Chapter 16 [Welcome To My Life]

Aquarius 7/2261 15:22

"This mission will be the first time we take back a planet," Raven said. Her eyes scanned the ashen planet. Her knuckles were white as she held onto her chair with one hand. I put a hand on her shoulder. She flinched, and I quickly took my hand away. I tried to ignore her reaction. I looked at the planet with her.

"I know." I agreed. Raven peered at me, her eyes sad. "I always loved this planet. It was so beautiful before they burned it."

"Your last mission here went bad," Raven noted. I looked into the main room. Legend stood a few feet away, watching the soldiers get ready. I knew he was listening in. For some reason... I didn't care what he heard. Maybe the more he heard, the more likely he would be to hate me. I want him to hate me. I realized.

"I know. It's not going to happen again." I replied. Something here... was wrong. The bad feeling never faded from my stomach. Instead, it grew worse. I glanced at Legend. "This mission will be okay... it has to be."

"When was the last time you were here, before your mission?" Raven asked. I tilted my head and frowned. Wow... it's been a while.

"Just before the Legion attack. During the Legion attack actually. Nati had been sent here on some sort of mission when they attacked. It was the first time I got to see them up close." I explained. Raven glanced at me and tilted her head.

"I thought you had seen them before? Your mother's death?" Raven asked. I blinked and frowned. Why did I say that? I knew that.

"Right, of course. I forgot." I shook my head and shrugged. "Second time."

Raven narrowed her golden eyes at me. I avoided her gaze and glanced at Legend. Raven saw where I was looking and laughed.

"Ever seen him without his suit?" Raven asked. She turned her seat slightly, so she didn't have to crane her neck to talk.

"Nope." I shook my head. I tore my eyes off him and shrugged. "I can't help but be curious."

"He's good looking," Raven answered. You've seen him? Why? When? The questions bombarded my mind before I could stop them. I managed to keep silent, but it took some effort. Raven turned back to the viewscreen and lowered the ship. "He's got the same scars all Legends do, but other than that, he's combustion."

"I hate that word so much." I rolled my eyes. It was a mechanic slang for hot. "So stupid."

"D.O. in one minute!" Raven called to the rest. She glanced at me and smirked. "Have fun. Keep her safe, Legend. She's impulsive."

"Fly, Rave," I advised her. She wiggled her head in glee, knowing that she was getting to me. I rolled my eyes. I returned to the main room, moving to stand beside my Legend. He held up a rifle for me. I smiled my thanks and took it, slinging it over my shoulder. "Ready?"

He gave a sharp nod. I raised my right arm, my hand in a loose fist. My Legend gave me a confused look. After a moment, he copied my movements with his left. I tapped the back of my hand and arm against his. The ramp opened as the wheels hit the ground. Ash blew into the ship around us. I strode down the ramp with the Legend at my side. The rest followed us in silence. I took an earpiece from my bracelet and put it in my ear.

"Everyone hear me?" I asked. Twenty-five affirmative answers followed with Legend nodding at me. "Okay, the mission is simple. Take back the Minervan base. Kill all Legion that you find."

"Simple." Someone scoffed. I turned and found the speaker. His name-tag read Juni.

"Issue? Juni?" I asked. I found myself studying the team again. Why did Lily send such a small group to take back a planet— Shit.

"This is a suicide mission," Juni said. Precisely what I had just realized. "We all know it. We were chosen because we are going to die."

I looked at Legend. He evaded my gaze. She chose the team, and she doesn't want you on it. My sister made this suicide team. Why? Why would she do this? I looked at the rest of the soldiers. They all had the same defeated look.

"Rave, did you know about this?" I asked. The pilot answered through the comms.

"No. No, this is the first I'm hearing of it. But it makes sense with the small team." Raven said. I bit my lip and frowned. She doesn't want you on it. I am so killing her.

"So?" I asked, staring at the team. Everyone looked up at me in surprise. "It doesn't matter why they sent us. We have a mission, we need to finish it."

"They sent us here to die, kid," Juni said. I met his gaze and let my eyes darken. He took a step back, his own eyes going wide.

"And we will show them how wrong they are. Are you really going to lay down and die just because the council said so?" I asked. A few people bowed their heads. Damn it, I don't like leading. "What better way to prove them wrong than finishing this damn mission."

"You don't get it, kid." Juni sighed. He shook his head at me. "We can't change their minds. They decided."

"Of course I get it." I crossed my arms over my chest. "I'm the youngest soldier ever. I spent my entire life being told I was too young to do anything. I proved them all wrong, and I will prove them wrong about this mission too, whether you help me or not."

I turned and headed to the forest. Seconds later, I heard heavy footsteps following me. I glanced over my shoulder and saw Legend with me. Then more steps followed him.

"You guys are going to die," Juni called from his spot.

"Just shut it, Juni." One of the men snapped. I glanced over my shoulder. The speaker was the only other soldier/scientist. Their name was Jackson. Why would she send him on a suicide mission? Because he helps me? I mused silently. Jackson met my gaze. They gave me an approving nod. I grinned and looked at the Legend beside me. He raised his hands and signed, 'you're good at this.' I quickly signed back, 'thank you.' We walked in silence until we grew closer to the base.