To Confront Him

Crystal stood in a dark and mysterious surrounding, as she had created a dream by herself as Flare had guided her. The concept felt similar to lucid dreaming, where she could exert control over the dream's elements.

Taking a deep breath, she spoke with conviction, "I command Aurora, the Dragon King, to present herself before me."

In an instant, the scenery shifted, and Crystal found herself standing in a vast cave. Pointy stalactites and stalagmites adorned the ceiling and floor, while patches of moss clung to various surfaces.

And there, in front of her, stood Aurora, emanating an aura of majestic grandeur. Aurora greeted her with a nod and said, "Welcome to my modest dwelling."

Crystal, however, remained silent, her gaze fixed on Aurora. She noticed the dragon's inquisitive scan, examining Crystal's attire consisting of casual pajamas. "You appear distinct today, master." Aurora's previous summoning had rendered Crystal in the form she remembered from before they were separated, but now, as Crystal summoned Aurora, they found her in her current state of sleepwear.

Annoyance crept into Crystal's voice as she retorted, "Should you really be making comments like this right now? Why haven't you been contacting me all this time? Do you have any idea what has happened in this while? And most importantly, what is this place, and why does it feel like a cage?"

Aurora nodded, acknowledging Crystal's frustration. "My apologies as I have been eagerly awaiting your summon. And I suppose you have met Flare, the Aether faerie guide as I find profound magic traveling through your veins."

Crystal closed her eyes tightly, attempting to contain her annoyance and prevent it from seeping into her words. "You've always seemed to know what is happening and what will happen, yet you play these puzzles with me," she voiced her complaint.

Aurora gently countered, "Allow me to clarify. While I possess knowledge of events surrounding you through your emotions, I can only predict what is about to unfold based on my wisdom. I do not possess absolute certainty, and thus, I endeavor to ensure that my guidance does not interfere with the future that is meant to unfold before you."

Crystal took a deep breath and let go of her frustrations. "Let's put that aside for now. I recall you mentioning that my past self took control of me while I was in Mysticum Vale. Lately, it has been happening more frequently. I find myself unable to control my words, actions, and even my desires. Anger consumes me, and I fear losing myself entirely."

Aurora maintained her calm demeanor, acknowledging Crystal's inner turmoil. "Indeed, my master, you have already known the reason for your frustration. The reason you have been evading for some time now," Aurora affirmed, her gaze filled with understanding. Crystal, feeling the weight of Aurora's knowing look, averted her eyes, fully aware of the truth that lay within her.

Desperate, Crystal murmured under her breath, "Just call me Madonia-- Call me Madonia and clear all these doubts." However, Aurora remained silent, her unwavering gaze urging Crystal to continue.

Crystal took a deep breath, gathered her thoughts, and continued to lay bare her emotions. "He-- he admitted that it was all his fault. He called me Madonia, repeatedly. It frustrates me to think about him and still hold onto the belief that he is innocent. My heart aches when his heart aches. I despise him for it, and yet, I yearn to know what more he has to say," Crystal confessed, the depth of her conflicted feelings evident in her voice.

Aurora's voice resonated gently yet firmly as she responded to Crystal's conflicted thoughts. "Master, it was you who once told him that blaming oneself is the easiest path to escape. Consider this, why do you believe that he was speaking the truth? Do you truly perceive him to be capable of such wrongdoing? Remember, he was nothing more than a mere child when the weight of misfortune befell us."

Crystal's chest tightened as she absorbed Aurora's words. Taking a deep breath, she mustered the courage to respond, her voice filled with resignation. "I am a hypocrite," she admitted, the weight of her own contradictory feelings weighing heavily upon her.

Aurora gazed at Crystal, her eyes shimmering with a knowing look. "You must feel something special for that faerie," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. "That is why you are so guarded about getting hurt and wounded."

Crystal swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew Aurora could see through her defenses, her deepest emotions laid bare. She hesitated for a moment, wrestling with her conflicting thoughts and feelings. But she still stood tall and met Aurora's gaze.

"I don't have any special feelings for him," Crystal replied, her voice tinged with a mixture of denial and uncertainty. "Neither do I want to believe in the words of someone who could have been the cause of my misery, nor do I feel that I have the right to trust him when I suspect his innocence."

Aurora's eyes flickered with a blend of compassion and frustration. "Why do you believe that you are unworthy of loving him when you find yourself without anyone by your side?" questioned Aurora, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. "He is as innocent as you were in the events of the past. There is no need to inflict torment upon either him or yourself. Both of you have always stood together, offering support during times of hardship. I implore you to maintain this bond and provide strength to one another when faced with adversity once more."

Crystal's resolve wavered for a moment as she absorbed Aurora's words and she could feel how angry Aurora was. She realized that her fear of being hurt and betrayed had clouded her judgment and prevented her from acknowledging her true feelings. Taking a deep breath, she let go of her guarded stance and allowed herself to be vulnerable.

"The only thing that truly matters to me is your well-being and happiness," Aurora continued, her voice softening with sincerity. "I am prepared to go to any lengths to assist you in attaining them."

A warmth spread through Crystal's being as she locked eyes with Aurora. A smile tugged at her lips, appreciating the unconditional support she received from her ethereal companion. Marina was indeed right as Crystal needed just a conversation with Aurora for her emotions to settle down.

"I want you to find your happiness as well," Crystal spoke earnestly, her voice filled with compassion. "I want you to be free from this torment."

Aurora's presence shimmered, emanating a profound gratitude. Crystal could sense the weight of their connection, the bond forged through trials and shared experiences.

In that moment, she knew that she had the strength to confront her own emotions and confront the person who held the key to her inner turmoil.

...

"Then tell me what you meant by it was your fault?" Crystal asked as she stood firm in front of Ambrose while he had his eyes popping out of their sockets. Crystal had arrived to confront him about the whole Madonia thing.