[Bonus chapter]Chapter 30: No more forgiveness for you

Song recommendation: "What a wicked game to play" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlrKXtCOI8M&list=OLAK5uy_kUS0a3nVPQSiGfbsG6my97AtGVcz6w8QI&index=3)

Ace stared into the red liquid. He could see a reflection of himself but it felt like a stranger. Everything he had done, all his dreams and every bit of goodness rippled across the crimson surface. How easy it had been to destroy it all.

"If you really wanted to punish us, we'd be dead," Ace said in a subdued voice, "You don't think I can tell when you're bluffing? I know you better than you think Clover,"

"Oh do you?" Clover's surveyed Ace with a cold smile, "Yet you couldn't seem to tell even when I said the words, who was telling the truth between Michael and I. Or is it that you knew I was telling the truth but you just wanted to get in my way?"

"You want to talk to me about the truth? Only a day ago you professed what great friends we were. Or was that just another lie?"

"It's interesting you chose that example," Clover challenged, "Did you not lie to my face when I asked if you were hiding anything from me?"

"Well, did you not try to get the truth out of me under the false pretence of being my friend?!" Ace snapped.

"It didn't have to be false. Sure, I knew you were hiding something from day one but I gave you the opportunity to be a friend, to tell the truth. You chose not to," Clover shrugged.

"And now I'm being punished for it, is that right?" Ace smiled mirthlessly, "but what right do you have to punish me?"

"The same right that you take when you interfere with my life," Clover retorted, "I hope you learn from this,"

"Is that really why you're punishing us? Because you want us to learn?" Ace responded flatly. "Why not just come out and say that you're angry? To bring a demon lord here, it speaks for itself,"

"Don't flatter yourself," Clover returned irritated, "It just so happened that I was able to solve one problem with another,"

"What does that mean?" Ace asked dubiously.

"I've been giving Yashtara the go around for a while. I guess she actually got annoyed enough to come all the way here," Clover smirked."One of life's beautiful coincidences,"

"So, you thought you'd use her to send Michael a message?" Ace surmised, "But she's not going to be satisfied with just breakfast. Haven't you just brought more trouble by inviting her to stay here? Do you ever think these things through before you do them?

"I'm not sure I want to hear that from you," Clover scoffed, "Eventually, she'll go charging to the East even if I don't do anything. If they kill each other then at least they won't be around to bother me anymore."

"They're going to start a war," Ace shook his head, "And you don't care?"

" You know, if you're so concerned, you could just give me the necklace, "Clover rebuffed, "I know you have it, Ace,"

"What makes you say that?" Ace didn't meet Clover's gaze.

"Hmm let me see. What could it be? I wonder why Kalandra showed up here all of a sudden? Or you collapsed a day before it happened? Or what you and Michael have been whispering about this whole time? Or maybe," Clover paused, "Maybe it's because I know you just as well,"

"I don't know where it is," Ace met Clover's gaze fiercely.

"Ah, if you're angry enough to lie, I guess I must be getting through to you," Clover remarked.

"I'm not sure I follow," Ace said reticently.

"You must see it was a mistake to steal that necklace now, right?" Clover smirked, "And now what? You won't hand it over out of spite?"

"I don't know what to tell you, Clover," Ace smiled, "If I did have the necklace, I think I would remind you, we're not friends. As you've made painfully clear. So, why should I tell you anything?"

"That's how you want to play it?" Clover laughed.

"Well, don't you love games, Clover?" Ace replied provokingly.

"I do but what exactly are you proposing?" Clover said thoughtfully, "I'm not sure this is a game you want to play with me,"

"Too bad It's not up to you, is it?" Ace replied. "This time, if you want the necklace you'll have to play along by my rules whether you want to or not,"

"It doesn't matter what rules we use or what game we play," Clover's eyes narrowed, "It's only a matter of time,"

Ace set his glass down. He strolled up to Clover and threw his arms around their neck. If there was any surprise in their face, it was quickly masked by cold indifference. Clover stared down impassively.

"I've been trying so hard to make you love me. Now it's your turn." Ace whispered. "The first one to say I love you is the loser,"

"Oh, Ace!" Clover smiled indifferently, "This is a game you can't win. You've already told me that you love me,"

"That was before," Ace levelled, "This is a clean slate. If I tell you I love you this time, you can have the necklace,"

"You'll hand that necklace over eventually," Clover scoffed, "I bet I won't even have to ask for it,"

"I admire your confidence," Ace replied flatly, "but I wouldn't be so sure about that,"

"It's not confidence. I'm just telling you the facts. I'll play if you want but I don't see what you get out of this."

"I have nothing to lose now,"

"You have nothing to gain either," Clover laughed.

"If I win, put the necklace on," Ace said quietly. "No more powers,"

Clover tilted their head back, "What are you talking about?"

"Just what I said. That necklace has the capacity to keep even your powers in check right?"

Clover let out an incredulous laugh under their breath, "So this is your plan? That's why you stole the necklace back?"

"Think about it, Clover. Without your powers, things would be easier, wouldn't they? Is it such a bad idea? I went my whole life without magic and sure it's hard but if anyone can manage it's you,"

"That would never work," Clover shook their head. "This game is pointless,"

Ace smiled unabashed, "Are you afraid I might actually win?"

Clover's eyes came up darkly, "What do I have to be afraid of?"

"I think you're afraid of what happens if you put the necklace on," Ace said in a low voice, " You're afraid of being exposed, of being vulnerable? You won't be allowed to take the easy way out. You'll have to live with everything you've done. That's what you're afraid of,"

"So what if I am?" Clover returned bitterly, "Forgive me for being human...half-human. I just live with it all and then what? Living is overrated. And I should know,"

"This whole time I wondered what it would be like not to be afraid of dying like you," Ace reflected, "but now I see. You are still afraid. Not of death, but of life,"

"Ah, you've got me all figured out," Clover smiled coldly, "well then, Ace, it's only fair that I get to give you an equal punishment. If you lose, I'm really going to kill you this time. I'm not joking. I'm dead serious. How about that?"

Ace swallowed, "Let's play,"

He kissed Clover's lips lightly and then pulled away. He pried his arms from Clover. However, Clover pulled him back with some force. Their lips met again. Clover grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and pushed Ace into a deep kiss.

Clover's lips still tasted like wine. Ace's hand found their way to Clover's waist, pulling them tighter. Yet Clover didn't relent. The kiss continued. It was forceful and wild. Finally, they released each other and both inhaled breathlessly.

"Don't forget you asked for this," Clover warned.

"You're not going to win this one, Clover," Ace answered heatedly.

"For your sake, I hope not," Clover replied frigidly.

Ace bent down and finished the last drop of his wine and left the room with a wave. Clover watched him leave with an unfathomable expression.

"He's not being very nice today," Kalandra said, stepping out from the hallway." You should have heard what he said to me earlier,"

"Not right now, Kali," Clover sighed.

"Not right now? Not right now!" Kalandra snapped, "Then when!? It's like you don't have time for me anymore,"

"That's not true," Clover replied.

"Ever since Ace started hanging around, you've been acting different Clover!"

"What's different?" Clover scoffed.

"First you're playing lapdog to the Empire. Then you're running back and forth doing whatever that shit asks. Now you're playing host to your old apprentice. You told me you were going to kill Michael so why is he eating at your expense," Kalandra shrieked.

"Where's all this coming from?" Clover said flatly, "You want to kill Michael, is that it?"

"No!" Kalandra threw her arms down, "That's not even my point. My point is that you've changed. You've gotten weak,"

Clover's eyes narrowed, "You want to talk about weak? Why are you playing games behind my back? You don't like Ace? Then why are you and he going around playing 'let's screw up Clover's plans'? You weren't going to tell me he still had the necklace?"

"I was going to.." Kalandra started.

"I forgive you, Kali," Clover reproached, " but don't lie to me again. You have nothing to be jealous of. I didn't forgive him."

"I'm not jealous," Kalandra returned flatly. "I'm just pointing out the obvious. You say you're punishing him, but that didn't look like a punishment to me."

"Not all punishments are obvious," Clover replied indifferently, "I meant what I said. We'll play this little game. He'll lose and I'll take the necklace back. Then he's gone, isn't that what you want?"

"What I want is the old Clover back," Kalandra frowned.

"By all means, tell me how do I do that?" Clover tapped the window sill impatiently, "What exactly do you want from me Kalandra?"

"Why play a game with him? Just kill him and take the necklace," Kalandra enthused, "I'll do it if you want!"

"Kali," Clover said in a low voice, "Don't make me regret forgiving you,"

"Who said I wanted you to forgive me? "Kalandra rejoined bitingly.

"Okay then Kalandra," Clover sniffed. "No more forgiveness for you. "