32. Ash's Reborn Story

Chapter 68 Problems Arise

When Ash and Titania arrive at the waterfall, they see Amaria standing at the bay while looking down at it. Ash widens his eyes as the scene looks so familiar.

Amaria: (Glares at Titania) Come here to lie to my face some more?

Titania: What do you even want me to say here?

Amaria: I want you to tell me the truth!

Titania: What "truth"? I don't know what it is you're expecting to hear.

Amaria: Why don't we start with "Titawin"?

Titania: I have no idea what that even is.

Amaria: I bet. Ash knows what I'm getting at.

Titania: Literally, what are you talking about? You're being ridiculous.

Amaria: Ash, you know she's in the wrong here, don't you?!

Ash: (Hesitates) I... I don't know...but from what I have seen-

Amaria: See?! You can lie all you want, but we both know all about your betrayal.

Titania: What "betrayal"?

Amaria: We know you're working with Team Meteor.

Titania: ...Okay, there's been a misunderstanding. I've been giving them false information to keep them from finding you. If that's what this is all about, we can all relax and go home.

Amaria: Then why all the secrecy?! Why all the comments about lying- The defensiveness, the cold silence- I love you so much, and I would accept anything you ever shared with me- So why don't you!?

Titania looks away, Ash knows that she just wants to protect Amaria, he would have done the same thing as well.

Amaria: Because you don't love me.

Titania: It's not that simple-

Amaria: You don't love me the way I love you. Tell me I'm wrong.

Titania is speechless again, as she can't find the words to reply.

Amaria: That's what I thought.

Titania: I care about you more than anyone else in the entire world.

Amaria: But you don't love me. You were only pretending to.

Titania: I couldn't stand the thought of you doing something- Of you hurting yourself, just because I wasn't able to return your feelings properly. If I had a choice, I would, in a heartbeat. At the time- when it first became official- I thought, I shouldn't let my own lack of emotions get in the way of your happiness. I thought, if I stuck with you, and really devoted myself to you, maybe you'd get better, or maybe I would start to feel it properly. I just had to keep things stable until then.

Amaria: And I see that worked out great.

Titania: I wish it had. I'm sorry.

Amaria: I don't want you to apologize for your feelings, or lack thereof. I want you to apologize for lying. For years- for all that is holy- lying all of this time? How many times have we kissed? How many times were you doing that just for my sake?

Titania: ...I don't think you want me to answer that.

Amaria: Right. I bet. And you assured me otherwise how many times? All just out of what, pity?