Space Highway (Legends)

Takeoff

(Zarra's hut, in the immediate aftermath of the epic battle)

*Colin's POV*

Zarra and I sat around, waiting for Reese to wake up while Elle went back for their ship. The Magentite woman had applied some strange, glowing ointment and injection comprised of the Grey battle drug and other healing elixirs to Reese, who's wound she also patched up.

I can't believe he could hold his own against a Grey, let alone a mech suit. What exactly did they do to him, what sort of twisted, surgical experiments did they conduct? I wanted to ask him back on Kitano, but we were in the middle of a cage match at the time.

I looked at the man, how could one cheat death so many times? Granted, it didn't help much that he charged head first into battle, but based on what he's told me about his adventures, he should have died.

I then immediately recalled the tales my father and my grandfather, Odin, would tell me of the great Praetorian warrior known as Caenum, and how much like Reese here, his tenacity and willpower was never ending. I often feared on the whereabouts of the warrior, but I then recalled the tale Odin told me of how he and other Ancients had beat him some few thousand years ago, exiling him to deep space.

I pray that if he ever showed his face again, we would be able to beat him once more, and for good.

Just then, Reese's eyes opened, and he grunted.

"Whoa, take it easy there, man." I gestured to Reese. "Zarra's medicine is taking some time to work its magic."

"W...where's Elle?" Reese's eyes widened.

"She's coming back with the ship," I replied, just as loud rumbling began to sound, followed by the hissing of landing gears being activated.

Reese, despite me telling him to go slow, sprung up, and walked to the entrance of the hut.

Elle walked in, to which Reese hugged her tightly, having to use her to stand.

I could tell those two had feelings for one another. Despite the...bizarreness of it, they've been through a rough four years, always having each other's backs.

"I'm glad you're okay." Reese smiled, coughing.

"Same to you." Elle's face screen glowed brighter. "I managed to break down the mech that Colin fought into small enough pieces to fit aboard. I think, maybe I can find some use out of it, or I can modify it so you can operate it."

"Thank you, Elle." Reese kissed her screen, to which I saw Elle's face turn violet.

"So, what now?" I asked everyone.

"I think it's high time we leave." Reese stated, looking around. "Zarra, I think it's safe to say you can repurpose the gear left out there to help restart things around here, right?"

Zarra nodded. "Indeed, I can. Thank you, Reese, Elle, for your bravery. Especially you, Asgardian."

I chuckled. "Only half. My mom's human like Reese here. Which reminds me..."

"What is it, bud?" Reese asked me.

"I think I'm going to go back home."

"What, back to Asgard?"

"No, Earth. I've been away from home for too long, and I think it's time I head back, especially now. It's only a matter of time before the Greys try to attack again."

"Well, that's what the Sentinels are for. Besides, my fight more or less settled that."

"There's also my family. My aunt Gabby hasn't seen me since I left with Dad to find Mom in Tartarus."

Reese nodded. "Okay. How are you getting back, because Elle and I are going to keep exploring space."

"Well, much like Dad, I can just call on Heimdall, and he can send me there with the Bifrost."

Reese nodded. "I guess this is goodbye. Well, when you get planet side, give the Sentinels my regards."

I nodded back. "I'll do that." I pulled Reese in for a quick hug. "Take care of yourself, Reese."

"Likewise, Colin."

Afterwards, I stepped outside, looking to the heavens.

"Heimdall, if you can hear me, I need a lift!"

*Reese's POV*

I watched as Colin was engulfed in a tube of rainbow colored light, and within seconds, disappeared.

"You could've gone back with him, Reese. Why didn't you?" Elle asked me, holding me up.

"I wanted to, but I still think it's best if I stay away from Earth for a while. Besides, I can't exactly leave you by yourself."

Elle smiled up at me.

"Well, where to?" Elle asked me as we walked up the bridge of our ship.

"Surprise me." I smiled as she helped me up the ramp, ready for our next adventure.

END

Reese, Elle and Colin will return in Zero Hour