The sky was filled with pinks, purples, and blues as the sun slowly descended, casting an Eiffel shaped shadow over the city of Paris. At the top of the signature architect stood two friends of different descent: a young blonde woman with startling green eyes and a petite frame. Her posture demanded respect, but her eyes held infinite kindness and love. Opposite her stood an equally young woman in smaller stature. Her hair was raven black, and her eyes were grey. Both women stared at each other in silence, each in their own thoughts.
"It's been awhile," started the blonde. "How have you been?"
The other woman cracked a smile and walked over to embrace her friend. "It's good to
see you, Emilie. I've been well. The business and family are flourishing too."
Emilie bent slightly to accommodate the size difference. When they pulled away, the shorter woman caught a glimpse of blue. Her eyes narrowed slightly, but it disappeared with a warm smile. "Paris has been treating you well, I've noticed. I see your son on the television all the time. Isn't he the same age as my daughter?."
Emilie smiled softly at the mention of her son. "Yes, he's become quite the popular model. I have to admit I was surprised when I found out you had moved to Paris. China is fairly far away."
"You knew, yet you never came to visit?"
"I've been busy…."
The other woman chuckled. "Of course." Her eyes fluttered to Emilie's jacket briefly before glancing away. The movement did not go unnoticed, and Emilie pulled on her jacket. An uncomfortable silence settled between the two. Finally grey eyes met green. "I think you know why I'm here, Emilie."
"I was under the impression it was to catch up on old times."
"Have you used it?"
"Have you?"
"Emilie…."
A wisp of blue appeared from behind Emilie and stationed itself at her side. Its crimson eyes refused to look up. Emilie stared at the other woman, her eyes blazing determination in the dying light. "I'm a good person, Sabine."
"I don't doubt that," Sabine said, her forehead wrinkling, "but you know that's not how it works. You took something that didn't belong to you."
"It doesn't belong to you either."
"That's why I'm here." Sabine sighed and pulled down her cheongsam far enough to reveal a purple brooch. "I'm here to return them to their rightful caretaker. My family made a mistake many years ago, and it's time that I right that wrong. I think I know where the Guardian is hiding."
Sabine held out her hand. "Please Emilie, do the right thing."
Emilie stared at Sabine's outstretched hand, her own hand lightly touching the brooch underneath her jacket. The blue wisp looked between the two women, its eyes wide with anticipation. Emilie clenched her hand and stepped back. "I can't."
Sabine took a step forward. "Emilie–"
"No!" Her outburst startled both Sabine and the wisp. "I can't give this back. Sabine, don't you realize what I could do with this? I could do so much."
"Yes, that is precisely why–"
"I could keep Paris safe. We could keep Paris safe. There is so much hurt in the world right now, and we have the power to stop it. We could be heroes…."
Sabine frowned. "That is not for us to decide. We were not given these to use. They must be returned to the Guardian." She stepped forward, her voice softer. "I am taking them back, Emilie."
Emilie backed away, her hand flying to the brooch. "I can't let you take this back. Not after what I know I can do. I have a responsibility now. You're selfish, Sabine, to want to return them and a coward!"
Sabine clenched her hands as she fought to maintain her cool. "I am not the selfish one. You are, Emilie. You are desperately holding onto power that does not belong to you!"
Emilie shook her head. "Stop it."
Sabine pressed forward. "Instead you should be helping me to return these to their rightful owner, so that he can decide who is worthy."
"Stop it, Sabine."
Sabine reached out to Emilie. "We should place our trust in the holders that he chooses." Emilie slapped her hand away. "I said to stop it!"
Sabine took a step back. Emilie glared at Sabine, her eyes filled with tears. "I. Am. Worthy. I am a good person, so why wouldn't I be chosen? I deserve this just as much as anyone else. Why can't you understand that?"
"Emilie…."
"I will make you understand, Sabine. Let me go."
"I can't do that, Emilie. I'll have no choice but to stop you."
"Do what you must, and I'll do what I must." Emilie stepped back and clutched the brooch. "Duusu–"
"Emilie, no!"
"Transform me."