Neo was an omega. And as an omega, he had the biological capability to be impregnated and give birth to a child.
Something that would sound completely insane to the humans of a century ago was now a norm.
The mutation that humans on Mars were exposed to was what brought about this development and called for a reformed sub-gender structure—
Alpha. Beta. Omega.
Alphas stood at the top of the power triangle with stronger bodies, sharper instincts, and powerful pheromones that could bend others to their will.
Betas could be said to be humans whom the radiation didn't affect heavily as they were not challenged by the power dynamic.
But omegas evolved for the sole purpose of yielding.
Until people like Neo proved them wrong.
Omegas who could be hunters with aggressive abilities. Omegas who didn't fit into stereotypes; that was what Neo was. He never had to worry about being mocked or looked down on because he was an omega.
He was stronger than any alpha hunter and could resist their pheromones. No alpha had ever made him submit by pheromone suppression.
At least that was what he used to think.
Neo didn't know whether to be impressed or angry.
The memory of that pressure lingered in his lungs. The way his body had responded before his mind could fight back.
It was completely unacceptable.
"I would have liked it if you apologised to Alex, but I'm certain you'll cause another ruckus and he's currently recuperating." Armin said to Neo, acting as if he didn't almost suffocate Neo to death just now.
"Even if Senior doesn't cause a ruckus, I will," Bryce piped up, then looked into Neo's eyes seriously and said, "I'll kill him for you."
Neo didn't doubt Bryce's words. The expression on his face was really intense. If Neo were to give the order to kill Alex right now, Bryce would actually do it. The resolve to obey was too clear.
The blind devotion.
The hand that was resting on his shoulder suddenly brought down chills to Neo's back. He gently lifted the relaxed arm and placed it down.
"No need for that." He said to Bryce.
Almost immediately, Bryce's gaze became soft and light. He smiled carefreely and said, "Okay!"
Armin observed the interaction between the two of them with slight curiosity, but he quickly put it behind him and said, "Since your bail is settled, we should go somewhere else to talk about more important things."
Neo wondered what the more important things were. Because to him, beating up Alex was the most urgent matter.
"Your association should see to it that Alex faces the consequences of his actions." Neo said.
"My association?" Armin looked at Neo with ridicule.
Neo didn't understand what was funny.
"Is he not going to take responsibility for his actions?" Neo pressed on.
"For that, you'll have to give a full statement of why Alex should be tried and go through a lot of procedures. You won't be doing any of that soon until you get better." Armin replied.
Neo was about to ask why, but Bryce spoke up first, sticking to him again. "We'll talk more when we get home. I don't really like this place."
"It's filled with dangerous criminals." Bryce whispered like he was afraid, grabbing onto Neo's arm for protection.
Neo felt that Bryce was more dangerous than any of the criminals he had dealt with in the past.
But he didn't say it out loud, deciding to keep his thoughts to himself.
Bryce suggested they go back home and that Armin should ride alone so he wouldn't spoil the mood in his car. That was how the three people assembled in a particular cozy white house.
Armin looked very out of place in the small house, his height and broad muscles made him look like a giant in a shoebox.
He didn't seem to mind as he knew his way around the house. Armin sat on a single-sitter and crossed his legs.
Neo didn't feel like sitting, so he stood by a corner while Bryce stood close, resting by a table just so he could be next to Neo.
"I read your hospital reports and would like to talk about our sync bond." Armin cut straight to the chase.
Neo was already getting used to the fact that Armin was a very straightforward and strict person.
"What about it?" Neo responded.
To be honest, he still couldn't wrap his head around having 'sync partners'. He had never really imagined meeting someone whom his brain wavelengths matched with.
Someone whom he was 'destined' to be with. Now, he suddenly had more than one person, it was kinda hard to accept.
"The doctor spoke about your abilities and why they're dormant," Armin started speaking.
Meanwhile Bryce scooted closer to Neo and rested his head on his shoulder like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Neo stiffened.
He didn't push Bryce away though, but he didn't relax either, letting the kid do as he pleased for the moment.
"We need to sync as quickly as possible in order to—"
"No!" Neo quickly refused.
"..."
Both Bryce and Armin were surprised by Neo's sudden rejection.
Armin looked at him with a raised brow and said, "Why shouldn't we?"
"I don't want to. So, no." Neo pulled his hand from Bryce's grasp and stepped away, putting up a distance.
"You're being unreasonable," Armin pointed out. "It's not like you."
"What do you know about me??" Neo spat coldly.
"It's the only way to bring back your abilities," Armin stood up from his chair and took a step in Neo's direction. "And increase mine." He added.
Neo could see that what Armin really wanted was the power he would gain from completely syncing with him.
Armin took steps closer to Neo, speaking with a deep voice. "What's the point of being sync partners if we don't sync?"
Neo looked at Armin with a threatening gaze.
"Don't come any closer," Neo warned the man as he got within a foot of him.
Armin didn't pay attention to the warning. "Stop being unreasonable."
Neo knew what Armin would do if he closed the distance between the two of them so he took up a fighting stance.
He would not bend again.
"I'll kill you if you try it."