Different Yet The Same

Chapter Thirty-Two

-Spark-

I look into the mirror. I hate this dress. At least that's what I tell myself. In reality the dress is amazing just as beautiful as it was in the store. I hate how my hair looks. I actually don't, Berta and Greta have let it fall loose at my sides, tangling red roses and vines in it. I hate my makeup. Who am I kidding it is gorgeous, my eyes are outlined with a shimmering black eyeliner, red eyeshadow was dusted on my eyelids and blood red lipstick shimmers as it sits on my lips. I hate how I look. That is probably the biggest lie I have said yet. I love it. I love it all. I just hate why I'm wearing it. I should be with Ember and my mom getting ready for some community dance in the forest, with twinkle lights and music and happiness. No, instead I'm dressed as a bride for a wedding that isn't even meant for me. Those two days passed by to quickly. I always thought I'd be happy on my wedding day, filled with joy and love, even excitement to marry the man at the end of the aisle. Instead I'm filled with a dread of what will happen, a hoplessness because I know in my heart that no one can save me now.

"It's time." Greta whispers somberly. "I'm so sorry it came to this sweetheart." With a final look in the mirror I turn to face the two demons I can now call my closest friends.

"We knew it was coming, Don't worry though..." Tears threatening to spill from my eyes. "There isn't anything that could possibly make this day any worse."

I'm just about to walk out of the door when Bea runs in, a jumble of fiery hair and flailing limbs. "No pretty girl no!" She screeches, tears flowing down her cheeks. She has my leg in a death grip. "I won't let you do this. You can't go with him. He will hurt you!"

Berta and Greta stand in a corner, tears flowing across their cheeks as they cling to one another. I look down at Bea, trying so hard to be strong for her. "Pretty girl..." She whispers.

"Yes Bea?" My heart breaking piece by piece.

"You're my best friend." As I look down into those beautiful intelligent eyes of hers, I know that in my heart I will never be able to leave her, especially to the wrath of this place. She doesn't deserve it.

"I'm sorry to break up this goodbye but it's time." Berta sobs, motioning to the door.

"Alright. Here we go." My voice stronger than I thought was possible. As I walk out of the little tent we used to get ready, my heels sinking into the dark green grass, a feeling of dread weighing down my stomach, making each step a pain.

I come out from underneath the canopy of trees and stand at one end of the aisle. The music begins to play and everyone stands. I pull my head up and the first person I see is Coal. He is on my left, looking at me with extreme sadness and longing. There are no words that could possibly make this situation any better. I simple cover his hand with mine and whisper. "I'm sorry." Then I focus my attention on the man waiting for me at the other end of the aisle.

He looks up at me, a menacing sneer covering his face. I begin the walk, each demons eyes piercing my skin, each step makes me want to run away and never stop running.

Before I know what's happening I'm at the other end of the aisle, and am about to make the worst mistake of my life.

"Do you Pyro take this Ember to be your lawfully wedded wife?" The priest asks somberly.

"I do." Pyro answers eagerly.

"Do you Ember take this Pyro to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

This was it, the moment of truth. Everyone held their breath in anticipation, this was it, right now, and I had to choose. Every fiber of my being urged for me to say no, to scream it from the roof tops, to run into Coals arms and never ever let go. I can't do that though, Lucifer would have me killed before I had the chance. I look into those menacing eyes, the eyes of a killer, a tormentor...a monster.

With one last desperate look at Coal, I mutter that one thing I absolutely don't want to say, "I d-."

"What the hell is going on down here!?" She bellows, a fury clear, with a menacing after touch that is chilling to the bone. I turn, a smile taking over my features. Ember is here! She must have finally found a portal. She stands there proud and glorified. She's wearing a female version of the warrior gear I've seen the angels wear for training. She looks stronger and wiser. Everyone is shocked speechless.

"Ember!" I yell full of joy, but then I realize what I've done and clamp my hand over my mouth.

"Ember!?" Pyro and Lucifer gasp incredulously in unison.

"Spark..." Ember whispers. "What did you do?"

"Spark!?" Pyro and Lucifer screech in unison yet again.

"Oh yah about that..." I whisper ashamedly. I look up at Coal praying for him to look at me, just hoping to gaze into his eyes once more. For the first time I let all my love for him show hoping for him to see but his gaze is unwavering. Focused entirely on Ember. I look up at Ember who looks from me to Coal then back to me. Her face contorts into one filled with anger.

"Spark!" Her voice shrill. Then she turns to Coal. "Coal!" We both look at her confused but before we can say another word Lucifer and Pyro step forward.

"Okay which one of you is Ember?!" Lucifer's gaze drilling holes in us. Ember and I look at each other, then back at him.

"Hold on a second Lucifer!" Ember scolds. "I have something to do!"

"How dare you talk to me like that!?" Lucifer's fury surging. Advancing on Ember.

"I SAID I HAVE SOMETHING TO DO!" Flames licking around her limbs. Much to Lucifer's dismay he backs down still fuming. "Coal...Spark...what is going on-. " She's cut off when Coal takes her in his arms.

"Coal knock it off." She tries to push him away but only half-heartedly.

"No I won't." He chuckles. "I've missed you so much." Then he kisses her, a kiss full of love and passion. It starts a fire inside of me, one I cannot control. It takes every bit of strength I have not to reach out so I can pull him from her arms, and keep him all for myself. Finally they break apart. I scream full of fury and rage.

"Are you insane or just blind Coal!" My voice betraying a whirlwind of emotion. He looks at me confused and startled. I screech and grab my hair, almost pulling out the decorations that were so carefully placed. "I'm in love with you! Can't you see that?"

"You're what!?" Ember's fury reigniting. As she untangles her arms from around Coal.

"Ember!" Coal pleads reaching for her again. "I promise I didn't do anything, even when I knew!"

"You knew!?" Ember, Pyro and Lucifer respond together. Coal's face reddens.

"Ember he didn't know how I felt." I reach out and grab her arm.

"Don't you DARE touch me!" Her irises turning a fresh fire orange and red. "You're supposed to be my sister! Don't you remember? From birth to death. Together forever. I guess that meant nothing to you."

"Meant nothing to me!? Ember it means the world to me. I can't help it that I fell in love!" My anger blazing.

"Fell in love!? You don't even know him. I have given you everything! Then as soon as I have something for myself you want to take that away! I hated having to work at everything for you! I hate having to be stuck with you! I hate you! I wish you were dead!" Her resolve clear.

"Well you know what...I can't stand another day with you anyways! You're too protective! You are a useless...creature! I wish you were dead too!" I respond with just as much ferocity.

Then with fury clouding my thoughts and love filling my heart, I stomp over to Coal, taking his shirt in my hands I pull him down for a kiss he...and Ember will never forget. It is only brief before he pulls away, lightly pushing, me back.

"Spark!" I hear Caleb call. "Come on let's get out of here!" A portal already set. I run to his side and go to follow Caleb through but in a last act of rage, I turn to Ember.

"This isn't over. I will kill you." My promise stated.

"Not if I kill you first." She retorts. With our declarations made, I step through the portal, fully prepared to kill my sister at the closest opportunity.