I'm Tired

Chapter 15: Emperor's Birthday

The investigations for 'Emerald' have begun. Even though I already know who it is.

Even with someone plotting against me and the Emperor, we still continued his birthday, in hopes to find the suspect.

I walked into the ballroom holding my father's hand. It's his birthday and I have no idea how old he is. I looked up to see his face. Is he 20-years-old?

He seemed to notice my confused face and shook his head slightly. I frowned a little, confused even more.

Ballroom music flowed all around, creating a lively atmosphere. The chatter and gossip from nobles could be heard from every corner. An arrangement of food could be found near the wall, maids and butlers scurrying around trying to appease everyone with appetizers. Gifts were piled up in a corner, offerings to the king. Speaking of the king, Claude was sitting in a regal chair. While he was talking to other nobles such as Sir Rogers, his eyes occasionally shifted around the room. Looking for 'Emerald', I assumed.

I walked around, greeting everyone politely. I was dragged into boring conversations over and over. Looking around, I tried to spot Lucas. Lucas was in the corner, alone. I'm surprised he even attended. Rather predictably, I grew quite hungry. I decided to serve myself some food. I looked around and saw one that looked delicious, almost perfect. However, upon walking over to try and grab some, an odd smell hit my nose instead of the heavenly bliss I expected. Frowning, I took a step back before walking away. I decided to avoid it, it could be a trick from 'Emerald'.

Thunk!

A knife whizzed past me, barely grazing my face. It embedded itself in the wall, almost stabbing a few people. A small trickle of blood fell down my cheek, horror rippling throughout the crowd of nobles. Looking over at my father, his eyes were narrowed, the look of 'I knew it' on his face.

"Ugh!" Came a frustrated cry. My eyes looked toward the cause of the sound. Jennette. She was angrily pointing at a shadowy corner, yelling. "Can't you do anything right?! You incompetent fool!"

A cloaked figure jumped out from the corner, landing on the floor soundlessly. Their footsteps were feathery, almost silent. I would have never noticed them. They slowly approached Jennette before bowing before her. "Emerald, I apologize."

Gasps were heard from all over the room. Jennette Margarita was the fearsome Emerald?!

"I can't believe you." Jennette scoffed. "You are one of the most trained assassins ever, and yet you missed?!"

"That's the thing!" The assassin protested. "I wasn't supposed to be off mark! Something interfered!"

"Nonsense!" Jennette yelled. "You are just a fool, and if you can't do it.."

Jennette yanked the knife from out of the wall, slashing the assassin and killing them. Turning to me with a bloodthirsty look, Jennette grinned maniacally. "I'll do it myself."

I had exactly two seconds to realize what was happening. Jennette was charging at me, a swirling black ooze trailing behind her. I paled, before slipping to the side, the knife missing me, but the black magic was intoxicating. It filled my lungs, my nostrils, my heart. It hurt so much, I wanted to claw my limbs off.

Through a black fog, I could see Lucas rushing towards me and Jennette being apprehended, but...

Everything else was a blur.

Closing my eyes, I fell into deep, cold water.

Darkness, solitude, quietness. The feeling of drowning, unable to breathe.

I felt this once. It was when I was dying.

Am I leaving? I don't want to leave.

"Why do you not want to leave?"

I finally found a reason to live. You can't take me now.

"What's your reason?"

A loving father and lover. I finally get to feel their warmth that I desperately clinged on to.

"So you finally found your reason, I'm proud of you." A figure appears. I can see her golden hair and magenta eyes.

Mother?

"You finally passed. I'm sorry for everything you went through."

What do you mean?

"Well, that butterfly tattoo will fade away." I check to see my tattoo slowly disappearing into dust.

"The mark was to let you reincarnate every time you died and lived a miserable life. I didn't think it was such a burden. I'm also sorry about you having to kill people. It wasn't my intention, but I had to break some of your innocence for you to grow stronger."

Tears invaded my eyes. Was all that suffering for my happiness worth it? I suppose it was, because without it, I wouldn't have met Lucas or father.

"Momma.." My voice cracked. Diana's gaze softened.

"It's alright, child." Mother walked towards me, bringing me into a tight embrace. "I'm sorry for having you suffer. You did well. Now, go. Be happy with your family and finally rest."

Turning around, I saw Lucas and Claude. Lucas was calling out my name, begging me to wake up.

I reached my hand out...

____

A/N:

HOLY FUCK!

The story might be ending soon?!!

or not...

I don't even know what to write for the finale, might just put in filler chapters until I figure it out.

I have some extras for when the main story ends and some crack you might like.

Oh yeah, thanks for being patient for the past few weeks. My courses changed right when I had progress reports coming. I really put the labor in Labor Day. 

Author-chan: Editor-san is making me practice writing fluff, SAVE ME-

Editor-san: Oh no you don't. Get back here.

Author-chan: NOO!! I only want to write angst and depressing things-

*Author-chan has left the chat*

Editor-san: *clears throat* She'll be fine...I don't even get paid enough for this.

Author-chan: *muffled noises* You don't even get paid?!

Word Count: 811