Chapter 15 [I'd Come For You]

Aquarius 2/2261 11:15

I slung my backpack over my shoulder. I fixed my gloves on my hands as I walked through the hanger to the Athene. A medium-size team of about twenty-five soldiers were loading up crates. My Legend stood off to the side, talking with Jermia.

"Hey." I strode over and flashed a quick smile to the pair. Jermia turned and saw me. The Admiral gave a low groan and closed his eyes. His hand reached up and rubbed his forehead.

"Storm, I told Vix that you are not going," Jermia informed me. He opened his eyes and shot me a warning look.

"And I ignored her. Look, my wrist is fine, I told you it was just a few cuts." I held up my wrist to show them. I knew Legend had seen the damage, but when we got back, I lied to Jermia. Jermia took my hand, turning it over and shaking his head. He studied my face and narrowed his eyes.

"What are you doing?" He muttered. I glanced at the soldiers loading the supply crates.

"I can't explain it," I said simply. I could, but I didn't want to until I figured out exactly what I did. I looked at Legend and gritted my teeth. "I have a bad feeling about this... this entire mission. I don't know why. I just do."

"And you think going on will help?" Jermia asked. I swallowed and bent my head down. I gave a slow nod, peering at Jermia through my hair. "Your sis— the Master assigned this mission. She chose the team, and she doesn't want you on it."

"She is an idiot." I put a hand on my hip. My mind scrambled for another reason. I knew calling the Master and idiot was not a valid reason. I bit my lip before I sighed. Might as well say the truth. "Besides..."

I stared at Legend and shrugged. He shifted to look at me, tilting his head to the left. I felt a small smile pull at my lips. I looked back at Jermia.

"You can't send my partner into this mess without me." I finished, crossing my arms over my chest. Jermia raised his eyebrows at me. Jermia stared at me with concern and... hopefulness? I stared back, my eyes showing my determination. I would go, with or without his permission. Jermia, the man that raised me for the past ten years, knew this.

Finally, Jermia gave a gentle smile. Though he was still concerned, I saw him relax and nod.

"Whether Selene likes it or not. We are a team. I'm not letting him go without me." I declared. Jermia glanced at the ceiling. I knew he was thinking about when I was a kid and listened. Now... not so much. Regret filled me. I never wanted to go against Jermia, but sometimes it was needed. I never wanted to disappoint him. I bit my lip again. Eventually, Jermia looked at me. I braced myself for his frustration.

"You are so stubborn. I'm proud of you," Jermia praised. My lips parted, and I blinked in astonishment. He let go of my hand and patted my shoulder. I stared at him, still in shock. "I will keep Master Selene busy."

"Thank you." I breathed. I tried to sound indifferent but my voice betrayed my emotions. I could only smile and nodded at him. Jermia looked at Legend and bowed his head.

"Keep an eye on her," Jermia said. The Legend nodded. Once Jermia strode away, I turned to face Legend. As soon as I turned my dark gaze on him, he took a step back.

"Mission first, then my safety, understood?" I asked. He tilted his head to the right. "We are not screwing up another mission and making the Master angry."

Legend nodded. I let myself smile at him before turning away. Jermia wasn't disappointed in me. That was one concern off my mind. I went to help load the ship, but the other soldiers had finished by that point.

That wasn't much... there were barely any supplies... I really don't like this. I thought. A pit opened in my stomach, gnawing at my guts.

I glanced around looking for the pilot. Raven approached us, giving me a quick smirk.

"Heya Stormy," Raven said. She flipped her hair over her shoulder and chuckled. "Could stand to see your boyfriend go without you?"

"He's not my boyfriend, you comet headed pilot," I grumbled. Raven smirked and shrugged. She walked into the cockpit and settled into the chair. I stepped in behind her and held my hand out. "Mission file please."

"Here, ya go." She plopped a silver microchip into my gloved palm. I nodded my thanks and wandered back into the main room. I sat down on the bench. I put the chip into my new bracelet and skimmed the file. Ignoring everything around me, I focused all my attention on the records.