Esta es una fanficción basada en una historia alternativa de la saga de Galerians:
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Ash was already back from the death and Rion was gone to Zeron with Lilia for awhile. Raven was staying at the Steiner house with her white-haired lover, trying to hold her heart from going mad, without knowing what to do exactly, since he was just a stranger in the humans’ world and she was one of the only three people who were aware of his existence as a human entity. In a way, Rion was making Raven a favor by leaving his sister with Ash all alone… He was giving her a chance to tell him the truth about her feelings… and Ash was also having one…
The son of Dorothy was staring at the grey sky from inside the house, quiet as never before, almost swallowed by the dark of the room, and Raven was saying her brother goodbye. Ash always loved Raven and knew she loved him, but he was so insecure about how to tell her everything. As soon as Rion and Lilia left the house, the in love-girl headed to the living room with her lungs so crazy that she couldn’t breathe.
She opened the door and there he was, beautiful, the man of her dreams. He was shocked in the instant he heard her coming in, and he didn’t move or say anything.
She walked towards him and said with a sweet whisper:
_ Ash… Rion’s already gone.
_ Ok. _He answered trying to pretend he was just fine.
_ Ok… How do you feel?
_ I’m… fine, I guess. This is so strange… There are so many things my body can perceive… and everything is so astonishing…
_ You’ll get used to it, you’ll see.
_ Yeah, I suppose.
Both of them were extremely afraid and nervous, like two kids probing a new life. So Raven tried to relax a bit, sat on the couch and breathed in an attempt of releasing a small amount of weight from her soul.
_ So…
He turned around to see her.
_ So… what?
_ So… we’ll be here alone for three, maybe four days, what are you planning to do in the meantime? Will you spend the whole time staring at the sky?
_ Maybe… would it be wrong to for you?
_ No... _she replied testing that bad ass-attitude she had known long ago_ You do what you want.
As soon as she finished the phrase, he walked, sat on the couch’s armrest and said:
_ But I’m sure you’ll work out something interesting. You domain this world and, therefore, you know better how to have a good time.
_ Sure... If you say so.
For seconds, they didn’t know what to say and they became mute. The energy from their hearts was coming out like a bursting explosion. Immediately, Raven got her cheeks red and Ash traveled with his golden eyes along the entire room trying to find a theme to talk about.
Luckily, the girl suddenly started saying:
_ Ash…
_ Yes?
_ Are you… pleased for living here in the real world? For having a real body finally? I made a great sacrifice for you, for bringing you back here.
He went harder and replied, looking out of the window:
_ Well, then, maybe, you should’ve never revived me after all.
_ How dare you--
_ Maybe you should’ve left me there... It would’ve been the best. For you and me.
_ You speak so much nonseness... Dammit.
_ How can you imagine me to be able to answer such a thing??
He shut his lips before letting a word come from his mouth again, prompting Raven to heat up some sorrow.
_ I… I don’t belong here. I have to learn everthing I just can’t... and to think... If you just gave me a chance to manifest my position on this... Raven, I’m not angry or uncomfortable with this. My body works perfectly and you...
_ I...? What is it about me...?
_ You saved me from the prison of cold and solitude that got me… That’s the worst place I could be at… and you saved me… _He chuckled a bit_ It’s weird how you remembered me. How you didn’t forget me.
She sighed and asked:
_ Are you sure *that* was the worst place you could be at?
He remained silent again and realized:
_ You’re right… That wasn’t the worst place… *Mother’s prison* was the worst one… It was a hell for me…
Raven seemed to have her eyes filled with tears as Ash was talking about his misery, but she didn’t say a word; she just watched the floor trying to evade Ash from seeing her sadness.
_ All the pain I’ve gone through has left me an enormous scar in the heart, however, I’ll do my best to restart over again and… you know… find happiness... for once in my life… Although... where I can find it is a mistery to me... or even if there’s some for me, somewhere out there.
Raven couldn’t take it anymore and began to cry in silence, without breathing, holding all of her emotions inside with a tide in her throat. Of course, Ash noticed it and sat next to her.
_ But you know... that pain is mine, Raven. Don’t cry for me. You have to be strong.
She was reaching the end of her resistance…
_ Everything is so much unfair!
He looked down. His lips didn’t make a smile at all.
_ You never deserved such a cruel fate! Everyone in the world could, but you’re the ONLY ONE who never did!!
_ (How confusing.) I don’t know… I’ve done… _She held his arms and interrupted.
_ Don’t say it! Please, don’t say...! You’re not the monster that everybody--!
He held her hand gently and said:
_ I know you want to deny those things I’ve done… I wish I could too, but the truth is neither can you, neither can I. I did what I did, there’s no turning back.
_ No! That’s not true! Don’t say that, that wasn’t you!
_ We all make mistakes, don’t we?
_ Oh, how hard you are...!
She didn’t say anything else. She just cried close to him.
The white-haired teen didn’t want to feel pain and sadness around him anymore, so he caught Raven’s tears and whispered to her, always keeping seriousness:
_ That’s not *your* responsibility to take, so let *me* take it on. Right now, the only thing I don’t want to do is to think about the suffering we went through.
She tried to swallow her tears and cryings and intended to smile.
He waited for her answer.
She breathed and finally said:
_ But…
_ Please, Raven, do it for me.
She hugged him, burying her eyes onto his naked torso, since his outfit was exposing his tatooed chest.
Instantly, Ash went into astonishment and didn’t figure out the way to respond to that. None of them said a word and the moment lasted for an eternity.
Although she tried, the teen couldn’t hold her cry and continued. Then, the boy could hear her sobbing right next to his ear; and he could also feel the beat of her heart banging against his chest.
They had gone through the nightmare of Dorothy together, so he understood her pain and hugged her back carefully, thinking he may hurt her, so he slowly slipped his hands around her.
When the moment past away, the sad girl separated from the galerian, caught her tears and stood up to run away from the room, leaving Ash alone with his mind and heart shocked. That was hard to take for the both of them.
Raven locked herself inside the bathroom and washed her face with freezing water to erase the scars of her pain and kept crying with freedom. Ash knew what she was doing but he remained in the living, as if he really didn’t care.
Five minutes later, she came back with a new face and no marks of sadness. He was holding a photo album, watching every single picture with his sniper eye.
As soon as she came in, he turned and rised one of the photos to show her.
_ Have you seen this one? It’s a nice picture _He said_. Such a warm expressions in such a calm life.
_ Yeah, it is. _she answered_ But that’s not me…
_ Yes. I know. But, who cares?
She looked at him and put his eyes into the album again.
_ Ash…
_ What?
_ Forgive me.
He put the album down for a while and stared at her.
_ For what?
_ You know… I’m supposed to help you, not to get you as sad as me. I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.
_ It’s okay. I understand. Just forget about it.
She nodded glad.
~~~
Afternoon was falling over the teen galerians. They were still in the living. both A bit more relaxed they were, and security they felt about themselves.
_ So, how’s your body? _Raven asked.
_ It’s fine. You were right, I’m already getting used to the feelings.
_ Are you having any bothering sensation?
_ Well, there’s something but I don’t know what it is.
_ Could you describe it?
_ I feel it in my belly… it’s…
_ Hunger.
_ What?
_ Hunger. That’s what you feel when your body needs food.
_ It’s not pleasant, can I stop it?
_ Sure, but you have to eat something.
_ Eat…? I’m not good at that…
_ It’s just a matter of learning. Come with me and I’ll teach you.
She led the way to the kitchen; once there, began taking some chocolate, flour, sugar, butter and some milk from the shelves and said:
_ Now watch and learn. This is called *cooking*.
After some minutes she had prepared delicious chocolate cookies, so she took them out from the oven and put them on a tray in front of Ash.
_ Smell them, how’s it?
He experimented the smell with his rookie nose and he felt light. He closed his eyes and tried to say something but he just couldn’t.
_ It’s good, isn’t it?
_ It’s… I don’t know how to explain… Smell is something I have never had before.
_ But you liked it.
_ Maybe... It knocks deep into my head...
_ That means yuo like it... Good! Now, time for taste.
_ Alright…
He took one of the cookies with his insecure hand and examined it as if it was something weird. He didn’t know how to eat; he didn’t know what to do.
_ Ok... Watch *me*.
As she was eating the biscuit, the boy watched her and checked all of her moves like a computer. It seemed easy to make.
_ Your turn now.
He sighed and carried the cookie to his mouth and ate it slowly, enjoying the taste as never. When he swallowed it he thought he may be in heaven; it was such a wonderful feeling! He finished and his eyes were brighter.
_ I’m glad you liked it.
_ Like…? I…
_ It’s ok. I know. It was good, wasn’t it?
_ Did I do it right?
_ Perfectly.
_ Can I do it once more?
_ Sure. Eat as much as you want.
While Ash was enjoying his biscuits, Raven put all of the stuff back on the shelves, as the relief was felt in the air.
_ Is your stomach getting better?
_ I think so.
_ What about your head?
_ My head?
_ Yeah. You know, because of your abilities.
_ Oh…
_ How are you feeling about that?
_ I had forgotten I had this power… I don’t feel anything…
_ Really?
_ Really. And you?
_ Me?
_ Yes. You have powers too. How do *you* feel? Are you needing any PPECs?
_ Well... I’m fine… I do have to take a few drugs sometimes when my body attempts on going critical and short, but aside that, I’m ok.
Ash stood up from the bench and handed the tray to Raven’s hands saying:
_ Thank you, Raven. The… What are these called?
_ Cookies.
_ Right. The cookies were amazing. You definitely have skills for cooking.
She chuckled and answered:
_ Thanks.
_ I’m not… *hungry* anymore.
_ Really? Great! There’s something I want to show you now. Come, this way!
She held his hand and took him to her room. Night was almost present.
When they entered, Ash felt very comfortable; everything was tidy, there was a precious scent in the air and it was warm. Soon, he sat on Raven’s bed and watched her. She was looking for something.
_ I wonder… Oh! Here it is!
Ash watched, and the girl sat next to him holding a delicate music box.
_ What is that?
_ A music box.
_ *Music box*?
_ Yeah. Listen…
The little box began playing a beautiful melody and the boy’s heart became as smooth as cotton. They remained in silence, the girl, smiling, and the boy, touched, listening to the sweet music, close to each other.
When the melody stopped he didn’t say anything and smirked.
_ Isn’t it beautiful, Ash?
_ It’s lovely… Talk me about this…
_ Well, the music box works with a mechanism: a roll is pulled and ten needles hit the roll. As the needles hit it, sounds are produced and combine, making music.
_ Well, this music is one of the best sounds I have ever heard.
_ And, which was the best one?
_ ...._he chuckled_ Mother... screams... Mother in suffering. _He smirked as the evil guy he used to be before.
Raven froze completely and stared at the boy astonished. She was expecting him to say something like “your voice, my dear Raven”, but he hadn’t made her wish come true. He was still grayed by his past.
The lady silently got up from the bed, and began to look for something else. Ash didn’t take his eyes off her and, although he wanted to deny it, tried to hold himself from exploding and hugging her to death in an attempt of showing what he was keeping inside.
She turned back around and she was having a disc in her hands; she tried to dissimulate the rubbish on her cheeks caused by her nervousness and deppression as well, and walked towards a disc player; she put it on and played it and new warm melodies came out.
Ash listened and Raven sat next to him one more time, now closer. She had to try harder; harder in order to take Ash’s love out from his coldened chest.
They remained quiet for a little while and *he* asked:
_ Is this also music?
_ Yes.
_ I could spend the entire day listening to it.
_ Me too... In some way, it blows my head off...
~~~
_ Do you know what’s the best thing of being with you, Ash?
_ …I-- I don’t know…
_ You have the power to destroy me, and, instead, you use it to protect me.
_ Raven…
She looked at his eyes and said:
_ You’re… the best person I’ve ever met.
_ What--??
She nodded as she looked away and explained:
_ I love Rion; he is my eternal partner and my best friend; he knows how to give me comfort, he’s my brother… However… when I had the duty of fighting against you to save humankind, I really didn’t want to do it…
_ You didn’t?
_ No. And I couldn’t speak about it; humans already used to underestimate me, can you imagine what they would have done to me if they had found that out?
He nodded.
_ Rion, as you were our enemy, thought you were evil and that I had to kill you no matter what…
_ So you couldn’t talk with him either…
_ That’s right. You were the only one who understood me; that’s why it was so easy for me to go with you afterwards.
_ I used to feel the same.
_ Is that so?
_ Oh, yes. I never could talk with anyone; but I mean I couldn’t since I was born. Nobody ever loved me and less of all understood me… But when I met you, I thought that perhaps I had found someone to understand and be understood by.
_ And…?
_ And… what?
_ Did I match that description?
_ Of course you did.
She smiled to him and blinked many times as she looked to the floor again.
~~~
It was midnight and the teens were sleepy. Raven yawned. Ash looked at her surprised and said:
_ What was *that*??
_ A yawn. It happens when you’re tired.
_ Do you want to sleep?
_ Yeah, it would be great. What about you?
_ Me? I don’t know. Maybe… If you do, then I’ll join you.
_ Ok, then.
She stopped the music and took Ash to Albert and Elsa Steiner’s room.
_ We’ll sleep here. Is this ok?
_ Sure, whatever. But…
_ But, what?
_ I’m not sure if I know how to sleep… You must think I’m such a stupid kid…
_ That’s not true. It’s logic for you to not to know how to. But I’ll teach you, don’t you worry.
_ Thanks…
_ Don’t mention it. By the way, will you sleep with that outfit?
_ Maybe, why not?
_ Isn’t it uncomfortable?
_ Not at all.
_ But maybe there’s something more comfy. Don’t wanna try?
_ Ok, if you insist...
_ There’re some clothes I have for you. Just wait here.
The girl got out of the room, Ash sat on one of the beds and felt its commodity as a wonderful thing, thinking about the question Raven had asked to him. Was he happy? Was he not?
“Did he really love her...?”
~~~
After a coup of minutes, she came back and showed him the clothes: a white t-shirt and white pants that seemed very soft.
_ Take them.
_ Thank you. I’ll try them; maybe you’re right and these are more comfortable than my suit. I’ll be right back.
_ Ok.
He left while she got her clothes off to put some new sleeping ones.
When Ash was back she was waiting on the bed, wearing nice nightdress and the young man seemed to be finally relaxed with that *cotton suit*.
_ So? You like it?
_ Yes, I do. Where did you get it?
_ It’s Rion’s.
_ We have the same size exactly.
_ Yeah.
_ What is that?
_ A nightdress.
_ It suits you good.
_ You think so?
He nodded and sat on the bed.
_ If you don’t know how to sleep, then I’ll explain you.
_ I’m listening.
_ Well, it’s simple; you just… lay on the bed, close your eyes, relax and let your body do the rest.
_ That was your great explanation?
_ I thought I’d tell more, but I think you can do it without even thinking about it.
_ What makes you think that?
_ A baby can sleep without its mother help.
_ But… It’s different…
_ No, it’s not.
He sighed.
_ Fine… I just… lay on the bed and close my eyes? That’s all I have to do?
She nodded.
_ Just that.
_ It doesn’t make any sense to me.
_ It doesn’t have to make sense.
_ How do *you* do it?
_ I just do that, Ash.
He sighed again; she stood up from the bed and sat next to him.
_ Come on, trust me. Just close your eyes…
He stared at her and obeyed her.
She got close to his face and began to caress him with delicacy. He opened his eyes immediately.
_ Don’t see. Just… sleep.
_ Your fingers are so smooth…
_ Shh…
_ Why are you doing this to me, Raven?
_ Because…
_ Why…?
_ Don’t talk. Sleep…
_ You wouldn’t leave without me, right? I’ll find you in the morning.
_ What made you think such a thing?
_ The fear… the fear of losing you again… _He was being delirious, lost in his own climax as he was captivated by Raven’s figners.
_ Again…? You never lost me.
_ Yes… I did…
_ What are you talking about?
_ When I hurt you… You could have… been mine…
_ Be quiet.
_ You didn’t answer my question…
_ Of course I’ll be here tomorrow in the morning, Ash.
_ Thanks…
Rapidly, he opened his eyes once more and said like surprised:
_ Wait.
_ What is it?
He straightened and held the girl’s face with his warm hand. He put his lips against her cheek with amazing delicacy, as she was made of glass, by closing his eyes slowly; Raven thought she was going to melt, and her heart went crazy, but she received the kiss that lasted forever. There didn’t seem to be a reason for that, but who cared, anyway?
When Ash separated his mouth from her skin, she remained frozen and watched his gold looking eyes without saying a word. He replied with a warm look; a look that was weird of him since scars of suffering still hit his mind.
_ Why... did you do this? _She encouraged to say.
_ As I was studying humankind, I found data about moments like these; going to sleep, closing their eyes to pass the night under unconsciousness... They use to greet each other.
_ Yes… So?
_ Well, I didn’t want to miss that tradition when being with you.
_ I see...
_ But I believe you don’t think the same, since you would greet me too if you did. _He turned his head.
_ Ash...
_ It’s ok. You wouldn’t be the first one to hate me.
_ You’re so confused, Ash. Do you really think I can hate after what I’ve done for you??
_ It surprises me, indeed.
_ If you’re so capable to say this, then, perhaps, you don’t know me, Ash.
_ Perhaps, neither of us know each other at all and this is all just some kind of mistake. Why not?
_ (Yeah, you wish...)
_ Excuse me?
_ You should’ve learned how to lie, if you were really going to keep this attitude on.
_ That’s it! You see? You just don’t know me, do you??
She stood and tried to make a point to bury herself onto her bed without caring about that conversation, although she couldn’t and turned her head for last and inclined towards Ash to say:
_ Good night, Ash.
As she finished the phrase, she added a gentle kiss of hers, straight to Ash’s cheek, closing her eyes and almost resting her face on his. The young man felt he was in heaven and didn’t move. He just yearned more and felt the guilt of having talked to her with such horrible words.
The young lady left his skin and walked back to her bed; then, she sat and began to lay as Ash just held his position for some instants.
She turned her body against the empty wall, in order to not to see Ash.
_ Raven, I...
_ Forget it.
_ But...
_ Are you afraid of the dark?
_ Excuse me?
_ Are you?
_ …why are you asking that?
_ I thought you might… I don’t know if to turn off the lights or not…
_ If you need to turn them off...
_ Usually, I sleep better in the dark…
_ Alright...
_ You didn’t even answer; that must mean you so are.
_ Yes, I am afraid of darkness; but I don’t care. If dark is what you need, I don’t mind.
_ Hm…
_ If it’s way too hard for me, I figure I can ask you for help, can I?
_ If you trust me enough to do so...
He stretched his arm and turned off the lights. He had made a mistake by saying what he had, and now he had to carry the weight of it.
~~~
At the middle of the night, Raven began to sweat, shiver and sob terribly, whispering about something horrible. She was suffering but Ash couldn’t rescue her. Soon, the torment woke her up; she screamed and terrified the room. She remained in silence and started to cry with no consolation.
In her heart, her desire was to have her horror cleared away by Ash’s protection; although, he was not there with her.
_ Ash...? _she mind-spoke to him.
No reply.
_ Ash... where are you...? Help me, Ash...
Crying more in the darkness, she stood and ran limping like hurt by her nightmare. She crossed the passages in search of a white-haired young man who didn’t seem to be.
_ Ash! Ash...! _she youted.
Like that, she persisted, crying more and more along the way until she reached the main hall and contemplated Ash standing in front of the open main door. His arms crossed and his head pointing at the black cloudy sky.
_ Ash!
As he responded, turning, he exclaimed as he made out her eyes red because of the anguish.
_ Raven? Raven, what’s wrong?? _He went to her as she ran.
In the moment she reached him, she let her cry out and moistened his white t-shirt. Remembering the badness he had shown before, he took her in his arms and asked, gently whispering:
_ What happened?
She rose her face to look at his golden eyes, and hugged him tighter, trying to find somewhere to hide.
She cried:
_ Ash… Ash…! Why weren’t you there for me?!
_ I’m sorry. I had come here just for a while...
The young man could feel her shaking of fear; her sweat was cold and her heart was almost out of her. She was really scared.
_ Shh… It’s okay… I’m here… Don’t worry; everything is going to be alright.
_ Ash… Ash, don’t let her…
_ What? You dreamt with… her…? With... Mother...?
_ She’s still here… her presence… Don’t let her get me, Ash, I’m…
_ It sounds weird to hear you saying such a thing. You, the one who had always seemed to be so strong, rebel, is now terrified by the same crazy computer that horrified me before. *You* gave *me* comfort when I was scared like a weakling child, and now you’re asking the same from *me*. Ambivalence.
She just cried.
_ Calm down… Your nightmare is already over; the real world’s here… And I’m real.
_ The pain… it was so… authentic… So true…
He caressed her hair and whispered to her ear slowly:
_ You’re safe now; don’t cry; I’m here and I won’t let anyone hurt you.
_ Ash…
_ You’re harmless… I have you now…
Raven remained in Ash’s arms, warmed and safe while he protected her as the hardest shield. The real world was just them.
When the teen girl recovered from her anguish, she separated from Ash’s chest and caught her tears. The galerian asked her:
_ Are you better now?
She nodded.
_ Come on.
He took her hands and began to led her back to their room, until she refuted with a weak breaking voice:
_ You let the door open...
He stopped, then looked back and smirked to her. Why walking to it just to push a handle? He could use his psychic powers and it’d be done. Therefore, he did so and made a point that he had the strenght enough to hurt Raven as to save her very life.
She didn’t say anything past the action.
~~~
Entering Albert and Elsa Steiner’s room, the young woman felt safer. Ash closed the door behind them and offered her his bed to sleep together.
_ I thought this wasn’t in your nature... Sharing..., offering...
_ I’m sorry about before, Raven. You have to understand me a bit more. This isn’t easy for me.
_ I know it isn’t.
_ Then, give me time.
_ Would you share your bed with someone you believe that hates you? How risking you are.
_ I don’t believe so. I believe *you* believe so.
_ Don’t try to hack my mind, Ash.
_ I’m not. _He smirked.
_ If you’re gonna-- Then I don’t want to sleep next to you now. _ She tried to pull her hand out from Ash’s one clutch.
_ Please, _he held_ don’t. Sleep with me.
Her eyes intended to breake. How much she wanted to sleep at least one night with him! But she couldn’t let it out. Not yet.
_ Ash...
He kept her close and his other hand took her from the neck. She shivered in reply.
_ Please.
She deeply looked into his eyes. Should she take the chance? She knew Ash would never hurt her; she could still remember what she had lived along with him one year ago. But... he was so impredictable... so confusing. She wouldn’t want to become the victim of it after a while; not now that she was so desperately in love with him.
_ I won’t say a word if you want; I swear. Just sleep with me. Just tonight.
_ Ok... _she surrendered after a coup of seconds.
He smirked and sat her on his bed, accompanying his movement with the granting of the most of the pillow.
_ Thank you, but I want to share it with you.
_ We will probably feel crowded if we do.
_ I don’t care.
He smirked again.
_ Alright.
He made himself comfortable on the divan as she did too and put his hands around her carefully, ending in a sweet embrace which he left her with his open heart. She didn’t seem to recieve it joyfully, but neither said no, so he didn’t take his hands off and, in exchange, pulled her in, burying her face onto his chest.
_ Good night… _ Ash whispered.
~~~
She couldn’t sleep too well. She found dreamland for a short while and then, as an hour later, she went back to reality. She was facing her bed; Ash was behind her. And it didn’t seem as that at first, but he was playing with her hair amused. The other hand of his was nowhere; maybe he was supporting his head with it.
She then whispered his name in the night; her voice, mystified with the sound of a light rain outside:
_ Ash…?
_ Yes. I’m here.
_ Why aren’t you sleeping?
_ I’m not too tired yet. Why aren’t you?
_ Same. What are you doing to my hair?
_ I’m just… playing with it. Is there a problem, that you want me to stop?
_ No. I guess not.
A little silence pounded. Ash’s body was barely pressed against Raven’s and there was so much peace… No cold, no heat, no noise, nothing to worry about, no enemies nor obligations.
_ This is… _he whispered. His voice making tickles on the girl’s ear.
_ What?
_ So peaceful… So safe. I love it.
_ Yeah. I guess I love it too.
_ You guess? Are you alright?
She nodded.
_ Would you like to turn around and see me, maybe?
_ No.
_ Oh. I see… You’re still mad at me.
_ Not *that* much.
_ But *that* enough to avoid looking at me.
_ Ash…
_ Yes?
_ Never mind.
_ Oh, really?
_ Really.
_ Is there anything I can do to help you sleep?
_ I don’t think so.
_ Maybe you underestimate me. I am the Last Galerian, after all.
_ And I’m the First. So?
_ Would you stop fighting me, please?
_ Now you wanna stop.
_ What? You want me to keep on doing it the same over and over? Make up your mind! _He had already stopped playing with her brown hairs.
She said nothing else. But considering the way the bed shook, it was obvious Ash shifted to the opposite side, ignoring Raven now. She looked at him over her shoulder.
_ You may keep the blanket for you if that’s what makes you look now _he said.
_ That’s not what I’m looking at; not the reason.
He didn’t surrender to that. If she was going to make peaces with him, it was up to her to take the first step. She wanted to hug him, curl him in a deep embrace, but all she could do was breathe on his back and caress it slowly with her nails.
_ What is it that you want?
_ Ash…
_ No. I’m gonna try to sleep. I might be the Last Child of Dorothy, not so glorious like her *First Galerian*, but I need to sleep as well.
_ I’m… _She chuckled. _ This reminds me of when you and I were arch enemies… God, how much I wanted to tell you, but you wouldn’t listen!
_ Why are you bringing that up to memory? I’m tired.
_ Please, forgive me. I don’t wanna fight. I sometimes get so dual… It’s just that I thought *you* wanted to fight and then…
_ You thought wrong.
_ I did, didn’t I? Sorry, please. Ash, I’m sorry.
He looked over his shoulder. She was waiting for him to answer warmly, and so he did, smiling and blinking with the very purity of his heart. He shifted again, taking Raven in a sweet embrace. With her cheeks she caressed his chest, yearning for more of that kindness.
_ Hey _he said_. You’re still a though opponent, no doubt, Raven.
_ Thank you. _She chuckled.
His body was warm and his voice rang merrily in her head everytime he spoke.
_ Ash?
_ Yes?
_ You’ve never been an enemy to me.
_ I know, Raven. Neither have you to me. _He stroked her hairs and hugged her tighter. Their legs warped in a lovely sign of mutual affection.
_ You will never hate me, will you? _he asked. His voice a little anguished.
_ Never.
~~~
At the next morning, Raven opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was the beautiful white-haired galerian youth leaning against the wall and looking through the window from where warm light was coming in.
She was radiant and immediately said:
_ Hello...
The young man turned around, looked at her with sweet eyes and walked over the bed saying:
_ Good morning.
He sat on the bed near from her.
_ How are you?
_ I’m fine. How ended your first night on a bed?
_ Fine, too. Not such a great thing, neither bad. I’m okay.
_ What were you looking at through the window?
_ Just the sky. It is grey again, so it might rain today.
_ It might. Wait; you know about weather?
_ Yes. While I was learning about humankind, I found some data modules about weather as well and I took a look at them.
_ Do you like rain?
_ Compared to what Mother pushed me to suffer, I like everything in the real world.
_ Don’t be too naive. Some things in this world are not so beautiful.
_ But what you showed me...
_ It was just a little part of it.
_ Oh...
_ Hm... This day...
_ What will we see?
*We*... Ash had changed during last night.
_ It’s a surprise.
_ A surprise?
_ You’ll soon understand. But for now, we’ve gotta take a shower.
_ A... what?
_ Come.
They got up of the bed and walked to the Rion’s and Raven’s rooms where the girl took some clothes. Afterwards, they headed to the bathroom.
_ This is where we’re gonna take our shower.
_ Please, Raven, explain me: what is a shower?
_ Is what you do to cleanse your body; you use the water and soup on you to take the dirt off you.
_ Is it easy to do?
_ Very.
_ Could you show me?
She chuckled and replied:
_ No, Ash, I can’t.
_ Why not?
_ Because… to take a shower, you have to be *naked*.
_ So what?
_ So… you can’t see me.
_ But, why not?
_ Because… we’re not a couple…
_ Oh… I understand. I’m sorry if I’m too slow to get your criteria.
_ It’s ok.
_ But… what if I do it wrongly?
_ You won’t. I’ll stay here and tell you exactly what to do.
_ Thanks.
She walked over the bathtub and rotated the faucets to make the water come out.
_ Alright. Now you take your clothes off; I’ll turn around.
She did and the boy showed the room his body.
_ I’m ready, what now?
_ Get in the bathtub and slide the curtain.
He hid from the teen girl and asked:
_ Now?
_ Let the water get you wet.
They didn’t say anything for a minute and Ash began to talk again:
_ This water feels so good.
_ I’m glad it does.
_ What do I have to do now?
_ Do you see the soup nearby?
_ Yes.
_ Take it and rub it all over your body.
He did and also rinsed himself without the girl’s help.
_ I’ve already taken the soup away from me. Have I finished?
_ What? You already took the soup off you?
_ Yes. Thanks to your guide, I made myself able to remember what I knew about cleansing proceedings in humans.
_ Wow… that’s great.
_ Shall I go out now?
_ Yeah, but before you do, close the faucets, please.
_ Done.
_ Ok, now you can.
The young man came out from his privacy and took a towel with which he dried his amazing body.
_ What are you still doing here?
_ Put these clothes on you. They’re Rion’s, but they’ll suit you.
She went out the room and waited.
When the white-haired galerian opened the door, she began to hallucinate with his attractive look. He was wearing a modern black t-shirt and jeans; also a chocker and two bracelets.
_ Mmph… you look… you’re…
_ Does this really suit me? I don’t know...
_ Yeah, of course it does.
_ Well, what about you? Will you take a shower too?
She nodded.
_ You should spend this while somewhere else. I don’t want you to get bored.
_ Right. If you say so. I’ll stay around.
_ Ok. I’ll be out in a few minutes.
_ I’ll be in the living room.
_ You like that room, don’t you?
_ A bit.
~~~
Ash remained in the living, anxious, waiting for the girl, still trying to find a way to tell her what he felt towards her.
He was sat on the window’s armrest, looking at the floor, and, suddenly, he heard some steps coming to the room. His heart began to beat hardly and went into nervousness. He stared at the door and *she* appeared like a living miracle. He couldn’t believe what his eyes were actually seeing: she was like an angel; she was wearing a lilac dress, a shiny stone around her neck and black sandals. She was looking beautiful.
_ See? I didn’t take too long.
The boy couldn’t say a word; his throat and heart were frozen.
_ Are you ok, Ash?
_ I’m…
She looked at his mouth shaking.
_ You’re… you look… I’ve…
_ Do you like this dress?
_ I love-- IT… It suits you perfectly…
_ Do I look good?
_ You… You’re… Yes.
_ Thanks... Follow me, now _she grabbed his hand_. Let’s have a breakfast, I’m hungry.
_ Right...
~~~
They ate ice-cream and the girl taught the young man everything she could about it and he embraced it all like a computer.
_ Thank you for this meal, Raven.
_ Meal? Well, this isn’t exactly what people call *meal*, but I’m glad you liked it.
_ Oh, yes. I really did.
_ Ok, if you’re finished, I wanna show you something.
_ Is that the surprise in question you mentioned before?
_ That’s correct.
_ Good, let’s hurry up; I want to see it.
_ Take it easy; we have the whole time of the world.
_ No, we don’t.
_ …Excuse me…?
_ We don’t have the whole time. Organic entities die so...
_ Ash _she interrupted_, if you live just thinking about the coming death, you won’t be able to enjoy life. Forget about those disgusting things, shall you?
_ I’ll try.
She held his hand ant took him to the outside.
_ The air blowing here is fresh.
A pause.
_ The surprise is out here?
She nodded.
_ Are we close?
_ Just wait, you, impatient child!
_ Don’t make me wait any longer, come on!
_ We’re almost there…
She led him to some trees and, when she stepped between a few, she stood at the back of the young man and put her hands on his eyes.
_ What are you doing?
_ For suspense. I want you to see the surprise as soon as you open your eyes again.
_ You’re cruel.
She chuckled and whispered at his ear:
_ Walk slowly, I’ll lead you.
_ Tell me where to step on.
_ Sure. Walk on...
_ Do I go on?
_ Yes; you go.
_ Hm... your hands are warm...
_ Are they?
_ Yes. And they have a delicious scent as well.
_ Thanks. Oh, watch out!
_ What?
_ Be careful. Move a little to the right.
_ Am I okay here?
_ Yeah. Now walk a few steps on, we’re almost there.
_ That’s what you said before.
_ But now I’m not lying.
_ Like I said, you’re cruel.
_ Yeah, I am. Ok…
_ We’ve gotten there??
_ Stop. Are you ready?
_ Yes, please, show me.
_ Ok… Here… is your surprise…
In the moment Ash was allowed to see, he visualized a magnificent garden full of flowers of many different kinds, everywhere they looked. The Last Galerian was immobilized; he couldn’t accept as true that such a beauty could exist in such a high-tech city. His eyes got lost in the magnificence and couldn’t say a word.
_ So… What do you think? Isn’t this beautiful?
_ It’s lovely… I never thought I might be able to see something like this…
_ I found this garden some months ago. It’s incredible how it made it to survive without anyone’s care…
_ Truly amazing…
They admired the nature and the girl sat on the grass.
_ I think I know what my favorite flower is…
He took one out of the brushwood: it was pink, with a little tone of lilac; it was small and delicate, and he handed it over Raven.
_ This is it.
_ Oh, it’s so divine.
_ Have it.
_ Why? It’s your flower...
_ I don’t care. I want to give it to you, in a show of my affection to you.
_ Your... affection to me…?
_ Please, keep it.
_ Ok... thanks, Ash. I’ll keep it forever.
_ Or as long as it lives.
_ There’s no death for this kind of things.
For some instants, no words lived in their mouths. The man looked away and asked her:
_ Raven, do you believe in *Destiny* or *Fate*?
_ Yeah, I do. Why?
_ Do you think it was our destiny to meet and to be together now, Raven?
_ I... really don’t know...
A chuckle.
_ It’s funny... It was *Destiny* one of the words that led Mother to her insanity and now her first and last children are talking about the same thing…
_ Yeah, it’s right.
_ But we won’t go mad because of it. Have you ever felt you were going crazy sometime?
_ Once.
He walked over the girl to sit right next to her, coming close to her face almost brushing his hip against hers. His warm body was easily felt by Raven’s. And she didn’t move, like fearing he would go away.
_ When?
_ When… Oh, I forgot… I didn’t tell you…
_ What?
_ Since I began with my investigation on Raven Steiner’s death, I had been having horrible visions about the people that died in this house and the people Rion and I killed…
_ Including me...?
_ Yes...
_ What did I do to you *as vision*?
_ You’d never believe... You protected me from the others.
_ ...I... I did...?
She nodded.
_ Before I noticed that Raven’s spirit was trying to reveal the truth to me, you were my only salvation when the other dead were around attempting to hurt me.
_ That must have been terrible...
_ Yeah, and that was the time when I thought I might go mad.
_ But you didn’t, did you?
_ No.
_ That’s good; not like me; such a weakling and...
_ Ash... please. Don’t...
_ Oh, yes, I forgot. You don’t want me to talk about that.
_ I hope I’m not bothering you by that. It’s just that...
_ I know, I know... I’m sorry.
They hushed and eventually, the girl put her head on the boy’s shoulder and looked at the floor. On seeing the situation, the man turned his head at her and then saw the “R” scar on her chest that he had done to her in the data world a year ago. He felt guilty again, just like before, and watched it... His right hand slipped along the girl’s back and grabbed her by the waist, giving her support. She accepted it and drew in, closer to Ash’s chest.
Suddenly, a flash danced at the clouds and a thunder broke the sky.
_ Was that a thunder?
_ Yes.
_ See? It’s going to rain. Just like I said.
_ I never doubted about your words.
_ I never said you did. _He smirked, enjoying his game of words.
_ Hm… We better go inside if we don’t wanna catch a cold.
_ Do we? I don’t want to abandon this place.
_ Don’t worry. We can come back as soon as the rain goes away.
_ Five more minutes.
_ Hm... Ok.
Some silence pounded in the air except by the thunders roaring. Raven was safe next to the youth she truly loved.
_ Ash...?
_ Yes?
_ If you could take back time and correct any of your actions, would you do it?
_ ...no. Not at all.
_ No? Why?
_ Because every single thought, every single action of mine led to what we have now. And there’s nothing in the world I would rather than this. Nothing, Raven.
_ What we have now...
He nodded.
_ This: Us. You and me together.
_ Us...
_ Loneliness is the only thing that could possibly kill me, and until I found you, I died over and over again. So this is glory to me.
_ Glory... _she whispered to herself, almost wistful.
_ Don’t you feel the same?
_ Yes..., Ash.
Comprehending her delight, Ash pulled Raven even closer to him and slid his left arm in front of her, catching her right shoulder to sever the rest of the ambient from her body.
_ Thanks.
Heaven watched the galerians being happy in their private embrace. Words were needless for both of them to realize how much they loved each other. Rays danced more and more, and the “sky bangs” anounced the storm to come.
_ Okay, Raven. My five minutes are over. Let’s go into the house.
_ Fine. You’re fair enough.
They stood up from the ground and walked away from the astonishing spot, yearning to hold the other’s hand, but keeping their desires. When they were out in the main park, the Last Galerian looked at the sky and waited for the rain to fall on his gorgeous face.
_ What are you doing?
_ Just... waiting for my features to be purified by the genuine water...
_ Hm... that was poetic.
_ Come and wait with me, Raven.
_ Ok. But if I get a cold, it’ll be your fault.
_ Everything is because of my fault.
She didn’t say anything else and the rain began...
_ Raven, can you feel it? The purity... the presence of water molecules all over here...
_ Not like you. You feel everything in a different way from me.
_ But you can. If you *want*, you can.
_ I don’t know...
_ Come.
She stood close to him and he grabbed her to put her chest by chest with him. The girl didn’t stop the boy and held still.
_ Look up and close your eyes...
She did.
_ Now, open your skin and let the air blow inside you... Can you feel it?
_ I... I don’t think so...
_ Focus on the air and water around... Forget everything you fear and despise. Just... feel...
_ Ash...
_ Focus. I know you can do it.
_ I’m losing my balance. I’m getting dizzy...
_ Don’t worry; you won’t fall... _In that instant, he put his hands around Raven’s body and held her close to him. Almost lip to lip... _ I’m holding you. I won’t let you fall.
_ Ash... I...
_ Can you feel it now?
_ Well...
_ Keep focusing... I know you’re capable of this.
She kept looking at the sky with her eyes shut, safe in Ash’s hands.
_ The air...
_ Yes...
_ The water...
_ Yes, go on...
_ It’s so...
_ Feel, Raven. Feel.
_ Ash... I... I think I can feel it...
_ Yes, of course you can!
_ I can feel it, Ash... I do... You were right.
She put her face down and looked at the teenager’s face; he was wet, full of water drops, and he looked SO great that was difficult to her to hold her excitement and not kissing him hard on the mouth...
Ash put his hands down.
_ We better go in now. _He said.
_ Yeah...
They walked together. Once inside, the young woman searched for a towel and they both dried themselves.
_ Are you going to take your dress off?
_ No. Why?
_ I just don’t want you to. It’s nice, and it’s not easy to see something nice nowadays, at least not for someone like me who still carries the images of a past just abhorrent.
~~~
The teens walked off the bathroom they were at, and headed to the kitchen for a third time when the boy said:
_ I’m hungry again.
She chuckled:
_ What? You’re hungry AGAIN?
_ Yes. And so what? Isn’t it normal in a living being?
_ Yes, but it’s just that...
_ What?
_ It’s funny. Just that.
_ Well, I can live with that.
_ Come on! Let’s see what we can eat. After all, I think you’re logic; ice-cream dissolves rapidly in the stomach.
~~~
_ Ok! What would you like to eat?
_ I don’t know. You make the choice.
_ I know... What about cookies?
_ Like the ones I first ate?
She nodded.
_ Yes!
She chuckled. It seemed as though she was talking with a little child, sometimes.
_ Alright. But this time you’ll cook with me and learn.
_ Wh--what..?
_ Yes... you’ll learn how to do this.
_ But, Raven...
_ Don’t be afraid of making a mistake. I’m here to point it.
He breathed.
_ Okay...
He stood next to her and the cooker took the ingredients from the cupboard. She pointed the steps and Ash understood perfectly.
_ Now you do it.
The Last Galerian did everything in the way the lady said and didn’t make any mistakes. But soon, some flour escaped from his hands and Raven got a bit covered by it. Instantly, she blinked and he felt guilty, trying to apologize. However, she laughed funned. Ash didn’t understand at the beginning, but he could realize later that she was actually turning the uncomfortable situation into an amusing one, because, irrefutably, she loved him as much he loved her.
She, as answer, took some of the flour too and dropped it on the boy and she started a food fight.
_ Oh, yeah?? _she said.
They laughed with a funny giggle the whole time while some cookies were being baked. They played the game like two kids and filled the house with their joy, running over the kitchen: Raven, escaping from Ash and Ash, escaping from Raven. They would never forget that, even if it was silly.
When they finished, flour and chocolate dust had covered them from feet to head. They were leaning against the wall, still chuckling...:
_ That was SO fun! _he said.
_ Yeah...
_ I never thought games could be this amusing...
_ This is called “Food War”.
_ “Food War”... I’ll remember it.
Then, a sound came off from the oven and the girl stood up exclaiming:
_ The cookies are ready!
She took them out and they started to eat them between the two of them: She, putting the cookies into Ash’s mouth, and he, putting them into Raven’s (As a *game*).
_ Again, they were delicious.
_ Yeah. But don’t thank *me* for it; remember you also cooked with me.
_ That’s true.
_ And you did it greatly, I have to say.
_ Well, thanks, Raven. Coming from you, I believe that’s definitely something.
She stood up and, helping the young man get up, she proposed:
_ Come on. Let’s put this in order later. Let’s go now.
_ Go? Where?
_ There’s something I have to show you. It’s just great.
_ Nicer than the garden?
_ Hm... I don’t think so, but it’s cool.
~~~
They entered Rion’s room and Raven took a television from a chair. The rain was getting harder and the teens’ hearts were almost out of control. Ash bearly knew how to keep his sanity in order to not attack Raven with a kiss and maybe drive her to a spiral of arousals and madness that extreme love might bring.
_ What is *that*?
The girl answered trying to carry the heavy thing:
_ A television...!
_ Oh! Let me help you!
_ Thank you... Let’s put it on the bed...!
But the TV was really heavy and, when they leaned it on the divan, they spread on it relaxing, so the First Galerian ended on the Last one’s body.
They stared for a coup of seconds; changing looks that went from eyes to lips. Raven was dying to kiss Ash’s mouth and he was on the edge of sanity… His eyelids were heavy and he slowly breathed. That wouldn’t last for much longer.
_ I’m--I’m sorry… _she said.
_ It’s okay… _he replied.
She got up from him and prepared the artifact while the boy remained in silence desiring her.
He made himself comfortable on the cotton conglomerate and watched the girl balance the TV antenna.
_ I think we’ll have sign with this... Let’s see...
The image appeared in the screen.
_ Great!
_ Oh... video signals.
_ Yes. Do you know what this is like?
_ Something. What will we watch?
_ I dunno. A movie, maybe.
_ Of what genre?
_ Whichever we find.
She kept searching through the channels.
_ This is a good one. I already watched it. It’s from the romantic genre.
_ Romantic...?
_ It’s about love situations. I this case, it’s about two young people who love each other and can’t be together, so they try to escape from everyone. It’s just started. Shall we watch it?
_ Sure. Why not?
Close to each other, they sat and stared at the jukebox. The movie was romantic and Ash was pleased of seeing it.
When an hour had passed by, Raven began to feel exhausted and leaned her head against Ash’s shoulder again. He felt nervous, thinking his feelings wouldn’t remain underneath his skin, and put his arm around her, granting her support as before.
_ Thank you.
_ No problem. Are you cozy?
She nodded.
_ Sleep if you want, as soon as the movie end, I’ll take you to your bed. Ok?
_ Oh, no, don’t take the trouble to take me there. Just wake me up and I’ll go by walk.
_ Fine. If you want…
~~~
After a while, Raven ended with her face against Ash’s chest and his hands around his torso. The boy had been cradling her all along the time since she had fallen asleep. She was calmed and safe, dreaming about the things she wanted to say. The movie was finishing with the typical happy ending, the young man was happy for it and his lover was close to his heart. The rain had stopped and the Last Galerian was already elaborating a plan to tell Raven the truth about his feelings.
He turned the TV off and stood up from the bed. He stared at her lips and the idea of kissing her finally came up to his mind; just a little innocent kiss, but he couldn’t take that advantage on her, and raised her with his gladiator strength gently. Once she was in his arms, he walked to their room.
He put her on her bed when he made it to the room. He covered her amazing feminine body with a thin silk sheet and got on his knees. He caressed her marvelous face with his warm hand.
_ I wish I could-- _he whispered.
But that warm whisper was enough to wake Raven and he stopped talking.
_ Mmph... Ash...?
_ Yes. I’m sorry I woke you up…
_ Why am I here? You carried me here, didn’t you?
_ Of course
____________
No llores...
