"Hello? Can anyone read me out there?"
"Pick up the call asshole."
Nestled within her mansion, Ali tried desperately to reach out to her family using the reestablished communications. Not a word had come from Korus after he signaled Ali, causing the doll to become rather worried - for all she knew Salem was dead. As for Bear-Bear, she seemed unusually calm, and would occasionally sneak up to Ali's communication device to say something inappropriate.
"Please keep it professional," Ali sighed as she brushed Bear-Bear away from the panel near Alia's desk.
"Whatever you say," the bear scoffed, her beady eyes staring at the doll's exposed legs. "But I'm betting bored here."
Suddenly, a loud bang came from outside the mansion, causing Ali to jump out of fright from the spot she stood. Someone had returned and caused quite the ruckus with the door. Too scared to say anything, Ali then made her way outside the living room to investigate.
"Salem!" Ali gasped as she took sight of the pale girl, her limp body cradled by Anger. "Is she alright?"
"Just unconscious," Corian explained as he stumbled through the front door. "It's been a shit day for all of us."
Valor and Anger said nothing, both brothers too preoccupied to waste any time.
"But what happened to her hair?" Ali wondered as she caught a glimpse of a black vial in Valor's hand. "And what is that?"
"Salem here uhhh...did something with her flower. Can't say I've ever seen a transformation before. Must have taken her out of the fight, considering she was out cold when reached her. As for the vial...don't worry about it."
"Is it secure? Did we win?"
"Yes. But at a cost," Valor muttered as he walked past Ali. "Kalis is dead. We were unable to find a peaceful solution."
"Don't listen to him," Anger interrupted. "The outcome was favorable."
Salem's loyal child then placed her to rest on the nearby velvet couch, her body far too exhausted to move a muscle. The red hair atop the girl's head shimmered and glowed with a violent energy, as if it were ready to explode at any moment. But Ali was completely unafraid when she approached her friend.
"Oh Salem," Ali sighed, brushing the red mother's shoulder-length hair. "You poor thing."
"She's getting better," Corian smiled as he took a seat on another couch. "And now we've got time to rest. It's not all bad."
As the conversation continued Bear-Bear silently climbed her way atop Corian's couch before striking an innocent pose. While she may have been comfortable around Ali, no one else was allowed to know she was a real creature. Alia's secret would be kept.
"And Ina? Is she safe?" The doll continued.
"Yes," Anger claimed as he leisurely strolled over to Alia's workbench to fix his arm. "But the princess has more history than we initially believed. Korus spoke of some familial drama that concerns the state of this city."
"I really didn't think you'd be so perceptive," Corian shrugged as he tossed Bear-Bear aside, the motionless plush seemingly back to normal. "You usually seem like you don't give a damn."
"Salem's concerns are mine as well. I will inform her of this."
"Snitch."
Meanwhile, Ali felt herself drift closer to Salem, whose limp body seemed to occasionally spasm with panic. It was clear to the doll that her friend was unwell. But before Ali could inspect Salem any closer, Anger snapped at her angrily.
"What are you doing."
"Something is wrong with her," Ali motioned as she reached for a blanket in a nearby basket. "She is restless."
"Salem rarely sleeps well. During my time alone with her, she would only occasionally stay still in my arms. It is an unavoidable dilemma."
"This is different Anger. She's changed after using her flower."
The tall machine paused for a moment, his remaining hand clutching a set of tools as he brooded over the doll's words. He knew Ali had a point. But for the time being, little could be done for Salem.
"Just let me help her. That's why I'm here," Ali pleaded.
"Fine."
"What are you going to cuddle her or something?" Corian yawned as he began to drift off to sleep.
"Why won't you? She seems to appeal to you, mister."
"I'm not in the habit of touching ladies in their sleep. You know, guy rules and all that."
"Would it be inappropriate for me to help her then?" Ali's eyes widened as she finished placing a blanket over Salem's pale body.
"Well, no. You two are close. I met her just yesterday. And besides, you're both girls."
"I'm just a doll."
Ali looked towards the man curiously, waiting for a reply. But Corian was fast asleep by then. Unable to decide on whether or not her identity changed the politeness of her actions, the doll shrugged and continued tending to Salem.
"You always push yourself Salem. This I notice," Ali smiled, her soft hands caressing the woman's hair.
Salem's eyes were tightly shut, yet still a faint glimmer of red pulsated through her skin and crimson hair. Even when the battle was over her flower refused to let go - as if she was not yet done fighting. But Ali had already forgotten the woman's past transgressions and was dedicated to her well-being.
"It's ok now, I'm here," she whispered. "And I forgive you for tying me up."
The doll then quietly tip-toed over to the kitchen, and after grabbing a wet towel, she began cleaning her friend's many bruises and wounds. Salem's body reacted most positively, her breathing becoming more quiet and still. Ali's care was working. Anger in the meantime watched on with great curiosity as he finished repairing his arm.
"Useful after all," the machine muttered to himself, clearly remembering the way in which Ali had contacted Korus. "And clever too."
The doll continued to gently massage her friend's body as Salem gradually calmed down. Suddenly, the red mother's hair began to grow and extend, its silky texture transforming back into its silver hue. She was finally at peace.
"Isera," Salem muttered in her sleep as Ali brushed aside her hair. "Mother."
"Sssh. It's alright Salem," Ali replied with a whisper, staring into the woman's beautiful face. "You can rest."
The red mother then fell into a deep slumber, her hair brushing against the floor after reverting to its original state.
"I'll wash her body and put her to bed if you'll allow me," Ali motioned to Anger with an earnest expression. "She just needs time to settle."
"Do what you have to," Anger nodded. "You've proven yourself. For now."
Ali smiled once again before heading out of the room. But something was off about her demeanor, and Anger quickly caught on. Grabbing the doll by her tiny arm, the cynical machine hissed at her with a noticeable glare.
"Where are you going."
"To Valor. I believe I can do something about the substance," Ali explained with an unusually solemn expression.
"You intend to wield it then? Just as your maker instructed?"
"Of course not Anger. But if you do not trust me, you can always watch. Kill me if you think I've made a wrong move. But let me try and fix this."
"You would gamble your life over a hunch?" Anger taunted her as he began pulling Ali away from Salem.
"*She* can't be left here. Not even in this docile state. You know that."
"Do I? How do you know."
"Please, just trust me."
Anger growled one last time before pointing in the direction Valor had gone.
"He's probably already left to brood over what happened with his mentor. The vial will be left in the safe near the basement lab."
"Thank you."
Sure enough, Ali had located the black vial and removed it from the safe much to the dismay of Anger. Having placed it on the same table she was tied to, the doll then began to open its lid. The Valekry next to her gave an appropriately skeptical look, his hand clenched and ready to destroy the doll in one blow.
"Don't even think about it."
"Just let me try."
Ali then dipped her finger into the black liquid, submerging its black joints completely. But as she continued to stir and play with the deadly fluid, a conflicted expression suddenly appeared across Ali's face as the vial began to drain. She was somehow absorbing the fluid much to Anger's surprise.
"How-," Anger stammered as Ali's little finger devoured the black liquid.
It wasn't long before the glass vial was completely empty, its contents having been removed by the doll's mysterious powers. No harmful side effects could be seen on Ali, nor was there any trace of the virus left. With just a simple touch she had cleansed the most powerful substance in the known universe.
"I will tell Salem of this," the Valekry glared.
"I'm just trying to help," Ali sighed, her body clearly exhausted by the procedure.
"Yet you refuse to explain your actions, even when they are dangerously remarkable."
"Alia made me for a reason Anger. Just like you, I've been given many special gifts to accomplish my mission."
"Elaborate."
"You have immense strength and durability. You are inherently skilled with the blade, and you always guard Salem without fail. You are a protector. I too possess some abilities, such as...this."
As if to prove her point, Ali pointed down towards her white skirt, its silky surface having been inlaid with several black vines. The intricate patterns seemed safe enough, their texture flat and more cosmetic than anything. But even Anger could understand the black creepers were a sign of something greater.
"You've been corrupted," the Valekry pointed at the doll's dress, its lower reaches inundated with ominous patterns. "Look."
"No. I've always been a part of this Anger."
"Yet you are secure? Is that your mission?"
"It's impossible to know for certain. But yes, I do believe Alia has made me to safely contain this plague. It is within me, yet we both know I'm harmless."
"Indeed, you are no stronger than a twig," Anger nodded. "Your pathetic frailty is a gift."
"Then are we settled?"
"For now. If you lose control. I will kill you."
"Very well then. Now, Salem needs me."
"She doesn't need you. She wants you."
Anger watched Ali depart with a threatening stare, his mind focused on how calm and somewhat disrespectful the doll had acted. She was behaving similarly to Alia, only more pure and gentle. But for the time being, she was useful, and Anger could rest easy.
"Now to find my brother," Anger sighed.
______________________________
Salem woke with a gasp, brushing aside her long hair with the last organic limb she had left. The woman was in a groggy state, too pent up and confused to properly survey her surroundings. But as she rose up from her bed, her eyes suddenly met those of a young man.
"C-Corian?!" Salem yelped as she felt around for something to cover herself with.
"Hey, lady," Corian smiled as he leaned against the doorway.
"Where am I?"
"Ali's old bedroom. She made it nice and comfy for you. Beats napping on the damn couch all the time."
"Is that so?" The woman pouted. "It's a nice room, but who exactly taught you manners?! Watching a girl while she sleeps? Pervert!"
"I mean...Ali changed your clothes. You honestly look more decent than ever tucked into bed like that," Corian shrugged. "Gonna be honest with you."
Salem suddenly became less confident and aggressive, realizing she was no longer wearing her usual garments. Without the exposed beauty of her signature looks nothing but insecurity remained. It was as if, from Corian's perspective, the pale girl had become far too reliant on risque appearances and her own voluptuous figure to lead her actions.
"I...", Salem blathered, reaching for her large bosom only to find it entirely covered. "Uhh."
During her time asleep, the little doll had gone out of her way to dress Salem in a long opaque nightgown, its soft fabric covering her pale body completely. The look was a new one for the red mother - whose usual demeanor was not quite suited for the decency of a proper lady. Suffice it to say, that Salem felt out of place as a normal girl.
"You ok? Ali told me you were quite restless. I'm sorry we couldn't arrive sooner to bring you out of that place. Seemed like a tough fight."
"Ah-yes!" The red mother lied as she fidgeted with her prosthetic legs. "Perfectly fine. I assume the day is won?"
"Everything is under control Salem. Kail's plot is over. You did it."
Salem blushed for a moment, tossing aside her blankets in a vain attempt to appear more feminine.
"Ah well. No need to praise me. We all did it. I just wish I could have helped all the Valekry like Kalis wanted to."
"Did Ali fill you in?"
"I could discern her whispers, yes. She says you fought very well."
"I'm guessing she got that from Valor then," the young man chuckled. "Well, I did my best."
"You risked your life for me Corian. Thank you."
"Just doing my duty."
As Corian spoke with Salem, he couldn't help but look more intently at her robotic limbs, their unique shape foreign to him.
"Is something wrong?" Salem frowned. "Should I cover them?"
"No, no! I just...you remind me so much of your mother. All except for those parts."
"I know they're ugly," the pale girl sighed, picking at the red fingernails on her black arm. "And a bit scary too."
"Salem. It's...pretty. I like them. Just a different vibe, that's all."
Leaning closer to the man from where she sat, Salem stared intently into Corian's blue eyes. She wanted the truth from him more than anything - especially in regard to her mother.
"Tell me. Is she really that much more beautiful than me?"
"She's one of a kind Salem. And...I will admit it saddens me to no longer see her."
"Stop holding back your true feelings. Spit it out."
"You are beautiful in your own way Salem."
"Like her?"
"In a sense. Yes," Corian muttered as he turned to leave. "I apologize Salem. I've been too crude with you."
"W-wait!" Salem gasped. "Don't go!"
"It isn't my intention to make you uncomfortable. I can make all the jokes in the world sure, but no lady should have to deal with some guy gawking at her."
"You don't make me uncomfortable Corian. I...like speaking with you."
"I need you to mean that. Not for me, but for yourself. The day I become some womanizing asshole is the day I die."
It became clear to Salem Corian was speaking from the heart. Some event in the past had evidently scarred him, leaving him vulnerable to the mere idea of forcing himself upon a girl. But of course, Salem of all people understood what true depravity looked like in a man, and felt no less deterred as she continued to reach out to Corian.
"It's ok," the pale girl whispered softly. "I like you here. At my side. The moment I feel uncomfortable, I'll make sure to let you know."
"I'll hold you to that," Corian released a tiny smile. "Salem."
"You really liked my mother didn't you," the red mother continued her attempts at flirtation, her mechanical legs spread out across the bed as she leaned back. "You speak of her with such warmth."
"I won't lie to you. She was the most beautiful woman in the world, regardless of her true nature."
"True nature?"
"Others saw her as a defect. An outcast. Just some mere mortal girl. Yet for me and many others, she was this rare and exotic goddess."
"So that's why you're into me hm?" Salem smirked. "Admit it."
"I...had other reasons to come here," Corian laughed, taking a seat on the stool next to Salem. "But... yeah, meeting you wasn't exactly a boring event."
"What was your first thought when you laid your eyes on me? Was it wonder? Love?"
"Oh well, now you're searching for praise."
"Every lady wants a good compliment," Salem giggled like a little girl. "Be honest."
"Well, what do you want me to say."
"Describe me. What you like about me."
Salem then tugged at the collar of her nightgown, revealing much of her neck and the top of her chest. Before Corian could even protest, the pale girl then removed the rest of her clothing. She was completely naked for the blushing knight to see - save for the black and red lingerie that tightly hugged her flesh.
"Salem," Corian muttered as his eyes widened. "Everything about you."
A tension then began to form in the air as the man and woman observed each other. Corian still wore his nice black jeans alongside a blue vest, giving him an air of casual confidence. As for Salem, she was quite unlike the well-kept man and his short black hair. She was a beautiful mess, with her white hair draped over her curvaceous body, barely obscuring her most private of places.
"Prove it," Salem hissed as she placed her palms against the surface of the bed. "Prove you you admire all of me."
"Now? You...consent?"
"What a bland word. I demand you...take me. Only then will I believe your word."
Corian hesitated for a moment, uncertain of how serious Salem truly was. But after looking into her crimson eyes and hearing her desperate panting, it became clear to the man what she truly desired. Salem had offered herself up in every way.
"If that's what you desire," Corian smiled softly as he reached out to Salem at the edge of the bed. "My Queen."
Salem's eyes widened as her lips met her partner's, his words ringing through her mind like a familiar sensation. Just like Kalis, he had called her royalty, almost as if her true identity was obvious. Something within Salem had awoken - the world around her gaining new expectations for her future. She was destined to be the savior of Lacuna.
"I accept my fate. And I see it now," Salem muttered to herself as she continued to lay several kisses upon Corian's face. "Thank you."
Corian then snatched Salem from the bed as he began to squeeze her body tightly and inspect her more vulnerable places. The frail woman was helpless to resist the stronger man, her comparatively lighter frame swept up like a feather in the wind. She suddenly closed her eyes and began to blush with a pained expression.
"Ugh!" Salem moaned, her bottom pressing against the man's crotch as he groped her large squishy chest. "Y-you fiend!"
But before Corian could do the right thing and as if she was alright, Salem turned her head towards him and whispered a subtle truth.
"Don't be gentle. This is the one time I will say it," Salem spoke silently into the knight's heart. "Take me."
Corian understood completely and began to further inspect the girl's large pale chest - all the while shifting her lower body closer towards him with a playful gesture. As the romantic ritual continued, Salem could no longer keep her mouth shut and began to release several embarrassing noises as the man's fingers reached the center of her chest and the flesh between her legs.
"A-aah!" Salem grunted as she attempted to pull away with her weak arms. "S-stop!"
The red mother was of course lying with every word that came out of her mouth. She did not want Corian to stop, as her false gestures served only to enhance the fantasy of being ravaged. Indeed, Salem had grown fond of humiliation and degradation.
"How dare you!" Salem continued as Corian began to manhandle her, lifting her weightless body into the air all the while humping her from the rear. "Ack!"
The young knight then used his left arm to raise Salem's pale leg towards the ceiling, before tugging at the edge of her red panties. The pulling sensation caused the girl's large and voracious bottom to distort, its flesh jiggling in the air helplessly. Salem thought to scream at first, only to release an ugly gasp as a sensual pain shot through her crotch.
"Aaugh," the pale girl moaned as the man stretched her undergarments close to their breaking point.
Realizing Salem was in fact enjoying her punishment, Corian took to kneading the girl's bottom instead, smacking it every now and again like her rear end was a piece of dough. Salem's bottom eventually turned a bright red, her voice becoming more and more elated as the romantic scene continued. She was enjoying herself.
'W-what are you doing!? Salem gasped, her body having been slammed into the bed after her rear end was suitably prepared. "You can't!"
The red mother then lay on her back in a helpless position, eager to receive the man with open arms. Her prosthetics felt weak and heavy at that moment. Her hair was a mess. But she was ready.
"Corian," Salem breathed a sigh of pleasure at her shining knight.
After another brief moment of tension, the young man began to make love to the pale girl in the most traditional sense. They had become one that night. And even though she felt more weak and worthless than ever, Salem was content. She had attained purpose and love after quite a few battles, and thanks to her new friends, the future was looking bright.
"Welcome to the family Corian," the pale girl whispered as she kissed his neck. "Together, we will save this city."
____________________
Ina sat impatiently in the royal bedroom, her frail fingers pressing against one another as she eagerly awaited news on Salem.
"She'll be fine sister," Ocelot hissed at the princess as he relaxed by her side, an uncaring expression formed across his face. "So will your favorite machine."
Rarely was the prince ever allowed in Ina's chambers, save for the rare occasions in which she felt isolated with no solution. Ever since Korus left to aid Salem, Ina was in a state of anxiety and despair. If the battle went wrong she would be powerless to stop her plans from collapsing.
"Oh Ocelot," Ina whined. "Salem is in trouble and you want me to relax? Any number of things can turn against her."
"Korus is the best knight in the kingdom," the young prince sighed, playing with the beads of his orange necklace. "Calm down."
Unlike Ina, Ocelot preferred to cover most of his skin in a vain attempt to bring himself a sense of pride. He had tried in the past to appear more stoic and brave like the Valekry, but after some self-reflection, he found himself bound to the attire his own sister preferred - that of course entailed white slim suits and thick skirts around his tight leggings. Still, the prince barely resembled a male, though not in the usual shape a human would accept.
"But if this new threat is what I believe it to be, then he's still in danger," Ina continued. "I worry."
"You think it's Kalis or that freak under the city? What can they do?"
"What we can Ocelot. Only, so much more enraged and chaotic. They have no desire to preserve this city and its peace."
"You should let me fight them," Ocelot pouted as he brushed aside his shoulder-length hair. "I could protect you."
"You'd get yourself killed."
"Why because I'm weak?!"
"No," the princess sighed. "But the Valekry have a physical advantage."
"Oh, so I'm too much of a girly brother to fight then. Is that it? I'm not like your handsome daring Korus. Or what about Salem? She can handle herself?"
"Ocelot-."
"I'm not just a girl to you, I'm the little sister you never had. That's the truth."
"It's not like that!"
"It's exactly like that," Ocelot turned to face away from Ina, his orange eyes fixated on the dusty curtains in her room. "What good am I really."
"You're my brother," Ina frowned as she placed a hand on her chest.
"That's exactly the problem. I can't inherit the throne in this matriarchy, and I sure as hell can't lead the Valekry as some warrior either."
"But-."
"But if only I was a girl. The sister you see in Salem. That would be a neat fix."
"Ocelot!" Ina snapped. "That's not it!"
"Then what is it sister?! What are the answers! I know you must have a good reason for all this secrecy. I know how intelligent and powerful you are, yet you keep it all away from me."
"I..."
"You're not stupid Ina. If you could just...explain things to me, I could understand."
"Your right."
"Will you tell me?" Ocelot smiled for only a moment.
"I have my reasons to keep things a secret," Ina replied as she stood up. "I'm sorry."
The princess then strutted away with unusual speed, leaving Ocelot in her bed baffled and enraged.
"I will wait for Korus's return at the palace ramparts," the princess continued before leaving the room. "If all goes well, Salem is safe."
"I'm sorry too Ina. Sorry, I'm not Salem."
Ina did not reply as her elegant figure disappeared into the distance. For a time, Ocelot sat alone in silence, fury building up within him. But it wasn't long before all his anger had dissipated into a humble and sorrowful expression. He knew the truth.
"Why did you even make me," Ocelot whispered to himself as he looked towards a tall crooked mirror near Ina's bed. "If I'm such a failure, why keep me around?"
Staring at the mirror, the young prince took full sight of his pathetic shape. He was no warrior, just as Ina had suggested. Ocelot was more like a girl than anything.
"Look at this," the prince sighed, running his hand down his smooth stomach. "An abomination."
Thanks to his slender frame and hourglass figure, Ocelot had been mistaken for a girl many times before whenever the Tella spotted him. But due to Lacuna's tumultuous past with their male population, Ina was sure to still hide away her brother no matter the cost. If the Tella were to ever find out there was a man in their midst, then trouble would surely ensue. Kalis was correct in his estimate after all, as Lacuna had long been a cruel matriarchy.
"I suppose I relate to you in a way," Ocelot pondered as he thought of Korus's split family. "Always living in their shadow. But why doesn't Ina fix it? What has gotten inside her head?"
Ocelot knew little of Lacuna's darker past much like Salem. But from what he could gather, there were no doubt signs of a civil war involving the male populace and the Valekry. Of course, the victor of such a conflict was rather apparent.
"Just as you said to me so long ago. The Tella made the Valekry to replace us men. With your strength, we didn't stand a chance. Is that why Ina made me so feminine? So that I wouldn't have to face the Tella's wrath?"
The young prince continued to ponder in his sister's chambers, his mind lost in sorrowful thoughts. As things were, he was unable to aid the sister he loved so dearly. If only, Ocelot wished, there was some sort of divine power that could transform his ambitions into reality.
"I have faith in you, Ina. But what you need is the confidence to see things through. Not Salem."
__________________________________
Back in Salem's bedroom, the young knight Corian sat quietly as he carefully cradled Salem's body. The pale girl had gone limp after hours of lovemaking and seemed unable to lift a finger. But Corian refused to leave her side no matter how long she slept.
"Heavy sleeper. Just like her," the man muttered to himself as he stared at Salem's face with his sharp blue eyes. "Can't say I'm surprised.
Corian felt at ease embracing his lover's weak form, her peaceful rest filling him with a sense of confidence he hadn't experienced since before the final days of the Flora empire. Typically his restless nights would be filled with sharp memories of war and the horrors of battle against the unstoppable parasite. But now that the young knight was with the girl he had searched so long for, all seemed right with the world.
"My Queen," Corian continued. "If only you knew just how special you really were."
Suddenly Salem woke with a gasp, her eyes still closed and her soft body still completely naked.
"W-wa," the pale girl whispered, her white hair mostly obscuring her face. "Corian?"
"It's me Salem. Sorry, I really did a number on you."
"Was I good?"
"The best," Corian smiled as he caressed the mother's soft pale skin, his fingers practically sinking into her more meaty regions.
"Don't leave me then," Salem whined. "Let me rest."
"Of course. Any decent man knows about aftercare."
"Oh? I recall you were the one who put me in this state to begin with."
"Well..."
"It's good to be able to release all that pent-up energy, even if it means I have to be demolished."
Salem was totally spent just as she suggested, her muscles unable to move an inch. In regards to battle, her flower was unmatched in its regenerative ability. But when it came to the art of love and sensual humiliation, she was nothing more than a submissive and meek woman, a fact Salem took some pride in.
Handing the girl a nearby glass of water, Corian spoke softly in the dark, "I'm glad I could be of service ma'am."
"I didn't stand a chance against you. But this does feel good," Salem continued to mumble as her prosthetics began to twitch. "Just letting go."
"I got worried there for a bit after you started with the spasms."
"Of course, you hit hard," the pale girl laughed weakly, her large white thighs convulsing for a brief moment. "A girl like me can't handle all that without breaking a little."
True to her word, Salem enjoyed every second of her experience, even after she began to embarrassingly fall apart. After her victory in a real battle, it was quite alright to admit defeat and express her submissiveness in the bedroom. As for the unbecoming noises from her mouth and the pathetic positions she had been put in - well that was all just part of the show for Salem.
"Thank you Corian," Salem smiled as she accepted the cold glass in the man's hand. "You've taken good care of me."
"I'm just doing what I can really, there's still so much to say and do."
"How unfortunate that we've met only now."
"Well, it was a long climb up here."
"How exactly did you get here anyway," the red mother squinted her eyes as she took a sip of water. "For me, it was a whole debacle of kidnappings and spaceships."
"I have my methods, though let's just say it wasn't exactly a safe journey. And once I reached the surface of Lacuna, that's when I met the princess."
"Oh yes, you were beginning to tell me about her before we were interrupted."
"My little backdoor trick took me right through the oldest part of the station, that being Ina's palace. And my goodness, that girl is intelligent."
"What do you mean?" Salem glared as she began to realize how little she understood Ina. "Did she spot you?"
"She's an observant one I'll give her that. Figured out I was sneaking around her palace long before any of those towering guards."
"And what did she do?"
"Well...," Corian sighed as he thought of how best to tell his tale. "Not what you would expect."
___________________________________
Just a few months ago, as Salem drew closer to the frozen tundra of Glacia, the knight Corian had made his way through the old tunnels of Lacuna as he neared the surface.
"So damn dusty," Corian complained, shifting his way through a mess of large black wire in the dark. "Who the hell built all this on the ceiling?"
After some effort, the young man suddenly jutted his fist upwards, smashing through an obscured layer of dirt and stone, revealing the glowing sky above. He had gained access to the primary layer of the station after struggling to navigate the depths. In truth, Corian hadn't expected there to be so much expansion to the station after spending hours wandering through abandoned segments. But after pushing his way through the dormant Valekry factories, he finally found the light.
"A neon city surrounding a gothic fortress?" Corian wondered as he stared up at the artificial sky of Lacuna. "Man, these creatures are weird. Not sure what I would have done if I didn't know my way around-."
A soft feminine voice interrupted the man as she spoke from behind, "Around the things you find to be familiar I assume?"
"What the hell!?" The young knight jumped with fright as he shuffled the rest of his body out of the hole in the ground.
"I wasn't expecting a primordial human to visit. But I suppose you would know your way around this kind of place," the pale girl continued, her demeanor gentle and friendly.
"Well excuse me, princess," Corian frowned as he stared at the girl, her beautiful white dress and glowing blue eyes giving off the impression of royalty. "Didn't mean to break your floor."
"It's quite alright. Call me Ina if you'd like," the princess waved her frail hands at the man, her sharp heels clacking against the stony ground of her palace courtyard as she drew closer. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"I'm surprised you're not more...alarmed," the man squinted behind his visor as he struggled not to stare at the girl for too long, her beautiful figure having already made a mark within his mind. "I mean really."
"Oh do not be mistaken, the residents of this city would not take kindly to your invasion. Think of me as the sole exception," Ina sighed, stretching out her hand to help the man up.
As Corian accepted the girl's offer, he felt her soft hands suddenly brush against his ear, suddenly deactivating his armor and revealing his face.
"Oh, so it does work like that," Ina giggled, staring intently into the man's eyes.
"What the?!" Corian blushed. "Rude! How'd you even know how to do that?"
"I am somewhat familiar with the technology. So human, what have you come in search of?"
"None of your business," the man scoffed as he stepped away from the princess. "I'll have you know I'm not awfully fond of pretty girls randomly touching me."
Ina ignored the man's complaints, her mind focused entirely on the reason for his visit. During all her years spent in the vibrant city of Lacuna, never had she seen a visitor from the surface below. And yet, the man seemed oddly familiar, his motives proving to be far more mysterious than his identity.
"She's not here," Ina frowned, circling the man as she stared up at the castle ramparts.
"What?" Corian paused.
"The red flower."
"How did you?-"
"Everyone of note is looking for her. But I believe, sooner or later, she'll find her way home. So I recommend sticking around till then."
"And what? Live with you, creepy pale ladies? I've seen enough of your culture from all the glimpses I've caught. The whole thing sickens me."
"It wasn't always like that," Ina sighed. "But I understand your reservations. If you want, you can stay-."
"I'd rather not. Nothing personal. When she shows up, I want to be ready."
"So why then human? Why search for her? Are you like the others?"
"If I was a herald, you'd all be dead. I just want to make sure she's okay."
"If she's down there on the surface, I imagine she's not."
Corian glared at Ina for some time, reactivating his armor with a tap of his finger. From his perspective, the princess seemed ancient and powerful, as if she were capable of anything. In order to ensure his own safety, he found it better to back off.
"Who are you really," the young man questioned the princess. "Be honest."
"Just a lost girl, filled with knowledge she does not understand."
"You don't seem to me like the confused type. I won't underestimate you," Corian scowled as he took a fighting stance.
"Please brave knight, I mean you no harm."
"So then what do you want?"
"I ask only that you try and keep yourself safe. This place is dangerous," Ina implored as she placed a hand on her chest.
"I figured. But why care?"
"She'll need a good friend if we want her as an ally."
"What do you know of the one who wields the red flower?"
"Frustratingly little. But please, if you ever need help, just reach out to me."
"I...will keep that in mind, pretty lady," Corian smirked as he turned to leave. "Don't worry about me too much by the way. I know my way around a fight."
"I'm sure you do," Ina laughed, watching the man dart off into the fog. "I'm sure you do."
______________________________________________
"It was a short encounter really," Corian explained as he finished his tale. "I didn't have an affair with your friend or anything, I promise."
"You should have stayed with her," Salem scowled, her naked form still cradled in the man's arms. "I'm sure you could have made that sort of progress."
"Don't be silly Salem. You know where my priorities lie. Anyhow, what did you think?"
"What do you mean?"
"About how eerily smart she is."
"I've had that feeling with Ina for some time now. She's hiding something. Not even you can figure it out?"
"Like I said, I was just a soldier in the previous era. Ina may just be your best bet for learning more about yourself. As for me, well I needed a purpose, and now I found it."
"I'm glad you did," Salem gave a tender smile as her mind shifted away from the topic of Ina. "One day, I'll get to the bottom of this. I promise."
"The fate of all life may depend on it. Need I remind you, we're on our last legs."