Chapter Thirty-Six
Now I am definitely past the point of no return…
I step out of the shower, wrapping my towel around me tightly and make my way back to my bedroom to get a fresh change of pyjamas. Dark Ace is back at his desk with another drink, and I suddenly feel shy when he looks up as I walk past him. I say nothing, feeling my cheeks flush dramatically.
It appears your plan didn't work out as well as you had hoped…
That much is obvious. But I couldn't have done anything about it, could I? That man beguiles me like no other, and I feel like I should be ashamed of myself about it, but I don't. I feel invigorated to be perfectly honest, brand new almost. The only thing that makes me feel bad about what took place are the words running through my head, words that Dante used to say to me if I did something that would upset him.
I remember Luca taught him to speak fluent Russkii, and one of the things I would hear Dante say most often was, "ey, nu kak ty mog, moy angelok?"
Hey, how could you, my angel?
What's done is done, and trying to live in the past will only obstruct my future, I think to myself. Getting dressed quickly, I contemplate if I should go back out and join Dark Ace for a drink. Against my better judgement, I do just that, tightening my robe around me and striding over to perch myself on the edge of his desk.
Pouring myself a drink, I glance at Dark Ace over the rim of my glass before taking a long swig. How the hell do I strike up a conversation after what we just did?
"What have you done to me, Little Birdie?" he sighs, but a hint of amusement is evident in his tone.
"I think the question is more what have you done to me," I reply sheepishly, blushing again.
"Oh-so-many things and more," he smirks.
"So…" I try to think of something to say. "Is this going to be a casual thing or what? I mean, are we just going to pretend this never happened, or fall into a less than desirable pattern here?"
"I think it is a little bit less than a 'less desirable' pattern to have. In fact, I would call it selcouth."
"Selcouth is my word, stop stealing it," I frown, finishing the rest of my drink.
"Have you taken your medication tonight?" he asks out of the blue.
"No, why?"
"Good. I don't think it would go down too well with alcohol. If you need to, you can sleep in my bed just for tonight," he states.
"I don't think there would be much sleeping if I did," I mutter, rolling my eyes at him. Not that I would care, I mean, he is pretty damn good, but that's beside the point. I don't want to fall into a pattern where we fight then fuck; it's not very wholesome, and we fight all the time, so the follow up to that, is well…
"I promise to keep my hands off you, unless you request it," he smirks, draining his glass and pouring another.
"Just so we're clear, there is no relationship between us, nor will there ever be one," I explain, yawning deeply.
"I wouldn't dream of it, Little Birdie."
"Although, I have but one request."
"And what is that?"
"You don't sleep with any other women," I say quietly.
"Isn't that what a relationship is?"
"No, but having multiple sexual partners is kind of gross," I reply, my mouth twisting at the thought of some she-devil getting her claws into him, when as far as I'm concerned he's mine.
"I think that you might be interested in more than just casual sex."
"Well you think wrong. If you want, we shall become sexual partners, and only that."
"The old 'friends with benefits', ey?"
"Indeed. I do not care for any form of relationship with you other than what is discussed. Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to commandeer your bed and go to sleep," I say, yawning again.
I take the few steps over to Dark Ace's bed and climb in, almost instantly drifting off.
I am relieved when I wake up to hear the absence of rain and any sign of the storm that has been raging for the last week and a half. I slide out of bed and walk over to my window, drawing back the curtains. I never thought I would be so glad to see the vermillion clouds of Cyclonia, but after seeing nothing but grey for so long it's a welcome sight. What really makes me glad, though, is the fact that I can finally take my unit out again and begin proper training sessions.
Gathering up my uniform, I practically skip to the bathroom for a quick shower, and emerge, pulling on my boots and tying my hair in a ponytail.
"What's got you in such high spirits?" Dark Ace asks, an amused expression upon his freshly shaven face.
"No rain. I can take my unit out today," I reply, grinning.
"Straight back into to training, huh?"
"Yep, are you and your unit going to join us today?" I ask, making sure I have everything: weapons, Skimmer key.
"Depends," Dark Ace says, rubbing his chin.
"On what?"
"The type of exercises you will be going through."
"Well, I have planned to try some aerial skills today, see how they go. Mid-air battling, just the basics," I shrug, retrieving a message crystal.
I wait for Brandon's face to appear then speak. "Lyubitel, get the unit together and arrange the switchblades, we're doing aerial training today. Be ready in half an hour, west landing strip, opposite the training yard."
"Yes Commander, is that all?"
"It is." I shut off the crystal and place it in my pocket before stretching my arms above my head and sighing.
"Have fun at work, dear," Dark Ace says, smirking at me.
"Shut up, Talon," I reply, rolling my eyes at him.
He's been so teasing since that incident the other week, like a completely different person, or maybe it's just that I don't think he's a complete bastard anymore. I chuckle quietly to myself as I head to the door, reaching for the handle. Before I step out, Dark Ace comes up behind me turns me around, pulling me to him.
"What are you doing?" I ask exasperatedly, but can't keep the small smirk off my face.
"Seeing my Little Birdie off to work," he grins wickedly.
"Your Little Birdie?" I cock an eyebrow at him in amusement.
"Well, you are the only woman in my life these days."
By the Atmos he is frustratingly amusing sometimes, and a burst of laughter bubbles up from my chest.
"I've got to go, Talon. I'll see you later. Go to work," I scold, peeling myself away from him and heading down the corridor.
When I reach the landing strip, my unit are already there and waiting, lifting my spirits further.
"Good morning, Men," I call, a little too nicely.
I am met with a chorus of, "Good morning, Commander!"
I stride past them and into the hanger to retrieve my ride, guiding it out and taking my position in front of the many men before me.
"As you can see, we are practicing aerial combat today. Have any of you practiced this before, even the most basics, anyone?"
Only a few hands go up, mostly the Elite Division, and a few others in the middle of the group.
"I thought so. Now, Lyubitel," I call.
"Yes, Commander Phoenix?"
"Show these men what you can do in the air; I want you to perform a High-g barrel roll. And Craw, you can be the target. I want you to perform a Defensive Spiral. Weapons at the ready. This will be a simulated battle, but try not to kill each other."
"Yes, Commander Phoenix," they chant in unison, mounting their Switchblades and taking off.
"Watch carefully, you cretins. You might actually learn a thing or two," I call to the rest of them.
Lyubitel and Craw are in the air, going through the motions to each get into the right positions for their set manoeuvers, firing energy blasts at each other every so often. It doesn't take long until Craw's switchblade is ruined and his parachute deploys as he float gracelessly back down to the landing strip. He only got about halfway through his manoeuver before Lyubitel annihilated him with a perfect High-g barrel roll. I don't even know why Brandon shows up to training, it seems he already knows how to do everything I throw at him. Both men touch back down and take their places in line. Craw has a cut along his face that is bleeding slightly, but Lyubitel is completely unharmed. I am rather proud of both of them and want to get the rest of the team in the air.
About half an hour later, everyone is grouped up and flying off, performing ACMs ranging from basic to complex. I would love nothing more than to get in amongst them and show them all up, but I must watch them for now to see how they need to improve. I will make them fly around and perform these manoeuvers until they either get it right, or can no longer fly. I see no point in making Brandon practice, he's too perfect and it annoys me. Why would Cyclonis keep this man in such low ranks with all his talent? He could very well be a Commander; I just don't understand why he isn't.
"Why are you not making me join in with the others, Commander?" he asks, guiding his Switchblade over to sit next to me.
"Because you already have all the skills I want to teach these men, and it would only bore you, Lyubitel," I explain, resting my arms on the handlebars of my ride. "Plus, I think you're good company."
He nods and leans back in his seat, crossing his arms like someone I know.
"How old are you, Brandon?" I ask, genuinely curious.
"Twenty-two, Commander, why do you ask?"
"And you're the youngest in the entire unit?"
"As far as I know, yes," he replies.
"Every single one of you Talons are older than me," I scoff, rolling my eyes. "Does it frustrate you that someone two years younger Commands your every action?"
"I haven't thought about that, Commander Phoenix."
I nod, continuing to watch the many men on their Switchblades, executing every type of Aerial Combat Manoeuver there is.
"Commander, may I ask you a question?" Brandon asks, copying me and leaning forward in his seat.
"Sure."
"Why do you favour me?"
"You're not a complete idiot, Brandon. I like that in a person. And if the rest of the unit think that you're high up in my books, they will be more likely to follow the orders I tell you to give them, making my life a whole lot easier. Does that answer your question?"
"Yes Commander."
It's night-time when I return to the sleeping quarters, and Dark Ace is sitting on his bed, reading. I drag myself over and flop down next to him, burying my face into a pillow.
"Big day, Little Birdie?" he asks, and I hear the amusement in his voice.
"Yes," I mumble, and groan when I push myself back up to remove my boots.
I'm so exhausted, I just want to sleep, but I decide to go for a quick shower first.
I pad out of the bathroom with just a towel covering my modesty, and walk over to Dark Ace's dresser, opening a draw and pulling out a shirt. Letting my towel drop, I put the shirt on and walk over to flop back down on the bed.
"Wearing my clothes now, are you?"
"All my pyjamas are in the wash, too tired to get to my room," I yawn deeply, curling up on my side.
"Commandeering my bed again too?"
"Mhmm."
"Tired?"
He's laughing at me, the bastard, but I'm too tired to scold him.
"Very," I breathe, trying to keep my heavy eyes open.
"Want me to kill the light?" he asks.
"No," I yawn deeply again. "You can keep it on if you want to read some more."
I hear his chuckle, and then he pulls the duvet over me, rubbing my arm before returning to his book.
"Thanks, Talon," I breathe quietly, just before I drift off completely.
"You can't catch me, Mummy!"
The child squeals with delight as I chase him through the long emerald-green grass. I cannot see his face, or the face of the man who scoops him up and throws him into the air before catching him again, making him giggle.
"Again, Daddy, Again!" the boy giggles.
"Be careful!" I call out, overly cautious.
"He's fine, honey. Look, he loves this."
The man throws my son into the air again, catching him the same as before, making my heart stop for a moment. I realize that he's completely safe with the man who he calls 'daddy'.
The man puts my son down so he can run over to me, arms open wide and giggling.
"Make me fly, mummy!"
"Do you want to fly, sweetheart?" my voice asks, as I scoop him up in my arms and twirl him around, hugging him tight.
"Yeah! Make me fly, mummy!" he squeals again.
I throw him into the air, catching him and doing it again a few more times before placing him back on the ground to run to his father. They both walk over to me and the man wraps me protectively in his arms, and the child hugs our legs together. We're the perfect little family, and I couldn't feel safer anywhere else than in this mystery man's arms, any happier than with my little son giggling happily.
"I love you, Phoenix," the man says. Why can't I see his face?
And then I hear my own voice replying, "I love you too, Da..."
Blinking awake, a strange dream lingers on the edge of my mind, but the more I try to remember it, the further from my mind it is pushed. I rub my eyes and stretch, forgetting about trying to remember the dream; it cannot have been too interesting if I can't even remember it. I push the bedcovers off of me and stretch again before getting up. I yawn deeply as I fasten my robe around myself and traipse over to the incessant knocking coming from the bedroom doors. I open them, glaring at the Talon who dares disturb my sleep.
"Sorry, Commander Phoenix, if I woke you. Master Cyclonis has requested that Dark Ace bring you to see her immediately." The Talon cowers under my withering stare. He must be from Dark Ace's unit; I don't recognise his face.
"We will be with her shortly then. Off with you," I reply, closing the door.
I realize when I turn around, that Dark Ace is already awake and he's filling out reports at his desk.
"Well, go get yourself ready, Master Cyclonis doesn't like to be kept waiting," Dark Ace mumbles, not looking up from his work.
Cyclonis is as ill-spirited as ever upon mine and Dark Ace's arrival, and she doesn't move from her spot where she is working at a station in her crystal lab.
"I have a mission for you, Phoenix," she states as I see a flash of green and red and she holds up a crystal, placing it on a shelf, turning to face me.
I remain silent, waiting for her to go on.
"As you are aware, the other Commanders have their own set Terra that they have either conquered or found. Now, seeing as you are so new to this life, I am thinking that the Terra you will have is your very own. You're Unit will be the Emeraldian Chapter. How do you feel about this?"
Obviously it is a trick question, and I'm not sure how I would feel about Cyclonians roaming my home, but the decision has already been made for me.
"That is quite Reasonable, Master Cyclonis. I am sure you will be glad to be expanding your Empire to beyond the small communities you have already taken over. I am aware that by having Emeraldia in your grasp, the hand of Cyclonia will reach further across the Atmos, and I will be glad to accommodate," I say, keeping all of my apprehension bottled up tightly.
"Very good. You will set off with your unit today, and report to me when you have reached your destination. Be sure to stock up on necessary supplies before your departure."
"Yes, Master Cyclonis."
Today? Sweet Atmos, this is going to be a tough run. I wasn't even expecting her to summon me at all today.
"That is all. Safe journey."
I leave her lab with Dark Ace in tow, and put my hands in my face when we enter the corridor, and groan.
"Are you against the Master's request?" he asks, falling into step beside me.
"No, it's completely logical. I'm not prepared, the sun hasn't even risen and I doubt I can get my unit together in time to leave before it sets. This is fucking ridiculous," I mutter.
And I realize that I will be on my own with a bunch of Talons. I shudder. How will I keep them in check when we're not even on Cyclonian soil?
"You will do fine. I will arrange to necessary supplies for you, just get your Talons ready," Dark Ace says, patting my shoulder.
Miraculously, it is midday and I am ready to set off with my unit to what was once my home. I am in the hanger and Dark Ace is handing me my duffle bag, which I place in the compartment under the seat on my Skimmer.
"Thanks," I mumble, taking a seat.
He leans down, placing one hand just above my knee and the other on the handlebars of my ride.
"Oh it will be such a bore without you here, Little Birdie," he whispers, grinning salaciously.
"I can tell," I grin back, rolling my eyes.
Grabbing my other leg, he spins me around so that I'm sitting sideways in my seat and kisses me briefly, setting my blood on fire. He pulls away, breathless.
"I'm glad I never killed you when I had every chance," Dark Ace says, but there is something else in his tone that I can't put my finger on.
"I bet you are, I hear brothels are expensive these days," I tease, resting my outstretched arms on his shoulders. He laughs at me and shakes his head, bringing a hand up to rest on my left hip.
"Your sense of humour will get you into danger one of these days, Little Birdie."
"I am the danger," I whisper quietly, looking up at him through my lashes.
"You really know how to cut straight to my core, Phoenix," Dark Ace breathes, an evil smirk replacing his playful grin.
It's apparent that he cannot resist my wicked side, a side of me more evil than he himself. The side with an insatiable craving for blood. But I keep it well in check and have vowed to myself only to release it at the time it is needed.
"C-commander Phoenix?"
My head whips towards the source of the voice and Dark Ace stands up straight, clearing his throat, an enraged glare on his face.
"What is it Lyubitel?" I snap, feeling my cheeks flush at the image I know he just witnessed.
"We're all ready when you are Commander," Brandon says quickly, saluting and then disappearing.
"Great," I mutter, wiping my brow with my arm. "Don't worry; Lyubitel won't mention whatever he might have seen."
"He better not, or I'll cut out his tongue with a rusty blade," Dark Ace snarls, his eyes narrowing, as if trying to blow up the spot in which Brandon was just standing.
"Calm down, Talon. There's no need to be making threats," I mumble, swinging my leg back over the seat of my ride and placing the key in the ignition.
Dark Ace glares a moment longer, and then leans down to grasp my hair at the nape of my neck.
"You be careful out there, Phoenix, that's an order," he breathes quietly.
I nod my head and just gaze at him. I would like nothing more than to stay here and do what we do, but I am under oath to obey Cyclonis' orders. I sigh and close my eyes briefly, bringing one of my hands to Dark Ace's face.
"Don't get close to me, Talon, it will only end badly," I utter, opening my eyes.
"I'm trying," he whispers back, and it's the most vulnerable I have ever seen him.
It's not too late to start planning his death again you know…
"Try harder," I scold, blocking out the small voice in the back of my mind. Maybe time away from him is what I need, to get my head clear and my priorities straight. Taking my hand away from his face, I sit back and he stands straight again.
"You've changed me and I don't like it, maybe I should kill you, Phoenix," he threatens, but they're empty words.
"Maybe you could try, Dark Ace," I smirk, and turn the key, my ride purring to life. "But in the meantime, why don't you go look for a spine to shiver down?"
"The only spine I'm interested in at the moment is yours," he smirks wickedly.
I roll my eyes at him and begin to guide my ride out of the hanger.
"Why are you standing around when there are grannies left to trip down the stairs?" I call over my shoulder.
"I only do that on Saturdays," he calls back, grinning widely.
With one last glance at him, I take off, stopping briefly on the opposite landing strip and signalling to my unit that it's time to go and then we're all off, flying out of Cyclonia.
Three days of travelling and finally I am touching down on home soil. It looks the same as last time I was here, except some of the trees are a little bigger. I have decided to set up the Talon camp on my side of the terra, just out of what used to be the town, and while they get to work setting up their tents, I've called the Elite Division together to help me set up accommodation of my own. I feel a little bit apprehensive, but I would feel more comfortable in my own home. I lead the seven men down the road on which my house used to be, and when I get there, I am surprised to actually see it still standing, scorched and black, but in one piece nonetheless.
"This is where you wish to stay?" one of them asks sceptically.
"This was my childhood home, Gomez," I throw back, raising my eyebrow.
He steps back, raising his hands in a placating gesture, remaining silent.
"I want you lot to help me fix it up a little bit, make sure it's safe," I command.
Walking through the open gate, I stride up the path to the front door, and carefully push it open. I step inside, cautiously looking around then gesture to the seven men behind me to follow.
"I want half of you to check one half of the house and the rest of you to do the same. Get moving,' I demand.
"Yes Commander," they chant, and then stalk off throughout the house in opposite directions.
I have to say that I am beyond amazed that most of the interior of the house is almost fine. It seems that the outside took the brunt before the flames ceased. And I'm glad of that, overjoyed that I can stay in the house that was once my home. I wander about, something in the back of my mind telling me I'm forgetting something.
"Oh right, report to the witch," I mutter to myself quietly.
I dig into my pocket and pull out a message crystal.
"Master Cyclonis, I have reached Terra Emeraldia," I speak upon her appearing in the holographic screen.
"Very good. I will have a cruiser sent out to set up a permanent domain, and bring more Talons that will inhabit it."
"Yes Master Cyclonis," I reply and shut off the crystal.
Permanent Cyclonian activity on my Terra? I feel outraged at the thought alone, but there's not much I can do about it.
A few minutes later, the Elite Division joins me in the living room, standing to attention.
"The house is perfectly safe and in good shape, Commander Phoenix. There needs to be no repairs made at the present."
"Good. You men have the option of either setting up camp with the rest of those cretins who call themselves Talons, or find a suitable house undamaged enough to sleep in."
"Yes Commander," they chant in unison.
"Now sod off," I mumble, waving my hand towards the door. "Except for you, Lyubitel, I want a word with you."
Everyone but Brandon scurries off, and he halts in his tracks, appearing a little hesitant. He knows what this is about.
"Commander?" he asks, squaring his shoulders.
"I haven't had the chance to talk with you about this, but what you saw the other day, it was nothing. You will forget what you saw, am I clear? Because if you don't it won't be me who you will have to deal with."
"Yes Commander. Is that all?"
"For now. And I mean it Lyubitel, you never saw a thing," I snarl threateningly.
He nods and scurries away, leaving me standing alone in this empty house.
I guess now would be a good time to re-establish myself with this place. I begin pacing around, first into the kitchen, then the dining room, back out into the hallway, turning left and reaching what was once my bedroom.
I take a deep breath with my hand on the doorknob, and then push the door open, striding in. It looks exactly how it used to, except the curtains or lack thereof. Scorch marks line the wall from the shattered window, onto the ceiling. The carpet below the window is singed and black, but everything is fine. Why is everything else fine? If you look at it from a completely logical point of view, the whole house should be burnt to the ground, but it isn't. I wonder if it might have been protected against the flames of that crystal, but I could never know for sure. All I know is that I'm grateful to be able to be home again.
I stride over to the left side of my room where my old dresser stands with various knick-knacks and photos.
"Pictures," I whisper, and tears burn in my eyes. I can't believe that there are still photos. I pick up the one in a metallic frame that has a star in the top right corner, and just gaze at it. This used to be my favorite; the picture of Dante and myself on my fifteenth birthday. Everything seems so right. But at the same time, it just feels wrong. The absence of the people who lived here makes me uneasy, and I include myself when I say people. The person I used to be when I lived here, she isn't around anymore, and hasn't been for some time. It almost feels like I'm in someone else's memory, just a spectator to whoever's life this was.
I sigh and begin to rummage through my dresser. All of my old clothes are still here, everything. I continue rummaging around until I find an envelope with Dante's handwriting on the front. I open it and pull out the note inside. I remember this, he wrote it in Russkii and never told me what it said, I asked Luca to translate it one day, but he refused, saying that Dante made him swear not to. I unfold the paper and read the message:
Ty moye solntse, moya luna i moi zvezdy. Moy den' nachinayetsya, kogda ya vizhu tvoye litso i pogruzhayetsya vo t'mu, kogda vas net ryadom. Ty moy Feniks.
There are only one or two words in there that I know from memory, but other than that, I have no idea what it says. I should have asked Luca to teach me the language. Sighing, I fold the paper and put it back in the envelope, sliding it into my pocket; maybe I can track down a translating dictionary in the near future.
I watch as the large Cyclonian cruiser lands just next to the Talon camp, and rub my temples at the unwelcome sight. For two weeks I have done nothing but train my unit and have them help me rebuild what is left of my town. It looks more like it used to, with the exception of Talons roaming the streets rather than my people. Against many of the men's opinions, we managed to hold half decent burials for the remains of the dead that littered the ground, and now the place is free of corpses and bones.
It's a wonderful, lively community, I think to myself sarcastically.
At least the men in my unit don't act like fools as much anymore, and they pick up what I teach them quite easily, which I'm glad of because I never really have to repeat myself.
Slowly, Talons disembark the large airship, carrying various boxes and crates. I eye them with ill-concealed disapproval, but regain my composure when a Talon who looks to be the Captain of the Cruiser walks over to me.
"Commander Phoenix?" she asks. Her voice is low and abrasive as if she smokes too much.
I nod my head and stand with my hands behind my back.
"I am Helena Shultz, Captain of this vessel. Where would you like everything set up?"
"I don't care, away from the town," I mutter, rubbing my temples again.
"Very good, Commander," Helena nods.
I must say it's refreshing to interact with another female who actually doesn't wish she could spit acid into my eyes, and I find myself smiling just a little bit.
"Have you served Cyclonia very long, Miss Shultz?" I ask, keen to make some form of conversation.
"Five years, Commander," she replies as she lights up a cigarette, offering me one.
"No thanks, I don't smoke," I mumble, then I don't know what comes over me, but I find myself saying, "Actually, why not."
I take the cigarette and light it, taking a drag then inhaling. It's not the most pleasant thing I have ever done; it feels like a ball of smoke is forcing its way into my lungs, probably because it is. Exhaling, I cough a little bit and breathe in some fresh air. How can people do this? It's disgusting! But that doesn't stop me from taking the next drag, a little less harsh than the first.
"You're lucky to have such a fine ship in your command," Helena points out, inclining her head in the cruiser's direction.
"Yes, it is rather nice-looking. Have you given her a name?"
"No, Commander. She's your ship, I just fly her."
"Well, don't you think it's only fair that if you fly her, you name her?" I ask, cocking an eyebrow and ashing my cigarette.
"I guess so, Commander."
I nod, and turn around, no longer able to look at the Talons who are unloading a bunch of crap off the cruiser, and gaze at the town.
"I had my unit rebuild what we could of this town you know," I state absentmindedly.
"It looks good."
"Indeed. Although it's not the same as it used to be," I sigh.
Why am I still smoking this thing? I think to myself as I take yet another drag of this disgusting death-stick.
"If you don't mind, Commander, I'm going to oversee the beginning of this operation."
"Very good. Keep them men in line, Miss Shultz," I grin at her.
"Will do, Commander." Helena gives me a casual salute before striding off.
I listen to her footsteps crunching on the ground before I hear another pair approaching me. Can't I get a break here? It seems everybody needs some of my time today. I turn around, inhaling another drag about to abuse whoever it is, but my hand holding the cigarette freezes in front of my face.
"That's a disgusting habit," Dark Ace growls and plucks the cigarette from my fingers, throwing it to the ground and stomping on it.
"What are you doing here?" I ask, and I'm rather shocked by his presence.
"Master Cyclonis sent me to overlook your progress on setting up the permanent domain here," he replies, frowning at me. "What do you think you were doing?"
"What do you mean?"
"Smoking, Phoenix. What the hell do you think you were doing?"
"I don't know, I just thought that I'd try it," I shrug, not sure why he's so pissed at me about it.
"It's filthy, don't do it again," he growls.
"And you're going to stop me?" I challenge.
He steps forward, grasping my wrists behind my back and leaning his head down.
"What are you doing? People will see," I hiss, unable to hide the grin that makes its way onto my face.
"I honestly don't care. There's only one thing I want to do right now, and it doesn't involve standing around here watching those insubordinates work," he whispers wickedly, sending shivers down my spine.
"I thought Cyclonis ordered you to do a job here," I state, my mouth going dry.
"What the witch doesn't know won't hurt her," Dark Ace replies.
"Witch? I thought you respected Master Cyclonis," I smirk.
"I had a slight disagreement with her. Now shut up and show me to your living quarters," he growls, nipping my left ear.
I lie spent, barely dressed and rather contentedly, resting my head on Dark Ace's chest.
"One would wonder if Cyclonis even sent you here at all," I tease, yawning.
"Well, one would be forgiven for wondering so," he replies, tracing a finger up and down my spine.
"What was your disagreement with Cyclonis about?" I ask, absentmindedly tracing my fingers through the light smattering of hair on his chest.
"It's nothing to concern yourself with, Little Birdie," he states, suddenly shifting so that I am on my back beneath him. "You just worry about what you're supposed to be doing."
"I'm sure what I'm supposed to be doing doesn't involve sleeping with you when I'm meant to be working, Talon," I grin, rolling my eyes.
"I don't see you complaining though. But maybe you should get back to work."
Still grinning, I push him off me and make my way into my en suite to take a quick shower.
When I emerge, I find Dark Ace reading the note of mine from Dante.
"Snooping around now, are you?" I ask, raising my eyebrows.
Looking up at me he simply shrugs before moving his eyes back to the piece of paper he is reading.
"Good luck understanding that, it's in Russkii," I mutter, sitting on the edge of my bed and pulling my boots on.
I lean back and gaze at Dark Ace, who puts the paper down on the bedside table before bringing his gaze back to mine.
"You are my sunshine, my moon and my stars. My day begins when I see your face and plunged into darkness when you are not around. You are my Phoenix."
"What?" I almost choke on thin air. Did I hear that right? His gaze is serious, boring into my eyes.
"That's what that letter reads," he shrugs.
"Oh. I didn't know you could understand Russkii," I mumble, regaining the ability to think straight.
"You would be surprised a lot of things you didn't know I could do, Little Birdie," he smirks.
"That's enough out of you, Talon. I've got to get back to work and so do you," I scold.
"Yes Commander Phoenix," he smirks teasingly.
I check my appearance in my mirror before leaving my house, not bothering to wait for Dark Ace.
You are my sunshine, my moon and my stars. My day begins when I see your face and plunged into darkness when you are not around. You are my Phoenix.
The words continue swirling around in my head, but it's not Dante's voice saying them, it is Dark Ace's.
But being back on my home Terra, something about that just doesn't feel right, and the earlier words are replaced with old words of disappointment.
"Ey, nu kak ty mog, moy angelok?"
"I'm sorry, Dante," I whisper quietly before regaining my composure and setting off down the road to where the Talons are working.
Review please guys! :) I'll have the next (Better) chapter up soon. Happy reading.