Chapter 4: No.3

Galactic haze well known for this area has been a perfect cover for the guild; no wonder they used this location. Pulling Washu's hood back on she mouthed a 'thank you' as we followed a member of the most wanted union in our galaxy.

"Eyes on me." The guy was sharp, an urge to scan their ship has won for a second, but I had to remain low in order to not blow our covers. Admin has provided us with fake papers and arranged the pick up from an abandoned planet. If they were to find out that we had anything to do with the Intergalactic Pentagon we would be dead before taking the last breath.

Passing through the station, it was a long narrow platform coming out of their large ship, with a little spacecraft awaiting at its end. Empty space underneath our feet and the planet Earth in front of our eyes, shining upon us-Washu was nervous. Having no other way of reassuring my friend I nudged her side and shot her a tiny smirk which she hated so much.

"Get in," The guy ordered shortly, not bothered to spare us more than a quick look. Doing as told we entered the craft. I was amazed by its construct, never seeing anything like this. The rough interior and clusterfuck of things made me wonder whether this thing actually worked. Keeping in the remarks, I had to stop myself from being noisy and well-rude.

"You ladies certain Earth is where you want to flee?"

Taken aback by his sudden change, he became much more relaxed the second we were alone.

"Why? Is it not the best planet to run off to?" My blunt curiosity has earned a scolding glare from my friend.

However, the guy laughed amused. "Most happen to think so, but I would call it an illusion more than anything."

"Illusion?"

His body turning to face us as he sat in the front seat. Eyes of a fighter, a mere reminder of what my own used to be, before falling under complete control of the Pentagon.

"Illusion my deary. Earth is beyond the reach of the military and many repercussions that would await you here," he pointed at the galaxy in front. "However, it's also a life of a simpler being. It's throwing away the beauty of our galaxy, in order to live a lie."

My tongue clicked against the roof of my mouth. "Rather a harsh way to view things. Some of us live in hell, a simpler life doesn't sound as bad."

"Ignore him," a woman entered the craft, playfully patting the guy. "He hates Earth for his own reasons. It's great there, as long as you don't break any laws you will be fine and safe." She squeezed through the seats and took the one next to her friend. "I'm Fressca, nice to meet you girls."

"Likewise," we answered.

The grey-skinned woman scanned through our permits with a light hum.

"You girls from Plutoon 543?"

"Yep."

"I'm sorry for your struggles, must have been tough. Fucking Pentagon, I heard they wiped an entire population," her voice calm as she muttered with disgust. "Bet you hardly got away."

The unnecessary comment alerting my senses, she was confirming our story.

"Indeed, my friend hardly made it." I pointed at Washu. "I managed to get us into galactic train before their troops arrived."

Her eyes narrowed, she wasn't paying attention to me, instead observed my brunette friend.

"Hey," she called raising her voice.

Washu nervously looked up, she was a bit awkward with people not used to talking to anyone other than Cassandra or me.

"Yes?"

The silence awfully irritating, Fressca was staring down my friend who uncomfortably shifted and begged me for help with her pleading expression.

"Do we have a problem?" I asked with a hidden worry, maintaining my cool.

The other two exchanged nods and the woman shook her head. "No, just ensuring we are all honest here. The last thing we want are liars, isn't that right Alo?"

"Mhm," the guy hummed.

"Well then, if that's sorted. We paid to be on Earth," growing irritated my rather unpleasant side was showing. There was no time to play games.

A scoff and laugh from the guy were enough to ease the mood.

"Does this even work?" I worried out loud, kicking the side of the vehicle, which shook at the gentle impact. "Seriously..."

The woman broke into hysterical laughter, my arms crossed; I was fed up with their shit.

"Don't worry kids, this old-timer might be rusty"-she patted the side-"but it's the fastest and best vehicle to get us to Earth unnoticed."

Not convinced, but left without any other choice I decided to put my trust in these two odd individuals. It was quickly questioned however when I saw them put on helmets used for surviving toxic air.

"Why are you-"

Not having the chance to finish, my mind has been put to sleep by the gas spreading inside the vehicle.

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"Good morning sunshine."

Consciousness returning, followed by motor skills and quick movement.

"Wah, calm down there," Fressca's voice played with my patience, or rather the lack of it. "You want to take it easy. Earth's atmosphere is quite unique."

Pushing out of the vehicle my sight went blurry from the sun. Why was it so difficult to breathe? Taking a few quick sips of air, I saw Washu struggling just as much.

"Give it a few days, you will get used to it. Their air is filled with dust, pollen, and pollution. Much heavier than the one we have up there."

"Right," I let out with difficulty, holding myself with my hands against my knees. "So, what now?" I asked, my physical strength gone.

"Not wasting time, huh?"

Frowning I scoffed, "I simply don't trust you two. Was the gas really necessary? For fucks sake..."

"Yes," the man named Alo explained. "We use this location to drop our customers, it must remain secret how and where we land. Take no offense, travel itself was bumpy, consider it a favor."

"Anyhow," Fressca pulled a large bag out of the spacecraft and threw it towards us. "Earthian clothes for the start, a phone-that's what they use to communicate-similar to our watches, and ID. I will need you to change now and leave everything else with us."

"What about the watches?" I questioned while dressing into an oddly comfortable shirt.

"They can stay but must be deactivated. There's no connection with space anyway, and we wouldn't want you to be a walking jamming signal for their devices. Do it now."

Washu sought my approval before proceeding with the order. Turning off the device for the first time in forever it was almost like breaking out of jail. Starting now admin couldn't locate us or control our decisions. We were free. On this odd planet, we were free, or at least that's what I wanted to believe for a short moment before mind returning back to its purpose - Our mission.

"Good. You can still use them for basic malfunctions, however contact with any space crafts is prohibited. If you wish to return, you are allowed to turn them back on and send for a signal at these coordinates." Alo handed me a piece of paper. "We will come down and pick you up the next morning from this very place. Understood?"

Throwing the bag around my shoulder I turned towards the odd sound. A four-wheeled vehicle drove up closely, a man got off and exchanged quick words with the guild members.

"Who's that?" I asked, not liking to be left in the dark.

Fressca's subtle smirk getting on my nerves, a quick thought whether that's how mine worked on Washu, and an even faster answer-probably yes.

"This is Haze, he's one of our members located here on Earth, supervising new customers and ensuring everything goes according to plan. He will be taking you to your next stop."

"Oh," Washu uttered. "Thought we were free to go?"

Alo chuckled and shook his head. "Not exactly, there's one thing you must do before going on your own. All of our customers are required to attend the local university. You are free to drop out after one semester if you like, however no sooner than that."

Now, this was surprisingly good information. "So, everyone who uses your services goes there?" I looked for clarification, having a mission in mind.

"Indeed," Fressca added. "It's a great cover-up story and a good way to get accustomed into their world. In the future, if anyone asks what you did or where you came from you can use a University card. Very helpful with receiving a job, we paid for everything using the money you gave us, but after finishing you are on your own."

"You have it all planned out, don't you?" I muttered amazed and positively surprised, princess was closer than I thought.

With a shrug, she gave Haze a hasty hug and prepared to enter the craft. "He will take it from here, enjoy the Earth and hopefully see you never." With that Alo and Fressca took off quicker than a blink of an eye.

"You will love it here," the guy much more relaxed once the others were gone. "Come in, I will drive you."

Following, having no other option we drove in the car for about an hour before entering a city. It was much different than anything I've ever seen. Lights were almost blurring my vision and the noise of chatter and life filling this place easily gave me a headache. Groaning I held my forehead, taken aback by how well my brunette friend was taking it. Staring out of the window her eyes were captivated by the view.

"Don't worry," Haze looked at me in the rear-view mirror. "It's difficult at first, but you will learn to cancel the sounds and focus on what's in front of you. Our senses are much sharper than theirs, I suppose we could be what the call superhumans if we wished to show off, but that's like asking to be taken by the Alifa."

Grimacing Earth was already ten times worse than I thought. "Alifa controls the Earth?" I heard about them, but not much information has been spared. To my knowledge, they were a group of galactic forces assigned to ensure the rules on Earth were being followed by all of the intergalactic life. While Earth was indeed a neutral area where no military could enter, it still required to be controlled.

Haze hummed and explained, "They are supervising without interfering. From what I heard those guys are just as ruthless as Pentagon," he chuckled. "Can't imagine that!"

"Right..." Can't imagine that either.

"Anyway, this is it ladies," Haze informed, containing his excitement as we drove into what the billboard at the entrance called 'campus'. "The place is huge, but nothing you won't remember within minutes. There are three different buildings, and I recommend staying away just from one of them."

Curiously raising a brow, I questioned, "Why?"

"I've been here for five years and believe me, as much as all the subjects are a childish play, psychology is something you want to stay away from. Even more advanced beings cannot understand it. Earthians are on another level when it comes to feelings," he emphasized and I chuckled. "You do you, but I recommend staying away from those guys. They tend to give headaches."

"What are our courses?" Washu asked, hesitantly pulling her attention away from the outside view.

"Well, it's all in the papers"-he pointed at the bag-"but I believe one of you is in biochemistry and the other in forensic science. Their methods aren't too advanced, so please hold your tongue and don't argue."

After a few minutes, we parked in front of a large building. This must have been the accommodation area, some earthians sitting and chatting on the benches. I was intrigued; what were they like?

"Okay, before I show you to your rooms, I know they said you can drop out, but I highly recommend sticking in for a while. This place is amazing for a proper start-up here on Earth. In case you need anything, my number is already saved on your phones. Don't hesitate."

His kindness was new, never having anyone caring this much about my comfort or safety.

"It's my job," he commented reading my mind perfectly. "If you cause any trouble, it will be on me, so please. Do contact if necessary. I live not too far from the campus."

Wouldn't that mean he had princess' number? Quickly considering taking it by force I decided this wasn't worth blowing the cover. If she happened to be around, we would find her eventually. On top of it my friend's nagging glare-she knew I was ready to use all means necessary-to which I rolled my eyes.

Taking the bag and entering the large building it was so much different than anything I've ever seen. Red brick, what a funny material to build walls. Walking past some earthians I quickly noticed their unique smell; each different than the other. Not used to such an overwhelming number of sensations my mind became fuzzy. From the sound to smell and air, this planet was heaving on me with incredible force.

"Are you okay?" Washu asked worriedly once noticing my discomfort.

Reassuring her with a weak smile we followed Haze until we stood in front of our room.

"It's all yours," he told us and handed us the keys. "Instructions, paper, and cards with money can be found in the bag. Read them thoroughly and well, enjoy."

One more question that needed to be answered. "How do you convey our money to theirs?" I wondered.

With a wink he responded, "Secret."

Entering the room, it was much cozier than anything I've ever seen. Washu jumped onto her bed, the mattress seemed to bounce along with her.

"Wah!" she playfully kept on checking everything, starting with the wardrobe to looking at the view of a little park located in front of our window.

"Washu," my voice was unnecessarily stern, but I couldn't allow her excitement to take over. "Don't forget why we are here."

The happiness disappearing from her cheery face pained me, but I had to ensure she kept herself level-headed.

"I know... But can't we at least enjoy it?" she mumbled, pouty expression making me sigh.

"Of course, we can, hey-" I patted her shoulder. "I just need to make sure you won't get too distracted, okay?" Bitting onto my inner cheek I felt bad for taking this single moment of happiness away from her. "Princess arrived not too long before us, she should be around. If it all goes well, we will be out of here before the end of the first semester."

My friend saddened.

"But," I tried to cheer her up. "Until then let's explore and like you said, enjoy ourselves."

Her grin and white teeth, calming my worries. Spending another hour shuffling through the bag we sorted our IDs, clothes, and papers.

"Shu?" Washu grimaced at her 'new' name. "I guess Washu is a bit too odd for their standards..." she muttered not too pleased but accepting the reasoning behind it.

To my relief, they haven't changed mine. Looking at the card, they even added a picture, how and when I had no clue. Guild was much more organized than I thought. Their ways intrigued me, maybe they really had a chance at taking down the Pentagon, at least in thousands of galactic years.

Going to bed with million thoughts on my mind, my friend's even breathing calmed me down, knowing at least she was having a good rest. Sudden noise coming from the outside evoked my curiosity. Approaching the window, I was intrigued by the water droplets falling from the sky. This must have been what they called the rain. Never experiencing before, no other planet had the atmosphere to produce it. Earth was truly a mysterious and unique place.

Taking a peek at Washu, she was completely out. One thing I got to learn about her over the years; if she's asleep she's good as gone. Putting on the black shoes I left the room and rushed outside.

Most humans were asleep, I could hear their breathing and snoring, while there were still a few conversations taking place. Trying to focus on the sound of the rain my head finally relaxed from all the noise. Deciding to take a walk to the nearby park I was intrigued by the woody fragrance, it was fresh and intoxicating.

I could hear tree branches dancing in the wind, along with rain falling onto the ground, nourishing the Earth. It was breathtaking. Enjoying the stroll, I walked deeper into the park until reaching a small hill. There were street lights and benches situated in front of a city view. My mind and eyes couldn't comprehend the lights and liveliness of this place.

"Feels magical, doesn't it?"

With parted lips, as the rain landed on my face I turned my head, taken aback by the presence of another person. My focus must have been so attached to the sound of nature I haven't noticed their heartbeat, but once my eyes landed on the woman, everything disappeared.

She wasn't smiling nor looking at me, her expression was blank, but in awe of the view in front. The chair she was sitting in had wheels, nothing like I've seen before. She didn't mind getting drenched by the rain, though the humans I passed by used hoods or umbrellas - Why didn't she?

"You are staring," she commented indifferently, simply stating a fact; there was no offense or annoyance in her tone.

Turning away I walked up to the fence and looked at the sky, yet all I could hear was her soft breathing, hair brushed by the wind, and heart beating so evenly its rhythm evoking uneasiness in my own. Not being able to contain the curiosity I looked at her once again.

To my surprise, she was doing the exact same. Our eyes studying one another, she looked tired, grey shadows underneath her eyes gave it away. The strands of her wet dark chestnut hair lazily fell on the side of her face, and lips; she had red lipstick on them.

I wasn't sure what beauty was, but she had it. There was something unexplainably perfect about her smudged mascara, to the extent where it worked. My mind was almost under her control, eyes scanning hers, ears picking up the sound of her breath, and then the sweet perfume mixed with the fresh rain hitting my nostrils.

She was the first to turn, not saying anything else we both remained silent and enjoyed the peacefulness of the moment, both of us needing it for our own reasons.

Suddenly her heart stopped and I worried out loud. "Are you okay?" I found myself asking.

"I sneezed. Sorry," she told me shortly, a bit surprised by my reaction.

"Sneezed?" What did it mean? "Your heart stopped." I pointed out, shocked.

Her brown brows raising with amusement, a tiny chuckle leaving her red lips-I felt something.

"I guess that's what it does, are you okay?" she had a hard time containing herself.

Chewing onto my inner cheek I backed away, annoyed and confused.

"Are you a student here?" she asked.

"Biochemistry, starting tomorrow." Not being able to focus on the view my eyes looked at her from the side. "Are you also a student?"

For the second time the woman laughed, this time more freely; I liked it.

"You know-" she took a tissue out of the purse and wiped off her smudged makeup. "I had an awfully shitty day, but you managed to make me laugh. Thank you."

It might have been the expression she made at this particular moment in time or the tone she used. Nevertheless, this earthian achieved something extraordinary - She made me uneasy.

Feeling her eyes upon my back I couldn't look. Cheeks hot, some sort of lack of control over my own feelings. I had to run a scan when returning to my room, this planet was doing something to my body.

"Goodnight," she said her voice saddened most likely by my ignorance and lack of response.

Hearing her move away I finally looked, still confused by the vehicle she used. Why didn't she walk? Was this laziness or something else I didn't know. Taking a deep breath, it was easier to do at this time.

Unaware when, but the rain was gone.

At the little hill, I stood. Watching the sunrise, I tried to erase the color of her red lipstick from my mind. One detail that kept itself against my will. Shaking it off I returned to the room, mind back on track.

Finding Azgardian princess.

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