Electric Blue Rose - Book One. [COMPLETED] Undergoing Edits

Chapter Fifty-Eight - Dreams

Electric Blue Rose defeated another team last night, and despite the victory, Jade's mind remained on Edge. Dozens of books surrounded her with ideas of plays that she could use against a Manipulation wielder, but none seemed good enough. All Jade could manage was to pace back and forth while her mind repeated the events of their battle. The memory of how Edge sent her flying across the stadium without hesitation ate her up. Despite the Absorption ability, the brightness of the aura, and Jade's strength overall, it didn't touch Edge's capacity. Unanswered letters were stacked atop the desk. The idea of leaving the letters that way returned past anxieties. After all this growth, resorting to past habits would solve nothing. Jade reached over and grabbed the letter from Emanuel, still pacing.

My Dearest Jade,

I learned from the Enlightened that you've been struggling since a battle with Edge. I remember how your expression changed the moment he showed himself at your invitational. I know you may be afraid to write me in return, for feelings that cloud your mind, but please don't be. I want to be here for you not only for the pleasantries but also through the hard times. In a loss, it's natural we evaluate things from every angle, but the truth is no amount of studying will mend the feelings it caused. The best thing you can do is take a deep breath and continue doing your best. I've been counting down the days until the end of your time at Omega 5. Selfishly because I so desperately want to see your face again. You have a friend in another kingdom cheering for you no matter the outcome. A friend who so desperately can't wait for his dreams of you to become a reality.

Helplessly,

Emanuel

The pacing ceased. Emanuel was right. Despite the loss, all there was left was to keep pushing forward. The more energy spent on obsessing over a solution gave Edge more power. Jade sat at the desk, pulled out the stationary reserved for Emanuel, and began to write a return letter.

To my Charming Prince Emanuel,

I apologize for not returning so many of your letters. The truth was that I was feeling sorry for myself. After reading your letter, I realized you are right. Instead of giving Edge the power over me. I need to embrace my strengths. Though the battles have been primarily exhilarating, I have counted the days. Only two more wins, and we qualify for the finals, which I assume would be against Edge's team once again. After our final battle, all there is left to do is enjoy the Graduates Ball. One, I so desperately wish a certain prince could attend with me. I suppose I could use some extra practice dancing when we share the dance floor. I may even try a couple of faster-paced songs to ensure Sebastian doesn't leave me with any broken toes. Please send my regards to your parents, and know that my dreams also consist of you.

Just as Helpless,

Jade

Jade finished responding to the remaining unanswered letters before stepping outside to send them off. When opening her door, both Jade and Alex jumped, surprising one another.

"Hey," Alex managed. Jade smiled, dropping the letters in the box before returning to him. "I wanted to see how you're feeling."

"Better. I'm sorry for being so checked out."

"Don't sweat it." Alex rubbed his arm and turned away. "Jade." Her name remained on his lips without any follow-up. He took another deep breath and met her gaze again, dismissing whatever he originally wanted to say. "I'm glad you're doing better. I should be going. Joe and I are supposed to meet up."

"Yeah, okay." Alex's eyes studied hers before he stepped away. Alex rummaged in his pocket and swallowed something.

Edge was right about Alex. Whether it was pills or something else, it didn't matter. Alex with Joe, but his eyes on hers, she wasn't sure what to do. Jade stuffed her hands in her pockets before crossing back inside her room to grab her nulling gem, fastening it to the bracelet. Rick and Neia followed behind during her walk through the Courtyard. This year started first in terror, then with being surrounded by friends and family at every moment. Now visits to her were small and impersonal. Though, Jade did not mind as much as expected. The days and nights alone allowed her a level of dedicated focus that wouldn't she couldn't attain otherwise. Edge desperately tried to revert Jade into that Serf, who struggled to find light amidst the darkness, but that person was no longer a part of her. Instead, a powerful multi-wielder emerged, and Jade refused to go back.

Jade crossed into the cafe, once a place of negative memories now seemed insignificant. The rack of magazines created a distraction while waiting for her order. Once, the covers of these tabloids were nothing but how the superstar Alex was in love with a Serf. Now, Jade was the only headline across them all. One cover stood out among the others featuring a photo of her and Emanuel dancing. Once upon a time, Jade admired the front page covers of her and Alex's secret glances of affection. With Emanuel, there was no secret about it.

"Take it," Michael said, crossing to her. Jade grabbed the coffee keeping a steady gaze. "Jade- I mean, Your Light. I'm sorry for how I treated you once before. I was insignificant back home, and I knew I had to take an opportunity to meet someone extraordinary. If only I weren't an idiot about it. I heard your speech and watched the hope it sparked. I'm glad to say I knew you when." Michael smiled and walked off without expecting a word in return from her. Jade turned to the magazine and carried it out onto the patios where she could read all the creative stories she had never experienced.