Time seemed to freeze.
Greg, the snake, the other captives, their intent... everything else disappeared from Gil's field of view. All that remained was that person.
From the silhouette, it was a young woman.
Gil stared at her, and she stared back.
An unaware third party could have misunderstood the scene, but for Gil, it was a very serious matter.
Why? As said earlier, people tend to fear the unknown. And though he had once been on the receiving end of this fear, it didn't stop Gil from being a bit wary, or at least curious, about that person.
Think about it this way: you are going to war tomorrow and have just the night to master, or at least get familiar with, your sole weapon. And that is without guidance.
Hard, right?
As if it weren't enough, the said weapon backlashes on you due to excessive use.
Worst still, the weapon seems to not work on someone without you knowing why.
Who could rest easy in this case?
At least, Gil couldn't. And let's not forget that even Hector could be seen.
So he stared and stared hard, trying to find what was different about her. But there was nothing. No intent appeared, nor anything like it. It was as if there was nothing to be seen. But that blankness was the most telling sign that something was amiss.
Everyone here was in a tense mood, Gil included.
And earlier, that person had seemed to be crying and being comforted by others.
But looking into those eyes, he couldn't help but wonder: Are those really the eyes of someone who needs comfort ?
Barely able to make out the shape of the woman in this darkness was already his limit, let alone anything else. But strangely, he could see her eyes clearly.
As time passed in that staring contest, neither Gil nor the woman spoke a word. They just stared into each other, without looking away or blinking.
Though unable to see any intent from her, Gil could still get a read on the emotions behind those eyes—at least a bit, even if that seemed difficult with her.
From her gaze, he could feel curiosity, scrutiny, and a playful, teasing feeling.
As if she had caught Gil doing something he shouldn't.
His breath hitched.
I got caught,
he thought.
Am I being too obvious with it, or is she particularly sharp?
It wasn't good news. Not at all.
If he could get caught that easily even in this darkness, then...
His face darkened at the thought, but pushing it aside, he stayed focused on her.
As if aware of his unease, the woman's eyes curved into crescents, smiling.
For no particular reason, that smile annoyed him.
Then, seemingly having seen enough—at least for now—she looked away.
Gil continued to look a while longer, his thoughts unknown.
Thinking for a bit, he got an idea. Interrupting Greg, who was continuing to talk, oblivious to what had just happened, he said,
"Hey, Greg."
"Yes?"
"You said earlier that you talked to others about forming a team, right?"
"Yes! Are you interested in joining us finally?" Greg perked up.
Ssssssss?
Even the snake straightened up, looking eagerly at Gil.
...Okay, now I almost feel bad.
Shaking his head, he said,
"I didn't say that, but I have something else to propose to you."
"Oh..." Greg mumbled, dejected.
Sssssssss. The snake too deflated visibly.
Trying his best to ignore the obviously disappointed young man and reptile, he continued, "But we can look after each other's backs if the need arises."
"Really?" Hearing that, Greg was once again cheerful.
Though disappointed at not being able to fully team up, the other party's willingness to help delighted him nonetheless.
Looking at the now-happy reptile around him, Gil shook his head and added,
"But I have conditions."
Cooling down a bit, Greg asked, a little wary, "What conditions?"
Sssssssss.
Mirroring his state, the snake coiled defensively around him and eyed Gil with suspicion.
Gil didn't mind their reactions.
Looking around, he finally settled his gaze back on Greg.
There are many uncertainties, and perhaps I will come to regret it, but...
Hardening his resolve, he spoke, his voice low but firm.
"I don't know much about you, but I am willing to take a gamble, and in this place... it could be deadly."
Pausing there, he continued, "My first condition is about information. I am not asking about your secrets, your past, or anything like that. What I am talking about is an exchange of information relevant to our survival. At least, information you are willing to share."
He stopped there, leaving the other man time to decide on this clause.
Greg pondered for a while before agreeing, finding the first condition reasonable.
"The second point is about how we help each other. If you or I can help each other, then fine, we will, but it must not become a burden. Let me give you an example. Let's say one of your teammates goes around causing trouble—"
"They won't do that," Greg couldn't help but speak up.
Not minding the interruption, Gil continued,
"You never know. You just met them; for all you know, they could land you in trouble rather than help. A piece of advice: do with it what you want, but be on your guard at all times, and with everyone. Me included."
After a pause, he added, "As I was saying, we help each other, but we don't abuse it. I will help you if I can, but if it's above my means, I won't. In exchange, you are free to do the same for me. If I get into trouble and you judge it too dangerous, you can turn a blind eye; I won't mind," he concluded lightly, as if he were talking about the weather.
Greg, for his part, was having second thoughts about the proposed cooperation.
The more he listened, the more uneasy he got.
This guy is so...
He couldn't even find the right words for how he felt.
Wasn't it too blunt and cold-hearted?
Even the snake coiled around him was getting restless.
But Gil did not react to it.
Standing up, he said, "Third and last condition."
At those words, Greg held his breath and listened attentively.
He got the feeling that what was coming was the most important part.
Gil, looking him in the eyes, said slowly, "It concerns the other two conditions. I would call it a promise rather than a requirement. Whether it is about the information exchange or the mutual help, don't think I set these rules hazardly. No, I tried my best to make them flexible for a reason."
For the first time since the beginning of their conversation, he left his corner and stepped forward. "I didn't ask for much, just for information relevant to our survival; the rest, I don't care about. So, I won't tolerate lies, deceit, or any other tricks. Believe me, I will know if you lie."
Another step.
"Same for the mutual help. I didn't ask for your unconditional support either, so don't try to cause trouble for me in any way. Help if you can and want to, or let it be. I will do the same. Easy."
Another step.
Greg retreated instinctively.
Finally, a foot away from him, Gil said, "But try anything breaking those conditions... then forget our kidnappers, the test, and everything else, because I will end you myself before they do."
Silence settled in.
Heavy.
Even the snake lay flat on the ground, not even daring to make a sound.
A heavy, oppressive feeling weighed on Greg.
His breathing became difficult; sweat soaked his clothes and stinging his eyes.
Perhaps that's why he could have sworn that Gil's amber eyes glimmering dimly in the dark.
Having waited for a moment, Gil extended his right hand and asked:
"So, is it a deal then?"