Futuristic Juxtaposition

[Dakota Storm]

Secrets always have a way of rising to the surface, and in the days since the Great War, secrets were necessary; a secret organisation was born within the military, an organisation to oversee the Terran way of life, they would become the first and last line of defence.

They would be known by many names over the years, to themselves and those they were in the know; they were Predator. They were founded by the last son of the ruling family, a son that was himself born of a secret, he was the first Terran born with the Alpha gene already present within his DNA, this had never before happened, the alpha gene usually manifests later in life, it is a metamorphosis that happens once and only once the mind and body are ready for the change.

Val'len, was a canine, born ten thousand years prior to the Great War, he spent half of that time living in secret; learning, studying all that he could. His minder, a natural Alpharii feline fifteen thousand years his senior become his closet friend, his lover, his second in command.

Vallen and Xii'Derra would go on to have two offspring, two daughters; one was a natural alphari, her alpha DNA manifested a thousand years into her life, Saria'Maine was born before the war and would become her parents most trusted agent.

The skillset she had developed allowed her to work both covertly and overtly, her covert undertakings would eventually lead to the end of the Great War. Arielle however was born as her father was, her alpha genes were already present, and rather than closeted away like her father to learn and study in secret, the ancient pair allowed their youngest daughter to live a somewhat normal Terran life.

Her Alpha DNA however would not allow for this, she was faster, stronger and far more intelligent than others of her time. By the time Arielle was eighteen she already on par with her now fifty thousand year old father, and like her father she was born with her mothers memories, genetically encoded.

The combination of her mothers memories and her own genetic superiority would lead to her taking an active role within the "Family business" far earlier than anticipated. Her one true friend, knew who she was, knew what she was and would not only go along with all of Arielle's shenanigans but would also if the need arrises, defend her to the death.

Arielle's story would begin fourty thousand years after the end of the war, and in true predator fashion, she is about to explode from the shadows.

 

[ShalRavenne]

Ella'Rienne, born later in the same year as her best friend Arielle, recalled her first time she laid eyes on her. It seemed like she was instantly pulled to her side, there was no thought to it, she was just there introducing herself. She didn't know then the background and secrets she would find out and ultimately join, but never once has she regretted it. It seemed to her like destiny and that was perfectly fine to her.

Her childhood before she ran into Arielle at the tender age of four was average, at least in her mind. To the non-alpharii however it wasn't exactly so. She was born with the alpharii gene, unawakened like most others with it. Her mother was a feline as was her father, however her mother's parents were of mixed parentage. Her grandfather, a canine, had shown her many of the different cultural habits she occassionally displayed much to the confused raised eyebrows of her caregivers during the first years before school started.

She didn't know much at that age of course, but she learned more as she grew up by Arielle's side. Most days they were inseparable, only parting when it was time to go in for the night or when her family had matters to discuss. They were mischievious and always on an adventure whether it was in books or out in the world. At the age of ten, Ella had learned and accepted so much that she was let into the more private details of Arielle's life. A big step of trust that Ella took to heart rather than betrayl, afterall it was just more of her best friend to love. They trained together after that and their time together grew even more.

As they grew into their teens, Ella started to show signs of awakening, a rare thing so young. It started at sixteen to really manifest the signs and she was secluded away by the Predator agents always close by due to Arielle's unique background. She had a little trouble and a few weeks in a sort of coma before emerging with her mother's genetic memories and a clearer understanding of the world. Some doctors attributed her early awakening and the less than usual dangerous consequences of it due to Arielle's influence on her from an earlier age. The first thing Ella saw when she opened her eyes was Arielle's smile and the twinkle of mischievious glee that silently said, "Welcome to the club!" So it was a fair reaction of the doctors when they startled at the roaring laughter that suddenly rang out into the silence. Since then the became even closer, if that were possible.

Ella started training after regular school ended. She learned to fight, learned the ways of military personelle. She had always been a quick learner, even moreso if it was for her best friend's sake. She was, of course secretly, introduced to Arielle's real parents. To say that meeting made her nervous was an understatment. She managed however, much to the amusement of her best friend, to be graceful about it.

Her world was never boring, her mind never left to idle, and she preferred it this way. The thought to go a different path was never even present in her mind, her life was always going to be at her best friend's side. It wasn't obsession, nor that she didn't have a choice, she did have other friends, even potential suitors, but nothing could ever make her leave her friend behind.
She smiled at the thought of the past, she looked away from the mirror, straightened her military uniform on the rack and looked to the table with tomorrow's birthday gift for her best friend, Arielle. "Eighteen already, time sure goes by fast. I hope she'll like it."

 

[Dakota Storm]

Dressed in all black leathers that matched her fur perfectly, Arielle bolted from her room and hammered on Ella's bedroom door since the two of them were sharing an apartment outside of the military complex. She momentarily linked her mind with her friend's and spoke with her silently.

"Get your ass out of that uniform and into something less conspicuous, it's adventure time!"
She heard her friend burst out laughing,

"What trouble are you going to get us into this time?" Ella stashed the gift and opened the door.

"Trouble? We're just going for a drive." Arielle replied out loud, she had a completely feigned look of innocence on her face that drew another laugh from Ella.

She flopped down on her friends bed and sprawled out languorously whilst she waited for her to change.

"So, where exactly are we driving to?" She asked as she quickly pulled on her own black clothing

"The den. My father never stripped the place after moving out of it, there's still an Arc-Net node down there."

"You're not serious? You're going to hack the Arc-Net?" She asked, reading her friends intentions perfectly.

Arielle burst out laughing at the look on Ella's face, it was a mixed look of shock, incredulity and amusement.

Arielle sprang to her feet, wrapped her arms around Ella's waist and leaned in real close to whisper in the other feline's ear.

"That's not even the best part, that particular Arc-Net node is mobile, it's built into the Amaranth. The Amaru's little sister. We're going to take her for a spin." She playfully nipped Ella's ear then span on her heal and sauntered from the room, her tail wafting in front of her stunned friends face.

 

[ShalRavenne]

Ella sighed ruefully, "You know you're taking the rap if we get caught, your father will be easier on you." She tugged lightly on her friend's tail and chuckled. "Lets see how our luck holds on this adventure."

As she walked forward, putting her arm around Arielle's shoulders dragging her along. "Now lets get out of here before you start the annual sniffing around for your gift." She grinned as her best friend's eyes alighted, "If you are a good kitten maybe I'll give it to you after our fun. Well as long as we aren't sitting in a Predator hold." She booped Arielle's nose with her free hand.

She didn't let her friend try and sweet talk her way out of waiting for her gift. As they left her bedroom she closed the door and grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl on their way out the front door, it locking behind her.

As they left the hallway, Ella moved her arm down from Arielle's shoulders to her waist. To most that didn't know them, they looked like a casual couple along for a stroll. For those that did know them, knew that this was just how they were, so in sync and comfortable they seemed to be as one mind. And sometimes they were.

"You drive, I'm a little sore from training. Good?" She called as she separated from her counterpart and angled toward the passenger side. "Sure thing. They really don't like to pull the punches, do they?" Arielle replied with a chuckle.

The vehicle started with an effortless hum, Arielle took manual control and turned off the locator so that they weren't so easily tracked by her father. This wasn't their first rodeo afterall. The powers that be could try and stop them, but they were too smart for their own good and most often found away around their measures. Ella sat back in the chair, relaxing and getting out of her military mindset and into her best friend's contagious mischief. She may have acted like she was just being dragged along for the ride, but she lived for their adventures. Anything to be with Arielle and see more of the world and not be bored. Most others her age just seemed... dull and childish. Such the fate of the awakened Apharii with their genetic memories, most tended to associate with other of their kind just to stay sane.

Speaking in Arielle's mind, "Did your parents have something special planned for your 18th?"

 

[Dakota Storm]

Arielle snorted with amusement as she pulled out of the parking space. "Of course they do, but you know them, they're even better at keeping secrets than we are." To which Ella laughed.

They were no more than twenty minutes down the road when Arielle narrowed her eyes, about a mile ahead a checkpoint had been set up. Ella noticed it as well and checked her console.

"That's not an official checkpoint." At that precise moment an alarm started sounding from both of their consoles.
"And That is not a coincidence. An unofficial checkpoint and someone breaking into the apartment?"

Ella began typing on her wrist console and re-enabled the vehicles tracking device. Whilst Arielle opened up a comms channel,
"This is Arielle Stormfire, Predator designation Starbird, I am initiating emergency protocol Delta 5, Gamma 3. I need immediate assistance."

"Arielle, what is going on?" The reply came moments later, it was the familiar voice of Saria'Maine; Arielle's older sister.
Arielle quickly filled her sister in and Saria grunted, "All right, here's what I want you to do. Blitz right through that checkpoint and keep driving, do not stop, do not slow down; I'm dispatching a drop ship to pick you up.

"Saria, I assume you're sending a squad to the apartment, there's something hidden in the storage unit under my bed, I'm going to need it."

Ass they approached the checkpoint they noticed two things, it was definitely military and no vehicles were being stopped. As they got closer, two people stepped out in to the middle of the lane and began flagging them down.

"Whelp, they are definitely looking for us." Arielle muttered and slammed her foot down on the accelerator; forcing the two figures to jump out of the way with startled shouts; no sooner had they passed than another vehicle gave chase.

About 500 feet down the road the pursuing vehicle attempted to overtake them and Arielle swerved slightly preventing the manoeuvre; right at the moment a Predator drop ship flanked by a swarm of gun drones which immediately harassed the pursuing vehicle to a stop.

The drop ship landed on the highway about half a mile ahead, upon reaching it, Arielle brought them to a complete stop and the two females were quickly ushered aboard. "The Amaru is in orbit ma'am, your family is waiting for us."

"Thank you commander." Arielle murmured, the male saluted and took his seat.
Ella playfully elbowed Arielle in the ribs. "So much for Shenanigans."

 

[ShalRavenne]

Arielle gave the slightest of smirks and a nod. "Yes, not exactly the kind of fun I had in mind for my birthday. Maybe we'll find something else to amuse ourselves once this is dealt with." The annoyance started to glimpse through her words, heading to see her family on the Amaru didn't sound promising to having fun.

Ella grunted, leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. If they were being sent straight to the Amaru this wasn't some slapped together scheme, something bigger behind the scenes must be in play. Gathering as much peace and calm as she could, falling into that place of nothingness was something she had been trying to master, preparing herself for military mode and not that of a teenager looking for some mischief. She had responsibilities now, she was to protect her best friend at all costs, looking at her from peripheral she smiled inwardly. Trouble had most certainly found them tonight, now to deal with the jokers behind whatever this was she had to show she could be trusted with it.

As the dropship landed aboard the Amaru and they were escorted off they met with the Predator detail assigned to guard them. Like it was truly necessary on this vessel. They saluted Arielle, and nodded to her as they fell into position around them. Walking through the halls reminded her of the first time she set foot here, when it became clear that she would become inseperable from Arielle. She was alone then, and truth be told frightened. Had she known what type of people Arielle's family was outside the rumours she wouldn't have have reacted the way she did.


~~ Nearly 2 years ago~~

Escorted down the bland corridors by tall and massive guards, none of them speaking a word unless to give orders like stay or follow. She did as she was told, fear mounting to a peak as she entered into the private anti chamber. Two females and one male sat on the couches with drinks in hand talking seriously while looking at a map. As the door closed behind her, she noticed no guards accompanied her in here, she was alone. She stood close to the door as she waited for them to finish, which was a little unnerving as they did so silently but with the occassional gestures.

She knew their discussion was done as soon as the map disappeared and as one they all looked to her. The one she would soon be known as Saria'Maine motioned her forward. She did as instructed, mustering her courage and following her martial training for meeting those above her rank. She saluted. Their reaction however wasn't what she expected, they chuckled. Xii'Derra smiled "No need for that, young one. You are our daughter's most trusted companion and this is not a trial."

Forgetting to control her features, Ella was visably confused. "So the parents she introduced me to, are fake?" She felt like a fool as soon as the words left her mouth. Of course they were, this was just another secret she was being let in on.

Valen gestured to the chair to his left. "Sit and we will explain. This is also part of a mission briefing that will be part of your life now. May as well be comfortable." As she sat down, things started to unfold quickly. "We have watched you since the moment you met our Arielle. You have stuck by her side through many a trial, as small as they may have been in the grand scheme of things. You didn't walk away or even hesitate when you learned her being Alpharii, and through your own awakening you both were inseperable. It has become clear that you are the best choice to be her personal guard as well as her best friend. She will need it in our line of work. You will recieve more training, harder than ever you experienced. This is your last chance to back out, you know she is kin to powerful people. If a life of shadows, secrets and danger isn't what you seek you may be friends with our daughter and no more."

Ella took a moment to consider, her life would be long, but life without being able to always be by Arielle's side was unfathomable. She wanted to be stronger, smarter and faster. Most importantly she felt that the path they were offering her would be what she needed to be fulfilled in life, this was her path to blaze through. "I will not run. Show me the way forward, and I will rise to the challenge." She met their eyes, even if she was a little frightened. Her life was about to change completely.

"Alright then, lets start off with the revelation that we are Overseers." Ella straighted her posture and swallowed with a suddenly dry mouth. "You know the rumours, but I imagine little fact. You will be sufficiently trained, as our daughter has been, you will become a trusted member to our family. You hold yourself well, despite the fear you felt from the moment you were called out after training to come aboard. That isn't a bad thing, shows you are intelligent. If you had swaggered in here without concern, we would have thrown you out immediately."

Saria'Maine was the next to speak, "My little sister is very fond of you, and we can see you are just as fond to her. Your eyes soften with her name, your an ideal candidate, even if you encourage her rambunctious adventures." She grinned, a feral one if Ella had ever seen one. "Makes me slightly jealous I didn't have a partner in crime when I was younger." At this her parents ruefully grinned and they looked slightly relieved that she hadn't. "As you can imagine, we work in the shadows as well as the light to guide our people. We protect them as well from many a threat so that they can live their lives peacefully. You are now part of this fold, you must prove that our faith in you is well placed."

Ella nodded, "I won't have to lie to her... will I? I don't think I could do that." She looked down at her hands, worried that she had already broken that faith.

"No, dear." Xii'Derra spoke with a gentleness you felt in your core. "That is a good question, and one that shows you are ready to start on this path. Telling lies and being secretive is something we of course will have to do, but not from one another."

Saria piped in, "Except when it comes to Arielle's presents. She always tries to sniff them out." All three chuckled.

"You can hide them from her?!" Ella blurted, which to her embarassment made them laugh all the more. "Sorry." She mumbled as they didn't seem to stop for a minute.

"No no, we are sorry dear. We have watched your attempts at hiding her gifts for years, they were good attempts to be sure. Yet you'll soon find ways to hide them that you would not have without the training she has already underwent."

Valen placed a paw on Ella's shoulder. "You are part of our family now, we take care of our own. You won't however be able to tell your family of the things you have learned. Can you do this?" Ella nodded. "Excellent, you will start the new training this coming week. We will send the same officer to fetch you to show you to the training grounds. We start with your mind then your body to follow. There is so much for you to learn. Brace yourself."

She left the Overseers to their business after that. Once she got back to the dorm she saw Arielle casually sitting on her bed. "I've packed most of your things up, you're moving in with me! We have this nice little apartment with a great view!"

Ella rushed up to hug her best friend. "You knew I would stay?"

"Well duh."


~~ Present~~

They walked in silence, minds linked to one another. "This doesn't feel like a response to a novice plot. I have a feeling I won't be able to give you my gift at midnight like I planned to. Sorry."