~~~ 6 Month Later ~~~

Not even six months later, Machai's team went up an entire rank after participating in a small tournament designed to test the different units. By that time, Machai was well known throughout the entire tenth unit as one of the greatest commanders they ever had. He held the record for the lowest death count and most votes to stay when a replacement was available after he became commander. Hello my name is Erin Waddell.

Usually, a commander would stay with the unit assigned to them; however, everyone knew Machai wouldn't stay forever. Most commanders were in the upper ranks of the tenth unit. Meaning, while they could probably make the cut to advance, their skills would be of more use being a commander. Of course, many other factors were taken into consideration too, such as logistical planning and other such skills.

So, it was six months after Machai became commander that his roommates jumped up a rank, which was the first time a whole team was promoted within a year. While that was a great achievement, it did create much resentment with many 9th unit members who worked nonstop for years in order to increase their rank.

The team found themselves being tested almost every day, whether it was through extra training or resisting the urge to pummel someone into the ground to stop the insults. It was like that for the first month until they were able to partner with another unit that was friendly with them.

Luckily for Machai's team, this team was respected by the majority of the unit, so when they told everyone to give Machai's team a chance, they grudgingly did so. After that, people started to notice Machai's team for the people they were instead of their achievements. Soon, many enjoyed hanging out with them and often came to Machai for training tips.

All in all, it was another unit, just slightly higher in the ranks.

~~~ 2 Months Later ~~~

"Everyone! We got a mission!" yelled the leader of the other unit, Jyrun. He was speaking to the nine people in the room doing various things. Two were playing a game similar to chess, two were watching a show, two were in the kitchen starting dinner, two were going over future training programs, and one was stuck to the ceiling above the two planning … he looked a little disgruntled. However, everyone stopped what they were doing to listen.

Jyrun nodded when he had everyone's attention. "The mission is to retrieve a package from King Rorik of Asperia and deliver it to Senator Rynok, who is currently on Jacovik in a conference. This may sound easy but King Rorik warns that there may be some unsavory groups after this package. I'm sure we can safely deliver the package, right?" He said with a smirk as most nodded with Jeos shouting out, "Hell Yeah!"' Jyrun laughed and yelled, "Alright! Pack your bags! We leave in a hour!"

While four of Machai's group were looking forward to the mission, since the twin's home planet was Jacovik, Machai was thinking the total opposite. He wasn't very keen on going to Asperia.

He knew the princess's father, who he saved as Omega, was still alive since their race lived around 3,000 years. However, she wouldn't know he was in the army, so there shouldn't be anything to worry about … right?

~~~ 1 Week Earlier ~~~

If Princess Cyllin had to describe herself with one word at the moment, she would probably use, not a word, but the phase, 'nervous as hell.' She was currently sitting outside the creator of the universe's office.

All she wanted to do was place a request for an armed messenger group to, of course, deliver a message. She had done this many times before, so she had no idea why the creator of the universe requested to see her. Not through letter or anything, noooo. It was right after she dropped off the request.

She was just about to leave the building when a messenger stopped her and told her Chaos wished to meet with her. Now, most would probably die to get a chance to meet with Chaos. However, that would be if it was a formal event with prior warning. There were certain steps one should take to prepare for such a meeting that she was unable to do in the short walk to his office.

So, she was currently stressing herself out trying to figure out what she did to offend Chaos and how she could go about fixing it. She reviewed everything she had done since the moment she could think for herself. What could have possibly caught his attention! Sure, she may have stolen a lollipop from a store when she was twenty, but she thought her parents paid for it! … She sighed at the ridiculousness of the last statement.

She took a deep breath to calm herself down before she heard a light, "Come in." Gulping nervously, she quietly opened the door and stepped inside.

Doing a quick look around the office, she was surprised to say that it was very modest. There weren't any grand sculptures or paintings. No fancy armor display or much of anything grandiose really.

There was a bookshelf behind his wooden desk with most likely priceless tomes and scrolls. There was a carpet leading up to his desk with windows stretched across the room with enough natural light to not need artificial lights. Though, she could spot a few depressions with crystals in the ceiling for when it got dark.

She walked primly, yet nervously, to his desk before bowing her head and curtsying, "Your highness."

Chaos chuckling made her fidget, which only seemed to make his smile widen. "No need for formalities today, Princess Cyllin, so please be at ease. You're probably wondering why I wished to speak with you, so I'll get right to it. A year ago I gained a new recruit in my army that I personally sought. Right now, he is working his way through the ranks and is currently in the 9th unit. You haven't met him, but you do know of him."

She totally wasn't following. At first she thought Chaos was suspicious she had one of her men infiltrate the army for indecent means, but that was discarded by his last statement. Not being able to come up with anything, she decided Chaos was most likely building up her curiosity or nerves … which he was successful at both.

He even seemed to sense that as his smile came back. "He goes by a different name than he used with you, but I thought you would like to meet him and thank him since you were unable to do so back then."

He seemed to be done and was waiting for her to figure out this guy's identity so she started thinking. There were a couple of people she would like to thank, but she would be able to if she really wanted and without Chaos' help. So it was someone who did something generous in her eyes but was unable to be thanked by her.

Chaos spoke up again. "Let me rephrase. In a way, you were able to thank him with a gift, but you would have preferred a gift and personal thanks to fully convey your gratitude."

So, she already thanked him, just not enough. It would have to have been something so great that a gift she would give wasn't enough. She honestly couldn't think of anyone except …

Her head shot up with a hopeful look and she whispered, "Omega." Chaos' smile proved she was spot on and a smile bloomed on her face. Chaos chuckled and said, "Yes, though he goes by the name Machai while in the army. I ask that when he introduces himself that you not reveal his identity while thanking him, though as long as you don't say what you're thanking him for than most shouldn't just jump to the right conclusion."

Cyllin was already on cloud nine and vaguely remembered thanking him before leaving. Her day just got much better. Though, by the way Chaos spoke, Ome … Machai wouldn't know that Chaos told her who he really was. It was perfect for a surprise thank you party! His teammates would probably bug him for the reason, but Machai could come up with something. He was a master assassin so he would have had to be a good spy too.

She may have went into Chaos' office dreading what he had to say, but she left with the best news she'd heard yet!

~~~Back to Present~~~

After the hour was up, they made their way to the ship and took the three week flight to the kingdom of Asperia. As they flew many of the members figured there was more to this mission than met the eye. It was more than obvious by the fidgeting Machai. However, judging by his stoic look, they weren't getting anything out of him.

Surprisingly, Jeos happened to ask, already knowing he probably wouldn't get an answer. Shockingly, Machai answered, even if it wasn't very helpful. He said they would most likely find out soon and to be prepared for something unexpected. Not bad unexpected by his tone, just surprising. Jeos tried to whittle him down, but Machai wouldn't budge.

By the time they got there, Machai just seemed to be resigned to his fate. Though by the way he was acting, it was like he was being sent to the gallows, which slightly worried his fellow teammates.

They docked their ship outside the castle walls and were guided by the guard into the magnificent castle after stating their names and business. The guards led them inside the beautiful castle, which actually won the prize for the most gorgeous castle in all of galaxy 7.

As they walked into the throne room, the soldiers couldn't help but look on in awe at the intricately designed room. The white, marble pillars depicting past events in the people's history shown with the magic imbued into them.

The painting on the walls were made by the best artists in the universe and probably cost 1000 lols each! A five foot wide purple rug with gold edges led guests to the majestic thrones. There were two gorgeous thrones that were made from falite, which was one of the rarest stones only found on the planet Falkatine. Its light purple, crystalline structure and difficulty to mine made it highly sought after, so Omega couldn't even imagine how much they cost.

After everybody was done gawking at the room, they turned to face the king and princess who were waiting for them, looking as regal as ever. Princess Cyllin was known for being one of the most beautiful princesses to have ever been born with her flowing, shoulder-length brown hair and her refined features that let anybody know she was royalty. Though, it seemed as if she was searching their numbers for someone.

Putting that in the back of their minds, the 9th unit kneeled while Jyrun walked a couple of steps forward before kneeling and saying, "It is an honor to be in your presence Milady." The princess just smiled and said, "There is no need to kneel before me. You are here at my request, so you may call me Cyllin."

"Yes, Mil … Cyllin." Jyrun fixed himself much to the amusement of the princess, making Jyrun blush in embarrassment. The unit rose to their feet and Jyrun spoke, "My name is Jyrun, the designated leader of this unit, and this is my team." He said as he waved his hand behind him. "We are here to deliver the package."

The princess just smiled and said, "Thank you for doing this for me. As you know, this package is sought after by many and it can't land into the wrong hands. Before I give it to you, I would like to ask each of you your names."

The whole time, the princess never stopped subtly scanning them, and it was starting to make them nervous. However, Machai wasn't fidgeting anymore and had donned a stoic but police face, which made them wonder if he had history with the princess. Which didn't make sense since the princess should have recognized him then. Disregarding it for now since it wasn't their place, they nodded when their name was called out by Jyrun.

Machai, on the other hand, inwardly froze on the spot. What were the odds of her asking the unit's names! He had never been on a mission before where someone had asked for the whole unit's name unless it was a formal occasion, which it wasn't!

Jyrun showed a little surprise at the question but started calling out his units names, pointing to each one. "Hyru … Kido … Simod … Kay … Jeos … Kelo… Razalric… Nafeary… and Machai." The princess instantly snapped her head in hopeful shock that she heard him right.

Machai was killing himself inside hoping beyond hope she didn't say anything about his past life. He wanted to at least make it into the 3rd unit before his Savior past was revealed, but that might not be an option.

"Machai," the princess said breathlessly much to the confusion of the other unit members, who were now looking between the awestruck princess and the calm as usual Machai.

"Milady," Machai responded not liking this situation one bit. "Is it really you?" the princess hopefully asked thinking, hoping, that this was her father's savior so she could properly thank him.

Machai softly sighed, though with a slight smile. "Yes Milady." He knew his cover was about to be blown. She would start thanking him for saving her father and everybody knew that the Savior saved her father. She had kept his name a secret which he was grateful for, and he couldn't blame her if she revealed him now.

She instantly started to tear up to the surprise of the entire unit who looked at Machai trying to figure out the connection between him and the well-known princess. They were even more surprised when she flung herself on him spouting out so many thank-yous that could supply the universe for at least a week.

A soft smile crept up on his face as he returned the hug. "There is no thanks needed. Anybody would have done the same." He still didn't like basking in the fame and glory no matter how much he had changed. It just didn't sit right with him.

She practically melted in his arms until she registered what he said. She held him at arm's length and composed herself. "What do you mean there is no thanks needed! You …" She was interrupted as Machai pulled her into another hug which she once again melted into the strong arms wrapped around her. She could have stayed like that forever.

The unit was staring at the princess and Machai hugging like he saved her life and she never got to thank him for it. They knew Machai had an interesting past by the way he dodged certain questions, but they knew he wasn't a bad person so never pushed. Machai was just … a mystery they were slowly unraveling. Apparently, Machai's past was full of some interesting happenings if he got this reaction from Princess Cyllin.

Machai chuckled a little as he held her and said, "You're welcome," to appease her. She finally let go and blushed when she felt the stares and her father's smile. Luckily for her, her father broke the silence. "Yes, thank you for saving my life. Should you ever need anything, feel free to ask and I'll do my best to fulfill your request."

Machai nodded with a smile to show his appreciation, but the dawning comprehension on Nafeary's face spelled trouble for his hidden identity. He knew right when he figured it out judging by his gasp and stunned look. The others looked between Machai and Nafeary pretty much demanding an explanation from one of them when they were alone.

Once Machai focused back on the talk between Jyrun, who professionally put what just happened to the back of his mind, and King Rorik, he noticed that they were going to stay for the ball that was recently planned for tomorrow night before leaving the morning after to deliver the package.

The conversation soon ended as the group was led to their rooms. Nafeary still seemed to be recovering from the, admittedly, shocking revelation. Machai wasn't even surprised he figured it out, and it wasn't just because he was really smart as usual. King Rorik's life had only been truly threatened one time in history and many knew he was saved by the Savior. The only thing keeping the others from making the connection was probably the many years between now and then.

When they finally got to their rooms, they all gathered in Jyrun's room since it was the biggest. Machai sighed as he sat down and said, "Nafeary, explain what you've found out, and I'll fill in anything missing."

That seemed to shake him out of his stupor and he began to explain, albeit, still a little dazed. "King Roric has only been saved from one assassination during his life, and he was saved by the Savior of the people. The one who toppled entire governments through assassinations and freed countless civilizations. It was rumored that the Savior even escaped from Chaos and has never been seen since."

He got a nod in return, which didn't help his awe level. Everyone else was looking at Machai with disbelieving, but slightly comprehending, looks. Machai had always been a rather secretive person even though he had an open personality. Very little was known about his past, which would make perfect sense with that kind of backstory. Machai's ever increasing skills helped too.

Nafeary continued, not even noticing the others as he focused solely on Machai. "His methods of assassination have been debated, theorized and tested by thousands of the greatest minds and still none have come to a solid conclusion."

Machai nodded with a soft smile as Jeos spoke up. "Wait, hold on a moment. Are we talking about the father and son assassins over a hundred years ago?" Nafeary opened his mouth to answer but Hyru, one of Jyrun's members, said, "Wait, I thought it was a cult of assassins."

They all stopped talking and looked at Machai, who chuckled and said, "I am and have always been the 'Savior of the people' as everyone seems to know me as." Everyone's jaw dropped as they thought about their friend being the greatest assassin the universe had ever known.

Jyrun pitched in after a moment of silence. "Your first documented assassination was over a hundred years ago. How old are you?" Machai nodded and said, "I just turned 150 last month." Jaws dropped again as they all got accustomed to being much younger than Machai, who they thought was around early twenties.

"What race are you, Machai?" Nafeary asked. "I can accurately identify most races but have never been able to figure yours out. And with such few races that can live as long as you, while still looking young, narrows down the list drastically."

Machai nodded and said, "My father was from the crustacean race, Lacuro. My mother … let's just say she was unique even amongst her family." He couldn't reveal Hestia as his mom even if they wouldn't know who she was. This information would most likely get back to Chaos, and Machai didn't want him figuring out his true identity so soon.

Knowing his father's race would explain his skin color and possible height since Lacuro were about the same size. His physique, longevity and lack of pincers would most likely be attributed to his 'mysterious' mother's side.

"Umm," Nafeary hesitantly started. "Uh, C-Chaos does know that you are in his army, right?" Most of the others stiffened at the implication. For the greatest assassin to join an army probably sounded like an ulterior motive. For example, a possible target in the army that he couldn't get to without being in a high enough position in it.

"Ha! No, I joined for the same reason I said when I first met you. I joined for a new experience." Machai laughed out loud at their slightly relieved looks. They probably didn't want to procure his wrath by telling Chaos if he didn't know already. "Also, Chaos was being pushy, and I didn't want to see him pout or anything if I refused." Machai thoroughly enjoyed their incredulous expressions at his last comment. What was even better was that Chaos probably would have pouted if he looked like he was going to refuse.

It'd been awhile since they've talked. They needed to have a chat anyway about random topics since he could tell Chaos enjoyed them. It was most likely a rare occurrence for him to talk to someone who didn't look up to him and speak carefully in fear of saying the wrong thing and gaining his wrath.

Jeos nervously laughed, "Haha, that was funny." He looked towards Machai who put on a slightly confused face that said, 'I seriously meant that though,' which didn't help the other room occupants.

Seeing how no one else was going to speak, Machai continued. "Chaos got lucky and caught me in one of my 'on the spot' assassinations. We talked for a bit, and he strongly encouraged me to come to his army recruitment tournament, which, as you see, I did. From then on you pretty much know the rest."

Everyone seemed to finally accept him as being the Savior, and he was happy to see that they didn't have an awe or nervous look anymore. He would prefer to be treated the same as always.

Nafeary spoke up again in a hopeful voice. "So, how did you commit all those assassinations? You must have some type of teleporting ability, which is beyond rare and even then most are just short bursts of extreme speed, and your skill in stealth must be extraordinary!" Machai chuckled at everyone's eager or interested expressions, but he had to disappoint them.

"Sorry, everyone. Trade secret. Maybe someday I'll tell or show you, but for now, I can't satisfy your curiosity." Nafeary sighed despondently but nodded his head, slightly expecting that answer now that he thought about it.

Machai clapped and stood up. "Well, it's time for everyone to get some sleep. I hope knowing about this doesn't change anything between us. I am and have always been Machai, just as I have been Omega, the Savior of the people." He smiled as everyone softly smiled at him and nodded their heads. Machai was happy that nothing seemed to change. He went to sleep that night quite happy that his friends knew more about him and accepted him fully.

The ball the next day was as grand as he expected, though he was surprised at the large attendance for a quickly put together ball. Lords and ladies from all over the galaxy came and socialized amongst themselves.

The two major points of the day were his clothes and dancing with the princess.

Only prepared to deliver a package, they were wholly unprepared for a gallant ball, but the king was kind enough to pay for some speedily tailored clothes. They were quite nice, but some of the professional tailors could probably tell that they were hastily made judging by some of the superior looks people sent the group.

The other major event was dancing with the princess. Most attendees knew that King Rorik and Princess Cyllin invited a group from Chaos army who was already in the castle, so it wasn't a surprise to see them. However, what did surprise and astonish most was Machai dancing with the princess. Machai didn't know how many social cues he was breaking, but he honestly didn't care.

While it had been a while since he last danced, he was just as good and was happy to impress the most likely important people with stern looks. He gave himself an inner thumbs-up when he finished dancing.

After it was over, the group thanked the king and princess for the invitation and left the next day to deliver the package. They didn't encounter any trouble, luckily, so it was smooth flying to Jeos' and Kelo's home planet.

They spent the rest of day being led around by the two and enjoying their time together. While morbid, every day should be preserved in the army, because anything could happen at any time. Whether it's being sent to war or even a training accident. So, they had a great time and left back to the base the next day.

All in all, it was an easy mission where they learned much about each other, especially Machai. They grew closer through the shared secret, and Machai was glad to have such great friends and loyal companions.

~~~Chaos' POV~~~

Chaos once again was looking out of his window when he saw his little enigma's group return from their mission. He was slightly anxious as to how Machai would react, but was greatly relieved to see him laughing with his team.

Chaos knew he was taking a great risk telling Princess Cyllin about Machai's identity. He knew that Machai's friends had a high chance of figuring out his identity even if Cyllin didn't explicitly say the reason for her thanks. And judging by the way the king treated Machai at the ball (his spy, who was on a mission, also reported about Machai), his secret was most likely revealed to everyone who was in the room when Machai was thanked. Because the king's pride would have demanded he verbally thank Machai for saving his life.

He softly smiled as he went back to his desk. He was happy Machai was putting trust with his teammates and opening up to them. He just hoped that Machai didn't hold it against him for revealing his identity. He would definitely miss Machai's sassy and sarcastic remarks.

HEEEEYYYYY! Long time no read ;) I finally found inspiration to write while actually having enough time to write the chapter!

Alright, I know the majority of the people wanted me to update my story before I go back and edit, but I think I may have to edit first before moving on. I want to change some things in the beginning that could affect what I want to write in the future. Also, it has been so long since I've written/read this story, and I'm forgetting many small things that are kind of important. For example, his age. It actually took a while of searching through my story to figure it out (left Earth at 22, trained for four years (26), 50 years as assassin (76), 50 year break (126), 22 years as assassin before being caught (148), and one year per unit so far so ninth is 150. Anyway, I'll probably do that first and hopefully get back to updating afterward.

Alright, I know some will be wondering how Machai is moving so fast up the ranks when many others have to wait years or even decades. This is because of multiple reasons: his skill level, his personality, recommendations, history during his unit and, of course, Chaos wanting him higher up where he could 'show his true potential.' However, Chaos knows certain formalities have to be taken into account, such as every member going through every rank, etc.

Anyway, if you have any questions, feel free to pm me. I don't have a set time for the next update, so don't ask me that question. Other than that, I'll see you peeps later!