The Purge
Chapter 25: Halley

“Perhaps it’s impossible to wear an identity without becoming what you intend to be.”

Ender’s Game; Orson Scott Card

Word has traveled that Bri had tried to kill herself at the shower room. My gallant comrade and friend, Conleth, came to rescue her in time before she could lose all the blood in her system. Well, I haven’t really known any ghost stories in the shower room but I don’t really care about the ghosts. Predators are much scarier. And I also don’t believe that my commander tried to hurt herself in order to get rid of her demons. If her boyfriend had died in battle then she might have thought of following. But as dying I am to know the truth about what happened to Bri, Conleth had zippered and locked his lips on the subject. Awesome. So now he’s playing mutual understanding with Bri until his heart gets broken again. Such a martyr. Sometimes I don’t get why people are so eager to become hero at heart issues rather than at the battlefield. Maybe they don’t want a medal of valor. Huh. Such fun stuff.

But just as anyone else, we all moved on.

“Freedom Day.” Conleth has his eyebrows arched at everyone in the room. He thinks it’s lame. Not to be biased. I think it’s lame too. “How come it’s called Freedom Day when we’re only allowed to go outside at night? That’s just wrong choice of words. I’m very disappointed.”

Bri rolled her eyes at him. “You can call it a Night-Out if that’s what you want, Con, I am not stopping you.”

“Why do we have to celebrate when the Dark Hour is imminent?” I asked.

“Obviously, no one has actually researched about it until today. Gladly, I did. So Freedom Day is technically—ironically one night of freedom in which we can do whatever we want.”

Con crossed his arms. “I don’t like this. I have bad vibrations about it.”

“So, you don’t want to go?” Bri asked him as if she’s afraid to be disappointed of what his answer will be.

“Not that I don’t want to go. Who doesn’t want a night off? We all need it.” He said. “I just think that… I don’t know. It’s like they are serving us a futrell.”

“A futrell?” Athren cocked a ridiculous eyebrow at him. “Why would they serve us a futrell? We aren’t dying, aren’t we?”

“If we survive the Dark Hour, then presumably we live.” Con simpered at him.

“You know, Con has a point.” Sigourney said. “During the old times, people used to have a spectacle called the munus.”

“Oh great. More alien words.” I found myself mumbling. They all looked at me. “Sorry. Carry on. Don’t mind me.”

“To baptize you, Halley, munus is an old word for proximity of death.” Con explained.

“So…” I drawled. “What does it have to do with the other alien word futrell?”

“Well, logically, munus is a custom of ritual human sacrifices to honor the dead.” Sigourney continued.

Now I am more confused. Couldn’t they give me a more profound explanation? I am not the kind of person who buries my nose under the pages of a book. I’d use the internet. But look, we don’t have internet.

Bri took pity on me and decided to be more precise. “The munus is a funeral ritual. In order to honor their dead in the old days, they staged a gladiatorial combat.”

“Gladiatorial combat? You mean man against man?”

Bri nodded and sighed. “Either man or beast.”

I swallowed hard. “People die then.” I looked at each one of them but they were all silent. So I decided to move on. “So what does it have to do with the futrell?”

“The night before the munus, the gladiators were given a feast and the opportunity to do whatever they want. The futrell can be very similar to last meal.” Bri said. I didn’t like the tone of her voice. It sounded devoid.

I hugged myself. Goosebumps were making a coat out of my skin. We’re going to die then. The Legislators might have predicted, few might live and few might survive this Dark Hour conquest. How… thoughtful of them.

Sigourney clapped her hands and we all knocked out of our deep, twisted thoughts.

“Come on, you guys. We shouldn’t be thinking about… you know… dying. It’s not very healthy.” She laughed but she bristled. “Besides, we’re the saviors of this planet. We must celebrate. If we die then at least we won’t regret that we took an ounce of tequila.”

Athren smiled at her. “You’re right. We shouldn’t bury our thoughts into it. We’ll survive.” He winked at Bri. “We have an awesome commander right here who kept us all alive. I have a great feeling we can make it. Am I right, Bri?”

Bri smiled back tightly. “I really hope you’re right, Athren.”

Con looked worriedly at her.

“Well, I’d enjoy it if they’ve given us really nice outfits to wear than boring uniforms.” Sig said.

“Actually, you don’t have to worry about it, Sig.” Bri relaxed and smiled at her. I can almost feel that she’s excited about this one night of freedom. It’s the best rest that we can have. “The Zenith has got it all taken care of.”

I’m standing and gaping in front of a blue bubble dress that appeared miraculously in my dresser. A white cardigan and a pair of doll shoes even went along with it. Usually, I’d get a new well-ironed uniform in front of me, but this is just so lux. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen a change of view in my dresser and I cannot believe it’s a dress. And I’ve never worn a dress in my entire existence. I never thought I’d wear one in a million years but now I’m actually doomed and awake to see and wear it.

Bri was right. The Zenith had it all taken care of. The dress looked like it was made to fit my petite body. It was an awesome treat like having an ice cream and a free ticket to a 4D movie. But then they’ve given us detectors attached into jewelries. I got mine on my gold charm bracelet. It hangs there innocently on a normal looking lock. Anyway, I love the dress and I love the bracelet. It’s better this than nothing at all.

I emerged from my room as the new me. Not from Sector 5 me. Not the soldier from Wyvern Army me. It’s the normal kind of me. And I must admit, I kind of like it.

Sigourney was in a preppy-chic outfit: a goody-goody blazer, an edgy skirt, a pie pork hat, down to a pair of dark leather boots. The Zenith knew her well. Maybe they knew me too, I was just too conscious to admit the girl hiding under boxing gloves.

She smiled upon seeing me. With Sig, I looked ridiculous. She looks fab while I look like a twelve year old in a grown up dress. She raised a small looking flask at me.

“It’s called lip gloss, Halley.” She smirked at me. Does the question mark on top of my head grow so big that I suddenly became so obvious to everybody? She leaned in to me and I leaned back. She giggles. “Relax. This won’t prick you. This will make you more beautiful.” She winked at me. She raised the lip gloss up to my face and she applied color to my pale lips.

“Now, pucker.” She commanded and I did what I was told. She grinned widely at me. “Perfect.”

Sig hooked her arm around mine as I pirouetted with her towards the end of the hall where our comrades are waiting for us.

Con and Athren were already there. It’s unusual to see the boys in casual wears. It’s like they’ve never been soldiers. Just normal, good-looking guys ready for a night out. Athren was in a blue shirt under a grey hoodie and Con was in a stripped maroon and grey sweater. They looked at us like we’re cartoon characters. Maybe we all looked comical. It’s unusual, ironically because we all looked so normal like we never have to go to war.

I sloughed the silence by asking Con about his weird looking pendant. “Is that your detector?” I pointed at the pendant. He looked down at it and smiled.

“No. It’s just a trinket. A ring of some sort that can identify your mood.”

“Some ring.” I chuckled.

“Yeah.” He raised his watch. “They’ve placed my detector here.”

I still notice his ridiculous smile on me even while I was looking down at his detector.

“What?” my eyebrows met. “Don’t tell me I look like a Christmas elf.”

He snickered. “Actually, you look cute.”

I sneered up at him. Cute. “That’s very discriminating.”

“You’re welcome, Blondie.”

I rolled my eyes at him.

“So, is everyone here?”

We all turned and gaped at Bri.

Damn this girl could sure suck everyone’s breath away. She looked like a super model lost in Battle Camp. She wears bloody murder in a sexy way. Curves and all. No wonder the Wyvern boys are keeping an eye on her. Sig and I were overshadowed.

Bri raised her eyebrows at us, feigning innocence. She knew exactly her effect on people but she’s trying to keep low profile.

“Is something wrong?” she asked as she hugged her coat hanging on her crossed arms.

“You’re gonna kill boys in that dress.” Sig finally said. A tingle of jealousy mutilated her voice. I’d be too. It seems I’m the only one in doll shoes which was very degrading. It made me look smaller than I already am. Bri shrugged Sig’s compliment and wove her arms to her coat. Con and his gentleman gestures settled in after being bedazzled by the commander’s charm. He helped her in her coat while Athren and Sig made their way out of the hallway first and into the waiting amphibian.

We sat annoyingly silent on the way to the city. I hated the silence. All I could think of is that I don’t have a pair to go with. Sig and Athren are holding hands in the dark. Con kept on glancing at Bri. I could only look at them. Bri was looking out the window with her thoughts wandering in the night air. When the car stopped, we all piled out of the sidewalk. Addonexus were already on the streets mingling in the crowd like ordinary people. Lights danced around like fire flies. The cacophony of voices rang in my ears. My eyes were distracted by falling flyers in the sky. Athren caught one and grinned.

“We should definitely go to the pavilion.” He shouted through the noise. “They’re hosting a party!”

“What’s a party?” I asked and they all laughed at me. Athren wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

“Come on, lil’ lady. Stay with me and I’ll introduce you into one.”

The city was dancing in the ocean of neon lights. I was afraid I’d get lost in the throng of people. People danced to the rhythm of the beat and to the sound I’ve never heard before.

Athren leaned into me. “Halley,” he smirked and I felt every nerve in my system quiver. Heat rose up to my face. “This is what you call a party.”

I looked away to the colorful neon walls of the pavilion and to the swirling bodies on the dance floor.

“Let’s go find some seats!” Athren yelled over the sound. We headed towards the corner where a bar stood. Addonexus and soldiers filled the place. Sig has luckily found a table and waved us in.

“I’ll get us some shots.” Sig said as she waved at the guy at the counter. I stiffened in my seat and the tension reverberated to my nerves.

Athren chuckled. “Relax, Hal. She meant some drinks.”

“Oh.” I looked down at my shaking hands. I felt so out of place. People here seemed to know what they were doing except me.

Some guy came over our table; he brought a tray of small glasses, lemons and what looked like the “shots” Sig was talking about. Now she calls it “tequila”. She expertly poured the contents of the tequila into the glasses and distributed it to us. I paid more attention to the sliced lemons on the platter. I was about to eat one when Con caught my arm and shook his head. I gave him a confused look.

“You’re supposed to have a slice after you take the shot.” He said, helping me out with the new thing. Beside him, I can see Bri smile.

“Oh.” Was all I could muster to say.

Bri raised her mini shot glass. “I propose a toast.” Everyone in our table raised their glass so I followed. “For this day, for life, for valor, for love, and for friendship.”

“Kampai!” they all cheered as they clanked their glasses and downed their tequila.

“Kampai,” I whispered back and followed. The liquid burst in my throat like a volcano exploding. I didn’t help myself. I gurgled and squinted into a face of disgust. The sour taste of the tequila painted my face. Athren offered me a slice of lemon and I bit into it. I am never going to drink that tequila again. One is enough.

Athren returned to Sig and he offered her his hand. “May I have this dance with the most beautiful girl in the pavilion?” he stole a peek at Bri and smirked. “No offense.”

Bri raised her glass and downed another shot.

Despite the heat of the party, Sig blushed. She said yes after a heartbeat and Athren rushed her to the dance floor. Sig wrapped her arms around Athren’s neck and mischievously, Athren returned the gesture by placing his hands on her hips drawing her close to him.

I stole a peek at Con who was looking at Bri, hesitating whether he should ask her on a dance too or not (probably). When I looked at Bri, I was surprised to see her smile from ear to ear while she watched Athren and Sig dance. Sig danced in front of Athren like a seductive snake. I didn’t even know she could dance like that. Well, she is Sigourney. No doubt.

I looked back at Con and he had gone pale while looking at Bri. I nudged him forward and he scowled at me. I mouthed the words “go on”. He sighed and moved on to Bri.

“Bri,” he started ridiculously. She turned to him expectantly. “Would you like to—”

“Dance with me.” Fygun Hawke wrapped his arms around Bri’s waist and he leaned in to kiss her neck. I bristled at the scene unraveling in front of Con.

For a brief moment Bri met Con’s gaze and she let out a sigh.

“Yes.” She responded to Fygun. He slid his hand down to her hand and he pulled her towards the dance floor.

Con could only watch as his princess got stolen away from him by a different prince. From the dance floor, Athren and Sig were watching him too. Athren smirked at him and mouthed the words “you’re too slow”. Con ignored him and downed a shot of tequila. He poured himself another one when Imogen Morgenstern of the Garuda Army came over to him.

Every guy in the room lost their eyes as they followed her nymph like form. She had her hair draped down her back in a silky black waterfall. She wore a glittery crop top and a tight mini skirt. A siren out of the sea. Her blue eyes beamed at Con—her catch of the uh… night. She occupied Bri’s stool beside him. If she hadn’t brushed her hand on Con’s arm, he might not have noticed her in the first place. I wanted to laugh at the scenario.

“Conleth,” she pouted her lips at him.

“Imogen,” Con acknowledged her presence and downed his tequila. He gleefully poured himself another one.

“I’d like to ask why a handsome guy like you would be so content to seat here and drink miserably while others are enjoying the night.”

“What do want to say, Imogen?”

“Dance with me.” she prompted before Con could finish his sentence.

He snickered. He’s clearly in one of his moods. “Sorry. But no. I’m busy.”

Imogen forced out a laugh but I see the pressure and irritation building on the wrinkle on her forehead.

“You’re so funny, Con.”

“So they say. One of my best qualities.”

“Clearly you’re drinking too much you’re unaware of the beauty around you.”

“Too bad I’m a soldier not an artist.”

“Point taken.” She brushed her hand meaningfully on Con’s arm. From the corner of my eye, I could see Bri glancing back at our table. “It’s just a shame you can’t dance with me. Most guys would do.”

“Well, why don’t you dance with them?”

“Because I want you.” She retorted, impatiently.

Con smirked at her. “In your army or in your bed?”

She leered at him. “Both.”

Con snickered. “You’re very honest.”

“I’d like to get what I want.” She leaned in to him. “Stop fancying about someone you can’t have.”

Con scoffed. “I’d say the same to you, Imogen.”

I snorted. Imogen heard me and I looked away only to find Chivas Cantemir eyeing me like a mad falcon. I immediately pulled my dress down. If only I could cover myself. I turned back to Con and Imogen but I couldn’t keep up with their conversation any longer. I stole a peek at Chivas and he’s making his sneaky way towards me. I grabbed Con’s glass and I downed his tequila. The cursing liquid made me grimace. I took a slice of lemon and made a stupid “ahh!”. I bit hard into it ignoring the sourness.

Chivas laughed beside me. My eyes drifted to Con who ignored me while I stole his glass from him. I wanted to scream “help!” and “blue murder!” but I got a sore throat. I wanted to throw my glass at Con but he wouldn’t face me because my hands were too numb to throw anything.

“Little girls shouldn’t be out and drinking in such a late hour.” he cocked an eyebrow at me.

I let go of the lemon and I scowled at him with all my might so he would disappear. He scares the hell out of me.

“It’s Freedom Day, doofus. You missed the news flash?”

He guffawed and I took another slice of lemon and I bit into the sourness of it. Noticing my discomfort, a smirk crawled up his face. I chewed on my lemon nervously.

“Would you care to dance?” he asked and my lemon fell on the table. He laughed. “I won’t bite. I promise.” He leaned over and Con was there to grab my wrist.

“Thanks for the invite, mate. But I’ll take it from here.” He said and I lifted my butt off the stool. I let Con drag me to the dance floor. He winked at Imogen who looked like she’s about to burst. “Better luck next time, babe.”

Con spun me around but I already felt dizzy. Lights started to flicker in my vision. He laughed at me.

“You shouldn’t drink next time.” He said. “Athren’s a bad influence on you.”

I laughed out of my volition. “I don’t know how to dance. You’re a bad influence on me too!”

“This should be easy.” He wrapped an arm around me and he pulled me closer. I was too drowsy to protest so I let him. The music went slow and we both swayed on the dance floor like we’re rocking gently on a boat. I leaned my sleepy head on his chest.

“Thanks for saving me back there. I was a tipsy damsel in distress.” I whined.

He chuckled. “What are friends for?”

I glanced back at our table but Chivas was no longer there. I was beginning to think that maybe that was my imagination. Creepy Chivas Cantemir hated me. So he wouldn’t ask me on a dance. I let out a sigh of relief as I let myself drowse off on Con’s chest. I closed my eyes at the comfort. It felt like a pillow. Con leaned his head on top of mine.

“Bri will come around.” I found myself murmuring. “She’s just playing too-hard-to-get.”

I opened my eyes to find Bri leaning into Fygun’s chest but her eyes were on Con’s. I wonder if Con is looking at her too. Athren and Sig were also having their moment. He sees me looking and he winked at me. With a sigh, Con pulled away. He looked down at a sleepy me.

“How would you feel about having your first kiss?” he asked me and I felt an alarm clock inside my head.

I was awake. “What?”

He smirked at me. He leaned in and I closed my eyes.

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