THE BEGINNING OF A NEW END: The story of Cyborg 009 and Cyborg 003

CHAPTER #13- HARMONY

[Some mature content]

"My child, your purity is tainted. Quintessence may destroy you, if the force within weakens," Dragon warned.

Françoise took a deep, steading breath. "Balance cannot return, until all YINs are reunited with your YANG counterparts. The world could be destroyed and I can't let that happen. I won't fail."

Dragon gathered it's energy and flooded her soul and mind with painful brilliance. It was like a nuclear explosion in condensed form, but Françoise did not falter. The challenge was placed on everything she was and everything she wasn't. In a split second she was reliving past, seeing present and reviewing future. Barely understanding that the nothing, was a complex matrix and balance within itself. Nirvana was not about rebirth and yet it was the truth about life and a necessity of growth. She was attacked at a level where peace could be obtained only by giving into the pain. Yet she preserved, not allowing fear, doubt and pain to drag her down in despair. Françoise kept her mind relaxed and then the hurtful things became peace itself.

The Dragon roared, "your purity has been proven and enlightenment achieved! Now absorb us and return to the present. Do not hesitate or we will destroy you."

Françoise had matured on this journey of self realization. "I welcome you into me and myself."

Her very atoms tried to pop out of existence, as the YINS hid within the confines of her mind. Mastery of Quintessence kept them balanced and she finally returned to herself and was out of the UNG's system. Searing pain seemed to split her apart, as the YINs energy took form beside the YANGs. Together the alien entities enforced restoration due to equivalent exchange.

Director Igarashi vocalized his surprise, "what the hell just happened?"

No one paid attention to him and Joe immediately asked Ivan, "is she okay?"

Françoise smiled, "I'm fine and all is accounted for.... Thank you YINs and YANGs."

The fighting stopped as quickly as it had begun. Suddenly they couldn't remember why they had been fighting or even what was the threat. Everyone, except for the cyborgs, were confused.

"Director, it's time we left. You know where to find us, if we're needed, but don't call on us for a while." Joe cautioned, as he helped Françoise stand.

"I get the feeling that more was going on than what we saw. Thank you for the assistance." Takeru Igarashi shook their hands and watched the cyborg team leave.

Once the cyborgs were on the Dolphin, they asked Françoise what had happened. She tried to put into words what she'd experienced, but only could provide a basic description.

Geronimo summed it all up. "She battled the unknown, learned from the YINs and found spiritual growth. You overcame yourself in the most purest way."

"Your description gives it a beautiful harmony, but I'm just glad it worked and balance has returned. When we get home, I need a hot bath."

Joe put his arm around her and she leaned into him, eyes closed. He put a finger to his lips, requesting everyone to be quiet. Joe nodded towards Geronimo, who also held a sleeping Ivan. The others winked understanding. They were all glad to be done with the fighting and going home. On arrival Joe carried Françoise into the house, to her room and onto the bed. A soft blanket was used to cover her. He wanted to lie down beside his love, but there were things that had to be done.

"I'll take care of the uniforms. Let Ivan sleep, we can get his off later."

"It's handy having multiple arms like an octopus, to carry everyone's bags off the Dolphin," GB laughed at his own pun.

"That looks weird, but it works." Jet grinned. "Where do you want me to put down the cord of firewood Chan?"

"That all goes beside the fireplace, but don't just drop it there, stack the wood please."

"Just drop it in my arms, I'll organize it Jet," Geronimo directed.

Françoise didn't sleep long and went to ask Chan if he needed help in the kitchen. When he declined her assistance, she went to look for Joe. "Am I interrupting?"

He looked up and smiled, "not at all. I thought you'd be sleeping as long as Ivan this time."

"Considering everything, I probably should be, but after that nap I feel energized."

Joe pulled her into his arms and kissed her softly. "It'll be a while before Chan serves food. Want to hike to the hot springs?"

"Sure, let me get us towels and my bikini."

"I'll pack a bottle of that wine we brought back and two glasses."

Albert walked by, "sounds romantic."

Françoise's cheeks got red, but she replied, "while we're gone tell the guys they can use the tub... I highly recommend they do."

He laughed, "battle makes us all a little stinky. I'll clean the residue out of my barrels too. See you two later."

Shouldering a pack each, Joe and Françoise left the house, making their way along a rough path through the forest, hand in hand. Their pace was leisurely.

"It's good to be home, as always... and alone with you."

What he didn't know, was that there was still YIN residual energy within her. It was almost overloading her senses, making everything heightened. Things around them seemed to sing and rejoice in their presence. Changing into their swim suits, both emerged from the hut and carefully made their way into the hot spring. The steam rose, giving the air a surreal look. The water soothed aching muscles and a sigh of satisfaction was the only sound for a few moments.

"You seem to have this glow emanating from you," Joe observed.

"The YIN aura some how bonded with my atoms, it's hard to explain, but I think that's what you see."

"It's pretty," he said simply. Moving through the water towards Françoise, Joe slid a finger down her nearest arm. A radiance followed it's trace, amazing them both. "What's that feel like?"

"Tiny explosions of pleasurable intensity, like a crackling firework," she answered huskily.

He leaned against the back of the smooth rock of the spring and brought her to straddle his legs. Cupping her face with both hands, Joe kissed Françoise's plump lips. Even though the action was gentle, there was a sexual charge that transmitted between them. Her hands landed on his chest, then fingers teased Joe's nipples. Tongues danced, themselves doing an intimate caress. His lips then moved to Françoise's neck, near her ear. She vocalized a small moan of pleasure. Her lips kissed his neck too, before returning to his mouth, licking and exploring. Joe slowly moved his hands down to her chest, pinching the peaks that poked up the fabric of the bikini. Satisfied with their rigidity, his hands travelled lower. He wanted to introduce her to a new kind of sensation, but if he didn't time it right, she might stop completely. Joe stared into her eyes, as one hand went under the bikini bottoms and came to rest on her special button. Pupils dilated, then as he rubbed it, her hips moved too. Françoise broke eye contact, as she threw back her head from the intense stimulation.

"Joe!" Françoise whispered.

"Do you want me to stop?"

"No, it feels so good."

It wasn't long before he got the reaction that was wanted and her voice chased away the birds, as Françoise called his name. Holding her spent body in his arms, they remained in that embrace until she recovered. She felt his answer push against her hand, as it came to a rest between them.

"You don't need to do anything to me, I'll relax if you get off my lap."

She looked at him, unsure. "Why?"

"Because if you start me up now, I won't take the time you need. Let's just soak in the spring a little longer and then go back. You're so beautiful and thank you for trusting me to bring you to release."

"I love you Joe."

"I love you more Françoise."