16. Goodbye.

A few days passed. All these days, August's mood was worse than ever. Although Lapis did not know him for long, the parting still hit him hard. He tried not to show that he was sad, but he was not very good at it. The Gems quickly noticed that he was sad for a few days.

--- August, are you feeling ill ?

--- What ? No, of course not ! I am completely healthy.

--- In the last few days, we have noticed that you are very sad. You often think, sigh. Are you sure you're okay?"

" Of course they noticed. How could they not have noticed ! You idiot August ! We need to be more careful. "

--- I'm sure I'm all right. Let's continue.

After saying goodbye to Lapis, August decided to become stronger and asked gems to train him. From that moment on, training sessions were included in his schedule. Every day he tried with all his might, and even collapsed from fatigue, but it bore fruit and he felt that he was getting a little stronger.

He also occasionally hung out with Stephen on various adventures. Although he was still sad, it lifted his spirits a little.

They're sitting on the dock now, looking out at the ocean.

--- August, you've been very sad lately. What's the matter friend.

--- Nothing, Steven.

--- Come on, tell me. We're friends, and friends should share their problems.

It seems that Stephen will not leave him so easily.

--- Haaaa. Okay. I remember my home.

--- Yes? Tell him something about it !

--- Well. It's just a small town in Arizona. The population there is quite small so everyone knows each other. The morning is hot, the night is cold.

---More ! More !

--- The people there are quite friendly and will help strangers. But if you decide to start a bad thing, then trouble will not pass.

--- So what?

--- Sometimes I miss that place. Even though I was trapped there, it's still my home. Even though there are people there that I don't like, I still consider that small town my home.

--- Is there a name ?

--- Sure. Riverdale.

--- Why is it so named ?

--- Well, the city was built next to the river. In the old days, there were a lot of fish there. There was so much of it that Riverdale sold the leftovers to half the state. Then the fish became scarce and needed a different kind of earnings.

--- I want to know more.

--- I think that's enough for now. I've talked too much already.

--- Oh, man ! I was just beginning to imagine this place.

--- Ha-ha. I'll tell you more later. It's already evening. It's time for you to go home. Otherwise, Pearl will come looking for you again.

--- Precisely ! That's it ! I ran ! See you tomorrow !

Augustus slowly began to walk back to the mansion. It seems that even Miss Peregrine noticed his bad mood and did not bother him these days. He went into his room and stared at the ceiling in silence.

" I wonder what she's doing now . Could she still be on her way ? Did you get home ? Or was she lost in space ? "

He had been thinking a lot about Lapis lately. He imagined her reaching her Homeworld and re-entering the Blue Diamond court. The thought of her calmed him. His eyes gradually closed and he dozed off.

But not for long.

--- August, get up.

Someone began to shake him slowly. He opened his eyes and looked around sleepily. And he noticed the familiar blue color.

--- I think I'm hallucinating from fatigue. I need to go get some sleeping pills.

--- The fool. I'm quite real.

His eyes opened completely and he met the familiar blue eyes.

--- Lapis ?

--- Yes ?

Now fully convinced, he abruptly stood up and hugged her.

--- I thought you'd gone back to your HomeWorld.

--- I thought so, too. But I decided to stay a little longer.

--- And how much ?

--- Just for today

--- I'll have to say goodbye to you again.

--- Take my hand. I'll take you somewhere.

Their palms locked together, and Lapis opened her wings and began to carry him.

This was something new. Look down from a height. Fly slowly and notice how different landscapes are passing under you.

--- That's cool ! I want to fly too !

--- Now you understand why I wanted to fix the stone ! The feeling of flying is the best in the universe ! Hahaha

They flew on for some time, and reached a small hill. Lapis gently lowered herself and sat down on the ground

--- It's about to start ! Look!

Augustus sat behind Lapis and put his arm around her. The sun was slowly rising over the edge of the horizon. It lit up their faces and warmed them. When the sun rose, they were still sitting in each other's arms.

--- I'll miss Lapis.

--- I'll miss you, too.

--- Then why don't you stay here ? With me.

--- I can not. I need to get out of here. Why don't you come with me ? Come with me to your HomeWorld.

--- I can not. First, I have no air in space, and second, I am needed here. I need to find the answers. And until I find them, I'll stay here.

There was an awkward silence between them. They both didn't want to part with each other, but they each had a reason. They faced each other and looked into each other's eyes.

--- I'll miss you, Lapis.

--- I know. I'll miss you very much, too. I'll never forget you.

She quickly came close to him and kissed his cheek.

--- Goodbye August.

She opened her wings and flew off into space. Augustus put his hand to his cheek and looked up at the sky.

--- Goodbye Lapis.

Love is such a complicated thing. They long to be close to each other, but they can't. Each of them has its own path. Your own destiny. But even different fates can intertwine. And here's a question for you. How long did they say goodbye ? Only fate knows, and we mortals can only guess.