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>Otto Barker's Air and Water Show

>One of the biggest tourist destinations in the city, second only to Flood Frontier Waterpark

>An amphitheater rests on the edge of a grand lake

>Empty now, but soon to be packed with visitors from across the country

>Ramps, rings, and other obstacles float on the water's surface, while perches and even more rings stand tall for the aerial stunts

>You're Anon, the part-time stagehand

>You're up on the scaffolding helping to set up the lights and speakers in preparation for the show

>Many of the performers are also here, doing their rehearsals

>One bird in particular has been distracting you from work for the last hour

>She's a gorgeous teal and gold kingfisher, lean and dexterous with a cute, narrow beak

>Needless to say, she's part of the sky team

>She's been doing swoops and corkscrews through the series of rings with unbelievable precision

>She eventually lands on a roost to take a break, and a stumpy muskrat calls out to her on a megaphone

>"Nice job, Perchia. When you're ready we'll get the fire going."

>You don't need eagle eyes to see Perchia's hesitation

>She stares at the obstacle course glumly for a while, with the muskrat tapping his foot as time crawls on

>Not a second passes after she gives the A-OK are the rings ignited

>You can feel the heat even from your spot

>"Ready?"

>The music starts again, with Perchia waiting for her cue

>You stop your work completely to watch her practice

>The music swells, and Perchia dives through the first ring

>But unlike the previous runs, her rotations and speed aren't as stellar

>Halfway through the course she's missing some rings completely

>Skipping whole segments…

>Banking her turns too widely…

>Uh oh

>You barely have time to brace yourself before Perchia crashes into the scaffolding

>A chunk of the support breaks, and your walkway turns into a slope

>You're thrown down the incline, trying to grab hold of something as best as you can

>A shooting pain goes through your arm as your grip is jerked away by gravity

>You're banged up even more as you tumble downward

>Then the scaffolding ends, and you're in a free fall to the lake below

>Your back slams against the water's surface, immobilizing you with the shock

>With your arm useless and your spine numb, you start sinking

>You hold on to what little breath you had before it was beaten out of you

>Getting…lightheaded…

>You begin to black out

>The last thing you see is a teal missile plunging into the water toward you

>You come to your sense lying down with paramedics circling you

>Just over their shoulders is Perchia, weeping heavily

>She's bandaged up a bit, but nothing too series

>Still, you're a bit worried about the crash she took

>You aren't given a chance to move much before you're loaded into the ambulance

>Perchia is still sobbing as she tries to get one last look at you before the doors close

>A few examinations and a day of rest later you're released with a small arm brace and little fanfare

>There's a sprain in your arm, but nothing that won't heal eventually

>You're called in by management early in the morning to file an accident report

>Liabilities and insurance stuff…

>Luckily, you get some time off with the promise of a little injury compensation for the incident

>Emphasis on “little"

>What troubles you most is what you overhear from the muskrat in the next room

>And broken hiccupping from Perchia

>"…Again, we're not firing you, alright? Don't worry about it. Just take a break for a few days and we'll give it another shot, deal?"

>It's heartbreaking to imagine the bird so stressed out like this

>The casualties weren't even too severe, and you're more concerned over the nasty collision she took

>You're leaving the offices when you hear your name

>"Anon, wait!"

>For how choked up she is, Perchia definitely has a beautiful voice to match her stunning plumage

>"A-Anon, I'm so, so sorry! I didn't mean for you to get hurt!"

>That part's a given; it WAS an accident, after all

>You tell her you're glad she's okay, and apparently still has her job

>"Oh, you heard that?"'

>She sounds pained more from that than any injury

>"Well, we're going live in a few weeks, and it's too late to train someone totally new. But…"

>She sniffles and wipes her eyes

>"I think they considered it. Between the accident and flubbing those rings, they weren't too happy with me. I think I'd be out the door by now if they weren't so impressed with how I dove in after you."

>That's right, you remember that

>It was a pretty nice dive (from what you could see), and she probably saved your life

>"Thank you," she chuckles, rubbing her neck

>"I'm better with water than I am with fire, I guess."

>There's a long, awkward pause

>You thank Perchia for her help and concern

>"Wait! Look, I want to make things right, and since we both have some time off I was hoping you'd…let me…take care of you?""

>She hides her face in her wings

>Either she's embarrassed or already expecting rejection

>You don't want to crush the poor girl's spirits, but she really doesn't need to do THAT much for you

>"It's really no trouble, honest! I'd feel really bad if you got hurt again because of your arm."

>Her eyes well up with tears

>You give in, if nothing else than just to keep her from crying again

>Not far from the showground is an apartment tower where Perchia lives

>It's available to both humans and anthros, and you can a see a few other birds flying up to the balconies of their homes

>Unsurprisingly, her place is one of the highest up

>"It's not often I have to use the elevator," she says. “This is kind of exciting!"

>You've never paid much attention to how the bird anthros go about their daily lives

>So it's a surprise to you when Perchia has to unlock her place with her feet, using a keyhole in the floor

>Immediately it feels like walking into an oversized nest

>Fabrics and cloths of all shapes and sizes are hung around the place for no particular rhyme or reason

>A few lamps are visible through the open spots in the crisscrossing decoration, making beams of light pour in

>Egg-like beanbags litter the floor, most of them untouched

>It's a cozy space no doubt, and there's a deliberate sort of “lived in" feeling adding to the comfort

>"I'm sorry for the mess," Perchia says. I didn't have much time to clean up."

>You don't see a bed anywhere, just chairs with blankets and sheets draped over them

>Perchia walks over to one and drops the back into a reclining position

>"I knew this would come in handy someday!"

>Doesn't look like she shares the space with anyone, so it can't be seeing much use

>"Yeah, it's just me," she says. “I don't…have a lot of friends."

>She rubs her shoulder with her wing, which is more of a fanning motion that makes a slight breeze

>"Don't get me wrong, a lot of the people in the show are nice, but the other birds can be a little snobbish. I had to get in really good shape just so they'd stop looking down on me."

>She lets out a sigh that sounds like a whistle

>"And it's just not easy making friends with mammals sometimes."

>You don't see how it's NOT easy for her

>She seems so sweet and her performance so far is wonderful

>Perchia covers her face, her beak poking through her feathers

>"Well, m-make yourself at home!"

>Perchia is like a doting mother

>Any time you move to reach something, even with your good arm, she rushes over to help

>You're not even allowed to stand without her trying to hold you down

>You futility try convincing her your only injury is in your arm, and even then it's not that bad

>When she needs to go to the store, you worry she might strap you down so you won't get in trouble

>"I'll be right back! Don't…right back!"

>She heads out to the balcony and locks the sliding door behind her

>The beautiful kingfisher gives one quick peek to you before making a graceful dive off the ledge

>She's definitely not heading in the direction of any store at first, as she circles back into full view

>Checking up on you already?

>Maybe showing off a little bit?

>True to her word though, she has a satchel of groceries with her in minutes of leaving

>A lot of chopped veggies, grains, noodles, and very lean slices of fish and meat

>Guess birds don't like to carry a lot of canned foods or heavy bags when they make these kinds of trips

>Perchia sings as she cooks

>She's shockingly good at it to boot

>"Oh, hehe, you're too kind, Anon."

>Why wouldn't she go into a musical field with that kind of voice?

>"Every bird thinks she can sing, unfortunately, and there's a lot of competition out there. You can't even get work unless you join some kind of agency."

>Not many birds go into performing, then?

>"Theater and movies? Of course! But just the kind of stuff that's safe and shows off their plumage. Not many want to be flying through rings of fire."

>All the more reason you think Perchia is such a talented one

>She covers her face yet again, flinging soup splatter off her spoon everywhere

>Perchia is pretty fond of noodle dishes, and she serves you ramen for lunch

>Well, it IS the food of choice for a young bachelor(ette)

>It's pretty damn good ramen as well

>Perchia waits until you're practically done with your bowl before even making a dent in her own

>When you're finished she tries to get you to take some of hers

>Not like there isn't more in the pot…

>Eventually you have to get some blood flowing in your legs, putting Perchia on edge

>"You're not leaving already, are you?"

>You don't think she's the type who cries to manipulate people, but man is she easy to upset at times

>You tell her you just want to go for a walk and stretch a bit

>"Oh, great! I'll come with you!"

>She hurries to clean up a bit, noticing the blankets covering the reclining chair

>"You know, you're welcome to stay a few nights."

>Things are moving pretty quickly now

>Maybe a little too much

>But Perchia seems to sense this, and she waits for your answer without the tears or pushing you too hard

>Well the place is cozy, the food's good, and she seems like a really cool friend

>Sure, you'd be hap-

>"EEEEEEAAAAA! Great! We can swing by your place if you need anything!"

>So, you end up stopping at home, having to take a bus part of the way to get there

>You don't want to impose, so you ask how long she's comfortable having you

>"Just take everything you can pack!"

>That's the greatest, creepiest non-answer you could get

>You return from the excursion a few hours later carrying several bags of your stuff

>You're a little worried how much space your things are going to take up in such a cramped little abode

>You stack your belongings neatly into a corner

>Perchia immediately spreads them around on the floor casually and waves dismissively

>"What I have is even too big for me. Besides, I don't like to spend much time here anyway."

>You would have never guessed that from how shut in she kept you today

>By now it's getting late in the evening

>Perchia at least gives you enough privacy to get ready for sleep

>"Goodnight, Anon," she says

>The bird sits up in one of the other chairs, as though meditating

>She must sleep like this, because you never see her change positions even in the middle of the night

>Even if she accepted you into her home with open wings, you don't want to burden the poor girl to exhaustion

>She's already awake before you

>Breakfast is waiting as well

>Hash browns, waffle sticks, fruit…

>"Sorry, I didn't cook any eggs."

>Yeah, that might have been a bit of a problem for her

>"Tell me about it. They're so hard to carry safely from the store when you're flying."

>Oh

>"Hehe, you haven't met a lot of birds, huh?"

>Guess not, or at least enough to know about their egg-laying culture

>It's another meal where you're offered part of her food on top of your own, giving her more time to plan the day's events

>"So, anything you'd like to do? Did you still want to go over to the waterpark?"

>Wait, “still"?

>"O-oh? I guess that conversation must have been part of my dream last night."

>Freak-out in 3…2…1…

>"I-I-I MEAN, uh, you were in the dream, but I wasn't, we didn't, ngghh…"

>She's hard to console with just words, so you try a different approach

>You hold out your arms for a hug

>This actually works, as Perchia creeps closer to you

>"Careful, your arm…"

>It feels much better already thanks to her

>Even though it might be a few days before you can go to the waterpark, what with the brace and all

>"So you won't need me soon, then?"

>If she's happily offering her home to you, you're not going to spurn her help for a bit longer

>Plus, you need to make it up to her for her hospitality

>"No! I was repaying YOU. I don't feel like I've done enough…."

>Maybe being a friend would be a good start?

>Honestly, you never knew just how much you liked birds before holding one in your arms

>Everything is soft, but in a different way than a “furry" anthro is

>She has an incredibly athletic physique, yet she feels much lighter than you'd expect

>There's a remarkable warmth radiating from her body, especially with her wings folded over you like a cape

>Perchia laughs nervously

>"I-I don't want to sound like I'm blaming you or anything but…when I miss a cue or don't fly fast enough, it's because I get distracted by you, Anon."

>The last thing you'd believe is that a beautiful performer has the same feelings for you as you do her

>"I'd feel bad if anyone got hurt or…worse…because of me, but it was even harder to watch it happen to YOU."

>You ask if it was because of you that she had trouble with the fire rings

>"No! Well, no, I mean…a little bit. I just didn't want you to see me mess up, and I ended up doing it anyway. The heat only makes it worse when you're already a bit flustered…."

>There's a bit of guilt in her eyes

>But it could be a reflection of your own

>You were holding her back, technically speaking

>Would she even be able to perform if she knew you were watching?

>"Actually…."

>Her voice has a budding speck of confidence you haven't seen much so far

>"Knowing a good friend is watching would put me at ease. I was afraid you'd judge me before, but…."

>You give her a tight squeeze, patting her on the back

>You have enough time off to see all of her opening shows, if she wants you there

>She responds with a giggling tweet

>There's a fair amount to do around the city apart from the water shows and Flood Frontier

>You spend most of the day with Perchia just milling about the streets, checking out the shops, and getting to do things unfit for a loner or too intimate to do with a large group

>Like taking scenic pedicab rides, or getting cheesy pictures at photo booths

>The bird obviously spends much more time than you do here when she's not practicing for performances, but still rarely gets to experience everything the city can offer

>Between the excitement and caring for you at her place, she's absolutely spent when it starts getting late

>You're preparing for bed while she sits on her chair, fidgeting to get comfortable

>You ask if she always sleeps like that

>"Well, I don't HAVE to, but it's just natural to me."

>It could be the fatigue talking, or it could just be her way of warming up to you

>But Perchia's certainly getting bolder when her wings spread open and she scoots back into her seat

>"Would you…like to try it?"

>You sit on her lap, and her wings wrap around you like a cloak

>"You can lean back, if you want."

>Her chest, shoulder, and neck are downy touches better than any pillow you've ever felt

>Her breathing is slow and hypnotic, gently rocking you into relaxation

>She coos a soft lullaby, barely passing out of her beak and into your ear

>You can only imagine this is what it feels like to be a bird's young chick, encased in a feathery protection

>"I'd love for you to stay here with me," Perchia says

>She's clever, you'll give her that

>She waited until you were too tired to say “no"

>And now she's swaying you to sleep with the idea planted into your dreams

>It's definitely the most refreshing rest you've had in years

>A cloudless day over the lake

>The amphitheater is jammed with humans and anthros of all kinds

>There are a surprising number of them in bathing suits, whether they're just coming back from the waterpark or expecting to get drenched here

>The show has it all: water skiers and paragliders, watercraft pulling synchronized pyramids of balancers, high divers and even stuntmen shot from cannons

>It's not too long before the “air and water show" introduces some heat

>Lanes of flame streak across the lake surface and a fiery curtain rises close to the front row, drawing everyone's attention skyward

>Intense drumming sounds from the speakers, and Perchia appears on her perch

>With a proud flourish, the kingfisher leaps from her tower and soars through the flaming rings

>Each one she flies through is snuffed out in her wake

>She moves with an ethereal precision even more awe-inspiring than her rehearsals

>Finally comes the “tunnel" of shrinking rings aimed at the audience

>She told you there was a surprise added on at the last minute, inspired by the day the two of you were brought together

>Coming through the final ring she sails at the water right before the amphitheater

>Some of the crowd recoils in fear of the incoming bird

>Perchia plunges under the surface like a dart

>The higher seats lean forward to try to find her, while those in the front keep their distance from the screen of fire

>Before the ripples have a chance to settle, a teal-and-gold missile shoots back into the air

>She twirls above the audience, tossing glistening droplets in every direction

>The crowd screams and cheers as they're sprinkled

>That's the cue for the fire curtain to recede, as if doused by the graceful kingfisher

>Perchia climbs higher and out of sight, getting the biggest applause you've heard in the show

>Especially from you, clapping with two good arms until they both become sore

>She doesn't show up again until after the performance is over, where a line of entertained guests are getting pictures and her autograph

>You expect this will go on for quite some time, every day of the show

>But you patiently wait for her to finish with a smile on your face

>After all, she's your ride back home