AFTER ONE more pull, the luggage finally zipped. Auronia placed her hands on her hips as she swept her gaze across the small room then to her packed belongings. So this was it huh?
"Ready?" She heard her mom's voice behind. Auronia sighed then turned around to see her mother standing by the metallic door of her bedroom.
"Always."
The sun had already rose and painted the sky with pretty pastel shades of orange and red. The world just woke up as well; birds chirped but sat still on their molded nests yet to soar, streams have yet to rush, and trees still meditating. Such placidness was being disrupted by the flaps of the main rotor blades.
"Verrance," Auronia called out once she saw the man leaning on a black limousine.
The sleek and polished car parked by the sidewalk looked so out of place. They were literally nestled in the middle of high mountains and at the heart of a wild forest. In short, in the middle of nowhere. Such luxurious vehicle wasn't needed in a place like this. Auronia just rolled my eyes at the absurdity money can bring.
Verrance had his hair tied in a messy bun today so Auronia could see how his cheeks lifted as he let out a soft smile. He straightened his posture when he saw Auronia and he started to walk towards her direction. Auronia stood still as a mesmerizing pair of green eyes trailed all over her body.
"You're worried," Verrance said afterwards.
Auronia felt herself flinch at his words. How he can read her like an open book, she has yet to know. Is it like that with childhood friends? Auronia did not respond and just stared back. The thing was, she has no doubt with her abilities. Heck, she was far too capable with this type of job. But why does Auronia have this fearful apprehension within her? Damn, was it the nerves? She furrowed her brows. After everything she's been through, she's feeling nervous now?
Auronia winced when she felt a sting on her forehead. She glared at the culprit. Verrance just smirked at her. He then reached out his hand to fix strands of her hair that became disheveled when he flicked her by the forehead. Verrance then softly patted Auronia by the cheek.
"Stop doubting yourself. Victory is always yours, captain," he whispered low and intense.
Before Auronia could even respond, he retracted his hand and signaled a man in a black suit that was on standby for a while now. Aurnoia mentally groaned, thinking that she will be like that for a whole year. Verrance, always reading her mind like a talent unique to him, noticed the slight shift in her face and let out a soft chuckle.
"I'll visit you," he announced.
"You better," Auronia fired back with a smirk.
He hummed and nodded to himself. "I bet you'll look good in a suit."
Heat rose to her cheeks at his nonchalant attitude to spew embarrassing comments like that. Auronia mentally groaned. Why does he keep on doing this?
At the back of her mind, she felt a presence behind. Auronia wasn't threatened since it was a familiar aura.
Verrance chuckled once again and if it weren't for her mom's inquisitive stare, Auronia would have already smacked the man by the cheek. An alluring face be damned.
"Colonel," he greeted her mom who just came then brought back his attention to Auronia again. His face looked serious so Aurnoia readied herself for business. "The files are at your compartment. The papers there contains everything you need to know for this solo mission."
"Understood." She nodded.
"Good," he smiled and spun around to walk to the limo. With speed and ease, his personal guard opened the car door for him. Hera and Auronia saluted as they watched the retreating figure of the vehicle.
"You know, he acts different around you," a voice behind Auronia then said. Confused, she faced her mom but she shrugged her head at the sight of her questioning stare.
"Let's go," Colonel Hera said instead. Auronia shook her head, placing the weird conversation at the back of her head before following her mother to the helicopter.
...
Auronia lifted herself up at entered the cockpit; Colonel Hera was at the controls while she was on the other side. Her mom said she's fine on her own so Auronia won't be co-piloting. While Colonel Hera rummaged the buttons and checked the communication device for their functionality, Auronia tilted her upper body to look at her things at the back seats. Her luggage were even strapped with the seatbelt.
Auronia hummed in acknowledgement before looking out through the window. Behind the transparent screen were soldiers doing a warm-up to circulate their blood for their morning routine. I ignored the glares I'm getting from Capt Gadon's direction at focused on the vacant area of the field. Her eyebrows rose.
"Auronia, seatbelt," Colonel Hera reminded her.
"Where's my team?" she asked as she pulled the seatbelt.
Her mom snorted at the question before answering. "They are still at their quarters. Cadet Loki said, and I quote, 'Who does captain think she is to ruin our beauty sleep?' "
That damn fool.
"And my lieutenants played along?" Kratos, she could have understand because he was a simpleton but Biathena?
The vehicle shook as the helicopter rose from the ground. The surroundings blurred as figures scattered around them to move away in fear of getting caught up in an accident. Colonel Hera gave Auronia a fond look before tightening her grip on the cyclic stick and maneuvered the vehicle up and away until they were above the mountains that hid the garrison.
"You have great people around you," she said instead, ignoring her questions again.
But this time, Auronia knew what she meant.
They couldn't bare to see her off 'cause for sure, they will cry. Goodness when it comes to them, it's as if Auronia had adopted five kids. Heat rose to her cheeks so she tilted her head to face the window, feigned watching the clouds. Sappy shits weren't really her thing. Auronia grew in a rough place so she don't really know how to react to such fuzzy feelings like this.
She feigned an annoyed huff. "That doesn't mean they should skip training though," she muttered then grabbed a brown envelope that was placed on the small compartment in front of them.
...
TRENDING POST
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS @entertainment_news 15 mins ago
Muses just announced another concert tour! The world's biggest pop band sure are dedicated to their work. After successfully wrapping up their world tour: An Ode To You in Pula, Nihon, Muses had announced their next concert dates. (1/7)
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS @entertainment_news 15 mins ago
After a schedule of three months of rest and preparation, the band is set to tour around their home country to meet up with their local fans after their long busy schedule with their high rise in the North. Pre-ticketing sale are announced to be open on... (2/7)
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i'm only in this app cuz of my faves @streaaaaam 15 mins ago
jealousy is a disease so call me ill
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wish ko lang @brokefanhere 15 mins ago
con TT_TT gra TT_TT tu TT_TT la TT_TT tions
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i was born in the WRONG country @GodIt'sMeAgain 15 mins ago
let our response be : nawa'y lahat (Isle moots, did I do it right)
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STAN MUSES (/-.-)/ @ot34evuh 15 mins ago
all jokes aside, i'm so happy for their local fans aaaaaa i hope everyone will have a great time!!!
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...
"How's the situation at the Central?" Auronia asked after reading one page of the file on her hand.
The file contained the profile of the artists that she was commissioned to. Turns out, the group was globally known. Auronia turned the page to continue her reading for their profiles but she halted when she noticed the lack of response. She faced her mom and her confusion only grew when she saw her furrowed brows. Before she could even ask if her mom felt unwell, Colonel Hera suddenly faced her.
"You should focus on your new mission," she said then focused once again to the controls.
Auronia's eyes widened. The raid at Isle Visa may have been successful but it's what happens after is where most problems lied. The escapes of apprehended terrorists were a fucking pain in the ass. It's a fucking headache once their base's coordinates were revealed. That is why even with the new mission, as head of the infiltration, Auronia needed to make precautions. Yet by the looks of it, she was shunned from reports.
The hell? Just for the baby-sitting job? She scowled. Now, this was irritating.
"Stop whatever you're thinking," Colonel snapped her out of her reverie with her soft voice. Auronia stared, waiting for an explanation. Her mom sighed. "You've already done enough, Nia."
Auronia melted at her words. The freaking endearment didn't help. Damn it. She reached out to place her hand over mothers on the cyclic stick. "But mama, it's an honor."
"It is not!"
"Mom-"
"Nia, we've talked about this. The existence of a military is not something to be proud of."
Auronia went quiet.
She knew.
Of course she knew how fucked up reality was.
Blood stains were permanent. No matter how much you wipe it off with patriotism. Underneath praises were agonizing screams. Cold skin of corpse will forever haunt you through the cool touch of golden awards.
Auronia stiffly retracted her hand at faced the window The whole journey was unbearable. Both of them were quiet and never spoke again. Because even with the knowledge of the truth, ironically, they were chained and restricted by reality itself.
...
Auronia fiddled the hem of her uniform once the helicopter safely landed. It landed on top of a building. The infrastructure was so high, it was probably the tallest one within the area. Can't be helped, H Entertainment was the biggest company in the whole music industry. It would make sense that the company building was high end. Especially as this was the main branch.
On the rooftop, there were three people in suits that welcomed them. One of them opened the door and those responsible for her belongings quietly did their chores. Auronia faced her mom and felt herself breathe at the sight of her small smile.
"Be careful out here, Nia." Mom leaned over and kissed her forehead. Auronia closed her eyes, feeling the warmth. Tears welled up her eyes when she realized that this will be the longest she will be away with her family.
"I will," She responded then chuckled, blinking away the tears that threatened to fall. "As long as you visit me."
"I thought that was Verrance's job, already?" She suddenly teased.
Colonel Hera laughed when Auronia frowned.
...
Footfalls echoed in the narrow hallway. Auronia trailed her gaze all over the place, taking the time to observe the simple yet lavish interior of the building. The walls were cemented and had a rough texture to it. Gold rimmed abstract paintings were hanged, the bursting colors of art were a contrast to the plain and dull hue of the wall. The design was minimalistic but the simplicity is what makes the place looked exquisite.
Leading her was the head of the security department. Kenzo, he introduced himself. Sir Kenzo had asked if Auronia wanted to rest first after the long journey but she declined. It was better if she could meet her client already. After all, the lives of three people are at stake here. As they walked, she noticed how empty the place was. That was weird. Where were the employees? Was it their day-off? Or was there a holiday unique to this company? Her musings halted when Sir Kenzo stopped. They were at the end of the hallway. Sir Kenzo opened the door for her and bowed down as Auronia went inside.
A plump and rounded man sat behind a working desk. Sven Bennett, a man behind the global success of his artists. He is the founder and the CEO of H Entertainment. CEO Bennett smiled and stood up to shake hands. Even though Auronia does not engage that much with media industry, she was no fool for the truth behind the screens. So she has quite the respect for this certain CEO because he had no record of unethical approaches. It's really no wonder he reached this type of success. It was built with genuine hard work.
"Greetings! It's so nice to meet you. Have a seat, have a seat," he offered as he sat down. As Auronia settled herself, he took out a folder and placed it on a vacant area of his working desk. Auronia eyed the document and it was the same file that was given to her. Though was it just her or was the file thicker?
"I assume you have read the file. . ." he trailed off and gave Auronia an expectant look.
Auronia breathed in deep then I did the salute. "Captain Satoria of Celesta Brigade at your service, Sir!"
She blinked when his eyes suddenly widened. His jaw even dropped. Even Sir Kenzo who stationed his self by the wall was taken aback.
"Is there any problem, sir?" Auronia, also taken aback at the unexpected reaction. CEO Bennett shook his head then cleared his throat. It was confusing and she's not gonna lie, the way their eyes sparkled was a bit creepy.
"I apologize. That was rude. It's just that I wasn't expecting that an esteemed soldier like you would take this mission."
And that's when it dawned on her. Ah, that's why. Recently, an attempted bombing happened here in the capital. Colonel Hera was the one who led the soldiers to locate and defuse such destructive weapons planted around. Not only that, she managed to catch the terrorist. The event was broadcasted and her mom first appeared in the television for the press conference. Ever since, she was branded as a hero so everyone was familiar with their last name.
"It's an honor, Captain."
"No need," Auronia gave a reassuring smile. "Besides these artists of yours are considered as a national treasure, right?"
She may have begrudgingly accepted this job but she can't deny that with their global fame, country Isle had quadrupled it's economic value. That benefited the military since the forces run with government funds. The Thalares family may have gold to spare but they shouldn't just depend on them.
"So, when can I meet them?" she asked.
"Huh?" He was shocked.
Auronia stilled for a moment. "The artists," she trailed off before asking the same question again. "When can I meet them?"
CEO Bennett gave her a questioning stare. She responded in a similar state. He blinked and then feigned a cough. "Captain Satoria, this might be rude but did you read the whole contract?"
"I hope so," she carefully replied, wondering what the hell was wrong this time.
A few seconds later.
"What?!"
...
Auronia paced around her temporary apartment. It was such a beautiful and intricately designed room but it's such a shame that she could not appreciate at the moment. She swears she can fell steam puffing out from her ears and nostrils. What was taking him so long to answer?!
The line connected. "You miss me already?" A lazy laced with a teasing tone answered her call.
Her frustration hit the maximum level at that.
"The files are at your compartment. Everything you need to know is there," she mockingly repeated his words before yelling at the top of her lungs. "Do you think this is funny?!" Auronia screeched. She can feel her veins portruding on her neck.
"Oh."
"Oh?!" She parroted, sarcasm as a venom.
"Surprise," he deadpanned.
Auronia can't help but facepalm. "Verrance Thalares." She gritted my teeth, emphasizing each syllable of his name.
"Hmm?"
Darn it. "Verrance!"
Static laughter answered her distress. Auronia sat on her bed in a harsh manner. Just a little more and she will be highblood.
"Can you just-" she sighed in exasperation. "-explain it to me already? Why didn't you tell me about the condition?" Out of all the things. . . Hell, she can take a joke but not when her job is on the line. She can't even comprehend why does she have disguise herself under the pretense of a newly debuted solo artist. It just makes no sense and for a whole damn year, what the fuck?
"They've caught the interest of the league."
Auronia flinched at the name of the organization of the terrorists. They're the reason why they can't unify the whole Isle. If the government branch at Isle Min wasn't led by a greedy lunatic, then this internal war would have stopped for years already.
Of course, the people don't know about the internal war. Although there were speculations from the public, nobody but except a few institution knows about the magnitude of their danger. This is to not cause panic and worsen the situation.
Auronia mentally groaned. The downside is that they have yet to rest because they still have not uncovered their secret hideouts here in Isle Zon and at Isle Visa. Damn moles.
"What do they need from singers?" she frowned.
"For a lot of things, Captain. Plummet the economy. Make the government waver. Instill fear to the citizens. And most of all, make their name known to the world." Auronia tightened her grip on the phone. Fucking assholes.
"Anyway, this will be fun. You get to be on TV and sing all you want."
"You-"
"What? Remember the legend from the camp? You looked so happy hitting that high note-"
"Shut up!"
...
"I'll do it. "Auronia forewent with the pleasantries once she stepped inside CEO Bennett's office. She feigned a cough then proceeded to apologize for her behavior yesterday. He was shocked at first but was quick to change his emotion. CEO Bennett gave Auronia a huge smile as he stood up and offered his hand.
"We'll be in your care then, Captain."
Auronia nodded as they shook hands.