Chapter 1: Tauron, where the adventure begun.

Year 212 AIG, somewhere deep in space lies a solitary planet with 2 suns. The planet is a barren wasteland covered in sandstorms, Harsh winds blowing left and right, Water is scarcer than gold and moonlight is even rarer as daytime triumphs for longer.

Within the vast barren of the rocky plains of this planet a lone woman wears a tattered hood made with material similar to nylon, Wanders through the heat of the long daytime. Her Lips is shrivelled from dehydration, Her strength is weak from starvation, Her vision is hazy from constant sandstorm beating through her eyes.

As she walked, loud scraping noise could be heard. She had been dragging a bunch of scrap metals, Tied together by a flimsy rope through the barren wasteland. She walked, and walked fighting through exhaustion and the constant hunger that is gnawing at her.

Before long she reached a massive structure. It's made out of a bunch of tents tied together with a bunch of scraps producing an amalgamation of wood and metal. The structure is partially exposed to the elements. It only offered a small protection to its inhabitants from the elements around. All around the structure a handful of humans could be seen entering with scraps and another handful left with a small bag that created a rustling noise as they walked.

The woman entered the structure inside. Behind a decrepit looking counter, a tall looming man could be seen reading some sort of tattered newspaper. With no words the woman lifted the heavy scraps she carried with her. She could barely put it at the top of the counter due to starvation induced exhaustion.

The man inspected the scraps before turning to her again.

"These metals are worth ten shields". The man spoke in an emotionless tone.

"Ten ?....". The woman questioned with a tired tone.

"You heard me, is it a deal or not ?". The man asked sternly.

Thoughts flooded into the woman's mind. *This is the fifth outpost I went to... The previous ones only offered me 15 shields.... I should've taken it... But I'm too hungry now to go back... 15 is not even enough to get me canned foods...*.

"Fine... I'll take it...". The woman responded as she has no other choice.

The man handed over a bag of circular metal pieces to her. Those pieces are this world's currency called "Shields".

The woman headed over to another counter and handed poured the content of her bags on top of the counter. A tall looming lady then grabs a paper package from under the counter and hands it over to the girl.

The woman took the package and then left heading back to the barren rock plains. She opened the paper package and reveals a bread that is as hard as a stone.

"Stale bread again...". she murmured as she walks through the sandstorm.

This place is quite harsh what could she do ?, She is born here, abandoned by both parents, forced to fend for herself just to merely exist. Her soul is shattered, her spirit is broken, she did not trust anyone within these barren lands but even so, her survival instinct kept her moving. Her mind is screaming, she must survive no matter what.

Slowly the young woman approached a large cave and enters it. As she approached the depths of the subterranean environment, dim lights could be seen flickering. The deeper she entered the more she could see as the lights revealed building like structures within the undergrounds.

On hindsight it looked as if she had stumbled a space where life could blossom however, everyone within the crevices of this underground civilization lived in pure despair. There is no security, people committed crimes left and right. Some died from hunger as they nestled lifeless between the building alleyways, Some died at the hand of others, everyone is depraved of any feelings aside from survival where the weak will perish and the strong continues to live on.

She entered a withered structure. A barely standing wooden door stood at the entrance. Any forces aside from a light push or pull will break down the door. There is no windows, no creature comfort, No safety. But this is the only place she could call home.

Her stomach growled as she is forced to chew on the stale bread. She had no other choice as its the only thing she ccould afford. She can't think of any ways to make her life better except to work harder to collect more metal scraps to sell.

She curled up on a worn out blanket laying on the floor. Within this depraved walls tattered mattresses are considered as luxurious goods only affordable by those who are lucky. This is her life, her entire reality, a harsh reminder that life is cruel.

Slowly she fell into slumber, a temporary escape to the hardships she will face tomorrow. The young woman entered a dreamscape where she is inside a weird vehicle floating through the sky.

*W-Where am I ?...*. She thought to herself.

Before long four human shaped lights approaches her from the sides.

She closed her eyes, bracing for the worst. But....

all she felt is warmth.

"Lillian !". The lights spoke as they called out her name.

Lillian opened her eyes slowly and witnessed the lights hugged her and she could see silhouettes in their face that resembles a smile. She slowly closes her eyes again this time, she does it to immerse herself with the warm embrace.

Lillian then jolted awake back in the cold blanket. Its just a dream, a desperate yearning for companionship amongst this barren wasteland. To her companionship and bonds is a foreign concept but, this strange concept is something that helped her cope from the lonely and isolated life down here. A fruitless beacon that maybe someday, she doesn't have to suffer from hunger and loneliness of these caves.

She closed her eyes again as the embrace of slumber claimed her. It is a temporary respite, a means to recover what little energy she can muster for another day of hauling scraps.

________

She travelled along the vast rocky plains again, driven by hunger and her survivor instincts she approached a wreckage of what appears to be a large vessel. Something she is familiar with but never knew what it's purpose is apart from providing her with valuable resources. Resources that could used to trade for sustenance.

As she collected separated pieces of metal, her exhaustion and starvation caught on as she started to black out. She slowly waltz away from the metallic wreckage, dazed and bordering on unconsciousness.

*I need to rest...*. She thought to herself as her steps wobbled.

She managed to find a cave amongst the harsh dust storm. Slowly she limped forward. The young woman collapsed within the cave entrance. Her eyes slowly closes, the last image caught within her vision is that of a tall looming figure walking towards her from within the cave.

*This is the end... my suffering ends here*. It was her final thought before her consciousness fully fades.

Lillian's consciousness swirled within the empty void. The young woman felt relieved as she embraced the unsettling tranquillity. The silence is pierced by crackling noise. Not long after a pungent smell invaded her nostrils, disturbing her slumber. Lillian eyes fluttered open.

*Is this the afterlife ?...*. She thought to herself as she scanned around the vast empty space around her.

It is not the afterlife, she realized she is inside a cave. As she glanced around, she noticed a figure beside a fire pit. It was a man with a short light brown hair sits beside the fire pit stirring a pot of soup.

*Who is he ?... I need to get out of here...*. Lillian thought to herself.

Slowly and quietly she tried to stand up but, her legs gave up. Her starvation and exhaustion is too much for her body to handle. She realized the man is now looking at her. Her survival instinct yelled at her to get up and run. She closed her eyes bracing for the worse but... nothing happened.

"You're awake*. The man said dryly with no emotion whatsoever.

"W-what do you want from me ?...". Lillian stammered weakly.

"Nothing, You just collapsed in front of my cave" The man replied.

"You seemed to be suffering from hunger and exhaustion, I have prepared a bowl of soup beside you. Eat it and go away". The man said callously.

Lillian is suspicious, in her mind there must be a reason why the man saved her. Her instincts told her not to trust this stranger. All of her danger senses are blaring in alarm to not take the stew but, if she didn't take it, she will die anyways.

"I refuse, I'm leaving". Lillian retorted as she struggles to stand up again.

She managed to stand up and took 1 step trying to get out of the cave however, her body betrayed her. Her limbs gave up as she collapsed again. She doesn't even have enough strength to crawl away.

"Look, I couldn't care less about you. But I don't want to burry a corpse in my hideout... So please just eat the food and be on your way". The man pleaded with an unenthusiastic tone.

The man slowly stood up and picked up the bowl of soup before placing it in front of her struggling form. Lillian is still suspicious, generosity is not in her dictionary. For all she knows, everyone here is depraved and wouldn't hesitate to harm each other if it means survival.

"Eat it". The man spoke coldly.

The young woman's stomach growled as she clenched it in agony. Reluctantly, she sat and picked up the bowl of soup. Lillian gulped down the bowl of gopher meat, root vegetables and cave mushroom soup.

It was a delightful meal. For the first time she had the pleasure of eating warm food. Her usual dinner consisted of Stale breads, raw root vegetables, and if she is lucky rotten meat. To her this is bliss, she never felt so alive before.

"T-Thank you....". She stammered. Tears of joy fell from her eyes.

The man sighed.

"Once you are able to walk leave... Your baggage is over there". He spoke while pointing at the salvaged scraps she carried earlier.

Lillian nodded as she took this moment of respite to recover from her weakened state. She looked at his saviour who is busy fiddling with some sort of futuristic device.

"I'm Lillian. What is your name ?...". Lillian asked softly.

"My name doesn't matter just call me whatever you want". The man says.

Lillian is flabbergasted. The man is a living contradiction, he had helped her with genuine intent but also at the same time cold and callous towards her. Even then, she knew the world is harsh and any ally she could make means that her chance of survival increases.

The atmosphere is awkward as silence took over for hours. Lillian don't know what to do as any attempt at communication is shot down by the enigmatic man.

The suffocating silence however is broken by the arrival of another figure.

"Yo Leo, I'm back !". A voice could be heard from the entrance of the cave.

Lillian turned to where the voice came from with eyes widened in horror. A figure emerges from the shadows. It's a woman with short light brown hair with 2 objects unknown to her attached to her hips. The woman is dressed in a red blazer with black accents, white shirt, fingerless gloves and black spandex trousers. 

*W-Who is this woman ?, Is she dangerous ?*. Lillian thought to herself as her fight or flight instinct took over preparing for the worst.

Lillian eyes gazed on the man to gauge his reaction towards this situation but, he just sat there... silent and cold as if not caring for the arrival of the other figure.

"Ooh Leo, who is this ? Did you picked up a wife while I'm gone ?". The woman asked with a curious expression.

*Wife ? What is that ? What is she talking about ?*. Lillian thought to herself as the concept of "Wife" is foreign to her.

The man sighed.

"No... she is just a straggler that passed out in front of our hideout. She is extremely fatigued and seems to be famished when I found her*. The man said with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"Oh, for a second I thought you gave up and decide to settle here with someone. Or maybe you are ?". The woman spoke with a mischievous grin on her face.

"Say how old are you miss ?". The woman asked Lillian with an excited expression.

"...". No response came from Lillian. She is unsure of how to respond to such enthusiasm

"It's okay miss we are friendly despite how unapologetically rude that fella over there is". The woman said pointing at the man.

Lillian stood there in silence still baffled by the enigmatic duo.

"twenty...". She murmured, her voice is barely audible.

"See Leo ? You both are the same age !". the woman said with an excited tone.

Lillian cannot fathom the behaviour of the woman. This is the first time she had met someone filled with so much emotion it's as if she doesn't care about the harsh environment they lived in.

"What is your name Leo's wife ?". The woman asked again with a mischievous grin.

"She's not my wife Chain...". The man responded in annoyance.

"L-Lillian...". Lillian stammered in response.

"Nice to meet you Lillian !. My name is Chain and this mean person is my younger brother Leo". The woman cheerfully responded.

*Leo and Chain...*. Her mind echoed, remembering their names.

Their names aside a question popped into Lillian's mind as she processed her interaction with the duo just now.

"Sorry... What is a wife ?". Lillian asked the short haired woman.

"Wait, You don't know what a wife is ?". Chain asked, shocked by this revelation.

"No....". Lillian responded.

"Well... How do I explain it ?.... A wife is someone you marry if you are a guy". Chain explained trying to dumb down the definition of a wife.

"Marry ?....". Lillian responded. She is even more confused as marriage is not a thing in this world where she lives.

"Uhhh, Leo help me explain !". The short haired woman shouted.

Leo just sat beside the bonfire still tweaking with the alien looking device. The man seemed to be attaching the device to a root vegetable with wires.

"SAY SOMETHING WILL YOU ?". Chain yelled in annoyance.

Lillian really could not fathom the spectrum of emotions displayed by Chain. Everyone that she had encountered always had a blank expression in their face. It's as if all life is drained from within them, as if they just exist.

"Chain.... Which cave did you two came from ?....". Lillian asked the woman out of curiosity.

She was thinking maybe, maybe she could move to whichever cave they live at. Maybe there is a settlement where more people like Chain existed. Where depravity is not the norm.

"Cave ?, Oh we are not from this planet. We came from a planet called Theresis". Chain responded.

"Planet ?....". Lillian asked as such concepts is alien to her.

Chain linked the dots, it finally clicked on her mind. Concepts of modern society doesn't exist in this place. She crouched down and tapped Lillian's shoulder.

"Hmm how do I explain this.... Do you know what a sky is ?" Chain asked.

Lillian nodded as at least she knows what a sky is.

"You see beyond the skies there is a even bigger sky called space. If you looked at this place from space, it will appear like a huge flying ball. That is what we call a planet". Chain explained in a simplistic manner akin to a teacher explaining an object to kindergarten children.

"Wait... so this world is filled with rock balls where humans lived like this one ?...". Lillian questioned, her mind is skeptical of her explanations.

"Yes, but not everything is a rock ball. Some Planets consisted fully of water, some from clouds". Chain explained further.

*There are other worlds that is made out of water ?...*. Lillian's mind raced in awe yet wariness.

"I don't believe you... do you have any proof of what you said is true ?...". Lillian asked, her brows furrowed in distrust.

"Leo let me borrow your phone for a second". Chain spoke to the silent man.

The man throwed the alien looking object in his hand towards the woman. Chain caught it with relative ease.

"Don't use it for too long... the battery is still low and it took a long time to charge...". The enigmatic man told the short haired woman.

Chain nodded as she touched the screen of the object.

"This is evidence of what I said is true". Chain said with a big grin as she showed the young woman a picture of a blue planet.

Lilian's eyes widened in awe, she had never seen such technology before. The image is realistic, it seemed so surreal. She tried to find an explanation but nothing comes to mind, the object Chain held by itself is already proof that she and Leo is not from this world. This photo had made Lillian believe what Chain said is true.

"H-how long does it take for us to walk to another planet ?...". Lillian stammered, her question is filled with curiosity and amazement. For the first time she felt excitement.

"Oh, we don't walk there we use these big vehicles called spaceships to fly between planets". Chain explained to the young woman.

*Flying ? Humans ? In Vehicles ?*. Lillian thought to herself.

Lillian knew what a vehicle is. Big metal boxes with wheels used by the government of this world to travel around. However she could not imagine such objects to be able to fly, the concept is unfathomable to the young woman.

"Can I come with you two ?... I would like to visit these other planets...". Lillian asked. Her eyes is filled with hope as this might be her chance to escape from the despair of life within these lands.

"No, go back to where you come from...*. Leo retorted coldly.

"HOW COULD YOU BE SO CRUEL LEO ?". Chain yelled as she tried to smack the young man's head. Leo simply side stepped and dodged the assault which frustrated his sister.

"You can come with us Lillian, just ignore this rascal's words". Chain stated with a big smile.

"No, I refuse we should leave her behind". Leo stated. His voice is laced with annoyance.

"Don't be so mean you brat. I'm still bringing her regardless, I miss having a little sis-". Chain stopped mid sentence as a painful memory took over her.

"Don't mention her...". Leo responded. His voice is laced with disdain.

"I got carried away...". Chain spoke, melancholy took over her words as she stared down at the cave floor.

Lillian just stood in awe as she had never seen flaring emotions like this before. These people are a mystery to her.

"How do we get out of this planet ?...". Lillian asked softly, afraid to be caught in the tension between the two siblings.

"Well, we used to own a spaceship to fly around but, there is just one problem. Our spaceship crashed here 1 year ago after the planet government shot it down from orbit". Chain nervously chuckled.

"Who's fault is that ?. I told you going to Tauron is a bad decision* Leo retorted.

"LOOK I EXPECTED A EMPTY DESERTED PLANET OK ?, I DID NOT EXPECT AN ACTIVE FUCKING PLASMA CANNON TO SHOT US DOWN FROM ORBIT" She yelled.

"Wait... So we are trapped here ?..." Lillian asked.

"This is where I deliver the good news. I just located a spaceship not too far from here. The government had a secret hangar located inside a cave and it has a confiscated spaceship we could use". Chain said pridefully.

Lillian eyes widened, a faint smile curled up from her lips.

*This is it, this is my chance to escape, this is my chance. Maybe... Maybe its a chance for me to feel that warmth again..*. Lillian thought to herself.

"Well since you're coming with us, do you know how to fight Lillian ?". Chain asked with a concerned expression.

"N-No...". The young woman replied.

"Oh... Do you know how to use any weapon at least ?". Chain asked.

Lillian remembered she had a bow back home. Its a relic from long ago, she found it in the desert on the rubbles of a metallic object. She vividly remembered experimenting with the object figuring out how it worked. The bow is her trump card, a tool to help her secure a small safety bubble within the depraved subterranean environment she lived in.

"I-I... I have a bow in my house...". Lillian responded.

"Do you know how to use it ?". Chain questioned the green haired woman.

"Yeah... I figured out how to use it not too long after I found it...". She murmured.

"That's good enough, you will need it to protect yourself". Chain told the young woman with a grin on her face.

"Look, we are not bringing her...". Leo spoke, showing his disapproval towards the idea of bringing Lillian along.

"Leo, don't be so despicable. Don't you feel bad about her situation ?. Caged within this place with nowhere to escape". Chain replied with a pout. Her sympathy for the green haired girl is fully displayed.

Leo only sternly glared at her, uttering zero words as he crossed his arms in disapproval.

"I'll tell you what, I'll pay you five thousand cellestial dimes if we bring her along". Chain said with a playful grin on her face.

"Fine... you owe me five thousand cellestial dimes once we got out". Leo replied with a sigh.

"cellestial... dime ?...". Lillian asked.

"Oh, its the currency used in the world. Its like the shields here". Chain remarked.

"Here you can take a look". Chain said as she hands her a coin glimmering with colours from refracted lights. At certain angles the coin will emit a bright rainbow hue.

The young girl is fascinated by how beautiful it looked. This is the first time she ever laid eyes on something so colourful. Something that contrasted the pale brown, black and grey lacing this desolate planet of hers.

"Leo, I also intercepted a message guards will be minimum tomorrow night. They appeared to be guarding the government of this planet who is having a meeting at a place not too far from the cave". Chain told the young man.

"So, our window of opportunity to escape will be tomorrow night...". Leo replied in a calculated tone.

"Hey woman rest up". The brown haired man spoke to the fatigued Lillian.

"You need to be able to walk by tomorrow, otherwise we will leave you behind". Leo stated, his words is a warning to her. If she slowed them down, he won't hesitate to leave her behind in this desolate planet.

Lillian initially alarmed by his statement, nodded as she knew those words are not empty threats.

"Also tell us where is your home, Chain will fetch your weapon for you...". Leo spoke to the green haired woman.

"Wait why don't you go and fetch it Leo ?, I'm the one who found the base after all". Chain questioned her younger brother, annoyed by his statement that she should be the one to pick up Lillian's belonging.

"Do you know how to charge the phone batteries without electricity ?. Besides, you're the one who insisted in bringing her along". Leo retorted coldly as he fiddled with the device again.

Chain could only sighed in annoyance.

"Fineeeeeeeee....". She said with an annoyed tone.

"Cave C391... its at a lone broken house by the left side of the entrance...". Lillian told the short haired woman.

"Gotcha, I'll be back tonight". Chain spoke with a soft smile.

The short haired woman then quickly departed to the location she mentioned.

"Um... Mr. Leo ?... Does she know where the cave is ?...". Lillian asked.

"Chain already explored most of the available area so she should know". Leo replied.

"Also I hate to repeat myself but go take a rest, otherwise I will leave you behind". The young man replied while fiddling with the phone.

Lillian could only sigh as she lie down on the cold rocky cave floor. The young man is stern and aloof, treating her coldly. If she shows any sign of non-compliance her opportunity to survive for longer will be burnt to cinders. Slowly, she closed her eyes and let the calming embrace of slumber took over.

________

Lillian woke up from her slumber. She felt unusually light as for once she had a proper rest combined with getting a proper meal. Her fatigued body is fully rested up and healed from her previously famished form.

*That felt good...*. She thought to herself a she stretched and scanned her surroundings. The siblings she met yesterday they are real, this is not a dream. Both of them sat beside the fire pit consuming what appeared to be a bowl of soup.

"Oh, She's finally awake. Morning Lilly !". The short haired woman said to the half awake .

" Lilly ?...". Lillian asked.

"Yeah, I'm calling you Lilly from now on. Its shorter and rolls off the tongue better". The elder sibling stated with a big smile on her face.

*Lilly...*. Lillian thought to herself not knowing how to feel about her new nickname.

"I already set the GPS to the exact location of the base I'm going to scout ahead. Meet you both there". Chain said as she ran out of the cave.

Leo sighed as he watched his elder sister enthusiastically ran out.

"Here... eat... We'll go once you are done...". The young man told Lillian in an unamused tone as he handed her over a bowl of soup.

"Thank you...". Lillian murmured hesitantly as she begun gulping down the nourishing dish.

"Wait... my bow...". Lillian suddenly stopped eating as she remembered the event transpired last night.

"This old artifact ?". Leo said as he held a recurve bow made out of composite steel and 3 arrows in his hand.

"Chain fetched it yesterday while you were sleeping". He spoke, her voice is laced with disinterest.

"Oh... Thank you...". The young woman said as she continued to consume the soup.

Calmly, Leo placed the bow in front of her. He watched as she finished the bowl.

"Before we go, I need you to do something for me". Leo spoke in a cold tone as he stood up.

"W-What is it ?...". Lillian stammered, her question is laced with strong fear in her tone. The aura around Leo shifted as he finally seems to be getting serious about something.

"Shoot me with that bow". The young man commanded.

"W-What ?...". Lillian stammered in disbelief.

"You heard me, SHOOT ME". Leo yelled striking fear to her soul.

"B-But why ?...". The young woman stammered again. Her voice is thick with terror. Leo is her ticket to escape this desolate world. If she shot him wouldn't he die ?.

"If you can't show me you have the ability to at least defend yourself, I'll leave you". Leo stated with a stern voice.

"B-But.... you will die...". The young woman responded, her voice is shaking in horror.

"We are heading to a dangerous territory. You need to be willing to pull the trigger when the situation ask for it. I'll ask you one more time Shoot me, if you don't do it I'll leave without you... no... I'll straight up kill you here and tell Chain you changed your mind...". The young man said as his right hand reached for the shadows, grabbing a huge object that is clouded within the cave's darkness.

Lillian eyes widened in alarm. Her danger sense fully kicked in as she felt a murderous aura flowing through every crevices of the cave. She instinctively pulled her bow and point it at Leo, terrified at the bloodlust oozing out of him.

"Why ?... is there no other way ?...". The frightened young woman asked.

"You are wasting my time, I will kill you now". The young man stated as he extinguished the flame within the fire pit with his foot and started to slowly walk towards to Lillian.

The sinister aura intensified. Right now Lillian's fight or flight instincts kicked in as he gets closer.

"S-Stay back...". Lillian told the young man. Her hands is shaking as she kept taking a step back until she is cornered into the wall.

"What's wrong ? Scared ? I told you I'm going to kill you. You wasted my time, and I hate to have my time wasted". Leo stated in a cold and calculated tone.

The young man suddenly sprinted at her with a huge object in his hand. Time slowed down for Lillian she needs to make a choice. Does she want to kill her only ticket to freedom ? Or is she going to die here ?. As fear completely took over, she closed her eyes and released the arrow as it flies to Leo.

*I-I'm sorry....*. She thought to herself as she braced for the aftermath.

Clank, a loud sound is heard.

Lillian slowly opened her eye, shocked. She saw a giant sword with weird protrusions in front of Leo, Blocking the arrow she shot. The young man's expression switched back to his usual disinterested look.

"Come on, Let's go". he said coldly as he attaches the sword to his back.

"W-what ?". Lillian stammered in confusion as all of the bloodlust surrounding him dissipated into thin air.

"We're going to meet up with Chain. You had proven yourself you can use that weapon and you won't hesitate to fight when push comes to shove. Let's go...". The young man spoke, gesturing her to follow him.

Lillian, still confused and dazed could only nod in compliance. She is still shaken about what just transpired. Her life flashed before her eyes during that intense moment of pure adrenaline. She meekly followed Leo as they left the cave heading towards their next destination.

________

Time passed as the duo travelled through the harsh rocky plains. It's an unusually clear day free of sandstorm that usually ravages this planet. Cautiously they approached a particular looking cave. The duo spotted two men in uniform with guns patrolling the cave entrance.

"This is the coordinate Chain sent... That must be the base. Let me turn on the sonar...". Leo spoke in his disinterested tone as he tapped his phone at his phone. A pinging noise could be heard from his phone as red dots appeared at the screen.

"Do we need to hurt those peoples ?". Lillian asked pointing at the guards.

"Yes". He replied coldly as he looked at the object in his hand.

"Why ? What have they done ?...." Lillian questioned the morality of the actions they need to take.

"This planet is called Tauron it used to be flourishing with life and civilization. However... the governing body of this planet went rogue and corrupt. They rebelled against the world two hundred years ago and lost the war. The IGO could not afford to fully take back this planet however as their forces are stretched thin. They classified this planet as abandoned as there is no more resource here..." Leo explained.

"Tauron...". Lillian echoed Leo's words.

"However we did not expect the defence system around the planet is still active. Because of that me and Chain's spaceship got shot down by a plasma cannon..." Leo continued his explanation.

Lillian listened in awe of the sibling's story.

"Manufacturing and resources are also scarce here so most of the technology that is available is quite primitive. I don't even know how they could even afford to get a spaceship...". Leo added.

Lillian could only feel mesmerized yet dazed by his words. Leo stared at his phone before he lets out a sigh.

"Alright... Lets go". The young man said nonchalantly as he walked away from their hiding spot and head towards the cave entrance.

"Wait what about the guards ?. Shouldn't we wait for Chain ?". Lillian asked with a concerned tone.

"There's no need Chain is already here". Leo responded.

"B-But where is she ?". Lillian questioned as she took a look at her surrounding.

Lillian noticed the guards at the entrance is now slumped unconscious. Both guard's face is swollen and bruised from a brutal beatdown.

"W-what happened to them ?... Where is Chain ?". Lillian asked, frightened by the sight.

 Leo breathed a small sigh.

"She is already inside... She took down all of the guards already...". Leo spoke in his unamused tone.

"W-what ?... All of the guards ?...". Lillian stammered in disbelief.

Leo kept on walking towards the cave. Lillian in a wary state followed him cautiously. The duo went in deeper to reveal the cave as a military base. Lillian's eyes widened in horror as she saw see the carnage that had happened. All of the guards inside are knocked unconscious, all of them either bleeds from the nose, have swollen faces, suffered heavy bruises, or even had their teeth knocked out.

*This is all Chain's doing ?*. Lillian asked to herself. The image of the cheerful person she met just yesterday immediately got shattered at the gruelling scene.

Lillian and Leo kept on walking until they reached a large clearing deep inside the base. They passed through more beaten up guards, a sign that Chain had already been here. 

"Yo~". A familiar figure greeted them.

Lillian got startled as shadowy figure slowly moved towards them. Lillian pulled her bow and was about to shoot but slowly the figure emerges from the shadow, revealing the identity of the person. It's Chain.

"Took you two long enough~". Chain said with a big grin as she held two unconscious guards in her hands.

Lillian breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of the familiar face however, her relief immediately turned to shock as she saw her with blood splatters all around her clothes. The unconscious guards she held does not help with her image. The green haired woman felt sick at the sight.

Leo sighed at the sight of his elder sister.

"You didn't kill anyone did you ?". The young man questioned his older sibling.

"Nope, I'm just bored waiting for you two so I decided to beat up everyone here so we can speed up the take off process". The woman stated with a sinister smile.

*Bored ?...*. Her mind was shaken by the statement. She could not fathom the fact that Chain had committed such unbridled violence all because of... Boredom ?.

The weight of the circumstances is suffocating. Her saviours are monsters.

"Yo Leo, you wont believe what I found". Chain spoke with a wide grin on her face.

"What is it ?...". He replied with his unamused tone. He placed his hands inside his pocket as he waits for her answer.

"Follow me, you too Lilly, you will be amazed by it". The short haired woman stated gleefully.

"I think I'll stay here for now... I'll catch up later...". Lillian responded. Her voice is shaky from the sight of such unbridled violence she just witnessed.

"Alright, gotcha !. Meet us inside that room once you're ready". Chain said while pointing at a door with the word hangar on top of it.

"Y-Yeah... I will...". Lilly responded. Her voice is slightly trembling.

The siblings walked inside the room. Leo's eyes widened as a small smirk formed in his face. He pulled his hands out of his pocket and crosses them.

"Hello, this is an unexpected surprise. I did not expect to find her here, still fully intact". The young man remarked with a chuckle.

"Neither do I". Chain replied as a similar grin mirroring her brother.

"Do you think she can still fly ?". Leo asked.

"I checked the fuel it seems to be enough to reach another solar system. As for damages she seemed to be fully restored. I guess we need to test her out to be sure". Chain replied whilst crossing her arms.

"It's been a entire year". Leo softly spoke.

________

The green haired woman walked back and forth in the hallways. Her mind is weighing her options at the moment. To follow or to not follow them ?. If she followed them, Lillian knew that her future is unpredictable. She doesn't know whether to trust them or not as they did saved her however, both of them are capable of brutal violence. However if she doesn't follow them, she will continue to live a life filled with hunger. Lilliana doesn't know how to describe it but she longed to form a connection with other human beings.

However fate would make the first move. Suddenly one of the door within the hallway flew open. From it, two guards appeared holding a gun as they inspected the carnage left behind by Chain. Then... the guards spotted her.

"DON'T MOVE, PLACE YOUR HANDS ABOVE YOUR HEAD OR WE'LL SHOOT !". One of the guards yelled.

Startled, Lillian dashed to the room where Chain and Leo is located at. The guards shot at her but they missed. Her thought raced as she narrowly avoid the gunshots.

*There's no turning back now... I'll have to go with them...*. She thought to herself staying now means certain death. She could focus on escaping the grasp of the siblings later but for now, she must survive.

The guards had triggered the base alarm, alerting all of the military personnel towards the trio.

Inside the hangar, Chain jumped as the wailing sirens of the base roared into life. Leo rolled his eyes as he had figured out what had happened.

"Well fuck...". Chain muttered in annoyance.

Lillian burst through the hangar door. Her breath is ragged from exertion as she ran for dear life.

"Help !". The green haired woman screamed as she catch her breath from all the running.

Leo sighed in dismay at the sight of the young woman running.

"This is why I don't want to bring her along...". Leo complained.

Chain rolled her eyes at her brother's response. 

"Look I already said, five thousand dimes". Chain responded to her brother's complaints.

*I screwed up and caused trouble for them... are they still willing to help me ?*. Lillian's thought raced. Her expression is palpable with fear. Her body trembled as she rationalized that there is a huge chance they will leave her to fend for herself.

"HALT !". The guards who were chasing Lillian yelled as they entered the hangar.

"It's only some small fries, I can take care of them". Chain said as she rolled her eyes and walked slowly to the guards.

"SURRENDER NOW ! YOU ARE ALL UNDER AREST". One of the guard commanded.

"Sorry but we are in a hurry so can you two sleep for a bit ?". Chain said with a sinister grin.

Suddenly the short haired woman sprinted at the guards with blistering speeds. In a panic the guards unleashed a hail of bullet but they all miss their marks. Chain is simply too agile for the guards to handle.

In one swift motion Chain uppercuts one of the guard knocking him completely unconscious. The other guard pointed his gun towards Chain but... she disappeared. The guard panicked as he looked around.

"W-where is she ?". The guard stammered in a confused state.

"Looking for me ?". A voice could be heard.

The guard looked up to see Chain had jumped high. In one swift motion she performed a downward kick, knocking his weapon away from his hand. The woman then followed up by performing a powerful round kick to the temple of his head. The guard fell, knocked unconscious with a jarring thud.

"Well that's too easy. I didn't even get to enjoy the fight..." Chain muttered. Her voice is laced with disappointment.

Leo sighed in annoyance at his sister.

"Look no normal human is a match for a brute like you...". The young man snarked at his older sister.

"Who are you calling a brute ?". Chain responded in annoyance.

As the sibling bickered, Lillian took a deep breath and calmed down. She slowly raised her head, her eyes widened in amazement. The blaring alarm in the background slowly fades as her attention is focused on something else. The green haired woman saw a big object of metallic nature. On the side of it the word "Nebula III" could be seen. She stared in awe as she circled around the object, gazing at it with intense astonishment. 

*This is a spaceship ? can this thing really fly ?*. She pondered to herself admiring the huge futuristic looking vessel.

Lillian's admiration is cut short by the looming thuds of thunderous footsteps. Reinforcement had arrived, and their intent is clear, capture or eliminate all of the intruders. Lillian realized she might jeopardized their entire escape plan.

"C-chain... Leo.... I'm sorry.... I didn't mean to...". She stammered in an apologetic tone.

The green haired woman clenched her chest, hoping that they will forgive her, that they will allow her to escape with them, she hoped that she can live for another day instead of dying here. Lillian stared at the floor in anguish that her only hope for survival might be eliminated here.

"You didn't do anything wrong Lilly. Eventually they will sound the alarm at the sight of the beaten up guard anyways". Chain said gently while placing her hand on Lillian's shoulder, an attempt to comfort her.

"You will be fine, we will get out of here together". Chain murmured.

Lillian looked up. She could only see a warm smile in Chain's face, an expression she does not expect to see. Her eyes widened in both confusion and elation. Her words offered reassurance instead of accusing her.

Tears of joy slowly dripped from Lillian's eyes after experiencing such genuine warmth from someone who is practically a stranger. She tried to wipe her tears, this is the first time the young woman felt such comfort. She glanced at Leo, hoping that the young man also forgave her.

Lillian saw the man crossed his arms. His face is expressionless, unreadable, an utter enigma to her. A sense of dread filled Lillian as she felt his silent disapproval. Lillian is deep in thought thinking of the possibility that she might get left behind. Her train of thought however is interrupted by the thundering thumps of the incoming guards.

"How much time do you need to start it ?". Chain asked Leo with a grin.

Leo lets out a sigh before he opened his mouth to speak.

"Chain, you're starting the ship...". The young man said 

"WHAT ? WHY ? YOU'RE THE GODDAMN PILOT". Chain complained.

"Every time we are in this situation you always ended up extending departure time by prolonging the fight...". The young man replied. His face is laced with annoyance.

Chain groaned in annoyance at his statement.

"Come on, let me deal with the guards". Chain pleaded.

The footsteps became louder as grunts and shouts from the planet guards could be heard inside the hangar.

"Just start it... I'll deal with the guards...". Leo said sternly.

"But-". Chain was cut off by his younger sibling.

"Go". Leo said one final time with annoyance in his face.

"Fine....". The short haired woman replied with a disgruntled tone.

The young man then gripped the sword in his back as he walked slowly towards the hangar entrance.

"Let's go Lilly". Chain said as she dragged the green haired girl's arm.

"Will he be okay ?...". The green haired girl asked in concern. 

"Don't worry about my brother, he is strong". Chain responded with an annoyed expression as they ran inside the spaceship.

Chain went straight to the cockpit as Lillian watched from the ship's airlock. Hundreds of guards swarmed into the hangar as Leo jumped into action taking out the first wave of guards in a single swing. The guards opened fire. Thousands of metallic projectiles flew in the air heading straight to shred the man. Leo planted his sword at the ground blocking all incoming bullets. He then proceeded to change how he grips his sword.

The sword came alive as flames appears from the protrusions, igniting with a beautiful display. In a moment he moved at lightning speed towards the guards.

"W-Why is he so fast !?". A guard stammered in disbelief as he witnessed a guy wielding such a unwieldy and clunky sword managed to closed in the distance to them in an instant.

Lillian watched in amazement, as she saw Leo dispatching every single one of the guards. He seemed like a unstoppable tank charging through a torrent of sharp needles. Strangely none of the guards suffered from any cut wound. His sword is... Blunt ?.

Moments passed as Leo held off wave after wave of soldiers. Chain is mashing buttons on the cockpit monitor frustrated overtime.

"God damnit Leo, you knew I'm not good with technology and you still told me to start this damn complicated thing". Chain complained as she slammed her hand on a counter on the side of the cockpit.

"Is there anything I could do to help ?...". Lillian asked with a worried face.

"I got this Lilly, don't worry". Chain responded, forcing a smile towards the green haired woman.

"Ok, I just need to press this and...". Chain muttered as she tapped a large red button within the center console.

A deafening noise filled the base as the spaceship roars to life. Chain's mouth curled into a grin. The woman then rushed to grab a intercom device beside her which is linked to the ship's speaker system.

"LEO GET IN". Chain yelled at the intercom, her voice is amplified by the speakers located on the exterior of the spaceship.

The young man who was fighting outside then bolted towards the spaceship entrance however, endless waves of guards poured in and started to shoot at the young man. Leo turned around and planted his sword in front of him, blocking the bullets before they could cause any harm to him. Leo is stuck, he could not make a dash to the ship without risking injuries from the bullet storm.

"Fuck". Chain said as she pulled out her weapons for the first time and rushed to the airlock.

Its a dual pistol she kept at a holster below her spandex. She started firing at the group of soldiers hitting some of them in the leg incapacitated them however, the endless wave is too much for her.

"Damnit Leo can't break through from that bullet storm". Chain said as she took cover in the airlock. Some of the guards had diverted their attention and aimed at Chain and Lillian.

*I need to help them but how ?...*. Lillian's thought raced looking for anything she can use to help.

She then saw a pile of familiar looking objects. Its a bunch of gas tubes. she had seen one of these things used in a outpost as fuels for stove. She immediately grabbed one and brought it to Chain.

"Chain can we use this ?". Lillian asked the short haired woman.

Chain's eyes widened as a grin slowly formed on her face. 

"Good thinking Lilly, we could use this to create a smoke screen to cover for Leo. But... how do we fling it over there ?...". The short haired woman spoke. Her mind is trying to think of a way to toss the tanks far enough to cover Leo.

An idea struck Lillian's mind.

"Chain, is it possible to use my bow and arrow to carry it all the way towards Leo ?". She asked with a serious expression.

"Good thinking Lilly !, if we attached the tanks with ropes and tied it to an arrow it might be possible". Chain responded with a thrilled voice.

Chain hurriedly rushed back to the inside of the ship and grabbed some ropes and tied the small cylinders containing gasses to Lillian's arrows.

"Ready Lilly ?". Chain asked the green haired girl.

"I'm ready". Lillian replied as she took the arrow from Chain.

The arrow is heavier than expected. Lillian overwhelmed by the sheer weight accidentally dropped the arrow. Chain noticed a crack had formed as the cylinder hit the floor with a thundering thud.

"LILLY !". The short haired woman shouted as she pushed Lillian away before grabbing the gas can and chucked it outside.

The can detonated in front of the ship's entrance, creating a large smokescreen.

"Fuck, we can't see". Chain cursed at the unfortunate event.

Lillian's hands trembled in fear as she just messed up. Chain slowly approached Lillian and clapped her clasped trembling hands.

"Lilly calm down, we still have two more tries. We need to make it count". Chain said calmly trying to calm her down.

Lillian calmed down as she took a deep breath. Chain tied another gas cylinder into another arrow this time, she helped the young woman by holding and guiding her hands.

"Take a deep breath aim high, wait for the smoke to clear then release". Chain murmured softly at her ears.

The smoke slowly dissipated revealing Leo's and the guards' positions.

"Now ! shoot !". Chain shouted as Lillian released her grip the gas can landed directly in front of Leo. With no hesitation Chain followed up by shooting it, causing a huge explosion that formed a massive smokescreen. The explosion slightly caused Leo to recoil but ultimately he is unscathed thanks to his sword acting as a barrier.

"LEO NOW GO !". Chain shouted.

Leo now no longer pinned with gunshots ran towards the ship and got inside. The ship's entrance and airlock closed slowly as all of them retreated further inside the ship. The young man immediately went to the cockpit and grab hold of the yoke. The ship slowly levitated off the ground. However there was an issue, they are underground how are they going to make it out ?.

"Grab on to something". Leo told the two women.

"Lilly just sit there and brace yourself". Chain instructed her as she pointed at a sofa inside the ships living quarters.

Lillian nodded as she sat on the sofa. A safety belt appeared and secured her in spot. Chain sat at the co-pilot seat as she manually buckled the safety belt.

"LET'S GO !". Chain shouted excitedly.

The ship, now covered in a blue energy shield suddenly burst with power. It rammed through the ceilings of the hangar leaving behind a gigantic hole in its wake.

"Wait how are we supposed to get pass the orbital plasma cannons ?. They are located in this planet's moon they will shot us down again". Chain asked the young man, worried.

"We can use the hyper thrusters at low orbit bordering the atmosphere to blitz past". Leo replied.

"You idiot, are you trying to destroy the spaceship engines ?. Hyper thrusters within the planet atmosphere will cause the engine to overheat because, oxygens will be sucked into the engine causing it to burn hotter than normal". The short haired woman replied with an annoyed expression.

"You have better plans ?". Leo snarked.

"Ugh... fine, you owe me five thousand cellestial dimes if the engine is cooked". Chain responded in a disgruntled voice.

"Fine... however, if this works you owe me an extra five thousand dimes". The young man replied, unamused by her proclamation.

"I'm not agreeing to that". Chain complained.

Leo shook his head and rolled his eyes as he pressed some buttons at the flight interface.

"Thrusters engaged, prepare for hyper drive in 3, 2 ,1...". The young man spoke.

The spaceship rumbled as blue flames started spewing from its engines. Suddenly, the spaceship burst with power which caused Lillian to close her eyes, bracing for impact as the spaceship jolted forward in blinding speed. Slowly Lillian opened her eyes and scanned her surroundings everything became calm as her safety belt retreats into the sofa.

"You owe me ten thousand dimes now...". Leo told his elder sibling.

"Ten thousand ? it is only five thousand for bringing Lilly". Chain corrected his brother's statement.

"No... you forgot the engine did not break so that's an extra five thousand for me...". Leo responded nonchalantly.

"I NEVER AGREED TO THAT". Chain yelled in annoyance.

"A-are we safe now ?...". Lilly stammered, sheepishly asking the siblings.

Chain rose up from her seat and placed her hand on her head. Slowly she rubbed her hair playfully.

"Yup, welcome to the real world Lilly". Chain stated with a smile as she sidestepped revealing the full view of the cockpit.

Lillan's eyes widened in amazement as she took in the colourful view. The world, it's filled with vibrant clouds of nebula, the glimmering lights of shining stars, the elegant shape of distant comets, and abundance of small dots, representing the countless planets that existed within this plane of existence. The young woman's mouth widened in awe as she gazed the universe with her naked eye for the first time.

"It's beautiful....". Lillian muttered.

"I know right ?". Chain smiled.

"Oh Lilly come here, we can't have you wear those tattered clothes all the time". Chain said as she pulled her into her room.

Leo sighed at how rambunctious his sister is but he couldn't help to let out a small grin. The young man immersed himself with the view of the universe. He leaned against his hand and relaxed, enjoying the view as their spaceship cruised through space.

"It's nice to have some peace and quiet...". Leo murmured.

Some time passed as Lillian and Chain stood at the cockpit entrance. The green haired woman is now dressed in a white hoodie, pale green t-shirt underneath the hoodie, a single holster for a knife sheath, skirt, long stockings, fingerless gloves, and a pair of tall military style boots. The two woman looked in silence as Leo's mind got lost as he stargazed.

"He is something else when stargazing isn't he ?". Chain whispered to Lillian's ears whilst giggling softly.

Lillian nodded in agreement.

"Leo is always like that when we travel around, he is stuck in his own world when he is stargazing". Chain whispered again.

"He is always cold and distant towards me though...". Lillian murmured, her voice laced with fear and worry.

"He was always like that, but deep down he is a good soul. Most of the time at least". Chain replied with a soft voice.

"I can hear you all the way from here you know". Leo said with an unamused tone.

"Do you have a radar for an ear or something ?". Chain retorted.

Leo ignored his sister as he continued to gaze at the vast expanses of space. Chain sighed as she turned back to Lillian and placed her hands on her shoulder.

"Welcome to the Nebula III, this is our home". Chain stated with a warm smile.

"Your home ?...". Lillian asked in confusion.

Chain lets out a small chuckle.

"This is the ship we crash landed in, I thought the government of Tauron scrapped it for metal after it got shot down. I didn't expect to find it fully fixed though". The short haired girl explained.

"Some of our belongings are still here". Chain pointed out a photo of her and Leo at another planet with the ship in the background hanging at a wall. Between them another woman could be seen, smiling at the camera while wrapping her arms around the two siblings.

"Well, what do you want to do now Lilly ? You have nowhere else to call home. You could stay with us if you like". Chain told the young woman.

"I-Is it really ok for me to be here ?...". Lilly stammered, wary of the siblings.

"Of course !. It's nice to have another person accompanying you aside from Leo you know". Chain said with a grin.

"No, let's drop her at our next destination...". Leo snarked.

"WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM LEO ?". Chain yelled as she marched to his side in anger.

"Just ignore him Lilly, you are welcomed here". Chain said with a big smile.

"I'll follow you two for now... maybe once I figured out how to survive on my own I will part ways...". Lillian murmured softly.

Chain's smile widened at her announcement as she hugged her gleefully.

"Feel free to call me big sis Lilly". Chain stated as she jumped in joy.

Lillian is surprised at Chain's action but she embraced her, feeling a flicker of warmth inside her chest.

"Okay... Big sis...". Lillian replied, a small smile curled up on her lips as a hint of joy took over her.

"So now where do we go ?". Chain asked as she lets go and switched her gaze at the stars.