[GL] Black Gold

Chapter 71

Camie didn't dare ask what Théa wanted to do. She felt that it wasn't her place and she didn't want to pressure her either. She couldn't help feeling curious, however. Every second Théa spent in her house instead of fighting Omen outside, Camie stared at her with rounder and rounder eyes.

The government had no idea where to look because of all the riots being surrounded by villain attacks. At every siren, Camie couldn't help looking at Théa. Each time she did her best to pretend she was looking somewhere else but Théa must have noticed because each time she smiled and changed the topic.

Théa had missed three attacks since her stay at Camie's house. Did she not mind losing her hero title? Camie didn't think Théa would react this way but at the same time she felt proud. Théa from the past would have rushed back to the government ashamed of her behavior. But this new Théa didn't budge. Camie didn't know however if she had made up her mind or if she was hesitating. Should she ask? Could she ask? Was it a good idea to ask?

"I don't think Black Gold is going to show up."

Camie flinched, having suddenly realized that she had once again stared too hard.

"What?"

Théa smiled.

"I don't think Black Gold is going to show up anymore."

Camie frowned. Had Théa made up her mind?

"Never again?"

Théa shrugged. She had never seen her so calm before.

"I don't know. Maybe someday. We will see."

Camie didn't want to pry but she had a lot of questions and Théa felt it.

"You can ask me anything, Camie.

-Anything?

-Yes."

She still bit her lower lip, thinking about what to say.

"But... Not that it's bad but... How can I say this?

-Just say whatever comes to mind. I will understand, don't worry.

-Wouldn't she mind not being a hero anymore?"

Théa sighed before thinking about it for a second.

"Thank you."

Camie frowned which made Théa giggle:

"Why am I thanking you?"

Théa smiled gently.

"I understand perfectly how Black Gold feels. A few months ago I would have been destroyed at the idea of losing everything. What would have felt like everything at that time. But you made me realize that there is way more to life than this. I think Black Gold finally realized that her life won't end just because she isn't the strongest hero anymore. She realized that she doesn't have to be perfect all the time. That she is way more than Black Gold.

-Of course she is!"

Seeing Camie's energy made Théa laugh.

"Thanks to you she realizes it. And maybe she wants some time to really understand what she wants. Some time away to take a better look at herself."

After that conversation, Camie could feel the shift in the air. They didn't pay attention to the news anymore and didn't hear the people outside. They spent their days talking, eating and drawing happily. Camie practised drawing and she had to admit that she progressed a tiny little bit. Nothing could destroy their mood, not even the government making a new announcement:

"This is a formal declaration: Effective immediately, the former hero known as Black Gold is officially classified as a villain and a threat to public safety.

Her repeated absence during high-alert emergencies and deliberate silence in the face of coordinated attacks have led the Heroic Order to this classification. Once a symbol of protection and strength, she has now abandoned her responsibilities and the people who once trusted her.

Black Gold's actions, or lack thereof, are considered a betrayal of the Heroic Code. Her refusal to return is not seen as negligence, but as defection.

We urge citizens to report any sightings of her and to avoid any form of contact. Harboring or aiding her in any way will be treated as an act of treason. To assist in her apprehension, the government is offering a reward of 500,000 shields for any verifiable information leading to the location or capture of Black Gold.

All citizens are advised to remain vigilant. Engaging with or sheltering her is considered a direct act of treason punishable by law."

Mister Dred didn't seem surprised by the news. On the contrary he seemed to have expected it and explained why to the girls:

"They couldn't wait any longer. People are using the excuse of Black Gold not showing up not to go to work or to do even worse deeds. They had to declare Black Gold as a villain so people would stop following her "lead"."

He made quotation marks with his fingers to specify that he wasn't agreeing with them. Camie looked at Théa to know if she was sad but she didn't seem surprised either. She even made jokes about it.

"Camie, if you suddenly renovate your kitchen, I'll know."

Mister Dred started laughing:

"Forget about the kitchen. With that money, we would buy an entire villa in a warm country."

Camie quickly nodded:

"Sounds like a plan."

Théa pretended to be hurt:

"I didn't know that you were so stingy, Camie.

-I am not! Think about it. Black Gold is the strongest hero ever. No one could stop her. I would make a deal with her, sell her out, get the money and then she would escape without problem. And bam! Here we are, free and rich."

Théa slowly nodded, rubbing her chin:

"I am sorry, I underestimated you.

-Beginner's mistake."

And just like that, the world didn't end with Théa choosing herself. Somehow Théa felt even lighter. One morning she even decided that they were done with the animal drawings and it was time to move on to something bigger.

"What about some clothes?"

Camie immediately froze:

"I am not drawing clothes in front of you!"

Not when Théa was one of the most talented students in fashion design. Seeing her fear made Théa laugh:

"Don't worry, we won't draw anything incredible. Just a simple outfit."

Camie didn't seem convinced.

"I think you are ready for more. Do you trust me?

-I am not Jasmine.

-But I could be your Aladdin."

Camie immediately went bright red and she tried her best to change the topic.

"Okay."

Seeing Théa's smile made her realize that she had just won. She rolled her eyes and let her have it if it meant forgetting about her blushing. After asking if it was okay, Théa took Camie's hand and guided her gestures to draw what she envisioned. After long minutes Camie finally found something she liked.

With Théa's help she drew flowy dungarees with pink flowers all over the white shape. She couldn't add any more details because what they heard next was Mister Dred knocking on the door.

"I am sorry to interrupt girls but I thought you should see this."