Setting
Default Location for Weather Girls
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The Chrysanthemum is a part of 
Weather Girls.
2 Characters Here
Elise von Hresvelg [625] "Hide away from the light, the rain is the only refuge."
Winter Matsuri [625] As gentle as the falling snow.
Start Character Here »
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
Oliver and Elise walked through the door, Winter was confused why Elise was here. "Of course I was safe," Winter said in confusion. "Why do you think I didn't call you?" Had Elise been searching for her the whole time? Winter shook her head. There was a reason she hadn't called for Elise. "I had everything under control," she crossed her arms. Elise suddenly grimaced, looking away. It seemed that something had happened between her and Claude. "I'm sure he missed you Elise, he was probably just surprised." Elise, in some ways, was more emotionally stunted than Winter. Carter let Elise in on the fact that Claude had missed her. "It's my fault Elise died," Winter said softly. "If I hadn't let her come, she would still be alive." She would possibly have a familiy with Ezra, or some other guy, and be running a successful movie company.
Carter and Oliver looked as though they wanted to laugh when Elise explained to them that she was a servant now. "Better than a bird," Winter sat back against the couch, sipping her tea. "I guess we should be more respectful, we're in the presence of royalty," Carter mocked. Winter nudged him in the ribs, "so when is the wedding?" Oliver asked, taking a seat. "It's in a month, I'd like for you all to be there, if possible." Oliver seemed to think to himself. "If you'll stay through the end of the holiday, maybe." Winter threw a pillow at his head. "Elise, how much time do you have until you have to return?" Winter could stay longer than Elise, after all. Still, she could not remain here forever. Even after being gone for two years, already Winter felt things had returned to their normal pace.
"Elise has to stay connected to the Underworld, so she can't be here as long." Winter explained to them. She hoped that Elise didn't mind her telling them. Winter didn't think it was an embarrassing thing, considering she was working for someone as important as Kore. Winter finished her tea, placing her mug back down the coaster. "So now that we've caught you up, catch us up on what's happening here. Serenity tells me that you're a model Carter? And Oliver, you work for the President?" Winter asked, hugging a pillow. She wanted to hear about everything she had missed, but first-hand. Carter scratched his head, a bit embarrassed. "I kind of started to feel down on the farm. Without you there, it didn't seem like there was a point in staying. So I left, I got scouted by some woman when I was in a rough spot and well, here I am." She had seen his face in a few holo ads while she was running from Mercedes.
"Who would have thought? You? A model?" Carter laughed. "I'm not that bad looking!" He protested, striking a pose. Winter threw a pillow at him. "And you? Oliver?" WInter asked, waiting to hear what had become of him. "What's Olympia like?" Oliver asked when he was done catching them up. "And Elise, what's the Underworld like?" He wanted to know. Carter waved Oliver's worker over, asking for a refill on their drinks and for a plate of snacks. "Olympia is wonderful," Winter admitted. "There's no technology though, so it is a bit cut off and old fashioned, but that's fine, we don't really need it since everyone's pretty much an Heir." She reached for holiday cookies that had been placed on a plate in front of them.
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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 ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E】
|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||
Did Winter not see it? Did she not know the stakes? While it was good that she had been safe, Elise had no way of knowing. "I could not have known if you were safe, if you were in danger, if you were locked up and had your mouth restricted so you could not call out to me." She was bristling. This whole trip to Earth had been a miserable experience so far. "We only have three days. There was not time to sit around chatting to family when the top priority is ensuring your safety." She sat down, frustrated. "...Zed would have personally made sure that I died. If not him, then Zeus, for not sticking with you." Winter was safe, but Elise had no way of knowing. "But it is good you were able to take care of yourself." She did not want Winter thinking the black eagle was upset that she was not in danger after all.
"Sorry I did not trust you... but with the stakes, I hope you know the stakes and why I had to make sure before doing anything else." It was not because Winter was weak, just that Elise was given a task, and she as honor bound to complete it no matter what. Winter seemed to blame herself for Winter's death but the black eagle shook her head. It was not Winter's fault, not really. "You were not my killer. It was..." She fell silent, not really wanting the others to know. "You were innocent." Not once did Elise resent Winter for her circumstances. How could she? It was Elise's own mistake that she died. The boys were visibly confused at the bird comment and Elise looked the other way, for some reasong feeling skittish. That was even more humiliating, was it not?
She nodded at Winter's words. "Winter can stay longer, but the Heirs kept me as a Servant using a loophole. It is... a long story, but for the most part, I can only be on Earth for three days." Or else? Well, she would be real dead instead of this odd in between. "We'd sure like to have you both around for as long as we can. We were like a family, so you two are always welcome." Carter said magnimaniously until Winter almost seemed to question his new career as a model. He was indignant and Oliver laughed with ease at the statment. "You don't know how surprised I was." Oliver chortled. "A guy with that kind of face as a model? Girls are crazy." Winter seemed to want to know about Oliver's career at the President's side. "As the leader of the Slithers, I was able to help the new President into office. In exchange, I made sure she was someone I could trust not to betray or hurt us, especially with our powers gone."
Oliver worked as her advisor, and in exchange, they had a special operatives team in the background to make sure the former Vassals were protected, as the heroes that saved the Chrysanthemum. "The Underworld is nice if you stay out of the Sinner's pit. But most humans that go to the Underworld are sentenced there." There was an odd smile on her face. "I sort of help judge which humans are given the right to escape the Sinner's pit and atone, and reincarnate." That dropped both Oliver and Carter's jaw greatly. Then Carter laughed, seemingly joyous. "Great news!" He cracked a big smile. "Then you'll forgive me for all the hearts I've stolen, and I won't have to burn!" He ran a hand slowly through his hair, making a weird face that made Elise think he was even weirder than before.
Elise made a face at the cookies. "What, you don't like cookies? You haven't touched any of the snacks yet." Carter glanced at her curiously. "It is complicated." She frowned. "Do you have any bad tasting nutritious drinks?"
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
Winter looked away sheepishly, she had tried to give Elise more time with her brother, but Elise had instead, spent the entirety of it worrying about Winter. "I would have just signaled you in my mind if I was in trouble, if that was the case." Elise had told her before that she could just think of her name, unless she did not think that method was going to work? Winter wasn't sure. "I know you were worried, I should have sent out a signal somehow that I was okay." Winter sipped her tea as the boys caught them up on everything that had happened in the last two years. Oliver wa an important man and Carter was a model with girls swooning over him left and right. Winter was glad to hear that they had moved on, that the hole had been filled, but at the same time, her heart hurt.
She felt like an outsider looking in. They had both matured, physically and mentally, while Winter looked physically the same. "Dinner is ready," one of Oliver's staff announced. "Don't worry Elise, we'll find you something." Oliver assured her, "and I'll make sure it tastes great." Carter was trying to put the moves on Elise to get a favorable judgement for the day he died. Winter rolled her eyes. Yes, two years had passed, but some things hadn't changed. She followed the boys to the dining room, wondering if Elise felt the same way she did. Elise had always isolated herself from the others before and now, it almost felt as though she might be attempting to do that again. Was it because of Claude? "Everyone's going to be coming over tomorrow," Oliver said as he sat down. He gestured to the large table, "pick any seat you'd like."
Dinner was full of traditional foods that Winter hadn't gotten to eat since she was a kid. After all, they did not celebrate All Heir's Day in the Chrysanthemum Government Building. "Sorry Elise," Oliver apologized as they moved on to dessert. "Are you at least enjoying your drink?" He had managed to get her a nutrition shake from the kitchen. Did Elise like it? Winter hoped so. She dug into her piece of cake, reminded of her Grandmother's spice cake. She should viait their graves before she returned to Olympia, she thought. After dinner, they moved back to the living room, where there was plenty of talking. Winter was beginning to feel sleepy, her physical body having grown used to an endless sleep. Her eyes fluttered shut and soon, she was fast asleep, curled up on the couch. "You guys realized it too, didn't you?" Carter asked, playing with Winter's hair as she slept. It was long now, down past her chest.
"Realized what?" Oliver asked, glancing at Elise to see if she had an answer for Carter's ridiculous puzzles. "That Winter is our center. The center of the group, I mean. We all kind of... rallied around her." Oliver nodded, "it only made sense, she was the strongest. We all relied on her and then she was just... gone. And Elise was the brains of the operation," he nudged her with an elbow. "When you two left, it was harder on all of us then any of us would probably admit." Oliver looked out the window, at the gently falling snow. "I'm glad I got to see you guys again, even if it's just to say goodbye," it was clear that this was hard on Oliver. He was finally beginning to move on, to accept that he would never see Winter again, or get to say goodbye to Elise, when they had just popped up and back into their lives.
A knock came from the door. "That's strange," Oliver rose from the couch. "I'll go see who it is," it was late for guests, even on All Heir's Eve. He looked at the holo security, surprised to see a guest. "Mercedes? What are you doing here?" Oliver asked as he opened up the door. "She's here isn't she?" Mercedes asked. Oliver blinked in surprise. "Who is?" Something about this set off alarm bells in his mind. "Don't play dumb with me, you have Winter, don't you?" She asked, whipping out a gun. She aimed it right between his eyes. Oliver furrowed his brow, visibly upset. "Are you f*cking kidding me Mercedes? No, I don't have Winter. No one has her. She's gone because Julian made a stupid mistake." Carter came to see what was wrong, "Mercedes?" He asked, surprised to see her.
"She thinks Winter is here." Oliver said, steeling himself. Carter laughed, "Right and Elise is just walking around, back from the grave. Wow, you must be lonely if you came all this way just to point a gun at his head." Carter said, leaning an elbow on Oliver's shoulder, since he was an inch taller now.
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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 ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E】
|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||
Did Winter remember wrongly? "You need to say my name out loud." It was useless if Winter was restricted from speaking or something of that nature. "The connection only opens when you speak my name." It was the best she could do with the abilities that she had, but it certainly was not a perfect connection. Still, the important matter was that Winter was safe and that was enough. After catching up on everything, the boys had dinner made and readied. Elise requested something she could actually ingest and Carter had that prepared as well. "Good luck. The Olympians still have not figured out a way to make it good." It all tasted like far-too-rich sludge that stuck to the inside of her throat. She was used to gourmet human food, something she could not have again.
Carter seemed to care a lot about the taste of the drink, giving her many glances to guage her reaction. She frowned, looking at him. "You know I have to be an unbiased judge. No favors allowed, even for friends." It was against the rules to treat anyone with more favor than anyone else. She had to judge fairly. "I only judge appeals anyways." Hades decided the initial punishment, but should the Sinner feel they can try to appeal, Elise reads their life. Those being punished can also try and appeal, hoping that they paid for their crimes already. Kore was trying to build a fairer, more forgiving system. Hades was happy with it since it meant they would have more space as sinners began filtering out thanks to the new appeal system created. Elise already pardoned her father, whose sins were greed and pride, but not to a degree that he needed to suffer any longer.
The boys were talking again about Winter, who had fallen asleep. The black eagle was not really talking - what was there for her to really say? The boys had grown into men, strong and assured in their lives. Naturally she was the brains. "We all had a role. Winter was the one we all loved. I was the prodigy who studied too hard." And the one who kept on brushing against death. Twice now, really, what else could be expected at this point? She scowled sourly, too tired to dodge the nudge. "Winter can stay for longer if she really wished." She spoke up suddenly when the topic of goodbyes came up. Oliver's ears almost perked up at the words. "I am the only one bound to the three day rule. Certainly you two are able to keep her safe if needed." And in an emergency, Winter could call Elise back to rescue her. "Then I'll ask if she's up to it. It's a shame you can't stay longer, though." Oliver seemed genuinely saddened about that - he wanted them both around for longer.
The door bell rang then. Elise tucked Winter in, out of sight of the front door. No one could know they were here. Still, did Elise really want to stay? She was only going to be in the way. Even in life, she had been bad at socializing with others. With Ame gone, she was even worse about it now. Winter could always be the life of the party, but the black eagle was better at watching from afar. What good was there for little Soraya to see her aunt who would never get the chance to return to Earth? For Claude to see her and what? Feel guilt about moving on? Or have a wound reopen and start grieving again? As much as Kore fawned over Elise and showed affection, Elise was wise enough to know that her state was not natural. Not normal. Kore and Hades had to almost cheat the system to allow this.
How long until it could no longer last? That, Elise had no idea. Elise would let the boys handle Mercedes and allow Winter to sleep, keeping her hawkish eyes and ears trained on any sound that might threaten them. She kept her watch for a little, but even she knew that voice. Mercedes. What was she doing here? With a grimace, the black eagle made a cloud of mist to transport Winter onto a bed without waking her, hopefully, then watched the camera feed carefully. Mercedes had a gun. She looked different. Older. Tougher than before, if that was possible. Was Elise going to have to reveal herself to protect Winter? Or would doing that only raise suspicions?
But maybe something else was possible.
Elise shrouded her face with mist to hide her identity, and wore old heels one of Oliver's female friends left by accident, to make herself look taller on the stilleto heels. Then, she moved herself outside by opening a window, and landed on top of the three former Vassals, putting her hands at Oliver's collar. "Human." She growled, her voice deeper than her normal alto soprano. "I searched this house. But Winter is not here. I, the Heir of Mercy, was tasked to retrieve her." Mercedes hissed, her gun aimed at Elise, who laughed mockingly. "D'you really think your human weapons can hurt an Heir? Winter's body was stolen, and I have to find it." She stumbled, trying to change her mode of speech.
"W-well you already searched the place!" Carter was very glib, playing along easily. "She's not here. Just leave us alone, we had enough with your Heir stuff already." Elise turned to Mercedes then, an intimidating air about her. "And she is not with you either. Perhaps a cult has taken her?" Mercedes did not shoot, but still held tight to her gun. It was clear she was thinking hard about what the best decision to make now was. "You seem to know something, human. The smell of Heir is on you. Tell me all that you know." Oliver's eyes widened. "You can smell Winter on her?" Elise nodded, a lie, a gamble, but one she had to make.
What if the military's capture of Winter was why Mercedes grew distant? But if her guess was wrong, then Elise would no doubt look the fool. "Yes. But she disappeared." Mercedes was a tough soldier. She did not scare easy. Still... "Tell me everything, or I won't be so nice."
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
"What did you do, you basta*d?" Oliver suddenly grabbed Mercedes by the collar of her uniform, slamming her against the wall. The gun fell from her hands and Carter scrambled to retrieve it. "I don't have to tell you anything," she spat. Oliver punched her in the face, right in the teeth. Mercedes spit out blood as he hauled her inside, the cold air following them in. "Tell us everything," he demanded, Carter pointing the gun at Mercedes. "I'm under a gag order," she replied, gritting her teeth, blood spilling from her nose and onto the welcome mat. Oliver slammed the door behind him after ushering Elise inside, locking it behind him. "Thanks for your help," he muttered to her, although he and Carter had it mostly under control. Carter winked at Elise, turning back to Mercedes. "And I'm the President's assistant, so you best believe I can circumvent a gag order." He knelt down, grabbing Mercedes by her hair.
"What did you do?"
Mercedes looked away, "I found her! Okay? I found Winter! A while ago. She was in awful shape, there iwas this cult, they called themselves the Vassals of Snow. They had her body in a glass cage so I broke in and I took her. I tried to take her to Julian, but Commander Wilks was there and he ordered me to hand her over. She woke up yesterday and broke out and the entire military is looking for her. It's all my fault, if I hadn't looked away for two seconds, she wouldn't have broken out." Oliver lunged, Carter grabbing him to keep him from striking Mercedes again. "Trust me, I want to hit her too," hard to believe that Carter was the rational one in this situation. "Even after knowing everything they've done to her, you just handed her over." Oliver said in disgust, sitting back down on the couch.
"I was under an oath."
"Yeah, so were the Chrysanthemum soldiers." He was shaking in rage, attempting to calm himself down. It was lucky none of them still have their powers. "It doesn't matter," Mercedes looked away, rubbing her sore jaw. "I lost her and it's clear she isn't here. We can't just have an Heir running around the Chrysanthemum, even if it is Winter. She's a giant military threat, an unknown. It's been two years, why did she suddenly come back now? Don't you think it's a little suspicious?" She glanced at Elise, whom she did not know was Elise. "The Heirs aren't exactly on our side. Winter is one of them now. She abandoned her humanity to become one. You can't seriously be siding with her." Was this Mercedes's attempt to justify her actions?
"What's all the commotion?" Winter asked, rubbing one eye. She had heard a screaming match from the other room that had roused her from sleep. "Oh Mercedes, what are you doing here?" Winter asked as Mercedes rose. "You two-" Carter cursed under his breath, leveling the gun. Mercedes lunged at Winter, freezing right in front of her, finding herself unable to move. "Don't worry," Winter yawned, she had not lifted a finger. "The air around you is vibrating so quickly, that gravity is actually keeping you in place." The sound waves, she was pulsating them at a rate that the human body could not withstand. "In a few seconds, your ears will start bleeding, in a minute, your heart will beat out of your chest." She reached one hand forward, flicking Mercede's in the forehead.
It sent Mercedes flying across the room and into the couch, toppling the furniture over. "Did you really think you could force me to go back with something as weak as that flimsy gun?" She stood over Mercedes, who groaned, passing out. Winter yawned again, "I'm tired, I'm going back to bed." She stepped over the fallen couch, "Elise, let's have a sleep over in my room tonight, since Iris isn't here to stop us." Oliver and Carter seemed at a loss as to what had just happened.
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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 ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E】
|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||
Mercdes was no threat now. As she was distracted by Oliver charging her and punching her, Elise clogged up the gun with mist, sending the gunpowder in the gun back to her room for safe keeping. Even if she tried, she would not be able to shoot. After a scuffle Oliver invited both Mercedes and Elise into the house, the door locked securely behind him. It was then Mercedes gave out all the details. "Hah." Elise scoffed, turning her nose up at Mercedes. Playing the role of a haughty Heir. "You think your human rules apply to us Heirs? What right do you have to restrain us?" Mercedes growled, chewing her cheek. "It's exactly that attitude that pisses me off. Looking down on us. Kaze did it all the time." Her eyes were simmering with anger.
The Vassals of Snow. A cult, right? Elise would have to investigate them later. If she had time to do so, there was still two more days before she had to go. There was more shouting and then Winter was finally woken from her slumber, taking out Mercedes in one quick action. Winter, proving that even without Yuuki's ice powers flowing through her body, was more than capable of handling herself with full access to her abilities. Elise was invited up, so she removed the extra mist obscuring her face. "Then I shall." She gave a sly, almost smug smile to the boys, almost as if she were saying 'look at Winter, she's still so strong, right?' with pride at how the little Heir grew.
As Elise settled in, she sighed. "We will have to keep Mercedes locked up here, I believe. If we let her leave, she will tell the military where you are." No doubt Winter woiuld be hunted down. Not that they could not fight, but she did not want to start another incident and drag their friends back into conflict. "Tomorrow the boys are going to ask if you would like to stay longer after I go. Between you and them, you should be able to handle yourselves." They probably would never get to sleep in the same room again. A very rare moment for the two of them. "It is your choice. So do not feel bad if you wish to spend a little more time with everyone."
Morning greeted Elise with a very unappealing drink waiting for her, while everyone else had a typical breakfast of actual food. "I added more sugar and banana, maybe this time it'll taste better." Carter grinned, as he seared the breakfast meat over the stove. He seemed to enjoy cooking, even though this was not even his home. "Winter will be down soon." The black eagle sad glumly at the table, glancing around. "What did you two decide to do with Mercedes?" Carter smiled, wiggling an eyebrow. "Well, we'll probably persuade her nicely to stick around for the family get together. Claude and his family are coming, and Ezra and Serenity will come too, if they're back from the Boundary yet."
To that he raised his eyes at Elise. "How are they doing, by the way? You met them, right?" Elise nodded to confirm that yes, she has. "They made it to Olympia. They are on a mission right now, but perhaps they can find their way here for the get together." She hoped so. Those two had lives to live, not to waste away in the Boundary, the way Elise had. They deserved a chance to live in the world they fought and created peace for. "There's the sad look in your eyes again." Carter said, surprisingly perceptive. "Is this because of Ezra? Because you're dead now... you and him can't..." Elise looked away, annoyed that Carter had become so good at reading people. "You're not as sociable as Winter, El." Carter gave her a grin as he finished cooking, readying the five plates. "But you were always still part of our family. And we'll miss you a whole lot." Elise could not meet his gaze as she lowered her head and drank in silence.
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
Winter crawled into bed, wearing one of Oliver's shirts. It was too big on her, hanging off of her shoulder. It was fine though, Winter thought, since she was only going to be here a few more days. She went under the covers beside Elise, turning on the blanket heater to make it nice and toasty. "Stay longer..." Winter trailed off, drumming a finger against her stomach in thought. "Zed would probably get mad if I stayed longer," she rolled over to look at Elise. "This might be my last chance though," she whispered in thought. "I don't know, I'll have to think about it." She would like to, but Winter also didn't want to interfere in their lives. They had moved on and reopening that hole would be too much to bear. "What about you?" Winter asked, "I know you have to go back, but... what do you want to do with your life? Or death? I know you're a servant to Kore and all... but she's given you a lot of freedom."
Winter fell asleep soon after that, curling up cutely, seeming at peace as she rested. In the morning, by the time she awoke, Elise was already up and moving. Winter slid out of bed, running a hot bath. Ever since she had been released from vassal-ship, the cold bothered her once more and the winter air was no exception. In Olympia, Winter lived nowhere near the mountains, so the weather was always perfect. "Winter?" Oliver knocked on the door. "I had my staff run out and get you some clothes, I'm leaving them in a bag on the door." He didn't want to invade her privacy, of course. "Thanks!" Winter called through the door, wrapping herself up in a towel from the towel warmer. Oliver's staff had picked out a cute dress with a skirt that looked like piano keys. It was pretty, she thought as she ran a brush through her hair. Iris would probably enjoy how long her human body's hair was now.
She emerged from the bathroom, finding herself to be the last to arrive at breakfast. "Morning everyone," Winter took a seat and served herself pancakes. "So everyone's coming today?" She asked, eager to see them all. "Yeah," Oliver confirmed, drinking coffee. Gross, Winter thought, turning to her own hot chocolate. Carter dragged Mercedes to the table when he was done, feeding her breakfast. She had a black eye from yesterday, as well as a bunch of bruises around where her wrists were tied behind her back. Winter didn't feel bad of course, Mercedes had practically been asking for it. "My Commander is going to question where I am," she muttered between bites of pancake. "Then when he calls, you'll tell him you're taking the day off to be with friends." Oliver replied simply, "just like everyone else."
"I didn't request time off," she grit her jaw. "Then tell him you're on your cycle. Men hate talking about that," Winter said keenly. Mercede's cheeks turning pink in embarrassment. "Hey Winter, Oliver and I were talking," Carter started, shutting Mercedes up with another bite of pancake. "We know Elise, unfortunately, has to go back tomorrow, but what about you? Do you want to stay longer?" There it was, the officer. "It's kind of awkward," Winter admitted. "I'm engaged and I want to stay, I really do, but I don't think my fiancee would like me to stay alone with two men he doesn't know." She scratched the back of her head, "well, it's not like he can just come here and smite us." Carter said mischeviously, "You can just tell him you stayed with Serenity." That was true, if Serenity got back here in time for the celebration tonight.
"Elise, would you cover for me?" Winter asked, "It'll just be an extra day or two."
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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 ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E】
|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||
When morning broke and Winter still dozed, Elise created a new cloak for herself and turned the other one back into mist. Who needed to do laundry when you could do this instead? Admittedly it really was convenient. Her mind was still reeling with the question that was asked of her. What did she want to do? "For now, I will do as Kore needs." She said at the time, but now she had more time to think about it. Did she really have the freedom to do as she pleased? Kore was well intentioned, yes, but considering her language and how touchy she was, the Heir of Mercy was no doubt very possessive too. Elise was on a leash, but wider than what most Servants had.
Mercedes was glaring hard at her while pancakes were steaming and ready for consumption. "I really should have known that was you." She was tied up, being forced to attend the family reunion now. "Hmm? I am not sure what you are referring to." She lowered her head to reveal the horns, a tiny smile on her face. "But I would be careful if I were you, Mercedes." Oliver was munching on the pancakes, nodding his head. "You really outdid yourself, Carter. It's like you're trying to impress someone." Carter snickered, a wide grin on his face. "Who, me? Maybe Winter can put in a good word to Elise for me so I won't suffer too long in punish land." Elise scowled, grimacing. "I suggest you do not get sent there in the first place." Mercedes gave her a hard, unbelieving stare. "Really? You're a judge? How fitting, that's all you did in life as well." Elise's smile was silky smooth. "Perhaps you should stay on my good side then, Mercy, before it is too late to save your soul."
Winter came down then, eager for everyone else to arrive. "The plan was for them to be back by All Heir's Day." Oliver explained, looking at his watch. "Zoku said she knew someone who had a time-converter watch to keep track of time on Earth while they were there." An item like that could only have been made by one person. The jolly forger bull, Svarog, was no doubt the mastermind. "Then they will be here." Elise was certain of that as she boldly stated her thoughts. "I wonder if they will be surprised to see us?" Yuuki would be able to operate the portal generator to send them back, at least for All Heir's Day.
They finally did it, they asked Winter the big question. Elise remained quiet, knowing she had no say in the matter. It was Winter's choice and Winter's happiness. But it seemed Winter came to her decision. "Then I will explain to Zed before I return to the Sentinel Tower that you are staying a little longer with Serenity." She grimaced as she finished her drink, making Carter rub his head. "I'll find a way to make it taste good, just you wait." He really seemed to believe in himself, did he not? It was against the rules to lie to an Heir. But this once, Elise figured she could make an exception to the rules. Suddenly Oliver's holo lit up. "They're coming. Ezra and Serenity are on the way over." He grinned in excitement. "We'll almost all be back together."
Elise gulped, knowing to steel her self. The black eagle knew that today was when she would have to talk with Ezra, and finalize their relationship. With him alive and her dead, no matter their feelings, it would never work. He deserved to find someone else and be happy. Dead people could not love. That was the rule. She was not ready to face Claude either. To see how happy he was now. To see how he did not need her. Her heart burned and for some reason she felt an urge to flap her wings and escape. Carter looked awkwardly at Mercedes. "We probably shouldn't have a tied up soldier in front of the kid." Soraya was Claude and Jasmine's daughter. Apparently she was coming too. "I won't escape. I have a feeling the Heirs won't let me anyhow." Mercedes growled, glaring hard at him. Carter shrugged, then went to the ropes to release her.
Then the doorbell rang. "We're here, we picked up two Boundary adventurers!" It was Claude's cheerful voice from the other side of the door. Elise turned away, glancing out the window, a pained expression. Should she escape? Would that be the easiest way to handle this?
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
Winter smiled, excited to stay a bit longer. It had been so long since she had been on earth, she was eager to visit what she had missed. She giggled like an excited child, causing Mercedes to glare at her. "She's up to something," Mercedes said distrustfully. "I'm telling you, there's a reason she came back now," Mercedes growled. "I'm not up to anything, I just came to get my body." Winter replied, "Is it so wrong that I'm excited to see everyone again?" Winter looked at her lap, Elise promptly threatened Mercedes. Oliver reached out to touch Winter's hand. "Of course not, I'm sure they're all going to be excited to see the two of you again." His words lifted up Winter's spirits a bit and she finished her hot chocolate with gusto. "How was your drink this morning?" Winter asked Elise, who had made a face. Carter swore he was going to find a way to make it taste good.
"I think the problem is that Elise has tasted the Underworld's food, so all other food probably tastes like ashes." It was a theory, but Winter had come to the coclusion based on old faerie tales. "Can you tolerate food in the Underworld?" Winter asked, wondering if they even ate down there. Elise wanted to know if the others would be surprised to see them. "I think they will," she smiled. Elise promised to cover for Winter when she returned without her, "Thank you Elise. Hopefully Zed won't be too upset with me," Carter frowned. "Why would he be mad at you? Shouldn't he be glad you get to see your friends again?" Winter scratched the back of her head, avoiding his gaze. "He's... a bit protective. Rightfully so, though."
"Why? You're so strong!" He slammed his palms on the table, startling Mercedes. "Not in Olympia, I'm probably the one of the weakest Heirs." She admitted, scratching her cheek. Mercedes's eyes widened, no doubt she was trying to imagine it. If Winter was one of the weakest, then what were the strongest like? "If anything happened to me here, I'm pretty sure he would start a war with the human race." Oliver laughed, surprisingly. "I think that's just the sign of a good boyfriend," the doorbell rang, the others had arrived. Winter could her their voices at the door. She looked at her reflection in the window, quickly adjusting anything out of place out of habit. This wasn't Olympia, she didn't need to put on heirs. Winter rose, excited to see everyone. She could tell that Elise was nervous, judging from the way she was sitting. "Hey, head up. They're your friends too, remember? They all love and missed you."
Winter was immediately smothered in a hug from Serenity. "Come here Elise, you too!" She pulled Elise into the hug, the two of them stuck in Serenity's grip. Eventually, she released them. "I'm so glad," Serenity began to tear up. "That you could be with us today," she started to sob. "I'm glad I could be here too," Winter smiled, trying not to cry. It wasn't proper, Iris would say. In a way, Winter was still being controlled by everyone in her life. She had very little freedom. Sometimes it felt as though she couldn't breath. "Winter!" Claude said in surprise. He hugged her quickly, not wanting to disrespect Jasmine. "This must be Jasmine! I've heard so much about her!" Winter smiled, "Ah, what a beautiful couple you two are." Jasmine smiled, she was beautiful, Winter thought. She could tell that she had a big heart, the kind of woman that Claude needed.
"Winter, Elise!" Ezra went right for Elise first, being surprisingly gentle with her. Was it Winter's imagination, or did he whisper something in her ear? Before she could react, her swept her up into a bear hug, lifting Winter off of her feet. "Careful, or she might launch you into a couch," Mercedes muttered. Serenity turned, surprised to see her there. "Mercy," she whispered in disbelief. "You're here!"
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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 ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E】
|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||
"The Underworld is the place in the Boundary most connected to life." It was an odd statement, but it was the truth. Dead people went there, and they found new life and were reincarnated there as well. "Our bodies are naturally replenished and nourished from the life energy, so I do not normally need to eat." Well, not that she could ever eat again at this rate. "Hmm, I dunno if I can beat that, but I'll sure give it my best." Carter seemed determined now. "What kind of host would I be if a guest went home unhappy?" He winked and grinned, flashing a thumbs up. Oliver rolled his eye, as if Carter were an idiot. "This is my house, I hope you remember. I'm the host here." Carter laughed, sounding joyous as he did. "Come on, Ollie, I'm here so often you're probably getting sick of me!" Oliver smiled patiently but did not answer.
When Winter called herself one of the weakest Heirs Elise was happy to shoot a threatening stare Mercedes's way, her ruby eyes gleaming in the morning light. Mercedes flinched, anger simmering in her eyes as Carter released her from her bonds. Today was All Heir's Day, and Mercedes was once a friend, even if she might no longer be one. Elise really was not an Heir, but it was rather entertaining acting as if she was one. There was not much time until the others came, but Winter was trying to raise her mood. "I... well..." What could she say? For once, Elise was unable to think of anything so she made an uncommittal expression and continued gazing out the window, wondering if it was too late to try and escape. Would Winter just try and stop her anyways? Probably. Escape was not going to be an option.
Serenity was very touchy, and Jasmine helped baby Soraya find a comfortable corner for her baby carrier to sit down in. Soraya was staring with wide brown eyes, trying to touch everything with those grubby stubby fingers, unable to leave the carrier. "It's just so great you're both here." Serenity was almost clinging to them, as if she knew this might be the last time, but did not want to believe it. Jasmine wore a very patient, very warm smile. Was it practiced? Was it an act as she hugged Winter, a few tears brimming in the corners of her eyes? "One of the heroes who stopped the apocalypse. But you look like a normal woman, like, like me." She looked over to Elise then, giving her a welcoming smile. The black eagle shot her a withering look but Jasmine's expression did not change.
Before Elise could exchange scathing words with Jasmine, or find an excuse to not talk to Claude who had been exchanging some sort of collecting card game with Carter, Ezra swept her up into his arms as if she weighed nothing at all. "You're not getting away from me this time." Elise rolled her eyes, still unable to come up with words to say. "Welcome back to Earth, you silly bird." Her heart fluttered, and that made the pain worse. "We can talk later. For now, let's enjoy the miracle that allowed all seven of us to meet again." He was confident for some reason. Or maybe he had become a good actor too. He went to Winter then, giving her an affectionate pat on the back. "I like that look in your eyes. Tough. Powerful. It's a good luck, Winter." He grinned approvingly.
Mercedes shot Serenity a smouldering look. "You're the one who left first. You don't get to act like we're all friendly again, Siri." Her tone was scathing and full of irritability. Mercedes narrowed her eyes. Before, she was the type to let someone walk over her, but over the years, she had matured. Serenity was not a doormat anymore. "You don't get to talk to me like that. Let's just have a pleasant All Heir's Day, okay?" That moment Serenity chose to go work on the farms seemed to create a rift between the former best friends, even from childhood. It was clear that in this ragtag group, there were a lot of scars and pain from the war. Only Oliver and Carter, two mortal enemies, seemed to have been able to really mend the gap so far, being almost like brothers in how they acted now.
"Those four spend a lot of time together." Jasmine nodded approvingly as Ezra made some sort of crude joke about dogs and girls and even Claude laughed, while Carter simply nodded. "I've got an even better one! You know that girl that sent me her nudes the other day? Well-" Elise frowned, wondering why Jasmine was sitting with her and Winter while the boys prepared lunches and Soraya tried to pick up a block, wondering why her two aunts - Mercedes and Serenity - were glaring at each other instead of helping her. "That sounds like a crude conversation." Elise's tone was cold and indifferent. "I want to get to know you both. You're both Soraya's aunts, and my husband's sisters." Even if Winter barely lasted a week before it ended. In the end, Jeralt died to save her, so she was as good as blood. Winter was an honorary Hresvelg, no matter what the birth certificates said. "I want her to be proud one day, to know her relation to two of the heroes that saved all of our lives."
"You can create a lie. You could say that I am very nice." Elise looked away, wondering why she felt so uncomfortable. Jasmine shook her head with a sad look in her eyes. "But that wouldn't be the truth. I wouldn't want you both to be remembered with lies." Before Elise could say anything there was a sudden giggle. "Gross." Mercedes murmured while Serenity laughed happily. "Jasmine, Soraya's sucking on my finger! What do I do?" She gestured to her finger helplessly. "I was trying to help her with the blocks!"
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
Mercedes was trying to start something, but Serenity quickly shut it down, standing up for herself. Winter was proud of her, it was clear that their time apart had been good for one another. Maybe two they could repair their broken bond? Mercedes glared at Winter, as if this rift was somehow her fault. Winter turned back to Claude, who greeted her. "I never thought I would see you again," it was clear Elise was ignoring him and for the time being, he was respecting her decision, whatever decision that may be. "I never thought I would return to earth," Winter admitted. Carter called Claude over and Jasmine stepped in, hugging Winter. She smelled like cloves and Winter's Grandmother's fruit cake. It was a nice smell, a safe smell. Jasmine began tearing up, calling Winter a hero. Winter waved her hands in front of her, cheeks turning pink. "I'm not a hero," Winter tried to clarify quickly.
"I didn't save the Chrysanthemum because I wanted to," had Winter the choice, she probably would have run away the first chance she had. "I was just a naive girl," who was manipulated into doing whatever anyone else wanted. She smiled a bit awkwardly when Jasmine said she looked like a normal human girl, just like her. That was the one thing Winter was not anymore. Ezra complimented her, saying he liked the look in her eye, that it was tough. "Well, that's what being an Heir does to you," she laughed. "It gives you access to power you never knew you had." She could spend days at the piano, ferverntly composing her own music. Her playing was described by other Heirs as the melody of an angel that could evoke every and any emotion to the listener. The secret was the manipulation of sound and how it was delivered to the ear.
Winter was the Heir of music, yes, but her ability had to do with sound in particular. It was why she could manipulate sound waves and create thunder claps. They moved to the living room while the boys made lunch. Serenity and Mercedes played with Soraya, who had Claude's eyes and Jasmine's complexion. "What a cute baby," Winter admired. She wondered if she and Zed would ever have a baby, but then was immediately grossed out by the thought of carrying a child. Still, Winter was at the age where most girls began to think of pregnancy. Unlike everyone else (excluding Elise) her body had never gone through puberty. She was not fully matured, but that was fine. Jasmine wanted to get to know them both, but Winter would have been more interested in learning about Jasmine. "Why don't you tell us more about you? I heard you work in a really cool field?"
Elise was being annoying. Winter flicked her in the forehead, not hard enough to send her flying across the room, but enough to get the point across. "You're being annoying, Jasmine is our sister in law." Couldn't Elise at least pretend to play nice? Mercedes suddenly squealed, Serenity laughing happily. Winter turned to see what had happened, that Soraya had gripped Mercedes's hand and was sucking whole-heartedly on a finger. Winter blinked, immediately retracting any thoughts about having a baby of her own. Gross, she thought. Still, Winter laughed at Mercedes's expression while Jasmine rushed over to give Soraya a pacifier. Jasmine returned, she wanted to know about them so that she could carry the torch, in case they never returned to earth.
What to tell her? Well, Winter wasn't sure. "My human life was pretty pathetic to be honest," she admitted, running a hand through her hair. "You probably know most of it, to be honest, since I was kind of infamous as a kid," Winter laughed. Her entire life was public knowledge. "My greatest accomplishment was my music," it was the one thing she had been proud of as a human. She looked forward to every performance at the Opal. She could never perform there again, as the Opal no longer existed, but it had been nice while it lasted.
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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 ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E】
|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||
"We had no choice but to fight." Elise said bluntly, remembering the events of the apocalypse. "It was either fight or die." There were no real heroics about it. If they did not fight, a horrible fate was waiting for all of them at the Doctor's hands. His plan to put all of the Heir's powers into Winter and use her as his puppet to control the world. It was very good for all of them that his plan could not come to frution. "I think so too." Jasmine said with a modest smile. "Soraya really is going to be quite the beauty." Elise was curious. "Was she gene modded?" A lot of rich children were getting genetic modification in the womb these days. Jasmine shook he rhead. "Except for genetic illnesses, no. Claude and I wanted her to be born naturally."
So Claude must have known how being gene modded affected Elise. It made her feel almost illegitimate - as if she did not earn her right to be a prodigy. Claude was the same, he too had been modified. They were more skilled and more attractive than their peers because of the money sunk into them. Winter was curious about Jasmine, wanting to learn more about her. Jasmine looked a little bit surprised at the request. "I'm a perfumer." She said, fidgeting. "I work for Petalco. I help create new perfume blends and scents in the research division. It's nothing too fancy." Petalco. If Elise remembered right, they were one of the companies that wanted to focus purely on natural blends rather than synthetic with chemicals and the like. They also are happy on the donation front for causes to help the lesser people, those who could not afford to support themselves. The less worthy people, in a way.
Winter was perceptive and noticed Elise's attempts to snub Jasmine, so she was flicked on the head. She frowned, wondering if there was a way to express what she meant. "How do we know she does not just want his money?" Jasmine blinked, then took Elise's hand. "I never ask him for money." She said with quiet patience. "I only ever buy things with the money I earn myself. I'm a proud woman, who works hard for what I have." Then her cheerful smile came back. "But it's good to know you care about Claude. He'd be happy to know his sister was so protective of him." Elise's eyes gleamed with annoyance at her words. "If you would get angry with me it would be a lot easier to keep hating you." That made Jasmine laugh for some odd reason.
Winter was giving a mini autobiography of herself now. "I never had the chance to listen." Jasmine said a little sadly. "Would it be possible to hear your music? I'd love to have that honor." A cynical look was in Elise's eyes. "Are there even any instruments here?" At her words, Oliver bounded over, the lunch food nearly finished cooking. "Who needs that when I have recordings of all of Winter's performances at the Opal on my holo?" He grinned, but it was a little sad. "I sometimes listen to it when I want to sleep at night." So he had nightmares, troubles sleeping. But Winter's music gave him peace of mind. "Then I'd love to. Do you mind?" Jasmine looked almost like an excited child as Oliver put his holo on speaker mode, Winter's piano wafting through the house.
A baby carriage was placed by them, with Serenity walking over, Mercedes crossing her arms, but following suit. The two sat down where Elise, Winter, and Jasmine were sitting by the pearl couch. "Come on, Mercedes." Serenity's voice was light and friendly. "If the boys can all be one big group, us girls can be too." Mercedes was the most isolated of them, having separated herself from everyone else. Most likely the soldier did not know how to act anymore with the old team. "Fine. I can keep an eye on the Heirs that way." Serenity seemd a bit upset but her tone stayed friendly. "If they were going to do something, they'd have done it already, you know." Serenity beamed, looking between Winter and Elise. "It's a real shame you two can't stay longer. Jasmine's the best cook of Persian cuisine I've ever had." Jasmine blushed, as if not used to the praise. "It's only my grandmother's recipes." She looked away, embarrassed.
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
It sounded as though Claude had found himself a real winner. Winter was glad for it, Jasmine seemed genuine and kind. "I'm sure he'd be embarrassed if I said this near himm, but you seem like quite the catch. I'm not surprised someone who wanted to go into fashion ended up with a perfumer." Cloting and scents went hand in hand. "What are you ladies talking about?" Carter asked, placing a plate of cookies on the table. Winter reached for one immediately, having missed earthly flavors. "Just about you and how you would trip over your own sand on the battlefield," Carter's face turned red. Suddenly there was a hand in Winter's hair, giving her a noogie. "Hey!" She cried out, batting his hand away. "I still beat you, didn't I?" He grinned, "I don't think that was beating me Carter, you literally buried me in ten tons of sand."
"Can't you give me one point?" He asked, hands on his hips. "Fine, you can have one." She replied, taking another ginger bite out of her cookie. "I want a rematch then. Mono el mono, we'll see whose the strongest?" He grinned, Ezra laughed from the kitchen, pointing a knife at Carter. Not threateningly of course, "You? You really think you can beat an Heir?!" He grinned, mock wiping tears from his eyes. "Oh that's rich," Carter huffed indignantly at this. "We'll do it fair and square, no powers. Just two people, fighting with their fists." Winter turned away, nose in the air. "No offense Carter, but I don't want to kill you." He mock punched her in the shoulder in response. "Come on, just one fight! I gotta make sure that you can protect yourself."
Winter rose with a sigh. "Fine," she punched him, sending him flying backwards into the wall. Serenity burst out laughing as Winter sat back down, snatching another cookie from the tray. "Now, where were we?" Oh, Elise attacking Jasmine, asking if she just wanted Claude's money. Jasmine immediately defended herself. Good, Winter thought, Claude had picked a real winner. She wasn't going to let Elise just walk all over her. Jasmine seemed sad that she had never Winter's music. "It's not that special," she shook her head. Oliver bound over, wearing an apron, seeming eager. He had all of Winter's recitals recorded. Why? Winter wondered. Had he been there for them? Were they public record? Elise was still being a cynic, but that was one thing that would never change. "I'm not an ameature Oliver, of course I came prepared."
Music was meant to be enjoyed live. "I'm an Heir of Music, you think I didn't come to earth without something?" She dug through the pockets of her dress, pulling out an entire viola case. Elise might recognize it, it was the one Winter had picked up from the town when they were attacked by the Anti-Zeus-Troop. Oliver had put on a recording of one of her piano recitles, it was one Winter recognized well. She had all of her recitles memorized. "Mozart's Requim, excellent taste." Mercedes and Serenity joined them, pushing a baby carriage. It's a shame Mercedes hadn't returned Serenity's feelings. "Heir's?" Winter asked, setting the viola case down beside her, she could play once the recording had ended. She glanced at Elise in confusion, then giggled. Had Elise told the others she was an Heir? Winter wasn't going to give that away.
"Actually, Elise has to go back, but I can stay a little bit longer." Serenity's eyes lit up in delight. Mercedes groaned, as though the idea of it was sickening. "I'd love to taste Jasmine's food."
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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 ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E】
|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||
Carter was curious about them so he came over to talk for a little. It went from teasing back and forth to Winter punching him into a wall, earning a few laughs from mostly everyone. Elise rolled her ruby eyes, as she was apt to do. "He really should have known better." Really, how daft could you be? The conversation went on to a different topic then, to Winter and her music. They wanted to hear and Oliver offered to play her music but Winter was not going to be satisfied with just that. As if out of thin air a very familiar instrument appeared. Recorded music was one thing - the real thing in action was a whole other experience. It was not Elise's first time of course, but even now Winter's abilities were impressive. How could anyone have thought this girl was weak and useless? Elise really must have been a fool.
As the song ended, three visitors came to join them on the sofa. Jasmine's eyes were that of someone struck with stars. She paused for a moment to snap herself back to reality and then clapped her hands. Soraya did not appear to understand what was happening, but the fact that she was fast asleep now instead of trying to make Mercedes play blocks with her was a good sign. "Thank you." Jasmine said after collecting her senses. "That was better than I could have imagined. You're really the best." Claude grinned with an odd sort of pride. "Timothy's going to cry, he was so happy to play the piano in front of you, Jasmine." His wife smiled shyly, but beamed nonetheless. "Timothy is very skilled, but this was a whole other level." The room smelled nauseating - the food was nearly ready. Elise would have to go, but the black eagle knew Winter would be staying, at least for a little bit longer. "Then I would be delighted to have you eat my food." Jasmine sounded thrilled, already thinking of what to serve.Mercedes and Serenity came over with the sleeping baby, wanting to spend more time talking to the rest. Ezra washed his hands and strolled over too, his too-long legs and his far-too-casual gait somewhat distracting for Elise.
The other boys might have grown into men, but even still they were not as tall as Ezra was. He came in time to hear Mercedes call Elise one of the two heirs. He and Serenity exchanged a quick furtive glance and then his grin only grew wider. Of course, they knew the truth. "You two don't really belong here. Heirs have interfered enough with human matters." Mercedes kept a stubborn position on the fact. "Who else would be more welcome than Heirs on All Heirs Day?" Ezra challenged, exchanging a high five from Serenity, who Elise felt oddly threatened by for some strange reason. Why should she? Serenity batted for the other team. "So, Elise. You're an Heir too. We saw Winter's great talent, so what are you supposed to be good at?" Jasmine looked back and forth, then a light seemed to click in her eye as she understood the deception going on. A quick witted woman, Claude would not have married any other kind.
"I think she's the Heir of Mercy." Mercedes's tone was irritable. "But you didn't seem very merciful when almost punching me in the face earlier." Ezra was clearly trying to put her on the spot for lying about her status. But what threat could she be as a mere Servant? "That is true. Because I am a judge who helps decide who is allowed to leave the punishment lands of the Underworld." She murmured quietly. "I grant mercy to those who deser-" Ezra clapped his hands. "Yeah, yeah. We want to know what you can do, not a big speech. Winter showed us, I wanna see what you can do!" Serenity nodded with enthusiasm. Was this bullying? Elise had no way to know.
She sighed. Fine, she would have to put on a show, would she not? "I can do this then." She raised her arm, mist reaching out and coiling with annoyance around Ezra's neck like a threatening vise. But this only made Ezra laugh harder. "Geez, El, you smell! Stop letting out gas!" All this set up, for a joke? Elise did not know if she was impressed or insulted. "I - nevermind, you humans do not deserve to see." Ezra patted her on the head for some reason. "It's okay to fart, everyone does it, even Winter!" She glowered hotly at him, a twitch in her finger. "I was not expelling gas, it was mist from the Un-" A bell rang then, and food was served on the table. Extra chairs were brought in from other rooms to fit them all.
"Food's ready." Oliver announced. Carter was up too, nursing his head, looking oddly satisfied and embarrassed all at once. "Are we all ready to eat? There's a drink for you too, Elise, so don't be shy."
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
Winter played them the Second Concerto, an easy piece to impress people with. If you knew music, then you knew it wasn't the hardest piece to perform. She finished with a flourish, returning her viola to its case with some applause. "I'm glad you all enjoyed it," she sat back down. Serenity, Mercedes, and a sleeping Soraya joined them on the couch across from them. Winter was glad that her music had been able to put the baby to sleep. Perhaps now Mercedes would stop complaining. Nope, instead she immediately murmured about how Heir's should not be interferring in the affairs of humans. "Well, we were both human once too. Besides, it's not like we came here with a mission. Like I said, I just wanted to retrieve my body." Which had been a success. "Besides Mercy, if you dislike me so much, then why save my body from that cult?"
Mercedes grit her jaw. "I couldn't just let them kill you," Winter tilted her head innocently. "Why? Aren't I the cause of all of your pain? Don't you blame me for everything that's happened?" Mercedes's hands balled into fists. "If I let you die, the others would never forgive me," of course, it was easiest to pin it on the emotional responses of everyone else. Ezra appeared from the kitchen, along with Serenity. The two had become close, which Winter thought was nice. They teased Elise relentlessly, which made Winter smile. No, Elise was still as clueless as ever. The jokes went right over her head, seemingly frustrating her. They were just fooling around, of course, but Elise acted indignant. Winter didn't blame her; a while ago, she probably would have reacted in a similar manner.
A bell rang, inviting them all into the dining room. Carter picked himself up off the floor, having awoken from being knocked out. He didn't seem upset about it either, which Winter found surprising. Winter sat between Serenity and Elise, the boys putting on a show of serving the first course. It was butternut squash soup with garlic croutons. Winter waited for everyone to be seated before picking up her spoon. "Mmm, it smells so good!" They must have all worked hard to prepare this meal. The flavors danced on her tongue, not too heavy, the soup light and a perfect start to the meal. Next came a salad, which Winter stirred around on her plate to be polite. Even if she was engaged to the Heir of Gardens, salads were not something she could bring herself to actually eat. "How is your drink?" Winter asked Elise, hoping it wasn't too bad since Carter had been experimenting.
The main course was full of all of the traditional fixings. Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, buttered corn pudding, green beans, and Winter's favorite: sweet potato pie topped with tiny marshmallows. "You all really outdid yourselves," she complimented as a plate was placed in front of her. Winter's eyes sparkled, the flavors reminding her of her Grandmother's cooking. She felt tears stinging her eyes and blurring her vision as she ate, wishing that a moment like this could last forever. "What's wrong?" Serenity asked, having noticed as Winter tried to slyly dab at her eyes with her napkin. "It's nostalgic," she admitted. "Being with everyone, getting to eat food that I haven't had since I was a kid. I just... missed this." Serenity frowned, "are you that lonely in Olympia?" She asked, her brow furrowing in worry. Her voice was soft so as not to attract the attention of the others.
"Of course I was," she admitted. "My best friend was dead and I had no way of contacting anyone. I was suddenly cut off from everything and everyone I knew." Her hands balled into fists on her lap. It was just like after the accident at the concert. She had to suffer through loss, but had no idea how to actually grieve. "And I have no one to blame but myself," if she hadn't gone off to find her Father, then Elise would still be alive. If she hadn't run off, she probably would still be a human. Not that Winter resented becoming an Heir, it was a gift from Zeus to be granted full Heir-ship, but she wished that it had been under different circumstances.
"Who's ready for dessert?" Ezra asked, carrying a chocolate cake into the room.
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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 ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E】
|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||
As the music ended, after the praise, Mercedes and Winter had a discussion to themselves where Mercedes sulked and Winter asked why she even bothered to save her. There was a rescue from the Vassals of Snow, apparently, who were not vassals in the slightest. Vassals were chosen by the Heirs, not the other way around, those foolish humans. "Did you remember to kill them? The Vassals of snow?" Mercedes looked surprised and shook her head., narrowing her eyes into slits. "No, I didn't have the time. My priority was to get Winter out as quickly as possible." And in doing so she handed her right into military hands. It was a miracle Winter managed to fight her way out and make it to Oliver's safety. Deep down, she still cared for them all. Why else was she still here?
Mercedes and Elise were like similar animals now. Both were from the outside looking in - the main difference was that the black eagle was less openly hostile than Mercedes so the others were happier to be closer around her than Mercedes. Serenity and Ezra teamed up to humiliate and harass her, resulting from a sudden chuckle from Mercedes, staring Elise in the eye. Elise stared back at her with a bit more of a knife's edge in her gaze. Lunch was announced and everone assembled at the table, ready to eat - or in Elise's case, drink - and with Winter on her left Claude ended up on her right. There was a large variety of courses, but of course for Elise there was just a not-appealing looking yellow drink waiting for her, even with a straw on top. "All your, my lady." Carter did a mini bow. "I bet you'll like it this time!"
She did not, of course. And she would make it obvious too. "Maybe next time." She said with a sigh, still drinking it regardless because she knew that she had to. Carter's smile remained on his face though. Why was he so determined to make something palatable to her? It was a mystery really. "Better than before though." She offered. At least it did not taste like sludge anymore. Carter nodded, happy. "Then I'm one step closer to success!" As he ate his food, it was so very clear that he was already brainstorming a new recipe to make it better. Winter gave a speech, nostalgia in her voice. Elise placed her left hand over Winter's own, an offering of support. "It was not your fault." The black eagle said in an uncharacteristic gentle tone. "It never has been."
Elise glowered at Claude, knowing that they would need to talk. "You are the last living Hresvelg." She said quietly and he was surprised, looking left at her. "Yes, I am. Jasmine and I will carry on the tree into the future." He and Jasmine planned to make sure the Hresvelg name lived on. "You represent the pride and honor of the family now. Those of us who have fallen will be watching you from above. He nodded, a tiny smile. "And I'll do my best, El, promise." She was reciting the speech most Hresvelg fathers would tell their primary Heir when it was time to hand successorship over. Jeralt never had a chance to say it, so Elise would say it for him. "Do us proud." She said, more softly this time. This time it was a wish from her. "I am sorry I could not be there with you in the end." He sacrificed his dream for the family's wellbeing. "It'll never be the same without you. Winter too." Claude added, taking her hand in his and squeezing it.
Chocolate cake was served then, Ezra happily deploying it once everyone was finished the main course. "It smells like sewage." Elise said simply, glaring at him. "You literally have no taste, El, no offense." Ezra grinned, cutting it into slices and distributing the cake around the table. "Well, except in men of course. Then you have the best taste of all the ladies here." Oliver grinned, almost mockingly at Ezra while Elise fought to keep the blush off of her cheeks. "Well." Oliver started. "I'm sure Winter would argue that her taste is the best, since she has this mysterious Zed person." Ezra pumped his arm then, full of machismo. "Well, Winter, was Zed ever willing to eat smores with you at the river?" Serenity giggled and rolled her eyes. "Since when was eating smores the way to compare goodness in men anyways?" Her eyes fluttered as she looked between Winter and Elise. "Those two are just as beautiful as the day they left us. It's like they never aged at all."
Ezra chuckled, slapping Serenity lightly on the arm. "Keep your lesbian attitudes out of this, they're both straight!" Serenity smiled brightly, gazing clearly at both "Heirs". "Hey, a girl's allowed to appreciate the sights!" It stung. They were just so casual with each other. If Elise did not know better, she would think that just maybe... There was no way, right? It was impossible, was it not?
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
Elise conitnued to say it wasn't her fault, but Winter would never not blame herself for Elise's death. She had considered it, saying no to Elise, that she should just go by herself. So why had she changed her mind? Loneliness? Wanting to bond with Elise? In the end, it didn't matter. There was no way to change the past. Winter had done everything she could to keep Elise alive and in the end, none of it had mattered. Elise placed a hand over her own, her hands cold. It was a reminder that while Elise was here, she could never complete what she had set out to do. Now, it was up to Claude. Winter turned away as Elise began to give Claude a speech of her own, wanting him to continue the family line. Ezra emerged from the kitchen with chocolate cake, it was time for dessert.
"I think it smells great," it was surprising to hear Elise make a joke, as she was almost uptight or overly polite. Still, Winter tried to hide her smirk behind her hand. Suddenly Oliver brought Zed up and Winter blinked in surprise. She supposed, to them, he was mysterious, wasn't he? "Well, Serenity and Ezra have met him before." She pointed out, Ezra combatting that with if he had ever eaten s'mores with her by the river. "Of course he has," she replied indignantly, crossing her arms as he served her a slice of cake. She was full, but there was always room for dessert. "Of course we look the same," Winter said as she took a bite. "You stop aging the moment you become an Heir," and Elise was dead, so she would always appear to be the age she died at.
Winter couldn't die of old age, the only way for an Heir to die was if they were killed. "Anyhow, I'd love for you all to meet Zed!" Winter clapped her hands together, now was probably the best time to ask them all. She rose, hoping that they were listening. "I want you all to be at my wedding," she turned to Mercedes, "Yes, even you." Mercedes crossed her arms and looked at her cake. "How will we get there?" Carter pointed out, "Well, with the portal generator, you guys can all come. You'd probably land outside of Olympia, so I'll be waiting there to take you all inside. You'll have to come the day before, of course, since I can't really do that the morning of, or Iris will kill me." Since they would be invited inside by an Olympian, it would be fine for them all to be there.
"I'd really love it if you all could be there." She sat back down, hoping that they would attend. "I'll have to check my work schedule," Oliver started, "but I think I have plenty of vacation days I can cash in." Carter nodded in agreement, face full of chocolate cake. "I'll call my manager, make sure I have nothing booked for those days." Serenity grabbed Winter's arm, "Of course we're coming! Right Ez? I call being your bridesmaid!" She giggled, "Elise is the maid of honor already," Serenity nodded, approving of the choice. She gave Elise a thumb's up, Winter laughing. "Are you guys going to have it in that garden?" Siri asked, her hands clasped around Winter's. She had left right before the planning had started and wanted to know every detail.
"No, Zed doesn't want people to walk all over the grass, so we're using a different venue. Besides, there will be too many guests to have it there." Serenity seemed satisfied with this answer, "What does your dress look like?" Winter smiled secretively. "There are two, one for the ceremony and one for the dinner." Serenity squealed, "ah! I love that! I bet you're going to have the fanciest wedding ever." Winter shook her head, "I didn't want it to be too big, but Zed has a really big family and Zeus is the head of Olympia, so it's going to be bigger than I thought... but we're incorporating human and Heir traditions into it." For example, there would be a ring exchange, but they would also have their right hands tied together to exchange goblets to drink from.
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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 ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E】
|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||
The chocolate cake was here and Ezra was having far too much fun posturing. He was tall and well built, yes. But not even Ezra's physical strength would be able to put a dent in Zed, who had the abilities of an Heir. He was the one chosen to lead Olympia once Zeus retired, and Zed would need to have the power to prove he was able to lead all the other Major Heirs of the city. It was something of a surprise to the others to think someone as far off and strange as Zed would have had smores with Winter by the river. But Elise knew Winter would not fall in love with a man who would not enjoy the simpler things in life. "My arms are still bigger!" Ezra grinned, back in full force. Elise rolled her eyes. "And you would still lose in a fight. Carter could not even handle, Winter, and she is a weaker Heir."
Winter gave out the invitations then, finally making her announcement over the chocolate cake dessert that everyone but Elise was now enjoying the flavor and sweetness of. No, it really did not bother her. Claude looked a little guilty as he only finished half of his slice. "What are you holding back for?" Elise asked sharply. "You always liked sweets." Even in life, Elise preferred savory flavors over sweetness. Salt over sugar, mild tasting flavors were the best. "I was just wondering when Soraya can have some." Claude said, looking over his shoulder at the sleeping baby. Winter's music had sent her right into slumber. "Do you want to say hi to her?" Elise frowned, she did not think that was a very good idea. "So that is the next heir to the Hresvelg name." Hopefully she would grow to be a smart and clever girl, able to think her way around any situation.
Hopefully a little bit of Elise was in there, somehow. But she knew that there was a very low chance of that. With Claude and Jasmine as parents, the girl would grow up warm, gentle, kind. Just like those who birthed her. "Well, only if she wants it. I won't force any of my children to take the title." Claude smiled a little. "But they're free to accept the role if the want it." So it may not even be Soraya, but one of the future children. "I was thinking of giving her a brother next. Jasmine agrees - a brother who would love to have a great sister to grow up with." It was far too clear what he was getting at. "Claude." Elise said seriously, narrowing her ruby eyes at her kin. "You wasted three years looking after all of my selfish whims. You earned freedom, a long good life. Do not waste it." He had a very patient look in his eyes. "They were never a waste. I only learned to love fashion when thinkin of how to make you as beautiful as you deserved to be."
She handed her cloak to him then, folded neatly, revealing a simple white dress underneath. "Then redesign this. You will create a look for the new legends to haunt humanities dreams, of the girl in white who will judge their lives in their final moments." Her eyes locked in place with his. "And return tomorrow before night, when I must return to the Boundary." He accepted the cloak with a solemn look. "I'll make this my very best work." They were interrupted when Elise heard her name being called, as Winter's Maid of Honor. "I will come and ensure you come join the festivities." Elise said with a friendly smile Mercedes's way, which was no doubt received more as a threat than was intended.
"Will old man Zeus walk you down the aisle?" Ezra asked as Elise threw her empty cup at his head for not respecting Zeus's name.
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
"Elise! Don't throw things!" Winter squealed, surprised. She was supposed to be more refined than that. Elise was showing them a side to her that they had never seen. Luckily, that cup had, had nothing left in it and Ezra had managed to catch it. He laughed, finishing his slice of cake. "Yes, Zeus and Iris are going to walk me down the aisle." Winter sat back down, finishing her cake. They moved into the living room when they were done eating, the boys clearing the table. "Oh, it's snowing again." She placed a hand on the glass, the snow looking so inviting despite the cold. When the boys finished, they joined everyone in the living room. Winter sat on a pillow on the floor, the tree glittering in the corner. On the opposite side, their resident Vassal of Fire, Oliver, was feeding logs to the flame that kept the living room toasty.
They talked mostly, but they also played games. Games Winter hadn't gotten to play since she was a little girl. "Present time," Oliver decided, one of his workers wheeling out a basket full of gifts. "Will you be able to take presents back with you to Olympia?" Serenity asked Elise, clearly concerned that she wouldn't get to. "Presents? But I didn't get you guys anything," Winter would have to make it up to them somehow. "Don't worry about it," Oliver shook his head as he and Carter handed everyone a box. Winter carefully opened the paper, curious as to what it could be. "It's a little bit tacky," Oliver admitted. "Very tacky!" Carter chimed in while Winter wondered when they had found the time to go and get it. "I love it," she smiled as she put the necklace on. A silver with a diamond music note.
Mercedes got a tactical knife, which Carter then took from her for safe keeping, Ezra got a cookbook, Serenity a pair of wireless headbuds, and Carter a magazine with his face on it, that Oliver then smacked him upside the head with. "Elise, what did you get?" Winter asked, peaking over curiously. "And Claude and Jasmine? What did you two get?" Winter was being a little bit nosy, but she wanted to know. The snow started to fall again, Winter glancing outside to watch it rain down in gentle flakes. The sun had set, the day had come and gone and Winter had hardly noticed. She hated saying goodbye to everyone, giving them each a tight hug. Oliver waved goodbye, slumping on the couch once they were gone. Carter too, had left for the night and they let Mercedes go, who seemed to have gotten the message.
"Erica, can you fix us some dinner?" Oliver asked as the fire crackled in the fire place. Winter glanced at Elise, "I could make something, if you want?" But Oliver only waved a hand, "no, it's Erica's job anyway." He looked up at them, "Do you two want to come with me to work tomorrow and meet the President?" He asked, fixing his shirt as he sat upright. "I guess," Winter shrugged. "You guess? You'll meet the most powerful woman in the Chrysanthemum and you guess you'll see her?" He laughed and turned to Elise, "What about you? Want to meet the President?" He asked as Erica brought them dinner and Elise a drink.
"I'm kind of nervous, to be honest. The last President wasn't exactly the best person..." and Winter had met him plenty of times. He had used her, allowed the Doctor to run wild while she was underneath his care. He knew exactly what he was doing. He had hurt her.
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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 ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E】
|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||
The shower was nice and warm and provided Elise a good time to stage her thoughts. Who would have imagined that they had gifts prepared, even for Elise and Winter? Was this planned? Did they just hope that they would come back on this day, or had Oliver or Carter gotten the gifts sometime after they found Winter? The black eagle did not know, as the hot water crashed against the small of her back, steam filling her vision. Elise remembered quietly thanking Oliver for the ruby ring with black wings engraved beside the ruby in the middle. Claude had a big smile on his face and gently punched Oliver when he opened his collector's edition comic books for an old superhero, and Jasmine was incedibly appreciative of her golden earrings.
"I am finished. Do you want a turn?" Elise exited the bathroom, drying herself off and then letting herself fall onto the bed. Winter seemed a little bit sadder after having hugged everyone goodbye. Dinner was a lot quieter than the festive lunch that they shared together. They were invited to meet the President tomorrow. Did she remember Elise's attempt to break in and talk to her? The black eagle wrapped a towel around her hair, thinking about what the others said. "No, we cannot, but a Portal Generator is able to transport physical objects back and forth." She had explained when they asked her about it. "I can return before the wedding and make sure to collect the gifts you gave Winter and me."
She turned towards Winter, lounging on her bed. Tomorrow she would have to go. But it was not a final farewell yet. There was still the wedding. And maybe if they kept the Portal Generator, there could be more meet ups even after. Even farther into the future. Who said there had to be a final goodbye at all? "We may not always have permission to come." She said softly, wanting to inject some hope into her friend that she would not have to give up on her Earth family, her fellow comrades and soldiers permanently. "But we have all the time in the world. They will always be happy to see us."
"Kore will always give me permission. So what is your plan?" Was Winter going to leave her body here so she could always return to it? Or would Elise be the messenger to invite the others to the Boundary instead of going to visit Earth again? "If you bring your body back to the Boundary..." Then she would never be anything more than something of a ghost for future visits to Earth, unable to interact with the living unless they are a Vassal. Elise drifted off to sleep after that, curling up in the bed, knees to her chest.
Once morning came Elise made a cloak out of mist, using the design Kore gave her. She would wait and use this for now until Claude gave her a better version in the future, one of his own design that she could bear with pride. Kore would no doubt find it cute. She would be meeting the President today. "My last day." She whispered to herself, ruby eyes reflected against the glass window revealing the snow white ground. The sky was clear - the storm was over. There was definitely a drink waiting for her, and Elise had a feeling it was going to be foul. She could already feel the dizziness - hopefully she could last the day.
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
Winter sat on the bed, fidgeting with her necklace while Elise showered. "Winter, can we talk for a minute?" Oliver asked, knocking on the door. "Yeah, sure," she slid off of the bed, following him outside of the room and down the hall. "What's wrong?" She asked, noticing the expression on his face. "The Chrysanthemum isn't doing as well as we'd like to pretend it is." He said, leaning against the wall. "The moment you and Elise left, things started going downhill." He opened up the door beside him, "this is my archive room, I've been keeping track of everything that's happened since then, for the day that I hoped you would come back." There were screens full of footage playing different news clips, holo magazine pieces, and photographs. "Like it or not, you sort of become the face that everyone came to know as their protector. Winter, the one that would keep the Chrysanthemum safe with her awesome power. Elise, with her brains, Oliver with his influence, Ezra with his overwhelming destructive power... etc, etc."
Winter crossed her arms, "Are you saying that it's my fault the Chrysanthemum isn't doing well?" She asked, cocking a hip. "No, I'm saying we could do much better if you would... make an appearance. Just a short one, show everyone you're okay. I think it would give them hope that their protector is back, we don't have to mention you're an Heir." Winter shook her head, "I can't do that. I'm not back Oliver." Her hands balled into fists. Of course, she should have known they would do something like this. They didn't care about her, they were just like everyone else. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "You've always been in the public eye, why is this any different?" A clip playing on loop caught her eye behind him. She pushed past him, watching it. "What is this? Why do you have this?" Winter asked, her hands shaking.
"They were recovered from your farm, Serenity brought a bunch of old holo taps and photos back." It was a video that Winter had burned into her memory of the woman who had given birth to her. She had watched it so often that her Grandmother had told her she had burned through the protective layer on the holo film. "Who else has seen this?" She asked, her voice quiet. "Just about everyone, did you forget your entire life is basically on public record? Do you know how many hits Winter Matsuri has on the web archives?" This was different, this was private. Why did they have this? "I'm not making an appearance," he stood in front of the door, "please, just consider it. Think of how happy everyone would-"
"What about me!" She yelled, accidentally shaking the room. "Winter-"
"What about my happiness? What about what I want! Does that not matter! I should have known you were just like them. You don't care about me, just about what I can do." He rushed towards her, "that's not true-" Oliver encountered a wall of sound, unable to move. "I'm leaving tomorrow with Elise, I don't want to meet your President." She released him, Oliver falling to the ground. Winter stepped over him, heading to the room where Elise had just finished showering. "Yeah, I'm gonna take a turn." She stripped off her clothes, letting the hot water run over her. She was still seething, her entire body shaking with rage. The water began to vibrate around her before it stopped falling altogether.
Control it, she needed to control it. She recalled Yuuki's words.
You're an Heir now, humans are made of things like bones that will break like glass. Your power is too strong for their world. You have to control it, or you might accidentally destroy them.
She breathed in and out, the water falling once more. It was a mistake to come to earth. Pain struck through her chest, recalling how happy she had been earlier to see everyone. Were they all just planning to use her for their gain? Winter shook her head. No, Ezra and Serenity hadn't... they had come to find Winter when her body had disappeared, they were worried about her. She emerged from the shower and wrapped herself in a towel. Elise was laying on the bed, waiting for her. "I don't know if I want to come back to earth anyway," Winter mumbled. "What's so great about earth anyway?" She took off the necklace Oliver had given her, placing it on the mantle.
If she brought her body back to the Boundary, she would never be able to return to earth. Maybe that was what Winter wanted. She turned over in bed, falling into a fitful sleep.
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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 ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E】
|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||
It was odd but Elise did not have the time to come to much of a conclusion about it. Still, why was there such a sudden change? Elise really had no idea. Winter was once so happy to be here, to be back with her adopted family, but as she went to bed last night she said something disturbing. Something about if Earth was even worth coming back to at all. Did something happen? The black eagle waited until Winter fell asleep and crept out the bed towards the hall. Oliver looked distressed, slumped against the wall, nothing like the happy and casual Oliver she had grown used to over the past two days. There was almost a look of frustration, of defeat in his eyes. What happened? Had there been an argument? What about?
Questions plagued her mind even as she awoke the next morning, feeling the normal dizzy light-headedness that had been bothering her the last time she neared her limit for her soul's energy. Soon she would have to go back but with luck the black eagle would stretch her time out for as long as possible. At least until she was able to solve the problem that had arisen. Even if they could not come back, Elise wanted the wedding to go as smoothly as could be. That could only work if relations were amicable between Winter and the others. Clearly something happened, why else would the music note necklace be placed on the mantle like this? She sighed a little, conjured another white cloak for herself, and ethen exited the room. Oliver was already sitting at the breakfast table, looking more impeccable than usual. There was a drink, two breakfasts, and a holo-projected image of some sort of design.
"Good morning. What is this?" She gestured to the holo projection. It looked almost like a design for something. "Claude sent this to me this morning. He finished the design for your cloak. What do you think?" It was white, but the gold was removed for an almost navy blue that lined the garment. There was some sort of intricate design near the bottom hem, and on the back was the typical black wings, spreading out open, in that same dark navy hue. "I believe I like it." She did not know much about fashion but trusted Claude knew what he was doing. "If I cannot see him before tonight, thank him for me." Elise conjured a new cloak according to Claude's design, out of more mist, wrapping around her body. It fit nicely, flaying out by the bottom. "Looks good." Oliver nodded in approval. "I'll let him know." Claude worked all night on this, Elise knew. He must have been excited to work for her again.
Another question needed to be asked then. Did this have something to do with the fight with Winter? "So when are we to meet the President? What should I say?" Oliver stiffened slightly and shook his head. "Actually, I was going to have Carter take you backstage to watch one of his photoshoots today. There's a sudden meeting, the President no longer has time to meet you or Winter." He was lying, Elise saw how he clenched his hand, it was a tell that only Elise noticed. The President did not have a meeting. But why would he lie about that? She sat down, not really wanting to contest. "You should eat before your breakfast becomes cold." Oliver nodded but did not move towards his fork. Elise drank her juice, wishing it did not taste like acid.
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
"Grandma!" Winter called, shivering. "Grandpa!" She screamed, practically shrieking. She limped across the smoking concert venue, blood dripping from her forehead and into her eye. The theater had exploded, she had been flung out of her seat and several rows away. "Grandma!" Winter limped passed a body, crushed by fallen debris. "Grandpa!" Where were there? Tears pricked her eyes. "Winter," someone whispered. She turned around, her eyes widening. "Mary," Winter trembled. She took a step back, "Winter, help me." Her fingers reached out, Winter tried to pull her out from underneath a slab of concrete. "It's okay Mary, I'm gonna get you out." She slipped on blood, unsteady on her legs. "Don't worry, help is here." Mary suddenly went limp, Winter screaming for help.
But it didn't come. "Grandpa!" Winter screamed, limping away. She had to keep walking, but her legs had gone numb. There was shrapnel sticking out of her left leg, it was twisted at an odd angle, dragging as she walked. "Grandma! Grandpa!" Winter broke down, her emotions becoming too much. She was freezing, the cold overwhelming. Gun fire went off somewhere, Winter was bleeding out. "I don't want to die," she whispered. She didn't want to go the same way Mary did. She didn't want to die. "No!" A blizzard suddenly broke out, snow covering the stadium. "I don't want to die! I don't want to die!" She screamed, tiny, broken, and terrified. Pain stung her shoulder, Winter crying out in pain as she was struck.
"Target in sight," a voice buzzed as Winter began to fade. "Target is down, we're moving out to complete capture."
Winter awoke feeling numb. It had been a while since she had last had that nightmare, the feeling of helplessness overwhelming. She pulled off the blankets, Elise already gone. Winter stumbled into the bathroom, splashing water on her face to try and bring herself back. She changed into the clothing Oliver had no doubt had Erica go and buy. She brushed her hair slowly, no doubt late to breakfast. Yup, Elise and Oliver were already there. "Morning," Winter murmured, taking a seat. "I heard something about Carter?" She asked, picking at her plate, not exactly hungry. "Yeah, he's gonna take you backstage today on one of his photoshoots," it was almost a relief to hear that. "Sorry Elise, I know you wanted to meet the President."
"Winter, about last night-" Oliver started, but she held up a hand. "It doesn't matter, you've made your thoughts perfectly clear." She took a bite of her eggs, not wanting to talk about it anymore. "I think I'm gonna go to Serenity's tonight." It would be better there, she thought. Serenity she could trust. "Oh Elise, your new clothes look great," Winter smiled. There came a knock from the front door, Oliver rising to go and get it. It was Carter of course, who joined them at the dining room table and snatched a piece of toast from the plate in the center. "Morning!" He said, all dressed up.
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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 ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#0C94CC ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #CC0C2E】
|| Azalea|| Nano.ripe ||
Today was going to be like any other. It was evident that there was something going on that caused Oliver to chang their plans. Was Winter misunderstanding something? Was Oliver doing something untoward? Elise would have to find out somehow, but clearly she was going to get a different story no matter who she asked. "It is okay. The President cannot help being busy." Elise said calmly as Winter gave her an apology. Oliver tried to ask about last night, but Elise could gather the information later. With the intention to stay at Serenity's tonight clear, and as Elise flaunted the new mist cloak Claude had designed for her, Carter arrived, flashy grin, and limo behind him. "Mister Grayson, please!" A tall woman with glasses and sleek brown hair pestered him. "You can't do this! What if the reporters or fans find you here? Stay in the vehicle while I gather your friends!"
Carter mostly ignored her and grabbed toast, seating himself down. "If they find me, then I'll give them a smile a wink and they'll take picture and want me even more." He said with cheeky confidence, earning a sigh of frustration from his agent. "Good morning. I am glad I do not have to be in the public's eye again." She had had more than a lifetime's worth of media attention already, first as an actress, then as a Vassal. "I know, right?" Carter seemed very confident like this, however. "The ladies just can't get enough of me." Oliver made a face, sighing. "Well, you should get going. It was good seeing you, Carter." The model raised en eyebrow, definitely realizing something was off. Like Elise, he remained quiet and beckoned to Winter and Elise. "Come on! It's going to be great! Don't worry, just follow Bianca and she'll keep you two safe from view." Bianca, his agent, looked as if this job was more stressful than the apocalypse itself. "Don't worry, you two." For once there was a normal person who did not seem impressed by the heroes of the war. "Everyone will be too busy looking as Carter flirst with them to notice you."
The limo was large and comfortable, reminding the black eagle of driving around with her family as a little girl before she became a shut-in. The studio itself was even larger. Elise remembered this building, she'd taken a few pictures here before. "Mister Grayson, remember to behave." Bianca chastised him while he was happily showing off collection cards of characters Elise vaguely remembered from a show but did not know the names of. "Yes, yes. Don't worry, Bi, Dorian likes me." Bianca took them to the back entrance, where the public could not access. The door opened, the back door to Invale Studios open for them. Security men watched as they entered. Bianca gave Elise and Winter suit coats to wear. "Wear these, you two can be my assistants." This way their identities could be protected. Was it out of kindness, or did Carter not want the spotlight taken off of him?
"Makes yourselves comfortable." Bianca helped the two find a place to seat in the back stage while makeup artists worked their magic on Carter. "Tell us about that battle again, the one with the other Vassal1" Carter flashed a grin as his hair was being fixed over again. "Well, it was in the middle of the Apocalypse, and Oliver told me: Carter, you have to protect the bridge. Don't let the Doctor's soldiers through. I thought, well that's just great. We'll protect this position and make sure the Doctor's soldiers couldn't get to us. I sat back, relaxed with my men, telling jokes, passing the time while Oliver did battle on the frontlines." He took a pause, as if for dramatic effect. His voice friendly and animadted, continued the story. "Then I saw familiar hair - an old friend, working for the enemy. Mercedes's soldiers was approaching. I remembered Elise's words: The soldiers understimate you. Use that to your advantage. So I thought-"
Elise already knew this story of course, this was while she and Winter were still recovering from nearly dying after defeating Merlin, and were still to injured to do anything while the Slithers had custody of them. "I'm really jealous." Another assistant shook her head as she looked at Winter and Elise. "You two get to work with Carter Grayson! I'm stuck with Anabelle Pierce, and she's such a snob. She yells at me all the time." The black eagle looked at her, wondering if the wig Bianca gave her was hiding her horns. "Carter is very arrogant." She said with an amused smile. "Well, he deserves it! He's one of the heroes that saved us all! You know what Anabelle Pierce did? She hid in the President's bunker and ordered the staff to wait on her arm and leg!"
Once Carter was dolled up for the photoshoot he headed out. Bianca turned her head towards Winter and Elise, indicating that they join him to the shooting stage. A very tall, older woman had a look of extravagance. After taking a few shots and poses, the woman, Dorian, began to speak. "The audience wants to know. You won't mind giving a little bit of an interview, would you?" Carter smiled, flashing his baby blues. "Oh, Dorian, you know I love to talk. What about?" Dorian pulled out her holo then. "I think it's about time. The wound doesn't hurt anymore, right? Do you think you can tell us about Winter and Elise? Give us the inside scoop."
Carter blinked, but his smile never fell. Was he bothered by it? He would never show it, not in front of his boss. "Aww, anything for you. I'd be happy to! Ask away!" There was a surprising amount of questions. Most likely this was going to go on his page on the Invale website featuring Carter, where subscribers would get to watch in live 3d, as if they were there in person. Another question was asked this time. "You hinted before that you were close to Winter in some way. Just how close? Some of your fans are wondering if, just maybe, you were in love with her." Carter blinked again, then smiled gently at the camera. "Winter was this tiny little thing. Heh, you wouldn't believe it. I loved her, actually. I wanted to protect her she was so small. But you wouldn't believe how much strength there was in her eyes." His gaze was full of calm longing.
"A boy like me? I'd never be able to protect her. She'd protect herself a thousand times over, no matter who we fought." An almost vulnerable look was on his face as Elise glanced towards Winter, guaging her reaction. "But more than anything, more than love, what I feel is respect. I respect the hell out of her as a friend, and as a fellow comrade." The next queston seemed to be one about Elise herself. "Just like you, Elise was a celebrity. Do you think she would be looking over you, now that you're living in the spotlight?" This time Carter laughed, as if he found something funny. "Looking over me? You mean looking down on me! El was always looking down on everyone, judging everyone. It was really hard to try and get along with her."
Judging people. Elise had done it all her life. Was it really so bad? "He loves the attention." She murmured and earned a chuckle from Bianca as they listened in. He was a natural for the stage. "But by judging us she was telling us to do better. To be stronger. Smarter. Because Elise knew. If we wanted to save the world - we needed to be as strong as we could. We needed to be stronger even than the Doctor's soldiers." He was quiet then. "If she's looking over me, I hope she has front row seats."
Once it was all over and Carter bade farewell to Dorian he looked almost exhausted as fell onto his seat in the limo. "Sorry, I know that might not have been very fun. Oliver told me to take you two, for some reason." He looked at them, like a deflated battery. "Did something happen? He wouldn't normally make a request like this." Elise pulled her wig off and shrugged. "It is between Winter and Oliver, if she wishes to speak about it." She shook her head. "It was not boring. I almos miss it, actually." This was a glimpse at what she had lost, a life she could have had. That could have been her. She would never stand on the stage again.
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❝I put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.❞
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
【ɗιαƖσgυє cσƖσя:#BDA0CB ♙ тнσυgнт cσƖσя #F7B3DA】
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
Winter knew that Carter was arrogant, but she had never seen him act like this before. She watched, rather enthused, as he waved at Bianca, his agent, without a care in the world. Winter almost felt as though she had to apologize for him. The closest she had ever been to being famous was playing at the Opal, or maybe that time she stood public trial. She was not like Elise or Carter, standing in a spotlight that shone so brightly, it blinded everyone else. "That's not how I remembered that going," she murmured as Carter retold a tale in which he seemed like the hero and Mercy the villain. Poor Mercedes was also getting painted in a bad light. She was just... misunderstood, Winter thought. She wished she had attempted to become a better friend, but Mercedes had pushed them all away. Still, she had Mercy to thank for the fact that her body was still here today.
Who was Annabelle Pierce? Winter wasn't sure, but the girl styling Carter's hair kept bringing her up. Winter side-eyed a cart full of candy, wondering if anyone would notice if she took a piece. "Help yourself," Bianca insisted. She had hardly eaten breakfast and this looked far more enticing. "Thank you," she tried to show some restraint by only picking a few pieces. Even though Winter knew Elise was going to deny it, she offered her some as well. They followed Bianca to the shooting stage, where Carter was posed, sometimes changing outfits in between photos. Winter watched, sucking on a sour straw and glancing at Elise curiously. She could see the longing in her eyes and Winter was suddenly struck with guilt. This could have been her life, too, if Winter had not stolen it from her.
They went from a photoshoot to a sound-stage. Carter was being interviewed about his thoughts on certain things. She was hardly listening until her name was brought up. She had known, of course, about Carter's love for her. It had been obvious, considering the many times he had asked her on dates and she had denied it. Winter had just never seen Carter in a romantic light. Oliver too. It seemed her soul mate had been destined for her on another plane. What if she had never gone to the Boundary? Would she have ended up with one of them? Or would she be with someone else? Winter didn't know. She felt Elise's gaze on her. Winter hugged her arms around herself. There was no use in wondering, as what if's led to nothing. Winter did not regret her engagement to Zed, she loved him with all her heart.
Eventually, the interview was over. They gathered back into the limo, it was Winter's first time in one. It was roomy and there was a screen playing past interviews of Carter's. Did he seriously watch those? Winter wondered. "It was fun, I think," she still had one sour straw left from the candy table. "We fought last night," Winter admitted, her hands balling into fists. "He wanted me to do an interview, live, so that people could see that I'm okay and still around to boost the moral of those in the Chrysanthemum." She leaned back in her seat, "I didn't want to do it and we fought over it." She wasn't going to tell them about the video, although no doubt Carter had seen it already. That stuff was supposed to be private, those were her's.
She had nothing left of her Mother. When Winter had been taken by the Doctor, all she had, had to remember her Mother by was those white leather gloves. Both the gloves and her cane were gone, not that she could return with them to Olympia.