Thanks for reading this far! From here on out, the novel is a work in progress, so anything you read is possibly not canon or grammatically correct.
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"Life is a funny thing. Full of dread, where all life bides its time till death. But ignorance is not truly bliss. Embrace the fear."
Far beneath the darkest layer of Lacuna lay a deep pit, its tight reaches extending as far as the tendrils of the station itself. Just outside lay the vast expanse of space with hundreds of Valekry ships circling around. But those loyal soldiers, still healthy and motivated, had no idea what lay beneath their home.
"Dearest brother, why do I no longer feel your presence?"
Kalis's warning was clear. A storm was brewing from under Lacuna. As for the green flower, it was not nearly the most horrid thing to arise from the depths.
"Have you finally passed? How sorry I am, to find myself in truth. Fear not, my kin, we will uphold our promise. But all life in our home must be the cost."
A yellow light then began to emit from the dark cavern as a massive figure came into view. The voice spoke just like a Valekry, yet its bulky frame carried none of the elegance expected from the order of knights. Even Alia's Vornex appeared more graceful in comparison.
"Rise now, my fellow spurned. Let your song be heard."
A series of yellow lights appeared behind the figure, their smaller frames having been dormant for years. Once the army of countless machines had risen, their leader's face became clear as day. He was a Valekry no doubt, yet horribly mutated and overgrown.
"Kalamis," the monstrous Valekry whispered his own name with a raspy tone. "Let him guide you now."
Alongside the large machine stood a horde of similarly grotesque figures, their metallic chassis having been decayed and crudely implanted with several new limbs. Kalamis in particular had two new sets of arms on his humongous chest, signifying his leadership over the smaller spurned.
"Heed my brother's dying call. It is his last and final gambit. Let us show them fear!" Kalamis bellowed as a long twisted staff suddenly appeared beside him.
Many of the spurned wore crude metal plates that covered their primary lens, signifying their more twisted and distraught ambitions. Unlike the proud knights on the surface of Lacuna, the crazed Valekry were disheveled and disorderly, yet considerably more ferocious with their twisted metal clubs and sharpened claws. They would do anything for Kalamis, and silently followed his every order.
"Come now," Kalmis continued, rallying more of his army as they climbed up towards him like bugs from the abyss. "Do not be afraid. Embrace fear."
Suddenly, a yellow flower appeared beside the Valekry, its glowing petals contained within the tip of his staff. Using the power within, Kalamis then illuminated the environment around him, revealing the tunnel above. He knew it would be a long trip to reach the Tella's precious city.
"Climb my spurned. To the surface."
The depths of Lacuna were even older and more outdated than Kalis's lab, with much of its surface filled with large rubber cords and pipes. There was no fancy decorum or robust urban labs - nor any streets or vistas. Just a cramped series of tunnels that operated more like the floorboards of the station, carrying power and water up toward the surface for all to enjoy. That was the place Kalamis had been banished too long ago, and it was in those tunnels that he had bided his time, patiently waiting for his brother Kalis to either fail or succeed. In the event that the green flower perished, the yellow flower had vowed to complete his mission, albeit with far more destruction and death.
Kalamis was the final measure.
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"Don't you ever get lonely out here?" Salem groaned, staring at the tall gothic spires of Lacuna's capital. "It's so damn cold and gloomy."
"It's my home Salem."
Ina was overjoyed to see Salem again, practically throwing herself into the woman's arms as her ship landed on the ramparts. There was little doubt she could survive Kalis, and yet, the princess was beyond worried for the pale girl. Confirming that she was safe and sound brought her immense satisfaction.
"Goodness, I was fine. He didn't even want to hurt me really," Salem laughed nervously as she felt Ina's embrace. "It's all taken care of now."
"I'm really sorry about all that Salem. It was my fault. But it's good to know you're safe now," Ina smiled, her chest awkwardly brushing against her friend's as she stepped away.
"Your fault?"
"Yes. Kalis had been lurking in the shadows for years, always staying just out of reach as he plotted his revenge. He had made multiple attempts to negotiate his way around the conflict, but I wouldn't budge on the matters of violence. I put you in danger because of my own cowardice."
"Don't think about it too hard Ina. Kalis was an intelligent Valekry, but from what I could tell, he never had the heart to go all out on me and just...end it. But what I'm curious to know more about, is why he was so broken to begin with. How did this all start?"
"Well I-," Ina stammered, realizing Salem was finally asking the right questions. "I will explain later."
"Very well then," Salem glared as the princess led her by the arm towards the palace garden. "I'm glad to see you safe as well, by the way."
"Thank you dearly, Salem, for protecting the city," Ina smiled tenderly.
"Well-," the red mother coughed. "I didn't do it for them. Not in any way."
"Oh," the princess blushed as she nearly stumbled over her own high heels. "Is there any way I can repay you?"
"Help me with the Valekry. I wish to save them from this plight Kalis has spoken of."
"You have a soft spot for the knights?"
"Let's just say I can relate to them a bit. And I saw firsthand what their condition is like."
"Ah yes," Ina sighed, taking a seat on a birchwood chair after reaching her garden library. "Alia made sure you were right in the middle of one of our worst incidents yet."
"How many have happened?"
"Enough for it to become a slow and gradually intensifying pandemic."
"Is there any way to stop it?"
"Salem, you know as much about the Valekry as me."
The red mother then laughed, snapping off a nearby rose before dropping it on the floor.
"That's funny."
"I mean it Salem, you've already created two of them. Bright and youthful, and seemingly immune to the sanity crisis."
"Anger and Valor?!" Salem paused, hardly realizing what she had done to create the two specimens.
"Yes, Salem. From what little I can discern from the pandemic, many Valekry lose their sense of purpose and...go feral. It is a condition commonly found within several mechanical races, even on the primitive surface. Something about uncompleted objectives within the core programming."
"Objectives?"
"Yes. All kinds of machines, especially the later generation of Valekry built by the Tella, are given a primary objective at birth."
"I'm not sure I ever gave my children one of those. What do the others possess?"
"Well, the Tella were very clear about their goals. New era Valekry are instructed to 'Kill, for the betterment of Lacuna'. That particular phrasing is what led us into a horrible crisis some time ago."
"Kalis mentioned it," Salem frowned.
"I'm sure he did," the princess sighed in response.
"Well, maybe that's it then. My children weren't made with some weird programming, and neither were the older Valekry. Kalis also considered this, as he spoke of his younger brethren facing the brunt of the pandemic."
"Perhaps...," Ina lied, pretending she knew less than she did. "How can we test it?"
Salem turned her back to Ina and narrowed her gaze. It was obvious the intelligent girl was hiding something. She knew everything the red flower was going to suggest and simply played along.
"I have something in mind," Salem smiled. "Why not make another batch?"
"What do you mean Salem? Surely you can't-."
"I want more kids," the red mother stated bluntly. "I won't beat around the bush. I love the two that I have, and wish to expand my family."
"Will Anger and Valor approve of this?"
"In their own ways, yes," Salem looked around, checking to see if her children were nearby.
To no one's surprise at all, both Anger and Valor were speaking with Korus just outside the garden, happily boasting about their accomplishments during their previous battle. Even Anger seemed rather engaged, taking every chance he had to bring up the foolish actions of Corian. Salem was of course thrilled to witness the peaceful scene.
"Are we going to talk about him first?" Ina interjected, staring at the Valekry who spoke rather loudly in the distance. "The man, I mean."
"Who?" Salem bluffed horribly.
"The human male. He infiltrated the palace some time ago, and now it seems he's taken an interest in you."
"You tolerate his presence?"
"Salem, I harbor no disdain for outsiders, you know this."
"Well I," the red mother blushed, placing a hand on her exposed hips. "I am spending time with him. Just thought you should know, since you're...you know...interested to know."
"What kind of time?" Ina smirked.
"Uhhhh."
Ina then released an innocent giggle as Salem stared awkwardly into space.
"It's quite alright Salem, I understand. You don't have to tell me."
"Tell you what?"
"I too dabble in the pleasures of men. There's nothing to be ashamed about."
"The HUH?! Salem gasped. "Excuse me!"
"Korus and I aren't afraid to tell the truth. And neither should you."
"Hmph!" Salem pouted, practically confirming the fact that she had allowed Corian into her bed. "I don't even know him that well yet."
"Some of us start fast, and figure it out later."
"Can we go back to my children now?" Salem hissed.
"Yes-yes. You want to build another one?"
"I want twins. Not let's get to it."
Both the girls had revealed their flowers to each other some time ago and had little to hide when it came to their methods of creation.
"Can you do it as well?" Salem asked as the red flower appeared in the palm of her hand.
"I've had my share of practice," Ina smiled, the blue flower having already emerged above her shoulder. "Allow me to commission some materials."
"I want a particular set of parts, you know. These need to be unique. They are my children."
"Of course," Ina laughed, as the two women silently acknowledged each other's love for the Valekry. "Let's get started."
___________________________
High above the cityscape of Lacuna, a slender woman stood patiently in a glass elevator, her round glasses nearly slipping off her nose as she stared at the tablet in her arms.
"Oh bother, so much to keep track of," the girl muttered to herself in an excited tone. "And here I thought things would get calmer."
The small elevator then opened to reveal an airlock, its steel surface separating the dry cityscape from a wall of unmoving water. The Tella shrugged casually before stepping into the flowing water, her frame completely submerged in its calming wake. Such wonderous displays of gravity manipulation weren't uncommon for the woman to encounter, and thus she was unphased by it. Somehow the liquid that encased the chamber remained nearly still like a wall of transparent ice, leaving the rest of the building spotless. It was only in places like these that the Tella could hope to secure a proper meeting.
"Can't believe she still likes these old areas," the woman thought to herself as she swam through the water with ease. "Big aquarium rooms are so tacky these days."
Moving through the water unimpeded, the Tella began to scan her surroundings in a frustrated attempt to locate her final destination. Thanks to the brilliant engineering of her race, the appointed location rested high atop one of Lacuna's skyscrapers, with its aquatic compartment encased within a glass border for all to see. The furnishings within the chamber were, of course, designed to withstand their new environment, with shiny white pillars and angular corridors lined with jewels.
"I can't even remember the last time I had to swim," the girl sighed, as if traveling without air were perfectly within her capabilities. What a chore."
Much to her relief, the woman finally located her colleague floating amidst some bioluminescent kelp. Even from a distance, she could tell the woman was significantly taller, floating confidently in the water as she stared out into the cityscape beneath them. If the two women were on the surface, the small outcrop of coral and stone furniture surrounding them could have served as a bench of sorts, but of course, that would have been far too mundane for the Tella.
"You've finally arrived, Renny," the taller woman spoke, gesturing with her pale hand to guide her underling towards an outcrop of stone. Come quickly."
"Good to see you too, Iris."
The famed baroness of the Lotasi floated elegantly through the water, her slim-cut leotard glimmering alongside the white and gold pillars beside her. She continued to point toward the structure beside her, seemingly impatient at the thought of waiting any longer. As Renny followed closely, she soon found herself breathing dry air upon entering the nearby structure, its invisible barrier preventing the water from breaching its confines. Before long the Tella sat quietly inside the private dome, separated from the outside world with nothing but a wooden tea set to accompany them.
"Anything to report?" Iris smiled, her deep voice echoing through the small space surrounded by water. "I'm eager to hear more about this Salem."
"Oh you know her well enough by now, there's always something new to talk about," Renny shrugged, fixing her glasses before repositioning herself on the stone bench.
Both the women had already dried off, the texture of their clothing seemingly lined with something special to avoid water damage.
"So what is it this time?"
"She can change the length of her hair, apparently, thanks to that flower of hers. Saw it all during the fight with Kalis."
"Damn that stupid machine," Iris frowned, knowing full well how doomed her race would be if the Valekry's plans had succeeded. "We were fools to believe he would remain a pacifist forever. Why couldn't he be docile and dense like the rest of his race."
"Well it wasn't easy getting any information on him, he knew all our tricks. Only during his fight with Salem did I have a chance to get a good look. Otherwise, he'd just up and kill our operatives."
"He did help invent the cloaking technology, didn't he," Iris scoffed, her frame towering over Renny as she leaned against the wall. "But if even Kalis is beginning to take action, then the future of Lacuna isn't looking bright."
"I'm surprised you even admitted that first bit."
Iris shot Renny a glare that shut her up.
"Don't push it."
"O-of course," Renny swallowed, fearing what would be done to her if she continued to act with such sass. "Salem has taken notice of these things, by the way. She is greatly invested in the Valekry."
"Oh, you mean she cares about them going mad? Well, I sure hope she would, especially after having caused an outbreak herself."
"We both know she was only expediting the process, boss," Renny muttered as respectfully as she could. "And we have reason to believe she cares about them beyond just their madness."
"That remains to be seen," Iris growled. "We can only hope she's unlike the Princess."
"Ah yes, of course," the secretary smiled briefly before picking up the small cup in front of her and pouring some tea into its jade-colored interior.
"Have we learned more about it? The flower, I mean."
"That's why I brought up the hair. Dummy."
"Rennera!" Iris growled, speaking the woman's formal name as she used her long reach to grab the secretary by her neck. "Do I need to find another assistant?"
"N-no!" Renny groveled as the woman's long nails brushed against her chin playfully. "I'm sorry. Just so stressed lately."
"Of course," Iris groaned as she released the woman. "Can't ever find a stable secretary half as charming as you. And by charming, I mean delightfully pathetic."
"Yes, Baroness."
"Don't let my fondness towards you get in the way of reality."
The Tella secretary nodded in fright before placing her tablet against the surface of the table, revealing several holographic images of Salem. After months of espionage, the assembly of images had become rather thorough, with the pale girl appearing in several different outfits and poses. Even the flower Salem wielded was captured in a clear image, its crimson glow enveloping the room for all to see.
"By the gods," Iris licked her lips, her gaze drifting towards the image of Salem with her shorter red hair. "She's magnanimous."
"Thank Kayi, she's the only one brave enough to photograph all this, although I can't say her skills are quite as good as mine."
"Ah yes, that little brat. I don't care if she can't hold the camera like you, she was bold enough to get close to Kalis for half these shots. He could have squashed her like a bug if Salem wasn't there."
"Perhaps you should give the crossbreed some credit."
"I'm going to give these some credit, is what I'm going to do," Iris smiled as she pointed at Salem's pale chest. "Simply flawless. Makes us look ugly in comparison."
"Please focus on the subject matter," Renny rolled her eyes. "Less staring at her hips and more discussion."
"Well, it's not my fault she's always showing them off."
"Just look at her hair and those weird claws she can generate from thin air," Renny continued. "These are powers we've never seen before, and they were strong enough to carry her pathetic body to victory over Kalis."
"Pathetic, you say? I would enjoy that."
"You know what I mean, Baroness. Like us, she lacks traditional combat potential. She's frail and soft. Yet none of that seemed to matter once she used the flower."
"And yet, the only other time I've seen such beauty was with Ina. Don't you think there are more similarities?" Iris muttered as she pretended to ignore Renny.
"Beyond them using a flower?"
"Yes."
"I suppose so. But don't you think we should focus on the things Ina hasn't done? Salem was ruled off as not a threat months ago due to her rather lackluster capabilities. Familiar problem. She's weak and undisciplined. But that flower..."
"She uses it more liberally than Ina."
"Yes. Thank you," Renny smiled, overjoyed to find Iris finally staying on topic.
"It can compensate for her fragility?" Iris pondered as she began to imagine herself defeating Salem with ease. "What if she doesn't have it."
"It can do much more than give her strength, Baroness. Who's to say she's not the most dangerous entity on the station?"
"But without her flower."
"Irrelevant, we already know what Ina could do when she refused to hold back. Now imagine Salem. Tell me, Iris, do we want this woman with or against us."
"We need her at our side of course. The only problem is, what role will she assume," Iris pondered before shooting Renny another threatening glare.
"Y-you still want to be queen?" Renny stared outside the window to see a group of silver-scaled fish swim by, their glowing eyes staring deep into her soul. "Even now?"
"I want what is best for our people. This station is our prison, and in it, we fester. The Valekry's crumbling sanity is only the tip of the iceberg. If we want to survive and thrive, we need to spread our wings."
"We are all with you on that front, Baroness."
"Are you?"
"Y-yes?"
"Well, from what I can see, many don't seem to even notice our younger sisters ending their own lives."
"I'm...not sure what to say."
"Of course you are; I'm standing right here. The Tella need a new leader. Something fresh and new."
"Are you...vying for your own replacement?"
"No. That pain will belong to Ina. It is she who must be replaced."
"So...you don't want to be queen?"
"I want to be on top, Rennera. Wherever that might be. I don't need to be a queen with a crown to hold all the cards. I just need control."
"But if Salem has the throne, won't she take all the power?"
"That all depends on her, dear. She displays the qualities of both a ruler and a bedside pet. At least as far as I can tell."
"So that's our move. Finally."
"Got it figured out?"
"We need more data. Everything we can get on Salem. Only then can you plan your course of action. We must test her."
"Yes. Our customs are subtle but rather simple. If I dominate her behind the scenes, she will be forced to act as my submissive queen once she takes the throne, relegated to fixing our problems while satiating my needs. What Ina should have always been."
"What if she proves to be sharper than you?" Renny shivered at the thought.
"Then she is a better leader, and I shall gladly submit. Surely you didn't expect my ego to be THAT large?!" Iris scoffed as she pointed a finger at herself.
"I uh..." Renny stammered.
"But what about Salem's motives? How can we guarantee she will do what is best for Tella," the taller woman whispered to herself, her mental schemes far outpacing Renny's despite her crude language.
"Yet another reason we should collect more data."
"Perhaps. And if Salem truly does care about saving Lacuna, even if it's just for the Valekry, she will learn to share our perspective. Lacuna no longer needs to hide and seethe in its rotting crib."
"What if she doesn't care about us at all?"
"Then dominating her will be all the easier. Only a fool would completely ignore us, and nobody who has ever dismissed the Tella has come out on top."
"You say that, and yet Ina..."
"Is a pacifist with the strength to defend her ideals. I know, and I've learned. Salem will be different. When we test her, she will have to embrace our vision."
Iris then became unusually quiet, planning ahead without her voice. Whatever she was concocting was evidently too secretive for even Renny to know about, causing the secretary to pause.
"So then it's come to this," Renny lamented. "More games."
"Yes. It has," Iris nodded after finishing her thoughts, staring at the image of Salem still floating above the table. "In the coming weeks, the fate of Lacuna will be changed forever. For better or for worse. But if we are fortunate, this woman here will be my next wife."
"Well then," Renny nodded as she began to fiddle with her tablet. "Where to begin? Do we call upon the services of that crossbreed brat again? She did quite well last time."
Suddenly, a petite figure emerged behind Iris, scowling at Renny with unhinged fury. Her little figure was covered top to bottom in unusually urban clothing, with a short pair of jeans tightly knit around her bottom and a low-cut jacket wrapped around her tiny chest. Placing a hand against her bare waist, she stepped forward before lashing out with a rather squeaky voice.
"Who are you calling brat!" The petite girl hissed, much to Iris's amusement.
"Kayi!? Renny gasped. "H-how did you get there? Were you present the whole time?"
"Of course she was," Iris interjected as she fiddled with her own nails. "I had her meet me here before you."
"For a nerd, you real slow girl," Kayi chuckled to herself as she looked over proudly at her silver hair, its shiny surface tied up into a ponytail.
"Slow? You're the dimwit crossbreed. I mean, just look at you! Dressing like a monkey!" The secretary laughed as she pointed towards Kayi's low-riding shorts, their surface unable to cover up her belly.
"Oh please, you'd be so into it if Iris wore that."
"The fashion was never the problem, brat. It's your disgusting skin!"
"Why you!" Kayi pouted, her peach-colored face turning red. "At least I'm useful!"
"Useful? Who's been with Iris before you crawled out of the primitive womb!"
"That just makes your failure worse. Losing to what you call a young ugly monkey."
"Kayi will be collecting our data," Iris spoke, her deeper voice instantly silencing the room. "Her willingness to sneak behind such dangerous territory makes her a key choice for this."
"Pff, only with cloaking technology," Renny muttered to herself.
"I'd like to see you try and be sneaky fat-face," Kayi whispered in response.
"You will take part as well, Renny. Knock on Salem's door, be as passive and inviting as you can." Iris continued, playing with her nails as if indignant to her underlings. "Whether or not she accepts your words is irrelevant. At worst you will be told to leave, and Kayi will have her window of opportunity to collect our data."
"W-what?!" Renny coughed. "What will I even say!"
"Be truthful. Introduce the Lotasi and invite Salem for a photo shoot. Not only can we expose her to our subjects in an appealing way, but we can also avoid suspicion by gaining her trust."
"You mean...give her half the truth."
"Enough so that she won't feel the need to kill you. I trust your improv skills are up to the task."
"So...use my real photographer skills for a real photo shoot?"
"Precisely. Warm her up to us. Use your nice face," Iris nodded.
"Pfff," Kayi chuckled. "You got the easy job, fat face."
"And YOU have the opportunity I cannot afford to waste," Iris growled, spinning around as she grabbed Kayi by her hair. "Do not get cocky on me. Get any information you can and leave without a trace."
"I will!" Kyri squealed, glancing down at her own belly to see Iris's nails digging into it. "I promise!"
"Do not let my fondness of you cloud your judgment. You know what you are, and you should be thankful I find such impurity to be erotic."
"Yes, Mistress! I think of your mercy every day!"
"That's a good girl," Iris smiled, kissing the girl on her left cheek as she continued to dangle her in the air by her ponytail. "Now hurry along."
After finally being released, Kyri crawled away in a panic, her tiny frame disappearing into a mirage of reflective energy. Despite Renny's harsh words, the young girl had been trusted with the Tella's most advanced technology, allowing her to set off for Salem's home undetected. Iris then released a deep sigh, looking over to Renny with visible concern.
"She won't be any use to us with a chip on her shoulder."
"You just said don't get cocky?!" Renny fumed before cutting herself off. "M-ma'am."
"Yes, but telling her how worthless she is will only make the little thing vie for my approval. She's insecure enough, you know. We don't need reckless actions."
"B-but she's...you know."
"She's also quite good with our technology. She enhanced her own cloaking device, you know. Not all primitives are unable to learn."
"So she's crafty."
"She's what the surface dwellers would call a hacker Renny. She's good."
"You're just saying that 'cause you're into her."
"She does have a certain appeal to her," Iris smirked. "But I have at least some faith she will get the job done."
"You do realize none of this will matter if Redrix pulls the plug on us before we can get Salem," Renny squinted, staring down at her tablet to see another concerning report. "Right?"
"You tell that brutish general to stand down. We still have a plan to weave!" Iris snapped, remembering how tumultuous the Valekry leadership had become. "Call Korus if you have to!"
"They don't listen to anyone, remember. Redrix and his fellow shipmasters have even begun to form their own private council."
"And Korus is not invited?"
"Neither was Kalis. The sane Valekry are taking things into their own hands."
"As our we," Iris snarled, thinking to her own council of Tella women. "See to it that we secure our royal prospect before things spiral out of control."
"I'll leave for Salem's home immediately."
Iris then slipped through the stagnant wall of water before swimming away with great speed, leaving her secretary to sit alone in the massive aquarium.
"And, of course, it's gotta be me," Renny moaned as she scraped her feet against the stone floor. "What fun."
____________________________________
"How many times have you done this?!"
Back in Ina's palace, Salem was incredibly amazed to see the princess's work on her new children. Similar to what the red mother had experienced in the tundra, Ina worked fast and efficiently, yet unlike the red flower, she did much of it with her hands. There was no need to rely on her powers to do all the heavy lifting.
"Just a couple of times, I assure you," Ina chuckled as she fidgeted with a stainless mechanical array, its table-like surface lined with all sorts of robotic pieces. "Now then, this shouldn't take much longer."
"Well hold on now, I have to make my own adjustments," Salem frowned, realizing the princess had nearly completed both Valekry in a flash. "These are my children."
"Of course Salem, I am merely preparing the husks. It is up to you to transplant the soul into this living creature."
Salem unveiled her red flower as she looked at Ina with uncertainty. Every time she had gone through the process of creation, she never truly questioned what was going on behind the scenes. But now the red mother had an expert in her presence.
"Be truthful Ina," Salem sighed, staring at the two Valekry frames that lay in front of her. "How exactly do we give them life?"
"You presume I am a veteran?"
"Don't lie. You carted those things in here like it was just another day, and got to work. It's always been hard for me in the past, and yet here you are, moving about effortlessly."
"Well," Ina blushed. "I've had some experience with Korus in the past."
"Oh?"
"Nearly every modification he's gone through has been at my behest. Every repair as well."
"You made him?"
Ina looked out the window of her garden library for a moment, wondering if she should tell Salem the truth. After some internal debate, the princess released a deep sigh before stretching out her hands. Perhaps, she thought, the red mother deserved to know at least a sliver of Lacuna's history.
"I've made a lot of the Valekry Salem."
"I thought so. You are their mother."
"It's not quite like that. Parenthood over them is...a concept unique to you. But yes, I do feel some attachment to them?"
"Some?!" Salem laughed.
"Alright," the princess stammered. "I care about them."
"How long have you been doing this then? Are we truly this alike?"
"We have our similarities Salem," Ina replied, skillfully dodging the first question. "And we have our differences. The art of creation is not a process that can be repeated."
"So the way I make my children."
"Is not quite the way I fabricate my knights."
Salem took a seat on one of Ina's white birch lawn chairs, twirling a strand of her white hair as she pondered. There were several ideas in her mind when it came to the two machines Ina had carted in. And as she took a sip of a nearby glass of tea, the red mother came to a satisfying decision.
"Then I want the first to be a girl," Salem smiled, clenching the silver cup in her hand.
"A what?" Ina replied with some surprise.
"You said we do things our own way."
"Salem, the Valekry are all designed with the imprint of a man."
"So let us give one the persona of a woman."
"I don't think you-."
"Her name will be Sorrow."
Salem then began to list off all the modifications she wanted to give to her new child, much to Ina's dismay. But eventually, the princess decided to drop all reservations, and simply acquiesce to the red mother's demands. It wasn't long before she got to work operating on the fabrication array once more, its long steel surface equipped with several gadgets and interfaces in tune with the rest of the Valekry's technology.
"Long sharp heels on the feet. A blue hue on the chassis similar to the Zealot class of Valekry. And a set of golden nails on the hands," Ina muttered as she tried to remember Salem's request.
"She will be feminine while still retaining a warrior's arsenal. The exact opposite of that weakling Ali."
"You say that," Ina shrugged. "Yet I still have not seen an equal to Alia's work. She was a genius."
"How much did you know of her?"
"Only what the rest of the Tella would gossip about. That she was some strange crossbreed with the most amusing magic tricks."
"How comical. But I want my Sorrow to be different."
"I understand, she will have all the strength of a typical Valekry."
Once Ina's work was complete, Salem marveled at her new child, its body similar to that of the blue and gold Zealot's, exuding a sleek and icy sensation. The design was unique yet familiar to the culture of the Valekry, not all disrespecting their history in any way. All that was left to do then was for Salem to add the finishing touch.
"Don't push yourself too hard," Ina exclaimed as Salem approached with her flower.
"But I believe that is the point, Ina. She needs all of me, even the pain," Salem exclaimed before her chest suddenly split open, revealing a mass of white tendrils.
Ina could do nothing but watch in horror as Salem completed her gruesome work, pouring all of her feelings and memories into the machine, its eye immediately lighting up in the process.
"My goodness," the princess gasped, rushing over to the girl who had fallen to her knees. "Salem!"
"It's alright," Salem panted, her chest already beginning to patch itself up. "She's alive. I'm getting better at this."
A blue light then began to glow from the Valekry as she emitted her first words, "Mother?"
Salem suddenly realized some of Ina's essence must have slipped into the Valekry, its demeanor far more calm and innocent than any of her previous children.
"Hello?" Sorrow repeated, her tone soft and childish. "Are you there?"
"Sorrow," Salem smiled. "It is good to see you."
Ina took a seat and observed with great satisfaction as Salem introduced herself to Sorrow. The entire process was wholesome and tender for the princess, who had grown accustomed to loneliness and regret.
"Say hello to Ina," Salem explained, helping her child off the fabrication array. "She took part in making you."
"Hello Sorrow," the princess smiled at the confused machine, whose first steps seemed clumsy and insecure. "Please, take your time."
"Hello Auntie," Sorrow stood up, dwarfing the two girls with her tall frame.
"Auntie!?" Ina gasped as she waved her arms in desperation. "Uh-n-no!"
"It's quite alright Ina," Salem laughed. "Let her call you that."
"Where am I?" The young Valekry then inquired, stepping around the quaint room with curiosity.
"A question we will soon answer dear Sorrow. But first, let's finish making your brother. After that, we'll go home with Ina, and meet the rest of our wonderful family," the red mother cheered.
"I understand," Sorrow nodded. "I shall wait for us to return with Auntie Ina."
"Ah yes-," Ina responded, her mind only processing half of what Salem had said. "We will make a second, and then...wait what!?"
"His name will be Regret. He'll be your twin brother," Salem continued, ignoring Ina in the process. "Watch as we make him."
"Salem," the princess lamented. "I can't go home with you. This palace is where I must stay."
"Nonsense Ina," the red mother waved a dismissing hand as she got to work on the second Valekry. "Come spend time with us."
"But Salem."
"I'm sure Korus would agree you need some fresh air."
"I can't!" Ina screamed, causing Sorrow to jump out of fright.
Silence filled the room as Regret's frame lay still, its soul still incomplete. The princess was clearly upset and flustered, unable to properly explain her case. But Salem would not back down.
"Why not Ina?" Salem taunted. "Is there something you're not telling me?"
"I-," Ina paused, realizing the red mother was aware of her constant half-truths. "It's complicated."
"Listen, Ina," the red mother sighed, placing a hand against Regret's lifeless chest, his chassis having already been decorated with red and gold. "I understand you have reasons to not want to leave. But you need to escape, if just for a little. We can smuggle you out."
"Salem..."
"It will help. And you know it. Just for an hour or two, and then you can fly right back to your palace."
"I..."
Salem then began to abruptly unleash her flower once again, bestowing life to Regret before Ina could finish.
"After I finish Sorrow's twin, we'll head over and surprise my family. Alright?"
"A-alright," Ina smiled. "I accept. Just this once."
"Good," Salem replied as she too produced a tender smile.
_____________________________________
"What do you mean they are bringing the princess with them?" Ali gasped as she leaned against the kitchen counter, its marble surface reflecting the light from her purple eyes. "And why aren't you following?"
"I thought Princess Ina needed some time away from her palace to spread her wings. I will watch from a distance of course, but I do expect you to give her a warm welcome," Korus replied as his holographic image shrugged its shoulders.
"Of course, right away!" Ali beamed. "It's time to show everyone what I can do."
As Korus hung up the call, the doll suddenly got to work preparing the kitchen around her as she put on a white apron. She was going to cook for a princess. And while she may have possessed only surface-level knowledge of the culinary arts, the doll was prepared and motivated.
"Bear-Bear! Bring out the chocolate chips."
"What do you mean?" The plushie replied with an annoyed tone as she emerged from the top cabinet. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"I know you snack on them from time to time, you know where it is. I plan to make cookies."
"Cookies?! For a princess?"
"Lacuna has all sorts of exotic ingredients in it's greenhouses, I'm sure of it. The princess must have already enjoyed every high-quality dish under the sun. But what about something cute and menial?"
"I see," Bear-Bear grunted, refusing to admit Ali was right. "I'll help you prepare."
Pulling out a small chef's hat from behind her back, the plush suited up for the kitchen before waddling toward the bag of ingredients.
"We won't have much time you know, air travel isn't exactly slow around here," Bear-Bear continued.
"That's quite alright, as long as we can show our effort. I've already made sure the rest of the house is clean and prepared, including the dining room Salem never uses."
"Salem never uses anything silly, she doesn't even eat all that often. All she really does is drink whine and loaf around whenever something isn't blowing up."
"She's trying to live a more normal life," Ali huffed. "Now, let's get to work. I'll prepare a normal dinner besides our specialty so that no one goes unsatisfied."
"That's a lot of work."
"It's good to work," the doll smiled one last time before focusing everything on her work.
After a brief period of time, the mansion's doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of the guests. Ali of course had no idea Salem was bringing new children, nor was she done with her baking. Yet still, she remained dedicated to her task.
"This should be acceptable," Ali beamed, placing a bit of the batter into her pale mouth. "Very good."
"I can't believe Alia gave you taste buds. How does that even work?" Bear-Bear whined.
"Well, she did spend the equivalent of five Valekry warships worth of resources on me. I did the math."
"Look who's an expensive girl."
Several footsteps and voices could be heard outside the kitchen room as Salem began to give Ina a tour of her place. Ali was prepared. But as she began to identify an unusual amount of commotion coming from the living room, she became frightened.
"Oh no, did Salem bring even more guests?"
The doll was then shocked to see two new Valekry enter the room, their demeanor curious and innocent. Valor had evidently taken it upon himself to introduce the twins to their new home, whereas Anger stayed back and watched. The whole scene was rather crowded and chaotic, causing Ali some confusion.
"As you can see Regret, there's plenty of space here for us to practice," Valor beamed, gesturing towards the vast mansion halls. "Korus can help too, of course."
"Is this what it is like to be a knight brother?" The young male Valekry asked as a soft and excited voice escaped just below his shimmering orange lens. "Protecting pretty places with frail women?"
"I guess it can be like that sometimes, yes," Valor chortled. "But be kind to the ladies. Especially Ali over there, who works tirelessly to take care of us."
"She is like us?" The second Valekry inquired, her sleek blue frame carrying a strangely feminine tone. "A machine?"
"I see you noticed the joints. Yes Sorrow, Ali is a doll. But just like the others, she must be treated with respect and care."
"She seems interesting," the mechanical sister nodded before approaching the doll.
Soon Sorrow was practically breathing down Ali's neck, silently watching the doll finish her work. Ali didn't mind of course, but after some time she felt a great pressure building up within her. Never had she faced expectations from a peer, especially one younger and more inexperienced than herself.
"C-can I help you?" Ali whispered as she fiddled with a pair of oven mittens.
"I'm sorry if I'm disturbing you," Sorrow promptly replied. her long claws grasping the air in front of her. "I just..."
"If you have any questions, I'd be happy to help," the doll managed a smile. "I consider myself to be a friend to Salem and her children. So please, ask away."
"Why are you so pretty?"
"Excuse me?" Ali blushed.
"From what I understand of the word," Sorrow stammered. "You seem to fit the definition."
"I uhh..."
"I apologize if I made you uncomfortable."
"No, no, it's okay Sorrow, I-."
Just before things could become even more awkward, Valor entered the scene wearing a comically large chef's hat.
"I hear you require my services," the tall machine joked.
"Valor?!" Ali laughed. "Do you even know how to bake?"
"You will show me. Seems you need the extra hands, considering how little that one contributes," Valor gestured towards Bear-Bear, who sat lifelessly near the bag of chocolate chips. "I will say, it's rather charming that you bring your toy everywhere."
"Y-yes! Here, help me with the oven, I don't imagine your hands are susceptible to heat," Ali nodded several times.
"What is this little thing? He's so...cute?" Sorrow pondered as she picked up Bear-Bear with both her hands.
"That is the correct word sister. You are learning so fast," Valor provided a thumbs up as he effortlessly retrieved Ali's cookies from the scalding tray with his other hand. "Come now, you can play with the doll and her toy later."
"I understand."
Elsewhere in the mansion, Salem was eagerly giving the princess of tour of her new house, a large and unusual grin forming on her face.
"I never knew Alia had such taste," Ina giggled as the red mother enthusiastically pointed in the direction of the hot springs. "So many wonderful things here."
"Well, now we have another," Salem smirked as she stared at Ina, her pale dress glimmering in the dark hallways. "Just look at you. A bird finally out of it's cage."
"Oh Salem, stop it," Ina scoffed jokingly, raising a hand to cover her exposed collar. "As far as I'm considered, you have plenty enough with Ali."
"I mean...the doll is lovely sure."
"She's gorgeous Salem. I'm honestly a bit nervous to even speak to her. So petite and feminine, with such a gracious demeanor. A fitting wife if I do say so myself."
"Well now!" The red mother stumbled over her words. "I uh..."
Ina then gave Salem a sly smile, as if pushing her in the direction of Ali. As far as the princess knew, it was common Tella tradition to wed the woman one spent the most time with, especially if their appearance was unmatched. But in reality, Salem understood nothing of Lacuna's history beyond the Valekry and hadn't yet given her relationship with Ali any thought at all.
"Isn't this just a wonderful time for you," Ina continued. "Surrounded by family and friends."
"Yes. I agree. Two new children to spend time with, a good friend like you and Ali. And well...Corian."
"Where is the brave human?"
"Oh, lurking somewhere. AS ALWAYS," Salem yelled, pointing towards the unlit corner of the room. "Typical Corian."
The young man suddenly emerged from the shadows, trying his hardest not to laugh,
"You know me too well Salem. Look at you two, gossiping like schoolgirls."
"Well now," Ina smiled at the knight, admiring his casual attire with envious eyes. "It is a pleasure to see you again Corian."
"Didn't think Salem would ever manage to bag a princess, but here we are."
"And it seems you're just as rude as ever. How quaint."
"What's quaint is that dress. Like damn girl, you really gonna walk around with half the bakery out like that?"
"Corian!" Salem snapped angrily. "Show the princess respect."
"Oh I know," Ina joked. "You may only speak to Salem with such crass. I hear she likes it."
"Hey!" The red mother blushed.
"That she does," Corian laughed. "In more ways than one."
"Y-you!"
Salem then began to pout angrily, before heading off in the direction of her new children. At that time, anyone with a nose had become aware of Ali's hard work, causing some intrigue as to what she had prepared for them. Salem of course needed the excuse to flee and hide from those who sought to tease her.
"Should we...follow?" Corian looked over to Ina who stood snickering.
"Y-yes, we should. I noticed Ali was making something I'd never seen before. It seemed...delectable."
"Oh, trust me. It'll be good."
"You know of Ali's talent?"
"I mean...she's good at nearly everything. Kind of scary really."
Ina smirked at Corian for a moment, as if understanding something about him that Salem did not.
"It's good to see you in better health," the princess whispered.
"What do you mean? I'm always in shape," Corian shrugged.
"I mean your mind. So much more cheerful now, unlike me."
"Yeah well, I'm just glad I found Salem. Now then, how about those cookies? It's a human dish to be sure, but one of the best ones out there."
"Alright," Ina giggled.
After some preparation, Ali had successfully seated everyone in the wooden dining room, with its smooth polished tables and comfortable mission-styled chairs. The new Valekry children sat near Valor with a timid look, eager to silently collect any information they could on their environment, just as many of their kind were programmed to do. Ina on the other hand sat across from Salem, struggling not to smile at every second as she began to realize how wonderful a family could truly be.
"Okay, so what about the people who can't physically eat?" Corian threw his hands up as Anger glared from the seat beside him.
"It's perfectly acceptable for us to just watch and spend time with you, I guarantee," Valor interjected as he looked over to his two new siblings.
"That much is true," Anger added. "We require no sustenance."
"And what about our magical flower ladies? Are they feeling an appetite?"
"Just because we lack a digestive system doesn't mean we don't ever crave a meal silly," Ina laughed.
"Same goes for alcohol," Salem muttered as she poured herself a glass of wine that Bear-Bear had sneakily added to the table.
Ali then took her time handing out her dish, a finely prepared bowl of soup containing several types of meats found in Alia's pantry. And of course, she made sure to add a nice soft cookie on the napkin beside each of her food-consuming friends. The whole ordeal left Corian rather impressed and famished, as he struggled to restrain himself from immediately eating.
"Is this...some kind of Borscht?" Corian licked his lips as he looked over to Ina, who seemed equally amused. "Smells good Ali. Great job."
"Yes Ali," Salem smiled at the doll as she took her seat. "Let us all make a toast to our friend, for her hard work and thoughtfulness."
"To Ali," Ina smiled, lifting her own glass of water.
"O-oh," Ali blushed in response. "Thank you."
Soon the group was rather engaged with their fine meal, with nothing left to do but eat. Even those who could not consume a meal found themselves thoroughly entertained. It was a night to remember for Salem.
"For a human dish, this is all very good," Ina gestured towards Ali. "Especially these...-."
"Cookies. That's what Alia called them," the doll interjected. "Are they to your liking?"
"They are sweet and soft, in a strangely pure and innocent way. Strange words for a snack, I know, but I feel like the description fits you," the princess added, fiddling with a half-eaten cookie as its brown chocolate outcrops began to melt.
"A-ah," Ali blushed once again as she struggled to find words. "Thank you."
Across the table, both Regret and Sorrow were bombarding Valor with questions about the concept of food and hunger.
"Well, all organic creatures need some kind of sustenance, similar to our needs for energy," Valor instructed as Anger sighed close by. "But unlike us machines, organic life is very inefficient in this process. Whereas we rely on internal reactors that last for decades, organic life needs to eat something nearly every day."
"Internal reactors?" Regret asked. "How powerful are our bodies exactly?"
Suddenly, Ina placed herself within the conversation, giving Valor time to breathe as she explained the inner workings of the Valekry.
"All model V.3's are built with an adamantite exoskeleton, as well as the new sequential learning processor, that little piece of you that makes you so curious all the time."
"Do we differ at all from our brethren?" Regret continued.
"Only in your preset knowledge. Most Valekry come off the assembly line these days with a trove of information in regard to Lacuna's history and their duty to the Tella. In other words, they are fledged adults ready to fight for their makers. But as for you dear, you are more empty and innocent. Some combat protocols still exist within you, but everything else from duty to personality, is left up for you to develop."
"Why, thank you, Ms. Princess. I did not know you were so educated on us Valekry," Sorrow nodded her head in response as Regret took time to process the information.
"Well, you should really be thanking your mother. She understood these complex and ancient designs without a scrap of education."
"I'm not the only one with mysterious quantities of knowledge," Salem eyed the princess. "I may have incidentally created my own little race of innocent Valekry, but you Ina, must be responsible for so much more."
"Well-," Ina stammered. "I-."
"Now now ladies," Corian interrupted, saving Ina the embarrassment. "Less nerd talk, more fun. Let's tell the kids about taste. I mean, all they know right now is that we shove stuff into our mouths."
"I am curious," Sorrow pondered as she silently stared at Ali from a distance. "Brother Anger, you speak so little. How did you learn about all these things?"
"You mean taste?" Anger grumbled, unwilling to say much at all. "I simply observed Salem and her habits. At Cora's home, she tended to snack on only the crackers while leaving all the vegetables behind."
"Salem!" Ina frowned as Corian erupted into laughter. "You really should eat your veggies. Even with our flowers, it's important to stay healthy. They can't do everything you know."
The friendly group continued to laugh and smile, enjoying every minute of each other's company regardless of age or creed. Salem especially was most pleased, having finally found purpose in her life. She would do anything to keep her paradise intact.
"Family," Salem smiled at the table in front of her. "That's what we are."