The ship lurched as we broke through Knowhere's atmosphere, the stars stretching out before us like a glittering canvas. I swallowed hard, trying not to think about the very real possibility of dying a very unpleasant death in the vacuum of space. But with VIX in my ear and Illyana at the controls, I had to admit the odds of making it out of this in one piece were looking up—if by "one piece" I meant "with all my limbs still attached."
"So, how does this work?" I asked, eyeing the cockpit's controls with a mix of awe and trepidation.
"It's all very... scientific," VIX said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You just point and think really hard about where you want to go."
"Or you could, you know, actually use the ship's navigation system," Illyana added, her eyes never leaving the instruments in front of her. "But where's the fun in that?"
The ship's engines whined as we streaked through the stars, the sensation of speed making my stomach drop. It was like riding the universe's most extreme roller coaster without the pesky safety bars.
"So, you just... stole this?" I asked, trying to keep my voice casual.
"Borrowed," Illyana corrected. "And it's not stealing if you plan to return it eventually."
Lyra's hand tightened on the railing. "Eventually?"
Illyana's laugh was a sound like shattering ice. "Relax, darling. I've got a plan."
The ship jolted, sending me stumbling into the wall. "And what's that?" I managed to ask through gritted teeth.
"To survive," she said, turning to look at us with a grin. "And make sure the people who want you dead never catch up."
The cockpit lit up with a cacophony of warnings, and suddenly, we were hurtling towards a giant asteroid field. "You're kidding, right?" I squeaked.
"Never kidding," Illyana said, her eyes gleaming. "Hold on to your... well, hold on to something."
The asteroids grew larger, looming like the teeth of a cosmic monster ready to devour us whole. The ship zigzagged through the field with a grace that defied all logic, and for a moment, I allowed myself to believe that maybe, just maybe, we'd make it out of this alive.
"How do you do this?" I shouted over the roar of engines and explosions.
"Practice," she said, her voice calm as a still pond. "And a bit of magic."
The asteroid field grew denser, the ship groaning with every near miss. Sweat trickled down my forehead, and my heart felt like it was trying to escape through my ribcage. But as we emerged on the other side, unscathed, I couldn't help but feel a strange sort of exhilaration.
"So, where to?" Illyana asked, her grin never faltering.
Lyra and I exchanged a look. "I've got a feeling we're about to find out," she murmured.
And with that, we were off again, the ship slicing through the void like a knife through the fabric of reality. Our destination? Unknown. Our chances of survival? Debatable.
"Why don't we head to my birth planet, D'Khanos?" Lyra suggested, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "They've got the best Kree cuisine in the sector."
"Lyra," I began, trying to keep the skepticism out of my voice. "Why do you want to be with me?"
She shrugged, her smile widening. "Why not?" she said. "You're entertaining, you've got a certain... je ne sais quoi. Plus, you've got a way with words that could charm the pants off a statue. And let's not forget your 'unique' way of handling situations."
"Unique," I muttered, my mind racing. "That's one way to put it."
"Besides," she added, her hand landing on my shoulder with a gentle squeeze. "I've got a feeling that with you around, I'll never be bored."
The touch sent a jolt of electricity through me, and I couldn't help but look at her. Her hand lingered for a moment before she pulled away, leaving me to wonder if she felt it too.
"But what about the bounty?" I asked, trying to refocus on the task at hand. "Won't it follow us there?"
"Don't worry," she said, her voice filled with confidence. "I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. And if all else fails, I know a few people who owe me favors."
The mention of favors and her mysterious past piqued my curiosity, but I didn't press the issue. Instead, I nodded and leaned back in my chair, trying to appear more relaxed than I felt. "Alright," I said. "Lyra's homecoming it is."
VIX, ever the voice of reason, chimed in. "Just remember, Cody," she warned. "You're playing with fire. And unless you want to get burned, you might wanna keep your hands to yourself."
I rolled my eyes, ignoring her. "Thanks for the advice, VIX," I said. "But I can handle myself."
Lyra shot me a sideways glance, her smile hinting at something more. "We'll see about that," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.