Work Text:
No matter how much time has passed, you will always remember.
Her sweet gaze, her hair being caressed by the soft blow of the wind, her tall figure, and her gentle but firm grasp on your hand when she found you.
You were born on a flourishing planet. Any outsider who has stepped foot on the green plains covered in sweet flowers would think that everyone lives equally, existing together in harmony. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Unlike the majority, you were born with those tossed to the side. Hidden by the higher-ups to save face. Your society was obsessed with appearing luxurious and desirable. It was something you cannot completely comprehend, although you did agree life would be easier with it. All you and the others wanted was equal treatment and to live a simple life where there is no need to worry if you’ll wake up in the next several hours.
You were filled with hatred and confusion. Which Aeon did you and the rest anger to be treated with such disgust?
You lost hope long ago until a Stellaron appeared.
The once luscious greenery and color-filled flowers were reduced to ashes. Perhaps this was Nanook’s punishment for the people’s arrogance.
You were silently hoping that this would be the end. To finally rest after the grueling years of survival but then a hand reached out to you in between the sea of flames.
“Found you.”
Those were the first words you heard from Kafka. During that time, it confused you. Without the knowledge you have now, you questioned why a beautiful and mysterious stranger would go out of their way to search for you.
With nowhere else to run, you took that hand. A warm and inviting grasp.
You heard tidbits about how they came to steal the Stellaron but that was none of your business during that time.
You also met Blade on your way to their spaceship and you almost jumped at him if it wasn’t for Kafka calming you down with a firm grip on your cold hand.
“Now Bladie, why don’t you loosen up a bit, or else you’ll scare this one off.”
Of course, the tall man took offense to that and remained silent. You can’t help but shiver in fear from those striking blood-like eyes but Kafka’s reassuring smile was all you need.
Until now, you don’t know why you trusted the woman so easily. You’d think someone from your background would scurry off the moment a stranger claims to have been searching for you but something is so mesmerizing and trustworthy in those seemingly empty eyes.
It wasn’t long until you heard something along the lines of someone called Elio who ordered them to search for you and take you under the wing of the Stellaron Hunters—implying you will be useful to them in the future.
You didn’t care much about being seen as an asset when Kafka has been nothing but warm and welcoming.
During your stay, she showed you the ropes to becoming a cunning and intimidating human being. It was something you needed, she said.
Your mind can’t help but drift to how this woman could be so gentle and caring yet so mysterious and dangerous. It wasn’t long until you look at her with such admiration. So beautiful, calm, and oh so utterly unpredictable.
You decided that you like hearing her praises. It fills you with so much motivation and just seeing her smile with such delight at seeing your progress urges you to do better.
“Kafka, your dog is waiting for you.” Silver Wolf would say when the Stellaron Hunter stops by after running an errand.
Said dog being you. It wasn’t far from the truth when you pace around the spaceship, as if waiting for your owner to come home. All you need is a pair of dog ears and a tail to perfectly fit the description.
The first time Silver Wolf called you Kafka’s dog, you protested. Saying you were just eagerly waiting for your mentor’s arrival. You failed to convince her and she now calls you dog. You would be offended but maybe it’s just your masochistic tendencies.
It has become a routine. Kafka would leave and you wait. Then, she would come back and give you a smile, a head pat, and a gentle caress on your cheek. It fills you with warmth every time she touches you. It makes you feel wanted and needed.
Over time, that admiration soon blossomed into something different. A feeling you have never experienced before. It has a name but you can’t describe it.
You noticed the changes when you started feeling even lonelier when Kafka leaves. Your sulky atmosphere didn’t go unnoticed until Silver Wolf got tired of it and asked you what was going on. You told her everything and you see the other’s face change from uncaring to a thin line forming on her lips.
“I would advise you to stop there. Not only is it a waste of time, but you may be confusing admiration from love.”
Were you? It made you contemplate for a while. You also thought that maybe she said it’s a waste of time because nothing will happen that would progress said feelings. You also thought that maybe it was because Kafka would never see you that way.
Sure you two were close in age and as your mentor, it was only natural she’d look after you to make sure you won’t mess up on your future mission. Was Silver Wolf perhaps saving you from the heartbreak? Or asking you to think it over?
It was confusing but one thing is for sure, you will forever be loyal to Kafka. You would do anything for her. She has shown you nothing but kindness and understanding. It was only natural you’d feel so strongly for her.
It wasn’t long until the day of your mission arrives. Kafka was assigned to escort you to a planet that would be affected by a Stellaron in the upcoming years. You were tasked to infiltrate as early as possible, and they’ll come to help you when the time comes. You were there to make everything easier, foretold to be the key to success.
“Nervous?” Kafka asks you, and she placed her hand on your back to gently push you forward.
In front of you is the entrance to a new planet. You’ve been ready to act and blend in with the civilians but as expected, it’s different when it’s time for the real thing. Noticing your hesitance, Kafka moved to stand in front of you.
“You will do a fine job.” It wasn’t enough to calm your nerves but enough to slowly calm your racing heart.
Then, your heart stopped beating for a few seconds. A warm gloved hand made its way to the side of your face, thumb caressing your cheek and you can’t stop the heat that rises from the sudden affectionate gesture.
Kafka seemed amused at your reaction and she can’t help but smile. You somehow found the courage to look into her eyes…it makes your head spin. Just being with her like this almost made you breathless. Her soothing touch and scent slowly put your mind at ease. You can’t help but close your eyes.
“There. Better? It’s almost time.”
The moment Kafka moved her hand away and took a step back, it was like someone snapped a string in two that connects you to the Stellaron Hunter. It was the end of the dependence you developed while spending time with her.
It feels so lonely. So cold and devoid of any kind of comfort.
“Take care and see you soon. Oh, be a dear and give me a souvenir.”
You just stood there, staring at Kafka’s retreating figure. That was the last time you saw her. Her back grows smaller, her hair swaying with the direction of the wind, until you can no longer see her. No more of the woman who taught you hope and love in your life.
“Was that really necessary?” Silver Wolf asked when Kafka returned to the spaceship.
The taller woman stayed silent, just watching as the planet seems to shrink in size until it was no longer in their line of sight.
“They’re strong and determined. I simply gave them some encouragement.”
The shorter of the two didn’t seem to buy it. Noting the fondness in Kafka’s face. She saw something else in the other’s face but perhaps it was her imagination. Then, they both retreated to their respective rooms, getting ready to infiltrate another planet.
A few years have passed since then. It’s been so long and yet the warmth of her hand remains. It’s weird but you can still feel the texture of her glove on your cheek and the caressing that sometimes lulls you to sleep.
You don’t know how much longer until the Stellaron arrives but you can wait.
To see her amused smile, to hear her soothing and charming voice, and to finally feel her near you.
You can wait for as long as you can to see her again. You will wait for her forever.