Setting
Default Location for Into The Woods
Minimap
northwest |
north |
northeast |
west |
You are here. |
east |
southwest |
south |
southeast |
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 »
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βA heart's a heavy burden.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
Cress awoke entangled in Heron's arms. The two girls were sleeping together, clothes nothing but a memory. "Morning," Heron murmured, running her fingers through Cress's short hair. Cress yawned sleepily, Heron's warm body pressed against her own. "Morning," Cress said, blushing as she realized that it was Heron's chest pushing against her back. "You made a bunch of cute sounds last night," Heron grinned and Cress blushed further. "Did it help?" Heron sat up then and Cress did too, clutching the blanket against her. "It did," Cress admitted, "I wasn't thinking about them the whole time." Them being the men who had violated her, Semyon Malachite and Itward Cherubim. Heron grinned, giving a victorious punch to the air. Cress rolled her eyes, her legs a bit sore as she slid off of the bed and went to the bathroom to get ready for the day.
Heron joined her, seeming to have no qualms with brushing her teeth at the same time as Cress sat on the toilet. Her body felt cold without Heron's warmth pressing against her. "Do you think Kora is alright?" Cress asked, looking down at her feet. The gold nail polish left over from the ball was chipped; Cress would have expected nothing less. The nail polish on her hands wasn't existent anymore considering how much she had picked at it and used her hands. "Which section are we doing today?" Heron asked after gurgling some mouth wash. Cress thought for a minute, the group had split up. It was Cress's responsibility to migrate between sections throughout the day and ensure that the knights were doing proper work.
"Let's start in I," Heron wiggled her eyebrows suggestively and Cress rolled her eyes again, washing her hands. Heron went into the other room, no doubt picking out what panties she wanted Cress to wear. When Cress went into the other room though, she jumped in surprise and squeaked, hiding behind the bathroom door. Heron didn't care about being seen naked, but Cress did. She was also embarrassed about the port in her chest, the little tube that stuck out that was taped in a loop against her. "I got you Cress!" Heron said, grabbing a silk robe and tossing it in through the bathroom door. "Thanks," Cress mumbled, tying it around her waist. Thyella bowed and Cress felt flustered all over again.
"Please, no need to be so formal." Cress waved her hands and Thyella gestured to the clothes she had picked out. They were cute, although Cress would have never chosen pink for herself. "Oh, you didn't have to do that." Thyella shook her head though, insisting that it was her job. "I told you didn't I? You don't have to be a servant, you're free." Cress got dressed, a pink shirt and overalls, then sat at the table. "Corren wants you to try full liquids," Heron said as Cress stared down a bowl of breakfast pudding. "Okay, I'll do my best." She couldn't eat much, keeping it down was the real challenge though. Two bottles of water later, Cress hadn't thrown up and she was rather proud of herself. "Alright, let's start getting to work. We've gotta be in Section I before it gets late!"
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βYes Mistress.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
Shiro was not a puppy or a dog, but a little girl. She was walking with her parents, both in jump suits as they began the day of work in the sanitary tier. Their faces were not obscured in this dream, like they normally were. Now that Shiro knew what they looked like, she could make them out as clear as day. "This way Shiro, stay close to Mama." Her father said lovingly, letting go of his daughter's hand as he scanned his ID chip against the door that led into the service tunnels. "One day, you'll be doing this too." The Sanitary Tier workers were the cleaners, the ones that took on the dangerous jobs that no one wanted to do. "Where are we going?" Shiro asked as her mother led her into the service tunnel. It was dark, barely illuminated by fluorescent bubbles that flickered on and off overhead.
"Stay close Shiro, it's easy to get lost." So Shiro stuck like glue, one hand holding onto her mother, the other the ragged doll that had been passed down her family for generations. They had little, but even so, they were happy. "Mama, will I have to wear that too?" Shiro asked, gesturing to the light blue jump suits everyone wore. "These are just work clothes," her mother smiled patiently, in that kind way that made Shiro feel warm, like the sun. They went out of the tunnel, up a flight of stairs to the Tower Tier. "This is where things get a little smelly," her mother said, pulling her work gloves out of the pocket of her uniform. "Shiro wants to help too!" Shiro pipped up, looking around and finding a pair of gloves on the ground.
Shiro pulled them on, tucking her doll into the waistband of her hand-me-down clothes. "Oh Shiro, where did you find those?" Shiro pointed to the ground and her mom chuckled, no doubt believing that someone had left them there the day before. In her too big gloves, Shiro got to work. She started scrubbing the glass windows, only to start coughing. "Shiro!" Her mom dropped her sponge, hugging her daughter close and patting her on the back. "Don't work, just rest, okay?" The sanitary illness was a very prevalent issue. While Shiro's parents didn't have it, they were both carriers of the gene, ensuring that whatever product they made in the future would have it too. "But Mama, Shiro wants to help." She whimpered and her mother shook her head. "Soon, okay? Just rest a little longer." Shiro didn't have that much time left, a few years at most. The life expectancy was the age of twenty and Shiro was already ten.
Due to her lungs, her body hadn't grown much. She was short for her age, but her mom had been a slow grower so she wasn't worried. Shiro sat on the ground as her mother worked, playing with her doll. Her mother suddenly tensed, grabbing Shiro by the arm and yanking her up, making her doll fall. "Mama!" Shiro coughed, reaching for the toy. "Don't move, don't speak, stay in front of me." Passing them were a group of obvious nobles, escorted by the knights. Shiro whimpered as a noble stepped on her doll and looked down. "What's this?" He lifted it up, the doll now had a foot print, courtesy of his shiny patent leather broods. "Give it back!" Shiro pulled against her mother, demanding her toy back. "Shiro!" Her mother grabbed her, pushing her head down, making the two of them bow. "We're very sorry, she's still just a child, don't take it to heart."
Shiro started coughing again, blood dripping from her nose. The noble narrowed his eyes, "How much would it take to buy this child off of you?" Her mother stiffened. "She's not for sale," she hugged Shiro close. "A spot in the Tower Tier? An apartment with a view?" Her mother was shaking and Shiro didn't know why. "She only has a handful of years left, you should let her live them out in a home where she doesn't need to worry about where her next meal will come from, or whether she's going to drown in her own blood." Shiro looked up at her mom, frozen in terror. "She needs her mother and father, she's not for sale." Her mother didn't sound so sure though. "I could get her the medicine she needs, the treatment for that terrible, incurable illness." Her mom's grip was no longer so tight. "Or I could just take her from you?"
She knelt to Shiro's level, brushing a strand of hair behind her daughter's ear. Her mother looked like her, what Shiro would look like in twenty years. Blonde hair slightly matted, the smell of cleaning supplies, bright blue eyes that glistened in the light. These were the things that Shiro would forever remember. "Shiro, your mother and father love you very much." She hugged her, "but I need you to go with this man." She wiped the bit of blood leaking from Shiro's nose. "No!" Shiro threw her arms around her mother. "No! I want to stay with you and Papa!" Her mother was trembling, tears in her eyes. "Don't make this harder than it needs to be." She kissed Shiro's forehead, giving her daughter one last word of advice. "Live."
She stood then, looking the man straight in the eyes. "Give her a good life," he smiled then, handing her something. It was a holo phone, something that wasn't widely available to Sanitary workers. "My men will call, come now child, let's go to your new home." A knight picked her up and Shiro screamed, thrashing. "Mama! No! Don't let them take me!" Her mother turned away, not letting her daughter see the tears that welled up in her crystal blue eyes.
Shiro awoke with a start, tears rolling down her cheeks. She coughed, doubling over as she tried to suck air into her lungs. It wasn't real, Shiro had never met her parents, so then, why did it hurt so badly?
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βThe scattering flowers of spring won't fade.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
Five year old Nee sat in her room. There wasn't anything to do and her lady in waiting often didn't play with her so Nee didn't do much but wait for Mama to come back from work and play with her. She had to be a good girl, even if she was here by herself, because good girls got to play with Mama, so it was okay, wasn't it? Nee wasn't lonely, she was okay, right? As long as she could be a good girl. So Mama came back, like she always did, entering the room, and behind her there was something. Earlier this year, Mama promised to make Nee a friend, a friend delivered with special power called "Nui's Love" , and now it was Nee's birthday. She didn't like calling herself Narcia, because accepting Narcia meant accepting that she had to learn to grow up and become an adult. Nee wanted to be a child, she still wanted to play and see how wonderful the world was.
"Here, Narica." Narina said, bending town with a warm smile. A toy was placed in Nee's hands. Duckie. The girl stared in awe and squeezed Duckie close to her. "I made it, with Mama's love, see? With Mama's love and Nui's love, this toy has been delivered to you. It's magic." Nee knew it was magic, she knew it was! "Mama's magic!" Of course, to Narina, the toy wasn't just a promise. It was a way for her to justify and rationalize her own actions. Neglecting her daughter and leaving her all alone whenever she was swamped with ruling, with living with the knowledge that the man she loved would always love another man, and she came to visit her daughter less and less as time went on.
To Nee, Duckie represented a promise. Duckie wasn't just, Duckie wasn't just an imaginary friend. To the lonely girl's heart, who cried because of how lonely she was, who wanted someone to play with her and talk to her and be with her, Duckie was a real life breathing friend. Duckie wasn't just an imaginary friend, Duckie was a symbol of the good days Nee and Mama had. Duckie changed the sad nights of loneliness from mama and papa not playing with her to happy nights where she and Duckie could play and be happy, all to themselves. Duckie allowed Nee to escape the fact that she was a sad lonely girl, and because of Duckie, she clung to it and her own childishness, refusing to mature or grow older because if she accepted the name Narcia, it meant Mama wouldn't come play with her anymore.
So when the successor was let out of the room of spider and nightmares, and there was no trace left of Duckie's corpse on the floor, Narcia never again played with her mother, and the sad nights of loneliness returned.
The Ice Queen opened her eyes, not remembering anything at all in her dream, and saw the door to the room was open. Kora - or Aya was there, and gave a half wave. The girl that was turned into an experiment, and there was no hint of blame or resentment in her amber eyes. "Hey. I was just telling Shiro what happened to me." She said and Nee knew that this was the lamb's way of telling her that the lie was put in place. Hopefully with this, Shiro wouldn't see a need to search out the truth. She waved and left the room and it was just Nee and Shiro now.
"Good morning, Shi." Narcia said and hugged her intended, embracing her. "We have a long day ahead of us, don't we?" Today they were going to have to plan out their wedding, as well as give out the speech to hopefully quell everyone. "A wedding for the two of us, a wedding to give the people a happy event to talk about..." It was sad that politics entered the sacred sphere of love that the two had. Marrying because it was a convenient time, marrying because they needed to show the people love, Nee wondered if it was possible to not feel the stabbing pains of guilt.
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βCome up to the stage! Are you trembling with fear or excitement?β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
Aya had to fulfill her part of the plan to keep Shiro in the dark. From her memories - or to be more honest, Kora's memories - the little blonde bundle of joy was definitely someone. Her life was a hard one, and Aya wished that she and Kora could have gotten along in the early days of the rebellion. It was interesting, then, that they eventually did become friends over therapy, due to their similarities. Being furniture, and the two learning how to transcend their status as furniture and become human. Aya wondered those things as she peed, and unlike Kora, who had grown used to it, Aya let out a squeak of pain as the burning sensation filled her urethra, making it unbearable. "This is your pain, sis." Aya murmured in the bathroom of the knight barracks. "This is your face. Your chest, your legs... your special spot..."
Here it was. Because of this, Kora firmly believed she was furniture, and that she wasn't worthy of love. "You aren't furniture, silly." Aya whispered, wishing there was a way to get this message across to her sister. "You deserve love too." It wasn't even as bad as the memories showed, and Aya had a sneaking suspicion Corren did something to it during the coma to make it not look so horrific and mangled - something Kora was horribly afraid of. Now, of course, Aya had to examine this. No, Kora didn't really consider herself furniture. This was her way of running away from the truth that she couldn't compete with Heron for Cress's love. It was her way to justify not even trying.
And then she turned Aya into an excuse too, running away from the problem instead of trying to actually deal with it. "You're an idiot, sister. So helpless without me, aren't you?" Aya sighed, and put on her knight's uniform with the grey armband to signify her rank. She did a few practice movements with the knife launcher and the gravity drive, but Aya didn't have the talent like Kora did. It was fine though, she was happy that silly clumsy Kora managed to find a way to be happy. Even if dad kept on beating her, even if she was tortured and violated, at least Kora had found a path in life that she could succeed in.
"Good morning, Shiro!" Aya said to Shiro after going to her room with General Cherubim's permission. According to the memories, Shiro didn't have the mental capacity to understand that she wasn't the Aya she knew, but Aya decided that there was no real harm. "It's Aya. I'm your friend too, aren't I?" She giggled and patted the girl's head, Shiro was crying for some reason and Narcia, the fragile princess, was still asleep. "Shh, it's okay. Calm down, I'm here. Thanks for making friends with my sister, Kora."
Of course, she needed to tell Shiro the lie, to pacify her and satisfy her. So Aya rubbed at the stitches Corren placed at the back of her head, feeling faintly uncomfortable with how they felt on her head. "We saved you from Ramiel's android after saying goodbye to you that night. That's a knight's duty, after all." Yes, Aya felt that she could befriend Shiro, even if the pup didn't understand which Aya she was. And with that, she had to go. The ship was ready for her to be taken to Tartaria. "I'm leaving for Tartaria, but we'll always be friends." Narcia woke up so Aya gave her a bit of a farewell as well, leaving the room.
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βA heart's a heavy burden.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
Cress hoped that Kora would like the gift of salted meat. The food they had here in the desert was different, the broths they made had a gamier flavor than the fish based ones Cress had grown used to. Kora would probably enjoy it, she always did like savory treats more than anything overly sweet. Cress closed her eyes for a moment, taking a breath. She was working on hydrangeas now and they had gone from section I to section J already. The knights were a huge help and the Tartarian citizens joined them to. Families were making a day of it, students joining on their lunch breaks, small businesses offering a couple of refreshments or products at half price to beat the dry humid heat that was inside the cave. Some of them came over to Cress, offering their products. Cress was fine though, Thyella was busy fretting over her and Ortherus was taking his job very seriously, keeping watch over the plan Cress had mad to make sure that no flowers were out of their zones.
"Done here," Cress said, wiping off her gloves. There was music playing from somewhere, a song Cress didn't recognize. "Oh I love this song!" Heron said, jumping to her feet, offering a gloved hand to the Princess. "What's it called?" Cress took Heron's hand and the knight was suddenly leading her in a dance. "Moonlight Party," Heron replied, twirling Cress. "I didn't know you can dance," Cress said as Heron let go of her hand and Cress stumbled, feeling dizzy. "There's probably a lot you don't know about me." Heron grinned suddenly, "but there's a lot I know about you, like which spots make you-" Heron stopped when Cress punched her in the stomach. "Don't talk about that in public." Heron laughed, standing upright. "That was a good punch, who trained you?"
"You did dummy," her fanged grin was back once more and Cress sighed, knowing it was only a matter of time until Heron said some other embarrassing thing. Heron's holo began to rang and she raised a brow, "It's Itward." Heron went to a less noisy area while Cress oversaw the rest of the planting. She came over a few seconds later, looking excited. "It's Kora, she'll be here by noon." Cress was startled, she jumped to her feet, the fire in her eyes dancing in excitement. "How? I thought she was gravely injured?" Cress asked, feeling relief and joy and so many other emotions. "Somehow, the accident turned her back into Aya, they can't get her back to Kora, but Corren is working on it." Cress breathed a sigh of relief and Heron seemed excited too, as though she was ready for her number one challenger to return.
Cress felt a little less excited then. That's right, Heron liked Kora, Cress was just her replacement wasn't she? Even after last night... Heron leaned over then, stealing a kiss. Cress jumped a little, too wrapped up in her thoughts. "Don't forget about our date," Heron winked and Cress blushed. "I won't," she knelt back in the dirt, wondering if maybe Heron liked her after all. She hadn't asked Kora on a date, although Kora probably would have said no and Cress was only doing it because Heron said she would teach her self defense. "Do you have it planned?" Heron winked and Cress wondered what exactly Heron had in mind. If Kora was Aya, then Heron was still in the spotlight, in Heron's eyes at least. The red haired knight also know she was the more eligible bachelor between her and Kora. Heron was blue blooded after all, coming from a noble house and whatnot.
Kora on the other hand didn't have that advantage. She came from the Rubble Tier and was not only a poor commoner, but had nothing going for her. She was moody, violent, clung to the past, and yet somehow, Cress had fallen in love with both her and Heron. If Kora was Aya though, then Heron didn't need to worry about competition, since no doubt Aya didn't return Cress's feelings. Heron very well knew this and was going to take full advantage. "I can't wait to show her the flowers we planted. Do you think she'll like them?" Heron placed her hand over Cress's, smiling. "Yeah, I think Kora would like anything you did for her."
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βYes Mistress.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
How had Shiro ended up in bed? It must have been magic. She was in her nightgown too, the pretty dress she had been wearing the day before no doubt already in the wash. Shiro felt her cheeks, the wet tears that were still licking them, rolling down and creating little see through spots in the white cotton fabric. There was a soft knock on the door, Shiro looked up as as a certain buttery blonde walked in, looking a bit out of place. "Kora!" Shiro said, only to remember that Nee was still asleep. The pup covered her mouth, wiggling out of bed, Ellis in one hand of course, and ran over to her friend.
Except, in this body, it wasn't Kora at all, even though it was Kora's body, Aya was inside of it again. Aya asked if she was her friend and Shiro nodded her head. "Yeah!" Shiro smiled, "When you were gone, a lot of people got really sad, but I'm glad you're back!" Kora had explained to Shiro that they were the different people in the same body, like twins, and it confused Shiro thinking about it, so she didn't try to follow it too hard. There were still tears welling up in her eyes, the sparkling blue slightly blurred by the salty water. Aya hugged her close, telling her not to cry, that it would be okay.
"I had a nightmare," Shiro admitted, although she wouldn't say of what. Aya confirmed the story, that she had saved Shiro from Ramiel the android and risked her life in the process. How could Shiro ever repay her? "Thank you," Shiro said, wiping her eyes "because of you, I'm still here and can enjoy spending time with Nee." Even though Kora had stormed off, she had still felt the call to duty and had protected Shiro, marring her freedom in order to save the pup from Narina's assassin. Shiro hadn't even known. She felt like a terrible friend, she wanted to do something for Kora too, but it was Aya here and she explained that she was going to Tartaria.
Shiro gave Aya one last hug, this one for good luck. "Say hi to everyone for us, be safe" the pup smiled. Nee stirred, sitting up and Aya quickly said a goodbye to her too before making her escape. Even though Kora didn't like the Queen, that didn't mean that Aya did too, right? "Morning Nee," Shiro smiled, going to her beloved's side. Nee listed the things they had to do today, plan a wedding and give a speech. Shiro wouldn't be speaking of course, just standing nearby in a supportive manner. "You finished it?" Shiro asked, clambering onto the bed beside her. No doubt it was Nee's magic that brought them back to the bedroom. "It's going to be fun being officially married." Then Shiro would be Nee's true partner, another Queen to rule the eastern continent.
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βThe scattering flowers of spring won't fade.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
The Ice Queen couldn't remember what happened in her dream, and as such, the happy days she had as Nee with her mama, playing with toys in their room, those days were erased, as if they never existed in the first place. The image of Narina the daughter had in her mind was no longer something like a kind mother, but instead a monster. Yet, Nee still couldn't get that unsettling feeling out of her head, that feeling that there was something vital she was missing, crucial information that was no longer attainable. It was a shame, but that's just the truth of the matter. "Last night, after you slept." The Ice Queen said, confirming it. The speech was prepared and memorized, all that mattered now was delivering it. It was nice being back in her childhood room, with the balcony, and the little hidden places where she could hide her electronics.
Being officially married was going to be nice, but it hurt that Shiro was looking forward to it to that extent. Not because she didn't love Shiro, but because Nee was afraid her motives for the marriage might not be as pure as simply love. There was definitely some measure of politics involved, and that couldn't be denied no matter how much she tried. "You'll get to truly be a Queen. Although, some of the servants are already calling you that, aren't they?" It was true. The newer servants, the ones trained by Wren, they refer to Shiro as a Queen as well, viewing her on the same level Narcia herself was. "Let's get ready to go."
A podium full of news stations and camera crews. Narcia was ready in her battle armor - a dress - facing hundreds of faces in person, and millions over the holo screens in each home, broadcast on every major channel. The speech to quell the masses and give them something to satisfy their painful feelings. What mattered here wasn't truth or facts, what mattered was the ability to heal what was hurt for the betterment of all. "I am Narcia Seraphim, Queen of Ashia Palace. And I am no better than any of you listening to me here today." A phrase to put everyone on an equal level, to bring everyone to the same playing field. Lowering herself to their raw, sad states.
"We've all lost many things as a result of the dark tragedies under your noses, and none of you deserved any of that pain of suffering." She was acknowledging all the tears, all the sadness, she was giving it shape. "One woman, with nothing but malice in her heart, caused these tragedies that lead us to today." And now she gave that sadness a face, a name, she made it tangible, and something tangible was something that could take blame. "I can't do anything to take the pain away. I might be a Queen, but that isn't within my power. I rule, but your own happiness's relies on yourself and your own strength." Without the will to overcome and be happy in an imperfect world, happiness couldn't be achieved.
The sky was dark, the clouds blocked out the sun, shading everything in a somber sort of grey. "You all have the power to strive for happiness in what way suits you. I trust all of you. And I will do my best to attain happiness as well, in this rotten world."
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βCome up to the stage! Are you trembling with fear or excitement?β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
Queen Narcia's speech was pitiful, wasn't it? It didn't sound like a Queen talking, to Aya, it was rather pathetic, and she listened halfheartedly, but still took in each word as she held Kora's chip in her hands, her beloved sister's chip. Narcia was completely discounting the people who were weak and knew that they were weak. She generalized and assumed that everyone had the ability to become happy. But as Aya knew very well, with herself and her forbidden love as the perfect example, happiness was often just a myth, a hopeless ideal. Narcia's speech took power away from her and put the initiative into everyone listening, and that meant the weak people who depended on someone to fix all their problems would be left behind in the dust.
Arriving in Tartaria was something at least, and the lamb wasn't sure what to think. Sure, she sifted through her sister's memories of the place, the endless dry hot desolate desert, with scores of mountains up at the peaks, and steel dragons flying in the sky. It wasn't a happy place, and Gehenna's misery was proof of that. It was the Abyssal City, but no demons lived here. Just sad hurt people who needed an outlet. According to Itward's briefing, her job was to assist Cress in teaching the art of sublimation to the Tartarians. To take their frustrations and transform it into something different, something productive - in this case, gardening. A defense mechanism that was positive and useful.
Aya was lead to one of the sections of Gehenna, where the gardening process was already at work. The girl's memory went fuzzy briefly and she had a feeling ears were meant to be on the head of Princess Nui right now - or Cress, the name she preferred, her Earthen name, rather than the name chosen by Narina, that insufferable tyrant. Someone walked up to her, a fiery mane of red hair, a knight. To most Rubbles, knights were a symbol of power and oppression, a symbol of tyrranical rule. So it was weird being in a knight's uniform herself.
"Aya, yo. How was the trip?" The scarlet knight asked, brandishing the spear she was using as a shovel to scoop up dirt - possibly the saddest way to use a weapon possible. "Good to see you again." Aya knew what that meant. Heron was glad that it wasn't Kora here, so that Kora couldn't disrupt the balance of her and Cress's love now. This love triangle was definitely a problem, and one of Kora's major scars in her breakdown that lead to Aya's resurrection, if one could call it that. "Heron, right?" The lamb asked, but she already knew who it was. That arrogant fanged smile could only belong to one person.
She decided to ignore the hidden warning and she gave Heron her best smile, a stunning smile that perfectly hid her true scheming self from view. "Don't worry, I won't get in the way of your love. I have nothing to do with it, after all." Sure, she knew Cress was an important person to Kora, but she meant nothing to Aya. No, Aya's forbidden love was of a different flavor completely. "I do have a love, but it's someone else. It's a love that can never come true." Because no matter what, Aya and Kora could never exist at the same time. As such, Aya's love was impossible. Not only was it unrequited and incestuous, it also involved only one body for two people.
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βA heart's a heavy burden.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
Cress sneezed and Heron turned to her, "You okay?" Heron asked and Cress nodded her head. "Someone's probably talking about me," she joked as Heron's holo went off again. Cress was keeping her excitement in check, she was very ready to receive Aya, wondering how different it would be from the Aya Cress knew and was friends with. She was of course, distressed that it wasn't Kora inside of her own body, that once again, she was forced to take on the personality of her sister, but maybe being with her friends would help Kora slip back into her herself? "Stupid," Cress murmured to herself. It wasn't like her to overthink these sorts of things but to be honest, Cress was nervous.
"Did you say something?" Finnely asked and Cress shook her head. "Just talking to myself," Cress said, scooping up a handful of dirt. "What are you planting?" Heron asked and Cress showed her the saplings the store in Coriandrum had pregrown to make growth a lot faster. "These are called hyacinth, they're pretty and they kind of look like cattails." The reason Cress was only planting edible flowers was due to the fact that she was afraid planting vegetables may cause citizens to fight one another to have them. "I'm keeping the edible and non edible flower separate, I've labeled them too, and am not planting anything that could potentially harm kids going through phases of putting thing in their mouths that don't belong."
"I can thing of plenty of things that go in mouths that don't belong." Heron winked and Cress groaned, punching Heron lightly in the arm. "Come on, there are kids around." Heron shrugged, getting another call. She went a little bit away, around the corner and out of sight. Cress was too busy gardening, a small smile on her lips as she hummed an earthen tune while Heron went to greet Aya. By the time Cress spotted the buttery blonde hair out of the corner of her eye, Heron already had her lance out, no doubt subtly threatening Aya. Cress stood, brushing the dirt off of her legs and walking over. "Aya!" Cress called brightly, her fiery eyes gleaming with happiness as she ran over to her friend. Her knees were a little shaky as she stopped and Heron sidled by her side, wrapping an arm around her waist.
Cress wondered if Heron was doing it to support her, or just to put on a show since Aya was here. "I'm so glad you could come, we can use all the help we can get." That was a lie, they were working much faster than expected with the sheer amount of knight and citizens who had volunteered, but Cress figured saying something like that would make Aya feel important since Kora had always had some sort of inferiority complex that made her want to be needed. "We're planting hyacinth here, but they're very delicate." Cress grabbed a pair of gloves from the box, handing them to Aya. "These are to protect her hands since you don't want to get dirt under your nails." Especially considering that the soil they were using was rich in nutrients, derived from compost.
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βYes Mistress.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
Nee had her speech prepared, she seemed ready to take on the day so Shiro got up and got dressed, the two of them eating breakfast before it was time to head out to the crowd that had gathered in the front of the palace, only held off by knights. The news stations had come, reports with cameras to stream to holos all over the world. Shiro squeaked in fear, she had to leave Ellis behind so that the people didn't think she was unfit to be queen and had tucked her pacifier safely in the dress she had picked for herself, a nice gown the color of cherry blossoms and her little crown that sat upright on her head. "I'm ready," Shiro smiled, taking Nee's hand. They were a union after all and would be married soon.
Nee asked if some of the servants were already calling her Queen and Shiro nodded her head. "Yeah," Shiro confirmed. "The ones that Wren trained." How was Wren doing? Shiro would go check on her after the speech was made. Hopefully her blue haired friend would be feeling much better and would be able to sit up and move. It was lonely without her and even though she had dropped in dinner the night before, Corren had yelled at her outside the door to get back in bed since it was too early for her to be up and moving around wit her extensive injuries. It was Shiro's fault wasn't it? Wren had taken a beating for her and had suffered because of her. Nee promised she wasn't a bad girl though, so Shiro wouldn't go down that spiral, not yet at least.
Then it was time. Shiro took a deep breath, letting go of Nee's hand and walking a bit behind her. Shiro felt her heart flutter anxiously, her palms felt sweaty and she felt nervous and unstable. There was a crowd, a very big one and the pup whimpered, trying to keep herself in check. Her knees shook as she took her place a bit behind Nee, close enough to be supportive, but far enough that the certain of attention remained on her. Shiro put on a pleasant smile, going into servant mode to flicker off the thoughts in her head. Shiro felt a tiny drop of warmth between her legs, but managed to keep the rest of it in like a big girl. She was a big girl after all, she was Nee's big girl and there was no way that Shiro was going to let the crowd get to her this time. She used her training, since it seemed to be useful for this at least, making her mind blank and simply remaining with a pleasant smile, trying to appear as supportive as possible.
Was it the best speech Nee had ever given? No, no it wasn't. Shiro had heard far more inspirational words come from the girl she loved, but it seemed to quell the people. When Nee was done, Shiro bound over to Nee's side, in front of cameras and all and gave Nee a kiss, holding her hand. For Shiro, it was a harmless act of love, but for the rest of the world, they no doubt saw it as some sort of political scheme to make them think that love was possible in every way. Shiro would have felt sad had she known what she thought was a simple kiss was really a part of something much bigger. There were still questions to be answered, a lot reporters were holding their mics, yelling out their questions for Nee. "You should answer them," Shiro said, gesturing with her head to the ones being pushed back by knights.
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βThe scattering flowers of spring won't fade.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
It was when Narcia finished her speech, and it was only then that the Ice Queen realized her mistake. There were holes in her speech, there were problems that could have been amended. All of a sudden, the once infallible and perfect and overly confident queen knew her flaw, and she knew where she went wrong. Her knees quivered and she lowered her head, indecision marking every feature on her body. No, Narcia - she deluded herself the entire time to think that she was meant to rule, that she was the most fit to rule, but in the end, she knew the truth. Narcia had no right over anyone else - Narina herself was proof that blood meant nothing to determining birthright.
But now Narcia knew for sure. Her biggest flaw was simply this - Narcia had absolutely no understanding of the basic human heart. She had no idea whatsoever how to do any of this, all she could do was say things and ultimately fail. Maybe earlier on, Narcia had what it took, but now, she was weak. And a Queen that allowed herself to become weak like this - whether it be through the war, or suffering, or whatever reason - a Queen like her, with no other skills but ice, was nothing without her ice. But with her ice seemingly out of reach, there wasn't anything she could do.
The questions were rolling in as they always did. Reporters asking her how Narina died, asking her why she wasn't taking responsibility for happiness, asking her how to compensate for those who suffered, asking her endless questions and the former Ice Queen couldn't think of anything to say. The illusion was broken. Narcia wasn't as perfect as she seemed, not to herself, and most painful of all, not to Shiro. She worked hard on this speech, but it wasn't working how she wanted. It wasn't working at all. And then the worst idea crept along her brain, a horrible idea, a temptation to give off an evil laugh and order her knights to kill anyone who opposed her.
So Narcia gripped Shiro's hand, feeling horrible for so many reasons and she no longer had the resources to solve these reasons anymore. "Shiro, I-" But then one reporter asked the question everyone else was dying to hear. They asked if it was legal for her, a seventeen year old girl, to marry someone of fourteen years like Shiro. They asked if she took advantage of Narina torturing Shiro to force the girl to love her in her own fragmented, horrible way. A story was being constructed by other newscasters, joining in on the fun and Nee couldn't summon the ice to stop the image they created, to stop the story of her being a sadistic and abusive lover who just took advantage of an innocent pure girl.
Misery welling up in her heart, all Narcia could do was keep her eyes on the floor and wish that she could die on the spot to end this torture. "She isn't denying it!" One reporter shouted gleefully. "So it's true then, that Queen Narcia just abused a poor servant girl into beliving that their love was real!" And then the words went into Narcia's own mind and the girl that once could figure out a strategy in mere minutes could do nothing but wonder if maybe, just maybe, they were right all along.
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βCome up to the stage! Are you trembling with fear or excitement?β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
There, it was said. Aya admitted it and Heron stared at her, as if she wasn't really understanding at all. "You... you're different." The scarlet knight said, proving that she had a much keener insight than she liked to let on. "You're not the Aya I knew, are ya?" Aya grinned then, one that was slightly threatening. No, she wasn't that fake idealistic construct. That Aya had none of the nuances that made the real Aya herself, after all. The fake Aya had none of the manipulation, none of the bitterness that no one would accept her incestuous love for her sister, the love that Aya could never give to Kora. "Of course. I'm the real Aya, not a fake idealistic imitation made by a desperate sad girl wanting escape."
Honestly, Aya had a lot of enmity for Heron and Cress, but not in the way they thought. Sure, she was jealous that they could love each other and everything, but Aya was well aware that something like that was petty. No, what her problem was that they hurt Kora, no matter how unintentional it was. Kora was her precious little twin sister the awkward and quiet girl that tried to keep everyone away, naively thinking that Aya didn't realize how much she wanted friends, how much she wanted to be noticed. It was a tragedy then, that no matter how much attention Aya showered onto her sister, that Kora never valued her attention or thought it was enough. Things finally came to a head at the well, and there was no turning back. Destiny was decided, and now the twins would never really be together again.
Before anything else could happen, though, a certain brown haired princess ran at her for a hug and Aya gave her a vacant sort of stare, pulling away with a wink. "Only my lover gets to hug me, Cress." The dead twin said slyly, slipping out of the hug but putting the gloves on for the gardening. She'd keep Kora's chip safe for when a better personality swap method was invented, but for now, she'd take care of her sister's precious body. Heron rolled her eyes and went back to digging with her spear. "She's in love with Kora." Heron said simply, as if she didn't really believe it at all.
Cress befriended one Aya, but that Aya wasn't really the real Aya at all. That had to be recognized at least, didn't it? Aya gave Cress a half of a pouting sort of smile and gently held onto one of her fingers. "I never saved you from the junkyard. I never helped fight tyrant Queen with you. You know all of that was just a reflection of my sister's true self, right? An image of who she wanted so desperately to be?" The first step to a meaningful friendship was honesty, and Aya didn't want to build it on a lie. "And you made my little sister cry from that weird and messed up love triangle, didn't you?" Things got tense for a brief moment, but then the resurrected girl shook her head. "Let's get along well, since this was our first meeting, okay?"
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βA heart's a heavy burden.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
Cress tried to hug Aya, but the girl evaded her. Heron wrapped a protective arm around Cress's waist and the girl tensed. This wasn't her Aya, this wasn't her friend. This girl, she had a different light in her eyes, a mischievous one that Cress didn't like. This wasn't her friend, this was a stranger wearing a familiar face. Right then Cress was put on edge, those words, that only her lover got to hug her. Were they meant to sting? Did this version of Aya perhaps know what had happened with the three of them? Cress wasn't sure why, but she suddenly had a deep dislike for this girl, especially when Heron confirmed that Aya had a crush on her sister. Cress rolled her shoulders as though it was no big deal, her eyes glinting in slight amusement. "That explains a lot," she said and she felt Heron quiver. Holding back a laugh, perhaps?
Cress laughed herself then, "If you've bothered digging through her memories then you also know I tried explaining that to her. Kora is stubborn," Cress said, feeling like talking to a wall was sometimes easier than talking to Kora. It felt like her words just bounced back at her, having no effect on the girl she wanted to love so badly. Cress's hands balled into fists upon Aya's next words. "You'd also know," she said through grit teeth. "That Kora chose you. I never forced her to do anything, I was in a coma for six months." Cress turned away then, glancing back at the girl. "She chose you after all." Was Aya happy that her sister chose her? That instead of loving a very real person, she instead chased after the shadow of a girl that was long dead?
"Get to work, we're leaving to one of Tartaria's outlying cities later and Gehenna needs to be done." Let's all get along, Aya said something like that so casually after speaking those words. "How naive," Cress walked away and she heard Heron turn to the girl then. "Don't disrespect your princess," she said simply. Cress didn't care if Heron followed, in fact, she would rather they just left her alone. So this was how it was going to be? She was just going to lose another friend and pretend it was all okay? They were all so casual about this transition, but Cress couldn't be. She couldn't keep cherishing people and then watch them leave her behind. Was it because she was a bad friend? Was it because she had decided to let Kora heal instead of come to Tartaria?
Cress didn't cry, her eyes were dry as she planted hyacinth into the patch. She had no more tears to shed, after all, Cress had already lost everything, what was one more? Even as she thought these things, her heart ached, but Cress refused to acknowledge it. She was not going to mourn for the girl who didn't like her, she was not going to pity the one who broke off their friendship and betrayed her. "We're done here!" Cress called, getting to her feet. The last hyacinth was planted, it was time to move along to the next section. No doubt they would be done by lunch, then the girls would get on their air ship and head towards the next city. Cress swayed slightly, feeling suddenly dizzy. "Cress!" Finnley was at her side in an instant, steadying her.
"I'm fine," Cress promised and Thyella came running over with some water. "You need to drink," she reminded Cress who took the water bottle gratefully. "Thanks," Heron was still by Aya. "What are you two doing? We're moving to the next section!" Cress called, Thyella took the bottle from her and Cress started walking towards the next sector with the procession of knights. Once Cress turned the corner her shoulders shook. She looked at her hands, balling them into fists. "In the end I was powerless to save you too." Her father, her family, and now Kora. How much else was Cress expected to lose? She would rather be in another coma than have to lose another friend.
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βYes Mistress.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
Shiro loved Nee, sure the speech wasn't perfect, but that didn't mean Nee wasn't! Nee was still the amazing ruler that could do anything in Shiro's eyes. As Nee took her hand, Shiro knew that their love would be eternal, perhaps even having a lasting effect long after they were dead. Instead of happy cheers though, they were tearing Nee apart, they were tearing Shiro apart, trying to make it look like Nee was taking advantage of Shiro, that their love wasn't real. Shiro was inherently shy, she hated crowds and talking to people she didn't know. Yet somehow, the pup found the courage to make a small squeak of sound. "You're wrong!" Shiro held Nee's hand tightly, clutching it against her chest. "This love is real!" Shiro shook her head, feeling her heart patter in her chest, the flutter of anxiety, the shaking of her legs. It was all there and yet, she spoke.
"Nee-I mean-Queen Narcia is the first person to have ever been nice to me!" Shiro said, speaking from the heart. "Narina was always cold and mean, but Queen Narcia saved me from punishment!" Shiro needed them to understand that this love wasn't fake, that it was very much real and that trying to tear them apart was not nice! "There was a lot of pain in the past, but Queen Narcia made all the bad memories go away!" She wrote over them with new, better memories, but the public didn't need to know about those special sessions that were just between the two girls. That was private and thinking about it made Shiro blush.
"I wasn't a very good lady in waiting, but Queen Narcia didn't care. She was kind and when I was weak, she took care of me." Maybe Shiro would have to give them a bit more insight so that they would know to what extent Nee went for her? "I was born with the sanitary illness and Queen Narina was using me to test out new medicines and procedures. A lot of them were painful and scary and when they stopped working, Queen Narcia arranged for me to get new lungs and Corren Archon put them in. Even after that, she held my hand every time I had to use the vest to make the blood in my lungs go down." Did they see now? Did they see just how much Nee had done for her?
"I can't do much for Queen Narcia, I'm clumsy and I'm bad with most practical skills, aside from making tea, but I know one thing is true. I love Queen Narcia," she took Nee's hands then and stood on tip toes, giving Nee a peck. "What we have is special, a bond that no one else can compare to." Shiro hoped that they wouldn't try to tear them apart now, now that they could see that the two girls were meant to be together. "Love is blind isn't it? We can't help who we fall in love with." Had it worked? Had the people listened and realized that if the two Queens could find love, so could they?
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βThe scattering flowers of spring won't fade.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
And here it was, wasn't it? The truth everyone was waiting for, the media acting like vultures, flying around her, waiting for her to die, and then grabbing at whatever piece of Narcia they could get to satisfy their news stations. In the end, she wasn't a queen, just a buffet for the masses to eat up and enjoy, right? That was how to quell the bereaved sad peoples of Ourania, wasn't it? She would accept her fate, then, because Nee had a feeling that she lost this chessboard before it even began. She was playing against her mother for so long that she forgot how to play against anyone else on the board. Nee shut her eyes, she couldn't bear this anymore, she couldn't bear seeing Shiro's face when the idol she built up turned out to be a lie.
But then the impossible happened. Shiro started talking, first a tiny little timid noise, but then it grew into something different, something more. Something stronger than most people ever thought possible of such a small little girl like Shiro. She proclaimed that the love is real, and Nee could feel the trembling beside her even though the voice rang out with strength that only the truly pure hearted could project. Nee squeezed Shiro's hand more. "It's okay, it's enough already, they won't-" But then Nee realized it. It was gone, wasn't it? The questions. What was there instead was a stunned, awed sort of silence. Newfound respect for the girl once seen as nothing but a trophy.
Shiro gave her impassioned speech and Nee instinctively knew that it reached the people in a way Narcia would herself never be able to. The former lady in waiting told her story, her sad and painful story, and hushed murmurs went across the crowd. Instead of slander and cruelty and twisted truths, a story of purity in the face of adversity, inspired by an expression of love only someone like Shiro could create. A peck on the lips and Nee allowed herself to cry, because she couldn't do anything else but cry. It was working, and you could faintly hear familiar shouts in the crowd. Nani and her sons had melted in from different angles, changing their voices, tricking the mob into believing there was a change of heart, and then there truly was a change of heart in the stories they were looking for. Not about ridicule and pain, but about love.
Then there was a call on Shiro's holo and a familiar girl's face appeared on it, sporting blue hair and a weak yet twinkling grin. "Whoa, that was seriously awesome!" Wren said loudly, earning a gentle scolding from Corren not to wear out her body by yelling. "You were so awesome up there, Shiro! You moved everyone hearts, just like I knew you would!" But then Wren turned her attention to Nee, a teasing grin on that face. "And wow, look at that, the great Ice Queen needing to be saved by cute little Shiro. Guess you're not as invincible as you act, huh?" Narcia made a pained sort of smile, wiping her eyes on her dress's sleeves. "No one's perfect, but two people can exist to be perfect for one another, couldn't they?"
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βCome up to the stage! Are you trembling with fear or excitement?β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
Wait, wait, what was going on? Princess Nui didn't seem as receptive as she was meant to be. The lamb blinked a few times in confusion and even though she was going to find it hard to get along with this knight - since knights were symbols of power and cruelty and abuse to most Rubbles - but that didn't meant Cress was included in that generalization. Aya was confused and Aya shook her head. "No, I know Kora screwed up. She was too afraid to try and love against a strong rival like Heron here." Aya tried to say, because she wanted to get off on the right foot with Cress. It was ironic, though, wasn't it? "Kinda like how I was too afraid to tell Kora how I really felt."
Why was Cress being hurt? Wasn't it just common courtesy to be honest and forthright with someone you respected? Naive? Aya didn't think so, it was an interesting way to refer to her at least. She put her hand on Cress's, but not forcefully, just gently. Okay, something weird just happened and it was going to need clarifying. "I know you're important to Kora. In her memories, you always were her number one, no matter what she said about me." Aya explained, digging through the memories. "I respect you because of that, so I didn't give you the fake sugar I usually give everyone else. I wanted our connection to be one without lies." Had she gone on a little too forcefully, maybe?
"I'm not really sorry that I'm not the Aya you wanted to see, Cress." Aya explained, feeling a little miffed, but she knew it was her fault for assuming Cress would just be okay with it. Perhaps naivety truly was the right way to describe this. "But that doesn't mean we can't make a bond. I want to get to know the girl my sister loved with my own eyes!" Did that make sense at least? She didn't want Cress to see her for what she wasn't - she didn't want Cress to cling to a fake vision of Aya that was about as real as that idiot Refure was.
As they prepared to move to the next section to get to work, Aya sighed. Okay, maybe this would work to earn Cress's trust. It was a move she didn't want to make, but perhaps it'd work as a gesture. So she gently took Cress by the hand and transferred Kora's chip into Cress's palm. "That's my sister. I'm entrusting her to you for now, until Queen Narcia creates a port that can switch between us whenever we want." Itward already had a basic draft for the device. "She's not lost, you didn't fail to protect her or anything." Aya sighed. Hopefully her intentions were clear now. "So let's be friends. I meant it when I said it." Hopefully Cress would understand what it meant to be entrusted with Kora's chip - the only device in existence that could be called a physical manifestation of her sister's soul.
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βA heart's a heavy burden.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
It seemed that Aya had followed her around the corner, where Cress was secretly struggling to stay afloat. Heron was no where to be found, most likely helping to round up the knights to move them to the next section. They were ahead of schedule, which was a good thing. Cress could only hope that the rest of the day would go without a hitch. Her body was cooperating so far, thankfully, and Cress hoped that her legs would allow her to continue to keep walking until lunch. They stood a bit longer each day, able to withstand Cress's minimal weight. She couldn't wait to be able to eat solid foods again and regain what she had lost, mainly her chest. Cress wasn't sure why she was thinking of all of these things now, with Aya standing before her. Maybe it was because she had cornered Cress, or maybe it was because Cress had a habit of going off topic.
Aya described how she knew that Kora had screwed up, that her precious twin sister had thought herself unable to rival the knight Heron, who was so mighty and cocky. Aya was in love with her own sister, Kora, but had never gotten to tell how she had felt. Now she was in Kora's body, the body that had been broken and fixed but still had imperfect cracks. "I know how you feel," Cress gave a humorless chuckle. "I loved her, but I didn't realize it until it was too late." This was the real Aya wasn't it? The one Kora hadn't idolized as a sweet, perfect somebody. "I tried to explain to Kora, the Aya she had come up with was Kora herself, but she didn't want to listen." There was no need to lie, perhaps an outside perspective was exactly what they all needed.
To hear that Cress was her number one in Kora's memories made Cress blush. She looked down, her fingers holding onto her pockets as she kicked the dusty ground. "It'd be nice," Cress admitted, looking back up. "No lies between us, I want to know the real you Kora." Cress smiled, "I was always curious to meet the twin Kora spoke so fondly of." Yes, that was what Cress wanted to do. Maybe if she got to know the real Aya, the sting of losing the fake one would fade? "We started off on the wrong foot, let's try again." Cress said, hoping that Aya would be willing to have a do-over. "You shouldn't be sorry, this is who you are. At the end of the day, all any of us can do, is be ourselves." Aya was of no exception.
Aya handed something to Cress then, a little chip that Cress recognized very well. After all, she and every other Ashian citizen had one. Cress had gone through multiple with her many fake personas she had taken on during the war. "Kora," Cress whispered, closing her hand around the present. "Thank you," Cress felt a pang in her chest. "This wasn't an accident at all was it?" Cress asked quietly, "Kora taking a hit for Shiro, it was made up." Aya had said something that tickled Cress's curiosity. If Kora had taken a hit for Shiro, then why was Aya's chip inside of her body? This was probably some military experiment gone wrong. An attempt to quell and control the knight who was so willing to cut down anyone in her way.
"I'll keep it safe," Cress promised, holding the chip carefully. "Let's be good friends too Aya." Cress said, smiling again. "Now come on, we've got a garden to plant." Cress took Aya's hand, leading her to the next section where Heron was waiting for her. "I thought you said you weren't going to put the moves on my girl!" Heron said, her eyebrow twitching in slight annoyance. Heron grabbed Cress, pulling her into her chest and wrapping her arms protectively around her. "That's it Aya, I officially declare you my rival!" Cress shook her head, "It's not like that dummy." Cress said, but Heron's grip on her tightened. "That's just what she wants you to think."
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βYes Mistress.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
There was stunned silence all around. The normally quiet and meek pup that stayed a bit away, quietly supporting Nee from behind had spoken. Shiro felt nervous, what if they still didn't like her? What if they booed? The opposite happened though, people were murmuring their approval. Shiro felt her heart thump painfully in her chest, her knees were shaking so badly, she wasn't sure she could hold herself up in front of this crowd for much longer. Nee said that it was enough, that Shiro didn't have to go on. "I made the wrong decision didn't I?" Shiro whispered fearfully. "They won't like me now," Shiro whimpered. At that moment, there was a voice, one that Shiro would recognize anywhere. "Nani," Shiro breathed, turning towards the crowd.
They were cheering their support and the crowd murmured, approval running through them. Suddenly, they were all cheering their praise, happiness for a story of love that could overcome even the thickest of darkness. Shiro wasn't sure what this feeling was in her chest. Relief perhaps? Fear? Joy? Nee was crying and Shiro squeezed her hand tightly, wishing that she had Ellis here to support her, to make the shaking stop, to make breathing easier. Her holo rang, Wren was there, praising her. Shiro smiled, a small, joyful smile. "I'm so relived, I was scared that they weren't going to like me." The pup admitted, her hands shaking. Wren turned to Nee then, teasing her for crying on live holo vision.
Nee wiped her tears, her smile a bit pained. "Mm!" Shiro nodded her head, waving to the crowd. Then the knights escorted them back inside, to the safe confines of the palace. Once inside and away from prying eyes, Shiro collapsed, breathing hard. She was happy, but also a little bit sad. Nee who was so perfect, the crowd didn't seem to like her words that much. Shiro leaned against Nee's leg as a servant showed up with Ellis. Shiro took the stuffed dog gratefully, giving him a squeeze and feeling much better. "We did it didn't we?" Shiro asked, looking up at Nee. Shiro had managed to be a big girl, she hadn't tinkled at all after the initial sprinkling from stepping out onto the stage.
"They'll accept our love now right?" Shiro asked, trying to get up onto her feet, but her legs were shaking too badly. The pup tried to laugh, but in reality, she was terrified. She had held off the adrenaline until now and Shiro whimpered, feeling like she was going to be sick. She really had spoken to all of those people hadn't she? In defense of the one she loved most, of the only person who had shown her kindness during a dark hour. When Narina had been inflicted pain, Nee had been making it better. She overrode those scars of the past, taking away the pain and replacing it with happiness. It was all thanks to Nee that Shiro could be that brave, to speak in front of all those people on their behalf. Maybe now Ashia would understand the love between the two girls, it wasn't fake, it was far from it. "Our love is real," Shiro smiled, "Don't let them make you think different."
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βThe scattering flowers of spring won't fade.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
What kind of Queen failed this much? What kind of Queen was so easily torn apart by everyone? And she had to rely on Shiro to get them out of this, to protect the love they felt from the cruelty of the media and the vultures that wanted a good, negative story. Already there were rumors that Narcia had orchestrated the deaths of all the other royals, since Ashia was the last one standing, after all. Rumors, whispers, conspiracies, and all of that was somehow quelled with Shiro's speech about their love, about sincerity and feelings and everything. Their love was safe. No one could tarnish it now, right?
"I'm sorry you had to speak... I know it was scary for you..." Nee said weakly once the crying was done. They were leaving now, to go back to the safety of the palace, to return to where no one would be able to really see them. The reporters and everyone else were happy, and they could go back to their nests as well. Shiro must have been so afraid, public speaking really wasn't one of her comfort zones, and she went and did it anyways. "You were so brave. I'm proud of you." At this point, most likely everyone was proud of her. "Our love won't be denied."
But when they arrived back at the palace, there was another disaster. Pictures, pictures everywhere, all over the floor, knights were already cleaning it up but it was too late. Sprayed over the entrance doors was a line, a line saying that Semyon Malachite and Narcia Seraphim were having an affair before his death, and the pictures were all proof. Pictures of what he did to her, pictures of the times he violated her, and - and - Narcia fell to her knees and let out a whimper. She didn't want to remember. She didn't want the feelings to come back. But now everyone could see it, it was all there, Itward walked over and he didn't look happy.
"Shiro, bring her in." Itward said simply, looking away. "I'll have the knights try to find the culprit behind this. They won't get away." Knights were already painting over the sprayed on message and from what the Cherubim could see, Nee was hyperventilating and shaking and her voice came out in a desperate weak sound, a sound you didn't expect from a girl made of ice. "Don't look! Don't look at it, don't let them look at it, don't let them see it, make it stop, make it stop, I can't breathe, make it go away..." Narcia was breaking down, and from how tightly she was squeezing Shiro's hand, it looked like it was hurting the little blonde Queen. On each of the pictures, there were words written on the back. 'She seduced our king.' They all said. "Take her inside and take care of her, Shiro. The culprit probably wants to watch her react like this." High General of Defense said simply.
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βCome up to the stage! Are you trembling with fear or excitement?β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
Aya replayed the memories in her head, the memories of those days when Kora was distancing herself from everyone, brutally denying everything anyone was trying to say to her, shutting herself away out of pain and misery and everything else. Cress spoke, and it seemed she understood her dumb sister better than Kora herself probably did. "She created it to escape abuse, but it was never really me." Aya said, saying what everyone already knew by now. "It was an aspect of her self that she separated from her main personality." Aya sighed in Kora's body, and wondered a little how she would have looked like if she never had to die. "When she comes back, it'll be hard for her to see you and that knight like this..."
There was a sad smile on Aya's face - Kora's face, technically - but the soul behind it was the once dead sister, revived through some sort of miracle. She knew, of course. Her love would never be fulfilled. It was a twisted and disgusting love, and no one could ever accept it. But the least she could do was help set the stage for Kora to find her own form of happiness, right? As much as Aya wanted to say her sister belonged to her, it was true that this princess and the knight mattered the most now. "I want to get to know the girl my sister loved so much." Yeah, it was the truth. From delving in the memories, there was no way Kora would ever feel the same as Aya. Even if they did, their love was impossible now anyways, since there was only one body for the two of them.
The alliance of liars was built in order to protect Shiro from the truth, because the love of Shiro and Narcia seemed to depend on some sort of idealism. Honestly, Aya thought it was stupid in the first place, but she played along because of how serious everyone else was acting. Cress seemed to be right on the mark though with her suspicions, proving that she really was worth the respect she was given. The lamb thought quickly, but then she decided there was no reason to keep it from her. "Kora consented to it. She wanted to die because it hurt to be near you and see what she could have had, but it hurt for her to be apart from you, because she missed you. Both options were pain, so she decided to try to die and give her body to me."
Aya sighed, that was as close to the truth as she could get without implicating Queen Narcia as an instigator. Cress held Kora's chip now, and since her sister's heart belonged to this fiery princess, it was only fitting, wasn't it? "A garden. I heard it was your suggestion that turned the Rubble Tier into a green place." The lamb walked with Cress to the next section, giving her a silent thanks, and that was when that idiotic knight appeared, acting stupid and abrasive. How exactly did Kora lose to her in the first place? A sly smile crept up on Aya's face. "Sorry, but she and I are in the deepest throes of love now." The lamb joked, but her eyes reflected pain at her own forbidden, impossible love.
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βA heart's a heavy burden.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
Cress knew that already, that the Aya Kora had come up with was a lie to cover the truth. The idealistic Aya that Kora had come up with wasn't real, she was just Kora going by another name. Yet the brutish girl denied it, no doubt not wanting to think of herself as soft and weak. "She could have said something earlier." Cress shook her head, "To be honest the only reason Heron and I got together was because of Kora." Cress rocked back and forth on her heels. "After Kora rejected me, I got sad and thought that maybe she said no because of... those things." No doubt Aya could glean into those memories, the ones where Cress had been used by both Itward and Semyon. "I didn't think anyone would want me after that, but Heron promised me she would show me differently and she did." Yes, Heron had shown Cress that just because she had this body, didn't mean she didn't deserve love like anyone else.
Cress blushed when Aya said that she wanted to get to know the girl that her sister loved so much. "I hope we can be good friends too then." Cress smiled, the happy expression quickly faded when Cress heard what her friend had done, that the girl she loved so much was in so much pain she would consider killing herself. "I wanted her to come," Cress admitted, "But it hurt to be around her. Besides, she was gravely injured and I put her on medical leave. I promised her that she could join up with us as soon as she was done healing, but Kora pretty much flipped me the bird." Cress was certain that if Kora weren't such a high rank, Heron would have disciplined her for acting so crass. Heron did give her a lecture, but Kora hadn't been willing to hear it.
"Sometimes it's the people we love that hurt us the most." That was the truth of it and as Cress led Aya to the section, Aya said something about the garden. "That wasn't me," Cress smiled, winking at Aya. "That was the magic garden bunny, Lapin." They reached Heron, who promptly pounced on them and separated the two girls. After Heron declared Aya her rival, the knight had a sly smile on her face, joking about the two of them being in the deepest throes of love. Cress blushed as Heron seemed to be even more riled up. "Heron, calm down, we were just talking. We got off on the wrong foot and I wanted to apologize." That seemed to calm her down, but even so, Heron gave the universal signal for, 'I'm watching you.' Before marching off to help the knights unload the soil from the truck.
"Alright, no more lollygagging! It's time to get to work!" Finnley came over with the plans for this section. "We're going to be planting in a color swirl that on one side will be Tartarian colors and the other Ashian colors." Finnley was drawing out what Cress said as she gave him orders for flowers and in what color pattern they would be. "Then in the middle, the colors are going to swirl, showing our unity." Cress tucked Kora's chip in the safest pocket she knew of, the secret pocket in her bra. Once it was safe, Cress pulled on her gloves. "Let's get to work!" She called and the knights cheered in excitement. This was probably better than practice drills and preparing for a war that would never happen.
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βYes Mistress.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
Shiro smiled, trying to be brave for Nee. "It's okay, it was for our future." Shiro stood, this time her legs supporting her. "I hope that in the future we and all of Ashia gets to be happy." Shiro said, holding onto Nee's hand. The other hugged Ellis like a safety raft, the poor pup shaking like a leaf. No doubt speaking like that hadn't helped her anxiety any, even though Shiro was crying, she was holding back tears, attempting to put on a brave face for anyone who watched. Nee was proud of her and Shiro smiled, feeling warm. Nee's praise was the best! It was like getting a splash of sun on a cold winter day. "Now the people know that it's true love." There was nothing made up about the two girls's feelings, Shiro and Nee, they were deeply in love. Or so Shiro thought, she believed that Nee returned the feelings as intensely as herself.
When they reached the palace, Shiro looked up. Her eyes widened, her mouth ajar in slight horror. Flyers had been posted all over the front of the palace, images of Nee being violated, of pictures that no doubt haunted her beloved's nightmares. They were all there, in plain view. Luckily, there was no one around but the knight's to see them and they were quickly working on getting them down. Shiro felt the hand holding her's tremble. The others were back in the Tower Tier, but they would follow in great masses soon. Itward came over just as Nee fell to her knees and he lifted her up easily, leading them both inside. The doors to the palace closed, the light blocked out by the numerous flyers fluttering in the wind. Even though Itward spoke, it was as though he were trying to communicate underwater.
Nee was shaking again, she didn't want anyone to see what happened, the shame that had taken place. Itward said they were taking care of it, no one but the knights would see the posters, but even then it was too much. he promised that the criminal wouldn't get away, but no doubt they already had. Nee was begging them and Shiro felt tears well up in her eyes. She sank to her knees, hugging Nee tightly. "It's okay," Shiro whispered although she didn't feel like it was. "I'll overwrite it, just like you did for me." Shiro sniffled, wiping the tears from her eyes. Shiro managed to wiggle her way into Nee's arms. "It's okay," Shiro said, trying to sound a little more positive. "Itward will take care of it, no one will see." No one would see it, no one would know. Shiro repeated it like a mantra.
Xion came down then, accompanied by one other. Corren brushed aside Shiro's hair, injecting her in a different spot than yesterday. The pup yelped, jumping to her feet and whimpering. The spot was still sore and he had injected it so close too. Shiro held Ellis tight, tears welling up in her eyes again. She slid to the floor, placing her head in Nee's lap and crying. "We have knights posted on every street corner, any flyers that appear are being ripped down before the glue can dry." Xion said, sitting on the floor next to them. Corren seemed concerned too, there was obvious mental trauma that needed to be taken care of. Shiro's holo rang and the pup sniffled, taking it out. "Oh no," her stomach dropped. This one wasn't of Nee, the number it was from was blocked. Shiro knew how much Nee loved her sister, she knew how much her lover cherished her younger twin sister.
"Nee," Shiro showed it to her intended. It was a live feed of Cress, a simple set of words inscribed beneath it. "They're threatening her." Cress probably had no idea, happily going about her gardening. Beneath the feed, in bold letters, was a very simple declaration.
She's next.
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βThe scattering flowers of spring won't fade.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
She could still feel everything. She could still sense everything. The hands running over her body, the lips that taunted her, toyed with her, played with her, the way she wanted to scream but no sound could escape her lips, the way Kora's mind was warped beyond recognition, the way she was taken and used and her love for Shiro was soiled by his touch. She was powerless, just a useless doll that was unable to do anything to protect her body and purity for Shiro, her body was sacred, it was a tool of her sacred ritual with Shiro and he was stamping on it, turning it into his own fun, dirtying the meaning behind everything. She felt someone grab her and hold her and Nee didn't struggle, she was too busy panicking to struggle, her mind was already going back in time.
A voice broke through the dark veil of terror and misery, the only voice that really could do anything like that. A voice of the one she loved, like an angel reaching to protect the crying child who was locked in her room, with only the balcony as a hint of freedom. Shiro telling her that it was okay, Shiro telling her that she would overwrite everything. Nee shivered, she trembled, she was having trouble bringing air into her lungs. "Make it stop." Nee quivered, desperately holding onto the only safe place she had - Shiro. "Don't look, don't look, don't see, it hurts, it hurts, make it go away, make it gone, please, please..."
She was babbling now, not making sense at all as she clung to Shiro and was brought into the palace, away from the harmful, painful things. Shiro was given an injection and Nee squeezed her intended more, not trusting herself to be able to walk or do anything at all. A phone rang and then what was shown next made it all worse. No, if Cress's secrets were spilled, if her shame was shown to the world, no, no, she couldn't. "Cress." Narcia whimpered, staring in blind panic. "Save her. Don't let it happen to her, make it stop, I can't take it, I'm scared!" She was falling to pieces, bit by bit. Xion patted her on the head. "I'll give out the alert to the knights on standby. If anything happens, Heron will stop it." Xion promised gently.
Nee was being overwhelmed by this unending torrent of trauma and despair and there was only one thing she could really do. She wanted comfort, she wanted it to be better, she didn't want to feel like this anymore. So Narcia wriggled out of her dress, not noticing that they weren't in privacy yet, revealing just her underwear and she held onto Shiro ."Overwrite, make it better, Shi, please please, take his hands away, make it your hands, overwrite and take it all away, okay? Okay?" The Ice Queen was hysterical, she was shivering, all she could focus on was the need for comfort and ease and safety and security, and Shiro was the only one who could provide all of that.
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βCome up to the stage! Are you trembling with fear or excitement?β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
Apparently Cress also had similar emotions that Kora had. They both had trauma, and because of it, they both felt that they didn't deserve love. Aya let out a bit of a whistling noise and shook her head. "No one should be disqualified from love just because of their bodies or traumas." The lamb said seriously. It was true, after all. You couldn't help the things that happened to you. Everyone deserved love, in the end. Well, everyone with a body, at least. Aya knew she wouldn't ever have her own love fulfilled, but if Kora could, then she didn't mind, either. "Honestly, furniture? Kora really was a coward." Aya shook her head derisively, but happy that Cress accepted the friendship proposal.
Heron reacted as she always did, abrasive and arrogant, and it was nice seeing that her little sister's memories were accurate. Heron really did want to play the possessive girlfriend here, and while Aya wasn't going to steal Cress away, she hoped Kora could somehow find a place for herself in this weird and strange triangle. "Cress is mine! I won't hand her to you!" The scarlet knight declared, flustered, and Aya gave Cress a mischievous wink. "Cress has two facets, you know. You can't fulfill the half that wants to protect and guide someone younger." Heron was about to fight back again but Cress stopped it, confirming that there was nothing of the sort going on. Honestly, though, it was weird seeing knights getting along with the locals. Aya was used to knights being cruel and oppressive, beating up the lower tiered people for fun. Times really had changed, so maybe not all knights were evil now.
That was when her phone rang, and a code went through that only knight phones could receive. Code Orange was the message, and Aya dug into her knight sister's memories to try and remember what it was. The answer came up and the lamb tensed up visibly - Heron herself also stiffened. Code Orange was the knight's code that meant the VIP was being watched, VIP meaning Princess Cress in this case. So things weren't as peaceful as they seemed, then, were they? But now, all the knights would be on alert while Cress happily worked on her the garden, explaining the layout for the next section they were going to do, of the flags and the colors.
"Two nations working together, huh?" Aya started getting to work, planting the sky blue of Ashia Palace that signified Lake Asphodel's fog and mist that always shimmered and rippled on the surface, while Heron was getting to work on the red that represented the strength of Tartaria's scorching sun. That was when Aya saw it, a little twinkle in the distance, atop one of the roofs of Gehenna's underground buildings. Aya got up and pretended to stretch, aiming her wrist in the direction of the gleam, and squeezed the button on her palm, a knife shooting out. There was a clink and a fuzz - whatever was watching them was now broken. "Hah. Idiot." If there was anyone that knew anything about sneaking around, it was a Rubble, after all. You couldn't sneak around a Rubble, especially one on alert.
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γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
The sun and moon, light and darkness, there were so many things going into this delicate mural created by nature. The first thing Cress had the soldiers do wa overturn the dirt, plow it and mix it with the rich soil that came from the bags. "We need to integrate the sand so that the plants know and won't reject it." Cress explained. There were less citizens in this area, it was more of a shopping center really. The markets were slow today, giving them the perfect opportunity to plant. Cress was feeling a little dizzy, but she waved it off as she knelt to the ground, testing the soil. Thyella came over with a water bottle and a simple command. "Drink," Cress laughed but didn't resist. "Aren't I supposed to be the one in charge?" She asked, seeing Aya stretch.
"Aya, you hardly did anything and you're already taking a break!" Cress called teasingly. Before she let anyone plant, she gathered the knights around so that everyone would know what the plan was. "We'll be planting starlight petunias in the center, let's work in the middle since that's the hardest part and then from there we'll go out." Heron tapped her on the shoulder then, in her fist was a shirt that led down to a little boy. "Heron, put him down!" Cress said, sighing. She knelt to the child's height, but he tried to lash out. Heron grabbed him, keeping his nails from digging into Cress's skin. Still, Cress shuffled a little bit closer, making sure to look him in the eyes.
"Hello there," Cress said gently. His clothes were torn, his feet bare. His hair was slightly matted and he had an open wound on his cheek. "What's your name?" Cress asked gently, but instead of receiving an answer, the child quickly lashed out. "It's your fault! It's your fault dad never came back!" He hissed, kicking and screaming as Heron kept him back. Cress reached out, hugging the dirty child against her. He stilled in her arms, an instinct most children had when being hugged that she was taking full advantage of. "It hurts doesn't it?" Cress asked, it wasn't the first time she had dealt with an angry child. The child stiffened, then, slowly, broke down. Cress had that sort of effect on people, the calming one that made you want to tell her your inner most thoughts. She never knew where it came from, but she liked to think her dad, her birth father Azel, had given it to her.
Cress patted his back as he soaked her shoulder with tears. "I lost my dad too," Cress said slowly, holding him out to look at him. "They're not gone though," she shook her head, a sad smile on her face. "You know where they are?" He shook his head and Cress poked him, right over his heart. "The pain fades over time but the memories don't." Someone managed to push their way through the knights, a clearly distraught mother dressed in rags. They were both skinny, it was clear that without the income of her husband, the little family had struggled. "I apologize Princess," she knelt to the ground, her body quivering slightly. "Please, don't do that." Cress plopped down in the dirt to get to the woman's level. The woman looked up, in clear shock. Cress grinned, "I'm just like you, but my name's a little different. That doesn't mean I'm any better." She took the son's hand. "We're probably a lot more alike than any Princess. After all, what kind of noble spends their time playing with dirt?"
Cress gestured to Thyella, who brought over food and water for the two of them. "Give them a bag Thyella, we've got plenty of food." So Thyella packed a bag, putting in food and water and handing it to the mother. "I remember what it was like, the sadness and frustration. I blamed myself a lot, I was selfish, wanting to believe it was my fault." Her red eyes were alight with a mix of emotions, "Let me tell you, it's not your fault. He died protecting what he loved and in the end that's what matters most." The woman cried and hugged her, Cress still felt selfish though. She wasn't doing this out of the goodness of her heart, Cress was doing it to make herself feel better about all of those she had lost.
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βYes Mistress.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
Nee wanted Shiro to make it stop, she wanted her to take the pain away. So Shiro tried, she gave Nee a kiss, hoping that would clear her mind. She broke through the ball Nee had rolled up into and snuggled against her, locking their lips, hoping that it would clear up Nee's mind for now. Shiro hated seeing Nee so weak, her idol, the girl that was perfect in her eyes, was shaking and scared and it made Shiro scared too. "It's okay, it'll be okay." Shiro said, wiping the tears that sprung into her crystal blue orbs. "It has to be okay, we'll be happy, don't worry, just wait a little longer." Shiro pleaded, her voice wobbling. She wasn't sure she could hold herself together much longer, not with Nee like this. "Please, just wait a little bit more." She knew trying to share Ellis wouldn't help, especially since Nee had said that Shiro was her Ellis. Should she try letting Nee use her pacifier? But Shiro had a feeling that it wouldn't do the trick either.
Xion and Corren came down, the two of them looking at the message of the live video feed. "We'll protect her," Xion assured Nee. "Cress is safe, don't worry." There was no need to make Nee suffer anymore and Shiro gave them a pleading look. Xion rang someone, Itward no doubt. "I need all Tartarian units on high alert, we've got an orange level threat." She repeated herself into the holo, then hung up. "If they have eyes on Cress, no doubt they have eyes around here too." She turned to Corren who looked like he was holding back something. "I think Queen Narcia would benefit from therapy, this is clearly PTSD triggered by those posters." He didn't look too happy about it, no doubt regretting not making her go earlier during her first breakdown. "I'd like to start later today if at all possible." Shiro looked between the two, "You'll take care of Nee right? You won't let them hurt Cress?" Xion and Corren nodded at the same time.
Nee began to undress herself right then in the lobby of the palace. [color=#FFAEB9]"Nee!" Shiro squeaked and Xion knelt down, lifting Nee up. Corren picked up the dress, blanketing it over Nee to keep her covered. "Let's move to the bedroom, something like that shouldn't be done just anywhere." Xion said and Shiro followed, staying close until they reached the bedroom that belonged to Nee. The door opened, Xion placed Nee on her bed and hung up the dress in the closet. It was only after they left that Shiro wiggled out of her clothing, depositing her little heeled shoes by the closet. "I'm coming Nee," Shiro said, "Just a little longer." She placed her crown in its box on the night stand, undoing the ribbon around her neck and placing that there as well. She deposited Ellis beside it, turning him away from the bed.
"I'm here," Shiro wriggled out of her panties, climbing onto the bed. "I'll make it go away, I'll override it, just like you did for me." Shiro smiled, she pressed her lips against Nee's, her tongue gently exploring Nee's mouth. Shiro moved down, leaving love marks, trying to bring Nee out of it. Normally, a few minutes in, Nee would take control and Shiro was sort of lost without her guidance. She would do her best though, to overwrite it, to make Nee feel better. Shiro wanted to be the best she could be for her lover's sake. Nee was always so good to her, so Shiro had to do the same in kind.
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γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
A kiss to break the storm, a kiss to bring light to the dark. Shiro cast a spell, a magic kiss, and Nee wanted to accept it, she wanted the magic to wash over her and fix everything. "Shiro. Pl-" Another kiss, Shiro was trying to fix her, Shiro was using her gentle love magic to get rid of the ghosts of Semyon's hands, running all over her, attacking and assaulting every part of her soul. Shiro was crying as she healed the damage, Shiro was crying and Nee cried more because Shiro was crying. "Happy. Promise, happy?" She could hardly speak, her lungs weren't bringing in enough air, panic was still stark in her mind. Once unbreakable, now a pile of broken glass, and Nee hated herself for being so easily shattered. Why was this happening? Why couldn't she just freeze herself over like she always did? Just a little bit longer, Shiro said, just a little bit longer until relief.
But Nee needed it, she needed the safety, she needed the warmth that only Shiro could give so completely disregarding where she was the broken Queen stripped, she wanted it, she needed it, even as she cried she desperately longed for it. Shi said her name, and something pressed around her back, a familiar feeling of cloth, it was her dress. Corren and Xion were saying things but Nee couldn't hear them, only Shiro's voice was able to reach her like this. Nee didn't know what else to do so she nodded and wrapped her hands around the locket adorning her neck, biting her lip to avoid saying anything more.
They were moved to the bedroom and Xion closed the door and Nee was rocking herself on the bed, shivering, knees to her chest, head down, sucking on the locket Shiro gave her, keeping it safe and firm in her mouth because she didn't know what else to do. It was as if Nee had regressed to an infantile state because of the overload that had happened just now. Then Shiro was there, together with her on the bed, in this safe place, a gentle kiss of magic, a smile, sucking, marking, a promise to make all of the bad go away.
After a while - much longer than usual - the empty blank shock faded from the ice queen's eyes and was replaced by love and sorrow and passion, all mixed together in a weird cocktail of emotions. And then she started responding, started kissing back, started touching, instead of just being a quivering rocking doll on the bed. And finally, after heaven was achieved, Nee embraced her lover. "I'm sorry for breaking like that. It wasn't.... I'm supposed to be strong, and yet... like that..." Nee shook her head, calming her breath. This whole thing was just - it was - she didn't like losing control like that. "Thank you, Shi, thank you for saving me." There was another sniffle when she remembered the experiment she did to Kora, the unforgivable crime, and the ICe Queen cried again. "I'm sorry I can't b-be perfect for you. I'm not perfect at all..."
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γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
Cress was taking charge of course, she was the head of this entire operation. It was kind of funny, actually. A bunch of knights were here, working in the dirt, Knights. Aya remembered very clearly in the past how knights were. Knights liked to go and find Rubble children and beat them up for fun. Knights liked to pretend to be tax collectors and attack you and your family until you coughed up your money - especially if you didn't have enough money to even take care of yourself anymore. There was a reason Rubbles just stopped worrying about money and tried to pool what they had so everyone could share it as a community. Rubbles formed a bond of trust with each other, they would only ever take as much as they needed. And since they couldn't pay for medicine, they always let the Doc have extra food as compensation. That's how things worked in the Rubble Tier. Maybe Tartaria was similar in the past, when resources were scarce, and that was why they had a strong solidarity compared to some of the other nations.
Well, it was one theory at least. Cress of course was chastising her for stretching when she broke the camera. It might not have been the culprit for whoever Code Orange was called for, but the lamb was pleasantly surprised at her aiming skills, at least. She wasn't as good as Kora, definitely.... and Aya had bad memories of the rabbit incident. Of course, she knew better now. "Maybe I have stiff muscles from the coma, boss." Aya said with a twinkle in her eye, but then she got back to work, planting the flowers according to the design Finnley had drawn. There was an incident with a kid and just as expected from the memories of Cress, the fiery princess was able to quell it.
Once her portion of the strip was done, Aya meandered her way over to Cress, feeling a little sweaty from all the dirt work. She was a Rubble, so the mud didn't bother her in the least, but it was still a little tiring. "It takes me back. A dirty, dusty place where there's too many sick people and not enough food or anything." Aya pointed to the landscape with a wide sweep of her arm, showing off the background. "Houses piled upon houses. Poverty everywhere. It's strange being back in a place like this." It reminded her of home, after all. It was like where she grew up. "Thanks for making the Rubbles lives a bit easier. The Sanitary Tier, too." A friendly grin. "Or should I thank Lapin?" The Rubble Tier was similar to Gehenna - except Gehenna was the capital. A short, sad sigh. "How bad is it in the outer cities?" That was definitely a question that had to be asked.
Then something weird happened. Two people approached that the lamb didn't recognize. A maid and a butler. They were working too, but they definitely didn't look Ashian at all. They both kneeled to Cress and it was a little comical, at the very least. The butler spoke up first. "We've decided, Princess. After seeing the kind of person you are, we want to help serve you." The maid nodded her head to confirm his words. "From here. We want to be the main liaison to Tartaria once you go back home. We understand the culture best, and I think it's what Una would have wanted." Una, being the Tartarian Princess? Was she dead? Aya didn't remember her specifically being considered dead, just that her comatose body was in safekeeping in Ashia, awaiting an official order from Cress on how to deal with it. Considering how the servants were talking, though, it seemed Cress already gave her answer on Una's fate.
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βMy heart has always beat thunderstorms instead of blood.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
Cress looked up when Aya started speaking, she was in the dirt, working the soil a bit more and sprinkling water on it. Thyella kept bugging her, reminding her to drink water and when she wasn't doing that she was speaking with Otherus about something Cress couldn't hear. Heron was on her other side, seeming more stiff and alert than usual. "I remember my first day on the Rubble Tier." Cress said fondly, looking at the sapling she was holding in her hands. "I was so confused, I woke up in a junkyard after having gotten hit by lightning only to be pinned under some machinery with a broken leg." Yes, Cress recalled her leg being broken at such an odd angle. "Everything about the situation was weird, like a dream. Sometimes I still think it is."
Some days Cress would wake up feeling disoriented, wondering where she was, how she had gotten there, and then remembering everything that had happened. There was no more earth, no more fake earth family. Even if Cress ever did get the chance to go back there was no longer a spot for her on the planet she loved so much. Her mother, the one that had raised her, her brothers, the ones that had teased her and beat her up and then beat up any boys that got too close; it was too late to go back to them. If Cress went back, she would make things awkward, she would be a burden trying to fit into a world that had moved on without her. No, Cress didn't want to be that burden, so Cress had chosen to stay here in Ourania, on the Eastern Continent that she and her sister were working so hard to unite.
"It's nostalgic, isn't it?" Aya turned to her then, thanking her in sincerity for fixing up the Rubble Tier. Cress grinned, "I told you, it wasn't me." Heron nudged her in the ribs, "Just take the compliment." She said and so Cress sighed, feeling a bit uncomfortable at claiming a compliment. "It was no problem, I was just sharing what I love." Cress poked a finger into the dirt, putting in a seed and covering it back up. She poked a few more fingers. "People are like flowers, I think." Cress said, "We start out small, turn into saplings, and with proper love and care, we blossom. Without that attention, we wilt and wither." She sprinkled water over the seeds, feeling a certain warmth. "This one is for Riana, as thanks for giving me the tools to help the people."
Two people approached her then, two familiar faces that had been talking in the corner while not bugging Cress to drink water. They knelt to the ground, their heads bowed. Cress herself was kneeling in the dirt, but she remembered to sit up a little bit straighter. Cress blushed, waving her hands when they called her a kind person. "Oh, not at all." She said, shaking her head. "I'm just doing what I love, I'm more selfish than you think." Cress wasn't doing it for the benefit of anyone other than herself. Sure it was nice that it helped people, but in truth, Cress had always wanted to take on such a big project. She used to have dreams as a child to plant something beautiful like this could rival Dream Land or the Rose Bowl. "I think that's a great idea," Cress smiled.
"I'm sure Princess Una will be honored to see the paths you both have chosen." Cress reached out, realizing something. The decorative bands around their necks weren't bands at all. The collars clattered to the ground and the fiery princess smiled once more. "You're free." She said, remembering the feeling of her collar being removed. Cress still had a few scars from it, ones that had faded to match the color of her skin and were only visible if you were looking for them. Burn marks from Itward's game, a needle to silence her from her birth mother. "Your future, from here on out, is what you decide. If this is what you want, then I'll support you to the best of my ability." It was the last thing that Cress could do for Una, the Princess who had lived through a tragedy.
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βYes Mistress.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
Shiro nodded her head, she couldn't promise happiness, but she could at least promise this for Nee. That it would be okay, as long as the two girls were able to be together like this, hand in hand, loving one another in a way that no one else could. Shiro did her best, but Nee wasn't responding and it was scaring Shiro. What was wrong? Was Shiro not being loving enough? Had Nee gotten bored of her? Shiro felt so insecurer in that moment until Nee began to respond, to return kisses, to take control like she always did. It was easy to relent control, to give Nee the thing that she wanted most. It was heaven for the both of them, a throbbing that released them from the problems of life. Shiro panted, laying beside Nee, the girl she loved most in the world.
Nee apologized, apologizing for breaking. People weren't perfect, they weren't idols, but to Shiro, seeing Nee like that, so scared, it cemented their relationship. "It's okay, being able to feel like that makes you more perfect in my eyes." Shiro said. "It'd be scary if you never cried or got scared, it'd make me think you were more a Goddess than human." Shiro whispered, her head on Nee's chest. The two were wearing nothing, laying underneath a blanket together. Nee thanked Shiro for saving her, but Shiro shook her head. "You're the one who saved me," Shiro admitted, "Even now, you still do." Nee saved her from the bad in the world. She saved Shiro from bad people and things, acts of cruelty. She saved Shiro from Narina not once, but twice.
Nee was crying again and Shiro felt tears well up in her own eyes. "You're still perfect," Shiro smiled,"Because sometimes being perfect means being exactly who you are." Who cares if Nee had her ice? To Shiro she would always be warm like the sun, even if she froze over again, to Shiro, Nee would be like cold lemonade on a hot summer day. "I'm not perfect either," Shiro shook her head. "I cry a lot and I get nervous in front of crowds." Not to mention she tinkled far too often to ever truly be considered a big girl. "But you always tell me I'm perfect." It was true wasn't it? That flaws were what made people humans?
There was a sound from her holo. Shiro reached out for it, seeing a message from Corren. "Corren wants you to start therapy right away," Shiro said, reading the message on the display. "He thinks it would help the PTSD that you would benefit a lot from it." Shiro didn't know the specifics, but she knew there was a lot on Nee's mind, especially since she was the Queen of Ashia Palace. When Shiro was Queen too, would she have to go to therapy? Maybe the two of them could do it together? Shiro didn't know what therapy entailed, but in her mind, she imagined plenty of stuffed animal hugging and coloring books. "If you want, I can go with you?" Although Corren would no doubt want Nee to go at it alone with him.
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βThe scattering flowers of spring won't fade.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
Heaven was something only Nee and Shiro could achieve with one another. It was more than just physical intimacy, it was much more than just their bodies intertwining as one. It was a state of being, it was a mental connection, it was trust, it was their bond, on both a physical and emotional scale. Once Heaven was achieved, the tears came back and Nee regained her lucidity. Nee apologized for the scene and Shiro insisted that it was okay. Shiro loved her more than because she saved her, but because of her flaws as well, and that made their love more complete, more real. "I'm not a Goddess. I never was." Nee said, but it was unneeded, because they both knew it. "I'm human, like you, we're both equal, aren't we?"
The blanket was twisted around the two girls who were madly in love, and they rested together, having fought the scary darkness away for the time being. The darkness of Semyon's hands everywhere, and the darkness that choked resistance out of her throat. Shiro said that she was the one who saved her and still saved her and Nee shook her head, black locks swaying. "No. It's - we save each other. We're both saving each other." They were perfect because they completed one another, just like how their bodies fit together so perfectly. "I love you." Nee whispered, even though she knew their love was communicated in a way mere words couldn't accomplish.
Shiro's phone went up and there was a written message, seeing as how no holo came up on the screen. Shiro turned to her and read it out, telling her about Corren and his plan. "Okay. Come with me, okay?" So with that the two girls got dressed and used Heron's engagement gift - body freshener, for use after love sessions, to get rid of the smell so others won't notice - and they were off to Corren's office, where the sandy haired man was, waiting. "Thank you for delivering her here, Queen Shiro." Corren said with a nod and Nee felt nervous and uneasy. "It's okay if she stays here, right?" Corren sighed and then made his response. "I'd like to speak alone for a moment with Narcia, but in the meantime, there's a certain blue haired girl that wants to see you, Shiro. Xion will escort you there." Nee smiled, if that was how it was, then it was okay. "Go. I'll be fine. Wren wants to see you, your friend!"
Corren started by describing what he was going to do, what he thought might be a solution for her trauma - a starting treatment. It was a process called EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. Corren described the vast neural networks that linked together, of emotions and physical sensations and everything, and explained the process that he was going to use to try and help her process the painful memories using positive cognitive influences once he identified triggers and sensations that came up during triggers. "There's... a problem..." Nee whimpered, feeling cold and dirty again. "The mains sensation is.... touching..." Corren blinked and nodded. "Alright. I'll put Shiro in charge of revisiting the sensation with you, then." He said, easily amending the problem. "The goal here is to help you process the trauma healthily so that you won't be crippled by trauma and anxiety when encountering the stimuli in the future."
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βCome up to the stage! Are you trembling with fear or excitement?β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
Aya could dive back into those memories of first meeting Cress, and it was funny how much had changed since then. Things were so different now, it was odd. So much happened in those months, hadn't it? Soon, Kora would get to turn fifteen and... well, that was yet another year Aya could never gain for herself. "Kora was an idiot back then, when you first met." The lamb sighed, enjoying mocking her silly sister. "Thinking you were a Rubble, she almost exposed you." But it was more than just Kora being an idiot and Cress taking care of her. The two really did have a special bond that couldn't be denied. "...You really brought out the best of her in a way I never could." It was a sad, but true fact.
"It's kinda amazing. Your gardening. It's going to help a lot of people." Aya said with a wry grin. It wasn't even just about beauty or anything. It was also about bonding, about mourning. The Tartarians needed time to heal, and this was one way to help them do it. And being in contact with Ashians like this, it'd give both sides new perspectives on each other. It would help both come to an understanding and end the silly and pointless cycles of hatred that kept on reoccurring. "I'd like to...." Aya shook her head. No, there was no point in wondering what kind of talent she would have had were she to live. Aya was dead - a punishment of falling in love with her little sister - and it was too late now to wish she was alive.
Thyella and Orthrus, the Tartarian servants, they definitely looked like someone that lost their princess, they lost the entire family they were serving, but instead of anger and sadness, they wanted to help as well. Aya didn't really know the events of what happened over here, but she knew one thing. There was too much death already. The Eastern Continent was starved for peace now. "Thank you." Orthrus said and gave more water to the Ashian princess. "Drink so you don't die before making good use of us." Thyella giggled and pulled Orthrus to get back to gardening. "I'm sure Una was thinking of you when she handed Tartaria to Ashia."
Times really were changing, weren't they? Time was going by, things were happening, a new era was beginning. Not just for Ashia, but on a global scale. All of Ourania was stunned by the last few months of the Eastern Continent, but hopefully now, with it unified under one banner, hopefully this meant the chaos and discord would end and new peace would arrive. Though with this Code Orange in effect, you had to wonder how much peace there really was. As much as it was nice to be alive in some regard.... Aya knew it couldn't last. This was Kora's body, Aya didn't have one anymore. So she made sure to take in the sights and help show Cress as much as she could that Kora still and always would love her. That's what a good twin sister did, right?
In a tiny voice, almost unhearable for anyone but Cress, a certain girl posed a question. "Is it gross to love your own sister?"
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βMy heart has always beat thunderstorms instead of blood.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
Cress laughed, Aya was right on the ball with this one. "It wasn't her fault, she had just never met anyone from outside of her world." Cress looked at the flowers fondly, a smile on her face. "None of us could have predicted my lineage." None except Heron and even that had been a fluke. They were just guessing then, wondering if Cress could have somehow been Aine with a different set of memories, exiled to earth. In the end though, Cress was Azel and Narina's child, Narcia's twin. "It was fun those days, where Aya and I would go to the Rubble Tier. I got to garden and she would hand out aid." Heron, Narcia, Xion, and Shiro, they had hid in the safe house while the nurse and garden bunny went to help anyone they could. "I haven't gotten to go back to see it, not with my real body at least." Cress had gone back with Kora and Heron, but as a hologram.
Cress closed her eyes, a breeze wafting through the cave. Aya called her gardening amazing and Cress shrugged, "My dad, my earth dad I mean, he was the one that taught me." Cress said, tenderly cradling a sapling. "Once this blooms, the people will have a garden that can sustain itself. They'll just need to pull weeds," native desert plants would steal the nutrition and it could potentially kill the garden. "It's amazing isn't it? How people and plants are so alike." Cress brushed her hands off, it was time to move to the next section.
"We both have the will to fight and survive, even if we don't know it." A garden could be dying and revived, just like Cress. It could be overwrought with weeds and be eaten by animals and yet, it would still strive to thrive.
Otherus and Thyella were there, Otherus giving her the command to drink. Cress rolled her eyes, but took the bottle of water, chugging it, water dribbling down her chin an landing on the dusty ground. "There," Cress said and Otherus took the empty bottle from her. Thyella said that Princess Una had Cress in mind when she gave up her crown. "She did what she thought would be best for her people. If the other countries aligned, it would only make sense that they would target Tartaria to join. It made sense to hand over Tartaria to keep war from breaking out again." Una was doing what was best for her people and at the end of the day, that's all a good ruler really could do. "I won't betray her trust in us," Cress said, looking at her gloves, covered in soil and red desert earth. "We'll make Tartaria, no, the entire Eastern Continent thrive."
They would be so dazzling, they would shine so brightly, that you would have to avert your eyes in order to look directly at them. They were moving, going on to the next section when Cress heard Aya say something. Cress took Aya's wrist, walking a bit behind the others. Heron and Finnley were joking around, or more like Heron was bullying Finnley like she did everyone. "We can't help who we fall in love with." Cress smiled, "Love is like the sea. It's vast and deep and there's a lot of things we don't understand about it. Sometimes all we can do is try to stay afloat in an environment that's trying to drown us." Humans were fighters after all. They would build rafts and boats, cling to drift wood, to life. Cress was no different, trying to stay afloat in a sea that made her love not one, but two people.
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βYes Mistress.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
They saved each other, yes, that sounded right. "We're there for each other," Shiro smiled. They would always be, no matter what obstacle they faced. Shiro and Nee were a team, lovers, intended for one another. Nee saved Shiro from despair and Shiro saved Nee from herself. The ice had melted completely, Nee was a different person from when Shiro first met her in this very room, a year ago. She had been cool and cold, an entirely different level from Shiro herself, it had been scary meeting her an knowing that if he did something wrong, she would be punished. She expected Nee to be like Narina, to punish and bully Shiro mercilessly for every little thing that the lady in waiting did wrong. Shiro was the one who hadn't been accurate though. Nee was nothing like Narina, not even the littlest bit.
While Narina had been cold and cruel, Nee was warm and merciful. No matter how many things Shiro did wrong and there were lots of them, Nee never punished her. Even now, Nee was always so patient and nice. She wanted Shiro to come with her to the therapy session and Shiro nodded her head. "I'll come, I'll cheer you on from the side!" Shiro said, smiling. She wiggled out form underneath the blanket with Nee, putting her panties back on and getting dresses. Shiro retied her ribbon around her neck and grabbed Ellis, giving him a squeeze. Shiro had never been to therapy before, she wondered what it was going to be like. The pup didn't realize that Corren had been using therapy through Nee to help Shiro get over the trauma of her past.
Nee sprayed them with the special fairy floss scented perfume Heron had gotten them and then it was time to go. Ellis in one hand, her other holding onto Nee, fingers intertwined. They walked to the sick bay, where Corren was waiting for them. He wanted to speak to Nee alone and Shiro looked up worriedly at Nee. Nee however, said that it was okay, that Shiro should go visit Wren and so the pup reluctantly left. She poked around through the curtains, finding Wren sitting up, most of her bandages unraveled and the small cuts having healed. "Wren!" Shiro said, flinging her arms around her in a hug. "Hey there Shiro," Wren smiled, rubbing Shiro's head. She mewled softly as Wren's hand scritched behind her ears, a byproduct of the doggy augments. The chip was never taken out, it was still there somewhere, inside her body.
"You did such a good job today, I'm so proud of how much you've grown." Wren smiled and Shiro was filled with warmth from the praise. "I just didn't want to see everyone hurting the girl I love." Shiro shook her head. "Oh! I found Nani!" Wren's eyes widened. She hadn't been raised under Nani's gentle guidance, but Wren had heard of her from other servants. "What did she say?" Wren asked and Shiro smiled, "She said yes!" Wren hugged her tightly, the blue haired girl nearly choking the little blonde. "Shiro, that's great!" Wren spoke excitedly, a twinkle in her eyes, she was happy for the pup. Wren herself had no interest in people, Wren was what she called herself, "A girl with no drive." Whatever that was supposed to mean. "Now I've got three, you, Ellis, and Nani. Nee has Cress, Kora, and Heron."
Maven parted the curtain then. "Shiro, Queen Narcia and Corren would like to speak to you." Shiro gave Wren one last hug, "I'll be back to visit again!" Shiro promised and followed Maven to the private room where the Queen and the doctor were. "I'm here!" Shiro bound inside, taking a seat next to Nee and putting Ellis on her lap.
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βThe scattering flowers of spring won't fade.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
The locket and the ring was a promise, and it felt as if they both meant even more now than they did back then. They symbolized much more than just love, but also a sort of codependency. Neither could be whole without the other. Nee and Shiro needed each other as much as any two people ever could. That was how it was, wasn't it? That was definitely how it was. "Please don't leave me. I need you to love me." Nee said quietly, knowing just how weak it made her sound. But according to Shiro, it was okay to be weak like this, wasn't it? Corren's message went through then and Nee nodded. "Let's go together." She could feel the gentle love emanating from Shiro's heart that was too big for her body.
After Shiro left to go see Wren, Corren went into his explanation of EMDR and the eight step process he would take to try and help her process the trauma. The ice queen shook a little, thinking back to the incident. She didn't like to think about it, Nee just wanted to freeze the memories back up. "I'm ice. I can just block it out." Nee muttered quietly. That was how she handled everything, and it's what she wanted to do here and now as well. It was just her way of healing. But Corren didn't look quite so convinced. "No, it doesn't work like that." Corren said in his authoritative voice, the same voice he had when you didn't do your homework and he was disappointed in you.
"As you can tell, you're still badly affected by the trauma." Corren said, pointing out the obvious that Nee wanted to avoid with all of her might. She grumbled, looking down, still hating how weak she was to fall apart like that, in front of everyone. She even stripped in plain view of anyone around, how idiotic was she? Why did she do something so stupid and embarrassing? "If you really were able to ice it over, this wouldn't have happened." Nee grimaced in displeasure. "Fantastic." She muttered, unable to offer more of an argument.
Shiro popped back in then, because a plan was put in motion. Shiro was back, happily announcing her return and sat herself next to Nee with her trusty friend Ellis at her side. Nee was already blushing and squirming awkwardly, of course, because what was going to be said was way too weird for words. "Welcome back... how was Wren? Any better?" Nee asked, hoping that maybe Corren wouldn't be super idiotic about how he explained it. The doctor, in his usual monotone, went into his speech about how Shiro would have to stimulate Nee's sensations when she was triggered - her sense of touch. "Specifically the areas where she can still feel Semyon's hands." Nee squirmed more, feeling sick.
"To install a positive sense to the sensation, it would be good for you two two... how do you put it? Achieve Heaven, I think is what Queen Narcia says." Okay, it was time to blush to death now because it sounded way too weird for Corren to say. "After each session, you two should discuss the trauma a little and help work through the feelings together." Narcia couldn't do anything but stare uselessly at the floor in overflowing embarrassment - or maybe even a little of it could be considered excitement? But then again, thinking of doing it at Corren's order... and that was when Nee's mind exploded because the universe stopped making sense.
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βCome up to the stage! Are you trembling with fear or excitement?β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
It was fun, swapping stories about Kora like this. Aya rather liked it. After all, for how much Kora liked to try to act tough and show off how strong and mean she was, she really was, on the inside, a super soft little teddy bear that got hurt way too easily. She was almost like a child, and that was one of the reasons why Aya fell in love with her little sister, even if they were twins. "Hah, and remember?" Sure, the context around it was sad, but the incident itself was quite hilarious. "She even thought she turned into a boy when she had the catheter, right?" There was a giggle from remembering that scene, in the Dorones house. Well, the Dorones family was all but wiped out now, and that was sad, if anything.
Though, actually, there was something strange. Going through the memories, it seemed as if Serpina Dorones was hiding more than he let on about the past, about Aine's death, about everything there. And considering the events that happened around the time of Aine's death - including the fall of the Cherubim family head, there was definitely something weird going on. "Actually, isn't it a little weird?" Aya paused, was it really okay to bring this out like this? But it was too late now, in any case. "Could one girl like Aine really be able to charm a noble family's head, just with a few pretty words?" She shook her head. No, that didn't make sense. "There's still things we don't know about the Aine incident." That much was certain at least. "Why were Aine and Itward betrothed when Nee would have made more sense?"
No, maybe they shouldn't talk about things like that, maybe it wasn't right to bring the dead back up to figure out the truth. But then again, Aya was intensely curious now. Still, Cress was talking, reminiscing about Earth, about the family she lost. "Dads, huh. Never knew what it was like to have a good one." Sure, maybe it wasn't quite as obvious, but Aya didn't have a good time with her father either. Every time she was showered with love and affection, Aya felt guilty and horrible because she wanted to share it with Kora too. "It's good you got to have a good one, at least." Cress's metaphor about humans being flowers was interesting as well, and it made sense. "You'll help Kora bloom, right? She wants to wither, but I can trust you to let her blossom?" It didn't even need to be said, did it?
After the servants incident about water and the like, this section of the garden was complete. Aya let out one of her innermost doubts about herself, about her love and how messed up it was to most people, but Cress just gave her an understanding sort of smile. She could tell that the princess was speaking from the heart here, that these were her own true thoughts and Aya understood. "It's the same for you, isn't it? Since you love two people. It's not quite the exact same, but it's still commonly seen as forbidden..." Of course, there was no need to elaborate. Cress didn't need to know that Aya didn't intend on staying in this body. "Should we move onto the next section now?" The resurrected girl asked, trying her best not to fall in love with being alive again, because she knew it was her destiny to return to the darkness of death.
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βMy heart has always beat thunderstorms instead of blood.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
Cress laughed, yeah, she remembered that incident very well. "I was so confused," Cress laughed, "I thought they actually had for a minute until Kora showed me the catheter." Cress had, had a catheter for a while, it was only recently that it had been taken out and she had trouble holding it now because of it. Heron took full advantage of that, teasing Cress and calling her a little girl and whatnot. Did Kora have the same trouble? Cress didn't know, but she hoped not. Then again, Cress also didn't know how long Kora had, had her catheter for. Thinking of all these things gave Cress a slight feeling that she may have had to go, but she didn't want to yet, not until she instructed the next garden set and made sure everything was safely unloaded and that the knights were working with the proper plans and handling the plants very. Proper love and care were the tools that were needed to make a garden grow.
Aya was speaking in riddles, talking of conspiracy theories now. "I've had my suspicions, I think there was some foul play involved with all the planning. Including General Cherubim and Serpina Dorones. Whereas Cherubim was executed, Serpina was allowed to live. I have a feeling Mr. Dorones may have been a spy for the Queen, which was how she knew of our plans and had found us so easily." Narina had then tortured Itward to ensure his loyalty and used him to torture and execute Aine. "That poor girl didn't deserve what fate handed her. I can only hope that she and Nio are happy up in whatever afterlife there is." Nio was probably smiling down on them, watching over the big brother and sister she sacrificed so much to save. If Nio hadn't jumped between them, both older Cherubim siblings would have died. Not that Cress had been there for the battle. She had been locked in an isolation tank and then in her own body.
Since you love plants so much, why don't you join the garden? A shiver ran up Cress's spine as she remembered her birth mother's parting words. It was because of those actions that Cress couldn't believe that woman had ever loved them. Aya said that she never knew what it was like to have a good father, a curious thing since the twin's dad clearly favored her. "I wish I could have gotten to know my birth father." No one knew of the time Cress had spent with him, where she was pretending to be some crippled augmented servant and he had come to the escort service just to have company since his wife would never simply sit and talk with him. Cress had gotten the sense that he was sad and lonely, no doubt aware of the game his wife was playing at by pretending to love him.
Cress hesitated, then nodded her head. "Yeah," Cress smiled, "If I can trust you to take care of that body." Aya was in Kora's body after all, she had better not damage it or do anything weird while she was in it. "Actually, do you think I can ask a favor? Kora is too afraid to have her down there properly fixed." Cress spoke quietly, her words soft and gentle so as not to scare Aya. "It was because of that she kept calling herself furniture. Do you think you can have it fixed so that she doesn't have to live with the pain anymore?" They were rounding the corner now, Heron was waiting up ahead for her. "I want Kora to live the life she wants to, not the fake one that she thinks is destined for her."
Cress waved to Heron, letting her know that they were coming. This was the last section, then they would break for lunch and head to the next city. "You're right on the ball with that one." Heron sidled up beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist. "How about we sneak away before lunch?" Heron asked with a wink. Cress blushed, knowing exactly what Heron was hinting at. "We shouldn't do that sort of thing in public." Cress shook her head, Finnley came over to ask about the plan for this section. "An oasis," Cress said, describing it, the pool in the middle where kids could play, the plants that would flourish around it. She didn't want to put fish in it for the risk that someone might try to catch and eat them.
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βYes Mistress.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
Shiro smiled, "Wren is a lot better, she can move around now too." Corren seemed more stoic than usual and Shiro stiffened before remembering that she had already had her shot that day. "It should be any day now that I discharge Wren," he said, then went into an explanation about the type of therapy he wanted to pursue. Shiro listened, knowing that this would be the path to help Nee overcome her current challenge. So Shiro would touch the spot and use positive reinforcement to help? "I'll do my best," Shiro said, hugging Ellis protectively. "Nee and I are a team, we'll do this together!" It was going to be a challenge, no doubt, but these things didn't get better overnight. Just like Shiro's trauma between trying to work out a distinction between a good girl and a bad girl.
Today at least Shiro hadn't broken down when Nee had. She had only started crying after the fact, when they were back in the palace. By now, the flyers posted outside had been taken down. Not a one was left over and the spray paint had been painted over to match the rest of the pristine palace. They were safe for now and with an orange level threat present, no harm would come to Cress as long as she stayed together with the knights. "So sh-should we do it again t-today?" Shiro asked, clearly embarrassed and Corren gave a slight nod. "I think it's within Narcia's best interest to begin treatment immediately. A ruler has to have a calm and collected head on her shoulders and with all due respect, during that attack you had abandoned your dignity." Thankfully no one except Shiro, Corren, and Xion had seen Nee strip herself in the entryway of the palace.
"Okay, let's go to our room Nee." Shiro stood, taking Nee's hand in one and Ellis's paw in the other. They had to start right away, Corren said, so they would have to achieve heaven again today. Shiro didn't mind, although she was slightly sore, if this was for Nee's sake, then Shiro didn't mind at all. Afterwards there was work to be done, they had to plan a wedding and Nee would probably want a full investigation of the person threatening her sister. Shiro's tummy growled, she had taken breakfast to go because of the speech and it was close to lunch time now. By the time they reached their room, their bed had been remade and lunch had been set up on the table along with a stack of papers that Nee had to go over. Shiro could smell the delightful aroma waft around them. "Jasmine tea," she noted.
Shiro sat down at the table, looking at the food. It was some sort of noodle dish smothered in cream sauce with pieces of sauteed fish. "It smells so good," Shiro said, knowing that she was going to have a hard time finishing the portion they gave her. Shiro didn't want to overeat though, not if she was going to spend time with Nee afterwards. "Wren was happy even though she was still stuck in bed." Shiro said, twirling some pasta on her fork. "She's excited for the wedding," Shiro smiled, the weight of the ring on her finger a comfort.
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βThe scattering flowers of spring won't fade.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
Nee was, honestly, horribly embarrassed by everything. The harsh way Corren spoke to her, it was like he was scolding her. Looking down on her, being the disciplinarian teacher talking to an unruly student that refused to obey the rules. He had that perfect sense of condescension to every word that came out of his mouth. She felt nervous and strange and vulnerable all the time she was in this private office. It was good that Wren's happy, at least. Loss of dignity was one way to describe it. "If you had the sense not to strip where anyone could have seen, I still don't know what made you think that was a good idea." Corren crossed his arms with a severe expression. He wasn't pleased.
Shiro said that they would do it together, that they were a team and the ice queen nodded numbly, trying not to cry because she knew it, of course. She knew that she messed up horribly right then, she knew that she was at fault. If she was stronger she wouldn't have made such a horrible display. How could anyone consider her a reliable Queen now? It was even more embarrassing when Shiro asked if they needed to do it again today and Corren nodded - as soon as possible he said. What the heck. What the absolute heck. The blushing wouldn't end, even as Nee and Shiro left Corren's office together. "S-sorry. I know, Heaven is tiring and stuff and um..." Yeah, she couldn't say anything more without breaking completely. This was really humiliating.
Nee clung to Shiro like a life raft, as a sign post, one desperate clinging that would keep her from going aboard into the misery again. What was once a frozen ice sheet was now a tumultuous stormy sea, the ice had all melted, and the inner issues were rising up. They were back in their room now, and lunch was ready. The food was delicious and Narcia was happy to have something in her stomach. "I told you Wren would be okay. She's strong." Nee didn't want to think of the horrors Wren must have suffered. The girl bounced back from it, just like that.
In order to avoid talking about achieving Heaven, Nee decided to talk about something else that was troubling her, something she didn't want to admit. "...My mother...." Nee started, feeling insecure and like a child, she kept her head lowered and there was a lot of shame with her words. "I don't actually know if.... I'm happy that she's dead. I know she's an awful, horrible person, and yet.... I couldn't celebrate her death." She should have been happy that this scum was gone, but it was just a strange, cold emptiness. "...I think a part of me... wanted her to be proud of me and tell me that I did well...." Her voice shook a little, Nee had regressed more than just a few years now. "....But I know she's bad too... and I don't understand.... it doesn't make sense.... why do I care what she thinks at all?"
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βCome up to the stage! Are you trembling with fear or excitement?β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
There were so many good memories and good times they had back then, weren't there? There was a special bond that Kora and Cress shared, a bond that couldn't be described by words. Aya knew, she knew that there was no way her own bond with her sister could ever become as wonderful as that. Kora probably hated her for a long time, deep down, even in childhood. There was just so much sadness they both had as children, it was all so dysfunctional. Aya felt smothered by all the attention, she felt sad that everyone saw her as perfect, and whenever she tried to show them she wasn't perfect at all, they would all instantly blame Aya and give her more credit for trying to protect Kora for the bad things.
"There's a lot of mysteries surrounding the politics around Aine's death, definitely." Aya murmured, shaking her head. "It'd be nice if there was a way to really figure it out." Sadly there wasn't more than that. It wasn't like there was information that could be clearly gleaned from what facts that were left behind. Aine and Itward's betrorhal was one of the biggest problems, right? Apparently, the favorite was by far Itward and Narcia, but then all of a sudden Aine was favored, and that had to beg the question why. There was one clear answer, but no way to verify it. Was it possible that there was an anti-Seraphim conspiracy from the start? "It might be pointless to wonder now, though."
It was insanity. It didn't make sense. It was awful in every way, yet nothing Aya did could work at all. Not even their parents. Dad always punished and beat Kora, and then he smothered Aya and idolized her and wasn't even really looking at her, but some fantasy. So when Aya saw what Kora viewed her as - an impossibly nice and perfect girl - honestly, it was a little sad. It wasn't like the mutual understanding Kora and Cress had at all. "Azel was a good king, rumor has it." Aya said kindly. "Much better than most royalty. He tried to make fairer policies but was overruled by Narina often." Now, Aya was thankful for all the reading Corren forced Kora to do, because she knew a whole lot of things that would have been impossible otherwise.
A sly grin rose on the lamb's face. Hah, Cress really was worried for Kora's body, huh? Aya gently lifted her hand and pressed it against her chest, feeling the soft bulge of the breast against her fingers. "Like this, huh?" It was a little sad though, another reminder of the impossible. Aya would never get to grow up to have a body like this, she could never share the joys of growing with her sister. Whatever future she might have had was cut off forever. But then a favor was asked, specifically about the furniture problem. Aya decided to divulge a secret. "I think it was already dealt with." She whispered into the princess's ear, speaking the truth.
Heron strolled over and continued her general perverted games again, and Aya rolled her eyes, blushing slightly at how much Kora's body responded to just one touch on the breast. She felt warm down below, a feeling Kora preciously was barred from being able to feel. It was hot, it was almost unbearable, so the lamb stealthily made her way away from Herno so that the scarlet knight would never see or notice. Time to get started on gardening, then. An oasis. Aya got to work, hoping to distract herself from the heat swelling inside of her, deep in her guts.
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βMy heart has always beat thunderstorms instead of blood.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
Cress blushed as Aya did something weird, the exact brand of weird that Cress hadn't wanted Aya to do in Kora's body. "D-don't take advantage of the situation!" Cress said, hoping that Aya was just teasing and wouldn't actually do anything weird like that. Heron came over then, whispering stuff in Cress's ear that made her blush even more. Still, Cress was glad that Kora's problem down there had been looked at and fixed. Now Aya wouldn't have to have that pain and when Kora came back, she wouldn't live with that pain either. No one deserved to be reminded of bad things whenever they went to the bathroom. Cress had that temporary pain no, which Corren promised would go away and she could hardly stand it. It was hard to imagine Kora living like that everyday.
"Let's finish strong guys!" Cress said, feeling suddenly dizzy. She knelt in the dirt to cover it up, hoping that no one noticed the slight sway. She was overworking herself as per usual. Cress closed her eyes for a moment to make the spinning stop, then pulled her gloves back on and was about to start mixing the dirt and soil together. Heron put a hand on her shoulder, "Why don't you sit this one out? Be the overseer this time?" Heron asked and Cress shook her head. "Everyone is working hard, I have to too!" At least it was easier to guard her while she was sitting in this patch of dirt rather than walking all around advising everyone. "What kind of princess would I be if I can't do this much?"
"Cress, don't make everyone worry about you." Heron said, used to Cress's stubborn attitude. "Just sit this one out, you'll need to work a lot at the next city anyways." Cress opened her mouth to protest when Heron suddenly lifted her up. "Heron!" Cress yelped as the knight carried her to her wheelchair. "You can still talk to me and Aya, but you need to rest. What would Corren say if he saw you pushing yourself like this?" Cress sighed because she knew Heron was right. So Cress sat in her chair, wheeling herself over to where Aya and Heron were working in the dirt in her place. "Heron, you're handling that palm far too roughly." They would grow into large trees. Palms were plants that could generally handle rough and dry conditions.
Cress felt frustrated, confined to her wheelchair while the others all got to work. She wanted to be of some use too! Instead, Cress was stuck here, being babysat by Thyella and Otherus while the knights got to work. She watched as the knights dug the pit where the pond would be, as they worked together with the citizens to create something beautiful. Cress was so busy watching, she didn't notice the presence on her right. A citizen approached her, holding a small box. Thyella and Otherus tensed, clearly on guard, but Cress disregarded them. "Hello," Cress smiled in greeting. The man was older, wearing boots that he clearly took care of and a threadbare suit. "You are the Princess?" Cress stood and nodded. He was taller than her, skinnier too. It was clear that all Tartarians suffered from a food shortage.
"This is for you," he had a thick accent and his scruffy beard muffled his words slightly. Cress took it, unraveling the ribbon around the box and looking inside. She gasped, looking at the dazzling stone strung on a leather cord. It was a shining purple crystal with an intricate hand woven design in wire holing it onto the leather. "It's beautiful," Cress smiled. "But why are you giving it to me?" The man closed his eyes, patting his beard once or twice before answering. "For the Princess who made the desert green. I've lived here almost eighty years and have never come across a noble more deserving of the title." Cress blushed, looking down at the gift. She took it out of the box and put it on, smiling. "I'm honored to have this chance to serve the Tartarian people."
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βYes Mistress.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
Shiro smiled, "It's okay, I like being in heaven with you." Shiro said, knowing that she would probably fall asleep after achieving heaven twice in one day. She didn't mind though, if it was for Nee's benefit then Shiro would do it. They were a team, Nee had helped Shiro work through all of those times the pup was scared and now it was Shiro's turn to help Nee fix the cracks in her shield. "I want to make you feel good whenever you want!" Shiro blushed, it was a little embarrassing to say that aloud. She turned to her food, slurping up some noodles. It was good, creamy and soft, the fish was cooked to perfection and the textures didn't clash at all. "I feel so full," Shiro sighed, leaning back in her chair to give herself a rest. She hardly made a dent in her food, although she felt like she had eaten quite a lot.
"Wren is strong, she's like a super hero!" Shiro blinked then, "Do you think you can explain something to me? I don't really understand it..." Shiro trailed off, knowing that her education had plenty of gaps. "Wren says that she isn't interested in people, she says she doesn't have a drive. What does that mean?" Shiro asked. She wanted to know if maybe Wren wasn't interested in people, but things like animals. Which would be weird, but it's not like Shiro would judge her. After all, most people didn't think it was right for two girls or two guys to be together and yet they were. "Maven says that he and Corren are going on a date!" Shiro smiled, "Isn't that great?" Shiro clapped her hands together, knowing that Maven had liked Corren for a very long time.
She could recall her first meeting with him, Maven not Corren, since the pup had met Corren when he was still Nee's tutor. Shiro had been so afraid then, she had been drowning in her own blood and was close to death when she met Maven, who soothed her in the operating room before they put her to sleep. He was always so nice, Shiro was glad that he got to find love. "Everyone will get to be happy soon," was it naive to think that? Was it ignorant of Shiro to be so positive? Then again she didn't know about Aya not being the same Aya, he thought that it was the gentle lamb nurse that was back. Shiro thought she had waited long enough, she reached for the little spider cake that was for dessert. "Spider cakes are always the best." The reason it was called that was due to the sugar cage around the chocolate dessert that looked like a spider web.
Nee started talking about something troublesome then, Narina, the dead queen who even after her initial assassination, had created a robot of herself to try and destroy her daughter. "It's sad," Shiro admitted. "She wanted to be a good mommy, but she didn't know how." Something Nee said made Shiro move. She stood up and placed her hand on Nee's head, rubbing her hair. It probably wasn't the same and Shiro wasn't sure what prompted her to do it, but she felt it necessary. "You did a good job Narcia." Shiro sat back down then, unsure what had just come over her. "Um, I have a surprise, but wait here." Shiro went over to the closet and closed the door. She wiggled out of her dress and put on a new pair of undergarments that Wren had put in her drawers. They were girly, but not overly childish either. When Shiro stepped out of the closet, she felt super self conscious. "What do you think?"
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βThe scattering flowers of spring won't fade.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
Heaven really was a special state of being, and there weren't really any other words to describe it. Still, it was weird that now it was medically mandated. Nee hoped that Shiro wasn't being forced into it and wasn't pushing herself too hard in trying to help. Something like Heaven took a lot of energy out of a person - Nee knew this very well. "You don't have to... you know?" Nee said, making sure Shiro knew she had the option to back out if she didn't want it. "I won't ever force you to do anything." Even from the beginning, even as Ellie, one of the key desires she had was to never ever abuse or take advantage of Shiro if at all possible. The girl seemed as if she made up her mind though, as if she already knew what she wanted. The couple finished eating the far-too-yummy food, both feeling stuffed from what now rested in their bellies.
Wren really was strong, wasn't she? Corren never really told them how bad the torture was, but from the amount of bandages that were around the servant at the time, it must have been much worse than he let on. It wouldn't be surprising if it was still haunting Wren, even now, but she was just acting as if she was fine, so that no one would have to expend worry over her. "She's a good friend for you." Someone like that, Nee would always be thankful for, even if she enjoyed teasing like Heron did. If the two girls met, the teasing would never end. Then Shiro asked an odd question. No drive? "It means she doesn't need to go achieve Heaven like we do." Nee explained, hoping Shiro would understand it. "She just doesn't have the need. You know how we get really hot down there? She doesn't really get that, especially not for other people." Asexuality. It existed, even in Ourania.
And then there was surprise news. It was a surprise because Nee had no idea Corren ever decided to get over his feelings for Kora. Still, he must have realized that it was helpless, and probably in that time, Maven wormed his feelings in and Corren decided to give him a chance. "I hope they end up happy." Nee murmured softly, tapping her fingers. "I want everyone to be happy." It might have been a weird thing for the Ice Queen to say, but it was what she felt. "No matter what, if everyone could end up happy, it'd be wonderful." A world where there was no sad people and no pain. Was such a thing possible? She told Shiro before that it was naive to expect that, but now, Nee really wanted it to be true.
Narina. There was a whole pile of complicated, unresolved feelings involved with Narina. Her mother, her birth mother, and Nee still didn't know how to process or really deal with any of it at all. Not yet, at least. She had a feeling that there was more to her mother than the monster they knew and hated, but Nee... couldn't. Her earliest memory was the spider room, the nightmare room, she didn't remember anything before that. "I would've liked to talk to her once more, I suppose." Nee admitted. Shiro went to rub her head then, and said it, praising her, acknowledging her efforts and Nee cried again, moved past the point of words. All she could do was wriggle under Shiro's hand and accept the praise. Then Shiro went with a surprise, and adorned herself in undergarments that were more than the usual, accentuating the parts that Nee liked on her and she wondered exactly how Wren knew how to pick these things out if she was asexual.
"You're beautiful." Nee said, and she blushed deeply, feeling almost ashamed to look at her lover's form. "You're everything to me..." Her own dress slipped off, and Nee wished she had more special underwear for the occasion. In a low whisper, with her whole lower half trembling with warmth, Nee whispered. "Wanna visit Heaven again?"
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βCome up to the stage! Are you trembling with fear or excitement?β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
Aya stuck her tongue out, gently playing with the flesh that her sister owned, enjoying the feel of it. It was ridiculously sensitive, much more sensitive than Kora would ever be willing to admit and the lamb found that entertaining. And of course, Cress was being protective again, telling her not to. "But I'm in this body, aren't I? I need to bathe sometime, after all." A teasing grin was on her face, it was fun riling Cress up like this. Aya hoped to be able to see more of the girl she was going to entrust her sister to. "Maybe I can test this body out and tell you all of Kora's favorite spots?" It was a joke of course, she would never do anything of the sort. Reporting to Cress, at least.
It was the last section for Gehenna before moving out to Sisyphus, one of the smaller, outer cities. That one was blisteringly hot, built close to the Wall of Belphegor that blocked most Ashian traffic from the south. It was a giant wall, and during half of the day, the wall gave shade to the town of Sisyphus, but for the other half, the heat was uncontrollable, due to the desert. Thankfully at night the heat was gone - replaced by biting cold. "Don't work yourself too hard, Princess." Aya muttered to herself as she worked on the oasis as planned, allowing the others to actually bring Cress to a chair to ease up on herself.
Everyone tensed as the civilian approached. With Code Orange in effect, everyone had to be on high alert for any strange people approaching. Cress, just as Kora's memories dictated, said that Cress would ignore the warnings and automatically trust the man, and at least in this case, it seemed he wasn't up to any harm. Aya got back to working, and it was a marvel, actually. Kora's body was surprisingly strong, despite it's leanness. It was still thin and somewhat small - despite being a bit taller than Cress - so the muscle was definitely packed thinly over her bones. Aya wondered how she would have looked if she were allowed to live. What kind of life would she have lead? It was pointless to think about these things, and yet it was impossible not to consider them.
Heron strolled over then, and jabbed Aya with the non-blade end of her spear, the safe end, and she didn't look happy whatsoever. "You know, I heard about you." Heron definitely was taking a hostile stance. "You always showing off, making everyone love you. Don't you know how much you messed Kora up because of it? And the rabbit incident? Why would you do that to her?" Aya was a little surprised, actually. She didn't think Heron would be so direct about it. The lamb closed her eyes, because those days weren't easy for her either.
"I didn't want all the love, you know." Aya said softly, knowing it wasn't an excuse. "I wanted Kora to be appreciated too. But whenever I did something bad, they always blamed her and said I was just trying to protect her. No matter what I did, no one believed that she was innocent." Aya didn't really like Heron, but she knew outright antagonizing her wasn't going to lead to anything. "In the end, she killed me. It was just how it was meant to be, you know." Heron still glared, though, she didn't seem satisfied with that answer. "...That kid, she's really soft. Way too sensitive. You should've been a better sister to her." Aya nodded. She knew that already, didn't she? And it was too late to really make up for it too. But at least one thing could be determined. There was a tiny bit of love for Kora inside of this loud perverted knight, too.
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βMy heart has always beat thunderstorms instead of blood.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
They were done with section Z, it was time to return to the castle. Cress looked at the necklace and smiled. The man walked away, no doubt having been thoroughly interrogated by the knights before being allowed to approach. Even then they were still tense, being their overprotective selves, or so Cress thought. She didn't know that there was something else, an orange level alert due to the threat over her head. Being a rebel and a royal, Cress was used to both of those things. Putting her life on the line, that was what she did. Cress sighed and closed her eyes, there was no more need to fight. They would finally have the peace they wanted. Hopefully the rest of Tartaria would be as receptive as Gehenna.
Heron grabbed the handles to Cress's wheelchair. "What were you talking about with Aya?" Cress asked, wondering if Heron had somehow threatened their new friend. "Noting much," Heron promised with a smile. "I was just asking her about something Kora said." Cress sighed in relief, glad that Heron hadn't done anything dodgy. "Aya! Come walk with us!" Cress called to her, figuring that Aya may be a bit too shy to get to know the other knights. Unlike in Ashia, many of the knights here were females. In Ashia, majority of them had been men. In Tartaria there was a nice mix, the citizens no doubt reaped benefits by joining the military. Back home they did too, their families receiving a status upgrade and a stipend.
They were heading back to the palace, the knights seeming happy with themselves. "I'm glad that they've been given a new purpose." They were still in Tartarian uniforms, but Cress knew that there would be a shipment of Ashian uniforms being sent throughout the eastern continent for any knights to switch over. Cress couldn't help but wonder if the knights would be allowed to keep their old uniforms too, her thoughts were stopped when someone yelled. "Take cover!" Heron shouted and grabbed Cress, shielding her with her body. "What's going on?" Cress yelled as a fight suddenly burst out. Angry citizens, holding stones and broken glass bottles, they were there, their fury evident in their expressions.
"Let me talk to them," Cress tried. "No!" Heron wouldn't let her. The red haired knight looked around and grabbed Aya, using her to help shield Cress and get all three of them inside. "We'll let the knights handle them," Cress pushed the two away, clearly upset. "I could have handled it! I could have talked them down!" Cress replied, upset for obvious reasons. "Don't be stupid! You can't just keep risking your life every time an old man wants to give you a gift or a kid wants to give you a rock! You're a Princess, you're valuable!" Cress stiffened. Nee had said that too, that Cress couldn't be selfish and had to think of everyone else. Cress was selfish though, she didn't want to live a life where she couldn't do what she wanted, where she couldn't go off on her own for whatever reason.
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βYes Mistress.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
Shiro wasn't sure why Nee almost seemed like she was the one who didn't want to do this. "I'll do anything if it's for you, especially achieve heaven." Shiro smiled, hoping that Nee was convinced now. Shiro didn't mind because it was for the girl she loved most. She wiggled a bit self consciously, "I have lots of love marks from you, I like them." The pup admitted, able to see down her dress if she tilted her head down a little more. There was even one in the shape of a heart, right over her chest. "It's nice being able to do something so intimate with you." It made the burning in her special spot go away too, which was nice. Sometimes the burning there made it hard to think and all Shiro could focus on was what she would do with Nee later on.
Nee explained the thing that Shiro didn't understand, while that was a lot of things, this one was her good friend, Wren. Shiro didn't understand why she didn't have this 'drive' that Wren spoke of. Was the drive the same as the burning down there that made everything feel fuzzy until it was fulfilled? That was probably how Wren did such a good job at being a maid, she didn't have any fuzzy things to distract her! "So Wren doesn't have an oven?" Shiro didn't know how else to describe it. The pup thought that she was understanding it though. "So she doesn't feel the heat and have to make it go away." Shiro looked down at Ellis, who had chocolate on his face from Shiro trying to feed him some dessert. "I don't think Ellis has a drive either." Shiro shook her head. "He loves lots, but not like we do. I don't think Ellis needs to achieve heaven either."
"I'm sure they'll be happy. Corren's finally realized that Kora loves someone else. Now he's giving his best friend the attention he always wanted!" Even though the pup wasn't the smartest, she was sure good at making observations. No doubt because it was a lady in waiting's job to take subtle hints from the bodies of their masters. Shiro knew what most body language meant, although sometimes she forgot to look into it and ended up making a fool of herself or embarrassing the queen. Shiro was just unable to keep her mind on one topic for very long, she was a bit, no, very much scatter brained. It was one of her more endearing qualities though and no one seemed to mind or scold her for it.
Shiro came out wearing her new special clothes for Nee and the girl she loved most blushed and called her beautiful, which in turn, made Shiro blush. Shiro watched as Nee wiggled out of her dress and stepped out of it, taking her hand and leading her to the bed. "Let's achieve heaven together." Shiro smiled and followed Nee to the bed, allowing the girl she loved most to take the lead. Shiro remembered what Corren said and did her best to positive reinforce the areas that Nee pointed out.
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βThe scattering flowers of spring won't fade.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#4ca2b8 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #8b4cb8γ
|| Rolling Girl || Hatsune Miku ||
Nee nodded. Okay, she just felt unsure because.... well, she didn't want to force Shiro into anything, especially something serious and special like this. But it seemed the girl really did want to do this, she wasn't being coerced or forced to achieve heaven at all. "Alright. I do want this, you know?" Her cheeks went pink because it was a little embarrassing to admit it so easily, but it was true. "I was just... thinking, and I wanted to make sure you wanted it too." Nee shuffled, and held her lover gently, wanting her to feel the love from the hug. "I know Heaven can be tiring, especially for you, you know?" And she never wanted Shiro to have to be tired from something like that.
It was a little strange explaining to Shiro the concept of asexuality and she wasn't sure if the girl could really understand it. It seemed when lots of technical terms were being tossed around, Shiro didn't really quite get it. That wasn't to say she wasn't smart - it's just that her intelligence was forced to develop in other ways, in ways of servitude. Hopefully bit by bit, it'd come back. "That's right, she doesn't get the oven." It was funny listening to Shiro's way of understanding what happened to their bodies when it was time to achieve Heaven, but it was more accurate than you'd think as well. "Ellis is the same way. He's full of love, but he doesn't need to get Heaven like we do." Shiro would be able to understand that.
How long were Corren and Maven stuck in this cycle of sad love for, anyways? Judging from how long they've known each other, Maven was probably silently pining for his then master for a long time, and Corren and Kora had a few months of time to know one another, didn't they? But unrequited was unrequited, and it was good that Corren finally set aside his feelings and was willing to give Maven a chance. "They'll find their happiness, just like how we found ours." Nee said with a grin, cheering herself up. Yes, everyone would find happiness, one way or another. They'd be able to do this for sure.
"Heaven." A word, a very nice word for what was about to come. The two girls's bodies were heated up now, the stirring warmth deep within was pulsating, it was time to open the gates and achieve what only they could, together. But then Nee remembered, this wasn't just for Heaven, but for trauma as well. "Um, here, he... touched here and.." So Nee pointed out the places that Semyon claimed his own, and she shivered and let out a low whimper at the idea of his hands again. With her eyes shut, Nee waited for Shiro to heal the spots and make them her own.
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βCome up to the stage! Are you trembling with fear or excitement?β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ:#30b818 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #d1ca00γ
|| Crystal || Of Monsters and Men ||
With that last flower, Section Z was done. Still, Heron was being dumb, coming over here and being threatening, it was clear she didn't very much like Aya at all. It wasn't really her fault though - Kora didn't exactly tell them much about who she was. Aya felt lonely, actually, because not even Kora could really see past her perfect picture. Not even Kora could realize she wasn't as good as everyone kept saying. It was a horribly lonely sort of feeling and it made the lamb feel sad and nostalgic. She'd never really get the chance to explain herself to her precious sister, either.
Cress called her name when the work was done and the rest of the knights finished putting the tools and extra supplies back where they were supposed to be. Lots of water was being handed out now - it was hotter than it seemed after all. A lunch break, that would definitely be something for everyone to look forward to. "Sure, I'm coming." Aya said. She knew she didn't have much time left to live - maybe a few days or so - so she had to make good use of it talking to the people Kora actually cared about. That meant Cress and Heron, naturally. She pulled her green over-sized jacket around her and nodded. "It was a lot of-"
Right then everyone tensed and Aya realized just how unsuited for knight's work she was. People came, and not everyone was happy with the Ashians here, throwing things, being mean, shouting things. Heron took action immediately, grabbing Aya and placing her behind Cress and taking them to a safe area away from everything, Cress was shouting, arguing, trying to say she would talk but Aya agreed with Heron on this one, but for a different reason. "Cress, if you end up hurt, the Ashian knights won't take that lightly." Aya explained in a bit of a sad voice.
It was true, though. Although everyone seemed to be getting along, there was still too much hatred, too many scars, gardening for one morning wasn't going to be enough to change anything. It would be a long and painful process to bring the two peoples together, wasn't it? "And if the Ashians retaliate, the Tartarians will never trust Ashians again." Aya needed Cress to understand this much, at the very least. "Right now the knights are on orders to suppress people nonviolently, but that could change in an emergency." There was, of course, another reason, a rather orange reason, but since no one else was telling the princess about it, it probably seemed that it was best to keep it quiet for the time being.
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βMy heart has always beat thunderstorms instead of blood.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #CD5C5C β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #C5E3BFγ
|| Still Into you || Paramore ||
Cress was not happy to say the least, to be shuffled inside while everyone fought. Aya was even agreeing with Heron, saying that if she got hurt the knights wouldn't take it lightly. "I don't want to get hurt, I want the people to have peace." Cress said, "Aren't monarchs supposed to make speeches and rally people together? What kind of Princess would I be if I couldn't do that much?" Cress asked, clearly upset. "I don't want to get in harm's way, I just want to talk to them. Sometimes they're angry for all the wrong reasons and it's easier to subdue them with words rather than violence." Cress had a feeling that they wouldn't relent. "I need to do my best for these people. They're hurting Aya, Heron, isn't it my job to ease that pain?" Cress looked down at herself. Never before had Cress felt like a Princess until this very moment.
"I'm not asking to jump in guns blazing, I'm asking as a fellow human being." Cress looked down at her feet, her knees were wobbling again and she wasn't sure how much longer she would be able to stand for. "No," Heron repeated sternly and lifted Cress up. "You already exerted too much energy, Corren is gonna kill me when he sees how much you're working." Heron carried Cress to a fancy dining room, where lunch had been set up. "You've already given these people your all, now it's mine and Aya's turn to protect you. What kind of knight's would we be if we couldn't guard our princess?" Heron ruffled Cress's hair. "Right Aya?" At the very least Cress was glad that the two of them were getting along.
Thyella and Otherus appeared with lunch. For Aya and Heron there was food, for Cress there was soup. "Oh right, I've gotta get you your formula thing." Thyella already had it prepared and Heron connected it to the port in Cress's chest. "I can't wait to eat real food again," Cress said with a sigh, feeling a bit embarrassed about having to do this here, in front of Aya and the staff of the palace. Cress looked down at her bowl of soup, she lifted it up and brought the rim of the bowl to her mouth, slurping it down. It was easier and faster like this, Cress put the bowl down once she was and started to stand. "Alright, I'm ready to go!" She felt energized after the TPN and the soup.
"Sit down, we're not going anywhere yet, Aya and I have to finish eating." Heron said and Cress sat back down, feeling anxious to leave already. Finally, they were ready. "There's an airship waiting to take us there," Thyella said. "I'll be going with you and Otherus will be staying here." Thyella informed them, "We have to have to have someone to keep the people in line after all. Cress nodded, "Just remember nothing cruel..." She mumbled and Heron brought over her wheelchair. "Aya, can you wheel Cress there? I'm gonna go grab our bags." Heron said and Cress looked over at Aya and smiled in a welcoming manner. "We've still got a lot to talk about don't we?"
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βYes Mistress.β
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
γΙΞΉΞ±ΖΟgΟ Ρ cΟΖΟΡ: #FFAEB9 β ΡΠ½ΟΟ gΠ½Ρ cΟΖΟΡ #63D1F4γ
|| I'm on Top of the World|| Imagine Dragons ||
Nee pointed out the spots and so, Shiro changed the memories, making them positive, touching and suckling and kissing the places that Nee told her Semyon had left his mark. "Does it feel better now?" Shiro asked, hoping that she loved a positive impression. Then it was time for the fun part, the part where Nee took over and they achieved heaven together. Shiro panted when it was over, feeling tired. She had to stay awake though, this was the part that Corren was talking about, the one where the two of them had to talk about feelings. "Did it help? Were you thinking about him any?" Shiro asked, struggling to stay afloat in the ocean of sleepiness. "We've still got... so much to do." Shiro trailed off, feeling tired. The pup ended up nodding off, unable to hear Nee's answer but hoping that she felt better.
Shiro watched as they drove in a pod away from her home. Her doll was there, with her mother and father. The pup coughed, a little bit of blood coming up when she did. "Don't get blood on the seats," the noble in the front said. Shiro whimpered, looking down at her feet. Where were they taking her? Shiro didn't know. They went past the gate for every Tier, ending up on the Untouchable one. Shiro had never been here with her parents, it was so colorful in stark contrast to the dull white that covered the sanitary tier. The pup gawked as they drove up to the entrance of a house. "We're here," the pod stopped and Shiro whimpered as the servants grabbed her out and dragged her to the entrance. "P-please, I want to go home!" Shiro cried as she was pushed forward. "You belong to me now," the noble said casually as Shiro was pushed through the entrance. He snapped his fingers, pointing to the newest piece of his collection.
Shiro was swarmed by servants then, she kicked and screamed and ended up coughing, her blood splattering the marble floor. "No!" Shiro cried, "I want to go home!" They ripped off her clothes and putt Shiro in the bathtub, forcefully washing her off. Next came scrubbing her blonde hair and brushing it out, revealing that it was quite long. They held her down and cut her hair so that Shiro could no longer sit on it. Then they clothed her in a white frock and Shiro was led back to the main room, bare feet padding lightly against the cold marble floor. The pup shivered, wondering what would happen next. There was foo, an entire table of it and Shiro's eyes widened. There was someone else there too, beside the male noble that bought her. "Spitting image isn't she?" He asked, taking a bite of the steak on his plate.
The woman at the head was someone Shiro recognized from holo vision, her eyes widened and her knees felt weak. "Come on girl, there's plenty to eat." Shiro sat in a chair next to the Queen, staring down at the food on her plate with awe. "Poor child has probably never eaten anything but nutrient paste." Shiro didn't trust it, the food, the bath, why? "I want to go home!" Shiro yelled suddenly, pushing herself away from the table and tried to run away. She was cornered though and the servant lifted her by the dress, plopping her back down in her seat. "Quite a little rebel, how much did you pay for her?" Shiro looked down at her lap, she was property now wasn't she? Like those other sanitary children that disappeared in the night.
"A steal, I promised her parents a life in the Tower Tier." The Queen laughed, "They valued the life of their daughter that little?" Shiro felt her eyes sting with tears. "That's not true," Shiro whimpered, coughing again. "Even though you paid so little, you've bought yourself a defective one." The man nodded, "I'm well aware." The Queen seemed to be contemplating something. "Give her to me," the noble was startled. He bowed his head, knowing he had no other choice. "As you wish my Queen." Narina turned to Shiro then and Shiro whimpered as the woman reached out and stroked her cheek. "What's your name child?"
"Sh-Shiro," the pup stuttered. The Queen smiled warmly, she snapped her fingers and a servant came over with something, a collar. "Shiro, you are mine now." The collar was strapped around her neck, the click of the look sealing Shiro's fate.