The Rise Of CuteGuy

Branded

Hels POV

The clang of weapons training had finally quieted down as we took a much-needed break. Scar and Grian had been making solid progress. Scar had a surprising knack for that bow, but Grian, still getting used to handling a gun, was his usual energetic self-especially under the constant pressure of the space suits. He couldn't stop complaining about how restricted his wings felt.

"Alright, break time!" I called out. "Before you two melt in those suits."

Scar let out a relieved sigh, collapsing onto the bench as he yanked off his helmet, shaking out his hair. "I swear, one more minute in that thing and I'd be a puddle."

Grian, always the dramatic one, was already halfway out of his suit, his wings stretching wide as soon as he freed them. "Ugh, I hate this thing," he muttered. "I need to breathe!"

Scar snickered. "You always need to breathe, Bird Brain."

The atmosphere lightened as they bickered, teasing one another like they always did. Scar's teasing and Grian's over-the-top reactions were amusing enough to put a grin on my face. But I was thinking about something else. While they got their energy out, I figured I'd check on Xavier, Xisuma, and Mumbo. The corridors hummed softly as I made my way to the command center, the sound of the ship's systems keeping the quiet moments from feeling too empty.

As I approached, I could hear soft chatter. I paused at the door, leaning against the frame, watching. Xavier was sitting at the captain's chair, his feet propped up, looking more relaxed than I'd seen him in days. Mumbo and Xisuma were studying the control panel, looking at it like it was a puzzle they couldn't quite figure out.

Xisuma was a bit pale, probably still recovering from that weird space sickness, but he had a curious spark in his eye. Mumbo, on the other hand, was peering at every button like it might suddenly launch the ship into an asteroid field.

"Are you sure pressing that button won't... I don't know, cause a disaster?" Mumbo asked, his voice a bit nervous.

Xavier chuckled, barely looking up from the controls. "Pretty sure. Relax, Mumbo, you're not gonna blow us up."

I could see the mischievous glint in his eyes as he leaned forward, finger hovering over a button that he knew full well wouldn't cause any harm. I almost smirked myself, knowing exactly what was about to happen.

Without any warning, he pressed it.

Both Xisuma and Mumbo jumped like they'd been electrocuted. For a second, they looked at each other, wide-eyed, before realizing nothing terrible had happened. The soft hum of the air filters kicked in, and Xavier leaned back, a smug grin plastered on his face.

"See? Just the air filters," he said, clearly enjoying himself.

Xisuma shook his head, rubbing his temples. "You really enjoy messing with us, don't you?"

From behind me, I could faintly hear the hush of conversation and laughter drifting up from the lower levels, probably Scar and Grian catching on to the commotion through the intercom.

Stepping further into the room, I caught Xavier's eye. "Keeping them on their toes, I see?" I asked.

He winked at me, still smirking. "Gotta keep things interesting, right?"

I nodded, folding my arms as I leaned against the wall, watching as the rest of the crew settled down. Mumbo had started asking more about the ship's mechanics, clearly getting more comfortable with the controls, and Xisuma leaned in, listening carefully to the explanation. The soft murmur of their voices filled the space, mixing with the hum of the ship as it floated through the void of space.