First off, I deeply apologize to my loyal Newfound Love fans, because an update is long overdue. I am in no way abandoning it, however. That story is a document of my growth as a writer, and I will not take it down or abandon it no matter what. I apologize that it's taking so long; I barely find enough time to write down the thoughts that pop into my head now that high school has started .
Thank you all for the support for this story, and please, continue to leave your comments! They make my day and let me know if there's anything wrong (or right) with my writing.
PS I decided the change the story description. I didn't like the previous one that much since when I wrote it I was still unsure of the plot. Hopefully the new one is a little better?
Anyways, enjoy a somewhat short chapter~
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"What happened to her?"
"Is she okay?"
"Why won't she respond?"
My eyes were open, but they didn't see. I was breathing, but I didn't feel alive. I barely heard all those hushed words, and I was vaugley aware when they stopped, probably ushered out of the room. I was sitting in a chair, drained of life as the events replayed again and again in my mind. The tormenting cycle broke momentarily as I felt a soft texture brush my hands. My face, however, still betrayed no sort of reaction.
"Lady Marta, I must give you my sincere apologies. It took me longer than usual to locate you when you went missing, as something intangible was restraining my powers. I'm terribly sorry for-"
"It's fine, Tenebrae," I mumbled, my voice barely audible. I couldn't find the physical willpower in me to talk any louder, or even raise my gaze from the ground. My voice, raspy and almost gone entirely at this point, barely managed to add just a few more words.
"It wasn't your fault."
Tenebrae heard me, regardless. He nodded his head, realizing that I needed some time to myself. It was better, I decided, to numb the pain and shut people out, than to open up and have all the emotions come tumbling out all at once. Regardless of my determination to keep it all in, tears began to fill my eyes as my brain returned to the endless footage of my breaking. I felt a hand cup my chin gently and turn my face towards theirs, successfully pulling me out of my daze. My eyes met with Emil's, his usually bright orbs clouded with worry. My limp body betrayed my deadened expression, as tears began to drip off my cheeks. I felt my body shake as I hiccuped quietly. Despite all this, the only thing I was aware of was Emil's pained expression as he looked at me, his face a few inches from mine as searched my eyes for any sort of reaction or emotion.
"Marta...I know you're tired, but do think you're up for greeting the group? Everyone's waiting for us." Emil's face seemed to hold so much worry and guilt that I thought he might break down if I continued to ignore him. After mentally reminding myself how to move, I nodded slowly. Emil let out a sigh of relief and smiled at me, wiping my involuntary tears away all the while struggling to contain his. He took a shaky breath, still trying to maintain a reassuring smile despite the tears brimming in his eyes as he gently touched the bruise on my cheekbone. Leaning in and kissing my forehead, he whispered to me, "I love you so much. Please don't forget it."
For the first time since the incident, I felt my heart beat. In that moment, I was reminded that I was still alive, that I was still a living, breathing, feeling human being. Emil grabbed my hand, gently pulling me to stand up. After I was standing (barely), I began to feel the aching of my body. I looked down at myself for the first time, rather numbly staring at the purple bruises that marked up my pale skin and the scabs over my knees from trying to get away. Noticing this, Emil pulled me into his chest, holding me gently as if I were a porcelain doll, not minding or not noticing my limp form and inability to hug him back. However, I quickly found out that much like myself, Emil was holding in a lot of strong emotions as well. I felt his body tremble violently as tears flowed freely down his face, the emotional strain too much to keep in. He grit his teeth, holding me tightly against his lean figure. "I'm so sorry, Marta," he sobbed. "I'm sorry I was late and I'm sorry I dragged you into all this Reti stuff. I don't even care if you hate me for it, in fact, you more than anything have the right to. Just...please...you don't deserve to have your life taken away from you just because of my failure." Emil's voice began cracking at the end, his grip on me tightening slightly. Slowly, I felt the numbness drain away, his touch and warmth and smell slowly bringing me back to reality. In a split second, I suddenly began to blink rapidly as my vision cleared and the feeling returned to my body. I inhaled deeply, feeling the air rush down my throat as I finally stopped trying to hold it all in. I grabbed at Emil's shirt rather aggressively, taking enormous fists of the fabric as I slunk into his figure and sobbed, letting all the terror and pent up emotions that had raged inside me for far too long. Emil caressed my hair, the familiar gesture helping to comfort my trembling body.
"E-Emil..." I choked out, followed by a new sequence of sobs. "I-I...could n-never...h...hate...you." As I cried myself out into his shirt, the quick breaths I drew in shakily began to make me feel lightheaded, and my knees caved in. Emil sunk down to his knees to support me as I fell. Never had I ever felt more love for him as I did in that moment. His support meant the world to me, despite me being a shaky, sobbing mess. Finally, I released Emil, trying to calm my violent shaking as I looked at him, eyes red and puffy and nose running, most certainly looking like an unattractive heap of a girl. I wiped at my face, noticing the big wet spot I left on Emil's shirt. Despite my embarrassment, Emil just smiled, his bright green eyes twinkling at me and filled with so much raw emotion that it tore at my heart. He caressed the skin under my eyes with his thumbs, wiping away any traces of tears that might have been left behind.
"I don't know what I did to deserve someone like you," he told me quietly. Emil leaned down to kiss me softly on the lips. I leaned into him, pulling him closer by his shirt and rather firmly pressing our lips together. I had believed that the trauma of my previous situation would prevent me from feeling this anymore, but in that moment, I understood that it was the only thing making me feel alive, the only thing I had to keep me going these days: the chance to be with Emil. I desperately reached my hands upward, throwing my arms over his shoulders and grabbing fistfuls of his sandy hair as the kiss got increasingly more passionate. With every kiss we shared, every breath he and I took, every form of contact between us was electric. It buzzed through me, taking away every bad thought and every trace of fear that had plagued me since last night. I never wanted him to stop, and he didn't. When he left my lips so I could breathe, he nuzzled his face in my neck, kissing me tenderly. I knew that he felt it too, this desire and need that bound us together without any sort of lust clouding our minds. That's not to say that it wasn't there, but we both knew that we didn't need it right now. Just being together, this feeling of companionship and love, was all I needed. Emil's lips kissed my neck and jawline, making me sigh his name softly. I held him close, my hands buried in his flaxen hair, just relishing the feeling of him here, with me, saving me from drowning in the abyss of despair. He eventually pulled away from my neck, instead wrapping his bronzed arms around my fragile figure. I closed my eyes and just breathed in his scent, overwhelmed with love for my knight as I felt all the aching leave my body.
"Marta..." he called to me softly. I smiled, a genuine, confident smile that stretched across my lips and refused to go away, even as I pulled back.
Looking up at him, I finally found words. "Alright, I've stolen you long enough. Let's go say hi to everybody."
Emil smiled back at me, caressing my cheek. "Okay."
Interlocking my fingers with his, he led me through double doors to the ballroom, which was empty save for a handful of people. They all turned their head as we arrived, and I couldn't help but smile at all the astonished faces. It was Genis who broke the silence first.
"Emil? Is that really you?" The boy's words rung through the room, everyone else silently voicing the same thought.
I looked at him and grinned reassuringly, releasing his hand and playfully pushing him towards them. Emil stumbled forward a bit from the force of my shove, but regained composure quickly.
"Yeah, it's...really me."
Suddenly, the entire ballroom was filled with exuberant shouts as the group rushed over towards us. Colette wrapped me in a tight hug, squealing, "Oh, I just knew it was you and Emil I heard!"
I pulled back for a second, raising an eyebrow at the blonde angel. "Wait...what exactly are you talking about?"
Colette covered her face as a cherry hue filled her cheeks. "U-um...well I could kinda...hear you guys outside..."
Soon, my entire face was red as I suddenly remembered her angelically enhanced senses. "O-oh...right. U-um...did you hear...words?"
Colette's face turned even redder as she continued, "Uh, not really, since there were lots voices in here, but I did hear...lots of...um...you know." I covered my face, my cheeks burning. The ever-cheerful blonde smiled gently at me, placing her hand on my shoulder as her usual visage returned. "Don't worry, it's alright. I'm just glad you two get a chance to be together."
I smiled back at her, looking into her gentle cerulean eyes. "Thank you, Colette."
She nodded and went over to see Emil. I laughed a little at seeing how red he was from all the attention. Of course, I got plenty of it myself as well. Lloyd, after clapping Emil on the back and announcing how glad he was that he didn't say goodbye, came over to me and gave me a long hug.
"Long time no see," he said, and I giggled as I hugged the swordsman back.
"Yeah, seriously. It's really nice to see you all again," I replied. Lloyd let go of me and flashed a grin before leaving to go talk to everyone else. I laughed; Lloyd, though an adult, still had the attention span of a kid. I noticed Colette beam at the red-clad swordsman, clasping one of his gloved hands between her own while jumping up and down with excitement. Lloyd's eyes softened as he locked his gaze with the excitable angel, an unmistakable expression of love on his face. I went over to go say hello to the Sage siblings, who were standing off to the side with Presea and discussing something rather seriously between themselves. They all turned towards me as I walked up to them, and a giant grin appeared on Genis' childish features.
"Marta! Man, isn't it great that Emil's back? I thought for sure we'd lost him down there, but I've never been happier to be wrong," he told me. I smiled nervously.
"Yeah, I guess," I said, trying to brush it off casually as I was sure he wouldn't be as happy when he found out the truth. Unfortunately, Genis didn't buy it.
"You know, Marta, I can see straight through your answer," the half-elf bragged, pointing an accusing finger straight at me. "I know what you're hiding."
I bit my lip, nervous. "Y-you do?"
Genis crossed his arms, smirking as I inconspicuously wiped my clammy palms on my skirt. "Yep! See, I know you're trying to play it cool, but don't think we couldn't hear you guys outside doing all thaAAH OW RAINE OWW!" Raine cut Genis off as she yanked on his long ear roughly, frowning at him. As my face flushed, I made a mental note to refrain from
Raine pulled on her younger brother's ear again, causing him to flinch. "Don't push it, Genis. Unless, of course, you'd like Presea to see what happens when you misbehave," The researcher threatened, letting go of Genis' ear.
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry!" he apologized, rubbing his ear. Presea smiled at the young silverette gently before turning towards me. I noticed a faint blush on her cheeks, but didn't mention it.
"Marta, how have you been?" she asked seriously, her crystalline pale blue eyes boring into mine.
"Aside from feeling somewhat violated by all these people with freakishly good hearing, I've never been happier," I replied, mustering up a grin that didn't reach my eyes. I knew it was a blatant lie. In fact, I didn't think I'd ever been so ripped up inside before, but I didn't want to trample their good moods right now. There will be plenty of time for that later, I thought sadly.
Presea continued to stare at me, her intelligent cobalt eyes seeming to see right through me. "I'm...happy to hear that," she replied in a rather monotone voice. An silence passed between us.
"Alright, well, I'd better release you all now. I'm sure you all are excited to be reuinted with everyone elsel," I told them halfheartedly, looking for an escape from all the intensive stares. Raine smiled at me gently, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"It's nice to see you again, Marta," she told me, before walking off to speak with Regal.
I bit my lip, blinking back tears. I couldn't stand lying to them all much longer. Looking over at Emil, I could see the slight pain on his face as he smiled, and I knew he felt the same. I quickly strode over to Emil, placing my hands on his shoulder and gently pulling him down to my height. I placed my mouth beside his ear.
"I can't lie to them any longer, Emil," I whispered, looking over at all the laughing and smiling people of our reunited group. The only two who looked as uncomfortable as us were Zelos and Sheena, the only other people who knew the truth about Emil's return. They were mumbling to each other, Zelos looking dead serious the entire time. Emil looked at me and nodded in silent agreement.
He cleared his throat and intertwined my fingers with his, squeezing my hand. "Um, everybody, can we please have your attention?" Unfortunately, his voice came out rather feeble and I didn't have the guts to do it myself, either. Luckily, Zelos did.
"Hey, everybody! Be quiet! Emil has something to say!" he yelled, silencing everyone with his serious expression. I looked up at Emil, his jaw set and his eyebrows drawn together, green eyes darkening as he focused on the subject at hand. My eyes widened suddenly, and I felt my face heat up as a single thought went through my mind: when did he get so...sexy? I turned away, trying to calm my flaming cheeks. He was definitely pushing the limits of my self-restraint right then.
"Alright, firstly, I want to deeply apologize for what I'm about to say in advance," Emil began, a rather pained visage taking over his features as he continued speaking. "I wish I could say that I returned to live out a normal life here, but...then I'd be lying to you all."
I quickly scanned the faces of our audience, most faces seemed confused, or saddened, except for Raine. She still had this cool air about her, as if she had expected it. I then noticed Tenebrae at her side. So that's where he's been, I thought. Well, if that's the case, Raine probably already knows. I knew few things got past the researcher's observant and analytical personality.
Emil took a deep breath. "Ratatosk actually sent me back to take care of one of the demons that escaped from the Ginnungagap. His name is Reti, and given the time, he has the potential to destroy the world we fought so hard to protect. Marta and I have already had the pleasure of a rendezvous with him, and-." Emil's voice caught, and he squeezed his eyes shut, pressing his lips together into a tight line as he fought what no doubt was raging guilt over dragging me into this. I touched his arm gently, continuing for him.
"This guy is much more powerful than anything we've seen. He's even more powerful than Ratatosk himself. Emil and I didn't even stand a chance. So, this is where you all come in," I finished with a heavy sigh. "I know this is probably the worst thing that you could hear, but...we really need your help in saving the world. Again. There's no way Emil and I can do this alone."
Internally I cringed as I waited for exasperated sighs and shouting. My brain began to spiral into despair, wondering how in the world I could ask this of people who deserved a peaceful life a billion times over.
Lloyd stepped forward. There was a long, unbearable piece of time where everyone was silent.
"Well, I don't know about everyone else, but I still have plenty of fight left in me." The swordsman clenched a fist, grinning cockily. "Besides, sounds like somebody's gotta teach this bastard a lesson."
All my breath left me in a sigh of relief, and I grinned. "Thank you, Lloyd."
"I'll fight. I wanna help, too!" Colette chimed, stepping forward as well. One by one, they began to step forward.
"Reti won't know what hit him," Genis replied, grinning as he took his place with Lloyd and Colette.
"I won't let my friends be hurt," Presea stated, stepping forward.
"I believe it would be beneficial for me to accompany you as well," Regal added, joining them.
Raine chuckled. "And you'll be mistaken if you think I won't be coming along," she said, taking her place in the group as well.
Zelos shot his fist into the air, earning an eye roll from Sheena. "Alright! Time for Round 3!" he cheered.
Sheena crossed her arms. "Well, if I'm not there, who'll take care of that idiot?" She motioned towards Zelos, who in turn walked over and wrapped his arm around her waist.
"Aw, come on hunny, we all know deep down, you LIKE me!" Zelos shouted, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and pulling her into a sideways hug.
Sheena scoffed, pushing him away roughly. "Don't call me hunny, Zelos."
Zelos smirked, looking straight into the ninja's dark eyes. "Oh? Do you prefer Sheena Fujibayashi, the beautiful ninja who has stolen my heart?"
Sheena's eyes widened dramatically, her cheeks practically radiating heat as stood, momentarily frozen from shock. "S-stop kidding around!" she yelled finally, pushing him away with newfound ferocity, the blush never once leaving her cheeks.
I giggled, finally feeling a genuine happiness. Looking at Emil, the way his phosphorescent eyes shone, I knew he felt the same. The support of all our friends and their readiness to help us made me realize how incredibly selfless these people were, just being able to drop everything to help a friend in need without complaining once. I was certain that nothing could ruin this moment.
However, as this was seemed to be becoming the usual thing for me, I was very wrong.
A sudden pain shot into my chest, the shock and intense pain causing me to cry out and stumble backwards into Emil. He caught me, stabilizing me by holding my arms. I could hear him calling to me, but I could't respond as a sudden exhaustion sweep through me, causing my legs to give out from under me. I collapsed onto the floor, barely conscious. Vaguely I heard Emil call to me desperately before the pain began to rip through me with new ferocity, an intense and excruciating experience I could only describe as someone wrapping their fingers around my heart and suddenly crushing it. I let out a strangled scream, my head pounding and my body shaking. I couldn't catch my breath, either. All I was aware of was the pain, the intense, white-hot pain that seemed to attempt to crush my heart into oblivion. Suddenly, however, as I shakily tried to get gulps of air, I felt that death grip on my heart loosen, and then tighten again in a few violent seconds. The pain was indescribable. My head began to throb as I threw it back and screamed, tears dripping down my cheeks. I shouted to anyone who'd listen, yelling and hoping someone could make it stop.
I'm terribly sorry for causing your all this pain, a voice rang out, a very insincere and sadistic tone amongst the words. Suddenly, I felt the pain begin fade away as my heartbeat began to slow down. However, as the last of my strength was leaving my body, I realized that my heart wasn't just slowing down.
It was stopping.
