Darkest Secrets

Elliot pondered the cosmic balance of justice as he found himself hurtling toward what seemed like the final act of his existence, all for an act of kindness he couldn't quite fathom. It was a surreal moment, one he never envisioned would arrive in his lifetime. His throat tightened as he swallowed hard, stealing a glance at the girl by his side.

Despite the impending doom that loomed overhead, she clutched his hand with unwavering determination, her joyful cheers piercing through the air as they soared through the twists and turns of the roller coaster.

The roller coaster relentlessly surged, its undulating motion a relentless dance of ascent and descent. Elliot had initially convinced himself that he could endure it, but as they soared upwards once more, a primal fear gripped him unexpectedly. He had never truly reckoned with his fear of heights until now, yet he couldn't bring himself to refuse the pink-haired girl beside him, her jubilant expression a testament to her pure delight.

Her hand clasped tightly with his own, raised triumphantly above their heads, radiated a joy so infectious that Elliot found himself surrendering to the moment, despite the turmoil raging within him from the very instant the ride commenced.

Once the roller coaster had ceased its dizzying gyrations and deposited them back onto the ground, Elliot gratefully sank onto the nearest bench. He inhaled deeply, willing his racing pulse to slow as he attempted to regain his composure. Before he could fully collect himself, a frosty cup of coffee materialized before him, courtesy of Felicia. "Oh, thank you, Felicia," he murmured appreciatively, his voice still slightly breathless.

Felicia responded with a knowing wink and a casual assurance, "No problem, sweet thing!"

Through the moments shared with her, Elliot couldn't deny the fact that she was such a flirt and that she would jump at his bones if permitted to cross the boundaries set with him. And yet, despite this, Elliot found himself strangely drawn to her personality in ways he hadn't anticipated. There was an undeniable charm to her presence, a refreshing quality that made every moment spent in her company feel like a welcome respite from the mundane.

Felicia was wearing a short denim dress, its hemline grazing her thighs, while delicate white sleeves adorned her arms, each one adorned with intricate embellishments, as she scanned the bustling amusement park, savoring the bittersweetness of her coffee as she observed the throngs of people milling about. Suddenly, she darted towards Elliot, enveloping him in a hurried embrace that caught him off guard. "What's the matter, Felicia?" he inquired, his concern evident in his voice. Felicia explained, "It's my eyepatch. It's come loose, and I can't risk being recognized while I'm with you. The last thing we need is a media frenzy and your peace disrupted by my fans."

Elliot's gaze lowered to Felicia, noticing her tightly shut eyes and the loose eyepatch dangling precariously.

Without hesitation and any inquiries, he set his coffee aside on the bench and gently secured the knot of her black eyepatch, the winds playfully tousling her silky hair as he worked.

Felicia blinked open her uncovered eye, a grateful smile gracing her lips. "Well, thank you. You saved the day before I even had to ask for help," she exclaimed, her voice warm with appreciation. Rising slightly, she met Elliot eye to eye before planting a tender peck on his cheek, a gesture that left him pleasantly surprised. "I've already decided on our next adventure!" she declared, her laughter dancing in the air. "It might not be as thrilling as the roller coaster, but I'll pass on those heights. After all, my adorable date here isn't a fan of them.

Hehe!" She teased; her playful demeanor infectious as she prepared for their next escapade.

Elliot felt a rush of warmth flood his cheeks as he mumbled, "Please, don't tease me." Felicia couldn't contain her laughter, gently reassuring him, "Oh, I'm not teasing you, don't worry. In fact, I find it rather adorable.

Consider it our little secret," she whispered conspiratorially, a mischievous glint in her eye.

With a contented smile, Elliot rose to his feet, smoothing down his light blue sweatshirt that complemented his blue jeans and pristine white sneakers. He reached out for Felicia's outstretched hand, her eager anticipation palpable as they strolled towards their next ride.

They strolled until Felicia halted before the merry-go-round. Elliot's expression morphed into one of incredulity. "You can't be serious. Why on earth would you choose a ride meant for children?" he quipped, his disbelief evident in his tone. Felicia chuckled in response. "Oh, come now, every ride has its own magic. And believe it or not, I've never actually been on this one before," she confessed with a playful glint in her eye.

However, as the words left her lips, there was an unsettling undertone to her voice. Sensing something amiss, Elliot regarded her with a mixture of concern and curiosity. "In that case, we shouldn't waste any time. We can't afford to miss out, especially if it's the first time for you. Who knows when we’ll get the next chance," he remarked, a sense of urgency coloring his words.

With a beaming smile, Felicia nodded in agreement as they proceeded to purchase their tickets and climbed aboard the merry-go-round. As the colorful carousel whirled around, they shared laughter and conversation, enjoying each other's company. Afterward, they indulged in a few more exhilarating rides before venturing into the horror house. Inside, Felicia was gripped by fear, clinging desperately to Elliot's arm as they navigated through the eerie scenes of skeletons, ghosts, and spiders. Despite her fright and jump scares, Elliot couldn't help but chuckle at her reactions, though he made sure to stay close by, offering reassurance with his presence.

Even in jest, Felicia was sure that he ensured she felt safe, never once letting go of her hand.

Consequently, they relished every thrill the amusement park had to offer, luxuriating in the abundance of time they had on their hands. Their friendly date had commenced promptly at eleven in the morning, following a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café before they had arrived at the amusement park.

~><~*~><~

As the afternoon unfolded, the sky painted itself in hues reminiscent of orangish strawberries, casting a breathtaking spectacle overhead. From the confines of the Ferris Wheel, Elliot watched as birds gracefully soared past, their silhouettes dancing against the radiant backdrop.

Despite the fatigue weighing on their limbs, the day had been filled with boundless amusement and shared laughter, leaving them with hearts brimming with contentment.

Elliot found himself ensnared in a tumult of troubling thoughts.

He had never set out to lead anyone, yet now he found himself inadvertently at the forefront of Moon, Felicia, and even Luna's lives. Despite his inner resistance, he couldn't seem to shake off their persistent advances, constantly finding himself drawn into their orbit. He realized that the fault lay not with them for choosing him, but rather with himself for his inability from being a coward to reject their affections whenever they tried winning his heart.

If only they could grasp the depth of his feelings for them, yet Elliot refrained from offering a definitive response, dreading the prospect of causing them pain.

And thus, he turned his gaze towards Felicia, who was capturing a snapshot of the sun against the vibrant canvas of the sky. In that moment, he mustered the courage to broach a personal inquiry. "Uh, Felicia? May I ask you something personal?"

Felicia hummed softly before responding, "Of course, but before we delve into that, would you like me to send you the pictures we took? They turned out quite nice, actually. Oh, and would you believe it, we ended up with twenty-three of them!"

Elliot responded with a quiet hum; his uncertainty was evident in his tone. "Yeah, sure. But... are you certain I can ask you something personal? I'm not sure how you'll take it," he voiced his concern. Felicia glanced up from her phone, switching it off and placing it beside her on the seat.

"As long as you're asking... I'm open to anything. So, feel free to go ahead," she reassured him with a gentle smile.

Elliot drew in a deep breath, exhaling slowly as the mist of his breath hung in the air, a tangible sign of the chilling temperatures that descended with each passing minute, signaling the approach of evening.

"Felicia," Elliot began, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability, "Imagine you find yourself drawn to someone, only to discover that they're also the source of your deepest anguish. Would you choose to endure, letting the pain fracture you into irreparable shards? Or would you opt to sever ties before their pain inflicts lasting wounds upon you? What path would you take?" he queried, his words heavy with the weight of introspection.

Anxiety knotted Elliot's stomach as he nervously nibbled on his lower lip, his gaze fixated on his restless fidgeting fingers. Despite the trepidation and unease bubbling within him regarding her response, he maintained a solemn determination to grasp hold of the situation he believed was slipping away past his fingers, much like sand through an hourglass.

With each passing moment of silence, Elliot's sense of unease deepened, a gnawing worry settling in the pit of his stomach. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had somehow crossed an invisible line with her, yet he lacked the courage to meet her gaze. Instead, he braced himself for whatever response she might offer, resigned to whatever outcome awaited him.

Whether she chose to dismiss it with laughter or to grow angry with him for his insecurity over something that hadn't truly begun, Elliot was prepared to accept her response wholeheartedly. Deep down, he acknowledged the faint absurdity of his question, recognizing that it lacked the weight necessary to convey the depth of his emotions.

Yet, regardless of her reaction, he remained open to whatever verdict she deemed fit, acknowledging his vulnerability in the face of uncertainty.

Amidst the rustling sounds, Elliot felt a gentle warmth envelop his face as Felicia knelt before him, her hands tenderly cradling his cheeks. With a solemn expression that seemed to flicker with a multitude of emotions, she gazed up at him, her eyes conveying a mixture of hurt and pain. Elliot couldn't help but feel a pang of remorse, realizing that his failure to comprehend her feelings had caused her distress once again.

"Elliot," Felicia began, her voice soft yet tinged with incredulity and tenderness, "How could you even think to ask me something like that?” Her gaze softened, filled with unshaken devotion, “You've been the sole love of my life, the one I hold dear above all. You were my first love, and I have every intention of you being my last. There may still be parts of you wrapped in mystery, pieces of your past, yourself, and everything I’ve yet to unravel, but never—not even for a moment—have I considered any part of you unworthy of my love."

Her fingers curled slightly around his soft skin as if grasping the weight of her emotions. "I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you would never willingly hurt me. And if you ever did… I wouldn’t turn away. I’d stand by you, seeking the truth before ever letting foolish assumptions take root."

With her expression unwavering, she added, "But let me make one thing unmistakably clear, because I want you to understand this with every fiber of your being, Elliot."

Her voice deepened with raw sincerity as she promised, "I, Felicia Rosette, solemnly swear upon my heart and soul that I will never, ever regret loving you. And that is a promise… I will carry with me to my grave."

Felicia's voice lowered to a near whisper, infusing her words with profound gravity, heightening the weight of the vow she had given him. As she held his gaze, the golden afternoon light cast a radiant glow upon him, unveiling a sight so mesmerizing it stole her breath away.

His honey-brown eyes gleamed like molten gold, catching the sun’s embrace in a way that made them seem almost otherworldly. Flecks of amber and bronze flickered within their depths, shifting with the light as if carrying the very essence of the sky itself. The sight held her captive, entranced by the ethereal beauty before her—a beauty that, in this fleeting moment, felt as if it belonged to no one else but her to luckily witness.

Elliot met her gaze with wide eyes, a hint of wavering visible in their depths as she stood steadfast with her oath. While her words offered him some measure of relief, they also stirred a pang of emotion within his heart.

With a heart weighed down by sorrow and eyes that betrayed a hint of uncertainty, Elliot cast a fleeting glance around, hoping to shield his vulnerability from Felicia's view. Yet, Felicia remained undeterred. She reached out, gently grasping his trembling hand and guiding it to rest against her cheek, while her other hand tenderly caressed his face.

Her words, spoken with an undeniable sincerity, immediately touched his weary heart, leaving an indelible impact.

"Elliot, is there something troubling you? The timbre of your voice betrays a depth of emotion, as if…. you're concealing something. Something you're hesitant to reveal, perhaps fearing… its repercussions? Something urging you to retreat, to shield your heart from the world. What is it that you're hiding? Tell me, so that I can help in any way I could."

The weight of Felicia's final question lingered heavily in the ensuing silence, her tone tinged with a subtle hint of authority and intimidation, urging Elliot to provide an answer. She couldn't bear the thought of him grappling with troubles alone, knowing she was always there to lend her support in any way she could.

All she asked of him was to trust in her unwavering loyalty to him.

Elliot was convinced to reveal his deepest, darkest secret, but as he met Felicia's gaze, a wave of sadness washed over him. He grappled with the decision as he wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to share something this disturbing with someone… you like. Torn between the desire to confide in someone for the first time in his life and the knowledge that his revelation would only bring Felicia heartbreak, with no hope of a remedy.

Ultimately, he couldn't bring himself to take the risk.

"I-I... um, I... no. Nothing is troubling me, and if I was troubled, I'd have confided in you, I promise," Elliot stammered, his words faltering as he attempted to mask his turmoil. "I suppose I've just been a bit... on edge lately. It's been challenging a few days, you know? I guess I'm just feeling overwhelmed," he added, mustering a small smile that lacked sincerity. Felicia immediately noticed the discrepancy between his words and his expression.

Her confession wasn't mere words or any kind of a bluff… it was the sincerest of the truths.

Her heart beat with love, and he was the axis around which her world spun.

It would be foolish of her not to see through his facade, to ignore the fear and insincerity that tinged his every word.

She could read him like an open book.

And with that decision made, she resolved to let the matter rest and take matters into her own hands. There was something troubling him deeply, something that had led him to doubt her loyalty, even though she sensed his intentions were genuine, albeit poorly expressed. She would delve into it herself, determined to uncover the root of his unease.

She was willing to go to any length for him, and if his trust in her wavered, she was prepared to assist in whatever way she could, even if it meant for her to cross the line.

"All right, if that's what you believe," Felicia murmured, her words carrying a gentle reassurance.

“But remember, I'll never be far. Whenever you find yourself in darkness, you can always seek solace in me, like finding warmth in the absence of the sun. And in your bleakest hours, think of me as your guiding light, as I’ll be your moon illuminating your path ahead. Consider me as your haven, a place you can always return to," she affirmed, her voice a soothing melody.

With a tender kiss upon his forehead, she conveyed her unwavering support, prompting a blush to rise to Elliot's cheeks as he met her gaze once more. His smile mirrored hers, radiant with gratitude and affection as he expressed his appreciation.

“Thank you, Felicia. I’ll always remember that.”

~><~*~><~

As dusk settled in, they strolled side by side until Felicia halted, prompting Elliot to pause with her. "This is where I bid you farewell," she informed him gently. "You needn't accompany me home tonight. I have plans to meet a friend to address some issues with our new album, so I believe it's time for us to bid each other goodbyes."

Elliot smiled a little as he responded, "Is that so? Well then, goodbye, and let's meet on Monday. And thank you for today, Felicia. I thoroughly enjoyed myself."

Felicia returned his smile with a radiant one of her own, accompanied by a playful wink. "No problem at all, and you're always welcome," she chimed. "Until Monday, then. Goodbye!"

After bidding their farewells, Elliot departed to catch his bus home, while Felicia continued to stroll along the streets until she reached a secluded alleyway. Surrounded by the quiet solitude of the night, she closed her eyes and whispered an ancient incantation, her form enveloped in a shimmering aura of ultra-pink arcane energy. As the glow intensified, she vanished into thin air, leaving behind only a cluster of purple lilies that seemed to sparkle with an otherworldly ultra-pink luminescence in her wake.

Entering her dimly lit sanctuary, she found solace amidst the flickering dance of fire torches that cast eerie shadows against the stone walls. But to her, these torches were not mere flames; they were the radiant blossoms of neon pink lilies, their ethereal glow suffusing her entire lair with a surreal luminescence.

Surveying her domain, she discovered everything exactly as she left it - a chaotic symphony of magical artifacts and ancient tomes, bathed in the soft, otherworldly light of the lily-torches. The air was thick with the heady aroma of arcane energy, mingling with the delicate fragrance of the phantom blooms. Amidst the clutter of potions, spell books, and parchment, both ancient and contemporary, she found comfort in the glow of the neon lilies.

To her, tidying would be akin to extinguishing the vibrant blooms that illuminated her path through the mystical labyrinth of her domain. Each blossom, no matter how fleeting its existence, held significance in her intricate web of spells and enchantments. Thus, she made home in the chaos, knowing that within it lay the keys to unlocking the mysteries of her craft, illuminated by the ephemeral glow of her neon lilies.

Nestled deep within the ocean's unfathomable depths lay her clandestine sanctuary, veiled in perpetual darkness. Crafted entirely of magical enchantment, her lair possessed the extraordinary ability to shift location at her whim, a testament to her mastery of magic. Though capable of relocating at will, she seldom ventured there except when duty beckoned. Aware of the relentless pursuit of her enemies, she dared not leave her sanctuary unattended for prolonged periods. Thus, she kept her sanctuary concealed in the most inaccessible recesses of the oceanic abyss, where there was not even a mere speck of light, beyond the reach of any who sought to bring her harm.

Within the veil of her enchantments, her sanctuary stood as an impregnable fortress, shielded from harm by layers of potent magic. No spell, however malevolent, could breach its defenses, nor could the relentless waters of the ocean penetrate its sanctum. Wrapped in an impenetrable cocoon of silence, the lair remained soundproof, ensuring that not even the faintest whisper could breach its walls. Within its confines, a mystical vortex awaited, another one of Felicia’s creations, all ready to whisk away any unwanted remnants or discarded artifacts, leaving behind only the essential remnants of her craft.

Fashioned in the likeness of a bygone era, her sanctuary echoed the sturdy simplicity of an ancient castle's brick basement. Bereft of ostentation or adornment, its walls bore the humble testament of craftsmanship, reminiscent of a time long past.

Yet amidst the austere surroundings, a subtle touch of life emerged in the form of several verdant plants, their presence a nod to Felicia's reverence for the natural world. Amidst the stone and mortar, these humble greens breathed a whisper of vitality into the otherwise stoic chamber, a gentle reminder of the beauty that thrived beyond the confines of her magical abode.

With a heavy sigh, Felicia reached up and removed her eyepatch, revealing the unique sight concealed beneath. In the place of her once emerald iris, now lay an extraordinary vision - a pink eye adorned with the intricate pattern of a purple lily, its delicate petals unfurling as if in perpetual bloom. This floral emblem, her eye's new pupil, served as a permanent reminder of her departure from the realm of the ordinary. No longer bound by the constraints of convention, her gaze held a depth and complexity that transcended the mundane, marking her as a being of extraordinary essence.

And now, she bore the striking contrast of a single ordinary emerald eye paired with an extraordinary pink one.

With a fluid motion, she traced the symbol of the cross with her hands and arms, invoking ancient magic that pulsed through her veins. As her arms returned to their resting position, a kaleidoscope of purple lilies burst into motion, encircling her entire form in a swirling dance of ethereal petals. Each bloom shimmered with arcane energy, casting a mesmerizing glow that illuminated the darkness around her. In this moment of enchantment, she was the epicenter of a celestial ballet, where the language of flowers wove a tapestry of wonder and mystique around her.

Gradually, she ascended into the air, her legs crossing beneath her in a stance of serene poise. Beneath her, the swirling lilies and winds seemed to form a delicate cushion, supporting her weight effortlessly as she hovered above the ground.

With a flick of her fingers, she conjured a pentagon of radiant purple and half-pink stars, each corner marked by a flickering purplish-pink flame, casting an otherworldly glow upon the area.

With a subtle gesture, Felicia intertwined her fingers and closed her eyes, delving into the depths of her magical abilities. When she opened them once more, the familiar surroundings of Elliot's house enveloped her, a testament to her mastery over the arcane arts.

Anticipating Elliot's delayed arrival due to the lengthy bus journey ahead, she wasted no time upon her arrival at his house. With silent determination, she navigated her way to his room, her keen eyes scanning the surroundings until they settled upon his hairbrush. Stepping forward, she reached out and retrieved it, her fingers deftly plucking a single strand of his hair. Carefully, she returned the brush to its place on the dressing table, a silent witness to her clandestine visit.

With a moment of concentration, she closed her eyes and vanished once more, leaving behind no trace of her presence save for the single, stolen token of Elliot's essence.

Once more, she blinked open her eyes, finding herself back in the familiar embrace of her lair, assuming the same poised stance as before. With a gentle exhalation, she directed a breath towards the strand of hair, watching as it danced gracefully before her. With a flick of her fingers and a whispered incantation, “Révèle! Tes secrets les plus sombres sans en omettre aucun!”

Then, the air crackled with magic.

A soft pink flame ignited, tenderly enveloping the hair without consuming it as if cradling its secrets within its ethereal embrace. The fire rippled and swirled, casting an enchanting glow that illuminated the chamber.

Slowly, the hair dissolved into the rosy flames, leaving behind no trace but a lingering aura of mystery. As the fire subsided, three delicate documents materialized before her, their surfaces adorned with intricate embellishments, and the regal insignia of a majestic purple lily. The flames that had birthed them continued to flicker in a dance beneath them, yet not a single ember dared to mar their pristine form—a silent testament to their arcane origin.

Snatching up the first document, she eagerly delved into its contents, her eyes scanning the words with rapt attention. With each passing sentence, the troubling revelation that had weighed heavily on Elliot's mind unfolded before her in the ancient language only known to the likes of her.

"Ah, cancer," she murmured to herself, a flicker of determination igniting in her eyes. "There's still time to intervene, to save him." With a decisive gesture, she cast the document aside, watching as it transformed into a delicate swirl of pink and purple ash, dissipating into the air like whispers in the wind.

Turning her attention to the next document, she absorbed its contents with a calm resolve. The revelation of the prophecy held no surprise for her; she had long been acquainted with its foretelling. Without hesitation, she flicked it away as well, watching as it followed suit, crumbling into shimmering ashes that danced in the air before fading into the same ethereal hues.

Yet, as her fingers closed around the final document, her eyes widened in astonishment and disbelief, while an audible gasp escaped her lips.

"No... it can't be."