Kevin had begun to look forward to the visits from Mars. He had promised her he wouldn't tell anyone about her, including Sam and Dean, who had just gotten back. He sat in the kitchen eating dinner with them, trying to play it cool as they asked if he had found anything in the tablets.
"So, nothing?" Dean asked, looking a bit frustrated. "C'mon man, really?" Kevin shrugged. He couldn't exactly tell them that he had spent more time getting to know a cherub then focusing on the tablet. "Guys, I'll really start digging into it, first thing in the morning. Promise." Kevin watched as Dean shrugged and Sam just smiled around his salad he was shoveling in his mouth.
As soon as dinner was over, Kevin faked a yawn and told them he needed some sleep. He tried to walk nonchalantly back to his room, a bit worried he might have given something away. He had no sooner closed the door and locked it when Mars appeared, all smiles, holding several Strawberry Pocky candy boxes in her hands. "My Commander thought you would enjoy these?" She said hopefully. Kevin laughed. "Well, your commander was right." He took them from her and opened one of the boxes. "Mars, would you like to try some? They're really good." Mars looked sadly at the candy, then back up at him. "I'm sorry Kevin, my Commander said they were for you, I don't think I should." Kevin pulled out a Pocky and held it out to her. "It's my candy, and it would greatly please me if you would try one."
Mars hesitated slightly, then eagerly took the candy, Kevin watching as she took a small bite of it. Her eyes opened widely at first, then closed as she savored the taste. She had never tasted human food before, and was a bit delighted at the texture and the sweetness. Kevin laughed as she quickly ate the rest of the treat. "Do I even have to ask if you would like another one?" She giggled. "Yes please!" He pulled out another Pocky, but instead of handing it to her he held it in front of her mouth. She leaned forward and took a bite, making happy noises as she ate. They sat for a while, eating the candy and just enjoying each other's company.
"Wow," Kevin remarked, looking at the clock, "I can't believe how late it's getting." Mars gasped. "Oh, no! I'm late!" She jumped up quickly. "Kevin, I'll be back soon!" I hope, she thought.
Mars dashed up the steps, and bowed. She tried to control her voice as she spoke. "Please forgive me Commander! Kevin really enjoyed the candy, and..."
"Kevin?" Her Commanders voice resonated throughout the room. Mars clutched her hands to her chest, oh no, she thought, no please tell me I didn't just… "Didn't just call the Prophet of the Lord by his given name?" Again the voice resonated, louder this time. "Tell me, Marisonna, what gives a cherub the right to speak of the Prophet in such a familiar manner?" She trembled, words failing her. "I said tell me!"
Mars squeaked in fear. "Please Commander, please forgive me!" She dropped to her knees, hands still clutched to her chest. "I didn't mean for him to see me…"
"Tell me, Marisonna, what did the Prophet do when he saw you? Has he told anyone?" The Commander leaned closer to her. "I said tell me." She was shaking as she answered, trying to quell her fear. "He, he said he wouldn't tell anyone, that I was a secret. He said it pleased him to have me visit. He is lonely and has no friends." She whimpered, fearing the worst from her Commander.
"So, the Prophet of the Lord is pleased by your presence?" Her Commander straightened back up, looking thoughtful. "Very well, I have a new task for you Marisonna. Are you prepared for it?" Mars sniffled, and nodded. "Your new task is to stay by his side and keep him pleased. Anything he asks of you, whatever it may be, you will comply with it. Do you understand me? And I do not need to remind you of what will happen to you if you fail…"
Mars jumped to her feet, still bowing. "Yes! Yes I understand! I will not fail you in this task Commander!" The Commander grabbed her shoulder, nails digging in until she gasped. "Do not fail me in this. I will call upon you again soon."
Mars couldn't get out of there fast enough, and flew back to the bunker. She sighed softly when she saw him sleeping, and gently sat on the bed beside him. Her shoulder throbbed, but it was a fair tradeoff to getting to be around Kevin more. Mars smiled and carefully brushed a lock of hair from off his forehead.
Anything he asks, she told herself, anything at all.