ch.9 Goodbyes

They both knew, that this was going to be their only night together, so neither one of them, wanted to waste any second of it.

Just as they were kissing, she wrapped her hands around his neck, as he wrapped his, around her waist. Holding on to her, he lay on the bed, pulling her with him. (18+*)

Attar: “Tell me to stop!”

Selene: “No.”

Attar: “Last chance. If we don't stop now, I will make you mine!”

Selene: “Do it. Make me yours.”

Her hot breath, mixed in with his. (18+*)

Attar: “...fect fit...” -he mumbled.

Selene: “What?”(18+*)

Come midday, they awoke. Laying in bed, holding on to each other, neither wanting to let go. They didn't even remember when, they had fallen asleep. Dreading their inevitable separation, both were pretending to still be asleep.

Attar was the first to arise.

The next few hours, were spent in silence. Neither, wanted to speak, because they both knew, that if they did, they would never separate. But she had to go. Balaur had warned Attar, that after their reunion, Selene had to go her own way, or events would unfold in such a way, that would lead to her death. But Attar couldn't very well tell her that. As, it too, was a warning. The most he could share with her, was Zeus's curse, and nothing more.

After a quick bath and breakfast, they set out for Petra, using the underground tunnels. After a full day of traveling, they arrived before a cast iron metal door. This time, there was no magical touch, which would open it. There was only a key & lock. Dreading the separation, Selene stay silent, even when the iron door, actually led, to her inn's basement. Due to their late departure, they had arrived at midnight. As such, when they entered the dinning hall, only the drunkard from the other day, was there. Trying to sneak past him, their footsteps remained as quiet as a mouse. Just as they were about to set foot on the first steps of the staircase, a voice came from behind them, as a sharp blade appeared at Attar's throat: “Surrender! Or die!”

Attar: “Never!”

Selene watched, as the drunkard and her lover, exchanged blow for blow, kick for kick. No matter which fighting style, one of them chose, the other matched it perfectly.

Selene: “Both of you, stop! This is my home, don't make a ruckus! The others are still sleeping!”

Her words, landed on deaf ears.

Drunkard: “Ha! You've gotten sloppy, young one!”

Attar: “Not as sloppy as you, old man!”

A little surprised of their words, Selene hurried to the fire place, lit a small oil lamp, and focused the light on their faces. They could clearly see each other, yet neither stopped. After a few more minutes of them fighting, she noticed, that they were actually having fun. A little disappointed at their childish behavior, she stood up, went to the water well, and filled a bucket of water. When she went back inside, they were still at it.

Selene: “SIGH!”

The two, suddenly found themselves, drenched. Even still, they continued.

Selene: “Attar! Enough already!”

Calling out his name, didn't surprise him, but it surprised the drunkard. Attar then landed a final punch. Laying on the floor, the drunkard spoke, with a calm clear voice:

Drunkard: “You told her your name?”

Attar: “Yes.”

Drunkard: “What else?”

Attar: “Almost everything.”

Selene: “How do, the two of you, know each other?”

Attar: “Little princess, allow me to introduce, the Supreme General of Mars, and also my father, General Yang.”

A little flushed, Selene took a deep bow.

Selene: “Sir! It's a pleasure to meet you.”

Attar also blushed, waiting for his father's response. Looking at them, Yang understood immediately, what had happen between the two. He knew his son wouldn't have done what he did, if he didn't have feelings for the young woman. Ah, love! Yang too knows that feeling. Even though he hasn't seen his wife for two centuries, the bond Yin and Yang shared, was unbreakable, even after their thousands of years together. After all, it was their love, that had brought peace, to the solar system.

It wasn't fair for Attar. Yang too, knew what was about to happen. Even his eldest son, Orion, has had a few years, to spend with his beloved. Attar only had a few days.

All the ruckus downstairs, had awoken everyone upstairs. Multiple, hurried footsteps, came rushing down the stairs. Her mothers, brothers, and a few new faces, showed up behind the corner. A set of 3 young girls, around 10-12 years old, with similar facial features, but different hair colors, were holding, each of Selene's brother's hand. Beside them, a young man in his 20a, with blue-red hair, only glanced, then nodded at Attar.

Attar: “What are you all doing here? Pandora, shouldn't you be with mother?”

Balaur: “Uncle, don't worry! I'm heading there in the morning. Grandmother will be all right. I brought my aunties here. They will have a lot of work to do, in the coming months.”

Yang: “And I'll be going with him. Besides son, don't underestimate your mother. Don't forget, I taught her everything I know about martial arts, long before your brother was even born. She can take care of herself.”

Attar: “So what exactly, are my aunties, supposed to help me with?”

Balaur: “All in due time”-he turned towards Selene's brothers, and said: “It's time for you to go.”

Selene: “Go? Go where?”

Cesar: “Away from the city. When you were kidnapped, your brothers and I almost set out of Petra immediately, only to have to turn back, and hide from the Roman legion, stationed in the city.”

Selene: “How come there are no Romans in the inn?”

Balaur: “Actually there are. But seeing, as how, this is the richest inn, in Petra, only the commanding officer, and his close aids, can take lodgings here.”

Selene: “Then how will we escape the city?”

Balaur: “Don't worry. My legion, only consists of my father's men. We're here, so that other legions, aren't.”

Selene: “So why leave now?”

Balaur: “You know of my power, by now?”

Selene: “Yes. O! I understand.”

She turned around to face Attar. He only looked at her, with sad, but understanding eyes.

Attar: “Go.”

As he spoke, his fists clenched. He just watched, as his beloved, turned around, and in the middle of the night, left the city with her brothers.

Attar: “Balaur! Tell me again, what is to become of her?”

Balaur: “For now, everything is, as it should be.”

Attar: “That doesn't answer my question!”

Balaur: “There is always a variable. Nothing is set in stone, as things could change. I've told you this before. Haven't I, uncle?”