Scarlet's Awakening

"By the way, I really thought you wouldn't visit me tonight." Scarlet said after a long silence between them.

Jasper glanced at her, staring at her attractive yet delicate face with a gently expression. "Why? Why did you think I wouldn't want to see you?" He asked.

The moonlight illuminated both of their beautiful figures as they sat close to each other on the couch. The emotionless expression on Jasper's face turned serious. Scarlet was about to respond when he cut her off. "Did I do something to upset you?" he asked with alarm and concern.

"No! No. You didn't do anything wrong actually. You just sounded so preoccupied yesterday that I thought you had better things to do than to visit me. That all."

Jasper frowned. "Is that what you think?"

"Is that what I what?" She asked.

Jasper stared at her. Studying her facial expression. "... That I'm too busy?"

Scarlet blinked. "Uhh. Yes?" She answered, feeling a little confused there.

Jasper didn't reply.

"I mean, I don't really know you as a person. I just know your name, and that's it." She said truthfully.

Jasper's expression turned dark hearing her words and he suddenly turned quiet as he contemplated deeply. "Very well then. If you want to know more about me than my name then ask me a question."

Scarlet was surprised. "What?"

"Ask me a question." He patiently repeated.

Scarlet frowned. "I heard it clearly when you said it the first time. What I'm trying to say here is that, why are you suddenly giving me permission to ask you, interrogate you? And what kind of questions are we talking about in here?"

"You told me you knew nothing about me except my name, right?"

"Yes. Yes, I did."

"Then I'm giving you a chance to know me better. Ask me any question. Anything you want."

She raised her eyesbrows at him. "And you'll answer them?"

He didn't blink and said, "Yes."

"All of them?" she asked and he nodded immediately.

"Yes."

"You'll really, truthfully answer them?" She asked once more and Jasper didn't think twice to answer.

"Yes, I will. I give you my word."

Scarlet looked at him. She still couldn't believe it. "Even if I asked you your deepest, darkest, nastiest secret you will still answer them?"

Jasper looked confused by her question but he still answered. "I don't know what nastiest mean but yes. I will answer them all. I will not hide anything from you, starting today. If you ask, I'll answer them."

"You're serious." Scarlet couldn't believe her ears. Is this man gullible and easy to manipulate that he just swore in front of her that he wouldn't hide any secrets from her? "For a handsome stranger, you sure trust people too fast." Scarlet murmured and Jasper heard it.

"I don't trust people." He corrected her. "I only trust you."

Scarlet's heart started beating loudly. "Very well," She took a deep breath. "Since you promised to be truthful with me then I will be the same with you."

She reached out her hand and offered it to him for a handshake. "Friends?"

Jasper frowned. "Friends?" he asked and Scarlet blinked. "Why friends?" He asked her, confused.

Scarlet was confused as well. What? Doesn't Ishid have any friends? Scarlet stared at his beautiful handsome face. "You don't have any friends, do you?"

Jasper shook his head. "No. I don't. Where I'm from, having someone close to you, like a friend or a companion, will just push your life in dangers way."

"That's a very lonely way to life then… However, I don't believe in that saying. Since we're going to be revealing each others secrets, we both have the right to call each other as friends. Do you think I'm unworthy to be your friend?"

Jasper didn't answer and there was silence between them for a while. "To me your more than that." he said, looking straight into her eyes.

Scarlet blinked in surprise. "What?" she asked but Jasper didn't repeat his words.

"Very well. Since you offered to be friends with me then I'd gladly accept it."

Jasper accepted her hand and shook it.

"Friends." Scarlet smiled.

"Friends." Jasper trailed off. "For now." He mumbled.

Good thing Scarlet didn't hear it. Or else she would really be confused.

Scarlet and Jasper spend the night talking to each other. Sharing facts about each other. All the information Scarlet gave Jasper were from the old memories of the original Scarlet Rose. On the other hand, Jasper revealed everything about him except his real identity and that they're married. Scarlet didn't ask him about his identity anyway so he was safe for now. All she asked were about his hobbies and his childhood days. If she asked him anything else that would lead her to ask his identity is. He would be in deep trouble because he gave her his word. He can't break it even if he wanted to.

The next morning, Scarlet woke up with Navy slamming her tiny shoulders to her left cheek trying to wake her up. She frowned.

"I'm up, Vee. Stop bumping at me like a mosquito." she scolded.

The adorable little fairy-slash-secretary smiled. "Good morning, Mistress! I've been trying to wake you up for 2 hours. Good thing I woke up early or else you would be really late."

Scarlet sighed and sat up from her bed. "Yeah right." She stretched her arms and yawned. "Is everything in order for our departure?" She asked.

The little fairy nodded her head. "Yes, Mistress."

Scarlet got out of the bed and called for the maids to help her get ready. She got used to their help everyday and the original Scarlet always made the maids take care of everything for her since she had better things to take care of like governing the kingdom of Gehenna and vanquish rebels that sprout up like c.o.c.kroaches everywhere.

After the maids helped her with her bath and everything else, Scarlet face the mirror and looked at her reflection. She's now wearing a dress that's comfortable for traveling according to them. In truth, Scarlet find the dress uncomfortable for travel but she had to act like royalty until she leaves the walls of the royal city.

"Is Aqua and Talon ready for departure?" She asked the maids behind her.

"Yes, my queen. They are waiting just outside your door."

"Very well." She gave the maids a nod and they bowed before her in salutation.

When Scarlet got out of the room, Aqua and Talon were indeed waiting outside.

"You majesty." They bowed and greeted her in unison.

Scarlet raised her hand. "No need for pleasantries. Time is ticking and we have a tight schedule to follow. Let us leave."

Talon and Aqua nodded at her command. "As you wish, your majesty!"