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Gifts were not a concept for a Knight of Glamouth. All that you had was given to be used in return for the Empire and the Empress. Life was to be exchanged for victory. If Firefly had to consider something a gift during that time, it would be when she was given Sam. The mecha suit and the feeling it gave when joined together was the rare comfort found amongst the endless war against the Swarm.
When she thinks of gifts now, she usually recalls the one given to her without knowing. It was the moment when she realized that the voice of Titania, her progenitor, was so faint in her mind now that it could barely be heard, like a sound muffled by layers and layers of walls. She still hears the authoritative voice rarely, calling to fight for a world that no longer exists, an echo of itself from long ago like a fading memory bubble. She would seem a ghost for most too, she thinks, a reminder of mistakes and wrongs done in the eras before.
It would be a kindness if something was learned by their failures.
Hands come to her hips now, a pose that comes easy for finding confidence (and maybe because she saw a certain Trailblazer standing that way at times as they fought through dangers together), she surveys the items chosen from several shopping trips. Sure, she had to buy dream versions AND reality versions, something her wallet wasn't too happy with, but she's satisfied. Kafka's card paid for part of the gifts but she still paid for half, it's only right!
She can leave these sweet dreams now. And… hopefully find a good time to give these gifts to each of them.
Firefly takes a deep breath now, hand at her chest for composure, before a smile breaks open on her face with all the joy she can hold in it.
It'll be such fun for them all to work together again.
**********
“Oh? I thought you'd want a break from company after this many dinners together. Did you want to chat some more, hun?” Kafka's voice is soothing as ever, a confidence in every word that Firefly admires. The woman stands at the entrance to her room, caught about to enter but stopping as expected when called out to.
A laugh escapes her, a sound that she can't resist when Kafka obviously pokes fun at her. They all know she loves to join them, to partake in moments of peace and mundane joining. Even if it's the same dinner every night, it feels much better together…
“No, no break needed, not yet at least! I just wanted to finally give you something since you didn't need to be with Elio after dinner like the last few times.” A length of clothing is kept folded over one arm, still wrapped in a garment bag, before she unzips the protection to carefully reveal most of the item.
A black coat, a collar of wine red and brass buttons only hint of color among the inky material, with a sharp outline following the shoulders and torso. Tailored yet simple, a gift she thought about carefully when finding a popular coat maker on Penacony.
“My, that looks like a nice piece of work. For me?” If there's any surprise from Kafka, it's hardly visible, hands carefully reaching to take the coat and press part of it against her front. Imagining it fully on her with a proper outfit, Firefly thinks. She seems happy…
“I asked someone to make it for you. I requested ease of mobility but still sharp and elegant to look at. Just like you.”
“Now you're just flattering me, aren't you? But thank you… it's perfect. I think I'll wear it next time I get sent out.”
“I meant it! No one wears coats like you.”
“Hm, I’ll take the compliment then~”
The smile on Kafka's face brings a warmth to the chest at the sight of it, the woman's hand stroking the material of the coat with gentle brushes. Despite clearly trying not to make a big deal of it, she clearly loves it. A thought on asking her to try it on, hoping it'll look as good as she imagined it to be in that shop days ago, before the sound of footsteps behind her interrupt.
Almost silent. A briefly unnatural gait, as though hurt before recovering. A weight to each step despite it all. She turns her head to find Blade walking to them as expected, a readied tension radiating from him as always. He stops before them, hands at his side as though ready to strike anything troubling them, before turning eyes over the coat held by Kafka.
The slightest nod. The man soon disappears into Kafka's room, the door quietly sliding closed behind him. A pause before Kafka leans towards her, hand near her mouth as though covering from anyone watching her speak.
“I'm guessing you have a gift for Bladie too, hm?” Kafka coos in her ear with the question, clearly interested in the idea of him receiving one as well. For a moment, distance is nothing to her, just the desire to see something amusing taking over as always. She loves it when Blade gets to be involved, she barely hides that compared to most things.
A rapid nod. “I did. But what I have in mind… it'll take a bit of help. I wanted to ask Silver Wolf and you if you were interested! It'll be fun, see-” She brings her mouth to Kafka's ear now, cupping hand over the closeness to cover as the other did before.
A brief explanation. A soft laughter from Kafka that Firefly joins in. A nod soon shared.
“I'll see you when we plan more then, right? Just send me a message and I'll run right over. Thank you again~ It's wonderful~” Kafka takes the coat fully now, a moment to raise it and examine it with a gentle gaze for a final time. One last gesture of reaching down to hug Firefly with one arm before departing into her room to join Blade.
Only Firefly remains now. A quiet comfort left behind, knowing the coat was well received. And she has something to give the others, a moment to consider where Silver Wolf could be right now…
Kafka has always helped her try to find what style she desires. To find what she thinks is hers rather than what others chose. The uniform of the Iron Cavalry is long gone, her wardrobe filled with plenty of options. So many gifts.
She can't wait to share her own now. And part of her wonders if it wouldn't be nice to have a similar coat one day… to wear something like the comrade she trusts with her life, no matter the distance she tries to speak of. A familiar sting beneath her ribs, a tingle at her neck of numbness.
Keep going.
**********
“... I didn't actually need a gift, ya know? I was just messing with you about making sure you get me something. Would have been more fun if you took my offer to mess with the Genius Society while they were visiting the dream.” Despite her denial of needing a souvenir from her stay, Silver Wolf does hold the still shrink-wrapped game cartridge in her hands with interest, staring at the text on the back.
“The match set-up in this was pretty good even if you were more interested in playing with you know who.”
“D-Don't say that, I was playing with you too! And I lost to everyone… but you had a lot of fun with it so there you go!”
Always poking fun, isn't she? Trying not to sigh, Firefly does move from standing beside the girl at her computer setup, moving instead to poke at her collection of plushies and figures on the other side of the room. Silver Wolf loves so many things, from game series to shows to strange little characters that only exist online. She can only admire the dedication to the things that bring her joy.
“You're doing that thing again.” Silver Wolf interrupts with a flat tone, her chair turned around from monitors displaying a stream to face her now.
“What thing?”
“That thing where you look at stuff and get all misty eyed about the future. I dunno what to call it but don't start crying about wanting to get married or finally getting to have fun or something.”
“Oh, says the one keeping an eye on me before. Worried about me when you couldn't come in person, right?”
Despite her ears burning from the truth of what she was thinking, the mecha user has the balance to reply back swiftly, a smirk on her lips at seeing Silver Wolf look away from obvious embarrassment and attempt to return to her stream. She's always been the type to keep at least some eye on them when she doesn't tag along.
“... Well, we're gonna play the game together now, right?” Despite eyes still on stream, the invite is clearly held out to take, obviously never losing a chance to force her comrades to game with her. Already getting up from her seat, Silver Wolf pads over to her consoles a bit too swiftly, switching on her hologram screen that takes up more than a healthy chunk of the wall.
“I think I'll do better than last time… probably. I just don't understand how you manage to blow up so many at once…”
“Skill issue. Just plan your abilities better, you know. Did you give the others something too?”
Seated on the edge of the gamer's bed and facing the screen now, the two grasp found controllers with familiarity, something they've done together more than a few times.
“I gave Kafka hers last night! She was happy too, the coat was perfect for her.”
“Told you it was the right idea.”
“You weren't the only one to suggest it? They did too-”
“Just- Oh, nice bomb. Wow, will you actually take some of my HP off this time? What about Blade?*
A series of colors flash on screen, a score compared against another. A laugh from Silver Wolf when she still has the highest, an origami bird cutting through the other dramatically along with some health disappearing from a bar. An audible sigh from Firefly before they begin again.
“I have something for him. And I can give it! But I thought it would be more fun if we did something different. Maybe he'd find it funnier that way.”
“What’s the idea? If he has to dance or make a speech, I’m in.”
Always fine with something that messes with her mentor, the gamer actually looks briefly locked in, something done by Firefly seemingly worth paying attention to. She honestly isn't sure what… but she'll take it!
“Kafka said she'll join me in-” Leaning over to whisper, no real need for it considering they're in her room but something more fun in being conspiratorial, before Silver Wolf snorts in amusement.
“You think he'll laugh?”
“Maybe? It would be great if he did, right?”
“... Ha, sure. Bet you he won't though.”
“It's alright if he doesn't. As long as he enjoys it.”
A firm nod on that point before hanging her head when she sees her origami bird cut down to pieces on screen, the small cut of health on Silver Wolf's own the only result to her efforts. Better than nothing at least.
“You really suck at strategy, huh?”
“No… it's just not what I'm used to doing.”
“Maybe we shouldn't be trusting a plan you're making then, huh?”
A grumpy frown ready to be directed to the other as Firefly turns her head. Silver Wolf sits there waiting for her, a smug expression on her face with a finger gun pointed. She took the bait, didn't she? Huff let out before Silver Wolf moved her face in front of her own, clearly pleased with her result.
“You got it, I'll help out. Sounds like it'll be funny at least.”
“Really? Thank you. I think he'll be happier if we all help out after all.”
“Just send me a message and I'll do my part, heh.”
With that, Silver Wolf settles back to her usual self, crossing legs as she sits beside Firefly to focus everything on the screen. An intense gaze. To her, this is everything. Games are everything. Everything is a game. It’s a curious way of life. Firefly wonders how she’d go through the struggle if she saw it the same way.
A comfortable room. A familiar gameplay goes back and forth. And she can set up everything for something interesting. Elio is usually the one planning and she's happy to follow along, a traveler on the path. But she wants to see if Blade has something to say about her efforts to give him something!!!
Her head holds a splitting pain, a blow from forces beyond her that makes her freeze an instant. She pushes on. Giving in to pain has never been on her mind.
**********
What to do…
Blade should be going to the rooms beneath the ship's main halls, the innards of the ship suiting him for a place devoid of troublesome matters and having something acceptable with humming vibrations from the engines. It's good enough to sit there and let time pass until needed or Kafka calls for him.
That would be his intention… if not for Silver Wolf blocking his way. As he tries to step out of the warp room fresh from arrival, he finds her at the doorway, a leg raised to press against one end of the frame and openly prevent him from leaving. It’s a poor barrier at her height, he could try to step over it with ease. She seems to be wearing Kafka's shades and blowing bubbles with gum, her arms crossed while leaning against the other side of the frame, almost as if trying to look intimidating.
“Hey. Mister. You look thirsty. I know a good place around here. Get a drink there, you'll love it.” The girl's voice seems to be a pitch lower, a clear intent to make him listen in the tone.
His first thought is ‘she looks like a fool'. His second is ‘what is the scheme here'.
“... Lead the way.” He shrugs the slightest, the trouble found from trying to escape likely to surpass simply going through her strange games. The grin on her face is better than trying to act at least.
He follows silently, eyes looking here and there for a sign of the rest. They're in the ship, he is certain, a familiarity with their presence on it by now that borders on unnatural. But what are they up to-
“Welcome to the Stellaron Hunter Lounge, sir!” Firefly's voice calls out as he follows Silver Wolf into the familiar space, the briefest pause at what he sees.
“Welcome~” Kafka's voice calls out a greeting as well, standing beside Firefly in the kitchen near the back, a hand gesturing to him to a seat at the counter in front of them.
… What is this? The two wear a bartender's uniform, the formal clothing familiar from the visits he's accompanied Kafka to drink after scripts. Bowties, vests, and more. Various glasses and colorful liquids in bottles sit in front of him and them, a divider between the servers and one being served.
“Told you I'd get him to come.” Silver Wolf smugly proclaims behind him, walking up as a finger raises shades casually.
“You did! I never doubted though. And you had fun playing around anyway.”
“As always. Wolfie loves a good chance to mess with her favorite mentor, hm?”
Bewilderment. What is he doing here? As Kafka and Firefly tease the girl for having too much fun, they seem to be working on gathering certain components and glasses. They move carefully, a large wine glass filled with plenty of ice before three liquids begin to fill it now one after another. A drink that begins almost ink black at the bottom to become soft teal at the top before Firefly places a mint on it with a careful touch.
It rests before him now.
“For you. I got the recipe from a nice woman who owned a bar in the Dreamscape.” For someone so confident in her suit, Firefly looks quite nervous now.
“... Why?” He didn't ask for it. And certainly didn't need it. But Firefly simply looks confused, a look to Kafka given which she simply shakes her with obvious amusement to.
“You were worried about me, right? And you always help me when I ask for it. Why wouldn't I get you a gift to celebrate reuniting back home? And you probably wouldn’t like having something you could lose or break, right? So I wanted you to enjoy something nice from the Dreamscape.” As though he was the foolish one, something in her tone possibly suggesting he might need his head looked at. “
Silver Wolf can hear it considering the laugh she releases. What can he do? He looks at the glass, a moment to consider which hand to use as the faintest agony passes digits of right… but it still is his strongest.
“Hmph. Thank you.” Taking the glass carefully, he drinks from it with deliberate slowness. A bitterness but something in it that brings to mind the peace of the depths. And a refreshing taste, sharp like a sword to the tongue with the flavors within. “... Well made.” The only thing he can think to say as he studies the slightly less filled glass.
“It was ok? Thank goodness, I wasn't sure I actually could reach anything close to the owner's work! I thought it suited you after looking up the recipe card!” Firefly pulls a card of thick paper from the counter and passes it to him.
The ingredients mean nothing to him, names slightly concerning to read. A mention of being very refreshing with max bitterness as expected The drink's title and description take a moment to register, her point found within the words.
Drifting Wind
I've forgotten all tragedy-
what I see is only joy and laughter
“.....” Taking the glass once more, he examines it only a moment before imbibing more of the cool liquor. Food and drink have lost most meaning to him. But even he can enjoy a taste as bitter as this.
“I can try to make other drinks too, by the way! I asked for tips from everyone before I left. I can make something if you just give me an idea of what sounds good!” Firefly enthusiastically pats her chest, ready to show her efforts now.
He feels himself sliding slightly as Silver Wolf tries to take his seat now by pushing, hand raised, her voice going lower as before. “Your strongest stuff, thanks.”
A hand reaches to take the shades from her finally, Kafka settling them on her own face where they belong. “Not for you. We can find something light to have you try~ Though I would love a drink too. Maybe a handsome bartender could try to take my place for a moment and help me with that?” A clear invitation. And he's already standing.
“Tell me what to do.” Switching with Kafka now, her hand pressing at his chest for a breath to make sure his eyes find her own before giving a smile, he takes a place beside Firefly now before the liquor components and glasses. Kafka and Silver Wolf both take half of a seat across them, clearly enjoying themselves vying for control of it.
“Something romantic for me, Bladie~ A bit bitter too.”
“Anything sweet for me! And I guess not that strong.”
Turning to Firefly expectantly, his hands hover over the bottles in preparation for her orders. The wide grin she shows reveals a bit too much of her current state, the sound of humming following as she begins telling him which liquors to bring closer. He wonders how she feels, the knowledge of her illness clashing with the sight of the energetic person in front of him.
… Only joy and laughter to be found. That would be something to see.
-
The sound of a door sliding open. The smell of freshly brewed tea. Lights lower than she would prefer but just right for the person inside. Firefly steps into the room, already certain there are still books laying somewhere on the floor and papers scattered near the bins.
Elio can be messy when focused. But that's no excuse, right? Especially since they groom so much when- “Are you already reading the books I brought you?” She shouldn't be surprised but there they are, seated in a sofa chair surrounded by cushions, the familiar tomes she paid for copies of already piled open and surrounding them.
“Of course. They were a gift.”
“You can take your time? It’s not like they're a fun novel?”
“They're interesting, don't you think? The Odes of Harmony that the Family is built upon. And that one man found no faith in reciting anymore.”
She quiets at Elio's words there, recalling Sunday and his views of what makes the universe balanced, as well what Elio said could be a path for him to take in the future to come. It would be up to him to choose, nothing more, as all individuals should be allowed to find.
But that's not why she's here-
“You should have come for a drink. It was fun. I learned enough that I think even you would like at least one of the recipes.” “Perhaps. But it's alright. I'm still here for other moments. There will always be more. And you were happy. I told you it would be fine. Blade cares for everyone, no matter how much he wishes he didn't.”
A smile on that face of theirs, the features youthful yet old in a way she can never describe. But it's nice to see Elio happy too, their reassurance after giving them the books just what she needed… like always when it comes to their advice.
“I still want you to ask for a drink later. I want you to enjoy it as another gift from me.”
“I will. I promise. And I know I'll enjoy it.”
For Elio to know is to be certain. And that's all she needs, a moment to nod before turning to leave. An ache in her chest that passes an instant. She'll have to recover for a bit after how much time she’s spent with everyone-
“But don't overdo it.” Elio calls out to her back. A softness to their voice. “The sadness at your loss will always surpass the happiness of your gifts. Go rest.” And that's it. An order in a way but one she's free to disobey.
She won't.
A careful exit leads her to her room in slow steps, to where she can rest with Sam, and be prepared to fight for another day outside him once rested.
One day, she won't need to.
But until that day, she will not stop fighting for each minute as Firefly, for herself and for them all.
She recalls the scorched battlefields. She recalls the bodies of her fellow Iron Cavalry spread like forgotten debris on the fields. She recalls the moment she surrendered all she had.
Like fyreflies to a flame, life begets death.
Each moment of life is a gift. And she repays them however she can.