Clovis sat in a corner, confused at what had just occurred. Briar gave the bed to the children and watched over them as they did her. "What are you thinking about, Clovis? Are you worried about staying here? Could we try running and taking a path around this kingdom?". Clovis sighed and confessed what he spoke about to the Water Celestial, "I told the Celestial minimal things about us. We were just traveling and we saved the children, but I never told her how. I don't want her to know about the incident that happened in that Inn. I said that you had a strong personality and I needed to get you through no matter the cost. I guess that set up our red flags. I'm sorry...and to answer your question, the terrain is harsh. This kingdom is made mostly of small islands, and it would take almost a month to get through, even more so if we take the children. Going through would take three days",  he looked toward the floor regretting all his words up until now. Briar stood in front of him, her eyes cold as always, but her words lifting his spirits ever so slightly, "I was in pain, so much so I thought it would never end. Your actions have healed me, and I thank you for that". His eyes lit up as he felt a bit of weight lift off of him. Briar walked towards the mirror and looked at herself. "Your face looks better now, Clovis. Don't worry too much, all I have to do is get the crowd to acknowledge me. And, as I have seen, normal people cannot help but turn my way. Tell me, don't I look beautiful". 

     The crowd gathered by the docks where a stage was erected to present the two competitors. The citizens were in a buzz due to seeing the Water Celestial again in a very long time. She usually kept inside the palace, staying busy with whatever problem, no matter how trivial it was. She rarely visited the towns or villages anymore and when she was seen, she always had that static smile everyone could tell was forced as she waited by the port. However, as people saw her prepare for this competition, they saw the smile that had faded away from two years ago. 

     Kalea looked in the mirror as she painted her lips, the color she used, gifted to her by her one and only. A tear escaped her eye as her lids fluttered. She stopped and exhaled. Grabbing a handkerchief, she dabbed the trail the tear left. There was an ache in her heart every time she saw Briar, but she couldn't help but look, which gave rise to a guilty feeling she could not shake off. 

     The crowd was ready and the presenter began to address the crowd, "Gooooooooood Morning, citizens of Leniva town. As you know our gracious Celestial has a treat for us today. She will be competing for your affection against a magic user who excels in the realm of the mind! Here, you all will be the judges and decide who has the greater talent. ARE YOU READY!", the crowd went wild as they chanted for their Celestial to come out. "Now, first off, she holds control over the realm of water, imagination is the limit when she uses it. She who controls all sea beasts with the wave of her hand, give it up for the crown princess, Kaaaaaaalllllleeeeaaaaa Tethys!". The water Celestial with the waves of chants shouting her name, posed, winked, waved, and blew kisses to all her admirers, you could almost see hearts in their eyes. "How are ya doin, for my first miracle I would like to perform a song. Would y'all like to hear it?!". She smiled as she heard the crowd roar. She scanned the crowd as if looking for someone. Could she sing when her heart began to ache at a time like this? She closed her eyes for a moment and thought of the happiest moment in her life. A breath full of life rose from her stomach, and then her voice erupted into a melodic note. Then, her siren song began. A haunting yet beautiful lure caused all who heard her voice to only look at her. You could almost see a scene as she sang a beautiful yet melancholic tune. A song of loss, revenge, longing, love, happiness, anxiety, and loneliness. Everyone clung to each note and followed each movement as they cried and laughed. Nothing could beat their beloved Celestial as they were entranced by her song.

      The song ended and the crowd chanted her name and a smile spread across her face. She waved as she went back behind the curtains and saw Briar stand with an indifferent expression as she was clad in a white floor-length chiffon dress. Roses loosely clung to her and she took one and handed it to Kaela, "It was beautiful, I never knew I could feel such a range of emotions so quickly, but I don't seem to remember any of them anymore". Kalea sniffed the rose, her eyes looking distant," That's normal, it's a temporary spell that serves as a distraction but can also work to entertain. I'm glad you enjoyed it", Kalea walked off but looked back at Briar one last time. 

     "That's going to be a tough act to beat, now our next competitor is.....um.....beautiful-", the presenter trailed off as the contestant walked on stage, his eyes immediately following her every move.  The crowd grew quiet as they tried to comprehend what they were seeing. Something so beautiful, so enchanting, it was quite difficult to understand what was in front of you. Were you scared a one loved one had come back from the dead? Were you happy the person you were obsessed with was looking at you? Were you infuriated that the person you found beautiful was being seen by others? Or, would you question why another water Celestial was standing right before you? Briar became something you could not look away from to so many people, and slowly, they began to come closer to the stage. Then, they began to whisper. 

"What is my wife doing up there?"

"Are you mad, that's the previous water Celestial?"

"No, that's my dear mother "

"Are you all going blind"

     Arguments arose and soon the infighting started. Blows thrashes, and kicks were all being exchanged because something they wanted could not be distinguished. Many tried to get closer but were being pulled back, why did you want to touch her, why was it that you wanted her to look only at you, it wasn't fair everyone wanted her, so, in your mind, if you couldn't have her, no one could. 

     Kalea quickly stepped out and surrounded each person with a ring of water, her movements fluid and fast. She prepared to sing a song again, however, in the distance she began to hear an incantation flow into everyone's ears," As the sun sets and the moons rise, look deeply into my eyes. Hear my voice and feel my touch as you saunter away back into your mind". As the last word was spoken, everyone stopped. Their eyes grew heavy as their bodies relaxed and only being held up by the rings of water, everyone now in a deep sleep.

     Kalea let go of each one gently and, as she looked up, stared in shock as the person who said those words came closer. Long black hair, eyes of shining moonlight, dignified and beautiful she looked at Kalea with annoyance and confusion. " Kalea! What are you doing, are you hosting beauty pageants again!?". Kalea quickly ran off the stage and towards the woman who yelled at her. Then with her arms reached out, Kalea embraced her. Her tears gushed out in relief. She couldn't believe she was holding her in her arms after so long, was this even real?" WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG, I THOUGHT I WOULD NEVER SEE YOU AGAIN?! You were gone for more than you promised. Have you really... come back to me?". The black-haired woman smiled as she took Kalea's face into her hands and stared at every detail for longer than normal, " I missed you too Kaela". As the two looked at each other, they leaned in and shared their their happy reunion with a kiss.