Ballasteer, that was the name of a noble family in the upper section of Nox city. Their family was famous for producing prestigious soldiers and warriors, ones who went on to serve the imperials and their family. I did not think we would so important that he would have to take action.
" Commander Ballasteer. What a surprise! Does the emperor really think that we are that big of a problem? Sending the most prestigious military family to come after us ?" I asked coyly. I knew Ballasteer, I had encounters with him on several equations. In reality, I was buying time. My mind raced thinking of an escape path. I knew I had to leave my lieutenants behind, but there was nothing I could do to save them. Just thinking of that prospect made me shudder. I glanced at the faces of my proud lieutenants. Their knees on the ground, hands behind their head. Their masks were still planted on their face, but I knew fear and concern ran through every line in their body. Do I really want to leave them behind? I had no choice...
"Don't flatter yourself, Hunter...you might have beaten a highborn, but not all of us are as weak as that pathetic deserter. Besides, I got bored in the barracks. It's nice to stretch my legs once in a while." Ballasteer maintained his sinister tone. He slowly approached us as the dark orbs around him grew bigger. He continued advancing until we were a meter away from each other. That would be as far as he goes.
" It would be an honor to be captured by the famous Ballasteers..." I met his tone with one as equally cold. A smile hooked on my face. I was now staring at his shiny golden helmet. I could almost see his eyes through it. " After all...Elune Tora Noxius Eden Solar" I whispered the last part so that only Ballasteer heard it. Ballasteer unknowingly let out a gasp of complete shock, his body completely frozen. His advance stopped immediately as he started to recoil and step back. I smirked at his reaction.
"You... no... You are..." his voice was full of alarm, the orbs around him grew dimmer, till they completely vanished. Had he removed his helmet, his complexion would be pale as paper. I smirked, then raising my right hand, a flash emitted from my palm, blinding everyone in the room temporarily. The sound that followed was a screeching sound that made everyone cup their ears. Seeing this window, I wrapped Draco's arm around my neck as I hauled him out the window, jumping down.
After half a minute of being in utter shock, Commander Ballasteer stood up to look out the open window. A marine hastily ran up to him, " Apologies sir! We were incompetent. We will not fail a second time!" Ballasteer put up his hand to silence the Marine. " It's alright corporal. If that's who I really think it is, we never stood a chance, to begin with. Round up the men and start search parties. But don't be too disheartened if you do not find anything else." Ballasteer walked away from the window after giving his oddly vague instructions.
In the elevator, alone, he pulled out his communicator. An image of an old man in gold and black military uniform emerged, the same one who talked to the emperor. " General, we might have found the one we are looking for. He is much stronger than before. I am gonna need backup..."
***
Draco and I soared down the window, the wind rushing through our faces. Draco opened his mouth to scream, but air rushed in before he could let out so much as a squeak. Free falling... The thrill of it all. Adrenaline was still rushing from the fight with Draco and the situation with Ballasteer. The phrase I mentioned to Ballasteer, was it really the right time? I pushed the thought away, we were now a hundred meters above the ground, quickly approaching. Draco looked at me, full of fear, yet with bliss. Did he really think i didn't have a plan?
"Hang on," I said abruptly. Bewildered, Draco, quickly grabbed on to me. I stretched my arms to the side and my cloak expanded, acting more like a glider, catching the wind and propelling us horizontally. Draco yelped in surprise. I looked down at him, slightly amused.
After a few minutes, ensuring we were far from the watchful eyes of the marines, i landed on the rooftop of a casino. Draco let go of me, collapsing from the traumatic events he just experienced. "Next time, tell me when you are about to do that...ok?" He asked, still struck with lingering fear in his eyes. I paid him no mind. My head was rushing with what my next steps would be. I had to rescue my men, which means i had to face the commander again. But how should I approach it? Draco could help I suppose, his gang and mine are now united. I looked at my right arm, it sustained some minor damage, nothing major, but it would still be best if I had Dok look at it.
A groan of pain interrupted my train of thought. Draco was clutching his abdomen, his whole body still writhing in pain. I nearly forgot about the injuries I gave him. I kneeled down next to him, scanning him inquisitively. He was impaled at the back of his abdomen, his arms and legs were covered in scratches, his clean and good-looking face now peppered with scratches and drops of blood. I reached for something on my left waist, pulling out a syringe with a healing serum. Without warning, I stabbed his arm with it, and he let out a loud groan." Damn it... I said to warn me when you-"
I shot him a side glance and he piped down immediately. It was like I was asserting dominance on him...I felt good. I haven't felt this since... "Hey," Draco suddenly called. I looked at him, not saying a word. " Thanks...for sparing me, then saving me and letting me join you. I don't deserve your kindness." Draco pulled a knife from his jacket, instinctively, my knees bent, bracing for an attack. To my surprise, he brought the knife down on his palm, slicing it and letting the blood flow out. He offered me his bloodied hand. " From this day forward, I devote myself to you and your cause. My body and blood shall be entrusted to you. This is my last chance to prove my loyalty, will you accept it ?"
I stared blankly for a solid second, finally removing my mask. My red hair flowed in the wind and my blue eyes met his black. I took his hand and shook it. Determination and sincerity lit in both our eyes. I knew i found an ally today, and I was grateful. "And I just healed you...idiot " I chuckled. Draco's lip curled into a smile, laughing at my comment.
****
Back at the sky scrapper, a black limousine on hover wheels pulled up at the main door. It stopped in front of Ballasteer who appeared to be patiently waiting. Ballasteer walked forward towards the window as it rolled down to reveal the General. "General, a pleasure to-" Ballasteer was quickly cut off
"Get in, we will talk in here. Your men cannot hear this." He hastily said. Stunned for a bit, Ballasteer quickly recovered to pull the door open and climb inside.
" You sure that he is the one commander?" The general started.
"Positive, sir."
"The emperor has been searching for him for a long time, and now he finally shows himself. Hunt him down, do not tell your men of the emperor's intent or desire for him. However, do everything you can to bring him to us."
Ballasteer only nodded as a reply. Looking out the window to see the Ion skull lieutenants, cuffed and ready for transport. " I know exactly what to do, sir." Ballasteer let a smile creep on his face at that comment.