Good Company

CTS Time: RE250.01.01 7:45 PM

Blaze walked into the control room, his sharp eyes scanning the navigation system. The spacecraft drifted steadily along the galactic route, nearing the bustling space hub of Outpost Sigma, an intergalactic rest stop in Universe 07.

The large holographic display projected the hub's shimmering lights, countless ships docking and departing, and crowds of travelers moving through the station. The sight reminded Blaze of the last time he was here alone, with only his sword and his thirst for revenge.

Devolos' voice echoed in his mind. "You should have left her behind. She's a distraction, Blaze. Let me feed on those weaklings instead."

Blaze smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Shut up, Devolos. You'll get your fill soon enough."

The sword's glow dimmed, but Blaze could still feel its hunger beneath the surface.

Moments later, Rose entered the control room, rubbing her eyes sleepily. She glanced at the hologram of the space hub and gasped softly. "Wow... it's beautiful."

Blaze looked at her, noticing the genuine awe in her expression. It was such a stark contrast to the cold world he lived in.

"Stay close when we land," he said firmly. "This place is crawling with bounty hunters and traders looking for easy targets."

Rose nodded. "Got it... but Blaze?"

He raised an eyebrow.

"Thanks... for letting me stay."

Blaze looked at her for a moment, then turned his attention back to the controls. "Don't thank me yet."

With that, he activated the landing sequence, bringing the ship closer to the hub. As the neon lights of the station reflected off the cockpit glass, Blaze couldn't help but wonder—was he really changing, or was it just another illusion before the inevitable storm?

Blaze guided the spacecraft into the parking lot, smoothly maneuvering it alongside a variety of ships some sleek and high-tech, others worn down by years of travel. The transparent flooring beneath them reflected the vibrant glow of the cosmic vista outside. The space beyond stretched endlessly, filled with shimmering stars and distant galaxies that pulsed like silent watchers.

As Blaze and Rose stepped out of the spacecraft, Rose's eyes widened with childlike wonder. Around them, people strolled casually through the hub's open walkways some chatting with companions, others admiring the vastness of space from the designated observation decks. A few couples lounged by an elegant, floating fountain, its water defying gravity in mesmerizing swirls. Nearby, pets of various alien species trotted alongside their owners, their bioluminescent tails leaving faint trails in the air.

Blaze's voice pulled Rose out of her daze. "Hold my hand."

Without thinking, Rose took his hand. But a second later, curiosity sparked in her mind. She looked at him, eyes narrowing in confusion. "Wait... how am I even breathing? There's no oxygen, and yet I feel perfectly fine."

Blaze let out a hearty laugh, the sound echoing off the metallic walls. "Ah, you finally noticed! There's so much more to space than your little Earth could ever teach you. You're in for a lot of surprises."

Rose looked around again, fascinated. "Back on Earth, I thought space was just an empty void—silent, cold, and lifeless. But here... it's the complete opposite. A floating city? Highways made of light? People walking as if gravity doesn't even exist?"

Blaze smirked. "That's because Earth's still a Type 2 civilization. You've only scratched the surface of what's really out there. Come on, let's explore there's a lot to see."

They entered the bustling interior of the space hub, and Rose found herself marveling at its beauty. It was like a miniature city designed for travelers from every corner of the galaxy. Transparent walkways stretched above them, and neon signs advertised everything from high-speed star cruisers to exotic alien cuisine. The scent of sizzling food mixed with the faint hum of conversations in dozens of different languages.

As they walked towards the food court, Rose still clung to Blaze's hand absentmindedly, lost in the sensory overload. Just as they were nearing their destination, a figure stepped into their path a woman with short, revealing clothing and a confident smirk.

"Oh, young man," she purred, trailing her fingers along Blaze's jawline and down to his chest. "You're looking mighty fine tonight. Why don't you spend the night with me? I promise you won't regret it."

Rose tensed, her grip on Blaze's hand tightening involuntarily. Blaze, however, remained unfazed. He gently removed the woman's hand and stepped aside. "Sorry, lady. Not interested."

The woman pouted, stepping in front of him again, pressing closer. "Oh, come on... just one night. A little fun never hurt anyone."

Blaze sighed, his voice cool but firm. "I don't have time for distractions. Maybe next time."

With an exaggerated sigh, the woman stepped aside, rolling her eyes. "Tch, you kids these days don't know what real fun is."

Rose followed Blaze quickly, her curiosity bubbling over. "Who was she?"

Blaze smirked. "Just someone drunk and looking for company. It's normal in places like this. Ignore them."

They arrived at the food court, which was a hive of activity. Different food stalls boasted vibrant holographic menus, showcasing dishes from across the universe. A small band played rock music in one corner, their alien instruments emitting pulsating beats. At another table, a heated argument broke out over what sounded like a bet gone wrong.

Rose noticed a group at the far side, playing cards and smoking. Their eyes flickered over her briefly before returning to their game. She felt an uneasy shiver run down her spine. "Traders and bounty hunters," she thought, remembering Blaze's warning.

"Sit here," Blaze said, pointing to an empty table. "I'll get the food."

Rose nodded, watching as Blaze made his way to the order section.

At the ordering counter, Blaze scanned the holographic display of available meals. A cheerful receptionist greeted him with a smile. "Welcome, traveler! What can I get you tonight?"

Blaze placed his order, his eyes wandering to the nearby advertisement screens flashing deals and products for explorers. One particular offer caught his attention:

"Best Traveler Kits for Exploration!"

"Deluxe Data Packs for Fast Learning!"

His jaw tightened. The deluxe learning packs would be perfect for Rose—they would help her grasp the complexities of the universe much faster. But when he saw the price, he frowned. "Damn... too expensive," he muttered under his breath.

His funds were already running low, and after buying fuel and supplies, he couldn't afford luxuries. But he thought about Rose—her curiosity, her eagerness to learn. Something inside him told him that investing in her knowledge was worth more than just food and fuel.

Develos' voice echoed in his mind. "Softness will be your downfall, Blaze. She's nothing but baggage."

Blaze ignored the sword's venomous words, staring at the offer once more. "She deserves to know more… and survive better than I did," he thought.

With a deep sigh, he made a decision. "I'll take the deluxe data pack too," he said to the receptionist.

The woman smiled. "Wise choice, sir. That'll be 750 credits in total."

Blaze winced but transferred the payment without hesitation. As he picked up the food and data pack, he glanced back at Rose. She was staring at the band playing music, tapping her fingers lightly on the table in rhythm, unaware of his silent commitment to help her.

He walked back, setting the tray down in front of her.

"Here you go."

Rose looked up with a smile. "Thanks, Blaze."

He nodded, pushing the data pack towards her. "This... will help you learn more about the universe. Study it."

Rose's eyes widened with gratitude. "You really got this for me? But… it must have cost a lot!"

Blaze shrugged. "Just focus on learning. You'll need it."

As she eagerly activated the data pad, Blaze leaned back in his chair, staring out the window at the endless stars beyond. Despite the dangers surrounding them, for the first time in a long while, he felt a strange sense of purpose beyond revenge.

But deep inside, he knew that peace was only temporary.

As Rose eagerly scrolled through the data pad, her eyes sparkling with excitement, Blaze leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed beyond the transparent walls of the space hub. The endless expanse of stars stretched before him, a silent reminder of the countless journeys he'd taken—and the ones still ahead.

The hum of the bustling food court faded into the background as Blaze's thoughts drifted back to his past. The faces of his sister, his fallen comrades, and the bloodstained memories he could never escape weighed heavily on his mind.

Rose, sensing his silence, glanced at him. "You always have that distant look, like you're carrying the weight of a thousand stars."

Blaze blinked, pulled from his reverie. He smirked faintly, trying to downplay it. "Nah, just thinking about our next steps."

Rose shook her head. "I don't believe that. You hide things, Blaze."

Blaze sighed. "Everyone has things they don't talk about, Rose." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "You're learning about the universe, but some things out here... they're better left unknown."

Rose studied him for a moment before nodding. "You're afraid I'll get hurt."

Blaze didn't respond immediately. Instead, he pushed a piece of food toward her. "Eat before it gets cold."

Rose smiled softly, taking a bite. "You care more than you show."

Before Blaze could reply, a sudden loud bang echoed from the far end of the food court. The band's music faltered as all eyes turned toward the commotion. Blaze's instincts kicked in instantly, his hand hovering near the hilt of his sword.

A group of men in dark cloaks surrounded a small boy who clutched a bag of glowing crystals tightly against his chest. He looked no older than ten, his clothes tattered, his face smeared with dirt and fear. The leader of the group, a towering figure with cybernetic implants running down his face, sneered.

"You're late on your payment, kid," the thug growled, his mechanical hand gripping the boy's arm tightly. "We don't do charity."

Blaze muttered under his breath. "Damn bounty hunters..."

Rose, wide-eyed, whispered, "Should we do something?"

Blaze shook his head slightly. "Stay out of it. This isn't our fight." But his grip on his sword tightened, and that's when he heard it—

Devolos' voice, slithering into his mind like venom.

"Why hesitate, Blaze?" The dragon's voice rumbled, low and intoxicating. "You hold my power, and yet you let weaklings mock you? A single swing, and their heads will roll. You owe them nothing."

Blaze clenched his jaw, trying to ignore the dark whispers creeping into his thoughts. "Not now, Devolos."

"Why protect the weak?" Devolos hissed. "They remind you of your sister, don't they? Weak... helpless... and dead. But you're not weak anymore, Blaze. Let me show them your strength."

Blaze closed his eyes, steadying his breathing. The memory of his sister's lifeless body flashed before him her pleading eyes, his failure. His fingers twitched over the hilt.

Rose placed a gentle hand on his arm. "Blaze..."

He exhaled sharply, shaking off Devolos' influence. "Fine. Stay behind me."

With a fluid motion, Blaze rose from his seat and walked toward the confrontation. The thugs turned toward him as he approached, the glow of his sword casting an eerie light against their faces.

"Walk away," Blaze said coldly. "Now."

The leader smirked, scanning him from head to toe. "And who the hell are you?"

Blaze's eyes narrowed. "Someone you don't want to mess with."

Devolos chuckled darkly within his mind. "Yes... feel it. The urge to strike. Just let me in, Blaze... and I'll handle the rest."

The thug laughed, but something in Blaze's unwavering stance made him hesitate. Devolos aura pulsed faintly, tempting him, but Blaze fought against it, his will strong.

Blaze's voice was calm but laced with warning. "You've got three seconds."

The tension thickened, but the thug weighed his options. After a moment, he scoffed, shoving the boy aside and motioning for his crew to leave. "You got lucky today, stranger."

As they disappeared into the crowd, the boy looked up at Blaze with grateful eyes. "Thank you... I "

Blaze held up a hand. "Be more careful."

He turned back to Rose, who was watching him with admiration. "Let's get out of here before more trouble shows up."

Rose followed him, her voice soft. "You really are a good person, Blaze. Even if you pretend you're not."

Blaze glanced at her with a rare, genuine smile. "Don't go spreading rumors."

As they walked away from the food court, Devolos growled in disappointment. "You keep denying me, Blaze... but one day, you'll need me. And when that day comes, you'll beg for my power."

Blaze's smile faded, his grip tightening on the sword. "Not today, Devolos. Not today."

Blaze and Rose walked side by side through the bustling space hub, heading back to their spacecraft. The neon lights of various shops and bars flickered around them, casting a glow onto the transparent floor beneath their feet. Beyond the floor, the vast beauty of space stretched endlessly, dotted with distant galaxies and ships traveling along the galactic routes. Rose gazed at the view in awe, but Blaze's mind was elsewhere.

He could sense it—the quiet footsteps trailing behind them. Without turning his head, he spoke softly.

"We're being followed."

Rose blinked in surprise. "Who?" she whispered, subtly glancing over her shoulder.

A small figure darted behind a nearby pillar, trying to remain hidden. It was the same boy from earlier, the one Blaze had defended at the food court. His clothes were still ragged, and his face was streaked with dirt, but his eyes were sharp and full of determination.

Blaze sighed and turned around. "Alright, kid. Why are you following us?"

The boy hesitated, clutching the strap of his worn-out satchel. "I... I saw you stand up to those guys. You're strong... and..." He lowered his gaze, kicking the ground nervously. "I have nowhere to go."

Rose's heart softened instantly, and she stepped forward. "What do you mean? Don't you have anyone?"

The boy shook his head. "No. I've been alone for as long as I can remember. I've been working for traders and bounty hunters... doing odd jobs. Cleaning ships, carrying cargo, running errands." He paused, his voice growing softer. "But they treat me like dirt... and I don't want to live like that anymore."

Blaze crossed his arms, studying the kid. His eyes reflected something familiar something Blaze knew all too well. The look of someone who had been abandoned, someone who had to survive alone. For a moment, he saw a glimpse of his younger self.

Devolos' voice slithered into his mind again.

"Softness will make you weak, Blaze. This boy will slow you down. Leave him. He is nothing but a burden."

Blaze ignored the voice, his jaw tightening. He knelt down to the boy's level, his voice firm but not unkind. "You understand this isn't an easy life, right? We travel through dangerous places, and there's no guarantee of safety."

The boy nodded quickly. "I can work. I can learn."

Rose smiled, placing a hand on Blaze's arm. "I think he deserves a chance."

Blaze exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Alright, kid. You can come with us."

The boy's eyes lit up with hope, and a small, cautious smile crept onto his face. "Really?"

Blaze nodded. "Yeah. But you pull your weight, got it?"

The boy beamed. "I will! I promise."

Blaze ruffled the kid's hair roughly. "First rule don't call me sir or anything weird like that. Just Blaze."

The boy nodded eagerly. "Got it, Blaze!"

Rose giggled. "And I'm Rose! What's your name?"

The boy hesitated, then mumbled, "Everyone just calls me Bolt."

Rose smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you, Bolt."

Blaze sighed and gestured toward the spacecraft. "Come on, let's get inside before I change my mind."

As the hatch closed behind them, Blaze led Bolt and Rose inside. The ship's interior was dimly lit with soft blue neon lights, casting a futuristic glow across the metal corridors. Rose showed Bolt around excitedly, pointing out the different sections—the sleeping quarters, the mess hall, and the control room.

Bolt looked around with wide eyes, his fingers trailing over the cool metal walls. "This... this is amazing."

Blaze headed straight to the control room, settling into the pilot's seat. He flipped a few switches, and the spacecraft hummed to life, the engines slowly powering up. The navigation system flickered on, showing the mapped galactic routes.

To be continue....