Amara's POV:
The ship approached the space dock, and I was able to land it with little difficulty. I paid the man to refuel my ship and set off to find someone who might know more about this "Cythraul". I had brought my travel bag with me, not trusting the people near the ship. In this place, I could not let down my guard for anyone.
The space dock was unlike anything I had ever seen before. I hadn't explored the last one I was at because I was more worried about finding Lily. Now, seeing it for the first time was breathtaking. The diversity of race and culture was evident, and it was hard for me not to stare. The technology was way more advanced than the human race, and my curiosity raged to find answers and ask questions. But, I was here for only one thing.
I made my way to a what looked like a pub, and I really hoped it was, not that I wanted to get caught up in the wrong crowd. The bar was the best place to find someone who could help me, hopefully. I mean, all the movies said to go to the bar, and Crystal didn't exactly object either, so off I went. I entered to a bustling scene. A circular bar stood in the middle of the room with barstools wrapping around. Countless people sat, drank, danced, and laughed. I walked to a corner booth that was empty and sat down. Nobody approached me, not that I expected them to, but I just watched from afar, marveling.
I didn't make eye contact with anyone, but I noticed someone watching me. It was a young man who had deep red hair that fell into his dark eyes. He smirked and sipped his drink. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, knowing that the stare was not exactly a friendly one. He got up and approached my booth. Little alarm bells went off inside my head as he came closer. He casually slipped into my booth and continued to sip his drink. I immediately got up, getting ready to leave, his hand grabbed my wrist and pulled me back.
Unknown's POV:
I watched as a girl about my age entered the room. I was surprised to see someone as young as me in an environment like this. Immediately, her presence attracted lustful stares. Her brown waves flowed behind her, and she had an innocent face. I wonder what planet she is from. As she sat down, I watched as her eyes roamed the bar, curiosity filled her gaze. Bad idea. Those eyes would be her downfall.
Soon enough, a man with dark red hair moved towards her. From a distance, I could tell she was uncomfortable as he sat down. She got up to leave, but the man grabbed her wrist and trapped her against the table. I was hesitant to help her, as I didn't really feel like getting into a bar fight. I watched closely, noticing her eyes widen in surprise, and then narrow in disgust. She pushed him back with her hand, her eyes glowing with rage. I smirked, amused by her fierce personality.
Unfortunately, it wasn't amusing to the red-haired guy. He roughly grabbed both her wrists, and started to push her into the booth. The girl was not at all pleased and proceeded to knee him in the groin and punched him in the face. The man reeled back by the sudden force, clutching his jaw and hunched over from the pain in his abdomen. I heard him yell at her and charge forward, raising his hand. Fear appeared in her eyes, and she hesitated. Before I knew what I was doing, I had run over to the man, throwing him away from the girl. I brought my fist down on his face. I didn't have to do anything after that one looked at me, and recognition blossomed in his bruised face. He ran away with pure terror in his eyes.
I turned to the girl, who had already brushed herself off and was walking away. Why I followed after I don't know. She started to pick up her pace and tried to lose me in the crowd. I got up to her with ease and placed a hand on her shoulder. She whirled around, glaring at me.
"Um, hi…"
Amara's POV:
I stared at this mysterious boy. He was about the same age as me, yet he was a good half-foot taller than me. His hair was a mouse brown and flopped over his forehead in soft curls. He had a rounder face, making him look younger, and his brown eyes watch me in curiosity.
"Um, hi…" He said.
"What do you want?" I snapped. I didn't have time for boys; Lily was more important. He smiled awkwardly. His face was like an open book, showing all of his emotions. Ugh, just thank him and leave. "If you were searching for a 'thank you', then here it is: thank you." I deadpanned, turning to walk away. "Wait!"
I stopped in my tracks, knowing that if I didn't answer him, he would follow me until I did. "I… What's your name?"
Suddenly, Astrid's voice floated in my head. We were on our way to fulfill another mission, and she turned to me with a serious face, saying, "Remember, if someone ever asks you for your name, don't give it to them. It's better to come up with a name that is easy to remember, but completely different from your actual name. Names are dangerous weapons in this world, so be careful." I hesitated, thinking of a name. Without turning, I said, "My name is Crystal."
"Oh, it's nice to meet you Crystal. So, what are you doing in these parts? Where is your guardian?" He said. I didn't like his prying. "I could ask the same about you."
He seemed taken back by my response. A conflicted look flashed through his face. "Sorry," he mumbled. "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Oliver."
I nodded. I decided it was worth a shot to ask. "Actually, I'm looking for a…guide of sorts. Do you know where I could find one?" I said, eyeing him to see if he would take the bait.
"A guide, hm," Oliver mused, "I don't know if any are here, but I could help you. I know my way around pretty well."
I raised my eyebrows in surprise. Wow, he actually took it. "Alright, that would be great. Do you need to grab anything or…"
"No, I have everything I need." Oliver replied without hesitation. I nodded again. "Oh, okay. My ship is this way."
I led him to my vessel where everything seemed to be ready. I was climbing in when I noticed he stopped, staring at something. "Hey!" I called. He turned his head, but his eyes had a distant look. "Let's go!"
He climbed in after me and sat down in one of the seats. I glanced back one more time. "Ready?"
His eyes cleared from his daze and nodded his head. I grabbed the controllers and gracefully, might I add, launched the Peregrine back into space. The inky black greeted me, and little jewels sparkled in darkness's holes that it could not fill.