Aegis 1 - Earth

“How long until we arrive?” asked an irritated Catalina, not enjoying the long journey.

“Approximately ninety minutes.” replied Mira, her photographic memory recalling the train route and landmarks.

Catalina clicked their tongue in annoyance, shifting their red eyes away from the face of the automaton. It was their first mission together from Aegis, so displeasure at a new partner was to be expected. Catalina flipped up the hood of their black leather jacket, brown hair spilling out the front and onto their jeans as they leaned forward. A lean, muscular body showed that they worked hard in the personal gym back at Aegis. Then, there was Mira. Short blue hair dangled neatly above her shoulders, green eyes analysing everything in sight. Always learning. Always alert. Just like Catalina, Mira was only half human, which is likely why her father had put them together. Just as Mira was about to open her book, a baby started crying, and Catalina sighed in frustration.

“Earth... why does it have to be Earth.” they growled. “I’d have taken any other world.”

“You wanted the hardest mission available to test my capabilities.” Mira reminded them, voice soft.

Catalina raised their head with a side glare to the baby, their eyes glowing a hot red. Within an instant, the child was asleep. They looked back at Mira.

“I hope Avery built you to last.” they said, looking into Mira’s non-existent soul.

“I can assure you, I am durable and quite capable of combat.” said Mira. “Speaking of which, we have company. My right, six kilometres.”

“Yeah, I noticed. Not exactly subtle when their auras are- oh shit. Incoming.”

Mira looked to her right, eyes glowing with vibrant green as they watched one of the nephilim close in on them from the swarm over the city below. A human body with wings and a halo, both black as the void, five little dots in their eyes focused entirely on the train and Catalina in particular.

“Well Mira, your time to shine. Just try not to make a mess.”

Mira nodded and snapped her fingers, the nephilim approaching them bursting into green flames, screeching horrifically. A cloud of ash hit the train soon enough, and they carried on their way without anyone seeming to notice the noise. One down, ninety nine more to go.

“Huh. Good technique, and no damage whatsoever.” nodded Catalina, having watched the creature burn up in a split second.

“Your father made me to accompany and assist you.” Said Mira, opening the book on her lap. “Part of assisting means listening and acting accurately according to orders.”

“Nice to know we won’t have any problems. Previous partners have been difficult to work with.” said Catalina, leaning back in their seat.

They scanned the train with their powers to ensure nobody was watching and, once sure no presence was paying attention, they retracted their long brown hair to a short, messy wolf cut within the hood of their jacket. The hair dangled on their strong jaw, and Catalina was quick to rummage about their bag for something to eat. They pulled out a packaged snack, ripping open the thin paper to reveal a cheese griller that they got before entering the station.

“Hey Mira. Why did you suggest the train instead of flying there?”

“Research shows that bonding time is essential to friendly relationships. I wanted us to understand each other better while on mission, as I have duties and maintenance when we return. This was the most optimal solution to maximise our time together.” said Mira, looking up from her book.

“So you intentionally chose a long route?” Said Catalina, gulping down the griller.

“Affirmative. I want to be your friend.” replied Mira, and this made Catalina stop munching for a moment.

“You realize that all my other partners have died, right?” they asked.

“I am aware. But I am, as humans would say, built differently.”

This actually made Catalina snort and let out a chuckle. The first time that Mira had ever seen them smile, and the first smile that they had made in a long, long time.