[ Creators ]

Chapter 35

Over the next few weeks, everyone, led by Saturn, Pandora, and Straus, started making mischief throughout Jupiter's kingdom to draw her out. Having Red on their side turned out to be one of the best things for the rag-tag group of revolutionaries. Being a former member of the Black Eyed Children meant that she could teach the others how to cause some and trouble then slip away without a trace. Plus having sneaky speedsters like Ex, Uriel, Amadi, and Melanie meant that the group could nab resources from pretty much anywhere they needed to. Even if they were caught, they could make it home safe without anyone realizing where they went. Meanwhile, heavier hitters like Ajax, Nathaniel, and Synthis would be in charge of guarding the Space in case any of Jupiter's lesser henchmen tried to take everyone down. Word began spreading quickly about the Resistance, and before Jupiter and her daughters knew what hit them, subjects from every corner of their territory began inundating them with complaints.

"They painted symbols of hatred towards your greatness on my shop!"

"They stole food and water from our kitchen!"

"We can't track them! They take out any soldier that dares to cross them!"

"They're criminals! Unfit to be gazed upon!"

"They're Impure!!"

"PLEASE DESTROY THE IMPURITIES, MY QUEEN!!"

Never before in Jupiter's time as the tyrannical and feared Queen of the Multiverse had so many people had the bravery to plead to her like this! And as her sanity began to dwindle more and more by the day, she knew the resistance had to be stopped in its tracks. She sends Venus and Crescent out along with a small team of soldiers, along with a powerful tracking device to locate their hideaway; so that this flame of Impurity may finally be snuffed out.

That night, after the party of meddlers partake in some well-deserved merry-making, everyone goes to sleep.

Everyone except Red.

She sits by herself, enjoying the stillness of it all.

Straus rolls over and notices her still awake, then breaks the silence, "...Hey", he whispers.

Red faces him, "Hm?"

He gets up and sits next to her, "...Why haven't you gone to sleep yet?"

"I can't."

"...Yeah...I guess this whole Resistance is a lot to contemplate."

"Nah, not really, give or take. It's been kinda crazy for us. We're just a bunch of kids about to be a part of some soon-to-be battle with the Queen and her followers...it is slightly scary...color me a bit nervous."

"Mm-hm..."

"...You would still have a normal life if you hadn't met me, but you did. You even saved my life...you didn't even falter when facing Synthis...you're so brave."

"...No, Red. I'm not brave."

"-?"

"I never was. I was scared...but I still did those things. I could have just left you there, but I care about you, even if we had only just met then...Yes, I'm scared, but I'm still standing here ready to face Jupiter and whatever she has to throw at us. She can come at me with all she has, but I won't run...and that isn't bravery...

It's what makes me strong."

Red just stares at him, "...You're truly inspiring."

Straus looks at her and blushes slightly, "...Are you still nervous?"

"Not anymore~"

Their eyes are locked, as they face each other; Indigo and Crimson. They both start to feel a warmth in their chests as their hearts spark to life. At this moment, they can only think of one thing to do: They close their eyes and kiss.

Saturn opens one eye to see this and quietly sighs, "(...Aw, young love...)"