After Darkness II

by J. F. Johns

  Scarlet didn't look like a bride at all.

  She looked like a queen.

  'Do you like it?' Scarlet asked.

  Terra nodded. 'But wouldn't you have wanted to wear white?'

  'White is the government's colour. Black is mine.' She lifted her black veined arm and twisted it around, the skin disappearing and turning into smoke.

  The door to the bedroom slammed open. Charlotte appeared dressed in a black suit, the sleeves rolled up to her elbows and a katana strapped to her back. Her dark hair had been gelled back, the strands behind her ears. She looked so much older.

  Older, dangerous and lethal.

  'I don't want my make-up done,' Charlotte announced.

  'Don't be ridiculous.' Camille grabbed the cyborg and shoved her towards the chair Scarlet had been occupying mere seconds ago. 'This is a wedding, Charlotte. Not a freeeeeaking battlefield. Make-up is required for such an occasion.'

  Charlotte grumbled something under her breath, but closed her eyes, allowing Camille to patiently apply powders and eyeliner, eyeshadows and blusher. Terra pulled her clothes off and put the dress on, her attention on Charlotte and Camille the whole time. It was only when she heard Scarlet gasp that she stopped staring at them and glanced down at herself.

  'Is there something wrong?' she asked.

  'You look gorgeous,' Scarlet said, smiling.

  Terra turned her attention towards the glass window where she could see herself reflected and was shocked at what she saw. She hadn't worn a dress in a very long time, and nothing as close to this. It was an off-shoulder with a lace bodice and a tight waist that allowed the skirt to fall in silky waves around her. She'd lost quite a bit of weight so it was still a bit loose around her stomach, but she didn't care. It was beyond beautiful.

  Terra wondered whether Kalem would look at her the way Eric was going to look at Scarlet.

  Frowning, she cursed at herself. Why would she think such a thing?

  'What will you be wearing, Camille?' Terra asked, trying to wipe Kalem's face away from her mind.

  'A lovely green dress I've been reserving for a day like this,' the cyborg replied, her attention on Charlotte's now smokey eyes. 'Malcolm wanted me to wear a suit so we could match, but I told him I never get to wear a dress, so I'm not going to waste a day like this to show off my beauty.'

  'You're always beautiful,' Scarlet told her.

  'I know that,' Camille replied and then smiled, showing teeth. It was the first time Terra had seen the cyborg do such a thing and it was definitely a wonderful sight. 'Okay, done.' She patted Charlotte's shoulder and the younger cyborg huffed, quickly standing up from the chair. 'You look outstanding,' Camille added.

  'I'll have to trust you on that,' Charlotte replied, then turned and left.

  Camille rolled her eyes. 'Okay, come on. Terra, sit.' She pointed at the chair and Terra quickly hurried forward, not wanting to ruin Camille's fun. 'Do you have a preference?'

  'Pardon?'

  'Make-up preference. Is there something you'd like? To be honest, I suck at this. But Miss Wonder over there has never even picked up an eyeliner and the rest of the cyborgs in this house are as equally useless. We really need a make-up artist to move in.'

  'To be honest, I've never been interested in make-up,' Terra answered. 'My friend Sasha loved doing my make-up. She was really good at all of that stuff.' Pain slashed through her chest at the memories of her friend and she glanced down at her hands, unable to look at anyone.

  'I'll just go freelance,' Camille said after a while.

  The three girls remained quiet as Camille worked, her tongue sticking out in concentration. Terra kept sneaking glances at Scarlet trying to capture every single thing she could about the Prototype. She could picture the first time she had met Scarlet sitting in the armchair by the chimney, a lost look on her face. She seemed so different now. It felt as though someone had broken the chains holding her together and now Scarlet was back to her usual self. Or that's what Terra wanted to imagine, as she'd only ever known Scarlet as a quiet girl, sometimes scary and very dangerous.

  The door to the bedroom opened and Morgana appeared with the twins. It was beyond bizarre seeing the twins all dressed up and Terra couldn't help but stare at them. They both wore dark green matching suits and pretty brown leather shoes.

  'Oh, you guys look so cute!' Camille said as the twins rushed to Scarlet's side. They did look cute in a very strange and creepy way. Someone had brushed through Ten's hair allowing it to fall in gorgeous waves down her shoulders. Terra wondered who had been the brave soul to try and attempt -and succeed- at such a dangerous task. Ten hated people pampering her, especially when it came to touching her hair. But for the first time, she didn't look like a wild creature from the forest.

  Rife had his thumb in his mouth, his big round eyes lost as he stared at nothing. Terra wondered why the little boy never spoke, but decided it wasn't the right moment to ask such questions.

  It wasn't long before Terra noticed that Ten had her bunny in her arms, and she'd placed a dark green ribbon around its neck to match their suits.

  'Eric said it was okay,' Ten said, noticing Terra's questioning look.

  'Make sure it doesn't get trampled on,' said Camille, returning to her task of painting Terra's face. Within a few minutes she had finished and Terra could feel the thick layers of make-up applied to her face. Someone handed her a small mirror so Terra could admire the work done to her.

  'I know it might be a lot,' Camille said, shrugging. 'But I don't get to indulge very often.'

  'No, it looks great,' Terra said, smiling.

  Morgana sat on the bed over the different clothes, crossing her arms against her chest. 'Are you done, ladies? We're going to be late.' Terra couldn't help but gape at the Prototype. She wore a long light blue dress that seemed to be made of water itself. Each time she moved it flowed with her movements. Alongside Scarlet, they really did look like angels.

  'Okay, let's go,' Camille said. 'We'll meet the boys there.'

  'Camille, you're not even dressed,' Morgana replied.

  Camille pulled her clothes off in a matter of seconds, grabbed a green dress that was hanging behind the door and let it drop over her head. 'See? Done.'

  'How are we getting there?' Terra asked as no one seemed to move towards the door.

  'Everyone else will just walk to the UnderMarket,' Scarlet explained. 'But we don't want to ruin our beautiful dresses.' She extended her arm, which Morgana took. Camille grabbed the twins and very slowly, their black veined arms began to dissolve into a black mist that swirled and contracted like a heartbeat.

  Terra couldn't help but smile as her own hand began to vanish, consuming the rest of her body until nothing was left.

  Chapter twenty-nine

  The UnderMarket hadn't changed since the last time Terra had stepped foot in it. Stalls upon stalls aligned the different corridors, and in the main area awnings and tents took up most of the space, all different colours and sizes. Some tents had colourful lamps hanging from within, creating a warmth that had always made Terra feel more at home than her own house.

  The thought of her now abandoned home, her grandmother no longer there and her father Nation's knew where made her chest tighten. But she wouldn't think about it. Today was a day of celebration and not of grief. She would find her father as soon as they put an end to Petra. Searching for him before would only put him in danger and she wasn't willing to risk any more loved ones.

  All the vendors had chipped in to transform the UnderMarket into a space where a wedding could be celebrated. Those that sold food had brought out huge platters covered in grapes, olives, different cheeses and meats. Terra's mouth watered at the sight of the orange baked potatoes with spices on top, one of her favourite meals. Others had brought out chairs and stools for everyone to sit on.

  In the middle of the UnderMarket a huge space had been cleared out to allow everyone to dance and Terra could spot a
few cyborgs with musical instruments getting ready to start playing music. It wasn't long before she spotted Hooky carrying trays full of drinks, which he was handing out. She lifted her arm up in salute, but clearly the cyborg didn't recognise her in the long dress and a face full of make-up.

  'Are you nervous?' Camille asked, twisting around to brush through Scarlet's hair one last time.

  'Not really.'

  'Are you ready?'

  'Most definitely.'

  Camille and Scarlet smiled at each other. It was the type of smile Terra had shared with Sasha hundreds of times. Tears welled up behind her eyelids at the thought that such a thing would never happen again. Sasha would never get married and Terra would never share another moment with her best friend.

  'Okay, here we go!' Camille said, her smile never diminishing.

  Towards the end of the UnderMarket a huge tent stood with its flaps open, revealing the boys inside. They'd all dressed up for the occasion. Some she knew by name, others just by passing them in the hallways of the house. But upon further inspection, she realised there were so many more cyborgs hanging around the white enormous tent. Clearly they didn't live in the old home, but had come along to celebrate the wedding.

  Terra noticed someone standing close to Eric within the tent and she almost lost her footing at the sight of the cyborg with half a robotic face and old baggy jeans and no shoes. He looked completely out of place compared to everyone else who had dressed up.

  Zacchary.

  The cyborg that lived in No Man's Land.

  She wondered if he had come all that way just to celebrate the wedding, and then wondered how he would've found out in such a short period of time. Maybe he was already in the capital?

  Music began to play, a violin taking over all other sounds. It was so beautiful that Terra felt tempted to stay behind and sit down just to listen to such a beautiful melody, but she marched along behind Scarlet and the others.

  As soon as they came into view, Eric turned and froze. He'd been laughing at something Malcolm was saying, but it was abruptly cut off as soon as he noticed his future wife. His eyes widened before a teasing smile appeared. He looked so in love it made Terra a little envious. She wondered if there would ever be someone that would look at her the way Eric was looking at Scarlet, as if she were the only other person in the world.

  Eric didn't even wait for Scarlet to make her way into the tent before he was rushing towards her, his hands cupping her face and his lips meeting hers. Morgana rolled her eyes, but Terra noticed the hidden smile on the Prototype's face.

  Camille took the twins with her to Malcolm's side and Morgana quickly hurried to stand next to her brothers and sisters, who were all elegantly dressed.

  Terra halted for a moment, wondering where she should stand.

  Her eyes met silver, and the world stopped.

  Kalem stood to one side, dressed in a black suit as dark as his hair. No tie. A white shirt beneath slightly opened revealed pale skin and strong muscle.

  He was staring at her, his mouth parted open.

  Terra realised she had stopped walking and was standing awkwardly in front of the open tent, staring like an idiot at the beautiful Asian cyborg that looked more like a perfect drawing than a real person. Such beauty had to be illegal.

  Quickly hurrying forward, Terra made her way to his side, her face flashing red as he continued to look at her as if he'd never seen her before.

  'Stop it,' she muttered, slamming her elbow into his side.

  Kalem let out a grunt.

  'You're staring,' she hissed.

  'You too,' he growled back.

  Terra faced forward, trying to ignore the need to look up at the cyborg standing so close to her. She focused on Eric and Scarlet, holding hands. A cyborg approached and they began exchanging vows, rings and then they were kissing. It all passed in a flash, and before Terra could react, everyone was rushing to their side to hug and kiss the newly wed couple.

  The music switched to something more upbeat. Everyone hurried to the open space to dance. Camille and Malcolm waltzed around with the twins, making them giggle hysterically. Ten had handed the bunny over to Persephone, who was stroking its fur as she watched the scene play out, Vladimir by her side.

  Scarlet and Eric were dancing close together, Eric's hand teasingly sliding down her bare back, making Scarlet slap him against the arm.

  Curtis was talking to a few cyborgs Terra didn't know. He wasn't wearing a suit, instead he had shrouded his body in dark clothes along with a long leather black jacket that almost reached the floor.

  'Would you like to dance?' Kalem asked. It came out as a growl, low and threatening. Terra frowned at his robotic hand which was extended towards her. Clearing his throat, he added, 'Please?'

  Terra couldn't help but smile as she nodded, placing her human hand into his. They made their way among the dancers. Terra cursed as soon as the music changed into something slow. Kalem's hands were suddenly on her waist making them both stiffen. The awkwardness slowly dissipated when Terra positioned her own hands around his neck and they began moving to the rhythm of the music. Her cheeks grew hot as she tried looking anywhere but him.

  Scarlet had her head on Eric's chest, both of them dancing and swaying at their own rhythm, completely ignoring the music. Malcolm had Ten on his feet and he was moving in circles, making her laugh hysterically. Camille had lifted Rife in her arms for a slow dance, even though Rife just looked lost and bored with those big eyes that stared at nothing at all.

  'You look better,' Kalem said suddenly.

  'What?'

  'I mean... You looked good before...' His face scrunched in annoyance. 'What I'm saying is... You look better, your wounds look better...' He shut up and huffed, his nostrils flaring as his forehead furrowed in frustration.

  Terra couldn't help but chuckle. 'I get what you're saying, Kalem. Thanks.'

  He nodded.

  They continued dancing. The music grew more intense, taking over all other sounds. Terra glanced up at the cyborg in front of her, wondering how different things could've been if she could remember him.

  A crazy idea popped into her mind but she immediately shook her head, her face blushing at having such ideas. Kalem noticed because their paced slowed down. 'What's wrong?'

  'I...' Terra was unsure of what to say. 'I want to remember you.' For the very first time, she realised how true this was. She hadn't really cared before because she had had more important things to deal with, and when you couldn't remember someone, you didn't really miss them. But now... What exactly was she missing out on? It was infuriating. 'I want to remember you,' she repeated with more determination in her voice. 'I don't want Petra to win. It isn't fair.' She grabbed Kalem's arm and dragged him away from the dance floor towards a quiet little corner far away from prying eyes. 'I don't just want to remember you so Petra doesn't win,' she added, shaking her hands. 'I just want to remember because...'

  Kalem's face showed no emotion, he just stood there, staring.

  'I have an idea but it's crazy and...' She blew out air, feeling stupid.

  'What is it?' he asked.

  Rubbing her bare arm, she muttered, 'What if you kiss me?'

  Kalem's silver eyes widened.

  'Only if you want to!' Her face, which was already pretty warm and red, had turned even more so. 'I know it isn't fair of me to ask this but...'

  'I can't.'

  His response brought her body to suddenly turn cold, and she stepped back, as if he'd slapped her. She knew there was a possibility he would refuse, but it still hurt.

  'Oh, okay.'

  'I want to.' His voice broke slightly. 'But if I kiss you and you don't remember me...'

  Terra's eyes widened at the implication. She felt suddenly ashamed for asking such a thing. She hadn't thought of what it would be like for Kalem if they did something like that. Cursing, she hugged herself, feeling so silly and selfish. All she did was think a
bout her own feelings, never caring or worrying about his.

  'Oh, Kalem...' She bit her lip. 'I'm so sorry. I'm such an idiot.'

  He laughed, which made her glance up, surprised.

  'Terra Underwood apologising?'

  Placing her hands on her hips, she grunted, 'What's that supposed to mean?'

  'You never apologise.'

  'Oh, of course I do!'

  'No.'

  'Yes, all the time! Well, not all the time. When I'm wrong.'

  He started laughing again and she gasped at the sight of such a simple gesture. Her fingers itched to draw him just like that, so she could frame it forever.

  'You're so annoying,' she spat, crossing her arms against her chest, turning from him so she could stop staring at his beauty.

  'That sounds more accurate.'

  Turning, she pointed her finger in his face. 'And what is that supposed to mean?'

  'I missed the old you.'

  She was unsure of how to respond to that. She knew that after everything that had happened with Petra, she had changed. The old Terra who never feared telling people what she thought or punching someone in the face had vanished, and had been replaced by someone who was scared of everything that surrounded her. But perhaps that was something Terra had had to endure in order to grow. She felt her old self coming back to her slowly, but she would never entirely be that old Terra again. She was so much more now. She had always been scared of life, and before, dealing with it meant violence. Petra had destroyed that part of her, and had left her afraid of her own shadow. Now, now she was stronger.

  'I've missed me, too,' she replied, smiling.

  His face brightened and Terra felt happy and upset at the same time at seeing him smile at her like that. Happy for not having lost whatever it was they'd had, and upset for not being able to remember it.

  'Shall we get something to eat?' she asked, clearing her throat.