Princess had finally arrived at the cottage over a week after her brief meeting with Mark to find signs of him being there.
Looking around, she noticed a plump envelope with 'Prin, please open.' Written on the front of it sitting on the timber table. Turning it over in her hands. It felt weighty-curiously she opened it, and spilled out the contents.
Tears stung her eyes as she viewed the scattered photos before her on the smooth surface. Her vision blurring, she looked away- the images too painful to bear. It was like someone had taken snapshots of another life and pasted her into the pictures.
Some of them she was very young, with four young boys playing up at times, and she was always in the middle of them. Some of them of holidays, when she was a young teen.
Often with Mark, and the other guy who had to be Jason. She was laughing- full of life with them.
They were her friends and brothers. Mark, was something more- She would be around sixteen from the information on the back of it.
Then there was, the old fashioned black and white photos some in sepia. She looked at photos of herself wearing a shirt with the number three on it, stripped jeans and a glowing smile.
He set the camera up at times so he could be in the picture with her. The locations were all the places Mark had taken her on their dates… the ancient ruins, the abandoned tourist building overlooking the cliff, a few others.
The faded dream she had on Spectra, it was like an unfinished painting with no details, the one she had put out of her mind of the blue eyed teenage boy. There in front of her, it was like someone had taken the time to complete it at last.
He was warmly smiling with arm around her shoulder, they were walking along a cliff face near a stunning mansion. They appeared to be in deep conversation.
Someone else took the photo from a distance. The fleeting hazy dream was a real memory after all, and he was Mark.
Would they know her now? Not likely, she didn't recognise herself. In the images, she looked like nothing evil could touch her.
Sinking into the chair at the table she studied them all intently. Her favourites were the ones of her by a campfire playing the guitar.
The black and white photos must have been taken by Mark, they were outside of the cottage, a note attached to them.
We were here for a few… weeks before you disappeared…best days of my life… The negatives a part of the selection. He left no stone unturned in proving they were of her.
Please watch the footage on the computer stick. Another note said. Picking up the stick she walked over to the flat screen and put it into the terminal turning it on.
"Hi… I'm Anna, but the boys call me Princess. I'm G-3 The Swan." A young girl in her early teens stood in a bare room, smiling like she didn't have a care in the world. She looked like her, sounded like her…
"This is a transmutation test." She continued. "Are you ready Mark? Chief?"
Holding up her arm, she waved it in front- Stopping at a place before her eyes slightly angled in line with the implant. Her clothes changed into a birdstyle. Mark walked into the room also in birdstyle followed by the rest of the team. The five of them clasped hands cheering.
"Loving the style. Can't wait to test it out." The Condor's cocky grin was infectious as he turned to the camera.
Mark put out his hand, Jason put his on top, followed by the Swan, Swallow, and the Owl.
Five acting as one….a team… a family-They chanted. Promising to watch each-others back, and die fighting together if it came to that.
They all appeared excited as the footage changed.
Then they were older…
It was at the mansion again, the place looked enormous. Someone was behind the camera filming. The young teens in the film was Mark, and the girl Princess. Both of them were meditating on the stunning veranda, with an incredible view of the ocean.
"Life as we know it today, chillin." A young male spoke into the mike. "But anytime we could be called into action. Busting Spectran butt. I can't wait."
She opened on eye. "Jason, not now." She scolded him affectionately. " I'm meditating."
Mark opened his eyes. "You making movies again Jason?"
It skipped…. There she was enjoying time with Jason and Keyop. Tiny had the recorder speaking about something they were planning. Role playing… then Mark stepped into the room…
Princess glowed at the sight of him, he warmly returned her affections with his smile and his eyes. Joining them as they bantered and laughed. He pulled out a pair of glasses and pretended to be the 'chief.' Then he threw on a green hat mimicking a Spectran soldier. Princess in the film looked at him seriously shaking her head. "Mark, we have to work on that accent."
"Prrrdoopp. Sis, wants to spend some alone time." Keyop teased looking at the both of them.
"Looks like you're doing the dishes tonight Keyop at Jill's. I think the dishwasher will be out-of-order." She winked at Mark, he looked at Keyop, shaking his head.
"Can't make me." Keyop turned his nose up.
"You want food?" She answered. "I'm the one buying it for you, you don't have money." That changed his mind.
Tears cascaded like a waterfall from her eyes. There was no mistaking the teenage girl in the films as she watched it. She was her, they were the same person.
But she was different, so carefree and innocent. She scolded them from time to time, gave Keyop a few curt lines… she was loved, by them…
Jason threw a casual arm around her shoulder at one point.
Whispering something in her ear, looking at Mark. She blushed, jabbing him in the side with her finger, the Condor flinched. Smirking he moved away and, Mark had that blank expression again asking what was going on.
She was G-3… Princess their Swan- G-Force.
Swamped with mixed emotions as it sunk in, clutching her stomach from the twisting pain.
Mala stole her from Mark. They stole everything from her, without knowing it, she had betrayed her own family.
Folding her arms on the table, she rested her face in her arms as she let it all out, sobbing, until her eyes throbbed, and she had no more tears. Numb, she tried to allow it all to sink in.
He never gave up looking for her, he told her the truth even when she didn't believe it.
He stood by her unconditionally, showing her what real love is.
Slowly drawing herself up, emotionally drained, of colour like the black and white photos.
She felt like her life was starting over again, her eyes scanned the room taking it all in. Her memory of her brief time here a year ago, came crashing down, like a building collapsing around her.
Mark loved her deeply, even if he never spoke the words, her heart felt it.
Eventually she turned her eyes to the gown. The same colour as her birdstyle. It all still felt detached from her, none of it stirred up memories inside her mind. Her past a void she wished she could fill again.
Her heart was bursting with wanting to be with him. She picked up her petal pink gown, holding it up in the soft lighting of the room she strolled into the bedroom.
Hastily pulling off her Spectran prison uniform, and ran into the shower, wanting to wash the taint from her skin. Freshened by the steamy hot water and clean hair she pulled on her gown.
She held no memories of those photos, nothing triggered, but he was introducing her once more to her family. He was helping her find her way home.
Spotting the guitar, she opened the hard leather case, picking it up she ran her hands over the smooth mahogany, over the delicate engraving understanding its real meaning.
Her heart caught in her throat. She may not remember it, but he had at one time given the guitar as gift just for her. The same one in the photo.
Upon touching it, tunes came alive in her soul, like nothing could erase that part of her. She began to sing solely for Mark whatever came into her soul to sing.
Watching I keep waiting… Still anticipating love…
Her voice drifted as the song tapered away, deep in thought she slowly opened her eyes.
If only for today… I am unafraid… take my breath away…my love. Her voice trailed away on the last verse.
Princess lost in the beauty of the song, her heart trembling with the weight of the emotions swirling inside of her. She opened her eyes as Mark stood in the doorway- his intense blue eyes watching her. His breathing quickened as he dropped the bag he was carrying.
She slowly came to her feet, placing the guitar into its case. She held up her photo's thanking him with tears. "Why didn't you show me these sooner?"
"They were in a locked safe, our identities were well guarded." He answered, warming at the sight of her in her gown. "You've got the most beautiful heart of all of us. You're beautiful in so many ways Princess." He said softly.
Wordless she held onto her pictures, the greatest gift anyone could give her.
"Words can't express how gorgeous you are in that gown." He asked. "Would you like to dance?
No more hesitations he closed the space between, they were drawn together like magnets.
He put out his hands inviting her. Curious, she cast him a questioning eye, and she hesitated, he warmly smiled- placing his large hand on her small waist. Trembling from his touch, her breath quickened as he drew her in closer.
She placed her hand on his broad shoulder, lacing his fingers with hers, gliding her around the room. For a while the only sounds were the pattering rhythm of rain on the roof as their eyes met.
She truly felt like the Swan Princess in those moments. Unlike the old fairy-tale the handsome prince in her story was smarter, he saw through the tricks of the black-hearted villain Mala. And broke the spell that was cast upon her by his enemies, and not once expected her to helpless.
Unsure of how the story would end for them- Would they die together…
Breaking the ice eventually she finally spoke what had been on her mind. "I'm sorry for what I did to Jeremy. But it doesn't change it...does it."
His tone serious. "There, was a time during the first year of the war, when I interrogated a traitor. I had no mercy for him, you begged me to stop. Instead I took things too far. I was angry, frustrated, and was letting it all consume me. I wanted my answers no matter the cost. You always were the one to remind of who I am, you forgave, told me we all make mistakes and not to be so robotic."
Mark kept swirling her in a gentle waltz. He waited for her to continue.
"I'm like I'm two people inside one body. The Black-Swan is consuming, she's frightening, I was her for so long before I met you. At times, she takes over, I fight a battle with her because it's what… I… became… to… survive. "
"Then there's you." She drew in a breath nervous. "When, I met you—"
She faltered. How could she tell him about Stinger. "I have to be completely open with you… and you might not like it."
"Tell me only if you want too."
"Stinger and I were lovers."
"You think it changes things? You're expecting me to walk away because you made love with him?"
She turned her eyes to meet his, she watched his reaction, how could she explain it. "When I slept with him, I didn't know… I'd never been intimate with a man. I was in a dark place...he was comfort…and when I met you… I couldn't be with him anymore- something changed inside of me."
The expression in his eyes touched her heart
"You don't have to explain yourself or your past relationships." He whispered warmly. "He was a jerk, you deserved better."
"I didn't love him…it just happened." Her voice broke, drawing her in closer, she buried her face into his chest, she felt his affections as he nuzzled her neck with his nose- It tickled.
Pulling away so he could see her, she warmed with his smile. "I'm still here… I'm not with you for what you can give me. The couch is really cosy…"
"Then why are you here?"
"It's my cottage…I live here sometimes."
She laughed lightly at his response. "Then I take the couch…since it's your place."
"The truth is… I want you to be here, always… I'll protect you…"
He stopped moving and looked away for a moment gathering his thoughts.
"You know… I've not gone that far. I had dates during my teens because a few generals wanted their daughters to have me escort them to functions…" He said, and gently laughed. "You would fix my bow-ties and tell me to be a gentleman, and make conversation with the girl."
"I kissed one girl when I was sixteen, it was at the race track with Jason one evening watching him do practice laps, hard turns, it was part of his training and I wanted to see how he was going with a few techniques."
A gentle smile touched her lips." Tell me what happened."
Blushing he continued" Girls often hung around to the tracks, there was this pretty girl who'd smile, flirt and talk… Jason would shake his head at me ignoring her…its long story…but one night when she was there I wanted to prove to Jason I wasn't awkward with girls… So… I leaned in to kiss her… I messed it up and she wasn't nice about it…slapped me across the face, said a few nasty things about me not being a good kisser. I've never lived it down with Jase."
"I see." She said." Was that the only time, or did you try again?"
"Yes… lost my nerve after that. Remember what I said about dating a few months back? I'm the most social awkward guy a girl could know. "
"Well… you don't have date to sleep with a girl, most men do by the time they're-" She was surprised, she stopped as it sank in what he was saying between the lines. "You're… a…I mean you've not even… touched a girl that way…
"The girl I wanted to be with…I…wasn't allowed to date her… and then I let her down on a mission and I lost her- completely." He drew in a nervous breath, she faulted.
He didn't have to say it- his eyes spoke his deeper feelings for her.
He waited for her, searched for her…loved her.
"No... you didn't let her down…. I may not remember it, but I know you wouldn't have abandoned me. You found me, when I'm with you I feel alive." In her heart, she knew it was the truth. He was different from any other man she had ever known. "You're not awkward with me. I feel comfortable being with you."
He glowed warmly and changed the topic. "You have nightmares don't you. When you were wounded, I could tell at times…you were haunted."
Sometime passed before she broke the silence.
Tears stung her eyes as she spoke of her dreams. "When I come close to giving in… I see you there in your birdstyle holding out your hand to me, we're standing above a cliff, and I'm wanting to fall into the crashing waves and rocks below so it would be over- I'm leaning over it ready to jump. But you won't let me go. Your eyes beg me to stay… I take your hand and I wake up."
"I'm happy you stayed. You're right I wouldn't have let you jump without me." His hand rested on the small of her back, drawing her in closer.
"I know." She breathed, remembering his boomerang knocking the poison dart out of her hand.
His face warmed as he shared memories with her of more lighter times.
"You used to love dancing, singing, working in a chemistry lab making explosive cocktails." He softly whispered in her ear grinning. "You'd dance to anything with a beat, you'd dance up a storm, and you loved it. I remember a day out in New York when you joined a group of street dancers- impromptu you became their lead dancer for a half an hour. One of my favourite memories."
"I did?" Princess tried to recall it. "I danced?... Did we dance like this together?"
"You sang, played your guitar. Those things are all you, how I see you." He reminded her gently.
"We never danced like this… close." He whispered longingly in her ear. "We never dared too."
"There is no music," She whispered softly, butterflies lose in her stomach from being so close to him. Wanting him to kiss her like he did the last time they were at the cottage.
Her head barely reaching his shoulders in height, she drank in his masculine scent. Brushing her cheek against his taunt chest she couldn't control her heart, she felt his moist breath on her cheek, sending tingles down her spine.
Her small hand entwined with his... The aroma of musky water in his chestnut brown locks from the waterhole stroked all her senses, drinking him in like a fine wine. He must have been swimming there earlier in the day.
The feeling of coming home swept through her like a waterfall in his arms.
"Then sing that last song again for me." He whispered in her ear.
Parting her lips, she softly sang just for him. He pulled her in closer, on this endless ocean finally lovers know no shame… and without warning he tilted her face towards his.
His eyes searching hers, he leaned down, pressing against her. Gently his warm lips brushed hers.
She responded by throwing her arms lovingly around his neck, tilting her head more to capture his warm lips with hers, gently bringing him into her with light kisses. He trembled in her arms, she pressed in closer guiding his mouth, he let her draw him in with her tongue. Meshing together, she melted like the ice floating down the stream into the warmth of the sun- Life flooded into her veins igniting her passion like a burning fire.
His tenderness drew her in, the kiss deepened with each passing second. He mused her hair with his fingers, placing his hand at the back of her head drawing her in closer, he tasted like sweet nectar. With each passing moment, drinking each other in- thirsty for more she was drunk with a yearning need.
She could feel his muscles tighten as they rippled under his tightly moulded shirt, she totally surrendered into his crushing embrace. His jeans becoming firmer against her belly excited her, quivering she moaned in delight, wanting pulled at his belt and release him. Both breathless and trembling they finally parted panting for air.
They searched each other's eyes drowning in the sea of raw passion, a fiery hunger igniting the atmosphere between them. Breathlessly she nodded her consent to go further longing for him- as he caught her up his arms again he held nothing back. She reached out to him emotionally and physically in the romance of the moment.
His warm lips travelling down her neck, leaving a wet trail along her bare shoulder, she dissolved inside with anticipation, a whimper escaping her lips drunk with yearning.
His eyes ablaze in soft light, the sweltering tension between them became too great to resist. Like the wings of the Bald Eagles entwined in a dangerous plunge towards the ground as they claimed their mate- he moved with her in a dance, as they dangerously dived into the unknown-Claiming each other.
All inhibitions gone he struggled with her zipper fighting a battle he eventually won. Her silk chiffon gown floated to floor like a feather on a breeze, exposing her soft breasts, he slipped off her panties, his fingers brushing her soft folds of skin between her inner thighs sending sweet tingling sensations through her body.
She watched him taking it all in- every detail. She picked up his hand, placing it on her breast, inviting him to touch her.
Her flesh exposed to the air, a sense of vulnerability washed through her, as he drank in her curves with his eyes, and finger tips, a trail of scorching heat, as he trailed her body with his mouth teasing her breasts, stoking her feminine folds between her thighs with his fingers.
Trembling like a leaf as his warm hands explored her body. Walking around her, moving her hair away from her neck so he could gently kiss her throat. Sending vibrant warmth through to her core. She muttered his name, breathed it through her being.
Slowing down at times as he explored her, openly adoring her figure, savouring the moment he'd waited years for.
She ran her hands under his shirt, feeling his tight muscular chest, she wreathed it over his head urgently wanting it off, tossing it across the room. Pressing her breasts against his warm hard body- Running her fingers over rippling scars on his tanned skin, she momentarily wondered how he got them.
Her wet lips travelled his torso teasing his manly nipples, heightened arousal surrounding them in a heated foggy haze. Slowly moving down his body exploring every inch of his lean enticing torso. He whispered her name, breathing heavily.
His bottom lip quivered knowing what she was about to do- her lips parted, lust in her eyes.
She undid his jeans exposing his hardness- the belt became stuck. A giggle escaped her lips, finally she wreathed it out as his jeans and underwear dropped to the ground revealing his hardened muscle. Gripping his sticky warm cock in her hands she massaged the tip, sending him into oblivion, as his mouth opened she covered it with hers, drawing him into a rough kiss stimulating him with her hands.
Kneeling down before him, she glanced up playfully to watch his reaction, as licked the tip, the sweet hot taste of melted sugar met her tongue as his natural lubricant spilled out. Adoring his responses to her touch. Reaching underneath finding his tender spot his blue eyes dilated with pleasure brighter than a sunny sky on a clear day.
She skilfully teased his arousal, feeling his heat in her mouth as she swallowed him, her slick tongue moistening him as she worked, exploring his sensors.
Caressing him, until his legs almost buckled from her sweet torture.
He released his pent-up juices. Throwing his head back, gripping her shoulders his masculine primal cry stimulating her core, wetting her inner passage.
Dizzy with wanting him, she stopped long enough for him recover. She threw him a towel to clean up- from his facial expression he was putty in her hands.
Her heart hammered until it hurt- working her way back up his torso, catching his bottom lip with her teeth, her tongue playing with his mouth, tongues dancing their tastes mingling with enthusiasm. Lost for words he searched her eyes.
A sultry smile quivered across his lips during a kiss. No words were needed between them. He wanted to her to enjoy this as much as he was, working his way down her body with his kisses. His fingers, reached its destination, touching the soft fleshly folds between her legs with his fingers. Massaging her until it drove her crazy with lust.
With her eyes and her hands, she indicated what she wanted him to do. Instructing him, he responded in awe. Each time their eyes met, they savoured each other, his unspoken love for her in their depths.
"You're so beautiful…" He breathed touching her scars lovingly with his lips.
His lips left a wet trail, teasing her nipples with his tongue. His eyes sought hers as he dropped to his knees before her, he parted her thighs further, his tongue caressed her soft folds- she directed him.
He responded eagerly with his tongue darting inside of her. She instructed her lover and he responded.
She whimpered in delight as he hit the spot, he moaned with delight drawing her physically closer enjoying her response. Gripping her toned bottom with his hands as he worked meticulously exploring between her legs, her knees almost buckled, he gripped her tight holding her. Drawing in jagged breaths she whimpered.
She tensed with overwhelming delight as she climaxed, she cried out begging him to take her now her legs gave way from under her, falling on top of him on the hard floor.
His self-control was impressive, putting her needs above his own. His hard-muscular length resting against her thigh, she tried to drag him inside of her, his tip teasing her as she felt it enter- he held her off. She moved down massaging him to rock hard. He sat up drawing her to his lips. Their tongues mingling with wet hot kisses, tasting herself like sweet toffee drove her to distraction, he gradually brought them both to their feet. Being young and enhance cybernetics, she didn't have wait long for him to recover fully.
The overwhelming sensations consumed them, his caresses drove her senses to the brink of heavenly destruction. Caught in the heat of the moment she had never imaged it could be so intimate.
Impatient to have him inside of her she indicated to the bedroom.
Sweeping her up into his arms, she wrapped her legs around his waist breathing hard.
She wanted him now.
Her arms draping around his neck. Admiring his hard, muscular frame, he was at the peak of his fitness- she knew how she wanted to make love to him. His jaw dropped, eyes wide as she whispered in his ear. He paused, a slow smile spread across his lips.
His strong pilot's legs held them up rock steady, as she reached down and pulled his erection inside of her slick inner passage- flexing her pelvis, bringing him in deeper into her core with every stroke.
His bronzed athletic arms bulging, holding her tight as she arched her back driving him inside of her the friction of her inner muscles working to draw him in as she squeezed him tightly inside.
Together they tangoed- The whole time her eyes locked with his. His arms supporting her, his pelvis moving with her rhythm. His masculine strength empowering her out of control, as she connected with his soul.
Breathless, she felt his throbbing release, his seed flooding inside of her- trembling, he cried out her name. His masculine hands gripping her- supporting her as she reached her own pinnacle again, her whole body wreathing against him, as her hair flung around her, sticking to her back in clumps of moisture.
She cried out with pure joy, tears flowed down her cheeks. Her body wreathing in spasms, gripping him inside of her with her sheath, legs wrapping tighter around his body.
He sought her salty lips, she lovingly responded. His glistening sweat covering her body. The sweet aroma of their loving making filled the room.
She played with the clammy tendrils of his hair clinging to the nap of his neck, his eyes filled with adoring love searched hers. Breathless he held her tight as he withdrew, sticky sweet moisture trickled down their legs, she uncurled them from his waist, dropping to the floor.
Breathless…
Giddy with heightened emotions. She rested her head against his sweaty chest. He held her protectively in his arms, as he done from the first time he reached out to her, that night in office building.
"That's the most erotic moment of my life." She Breathed. "You're a fast learner."
"Me too…" He is blue eyes twinkled, his skin flushed from their exertions. Beaded sweat dripped form his brow. "You're an amazing teacher."
Perspiration dripped onto her brow she came down from her euphoric high, a sultry smile spread across her lips, wanting more of him again. Pressing against his hard chest, unable to control the rapid beating of her heart. "Thank you. For this beautiful memory…"
She felt him tighten his arms around her like he never wanted to let of their special moment in time, breathing into her hair, he was overwhelmed with his own emotions to speak as they moved in a slow erotic dance- his response was all she needed from him.
She thought of all the things she wanted to do with him, whispering her intentions in his ear. His eyes went wide, his breath quickened, swallowing a lump in his throat.
This was the beginning of their love making, and she planned to savour every moment of it. She wanted to love him in every way possible during the night.
They showered together, warm soapy water and kisses, no words needed between them. She could feel him recovering, as he pressed against her, growing anticipation for what they had begun together filled her soul.
He picked her up in his arms, and carried her into the bedroom. They almost tumbled on the corner post, a giggle escaped her lips as they ungracefully fell onto the bed in a heap…
During the night, they eventually, collapsed exhausted, entwined in each, others arms.
In the darkness, as they drifted off to sleep she asked him. "Is this how you imagined it to be?"
"I imagined so many things when it came to you since I was seventeen… what our first kiss would be like… to touch you without fear, make love to you." He whispered lovingly. "You're everything I imagined you to be and more, the real thing is far better than imagining."
She smuggled in closer, loving his warm bare skin against her.
"Prin, you take my breath away…." He whispered. "What about you?"
"I've never felt so intimate with anyone. You opened my heart."
"Me too…"His words trailed away as he drifted off to sleep.