~ Chromatober 2024 ~

Day 2: Forgiveness/Grove

Imma just say this- I don't know why I started to write this so poetically XD But uh, enjoy :] also imma probably add lil doodles and art of the characters of my AUs as I go along XD (Stupid Wattpad! It didn't save the lil doodle I added >:( )

----

Series: Rainbow Quest

AU: Rainbow King

Characters: Sabre, Blue Leader

Angst level: Moderate :D (Is it moderate? Bro, I can't tell on my own scale T-T)

----

Guilty. I felt guilty. It weighed on my chest like an anvil; crushing me. What kind of king runs out of his own kingdom? Abandons them in their time of need?

I tear my crown off of my head as I run and throw it behind me, my cry of anger lost to the wind. I tear my clasp off moments later and let my cape free. With the bitter cold wind slashing at my face, I ran until my lungs begged for mercy. I only listened to them once I reached a small open grove.

Stopping in the middle where gentle snow dusted the ground, I fall to my knees. Sobs escaped me as I hug myself, my hands digging into my sleeves.

I couldn't do it. I couldn't take the burden of being a king. I didn't deserve this crown if my actions only led to worse things.

How could the leaders see me as a friend? I didn't deserve any of their company and advice. To be a king was a hefty role to take on and I thought I could do it. But now... I knew I was just a fool sitting on a gilded throne.

My tears run down my face as I stare up at the ashen sky, the blanket of grey hiding away the light that should be falling down. The clouds drift by slowly with the bitter wind as I watch. Shaking my head, I just feel my tears drip down my cheeks. The cold bit at me through my pale tan shirt, slowly eating away at the warmth from my body.

What was I. I was no king. My behavior was not majestic in any way, nor deserving of praise or loyalty. How could everyone look at me with love and admiration?

"I'm just a fool," I murmur into the cold wind, closing my eyes as my breathing was labored from the cold wind and my grief. Yet through the rustling leaves and soft howl of the wind, the grove was quiet.

Some part of me found comfort in the quiet. I think this... might have been the first time in a while where I had truly been alone. Where I didn't hear some form of another person outside my door, nor hear the kingdom's clatter and chatter.

It was just me.

Letting my body finally relax, I focus on simply breathing in and out the cold air. My mind goes blank, simply listening to my breathing and the wind through the trees. My legs feel wet from the dusting of snow on the grass, reminding me of the chill I felt through my entire body. Yet despite it being cold, it felt nice.

Opening my eyes, I simply turn my head to look down at my hands. They were shaking a bit from the cold.

"I don't think the cold suits you, friend." The voice startles me. But as I shift to look over my shoulder, someone drapes a warm cape over me. As he does so, he kneels, bringing me face to face with Blue Leader. His fingers graze my neck as he clips the cloak together, giving my body a barrier against the cold wind. "... You followed me," I ask, my voice filling the space between us.

The blue-haired man looks up to meet my eyes before he nods, then rests his hands on his lap. "I did." Blue Leader simply gazes at me, his expression not holding any... judgement. "Why?" The words fall out of my mouth as I turn my gaze to the ground in front of me. I just- felt ashamed that he had to follow after me.

"I was worried about you, Sabre."

There was no, 'Majesty.' No, 'Your highness.' He simply... just said my name. I turn to look back up at him and just see... him. "I..." My words fall off as I attempt to speak, but can't find what to say. What to ask.

"This- isn't the kingdom. This isn't some place where you need to be addressed by a title. Sabre, you are my friend. I came after you not because I'm going to scold you for running, but because I was worried about you."

He reaches to rest his hand on my shoulder. But even with his words, the pressing feeling on my chest wouldn't leave.

"I'm a fool of a person, I don't deserve to be a king," I mumble, turning back away from the bright blue-haired steve. "A king doesn't make a fool of a person. A person makes a King. To be a king requires a lot, but a king is not without his friends by his side to carry the load."

I pause to think over his words, then turn to look at Blue Leader. Just... His words... I hang my head, closing my eyes. Compassion wasn't something I deserved right now. I ran out of my kingdom when they needed me the most.

"Sabre, whatever you think you've failed at, you truly haven't. You haven't done any of us any wrong. But if it brings you any comfort and peace of mind, I forgive you of anything you deem as wrongful action against myself." Blue Leader rubs my shoulder, before I lean into him, hiding my face into his cloak. Just- hearing him forgive me, left me more conflicted. How could he forgive me so easily for my shortcomings? Yet the more I think about it, the more I simply realize. Forgiveness wasn't something to earn. Forgiveness was something given, free of strings and catches. It wasn't something deserved. Yet somebody can give it freely of their own heart.

Blue's forgiveness wasn't true forgiveness, but it was to absolve my doubts. He... No. I, needed to...

Forgive myself.

I needed to learn to know my own strengths so others can help with my weaknesses. Learn to accept my shortcomings and know that I was only one person. A king doesn't lead an empty kingdom. He leads a full one.

"... Thank you, Blue. For... coming after me," I mumble, just feeling the heavy weight start to lift off of my chest as my friend simply hugs me. His voice is a gentle hum as I lay on his shoulder. "You're welcome, Sabre."