The atmosphere of the observation deck was as enchanting as I remembered it. Illuminated by the stars around me, I truly felt as if I were floating in the centre of the universe. It was from here that Kafka had found me, floating among the brittle remains of the planet I had destroyed during my last battle as a member of the Iron Cavalry. So much had happened since then. There had been no shortage of suffering but also so many happy memories I had never hoped to live. Everything had led me to be here at this moment, where even with the wondrous firmament around me, my eyes were fixed on a single point that I could only see thanks to my enhanced vision. In the distance, a tiny dot in the cosmos, stood an imposing space station with a strange architecture. A clock without hours was ticking, heralding the moment when our ship would reach it. Once a prison colony, Penacony was now the only place where I could be free. And I was going back to it. I was going back to her.
My eyes went down to the screen of my phone, a smile spreading across my face as I went through the conversation I had had less than five minutes ago.
image [https://i.imgur.com/QYToEh6.png]
I can't wait.
This trip had been so much fun already.
It had been a while since we Stellaron Hunters had all been together. And the last time, during the Jepella mission, things had gone quite differently. Due to the loss of Stelle, and the nature of our work there, the atmosphere hadn't been very pleasant. But that was in the past. Today we had been able to talk at length, without even mentioning our recent missions. From the new game Silver Wolf had become obsessed with to Kafka's latest favourite orchestral piece. Even Blade had chimed in a little when we got to the subject of the recent Luminary Wardance. For my part, I had been able to tell them about my favourite places in the Dreamscape, in the hope that we might have a chance to visit them together. We had even ended up getting crushed in a game of Old Maid by Kafka. It really did look like a family outing and not like we were four criminals who were going to cause a lot of trouble. Of course, I knew it wouldn't last, but...
For now, we might as well enjoy it.
Kafka was right as usual. We had all agreed to follow Elio for very different reasons. We had conflicting agendas, methods and values. Our time together might end suddenly and, who knows, we might even become enemies one day. But until then... there was nothing to prevent us from keeping each other company.
"Stellaron Hunter Sam please report to the lower deck. I repeat, Stellaron Hunter Sam please report to the lower deck."
The muffled voice of Silver Wolf from the ship's intercom snapped me out of my daydream.
"Why are you talking like this?" I chuckled.
"I thought I should sound professional when I talk into this thing," Wolfie's now completely normal voice replied, "but ya heard me, Kafka wants you on the lower deck."
Kafka? Wasn't she sleeping in her room?
Before I arrived here on the observation deck, she and Blade had retired to their cabins, saying they would rest until we arrived at Penacony. Of course, I had no need to sleep and Silver Wolf was, as always, a complete night owl.
At this rate it will be at least 3-4 hours before we reach the station... actually... why are we going so slowly? The stealth system is engaged, so we shouldn't have to worry about being spotted, I thought as I got into the ship's lift and pushed the button to get down to the lowest level.
This particular part of the ship resembled a very large garage, which housed a small, fast flying vehicle to use on the field and Blade's car, as well as a huge arsenal of weapons for Kafka. There was also a futuristic looking motorcycle, which I suspected was Wolfie's, but I'd never seen her use it.
Knowing her, she probably likes to tinker with it, but not really ride it.
I was wondering where Kafka was when I heard her call my name.
"Firefly here, dear."
Her voice was coming from the left corner of the room. I quickly approached and began to speak:
"Kafka, what's going on?"
As I walked around the small airship and she came into view, I stopped. Kafka was standing next to a large empty bathtub decorated with what looked like a giant seashell.
"This is..."
Although I had never been to the real Reverie hotel, I had seen something like that in the flyers I had studied before my last mission.
"A Dreampool," Kafka concluded for me, placing her hand on its edge, "Silver Wolf started working on it during your last trip. Just in case you needed some extra help."
"Wolfie..."
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fantastic, aren't I?" Wolfie's voice said from the intercom, "I couldn't really finish it without getting some data from your armor though. While making a working device wasn't too hard, connecting it to Penacony's Dremscape was another can of worms."
"But you got it working?"
"Of course I did. All we have to do is pump in a bunch of Memoria and let it simmer for a while. Of course, you still won't be able to use it because you can't dream."
I turned to Kafka:
"So that's how you and Blade are going to get into the Dreamscape... how do you plan on not raising a fuss the moment you step into the Golden Hour?"
I half hoped she was going to reveal something about this mission, but I could tell from her smile that she still had no intention of doing so.
"You'll find out soon enough... you haven't had your date yet. Speaking of which, that's the reason I called you here."
"Huh?"
Kafka chuckled:
"Well, you heard Silver Wolf, we need to collect some Memoria before we go into action, that's why she slowed down the ship. So... how about you lead the way? I'd feel bad keeping you here when my cute apprentice is dying to see you."
"Kafka!"
Seeing Sam jump out of happiness must have been either a bizarre or frightening sight. But I didn't care. I was going to see Stelle much sooner than I thought.
"Stellaron Hunter Sam is required on the launch pad. I repeat, Stellaron Hunter Sam is required on the launch pad!" Wolf said in the muffled tone she had used before.
"This again? And what do you mean launch pad?"
It was Kafka who answered:
"One of Silver Wolf's usual useless endeavours."
"Don't call it useless! Are you ready to check out the newest upgrade I made to the ship, Firefly?"
I didn't know whether to be excited or worried. Kafka led me to the opposite side of the lower deck. Closer to the wall there was now a raised platform with a cluster of lights on its edge.
"What will happen if I step on it?" I asked cautiously.
"Only one way to find out," Kakfa replied, "have fun out there."
With a sigh I decided to hop on. As I did so, a green light began to glow beneath me.
"Safety measures engaged!" shouted Silver Wolf as two metal bars came out of the wall behind me and attached to Sam's shoulders.
"Don't move too much or you'll break them! They are just for show for now! I have to model a rack on Sam's silhouette."
"Wolfie..."
"All systems green!"
"What systems?!"
"Launch duct clear, opening hatches!!" Silver Wolf ignored my question as a series of airlocks opened above my head, leading the way to the top of the ship, "Waiting for pilot status to proceed."
I could have just used the door, there's an airlock anyway...
But Silver Wolf sounded really excited and...
This is kind of cool.
"Firefly Type-IV in position," I declared as a loud rumbling sound rose from beneath my feet.
"Stellaron Hunter Sam, lift off!"
Kafka, who had been waving her hand at me, instantly disappeared in front of me as I was propelled upwards at incredible speed.
"WOAH!"
"Cool, isn't it?!"
It only took a few seconds before I was thrown out of the ship into the sea of stars. As I stepped out, I immediately felt the familiar pressure of Memoria.
"That was awesome... I'm a bit worried about safety though, I think I saw some smoke around me at the end!" I said in my cockpit as I switched on Sam's propellers.
"That part still needs some work... just don't tell Kafka," Silver Wolf's voice replied inside my helmet, "have a safe trip, cya soon."
"Thanks Wolfie, try not to make the other two do anything crazy."
She only replied with a chuckle. I also knew that trying to keep Kafka under control wasn't going to work anyway. But now that worry was completely eclipsed by another thought.
"Stelle..."
The flames roaring in the core of my armor quickly began to change colour as my desire to see her ignited within me. Soon my wings spread across the universe as I soared towards the centre of the Asdana Memory Zone at a crazy speed, many times that of Wolfie's new crazy lift.
It wasn't long before the pressure around my armor began to rise. Painful and horrible scenes, the same ones I had recalled yesterday during my conversation with Stelle, began to flash before my eyes. But every time my heart was ready to sink into despair, the thought that I would soon be reunited with my first and only love, kept me going.
And then... there I was. High in the air, falling on a sleepless city as the breeze of an eternal night washed over me. The tears in my eyes flew behind me as I let out a happy laugh. Even though it was the second time, I couldn't help but wonder how it was possible for a dream to feel so real.
No... somehow it feels more real than the waking world, I thought as I looked at the backs of my hands, completely scarless.
How could such a place even exist?
I knew the answer now: a Stellaron. But I wanted to believe that it wasn't just that: the pure desire of Mikhail Char Legworth must have been a key to creating this paradise for lost souls like mine. One where we could find some solace in the embrace of Harmony.
I landed gracefully on the circular clearing and immediately set off. Taking in the atmosphere of the Golden Hour, busy as usual, feeling the bliss of being able to walk on my own two feet... all those incredibly sweet things were secondary to wanting to see her.
Where should I look? The secret base? That's a bit far... I have a feeling Stelle would want to see me as soon as possible, just like I do.
So, like a month ago, I turned right and headed for Oti Mall. I probably looked like an idiot, smiling at every familiar sight. The stairs I'd hurried up to test the effect of the Dreamscape on my body, the luxurious cars Stelle had checked out with dreamy eyes, the grand gallery above my head depicting a starry sky, the small circular plaza where little spheres were suspended like little planets. Even the giant eyeball called Dr Edward, which last time I thought was kinda freaky, looked like an old friend.
And...
I saw her.
Above the little staircase that led to the Clockie Studios Theme Park, where a month ago two Bloodhounds were grilling a pesky stowaway. Exactly where we first met on my last trip, Stelle was standing, looking bored, checking her phone.
Even though she didn't know how long it would take me to get here... she's waiting for me.
I had come up with a silly idea on my way there. When I'd found her, I'd sneak up behind her and scare her. Just a little payback for being a tease. But at that moment, my body moved on its own. I started running like I had never run before, even before ELS got in the way.
"STELLE!" I yelled.
Her golden eyes lifted from her phone and her face lit up with pure, unbridled joy.
"FIREFLY!"
She started running too. We met halfway, jumping into each other's arms. It was really a good thing this was a dream, otherwise I was sure one of us would have ended up with a few cracked ribs.
"Stelle!" I exclaimed again, grabbing the back of her jacket with my hands and burying my head in her chest.
"Firefly!"
One of her hands gently stroked my hair while the other, on my back, pressed me against her body, almost as if she desperately wanted us to merge. We must have stayed like that for a long time, but to me it felt like only a few seconds. Still hugging her, I pulled away a little to look into her eyes.
"Sorry for bothering you! Please, I need your help!" I said, giggling through my happy tears.
"I'll do my best to protect a pretty young lady!" Stelle declared before we both burst out laughing.
When we calmed down, she remarked cheekily:
"Ah, I wasn't expecting you so soon! I should have found a better place to hide!"
"Uhm... it looks to me like you wanted me to find you as soon as possible!"
"Not at all... you know what they say, sometimes the most obvious place is the best hiding spot!" she replied, looking away.
"Uhm..." I gently placed a hand on her cheek to turn her face to mine, "is that right? Anyway... it looks like a terrifying Stellaron Hunter has captured you!"
Stelle chuckled:
"Oh no! Shall I call the Bloodhounds? I wonder if those two who were always chasing you are still working here..."
"Well... I intend to get my prize before they can do anything about it."
"Prize -?!"
I grabbed her jacket and pulled her towards me. I knew Stelle could be shy about this sort of thing, so I intended to just give her a playful peck, to make her a bit flustered. But the moment our lips touched, my body moved of its own accord, just as it had before.
How could I resist? It had been so long. I had spent so many waking nights thinking about the moment we would meet again.
So I stood on my tiptoes and pressed myself against her body. In that kiss I put a month's worth of longing, loneliness, desire and neediness. In that moment, in that warm embrace, the cold, hard reality melted away. Even though we were in the middle of a bustling city, it was just me and her. Her fluffy grey hair, her gentle golden eyes, her strong hands wrapped around me, the comforting warmth of her breath, the tenderness of her lips and the inviting feel of her tongue.
"Ah..." I gasped as the kiss ended far too soon for my liking.
"This... Firefly..."
Stelle's face was flushed, her eyes darting left and right.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to..." I stammered, trying to regain my composure.
What's happening to me... even the last time I didn't feel this way... has being away from her made me go crazy?
"It's o-okay... it was just... aaaah!" Stelle seemed to deflate like a balloon, "I feel like I'm going to faint..."
"I'm sorry! I'll try to control myself!" I said, looking down at my feet.
But Stelle put a hand on my head and patted my hair:
"It's okay, it's okay... I told you last time... I really need someone so bold at my side. I feel like if it was for me, we would be one of those super indecisive couples you hate to read about in manga. And... I guess it also means you missed me a lot!" she said, giving me one of her usual beaming smiles.
"I did!" I exclaimed, looking up again and smiling too, "but now we are together again! I'm so happy Stelle!"
"Me too. Shall we go? Before someone reports us to the Bloodhounds for public indecency?"
"Was it that bad?"
"I think so... it almost felt like you wanted to eat me... my brain somehow switched off halfway through. You really are a dangerous Stellaron Hunter," Stelle muttered as she blushed, then lowered her voice and added, "I wouldn't mind another round when we're alone..."
"Oh?" I asked playfully, "I don't know... I wouldn't want to taint the heroic Trailblazer with the indecency of a Stellaron Hunter."
"I really wouldn't..." her voice faded into a blurb before finishing, "especially since you look so... gorgeous."
"Oh!"
I had almost forgotten that she had never seen me in my work clothes.
"Thank you! You look great too!" I replied with a smile.
"But if I'm dressed as usual!" she said with a chuckle.
"Well, you look cool as always!" I replied, poking the Astral Express ticket attached to her jacket, "but I kinda want to see you in a suit too!"
"Eh?! No way... the ponytail looks great too, it really suits you! Did you dress up like this just for me?" she asked as we started to walk down the stairs.
"Let's say I did..." I said, smiling at the thought of how smug Kafka would have felt when I told her about this, "but Stelle... your hand!"
"My... oh!"
Stelle quickly pulled off her right glove. As she did so, a glittering silver bracelet descended to her wrist.
"You're wearing it!" I exclaimed happily as I also removed one of my gloves to show her the matching one.
"Of course I am.. I never take it off, even when I sleep."
Stelle's expression darkened for some reason.
"Is something wrong?" I asked worriedly.
But the strange expression vanished immediately, replaced by a broad smile that made me feel like I had just imagined it:
"Not at all!" Stelle exclaimed, "Let's go, Firefly! I have something special prepared for you today!"
As our fingers interlocked, the two shooting star pendants touched again, just like the trajectories of our destinies.
----------------------------------------
"A lecture from a friend of yours?"
"Exactly! Apparently he's quite a big deal, so he's often invited to give guest lectures at famous universities. He's called Dr Ratio, maybe you've heard of him."
"You mean Veritas Ratio? Of course I have heard of him! He's considered one of the most influential scholars of our time!"
According to many, Dr Ratio, a member of the Intelligentsia Guild of the IPC, had propelled many planets forward several years thanks to his inventions. But unlike many scholars who kept to themselves in their ivory towers, he was always travelling the universe, spreading knowledge to eradicate the plague of ignorance.
I wonder why someone like him didn't get a call from the Genius Society.
Whatever the reason, Nous hadn't taken an interest in him, he was still a very big deal. I had even seen some of his books in Silver Wolf's room.
Stelle really knows a lot of influential people... she's really following the path Elio thought.
"Yes, that's him," Stelle replied, "Mr Yang told me he's going to be at the Penacony Paperfold University College at the Moment of Sol. I thought we could check out his lecture."
"It certainly sounds interesting! What will the lecture be about?" I asked, curious as to why Stelle wanted to go there. In the time I'd known her, she'd never shown much interest in academics.
"I don't know and I don't care!" she replied cheerfully.
I looked at her confused:
"Eh? But then why..."
"You told me during one of our phone calls, remember? How you'd like to go to school. That's why I thought we could check it out. I know a university is a bit different... but we can sit in a class and pretend we're in the prime of our youth!" she smiled brightly.
"Stelle!" I shouted, feeling my eyes water again.
How could one person be so carefree and caring at the same time? She'd taken to heart what most people would have dismissed as a silly remark. I didn't know if she would go down as a hero in the annals of this space age, but she was definitely mine.
I feel like when I'm with her... any dream can come true. And not thanks to Memoria.
"I love you, Stelle!" I declared loudly.
"'Hey, people will hear you!" she complained, "I love you too..." she added, blushing.
"But if we are going to the Moment of Sol, why are we heading to Oti Mall?" I asked, realising the direction Stelle had led me.
For some reason she grinned:
"You'll see. Although I do feel a bit guilty after seeing how cool you look today."
"How cool I look...?"
We had stopped outside a clothes shop for some reason. Stelle pushed open the door and invited me in. Then she spoke to the shop assistant:
"Hello! I'm the Nameless Stelle, I called earlier to have you put some clothes aside for me."
The clerk nodded before disappearing into the back of the shop.
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
"Stelle, what are we doing here? Do you need any special clothes for this lecture?" I asked.
"I wouldn't say I need..."
"Huh?"
When I saw the employee come back, I understood what she had in mind. The clothes she had brought painted a very clear picture: a cyan blazer, a white shirt with a cute orange ribbon, a checkered mini skirt and a pair of thigh-high socks along with two loafers.
"Stelle... isn't the place we're going a university?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, it is."
"Then why are you going to dress like a high school student?"
"I'm not. You are!"
"What?!"
But I could tell by the size of those clothes that she was telling the truth. They were far too small for her height.
"How did you get my measurements in the first place?" I asked, stunned.
"I have a good eye," she said, looking away.
"Stelle..."
"I asked March if she remembered them from the last time you went shopping together," she quickly confessed.
"So you really planned this thoroughly."
I looked at the clothes. Did Stelle really want to see me dressed like this? Was this some kind of weird fantasy she had? She could be quite silly sometimes.
She cares so much about me... I don't see a problem with indulging her, Kafka is still on the ship anyway.
But going around a university looking like a young girl who's just started high school... was going to be a bit embarrassing.
"I'll wear it. But only if you do too. Do you have a bigger size for my girlfriend?" I asked the shop assistant.
"Wait, no! I can't wear clothes like these!" Stelle complained with a horrified look on her face.
"Huh? Are you so against them? Don't you like them since you want me to wear them?" I asked, surprised at her reaction.
"But you are super cute… If I dress like that, I’m just going to look weird.”
"Stelle…"
I had realized during one of our last conversations on the rooftop. For some reason Stelle had a problem with girly things, like make-up and cute dresses. Of course I didn’t mind at all if she wanted to stick to her casual style, but I didn’t want it to be for some kind of skewed perceptions she had of herself.
I’m her girlfriend, I need to make sure she’s comfortable with who she is… just like she did with me and my armor.
I got closer to her and I quickly sandwiched her face between my hands.
"Uh? ‘ifrefly?!"
"Stelle, for me you are the cutest girl in the universe. I really love how you dress usually, you are super cool. And if it’s what you feel comfortable with, you don’t have to force yourself to change it. But if you like clothes like these ones… I really thing they’d suit you. And I’ll be at your side, looking at my beautiful girlfriend. However you look I’ll always love you and accept you for who you are."
Stelle’s pupils widened in surprise. She blushed slightly:
"How did we get from seeing you in a sailor uniform to this… fine… I’ll wear it too."
"Yay! We’ll look just like an high school couple!" I exclaimed as she gave me a timid smile.
Ten minutes later we were out of the shop with a new outfit. Even though we were definitely too old for it, we were still kinda pulling off the schoolgirl look.
"You look like you got held back a couple of grades," I chuckled looking at Stelle’s shirt being an inch too short of her.
"What happened to accepting me…" she sighed.
"You look super cool though. Like a very reliable upperclassman!" I said with a smile.
The sight of her out of her usual baggy clothes really accentuated how stunning my girlfriend was. As I looked at her chest pressing against her shirt, I couldn't help but feel a certain warmth in my chest.
"And you really do look like an annoying junior!" Stelle said, ruffling my hair and dispelling those dangerous thoughts.
Laughing together, we stepped into the Dreamscape pathway that would transport us to the Moment of Sol.
This particular section of Penacony was perpetually stuck in the moment that struck noon. This eternal midday was the perfect place for the brightest Dreamweavers to gather in an endless congregation of brilliant minds. So Glaux, the legendary head of the Nightingale Family, had created an imposing academy to unite them.
The Paperfold University College was not a school like any other. Apparently, when a student enrolled, they were sorted into three different courses by a so-called Turing Test. But the oddities didn't stop there.
"You definitely wouldn't find this in a normal school..." I commented, looking at the giant statue of Professor Owl, the cartoon character based on the founder Glaux.
"Do you think I could pull him out of the ground, Firefly?" asked Stelle with a smirk.
"This one's definitely a little too big to be one of your bird friends," I chuckled.
The statue was surrounded by flowerbeds and benches where the students of the university either lazed around or read books. I noticed that some of them were looking at us, probably due to our strange outfits. Fortunately, no one seemed to want to say anything.
If anyone dares to laugh at Stelle... they'll get a scorched-earth operation.
"I think this is the place, Firefly!" Stelle said, taking me by the hand and leading me to what looked like the main building of the college. Its three arches with gold decorations and red and gold banners gave it an imposing and majestic appearance.
It feels so wrong to go inside dressed like this.
But I didn't say anything. As long as it made Stelle happy, it didn't matter if we looked out of place. And to be fair... just the thought of me and her being normal schoolgirls made my heart flutter a little.
We walked through the lavish halls of the Academy until we found a long line of people entering a door. There were so many different types of attendees, from enigmatic Intellitrons to elegant Foxians from Luofu. When we finally made it to the entrance of the room, we found ourselves in a large and spacious lecture hall. A tall man with a golden laurel wreath over his wavy violet hair was waiting near the lectern for the audience to take their seats.
That must be Dr Ratio... he really has an imposing aura around him.
When he saw Stelle, he nodded his head slightly in response to her enthusiastic waving. She and I made our way to the back of the classroom and sat down at the same desk.
"So many people..." I commented, looking around.
"It really does feel like we're new students on the first day of university, doesn't it?" Stelle said with a smile.
I rested my chin on my elbow on the table and looked at her with dreamy eyes.
"Yeah..."
A life where me and Stelle went to college together... that would've been so much fun. Studying together, eating lunch at the same table in the cafeteria, then going on a date after school...
But even this... this is good.
Sure, my life outside of this dream wasn't perfect, and these moments would only last so long... but that's why I should have savoured them. That's what I'd learned on my last journey.
It wasn't long before Dr Ratio began his lecture. Apparently it was about Astral Ecology, the subject in which the late Professor Glaux had specialised. At least that's what I managed to understand, as it was all far too complicated for someone like me who had never spent a single day at school, let alone at a university. While I was able to follow the introductory part about the birth of the cosmos, when Dr. Ratio started to get into the more complicated arguments about the evolutionary ecology of sub-galaxies, I quickly realised that I'd have to study a lot to understand what he was saying. Nevertheless, I followed his discourse attentively. Behind his harsh tone and almost rude manner of answering the audience's questions, I could sense a deep passion emanating from Dr. Ratio. He had truly made it his life's work to share his knowledge with us poor idiots, and I couldn't help but be swept up in his enthusiasm.
On the contrary, Stelle started to doze off very quickly and I had to keep poking her cheek to make sure she didn't start snoring in the middle of class.
She's so cute, I thought several times, quickly feeling guilty when I realised I wasn't paying attention to Dr. Ratio.
In the end, the lecture ended with me feeling very humbled about the extent of my self-education.
As we were about to follow the rest of the audience out of the auditorium, Stelle pulled me close to the lectern where Ratio was putting his books back into a bag.
"Hey Ratio, very uhm interesting lecture."
"Stelle... don't hesitate like that!" I whispered in panic.
But her slip was probably not that important as:
"Oh yes, I saw how attentive you were, Miss Stelle," Dr. Ratio said, looking at her with an annoyed expression in his piercing eyes, "what was the part that caught your interest the most?"
Stelle immediately freaked out, giving me little nudges with her elbow, hoping I could save her.
It really feels like we're in high school.
"Thank you for your time Dr. Ratio, it was a pleasure to be one of your students for a day."
The man's face relaxed as he turned to me:
"No need to thank me, I see it as my duty to alleviate the dullness that plagues the brains of idiots like the girl by your side."
"Hey!"
"Did you like the subject? It was the favourite of my senior and the founder of this academy," Dr. Ratio asked me, ignoring Stelle's protests.
"I did... but I'm just far too ignorant to understand something so complex..." I said, but then quickly added, "but you explained everything really clearly, so even I got something out of it!"
"The biggest idiots I have met in my career, apart from Miss Stelle, are the ones who thought they were smart and cultured. Realising our own idiocy is the first step towards ridding our minds of ignorance. Just as realising that we are sick is what brings us to the doctor to be cured. I'll be glad to see you in my audience again, Miss?"
"Miss Samuel! And thank you! I will, if I get the chance!"
"You can bring this girl with you. I'm sure she'll enjoy another nap. And while you're at it... I don't really mind myself, but if you're going to follow other lecturers, cosplaying really isn't the best idea when you're at a college," he added in a stern tone.
"C-cosplay?!"
"That's rich coming from the guy who walks around with a damn sculpture on his head!" Stelle shouted as she grabbed my wrist, "Let's go Samuel, let's go eat something."
After nodding my head in apology to Dr Ratio, I let her lead me to the school cafeteria, which was unexpectedly full.
"...um, I don't see a free table..." Stelle said, looking around.
I scanned the room. Even with my ultra-developed eyesight I couldn't see any place where we could see, but I noticed something else.
"They sell lunch boxes there, Stelle! Let's get two and eat them on the benches outside!"
"You're a genius, no wonder Ratio liked you!" Stelle said with sparkling eyes.
"What are you talking about..."
But with a big smile on my face, I followed her to the cafeteria counter and, after buying our lunch, out of the school.
As everywhere in the Dreamscape, the climate in the Moment of Sol was extremely pleasant. The sun was at its highest point in the sky, but a light spring breeze tempered the heat. After taking off our blazers, we sat side by side on a bench.
"Ahhh eating lunch with my Firefly after a hard morning of studying... this high school girl feels blessed!" said Stelle as she picked up an omelette with her chopsticks.
"But if you were daydreaming all the time! But thank you, Stelle! As usual when I'm with you, I'm having one of the best times of my life," I said, digging into my rice.
"Um... I guess you could give me a reward then..." Stelle mumbled after a moment of silence.
"A reward? Sure, whatever you want!" I said quickly, turning towards her.
For some reason, she immediately blushed.
"Then... how about... you feed me?" she muttered, looking away.
"Feed... you?"
Stelle really must have been fascinated by high school romances. This situation was pretty common in the romance mangas I'd read lately. But I really didn't think there was anything wrong with it.
I think I understand her... neither of us was able to enjoy this kind of thing in the past. Me and her really are kinda similar.
So I quickly grabbed my own omelette and, putting a hand under it to keep it from dropping, brought it close to her mouth.
"Say... aaaah!" I quickly felt myself blushing as much as Stelle, or maybe even more. This was undoubtedly one of the most embarrassing things I had ever done. But if it was for her... it didn't really matter.
Stelle ate the omelette in a single bite.
"This... is the best food I have ever tasted in my life!" she said, her eyes welling with emotion.
"..."
We spent the rest of the lunch in silence, just smiling and enjoying each other's company. But as we ate, I noticed something. Although there were no bags under her eyes, Stelle's expression was strangely tired, especially since she was usually so energetic.
Is this why she dozed off so much?
As I finished my last bite, I asked her:
"Are you tired, Stelle? Do you want to take a nap?"
"Huh? No, I'm not tired at all. How could I take a nap in the middle of our date?" she said quickly, but I could tell she was not telling the truth. She was an even worse liar than I was.
I moved to the end of the bench and patted my thighs.
"Even if you don't want to sleep, let's just take a little break, shall we?" I suggested with a gentle smile.
Stelle looked down at my lap and then at my face.
"Well... I guess I could use a little rest..." she said before leaning back on the bench and resting her head on my lap.
"I'm in heaven!" she sighed and closed her eyes.
"Don't die!" I chuckled as I began to stroke her hair.
"Did you really enjoy this Firefly? Bringing you to such a difficult lecture was a strange date idea, wasn't it?" she said then, her golden eyes searching for mine.
"Don't worry, I loved it. It's true that I didn't understand much, but Dr. Ratio is a very good teacher and he's very passionate about it... honestly, I kind of envy him. Apart from wanting to be with you and finding a cure for Els... I don't really have anything that I pursue with such determination."
"I see what you mean... saving the universe is such a big thing that I can't really call it a passion, it's more like a duty. You know... with the whole amnesia thing, I'm kind of a blank slate... since I lost my memory, I don't think I've found anything that I really want to dedicate myself to. Apart from being a Galactic Baseballer, I mean! What about you Firefly... is there anything you'd like to do when it's all over? Like the script and all that Nanook stuff."
What I want to do...
I'd never had the leisure to think about it, Stelle's expression quickly changed to a grimace:
"I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking about what I said..."
"It's okay... it's because of ELS, right? Don't worry... we're going to cure it, aren't we?" I said, caressing her cheeks.
"We are!" Stelle said firmly, but I could still see a shadow in her eyes.
She worries so much about me.
"What I want to do... let's see. I visit many wonderful places when I travel inside SAM. Planets full of strange plants and odd looking animals, all kinds of scenery from snowy mountains to fiery lakes... but I never get to visit towns and villages... I guess you can guess why. So I'd really like to travel, meet new people, their cultures, taste lots of traditional sweets..."
As Stelle's smile widened, I quickly understood what kind of life I was describing.
"I can't wait to put a ticket on you, Firefly," she said.
"I can't wait either... what about you Stelle? What do you want to do?"
"I... I'll tell you another time!"
"Not fair!"
She quickly jumped out of my lap and started to run away.
"Hey!"
"Last to the Golden Hour has to wear this outfit all week!"
----------------------------------------
How quickly that day went by was downright evil. After going back to change into our old clothes, Stelle and I enjoyed our time at the Golden Hour. We visited familiar sights like the Clockie Plaza where we lit some sparkles and took lots of pictures, we ate freshly baked Oak Cake Rolls while window shopping at Oti Mall. I watched Stelle lose all her chips in Aideen's Park and we got into a fight with some belligerent garbage cans. It was only natural that as the end of our precious time together approached, we made our way to the Edge of the Dream without even having to say a word. The atmosphere on those serene roofs was, after all, where we were most at peace. I couldn't help wetting my cheeks when we came to the end and I saw that sky again.
"It's always so beautiful... just like you," Stelle commented in a melancholy tone as we watched the shooting stars together.
I pulled her close to me, both to comfort her and to steel myself for the inevitable goodbye we would soon have to say to each other.
"Will you still be here tomorrow?" Stelle asked, her voice muffled as she buried her face in my shoulder.
"I don't know... it depends on what Kafka and the others are up to... but I will definitely see you again, okay? Even if I have to fly to the express inside SAM!"
"I'll make sure that Pom-Pom doesn't get a heart attack!" Stelle chuckled.
With us being so close, I heard her phone vibrate in her pocket.
"I think they're calling you back..." I muttered as we pulled away from the hug.
Stelle quickly checked her messages:
"It's March... they're going back to the Express for the night."
"I guess you should go then... don't worry, we'll say goodbye properly tomorrow!" I said as sadness began to creep in.
But for some reason Stelle took a step back and started looking at her feet.
"What's going on?"
"F-Firefly... this is kind of embarrassing... but... would you... like to spend the night together?"
Stelle raised her eyes as she blushed furiously.
"..."
If she'd asked me something like this a month ago, I would have taken it as an invitation to a sleepover. But I was not that naive anymore.
She... wants to have sex.
Of course, I had known what it was for a long time. During my time in the Iron Cavalry I had been given a brief education. The minimum required to be a competent soldier. Probably to avoid us asking any questions that would distract us from our duties, we had been told that sexual acts were how normal humans were conceived. Therefore, for us, whose bodies had been created for the honour of protecting Glamoth and Her Majesty, such things were meaningless. Even if we had normal reproductive organs, we couldn't have children, at least that's what we were told. But even if it was a lie, forced into our armor for most of our lives by the Article 4 of the Glamoth Regulations, our bodies were never meant to feel the touch of another human being.
It wasn't until my new life had begun that I learned that sex wasn't just a mechanical act useful for the survival of the species. It was also something people did to show their love for each other. And also... to feel pleasure. That term, I didn't really know what it meant. By the time my body had finally become my own, it had lost most of its sensitivity. When I had tried to experiment and touch myself, I had hardly felt anything. I knew it was supposed to feel good... but I just found it tiring.
But if it feels as nice as when we kiss... it must be amazing.
I looked at Stelle, who was still staring down at the floor, my heart racing. Over the past month, in an effort to be a good girlfriend, I had done some research. But now, at the thought of actually doing it...
What if I make a mess or hurt her... but...
It was so sudden. It was only our official second date. But I could understand why Stelle wanted to do it. Who knew when we would see each other again? And I loved Stelle. I loved her so much. So... was there anything wrong with us sleeping together so soon?
Even though she's always nervous about these things... she still managed to ask me.
That was enough to make me feel wanted. And if Stelle wanted me, there was no way I was going to say no. So, feeling my cheeks burning, I finally replied:
"Yes, I would like to."
"Really?!" Stelle immediately jumped up and grabbed my hands, smiling brightly, "You're not weirded out?"
"Why would I be weirded out?" I muttered.
Why doesn't she look as nervous as I do now?
"Then... I guess we should find a room somewhere," Stelle said, grabbing my hand and starting to walk down the stairs of the roof.
"There are a few hotels around Glax Avenue..." I replied in a low voice.
It seemed that after the 'romantic lunch together' we were going to go straight to the 'love hotel' event.
We're definitely skipping a few steps... but if it's with her... it'll be fine, I thought, reassuring myself as I looked at Stelle's serene face. All her worries and tiredness seemed to have disappeared.
Has she been nervous all day because she wanted to ask me this? Silly Stelle. I wish she had told me before so I could prepare myself mentally.
I squeezed her hand in mine.
As long as we are together, everything will be fine.
----------------------------------------
This is not going to be fine at all!
Half an hour later, as the door of the suit we had rented closed behind us, all my new-found calm was gone. As we had entered the hotel, taken the lift and looked for our room, I had noticed Stelle getting more and more nervous. And it was obviously affecting me.
"T-this is a very nice bed..." Stelle commented in a trembling voice.
It really was. A king size one. It looked like it would be very comfortable to sleep on.
And... do other things...
Now that we were here, the reality of the situation was slowly sinking in. Those things I had seen in those mangas... I was about to do them with Stelle. I looked at my fingers as if they had suddenly grown out of my hand.
"F-Firefly... are you okay?" Stelle asked worriedly.
"YES!" I blurted out, quickly hiding my hand behind my back as if it were some kind of weapon.
"Then... I guess we should just get into bed..."
"Yeah..."
Hand in hand, we approached that piece of furniture as if it were some kind of deadly predator. As we sat on it, side by side, it was almost as if we were conducting an electric current. Stelle was trembling visibly and so was I. I was scared. I had never thought my date would end like this. It had been so perfect, I really didn't want to ruin it.
But amidst the fear and the feeling of being out of place, I also felt something else. A burning hot sensation that spread across my cheeks and inside me, in a deep place I didn't even know the name of.
Maybe it was the fact that we were alone, sitting on a bed, but as I looked at her beautiful features from the side, a sensation that I had never felt before blossomed within me.
I... I want her. No... I need her.
"Stelle..." I murmured.
"Yes...?"
I put my hand on top of hers:
"Are you nervous?"
"Yes...I..." she mumbled, looking away.
"It's okay, I'm nervous too," I said gently as I stroked her cheek "but... I'm so happy. So... let me take care of you like you always do with me."
I pushed her onto the bed, using as little force as possible. Stelle, I had come to realise, really was a delicate girl beneath her chaotic persona. I wanted to show her my love in a way that was comfortable for her. I saw her golden eyes light up in surprise just before I closed mine and moved in for a kiss. This time there was no hesitation, it was a deep, passionate kiss that expressed how much I desired her. As I got on top of her, I felt her body tremble beneath mine.
"It's okay Stelle... do you want to continue?" I whispered into her ear.
"I... Firefly... yes," she muttered.
As my lips touched the shaft of her ear, Stelle made a sound I had never heard before.
"Cute!" I giggled.
"Shut up..." she complained, but had to stop when I bit her lobe lightly in retaliation.
"Ehy! Aaah Firefly..."
As my tongue touched her, her hands grabbed my shirt from behind, almost as if she was afraid of falling out of the bad.
I think she likes this.
I left her ear and used my hand to slowly push her head to the side, exposing her neck. Stelle shivered as I breathed on it.
"No... that place...!"
Stelle's body tensed as I kissed her neck. She put a hand behind my head and dug into my hair.
"I think I'm going crazy!" she whimpered.
"Me too..." I gasped, pulling away a little to look at her.
Stelle's eyes were moist and her cheek as red as Sam's flames. The thought that I was the one who made her make those sounds and expressions was just too much for my heart. But I did not want to stop. I dug in again, this time teasing her lightly with my tongue, drawing circles on her skin. That was obviously too much for her. Stelle jerked up and grabbed my shoulders.
"You... aren't being fair..." she exhaled.
"Huh?!"
Before I could realise it, she was the one kissing me. Her lips touched mine with a passion I had never felt before.
That's right... Stelle loves to be competitive... I thought just before she deepened the kiss. This time I was the one gasping for breath. But before I could recover, Stelle's mouth was on my neck.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as her lips touched my skin.
This is...!
Pleasure. I finally understood what it was. For someone like me who had never felt anything like this before, it was a sensation so overwhelming that it left my mind blank. And it only grew stronger as Stelle continued her attack.
If this is just from the neck... what will happen when she...
Just as I was thinking that, Stelle pulled away from me.
"Firefly... you look beautiful in a suit. But it's in the way..." she said as her hands went to the collar of my shirt.
"Stelle..."
I was about to get naked in front of her... Stelle was about to see my...
All the unbridled desire I had felt instantly vanished like a flower withering. My hands, which were about to move to remove her jacket, went limp at my sides.
"I'm sorry. I don't think I can go on," I murmured.
Stelle immediately stopped fiddling with my shirt and looked at me worriedly:
"What's wrong Firefly?! Did I scare you?! Was I too forceful?"
"NO! No... it's not your fault at all... it's just... the thought of you seeing me naked... I'm sorry."
Stelle lifted my chin with her fingers.
"Don't apologise. I'm the one who's sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable."
I ruined everything...
But the thought that had flashed through my mind had cast a shadow over all the beautiful feelings I was experiencing. Tears streamed down my face as I realised that I had shattered something so important to us with my usual problems.
"My body... this is not my body, Stelle. You don't remember Stelle... but I don't look like this in real life. My real self is... unsightly. My body is falling apart, Stelle... torn to pieces by scars."
Stelle sighed as she pulled my head to her chest:
"Firefly... I love you. I told you before. The sweet girl in the dream, Stellaron Hunter Sam... I love every version of you. Because in the end you are just Firefly. Your real body, I'll love it just as much as the one I see now."
"I know... I know," I sobbed, "I know you wouldn't feel cheated by my real appearance being different from here... I know you're kind. But... you're not the problem, I am. When I think about it... I can't stand it: I can't even make love to you with my real body. This dream feels so real... but in the end it's fake... and it's the only place where I can be so close and intimate with you. I'm sorry."
"Stop apologising, you dummy..." Stelle patted my head lovingly, "so in the end... you don't want us to have our first time in a dream, is that it?"
"I thought I wanted to... I was so excited but... the thought that the first time we touched wouldn't be real... the fact that you'd be touching a body that isn't mine... it just makes me so desperate."
"So what's the problem? Let's just do it some other time!" Stelle said, pushing me away a bit to look me in the eyes with a smile.
"B-but... my body can't..."
"But it will one day, when we find the cure. I mean, we can still do all the fun stuff we've been doing till now, even if we don't go all the way, can't we? I don't know if you've noticed, but my ears are kind of sensitive..." she added with a blush.
"Stelle... but didn't you want to...?"
"It's not about what I want, Firefly. It's about what WE want. Don't get me wrong, I love the way you go along with all my silly wishes. But we are a couple, both of our desires are equally important. Of course I want to love you, but only if you are comfortable with it. You don't have to go along everything. Think more about yourself, Firefly, you want to make your own decisions, don't you? There is no script between us."
"Stelle..."
A new sensation lit up inside me. It was even stronger than the burning desire I had felt before. It was just love. Pure and simple love, so strong it made my heart flutter.
"AAAAH I love you Stelle!" I began to sob uncontrollably, losing all the composure I usually tried to keep.
"Yeah, yeah, I love you too," Stelle said, stroking my hair and hugging me tightly.
Once I had regained some semblance of control, Stelle got up from the bed.
"Where are you...?"
"I don't think you should feel bad, Firefly... after all... I didn't really ask you to stay with me tonight so we could have sex... I just wanted to sleep in the same bed."
"Uh?!"
I looked at her as if she had suddenly gone mad:
"What are you - but you said...?!"
"I know, right? I should've phrased it better. After we got to the hotel, I realised you probably misunderstood me... you know, I'm still not used to having a girlfriend."
I couldn't believe my ears.
"You... why didn't you say anything?"
"Well... you kind of put me in the mood, so..."
"STELLE!"
She dodged the pillow I threw at her at the last second.
"I'm sorry! I'm going to take a shower and slip into one of those comfy looking pyjamas over there!"
She quickly escaped into the bathroom before I could throw something else at her.
"Stelle... you giant idiot."
I had misunderstood, in the opposite way. And that was why I had pushed her into bed, got on top of her and... I clung to the remaining pillow as my face caught fire. The images of what had happened in this room would probably stay with me forever. My body still felt hot from the way Stelle had touched me.
"Aaah Stelle..."
As my hand slowly slid under my skirt, I soon began to pray that the hotel's shower was a very loud one.
----------------------------------------
"Are you still mad?" Stelle asked, poking me in the back as I turned away from her in the bed.
"I don't talk to idiots."
"You sound a lot like Dr. Ratio!" she replied, making me laugh.
I turned around and sulked jokingly:
"You made me do such embarrassing things... if Silver Wolf finds out about this, I think I'll have to go into exile in some distant galaxy!"
"My lips are sealed!" Stelle said as she snuggled closer to me.
It was really comforting to be under the blankets on this huge bed, our bodies touching.
"But Stelle... if you didn't want to... you know... why did you look so embarrassed when you asked me to spend the night with you?"
Her face immediately darkened.
As I thought... something is wrong.
"Come on Stelle... you comforted me before, let me do the same for you," I said, moving closer to her. She turned towards me so that we were face to face, holding hands.
"I... can't sleep well Firefly," she confessed after a moment of silence, "When I go to bed I think about you all the time... I'm afraid that you'll disappear when I'm far away from you. And even when I manage to fall asleep... I have nightmares. Your first death... I still dream about it. It's gotten so bad that I'm afraid to get into bed."
"Oh Stelle!"
I pressed her head to my chest under the blanket.
"I'm sorry!"
"It's okay... but yeah, it's been like this ever since I left Penacony. And even here, my body is resting in the Dreampool, but my brain is still active to connect me to the Dreamscape. So... even in a dream, I still have to fall asleep to actually get some rest."
"And you thought that if you slept close to me, you wouldn't have nightmares," I finished for her.
"That's right... I can already feel much more comfortable here, cuddling with you. I think I'm going to have the best sleep of my life... but I'm such a child, I'm afraid of nightmares."
"Is that why you were embarrassed? You are stupid."
"So are you!"
"I guess we are a couple of dummies then," I chuckled, "But Stelle... neither of us got to be a kid, remember? So I think it's okay if we're a bit childish now and then."
"Firefly... thank you!"
Stelle turned away from me, allowing me to hug her from behind. It was soothing to feel her body pressed against mine, moving rhythmically with her breath, .
"Firefly... do you remember what you asked me before?" Stelle asked after a few minutes of silence.
"Asked you before?"
"Yes, about what I wanted to do in the future. I didn't tell you because it wouldn't really be what you'd expect me to do."
"What do you mean?"
"Trailblazing, always going forward, that's my Path, right. But... I can't help but think that in the end... I'd like to stop. I want to buy a house somewhere nice and live with you. So we could have fun together every day".
"Stelle…" I could feel my eyes well up with tears again, "Just because you stop in a place, it doesnt’ mean you are not going forward. Even a life with no travels or adventures can still bring so many new experiences. Remember what Mikhail said… sometimes you need a little push to find the place you really belong to. Maybe that’s what our adventures are for… a way to find a place in time and space were we will finally be together."
"You are right… I.. can’t wait…"
Stelle’s breathing was slowing down. I raised my body a bit to look at her. Her eyes were closed and she had a relaxed expression on her face and a light smile on her lips
My own star… is sleeping in my arms…
Even if the reality forced us apart, we had still managed to steal a single night from it. A night were we could be at peace together. But one day... I wanted to reach it. A point beyond the horizon of reality were I was going to be able to fall asleep and wake up at her side every day.
But... will I survive till then?
I pushed my head close to her back, trying to muffle my sobs.
If only the world could stop moving so we could grow old together.