A/N
This story is unedited so apologies for grammatical and spelling errors if any.
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Fiora (POV)
We gathered in my dad's study for 'the conversation,' the tension in the room palpable. My parents' stern gazes weighed heavily on Zack and me, and I could feel the anxiety rising.
"So, how did this happen?" my mother asked, breaking the silence. Her tone was a mix of concern and frustration.
Earlier, I had gone to Zack's room to call him for dinner, and things had gotten a bit out of hand. My parents walked in on us at the worst possible moment. They knew our relationship wasn't strictly professional, but seeing us in such a compromising situation had clearly rattled them.
"Nothing, Mother. You're overreacting," I said, trying to downplay the situation.
"Really? Am I?" my mother retorted, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Zack.
Zack, visibly flustered and turning a deep shade of red, struggled to find his words. "Mrs. Mary, I'll take responsibility," he blurted out, clearly anxious.
"What responsibility? And Mother, it's nothing like that. Stop terrorizing him," I interjected, hoping to calm things down.
"Fine, if you say so," my father chimed in, though his tone suggested he wasn't entirely convinced. He turned to Zack. "So, you both didn't have 'the talk'?"
I threw my hands up in frustration and looked at Zack, who smiled sheepishly and shook his head. His awkwardness only seemed to add to the tension.
"Seriously, Zack?" I exclaimed. "You're not helping here."
My father sighed deeply, leaning back in his chair. "Look, we just want to understand what's going on. You two are adults, but this... this isn't something we can just ignore."
Zack finally found his voice. "I understand, sir. I care deeply for her, and I want to do right by her. We didn't intend for things to happen this way."
My mother's stern expression softened slightly, her concern evident. "We just want to make sure you both know what you're getting into. Relationships aren't just about passion; they require commitment and understanding."
"I know, Mother. And we are committed to figuring this out together," I assured her, glancing at Zack for support.
He nodded earnestly. "Absolutely. I'm here for the long haul, and I'm ready to discuss everything openly and honestly."
My parents exchanged a look, a mixture of relief and residual concern passing between them. My father finally spoke. "Alright. Just promise us you'll communicate and take this seriously."
"We promise," Zack and I said in unison, a sense of relief washing over us.
As we left the study, I couldn't help but feel grateful for my parents' concern, even if their approach had been a bit intense. The tension had been palpable, but at least now we had their tentative blessing to navigate our relationship more openly. The underlying worry in their eyes reminded us to handle this situation with care and maturity.
We began our dinner in awkward silence. The clinking of utensils was the only sound, and the weight of unspoken words hung heavily in the air. My mother finally broke the silence while passing the spinach cottage cheese curry to Zack. "I always hoped to see you two together," she said softly. "I even tried to set up a blind date for you both, but you both refused so sternly. Even in the office, you barely glanced at each other..... After you saved Fiora from that accident, she showed a bit of interest, but it faded as soon as you left for home. Your father and I always thought you made a good pair.... but when we saw you were least interested in each other, we left you alone."
My father smiled warmly and nodded. "I remember your mother and I used to plan your wedding," he said with a nostalgic gleam in his eyes. "I hope whatever you two have will eventually blossom into marriage." He added, concern clearly viable in his eyes
I blushed heavily, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. On the other hand, Zack had a serene smile as if he were already a groom speaking to his father-in-law. How was he not reacting at all?
Zack finally spoke, his voice steady and sincere. "I appreciate your support and your hopes for us. Fiora and I have much to discuss and figure out, but I promise you, my intentions are genuine."
My heart fluttered at his words, and I glanced at him, finding comfort in his calm demeanour. "We'll take things one step at a time," I added, trying to reassure my parents and myself.
My mother smiled, her eyes softening. "That's all we ask. Just be honest with each other and with us."
The rest of the dinner proceeded with a more relaxed atmosphere. My parents shared stories from their youth, moments from their own relationship that had weathered various storms. Their anecdotes, filled with laughter and a few tears, helped bridge the initial awkwardness.
As we finished dinner, my father clapped Zack on the shoulder. "You're a good man, Zack. Just remember, this family stands by each other."
"Thank you, sir," Zack replied, his respect evident in his tone. "That means a lot to me."
After dinner, as we stepped outside for some fresh air, I looked at Zack, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. "Well, that went better than I expected."
Zack chuckled, taking my hand in his. "Your parents care about you deeply, and they just want to ensure you're happy and safe."
"I know," I sighed, leaning into him. "I'm just glad they didn't disown me on the spot."
Zack pulled me close, his warmth soothing my nerves. "We'll figure this out together, one step at a time."
As we stood there under the night sky, the stars twinkling above, I felt a renewed sense of hope, and I knew that together, we could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Can I ask you a question?" I said, looking up at Zack with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. He smiled warmly and nodded.
"Sure, what's on your mind?"
I hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "What are we?"
He tilted his head slightly, a frown forming on his face. "I don't quite understand what you mean," he said, his voice gentle but confused.
"Never mind," I quickly dropped the subject, my courage faltering. Maybe I was just scared of ruining whatever it was we had by defining it too soon. I knew that, eventually, I would have to confront this question, but not today. Not tomorrow. I wanted to delay it as long as possible.
Thankfully, Zack didn't push me further. After a while, another question popped into my head. "What did you talk to my parents about? I know it wasn't business," I said, my brows furrowing.
He laughed at my bluntness, a sound that was both comforting and infuriating. "I expressed my gratitude and explained who I was. I also told them about you and what you did in Vantora."
"What's Vantora?" I asked, genuinely puzzled.
"The city you were in. Our city. You didn't know the name of our city?" he replied, raising an eyebrow.
"I thought it was Vivity," I admitted, feeling a bit foolish.
"Vivity? That name is so old. The name changed like, two or three hundred years ago," he explained, chuckling softly.
"Oh, I see... My mistake. Sorry!" I said, feeling my cheeks heat up. In my excitement, I hadn't checked the city's current name.
We strolled in comfortable silence for a bit longer before heading back. A week later, we were preparing to leave to seek answers about my vision. I had a feeling something big was about to happen, and many mysteries would be revealed. I was scared, too scared. Should I just avoid it? What could really happen? I wondered to myself.
I zoned out, lost in thought, until Zack brought me back with a gentle nudge. He smiled and asked, "What were you thinking about?"
"Just... What if I stay here? It's not like the world would end, right?" I questioned my own thoughts, looking to Zack for reassurance.
"Fine by me. Stay here if you wish," he said calmly, almost too calmly.
"You don't want me to go with you? Aren't you supposed to give me strength to face my fears?" I asked, feeling a mix of frustration and sadness.
"Nope," he nodded. "My job is to keep you safe. If you're safe here, that's fine with me. I can visit you in probably every two to three months, and call you two or three times a week, also you can visit us anytime you like."
I sighed heavily, feeling a wave of disappointment wash over me. "You really aren't interested in me."
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"What made you think that?" he asked, genuinely curious, his eyes searching mine.
"So, you are?" I asked, a glimmer of hope in my voice. But, as usual, he didn't reply. He just smiled, leaving me hanging with my thoughts.
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Upon our return to Vantora, the first person I was eager to see was my Old Man. This time, I informed Zack and received his permission with a nod.
"Hello, hello, mic testing, mic testing," I transmitted through our mental link.
"Ung aiya," came his reply.
"Huh?" I responded, momentarily puzzled.
"Yes, child."
"Oh!" I exclaimed. "I've returned. Meet me at the waterfall."
"I can't right now, I'm occupied," he replied.
"No, you're not. Come, or I'll refuse to speak with you ever again," I playfully threatened.
"You're persistent," he remarked, and I couldn't help but giggle.
"Yes, I am. Hurry, I'll be waiting," I urged.
"Hmm, wait. I'll arrive in twenty minutes," he finally agreed.
"Alright, bye," I said, anticipation evident in my voice.
I made my way towards the waterfall, my heart brimming with joy and excitement, causing me to skip along the path practically. As I drew nearer, I discerned a figure emerging into view amidst the misty spray—it was a woman, sitting silhouetted against the cascading water, her back turned to me. For a moment, uncertainty flickered within me, tempting me to turn back. However, I had already committed to meeting the Old Man here, so I approached cautiously, choosing to maintain a respectful distance from the mysterious woman.
I gazed in her direction with a mixture of wonder and admiration, utterly captivated by her breathtaking beauty. Her complexion was flawless, akin to porcelain, exuding an ethereal radiance that seemed to glow against the backdrop of the waterfall. She was adorned in a mesmerizing blood-red two-piece ensemble, the fabric draping elegantly over her slender frame, accentuating her graceful curves. Her long, flowing black hair cascaded like a silken waterfall itself, pooling on the verdant grass in a shimmering veil that caught the sunlight with every movement. Though I could only see her side profile, it revealed delicate features—high cheekbones, a slender neck—that hinted at a face of sublime elegance and allure, leaving me spellbound in her presence.
I hadn't realized how long I had been standing there, captivated by her presence. Suddenly, she spoke without turning around, her voice as delicate as a whispering breeze, "Are you lost, child?"
Startled, I quickly replied, "No, sorry, I didn't mean to stare at you." Embarrassment tinged my voice.
She slowly turned her head towards me, and I was taken aback by her stunning beauty. Her features were exquisitely defined, almost ethereal in their delicacy. Her almond-shaped eyes, a deep and captivating shade of brown, seemed to sparkle in the sunlight, making them appear infinitely more alluring. Her lips were full and perfectly sculpted, adding to her enchanting presence. As my gaze traveled, I noticed her long, slender fingers, each movement graceful and almost otherworldly. She was, without a doubt, one of the most breathtakingly beautiful beings I had ever encountered.
"Wow," I exclaimed, placing my hands over my mouth. "You're beautiful."
My eyes must have been wide with awe. She chuckled at my reaction, and even her laugh was melodious. Oh my god, why am I simping for her? I'm a woman, but she's just so lovely.
"Danaywaad," she said.
"Huh?" I responded, confused.
"Aaam! You speak English, right?" she asked.
"Yes, I do," I replied.
"That meant 'Thank you,'" she explained.
"You're welcome!" I replied, hesitating for a moment before continuing. "Can I ask you a question?" I worried she might find me irritating, but she looked in my direction, smiled gracefully, and nodded.
"How do you have such long, healthy hair?" I asked.
She chuckled softly. "What's so amusing?" I inquired, puzzled.
"Your innocence," she replied. I tilted my head in confusion.
"I used to be like you," she elaborated. "Aware of the world's negativity, yet still dreaming of a fairy tale life. I never cared about what others thought of me—always cheerful and extremely mischievous."
"Will I be like you when I grow up?" I asked, curious.
Her eyes widened with horror. With a flick of her hand, seven fireballs ignited around me, rotating swiftly before she cast them into the waterfall.
"Never in your life wish for such an atrocity," she said, her brows furrowing in intensity. Her stern tone sent a shiver down my spine. Sensing my fear, she quickly softened her demeanor, spreading a warm smile across her face. Yet, I could still detect the lingering worry in her eyes
"You asked about having long, healthy hair?" she questioned, her tone slightly patronizing. But I didn't mind; I was too fascinated by the prospect of learning her secret. I nodded eagerly, a huge smile lighting up my face.
Just as she began to share her wisdom, I heard my Old Man's voice. My attention shifted instantly. I turned towards the sound, leaping up from the ground in excitement. He came into view, running towards me with a sense of urgency. Soon, he stood before me, catching his breath.
"Sorry, I'm late," he said between gasps.
I couldn't contain my joy. I dashed over to him and threw my arms around him, hugging him tightly. He hugged me back with equal warmth, his embrace filled with love and comfort. I savored the moment, feeling the warmth of his body and the familiarity of his presence.
We finally pulled apart, and I turned around excitedly to introduce him to the beautiful lady. To my astonishment, she had vanished without a trace. The spot where she had stood was now empty, as if she had dissolved into the mist of the waterfall. I scanned the area, my eyes searching for any sign of her, but she was gone. The only evidence of her existence was the lingering memory of her ethereal beauty
Suddenly, the Old Man appeared in front of me, his stance protective as he scanned the surroundings with a fierce intensity. His eyes darted back and forth, searching for any sign of danger.
"What happened?" I asked, my voice tinged with concern at his sudden change in demeanor.
He gradually relaxed, turning towards me with a reassuring, albeit weary, smile. "Nothing, really. I just sensed a powerful energy nearby. Maybe I'm just getting old, and my senses are starting to play tricks on me," he said, attempting to brush it off lightly.
"That's true, though," I teased, "your wrinkles are showing."
He chuckled, the sound deep and comforting, and ruffled my hair. "Cheeky as ever, I see."
"Come on, let's go. I have so much to tell you," I said, grabbing his hand.
As we walked away from the waterfall, I couldn't help but glance back one last time, half-expecting the mysterious woman to reappear. The air felt charged, almost electric, but there was no sign of her.
"Are you sure everything's okay?" I asked again, unable to shake off the feeling of unease.
"Yes, child," he replied, patting my hand gently. "It's probably nothing. Let's focus on your stories."
I launched into a recount of recent events, my excitement bubbling over. He listened intently, his eyes twinkling with affection and interest. As we walked, the landscape around us began to shift from the dense greenery near the waterfall to the familiar paths of Vantora.
He stopped abruptly and said, "I can't go any further."
"Okay, then let's head back to the waterfall," I suggested, and he nodded in agreement.
As we retraced our steps, my curiosity got the better of me. "So, tell me," I began, my curiosity piqued, "have you ever encountered anything like that energy before?" The Old Man's expression grew serious, his gaze distant as memories seemed to flicker behind his eyes.
"Once, a long time ago," he replied solemnly, "and I never want to sense that again. It's why I was on high alert."
"What do you think it was?" I pressed, feeling a mix of fear and fascination.
"I can't be sure," he admitted with a sigh, "but I have a faint inkling. If I'm right, this is not a good sign."
We continued our walk in silence, his words weighing heavily on my mind. The day had begun with excitement and joy, but now it was shrouded in mystery and caution.
"Don't worry, child. It's probably nothing. Even if it is something, it's likely those magic holders doing some strange experiments," he reassured me, trying to ease my concern.
"If you say so," I replied, choosing to trust his judgment for now. "Do you prefer sweet or savory food?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Sweets are okay, but savoury is love," I replied with a smile, pushing aside my lingering unease and focusing on the present moment.
He chuckled softly at my response, his eyes crinkling with warmth. "Ah, a fellow savoury enthusiast," he remarked with a hint of amusement. "I'll have to remember that."
As we walked, the tension from earlier began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and familiarity. The path led us back towards the waterfall, where the air was filled with the gentle rush of water and the soothing sounds of nature.
"Thank you for coming to see me," I said sincerely, breaking the peaceful silence between us.
He smiled kindly. "Of course, child. It's always a pleasure to see you and hear about your adventures."
"I brought you something," he said with a warm smile, pulling out a lunch box from his side bag.
"What's that?" I asked, curiosity piqued.
"I thought you might like it," he replied kindly, passing the box to me.
I eagerly opened it and discovered a mini Veggie Spiral Pie with Spiced Tomato Sauce and Salad inside. My face lit up with happiness—it wasn't just the food itself, but the thoughtful gesture behind it that warmed my heart. I looked up at him, and he chuckled softly at my delighted expression. I playfully gave him a side-eye, which only made him laugh even harder.
"Can I eat it?" I asked eagerly, my mouth watering at the delicious sight before me.
"Go ahead," he said between laughs, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
I left the salad—I mean, who eats salad anyway?—and dove straight into the main course. The spiral was flaky and still warm, filled with the most delicious, well-spiced filling. The chunky tomato sauce was a chef's kiss; I absolutely loved it.
"Eat the salad too," he said in a fatherly scolding tone.
"No, who eats salad?" I replied defiantly.
"It's not bland, I put the dressing on it," he explained patiently.
I looked at the salad sceptically and reluctantly took the smallest bite possible. I could tolerate the dressing, but not the raw veggies.
"Just give me the dressing, I'll eat it on its own. But not with these leaves," I exclaimed.
"It's good for you," he insisted.
"I know, and I don't like it," I retorted, quickly returning to my delicious spiral.
"Kids these days," he exclaimed with a shake of his head.
I gave him a cheeky smile and continued enjoying my meal, while he dutifully ate the salad. But then he surprised me.
"Give me a bite," he said, extending his hand towards my spiral.
"Why?" I mock-horrified. "You have your yummy leaves."
He side-eyed me and reached out to take a piece of my pie. In a panic, I quickly shoved the entire remaining piece into my mouth. But he managed to grab a piece that was still in the container. I was petrified—he had taken my food!
I looked at him with a mix of hurt and teary-eyed disbelief.
He didn't stop there. I thought he would take a small bite, but he ate my spiral pie in one go. On top of that, he dared to laugh after finishing it off.
"You should have given it to me when I asked nicely," he teased, chuckling mischievously.
I was furious—burning hot angry—and that old man couldn't stop laughing. His laughter echoed through the peaceful surroundings, contrasting sharply with my simmering frustration.
I heard some rustling sound and quickly averted my gaze in that direction. There was Zack, appearing before me. I jumped up in the excitement and hugged him tightly, pseudo-crying as I complained about what had just happened. He smiled warmly at me and hugged me back reassuringly.
Turning around to continue my complaints, I noticed the Old Man's expression had turned stern. I glanced at Zack and saw that his expression mirrored the Old Man's seriousness. Without a word, the Old Man swiftly packed up all the containers.
Sensing the tension in the air, I quickly went to help the Old Man. He gave me a stiff smile of acknowledgement, and before he left, he placed his hands on my head in a gesture of blessing. Then, both he and Zack exchanged a very stiff bow with each other.
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A/N
Word count:- 3400
Hello, my lovely readers, I hope you all are doing well
Here, is the 32nd chapter of my book
I hope you all liked it and have a great day ahead
Ok
Thank you
Love you
bye:)
Until next time
Happy reading 💐
Date:- 22/06/2024