Flying Fish Island
After docking on the island, Bagness called everyone together for a briefing before starting the mission.
Bagness: "So, how do you think we should proceed with the mission?"
Upon hearing Bagness' question, Allana, Kalev, and Mirage looked thoughtful, while Anya and Damian responded immediately.
Anya & Damian: "We think we should split into three groups of two."
Bagness: "Interesting. And who would be in each group?"
As soon as Bagness finished speaking, the two began pointing out the pairs, starting with...
Damian: "Group One: Allana and Kalev. You two will head to the Skypian camp."
Anya: "Their plan is: Allana will infiltrate the camp in her Skypian form to gather intel on the locals' opinions about the war, while Kalev tends to the wounded to learn more about the first attack."
After explaining, they pointed to the next pair. Anya gestured toward Esme, while Damian pointed at...
Anya: "Group Two will be me and Esme. We'll go to the Triton camp."
Damian: "Your mission: Anya will negotiate with the Triton leaders to get their side of the conflict, while Esme talks to their soldiers to understand their stance on the war."
Finally, they turned to the last pair—Anya pointed at Damian, and he pointed at Mirage.
Anya: "And last, Group Three: Damian and Mirage. You two will investigate the destroyed city."
Damian: "Our job is simple: we'll search the wreckage for clues about how the battle unfolded."
Anya & Damian: "Any questions?"
Having finished explaining their plan, Damian and Anya waited to see if anyone had objections. When none came, they turned to Bagness for approval.
Bagness: "Not the first plan I'd have thought of, but for a first try, you two did pretty well."
Hearing Bagness' praise, Anya and Damian smiled before joining their assigned partners.
Bagness: "Since everyone knows their roles... go end this war!"
All Six: "YES, SIR!"
And with that, the teams set off. Allana and Kalev headed east toward the Skypian camp, Anya and Esme moved west to the Triton camp, and Damian and Mirage went north, toward the island's ruined center.
---
### Group 1 (Allana and Kalev)
For most of the journey, Allana and Kalev walked in awkward silence, exchanging only occasional small talk—until, near the end of the path...
Allana: "Kalev."
Kalev: "What is it?"
Allana: "I was just thinking... why did Bagness stay on the ship? He could've helped settle the war."
Kalev: "Rear Admiral Bagness stayed behind because that's his role in this mission."
Allana: "What do you mean?"
Kalev: "He's here as an observer. His job is to test our ability to handle an unconventional mission."
Allana: "Oh... so what's a conventional mission?"
Kalev: "Chasing pirates."
The blunt answer made Allana feel a little silly, but she smiled anyway.
Allana: "That makes sense... Hey, Kalev!"
Kalev: "What now?"
Allana: "Thank you."
Kalev turned to her, confused.
Kalev: "What for?"
Allana: "In the year we've known each other, you've never gotten mad or ignored me, even when I asked dumb questions. So... thanks."
Kalev looked away, but a faint smile crossed his face.
Kalev: "Don't thank me, Allana. I don't judge you... because judgment belongs only to YHWH."
Though she couldn't see his smile, Allana sensed warmth in his words—something almost familiar.
Allana: "Then thank Him for me."
Kalev: "I will."
The rest of their walk passed in silence, but it was no longer uncomfortable. Instead, it carried a quiet understanding.
Eventually, the Skypian camp came into view.
Kalev: "We're here."
Allana: "Finally. My feet were starting to hurt."
Kalev smirked briefly before resuming his usual stoic expression.
Kalev: "You remember the plan?"
Allana: "Of course! You check the wounded, and I'll talk to survivors about the war."
Kalev nodded and kept walking.
Kalev: "Don't forget to shift into your Skypian form."
Allana huffed but transformed instantly, hovering beside him.
Allana: "I know."
Kalev: "Then let's go."
They quickened their pace—but the moment they stepped into the camp, fourteen armed Skypians surrounded them, their uniforms marked with a strange grinning insignia.
Guard: "Who are you?"
Noticing their uniforms, Kalev showed his Marine insignia.
Kalev: "We're with the Marines. We're here about the conflict."
The guard whispered with his comrades before turning back.
Guard: "Apologies for the hostility. These are chaotic times."
Kalev: "Understood."
Guard: "Our chief wants to speak with you."
Kalev: "We'd like that too. Lead the way."
They were escorted to a large tent at the camp's center. Inside, a short man (1.67m) with scarlet-red hair, lime-green eyes, and a peculiar tattoo near them—a circle with a grin and a slash—sat waiting. He wore a white feathered necklace, a navy-blue suit, and bright citrine-yellow jeans. His wings, like his stature, were smaller than average and matched his suit's deep navy hue.
The moment he saw them, he burst into laughter—then rage.
???: "Heh-heh-heh-heh! Welcome, Marines—wait! Why are there only two of you?! And a kid?! Is the Marine Force mocking my people's suffering?!"
Allana stepped forward.
Allana: "The Marines would never do that, sir."
???: "Then explain, little girl. Why send only two Marines—one a child—to help in a war?"
Allana faltered, but Kalev answered smoothly.
Kalev: "We're the advance medical team. Our priority is treating the wounded before reinforcements arrive."
The chief stared at Kalev before lowering his head in apology.
???: "Forgive my outburst. Can we start over?"
Allana: "Of course."
Kalev: "Agreed."
The Skypian leader straightened and saluted.
???: "Peek A. Paul, chief of this camp. My people need your help."
Allana: "I'm Allana, and this is Kalev. We want to help, but first, we need to know what happened."
Peek's expression darkened.
Peek: "Then I'll tell you..."
### Peek A. Paul's Account
Peek: "First, you should know how this city began. I founded it with my two closest friends—a haven free from the prejudice and slavery our races faced."
Peek: "For a time, it worked. We built a safe home for Skypians and Tritons alike... but peace never lasts."
Peek: "The city was governed by three leaders: me, making laws for Skypians; Leôncio, ruling the Tritons; and Nobunaga, a half-Skypian, half-Triton mediator."
Peek: "Then, one day... Leôncio and Nobunaga tried to kill me. They betrayed me—my own brothers."
His forced anger couldn't hide his grief.
Allana: "I'm sorry."
Peek smiled weakly.
Peek: "Now I see why they sent you, kid... thank you."
Kalev interjected.
Kalev: "Sir Peek, we'll relay this intel, but first, we must treat the wounded. Could you direct us to the infirmary?"
Peek called a guard named Zeca, who led them away—but Allana noticed something odd.
Allana: "Zeca? Where are the other guards?"
Zeca: "Probably patrolling elsewhere..."
Allana didn't buy it. Once out of earshot, she whispered to Kalev.
Allana: "He's lying."
Kalev: "I thought so too. Peek's story feels off... especially that fake anger at the end."
They reached the infirmary—a white tent with a red cross. Inside, thirteen "patients" lay bandaged on cots... with no medical staff in sight.
Allana: "Huh? Shouldn't someone be here?"
The "patients" broke into a cold sweat.
Kalev: "Maybe they're on break. It's lunchtime."
The men sighed in relief—until Kalev's divine energy flared. He yanked Allana back and drew his sword.
Kalev: "I knew it! They're faking!"
The "patients" leapt up, weapons drawn—
To Be Continued