Azanael looked surprised at Tsubael, who was sitting on the other side of the room. The woman hadn't observed her; she was occupied with her pocket computer. 30 years had passed since she had seen Blue's pilot and 30 years had changed very much about her. Of course, she looked as young as she did then, as aging wasn't an issue for Arume. Her hair was now slightly longer, her eyes much sharper and wiser. She had gained a certain grace in her moves and a calm air.
The door opened again and Tsubael looked up. She arched surprised, seeing Azanael and smiled slightly. Azanael bowed her head as a salute.
The Committee, consisting of three women, of the meeting finally sat down, asking the few people in the room to be silent.
"Welcome commander Tsubael and commander Azanael. We are very glad you accepted our invitation".
"It's an honor to be here" Tsubael said.
"The same with me, but I must admit that I still haven't been informed what this meeting was about" Azanael said.
"And neither was commander Tsubael. We wanted to keep it secret until we could discuss it with you face to face. We need to make sure our purpose will be a success".
The two women looked at each other again.
"Both of you had an immense impact on Master Commander Shivrail's attack on the planet Earth, along our regretted commander Ekaril. You have stopped something that would have a had a very bad impact if it would have been carried to the end. Of course, as you know, these two planets are still in constant war, even if it's more of a cold war. But, we have finally come to a sort of agreement with the planet of Earth and wish to conduct negotiations face to face. And for that we wished to add two more ship to our "World's Alliance Peace Negotiation Group" to transport the two spokesman of "Kozuki Full Fledged Peace Negotiation Group". It is of vital importance that these two ships be conducted by excellent pilots. This is why we have called you here".
Azanael leaned back.
"Well, I understand why you called me, but I don't get why this clumsy girl is here" she smirked.
"You be silent, blow up pilot!" Tsuabel protested.
"Blow up? Couldn't you come with anything better?"
"Blowing up things is your second nature!"
One woman coughed and the two remained silent.
"I don't know what the personal relation between the two of is and to be frank I don't care. Your skills in flying and combat are above any other pilot of the fleet of this planet. So we decided to have commander Tsubael fly Shato, who will transport the negotiator and commander Azanael to fly behind, in Gheto, and ensure the safety of this ship. I must add that this is not a request but an order".
"It will be my pleasure to fly that ship and pick up the counselor" Tsubael said.
"And of course, I have to make sure to they get safe here if she flies her ship" Azanael added.
"You will board tonight on Arume's Main Ship and approach Earth as given. From there you will fly your ships, pick up Counselor Kozuki and escort her back to Arume's Main Ship. We wish you good luck".
Tsubael and Azanael stood both up, saluted and left the room.
"Are you sure they are the best people for the job?" one of the woman asked.
"Yes, something tells me they share a deeper bound than the eye can see" the woman smiled looking after them.
"Well, I hope you can bring your mission to a good end and won't trouble me too much" Azanael said as they walked on the corridors of the building.
"You keep out of my way and do your job in staying unnoticed!" Tsubael said. "And try not to blow up anything can you do that?"
"Now what's with that?" Azanael asked amused as they reached the door.
"It wasn't very easy to attack Shivrail with the ship damaged by your bombs".
"Still, you managed bringing down two ships, single handed. So I guess it wasn't too bad".
Tsubael rolled her eyes. She turned to walk her way.
"Tsubael…" Azanael called after her. "It's truly a pleasure to see you again".
Tsubael smiled as she looked behind and walked away.
Azanael was the first to board on the ship that night and received a room close to the landing deck. The ship recalled her much of the one Shivrail was commanding and her room was not very different from her old chamber. She unpacked her small bag and left for the main room to report on deck.
"Welcome commander Azanael" the Master Commander greeted her. "We are glad to be able to be a part of this mission. As I know you are rather familiar to Earth?"
"Yes, rather familiar as I spent some time there. But I never had the curiosity to observe that species as Ekaril was".
"It's rather a waste of time to observe closely a species that is under evolved compared to us".
"I used to think like that…"
"And of course that is very wrong" Tsubael entered.
"Commander Tsubael" the Master Commander greeted her.
"Even if so small as a species and so under evolved, Earthlings are rather extraordinary. In my time there, I learned through commander Ekaril that every life form, even so small is impressive. She truly loved Earthlings…" Tsubael smiled and crossed her arms.
Azanael looked down at her and smirked.
"You will meet a rather extraordinary earthling very soon" Tsubael continued. "And I expect from you to treat her with ultimate respect. Through these 30 years Earth has proved that even with technology below ours, they can resist an attack and an impact from another species. Not to mention that somehow they managed keeping this war as low as possible and stopping Arume from attacking".
The Master Commander nodded. Tsubael left and went to install herself in her room. She unpacked and placed a picture of Ekaril next to the computer in her room.
"I can't believe so much time passed since you've left" she said looking at the picture. "You would be glad hearing these two planets came to an agreement.
"Commander Azanael requesting permission to enter" the computer announced her.
"Let her in" Tsubael said, turning to the door.
"That was a rather impressive speech" Azanael said as she entered.
"It wasn't meant to, just the truth".
"You also have grown rather fond of this species".
"Yes, through Ekaril I have had the chance to see beyond what I have known".
Azanael looked at the picture taking it in her hands.
"Forime's frame the picture of the loved ones. And I like it, it's like she is still here".
"You cared a lot of Ekaril didn't you?"
"I did…but I never gotten to care for her as I thought it would come at some moment. She is now for me a beautiful and also painful memory. Also an example, this is why I hold the picture close to me" Tsubael said pulling on the chair, making a sign for Azanael to sit down. She went to the bed and also sat down. She looked at Azanael while the woman analyzed the picture. She had also changed, her eyes were tougher, her body seemed stronger. And her whole air wasn't filled with sorrow as it used to be in the past. On the contrary her eyes seemed playful.
"You changed Azanael…"
"I guess we both did" the woman said placing the picture back. "You finally evolved into a woman and stopped being that silly kid".
Tsubael rolled her eyes amused.
"I am glad to see you aren't…filled with sorrow as you were before".
"I had to somehow let go of Onomil, after all. At least I have gotten my revenge".
"And did that help?"
"It did at the moment. It was my only reason to carry on, since her death. Finding out what had happened to her and revenging her death. But, once that was over, I had to learn to let go of her and carry on".
"And have you?"
"Have you ever truly let go of Ekaril?"
"It is something else…"
"You fool yourself Tsubael. Has it never occurred to you that you were in love with Ekaril? To be sincere I thought of you many times through these years…how you loved Ekaril and how it was more important for you to see her happy even if that involved someone else, even if that involved a forime".
"I am not sure I loved Ekaril that way…she was very dear to me, very! But…it has never gotten to that. I realized I wasn't able to put the smile Mari could on her face".
She leaned back, supporting her head on her arms.
"I always envied the relation between you and Onomil. She was so happy, no matter what".
Azanael smiled looking down at her hands.
"Onomil was so young when I met her. And so full of life that she conquered my heart in a second".
"Not to mention that she was pretty beautiful" Tsubael teased, raising her upper body.
Azanael smiled entertained.
"Is Mari the one coming in?"
"No…Kozaki is Mari's friend, the girl that wrote the play".
"Play?"
"Right you have no idea of that, you were too busy planning out your revenge. Mari works with Michiko Kozaki, but is not a spokesperson".
"You seem to know a lot of this Peace Convention".
Tsubael shrugged.
"I kept my eye on them all this time. Somehow I felt it was my duty to take care of Mari and her safety".
"All these years it seems to me you have not done anything than to carry Ekaril's legacy on".
"This is because Ekaril's legacy became mine".
"I wonder if that is true" Azanael stood up and walked to the door. "Rest well, Tsubael".
"Since that incident on Earth, Tsubael became indeed a commander, but she has always kept to herself" the Master Commander explained to Azanael as the two were eating dinner together. "She prefers working alone and when she is on this ship or any other, even if very polite she doesn't befriend anyone, or doesn't spend her time with us. It might be also because she is feared but…"
"Feared?" Azanael asked.
"Well, she was able to blow up two ship single handed. Her skills are pretty remarkable".
"Indeed they are, but I don't understand how someone could fear Tsubael".
"Sometimes someone so intelligent as her can be feared. Can be considered dangerous. And so are you, Azanael, after all you were one of the few who could stand up to their commander and attack her. Contradict her, fight her believes".
"I didn't know that acting without thinking is cherished these days. Because this is what the people following Shivrail did. None was able to stand up to Shivrail, none other than Ekaril and Tsubael. And last, me".
"You had some guts, the three of you attacking such a large fleet".
"Have you worked with Tsubael before?"
"Yes, many times. It's not the first time she takes on a mission like this. She is very close to Kozuki Full-Fledged Peace Negotiation Group. In fact she spent much time on Earth ever since".
"I had no idea of this".
"Because it was rather secret. But I fear Tsubael has gotten to love them more than she loves her own planet".
"Well, people from her planet sent her and her crew to death, so it wouldn't surprise me".
"Yes, but this might come in her detriment. Higher people than us are starting to…question her loyalty".
Azanael blinked surprise.
Tsubael had long woken up and was about to ask for something to eat when Azanael came to her room.
"Come on, you are not eating alone in here" Azanael said. "You need company".
"I need company? I'd rather not".
"My company" Azanael smiled.
"If I have to…" Tsubael sighted. She slipped her jacket on and followed Azanael.
As they passed the crew, all saluted them, some looking long after them.
"You seem rather popular around here" Tsubael said.
"Maybe because I interact with people when I meet them".
"How come you learned how to interact?"
"How come you became so self-contained? Onomil was always talking about your easy going and happy way of being".
Tsubael slightly frowned. She sat down with her food and stared at it.
"I am…self-contained?"
"Aren't you? You're eating alone in your room, you don't communicate with other people, you keep to yourself".
Tsubael looked long at the woman in front of her.
"I…I must give in, I am a little worried about you" Azanael smiled.
"You are worried for me?" Tsubael arched amused.
"You were dear to Onomil so I guess people dear to her are also dear to me".
"That's something new as Ekaril was also very dear to Onomil and you still did anything to destroy her relation with Mari".
"Tsubael…I was in pain then. I was blinded by my grief, I thought Ekaril didn't give a damn about Onomil and her death. I was wrong and I know that. But I changed since then. And, yes, I helped you out then to get my revenge on Shivrail, but it was also because I have harmed Ekaril. You are in touch with Mari and counselor Kozuki?"
"Well, it came out after all. Yes, I am. I helped them out to sort things and I was there with an advice whenever they needed it. They have a reason to fight and I never agreed with enslaving other species. What would that make us?"
"Your actions, even if sincere, might be misinterpreted. People are starting to question you".
"So be it. I don't care, Azanael. Why would I? Did they care when they sent us to death and when Ekaril died because they couldn't stop Shivrail's insane plan? Why would they care now about me? Let them think what they want my purpose is very clear".
Tsubael stood up, leaving her untouched food on the table.
"I just think you are lonely" Azanael called after her.
Tsuabael stopped for a moment and then walked away.
"Shato and Gheto permission to launch for the test flight" the voice of the Master Commander said through the computer.
"Shato launching" Tsubael said and flew away.
"Gheto launching" Azanael flew after her.
The two ships flew for a while, Azanael pursuing Tsubael.
"You're slow today, Tsubael" Azanael said.
"Am I now?" Tsubael smiled. "Let's see if you can keep up".
The ship's speed increased and Shato disappeared.
"Is this a competition?" Azanael laughed and followed Tsubael.
"Try and get me!" Tsubael said amused, flying close to Gheto and avoiding the ship.
The two ships followed each other, playing in the skies.
"You're pretty good Azanael" Tsubael communicated.
"Pretty good? I haven't even woken up for good. You're slow as always" the woman teased.
"Is that so?" Tsubael said and her ship disappeared.
Azanael searched for her long.
"Shato come in" she finally called out as there was no trace of Tsubael. Azanael passed through a commet rain, trying hard to avoid the flying rocks. Shato was still not answering and the woman tensed. "Shato, come in for crying out loud!"
Suddenly the ship appeared next to Gheto and Tsubael winked flying away.
"Did I worry you?" Tsuabel asked, dancing through the comets.
"Stop doing that and let's return to base" Azanael demanded serious, but smiled.
"I was just starting to have fun. Have a few rocks scared you?"
"Yes, I worried for you, fool. Returning to base, Shato and Gheto permission to land".
"Permission granted" the main fleet communicated.
Tsubael's smile suddenly disappeared. The ship remained still for a longer while as she felt her stomach going up to her throat. She tried swallowing, but the feeling didn't disappear.
"You've got to be kidding me…" she whispered and turned around to land on Arume's Main Ship.
The two landed and the cases of the ships opened. Azanael got out as Tsubael watched the tall woman, gracefully land on the floor. She saluted the officers and chatted with them shortly. Her purple eyes sparkled as her cheeks had gained a slight pink color. Tsubael's eyes fell on the woman's strong arms and perfectly build body. She was tall even for her species, but she carried every centimeter with elegance.
"And I thought I was immune to that silliness" Tsubael whispered as she rubbed her forehead. "You and your loneliness chitchat" she jumped out of her ship. She walked away without a word as Azanael looked after her. She had forgotten how impressive the woman was while flying a ship.
It was late when Azanael walked back to Tsubael's room. She was carrying a plate of food and entered the room as the computer was already accustomed to her. She found Tusbael in front of her computer, fallen asleep. On the display, information about counselor Kozaki and the negotiation rolled. Azanael placed her hand on Tsubael's naked shoulder and felt the soft skin under her fingers.
"Wake up, sleepy head" she whispered caring.
Tsubael rubbed her eyes.
"I brought you something to eat".
"I am not hungry" Tsubael said, wanting to resume her work.
"You haven't eaten anything today and you look tired to me".
"I am not" Tsubael said.
"Why are you so worried?"
"I don't know about this…it doesn't sound to me like this war is over. And I am kind of sick of it".
Azanael placed the plate next to Tsubael and sat on her bed.
"If it's not…I will fight your purpose".
Tsubael stopped from what she was doing.
"Why are you saying things like that?" she turned to Azanael as she furiously grabbed her plate, staring to eat.
"Things like what?"
"You're worried for me, you want to fight my purpose you…"
"Because you have one and I am starting to need one as well. Somehow your fight seems like having a meaning".
"Mhm, really?" she said as she stuffed food down her throat. "So aren't you worried for perpetuating our species?"
"It won't go extinct in another few thousand years so…right now, no" Azanael said thinking. "I am somehow more worried about peace".
"Kind of late for that" Tsubael threw her empty plate aside turning back to her computer.
"Maybe you can consider my offer".
"I didn't hear an offer".
"Letting me join your fight. Two is better than one".
"I am not lonely, Azanael".
"I didn't say anything about that now…Tsubael, what's wrong with you?" Azanael laughed amused.
Tsubael sighted, realizing how foolish she was acting.
"But I must say I like how passionate you can become about something. Are you…always this passionate?" Azanael teased.
"What has that to do…" she turned red as a tomato.
"You blushed" Azanael laughed.
"Oh, spare me!" Tsubael turned back.
"Tsubael now really…why are you so tensed?" Azanael asked as she stood up and approached the woman. She placed both of her hands on Tsubael's shoulders. "Look, I've been there. Even if it helps you move on, centering your whole life around a person that has passed away, won't help you. It will only burry you deeper".
Tsubael shivered.
"Are you cold?"
"No…I am just not used to someone coming so close to me".
Azanael wrapped her index fingers around Tsubael's hair, playing with it.
"You are a beautiful, intelligent woman, Tsubael. Why did you close yourself so much from the world? Making space for a little bit of happiness would have sweetened your life".
"Have you've been able since Onomil's death?"
"To be sincere, no. But that is different as I found my love in Onomil, you haven't truly found your love. You think you might have felt that for Ekaril if things would have evolved differently, but you never gotten to…truly feel it".
Tsubael closed her eyes, enjoying the strokes in her hair. She felt her body heat up, her skin desiring more.
"It's a pity not to experiment everything life has to offer you" Azanael said pulling back. "But I am glad I could at least make you eat. Try getting some rest, we are reaching Earth tomorrow".
"Azanael…it's not that I never wanted to live that part of life. I just never…found the person to raise those feelings in me. And if I might…I am afraid she won't…answer me the same way" Tsubael said looking at the woman.
"Don't be silly, Tsubael. Who could resist you?" Azanael winked and left the room.
Tsubael sighted, hitting her forehead on the table.
"You…".
Azanael rolled around in bed that night, strange dreams filling her sleep. She woke up at some moment, realizing she had dreamed Tsubael over and over again. The light in her room was turned on and she lifted her upper body. She was experienced enough to understand what was going on with her.
"30 years later and I find my desire still on that ship…life is playing funny games on me" she said to herself. "Would you blame me Onomil? I thought I was seeing her in you, but…the two of you are so different".
Author's note: I don't know how interesting a story of Tsubael and Onomil might appear to you, but I sensed something between them towards the end and I found it interesting to dig deeper into it. Anyway, thanks for reading!