Laying on the hard mattress I inhaled deeply before letting it all out in one long blow. A visible cloud of air has formed, it was below the usual temperature, we were moving through the passage of an Azgardian planet. Washu mumbled in her sleep as she rolled on my stomach like a kitten finding comfort in my presence. Gently caressing her wavy hair painted by unique ashy brown, she giggled lightly.
Pentagon, hell.
And yet she remained pure of heart, she was to never enter higher ranks, not on my watch. The moment her hand takes a life would be the last she takes a breath because knowing my friend, she would take her own in repay.
Noticing the bruise on the side of her shoulder I clenched my jaw in anger. Those idiots, always bullied her whenever I wasn't around, and because of what?
Washu promised me to never stand out, to do just enough to continue, but not to progress higher than her current rank. She kept it well, taking the beatings and slurs thrown into her face. Called a weakling, only student to not improve in the history of the Pentagon, but she trusted me. Even when I haven't told her what it meant to be in my position, she knew. Bloody clothes, face, and heart whenever I came back from a mission gave it away as she eagerly anticipated my return.
"057, report to the admin," announcement has been sent through my watch.
Grimacing, I wasn't mentally prepared for another mission, being in desperate need of a few weeks off in order to forget about the last. Looking at the star marble resting in my hand I sighed and hid it in my pocket. Moving my friend to the side, impressed by her lack of awareness as she snored softly under her nose.
"It's Elina!" some students whisper-shouted upon seeing me walk past the hallway, towards the elevator. Waiting for it to open I didn't expect for this piece of shit to show up.
"Yo," he greeted with that smug expression I so wished to turn into a lifeless one. "Oh, going to the admin? Maybe we could be assigned together," he chimed in.
Losing my patience, which hasn't happened often I grabbed him by the collar and pushed against the elevator that shook at the impact.
"Easy, we might just get stuck. Wouldn't that be fun, Elina?" he remarkedâhis shaky voice providing enough satisfaction.
"Die," was all I said before leaving at my floor.
Keith was the only other student who has gotten into the military rank at such a young age. He was a psychopath who took pleasure in murdering 'criminals', plus he developed some odd obsession with my person. Whatever, the guy was a pest.
Scanning the entrance with my watch, the door like a hologram disappeared. Deep breath before entering the lion's den.
"057, reporting its presence."
The head admin turned towards me with a smile, first red flag. The second one was a presence of another person I couldn't identify.
"Come sit," the admin pointed at the empty chair in front of their large desk. "Emperor of Azgard has arrived with a rather classified request."
Emperor? My head turning to the side, there was indeed a large man standing in the corner of the room, however his presence wasn't intimidating. The stories have told us that emperors carried a certain aura, a presence. Yet I felt nothing. Nevertheless, getting up from the chair I knelt in front of the man and paid my respects, "May the stars guide you." Admin tried to make me look like a fool, I wouldn't let them.
"Up child," his voice empowered by the depth of galactic nights; deep and dark.
Doing as told not needing to be told twice my feet sturdily holding my full of confidence and pride posture. No one looked down at me, admin knew that, that's why they hated my guts. My head was held high at all times, and no emperor was an exception.
"Interesting," he observed me thoroughly, his index finger resting against my forehead. "I see," he murmured with knitted brows. "An interesting one indeed, however, this isn't why I'm here."
"Of course, sir," admin speaking with such respect was a rare sight. "Thought this might help you understand why she's such a precious pawn. Truly capable of completing your request."
With a deep hum, the Emperor dropped his exceptionally large body onto the sofa which to my surprise didn't break under his weight; he was a large man.
"My daughter has fled," his voice angrier and more intimidating than before. "Her foolishness has always been an issue. However, she outdid herself. My informants have told me she made it to the Earth."
Furrowing my brows, I glanced at the admin in search of an explanation, why was I here listening to such classified information?
"The mission Elina," admin's tone almost irritated by my audacity to look at them in such a way. "I want you to go to the Earth and bring back emperor's daughter, with not even a scratch on her face."
Be professional, be professionalâI kept on telling myselfâdon't you dare to fucking laugh.
"It's not a joke," he added noticing my reaction. "Her wedding is set to take place in forty Azgardian years. There's no time for such childishness," he fumed.
"May I?" Asking for permission before continuing with my thoughts. "No offense, but Earth is prohibited. Not even pentagon holds the power over that planet, I cannot simply go and get her. She's as good as gone."
Admin cleared their throat and approached me calmly. Sharp cold sting against my cheek as their hand slapped me. Their body was like a corpse left to freeze on one of the Azgardian winter nights.
"Now 057, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Indeed, Earth is prohibited from taking any actions, their lack of knowledge of the cosmos has been decided to not be intervened with. However, this isn't just an illegal resident situation. Princess's marriage is to put a stop to a very serious conflict between Azgardians' and Marsians'. She must be located and brought back."
Mission without killing? They made it sound way too easy. Earth was a tempting planet, whoever fled there has never willingly returned. Earthians were deceiving and alluring, and so was their world. Finding the princess without the usage of any data or ability to question anyone was nearly impossible. In their eyes, she would be human, just like them.
"I sense hesitance," admin hissed. "What do you not understand Elina?"
Shrugging I responded with ease. "Mission isn't simple, and I'm not sure how I feel about going to a planet where my physical abilities would be slowed by their unique atmosphere. Lack of support and data from the Pentagon, and on top of it all, spending time among humans." My face turned into a grimace. "All due respect, but my knowledge of their world and beliefs is rather slim."
"Those are all good points but do not fret child. The only way for my daughter to get there was by the guild services. She must have paid them well since they are known for their discretion. However, they do send their customers to the same location. We will plan a pick-up for you," he informed. "There's plenty of other galactic species living among humans without their knowledge. There will be enough opportunities to question and search for my daughter without alerting any suspicions."
Analyzing each information, I quickly calculated the chances, which grew drastically. If I were to be placed in the same area as the princess, the mission might have just been possible.
Still not too pleased about going down to a planet about which my knowledge was insufficient. "This could be a long mission," I thought out loud.
"As long as necessary, but hopefully within the time required for her wedding."
Sighing, there was one more issue that occupied my mind.
"I will agree, under one condition," I faced the admin, their emotionless face was broken by annoyance. "Washu is coming with me."
Leaving her at this place for such a long period of time could end tragically. Either she would finally snap or get bullied to death. None of these were an option, I needed her close and safe, even if it meant dragging her along into a foreign planet.
A hysterical laugh was the admin's reaction. "Absolutely not, 998 isn't even close to participating in a mission of such caliber. Don't get ahead of yourself, 057. You are in no position to make demands."
"Then throw me into the pit and get another fool," I spoke with my usual nonchalance and less usual smirk. "You think I haven't figured it out? For whatever reason, you are so desperate to ask a mere student. I know I'm your only option, and while there might be others, you are running out of time. So"â I got up and brushed through my long blonde hairâ "Washu is coming with me."
"No matter, take whoever, just bring me my daughter. Understood?" Emperor waved dismissively.
"Yes, sir." I bowed steadily, glancing at the admin for the confirmation. Although they fumed with anger their nod approved of my request. Leaving their office, I went back to the cabin where I found my friend along with Cassandra, sitting on the floor, playing cards.
Brunette's eyes sparkled excitedly when she noticed my presence. Patting the opposite side of the floor, I took a seat and joined the game. One more peaceful evening, this was all I needed before getting myself into yet another mission. For the first time about to do something without the usual confidence assisting my side.
Taking the joker out of the pile I played it against Cassandra, who with a whine resigned her turn. Earth was exactly like that card, wild and unpredictable, those people had no clue about the intergalactic commissions and rules, heck they didn't know we existed, which made them so much more oblivious to many things.
What were their priorities? How did they live?
As much as the lack of proper data bothered me there was also another part, the one that awaited the answers. I was a seeker, knowing my friends, but understanding my foes. The way the Emperor has acted, he knew whatever the admin was hiding about me. One day I was going to find the truth, my true identity, and my own people. Pentagon was a prison and the Earth seemed like a perfect opportunity to free myself from their radar and gain some sort of insight.
"Elina?" My friend's innocent voice and concerned glare brought my mind back.
"Sorry!" playing it off with a chuckle I carried on with my turn.
Washu was another one of my worries. No one knew who she really was, if they did, even I wouldn't be able to protect her. My dear friend who I found during my first mission at the military. Her true identity and abilities were to remain a secret till our bodies turned into stardust.
"Talk," my friend ordered the second she locked the door after Cassandra has headed back to her cabin.
"You know me too well," I pointed out, slightly amused at her attempt of being intimidating.
Unfortunately, she hasn't found it as amusing, her expression not budging only growing stronger.
"You know I hate that look," she grumbled.
Lifting my brows I smirked, "What look?"
Her jaw moved, taking a seat by my side she told me wearily, "This cockiness of yours is admirable, but also a pain in the ass. Just tell me."
Clenching my fists, I dropped the play. It appears the nerves have already gotten into my head as I acted with the use of my defense mechanism. What if she were to say no?
"My dear friend," Washu has never referred to me in such a title unless being completely serious. "If you are to leave again, please know I will be okay. You mustn't worry about me."
Ah, she wouldn't be herself without trying to reassure me about her safety. Chuckling I turned my attention towards the window, eyes following stars, until a glimpse of Earth has sneaked from afar.
"This one is different..." I whispered. "I'm not confident, doubt is mocking my mind and the lack of time feeds the fear growing inside. I've never stood on a planet unprepared Washu. The unknown scares me, yet excites me."
"Where are you heading?" her voice intrigued by my sudden revelation.
Sight darkened by closed eyes, last moment to decide whether she should come along. Quick contemplation concluded by the simplest reason â Gut feeling.
"We," I corrected after a few seconds of silence. "Where are we going."
The moon.
That's what you saw when looking into her eyes. Two luminous grayish moons staring down your soul. However, in moments of emotion slipping out of her hold and taking over her mind, those moons became shaded by a delicate cloth of red light. A rare sight, yet breathtaking each and every time I've had a chance to experience its overwhelming presence.
"You mean it?" The question itself was thin and faint, at the verge of breaking into tiny pieces of emotions her eyes carried inside. No fool brave enough to mock her at this time.
Giving my friend a light tap she got a hold of herself and apologized, even though she had all the right to act the way she has. Being imprisoned inside the Pentagon walls she craved the outside world with her entire heart.
"We are going to Earth," I announced with a tiny smile. "So, prepare"âgetting up from the floor I walked up to the large window and focused on the planet hidden behind starsâ"because something tells me it's going to be the hardest one yet."
A trail of stars guiding my eyes towards the Earth. Somehow this mission felt different, a feeling that nothing was going to remain the way it has, and everything were to change the moment we stood on the foreign soil. The anticipation for what was to come.
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