Sox peeked out through the window of the ship she used to flee from Department H with the young Rohan. She watched as the mighty Department H ship exploded, sending waves that almost threw her ship off course. The deep blue-haired girl placed her hand on the glass window and exhaled. She then glanced at the short dark-haired boy and smiled before turning away.
As she soared through the sky, she watched as people stood around, pointing and watching the scene. Part of the sky had turned red with many smaller ships flying away from the explosion.
She could hear the chatter and panic from the voices of the Weirs but didn't blame them for being that way as it was the agency that had been keeping them safe that was burning down.
The situation made her wonder if other planets would use it as an opportunity to attack Winter Weir.
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.
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Prime Hall.
"What is happening?" A former member of the People questioned while rushing into the meeting hall. His words trailed off as he noticed that every member of the People were in the hall.
"What? You thought you were the only one with the idea to come here?" Galliard asked while fixing his suit.
The man shook his head no. "I just wasn't expecting this much of us to return after the way Miss Havishma dealt with us."
"It is a bit… embarrassing. But that is not why we are all here, is it?" The puffy old man stated, increasing his tone at the end to draw the attention of everyone else in the room.
He strode over to the Prime seat and stood in front of the desk. "I believe we are all confused and want answers for what's happening right now at Department H," he paused. "But it's also a crucial time and we need to remain calm and assess the situation because any slip-off on our part will cause other planets to come at us."
"Do you think the explosion caught with Miss Havishma?"
Galliard put his hands up to stop the chatter that had swallowed the room. "We don't know that but I have contacted the other agencies and informed them to be on alert in case of any actions from enemy planet."
"On what authority?" They all turned to see Scarlett Starr standing by the door with Commander Ringworm behind her. Her sky-blue hair had been cut short and she wore a black oversuit over her clothes.
"I… I do not follow."
"Last time I checked, the People do not exist anymore, which means you being here is trespassing government property."
Galliard stepped forward. "The planet is in chaos, and we only wish to save it. This is not the time to bring that up."
"Saving this planet is the task of the Prime and the STATE, you are none."
"Well, where's the Prime now?" He probed. "You aren't even a STATE official which means you also have no right being here."
The sky blue-haired lady stepped forward, showing the prime tablet in her hand. "After your little circus group was getting busy being disbanded, Miss Havishma, the current Prime made me her Vice Prime and granted me access to the security tablet."
"Vice Prime? The fuck do you two think is happening here?"
"Why don't you check your Realm broadcast, maybe you'll see the news there."
Galliard furrowed. "Okay, I've had enough of this," he barked. "First, Miss Havishma pulled some stupid subsection law out of… forgive my words, her goddamn ass and claims she now has the right to dissolve the People and now you are the Vice Prime! You know what? I…"
"Mr. Wood." The puffy man stopped and turned to see a familiar man. "Officer Hugbord?"
"It's captain now. Captain of the Primal Q."
Galliard rubbed the back of his head and groaned. "What the hell is even happening?"
"I was made the Captain of the Primal Q by Madeline Gurley before she stepped down as the head of ARCHER."
The former member of the People turned to Officer Hugbord. "Madeline has stepped down?"
"Listen, Galliard, this is no time to have a civil war. The Prime made Scarlett the Vice Prime, a position that will step in whenever she is absent and take over whenever the Prime is unable to make it." He revealed. "So would you please leave, we are about to have a Prime meeting on how to handle the situation, or would you like me to have the security help you out?"
Galliard glared at the three for a while for walking out of the room with the other former members of the People following behind him.
Once the puffy man was out of sight, Steve zipped forward and held Scarlett up. "It's okay… you did it," he said while moving her to a nearby chair. She had used her entire energy to muster up the courage and strength to pour out the words she said to Galliard.
"Why does it have to be this way?"
"It is what Miss Havishma wanted," he stated.
The sky blue-haired lady exhaled. "It's never going to be the same without her…"
"Which is why you have to make this planet the way she envisioned it," he shoots her a smile.
Scarlett closed her eyes as she thought back to what Miss Havishma told her.
Some hours ago.
"Commander Ringworm, your task here is finished, so I want you to take a ship and return to Moonfour first thing tomorrow morning, you've done well."
"Understood."
Scarlett looked at Miss Havishma and then at Steve but didn't say anything in opposition to the Chief of Department H.
"You may leave Commander Ringworm, I wish to speak to Scarlett."
The orange-haired man nodded before walking out of the pad, leaving the two alone. Miss Havishma walked up to her desk and returned with the tablet that was given to her after she got elected as the Prime of Winter Weir.
Scarlett looked at the device and then up at Miss Havishma who sat down on her chair and took a sip of her drink. "I'm confused, what do you expect me to do with this?"
"I need you to put your palm on it."
"But that'll override your access."
Havishma nodded. "I know… I'm transferring it all to you," she said.
"Why would you do that?"
"Well, my days are coming to an end, and I chose to have you become the next Prime rather than some random person ruining everything I've worked for."
Scarlett furrowed. "You're scaring me Miss Havishma, what do you mean your days are coming to an end?"
Miss Havishma leaned forward. "You'll know when the time comes. But here's a piece of advice: only let those you absolutely trust close and never take your eyes off the goal."
The sky blue-haired lady stared at Miss Havishma, lost and confused lingering on her face. The latter picked up her cup and took a sip of her drink. "It will all be fine, Scarlett."
"One more thing," she paused. "Know your weakness and find ways to destroy it before your enemies use it to destroy you."
.
.
.
Sox restlessly paced around her ship as she waited for the dark-haired man, Rohan. She kept glancing up to the sky from time to time but there was no sign of him. She was close to giving up hope when a figure landed on the ground with a loud thud. She stayed still for a moment, waiting for the dust to clear, once it did and she realized it was the former Department H agent, she rushed up to him and threw herself onto him, hugging him tightly.
"I'm sorry," she apologized. "I'm so sorry for everything I put you through, I really am."
"It's fine, it's okay, Sox. You do not have to apologize or explain yourself, it's all cool," he said while also sinking into her touch.
The two stayed that way for a long time before eventually breaking apart. "I can't imagine the things you've been through, and it pains me more to know that most of it is because of my actions..."
"What about you? How do you feel?" He chipped, trying to make her stop apologizing."
"Me?"
"What happened earlier… with Miss Havishma."
Sox shifted her eyes away from the dark-haired man's. "I thought it was the right thing to do but now I feel as though I shouldn't have done it."
"It would be concerning if you didn't, she was your mother after all."
"Yeah," she mumbled. "What now? We never had any lives apart from Department H."
"Now?" he paused. "I guess now we live the life we never got to have."
Sox nodded understandably before taking steps backward. "Wanna see yourself when you were younger?"
"Is he awake?"
"You mean your younger self? Last time I checked, no."
They both entered the ship and found the young Coco still lying unconscious on the bed. "Look at you, you were so cute."
"Were? I'm not anymore?"
She turned to the dark-haired man with a smile. "That's not what I mean. You just look so innocent when you were younger."
They both laughed until they were then staring at each other deep in the eyes. "I have to take him back home."
"I know," she replied. "Stay just a few more minutes." Sox closed the distance between them and softly pressed her lips over the former Storm 01's.
They were both lost in each other's touch for a moment before they finally pulled away and linked their forehead. "I'll find you."
"I know you will."
He smiled before breaking apart.
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.
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A YEAR LATER.
● Just outside the Prime Hall.
Scarlett Starr, the Prime of Winter Weir stood on an elevated with many cameras and Weir gathered all around. She cleared her throat before speaking.
"It has been rough and painful this past year, and many of you have had to live in fear because of what happened... Because of the many theories that have been blowing up on your screens, and I apologize for only now addressing the situation, it has been rough for us too. But we can't always run from the truth, which is why we must acknowledge the downfall of Department H."
"An agency that has long stood as a beacon of hope in our fight to protect our planet. The loss we feel is profound, and the void left by the absence of the D.H. is undeniable, but we still have to keep what exactly happened confidential to not show any weakness to our enemies.
"Miss Havishma, sadly also lost her life in the incident. But in the face of adversity, we must not falter. It is in times like these that we must come together, united in our determination to continue the crucial work that lies ahead," she paused for a moment before speaking again. "It is with great pride and humility that I stand before you to introduce the dawn of a new era. I am pleased to announce the birth of a new Cycle organization agency, one that is born from the ashes of the past and fueled by the passion and dedication of all who stand here today and those of you at home…"
She pointed at the men standing by her side wearing a uniform, similar to that of Department H but with a few tweaks here and there. "The International Security and Intelligence Service."
"This new organization carries with it the legacy of those who came before us and the promise of a brighter future for generations to come. Our mission remains unwavering - to protect and preserve our planet, to stand as stewards of Winter Weir and champions of sustainability. Together, we will forge a path forward, guided by the values of unity, compassion, and resilience, as well as the ways of those who came before us."
"I call upon every one of you to join us in this noble cause, you don't have to lift a gun, only lend your voice, your strength, and your unwavering commitment to the journey that lies ahead. Together, we will write a new chapter in the history of this great planet, one defined by hope, courage, and the unwavering belief that a better world is not only possible but within our grasp.
"Let us stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as we embark on this new adventure." She looked at the crowd and noticed Rohan leaning on a space car with a small smile on his face.
"The future is ours to shape, and together, we will ensure that it is a future filled with promise, with purpose, and with the enduring beauty of a planet protected and cherished by all, thank you." The crowd all stood up on their feet, clapping, each having a glint of hope in their eyes.
Scarlett walked over to the dark-haired man. "Rohan, I thought you wouldn't come," she smiled.
"What? There's no way I'd miss the official swear-in of my favorite Prime." They both chuckled and pulled each other in for a second hug.
"Isn't this the first time we've ever actually spoken?" She asked.
"Is it? I think I remember a moment when you tried to flirt with me, or is it just in my head?"
The sky blue-haired girl chuckled. "And I think I remember you not even sparing a hint of reaction to my action."
"That happened, didn't it?"
"It sure did," she replied. "Anyway, what do you think of my speech?"
"You sounded just like her. For a few seconds, I thought it was her speaking."
"I'm sure she would have done it better."
Rohan smiled. "Perhaps."
Scarlett tapped her watch and an image projected out in front of the former Storm 01. "What do you say about joining the ISIS?" She questioned. "With your abilities, we'll be able to protect this planet."
The dark-haired man looked at the image and a small smile snaked up his lips. "It's err…" he paused. "How about I just be a part-time member? I want to live the life I couldn't during my Storm agent years… I'll be around if any danger arises."
Scarlett nodded understandably. "I understand. Anyway, I gotta run… thanks for coming through."
Rohan smiled. "Again, for my favorite Prime." She laughed before entering her space car and drove away."
The dark-haired man turned back to the Prime Hall before whipping his hoodie over his head. He slipped his hands into his pocket and disappeared into an alleyway.
.
.
.
Somewhere in Zoda.
"Oh hey, Rohan, when did you get back?" Chántel asked as she walked into the living room to see the former agent.
"Just now."
She hissed. "You cheat, normal people actually pay to move around the globe while you just simply transport yourself anywhere you so desire, it's not fair."
"You said it yourself, normal people, I'm different."
She rolled her eyes before strapping a backpack over her back. "Where are you headed?"
"Tzeria," she revealed.
"What's wrong?" The Tzerian asked upon noticing the look on the dark-haired man's face.
"Well, you once brought up a point that you have nothing to return to, so I'm just wondering as to why you decided to do this now."
She walked up to the kitchen and filled up a cup with a drink. "Well, I sat and thought, then I realized my sister is probably waiting for me to do something… and I've already wasted too much time."
"If it's what you want to do."
Chántel gulped down the drink before walking to the door with Rohan following behind her. As she reached the door, she stopped and turned to face the dark-haired man. "Well, thank you for not killing me after I tried to destroy your planet."
"Yeah well," he paused. "Want me to come with you?"
She shook her head no. "I've already put you through a lot, let me handle this myself." The two stared at each other in an awkward silence before Chántel leaned in and planted a kiss on his cheek. "I'll see you around," was the last thing she said before walking away.
Rohan shut the door and turned to see Jesselyn staring at him with a sly smile on her face."
"What?" The former Storm 01 asked.
"Nothing," she replied.
He narrowed his eyes and started up a flight of stairs. "Don't let me regret giving you your memories."
"Tell me the day that happens."
He chuckled and shook his head. "Will do."
.
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1826
The young Rohan exhaled deeply before walking through the gates of his school. After the sudden downfall of Department H, the whole planet fell into chaos as everyone thought they could do whatever they wanted to do. His future self brought him back home in this situation and he had thought it would last and he'd finally get time off the place he referred to as 'hellhole' his whole life, but the situation was instantly handled by the STATE and now he is standing where he was.
"Rohan!"
He turned to see the caller but a hand landed on his shoulder before he could fully turn. He looked up to see the person he had been dreading to meet. "Th-Thomas."
"How fun is this? Returning to school just a day after an all-out war almost broke out?"
"Yeah… yeah, it will be… fun I guess?"
"Right?" He smiled. "I wonder what stories everyone has to tell. Come on, better hurry up or we'll be late," he added before racing forward.
The dark-haired man's brows were almost kissing. He was utterly confused about what just happened. Thomas used to bully and make his life a living hell, but just now they had a normal conversation and that just doesn't seem right to him.
He shook it off and veered around to see his father looking at him from afar. The dark-haired boy smiled before starting towards his class.
"Hey, Rohan, we are having some ice cream at Donna's later today, you better be there," a girl he had certainly seen before but didn't get along well with said before walking away.
"Okay…"
He finally arrived at his class and took his seat. Once seated, a teacher walks in and ushers them all to their seats.
"So, class… I know some of you think there'll be some kind of break after the little incident that happened around us." He stopped and chuckled softly. "I guess now you all know it will take more than an uprising to bring this place down… anyway, please welcome some new additions to the class."
The door opened and two young ladies walked into the class. One of them had short-cut dark bangs that covered up the side of her face. She had blue eyes that complimented her pale skin, while the other, a little taller than the former, light-skinned with red curly hair that poured to her neck. Her eyes were light blue and she had some freckles on the bridge of her nose.
"Introduce yourselves, please."
The red-haired stepped forward. She scanned the crowd until her eyes found the dark-haired boy's and she smiled. "Hi, my name is Ada Graves, and I hope we all can get along well."
"I'm Sox Code, and I'm also looking forward to all the fun times we'd have together."
The young Coco was even more confused than he was as he stared at the two. "What the hell is happening??"
end