The Price of Pride | Commission

𝐈.𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ━━━━━━

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￣￣  :hearts:   :hearts:   :hearts:   :hearts:   :hearts:   ￣￣

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Hello and welcome to a commission for Dorks! I love myself some angst so I had a grand time writing this. I hope you enjoy!

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━━━━━━ 𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏.𝐒𝐈𝐒 ━━━━━━

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Angelite and Black Swan Pearl have to face a threat they know far outpowers them. They know sacrifices must be made, but neither of them are ready to accept the outcome.

➥ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:

             Angelite

             Black Swan Pearl

             Katseye

➥ 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Angst

➥ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 2,572

➥ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 14,337

“It has been a month,” Angelite commented, staring at his communication device, “and I’ve heard nothing back.” His blonde hair tickled the star-shaped gem on his forehead, and he brushed it away. He had allowed it to grow longer as of late, mainly because he had more pressing matters to deal with.

“You knew of this possibility,” his Pearl reminded him. “Your colony is of no importance to the Diamonds. Even when they learned of your existence, they didn’t bother to punish us for being made without their knowledge. That’s how little they care for us. They would see no need to spare even one ship to defend us.”

“I thought they might see it as a quick way to effortlessly take over the colony,” Angelite muttered. “Not that I would have let them, but maybe they would think it would be easier to fight off this attack now and take control over the colony rather than wait for Katseye to become an even bigger threat, just to find a colony completely wiped out, drained of any resources.”

The gray-skinned Black Swan Pearl reached out a hand and rested it delicately on his shoulder, which was something she wouldn’t dare to do to any other. It would be seen as blasphemous for a Pearl to touch her liege without permission or necessity. “It is a tough challenge we must face alone,” she agreed, “but I have full faith in us. Your people believe in you more than they believe in the Diamonds. Their willpower alone will overpower Katseye.”

Angelite looked up at a monitor displaying nearby colonies and galaxies. He didn’t have the intel and technology to keep it updated live, but even with his days-old information, the pattern was clear. A gem called Katseye was methodically conquering fringe colonies unclaimed or uncared for by Diamonds. Several colonies were marked as “No ,” and the wave was approaching Angelite’s colony. Katseye would show up within days if not hours. For all he knows, he was already in the atmosphere.

He turned to face Swan behind him, smiling meekly. “Thanks,” he whispered. “I’m panicking. Thank you for being here for me.” He rested his pale blue hand on hers affectionately. “But, are you sure you want to fight? We’ve never had to fight before, and it will be different from training. I don’t want you to put your life in danger.”

“I will fight,” she said, more forcefully than she usually speaks. She cleared her throat, regaining her composure. “If there is ever a world that I am not by your side, especially when you’re in danger, then that means I am dead. Being by your side is not only my responsibility as your Pearl, but my desire as your friend. I am lucky to have a liege so kind as to allow me to consider him a friend.”

“I don’t deserve you,” Angelite shook his head. “I know better than to think I can talk you down from this. As much as I want to ask you to flee, save yourself, I know you never would. The best I can do is try to resolve matters peacefully. As much as I don’t want to give in to Katseye, I don’t want to condemn my people to death because of my pride. I will see what he expects of the colony, and maybe…maybe avoid the fight altogether. Maybe we can hold out until the Diamonds decide to act.”

“I despise seeing you have to make such a disgusting choice,” Swan muttered. “If there is anything I can do to ease your burden, please, let me know.” She allowed her hand to fall from his shoulder.

“Please inform the colony to allow Katseye’s fleet to the capital,” he decided. “Tell them to hold their fire until they attack or I give the word. That way, I can try speaking to Katseye without any casualties. And if it does come down to a fight, at least our meager forces will have him surrounded.”

*            . • .     • .                 • .    • °. •.    •     . •    . • . ✦• . • .      • . • .               •.     . • . • .    •                  ★               . • . ★     . ° . •          . • .       • *.     •         *            . •★     . ° . •          . • .

A low, constant hum reverberated through the streets. It held strong for several seconds before fading away. Then, it was back, loud and forceful, before fading away once more. This pattern repeated, making it impossible for Angelite to fall back asleep. Not that he could even without the alarm. He knew what it meant. Katseye’s fleet was approaching his colony.

He would have hours to prepare for the meeting, assuming the ship made a beeline for the capital. Assuming the fleet wouldn’t destroy everything in their path. He and Swan donned their armor and readied their small army, and, thankfully, didn’t receive any reports of an attack. After they had done all the preparation they could, Angelite stood out in the darkness with Swan by his side, waiting. There was a cool breeze blowing over the stretch of open land, and the stars were unbothered by the gravity of this event.

“Are you scared?” Swan asked suddenly, breaking the silence. “Even though I know that I will be satisfied no matter the outcome, I am fearful.”

“Of course I’m scared,” Angelite chuckled. “This is the first threat our colony has ever faced. I don’t want it to be the last.”

Swan cracked a rare smile. “Ironic that we wish for future adversity,” she commented.

“Adversity is a sure sign that we are alive,” he pointed out. “It means we’re not stagnant.”

He looked at the stars as some of them disappeared. A large ship was growing visible, blotting out what little light there was. Its driver quickly identified the clearing, probably noticing the army gathered around it. Swan stepped back so she was a pace behind Angelite. He didn’t like not having her right by his side but he knew what was going through her mind. They needed to avoid upsetting Katseye at any cost, and seeing a Pearl stand side by side with a noble might be unnecessary drama.

A ramp extended from the large, elegant ship, and out stepped a lithe, yellow gem. He carried himself carelessly like he was out on a stroll or simply running some errands. His dull yellow stone rested on his bare chest, and even though there was hardly any light, it reflected all of it in a single, vertical stripe down the middle. Several soldiers also filed out of the ship but remained behind him.

The cat-like eyes quickly identified Angelite as the one in charge, standing expectantly in front of the ship. “And who are you?” he asked lazily.

“My name is Angelite,” he introduced himself. “I am the noble of this star colony. I am here to conduct negotiations on behalf of my people.”

“Angelite?” the gem allowed the word to roll around in his mouth. “A noble, huh?” A devious smile revealed sharp fangs. “That’s cute. Some fringe world hick with his own little army.” He looked around at the forces that were hesitantly inching closer to the ship, wanting to listen in.

“I know I am not recognized by the Diamonds,” Angelite confessed, swallowing the anger that followed the tease. He would not allow himself to be affected by such trivial matters. “But that means I can decide for myself the fate of this colony. To avoid bloodshed, I am willing to cooperate with you.”

“Well duh,” Katseye rolled his eyes. He regarded Angelite before his eyes shifted behind him. “Oh? Who’s this?”

Angelite glanced over his shoulder. “It’s my Pearl,” he answered. “Black Swan Pearl.”

“She is quite gorgeous,” Katseye commented, tilting his head curiously. “I don’t think I’ve ever even heard of a Black Swan Pearl. Her colors give her a more sophisticated air than most.” Angelite remained silent, not sure what to say. Was he supposed to agree? Why did it matter? “Yes, then. I’ll accept your surrender.”

“I-I’m not saying we’ll surrender fully,” Angelite quickly interposed. “I said I’m open to cooperation. I would like to invite you to my castle to discuss what it is you…expect, and hopefully reach an agreement.”

“I expect your colony,” Katseye answered. “There, the meeting’s finished.”

“I’m not—”

In the time it took to blink, Angelite was sent sprawling backward into Swan, who was quick enough to catch him. He blinked, confused. Katseye was now mere steps from him, flexing his fingers lazily as claws retracted into them. It wasn’t until just then that Angelite felt his face stinging. He reached up, feeling wetness on his cheek. He was bleeding. The army around them drew their weapons, but he raised his hand quickly to calm them.

“Do not be a fool,” Katseye hissed. “I alone can shatter you and every army you have on this pathetic excuse for a colony. I have no need for you or your people, I only need the space for my own people. The fact I am allowing you to surrender rather than eradicate all of you worms is the highest form of mercy you’ll ever experience in your miserable, useless lives.”

Katseye turned around and started stalking back toward his ship. Angelite grits his teeth, frustrated. He wanted nothing more than to attack this villain, but he was right. The people of his colony had no marketable skills, and his army only had experience with training dummies. His options were to subject them to what was essentially slavery until the Diamonds saved them and sent them to war, or to allow them all to be shattered tonight.

“Oh,” Katseye paused his trek back to his ship. He turned back around to face Angelite. “Come along, now.” It was an order.

“Wha…?” Angelite muttered. “I thought you weren’t willing to talk.”

“I’m not talking to you,” Katseye spat. “Your Pearl. Come.”

“What?” Swan’s stoic face shifted to one of confusion and befuddlement.

“Do you not know how to follow orders?” Katseye growled. “That is your one purpose. This stone is no longer your master, I am. I will not say again: come.”

“She will not,” Angelite declared, rising to his feet. “You can have my colony, but she is my Pearl.” Katseye didn’t even look at him. His hand was extended, waiting for Swan to respond to his summons.

“I will not leave Angelite,” she confirmed.

“My patience for this colony runs thin,” Katseye says quietly. “I am done playing games. No longer will I allow these grains of sand to even have the illusion of choice. I will reset you later. Now…Come.”

The gem on his chest began to glow, orange light emitting into the night. Angelite rested a hand on his blade, ready to attack. But the light faded, and nobody was hurt. Everybody stood in silence for a few moments, but then he heard the crunching of grass behind him as Swan approached. Then, she walked past him, toward Katseye.

“Swan?” he instinctively reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her back. She did not respond, she just looked out the expanse at Katseye. “Swan, are you okay?” He turned her around, and the first thing he noticed was her gem. It had changed from a sleek black into the same yellow as Katseye’s gem.

Panicked, he released her, his heart skipping a beat. She stoically turned around and kept walking toward Katseye. “What did you do to her?” he demanded.

“What I ought to do to everybody here,” he replied. “I simply don’t feel like spending the time. One of my generals will be taking over. It was truly a misfortune to meet you lot.” Swan stopped by his side, and he escorted her toward his ship.

“Wait!” Angelite panicked, dashing forward. “You can’t—” He was blocked by a Ruby fusion who was cracking her knuckles, ready for a fight.

“Keep in mind, little noble,” Katseye called over his shoulder. “I own you and everybody in your ‘colony.’ Whether you want to surrender or not. Get used to being a nobody.” He paused right before entering his ship, turning around to face Angelite. Swan did the same. And with an evil smile, he said, “Thanks for the gift. She’ll be an interesting addition to the collection.” He stroked Swan’s cheek before they both disappeared into the ship.

Angelite felt his breathing become more and more labored as the ship began to rise off the ground. The Ruby towered over him, eagerly waiting for him to fight back. ‘I can’t sacrifice my colony just to keep her,’ he told himself, but rationality was quickly swept away by overwhelming emotion. He knew he shouldn’t endanger his colony for the sake of one gem but…he couldn’t lose her.

Pale blue wings unfolded from his back, and he was in the air before the Ruby noticed it. He shot toward the ship, which had yet to leave the atmosphere. He pushed the limits of his speed, watching the ramp that led into the ship start to close. He slipped in before it did, slamming into a wall a few feet from Katseye and Swan.

He quickly regained his footing and pulled out his rapier as his wings disappeared. “You’re dead, Katseye!” he declared.

Katseye seemed unbothered. He rested his hands on Swan’s shoulders, lowered his head next to hers, smiled, and shoved her forward toward Angelite. She summoned two sickles as Katseye continued down the hall.

Angelite remained still, staring at Swan. “Swan,” he said, trying to keep his voice level. “I don’t know what he did to you, but you need to snap out of it. It’s me, Angelite. Your friend.”

There was no response. Swan kept on her toes, watching Angelite intensely, waiting for his first move. He kept talking. “We agreed to save as many people from Katseye as we can. You’re included in that. Please. I can’t lose you.”

Swan dashed forward gracefully, swiping her sickles at Angelite with deadly intent. He ducks out of the way but doesn’t take the opportunity to swing back. “You fight with sickles because they’re not weapons of war,” he reminds her. “You don’t want to fight, so you trained with farming tools.”

Now next to the ramp Angelite had just flown through, Swan presses a button next to the door. Wind fills the hallway as it starts to open again. An idea occurs to Angelite. He crouches down and lunges at Swan, intending to knock her out of the ship before she can push him out.

Without a single expression on her face, she pivots around him, and his eyes widen as he falls out of the door without her. He struggles in midair, his wings extending once more. He watches as Swan looks on, the ramp closing once more. He flaps his wings frantically, but the speed of the fall is hard to disrupt. The ground comes rushing at him, and he doesn’t have the strength to force his wings to beat against the air rushing up.

Angelite’s stone becomes hidden in the grass as he poofs, not to be found until he reforms. And Swan disappears into the night as Katseye’s ship leaves orbit, leaving the soldiers he left behind to wreak whatever havoc they desire.

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒 ━━━━━━

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￣￣  :hearts:   :hearts:   :hearts:   :hearts:   :hearts:   ￣￣

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I hope you enjoyed! If you're interested in commissioning me, my commissions are open, and you can find more details here.