect those innocent people, and above all, he wanted to provide them with a better future. At this point in his thoughts, he was interrupted by a well-defined voice he knew perfectly well. He stopped and turned to meet a pair of amber eyes.
"I heard you were saved by a girl," Samir was slouched against the fence of the seedbeds. He was crossing his arms in a prostrate position with indifference and arrogance.
"Either news really travels fast, or you're well aware of me," Chanon replied, casually shrugging his shoulders with an indolent gesture. He started going forward again, but he heard his former squadmate talking again:
"I'll have to see that young lady. Above all, I want to look her straight in the eyes." Samir added this time in a somewhat malicious tone, and Chanon felt his blood boil. He didn't know exactly why, but he didn't like the idea of Samir seeing Ilia at all. Sulkily, Chanon continued on his way to the superiors' offices, wanting to finish his immediate duties as quickly as possible so he could take a shower and rest. Just after he finished the report, he received a call from his sister informing him about the rookie. The girl had a dangerous case of indigestion that nearly killed her; it all seemed to be due to her poor eating habits. She was currently receiving nutrients intravenously, but she was out of danger even though she hadn't woken up yet. To finish her statement, Chans added that after seeing Ilia's stable condition, she had decided to leave for the time being until nightfall. So Chanon assured her that he could accompany the sick girl just in case. Therefore, the siblings agreed to share guard duty in case Ilia woke up.
Lying down, Chanon relaxed in his bed, crossing his arms behind his head, his gaze scanning the ceiling beams. He was thinking about the mission. They had finally arrived at The Base, and now he could rest assured that he had brought his group back completely unharmed. Well, at least in some ways, since the recruit was having trouble. Ilia's battered stomach was refusing food, and she was suffering high fevers. The limp girl had been rushed to the hospital as soon as they touched down.
"I don't want you to see that Enya again." Suddenly, said Atalaya.
Chanon's eyes pierced Atalaya, who was sitting completely naked beside him, without the slightest shame. She was beautiful, with her dark hair scattered everywhere and her heavy, full, lush breasts. She had come to his room and crawled into his bed several times. At first, Chanon had rejected her, considering it unacceptable to establish such a relationship with one of his subordinates. However, he soon found out he wasn't as entirely devoid of carnal desires as he had thought. And so, Chanon didn't take long to give in. However, he had been very clear with Atalaya. He wasn't committing to anything, and from the beginning, it was agreed that the whole thing would be casual. And that he would continue to treat her like any other in any other context.
Atalaya had joined his squadron with high recommendations, a few days before their last foray into the mines. She and Keniak. Both Infinites had joined the squadron almost at the same time. And both were certainly great additions to its ranks, being especially recommended by Ghael. Several weeks before the last mission, Atalaya had surprised him by sneaking into his cabin at night. The young woman certainly seemed intrepid on her missions, but he had never expected such boldness on that level.
"We are not a couple, Atalaya. I was quite specific about that. Our duties are no game. The cause always comes first, you know that well. We both made it very clear: we don't have a relationship. And we wouldn't be exclusive. If you don't want me seeing other women, don't come here anymore." Chanon took a breath: "Be careful not to let this influence our roles in the army. I'm your captain. However, if you feel we're going to have problems, you can consider changing squads." Chanon was being deliberately crude, but it had to be this way; things couldn't get any more complicated. Now he regretted letting himself get carried away. The cause came before any pleasure or sentimental situation.
Atalaya didn't respond. Instead, with a strong movement, she stood up and rose in her spectacular nakedness, eliciting an automatic response from Chanon's body. He mentally cursed and forced himself to stare at the ceiling, trying to appear indifferent. The sound of clothes rustling as she dressed managed to distract him until, after a brief silence, he heard the door slam, announcing her departure.
Crap... And who the hell was Enya to start with?!Chanon lay in his bed for a while until he felt the need to get up. After putting on some loose pants, he prepared to go outside to take a walk and clear his head. However, before he could reach the door, a knock surprised him—it was his sister's knock. So he quickly opened it to a stunned Chanaia.
"She... made the needle disappear…"
Confused for a moment, Chanon didn't know what to say until his sister, shaking her head, met his gaze.
"What are you talking about... Chans?"
"Ilia, brother, she vaporized the needle... She panicked... she... in fear of the vaccine, she made the thing disappear... The only time I've ever seen that... such a rare power..."
"Axel..." Chanon whispered.
"She has the same eyes... and his rare ability. Chanon... that can't be a coincidence."