_AUGUST 5, 2078_
_OLYMPIA_PHASe HQ_
_6:27am_
SEVEN'S/YOUR POV
I sighed out a shaky breath, a clear smoke exiting my mouth in the cold morning air. It was so early in the morning and I'm at the rooftop of PHASe's building already. I just needed to clear my thoughts. A lot has happened in just the passed few days.
Eight woke up yesterday and he and Zero got out of the clinic too. Last night we ate lamb skewers, bought by Four. We also had a late night meeting since Nine got busy right after dinner. He gave us the following week 'missionless' so we can prepare before we leave for Naldeland. Three also calculated how long it would take for us to get there by a private plane. It was exactly 2 days since the next weekend will be rainy/stormy days. But we still have to go.
So Nine adjusted the schedule. We'll be leaving on August 11 which is Saturday. We'll most likely arrive there by Monday then. Once we get there, the sub units will be out. The Emissary Unit, Infiltration Unit, and the Devastation Unit. Zero and I will be alone together. Again. As always. We're partners anyway. But from other times, Four and I were also teamed up as a pair.
It's August 5... we have six days left before we leave.... I looked at the tall buildings that towered each other around Olympia. Some were as tall as sky scrapers. The sky was purple and blue, covered with a few visible stars. It was early in the morning after all. Even the moon was still visible. A cold breeze passed me, making my hair move around behind me as I held onto the railings of the rooftop. I felt a little cold since I was only wearing a purple shirt and black ripped jeans. I rubbed my arms for some heat.
My breath hitched.
Not because of the cold wind, but because of a pair of warm arms enveloping my upper body into a back hug. I quickly whipped my head around. I felt my face heat up with the sight of my best friend's face only inches away from mine.
"Z-Zero??"
He smiled down at me. Sometimes I manage to forget he's a head taller than me. "Yeah it's me. No need to worry. I thought I could give you a hug since you looked so cold." He laid his head on mine and hugged me tighter, his warmth calming me down. A smile formed on my face as I leaned back a little to lean on his chest.
Looking up, he was also looking at the buildings as the wind blew on his hair softly. His blue highlights getting messed up. I enjoyed his heavenly visuals... until he caught me staring, "What?", he rose an eyebrow and wore a nervous smile. I shook my head and looked away, "Nothing..... My best friend's just so handsome is all." He chuckled behind me. His hot breath tickling my right ear.
"I know, so you don't have to tell me" He smirked.
I hit his arm, "Yah! You're being so cocky! I shouldn't have said so then!"
He just looked down at me, a soft smile on his face.
"What?" I eyed him.
"....Nothing.... You're just so beautiful~."
He hugged me tighter and rested his head on my shoulder, looking like a little kid.
"Why do you keep flirting with me? Or is it just natural since we're best friends?"
He shrugged. "Dunno.. But I do know my best friend is so freaking beautiful."
I blushed so hard my head bent low to hide my face.
"Yah.... stop it..."
He didn't give back a reply and just held onto me tightly. His closeness causing me heat up much more than I needed to. If I looked at a mirror right now, I'm pretty sure my face looks soooo red....
"Stop being so nervous will ya?.... We've done this millions of times already. And it's just me."
He was right though. The day he became my best friend, we've been as close as ever. We've shown a lot of skin ship too. I wouldn't mind at all until he gets too close... like right now. I mean come on! We look like a couple or something!
I couldn't help but stay stiff in his embrace. I try to relax.... But I couldn't... For some reason only God knows. Zero started to sway me as his hands gently rubbed my arms. "Calm down, Seven... It's not like I'm gonna do anything else...." Aish this boy. "Shut up will ya!" I whispered-yelled out of embarrassment. He chuckled once more.
"I'm really just warming you up..." at least he never tried anything. He never really did.... But whatever. I always felt safe and assured when I'm with him. His presence alone helped me feel safe.
"Thanks Zero...."
"You're welcome..."
We were in that same position for minutes, not even moving an inch away from each other. Only a little later our legs needed to rest. "Wanna go sit down?" Zero said softly behind me. I nodded once and he started to pull me away with him.
We sat down on the bench with my head on Zero's shoulder, his head on mine, and his arm snaking over my shoulders.
A heavy sigh escaped his lips making me turn to him. "You okay?" Concern was clearly in my voice as I slightly moved away from his shoulder. His face was scrunched up a bit as he groaned. I noticed his right hand flatly resting on his stomach.
"Does it still hurt as bad?" I asked him, remembering his bruise.
"Yeah... kinda...." he shifted beside me to sit more comfortably.
"Have you changed the bandages already?"
"Hm... uh... I did take them off last night. But I didn't replace them." The pain on his face was gone being replaced by a mischievous smirk.
"What now...." I whined, my voice failing to hide my embarrassment.
"Looks like you'll have to changed them for me again...." he hadn't removed his smirk off of his face at all!
I got up and started walking away.
"Fuck you."
I muttered out. But I didn't expect he'd hear it.
"I'd love to."
"Oh god shut up!" I turned around and gave him a death glare. He raised up his hands in defeat. "Just.... Follow me...."
With him being my best friend, sometimes I couldn't tell if he was joking or not. Which also made me wonder about his thoughts. If I were Six I would've found out already long ago.
•TIMESKIP•
(still your POV)
_PHASe HQ_LOUNGE_
_5: 14pm_
Sipping my drink, I sighed. There were barely any people in the lounge right now. Actually... It was just me, Six, and Four and the two bartenders. Wonder why though, looks like most operatives have gotten busy since we now know where KAIROS is hiding.
"Lighten up Seven.... Enjoy the lounge while it's basically empty."
Six suddenly approached me and took a seat across me at the table I sat at. Four came walking here too with a drink in his hand. "Move over." He told Six who scooted away to give the assassin some space.
Soft and relaxing music played in the lounge. The three of us were really the only customers in here. I expected the place to get filled in a little later but no one stepped through those glass doors.
"Hey Four..." Six nudged him. I only watched as Six grinned. "What?" Four's answer was flat, as always.
"Go play that piano."
My eyebrow rose. The piano???
"Why??" Four turned to look at him.
"No one's here except us. Come on! I haven't heard you play in a long time..."
Wow, the mighty Four actually plays the piano??
"You can play?" I asked him. "....Yeah.." he took his drink and sipped it. Six kept nudging him. "Come on! Show Seven your skills~~!"
Now I really wanna hear him play....
Four continued to finish his drink then placed his glass on the table.
He licked his lips.
"What song?" Four looked at me then Six.
"Any really..." says Six.
After another 2 to 3 seconds.... Four stood up and walked towards the pitch black piano that stood near the corner of the lounge. I noticed the bartenders' eyes follow his form as he sat in front of the huge instrument and slowly brought up his hands onto the white keys.
Inhaling a deep breath, he started to play.
Four's fingers smoothly went through the piano keys. Perfectly hitting every single note with ease. It was just the start of the song, but you were already enjoying it so much. A soft intro filled your ears. The song's soft melody sending shivers down your spine.
You were speechless. Six was enjoying the music and the bartenders stood in their place behind the counter, enjoying the assassin's piano skills. The beat was just right to fit the mood in the lounge. Four didn't even look like he was trying.
An up beat came and Four's fingers effortlessly pressed each key. His eyes only focused on the piano. His head swaying to his own music. A smile formed on your lips. You couldn't take your eyes off of him. This was a new side of him you have never seen before.
Then it came soft again.....
You watched in awe.
There were no need for words.
The melody alone made you amazed.
How can an assassin like him actually have time for piano?
You trued guessing the song.... only to stop thinking and listening to the music instead.
(Just enjoy in the mean time guys hahaha)
He went fast soon enough. The song molding in the air.
(Just enjoyyyy)
(Just imagine it, Four playing the piano to The Truth Untold~ I'm softttt)
(Now just wait until the end. I really dunno how to describe it either)
.........
(Ok stop when music is done before continuing here)
Four let out a soft sigh. You glanced at his face from afar, he was relaxed. And you can tell he actually enjoyed playing the piano.
The bartenders applauded him and so did you and Six. "Wow.... I never knew you could play like that.... a piano especially!" Four was walking back to your table now with a smile on his face.
"See~ you even relaxed for once in awhile" says Six.
"Yeah yeah whatever...." Four grabbed his glass and took it to the counter, ordering another drink.
"Does he play often?" You asked Six. The melody of the song still in your head.
"No... he only plays whenever there aren't much people around. Like right now...."
"Really?... But he's so great at it!"
"Well he has a reputation to keep after all. I get why he's hiding it. The bartenders don't even speak of it."
"How long has it been since he last played?"
"Hmm..... months...."
"Whoa..."
Four came back shortly while sipping some whiskey. While drinking, he noticed you staring at him and raised an eyebrow. You shook your head knowing he silently asked you "what?".
"That was amazing Four." You told him.
Placing his glass on the table, he looked at you, "It's just a side habit a have...."
You smiled to yourself. He just keeps surprising you.
"It's been around a year now and you guys still have lots of secrets you're keeping from me." You joked.
Six grinned. "Of course, dear Seven. But I do believe you have your own secrets too, correct?"
You thought for a moment and nodded. "Guess I do... But don't you dare read my mind Six!"
The Specter gave out a laugh. Four scoffed with a small smirk.
'So Four can play the piano huh.... who knew a deadly assassin like him had this kind of soft side?'
•DAYSKIP TO FRIDAY•
_AUGUST 10, 2078_
_OLYMPIA_PHASe HQ_
_3:00pm_
(still your POV)
3 pm.... Phantom Alpha had been packing the whole day today since Nine said we're gonna leave Olympia around 9 pm. I already finished packing yesterday since I got so bored with nothing to do. Nine would most likely be the last to finish packing since he's still busy up till now.
I entered the cafeteria willing to get that special menu I asked the cafeteria lady to reserve for me since last Tuesday I couldn't come to get it.
(Its some info I got from the game guysssss:
So Four actually mentioned that on Tuesdays at 3 pm, a special menu it released for one hour in the cafeteria. Four's actually got some sort of craving for sweets. He has a sweet tooth.)
Yeah, so this special menu stuff was actually recommended to me by Four. He was actually a person who had a sweet tooth; I had guessed. That was like.... a year ago now. Ever since then, I would come to the cafeteria at 3 during Tuesdays to get that special menu. Occasionally, Four would invite me to eat with him or vice versa.
"Ah Operative Seven! Here's your reserved order..."
The cafeteria lady handed me a white food box. Opening it for a peek, I saw all those sweets from 007 on the special menu. "You're leaving tonight, right?" I nodded sadly. "Yes...".
"Oh don't worry dear. I'm sure you'll do great."
"Thank you. I'll be sure to work hard."
As I turned around to find a table, Five's rectangular smile appeared right in front of me. "Hey Seven! What'chu got there?" He pointed at the box I was holding.
"Oh! Some sweets. Come eat with me. I'll give you some!"
"Jinjja?" (Really?)
"Ne!" (Yes!)
(In case some of u guys didn't know. INCASE)
Taking an empty table, I opened the box. I ordered a lot since I planned on taking them with me on the plane or when we're having breaks during the mission. I even plan on handing Four some of it.
"Whha! That's a lot!" Five started craving.
I giggled at him and let him have some.
"Thankssss."
"No prob Five."
We ate in a comfortable silence until Five decided to break it. "Have you packed yet?" I nodded. "Yeah. I did it yesterday actually." He raised his eyebrows. "Wae?? (What??) You're kinda early!"
"I was bored so I thought why not pack already so I can relax for today."
"Ah. Clever you."
"Hahaha! How bout you?"
Five swallowed the candy he just ate, "I'm gonna start packing after this. I was just roaming around when I saw you here and wondered what the box was for."
"Ah.. We're leaving by nine, right?" I wanted to be assured I got the schedule right.
"Yeah... Well, Nine did say we'll leave at nine."
(Pun intended)
We both laughed.
"Good one!" I pointed out. "Hey..."
"Hm" he was currently chewing on some gum.
"Five, gimme a high-five!"
(2nd pun intended)
After realizing my back fire he hit his palm on the table while laughing his butt off. He gave me a high-five seconds later.
Now I'm in my rom. Just moments ago, Five had left off heading for his room to pack his stuff while I took my box and put it in my bag then left my room again.
Turning down the hall, I bumped into a ridiculously angelic man wearing a black and red suite.
"Eight! Heading somewhere?" I stopped walking to stand in front of him. He leaned his body against the wall. "Maybe~" he gave me a sly smile. My brow rose. "...How about you? Are you just gonna continue bumping into handsome guys like me?" His smile turned into a smirk.
"Oh you're handsome? I never noticed~." I exaggerated my statement with a hand on my mouth pretending to have never known such a thing. Eight's smirk was gone as he stared at me, amused. "Hahaha! Got you didn't I?" I winked. He scoffed. "Yep. You sure did.... Well, actually, I just got back from visiting a friend outside HQ." He said puffing his cheeks and running a hand through his hair, pushing it back.
"Ah. Like a farewell since we're leaving for a while?" He nodded and shrugged. "Hm... well as for me, I was just planning on maybe relaxing around before we leave. I already packed yesterday.".
By now, I've been walking through the corridors with Eight while chatting with him.... "Hey Eight..." he turned to me, "yeah?". I hesitated a bit, "Y-your name is..." I leaned closer to him and whispered, "....Jimin... right??", he looked at me shook. "How'd you find that out?" We stopped in our tracks. "Nine told me..." , "ah... well no matter. Just keep it a secret k?" He winked. "Yeah don't worry about it.... Oh, are you gonna take Monarch?" By the mention of his pet cat, his face visibly softened. "Well, I was planning on it. Maybe I'll ask Nine if I could. Monarch is very clever so he'd surely not be a bother to the others while on the plane or the mission,"
"How much did you pack?" He asked.
"Just the important stuff. Not like we're going on a vacation anyway." I snickered.
"True. But I do wish we can have like a month without worrying about KAIROS or anything like that crap."
"Haha... yeah. We've only had a real proper rest this week... Except for Nine though... he's always so busy...."
"Nothing we can do about it. He's been the head leader of every single PHASe team there is. And he's even under the Commander himself. So he really has extra work to do unlike others."
"Really? Hmpf... well.... he is the leader of Phantom Alpha. Makes sense..."
We continued walking, seeming to have passed the Research Lab where Dr. Park and other researchers worked.
"Hm... Isn't that Three?" I pointed inside the lab. A tall man wearing a brownish bronze jacket had his back facing us. He looked like he was holding a tablet and stylus while talking with a researcher. "Yep. That's definitely him." Eight whispered behind you. Looking up a bit he was also trying to see what they were doing.
"Come on... They're busy from the looks of it." Eight grabbed your wrist and pulled you away. "By the way, how have you been since... the incident?" Eight pouted at you. "Fine actually. I've had a few headaches. But Dr. Park said I should be fine since there weren't any other side effects." He pulled you around a corner. " That's great then! At least you're not suffering in any case." Eight nodded and started sprinting down the empty halls.
"Come on! Let's hang out in the mean time...."
"Where are we going though?" He kept running as you realized he was leading you to the exit.
"Let's go get some Star Bucks!"
AUTHOR'S POV
The Moon shined brightly up in the sky, emitting a light glow as Phantom Alpha prepared to leave for their mission. Dr. Park stood beside the staircase leading into the private plane's interior. In her hand was a tablet that was shut off at the moment. Beside her was the Commander of PHASe, Commander Klein.
Nine came out of the exit of the building first with a bag slung over his right shoulder. Soft thuds from the soles of his shoes were heard against the concrete as he walked towards the staircase. "Dr. Park. Commander Klein." He bowed at both people who smiled at him. "Good luck, Operative Nine. Phantom Alpha is under your lead." Says the Commander. Nine headed inside and waited for the others to come.
Six and Three came out next. Their bags filled with their belongings. Saying their farewells, Six bowed at the doctor and Commander before walking into the plane. As Three came across the doctor, she handed him the tablet. "Here. Naldeland's location, status, every little information is in there. The location of KAIROS's hideout is also pinpointed." Dr. Park explained. "Thank you, Dr. Park.", "Take care, Operative Three.".
Four walked out with his bag and a briefcase in hand as he approached them. Despite the fact that he and the doctor weren't in much good terms, Dr. Park gave him some good words. "Four, take care out there. And of course... Come back alive." The assassin smirked and gave a bow. Turning to the Commander, "Operative Four, I expect the mightiest Wraith to accomplish his mission, protect his teammates, and like the doctor said, come back alive.". Four dropped his bag and saluted the Commander with uttermost respect. "Copy that, Commander Klein."
Lastly, Eight, Five, Zero, and You walked out of the building. Bags in your possessions. The last four members lined up and bowed at the Commander and Dr. Park. The doctor gave them warm smiles, "Good luck on the mission. And be careful, especially our non-combatants.". Eight and Five nodded, understanding her words. The Commander's eyes moved over to you. You stiffened in his gaze. "Seven. Good luck out there. Come back making us proud." You were deeply glad the Commander was very kind and knew when to be strict instead of roaring out all the time. His gaze went to Zero who stood beside you. "And our Infinite" he held his shoulders, "Zero, you know how much Priestess wants to get you... So be extra careful. I wouldn't want the only Infinite in the history of PHASe to end up in the hands of the enemy. No one would want that," Zero nodded sternly, "Yes, Commander."
Phantom Alpha had resided within the plane and gathered in the built-in living room where Nine stood at the center.
(THE BUILT-IN LIVING ROOM)
Outside, the staircase had folded up to close the exterior. Dr. Park and the Commander stood aside a good distance away from the way of the plane.
Nine took a good glance at all his members. Locking eyes with each one. Taking in a deep inhale, "Phantom Alpha, let's safely get to Naldeland.", he said.
The pilot had announced the plane would be taking off in a moment as it began to move, so Nine still had a matter of minutes to distribute their residences within the plane.
"Alright, we'll be leaving soon. So right now, I'll give out the distribution of rooms. Two pairs will be sharing one room with two beds. The remaining four will have a whole room to themselves. This is the only plane with rooms for eight people. And the only plane I chose with camouflage mode that can help us stay undetected." Nine took out a piece of paper from the back pocket of his pants and read out loud,
"Alright so.... The Fatal-Attraction Sub-Unit will share a room; Five and Eight. Also the Devastation Sub-Unit will share a room; Seven and Zero..." Nine looked over to you. "That okay with you Seven?" You nodded, "Yeah. Zero's my best friend anyway." Hearing your response, Zero had put on his bunny smile as he sat beside you. "Then we have no more problems I suppose. The others will have a room to themselves... Including me." Nine grinned, his dimples showing.
"Phantom Alpha, please take a seat. We will be heading off in the next minute."
Just after the pilot's announcement, Nine had already seated himself as everyone else prepared for the plane to leave the ground.
Looking out the window of the plane, you saw the environment move around you as the plane slowly took off from the ground. Having first experienced an airplane ride, the vibrating of the plane caused you to grip onto the leather material of the chair you sat on, Breathing in deeply to clam yourself, Zero noticed your discomfort and reached for hand.
On instinct, your head turned to Zero who gave you a soft smile, "It's alright. One we're in the atmosphere, the vibration will be gone." You nodded at him and smiled back. His grip on you tightened but you allowed his hand to envelope yours.
Eight sat beside Five who was already zoning out as the plane raised up higher into the sky. Six had a leg over the other as he calmly sat in his seat patiently while fiddling with his fingers. Three was searching through his bag, checking if everything he needed was there. From time to time, he would unconsciously push his glasses on the bridge of his nose, as a habit. Four had his arms crossed and so were his legs. His head hung backwards as his neck rested on the back of his chair; his eyes closed. Nine rested his head on the palm of his right hand as his elbow rested on the arm of his chair.
Still looking out the window, the plane reached the higher peaks of the earth atmosphere.... going up higher and higher...
To the edge of the Sky
DONT FORGET TO COMMENT AND VOTEEE TNX FOR READINGGGGGGG