Green sparkling mist emits from Chloe’s feet rising above her head covering Emilia as well. The fog extends out to the river taking hold of the Chloe’s treehouse, grasping the mines, then suffocating the kingdom. The fog is thick and consumes everything in its path inside and outside. The mist becomes thin slowly until it is completely gone.
The king stands in his palace with long coyly hair and a beard. Those who were once beasts are now human. A few fall to their knees crying hugging themselves. Others rush to their loved ones with hugs and smiles.
On the mountain, Chloe cries in Emilia’s arms apologizing over and over again. Flower petals, leaves, light, and golden dust gently swarms unnoticed into the space before the girls.
A woman with long kinky hair, a yellow dress draped over her curves, and dark chocolate skin stands before them. Chloe moves into a respectful kneeling position. Victor and Emilia mimic her. The light dims slowly.
“Goddess Yomawu?” Chloe whispers. Yomawu sits on her knees cupping Chloe’s cheeks.
“Oh my love, how long you have suffered.” Yomawu whispers yanking Chloe into her arms. Even Emilia feels the warmth radiating from Yomawu.
“Have you come to kill me?” Chloe asks.
“No, my love.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I know. Don’t fear what is to come, for I will always be with you. I will always protect, love, and guide you. I’ve been waiting for you to notice me. Come, we will face the king together. There is nothing he can say or do that will destroy you.” The Goddess stands holding Chloe in her arms guiding her towards the kingdom with Victor and Emilia behind them.
The king opens the curtain exposing a portrait of a regal young man who shares similar features that belong to Victor and the king. The plaque reads: Prince Frederick. The king runs his fingers down the painting until he is on his own knees with tears on his cheeks.
“Your majesty,” Goddess Yomawu says. The king stands, turns around, then falls to his knees again.
“Goddess Yomawu?” Though astonished, the king gives a wiggly bow resting on his knees. The king looks to Chloe with his face quickly turning to anger, “That witch is not allowed in my kingdom. She killed my son!”
“We took away her vision so that she couldn’t see what would happen to your son.”
“W-w-w-hy?”
“Your son was meant to join us that day. As for Chloe, I lift her banishment, but her punishment is mine to give.”
“Father? Victor steps forward and the King stands shakily, disbelieving his eyes. The king yanks Victor into a hug stroking his hair.
“I thought I’d lost you too.” The king whispers. Once Victor gets over his surprise, he returns his father’s hug.
Emilia hugs herself. Victor is considerate and sweet; it’s no wonder his father missed him. Chloe is protected by the Goddess. Emilia turns and leaves the ballroom.
Once in the halls, Emilia sprints past the guards, through the gardens, over the wall, and up to the mountains. She can’t do this without Teddy. She can’t do anything without that stuffed bundle of love.
Teddy sits on the mountain watching the sun glisten on the flowers, greenery, and river. Teddy takes one more inhale of beauty then stands. Perhaps the Goddesses made the bear solely for entertainment. No one was meant to love Teddy. Perhaps Teddy can take a pillow and blanket from a home of a wealthy person. Night gets awfully cold.
A body with brown skin jogs up the mountain with long thick natural hair flying behind it. Did she really come back? For me? Arms wrap around Teddy squeezing the stuffing out.
“I can’t believe I left you!” Emilia shrieks of excitement, but she places Teddy on the ground the twiddles her thumbs avoiding Teddy’s marble eyes.
Emilia speaks softly, so Teddy has to move forward to hear her clearly, “I know you’ve been traveling for a long time, and you’re probably not looking for a new companion. Would you stay with me for a while, let me be your companion? I like having you in my life, as my best friend—You can leave when you please. I won’t hold you hostage—”
Yes! Teddy jumps into Emilia’s arms holding her tightly. I will always be with you.
“Will you help me get through the first night with my family?” Emilia asks.
Of course.