Chasing the Scourge (Space Adventure) [ Title not final]

[Mr. Cuddles]

Chapter 1: Bounty

The scanner indicated that the bounty was in the nearest bar, seeking refuge, or too stupid to notice they had a wanted level. What bar would even be dumb enough to harbor fugitive when their lives could be at stake? Standing outside of the building, a tall young looking man looked up at the half-lit neon sign, it was barely held up by a three big bolts, it had a little rust on it and the light tubes looked cracked. It was an old building, meaning the owner had it for a very long time, maybe even passed down from generation to generation. The man pushed up his shades and adjusted his coat and walked in through the doors, his attire wasn't typical casual wear. It mean't he was hunting for something or someone, his pants were black with a jeans-like material but looked like cargo pants which allowed him to move freely without restrictions. He had on a heavy greenish jacket with a few pockets on the front and sides, it even had a hood which he wasn't wearing. The shirt he wore underneath was a red long sleeved shirt which hugged comfortably to his muscular frame. It wasn't easy to make out his face with his shades on, but the features visible was his platinum blonde hair which seemed like it was freshly cut with some strands falling over the frame. There was a woman running the bar, she was making a few drinks for the patrons, an older woman, she looked like she had been around for awhile and showed it by sending a mean look over to the new customer. "Look ere', I don't want no trouble, got it?" The man just looked down at his scanner and it had a blip that the bounty was there, he started towards the table near the back. "Hey you! She doesn't want no trouble, friend" A large male alien stood up from his chair and stood in front of him "Go somewhere else" they knew why he was there, that mean't they were trying to protect him. The alien in the back table looked frightened and quickly got up and ran for the back door. "Damn..." The man was so fast that he punched the large alien out of his way and charged after the bounty.


It wasn't easy running with an injury, so the creature thought it best to hide which he did by climbing up into a dumpster. Unfortunately the hunter was already in the area and had caught him slipping off into the dumpster. Rolling his eyes he casually walked up and pulled out his scanner "You know? It would be a lot easier if you would come with me...I take you back, you get locked away and I collect my bounty" Usually he was quick to kill or injure, but he was told by the company he worked for to at least bring them back alive. The alien hid and tried to conjure up ideas on how to get out of it, it settled on suicide...but how? how would it kill itself? As it was thinking this, the man was at the dumpster "I could shoot you right through this dumpster, it won't kill you, but...you'll hurt, a lot". The alien gulped and shuddered, this wouldn't be so bad if only he hadn't done what he did...he poisoned an ambassador, and they wanted his head for it. "Please..." he spoke "I know what I did was wrong...I feared the life of my people...don't let them take me, please! I beg!". The man reached behind and pulled out his gun "I got a job to do, and it is to take you back in one piece". The alien was scared, he needed to buy some time, but how? Quickly he dug around in the dark dumpster till he felt something sharp, he gripped it in hand and slowly stood and lifted the dumpster lid. "Okay..." he said while seeming to surrender. The man raised a brow "You're an idiot, if I were you I would drop your weapon" he brought his gun up and pointed at the creatures legs. The alien felt his heart stop-how did the other know he had something? Dropping the piece of metal he calmly climbed over and slumped to the ground "...I don't want them to take me, I would rather die". A gentle cool breeze blew by, and the dark grey alien raised his head up to the sky "Just kill me...".


Asking for death was one of the tactics he had to deal with, a lot of his bounties even tried to kill themselves to get out of it. Putting his gun away he brought out his taser and shot the creature where he sat, once it was knocked out he tied him up and slung him over his shoulder before walking off to his ship. It was a good thing he parked close by, because he soon found himself surrounded by the people that were in the bar. "Really?" the man stood staring at all of them, there were probably 10 of them, and the woman who owned the bar was close by "Put em back where you got em, he's a good man". This was just annoying "I have a job to do, I don't have time to deal with you fools, now move". They pushed in closer and crossed their arms, some even had their own weapons. "...Fine, a fight it is" he stepped forward and stared one in the face "Go ahead...swing" the alien smirked "You puny human, you think you can take us? all of us?". The blonde just frowned with annoyance "I said...swing!" It happened so fast, the alien was down on the ground with a broken jaw after having a hard kick to the face. The others saw this and were no longer up for a fight, but one other bigger one moved close and had his arms broken when it reached to grab the bounty. "FRAAWWRRRGGG!" the creature roared in agony. The woman was angry by all of this, but didn't want to risk anymore of her customers "YOU F---ING BASTARD!". The hunter turned and looked at her and she seemed pretty brave to stand up to him, she even ran up to him and threw a punch which was caught by him with ease "I'm taking this bounty, don't try to stop me, or you all die" were his words to her as he turned and walked off. All the others could do was watch and tend to the two injured.


Once back on his ship he placed the bounty in the holding cell, then got into his cockpit and started his next destination. It wasn't always about the money, but he enjoyed the rush in finding these bounties, but lately they have been boring and he wanted something more dangerous.

[Mr. Cuddles]

The trip heading back to the bounty holding facility was quiet as he kept his bounties in holding cells on his ship, he could only contain one bounty per cell with their being a total of 6 cells with a mechanical sliding glass door which kept them from getting out. Catching bounties wasn't how he started, no, he was far worse when it came to anything else. Doing this kept his sanity levels from climbing shooting through the roof, he couldn't go back to what he was, he made a promise. The latter was to 'settle' which was something he refused to do, so he took up something that would keep him busy, and not push him into insanity by doing mundane things. The planet Oros 8, was a sight to behold, it was lush with greenery, well built up, and it was the place where many species besides humans lived, a lot less crime because the BHF (Bounty Holding Facility) kept it that way. Upon arriving, the man landed his ship and went to retrieve his bounty and walk him to his elevator to exit the ship, they were notified ahead for the arrival and soldiers were waiting-armed, in case he needed help. As the elevator lowered he could see six men lined up with his guns drawn and pointed, and merely frowned at it, but there was no sense in him trying to explain anything to them. "We're here to escort, per orders sir". The blonde just shrugged and nudged the bounty to get moving, the creature looked defeated as he held his head down the whole time. The facilty was very well maintained, there were hardly any flaws, the building was built in a special stone-metal alloy formation making it impregnable from any elements outside, and anything inside.

The surface seemed small to contain so many criminals, but the storage was deep underground, they had enough room to imprison the whole planet if they wanted to. The head chief of the facilty, and in charge of all the security was Henrietta Rachofsky, she commanded everyone, and over saw everything. Upon being led inside, the man handed the prisoner over to the waiting guards and was escorted to the main office, it seemed like he was in trouble. Then again, when was he not in trouble? As the soldiers stopped by the door one of them turned to him "The chief will see you now", the blonde took removed his black shades and tucked them in the inside pocket of his jacket. Reaching for the door he walked in, and looked across the large office to see a woman dressed in formal suit wear. She was looking out her window, and didn't seem to acknowledge him right away, but she slowly turned her head to her left "You surprised me..." were her words as she turned full body and slowly approached her desk "You didn't kill him, like the last one" he just stood there with a slightly annoyed expression on his face. "You did very well, he was very dangerous" she pulled out her chair and sat down. "Dangerous?" he retorted "How? he had too much fear to be-" "You were fooled...IF you believed what he told you, then I fear for you..." she hooked her fingers together and rested her elbows on her desk and leaned forward with her chin on the back of her hands. "Tell me, what did he convince you to believe? Drake?" the man frowned "He didn't convince me, I didn't care" "Of course..." she smiled "Good, that's why you're my favorite bounty hunter". Henrietta was a very beautiful woman, she had long dark hair which she kept tied up into a very neat bun, she wore glasses and had a tiny dark mole on the left corner of her chin, she also had the most gentle brown eyes-despite her hard demeanor. "Take a break, I got some of my others on some tasks, I'll let you know when something comes up".

Taking a break wasn't ever his kind of thing, he exited her office and left the facility. Take a break? To do what? It took him years to break his other routines, so how was he to find something to do? His sister tried to get him to learn the 'soft' nature side of things. After all he did move his family to his planet, they were safer here and that was how he wanted it, so perhaps a visit would do him some good. It had been 8 months since he last visited them. Then again he did promise to go for a walk with his sister to the sunflower fields, it is her favorite place, even though he could never stand it...he owed her that much.

[Mr. Cuddles]

Chapter 2: Family

The ride home wasn't long, but it also wasn't very short. Some times he would take the long winding roads, cruising passed the fields, the bright blue sky with its white feathered clouds hovering above. Sure he was a hard edged kind of guy, but he did enjoy nature for what it was and in his own way. As he turned off for his destination he noticed two dogs just sitting on the side, there were times animals would stray, but a lot of them just lived their lives with freedom. Many times he felt that way, a lone wolf that clung to his freedom the hardest he could. Within minutes he was in front of the mansion as he would call it, a house his older twin siblings wanted since it was far from the city and had a quiet location. Of course, he agreed with them with the privacy part of it, but for it to be such a large house it wasn't really his cup of tea.

Pulling up to the gates he put his hand on the scanner, and rode through as soon as it opened, before he could even park the front doors opened and out came running a woman in a light blue summer dress with the biggest smile on her face. "DRAAAAKEE!" she ran up to him as he was climbing off and hugged him as tight as she could. With raised brow he just looked at her "...Hello Melusine..." he patted her on her back then blinked when she pulled from him with an annoyed look. "Aren't you happy to see me? It has been years...I have missed you so much" she was a stunning woman, very ethereal, she had the most soft blonde colored hair, beautiful blue eyes, and the body of perfection. She stands at 5'8'', a woman who looks to not have aged at all as she still appears very youthful for how old she would be now. "Well, I'm here now" were his words to his older sister as he just walked passed her, showing open affection just wasn't his thing, but it didn't mean he did not care, and he was glad to see her and she knew it, but expected more as always. "Hmm, well..." she walked up along side him "Basil misses you too" the two walked in through the doors and Melusine turned to close the doors, then glanced back when she heard a click sound. "....Drake,NO! Don't!" the woman immediately stood in front of where he was pointing his gun.

"Why the hell is that thing in the house?!" There stood before him was a synthoid, or android that looked too human for his standards, he was ready to shoot it and it looked at him curiously "Ah, you must be master Drake, good to meet you sir. She has told me so much about you" the look on Drake's face went from annoyed to angry, and he pulled on the trigger and eased it when he saw the look on his sister's face. "...I was going to tell you Drake, he's not a threat. He only helps around here, and I thought you wouldn't mind". Grumbling he put his gun down "Wouldn't mind? If only you know the things I had to fight while I was gone...those things wanted to kill me" He walked up to the droid and pinned him against the wall. "State your model, and maker". The android just blinked "I am a series 9, number is SVC4095 and my maker is Syblian Ves Corporation or SVC". Melusine looked on nervously and moved up to gently tug Drake's hand from the android "He's not going to hurt me, if he was he would have already. I've had him for 2 years now".

Upon releasing the thing he stood back and walked off down the hall, he justdidn't want to deal with the idea of one of those things being in the house. "It needs to sleep outside while I'm here" he stated as he rounded the corner to his brother's study.

[Mr. Cuddles]

It had been two days since he was home visiting and having some Synthoid walk around as if it lived there was getting under his skin, but his sister had to warn him over and over that, it was not a threat. Drake stood watching it interact with the family pet owl, his brother and sister insisted on having the pet to add life to the house. With a scowl on his face, the young man pushed himself from the wall he was leaning on and approached the droid. "I got a question for you" he started as he stood next to it in the most intimidating manner, he was good at asserting his dominance when he needed to. "Are you sleeping with her?" The synth looked over at him and quirked a brow "I retire at my station". Drake frowned "We both know they designed you to be anatomically correct, and with sensors all over, capable of reaching climax. I know". The Synth then seemed embarrassed by the question and reached up to rub the back of his neck "We've been as close as to holding hands, I have comforted her when-" Drake brought his hand up and pushed him against the wall "They really know how to make the AI feel real, they give you every emotion, love, anger, pain, sadness, happiness, everything, even fear. All these traits they give you, in hopes, you would be more human, or perfect. But, you still have our flaws, you can still tell lies, now let's try again. Do you sleep with her?" The synth took a breath "I have promised her we don't speak of things that are not in private". Drake blinked "...Promise? I see, so you sleep with her and it is a secret...ok, then I'll go and ask her".

He released the synth and proceeded to find where Melusine had gone off to, though he did have an idea since she always enjoyed being in their garden. As he approached the stairs he could hear the footsteps coming up behind him "Master Drake, please, don't-" "Don't tell her? Oh, you didn't have to tell me, I've been around your kind so much that you can't-fool me". The synth started to follow him "I promised her I wouldn't say, I didn't say". Drake groaned "You didn't say, now buzz off...you make me uneasy". The blonde made his way down the stairs, down the hall and out the door to the garden. There he found her wearing a simple summer dress and enjoying the sunlight. "So, your Synthoid is more of walking dildo right?" Melusine snapped out of her peace of mind and looked at him with a disturbed look "...What?" "You know, you get bored one night and he blows your mind". She narrowed her eyes at him "What makes you come to that conclusion?" She was accustomed to him being brash, and at times insulting, but this was a sensitive topic for her. Drake noticed her face "...Melusine, are you sleeping with that thing?" She could feel her cheeks flush from embarrassment and frustration. "He is not a thing Drake, he can feel...." "I see" he was being a jerk, but he didn't really mean to hurt her. "So you do sleep with him, do you love him too?" She frowned "Back off okay? It isn't that serious...you know I'm not comfortable with men, Drake...With him, I feel safe, and I'm not doing anything wrong. Did he tell you?"

She just looked hurt, and hearing her say how she didn't feel comfortable made him feel a little bad for how he approached it. "He didn't tell me, I figured it out...Synthoids are anatomical correct...so I assumed the temptation would be there, considering their AI is fused with an emotional program as well". Melusine sighed and hugged herself "...I wish you would be less of a jerk". Drake blinked then shrugged "I was merely pointing thigs out" "Why do you hate them so much anyway?" she asked while gazing over at him with a stern look. "You've hated him since you got here, why?" Drake didn't like to go into his life that much, even with family. "The ones I have had to fight...they were built to kill, so I just hate them". She just stared at him "So that makes him bad?" "In a way? Yes, if he ever were to harm you.". Melusine then walked over to him slowly and moved in to hug him "Trust me, he won't hurt me...any day he tries to go bad I have a switch. All I have to do is push it, and he is no more" she nuzzled against his chest. Drake just looked down at her, then up, he brought a hand up and placed it on her shoulder. "Stop sleeping with him, it's weird." He stated firmly. "I mean it..." Melusine pulled from him and scowled "I'm a grown woman Drake, you don't need to tell me what to do" she then nudged passed him "He's staying" she continued to mouth off as she walked back inside.

Family could at times be frustrating, but this little visit was coming to an end. It was soon time for Drake to head back to his day job, he really did miss it.

[Mr. Cuddles]

Chapter 3: The Strange Girl

Arriving back in space was the best feeling in the world, of course, he enjoyed visiting his family, but being here was where he felt he belong. Pulling up to a nearby dock to The Galaxtron he parked his ship and stepped off, it was a major hub, almost like a city in space where people from all over went to. Kind of like a huge rest stop, they had everything, food, places to sleep, gambling, the works. Of course, it was heavily protected by drones that monitored everyone by making a scan on every person. "Welcome back Drake" a drone flew up to inspect his ship, it ran its scan to make sure he wasn't carrying anything he shouldn't have. "Yeah...thanks" Drake didn't really care for them, but he was just making a quick stop and he was heading out. This was also a hot spot for any potential bounty sightings, so he had to make his rounds to see if he'd pick up anything. There were other bounty hunters nearby and some of them recognized him and scowled "...Great...he's here" muttered one of them "...Screw that guy" the other gritted his teeth. Drake just looked at them and kept walking, he decided to go to the local bar.


A girl wearing a dark brown hooded jacket crept around some of the crates and nearby structures to avoid the drones, ever since she landed she had been avoiding security with ease. As she rounded a corner she noticed two men talking to one another, so she stayed low and focused her eye on a nearby drone that was making its rounds. The dock was clear according to them, so they didn't have to hang around too long until another ship dropped in. Then she noticed it, a ship that had just landed moments ago, she needed to get on it. The man she had seen was human, or he looked human and a known bounty hunter, she knew she would feel safe around him. The problem was for her to get on the ship without him being there, she had to hack into it somehow. As the Drone left, she darted quickly over under his ship and crouched as low as she could. She had to find the panel, and if not, if she could find a box she could link into and break in. The girl was an experienced stowaway, she'd hop from ship to ship, catching rides to wherever she wanted to go. If only it was that easy, she had been on the run for most of her life and needed somewhere to be. She managed to find the box, which was in an awkward spot, but she was able to pop open the flap and take out her tool and plug the cable into it. It was going to take ten minutes to run through codes to pop the hatch so she could climb in. Hopefully, she had those ten minutes to spare.


Upon stepping into the bar some of the patrons had stopped talking when they noticed him, a few kept talking, and others just stared in his direction. Drake didn't care, he was used to it since it was always how he was treated. The first time he landed here, he did something that nobody would forget, it almost got him banned from The Galaxtron as well. At that time he was a kid, he started bounty hunting when he was just 17 years old, it was either that or he'd get locked up and confined at the BHF due to his status. Walking up to the counter he took a seat and pulled out his handheld screen and scrolled through it, it was his list he kept of bounties he was notified of, and any that were still at large. "Hiya Drake, you want anything?" The bartender was an alien, a burly type with dark purple skin and small yellow eyes. The male had a stunted neck and a head that looked almost like a hippo. "Yeah, I'll take the strongest you got". Drake preferred their strong drinks, it gave him a buzz for a short while, but enough to relax his nerves. His body wouldn't allow him to get drunk, but he did try. Some of the others in the bar continued their conversations, and Drake just sat there listening, sure it seemed like an ass move to do something like that, but bounties were a first come first serve. Some were dumb enough to talk about them out loud, leaking possible leads.

As the timer went down the girl anxiously waited, and she had to prone and hide behind one of the wheels to avoid detection from the drones and those two men that were starting to walk by. It was a tense moment, but she managed to get the hatch open. Once there was the audible click sound, she quickly unplugged and rushed around and in the ship. Another drone was making its rounds and she had pushed the button to close the hatch, which it managed to in time. Her heart was racing, but she was glad to finally be on. Now it was to avoid moving or touching much of anything while she tried to find a place she could hide. The ship was roomy, it was a little dark, but she didn't want to risk switching anything on. Navigating her way down the small hall she rounded a corner and noticed a cargo hold area, so she opened it and went in to see some two crates near a wall and a few other things nearby, odd boxes. It looked like where he stored some food and other things, she wasn't sure. So, she climbed over one of the crates and dropped behind it where she thought she could remain. Now it was the time to get comfortable at least, and even try to get some rest while she waited.


The bar visit didn't come up with much of anything, so he decided to leave and explore a little. In doing so he bumped into two women who he knew, they were doing their rounds as usual. Considering they worked at a local brothel, they would walk around scouting for any of their usual customers. Drake had never taken up their offers, he had beaten up two men that tried to hurt them was all, and they were grateful. They tried to offer him their services for free or at discounts, but he just couldn't do that. "So, you'll keep saying no huh?" one of them asked. Drake was tempted a few times, but it wasn't going to be the same as it was for him that long ago, he couldn't bring himself to it. "No like always". With them, he wasn't that much of a jerk since they were always nice to him, but they also gave him leads which were better than sex. "We did get a lead the other day" The tall blonde spoke, she had cat-like ears and green catish eyes. "Yeah, some guy comes in boasting about how he was going after some other guy" the other was a little shorter, she had four arms, light blue skin, orange eyes, and black hair. "Said how the bounty was so dangerous it was a level 8, and that he bragged about paying us a lot of money once he gets him". Drake furrowed his brow "Level 8? Who was the guy that said that?" The blonde shrugged "His name was Sculdin or something" Drake frowned "...Sculdin..." he knew the guy "Alright, thanks". The two women nodded and smiled "Anytime Drake" they both waved to him and left, they seemed to enjoy their job, and since that incident security grew tighter, so they were safe to walk around.

Now he just had to figure out where Sculdin was, and he had a great idea how to find him.

[Mr. Cuddles]

Soon Drake was back at his ship, he noticed a security drone curiously hovering near it "State your business" he said to it as it drifted over to him ["I have noticed strange activity on board your ship, though I cannot detect anything. Do you have a passenger?"] Drake frowned "No, I don't. I came alone as usual". The drone hovered for a little making various beeps and hums "Everything is clear then, not threat level detected" then it flew off. It was unusual for a security drone to linger near a ship unless there was an issue. Though the security had been tight lately, so it couldn't be that. Drake looked at his ship, he walked unlocked his hatch and walked in. Upon entering he sensed something different about the air, a scent, an extra scent was there. There were no sounds, but he could tell there was someone on his ship. He closed the hatch then touched his watch to command the ship to do a scan for any lifeforms.

As for the girl, she was finding ways to hack into the system to prevent detection, she spent a good hour or so trying to crack the code, so it was just a matter of waiting and hoping that it did work. All she wanted was to buy herself time till she could try to talk to him, then again he could kill her for being on his ship, but she hoped that wouldn't be the case. As the ship did its scan everything came back negative, there were no lifeforms other than him on his ship. Drake scowled "Are you sure?" he asked the system "I was not able to detect any other lifeform, I have scanned through all areas and detected nothing". With that confirmation, he wondered if someone got on and immediately left, but that wouldn't be the case. Taking his time he focused on the different scent, he had to try to single it out somehow. Closing his eyes he tuned out all the sounds, then he was able to pinpoint the smell. Whoever it was had snuck on his ship and did not leave. This was why he was considered the best bounty hunter, his senses were elevated, and so was his memory. This scent was a living thing, but it was a confusing scent. Making his way to a monitor he checked the feed in every area and didn't see anything, then he noticed something in the cargo bay. The feed was stuck on loop, a five-minute loop at that. "Clever..." he said to himself with slight sarcasm.

These games were old, so many have tried to trick him and he didn't fall for them so easily, maybe back in his youth, but he learned. Walking up to the cargo door he thought it would be amusing if he depleted their oxygen, torture them a little, forcing them to expose themselves. It was cruel, but he hated stowaways very much, punching in a code on the monitor he put in to seal the door tight, and pump out air slowly. He also fixed the monitor to show live feed, he didn't see the person anywhere but guessed they were hiding very well. It would only be a matter of time till they couldn't breathe.

On the inside, the girl had made herself comfortable and decided to be nosey and go through some of his files. Time went by and she noticed the air was feeling a little thin, but she didn't question it and guessed it was probably caused by her hiding behind the crates, so she adjusted herself a bit to see if that helped. More time went on and it was getting harder to breathe, she could take in air, but it felt like she had to really take it in to get it into her lungs. More time passed, and she knew right then this was intentional. Drake knew she was on board, he was trying to snuff her out, so she was going to try and fight it as long as she could. As more time went on, she could feel herself getting weaker, but she was able to still breathe just barely.

Drake was watching the monitor, he was impressed considering whoever was in there should have already come banging on the door. If they were human they would have, and other species of creature would have. Just means they would eventually pass out or were being stubborn. Just then he noticed some movement in a corner by some boxes, he watched as the figure stumbled out and dropped to their knees. They were wearing a brown hooded jacket, some jean shorts, and black leggings. They were fighting it, he could tell by how they were crawling, but they should have passed out by now and or died. Just then they looked up at the door, it was hard to make out their face since their hair mostly covered it, but he could tell they were really struggling. Slowly their body slumped over and they laid there not moving. Drake watched for a little while, then he unsealed the door to let air back in. Killing them wouldn't answer questions, but he didn't really care about why they were there, most of the time he did not. Though it seemed he felt a tiny bit of compassion, only because he was curious about this individual, he did want to know why. With the door opened he walked in and looked down at them, just then a loud gasp as the girl breathed in the air again. She pushed herself up onto her knees and dropped back when she saw him staring down at her. "...P-p-please...d-d-don't kill me...don't. I know I shouldn't be here". Drake continued to look at her in silence "What are you doing on my ship?" he crossed his arms which of course made her more fearful. "...I needed somewhere safe to stay, just for a day and I'll go" she really wanted to stay, she wanted his help. "You hacked my ship, I should kill you for that". The girl nodded while swallowing hard "I know...I'm sorry" she looked at him with pleading eyes. "I have been on the run for so long, I was so tired and-" "And you broke into my ship, thinking I wouldn't know".

The two just stared at one another, she nodded solemnly and looked down before hugging herself "...I'm scared okay? I need your help". Drake stepped back, then turned to leave "...Will you help me?!" she called to him more scared "...Don't kill me, please!". Drake stopped for a moment "Not going to kill you, going to keep you here till I can drop you off somewhere". Just then the girl's jaw dropped "...Wha? Wait! I-" just then the door shut behind him. She sat there with a scowl on her face "...What an ass..." she was going to finish it but felt it not wise considering he did let her breathe again, so she was going to be his prisoner till he could let her go? This was not what was supposed to happen.

On the other side of the door, Drake had walked off and went to put in coordinates to find out where Sculdin was. He had things to do, no time to babysit, since she though it to be wise to break into his ship. Then her punishment would be to stay on it till he could find a good place to leave her.

[Mr. Cuddles]

It had been two days since the girl was locked up in the hold, Drake didn't really check on her since he was preoccupied with other things. Upon arriving at the planet Sculdin had been hiding on, he did find him and gain a little more information, but he found he had to stay there a little longer due to an impending storm. The planet is mostly sand and deserts with a few oases here and there, it had an ocean further out, but not exactly safe to swim in. The storms could last a few days or so, and make it a little too dangerous for anyone to fly in or fly out, so it was unpredictable. Since he couldn't go anywhere he decided to check on her and probably let her out, he had been debating on leaving her here on this planet since he didn't want to deal with a passenger. Opening the door he saw her sitting in a corner with her knees up to her chest, a few wrappers were strewn across the floor, and there were a few bottles that were 'filled' with a substance. The girl slowly raised her head to look at him, she had been napping to just pass the time. "Get up, get your things..." he said in a direct tone, soon a small bot rolled in and started to clean up the trash, it helped keep things clean on his ship. She just looked at him with slight confusion, but she slowly got up to get her pack and headed towards him. Drake stood aside to let her by and closed the door. Nothing much was said, but she feared he wasn't going to listen to her, so she kept to herself. Drake then turned to walk towards the commons room and looked back to see if she was following which she did-with hesitation.

As they entered he went to the kitchen area and punched in a code on the wall, and a tray of warm food came out. Taking up the tray he walked over to the table and set it down before her "Eat that" he then walked out of the room. She frowned at his gesture which annoyed her, he came off as crude and cold by how he directed her. The food smelled good, she was hungry and didn't eat much while locked up, she sat down and took the spoon to scoop up some of the food to taste. It tasted very good, considering how hungry she was, she continued to eat till he entered the room again. When she saw him walk in she had stopped eating and watched him as he went to lean against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes looking right at her. "So...I take it the food is good?" she swallowed what she had eaten and nodded. Drake had a slightly better look at her features. She had a slender build, wasn't very tall, had very light strawberry blonde hair, and her eyes were a stunning coral color. Her skin was like a creamy vanilla, something about her seemed so ethereal. She went to speak "Thank you for the food..." she wondered if he was just analyzing her to see if she was worth his time, but she didn't know what was going on she was just uneasy.



"You break into my ship, then you expect me to help you...that takes a lot of guts, especially to break into my ship". She looked up at him, then down "I know...I'm sorry, I-" "I could just leave you here, I thought about it. Dump you on this planet, and let you tough it out here. You'd be safe for sure, doubt whoever is chasing you would find you" "You're wrong..." she muttered. "The one who is chasing me will find me..." Drake arched a blonde brown "So who exactly is chasing you?" She gripped the spoon while trying to calm her nerves "He's dangerous and he wants to force me to do things I don't want to do". Drake narrowed his eyes a bit "If you won't tell me, then it isn't worth my ti-" "Please! I do need your help!" she could feel her eyes well up with tears "He's hurt me, took advantage of me and I managed to escape him. His name is Galgon...and he's my twin brother". Drake's features softened a little, then he went to straddle of the chairs across from her "And why is he such a threat?" She reached up to wiped some of her tears "...He wants nothing more than power, he's ruthless..." She took a breath.

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"We were orphans, we were locked into an escape pod of some sort and sent to a planet. Our pod exploded on impact, I was injured badly while my brother was alright. We were found by a man who rushed us to a hospital, I was told I'd never walk again and that was mainly that. We were about five at the time, and we have no recollection of who our parents were. A woman came to see us and agreed to take us to her orphanage and care for us, we weren't like the other children, but we did fit in somewhat. My brother and I were almost like an exact copy of one another, he was older than me by a few minutes. He was bossy with me, I was in a wheelchair, cause my legs didn't work anymore..." she reached down to touch her thigh. "He was always obsessed with being better, he'd wrestle the other boys and tried to win, and if he lost he'd be so angry. It scared me". She stared down at the table "Things got worse the older we got, some children were adopted out and we remained, no one wanted to take us...my brother hated it, and felt resentment to other children that were picked. He was so angry he stabbed a child in her leg and claimed it was an accident, he threatened me not to say anything". She wasn't sure on giving her life story, but she had to for the chance of him protecting her at least. "When we were both thirteen...he..." she swallowed and took a breath "There was this boy that liked me, and he gave me a kiss one day. My brother was angry, and he was so jealous that he..." she clenched her teeth. "Galgon is highly dangerous, I can promise you...he'll make some of the bounties you have found look like childsplay. I had to get away from him..." she couldn't tell him more.

---

Drake knew she was holding back, but he didn't push the issue, though he found it strange she would share her story with him, but could that level 4 be Galgon? There were no updates on bounties for him, he had to make a phone call. With that thought he slowly got up and exited the room leaving her there, she sat and buried her face in her arms as exhausted tears wet the sleeve of her jacket.

[Mr. Cuddles]

It had been a month since the encounter, and it seemed she had made quite the impression on him to let her stay on his ship. Though she had a few close calls with him dumping her off because he felt annoyed at times by having a woman try to change his routine, he grew adjusted to it to a point.

Chapter 4: Her name is Noa

Noa was still trying to get used to a lot of things, it was still like walking on eggshells around him since he always had a stern look to him. She always wondered if anything made him happy if he ever smiled before and it left her feeling curious. It seemed he was keeping her around because of the information she gave him on her brother, he had been scouring for any potential leads but there was nothing. It seemed they just had to lie and way till something came up, so he decided to go about his usual bounties. He was given one that he was very eager to find and capture, but if he had to he could eliminate. The only thing was his boss expected him to try and not kill which was starting to eat at his compass.

"Drake" Noa peered around the corner and saw him thumbing through a list on his glass tablet "...." "I...I was just wondering if-" Drake finished what he was doing and turned it off and looked up at her "If what?" he naturally came off as intimidating, so it still didn't make it easier for her. Noa froze a bit, then forced herself to calm down "...If you were hungry...I was going to make something to eat". She managed to get out. He just looked at her then shrugged as he went to sit down at his desk "Do what you want". Hearing those words sent a feeling through her, one with an ounce of rage, those same words she always heard as his answer since the first question she would ask him. "...What I want?" she could feel herself growing very annoyed by the minute "You keep saying that..." she gritted her teeth. Then she caught herself, why did she feel like this, was it the repression of that emotion? The way he would come off to her each time was getting to her? Noa could feel her cheeks flush as she walked into his room and stood just three feet away "Why do you do this? I ask you questions, I'm trying to be helpful! And you keep blowing me off!" as she said that she let out a gasp and brought her hands up to her mouth and covered it. There was silence between them, the only thing heard was the low hum of everything on the ship. Fearing what she had said she stepped back "...I'm so...rry, I I-" Drake just stopped what he was doing, he had been going over a holo-map for the bounty he was to get. "I'm sorry Drake, it's just that...I wish you wouldn't treat me like this". He didn't really say anything, he just went back to typing as if ignoring whatever it was she was saying. Noa could feel her heart sink, and the flood of emotions pouring out, she hadn't realized but she was crying, tears were pouring out of her eyes nonstop. All that could be heard were the quick steps of her running out of his room.


She kept running until she got to the room she was staying at, she went in and locked her door, then dropped to her knees and sobbed quietly. Why was she crying at all? He was being a jerk to her, and yet she stayed? No, she had to endure this and figure out some way to prove to him she wasn't weak, she wasn't weak. It took her a few moments but she managed to calm herself and tried to focus on finding some way to stand her ground. He treated people that way cause he could, others were scared of him, and anyone who challenged him was afraid afterward. He had to have some kind of fear, something he was afraid of, but she had no clue as to what that would be. Noa sat there for what felt like hours it had only been thirty minutes, she pushed herself up and took a breath. She was going to have to be tough with him, she couldn't let him step all over her when she is trying to be her nicest. Taking another breath she walked out of her room, then she walked back to his room and saw he wasn't there. Stepping back she walked down the hall to see if he was in the kitchen, she even went to check the cargo bay. Where did he go?

Drake had a routine, right before he was going to shower and go to bed he did a full intense workout session, which was always beyond normal human means. The gym was modified for his specifications, he could lift them with ease, and the room had a gravity pull to help increase further resistance when he needed it. Noa had been walking around looking for him until she came to the door, she stood on her toes to look through the small glass window. She could see him, shirtless wearing dark blue workout shorts, and sneakers. There he was doing his heavy workout, she hadn't really seen him do that since her stay and she was impressed. It was like all her train of thought had left her, she was coming to confront him, and tell him off for how he had been. Now, she was witnessing him in his glory, his body, his muscles, she hadn't really seen a man like that in ages. No, she had a purpose and she had to tell him how she felt, she reached over and smacked the button to open the door. She didn't know about the gravity and proceeded to walk in "Drake, we ne-aaAACK!" she felt her body get pulled down, and she ended falling hard to the ground, she gasped for breath "...Ah!...". Drake was lifting a dumbbell when he looked over and noticed her on the ground. With a low sigh, he went over to turn off the gravity. Noa pushed herself up and gasped for air "...What...what was that?" Drake looked annoyed "Why are you in here?" he set his dumbbell down and crossed his arms. She looked over at him and pushed herself up "I was..." she could feel her fear creeping on her. "....Look! I came here to talk to you, and I want you to know that I don't like the way you are treating me". Drake raised a brow "I don't quite understand what you mean". Noa looked surprised "Are you serious?!" then her eyes narrowed "You blow me off every time, I feel like a ghost!". Drake sighed "Can we talk later? I need to get back to my workout" he went to pick up his dumbbell "NO!" she yelled at him with her eyes closed of course "NO...no! We are talking now! We will talk now!". Noa looked up at him, she had a very serious look on her face, even Drake was surprised by it, but he didn't really let on. "I have a routine-" "I don't care!" her coral eyes looked like they were more enhanced with color "You will listen to me. All I am asking from you is that you show some respect, I have been nothing but kind to you! I cook us meals, and I don't get much of a thank you. You don't even want to hear what I have to say!!". Noa looked hurt as she spoke trying to convey her feelings. "Don't treat me like I'm nothing...I have had to endure that for most of my life. I have been used and abused...I need my second chance at life please don't ruin it for me". Again, there was silence and it was making her madder, but she calmed herself and stormed out of the room.

Drake stood there in silence, not cause he couldn't say anything, but because she was right.


[To Be Continued!]

[Mr. Cuddles]

Noa felt like a heavy weight lifted off her shoulders, but she was still annoyed. The way he was, the way he acted bothered her greatly, why was he so so apathetic towards her or certain topics. As she walked back to her room she began to think a lot about her current situation, she did come to him for protection after all, and she did feel safe around him. Yet, she felt like she was imposing, and being a burden for being there. Maybe it was best that she found somewhere else to go so that she didn't have to weigh him down. The door slid opened as she pushed the button, and she walked into the small room and sat on her cot, it wasn't a bedroom, just a roomy closet that wasn't being used that he allowed her to stay in. It was cozy and better than where she did sleep and stay before meeting him. Bringing her legs up to her chest she just sat there in deep thought, she gripped her knees pressing her face down on top of them. There was the constant fear that her brother would find them each and every time she slept, she would dream of him blowing up the ship, or breaking in and kidnapping her. Just as she was pulling herself out of her thoughts she heard a knock which startled her, she stared up at the door in silence "..." did Drake seriously come up to her door? He didn't ever do that before. Slowly, she got up and went to open it "Yes?" she asked when she saw him standing there now with a shirt on. Drake had a slightly more calm look on his face, he then spoke "I'm going to The Bazaar to see if I can get a lead on Sculdin...I was wondering if you wanted to go?" the way he asked the question was like he had to make himself ask.

With a perked brow, the young woman studied his expression then she smiled "Do you want me to go, Drake?" she asked as if messing with him, she could see that serious look roll back on his face. "I was asking you the question if you want to go you can, if you don't you can stay here". She could sense his tone shift to slight annoyance. "I do want to go, would be a good time for me to show you my tracking skills" she smiled happily. Drake nodded "Whatever you want to do, just don't get in my way" he stated as he turned to leave. "We'll be landing soon," he said while disappearing down the hall. Noa watched and sighed "And still in butt mode..." she rolled her eyes as she closed her door.

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It wasn't long till they landed and departed the ship. The Bazaar was like a neutral hub, a place for many kinds of people to flock to and trade their wares and many other things. It was neutral ground, but there were still rules in how people should conduct themselves, and they can still be arrested. Noa walked close behind Drake while mesmerized by everything she saw. There were two creatures haggling over some strange fruit, and few others conducting business as well as others entertaining with performances. This was a place most would come go just to get away and make money. With it being neutral it allowed some freedom as other places hubs had strict rules.

"So this Sculdin guy? Would he have a lead on...my...brother?"

Drake had eventually stopped and looked around for any potential clues "Well, he's a start...considering he blabbed about finding a worthy bounty to hunt".

"...Right..." Noa wasn't feeling so sure about this.

Soon, Drake spotted someone he could ask. It was a female, she had red skin, blonde hair, and steel colored eyes, her nose was black with a dark seam that went down from the middle of her forehead down to her chin. "Excuse me" he spoke to her, and Noa stood nearby to observe. The female looked at him "Yes traveler? Do you wish to make a purchase?". Noa blinked, she was surprised the woman could speak in human tongue considering there were so many speaking in different languages. Drake pulled out his holo screen and showed a picture of Sculdin to her. "Have you seen this man?". The female studied the picture for a moment and scuffed "He was big talk, wanted things for free. I shooed him away and he disappeared. Why do you ask me where he is?"

Drake tucked his screen away "Cause you seem like his type, no offense...he has a thing for beautiful women". Noa's eyes grew large when she heard that and looked at him as he casually spoke it as if he was not flirting with women". The female seemed surprised and a little embarrassed "I see..." she smiled "You are most kind, but if you wish to find him he did go that way" she nodded off to her left. "Thank you" Drake turned to walk off and Noa was practically stuttering "W...were you flirting with her?" she finally got out. Drake kept walking, and carefully examining his surroundings. "No, I don't flirt". Noa scowled "Okay...if you say so" she just smiled to herself since it was just hard to believe.

Moments had gone by and they stopped moving, she almost ran into him since she was distracted a person juggling knives. Drake then approached the person he spotted slowly, the man was talking it up with two females close by. Noa just stayed where she was to not get in the way and continued to watch the entertainment. "Sculdin" the man quickly turned and looked right at Drake. "...Sh--...Drake!" he backed away from him almost knocking down the women he was talking to. "Look, I don't want any trouble, I'm a hunter like you". Drake just watched him for a moment then he crossed his arms "No trouble, I want answers..." he looked at the females that were rushing away out of fear.

"Drake...hey, I was just talking big as usual...I was drunk and that was it".

"Really?"

"Yeah, I was drunk, I get real crazy when I'm drunk". Sculdin nervously laughed.

Drake stepped forward till he was almost in the other man's face, Sculdin was a tall tanned skin man, heavily built mostly cause he ate and drank a lot. He had a receding hairline of dark black hair he had tied back into a pathetic ponytail, a 5 O'clock shadow and a large jagged scar that ran across his forehead just above his eyebrows. "Look, Drake c'mon man..." he was scared of Drake, the things he heard were terrifying. Drake frowned "So this bounty you found, wasn't as epic as you bragged about at a bar?" Sculdin swallowed hard "Just rumors I heard, I found some details from someone when I was on Node 7. I was just filling up my tank and someone was talking about some guy that was destroying planets. That was all I heard...I got drunk and like I said I blab a lot". Drake studied him a little longer, he stared straight into his grey eyes as if to read him. "A man who destroys planets?" Drake stepped back "I see, okay then" he backed away from him which caused the man to stagger from the sudden weakness in his legs.

During all this, Noa was just leaning up against the side of a stall when suddenly she felt a prick on the back of her neck. "....What the hell?!" she turned and all she could see was black as her body collapsed to the ground. Drake had stepped away from Sculdin and went back to where she was when he noticed she wasn't there "...Noa?" he called out, he thought it would be strange since she was always clinging to him. Looking around he noticed some tracks on the ground, then what seemed to be what looked like someone had fallen. Drake knelt down and looked around till he could see more tracks. "Sh-t..." sure this place was protected to a point, but it did not stop traffickers or slave traders for that matter, this was going to be a problem. In hurried steps he followed the slightly faded footprints, it looked like the work of two people, or beings. There were people so he had to study the patterns well to distinguish them from others. Pushing through some of the people that got in his way he noticed the change in direction, and hurried that way. Just as he rounded the corner he noticed the curtain to a small building billow as if someone had just stepped inside. The tracks led to it.
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Inside the building were five lizard-like creatures, they were like chameleons in larger bipedal forms, they were talking in their language to one another. One of them was staring down at Noa's body while licking the side of his mouth "Pretty lady" he said with a happy grin. Noa slowly stirred which got their attention, she opened her eyes to see them all staring down at her "....AHAAHHHH GET AWAY FROM ME YOU FREAKS!!" she sat up and pushed herself back from them. They just watched her and laughed amongst themselves.

"You make us money"
"Much money, yes!"
"Sexy money!! Sexy money!!"

Noa was a bit disturbed by them the way they were gesturing, even one grabbed his crotch at her. "...seriously..." she muttered and looked around, it smelled like stale water, the place had dim l lighting with partial candles and lamps. "I'm not making you any...sexy money" she stood up and dusted herself off. "Yes, you will" one of them stammered. Noa's eyes started to grow vibrant "...No...you won't!" she could see their sudden interest in this, her hair started to raise as it too started to glow. "You kidnap me to sell me for sex! I'm NOT doing that!".

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Drake heard screams as he walked up closer to the building, he had just pushed open the curtain and walked in to see the bodies of lizard-like laying around. Noa stood staring around, she was afraid at what happened. "...Noa?" Drake called to her, he saw her turn around and quickly ran to him, she buried her face into his chest "They were going to sell me..." he didn't know what to do, but he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Did you do this?". There was blood pouring out of their ears and mouths, there was no external damage to their bodies. "...I...y...yes I did. I didn't really want to kill them...I couldn't let them get away with it". She looked up at Drake as tears brimmed her eyes "I won't get in trouble will I?". Drake knew in that moment that there were a whole lot of answers he was going to need.

[Mr. Cuddles]

Chapter 5: Triggers

It had been five days since that incident at the Bazaar, still Noa was pretty shaken up by the experience-she didn't even come out of her room the whole time. Drake did try to get her out by offering her food, but she would refuse and he would give her space. With the time spent with her, he was starting to let go of certain tethers he held in place, he didn't want another woman around him ever, but something about her was forcing him to change his mind. She was different, far different than the ones he knew before her; they were companions and one of them he had fallen in love with so long ago. Still, he had so many questions he needed to ask her and with it being day five he felt it was time for her to get out of her room and at least regain her strength. "Noa" Drake stood by her door and knocked firmly and waited "You need to come out of there, you have to eat something or at least drink some water". There was silence, normally he would get a faint 'go away' or 'just leave me alone' but there was nothing. In that instant, he felt a pang of worry and started to type in the code to get into her room. Upon entering he noticed how dark and quiet it was, he slowly reached over to push the button for the light and saw that Noa had been sprawled out on the bed. He rushed over to check on her "Noa" he gently shook her and noticed her skin looked paler than it usually was. "Noa!" he scooped her up and rushed out the room and to the medical bay. Once he entered he laid her down in the pod and wrapped a cabled band around her arm. The machine started to whir as it started to take her vitals, he decided to do a full body scan to be safe and out of curiosity since she wasn't exactly human. He tapped on the screen while he momentarily looked down to see her still in her deep slumber. Her body probably gave out on her from all the stress and by not eating anything, she was going to have to stay here awhile.

Drake was looking over her vitals when he noticed her full body scan, he stopped what he was doing and looked at the screen in surprise. Her heart wasn't visible which didn't seem right, he ran another scan to be sure and did a full rotation and again her heart just wasn't that visible. It was there, with each pump it would light up, but it wasn't that easily seen. He could see her veins functioning normal, everything was working fine, he then went down to see where her legs were. She told him that she had lost her original ones, and it was impressive work whoever fitted her with the newer ones. Organic and cyber-organic materials working together. Just then he noticed her heart rate change, and she woke up gasping and started to panic. Drake quickly stopped the machine and unwrapped the armband and tried to calm her down "Just calm down" she was breathing hard and looking around the room horrified "Drake...w-where am I?!" he reached in to pick her up and walked over to set her on the couch "I took you to the med bay, you didn't respond when I tried to wake you". She looked at him still frightened, but then she calmed a bit to slowly catch her breath "...I'm sorry..." she laid her head back and closed her eyes and tears started to run down from the corners. "I didn't mean to burden you".

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It was a few hours and he was able to get her to sit up and eat a bowl of soup, she ate it slow and was still trying to deal with what was going on. "...I thought my brother had got a hold of me when I woke up". Drake looked at her with surprise, then he went to pull a chair over to sit near her "I told you, he won't get you. Not unless he can get through me". Noa smiled then rubbed her eyes "I know you're trying to protect me, but...I don't want you to get hurt cause of me". The blonde crossed his arms over his chest and shrugged "I'm not going to make it easy for him..." Just then Noa set down her bowl and hopped down to move close and hug him. She buried her face into his neck and stayed that way. Drake wasn't going to deny her since she was recovering, then he heard her words "Thank you" she released him and stood back smiling "You have helped me so much...even cared to help me when I didn't wake up". He just looked up at her and nodded "Can't let you die if my job is to protect you". This got her to raise a brow, then she started to laugh at his response. "Still the same old Drake". He just smirked at her statement "Well, I'm glad you're feeling better. Now we can get back to work". She just giggled and moved up to hug him again.

[Mr. Cuddles]

There was a hint of care inside him somewhere-that was what was to be believed. Drake sat in the console room inputting some codes into the system, it seemed he was going over a few possibilities of where he could pinpoint Galgon. The door slid open and in walked Noa who seemed to be feeling more refreshed "...Oh..." she noticed what he was doing and saw the astral map on the screen "You're doing it the hard way you know" she quipped with a grin to boot. "...No, I'm doing it like I normally do" his tone was a bit stern and she felt it. Rolling her coral eyes she walked over and leaned on his chair "I'm being serious, you ar-" "This is my ship, I know what I'm doing!" he seemed a bit annoyed but it didn't seem to phase her. "Oh...okay fine" she stepped back and crossed her arms and just stood staring at him from behind. Drake just let out a low sigh as he went back to work typing in the rest of codes he had, then he sat back "I was generating possibilities, where he could be based on your signature". Noa raised a brow "My signature? how the hell-" "Easily, every person has a genetic code right? The system can read that...I just ran your DNA through the system and entered a few codes to try and simulate your other half". "....Wha? your system can do that?!" she was amazed. "I told you I knew what I was doing" he scuffed and crossed his arms. Noa just scowled a bit "No need to show your ego, but this is amazing!" she stared up at the screen "Wait you said to simulate my other half, you mean you ran it as if I was my brother?". Drake then stood up stood back a bit so he could look at the screen better. "You and your brother are twins aren't you?" Noa nodded "Yes...but we're not identical-physically".

Drake turned to look at her and raise a brow "Didn't you say that your brother and you looked the same, the difference were your genders". She nodded "Yes, but...". Drake sighed "Then you two would be technically identical except for what's in your pants and your hormones. If you were to gender swap you would be the exact same as your brother, as he would you". Noa nodded "But how would you just know this?" he shrugged "Just a guess". "...a guess? I thought you were sure?" Noa frowned then she took a breath "Okay, okay...sorry" "Why?" Drake went over to the screen and touched it "If I was related to someone that wanted to destroy everyone I'd kill them myself".

"That's the thing Drake...I'm not exactly strong enough to fight him on my own, and it isn't that easy to kill my own brother either". She looked away from him and started to hug herself. "I don't know how you can find it so easy to kill others, and what I did to those creatures from before-it hurt me when I did that. Sure they were scum, but to take their lives...I couldn't find joy in it". Noa then reached up and combed strands of her hair back behind her ears.

The blonde then looked over his shoulder, not directly at her but just in her direction, he then turned back to the screen in silence. It seemed he really did care about her, the fact that he was willing to protect her. Was it truly because she needed him, or he was doing it just for the kill? Drake hadn't allowed his heart to feel for so long since he lost the one thing he did care about, and it was a struggle to teach himself to close off the pain. After his loss he went on a rampage and killed a lot of the bounties he was supposed to turn in, there were so many he killed that only had to spend a small amount of time in lockup. Now they were gone, and it was all because of how he felt. He almost got stripped of his duties, but he was given another chance.

"I think I know where he is" he pointed to an area on the map "Many people go there, even the notorious". Noa looked at it "I'm not familiar with it, what is it?" "They call it The Dragon, think of it as a large black market, illegal dealings, you name it...the area is neutral. You just have to fit in" he looked over at her "You'll have to get a makeover...you look too pretty to go in". Noa blushed at his comment "...makeover? Like what?" she stammered with uncertainty. Drake smirked a bit "You won't like it, but you'll probably have to cut and dye your hair" he could see that look of shock on her face, her mouth dropped "N-n-no NO I'm not doing that" she stood back shaking her head "I'll do anything but that". "It makes sense considering how you have to hide from your brother, heck we could even dress you up as a boy. It would be safer considering if you are female you might get hit on a lot while we're there. Just looking out for you is all". Noa looked like she was going to cry "I...let me think about it" her voice quivered at the idea of it.

[Mr. Cuddles]

It took about two days for her to come to terms for the idea of changing her looks, they two had departed to a local area where she would be fitted with prosthetics to hide her features as well as changing her hair and so forth. The man did a lot of work, most of it involving disguises. He had even done work for criminals who were on the run, he didn't judge anyone no matter what unless they were willing to pay. The two stood in a room that had dark walls, the metal floors had heavy traffic marks etched into its surface. The air smelled stale, probably from the old couch off to the side. "...I thought this place would look professional" Noa looked around feeling uncomfortable. There was a curved table off to the right with a few books laying on it. "I know the guy, don't worry" Drake just stood since he preferred it over sitting, plus if anything were to go down he was always ready to go. Noa looked at the couch and grimaced, she didn't really want to know what was on it or was afraid she'd get something from it.

Soon a short man came walking out, he wore thick glasses, had on a tattered t-shirt with some dark cargo pants, all black boots, and a metal arm. "Drake, long time!" he said with a smile, he had slightly tanned skin, slanted almond-colored eyes, and very short black hair. "Long time Khan, I need your help" he looked over at Noa who just eyed him, wanting him to see how uncomfortable she was with her slight glare. "We need a disguise if you can somehow make her into a man". Khan looked over at her, then he snorted with a laugh "...Reversible right?" Noa looked terrified "It can be permanent?" Khan chuckled "No no, my dear. No worries, you're in good hands, let us take a look at some options". The three made their way back to his office, upon entering it was the most sanitary area, everything was organized. There were mannequins with various parts on them, there were also cybernetic pieces set up, as well as modeled heads.

Noa was still uneasy by it, but she was going to have to do this. "Will it hurt?" Khan blinked "Well it is just a disguise, no. Well..." he walked up to her to take a look, she was wondering what he was staring at and noticed him looking at her breasts "HEY!". Khan blinked then smiled "Miss, I have seen all kinds. In order for you to look more male, we'll have to bind those beauties down". Noa's eyes widened "Bind them? what...like how?" Khan walked over to a cabinet and sorted through some things, he walked back with a spandex-like cloth top. "You'll have to wear this for a while, so I can get measurements for your chest. And there is also this" he pulled out another piece of clothing "You're giving me a man's junk?" Khan blinked "I was told to make you into a man, so yes in a way. It won't be real". Noa glared at Drake who just shrugged "Fine..." she took the clothing and was directed to a place to change.

It wasn't long till she came out and was measured, she hated the top since it really pinned her chest down, it felt like her ribs were about to cave in. As for the bottom piece it gave the impression that she was packing below. "Okay, step right into this booth here". Khan directed her to a machine, it looked like a large scanning device. She stepped onto the small platform and it started to whir, and hum as the large apparatus started to rotate and rise up, then it lowered. It did this a few times before it stopped. "All done, you can change back". Noa went to go change back into her clothes and walked back out into the room. "So that's it?" Khan was running some information onto another computer "Yep, just give it 3 hours while it makes the molds. Then we'll see what happens from there" he smiled. Drake had straddled a nearby chair while thumbing through his screen. She walked over towards him and stared at him for a minute, then she moved over and draped her arms around him from behind and rested against his back. She could feel him grow tense for a moment, but she buried her face into the back of his neck and inhaled him "I just need to be close..." she whispered against his jacket. Drake caught Khan looking at him with a big grin on his face, but he didn't bother brushing her off, he resumed browsing his screen.

[Mr. Cuddles]

They were back on the ship and the idea of it was starting to get to her, but she held it together and had gone off to shower. Drake watched as she walked off not saying anything, then he walked off to the lounge with the box containing the parts and set it down on the nearby table. With a low sigh he looked down at his watch and saw that they only had about eight hours before they had to be there, but he was certain he wasn't going to get much sleep since the thought of everything was on his mind. He promised her, promised to keep her safe because he had to. She was scared and all he could tell her was to not worry, but he had that inner fear of...

Noa was in the bathroom in the shower, she stood staring down at the drain as the water poured over her body, she could feel the hot tears slipping down her face, she didn't doubt him but she was scared to death at the thought of being captured again and never seeing Drake again. It had been months that they had known each other, but she still didn't know Drake that well and wished she could break through his barrier, but each time he just wouldn't let her in. After a while she had climbed out to dry herself off, then she wrapped the towel around herself and headed off to her room, she hurried so that he wouldn't catch her like that. Once inside her room, she pulled on a nightshirt and some panties and flopped on her bed trying to see if she could get some sleep. It was agonizing, it felt like she was trapped in her mind not being able to sleep and dealing with the constant fear, she had been laying there for thirty minutes and nothing changed. Pushing herself up she exited her room and wandered down the hall to the lounge room, she spotted him sitting alone and tossing a small rubber ball against a nearby wall catching it repeatedly. Noa wasn't sure if he noticed her being there but she slowly walked in and over to him. "Why do you insist on sneaking up on me?" he asked while tossing the ball again. Noa blinked then scowled, then her face relaxed "I just wanted to stay with you if that is okay, I couldn't sleep?". Drake didn't look at her as he threw the ball again, this seemed to annoy her as she snatched the ball before it got back to him. Drake raised a blonde brow at her, then he sighed "So, you want to pry into my life again?" he asked while leaning back in the chair, this made her frown. "No..." she handed him the ball "I just want to be in the same room as you is all" Drake looked at the ball and shook his head "You keep it" he brought his hands behind his neck and leaned back a little more "Do what you want" came his words.

Why couldn't he just let her in a little? He was risking his life too, and he was willing to guard everything in his life from her, yet he knew details about her she wasn't comfortable with. Noa then gripped the ball tight and threw it hard at the other side of the room, the ball bounced off the corner and clipped the light causing it to flicker. Drake didn't really respond to it, but then he opened his eyes to see her staring right at him with a hurt look on her face. "Why won't you...let me in?" she asked while clenching her fists, he looked down and saw then looked back up at her. "I let you stay on my ship, didn't I?" she shook her head "You are so...so..." Drake just stared at her and shrugged "You're such an insufferable ass!" she walked over to the couch and laid on it with her back turned to him. This was their relationship, and she was exhausted, maybe there was never a chance for them to understand one another. It felt like she was always talking to her a wall, but deep down he didn't know how much she cared for him...she could feel how he felt to a point, but he kept her blocked out all the time. Maybe it was better she did it alone, that she didn't obligate him anymore.

[Mr. Cuddles]

Chapter 6: The Black Dragon

They made it to The Black Dragon, the hub was bustling with many people from all origins, they had one mission upon arriving and it was to find the unknown individual by the name of Galgon. Drake was down on the floor looking around, it was large like a city within a city with many venues located on the left, right, up and down. Black market sellers, some of the stuff sold there were illegal but the territory was neutral. Not many laws were followed in this area of space, but there were rules and no weapons were allowed to be drawn. Once he was in position Drake pulled up his hand and pressed a few buttons on his watch which did a scan of his surroundings ["Okay, I'm synced, you got eyes above"]. Noa was on the upstairs she was disguised as was planned, and it was very uncomfortable. If she could jump out of her skin she would have, but they had to do it this way since she could probably find him better than Drake could, their goal was to just spot him get a read on him and leave. If only they could just kill him, but Drake had a plan and due to the laws there attempting to kill him would start a bloodbath. ["Yeah..."] they were speaking via comlink, but she had to be very subtle since she was supposed to be a guy, so in her cover, she wore a mask which concealed most of her face and gave her the look of a mysterious buyer. She had to look and act the part which was very hard to do, but what choice did they have.

Minutes were turning into more minutes, they carefully made their way around the small crowds of people, making sure not to bump into anyone along the way. Just ahead there was a more open space, Noa walked over to the railing and looked down, it looked like a recreational area where they could unwind and play a game of cards, drink, and do whatever. ["Where are you now?"] she asked carefully trying to not let anyone hear her speak, there was the option to give her a module to speak with, but she preferred not to deal with it as she was already uncomfortable. ["Heading for the other side, did you see anything?"] she just frowned a bit, then sighed ["No...not yet, I'm over an area where there are some people playing cards"]. There wasn't much activity, and she was starting to feel a combination of relief and dread all at once. It was a very sickening feeling, but it had to do with her being afraid, she took in a breath and continued on surveying the area. Drake was looking around, based on the description she had given him the guy would be easy to spot, but he got nothing. The Black Dragon was a place anyone could go to without some fear unless they were a bounty, then it was the last place they would want to be seen. An hour passed and there was still nothing, Drake couldn't get a read ["It looks like we'll have to try this again later, it doesn't seem like he's here"] he watched a couple of guys play some poker, one of them was cheating and the others were arguing with him. There was a lot of talk in the area, but there was something strange, there was someone standing in a corner and looking right at him. A man, but he didn't match the description, so he wasn't sure who it could be. There was no point in him confronting them, so he turned to head back ["Okay, meet me back near the main area"] he noticed there were slight static and no response ["Noa?"] he paused and waited for a reply, and there was still nothing ["Noa!"] he was sure the comlink was working fine, it was tested before they came in. What could have gone wrong? Since she was above the area he decided to go and look.


During the time Drake was scouting below, Noa was by the railing overlooking everyone, she didn't see anything strange but then she felt this 'feeling' like something was very wrong. Just as the feeling got stronger she went to turn around but couldn't, it was like her body was locked in place "....." she couldn't speak, her voice was no longer there. Behind her mask, her face was marked with pure terror. "N...n..." she tried as hard as she could, but nothing could come out. Her eyes darted around and she could see that no one could see what was going on, they were going about things like nothing was wrong. "Hello sister, looking for me?" that voice, she couldn't look back because her body wouldn't listen. "N...D..." she gasped, then a hand moved around from behind and gently cradled her chin, then long fingers wrapped around her neck "Shhh" then she could feel a body pressed against hers from behind "It's okay you're safe now" were his words. There he was, holding her prisoner with his mind "Let's go before he finds us" he whispered close to her ear, tears ran down her face as she couldn't fight back.

By the time Drake made it to the top, he walked up to the rail and didn't see her, again he spoke into the comlink ["Noa!"] nothing, then he could feel the sense of dread and worry. Looking around he tried to see if he could see anyone, anyone trying to take her. It was as if she vanished in thin air without leaving a trace, he knew she wouldn't just leave without a fight, so who would have taken her. Right, when he was starting to feel worried, he heard something ["Drake...help..."] it was soft, and faint in the comlink ["Noa! Where are you?!"] then silence again. Was it him? The feeling was stirring in him again, that feeling of helplessness, he felt like he just fed her to a shark. ["Noa!... Galgon!"] he harshly spoke into his comlink wondering if the bastard could hear him. ["So you know my name? Don't worry she's right where she belongs, right by my side. Run along now, you were never apart of this story"]. Drake wasn't going to take this, he wasn't going to be okay with this. ["You listen to me. When I find you I will kill you"] then there was silence. He stood waiting for a response, his heart was pounding his chest, something he hadn't experienced in a very long time. The last time he felt this way...it was when he lost the one he loved before, he wasn't okay with it then, and he knew that he was going to not be okay now ["You-"] ["You'll never find me"] then came the static, which meant he destroyed the comlink from the other side. Drake felt like his world had turned upside down, he had to compose himself and get back to his ship, and then he had to find him. Blood pumped hard throughout his body, he could hear it and feel it in his ears. She was gone, and he promised her that she wouldn't be taken from him. Another promise was broken.

[Mr. Cuddles]

Drake had managed to make it to his ship and open the hatch to walk in, his whole body was numb and he was finding it harder to maintain a grip. That feeling was coming back, that feeling where he lost her so long ago and there was nothing he could have done at the time to change it. With the door sealed shut he leaned back against it and slid down till he sat on the floor, his head lowered and he stared down at his hands. Why was it that he couldn't have saved her? She died cause of him, and now Noa. Noa was gone, and he felt hopeless for that instant, but then it clicked as he caught himself and pushed himself up and rushed into his control room. Once in he hurried to the computer and started typing on the keyboard, he was going to pull up her signatures, he had her in his system. If he could somehow get it to where he could locate her that way, then possibly he would have a chance. Once he pulled it up he watched as his computer scanned through all possible locations, it showed him a list, but the final location was unknown. It was too far for it to scan, meaning they had warped far away. All he had to do was narrow down each possible location, and try to figure out which direction they went, he didn't care if it took him months, or years to find her. He was going to find her.

Chapter 7: The Other Side Part 1

It was so sudden, she didn't know how it was done or where she was, but the moment he wrapped his arms around her and she heard his voice everything went dark then she found herself in a room. It was metal, all around, and there was no sign of a door. There they stood her heart ready to burst out of her chest as his grip around her became tighter "You ran from me for so long" he spoke brushing his lips against her ear, she whimpered and shivered the intense fear was growing too much. "I don't understand you! Why do you always resist me?" he released her, but he grabbed her and turned her around to look at him. It was like looking into a mirror, as if seeing an evil male version of herself, but he did change in that time. Galgon furrowed his brow he looked her over, then he huffed "You thought to disguise yourself in hopes that I wouldn't notice you?" She was trembling as tears slowly streamed the corners of her eyes "N..n..." " No?" he went to pull the wig off her head, then he undid the clip allowing her light strawberry blonde hair to fall over her shoulders "Noano...we have to be together; you and I, we are the last of our kind..." he looked down at the rest of her attire "You have so much to catch up to" he smirked while gently running his fingers through her hair. Galgon's hair was shorter, it looked like it was cut shorter, he also had some scruff on his chin, but to her, he was the same monster. "NO!" she managed to shriek out at him, she started to sob which was beginning to annoy him. "I never understood you...You were always the weaker twin, you were supposed to die in the crash, yet you survived...you reject your gifts...I have perfected mine, it is how I brought us here, and how we managed to survive. Because of me!". Noa tried to push away from him and he grinned as he gripped her tight then shoved her down to the ground "You don't have a choice this time dear sister, you have to obey me...I am the oldest, you will follow my rules. But first..." he watched as she winced from being thrown and tried to crawl away from him "We have to make sure you can't escape again". Noa managed to push herself up and ran up to the wall and banged on it, he watched as she frantically went along the wall hoping to find the hidden door, it made him laugh in her efforts. Noa was crying and trying to find her way out, she was beyond terrified and she was afraid of what he would do with her. "It is amazing how you continue to try" he vanished from where he was and appeared right beside her, she cried out and he grabbed her by her arms and held them up "A little amputation should calm you down". Noa's eyes widened and she screamed out as he teleported them out of the room.


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Everything was just so hazy, she was so exhausted from her ordeal that it seemed she had passed out, she opened her eyes to find bright lights pouring down on her, she looked down and could see she was nude with straps pinning her down from her chest, arms and legs. She tried to move but the straps were bolted down, she could hear humming in the background which caused her nerves to bundle immediately. "Don't worry, I'll be quick" there he was looking down at her, he combed his fingers through her hair and smiled "Those legs of yours...you were better off without them" he had picked up a scalpel and she looked at him in horror as he held it up for her to see. "I didn't give you anything for the pain, you don't need it after all. I'm sure you can handle it, you are my sister after all". Galgon leaned down to kiss her right on her lips "Now we begin". Noa started to gasp "NO..NO DON'T NO NO NOO!" she cried out as he placed the cold steel along the surgical lines of where her legs connected with the cybernetic legs. Galgon started to slice into her skin as he hummed a lullaby, Noa screamed out, but she couldn't kick or more as he made sure it was impossible for her to do so. "Now now sister, it isn't that bad. Do you know the song? Apparently, it was a human who wrote it thousands of years ago. A beautiful piece". He continued to cut as she screamed, he went around the scar and let out a sigh "I'll hand it to the one who gave you these legs, they made it tricky...I'll be careful though, gotta make sure you retain feeling" he started to work at each part, disconnecting nerves, vessels, arteries, etc. It took a few hours but he managed to get her legs removed, he chucked them aside and smiled down at his handy work. At this time she was exhausted and couldn't cry anymore, she had her head to the side and her mouth parted as saliva drizzled out of her mouth, her eyes were red with tear stains on her cheek.

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It had been hours, by the time she came to she found herself in the room they were in originally, but she was wearing a white dress with thin straps, she went to move her legs and looked down in horror as it all came back to her. Noa screamed, then cried as she laid there curled on the cold floor. Maybe it was better for death to take her, this was not how she wanted to live. She wanted him to save her, she wanted Drake to find her, she wanted him to hold her. It was impossible, and she felt there was no hope for her.

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