Rule 5: Never bring up the past

“Stop moving, sweetheart.” I flinched as Wave put something on my scar on my left hand. We are on the infirmary and he helped to treat my wound. He was cleaning and putting a bandage on it. Awkward tension filling the air.

“Thank you, partner-in-crime.” I tried to joke.  I thought of another thing to say….I should bring it out since I’m sober that time…“Did you remember last night?”

He shushed me. “Don’t.”

I raised my eyebrows at him, “So you remember...we should talk about it.”

”That was a mistake. I was drunk. Forget about it Hira. ” He stopped. “Don’t forget, I’m maybe your partner but I am also your superior. We should handle everything professionally.”

I stared at him for a minute, carefully analyzing his eyes and his body language. “Of course,” I replied. He’s not fidgeting, shifting his eyes or anything, instead, he was looking at me directly. I’m still nothing compared to him, he’s a top agent after all. And that’s what irritates me. “I just don’t want it to be awkward between us. And it’s not like I’m going to fall for you.” I rolled my eyes.

“Good.” Smiling, he stood up, ruffled my hair,  and walked to the door.

I went to my room and found Mr. Warner waiting by the door. “Mr. Warner?” I asked.

He smiled and gave me a small box. “I know it’s late, Hira. But happy birthday, my child.” I smiled. Just like Mr. Martins, he considers me as his daughter also, claiming that he always wanted one.

“Awe, thanks, Mr. Warner! I hugged him and whispered, “Just know that you’re cooler than Mr. Martins. That man is always angry and serious at me.”

He gave me a thumbs-up, “Nice perception of yours right there. Of course, I’ll always be the cool dad, ” Smirking, he ruffled my hair and walked away, “Now if you’ll excuse me, you’re cool dad has to attend some important matters.”

I laughed. Sometimes, it’s good to have a thing called family…I suddenly thought of dad, missing his presence. I may have Mr. Martins and Mr. Warner, acting like a father to me, but the feeling of missing the real one would always engulf me in sadness.

I just went to my room. I saw Sigreen on her bed, painting her nails. She glanced at me before continuing. “You look like you just came from hell,” she commented.

I looked at the mirror. Am I? “I just did. Try partnering up with Wave and you’ll know the feeling.” I said, getting my comfortable sweatpants and oversized shirt from my closet.

She chuckled. “I know it’s him again…What happened between you and your boyfriend today?” she asked.

I rolled my eyes, “He’s not my boyfriend Sigreen. He’s my partner, and my superior, okay?”

“Whatever.” She laughed.

I sighed, feeling like a truck just hit me. I went to the bathroom and took a quick shower and slept.

**********

The next day, Agent Blue decided for us to go in the forest, our usual hang-out place. I wanted to train, but Sigreen kept on bugging me so I didn’t have a choice. 

The Cypher Agency’s scientists developed medicine to make the animals domesticated and let them roam around the forest. The tigers surrounded the area, helping us guard our headquarters although we have tight security, so every week, the animal peacekeepers are going here to inspect them. For the safety of everyone, it’s best to avoid that area.

Only scientists, animal peacekeepers, and top agents are allowed to come to the forest. We don’t have easy access, but good thing that we have Sigreen.

“Stripe!” Sigreen yelled in excitement as she ran to hug a tiger. It’s a female one, and she calls it her pet.

The tiger was licking her hand, she giggled. "She's so adorable, isn't she?" 

When I was new here, I was shocked to learn all of these things. I couldn’t get over the fact that people here call tigers a pet, but I somehow adjusted to it.  I hurried over to Stripe and petted her. There were little tigers joining in and I picked one up. 

 "Oh, the whole family came! C'mon here, my children!" Sigreen yelled excitedly. 

 With Dollar and Blue fighting for a tiger on one side, Bulb and Ariel were making a bet on who will win. They are chaotic and so childish, but all of us knew that with every dangerous mission we have, it may be the last moment in our lives. 

 We never know.

***                                       

“No way, you two kissed?” Cade whisper-yelled at me, shocked at the news I told him. We are in the dining hall, chatting and chilling. I instantly covered his mouth, looking around if someone heard us.” Lower your voice Cade!” I whispered. “And it happened when you threw a party for me. You’re late in the news. We also solved it already.”

 “But really? Did he really-”  He asked, still not believing me.

“Yes I kissed her, Captain Cade” A deep voice said from behind me. I gulped, realizing whose deep voice it is. Turning around, I saw Wave standing behind me.

 Cade stands up to greet him, “Good morning, Top agent Wave.”

“Morning.” Agent1 Wave greeted back. Cade nodded and sat back.

“What?” I asked as Wave just stood there, looking at me.

“Meeting room, after you eat. ASAP.” He said, sounding serious, and walked away.

Cade was fidgeting from across me.  “Geez, Hira, he heard us talking about him! I was so nervous!”

I mocked a concerned look and patted him on the back to tease him. “You’ll be fine.” 

Other agents are really scared of Wave...even Cade since he always put up a serious intimidating face when we are in front of many people. But he could be outgoing when he wants to... Still, now, I can’t solve that mystery. I don’t even know the real him as he changes his personality in every mission we have.

“I’m still against you, partnering up with him. We two could have been partnered up you’ll be enjoying my company more than him!” he exclaimed like a kid. “Tell me if he’s bullying you.”

“I’m amazed how you can handle your superior, Agent Nova.” Agent Blue appeared behind me and sat beside me. 

“That’s right, I’m surprised you didn’t quit. He’s always tense and always thinks about missions and stuff.” Agent Dollar sat beside Wave and across from me.

“Now I know where you get your ‘train until you die’ attitude. You got it from your superior!” Agent Bulb exclaimed.

I just rolled my eyes at their remarks. “Where’s Sigreen? And Agent Ariel?”

“Out on the work.” They replied.

“Excuse me guys, can I borrow my best friend?” Cade spoke up. “You guys had her yesterday so can I have her back?”

“First of all, you’re not my best friend Cade.” I joked. His head would get large if I admit that he’s my best friend. “and second of all, what am I? a toy? To borrow?” I chuckled.

 “What, Agent Trace? You’re jealous that I’ll take Agent Nova from you?” Blue teased.

“Admit it, you like  Agent Nova.” Bulb added. I shook my head, chuckling at them.

Cade blushed. “Excuse me, I like boys.” Yes, you heard it right. Cade likes boys. I repeat, he likes boys. So stop shipping me with him. I only see him as my best friend.

“Stop teasing my best friend,” I spoke up. Cade’s eyes sparkled and beamed at me. “I know you accept me as your best friend.” He stuck his tongue out at my friends. What a child. Speaking of a child, the other child, Wave is waiting for me in the meeting room.

Standing up, I pick up my food tray and throw the leftovers in the trash before putting it back on the kitchen counter. “I have to go now, duty calls.” With that, I went to the training room.

 Opening the door of the meeting room, I saw Mr. Warner and Wave having a conversation. I entered and sat on the chair, throwing my feet on the table. “Are you prepared for this mission, Agent Nova?” asked Mr. Warner.

“We are about to discuss it, Mr. Warner.” Wave said.

“Okay, I see. Be careful, we are facing threats from other organizations but I’ll handle them. Focus on your mission. Remember, the orb. ” said Mr. Warner and left, ruffling my hair on his way out. I rolled my eyes, fixing my hair. I spent hours combing this messy hair of mine.

I grabbed a gum in the candy jar beside me and opened it.

Wave threw a picture of a blonde woman in front of me. I popped off the gum in my mouth. “What’s that?” I woke up early today and went to discuss with Wave in the meeting room.

He crossed his hands in front of him. “A woman, Agent Nova.”

I rolled my eyes at his answer. “Duh, of course, I know. But what about her? Your lover or something?”

“For our mission, little kitten”

“Is it related to the K-9 group?”

“Sadly..no”

I writhed my face in disgust. “Nah, not exciting.” I only have eyes for cases that are related to K-9. “Nevermind, let’s finish it quickly.” I motioned for him to start. 

He sighed. “Waan Saetang is the wife of A-wut Saetang. He runs an illegal organization around Bangkok. He makes fake money and distributes it to his dealers. His wife was taken by his enemies and he is currently searching for her. This is the time to catch him off guard, his guard is low. I went there last week and gathered information. I caught one of his workers but won’t tell me where the fake money-making factory is. But he runs a high-end club so I believe his factory is inside the club.”

“Tsk, that’s boring Wave,” I said. “I’m gonna work in the club as a waitress right?”

“Why correct, princess.” He replied and clapped his hands yelling, “Show them your charms, Ms. Sigreen.”

 The door opened and I saw Sigreen’s face appearing. “It’s prepared, Agent Wave.” She placed a big box in front of me and opened it. Grabbing a lipstick, she opened the cap and pressed on it, revealing a dagger. My eyes widen in shock. “That’s cool.”

“There’s more.” Sigreen got a ring and wore it, “Click here and it has poison.”

I clapped. “Awesome!” I can’t wait to try it. There were other makeup tools there. I haven’t had missions that use makeup tools as weapons in my missions before so imagine my excitement. As much as I’d like to try each one, Wave stopped me, saying we need to leave and get on the plane since the ride would be 17 hours long.

“Do we need to go now?”

“Yes, now.”

I scoffed, disappointed that I don’t have time to play with my newfound weapons. I went to the weapons room and got myself a pistol with bullets and daggers. I also got a crossbow, my favorite weapon for the moment. I wore a summer dress and put on a hat, spraying perfume. I packed my clothes, adding a bikini just in case. I didn't have to wear my blue contact lens for this mission since we are going to Asia, and I have Asian features so that’s a plus to blend in with the crowd.

I put on my diamond earrings that serve as my earpiece and of course, my high tec watch.

“What?” I asked as Wave looked at me when I entered our assigned jet. He was already waiting for me by the time I arrived.

“It’s Bangkok, Thailand! We’re going on a vacation.” I had gone from Bangkok before but that was only a quick mission and I had not gotten the time to enjoy my trip. So I’m going to take it as a chance.

“Whatever you say, little kitten.” He just shook his head. “Let’s go on our date then.”