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Into The Woods

Noraneko

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a part of Into The Woods, by The_Queen.

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The_Queen holds sovereignty over Noraneko, giving them the ability to make limited changes.

6,626 readers have been here.

Setting

Default Location for Into The Woods
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Noraneko

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Minimap

Noraneko is a part of Into The Woods.

8 Characters Here

Shiro [739] "Yes your majesty."
Ayanna Filia [738] "My name's Aya! Let's be very good friends, okay?"
Cress Winter [738] "That's not a Princess, that's my cousin!"
Ellen Winter [737] "Which me is the real me? What role do I have to play?"
Yui Sylphie [6] "There's no service here!"
Kuro Desmoro [6] "I'll bring the ka-boom!"
Leon West [3] WIP
Azrele Selvin [2] WIP

Start Character Here »


Setting

4 Characters Present

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】

|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||




Shiro was in pieces, sad little pieces of a girl whose happiness kept getting hurt over and over again. Her whole life felt like a train of sadness and misery, following her every step. Even at birth, Shiro - not that she was named that that early on - was doomed to a sad, parent-less existence. Abandoned at the incinerator to be killed, afflicted with the Sanitary Illness, and no matter what they did, without the parents, they'd never be able to figure out exactly why such a thing even happened. They could theorize, but a solution wouldn't come without any more evidence. And after that she was a lab rat, and then taken in by Narina herself to be a servant, a lady-in-waiting. After that, it was only a steady rise of cruelty and misery. Torture, bullying, torment, pain, punishments, training...

And even now, even if she was free from it, there was no real escape from the train of sadness. Shiro had to watch her loved ones being hurt, over and over again, while she was protected from ever bearing pain herself. It wasn't just Wren. How much had the girl cried when her ice queen was taken as Semyon Malachite's wife and plaything? How much did Shiro suffer, all alone, wishing her lover was safe, that her lover with beside her? And a little more recently, when Nee was made into a dog to crawl on the streets, Shiro needed to be sedated. All of these cruelties, Shiro didn't deserve to see her loved ones like this. And it wasn't even over yet - if she ever found out Kora's state, everything would only get worse.

After Narcia gave Shiro a definition of good girls and bad girls, the girl let out in a low whisper, what she truly truly desired. Shiro's deepest wish, her heartfelt cry. She wanted everyone to be happy. The girl seemed to be trying to work through it, to apply the two definitions to herself and her life to try and figure out what she was. Nee decided to stay quiet and let Shiro puzzle it through with her own strength - that would be more effective than just telling her over and over again without giving proof. This way, Shiro would internalize it and truly believe it without need of external reinforcement. And finally Shiro said it, but she wasn't sure. She said she was a good girl. Narcia didn't say anything, but she gave Shiro a warm smile, a nod of affirmation, and Shiro repeated it, with more confidence and certainty. It was working.

"That's right. You're a good girl. You were always a good girl, and you'll always be a good girl." She took Shiro's hand and tapped the ring with the locket, a symbol of two promises aligning to build a happy future together. A promise of happier days to come, a promise of forever being with one another, a promise to overcome any tragedies that spun their way. "As long as we have these, everything will work out. I believe it." She would do her best to believe it, for Shiro's sake. The pup needed this affirmation, and Narcia knew she was going to have to atone for what she did to the lamb - or perhaps wolf was a more accurate descriptor.

Of course, Nee was very perceptive of her surroundings. So she noticed Corren giving a mild sedative to Shiro, and she quickly pocketed the syringes while Shiro said her farewells to Wren. "I'll be better before you know it!" Wren said in a chipper, optimistic tone, and you could tell the servant truly believed it with all her heart. Nee felt something choke in her throat. She knew, of course, she was going to have to enlist Corren's help if she wanted to wake Kora up - assuming there was enough left in her brain to even wake her up in the first place.

The Red Moon Conference. Narcia felt a little better with Shiro at her side, and it helped her keep her mind on point as she discussed what needed to be said. Una was incompetent, though. It was frustrating. Did the girl not realize how much of a crisis this was? Did she not understand how much of a threat Narina was to the continent's peace? The girl was idiotically underestimating everything, and this foolishness was going to put everything in danger! It was like she had no idea that she was the cornerstone to their entire strategy! And all Una could do was meekly say yes to what everyone else was saying! Riana and Cumin were offering advice, and Una couldn't even try to defend herself, she didn't even have the strength to say that she was doing her best.

Cress was defending Una, of course, it was just like Cress to side with the weak, the downtrodden. It was one of her best qualities. Still, there was a time and place for everything, and this wasn't one of them. "We don't have time to baby a fledgling princess, sister." Nee said, feeling exasperated. "I'm not trying to be mean. I'm being realistic. She needs to understand the gravity of the situation." Still, Nee softened her expression, sighing a little. "Princess Una. Don't misunderstand. I know very well that you shoulder a heavy burden." Even though her voice was cold, the meaning behind it was not. "That's why the four of us are here, so we can help you, and we can bear it together until you're strong enough to do it yourself." Would the Silver Princess understand, or would she shy again in fear again?



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❝Even now, the smiling savior is a façade.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#949495 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #B2AC8E】

|| Keshin || Asami Imai ||




Una felt wretched. She just wanted to cry. Queen Narcia was a chessmaster, a brilliant and unparalleled strategist. She was calculated and incredibly confident in everything she did. Princess Nui was passionate and strong, even with her recovering body, her fire burned brighter than anyone else's did. Princess Cumin, she watched her family die and became a symbol of Etruria's inner strength, and was resolute ever since. And Queen Riana, older than the others, and just as cunning as Narcia, if not moreso. And Una had nothing like that. She was completely insignificant. The only reason she had the throne was because of her blood. She didn't do anything to deserve the position.

Princess Nui was defending her, telling them not to talk to her like that and the Silver Princess wanted to cry. She should've been able to defend herself, to fight back and prove that she was on the same level as everyone else, but instead, all she could do was rely on Nui to save her and talk on her behalf, flames burning bright and true. Then Narcia spoke in response, saying that it wasn't her intention. She spoke evenly but every word was infused with ice and it made Una shiver. She was afraid, intimidated by all these people who were clearly superior to her.

Queen Narcia said that they were here to help her. With that, Queen Riana nodded, showing her hidden motherly side once again. "I'm sorry if I came on too strong, Una." She said, and seemed like she really did regret how she said what she said. "I was just trying to give you my advice, but I wasn't thinking about how you'd take it. Can you forgive me?" Una shuffled but she nodded meekly, and she knew Nee was annoyed at how timid she was being. Cumin spoke next, face not changing expression, that slight yet silky smile still up in full force. Una didn't know what to make of the Etrurian Princess. She was nice... and apparently she wasn't ever allowed to lie, right?

"I'm new too, Una." Cumin said with a friendly wink. "I've only ruled for a few months, you know. The Tartarians came and killed my parents. If I let fear control me, I wouldn't have been able to order people to take my brother, Kail, and run away. I wouldn't have been able to go into hiding and plan a resistance from inside." Cumin's words were kind but the meaning behind them was clear. "It's hard, but you can't let yourself be controlled by your feelings. You need to be able to think clearly, okay?" Was this Cumin's attempt to reach out, or was she being mean again? Una didn't know. "Nee here is quite new as well. She's nearing the end of her first year."

Una felt even more crushed by this. They were all - other than Riana - new to the throne, and yet they were already so much stronger than she was. Una felt fear just thinking about Narina, she didn't know how to think clearly and rationally, no matter what. The topic left her, though, onto Nui, who was explaining what she had been doing, what she was planning. As Nui spoke, Narcia nodded, as if she was evaluating the plan. "That would help on your end, definitely." Nee said at last, but she still didn't look wholly convinced. "But if we want Narina to believe that lie, wouldn't I be forced to go to war to save you, sis?"

The sisters really were close, weren't they? Una felt a little lonely. She wished she had someone like her brother who would protect her and look after her just like Nee always did for Nui. The twin sisters of Ashia Palace were definitely bound together by intense familial love and trust, and Una wished, she wished she could have had the same with Semyon. He once was a kind and loving brother, but that vanished and became something else entirely, all because he was manipulated by Jezebeth - by Narina Seraphim. "W-war is scary, though! War is bad!" Una exclaimed suddenly, wanting to talk, to say something, so she could feel like she was contributing.

Narcia shook her head. "No, I won't be declaring war. But..." Cumin spoke up then, with a little tilt of the head. She had a plan. "I have an idea. We can go along with Nui's suggestion, and as a reason for Narcia not going to war, Una, you should say that the Ashian's well being will only last as long as war is not declared by anyone." How did they do this, Una wondered. How could these people make plans like this so quickly, how were they able to figure out their next moves like this? The Silver Princess felt lost, she had no idea how to even make a plan to begin with.

Queen Riana was next, then, adding onto the already established plan. "Your people seem to value strength and authority, Una. It's a part of your culture." Una knew this, of course. She knew all about how Tartarians viewed might as right, and always wanted to be strong in order to protect their loved ones and their own interests. It was ingrained into their history and their mentality. Only a coward chooses peace. "So you need to show that your will is stronger than Jezebeth's. Your first step should be to depose of Astor, to show that your faction is stronger than hers. That's how to earn respect." Una nodded, wishing she was brave enough to do something like this. "I-I'll do my best. I won't fail you all." Una then eyed Nui in particular, giving her silent thanks for the help. Narcia then adjourned the Red Moon Conference, and Una returned to her office, leaving the hologram server behind.

It was late now, and she needed to sleep. Thyella was there, dutiful as always, with a wink and a smile. "It's okay. Just do your best, Una." The two were of similar size - both short and tiny - so Thyella would be her body double. She already had the wig that matched Una's long hair. "Thank you for the help." Thyella slept in her bed and pretended to be her at nights while the real Una had to disconnect from the helmet every night to avoid brain damage. It was time to return to the everlasting darkness of a coma. "Good night, Princess." Thyella said, and it was the last thing she heard before the coma claimed her.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝A heart's a heavy burden.❞


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

|| Still Into you || Paramore ||




The conference was over, it was growing late and Cress was tired. "Done?" Heron asked and Cress nodded her head. "It's been decided," Cress tried to stand, her legs shaking. Heron hoped off of the bed, sliding an arm around Cress's waist and another over her shoulder, helping Cress limp to the bed. The two lay beside each other, a hand still around Cress's waist. It took a while for Cress to get used to it, but Heron had desensitized the area with tickles so it was fine. "Oh shoot! Your dinner!" Heron jumped up, going to the mini fridge and taking out a bag. "Corren would have killed me if I forgot." Heron connected it to the port in Cress's chest and then clambered back underneath the blanket, the lights closing as they stilled.

"I wonder how Kora is doing," Cress said sleepily. "Probably running herself into the ground training, hopefully Itward did something about her." Cress hadn't heard anything further from them all day, so she assumed that Itward had taken corrective action and applied it to Kora's behavior. Although no doubt Kora had been evading him, hiding from the world to run her body down, down, down. "That idiot doesn't realize you're just trying to protect her." Heron sounded upset, no doubt she still loved her. Cress's hands tightened around the blanket. That's right, she was just a replacement for Kora wasn't she? Heron loved the blonde little wolf after all.

It was fine though, laying like this, with her. Cress had always been a replacement hadn't she? The spare child that had been cast away. Why would Heron do this then, if she was in love with Kora? The lips that ran up the side of her neck, leaving little kisses, they were all for her. Could it be that Cress had, had it wrong? Maybe Heron didn't love Kora after all, but Cress? This fickle thing called hope that kept slipping away, it came right back like the dawn and dusk. "I'm glad you said yes," Heron said, her breath warm on Cress's skin. Cress lips turned up in a smile, yes, this love, as dangerous as it was, was or her. "I am too." Perhaps it was okay, to love this one person. Kora had made up her mind after all, she had made that very clear. Even though it hurt to think about, it was important to remember.

Had Kora lied that day? The day when she had taken Cress's hand and told her she liked her. Was it foolish to believe that she could have both Kora and Heron? They would expect her to make a choice wouldn't they? Choose one and leave the other behind, wait too long and lose both. Cress sighed, feeling the rush of nutrients in her veins. It was energizing and yet, tiring. Her eyes fluttered closed, red eyes shut behind snowy white lids. Heron's arm tightened around her waist, bringing her closer. Cress could feel the heat rolling off of her, the comforting sort that sent shivers up her spine. Red eyes, red moon, faint whispers of breath that faded into dreams. It was the kind of night where sleep took absolute hold and the world could be forgotten for a time.

When dusk turned to dawn and the ninth hour approached, Cress awoke once more, light filtering in through a crack in the shades. From today until Narina was defeated, they were supposed to pretend to be prisoners. What would happen? Cress wondered. She knew they were going to go around to the Tartarian cities, where Cress would plant more flowers. She didn't know what to expect these next few weeks, no doubt things were going to be very hectic. Heron got up when the pump began to beep. It had been in a slow feed over the course of the entire night, just like Corren had told her to do it. "Morning," Cress smiled, feeling drained after the long walk from the day before. "Morning," Heron leaned over and stole a kiss from Cress's lips. Cress tried to stay still as Heron disconnected her port from the IV pump.

As it turned out, Cress would get to find out just now. "Morning prisoners," Thyella said, sticking her tongue out at them. Cress propped herself up on her elbow, wondering what Una's vassal was doing here so early in the morning. "The speech will be in two hours, in the meantime, I'm supposed to make you look as beat up as possible." Cress stiffened, what did she mean by that? After a breakfast of soup that Heron made Cress down, it began. Makeup, lots of it. It turned out that Thyella was quite good with FX makeup, although God knows why or how. Makeup on her wrists, rope burns, fake bruises along patches of exposed skin through a pretorn dress. It looked quite realistic, aside from the smile that Cress couldn't hide.

"This is actually pretty cool, you're good at this." Thyella laughed, it was Heron's turn next. There was a sick looking scratch going down the length of Heron's face, overtaking one of the knight's eyes. Cress had a sick thought then, that she wanted Kora to see this without knowing it was fake, that Kora would think she was hurt and come try and save her. Then Kora would believe that she was better than Heron, then maybe the girl would stop doubting herself. It was strange wasn't it? How she had been rejected and yet, she still valued Kora so much. "This is just for decoration, it doesn't actually work," Thyella placed a collar around Cress's neck, attached to a leash. Her hands were tied behind her back, loosely bound so as not to actually hurt the princess.

"Wait!" Cress said before Thyella could put a gag over her mouth. "Can I have one more sip of soup?" Heron came over, putting the spoon in her mouth for Cress to eat. "Thanks," Heron winked and Cress blushed. Thyella put the gag over Cress's mouth then, silencing her. It was time to go, with Heron complaining loudly that she wanted a female knight to tug her around on a leash. Cress would have rolled her eyes had she not had to focus on walking if she didn't want to collapse midway. The abuse was gonna get worse on stage, it was all fake, but Cress knew she had to go along with it, this was for the future peace, the betterment of their world.


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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 falling asleep by the foot of the wheelchair. Her head was leaning against Aria's, her tummy growling since she hadn't eaten dinner. Shiro whimpered, placing a hand on her stomach to silence it. In the end, neither girl ended up going to the knight's benefit. No doubt the people would think that Narcia was just too grief stricken to attend without Shiro. As long as Itward went on their behalf, it should be fine. The people wouldn't get too suspicious. Or maybe once this meeting was over, Nee could go for the last hour of the party? That would be the smartest option, attend late and stay until the end, that way it almost seems as if she was there the entire time. Shiro nodded her head at her plan, remembering to stay out of sight of the camera.

What were they going to do now? All of that hiding, there was no point in it. Shiro felt tired of pretending to be in a coma, to have to wear the heavy invisibility cloak and unable to talk to her friends or look for her family. That was why she had entrusted the task to Kora, because as long as Shiro couldn't walk around freely she couldn't invite them to the wedding, or find out why they had left her there that day. Shiro just had to be patient for a little longer, maybe they could act as though she had awoken from the coma so as not to confuse the people and she would be wheelchair bound and covered in bandages in public? It would give Shiro an excuse to not do much either, since there wasn't much for her to do anyways.

"You should... go to... the party." Shiro nodded off, falling asleep right there on the floor. She felt a bit like Cinderella in that moment, sleeping on the floor beside the dying embers to stay warm. Except Shiro was sleeping next to Nee's wheelchair and the temperature was actually quite nice. "Night... night." Shiro murmured, falling asleep with her pacifier in her mouth and not having eaten any dinner. She also forgot about the no talking rule, but Shiro wasn't exactly thinking straight. Even if the sedative was mild, it was still there and she had no idea why she felt so dizzy and tired. Shiro wasn't hungry either, which was strange since the pup had finally been having an appetite and had gained a few pounds so she was no longer drastically underweight, just mildly so.

Like magic the pup woke up in bed the next morning, rubbing her eyes to see that she was there with Aria. It was nice in bed beside the one she loved, warm like the sun on a cold day. Except, they didn't have cold days. Shiro had only gotten to experience the cold thanks to Coriandrum. It had been fun, the difference in temperature, the white powder called snow. That had been Shiro's first time seeing it and she would love to go back one day, when her time wasn't filled with political hassle and what not. They were in the middle of a war too, well, almost. Shiro wasn't sure how last night's meeting had concluded, but she woke up hoping that Nee had gotten the answers she wanted.

There were several things on the table. Shiro crawled towards the edge of the bed, sliding and tumbling down to the floor. The pu groaned, her pacifier falling out of her mouth. She untangled herself from the blankets, going to see what they were. Apparently, the fancy gift boxes were for her and Nee. They were congratulations gifts, on Shiro's 'waking up and Nee's recovery' from the other Queens. Fancy dresses in traditional Etrurian and Coriandrum style, little gifts of cakes and exotic fruit and a pair of glass slippers. Shiro stared down at them, she put one foot in, finding that it was surprisingly comfortable. They were low heels, a pair for her and a matching pair for Nee. Shiro tried not to make too much noise, delighting as she looked in the mirror. Nee was still asleep, Shiro thought, tired from a hard night of work no doubt.

Setting

4 Characters Present

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】

|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||




After the Red Moon meeting, Narcia felt exhausted. Too much had happened in one day, and she knew the work wasn't going to end just like this. There was much more to do, they still had so many things to work on and consider before Narina was dealt with. Waste too much time, and you just end up losing in the end, especially if your enemy was as powerful and influential as Narina was. They had a plan for moving forward, and hopefully that'd be enough to lead them to victory. Nee knew, though, she knew it wasn't going to be that easy. So she went to sleep fitfully, feeling unsure about the future, unsure about her own actions, unsure about far too many things.

Nee woke up feeling horrible and sick. Her dreams - she couldn't remember much of them - but she knew they were horrible, and they centered on her guilt. What she did to Kora, the unforgivable crime of killing her, Shiro and Cress's precious friend. Now she was just a vegetable floating in the sky, unable to do anything. Nee tried not to feel sick, tried to focus on what was happening in front of her. Shiro was twirling in front of the mirror, wearing some sort of foreign-looking dress. "Good morning." Nee said. She could move a little bit more than yesterday but she still didn't feel all that great. She'd still need the wheelchair, unfortunately. It still hurt as well.

It was awful, wasn't it? It was terrible. And yet, even with how bad of a person she was, Narcia still needed comfort. "Shiro, I.... can you overwrite? Can you make it better? Please?" She shivered, letting the ice down, only for this one person. Shiro was the only one who could see her like this, weak and vulnerable. "I'm sorry for being so weak. Once it's... once we're done... I'll be stronger. I can put the ice on once you overwrite these memories." So Narcia shut her eyes and allowed Shiro to take her to heaven, trying to do her best to give equal heaven in return.

Once it was all done, Narcia felt embarrassed yet happy at the same time. She still wasn't allowed to get the sutures wet, and she didn't have the strength to stand on her own, so she needed Shiro's help again. Nee got the sponge ready and handed it to Shiro, blushing furiously. "...I'm sorry for making you help me so much." She said quietly, shaking her head. "You don't have to, you know?" She really loved Shiro, so much that it hurt thinking about her pain. "Let's look for your parents today." Would that make up for her crime?



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❝Even now, the smiling savior is a façade.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#949495 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #B2AC8E】

|| Keshin || Asami Imai ||




For the millionth time, Una read her written speech, feeling sick and nervous. How could she do this? How could she play the role of someone so evil like this? She was nervous, it was awful, she didn't want to say such mean things. Even if Thyella promised that it was just make up, that it wasn't real, it looked real and thinking about people in pain like that made her want to cry. The Silver Princess wasn't ready for this at all. She was a gentle hearted girl, she wasn't suited for anything like this.

"The more you read it, maybe it'll change." Orthrus said with his usual cocky smile, a sardonic drawl to his tongue. "Maybe it'll magically become a speech about hope and peace." Una shivered. If only life worked like that, if only she could give a speech about forgiveness and acceptance. But she knew, of course. Everyone said it. Tartaria wouldn't respect her unless she gave them what they wanted. A strong, powerful, confident leader. She needed to play the role, no matter how much it hurt her. Just reading the words made her shake and quiver.

And finally there she was, Thyella and Orthrus on either side, her two most trusted servants, and her two closest friends. She was at a podium in the central square of Gehenna, in front of a large crowd of people. Una stood strong and tall, trying to act like a strong leader, wishing she really was that brave and powerful. She couldn't even look apologetically at Nui and Heron at all. "This is your princess speaking!" Una declared loudly - her voice only coming in loud because of the volume setting on the holo disc. "I have captured Ashians! Princess Nui and Knight Heron Cherubim!"

She made a devilish grin, one of triumph and sadism. "They will pay for their crimes against our people! For their roles in my father and brother's deaths! Beginning with them, Tartaria will have it's revenge!" Una wanted to cry, but she knew she didn't have a choice. She needed to forge on, she needed to show that she was here, and she would rule. "They'll learn that no one escapes Tartaria's justice! They'll show us their secrets, and bring life back to our desert! Tartaria will be strong! Tartaria will destroy all of her enemies!" She raised her fist in the air, just like her brother used to when he was making a speech, and Thyella and Orthrus did so as well, three fists rising in unity.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝A heart's a heavy burden.❞


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

|| Still Into you || Paramore ||




Cress stumbled a few times as Thyella pulled her on a leash. Her legs were protesting and Cress was doing her best to not let them give. Heron followed along behind, being escorted by two of the surliest knights Cress had ever seen. No doubt Heron could take them with one hand behind her back, but for the sake of the show, Heron wasn't resisting. She was keeping a watchful eye on Cress, no doubt pained that he couldn't help her every time she stumbled. It was terrible obvious that Cress wasn't completely healed yet, but hopefully, for the sake of what they were doing, it would legitimize Una's rule. Like this, no one would oppose her if they believed she really had orchestrated the attack and capture of Cress and Heron.

Cress winced at the sudden light at the end of the tunnel. They were coming out of the underground cave, up to a dusty amphitheater where thousands had gathered to hear the first announcement of their new Queen. When Cress stepped onto the stage, there was jeering and booing, people were throwing stuff at them, rocks, piles of hard desert dust that had compiled into stones and exploded into sand upon impact. Cress coughed, her knees weakening; when she fell they burst into cheers and Cress coughed, red dust invading her lungs. "Stop that, your new ruler is coming!" Thyella hissed and Cress looked up at her gratefully.

As Una spoke, Cress glared at the crowd. These were the people that called for continued violence, the ones who wouldn't let her live in peace with her garden. Her fire burned, brighter than ever as Una spoke to her audience. Yes, Cress would show them the secrets to reviving the desert, to making the land fertile enough to grow plants so that they would finally believe that Ashia Palace had no bad intentions. Or maybe they would think that they had one it on their own, by forcing Cress to work. At least she would get to spend her time as a fake prisoner doing what she loved, Cress hated being cooped up indoors.

Once Una had finished talking, there was a moment of silence and then, a roar. They were clapping, stamping their feet, shouting their approval at their princess. No doubt it would make Una feel good, maybe it would finally give the girl the push of confidence she needed to get up on her feet. Cress was yanked by the leash, making her fall over as she tried to stand back up. "Dogs have to crawl!" Thyella said loudly, a cruel grin on her lips. However, there was only sadness in her eyes. Heron made a show of trying to resist, but her attempts to 'escape' were quickly defeated. The binds on Cress's wrists were cut, only to allow her to crawl across the stage. They cheered as she went, tripping on the torn dress, crawling until they were out of sight and back in the tunnel.

Cress panted, grateful that she was allowed to crawl instead of walk, crawling was easier. "Cress!" Heron cried, they were safe from sight in the tunnel. Heron knelt down by her side, but Cress was smiling. "She did it." Cress grinned, "Did you see? She moved them. That's what a leader can do." Apparently there was a tradition in Tartaria when they caught a prisoner. Cress and Heron were put on a platform inside of a cage, too tall for anyone to reach, but just high enough that anyone could still see them from any point in the city. Cress was made to crawl there through the city when they exited the tunnel. She didn't mind that much, it was easier than walking. Heron kept getting prodded in the back, people tore at her knight's uniform, they jeered and prodded. Cress had a circle of knights around her, almost seeming as though they were there to protect her.

An hour passed in the cage, then someone came to get them. They were whisked away in a pod back to the palace. "I wonder how the others are doing." Cress said aloud. They had to get ready to go plant some more flowers. Finnley was there to meet them, wearing the uniform of a Tartarian knight. "Una's waiting for you guys." Thyella said, handing Cress a warm towel to wipe the make up off. "Let's go see her then." Heron lifted Cress up in a bridal carry then. "Heron! I can walk!" Cress protested and tried to get down. Heron shook her head, "No, you need to save your energy for later. There's a lot of gardening that needs to get done." So with a sigh, Cress let Heron carry her to Una's office.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


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

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




Shiro took off her nightgown and hung it up, then she disposed of the diaper, putting it down the incinerator and watching it burn. No, Shiro didn't need those, she was a big girl. She went back to the boxes, trying on one of the dresses. It was pretty and exotic, with long sleeves and a short bottom with a large, colorful belt around the middle. Shiro loved it and she wore the glass shoes, pretending she was some foreign dignitary and giggling quietly so as not to wake Nee up. "In my own little corner, in my own little chair, I can be whoever I want to be." Shiro sang to herself, closing her eyes and doing a twirl. When she opened them, she took off the dress and tried on the other one. This one was from Etruria, it was colorful, two pieces with a wrap that had little golden bells on the end. Shiro rather liked it, it sang when she danced and when Shiro did a twirl in the mirror again, she found that Nee was awake.

"Oh! You're awake!" Shiro said cheerfully. "How are you feeling today? Do you want any pain medicine? Corren left a whole bottle of it." Shiro went to Nee's side, the little bells on the outfit ringing as she bounced over to her lover's side. Being next to Nee always made Shiro feel warm, just standing by her side, it was like the sun beating down on them from the sky. It was a good kind though, like the warmth on a cold winter day, or maybe cold refreshing lemonade on a day that was burning hot.

Nee wanted her to make it better, Shiro took Nee's hands, nodding her head. "I'll do it, tell me what you need and I'll get it for you, anything." As it turned out, Nee wanted Shiro to override the painful memories. Shiro blushed and nodded her head. "Okay, I will," she smiled. "You don't have to be ice all the time, I like it when you're warm." Shiro wiggled out of the fancy new dress and put it aside. The pup crawled into bed with Nee, the two bodies throbbing against one another, the pup doing her best to please her intended. When the two were satisfied, the pup was panting. She lay with her head against Nee's chest, her body still shaking with delightful tremors.

Nee needed Shiro to bathe her. Shiro didn't mind of course, she helped Nee onto a stool in the bathroom and began washing her gently with the warm water, being careful to go over the stitches. "They look almost healed," Shiro said with a small smile. She started with Nee's back, scrubbing carefully. There were more love marks on Shiro's body, not that she minded, but there was one particular one shaped like a heart over her actual heart. "I don't mind, this is part of what love is. We help each other when we're weak. You helped me a bunch of times when I was sick." Shiro pointed out. When Nee said that they could go find her parents today, Shiro's face slowly lit up in a smile. "I'd like to do that."

Setting

4 Characters Present

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】

|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||




Narcia didn't really mind pain. Sure, she wasn't as acquaintanced with it as some others were - Cress and Shiro came to mind for how much physical suffering they endured - but Nee herself could handle this much. She didn't need pain medication, it wasn't necessary. She could still function to the best of her mental ability with the sutures in place. "I'm okay, it hardly hurts at all." She said, and maybe in the corner of her mind, the ice queen figured she didn't deserve relief from pain anyways, not after what she did to Kora. "But thank you for worrying." Did she really deserve Shiro's concern, though?

After a mutual session of heaven, the two girls lay together weakly on the bed, recuperating from the heights that their bodies had reached. Their bodies fit perfectly with each other, their shapes and sizes and curves all were perfect, fitting flawlessly, like filling a puzzle. It was just right, it was just the way it was supposed to be, and the anxious tremors left Nee's heart, at least for the time being. Nee felt like she was glowing, and with how much Shiro loved her, the pup was glowing as well. Shiro was and always will be the only one for her. "I'll try to be... warmer for you." Narcia said in a quiet whisper.

It was going to be hard. Ice was her default state, so not having ice felt strange and weird, as if she were walking around without clothes. She was vulnerable, exposed for all to see, but she knew she needed to trust Shiro with this, with her soft side. The girl deserved it, after all. Shiro was giving her a sponge bath now, as per the request, and Narcia wiggled a little. She was never going to get used to this, was she? "We're a team, after all." Nee said, talking to distract her from how strange it felt to be sponge bathed. "It's normal to help one another then."

Once that was done, Narcia wriggled herself into a dress, feeling a little worn out already. It was time to look for Shiro's parents, so Nee was helped back to her chair. "We'll find them. Nani too. Everyone you'd want will be at the wedding, Shi." Honestly, Nee wanted answers. She wanted to find out why Shiro was abandoned like this. Maybe in the end, she would never get a satisfying answer, but any answer was better than none. "Let's head to the control room." There, she would input the code for Shiro's DNA and run maternal and paternal scans to figure out the puzzle. Once there, Narcia began the scan, watching the faces blur past, until finally, two faces appeared, claiming to be the match.

"There they are, Shiro."



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❝Even now, the smiling savior is a façade.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#949495 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #B2AC8E】

|| Keshin || Asami Imai ||




Una felt completely overwhelmed when everyone started clapping and cheering for her, she had moved Tartaria one step closer, the people were bending to her will. Still, even with this, even though she had done her job, it didn't change a thing in her heart. Una didn't want to say these things and it made her feel like she was betraying her ideals. Princess Nui and Heron were made to crawl, they were put in the cage and Una just wanted to cry because she wasn't sure what else to do. Orthrus noticed and had Una brought back to her office where she didn't have to put up a queenly mask.

"I feel awful." Una said softly. She didn't want to watch them crawl, she didn't want to watch them locked up in cages and hated and jeered and humiliated. Una didn't like any of this and it made her feel horrible. "They're my friends... they came to help... why do they have to do this...?" Orthrus just sighed, looking disappointed it and Una was sad. She wanted Thyella's gentle kindness, she didn't want Orthrus's mean sarcastic biting words. "Then just run away." The butler said as he stirred cactus tea in the cup. "Sure, it'll mean Jezebeth can start a war, but at least you won't have to feel guilty! Sacrifice the world for your conscience! The perfect solution, isn't it?"

The Silver Princess shook her head dejectedly. No, that wasn't an option. She couldn't do that. Orhtrus smirked then, and Una wanted to cry more. "Then you have no choice but to sell your soul and become a cruel Princess, isn't that right?" Una knew it, of course. She knew this was her destiny, she knew all along. So then, why? Why was it like this, why did it hurt to say so many cruel bad things about the Ashians? Thyella then arrived, with the Ashians, bringing it Nui and Heron and Finnley to her office, gently shutting and locking the door.

Una hung her head, knowing there was nothing she could say to make it better. "I'm sorry." She whimpered, knowing she was a pathetic failure. "I'm... I don't. I never understood Tartarians, ever." Even though she was Tartarian born and raised, it couldn't be denied. Una was different from them, she was always different. "I don't understand revenge. I mean... I was sad, after my dad died, my brother died. I was sad. I get it. But I never wanted revenge. I was just sad." She curled herself into a ball of guilt and shame. "Just because I was sad, I didn't want to hurt the people behind their deaths. That's not how to have peace." She shook her head again, staring at the ground. "I don't... understand... why they want revenge at all...."

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝A heart's a heavy burden.❞


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

|| Still Into you || Paramore ||




It was much easier to be carried than to walk. Heron carried Cress into Una's office and the door was locked behind them. The first thing Una did was apologize, which was exactly what Cress had expected from her. Heron placed Cress down on a seat and Cress looked at the cup of fragrant smelling tea placed before her. "Don't apologize, this was my idea. Be glad that you've earned your people's trust." Cress took a sip of tea, wondering if she would be able to stomach it. Heron looked surprised that Cress had done it and she winced as she swallowed, her stomach not enjoying it at all. It was much too flavorful for her current palette, hopefully in the future Cress would be able to enjoy tea and snacks again.

"They say people can change, but is that really true?" Cress looked out the window. "Your father, Semyon, they both claimed that they wanted to change the world." Cress shook her head a bit sadly and turned back to Una. If they decided they wanted to fly, would they grow wings? I don't think so. You don't change yourself, you change how you do things. You have to make your own way, you have to create a way to fly, even while you stay the same." Cress looked down at the loose leaves at the bottom of her cup, she picked it up, tried taking another sip and winced once more.

"It's normal to be sad, I lost my father too." She had lost her father, her brothers, her mother, and everything she had built for herself on earth. It was all gone, like the sunrise and sunset, things changed, but people didn't. "You take what they've taught you and build a better world." Cress knew that they were running out of time, she had to get to work soon if she wanted to plant enough plants to make the quota she had set for herself. "Human nature is fickle, all we can do is try to be the best version of ourselves. Semyon started that way, but he lost light of everything he stood for when he became King. Jezebeth corrupted him and she's going to try and corrupt you too."

Heron tapped her watch then and Cress nodded her head. "I'll be back by dinner, unless Heron picks up the signal from the chip you planted on Astor." Then they would follow it to the coordinates and began collaborating to make a plan to take her down. Unless Jezebeth came to them first, they had a plan to take her down on the inside too. Cress looked at the little pill in her hand, the one Narcia had given her in case of a worst case scenario. Cress let it roll to the ground and ground it underneath her foot. No, she wouldn't be using that anytime soon. Cress wasn't a coward, she wasn't going to kill herself over a plan gone sour. They would win, they would show the world that peace could be achieved.

"Today we're planting red chrysanthemums along here." Cress showed them the plans she had come up with on old fashioned paper and pencil. The feel of it in her hands was soothing; back at home, Cress had always had an aversion to technology and the complex tablets and holos that they used in Ashia were a bit nerve wracking to someone like her, who was technologically illiterate. One of the knights raised his shield to block a rock going straight for Cress's head. She and Heron were wearing fake collars to keep up with the act, they were supposed to be prisoners after all. "Please don't disturb the captives while they work." The knight said in a gruff, loud voice that made Cress flinch and step back. Heron touched her elbow and Cress jumped. "You were saying?" Heron asked, concern in her eyes.

Cress breathed to relax herself. "We're going to plant them in color order of the Tartarian flag, I thought they might like that." She showed Heron the schematics of the dragon she had drawn out in flowers. "Hey, you're a pretty good artist." Heron said with a grin and Cress blushed, shaking her head. "No, I'm terrible, I can't draw for my life." Cress insisted and shook her head, kneeling down in order to begin planting. Why did Heron always say such weird things? Cress wondered as she pulled on her gloves and got to work.


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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 she was okay, that it didn't hurt at all and Shiro was relieved. "Okay, if you need any though, it's in the wheelchair bag." Along with the sedation drug Shiro had no idea about, the one that Corren had given to Nee to use on Shiro so that she didn't try to do anything rash while Narina was still alive. "You already are warm to me." Shiro said and nuzzled her cheek against Nee. She scrubbed Nee's back and went all around the stitches, making sure to get all of the spots that were sometimes forgotten about like the back of the neck and between the toes. "There! Squeaky clean!" Shiro said once it was done. The pup was covered in soap bubbles and washed herself off as well before wrapping both her and her lover in towels and doing her best to help Nee into the wheelchair and into clothes.

They were a team weren't they? Just the two of them, partners in crime, well, not really. Shiro didn't think she had ever broken a law, she had always been obedient. They were teammates! Yeah, that's exactly what they were and once shiro was satisfied with that decision, she dressed herself and went to sit beside Nee at the breakfast table. Shiro took a sip of her tea, noting that it was extra sweet. "It's good, I don't even need to put sugar in it." Shiro smiled, putting Ellis on the table beside her as she munched into a mini breakfast sandwich. There was sticky red sauce around her chin and she licked it, making sure it didn't get on the pretty dress. It was the dress sent from Coriandrum and Shiro really liked it, what with the large bell sleeves that she could hide her hands and Ellis inside of and the colorful belt with a bow in the back.

It was finally time and Shiro was nervous. Whenever she breathed in or out, her heart fluttered anxiously. Shiro picked up Ellis, wheeling Nee to where they would use the identification system. "I'm finally gonna see them." Shiro said, her hands gripping Ellis anxiously as Nee typed in the information. Nee typed in the information and Shiro held her breath, watching as faces flickered through the database. Her heart thumped in her chest, feeling as though it were going a thousand miles a minute until finally, it stopped. Two faces came into focus, the pixels straightening out to reveal two people, both with the same word beneath them.

DECEASED.

Underneath it was the information. She should have felt happy, the mystery was finally solved, they finally knew who Shiro's parents were but alas, it was all in vein. "They're dead." So Shiro would never know why her parents abandoned her then, it would always remain a mystery. There were more things, security footage of them, they had died recently, during the fire that had consumed the Rubble Tier and left both the Sanitary Tier and the Rubble Tier in ruin. Shiro looked up at the images, no doubt they hadn't been given a proper funeral, no one would have looked for or cared that they were dead. It was clear that Shiro took traits from both of them. She had her mother's delicate features, but her father's startling blue eyes. Her mother's soft wavy hair and button nose and her father's thin features. It didn't matter though, they were dead and what's dead was gone. There was no coming back from that.

Setting

4 Characters Present

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】

|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||




Shiro was always taking care of her to the best of her ability, wasn't she? The pain medicine was in the bag at the side of the wheelchair and the ice queen felt reassured, and also another stabbing of guilt deep in her chest. She felt inadequate - funnily enough - compared to Shiro's gentle love, her kindness. All Nee could ever really do was take things from her, right? Taking Kora from her, what next? What would she take next? "I should be warmer. I need to be better to you." Nee murmured, wishing she really could. But it was impossible. She wouldn't be able to admit her crime. Finally the sponge bath was done, and it was time to get to work.

When they arrived at the control room, the first thing Narcia did was input the data corresponding to Shiro's DNA. The ID Chips were always good at transmitting DNA back into the main database, so she'd be able to figure out the parents through couple matching and DNA matches. There were lots of faces scrolling by, and finally they fixated on one pair, a man and woman. Nee felt something in her chest. "It's your parents." Nee whispered in a low voice. "I wonder if they'll lik-" No. Oh no. She did it again, didn't she? Maybe it was better not to open the cat box in the first place, maybe it was better not to try and figure out the truth.

Sometimes, the truth was more painful than a hope. Dead. They were dead, they died in the fire that engulfed the Sanitary and Rubble Tiers. Dead. They were dead, for stupid political reasons, for reasons beyond any civilians. Shiro's words were simple, confirming what was said on the screen. Nee exited from the program and held Shiro close to her, worried for her intended, wanting her to be okay. "I'm sorry." She said, meaning it, feeling it in every pore. "Because of my bloodline's history with Tartarians - the fire - it's all our fault. Untouchables making the lives of everyone else into playthings."

It was true, wasn't it? Untouchables seemed to do this often. They make others suffer for their personal fights and squabbles and inner-tier drama. They always used proxies to fight their wars, sending the unrelated people to die for a cause they might never know or understand or believe in. The crimes of the nobles were always paid for by those lower than them. The guilt wouldn't stop rising. Nee than typed something else, bringing back the search program, and inside, every part of her soul was begging for it not to have the same result. Finally, she brought up Nani's face and showed the result to Shiro, hoping beyond hope that this would turn out better.



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❝Even now, the smiling savior is a façade.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#949495 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #B2AC8E】

|| Keshin || Asami Imai ||




The Silver Princess wished that the world could be different, that there wasn't always such sadness and misery mired into everything. She wished she never had to be a Princess, she wished her brother never fell for Jezebeth's foul temptations. She wished that her father never had a blood feud with Queen Narina, and that the two nations could live peacefully, as friends. She wished she never had the sanitary illness, that she could've supported her family and kept them on the right path. Una wished for many things, and none of them could ever come true.

Princess Nui was talking to her, telling her not to apologize, telling her to be happy that she now had Tartaria's support. Una shivered, trying to control her overflowing rogue emotions. "I feel dirty. I don't want this kind of support." But she couldn't change the hearts of those she ruled over. She couldn't clean out the violence and pride and replace it with something better, something gentler. That wasn't within her abilities as a princess. Princess Nui seemed to be saying similar things - you can't change yourself, you can't change the world. But you can change how you do things, and that was what mattered most.

How she did things? Una had to think about this, she didn't want to be a disappointment anymore. Una knew peace was the correct way for the future, and she knew at her current level of skill and confidence, she wouldn't be able to enforce such a goal. "You're so smart, Princess Nui..." Una tried to make a brave smile, but she wasn't sure if it really looked brave at all. "I... have to... do my best. For my f- no. I - the dead are gone. I'll... I'll be Tartaria's best Queen, and I'll do it for the living." Maybe if she said it aloud enough, she could one day believe it. Hopefully she'd be able to resist Jezebeth's poison, and fulfill the world she and Semyon always dreamed of.

"Okay. Thank you for everything, Princess Nui." Una said sagely, feeling a little better, a little warmer for the talk. Once Nui left to work on her gardening, Una felt the cold coming back, creeping up her spine. And just like on schedule, her holo rang. It was Princess Cumin of Etruria, calling to discuss the relief workers and the rumors of her spies at work. "Hello there, Una! I'm sorry about yesterday. I just felt like I had to be formal. I didn't mean to frighten or scare you at all." Una nodded, trying to show that she was already over it. "It's okay. We should discuss it, shouldn't we?"

So Cumin brought up a list of each of her spies, and which ones were where, and what they were doing. "There isn't as much resistance to help as before." Cumin said brightly, grinning like a cat would, lips curled up playfully. "The citizens are accepting the food and clothes and healthcare! They're starting to trust Etrurians more now." The Silver Princess almost felt like crying. This felt way too good to be true. "That's great, right? That my people aren't antagonizing your relief efforts?" Cumin nodded and winked, looking pleased so far. "It will be difficult, but eventually, we'll create peace. So don't ever feel like you're alone, Una. We're all here to help." Una wanted to cry again. Nui, Cumin -they were all going to help, weren't they? They were all one big team to maintain peace in the world.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝A heart's a heavy burden.❞


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

|| Still Into you || Paramore ||




A pebble skittered beside her. Cress thought nothing of it, she wiped the sweat off of her forehead, about to get back to work when another pebble skittered beside her, stopping. Cress turned to look, her gloves covered in soil. There was a kid there, a boy. He was holding another pebble, looking like he just might cry. The knights hadn't noticed him, either that, or they didn't care about such a young child. The latter was more likely. "Get back to work," of course they had noticed her, taking a break to look up at the fake sky painted on top of the cave using holographic projections. Cress knelt down for a moment or two, then, a pebble. She turned and the child seized up. Cress looked around, seeing that Heron was busy at work and Finnley was pretending to guard, keeping watch for any sign of Astor or Jezebeth.

Cress crawled on all fours, knowing that walking would attract too much attention. "Hey there," Cress smiled, whispering. "S-stay away f-from me!" The kid yelled, taking a step back. He threw another pebble, but it bounced harmlessly off of her nose. Cress held out the pebbles he had thrown before, "looking for these?" Cress turned the stones over, examining them in the light. "This one is igneous rock. Know what that means?" She asked with a smile, having no idea what she was saying. Cress wasn't a rock expert, she was a botanist. In any case the kid shook his head, looking like he might cry at any second. "I hate you, it's your fault Mom never came home. She went to fight and now Dad is always angry."

"It means that the rock came from a volcano." Cress took his hand gently, placing the pebble in it. "Volcano rocks are rare you know? It's not every day you come across them." His eyes widened. "Show them to your dad, maybe he won't be so angry when you tell him you found something special." He looked down at the pebbles, then back up at her. "Liar, these are just stupid rocks, they won't bring Mom home." Cress shook her head, sitting back on her knees. "They may not look like much, but it's what's on the inside that counts. These rocks, they harden over thousands of years, they start out as shards, you see? Hard fragments, but over the years they get soft and rounded. This is called erosion." She found a few rocks to show him some examples.

"Your dad is a bunch of little shards right now, he's sad because your Mom is gone, he's hurting too, but eventually, with enough time and erosion, the pain will fade." He picked up the pebbles he had dropped. "It's not the volcano that makes them special." The boy stopped, wondering why a volcano wasn't special. "It's what they've survived that makes them really cool." She ruffled his hair and the boy laughed, attracting the attention of Finnley. He stomped over, pretending to be mean. "Get back to work Ashian scum!" Cress could see him fighting back a smile. "Hey! Don't talk to ladies like that!" The boy kicked Finnley in the shin, then scooped up his pebbles and ran away.

Cress laughed as Finnley hopped around on one foot, cursing out the child who was no doubt running back home to show his dad some fake lava rocks. Another knight came over then, growling. "Knight Fin, you're supposed to be keeping the Princess in the circle, not getting kicked by children." Finnley nodded his head, "Sir yes sir." He said, getting back into formation. The knight grabbed Cress by the collar of her shirt, dragging her back over to the garden where she was in the middle of planting the garden. "What did you tell my son?" Cress looked up at him, then went back to work, a small smile on her face. "How cool rocks are."


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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 shaking, she didn't even realize that she was, but her hands trembled as she fell to the floor, hugging Ellis against her. Nee took her into her lap, hugging Shiro close, whispering that it was her fault, that their bloodstained history with Tartaria had caused this. Shiro shook her head, it wasn't Nee's fault, Narcia was perfect and amazing, she was all Shiro had. "It's okay," Shiro said, although it certainly didn't feel okay. No doubt the pup was putting up a show for Nee's sake, so that Narcia didn't have any stress. "They're dead and I never got to meet them, so it's not like things are going to be different." Shiro shook her head, trying to smile, but it was far too sad and broken. "I guess I'll never know, but it's better this way. Now I can pretend that they loved me."

Now Shiro could pretend that her parents hadn't willingly given her up, that they had done so in hopes of giving her a better life, knowing that her life span was already shortened. If Shiro didn't know the answer, but could now put a name to the faces, she could make up a bunch of stories in her head with them, she could pretend that she knew them, now that they were no longer blanks in her mind. There was no time to dwell on it, there were things Shiro had to do, there was a wedding to plan, hours to busy her mind with. No, Shiro wouldn't have to think of her parents, not when there were other, better things to think about. "I have you though and you really love me," Shiro smiled up at Nee. "That's enough, isn't it?"

They were searching for Nani now and Shiro hoped and prayed, waiting breathlessly to see where Nani could possibly be. "A house in the Tower Tier," Shiro smiled, "She's still alive." Shiro squeezed Nee's hands happily, her smile genuine. "Nani is still alive!" As it turned out, Nani was teaching at the Tower School in economics, she had gotten married and had two sons. All of that information scrolled up beside Nani's face. "I'm so happy, she was like a mother to me and all of the other child Narina were training." She looked as young as ever, with lively hair dyed silver and sparkling amber eyes, warm like honey.

"It'd be rude to just show up," Shiro wriggled. "Or maybe a nice surprise? Nani always liked it when one of us did well." Maybe she would enjoy seeing how Shiro turned out? "I should get her a present, she was always sneaking candies to give to us. Maybe I should get her candy? Or something for her sons?" Shiro wasn't sure, there were clearly so many thoughts floating around in the poor pup's mind that she could hardly keep up with them.

Setting

4 Characters Present

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】

|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||




It was painful, it was awful, Nee didn't want to see Shiro shaking like this, she didn't want to see her lover with this expression of pain and sadness on her face. Yet even when Nee blamed herself Shiro shook her head, she refused to blame her, she refused to see Nee for her faults, and said that it was okay. Then Shiro spoke, and it was incredibly logical - and maybe it was a little silly, but that sudden burst of logic surprised Narcia a little. "That's right. Since they're dead, any reason you can think of might be true. There's no way to know, so there's no wrong answer. Anything could be true, so you can believe whatever makes you happy." No answer was more valid than another, if there was no way to unveil the truth of the cat box.

It was true, though, what Shiro said. It wasn't as if anything was going to change, just because of this. And in the end, as long as they had each other, they could overcome anything. "We'll always love each other." She said with a tiny smile, a sincere smile. "Promise." Nani's information went up then, and it was relief that she was alive, that she was doing well. Nee, honestly, didn't remember much of the woman, but she knew she meant a lot to Shiro. She was akin to a mother to her - the only real motherly figure, you could say, Shiro ever had. Nani would count as both parents, then, wouldn't she? That would have to be good enough.

"We have a mission, Shiro!" Narcia declared, trying to force her guilt of Kora's fate out of her head. She already had the speech prepared, everything was in order. "A mission to find a present for Nani! And, of course, we'll visit her as well. Now that you no longer have to worry about being seen, there's nothing to worry about." Of course, Nee had her electric knife in hand, that could be put in gun mode for an emergency. Even with her body like this, Nee could still shoot a gun. She wouldn't let Shiro or herself get hurt again, absolutely not. Nee would remain on the alert, just in case.

So with a knight driving them, they went to the toy shop, since nothing was more 'Shiro' than buying a new friend for her old friend. "Nani might want an Ellis, right?" Narcia pointed out kindly, pointing at the wide array of options. "You know her best, so you should pick one out for her, maybe?" Of course, if Nani wasn't the type to want an Ellis, it was fine as well, they could simply go somewhere else. Nee kept her hands tense on her electric knife, though. Never know where Narina could be hiding.



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❝Even now, the smiling savior is a façade.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#949495 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #B2AC8E】

|| Keshin || Asami Imai ||




Tartaria was going to be difficult to pacify, but even so, it seemed Etruria was starting to work it's magic. Princess Cumin, the princess that could never tell a lie, was on the other side of the holo, being optimistic and bright and Una was afraid it was going to be infectious. Cumin was just so friendly yet somewhat ditzy at the same time. While she was sharp and intelligent, she was also surprisingly clumsy. Even now, the strap of her dress was half off, revealing far more of her small chest than Una ever wanted to see, and she didn't know how to point it out. Cumin probably didn't even care in the first place. "Oh, so have you heard? This new actor from the Western Continent is coming over, and he's supposed to have this amazingly awesome voice! It makes all the girls swoon"

Why? What was even happening? At first the talk was about something relevant but now it was completely random and all over the place, not even related to the current crisis. "Vesryn Hale, I think his name is." Cumin's eyes seemed like stars and she rolled lazily onto the floor from her bed, giggling cheerfully. "He's really handsome, according to the holopics. Here, take a look." And Una blushed because it was a completely naked picture of the man and she didn't know how to respond at all. "Do you like him? He's nice, right? Una felt panic rising, because she was just way too confused. "U-um, he's... okay... I guess..." The Silver Princess squeaked, unsure what the correct answer was.

Cumin let out a giggle and lowered her voice to a whisper. "I heard he had a girlfriend, and she died in the war against Aquarius." The Etrurian Princess was blushing and for some reason she seemed pleased about that information. Una had no idea why or what, and she could swear she saw a slip of the peak of the mound as Cumin rolled lazily on the floor. "So not only is he svelte and handsome, but he also has a troubled past! It's a triple dosage of hunk!" Una finally had enough. She didn't know why they were talking about any of this at all. "What does this have to do with Jezebeth?" The Silver Princess asked suspiciously and Cumin sighed, seeming saddened.

"I wanted to talk to you normally, that's all." Cumin admitted with a shrug, the strap on the other shoulder falling to reveal the whole of her chest, not that Cumin cared one bit about what she showed off. "Una, you're too stiff. You seem to have silly ideas about how smart and strong we are, and you think nothing of yourself. I wanted you to realize that we're normal people, just like you. So don't feel intimidated, okay?" Una blinked, processing what was said. So this was just Cumin's way of trying to reach out, trying to help her in her own way? "...I'm... I'm sorry. It's just hard. I don't know what I'm doing half the time...." Cumin laughed, sounding like a twinkling star. "Una, none of us know what we're doing. The trick is acting like you have it all planned out." She winked and Una wondered if it was okay for her to think talking to Cumin was fun.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝A heart's a heavy burden.❞


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

|| Still Into you || Paramore ||




"There!" Cress lifted her hands out of the dirt, wiping them off on her legs, as though that was an effective dirt removal system. The knights crowded around, they had been watching her plant all morning, no doubt their curiosity was piqued. "It's a dragon," one said, blinking in realization. "It's our flag, the damn Ashian planted our flag in flowers." Even though he said it gruffly, he was clearly impressed. Cress grinned, giving them her best peace sign, which she realized they were foreign to. "I only used the toughest flowers. For the center, it's called a corpse flower and it's the biggest flower in the world." Cress was very excited to explain to them each flower, although they were no doubt bored of her descriptions. "See this one? It's called the Plumeria, it needs hardly any watering and can survive in subtropical climates." They probably had no idea what she was talking about, but that was okay.

"For the wings, these are Magnolias, they're the most beautiful species of flower, there's over two hundred and fifty varieties!" Heron came over, sighing and leaning against Cress. "I think you're boring them Cress," Heron said, resting her chin on Cress's head. Cress's mouth snapped shut, the knights did look rather puzzled by her fast talking botany speak. "I guess when you can afford a fancy education, anything is possible." One of them sneered. Cress glared, "I didn't get any education from that woman. Narina didn't love me," Cress stood up, as though to challenge the knight. "You don't know what I've gone through, you don't know the scars I bear on this body."

The other knight were challenging to fight, chanting. "Cress, get behind me." Heron grabbed her elbow and Cress shrugged it off. "I can fight," she said, throwing down her gloves. It was her and that big knight now, the one who insisted on trying to twist all of Cress's words for his advantage. Cress's fiery eyes were alight with a challenge. She was a pacifist yes, but defending yourself and your ideals was important too. Besides, Cress wasn't just some fiery princess sitting high atop her throne, she was also Ellie's knight that protected her cousin from the troll that lived under the bridge, that completed fairy quests and sneaked desserts for them before dinner, she was Crescent, not Nui, not a Seraphim. Crescent Winter, daughter of a nature photographer and journalist.

His fist sung, coming straight towards her. Cress ducked, doing a combination of punches that would make Street Fighter proud. That's where she had learned after all, from one of her brother's favorite penny arcade games. While her technique wasn't perfect, she was fast. There was a problem though, her legs. Heron pulled Cress back by the collar to defend her, taking the heavy blow and returning one equally as strong, if not more so. "No one touches me Princess!" Heron growled fiercely, hugging Cress protectively in her arms as Cress's legs gave out. "I could fight on my own." Cress grumbled as Heron checked her over for wounds. "Don't be silly, what good is a knight if a Princess can defend herself?"


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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 happy, so happy that Nani was alright. Her smile brightened up the room and she took in the information excitedly, committing it to memory. Nani worked at the Tower School, her two sons were there on a scholarship and headed towards a bright future as an engineer and a doctor. It was all so nice and quaint, exactly what Nani would have wanted. With this information in mind, Shiro set off with Nee in search of the perfect present for her mentor. "We have a mission! We're gonna complete it!" Shiro echoed in song, pushing Nee happily as she sang. She pushed Nee to the elevator, then to an awaiting pod where a knight was waiting to take them. Everyone seemed startled to see Shiro up, they looked as though they were seeing a ghost.

"Shiro! Narcia!" Corren called and Shiro began pushing faster. "Don't look, maybe we can escape!" No doubt she needed her shot, but Shiro didn't want it, not yet at least. So she pushed Nee quickly, pretending that she simply hadn't heard him until they got into the pod. Shiro sighed in relief, clambering in beside Nee with Ellis. Shiro remembered her first outing after Nee had become Queen, they had gone to the orphanage and Shiro had tinkled a little standing in front of all of those people. She had tinkled last night too and the memory made her blush fiercely. Nee said it was normal when you were afraid and Shiro hoped that it really was.

The pup closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. Going into public was always a bit nerve wracking, Shiro was afraid of crowds and sudden large noises, the poor pup was like an actual puppy, easy to startle and make her whimper and cry. Shiro cried a lot, she knew, she wasn't a very good motivational speaker, and she wasn't that smart either, but still the people had accepted her. "We're here!" Shiro pointed to the store store happily. It was a few levels up, but the pup was excited to ride in the gondola again. She helped Nee into her wheelchair and grabbed Ellis, her trusty sidekick and pushed them towards it.

People moved out of their way every which way, looking as though they had spotted a ghost. Their eyes gawked and followed, prodding into their backs like knives that made Shiro stand up straighter, feeling as though Narina was about to call out to her for her posture. "Maybe we should get something for her sons instead? They're older than us, but they're super smart! They're gonna go to the university next year!" Nee had seen the information too, it had all been there, on the ID screen for them to take a gander at.

"An Ellis of her own..." Shiro trailed off, looking at the wall of stuffed animals. Nani was sweet and kind, just like Ellis. "Oh! I know! Nani liked to sew!" Shiro went over to the kits then. She browsed through the holos that showed each kit, trying to find one in particular. "This one!" She swung around to show Nee the sewing kit, a make your own stuffed animal kit. "Can I buy it for her with my money?" Shiro placed it gingerly on Aria's lap, then picked out twin lions for the twins and went to pay for it all. "It's on the house," the toy shop owner said with a grin. "I got worried when I heard you were in a coma, I'm glad you're awake Queen Shiro."

He turned to Nee then, smiling. "Please Queen Narcia," he bowed respectfully, "take care of my little sister."[/color]

Setting

4 Characters Present

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】

|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||




They were on a super secret mission to bring Shiro's only semblance of a family back to them. It was of absolute importance, much more important than tax laws or political maneuvers! The Ice Queen of Ashia Palace and the sweet Queen of Ashia Palace had to work together to escape the doctor! Although, realistically speaking, Corren was going to easily corner them once the mission was over and administer the treatment that way. Shiro still needed it, after all, but hopefully research on a more permanent cure would be finalized soon. "We can escape!" Narcia said, feeling less like a queen and more like a girl just having fun with her loved one. "Faster, Shiro! We can make it!"

Once they broke free of the doctor's pursuit, the two Queens made their way to the Tower Tier. It was good that she wasn't restricted to living under the cloak now, Shiro deserved to be in the light of the sun, not confined to an imaginary coma. The girl was best when she was free to wander as she wished, to go where she wanted. "Congratulations on your recovery, by the way." Nee said with a wink. "Now that you're free, we can do many more fun things together." The knights had no idea about the lie, and there was no reason to inform more than those who needed to know.

The toy store was there as always, and seemed to be Shiro's favorite place in the entire Tower Tier. There were lots of toys and other such things all over the place, and Nee's mind kind of glossed over them - they were just toys, so she wasn't exactly the most interested in them. If Shi ever gave her an Ellis, Narcia's first instinct would be to add functions to it with tech to turn it into something more practical. Perhaps it was silly, but that was just the way she was. And then her eyes widened when the owner spoke, saying something strange. "Little...." And then Narcia pieces the puzzle together. "Figures Nani would start a toy shop, huh?"

So Nani's family was probably behind this toy store - a thread of fate binding her and Shiro together through the pup's love of toys and Ellis. Nee wheeled herself closer to Shiro, and gave her a supportive squeeze of the hand. "She's the one taking care of me." The Ice Queen said with a wry grin, admitting the truth. Shiro did more for her than she did for the pup, no matter what Shiro thought or insisted. "Why didn't you say anything last time we came here?" The time they went shopping for the mule deer for Cress, of course. It was the same toy shop, after all. Still, Nee felt giddy, for some reason. If this was as close to a family as Shiro had, then Nee had to make a good impression, didn't she?



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❝Even now, the smiling savior is a façade.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#949495 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #B2AC8E】

|| Keshin || Asami Imai ||




It was time to figure out their next move. Astor's movement stopped, so it seemed that where he was in Gehenna right now - that had to be where Jezebeth was. The man was leading them right to their goal. With luck, this would be the end of it. Una was with her two most trusted allies, Thyella and Orthrus, trying to plot together their plan of action. Orthrus spoke first, giving his opinion in that abrasive way of his. "Sure, let's invite him for tea. That's the best way to get information out of him." The butler scoffed cruelly and Una shivered because she didn't want to torture anyone. "Torture, of course."

Thyella wiggled her nose in disapproval, then turned her attention to Una while she filled out the tax reforms since Una had no idea how to understand any of those complicated numbers and brackets. "I say we kill him, to send Jezebeth a message." Thyella said casually, as if killing wasn't a big deal in the least. "Kill him, and Jezebeth is forced to reveal herself so that we know for sure if she's Narina or not. Everyone thought the two were one and the same, but even so, there was still no proof one way or another, was there? "If it really is Narina, then we can get rid of her, or use her as an example, to show Tartarians that not all Ashians are like her, that once she's gone, there's no need for this cycle of hate to continue."

So it wasn't long until the three were travelling together down the underground streets of Gehenna. It was built under the ground, with pockets of areas with actual connection to the sky, but most of the city was underneath, with artificial lights and artificial sun. Gehenna was built like this in order to shield people from the heat and the cold, to keep them under the earth, and out of the sun's glare. Gehenna, as a result, was surprisingly cool, but as a result, Tartarians grew to have pale, almost albino skin, and silvery hair unseen in other nations.

"It'd be smarter to wait for the ashians." Ortrus pointed out once they already arrived at the place Astor was allegedly hiding out. Una shook her head, feeling a little more nervous than she wanted. "No, this is Tartaria. It's our job to clean up the messes here." The Silver Princess said clearly. She wanted to prove that she didn't have to rely on other people's help, she could accomplish this with her own strength, her own forces. Una was weak, but she wasn't going to stay that way. So they entered the building, breaking in, Thyella had her daggers out, and Orthrus was casually holding his gun in hand, ready to fire if needed.

But of course, it wasn't going to be as easy as that. In a split second, a bullet was fired, aiming directly at Una - but just in time, Thyella managed to cut it out of the air, protecting Una's secret, that her body here was just a hologram. "Astor, you're wanted for treason and conspiracy. Come out peacefully." The Silver Princess said, trying to speak like Narcia would, trying to exude a commanding aura. She didn't really accomplish the same effect, however. "Treason?" Astor's voice echoed out. "Isn't it you who committed treason against the Tartarian people?"

What did he mean? "He's trying to get in your head." Thyella whispered. Una could have told her retainers to go on the attack, but she knew she needed to keep them close, just in case of an emergency. Something smelled a little odd here, that much was certain, but other than that, Una didn't know much at all. "Instead of executing the Ashian dogs lie the scum they are, you keep them alive! That's against all of the principles of being a Tartarian! Your brother would have been disappointed in you, Una." The Silver Princess shivered at the mention of her brother. She didn't want him to - Orthrus smirked in that way of his. "Semyon would never be disappointed in you, he way way too devoted to you, like a creepy weirdo." Was it true? Una didn't know. She just knew one thing.

"We have to get out of here." Gas, of course. Astor was trying to distract them, talking to them, to get them to inhale the gas, whatever it was. They wouldn't fall for it. Thyella had a bit of a flush on her face from trying to stay awake and Orthrus didn't look much better. They had to get out right now. "Jezebeth, Una isn't-" And then another voice, one still yet unheard... until now. If there was a way to describe it, you could say it was like razors grinding in your ears. "Because she's not really there, Astor." Jezebeth - but she wasn't there, her voice was coming from a speaker. It was a trap all along. "She's still comatose, silly. This proves it."

So after escaping back to the office, Una felt lost and frustrated. Thyella was calling them, telling them to regroup at the office to figure out what to do next, and Una just stared blankly at the wall, feeling stupid for falling for the trap so easily. Because now, they knew. They knew she wasn't really here at all.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝A heart's a heavy burden.❞


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

|| Still Into you || Paramore ||




"Break it up!" The head knight stepped between them. The other knight that had started the fight, the one Heron had punched to protect Cress, was holding his nose, blood running between his fingers and staining the beautiful white flowers red. "Get away from there!" Cress yelled, she had just planted those! One of the other knights led him away, back to the palace carved out of stone to receive medical treatment. The head knight glared at them, Heron glared in return, cradling Cress against her. "Heron, I'm fine." Cress insisted, but Heron's grip tightened. "You could have gotten hurt, Queen Narcia would have, had my head." Cress sighed, "Nee is well aware that I can fight my own battles." Finnley shifted nervously beside them. "Let me see," Cress said, opening up her hand. Heron looked away, "It's fine," she grumbled. Cress sighed, "don't be stubborn, there's blood on your knuckles."

She reached for the first aid kit that had been sent along with them and wrapped Heron's knuckles, putting one of the gardening gloves over it to keep the bandages secure. "There," Cress smiled, "Better?" Heron leaned forward, pressing her lips against Cress's cheek. "Now it's better," she grinned and Cress rolled her eyes. "A kiss from the Princess can motivate a knight to do anything!" Cress sighed, "Just don't go jumping off of bridges because some girl told you to." Heron really wasn't all that smart, was she? "As long as I can enjoy the view," Heron smirked with a wink. Cress blushed, unsure of what kind of view Heron was referring to. "Alright you two, break it up." The head knight pulled them away from each other. "You're not done here and you've still got a few sections to go."

Cress crawled back over to her patch of dirt and Heron went the other way. She felt eyes boring into her as she dug her trowel in. "We need to go," Finnley suddenly said. At that moment the head knight grabbed Cress by the arm, yanking her to her feet. Cress cried out in pain, "Hey don't be so rough!" Finnley called and Heron got to her feet, growling. "Don't manhandle the princess you filthy ogre!" This was going to end in another fight wasn't it? "I've got the orders to return to the palace immediately. Come on," Cress stumbled as he pulled her, looking back at Heron and Finnley who were rushing to keep up. "What's happening!" Heron called as they rushed through the barren city. "I don't know, but the Princess might be in danger." He wasn't referring to Cress, but rather to Una. Cress broke free of his grip, stumbling. She tried to get up, but her legs had, had enough for the day. "I'm okay," Cress said as Heron knelt by her side.

"We have to go," the lights in Tartaria suddenly went out. The cave was dark and silent, save for the screams of the people. She could hear footsteps rushing in their direction. Heron cried out, "Heron!" Cress yelled, feeling a hand slide around her waist. "Don't touch me!" Cress lashed out, her eyes unable to adjust to thick, murky darkness. It felt like it was closing in all around her and Cress couldn't breathe. She had to get up, she had to go. "I said don't touch me!" Her hand struck flesh, it was grabbed and twisted behind her, she cried out in pain. "Oh sorry!" Heron yelped, grabbing onto her waist. "This way-" Heron was cut off when people rushed around them, pushing them apart. A stampeded of human bodies that Cress couldn't keep up with.

She fell to the ground, panting, curling up in a ball as legs kicked and hit, people stumbling over her in the darkness. They were rushing in the direction of the palace. A hand slid around her waist, no doubt Heron had found her. "Thank the stars, you're here." Cress breathed, unfurling from the protective position. "We need to get back to the palace-" a hand covered her nose and mouth, Cress screamed, faintly aware of something sweet tickling her senses. "Let... let me... go." She said weakly, her struggling stopping. "Don't worry Princess," an unfamiliar voice said. "You're just going to take a nice nap."

"Oh? Finally awake?" Cress blinked at the harsh light above. She was in a bed, her wrists chained. No, no, no! It couldn't be that situation again, she didn't want to be used like that anymore, she didn't want to be touched like that again. The person standing before her wasn't a man, but the enemy that she and Heron had come to Tartaria to kill.

"Jezebeth."


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


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

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




Was this glee? It had to be, the happiness Shiro felt while she raced down the hallway, Ellis on her lover's lap, pushing Nee in the wheelchair to escape Corren. Nee screamed to go faster and so Shiro pushed as fast as she could. "We made it!" The pup squealed in delight, seeing as how they had escaped Corren for now. Shiro was panting in the elevator, she slid down to catch her breath, coughing. "I'm okay," Shiro promised, standing upright. She would be fine, coughing after doing such heavy exercise was normal for someone with bad lungs. So had never been allowed to do things like run down the halls or skip gleefully when Narina was in rule, so her body wasn't used to things like running or dancing or being happy all the time.

Yes, now that Shiro was free, they had a world of possibilities. "People keep staring," Shiro noted shyly, hiding behind the wheelchair and her long blond hair. She had recently gotten it cut before having to go into hiding, so Shiro could no longer accidentally sit on her hair, but it was still an admirable length. "No more hiding," Shiro smiled, no more invisibility cloak. "I don't think I've ever seen the entire Tower Tier." It was quiet large, so there was really no way to see the whole thing, but Shiro liked how the city of Amethysia had been arranged, with levels that weren't houses stacked one atop another that you needed to take a gondola to get to. It had been neatly laid out, each floor and building distinctive from the bed, painted in a colorful rainbow hue.

Shiro's eyes widened, she was at a loss for words. "You're Nani's son?" She asked and the man smiled, nodding his head. He wasn't that old, a few years older than Narcia at least and he looked between the two girls. "I don't own my Dad's shop, I just manage it on weekends." He admitted and Shiro blinked, wondering if this really was fate. He was speaking to Narcia then, she had asked why he didn't tell her. "I didn't realize it was the same Shiro," he admitted with a shrug. "Mom used to tell us stories of the little blonde that always got into trouble." Shiro blushed, it was true, she had gotten into trouble a lot since she was clumsy and had almost zero coordination.

"Can I see her?" Shiro asked and the boy looked at his watch. "She should be going on her lunch break at the Tower School, they're doing weekend classes." He took the gifts that Shiro had picked out, "Let me wrap these." The nice gift bag was handed to them and Shiro hung it on the back of the wheelchair. "Thank you!" She called to him, "It was nice meeting you!" She took the handles of the wheelchair then, seeming to be bursting with excitement. "Isn't this great?" Shiro asked, her eyes glittering like a child in a candy shop. "I'm finally gonna get to see her!" After all of these years! Shiro hadn't known what happened to Nani, she had believed her to be dead. It seemed that she was going to have to ask a lot of questions if she wanted to know the truth. "You'll love her Nee! She's the nicest person, she's just like a mom."

Setting

4 Characters Present

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】

|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||




Shiro still was frail, wasn't she? She wasn't suited for physical activity, and a short race through the halls of the palace was enough to make her cough and pant. It wasn't anything serious, and the pup assured her that she was okay. "You're getting stronger, a little at a time." Shiro really was shining way too brightly, and Nee was afraid that this brightness would make her ice melt even more than it already had. Her ice was all she really had in terms of personal strength - without it, the Ashian Queen was nothing. It was her strongest weapon, her greatest asset. It kept her strong, untouchable by everything, it was what made her worthy of ruling.

It was odd being in public like this, without a large procession of knights keeping watch over her and Shiro. She knew there were some hiding in the crowds, staying close, keeping them in sight - just in case, after all, you could never be too careful. But otherwise, it gave them the illusion of freedom and adventure, exploring the streets of the city they governed. "They're staring at their favorite Queen, silly. That's you." It was no surprise that Shiro was the beloved Queen, she was the one they all treasured and valued. "One day, we should explore all of the Tower Tier." That'd be fun, wouldn't it?

Both she and Shiro were surprised when the truth came out. Nani's son owned the store, and he called himself Shiro's big brother. It turned out it was his father's - Nani's husband's - store, he explained as he wrapped up the gifts that were 'bought'. "Well, now you know it was her." Nee said quietly, feeling as if she was intruding on a family reunion. She did chuckle at Shiro's clumsiness though. "Still is clumsy, though that much was obvious, wasn't it?" Narcia said, a tiny grni on her face. She would focus on this so that she wouldn't have to think about what she did to Kora.

Shiro seemed incredibly excited, her smile brighter than what most people could ever accomplish, a smile that only the purest of children could make. There was a call from Una, and Narcia decided to put her on hold for now. Whatever it was, she could trust Cress and Heron to handle for now, they were more than enough. She trusted that they had the situation under control. It wasn't as if Cress were idiotic enough to put herself in danger, she promised that she would return, safe and sound. Nee trusted her sister implicitly to be safe and happy, wherever she was. "I can't wait to meet her." Narcia said, beaming, a little embarrassed to be showing this side of her in public. Most people only saw her frosted mask. "I want to meet everyone important to you."



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❝Even now, the smiling savior is a façade.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#949495 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #B2AC8E】

|| Keshin || Asami Imai ||




Una was so confused by everything that had happened, and she was scared because now, Narina - Jezebeth knew all about her. She knew that she was just a hologram, that her real body was elsewhere, she knew that she wasn't really awake at all. And that meant things were going to turn awful any second. Una wanted to cry, she hated herself, but she knew she had to do something. If there was a time to act, now would be that time. At least, until Thyella tapped her shoulder with a frown, looking harrowed. "Una, I'm sorry. The Ashians, they've gone missing. There's a broken lance, and..." Una felt her virtual blood run cold. No, no, this couldn't be happening. Why was this happening?

She needed to contact Riana, she needed to warn her that something bad was happening. Una called Queen Riana, but nothing. No response. She rang again but there was nothing. Fear and terror and dread filled the Silver Princess. "Please, Riana... please be okay." So Una closed her eyes and went into her holo disc that was set up in Coriandrum, and she realized that the disc was completely malfunctioning. She couldn't see or hear anything. It was deactivated. Una returned to her main disc, and shivered. "Nothig. There's nothing. I-"

And then there was a call from Etruria. With a sick feeling, Una answered it, and there was Cumin, and what was once Lyriope, capital of Etruria, was a giant fire blazing. "Be careful, Narina's doing something! She's out of control!" Cumin warned, her voice low and afraid. "She started a fire, I can't find my brother anywhere and - and Amethysia, there's a huge battle happening over there and I can't contact Queen Riana at all! Una, be careful, okay? Don't-" But then there was an explosion and the connection shorted out. Cumin was gone, and Una had no idea if she was even still alive.

Una had to think carefully. "Thyella, you have to go to Etruria, you have to save them, please-" She then turned to her butler, Orthrus, his characteristic snark was gone from his face, nothing but seriousness now. "Orthrus, go to Coriandrum, save Queen Riana, please, don't let any of them die, I'm scared!" She curled up into a ball, what else could she do? But neither of her retainers were moving. "Go. Please. Save them." Thyella shook her head and brandished her knives. "Think about it." Orthrus snapped. "It's a distraction. Attacking Amethysia and Lyriope to distract you from Princess Nui."

Una nodded, trying not to cry, but failing anyways. She knew. She knew what had to be done. "Save Nui." She whimpered and her maid and butler nodded and went off to action, letting the Silver Princess cry alone in her office.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝A heart's a heavy burden.❞


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

|| Still Into you || Paramore ||




The chains were cold against her skin, breathing was hard, seeing her here, again, the woman that had tried to kill her; her birth mother. "I guess the dead do come back." Cress growled. "We Seraphim are a very strong breed, you of all people should know that Nui," Narina said, her hand stroking Cress's spine like some sort of pet cat. "My name is Cress," she jerked out of the way, moving her feet in a move Heron had taught her in case her ankles were bound. Cress kicked Narina squarely in the chest. Her mother stumbled back, clearly surprised. "You have a lot of hell to pay for what you did to me." Narina smiled, her ice crawling down Cress's back. "Don't curse dear, it's unbecoming." Narina made a gesture and electricity coursed through her body. Cress screamed, feeling a puddle of warmth beneath her. Narina touched one of the burn marks and Cress whimpered. "Oh my, even with your mighty words, you're just a weak little girl."

She laughed, the sound like ice. "You're not human, humans don't hurt their children for fun." Narina shook her head. "You think I want to hurt my long lost daughter? I'm doing this for your own good, one day I'll be gone and Narcia will have become far too soft. In that case, she'll need someone to take over." Narina ran her fingers over Cress's chest and Cress stiffened. "If you think I'd betray my only family, you're dead wrong." Cress leaned up, headbutting Narina in the head. Narina stumbled once more and Cress quickly realized something. "You're metal." Narina grinned, "So you have noticed." She gestured to the wall of screens behind her, "So long as I continue to build these androids, I can upload my consciousness into infinite forms!" She held out her wrist, showing the port. "Why do you think I ordered all citizens to have ID chips? It's easier to replicate their conscious."

"You're sick," Cress growled in disgust. She felt another shock crawl up her spine and screamed, "You're much more durable than I expected. I thought you'd have died by now, not having a cure to your illness and all." Cress grit her teeth. "Us Seraphim are hard to kill." Narina predicted her move those time and side stepped it. What she didn't predict, however, were Cress's wrists suddenly being freed. Cress launched herself, grabbing Narina by the neck and twisting, hearing metal scraping against metal. "Don't do that, you'll break this nice model." Narina tsked, undoing Cress's choke hold easily and grabbing Cress by the throat. She pinned her against the wall, a skin colored finger suddenly turning into a knife. Cress screamed as it cut into the flesh on her wrist. Narina's fingers began digging around, her confident smile fading ever so slightly. "The chip, where is it?"

"Oh, you mean this?" Narina whisked around, dropping Cress. Heron was standing there, holding Cress's chip. "If you really think that I'd keep some sort of metal tech in me, you're dead wrong." Heron crushed it beneath her foot and Cress grinned. Narina's grip on her throat tightened and she coughed, choking. "I guess I'll just have to keep the real thing for myself. It's a shame, I was going to let you return to your sister." She dragged Cress with her, walking to what appeared to be a chair. Cress grappled with her, grabbing the chair and slamming it over the android, causing the wood to splinter and break. "Let her go!" Heron growled, running Narina through with her back up lance. "Cress, don't look!" Cress did as told, hearing the screech of metal and then something rolling.

Narina's headless robot body fell to the ground, wires sparking from its neck. "Finnley already deleted the program with Nee's back entry code." Heron knelt down, using her lance to pry open the place where the chip went into. "It's over," Cress smiled, breathing in relief. Heron nodded her head, "Yeah, it's over. Any trace of Narina is gone, the code deleted, Nee was very effective in her deletion program. I think even any mentions of her name on the online database has been erased." Cress laughed, feeling tired and weak. "We don't have to tell Nee about this, right? If she asks, you were the one that took the beating." Heron nodded her head, draping her jacket around Cress. "Well, since you're already wet..." She wiggled her fingers, launching a tickle attack.

"Stop! Stop it! You're gonna make me pee!" Cress laughed, pushing her knees together in an attempt to hold it. "Big girls can do it, you're a big girl aren't you?" Heron asked as warm liquid flowed out, puddling around them. Cress whimpered, her cheeks turning bright pink. "Gosh, you really are a little girl." Heron lifted her up, not seeming to mind the liquid. "We need... to tell... Una." The blood from the cut on her wrist dripped onto the ground, there was someone waiting for them, a man in a white suite with pristine shoes despite the dirt. "Astor," Heron growled.

"Oh my, it seems that someone has made quite a large mess. I know when I'm in over my head, I'll give myself up." Heron pressed Cress's head against her so that she couldn't see as it as Heron whipped out her lance and the sound of the metal rang through the air. "You hurt my girlfriend, so in return, I'm leaving you with a parting gift." His throat was cut, a life taken, just like that. Cress didn't see it though, her fingers were plugged in her ears, eyes pressed shut as she hid her face in Heron's chest to block it out. Heron put her lance away, carrying Cress out of the cave. "We did it, we really won."


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


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

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




Shiro wiggled, shaking her head. "No, you're their favorite!" The pup insisted as they went out of the toy shop. They were going to the Tower school now, where Nani would be on lunch break soon. Shiro's holo rang then and the pup wheeled them into the gondola that would take them to the school before seeing who it was. "Oh, it's Heron," Shiro said and since they weren't busy, picked it up. "Hello Queen Shiro, please tell Nee to answer her phone next time, we've been trying to get a hold of her all morning." Shiro blushed at the formal title that Heron had used, she turned to Nee then. "It's Heron, she wants to talk to you." The holo of Heron appeared as cocky as ever, her hands crossed, hip cocked. "What's wrong? Is everyone okay?" Shiro asked, full of concern. She stood behind Nee, wondering if there was bad news.

Heron broke into a grin and gave Nee a thumbs up. "We did it!" Shiro felt a swell of overwhelming joy. It was over, the battle was done. There was no more hiding, or cowering in fear of Narina. "Yay!" The pup was so happy that she jumped, losing her footing and tripping on the hem of her gown. "I'm okay!" Shiro promised, standing back up and picking up Ellis who had fallen. Heron cleared her throat, "Cress is sleeping now, she's been working hard gardening all day. Thyella, Finnely, and I have been working together to figure out where her base is. We chipped a man named Astor and he led us right to her." That wasn't really what happened, Cress had been taken and Heron had only remembered after panicking that she could use the chip on Astor to follow him. "Once that was done, we sneaked into her base pretending to be androids."

Heron smiled, looking as though she fancied herself clever. "Finnley uploaded the back door program, while I dealt with your mother." Heron held up a broken chip for them to see, the chip that had been missing from Narina's original body. "The copies were destroyed and by the time I got back, Cress was done gardening." Heron shook her head and laughed, "She's so clumsy, you know? As her big sisters, you better protect her Nee, I have a feeling that Cress is still just a child trying to play adult." Shiro looked at Nee then, smiling. "We won," she giggled, feeling like a kid in a candy store for the second time that day. The gondola stopped and Shiro wheeled Nee out of it, towards the Tower School.

"There she is," Shiro froze in her steps, suddenly feeling nervous. She hid her pacifier by tucking it underneath her dress, she didn't want Nani to think that she was still just a child. She was grown now, fourteen years old! Shiro was going to be Queen once she and Nee were married. "What if she doesn't want to see me?" All of the composure she had built up suddenly came back down. "What if she doesn't like me anymore?" Their eyes met. Nani dropped what she was holding, walking forward. Shiro froze, unsure of what to do. "You're here!" Nani sobbed, hugging Shiro against her. "You're still alive!"

Setting

4 Characters Present

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】

|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||




Heading to the Tower School. It felt odd coming here. A long time ago, Narcia wanted to be schooled there, she wanted to be in the same class as Aine, and to do everything with her, but her mother said no, her mother told her to stay in the palace and keep with her tutoring under the then head of the Archon family. He taught her, but it was lonely, Nee at the time wanted to spend more time with Aine if she could. But then Aine, when she came back, she was different. So in a way, Nee was retracing Aine's footsteps, trying to make her old friend proud. Aine wanted a world that was good for everyone, where everyone was equal. Nee hoped she was the right person to bring about that reality.

"Heron? Okay, hand it to me." Narcia took the phone in her hands as Shiro pushed her and smiled up at her lover. "I hope I'm not too heavy for you, Shiro." She didn't want to be a burden, after all. So Heron was her usual arrogant self, a crooked smile on her face, that obnoxious gleam. So Heron told her how it went, about Thyella - the maid? - and Finnley and everyone else tracking Astor to the base. Astor.... Narcia shivered thinking about him. She didn't show it, but that incident really affected her more than she let on. "Interesting..." Nee murmured. Sneaking into the base as androids? Would that even work?

Apparently, it did though, and Nee's backdoor program she devised for during the days of preparation seemed to have been successful. "So there's nothing left of her." Nee closed her eyes, breathing out. How did she feel about this? Nee should have felt relief but instead of that, it was just a dull sort of sensation in her chest. "Okay. Good work, both of you. She's gone. Alright." It didn't feel good. Why didn't it feel good? Narcia sighed at Heron's little joke. "She's strong, Heron. Cress is my sister, after all." Her tone went to a rare teasing one, when usually her voice was cold as ice. "Isn't it your job to protect her?"

Once the call was done, they arrived at the Tower School, and Shiro froze in her steps. "It'll be okay. Go to her, Shiro." Narcia assured her lover with a smile, giving a weak wave to the woman who took care of Shiro for quite some time, the one who rescued her. Nani hugged Shiro close and cried and Narcia poked her gently, still feeling weak. "Nani, I presume? Thank you for taking such good care of Shiro. She needed someone kind like you in those times. I can never ever thank you enough." Nee did her best to do a bow from her seated position. "If there's anything I, as Ashia's Queen, can do for you, please don't hesitate to let me know."



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❝Even now, the smiling savior is a façade.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#949495 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #B2AC8E】

|| Keshin || Asami Imai ||




Everything was going wrong, and Una didn't know what else to do. Thyella and Orthrus were out now, her top agents, and Una was left to cry alone on the floor. That was when a call came through. It was Queen Riana, somehow. Riana was there, and Una hastily grabbed for her phone, solidifying her fingertips - and she fumbled and hung up. "No. No, Riana, no, I'm sorry." The Silver Princess wept, and then she called back and fumbled again and Riana appeared and no, no, this wasn't right at all, she didn't look okay, she looked pale, she was laying down, no, it was over, wasn't it? Riana smiled on the holo, she was weak, she was shaking, no, no, not again, Una didn't want to lose her family again.

"Una.... I'm sorry I couldn't have.... fixed you. I already... I sent your body.... to Ashia... it should arrive... in a few hours." She coughed, blood from the mouth, Una stared in shock, she wanted to cry, she was so useless, why couldn't she do anything right? She was going to watch another precious person die, and she couldn't do anything to save her. "You'll be safe. It's okay. Just... look into my eyes. Una...." Riana coughed again, trembling and the Silver Princess didn't have any words to console her. "Let me... treat you like... a daughter.... okay? One last.... request for a dying... woman...."

Una nodded. She knew, she knew what she had to do. "Mother." Una kept her eyes on Riana's, she wouldn't look away. "Goodbye. Thank you for taking care of me." Riana let out a little smile and nodded and then she slumped. "Tell Narcia... Coriandrum is.... hers...." Those were her last words and Una knew it was too late. The Coriandrum Queen was gone, and her territory was gifted to Ashia. Then Thyella called, and she had grim news. "Una, listen carefully. We found Kail's body in Narina's base, he's dead. Cumin's brother is dead." Una felt her heart drop from her stomach. It couldn't be true.

"Then you have to! You have to tell her, you have to give her the body, Cumin loved him, you-" Thyella shook her head mournfully. "No. She called a few minutes ago." The maid said sadly and she was holding back bitter tears. "Cumin's dead. She... she's.... she handed Etruria over to Ashian control, as a last thanks to Nee for the help earlier." Una's eyes went wide and she shivered. No. Was this a joke? Was it a lie? Was this really how it was? Una quivered, and then she knew what she had to do. "We received word from Frelia, too. Their royal family was all killed. Safe to say, it was Narina's work."

So Una called Nui's number and she had to hold back her tears. There was one last step before the Eastern Continent was unified. Narina won in the end, didn't she? "Princess Nui. I can't. I'm not meant to be a princess. I'm not... I can't. I don't... I don't want to rule. I don't want any of this. I just.... " She sniffled. "Riana said Coriandrum is Ashia's. I'm... I'm handing Tartaria over. I can't rule. I can't wear this crown. I'm not good enough." There, it was official, wasn't it? Even if Narina was dead, her plan worked in the end. Ashia now ruled the entire Eastern Continent.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝A heart's a heavy burden.❞


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

|| Still Into you || Paramore ||




Heron was carrying Cress, cradling the Princess against her protectively, her jacket draped around Cress's shoulders. "Geez, how is it that you always end up naked every time I find you?" Heron asked and Cress blushed. "It's not like I'm the one taking my clothes off." She said as Heron suddenly stopped walking. Thyella was before them, her expression stoic. "It's done," Heron said, putting Cress on her feet. In that moment, Cress's holo rang. How had a naked person held onto their holo? Don't ask. "Una," Cress said in surprise. Her heart stopped as she heard the news. Riana, Cumin, they were all dead. Una was handing over her territory as well, putting it under Ashian control. "Una, you can't do that." Cress insisted, but the silver haired Princess was distraught and not listening.

Una practically hung up on her, the holographic image of her blinking out. Thyella crouched down, touching one fist to the floor. "Please, take care of my home." She escorted them back to the Palace in silence, sending a shiver up Cress's spine. "I'll have the doctor see to that wound," Thyella said and Cress held her wrist against her chest. "I can't imagine the pain Una must be feeling." Cress whispered. Cress had lost her family too, but she still had Ellie; Una on the other hand, had no one. Her mother and father, her brother, and now her surrogate mother, they were all dead. Her hands tightened around the jacket, nails biting into her palms. "We were too late."

The city was silent, the absence of sound deafening as they climbed up the palace steps. There was a stretcher there, waiting to take Cress and Heron. "The Princess is our first priority," Thyella said and Cress spotted the knights from before. They all crouched to their knees, one hand on the ground, pledging their service. A certain little boy was among them, he stepped forward, placing three pebbles on the stretcher. There were tears in his eyes as he ran back to his father and hid behind the burly man with white hair. Cress looked to Heron who shook her head, mouthing a single word. "Later."

As Cress was being patched up, Heron told one harmless lie to Nee, saying that Cress hadn't been in danger, that she and Finnley had done the hard work while Cress sat high atop her throne made of flowers and gardening tools. Cress was sponge bathed and dressed, a fresh bandage on her wrist. There were people waiting, a tense murmur gathering at the steps of the palace. Knights stood in line, holding out their swords to keep the crowd controlled. Cress hadn't seen Una this entire time, Orthus wouldn't let Cress close to the door to Una's office. "They're waiting for you," Heron murmured. She was in a Tartarian knight uniform, Finnley standing respectfully to the other side of Cress. It was one of those rare days, where Heron had held Cress down as Thyella forced the Princess into a dress.

Cress took a deep breath and held it as the doors opened. Her hands remained clasped as she took three or four steps to where the path dipped and began to descend. "Today," Cress started, sadness in her fiery eyes. "Ourania has experienced a great many tragedies, all by the hands of one woman." A woman so power hungry, that she would try to live her will through her daughters. "Jezebeth was a household name, loved and respected by many. She was a tyrant that betrayed the Tartarian throne and went against the treaty, murdering Queen Riana of Coriandrum and the Princess and Prince Cumin and Kail, of Etruria." There was a murmur among them, no doubt sorrow and pain. "The Eastern front of Ourania has been united under one flag, the Ashian Flag and I, Princess Nui, serving as a vassal for Queen Narcia, would like to personally apologize for the suffering and death that has haunted our two nations."

An endless war between darkness and light, Ashia and Tartaria. "From today on, the fighting has come to a close. Your families, your mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters, will no longer be forced to fight in a political roulette of power. Chang is hard, but humans are strong, we will mourn and adjust and finally, after a long battle, will have peace. Thank you and I wish you all a goodnight." Cress didn't hear the reaction, her heart was thrumming in her chest, she hated public speaking, she hated crowds. The only crowding that Cress liked was the thick trunk of a tree, crowded with kindling to build a shelter. This was not the same.


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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 no words, but she was happy, so very happy, that Nani was here, seeing her, hugging her. Shiro returned the hug, feeling tears well up in her eyes as she held onto the fabric of Nani's soft shirt, as she smelled the scent that was so familiar and yet, far too foreign. Nani was before her, finally, after all this time, and all Shiro could do was cry. "It's just like you to sob when you're happy." Nani said with a gentle smile, she looked at the Queen then, doing a respectful bow before Narcia thanked her, bowing to Nani. Clearly Nani was flustered, she shook her hand, her cheeks bright red. "No my queen! You mustn't bow to the likes of a humble servant." That was Nani, always the respectful one.

Shiro finally managed to make the tears stop, just in time to hear Nani's answer. "I took care of all the young girls who would possibly be your next lady in waiting, the crowd thinned and eventually, only Shiro was left." Nani placed a hand on Shiro's head, ruffling her hair. Shiro giggled and Nani smiled. "Shiro was like a daughter to me, I never imagined getting out of Narina's service alive, but when I did, I finally had the opportunity to build a real family. I married a man who already had two kids, since I could never have kids of my own." That's what Narina did to all of the females in her service once they became of age, she removed the uterus so that her female servants could never give birth.

Nani pet her hair, scritching behind one of her ears which caused Shiro to mewl softly, a pleasurable sound coming from the pup. "So you still have that sensitive spot?" Nani took Nee's hand, placing it where it was. "Scratch it," she directed and Shiro let out a little moan at the feel of Nee scratching behind her ears. "Nani," Shiro said, once she had regained her composure. Shiro took Nee's hands in her's, clearly very excited. "Queen Narcia and I are going to get married." Nani seemed shocked, of course. Two girls marrying? It was nearly unheard of. "But Shiro," Nani placed a hand on the pup's stomach, "you'll need to produce an heir." Shiro blushed, shaking her head. "Um, we haven't thought about that stuff yet." The pup admitted.

She looked up at Nani then, "I love Nee, I want to be with her no matter what happens and I'd like you to be one of my bridesmaids at the wedding." Nani gasped and Shiro went on to explain it. "The whole family will be invited! It's gonna be lots of fun!" Nani hugged her then, rocking her. "Yes! I accept! I'm so happy for you two!" Nani looked at Nee then, taking one of Nee's hand and placing it in Shiro's. "My Queen, I trust that you'll take care of her now that I can't." Perhaps she looked a bit sad, or maybe that was just Shiro's imagination? "She likes ear scritches and books about fairies, she's quite a klutz too." Nani laughed fondly, "and she'll get you into a lot of trouble, but as long as you two love each other, then God bless."

Setting

4 Characters Present

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】

|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||




Narcia watched as Shiro and Nani hugged, a reunion of mother and daughter, and for a split second, Narcia wondered if she and Narina could ever have hugged like that, full of tears and love and everything else. Nee didn't know why, but the ending to this war didn't make her happy. Narina was gone, Jezebeth was gone, she was supposed to celebrate - and she was happy for Shiro and Nani - but the truth was that she just felt cold. She felt as if something was gone, never to be brought back. Narcia didn't quite understand it, but she knew one thing for sure. She should have tried harder to reach Narina, and maybe none of these tragedies would have ever come to pass. Too many deaths, too many people suffered, and for what? For one woman's evil schemes? Nani was modest and seemed surprised at Narcia's offer, so that was funny, at least.

"A queen isn't by nature more important than anyone else." Narcia recited, remembering this quote from somewhere she couldn't quite place. "She is nothing without the love and acceptance of her people." So Narcia bowed again, keeping her head below that of Nani, her lover's surrogate mother. It was a cold comfort, that even in Shiro's hellish life as a servant, that she had at least one source of kindness. "I'll do better. I won't be like her." Nee said, a solemn vow, but in her heart she felt only colder. She didn't know why. Why was it painful to think of her mother's death? What were these tiny strands of regret?

She quietly nodded her head and scratched where Nani ordered, her fingers flicking and scritching against the skin behind Shiro's ears, drawing a moan of pleasure from her beloved. Then Shi took her hands and held them with her own smaller ones, the ridge of the sapphire ring warm to the touch, heat to melt the everlasting frost. Shi announced with excitement their plans to be married, to which Nani spoke, with a bit of a tease in her tone, mentioning the need for an heir. Narcia shook her head. "An heir may not be necessary." Nee said quietly, and her inner thoughts that were building up for a while went up. "I won't allow Shiro to bear a child, and I won't allow Narina's bloodline to pass to the next Queen." No, she had a different plan. A democratic plan, hopefully.

Shiro professed their love and Narcia nodded along to it, feeling her heart flutter at those words, but then another thought arose and Narcia wondered if her tainted soul was really worthy of Shiro's utter purity. Nani accepted Shiro's invitation to be a bridesmaid and put her trust in Nee to take care of Shiro, and the Ice Queen felt an odd thrumming in her chest, one she didn't quite know how to explain. Now that she had Nani's good graces, Narcia knew for sure that she hadn't done enough to deserve Shiro's love yet. But she couldn't, she couldn't say it, she couldn't break the pup's heart. "I'll love her, no matter what." It was a heartful vow, an unbreakable vow.

Then someone called. Heron again, and Nee picked up. Instead of Heron, though, Nee was invited to watch Cress give a speech. "Princess Nui." Nee muttered softly, angling it so that Shiro could see. Cress spoke then, announcing Narina's death, Riana's death, Cumin and Kail's deaths, the fall of Frelia, and Una handing the throne over to Tartaria, the silver girl unable to bear the weight. If anything, Nee felt even colder. "We messed up." Narcia whispered, teeth grit, hand shivering, and Heron nodded grimly, agreeing. "We did." The scarlet knight admitted, her knuckles white from gripping her lance far too tightly.

Once the speech was done, Heron held the holo to Cress, so the sisters could speak. Narcia wasn't sure what to really think, she wasn't sure what was appropriate. "You did a good job, sister." Nee said at last, knowing praise had to be given. "You ended the war, you ensured peace. I knew I could trust you to keep yourself out of harm's way. I never doubted you." She sighed, though, because despite this newfound peace, there wasn't much to really smile about. Not in terms of this, anyways. "...But I'm sorry. I should be celebrating, but my heart just feels heavy. Too much was lost." Peace was achieved, but it was built out of a pile of corpses.



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❝Even now, the smiling savior is a façade.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#949495 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #B2AC8E】

|| Keshin || Asami Imai ||




It was over. It was all over. Una gave up the throne, the Malachite family line was no longer royalty. Her cage, her body in the glass coffin, it was already being transferred to Ashia Palace, where no doubt a new holo disc would be made for her to live in Ashia and be able to see the shimmering grey lake Asphodel, the tall tower where the royals lived, the twin ships, Agneyestra and Garudastra. But Una didn't want any of that. She just sank into the ground and stared at nothing. What did Una want? What was there left, anyways? She didn't know. Her life had no purpose in the first place. Nui tried to tell her not to, but Una knew it was the right choice. She could never bear the responsibility of the throne.

Orthrus was there, looking at her gravely, and he looked like he desperately wanted to lend a comforting hand. Una couldn't, though, she couldn't feel warmth, she couldn't feel touch, she was just a hologram, barely hanging onto life in the first place. "Princess Nui is going to want to see you." Orthrus said softly, his usual biting sarcasm gone. "It might be good for you to be at her closing speech to end this tragic war." Seeing Orthrus so grim and serious like this just made everything worse. The Silver Princess - even if she didn't really deserve that title anymore - looked away from her old friend.

"I don't want to see anyone." Una murmured, her voice a low whimper, and Orthrus nodded, turning back to the door. "I'll give to space to grieve, and I'll keep Nui out." With that, her butler left the office and Una was alone, all alone, just like how she was always meant to be. She wished her tears were real, she wished her body was real, but she was just a fake, she was just useless. Maybe, maybe if she was smarter, maybe if she was shrewder, she'd have realized that Narina was targeting Riana and Cumin this entire time. Una was never the target, not once. Narina didn't consider her to be worth any thought or time at all.

And she was right to think that, wasn't she? Una shut her eyes. She had enough. She didn't want this, being conscious in this world was too painful, it was too much for a girl like her. She lost any semblance of a family, and she would never ever get that back. So much senseless death, so much sadness and misery, there was nothing left. So the Silver Princess took a deep, mournful breath. Usually at night, the girl just shut her eyes and imagined her consciousness fading - it kept her hooked in but asleep, dormant. This time, she would fully disconnect. Una didn't want to think anymore. She just wanted to go back to the dark oblivion. So Una imagined herself falling, and her form shimmered and faded into nothingness.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝A heart's a heavy burden.❞


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

|| Still Into you || Paramore ||




Cress's hands balled into fists. "Dammit!" They were out of sight now, having to keep her composure that long, having to stand in front of those people, to face those scared families who had no idea what the future would look like. Cress punched the wall, tears welling up in her eyes. "Dammit! Dammit!" Her knees wobbled, three knights ran forward to catch her but Heron was the fastest, easing Cress to the floor. "Your knuckles," Heron tsked, no one really mentioning the hole in the wall. "It's the Queen," Heron handed her the holo and Cress saw her sister. "Hey Nee," Cress said, trying to put on a smile, trying to be her usual self. It was hard, very hard, to find the good things in this situation. So many lives taken and for what? To unite a continent in a way that no one wanted? "Our mother was greedy." Cress said, her hands squeezing tightly, nails digging into her palm.

Nee praised her, but Cress didn't feel the normal warmth. Her words were ice, bitter and cold to the touch. "I didn't end the war," Cress shook her head. Outside, the Ashian National Anthem began to play, a sickening reminder of the new rule. "This isn't a win, those people, they all died and for what?" Cress made her resolve right then. "I can't come back home yet, these citizens, their Princess stepped down. People are going to riot, they aren't going to accept us so easily." Already there was discontent between nations, but now that they were united under one front. Cress closed her eyes then, an attempt to calm herself. "When the light was fading from my eyes and my heart was giving out, it wasn't death that came for me, it was love." Cress opened her eyes, feeling much calmer.

"What these people need is love and I'm going to show it to them." Nee apologized, but there was no need. This wasn't the victory they expected nor the one that they wanted. "Nee, I need you to send Kora here, we can use all the help we can get. Heron, my gardening gloves, we've got a garden to plant." Heron took her phone then, giving a quick sign off. She lifted Cress up, whisking her away to their room so that Cress could change out of that awful dress. Once Heron was done fooling around and Cress was actually wearing clothing, Heron put Cress in a wheelchair. They had an escort of knights all around, their ammunition belts and sword sheaths armed to the teeth with gardening equipment. "Let's go plant a garden!" Cress had given them a motivational speech only moments before. The arm bands had been changed to the rank of the Ashian military.

With this many people, planting a garden would be a cinch. Of course, that was only if they knew what they were doing. Heron was still armed, as well as Finnley and two other knights, Cress though that anything more was unnecessary. They marched in a procession, the people peaking out of doors and windows as Heron helped Cress out of the wheelchair onto the ground in the next marked area. They began planting around the dragon, a patch of spider lilies, a goodbye for the fallen, a salute of respect for the loved ones they would never see again. First there was one, a little boy with a pebble, then he ran, bringing back more children with bare feet and mud streaked faces. Then the children dragged their parents who told their neighbors who spread the word and a crowd began to form around the garden.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


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

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




Nee bowed not once, but twice to Nani and Shiro followed suit, keeping her head low in respect for the woman that raised her. "I'm humbled," Nani said with a smile. Shiro was ecstatic, Nani had accepted the invitation to be her bridesmaid and Shiro couldn't wait to involve Nani in the wedding planning. Wren, Nani, Ellis, they had all accepted. Shiro was getting excited, the plans were all perfect so far. Now all they had to do was compile a guest list. Queen Riana, Princess Cumin and Prince Kail, the entire staff from the castle no doubt, and the knights too! Okay, maybe Shiro had to narrow that down a bit. Maybe they should keep the ceremony small and personal? Only close friend and family? Not that either party really had any. Who would walk them down the isle? Which one would go first? Who would be seen as the bride? Would they both wear fancy wedding dresses? Shiro wanted to look up earthen traditions too, she knew of one so far.

When Nani mentioned getting pregnant, Shiro blushed and shook her head. "Um... if Nee wants it though..." She blushed even more, looking down at the floor and hugging Ellis against her. Nee explained that an heir may not be necessary and Shiro wondered what sort of plans Nee had for the future. Shiro wouldn't survive if she got pregnant, her little body hadn't matured enough, child birth would kill her. Shiro didn't know it though, which was why she was only adverse to the idea unless it was something that Nee would want to consider. She couldn't lie though, Shiro had to admit that it was a relief and a small sigh escaped her. Shiro looked down at her stomach, it was flat, sometimes a bit bloated if she drank too much tea or ate a big meal. Shiro had once asked Narina what it was like to have a baby and Narina had answered that it was the worst nine months of her life. To her credit, however, she was carrying twins.

Nee said that she would love her no matter what happened and Nani smiled. "I'm sure Shiro feels the same. It's going to be lovely having two rulers who are truly in love and not simply putting up a ruse for the expense of the country." Nani pat Shiro's head lovingly one last time. "I'll be seeing you again Shiro, so for now I'll only say that I'll see you later." Shiro gave her one last hug, taking in Nani's scent. "I'll see you soon, now that I know that your husband owns the toy shop, I'll be sure to visit!" Shiro showed Nani Ellis. "Xion got Ellis for me." Nani smiled and Shiro handed her the gift. "This is for you," Nani's eyes widened slightly and she laughed. "You didn't have to get me anything silly." Shiro blushed and looked at the ground, "I wanted to, to thank you for everything."

The school bell rang, Nani had to go. At the same time, Nee's phone went off and the news was given, Queen Riana, Princess Kail, and Una too. All of their land had been given to Ashia. Shiro didn't know what to think or say, she knew that they had to go though. This news was going to spread like wildfire, they had to return to the castle. Shiro pushed Nee to the pod and helped her in, the knight starting to drive back to the castle. Nee didn't seem happy, they had the entire eastern continent now and yet, for the first time, Narcia felt cold. Shiro shivered, this was something that she wasn't used to.

"Nee," Shiro whispered, afraid to touch her. She hugged Ellis against her, "What's going to happen now?"

Setting

4 Characters Present

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】

|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||




Narcia shook her head at Shiro's ridiculous proposition. Being pregnant? There was no way that would ever happen, not to herself or Shiro. It was insane to even entertain the thought. "You're mine. I'm not letting a man's sperm into your body, Shi. Only I'm allowed to touch you." She said, her possessiveness coming out, but then the ice queen blushed slightly and avoided Nani's piercing gaze. She wasn't acting how a Queen should at all. It was hard to keep her ice up around Shiro, Shiro was just way too radiant and warm for her ice to survive that puppy-like smile. No, ruling by birth would be abolished once Nee could think of a different system, a more reliable system of governance. Blood alone didn't guarantee the ability to rule, after all. Just because she wanted to be a good ruler didn't mean her child was going to do the job well. Rulership should be based on ability, rather than blood.

Two rulers in love rather than a ruse. That definitely struck a chord. There was no love in Azel and Narina's affair, after all. Narina only married him because he was, at the time, the highest ranking military official and a son of a prestigious noble house. Marrying him was a good political move, since it tied the Knights closer and closer to the political side of Ashia in the first place, rather than just a self defense and police force. Conversely, Azel was in love with his childhood friend and servant, Galizur, but since same sex marriage was banned, the couldn't have their love recognized. Azel was chosen to marry Narina, and in exchange Galizur was lifted from servitude and Narina turned a blind eye to the two men's love.

Once Nani left to return to her school, Nee and Cress had their talk, with Shiro taking them back to the palace, one step at a time. Cress's speech was powerful, and there was weight behind her words. "She caused a mess and now we're the only ones left to clean it up." Nee muttered, her voice coming through like a low pained hiss. With the Eastern Continent now under Ashia's banner, there was a lot of work to do, and a lot of disparate people who would need help and guidance. Still, Nee didn't know why she wasn't at the very least relieved that her mother was dead. No, she wasn't happy at all that her mother was gone, even though logically, she knew her mother was scum.

Cress said that she couldn't come home yet, said that there was a lot more work to do, and many bereaved people that she had to help. It made sense, though Nee sorely missed her sister. This entire war was senseless, and now most of the royals were gone as well. "Do your best." Nee said, knowing she wasn't going to be much help in that regard. What was said next was like a lightning bolt to the chest, though. Kora. Was she going to have to tell the truth? Nee wanted to avoid this for as long as she could... but Kora's signs weren't improving, and she could very well die for real. "Sister. Call Itward, he'll tell you what you need to know about transferring Kora to Gehenna" Narcia's voice quivered and she added in a hushed whisper so Shiro wouldn't hear. "Please don't hate me." With that she ended the call.

What was going to happen next? There were a lot of variables, that's for sure. Too many unknowns to really say for sure, but an educated guess wouldn't hurt. "A lot of chaos." Narcia explained, her voice cold and chilly, not that she intended it. "Other than us, all the royals are gone. Now, instead of caring for Ashians, we also have to worry about Frelians, Etrurians, Tartarians, Coriandrumians. All of which have their own culture, their own laws, their own customs, and it's our job to put it all together into one cohesive nation." Narcia grit her teeth. "And that's just the tip of the iceberg."



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❝Even now, the smiling savior is a façade.❞

【ɗιαƖσgΟ…Ρ” cσƖσя:#949495 β™™ тнσυgΠ½Ρ‚ cσƖσя #B2AC8E】

|| Keshin || Asami Imai ||




After Princess Nui's speech, Thyella returned to Jezebeth's lair. There was something left here that didn't deserve to be forgotten. She wouldn't allow for that, it was too sad like that. Allowing Orthrus to tend to Princess Una for the time being, Thyella went to Jezebeth's hideout, scouring until she found what she was looking for. The executed corpse of the young Prince Kail. Thyella held the too-small body in her arms, carrying him out. He looked to be asleep, peaceful. Poison was used, a merciful death at least. "I'll send you to be buried with your sister, in your homeland." The maid whispered, making the arrangements for the transfer. "Siblings should be together."

Once that was done, Thyella's holo received a call from Orthrus, her fellow servant under Una. His voice was lacking his usual snark, and that always set Thyella on alarm mode, her hands tightened on the knives hidden in her sleeves. Princess Una vanished, according to Orthrus. "She went back to sleep. She disconnected from the holo disc." The butler didn't sound pleased at all, but it made sense. "Una lost too much." The maid muttered as she exited the lair, Etrurian Prince in hand. "Her whole family, gone, and even Riana, her surrogate mother. Let her sleep."

So after sending Kail off to be with Cumin, Thyella and Orthrus regrouped with Princess Nui, who was hard at work making a memorial garden with her knight's procession. The maid and butler both went to their knees in front of their new Princess, not as Tartarian servants, but as Ashians. There were things that needed to be discussed, after all. "Princess Nui." Orthrus said, and they both honored the fiery princess. "As you know, Princess - I apologize - Una Malachite's real body is being sent to Ashia Palace." Orthrus explained. It hurt, Una was no longer a princess, just another girl now.

"Una's in a lot of pain." Orthrus continued, because Thyella couldn't bring herself to speak. "Emotionally. We failed as her servants, so both Thyella and I have decided to give jurisdiction of her life to you, Princess Nui." Thyella added her own words then. "...You can keep trying to cure her, or you can let her go to sleep and go to the rest of her family. The choice is yours." Another topic to discuss, and perhaps of less importance, was brought up to the table. "Now that we no longer have a master, us servants are also purposeless." Thyella shrugged helplessly. "Where do we go now?" She asked, sounding more like a lost child than anything else. Where did they belong now? Was there a place for them in this world?

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝A heart's a heavy burden.❞


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

|| Still Into you || Paramore ||




They had to call Itward, but Cress would let Heron handle that. They needed Kora here, after facing her mother for the last time, Cress realized something. Love was the way to beat this. Sure, they were feeling down now, but watching the knights get on their hands and knees in tribute to the fallen, it was heart warming. The crowd came to watch, some asking knights what they could do, a certain little boy and his father, the head of what was once the Tartarian Knights, kneeling before Cress, one hand pressed to the ground. "Please Princess, tell us what we can do." Cress sat up and smiled, directing them to a sheet of pansies. "Would you mind planting these? They're pansies and are very delicate. So please treat them like you would your own son." The knight nodded, picking up the purple flower cartons and taking them to where Cress had pointed.

She smiled, seeing father and son bond, remembering how her father bonded with the twins. All because of some fake lava rocks. There was dust and dirt and a painted desert sun beating down on them, the sound of silence turned to laughter, friends helping one another to turn soil, to put down bags of plant nutrients and plant flowers. They were building a garden, not just of flowers, but of food and kinship. People were laughing, their tears turning to smiles over a couple of daffodils, the pain overturning thanks to a couple of chrysanthemums. It was exactly the kind of peace that Cress wanted to spread. She sighed, smiling as she wiped sweat from her brow. Heron was talking excitedly to Itward, no doubt updating him on their most recent adventure and finding out when Kora could be transferred there.

Just like Nee told her to, Cress was going to do her best. When Cress next looked up, there were two standing before her. Una's vassals, Thyella and Ortherus. It was clear that they were in pain, the two of them looking greatly saddened. "What's wrong?" Cress asked, a pit dropping in her stomach. So Una was being sent to Ashia? No doubt Nee was getting ready to receive her body then, clearing a space for the glass coffin that Una slept in. So Una was in pain? Yet she was being forced to live. Cress wished she could look up at the sky, the real sky, not the one painted in a motif across the ceiling. Although it was rather nice, Cress missed the sun. "Please, just call me Cress. Nui is the name Narina gave me." She felt more comfortable using her earth given name.

"I think it'd be best if we let Una rest among the stars." Cress looked around, pulling out a beautiful flower that looked like a nighttime sky. "I'll be planting these in her honor." She said, hoping that the tribute would be enough. No doubt Una would be going to the same resting place as her mother, while her father and brother would rot for all eternity. No, there was no tribute for monsters. Una's story was one of tragedy, even if she was cured, she would have to do countless hours of therapy to return her body to functioning order and even then, there was no guarantee that she would get to live without an attendant. No doubt Una would need constant supervision and would be at risk for falling or injuring herself.

There was one more item to discuss. Thyella and Ortherus, they had no idea where to go now that their Mistress was gone. Like lost puppies, they had come to Cress in order to seek advice. If there was one thing Cress wasn't good at, it was advice. "You aren't purposeless." Cress stood, stepping over the greenery to them. "Rise to your feet," she took each of their hands, making them stand upright, removing the collars that shackled them to the throne. "You are free, your life is whatever you want to make of it." Cress smiled warmly, "From here on, there will be no being ordered how to dress or when to speak, you don't have to do anything you don't want to and if you still want to serve, then Ashia Palace is always hiring." Cress winked.


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❝Yes Mistress.❞


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

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




They were in the pod, returning to the palace. Nee looked nervous, her hands were shaking, she seemed almost cold. How ironic for the ice queen to catch a chill. "Are you okay?" Shiro asked, putting a hand on Nee's forehead to take her temperature. It felt cool though, normal. Shiro asked what was going to happen next and Nee seemed uncertain. Chaos. The news was beginning to spread, Shiro could see the effects of it taking hold already, a mixture of emotions in the crowd. Shock, fear, uncertainty, happiness, pain, they were all there, worn on the faces of Ashia's citizens. "It's already begun," they headed up the tunnel, no doubt now, the Rubble and Sanitary Tiers wouldn't have to live in ruin. They could move out, spread their wings, build houses and families without fear of too little space or resources.

"We're the only ones..." they were in front of the palace now and a crowd was beginning to form. Protesters, protesters protesting the new rule. "There's a lot of them," Shiro whimpered, squeezing her legs together since the pup was afraid of crowds and didn't want to have another accident in the same week. "I'm scared," the knights escorted them inside, into the safety of the castle. Xion was waiting for them, a grim look on her face. "There are riots breaking out, the people, they don't want to accept the Ashian rule." Shiro knew that she was useless in this situation, military was not something that the pup was very good at.

"What if you made a speech acknowledging their deaths?" Shiro asked, taking a page out of Cress's book again. "That kept Tartaria under control. Maybe if you explain to the people what happened they won't be as upset?" Shiro couldn't make speeches, but Nee could. Shiro was afraid of things like public speaking, she had frozen up at the ball and had nearly tinkled just sitting in the car. If Nee wanted Shiro by her side though, Shiro would stand there and hold her hand and imagine the audience wearing funny hats so that she didn't have to see what they really looked like. Shiro wiggled, wondering what they thought of the idea. "There you are!" Corren yelled and Shiro jumped, hiding behind the wheelchair.

While Corren marched towards them, Maven came from behind and Shiro squeaked as he held her shoulder down and plunged the pen into it, injecting the contents. "Owie," Shiro whimpered as Corren caught up and put a bandage on it. "I've received word from Heron, Koryha was in a terrible incident and I'm making space for her in the royal sick bay." That was the bay Corren worked in after all, so he would receive Kora there. Corren almost seemed detached from his emotions as he described the process he was going to use to treat Kora. Apparently, Kora had been vegetative for two days, which luckily, would cause her no damage other than maybe some mild neediness. It was like sleeping off a hangover, whatever that as.

"Please, take care of my friend." Shiro said, holding Ellis tightly against her. Corren nodded his head and handed Shiro a lollipop. "You have a lot of work to do," he said and Shiro nodded her head, knowing that they had their work cut out for them. "We know, we're getting started." Shiro tried not to cry, her bottom lip quivered and so the pup put her pacifier in her mouth so as not to burst into tears.

Setting

4 Characters Present

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】

|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||




They were on their way back to the palace now, and her call with her sister, Cress had ended. Nee was nervous, anxious, she was afraid, she didn't know what to do. This could spell disaster, Cress was going to find out the truth to Kora's decision. That was when her holo came up, Itward sent her a text message, told her that he would lie, that Corren was informed of the truth, and as long as all six of the secret keepers ( Narcia, Itward, Kora, Aya, Corren, and Benkov) kept the secret, the truth would become the lie - the truth would change and become whatever they agreed on, as long as the real truth remained shrouded in uncertainty and lies. The power of consensus reality. It's magic will keep the truth covered in fog.

Things were already heating up. The chaos that Narcia predicted was beginning. Shiro seemed nervous as she watched the protests and the crowds, so Nee pressed herself closer to her lover. "We'll rise above this chaos." The Ice Queen said, a sacred vow, made true by a kiss on the ring. They would work together, and with love, be able to assure peace, somehow, in this fragmented, chaotic world. "So don't be afraid." There was a lot of sad people, a lot of frustrated, but there was nothing they could do except do their best. You couldn't save everyone. Trying to do so caused this mess.

A speech to acknowledge their deaths. The ice queen thought silently about Shi's suggestion. Would it work? When people demanded answers for the chaos like this, what they weren't looking for was the truth. What they wanted was something to blame, to throw their frustration and anger at, even if it was a lie. Whatever Nee said wouldn't matter, as long as she delivered an agent to be blamed. Nee knew her mother was the perfect scapegoat for this. There was already plenty of enmity towards her, after all. "I should. I'll plan one once we return home." Nee said quietly, already plotting out the words to make it work.

After Shiro's injection, Corren proceeded to explain about Kora's accident, and Nee knew he was lying. The truth would be concealed, Kora's true predicament wouldn't be revealed. "As soon as possible. Once she's recovered, you should send her to Tartaria to my sister." Corren nodded, giving Shiro a lollipop. Nee squeezed her lover's hand from the wheelchair, knowing that it was better for her sake that Shiro never found out the truth. "Shi, let's go back to the Playground while I organize my thoughts for the speech." Nee said, words running together in her head to make up a truth that would satisfy the masses.


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❝Come up to the stage? Are you trembling with fear or excitement?❞

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

|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||




Corren got to work. The girl was delivered, Korhya Filia, the girl he liked - though he'd never tell her, since he knew it'd never be requited. The girl was used in an experiment, but he was told to keep it a lie, to not tell anyone. A fake truth was created, and Corren wasn't sure if it was of his brother's or Narcia's crafting, but whatever the case, he agreed. Bringing the truth out would just cause further instability in this new fragile peace in the midst of the unification of the Eastern Continent. After the two Queens left, Corren started the procedure to bring Kohrya back to the world of the living.

It was a complicated process, but finally he got to the final stages. He slowly and steady raised the girl's bodily temperature, knowing that Korhya had given her consent for this experiment to be carried out. Still, the lie wasn't allowed to go out, at any cost. He would have to inform her, and Corren was afraid that Kohrya would, in her usual manner, respond with poison and anger and lash out like she always did. Once her temperature was raised, the brain activity started to rise back up, a strange surge of electricity shot up from the port implanted in her arm, towards the brain, and her body twitched.

Finally, as if it was a miracle, Kohrya Filia awoke. Her eyes opened and she blinked and puked and then coughed and choked because her body was weak after the sleep. Korhya opened her small mouth, stared at her two arms, cradled her head and let out a strange, weak sort of moan. The scholar knew it was time. "You're awake. It's been two days." And so, Corren went to it. He told her everything she needed to know - about the political affair in Tartaria, about the fall of the foreign nations, about Cress and Heron being in Tartaria and the deaths of Narina and the unification of the Eastern Continent, and most importantly, about the lie and the importance to keep it.

The girl blinked in confusion, as if she didn't understand one fundamental concept. "Co... Corren? Corren Archon?" The girl asked in a weak, quiet voice, far too weak and frail to be the roughshod Kora everyone knew and recognized. "Why am I in my sister's body?" Corren froze. Had he really - he reached for the plastic packet containing the chip, and then he realized. He forgot to replace Aya's chip with Kora's. So despite everything that had happened, Narcia's transfer still worked out as planned? He didn't know if he wanted to laugh or cry. But it was too dangerous to do another transfer, because based on the scans, her brain was reliant on the data from the chip now. If a replacement was done, Kora - no, Aya would need to undergo another procedure, and it was too risky at this point to attempt.

"Where is Kora? Where's my sister? This is her body, isn't it? What... what did you do? What did you do to her?"

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝A heart's a heavy burden.❞


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

|| Still Into you || Paramore ||




"Cress," Heron was walking over. Her expression was grim, she knelt beside Cress in the dirt, taking her gloved hands. "What is it? What's wrong?" Heron was almost never serious, the fact that she had just gotten off the phone with her brother made Cress nervous. "There's been an accident. Kora... she can't join us for a while." Cress's eyes widened, terror struck her heart. "What do you mean?" Cress asked, feeling fear plunge into the pit of her stomach. "Itward won't go into detail as to what happened, but apparently, Narina's people tried to attack while Kora was on guard. She risked her life in order to keep Shiro safe." Cress's hands balled into fists. "She was being a good knight," there was nothing Cress could do. It was a good thing Kora had remained there and not come with them, otherwise Shiro would have been dead or in a coma for real.

"How bad is it?" Heron shook her head and Cress felt her heart drop. "It's okay," Heron said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Kora was doing what she loved, I'm sure she'll be happy to have something to hold over Narcia's head." Cress would have laughed at the truth in that statement. For some reason, Kora didn't trust Nee, even after all they had been through. Cress didn't know why, her sister was trustworthy, without her, they wouldn't have been able to overthrow Narina. Cress still felt a pang of guilt, Cress was supposed to have died on live holovision for all of Ashia Palace to watch. Ramiel had killed her, stabbed her through the heart, but apparently, Nee and Heron had come up with a plan to bring her back by handing Cress to Narina, who would then keep her birth mother distracted while Nee put her plan into action.

"We should do something." Cress said, looking at her garden. More than plant flowers in her honor. "Let's buy her something from every place we visit, that way, she can feel like she was there with us." Heron quirked a brow. "On earth we call it souvenirs." Heron tilted her head curiously. "We don't really do that kind of stuff here. People on Ashia... they're not sentimental or anything." Heron plopped down, looking around. "We should find the most buttery looking flowers and plant a whole patch of them!" Cress smiled. "We'll call that part Kora's Garden." Heron nodded her head, "Kora's Garden, I like the sound of that." Cress grinned, giggling and Heron's own smile widened. She leaned over, stealing a kiss. "I couldn't resist," Heron said, wiggling her eyebrows.

"We should break for lunch." There were children sharing snacks, alcohol being passed around. "Princess Nui!" A little girl holding a doll came over, stumbling and doing a curtsy. Cress stayed on her knees, knowing that getting up would probably intimidate the child. "Hello there, what's your name?" Cress asked with a smile. The girl suddenly became shy, reminding Cress of Ellie when they first met. She looked at the ground, rubbing her toe in a circle. "My name is Mina," Cress smiled. "Mina, that's really pretty." The girl brightened, looking at Cress in awe. "Um," she started, "I wanted to thank you. My mommy and daddy were so sad when they heard my brother died, but we planted a bunch of flowers for him! So we'll never be lonely!" Cress kept back a sob. This girl, who was so happy that her brother was being honored in the smallest way, was so thankful to have something to remember him by.

"I'm glad your family likes them. Are your mommy and daddy close by?" She nodded and Cress got to her feet. "Cress-" Heron said, but Cress shook her head, she could handle this. She offered her hand and Mina took it. "Would you mind showing them to me?" So Cress walked, hand in hand with a five year old who knew nothing of the world's sorrow, towards two grieving parents, kneeling in the dirt to plant pink carnations. In the language of flowers, it would translate to "I will never forget you." Mina let go of her hand and her parents looked up, startled. They knelt in the ground, one fist placed there. "There's no need for formalities." To prove it, Cress sat down in the dirt. Their eyes were wide, jaws slightly open. "Mina told me about your son." Cress said, "these flowers are beautiful. Do you know what they mean?" Slowly the two shook their heads. "I will never forget you." The mom choked on a sob, the husband patting her back comfortingly. Mina seemed confused, they had just been so happy and now, they were sad.

"He was our only son, Mina's older brother. He meant the world to us." Cress nodded her head, "His death wasn't in vein." Cress said, reaching out. She hugged the mother, comforting her. "He died protecting you, protecting what he loved." She sobbed into her shoulder, people were watching, but Cress didn't care. "Our son was engaged to be married. He and his fiance both died in the fight," it was clear that the father was overcome by grief. "It hurts doesn't it?" Cress asked, "But overtime, that pain lessens. That doesn't mean he's forgotten, it means that you've moved on. What your son did was something no one else could ever do. She held the mother at shoulder length now, looking at both of Mina's parents. "He'll live on forever, in our hearts, in our minds, and in the garden."


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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 saying that they would overcome this. Shiro was shaking, clinging to Ellis as Xion pushed the wheelchair, the knights escorting them through the crowd. "Nee, they're so angry." Shiro whimpered, staying close. "It's okay," Xion whispered, "We'll get through." The crowd didn't move out of the way for them, in fact, they surged in the direction they were walking in. Shiro jumped back, knocking into a knight who pushed her forward. The pup stumbled up the steps, breaking through the crowd only once they were inside the palace. At least she hadn't tinkled this time, she had come very close though. Doing something like that in front of such a big crowd? Shiro would never live it down. They would never accept such a little girl as their Queen. Shiro was so scared, she was shaking, even with Ellis pressed close against her, Shiro was afraid.

She suggested a speech, something to move the people. They didn't want to become part of Tartaria, they just wanted to live in their own little space, not expanding to any of the territories. Shiro didn't want to either, she loved Ashia Palace the way it was and all of these changes were scary! Nee said that she would plan a speech and Shiro nodded her head. "I'll help, I'll do whatever I can Nee." Perhaps it would be better if Shiro stayed inside though. The pup was vulnerable and weak, if something startled her, she might break down in front of the entire crowd and then they would never accept her. Shiro wanted to be there though, she wanted to support her lover in whatever way she could. "I can't believe they're gone..." Shiro trailed off when Corren suddenly came.

Kora was sick? She had been guarding Shiro and had gotten hurt? Shiro's eyes welled up with tears. Kora, the girl who once didn't like her, who would kick her and call her names, risked her life to protect her. "Kora," tears welled up in her eyes and Shiro sunk to the ground. "Please don't let her go." Corren pat her shoulder, handing her a lollipop. "I won't allow her to die," he reassured Shiro. "Don't let her end like Nio." Shiro whimpered and Corren's eyes glistened slightly, becoming glazed over as he pushed it out. "I won't," his hands balled into fists. "I should go see to her now." Shiro watched him go, rubbing the spot where she had been injected. Maven followed after Corren and Nee said that they should return to the playground. "Okay," Shiro whimpered. Corren suddenly turned back then, as though forgetting something.

"Narcia, tomorrow you shouldn't need the wheelchair any longer. Your stitches have no doubt evaporated by now." Then he jogged off after Maven, going to see to the delivery of Kora's body. Shiro took the handles of the wheelchair, blinking back tears. It didn't work and they rolled down her cheeks, spattering against the floor. Shiro's legs shook, knowing that Kora had possibly taken a bullet or been stabbed for her sake. When had it happened? When she was trying to leave during the lock down? It had to have been after their conversation. "Here we are," Shiro said, wiping her eyes. She opened the door and pushed Nee in. "It's good that you won't need the wheelchair anymore," Shiro tried to smile. Maybe sliding down some slides or playing on the swings would cheer her up?

Setting

4 Characters Present

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】

|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||




After the arduous journey back to the palace - one full of the ugly side of the peace they won, the people's sadness and anger and rage convalescing to a desire for a culprit. Narcia was going to have make a speech, one to satisfy all of these feelings. It didn't matter if what she spoke were truth or fiction - the only thing that mattered was if her words could satisfy the emotions of those who demanded answers. This applied not only to the bereaved peoples who opposed Ashian Rule, but also to the Kora incident - to Shiro and Cress who might try to weave truth together.

It was like a stabbing aching pain in her chest, one that wouldn't stop it's wicked ebb. Normally Nee tried her best not to be an emotional person, to fall for such fancies of the heart, but now that she saw a world of love, ice alone wouldn't suffice. She still didn't quite understand how she wasn't pleased about her mother dying, but Nee just felt at a total dissonance with herself in general, there was no helping that. "He'll save her." Narcia said vaguely, referring to Corren and Kora, her fellow conspirator in this mess. "So don't worry. You were a good friend, Shi."

According to Corren, she wouldn't need her wheelchair by tomorrow. That was a relief - but in truth... - and Nee was doing her best to try to suppress this truth and pretend it wasn't real - but the truth was that, she enjoyed being carted around by Shiro all day. She enjoyed being the dependent one for once, being the weak one for once. Her mind was definitely undergoing some sort of metamorphosis, and this was a blatant example. In the past, it was unthinkable for her to think about appearing so weak, it was a Queen's duty to be invincible and unflappable, a force of nature that no one could stop. "That's good." The Ice Queen said, nodding, but her thoughts felt fragmented and unfocused. "I won't be a burden on Shiro once I can walk again." Shiro pushed her in and expressed that it was good to not need the wheelchair. She really had been a burden, hadn't she?

Peace. How did you even define peace in the first place? The word could have many interpretations, and it was difficult to really know which of them was the most accurate one. Right now, even though the war had ended, peace still wasn't achieved - not really. There was still too much discord and instability in the Eastern Continent, it was bedlam. You couldn't call that peace by any stretch of the imagination. The many merchants living in Frelia were panicking, and they were taking their families and friends on boats, fleeing to the safety of the Western Continent, leaving behind the poor and defenseless. This in turn would give Tartaria an excuse, and Tartarians would lash out at Frelia - picking apart the weak and vulnerable, blaming them for their betrayal during the Tartarian War, blaming them for being unable to protect themselves from Itward's invasion, while at the same time having the dual effect of taking and sapping resources from the area until there was none left for those who lived there.

Etruria wasn't faring much better. In just a few short months, their entire royal family was wiped out, and they couldn't hope to go for justice because now they were owned and occupied by those they once considered allies, in a similar position as Tartaria once was. The Etrurian peoples would mourn yet again, and no doubt they'd be the most difficult to win over. Their inherent integrity meant they naturally distrusted the words that any non Etrurian spoke. Coriandrum was troublesome as well - Riana ruled justly and fairly, putting her people in the top priority. After barely surviving the Tartarian War, another attack was done, and this time with disastrous consequences. Tartarian bandits would definitely target Coriandrum and try to steal as much medicine they could from the fragmented peoples up in the north.

So Narcia put her head down and focused, trying to figure out a speech to pacify them all.


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❝Come up to the stage? Are you trembling with fear or excitement?❞

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

|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||




It was funny, wasn't it? The Ashian Queen, the one that everyone looked up to and saw as invincible, she was the one in need of protection, she was the one at risk of falling into some sort of trap. Aya couldn't help but find it ironic that a group of allies had gathered in order to discuss the best way to protect the lie. Narcia was like an ice statue - peerless at first sight, but when you got down to it, she was the most fragile of them all. One good whack of a hammer and she would break.

"Aya wants to help people, she doesn't want people to keep hurting." The lamb nodded her head, feeling disgusted at herself for having possessed her sister's body - even if it was in this false, artificial way. Corren was here, and Itward arrived with Benkov not soon after. The strategy meeting was going to begin - a strategy against Shiro from finding the truth and having her heart broken. The love of the Ashian Queens depended on Shiro worshiping Narcia and filling Nee with the feeling that she really was as invincible and intelligent as she thought she was. Their mutual deficiencies lead to this dependency on each other. So if Shiro ever realized that Narcia wasn't actually perfect, the love would become unbalanced, wouldn't it?

So Aya agreed with Corren. They needed to come up with a lie. "I was hasty." Itward admitted, and he didn't look happy as he said it. "When I said that Kora was injured while guarding Shiro, I didn't consider a lot of things." That was the fact of the matter. The lie they needed to construct was based around what Itward told Cress. Whenever this so-called attack happened, it had to be between after Kora and Shiro said their farewell that night, and when Itward's angel ship flew towards Tartaria to search out the fallen ship Heron was piloting.

"You're a fool, elder brother." Corren said tensely. It seemed the two brothers-in-law held a lot of emnity for one another for their roles during the rebellion. Aya didn't want that, she knew they had to work together. "Aya thinks most important is agreeing on a single story." She said clearly. "A story that everyone will believe." So then after some more discussion, it was determined. The most likely person to discover the truth was Shiro. And the person Shiro trusted the most was Narcia. But that created a dilemma - Nee couldn't tell a lie to her lover without shattering her own heart in the process.

Benkov himself stated that he was the least trusted to Shiro, since they rarely ever spoke. Itward also brought up a point that had to be addressed. "Shiro doesn't have the best impression of me." He admitted, no doubt haunted by his past again. Aya didn't like that though, she forgave him for that a long time ago. Furniture didn't have the right to hold a grudge, after all. "Shiro has a negative association with me as well." The doctor said firmly, almost regrettably. "I'm a source of pain to her, since I administer her treatments." That was true, wasn't it? So that left two people - or one, if that was how you wanted to consider it.

"So I need to be the one to tell her?" Aya asked, piecing the puzzle together on her own. She would be the mouth to their lie - her and Kora both. Once that was confirmed, what was next on the list was to actually make the lie itself. It would be an assassination, Ramiel's chip - and he didn't have one, so Narcia would have to program a fake chip in - was installed into an assassin-class android and targeted Shiro, but Kora dressed as Shiro and took the damage herself, falling into a coma, and as a result, woke up as Aya.

But of course, to make it true, something had to be done to give the appearance of an injury where there wasn't one. "I'll stitch the back of your head, Aya, okay?" Corren said, lowering himself to her level, treating Aya like a child. It was a little insulting. Aya was just as shrewd and clever as Kora was, Aya was just as smart as her beloved twin sister. Sure, she didn't act like it, but sometimes, Aya was even the smarter of the two! "A fake injury to bring a fake truth to light. If it will protect the lie and our Queen's hearts, Aya is okay with a little pain."

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝A heart's a heavy burden.❞


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

|| Still Into you || Paramore ||




"Dinner time!" Heron called, clapping her hands together. It turned into a picnic and Cress sat back on her knees, waving as Mina and her parents returned to their homes to eat the evening meal. "Thyella and Ortherus set up a fancy lunch thing in a tent." Heron said and lifted Cress to her feet, "I can do it." Cress insisted but Heron shook her head. "You've been overdoing it. It's already dinner time and you've beaten Narina and started a community movement." Busy day indeed, but Cress didn't care, she hardly felt tired. "One more plot." Cress begged but Heron shook her head. "No," she placed Cress in her wheelchair and wheeled her towards the tent. Inside the knights were enjoying a buffet, talking and laughing, covered in dirt and sweat, but satisfied with their hard work. The white gloves they all wore were stained with soil.

When Cress and Heron entered, the tent went silent. One by one, the knights stood, bowing. Cress blushed, waving her hands, feeling odd being at the center of attention. "At ease," Heron said and they returned to their seats. Cress sighed in relief, there was a table set up for her and Heron, a bowl of steaming soup waiting for them. "It's going to be lonely returning to the palace without Una." Cress admitted as Heron lifted her into the chair. Cress picked up the spoon, her hands shaking. Heron put her own hands over Cress's to steady her. "You wore yourself down, let me do it." So Heron took the spoon, probably afraid that Cress would shake and spill the soup everywhere. The embarrassment of Heron having to feed her was long faded and Cress tried to enjoy the warm soup.

Then it was time to return to the palace. They walked back, a procession of knights following along behind them. Tomorrow they'd be back in full swing, working in a different part. Having over a hundred hands sure made work move quickly and Cress was glad for the assistance. "Man, I could sure use a hot bath!" Cress yawned and something caught her eye. The market was still open and Cress put her foot down to make the wheelchair stop, nearly toppling them over. "Kora loves dried, salted fish." Cress pointed to a bag. This one wasn't fish, but it was dried, salted, meat. "We should get her some." Cress purchased a bag, hoping that it would be to Kora's liking. Finally, it was time to return to their temporary base. Finnley was waiting for them, he had been on palace watch.

"Finnley, if you'd like, you can return to your family in Ashia Palace." Cress said, "I'm sure they'll be overjoyed to have you return to their side." Finnely shook his head though, a small smile on his face. "With all due respect Princess, my place is here, by your side." Cress smiled, relieved really that the familiar face would be staying here, with her and Heron. Upstairs, Thyella had drawn them a bath, something to warm the girls and clean them up after their long day of gardening and bringing down tyrant mothers. Even though Heron insisted on undressing her, Cress did it herself, easing her sore body into the tub. She kept her wrist out of the water, not wanting the bandages to get soggy.

Heron stepped into the tub, looking tanned and work hardened. "Man, you sure beat me up today." Heron joked, referring to the bruises caused by fighting Narina and her robot army. "Are you sure you didn't do that to yourself?" Cress asked, "You are into weird things." Heron grinned then, "I guest that makes you weird." Cress rolled her head to look at Heron, then burst out laughing. Heron laughed too, then leaned over, her expression a bit challenging. What was this feeling? Heron's hands touched her, but instead of the normal anxiety, Cress felt hot. "I'm sorry," Heron backed off suddenly, "I got carried away."

Cress blushed and balled herself up in the corner of the tub, washing herself off. Once that was done, Heron wrapped Cress in a towel and carried her to the bed. "Heron I..." She trailed off and Heron's eyes widened. "You felt it too?" Cress nodded her head ever so slightly. Heron leaned over, their lips crashing together, bodies intertwined. Cress had never felt like this before, allowed to let go of her fears, to feel amazing. Heron told her to not cry and return it, to just let Heron do her work and Cress could repay her later. An hour after they had started, they were done. Cress wasn't sure what to feel now, but whenever she looked at Heron, she blushed and looked down.


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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 confident Corren had the skills to save her friend, he was the smartest doctor Ourania had! Or at least, Shiro thought so. The pup continued pushing Nee to the garden, Nee expressing that she didn't want to be a burden. "It's not a burden!" Shiro shook her head, "I like taking care of you." The pup smiled, "I'm usually the weak one, so it's nice getting to take care of you like you always do for me." Nee could deny it all she wanted, but she really wasn't a burden on the pup. "I just thought it would be nice for you since you seemed to be frustrated about being in a wheelchair." Once inside of the playground, Shiro helped Nee into a chair, hoping that her beloved really hadn't taken Shiro's statement the wrong way.

Nee was thinking of a speech, no doubt working hard. "I'll work hard too!" Shiro went over to the book case, pulling out a book of Ashian wedding traditions and placing it on the table. Shiro sat down, it was almost nightfall and there was a lot to do. She took out a tablet too, to mark the things that looked interesting. Wren brought them dinner, the tray set down and set up on the table where the two queens were working. Shiro nibbled on the poached fish with a honey glaze and stir fried vegetables, too busy working to really eat. There were so many things to figure out, colors, table arrangements, table decor, a gift registry. The pup sat back and sighed, feeling tired.

"There's still so much to do," Shiro yawned. She finished her glass of milk, trying to stay awake. In the end though, Shiro fell asleep with her head on Nee's lap, promising herself that she would only close her eyes for a few minutes. Shiro was tired though, the pup normally never stayed up so late because she was still young and Corren thought it important that Shiro stay in a schedule since it was healthy for brain development. "Can't... fall... asleep." In the end though, sleep one an Shiro drifted off, her eyes fluttering closed and her expression peaceful as she hugged Ellis against her.

Shiro was finally toilet trained, no more doggy diapers for her! The pup followed after Nee, no longer needing a lead unless they went outside of the palace, which was rare. She also knew more than a handful of words, which Corren seemed to regret teaching her since the pup was quite vocal. "Sit," Nee said and Shiro sat, whimpering from the bandages rustling against the wounds of her most recent "treatment." Narina continued to take Shiro to the doctor when Narcia was busy with other lessons like politics and things Shiro didn't understand. "Good girl," Nee said and Shiro jumped up, rubbing her cheek against Nee's leg as Nee fed her a treat. "More," Shiro said, anticipating another biscuit for her hard work. Nee shook her head though, "That's your third one," so Shiro decided to play something else.

She went over to the pink doggy bed and picked up Ellis, bringing the toy over for Nee and dropping it before her. Nee knew what to do, she picked Ellis up and tossed it towards the closet. "Fetch!" Shiro ran after it, bringing the toy back and dropping it in front of Nee again. There was a knock on the door, dinner was ready no doubt. A servant with red hair and a smattering of freckles came in, placing the tray on the table and setting it up. "Food," Shiro mewled, her stomach growling. When Nee had first found Shiro, you could count her ribs they were so visible. Now that she had gained a little weight, the pup was much more energetic and enjoyed eating beside her Mistress.

"Corren and I are preparing you for the ball Shiro," Nee said as she helped the pup into a chair and pushed her in. "Fetch?" Shiro asked and Nee shook her head. "Not that kind of ball silly. A ball is like a party which fancy dresses and food." Shiro perked up at the sound of that, food was always good. Nee put the bowl of stew in front of the pup, reminding her to use a spoon. Shiro reluctantly picked it up, still feeling weird about using her hands. "There you go, good girl." It was all worth it for the praise Nee gave her, Shiro loved being a good girl.

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shiro Character Portrait: Ellen Winter Character Portrait: Cress Winter Character Portrait: Ayanna Filia
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❝The scattering flowers of spring won't fade.❞

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

|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||




Narcia once thought that being a Queen meant she wasn't allowed to show weaknesses. She was meant to be an unbreakable wall, and so she tried her best to uphold that impossible belief. It was hard though, and as time passed, it became more and more apparent that Nee wasn't as perfect as she wanted to act. Cracks were forming - cracks had already formed and the once pristine sheet of ice was showing it's wear and tear, a dented sort of ice chunk, nowhere near as graceful as a sheet. Mistakes were made, and despite it all, Shiro still thought of her as perfect. "I love you, you know. I want us to be together for a long time."

Shiro provided a strange puzzle of sorts, honestly. Her endless earnest love, her pure feelings, her beliefs that Narcia was infallible and flawless, it was both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, Narcia craved the praise and attention and love from Shiro, she loved being praised for things, for being thought of as truly perfect. Ever since Narina's teachings grew more and more strict, what Nee really wanted, more than anything, was to be acknowledged. To have her hard work praised. She wanted her mother's recognition, to be called a good and smart girl. Narina couldn't, but Shiro took on that mantle. But as a result, Nee was forcibly afraid of Shiro ever finding out the truth. She was forced to become perfect, to try and become an impossible ideal. "Good night, Shi." Nee muttered, feeling tired as well, after finalizing the closing statement of her speech.

"Look, mama, loook." Nee scampered after her mother, excited and thrilled. She did it, she finally finished her masterpiece. "Do you see it, mama? You put it in the pen and you put it in and each one has a unique code to it!" The little heiress nodded her head excitedly, eyes shining bright with stars. Narina glanced at her, and it was hard to tell what she was thinking. Nee wanted to be praised, she wanted mama to call her a good and smart girl. She worked so hard on this, would it make her mama proud of her? Would it make her mama smile? In her arms was a stuffed animal. The girl tried to never go anywhere without the duck. "Duckie helped, mama. Duckie and Nee did it, mama."

Narina knelt down and pulled Duckie from her child's arms, smiling at her. "So you're still carrying this friend around?" Narina asked and Nee nodded, because she didn't know what else to do. She wouldn't lie to mama, after all. "It's good that you have such a good friend." There was a flash of emotion on Narina's face - it looked pained - but then Narina ripped Duckie's head off, little chunks of fluff falling to the floor. Nee's eyes went wide, staring, unseeing. "Duckie is dead." Narina said and Nee couldn't move. "How many times have I told you not to? How many times have I told you to be a big girl and leave it in your room?!"

Narina grabbed her by the neck and slapped her hard across the face and Nee was confused and she was crying. "You're going to be the next Queen! You can't act like a child!" Narina was staring at her, and she tore apart Duckie even more, denying that her friend was real. "Dalat Cherubim is already asking, 'how old is Narcia already'! You're seven! You can't act like a three year old anymore!" So Nee started crying because her friend was dead, because her face was hurting. "Stop it! A Queen isn't supposed to cry! You're my successor, why aren't you listening?"

So Narina lifted her up and put her into a strange dark room. "Stay there. Maybe you'll learn how to be a good girl." It was a dark room, full of spiders, full of nightmares and crawley things and clicky noises and webs and Nee cried and whimpered and in her hands was one last piece of cotton fluff. "Nee wanted to make mama happy, just like before. The girl whimpered, not knowing that Narina was fighting her tears as well. Before this, back when she was a child, Narina was kind, she acted like a mother should, she played with her daughter. But then she grew colder when Nee wasn't growing, when Nee was still showing childish traits, and Narina knew the only way to raise such a child was to be cold. Meanwhile Nee was just trying to bring the warm and loving mama back, to bring back their happy days. Nee's best memory was when Mama walked in, saw that she was lonely, and gave her Duckie, saying it was a gift from a girl named Nui.

But in the room of spiders and nightmares, Nee realized that the nice Mama would never ever come back.


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❝Come up to the stage? Are you trembling with fear or excitement?❞

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

|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||




Aya held the Kora chip in her hands, still feeling strange about all of this. She had to be updated on everything that she missed. It was weird, honestly, Aya still wasn't sure how to conceptualize this. A good night's sleep should have helped, but honestly, it didn't, not one bit. It was morning now, and the birds were twittering, and Aya was already dressed - blue flowers in her hair, green jacket over her body, and according to Itward, she was known for having a bike as well. Aya had Kora's memories, of course - all those memories of being abused my dad, being abandoned by mom, being forced to be this fake, ideal version of Aya. So much sadness and loneliness and Aya knew it was in part, her own fault.

"Well, you brought me back." The older twin said with a sigh, flopping down on a bed she never thought she'd be able to sleep on. The dizziness and weakness was gone now, Aya felt good as new, in this body that wasn't hers. "Sis, geez, you dummy. Killing me was supposed to bring you happiness. Why did it all go wrong?" Aya remembered very well that day at the well. Kora was being tormented and hurt by people, so Aya just wanted to give her a way to make it stop. Throwing her down the well, and then pretending to be her. That was what Aya thought would happen. No one could tell the difference, after all, so why did Kora decide to go and forget about the murder in the first place? Why didn't she take Aya's name for real?

The door opened. Corren was there, the doctor from earlier, the doctor that showed kindness to Kora. And, unbeknownst to Kora, Aya knew how he felt, she knew the doctor was n love with her little sister. "Good morning, Aya. How are you feeling?" Aya stretched her arms, tilting her head slightly. It was him who decided to keep her chip in, so maybe in a way she should've been thankful for this second chance of living. But it came at the cost of Kora, didn't it? "Real food is weird. I'm just used to the nutrient paste! It's good, I guess, but... it's still weird having to chew." Aya laughed a little, ignoring the slightly sad look in the doctor's eyes.

After running a brief diagnostics thing, checking her arms and legs and stuff, Corren explained that she would be sent to Tartaria, that desert place in all of those children's stories from the Rubble Tier, a place where dragons walked Ourania. That was another thing, actually. Although Aya was quicker and more shrewd than Kora, she didn't have that flawless memory. Not really, anyways. So while she could look into the memories with absolute accuracy, Aya couldn't make the same perfect memories for Kora once Queen Narcia found out how to swap the two.