When the ferris wheel started to move, I slumped a bit in my seat. I felt a bit tired after running around and playing with Stelle. My resistance had always been higher than a normal human's but, to put it simply, I'd had way too much fun today for my brain to really process it at the moment.
I shifted my gaze from outside the cabin window to smile at Stelle, sitting in front of me. Her golden eyes were lost in the distance, probably admiring the many lights of the amusement park as we began to climb high into the air. Her expression was uncharacteristically sombre.
Stelle... I can guess what's going through your mind. I can feel it as well, but I'm just too happy to think about anything sad.
I leaned forward and put a hand on her knee:
"Stelle, is something wrong?" I asked in a gentle tone.
My words seemed to startle her. As she looked at me, her face relaxed and a slight smile returned to it.
"Sorry, it's nothing..."
"Are you sure?" I pressed her, giving her a questioning look.
"Yeah, it's just... knowing how high you can fly in the sky, this ride is probably pretty boring for you, isn't it?" she said jokingly.
She's hiding something. Being an expert in that field, I can easily see it.
I stood up, trying not to hit my head on the small cabin roof, and sat down close to her, squeezing into the small space by her side.
"Huh?"
"I told you before, I never get bored when I'm with you!" I said, looking into her eyes.
Stelle turned her face away and looked down:
"The same goes for me... I had so much fun today."
I could clearly hear the pain in her words.
"Stelle, please tell me what's wrong. You see... a very important person told me that it is not good to hide things," I said, grabbing her chin to make her look at me.
Stelle's golden eyes lit up in surprise and her cheeks flushed:
"Um... I didn't think you'd be so assertive..."
"Oh, sorry!" I said, letting her go.
Was that too much?
Stelle waved her hands in front of her.
"It's fine, it's fine! It's just... you were a bundle of nerves like me before! So it kind of surprised me!"
"Oh... that's because... romance is kind of new to me. Usually I'm not nearly as indecisive as I showed you during this trip. As I thought, I showed you a pretty pathetic side of me..." I sighed.
For some reason, Stelle chuckled.
"What?" I asked, confused. I knew she wasn't the type to make fun of me.
"Sorry... if you're pathetic, then what am I? It's just.... what you just said kinda reminded me of the way your colleagues described you to me. They made it sound like you were some kind of ruthless, unstoppable killer robot!"
This time it was my turn to look down:
"Oh..."
I really don't want her to think of me like that...
Stelle grabbed my shoulders immediately:
"No, no! Sorry, I didn't mean it like that! I really only think of you as Firefly, the sweetest girl in the world! ...But I guess there was a little truth behind those words. That's what I thought was funny!"
Reassured, I smiled at her:
"I mean... they weren't really lying. When I'm on a mission, I don't like to waste time. While Kafka likes to play with her prey, I'm the opposite. I go for the target and take care of it as quickly as possible. I think that's the best way to go about things. After all, I have seen so much unnecessary suffering in my life."
"I'm sorry to remind you of these things..." said Stelle, looking mortified.
"It's all right! I'm sure you want to know more about me... now that, you know... your memory of me is gone."
As we spoke, the wheel had reached its highest point. The blue hour stretched before us in all its splendour. But as I looked out of the window, Stelle put a hand on my shoulder.
"So I guess... I'm your prey this time?" asked Stelle with a slight grin.
I giggled:
"Well, I'm a Stellaron Hunter!"
Stelle chuckled:
"You know... usually I don't like it when people mention what I have inside me but can't say I'm mad about it right now... besides, I somehow feel like I don't have to worry about anything when I'm with you!"
"The same goes for me! Stellaron or not, I would always want to be at your side. And, unlike my missions, I don't want this to ever end!"
Stelle's face trembled at these words and soon she threw herself into my arms, pressing her face against my chest.
I'm such an idiot... I thought I had managed to cheer her up...
"I'm sorry, I didn't want to make things gloomy..." Stelle said in a subdued voice, "But... Firefly... I don't want today to end. I want this date to last forever..."
Just as I thought...
I started to stroke her hair, hugging her tightly.
"Stelle... you know that's-"
"What Sunday offered us? I know. I'm a bit of a hypocrite, aren't I? I rejected his plans and told him his whole world view was wrong, and now I'm here, thinking that an eternal holiday with you would be all I want!"
"Stelle... I think the same," I replied quietly, "I would like the hands of the clock to stop right now, so that we could continue this ride forever."
"But then... does that mean we made the wrong choice?"
"Do you remember what I told you yesterday?" I pulled away slightly and pointed my finger at her left side, "the right answer is right here, Stelle, and we both know it..."
"But then..." Stelle began to sob, "why does it hurt so much? Why is it so sad to do the right thing?"
"Because..." I wiped a tear from her cheek, just as I had done in the parlor car, "unlike an eternal dream, reality is not only filled with happiness. But that's why moments like this are so important."
I kissed her gently. I could feel her tears trickling down my skin. Before I knew it, they were mixing with mine.
"Firefly..." Stelle said as our lips parted.
"It's ok... let's talk about it, Stelle. We both have something to say to each other, don't we?"
----------------------------------------
The balcony was as peaceful as ever. The soft piano tones were still filling the air, as they had on our previous visits.
"Sorry, you must be getting sick of this place," I said, looking apologetically at Stelle.
"Are you kidding me? Penacony has a lot of interesting spots, but... this is our place. I'll probably see so many incredible things during my journey... but in the end, I'll always want to come back here," she said, smiling as she looked at the shining horizon.
"The same goes for me... you know I can't dream... but every day, when I go to bed, I think my mind will always return here," I said, moving to her side.
"We are leaving soon, aren't we? Leaving the dream... waking up..." Stelle said with a hesitant voice.
"We are..."
"You know... I find it hard to believe somehow.... that this is all a dream. It felt so real. Part of me is afraid, that when I wake up, you won't be there..." Stelle said, coming closer so that our shoulders touched.
"I'm real, Stelle... I'm not some kind of illusion. I left you my notebook, didn't I?" I said, hugging her waist.
"Yes... you're right. You know... I actually met a person who only existed in the dream. You were there with me, but you probably didn't see him."
"Did you?" I asked,
A person... does she mean some kind of special meme?
"Yes... he was a fragment of the Watchmaker's memory."
The Watchmaker... that explains it.
"So that's what happened in the dream bubble... You spoke to him?"
"Yes."
"I wish I could have met him to thank him for creating this place... You know, I think I've been seeing some Memoria creatures lately too... like the paper birds and Clockie. I guess you really are a big influence on me!" I said with a smile.
Stelle didn't smile back but looked at me with a serious expression. Suddenly she grabbed my hands and stared me straight in the eyes.
"Firefly... before we parted, Mikhail said something that stuck with me: everyone goes through moments of uncertainty and hesitation. Eventually, though, they gather the courage to make bold decisions. Sometimes all you need is a little push to take the step towards the place where you really belong. I will give you that small nudge. Because, this... is the will of the Trailblaze."
Stelle reached into her pocket and took something out. Even though I had expected it, my heart skipped a beat. In front of me was a ticket, just like the one Stelle had pinned to her jacket.
I looked at her face. I could see all the nervousness and anticipation in her expression.
I don't think my heart can take this...
"I asked you before... but you kind of brushed it off. This time, I want an answer. I spoke to Himeko and the others and they all agree: throughout this crisis, you have truly embodied the spirit of the Trailblaze. So, Firefly... will you join me on the Astral Express?"
I've thought about it for so long... I knew she was going to ask me and I know what I have to say... but it hurts... it hurts so much.
I took a deep breath. I saw Stelle's expression quiver as I opened my mouth to give her the answer I had found inside me:
"I'm sorry Stelle... I can't."
"I see..." she said looking away, a sad smile on her face, "I expected it but... why... just why does it have to be like this..."
As her tears began to flow again, I took her face in my hands.
"I want to join you! I want nothing more than to stay by your side! But... this is not the time yet."
"Why? Why can't you join me? I'll make you happy, I promise! I told you before, I'll make every single one of your dreams come true!" Stelle cried, desperation in her voice as she grabbed my wrists.
"I know you'd do your best, Stelle... but we have to face reality. Travelling, seeing wonderful new places and helping you with your missions... I'd give anything for that! But you know that's impossible right now. Outside of here, I'm stuck inside SAM. Having a wanted criminal, with a bounty of 9 billion credits on his head, at your side during the traiblazing missions wouldn't be ideal, would it?" I joked, trying to cheer her up a bit.
But Stelle looked like someone who would never smile again.
"Then... y-you could just..." she stammered.
"Stay on the train? Wouldn't that be like being in a gilded cage?" I replied. I didn't want to be rash but it was the only way to say it and... I had to convince myself too.
Stelle was at a loss for words.
"And that's not all... Stelle, you may not like them... but the Stellaron Hunters are the closest thing I have to a family. They mean a lot to me, and I have treated them unfairly. I want to reconnect with them."
"Are they more important than me?" Stelle blurted out, letting go of my hands and taking a step back.
"You know that's not what I meant! I love you, Stelle. But... you care a lot about your Astral Express companions, right? I feel the same way about Wolfie, Blade and Kafka. Sure, we are not heroes like you... but we still share a very important bond," I replied, moving closer to her and grabbing her jacket.
"I know... sorry. That was unfair of me..." Stelle said, lowering her eyes.
I hugged her tightly:
"You are the most important person to me. That's another reason why I can't join you yet. I may not always agree with Elio's methods, but his ability to see into the future is the real thing. One day you'll face a confrontation that will decide the fate of the universe. I will do my best to help you. I'll do my best to support you as a Stellaron Hunter. As long as it's for you... I don't mind following my script."
"Firefly... I understand. I knew you would answer this way, but I couldn't accept it..." she said, leaning on my shoulder, "But... when this is all over, when we find a cure for you, you will join us, won't you?"
"I will, it's a promise!"
"A promise..."
Stelle pulled away from the hug and looked at me sheepishly. She held out her little finger to me.
What is she doing?
"This is what people do to make promises. Just link your pinky with mine. If you go back on your word, you'll have to swallow a thousand needles!"
Needles?! This sounds very dangerous!
"Is this some kind of Stellaron power?" I asked, stunned.
Stelle chuckled, wiped away a tear and intertwined her pinky with mine.
"You're kind of an idiot, you know?" she said with a grin.
"People often tell me that..." I replied with a soft smile, still a little confused.
She seems fine now... I'm glad I was able to cheer her up. And I feel a bit better myself.
Stelle slipped the ticket into her pocket. But when her hand came out, it was clenched in a fist.
"Since you are going to join us one day... I have something for you!"
"Something for me?" I repeated excitedly.
I've never been given so many presents in my life... after Robin's concert, what does she have in mind?
My eyes widened as Stelle opened her hand and revealed what she was holding:
"Is that...?"
"A limited edition lipstick! It's not the one you wanted, I know. Sadly they were all sold out. So I had them make this special one with the Astral Express symbol! Think of it as your welcome gift as an honorary crew member," she said, putting it in my hand.
There was a small red ribbon around it and it had a clover-shaped cap.
"This..."
"You don't like it?" asked Stelle worriedly, "I'm not good with these things, but March told me I had to choose something myself..."
"No, no! I love it! It's just..." I hurried to explain, "the first present I ever got was a lipstick too. It was from Kafka. A light pink one with a peach scent, kinda like jelly. At the time I didn't really get it, you know? Make-up... why would someone like me need something like that?"
"Because you are the cutest girl in the world! It'll enhance your already beautiful features!" Stelle replied animatedly.
"I wouldn't go that far..." I replied, a little taken aback by her enthusiasm, "but you're kind of right... I'm just a girl, aren't I?"
A big smile crept across my face.
A normal girl! That's how Stelle, Kafka and the others see me...
"Thank you Stelle! I'll treasure this!" I replied, smiling happily.
image [https://i.imgur.com/T5tyZZV.png]
I then took out the tap and, using my phone's camera to help me, started to apply it to my lips. It was a delicate shade of pink.
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
"Like I said, I'm not really an expert... but it really suits you!" Stelle exclaimed, giving me a thumbs up.
"Thanks... don't you ever wear make-up?" I asked.
For some reason my question seemed to embarrass her.
"No... I'd look weird with it... I'm not a cute girl like you!"
"You are plenty cute!"
Impulsively, I grabbed her jacket and pulled on it to make her bend towards me.
"Firefly what-?!"
I saw Stelle's eyes widen as I kissed her again. I could feel the sticky feeling of freshly applied lipstick between our lips. When I pulled away, I looked at her mouth:
"Just as I thought... it suits you too! You are so cute, Stelle!" I commented with a chuckle.
"You..." Stelle was red as a tomato, "what have you done to my innocent and shy Firefly?"
Am I going too far? Now that we're together and I've gotten over the initial nervousness... I feel so comfortable around her. It's almost like I'm back with the old Stelle... but since she has no memories of that time...
"Sorry... but like Clockie said, I'm not innocent. Sure, I can be a bit shy sometimes, but... I don't usually waver and I can be a bit rash too. Do you... hate it?"
But Stelle gently put a hand on my cheek:
"Not at all. I love to see new sides of you. And this one... I kind of like it. You know... I know I act a bit strange and uninhibited sometimes, but... that's just my way of dealing with people. When things get serious and it's time to be open with my feelings... I can't help but get nervous and anxious. So having you be so assertive and bold... it really helps!" she said with a little grin.
I'm glad she doesn't mind... but can I really manage? I don't think I'm capable of taking the lead in a relationship. I really don't know what it means to be a good girlfriend still... I hope Wolfie can give me some other tips.
"I see... let's have fun and get to know each other better, Stelle... you still have some free days, right?"
Stelle's face darkened again:
"Yes... but after that... what are we going to do?"
"Don't get sad again, Stelle. I know... it's going to be hard to hang out after we leave the Dreamscape," I replied with a sigh, "But... I'll send you lots of messages, ok? And I'll call you every night. We may be far away, but we are still under the same sky! We can count the stars together!" I added, trying to encourage her.
A tiny smile crept across Stelle's face.
"That's very romantic... can we also meet here every now and then?"
"Of course!"
"I didn't tell you, but... the Astral Express has become quite a big deal in Penacony. The Feldspar, for example, is our property now! We can spend time up there without worrying about you being found out!"
The Feldspar... having the place where I confessed to her all to ourselves... that's actually very romantic!
But another idea crept into my head:
"Stelle... do you think... we could see each other in other places too?"
"Other places?" Stelle asked, surprised.
"Yes... during my missions I have been to many beautiful planets. Because of the way I was born, I don't need to sleep much. So, in the early hours of the morning, I usually try to find a very high spot to see what the sunrise looks like in different angles of the universe... It's always so beautiful, but... kind of lonely. I'd like to do it with you sometimes... but..."
"You're worried because you'll be in your armor," Stelle finished for me.
"Yes..." I said, lowering my eyes.
Stelle hit me lightly on the head with her fist.
"You are so silly... Firefly, I love you! I love how cute and pretty you are, but also how strong and determined you can be. I love the sweet girl Firefly and the strong warrior Firefly. So I kinda love your armor too!" she said, ruffling my hair.
"Stelle..."
"Oh, and... y-yesterday... when you carried me so easily in your arms... it was kind of hot..." she stammered, looking away, her cheeks blushing again.
WHAT?! Why didn't she say anything?
"Hot?! I'm so sorry! I thought I had my flames under control! Did I burn you anywhere?" I asked, frantically grabbing her gloveless hand to see if there were any blisters on her palms.
For some reason, Stelle burst out laughing.
"Yep! You really are an idiot!"
Her laughter only got louder as I looked at her in confusion, but soon I couldn't help but smile.
She sounds a lot like Wolfie...
Thinking about my companion reminded me of something.
"Stelle?"
"Yes?
"I have something for you too!" I said, taking a small box out of my pocket.
"A present? For me?" she asked, her eyes shining.
"Yes... but don't expect much. I don't know if you'll like it... Silver Wolf insisted on buying you a hi-tech electric bat, but... when I saw this, I had to get it."
"I'll love whatever you got for me, don't worry!"
"Alright!" I said, handing her the box with shaking hands.
Stelle opened it immediately and looked at its contents with surprise.
"I know... it's not really your style..."
"It's very pretty... too pretty for someone like me," she said, taking the silver bracelet out of the box.
This again... is she doing this to make me compliment her, or does she not realise how cute she is?
"What are you talking about!?" I said, grabbing it out of her hands, "Give me your wrist. I'll put it on for you!"
"So forceful!" she said giggling, "thank you! the pendant is very cute!"
"It is," I said as I unclasped the bracelet while looking at it, "That's why I bought it. When I saw it, I immediately thought of you..."
"Because of my name?" she said with a smile.
Oh... she's right, her name means star...
"That's not the reason."
"Then why?"
After securing the bracelet to her wrist, I lifted my sleeve to reveal another bracelet, identical to hers.
"We match!" Stelle whispered, widening her eyes.
"I hope you don't mind..."
"Of course I don't mind! I love it! But..."
I put my wrist on hers. The two pendants, in the shape of two shooting stars, made contact.
"You know... I used to be a very gloomy and sad person, Stelle. But... then you came into my life. You brightened my days and made me not lose hope. But one day you went away. I thought then that the paths of our destinies would never cross again... like two shooting stars going their separate ways in the night sky.
But here, in the land of dreams, where anything is possible... our fates have crossed again. And I'm sure... even though we have to part now, it won't be the last time. We'll meet again and again. We'll grow and experience new things, alone and together. And I'm sure... if we keep going, we'll reach the same destination one day."
At the edge of the dream, my gaze wandered to the horizon. Where were all those shooting stars going? What was beyond that point? I didn't know yet.
But even destiny can't stop us. One day the trajectories of these two shooting stars will align and nothing will be able to separate them.
"Stelle.."
"Yes..."
"The day we have to part... let's meet here, one last time," I said, turning to look at her.
As I did so, I realised that her face was extremely close to mine.
"What are you talking about? One last time? When I feel lost and lonely... I'll come here and think of you... so do the same. Maybe we'll meet," she said before closing my lips with a kiss.
----------------------------------------
The days that followed almost made me reconsider my decision. Spending time with Stelle and her friends gave me another taste of what my life as the Nameless Firefly might be like.
These memories... I will always treasure them, no matter how my journey ends.
Going shopping with March 7th and taking lots of silly pictures while Stelle did everything she could to tease us.
Taking a relaxing break over a cup of coffee with Miss Himeko while Stelle tried her best to make Dang Heng lose his seemingly endless patience.
Discussing the design and engineering of SAM with an enthusiastic Mr Yang while a bored Stelle begged me to leave so we could have some fun together.
I even managed to get her and Silver Wolf to meet up so we could play some games together on the Radiant Feldspar.
It really was a wonderful dream. One I didn't want to wake up from.
"I wish these days would last forever..." I thought every time it was time to part with Stelle.
But I had made up my mind. And just as I had decided, I would accept the consequences of my choice.
This is what it means to have will as a human being. The will of the Trailblaze... I wonder if I really have something like that inside me.
One thing was certain. The path I had chosen wouldn't have been comfortable. It was very likely that my efforts to find the silver lining Jade had mentioned would have come to nothing. But... I would still have looked ahead, towards my future. Be it happy or tragic.
So, on my last day in Penacony, as I walked up the now familiar stairs to my secret base, my step was steady. As I approached the railing, I took out my mobile phone to check my face.
"...why did this have to happen?" I sighed.
I wanted everything to be perfect for what would be the last moments Stelle and I would share for a long time.
This band-aid... is so in the way... Stelle is going to get worried.
"Firefly!"
The phone almost fell out of my hand, as I suddenly heard Stelle call my name. I fidgeted nervously, trying to hide the band-aid from her before she approached. But obviously my efforts were in vain.
"What happened?!" she shouted, putting her hand on my face and forcing me to look sideways to check my cheek, "are you hurt?!"
Just as I thought...
I moved her hand away from me with another sigh:
"It's nothing, don't worry! I just had a rather unpleasant encounter yesterday."
"An unpleasant encounter? With whom? I'll give them a taste of my bat!"
It's a bit late for that...
"I received a message from Kafka yesterday. She wanted me to check out a new experimental weapon the IPC is supposedly developing and get some info on it. And well... that thing was kind of dangerous."
"Wait, yesterday... the fire at the Grand Theatre! Was it you?! People in the hotel said it was almost like a giant bomb went off inside," Stelle asked, her eyes wide with shock.
"Yes...sorry," I said with an apologetic smile, "Since it's currently closed to the public, the IPC has been using it as a testing ground... but those things are dangerous Stelle. I'm kind of worried if the IPC starts trying to use them on a large scale. It almost looked like it was going berserk, firing its weapons with no regard for collateral damage. If you ever have to deal with some kind of beast-like robot in the future, be careful!"
"Sure... but it'll probably be fine if you only came out with a scratch!"
"Oh... if it managed to give me this small wound, it's definitely not something you can handle alone!"
"Are you calling me weak?" said Stelle, pouting jokingly.
She's so cute!
"Definitely weaker than me!" I laughed and hugged her, "but I'm sure one day you'll be much stronger. You just have to keep travelling and experiencing new things!"
If she manages to acquire the power of even more Paths... I can see why Elio put her at the centre of his plans... I'll do my best to make sure he doesn't put her in too much danger.
"That's a bit paternalistic..." she complained, "big words from a shortie like you!" she added, patting me on the head.
"You know I could get into SAM right now and lift you in the air with one finger, right?"
"That... doesn't sound so bad..." she mumbled, blushing for some reason.
What's up with her?! Why does she always react like this when I mention SAM lately?
I decided to change the subject as Stelle had looked a bit uncomfortable the last time I'd asked her.
"So... a Wardance, eh? That sounds like a lot of fun!"
But I soon realised I had made a mistake when Stelle's expression darkened.
"A lot of fun..."
I'm so stupid...
"Stelle, I'm sorry, but..."
But I couldn't finish the sentence before she hugged me tightly.
"I'm sorry! I really wanted to say goodbye to you with a smile. But... I can't!"
I felt her body tremble in my arms as the sound of her sobbing pierced my ears like an unpleasant song.
"Don't cry Stelle... or... I'll... too..."
All the thoughts that had been troubling me over the past few days assaulted my mind at once. My hands gripped her jacket as the reality that we'd soon be parting ways began to sink in. How long would we have been separated this time? Would I ever see her again? A failed mission or a sudden deterioration in my condition... so many things could go wrong.
"How can I have fun... knowing that you are out there, stuck inside SAM, suffering? How can I let you go far away from me, when you could just disappear without me ever being able to hold you in my arms again?" Stelle murmured into my ears.
Thesee words... the suffering they radiated, came close to breaking my heart.
Did I make the wrong choice?
Sure, I would've needed to stay on the train, but... at least I could spend a lot more time with her. With my life expectancy being so short... did I really want to spend more time away from the person I loved?
Why does it have to be like this? Why can't we just be a normal happy couple like the ones we saw yesterday?
But even though it was surrounded by sadness and fear... the answer I had found during my journey was clearly still there, in my heart.
I took a deep breath as I pushed Stelle's away so I could look straight into her golden eyes.
"You can't, Stelle. You can't stop looking forward. That's the choice we've made. Always looking to the next destination is the path of the Trailblaze."
Stelle looked at me in despair:
"But... when I think of you..."
I took her hands:
"I want you to be happy when you do, knowing that I didn't give up thanks to you! I will also be doing my best. You know how I am, I'm too stubborn to mop around for too long. And anyway... I died three times already, I don't want to do it again for a fourth time," I said with a faint smile.
"You really are stronger than anyone I know... Firefly..." Stelle said, wiping away her tears and tentatively returning my smile.
She raised her hand towards the light in the distance. The silver bracelet on her wrist shone brightly.
"Thanks for giving me this... it'll make me think of you and feel a little less lonely."
I close my hand over hers.
"The same goes for me... Stelle... you have already made so many of my dreams come true... but now I have an even bigger one... one that I want to realise for myself! I want to reach that point... beyond the horizon, where these shooting stars above us finally meet. I don't know if it even exists... but I'll keep searching for it!"
Stelle nodded with a sad smile on her face.
"I understand... sorry for spoiling the mood."
I can't leave her like this... I love Stelle's real smile... that's what I want to see before I say goodbye.
But how could I cheer her up? My cheek suddenly flushed.
The training I did with Wolfie... I have to put it into practice. After those kind of kisses.. people looked very happy.
"Stelle, can you lean down a bit and close your eyes?"
Stelle seemed flustered by the sudden request but complied.
Her lips are closed... how do I make them open?... It's embarrassing to ask. But I can't let her stay like this forever...
So I began to kiss her gently. Then I pulled away a little and breathed on her lips to see if it would work. When it didn't, I decided to try something else. Opening my mouth slightly, I let my tongue out and began to gently stroke her lower lip.
This fizzy taste... she must have drank Soulglad before coming here...
Stelle audibly gasped and her lips soon parted as she tried to speak.
"Wha-.!?"
I took the opportunity I was given. I pressed my lips onto hers as her warm breath caressed them. I felt her body stiffen in my arm as I tentatively slipped my tongue inside her mouth.
This feels strange... it's very different from the other kisses we've shared... I should go slow...
Stelle's mouth felt much warmer than mine. Not knowing how far I should go, I stopped and lightly teased the inside of her lips. Stelle shivered in my arms. I held her tighter, slowly caressing her back, trying to calm her. Our combined heartbeats seemed so loud that I could only faintly hear Robin's song in the background. Soon I felt her relax in my arms.
And then we touched.
It was just a little brush that lasted a fraction of a second, as if we had burned each other. Maybe a bit like our first meeting, when I had barely looked into her eyes. But then we searched for each other again. And we reunited, it all felt right. Stelle's hand buried itself in my hair as our tongues touched and a passionate embrace began. It felt personal, intimate and... hot.
This... what is this feeling...
As the kiss continued, I clung to her jacket, my palms sweating. My breathing became heavier and when I felt that the air I was getting through my nose was no longer enough, I pulled away a little to get a little more. Fearing that Stelle would think I'd had enough, I put a hand behind her head as well, so that this moment wouldn't end just yet.
"I don't think I can get enough of this..." was just one of many incoherent thoughts that crossed my mind at that time.
When we parted, Stelle seemed completely out of it. Her grey air was completely messy and she looked like someone who had just run a marathon.
"What... was... that?!" she asked, looking at me in bewilderment.
"I think it's called a deep kiss," I replied, wiping my mouth.
"Of course... I know what it's called! But... you... how did you...?!"
Stelle seemed to have forgotten how to form a sentence. But I somehow understood what she was asking.
"Do you remember what I told you the other day on the Feldspar? How I was interested in trying out some romance games? Silver Wolf ended up procuring some for me as educational material."
Stelle's eyes widened.
"What kind of games did that girl make you play?!" she shouted in a high-pitched voice.
"I really don't remember the titles... let me ask her!" I said, pulling out my phone.
"No! I... don't want to know. Just... never play them again, ok? I think I'm going to have a heart attack if you keep learning things from them."
Why is she so shaken? did she not like it? Was I too forceful?
Romance was really something I didn't understand.
"Sorry Stelle... I wanted to make you happy but ended up doing something stupid again." I said, shaking my head.
"That's not the point... I was just surprised. That... felt very good!" she said, putting her hands on my shoulders.
"Then... can we do it again next time?" I asked with hope.
"...yes," she said, looking away and blushing.
"Man... you really are bold Firefly," she said then, covering her face with a hand, "but thanks, I feel much better now."
"I'm glad... it's getting late. Are you going to be all right, Stelle?" I asked after a short pause.
"I am. It'll be hard and I'll probably cry again later, but I'll manage. I... also have a new dream to look forward to," she said smiling.
"A dream?"
"First of all... I'll do my best to help you. As soon as I get to Xianzhou, I'll sprint to the Alchemy Commission. Maybe they can give me some clues on your condition... and then I'll do the same in each of my destinations. I'll search every corner of the universe for that silver lining".
Her and Wolf... to have people who care so much about me, it's something I never thought would happen.
"Thank you!" I replied with an happy smile.
It may not amount to anything... but knowing that she cares for me, even when she's far away, makes me really happy.
"And then... I want them back!" she exclaimed, clenching her fists.
"You want what back?" I asked, confused.
"My memories of you."
My eyes widened.
"Stelle... there's..."
"I know... we can always make new ones. But... I still want them back! All the moments we spent together are important to me... so not even being able to remember our first meeting... I can't bear it. Maybe after the Harmony... I'll gain the power of Remembrance. That will certainly help me figuring something out."
Our first meeting...
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The briefing room of the Stellaron Hunter base was silent, except for the persistent sound of frantically pressed buttons. The cause, of course, was Silver Wolf, deep in her handheld console as usual.
"Does she just play all day?" I thought annoyed, looking up from my book.
Blade, on the other hand, didn't seem to be bothered by the noise. His eyes were fixed on the distance, as if one of the turned off screens could give him the answers he was looking for.
Why do we have to be here at all? The new girl won't be a real member anyway...
I was already tired of my missions, and now even my little free time was being taken up by Elio's stupid orders.
It seemed like hours passed before two sets of footsteps approached the room. I recognised the almost indiscernible ones of Kafka, but the others...
Why is she making such a racket? I could hear her coming even without my enhanced senses...
Suddenly the door of the meeting room burst open.
"Hands up! This is an IPC raid! You are under arrest!" a tall, grey-haired girl shouted in an overly enthusiastic voice.
Kafka stood behind her, shaking her head. Silence fell again, but the button-mashing didn't stop.
"Nice... another weirdo," I thought, raising an eyebrow. My other two colleagues in the room hadn't even flinched.
"Eh, just kidding!" said the girl, seemingly unconcerned with the reception we had given her joke, making her entrance.
"Stelle, behave," Kafka said, but I could see her lips curling into a smile.
Of course, Kafka loves problematic people like this girl...
Meanwhile, the girl called Stelle had approached Silver Wolf.
"You must be Silver Wolf! Nice to meet you, I'm... wait, is this the latest model!?" she asked, looking at her console with eyes full of desire.
"It is... stop talking to me now, can't you see I'm in a raid?"
"Alright! But you have to let me play sometime!"
"Of course..."
I could clearly see that Wolf hadn't even listened to what she had said.
Stelle then went over to Blade.
"You're Mr Blade, right? N-nice to meet you!"
It seemed that Blade's presence was too much even for someone like her. For his part, he barely looked at her and gave her a small nod.
I sighed when it was my turn.
"And you... who are you? Kafka didn't tell me another girl of my age would be here! Are you new too!?" she said, gripping my hand in excitement.
Just as I thought... this girl is going to be a huge pain.
"Don't touch me!" I said irritably, pulling my hand out of her grasp and looking away.
"Sorry! I shouldn't have done that... I was just a bit excited!" she said mopey, "wait... what are those... scars?" she than asked.
I felt an even stronger pang of annoyance as I saw her staring at my cheek. I really didn't like people looking at those marks.
"None of your business."
"I see... they look very cool though! You are also very pretty! So don't worry about it!"
"This girl... what's her problem?" I thought, finally looking into her eyes. Those golden pools were filled with curiosity.
"I'm Sam." I finally said.
Now the curiosity was joined by confusion.
"Sam... wait... Kafka, did you trick me?" she asked, turning to her.
"I didn't," Kafka replied, sitting down at the table, "this girl is Sam."
"But isn't Sam supposed to be a big robot guy or something!?"
"I'm the pilot, you might say," I tried to explain to end the conversation.
"I see... it's kind of hard to imagine you piloting a huge mech. But then... is Sam the name of the robot, your name... or both?"
Why is she asking this question? Does it even matter?
But there was no reason not to answer.
"My name is Firefly."
Stelle sat down at the table in front of me.
"Firefly! Much better! Such a cute name, it certainly suits you much better than Sam!"
...
I looked at her with my mouth half open. Kafka cackled by her side:
"It's going to get a lot livelier around here."
----------------------------------------
As usual, Kafka was right. But Stelle hadn't stopped at the Stellaron Hunter base. She had made my whole existence brighter and happier than I had ever dreamed it could be.
"Why are you laughing?" Stelle asked, confused.
"Nothing... don't worry, I'm sure you'll find out eventually."
I smiled brightly at her, trying to imprint her face in my mind.
image [https://i.imgur.com/EnktwQf.png]
"I'm sure you'll make it, Stelle. Nothing can stop you."
"Not even you?" she said jokingly.
"Well, I'm willing to let you win today... if you give me a big hug!"
"I'll take it."
Her arms wrapped around me, holding me tight. I leaned against her, making sure that the warmth of that embrace enveloped me. I'd need it to survive the cold reality that awaited me.
"Stelle... it's time to wake up," I whispered.
"I know... I'm glad we could share this dream together. I look forward to seeing you in the real world. I'll be awake this time, I promise!"
"You better be!" I chuckled before turning serious, "Make me proud, Stelle. Travel the universe, make new allies and friends, and don't let what's inside you get in the way. As an honorary member of your crew, I must say... may your journey lead you starward!"
"The same goes for you, Firefly. May your dreams come true. I'll be rooting for you and... I'll be waiting. I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes."
As the embrace loosened, I took the opportunity to give her one last tender kiss on the lips.
"Goodbye for now, Stelle... I love you."
My flames enveloped me as I entered my armor, but the cockpit felt strangely warm this time. I rose high into the sky I had come to love so much as I heard Stelle call out my name:
"Firefly.... I LOVE YOU!"
I smiled as a tear trickled down my cheek.
Thank you, Mr Mikhail... for this wonderful dream.
Wide green wings spread across the clear sky of Dream's Edge as I accelerated towards my destination. To Stelle I must have looked like one of the many shooting stars around me.
I want to reach it... the point beyond the horizon... the point where there are no more scripts. The point where it's just me and her, Firefly and Stelle.
But until that moment, I would have lived for myself, just as she'd taught me.