Page 11 of Baby For the Mosaic Med Chief

The crowd erupted in a frenzy of anticipation as he and Zartik stepped into the arena. The air crackled with electricity, heavy with tension and the scent of sweat and anxiety. His muscles coiled with determination as he kept his gaze locked on his opponent.

Zartik’s lips curled into a wicked smile as he circled Quillin, his movements fluid and calculated. “You aren’t a soldier. You’re soft, so prepare to meet your end, Med Chief. I will teach you the consequences of defying our customs.”

His jaw clenched as his focus sharpened. He sidestepped the first jab, his body a symphony of controlled power. “I don’t have your training, but I’m fighting for a love you could never understand.”

“Love.” Zartik spat derisively as he drew his blade.

Quillin drew his sword as well, steeling himself to face the far more seasoned warrior. Seconds later, the clash of metal against metal reverberated through the arena over and over again, and he felt each jolt even into his teeth as every strike echoed with a resounding impact. The crowd roared, swept up in the spectacle of the battle.

His heart pounded as he parried Zartik’s relentless attacks. The weight of his blade was unfamiliar, since he hadn’t trained with one in years, but he tried to regard it as an extension of his hand. It became a different kind of scalpel as he wielded it to first block and then attack. With every swing, he channeled his love and determination.

Sweat soon trickled down his brow as his breaths came in ragged gasps. The scent of blood hit him when he made a cut into Zartik’s side as they danced across the arena, their bodies a blur of swift strikes and calculated defenses.

Zartik’s snarl echoed through the arena as he lunged forward, his blade aimed at Quillin’s heart. His instincts kicked in as his body moved with uncanny agility. He twisted, narrowly evading the fatal blow, and swung his sword in response. It connected with Zartik’s shoulder, knocking him off balance.

“I won’t let you deny me a chance at happiness.” He surged forward, his attack fierce and unrelenting. It drove Zartik to his knees, and he saw the shock reflected in the soldier’s expression.

Zartik brought up his sword, successfully blocking Quillin’s next attempt. The clash of steel resonated as his muscles strained with each blow. His senses became hyper-focused. He blocked, parried, and counterattacked with precision, his movements a miraculous performance born of desperation and determination.

Zartik fell backward when Quillin swung at him again, landing on his ass. Sweat dripped down his face as fury and disbelief radiated from him. “This can’t be. I’m the rightful match and a warrior. I claimed her first.”

Quillin pressed forward, his voice filled with resolve. “Love can’t be claimed, Commander. It’s freely given, and she chose me.” With a savage surge or anger, he struck Zartik’s thigh, making him fall back farther. In that instant, the commander left his throat exposed.

He almost surrendered to the rage, but as he watched the sword sailing toward his opponent’s neck, the surge of bloodlust left him. He halted the blade against Zartik’s throat.

“Do it then.” The prideful commander bent back his neck, offering a better aim at his jugular.

It was all so pointless. He couldn’t see a good reason to take Zartik’s life just because tradition dictated he should if he was the winner. “No.” The arena fell into an eerie stillness as Quillin’s word hung in the air.

Zartik’s eyes widened, and he gritted his teeth. “You wish to further humiliate me, healer?”

“No.” His reply was softer this time. He exhaled slowly. “We can choose a different path, Zartik. We can set aside our grievances and both have a future. I offer you a chance to accept my mating with Briana and let go of revenge.”

Zartik’s chest heaved, his face a mixture of fury and conflicted emotions. The weight of his decision pressed upon him as he clearly contemplated the situation. He must be hearing the echoes of tradition warring with the possibility of a different future.

Slowly, the commander moved backward before getting to his knees. He was wary as he rose to his feet, and his voice, laced with bitterness and resignation, pierced the anticipatory silence from the spectators. “You leave me little choice.”

“I offer you my hand in peace.” He extended his hand toward his adversary.

Zartik’s gaze flickered between his outstretched hand and the faces of the crowd. He hesitated, the weight of his past grievances clearly bearing down on him, but as the minutes ticked by, a glimmer of acceptance shone in his eyes.

Finally, with a heavy sigh, he reached out, clasping Quillin’s hand in a tentative grip. The crowd erupted in a mixture of relief and applause as the tension in the arena gave way.

Grand Admiral Pate stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the scene before him. The crowd fell silent, their attention now focused on the supreme commander.

“After carefully considering the circumstances surrounding the Mating Flare between Quillin and Briana, I’ve reached a decision. Quillin, while I must emphasize your actions in taking Briana without proper permissions are not acceptable, I also recognize the Mating Flare is a force beyond your control, with no established protocols to address such matters.”

Quillin nodded, acknowledging his transgressions but also the uniqueness of their situation.

Pate’s gaze then shifted to Briana, his expression softening. “Briana, you’ve undergone unforeseen circumstances and have chosen to stand by Quillin’s side. Your conviction speaks volumes.”

Briana nodded but didn’t speak.

“Therefore, in light of the absence of formal procedures to register a claim inspired by the Mating Flare, and considering the genuine connection and commitment I have witnessed from both of you, combined with Zartik’s generous decision to yield, I give my approval for your mating.”

A collective sigh of relief spread through the crowd, their murmurs of agreement mingling with the fading tension. It was as if they’d all forgotten they had come to witness bloodshed.

Quillin and Briana exchanged a grateful glance, their bond now validated and acknowledged by the highest authority within the Faction.

---