Iris sighed as she looked down at the eager members of the Training Dragon club, specifically Gible and Bagon, who she was currently working at teaching Dragon Claw. “Alright,” she began. “The most important thing is to focus on what you want to do.”
Gible raised her stubby hand and Iris smiled. “Yes Gible?”
“Shouldn’t power be the most important thing?” She asked.
Iris shook her head. “You might think so, but no. See, if you go at something with just pure power, you could end up getting hurt. But if you stay calm, and remain in control, then you’re a real force to be reckoned with.”
“Hah!” a loud voice erupted from the woods beside them, Axle’s large form walking into it, shaking his head from left to right. “That is true I suppose, but the REAL way to fight is to get incredibly angry and then FOCUS your anger into a blade sharp enough to cut down a mountain!”
Iris groaned. “What are you doing here? I’m in the middle of a lesson.”
“I was taking a stroll through the woods and I heard your voice and decided to investigate,” Axle replied. “And it’s a good thing I did! You’re teaching them rubbish! Did nothing I taught you get through!?”
“You taught me how to cut a rock,” Iris deadpanned. “And how to scream when I did it, the rest just kinda blended together into some kind of monologue.”
“A glorious monologue you mean,” Axle said before glancing down at the young dragons. “A champion she may be but she knows nothing of what it means to be a true dragon.”
“Hey! I’m the youngest Dragonmaster there’s ever been! I think I can help train a few kids without your help.”
Axle shook his head. “Bah, you would train them into being proper Munchlaxes at this rate,” he told her. “Being a true dragon is about living in the moment! Smashing your enemies against the rocks! Crushing them into pieces while focusing your blood rage into something constructive!”
Dratini eeped and hid behind her friends, the rest of whom were watching the exchange with baited breath.
“You know,” Iris said, tapping her chin. “I’m almost certain that’s the same attitude of every dragon that I had to calm down when they went on a rampage.” Inwardly, she wondered if her Dragonmaster abilities had carried over with her.
“Bah, incompetents,” Axle retorted, shaking his head. “A true dragon doesn’t let his anger control him! He controls his anger and lets it guide him on the path to his enemies’ destruction!”
“Uh huh,” Iris tapped her claws against her arm. “You do realize these are children we’re talking about right? I don’t think that’s the best way to teach them, at least at this age.”
“They might as well get used to it before they hit their second evolution,” Axle replied, shaking his head. “If they don’t, they might gut someone by accident, bah, I know I did, then again, that’s what I did so...”
“Yeah, see you start making a good point, then you say something like that which makes me think you’re probably not the kind of guy I should take advice from,” she thought for a second, then said. “Maybe I should ask Draco for help.”
Axle shook his head. “I spent the first half of my life fighting for it in a kill or be killed arena, I say violent things,” he told her with an annoyed snort.
“As for Draco, bah, he’s not the type of dragon that they will be, he doesn’t really understand the blood rage that will be coursing through their veins like molten lava.”
“I still think you’re exaggerating,” Iris said. “My Haxorus never had that problem, and I don’t think Cynthia’s Garchomp ever did either.”
“Then a demonstration is in order, children, please step away,” Axle told them, glancing at the younger dragons.
“Okay,” they all said at once, running off until they were what they hoped would be a safe distance away.
“Wait... what?” Iris asked.
Before she could react, Axle was running at her, talons held high. “SCRATCH!” he roared, bringing his right claw up at an angle across her face.
Iris’ eyes widened and she fell backwards, narrowly avoiding the attack. “What the hell!?” She shouted. Axle closed the distance between them again.
“SCRATCH!” he shouted again, this time his claws connecting and his claws scraping across her face before he leapt back.
“OW!” Iris held a claw to her face. “THAT HURT YOU ASS!!”
“THEN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!” Axle roared back at her.
Iris felt her anger boiling inside, but she took a deep breath and calmed herself. He wants to fight... fine, but I’m not stooping to his level.
“False Swipe!” Iris shot forward towards Axel, he easily sidestepped her attack.
“SLOW!” he shouted in her ear as she rushed past, his tail darting out to trip her and sent her sprawling. “AND LIMP!”
Iris growled and pushed herself back up. She smirked at Axle. “Is that the best you can do?” She asked, hoping her Taunt would work.
“YOU’RE THE ONE WHO WAS ON THE GROUND!” he replied, utterly unphased.
Iris sighed, he was smart, and obviously at least mostly in control, so even if her Dragon Taming power had carried over, it likely wouldn’t work. And there’s no way I can beat him head on...
Unfortunately for Iris, the opposing Haxorus didn’t give her time to plan before he made his next attack. With a mighty roar he charged forwards. “DRAGON TAIL!” he exclaimed, his tail sweeping in low and catching her in the stomach, sending her careening into a nearby tree. “FIGHT LIKE A DRAGON!”
Iris’ eyes snapped open. That was it. She was Champion Iris, Dragon Master, she faced threats like this without her team, she’d faced down Hydreigon's and Salamence’s in their rage and come out mostly unscathed. She. Would. Not. Be. Beaten.
“GUILLOTINE!” Her arms and blades glowed green as she shot forward towards Axle, roaring at the top of her lungs. Axle let out a loud, excited laugh.
“GUILLOTINE!” He roared in reply, charging towards her.
They met with a clash, to Iris’ surprise, it was the mighty one of blade on blade. Axle’s angry eyes stared into hers, angled as they were, before his body twisted and to her astonishment, she wound up face down in the mud.
“A DECENT ATTEMPT BUT YOU HAVE FAILED!” Axle roared down at her, several steps away. “BECAUSE YOU FAIL TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO USE YOUR RAGE!”
Iris stood up and wiped off her face. “OH YEAH?! WELL...” Iris stopped herself and took another deep breath. “Nope, not going to insult you, good battle, you’re the victor, not surprising as I’ve only been like this for a few weeks, and thanks for the advice.” she finished with a not at all sincere smile.
Axle let out a long sigh. “You still don’t get it,” he said, sighing once more. “I pray that you’re never truly angry. Otherwise...” he trailed off and shook his head. “Very well, continue instructing the children, I’ll just go.” With that, the other Haxorus set off through the woods.
Iris sighed and shook her head. “Kids?” she looked over to where the little Dragons were hiding. “I... I think that’s it for today... why don’t you go see what Spike’s up to?”
The little ones nodded and ran off, leaving Iris alone as she slumped back against the tree Axle had smashed her into, her steely scales tearing the bark even more.
Closing her eyes, Iris began to hum a tune that the Dragon Trainers had taught her when she was young, she couldn’t remember the words anymore, but it was supposed to help calm Dragons.
Meanwhile, Axle stomped through the woods, occasionally decapitating some of the younger trees in his path. Fine, if she does not want to take the advice of a proper dragon with a life’s worth of experience, then FINE, he thought to himself. It isn’t as if I liked her in the first place. Bah. Scale color doesn’t mean anything to me, he continued, shaking his head and slicing a sapling in half. She’s going to get herself or someone else hurt when her rage overflows.
That last thought caused him to stop in mid-step.
And what business of mine is that? he thought brutishly. If she won’t listen then she’s not going to listen. He waited in silence for his mind to come up with an answer to that, as if he was talking to someone else but nothing came. Nothing but the thought of an Fraxure covered in blood standing on top of a pile of indistinct bodies.
A long sigh left his body and he closed his eyes for a long moment, letting a deep breath out through his nostrils before turning and walking back towards the clearing.
Iris was fondly reminiscing about the good old days when she heard crashing from the woods again, cracking open an eyelid, she saw Axle exit the treeline. Oh boy, she thought to herself. “What now?”
By way of answer, Axle sat down in front of her, a few feet separating them. For the moment, he said nothing.
Iris stared at him for a moment, then sighed. “What is it Axle?” She asked. “I can tell you have something you want to say to me, so lets hear it.”
Axle was silent for another moment before he looked into her eyes. “Iris, have you ever killed someone?” he asked her plainly, not a bit of rage in his voice.
Iris blinked once, then answered. “... No, even when those Plasma goons tried to take over the League a few years back, I always held my team... and myself, back.”
“I see,” Axle said, inclining his head ever so slightly. “Imagine for a moment that you couldn’t hold back. Would you have killed them?”
Iris closed her eyes and remembered, she remembered the criminals, poachers and their like, who she’d stopped over the years. The Haxorus remembered when Team Plasma had tried to conquer the world. She remembered.... Ghetsis.
“Y... yes,” she said, eyes still shut. “If I hadn’t... if I couldn’t hold back... I would have.”
Unseen, Axle nodded his head. “That’s what being a dragon is when you are truly angered,” he said, his rumbling voice echoed in her ears like an axe cutting through a stone. “If you don’t know how to control it, then it will take control of you and ride you until you are exhausted and covered in blood. Arceus save whoever was in your way.”
Iris shuddered. “But...” she began, she could have gone so many different ways. ‘But I’m not really a dragon,’ ‘But one of my best friends is a Fairy,’ ‘But I calm dragons for a living’. She didn’t say anything, Iris opened her eyes and looked at Axle who was staring intently at her. “How... how can I stop that from happening?”
“By learning how to control it,” Axle said simply. “There is no ‘stopping it’ for you. You’re a dragon Iris, and a Haxorus at that... one way or another you’re going to become so angry that the rest of the world turns crimson and you’ll need to be able to tell the difference between the shades.”
Iris pushed several horrifying mental images out of her mind. “Axle... I know I’ve been kind of... rude to you but... if you’re willing...” she hung her head. “I think I could use your help.”
“GREAT!” Axle shouted, leaping to his feet with surprising grace, his previously calm demeanor fading. “Then first we must draw out your rage! Feel its hot flow in your veins! Think of those you hate, think of Plasma who stole! Think of poachers who skinned! Think of Ghetsis! Think of all the hatred and anger you hold for these people!”
Iris closed her eyes and remembered. She remembered Dragon eggs smashed open by poachers and she recalled all of Team Plasma’s crimes, from their attempted conquest to what they did to Genesect. But most of all, she remembered Ghetsis, him and his team of monsters, how they had sought to corrupt and control the Great Dragons, she remembered everything he had done to N.
Her fists clenched and teeth gritted, Iris opened her eyes. She saw red.
“Good, and now we BEGIN!” Axle roared.
In Ponyville, the sound of snapping trees echoed through the air.
On the beach near Ponyville Lake, two dragons sat, simply enjoying each others company.
“This is nice,” River said, snuggling up closer to Draco. “We never really got to do this back on Earth.”
“We were always moving around back then,” Draco said. “But personally,” he leaned over and nuzzled River. “I like this better.”
River giggled, then sighed contently. Today was just... perfect.
There was a slight noise above them and they both looked up to see Rill descending quietly towards them, her wings barely making any sound at all. Lex stood across her back, securely anchored with several ribbons.
“Hello,” Rill said, giving them both a smile.
“Hey you two,” Lex called out as he jumped off of Rill’s back and landed on all fours.
“Hi Lex, hi Rill,” River greeted with a smile.
“Apologies for interrupting, but Lex has a request of mine to ask you because I would do it poorly,” Rill said with a smile. “Lex?”
“Right,” the Sylveon started, clearing his throat as he looked up towards Draco and River. “Last night Rill woke me up about a subject that’s been plaguing her mind currently. Which is that she wants to have children. After talking about it we came up with two options. One is to just adopt and the other is to find someone to get her pregnant. And since we probably want it to be someone we trust enough, we wondered if Draco would like that honor.” His eyes drifted up to the male Flygon. “Keep in mind I have no troubles with this plan, I grew up on a breeding farm so the idea of having a different biological father is pretty common from my perspective. It just relies on if you’re willing to do it.”
Draco and River stared at the pair in disbelief, River wrapped herself partially around Draco protectively while the male Flygon attempted to process what he’d just been asked. “But that would... and she and I... but that...” he shook his head and his eyes narrowed at the pair. “Did Mage put you up to this? Or that Mawile friend of hers?”
Rill looked genuinely confused. “No? Why would they?”
“Yes, why would they?” Lex picked up before continuing. “Like I said, Rill just wants to have children... and I can’t really help her with that,” he said with a sigh, looking down at his paws. “That’s why we’re just asking you if you are willing to help us in that Draco. We just thought to ask of you first because you are a close friend of Rill and probably the only one I can trust to not mistreat her,” he finished looking back up at the Flygon. “So again, I ask if you’re okay with this or not.”
Draco sighed, now he felt guilty for asking that. Two of his friends were asking for his help and... well, normally he’d be willing to help them with anything but this was... complicated. Before he could think any more, Rill spoke again, to his surprise, her voice was not her usual blunt one.
“I have spent my entire life taking life out of this world,” Rill said quietly, looking down at the sand. “From the moment that I was hatched, I was forced upon my brothers and sisters and had to be strong to survive. Once I grew old enough I was thrust into the arena and taught to kill. Eventually I was bought by a wealthy gentlemen as a trophy and... used to eat those he grew tired of... and even with Abby, I have had to kill....” she trailed off and glanced back at Draco. “I would very much like to add something to this world instead of taking it out.”
Dammit Rill, Draco thought to himself. “Could... could you excuse us for a moment?” He gestured down at River, who had fully coiled around him.
Lex nodded his head. “Sure, take your time,” he replied before heading back to Rill and gesturing her to follow him as they walked away from the two other dragons.
“Okay, River?” Draco asked. “I want you to tell me exactly what you were thinking during that conversation.”
“Well, when Lex first asked, I thought ‘mine’,” she replied protectively, which caused Draco to smile softly. “And now... call me crazy but... I feel bad for Rill,” she blinked once, then added. “Well... more so than I normally do whenever she brings her past up.”
Draco nodded and sighed. “Same here,” he shook his head. “What do I do River?”
“I... well, that’s really up to you,” she said quietly. “I... I know you love me, and if you decide to do this for them I know that won’t change... and it won’t change how I feel about you.”
Draco sighed again. “I... you’re right but... I’ve never pictured myself... with anyone except you,” River smiled softly at that. “It’s... just how I was raised... before Gene found me.”
River nuzzled Draco and kissed him on the cheek. “I know, but... well, you know what happened to them, they both explained well enough just now.”
“I know, I know,” Draco said. “But...” he sighed again. “I want you as my mate first.”
River smiled. “You know,” she said softly. “There’s no reason we can’t be.”
Draco cocked his head. “Y-you mean...?”
“Well... I think we’ve waited long enough,” she giggled. “If we do wait much longer, then Mage will try something.”
Draco blushed. “And... you’re certain you’re okay with... what they’re asking?”
River nodded and hugged Draco tighter. “Yeah... just um...” she blushed and mumbled. “Think of me okay?”
Draco stared at River for a moment, then laughed and hugged her the best he could while she was wrapped around his body. “Okay my love,” he said with a smile. “Okay.”
After a few moments, Draco waved Rill and Lex back over. The Slyveon and the shiny Flygon walked up to them, Lex taking the incentive to ask.
“Well? Come to a verdict?” he inquired as he glanced between River and Draco.
“Yes, have you?” Rill inquired, tilting her head hopefully at the pair.
Draco and River looked at each other and nodded. “I’ll do it,” Draco said. “But... River and I... need a few days alone first.”
A smile formed at the edge of Lex’s lips and he nodded his head. “Of course, there’s no need to rush this. I’m just grateful you’d actually agree to this in the first place.”
Rill remained silent for a moment before a huge smile spread across her face and she rushed forwards, tackling River and Draco to the ground, nuzzling them both like crazy. “Oh thank you! Thank you both so very much!”
“It’s... you’re welcome,” River said softly.
“Yes and... I’m certain you will both make wonderful parents,” Draco said. “Now Rill, Lex, if you would excuse us,” he turned to River and smiled.
“There is something we need to do.”
“Of course,” Lex said, walking up to Rill to urged her to get up. “We have no other reason to stay now do we Rill?”
“No, no we don’t,” Rill nuzzled both of them before getting up and smiling widely at them both, stepping away. “River, remember, the longer you wait before he sti-”
A ribbon covered her mouth. “Rill, let them find their own rhythm to flow with,” he said with a smile as he began to climb on her back. He gave Draco and River a wink. “Have fun you two.”
Rill chuckled beneath the ribbon and flapped her wings, springing into the air, a grin on her face.
With their friends gone, River and Draco turned to each other and smiled. “Shall we take this somewhere more... private?” River asked slyly.
“Seriously?” May asked in disbelief, staring at the Vaporeon before her. “You and Ash… and Latias?”
Misty laughed nervously. “Yeah… it’s gonna take a little use to… okay maybe a lot, but the alternative was he chose neither of us.”
“And the brilliant solution you came up with was polygamy?” May deadpanned.
“It was Latias’ idea,” Misty said with a sigh. “And anyway it’s not that bad, Latias is really sweet and affectionate, and Ash is still adorably confused at what happened.”
May shook her head. “Only you Misty… so what’s next for you three?”
“Well… we kinda need to tell Miss Ketchum, so that’ll be fun, then we have to tell Latias family… so I get to tell Arceus I’m dating one of his kids… yay.”
May laughed as Misty pouted. “Oh come on, Miss Ketchum is nice, not like she’ll be upset.”
“And Arceus, Latios, and the rest of the Legendaries?” Misty asked, raising an eyebrow.
May thought on that for a moment. “Maybe you’ll be okay?” Misty’s horrified look made May laugh again. “I’m kidding Misty, I’m sure everything will be fine.”
Misty smiled slightly. “Thanks May.”
“No problem Misty,” May said with a smirk. “Anyway, I should go.” The Delphox smiled. “Blaziken and I have a little date in the park soon.”
Misty smirked. “So, how are thing between you two anyway?”
May smiled. “Really well actually, I mean, he was a great friend back on Earth, but now… he’s so sweet and he’s been so helpful helping me cope.”
Misty chuckled. “Lucky, I only found Horsea and Togepi so far.” Misty had found Horsea a few days ago during a swim in Ponyville Lake.
May considered this for a moment, then smiled. “Yeah… I guess I am.”
Blaziken shifted on his feet as he waited for May to arrive, in one of his talons, he held a single rose. “Where is she?” He asked himself nervously.
“Blaziken!” The Fire type turned and smiled as when he saw May running towards him. “Sorry I’m late,” she panted. “Misty and I were talking and I kind of lost track of time.”
Blaziken chuckled. “It’s alright May,” he smiled at her for a moment before remembering the flower. “Oh, this is for you.” He held the rose out to May, blushing slightly.
May stared at the rose in his talon for a moment before smiling and taking it. “It’s beautiful,” she said as she leaned forward and peeked him on the cheek. “Thank you.”
Blaziken blinked in surprise before a grin crept onto his face. “It’s nothing,” he assured her. “I just wanted to give you something.”
“That’s still very sweet of you,” she said with a smile. “So then,” she wrapped her arm around his. “Shall we?”
Blaziken smiled and squeezed May’s arm tighter. “Let’s.”
Arm in arm, Blaziken and May started down the road, smiling at each other. “So how are things with Misty?” Blaziken asked.
“Well, she finally got Ash,” May said, smirking. “And Latias too.”
Blaziken gapped at her. “You’re joking.”
May laughed and shook her head. “Nope, they ‘compromised’ when Ash couldn’t choose.”
“Oh Arceus,” Blaziken said with a chuckle. “How’s she holding up?”
“She said she’s still getting use to it,” May told him with a smile.“But I think things are gonna work out for her.”
“Good for her them,” Blaziken said, smiling softly.
“So...” May began. “This is our... how many dates has it been again?”
“Third or fourth,” Blaziken said with a smile. “Depends if you count our dancing at the wedding as a date.”
“Yeah...I’ve been thinking…” she started, blushing slightly.
“About…?”
“W-well,” May said. “I... um... I wanted to...” she looked at him for a moment in silence before she took a deep breath and leaned forward, planting her lips against his beak.
Blaziken’s eyes widened in surprise before they closed slowly and he leaned into the kiss, wrapping his arms around the back of May’s neck.
Once they finally broke the kiss, both of them still, May smiled at Blaziken. “Thank you,” she said, nuzzling into his feathery neck. “For being there for me, for being so patient with me... for everything.”
Blaziken smiled and hugged May tighter. “You’re so welcome,” he said with a grin, happy to just hold her for awhile. “Now then,” he said, finally, almost reluctantly letting her go. “Why don’t we go, say, catch a movie?”
May smiled at him. “I’d like that.”
The pair continued down the road, May resting her head on Blaziken’s shoulder, both of them smiling happily.
Mage wasn’t sure how long Luke just sat there, cradling her, and truth be told she didn’t really care either, she’d stay with him until he passed out if she had to.
“Sorry...” Luke said suddenly, releasing her. “I’ve been holding you for... far too long, I’ve been... in this clearing for too long... I should go... somewhere. Back to Abby... tell her what happened... or maybe not... she doesn’t need my pain. Not now when I’m sure she’s happy.”
Mage rolled her eyes. “Okay, first off,” she said as she twisted her body around to ring herself out. “I really don’t mind, and second off, you really should talk to Abby, I’m sure no matter what she’ll want to help you.”
“Tommorow... not today... she’s most likely giving birth today,” Luke stated. “I don’t want to ruin her special day.”
Mage had to admit, he was probably right about that. “Alright, that makes sense,” that just meant it was up to her to make sure Luke made it through the day. “So... what are you going to tell her anyway?”
“Just that I spent a day crying... it happens,” he said quietly before he shut his eyes. “I wish I knew Recover... oh well... I just... tripped and cut my face on some sticks.”
Mage sighed and shook her head.“Instaurabo.” Mage watched as the scratches and cuts on Luke’s face healed themselves, and the frayed portion of his scarf knitted itself back together. “There,” Mage said with a nod. “That better?”
Luke rubbed the fingers of his hand over his face and then smiled at her. “My thanks once again Mage... you have been... incredibly kind to me,” he said quietly.
Mage smiled. “Yeah well... you’re my friend, I don’t like seeing you like that,” she sighed again, before adding. “It hurts me.”
“It does?” the Gallade inquired, cocking his head to the side. “Why?”
“Partially, it’s these things,” she flashed her gems at him. “They pick up negative emotions more easily than anything else and I’ve always been kind of... sensitive to them, it’s more an emotional hurt than anything else but still.” Mage didn’t know why she was telling Luke this, he didn’t need to know she was feeling his pain. Granted, it hurts to see him like this anyway.
“Ah... so I have been causing you pain,” Luke said, nodding. “Then I shall leave you. No one else should suffer because of me... it is not right. I am to suffer alone.” He got up and began to walk away from her.
Like hell you are,
“Luke... I haven’t dropped the field yet,” Mage stated dryly. “And don’t do that, I said I wasn’t leaving you alone and I meant it.”
Luke looked over at her and shook his head. “You needn’t bother. I’m fine... Mage,” he said quietly. “Lower the field please... I don’t want to cause you anymore pain.”
Mage shrugged. “Even if I do lower the field, I’ll just follow you, even if I have to be invisible while I’m doing it,” she locked eyes with him. “I’m not letting you face this alone Luke.”
“Why not? So much of my life has been spent alone,” Luke asked her, meeting her eyes. “Why should this be any different?”
“Cause it can be, cause I want to help you, cause this entire thing,” Mage gestured around at their surroundings. “Is basically a chance for a new start for everyone, and you deserve it more than anyone else I know.”
“Hah... I don’t deserve anything really... just pain,” Luke replied, shaking his head. ”That’s all I’ve ever gotten. Abby is the closest thing to happiness I’ve ever found and... she doesn’t love me. Not in the way I’d like her too at any rate... I’ve given up on that sort of thing.”
Okay... ouch... ya know what? No.
“You shouldn’t give up Luke,” Mage said sadly. “You never know what life’s going to throw at you... or what you might be missing.” She smiled softly at him, a light, almost unnoticeable blush on her face.
“Yes... I suppose you’re right...” Mage dared to let herself hope, just for a moment. “Mewtwo could rape me again, the Gallade said humorlessly. She felt something inside her break again, right behind her gems, something was actually hurting now. “Life could be about to throw that at me again.”
Mage gritted her teeth and ignored the pain. “If he comes anywhere near you, I’ll make sure he pays for what he did,” Mage wiped her eyes before any tears could fall.
Luke saw the tears and looked away. “I should go... I’m hurting you again,” he said, turning away.
Mage flew past Luke and placed herself in between him and the barrier of her illusion field. “You’re not going anywhere mister,” she stated flatly, doing her best to control her own emotions. “I’m in control here and I don’t care if it hurts, I’m not letting you go off on your own.”
Luke stared at her. “Mage... please... I don’t want to hurt you. Let me go.”
Mage shook her head and crossed her ‘arms’. “Nope, if you can keep all of your problems locked away, then I can put up with your emotional turmoil.” At this point, she simply didn’t care how much it hurt her, she’d drop dead before she let Luke go off on his own again... Wait can I even...
“Mage...” Luke trailed off and looked at her, clear puzzlement in his eyes. “Why?”
“Cause I,” Mage choked. Should I tell him? What if he doesn’t feel the... well he probably won’t but what if he think there’s something wrong with me? What if he says he never wants to see me again? Mage shook her head. No. No more hiding.
“I care about you Luke...” Mage continued. “A lot, it doesn’t just hurt me cause I can feel it, it hurts because I know that you’re feeling this way, it hurts cause... cause I love you.” Mage looked away from Luke, trying to avoid his gaze. Here it comes.
Luke just stared at her for a long moment before slowly saying. “...is this... is this like... like I...” he trailed off and stared at her more, disbelief clear on his face. “You... me? Why... why would anyone...”
“It’s just...” Mage began, her gaze locked on the ground as she tried to find the right words. “I was... curious about you at first I guess. I couldn’t figure out what made you tick so I tried my best to get to know you and...” she sighed. “And... I found that you were really smart, and kind, and brave, and... sweet, and...” she trailed off as a light blush appeared on her face. “I saw how much you were hurting, underneath it all, and the more I got to know you, the more I liked you and I just...” she stopped. “I’m sorry, you don’t need this right now.”
Mage reached out with her magic and cut the illusion field, it fell to reveal the rest of the clearing, same as it had been before she’d sealed them in. “Sorry,” Mage said again. Stupid, she thought to herself. What did you think was-
“I... don’t be...” Luke said quietly.
.... what?
“I don’t want to make you... I don’t want to make you feel like I’ve felt... for... so long... because of Abby I...” he looked down and then walked over to her, pulling her into his arms. “I do not love you... I... I don’t know if I know what love is Mage... not real love anyways... not love that isn’t a product of an angel rescuing me from the darkness but-” he glanced down at her. “I suppose it could be said that... I found another... and I’m willing at least... to... to try?”
Mage looked up at Luke in disbelief, she had expected the first part but the rest.... Mage smiled. “I... yeah, I’m good with that... that sounds great really.”
Luke let out a choked sob and pulled her closer against his chest, his head nestling into her neck. “I hope... I hope you don’t mind my being... so... emotional...”
“I have pretty good control over that at this point,” Mage assured him, her smile never falling. “I’m an empath and... I got good at the dark stuff after the wedding, so it’s not a problem.”
“Thanks...” Luke just held her closer to himself. “... you’re the only person other than Abby and Vincent I’ve ever really hugged... I just noticed that,” Luke said softly in her ‘ear’.
Mage smiled softly. “I’m glad you feel comfortable enough to hug me,” she whispered back.
Luke just nuzzled into her neck further. “You helped me... you’ve shown... me so much love... love that I don’t really think I deserve... why wouldn’t I be comfortable with you?” he inquired with a small mental chuckle.
Mage chuckled back. “True enough... and Luke? You do deserve this... and so much more.”
Luke fiddled with his scarf idly, wrapping it around her back with his power. “I don’t know about that... but thank you for the sentiment... Mage... my second angel.”
Mage smiled and blushed at her new nickname. “You’re welcome Luke, and... thank you, for giving me a chance.”
Luke smiled down at her and hesitated for a very long moment before he leaned forwards and placed his lips upon her forehead, kissing it very softly. “You’re very welcome... so very welcome,” he told her gently, wrapping his arms around her. “So very welcome.”