Love Not Destined: Part 2

Seeing Enderan’s smile die made Poppy’s heart sink, but she then mustered up her courage and kissed him on the cheek.

He looked at her incredulously.

“You’re the first guy I’ve ever really liked. And it’s only right you have the first kiss I’ve ever given.”

He blushed and smiled at her. “I’m honored.”

“You should be.” She puffed out her chest. “Now get going, I don’t want to hold you two up.”

Enderan gave her a parting look then walked away.

“If I learn magic, I might try to go to Evernia’s capital.”

“Really?!” Enderan asked.

“It’s only a consideration. But maybe if I convince Kegan to get relocated there, we might be able to meet again.”

Enderan beamed. “If you do find yourself there, I’ll be glad to be your guide.”

“And you’ll be the one showing me around this time.” Poppy smiled before clearing her throat. “Of course this is only a hypothetical. Only on the off chance that we meet again.”

“Right.” He smiled and the look on his face considered their next meeting was destined to happen.

She wanted to dissuade him. But she would be a hypocrite if she didn’t feel the same way.

- - - -

Victor was drinking a pint of beer, with his tome opened before him.

Prediction: Enderan will lash out at Poppy while they talk.

-Prediction difficulty: medium.

Manipulation: After seeing how dramatic he is being, Poppy will strengthen her resolve.

-Character manipulation mana cost: medium.

-Prediction Successful. Manipulation cast.

Prediction: Poppy will tell Enderan they can’t be together.

-Prediction difficulty: low

Manipulation:  After Enderan has his heart broken, he will accept her reasoning.

-Character manipulation mana cost: medium.

-Prediction Successful. Manipulation cast.

Relief washed over him. “I hope he isn’t too distraught over this.”

He felt a pang in his head and looked down at the tome.

You separated two innocent lovers with a magic book, good job Ricky!~

Victor scoffed and took up his pen.

So, you think that the story’s heroine isn’t a better match for Enderan? A character literally written to complete him?!

Victor smirked, thinking he was in the right before the response came.

The fact that it wasn’t written and happened naturally is what makes it more romantic. But I won’t go so far and say it wasn’t for the best~

Glad you agree.

You’re still a loser for obsessing over a boy’s love life~ 

Victor angrily wrote his response.

I’ll throw you in the fire, Babel!

I like Daigo’s name for me better! Bye weirdo~ ;P

Beside the note, there was a semicolon and a p creating an emoticon of a winking face sticking out its tongue.

Has Daigo been teaching Babel to use emoticons?! I bet that cringy bastard has been replying to its messages with an XD!

His body shuddered at the thought.

Enderan entered the inn and approached the table. Victor was ready to console him. However, he didn’t appear too sad. Though it was apparent he had been heartbroken, he wore an earnest smile. “Let’s get going.”

Victor was taken aback before nodding. “All right let’s not delay.”

-

Poppy was sitting by the fountain, deep in thought.

“What’s got you down?” It was Kegan. “Sad you have to say goodbye?”

“Yeah.”

“Well you know that they have to keep moving along.”

“Do you think I can join them?”

“Absolutely not. You’ll only get in the way. As harsh as it sounds, you might end up getting them hurt if they have to worry over you.”

“I know that. It’s just that…”

“You’re young. This will pass.”

She chuckled to herself. “Right.” If only you knew what we had just talked about.

“Also, make sure to thank Victor for the donations. I feel bad for all this money he’s given us, but raising you won’t be as hard with it.”

“I would have been upset if you turned it down.”

Especially because of what she had to give up.

Victor had taken her aside before going to the church.

“Tell me. Do you like Enderan?”

“Wha- where is this coming from?” She was trying to hide her embarrassment.

“That much huh? You’re acting like Enderan now.”

“Is that so? Well, you’re being really rude about it.” She smiled before giving him a inquisitive look. “Why are you bringing this up?”

“Because I need you to break his heart.” He said sadly. “I can’t speak much about this, but he is promised to another girl who will literally save his life.”

“Does he know this?”

“No he doesn’t, and he must never know.”

“But why tell me this?”

“Because I think you’re a good person Poppy. And that you want what’s best for Enderan.”

“But he likes me, and I like him too. Why can’t-

“Listen!” Victor changed his tone. “To save Enderan, I have to follow a strict set of rules. Knowing his real identity has put yourself and him at risk, and not for the reasons he may have told you.” 

He sighed. “I’m trying to keep you both safe, so please. I’m going to give Kegan enough money to let you live comfortably and even attend a magic academy if you want. Kegan told me of your dreams.” He smiled at her. “For the sake of your dreams, comfort, and Enderan’s life. Let him down gently.”

Poppy could only stare at him disbelievingly.

“If you agree, you need to promise that you won’t disclose the contents of our conversation, and after we leave, you won’t make the effort to see him again. At least in the romantic way.”

Poppy looked to the ground and collected herself. “You’re not lying? You truly want what’s best for Enderan?”

“Of course! He means to me more than he will ever know. So, separating you two is very hard for me. And I hate that I have to do this. So please, I need you to make that promise.”

“For Enderan’s sake.” Her mouth drew into a straight line. “I promise to break his heart.”

-

Poppy broke away from the memory and looked up as Victor and Enderan left the inn and led their horses out from the stable.

Enderan and her looked at each other and smiled.

Victor met her gaze and nodded in thanks.

She did keep her promise. But she was willing to break it in the future.

Perhaps they will fall out of love with one another, but at that moment, seeing that boy who fought with her, fought for her, and wanted to throw away a longer life to be with her…

She felt that if her love became embers, their next meeting would ignite them as brightly and as powerful as the flames she felt now.

The two of them were inexperienced with love. When their meeting felt like the workings of destiny, how could they not want to hold onto it.

Little did they know, in a way, their meeting was working against fate. Against the canon.

Together, the four of them walked out of the town’s exit and stopped to say their goodbyes.

“Thank you for everything you two have done for us.” Kegan clasped Enderan’s hand then Victor’s. “And thank you for your boundless generosity.”

“It was my idea for you to move from Galebrook. It was only right that I helped at least helped you plant your roots elsewhere.” He realized his poor choice of words. “I might have phrased that differently.”

They then chuckled in good humor.

“Should you ever find yourselves back here, please seek us out first before going to the inn.”

“We should. I don’t trust that innkeeper’s son.”

“You’ve made that very apparent.” A soft look crossed Poppy’s face. “I really hope we do meet again someday Enderan.” Then gave him a hug.

She pulled away and looked into his bewildered face.

“Barely started on his first adventure and he’s already rescuing and getting hugged by fair maidens.” Victor sighed wistfully.

“They grow up so fast.” Kegan said with mock pride.

They were too caught up in the moment to reproach them and gave each other a parting smile. “Till we meet again.”

“Until then.”

Victor and Enderan hopped up on their horses and waved them goodbye as they rode off.

-

“Kegan, after Alyssa passed away, did you ever stop loving her?”

Kegan looked down at Poppy and smiled. “Never. And not till the day I die. Why do you ask?” He gave her a knowing look.

Poppy smiled up at him. “You can guess dummy!”

She took him by the hand and the two began walking back into town.

As they walked amongst the other happy families and busy people, he felt a melancholic happiness come over him. He then looked at Poppy.

Alyssa, had you been alive and we had a child. She might have been Poppy’s age. And I’m sure had Poppy been our child, you’d be very happy to raise her.

Then he looked over Poppy’s head, and imagined Alyssa taking her other hand. The three of them walking through the town. A priest, a girl with a white bow, and a witch with a matching red bow.