Chosen One's Sidekick

Chapter 7

"This is gorgeous!" Jaune twirled in front of the mirror in their cabin. It was spacious and beautifully decorated. They had been given clean clothes and boots.

She wore a blue dress with matching boots. It felt like a costume, but she loved it.

"That dress suits you perfectly, Jaune," Destine said warmly.

"You look amazing too, sis. Like the lead in a fantasy film. All you need is wings and a halo. Good thing you know the captain. Total cliche, right?"

"You're right. We're lucky it's Monzo's ship. I can't wait to see Andalus again."

"Ooooh~ So you're all hopeful now? Still waiting for your prince charming, huh?"

"I'm just happy he's still waiting. I'm excited to see him."

"When you do, are you going to run into his arms, hug him tight, and give him a sweet kiss?"

"Jaune!"

"Please. You probably kissed him loads the first time you were here. Bet Zap kissed you too."

Destine said nothing.

"Oh my god! Zap kissed you?! Girl, TWO hotties fighting over you? Jealous!"

"But I still love Andalus."

"Good choice. Better pick one before you lose them both. Can I have Zap then? You said he’s hot."

Destine laughed. "Of course. I’ll introduce you when we see him."

"Yes! Score!" Jaune squealed, then ran to the window. "We’re moving! Destine, come quick! I want to see the sea!"

Laughing, Destine followed her twin to the ship’s edge. She watched Jaune's joy and awe with a soft smile.

"She reminds me of you when you first arrived here," Monzo said beside her.

"Yeah... I’m glad she isn’t scared."

"Did you tell her what really happened?"

"Yes. She thinks it’s just a story, but at least she knows enough to understand. Monzo, what’s really going on?"

"After you defeated the dark king, there was peace. But a few months later, strange creatures started appearing—causing chaos but not killing. Even at sea, ships have gone missing."

"Then why sail now?"

"Because I’m not afraid. We’ve been through worse, and I know you need to reach Andalania."

She smiled. "I want to see Andalus again. Is he well?"

"He never stops thinking of you. He’s been waiting every day. But..."

Her smile faded. "But what?"

"He’s about to be married."

"W-what?" Her heart sank.

"The council insists. As king, he must secure heirs. Even if it breaks his heart."

Destine swallowed hard. Jaune had warned her. What if they were too late?

"We have to hurry. I can’t let him marry someone he doesn’t love. That could destroy the kingdom. If he sees me, he might change his mind."

Monzo gripped her hand. "Don't lose hope. I’ll help you. We won’t let that wedding happen."

"Thank you, Monzo," she whispered.

“It won’t be easy, Destine.”

Destine and Monzo quickly turned around, only to see Jaune standing behind them. She had clearly heard everything they were talking about.

“Jaune,” Destine said quietly. “Why do you say that?”

“Cliché,” Jaune simply replied.

“Cliché? What’s a cliché?” Monzo asked, confused.

“A cliché is something that usually happens, pumpkin. Things that you just expect to happen.”

“Jaune, can you stop predicting everything?” Destine averted her gaze, not wanting to hear what her twin might say. She was scared, because Jaune’s words always seemed to come true.

“Events? What do you mean?”

Jaune looked at the pumpkin-headed Monzo. “Events that will happen in Destine’s life—especially since she’s the main character of this world.”

“Main character?”

“Let me put it this way, okay? Listen up. She’s on a journey to see the man she loves, who’s about to get married. Of course it won’t be easy for her, especially with all the strange things happening in this world. Maybe monsters will attack, or pirates will kidnap her, and she’ll get taken even farther away. But Destine won’t give up because she has to see Andalus. She’ll do whatever it takes for love. She’ll overcome every trial, even the worst ones. When all that’s done, she’ll finally reach Andalania, just as Andalus is about to marry someone else. She’ll burst into the wedding to stop it, but the guards will try to block her. Still, Destine won’t let them stop her. She’ll push through, storm into the palace, and see the two standing at the altar, about to be wed. She’ll shout, ‘Stop the wedding!’ Everyone will be shocked, especially Andalus. He’ll see Destine standing there, leave the altar, and run to the woman he’s truly loved all along. They’ll kiss, and he’ll tell everyone, ‘Destine is the woman I love and the one I will marry!’ And that day, they’ll wed, and the whole kingdom will rejoice. The end.” Jaune recounted the scene dramatically, full of emotion.

Suddenly, applause erupted across the ship, startling Jaune.

She looked around at the crew, who were clapping and smiling at her.

“Thank you! Thank you very much!” Jaune laughed, bowing to them. “See? That’s a cliché!” she said to the speechless pumpkin.

Destine stared at her twin, a bit in awe. For some reason, she felt happy hearing the story of what might happen to her.

“Are you a fortune-teller or something?” Monzo asked in amazement. “Did you predict that all of this will happen?”

“It’s just cliché. Stuff like that always happens to heroines in movies. They go through a lot, but in the end, everyone’s happy. Right, Destine?” Jaune smiled at her twin, who looked like she might cry. “Destine,” she said gently.

“I thought you were going to say something serious, Jaune.”

“Come on. What heroine doesn’t get a happy ending? I’m sure by the end of this journey, you’ll be with the one you love, and I’ll go back to our world. I’ll handle our parents. I’ll support you wherever you’re happiest, Sis.”

She laughed heartily.

Monzo scratched his head in confusion, finding Jaune’s words strange—like a guide on Destine’s journey. Maybe that’s why Jaune came along—to help Destine fulfill her destiny safely. He nodded at the thought. Maybe Destine’s mission was so difficult, she needed the guidance of her twin.

“That’s why, Destine, listen to me.” Jaune looked her in the eye. “Whatever happens, you have to see and be with your prince, okay?”

“What do you mean, Jaune?”

“If I end up in danger... don’t try to save me. Just hope nothing bad happens to me.”

“Why wouldn’t I? You’re my twin. I can’t just leave you. We shared a womb! What kind of sister would I be if I didn’t protect you? I wouldn’t deserve to be the heroine.”

“Destine, just listen, okay? That’s what heroines do—they risk everything for the ones they love, and that gives their enemies a chance to win. Focus on finding Andalus. That’s the key. Once you do that, you’ll have your happy ending, and I’ll be okay.”

“Jaune, this isn’t like the movies you watch. I know this world is similar, but it’s not the same. Not every cliché you think of will happen.”

“But they already are. Everything’s too predictable, Destine. If you don’t want to miss Andalus’ wedding, you need to stay focused. That’s how you’ll help everyone and succeed.”

“But what if I fail?”

“You won’t. I told you—it’s a happy ending.”

“You’re teaching Destine to be selfish,” Monzo interrupted.

“Hey, pumpkin, mind your own business. That’s the weakness of heroines—they’re too kind and thoughtful, so villains trick them. If we ignore that, Destine’s story will move faster. This world revolves around her, okay? So she needs to do what she has to do.”

“Heroine? Story?” Monzo repeated, still confused.

“Got it, Destine?” Jaune asked.

“I’ll try, Jaune. You’re like my manager or something.”

“Can’t blame me. I won’t fall for this world’s clichés.”

“Okay.”

“Maybe your first trial will happen any minute now, right here on this ship.”

Destine’s eyes widened just as they were almost thrown off balance. Something had suddenly stopped the ship.