“Slow and steady wins the race.” He said firmly.

“There is no rush. It doesn’t matter if it takes you a month, or even a year to recover. You will eventually find the strength to continue. What that man offered you is a one way ticket into death’s jaws and... I really hope you decline his offer.”

Akairo’s brows furrowed.

“Death’s jaws...? When are we ever truly safe?” He asked with a shaking voice.

He knew that Zabu was right but he also couldn’t grind away at the gauntlet until he finally won.

Anything and everything could happen between that time and the present.

He wasn’t sure about the pay but surely more opportunities would arise from the path of an adventurer.

Maybe even a ship.

“I... I can’t say for certain but I don’t expect you to argue that Babilu isn’t safe-“

“Wasn’t if infiltrated by terrorists all that time ago? What if they strike again and-?”

Akairo’s eyes widened as he remembered the Red Sky.

“Did you see it?” Akairo asked as his eyes quaked in their sockets.

“Did you see just quickly it can all end? We are at the mercy of beings that could end tens of thousands of lives and you think slow and steady is the way to do things?” Akairo asked before sighing.

“I never said I was going to join him or accept his request. I just... I just think that, if the pay is high enough, it may get us to both our goals faster.”

Zabu chuckled before resting his head against the wall.

“So the boy who can’t even hit someone in a match wants to go out and start killing people. Keke, I admit, not even I could have seen this coming. Sure... Go ahead. Do what you will...”

The air then suddenly darkened as Zabu’s eyes glowed brightly blue.

“But I expect a return on my investment. If you do join that man, not only will I come with you but I will take everything you earn up until i am capable of achieving my own goal, is that understood?”

“Y-yes.”

“Good.” Zabu said as the air returned to normal.

He then stood up and made his way to the door before leaving.

Akairo didn’t know what to do.

He still didn’t even know how much Khatuu was offering him and so he called the Poeple’s Prince only to be greeted by the voice of a woman.

[Mmm... Hello?] A sleepy sounding woman asked.

“Err... Can I speak to Khatuu please?”

[Mmm.] The woman sounded before calling out to Khatuu.

[Mmm?]

[Some kid wants to talk to you.]

[Oh- hey, kid. Have you made up your mind?]

“How much would I get if I joined you on your adventures?” Akairo asked as the sounds of birds perching on the roof filled the room.

[Ooh, this one is a big one. Z2 million flat if we complete the mission and make it back alive. It’ll be split four ways between the squad so that’s Z250k straight into your pocket.] Khatuu yawned.

Akairo’s eyes widened to their limits.

“Oh?”

[Hehe, yeah. I know. That’s enough to set a person up for life.]

Akairo bit his teeth.

He wanted to ask Khatuu if he could give a bit more time, allowing him to discuss thing but a much large part of his wanted to chase the freedom that Khatuu had and so he grinned.

[Count me in- but uh... Can my master come along?]

[Sure, but you’ll have to share your cut cause ain’t no way I’m getting a smaller cut!]

[khitty, please stop yelling.]

The woman whined.

[Yeah, yeah. Anyway, meet me in front of the coliseum tomorrow at nine thirty in the morning and I want you to bring the same fire that you used to burn me, Hahaha!]

“Alright.” Akairo said before ending the call and just as he did, Zabu returned with a stiff expression.

“I take it you’ve decided to take the job.”

Akairo sat up and with determined eyes nodded.

“Yeah.”

.

..

Akairo and Zabu reached the coliseum and stood in front of the statue of Blue Typhoon where they planned to meet up with Khatuu.

Akairo glanced at Zabu to find that his expression was still stiff.

He hadn’t spoken all morning and it seemed as though that wasn’t going to change for some time.

Akairo wanted to talk to him but he firmly believed that they were on an invisible timer, one which could reach zero at any moment, so, if everything worked out, Zabu would be able to reach his goal quicker and if Zabu didn’t want to talk to him even then, Akairo didn’t mind.

By then he would have already set off for the stars.

Akairo’s brows furrowed as he remembered that Zabu had indeed spoken but it was to say goodbye to everyone back home.

He adjusted Das’s jacket, placed the box in his hands on the ground and let out a sigh.

Thirty minutes passed as the two waited.

Then an hour.

The thought that Khatuu was playing some kind of prank on them crossed Akairo’s mind but just as it seemed like a plausible reality, Khatuu rushed down the stairs and grabbed Akairo before lifting him in the air.

“kid!” He greeted loudly.

“Please put me down!” Akairo cried prompting the large man to drop the boy.

“Come on. Let’s make it quick. Briefing is in a couple of hours and they don’t like to repeat themselves up there.” Khatuu said while leading Akairo and Zabu to the parking lot which was across the street to the coliseum.

“Who?” Akairo asked.

“The United Armies!” Khatuu yelled over the sounds of traffic.

He eventually led Akairo and Zabu to a sleek purple hovercar that had at least twelve silver exhaust pipes running along its body towards its back.

It was a four seater and had a set of four wheels which meant it was a retro style vehicle.

“Hop in.” Khatuu said while opening the door into the driver’s seat.

Akairo and Zabu joined him inside and were greeted by the smell of cigarettes and perfume.

Khatuu started the hovercar up and, after checking if the airspace above was clear, brought it into an upward motion.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Akairo had been in hovercars many times before but the experience still gave him a rush every time.

Khatuu flew past countless buildings and Akairo initially assumed that they were going to go to head straight to Babilu’s northern entrance but Khatuu flew into one of the many elevators designated for vehicles.

He rolled down his window, placed his ID card on a scammer within the elevator and it began moving up shortly after.

Akairo’s eyes widened as they ascended.

“Tell me, kid, that shadow of yours was far hotter than any other I’ve encountered. What’s your secret?” Khatuu asked prompting Akairo to glance at Zabu who looked away.

“It’s- Umm... a secret?”

“Oh? That’s fine, I guess. Gotta keep your cards close or so they say.” Khatuu said while staring at his reflection in on the side window.

“Although, once we are out there and fighting, it would be best if I knew the limits of your capabilities.” He added with an unusually serious tone.

Akairo simply nodded as they ascended onto the Third Level and what he beheld aptly deserved the title of utopia in, if in nothing else but appearance.

It’s upper limit wasn’t covered allowing all of the morning sun’s light to bathe the countless buildings below but was surprised Akairo weren’t the silver spires nor the cleanly paved suburbs, it was the large stretches of forest and grassland that were placed between distinct zones in the Level.

Khatuu flew towards one of the towers and landed the hovercar on a floating platform which also acted as a parking lot.

Many of the towers were ribbed with such structures and although they were cool, being so high up made Akairo want to vomit but he held it in as he followed Khatuu into the squeaky clean halls of what appeared to be a apartment building.

They made their way to the third door to the right which Khatuu opened using a card in his pocket.

This revealed a large and luxurious apartment which was blindingly bathed in the light of the morning sun as well.

Khatuu led his two companions into the living area where he searched the pure white sofas for something.

He ruffled around for some time before the yawn of a woman stopped his movements.

Akairo and Zabu turned around to find a half naked woman stand behind them only she was nearly as tall as the ceiling.

Every joint in her body was also lined with familiar circular pins and plates only hers were made of gold.

“Oh- you’re back. Did you forget something?” She asked while using a silk string to bind her long blond hair in a ponytail.

“Yeah, have you seen my bag?” Khatuu asked while proning as his search led him to look beneath the sofas.

“Huh... check the bedroom but you leave so much of your shit here I think I should get a basket where I just chuck whatever I find. Or maybe I should just throw them away so that we can have a repeat of the ID incident.” The woman smirked while walking into the kitchen area.

“Don’t you dare say another word. I was in a long ass queue in a dingy office for hours that day.” Khatuu groaned while marching into the bedroom.

“Hehe, now I’m gonna do it just to piss you off, little Khitty.”

“Call me that again, I dare ya!” Khatuu yelled while the woman poured herself some coffee.

“And who might you two be?” She asked while scanning Akairo and Zabu with her golden eyes which were covered with circuitry lines.

Her fingerprints were also golden and certain parts of her body were segmented by golden lines, like the ones found on her wrists.

“Those two are my new comrades. Gonna take them to the base today- ah! Found it!” Khatuu declared before dashing out of the bedroom with a small black leather bag in hand.

He then walked up to the woman and she gave him a kiss on the cheek before lightly slapping it.

“No one will ever be able to replace the Sultan.”

“I know but... We are a man short. So... Yeah. Anyway, bye.” Khatuu said while leading Akairo and Zabu back to the door.

“Bye-bye, everyone!” The woman sang as Khatuu closed the door.

“That lovely gal was Blomst. One of the rare Chrysófteró and although I’d love to tell you the story of how we met, today is your day, so I won’t.” Khatuu said while leading Akairo and Zabu back to his hovercar.

The three took off and finally began their exit of Babilu which fortunately had an entrance on the Third Level but it was only accessible via vehicles capable of flight for obvious reasons.

Khatuu approached the gateway through which all vehicles had to pass through if they wanted to enter or exit the city.

It sat in the centre of one of the more fully built parts of the wall.

Khatuu placed his ID in front of the scanner which signalling the opening of the massive slab of metal which was but a small part of the Tower’s wall.

Khatuu flew out and Akairo was forced onto his seat as Khatuu accelerated his hovercar freely now that he was in open air.

“I’ll introduce you to our squad mates once we get to Camp Riser but for now, I’ll catch you up on the basics. As a reminder, we are mercenaries and I hope you understand what that means. Our work isn’t easy and it isn’t always good but its a job and it’s best if you only ever think of it as that.” Khatuu said with the same serious tone from before.

“We mercs aren’t always allowed into the headquarters of the entire United Armies but we often go there for bounties and jobs. Our actual barracks are a few meters south of the base. That’s where you’ll stay before and after jobs. You’re free to do whatever the hell you want otherwise. Our squad’s name in particular is Kalib Sawda and we take any job, regardless of the danger or location. Our creed? If you die you don’t get paid, hahaha!” Khatuu laughed prompting Akairo to glance at Zabu who, again, looked away.

Akairo brows furrowed a little at this but he sighed and instead chose to look out of the window.

He watched as the forest covered landscape north of Babilu rushed by below.

He couldn’t see much else due to the narrowness of the windows and the general design of the hovercar so he sat back and rested his head on his seat.

.

..

The hovercar eventually slowed down and began descending.

Akairo looked out of the window and gasped upon seeing what looked like a web of roads which connected countless buildings which were all painted in a green and brown camouflage that made them blend in with the surrounding forestry.

Khatuu lowered the hovercar all the way to the ground where he stopped by the gate of a tall concrete wall.

Several soldiers stood by the black metal gate and one of them walked up to Khatuu with a box shaped device in hand.

“Morning, Mr. K. Off for another mission?” The soldier asked as Khatuu placed his ID above the box which let out a beep shortly after.

“You know it.” Khatuu said with a wink and the click of a tongue.

The soldier’s face visibly brightened and he couldn’t hide his smile as the gate opened.

“Good luck then, sir.”

“Won’t need it but thanks anyway!” Khatuu said while flying into the base.

The road ahead went right through a thick patch of forest which was so densely packed with trees, the ground beneath them was covered entirely in shade.

Khatuu drove along the single straight road for a few minutes befrke arriving at a point where the road split.

It continued ahead but this point had a sharp right turn which Khatuu took, revealing a road lined with large and identical buildings that had different colours ranging from orange to even pink.

“These are the barracks which are given to us mercs. Think of this place as your home away from home.” Khatuu said while flying slowly towards the last building.

This one bore no paint, was riddled with what appeared to be bullet holes, had several scorch marks across its surface and had the head of a nasty looking black dog painted on its front most wall.

The dog’s eyes were burning red and sitting atop it’s head was a Barret.

Parked in front of the building was a large armoured vehicle which had heavy duty wheels. It was shaped like a dark grey box of metal with its front being much smaller than its rear.

It had six seats and small windows which made it look like a heavily modified version of the police cruiser.

It also had the acronym “A.A.A.L.C.” sprayed on its side in bold white letters.

Khatuu parked next to the cruiser and promptly exited the hovercar.

This allowed the fresh air from outside to flood into the car but it also allowed certain sounds to be heard.

One of which was the loud and repeated clashing of something metallic.

Akairo and Zabu exited the vehicle and followed Khatuu up to the building’s front door.

A visibly sturdy metal door which had a black box next to it.

Khatuu placed his card in front of the box and with a beep, the door opened.

“Come on in.” Khatuu invited while walking into the building.

Akairo took one last glance at Zabu as they stood outside but again Zabu looked away.

Akairo let out a scoff and walked into the building.

What awaited him in the inside was rather... Casual.

To his left was a kitchen area which was rather clean.

To his left was a bathroom door next to which was a set of stairs that led up and ahead was a considerably large living room.

At its centre was a circular desk which had four leather seats around it.

Further to the right was a large sofa which sat before an SDS and to the left was a large space filled with gym equipment. Countless barbells and dumbbells were neatly arranged along the wall and several large machines stood in the centre of the space.

“Come on.” Khatuu said while leading Akairo and Zabu closer to the source of the loud clanging.

Ahead of the circular table was another door.

He opened it to reveal a large hanger within which Akairo saw a ship making his eyes widen and his jaw drop.

It was about the side of a nine trucks, if they were stacked on top of each other three at a time.

It had had the shape of a retro style aeroplane only it’s wings and body were much shorter.

Beneath it’s wings were four large turrets which sent a chill up Akairo’s spine as he looked at them.

The ship was also completely black and littered with shallow, coin sized dents.

Akairo wanted to stare at it forget but his attention was drawn to a spot further in the hanger.

It looked like a person was making use of a machine which repeatedly slammed a sheet of metal.

Khatuu led his guests to the person who wore heavy duty pants, a dirtty black vest and a mask.

The best revealed their small but slightly muscular arms.

“Yo, Bella! I got the part you were looking for!” Khatuu yelled but the person seemingly didn’t hear him and so kept using the machine.

“Bella!” Khatuu yelled as he got closer but the person didn’t stop and seemingly got more focused on their task.

Khatuu rolled his eyes before walking up to them and smacking them in the back of the head lightly.

“Ow! What was that for?” The person, who, upon getting closer, was about one hundred and forty centimetres tall, cried.

They pressed a button on the side of the machine they were using, stopping it and bringing a pleasant silence to the air.

They then removed their helmet, revealing themselves to be a woman with hair that was so brightly blond, it looked almost white.

What kept it from being entirely white was the grease and dirt.

“Jerk! Dummy! Meathead!” Bella yelled while using her helmet to strike at Khatuu’s chest but he instead took this as an opportunity to flex his muscles by striking a pose.

Bella then pouted before throwing her helmet down as her face grew red with anger.

Khatuu let out an amused chuckle and offered her his bag.

“Go away! I don’t want your money or-“

“Its the part we needed.” Khatuu said with a grin.

Bella’s eyes widened.

“You remembered.” She gasped while accepting the bag.

“Of course. This is me we’re talking about.” Khatuu said with a grin.

Bella then retrieved a cylindrical device which looked like it was made of glass and was lined both inside and out, with dark circuitry lines.

“I take back everything mean I ever said about you today.” She said while eyeing the device.

“Only for today?” Khatuu whimpered before shaking his head.

“Anyway, I also found us some new squad mates!” He dlacred while gesturing towards Akairo and Zabu.

Akairo then felt his heart ache a little as Bella looked at both him and Zabu with half closed grey eyes that seemingly didn’t care whether they were there or not.

“Umm... Ok.”