The door to a little dorm room slammed open.

A young girl with brown hair and bright golden eyes bolted upright, her crimson quilt falling off the side of the mattress. An older man panted by the door, clearly out of breath. Despite the hallway light making the older man look more of a shadow, the young girl recognized him immediately.

“Commander?”

“Eva, you're assigned to night shift duty. Get your ass up and move to the east border. Now!” The commander leaves the door open, marching off in a hurry. Eva could only stare out the door for a moment, jaw dropped. Not wanting to enrage her tense commander further, she quickly got out of bed, not bothering to tidy it.

She opened his closet, grabbed her uniform and wore it over her nightwear. She also grabbed a thick coat hanging on her coat rack and walked out her room, locking it before leaving. She saw the commander yelling at someone by the door. What the hell was going on? Without wasting any more time, she briskly walks out the shared building of soldiers with a lantern.

Her long boots sink into the deep snow the moment she leaves through the doors. Despite wearing her thick coat over layers of clothes, it was still cold enough to make her shiver. She let out an icy breath as she struggled to move through the snow.

“Eva?”

“Huh?”

A familiar voice calls out to her. Eva looks over her shoulder to see her best friend, Pella Valt. The ginger haired young woman rushed to her side with a smile. Her wide smile matched the energy of her hazel-colored eyes and Eva could see her expression better with the lantern. She couldn’t help but question how her friend always has so much energy 24/7.

“Did you get assigned too?”

“Yeah, at the East Border. You?”

“You won’t believe this, but…” Pella leans closer with a smug expression. It seems she wants to keep her assignment a secret since she whispers to Eva. “I’m assigned to guard The Basement.”

“...The Basement?”

“The basement.”

“...”

“I swear I am.”

“Go back to sleep.”

“Ha! You’re just jealous!” Pella laughed and pointed at Eva, who frowned. The brown-haired guard hits the side of Pella’s rib. The victim of the hit faked a gasp, feeling no pain from the attack that had no heat behind it.

“Shut up, we don’t have time to joke around.”

“Oh right!” Pella looked at one of the buildings. Their surroundings were full of different buildings made of bricks. There weren’t exactly proper paths made, so the buildings were all over the place. If one looked at their entire city from above, people would mistake it for a maze.

“See you in the morning then!” Pella says, pushing her body through the snow.

Eva just nodded at her in reply and went her own way. They had to get to their assigned stations, it wasn’t everyday their calm commander would act so panicky after all. Something must’ve happened and that something needed more guards.

Eva arrives at the East Border and there’s a tall wall separating the city from the outside world. There was a large metal gate in front of her, the metal gate had another smaller gate installed so it would be easier to go in and out without having to open or close the large heavy gate. The smaller gate was wide open and there was an elderly woman facing to the left of Eva.

There were two guards situated on the city-side of the gate. There was also a pair of doctors with heavy equipment. One of them was a cart full of tools and machinery. The syringe guns caught her attention out of everything else.

Eva approached them.

“What’s going on?”

“Transits and immigrants.” The guard answered and handed Eva a revolver. “Head to your post, soldier. You’re assigned outside the border.”

“Yes sir.” Eva steps through the small gate and enters a small building. On the left side of the inner building, there was a tall glass with a small gap. It was the inspector, checking the new arrivals. Eva knew him from training, his name is Elias. He sat calmly on a wooden chair, flipping through paperwork, signing said paperwork and stamping documents. Eva felt bad for him, as inspectors had to have a number of information and regulations memorized. Especially regarding Axelyas going in and out. One mistake could cost their life if they aren’t careful and let an unsavory individual through the border. 

Everyone had to be careful nowadays due to the pandemic.

Eva moves to another gate, similar to the one she passed through. For optimal safety, their city installed two gates. Eva moves out, finally stepping out of Ciltonria to see a line of people.

“You’re finally here.”

Eva looked at her side to see a taller soldier. It’s Benjamin Kline, another former classmate of Eva. Eva doesn’t know much of Benjamin, they had only ever greeted each other a few times when they were training. If they made conversation now, then it would be the first time they properly spoke to one another. However, it wasn’t possible as they had to look over the number of people entering their borders.

Eva observed the crowd and saw two people on the ground, bruised and beaten. Eva sent a look to Benjamin. Benjamin, the man with fairly long ginger hair tied to a ponytail shrugged at her. “They tried to force entry.”

“...”

This is going to be a long night. Eva thought.

“Excuse me! Please let us through!” A man yelled from further down the line. Eva could see Benjamin tense up from the corner of her eye. Eva had also prepared for the worst just in case and held her revolver tightly from behind.

“Please let my wife go first! She’s pregnant!

“...” Eva’s shoulders ease down at the reason. It seemed the rest of the crowd didn’t mind and let the man guide his wife to the front of the line. From appearance alone, she was heavy with a child and had several layers of clothing over her, she was shivering and her face was red.

“Let her through.” Benjamin said, opening the small gate for her. “Only her.”

“Thank you!” The man said, guiding her wife inside.

“N-No!” His wife struggled, refusing to enter which shocked Eva and Benjamin. “Come with me!”

“Dear, I’ll be right behind you. You need to get to a warm place.”

“Don’t lie to me!” She shouts as her husband slowly pushes her inside the building. Before her body could pass through the gate, she slammed her hands on the gate, gripping onto the metal tightly. “No!”

“Guards, please…” The man couldn’t say anything else as he desperately looked at Benjamin and Eva.

“Ma’am, please cooperate.” Benjamin tried.

“Why can’t he come with me!?” She asked. “Let him come with me!”

“Benjamin,” Eva calls, “Let him in. I’ll take the blame.”

“...” Before Benjamin could answer, the man shook his head at them profusely. He’s desperate to let his wife inside but he doesn’t seem desperate to enter Ciltonria for himself. Benjamin realized why when he finally noticed the large bite mark on the man’s forearm. It was an ugly, sickening sight. To see the man’s bone and protruding flesh, as well blood continuously dripping.

“She’s clean, I swear.”

“...”

“...”

“Eva, guide his wife inside.”

“No!” She continued to struggle.

“What’s wrong-” Then Eva finally noticed the blood on the snow from the limited light they had. The clouds had blanketed the moon and their only light source was a single torch above the gate. After seeing the red and black blood, Eva quickly went to the woman’s side and had no choice but to force her inside.

“You can’t do this! You have a doctor don’t you!? Help him!”

Once the woman was inside, Eva quickly shut the gate.

“She has the documents with her. She’ll be fine.” It seemed that the infected man and Benjamin engaged in conversation. Now that everybody was aware that the man was infected, they grew wary of him and backed away. However, Benjamin doesn’t seem fazed. It was probably because this isn’t the first time he’d seen an infected person.

It has almost been four months since they’ve finished training. Benjamin had been assigned to the East Border for a little over three months now, so it was no surprise to see that he has some experience. Whilst Eva was assigned inside Ciltonria, guarding the mayor’s office for twelve-hours a day in the daylight.

Eva tries to keep her cool and stops herself from throwing up at the sight of the infected’s bitten forearm. Some parts of his flesh and skin were even dangling, somehow still swaying from the little, thin skin left that acted as a string.

“Anything left?” Benjamin asks.

“There’s a group of mutations to the far east. I got bitten there.”

“How many?”

“Around twenty.”

Benjamin curses quietly at the news, but thanks the man for the information. “Thank you.”

There’s a pack of mutilated monsters out there. Eva just hopes it doesn’t set its sights on their city or any other populated area. Without any more questions left to ask or words to share, Benjamin pulled out his own revolver and fired. The bullet is shot through the man’s head, leaving a gaping, bloody hole as the man collapses.

Everyone either screamed or jumped away in evident fear. Benjamin had no choice, it was their rule.

Shoot down any infected in sight without delay as much as possible.

Then they heard a buzz from inside. It was time for the next person to enter.

And before they knew it, dawn had blessed the border guards. There weren’t any people left lining up, almost everyone had managed to pass through. The ones who didn’t were lying lifelessly on the ground.

“...” Eva stared at the bodies quickly, the pit in her stomach growing. Despite her body screaming for sustenance, she wasn’t in the mood for eating at all. Eva doesn’t know how Benjamin is able to handle this every night.

“Thirteen…fourteen…fifteen…sixteen.” Benjamin finished counting and yawned.

“...”

“What’s wrong?”

“Well…”

“Oh right, it’s your first time on border duty.” Benjamin said nonchalantly. “You’ll get used to it.”

“Huh? I’m assigned here? Like officially assigned?” Eva thought that it was only for tonight due to the sudden large number of people seeking entry. It wasn’t usually this crowded after all. Benjamin nods at her question then proceeds to grab one of the undead’s legs, pulling them and dragging them to the side.

“Come on, these corpses aren’t going to line themselves up.”

“Right…” Eva helps Benjamin line them up. As they were arranging the corpses, Eva couldn’t help but become curious. She’s always had an interest in philosophy. It wasn’t exactly a subject they taught during training, but she picked up on it through the various books in the library. She wouldn’t call herself a philosopher and was just simply a curious person, one who wanted answers.

“What’s wrong?” Benjamin called her and she realized that she had been standing still, staring at one of the corpses. “You know them?”

“No, I’m just wondering if it’s immoral to eat them.”

“...” Benjamin’s jaw dropped as he blinked silently at Eva. “Y-You’re referring to the Axelya, right?”

“Hm? Of course, who else?”

“...Right, uh…” Benjamin coughed awkwardly. He did not expect Eva to suddenly pop a statement like that. Well, now that Benjamin thought about it, he doesn’t actually know much about Eva other than her being a former classmate. Benjamin gulped, now getting a vague idea on how their future shifts will go from now on.

“Axelyas do eat the corpses, huh?”

“Yeah.” Eva replies, “I’ve never seen feeding time, but what is it like? Do they…?”

Benjamin recalls the first time he has seen an Axelya eat a corpse. Literally right in front of him. Three Axelyas and their overseers came back from a mission and one of them immediately lunged at one of the corpses and devoured it. Benjamin remembers throwing up and cursing as to why he had to witness that, especially on his first week of being a border guard.

“Some eat, some don’t. I guess...some humanity is still left in them.”

“They’re half-human, so obviously there’s still some humanity.”

Benjamin shrugs, “Yeah, that makes sense. It just depends on the Axelya. The ones I’ve encountered usually don’t eat the corpses. One of them even said something about eating being useless. I don’t blame them though. Even if they starve to death, they can just keep coming back over and over again.”

“Right, seeds.”

“Yeah, seeds.”

“Are you scared of Axelyas?”

“Hm…” Benjamin finished up with the last corpse and crossed his arms, thinking hard about her question. There was no doubt that he was afraid of them. What if they suddenly decided to turn on humanity? But there was more than that…”I guess? But also not…? I don't really know how to answer your question.”

“Then, if an Axelya were to show up right now without their overseer, how would you react?”

“Uhh…Yeah, that’s scary.” Benjamin nods sagely, closing his eyes.

“Oh, then please don’t scream.”

“What-?” Benjamin opened his eyes and turned around, only to gasp and take a step back. Eva stood still, she hadn’t moved from her last spot and had a calm expression. She didn’t seem fazed at the tall man drenched in blood in front of them. Benjamin pulled out his revolver, pointing at the bloody man.

He was wearing the same uniform as them, but had a metal collar around his neck. He had dark hair, but a part of his hair had a streak of white. Eva has seen Axelyas before, but not up this close. His eyes were strange, but not in a bad way. When Eva saw those eyes, the first thing that came to mind was blood, dark and cold. His sclera was also black, making that bloody red more distinct.

Benjamin requests calmly, “State your number, Axelya.”

The Axelya’s lips part, a snowy air escaping. “Seed #0023.”

"Overseer?"

"Karla Flynn."

“Where is your overseer?”

“Deceased. The cause of death was being mauled by a pack of mutilations. I have failed to protect my overseer…As for the mutations, I have dealt with them myself and eliminated any chances of revival.”

“...” Benjamin clicked his tongue in annoyance. It was kind of hard to believe his story. Suddenly, Seed #0023 reached for his pocket, which made Benjamin more alert. The Axelya pulled out a round object, one that had vines coiling around it. It was glowing bright green, pulsing. The Axelya adjusts the fist-sized object on his palm, then extended his arm out.

“I have no intention of quarreling. This was simply an unfortunate incident where I was incompetent as a soldier.” The Axelya says calmly, “I will accept any punishment if need be.”

“...Eva, take the seed. And you, don’t try anything funny.”

So that’s a seed. Eva walked closer to the Axelya and took the seed off his hand, inspecting it without hiding how in awe she was. This was an Axelya’s lifeline, the Axelya literally just gave his heart to them without hesitation. With this, Benjamin had finally calmed. 

“Sorry about that.” Benjamin apologized, lowering his gun.

“I do not blame you.” The Axelya replies.

It’s not like there was a major distrust between humans and Axelyas, they were just being careful. An Axelya having possession of their own seed can lead to many disastrous consequences. Fortunately for them, this was one cooperative and loyal to the humans.

“Hey.” Eva calls.

“Hm?” The Axelya’s expression remained blank as he turned to face Eva. She wasn’t as wary as Benjamin, and doesn't have a problem with getting close. The Axelya followed her gaze when it landed on the line of corpses.

“Is it immoral to eat the corpses as an Axelya?” She asked, “In my opinion, there is objectively nothing wrong, especially since it is a needed sustenance in order for an Axelya to function for more than 3 days. However, when it comes to ethics, what is your opinion on the matter?”

“...” The Axelya raised an eyebrow at her. 

“Eva…” Benjamin calls, sighing as he shakes his head.

“...Personally, I would not eat a human corpse.” The Axelya answers, “It’s repulsive.”

“What if you had to go on a mission for more than 3 days?” Eva follows up, “And it is necessary for you to be deployed during that long duration. If you do not eat, then you will die. Your overseer will be forced to revive you and that leads to you having possession of your seed. However, the overseer can also choose not to revive you and die in that situation simply because they could not trust you. Now that human is dead because you refuse to eat.”

“...What the fuck am I hearing?” Benjamin mutters. Why were they having some kind of debate or interview here!? And that Axelya is still dripping with blood and the fact that Eva is calmly questioning that Axelya. Benjamin wonders if he was the only sane one here.

“Since I am the subject in the situation, it does not matter if I die. I will still stand by my choice of not eating a corpse. Whether my overseer trusts me or not, I can guarantee that I will not betray them when they choose to revive me. To add, I humbly say that I am one of the trustworthy Axelyas produced by CORE enterprise, so it would be no problem.” The axelya answers with ease, still unfazed and holding the same blank face. “If it were any other axelya, then that is entirely a different story.”

“What if they do not choose to revive you?”

“Then I will not blame myself for their death.” He replies coldly, “It is my selfish decision to not eat human flesh. I can see how it becomes indirectly my fault as I’ve failed to protect my overseer due to my selfishness, but it is simply a case of distrust between axelya and the overseer, and that distrust leads to consequences. I personally would not blame the overseer as I understand their hesitance in revival, in fear that I would betray them.”

“Then-”

Benjamin waves his hands at them, stomping his foot on the snow. “Can you two stop and save your philosophy class or whatever some other time!? 23, you need to go now.”

“Yes sir. Apologies.” The Axelya bows his head politely at both Benjamin and Eva.

“Ah, yes.” Eva is pulled back to reality. It was time for this Axelya to be contained. Then he will have to wait for the day he will be deployed again. Eva transfers the seed to her left hand, and with her right, she brandishes her revolver. 

“May I do the honors, Benjamin? 23?”

“Oh, yeah, I don’t mind…” Benjamin says with a little hesitance in his tone.

“You may.” The Axelya had no problem whatsoever.

“Then, is there anything else you would like to say before you are contained?”

Benjamin immediately pops in, “Please keep it to a minimum of three sentences.”

“I’m not saying I’m right.” The Axelya says, "Each Axelya is different, they may not be as cooperative as me. So take my words with a grain of salt.”

“I know, the same goes for me. There is no right and wrong, no black and white. It was simply your perspective.” Eva says as she raises the gun, aiming at the Axelya’s forehead.

“...Thank you, I will admit that I enjoyed our discussion.” The Axelya thanked her, his voice raising slightly.

“As have I…Goodbye.” 

And so she pulled the trigger.

====