Cherry & Vanilla

Forgive Me

Alicia's pov
It didn't take long to get to our destination. I took the form of an old woman which startled Hela a bit. I needed to look older for the woman to even consider talking to me. People in this town trust no one, rightfully so. Therefore, I needed to convince her without words that I'm not a threat.

We were about 500 feet from the little shop when I stopped. "This is where you stay" I tell her, I point to the building I'll be in and she nods. She leans against the wall, partially hidden in the shadows between structures. I continue and open the door, a little bell signifying my entrance. I look around and see her sitting on a stool behind the counter.

"Hi, miss" I greet her, "hello" she replies sweetly. Awww she's precious. "I was wondering about some herbs you might have" I inform her, "oh yes, dear. They're in the back" she replies. Getting up slowly and motioning for me to follow her. I browse for a bit before I strike up the conversation. "I did have some other questions" I prompt, "go ahead, love" she encourages me.

"Damascus... you know him, right?" I ask and that causes her to stop smiling. Valid. "Who's asking?" She questions cautiously, "just me. I had a sort of vision if you could call it that" I answer truthfully. "He's a dangerous man. Do not get involved with him. He's not a person to play with, he has and will destroy everything in his path" she tells.

"And where is he? I want to make sure he's not a threat" I ask, "on the farthest borders of the land. Some say the end of the earth. He's been locked away for decades, the only way for him to be released is-" she stops herself. "Is..." I say questioningly and she shakes her head, "leave" she instructs. "I don't know who put you up to this but you need to go" she ushers.

"Please. I'm just curious, no one else will tell me" I plead, "with good reason" she scoffs. What is this a fucking Voldemort situation?! "I'll leave as soon as you tell me. And I'll buy this whole wall" I bribe, gesturing at the herbs. She thinks for a moment and sighs. "The only possible way for him to be released is by his daughter" she starts.

"His memory was cleared long ago because of his fury. He no longer remembers who she is, but the day that he does the curse will be lifted. That is why no one visits him, for fear of letting it slip. However... the one who has bestowed the curse is near her end. Once she passes... it's possible he will regain his memories" she explains.

Fucking kill me. "Ok. How much?" I inquire, holding up my end of the bargain. I check out with a big ass bag full of herbs I'll never use. I walk over and meet Hela who looks at me curiously seeing the big bag. "Don't ask" I sigh, continuing back to the academy and changing my form back.

My wings springing up from not being used. I sigh heavily and retract them once more, forgetting I even had them for a moment. "So? You got what you needed" Hela asks, "yeah" I reply softly. We enter the building and I take the herbs to the greenhouse. Placing them on the table in alphabetical order as they already are.

I refill the ones that need it and place the others at the back for future use. Once it's all stocked I toss the bag and head to Delia's office. She's not there so I go to her room and knock. "What?" She questions harshly, "it's me" I answer softly. "Like I said. What?" She asks, I open the door to see her on the end with an open notebook.

She closes it and stares at me angrily, "it's disrespectful to barge into someone's room" she damn near growls. "Well you weren't going to let me in and I need to talk to you" I counter and she just ignores it tucking the notebook away in the drawer. "I know I've been evasive these past few weeks and I came to explain" I tell her.

Once I say this she seems to be more interested and gestures for me to sit on the bed. It sinks slightly as I take a seat and face her. "There's a storm coming. A big one. I know you may not like it but you'll have to take my word on this one. I need you to prepare the others for the fight" I start of slowly, "fight? There's no fight" she replies confused.

"There will be. Someone has a—grudge— and they're coming soon. Which means we have to meet them in a neutral space in order to secure the safety of the students" I explain. "Seems you've thought of everything" she rolls her eyes, "look. I know you're not the happiest with me right now-" "understatement" she scoffs.

"BUT, you need to trust me. I also need to ask you some questions" I say softly. "More questions? Do you even understand what you asked me before? How much pain that caused me? I'm not answering anymore of your little questions" she crosses her arms, "please don't be like this" I sigh.

"Be like what? Cautious? I don't even know why you need this information. It's not relevant" she argues, "it's more relevant that you realize" I mutter. "How about we start over? We can meet tonight and just talk. I'll bring wine" I suggest and she mulls it over in her mind. "Red" she says, "whatever you want" I reply.

"I'll see you tonight" I say, "mhm" she hums in response. I leave and think about what the hell I can tell her. Can I even tell her anything? What if her knowledge of him is what leads to this in the first place? I'll just have to take that risk.