/David
Roar of car engine. Classical music playing on the radio. It's Schuberts piano sonata number 16. Surely this piano gives off some chills, but in a way - it gives a feeling of strife, push for something - as if you're on your way to a greater manifesto.
Road ahead is packed with vehicles - all doing their best to keep up with the flow of traffic. That emerged due to the end of the working day for many.
Flood of mechanisms and engines. A hell for the manufacturers and energy consumers. The beauty of the light propellers, the ghastly fear of bad retailers. The advertisements on the side of cars - like battle scars.
And what? It's all possessed or in possession, ownership, discretion of creatures that consume the air, that shit and yell. And stare at you through tanned dyed bodies.
A great conveyor belt created marvel - stacked nobodies.
Well, maybe somebodies - wearing finest painted, crafted, tailored masks.
Put on daily for convenience of interaction, to keep abstraction in the resourcefulness of action.
Faking what eventually we piece together as. Hiding worries, sadness, faults, hate and oh so much more. We can not find as much as an accomplice in daily crimes we do. Just fugitives - running from and to.
Some playing dumb. Most of the times - actually being dumb. Have you noticed the amount of stupid and oblivious people? Consumers who could not care much about others? Who fuss about simple things as they lack "common sense", getting offended by profound comments and so purely unable to cope with other opinions, don't mind the critique.
Or moments of comparing with one another on how much or how many piles of unneeded junk they possess? When all they care about is money. They become so cheap.
Due to continuous dependence on money - they lost their most valuable qualities: compassion, love, self-development, ought for art, restlessness for life. Have you seen how many are dissatisfied with life? Oh, and then there is much obliged questioning of self-purpose: "What I've been created for?". Yet not a single step taken forward to look at what One can do with life, or for the good of Ones' life. Not even an inch taken to try.
Then there is no appreciation for what one has. Filthy dissatisfaction, greed and craving to possess. False beauty standards, false impression of needing to live as told, fear of what others will think of one's actions. They forget to think - they trust without a doubt to the ones sitting at the top of the money chain.
Why? Because all of them are under the impression that top folk are "wiser" ones, because they got so much money. Forgetting that usually they get this wealthy by ripping off others - lying so confidently that all seems like the truth. Yet all is a farce, staged farce.
Just confident lies and the advantage of fear of others. And what are we left with?
Oblivion with masses so blindly believing in freedom they have. Whilst living in cages, they grow to fear more, worry daily, question every action they do, distrusting their gut, forgetting all and converting to a new religion of "money" which by popular ideology - rules the planet. Why can't they get off each other's throats?
All this, in a way, makes me sad. With each generation the degradation of the nation falls further in pit of destruction. Knowledge lost along the thinning shore. Truth hidden further away. So that in the end - there are masses of food stock of people. And filthiest part - that masses let and allow to be led into further hell created by someone somewhere "above".
Pulling into a familiar driveway, finally the mind seems to let go.
I parked outside an apartment complex, more like a detached house block. It is about two and a half stories high. Person who I seek - lives in a house. It's quite decently even called a "penthouse" really. Looking at this building makes me think of some modernism gone slightly off.
I got out of the car, beeped the alarm, then shoved the keys into my bag. That hangs over my left shoulder. I walked towards the door with number 11 on it.
As it were – the door left slightly opened. Owner always leaves the front door open when expecting me. That was mostly the unspoken rule between us.
Inside the spacious home played Griegs Cello sonata Op.36. Owner sat on the garden porch, pens and paper scattered around. Typical chaotic workspace. She was looking at the sky - darkened pit, with grey outlines.
I approached her - now standing less than a step away.
"This annoying weather makes me think of some depressive bits that I'm not fond of. And by the looks of it, heavy rain is on its way." – Niko looked around to find her mug with cold tea. - "Did you at least leave some kind of note before you got going?"
"I did. Don't worry. He won't know I came over or that I saw you." – I replied.
"So... You are so much in need of something - you remembered about my existence. By the look of your cheeky appearance - you need it bad. You even came all the way here." – Niko looked at me. Her greenish eyes are empty of any emotion - like soulless puppet.
"Favour. I need your favour." – I took out the manuscript that I grabbed from the table, before I left, and held it out to Niko. – "Can you?"
"Let me guess, it is something you aren't fully sure of?" – Niko took the manuscript, then had a bit of her cold tea.
"In a way. I want it to 'bloom'. Possible?" - I knew it took time for her to recover. She most definitely used her trickery on that girl, that's staying at Ericks' house right now.
"Let's see what you have here." – Niko flipped through the pages, then got back to the title page that read : "Petal on Lips".
I looked at how she began reading the manuscript. The air began changing around her. Like she slowly accumulated focus in small doses.
I breathed out in relief. By the end of the reading she should be properly back. Knowing it will take a while - I went to sit on a couch, that directly overlooked garden and her.
Still wondering how she loves to read in the redded lamp light.
The red and pinkish crystals placed around the house were lit - dim lights, to me - very subtle. A sort of lighting that is stereotypically romantically used. To set the 'mood'. But she used such light for the convenience of resting her eyes.
I heard silence. For a bit it was silence. Music stopped, then began again, but grew muted, slowly silenced to the point of barely-audible. Then a pitter-patter of rain resounded.
Felt like time froze, standing still. A painting of classical eerie touch. The gothic, romantic mess of a murder that's about to take place.
The moment of this eerie feel was broken like a spell, to draw me to another hell.
Her soft voice, as she began reading the manuscript out loud. The tone and feel that gives you chill, places a new heart squeezing feel - of familiarity.
I noticed music changed to Mendelssohn piano trio and violin concerto, accompanying Nikos voice.
"Heberra appeared during the darkest night. She was twisting little strands of fabric on Yrres work desk. Dresses were made to the tastes of Lords and Ladies.
Soon becoming grim drapes. Embroidery withered, looking like tears."
"Heberra moved her pale hand softly. Above the fancy shoes, with silk laces, sewn-on gold – they turned into horrid heels with thorns and claws. 'Yrres will regret what he did to me!' – she said as she left master Yrres Tailor Atelier. Walking back to her home victorious – happy about her vengeful deed. 'I'll have you mocked, Yrres, I'll see you crumble. You shall regret what you have done to my Mistress.'"
She read the manuscript with incredible sense. Adding emotions to characters, as their lines were read.
"Next morning Yrres cried to the heavens: 'Gods, why? What have I done to anger you so? Why had you ruined my work? This dress and shoes! Work of my life! Coronation gown for princess! Oh I am doomed!'
With no time at hand, Yrres made his best attempts to recover the gown that before bloomed and sparkled. Now ruined. All his attempts - useless. When the thread touched the gown – it decayed instantly. When the needle touched the dress – needle rusted, silver was breaking and the laces were tearing apart. Anything touching the dress broke apart. 'So this is the retribution for what I've done to Nellaidas? Curse you all!' – He shouted as he ran out. Full of despair he hopped on his horse and galloped away.
Townsfolk saw him scared - galloping out the town gates on the horse. News of this sight spread across town like wildfire."
"Kings squire at the same moment was knocking on Master Yrres atelier door. With no reply - he walked in to see the most dreadful gown one could imagine. Yrres apprentice stood shocked beside gown - unsure of what will happen now.
Squire asked where the coronation attire was – the apprentice just silently pointed out to this monstrous gown. Nothing valuable came out of the apprentices' mouth, just stuttering sounds. With nothing left - squire took this horrid dress with thorny shoes to Kings castle."
"'What on earth is the meaning of this?' – King Alland shouted madly at the sight of the outfit that squire brought. Bloody tears, drabs of cloth, all decayed and barely holding together with filthy shoes wrapped in thorns and animal claws.
What did Yrres think of him as? How dares he humiliate his King and royal family? Making such an atrocity for my daughter's coronation? Has he lost his mind?! 'Find him and bring me his head!' – King was ranting with rage.
Squire bowed and ran out on a mission to deal with Yrres.
News of horrid dress spread like plague - becoming the new talk of the town."
"Meanwhile - Heberra was squealing from happiness, as she observed the situation unfold. Smiling, in high spirits, she took the outfit she made, prepared along with outstanding shoes. She set out to present her work to His Majesty. Her carriage smoothly drifted through the streets of Old Kanningsworth making way to the castle. Birds chirping, sun shining, sky brightly blue, people cheery on streets – all made her mood grow better."
"She got out of the carriage in front of the main stairs. Ones that lead to the castle Dorain. Taking dress along with the shoes, Heberra gracefully walked up to request for King to spare a moment of his time. So she can present him with the finest solution.
The moment King Alland heard that there is a woman who brought a gown for coronation - he was perplexed. King asked the guard to present to him this woman who claims to have brought him a great 'present'."
"Heberra, looking her best, presented King Alland the gown that she made. King Alland was awed with the beauty of the gown. This gown was on par stunning with the beauty of the gown he saw once before.
The memory long forgotten appeared in his head. Moment when he - a young boy with his mother, stood looking at the Queen sparkling brightly like a goddess. In a gown with ineffable might. The beauty of the gown he never before saw. Queen Nellaidas birthday it was. She was the mightiest Queen that ruled the lands far and wide. Never again in his life has he seen anything as mesmerising as the gowns Nellaidas wore. Not in the whole world."
"He never got to know who the royal tailor of Nellaidas were. Twas kept a secret from everyone. Throughout his whole life - not a single soul got to discover who the tailor of Her Majesty Nellaidas was.
And now - standing in front of this dress - he knew that that is what his daughter Lenaria shall wear."
"Coronation day went smoothly, as it was a success. The beauty of new Queen Lenaria became the greatest talk of the land.
Heberra was pronounced royal tailor from that day on by the Queen Lenaria herself.
Once, during fitting, Lenaria asked questions to Heberra. About her past, where she was from, so young, so talented in making such wonderful gowns. Heberra took word from the new Queen that she will keep all the answers a secret, otherwise Heberra will leave. Then Heberra told a story of how she served queen Nellaidas long ago, how she is an elf, and so-so much more.
Time later the bond between them grew stronger. Becoming one passionate secretive love."
Rain was rumbling, hitting the glass roof with great might.
I sat looking at the downpour outside.
Garden trees - shaking, leaves trembling. Perhaps it's good - lack of wind. Niko got up from her warmed spot on the porch, holding the manuscript. She walked to sit down next to me. Her slim figure had nothing more than just an oversized shirt and underwear.
"Now, now. This is a very well-known story to me. From a place very much enjoyed and explored. Did Erick write this?" - Niko was back to her usual self, as her eyes had proper clarity and focus.
"Indeed. Erick had lately coughed up around seven stories of such odd origin." - I replied to her.
She leaned her back against the couch. Seeming to think about something troublesome.
The rain outside slowed down, becoming weak pitter-patter. The smell of petrichor was tingling the senses.
Just having her sit next to me - already was making me feel like she's the only one who I can really be self with. A relief, a familiarity, a bond.
"I feel like Erick might brew more trouble. He's close to being exposed." - I tiredly said, as my hand found hers, fingers interlocking. She likes holding my hand, or maybe that's what I tell myself.
"Too close. That girl is a very good investigator. A little more and we all might end up in deep shit." - She lets out with a sigh.
"Is she a problem or can you manage her? By the looks of your eyes - you've used the trick." - I softly sneer.
"Yeah… Sweet dreams of lewd character. Though I've exhausted self due to keeping it up for hours for two people simultaneously. Plus they were inebriated. So it was easy, but hard to maintain trick mode." - Niko slowly leaned on my shoulder.
"Is Adrian on the concern radar?" - I ask.
Niko shifts away, still holding my hand. She exhales. Red lighting play a dramatic ambience on her.
"So you come here, out of that concern, regarding Erick. Yet you didn't even let him know you get to see me. What a disgusting character you are." - She lets out, yet the smile on her face and the eyes that look into mine - still gentle, still caring.
I do get that she is offended a little, also jealous. But right now - too weak to give a fierce fight.
"But I'm worried about my sweet-sweet lover. He is after all, my dearest of heart." - I softly say words that shamelessly pick on her.
Oh she is annoyed. Tired, but now very annoyed. Tried to flick my hand away, as she gets off the couch. Though I manage to grab her hand tighter and pull her back to sit with me.
I can feel her anger seeping through as she speaks.
"David, my magical white hare, our Alice will be perfectly fine. Why can't you sometimes worry about me instead? Am I not important?"
So cute - she's pouting. Guess she missed me as well. I pull her in closer, my fingers caressing her cheeks, my eyes locked with hers.
"Close your eyes." – I said. She went along with it.
Then I leaned closer - our foreheads touching. 'Make spell'.
I hugged her, pulling her on top of me. Laying down on the sofa. My hands on her waist - pressing her body tightly to me.
"You are as precious to me as Erick. If not more." – I let out, cheekily.
"Liar." - Oh how she pouts.
She was up on her elbows, trying to get away. But once more I pressed her tighter to me. She let out a breath, saying "Alright.".
After succumbing to my whims, she stretches her hand to reach my hair.
Her fingers brushing through them.
Now her eyes that looked at me - felt slightly dazed. Yes. That's it.
My hand brushed her sweet cheek, then ran towards the back of her neck, pulling her closer to me.
"Liar indeed." - I spoke with my lips touching hers, my tongue pushing in, as we passionately shared a kiss.
She slowly pulls back, breathing heavily.
"I'm jealous of Erick having you all to himself." - She lets out.
I can feel that she's mine now. Can execute the mess that I need.
"Don't be. I'm here now. Wouldn't you like to have more than just a kiss?"- I gently asked.
"I would." - She breathes out.
Her head on my shoulder. Her body was burning with desire, skin feeling hotter to touch. My hands felt her body slowly. Her hands, her back, neck.
"You haven't changed." – I softly spoke.
"Neither have you." - She let out a sigh. - "You still have a habit of teasing me. You're horrible."
"So horrible that you want me." – I have a laugh. – "From what I feel - you like me more than anyone. I love that. I love that you want me so bad."
She clicked her tongue, as she got up on her elbows, looking at me with that wish to throw a punch.
"David, you're an arsehole. I truly can't stand your horrid nature." – She said whilst pushing herself out of my tight grip.
"Oh, you don't have to be rude." – I pulled her back, pushing her down on the sofa, getting on top of her. – "Wouldn't you like a special treatment from me, or do you rather pout?"
My hand touched her tight, slowly tracing her body upwards. Her shirt going up with my touch. She faced aside, feigning her being upset.
"You know you can't win. I'm good at this game." – I whisper in her ear.
My hands reached her breasts. Softly touching her, I lowered to kiss her neck.
She still pouts. I sigh, yet the game's on. I grab her face, forcing her to look at me. I kiss her, dominating over, making her reply to my kiss. I felt her succumb, releasing my grip.
Once she kissed back, as she reached for more with her lips, my hands went to wander across her body.
Fingers finding way in between her tights, pressing on her hot part.
Then caress, as her breath slowly turns to moan, her hands desperately clinging to my back.
I rip her panties off, grabbing her tights, pulling legs up, as I forcefully enter her.
She loudly gasped, moaning, looking me in the eyes with that sad yearning look. Like it's not me she's having this intercourse with.
I pulled her on top of me, grabbing her neck, pulling her to face me, as we share another kiss.
"You're an asshole." - She lets out.
"That indeed I am." - I smirk.
Spell break - I kiss her forehead.
She opens her eyes. Looking at me, as we sit next to each other. I can't stop myself from grinning.
"You're a pervert, you know." – I say, holding back my laugh.
"Bloody hate when you practice my tricks on me." – Niko tiredly grunted at me.
I laughed, getting up, making my way to her kitchen.
"I'll pour some wine, you pervert. Oh, and how many times now you had sex in your head with me? Priceless!" – I couldn't stop myself from laughing hard.
The spell that I executed on her is the same as the one she plays. Difference is - I'm still learning and need actual touch - contact to execute it. She - only look at the 'victim' of it.
She clicked her tongue and walked to her study, grabbed a manuscript and got back with it.
Wine glass waited for her on the table, as she returned. She was annoyed, but too tired to get back at me for this mischief.
"So," - Niko gave me a glance, as I enjoyed wine. - "How's it going between you and Adrian? Did he forgive you for that time?"
She drank the wine, whilst eyeing me.
The background became silent. No music, no rain, no wind. Night set down hard on land. Muting the unrest.
"Na-ah, he still holds a grudge against me. He's also envious of what we share. Without him around. And how madly you love me! Such tough love! Heart breaking!" – I sarcastically let out. Seeing her pout felt good.
"Ri-ight." –Niko mumbled.
She kept watching me. I know that she likes me. Very much. But even during 'spell' - she feels like the saddest person. Like she wants to see someone else in my stead. Not that I feel offended by that, yet I do.
Knowing that I truly can't be with her this way, though in minds - I can play it.
Before - she was, as if happy by it, but now - it feels like I'm hurting her.
Right now - just being next to one another felt fine. Good, familiar, warm, at home. Most times I don't feel that with Erick, but I can't live without him. He's my lover. Mine.
Well, if looking over the whole of our dysfunctional bunch there's a lot to take in.
Us three and Adrian are quite the circus show. All up to strangest tricks. Me and Niko, her and Erick - we have this connection shared from the start. Each one is different. Me and Niko - we share space, becoming mad in love there, but that's now just something that's of my mischief.
Learning to use it on others - a gift to ravage and manipulate. She's a professional of trick trade.
But what's the mad magic of a circus act? The main one and most valuable one - AIO can't sense some of us.
We made our way here from different places, times. Staying in hiding, so we can simply live our lives.
My and her secret - that we're absolutely invisible to the system. Erick - not so lucky. He's very much discoverable. Due to being from here.
Niko was still happy to see me, even if I cause trouble. She came closer, putting glass down, hugging me. I hug her back.
"Enjoying being with a national model and idol?" - I cheekily say.
"Well, apologies, your media-popularity hiney. But I'd still like you, even if you weren't the almighty idol of this world. Simply being the perverted trickster David." - She pinched my side.
"This majesty will allow you such filthy commentary just this once." - I smile.
"You know, Merin is now looking after Adrian. Although that's already a different matter. You know we're still connected in our way." – Niko said.
"I considered many possibilities all in all. Yet I am still quite scared if they find out about what we are." – I felt slightly concerned.
"I know. I do worry too." – She hugged tighter, pressing her cheek against my collarbone. - "Tomorrow I'm meeting with Adrian and Merin. We might get some new intel on what to do next."
I felt that she does try hard. Always alone. I peck her on top of her head.
"Dear, it's getting very late. I have to go back to my fabulous lover - Erick. Therefore I must leave you in utter jealousy, as I walk out the door." – I ruffled her hair, as I got out of the hug. Slowly making my way towards the door.
"Take the manuscript on the table." - She pointed out.
"Thank you dear." - I softly said, grabbing papers and walking towards the exit door. - "I love you."
"Love you too." – Niko smiled.
I blew her a kiss as I walked out the door.
My key in the ignition, I put the papers on the seat next to me.
"Feels like she's going to disappear for a while. Again." - I mumble to self, giving a glance in the rear mirror to the house she lives in.
Gotta get back before Erick finds out.
I set out on the night road back home.