Encre's POV

It wasn't long until Jasper came out to find me in the gardens. I was tending to some strawberries that were trying to grow and the quiet was calming.

"Encre, I just want to apologize for how they acted in there and for my aunt even exposing you to that."He says

"Don't apologize for that. I'm used to that kind of environment or groups acting like that."I say with a shrug.

"But it shouldn't happen! You don't deserve it and I'm-!"He begins

"No, Jasper. It shouldn't happen but that doesn't make you responsible for apologizing. I've been around various groups of different demographics that all act like that. It doesn't matter who or what I am, they just want to feel above or better than others. The roles could swap in there and they'd still complain just because they want to. It's just the kind of people they are so I've stopped taking it personally. So don't apologize for something you can't control."I say

"Except my family technically was responsible for encouraging this discrimination...."He says

"What?"I say in surprise

"Yea, my grandpa was deep into these nonsense beliefs and acted worse than all of them in there to give you a comparison. His reign set the example and other kingdoms now act like he did like you saw in there. He looked down on anyone who wasn't him basically. Nobody was good enough, not even Father in his eyes. I think Suave has a word for him..."He tells me

Narcissist? That sucks to grow up with. No wonder why this is currently the first that I am being told about their extended family,

"He never seemed interested in emotions or bonding, not in the good ways at least. He reminds me of idiots like Asgore, stuck in beliefs of superiority over others and very closed-minded. He'd only tell me about his glory days when the Blood Moon was the start of a Blood Season to take out lower beings or how his legacy was ruined by his kids mixing with their kind. He didn't like how Father and Auntie took things over and followed Grandma's example of kindness instead. He said that Father is following her legacy, which is the wrong legacy that will only weaken the kingdom. You should've heard his screams when Father took Suave into the household, befriending him. Pure nonsense. He kept pushing for me to revive his legacy by continuing it and returning the world to the good old times which honestly confused and upset me more than anything from a young age. He'd rather complain to me than even spend two minutes playing games or acknowledging the accomplishments that I'd show him. That attitude was what pushed my family from visiting them anymore. I do recall my grandma to be nicer and more accepting."He explained to me

I rub circles on his back gently, seeing how the topic upset him but also seeing how he needed to let this out.

"That's sort of why I like your parents so much. They're caring and strong like my grandma. Plus, your home that your father made was a place I loved hearing about! It's the exact opposite of my grandpa's vision for the world and a future world that I'd like!"He says, smiling wider.

I smile at him, seeing how it genuinely brings him joy. Then he frowns.

"But never be crazy enough to call me Sir Jasper again. We're not strangers! We're friends and I see us as equals!"He snaps with a pouty glare

He huffs, crossing his arms.

I couldn't help but laugh, nodding which made him smile.

"I...Also brought some paint if you were still upset over it..."He says, revealing some cans of paint with him.

I chuckle, shaking my head.

"Jasper, you don't have to bring paint as a peace offering or worry about that. I'd never hold the actions of adults against you."I say, though lift balls of paint from the cans anyway.

They quickly start turning into balls of light, floating around us. I smile widely at the sight, always finding this transformation beautiful regardless of how many times I see it happen.

I see Jasper smile, seeming amazed at the sight. He reaches out, carefully cupping the ball in his hands.

"It always amazes me to see this happen, especially since it doesn't happen."He says

"That's probably because it's artificial light made of paint, not real sunlight."I say

"Yeah, it'd be weird if paint hurt me! Why do you choose light first for this power?"He asks

"It reminds me of my friend's favorite piece of advice. There's always good or positivity out there. There's always a balance if you're willing to seek it out. There's always a light to meet the darkness and always a good to meet with the bad. So when things are bad, I create some light to remember his advice."I tell him.

He smiles at me.

"That's very comforting."He says

I nod, smiling at him.

"I will go back to tell everyone that you're okay. Father is very worried about you, especially after seeing you leave."He says, walking away.

I smile happily at him, watching him leave with the ball of light. I turn back to the strawberry bush, smiling at the balls of light everywhere. Then I hear footsteps coming closer.

"My my, what an enlightening skill that you have. You have such a bright power, don't you? You seem to radiate already...What a beautiful backdrop for a radiant sight such as you."A voice says

I turn around, dismissing the balls of light as I watch a stranger enter. Fangs, a glimmering crown, and some wings folding under a jacket...Oh great. Another vampire king. What could this king want?

TBC