The story so far:

----Aija, Zuri, and Ze are three friends, who were working at the Pristine School at Innermost. Aija gets involved with the Ytai first, leading Zuri and Ze to them as well. Zuri falls in love with Nala (Lalana), who is Ytai, and works with Thieron. Aija and Ze are captured by Thieron, of H'eon, when they were at the Hospital - Aija was at the Hospital with Kuna of R'ies and Zuri to stop a Harvest; Ze was there to visit his sick student Xan. Thieron has bound Aija to himself, and Nala has bound Ze to herself. Luka works for Thieron(Ah'n), along with Lalana (Nala). 

----Aija and Ze go along with the three Ytai. It's a Harvest, but Thieron doesn't inform them since Aija would hinder them. When Nala and Luka go away, Thieron shows them the sea -which has swallowed the land. A sea-savage pulls Aija into the sea when she is standing too close to the water on the walkway.

----Aija faints after Thieron saves her from the sea-savages, just as she remembers that a sea-savage bit her.

----Goldstar had received information that Aija and Ze are kidnapped. 

----Goldstar is uncomfortable with Vincent staying with him, in Pristine Four. Vincent has a way of making him feel weirded out concerning his feelings. 

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****28.1 - Goldstar****

His fingers twisted locks of golden hair. They were soft, glossy. 

He placed a kiss on her hand, inhaling the sweet smell of roses and held her tightly, feeling calm. 

It was the most at ease he had felt in days. 

"I love you," Goldstar whispered into Iyler's ears. Iyler giggled. 

"That tickled." Goldstar smiled. 

He enjoyed these secret stolen moments in empty corridors. Though, he preferred to declare to the world that this person, made of fragments of sunshine and the sky, was his. 

A loud thump made them jump; Iyler pushed Goldstar away from her. A cleaner bot skrish skrished its way around the corner; it had bumped into the wall. It was an old one, after all. They laughed at their reactions; at the suddenness of it. 

Iyler seemed to be at ease, too; all their arguments sorted out without much effort. Goldstar didn't ask her about telling everyone they were dating again. He decided to give her more time. 

They walked back into the Tech Room. It was nearly empty. John was seated somewhere at the back of the room; Goldstar joined him. Iyler gave a bright smile to John and left. 

"Any news?" Goldstar asked John. 

John was in his mid-thirties and had been working for the Gale for over ten years now. John had been in Pristine Four for the collection of weaponry. He'd been back only a few weeks back. John Anderson had once been a part of the Army; he'd run then come upon the Gale and had joined it full time. 

The Gale was a terribly outnumbered organization compared to the R'ies, H'eon, and even the Leadership. But, they had managed to make a mark of their own. 

"No," John replied. "They haven't been spotted anywhere else after that day in the Open. But, it's not like we can rescue the girl." 

"Yes, the bond," Goldstar grumbled. 

Etrie Ay' tir had informed them that Aija Oshiro was bound to Thieron and what it meant. There was no way to get her back without removing the bond or killing Thieron. Goldstar preferred the latter. 

Ze Roan hadn't been seen anywhere, and Goldstar feared the worst. It was clear that both had been taken by Thieron. Maybe he hadn't found Ze useful. Then again, what did he see in the girl? Why had Thieron bound her to himself? 

Iyler had reported that the Secures were suspecting that Ze and Aija ran away together. They had no evidence, yet that's what they were thinking. If Goldstar tried to think about it like them, without the knowledge of Ytai, that's how it looked. But, they were clearly ignoring the fact that Aija Oshiro's Scroll was found in pieces as was Ze Roan's Scroll and hovercycle. They were significant pieces of information suggesting they were clearly in trouble. And, the Secures knew of Ytai and the Harvesting. They were clearly trying to hide that part. They couldn't reveal that to the Oshiros after all. 

"Let's find out more information on how to remove the bond," Goldstar told John. "And, how to get our hands on Thieron." 

"The Ker'zan. Thieron will definitely be there." John said, staring at the DigiScreen. 

Goldstar nodded. They hadn't been able to go through with their plan to attack the H'eon at the Ker'zan three years ago. Too few Gale members were present, and they hadn't much weaponry. Goldstar himself had been very new and was still under training back then. 

But, they'd spent the three years preparing themselves and recruiting more members who seemed capable of an attack into the Gale. They had managed to procure weapons from members in the Army. It had been a dangerously reckless operation. Just an inkling to the Leadership about the weapons and the Gale would have been set back another three years - perhaps longer. But, they'd managed it barely. 

"If Thieron's there, Aija Oshiro must be as well," Goldstar observed. 

John Anderson sighed, rubbing his forehead. "It's going to be difficult. We're still outnumbered." 

Goldstar nodded, agreeing with John. 

"Intelligence reports that there's talk in the Open of the Gale attack. We've lost the element of surprise." 

Goldstar leaned back on the chair, frustrated. "But, they still don't have an idea of our weaponry." he opined more so to himself. "They'll expect only guns on us." 

"Hope so." John's voice was void of hope, though. "How much longer are you here for?" 

"I leave tomorrow morning." 

"Can't you extend your stay?" 

Goldstar shook his head, disappointed. It had taken a lot of effort to get three days off. His father had to call the Director to request – demand; he knew – for the leave. The Director had called him and warned him about more leaves and finally agreed to grant him three days off. Goldstar had to spend time at home as well because his parents believed he was visiting them. Half his reason had been to visit them too. But half had also been to stay at Core and try to find the missing kids. 

It had also taken an abundance of effort to keep Vincent back there. He had insisted on traveling with Goldstar. He had narrowly escaped by leaving at mid-night when Vincent was asleep. Goldstar half-expected Vincent to follow him to Pristine One, but to his relief, the man hadn't come. 

"Why do you think he wants the girl?" John asked. 

"No idea," Goldstar replied, desperate for an answer. 

"Don't they have sufficient souls? They continue to Harvest more and more." 

"My guess is that they have two Àvo," Goldstar said, echoing Premiere Red. 

John looked at him, taken aback. "If your guess is right, we're in enormous trouble." 

Goldstar sighed.

"I heard you got attacked in the Open," John said. 

Goldstar nodded, remembering the Savage tearing the skin on his back. It made him shiver. The wound had healed, and as Arc had predicted, it had scared, terribly. 

"It's gotten worse. They're getting desperate for food. I hear they are attacking people in the Open, closer to the Cities. In Pristine Six, it has become a major problem. The Savages and Creatures are venturing deep into the City." 

"Ah. Damn the Leadership!" John cursed. 

The door to the Tech Room opened, and Iyler entered with two cups of coffee. Goldstar frowned. She placed one cup in front of John, who winked at her. She smiled at John as she sipped coffee from her cup. Goldstar didn't like coffee. But did she really have to go out of her way to get John one? But, that was Iyler; always, the sweet one. 

"I don't understand how you live without coffee." she looked at him. 

"I hate coffee. The smell makes me nauseous." Goldstar said, wrinkling his nose. "Keep that far from me." 

Iyler giggled, trying to place her cup of coffee under Goldstar's nose. 

"Iyler!" 

John cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "I need to attend to something else," he mumbled, standing. "I'll see you later. Goldstar. Iyler." he nodded once at each of them and left, the coffee cup nestled in the palms of his hands. 

"Is it just me?" Goldstar asked. "Or was John acting like he felt awkward?" 

Iyler was looking at the door through which John had just left. Goldstar looked at her. Were they that obvious with each other? 

"Iyler?" 

"Yes?" she said, snapping out of her thoughts. 

"What's wrong?" he asked, putting a wayward strand of blonde hair behind her ear. 

She shook her head, a lazy smile creeping onto her lips. "I do hope we find the two kids." 

"Yes," he whispered, thoughts elsewhere. 

"Gold." Iyler looked into his eyes. Blue eyes of the sky, into the brown of Earth. 

"Yes, Iyler." 

She hesitated, biting her lower lip. Goldstar waited patiently, not taking his eyes off hers. 

"What's your name?" 

He raised his brows. 

"Why this, now?" 

"Why? Because I want to know." 

"After all these years?" 

She nodded. "I knew you weren't comfortable revealing your identity. I searched for you on the Leadership database, honestly. Nothing came up – that's true for kids of high-profile families. I let it go then, but we've been together a while now. Couldn't you tell me now?" 

Goldstar sighed. "I'm sorry, Iyler. Not now." 

"Fine... The day you tell me who you are, I'll be ready to accept our relationship more openly." 

He searched her eyes. Where was all this coming from? "It's fair." he agreed. "Let's do that." 

Iyler smiled and planted a kiss on his cheek. She smelled like coffee. "I'll see you at dinner?" 

He nodded. "Enjoy the training." 

She smiled, looking relieved.

 Goldstar found it hard to concentrate after Iyler left. It wasn't like she hadn't talked to him about who he really was before. She had asked him twice before, but that had been three years ago. She hadn't since then. 

He didn't feel good about her new condition. Revealing who he really is, revealing himself as Veer wasn't something that would happen for a very long time. But, if it were something Iyler wanted, he would do it for her. It was fair enough that she wanted to know about him, although he wished all of Goldstar was enough for her. 

He would wait for her to feel comfortable about their situation. He would wait for her to feel comfortable about letting everyone know. She was sufficient for him; it didn't matter anymore who knew or who didn't. He had wanted to tell everyone because he was proud of her, proud of being with her. But if she didn't feel the same and needed more time – then he would give it to her. 

A relationship needed the comfort and consent of both the persons involved. 

Leigh entered the Tech Room, interrupting his thoughts. She looked around the room and spotted him. "Where's Tailyn?" she yawned, walking up to him to the end of the room. 

"I haven't seen him." Goldstar yawned too. 

Leigh huffed as she sat next to him and stretched. 

"Why are you so tired?" Goldstar smiled. 

"Trying to trace Ze Roan and Aija Oshiro." she yawned again, stretching. "I managed to get a photo of Aija Oshiro – a real photo, not those manipulated ones rich kids' fake-profiles contain. It was in the Secure's database under the high-security files. The Oshiros must have given it to the Secures for their search of the girl. But the problem is, I'm unable to detect her, or Ze in any of the Secure Cams or Drones." 

Goldstar looked at her; Leigh was young, about seventeen or eighteen, the same as Ze and Aija. Leigh had red hair, blue eyes and was petite. It was easy to underestimate her by how young and tiny she looked. But, if anyone could find people, it was her. And she was struggling to find the two missing kids. It worried him greatly. 

"I think we should concentrate on the Ker'zan," he told her. "They'll be there for sure. It's also our chance to get Thieron, or maybe even Ah'n and Alton Ivar." 

"Hmmm...." Leigh nodded. "By the way, I was looking at Aija Rao-Oshiro's photo and..." she trailed off her voice unsure. 

"What?" 

She looked at him for a second and said, "You know what? It's nothing. I'm just tired, and I keep searching for her in everything, everywhere I go." 

They sat in silence for a few minutes, and then Leigh spoke, "Vincent's where you are, right?" 

Just hearing his name made Goldstar alert. He nodded. 

"When Premier Red suggested he go where you are, he was super excited. You should have seen the joy in him." Leigh said. "I guess everyone wants to work with you. But, I claim first hold over you, Goldstar; I started working with you first, before anyone else." 

Goldstar felt the heat creeping into him. So far apart and speaking of Vincent was driving him mad. 

"You alright?" she asked. "You look uneasy. Vincent's annoying you, right?" she huffed angrily. "Premier Red should have sent him back to Pristine Seven." 

Goldstar rubbed his temple. He felt comfortable in not speaking about the tall, green-eyed man. 

"But," Leigh added, "I must admit that he's gorgeously handsome." 

Goldstar looked at her; her eyes held a dreamy look, probably imagining Vincent. He looked away and closed his eyes. Bad idea! Vincent's face popped into his mind. He instantly opened them. 

He'd rushed to Pristine One to escape Vincent for a few days. It wasn't working. 

****

Dinner felt lonely without Iyler. Her training session with the two new recruits had extended. He had waited for her for some time, but when Himari and Tailyn insisted he join them, he had to. He couldn't let them know he was waiting, especially for her. 

John joined them a few minutes into their dinner. He was friendly and fun, and the kids were laughing a while into their conversation with him. Goldstar was too full of worry, and his thoughts kept pulling him elsewhere. He hardly paid attention to what John was saying, but he could hear Himari, Leigh, and Tailyn laugh. 

Arah Lin, head of Weaponry and Gadgets, joined them. She had gone to Pristine Four with John, too. 

"What are they laughing about?" Arah Lin asked Goldstar. 

He shrugged. 

"Good evening, Lin." John acknowledged her presence. 

"Good evening, Anderson." she nodded. "Where's Iyler?" 

Goldstar opened his mouth to answer and instantly shut it. The question had been directed to John. Not him. He would have to control his impulses when it came to Iyler. 

"Must be in training." John smiled. "She often extends her training with the new ones." 

"Right." Arah Lin said, taking a bite of the hard-boiled egg in her tray. 

John went back to his conversation with the kids. Arah Lin and Goldstar discussed their plans on attacking the Ker'zan. 

****

Goldstar found Iyler in the Training Room, with the two new girls. They were resting. 

She smiled as her eyes fell on him. The two girls giggled and stared at him as they spoke to each other. He couldn't hear them as he stood near the entrance waiting for Iyler. She made her way to him but maintained her distance from him. 

"These girls have heard so much about Goldstar," Iyler said. "They're excited to see you from so close." 

He smiled, and he waved at the girls. They waved back at him, laughing excitedly. He turned to Iyler. 

"I'm going home." 

"Is it that late already?" she looked at the clock on the wall. 

"My parents will worry if I don't go now," he explained. "I came to stay with them; my dad called my study place to request permission. If I stay put, they'll worry." 

"At least I now know for sure that your family lives here at Innermost." she smiled winking. 

"I want to hold you so badly, right now," he confessed, his voice lowering. 

She looked back at the girls, who were staring at them both and whispering to each other. "Sorry." 

Sweat trickled down her neck to her chest. Her golden hair was tied in a bun; she looked tired. 

"When will I see you next?" he whispered, clenching his fists, trying to refrain from brushing away strands of golden hair from her face. 

Iyler worried her lower lip with her teeth. "You'll surely come when we plan to attack at the Ker'zan?" 

He nodded. "Definitely." 

"I'll see you then," she said, wiping the sweat off with a towel. 

He nodded, resisting the urge to plant a kiss on her head. He looked at her, trying to take in as much as possible to remember her eyes, her smile, until the next time they saw each other.

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