Blindfold

by Anonymous

Summary:

I can help with that.

Chapter 1: Guilty Pleasure

I was lying on a surprisingly soft bed, looking at the ceiling. It was quiet. Except. For his steps. He sat down next to me, playfully showing off a light blue cloth.
"Are you sure this will work?" Was that all I needed, a blindfold? A simple magic trick? And then everything could feel right just for this moment?
"I am sure, after all. What your eyes can't see, can't hurt your heart." He bent down to kiss my neck.
“So just relax and let the magic work.” I could feel every touch of his lips and the scratches of his facial hair. It should feel great, but.
"Are you sure?" I only felt guilty. I shouldn't have accepted this proposal. 

"If you are worried about my voice," he moved away and looked down at my chest. He put his fingers on my zipper and slowly pulled it down.
"It won't be a problem," he slid his hand inside my jumpsuit and slowly rubbed the left side of my torso. I shivered with each brush.
"I will make sure that my mouth," he moved next to my ear to whisper, "Is fully occupied," and started to kiss the space behind it.
Again, it should feel good. But...
"Are you really fine with this?" I looked away.
"You know that I will probably-" he bit my neck.
"Ah." then pulled away. I could feel a warmth and soft pressure on my cheek. I didn't resist it. And meet his eyes.
"Now listen to me." his smile was gone, his voice serious.
"I was the one who proposed this. After everything you said, I am your best option. So tell me, why chase the pigeon on the roof when you already have a raven in your hand?" he was right. Of course, he was.
I didn't know what to say, so I guided the cloth to my eyes in silent agreement. Depriving myself of my vision.

"Don't worry. You can be as loud as you want. This room is soundproof, and as I said about that. I don't mind. Just enjoy this fairytale of ours." I felt his arms on my shoulders as cold steadily enveloped my upper body. Followed by sharp pain on my chest. I shrieked and instinctively grabbed his head full of black hair. His soft black hair. I comb them with my fingers. Soft black longer... I let go and grabbed the sheets.
The pain on my chest turned into weak, warm kisses and moved lower to my right hip. Then he slowly took the rest of my jumpsuit off. The only thing remaining was my briefs, which  I became painfully aware of once he removed his hands away from me.
I could hear the sound of a zipper.
All I wanted to do was reach out to that sound and pull him down to see his beautiful eyes. The calmest eyes anyone had ever seen, even if they had nothing but destruction behind those dark blues.
But I couldn't, even if I tried because I would never see them not like this.

The warmth of his hand finally came back on the inside of my right thigh.
"C-ah." I bit my tongue. No, it felt wrong.
I could feel a second hand on my other thigh, followed by a pleasurable rubbing.
"Bu-hmm." I used my arms to cover my mouth. He was delicately pulling my legs apart and moving in between them. All I could do was hide my voice.
"Mhm," my arms were pulled apart and pinned above my head.
"What are you-" Two fighters were shoved into my mouth. The remaining three rested on my face. They were in every corner of my mouth and my face. Then, sudden pressure on my body appeared, followed by frail bites on my neck. The fingers got somehow more aggressive, even tugging my tongue, and the biting and sucking on my neck also increased.
"HMMM!" A faith scream was all I could do. It felt painful, but also. It was somehow amazing at the same time. I wrapped my arms around his neck and held him closer. Just don't stop! Please.
I was getting aroused from all of this. Everything felt so much more intense with the blindfold on. Sadly, his right hand left my face.
"Please, just for a little bit longer, buddy," I begged while trying to get up, but the pressure held me down. The kissing moved to my Adam's apple.
"Oh," I showed my hand into his hair to keep him from leaving.
"Ahh, Cipher, please!" he pulled my briefs away, and left the bed, leaving me all flustered. I didn't know what to do.
...
...
I could hear him opening drawers. Cipher must have been looking for something.
...
...
I felt cold and alone.
…
I folded to keep myself somewhat warm.
…
…
…
Is this how he felt?
…
…
After what I have done?
...
...
Aware of everything and how alone he was?
…
…
…
…
It felt like an eternity before he put something down next to my head and moved to my side. Carefully flipped me onto my stomach and angled my head so he could kiss me on the lips while groping my buttock and moving to...
"Hm!" my mouth opened, and my body twitched. Cipher was weakly massaging on the ring of my ass. He used the opening in my mouth to deepen the slow kiss between us. His tongue was as effective as his fingers. The thumb massaging me under my chin also felt nice. I just needed to relax more to allow him to stretch me. It took a while, but one of his fingers was finally in.
Cipher slowed down with his kissing and focused more on preparing me. It took a while, but I could feel the second finger slowly sliding in.
He pulled away from my lips and moved to my shoulder blades.
"Buddy, you. Haha, it tickles." I finally relaxed. And let him work.
I could get lost in this feeling.
But was it right?
Did I even deserve this fantasy after everything that I have done?
I put my hands on the blindfold, the only thing shielding me from the truth.
I could rip it off. 
And stop lying to myself.
But then the spell would be gone.
Cipher stopped. And even pull out his fingers. He rolled me on my side. I did everything to not let the blindfold go. Cipher...
No, it's not him. It can't be him, not after what I did.

"Larry, are you fine? You are crying." was I? I could only feel a heart-crushing guilt and shame.
How could I ever think this could work?
"I just..." His hands slid across my back.
"I am not sure about any of this." They traveled over my spine. It was calming.
"It's up to you how this will go." I hesitantly pulled the blindfold down. All I desperately wanted were those dark blues, but I was greeted with a pair of hazels instead. And just like that.
"You are the star of this ball, Cinderella." The illusion was broken.

"Joshua, I am not sure. I can do this blindfold thing." It was a naive idea.
"If you want, we can stop." Do I want to stop?
Up until now, everything felt so nice. But was that because of the fantasy? Or because of everything else? I was staring at the blue fabric in my hand.
Johsua cupped my head with his palms. I could try to recreate that fine spell, but is it worth it? He tilted my head.
Is it fair to both of them? He placed his lips on my own, but I still avoided eye contact.
No, I didn’t want to lie to myself. But I didn't want this to end either.

"No, I want to continue."I picked up the courage to look him in the eyes.
"But without the blindfold." Deep down, I knew that if I couldn’t see him, I would start to think about Cipher again.
"Is that so," he looked and sounded truly pleased. I nodded.
"Then why not let me spoil you like the princess you are? In my own special way." He reached over me to pick up a small bottle, a smug smirk on his face.
"Tell me, Cinderella. What do you want me to do?" What do I want?

I lay on my back and spread my legs. He hooked my right leg around his waist. It wasn't comfortable but for now. I wanted him to have easy access to both my neck and ass.
...
I reached for his left arm and put two fingers in my mouth. Then I went for that bottle, opened it up, and poured the liquid on his other hand, which was already wet from my saliva. When I was sure it was enough, I nodded. And Joshua reached down to continue where he left off, trying to slide the third finger in.
"Larry. You need to relax more." I closed my eyes and tried to unwind as much as I could.
"Don't think about what is happening. Think about my voice." It was weirdly hypnotic. And right next to my left ear.
"There was something else I needed to tell you." I could feel his hair brush my neck.
"What would you think about a new dress?" I, what? I opened my eyes. What does he mean by that?
"HMM!" I bit down on his hand. The third finger was finally inside.
"There you go, you are doing great. We are almost done." He removed his hand from my mouth.
"I am sorry. Did you want to ask something?"

"What do you mean by, aghh!” he chose this moment to pull his fingers out.
"I am so sorry. What was it again?" he could at least try to not look smug.
"What did you need to tell me?" I felt weirdly empty.
"Oh, you know. What place will you play in our plan."He was making himself comfortable between my legs, even moving me. How can he be so casual about all of this?
"What position would you like?" I did not expect such a question in the middle of sex so I was caught off guard, but...
“Well, I don’t mind as long as I will help achieve our new world.”
...
...
"HAHAHA!" he took my head into his palms, which were still wet from both my saliva and lube. It was gross, but what part of me wasn't?
And bent down so our foreheads could touch.
"Larry, Larry, Larry..." With each word, he kisses some part of my face.
"Larry, my sweet Cinderella. That can wait, I was asking how you want me to fuck you." oh...
"Did I ever tell you that you are cute when you blush like this?" He somehow put our heads even closer, to the point, our noses meet.

He moved one of his hands to stroke himself while putting the other on the back of my neck. I couldn't help but melt into his touch.
"Would you like me to fuck you from behind? That way you can feel me all over your back." I couldn't deny that the idea wasn't tempting, but.
"I think... I want to see your face." I don't want to run away to Cipher again. My choice must have meant something because Joshua looked like he won some fight.
"Your wish is my command," he guided my legs to his waist.
"You should bite down on something," but what? It's not like I have a piece of fabric...
I didn't even notice, but was still holding that blue cloth.
I folded it and used it to fill up my mouth. Joshua chuckled.
"You know, I think that the light blue of my squadron suits you quite well, Larry." he lifted my hips and started really slowly pushing in.
"If you want me to stop, nod three times in a row." I nodded and placed my arms under me to help with the elevation.
"Just as before, relax and focus on my voice." he was painfully and slowly sliding in. It hurt, but I didn't want it to stop. I threw my head to the side and bit down as much as I could. The movement stopped.

"You are doing great. We are halfway in Cinderella." I wanted to feel his hands on my face again, to cradle it and tell me it would be fine. But thanks to our position, that wasn't an option. At least not yet.
"I would love to see you in a light blue dress one day." the dress thing again.
"But there is one that would suit you even more." he started to move again, and with each millimeter, he came closer to my face.
"Think about it. A ball gown dress." As weird as this conversation was, it was keeping me from thinking about the pain.
"A completely white chest." He was so close yet so far away. Tears were running down my face.
"Two white long-sleeves with two gloves. First white second red.” How deep is he already?
"A long black skirt that has one golden strip in the lower section." I could see myself in it.
"And then a simple golden ring on top of your head."  It was beautiful. But oddly specific.
"Truly a dress only," Joshua made a sudden strong trust.
"HMMM!" he was finally completely in...
"Someone like you could wear Larry." our lips touched.

"Come here." I could finally feel his hands on my face again. He took out the blindfold from my mouth and used it to wipe out my tears. 
"Just tell me when you feel like-"
"It's beautiful, the dress, I mean." he tried to get a better angle for our chat.
"Of course it is. But I think that the one wearing it is even more worthy of said praise." how did this make me feel embarrassed and not Joshua sticking his dick inside of me, I will never know.
"I think you can move," at least I hope.
"If you say so." he moved at a snail's pace, pulling all out and sliding back in. It wasn't the most pleasant thing, but I need to get used to this before I try to take on a faster pace. The sucking on my collarbone did work as a nice distraction.

"Can you move faster?" He slightly picked up his paste.
"Argh." I yelped in pain. Yeah, I overestimated myself. It was way more painful than I thought it would be. To my luck, he immediately stopped. So we were back where we started.
Pressed together, no space between us, his face in my neck.
I wrap my arms around his hair and push him deeper into it.
After some time I started to stroke and play with his hair. 
"Sorry, I thought I could take it. Ugh."
…
…
…
We lay like this for who knows how long. I found myself thinking about that dress. Closing my eyes I imagined myself wearing it.
…
I could almost hear the songs of soft Sapinish guitars that Flaming Bull played sometimes.
It was a faint sound of strings.
...
...
I was dancing in the middle of somewhere, but that wasn't what I cared about. It was the person who was leading our dance.
...
He was dressed in all gray, except the ends of his sleeve and trousers, which were covered in dark blue. And a small red pin in the shape of a dog's head on his chest.
...
I couldn’t see his face. But he was holding me firmly and brushing the left side of my face with his fighters. I leaned into his touch.
It was warm and welcoming. His hair tickled my neck.
I cuddled him even more, I could stay with him like this forever, but.

"Cipher? Can you please give me more space? My back is starting to hurt." he didn't react.
"Buddy?" Before I could open my eyes, something wet was tied over them. I tried to reach for it to pull it off. But my hands were forcefully pushed away. Then I was being violently flipped and.
"AHHH!" right there. I was straddling him, my arms on his chest. I wanted to move up to try to hit that spot again, but Cipher's hands were around my waist depriving me of any movement. Every time I tried to move, I would be pushed down into the same spot.
"Buddy?" I bent down and tried to find his face. It took a while, but I did find it.
"Cipher, buddy. Please." I begged. With my fingers, I found his lips and softly kissed them. I couldn't even tell if he was smiling or frowning. I tried to explore his face more to guess.
"Please let me do it again." I reached his chin and some of his facial hair.
"Please," there was something different, "Please one more time." Cipher did have some facial hair, but it was more of an unkempt scruff.
"I will do," this one was way more kept.
"Anything you want," it was a goatee, "...promise..." Dammit.
"Anything you say?" His voice was cold.
"Just say my name." it wasn't a request but a command.
I opened my mouth.
"..." 
"Go no, say it."
"...." he moved one of his hands to my nape, the other around my waist.
"Go on, I know you can do it." And pressed me down so he could whisper directly into my ear.
"Go on... " I could feel his breath.
"Say it, Larry.” his voice didn't have any malice behind it. Or anger, or any other emotion for that matter.
"Joshua."
...
I waited, but he was silent.
"Please..." Still nothing.
...
This stillness felt like hell.
....
...
I was stuck in one place.
...
I slowly reached out for the blindfold, but he dug his fingernails into the side of my waist. The message was clear.
"Please let me do it again." He massaged my nape.
"What does "it" mean, Larry?" His voice changed. He sounded delighted.
"Please, I want..." It felt embarrassing to say.
"I want to," Come on, I can do it.
"Ride you..."
...
...
"Joshua." His name worked better than any of my pleading before.

He let go of my waist and nape. And moved to grope my thighs.
"Go on, Cinderella. Show me how you can dance." I hesitantly leaned on his chest to help myself up. I was waiting for him to push me down any second now. The more I got up, the more nervous I was. His hands were softly squeezing me. I stopped as high as I could and simply waited.
I could only imagine what he was thinking.
"Larry, not that I am not enjoying the show. You look lovely and are doing great. But this way, you will only tire yourself out." he pushed his thumb into my muscle, it hurt. Then suddenly pushed me down and jerked his hips up.
"Ri-right, there!" It was just like before. I needed this again. So I moved up and, with his help, I plummeted down, to that electrifying feeling.
"Ah." and then we did it again.
"Please, don't stop." and again. I bit my lip.
"Please just like that!" and over and over until I lost count.
"Hmm!" I wanted to call out his name, but I couldn't trust myself in this state. I wasn't thinking clearly outside of the pleasure. I couldn't even tell who was the one fucking me anymore. They both blended together into one.
"Please, AH!" but there was a simple solution to my problem.
"Please, can I? Oh fuck." I can't even speak. I reached for my blindfold. Hoping he would understand. He stopped and sat up to hold my forearms to stop me from taking it off.
"Just do one thing." the sound was muffled and quiet, I couldn't recognize the voice. But it almost sounded like a plea.
"Anything," it couldn't be that hard. I wrapped my legs around him to make sure I won't fall.

"Say it..." Everything stopped. I know what he wants.
His name.
Thump, I could only hear my heart.
Thump thump. 
I tried to imagine his face. But...
I couldn't. Both Cipher and Joshua were appearing in front of me.
Thump. I know I will just touch his... The grip on my hands strengthened. Well, there goes my plan.
Thump thump.
The only thing I could see anymore were the colors of their eyes. The two colors mix. In a never-ending field of dark blue and hazels...
Everything stopped. I couldn't even hear my own heart anymore.
The two colors surrounded me. I couldn't breathe. It felt like my heart was being torn out and ripped apart between the two.
The only way for me to end this was to choose...
I knew which one I wanted to take my heart, so I took those hands in my own and placed them on my blindfold.
I am sorry, Cipher. 
I do want it to be you, but...
We both...
No. I know that there is no way this could work anymore.
We are facing different directions because I chose this Ideal army instead of you.
...
Goodbye...
And I let those hands go while letting the hazel take my heart instead.

"Josh, please take it off..." he guided my hands up. I could finally see clearly again.
We were both gasping for air, completely red in our faces.
"Please I... I am so close." I let the blindfold fall out of my hands and wrap his torso.
"I know Larry, me too," he mirrored my movement and pushed us together. I hooked my head over his shoulder, and so did he.
"Do you want me to move again?" he slides down to grope my ass. I shivered.
"Josh, please. I need this." With his support, I moved up and resumed where we left. We were both softly moaning into each other's ears.
"Faster." I was pleading.
It took a while, but we eventually reached the previous speed.
"Larry, hm." I almost didn't hear him.
"Yes?" he pulled my hair.
"Ah! What- argh!" I could feel how he started to move in more irregular thrusts.
"I am close, unf. You?" I was, but...
"I need something Mffp! More, Ah!" I didn't know what at this point.
"Fine!" he violently took my head and pushed his tongue into my mouth. And with his free hand started to stroke me. The last pieces fell together.
"HMMMMMMM!" my body was shaking uncontrollably.
I closed my eyes. It was too much. Way too much. Be it the trust, the tongue in my mouth, the lack of air, or the way he strokes me. I couldn't process anything outside of the overwhelming pleasure.
"Jo-hmh." I tried to plead for him to stop, but there was so much I could do when my mouth was full. He somehow went even faster. And then my mouth was free.
"Larry!" was all  I could hear before sharp pain in my shoulder and a surprisingly powerful thrust made me cry out in a mix of pleasure and pain.
And after that...
We both went limp...
It was over...

I tried to look around, but the pain of the exhaustion finally set in.
I could feel a hand softly petting my head.
"You did great, Cinderella." it was just a small remark, but I couldn't help but smile and snuggle into him. Which causes us to fall on Joshua's back.
"Ufh! Larry!?" I just started to giggle. And play with his hair. He looked at me and sighed.
"Larry, you need to get off me. Don't worry, I will help." with very careful and slow movements, he slipped out and moved me to his side. I lay on his shoulder and closed my eyes. I was tired.
"I hate to disturb your dreams Cinderella, but can you let me get something? I promise I will be back in a second." I looked up.
"Do you have to?" I whined. He just stroked my cheek and smiled.
"You will thank me in the morning." I let him slip away from the bed.
...
I moved onto my back while my whole body burned. And close my eyes.
...
...
My mind started to steadily clear out.
...
...
Dammit, I was covered in sweat and other fluids. I felt gross.
...
I heard steps and opened my eyes to look at Joshua.
"Can you pass me that cloth?" I oblige. He sat and placed a bowl with warm water next to me and started to clean up my stomach. I relaxed and let it happen.
"About that thing, I wanted to tell you." that scene of me in the middle of that ball with... played in my head.
"Well, let's just say that we have finally decided on how we will bring our new world into existence." what?
"Haha ha, you look surprised." he finished whipping off my stomach and moved to my thighs. I hold my legs apart to make it easier for him.
"We decided that you," he bent and started to kiss around my ear.
"Will be the pilot of Morgan," he whispered.
...
...
...
I looked at him. I couldn't fully process it now.
"I am honored." All this time, he was talking about that prototype, not some beautiful dress.
"I knew you would," he threw the cloth into the bowl and put it on the floor.
"Now then," he moved to lay next to me, I pressed to his side, put my head on his shoulder just as before he left, and looked up into his eyes.
"Let's fly into that sweet dream together," he kissed my forehead. I smiled and pressed my palm to caress his face before falling asleep.
"My beautiful Titania."

Chapter 2: Next day

The sounds of the flowing river were accompanied by early bird songs.
There was a thin fabric over my body, a welcoming heat from my back, and something tied around my neck. I opened my eyes only to see a dove sitting on the window sill in the morning twilight. I looked over my shoulder at Joshua.

“Somebody finally woke up.”  He was using his arm to support his head. How long was he up?
“What time is it?”
My whole body was sore.
“We still have plenty of time to relax.” He started to play with the fabric around my neck and possessively smiled. I again moved to bury my face in his chest as he fully laid down.
“I should probably go soon…”
He was warm.
…
A hand touched my hair.
…
“Why?” I also don’t want to go but...
“I need to shower.”
Avalon had communal showers and toilets for most members living here. And I was not in the mood to explain my state to anybody.
A finger slipped between my neck and that fabric.
My eyes half opened as my head was being pulled up.
“Just shower here.” All I could register was a spark in his eyes.
Not having to interact with others in this state? Sounds really nice.

“Can you help me up?” he obliged. And after some time, I found myself in a small bathroom before a mirror.
I could finally see what was around my neck. An identical cloth from yesterday tied into a small bow.
“It’s not a dress, but I think it suits you like one.” I noticed hickeys covering my upper body with some light bruises on my waist and thighs. I yelped as Joshua hooked his head on my shoulder. He needed to slightly stay on the tips of his feet to do it.
“I think I did a nice job. What do you think?”
“You certainly played a lot, but I can’t help but wonder…” I put my hands on the bow. Through the mirror, I could see a spark in his eyes. He was almost encouraging me to untie it like it was some gift. I pulled…
“How?” my neck was completely clean.
“Wizards should never explain how their magic works.” I looked at him in the mirror.
“I wasn’t sure if you wanted to walk around with a marked neck.” he clearly wanted me to.
“Maybe,”  I will probably regret this later.
“Maybe next time?” I hissed after his grip tightened so he could lift himself to my ear.
“Why don’t we talk about this after you shower and in bed?” his goatee tickled my shoulder.
“If we have enough time.” The idea of lying down was really tempting.
“Well then, why don’t you hop right in so we can go enjoy ourselves?” he unwrapped himself and left to do something in his room, “If you need any help, just call.”

The warm water was a nice welcome. But even then, I decided to be quick so I could go back to bed. With every step, everything hurt. This day is going to be fun…
Well, at least yesterday was great. I dried myself with a towel and went back into Joshua’s small room.
His quarters, same as others, had a short hall leading to a square room. Normally the hall had cabins on one side, others had toiles instead of them, and this one even had a small bathroom. From what Joshua told me, these quarters were designed for head researchers who lived here permanently.
Gault 1 had one long before our takeover while he was still a head of research, from what I heard.
In this square room was a bed right next to the window covered by curtains, and next to its end was a table with some documents and a chair with my clothes, followed by Joshua looking into his cabinet for fresh covers.  We were both still fully naked, not that there was anything to hide after yesterday.
Looking around there were blueprints with prototypes hung on the walls, I wondered…

“Do you have some books in Belkan?” He stopped and turned to me with the new sheets in his hands. He handed me one, and we started to change them.
“I can probably find something here. But why? Didn’t you say that you don’t really care about it anymore? Why try to brush it off now?” I left that part of me a long time ago. There wasn’t any reason to keep up with it, but now, when I am here? With people from all sides of the conflict?
“Since I will be working with Gault 1. It might be easier to talk in Belkan with him.” And I might feel nostalgic. We finished up.
“I can’t argue with you there. Now,” he wrapped my waist from behind. I could feel everything. It was funny how he tried to kiss my neck, but our height difference didn’t allow him to without standing on the tip of his feet.
”Come here.” I was pulled down.
“Josh, don’t!” with a painful hiss, we fell on the bed. Joshua angled us so I was on his chest, my head next to his, and…
“Haah.” He used his arm to push his hips into my ass and slowly start to rub.
“Josh, hmm. Please, I am still sore.”
“We don’t have to do anything more. Just enjoy this and relax.” I did and let my head fall on his shoulder fully.

“So,” he kissed me under the chin.
“What was it about that "maybe later"?" oh that.
“I wouldn’t mind doing, ah,” I also tried to move slightly, and since we were still both naked, I could feel everything.
”Something like this. Hm.” I used my arm to tilt his head so we would face each other.
“Again… with you.” he stopped and buried himself in my neck.
“I knew you would like it.” I giggled, “I guess you were right. Haha.”
“Can I?” He put his teeth on the skin of my neck. The dark blue flashed before my eyes.
“I am still not ready for that.” His teeth were gone. Maybe one day.
“Let’s just enjoy this moment then.” He moved up so my head was under his chin. One hand cradling my cheek, the one rubbing my waist.
“Yeah,” I smiled and closed my eyes for a moment.

Chapter 3: I find it funny don't you?

“Cipher!” He was standing right there a few meters away from me, looking into the distance, and then he turned to me with a smile.
“You don’t get to see a sunrise like this every day. Right, buddy?” I wish I could hear him and have him look at me like that once more. But that was no longer possible.
“Cipher, there is something I need to tell you.” because there was only one way this had to end, we walked to each other. Closing the space between us.
“Just tell me.” With each step, the Sun got stronger.
“You need to know about this, buddy.” Suddenly, there wasn’t just one source of light but two and then three.
“Buddy,” there were seven of them in total. I knew what was going to happen next. Even if I didn’t want it to, there was no other way this could go. The choice was already made a long time ago.
“I have found my reason to fight.” A sharp pain appeared in my heart. The light got brighter.
“This,” Pixy smiled sweetly. I looked down to see a sword deep in my chest. He moved closer to the point where our lips almost touched.
”Is where we go our separate ways.” In the end, we were both consumed by the sharp light.

“Cipher, you need to wake up!” It was my new wingman. It still felt wrong to call him like that. 
“You won’t believe the rumors I heard.” PJ was trying his best to cheer me up, but it just didn't work. Because he wasn’t him.
Don’t get me wrong, he did fly great for somebody who didn’t have even a year under his wings, but it just wasn't the same.
PJ wasn’t Pixy.
“What did you hear?” Sometimes, I wonder how it came to this.
“There are some rumors about that Belkan resurgence in Anfang. Apparently, they are more than just some Coup d'état or something.” Was it because of my destructive tendencies?
“You don’t say.”
Because I didn’t care about anything outside of completely destroying everything and maximizing my profit?
“Yeah, they want us to be ready at all times. And annihilate them if the time comes. So the usual for you, hah.” I didn’t even notice that he was getting friendly with that Wizard guy to the point they knew each other's names.
“We need to get ready and go into the briefing room.” Why didn't Pixy ever tell it to me, but he did to him?
“Of Course we do…” Or all his anarchistic talks, maybe I should have taken them more seriously. Now I know they weren't just jokes. I shouldn’t have just laughed in his face.
“Come on Cipher, you can't leave them waiting for the Demon Lord.” I wonder if he also saw me as a demon in the end.
“I will be there in a minute, PJ. I just need to wash my face.” Maybe if I just asked him after Hoffnung, things could have been different. I walk into a small bathroom.
Maybe the fact that he didn’t even talk to me should have tipped me off. But then again, we slowly stopped talking to each other the further we got into that counteroffensive. By that point, he spends most of his time sending letters and telephoning someone.
In hindsight, it was obvious that he was planning something. I just didn’t notice. Because why should I care about anything outside of destruction and getting paid, right? Ha…
Maybe it is my fault that Pixy decided that stabbing me in the back was the best option.

I splashed some cold water into my face and looked into the mirror.
No! In the end, this was Pixy’s choice. He was the one who chose to try to kill me and leave with that Wizard. Sure I probably should have paid more attention to him. But I am not responsible for his choice.
“You can do this Cipher. You could always do this. It’s going to be like it started. Just you and your F-15. Nobody else, and PJ will be there too.”
Breathe slowly in and out.
In and out…
In and… out…
In… and… out…
In… You got this…
Out… buddy…
…
I put my face into my hands…
…
…
This is pathetic…
…
He is gone… and not coming back…
Get over it Cipher! I splashed my face again.
He is not coming back, and even if he did, there is no reason to ever forgive him!
Even if he does look at you with those brown, almost red eyes… you shouldn't just let it go!
When did I get so soft? What was so different about my connection to Pixy that it hurt this much even after all this time?
…
…
“Let's go.” I turned away from the mirror to fully get prepared.

“We have got some interesting intel about this Belkan resurgence.” The room was darkly lit, showing some plants.
“Apparently, they are not just some rebelling Belkan officers and soldiers as we thought.” 
“Then what are they?” good question PJ.
“That is the interesting part. In your last fight, we managed to capture a few members of this group. While most were Belkan shouting about some revenge for Belka, there were some exceptions to this.” he pulled out some photos of jets. I hold my breath in anticipation.
“Others were from Sapin, Osea, and we even got one from Ustio, believe it or not.” but the single scarlet wing was not among them.
“They, on the other hand, were mostly quiet except for a few comments about how this peace won't last. As long as countries or borders exist or something like that.” he pulled out a list with different faces and their matching planes. 
“It turns out that these pilots were the same pilots that disappeared.” Interestingly, all the fighters still had the emblems of their armies. What could this mean?
“Why were our pilots with them?” I might know why PJ, but I don't like it.
“Well, Galm 2, we don't know. Not a single one has said anything about why they are on the Belkan side. They just keep up with their anarchist speeches. For now, this is everything we could find. We did send some letters to the Belkan representatives if they know anything, but I wouldn't expect them to respond any time soon or ever.”
“Was there anything else they said?” I just needed to know.
“I was getting to that since it most likely will involve you, Cipher.” what doesn't?
“They did mention two names, Oberon and Titania,” why do they sound so familiar? Like I had already heard them before? To my surprise, this time it was PJ who looked like he knew something.
“As well as how. If they were chosen for their roles, they wouldn't even be here.” he looked at the pictures at me. 
“Cipher, you should be prepared for two highly skilled Aces.” I smiled a little, finally something that could be fun. If they can live up to it, that is.

“With this out, let's wrap this up with some good news.” he smiled for the first time in this meeting.
“The peace negotiations are finally starting to fully take off. They will take a lot of time. But the never-ending tension of this war should lift soon.” yeah right, like I or anybody else could just forget after everything that happened. Like that stupid grind…
“But even then stay on high alert as much as you can. Hope you all have a good day.”
We all walked out to our rooms.
“PJ,” he stopped and turned to me.
“Yeah?” he looked nervous.
“What did you notice?”
“Oh, that. It's nothing really, I just find the names funny, is all…” I squished my eyes and looked at him.
“Why?” He was avoiding any eye contact.
“You know,” he gestured with his hands.
“There is something about the idea of Demon Lord going up against the fairy king and his queen. Hah, don't you find it funny?”
“Haha, I guess that it is kinda funny,” so why?
“Right?” PJ laughter.
“Yeah…” Why, all I can feel is this pain in my chest?

 

Chapter 4: Meeting

“You look quite satisfied today.”  As usual, Gault 1’s voice was without any warmth with a heavy Belkan accent.
"I'm assuming you told Solo Wing about ADFX… how did he react?” We were sitting in a closed room with a table.
“He said he was honored.” It was late at night.
“Just that? I thought he would be more thrilled. After all, it's not like anybody gets to pilot it.” Oh, he was thrilled. But because of something else.
“In his defense. He wasn’t really thinking straight at the moment.” I guess you could say that the pot is calling the kettle black. Ha.
“Why?”
“There was something,” or rather someone,” more important on his mind.”
“What could Solo Wing possibly find more important than our mission?” the Demon Lord. But luckily, that is no longer a problem. Well, at least not as big as it was.

I imagine Larry’s red face pleading and calling my name. “Lucan, are you going to answer me?”
How he looked when I told him how pretty he would look in a dress. I couldn’t help but grind a little and feel pleased with myself. “Wizard 1?...” He looked adorable like that.
Again… with you.
My smile widened even more. “You look like you are on something.”
I wonder what he would look like if I took him by that light blue bow around his neck and there was a hand waving in front of my eyes.
“Shadow to Blue Magician.”
“I am sorry. What were you asking?” He looked at me, focusing on my fingers.

“You must care about your recruits a lot.” Where was this coming from?
“Of course I do. They are the backbone of our Ideal Army.” Well, some of them were. The others? We need the manpower.
“You would do a lot for them, right?” I squished my eyes.
“Define a lot.” He ignored me and stood up to walk around the room.
“Tell me again, what could Solo Wing possibly find more important than the future of the world?” I laid back in my chair.
“He was occupied by something more personal.” He put his hand over his eye.
"Please elaborate. What could be so much more important to Solo Wing?” I cross my arms.
“He wanted some light reading in Belkan. Do you have anything that isn't a bunch of blueprints?” Doctor put his hand down to look at me.
“Solo Wing knows Belkan?” I nod.
“It has been a long time since he used it, and he wants to brush it off now that he will be working under you.” He looked stunned.
“I see... I did not expect him to know it." I could almost hear the gears rotating in his head. He got the bait. He was focusing on Larry now.
“Tell me, is it true that you and Solo Wing knew each other for a long time, even before the war?”
…
...
...
“I am sorry, but I don't see how this is relevant?” He sighed with frustration at my question.
“Look, Larry just needed to take his mind off of his former flight lead.” he raised one of his eyebrows.
“So you decided to help.”
“Yes, I helped him calm down a bit. So he wouldn't have a problem taking it in.” I smiled… wait… Doctor's eye twitched. I probably should have phrased that better. 
“You know… when I told you to tell him in a pleasant environment. I meant some calm and quiet place.” He threw one of his hands my way.
“Not after you fuck his brain out as well as your own.” I was surprised by his shouting, not because it was that loud but because this was probably the first time I saw him this emotional. He quickly calmed down.
“Please tell me this is not a regular thing and that “Larry” is a special case.”
“Of course not, what you think that I-” he hit the table.
“Don’t even finish that sentence! I already have one unwanted image in my mind.” he sat down.
“Look, I don’t care what you and Solo Wing get up to. Don’t say anything! I really don’t care. Just make sure that your affair doesn’t affect the running of Avalon. And that Solo Wing can test Morgan at all times.”
“Sure.”
“Good, now.” he pulled a file on the desk.
“There is some interesting news that our operatives found out. I think this could shake some of our plans up.”

Chapter 5: Morgan

It was a surprise I hadn’t fainted yet from all the G-force I was under. Each turn felt heavy all over my body. And that was not to mention how the instability of the plane was keeping me from slowing down to my usual turn speed. Luckily, I have flown in worse conditions than this.
Still, the power, as well as the speed, was overwhelming. It felt like Morgan and I were fighting each other and not cooperating.
“Oberon, can you hear me?”
“Copy, what is the situation?”
“You are doing great. Everything from here looks fine. Just do one last turn and land.”
“Copy that.” Ok, let’s get this done.
“One last time.” I pulled the control stick to start my last turn. I once again felt like I was under a truck.
But I was almost there…
Just a little bit more…
And…
Done!
I leveled the plane and started to prepare for the landing. Calm down. You have landed with just one wing before.
“Oberon ready to land.”
“Glad to hear that.” I started to descend while trying to get Morgan to fly as slowly as possible.
500 meters remaining, calm down. You have done this before.
250 meters remaining, almost there.
100 meters, I stopped breathing.
I felt the soft tuck of Morgan as she touched the ground.
“Perfect landing, Oberon.” as always. I could feel the air in my lungs again.

I finished up the landing procedures. My whole body hurt. Flying Morgan was far more different from my F-15 than I initially thought.
“So. What do you think?” somebody said in Belkan. I turned around. And for the first time in eight years.
“It’s an amazing and powerful plane, but there are some things about her...” It felt so natural to speak Belkan again as if I hadn’t stopped using it.
“Don’t worry, we can still make modifications. But we should probably discuss that in a more private setting.” Gault 1 replied. We both look over Morgan. It was a beautiful jet. He gestured to follow with blueprints in hand.
We left the hangar. Doctor started in Belkan again.
“You know, I was surprised when Lucan told me that you know Belkan.” we turned right.
“It is a beautiful language, so why not learn it?” he chuckled at my response. I wonder if he already noticed.
“You know that is what I told him. It seems that we are of the same mind. I am more surprised by your accent.” there it was.
“The person who taught me was from South Belka.” It wasn’t really a lie.
“They must have been good. You sound like a native.”
“Thank you,” it always worked.
We stopped before a door, “We are finally here.”
He opened them into a small room with a table, four chairs, and a chalkboard.  

“So,” we both sat down,” tell me what you think.”
“She is stronger and faster than anything I flew before. But it’s hard to turn around, even for me. In my sharper turns, I felt like I was about to faint.”
“I see. We were already planning to put G-force limiters on her and reinforce the whole frame,” I nodded.
“Now, the real thing I wanted to talk about,” he put the blueprints down,” her special weapons.”
“Isn’t it a little bit too early for that?” I just flew with her for the first time.
“We don’t have the luxury to give you more time... Morgan must be ready as soon as possible in case of any emergency. And we need all the fuel and ammunition we can get.”
He threw those blueprints on the table and gestured to choose one. They all had names of minerals on them. 

“Why not go with… Zoisite? First?” The file was opened and pushed before me. The “TLS system” was written in bold, and right next to it were pictures of Excalibur…
You've got everyone fired up and believing in miracles…
I shook my head and focused on what was being said, “...Thanks to its lenses, it can shoot at a 45-degree angle ahead of Morgan, but we are still looking for improvements. We should get it up in two to three days for you to try out on land. And then we will see.”
With that, the first folder was gone.

I went for the one named Hypersthene next.
“The Multi-Purpose Burst Missiles, you won't be testing them. We only have a limited amount. They create a rather large explosion and can be used on both ground and air targets. They can be also remotely detonated, ” he showed me some pictures of their demonstration.
I wonder…
“Yes?” Did I say that out loud?
“I am not sure if I can hit anything with them when I have this much problem turning Morgan around.” at least not in dogfights.
“And with how fast Morgan is, remotely detonating them might also possess some problems.”
“Hmm,” he took the file and the last one to me, “We will think of something…” It had Morganite written on the front. That only left one.

Morganite, “The crowning jewel of ADFX. Electronic Countermeasures. They will make you invincible from all missiles for the time they are active,” I didn’t want to believe his words.
“There are some small problems. Mainly,” he tapped on a picture, “the field doesn’t protect the front air intakes.” That doesn’t sound so bad.
“You will also be unable to use any other SP weapons while Morganite is activated. They would cause issues with control.

” I couldn't help but stare at the picture of Morgan again.
“And with this, we have everything summarized. I will leave the copies of these blueprints with you for further studies,” he put the three folders in a small pile.
“If that is everything. I should probably get going,” I leaned for them, but before I could. Doctor put his finger on top to hold them down.

“There is something else I would like to discuss…” his voice got somehow even more strict.
“It’s... more personal,” I froze. There could be only two things Doctor must be talking about.
“It’s about something I learned yesterday,” either he saw through my lies and knew I was Belkan. I made sure that nobody fully knew... It only created problems.
I never understood nationalism. It only made emotional ties that got in the way of my mercenary gig. Not to mention, it also bound me to one nation when I knew what they were doing was wrong.
Everything about nations felt so trivial. I mean...
What difference would it make if I was born a few miles away? Why is it so important to hate people if they speak a different language? Why would people hate others when they only just met? Based on something so out of our control? Why do everything in the name of this one nation? All of those things always came to a single sentence.
Because I was born here. Because those lines told me I belonged to these people.
If those imaginary lines were gone, everything would be better. Then children wouldn’t have to grow up orphaned. 
It’s not that I am ashamed of my origins, but with how nationalistic Belka is…
It only got in the way, even if I had stopped identifying as one. You could never know who would call me a Belkan spy. Or when a nationalist would show up to tell me, I was a traitor only worthy of hanging on a small hill.
The other option... I held my breath.

“I would like to discuss you and your connection to Wizard 1,” there it was. I could swear that my face is the same color as my wing.
“Now I will say this: whatever you do in your free time is not my business. I probably don’t need to tell you that the only problem I have is your… activities… interfering with our testing and your role as Oberon. However,” here goes.
“I hope you realize that being in a relationship with one of the leaders could-”
“We are not a thing.” This made him pause and look at me.
“He just helped me to ease my mind.” The staring wasn’t going anywhere.
“He and I… we have known each other for a long time.” still no change.
“I just wanted somebody who I could trust to hear me out. And then, Lucan offered to help,” I couldn’t keep looking at him anymore.
“But there is nothing more to it,” at least I hope not. We have known each other since the early years of my career. It should be nine years by now. And during all this time, he was only a friend. Sure, I might look up to him in some of his philosophical ideas, but I would never call it attraction. More like admiration? Even then, calling it that felt wrong. But are these feelings still true even after our night?
My Larry. I could almost feel his hands stroking every corner of my body. It felt different than his touches before. It was this overwhelming feeling, knowing that somebody was there to comfort me.
My pretty Cinderella. Why do I let him use a nickname like this? I never let anybody else outside of him. And why does it feel so nice when he uses it? Not to mention that whole dress thing.
My powerful Morgan. We are just long-time friends, right?
Right?
So why?
Why do I?
My sweet Titania.
Why do I want to do what we did again? Why do I want to dance with him in that stupid dress? Let him undress me from it and spoil me like some princess? I shouldn’t want to, but it just felt so right.
What is this weird feeling that I have for him?
And why does it feel so similar yet different to what I feel about Cipher?
What even are we anymore? And…
What am I to him? Are we still just friends? Were we ever only friends from his point of view?
Or did he always want us to be something more but never said anything because he knew I would reject him back then?
“Did he say anything about it?” Somehow, I became even redder in my face and turned away.
“If you are asking: If he was boosting his own ego by shouting how he fucked you, then no. You left bite marks on his left fingers, and he looked too pleased with himself when talking about you.” oh, so that's how it was. It was an accident. A stone lifted from my chest.
“Can I leave now? Please?” Gault 1 nodded.
“Just read all of them and prepare yourself for further testing. When we make the necessary modifications I will send for you.”
“Will do!” I need to organize my feelings.
And talk to Joshua.
About us...
And maybe...
Even, Cipher again.

Chapter 6: Chough and his magpie

Four walls, one hall, one bed, one window, one wardrobe and a small table with one chair. The whole room couldn’t be more than five square meters. Seven if we also count the hall. Still, it was a luxury because I could be alone. It has been a whole day since I met with Doctor. And about three days since our night. I haven’t seen Joshua since. I wonder if he did find some Belkan book.

 

“Aaaaaaaa,” I finally finished reading all the blueprints again. It was getting harder to ignore those feelings and questions in my head.
…
…
…
I looked outside to find something to occupy my mind.
But despite the dark, I could only see the weak, dark blue outline of the New Moon.
“Hahaha…” I just can’t help it, can I?
“No matter where I go, you will always haunt me, one way or the other, huh?” So why don’t you look and judge? Or would it be so beneath you?
“Tell me, Cipher. What do you think of this…” I am not sure how to put it in regular words. What was it that Joshua always said? Sometimes, the only way to express yourself is to compare it to something you both know.
“Hah,” why not? Why not give it a try?
“This bed of scarlet roses? It’s beautiful, right? Wouldn’t you like to lie in it with me?” I touched the window with my right hand.
“Cipher, did you know that fairies are also seen as demons by some?” my other hand also connected with the glass.
“So tell me, Demon Lord,” I smiled sweetly to his eye in the sky as my forehead also made contact with the cold glass,” Wouldn’t you like to be my demonic king and lie here in this field of roses with your Titania?” I slowly pulled away and lay on my bed. But I never broke our eye contact.
“But you should know, buddy. These roses might be beautiful and soft to the touch, but they are full of thorns sharp like fangs.” And so are fairies. I couldn’t help but giggle.
“Not that somebody like you would mind. You. The one who cares about nothing but complete destruction to line your pockets. I am sure that you also have had your bed of roses for a long time. But it must be filled with green grass and leaves to ease the uncomfortable thorns beneath,” the forearm of my left hand finally covered my eyes.
“To you, lying in them is probably second nature by now. But to me…” I look into his judgmental eye again.
“They hurt a lot, buddy. I can feel them tearing up my body over and over and over again when I think of what I will have to do for the new world.” Or of our time together. I turned away from his gaze.
“But I have nobody else but myself to blame. Even then, I would prefer to lie in this sea of roses with you. Sometimes, I feel some of those thorns punctuate my chest. But when I look down, all I see are your blue claws. At least, I think they are yours. I am not so sure anymore. All I know is that they are blue,” but not if their shade belongs to you or...

 

I turned my head to see the light piece of cloth. That Joshua gave me as a “reminder of our night”.
“Tell me… would you also like to see me in my new dress?” Because I know of a pigeon hawk that would.
”I can’t help but wonder... What a fight between a chough and a merlin,” you and him, “would look like.” I wrapped my hands around me.
“But there is something that I long for even more to see.” To give my confession.
“A dance between a chough and magpie in the sky, not a fight but just… together once again. Two corvids flying through the sky,” their black blending into one. Your orange beak with claws and my white feathers are the only features keeping us from being one.
“I wish you would be here with me, Cipher, but this is the only way there will ever be peace. And you clearly don’t care about anything but your own pockets. You made that clear enough.” So why, why, why, why…
“Why, if you aren't going to join, can’t you just leave me alone?” The words barely left my mouth, like a bare plea.

 

The same could be said about a knock on my door. I would ask who it was, but there is only one person who would ever want to visit now. It was time to see the pigeon hawk in action.

To let the merlin descend into the rose prison to meet up with his magpie under the eye of a cough.

Chapter 7: ⠀

"I hope I didn’t wake you from some sweet dream.” Joshua was on my doorstep.
“No, I was still reading.” Something fell off.
“Well, I might be bringing wood into the forest then.” He was holding a thin travelog. I left all of mine back in Ustio when I...
“Thank you. But it could have waited till the morning.” Why does this whole conversation feel so forced? It never did before.
“No, I wanted to see you." He leaned on the door frame, "And maybe have a little chat?” and looked me over with a wry smile.
“Sure.” We went deeper into my thorny prison. I stopped at the window and looked at the moon, wondering how to start. I froze before my window, looking up at the dark blue eye. I need to sort this out. But before I could even turn. His arms around my waist were weakly tugging me to my bed.
But I didn’t let him.

“I…” was still looking at the dark circle. “I think it might have been a mistake.”
The hands tightened...
…
I waited...
For something...
Anything...
But all I could feel were the claws around my stomach...
…
“It’s just,” one of them was going for my throat.
“I am not sure about what we are.” My worries only receive a chuckle.
“We are both fighter pilots of our Ideal Army for the future borderless world.” I could feel him leaning on me.
“And you, Larry. Are our fairy monarch, the pilot of Morgan. Our Oberon.”...And my Titania.
“No not… I mean. Are we still friends?”
“Hah, of course we are. Why are you asking?” His grip strength, and he buried his head into my neck to softly kiss it.
“I am not sure about what we are.” my worries only receive a chuckle.
“We are both fighter pilots of our Ideal army for the future borderless world.” I could feel him leaning on me.
“And you Larry are our fairy monarch, the pilot of Morgan. Our Oberon,”...and my Titania.
“No not… I mean. Are we still friends?”
“Hah, of course we are. Why are you asking?” His grip strength.
“It's just, it feels different now.” His nails ran up and down my neck.
“How so?” He was friendly teasing me, but I saw it as nothing other than a cruel joke.
“I don't, it's… Like when a predator has a set of claws around its prey’.”
“Do you think that's bad?”
“I should, I really should,” Not open this Pandora's box.
“What type of predator comes to your mind?” He once again started to tug at me.
“An ambush one,” but this time,” A pigeon hawk,” I let him.
“And what prey did it find today?” It was slow. But soon.
“A magpie,” was sitting on its predator’s lap.
“Tell me, Larry,” he pulled my head close to his.
“Would you like this merlin to rough up your feathers?” He pecked my lips. “Like it did last time?” His thumb was lazily pushing on my lower lip. He was looking at it. He looked more and more pleased each second.
“This room isn't soundproof.”
“But would you like to if it was?” His second hand was on my neck and that thumb moved to slightly open my lips. I knew saying that “again” was a mistake.
“...”
“Because I would. I would love to see all of your feathers roughen up.” My zipper was being pulled down and up.
“Joshua I,” it was slow. Teasing.
“And I think Larry,” always going little bit lower than before. “You do too.”
“Ah…” Again, his hand was inside my jumpsuit. Groping the left side of my chest.
“I would too,” It still surprised me how a single touch could feel this good “But not today. I promised Doctor that I wouldn’t let, hm… “our activities” get in the way of my testing.” The conforming warmth of his touch left.

“I see, so he told you about that. I should probably let you rest then,” he was getting ready to pull me down from his lap. But before he could, I leaned into his neck and placed my left hand on his cheek, angling his face so I could see his eyes.
“Can we stay like this for a little bit longer? I still want to ask you something. Regarding us.” I could feel the instant glare from the moon while I connected our lips. It started with a few soft touches.
“Ask away.” But it started building up.
“We aren’t really just friends anymore, are we?” He halted.
“It’s as I said,” emotionless,” That is up to you.”
“I like being with you and all of this, but… I don’t really want to be together.” I moved to weakly hang from him, asking for some help from gravity to pull him down.
“Because,” as we plummeted, his head on my stomach.
“Even though my feelings for you did change into something more…” I forced him to look at me, “No different.” He had no other choice but to see.
“It’s not the same as what I feel for him. They are similar but still different.” My head, in the frame of the new moon.

“I am sorry, I can’t replicate your feelings back.” there was something in his eyes.
“Larry,” but it quickly fainted.
“Do I need to repeat myself?” He reached out.
“He is not here and never will be.” The light blue was being tied around my neck.
“Because he doesn’t care,” when it was done, ”If he would. He would be here with us now,“ he slid from under my legs, standing up to turn off the lights.
“So tell me. Where is Galm 1?” 
“In Valais…” he was sitting next to my head.
“If he cared about the future of this world, he would be here with us.” and you.
“Not in an Ustian air base where he can do nothing but line his already full pockets, right Larry?”
“...” His fingers slowly connected to my face.
“At the very least. He wouldn’t have just laughed in your face when you brought up our mission. Now would he?” he was towering over me.
“Or you know, my dear Titania,” I was being pulled up in anticipation for what was next…
…
…
…
“He would at least ask about how you were doing after Hofnung.”

“But he didn't.”

“He just didn’t have time.”

“So he couldn’t find time to check up on his wingman?”

“There were-”

“One that rode with him to victory and helped him many times before?”

“He could have done all of that himself.”

“Ohhhh I see… he just didn’t have any use for you anymore. So he threw you away.

Like a used-up whore, right?”

“He…”

“He needed some time to himself too…”

“...Larry.”

Finger in my mouth…

“Face it.”

Pressure on my nape…

Touch of our foreheads...

“He never loved you like you did him.”

And a weak moonlight in my back…

 

“He can’t because he is just a heartless dragon consumed by greed even if his beloved gold is covered in crimson. Not some fairytale prince.”

A warm over my body.

“But you don’t have to be caged by him anymore.”

 

My mouth empty.

 

And the prison bars of roses were moving, but was it to release or cage?

“You have me.”

I don’t know anymore, it all looked the same from here…

 

“And, unlike him…”

A soft long touch on my lips.

To wake me from my sleep.

“I love you.”

But the roses remained.

I hugged back.

“Do you want me to stay here for the night? Just to hold you like this while you sleep?”

Another quick kiss on my neck.

A light blue collar with scarlet roses and dark blue leaves. Around my neck.

Pair of gray light blue wings. Keeping me warm.

 

And a judgmental moonlight. Shining from above, always out of reach.

I looked into his eyes…

“Yes.”

Chapter 8: Like a cigarette

The colors of the sunrise were hitting my skin, warming it up in the cold morning.
I woke up early to see it. I don't even know why. I never did before.
PJ said that I must be getting sentimental… me of people…

The most beautiful thing about this magical view was always the clouds.
In this state, you can see almost every detail, every curve, and every shadow.
And every place where the warm colors, dominated by red, melted into the blues of the never-ending sky.
I always wonder what it's like for them. The sky will always be there, but the clouds? They will disappear or leave.
Just like everybody always does.

“Cipher, here you are.” I could recognize that voice anywhere as well as his silver hair and brown eyes looking through glasses.
“Is there an emergency?” I want to fight somebody, preferably some good Ace.
“No,” too bad. “I just wanted to check up on you.”
“There is nothing to check up on.” I am fine and tired of people thinking I am not.
“You are always silent these days.” I could really go for a smoke now.
“Eagle Eye, I always was.” I took out my last pack of cigars.
“You were less when he was around.”
“So…” I showed it to him, “He is gone. Things are just back to how they always were." Why is it so hard for them to get this? "Sorry if you thought I was somebody else.” Like others always do.
“You know this won't work, right?” He took one.
“I don't think I follow?”
“Cipher, you think I don't know what you are doing?” I light up my cigarette and lend him a lighter.
“That I never saw others doing what you are now?” 
Deep inhale.
“Because I did, granted your situation is different… But even then, grieving is completely normal.” I wonder how long the clouds will remain this shade of red.
“I am not grieving that traitorous bastard!”
“So you just happened to be starting alone… at a bunch of red clouds…” they started to turn orange.
“I could be shot down any day. Why not enjoy such a beautiful view every once in a while?”
“Cipher isolating-"
“Not to mention,” I finally turned to him. “Solo Wing isn't death, so there is no reason to.” Why cry over something so trivial?
Another inhale.
…
…
“So what will you do if he does die?”
“Again, why should I care for a backstabber?” Why couldn't they all let it go?
“You were clearly close-”
“Well, not close enough. Considering I didn't even know his name.”
“Not even I-”
“It’s Larry, by the way.”
This took him back.
Slowly inhale in.
“…It doesn't fit him…”
“Yeah..." It feels unnatural to call him that.
"If we were as close as you claim. Why didn't he tell me? Or you know, why say it to some Osean captain he just met?”
Eagle Eye was looking at me with pity.
“Cipher…” he placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Pixy and Wizard 1 knew each other for years.” That can't be right.
“How?”
“I don't know. But when we were starting to work with Osea more, Pixy mentioned that seeing him after a long time was probably the only thing he was looking forward to after Directus.” He turned away to look at the sunrise.
“I was happy for him back then. It was clear that he wasn't taking being stuck here great. It even affected his performance.” I never noticed that. We always did everything together just fine. Did I really ignore him that much?
“I assumed since Pixy trusted the guy and even called him his old friend that it was going to be fine. I also kinda hoped Bristow might talk him out of some of his more radical views. Well… Hindsight is a bitch.”
“Yeah, it is. It really is…”
…
…
…
“You know you might end up fighting him, right?” I don't know how to feel about it. On one hand, it's Pixy who was by my side from the start. On the other Solo Wing stabbed me in the back, not to mention he would be a great opponent. Finally, some good fun.
“That is just how it is with us mercs.”
“If you need to talk. Just come to me. PJ is a good kid but really naive in these things.”
“It's worrisome. That attitude can end up only one way.” Six feet under flowers, most likely from his girlfriend.
“For his own sake as well as that girl. I hope it doesn't.”
…
“Thanks… I am not good with this.”
“Haha, I noticed.”
We stared at the now soft orange clouds.
My cigarette went out.
But we remained silent looking at the view before us.
…
…
“Breathtaking.”
“It always is.”

Chapter 9: Simple task

“Gentlemen, I have some surprising news. We received some answers from Belka, believe it or not.” I can’t believe they are even answering us. Maybe this way, we might even see that peace soon.
“Aren’t you happy to hear that too, Cipher?” I whispered to him, trying to cheer my new flight lead-up.
“It’s good to hear.” Nothing, not a single reaction. There must be something to cheer Galm 1 up, right?
“Maybe we will have some peace-”
“Crow 3, please don’t interrupt this meeting.” My cheeks turn red. Working with Galm 1 was different from what I imagined.
Sure, the pressure was expected. But Cipher seemed so much more friendlier with Pixy. Thinking back, he didn’t really talk to others outside of him and Eagle Eye.
“We promised the person in question to keep his identity secret. So let’s get to the point.”
But compared to now?
I should focus on the meeting more after all. There is enough time to talk to him later and figure something out.

“This individual was a former member of the Liberal Democratic Party. Before you have any questions, let me finish!” Why would we trust someone like that? I looked at Cipher to see his reaction. But he didn’t show any emotion as usual.
“He claims that the Rald faction has been backing up a terrorist group.” From all sides came whispers, but he still didn’t react.
“They call themself A World With No Boundaries.” Cipher finally moved his hand to his chest. And his eyelids closed a little bit.
“It’s a group of members from all sides of the war.” All sides of the conflict are fighting for the same thing?
Normally this would be great news, amazing even, but now. I guess that my wish came true in the worst possible way.
“With our information from before. We can say most likely the missing pilots and soldiers had deserted into this group.” Cipher moved his hand to cover his face. He must be thinking about Pixy. But I am sure that there is no reason to. There is no way that somebody like Pixy would ever join some terrorist organization.
“For now, we don’t have any orders. But the situation can change at any moment. Please stay vigilant and ready at all times. Dismissed.” The room was clearing up, but Cipher stayed. And I did with him.

When we were alone, Galm 1 picked up a cigarette from his jacket.
“You shouldn’t-” he just looked me in the eyes.
And continued with his action.
…
“I am hoping the war will be over soon so I can be with my girlfriend.” I tried to make small talk. But he didn’t even look at me and slowly inhaled.
“Do you have somebody like that too?” He inhaled faster. Ah, so he probably did.
“I am sure that this special someone must-”
“PJ, please. Don’t take this the wrong way. But shut up.” He looked at me.
“I just w-”
“Look, I get that you want to make me feel better. But it’s not going to work.” He stopped for a while, thinking something over. Then…
“It won’t work because you aren’t Pixy.” He finished his cigarette.
“And you never will be. So please,” his voice became more shaken.” Don’t try to be him or replace him.” He tried to fish another one from his jumpsuit.
“Because the longer you try to do that,” but he only found an empty box.”The longer we won’t get along.”
He crushed the paper box in his shaking hand and looked around with frustration.
“I will be with Eagle Eye. If anything happens. Go straight to your F-16 and wait for me in the cockpit. I will join you with my F-15 in a few seconds. Stay on your feet for anything new.” He turned around and left.
…
…
Why can’t I do the simplest things right?

Chapter 10: Fairy monarch

The sky was blue, calm, and never-ending. With a few islands of white clouds.
Calm…
Blue…
White…
And with two metal birds cutting through the Belkan sky. They were here on a scouting mission from Allied Forces. To look around for any indication of the coup d'etat.
And as they flew right into the training space of their target.
There, on the ground, the fairy monarch was watching them. Waiting to show if they were ready and worthy of the title and jet given to them.
Those two birds couldn't see what was coming next. The fairy monarch frowned.
They were reminded of those times when it was just them and him...
But the fairy monarch couldn't let those emotions get in their way. So they looked back at the morning and dawn of yesterday for encouragement.

“This is the only way to send the world a clear message, Oberon.” Doctor said to strengthen his conviction while the Sun moved up to start the day. Covering the enchanted jet in its gold.
“You wouldn’t want everything we did to go to waste, right? My Tatiana.” The Blue Magician whispered sweetly into her ear. Stroking her waist and thigh in the process. Only the weak stars were witness to their secret act.
“With this, you will prove we won't back down with our mission.” Doctor continued in his speech.
“If you do well, and if you want. I can take you back into our fairytale and spoil you like the last time.” Blue Magician slowly moved his first hand lower on her waist and second up on her abdomen.
“With this, you will prove to them what we can do. What the world can do when united as one Oberon.” Doctor finally finished and looked at him, the now orange Sun behind his back.
“Show them what will happen if they resist our plans. What destruction we are willing to inflict for our new world! And what a beautiful and skilled monarch you are, my Tatiana.” His hands finally reached their destinations on her ass and chest. And so did his lips on theirs.

The fairy monarch looked up, pitying the two unexpecting birds.
They hold their right arm. Where, under their clothes, the light blue fabric was tied. Hidden from others but to them...
Always close, always present, always watching, and always ready to reassure them.
“Well then,” they started up their enchanted plane. “It’s time to show the world what we are capable of, Morgan.”
Morgan rose from the ground into the open sky to cut the bird's life short. The monarch's armor black, yellow, and white. With a clear right red arm to show who they formerly were.
Who knows, maybe even the mighty untouchable Demon Lord will hear about his fairy.
They could not help but smile at the thought.
“Just come,” their smile wired into an uncontrollable grind.
“If you truly are untouchable, then come face me. Show me what it feels like to be your enemy.” Just the thought was enough.
“Show me what you will do to kill Avalon’s king!” Enough to make them want to fight the Usio’s demon until at least one of them was torn up beyond recognition. But even after everything, they couldn't help but wonder with a frown if maybe...
“Would you like me to be your Titania, too?

Chapter 11: Just human

I was walking up the stairs as fast as my knees allowed me to. Thinking about the news we got.
He is staring out that balcony again, isn't he? There is no way he is taking the news in any positive way. He might try to pretend he does. No, he probably doesn’t even realize it.
I opened the door to the rooftop to see Cipher.
“It’s a good thing I check here first.” I waited for him to react, but he kept staring at those red clouds. Like the last time.
“Cipher?” Still nothing.
Not this again. The number of pilots I had to deal with who were grieving but didn’t want to admit it. Or didn’t know it. Is getting too high, even for me.
I stepped closer to him and smelled the after-smoke of cigarettes.
“Cipher,” I tried again, but nothing.
“How many did you already have?” I gently touched his shoulder.
“Just finished my fourth one.” He was smoking more and more.
“You shouldn't sm-”
“I know I shouldn't, but I just,” his fingers were twitching and going into his jumpsuit for another. But before he could, I grabbed his hand.
“Eagle Eye. Let go of my arm.” I have never seen such a deathly glare thrown at the clouds before.
Even then, “You need to stop with this. You are just ignoring your feelings at this point. You need to-”

“What do you want me to do?!” He sharply turned to look me in the eye.
“You want me to fly there and just!?” He threw one hand towards the sunset.
“Tell him that he is a fucking idiot for even considering joining this World with whatever. And that if he is a good boy and runs back to us with his tail between his legs. He might get a lighter punishment? Maybe just three to five years behind bars for that little trick he just pulled.” There it was. All the pent-up frustration, anger, regret, sadness, worry, and the general feeling of betrayal that he kept hidden so well.
“Tell him that I don’t really want to kill him? Sure, he would be fun to fight, but...” I would be lying if I didn't want to take a few steps back. But I need to stand my ground here and let him vent.
“But I want…” He is getting closer.
“That he was one of the few people that I actually…” So close.
“That I… That he…” Almost there.
“That I do miss him and still want to fly with him even after he backstabbed me like a professional traitor?” He still didn’t cross the bridge, but he was finally making progress. I slightly opened my arms.
“Do you want to?”

He looked like a wet dog. They all did after such a loss. I stepped closer to hug him even if he didn’t do anything outside of standing still. Everybody, even these pilots, be it men or women, needed some human comfort. Yes, even the Demon Lord. And in times like this, this was the least I could do for them.
“I don’t get it, Eagle Eye. Why him? We didn't even know each other that long.” I pet him on the back.
“Just let it all out.”
“I never really cared about anybody outside of myself.  Not that I never felt sorry for others. It’s just that people always felt so distant like I was always watching them from a mile away… They felt so untouchable and so… So far away.” He moved to look at the sunset.
“Yet with him, I felt like he was the first person who was standing next to me. Like I could finally touch…” I could feel him tense up.
“Don’t worry, I won’t judge.”
“I finally felt some connection to somebody. It felt nice, different. Like I was on top of the world with him when we finally liberated Directus. But I was so fucking stupid to see it. Haha, ha…ha…”
“It’s fine. We all made mistakes like this.” He moved back to look at me.
“But that’s the thing. When he came to me. To talk about some of his ideas. I just laughed in his face. I thought he was joking. But I should have known-”
“Cipher-”
“I didn’t even ask how he was after Operation Cannibal…” He looked lost.

“We all were di-”
“No, you don’t get it! I didn’t even look his way. I even shoved him when he tried to ask me how I felt. Just because I wanted to get my paycheck as fast as I could. So I could ignore everything I had done with: "At least the pay is nice.” like I always do.” Ok… I might be out of my depth here.
“How could I call myself a flight lead when I can’t even make sure that one member, just one, not like seven, is fine? And I am even doing it now. Like a few days back, I told PJ to shut up. All he wanted was to lighten up my mood.” I couldn’t help but notice that dig seven… Oh… Oh, Cipher no…
“Cipher-”
“And I didn’t even notice he stopped talking to me.” Yep, I am way out of my depth here.
“He didn’t even say a word to me before…” I pulled him closer into another hug, and this time he hugged back.
“Larry, can you read me? Your fairy godmother’s here, Cinderella.” What?!
“I am sorry. I don’t think I follow?” Cipher was weakly shaking.
“That’s what Wizard 1 told him after the nukes,” there it was.
“Cipher, I already told you. Wait, let me finish!” I let him go and held his arms so he couldn't run away.
“But Pixy and Bristow had a long history. I know it might hurt to hear. But most likely, Pixy would have gone to him over you even if you were still talking.” I saw something in his eye.
“Why?” His eyes were watering, “Why does it hurt so much? It’s been over three months. Shouldn’t I be over it by now? I have done so much shit, I have seen people die. I killed a lot of them myself. I have been through so much worse. So why do I get emotional now?”
“That tends to happen when you really care about somebody and let them in your heart. Be it a family, friend, or something else.” His tears started to flow down his chin.
“Something else?.. You mean… Like when you… Love someone?” It finally clicked for him.
“That too,” I couldn't help but weakly smile. He finally got it.
“Eagle Eye, will this feeling ever go away?”
“It pains me to say this. But there is a chance you might never really get over it.”
“Ha, haha, ha. I am such a pathetic demon, aren’t I?”
“No Cipher, you are just human like the rest of us."
He hugged me again, weakly laughing while my shoulder was wetter the longer we stood there.