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Shiro

"Yes your majesty."

0 · 9,151 views · located in Noraneko

a character in “Into The Woods”, as played by The_Queen

Description

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❝QUOTE GOES HERE ❞
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【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#FFAEB9 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #63D1F4】

|| [url=SONGURL]songname || artist[/url] ||







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{β˜› β’»β“Šβ“β“ Ⓝ⒢ⓂⒺ ☚}
Shiro

{β˜› β“ƒβ’Ύβ’Έβ“€β“ƒβ’Άβ“‚β’Ίβ“ˆ ☚}
Shishi

{β˜› β’Άβ’Όβ’Ί ☚}
13

{β˜› ⒼⒺⓃⒹⒺⓇ ☚}
♀

{β˜› β“ˆβ’Ίβ“β“Šβ’Άβ“β’Ύβ“‰β“Ž ☚}
Unknown

{β˜› β’»β’Άβ’Έβ’Ί ⒸⓁ⒢ⒾⓂ ☚}
Latifa Fluerenza || Amagi Brilliant Park



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❝ INSPIRE US WITH A QUOTE ❞
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{β˜› ⒽⒺⒾⒼⒽⓉ ☚}
Teeny tiny

{β˜› β“Œβ’Ίβ’Ύβ’Όβ’½β“‰ ☚}
Far too skinny

{β˜› Ⓗ⒢ⒾⓇ ⒸⓄⓁⓄⓇ ☚}
Her hair is the color of buttery tulips.

{β˜› β’Ίβ“Žβ’Ί ⒸⓄⓁⓄⓇ ☚}
Her eyes are like blue sapphires.

{β˜› β’·β“„β’Ήβ“Ž β“‚β’Άβ“‡β“€β’Ύβ“ƒβ’Όβ“ˆ ☚}
She has a scar at the base of her spine from where a special chip was implanted and marks around her neck from wearing a collar.


{β˜› ⒼⒺⓃⒺⓇ⒢Ⓛ β’Άβ“…β“…β’Ίβ’Άβ“‡β’Άβ“ƒβ’Έβ’Ίβ˜š }

Shiro is a tiny thing, hardly above 4'3 and weighing next to nothing. The girl is light and graceful as a dancer with slender ligaments and a smooth tummy. Her back, however, is where the true damage shows. It comes in the form of a small scar at the base of her spine, a chip implanted into all servants of the Ashia Palace to keep track of them. She wears a collar as well, a thin piece of metal that has a red and blue light and wraps around her throat like a choker. That, combined with the chip, is what keeps Shiro bound to service.
Her skin is the color of porcelain with a rosy complexion, eyes like crystals, and hair like finely spun gold. The Palace has a habit of surrounding itself with beautiful things and so Shiro fits in rather well. As for clothing she wears what is assigned. The lady in waiting has to wear clothing that suits the court as she dutifully follows the Princess around so Shiro has quite the collection of dresses. Of course nothing is finer than what the Princess wears but certainly they have more color than the other servants.

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β™™ QUOTE β™™
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β˜› β“β’Ύβ“€β’Ίβ“ˆβ˜š

β₯ Singing || Before the Princess returned, Shiro worked for the Queen and would often sing to her.
β₯ Warmth || Being so high up in the atmosphere means she's always cold.
β₯ Snuggling || Shiro likes to curl up at night with the bigger girls in the servant rooms. Now though, she has her own room next to the Princess.
β₯ Dancing || Shiro never took formal lessons, but she likes to make up her own dances.





❧




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❝QUOTE ❞
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β˜› β’Ήβ’Ύβ“ˆβ“β’Ύβ“€β’Ίβ“ˆβ˜š
⌦ Scoldings || Shiro does her very best to keep everyone happy.
⌦ Punishment || The collar works in a way that can sense tone of voice and is activated by key words, therefore punishment is imminent.
⌦ Servitude || It's not easy working in Ashia Palace.






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β˜›β“†β“Šβ’Ύβ“‡β“€β“ˆβ˜š
Dancing || Mostly when Shiro thinks she's alone, she'll dance around the halls like a little ballerina.
Shy || Shiro is incredibly shy and when meeting new people she'll trace the toe of her shoe on the ground.
Hiding || When Shiro knows she's done something wrong she'll hide to avoid punishment.


[center]❧


β˜› β“Œβ’Ίβ’Άβ“€β“ƒβ’Ίβ“ˆβ“ˆβ’Ίβ“ˆ ☚
⌦ Dizzy Spells || Shiro is incredibly weak, she was born with an illness that's common among children in the lower tiers that's treated at the palace.
⌦ Physical || Shiro isn't strong in the least bit, it's very easy to beat her in nearly anything.
⌦ Mental || All servants are raised to be submissive, to roll over for their master/mistress.
⌦ Praise || Shiro loves to be praised.


❧


β˜› β“ˆβ“‰β“‡β’Ίβ“ƒβ’Όβ“‰β’½β“ˆβ˜š
β₯ Kind || Shiro is probably one of the nicest servants you'll meet in the castle.
β₯ Getting Things Done || It's Shiro's job to ensure that the Princess's needs are all taken care of.
β₯ Story Teller || Shiro is a great story teller, she loves to spin tales of old Ashia classics and give them a new twist.
β₯ Lungs || Due to her affinity for singing her lungs are incredibly strong.


❧


β˜› β’»β’Ίβ’Άβ“‡β“ˆβ˜š
Punishment || Shiro is terribly afraid of being disciplined, especially knowing what's programmed inside of the collar.
Heights || Living atop a high castle, Shiro has developed a terrible fear of falling off.
The Dark || Bad things happen in the dark, so Shiro has come to abhore it.

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β™™ QUOTE β™™
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{β˜› β“…β’Ίβ“‡β“ˆβ“„β“ƒβ’Άβ“β’Ύβ“‰β“Žβ˜š}
Clipped wings, I was a broken thing
Had a voice, had a voice but I could not sing
You would wind me down
I struggled on the ground
So lost, the line had been crossed
Had a voice, had a voice but I could not talk
You held me down
I struggle to fly now

But there's a scream inside that we all try to hide
We hold on so tight, we cannot deny
Eats us alive, oh it eats us alive
Yes, there's a scream inside that we all try to hide
We hold on so tight, but I don't wanna die, no
I don't wanna die, I don't wanna die

And I don't care if I sing off key
I find myself in my melodies
I sing for love, I sing for me
I shout it out like a bird set free
No I don't care if I sing off key
I find myself in my melodies
I sing for love, I sing for me
I'll shout it out like a bird set free
I'll shout it out like a bird set free
I'll shout it out like a bird set free

Now I fly, hit the high notes
I have a voice, have a voice, hear me roar tonight
You held me down
But I fought back loud.




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❝QUOTE ❞
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{β˜› ⓅⓁ⒢ⒸⒺ β“„β’» ⓄⓇⒾⒼⒾⓃ ☚}
The Untouchable Tier, Ashia.

{β˜› β’»β’Άβ“‚β’Ύβ“β“Ž ☚}
Abandoned.

{β˜› β’½β’Ύβ“ˆβ“‰β“„β“‡β“Ž ☚}
Born in the untouchable tier, where the sanitary workers resided, Shiro was abandoned. She was born with a common illness among untouchables and a servant found her about to be crushed among a garbage compactor. The servant managed to sneak Shiro into the Palace, getting caught when a child began to wail late in the night. The King and Queen were furious of course, but the Queen took pity on the child, seeing it struggling to survive. Her wide blue eyes softened the royal family's heart seeing as how they had just lost their own daughter and so they took Shiro in, naming her for the purity only a child could have. The royal doctor tend to her and for the most part the illness is in remission, but every once in a while it acts up.
Shiro grew to be a beautiful child and the Queen kept her around, training her. They wanted her to stay cute and small and so they inhibited her growth, making Shiro wear a sort of brace that would ensure she wouldn't get taller than they desired. She was disciplined and conditioned, having the chip planted into her as soon as she could walk.

Originally, Shiro was nothing more than the Queen's pet, a little toy to entertain her and sing when she wanted her to. Then, when it was finally safe enough to consider bringing the Princess back, Shiro's real training began. It involved a lot of discipline and lessons in manners and such. Shiro wanted to please her saviors, without the King and Queen she would have been nothing after all. Shiro grew used to sleeping in a room by herself, waiting for the Princess's imminent return and wondering what she was like. When the day finally arrived, Shiro's job had finally begun, she never imagined just how hard it would truly be.

{β˜› ⓄⓉⒽⒺⓇ ☚}
Shiro likes to cover up her collar with necklaces and bows so it's rarely ever visible.






β’Έβ“„β“…β“Žβ“‡β’Ύβ’Όβ’½β“‰: ⓉⒽⒺ_β“†β“Šβ’Ίβ’Ίβ“ƒ



So begins...

Shiro's Story

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

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❝Even if my fingertips don’t reach, show me the truth I wished for, even if I lose everything...❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#4ca2b8 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #8b4cb8】

|| Secret ~Black Vow~ || Rin/Len (cover by SirHammet) ||




Nee's heart dropped and she felt cold flooding her body when Shiro told her about Cress's condition, about what was happening to her. She tried to stop herself from crying, from making Shiro worry, from making Shiro blame herself for scaring her. Something dreadful like this was definitely hard for Shiro to say, so she had to remain calm and level headed for her. It was Cress's choice, after all, she chose it of her own free will. So, it'd be okay, wouldn't it? She had to trust in Cress's decision and await her return. "I'll... do my best to recover too." Narcia said gravely, fixating Shiro with a stare. "So we can both be Queens of Ashia Palace."

Shiro kissed her on the lips where Semyon had once kissed, taking it over, removing his claim and placing her own. The ice girl shivered slightly at first but she eased, accepting it, wanting herself to belong wholly to Shiro. It was almost sad how her body matched Shiro's now, the little pup was full of marks from Narina, scars of abuse that wouldn't go away without help. Shiro tended to the open wounds, putting salve on each one, helping them heal, bandages to protect the soft skin. It felt nice to just... give in to someone else completely, to let yourself just be and the other takes the reigns, total trust between the two. And that was what they had.

Her favorite person expressed her fear of not saving her in time, of her being married off to Semyon, belonging to someone other than Shiro and breaking their bond. "You're the only one for me." Nee couldn't yet fully express the fear and anxiety of having to be married to him, of bearing his child, of watching the people she loved die. "I - it's not selfish. It's... honest. It just means I'm the one you love most in the world." She felt warm saying that, she hoped it was true.

After Maven's interruption Shiro protected her from Maven's eyes when it would usually be Nee doing the protecting. The ice queen felt a squirm of fear rising up, of being seen like that by a man again, but she kept it down, trying to cool the anxiety threatening to bubble over. "W-we should go. It'll be important." Narcia made a smile but the ice still wasn't back. "We'll have to decide what to do with Una and the Tartarian territory and how to maintain peace. We'll be there, as Ashia's voice." She slowly got dressed in what Shiro chose for her, a beautiful outfit and she squeezed the pup's hand gently. "You'll be with me, so it'll be okay."


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❝Because you called out to me, it was like a wish being born for the first time.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#30b818 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #d1ca00】

|| Hope of Morning || Icon for Hire ||




Refure found herself somewhere dark. It was strange, and she didn't recognize it much at all. It was a dark place, an enclosed space yet she could still see, light was trickling down. Refure glanced up above her, seeing the sky peering down around the stone walls that surrounded them. What exactly was happening? Why was she in a well? The Tartarian Commander didn't know, and she didn't want to find out. The stones - they were too slippery, it'd be too dangerous to try and climb out. What could she do, then?

"Oy. The hell do you think you're doing, stealing my body like that." The voice was low, menacing sounding like a wild beast. Someone stepped forwards, suddenly lunging and grabbing Refure by the throat, a guttural snarl echoing in the well. "It's mine, y'hear?! I own that body!" Refure was confused, she didn't know what was going on. Why did this girl look exactly like her? Except instead of the Tartarian uniform of a sleety grey with and pants and a blazer, the girl before her was wearing a black and sleek outfit, with a silver armband on her left sleeve. An Ashian Knight.

Refure pulled her off, but the girl was bestial, ferocious. "Who are you?" A harsh, sharp laugh, like lightning. "The names Kora, and don't you forget! Listen, Refure or whatever the hell, that's my body, and I need you out! No one gave you permission to take it from me!" So it was a fight, then? Refure didn't really understand what was going on, but she wouldn't lose, not to an Ashian. So they traded blows, and that was when Refure realized her legs were working. Kora's was too.

Then someone else grabbed at her legs, giving Kora the opportunity to jump on her front and bite her on the side of the neck. "Please, Aya didn't want this." This new girl looked like her too, except this time she was dressed in an overly large green jacket, hair in a pretty braid. "Please. Aya just wanted to see Cress one last time." Kora snapped, gnashing her teeth, a wild gleam in her eyes. "Shut up, Aya, we're supposed to be a team to kick out this stranger! Stop acting so weak!"


Refure lulled awake, feeling pain in her head but nothing else. If she remembered the dream, she would've considered it one of the weirdest she ever had. She was on the bed, in a hospital gown, a different room from Nui and Una. Her head was a throbbing agonizing mess and it didn't make sense. Why did it hurt so much?

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝Let your soul take you where you long to be.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #CD5C5C β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #C5E3BF】

|| Flaws || Bastille ||




Corren came in, doing another exam per Narcia's request. The older twin paced the room as Corren went over everything, turning around slowly to face the black haired girl. "I wouldn't hope too much," Corren said quietly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "There isn't anything I can do to reverse this." Nee cried out, tears streaming down her face. "No," a sob racked her body. Shiro tried to comfort the Queen, but Narcia flinched away from her touch, which caused the pup to run away with tears of her own. Corren left, giving Narcia time alone with her sister. Narcia slowly approached the bedside, wiping at her eye. Cress was looking up at the ceiling, if not for the monitor saying otherwise, you'd think she was dead. There was only one IV, providing hydration since the girl who had once been so lively had turned into a doll.

"You always protected me," Nee said quietly. "Even when we were kids back on earth." Narcia reached forward, tucking a strand of long hair behind one of Cress's ears. "Remember that time I was getting bullied on the playground and you smeared mud on your face and said anyone who bullies me will have to face the mud monster?" Narcia laughed, the sound sad and lonely. She choked back a sob, trying to be brave. "Cress," Nee squeezed her hand. "Please don't leave me," She clambered into the bed, holding her little sister tight.

"You've always been the younger one, but you always acted like an older sister." Nee wiped at her eyes, wiping away the tears that had fallen onto Cress's face. "I'll protect you this time, even if Corren says that it's hopeless I'll bring you back. I promise you won't suffer anymore." Narcia straightened, placing Cress gently back down. "I won't let anyone hurt you anymore." She closed Cress's eyes, tucking the blanket around her and kissing her forehead. She strode out of the room, one last glittering tear falling to the ground before she left. Narcia walked down the spiral staircase, locking the door behind her. Two dragons came out of the woods to guard the sleeping Princess, one with scales like crisp red leaves, the other a warm, buttery color.

"Heron, Kora, protect the Princess at all costs." Narcia said, wearing the key around her neck. "Should anyone try to enter the tower without permission, kill them." Narcia didn't return to the tower, instead, she threw herself into studying on a way to reverse what the pearl throne had done. Of course these events mirrored a very real event, a sleeping Princess, damaged by a Queen who claimed it was a mother's love. Only, Narcia didn't visit Cress because she was finding a cure, but because she was taking care of Ashia Palace, damaging her own health in the process. The doll in the bed wouldn't ever wake up, not without the help of her big sister.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #FFAEB9 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #63D1F4】

|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||




Shiro could see the pained expression on Nee's face as she explained Cress's condition. "I'll take you down there later," Shiro said, "Er, Corren is actually the only one with the key down there, so I'll ask him." He had taken Shiro down only once but Shiro didn't have the desire to go back. It unnerved her to be honest, being in such a sterile environment and Corren had recognized the pup's associating it to the place of her nightmares, where Narina would take Shiro to punish her, where she had taken Cress to try and get rid of her, where she had made Aya into a servant, and where she had never dared take Narcia, the daughter she so treasured. It was funny how loving someone made you do crazy things and in this case, perhaps Narina really had loved Narcia by never taking her down there.

Nee said that Shiro's desire for it to be Cress and not Nee wasn't selfish, that it was love. "It hurts to think about," Shiro admitted, wondering if she was a bad girl for thinking that anyone should be hurt. Shiro had pleaded with Nee to simply let Cress take the fall this time, the girl was already so broken, what could a little more do? She didn't want it to be Nee and now, seeing what it had done to her favorite person, Shiro feared that she was right. All of these markings, no doubt Nee had suffered. Shiro was incredibly gentle with Nee, feeling a strange sort of protectiveness. Was this how you felt when you loved someone so much that it hurt to be apart from them? Shiro thought so.

"I'll try to protect you this time," Shiro took both of Nee's hands, a different sort of light in the pup's eyes. "Because you protected me from Queen Narina all of those times!" Yes, Nee hadn't let Narina punish her. There had been the diaper incident, when Nee had protected her from Narina, when the Queen had blinded Shiro in one eye and burned her feet and made her fear anything that so much as breathed, the time when Shiro's lungs failed, and when they didn't have the medicine so they failed again. There was the time when they were caught and Nee had tried to protect her again in the interrogation room, the room that starred in all of Shiro's nightmares.

That's right, this would be an important meeting that they would need to attend to discuss the future of Tartaria. Technically, it belonged to Ashia since an Ashian Knight had killed the King and according to the rules of war, that meant it was their's. Of course, Shiro didn't know any of this since she hadn't studied war. "You can hug Ellis if you need to." Shiro said, feeling a bit of anxiety as she said it. Ellis was her's, he was her puppy, no one could take him from her. Shiro hugged the toy to her, thinking that if it was Nee it would be okay since she wouldn't abuse Ellis.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

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❝Even if my fingertips don’t reach, show me the truth I wished for, even if I lose everything...❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#4ca2b8 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #8b4cb8】

|| Secret ~Black Vow~ || Rin/Len (cover by SirHammet) ||




Nee held Shiro close in a warm embrace. "Thank you." She said, knowing that the room where Cress was was probably just like the torture room back in Ashia Palace. She didn't want Shiro to have bad memories of that resurface, so it made sense she didn't want to go back in. As for the marriage and the whole ordeal, it really was painful to think about, wasn't it? Shiro probably had a lot of guilt and regret for what she said, but it wasn't like Nee didn't understand the feeling of wanting to protect someone at any cost."It'll be okay. One day, you'll forgive yourself, and I'll hold your hand each step of the way." They were a team, they would work together and get through this, wouldn't they?

There was slight surprise at Shiro's proclamation of protection and Narcia smiled, already feeling the safety and security only true love could give. "Untill I'm strong again, I'm counting on you." She said, incredibly proud of how much Shiro had grown. She shook her head, smiling at Shiro. "You're my Ellis, so it's okay. Thank you for offering, Shiro." The girl really was a cute little puppy, except now she was trying to don the role of a guard dog, wasn't she? It was adorable and Nee loved her even more.

So the meeting began, all the leaders save Stalford of the Western Continent were present. Since the Western Continent hadn't actually gotten to the Eastern Continent during the span of the war, suffice to say, they didn't have much of a stake in the matter. After all, Aquarius already surrendered and Stalford was dealing with the situation over there now. Riana spoke first, assuming authority. "We're here to discuss the future of Tartaria and the Eastern Continent." Cumin was listening with rapt attention, a serious expression. Nee and Shiro were sitting side by side, a team.

"According to the Welsforth Treaty of the Fourth Era, the nation that kills the leader gets the lay of the land." Nee said, making her position firm. "Heron Cherubim, my High General of Offence, claimed the kill. So, everything should belong to Ashia." Riana's ambitious wheels were spinning already, Nee knew it, and she spoke. "But if we consider it in other terms, Coriandrum was the site of the final battle, giving Ashians a safe haven until the end. So, is there a need to abide by old laws?"

Cumin's voice was soft yet strong at the same time. It was clear that she meant business. "I think instead that Una Malachite should inherit the throne in the case she awakes." Riana turned to her, still being civil and polite. "Princess Cumin, there's no guarantee that Una will recover from her unfortunate ailment." But Cumin spoke again, calm and collected. "She is the next in line. If we ignore the Welsforth Treaty, we still have to follow the line of succession, do we not?" Riana then took her turn, but Nee thought she was playing it a bit too aggressively. "She lost her entire family because of us. What if she wants revenge?"


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❝Because you called out to me, it was like a wish being born for the first time.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#30b818 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #d1ca00】

|| Hope of Morning || Icon for Hire ||




Refure was still confused, and as much as she didn't want to admit it, the facts didn't line up. Somewhere along the line, someone was lying. Was Semyon the liar, or were the allied powers the ones lying? If so, then if you turn the chessboard around, what motive would they have for lying to her? What do they have to gain? As much as Refure wanted to think of reason to trick her, she couldn't think of one that made sense, if it was a lie. She was an enemy, wouldn't it be less effort to just imprison her and have her dealt with? But on the other hand, Semyon definitely had reason to lie to her. He needed someone to lead his invasion armies, didn't he?

There were other inconsistencies that didn't make sense as well. Why did everyone call her Kora, and why did everyone call Nui Cress? It's confusing, and she couldn't think of a reason unless at some point in time, her name really was Kora and Nui really was Cress. But in that case, how would these people know it, but Semyon didn't, unless she really was Ashian. It didn't make sense if you approach the mystery from a Tartarian perspective. But - Semyon - he was so kind to her, he helped her get used to life with amnesia and seemed distraught at the lost memories. Could he really be a liar?

It hurt her head to try and think too much, so Refure decided to look at Una again, hands on the top of the glass coffin, protecting her from the outside world. Una was going to wake up to a very hard life, wasn't she? Her whole family was gone and maybe even her right to rule would be stolen from her as well? All Refure knew was that for Una, perhaps letting her die would be a kinder fate. Letting her reunite with her family and be free from the suffering.

"I'm sorry, I failed to save Semyon, Una." Refure said sadly. If she was a childhood friend of Semyon, then that meant Una would recognize her, right? So was it selfish to want her to wake up in order to get a concrete answer? "If I fought harder, if I was stronger, maybe he'd be alive right now." Refure just didn't know what to do anymore.

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Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝Let your soul take you where you long to be.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #CD5C5C β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #C5E3BF】

|| Flaws || Bastille ||




"I found it!" Nee burst into the tower, looking wide eyed and wild. Corren and Shiro came in behind them, looking as though they hadn't slept in days. "What?" Kora asked, standing guard. "What is it?" Nee showed her something on the holo. "We have to plug her back in." She said, pacing as she explained it. "The pearl throne is the only way to bring Cress back." Heron looked infuriated, she drew her lance, holding it out against the Queen. "Stand down Knight Heron, know your place." Heron shook her head and Kora copied her, guarding the sleeping princess. "No! Cress has gone through enough!" Kora yelled, amber eyes set ablaze. Nee walked forward, striking the knight. Heron lunged but Nee stepped out of the way. Things moved in slow motion. Shiro fell back, eyes widening as someone stepped between them.

The room was frozen as Cress fell to the floor, Heron's lance plunged into her stomach. She coughed, blood spattering Heron's white dragon uniform. "Cress!" Kora screamed, sliding across the floor, holding her close. Nee's hands trembled, she hugged Shiro closely, eyes wide. There was blood spatter on Shiro's face having been so close to the disaster and it was clear that she was spiraling. "Cress, no." Nee mewled, falling to her knees. Her hands hovered over little sister's form, afraid to touch. "Move!" Corren commanded and they gave the doctor space. Cress's eyes were dull, unseeing as Corren commanded Aya to come forth and the knight turned into a nurse. They pushed everyone out of the room, whispers of Nee holding Shiro, of the two Queens quietly sobbing passing through the doors. The echoes of Heron's footsteps as she paced, no doubt knowing it was her fault.

Several hours passed before the doors opened once more. Corren was disposing of his gloves, Aya tending to the patient. "We need to connect her," Nee said quietly, holding one of Cress's limp hands. "Please, if we don't do it soon, she'll be gone forever." The longer they waited, the less a chance there was to Cress coming back. "I wanted to protect you," Nee said quietly, sobbing. "But even in this state you end up being my protector." Shiro was standing beside her, the pup looking as though she had spent a long time crying. "You save me, we're going to save you." If Cress hadn't jumped between them, Shiro would have been the one who had been skewered.

Heron carried her body, Aya pushing along the machines behind her. They traveled in a quest across the forest, back to that deep dark basement where no light dared to touch. Shards of ice still lay on the floor, the throne like a gloomy beacon in the darkness. Even as the lights flickered on, there was no warmth in the room. "We have to," Nee said quietly as Heron placed her body down on the throne. "It's the only way," Shiro held Nee's hand, Heron coming to stand beside them as Aya and Corren took care of connecting Cress to the throne.

They took turns taking watch, sleeping in shifts, looking for any sign of life within their friend and sister. They were sitting in a circle, taking turns telling stories to try and lift their spirits when Kora noticed a flicker. "Guys," Kora stood. Cress jerked, gasping for air like a fish on dried land. "Get it off!" Cress screamed in obvious pain. They rushed to their feet, doing their best to disconnect her. Cress slumped forward in Heron's arms, the knight easing Cress to the floor. "You're back!" Narcia collapsed in a pile of tears, hugging her sister, Shiro joining in on the tears. Cress slipped into sleep again, but this time, it was a happy sort of sleep.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #FFAEB9 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #63D1F4】

|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||




Shiro blushed when Nee said that she was her Ellis, wiggling a little bit. She was smiling though, holding Nee's hand as they went to the meeting that most everyone was present at. Shiro sat beside her, surprised to find that there was a seat for her. She had intended beside Nee with a supportive air, but it seems that the others had accepted Shiro to be the future co-Queen of Ashia Palace. The thought made her happy, that even the other countries would be accepting their unity of love rather than strategy. Shiro held onto Nee's hand, giving it a light squeeze to show how happy she was as she sat beside her, almost glowing now that the two were back together. There was to be no marriage between Semyon and Narcia, only Shiro and Nee. The two of them would finally get their happily ever after, once this mess was sorted out at least.

Shiro listened to Nee speak, it only made sense that they had claim on the land since Heron had been the one to execute the tyrant King Semyon. It was a shame that the man who had visions of peace went around bringing destruction. Perhaps under different circumstances the two Kingdoms could have agreed eye to eye and forged an alliance. Instead, King Semyon had forced their hand and caused his own defeat. Back during the war to kill King Mephisto, he had shown so much promise in wanting a better life for himself and his people, but in the end King Semyon had stooped to the lowest means using blackmail and kidnapping Ashia's Princess. Shiro still didn't forgive herself for what she had said that day, thinking it was better that Cress was hurt rather than her precious Nee.

Riana was speaking, no doubt thinking that she had a right to the territory after shielding Shiro and Cress from Semyon's wrath. "Um, if it's okay to speak," Shiro squeaked, waiting for an affirmative. She looked to Nee and once getting confirmation that it was alright, Shiro closed her eyes, taking a deep breath in to try and compose herself. "I agree with Princess Cumin." Shiro nodded her head once, "We can take in Princess Una until she is fit to be Queen and maybe with your help, Queen Riana, we can make Tartaria a thriving ecosystem and port of trade so that once Princess Una inherits it, not only will we have an alliance, but another thriving country that can contribute to Ourania's welfare."

Riana took her turn, asking if there was a possibility of Princess Una wanting to revenge. Shiro shook her head then, "I don't think she'll want revenge, she's not that type." Shiro recalled what King Semyon had said, that he would achieve Una's dream of peace. "Una wanted to live in a world without war and even though that may be hard to accomplish, I think the Princess may be more sad to discover how her family died than feel the need to avenge them."

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Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝Even if my fingertips don’t reach, show me the truth I wished for, even if I lose everything...❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#4ca2b8 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #8b4cb8】

|| Secret ~Black Vow~ || Rin/Len (cover by SirHammet) ||




As the quibbling began and the lines of the alliance grew shaky and tense, Shiro timidly looked as if she wanted permission to speak. Narcia felt a bit stronger with Shiro there with her, and she wanted the pup to feel the same strength. "You have no need to ask for permission Siro." Narcia said and Riana's face softened, sitting herself back down. It was almost funny watching the expression on her face change, but it certainly did. "We're all equals here. Speak your mind, Queen Shiro." So then Shiro spoke, agreeing with Cumin about letting Una succeed the throne once she was of age and woke up, while also stressing the ability Ashia had to make the ecosystem thrive and plentiful in time for Una.

"Not to mention, Etruria and Coriandrum are in need of infrastructure and rebuilding from the war." Narcia said with a smile, bringing up scans of the damages. Amethysia was ablaze from the battle and while the fires have been put out, the gates needed to be rebuilt, and there were more than enough dead bodies to fill a morgue. The capital of Etruria was even worse, a brazen warzone. What used to be a giant tower that stood in the center of Lyriope was rubble, the battle there was have been huge and destructive. "Meanwhile Ashia had avoided the bulk of the war so our cities aren't as badly damaged. We're in a better position to send aid to Tartaria and manage it for Una, aren't we?"

When the topic of revenge was brought up, it was clear Cumin's ideals of pacifism were stark against Riana's pessimism and fear of another conflict breaking out. Shiro spoke up this time as well, saying that she had trust that Una didn't want revenge, that she didn't want a world of war. Narcia, truthfully, felt sorry for the girl and the hand life had dealt her. It was a tragedy, because if Semyon hadn't become fanatical in his methods, perhaps peace really could have been possible and Una could've lived with at least one living family member. But as it was, that was impossible.

Cumin gave a dazzling smile, her own aura compared to Nee's authoritative ice aura. "Representing Etruria, I too, will extend my hand of friendship to Una when the time comes. The girl will likely be saddened and distraught, so she would appreciate shows of friendship, wouldn't she?" Something changed a bit in Riana's eyes and then the tension in the room cleared up a bit. "And I'll make sure Coriandrum shows her support as well. And with that, the meeting was adjourned.


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❝Because you called out to me, it was like a wish being born for the first time.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#30b818 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #d1ca00】

|| Hope of Morning || Icon for Hire ||




If there was anyone Refure was expecting to come and interrupt her thoughts, it wasn't the scarlet spear-wielding knight that was nigh unbeatable. Heron stormed in like a fury, having stolen Corren's key from him at some point, grabbing hold of Refure by the hair, yanking her off of the chair and towards the wall. Refure let out a noise of pain but was thrown to the ground. Heron wasn't happy, and something was about to happen. "You." Heron was heaving, full of rage. "Give Kora back. Give Aya back. Give me back my friends."

Refure grimaced, it was this crap again,except much more violent. Corren insisted that there wouldn't be torture but it seemed it was going to happen sooner or later. The door was locked, though, and since there was only one key to the room, no one would come help her without Riana's master key. "Resorting to violence, huh?" Refure smirked, full of bitterness that this was what her life was now. Just a person stuck in this room. "Well? The war's over, so what could you want?" And her words only incited further anger from the scarlet knight.

"This isn't about the war!" Heron shouted, lifting her up by the hair, pulling some out by the roots, pain in her head sharp and very real. "It's about my friends. Cress -" Refure narrowed her eyes rebelliously. "Nui, you mean." And that only made Heron angrier, dropping her to the ground, delivering a kick to the side that made it hard to breathe. Her vision went strange for a second, dots appearing and vanishing just as quickly. "Cress, Aya, Kora, and I. We were best friends. Cress got sick, put in the tank, and - and then you came and stole Kora and Aya and..."

Refure was almost amused at how quickly the knight descended into tears, shivering and shaking,. "Give them back. Please just give them back to me." Refure sighed, not intending on anything of the sort. Even if she wanted to, it wasn't like she knew how to, anyways. "Assuming this isn't another lie and that this body did belong to someone else, I'm here now. They aren't. I wouldn't have the slightest idea on how to bring them back." And Heron kicked her again. "Shut up. Just shut up. You stole my friends from me."

Well, this was going to be fun.

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Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝Let your soul take you where you long to be.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #CD5C5C β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #C5E3BF】

|| Flaws || Bastille ||




Just as promised, in two days time, Doctor Hal came to examine Cress. He did a quick scan to check on her recovery, noting the improvement. "The Princess will be needing a new liver, I can do the transplant before she comes out." So Corren assisted Doctor Hal since he was Cress's primary caretaker and once that was done they gave her a few more hours to heal. The draining of the tank had begun, it was almost lunch time as the blue liquid began to slowly lower and with it, weighed down by tubes, was Cress. There was a new scar on her stomach from where they had taken out her old liver and given her a new one. Doctor Hal had used technology common in Ourania, a ghost organ with which you transplanted the cells of the receiver so that there would be no fear of rejection.

"Let's keep the epidural in, no need to cause the Princess extra pain." Corren mused and Doctor Hal nodded his head approvingly. The two kept watch of vitals as the gel lowered until finally, it was safe to take Cress out. The top was opened up, the metal panel sliding open to allow them to lift Cress out. There was a nurse there to assist them as well as Refure, who Corren had insisted on bringing, much to Doctor Hal's disapproval. The tape was gently removed from Cress's eyes, a soft, warm washcloth used to wash away the gel. It took a few of them to get it all, the towels carefully disposed of since the gel had nanobots in it that helped with the healing process.

"She'll be awake soon," Corren said as they began taking out tubes. The mask over Cress's nose and mouth was removed, the tube inside of her mouth and down her throat taken out and disposed of. Next went the extra IV in her hand, leaving Cress with the oxygen, the port, epidural, and catheter. "Please inform our Queens that the Princess will be awake soon." Corren said after dialing Maven. There was a sound from the girl on the bed, a sort of whimper that turned into a cough. Blood trickled down the side of Cress's mouth which Corren quickly wiped away. "That's normal," he explained to Refure since Doctor Hal was busy with something else. "Due to the removal of the tube in her throat, she'll probably be sore."

Cress's eyes slowly opened, fiery orbs revealed if only for a moment as they fluttered, shutting once more. That was normal, Cress was going to be very weak for the next week, but after that she'd have her strength again. Not as much as before the illness, but certainly more than she currently had. "Mhm," Cress moaned, coughing again. "Can you please get the Princess dressed?" Corren asked Refure, "I have to go give one of the Queen's her shot." He also wanted to check on Narcia's mental state. Sitting on the end of the bed, watching over Refure and Cress, was a certain stuffed mule deer.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #FFAEB9 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #63D1F4】

|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||




After the meeting had been adjourned, Shiro went back to her room to spend some time with Narcia. This time she locked the doors, making sure that Nee wanted to go through with it before overriding the awful memories King Semyon had given her. There was no pain, only two girls and their love, bodies intertwined, breathing in sync. When it was done, Shiro fell asleep beside Nee, curled into her side. She suckled on her pacifier, hugging Ellis and it was a wonder how such a small, tiny thing, could go from child to adult and back in so little time. One thing, however, was very clear. That Shiro loved Nee with all of her heart and would do anything to stay beside the good she cherished so much.

The next day was spent cleaning up from the attacks, Shiro stayed by Nee's side the entire time as they helped Queen Riana in whatever way they could. Ashia Palace had sustained no damage since Itward had held strong against the Tartarian forces and as soon as they were defeated, the Tartarians had retreated back to their land. Already things were being planned for the Tartarian citizens and the transfer of temporary power until Princess Una was fit to inherit the throne. There was no way to plan anything with botany without Cress's knowledge of gardening and Shiro avoided the topic, knowing that it would make Nee sad. It was almost Nee and Cress's birthday and Shiro had spent an hour while Nee was doing something else trying to wrap the gift she had bought. Unfortunately, gift wrapping was not a skill that Shiro had been taught.

Fortunately, however, it was something Wren had perfected and she taught Shiro her technique. Once it was wrapped, Shiro hid it, knowing that she couldn't wait to see Nee's reaction when she saw the gift Shiro had gotten her. It was a miniature engineering kit, one that Shiro thought Nee would love because she was a whiz when it came to technology. "Nee is so good at so many things," Shiro said to herself, smiling a little bit. "I hope I can be good for her too." Once Nee had returned, Shiro stayed beside her for the rest of the day, holding Nee's hand and pouring them tea and trying to be a good lady in waiting when she remembered that she wasn't one anymore. That night, Shiro slept beside her again, able to truly rest with her favorite person beside her.

The next day, Shiro awoke early. She drew them a bath with lavender scented bubbles, just like she would at home, and prepared their breakfast by laying it out on the table. Coriandrum food was very different from Ashian food, but it was good nonetheless. For breakfast they had something called breakfast bowls, which were like fancy warm cereals with different delicious toppings. Today's had an array of fresh produce and smelled delightful. Shiro placed the gift on Nee's seat, hoping that her Queen would like it. Once that was finally set up, Shiro noticed that she had let Nee sleep really late, it was almost eleven! The pup nudged the curtains open, then went to Nee's side. "Happy birthday," Shiro whispered, touching Nee's arm lightly. "It's the morning Nee, it's your birthday!"

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Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝Even if my fingertips don’t reach, show me the truth I wished for, even if I lose everything...❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#4ca2b8 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #8b4cb8】

|| Secret ~Black Vow~ || Rin/Len (cover by SirHammet) ||




Once the meeting was done, Nee found herself with a new workload to make use of. She arranged for supply distribution to the Tartarian territories, and had some of Itward's knights move out to make sure there was no violence or looting from the desperation. It really was a sorry state, Tartaria was going to need years if it wanted to recover. Of course, she couldn't do much work because she gladly took into Shiro's comfort, finishing what they had started, overwriting and overriding the bad and painful memories Semyon had left her. It was nice, it was heavenly.

The next day, Nee got to work. She first went to Corren and informed him about what happened to Refure. It was painful to talk about but Shiro was there to comfort her and support her a she said it, so Corren said he'd try to get to work to create a counter-chair to restore what was stolen from Refure, to give Kore and Aya back their bodies. She also saw to Cress, seeing her in the tank, in extreme pain and Nee whispered words of support before getting to work on Refure's legs, modifying the neurotransmitters and adding a central wireless connector into the back of one of her vertebrae in order to facillitate movement again. And as such, it worked. No longer was their lamb a cripple. All that was needed now was to give her back her identities as Aya and Kora.

"Surprised you didn't try to push your agenda further." She said one day to Riana, who wasn't being her ambitious and ruthless self she was known for. Riana smiled, her features definitely looked softer even in her age. "After you Ashians gave it your all to protect Amethysia, I decided it'd be good to maintain the alliance. I'm sure you think the same, you scheming ice Queen?" Nee nodded. There was no need to betray everyone. Like this was fine enough. It was peaceful, it was good.

Nee heard a voice the next morning, pulling her from sleep. Shiro's voice, beckoning to her, and Nee blinked herself awake, feeling groggy, somewhat homesick of the Ashia Palace and the halls she grew up in. It was later than the usual, but Nee didn't really mind. It was nice to sleep in some time. "G'morning, Shiro." She said groggily, noticing something in her seat. Her birthday? Was it her birthday already? She had completely forgotten about it - she was used to her birthday back on Earth, which was - well, a few "months" from now, but who could really say how long it was, given the differing cycles?

So Nee reached over, taking the gift and opening it, revealing a miniature engineering kit and her eyes lit up, already ideas of tiny upgrades to many of her little gadgets were coming to mind. "Shiro. It's amazing, thank you!" She gave the pup a kiss, feeling all a flutter from the love. "I'll treasure it." She nuzzled into Shiro's side, accepting the warmth. "I'll cherish you, too!"


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❝Because you called out to me, it was like a wish being born for the first time.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#30b818 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #d1ca00】

|| Hope of Morning || Icon for Hire ||




After the incident with Heron, Refure retreated from everyone. She just didn't know what to think anymore. Heron was violent and cruel, yes, but she didn't think the distress and sadness was all just an act. Some parts of it had to be real, right? Who could act as well as that? The girl didn't know, that's for sure. But - Semyon , Semyon was trustworthy, he was the one who woke her up and tried to give her her memories back, right? She had to trust him, especially now that he was dead.

Being able to walk was definitely a plus. Narcia said that it was a show of trust and goodwill, that they didn't mean her any harm by it, and Refure accepted it, glad to not have to rely on walking. She didn't know what she thought of Narcia. As it turned out, she was the Ashian Queen, ruling alongside that tiny Shiro who Refure assaulted in the war. Narcia... wasn't mute at all, but her voice was taken from her by the collar. Semyon - but she had to trust him. Who else in this world would trust him anymore? If no one did, then Refure could, right?

She met with Cumin one day - or more like, Cumin walked in on her with a bit of a smile, reserved yet confident at the same time. "If you're a commander of Tartaria, I never met you, and Etruria was occupied for most of the war." Cumin said honestly, looking serene and almost ethereal. "And Etrurians know not how to lie. It's a part of our vows of citizenship. We can never tell a lie, so you can trust that. The only Commander I knew of was Mastema." Refure was agitated by this, because it was yet more evidence that Semyon was a liar. "Sometimes, it's difficult to weave between truth and lies. Just believe what feels right to you, Refure."

The next day, Refure was assigned to something, playing the role of assistant again. Corren had her help out with Nui. He unhooked her from the machine and Refure was glad for it, glad that she wouldn't be feeling the extreme pain anymore. Corren told her to get her dressed and Refure went to the task, picking from various clothes that were brought in. Finally she decided on something that she thought was comfortable - a nice crimson robe, silky and soft, with fluffy earth-style hiking boot-shaped slippers. Nui made a noise, waking up, and Refure knew this was her chance to get answers. Depending on what Nui said, it'd determine everything.

"Princess Nui." Refure asked. "What is my name?"

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Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝Let your soul take you where you long to be.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #CD5C5C β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #C5E3BF】

|| Flaws || Bastille ||




It was odd, after being submerged for four days, being in the open air made Cress feel cold. She shivered, goose bumps rising on her flesh. Before, every square inch of Cress had been invaded with nanobot laced gel that had special healing properties. Now all she could feel was the cold, stale air of the hospital, or wherever this was. Cress was having trouble remembering the last four days, she hadn't been asleep that long right? Corren and Doctor Hal had promised that it would only be forty eight hours so when Cress's eyes fluttered open and she saw the date, Cress didn't know what to think. Her mind was muddled from pain medicine, her thoughts like butterflies fluttering away whenever she tried to touch upon them. "Pain," Cress whimpered, her voice coming out weak and hoarse due to not using it.

There was a voice coming from behind her, but it called her something weird. Princess Nui, another shiver ran up her spine. She was being moved around, the cold replaced with soft silk and fuzzy slippers. Cress felt too weak to move, to turn, to do much of anything. The voice came again, it was familiar, a voice that Cress would know anywhere. Her first friend when she had come to Ourania, her partner in crime, and her protector. "Kora," was this some sort of test? Cress wondered. Was she still dreaming? Still inside the tank? Or perhaps she was really on the pearl throne, with tubes connected to keep her alive and a helmet to wipe away all semblance of herself. Almost as quickly as that thought had come it faded away, going with the rest of the nightmares and dreams that Cress had, had for the last four days.

Breathing was hard, her lungs burned and she coughed, little bits of blood speckling the bed. Her hands trembled as she tried to use them, tried to pull the blanket over her but Cress couldn't lift them. The extreme weakness had begun, any energy Cress had, had completely gone. The thought of simply opening up her eyes was exhausting and she didn't think she could muster uttering another sound. Maybe it'd be better if she just went back to sleep... In sleep there was no pain or struggle, Cress could just rest peacefully. She was scared though, fearing the nightmares that would lurk behind every corner of her mind.

Cress had to force herself up, red eyes fluttering open once more. Her head lulled to the side, hair spread around her like a halo. As soon as Cress could she was going to cut it, long hair didn't suit her after all. "Kora... you?" Cress asked, meaning to question whether or not it was Kora sitting beside her bedside. How was Kora doing? Where had she been this whole time? Or maybe it was Aya... Cress's eyes opened once more, taking in the too-light room. It felt sterile, the white washed walls and white tiled floor. There wasn't a window in sight and so Cress was unsure as to whether it was day or night.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #FFAEB9 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #63D1F4】

|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||




Shiro smiled as Nee began to rise, she must have been really tired if she had slept this late and the pup hoped that Nee was well rested. They wouldn't be here much longer, once Cress could be moved they would be going back in the Agneystra and then home, so Shiro wanted to enjoy all Coriandrum had to offer, which meant a birthday trip to the hot springs. Wren had been planning it for her since Shiro was too shy and practically helpless when it came to speaking to others. Of course, Shiro wasn't going to be completely selfish. She had asked Corren to arrange for Cress to come along and he had said it would be possible if Kora and Heron went as well. Shiro knew that Nee would want to be by her twin's side for their birthday, it was their celebration as well. Yes, there was much to be happy about on this joyous occasion. A victory, a unity, two birthdays, and a recovery.

"I set up breakfast and I made drew us a bath." Shiro said, imaginary tail wagging as she bound by Nee's side while Nee went over to the breakfast table. Shiro watched eagerly as Nee opened up the birthday present and hoped that Nee would like it. As it turned out, Nee thought it was amazing. "I'm so glad you like it," Shiro said, her smile widening. When Nee's lips met her's, Shiro felt butterflies in her stomach. Being with Nee made her dizzy and happy. It made her knees feel weak and her heart feel warm and Shiro had to sit down for fear of collapsing. Nee nuzzled against her and Shiro felt even more warmth. She blushed as Nee said that she would cherish her forever.

Shiro had replaced the ribbon around her neck with a new one, one that was blue to compliment the color of Nee's eyes. Her training had come in handy for that type of thing and Shiro had tied the pacifier to it. "I-I c-can be you-r-r gift t-too." She stuttered, feeling her cheeks heat up. The pup wriggled, wanting Nee to take control of the situation like she always did because that was familiar and comfortable. There was a sudden knock at the door and the pup jumped, wondering who could be there. When Shiro opened the door and saw Corren she whimpered and took a step back. The man reached out and grabbed for her shoulder, doing the injection with one quick, smooth movement.

As soon as he let go, Shiro ran away and clung to Nee's leg, feeling tears well up in her eyes. She couldn't cry though, not on Nee's birthday! So Shiro hung onto Nee's leg like how she hung onto Ellis since the stuffed dog was still sitting on the table, wearing Shiro's crown. "I apologize for the interruption," Corren said, stepping inside. "But I wanted to come see how you were faring since I didn't have time to do a proper evaluation." That's right, Nee had suffered a lot and just thinking about it made tears well up in Shiro's eyes again. "I also wanted to inform you that the patient has awoken."

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Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝Even if my fingertips don’t reach, show me the truth I wished for, even if I lose everything...❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#4ca2b8 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #8b4cb8】

|| Secret ~Black Vow~ || Rin/Len (cover by SirHammet) ||




What an odd thought. She turned seventeen. Narcia didn't really know what to make of it, it wasn't as if she felt particularly older or anything, or different in any age-related way. She still felt like herself, the same Nee she had been while she was sixteen. Shiro had prepared breakfast and a bath was drawn, so Nee looked at the breakfast tray, which seemed similar to cereal - grainy yet crunchy, with toppings to enhance the flavor. A specialty of Coriandrum, it seemed. "Thank you. It tastes nice, Shiro, have you tried some?" A bath was ready as well, and she wouldn't mind getting into that.

"Of course I like it!" She said, regarding the gift, after kissing Shiro in thanks. "It was very thoughtful. I could make many little toys with this for you!" Around Shiro, it was almost like she didn't know how to make ice anymore. Shiro sat and allowed Nee to nuzzle against her, the pup was blushing and it was adorable. Then Shiro said that she could be a gift as well, blushing even more, stuttering as she spoke, and Narcia understood. There was no harm in some fun in the morning, was there? "Then it's time to unwrap my second gift, isn't it?" Nee grinned, pulling Shiro in and running a finder down her side.

That was when Corren decided to make his entrance. "Please, don't mind me. Continue your affection, it's like I'm not even here." Corren said sarcastically and Nee felt her cheeks flush and she let go of Shiro, smoothing down her own nightgown. It was time for the treatment to keep the pup's Sanitary Disease in control so he did it, delivering the injection and Narcia pressed her forehead against Shiro's. "It's okay. You're a brave girl." She consoled, not wanting her lover to cry more than she had to.

Corren stated his other intentions, asking how she was doing psychologically after what Semyon had done to her body. Honestly, there were still fears and doubts stemming from it, even with the overwriting, but she gave a subtle nod. "I'm alright, Corren, thanks. But if I need your therapy, I'll let you know. It wouldn't do to have a mental breakdown as a Queen." Then more surprising news. Cress had woken up and Nee felt a bright smile crawl up her face. She thanked Corren and he made his exit so she turned to Shiro. "Let's take our bath. And after that, should we visit Cress?"


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❝Because you called out to me, it was like a wish being born for the first time.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#30b818 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #d1ca00】

|| Hope of Morning || Icon for Hire ||




Honestly, Refure wasn't exactly all that level headed. This answer would change everything, depending on what it was. Nui definitely knew her in the past, because she was the only face that she truly did remember after the amnesia. Nui was the only one she could confirm knew her before the Taenarum. As such, Nui was an authority as to who she was, a verifiable proof that couldn't be denied. Refure - or whoever she was - knew that Nui had the answer to her identity issues, and would determine which side was fabricating the story. She was excited yet afraid at the same time. What if the answer was a name other than Kora and Refure? What if they were both lying to her?

But then Nui answered. Her name was Kora and it all made sense. So Semyon really did lie to her, abducted her in order to turn her into a soldier, a pawn for his sake. It was... honestly, a little painful. Semyon was her first friend upon waking up, and she felt like she could count on him to be her emotional rock. But he was dead now and she knew it was for the better, wasn't it? But another word was there too. Nui was in pain. "Here, I'll do something, Princess Nui." Refure said. Even if she was Kora, it didn't change that she identified as Refure right now. Whatever Semyon did to her was effective.

After fiddling with some dials, she knew how to manipulate them easily as the knowledge filled her mind, giving Nui the painkillers, taking it away for her. No matter who she was, Refure knew that deep down, there was the undeniable urge to protect Nui at any cost. Nui was someone she had to defend from the bad things of the world. So with the fiery princess's discomfort hopefully dulled, Refure let out a sigh. She was going to have a lot to think about, didn't she?

That was when a certain knight entered the room, panting, sweaty from her training. "Sh-she's back! Out of the t- oh, it's you." Heron growled, her joy turning into disgust in seconds. "Yo, get out of my friend's body already. No one wants you here." Refure didn't respond. She knew it was best to just take it and not worry about it. Refure tilted her head a little, annoyed and irritated. "If you want someone to blame, blame Semyon. I didn't want this either." Heron hissed and pushed her out of the way and clung to Nui's hands. "I'm so glad you're back now, out of that dumb tank. You worried everyone, y'know?"

So Refure walked back to the glass coffin, staring at the little girl encased inside, asleep. Una was technically Nui's roommate, right? That thought was a little funny to think about.
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Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝Let your soul take you where you long to be.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #CD5C5C β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #C5E3BF】

|| Flaws || Bastille ||




Cress could hear Kora fiddling with the dials, an odd feeling filled her, one that she had come to know very well as pain medicine doing its job. She breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes looking upwards as the world seemed to slow. Cress would have to wean off of the pain medicine, she feared that her body may have become dependent on it and knew that coming off of it was going to be a hassle. When Cress opened her eyes, the lights felt too light. Sounds were too loud, movements too fluid. Coming out of the tank, where senses had all been dulled and nothing could reach her through the glass and gel, to this, was very odd. Everything was startlingly clear, as though she were watching a movie in HD.

"Thanks," Cress managed, noticing that the lights had been dimmed. It was easier to keep her eyes open, fiery orbs peaking out at near full brightness. Their red color stood out against the white sheets, shining even brighter than the silky robe too. The door burst open and Cress didn't even need to look to see who it was. Heron came over, growling at Kora. Had something happen? Did they have a falling out? Had Heron rejected Kora and instead wanted Aya to take over the body again? It was a distressing matter for Cress, she loved both of them and she didn't want to loose either friend. Kora and Aya were both precious friends to Cress and to hear Heron being so mean-wait a second.

Blame Semyon? Could it be that perhaps she wasn't Kora nor Aya but someone else entirely? A clone? Had he killed the real Kora and replaced her with this alien that looked exactly like her friend? Heron pushed Kora out of the way, taking Cress's hand. She was warm and Cress unintentionally leaned into the warmth as Heron ran her fingers through Cress's damp hair like a brush. "Sorry," Cress murmured, unable to get anything else out for now. She tried to squeeze Heron's hand back but found it hard. "Tired," Heron stroked her forehead, "You gotta get used to being up!" She said, far too loud for Cress's adjusting ears.

"Shh," Cress slurred, sounding as though she perhaps wanted to say something else but failing. "Who?" Her gaze fell to the glass coffin, a fairy tale princess trapped inside. That was what a princess was supposed to look like, beautiful and delicate. Not like Cress who believed herself to be the farthest thing possible from someone of nobility. Why was everything so hard? She had expected to be weak, but not back to square one weak. She had to keep her eyes to the future, her future strength. Soon she'd be able to show her friends how to climb trees and-what was this feeling? Cress couldn't decipher it.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #FFAEB9 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #63D1F4】

|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||




Shiro nodded her head, smiling. "Mm!" She showed Nee her bowl, a few bites taken out of it. Shiro managed to eat a little more than a quarter since the bowl was big and she had a very small stomach. The colorful fruit and bright juice was different from the normally savory and fragrant tea of Ashia. She couldn't wait to take their bath too and she blushed at the thought, wriggling a little in her seat. Their baths together were special, a time when they could relax and soak in the bubbles and quietly enjoy each other's company. Although sometimes the bubbles got so high Shiro nearly disappeared in them and ended up with bubble hats.

Nee really liked her gift and it made Shiro happy, her heart swelled up with butterflies and she couldn't help but smile. Nee's smile was infectious and Shiro felt her heart pick up a beat or two. "It's for you to use however you want, it's your present after all." Was it possible to explode from love? Shiro wasn't sure. She was blushing a lot though and wiggling too, a warm feeling spreading through her as Nee gently nuzzled her. Nee suggested unwrapping her second gift and Shiro's cheeks turned bright pink again. She felt a chill, the good kind, when Nee ran a finger down her sound and let out a little moan.

When it was time for the shot, Shiro clung to Nee's leg, even after Corren had finished and came over to apply a plaster on the tiny speckle of blood. Shiro whimpered, leaning into Nee's warmth as she commended Shiro on being brave enough for the shot. "It hurts," Shiro admitted, "But it isn't as scary as the vest." Yes, to Shiro, the needle was the lesser of the two evils. She especially didn't like it when Corren injected it into places like her neck, it reminded her of the times Queen Narina would begin punishment with a paralytic agent to keep Shiro from moving around as she implemented the torture.

Nee's second gift unwrapping would have to wait until later in the day then and Shiro felt a little bit disappointed, surprising even herself. Those moments with Nee were treasured of course and just thinking about them made Shiro want to bury her face in Nee's side to hide the coloring of her cheeks. Once Corren had delivered the news, it was time for him to go and time for the two queens to take a bath. "Yeah," Shiro smiled, knowing that Nee had been worried about her little sister. It was only natural to worry about family, after all. Shiro was worried too, Cress had saved them from trouble so many times.

"Bath time," Shiro sung as she placed Ellis back on the table and stood from hugging Nee's leg. Once Corren was gone and the door was completely closed, Shiro began wiggling again. "Unless you want to unwrap your second present first..." Shiro trailed off, looking at the floor.

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Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝If I lose it too, then we will never survive.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#4ca2b8 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #8b4cb8】

|| Secret ~Black Vow~ || Rin/Len (cover by SirHammet) ||




Right when they were getting into the mood for some fun, Corren had to come and interrupt things, spoiling the moment. Luckily it was short but it was like all the steam had gotten out of her, deflated just like that. Nee suddenly felt awkward and in the back recesses of her mind she wondered if it was okay for her to be with Shiro after what happened. But - no, she needed to expel those silly thoughts, because it happened to Cress as well, and Kora too - they were also violated and they deserved love. Nee wasn't any less deserving of being happy just because Semyon had his way with her. She couldn't fall into that line of thinking.

"One day, Corren and Ay- Corren will create a permanent cure." Narcia said soothingly, hugging the girl of her dreams. "No vests or needles." Unfortunately, since there was a relatively easy treatment in place, Corren had other things to tend to, since he was now with three incredibly high VIP patients. Cress first and foremost, but secondly was Una. Refure was stable, but it'd be good if he could reverse the effects of whatever Semyon did to her with the helmet. In any case, Nee had other things to think about. For example, bath time with Shiro!

The pup definitely seemed enthusiastic, singing the word bath and then blushing and wiggling and saying something quite a bit more embarrassing. The room they were in was a bedroom designated for royal children of the current monarch, but since Riana couldn't bear children, it was destined to be empty lest she wanted to adopt a child for her own. Connected to the room was a private bathroom only for the inhabitants - which for now, meant Shiro and Narcia. "It is my birthday, after all. Why not unwrap my second present in the bath?"

The tub was already filled with water, a nice scent wafting through the air, filling her nose, and before they could step foot in it, Nee took Shiro by the wrists and held them above her head with one arm, gently peeling her clothes off with her other. She then wriggled out of her own, a bit of a hungry look in her icy eyes. Usually bath time was more quiet and comfortable, but Nee felt a heat in her loins that needed to be tended to. "You're a lushious gift, Shiro. I'll make you all mine." She said in a low, almost raspy whisper and made good on her word, hoping to deliver Shiro to even greater heavens than before.


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❝What kind of world lies outside the well? Is it something worth struggling for?❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#30b818 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #d1ca00】

|| Hope of Morning || Icon for Hire ||




"Don't apologize. It's okay. Thank god you're awake, it was so hard without you." Heron looked miserable as she clung to Nui and Refure felt a bit left out. While there was the deeply ingrained need to protect Princess Nui, Refure didn't otherwise feel a real connection with her. "Happy birthday, Cress. This - it's Nee's birthday so I figured it was yours too, so - thank you." Was this really the unbeatable warrior woman with the hair like smoldering flames, swaying in the battlefield? Was this who she lost against, some girl in love? "I remember when we first met, your hair was really short, but now it's long, right? So I ordered a Coriandrum hairdresser to come and make it as short as you want. You'd be happier like that, wouldn't you?"

So then Heron and Refure explained the events that Nui missed while she was asleep, filling her in on the details. The war was one, but Tartaria, Etruria, and Coriandrum suffered heavy casualties and deaths and Tartaria was doing the worst since Semyon's demise, with no real ruler in place. There was much hatred between Ashian and Tartarian civilians, and as such, more than enough racism to go around. They wouldn't easily accept Ashia as their temporarily ruler. Nee was returned and safe, but Kora and Aya were erased by Semyon and now she had a new persona as a result.

Heron balled her hands into fists, trembling and white. "Just die already, you fake." The scarlet knight hissed, wanting her old friends back. "Shut up and die. No one likes you, you're just a fake invented by Semyon, you're not even real!" So Refure shrugged her shoulders, knowing that even if she wanted to bring them back, it wasn't exactly going to be easy. "But isn't Aya technically fake as well?" She asked, trying to remember what Corren said about her two personalities prior to being Refure. "She was made by my - her father, wasn't she?"

So Heron grabbed her by the hair with one hand, collar with the other, bringing her clear off of her feet and into the air, tension clear on her face. "B- that's -" Refure knew she struck a nerve. It was true, though, and there was no real denying it. Aya was just as real as she was, if you wanted to go that route, only Kora had the right to this body, right? Then the fight was interrupted by Nui saying she was tired, and Heron went to tend to her, dropping Refure painfully, butt hitting the floor with a crash. Nui then asked about - well, Una, presumably.

The once-lamb stood up and hoped there wouldn't be bruising back there. "Una Malachite, Nui." Refure explained in an almost dull voice. "Your roommate. She's Semyon's younger sister, and was comatose for years due to a hereditary illness." Heron stared at the girl with her silver hair in long soft strands, face like a sleeping angel. "Looks more like a doll than a living thing." Heron admitted weakly. "It's actually kinda unnerving." Then they explained that she was going to be the next Tartarian Queen, that Nee would groom her into the role after terraforming the desert and hopefully waking her up and curing her illness. IF Una ever woke again, the life waiting for her was not going to be an easy one.

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Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝Let your soul take you where you long to be.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #CD5C5C β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #C5E3BF】

|| Flaws || Bastille ||




Heron had been so lonely, no doubt having no cute girls for her to torture. She had a sad sort of look in her eyes, one that Cress wanted to erase. It wasn't right to see Heron like this, normally the night was spunky and perverted, but here, she almost seemed withdrawn. What had happened while Cress was asleep? It was only supposed to be two days, but how long was she really gone for? What had happened in that time? It felt as though Cress had been asleep for ages and now she was expected to jump back into the real world, it was almost scary. Then Heron said something strange, a happy birthday. Birthday? But her-oh wait-this must have been her real birthday since it was Narcia's birthday too. How appropriate to be reborn, so to speak, from the tank on this very day. It almost felt as though fate itself had made this plan to play some sort of practical joke on the princess.

When Heron informed Cress of the birthday present, a hair dresser who would come and chop Cress's locks as short as she wanted. Even with how tired she was, Cress managed a grin. "Thanks," she managed to get out. It was going to be quite refreshing having short hair again, no longer having people fuss over having to brush it. Short and easy, just the way Cress liked it. "Can't... wait." The fiery eyed girl said, looking down. Sitting on her lap was the mule deer, Heron must have moved it there while Cress's gaze was elsewhere. She reached out for it like a child grabbing for their favorite toy and Heron lifted it, tucking it in the crook of Cress's arm. It felt comforting and Cress could understand why Shiro clung to Ellis and why Nee clung to Shiro.

Then it was time to get filled in on the events of the last four-according to Heron and Refure, days. So that's why Kora was acting weird, it was because she wasn't Kora at all but rather, a new ego that Semyon had come up with. "So... both... gone." A deep pain settled in her chest. Cress wouldn't lose Kora or Aya, but both. Instead, this stranger looked at her with cautionary interest, as though she saw something when she looked at her, but wasn't quite sure what it was. Heron suddenly became rowdy, grabbing Kora by the hair and throat. "Put... down." Cress said, feeling like a parent with two squabbling children. Corren had said that stress wasn't good for her, especially during recovery.

Then Ko-Refure asked a question that struck Cress straight through the heart. She felt as though she had been blasted by something and the deep seated pain rose. Aya was fake, yes, so by asking Refure to disappear, did it mean that they would ask Aya to disappear too? Yes, Aya was the alter ego that Kora's father had forced her to take on, the seemingly better twin, the nicer one. Cress could relate, except instead of beating her and trying to turn her into her sister, her mother had straight out gotten rid of her. An unneeded obstacle, that's what Cress was and what she remained to be. Heron was stuttering over her own words and she dropped Refure when Cress realized that the girl could use her legs.

So Shiro had granted her request and gave Kora her legs back? How wonderful. A small feeling of happiness overtook the pain and Cress closed her eyes. At least there was that much to be thankful for and so Cress was hold onto that happy feeling for as long as she could. When Refure began explaining who the Princess in the coffin was, Cress couldn't help but feel disturbed. So this was Semyon's little sister, the one who had caused him to violate both Cress and Narcia, all for this sleeping princess. She looked like the fairy tale sort, glass so fragile that a single shudder could cause her to shatter. "Terrible," Cress uttered, but to what circumstance wasn't clear.

Corren came in then, the Doctor looking like his usual self, not a hair out of place. "Oh good, you're awake." He said, turning to look at both Heron and Refure. "We're doing a little experiment today," he announced. "There's going to be a trip in honor of our Queen and Princess's birthday. Should the Princess Nui be able to withstand it, we'll all be able to return to Ashia Palace. Should it prove to be too much, we'll remain here, in Coriandrum's capitol city for another two days." A field trip? An experiment? Already Cress was growing excited. "Refure, Heron, since you two know the Princess the best, please see to preparing her for the outing." A team job, Cress was slightly worried how the two of them would fare.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #FFAEB9 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #63D1F4】

|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||




When Shiro suggested it, Nee had a hungry look in her eyes. She still wanted to unwrap her second present and suggested doing so in the bathtub. "Okay," Shiro smiled, it was Nee's birthday and so she would fulfill any requests that the birthday girl had in mind. Shiro took Nee's hand, following her to the bathroom. It was big, with two steps that took you down into it. The bathroom in Ashia Palace was bigger and had a white claw footed tub. Shiro liked the change though, this one was much easier for someone small like her to get in and out of without having to worry about cutting her special spot or slipping and bruising herself.

The bathroom was warm, it had a heated floor, something Ashia also didn't have, and it felt nice on her bare feet. Shiro tried to stay still as Nee undressed her, unwrapping her second gift. She didn't want to wiggle too much and trip or make Nee do something embarrassing. Nee wiggled out of her clothing too and the two stepped down into the bath, sinking into the water. "I want to only be yours," Shiro said as Nee came closer and their bodies pressed together. A lot happened in that tub, their bodies intertwining in a beautiful unity, breathing and throbbing in sync to one another. Nee had staked claim on Shiro's body through various means, her own gifts to Shiro left in little markings on the pup's stomach, chest, and neck. Afterwards, Shiro offered to wash them and she did so gently, being especially careful as always around the markings on Nee that were healing.

Once that was done and they soaked a bit longer, Shiro tilted her head to the side in question. "It's sounds sort of silly." Shiro said, touching her two index fingers together and looking down with a small smile. "But thank you for saving me that day." That day was the day that Shiro had known for sure that she wanted to stay by Nee's side forever, when Narcia had saved her from punishment for the first time and declared that she would take Shiro's disciplining into her own hands. "That's the day I first thought I was the luckiest servant in the world to have such a kind mistress that she would stand up to her own mother for someone like me." Then it was time to come out. Shiro huddled in her towel, shaking her head like a puppy to get all of the water off.

Once they were dressed and ready, Shiro took Nee's hand. "Let's go," the pup said excitedly, leading her to the elevators that would take them down. Corren had said that he would meet them on the main floor when they wanted to go see the Princess. Shiro held onto Ellis with her other hand, knowing that she would have to go down there again. The tiny queen was still nervous about going to a place like that, underground where no one would be able to hear them scream, even though Narina was dead.

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Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝If I lose it too, then we will never survive.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#4ca2b8 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #8b4cb8】

|| Secret ~Black Vow~ || Rin/Len (cover by SirHammet) ||




Nee was still panting after the session of love she and Shiro underwent. It was bliss, surely, this was what it meant to be in love, wasn't it? Two souls, interconnected in mind and body, feeling nothing but the upmost of throbbing pleasure between the two. "And I'm only yours." There was no Semyon here. No one would separate the two to-be-wedded Queens again. This was fate, wasn't it? It was divine, it was perfection. Usually they did it on a bed but in a bath was a whole different sort of game, and perhaps it enhanced the experience. Her breath came out in a shuddering gasp when it was done, cheeks flushed, mouth slightly agape.

Unfortunately everything had an ending but Nee had a feeling both she and Shiro were satisfied for the time being, still panting, trying to regain her breath once all was said and done. She gave Shiro a smile that only Shiro could see, slightly dazed and fuzzy yet warm all the same. Then it was time for them to actually bathe and Shiro brought up a point the pup considered silly, talking about way back when Narina was still active, when Nee took Shiro's punishment duties as her own. "I knew I didn't want to raise a kingdom based on cruelty." The Ice Queen said honestly. "And saving you would've been the first step. But now, you're so much more than just a first step. you're my everything, Shiro."

It was time for them to go and Shiro took her hand and helped the both of them get dressed in royal fineries, betting of Ashian Queens. They headed to the elevator to meet up under the city for the tour, meeting up with Cress, Heron, and Refure, if all went well. The trip was about to begin, to honor their birthdays as well as honor the alliance that defeated Tartaria and brought about peace. It was a little sad for Riana's case, though. since all of her highest ranking military officials had died out during the wars, leaving her effectively, alone. Something like that wouldn't be easy on anyone.

Shiro hugged Ellis in the elevator and Nee knelt down to her level and hugged her. If Shiro was nervous, then she would dispel it. If Shiro was afraid, then Narcia would abate it. "It'll be okay. We'll face this together." The elevator opened on the bottom, showing Cumin and Kail, the royal siblings of Etruria. Cumin flashed her smile that could brighten any dark room and Kail tried to stay composed but it was clear he was clinging to his beloved sister's leg. "Thank you both for your contribution to Etruria's liberation."

Cumin bowed deeply, and it was clear she held the deepest respect for them both. "My brother and I have to leave to tend to our country now, but please, if there is anything we can assist with, we'll be very happy to lend a hand." Kail poked his head out and nodded, trying to seem more like a royal dignitary. "M-may our peace be everlasting!" He added, voice pitchy and high. "Take care, both of you." Nee said calmly, waving a subtle hand, and just like that, the Etrurian siblings left to begin rebuilding and honoring their many dead and even more missing.


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❝What kind of world lies outside the well? Is it something worth struggling for?❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#30b818 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #d1ca00】

|| Hope of Morning || Icon for Hire ||




Nui was someone who - well, honestly, the mental image she had of Nui was very different from the girl who was before her. Nui had short, choppy hair that was clearly messy and unfitting for a princess yet suited her perfectly all the same. Her eyes burned with a fiery passion that could stoke any flame, and there was a sharp idealism on that face that believed she could fix the world and it's problems. That was the Nui Kora probably cherished the most, and maybe that was why Refure couldn't find a wya to really build a connection with her.

When tensions rose between Heron and Refure, Nui was quick to intercept, tired and weak as she was, telling the idiotic knight to put her down. Heron wasn't happy about it and her butt was still rather sore from the landing, but she did technically obey orders. As an Ashian, Heron was subservient to her Princess's will, wasn't she? REfure wondered if she counted as Ashian as well. Did that mean she had to bow to Nui's authority?

Terrible was definitely an apt word to think about, wasn't it? Terrible. Una's situation and existence was all around terrible. Nui didn't need to say much more than that. "Yeah." Heron scowled. "Honestly, I don't know how this whole peace thing will work. I can't.... get along with Tartarian scum. Just thinking about making friends with them makes me sick." Was Refure Ashian or Tartarian? Honestly she didn't really know anymore.

The doctor arrived, telling them about the trip and that if all went well, they could return to Ashia Palace. Heron stood straight up and grinned, flexing an arm. "Pfshhh, I can take care of her myself. I'm Ashia's Fang, after all!" The scarlet knight said with an arrogant brag, so Refure decided to walk over to Nui and poke her cheek. "I was assigned to aid as well." She said, and Heron's face twisted from playfulness to pain and disgust. "Die." She ordered. "No one likes you, anyways. We all just want Kora and Aya back." And Refure already knew that, she knew no one cared about this fake personality, that much was obvious. All the love belonged to the other two, the luckier two. She'd never get love, there was no need for Heron to state the obvious.

"Fine." She grinned and took out a spare knife, aiming at her throat, not really intending on doing it, but Heron lunged at her and pinned her to the ground, knife scattering somewhere unknown. "What the hell are you doing?!" Heron snarled, agitated, breathless, hyperventilating. Her eyes were darting all over. "That's not your body to kill! You don't have the right!" So Refure decided to laugh because this was just pathetic. Didn't even have the right to die, even if she wanted to, huh? Then someone pulled them apart. Corren. "Stop." He said simply. "Stress is bad for the patient." He shook his head, as if disappointed. "Now, come on. Let's meet up with the Queens.

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Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝Let your soul take you where you long to be.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #CD5C5C β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #C5E3BF】

|| Flaws || Bastille ||




Her eyes sparkled in excitement at the thought of getting the liberation of a short hairstyle. How much easier it would be to move around and not have to worry about propping herself up on her hair or how long it took to dry after a bath. One thing that everyone agreed about was the girl called Una's situation. She was going to need a lot of help and support and no doubt there would be mistrust too. For some reason, Cress's mind shifted to what had happened on the Tearaneum. Her eyes widened as she remembered the markings that the Tartarian King had left on her body, how he had tried to do that sort of thing to her special spot, even after Nee said that she would switch places with her. Nee? How was she faring? Heron had said that she rescued her but hadn't exclusively mentioned how her twin was holding up.

When Heron reached forward to try and change her per Corren's orders, Cress panicked. "No," she tried to slap Heron's hand away and the knight missed it entirely, instead choosing to strike up a fight with Refure again. She breathed in and out a few times to calm the panic, knowing that no one was going to hurt her, that Heron wouldn't touch her like that. Heron was being unnecessarily vicious, it wasn't as though Refure could help what had happened to her. Cress tried to sit up, positioning herself between the two of them. "Stop," Cress said sternly, surprising even herself. "Refure... is... not... to... blame." Yes, she was a product of King Semyon, but in the end, she was still their friend.

When Heron ordered Refure to die, the knight took it seriously. She grabbed a scalpel, aiming it at her throat. "Wait-" Cress started, but Corren stepped in between, telling them to stop stressing her out. She breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that no one would be dying today as long as there was a rational mind around that could act faster than her. He suggested they get ready to meet up with Nee and Cress was eager to get out of the odd room with the girl inside of the glass coffin. Was that what she had looked like? Sleeping with a pleasant expression as though she were having good dreams. No doubt Una suffered from them too, the nightmares she would never be able to tell anyone about.

This time she really was going to get dressed. "I... can... do... it." Cress stated, trying to sit up. Heron shook her head though an Cress felt panic closing in. "I'll do it, you're still weak, right? You don't have to pretend to be brave." She didn't understand though, Heron didn't know what it was like to be violated like that. "No..." Cress said weakly, wondering if she had any sort of strength left. Heron softened, "it's okay, Semyon won't touch you like that again. He's dead," Heron took Cress's hand, squeezing it. "No one will touch you like that again. You can trust me," Cress did trust Heron, the knight had done it plenty of times before and so when Heron took off the red robe, revealing the markings to everyone in the room, Cress felt her cheeks flush in embarrassment.

The parting gifts Semyon had left on her body hadn't fully healed inside of the tank because they weren't the target of the treatment. Cress crossed her hands protectively over her chest, feeling as though Refure was looking. "Do you see what that man did?" Heron asked, anger laced into her voice. Corren had gone to wait outside so that Refure and Heron could change her quickly. "The way he hurt Cress, it's unforgivable." Cress felt a blush on her cheeks, wanting them to just put clothes on her already so that Refure wouldn't see the markings.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #FFAEB9 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #63D1F4】

|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||




Nee was far too kind to be real, sometimes Shiro felt as though this were some cruel dream, that she would awake in that room, never having started the job as lady in waiting in the first place. Queen Narina had said that there wouldn't be time to learn everything and it was true, Shiro was still learning a lot about her mistress every day. While learning with the Queen had taught her things like Nee's favorite color and food, it had never prepared her for how different Nee was from her mother. Where Narina was cruel, Nee was kind, where Narina liked to punish, Nee liked to give. Light and darkness, water and ice. Made of the same material, but different in form. Nee was warm while Narina was cold, Nee was the sun and moon and stars. At least, to Shiro she was.

"I'm so glad," Shiro said, knowing that she really was happy. As she held Nee's hand, Shiro knew that this was the only person for her, that Nee would only ever be the person for her. Shiro wanted to remain happily beside her for as long as her life allowed it. Whether the medicine extended or shortened it, whether they died from disease or old age, Shiro wanted to remain happily beside Queen Nee for as long as she could live. "I love you," even though Shiro had said it many breathless times in the bathtub, it was different when not in the heat of the moment, a soft, tender truth that was the basis of all of Shiro's thoughts. Nee was her world, she had always been her world and would always be.

Nee leaned down and hugged her then, saying that they would get through this together. "We can do anything as long as we're together." Shiro felt her ears pop as they began to go underground now. Shiro wouldn't let something like this scare her, not with Nee here, protecting her. Nee wouldn't let them use those torture tools on her, she wouldn't make her bleed or cry for getting an answer about tea cups or cakes wrong. Anyone who thought that Nee would turn out to be a bad Queen was wrong because Shiro knew with all of her heart that Nee was a good person, inside and outside and all around.

When the elevator stopped, Princess Cumin and Prince Kail were there, thanking them once more for their assistance. "Thank you," Shiro bowed, "For helping to return Queen Narcia." Otherwise, Nee would lave been stuck in a loveless marriage with a man who only wanted Nee for her ability to bear children. Now that Nee was home, they could go on with their wedding, they could go on being happily intended to one another.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝If I lose it too, then we will never survive.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#4ca2b8 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #8b4cb8】

|| Secret ~Black Vow~ || Rin/Len (cover by SirHammet) ||




Yes, Narcia was very aware that it wasn't a solution to the problem at all. She knew that what she was doing wasn't really tending to the trauma of what Semyon had done to her. But in a way, she knew her methods weren't necessarily wrong either. It was all thanks to Shiro that it was even possible, if she hadn't overwritten for her and taught her that not all touching was necessarily bad, then she wouldn't have been able to do it. But now, she could... in a way, reclaim her power and get rid of how weak and pathetic and disgusting she felt the entire time. She could take control and dominate Shiro - in ways Shiro liked, of course - and work past the terror that way, little by little. It wasn't a perfect answer, but it was a way to keep her from being a victim. She wasn't a victim. She was a survivor.

They were a team after all. So the Ice Queen gave Shiro an extra snuggle before the elevator doors opened, a cheek nuzzling just for Shiro. "You're the best team I could ask for." She whispered genuinely, hoping the pup really understood just how important she really was to her. They leaned on each other and would carry each other's burdens, striving for that once-impossible happy ending, wouldn't they? In the beginning, Shiro was what tethered her to reality, was what kept her sharp and focused on the task at hand. Without Shiro, things would have been very different, and not for the better.

After the Etrurian royal family, or what was left of them, was gone - no doubt to finally have a chance to mourn their own family that had been massacred during the war, it was natural that the two did't want to join in on the festivities. They never got to mourn what they lost, and were probably hiding deep sorrows that needed time and understanding to heal. And not too long after, they were joined by familiar faces. Cress was in a wheelchair that looked all too similar to Kora's, fit with a gravity drive as well, with the controls on it on the arm rests where the fingers were usually placed, though no one was sure if her sister could really handle that strain yet. Heron and Refure were there as well, both seemingly unhappy with each other.

"Cress." Narcia said, glad that her sister was out of the tank at last. She gave her sister a smile, but it was a slightly reserved one to tell her that she understood now, the pain she went through, and that if she wanted to talk, all she had to do was ask. "It'd be nice to see more of each other, sister." Or, more secretly, what she meant was that if Cress called for her, she'd do her best to be there for her.


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❝What kind of world lies outside the well? Is it something worth struggling for?❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#30b818 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #d1ca00】

|| Hope of Morning || Icon for Hire ||




After that, Cress needed to get dressed. Refure knew that if she did it, it'd only agitate Heron further so she kept her attention on Una, looking through the data, trying to see if there was anything she could do. Una herself was going to be a strange issue - it wasn't yet decided where she would be staying, was it? Would she remain here, in Coriandrum? Or was it better to bring her to Ashia since Tartaria was technically under their control? One thing Refure knew - taking her to Ashia had risks that overly nationalistic Ashians would take the opportunity to assassinate her and be rid of her. There was no love lost between the two, far too much hatred and unhappiness and bad blood. Was peace even possible like this?

Heron was trying to make her look at the markings Semyon had done but Refure refused to, out of respect for Princess Nui. "I know it's unforgivable." She said quietly. When she was told about what Semyon did to the princess she felt a need to protect, it didn't exactly help her trust in him stay, that's for sure. She disliked him for that, and for what he did to her mind as well. Still, it was complicated. Without him, she wouldn't have been made, right? But was she really living a life she enjoyed in the first place? "I don't think Princess Nui wants people to keep looking at her naked body, however. Wouldn't that make the trauma worse?"

Once Nui was finally dressed, they made their way down to where the Queens were waiting, the tiny and adorable Shiro and the comparatively taller but still short Narcia, though with her commanding aura, it was forgivable to mistake the icier Queen as much taller and imposing than she seemed. She was definitely someone you didn't want to make an enemy of. Was it just going to be the five of them? Corren was working on waking Una up, Itward and Maven were repairing the two capital ships, the Agneyestra and Garudastra, and Riana was already overseeing repairs of Amethysia.

Of course, Heron was the one given charge of the wheelchair, taking the handles for Nui, so Refure stood a bit behind them. "Yo, Nee." Heron said, seeming very different from her angry persona before. "Happy birthday. Bet you and Shiro had some good times, huh?" Narcia didn't even skip a beat, smiling evenly. "Yes, of course." She put a hand to her locket, blue and shimmering. "We are to be wed, after all."

Refure went to her phone, not really interested in birthday wishes, and there was a message from Queen Riana, detailing where the butler would take them. Apparently they would desiccover the almost magical amethyst-colored lake that looked like it was straight out of a fairy tale, sunlight seeping through the thick trees with a gentle fog overlaying the scene. Of course, the water wasn't actually purple, it was a trick of the light, but there was a rich ore mine of amethysts under the water, under protection for being an important landmark. Judging from everyone's phones going off, they all had received the same message.

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Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝Let your soul take you where you long to be.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #CD5C5C β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #C5E3BF】

|| Flaws || Bastille ||




Being dressed was a relief, even if it was Heron doing the dressing. Today the perverted knight had picked out a classic pink and white striped panties with a pink bra that had a little bow. Heron nodded her head approvingly after putting Cress in it and Cress was glad that she was at least wearing that much. Wearing the bottoms with the catheter did feel a little weird and Cress was wiggling around, trying to get used to feeling things down there again. Cress shivered, it was kind of cold down there. "Corren wants you to drink today too, he said it's up to us to make sure you eat food." Heron poked her, pointing out the ribs that you could see, clearly defined on Cress's stomach.

Today's outfit was a flowing, short sleeved white top and a high waist black skirt with thigh highs. "I've got another surprise," Heron said, lifting up a box. She helped Cress open it, allowing Cress to lift off the top and peer inside. "Boots!" The girl squealed, practically falling off of the bed in her excitement. "I know they're not the same, but I figured it's something." Heron put them on Cress's feet and then Refure had brought over the wheelchair, so Heron lifted her onto it, securing the oxygen tank and strapping Cress in so that the fiery eyed girl wouldn't fall out. Already the life was back in Cress's eyes, her fire of determination burning as brightly as ever.

As they rolled down the hall, Cress turned to look at Refure. She gave the girl a bright smile, hoping that they could get along. "You... can... be... whoever... you... want." Cress said, "You'll... always... be... my... friend." Cress had said it quietly, for Refure's ears only knowing that Heron would be upset by Cress saying something like that. It was the same thing that Cress had said to Aya and Kora both and it was true, even if Refure didn't regain her memories, even if she was never erased, she would still be precious to Cress. If Refure rejected her, well, it would be painful, but Cress would understand. This girl who was a stranger in a friend's body, it would take some time getting used to. Even now, Cress wanted to talk to Kora or Aya, but knew that referencing something to their past would be like talking to a wall.

They began going up, from the bottom floor, to the main floor. Nee was there, looking as polished as ever, like a smooth, delicate ice sculpture. Had Semyon done those sorts of things to Nee too? The thought made Cress furious. Cress had wanted to tell Nee to not fall for his tricks during that holo message, she had wanted to tell Nee to leave her, that she would be fine, but Nee had given herself up so that Cress could be freed. The two sisters shared more than just a birth mother, they shared the same pain and shame and disgust of being used like that. "Hey," Cress tried to give Nee her signature grin. The look on Nee's face said that if they needed to talk about what had happened they could, but Cress didn't want to bring it up in front of the others.

"I'd... like... that." To get to see more of her sister would be nice. Everyone's holos began ringing, well except Cress's since she didn't have one. Their pod was waiting outside for them, an extra large one that had been stocked with a mini bar. Heron lifted Cress out of the wheelchair, allowing one of the castle's attendants to fold it and put it in the back. She sat Cress down beside Nee and then sat on her other side so that Refure couldn't sit there. While it wasn't hiking, it was certainly exciting. Cress was finally going to get to see this world she would be spending the rest of her life in.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #FFAEB9 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #63D1F4】

|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||




Shiro blushed, they were the best team indeed. An apt description for the two queens and the future they would be building together. Shiro laced their fingers together, feeling all fluttery. This was a new emotions, being excited about the future was something Shiro was still learning to do. Normally she cowered at the thought of what the future held, the punishments and torture that Narina would lay ahead. Instead, Shiro could relax, knowing that she and Nee would build a better world, one where you didn't have to be punished for picking the wrong teaspoon, one where parents would relax and allow their kids to play outside without fear of them being kidnapped and turned into servants for the noble class.

They waited on the first level, in the beautiful entryway of the castle. Here the stained glass windows sent technicolor fragments dancing across the floor, painting them in wondrous rainbow colors. A little bit after the to Etrurian nobles left, Cress, Heron, and Kora arrived. Heron greeted Nee with her signature smile and then ruffled Shiro's hair. Cress looked tired, but also happy. Nee greeted her, saying that they should see more of each other. Shiro would like that too, a happy Nee was the best Nee and getting closer to her sister would be a great form of support, especially since the two had gone through such a similar experience. If Shiro recalled correctly, Nee had said that her sister was barren.

Had Narina done that? Taken away Cress's ability to have kids so that only Nee could bear a future heir? Corren had said that Nee wasn't pregnant, that Semyon's plans for conception hadn't worked and it was a relief. For Nee to have to suffer that type of trauma every time she looked at a child, it wouldn't be right. "I'm glad that everyone is in good spirits." Shiro said, playing with the ring on her finger. It was time to get into the pod then, this one not having rows of seats but a bench that lined the walls in a circular form so that they could sit facing each other. It was rather spacious too and Shiro sat on one side of Nee, placing Ellis on her lap. There were no safety belts, which was a bit odd. "I wonder why," Shiro murmured aloud, looking around at everything.

"I planned a surprise for us all," Shiro said, clapping her hands excitedly. "We're going to the hot springs," Shiro had heard that they had rejuvenating properties that would allow them to heal. "Wren was really the one who set it all up though," the pup admitted, giving credit where credit was due. "The purple waters are said to be able to heal the body and soul, so I thought it would be a nice trip after the war." The beautiful lake had a natural hot spring resort and Wren and Riana had made sure that they would have the place all to themselves.

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Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝If I lose it too, then we will never survive.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#4ca2b8 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #8b4cb8】

|| Secret ~Black Vow~ || Rin/Len (cover by SirHammet) ||




The sister's fates were really intertwined, weren't they? They were twins, born from Narina, and they were both sent to Earth and lived relatively happy lives there, didn't they? And raised like cousins, they were brought to Ourania, to where they originated from, They both suffered under Narina's thumb and danced to her tune and eventually overcame her, didn't they? Not to mention, they both spent the end of a war in captivity - Cress was captured in the end of the Ashian Revolution, and Nee was in Semyon's clutches in the final days of the Ouranian War. They both knew the pain of being used and defiled, and they both knew the pain of torture.

Cress did her signature grin, the slightly lopsided one that only Cress could really pull off, with a hint of mischief behind it. It was endearing and she liked seeing it on her sister's face. So she was able to do that much. It would've been worrying if she didn't even have that much energy in her. Her precious fiery sister greeted her, and her voice sounded faint and weak. Corren warned her that it was to be expected and she didn't let any of her inner startlement show. "After your haircut, then?" Heron smirked. The two had discussed it earlier, after all. "Nice to see you with boots on. Better than any fancy noble shoes, especially on you."

Shiro expressed her gladness that everyone was doing well and Refure's silence was noted as well. Was the girl feeling uncomfortable now? She had to have come to terms with her real self by now, so the girl probably felt horribly out of place. Nee still found fault with herself for allowing this to happen. If she fought harder, if she stressed care and patience, maybe this wouldn't have come to pass, and Kora would be doing her usual playful antics right now, and Aya would have already done much work on helping Una wake up. But now they had Refure and Nee wasn't sure what to make of her.

So they got into the pod and the butler prepared them for the drive, speaking in that standard flight attendant voice. It was built similar to a limo on Earth and it looked rather luxurious, didn't it? Everyone was in - Heron personally attending to Cress - and it was time to see the Amethyst Lake. Shiro explained it for everyone, clapping excitedly, revealing her surprise and Nee was a little shocked and surprised all the same. "A hot spring! That sounds incredible!" Nee was very excited for it, the heat and steam would definitely help. Healing properties in the water, apparently, it'd be good for both her and Cress, right? "You're the best Queen ever, Shiro." So she hugged the pup and snuggled close.


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❝What kind of world lies outside the well? Is it something worth struggling for?❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#30b818 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #d1ca00】

|| Hope of Morning || Icon for Hire ||




Princess Nui was elated over the boots, most definitely and it made sense. Just like how short hair suited her rather than long and silky, these practical boots were a perfect match for the Princess in comparison to fancy heels and decorative slippers. Nui turned to face her with a shining smile that was accentuated by her flaming eyes, speaking in a low voice that they'd always be friends. Refure gave a curt smile in return but still felt distant. She knew Nui would still feel much closer to Kora and Aya, and she probably would like their company. But try as Refure might, no matter how much anyone told her about them, she couldn't recall a thing. But maybe it was nice to have someone who didn't despise her for the body she inhabited.

The girl who was once a lamb honestly wouldn't have minded dying. She didn't necessarily want to, but there wasn't much for her to live for. The war was over, and she felt adrift, purposeless, detached from everything. Nothing really mattered because other than a need to protect Nui, there was no real connection to anybody whatsoever. She didn't even feel Ashian even if she knew that she was born there. She didn't feel much of a desire to live, so if Kora or Aya decided to suddenly steal it back and kill her, she'd let them. It'd be better like that, wouldn't it?

Once in the pod that was way too large, Refure didn't really pay much attention to anything. She instead focused internally, eyes glazed as the scenery changed outside from fancy grey stone buildings to a lush, damaged yet thriving marketplace, and finally outside the broken walls, to the wilderness, into the woods. Ashia Palace was known for it's reliance on technology for everything to make up for it's small size. Tartaria was a vast and gigantic mix of desert and mountain ranges, with little to no irrigable land for farming, but plenty of steel and iron to mine. Frelia was a small, almost subtropical region, separated from Tartaria by a set of mountains - one side was desert and the other, a wetland. Etruria was humid and enjoyed a surplus of rain and winds, and sometimes even snow, but Coriandrum's northern reaches were almost constantly covered in snow. Coriandrum itself was almost majestic, a perfect blend of nature and urbanization, almost a magical feel to it.

The lake was just as breathtaking as it was described, almost glowing a vibrant violet shade that looked ethereal, mixing into the fog to give the illusion that a purple magical hue rested over the lake itself. The fog was thick and miasmic, it was like a whole new world. There wasn't much sun at all, only a few strands and beams from the lush and thick trees above, and the sound of wildlife was dulled by the water. The only hint of civilization was the pod and the fact that there was security in place to prevent mining or people adding impurities to the water. As Nee and Shiro went first, and Heron took Nui- she was chatting and playing with Nui for the whole ride - Refure had a sudden thought. What if the healing properties in the water could somehow cure her and bring back Kora and Aya?

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝Let your soul take you where you long to be.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #CD5C5C β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #C5E3BF】

|| Flaws || Bastille ||




Cress nodded her head, she could tell that today was going to be a great day. There were so many things to see and Cress was going to get her haircut and Heron had gotten her boots. They were comfortable, her exact size with a soft lining on the inside that felt good on her feet. "They're... amazing." Cress said, wishing that she could speak in full sentences and not have to take a break between each word. Oh well, maybe tomorrow she'd be up to speed. Still, Cress was finding that with each passing moment, she was waking up more. She had more energy and even though breathing was still hard, it wasn't as bad trying to keep her eyes open. "I... can't... wait." Even like this her excitement was clear and as Heron loaded her in into the pod/limo, Cress couldn't help but let out a sound that resembled a giggle.

The drive was beautiful, they went underneath the canopy, the light peaking out between the trees. Cress held her breath as they went through the majestic forest where trees touched the sky, the color of leaves ranging from a rich green to deep brown. As they went deeper into the wilderness, the ground turned a powdery white, snow leaving a coat of unexplored powder on top of the vast wilderness, a fresh sheet of opportunity waiting to be explored. Heron was teasing her, which was nothing unusual. For the most part she wasn't being touchy, but when Heron threatened to lick her, Cress winced. "Sorry, sorry," the knight murmured, remembering.

When they reached the hot spring, the purple lake sparkled with the radiance of crystal gems. "Wow," Cress gasped in awe, watching as steam rose from the top, stretching towards the cloudy sky. They stopped at the gate, going through some sort of security check, then they went through and pulled up to the front of the resort. It looked like something from the movies, an earthen inspired Japanese hot spring resort with sliding doors and signs to use slippers rather than shoes. Nee and Shiro got out of the pod first and then Refure, leaving Heron plenty of room to get Cress out. Cress's eyes sparkled as she took it all in, shivering slightly from the snow. "Over... there." Cress said, pointing excitedly and Heron wheeled her over to where the snow had been shoveled.

"Refure... come... here!" Cress called, knowing that this would have been Kora and Aya's first time seeing snow since Ashia Palace had temperature controlled spots. It wasn't Ellie's first time, but certainly Heron and Shiro had never seen snow either. "It's cold!" Heron yelped as she jumped into the pile, the knight grinned evilly and lifted Cress from the wheelchair, the Princess yelping as Heron dropped her into the snow. It was densely packed, but at the same time, powdery and Cress laughed, managing to move around a little bit and make a half-snow angel. "Ellie!" Cress called, then remembered, her eyes widening. "I... mean... Nee." Nee and Shiro were too far away to hear them, but the pup turned to look for them and tugged Nee's hand.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #FFAEB9 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #63D1F4】

|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||




Shiro blushed when Nee hugged her, saying that Shiro was the best queen ever. "I just wanted you to have a fun birthday," Shiro said, "I thought it'd be nice to get to see Coriandrum too." Shiro was still holding Nee's hand and she held it the entire trip. "Look at that!" Shiro said excitedly, pointing to the trees. "Ooh, what's that?" The pup was very curious about everything and she sat on her knees, face pressed excitedly against the glass of the pod. If Shiro had a tail it would have definitely been wagging and she watched as the pod drove slowly so as not to hit any of the wildlife. Deer with antlers that had sparkling gems, small rodent like squirrels with bright colored tails.

"I've never seen one of those before," Shiro said, pointing to a flower with petals like hearts that looked as though they were dripping down. "That's... a... bleeding... heart. Their botanist said and Shiro's eyes widened further. Why were the hearts bleeding? Were they sad? Had someone hurt their feelings? The pup whimpered. "I hope they're not in any pain," Heron laughed and Shiro didn't really know why. Kora was being awfully quiet, looking out the window on her own. Normally she would have been rowdy, yelling at Heron not to touch Cress and calling her a pervert or scolding Shiro for whimpering and jumping in slight fear every time she saw a new animal. Shiro looked outside, wondering what Kora was seeing and jumped again.

There was a face, Shiro could have sworn, but when she looked again it was gone. "What was..." the pup trailed off, seeing the tail end of a skirt moving through the woods. It glittered like an illusion, the ghost of a child wandering in the woods. Shiro had never believed in ghost stories, they were too scary and if she listened to them she wouldn't be able to sleep. Shiro rubbed her eyes, but the ghost was gone already. That was strange, maybe it wasn't there at all? A trick of the light? In any case, the green gave way to white and the limo driver turned on the heat in the car, fogging up the windows for a minute or two. Shiro sat back down, offering Nee something from the minibar. "It's chocolaty," Shiro said, taking a sip of the foamy drink. She had never drank hot chocolate before and it warmed the pup right up. "What's this called?" Shiro asked, showing the drink to Nee.

They were pulling up at the resort now, going through the security gate. "It looks even better than what Wren described." Shiro took Nee's hand, picking up Ellis with her other one. The two headed out of the car first and Shiro shivered, glad that she had picked out a long sleeved dress out for Nee today. They were waiting for the owner to come greet them, Shiro held Nee's hand nervously, the pup was quite shy around strangers. She heard a scuffle from somewhere and turned her head, seeing that Heron had thrown Cress into a pile of the puffy white powder. "This is my first time seeing snow." Shiro confessed with a smile. "I think Cress wants us to go over there."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝If I lose it too, then we will never survive.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#4ca2b8 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #8b4cb8】

|| Secret ~Black Vow~ || Rin/Len (cover by SirHammet) ||




If there was something Coriandrum had, it was scenery that couldn't exist in Ashia Palace. Ashia was surrounded by Lake Asphodel, and hardly had trees to speak of - at least, wild trees that made a natural forest as beautiful as this. There was a great many sights to see, places to visit, but they couldn't forget their role back at Ashia, either. Unfortunately, spending time carelessly and enjoying oneself wasn't a luxury for Queens, even with this brief respite. "Well, you succeeded, Shiro." Nee said softly. The girl really had done a good job in ensuring she had an enjoyable birthday. Shiro then got wrapped up in staring out the windows, being as cute as can be.

"It's a name for their color and shape." Nee explained, taking a haphazard guess at the flowers, wanting to assuage her fellow Queen's concerns. She brought up a picture on her phone, showing it to the pup, pointing to one of the blossoms on the branch. "See? It's shaped a bit like a heart, and it's reddish, right?" She smiled reassuringly, somewhat hoping that the girl's innocence would never dissipate as time went on. "There's no pain, so no need to worry." Shiro went to the minibar and retrieved drinks and Nee didn't even notice when the green grass turned into powdery white snow. She took a sip of it at Shiro's suggestion, and it really was nice. "Hot chocolate. I can make us some in Ashia Palace later." She answered simply.

Once at the resort, Nee found herself not even feeling all that cold despite her thin lavender dress that matched her black hair and fair skin. While they waited for the host, Heron decided to get silly and pushed Cress into the snow. Refure was standing off on her own, avoiding everyone, looking less like a fellow guest and more like a bodyguard and Shiro and Nee were standing and waiting, watching the incredibly beautiful scenery about them. Shiro gave her a gentle tug of the hand, telling her that Cress wanted them to come over.

So Nee followed Shiro's lead. "It's pretty, isn't it?" Honestly, Narcia preferred snow it's it's unmarred state, devoid of footprints and dog pee staining it, just a gentle and natural even coating of snow over the land. It was much prettier that way, flawless from the lack of life interrupting the beauty. "Go easy on her, Heron." Nee warned jokingly, kneeling down to sit with Cress. "She just woke, after all." Narcia turned her attention to Cress then, giving her a brief hug that didn't need any explanation, yet was completely necessary. There were things that needed to be talked about, but not here. Not until they were alone.


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❝What kind of world lies outside the well? Is it something worth struggling for?❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#30b818 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #d1ca00】

|| Hope of Morning || Icon for Hire ||




While the others went to go play in the snow, Refure was doing something else entirely. She was focusing on the healing properties of the water, wondering how - no, more like, she was wondering if it'd really work. Would it miraculously bring Aya and Kora back? Would it put her back in her default mental state? It was supposed to have healing properties so it was a good bet, right? Refure didn't really like this existence, it was a life without reward, without purpose or meaning. Sure, there was one person who cared, but in the end, that person would care for anyone who inhabited this body. No one would like Refure for herself, regardless of the body she stole. And perhaps that was just as well.

Eventually someone went to them, the owners came and NEe went to tend to them, signing them in for a few hours stay, according to what Shiro and Wren specified, for lunch and dinner and then they'd return in time for Princess Nui's haircut. This was in honor of the princesses, as well as thanking them for their contribution during the war. "This is the least we could do, as Coriandrumians, for your aid." The owner said, bowing deeply. "Please, enjoy your stay, ladies. You'll find that lunch is already prepared for you." How long had the ride even been? Did the time really melt away that quickly?

Refure held her hand up idly. "I'm not hungry." She lied and separated from the others as they were about to go eat, bringing in her packed bag of essentials - which honestly wasn't much, just a gravity drive for emergencies. Everyone had a small bag of things they brought for whatever situation. Nee had what seemed like a box of engineering, and Heron's was full of magazines of half-clad girls posing in various ways. She latched the bracelet on, enjoying the comfortable weight on her left hand as usual.

So when Refure did was go straight to the hot springs. She was tired of this her, she didn't want it anymore. If a more fulfilling life could be had, then she'd take it. If it meant giving up on the self Semyon made and removing it, allowing herself to heal, then it was probably for the best. This wasn't her body in the end, anyways. So dressed in a swimsuit, she submerged into the hot spring, and felt something incredibly strange, almost cold and painful at the same time, creeping up her body. She passed out a few minutes later, and it was impossible to know if her little test had succeeded until she woke.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝Let your soul take you where you long to be.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #CD5C5C β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #C5E3BF】

|| Flaws || Bastille ||




Shiro and Nee came over, Nee warning Heron to go easy on Cress since she had just woken up. "I... can... take... her." Cress replied as Heron poked her cheek. Nee leaned down and hugged her and Cress felt warm, trying to return the hug as much as she could. "Happy... birthday." Cress said to her, knowing that she and the Queen would have lots to talk about later on, when the two of them could be alone. Shiro jumped into the pile of snow, the pup yelping and running out when she realized that it was cold. Cress couldn't help but giggle, the sound turning into a cough. She felt this cold excitement creeping down her back when the resort owner came out to greet them. Heron lifted Cress from the snow and placed her back in the wheelchair, putting the strap across her lap so that she didn't fall out.

They removed their shoes, leaving them in a shoe cubby. "I... can... do... it." Cress insisted stubbornly but Heron knelt down and removed Cress's boots for her, replacing them with girly pink slippers. Lunch was ready, the owner said and Heron parked the wheelchair, allowing the attendant to take their bags and shouldering the oxygen tank before lifting Cress and following Nee and Shiro to their room. The doors slid open, there was a low table with pillows to sit on the floor. "Please, change into the robes we have provided at your convenience." Cress remembered being sick once and watching an animated TV show where they had gone to the hot springs and wore the robes and went in showers. "Let's... eat." Cress said with a smile as Heron put her down. There had been a weird chair provided for her, it was like a folding chair with no legs but made out of the same material as the rest of the pillows.

"I'm gonna check on Refure," Heron said and stood up. She came back a few minutes later, a bit wet. "That idiot," Heron murmured, sitting down once more. "What's... wrong?" Cress asked, concerned. Had something happened to Refure? Did she get hurt? Heron shook her head, "Nothing, she's passed out in the next room. Must have worked too hard last night or something." Heron picked up a bowl of soup, putting some broth into the spoon an feeding it to her. "Remember Corren wanted you to drink a lot today since you're not not connected to anything." Cress swallowed and nodded her head. "I... remember." Cress turned to glance at Nee and Shiro then, feeling a poke of envy at the love the two of them shared.

"Time to get naked!" Heron suddenly yelled, getting Cress undressed in record time. "Heron!" Cress blushed as her undergarments were revealed and Heron grinned, "you don't have to be shy." The knight said and took her time picking one of the robes. "We've all seen each other naked," well no, Cress had never seen Shiro naked and she was certain that Shiro hadn't seen Heron naked before. "No... I... haven't." Cress replied and so Heron decided to undress everyone, leaving all of the girls in nothing but their undergarments. "There, now everyone's seen each other." Heron grinned as though this would fix everything.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя: #FFAEB9 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #63D1F4】

|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||




As they went over to the pile of snow, Shiro jumped in, taking Ellis with her of course. She squealed, not having realized that it was going to be that cold. "It's freezing!" The pup shivered, teeth chattering. Shiro stumbled out of the pile, somehow doing a somersault and landing in front of Nee, her dress riding up on her. Thankfully, Ellis landed behind her, blocking the view and Shiro sat up, brushing the snow off of her and fixing her dress before lifting Ellis up. "I didn't think it would be that cold," Shiro said with a shake of her head as the resort owner came out. She was an older lady and she thanked them profusely for protecting Coriandrum. Shiro took a step back, standing behind with Cress because it was Nee and Heron who had done the brunt of the work in protecting the country.

"I can't wait to go in," Shiro said as they were told lunch was prepared for them. She took off her shoes, replacing them with slippers and placing them in the cubby hole, noting the heaters all around them that kept the air flow going and kept the space warm. "Do you think the water is going to be hot even in this weather?" Shiro asked, holding Nee's hand as they went to the room. It was large with a table on the floor and pillows that they were supposed to sit on. There was a changing space too, a little partition that came out of the wall for you to change behind. The bathroom was apparently a public bathroom and so it was down the hall. Shiro picked up the booklet of instructions, looking through it. "It says we have to shower before we go in." The pup murmured as Kora announced that she wasn't hungry.

Lunch was a selection of Coriandrum specialties. Delicacies that were native to the area as well as a few other things that Shiro was familiar with. The pup was hesitant to try things, she was a little bit fussy when it came to food and would normally just prefer a bottle since it was soothing, but it seemed Shiro wasn't allowed to have those anymore. The pup started with the soup, tasting a few sips. She could feel her stomach warming up and it felt nice after standing outside in the cold. "It's good," Shiro said and smiled, maybe trying new things wasn't scary after all. "I think you'd like it Nee." What Shiro was most excited about was dessert and when Shiro uncovered it, she was pleasantly surprised. "Spider cakes!"

Then the fang of Ashia Palace decided to undress everyone. Shiro didn't wear bras since there wasn't really a reason to and so the pup held Ellis and crossed her arms over her chest, blushing furiously. They were all nude, bearing the scars for one another to see. Shiro was especially self conscious about her's, knowing them to be ugly. Narina had only ever marked her body where it wouldn't be visible for anyone to see and there were other marks too, proof of Nee's love. "I see you and Narcia were getting busy," Heron said, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. Shiro blushed more and stuttered, "I-it's pr-proof that I-I'm N-Nee's."

"Oh no!" Shiro got up and ran to get a robe for Nee, "Here," the pup said, placing it on Nee's shoulders so that no one could see the markings Semyon had left on Nee's body. The ones that the salve had been on were healed, but there were others. Cress had matching markings, ones that were the same shape and length but in different spots, clearly from the same mouth as Nee's. "Should we go in the hot springs now?" The pup asked as she put her hands through her own robe. It would give the two a moment to be alone as they showered to prepare to go into the warm purple lake.