Hawk

The night had unfolded with a blend of dancing and laughter, a brief escape from the weight of our mission. But as Torell pulled me aside, the reality of our task reasserted itself.

"You've gotten quite close to Shauna," he noted, a tinge of concern in his voice.

"It's not hard when you actually talk to someone," I retorted. "What's going on, Torell? Is she some sort of potential bride for you?"

"No, it's not like that," he quickly dismissed the idea.

"Then what is it? There's something special about her, I can tell," I pressed, seeking answers.

He hesitated, then divulged the truth. "She's my sister, Hawk. I don't want the throne. I plan to pass it to her. She's got less than a year to become a queen."

His revelation hit me like a bolt. "She's the King's daughter? But she's been living as a Hominin..."

The implications were massive, and personally, troubling. I had felt a connection with Shauna, but getting entangled with royalty was a complication I hadn't anticipated.

"How will you tell her?" I asked, trying to process the information.

"I have all the proof, but I'm worried about scaring her off," Torell admitted.

"We can't keep this a secret from her. Let her have tonight, but tomorrow, you need to tell her about her destiny," I advised.

Suddenly, a gasp from behind us. Trevor, Shauna's brother, had overheard our conversation. "You're Prince Torell?" he asked, disbelief in his voice.

"Yes, I am," Torell confirmed.

"So, you're here to take Shauna away from us?" Trevor's voice held a mix of fear and accusation.

Torell quickly reassured him. "If she agrees to become queen, you, your sister, and Siren will be well cared for. You're welcome to stay at the Palace if you wish."

Trevor's skepticism turned to curiosity. "Seriously?"

"You have my word," Torell affirmed.

Trevor considered this, then offered his advice. "She hates being lied to. Better come clean the next time she asks."

"You're not going to tell her?" I asked.

"No way," Trevor chuckled. "She'll be pissed it took you so long. Just hope she doesn't kick your ass."

"Do you think she'll accept?" Torell inquired, looking for some hope.

"If it means a better life for her, Kiser, and me, she'd consider it. That's your angle," Trevor said, then walked off.

As Torell lingered outside, deep in thought, Cell emerged from the shadows, his voice cutting through the quiet night air. "So, the truth's finally out," he said, his tone laced with a mixture of accusation and realization.

Torell, looking uneasy, replied, "Does it change anything?"

Cell scoffed. "Empowered, are you? Using her as a scapegoat so you can avoid the throne. It's quite transparent."

Torell's expression shifted to guilt, Cell's words striking a nerve. I watched from a distance, undecided about intervening.

Heading back inside, my eyes searched for Shauna. She was in her element, dancing with Kiser, her movements fluid and carefree. There was an undeniable beauty about her – the rich tone of her skin, her long hair cascading down her back, and muscles hinting at her hidden strength. But it was her eyes, framed by long lashes, and her infectious smile that truly captivated me.

When she noticed me watching, she flashed a smile that sent my heart racing. Then, realizing I wasn't joining her, she came over and pulled me into the dance. We moved together with a natural ease, the world around us fading into a blur.

Eventually, exhausted, we made our way to the roof. The night sky, a canvas of stars, watched over us as we lay there. I felt her relax in my arms, her breathing steady and rhythmic.

As dawn approached, I awoke to find Shauna still nestled against me, her presence a comforting weight. The night had brought revelations and uncertainties, but in this moment, there was a sense of peace, a brief respite from the storm of duties and decisions that awaited us.

I looked down at her, asleep and unguarded, and felt a protective instinct stir within me. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I knew one thing – I wanted to be there for her, to help her navigate the path that destiny had laid before her.

As I shifted slightly, Shauna stirred and woke up, her laughter filling the air as she clumsily tumbled off the chair we had shared. "Sorry about that," she said, a playful grin on her face. "I'm hungover. I'm gonna take a quick shower. How about we grab some breakfast after? If you're up for it?"

I nodded, the idea of spending more time with her appealing despite the complicated emotions swirling inside me.

Just then, Viper appeared, an all-too-knowing smirk on his face. "So this is your hideout, huh?" he teased.

"Shut up, Viper," I muttered, rolling my eyes.

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Never thought I'd see you with a human. And now, one we're supposed to bring in?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "It's not like that... at least I don't think so."

Viper raised an eyebrow. "Even if she's destined to be queen? Yeah, I heard about it too, and not from you."

Before I could respond, Trevor passed us on his way out. "Heading to school," he announced. "But if anything interesting happens, I'm using my early release pass." He shot a knowing look at Torell and winked, leaving us in a thoughtful silence.

As we moved into the living room, a space filled with the remnants of last night's celebration, I found myself grappling with the reality of Shauna's situation. She was the King's daughter, possibly the next queen, and here I was, a Bellicose warrior, drawn to her in a way I couldn't fully understand.

Viper clapped a hand on my shoulder, pulling me from my reverie. "Tough situation, brother. But whatever you're feeling, just remember our mission."

I nodded, aware of the delicate balance between duty and personal feelings. Shauna's revelation as a potential queen added layers of complexity to our already intricate task. But for now, as I waited for her to return, my focus was on the immediate future – breakfast with Shauna, a moment of normalcy in an otherwise tumultuous situation.

The walk to the local coffee shop was filled with an undercurrent of tension and unspoken questions. As we settled in with bagels and coffee, Kiser cut straight to the heart of the matter. "So, why are you guys really here?" she asked, her gaze sweeping over us.

Torell, always the diplomat, replied with a hint of flirtation, "Are you already tired of us?"

Kiser wasn't swayed. "We appreciate the eye candy, but you're from the Palace. Why hang out with us?"

"We were sent here by the King," Torell answered, his tone serious.

"Wow, so you're like super important?" Kiser's eyes widened with curiosity.

"Not as important as the reason – or rather, the person – we're here for," Torell hinted, his eyes flicking to Shauna.

Shauna, picking up on his implication, asked directly, "Are you here for me?"

Cell, ever blunt, decided it was time for the truth. "Yes. You're a Sentinel. King Cornel's daughter. We're here to bring you to your father."

Kiser's reaction was immediate, a mix of excitement and disbelief. "You're a prince! And Shauna... you're a princess?"

Torell shot Cell an annoyed look for his lack of subtlety. He turned to Shauna, trying to explain. "I believe I'm meant for a different purpose than being king. I want to pass the throne to you, my only sibling."

Shauna's confusion was palpable. "What does that mean?" she asked, trying to grasp the enormity of the revelation.

"It means he wants to make you queen so he doesn't have to be king," Cell interjected, his tone matter-of-fact.

Torell's frustration boiled over. "Cell, enough," he snapped. "This isn't how I wanted her to find out."

Cell didn't relent. "Time to face the music. You, Shauna, are his way out. If you don't accept the crown, it falls to my father. Time to decide. We're headed to Eminence."

The weight of the revelation hit Shauna like a physical blow, and she fainted, collapsing into a heap.

Viper, ever the joker even in tense moments, quipped, "Great, who's carrying the queen home?"

As we looked at Shauna, unconscious and innocent in the face of this life-changing news, I felt a surge of protectiveness. The truth was out, and it was more overwhelming than any of us had anticipated.

After rushing back to refuge I gently placing Shauna on the sofa, I stayed by her side, a silent sentinel in the midst of the turmoil. The others gave her space, but Cell approached, his expression unreadable.

"She's had enough revelations for one day," I said, my tone protective.

Cell, unflinching, responded, "She needs to face the truth, Hawk. She's strong enough to handle it, doesn't need your protection."

As Shauna regained consciousness, her eyes met mine, filled with confusion and fear. "I'm no queen. Look at where I live. What about Siren, Kiser, and Trevor?" she voiced her concerns, her voice shaky.

Cell stepped back, perhaps realizing his approach had been too harsh. "The King's orders include bringing anyone you need. Your family can come," I reassured her, trying to ease her anxiety.

She began to rock slightly, her mind grappling with the enormity of it all. "You might not want to be queen, but don't you want to know your origins?" I gently prodded.

A flicker of curiosity crossed her face. "I do," she admitted softly.

"Torell has a year to convince the Elders you're fit to be queen. Why not go to Eminence? Experience a different life, even just for a while?" I suggested, hoping to offer her a glimpse of a brighter future.

Shauna nodded, the decision weighing heavily on her. Just then, Trevor burst in, using his early release pass, eyes wide with a mix of hope and apprehension.

In a whirlwind of activity, Shauna and her siblings packed the little they had. We all boarded the ship, bound for Eminence, the unknown stretching out before us like a vast, uncharted ocean.

As the ship lifted off, I watched Shauna gaze back at her old life, her expression a mix of sadness and resolve. This journey marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, for all of us.

Shauna

Sitting there on the ship, bound for Eminence, the reality of my potential future as queen seemed surreal. A part of me wanted to refuse, but another, deeper part was curious, longing for answers to a life I never fully understood.

Torell approached me with a seriousness that matched the weight of our situation. "I need to ask you some personal questions. If you'd prefer privacy, we can go elsewhere."

I shrugged, feeling the eyes of my family and our new companions on me. "I have nothing to hide. Ask away," I said, steeling myself for what was to come.

"Have you ever been arrested or involved in any criminal activities?" Torell's question was direct.

I joked, "Well, I'm banned from four states for robbing banks," but his concerned look made me clarify quickly. "No, I've never committed a crime. Just the fight clubs, which might be borderline illegal."

Torell nodded, seemingly relieved. "That's manageable. And what about your dating life?"

"What about it?" I asked, trying to maintain a nonchalant façade.

"Any past relationships that might attract media attention?" he probed further.

Kiser burst into laughter. "Shauna and boyfriends? She scared off half the guys we knew."

Torell's next question caught me off guard. "Are you a virgin?"

His bluntness felt invasive, and I retorted, "Is that a requirement for queenship?"

Torell exhaled heavily, his expression conveying the weight of the situation. "Royalty is always under the microscope. Every aspect of your life will be examined for potential scandals. It's not just about you, it's about the image of the throne."

His words hit me with the force of a tidal wave. It wasn't just my life that was changing; it was my entire identity that was under scrutiny.

"Do they put the men through the same purity test?" I asked, my voice tinged with bitterness. The double standards of royalty were already grating on me.

"Of course, she's no virgin, look at her." Viper's snide comment sliced through the tension. "I sure hope not." Cell's attempt at humor was ill placed.. Their words, whether meant in jest or not, only served to amplify my embarrassment.

I answered truthfully, though it felt like an invasion of my privacy. "Yes, I am a virgin." The admission hung in the air, heavy and uncomfortable.

Torell looked genuinely surprised, and I could feel my face flush with a mix of shame and irritation. "If you want I can help with that." Cell's poorly timed joke about my inexperience only added to my humiliation.

Hawk, ever the protector, rose to intervene, but I stepped in front of him, signaling that I could handle it. I wasn't just some damsel; I had faced tougher situations in the ring.

The rest of the journey was steeped in an uncomfortable silence. I found refuge in my music, the melodies and lyrics offering a temporary escape from the reality that was rapidly closing in on me. With each song, I drifted further into my thoughts, reflecting on the drastic turn my life had taken.

I had always been a fighter, comfortable in the shadows, away from prying eyes. Now, I was on the precipice of a life where every move, every word, would be analyzed and critiqued. The idea of being a queen, a symbol of purity and power, was overwhelming.

Hawk found me a couple of hours later, his presence both comforting and unsettling. "Did Kiser send you?" I asked, not sure if I was ready for company.

"She's worried, but I came on my own," he replied, sitting beside me. "What's on your mind?"

I sighed, my thoughts a whirlwind. "Everything's moving too fast. Yesterday, my biggest concern was scraping together $20,000. Now, I'm headed to a palace, about to be declared royalty. It's surreal. I always felt different, but royalty?" I trailed off, not wanting to sound ungrateful.

Hawk nodded, encouraging me to continue. "Work through it. Once we land, everything will accelerate. Your father's making an announcement about your arrival soon."

The idea seemed absurd. "He's announcing me, and we haven't even met? Why didn't he ever come for me?"

"You'll get a chance to ask him all these questions," Hawk assured me.

Our eyes met, and I saw honesty in his gaze, a raw sincerity that made my heart flutter. I leaned in, possibly for something more, but Cell's sudden appearance cut the moment short.

An explosion rocked the ship, jolting us all. I stumbled into Cell's arms, struggling to stay upright. Hawk hurried to the command room, and I followed closely behind, propelled by adrenaline.

The ship trembled again, and I fell, only to be caught by Cell, again. "What's happening?" I asked, panic rising. Cell gently released me.

Hawk, now in the pilot's seat, assessed the situation. "Looks like Interlopers," he said grimly.

Viper swiftly strapped me into a seat near him before returning to his co-pilot duties. My brother and sister were already secured, their faces a mix of fear and resolve.

Siren rushed to the weapons room, ready to defend us. Impulsively, I unbuckled myself and followed Viper. In the weapons room, I took a seat next to Siren, my fingers dancing over the controls, learning quickly.

"Hawk wants you out of there," Viper called out, but Siren dismissed the concern. "She's got this."

I focused, feeling the power of the weapons at my fingertips. We managed to take down one of the Interlopers' ships, but alarms blared – a malfunction somewhere.

With determination, we neutralized the remaining threat, but not without cost. Smoke billowed from one of our engines, a stark reminder of the danger we had just faced.

As the sirens wailed and the smoke thickened, the reality of my new life hit me. This wasn't just about royalty and palaces; it was about survival and protecting those I cared about.

In the command room, the urgency was palpable. "How bad is the damage?" I asked, trying to gauge the situation.

Hawk replied, "We need to land. The nearest planet is Vantage, but we'll be in the Dark Zone. Our communication satellites are down. It's a three-day hike to the Green Zone, if we're lucky and remain undetected."

As we landed, the tension among us grew. Gathering supplies for the hike, I couldn't shake off a feeling of foreboding. "Someone's trying to kill us. Who could it be?"

Torell looked grim. "Threats to the crown are frequent, but it's hard to pinpoint."

Viper then dropped a bombshell. "Your uncle was overly interested in our mission."

"My uncle? Why would he want us dead?" The thought was chilling.

Torell seemed conflicted. "I can't believe he would..."

Cell remained silent, allowing us to draw our own conclusions.

Viper, however, was more direct. "Think about it. If Torell abdicates the throne, it goes to him. But if he gives it to you, Shauna, that's a different story."

Torell cut him off, visibly upset by the implication. "We shouldn't speculate on this," he said sternly.

As night fell, Hawk took charge. "We'll camp here for the night and move out at first light."

We set up camp by a serene river, the beauty of the place belying its dangers. As Hawk and I collected firewood, I asked, "Why call this the Dark Zone?"

"It's cut off from everything – no communication, nothing. It's the ultimate survival test for Bellicose graduates. This place is treacherous."

Our conversation lulled into an awkward silence, but then I caught myself staring at him. "Do you have a girlfriend?" I blurted out, curious.

"No," he replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Why not?" I pressed, smiling back.

His gaze met mine, softening for a moment. "Your smile is magnificent," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Thank you," I murmured, feeling a connection between us.

Suddenly, the ground trembled beneath us. "Was that you or me?" I asked, half-joking.

"I can cause earthquakes, so probably me," he said with a rueful grin.

But as quickly as the moment had come, it passed. Hawk turned away, his expression unreadable. I followed him back to camp, my mind racing with questions about the future, about Hawk, and about what lay ahead in the Dark Zone.

As we sat around the campfire, I found myself pondering the enigma of Sentinel powers. "How do I discover my abilities?" I asked Hawk.

He explained patiently, "Some powers are innate, others learned, and some evolve over time. As a true Sentinel, you might be able to master all forms of magic, maybe even create new ones."

I absorbed every word, eager to understand what awaited me in Eminence. Meanwhile, Cell brooded in a corner, seemingly holding back information. Intrigued and a bit restless, I asked him, "Feel like taking a walk?"

He grudgingly agreed, and we ventured into the dark jungle. Hawk's uneasy glance followed us, adding a layer of complexity to my burgeoning feelings.

"So, we're cousins?" I attempted to break the ice with Cell.

He bristled, "Let's not delve into history now."

I pressed on, curious about his standoffish demeanor. "Why are you so closed off? Mean, even?"

Cell shot back, a hint of venom in his voice, "What is this? Are you probing our relationship before flirting with me?"

His response took me aback. "No, I... Why would you think that?"

"You seem interested in the brute," he said, almost accusingly.

His reaction struck a chord. Was there a hint of jealousy in his words? I couldn't resist teasing him, "Seems someone's jealousy shines bright in the dark."

Cell's silence that followed was heavy, a mix of anger and something else. I quickly backpedaled, "I didn't mean to imply... I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."

He sighed, a vulnerability creeping into his voice. "Since I saw you at the club, you're all I think about. I know my feelings, even if others can't admit theirs because of what I am."

His confession piqued my curiosity. "What are you?" I asked gently.

"I'm someone who could never join your league," he said, frustration evident in his tone. He moved a stray hair out of my face."You treat me like I'm normal.See you don't even flinch. It's confusing, it makes me feel things I can't define."

I understood then. His harshness was a shield, protecting him from rejection, from pain. I knew that feeling all too well – being treated differently, feared for being strong. In that moment, I felt a kinship with Cell, a connection born from shared experiences of isolation and misunderstanding.

He walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I stared into the dark jungle, reflecting on the complexities of the relationships forming around me, each one a puzzle piece in the tapestry of my new life.