Chapter 1: A Simple Drop-Off

Mission 456

Type: Drop Off

I let out a sigh, my mind racing with excitement as I opened up the door and stepped on the sand. I took a deep breath of the fresh outside air and started wondering about what kind fun adventures would be waiting for me. What new people I would meet? What new places I would se-

You shouldn't be quite so optimistic about walking outside. You do know exactly what kind of world we live in.

You're no fun.

The sun above was blazing yellow in the sky and was beating down a rather pleasant, if not intense heat. The sand shifted around by a gentle breeze, getting caught on stones and rocks in the ground. Pinewood trees, torn and ragged with their pines much darker than usual, were the only sign that this rather barren-looking landscape was once a forest near the border of America and Canada. Where I have no idea and looking it up would be rather fruitless as I would just forget it.

The sky, once blue, was now sky blue with purple and violet color as well as some hints of magenta mixed in. However, the middle of the sky was pure black with tiny white lights dotted in between. I think they are called stars? Apparently, most people can't see them. Lucky me...I guess, though in my personal opinion I think it would just be easier to call them white dots or sky dots.

Ferns and cactuses were scattered around the ground and in the distance were huge black pillars. Behind the shabby, pale, desert-colored house that I live in is one of those black pillars. One time I tried climbing up the pillar. To my surprise, the pillar started looking more and more serrated until it came to a point where it looked like a giant black tooth. Unfortunately, before I could get any further I was stopped by Kellie. She was very worried about me climbing up there. I could tell that she is always worried about me, even if she tries to hide it so well by being so mean to me.

I turned around and gazed up at the black pillar. There were no clouds in the sky, and there hadn't been any for a long time, but it was impossible to see just how far up the pillar went. It was simply out of sight.

None of this was new to me. I had been taking shelter in this house for a couple of years by now. The house that I lived in looked to be a couple of large sandy boulders carved into a pineapple-like shape then decorated to look like a house. It was still comfortable, despite its appearance. It was also in an area that was close to the nearby city yet still far enough away to be considered not attached to the outskirts of said city.

Though, to be perfectly honest, I call the city a town since it looks like a massive town.

So that's exactly what I'll be doing from now on! So, without further ado, I started walking towards the town. Well, I started walking towards the black pillar first but I didn't want to waste time playing around with it. Thinking about the pillar is only gonna cost me time.

Even though the house I live in is outside the outskirts of the town, there is still a old and dirty path that leads into town. It was probably made when whoever lived in this house before was still, well, living in the house. The walk to the town wasn't going to take a while but it would still take a while. That is why I started to hum a little tune. After about eight seconds of humming, a piece of paper fluttered by and smacked me in my face.

Gah! The paper hates my singing!?

....I don't think a piece of paper has feelings.

What do you know?

More than you, apparently.

Rude!

Deciding to ignore Sardenia's rude remark, I snatched the paper up and examined it. Ah, it was another paper about Isheva again. I learned from Kellie that whatever team is responsible for dealing with the Creatures loves to brag about how they successfully dealt with them. She also called them egotistical, something that starts with bi, too. I think it may relate to a dog? I'm not entirely sure. I do wonder if she is gonna come around this part?

On second thought, I doubt it. Isheva, going off her biology, prefers the cold and likes water. In this part of Sardinia, there is only desert with little water. She would be like a fish out of water...

....Correction: She would be a massive fish that could drill underground and breathe just fine out of water and is still very dangerous, only angrier and sicker as well.

I decided to skip past the details about the attack since I read a bunch of them yesterday. Fillish gave a bunch he collected over the years as thanks for helping him out the other day.

Anyway, as my eyes scanned the lower part of the paper, my eyes caught something of interest.

"We are glad to inform you that the proud intelligence division has managed to find the Creature, Shena. Not only did we manage to find it again after years of no activity from the Creature, but we even managed to capture her. The Creature is being transported into the Oblain Desert for...safe keeping."

My eyes widened and I started to jump up and down in excitement. I double-checked just to make sure before I frowned, re-reading the name. It wasn't Isheva but Shena, a Creature that apparently only attacked the cities a couple of times before disappearing off the grid. I doubt she is one of the Creatures but apparently, she is.

Even if I wanted to see Isheva, I still can't wait to see her. I bet she has many cool stories to tell.

I don't think you'll be able to talk to her if she is locked up.

.....

Well, STILL! I might be able to if I work extra hard! Kellie is as high as they get. Isn't she, like, fourth in command? Not only that but her opinion on matters like this makes her contradict the third in command. She can definitely hook me up!

No. She and the third in command are equals. Both are skilled in different categories. There is no fourth in command.

Oh.

I put the paper in my pocket and continued on my way. I wonder what new missions Kellie would have for me today.

I think she said something about a pickup.

Just a pickup? Nothing action-packed?

....You do remember what normally ends up happening during an "action" packed mission, right?

Nope!

I skipped along, humming the tune of my music box back at home. Kellie told me that I stood out from everyone else that lives here, and not just because of how I act. I am quite the weird one if I say so myself. For anyone, even if I was in the city, I would be quite the sight! A tall teenage girl with electric blue hair and two long twintails on the side of my head. Light blue eyes and a rather weird red shade of white pupils, skin untouched by radiation or wounds, and, the final touch, I have a joyful expression on my face. Then there was my wear. I wore a grey sharp-looking jacket of sorts with no hood and black pants that stopped before my ankles and light grey boots with spikes on the bottom of those boots. I also had a hidden spur on each boot in the front and back. Oh, yeah, I also have a light blue tie that is mainly hidden by my jacket as my jacket covers most of the tie and my jacket wasn't loose but was tight like it was too small for me.

Oh lord, you need a better description of yourself. I think a picture will suffice. Hey! Can we get a picture in here!

Rude. Anyway, where was I? Oh, yeah!

My jacket didn't reach my wrists so instead a wrist cuff was on both of my wrists, the same color as my jacket. The same design with the different shadings too.

I stopped in my tracks when I realized I was in the outskirts of the town. Small houses and stands dotted the land, becoming denser down the road. There was no one here. Normally there would be people chatting and Iquarks patrolling. No, there would always be Iquarks patrolling here, even if there was no one working their stands.

I continued walking, looking around with a slight frown until I came across a familiar apple stand. I looked inside, recalling how I've done business here many times in the past. The apples were still there but some of them were a deep red color. That must mean these are new apples! A lot of the apples were also on the ground, which doesn't really make any sense since, if I know anything about old Mrs. Terrain, it's that she loves to keep things clean and organized.

I picked up an apple and after looking around some more, bit into it. It was nice and sweet! In fact, it was much tastier than usual.

"Hey, Kellie! Do you have any idea what kind of apple this is?" I asked, pressing a button on the one-eared...what do you call a headphone with only one ear thingy?

That's called a earpiece.

Ah! Thank you.

Pressed a button on my earpiece. It, you know...allowed for Kellie to hear me.

She'll always hear you, Sardina. Your earpiece is set up so it is one way.

...So, is she a stalker?

I ain't answering that.

Anyway, Kellie was one of my closest friends and the person I have been mentioning, like...three times?

Oh please just shut up!

Rude. Anyway, back to where I was before.

She's also my boss. She doesn't get out much since her legs are weak from an accident but she talks to me through an earpiece. She also spies on me through multiple satellites and many of the ships that she owns which are invisible unless she orders them to become visible.

I feel bad for anyone reading your thoughts. They must be really lost.

A loud buzzing sound interrupted any comeback I had planned.

"Um...I don't. Just uh, leave that there and don't eat it. Maybe they are the reason Mrs. Terrain is missing?" Kellie said, though her voice was a little...shaky.

Kellie sounded different, like she is disturbed. I wonder if she is also kinda weirded out by the fact that the outskirts are empty as I am?

I took my hand off the earpiece button, having no need to continue pressing it, and realized that my hand was somehow all sticky.

"O-oh! My hands are all sticky now," I pouted, looking at my two hands. It looked like I had gotten some kind of red liquid on it that definitely isn't apple juice. Apple juice is somewhat transparent unless it is brown, which it is then cider.

Isn't al juice also made from apples?

I think so but we never had it so it's hard to say for sure.

I put the apple down on a nearby rock and licked my hands, trying to get the liquid off it. The moment I did, my tongue exploded with a delicious taste similar to the apple, just lacking the whole, you know, apple taste.

"OOOOHHHHHH! My Hand Is Delicious!" I exclaimed, shivering in delight.

"Uhh, please refrain from doing that," Kellie said with a groan, her voice even more disgusted.

"No fair! I can't have the apple but I can't even lick the sauce or whatever juice is on my hand! Pick and choose!" I said, stomping my foot before crossing my arms across my chest.

Kellie let out a sigh of defeat, making me do a silent fist pump.

"Just wait a minute. I need to have a scan done of the area."

A minute passed where nothing happened. Finally, Kellie gave me the answer I was looking for.

"You can do both but make it snappy. Anyway, get to the town and wait by the bar called Taxi Laxi. An escort will be arriving shortly."

"YAY!" I cried out, causing Kellie to snort.

I didn't care about misses grumpy pants though, so I grabbed the apple and bit down enthusiastically. Over the intercom, I could hear Kellie groan with discomfort.

"Did you even listen to what I had to say after I told you that you can eat the apple!?" Kellie asked, her voice back to becoming bossy.

I took another big juicy bite and couldn't help but squirm in excitement. It tasted so good!

"Yes Kellie, I did listen. You want me to wait by Taxi Laxi for an escort."

I waved the apple in the air at the direction the ship that usually is stationed here is located, which is to the East of me or to the right to put it in more simple terms. See? I'm smart, Sardenia.

Debatable.

"I might be weird but I do listen to you. That is one of the reasons I am such a valuable asset to you, right Kellie-chan?" I asked, deciding not to reply back to Sardenia.

"You're not Japanese, Sardina," Kellie said through what I could only assume was a gritted and annoyed expression. I like getting on her nerves normally but this was too easy. This only meant one thing.

"Teehee! Don't tell me your shipment is late?" I asked, my voice dripping with tease.

Three...two..one.

"IT WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN SO LATE IF IT WASN'T FOR ISHEVA HAVING SUCH A COFFEE FETISH!" Kellie yelled, her voice slightly hurting my ears.

I giggled as I imagined the scene; Isheva lying asleep next to a destroyed ship and surrounding her was a bunch of coffee. According to Kellie, Isheva loves Kellie's favorite coffee more than any other drink. She hoards that stuff.

"You guys both have a fetish for that stuff," I pointed out, deciding to start walking again so I don't waste time.

"Listen here, Sardina," Kellie growled, probably grabbing the microphone and leaning forward to speak as loudly as she could without yelling. "A.M coffee is a god-sent drink!"

"But you and Isheva are the only ones who like it," I pointed out yet another fact, and yes! This is a fact here, folks. I checked the sales on the company that makes A.M coffee and learned that Kallie is literally the only person buying it. She alone is keeping that coffee going.

"The others just don't have good taste! Am has such a refined and dark taste, yet at the same time is sweet and refreshing," Kelle praised, her nose seven feet tall.

Kelle went silent for a bit and I could barely make out some female with a tired voice saying something about Kellie's taste.

"YOU WANNA SAY THAT TO MY FACE, CATHRINE!?" Kellie exploded, once again hurting my ear with her yelling.

I let out another giggle. recognizing the voice and imagining the scene. Catherine was chief of navigation on Kellie's flagship, and she always comments on Kellie's tastes. She always, like Sardenia and I, likes to get on Kellie's nerves.

"Anyway, just get going! I am cutting communications for now so try signaling the Osherado if you need help. You already know where it is."

I waved at the cloaked ship that Kellie was talking about.

"Alright. Love ya Kellie-chan!" I said, saying it so matter-of-factly that Kellie wouldn't notice what I said right away.

"I love you to-Wait, WHAT!?"

I quickly took off my earpiece and waited for the yelling to stop, a smug grin on my face at my success. Finally, I heard a little jingle which meant communications were now off. Well, it meant that I couldn't hear what Kellie was saying anymore. Regardless, I put on the earpiece and continued walking, taking a big bite out of the apple as I did so.

....

This is getting boring. I was so used to seeing people and talking to them that the eerie silence is so intense...and boring. So very boring. Do they have something important to attend to?

Hey Sardina, look to your right.

I paused mid-step and looked to my right, noticing what Sardenia saw. On the sandy ground lying still by a huge boulder was a green-scaled fish person. I recognized him as Fellish. I wonder why he was taking a nap out on the sand in the sun? Isn't he still a fish person? Won't he dry out?

Despite this weirdness, I did notice that he finally seemed to have changed his style. His pale red shirt is now a deeper red long sleeve shirt and his black short pants were now tan pants! The pants were a mix of jeans but weren't jeans. Those kinds of pants.

Dress pants.

Yeah, those.

"Oh. It's Fellish. I don't think we should wake him," I said out loud for no reason, causing my cheeks to turn slightly red and, to make matters worse, causing Sardenia to let out a chuckle. She's still a sadist.

He'll probably wake up in a couple of minutes. He also should do something about that red stain on his shirt.

Agreed.

I waved goodbye and tossed my apple up in the air before catching it casually with the same hand. After taking another bite I started walking again. Almost there. I could see the mud-brick wall...there is the gate...and I am through!

What kind of transition was that?

A Sardina transition!

...What answer did I honestly expect from you?

A perfectly normal Sardina answer from me.

The town looked empty. I know that it always looked something like a ghost town but now it definitely does. No Iquarks anywhere too.

Wait a second. There are no Iquarks here either...

SARD! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO HAVE ANY FUN WITH THE IQUARKS IF THERE NOT HERE!

I wouldn't call what you call "fun" with them fun. In fact, I find it stressful and rather tiring.

I know the Iquarks aren't pushovers. They wouldn't give up their land without a fight. They might leave it for a little while but they would never abandon it. So why did they leave? Hmmm.

They probably just left because Kellie wanted to help me drop off this package. The Iquarks have a healthy relationship with the Government and Kellie, and both respect each other. Neither would backstab the other. Of course, that doesn't mean they haven't fought before. They fight constantly but the casualty count is extremely low. It is more like a petty gang war with accidents happening every few months or so.

"Hey, Kellie, can you explain what is going on here?"

While Kellie can still hear what is going on, she's probably busy with other stuff. Didn't she tell you, like, a hundred times before to press the button on the earpiece to get her attention?

Oh yeah! Let me go do that.

I turned towards the east and started waving and pointing towards my ear. A beep sounded in my ear and static buzzed to life.

"Yes, Sardina?" Kellie asked.

Did you just ignore me?

She got her coffee. I could tell since she sounded much more alert and serious. She isn't cranky sounding or anything anymore.

"The town is abandoned. Is this your doing?" I asked, taking some pleasure with the sigh Sardenia just made.

"...Uhh. No, but let's just say that everything will get back in order. Right now, this is good for us as there are no distractions," Kellie told me, though why do I have the feeling that the last part was emphasised?

I also noticed something else too! Something that made me giggle again. It was my bad before. Kellie still doesn't have her coffee. Her voice was cracking at certain points and she nearly fell asleep near the middle of the sentence. Also, she said "uhh" at the start of her sentence!

"Waking up finally, I see. Well, I shall be at the bar in two or three minutes flat. Four at the latest. Ya gonna keep in touch or are you gonna cut communications again?"

Kellie let out a sigh.

"I won't cut communications. What will be the point if we have to establish them again anyway?"

"You're as smart as always Kellie-chan!" I praised, putting emphasis on the Kellie-chan part.

I felt Kellie start fuming on the other side. It was fun to hear her trying to hide it.

"Just hurry up already!" Kellie snapped, her "infinite" patience showing itself.

I sighed and started walking. I was well done with the delicious apple and I had already licked my hands clean so, with no one around, I was getting kind of bored.

You have me.

I talk to you all the time!

Now that is cold.

Aha! The bar is in sight! How come no one is waiting outside of it? Maybe I have to go inside?

Blach! Alcohol tastes disgusting! Don't you dare drink any!

I won't...at least, not ye-

PERIOD!

Fine.

I stopped outside of the bar and poked my head in. No one was inside but, compared to the apple stand and the other stands in the outskirts, this place was completely clean and organized. It looks like the people here just got up and left. I could even see some steam rising from a platter of peas.

I stopped looking into the bar and started looking around it, checking the alleyway behi-oh.

There were three people standing in the alleyway. Two of them were clearly soldiers while one of them was a bald guy wearing a sharp black suit and red tie. In his hand was a suitcase. He waved at me as I walked over to him, glad that I found the targets before Kellie told me.

"Okay. Now go and wa-...you're already here. Well, thanks for making me look like a fool," Kellie grumbled before letting out another sweet sweet sigh of defeat.

Who's a sadist again?

Shut up! There is a difference between me and you. I am a troll!

....

Yeah, sure you are, buddy.

The two soldiers gave me a curious look as I scowled at Sardenia. Strapped around their shoulders was a TG-64. It was a type of gun that was a mix between an M14 and a P-90. It also had a grenade launcher on the bottom and a laser sight. The two soldiers both wore a camouflaged green outfit with very little body armor by the looks of it. Still, Kellie always said that the outfit, while looking like they wouldn't protect from any weapon, is strong enough to stop a bullet. The two soldiers must also be related since both of them have yellow hair and blue eyes. The difference between them is that one of them is a girl while the other is a boy. They were around the same height too.

Twins in other words!

"You're Sardina, right?," The bald man asked, opening up the briefcase, "I need to inject something into your arm."

"....WHAT!? No one said anything about shots being included in this!" I exclaimed, jumping back out of the alleyway.

"You're perfectly fine with getting blood drained from you but not when we inject something into you? Jeez, grow up already," Kellie said, dissing me.

Is that even the proper use of the word?

Whether I used dissing correctly isn't the problem right now, Sard. Kellie just hurt my pride!

...You mean your pride?

Yeah, a sadist doesn't have pride.

Fuck you, that's a masochist! Also, I am much less of a coward than ya!

Language, Sardenia! Also, I am not a coward. Also also, you didn't deny being a sadist.

What's the difference between being a troll and being a sadist?

A troll is less extreme.

What did I do that was extreme?

...I can't recall anything off the top of my head but you have most definitely done extreme stuff in the past!

Doesn't count if you don't remember it.

That's not fa-OW!

I broke off from my little argument when I felt a sharp little pinch and the feeling of something getting injected into my bloodstream. I froze, looking at the bald man put a bandage over the spot where I was injected.

Serves ya right. Sardenia said, chuckling evilly and sadistically like the sadist she is.

"It is done, Sardina," Kellie informed me, "That wasn't bad now, was it?"

I let out a huff, my face pouty, before I looked at the bandage. It was a cute blue bandage with a picture of a princess on it wearing a blue dress. She was cute.

"Well, hopefully you didn't scar one of my agents with that cold cute glare of yours," Kellie snorted, causing me to realize that the bald man had backed away from me.

How rude! My eyes aren't creepy.

Our eyes always scare those who aren't used to them. Kellie said it is one of our bodies' ways of defending ourselves.

I think we have trained enough to not need to rely on our eyes to scare people. I mean, what kind of superpower is that?

We don't have superpowers, Sardina. We are mutants. This world also has no heroes, Sardina.

Alrighty there, misses negative! Still, I am kinda sad that our world doesn't have superheroes but I'm glad that our world is too perfect to need them.

...Y-yeah.

I raised an eyebrow but didn't turn to face Sardenia. There was something off in her voice, and I know for sure that it wasn't her stuttering. Before I could think on the matter anymore, Kellie started talking.

"I don't get why you think one is worse than the other. They both feel the same except for the blood one the needle stays in longer. Shouldn't that make you more uncomfortable? I know it does for me and everyone I know agrees."

"It's the feeling," I say, covering the bandage with my sleeve, "The feeling of something getting injected inside you. Something that doesn't belong. It is just unnerving."

"Is the mission to get this somewhere or to someone?" I asked, hoping that whatever it is that is in me will get out soon.

"Yep."

I let out a sigh of relief at Kellie's short yet sweet to me answer.

"Good! The sooner I get this out the better!"

"You can feel it? Oh, wait, yeah you can. My bad. You just said that," Kellie said, stumbling over her own words.

I giggled yet again. Kellie forgetting stuff? She must be really tired. It still amazes me that a girl could run on coffee.

"Alright, Kellie-chan! Where do you want me to go?" I asked, my mood back to how it was before.

".....I hate your guts. Those two soldiers will escort you to a team. That team will then bring you to your destination. Geroff, please go to the rondevu point pronto. Another team is waiting there so don't worry. Nothing is in the town as well but...please hurry."

That last part was kinda ominous.

Geroff, the bald man as it turned out, nodded and picked up the briefcase. He must have taken the shot out of there. He gave me a glance before he quickly walked out of the alley. The two soldiers followed him until he went out of sight, in which they then turned towards me with an uncertain look in their eyes.

"Don't worry! Iquarks won't attack any government official just walking to be picked up without a good reason, and even then the chances of that are low as, who would want a fight?" I assured them, causing Sardenia to let out a dry chuckle.

Says the battle maniac.

Rude!

The soldiers still looked uncertain but, before I could attempt to assure them again, the female twin spoke.

"You know, she is right. The Iquarks won't attack him. Come on, soldiers, let's go."

I smiled at the woman. She sounded nice. There was still some uncertainty in her eyes though, like they were worried about something else. What else could they be worried about if not the Iquarks? I mean, the Iquarks dealt with all the bandits in the area.

The two escorted me through a part of town known for their food. I tried to recall the name as well as I wanted to desperately wanted to get some food but, atlass, my plight was ignored as the twins just kept on going. Normally, I would get some food anyway but, if I ever wanted to see Shena, then I must be on my best behavior.

Finally, we reached the outskirts of the town. Waiting there was a big dropship, grey and black in color. Surrounding the ship was a lot of soldiers, these ones wearing black-grey body armor carrying all sorts of weapons, though mainly there were TG-64's. The two guards stopped there and gave me a thumbs-up before turning around and walking over to speak with a big soldier wearing a visor and a helmet.

"Now just go left until you see a small house. Go in there, get that special liquid taken out of you, then get out and head for the dropship. You got it?" Kellie asked, her voice back to being strict and bossy.

I let out a chuckle, stretching and touching my toes.

"I've been doing this for how long? You don't have to worry Kellie-chan! Nee!" I said as I stood up.

"Wow, you're excited," Kellie noted, and she's right. I am excited.

Nee is something I say when I am excited. It is more of a habit since I can't really control when I say it. Kellie says it is a rather nice and cute feature to me, much to Sardenia's annoyance. Then there is my really embarrassing laugh I do. No one is allowed to hear that.

Despite people having heard it before?

....You know, you say it too, Sardenia!

I Barely say it!

I let out another giggle, earning me a look from a couple of the soldiers who could hear me giggle. Another thing about me that Kellie thinks is cute is that I always giggle.

You're quite the quirky girl.

We are one and the same, you know.

I'd like to think my past is a little more refined than yours.

What does that mean?

Ahh, forget about it.

I frowned, earning me a couple of weird looks from the soldiers watching me. I wonder why that is. Didn't they get a briefing?

I don't think that was their priority. By the looks of things, these guys are used to city life. They probably are used to evacuating citizens and helping the CAPU take down creatures.

Ahh! Those are the guys Kellie calls egotistical bitches!

Hey, good job! You finally remembered the name she called them.

I really hope these guys stay here. Kellie said there is a lot of dangerous wildlife around that can easily knock down these guys.

Knock down, huh?

Hmm? Yeah, Kno-

Never mind, Sardina. You're right though. While these guys fight massive Creatures, the wildlife here is a whole different kind of foe.

Yep! Let's hope they never run into them.

Agreed.

"GET A MOVE ON ALREADY!!!" Kellie all but screamed into the microphone.

I let out another giggle, knowing full well I had a mischievous glint in my eyes.

"Alrighty, Kellie-chan! Anything for you!" I say, my close-eyed smile hiding my teasing intentions.

An unintelligible muttering sound came from the headset and then it suddenly and abruptly stopped. I heard a small jingly play, meaning she had just cut off communications. I let out another giggle and couldn't help but say Nee again before I started walking to the left.

"To Adventure!" I cried out cheerfully.

You're delusional. Sardenia muttered out.

Life as usual I guess.

....

....

I finally laid eyes on the little house. It was a Japanese-styled temple-like house, though I may be completely wrong about that. I mean, it has a red roof and a red stripe running through the side of the house diagonally with the rest of the house was a pale white tan color as well as a sliding door. Those are the colors of a traditional Japanese house, right?

Careful you're not racist.

What does that mean?

....

I am so not ready enough to tell you. Ask Kellie later.

I nodded and started walking up to the sliding door. Outside there was a nice cherry blossom tree, which I have only seen in one of the military academies. Now that I think of it, this place was blooming with life, making it stand out from the desert surrounding it. It looked more alive than anywhere I have been. On the way here there was a line of bushes, which was only twenty seconds away from the dropship. It was out of view, tucked behind a large boulder, but The Iquarks probably know about this place. I bet there is a deal going on with the Iquarks agreeing to try and keep this place out of the public knowledge. If people found out there was no saying what they might do.

I knock on the door, seeing no one in sight, and nearly punched through it. I quickly jumped back, staring at the small hole I made, and decided to blame a bug or something if I was asked what happened. Now that I look at the building, it looked new but it was definitely old. The wood seemed rotten up close. I guess the Iquarks and even the Government can't really preserve something they don't want house builders to see. Does anyone actually know how to build a house like this anymore?

Probably not.

"Hello? Someone there?"

Ooh! An elderly old lady's voice! She sounds nice.

Sardina, why are you drooling?

I wonder if she has any cookies?

You stereotype bastard.

Hey!? What was that for?

You would know if you were paying attention.

I gave Sardenia a scowl before I stood up straight, hoping to make a good impression and hopefully get some cookies.

Child.

"H-hello? Yes, my name is Sardina Terrokati. I am here because my friend Kellie ordered me too. She is my boss as well as my friend," I tell the old lady while Sardenia started chuckling at my suffering like the sadist she is.

The sliding doors opened up, revealing a small old lady wearing a pink robe opened the door. She had a hunched back and wore a kind smile.

"Ah! Hello there. My name is Ai. Ai Nisobaki," Ai greeted, doing a small bow that I failed to recognize.

Your name is very familiar...Ah wait, your code is different.

Code? Again with this, Sard?

Hey! You've seen it too so don't say don't believe me.

You say that but I've only seen it four times, and all of them were with big energy beams, two Creatures and two from the big I.E.L.C. Besides, you can't read her code like a video game.

But we're not in a video game. Code is just used to help run things along in the background without-

Please just...Stop. Just stop! You literally made me foam from my mouth Twice, by explaining your whole code thing! Why don't you admit that you can not see code in the-

No. Fuck off.

Say sod off, Sardenia.

I get to decide what I say, Sard.

You never actually met a person who could read code like you, did you?

I did. Now stop ignoring the old lady.

She didn't even say anything yet!

No, but you have your arms crossed for no reason and are looking at where my voice is coming from. You look like your angry at her-

"Don't worry, I read the file. You're talking to Sardenia, aren't you?" Ai asked, causing Sardina and I to freeze and let out an awkward and nervous laugh.

And now we are both blushing. Great.

"Yes, sorry. I know it must be weird," I apologize, scratching the back of my head.

"Not weird at all considering your circumstances," Ai said, letting out a warm chuckle.

"You guys have quite the interesting relationship, always getting on each other's nerves but always forgiving one another. I wish I had a relationship like that with my sister," Ai told us, her eyes glossed over as she lost herself in a memory.

This caused me and Sardenia to blush even harder.

Get on with it Sardina.

Stop being so bossy!

THEN HURRY!

Fine!

"Well, I might as well get this out of my bloodstream," I say, hoping to avoid any further awkwardness.

I started scratching at the area where the liquid was. It hasn't left the area where I was injected thanks to whatever technology was also in that shot.

"Ah, well come inside," Ai said, grabbing me by the hand and leading me inside her pleasantly cool house.

....