Secret Silver | hiatus

x. Falls Forest

Three years ago, I was on an undercover mission with the Venus sector. None of those in my sector knew of my involvement in Mission Magna, not even Oliver and Maya. After Fenner, the unspoken leader of Venus, died on the field, they recruited me for a vital negotiation with Arc, who held one of our Executives hostage. 

The deal itself took place at an old parking garage that was set to be demolished, and now, I was driving past the site. The garage was no longer there, but the memories themselves were vivid in my mind. That was my life for as long as I could remember. I used to have an unquestionable purpose. Now that I wasn't being assigned to missions and being told what to do, my sense of freedom began to grow. The sensation, although terrifying, was also exhilarating.

For twenty years, G.O.L.D. owned me. Now, I was free.

"You know you're going ten miles over the speed limit?"

Silas's irritating voice pierced my thoughts. His eyes were wide and focused on my speedometer, his hands clinging to his seat as if we'd crash any second.

Rolling my eyes, I put more pressure on the gas pedal, resulting in a small whimper from him. After that, he remained silent for a few moments, his hands continuously fidgeting with the radio, changing stations every two seconds.

I decided to let him be. Besides, I wouldn't be with him much longer. Julia lived close to the university that Silas attended, which was perfect for him. How he'd explain his absence to his professors and family members, I didn't exactly know. But that was his problem. I had too many of my own.

"How long do I have to stay with this woman?"

He asked, looking out of the window, deep in thought. I could imagine how strange all of this was for him. What he experienced in the past couple of days was beyond anything he could explain to anyone, but a part of me was impressed with the way that he handled everything. It could have been much, much worse.

"As long as she says. She knows what she's doing."

The rest of the car ride was spent in silence. It's funny how someone can be a part of your story for only a few days. Silas was not someone I'd known for too long, yet he was essential to my life and in a way, my destiny. The few days spent with him were the weirdest I'd ever had. And even though he was annoying, nerdy, and quite nosy, I realized that there was a possibility I'd feel his absence. But I ignored those thoughts, pushing them far, far to the back of my mind.

Once we reached Julia's house, I stopped the car, feeling awkwardness settle over the atmosphere. Silas cleared his throat, his eyes meeting mine. He rummaged through his backpack for something, and finally pulled out a comic book.

"Uh—um, this is for you."

His smile was sheepish as he extended the book towards me. I took it cautiously, unaware of the appropriate response. Or why he was even giving it to me.

"The main character reminds me of you. And I think you might like it."

He seemed so confident about the fact that I'd enjoy it, the expression on his face almost sullen.

I blinked, running my hands over the plastic cover.

"The Adventures of Agent Silver: 1st Edition"

Underneath the title was a picture of a girl coated in leather, holding a gun by her side, looking over her shoulder at what seemed to be a burning city. Her eyes were a light brown, hair pulled up into a bun.

Not being able to decipher the strange feeling in my chest, I managed a smile. I was never comfortable with sentimental interactions, and I'd really only known Silas for less than a week. But the gesture was sweet.