"Is she okay?" Cobalt asked anxiously, his tail wagging behind him. A worried spark in his eyes was visible to anyone who looked at him," I came as soon as I heard."
"She's fine." Joy said," She's just up in her tower but she's very upset and needn't be bothered."
"None sense," He added," She needs a friend to pull her from the abyss."
"Yeah but the only person who can do that is her," Joy added, gesturing her head to the other side of the main hall. Sitting there alone on a bench was Vanessa, her back facing them as she hung her head down. Angrily gripping the golden general jacket in her hands. "And she can't even look herself in the mirror." She added," How is everyone and did Sky make it to Gravel safely?"
"Everyone's inside but extremely worried," Cobalt answered," If this keeps up, she might flood the sewers or cause a land slide. And yes, he's fine. Sky is gonna get his rest before getting Gravel together. I have a feeling it won't get better..."
"Have faith," Joy persuaded," All in good time."
"If you say so."
-----
"Fantasia, I—"
"Leave me alone General." Fantasia angrily said.
General.
For as long as Vanessa knew the princess, she never called her that. Fantasia saying it now hurt more than her being angry with Vanessa. It was a painful sting that worsened along with the heavy feeling of guilt upon her shoulders and back.
"I trusted you...And you use me in your plan as weapon! I never felt so violated in my life...You used me!"
"I was trying to protect you."
"How?!" Fantasia growled, swiftly turning around to face the general. She didn't even wear her general jacket. She still wore her black tank top, black pants and gold boots with black soles. Her yellow bandana on her head but no a silver sheath around her waist.
The ring was still on her finger...
It rained harder and lightning flashed outside and it was followed a loud, muffled
CRACK!
That emitted from the clouds.
"Protect me." She laughed," That's the funniest thing I've ever heard."
"I would've told you but you wouldn't have agreed to it."
"Because it's completely terrifying and revolting! Being used as the weapon to kill somebody else isn't exactly enjoyable y'know."
Crack!
Lightning struck the ground a few miles away. It was strong enough to shake the ground.
"I had to get him some way, he was too fast."
Fantasia rolled her eyes before sighing," My ability to fly was a gift from the gods and you turned if against me..."
"It was my only option."
"No, it wasn't!" The princess yelled.
Crack!
Another flash of white as the ground shook but Fantasia was too angry to notice.
"I wouldn't have wished that fate on Tomas or Kraig. I can't even begin to explain the pain you've brought to me. I was a weapon..." Fantasia turned to her window in the tower," General, you should go. I'm pretty sure you have some business to take care off."
"With all do respect, your Majesty. I'm not leaving."
"Leave now General, that is an order."
Vanessa took a deep breath, suppressing her rising anger like a volcano about to erupt. Fantasia turned around around, the general disappeared and reappeared in front of her from a thick cloud of dark smoke and glowing cinders. Once again, she was cornered to a wall. Staring into Vanessa's eyes as they stood there, their noses inches away from touching. Her eyes weren't the usual bright gold Fantasia was used to seeing instead they were a dark red surrounded by a black iris.
"I'm sorry Fantasia," She spoke," It wasn't right but I couldn't bare the thought of losing you like that. I'd rather you be mad and alive than cold and dead. I love seeing the bright sparkle in your eyes and the thought of your freezing, pale skin as you lay in a coffin disgusts me. I'd do anything to protect you but knowing my deed has caused you great pain,"
Crack.
"I must leave you as you ordered me and I do not wish to upset you more than I already have," Vanessa lifted her hand, placing two fingers on the ring and began to twist and pull. "Don't," Fantasia said, stopping her.
Crack,
"Just stay here with me..." She added," I need more than just a general right now..." Before Vanessa could ask what she meant, their lips collided and the general quickly gave in. Melting into the kiss as she place her hands on the princess's waist, not wanting to let go or part from her grasp. With her arms loop around Vanessa neck, she felt her anger slip away and drift into nothingness. Free from the guilt of her words and sadness of her past deed, she wanted to stay here. In her general's grasp and enamored by her love.
The rain slowed and soon stopped. The clouds began to separate and sail away as Fantasia's mood lightened.
They broke away, staring in each other's eyes before chuckling to themselves.
I love you...
Their foreheads touching as they stood in a comfortable, soft silence. Neither of them wanted to speak and neither of them needed to. Vanessa inhaled Fantasia's sweet vanilla scent, indulging herself in the moment. Ever so true and so very fragile. She didn't want to break this honest moment, not counting the minutes they spent in this position. Just enjoying each other's company and embrace. This was perfect, this was real love. This woman is who she wanted, as friend, partner and lover. She needed her more than she needed air to breathe.
