Corruption is Magic

“That was simply marvelous my dear. The absolute power, the force you exuded on everyone! Simply watching it was a sight to behold.” Alexander happily says as I help Gelfree walk into the manor.

“I appreciate your gushing Alexander… but could you maybe… I don’t know… help?” I say irritated, as he has done nothing but recount the events that took place at the capital.

“I’m fine Twi.” Gelfree says, I shoot her narrowed eyes and a scowl.

“You aren’t okay. You are hurt beyond belief.” Opening her mouth to object I glare at her harder causing her objection to die before being spoken. “You are going to rest and recuperate missy.”

“Ah yes, we also should likely address the changes that were put on hold. I have a feeling the Bee woman might think twice before she confronts us-” Alexander says but as if on cue I hear the distinct sound of buzzing wings. Turning to the still open door of the manor behind us I see Pevla storming through said doors.

“Alexander… take Gelfree.” I say feeling anger burn in my chest. Can this world not give me a damn break? Walking over to her I watch as she looks at me with fury in her eyes.

“You dumb bitch! Do you realize what you have done!” She screams summoning a trio of magical daggers and throws them each at me which I block with small magical shields.

“What made you so angry?” I ask, confused by her anger and feeling worried about the strength she showed me when we faced each other. Growling she summons three more daggers but also envelops her hands in magic turning each of her fingers into extended claws. Throwing each dagger I dodge them and summon shields when she takes two swipes at me with her claws.

“Twilight!” Gelfree cries out but I force myself to not remove my eyes from Pevla who thrusts her claws towards me. Raising a shield before me I watch as the shield cracks from the attack.

“Well, this sucks… she has her full might and I am still drained.” Corrupt me comments and I grumble.

“Yes, thanks for the commentary Captain Obvious.” I mutter, focusing still on Pevla who has sent more cracks through the shield. “What did I do?”

“You showed the world what happened! I’m a joke in my own hold!” She screams as she punches the shield again.

“Ah, that might have been my fault. I decided if I couldn’t join the fun I’d share the events with the world.” Alexander chips in and I realize exactly what he means. You are kidding me Alexander. I roll my eyes and open my mouth but am caught off guard when the shield shatters in front of me, the second I realize what had happened is a second too late as I feel the sharp claws of Pevla’s puncture my stomach and into my insides. A gurgled scream escapes me as I grab on to her hand instinctively.

“That’s right, if I can’t deal with the rabble with you around… I’ll just get rid of the one causing the issue.” Pevla gleefully says forcing her class deeper as she grabs my throat with her other hand.

“Fuck, that hurts.” Corrupt me groans out. Pulling the last bit of magic I have I use it to grab at the bag I have and reach inside. One shot… that’s all I need. Slowly I lift out the flintlock and bring it around her but out of her vision till it’s pointed at the side of her head and won’t miss.

“You’re… stupid.” I say as I feel my perception of reality getting foggy. With a firm pull with my magic on the trigger I hear a loud thunderous bang and a sharp intake of air before a jerk from Pevla as she is sent to the side, letting her arm go I watch as she falls limp to the side but soon moves again to bring her now normal hands to the side of her face as she screams. The left side of her face is bloody and a hole where her left eye should be tells me she is down but not out. I however am struggling to stay upright.

“A-Alex… sander. Take her… dungeons.” I quietly say falling on my butt and soon after on to my back. I hear muffled words being said but it’s as if I’m covered by millions of pillows. I look up to the roof. I soon see the blurry sight of Gelfree looking at me, her face full of worry. Why is she sad? I saved her… didn’t I?

***

Groaning I open my eyes as I blink time and time again, the sound of running draws my attention to my left where I see the burry figure of Gelfree coming towards me and quickly wrapping her arms around me as I hear her whimpering. “H-hey…” I groggily say wrapping an arm around her but she pushes me away and looks at me with what I can make out is anger.

“Don’t j-just ‘hey’ me. What were you thinking!” she angrily yells, pain and sadness in her cracking voice. “I’ve already lost one person I love.”

“Hey, it’s okay. I’m alive.” I say but I quickly feel pain shoot my cheek as I feel her hand make contact with it.

“You almost weren’t!”

“Gelfree.” I say calmly but she shakes her head.

“Do you realize how long you were out for?” She heatedly asks, I look at her and I for the first time notice her bruises and markings of injury have healed and I’m unsure how long it really has been thanks to healing magic. Seeing me not respond and likely seem unsure. “Three days.”

“I… I’m sorry Gelfree.” I say and she looks at me with a stern look.

“Twilight… I… I want you to stop pursuing the throne.” Gelfree solemnly says as she places a hand down on her stomach.

“I can’t Gelfree. I made promises… I’d get you out of this world.”

“So you’d throw your life away for that promise even if it ends with you dead!?” Gelfree yells and I flinch at her hostility and I feel a scowl form on my lips.

“I also want to go home and see my family and friends again.”

“What about your family and friends here!”

“Gelfree, what’s gotten into you? You used to be so confident and believed in me.” I ask and Gelfree’s anger slowly dies as she looks down to the bed I’m laid out on.

“Twilight… I’m… I’m pregnant. I’m pregnant and I don’t want to get rid of it but I also don’t want to raise them on my own.” Gelfree says as she holds her stomach and tears start falling from her eyes.