The Unprevailant | Book 2 | The Irangel arc

Chapter 21 ~ A Duet of Danger

After the meeting, the gemstars were allowed to stay on Iredescent and help with war preparations. They knew Gemini would not take their betrayal well, that not even one gemstar chose to remain loyal. The gemstars stayed in hotel rooms, located in the sparkling city of Auraglen.

The irangels met with Nend and Peridot to discuss the coming war, feeling they needed a ruler's guidance and an elder's counsel. Though Peridot joked that the irangels were interrupting his retirement, he understood their need for consulting with him. Nend was a young ruler, and also in need of consultation for the first war in Iredescent history.

As always, Peridot looked majestic, donned in a shimmery robe that appeared as though he was clothed with the blue sky. Like radiant sunlight above the sky, his face shone with warmth, his countenance as gentle as a soft breeze through the fields.

His voice was reminiscent of a pleasant spring day filled with hopeful promise. "Greetings, irangels. Before we begin, does anyone have any suggestions?"

His statement gave Amanda the permission to state her boldest suggestion. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I need you to give Cydtin his mind control ability back so he can defeat Gemini. I believe Cydtin's ability will help us the most in defeating Gemini, more than any of our abilities, even those of the Black Rose and her connected."

"What?!" Luciu exclaimed astoundedly at the same time Civic protested, "No way!" at the same time Cydtin turned white and said, "No."

The irangels stared in surprise when Cydtin's voice became unusually louder, almost yelling, "I don't want it back. After what I've done, the consequence of misusing my ability is too detrimental. Even if I use it for the right purpose, I won't risk another consequence."

Pain glittered through the firm determination in his gorgeous blue eyes. "Keep my ability. I'm out of this fight. I have no desire to return to Earth, and my former ability is a dark reminder of what I've done to cause the deaths of innocent people."

Cydtin began to leave, halting when Peridot admitted, "I never took it away."

As Cydtin turned and stared at him, appalled, Peridot continued, "After seeing how deeply you regretted the misuse of your gifted ability, I decided to put it in a dormant state, rather than completely take it away."

Ashtonishment rang through the anger. "Why? All my ability did was make enemies out of people who were supposed to be friends, people who hated me for what I'd done to them. And for what, a power trip? I was even more egotistic than Anders at his first Victoria's Secret fashion show."

Cydtin locked eyes with Peridot, his gaze pleading. "I don't want my ability. Please take it away for good. I beg of you."

Peridot's eyes were steady orbs of sunshine, shining warmth and sincerity. Though Cydtin made a few costly mistakes and deeply regretted them, Peridot felt his plea was tantamount to asking him to strip away part of his identity, like cutting hair or clipping a wing. Therefore, he was hesitant to do what Cydtin asked.

Understanding emitted like embers from a fireplace within the deep brown coals of Demian's eyes. He took charge of the situation, giving words of comfort to his irangel brother.

Yennisse was right when she said you have a good heart. She would've been proud of you.

Cydtin's face relaxed slightly as he took Demian's words to heart. However, traumatic pain lingered, clouding his thoughts with self-revulsion.

A decision came to mind, brought on by the uncomfortable dilemma.

"I'll take his ability," Demian offered, stepping forward. "You could transfer Cydtin's ability over to me, and I'll use it to defeat Gemini."