Shadow Emarin/Paloma fic

Paloma travelled alone through the land of Cliffs and Rhyme, her umbrella at the ready. She knew she was no match for some of the enemies in her world, but she would at least fight those she could defeat.

Unfortunately, easy enemies were never in her stars that night. A basilisk weaved out from behind a rock, and Paloma whirled, opening her umbrella to block the strike --

-- but it never came. There was a plume of blackness, and the basilisk was beaten down by a telescope.

Paloma took a step back, cautiously keeping her umbrella in front of her. She'd run into the shadows before -- she knew they were trouble. As the basilisk exploded into lavender grist, Shadow Emarin stepped forward.

"What, what do you want?"

"That... should be obvious," the Shadow purred, narrowing her eyes. She put her telescope away, and closed the space between herself and Paloma, until the only thing stopping her from moving forward was the open umbrella. She grabbed it around the rapier-end, and pulled it away from Paloma with highblooded strength.

Paloma tried to hang onto her umbrella, but it was no use -- the weapon was tossed aside, useless. She took another step back, as the Shadow took a step forward.

"You, you're not the real Emarin. I, I have no interest in dealing with you."

"I'm /far/ more real than that starstruck pansy. Now come, Paloma." Emarin's shadow made a grab for the girl, and she ducked out of the way.

Paloma turned and ran away from the Shadow - but she was forced to stop by a cliff. She turned, uncertain, only to see Shadow Emarin teleporting in front of her.

"Silly girl. You can't run from me." This time Paloma had nowhere to run as Emarin grabbed her shoulders, pulling her in.

"What, what are you doing..?"

"What I should have done long ago. You're mine, Paloma. Do you really think you have a choice?" Emarin's Shadow laughed, and the sound was unkind. "A lowblood like you should be honoured to even have a chance with me."

Paloma twisted in Shadow Emarin's grip. "Please, Shadow... I tried to pity Emarin, I did! But she's got such a good life...!"

"If you won't pity me," the Shadow whispered, "I'll make you hate me."

"I don't hate Emarin, either! Just let me go!"

"Hmph..." The Shadow smiled, leaning close. "I'll make you want me."

She held Paloma's head in her hand and kissed her, crushing her lips with her own. Paloma struggled, but after a few moments, she fell still against Shadow Emarin.

The Shadow pulled away, smiling. "That's right. Accept it..."

She brought her hand up to stroke Paloma's cheek -- and that's when the girl brought her heel down on Shadow Emarin's foot, hard. She twisted, driving her elbow into the Shadow's side, and then punched her in her gut.

"What-- you--!"

Paloma wasted no time in running away from the cliff, away from the Shadow.