All right, Folken...what should you do...? On one hand, you've got this beautiful girl...who you could agree to develop something that would probably be...really nice with. On the other...you've got you're fate. The very reason that brought you here to Zaibach...what should you do...?
Well, I could always try to keep both. It might be difficult, but I'm sure if I could come up with some plan it would work! But, what if the sorcerers take her out when I'm not there to stop them? What if they find out? It probably is against the rules to do something like this...still, I don't want to hurt her.
What about you, you idiot?! How will you feel if you just let this go...?
Well, I never really thought about that...I told Jack that I didn't like her in that way. I suppose it was partially true. I mean, he was implying that I just wanted to have a little fun with her...
And do you?
Hey, you should know! We're the same person. Ugh, this is pathetic. I'm arguing with myself in my head...anyway, I still need to figure it out. What am I going to do...?
Oh, you ask me like I know all the answers. If you like her enough...go for it. Isn't that what Jack said...?
Yeah, but since when do I listen to what Jack says?
Maybe he knows what he's talking about for once. It's worth a shot, huh? Now, why don't you leave me alone for the rest of the night...? I'm tired.
Fine...um...good-night, Folken.
Yeah, yeah...'night...
Maybe Jack's right. I am going insane...
* * *
Folken had stayed up the majority of the night before, dealing with his inner thoughts. So, it was only natural that he would be sleeping in late. He wasn't really needed in Zaibach, and hadn't even thought for a moment that the other sorcerers might notice Catherine was missing. He just dropped off to sleep at some point, and hadn't awakened since. Though, it was about time he started to do so, and awareness was returning to him. The first thing he noticed was that he was holding onto something soft. A blanket? No...it was different. Smooth and warm. One lid lifted, followed by the other...and they opened wide once they landed on Catherine. He remembered having her there for the evening, yes. But, what he hadn't remembered was how he managed to tangle himself up with her.
It must have been a subconscious turn of events. Something that Folken had done during his sleep. And judging by the peaceful expression on Catherine's face...she hadn't minded at all. He looked down at her sleeping form, taking a moment to study her, really study her. Her features were tranquil and soft, almost childlike. Seemingly so innocent, Folken couldn't help but smile somewhat. As odd as it was, she reminded him of Van. The way Van appeared when he was finally taking a nap underneath one of the trees out back. He was always such a gruff little boy, but once he was asleep...everything seemed to change somehow. Such was the case with Catherine. It wasn't as though she acted tough, especially lately. But there was something much more soft...much more beautiful. The living hand raised to run over chestnut bangs, and she shifted some beneath his touch, releasing a contented sigh.
Folken smiled down at her and then allowed his eyes to roam the chamber. His gaze settled on nothing in particular and he just tried to sort out the various conflicting feelings he had buried deep within himself. Pondering the previous night hadn't exactly worked out to his favor which left him fairly confused afterward. The only difference between the night before and now, was that now he was fairly confused...in the morning. He wondered how late it was, but then those eyes widened in sudden realization. He had to get her back there and quickly. Folken's hand lowered, giving Catherine a light shake. She stirred a tad, but just went back to her dreaming.
"Catherine..." He nudged her again.
She didn't move.
"Catherine, wake up!"
Still, there was no progress.
Gritting his teeth, Folken thought for a moment. Yelling would draw too much attention to his room, which was something he didn't want, especially at that time. He had to take a much more subtle approach, rather than shaking her violently. Though, before he could come up with any other solutions to this problem, Catherine's head turned upward to face him and her lips parted slightly. The sorcerer found his gaze locked on them and he bit on the inside of his cheek. Would that really be a wise idea? Well, it wouldn't mean anything...just a wake up kiss. Something that he could blame as a last resort to rousing her from sleep. Folken narrowed his eyes in resolution, before he wetted his lips, slowly lowering his head to her own. Clumps of silver-blue fell over his features and eventually his mouth connected with her own. He was stunned at how delicate those plush tiers could feel. After a moment of holding the kiss, Folken found himself even more surprised...that Catherine was returning it.
His lids cracked open and he snapped away from her quickly, clearing his throat. Catherine opened her eyes, staring up at him for a long while. A smile touched her lips and she threw herself at him, flinging her arms around his neck. Folken's eyes widened somewhat and after a bit of flailing, he went tumbling off the bed with Catherine atop him. One lid closed painfully, yet he still found himself hugged by the girl.
"Folken! Folken, I'm so glad..."
"Glad...?"
"That you like me too!"
"What? I never said--"
"You didn't have to. Just by kissing me like that, you proved it. Oh, I thought you did like me. And now I know for sure!"
"W-wait, Catherine..."
"Now we won't have to be so lonely and when I get out of here I can introduce you to my father. I'm sure he would like you since you're the prince of Fanelia. And then, I could convince father to let you and I get married...and then we--"
"Huh?! Marriage...? I...think you're going a bit too far, Catherine."
"Oh! Hehe," She smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, but I'm just so happy you feel the same way about me!"
Folken shook his head quickly, "You misunderstand, Catherine. I never said that. And I didn't mean to make you think that when I kissed you. I was only trying to get you to wake up. I'm sorry, I just don't feel the same way about you..."
"But...you...you went through all the trouble of bringing me in here. I thought that meant...that you..." Catherine's eyes welled up with tears.
"I'm sorry. I told you, I needed time to think about it...I couldn't just make that decision over night. There are many consequences involved in this situation and I can't just jump into something like--"
"I don't care, Folken! I don't care because I...because I love you!" And with those words, the fourteen year old pushed herself up to her feet and took off out of the room.
"Love...me...?" Folken sat still for a moment, dumbfounded by her words. It took some time to register that she had run away from him, but once it settled in, he swiftly pushed himself up to his feet. He had no way of knowing for certain where she had gone, but followed a few instinctive twists and turns until he skid to a complete halt near the Vione's balcony.
Sure enough, Catherine stood there silently. The morning air pushed its way through soft brown strands, causing them to billow out in his direction. Sunlight played gloriously over her form, illuminating the pale skin with its lively glow. Folken noticed a few crystalline droplets descend from her cheeks and sparkle all the way downward. He sighed and then took a step forward, which caused Catherine to tighten.
"Leave me alone, Folken! Go away! Go back to your room and just let me be..."
"No. I can't do that. Look, I'm supposed to be watching you and keeping you safe..."
"I don't care about any of that anymore. I just want to go back home and be with my family. I just want someone to care about me and hold me. Unlike you, Folken, if I could go back home...I would. I'm sick of my life right now. Sick of all the horrible things and I just want it to end!" She climbed up on the rail, and then glanced back at him. "Good-bye, Folken. Things should be easier for you without me around..."
"Catherine...stop!" He moved forward again.
"Don't come any closer to me! Just stay back there..."
There was another step in advance, "You don't want to do this really. You had ample opportunity to jump before I arrived...but you didn't."
A soft breath caught in her throat, and her brows twitched together as she just glanced over the other side, toward the ground below. The majority of her wanted to leap down, and for once be free of all of this torment the Vione was bringing to her. Still, she remained frozen in her spot for whatever reason, and any will to jump left her body once she felt the warmth of Folken's live hand lay itself upon her shoulder.
"Come back, Catherine. Let's get you back to my room where you can calm down for a little while. Perhaps some breakfast...would help?" Folken offered a faint smile, trying with all his might to make her feel better.
Catherine glanced back at him, and then closed her eyes, forcing all the tears to scatter from them. She looked toward him again, and then admitted silent defeat by climbing down to the floor once more. Suddenly, her frame was pulled up against Folken's own, and she felt his arms surround her tightly. Lips parted some, but then closed as she allowed her entire body to relax in the embrace.
"You little idiot...did you think that killing yourself would make matters any better...?" Folken furrowed a brow, but continued to hold onto her...almost as though never wanting to let her go.
"I...I didn't know what to think. I just...wanted to escape. From this place, from you...from my feelings..." Those words were whispered, and she couldn't contain the tears anymore, even by closing her eyes. "I don't want to be here, if it means just feeling so sad all the time. I thought that you could give me happiness...because I really do love you, Folken...I really do..."
"Catherine..." He spoke quietly, and then blinked as her body went lax in his arms. "Catherine?!"
One hand raised, brushing her forehead, and those eyes widened. The girl was burning up from fever. He didn't know why he hadn't realized it before that she was ill. And so, Folken quickly changed his position, gathering her in his arms, and lifting her so that he could carry her back to his room.
"I will take care of you, Catherine. Not because you're my responsibility...but because I care about you. Please...hang on..."