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Elise von Hresvelg

"Hide away from the light, the rain is the only refuge."

0 · 3,205 views · located in The Chrysanthemum

a character in “Weather Girls”, as played by magic lilypad

Description

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❝Close your eyes, don't see what's in front of you.❞
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ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E

|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||







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{☛ ⒻⓊⓁⓁ ⓃⒶⓂⒺ ☚}
Elise Von Hresvelg

{☛ ⓃⒾⒸⓀⓃⒶⓂⒺⓈ ☚}
Black Eagle | Some of her fans call her this based on her first leading role in a movie.
Liss | Her fans usually call her this.

{☛ ⒶⒼⒺ ☚}
16

{☛ ⒼⒺⓃⒹⒺⓇ ☚}


{☛ ⓈⒺⓍⓊⒶⓁⒾⓉⓎ ☚}
Non-disclosed.

{☛ ⒻⒶⒸⒺ ⒸⓁⒶⒾⓂ ☚}
Kaguya Shinomiya || Kaguya: Love is War



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❝I turn away from the mirror ❞
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{☛ ⒽⒺⒾⒼⒽⓉ ☚}
Between four and five feet is what her fansite says, but the information is a few years old since she left the spotlight.

{☛ ⓌⒺⒾⒼⒽⓉ ☚}
Her weight was never disclosed on her fansite.

{☛ ⒽⒶⒾⓇ ⒸⓄⓁⓄⓇ ☚}
Black like the feathers of a raven, according to one of her fans.

{☛ ⒺⓎⒺ ⒸⓄⓁⓄⓇ ☚}
An entrancing crimson, according to one of her fans.

{☛ ⒷⓄⒹⓎ ⓂⒶⓇⓀⒾⓃⒼⓈ ☚}
Elise's skin is reportedly unblemished and flawless.


{☛ ⒼⒺⓃⒺⓇⒶⓁ ⒶⓅⓅⒺⒶⓇⒶⓃⒸⒺ☚ }

The most iconic part of Elise Von Hresvelg's appearance that most people - her fans, those who have worked with her, and even Directors - they all agree on one thing: Elise's sharp penetrating gaze is the one thing they remember. The girl has a natural piercing stare and the natural red hue of her irises make it even more distinct. As a girl she's always been rather stoic, naturally adept at not emoting. There's a reason why Elise was commonly cast in roles in horror movies as creepy frightening little girls. It was only after starring in Blood of the Black Eagle did she learn to better emote and inflect.

Elise doesn't have much fashion sense herself, as her family tends to dress and clothe her for her. She's usually seen in clothing fitting a "winter", with sleek neat designs and simple and solid color pallets, usually blacks and greys. She has a slender and almost lithe frame, because a Star must always take care of her body. Her family made sure that she would always be perfect in appearance.

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♙They say it'll go a long way.♙
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☛ ⓁⒾⓀⒺⓈ

❥ Theater | While her family forced her into it, Elise really did love acting.
❥ Praise | She'll try to hide it, but Elise is weak to compliments.
❥ Talent | Elise likes talent, both in herself and in other people around her.
❥ Beauty | Perhaps she's vain, but she loves being seen as a pretty girl. [/center]








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❝Sometimes you just have to hide away and frown.❞
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☛ ⒹⒾⓈⓁⒾⓀⒺⓈ
⌦ Stupidity | Being an idiot is something Elise has trouble forgiving.
⌦ Laziness | If you have time to be lazy, you have time to improve yourself.
⌦ Mimicry | Mimicry may be flattery, but it's still very annoying.






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ⓆⓊⒾⓇⓀⓈ
Hair Flip| Elise will often find herself fidgeting with locks of her hair.
Foot Tap| Liss has a habit of tapping her foot to get people's attention.
Chew Chew| Liss has an oral fixation and likes to always be chewing or sucking on something.


[center]


ⓌⒺⒶⓀⓃⒺⓈⓈⒺⓈ
Insecure| Elise always needs validation from others to prove her self worth.
Fear| When afraid, Elise will freeze up and be unable to act.
Compliments| While usually composed, complimenting Elise will make her distracted and confused, but also, happy.
Maps| They're very hard for her to read, okay?




ⓈⓉⓇⒺⓃⒼⓉⒽⓈ
Masks| When needed, Liss is a professional at putting on masks.
Motivation| If she wants something, she'll work hard to get it.
Adaptable| Elise is quick to adapt to different situations.
Calculating| She doesn't use it often, but she can be oddly calculating when making plans.




ⒻⒺⒶⓇⓈ
Ugliness| Liss fears being seen as ugly.
Untalented| Liss is terrified of being thought of as untalented.
Mirrors| Elise can't stand to look into them.

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♙How many wishes do you count?♙
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{☛ ⓅⒺⓇⓈⓄⓃⒶⓁⒾⓉⓎ☚}
Jealous | Afraid | Cautious | Lonely | Friendly | Skilled

Caught in her glow divine, the moon in the sky
Shines a path that takes us to begin again,
Beyond heaven
And into your weary eyes that hold all our fears
I’ll keep reaching for you
Till the end of time
Believe what you feel inside

Caught in her glow, divine,
Shines a path of light,
Takes us to begin again,
Beyond heaven and in,
Your tired eyes,
Cradle all our fears,
Take my hand and heal with time)
Believe what you feel inside
Guides our dreams

Every soul yearns secretly
To heal, although they’ll never say
Instead their hearts will break until
Every shard will tear the sky away




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❝The scenery you miss might just be beautiful.❞
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{☛ ⓅⓁⒶⒸⒺ ⓄⒻ ⓄⓇⒾⒼⒾⓃ ☚}
Crysanthemum

{☛ ⒻⒶⓂⒾⓁⓎ ☚}
Jeralt Von Hresvelg | Father | 46 | Alive
Mirabelle Lancaster | Mother | 41 | Died at 30
Cynthia Von Hresvelg | Stepmother | 38 | Alive
Claude Von Hresvelg | Half-Brother | 16 | Alive

{☛ ⒽⒾⓈⓉⓄⓇⓎ ☚}
Jeralt Von Hresvelg, a famous director known for casting many films, was once a young man who fell in love with his lead actress at the time, Mirabelle Lancaster. It was unfortunate though, that he was already engaged to another woman at the time, someone his parents chose for him to marry, a young heiress named Cynthia Aegir. Jeralt was charmed by Mirabelle's talent and smile, but Cynthia's sweet and innocent doting was beloved by him as well. Unable to make the choice, Jeralt chose to be with both women, wooing Mirabelle and chose to try to hide this for as long as he could. In the end, he chose to marry Cynthia, believing Mirabelle was tougher and would be able to handle the breakup.

By then, Jeralt had already impregnated both women, though he didn't know it yet at the time.

When Elise was born, Mirabelle had already gone on her own path, raising and training her daughter to become a great actress. Every moment from her first word to her first step was all in preparation to have little raven haired Elise star in a movie. Even as a baby she was put on sets and acted out various babies and infant characters to get the baby accustomed to the camera from a young age. As such, Elise was always used to the glare of the cameras, the swarming paparazzi trying to get any information they could for their tabloids. Who was the mysterious father of talented and wonderful Mirabelle? It was a mystery kept locked shut behind the box. Eventually, it became known to the world that Elise Lancaster was actually the illegitimate daughter of Jeralt Von Hresvelg. Who leaked the news? In the end, no one found out, but Jeralt decided to go and see his daughter and his former lover. Impressed by her talent, he invited Mirabelle and Elise back into his life, and offered to grant Elise part of his inheritance.

Now officially a member of the Von Hresvelg family, Elise was trained even harder. Her half brother quickly resented her, Claude did not enjoy his new half sister getting all the attention. Just because she was famous and a child actress didn't mean he didn't deserve any love. He was afraid for his mother too, now that the mistress returned, would Cynthia still have a place at the Von Hresvelg house? Claude and Elise formed a hostile sibling relationship, they never did see eye to eye. He would pull her hair, she would call him stupid and talentless, and no matter how their families tried to make the children get along, all they did was get in more fights. Still, Elise continued to be a rising star, getting her own set of fans eager to see her growth as a child star. She was given the nickname "Black Eagle" based on a character she played when taking her first starring role. Jeralt, naturally, never casted her in his films. No matter how much Mirabelle asked, he always refused to let Elise take part in his art.

One day, when Elise was twelve, the two women in the family decided to take the children out for a concert in downtown Crysanthemum. Over the years Mirabelle and Cynthia learned to love each other. Rather than have their old rivalry and feud, they accepted the situation for what it was, and even developed affection for one another. Wishing for their children to have the same sentiment, they were taken out to enjoy a concert. Sadly, this resulted in tragedy. Little did they know, the concert would be bombed by a suicide bomber. Mirabelle died in the explosion, and Claude lost his arm as he covered Elise with his body, protecting her through sheer instinct when the explosion went off.

But Elise didn't end up unscathed. Her face now had horrid scars, she had become horribly disfigured. She quit her role as a star and chose to hide in her room in the dark where she wouldn't have to look at her horrible face anymore. She quit school and all of her contracts, and refused to go out into the world. Her only company was her brother, who would come by after classes and tutor her, making sure that at least his sister wouldn't fall behind in her schooling. Even years later, when her father found a doctor he trusted to give Elise plastic surgery, she would never feel beautiful again. Only in the darkness and safety of the rain would Elise ever show her face beyond the walls of her room. Little did she know, she would gain power over rain one day.
{☛ ⓄⓉⒽⒺⓇ ☚}






ⒸⓄⓅⓎⓇⒾⒼⒽⓉ: ⓉⒽⒺ_ⓆⓊⒺⒺⓃ



So begins...

Elise von Hresvelg's Story

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Elise von Hresvelg Character Portrait: Winter Matsuri Character Portrait: Jallet
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||




Winter looked up at Julian, trying to explain. The most she could make were squeaking sounds, but it sounded more as though she was gasping for air. Elise seemed to figure it out quickly, pinching the bottom of Winter's foot. She jumped in pain, unable to so much as yelp. "Elise! Don't do that! Winter shouldn't be moving around," Julian scolded. Winter nodded as Elise drew her conclusion, Arke had taken her voice. How? Winter didn't know. Elise handed her the holo, which for now, would allow Winter to communicate with them. She was scared, admittedly. Arke was strong, much stronger than Winter had originally anticipated. What if they couldn't fight her? What if they all died trying? Winter did not want her friends to die. Winter did not want them to come to the Boundary, only to be killed. She had been the one to say it was a good idea. Their death would be on her hands. Winter did not think that she could live with that kind of guilt.

The door burst open, Julian shushing them as Serenity entered. She looked a bit banged up, but no worse for wear. How long had Winter been asleep? How much time had they lost? Arke would unleash a wave of monsters on them if they didn't act soon. She glanced at the edge of the holo screen. It was 5 AM, none of them had gotten any rest last night. Well, except Winter who had been passed out for the last... who knows how long. "-" she managed to squeak. Julian updated them on the situation, Oliver looking at Winter in concern. "What happened?" He asked, his brow furrowing. "Elise, did something go down while we were gone?" The base should have been secure, Oliver was probably wondering. Arke, Winter typed slowly. Every little move made her feel out of breath.

"Okay, that's enough of that," Julian took the holo pad from her. "You should be resting, use this opportunity to to heal." He handed the holo pad back to Elise and went to take a look at Serenity, who seemed happy despite the fact that she was bruised and banged up. Winter lay back in bed, feeling tired again. She was afraid of falling back to sleep. Arke had Zed and Zeus now, the two strongest Heirs had fallen to her. She had killed Iris, Winter's step mother. Suddenly Winter felt sick. She gestured to Oliver, who seemed to understand and brought a bucket for her. She pulled the oxygen mask off of her face, heaving. Carter leaned over to dab at her mouth, gold dripping down it again. She pulled the oxygen mask back on, gasping for air by the time she was done. It was awful, the only other time she had felt this bad was between transplants, waiting for the organs being grown in a lab to be fully developed.

"How long until the portal is ready?" Carter asked, snacking on beef jerky that Ezra shared with him. Why had they all congregated in here when there was a perfectly good meeting room right down the hall? "There, you're good to go." He pat Serenity's arm, having bandaged her shoulder. "Elise, that's your department." Oliver directed the question to her, "How long until we're set for take off?" Winter needed to get to the Healers as soon as possible if she wanted to stand a fighting chance against Arke. She closed her eyes, too scared to fall back to sleep, but too tired to stay awake. What was she to do? Someone pat her head. She opened her eyes to squint up at Carter, who seemed to have sense her unease.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Elise von Hresvelg Character Portrait: Winter Matsuri
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❝A second return, but what for? And for whom was I brought back?❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E

|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||







There was no time to sit around and wait. Winter was in dire straights, her voice gone and her internals in a mess, if the constant regurgitation of blood was of any indication. How much longer did they have? "Oliver... I must go and bring the Doctor's portal here." It was still in Ezra's flat, but it was not safe to bring Winter out there again. Ezra stiffened suddenly, his hand tightening on the handles. "No, that's too dangerous. We can have the engineers bring it here." He glowered, shaking his head. Elise shot him a withering look, ruby eyes a sharp glare, like a hawk's fierce stare. "You do not need to be overprotective of me." Her tone was harsh, piercing Ezra's words like a wet cloth. "I can move in and out faster than anyone here because of my abilities."

She could travel through the mist to the ball she left at Ezra's house. As long as she also deposited a ball here at the Slither's base, she could go back and forth the same way a normal person could go between rooms using a door. "I approve of it. As long as you're fast, you'll be fine. We have our engineers and a squadron of soldiers on standby if anything were to happen." Oliver said, dismissing Ezra's concerns. "The truth is, the faster we can get going, the better chance we'll have against Arke." He had a bit of a smile, reaching for his holo. "There's still a few things we need to do before we go. Serenity, why don't you and Carter rest up with Winter for now? You two took a few hits in the last fight." He motioned for Ezra and Elise and Mercedes to follow him out of the room to let the others have a chance to recuperate. "Hey, I barely got hurt, I'm fine!" Carter countered, crossing his arms. "One of the rebels hit you on the head with his rifle, you may have a concussion." Mercedes retorted, stepping out of the room.

Oliver lead them to another room then, where some of the engineers had something to show for their work. "Here we have special bullets. Julian gave us Winter's blood that was collected, and we were able to make a new weapon." Strange, almost gold bullets, capable to be loaded into a handgun. This was not going to work with the plasma guns, so they would need to bring conventional arms as well. "Is this an anti-Heir weapon?" She asked pointedly, guessing what reason there would be for something like this. Would Winter approve of this? She could only wonder. "Yes. This can do a lot of damage to Heirs, if the math is correct. But we can't take too much blood from Winter, so we only have enough bullets for each of us to shoot once." Oliver explained, showing them an array of small sidearms, looking very inconspicuous. Black and little, easily concealed. "We use this on Arke, and anyone else we have to. This is the equalizer." There were four guns and Oliver handed one to each of them.

"Well, I'll make use of this." Mercedes said, pocketing it with a smile. Oliver's choice made sense - those present here were the best shots. They were the ones he could best trust to not waste the specially made bullets. "When the time comes, we need to shoot them all at once at Arke. As long as we all land our shots, it should be enough to weaken her for Elise to finish the job." So Elise was going to be given the job of executing Arke. "Winter would do it better." If possible, it would be most symbolic for Winter to be the one to bring an end to things. It would also prove to the residents that Winter was just as capable and worthy as Zed to take over Iris's role as the female ruler of Olympia. "You chose right, Oliver." Ezra bore an arrogant grin, almost as if he had de-aged a few years back to his teenaged self. "There's no group better at the task." Elise quietly shifted her weight, then put her gun in a pocket on the inside lining of her cloak, silently thanking Claude for the foresight of including this in the design.

The next few hours passed by quickly. Elise went quickly to Ezra's flat after leaving behind a mist ball at the Underground City. She then moved the entirety of the Doctor's Portal Bridge from his flat to her home, after Oliver testified her identity to the soldiers on guard at the site. Then she worked tirelessly with Carter and Ezra offering her drinks to help the engineers finish repairing the device, who followed her every word as if they were gospel. Finally, with a loud hum, and with vibrations rocking the walls of the secured room near the bottom of the Underground City, the portal opened. It shattered the rainbow seal, leaving a wide open hole to traverse through. "Three hours left until Arke sends the apocalypse." Elise said quietly, looking solemnly at the entrance to the Boundary. "Let's go. You needed to get to the Healers in Olympia, didn't you?" Serenity was standing near Winter, supporting her as best as she could. Elise was tired - she had been working on the Portal Bridge so Ezra never had a chance to refill her life energy from the battle. Hopefully she would last until the end. "Looks just like that time." Ezra's voice was oddly quiet. No doubt he was remembering being drugged into incapacitation and being pushed through to the other side.

"This time your physical bodies are going through. Elise changed the settings. You'll be bringing all of your gear and clothes on you. Any injuries you take are very real, so be careful." Julian was seeing them off, looking weary. The President was present as well, she had arrived a few hours ago with an armed guard. "Fight well for the Chrysanthemum." She gave them a salute. "And make it back safely. Winter, Elise, you two are safe to return whenever you want to. We'll welcome you both with open arms." Elise was not sure she ever would. She needed to be left in the past. She did not want Ezra to have to grieve for her a second time. "Are we ready? Then let's go." Oliver stepped through first, determination in every step.

....

Elise had set up the Portal Bridge to take them to the Underworld where she would be able to group up with Hades and Kore and help retake Olympia with their assistance. "Hades and Kore are trustworthy. They will fight with..." She blinked, looking around. The Sentinal Tower was empty. It smelled of golden ichor, fresh. What happened? "Didn't you say we were going to meet up with your people here, Elise?" Oliver's voice was sharp as he gripped her shoulder. She nodded, mouth in a firm line. "Let us keep searching." Her plan revolved around coordinating with them as allies. But after scouring the entire tower, one thing became evident. There was a struggle. There was blood everywhere.

"There's only one answer." Mercedes dusted her hands, eyes narrowed. "Arke got here first, expecting Elise to try this." Serenity looked over at the black eagle, a worried look in her eyes. "What's the plan now?" She asked. "There were supposed to be Healers here too, weren't there?" Elise did not know. She had no plan. She had no idea what to do next. But she knew the others were counting on her. They trusted her to be the one to plot their way to victory, along the bright clear line. "First, Winter. Does the holo still work here? Can you still communicate with us?" She pointed towards a wall and had Ezra push her over, grabbing at a book. "If not, you can write using this." She dug around the shelves for a quill and ink to write with.

"El, take a look." Oliver pointed to the window. They were on the top floor of the Sentinel Tower. To the north, across the horizon, they could see it. Olympia was bright, surrounded by what looked like a cage made of rainbow bars. It was a beacon. It was a challenge. "She is daring us to try. She knows we are here." She had to think, she had to stay ahead. Still, there was one idea she was desperately trying to avoid. One idea she did not want to resort to. "Winter. If you need to be able to fight... you can let me kill you." Her words were hard, reluctant. She did not want to say it. Everyone was painfully silent as they listened to her every syllable. "It will only be your physical body. As Kore's Servant, I can help transition your soul to that of a full Heir." The other Heirs did not have bodies that worked on the Near Shore. As long as she did this carefully, Winter would be free of the trappings and burdens of the physical form, and will be pure here on the Boundary, at full strength.

But she would never be able to return to Earth again.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Elise von Hresvelg Character Portrait: Winter Matsuri Character Portrait: Jallet
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||




Carter sat with her while Serenity napped. He held one of her hands in his own, the room oddly quiet aside from the beeping of the respirator. Even if Julian tried, he could not help Winter anymore than he already had. She was losing blood, no doubt internally, from the way she kept coughing it up. "It's gonna be alright," Carter tried to soothe, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand. If she had stayed on earth, would she have ended up with Carter... or Oliver? Winter wasn't sure. She knew both of them had been pinning for her. Maybe her soul mate had never been on earth after all, but waiting for her in the Boundary. She had prefered living there to earth anyhow. Earth had always been... scaring for her. She had only a handful of good memories. The short time she had spent in the Boundary had given her many more.

"You can go to sleep if you want to, I'll be right here." Winter shook her head. She used her finger to write a word in his palm. "Afraid? You're afraid to fall asleep?" She nodded. "Well then, I'll guard your dreams!" He posed as though he were a faithful night. Winter coughed, feigning a weak smile. "Just rest," she nodded, closing her eyes and falling back to sleep. He sat beside her, just like he promised, not letting go of her hand. Every so often, he wiped the spot beside her mouth that dribbled with blood. Winter awoke when the others returned, Elise's new and improved portal machine ready. "Time to go," Serenity helped her dress into a shirt that was far too big on her and Ezra lifted her. They were all dressed in impressive combat gear while she was wearing an oversized tee shirt and hospital socks. Some Heir she was.

"This is it," they walked through the portal. Winter could feel the change immediately. She closed her eyes as her head spun, landing in the sentinal tower. This was Elise's home? She looked around, coughing violently. Blood spattered on Ezra's shirt. She looked up apollogetically. He shook his head, "don't worry about it." She nodded, leaning her head against his chest. Their plans went south almost immediately. There was a golden cage surrounding Olympia, no one could get in or out. "Um, guys-" Ezra started, gesturing. Winter was glowing. She was being summoned, a ritual to summon an Heir that had official business inside of Olympia from anywhere in the Boundary. Winter looked between them, feeling panicked. She could not stop it, even if she had access to her full power.

Elise could kill her, but would it stop the summons? Winter didn't know. She didn't know if she was ready to die, if she was ready to give up earth completely. She spent too long thinking and before she knew it, she was gone. "Dammit!" She heard Ezra yell before disappearing completely. Winter closed her eyes, her head throbbing. She felt sick to her stomach. "Winter!" Zed's voice yelled as she reappeared somewhere new. Within the throne room. Her head snapped up, the little action making her cough, blood spattering on the ground. "Winter!" Chains rattled as he attempted to run to her, stopping just a few inches short from the length. "Well, well." Arke's heels clicked on the marble ground. "It seems you brought an entire party with you Ms. Winter," there was blood dripping from the side of her mouth. She attempted to push herself up, her elbows trembling.

"Did you really think a ragtag group of former vassals and one of the weakest Heir's in Olympia could kill me?" She grabbed Winter by the hair, pulling her up off of the ground. "Stop it!" Zed yelled, "let her go!" She turned towards him, a keen smile on her face. "Fine," she released Winter, allowing her to drop to the ground. She vomitted blood at Arke's feet. "You-" Arke turned around, pointing to a guard standing at the door. "Gather the healers. I'm not going to let my wonderful daughter die yet." She turned towards another guard, "And you, round up the rifraf waiting in that tower." Winter was pulled up by one of the guards and dragged out of the throne room. "Winter!" Zed yelled after her, she looked up at him, giving him a smile, hoping that he could tell what she was trying to say.

The healing pool was warm as the water washed over her, glowing. She could feel the pain in her chest melt away, her physical body healed. The water bubbled around her, the bubbling only stopping once the pain had completely gone. She rose to the surface, a healer handing her a towel. "Lady Winter, how are you feeling?" She asked, before realizing. "Oh, right. Nevermind." Winter took the towel, wrapping it around herself. Elise had left a mistball in Zed's home. If she could transport everyone there, Winter might be able to figure out a way to meet them. Did Elise remember that she had left a mist ball there so she could transport between the Underworld and Winter's home?

She was escorted back to Zeus's home, which was where Arke had made herself at home. She was locked in the room she had seen in her dream, where Arke had taken her voice away. "Oh, you're back." She was waiting there for her. Winter stiffened, the aura of power coming off of her intimidating. "Don't worry, I didn't harm a hair on your Zed-y-poo's head, just like I promised." She stroked Winter's hair, who was wearing a bathrobe given to her by the Healer's. "I'm rounding up your friends as we speak too. Thank you for bringing them to me, Winter." Winter jerked away from her, but Arke grabbed her face. "Iris was right, you really aren't Heir material. I could demote you back to a human-" Winter's eyes widened in fear. "But I won't. We'll make an Heir out of you yet." She reached up, Arke smiling as Winter flicked her in the forehead. Arke's expression changed as she was flung across the room.

"You little b*tch!" She rose, her nose bleeding, but seeming otherwise unaffected. Winter placed her hands out, Arke moving in a blur. She grabbed both of Winter's hands, pulling them behind her. She let out a silent cry of pain, falling to her knees as Arke struck her in the back of the head. "Weak! You are far too weak!" She grabbed Winter's head once more, placing her hands over her eyes. "And since you decided to act out, you're going to be punished. Bad children get grounded." The light began to fade from her eyes as her vision was taken. Winter reached out, crying out silently, panicked. First her voice, now her sight. She fell to her knees, reaching out in front of her, grabbing Arke's foot. "You can have it back when you learn to behave." She kicked her foot away, the door slamming shut behind her with the resounding click of a lock.

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Character Portrait: Elise von Hresvelg Character Portrait: Winter Matsuri
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❝A second return, but what for? And for whom was I brought back?❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E

|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||







It happened again. Over and over again, Winter would end up in a position of needing rescue. Elise sighed, glad for one thing. Their enemies were nothing if not predictable. In the end it was all the same - they had delivered Winter right to Arke's doorstep. Her legs did not work, her body had reverted to a state similar to her last moment of life. A poisoned spine, with useless unfeeling legs. "Dammit, she outplayed us at every turn." Oliver grit his teeth. They were all stunned. What could they do at this point? There was nothing left that was available to them. At first she felt despair. "What do we do, El? Please tell me you have a plan." They were all counting on her. They were all relying that she would be the one to find a miracle solution to save Winter, save Olympia, and take down Arke once and for all.

Well, she had one. But they were not going to like it. "Arke knows we are here. She would not let loose ends live." She explained quickly, wishing that her legs would work properly. They hung onto every word like desperate children wanting their mother. "Then we have to fight back." Oliver declared, hardening his voice to try to dispell the fear, the sadness. "We can't save Winter if we're dead." Elise nodded, keeping her face stony and expressionless. She had to be the perfect actress. This time, not even Ezra was allowed to see through the facade. From the window they already saw it - Servants were attacking the base of the Sentinel Tower, making their move against them. All sorts of creatures, with rainbow collars on their throats. Enslaved, controlled. Arke's little puppets were climbing the tower, flooding everything.

"They're coming. Everyone, get in position. We have to defend this tower before trying anything for Olympia." Oliver ordered, Ezra of course not removing his hands from the handles of the wheelchair. They were all ready for battle. "These are Servants. They will be as strong as me, but not as experienced with combat." The Boundary was usually a place where Servants did not have to fight. They would not know the full extent of their powers, not like how Elise did. Furthermore, they were all enslaved. Like this, they were not capable of higher level strategy and planning. "As long as we are smart, we will be able to defeat them." Her cold confidence was enough to relax the others. Serenty was almost cheerful again, wiping her tears away. "Then let's do this!" She declared, in a rallying cry. "You never change, always the cheerleader." Mercedes shook her head, guns all ready to strike.

Could they win? Elise did not know. And she was not going to take the chance. As the Servants broke in, of varying shapes and features and limbs, the black eagle revealed her true colors. "Kore!" She cried, taking a gamble. In rainbow chains, the Heir of Mercy appeared. The chains faded away, melting, almost as if they could not work outside of Olympa. "You figured it out! My cute little Servant." Kore looked almost beautiful, starved and bruised and badly beaten. Elise nodded, accepting the hug. Even the attacking Servants were stunned with her arrival. Kore must have placed a mist ball inside of her the same way she did for Winter. "This is my Tower. I will have all you Servants leave immediately." Kore waved her arm, a wave of power knocking the enemies back. And those behind began to cower, while others charged forward, their bodies moving against their will.

One. Two. Three. And her own, four. The others, distracted by Kore's arrival, lost their guns and Elise pocketed each one. The bright clear line from point A to point B. The fastest and most efficient method to save the day was clear in her mind. It was the only option available to her, and the only one Arke would not anticipate. "See you later." Elise whispered and sent herself to Zed's palace, to what was once the storage room in Olympia. She could not bring the others with her, but she only needed their guns, her wits, and her bravery. Or was it recklessness? Coughing, she fell to her knees, feeling pain surge through them. She could walk again. She was mobile once more. The black eagle took a moment to steady herself, realizing the reality of the situation. She was alone, in a city full of enemies. But perhaps this desperation was where she was at her strongest.

Around the room was an assortment of devices. A myriad of strange objects. "Just in case you'll need them when you come home." Written on each of the tools and contraptions, one letter at a time per object. There were many - but she would not need each one. "Svarog." Elise could only hope the friendly bull was still alive. No doubt he too, tried to fight back. Stuffing a handful of the smaller devices into the pockets lining her cloak, she held one last device in her hand. Based on the design, she had an idea about what this did. And later, when she limped out onto the streets, unseen by any of the patrolling Servants, Elise knew it worked. She was now invisible as she held the hook-shaped rod. With a pained sigh, the black eagle walked alone to what was once Zeus's palace.

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Character Portrait: Elise von Hresvelg Character Portrait: Winter Matsuri Character Portrait: Jallet
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||




She reached out in front of her, taking hesitant steps forward. Everything was dark, even though it was daylight outside. The bathrobe slipped down her shoulder, she tripped, falling into something. A table maybe? "Lady Winter!" A servant cried, the door opening the moment she fell. "You musn't strain yourself," she guided Winter over to a seat. "Here," she pushed a cup into her hands. "I'm sure you must be famished," it was true, Winter was starving. She drank, allowing the servant to dress her and hand her biscuits to nibble on while she worked through her hair. "Don't worry, I'm sure if you behave, then Lady Arke will restore your sight." She tried to reassure her, leaving Winter once more. She heard the door close behind her and rose, hesitant. Winter stomped on the floor, sending power through her foot. She could not see, in the real sense, but she could "see" the position of objects on the floor. She figured it out while tapping her foot on the ground.

Like this, Winter could find her way around the room. Winter stomped her foot again, directly in front of her was the table. Behind her, was a couch. She moved between the two, slowly, trying to find her way to the door. The walls were more difficult, they were all around her, closed. She reached out in front of her, encountering the first one. A window! Winter pushed her hand against the wall, attempting to find a latch. There! She pulled it open, the window swinging open. She nearly fell out. Winter wasn't sure what floor she was on, or how far of a drop it was down. She sat on the ledge, debating if this was suicide or not. If she died, would anyone ever know? "What are you doing?" A voice behind her came. Winter made the decision in that moment, pushing off and leaping. She hoped there was a bush beneath her, she prayed as her stomach dropped and a rush of cold hit her. A lake, she had landed in the lake that led to a waterfall.

This was not good. She tried to swim up, but which way was up? Her lungs burned, crying for air. Something grabbed her from the middle, hauling her upwards. They broke the surface, Winter gasping and coughing for air. "I got you," an unfamiliar voice said as he swam them towards the shore. Once it was shallow enough, Winter stood on her own feet. He held her hand, tugging Winter in the direction of safety. "Another escapee from Arke's place?" Winter nodded, "What's your name?" She reached out, he handed her his hand and she spelled it out for him. "Ah, so you're the Little Lady Winter?" She could feel the heat in her cheeks, but nodded to confirm. "My name is Marcel, I'm a friend of Zed's." Marcel? Winter smiled, Zed had spoken fondly of him. "I was on my way to try and bust Zed out, but I'm sure he'd be happier if you were safe."

"He didn't say anything about you being... you know..." he trailed off. Winter wrote another word into his hand, "Arke did this to you?" She nodded. She could hear the frown in his voice. "Well, don't worry, it can probably be reversed then. Come on, let's get you somewhere safe." He took her hand, she wondered how she was going to tell the others that she was alright. "Put your hands up Marcel!" Two voices suddenly shouted. "Sh*t, Winter, hang back." He released her hand. She reached out in front of her, but he was already gone. She stepped back, pushing her foot into the ground. The sound waves carried, seeing for her. They were surrounded. She turned around, stretching her arms out and bringing them together in a thunderous clap. Marcel whistled, her was beside her again. "That was impressive," he lifted her up. "We're moving too slowly though, no doubt Arke's people heard that clap of yours."

Would Elise have heard it? Had she remembered the mist ball in Zed's house? Winter hoped so. She hoped that it would lead Elise to them. They traveled quickly, the wind blowing through her hair. Winter held on tight, terrified since she could not see. "Don't worry, I'm the Heir of Messengers." She could hear the grin in his voice, "so we can travel as fast as the wind." They landed, Marcel placing Winter on her feet. She stomped a foot down, trying to get a bearing for the landscape. "Clever," Marcel admired, "very clever." Someone was running towards them, she could feel the vibration in the ground. "Winter!" Yuuki wrapped her up in his arms, bringing them to the entrance of a house. They were on the edge of Olympia, far away from the gates.

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❝A second return, but what for? And for whom was I brought back?❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E

|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||







There were many who called Elise something of a prodigy. There were others who thought she was near omniscient. Those were usually the ones she trapped in corners and threatened until there was nothing left for them to bleed. What was she really? The black eagle did not know. She left Zed's palace behind, still finding it eerie how empty and barren it was. Once, it was full of life. Now, even the gardens were trampled on, the flowers wilted and dead. Nothing was as it was supposed to be. It almost made her laugh. Who would have thought after so many Heirs lost to Arke and her power, that in the end, one Servant would be what took her down? The theaters would make jokes about Arke for the generations to come, mocking her for losing to a Servant of all things.

She was like a shadow, clinging to the hook-shaped rod, making sure she was undetectable. There was something she had to do above else, but it depended on her gamble. The truth was, the black eagle was neither smart nor a genius. She was just very good at gambling. She used context clues and hints to make guesses, and she so far was simply lucky each time things went according to plan. If her gamble about Arke was correct, then she would come out on top. But if things did not work out, she would be yet another victim to fall at her hands. She smiled grimly, slipping past the guards, flattening herself through the doors as they opened them to let what appeared to be a search party out. She waited for this moment, glad that a very specific sound drew their attention. "Hurry up, or Arke's going to kill us." The satyr muttered, leading the armed guards. "We have to find that Winter Heir fast." They were already galloping, unaware they had allowed someone to slip right past the front doors.

Step one complete. Infiltration was a success. Her heart was pounding, more and more. If things went well, if only this worked out as planned. Were the others safe? Did Kore protect them in the Underworld? She shook her head as she crept through the golden halls in secret. There was no time to worry about that. Focus. Focus on the mission at hand. With hope, this would be the last time she would have to take a gamble like this. With hope, things would become peaceful by the end. Taking a wild guess, Elise headed downwards, down the spiral stairs in the center of what was once Zeus's palace, descending into the depths. Her head was aching but she reached the bottom, the dungeons. Here all of Zeus's loyalists and allies would be locked up. She needed to find Zeus - he was the most important of all to reach. She spotted a few familiar faces, Ame whimpering into Neptune's shoulder, Chikyu and Zoku playing with cards...

She found Hades and slipped next to him, as close to the bars as possible. "Where is Zeus." She wrote into his arm with her finger, startling him. "What are you looking at, Hades, get back in your cell." Angus growled, poking him with a pitchfork. Hades snarled, his horns bright with anger. "Once Zeus breaks out of the cemetary, you'll regret siding with Arke." Angus laughed, rubbing his nose. "Zeus has probably gone insane already. Poor guy has to watch his wife'd corpse rot, unburied. Give it up, Hades, you and your kind have failed. It's a new age now." What an idiot, Elise thought. How much of a fool do you need to be to fall for that? Well, that was all she needed. She gently lifted the key from Angus's waist and slipped it through the bars as he bragged about his victory.

"Wait for the signal." Elise drew the words onto Hades's arm. He nodded and turned away to make it less obvious he had been communicating with someone. One job done, Elise snuck her way back up the spiral staircase. She needed to find one last thing now before reaching for Zeus. Something very important that she could not leave without. Winter was safe and out of the palace for now. No doubt Arke's people were in pursuit. This would make this very easy. She studied this of course, when Hades warned her about Arke. She had a feeling she knew exaclty where to find the golden treasure. So outside of Arke's personal quarters Elise found two guards and threw a rock at one. "Hey, what the heck, why did you hit me?" The two Servants began fighting, allowing Elise to slip right in.

Arke was not here. Was she out on the field? There was a golden box by the bedside. Elise opened it gently, finding two rainbow rings. She slipped one on, feeling sight beyond her own. Sight outside of the palace, an unknown ally holding her by the hand, high in the sky. "How dirty, Arke..." The black eagle whispered, removing the ring of Winter's sight from her finger. Should she break the sight ring? Or would it be dangerous? Would it make it impossible to return? No, she would not take that gamble. She would wait for now. Next she put the other ring on. "Zed." She whispered, Winter's voice coming out of her mouth. A smile rose. This was exactly what she needed. She created mist replicas of the rings and placed them back in the golden box, pocketing the real ones.

Voices outside the door. She would not be able to escape through that way. She needed to go get Zeus and Zed now. But if she returned to Zed's palace would she be able to sneak back into Zeus's palace a second time? It would be very difficult, and she did not feel safe leaving a mist ball behind. That would be a signal to Arke that she had been here, it would be too dangerous. A window. She could jump down to the gardens. It was a long fall, but it was her only hope. With a leap of faith, Elise left Arke's room, clinging to the hook-shaped rod.

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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||




Yuuki led her to a couch, where Winter sat, tapping her foot to get a feel for the room. "I'm sorry I couldn't reopen the portal for you. As you can tell, a lot has happened since you went to earth." Winter nodded, she forgave him. "How much did Arke take?" Yuuki asked, but he was talking to Marcel. "It seems like she's mute and blind. I found her in the river." Yuuki nodded, "That's why you're all wet." He wrapped a towel around her, attempting to dry her off. "You should've seen her fight Arke's goones, you picked a tough one Yuuki." Marcel was making tea, Winter could see his feet shuffling off as she tapped her foot. Yuuki looked down, grinning. "So that's what you're doing. You're feeling the room, aren't you?" She nodded. Yuuki had taught her how to use her power, after all. They had figured it out together. No doubt it was easy for him to piece together this much.

"Did you find Zed?" Yuuki asked, changing the subject. He released Winter from his towel wrath, now that she was dry. "No, I kind of got distracted when I saw someone flailing in the river." Marcel brought over tea for them, "here, you're probably thirsty." He placed a cup in her hand. "Sugar?" She held up two fingers, he placed two sugar cubes inside, giving it a quick stir for her. She took a sip, taking care not to spill. Was it smart to entrust a blind girl with a cup of hot tea? Probably not, but Winter was careful. Whenever her body underwent healing, she became starving. Healing used the body's energy, after all. "They're going to find us soon, we can't hide here forever. Especially now that Winter's here." Yuuki noted, "I know. I've been trying to rally up some villagers, but one mention of Arke's name and they sh*t themselves in fear and run away."

Winter didn't blame them. If Arke could take people's senses, then who knows what else she was capable of? "Winter, do you think you can fight?" Yuuki asked. She hesitated, swallowing hard. Winter nodded, she could fight against Arke, but winning was another question. Winter reached for Yuuki, nearly spilling tea. "Whoa! Careful there!" He grabbed the cup from her and gave her his hand. "Others?" He asked as she spelled it out. She nodded, "They're here? The other vassals?" Winter nodded again, squeezing his hand. "Where?" He was patient as she wrote each letter on his palm. "The Sentinel. That's outside of Olympia, they have no way of getting in."

"Unless-" Marcel interjected. "Unless?" Yuuki narrowed his eyes, "We steal the key." He looked back at Winter, a plan already forming in his head. "We use Winter as bait, get the key, and break open the gate. If we bust the cage open, Arke will come out of her hiding place. One of us will be in position to loose the other Heirs. Then, all chaos will break out. It'll be all of us against one of her." Winter reached forward, Yuuki taking her arm. "What's wrong?" He asked as she stood. She turned around, pointing towards the door. "Someone is outside?" Winter nodded, she could feel the vibrations of footsteps outside of the house. "They probably followed us here." Marcel rose as the window broke, Arke's people had found them. "Put your hands behind your back!"

Yuuki flung up a wall of ice to protect them, grabbing Winter and lifting her. He jumped out the back window, the broken glass scratching at them. Marcel followed, giving them the finger. "I guess we're gonna do this plan a bit faster than we thought!" He grinned, lifting Yuuki up by the back of the shirt, who held Winter tightly against him. Winter tried to gain her bearings, only to realize that there was nothing around them. They were in the air again and she dizzily felt in front of her. "It's okay," Yuuki reassured her. "We're flying," she nodded, barely able to hear him over the wind. "Almost there!" Marcel informed them, "once we get close, we'll drop Winter in front!"

Drop her they did. Close enough to the ground, of course, but high enough where she still experienced a rush in her stomach. She fell to the ground, rolling in the grass. Winter rose quickly, running her foot across the ground and reaching in front of her. There was a path behind her. "Hey! There she is!" She turned, she had to be the distraction while Marcel and Yuuki unlocked the gate. Winter gathered up power in her hands, forming a thunder clap. A wave of sound came down, knocking out several of Arke's goones.

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❝A second return, but what for? And for whom was I brought back?❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E

|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||







Crack! She landed on the ground with a painful sound. It was only thanks to one of Svarog's gifts - a strange box with a feather symbol on it - that protected her from being detected, that kept the sound from going out and being heard by anyone else. With the hook-shaped rod and the feather square, she was invisible, and she was unhearable. A perfect combination. Elise felt pain shoot up her left leg, she must have made a mistake when landing, failing the roll at the end to absorb the impact of the jump. "Hurts." She whispered to herself, hobbling even more slowly now than before. She had to keep going though, she had no choice. All she knew is that she had to keep moving forward. Was her leg split open?

"Keep... moving forward." She dragged her bad leg with her, gnawing on her lip enough to split it open. How bad was her leg? Did she even want to look? She was lucky that she did not bleed anymore, instead leaving a trail of nearly invisible mist with each step. It was fine, she thought. Blood was far easier to notice. Blood was far easier to detect and then her plan would be ruined. Kore would no doubt be calling her cute right now for how hard she was working. Maybe Zeus would finally respect, her would that be funny? Iris was dead - it was unfortunate. She knew Winter was hoping to one day earn her respect and love as a surrogate mother. What was she thinking? She needed to find the internal graveyard where rulers of Olympia are put to rest after their tenure.

That was when she saw it, with just a glance. Outside, the golden bars entrapping the entirety of the city began to vanish. Disappearing is if made of sugar and dropped into a river. "Winter, you are insane." Elise shook her head, a feeling of pride welling through her. Somehow that girl just never stopped fighting, never gave up until her last breath. "You take care of the fight out there. I will handle matters here." She said, pretending that Winter could hear her. One leg forward. Then the other leg. She continued this until she heard the sound of sobbing. It was faint, almost silent, but she heard it nonetheless. She crept closer, seeing once again, two guards by the door to the cemetary room. She threw a small ball at them - it exploded, releasing a gas that put them right to sleep. Another of Svarog's toys to save the day. With that, the black eagle made her way to Zeus's domain.

A pile of bones was on the ground, unburied, unmarked. Behind the bones was a large tree, and on the large tree were four golden nails, stabbing through the victim's wrists and palms, trapping and pinning them to the tree. Golden ichor blood dripped slowly to the grass, intermingling with the gold already littering the bones. Zeus was crying quietly. He had no hope left, a proud man, broken and turned into this. Elise moved closer, her heart ice cold against the man. She reached for the nails when she was stunned by a voice. "No, human." Zeus's voice was very faint, like a mouse's whisper. How did he see her? Was it - it had to be the electricity she was giving off thanks to Svarog's inventions. "If you remove them, they will explode and you will die." He coughed, but his tone was steady. "I do not want my daughter to lose her closest friend a second time."

Elise put the feathered box away then, needing to speak with Zeus. "Hades has the key and can free the others." She replied, glaring hard at Zeus. "He will break free with the others with the signal. I intended for you to be that signal." Why did Zeus sound so defeated? So pathetic? Where did Winter get her fighting spirit from? Was it from her mother? "She already lowered the cage. The way is open for our allies to enter. Arke will be trapped by enemies from both sides." She narrowed her eyes. "Even if we die. This has to be done to stop Arke. The explosion will be enough of a signal for Hades to move." She picked up the feathered box again, returning to silence. Zeus closed his eyes, sighing. "I cannot stop you, human. But please find another way."

Elise reached for the first nail, using mist to strengthen her arms, pulling it out. She heard the sound of a pin being released and the explosion went off, Zeus letting out a cry of pain as his hand went flying, giving off another explosion where the second nail landed. Elise fell to the ground, hissing in pain as she felt her face being scorched, her palms burned. But now she had an idea. Zeus was in terrible straights. And Elise was not going to let Winter lose her father after only a year of happiness. Elise lost a father once - she hoped to spare Winter that pain. Just in case that was not enough for Hades, she worked on the other hand, the black eagle having an idea now. She released both at once, then created a blanket of mist as strong as possible, covering the blanket with her own body, trying to cushion Zeus from the explosion as much as she could.

Pain burst through her chest, her stomach, as she landed on the ground, on her back. She assessed her wounds, the mist laying all over the room. Bad. Very bad. Fatal? No, not yet. It was becoming harder to think now but Zeus fell to the grassy mound below, panting hard. Elise crawled over to a wall, panting, waiting. Now she placed the sight ring on her finger. All she had to do now was wait. Wait until Winter's eyes showed her where Arke was.

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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||




"Hey, you can stop fighting so hard. We're here now," Oliver's voice carried from the open gates. "I'm here too!" Kore chimed, having marched in with the rest of them. Winter smiled, releasing three enemies she had caught in vibrating air. Ezra shot at them, the sound of the gun far too loud. With her sight gone, her hearing was sensitive. "Winter can't see," Yuuki explained to them quickly. "Arke took her sight," he stood beside her, revealing himself now that he had opened the gate. Marcel had run off to Arke's fortress to free the rest of the Heirs while they caused a commotion here. "That b*tch did what?" Carter's hands balled into fists. "I'm Yuuki, by the way. Winter's former retainer." He flung his arms around her, hugging her from behind. Winter flicked him in the forehead, trying to get him to let go. They were still in the middle of a fight.

There were more of them coming, Winter could feel their thunderous footsteps. She turned, "There's more of them coming! Everyone get ready!" Yuuki announced, able to read Winter like a book. He had spent several years in her head, after all. Oliver barked orders, they lined up, their weapons doing little to penetrate the armor of the enemy. Winter knelt down, placing her hands on the ground. She could feel it much better now, the vibrations. "Hang on!" Yuuki announced as Winter sent a wave through the ground, knocking them off of their feet. "Even blind, I wouldn't want to fight you." Ezra pat her shoulder. Winter looked up at him, Yuuki turning her head slightly so that she was actually looking at him. "Come on, let's go kick some rainbow butt." Something exploded in the distance. "That must be Marcel telling us to come."

"Hey, Winter, you can ride on my back, it'll be faster like that." She nodded, Oliver assisting her onto Carter's back. He carried her, their group running towards Zeus's former home, where Arke had stationed herself. A fight had broken out, Marcel was battling a guard, he had never made it into the holding cells. Then what was that explosion? Guards filed out, Arke laughing. "Did you really think that would work?" She asked, standing on a platform a bit behind where her little army was spilling out. Carter placed her down, Winter able to tell immediately that they were surrounded. "Give Winter to me and I'll spare your little human lives." Yuuki stepped in front of her, blocking her from sight. "Fine," Arke sneered, "have it your way. Kill them," where were the other Heirs? "Sorry guys!" Marcel grunted, "I should have been inside already, but they saw me coming!"

Arke froze, the smile slowly fading from her face. The air around her had grown heavy, it tickled. "What is this?" She asked, her movements sluggish. "What are you doing?" Winter had an expression of concentration, Arke was strong, just vibrating the air around her would not be enough to stop her. She laughed, "All of that work just for this?" She asked. She blinded the others, bending the light so that their bullets missed their target. "So pitiful," Winter clapped her hands together, Arke's smile fading as her ears hummed. "Little brat," she aimed two fingers in Winter's direction. Winter could not see it, the rainbow bolt that struck her through the chest. She coughed, falling to her knees. "Winter!"

It was on the wrong side of her chest, Arke had not been trying to kill her, but to incapacitate her. Someone grabbed her, which one was it? She reached up to touch their face and figure it out. "It's me, it's Oliver. Hang on," he produced what was probably a hanky, trying to stop the bleeding. "Oh don't worry, that isn't enough to kill her!" Arke laughed, "but your shield is gone. Now, you can either hand Winter over and live, or die trying to fig-" the doors suddenly swung open. The other Heirs that had opposed Arke came streaming out of the house. "Winter!" She smiled as she heard his voice. Oliver grabbed her protectively. "Who are you?" He asked the human boy. "Oliver, I'm her friend." He replied, narrowing his eyes. "Who are you?"

"My name is Zed, I am Winter's fiancee." Oliver's eyes widened, as Winter smiled, laughing soundlessly and coughing. "Hey, I'm here." Zed took her in his arms. She leaned her head against his chest, he was warm. "Give up Arke," Hades said, sounding strong as he stood before her. "You cannot fight all of us."

"Oh?" She laughed, "I rounded you all up in those cells once, you think I can't do it again?"

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❝A second return, but what for? And for whom was I brought back?❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E

|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||







Her mind felt as if it were being scorched by flames as she tried to focus and tune in one what was happening with Winter. Through her eyes she could see, but those same eyes were not really focusing or looking around with much accuracy. A breath of relief - it seemed the others were able to get to safety. Kore had lead them out of the Sentinel Tower and towards Olympia. Did they trust Elise and Winter, or was it simply their only viable option? A faint smile was on her face as she watched everyone take care of Winter, treating her with kindness. Yuuki was here too, the only of the former Heirs to still be free, to still be in the fight. She coughed, feeling weak and sick. It broke her focus and the sight ring slipped off her finger, bringing her back to the cemetary where fallen Heirs slept under the soil and grass.

There was a lot of commotion. Movement around. The sounds of combat. Yet Elise had not the energy to cry out, to call to them. Stay quiet, she thought to herself as she put a hand on her chest, feeling a liquid mist oozing out. The sooner they reached the battle with Arke, the better. Like this, Elise would only slow them down and make them worry. Then there was a primal fear. What if no one ever found her? What if she was stuck here under the invisibility effect, never to be seen or heard? The black eagle tried to shift her weight to stand, but she had spent all of her energy. Without help, time was limited. She helped save Olympia. She freed everyone and gave them a fighting chance. She got to see everyone one last time. She even made sure Winter would not lose her father. Was it worth it? Did her life and death matter? Would anyone notice?

Zeus was hard at work, silently grunting as he toiled. One hand was gone, but with his other he dug. He scratched against the ground, making a hole with all of his strength. He was giving Iris a grave. For as harsh and unforgiving Iris was, there was no doubt something tender and kind about her. Why else did Zeus love her so much? Why else was he grieving? Still, if he wanted, he could easily use his powers and make a grave quickly and efficiency. Why was he wasting time like this? He could join the others against Arke, but was instead tending to Iris in his sorrow. Was he afraid Elise would die from the recoil if he forced a hole with his lightning powers? "Human, are you still here?" Zeus's voice was stronger when he finished burying Iris's remains. Elise nodded, but she could not be seen. "Yes." Weak, breathless, pathetic. Like a scream in space that could not be heard by anyone.

He reached for her then, sensing where she was. Could he feel her electrolytes? Zeus pulled at the air so Elise attempted to hand him the hook-shaped rod, shuffling it into his one hand. Suddenly Zeus vanished as if he never existed and Elise was once again visible to the eye. The rod fell to the ground as Zeus no doubt understood what was going on. "Never has there been a Servant who gave their life to protect Heirs like this. It is rare for a human to have this kind of bravery." Bravery? She shook her head, it was nothing like that. "Desperation." She murmured, feeling dizzy and disoriented. "...No choice. Fight or die. I chose to fight." She was trembling as she leaned against the wall, her limbs feeling like twigs with no power or substance, her head weak and hopeless.

"Should we survive this, you and your friends will be rewarded." Zeus sat back down. It was clear he was in no condition to join the fight. He was pale, sickly, his pallor was ungainly. He was thinner than at the banquet. There was no strength in him either. "Survive." Elise begged, reaching for the two rings, fumbling a few times before she was able to secure her grip. "Winter needs a father." There was something she still had to do. Arke was in vision now, laughing as she was surrounded. Was there still an ace up her sleeve? Elise would make sure she never had a chance to use it. The black eagle prepared her weapons, loading the four special bullets into the chamber of a single gun, then wore the voice ring.

"Elise." She called out her name and felt a door open. She sent herself through the door and rematerialized at Winter's side, surprising everyone who saw her. Her cloak was billowing around her, and Elise hoped it hid the injuries. "Take these." Elise slid the rings back onto Winter's fingers. "Eyes. Voice. Your father... is alive." She then turned back to face Arke, a new surge of adrenaline in her system. Somehow, she had the strength to stand. There was no need for words as Arke raised her arm to attack. "Of course it's you. You're the one that Doctor was always so afraid of." Arke sneered, an attack at the ready. Four shots rang out then, and Arke was stunned.

And then she screamed, falling to the ground. Elise lunged forward with lethal intent, ready to finish Arke off before she had a chance to recover, throwing the gun to the side. "No! Stop her!" Arke screamed, her Servants scrambling to try and defend her, but Ezra, Hades, and Kore all blockaded them, freeing the path to the enemy. And then she fell, her legs no longer able to support her body, the mist spike landing just a few inches away from Arke's throat. She shivered on the ground, a feeling of resignation. It was okay. Even if she died, it was fine. Arke's attack was ready and she swung her arm, a rainbow blast shooting out. Elise turned back, wanting to look Ezra in the eye one last-

But she was not hurt. She did not feel the pain at all. She blinked, opening her eyes. Where was Ezra? Why was his shoe sizzling, next to her? Why was there a scar on the ground of blood and ashes? Why was Carter screaming, Serenity falling to her knees? Oliver dropping his gun in shock, Mercedes running forward in full sprint? Arke was hyperventilating, the bullets having severely damaged her. Golden blood was pouring from her like a waterfall and she stumbled, falling to her knees, clutching at her wounds. Elise held some of the ash in her hand, unable to understand what had happened, hugging it to her chest, the cloak falling from her shoulders. "See you soon?" She wondered, the pain of all of her wounds feeling almost distant from her now. Was any of it real, anyways?

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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||




Winter heard her voice, but did not speak. They all looked at her, just as confused as she was. Suddenly, Elise materialized as if from nowhere, cape blazing, gun in hand. Winter could not see this, of course and while the others had clarification, she sat there, quite literally, in the dark. "It's Elise," Zed whispered, holding her tightly, as though he never wanted to let go. She nodded, feeling something placed in her hands. Two... rings?" Elise walked away without expaining and Zed put them on, placing a hand over Winter's eyes and then her mouth. She blinked as her vision was returned and coughed as her voice came back. "El," Winter's vision was still watery, adjusting. She could see her walk away, looking as cool as ever with her cape of mist billowing behind her. A shot rang out, Arke crying as she was struck. Winter stuggled in Zed's arms, wanting to be released. "Put me down, I have to help." She coughed, blood stemming from the wound in her shoulder. "No, you've done enough Winter." He said softly, kissing her hand.

Her vision had returned, she could see them all now. All of her friends,standing protecting Elise from the rush of Arke's servants. "Zed, I have to help." Zed shook his head and gestured to Yuuki. He made a sweeping motion, a tree growing in an instant. "Watch her," he placed Winter down against the tree, her shoulder aching now that the shock and adrenaline were wearing off. "Zed, no." Yuuki nodded, standing beside her. "It's alright, you can stop fighting. The others will take care of it now." His voice was soft as Zed strode away from them. She screamed when Ezra was struck down, unable to do anything but watch. "You've done enough," Zed said gently to Elise. "We'll take it from here." They had stepped in a moment too late. Winter could hear Arke's screams, but did not watch as Zed finished the job. From where she lay, a tree began to grow, its arms twisting upwards towards the sky. Winter passed out after that, her nose dripping with golden blood.

"Are you awake?" Someone asked, touching her arm. "Oh! She's awake! Winter's awake!" She could hear Serenity's gleeful cry. Winter looked around in confusion as her eyes opened, her room in Zed's house. "Siri," Winter sat upright, the pain in her shoulder gone. "How long have I been asleep for?" Serenity's eyes were red and swollen, had she been crying? "About three days," she admitted. "The Healers said you really overdid it." She nodded, figuring that may have been the case. Her body was not fully healing from the previous wounds and then, taking in another large one had pushed her over the edge. The door swung open, the others tumbling inside, surrounding her bed. "Ahem," Zed coughed behind them. They stepped out of the way for him as Winter laughed. He plopped onto the bed beside her, kissing her gently.

"Where are Elise and Ezra?" Winter looked around the room for them, which grew awfully quiet. "Elise is with Kore, she was badly wounded and Ezra... he jumped in front of Elise to protect her and was killed instantly." Winter fell back against the pillows, the memory of it returning to her. Ezra had been reduced to nothing but ash. Tears welled up in her eyes as his stupid smile filled her vision, the two of them fighting monsters in the Boundary, partners in crime. Zed hugged her against him as she cried. "Can you guys give us some privacy please?" He asked, "We'll be back Winter," Carter promised. What were they still doing in the Boundary? She wondered in the back of her mind. "It's gonna be alright," Zed murmured into her hair, stroking her back as she sobbed.

Of course, there was no time to really rest. Now that she was awake, there was work to be done. Zeus had been waiting for her to wake up too. As soon as she did, word was sent to him and he came for a visit. His arm had been returned the same way Winter's leg had been healed. The Healers here could truly fix any wound with the Heir of Healing on their side. "Lady Winter, your Father is here to see you. Would you like me to help you get dressed?" Nemia asked, poking her head into the room. "Yes, thank you Nemia." Zed left her to prepare, Winter dressing in typical Olympian attire. Zed came to get her once she was ready, the two of them holding hands as they walked to the garden, where Zeus was waiting. "Winter," he rose from his seat when he saw her, hugging her in relief. "Hi Dad," they sat at the table, Nemia serving them tea. "I'll leave you two," Zed offered, going to check to make sure that the others were not upturning the house.

"Irirs is-" Winter nodded. "I know," he placed a hand over her own. "Your friend, the human," he said quietly. "She was willing to sacrifice her own life for us. She told me to live, for your sake." Winter smiled, "That sounds like Elise," she said wistfully. "Yes, quite a... curious creature. Your other friends," he gestured to the house, where you could hear Carter laughing. Were they spying on them? "I would like to grant the humans Heirship, but I want you to present it to them." Winter's eyes widened, "After all, Zed is nearly ready to take control of Olympia. You are expected to rule by his side, once you are married."

"When will the coorination be?" She asked, suddenly nervous. "Right after the wedding."

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❝A second return, but what for? And for whom was I brought back?❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E

|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||







"Why, Ezra? You said you liked me."

A woman, dressed scantily, begging at the lawn. Ezra looked at her with a shrug, turning his head away. "Hey, you were good once or twice, but I don't think I love you that much." He went back to his cooler, fishing a bottle of beer from the container. "Hey, be happy. We got to do it, and it was great. But it was never anything more than that, you know?" The woman began to cry, sobbing, throwing rocks at him. He caught them easily, shaking his head as she ran away in tears. "Girls, they're all crazy." He rolled his eyes, sitting down on the ground. "None of them are as good as her. I should stop trying." Elise saw of course. Ezra had hated many many women in his lifetime. But each time he would turn them down.

"Eventually you'll find someone, don't worry about it. Is that my beer?" Claude opened the door to let him in. Ezra nodded, grinning. "Well, that chick was following me home, she's really crazy. I tried to get here to avoid her but she still chased after me." He shook his head derisively, shaking the beer bottle with pride. "You have good taste though, man. I'm glad you don't like those rich boy wines, but you go for the real stuff." Claude smiled, closing the front door behind him. "Maybe I know my audience well. Drink up, dinner will be ready soon." Ezra licked his lips, nodding. "Persian again? I won't ever say no to Jasmine's food. You're lucky you had me, you know?" Elise saw. It was Ezra who found her first, flirting with her incessently. Jasmine never wanted him, though. She had eyes for none other than Claude, even a year ago. And eventually Claude came to like her too.

Claude sat Ezra down, groaning. "You know she's pregnant, right? She was sick all morning. I'm cooking today, and she's relaxing in bed." Ezra made a face then, standing up. "I don't want your food, all you make are the same sandwiches. God, you guys don't know how lucky you had it with all your gourmet food." Claude made a mock-pained face. "But Jasmine likes my cooking." Ezra put his shoes back on, ready to leave. "She'll say that about anything you make. Chick's crazy for you, dude." Claude's expression changed as he saw Ezra step out the door. "Ezra." Claude called out. "Elise wouldn't want you to wallow like this. Carter and Oliver don't notice it, but I do. You're still spiraling." Ezra grinned bitterly, turning his head away from Claude. "Elise is dead. She can't want anything. So I can do what I want, I don't have to follow your rules or expectations of me."


Elise saw enough. Her stomach sank, already knowing what this meant. Ezra, while the man she loved, was always very far from a saint. He dabbled with women. Lied, cheated, played with their hearts. He lashed out at his friends and acted out against authority. He was far from a good person. If Elise wanted to take her job serously, she would have to place him in Hell. "Why did Kore give me this job?" She sighed, rubbing her head. She glanced around, almost wishing Ezra were here somehow. Of course he was not. He never would be again. "Normally this is not my area..." She only judged those who appealed sentences. But now she was the preliminary judge for Ezra specifically.

"This would never work in court. I am too close to the case." She was ready to stamp Ezra's soul with the Sinner's mark when she sighed again, her stomach feeling even sicker. It was her job to take her job seriously. To do whatever it was she needed to do. To be unbiased and true to the rules. But how could she sentence the man who saved and loved her with all of his heart into hell? How could she past him that fate? "But the rules.." Ezra was a sinner, through and through. According to the rules he needed to serve time. "Go reincarnate." Elise said softly, knowing she was betraying her benfactors. "Go and live a new, better life." She rubbed at her eyes, glad no one was here to -

Kore was glaring at her, fury on her face. "You broke the rules. Someone like you would never break the rules. You're just so cute, Elise, how could you?!" Was Kore watching her this whole time? Was this some kind of setup? Elise frowned. "I did as you expected me to do." Still Kore felt the need to continue the act. "You betrayed me! I'm firing you and disqualifying your judgment! I will do what I want with this soul and there's nothing you can do about it!" So Kore threw Elise softly out the window, letting her land on her wheelchair, already waiting and ready for her. About five minutes later Ezra was blinking, confused, standing next to her, hand on the wheelchair. "El? What? Wait, I thought I was waiting in line, and then some harpies grabbed me..."

Elise sighed. "You made me lose my job. Now put some clothes on, we must return to Olympia." She hid a smile, facing forward for Ezra to not see and mock her. Kore was far kinder than anyone gave her credit for, but she was a terrible actor.

_________

"And that is how Ezra came back to life." Elise said for the sixth time to Winter and Carter, the latter of whom started laughing. "I still can't believe it. It't just so great! We all thought he was dead for good!" Ezra grinned, a bold look on his face. "See, El? Not even death can keep me from getting my hands on you!" Elise rolled her eyes, then turned to Winter. "When Zeus picked us up on the way to Olympia, he said you had something you wanted to tell everyone. What was it?" Carter looked over at her, curiosity filling his eyes. It was definitely important if Zeus mentioned it, but what could it be?

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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||




"What Heirships should I grant them?" Winter asked, but Zeus only leaned back in his seat, taking a logn sip from his tea. "That is up for you to decide," he replied at last. "What if I choose wrong?" Winter had never had to make such an important decision before. Zeus leaned across the table, placing a hand on top of her own. "You'll make the right choice, I know you Winter. You never choose wrong," he laughed, "just like your mother. So spunky and tenacious," there was a twinkle in his eye. "I really did love your Mother," his fingers intertwined with hers. "She was the light of my life and now, my stars, you are my light." Winter began to tear up, "I'm sorry." He rose from his seat, taking her into his arms and rocking her back and forth. She had never had a father figure in her life, not until now. His embrace was warm, he smelled like ash and pine, reminding Winter of summers with her Grandparents. "You've been through so much at such a young age," he admired. "You are truly strong."

They parted ways after that, Winter finishing her tea alone in the garden, relishing the rare moment of silence before Serenity came to find her. "Hey Winnie," she smiled, sitting down and picking up a biscuit. "Hey Siri," Winter smiled. "So what are you all still doing here? Why haven't you all gone back?" Serenity jerked a thumb over her shoulder, gesturing for Winter to follow her. They walked down the hallways of Zed's home. Would they stay here once they were married? Winter wondered. Serenity stopped in front of a familiar door, the workshop. Winter pushed it open, finding the portal generator smashed into several pieces. So this was why Yuuki had been unable to open the gate? "Once we came in... there was no way out." Winter nodded, "I'm sure once Elise-I mean, I'm sure ocne Elise feels up to it, she can make a new one." Could she? Winter hoped so.

"Lady Winter!" Nemia called, out of breath. "Elise is here to see you," Winter nodded. She glanced at Serenity, wondering what the emergency was. The others had all gathered in the parlor, lounging on the couches. "Hello everyone," Winter's eyes widened as she spotted Ezra, looking oddly whole. She could have sworn- the memory of it flashed behind her eyes. "Ezra," she ran towards him, he lifted her up, spinning her in a circle. "You're alive!" She hugged Elise too, "I'm glad you're okay." Winter had been worried about her friend, of course. "But what are you two doing here? Oh, I have good news too, once you explain yourselves." She sat down on the love seat as Elise strapped in to retell the story.

Winter listened to Elise's tale, on the edge of her seat the entire time. "I'm so glad both of you are okay. I'm sorry about your job El," that must have been harsh, considering it was probably Elise's first time actually working. Elise asked Winter what her news was and Winter wondered how she was supposed to say this. "Zeus and I were talking-" Oliver suddenly stopped her. "You call your Dad by his name?" Her cheeks turned pink. "W-well, we never really established what I should call him." Mercedes shushed him, "Go on." She had been so quiet this entire time, it was almost easy to forget that Mercedes was even there. Winter shook her head, trying to get back on track. "Anyway, Zeus and I were talking," she rose. "And for all of your considerable examples of bravery and your willingness to put your lives on the line for Olympia, if you choose to accept it, you will be granted Heir status."

"So what does that mean?" Carter asked, "it means you would be free to live here, in Olympia, should you choose to accept, you would never have to leave." They had all already earned their places in Olympia. "It's only if you want to, of course and I can tell you what you would be the Heir of before you accept. You can even think over it for a little bit, so there's no need to make a decision right now." Serenity rose her hand, "I accept." They all looked at her as though she had two heads. "It's not like I have much on earth anyhow. My best friends all live here now." She admitted, since Ezra was now dead. Winter nodded, "Serenity, for showing courage in battle, you will be granted the title as Heir of the Dawn." Serenity grinned, hiding her smile behind her hands.

"Oh, I love it! I love it so much!" She rose, bounding over to hug Winter. "I accept!" She glowed a golden glow, which faded slowly. "Wow... I feel so strange, lighter, somehow." Winter smiled, "I'm glad you're staying with us." Ezra bound over then. "My turn," Winter nodded. "Ezra, for sacrificing yourself for your comrades, you have been granted title as the Heir of Courage." Ezra grinned, pumping a fist in the air. "I accept!" He turned to Elise, "you're gonna accept one, right?" He asked.

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❝A second return, but what for? And for whom was I brought back?❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E

|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||







Elise was still sitting in her wheelchair, wiggling her toes a little as she finished telling the story. It really was an odd miracle and mercy that Kore was willing to break the rules to that extent to bring Ezra back in the same way Elise was. You could see if you looked closely, Ezra too now had those white horns on his head. The black eagle fully planned on abusing that the next time she could. He tormented her enough thanks to her horns, but now he would get a taste of his own medicine. Well, not yet, because Winter and the others were still around. This would be for later tonight, in the bedroom. "It was close. It is still hard for me to move my legs." She had used up a lot of energy in that fight. Maybe her form here in the Boundary was starting to remember the constraints she was bound by in the real world now.

Still, she hugged Winter back, wondering what news Winter had for the rest of them. Winter began to speak, an intriguing offer was made. Everyone was going to have the chance to become an Heir, as thanks for their work in saving Olympia from Arke and her sycophants. The same people who had made the Doctor the person he was, creating havoc and nearly destroying the Near Shore, if it was not for the Vassals. Twice now they had proven their mettle as worthy soldiers. Now Winter was offering a reward for each one of them. The black eagle could only wonder what kind of Heir she would be. The Heir of Judgement to look down on others like Oliver said she always did? The Heir of being smarter than everyone? She frowned, realizing that she was not the kind of person with many good qualities to exemplify the way Winter did. She did not deserve anything she had - it was all luck.

The fortune of being born into wealth and splendor. The fortune of being born to a woman with the funds to give her the best genetic modifications anyone can afford. Enhancing her looks, enhancing her mind, making her as perfect as perfect could be. Unlike everyone else, Elise was the least deserving of all the Vassals. So why was the offer extending to her as well? She observed as Mercedes and Oliver exchanged uncomfortable looks - both having responsibilities back at the Chrysanthemum to consider. Carter was a mixture of excitement and guilt. "But Claude..." Carter murmured, putting his hands in the pockets of his tunic. Claude was going to be abandoned and left behind if they all accepted Winter's suggestion.

Serenity was the first to accept, earning her title as the Heir of the Dawn. Her hair was dyed lavender in the real world, yet somehoe projected as the same hue here, was definitely always something that made Elise at least a little bit confused. She looked enthusiastic. Ezra was the next one to accept the offer, grinning from ear to ear. "See, El? You worry too much." About life, about death. He wanted her to get rid of her hesitations and her reluctance. He wanted them to be truly together again, instead of having this strange in-the-middle relationship that was difficult to truly define and place.

It made sense though. Ezra and Serenity had the least reasons for wanting to stay around on Earth. There was nothing to hold them back from taking the plunge to a new kind of life. But the others were not as ready, not as prepared. "I think we need some time to think about it." Oliver said in a quiet voice. "...We all have affairs to consider that we can't just up and abandon." Mercedes nodded, her eyes narrowed. "Can we go back to settle things and then decide?" She asked. "I don't want to leave any regrets behind if I end up taking up the offer."

"What would we all be?" Elise asked quietly, looking directly at Winter. "What would we be the Heirs of?" Maybe knowing that would help contribute to their decision one way or another. Ezra seemed impatient, wanting Elise to answer but she was still unsure. Perhaps she was naturally a cautious person. "I should say yes, Winter." It made perfect sense to. "But for some reason I am still unsure." Hopefully she could figure it out before the wedding, the date of which was racing at them closer and closer. Elise offered a tiny smile her friend's way. "I will probably say yes. Perhaps I just require a little more time to think about it."

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❝A second return, but what for? And for whom was I brought back?❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E

|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||







It was irrational. It was foolish. But Elise simply could not shake away that feeling in her stomach that continued to persist and haunt her, that threatened to strike her soul if she dared ask for too much. Ezra and Serenity, the two new Heirs, were taken in to talk to Zeus about their new responsibilities and duties now that they were Heirs and welcomed fully to Olympian society. Not only were they being made heirs, but they all would be Major Heirs, instant access to the normally hidden city of Olympia. Was that just how thankful Zeus was? Was that just how much he realized he owed them for coming to save them from Arke and her kiln? Sure, there were losses. Iris was the most significant casualty. But like the Chrysanthemum, Olympia would have to rebuild and wrap their wounds, searching for a new day.

The Heir of Fortune. Did Elise really deserve being made an Heir? Being able to stand on the same level as the rest of them? The black eagle did not know as she waited for Ezra to return back to the meeting hall. Carter ran off with Winter to talk to her, and Oliver, Mercedes, and Elise found themselves awkwardly staring at each other. None of them were particularly social creatures. Elise was standoffish and cruel, Oliver had a tough shell about him, and Mercedes was harsh and serious, tempered by the hard times she survived. Somehow Oliver and Mercedes joined Winter at the window as she watched from her wheelchar as Servants and Heirs both worked to clean the Golden City, rebuilding the damage caused by Arke to try to restore the city to it's former beauty and glory.

"So, Elise, why don't you want to be an Heir?" Oliver pulled the knife out of his proverbial bag, going right to the crux of the issue. Elise glanced at him, as if trying to ask why he wanted to talk to her about this. "I do not feel that I deserve to." She replied honestly, turning back to the glass pane overlooking the streets below. "Everything I accomplished was due to luck. My money. My appearance. My intelligence. None of it was because I earned it, or because I fought for it. I was simply lucky." She did not have to try. Even when taking chances, most of the time she ended up successful. A deep well of self-resentment was growing inside of her as she realized just how unworthy she was. "Who cares if you deserve something? You'll regret it if you don't take it now." Mercedes said simply, going back to her corner by the potted plant.

Elise glanced back at Oliver. It was clear he wanted to say something. "Mercedes is right. Winter is too. Elise, you're trying to die, aren't you?" The black eagle frowned at him, her ruby eyes narrowed into slits. "What do you mean?" Oliver nudged a finger her direction. "You need the Underworld to survive, but Kore kicked you out. You'll disappear within two weeks, and won't even have a chance to reincarnate. What are you punishing yourself for?" What was she...? Was there anything? "The way I see it, you'll die if you don't become an Heir. So why? Why do you want to die?"

Did she really? Elise flinched, having not thought of it that way. "I do not. That would be absurd." After fighting so hard to live, why would she want to die? "Then it's simple. You don't want to die. So you'll accept Winter's offer." It was not often Elise was manipulated by others. But maybe this was the first time anyone was able to do that to her. "...What about you? Why are you two holding back?" Oliver sighed then, as if knowing he would be asked. "When there was a crisis, and us children were made into Vassals, we were stuck in a city that wanted to control and hurt us. We were scared little children that didn't know left from up."

It was a terrible situation for children to be placed into. It was lucky that they were all talented individuals with the power to rise above the trauma to fight and struggle to the end. "The next time there's crisis, I want the Chrysanthemum to be prepared to help and support the next children made into Vassals. I feel like it's my duty to the next generation, to stay behind and build." A noble goal. It suited someone like Oliver. "If you explain it to Winter, she will understand." What about Mercedes? Why did she want to stay behind? "Well, obviously I want to help protect what we fought to create." Mercedes's response was very blase. "We saved the Chrysanthemum from disaster, and weeded out the bad people. Is it so bad to want to make sure all of that suffering was for nothing?" She would fight to eliminate further evil, and Oliver would shape a better future.

One thing was certain. "Well, we have all come to a decision. Let us go and inform Winter so she does not have to wait on her answer."

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Character Portrait: Elise von Hresvelg Character Portrait: Winter Matsuri Character Portrait: Jallet
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||




"What are you two doing?" Zed asked, standing over them. "It's my fault," Winter rose. "No, it's mine." Carter replied, "I'm sorry, I promise I wasn't doing anything indecent to your bride." Carter stood, standing toe-to-toe with Zed. "But let it be known, I don't like you."

"Carter!"

"No, it has to be said Winter. This guy hasn't proven to any of us that he's worthy of you. He's just taken you away and you expect us to let him do it?"

"Yes Carter, I do." Winter replied slowly, "because I love him."

"W-well I don't! So fight me, Mr. Zed!" Winter's eyes widened. "Do you want to die?" She asked, her brow twitching. "No, I'll fight him Winter, it's alright. I'll go easy on him," Carter punched the air. "Zed," she turned towards him. "I guess I have no choice," he sighed. "You can say no, he's just being an idiot." Zed shook his head, "If this is what it takes to earn the approval of your friends, come on," he took Winter's hand, leading them out of the hedge maze and to a clear spot in the garden. "Just to give you an advantage, I won't use my powers." Zed took off his jacket and unbuttoned his shirt a bit. Winter sighed, choosing a spot in the grass. "On the count of three. One... two... three," Winter dropped a handkerchief. Carter charged in, throwing a kick. Zed blocked it with his hand, countering with a punch.

Carter ducked underneath it, going for an uppercut, but Zed moved out of the way, kicking Carter in the stomach. He flew back several feet, but took it surprisingly well. Carter tried another flying kick, but Zed grabbed his leg, tossing him easily. He landed on his feet, running at Zed with a punch, but Zed grabbed his fist and flipped the momentum against him, Carter landing on his back. He grunted, getting back up. "You should have stayed down," Winter muttered, weaving blades of grass together as she watched. "Don't be stupid, I never know when to quit." He wiped his mouth, going at it again. Zed tossed him once more, Carter landing on his back. This happened three times before he groaned, "Had enough?" Zed asked, not having broken a sweat.

"No!" Carter rose slowly, Winter could tell he was sore. "I'll never give up, because even if you say something like you never belonged on earth, you're wrong!" Winter sat still in the grass, Zed looking at Carter strangely. "Because you belong with us! Even if you say you're an Heir, to me, you'll always be Winter Matsuri!" Winter rose slowly, her hands balling into fists. "Carter you-"

"I accept!" He began to glow, becoming the Heir of Sand. He rose, his wounds from his fight with Zed healed. "You idiot!" She tossed ran in the opposite direction, back towards the house. "Winter!" Zed ran after her. Carter fell, sitting back in the grass. "You really blew it this time," Serenity said, sitting down in the grass beside him. He nodded, watching as the man the girl he had loved had chosen, chase after her. "Winter, what is it? What's wrong?" Zed asked, catching up to her. He grabbed her wrist, stopping her from running away. He swept her off of her feet, tears welling up in her eyes once more. "I don't understand," she sobbed into his shoulder as he carried her away from view and to his room. "I don't understand Carter at all." He placed her down on the couch and smoothed the hair out of her eyes.

"Winter, did you like Carter?"

"No, I hate that idiot!" He nodded, smiling. "But your heart?" She swiped at her eyes, "It's not him," she reassured Zed. "I hated my time on earth, I realized that I never liked it there, but... the people that made my time there worth it... the people that I hold dear to my heart... they're going to go their separate ways again." Once Winter married Zed, once the coronation happened, her place here would be cemented.

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Character Portrait: Elise von Hresvelg Character Portrait: Winter Matsuri
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❝A second return, but what for? And for whom was I brought back?❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E

|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||







It was almost pathetic to watch as Carter made his outburst, his desire to keep on pining for Winter, even though it was hopeless. Oliver watched as Carter lost to Zed over and over, knocked away. Mercedes's eyes were smoldering and Oliver seemed sympathetic. Mercedes moved to help Carter up but Oliver took her arm, pulling her back, his other arm steady on the handles of Elise's wheelchair. "What? He's getting beat up for no reason!" Mercedes growled, a fierce protectiveness in her eyes. "Helping him would shame him more than losing to Zed would." Oliver said quietly, turning away to give Carter at least a little bit of dignity. "Is there a reason why you are not acting like Carter is?" Elise queried, looking up at Oliver. "You also love Winter."

Oliver sighed, a rare smile on his serious expression. "Yes, I do. But loving Winter is not the only thing that I value. The Chrysanthemum is important. Building a good, better society is even more important. I don't have time to worry about romance with so many lives on my shoulders." As expected of someone who was the secret President behing the President, the man in charge of the Chrysanthemum. "Hopefully that oaf get's in into his-" Mercedes started but then was startled as Carter made his proclamation. Power surged through him and he made the impossible decision. "Why?" Elise asked again, narrowing her eyes at the foolish man. "He had such a successful life. He was a celebrity. He had girls dreaming of being with him." Why would he give up on all of that for Winter? "Carter doesn't really understand yet what it means to have a greater purpose." Oliver's face was thoughtful. Carter mostly just floated around while the others fought. He did not have a reason to fight - and found his reason in his friends, rather than anything else. "Someone like him doesn't understand there's bigger things than just relationships." In a way, Carter had grown the least of all of them.

But now he made an irreversible decision. He could never return to the life he had built on the Near Shore. Carter ran past them, back towards the house so Oliver pushed Elise forward, Mercedes walking by her side. Elise waved her hand at Winter, doing her best to ignore Carter's situation. They had decisions to report after all. "Mercedes and I chose not to accept. I'm sorry, Winter." Oliver held his hand out to shake Winter's. "But I want to make sure the next time that Vassals are chosen, that the Chrysanthemum is in a position to help and support them instead of manipulate and use them." He did not want he next children to suffer the way this generation had. "We fought so hard to save the Chrysanthemum." Mercedes hooked a wicked smile. "I won't let anyhing threaten the peace we made." She would give her life on the front lines to make sure nothing else could hurt the city. "Sorry, Winter. We love you, and we always will. But there's something we have to do that is greater than us." They had purposes in life. They know what they were born for.

A luxury Elise had a feeling she would never truly have.

It was time for Elise to reveal her own situation then. "I do not deserve to be an Heir." The doubts were coming back again. Her eyes locked in with Winter's own, ruby and amethyst locked together. "All of my assets were because of other people, or other circumstances, rather than my own." Genetic enhancements. Money. Fame. She worked for none of that, yet it was handed it to her on a silver platter. "But if I do not accept, I will die." She had a time limit due to her unique body and form, as an actual corpse that was reanimated. "...I do not want to die. So even if I may not be worthy, I will still accept my role as the Heir of Fortune." She felt an odd power go through her. On one hand, she wanted to reject it, but on the other, she felt it belonged to he regardless. "You will not have to mourn me again, Winter." No doubt Ezra would jump for joy at the news as well.

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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||




A bit after Winter had managed to calm down, she emerged from Zed's room, holding his hand. The others were waiting for her in the parlor, Carter sitting glumly in the corner, sipping tea. Winter turned towards the others, they had come to a decision. "That was fast," she smiled, but she could already tell what their answers were going to be based on their expressions. Carter had been stupid to accept it, Winter thought. He was not emotionally or mentally prepared to be an Heir, he had taken it on a whim. Still, his decision could not be reversed. It would be up to her to teach him, Ezra, and Serenity what it was like to be an Heir. In a sense, she was selfish. She was happy that some of her friends were staying here, that a few of the people she cared about the most would never leave her. Was she a terrible person for it? Winter wasn't sure.

"I'm glad you've accepted Elise, I don't want you to disappear." She did not want to have to mourn her friend again. No doubt Ezra would be happy too, when he came back from wherever he and Serenity had gone. They were familiar with Olympia, having been here before with Zoku, so Winter did not find it unusual that they had ventured outside of the gates of Zed's home. "What do you mean, don't deserve to be an Heir?" Winter furrowed her brow. "Of course you deserve to be one, just because you were born lucky, doesn't mean you didn't work hard." Winter had, had none of the same benefits the others had after her Grandparents died. She did not have a warm, loving family to return to. She did not have a Mother to cook for her, or a Father to help her up when she fell down.

But she had her Grandparents and she wouldn't have wanted anything else. "You deserve every bit of this," she said softly as Elise's glow faded. She turned towards the other two, "I figured that would be your answer." She had not expected Oliver or Mercedes to accept. Then again, she had not expected Carter to either. They could not leave yet, of course, not until the portal generator was fixed. "Lady Winter, Master Zed," Nemia poked her head through the door. "Dinner is ready," Zed nodded. "Well, now that you're awake, we can all eat together." She nodded, taking Zed's hand. "Let's all go enjoy dinner," she turned to Elise. "Do you think you'll be able to eat normal food now?" She smiled, "It's no Cynthia, but Zed's staff make a wonderful roast beef."

Winter sat beside her fiancee, feeling oddly whole as the others placed themselves in seats around the table. That night, Winter fell asleep quickly, her body still healing from having to be healed twice in large amounts. While she had fallen asleep quickly, her mind wandered in her sleep.

"Winter Matsuri has been found not guilty." She breathed out a sigh of relief, her hands shaking. They had been gripping the table so hard. Her lawyer gave her a hug, happy for her. She was just a child, a little girl, sitting in a large court room, waiting to be sentenced. "I'll see you on the other side," Winter nodded. She felt dizzy with relief as she was ushered out of the court room by two police officers. "Your clothes," she was given clothing to change into, a plain white shirt and loose fitting pants. "Winter Matsuri?" She nodded as she wheeled herself to the gate, "All of your belongings are in this bag." It was a ziplock bag, containing what she had been arrested with. A purse that looked like a teddy bear, colorful hair pins, and a broken camera that printed out photos as soon as you took them. "Is this everything?" She asked, her voice a small squeak. "That's all of it." The warden confirmed, pressing the buzzer. Winter wheeled herself out and into the sunshine.

She closed her eyes and looked up, wondering what happened next. She was supposed to wait here for her lawyer. "Ms. Matsuri, I presume?" A man approached her. He had a round stomach and glasses perched on the edge of his nose. "That's me," she said quietly, shifting in her chair. "My name is Doctor Now, I work for the Chrysanthemum." He knelt down to offer a hand, which Winter took. Was he a social worker? She wondered. "I'm not supposed to talk to anyone without my lawyer," she squeaked, wondering what she was supposed to do. "That's alright, your lawyer sent us in her stead. You see, you're a very special girl Winter and because of that, you're going to a very special home." Her new home? Already? He gestured behind him, a man taking the handles of her wheelchair.

"Wait, where are we going?" Winter asked, panicked. She did not see the body of her lawyer, being disposed of. "You're going to be staying in a very nice place, made just for you." There were bars on the window of the car, Winter was being taken from one prison, right to another. "No," she whimpered, lashing out at the man pushing the wheelchair. "No!" Ice spread out from underneath her, the chair falling. She tumbled down the stairs, attempting to get to her feet. One of her legs dragged behind her as she hobbled, trying to run away. "Oh my, it seems you're a runner. Well, we'll take care of that."

"No! I don't want to go with you!"

"No!" Winter bolted upright in bed, panting. "Winter?" The door propped open, light coming in from the hallway. "It's me," she could feel the weight of Zed beside her, crawling into bed. He hugged her in his arms, Winter leaning her head against his chest. "Another nightmare?" He asked, kissing her head. "Yes, I thought they had stopped... but I guess I was wrong."

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❝A second return, but what for? And for whom was I brought back?❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E

|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||







What kind of person would she be if she were born someone else? A different mother, with no money, no resources, no genetic enhancements. No fortune or fame. Who would she have been? Would she have even been able to become a Vassal? A Servant? The black eagle did not know, curling up on her bed as she tried to decipher everything. Winter said she deserved it. But Winter was a kind person who thought well of her. "Perhaps I just need time." Time to learn to accept herself. All of this fighting forced her to come to terms with who she was. A cold, analytical person. Unfriendly, anti-socal. Not kind at all, especially compared to Winter. Was she somewhat of a freak? She certainly was not like the others.

"You're the Heir of Fortune." Zeus had told her before dinner yesterday after the debacle of Carter and Winter. "Now you have new and unique duties to uphold. You're no stranger to Olympia, so we can get right to discussion your new identities." Zeus looked over the other new Heirs, guaging each and every one of them. The Heir of Sand. Courage. Dawn. All wonderful, beautiful things. Fortune was nice too, a good concept. But deep down it made Elise hollow. "You former humans showed great dignity and honor in protecting not only your world, but ours as well. We all thank you and expect more of the same going into the future. Your good characters are why you earned the privelege of becoming an Heir and standing equally with all of us." Carter had a strange fire in his eye. Ezra pumped his fist, eager to get the meeting over with. Serenity listened with rapt attention, a new sparkle to her pretty lavender locks.

All wonderful, worthy people. All capable of embracing their new identities with grace. Strong, strong hearts, strong minds, forged of their own wills. They had a lot to speak for them. What was it like? To be self assured in your worth? To know you have value and to truly believe it? "Impossible." Elise murmured, getting up. Her legs were her own. Her body belonged to no one but herself. Still, she had not been able to eat much of anything during the dinner. In the heat of the moment it was easy to know what had to be done. What needed to be done. But after the fact, after victory was attained, guilt could mire, stir, stew on her mind, eating and gnawing away at the shaky foundations of sanity. What was left? What was left? How was she expected to know that kind of answer?

The sound of the night insects singing to each other was certainly something as she walked, barefoot, around the palace. Would she have a palace of her own one day? It was strange to consider, definitely. Cruel. She did not accept Jasmine, even to the end. Ruthless. How many lost their lives because she let a dragon loose in a zone where countless civilians lived? How much blood was on her soul forever? Hades had judged her a sinner. Was he really wrong? Elise looked into the abyss, gazing with her blood red eyes. What looked back at her? Whatever it was, she knew she did not like the image she saw reflecting back at her. A part of her expected Ezra's arms to wrap around her. "What are you thinking so much for? Just live for the moment!" He might have said, if he were here, and not fast asleep on the couch in a different wing of the Palace.

Elise shook her head, sitting down by the flowers. No, her mental struggles was simply a new battlefield, one that only she had the right to fight in. "Hypocrite." Garrel Lawson might have said, had he been alive. "You were kind to me, you made me love you, and then you reject me in the end? You love that commoner before me?" She almost laughed, wondering if Garrel was even capable of thought anymore. How far in Hell was he? Elise did not know, but it was far beyond her now. "I expect the same dignity and honor." Zeus told them all. He wanted them to be good. To be worthy. To matter.

Insane. A fake. A mask, hiding emptyiness behind the plastic. What was she, really? "I will go back to bed." She said quietly, sighing. She had heard theories about this. About how conflict can affect the mind. Some learn to thrive in it, like Ezra. Some only pretend to be strong when it ends like Carter. Others coast through strong and well, like Serenity. Others grow up far too quickly, like Oliver. Not everyone can come out whole. Not everyone can come out fine. "Oh well." She would not burden anyone else with it. She was still stuck in the war, but it was now in her mind instead of any physical sense.

"Good morning." Elise said with a small, quiet smile. Ezra looked at her, grinning from ear to ear. "Winter's gonna show us the ropes. I'm so glad you decided to become an Heir too. We're going to have a long time together, aren't we?" He was so happy. Did he know? Did he see? "It will certainly be exciting." Elise nodded, taking his hand, finding a comfortable nook in his palm for her to fit her own hand. "I am very excited to learn all there is to learn about this new role." Ezra nodded, squeezing her hand in his. "Good to hear! You're never excited about much, but there's some life in you yet. Try to eat more though, alright? Zeus says you can eat food normally now." Her stomach twisted on knots. Food still tasted awful. "I will try." She nodded. "I can smell it already. Let us go meet the others."

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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞

ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||




She drummed her fingers against the surface of the water, always playing something. " Lady Winter, the others are waiting for you at breakfast." Nemia called through the door. "Alright," she stood up in the tub, water rushing down her body as she stepped out of the bath. "Just one minute," she wrapped a towel around herself, exiting the bathroom. "Let's begin," she sat in her usual seat, the ladies rushing around her to prepare her for breakfast. She crossed her legs, her hair brushed out. It was long, since she had brought her human body here and her human body had gone without a haircut for quite some time now. "Elegance, Jezza." Nemia clucked her tongue, "Lady Winter is going to rule Olympia soon, she must always look the picture of perfection." Just like Iris, never a hair out of place.

"Cut it off," Winter said suddenly. "What do you mean?" Jezza asked, having just finished placing a pin in Winter's hair. "Cut if all off," she grabbed a pair of scissors from the desk, "Lady Winter, no!" Nemia grabbed them from her. "At least wait until after the wedding," she said gently, placing them just out of reach. "I'm not a child Nemia," it felt suffocating, to have this much hair. "Iris would have wanted to see your hair long," was she attempting to guilt Winter? She leaned back in the chair, allowing Jezza to fit the the pins she had arranged in it. At last, Winter was dressed and she joined the others at the table for breakfast. "Good morning," she took her seat beside Zed and leaned over to receive his kiss. "Good morning my red rose, you look as beautiful as ever." She blushed and looked down at her plate.

Carter glared from his seat, stabbing his fork into his breakfast. "Sore loser," Serenity snickered beneath her breath. "So, what are you gonna teach us today, Lady Winter?" Ezra asked, throwing quotation marks around the word "lady." Winter's grip on her fork tightened. Zed noticed, sneaking a hand over to place it on top of her own. "There's a lot to learn," she had received lessons first-hand, from Iris. The politics of Olympia, the ettiquette that an Heir was expected to follow. Lessons about the hierarchy in the Boundary, about spirit animals, and about an Heir's duties to the humans. "I have to head off now, but I'll be back soon." Zed rose, putting on his coat. "Bye, I love you." She reached up to kiss him, her kiss landing on his jaw.

"Well, come on you four, let's go start." She had hardly touched her breakfast, not particularly hungry this morning. "I guess Oliver and Mercedes can come too, since they're stuck here." She took them to the garden, where it was easier to breathe and less stuffy than the parlor. "The first thing you all need to learn, is how to dress like an Heir." Winter gestured to Nemia and the Ladies, who rushed out with swathes of fabric and tape measurers. "As an Heir, you must always look your sharpest. People who look put together are put together." There was a reason, for this of course. "Heir's are higher beings, we must always convey that we are ethereal beings, so we dress in clothes that might seem extravagent to the humans."

They must have noticed it when interacting with their retainers, how the Heirs had always dressed in extravagent pieces of clothing. Some with patterns that moved, others with pins and fabric that shifted color in the light. Once their measurements were done being taken and swaths matched, the Ladies ran away, giggling to themselves. "Now, the next lesson will be about Olympian politics, since you will live in Olympia." She went into her explanation. "Olympia and the Boundary are currently ruled by Zeus, who will soon step down to make room for Zed. The Leader of Olympia is chosen, if no Heir is present, by a competition."

"What sort of competition?" Ezra asked suddenly, "Well, the last one was about two hundred years ago and it consisted of three parts. There's usually a battle of some sort, a quiz to test knowledge, and a secret quest. The winner will become the next ruler of Olympia." Winter explained, "So how long until the next one?" Carter asked, Winter shrugged. "Probably not for a few thousand years." Carter's eyes widened. "Wait, so you're engaged to an old man!" He yelled, jumping to his feet. "No, Carter, I'm not engaged to an old man. Time is relative in the Boundary, it doesn't move in a single line, like on earth." He sat back down, Serenity raising her hand next. "When do we get to test our new Heir powers?" Winter blinked. "Why would you want to test that so soon? We've barely scratched the surface."