Kinlanture Vol I: The Kingdom of Forgotten Misfits (Completed)

Chapter 12

Selina spent the night thinking of her past. It was a difficult time, realizing all you thought to be real was fake, and all you thought to be fake was actually your reality.

Still, as heavy as these thoughts were, Aster seemed to sneak into her mind through them all. She was suddenly seeing him differently. He was so pure and kind and she was drawn to him. There was something about him that just made her feel so special. Like she was the only girl in the world.

But maybe she was just confusing things. Maybe she just felt so strongly because he was so kind when she needed him. That's probably it.

Knock, knock, knock

She sat up, hearing the gentle banging on her door.

"Sorry if I woke you, but we will be leaving soon" Aster said gently.

He turned to leave the room, but stalled, turning quickly around again.

"So sorry to bother you. I just.... Just, uh, wanted to give you time to be ready" Aster awkwardly smiled.

Selina smiled. She stretched as she pushed the blankets off of her. Aster blushed, quickly averting his eyes.

"I'll be right down" Selina assured, reaching for her everyday clothes as her white silk night dress gracefully fell around her.

Aster nodded and quickly left the room.

"Ah, how warm it is to feel that sunlight, brush against my skin. I always felt the warmth, but from inside a tomb" Vartan smiled, sitting himself down next to Valen.

He was still getting used to it. The overwhelming smells, the feeling rushing in. It was a lot at once but at the same time it felt like he never left. It was as if his world was on pause, yet no one else felt the effects.

"It's good to have you back Vartan. We might actually stand a chance now" Valen felt his voice fill with a bit of worry.

Aster joined them, standing by the window. The Heart Kingdom looked so happy and bright today. He could only imagine what the Mars Kingdom looked like now.

"Indeed. No need to worry. We will take care of all of this" Vartan said, confidently.

Selina and Claire walked in together. Behind them came Adara, yawning her way into the room.

Vartan lit up. The best thing about experiencing life fully again was seeing Claire. She looked much more beautiful and much more real to him again. Soon she would remember that she loves him too. At least, he hopes she does.

"So what's the plan anyway? I mean, the Mars Kingdom is going to need some serious help" Adara asked, her heart sinking with the thought.

"We've fought tougher foes and have dealt with greater hardships."

"Don't even act like this is not a big deal Vartan" Adara snapped, glaring at him. 

Vartan nodded, his eyes shifting back to Claire. She looked away from him, feeling uncomfortable. He held his stare, not really realizing that he was staring.

"He really likes you" Selina whispered, with a small smile.

Claire raised her eyebrows at her. Selina shrugged.

"This is not a damn fairy tale world where everything is better if you believe" Adara snapped sarcastically, "So don't you dare feed me any of that bullshit,."

"Remember who you are talking to Adara. With me here now, we won't lose. So watch your tone" Vartan gracefully spoke back with a small smirk.

All Claire could see was Aden. That was his smirk. She had seen it a million times. It was like his signature look, that smart ass, sarcastic smirk that sometimes seems like it was permanently implanted on his face.