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Shiro

"Yes your majesty."

0 · 9,098 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
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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) ||




From the shared glance between Heron and Cress, Narcia knew they had something in mind for Kora. She'd defer to their judgement as to how to cheer her up - if she tried any planning of her own chances were that it'd just disrupt whatever Heron was plotting. Something definitely wasn't right, but Nee knew that Heron and Cress would be able to do it. So as she ate the delectable food, Narcia turned her attention to the love of her life, excited and nervous at the prospect of the marriage. It was definitely less stressful than trying to figure out how to solve the problem of Tartarian and Ashian civilian's mutual hatred.

"We can pick and choose what we like." Narcia said, nodding with Shiro as she scanned a passage of the book Shiro was reading. The cup exchange was one particularly romantic custom, and she liked the rings as well. "Just don't feel as if you have to be restrained to Ashian tradition, okay?" Because in a way, Narcia also wanted to incorporate some Earthen traditions as well. After all, she'd always view Sierra Nevada as home, wouldn't she? As for bridesmaids... "The three of you could suffice." Nee said quietly, gesturing to Heron, Kora, and Cress. "Only if you want to, of course."

Heron cracked into a slight grin and nodded her head - but only for a second. "Hey, wait! I want to be the Best Man!" Heron stood up dramatically and Kora shot her a somewhat sour glare. "You're a girl." She said simply, so Heron switched tacks instantaneously. "Okay, then I'll be the Best Person! I'm the Best Person of the wedding!" Sometimes, Nee wondered if Heron knew how to take anything seriously. Other times, she figured Heron's ability to make jokes out of nearly anything was a virtue, wasn't it?

When Heron grabbed Cress and ran with her, Narcia decided not to make a big fuss, instead giving Kora an aside glance, wondering what she would do. Shiro spoke, telling her to go after them, and Kora looked incredibly glum for a split second. "...Guess I should, huh..." But the way she spoke, it sounded like the lamb was incredibly reluctant to actually go. Once she followed after them, it was just the two intended's left. "Heron's going to win." Narcia said, not really sure how she felt about it. "...Well, whatever happens, I hope they all end up happy."


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❝I don't care if I lose everything, so please.... come back...❞

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

|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||




Honestly, Kora knew Heron liked Cress that way. She wouldn't actually do anything untoward to Cress, especially not after what Semyon did. There was no reason to go after them. Didn't the lamb already surrender the right to love Cress anyways? She chose to side with Narina, so she didn't deserve to really be friends with anyone. The flight would soon be over, and that was when she'd betray everyone. That's just how it was, right? Kora.... had to commit to her goal. She couldn't let these friendships get in the way of her bringing Aya back. Narina promised, after all. But she knew Shiro and Narcia wouldn't stop bugging her about it so Kora stood up, not really wanting to go.

They were above Lake Asphodel, so there wasn't much time left. Kora had her Gravity Drive at the ready. If this was the last time she could play and chat with everyone, then it was fine, wasn't it? This was the last time she'd get to fight over Cress with Heron. After this, it'd be the end. So Kora took a deep breath, knowing to make use of this last memory with these friends. She probably wouldn't see them again after the betrayal. They wouldn't want to see her, anyways. The lamb made it up the stairs, ready for a confrontation, and Heron was there, spear at the ready, Cress in the cage.

"Don't hold back!" Heron grinned like the monster she was and Kora grit her teeth. Heron was faster than she was, stronger, and had much more experience, as well as a natural talent for fighting. There was a reason Heron was lauded as invincible, feared far and wide as the strongest warrior there was. Kora didn't stand a chance in a confrontation, she knew that. So she needed to do something else, she needed to use a different tactic. "This is a fight for the Princess's heart! So you better do your best!"

Kora took a deep shuddering breath, and lunged forward, aiming herself right at Heron's spear. If Heron didn't move or do something, Kora would be impaled by it. "Don't touch her, you pervert." The wolf growled and Heron flinched back on instinct, clearly not wanting to actually hurt her. "Geez, are you sui-" The next instant, Kora broke the cage open with her gravity drive and tapped Cress on the nose, staring defiantly at Heron. "There, I win. So stop it already."

Heron looked surprised for a moment, but then she locked the cage door shut. "Take her gravity drive." Heron said, and Kora realized this was her plan all along. She couldn't hurt or fight Cress, though, so Kora willingly surrendered the gravity drive. Now she was locked in the cage with Cress, and there was nothing she could do about it. "So, tell me. What did the Tartarian Assassin want with you, anyways? Given how long he was there, you'd be dead by now. So clearly... it was a deal or something, right? What's going on?"

Wait, how did she even know there - Corren told her, didn't he? Kora was angry, angry because once again she lost to Heron. Once again she underestimated just how clever Heron really was. So Kora stared at the ground and told the truth - about Narina, about her promise, about her betrayal, about bringing Aya - the real Aya - back to life. And then she cried because Kora knew they were all going to hate her now.

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 ||




Nee said it so causally, that the three of them would be her bridesmaids, as though it weren't something important. Instantly, Heron elected herself best man, then, once Kora pointed out that Heron couldn't be, the knight elected herself best person. "No way!" Cress huffed, "I'm her... sister! If anything... I get... to be... the maid... of honor!" There wasn't a chance that Cress would let Heron get to be the best man at her sister's wedding. The two of them turned to Nee to choose, since she was, of coure, the one getting married. Who would Shiro choose as bridesmaids? Cress wondered. Did the pup even have any friends aside from Nee and them? Shiro was staring hard at her lap, no doubt trying to decide something or make some sort of resolve.

Then Heron grabbed her and it was up to the turret. They waited there for Kora, Cress holding her breath to see if the knight would actually come. When Kora finally arrived, she looked reluctant, as though she didn't actually want to be there or fight Heron. Was she intimidated by the knight? Or was it something else entirely? The prospect of fighting Heron was a little scary, Cress had seen the knight fight and Heron had a reputation surrounding her since she was the fastest and strongest knight that Ashia Palace had ever produced. Heron swung her spear, telling Kora not to fight back and Kora ran straight at her. Cress gasped, but Kora dodged at the last second, instead, opening up the cage. Quick as a flash, Heron pushed Kora inside and locked her in with Cress, directing Cress to take the gravity drive.

"Did you... forget?" Cress asked with a sigh. "Oh, right," Heron took the gravity drive, sitting across from the cage and telling Kora to tell them what was on her mind. Cress was not expecting Kora to say the things she did, that she was going to betray them in order to get on Narina's good side and win her trust so that she could bring Aya back. "Kora..." Cress trailed off, wishing she could move so that she could hug her friend. "She's lying." Cress said, "to you. Narina doesn't... keep her... promises. She twists... them to... suit her... needs." How could Cress better explain this? "Even if... she did... bring Aya... back. There's no... guarantee she'll... be the... same person." Heron looked angry, her fists were clenched, her teeth grinding. Cress felt more sad than anything, it was a good thing they had gotten her to confess.

"You realize you almost committed treason?" Heron hissed. "That's punishable by death." Cress expected Heron to lash out, to maybe strangle Kora, but instead, she reached through the cage and flicked Kora on the forehead. "You're lucky we stopped you, idiot." Heron shook her head and crossed her arms, sighing. Cress somehow managed to fall against Kora, the tilt of the ship no doubt pushing her. "Our trio... isn't complete... without you." Cress closed her eyes, they would be home soon. It was a good thing they had stopped Kora when they had the chance. "Yeah, you'd make Cress sad if you betrayed her!" Heron huffed indignantly, "Stupid. You think Narina would let us live if she became Queen again?" No doubt Cress, Nee, and Heron would be among the first three to die.

Unless she kept them as leverage. The thought of going back down to that floor, where the isolation chamber was, where Narina had infected Cress with this illness in the first place, it made her shiver. There's no telling what sort of torture she'd implement. She wouldn't let Nee be with Shiro either, the poor pup would probably not survive another round if Narina was truly alive. "We have.... to warn... Narcia."


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


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

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




Nee said that they could pick and choose whatever they liked and Shiro smiled. "Let's do something your earth family would do too!" Did Nee and Cress know any of their earthen family traditions? Shiro wished she could ask Nee's earth mom. She wanted to meet her, to thank her for taking care of Nee for that time and being a good mom to her. No doubt Nee's earth mom was better than Narina ever was. They wouldn't stick to just Ashian customs when there were so many other culture they could incorporate as well. There were a few pages just on different Ouranian weddings and the symbolism in small things. "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a penny in your shoe." Shiro read aloud. "What's a penny?" Shiro asked, "Wouldn't it be uncomfortable to walk around all day with a penny in your shoe?"

When Nee appointed Cress, Kora, and Heron as her bridesmaids, Shiro looked down at Ellis. "Ellis, will you be my maid of honor?" Shiro squeezed him, glad he said yes. "Oh Wren! Will you be a bridesmaid too?" The blue haired girl pointed to herself in question and Shiro nodded her head. "And there's one more," Shiro wondered who she should ask. "Oh! I know! Nani!" Wren came over, placing dessert in front of Shiro. "Nani would probably be honored." Wren said as Shiro took a bite out of the cookie. "Nani is the woman that found me in the incinerator." Shiro explained to the others. Cress's expression became sad, she probably didn't know the story of how Shiro was found. "Um, I was abandoned at birth." Shiro explained, "My parents put me in the incinerator, but they were off for maintenance and Nani found me."

Shiro took another bite of the cookie, watching as Kora ran after Heron and Cress. "I have faith," Shiro said, "Heron is super strong, but Kora is smart." She had a memory unlike anyone else and could no doubt recite whole medical text books. "In the end though, it's up to Cress's heart." What was that thing Cress always said? Have courage and kindness? "I think they'll end up happy." Shiro said, wondering how she would go about finding Nani. She could always use the citizen registration and track her ID chip? That wouldn't feel right, almost like a violation of privacy. No, Shiro wouldn't do it that way, she would have to find her with her own power. Nani was older, she had been one of Narina's ladies in waiting, a kind one that always smiled at Shiro and helped her with her tasks.

After Narina's death, Nani had gone in search of her family, but that was the last Shiro had heard from her. Someone was running down the steps, a knight, looking frantic. Finnley adjusted his hat, doing a quick bow. "Excuse me my queens," he said, straightening. "We've received word that the believed to be deceased Queen Narina, is alive." Shiro felt her stomach drop. Any happiness she had felt was quickly gone. Her hands shook, a squeak escaping her. No, it couldn't be. She was dead, they had all promised that she was gone. So how... how could Narina be alive? The spiral began, quickly taking off and going down, down, down. "N-no," Shiro whimpered. She was going to be punished wasn't she? Narina would come back and punish her.

"I n-need my e-eyes. P-please d-don't t-t-take them." Shiro stuttered, rocking herself. She fell out of her chair, hiding underneath the table. Ellis was still sitting on the chair, his face full of crumbs from Shiro trying to feed him cookies, just in case he wanted to try some.

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) ||




It was funny how quickly things could turn horrible. It started out normal, like most things did, goofing off about who would be honored at the wedding, feeling flutters about the idea of the wedding in the first place. She was happy Shi was open minded to incorporating earth traditions as an homage to her past. "A girl to toss flowers down the asile, and a boy to deliver the ring, perhaps..." She mumbled, quietly musing. "Pennies are small coins, Shi. I doubt they would be too uncomfortable." Would Heron get to be the best man (person), or would Cress be the Maid of Honor? Narcia didn't answer, deciding to keep it a mystery for now. "We'll see, won't we?" The ice girl teased light heartedly, knowing that she was definitely going to choose Cress. There was no one more suited for that role than Cress, her sister in both blood and destiny.

Then the trio went off to work out their issues, so Narcia was left with Shiro, the two having some peace and quiet to themselves again. "They'll find out something to make the three of them happy." Nee said, though she held some doubts. It all depended on if they could get Kora to open up about whatever she was hiding. Of course, there was also the matter of romance, but for the time being the major concern was having the three of them on good terms again, being able to laugh and play like before.

They were interrupted by Finnley's announcement, revealing the truth Narcia was desperately trying to ignore. Narina was still somehow alive. Narina was still out there, just like she predicted the whole time. Shiro was quickly spiraling and Nee felt her heart thrumming much more quickly. "No one will take your eyes." No, she wasn't allowed to panic. She wasn't allowed to lose her cool. Shiro was counting on her to keep her grounded. So Nee too Ellis and pulled Shiro from under the table, up to her lap on their chair, hugging the three of them together. "We'll be okay. She won't take you again."

Nee then turned to Finnley, who seemed to be awaiting orders. The chessboard was back, and it was time to play. One last game, that's how it'd be, right? This final game, of mother and daughter. "Finnley, notify the higher ranking knights immediately, but only the ones I trust." She rattled off a list of names for Finnley, and Nee knew she couldn't ever let Shiro or Cress out of her sight for the time being. Finnley went off, no doubt to inform Itward and Xion first, and Narcia hugged Shiro closer. "We'll overcome this together."


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❝I don't care if I lose everything, so please.... come back...❞

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

|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||




Locked in the cage, forced to listen to Heron and Cress trying to cheer her up, Kora should have felt something like relief that she was saved from her betrayal. She should have felt sadness for falling for Narina's lies so easily. She should have felt misery for once again having no hope of truly bringing Aya back to life. But instead, all she felt was an intense and deep anger, and it was all directed at Heron. Honestly, Heron was more and more, representing the fact that no matter what Kora tried, she could never truly mean something to anyone. In her childhood, Aya surpassed her in every way, and now, Heron was doing the same. Heron was a better and stronger knight, a better friend to Cress, she was smarter and could outmaneuver her in both combat and intelligence. There was nothing Kora could do that Heron couldn't.

Even now, Heron was standing above her, with that arrogant grin of hers after the flick, and the scarlet knight quickly got to business, calling Finnley and informing him that Narina was in fact, alive. Kora clenched her teeth, the resentment and envy building up. Kora always did have a horrible sense of self, always needing to be needed, to be useful to people. To be the best at something. But now, she had to come to terms with the fact that no matter what she did, she would never be able to stand out and find validation for her existence. "....Sorry." Kora said in a quiet voice once the tears were gone. "I was just being an idiot." She still wouldn't look at Cress. She didn't have the right to look at her.

A voice on Heron's phone, then. Queen Narcia was speaking, issuing her orders. "Heron, you're the best there is. I trust you to put your life to keeping Cress safe. That is your new purpose in life until Narina is gone for good. Cress is only allowed to be captured once you're dead. As long as you draw breath, you live for the purpose of protecting her." Heron smirked, her arrogant smile lighting up the room. "Tch, who do ya think I am? I won't let her out of my sight!" There was a pause on the other end. "I mean it. No mistakes, not like with Semyon. You and you alone are in charge of Cress's well being. If she gets caught again -" Then Heron smirked, canines gleaming in the light. "I'll make sure to kill myself in shame if that ever happens!"

That's right. Heron really was the best. She always would be. "That's right. She'll protect you, so it's okay." Kora muttered, scratching at the faint tanline where her gravity drive was supposed to be. Judging on the surroundings, the Agneyestra was docking in Ashia now, they were finally home, but it really didn't feel anything like home. Heron let them out then, putting Cress back in the wheelchair. "Let's go home. Cheer up, okay, you dumb lamb. We all love ya." The scarlet knight said, wheeling Cress out. The lamb balled a fist, of course Heron was going to get to be cool, too. With someone perfect like Heron, who would ever look at the self destructive lamb?

"...I'll never... be good enough." Kora whispered for only herself to hear once the others were out of earshot, then followed, still absently scratching at where the gravity drive was.

Setting

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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 ||




So that woman was back, huh? Cress shouldn't have been surprised. It was too convenient for her to simply be dead. It was too easy, too simple. Nothing was as it seamed on this planet, unlike on earth, people didn't stay dead. With the level of technological advancement, Cress wouldn't have been surprised if Narcia had killed Narina's clone, or perhaps some sort of android. Cress's hands balled into fists, she felt like a caged animal and not because Heron had put her inside of a crate. Narina was out there, she was going to put Cress back into the cage that was her body, make it so Cress couldn't fight back or resist. Cress could no longer avoid the crushing loneliness she had felt in the last few months, could no longer ignore how far behind she felt while everyone else was ahead.

"It's okay... you wanted... to bring... your sister... back." Cress was still leaning on Kora, unable to right herself. She wished she could wrap her arms around her blonde friend, she wished that she could assure Kora it would be okay, but in truth, Cress didn't know. Now that Narina was back, Cress felt like she didn't know anything. Perhaps she was safer inside of the cage than out of it. Heron was fast, as per usual, informing Finnley who ran to inform their queens. This was going to devastate them, they would have to hold off the wedding. Cress didn't realize that she was shaking, her entire body trembling at the thought of being infected again, of Narina turning her back into a helpless doll.

Heron's phone began to ring. Cress closed her eyes, no doubt the news had reached her sister by now. "I'm scared," Cress admitted quietly to Kora. "I don't... think I've... ever felt... this afraid... of anything." Even though Narina's final message to them was that she had done it all in love, Cress didn't believe her. No one hurt their children in the name of love. In Cress's opinion, that woman had forfeited her right to be her birth-mother the moment she had sent Cress off to earth. Even if she had claimed it was Cress's grandmother who had done it, Cress didn't believe her. No doubt that was some sort of excuse. She wished she had heard Azel's end to the story to know whether or not what Narina had come up with was fiction.

When heron hung up the phone, she opened up the cage, scooping Cress out in a bridal carry and placing her in the wheelchair. Cress's hand slipped from Kora's, she looked back at her friend, wondering what was going through Kora's head. Heron began wheeling her out, but Cress was concerned about Kora. "Please," she whispered to her friend, "don't leave... me too." Heron was only looking ahead, no doubt confident that she could protect Cress. Even so, it was under Heron was supposed to be protecting her when Narina had come to get her from that isolation chamber, when she had put her in the garden with the artificial light, where she had intended for Cress to wither away, to become a vegetable.

"Join the garden."

A shiver ran down her spine. If she loved plants so much she should become one. Those were Narina's parting words to her long lost daughter. "I win," Cress whispered, balling the fabric of her clothing in her hands to make the shaking stop. They were at the foot of the palace now, the gleaming beacon shining up to the sky like a brilliant star in space. It was a mere shadow of what it used to stand for. No longer did it strike terror into the hearts of the people. No longer did stepping on the imperial staircase without an invitation mean death. Things had changed around here, for the better. They were not going to let Narina take that away from them. "We'll keep... doing our... best to... make Ashia... a better... place." Winning the war was just the first step.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


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

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




Shiro was afraid, she was so afraid. Tears streaked down her cheeks, her hands clawing at her ears, trying to block out the sounds of the interrogation room. They were coming, their footsteps pattered against the floor. A needle, they were going to take her eyes weren't they? Stick a needle and make her blind. Her heart thumped heavily in her chest, fear terrorizing her senses. Shiro was paralyzed, sitting underneath the table, trying to make herself as small as possible. "I-I n-n-need my ey-eyes." She whimpered, beside herself. The crew gave sympathetic glances their way. No one moved though, not even Finnley, who had been the one who had taken Shiro to the interrogation room in the first place. It wasn't his fault, he had just been following orders after all.

Someone reached for her, Shiro flinched away from the touch but it kept coming. Nee pulled Shiro out from underneath the table, placing the girl in her lap and putting Ellis into her hands. There was blood around her ears, where her fingers had dug into the skin to try and block out the sounds. Shiro clung to Nee, shaking, her tears soaking into Nee's nice dress. Nee would protect her, Nee would keep her safe from punishment. She promised, she promised that day, when Shiro had sullied herself, she promised that day, when she had taken her from the palace. The first time Shiro had set foot outside the palace, the first time she had seen trees and grass and a vast blue sky.

And the playground. Shiro closed her eyes, burying her face in Nee's chest. Here, in this moment, she was safe. No monsters would get her, no queen named Narina or servants who were jealous of how the queen looked at her so fondly. There was no more bullying, no more collars, no more hot tea poured on her feet if she didn't brew it right. Even so, even so, Shiro couldn't help but feel terrified. They were close to the palace again, the shadow of the Agneystra overtaking Ashia Palace. The angel ship was beginning to dock, the crew running about to prepare for their landing. Itward and Xion would be waiting for them at the steps of the palace, no doubt only having good news to report. They had suffered no losses in the war after all, no doubt families would be relieved to see their sons, daughters, husbands, and wives alive and whole.

Nee said that they would overcome this together and Shiro slowly nodded her head, unable to speak with her pacifier in her mouth. She couldn't stand, her legs were shaking too badly. When Shiro tried to rise beside Nee, her knees weakened and she fell to the floor. The pup still held onto her intended, her other hand clutching Ellis against her. Her two most important things were in her arms and yet she couldn't move. "Should I get a wheelchair?" Finnley asked quietly, "or a stroller?"

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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) ||




Shiro was reacting far worse than Nee hoped, but not as bad as the worst case scenario, at least. The pup wouldn't survive another round of being captured, it'd break her and not even Narcia would be able to put her together. Just thinking about the pain she'd have to go through made the Ice Queen want to break something - or more specifically, someone. She wasn't allowed to feel fear. She wasn't allowed to be afraid. With Shi like this, it was all Nee could do to hug her and protect her and promise that she would be safe, that nothing bad would happen to her. No more punishments, no more pain. Shi seemed to eventually be able to nod her head. "I'll carry her. Carry on with your duties, Knight Finnley."'

Itward and Xion were waiting at the docks, of course. Heron gave her brother a curt nod and wheeled Cress into the palace, one arm on the collapsed spear, ready for a surprise attack. The scarlet knight was as tense as ever, she wouldn't allow anyone to get a surprise attack on her. "We're on high alert, Nee." Itward said curtly, and the only sign that her High General of Defense was afraid was the very slight tremble in his hand when he shook hers. "Only authorized people are allowed in. The security system will be able to tell if an assassin's cloak is used, as well. No one will get in or out of the palace." So Nee nodded, still not relaxing. "I'll trust you, Itward." She said, making sure to keep hold of her intended, feeling the weight of her locket becoming more prominent.

Once they were in, Narcia felt someone drop a cloak over both her and Shiro. It was Kora, and the lamb did not look happy at all. "Don't ask me how I know this. Just know that Shiro is her target." Kora had a strange, almost frantic look in her eyes. "Queen Nee, Narina wants to capture Shiro as leverage to force you to wage war on Etruria and Coriandrum while they're still weak and rebuilding." Narcia nodded. That made sense, didn't it? Narina would almost definitely consider her to have grown soft after loving Shi, and using Shi as a hostage would force her to harden her heart and conquer the rest of the Eastern Continent. Honestly, this was the perfect opportunity to betray Etruria and Coriandrum. They both took lots of damage from the war, while Ashia remained mostly intact.

"Thank you for the warning." Nee said, and now she knew why the lamb was so troubled during the flight. But now, she knew Kora had chosen to side with them. This, of course, meant that Kora might be in danger from betraying Narina, but realistically, Kora was a better target than Shiro or Cress. Better if Kora was in danger as a decoy for the time being. The lamb nodded. "Keep the cloak, and keep Shiro under at all times. I have a plan, so trust me, okay?" And with that, Kora exited the cloak, leaving it to Nee and Shiro. And Narcia knew that the best plan would require the two of them remaining underneath it for the time being.


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❝I don't care if I lose everything, so please.... come back...❞

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

|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||




Cress was afraid. She was trembling, shaking and Kora knew what she had to do. She couldn't... betray them now, no matter how she felt about Heron. The lamb would never be able to overcome that arrogant knight, she'd never be able to be needed as long as Heron existed. This horrible inferiority complex, this ugly side of her, it was worse than the murderer, wasn't it? But it was true. Heron was always cool, always showing off how reliable she was. Meanwhile Kora hadn't contributed much in the war effort at all. She would never be good enough. "Don't worry, Cress." The wolf said quietly. "Heron will keep you safe." Of course, Kora was going to help in her own way, in a more out-of-sight way.

The first thing Kora did was take back her gravity drive. She then prowled through the Untouchable Tier, searching under her cloak for the right sacrifice. She finally found a girl that looked to be Shiro's age, and pulled her under the cloak, knocking her out before the girl could make a peep. Luckily she was dressed in a relatively expensive dress as well, so she wouldn't have to steal any dresses from Shiro. The next step was cornering Nee and Shiro in the palace, where she explained Narina's motives and target. She then used one of her knives to cut out Narcia's chip - the one designated to Shiro - and injected the girl's chip into her wrist.

After giving the cloak to them, Kora went to where she hid the sleeping girl's body, snapping her neck. The old warehouse was already abandoned and useless, so all the lamb had to do was light the fire and keep the chip as proof that Shiro was taken care of. So about an hour later, and a burnt up corpse, reported to be Shiro's, Kora knew she did her job. She mouthed a silent apology to Aya, because she knew this meant she wouldn't be able to bring her back. But then again, it took an idiot to trust Narina's lies, didn't it?

A voice rang out through the Untouchable Tier, stating that a curfew would be placed temporarily, due to the risk of Tartarian insurgents trying to attack now that the war was over. "Only ever travel in groups, and report anyone without an authorized chip, everyone. And never leave the house after a certain time unless you want to be seen as suspicious." And as such, Ashia Palace was going to enter a heightened state of security. Kora wondered if she repaid her debt for almost betraying Ashia Palace and the two Queens - and most importantly, Cress. Like this, all traces of Shiro would grow cold, and Heron was taking her high alert much more seriously than last time. She made the right decision... right?

Setting

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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'm pathetic... aren't I?" Cress asked with a gentle laugh that held not an ounce of humor in it. "After all... this and... she still... scares me." Cress breathed out, a quivering sigh. Kora had disappeared, slipping away when Cress had turned around for only a moment. There was no time to relish in the sun, they were going right into the palace. "Hello Itward," they stopped in front of the red haired Grand General. "Princess," Itward did a quick pledge, then stood upright. "No need... to be... so formal," Cress smiled. "It's just... me." Even so, Itward was still being a stiff, being curt and formal. Xion gave him a nudge and Cress noticed something between them, an exchanged look, not worry or joy... could that be? "Love!" Cress gasped aloud.

The ex-rebel leader blushed, an odd expression that Cress had never seen on Xion before. "What are you talking about?" The eye patched woman growled, "this idiot is a noble! He's exactly the type I hate!" Even as she said it though, Cress could tell it was a lie. "Itward!" Heron grabbed her older brother, rubbing her cheek against his. "When did you become such a ladies man?" Itward blushed a shade of red that matched his hair. Cress giggled, Xion was turning red too. "Hey, that's a nice haircut!" She said, trying to change the topic. Cress and Heron exchanged a glance, going along with it. It seemed that love was in the air, first Shiro and Nee, now the ex-rebellion leader and the Grand General. Who would be next on this crazy love train?

Cress felt a mysterious pang. Was this longing? Perhaps for a love of her own? Heron wheeled her inside and Nee's words echoed in her mind. Cress had Ashia's two best knights at her beck and call. Those were the exact words Nee had used. Yet, Cress couldn't help feeling as though Heron liked Kora. The two were always teasing each other, Heron was always looking for excuses to try and kiss Kora. Kora was always yelling at Heron about being a pervert, no doubt in denial about her feelings. "Heron," Cress started. "Do you... like Kora?" Heron stopped walking, the wheels of the wheelchair coming to an abrupt stop.

"You really are clueless aren't you?" Cress was confused. Heron started walking again, moving along as though nothing had happened. Clueless? What did she mean? "I'm your protector," Heron said, a sudden gleam in her eyes. "That means we'll have to take all of our baths together, in cases Narina attacks while you're in the tub." That's right, Heron could never love one person, she was a womanizing pervert. "Tch," Cress said and then she couldn't help it, she began to giggle. It felt good to laugh, a sound that was like the warble of a bird, a melodious tune that floated down the hallway. Unfortunately, it wasn't long before the giggles turned to coughs and Cress was struggling to breathe. Heron turned up the oxygen, patting Cress's back until the spell passed.

"I'm okay," Cress promised. They were at the elevator now, soon Cress would be back in her room. No doubt the blood had been cleaned up, the bed sheets changed and made neatly. The plants on her windowsill that Heron had planted would be thirsting for a drink unless someone had been attending to them, and a tray of dinner would no doubt be waiting. "Do you... think Kora... is okay?" Cress asked as the doors opened to their floor. There was heightened security, their chips passing through a scanner before they were allowed off of the elevator. Nee really was going all out, wasn't she?


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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 carrying her, holding Shiro up in her time of weakness. The girl wasn't very big or heavy, so it probably wasn't tasking at all, but Shiro still felt bad for being so useless. She loved Nee and yet, she couldn't do anything for her. Why did she love Shiro? The pup wasn't strong or super pretty, Nee could have anyone, yet she had chosen the little pup that had been beaten and scarred. Nee could have any prince, she was beautiful and smart, confident and sharp in ways that Shiro never could be. She was ice, able to withstand nearly anything that life threw her way. First her mother, now her mother again. Shiro shivered, glad that the ice wasn't directed at her.

The pup held onto Nee tightly, her head buried in Nee's chest so that no one could see her face. She didn't want them to take her eyes after all, she needed those. Even if Nee promised to protect her, it was still scary. With the technology that Ashia Palace had, anyone had the ability to change their outward appearance in the blink of an eye. Augments and dyes, body tech, and piercings. There was no telling who was who aside from the ID chips in their wrists. Two figures were waiting for them at the end of the dock. Itward spoke of the updated security, no one would be going in or out of the castle. Their home would become their prison until the threat could be neutralized. Only authorized personal would be allowed out after the curfew, which was implemented with a special message so as not to worry the people.

Shiro felt the weight of her ring on her finger, her hands curled into fists. They were stopped in their tracks, someone dropping a dark piece of cloth over them. Shiro stiffened, wondering if they had been captured already. Narina had plenty of methods, who know what citizens were truly spies? This, however, was no enemy. It was Kora, spilling Narina's plans to Narcia in order to prevent them from being put into motion. Narina was targeting Shiro and the pup began shaking again, suckling on her pacifier to calm herself down. She kept her face hidden, knowing that if Kora saw the tears she would call Shiro weak and pathetic. Why was it that the truth was the hardest to hear? The pup wished that she could be brave, but she didn't know how. She wasn't strong or fearless like the knights, she was just a dog playing at being a person.

She felt Nee's hold on her tighten. It was a relief really, to know that there was someone who would hold onto her so tightly. Nee could have taken anyone as her bride and yet, she had chosen Shiro. The pup was more than honored and she closed her eyes, relishing the scent of Nee's perfume. This wouldn't be the first time they faced Narina, but hopefully it would be the last. Shiro remembered that book detailing her torture, the one that they had stumbled upon when looking for manuals on how to control the palace. If Shiro was caught, no doubt she would face much worse. Nee was so brave, so strong. She was unflinching her resolve and handed over her wrist for Kora to cut the ID chip out without a second thought. "Nee!" Shiro squeaked, watching as glistening crimson dripped to the floor.

"I'll make it better," Shiro promised and gently took Nee's wrist, holding it up to her mouth as she remembered the special thing that children born with the sanitary illness had. Their spit had sterilizing effects. So Shiro gently licked Nee's wound, sucking on it just a tiny bit to get the blood flow to stop.

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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) ||




Narcia knew what was to come next, of course. The chip in her wrist was the one corresponding to Shiro. so if she was correct in her guess - and often, they turned out to be true - Kora was going to fake Shiro's death. The lamb had her knife and sliced down the skin of her wrist, digging deep. The ice queen let out a low hiss - it hurt more than she expected - and the knight didn't look apologetic or anything as she fished through her wrist, finally retrieving the chip. She then put another chip in, and Nee would have to scan this one to figure out who the lamb had killed. Still, as reluctant as she was to overlook her citizens dying, if it was for Shiro's well being, it was acceptable. It still hurt, though, and red droplets trailed down to the floor. Kora then vanished and Narcia bent down to clean the blood off the floor when Shiro let out a squeak, promising to make it better.

"Okay. I'll trust you." Nee said, adjusting her position so that she could wipe the blood with her free hand, using a tissue to erase the evidence that something happened in the first place. Normally Narcia would have shrugged it off and continued walking, but she knew Shiro wanted to contribute in this new crisis. So she let Shi lick the wound, cleaning and sterilizing it. It stung a little, but Nee could withstand it. "Thanks, Shi. If it became infected and I got sick, that'd definitely make things worse." She was lucky to have Shiro here with her, at her side.

Once they made it to their room, still under the cloak, Narcia took out her phone. She needed to do something, she had to put everyone on alert. So she gave out a public service announcement for everyone on the Untouchable Tier to be on guard and never travel alone at any cost, pinning the blame of Tartarian radicals trying to get revenge for the death of their King. Of course, she kept both herself and Shiro under the cloak. The longer they could stay unnoticed, the better.

Nee then scanned through various camera screens set up throughout the Untouchable Tier, finally finding what she was looking for. Someone lit a fire in the tier, near where the Dorones Estate used to be. And just as expected, the corpse of a young girl was brought out by rescue efforts. "Shiro, from now on, you're dead to the public eye." Nee said after she bandaged her wrist back up. "That way, you;ll be safe from Narina, okay? My mother would predict us to use augments to hide your identity, so it might be best for us to live under the cloak for now." She then took Shi by the hand, taking them to the room next door where Heron and Cress hopefully were. Once the elevator door opened, Narcia pulled both of them under the cloak, updating them on everything for now, about Shiro's fake death, and their plan with the cloak. Nee then fixated her gaze clearly on Heron. "Remember. If you fail in your duty to save Cress, I will have you executed. There is no margin for failure."


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❝I don't care if I lose everything, so please.... come back...❞

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

|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||




As expected, Kora was accosted and blindfolded and taken to somewhere she didn't know It was clearly still in Ashia Palace but there was no way to tell where it was at all. The lamb felt disoriented but she was prepared. She'd either be able to trick Narina or die here, wouldn't she? And exactly to her estimations, someone approached her in this dark room, footsteps coming closer, removing the bonds and blindfolds. Narina was there, the person Kora really didn't want to see again. And in her hand was a familiar chip. Aya's ID chip was right there in her grip.

"Have you completed the mission?" Narina asked and Kora nodded. This was her one chance to trick Narina into believing she was on her side. She couldn't mess this up. "I recorded her dying screams for us to use against Narcia." Kora said with a cold grin, playing the role of the traitor all too well. She played it on her phone, to Narina's shrug. "It'll suffice, though I would have preferred having her alive. A dog needs to learn her place, you know." A dog, huh? Kora didn't like thinking of Shiro that way, but she played along. "She was weak. I couldn't control myself, you know." A wide grin appeared on the wolf's face. "I just can't stop killing." Narina leaned closer then, but still not touching. "Stay that way, Kohrya. You're more useful when you're willing to kill."

So then the topic went to Aya and the chip. "Chips aren't just for ID purposes. They also serve to map out the neural network of the owner's brain. So, theoretically, I could create an AI with Ayanna's brain information and implant it into an android body." Kora's eyes widened. So it wasn't a lie, then? There really was a way to bring Aya back somehow, even if it wasn't in the biological body she deserved. That lead to more questions, though, and one particular was one pressing down her back. How, exactly, was Narina still alive? They killed her, and the mortician even had her dressed and prepared for the burial. Unless she really was dead, and this Narina was just - no, but didn't Cress say once that Narina didn't have a chip? Not to mention, who would really benefit from bringing her back? The world was better with her gone.

But Kora knew not to ask. It'd only make her look more suspicious. She needed to gain Narina's trust, because otherwise, Narina would go to other methods to ensure her cooperation. Now that the former Queen held Aya's chip, she could bring her back only to torture and torment her. "I have another mission for you. Once you succeed, you can have your sister back, dear Kohrya." And so she told Kora her plot and the wolf nodded, because she knew she had no other choice but to pretend she was on Narina's team. The wolf smirked, the wild gleam in her eyes. "This one'll be fun."

Because this one involved eliminating Heron from the game, once and for all.

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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 ||




The longer Kora stayed away, the worse Cress got. She didn't like having Kora away, what if her mother had gotten her hands on her? What if she was torturing Kora? Taking her legs away again? What if Kora had betrayed them in the end anyways? "Cress, your heartbeat is erratic." Heron said, looking at the monitor. "Just dizzy... that's all." Cress lied with a smile, taking in a shuddering breath. "She'll be fine," Heron squeezed her shoulder. Cress looked at the ground, all she could do was trust that Kora knew what she was doing. They had arrived at the room, Heron threw open the doors, doing a security check before wheeling Cress inside. Heron opened up the curtains to allow some natural light into the room, the golden hour sending its warm room across the space.

Their bags were already in the room, no doubt dropped off by Wren. There was a note left to let Cress know that her gardening tools were being put somewhere else so as not to drag dirt into the castle. Cress was fine with that, as long as she would get to use it. Tomorrow Cress would be even stronger and by the end of the week, she wouldn't have to rely on an oxygen tank. There would be no more coughing when she giggled, or trying to catch her breath when she spoke. Corren said she'd probably still need the wheelchair for a bit and that she shouldn't walk too much in the beginning. She was still weaning off of the pain medicine too, which was what made her head so spiny.

They hadn't been in the room for three minutes when the door opened and shut and they were drawn underneath the invisibility cloak. "Nee you're... wrist!" Cress said in alarm, seeing the make shift bandage on it. Shiro was trembling, no doubt the pup had suffered quite a fright in discovering that Narina was still alive. Nee explained that they had faked Shiro's death in order to keep her safe. "Narina is... going to... expect you... to be... distraught." Cress said seriously. "You need... to make... a public... show of... mourning." They would all have to. A fake funeral was in order and even if it wasn't real, Cress felt a pang of sadness. "The ring." Cress said, "You should... put it... on your... locket for... now."

It would be a sign of desperation, that Nee really had lost Shiro and it was the only way to keep the pup close to her heart. When Nee said that failure for Heron meant death, the knight didn't miss a beat. "I won't fail!" She said, placing a hand against her heart. "I swear on my honor as Ashia's Fang!" Cress took a breath. "Nee you... don't have... to be... so harsh." The thought of losing Heron was unbearable and Cress wasn't sure why. All she received from the knight was grief and perversion and yet, Cress couldn't stand waking up without her by her side. Kora and Heron, they were both so special to her. The thought of either one no longer being with her physically hurt. This silly thing called hope, it was so fickle and fleeting. Yet Cress still felt it.

She hoped that there would be a better tomorrow, she hoped that they would make it out of this round of Narina's chess match alive. "Nee I... want to... help." She couldn't just sit here and do nothing, not while everyone was fighting their hardest against the enemy! "Please let... me do... something!" Cress couldn't be useless anymore, she was done with being protected, Cress wanted to be the one protecting!


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


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

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




Shiro had torn off one of the more decorative aspects of the draping on her dress and used it as a make shift bandage to wrap Nee's wrist. The praise felt nice, being praised by Nee always made Shiro feel so happy. Even in a situation like this, Shiro was able to feel warm with Nee's presence. Love really was an amazing thing. Even though Shiro was shaking and scared, she held herself together long enough for Nee to pull her into the elevator. Once in there, Shiro put her pacifier back in her mouth, feeling chills run down her spine. Even underneath the cloak, Shiro had a vague sense that they were being watched. She held Nee's hand, careful not to touch the make shift bandage. Shiro looked up, spotting a camera in the corner. The camera couldn't see them, not with their stealth technology.

Shiro also knew that Nee inherited her genius technological gift from Narina. Which meant that anything Narcia made, Narina no doubt could counter. The thought made Shiro shake again and she gave Ellis a squeeze, knowing that she had to be strong. It was so very hard to keep the threads together, one tiny tug and the pup would unravel again. Nee said that from now on, Shiro was dead to the public eye. Did that mean Shiro was trapped in the castle again? Would she never get to go outside and see the sun? It wouldn't be forever, Shiro didn't think so, probably just until Narina was defeated. They had brought her down once, surely Nee had a plan? "Dead," Shiro said quietly. She gripped Ellis tighter, the word feeling heavy in her chest. Nee wouldn't send her away, right?

Shiro wasn't certain what being dead entailed. She knew one thing though, the shroud of the invisibility cloak, it was far too heavy. Shiro didn't want to stay under it, she felt lonely and scared at the thought of not being seen. "I don't want to be dead." Shiro whimpered, knowing that there was no way around this. Kora had gone to "kill" her and until Narina was really dead, Shiro would be fake dead. They had reached Cress's room and went in, taking the two under the cloak. Shiro stayed quiet as Nee explained everything to Cress and Heron, that Kora had faked Shiro's death and that they were to play along. Cress brought up a few good points and Shiro shook her head, clutching the ring against her protectively. "No," the pup whimpered, "Nee gave this to me, it's special."

"I don't think Shiro will be able to survive under the cloak." Heron said honestly and Shiro felt relief that someone understood. "What about that room?" Heron asked, "the one you made into a playground? Kill the surveillance, keep up a special sight for yourself and put Shiro in there until it's safe. The interrogation room is the last place Narina would look." The playground, the special safe place Nee had made for her as a birthday present. "Can I?" Shiro asked, tugging slightly on Nee's dress. "Can I stay in there instead?" No one had to know Shiro was in there but Nee and Cress and Heron. They could send one of the maids in with food disguised as cleaning supplies. It wouldn't look suspicious if Nee went in to check on her either. "Or you can put her in your closet, that way no one has to know she's there." Shiro was fine with that too, then she could still be close to Nee and they could still take their baths together.

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Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝It's time to break the umbilical cord. I don't need you anymore.❞

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

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




With her newly bandaged arm a la Shiro, they were hidden with Cress and Heron under the cloak. They were in Cress's room now, and everyone was up to speed. It was time to make a strategy, to figure out their next move. Kora was still unaccounted for and Narcia had a feeling she knew where the wayward lamb was. "It doesn't hurt. It's fine." Narcia said, waving off her wrist. It was a necessary step anyways, since she was the one who had Shiro's chip. Then Cress spoke, bringing up a very good point. But Shiro looked like she was clinging to the ring, and Nee knew what the ring represented. It was a promise of happier days, a promise that everything will work out. If she took the ring from her, then Shiro wouldn't have that promise anymore.

"No, I'll say that it's reassuring for a memento of our betrothal to be interred in the ground with her." Narcia said in an incredibly nonchalant voice, internally reeling at the idea of Shiro actually dying. Giving a public speech on the matter was going to be difficult, but Nee would do it. "The locket being a gift for her already counts as her being close to my heart, does it not?" Nee gave a sad sort of smile, touching it gently, wishing she had a picture of Shiro in already. She squeezed her intended's hand, reassuring her silently that she'd get to keep the ring.

Narcia breathed a slight breath, shaking her head. "It's not harsh. Cress, if either you or Shiro are captured, we're all dead regardless. That's the worst case scenario." She forced a weak grin. "Because I value you both above my own life, I'd sacrifice anything to keep you safe." Her voice went quieter, even if everyone could hear her. "I don't regret saving you from Semyon." Cress said that she wanted to help, that she didn't want to be useless, so Nee paused to think. What could Cress help with that wouldn't put her in danger?

And then it hit her. "Cress, do you mind if I assign you as... sort of, a manager for the knights?" Nee quickly explained what it'd entail. Cress's job would be to oversee both Itward and Heron's movements as a central sort of figure, keeping tabs on each knight based on their chips - including Kora - and making sure their supplies and weapons and armor were always in top order. She'd also handle promotions and demotions and screening the list of new recruits, as well as a slew of other duties. "Heron and Itward will advise you, of course, so you won't feel overwhelmed. I just thought, given your close friendship to Heron and Kora, that this job would suit you more than it would me." It also meant Cress had the power to declare war whenever she wanted, but Nee had a feeling Cress wouldn't abuse that.

Finally, they needed to figure out something for Shiro, and Nee thought she had just the idea. "Shiro and I will both move to the playground. I can say that I've retreated there in order to mourn and remember Shiro, if anyone asks. It also will explain food, and keep Shiro in my sights." The ice queen paused for a moment. "It's also the least likely place for anyone to look." There was one problem, though, and she turned to Cress to adress it. "...We'll be farther apart, sister, so I won't be able to respond quickly if you're ever in danger. So never part from Heron, even in the bathroom. You two should create a password that only you two know, in case there's an imposter like before. If Heron ever fails the password check, scream. My phone is tapped into security so it'll notify me and the knights of your position if you ever scream."


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❝I hate you. I hate myself, I can't stand it anymore. Please look at me, please look at me!❞

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

|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||




You'd think Kora would be used to being overshadowed like this after so many years of being ignored in favor of someone else. In her childhood, it was Aya. Everyone always loved Aya the most and hated her. Once Aya was tragically killed by her own hands, then she wasn't even safe in her own body, a fake Aya was created to protect her and suppress her. Later, even with her new friends, Kora knew that everyone preferred the sweet and loving Aya over a brute like her. And now that Aya was gone, Heron was there to prove that it's not just Aya. Kora would always have someone better than her, more useful than her, and she would always be the one kicked to the side. It was a just price for what she did, wasn't it?

But now Narina was talking, saying things about how she was useful and needed. Narina was there, the only person to really look at her for who she was, instead of who they wanted her to be. "You're perfect for this plan, Kohrya." Narina said in that silky voice, bringing chills down Kora's spine. "Once Narcia is forced to conquer Etruria and Coriandrum and Ashia unites the Eastern Continent, you'll be hailed as a hero. People will notice you, and they'll love you. You'll overcome everyone in your way." And Kora wanted to cry because she never really had something like this before.

"Heron's really strong, Queen Narina." The wolf said quietly, accidentally allowing some of her envy and hatred bleed through. "...She's always been stronger. Better. Cress will... definitely love her more..." Narina then gave her a hug from behind and Kora wasn't sure how she felt about it. It was far too cold to be comforting. "You'll defeat Heron and become something far more than she ever could. I believe in you, Kohrya." Her words, her breath, it was tickling the lamb's ears. "As for Nui, she'll fall for you. She'll be another reward, alongside your sister."

That didn't really count as love, though, did it? But it was interesting. "...So she won't be killed?" Narina seemed to smile from behind her, that chilly laugh echoing in the darkened room. "I don't plan on taking the throne. Narcia is the Queen now. She just needs to learn to let go of love and take this opportunity. Etruria and Coriandrum will eventually recover from the Tartarian war, and she'll lose her chance for Ashian domination. My daughter's still too weak." So Kora's guess was correct after all. This was Narina's plan. She needed to get out and warn - but - it'd be fine, right? She could kill Heron, claim it was an accident, that'd be okay, wouldn't it? "Nui isn't a threat. With Heron dead, she'll be too busy mourning to be able to convince Narcia to stop going to war."

Kora knew she shouldn't believe Narina's words, but the way Narina made her feel, valuing her for who she was, trusting her and accepting her, the wolf couldn't help but wonder....

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, it made sense. Shiro didn't look like she wanted to give Nee the ring, the poor pup looked like a human treat in a sea full of sharks. Nee didn't seem like she wanted to take it back, saying that the locket was enough. Still, they would all have to act as though Shiro was truly dead during the funeral. Ashia lost a queen before they could gain one. "What about... when she... comes back?" Cress asked. "Once this... is dealt... with, the... people will... be very... confused." Heron was the one who spoke up then. Cress rather forgot that the knight had a skill aside from brute strength and taking advantage of women. "What if instead of death, you can say that she's been critically injured and not likely to survive. That way, the people won't be confused, Narina will still count it as a win, and you won't need to waste expenses on a fake funeral."

Cress still thought that saying that if Heron failed, she would be executed was incredibly harsh. "We don't... know that... for certain." Cress said with a shake of her head, "Narina might... be plotting... to keep... us alive." They were her daughters after all and even though Narina severely abused Shiro, she also seemed fond of the pup. Nee said something else and Cress felt her heart stop. She didn't regret saving her from Semyon? Even after all this time, even after what Semyon had done to her body. Cress made a strange sort of sound, perhaps a whimper and a squeak. She didn't know what else to say. It was sweet, it was probably the bravest thing anyone had ever done for her and it connected the sisters in a way that no one else would ever be able to understand.

Cress's eyes widened as Nee asked her to be the knight's manager. She felt her heart skip a beat, something that Nee no doubt saw on the monitor. This was it! This was Cress's chance! "I'll do... it!" Cress said eagerly. Finally, she would be of some substance. Cress would no longer be a useless, she would get to do something, feel important. Even if it was something as complicated sounding as managing the knights, Cress was willing to do it if it meant she wouldn't feel like she wasn't needed, that she was just a distraction from the true goal. Plus it would mean she would get to be in charge of Heron, even though Cress was technically in charge of her already as Princess, Heron didn't seem to ever listen. "Alright boss," Heron winked, giving a salute. "Your wish is my command."

Cress wouldn't abuse this power, she knew that this was an important title. Nee went on to explain that she would move into the playground with Shiro as a way to mourn her. That made sense, Cress had heard that Nee had made the space nice to take away the bad memory that remained. Cress didn't know what happened in that room, but she knew it was something awful, something that had broken the pup. Nee said something else though, that they would be further apart. "It's only... temporary." Cress assured her, "I'll be... fine with... Heron." At the mention of having Heron go to the bathroom with her, Cress blushed. Heron wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, no doubt looking forward to when the week was over and Cress would no longer have the catheter.

"I'll scream... if anything... happens." Cress said with a short nod. The room had been reinforced, Cress noticed that to put things down the laundry shoot you now needed a finger scan. That was how the Tartarian soldiers had gotten her before, by sending her body down there.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


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

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




Shiro was relieved that she wouldn't have to give Nee the ring back. The engagement banner was a sign of better times, of the happiness that the two of them would eventually have. The thought of dying, even if it wasn't real, was near unbearable. As they spoke about the details, Shiro knelt down to sit on the floor. She held onto Ellis, leaning her head against Nee and suckling quietly on her pacifier. This entire ordeal was very stressful, knowing that she was Narina's target, that no doubt she would punish Shiro for being a bad lady in waiting, for falling in love with her charge. Shiro took the crown off of her head, wondering if she really deserved to wear such a thing. She wasn't any good as a lady in waiting, she was no better as a queen.

They were being moved into the playground. A round bed had been placed inside, big enough for the two of them. A canopy had been set up over it, one that could have stealth mode turned on should it prove they needed it. There was a bathroom in the space too, Nee had, had the foresight to have one built when the playground was being made. It had a bathtub that looked lie a little pond, with dishes shaped like a lily pad that held a pink soap flower. Once they were inside and the door was closed, Shiro took off her low heeled shoes, wiggling her toes in the artificial grass. "It's soft." She wiggled took her fancy socks off too, placing them inside of the shoes so that she wouldn't lose them.

Shiro fell to the ground, feeling overwhelmed once more by everything that had happened. She curled up into a ball, shaking and crying again. The pup squeezed Ellis tight, closing her eyes to try and make the spell pass, to be brave so that Nee didn't worry about her. Nee was probably scared too, Narina was a very scary woman. So Shiro gathered her strength, crawling over to where Nee was and nudging Nee's legs gently with her head, falling by her feet. There was no strength left in her tiny body, Shiro felt weak and cold and scared. Her eyes closed, the pup fighting to stay awake. "Nee," Shiro whispered. "I-I l-love you," Shiro's eyes fluttered shut again. Her pacifier fell from her mouth and she whimpered once more before falling asleep, spiraling down, down, down into nightmares.

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Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝It's time to break the umbilical cord. I don't need you anymore.❞

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

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




Narcia shook her head. She didn't really consider how the public would consider it, but she didn't necessarily care, either. If needed, she could inform them why she lied after all was said and done, but the top priority was Shiro and Cress's safety. They wouldn't be able to easily fake Cress's death, so having her in control of the knights would be the best way to keep her safe. Conversely, for Shiro, having her seen as dead would be the best way to keep the trail off of her. "I don't care what the-" But then Heron interrupted her, bringing up another possibility. Nee thought it over. It'd probably be good not to lose the people's trust, after all. So, reluctantly, Narcia conceded. "Fine. I'll have the news spread of Shiro's intensive burns and subsequent coma."

It was with a heavy breath when Nee admitted some of her innermost thoughts. "...I'd rather all of us die than Narina taking even a single one of us." She spoke quietly, some of her inner fears showing through the usual ice she employed to protect the soft core inside. She shuffled uncomfortable, feeling guilty about this weakness. "So if there's no way out, please die to spare yourself the torture. Death is a mercy compared to the things my mother is capable of." She knew she had to be strong, but it was getting harder to maintain her peerless shield of ice.

Once that was done, Narcia gave both Heron and Cress hugs, whispering something into Cress's ear. "You know more than anyone that Kora's probably struggling. You should be able to locate her on the Knight Chip Network." She whispered, only for Cress to hear. And with that, it was time to head to the playground with Shiro. Nee hugged Shiro and gave her a light peck on the cheek before getting to work, sending messages to both Princess (since she hadn't finished her coronation yet), and Queen Riana to prepare for trouble in the near future. Narina was aiming for them, and wanted her to declare war. She wanted her allies to be prepared for that eventuality as soon as they could, to be strong enough to defeat Ashian militaries if the worst did come to pass.

"I love you, Shi." Narcia whispered in response to Shiro's own quiet admission. She was done warning the other queens, so Narcia went over to the bed, crawling beside her intended, cradling her in a hug, even if she had fallen asleep. Nee tucked her under the blanket and tied the pacifier around the ribbon. The girl really had been scared out of her mind. Narcia wouldn't let her be taken from her again. Even if it came to it, she'd sooner kill Shiro than let Narina take her. "I'll... keep you safe." The Ice Queen muttered, clenching her teeth to try and stop her hands from shaking. "No matter the cost..."


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❝I hate you. I hate myself, I can't stand it anymore. Please look at me, please look at me!❞

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

|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||




Queen Narina was definitely saying things and Kora was having a harder time being able to resist the words she was saying. "...No one's... ever cared about me." Kora found herself unable to keep her hidden demons safe, and Narina was somehow able to draw them out and talk to her in ways no one ever really did before. "You're an irreplaceable ally, Korhya." Narina assured her, still giving her that cold hug from behind. "No one but you can do this job for me." Killing Heron once and for all was going to be incredibly difficult, yet it was also fitting. It'd be symbolic, wouldn't it? Be killing Heron, Kora would be overcoming the fact that she was always outdone by someone. By killing Heron, she could prove to the world that she was worth something.

"No one looks at me." The wolf whispered and she couldn't help herself, she was shivering and she didn't know why. As each moment passed, her heart was opening more and more for Narina to enter and whisper those overly sweet words. "Even my friends, they..." Narina nodded, and Kora could sense a smile from the woman hugging her from behind. "They never appreciated you for who you were. They just wanted Ayanna, isn't that right?" Kora nodded. That's exactly it. Either they wanted Ayanna, or they cast both of her aside in the first place. No one needed Kora. They never did, even in the very beginning.

The lamb felt herself wanting to cry because her worst fears were coming true. "They just.... used me. Made me into a knight. Withheld my legs. As long as I'm useful they don't... care at all." Kora felt weak in the knees and she wasn't sure she'd be able to walk at all. "I'm not good for anyone." She felt like a broken rejected doll, tossed into the trash heap, forgotten and replaced with newer, better models. And then she felt even more resentment growing inside of her. "...When Aya was... dying, the Untouchables and Towers couldn't care less. Aya was just Rubble trash. Just a girl whose death didn't matter to anyone in the world." It was true, wasn't it? Even with Daddy, he refused to mourn Aya. He refused to accept that Aya was dead.

"It's a tragedy, isn't it?" Narina's voice was silky and smooth and Kora knew she was being strung around like a doll. "You have the power to fix this rotten world, Kora. I'll guide you. You'll find happiness. You deserve it, after all you've suffered." So when Kora was taken back out - blindfolded so she still didn't know where Narina's base was - the lamb stared bleakly at Ashia Palace, wondering whose side she was even on 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 ||




Yes, Cress knew better than anyone the horrors that which Narina had performed. Even to her own children, that woman had never been kind. She was ice, an impenetrable statue that froze over everything it touched. "We won't," Cress smiled. "You won... once. You'll... do it... again." Cress felt breathless, there was a lot of talking to do and still more. Heron placed a hand on her shoulder, no doubt warning Cress that her vitals were awry. Cress hadn't been apart of the final battle, she had been injured, recovering from death, only to be back on the narrow walk that was the tightrope between the living and dead. Cress had been close to passing a couple of times, but thanks to Corren's quick thinking, she had survived. She wasn't going to let anyone do those things to her again.

An image of Itward, that day, flashed in her mind. Even with her purity restored, it was still something of a nightmare. Even if Cress had moved on, she still had flashbacks, the lingering anxiety whenever he was near. He was better, he wasn't doing those sorts of things anymore, making Nio proud, no doubt. Still, Cress couldn't help but shake when he was close to her. Cress wasn't sure if he noticed either, she would be happier if he didn't. There was no reason to make him feel guilty about what he had been forced to do. Narina had that effect on people, she turned them into monsters with a simple pull of strings, lacing them into her webs so tightly that they no longer wished to think freely. She had seen it again and again, no doubt those were the methods she was imploring to bring in new, naive recruits.

Nee bent over to hug her, Cress embraced her warmth, closing her eyes. "I'll find... Kora." Cress promised. Her hands tightened again as she and Heron were relieved of the stealth cloak. It was time to find Kora, Cress had to work fast. "Where has... our friend gone?" Heron showed her how to use the knight ID system. Every knight was required to have a special chip, one similar to that of the nobility. Cress was having trouble finding her, the system, while easy to use, wasn't locating Kora anywhere. "Wait a... second." Cress directed Heron to tap something, suddenly Kora's chip was right in front of the palace. "I don't... like this." Cress admitted, feeling her heart flutter for reasons unknown. "Did she... betray us?"

"I'm sure she wouldn't, we already explained to her that the dead stayed dead. Unless you're a Seraphim apparently," that was a shot at her. Cress grinned, sticking her tongue out at Heron even though there was a bit of sadness in her voice. Nio stayed dead. "Let's go... greet her." Heron moved Cress back into her wheelchair, the two of them going to the palace steps to meet Kora and find out what sort of motives she had. They wouldn't step outside of the property of the Ashian Palace, that would be far too dangerous. Cress trusted Heron though, the redhead could be over extravagant, but she was nothing if not sincere. The two girls had a deep concern for their friend, one that connected them far more than just friendship.

"Kora!" Cress called, seeing her. Cress breathed a sigh of relief, her oxygen was running low, they'd have to change the tank soon. Heron reduced the trickle just a bit to make it last and Cress's head was already spinning. They were standing atop the staircase that led into the palace. "I was... so worried! I'm glad... you're okay!" Cress winced, hoping that no one saw it. There was a throbbing at her temples, no doubt from over doing it. She would probably fall asleep before dinner, but that was alright, Cress wasn't really hungry anyways.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


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

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




"Sit," Nee said, holding up a treat. Shiro walked in a circle, sitting on her hindquarters. The puppy looked up, anticipating the treat. "Good girl," Nee scritched behind her ears and Shiro mewled happily, munching on the cookie. The bell on her collar rang with every step, letting anyone know that Shiro was near by; better hide your slippers! "No!" Shiro said happily, running around Nee's legs. "No! No! No!" She was happy though, the puppy looking a lot healthier than she had when she was living in a box. She had gained some weight, no longer were her ribs so prominent. She was growing a little bit too, long blonde hair covering what the doggy diaper didn't. "Narcia," Queen Narina knocked on the door. Shiro whimpered, hiding behind Nee's legs. "It's time for your lessons."

"I was just about to take Shiro for a walk," Nee pouted. "Walk!" Shiro echoed, hearing her favorite word. "I'll take her, you go on, there's important things to learn if you're to be queen one day." Nee knelt down, giving Shiro an ear scritch behind the augments. Shiro purred, rubbing her cheek against Nee. "Silly girl, you're not a cat." She said lovingly, then took her leave. It was just Shiro and Narina now and the Queen was approaching, leash in hand. "Come now Shiro, we have places to be as well." Shiro grasped her favorite toy between her teeth, following the tug of the leash. Ellis went where she went of course, she couldn't leave without her trusty side kick!

"This way Shiro," Narina said, her heels clicking with a fast pace across the tiled floor. Shiro was struggling to keep up, even on all fours. "Walk?" Shiro asked, knowing that this wasn't the way. She was confused, were they going a new route? Nee did that sometimes. "We're not going on a walk you pesky mutt," Narina said, opening up the door to the sick bay. Shiro froze, the familiar smell of antiseptic making her feel queasy. "Oh good, right on time." The doctor rose from his chair, adjusting his glasses. Shiro whimpered, backing up into the door. "Come now Shiro, this is for Nee." She lifted the pup up, plopping her down on an empty bed. "You want to stay cute and small don't you? No one likes a full grown dog." Cute and small? Was that what she was? Shiro yipped upon hearing Nee's name and they seemed to take that as a yes.

The doctor took something out from a drawer, growing close to her. Shiro backed up, tripping on blankets. He placed the muzzle over her mouth, looping it behind her ears and drawing it shut. "No!" Shiro yelled, this time in panic. She was restrained, her leash tied to the bed. The girl writhed, trying to escape, but it was too late. "Stay cute and small Shiro," Narina stroked her hair as the doctor worked, needles puncturing her spine, immobilizing her. He placed some sort of brace around her, attaching it to her collar. Shiro whimpered, trying to get it off, but it wasn't working. "A good doggy takes her shots without a sound." There were more needles, they went in various joints, injecting various colored liquids into each. It was hours of excruciating pain before Shiro was released.

"There," Narina stroked her spine and Shiro whimpered as bandages were placed over the large scar. "Good girl Shiro, Nee will be very happy." She removed the muzzle and Shiro licked her fingers, grateful that it was finally gone. She grasped Ellis in her teeth, limping behind Narina as the woman practically dragged the girl back to Nee's room. She opened up the door, leading Shiro to her doggy bed before unhooking the leash. "You were a very good girl today, I'll be back tomorrow." Shiro whimpered, she grasped the blanket, pulling it over herself and waiting for Nee to return. When the doors finally revealed her mistress, Shiro leaped to her feet, mewling in pain. She limped over to Nee, collapsing at her feet. "Shiro!" Nee looked at the bandages in alarm. "Shiro, what did she do to you?"

"No," Shiro whimpered, tears blossoming in her eyes, rolling down her cheeks. "N-no." Nee hugged her, fingers brushing the bandages. Shiro whimpered again and Nee apologized. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, it won't happen again okay? Tomorrow you'll come with me. I won't let her hurt you again."

Setting

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Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝It's time to break the umbilical cord. I don't need you anymore.❞

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

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




"I got your message."

Queen Riana was talking to her, calling her almost immediately upon receiving the message to stay on guard. Riana seemed more or less doing well, though she didn't look particularly happy either. "I'll focus on military efforts for now, then. We are trusted allies, after all." Nee wasn't really comfortable with how easy and carelessly the word 'ally' was tossed around these days. Anyone could end up a traitor if you weren't careful. "Be careful. Anything can happen." Nee wanted, if possible, to maintain the equilibrium of the three main nations. Frelia was a wreck, and Tartaria wasn't faring any better. Honestly, if she wanted, Nee really could plan a full scale conquest of the Eastern Continent. But she was going to rule differently. She wasn't going to use violence if she could help it.

The topic went to Una Malachite, the last member of Tartaria's ruling family. Nee had already gone over Xion's reports of the Tartarian situation, and things weren't doing all that well. "Queen Riana, the sooner Una wakes, the better. The noble houses in Tartaria are acting up. They want Tartaria to remain sovereign, and they want their princess back from what is considered 'political detainment.'" Riana looked a bit troubled, and shook her head. "I'm sorry. Una isn't showing signs of waking. She's stabilized for now, but she still isn't waking up. Moreover, isn't it more important to cure her illness before trying to wake her up?" Honestly, up until now, Narcia thought the two were one and the same. She paused, not knowing exactly how to respond. "Apparently she was in horrible unending pain, so Semyon had her put in a chemically induced coma. The goal right now is to solve that pain and make her healthy, first and foremost."

"Fine." The ice girl murmured. She needed Tartaria tamed as fast as possible, and having Una's health guaranteed would definitely help make that a reality. "But don't take too long. We don't have the luxury of time, after all." Riana nodded, and then shut off the call, allowing Narcia to continue working on her speech on Shiro's condition. Shiro would be thought of publically as having suffered horrible burns as well as being comatose from the assassination attempt. The girl was still asleep on the bed and Nee could only hope she was having pleasant dreams. Nee sighed, the speech was proving to be more difficult than she previously thought. That was when her phone rang, and this time it was Cumin.

Cumin gave her an even smile, seeming tired out despite being a princess. "Is there anything you need?" Cumin asked, looking friendly and Nee remembered what was in the oath of citizenship in Etruria. You had to vow to always speak the truth and never ever speak anything but the truth. It was a law all Etrurians held to, and apparently it was a good policy for keeping people satisfied with their lives in general. "I'm willing to help in whatever way we can spare, Queen Narcia." More than Riana, Nee knew Cumin was going to be a much more reliable ally moving forward. "Just make sure you're ready for war at any time. I know you want to focus on rebuilding, but outfitting your military matters most, Cumin."

The Etrurian Princess nodded at those words. "That was already my priority." She explained, with a dry sort of smile. "Of course there will be instability after a long war. It would be silly to not have a working military, wouldn't you agree?" Narcia knew Ashia lacked numbers and size - but they made up for it with sheer skill. Itward, Heron, and now Cress. Hopefully Coriandrum and Etruria would be able to defeat them if Narina really did take control again.


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❝I hate you. I hate myself, I can't stand it anymore. Please look at me, please look at me!❞

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

|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||




Kora had a dark expression on her face as she stood outside the main stairwell to the palace. As a knight, she was more or less allowed to go wherever she pleased, but for some reason, she felt as if she were forbidden from entering, as if she didn't have the privilege anymore. Honestly, the wolf wasn't sure where she stood. She wasn't on Narina's side... right? There was no way she could support Narina and her ideals. She couldn't betray Cress, she couldn't betray Shiro. But ... it's true that they never really made her feel welcome. They never truly... looked at her for who she was. Narina said that, didn't she?

Narina promised many things, and all of them seemed like they could be miracles. Before she could think more, though, Cress and Heron came down, the scarlet knight wheeling the princess. Cress was being Cress as usual and Kora felt a tug in her chest. She wasn't allowed to love, especially not after the first betrayal. "C'mere, will ya? We've got lots to discuss." Heron was there, with that arrogant grin on her face, that smile that trusted her way too much. "Okay. Sorry for worrying you." The wolf knight said and walked closer. That was when Heron's expression suddenly changed from inviting to suspicious.

"...You're too tense, Kora." Heron said, pushing Cress slightly to the side and pulling out her spear in one smooth motion. The wolf winced, of course it wasn't going to be this easy. "You really did betray us then, didn't you?" There was a reason Heron was the strongest - and not just in terms of brute strength. The wolf knight frowned, but then hardened her heart. She was going to finally overcome Heron. She was going to prove that she was better than Heron ever could be. "You're always so smart. So strong. You do everything right." The wolf knight got in an attack stance, ready. "You even have Cress's heart. She'll never love me the way she loves you." If negativity was visible, it'd be clear as day on the wolf knight.

Kora let out a wild, maniacal grin, looking less like a human and more like a wild beast, a human giving into her ugliest and darkest desires. "I'll kill you. I'll prove that I'm better. Then maybe people will look at me." So she attacked, and to her surprise, she landed a hit on Heron, cutting at her with some of her knife bullets from the launcher on her arm. Heron's stance was weaker now, with a slightly injured ankle. "Tch, damnit." Heron steadied her grip, narrowing her eyes. "Fighting to the death, huh? Fine, I'll play along. Looks like I gotta get serious this time!"

And so the two fought, but now that Heron was no longer holding back, the scarlet knight kept winning and gaining the advantage and proving that she was unbeatable. But Kora couldn't just give up. She couldn't simply let it go like this. Kora wasn't going to lose. "I'll kill you..." She stood up again after another spear attack, bleeding profusely from her side, blood dripping down onto the pearl ground. "I'll kill you. I'll kill you. I'll kill you!" Heron whipped her hair behind her, looking peerless and flawless as usual. "Sorry, Cress. Tried to knock her out. Looks like I'm gonna... have to go for the kill."

Wow, what a joke. Even now, Heron was just going easy on her, huh? She was just holding back the whole time. She wasn't taking this seriously at all. So Kora knew for sure. Just by fighting, she couldn't win. But there was still one way she could claim victory. There was still one last strategy. She pressed a button on her gravity drive, a new function installed by Narina. This time, she'd win. "If I can't.... beat you, then I'l.... I won't... lose. Not to you. I'll never lose to you again." Five seconds. Kora lunged at Heron. Four seconds. Heron grabbed her spear. Three seconds. Heron kicked out and knocked Kora back. Two seconds. Heron slashed off Kora's arm at the wrist and grabs the gravity drive. One second. Heron throws it as far as it can go.

The ensuing explosion had two effects. One, Kora collapsed onto her knees from the blood loss, her vitals dropping rapidly. Two, even though Heron threw it, she didn't have enough time to get it safely far enough, so she covered Cress with her body out of instinct, shrapnel striking her, breaking the skin. But the worst of it wasn't the minor cuts and lacerations, but rather the shards of metal now sticking into both of her eyes, blinding the redhaired knight. To make it worse, the sound of the explosion blew out Heron's eardrums, stealing away her hearing as well. That was when Itward and Finnley and other knights finally arrived on scene, Itward cradling his sister and demanding what happened, asking why his sister was broken, and Xion calmly saying that they might have to execute Kora for treason once and for all.

"Cress? Kora?" The scarlet knight let out a half laugh. "I.... are you... both okay? Cress, where are you? Did I... protect you? Are you unhurt?" She stuck a hand out blindly, not noticing Itward holding her like a child, terrified of losing another sister. "It hurts. Cress, I can't. I can't. Where... where are you? Please answer me. Don't leave me like this..."

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 ||




Kora was there, looking like she was half asleep, dazed. What was wrong? "Come on... no need... to be... a stranger." Cress smiled, warm, inviting. Kora was her friend after all, it was only natural to be happy to see her. Cress felt relieved, she felt whole again with Kora by her side. The knight was walking up the steps now but Heron tensed. She pushed Cress slightly off to the side, locking the wheelchair. "Heron?" Cress asked in confusion. She didn't see the expression on Kora's face, the intent and resolve to kill. "No Kora... is our... friend! She... wouldn't betray... us. Right?" Cress looked desperately, searching for the girl she knew. The one that blushed when Heron called her cute, the one that didn't like sweets. "You're wrong... Heron! Take... it back!"

Kora didn't try to convince them, she wasted no energy to quell the confusion, instead, speaking of something else. Cress blushed, shaking her head even though it hurt, even though she was running out of oxygen. "That's not... true!" No one was listening to her though. The two knights stared each other down, a battle to the death between competitors, rivals in more ways than one. Was it true? Did Heron have her heart? No, Cress couldn't love, not after... that. She was impure, even with the seal put on again. Used, that's what Cress was. Like a broken child's toy, discarded to the side. Cress could never be a princess, she couldn't even be human.

Heron had her lance, Kora had a grin. The two were stark opposites, one blonde, one with fiery red hair, both with a resolve. One to protect, the other to kill. "Stop it!" Cress screamed, black dots dancing her vision. "Both of... you! Stop... this insanity!" Instead, Kora spoke words of jealousy. So Narina had gotten to her after all. "It's not... true!" Cress tried to tell her, coughing. "Kora I-" she stopped, the oxygen tank was running on fumes. "I will... always look... at you." Then they lunged, a conversation that went unheard aside from the blows striking one another. "Stop it!" Cress screamed, "Please, stop!" She was panting, her lungs not wanting to pump in oxygen on their own.

Kora was hissing words of hate, spewing them towards Heron who deflected with her own words. "She's brainwashed you," Heron tried to reason with Kora. "You can't listen to what that woman tells you!" Kora wasn't listening, the girl was beside herself in a jealous rage, using her gravity drive and the knife launcher to strike Heron again and again, drawing blood. Heron deflected most of them, but there were still so many knives that came out of nowhere, striking the knight and making her grit her teeth. Heron let her hair down, making a pun so bad, that even midst battle, Cress had to groan at the ridiculousness of it. That's right, Cress had forgotten that Heron didn't take anything seriously, except maybe military strategy.

Kora tapped something on her wrist. "Gravity drive," Cress drew in a breath, hoping she wasn't seeing what she thought. Why would Kora betray them like this? She had friends who would support her every step of the way and yet, it wasn't enough. Even though she now controlled the knights, Cress was still weak. "I'm sorry... I can't... be strong... for you." Her shoulders shook, hands balling into fists. Cress would pass out soon, her lungs burned and yet, the princess endured, knowing that this was the pain her friends were feeling. Wait a second! There was one thing she could do! She looked at the tablet on her lap, able to get her hands to steady enough to move them the few inches she needed to alert Corren and Itward.

It was too late, Kora was declaring that she would never lose, her gravity drive buzzing in a strange way. Cress's eyes widened, it was something like being in slow motion, your terror and sadness all coming up at the same time, watching as Heron threw the gravity drive, as she ran, shielding Cress with her own body, sending the wheelchair flying over. The blast sent Cress down to the stairs, to the first platform. Itward came running out with Xion hot on his heels. "Princess!" Xion ran down the steps, lifting Cress easily. "Air," Cress choked, feeling as though her lungs were being squished. Xion put in a call, not two minutes later, Corren arrived with an oxygen tank. "Heron!" Cress screamed, seeing the knight. Xion put Cress down beside her, the knight laying in a pile of rubble.

Even with black dots dancing in her vision, Cress managed to somehow hold onto Heron. "I'm here.... I'm here... Don't worry." Cress tried to soothe, only realizing in horror that Heron couldn't hear her either. "I'm safe... you saved... me... you did... it." Tears ran down her face, leaving a path in their wake. Corren came down, more knight streamed in, surrounding Kora. Xion was speaking of execution, of an act of treason. "No!" Cress yelled. "Narina is... controlling her!" She tried to explain. "Like with... Itward." That had to be it, Cress wouldn't believe anything else. Corren came then, working on getting Heron stable. "Thankfully, with our technology, these injuries will heal in no time." As for Kora on the other hand...


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


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

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




"Walk?" Shiro asked, bouncing around on all fours. She winced, her elbow giving out and hitting the ground. Shiro whimpered, she hadn't been as coordinated as before, no Shiro was much more clumsy now. The pup still seemed happy though, barking at her princess, wriggling whenever Nee pet her. Her tail waggled when Nee scritched her behind the ears. "Yeah, we can go on a walk." Nee said, taking her leash. The door opened, Narina was back. "Narcia, Corren has been waiting for you." The Queen said, dressed in finery as per usual. She had one of her ladies in waiting with her, holding a tablet with all of the day's information. "I'm taking Shiro with me to my lessons," Narcia said, standing strong. Narina sighed and shook her head. "That's no good Narcia," Narina gave her a love tap on the nose. "Your little dog will only be a distraction."

"No she won't! I promise!" Narina sighed, smiling adoringly at her daughter. "I can never say no to you. Fine then, take Shiro to your lessons. However, if I hear from Corren that she proved to be a distraction, Shiro will be staying with me during your lessons tomorrow." Narcia nodded her head. Shiro chased her tail, biting it, then yelping when she realized that it hurt. "Come on, Shiro, we're going for a walk." Shiro perked up instantly, "Walk!" She ran to grab Ellis from her doggy bed, grasping him in her mouth. Nee hooked the leash on her collar, grabbing something from the closet and walking to the classroom where Corren was. "I brought her," Nee smiled. "Walk?" Shiro asked, sitting down on her hindquarters. "Sorry Shiro, I tricked you a little bit."

"Corren, from today on, please help me to teach Shiro to be a human." Corren evaluated the pup, poking her ears, feeling her tail. He gave her a few ear scritches and Shiro mewled happily. "It won't be easy," Corren admitted, seeing as how the pup refused to wear clothing. "But I hate to see children get so abused." He lifted one of Shiro's hands, seeing the bandages wrapped around it. "What did she do?" Corren inquired, looking deep into Shiro's eyes. Shiro licked his face, then spun in a circle, wondering if there were treats to be had. "I brought these," Nee went into her bag, taking out a basket full of treats and a dress. Shiro bound right over to her, seeing the basket and wriggled, her tail waggling. "Not yet," Nee said, stroking Shiro's head. "Soon though, I promise."

Corren clapped his hands together, "Operation Turn the Puppy into a Human has commenced!" The first task was trying to get Shiro into the dress. The pup didn't want to wear it, she squirmed and mewled, running away to hide underneath the table. "Maybe we should house train her first," Corren murmured. So Nee took one of the treats and led Shiro over to the toilet, closing the door because this was a girl thing. "Okay Shiro, this is how you use it." Nee took Shiro's front paws-er-hands and made Shiro stand on her legs. Shiro didn't like it, she whimpered, the pain from the needle piercing her spine. "It's okay," Nee assured her, showing Shiro how to use the toilet. Shiro didn't understand though, so Nee took off the belt with the doggy diaper and sat Shiro on it, trying to coax her into going.

It turns out that this was a sign from her brain that she had to use the potty. Shiro blinked her eyes open, feeling something warm. She squeaked, standing upright and bolting towards the bathroom. It had only been a little sprinkle that came out, her panties were already wet though from when Finnley had announced that Narina was alive. She really was a dog wasn't she? Not able to do even the most human task of holding her bladder.

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Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝It's time to break the umbilical cord. I don't need you anymore.❞

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

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




The chess board was moving, changing, and even now, things were quickly growing from bad to worse. Xion was there, giving her a run down of the events that had just now come to pass. Xion informed her of what happened to the knights, of Kora and Heron's fight, Heron in the medical bay being treated for her wounds, Kora having her wrist bandaged up and being detained in a cell. "She's volatile." Xion said simply, shaking her head. "She's too vulnerable. It was easy for Narina to prey on her weaknesses and create this disaster." The one-eyed woman gave her a level stare, and Nee knew what she was implying. "An execution, you mean?" Xion nodded, a curt frown on her face.

Honestly, Nee didn't really want to do it, but she knew the risks of keeping Kora alive. The citizens wouldn't stand for this, they wouldn't allow a knight to turn against her princess and get off without punishment. Even though Narcia tried to do damage control and reducing the amount of publicity this event had, there was no stopping the news stations from giving their own interpretations, and it all focused on one person. Kora, the culprit, siding with the Tartarian rebels, committing treason against the crown. And already citizens were starting to petition for her death. Narcia let out a pained sigh. "I won't authorize it. If you think it's the best solution, then you'll have to convince Cress."

That was when Shiro woke up from her slumber, letting out a squeak and dashing for the bathroom. Xion took her leave of them and Nee glanced back at her intended. The playground was created specifically for Shiro, after all, built with everything Shiro would need in order to survive this next game of chess. A cool, artificial breeze spread out through the room, and the windows showed images of sunshine and brightness. "Shi? Are you okay?" Nee called, then she saw it, a tiny stain of wetness where Shiro was sleeping. Nee then understood. "Shi, it's okay. Accidents happen, and you suffered a bad shock."

In normal circumstances, Nee would have fallen to her anxiety as well. But it was odd - instead of panicking and freaking out that her mother was alive, Nee's mind was as clear as ever. She was focused on the task, and - instead of urgency or terror - she only really felt a faint numbness. It was almost like a detachment from the rest of the world, from her own emotions. It was better than crying hysterically, unable to do anything. Nee knew like this was the best, since she'd be able to make strategies without her emotions getting in the way. With the sheets changed and replaced, Nee followed Shiro into the bathroom, giving her a kiss and a hug. "I'll always love you."

Cress probably wasn't doing well either. For all Nee knew, her sister was blaming herself for this disaster. So after hugging Shiro and assuring her that their love was eternal, she knew it'd behoove her to go visit Cress and check up on her. "Do you want to visit Cress with me?" Narcia asked, already bundling up the assassin's cloak in her arms. If Shi wanted to, she'd have to travel under the cloak to protect her secret. If not, Shiro would be locked in the room and be allowed to play on the playground - the door would only open with Narcia's retina scan and voice. No one else had the authority to open the door. Whatever the case, Narcia went to go check on her sister, with or without Shiro.

"Cress. How are you feeling?" Narcia asked upon finding her sister. Her voice was soft, gentle, lacking the usual coldness that usually came with her tongue. "I won't forgive mother for this. She'll pay for what she did." She embraced Cress tenderly, wanting to comfort her and ease her pain. "What happened is not your fault." That was when one of the knights - Finnley, was it? - approached, looking fearful. "Princess, Queen, you need to come quick. Itward, he's-" Itward? What was happening? Nee put her hand tenderly on Cress's, giving her a reassuring squeeze. They were going to have to find out, then, wouldn't they?


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❝I hate you. I hate myself, I can't stand it anymore. Please look at me, please look at me!❞

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

|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||




Kora was always good at handling pain. She could fight past it, ignore it, focus on something else entirely. But when her hand was cut off, the spear's blade shearing through the bone, Kora couldn't do anything but let out a weak gasp, then collapsed onto her knees, buckling over and clutching her new stump with her good arm, a tiny squeak escaping her voice. Did she beat Heron? Did she win? Was she going to die? Why wouldn't Heron just let her die? Why did Heron have to cut her hand off and save her? Kora fully intended to die in the explosion, she was prepared for it and yet...

When she awoke in a dark cell, Kora's questions were answered by Itward. Heron survived and would be fixed. Cress was alive. And Kora was by all rights deserving of death after what she did. Kora agreed, she wanted to die. If Heron wanted her to live, then the wolf knight - if she still counted - would put herself to death in return. She'd oppose Heron forever. "I do want to die." The knight said with a grin, still wincing at her stump, finding it feeling wrong on every level. Itward didn't look happy at all. "You should die, but you won't. Cress will spare you." Wait, Cress didn't have that authority, though. Unless she was given a position of power instead of just being a princess...

Itward then entered the cell and he was shaking all over, looking frantic. "Knowing Cress, you won't even get punished for your treason." Then Kora had an idea. A very, very interesting idea. "We're one and the same, aren't we? We both listened to Narina, we both let her into our heads and let her control our souls. So if I deserve death, you do too, don't you?" The scion of the Cherubim family grimaced and then lunged at her, gripping her by the collar of her jacket. "Shut up. You - you almost took my sister from me, so shut up, you traitor-" Kora grinned weakly, happily goading him on, provoking him again. "But wasn't it you who killed Nio?"

That was when the beating started. The punching, even the first one took all the strength from her body, the wind out of her chest. And she let out a broken half laugh, sounding like a marionette, as Itward beat her over and over again, giving into his rage and self hatred, the same self hate Kora understood all too well. She was already beaten into unconsciousness by the time Finnley heard the noises and ran to get help. Yet despite being thrown about the room, there was an almost peaceful smile on the girl's face.

Setting

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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's okay... I'm right here... I'll be... right beside... you." There were tears in her eyes. Her hand was holding Heron's. Kora had been subdued and sedated and Corren was busily picking up the pieces. Cress was separated from Heron, the Princess was the first priority and she was checked over for injuries. "Just a... bruise." Cress said as Maven dabbed at the blood on her forehead. He wrapped a bandage around it just in case. "Heron will be just fine." Corren assured her as they wheeled the knight away for surgery. "I've collected bits from what remains of Kora's hand. I'll be able to regrow it and give her a new one." Cress nodded her head, feeling too numb to do much more. "Let's get you upstairs." Cress didn't resist as Xion lifted her easily, placing the girl in a wheelchair. More a doll than human, it was difficult to move or position her.

Once they were upstairs, Maven was waiting for them. "I'll take it from here," there were knights waiting, escorting them in case someone tried to stage another attack. "Heron," Cress twisted the fabric of the nurse costume Heron had put her in. "This is... all my... fault." Cress whispered, tears pattering against her balled up hands. "Hey", Maven stopped, kneeling to wipe the tears from her face. "This was Narina's fault, you're lucky she didn't kill you." So that's what they thought? That Kora had staged an attack on her and Heron had thrown herself in front of Cress to protect her? Cress was still shaking from it. "Hey, your body can't do with anymore stress." Maven opened the door, letting the knights do a security sweep before rolling Cress inside. "Want me to come get you once she's out of surgery?" Cress nodded her head. "Please," Maven transferred Cress to the bed.

He connected her port to something, no doubt dinner, then left to go assist with treating the knights that had been around the entrance. The palace had suffered no damage aside from a broken window. It would take a lot more then such a small explosion to penetrate the pristine marble steps. Narina must have known that, which was why she had used the caliber of explosion to only make it big enough to kill Heron. Apparently, it was within Cress's jurisdiction to decide what punishment would befall her friend. Cress wanted to curl up and cry. She hadn't lost one friend, but two. Kora had been brainwashed by Narina and Heron... there were always risks when undergoing anesthesia.

The door poked open. Cress was laying on her side, staring numbly at the wall. Someone strode in, their heels clicking powerfully on the tiled for. Nee. Cress blinked, trying to sit up, then giving up her struggle since it was pointless. She had hardly any energy left after the afternoon's events. "I'm okay." Cress lied, trying to smile. "Just a... scratch." She gestured to the bandage on her head, even though she knew that, that wasn't what Nee was referring to. "Heron though... she's much... worse." Nee suddenly embraced her and Cress felt warm. She couldn't cry anymore, not now, it wouldn't do anything to help their situation.

Nee said that their mother would pay for what she did. Cress's hands balled into fists. "She'll pay." Cress whispered, even if she couldn't do it herself. Nee said that what happened wasn't her fault, but Cress wasn't so sure. Those things Kora had said, about Heron holding Cress's heart. They weren't true, Cress's heart belonged to no one. She was her own person after all! "We need... to set... up a... watch." Cress said instead, avoiding the question completely. "I'm sure... Narina will... use her... resources to... break Kora... out." There was no way that their birth-mother would simply give up such a valuable pawn. "There also... has to... be a... loyalty check." They needed to ensure the loyalty of the knights and make sure that they weren't going to betray them at the end of the day.

At that moment, Finnley came running in, confirming her worst fears. Except, the words coming out of his mouth were different. Itward and Kora? Her heart dropped. Itward wouldn't do that stuff anymore, he changed. He promised! Yet Cress couldn't help the panic that welled up in her chest, the anxiety at having to face him doing something like that. Finnley carried Cress to her chair, taking the pump for her port with them. Finnley grabbed the handles of her wheelchair, running alongside Nee. They were going to the holding rooms, the place where naughty knights spent their time until a sentence was handed to them. Low and behold, Itward was there, pummeling Kora. "Itward!" Cress snapped, panting. The redhead froze, dropping Kora.

"What do... you think... you're doing?" She asked, fire in her eyes. Itward's eyes widened, filling with shame. His hands were covered in Kora's blood. "I'll call Corren," Finnley said. "Itward you... can't beat... up the... knights under... your care." This was her jurisdiction was it not? "She committed treason," Itward replied, his hands clenching into fists. "So did... you, technically." He looked at the ground, hands balling into fists. "She gets... into your... head and... makes you... do her... bidding. You... of all... people should... know that." Cress turned to Kora then, knowing what she had to do. "I'm ordering... Kora to... attend intensive... therapy from... now until... she proves... she can... rejoin the... Ashia Knights." Kora would be moved to a different part of the castle, no doubt to the medical ward where they could keep her under observation.

Her eyes softened, filling with sadness as she lowered her voice so that only Kora could hear her. "I thought... we were... friends."


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


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

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




Shiro was ashamed, she hadn't made it to the toilet in time to tinkle and there was a large wet spot left on her dress as evidence of her downfall. She was shaking, once more having committed the sin that no big girl would make the mistake of doing. It was only a spot, albeit a medium sized one, but still, Shiro wasn't sure she could live down the shame of doing such a thing a third time. Shiro didn't want Nee to see her like this, so weak and pathetic. Shiro's eyes were wet with tears as she flushed the toilet, realizing that she had left Ellis in bed. Shiro sat next to the sink, feeling gross an unworthy of Nee's affection. She looked at the ring on her hand, clutching it to her chest. A promise of better times, of happiness and love. Shiro wanted it to be real so very much, but Nee deserved someone better. Not a dog or a little girl.

Nee called for her, asking if she was okay. Shiro whimpered, trying to wipe up her tears so that Nee wouldn't see her as weak and pathetic. Maybe that was what she liked about Shiro though, the fact that the girl was so weak and depended on Nee to feel strong. Nee said that it was an accident, that it was okay. Shiro hugged her knees, the bathroom door opened and Nee came in, carrying clothes and Ellis and the invisibility cloak. Shiro pushed herself into the corner, trying to hide, but Nee still found her. "I'm sorry," Shiro whimpered, bursting into tears upon seeing her. "I'm sorry I can't be strong, I try, but it's so scary."

Nee hugged her, giving her a long, deep kiss that Shiro did her best to return. "I-I l-love you t-t-too." Shiro hiccuped, wiping the tears from her face. She took the clothing that Nee offered, putting on the pair of fancy, lacy undergarments that Nee had chosen as well as the dress. Ellis was there too and Shiro picked him up gratefully, hugging him to her chest. "Thank you," Shiro whispered, standing on shaking feet. She leaned against Nee, hanging onto her. Nee asked if she wanted to visit Cress and Shiro nodded her head, taking the offered invisibility cloak. She put it on over her head, staying close to Nee because if she tried to hold her hand, it would look suspicious since Nee's hand would disappear. So Shiro stayed beside her, knowing that if she spoke, no one would hear her. It was sort of scary being invisible like this, but at the same time, it was something Shiro taught.

Being seen and not heard, or not seen at all, those were the main conditions of being a lady in waiting. The values that had been beaten into her over time that Shiro still failed at. She stayed beside Nee regardless, so that was at least one thing she was good at. "I hope one day we'll have real peace." Shiro said, knowing that no one could hear her. She could make as much noise as she wanted under here and not a sound would leak through. Not the little squeak she made when dodging servants, or her near trip and fall when she stumbled on the edge of the stealth technology. Shiro followed Nee into Cress's room, nearly getting the door closed on behind her, Nee must have not known that she followed.

Shiro stayed a bit behind, walking to the window. From here, there was a whole wide view of Ashia Palace, the view that Shiro had grown used to, only from a different angle. Her head buzzed as she felt a sudden vertigo and backed away, going back to Nee's side. Finnley came in then, saying that something was wrong. Shiro ran behind them, narrowly making it into the elevator. She brushed up against Nee to let her know that she was there, hoping that no one noticed, then followed them out, wondering why Kora was in jail. "Isn't Kora on our side?" Shiro asked, even though no one could hear her. Kora was bloodied and beat, the culprit still wearing his allies blood on his fingers. Finnley ran to get Maven as Cress scolded him, placing him on temporary leave to gather himself. "I don't understand."

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Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝It's time to break the umbilical cord. I don't need you anymore.❞

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

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




Shiro was crying and apologizing and it hurt Nee's heart. Shiro really was hurt horribly at the revelation, wasn't she? Narina coming back was - well, it was awful. So maybe it was a bit of selfishness in Narcia's heart that made her slightly happy that Shiro was acting like this. It allowed her to keep her head calm, instead of panicking and falling prey to her anxiety, Narcia was able to stay in control of her own mind. So that was what she did, consoling Shiro, and knowing Shi was going to need something to make her feel like she was helping in the effort. Narcia wasn't sure what she could ask Shiro to do that wasn't dangerous, though. "You already are strong. You're stronger than me in ways you don't recognize." Narcia lowered her voice to a whisper. "It takes a strong person to cry. I still am too afraid to cry in front of others." It was true, and Nee meant each word.

With Shiro following behind her, Narcia felt a little reassured. And when she reached Cress's room - so near to her old room - Cress was there, lying on her side. Words of encouragement and love went to her and Nee hoped Cress accepted them. "Take care of yourself, Cress. It's okay to admit when you're not doing well." Nee wanted Cress to feel better, she didn't want her sister to have to hold anything back when talking to her. "After all, I'm counting on you. With Narina back, I need you more than ever, and you can't do your best if you force yourself to be strong." She pressed her forehead against Cress's with a smile.

"I'm here for you. I won't neglect you like before." She'd probably regret that for a long time. Cress was talking, making suggestions, getting into a strategic mindset and Narcia nodded, agreeing with more or less everything. "You have the authority to do whatever you think is necessary. I trust you with the knights. You'll prove to mother that she never should have sent you to Earth, never should have considered you useless compared to me." Cress was one of her most trusted. Nee knew she was up to the task.

Things got worse pretty quickly when Finnley dashed into the room. Nee nodded and immediately left, feeling the anxiety starting to creep up. It was thanks to an invisible presence - Shiro - rub against her legs. Narcia aimed a secretive smile in that direction, wishing Shiro didn't need to pretend to be in a coma. Itward was, as predicted, beating up Kora and Cress snapped him out of the rage. "Narina's strongest weapon is her ability to manipulate people's weaknesses, Itward. You know this better than anyone." When Cress ordered Kora under therapy, the ice queen gently nudged her sister, mouthing one word. Shiro, suddenly knowing what task Shiro could do. She subtly tilted her head in the direction she thought Shiro was, a low whisper for only her intended's ears. "I trust you with Kora. Do your best, okay?"


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❝I hate you. I hate myself, I can't stand it anymore. Please look at me, please look at me!❞

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

|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||




It was funny, wasn't it? Kora was being thrashed like this, manipulating this awful man into breaking her body and hurting her and beating her up beyond black and blue. Everything hurt, but her mind felt almost at ease with this. The physical agony of each attack made it easy for her to have a clearer mind, for some reason. This pain was almost a salvation. Kora was the one pulling the strings, goading Itward into violence. Maybe she could even drag him down to the deepest depths of pain and regret, provoking him into taking her and using her in a way only a man could to a girl. "Nio... because of you.... it's all... your fault..."

"Shut up!"

Then there was a shout from someone else. Cress was there, and Kora felt herself drop painfully to the ground, landing on the stump that was once a hand, letting out a low hiss of pain, shooting all the way up her arm and to her spine, an electric shock of piercing agony. Cress was there, and so was Nee and Finnley and the fight was over, Itward was done. What Kora didn't like though, was that she was being forced into therapy. That was beyond ridiculous. "I... refuse." Kora hissed, pulling herself up to lean against the wall, panting heavily as everything hurt. "Who... are you to... order me around? You don't even... care about me. You always liked... Heron more. You liked Aya.... more...."

A voice, cold yet sharp. "Cress is the Knight's Administrative Head, and directly superior to Heron and Itward." Narcia said with that cool grin of hers, seeming almost proud. "There's no one I trust more with that position." Well, that explained it then. It also meant one other, super important detail. If Cress had that job now, she now had the authority to do something Kora would consider a blessing. "...Hah. Hey, Cress.... you should... execute me... already." The wolf knight smirked, a pained shudder wracking through her body. "I... committed treason. The civilians.... want a... scapegoat. I would... be the perfect... sacrifice to... to appease them." Kora wanted to die. If she died, that meant she one, it meant she overcame Heron. If she was forced to live, then that meant Heron was successful and that Kora once again lost to her. Once again failed to overcome the red knight.

Then Cress's voice went quiet and Kora knew only she could hear what was said next. It was painful and the knight felt her breath catch in her throat for a split second. "...We.... are... friends." She panted, shutting her eyes because it hurt just to look at the girl she loved most. "But... you always preferred... Heron. Aya. You never once... at me...." Her voice trailed off. She couldn't say more, not without breaking down into tears. "Narina promised! She said... you'd love me if... if I killed Heron, then... everything would be happy...." She couldn't say more, though, since that was when Corren arrived on the scene. And in a display of strangeness, the first thing that happened was that Corren gave her a hug, not even caring about his labcoat.

"It'll... be okay." Corren said, voice much more emotive than ever before. "We'll take care of you. So please come back to us." Kora let out a pained scowl as the bandaging began, trying to wriggle away. "Stop it. You... just pitied Aya.... you never cared about... me. About... Kora." She didn't deserve kindness from anyone. She just wanted to die. She just wanted someone to notice her, to love her, to not compare her to anyone else. She just wanted to be alone so she'd never have to hope for such an impossible thing.

Setting

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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 ||




Nee told her to take care of herself and Cress almost laughed. In this state, she couldn't take care of herself, she couldn't do the most simple of functions, relying on a tube to feed her, to dispose of bodily fluids, to breathe. Cress felt more machine than human these days. Of course, that would all change soon. She would be stronger with each day, eventually able to stand on her own again without the use of a wheelchair. "I will," Cres said, still trying to smile no matter how much it hurt. Corren hadn't come in to tell her how Heron was doing, to tell her the progress on regrowing Kora's hand so that their knight could be whole. Nee was counting on her, Cress couldn't let her down. "I won't... push it... I promise." This time her smile was genuine, albeit a bit sad.

Nee said that she wouldn't neglect her this time, not like those first few lonely months where she hadn't so much as said hello. It was a very lonely time that Cress didn't like to think about. She had made excuses for Nee everyday that her sister didn't visit. Nee was busy, there was an entire country to change, she had to take care of Shiro. All of these thoughts swirled in her head, but in the end, they only ever formed one question. Why? Her sister who she loved so much, who she literally gave her heart and soul to protect hadn't even wanted to designate a doctor to take care of her. If not for Heron's begging, Cress probably would have been dead by now. She was long past her supposed expiration date, sticking it to the world once again. "Thanks," Cress managed. "We'll show... that woman!" Cress grinned, "Narina won't... win, not... ever!"

Because as long as they had hope, as long as they had love, Narina would continue to lose. Fire to the ice, they would melt her again and again, rendering that woman to be the useless one. "I'll wield... this power... for the... betterment of... Ashia Palace." They would make this glistening world a beautiful garden of technology and nature, a merge that would take time and patience. It would be something Narina had never seen the likes of and could never hope to accomplish. "I hope... you will... too." Cress trusted Narcia, but she had also seen what happened when Narcia became power hungry. She had hurt Kora and had been very close to tipping the scales towards being another ice sculpture. "It's nice... to be... needed." Cress admitted.

The next thing she knew they were flying down the hall and into the elevator to where Kora was. Cress ordered Itward to stop at once and Narcia scolded him, telling him that he out of everyone should know the power of Narina's convincing. That woman had a gift with words the same way snake venom had a gift with poison. "Itward I'm... putting you... on temporary... leave until... you can... be properly... evaluated." The safety of their people was their number one priority. "You can't... be at... risk for... falling under... her spell... again." Normally, when someone was exposed to an illness, they were twice as likely to contract it again. Cress thought that perhaps the same was could be said of Narina.

Kora was refusing, saying that Cress never cared about her, that she only liked Aya and Heron. "That's not... true!" Cress replied, feeling a pang of sadness in her chest. Nee explained that Cress had some authority now, that she was no longer just a girl with a useless title of princess. "No one... is getting... executed." Cress's hands tightened, she choked back a sob, swallowing her tears. Cress was done with crying, tears would do no one any good. Not now, not ever. "You're wrong!" Cress snapped, panting slightly. Her heart felt as though it would burst from her chest at any moment, it was beating far too fast for comfort.

"I loved... you... Not Aya." As Cress said it, she realized that it was true. She loved both Kora and Heron, at the same time. Was it possible to love two people at once? Cress wasn't sure. "But you... pushed me... away for... your dead... sister." Sure, Aya and Cress had been friends, but Aya had been more of a little sister that she felt an intense desire to protect, like a mini Ellie. Kora though... whenever Cress was around Kora and Heron, she felt whole. Without one or the other, there was intense longing for them to be together. "You're the... one who... didn't want... me." Corren came down then and Cress said no more on the matter, allowing him to evaluate Kora and fix her back back up.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


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

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




Shiro was scared and cold sitting alone on the bathroom floor, she felt ashamed that she couldn't be a big girl, that she couldn't be anything more than a dog. Nee came in then and Shiro felt her heart stopped. It was a good kind though, the kind that made you catch your breath and wonder how you could fall so completely in love with someone. Even though Shiro thought herself to be weak, Nee called her strong. Nee said that it was okay to cry, that Shiro was strong because she could cry. "You can always cry in front of me." The pup assured Nee, sniffling a little as she wiped up the rest of her tears. Shiro hugged Ellis against her, finishing her sobbing in Nee's arms before it was time for them to go.

Over the mountain and through the woods or more accurately, into the elevator and down to the holding cells they went. They were in the place where treasonous knights were held while waiting for orders. It wasn't the worst dungeon, white walls with one wall glass so that they could see inside. Each cell had a bed and a slot that a food tray could be pushed through. It reminded Shiro an awful lot of that other white room and she shivered, huddling with Ellis underneath the cloak. Shiro stayed beside Nee, even though the halls were empty since there seemed to be no other knights that were turning against their queen and country. Shiro still wanted to stay out of the way, just in case of an unexpected surprise. She was supposed to be in a coma after all.

There was a lot of talking, a lot of sadness and anger. Finnley cuffed Itward's hands, putting him in a different holding cell until he could be properly evaluated. Shiro was sad to see it happen and she sat in front of his cell as Nee and Cress talked to Kora, who was apparently a traitor now. Kora was missing a hand, she was bloody and bleeding. What had she done? Apparently it was something with Heron. Shiro had heard the nervous titters when they had been walking down the halls. It seemed that in the end, the triangle had disassembled itself. There was neither a winner nor loser and Cress's heart remained her's, not stolen by one of the valiant suitors that had been pinning for her heart.

Nee came over to her then, giving Shiro a job. It was a low whisper, but Shiro heard it as clear as day. It would be her job to recuperate Kora. "Okay," Shiro said, but in truth she was scared. She didn't know what to do, she didn't know how to go about making someone better when they were in such an awful condition in the first place. Maybe because Shiro had undergone the abuse of Narina, she could share in the experience? Was this some sort of post traumatic stress disorder like Shiro had? The pup squeezed Ellis, then thought about getting Kora an Ellis of her own. It had helped Cress, Shiro thought. She had spotted the mule deer on Cress's bed when she had been in there earlier with Nee. What animal could Shiro get Kora? A cute little lamb? Or maybe something more fierce? Oh! Shiro knew! "Something with red eyes." That way Kora would have Cress 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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❝It's time to break the umbilical cord. I don't need you anymore.❞

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

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




Narcia was going to remember that, wasn't she? Shiro gave her permission to cry in front of her and it felt nice to know that she could rely on her lover if she ever felt overwhelmed in a moment of weakness. For now, though, Narcia would hold strong. Narcia always felt that she had to be strong and emotionless, to bottle everything up under a thick sheet of ice. So when Cress seemed to be more genuine, promising not to overdo it, it was a huge relief. "With love, I won't make the same mistakes." She was reluctant to say Shiro's name aloud, even if the room was allegedly safe. There was a painful sort of shame from when she was lusting for power. "It'll keep me grounded. I won't abuse my power again."

The whole fiasco here was honestly a heavy blow. Narina played her hand strong, eliminating Kora and Itward from the board, as well as Heron. Even if it was temporary, it meant Narcia was getting closer and closer to being cornered. One mistake and it'd be all over. She couldn't give in, she couldn't lose. Cress, Shiro, everyone was counting on her. This time, the child would surpass the mother for sure. Still, it was concerning, wasn't it? Nee was honestly considering the trio to be one of Ashia's greatest assets. A Princess and two incredibly powerful knights. It was more than a little alarming to see how effortlessly the three were broken apart. How much were the three of them hurting? Narcia wordlessly took Cress's hand and squeezed, knowing no words would be able to console her. Once Corren arrived on the scene, he said he'd take care of Kora, so it was time to take their leave. "Heron's awake now." Corren added, eyeing Cress in particular. "You should go see her."

So that was what they did - Shiro following - and they were given access to the guarded medical room to greet their scarlet knight. Almost immediately Heron seemed to notice they had come, but it was quickly obvious that she still wasn't all better. There were still bandages wrapped over her eyes, the girl was still blind. "Alright, don't... tell me. Lemme guess. It's Cress and Nee, right?" This was one of the few safe rooms and Nee searched around with her hand until she found the cloak, giving Shiro a reprieve from the solitude, hugging her, picking her up and pressing her locket against the ring. "Shi, I'm sorry. Once this is over, you'll never have to wear this again."

"Cress. Hey, I heard.... from Xion. You were... crying. It's fine, I mean it." She held her hand out, as if wanting to touch Cress and feel her presence and Nee never wanted to ever be blind. "I'm your knight, so it's just natural to protect you. I'll be back before you know it, okay?" Her voice went more serious then, a heavy sort of sigh. "Don't blame yourself for Kora. It was my fault too. Should've realized how she was feeling this whole time..." Heron seemed miserable, her usual joking smile gone. "I wonder... if it's possible to go back to those happy carefree days... the three of us, together. It'd be nice, huh?" It was subtle but anyone looking closely could see the tear trickling from under the eye bandages, sliding onto a cheek bone.


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❝I hate you. I hate myself, I can't stand it anymore. Please look at me, please look at me!❞

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

|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||




Kora shivered at Cress's words. Cress wasn't going to give her the salvation she oh so badly wanted, huh? She wasn't going to get to die and gain her victory, was she? "I... treason... I committed... treason!" The wolf knight growled, trying to sound fierce instead of just a broken marionette. She didn't even have the strength to stand anymore, and she knew if she opened her eyes, blood would trickle into her vision. "I'm a.... risk... aren't I?" But Cress didn't seem to budge at all, not agreeing to the execution at all.

But what really struck her wasn't that, but what Cress said next. Cress said that she loved her, not Aya but her, and the wolf knight shriveled up. No, that didn't make sense at all! If they - she surely would've been able to notice it, right? Kora wasn't an idiot, she knew how to - but - no, this was a trick, wasn't it? A trick to give her hope, just to tear it away again. "Liar-" But Cress talked over her, talking about how she chose her dead sister, Aya, and most painful of all, how she was the one who pushed her away. "I didn't! That's - I was the one who..." What was this? Why was she torn between crying and lashing out?

Before she could say anything, Cress and Nee left and Kora was left with Heron, who was tending to her and checking her and bandaging everything. "...Furniture.... that's... all I am..." The wolf whimpered, curling up, wanting to be alone, wanting to cry in her cell. There wasn't even any hope of escape, any privacy at all, there was no execution to look forward to. Locked up in a cell like this, why not just kill her and be done with it? "I thought you were smart enough not to fall for Narina's tricks." Corren sounded pained, disappointed, and Kora felt wretched. "We all hoped you could resist it. But seeing you like this, trusting you was a mistake."

"You just.... never... looked at me. No one... did." Kora said sourly, wondering where all this poison was coming from. "You just.... saw the poor servant... girl, and you... wanted to pity her, to... feel sorry for her." Corren's hands abruptly stopped the wrapping of one of her legs, and the scholar grit his teeth. "That's not it. I wanted-" Kora knew it was a lie though. He didn't like her either, just saw her as some sad victim damsel to protect and take care of. Everyone just used her, that's what Narina said. Kora would probably never get to be friends with Cress again, after this, why would Cress ever come to visit?

it was over now, those happy, carefree days were over. And there were no tears to cry.

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】

|| Still Into you || Paramore ||




Cress didn't want to think about it anymore. It was painful, knowing that Kora had rejected her, that Kora had pushed her away. "You rejected... me." Cress's words were soft. She didn't sound mad or bitter, more sad than anything. "Instead choosing... to live... in the... past. The... dead can't... come back." Those were Cress's final words on the matter. Kora called herself furniture, a background character no doubt was what she meant. "You were... always more... to me." Corren came down then. He mentioned that Hereon was up and Nee took the handles of the wheelchair, Cress spotting a ripple out of the corner of her eyes. So Shiro was here too? Cress should have known. Wherever Nee went, her favorite little pup went too. Cress felt a pang, most likely jealousy for the love that Shiro and Nee shared.

Cress would never have anything like that. Out of the two people she felt right with, one was a perverted womanizer who would no doubt settle for no one girl and the other was living in the shadows of her past; but the dead stayed dead. Cress would know that better than anyone. Losing both of her father's, her entire family, having to sacrifice everything. As Nee steered her towards the elevator, Cress looked at her hands. They were once so strong, her nails had seemed to have a permanent line of dirt beneath them, but now, that was gone. They were a pearly pink, the nail polish from the ball still pristine, not a chip t be found. Where there had been muscle, the bone was now framed and her hands shook like leaves in the wind whenever she attempted to do something.

Nee said that with love she wouldn't make the same mistakes again. Cress thought that maybe without love she wouldn't fall for the same tricks. Yes, maybe Cress didn't deserve to love, the vessel that was her body was so broken after all, violated and used. So maybe it would be best to give up on love once and for all. Nee opened the door to the sick bay, Heron had a private room thanks to her rank. She seemed so small and fragile on the bed, something that Heron should never be. Nee wheeled her over to the bed, then pulled the invisibility cloak off of Shiro. "You scared... me." Cress said. Heron reached out to her and Shiro adjusted Cress's hand so that she could hold it. Heron squeezed it weakly and Cress tried to return it. "Dummy don't... worry everyone... like that."

"I trust... you." Cress said, "Don't strain... yourself. I'll... wait for... you." Cress was going to get stronger too. Once Heron could see again, Cress would show Heron and Kora both that she could do these things with her own power. She was not a useless Princess with a fruitless title, Cress would do her best to honor the position Nee had given her. Heron sighed then, sounding tired and serious. Cress's eyes filled with fire again, anger for what had happened. "Kora made... her choice." In kind, Cress had made her's. Since Cress wasn't allowed to love anyone, then she wouldn't. Nee was an exception, they were twins, practically the same person, only opposites. Shiro too, since it was impossible to not love puppies.

Cress noticed the tear, an unspoken burden. "I hope... so." Cress replied quietly. Those carefree days, where they would joke around, where they walked around town, even if it was only as a hologram, those were some of Cress's best memories. "We'll come... out of... this stronger." Cress squeezed Heron's hand again, trying to reassure her that everything would be okay. "We always... do." Hopefully Kora would get better with the therapy, Heron would heal too. "You love... her. Don't... you?" Cress whispered, far too soft for Heron's healing ears to pick up.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


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

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




This way and that, they seemed as busy as ever. Shiro gasped upon the discovery that Cress had fallen for Kora, but in the end, Kora had rejected her. It was up to Heron to pick up the pieces then. No doubt Cress's self esteem was at an all time low. With what Cress had gone through, she probably believed that no one could love her, that her body was used and far too broken for anyone to love. "You can do it Cress!" Shiro cheered, knowing that no one could hear her. It probably wouldn't matter if Shiro or Nee said something, this was a situation that Cress had to work through herself, to realize that just because that sort of thing happened, it didn't mean she didn't deserve to be loved. After all, Shiro still loved Nee, even if Nee had almost married Semyon.

It would do no good to speak ill of the dead, so Shiro dropped, watching the scene play out. Kora was incredulous, believing herself to be furniture. Shiro suddenly realized that why Nee had appointed her to be Kora's therapist. Shiro used to have the same way of thinking. Ladies in waiting were meant to be seen and not heard, just like furniture. They were for decorum, only as useful so long as their charge wanted them. "I can do it," Shiro wiggled beneath the invisibility cloak. She looked at her hands, closing them into fists. "I'll make you proud Nee." Shiro smiled, holding Ellis against her. The first step would be to get Kora an Ellis too, to give her something to take care of. "A rabbit," Shiro decided, remembering the first time she had met Cress. Or maybe something else, something that Kora would really connect with.

"A wolf!" The pup clapped her hands together. The first time Shiro had met Kora, she thought of a big scary wolf. So that was what the puppy would get the wolf, an Ellis with red eyes and wolf features. Of course, Shiro had never seen a wolf before. They didn't have any at the Royal Zoo, but she knew of them from her books. Hmm, Shiro would have to request some books from Nee since she was going to be spending all of her time inside the room with the playground. Suddenly they were leaving again and Shiro rushed to catch up with Nee and Cress, nearly tripping on the cloak. The pup whimpered, catching herself and hustling along. She made sure that the stealth technology didn't get caught in the elevator doors and stood beside Nee, wondering where they were going next.

As it turned out, they were going to the royal medicine room. There were three sick bay's in the palace, one for the royal family, one for the knights, and one for the servants. Why were they going to the royal one? Shiro wasn't sure. Instead of curtains between each bed like in the servant sick bay, this one was individual rooms. Shiro followed behind Nee, the scent of antiseptic assaulting her senses, making Shiro's head spin. She hated doctors, she hated needles, and she definitely hated the man that Narina had used for all of Shiro's experimental treatments. Even though he had just been following orders, he had never bothered with pain medicine unless it was for something serious like the brace Shiro had, had to wear that stunted her growth and the medicine that froze her body at this age, never fully maturing.

Another door open and shut, Heron was laying in bed, her wild mane of red hair pulled up into a messy bun, probably to get it out of the way. Nee pulled off the cloak and Shiro instantly clung to her, whimpering and shaking. It had been scary under the cloak, being invisible to the world. Nee apologized, saying that once all of this was over, Shiro would never have to wear the cloak again. Shiro tried to steady herself, keeping one hand on Nee's dress and the other on Ellis. "It's okay," The pup tried to smile. "Because I get to be with you." She noticed that Cress seemed to want to hold Heron's hand and moved Cress's arm for her so that she could take the knight's outstretched fingers.