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

Chapter Fifty-Nine - Grandfather

Jade, Alex, and Ray caught their breath as another surge of attacks came at them. Jade's barriers struggled to hold up, but she closed her eyes and focused on strengthening them, providing Alex and Ray an opportunity to return an attack. The semi-finals were near an end. Electric Blue Rose and their competitors, Shadowed Illusions, were all that stood in the way between heading to the finals. Shadowed Illusions was composed of Rashad, an illusionist, Marigold, another florakinesis wielder, and kinetics wielder, Citrine. Jade's winds picked up, finally cracking the shield Citrine had held throughout the match. Ray took the opportunity to shoot his electricity at Rashad, breaking him out of the focus he had to keep the illusioned fog that clouded their vision. Finally, Alex shot his water, freezing Marigold's hands before shooting an array of icicles, knocking down the entire team in one fleet.

"Electric Blue Rose is the winner!" Jade, Ray, and Alex jumped up and down, embracing each other. "We'll be in for the rematch of the year with Electric Blue Rose and Barrier Breakers heading into their finals!"

They turned their attention back to the Shadowed Illusions helping them to their feet and exchanging words of sportsmanship. Finally, Jade has an opportunity to show her growth against Edge. Electric Blue Rose's only defeat was to Edge and his team, and she couldn't let them win again. Edge's eyes met hers from the sidelines. His once charming smirk made her skin boil. He turned away, pleased with how rattled he had left her. Jade's heart jumped as she met eyes with Amorio, who came up from behind her.

"Dad!" Jade exclaimed, embracing him. "I didn't know you were coming? What are you doing here?"

"Well, I heard a certain daughter of mine has been having a hard time. So, where else would I be?" Jade smiled. "Come on, let's get out of here for the weekend and get you a well-deserved break."

"Okay," Jade nodded. They returned to her rooms and grabbed an overnight bag before making their way to the front of Omega 5 to be transported. Soon the chaos of Omega 5 was behind her, and she entered the calming environment of Solsper. The instant they stepped inside the house, Craig immediately embraced her. "Craig!" Jade enthused. "I've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too. Wow, look at you!" Craig pulled her back to get a good look. "You are radiant." Jade opened her mouth, but he interrupted her. "Your garden is thriving."

"Thank you," Jade laughed, her cheeks warming. Jade faced forward, her eyes widening as an older man smiled at her. Despite never having a formal introduction, she immediately recognized him as her grandfather. His eyes were steady like Amorio's, bald with some spots on his skin, and he wore the same smile both Jade and Amorio shared.

"Granddaughter," he said, shaking his head and standing up. "I hate that it's taken so long for us to meet. Let me get a good look at you." He circled Jade, nodding. "The power you have is immense."

"Grandfather, it's a great honor to meet you finally." Jade smiled, her eyes glossed. He pulled Jade into an embrace. "I have a friend Joe who lives in Solsper. He said that he trained with you."

"Oh, yes, I know, Joe. That boy can fight!" Her grandfather enthused.

"He's been teaching me some of what you taught him."

"Oh? Now, this we'll have to see. Are you using staff as well?" Jade nodded. "The staff is a great balanced weapon. Though perhaps you're destined for something else. We'll be able to tell when I see the way you battle."

"I would love that," Jade beamed.

"Yes, yes," Amorio interrupted, "but tonight, you're ours." Jade smiled and looked behind Amorio at the back door. Amorio rolled his eyes and sighed, defeated, "Go on and check on your garden already."

"Thank you, thank you," Jade bounced, rushing to the door. Craig was right; her garden was thriving. Jade placed her hand down on the ground and watched as she filled more of the yard with flowers and crops.

"Well, look at that," Jade looked up, seeing her grandfather crossing outside. "Beautiful." He took a seat next to her on the steps and smiled. "Amorio is such a proud man, but the way he always speaks of you would warm the heart of any parent. No matter the change you've faced. From finding out you have an ability to the revelation of your royal blood, no matter it, the way he watches you with such love is beautiful. The life he tried so hard to create for you on Inanis was rough, but I'd be damned if I didn't see how hard he tried to make it work. Then, you turn eighteen, and things start going his way. Now, he floods all conversations with you. He never stops talking about your abilities, your aura, and anytime someone brings up the fact that you're Findere's newest princess, you know what he says?" Jade shook her head. "He tells them that this kingdom will experience the greatest shift of change and happiness with the heart that lives in you. Jade, his faith in you outweighs anything else in his life. That moment you came into his life, he changed forever."

"I wouldn't be a fraction of the person I am without him."

"You were each the best thing that could've ever happened to each other," her grandfather brought her close to him, embracing her once more. "I'd like it if you came by my training studio tomorrow, but tonight." He turned around and then back to her, whispering, "he has a box in that pocket of his." Jade's eyes lit up. "So, celebrate him tonight."

"I will, and I will be there tomorrow."

"Good girl," he said, gesturing for her to help him to a stance. "I'm going to head out now, but I couldn't be more proud to see just how wonderful of a person my granddaughter is."

"I am honored to have such praise from you." He smiled, patting her back before leaving towards his own home. Jade crossed inside, taking her smile down a notch to keep herself composed.