Chapter 13: Celebration
The War for Lavasteam was pretty much over. Almost all, perhaps all, of the Civilians were freed from the Shadow's influence, and the main town was taken by the combined forces of Michael's men and Watersong's army.
The celebration was beautiful. On a high cliff face was built a massive, steampunk ballroom, rivaling even the art of Watersong in beauty.
The theme was, of course, stampunk. Men wore engineer's outfits, and the women wore dresses that looked like they were made of Iron and bronze, but they obviously weren't because they were lightweight and fabric-made.
Heather sat, alone at a table, quietly drinking fruit punch while eating from the buffet table. Mari and Jowee were at the balcony, watching the fireworks display. (in such quick time, Lavasteam showed that it, apparently, was ALWAYS prepared for a party.)
Heather would have joined them, except she was still frightened, and a little ashamed, of what had happened earlier.
She realized that the Shadow inside her was a serious problem. If she succumbed to it, she would probably be just as much of a threat as The Queen. Perhaps even more so.
Suddenly, Michael walked over to her, and sat by her side.
"Are you ok?" He asked. "I know what happened earlier must be frightening, but... that's not who you are. At least, I think. I don't know you that well yet."
Heather laughed a little. "Thanks, that was really reassuring."
"I just wanted to make sure you were ok." He said. "I for one think that you're a very brave person. It's not every day that you see an 8 year old do what an adult would be expected of. I mean, I do it, but I was trained since birth."
"Thanks." She replied. Then she pause. "Um, you're blushing."
"Oh, I am?" Michael asked. "Excuse me."
He began to walk off.
"No, it's fine." Heather called. Michael looked back at her, and she patted the seat next to her.
Michael sat back down and looked at her.
"The truth is," Heather said, "I'm really impressed about what you've been doing ever since you got here."
Michael's ears perked up. "You are?"
"Yeah." Heather said. "Being a Military Commander, a Warrior, defeating powerful enemies, inspiring full-grown Raposa to follow you into battle, and your only 8! If anyone here was brave, it would be you. Your probably one of the bravest people I've met."
Michael couldn't help but smile. "Thank you." He said.
Suddenly, the slow dance music started.
"Do you-" Michale began.
"Do you want to dance?" Heather said. "Because I would like to."
Michale smiled. "It would be an honor." He said.
Heather giggled, then took his hand.
Mari and Jowee stood, together, outside the ballroom, looking out over a balcony, to the city/town below. Fireworks lit up the sky.
"Man," Jowee said. "For a factory island, Lavastream knows how to party."
"I know." Mari said. "It almost makes me forget completely about the war."
Jowee gulped a little. "Mari?"
Mari looked at him. "Yes?"
"When the war is over," he began, "What will you do?"
Mari laughed a little. "Well, I'll make sure everyone's both free of the Shadow's control, and happy." She said. "Then I'd start thinking about long term projects.
Jowee's ears perked up. "Like?"
Mari sighed. "You know, basic stuff. Expanding the village, finding someone to share power with. Eventually, having an heir."
Okay, Jowee thought. This is the moment, man. No backing down. It's already kinda obvious that she likes you, and you like her. So just do it. You hear me!? JUST, DO IT!
"Mari, I've been thinking." he said.
"Yeah?"
He turned to her and looked her in the eye. They were so close to each other, Jowee couldn't help but blush. But he didn't care.
Alright. He thought. Time to come clean.
"You said something about finding someone. Why look for someone, when he's standing right in front of you?"
Mari blushed suddenly. "You mean..."
"Well, yeah." Jowee said. "Mari...I-... I love you. I always have."
There was silence for a moment.
"Every time I look at you," He said. "I feel like I'm more of a person. We've been friends for such a long time, I can't even imagine life without you. You're an irreplaceable part of my life. I look at you, and... I-I'm home."
Mari smiled. "Stop, silly." She said. "You're making me cry."
Jowee pointed at the sky. "Look at the sky."
Mari looked up. The sky was, despite the factory aesthetic, completely clear, and full of stars.
"Each of those stars." Jowee said. "I think the Creator drew them, only for you."
Mari smiled, wiping a tear from her eyes. "That was the most cheesy flirtation I've ever heard. And you know what? I love it."
Jowee smiled.
And then, they kissed.
Last time, Jowee was half asleep, and so was Mari. But this. They were both fully conscious, fully aware. In fact, both of them felt that they were more awake and alive than they've ever been before.
In that moment, the Fireworks display was doubled by the Fireworks display of joy and love, launched inside Jowee and Mari's minds and souls, in that moment linked and conjoined.
Then they stopped kissing, and held each other close, looking deep, deep, deep into each others eyes.
"Mari," Jowee said. "When the war ends, I want to spend my life with you. I want to help you run the Village, in any way I can. We already live in the same house, so no moving is needed."
"I'd love that." Mari said. "I really would."
This was the greatest day of Jowee and Mari's lives. In that moment, they both knew exactly what one thought of the other.
Everyone was dancing. Mayor Rose and Mow were doing the waltz together. Weather than was jokingly or a sing that they were in a relationship, was irrelevant. The point was, everyone was having a good time.
Even Heather, who was dancing with Michael.
And so, Mari and Jowee took each others hands.
And they danced the night away.