So this chapter is set over about two months, Lots of things happen and Personally I think it is a much better chapter than that rather vulgar one I wrote previously, chapter 35 I think it was. Well, anyway, i hope you lovelies enjoy this chapter, and please review :)
Chapter Thirty-Seven
I'm still in semi-high spirits from Dark Ace's surprise visit and he has opted to stay in my house, unsurprisingly. I have been putting it off, because I know that it will make me lose composure, but I have decided to visit my parents' graves today. I amble down the front path of my house, picking some flowers on my way, and head out the gate towards the cemetery.
I take a deep breath and step under the arch into the graveyard, beginning to pace slowly through the rows of headstones and statues. There is light frost on the ground that makes the grass crunch under my feet, and a thick fog covers as far as I can see; such an apt setting. The sun has not come over the horizon yet, giving the cemetery a dark, melancholy beauty but all thoughts leave my head as I approach the two large stone statues holding hands. I gaze upon them, my parents' sculpted faces in the stone. Magnificent wings protrude from the backs of the angels and they wear robes that appear to flow and pool around their feet. Into the base of the statue is carved my parents' names, and pictures. Sighing, I kneel down and place the flowers I picked earlier at the bottom of the stone and run my hand over the inscriptions.
"You guys shouldn't be here. Stone angels don't suit you for friends," I whisper. Clearing my throat, I sit back on my heels, and just look. I've seen them, should I go now? Should I stick around for a bit? I decide with the latter and sit for what feels like hours while the sun makes its way lazily over the horizon, and from the angle I am sitting, looks to rest just behind the statues' heads, giving them bright golden halos.
"What am I doing with my life? It seems I'm not getting any closer to my goal. Now I'm on the other side of the Atmos, and Cyclonis won't let me near her."
And not to mention Dark Ace, by the Atmos they would never understand that.
Or maybe they would. You have wickedness in you the likes of which no one could possibly believe. It's only natural that he wakes it up.
And that is probably true. Or perhaps I really am insane. It's like my fear has turned to love, like I've learned to see him differently – I've found the man behind the monster. And sometimes I wish I could cast him back out and keep hating him, but the time for battling with my feelings is over; my feelings won. And now it's only a matter of time before he ends up dead, just like the others, that voice sneers from the back of my mind, but I ignore it.
It's times like these that I'm glad everyone I used to know is not around, because if they were, the would commit me for sure. I smile ironically to myself and stand up, running my hand over the stone angels that are the eternal image of my parents, and turn around.
I get a shock when I see a few Talons standing just four rows away from where I am.
"What are you men doing here? This is out of bounds for Talons," I call, turning cold and authoritative.
It seems they ignore me, and turn to each other before starting in my direction. Perhaps they were sent to fetch me. But as they get closer, there are looks upon their faces that suggest something sinister is about to take place. My mouth goes dry as they back me up against the statues, five of them all up.
"What do you insubordinates want?" I growl, showing no fear.
"There's talk around camp that the Commander is young and pretty, we thought we might want to see if it's true," one of them says, the tone of his voice disturbing.
Instantly adrenaline starts pumping through my system.
"Well, now you have seen. Now get back to work," I glare. My heart begins beating hard against my ribcage and I swallow, keeping my stance authoritative.
Grotesque sneers plaster every one of their faces as their eyes looks over me, and it makes me feel sick. They obviously don't know who they are trying to mess with. Making sure that none of them notice, I reach into my pocket and activate the message crystal I have, keeping it in there.
"Do you men want to have to deal with Dark Ace? I suggest you all get back to work while I finish attending to my parents' graves," I say loudly, just to make sure my voice will be heard through the crystal.
"I hear the Commander likes a bit of Talon on the side," another one of them jeers.
Before I can reply, two of them leap forward, grasping my arms tightly. I struggle against them, using my energy to blast them off me, and drag my blades from my back.
"Keep your filthy hands to yourselves," I hiss, pointing my blades threateningly.
By the Atmos they must be stupid because the other three lunge for me. I jump out of the way, and get behind them, performing a side kick into the back of the middle one. They just keep coming at me, and I'm left with no other choice.
I kick out hard, swinging my blades - and the blood I spill is beautiful and crimson, and so are the screams, the fear I see in the faces of the animals who now lay slaughtered like sheep in front of me, dark claret mixing with the soil at my feet. The last one standing falls back, scurrying to get away from me, but in just three steps I am upon him and not a moment later my right blade is protruding from his chest. I rip it out, flicking it clean of blood as I stand straight, and flip my hair behind me. Taking a deep breath, I replace my blades in their sheaths and crack my neck, before my gaze is drawn to look ahead.
Crimson eyes, unfathomable, stare into mine. I stride coolly to where Dark Ace stands, admiring.
"Are you okay?" he asks, running a hand through his hair.
"I'm fine, though I can't say the same for the other five," I shrug, reaching into my pocket and deactivating the message crystal
I really am at war with myself when the bloodlust takes over. It makes me feel great, but I don't exactly like the fact that it does.
"I'll arrange to have the bodies cleared away."
"Good."
"Fucking hell, I can't believe what I just saw. You are the finest woman I have ever known."
"Save the sweet-talk, Dark Ace," I mutter, striding past him and heading back to my house to get cleaned up.
I emerge from my bathroom, and sit on the edge of my bed. It just gets easier; I didn't even need to think about it. I just killed five men without a second thought. Of course it was self-defence, but it was just so…easy. Standing up, I stride out, and towards the Talon camp, to continue supervising.
Dark Ace is already there, shouting orders and I take up a spot beside him, standing with my hands behind my back.
"What am I even doing here, it seems you have it all under control," I mutter, glancing at him from the corner of my eye.
"Master Cyclonis has summoned me back to Cyclonia, I have to leave soon," he states, glancing at me briefly.
"Oh," I mumble. "How much longer do you think I will stay here before she calls me back?"
"Could be any time within the next month. It depends when the operation here is set up and running," he replies.
"Well everything is almost set up, it will be running smoothly in no time, I would give it a week at the most," I mumble absentmindedly, and then I hear myself saying, "When will I see you next?"
Dark Ace laughs at me quietly and stands side on.
"When you return to Cyclonia, Little Birdie."
Of course, what a stupid question. I remember a time where I would feel completely unsafe around Dark Ace, but now, the safest place for me is right beside him, and I feel rather apprehensive about him leaving.
"Soon. Come along Talon."
Grabbing his hand I lead him away, all the way back to my house. I barge through the front door and down the hallway, stopping when we've reached my room.
"Phoenix, you were attacked this morning. I am not touching you until I know you are perfectly fine," Dark Ace scolds.
"I'm fine," I breathe, making to remove his shirt.
His hands enclose around my wrists, and he glares at me.
"No."
"Oh, Come on Dark Ace. When can you ever keep your hands off me? Even before this you were always trying to feel me up in one way or another," I retort, growing frustrated.
"I'm sure it's one great big jumble in your head right now, and I am not laying one hand on you. You need time to register the shock, and get past all the bad little thoughts that will manifest."
Sighing, I drop my hands to my sides. He's right. I probably am in shock from what those animals wanted to do with me. But I do feel fine right now. Nothing happened, I killed those Talons, and I have Dark Ace in my childhood bedroom.
Now what about that statement sounds wrong to you? The little voice growls exasperatedly from the back of my mind.
Okay, most of it. But I just. Don't. Care.
"Maybe one day I will thank you for being such a gentleman, but right now, I am pissed," I mutter petulantly.
Dark Ace just laughs and wraps me in his arms, stroking my hair.
"I think we're taking this relationship a step too far," he sighs.
"There is no relationship," I reply.
"My point exactly. We agreed on no form of relationship, but what is this?"
I remain silent for a moment. "What are you getting at, Talon?"
"If I was any kind of boyfriend, I would have been with you before any of them Talons even laid a finger on you," he whispers angrily.
"Dark Ace, the self-proclaimed boyfriend," I laugh, stepping away from him. "Oh. You're serious?" I ask when I see his expression.
"I don't know. I've never had a girlfriend, may as well it be you," he shrugs.
"Oh, um…Do…do you think that is a good idea?" I squeak, furrowing my brow. "I don't even know how old you are."
He laughs at me.
"Are you worried I may be too old to be your boyfriend?" he asks in amusement.
"Well…how old are you?"
"Twenty-eight, Little Birdie."
Twenty-eight years of Darkness will steal you…
Sweet Atmos, can that be what Corvus meant? If that is the case, then 'twenty-eight years of darkness' stole me long ago.
"What is it?" he asks, cocking his head to the side.
"N-nothing. Just…I was warned of you many times, Dark Ace, warned that you would steal me. And you have. How could I have been so blind?" I scold myself.
I'm supposed to be smart, but I never looked into any of the signs and warnings. Oh well, what I've done cannot be undone, and I am not going to try. Sweet Atmos, this man is almost ten years my senior, surely he's too old for me? And he wants to be my boyfriend? No, surely not.
"If you still do not want a relationship with me, now would be the time to say so," he states, leaning against the wall.
"I'm confused," I mumble, rubbing my forehead. "It's too late to turn back now. Call yourself what you like; boyfriend, lover. I don't really care."
"Then it is decided. Welcome to the darkness, Little Birdie," he winks.
I roll my eyes at him, my mind reeling. Pacing over, I sit on the edge of my bed, and sigh.
"If I do not wish to suffer Cyclonis' wrath, I must leave now. I will see you in a month, Little Birdie. Take care."
With that he leaves. And I watch with a small hollow in my chest as he disappears from my view.
Day in, day out, it's always the same. Wake up, yell at Talons, go home, sleep, and do it all again the next day. It's tiresome and boring, and I would love nothing more than to be having a drink right now. Word got around quite fast about the deaths of those five Talons, and many different versions of the story have surfaced. I laugh to myself, remembering some of the more outrageous tales, but I will not correct anyone; the more horrifying the tales get, the more they obey me, which works perfectly because they listen better and learn faster. Time has gone by rather quickly, and any day now, I am expecting the bitch-troll to call me back to Cyclonia. In the rush of what is every day, I missed the first year anniversary of the destruction of this place, only realizing at the last minute.
One year since this whole mess began, and it feels like so long ago. Look at me now; a high-ranking Commander within the Forces of the Cyclonian army. Before joining Cyclonia, I estimated it would only take me six months to bring the place down. How wrong I was – it has been no less than five months already, and I have spent two of them on my home Terra. I cannot seem to get any closer to Cyclonis, and I have the feeling that she is testing me. But whatever it takes to get her alone, I've already done the worst, and the best is yet to come.
Sighing, I wipe my brow and get back to working on upgrading my Skimmer. I never got around to doing that after my initiation, so no time like the present. Dark Ace sent me out the necessary equipment for the upgrade, and now I am working on installing the articulated single ball-joint, necessary for making ridiculous turns when I'm not in the air. I kick aside the extra armour, and slide under the ride with my tools to check everything is in place. With a few taps of a spanner, I slide back out and make my way around to the engine and prepare to start work on replacing it with the Magma 66 twin jet engine; not my favorite type of engine, terribly crystal thirsty but at least Cyclonia has crystals in abundance seeing as they control most of the crystal mines in the Atmos.
About three hours later, I have finally fitted the new engine and am getting to work on putting on the wing blades. It has taken me just about the entire day just to make the upgrades to my ride, but at least I am almost finished. The only thing I am not putting on it is the three-inch thick armour panels – really, I don't think I want to be in a mid-air collision on purpose, so I think I will leave them off for now. With the last screw in, I have finally finished making all the necessary upgrades to convert my Air-Skimmer III Elite into a Talon Switchblade Elite. I'm keeping all the old parts because I am going to restore her back to the way she was once I have finished off Cyclonis. I know for a fact that it will be much faster now and I'm glad that I have previously flown Dark Ace's ride, so I know how to handle the speed.
Even though the sun is close to setting, I decide to take my ride out for a test run. Guiding it out of the temporary garage, I take a seat and start her up, the engine roaring, rather than purring, to life. Okay, I will admit, it sounds better than the original stock engine. With a small twist of the throttle, she speeds off and I execute a magnificent turn, never possible before the upgrades. Enough ground time, time to take you up. With a pull of a lever I am in the air, flying at a ridiculous speed. I haven't gone this fast in…forever! My hair flies wildly out behind me as I reach an incomprehensible speed, and gain altitude, performing a few, rather complex, aerial spins and loops. I could do this forever, but I feel exhausted, so I bring her back down, landing at high speed and eventually slowing down to park out the front of my house.
Sweet Atmos that was a thrill. I walk inside, heading straight for the bathroom to get cleaned up. Stepping into the shower, the water cascades over me and I relax my sore muscles. I don't stay in long, and I'm soon stepping out to wrap my towel around me. I dry quickly and pull my pyjamas on, pacing over to my bed and flopping down. I reach for the book I have been reading, prop myself up on some pillows and begin to read.
"You will bring your unit back with you on the cruiser, and report to me as soon as you touch down. That is all. See you in two days," Cyclonis says, and I have to resist the urge to roll my eyes at her overly commanding voice.
"Yes, Master Cyclonis," I reply coolly, nodding before deactivating the crystal.
With one last look around my home, I pick up my bag and throw the strap over my shoulder, pocketing the house key. Striding outside, I take a seat on my Skimmer and ride the short distance to the large cruiser, rolling up the access ramp and parking my ride in the hanger before rounding up the last of my unit.
Once I have them all on board, I give one last death threat to the remaining Talons, and find my way to the helm. It's been a while since I have been in an airship, and I find it comforting, even though it is just a Cyclonian battle cruiser.
"Miss Shultz, set course for Cyclonia. We leave immediately," I command, standing with my hands behind my back.
"Yes Commander," Helena replies.
Not even bothering to set the co-ordinates, she starts up the great ship and soon we're on our way back the dreary milieu that is Cyclonia. I decide to retire to my quarters of the ship. If I can find something to keep myself occupied, the two days it will take to reach Cyclonia will fly by; all I have to do is think of what exactly.
I am roused from my afternoon nap and yet another strange dream, by knocking on the door.
"Enter," I call sleepily, wrapping my robe around myself.
Brandon opens the door a crack and paces in a few steps.
"Commander Phoenix, we will touch down in Cyclonia within the next fifteen minutes, I just thought I would let you know."
"Very good, prepare the others," I yawn, rubbing my eyes.
"Yes Commander," he replies, but he doesn't turn to leave, instead he hesitates for a moment.
"Is there something else, Brandon?" I ask, beginning to feel a little piqued.
"Well, there has been talk…rumours, per se, about why you killed those five men last month. What is the truth behind it, if you don't mind my asking?"
He fidgets for a moment, clearly uncomfortable, which is strange for him.
"Only because I don't hate you, I will tell you the reason," I state, running a hand through my hair. "Those men accosted me in the cemetery with warped intentions. They had sick plans for me, Brandon, so I did the only thing I could; I killed them before they could do anything to me or anyone else."
"Are you okay, Commander? They didn't hurt you?" he asks.
"Brandon, I am fine. Now you best be off and preparing the others to disembark the ship," I wave my hand in a 'piss off' kind of gesture.
"Yes Commander."
"Oh, and one more thing; don't correct any of the rumours, no matter how horrific they sound, it's better that I am feared."
"You have my word, Commander Phoenix."
And with that he pops off to ready the unit while I take a quick shower and change into my uniform.
Soon we are landed and I leave it to Brandon to take my ride into the hanger and deliver my belongings to my room while I go and report to Cyclonis.
As ever she is ill-tempered and regards me shrewdly when I step into her crystal lab where she appears to be working on some kind of new crystal.
"Everything is fully operational on Terra Emeraldia, Master Cyclonis. The mines have workers in them and other resources are being gathered to help amass the rices of Cyclonia," I say officially, trying to keep all ire out of my tone, and succeeding.
"Don't be so formal, Phoenix. All I ask is you call me Master, but other than that you can talk as if I were Dark Ace or any other friend of yours," she replies with a bored sigh.
"With all due respect Master Cyclonis, but I don't think of you as a friend, I think you can guess why," I say politely.
"That is understandable. I do like your no-nonsense attitude Phoenix, and I must say that your unit of Talons are the best Cyclonia has seen since my Grandmother's rule. If only the other Commanders were as strict as you."
"Indeed. The key is to give respect when it is deserved, I think, Master Cyclonis. Talons sometimes respond well to just a little bit of positive feedback, and are more willing to carry out orders if they think that they are good at their jobs."
"I will relay that message then, I'm sure the other Commanders could be taught a lesson by you," Cyclonis smirks.
"Master Cyclonis, I noticed that you did not send for Dark Ace to be here on this visit," I state vaguely, looking around.
"I think his supervision is no longer required. You have proved to be completely loyal, and in that I trust you enough to be alone with you," she replies, going back to work at one of the many stations.
"I'm glad to hear that, Master Cyclonis. If that is all?"
"Yes, you are dismissed," she says with a wave of her hand.
Thank the Atmos. I make my way slowly back to the sleeping quarters, a plan formulating in my mind. So it seems that Cyclonis feels safe to be alone with me now, although she has not let her guard drop one bit. I'm sure she will eventually, but I just have to bide my time, and time I have plenty of. I am glad to see that my bag is waiting for me as I approach the bedroom doors. Picking it up, I swing the doors open wide and a grin finds its way onto my face when I see Dark Ace, and then falls completely at the sight I am met with.
I hear the thump of my bag hitting the ground and I stare opened mouthed, sickened by the scene that is before me. Ravess, in nothing but her underwear, is against the wall, Dark Ace, hands enclosed around her wrists by her head, in nothing but a towel. Both of their heads whip towards me, Ravess with a smirk, and Dark Ace a look of indifference that turns to slight shock. Not waiting for an explanation, I turn on my heel and run, run from that sight, but the image is burned into my retinas. I am vaguely aware of Dark Ace calling after me, but I don't want to hear it. I should have known better than to trust that piece of scum, I never should have started anything with him. Boyfriend my arse! I think angrily as tears well in my eyes and begin to fall. I continue to run, letting my feet do the work. I don't think I have ever felt this disgusted in my life. I actually trusted him. Why? Why did I trust him? Dark Ace, the most evil man in all of Atmos. How could I have been so fucking stupid? I need to kill something, take my disgust and rage out on something or someone and I don't care who or what. I'm still running, no idea where I'm going, but I eventually find myself in the west training yard, and entering the announcement hall. On first sight it is empty, but then I look to the far left corner and see Brandon practicing on a training dummy. He looks up at the sound of the door slamming shut behind me.
"Shit," I mumble, quickly dashing the tears from my eyes.
"Commander?" Brandon calls, and makes his way over to me.
No, don't come over here, damn it!
"I didn't realize anyone would be here, sorry for interrupting your practice, Lyubitel." I try to sound impassive, but my voice cracks.
"Are you okay, Commander?" he asks, furrowing his brows as he stops in front of me.
What do I say? I'm just having a female moment of complete and utter suffering while my apparent boyfriend is fucking another woman?
"It's nothing, Lyubitel, don't worry yourself with it," I snarl quietly.
"What has he done to you this time?" he asks, sounding rather defensive.
Does nothing get by him?
"What do you mean?"
"Dark Ace. What has he done this time? The only time I have seen you remotely upset is because of him," Brandon states, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
"You don't need to know. Besides I'm supposed to be a Commander, how am I going to look if I show something as stupid as emotions?" I scoff, dashing a few rogue tears from my face.
"Commander, I have nothing but the utmost respect for you. I may be a Talon, but you are my mentor, and I don't think it right that you suffer in silence…whatever it is that you are suffering about."
"He's just not the person that I thought he was…that I wanted him to be," I whisper, wrapping my arms around myself.
"Not many people are Commander."
"Do you drink, Lyubitel?" I ask, wiping my face once again.
"Sometimes."
"Good. Let's go get drunk."
"Are you sure that is a good idea, Commander?"
"Yes, show me to the bar, I know there is one for the Talons around here somewhere."
"C-commander, I really don't think drinking is going to solve anything."
"Does it matter? Now I'm giving you orders, Lyubitel, come get drunk with me."
With a nod of his head, he leads the way to the dingy bar where Talons usually go to get plastered. The bar is empty of course, seeing as most of the Talons are training and sleeping and whatnot. I find a spot in the corner and take a seat while Brandon fetches the drinks. Soon he is joining me, taking a seat opposite.
"If you just want to talk, you can, I won't judge you."
"Shut up and drink," I mutter, downing my glass of cheap scotch. "This is disgusting, don't they have anything better quality?"
"Yes, but it's expensive, by a lot," he replies, downing his own drink.
"Put it on my tab." I wave my hand in the air dismissively, and sit back in the rickety chair.
How could he do such a thing?
Did you actually see them doing anything?
They were both practically naked; I didn't need to see any more than that to know what was going on.
Maybe there is more to it?
No. Man, woman, both half naked. What could be the 'more-to-it' part?
The usually semi-reasonable voice in my mind remains silent, letting me stew on whatever it is I am feeling. Brandon comes back with a bottle of expensive scotch and pours us both a glass.
"Thanks," I mutter, taking my glass and downing the contents. That's better, good quality.
Brandon does the same, placing his glass back on the table next to mine.
"Have you ever placed your trust in someone you shouldn't have?" I ask, regarding him impassively.
"I can't say that I have, Commander," he replies, sitting straight.
"Here's a tip; do not ever trust anyone, do not get attached to anyone, and don't ever let yourself love anyone," I state philosophically. "And drop the whole 'Commander' bullshit. Just for tonight, you are going to be my friend and we are going to drink like friends, are we clear?"
"Yes Comm—certainly."
"Sweet Atmos, your killing me here, you know my name, use it," I scold.
"Okay," he placates me while refilling our glasses.
Hours have flown by, the sun has long since set, and our bottle of scotch is only half empty. In a way I am glad I took Brandon's advice to not get completely inebriated.
"Why did you join Cyclonia, Lyubitel?" I ask, my mood greatly lifted in the few hours I have spent hanging out with this guy.
"I was born a Cyclonian, so there were not a lot of career options available for me," he grins.
"You're a good kid, Brandon," I grin back.
"Kid? Look who's talking," he exclaims half indignantly.
"I am your Commanding Officer, I can call you what I like," I laugh.
"You wound me, Commander," he laughs back.
"Before coming to Cyclonia, I thought every single Talon was the same, but I'm glad to have the honour of not dealing with complete cretins."
"Well, most of them are the same, I just have a brain."
"You don't seem as nasty as I thought you might have been," I muse, rubbing my chin.
"I can be mean, but only when I feel like it."
"As can I, but you have witnessed me being mean, so I am sure there are no doubts in your mind about that."
"Very true."
I reach for the bottle and fill our glasses. We clink then drink, placing the empty cups back on the table.
"Thank you for pretending to be my friend tonight, Lyubitel," I smile at him.
"You're most welcome. If you need a real friend, I will be happy to oblige."
"I will think about it, but in the meantime, let's drink."
We continue to drink, my buzz slowly growing stronger, and I'm even more talkative. Lyubitel has seemed to let go a bit too, and is just as talkative as myself. If there was a third person in our little party they wouldn't be able to get a word in edgewise. I find out that Brandon is quite a good joke teller and soon has me doubled over in a fit of laughter from a particular joke about a hunter walking into a bar and suffering a mild concussion.
When I recover, I still have a stupid grin on my face.
"I tell you, I've been in need of a good laugh for the past three years, Lyubitel. I thank you," I state, wiping my eyes and still giggling a little.
"My pleasure. Do you have any special training sessions planned for the unit at all?" he asks.
"No, I have pretty much taught you all everything already. I am quite proud of you lot to be perfectly honest," I smile, and knock back another gulp of alcohol.
"Does Master Cyclonis have any more missions to send you on?"
"Not to my knowledge, what's with all the questions?"
"I'm just curious," he shrugs, and then sits back, crossing his arms. A thoughtful expression crosses his face and for a split second, it reminds me of the way Aerrow used to look when he was in deep thought.
I scoff quietly at myself and blink a few times. Maybe I should stop drinking now.
"Have you ever been in love, Commander?" he asks out of the blue.
"Weird question. Yes, I have actually, thr—two times," I correct myself quickly.
"What's it like?"
"It's…confusing. Terrible. You don't ever want it to happen to you. Love is weakness," I mutter, feeling myself turning glacial.
"Bad relationships?"
"No, not at all."
"Then why do you hate the idea of it so much?"
"Because Dark Ace helped kill my best friend whom I loved dearly, prior to murdering the man I was going to marry. Now enough with the silly questions," I scold.
He raises his hands in a placating gesture, and remains quiet for a moment before starting with the jokes again. Soon the mood is recovered and we're chatting normally.
Another hour later, the bottle of alcohol is finished and we're sitting quietly. I'm sure it's past midnight by now, but I have no intentions of heading back to my room tonight.
"If you want to go to bed you can leave, Brandon," I say, stifling a yawn.
"It's no big deal, Commander. If you want some company I'll stick around," he offers.
I'm about to say yes, when the bastard of all bastards walks through the doors of the bar.
"I'm giving you an order, go back to your living quarters," I snarl, not meaning to sound so callous, but the sight of the man standing behind Brandon has my blood boiling in all the wrong ways.
He knows instantly why I have gone from carefree to thermonuclear in less than a nanosecond. Without further hesitation, he says goodnight and walks away, keeping a wide berth from the man before me.
Clearing my throat, I glare at Dark Ace, stony-faced.
"What do you want?" I ask, trying to keep calm.
"I've been trying to find you," he says quietly.
"I've been right here."
"I see. Been drinking, have you?"
"Yes, I was having a drink with Brandon. He really is a lovely chap."
"No doubt," Dark Ace mutters, and he has the audacity to sound jealous.
"I don't know why you're sticking about. You found me, now you can go back and spend some quality time with Ravess," I hiss venomously.
"Phoenix, what you saw, or rather, what you thought you saw, it was nothing like that."
"Oh, I know what I saw Dark Ace, and if you want to fuck other women, go for it. I never agreed to be in an exclusive relationship with you anyway. Do what you want, I don't care."
"You've got it all wrong, Little Birdie," he pleads.
"Don't you dare 'Little Birdie' me," I snarl. "If you wanted to screw around with other women, you could have at least had the decency to tell me."
"I'm not with anyone else, nor have I been. If you would just calm down and let me explain-,"
"I don't want to hear your pathetic attempt at an excuse. Just leave me alone," I growl and I feel my voice about to break.
Standing up, I hurry out trying to get away from him. I can't even stand the sight of Dark Ace right now. What was that vow I made to myself just a couple of months back? Something about not crying because of him anymore? I am aware of him following me, but I ignore him, trying to lose him by walking through the dark. Of course it doesn't work and soon his footsteps are louder, coming closer. When I can longer stand it, I spin around, stopping dead in my tracks.
"Why?" I almost yell. "Why her, of all the fucking people in the Atmos, you had to cheat on me with her?"
Dark Ace comes to an abrupt stop, only a few feet away from me.
"Phoenix, I never cheated. I never did anything with that foul wench. Look me in the eye, would I lie to you?"
"I gave myself to you blindly," I whisper, my voice finally breaking, and tears anew fall from my eyes. "If I had of known what you were like I never would have looked at you twice."
I drop to my knees, hugging myself tightly.
"She knew you were coming back. When I got out of the shower, there she was, half naked and disgusting. I was in the middle of telling her to keep her filthy hands off me when you came in. If you had not of run off like you did, I would have been able to explain what that was, but instead you instantly thought the worst and then ran off to get drunk with that damn Lyubitel."
"I don't want to hear it," I breathe, trying to keep my voice steady. "If you prefer Ravess, take her. I'll send one of my Talons to collect my belongings and share their living quarters until I can get different sleeping arrangements."
In a second Dark Ace is on his knees in front of me, face to face.
"What do I have to do to prove that I'm not lying, Little Birdie?" he whispers exasperatedly.
"There's nothing you can do, Talon. Just forget that there was ever anything between us, it never would have worked out anyway."
Taking me off guard, he pulls me to him, wrapping his arms tight when I try to struggle away.
"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," he whispers into my hair, the words from Dante's letter.
I'm taken so off guard that I fall completely still, not moving a muscle, waiting for the punch line. But it never comes. Here I am, being held by the most dangerous man in the Atmos, who only moments ago said something completely unbelievable. What do I say back to that?
"That's plagiarism," I whisper.
"I don't care."
"They're not your words."
"I don't care."
"I don't think I want to be near you right now," I mumble quietly.
"I don't care."
"Well, what the hell do you care about?"
"You."
"Don't say that."
"Why not?"
"Because you're Dark Ace, you don't care about anyone; you don't know how to care."
"Do you want to know how I know that I care about you?"
"No."
"I can't stand to see you in danger. I don't like it when you're upset. I wanted to slaughter those five Talons who tried to hurt you, but you beat me to it. I'm trying to make you see that I'm not lying to you, Little Birdie. I may be a murderous scoundrel, but I'm not a liar. I may not care about anyone else, but I care about you. I don't know why, but I do. So tell me what else I can say to make you believe me."
What the fuck is going on? I feel like screaming to the sky, why is he all…hearts and flowers all of a sudden? Now I really do need to kill something, just to take my mind off all of this.
Placing two fingers under my chin, he tilts my head up so I am forced to look in his eyes.
"I meant it when I said you were the only woman in my life, Phoenix, and by the Atmos, I've never felt like this about anyone until you came along," he growls.
And I see it, I see the truth. He's not lying to me. I take a deep breath, gazing at him. Why me? What's so special about me that makes this fearsome man completely vulnerable? Besides the fact that he's attracted to the evil in me?
"Please say you believe me," he whispers, and it's a plea.
"I believe you," I breathe, the words already leaving my mouth before I can think to say them.
He nods his head, and in one swift move, stands up, bringing me with him. He sets me on my feet, wrapping an arm around my waist.
"I searched every inch of this place and it never occurred to me to look in the bar," he mutters, shaking his head.
"You were looking for me?" I ask, absentmindedly running my fingers over the hand that rests on my hip as we walk back to the sleeping quarters.
"I was, worried sick too, mind," he mutters, keeping his arm tight around me.
We step through the red double doors to the bedroom, and I stoop down to pick up my bag that still lies at the entrance. My ears are greeted with a loud squawk.
"That crow of yours has not shut up since this morning. I think he's happy to see you again."
I stride over and scoop up Obsidian, rubbing my nose on top of his head.
"Hey buddy, did you miss me?" I ask softly.
Obsidian caws happily, nuzzling my cheek.
"Next time I go away, you can come with me, yeah?"
He squawks again before flying over to perch himself on the back of Dark Ace's chair.
"Obsidian, go to Phoenix's room," Dark Ace says to the bird, and taking me by surprise, Obsidian actually listens to him, flapping his wings he disappears through the doors and into my room.
Dark Ace strides over and closes the doors before striding back over to pull me close to him.
"It has been a long month, Little Birdie, and I wish to reacquaint myself with you in a less-than-chivalrous manner," he growls, and his eyes burn into mine.
"By all means, Commander," I whisper, placing my hands on his shoulders.
A moment later his mouth captures mine and I'm completely lost to him.
Thoughts? I'm not sure about how...nice...I made Dark Ace out to be in this chapter... I'm thinking he needs to do something mean, like, I don't know...Push some grannies down stairs and steal some candy from babies? Maybe kick a dog, that's pretty damn mean, don't you think? Well anyhow, I would love some reviews :D p.s. There will be cake of your choice.