Different Yet The Same

Chapter Sixteen

-Caleb-

Last night went better than I thought it would.

The Council agreed to see Spark at noon today.

I hope she makes a good impression. Her reputation is on the line.

I hesitantly knock on her door, hearing a muffled "What?" In response.

I cautiously open the door and call out to her "Spark..."

'Bam!' I close the door just in time to avoid being hit with a pillow.

I try again. "Spark. Time to get up."

"Go away." She hisses.

"I have food..." I bribe.

A pause and then, "Okay. Fine. You win." she huffs.

I walk in and sit on the end of her bed.

"Hey..." She starts when she sees my empty hands. "You don't have food."

Then I get another pillow thrown at my head.

"Alright. Alright!" I say between each pillow throw. "We can go get food just get dressed."

"Into what?" She asks

I sigh and walk over to her closet pulling out a pair of white jeans and a white long sleeved top with gold trimming.

"Wear this." I say dismissively.

"Fine. Go away so I can change. Then we're getting food." She states sleepily.

"Yes ma'am." I say as I quickly duck out the door avoiding another pillow attack.

After a few minutes Spark comes out of her room, dressed, and as beautiful as ever.

Making me feel underdressed in my warrior gear compared to her gorgeous appearance.

I look at her face and see her cheeks are turning a pink colour. She's embarrassed.

"Okay, let's go." She says cheerily, a smile taking over her face, making the corners of her eyes crinkle.

"Okay." I said supporting a stupid grin of my own.

We start walking and she laces her fingers with mine, swinging our arms back and forth.

Normally I'd care if the other warriors saw me acting like this, but right now the only person I was paying attention to was Spark.

The way her eyes sparkled when she laughed, the way her small frame shook, the way she held my hand like I was the only person she needed, like I was the only person keeping her standing.

She giggles, obviously noticing I'm staring at her.

"Uh....so wh-." I start but she cuts me off.

"Caleb..." Spark whines. "Food."

"Right. Okay, this way." I sputter. Taking her hand and pulling her towards the elevator.

She stiffens, and stands stock still.

"Caleb..." She sighs.

"It's ok. Just hold onto me." I reassure.

"Okay." She whispers.

I slowly coax her into the elevator. She has a death grip on my arm, but I don't complain I just pull her closer.

Her head against my chest, eyes shut tight like a kid watching a scary movie.

Moments like this are the ones I cherish with her the most. Holding her close. Without her suspecting a thing.

To soon the elevator doors open and Spark runs to the other side and leaves me feeling hollow and vulnerable.

"Okay." I say my voice deep. "The cafe is this way." I lead her silently down a maze of tunnels.

"Caleb..." She mutters.

"Ya?" I ask, concerned.

"What if the council doesn't like me?" She states, worry coating her words.

"They'll love you. You're very special to them." I say being completely honest.

"How? They've never met me before." She asks, tilting her head slightly, making her look like a little curious bird.

"You'll find out I promise." I finish, not wanting to give anything away to soon.

"Caleb." A deep raspy voice beckons from behind me. I turn and see the councils messenger. "The council will see you now." He finishes.

"Okay. Come on Spark." I say as I drag her behind me, trying to keep pace with the messenger.

To soon we stand in front of the council members conference room doors. The messenger has left us and we stand here alone.

"Caleb I'm scared." Spark whimpers.

I want to reassure her but I can't. I simply push through the doors.

The conference room walls are a crisp gold, with white and silver decorations lining the walls. A solid maple wood desk sits in the middle of the room, with eight council members sitting around it. They're all dressed in white suits with black ties and black shoes.

"Welcome warrior Caleb." The head of the council booms, his voice echoing around the room, making the walls vibrate. Then he sees Spark standing beside me.

"Welcome Princess Spark daughter of Archangel Michael."