The Ancient Genes

"Ok, let's stop here for now and take some rest," Max spoke while observing that all the girls were tired.

They have been walking there for two hours. The drainage system there was very complex with a lot of twists and turns.

The dim light in the drains had also started to fade. It was turning dark outside. And traveling in a dark place with so many people was not a good idea.

There were chances of them getting lost and they couldn't afford that in their situation.

And Axle's situation was not looking good. He needed to have rest too.

So, Max decided to take a break.

At his order, all the girls sat on the pavements which ran on the two sides with the drain in the middle.

It looked like they were close to the shopping district since drains there were properly maintained and well developed.

"Big Brother Hero, tell me a story." Hearing the voice, Max turned his head towards the side to find Mia sitting on a tall girl's lap.

'What do I say to her?'

'I didn't have any story for her.'

As a child, Max couldn't even remember having a bedtime story. He was already happy if his parents could make it back home and accompany him.

Well, he had heard some stories from his teachers and friends. But he doubted that a kid could understand them as they were not some fairy tales.

As if understanding his silence, the tall girl whose lap was made into a chair spoke, "Mia, don't trouble your hero. I will tell you a story."

"But I want to hear it from him.." Mia replied as her small brows ceased.

"Don't trouble him, Mia. Look at your brother hero. He's covered in injuries. He needs to rest too."

Max could see the little girl look at him before she reluctantly gave in.

He could only smile at her. He couldn't believe that an 8-year-old could be so understanding.

….

Max finally walked towards Axle and fell on his butts beside him.

"How is it?" He asked in concern.

"Well, it's better now." Axle replied with a smile.

"Well your face doesn't say so." Even in the dim light, he could see the layout of his face. His cheeks were pulled above as he was in intense pain, yet he continued to stretch his mouth wide to form a smile.

"Fine, it hurts like hell.", he whispered.

Well, They didn't have any medicine and without painkillers, it was already great for him to not scream.

"You would have to wait until we get out of here. Only then can you be treated."

Hearing the sweet feminine voice, they both turned their heads to see Lisa sitting on her knees beside them.

Now, that was rare.

Why was she initiating a conversation?

What was her aim?

These were Max's thoughts. He wasn't being rude or something. It was just that it was the impression that this girl had created in his mind.

"Who are you two?" She spoke.

Well, that came fast.

"Mercenaries. I am Shura and he is... um... Fenrir ", Max said.

He couldn't help but came up with something random which was something similar to shura.

And 'Fenrir' was the only thing which came into his mind at that time.

Suddenly, Max felt a slight pain on his sides. Looking below, he saw Axle nailing his elbow in his ribs.

"Why are you making me an animal? I want a cooler name too.", Axle whispered with reluctance to accept the name.

"Isn't a dog, man's best friend? You are my best friend too. So don't take it in the wrong way.", Max too whispered.

"Shut up! Do you take me for a fool? Fenrir was a Wolf."

Max couldn't find any words to retort him.

As he was having trouble answering back Axle, Lisa spoke with a smile,"So, you two are Mercenaries, Max and Axle.."

And Max froze and his body trembled

'How did she know our names?'

But at that moment, Axle whispered as if he felt his tremble, "What are you being shocked for? Haven't we been calling each other by our names?"

F*ck!

Max really wanted to facepalm himself.

"But, that's not important. I know you two have been here for that girl and rescued us while you were at it. But how did you know my name? I don't remember telling you my name." She spoke as her eyes stared at them for answers.

Hearing her, Max went into flashback.

…

…

'Damn, I remember calling her name out.'

Even though what she told was partially true. But Max wasn't in the mood to clear her doubts.

"And why do you two feel familiar, especially you." She said while pointing towards Axle.

"Who are you?"