"Are you sure about this Salem?"
"Never been so sure in my life. She will be more than just an imprint."
"And have you found a name for her?"
"I think I have one in mind..."
Salem's family was hard at work constructing their newest member, and thanks to the combined effort of all but Anger, it was progressing splendidly. As requested by Ali, the project had been placed in the center of the family room for all to see, its unique frame surrounded by the handiwork of its creators. Just before adding the final touches, Salem sat on the nearby couch with a satisfied look on her face, gesturing for the doll to come sit on lap.
"I think we did good," Salem sighed, wiping the sweat off her brow while staring at the lifeless Valekry in front of her. "Right, Ali?"
"Of course Salem," Ali whispered softly into the red mother's ear as the bottom of her skirt brushed up against Salem's thighs. "But when we wake her, let's make sure everyone is here. I want her to feel loved."
"Oh? Already showing favoritism towards our daughter?"
"Of course not!" Ali stammered. "And I'm not sure I can even process the concept of a..."
"You get used to it," Salem nodded. "Giving birth isn't easy you know."
"Wow, you make it almost sound biological instead of you know...whatever madness this is," Corian joked as he and the rest of Salem's mechanical children crowded around the couch. "Seriously though. You two really took off."
"I believe this calls for a celebration!" Valor exclaimed. "Everyone get close to the child, I have an idea!"
"Is that what I think it is?" Corian sighed, staring at a small black box in the Valekry's hands.
"I believe you humans call it a camera."
"Ooh! A group photo!" Ali giggled as she jumped off of Salem's lap. "Why didn't I ever think of this!"
"Well from here on out," Valor explained softly. "You can do the honors, Ali. You're one of us."
The group then quickly huddled around the lifeless machine, its body propped up against the wall as they began to position themselves for the photo. At first, Anger refused to join the fun, but after a stern look from Salem, even he took a spot near the outskirts of the frame. After Valor set the box up against the table, he hurried back over to the group before striking a gallant pose.
"Everyone say...Salami!" Corian joked.
"What?!" Salem gasped right as the flash from the camera enveloped the room.
"Salami!" The whole group cheered in widely different tones.
A close inspection of the camera then revealed exactly what Salem had wanted, even if she herself was stuck in an embarrassing pose. With the printed frame of the family in hand, she placed it against the table near her lifeless child, eager to have the photo be the first thing she would see upon birth.
"This is for you...the good in myself," Salem whispered as the sounds around her became drowned out.
"So...What do you think mister?" Regret beamed as he gestured towards Corian. "Did we do a great job with our little sister?"
"He doesn't even need to answer," Sorrow hissed. "Of course she's perfect."
From what the young knight could see, the newest Valekry was given a pinkish hue of red around its body, with a frame similar to Sorrow's - only somewhat more petite in nature. She was to be the most unique Valekry of all and the byproduct of Salem's entire legacy. But despite his initial joy, something within Corian felt disturbed.
"It's the real deal huh," Corian crossed his arms. "Her legacy continues."
"What do you mean?" Salem frowned.
"Your mother. This is her offspring."
"Are the rest of my children not real enough for you!?"
"We both know that's not what I mean," Corian explained in an unusually serious tone. "You already said it yourself Salem. Your other children are imprints. Splendid ones but...still fragments of yourself."
Corian's eyes then darted around the room, unnerved by how unresponsive the Valekry were to such words. It was almost as if the topic of their real identity was a subject they were unable to process. Shrugging off the strange implications, the young knight continued to prove his case.
"I'm no scientist. But all the parts of you combined make something...more."
"It's not just me Corian. You and Ali helped as well. And with her blessing...I want Ina to participate as well," the red mother smiled. "But...when you put it like that I suppose I agree. Our daughter will be special."
"Ah yes. Ina, the one you seemingly cannot face," Anger interjected, his hulking frame standing by the doorway leading to the kitchen. "About time you mention her."
"Anger...I-," Salem frowned.
"You still have a job to do. Do you really want to give her life in a city yet to be saved?"
"Way to ruin the party man," Corian shook his head. "And here I was making her feel profound."
"Stop running Salem," Anger explained. "You must come to terms with yourself."
"Is nobody going to talk about how eerie that sounds?" Corian continued to express his discomfort, concerned with how easily his words could be ignored. "Salem I love your kids but this is just getting weird."
"I...can't say I understand either," Ali paused, locking eyes with Corian in a moment of silent understanding.
"Someone gonna talk?!" The young knight exclaimed. "Salem?"
"He's right. I'll tell her tonight."
"Tell her what?"
"Give me the kingdom. Or I'll take it," Salem spoke in an unusual tone.
The red mother had abandoned her duty long enough. And with her bond with Ali secured, she had run out of excuses. The red flower was growing impatient.
"Salem she's your sister," Corian explained.
"I know. I'll do my very best to explain things to her. And if worst comes to worst...I won't hurt her. But we have to take action Corian. I've proven to myself why it matters. For my family, and our unborn child."
"Just don't do anything you'll regret."
"I most certainly don't regret any of you," Salem smiled softly as she walked over to Ali and caressed her face. "Truly."
Just before Salem left, she was pursued by Ali outside the safety of the mansion, the sound of her brown sloggers instantly recognizable to the red mother's ears.
"Be safe," Ali whispered to Salem as she gave her a hug. "We are so close."
"I will. I have reason enough to live."
Salem then cradled the doll's face as she gave her a long and sensational kiss, proving once and for all that she was in love. Ali made sure to comply, standing alone with a blush on her face as the red mother departed.
________________________________________
"Ocelot? Ocelot, where are you!" Ina called out as she wandered the hallways of her ancient palace. "Please, I'm getting worried!"
Having already checked the young boy's room, Ina was becoming increasingly panicked. She called for Korus as fast as she could, but not even her age-old protector had any good news for her. As the pale knight explained things a shameful expression formed across Ina's face.
"He's completely disappeared from the grid. Not even the tracker you planted seems to function," Korus sighed as Ina ran circles around him.
"I-...I don't know what to do," Ina moaned. "Korus what do I do!"
"It's as if he's entered a space we cannot track. I wouldn't assume the worst Ina, he's a clever boy. He is likely hiding from you."
"A space...what kind of space?"
Not at all amused with Ina's dubious gesture, Korus stared at the princess with a stern expression, "You tell me, princess."
"I...I can find him," Ina sighed, giving up the act. "Stay here, please. I just...never wanted to go there again."
"Hold on, I'm getting a communication," Korus paused as he lifted a finger in the air, intercepting the message with the systems in his body. "It's Redrix."
"Redrix?! He hasn't called in years!" The princess gasped.
"It must be something important. He would never call for something he perceived to be fruitless," Korus explained as his voice became quiet. "Could I...have a moment Princess?"
Ina nodded with a smile on her face as her loyal knight left the room. She knew it was better that way. Without Korus, she could look for Ocelot in the place where she expected him to be.
"I suppose this day was inevitable," Ina sighed as she began to inspect her own pale hand. "I hope he will understand."
Shutting her eyes, the princess raised a hand to her face, placing two fingers against her flesh. Two blue diamonds suddenly appeared beneath her eyes, their shimmering patterns emanating with strength. The full might of the blue flower had been coalesced - regardless of how Ina felt.
"Open," Ina whispered as she walked back to her room with silent confidence.
The floorboards beneath her chambers then began to shudder, causing her yellow birds to jump with fright. But after a brief moment of chaos, a white platform emerged from her shattered wooden floor, inviting the princess to draw closer with its stainless and sterile surface. Looking down at her reflection, the princess glared at the piece of foreign technology, as if cursing its very existence.
A robotic voice then spoke to Ina in a foreign tongue, its words slipping into her ear like a spirit calling from the void, "Eikon recognized. Access Approved. Welcome Isera."
"Now I can-."
"Ina?" A familiar voice called from just outside the room. "Where are you?"
"Salem!" Ina gasped, realizing she was moments away from being caught.
Clutching her fists, the princess swiftly imposed her power on the platform, erasing it from visible reality and repairing the damage it had caused to the room. In but a mere second, Ina had violently altered reality with her flower, causing her to pant from exhaustion. A blue light faded from her eyes as Salem stepped into the room.
"My goodness sister, what was that commotion!" Salem gasped in a genuine tone as she hurried in. "What happened to you!"
"Salem..." Ina sobbed as red tears flowed down from her eyes, her feet struggling to keep her upright. "I..."
Without hesitation, Salem rushed over to her sister, using a piece of cloth from the nearby table to wipe her eyes, their surface still marked by the blue flower. Ina struggled at first to accept the help but eventually gave in to the red mother. From her point of view, she was caught in the most embarrassing position. She was supposed to have all the answers and posses the greatest control. But at that moment she looked like a fool.
"Are you alright?! Did...did the flower do this to you!" Salem panicked, staring at the diamond-shaped marks on Ina's flesh. "I swear...I'll end them sister I promise. I don't know how or why but...they are the enemy. I-."
"I know Salem. It's in our blood to feel that way about them," Ina sighed as Salem placed a hand to her face, gently rubbing the colored marks off her face. "That's no secret anymore."
"I'll stop them. Swear on that."
"Salem?" The princess paused, realizing what her sister was suggesting. "What do you mean?"
"You've sheltered me for long enough. And I thank you for that. But these parasites are tearing us apart without lifting a damn finger. I won't wait for them to make their move. I'm taking action."
"But-."
Ina struggled to find the words in her mind, trembling with fear at the thought of Salem's plan. She had expected this day long ago. The fateful moment Salem would walk her father's path.
"I've already purged this station of the other flowers. But you won't meet that same fate, I promise. Please Ina...give me control of the station. I can save us!"
"Salem...you don't want that," Ina gritted her teeth.
"Of course I don't! But look at you! My own sister is falling apart under the weight of this fucked up world. But not anymore!" Salem screamed. "It ends now!"
"I..."
"Do you deny it?"
Ina stood up and began staring at the ceiling above her. In order to convince Salem, she had to make the ultimate gamble. Only by revealing fragments of the truth could the impending crisis be averted.
"No. I don't."
Salem released a deep sigh, calming her nerves. She felt as if the arguments between her sister were familiar somehow, causing an overwhelming sense of regret. As things stood she could very well afford to take things slower.
"I've wanted this for you Salem. For longer than you know," Ina explained softly, her voice slipping into Salem's mind without even opening her mouth.
"How long?"
"Thousands of years. I'm not just some meek princess Salem. I've had great influence over Lacuna for years now and I...was there."
"When it was first founded?" Salem responded, using her mind to telepathically transfer information to her sister after taking a brief moment to figure it out.
"Yes. And even then, I hoped to one day meet my equal."
"So...that argument we had-."
"Was familiar for a reason yes," Ina interjected with a strangely assertive tone.
"Why then? Why are we...equals and not just sisters?"
"We share more than blood Salem. Our flowers once belonged to our parents. Our father held the red flower and mother...well...you know that story."
"I see," Salem pondered, trying her best to process the information.
Unfortunately for Ina, Salem was a bit slow. She wasn't a great inventor nor was she particularly bright. She was just some harlot from the surface world mere months ago.
"I think...I knew that somehow. Subconsciously I mean."
"Of course, their flowers still hold a part of them."
"So...everything we do is just a repeat of their story?!"
"I...don't know Salem," Ina frowned. "Truly I don't. It is entirely possible we only...feel fragments of them."
"But is it not also possible for us to be a mirrored image? I mean...think about it!"
"I have...and until we meet them, there is no way to be certain."
"All these years," Salem clenched her mechanical fist. "I wanted to know who I was. Was the answer just...staring me in the face?"
"This is what I feared. The realization that how you feel means so much more."
"You know what this means Ina. Please hear me out!" Salem protested. "If this is what Father wanted."
"He isn't here Salem. And while I may feel mother's will inside me, I won't pretend I understand her."
"Then let's find them. Together. I'll take us off this station, free us from this stagnation. I know you've had reasons to stay here, but I'm willing to leave the secrets in the past. We can make a new future."
Salem began walking circles around Ina, pleading her case with true sincerity. Even if she could tell more secrets were being kept from her, it was imperative that the peace be kept with Ina. As long as she still held control over herself, the red flower would not get the last laugh.
"Salem...," Ina whispered.
"This is what you've been waiting for."
Ina clasped her hands together, her limbs quivering with excitement. And after a few more seconds of thought, she finally gave in. As far as she was concerned, Salem's plan had merit. She could successfully evade her sister's desire for truth while simultaneously saving the station.
"It's time Lacuna had a queen," Salem continued.
"Yes, Salem. It is time."
The two sisters then unveiled their flowers, brandishing them in their delicate palms. It was their silent agreement to merge their power in that moment and finalize their agreement. Everything was falling into place for Salem.
But that would be too easy, and *she* hated happy endings.
Suddenly, Salem felt an excruciating pain in her chest as a geyser of blood burst forth. Ina screamed in shock, her eyes fixated on a slim silver blade protruding from her sister's pale body. Both women were completely taken by surprise, unable to comprehend what had just occurred. Turning to face her victim, the red mother collapsed to the floor, her wound too grave for even her flower to resist. Whatever harmed her was beyond anything mere mortals could produce.
"Who-," Salem stammered, clutching the hole in her chest as she began to lose consciousness. "W-why."
"NO! Salem no!" Ina cried out as she clutched Salem in her arms. "Why would you do this!"
Standing before Salem was a strange creature she had never seen before, his orange eyes glaring at her with endless fury. At first - especially with her loss of blood, Salem believed her assailant to be a woman. But after hearing their voice, she came to a sudden realization. Salem had a brother.
"I did what I had to," Ocelot hissed as he wiped the blood off his rapier. "You don't get to question me, not after what I've seen."
"Ocelot!" Ina pleaded as she desperately tried to heal Salem using her blue flower, its light flowing through her blood-soaked hands.
"Silence! I know what you are. What we all are. They're just...USING her! She'll kill us all!"
"She's your sister! How could you do this?!"
As the argument continued, Salem's mind drifted into the void as she began to cough up even more of that familiar red liquid. Never before had she felt so helpless - the red flower having always saved her in the past. Now Ina was all that stood between the red mother and death.
"Get out of the way," Ocelot growled as his eyes began to shimmer. "Let me finish this."
"You'll have to kill me," Ina whimpered like a protective animal, shielding Salem with her arms.
Ocelot then raised his blade, the unsettling truth within his mind forcing him into action. But after a moment of hesitation, he backed off with a snarl. Not even at his lowest could he personally strike down his sister.
"Fine. I'll do it my way," the pale prince shook his head before walking off. "Close every door, lock the palace."
"What?!" Ina gasped, realizing what her brother was about to do. "You can't!"
"I have control now sister," Ocelot frowned, pointing his fingers in the air as a transparent screen appeared before him, its foreign interface identical to the platform Ina had summoned earlier. "You can't stop me."
A robotic voice then called out to Ocelot, as the entire palace began responding to his commands.
"Eikon recognized. Access Approved. Welcome-," the voice stuttered as it began to glitch out. "Beginning quarantine protocol."
"Enable the guards, kill everything that moves."
"Ocelot why?!" Ina continued to plead helplessly, unable to stop her brother as she continued to focus on saving her sister.
"You programmed all this...just for us? Did you really expect the worst?"
"You don't know what you're doing! The honor guards aren't like the other Valekry!"
"I know. You made them without a soul. Very crafty of you. They'll do everything without question."
"I-."
"Your secrets are laid bare. the Ossuary is mine to control. It thinks I'm you. Oh, the irony."
The prince then stormed off, the palace briefly opening its doors for him to pass through as if recognizing his footsteps.
"You should have never made me Ina," the prince spoke in a saddened tone, fully aware of his actions. "That was your only mistake."
Ina did not respond, tears welling up in her eyes as she became locked in her own room. Everything had come crashing down all around her at the last possible second. And even if Salem could be saved, there was no going back.
"It's over," Ina whimpered. "I'm sorry mother. I tried to stop them. I really did."
__________________________________
"What is that?!" Ali stammered as the ground beneath her began to shake.
The doll stood alone in Salem's room, struggling to find her balance as the shelves beside her emptied their contents. Valor was quick to enter the room, confirming Ali was safe before darting off.
"Stay here Ali, something has happened at the palace. I'll soon learn what's going on."
Ali simply nodded in response, too frightened to speak a word. The last time she felt such a rumbling sensation was atop the Strand where she was fatally wounded. Such horrific experiences left a mark on the doll's mind, causing her significant pain upon their recollection.
A great commotion could he heard in the house as Salem's family began preparing themselves for the worst. But as for the tiny doll, all she could do was stand there in disbelief. She wanted to help, but couldn't think of any way to meaningfully contribute.
"Psst! Come here!" A shrill voice called out to the doll beneath her bed.
"Bear Bear!?" Ali gasped as she bent down. "What's going on!"
"It's finally time. There's something you need to see. Close the door!"
"I don't understand," Ali whimpered as she did what the plush instructed.
"Everything has led to this moment. It was inevitable. *They* won't just sit by and let things end peacefully. Alia saw it coming ten miles away."
"Alia? What do you mean?!"
"I believe...after all that's happened," the bear sighed as she tapped the purple bow on her chest with a brown paw. "You deserve to hear it from her."
A holographic image of Alia then began to project from the small plushy, her skin seemingly luscious and brown unlike before. Her attire fit that of an exotic dancer, decorated in jewels and filled with a sense of youthful energy. Ali watched in amazement as the girl she once knew moved about in a purposeful and determined manner.
"Ali, if you're watching this," Alia explained as her image paced around the room. "Then I'm...probably already dead." The girl chuckled, placing a hand against her brown chest.
"The truth is, I never made you for myself," the girl continued as Ali watched pensively. "I'm sure you've already figured much of that out, but you needed to hear it from me. Your abilities and intelligence are not an accident Ali. You are not just a little doll, and you never were."
Bear-Bear began to tremble as she watched, clearly missing her old friend. Had everything not gone the way it did, she would not be so alone. But Bear-Bear knew better than to expect a happy ending when dealing with *her*.
"I designed you to replicate my existence without all the flaws and warts. You were to be given my same affliction but with substantially greater odds in handling it. And as my perfect clone, you were to take over my mission," Alia smiled.
"What mission?" Ali wondered.
"My fight against the black flower."
"Through your guidance and support, Salem could take the first step against the parasites. She too is part of my plan," Alia continued. "But it is not just my plan. Lacuna is a cesspool of schemes and old rivalries, forever repeated by those who do not understand themselves. Nothing is an accident in this world, Ali."
"Salem," Ali pondered. "She is the key?"
"By now I imagine you've formed a bond with the red flower. Your genius and beauty are modeled after me so, that outcome was never in doubt," the girl boasted as she played with her hair. "I spent a fortune building you, using only the most cutting-edge technology. Not even those prideful spirits from the past can say they've done better than me. Perfect hair, smooth skin, a lifelike face, and a working-eh...bodily system are just the surface of what my doll can do. You are one of a kind, and Salem WILL fall for you. I've made sure of it. You are more than appealing. Once you have her trust, you must be there for her Ali. Ensure she stays true to herself, and fights the enemy without losing sight of her true goals."
"Her true goals?"
"I do not claim to fully understand the red flower. But from what I can tell, Salem is fated to walk her bloody path. It is written in her family legacy. Keep her on that path, but refine it when necessary. You don't need specifics or details, my sweet reflection. Have confidence in yourself. You'll know what to do."
"B-but!?" Ali stammered. "I don't know! Help me please!"
"My time is running short Ali," Alia smiled softly as she turned around to face something unseen. "But know this. You are my greatest creation and my proudest achievement. You are better than me. You are smarter than me. And I believe you will fix my mistakes. The concept of right and wrong has always been lost to people like us...but I know you'll figure it out. Good luck, my perfect doll."
The recording then cut out, leaving Ali and Bear-Bear to wallow in silence.
"Alia...," the doll sniffled. "Why did you have to die?"
"It was her affliction. The parasite would inevitably take her. She died ensuring your mission would prevail," Bear-Bear replied in an unusually feminine tone.
"But...what is it? That...thing!"
"I'd rather not speak on that. It is better if you know less. But Alia...she put it inside you."
"What?!" Ali gasped.
"The bringer of death...locked inside a sweet little doll. So far, her plan has succeeded."
"But-."
"We can't stop now!" Bear-Bear jumped, regaining her energy. "We have to continue! Salem needs our help!"
"What do you mean?" Ali sniffled as she tried to compose herself.
"Something bad has happened, just trust me. She's stuck in that palace and only we can sneak in to help."
"What about the others? Surely they want to help as well!" The doll exclaimed.
"And they will! In their own way...but we have our mission, and no matter what, they can't learn the truth behind it. Trust me."
"But how can we reach Salem?"
Just then, Valor burst into the room in a panic, ignoring the conspicuous plushy as he spoke to Ali. At first, the doll was entirely unprepared to speak to her friend, but after considering her options, she found it best to play along. Whatever Bear-Bear had in store for her would have to wait.
"The palace has sealed itself. Salem is in trouble," the brave knight explained. "I fear the worst has come to pass."
"So then it's true," Ali grimaced. "What can we do?"
"We are deciding that now. Come little doll."
Within the main living room, the voices of Salem's family filled the air with panic as they attempted to analyze the situation. They might have been clueless as to what exactly had happened to the red mother, but the sense of finality was undeniable. In their minds, everything had led up to this moment.
"And we just LET her go alone?" Corian complained. "I knew it was a shit idea!"
"If we had accompanied her we would have been trapped as well. Now we can rescue her from a position of strength," Anger explained calmly. "The red flower won't let her die so easily. She IS in danger. But we can save her."
"With what? I've been in that palace it's crawling with those...statues."
"Korus mentioned the honor guards were formidable foes," Valor agreed as Ali tip-toed behind him. "But seeing as I cannot contact Korus within the palace, perhaps it was indeed better for us to have avoided the trap."
"Then we shall summon our armies. Use Salem's allies. They have only been waiting for her word," Anger commanded. "It's what she wants."
"So what? All out war?" The young knight sighed. "I thought we were trying to avoid this."
"Have a better idea? Whatever happened to Salem in there was inevitable," Sorrow chimed in. "She refused to fight her sister unless forced to, and now our hand has been played for us. Salem did everything she could. There is no fault to be assigned. Let us do what we can."
"What do you think Ali?" Regret gestured towards the doll. "Your opinion matters too."
"I...," Ali stammered. "Salem needs our help. We can't stay here."
"Then war it shall be," Corian nodded. "Who's got Redrix's number."
___________________________________
Within the sealed palace, Korus ran about widely in search of Ina, his mind bewildered by the current state of events. After stumbling upon the prince, Korus's voice boomed through the winding halls. His feet stomped the earth with considerable anger as he let it known to all how unsettled he had become.
"What has happened? Tell me!" Korus demanded. "One minute I have Redrix speaking to me of treason, and the next this palace has fallen into chaos!"
"I have activated the emergency lockdown Ina programmed. The honor guards will fight to the death to keep any unauthorized personnel from the perimeter," Ocelot explained calmly. "I'd tell your friends to stay away. You have no idea how many of these slaves she's created."
"How could you do this? Ocelot!" The white knight held out his arms. "Have you betrayed your sister?!"
"She betrayed herself. Salem was about to seize control of the station under Ina's watch. I couldn't let that happen."
"That's not your call to make!"
"Oh, but it is. I've seen the truth," the prince whispered, his lifeless eyes staring into Korus's soul. "This palace is under my control now. Only you and Ina are permitted to be here. The rest will be killed."
Korus then drew his sword, pointing it at Ocelot with a threatening glare.
"You will release your sister, wherever you have imprisoned her."
"She's fine Korus. You hardly have time to play hero now, Salem's allies are likely already on their way."
"What?" Korus gasped. "Redrix spoke the truth?"
"Better hurry unless you WANT this war," Ocelot snarled.
In Korus's mind, everything was falling apart. His own brother - who had not spoken to him in ages, had warned him of a coming war that could still be avoided. And now with Ocelot's betrayal, the impending violence was all about inevitable. He feared the worst for the Valekry, knowing full well their condition would be worsened by battle.
"One day, you will regret your decision," Korus shook his head as hurried off in the direction of Ina.
Before the silver knight stood a series of large metal doors covered in red lights, their shiny surface clashing with the old grounds of the palace. Never before had he even seen the so-called emergency function of the palace, leaving him momentarily confused. But nothing could stop Korus from reaching his princess, and before long he began clawing his way through the metal barriers like a furious animal.
"Yes, very good," Ocelot whispered to himself as he turned away. "Give everything to her. I'll handle the rest."
After punching his way through the last door in his path, Korus came across Ina's dusty room, its floor covered in blood. At first, he was too furious to notice the calamity that had taken hold there, but as he turned the corner everything became clear. Even a battle-hardened knight was stunned to see Salem in her dire state.
"By the gods," Korus lamented as he knelt beside Ina, her pale hands still cradling her sister. "Did he do this?"
"That doesn't matter now," Ina whispered. "She's dying, I must stay here."
"Is your power insufficient?"
"For now. Ocelot knew this would be the perfect diversion. Please, you have to stop him."
"Ina, this place will be a warzone soon," Salem's allies are already on their way. "Redrix warned me to surrender," Korus attempted to explain as he cut a piece of Ina's blanket to cover the wound on Salem's chest. "It can't be avoided."
"What?!" Ina gasped. "But...if they get in. Ocelot will make up his mind. He won't hesitate."
"Hesitate to do what?" Korus motioned.
"That doesn't matter now! Stop them Korus, don't let them get inside the inner chamber."
"I..."
"You know what it is. If they get too close to Ocelot, he WILL engage the descent protocol," Ina commanded in a serious tone. "Every mistake I've ever made has led up to this. Please, do whatever you have to. Lead the honor guards, make peace with Salem's allies, and let us solve this."
Before turning to leave, Korus whispered one last word to Ina, "We were not a mistake, O creator mine."
___________________
A great humming enveloped Alia's mansion as a large ship descended onto her garden - their levitating engines causing the leaves and flowers to be tossed aside. One after another, several more ships emerged beyond the horizon, their shapes growing larger and larger with each new arrival. It was a great gathering of warships, all united for one singular purpose. Salem's allies were rallying.
"Fifth fleet reporting in, all units accounted for," Redrix spoke calmly as he stared out of the main viewing deck aboard his ship. "Whatever has happened to Salem won't matter now. If she's alive, we WILL get her back. The princess is a fool if she thinks a gambit like this will prevail.
As the tall shipmaster spoke, several young Valekry entered the room, their bright lights each reflecting some unique fragment of Salem. Just to be safe, the newborn model would be left behind along with the discreet knight whose existence was still something of a closely guarded secret. Without Corian to guide them, it would be up to Valor and Anger to direct the family. It was then a good thing they finally agreed on something.
"So then, did your mother expect this?" Redrix asked as he crossed his arms. "You must have been privy to her plans considering you were part of them."
"Yes," Anger replied confidently as he looked up at the older machine. "This was her failsafe."
"That includes the Tella," Valor added. "Like it or not, but she made allies with them as well."
"I see," Redrix groaned. "Have you already contacted Iris?"
"I believe she is expecting YOU to do the honors," Valor shrugged.
"Of course she is..."
As Salem's armada continued to assemble, Ali found herself waiting anxiously for a chance to slip away. Yet every moment she lingered provided yet another new opportunity for the small doll - her presence aboard the shipmaster's vessel had become a topic of interest. It wasn't much of a surprise then when Ali became involved in a strange dispute upon the Tella's arrival.
The epicenter of the great meeting was to take place aboard Redrix's own command ship, mostly due to its superior durability. Once their ships were docked, even the fragile Tella could rest easy knowing they were safe from whatever lay ahead. Of course, there was no certainty that even having the likes of Iris there in the first place would be useful, but as things stood, it was the perfect chance for Salem's so-called servants to prove their loyalty.
Upon reaching the summit, Iris's entire entourage was enamored to see Ali up close, their slim eyes making sure to examine every inch of her body in great detail. The Vakekry on the other hand seemed strangely accepting of Ali's presence, welcoming her as one of their own with little hesitation. It was almost as if the machines expected a doll like her to be made long ago.
"Well well, look what we have here," Iris chuckled to herself as she stepped off the ramp of her sleek vessel, motioning towards the group of Valekry as if she were a queen aboard their ship. "Salem really should have just bargained with you and made the whole thing easier."
"She needs our help," Ali pleaded as she stepped forward, her small frame surrounded by the high-ranking machines aboard Redrix's ship. "Please."
"Don't worry, I'm no oath breaker. We'll do our part to help."
"And what exactly will you do?" Redrix interrupted as he stared at a holographic display of Lacuna's palace near the center of the room. "You can't talk your way through these defenses."
"Yes yes, I'm well aware of Ina's little security measures. I can't do much about the doors or the Honor guards now that it's under full lockdown...but that pesky little shield is light work."
"Shield?" Redrix paused, tapping his metallic finger against the table that projected the palace's image. "I have never heard of this."
"Yes, there is a hidden dome surrounding the palace. I penetrated it during the night of silver tears. You're welcome by the way," Iris smirked confidently, as if proud of her genocidal achievement.
"Then you can disable this shield for us," Redrix nodded. "And we shall take it from there."
"You boys always did do the heavy lifting. But I'm afraid the mechanism to get us in is rather...expensive."
"You need materials?" Redrix shrugged.
"That's-...not what she means," Ali sighed. "Iris wants me in return for her aid."
"Look who's all bright and savvy," Iris giggled with delight. "With Salem gone, who's to say we can't have a little fun before you become royalty?"
"Absolutely not!" Valor interjected as he stepped in front of Ali, shielding her with his arm. "That was not the deal you made with Salem!"
"My deal with her involved precisely this. Only...she's not here to uphold it. The doll will suffice."
"Touch her and you die," Sorrow hissed as she too stepped in front of Ali.
As she became surrounded by her allies, the doll became rather confused as to what she should do next. Ali had no desire to lay with another and yet, reaching Salem was of the utmost importance. And for a brief moment, she began to genuinely consider appeasing Iris before something unexpected blocked her path.
"No," Redrix growled as he brushed past Regret who had also come to Ali's defense. "No one else will suffer your filth."
"Oh?" Iris chortled. "Feeling guilt for what you did?"
"My only mistake was not killing you years ago. Touch the doll and you die bitch."
Iris seemed genuinely perplexed for a moment, as if not expecting her once loyal servant to insult her. But after realizing there wasn't much else to be done, she released a half-hearted shrug before rolling her eyes. Without a single word, she had made it clear Ali was off the menu.
"Now then," Ali spoke softly. "About Salem."
"We begin preparations now," Redrix boomed as he slammed a button under the table.
An ear-piercing alarm then sounded throughout the ship, causing the entire crew to spring into action. In but a few moments, the Valekry had already begun amassing munitions and weapons for the battle ahead, preparing themselves at every station. Ali was amazed to watch the process unfold, her purple eyes widened as she stared out the main viewing port into the hanger below.
"Well, guess even I have to suit up," Iris sighed. "Come on ladies, we can't let the Valekry do EVERYTHING now can we? Salem will be our queen, and the Tella WILL sit at her side."
For the first time in their species' history, both the Lotasi and the Valekry took up arms together, amassing their forces in the central hanger bay, its smooth surface covered in red lights akin to what Salem had encountered the day she wandered into Glacia. The tall machines unveiled several long rifles and spears from various corners of the room, gathering a stash that had up until that moment, been hidden from Iris within the walls of the ship. The Tella on the other hand preferred to use what was already on their bodies, abandoning their docked ship in favor of several small gadgets disguised as jewelry. With but a tap of the finger, their silver trinkets unfolded into both armor and weaponry, fitted perfectly onto their feminine frames like a skintight glove.
"You will enter unseen I imagine," a tall Valekry spoke as it approached Iris, its appearance identical to the hundreds of models around it.
"Someone has to reach her," Iris replied with little care in her tone, not bothering to face the machine. "You get to have all the fun."
"Is the rush of battle not preferred?"
"Not all of us are ticking time bombs of relentless destruction. Or did you really think we wouldn't notice?"
"We...would rather not speak of it," the Valekry turned away.
"A machine feeling shame?!" Iris laughed. "Don't bother. We made you this way for a reason. Keeps you...nice and sharp. Useful tools are better than blunt sticks, even if they're a bit hazardous."
"And what about you?" The red machine pointed at Ali with a gentler tone in its voice. "Will you follow the path of the creators, or are you the sharpened tool like us."
Ali smiled in response as she approached the Valekry directly, "I'm afraid I'm not quite qualified for either dear friend, I can only wish you luck from the sidelines. Finding my own purpose has always been quite a struggle. Please be safe out there."
The doll then reached inside her purse before unveiling a heart-shaped cookie, and much to the Valekry's surprise, she handed the object over with a giggle.
"You...choose to do this?" The machine pondered as it stared at the treat with curiosity.
"Yes. It's a token of sentiment. There are many things we can do in pursuit of our goals, programmed as they may be," Ali nodded. "I hope you return to find out what else you are capable of."
"You are a strange one little doll. Yet still I can see you are one of us," the machine muttered as it accepted the gift, holding it in one hand like it were genuinely useful. "I hope you find your purpose."
"I believe I have," the doll smiled once more. "How about we go save her."
Behind the doll stood the rest of her family - hurriedly preparing in their own ways. They knew whatever came next was something they had never quite prepared for. But seeing the timid doll become so confident was something of an encouragement.
"She grew so fast," Valor sighed as he looked at Sorrow and Regret with approval. "All of you did."
"Corian follows close behind," Anger interrupted. "He awaits our move."
"Then stay with Redrix. Do what needs to be done."
"I only hope you actually mean that," Anger huffed.
____________________
As the fleet drew closer to the center of Lacuna, an unusual silence swept over the city. At any moment, a conflict of a scale previously unheard of could erupt. But for the time being, nothing had yet occurred. Redrix and Salem's family crowded around a table to strategize while Ali slunk away to the back of the room, still eager to sneak her way out toward Salem.
"We will insert pods directly onto the fountain and create a breach, from there the guards will be forced to assault our position and give room for the Tella to slip in," Redrix explained as Ali tip-toed behind him, his voice becoming calmer as the group nodded in response to his advice. "If the worst comes to pass we will glass the courtyard, so you who belong to Salem's family might want to fight your way inside."
"Now what?" Ali whispered into her purse as a plushy bear climbed out. "No one is watching."
"Just give me a moment, I can provide a way out," the plushy whispered as she fell to the ground. "Just gotta stretch."
"But...how?!" Ali stammered. "We are too high up to just leave!"
"I...am not just your plushy friend Ali," Bear-Bear looked down in shame. "I lied to you...I can do so much more."
"Huh?" The doll tilted her head. "What do you mean-."
With a flash of light, the plushie's body suddenly became enveloped in orange scales as it morphed into a new shape, appearing before the doll as a winged creature. Ali looked on with amazement, witnessing a power she had never dreamed of before. Using her new form Bear-Bear then flapped her way through the amassing group of Valekry with a chirp.
"Come on!" The bat-like creature squeaked. "While we have the chance!"
"Bear-Bear I-," Ali stammered.
"No time to think about that! I can cover your movement so the others do not see. Hurry!"
The doll then scampered her way out towards the edge of the hanger, her image shrouded by what appeared to be an illusion emanating from her friend's wings. She had imagined the trek to the palace would be a long and arduous journey, but after brushing her hand against the energy field between the ship and the naked air, Bear-Bear came to a screeching halt. The strange creature wasn't quite done revealing her secrets.
"Here...climb on," Ali's friend explained as it transformed into a much larger creature akin to an eagle. "We'll get there in no time."
"If you aren't really a bear, what do I call you?" Ali tilted her head with confusion, aimlessly following the creature's commands as she climbed atop its feathery back.
"My true name is Keira," the creature responded. "That is what Alia knew me as."
"Keira...what a pretty name," Ali smiled softly. "Now then...we have a job to do."
"Yes. Just as we planned."
Keira then jumped through the hanger's energy field with ease, gliding towards the center palace with near-fantastical speed as Ali clung on for dear life. By the time Valor turned around the doll had already been long gone. Realizing what had happened, he turned to Redrix with a panicked stare.
"Ali has made the first move," Valor explained hurriedly. "She will reach Salem alive, I have no doubt in my mind."
"She is full of surprises then," Redrix nodded. "Prep the drop-pods, we are done planning."
_______________________________
Deep within Ina's chambers, Salem's lifeless body began to twitch as some semblance of life returned to it. The healing process wasn't easy for the princess of Lacuna, but after hours of her best efforts, it seemed her sister would live. With one crisis averted, she finally had the chance to attend to the rest.
"I-Ina...," Salem groaned as her eyes began to slowly open. "Are you...okay?"
"I'm fine Salem," Ina sighed with relief, lifting Salem's head off the ground after realizing the red mother still lacked the strength to move. "You should really worry about yourself."
"There was...are you sure you're alright? I sensed danger and pain, Ina, I have to protect-."
"Really Salem, everything is alright with me. No need to get all heroic with me."
"Good," Salem groaned. "I can't lose you too."
"What do you mean?" Ina frowned.
"So the attacker...," the red mother ignored the question. "Are they still a threat?"
"It was...someone close to me. A betrayal. They are still at large yes."
Salem hesitated before speaking, her lips barely moving, "Why didn't you tell me you had a brother Ina."
"I..."
"I thought you trusted me."
"He preferred to stay hidden."
"And did you tell him? About all this?" Salem continued to speak in a sour tone, her mind filled with visions of betrayal.
"It doesn't matter anymore. He knows everything now."
"Then help me stop him."
"And learn what he knows? You will heal Salem, I've left a great portion of my strength with you, let me handle my own mistake," Ina sighed, manifesting a blue petal in her hands before letting it rest in Salem's hair.
"We...aren't your mistake," the red mother pleaded as her sister stood up. "Don't go."
"I'm sorry Salem. If I were less of a fool it would not come to this. When you are well, this kingdom will be waiting for you."
Ina then looked at her sister one last time, and after a breath, she stormed out of the room. If there was to be any hope of averting crisis she had to stop at least one of her siblings. But in the end, she knew the fault was her own.
"I'm sorry Salem," Ina spoke to herself as she walked through the empty hallways with renewed focus. "I thought that if one day, you would learn of all this, it would be on better terms."
The princess shifted her route to be different from that of Korus's, knowing full well where Ocelot had run off to. Upon encountering a sealed door she merely flicked her wrist - summoning a portal that led through the other end so that no force would be necessary, the blue flower within her fully activated. Nothing would stop Ina on her path to face reality.
In the meantime, Salem lay alone in her sister's room, still too wounded to move a muscle. If the blue flower hadn't been there to heal her, she would most certainly be dead. But without any means of fully recovering, she was helpless. Slipping into yet another stupor, the red mother's mind drifted off into someplace she could not recognize.
Before she could even comprehend what had happened, Salem awoke with a gasp as she stared out into the red void of her own soul, "You-."
The flower was calling out to Salem, pulling her far deeper into the immaterial world than she had ever been. And yet she soon realized she was no longer encountering a reflection of herself. On the verge of death, with Ina's power seeping into her body, the red mother had gained new insight.
"You see it now," a smooth robotic voice spoke to her, its slim frame standing in an endless red pool of liquid. "The unity of love and malice. That is your legacy."
"I-...who are you?" Salem muttered as she attempted to get a better look at the figure, his body mostly concealed in a white cloak.
"I am...what you would call a father."
"But you're..."
"No different than me," the machine explained as it stepped closer to Salem. "My name is Ceris. I am...or once was...the embodiment of the red flower."
From what little Salem could see, Ceris was a skeletal machine more advanced than anything she had ever seen, with a delicate frame of silver and steel surrounding its red eyes. In a way, he appeared almost human, yet entirely alien at the same time. But without a shadow of a doubt, Salem could recognize him as family.
"But...what of mother?!" Salem gasped. "Is she-."
"An organic life form native to the destroyed world of lumen. She was the last of her kind, and she chose to be with me. Together we created life," Ceris explained calmly, almost as if he had been expecting this conversation long ago."
"But...how is she?!" The red mother began to panic. "Is she even alive? Why hasn't she found me!"
"Unknown. This fragment contains little of the original's data and personality matrix."
"How are you even talking to me? Where are you? I have so many questions!"
"And I will answer them as well as I can. But this form you see before you...is not the Ceris you would find in the present reality. I am a fragment placed here long ago by your father to...help alleviate your concerns once you were ready."
"Ready?! I needed you thousands of years ago!"
"And I apologize. If the present Ceris were here, I'm sure he could elaborate. But the circumstances of my creation were...difficult."
"Explain," Salem hissed as a single strand of her white hair turned red.
"I was created by a primordial race known as the Flora to fight the parasite we call the Black Flower. It is this same parasite that spurned the galaxy and brought forth the events that led to your mother and I...bonding, creating you. But inevitably, through methods I have not been allowed to reveal, the parasite prevailed, leading to the rushed and chaotic nature of this fragment's creation."
"So my childhood...was lost?"
"Most likely yes. Tell me, what is the status of the galaxy in your time?"
"From every egghead I've ever talked to...there's nothing out there."
"Once, it was teeming with life. Planets, stars, and entire solar systems stretched across the known universe."
"Corian told me enough. That...thing killed it all."
"This is the reason behind the red flower."
"Then...I'm sorry for blaming you father," Salem looked down at her own reflection. "I know this isn't really you but...I'd like to think you tried your best."
"And now it is time for you to take up that same mantle."
"The red flower?"
"Yes. The power of malice has been bequeathed to you. Ceris's chosen daughter."
"Thank you."
"Well," the machine hesitated, breaking character if only for a moment. "I always wanted to raise a child. But we are machines of war Salem. That is our purpose."
"Right," Salem nodded in approval as if all her beliefs had been reaffirmed. "I understand. And what of the blue flower?"
"I believe you already know the answer to that question, given you have encountered its strength twice already. I recommend asking its current wielder as to the whereabouts of your mother."
"And if she even cares about me," Salem scoffed. "I'm sorry to say but your daughter is quite the failure. I'm lying on my own deathbed after getting duped once again. I can't stop the other flowers. Hell, I don't even know what they are! I just...know they're pulling the strings. I have to stop them!"
"You are the red flower Salem. A unique creation separate from the other tools."
"Tools?"
"Data on this manner is limited, but even in my time, I believed the flowers were a link to my enemy. Trust your instincts. That is what your father wants from you. It is not my intention to shower you with truths you cannot comprehend."
"Right...so everything I've felt up until this moment. My visions..."
"You are the red flower. A collective program designed to combat the parasite. Your path has always been clear."
"But then...what do I do now? I can't even find Ina like this!"
"All I can do is wish you luck, daughter. Your existence...was not a mistake. Nor an accident. You were made for a reason."
Salem then began to slip back into reality, reaching out for the fragment of her father's past. She knew he was the last link to her past, and without the location of his present form, there was no chance of finding more aid. But try as she might there was little to be done.
"Ceris!" Salem screamed, her eyes opening to the dusty confines of Ina's room. "Wait!"
But as all hope seemed lost, a stubby creature suddenly appeared in front of the red mother, its fuzzy hands pointing at her with excitement. At that same moment, the entire palace began to shake as a gust of wind rattled the open room. From what little Salem could hear, she could detect the sound of gunfire and battle from just outside her prison. The battle had begun.
"She's here!" Bear-Bear cheered. "And not a moment too late!"
________________________________
Far outside the palace, Ali stood waiting patiently in the neon-lit streets of Lacuna, trying her best not to panic as the now-distant Valekry fleet began to open fire. Around her gathered a large collection of Tella who seemed equally alarmed, their minds failing to register the strange doll standing beside them. At that moment, all the women of Lacuna held their breath, waiting anxiously to see what kind of fate the station would meet next. But Ali had more important things to worry about.
Just a few moments ago her little friend had disappeared beneath what she called a "man-hole", which was a concept the doll had never heard of before. But just before her concerns could well up, Bear-Bear appeared once more from the small cylindrical hole, waving her brown arms with gleeful excitement.
"Come on! The path is clear!" Bear-Bear cheered.
"Y-you reached her? But how? That was mere minutes ago!" Ali gasped.
"I'm fast when I'm small, but you'll be a whole lot slower. I've seen the way forward for you, Let's get going!
"Where you always this crafty Bear-Bear?" Ali questioned as she climbed down into the hole.
"Back in my day, I was the best sneaky sneak in the universe," the plushy bragged. "I could dupe both Gods and Demons with my little tricks."
"Is climbing through a vent really a trick?"
"Oldest one in the book, no matter how suspicious it makes you look."
As the bear continued to yap on about her knowledge, Ali found herself enveloped in cramped darkness as she shuffled her way through what appeared to be a system of old vents. At first, it seemed unusual for vents to exist beneath the surface level, but after further thought, Ali came to the conclusion that she was in fact closer to the top of Lacuna's buried rafters. Using these forgotten tunnels her little friend could easily guide her towards the palace without much hassle.
"Ooh, watch your head on that one," the bear giggled as Ali bonked her head against a metal pipe. "It's a bit narrow even for one as small as you."
"I can see that," Ali whimpered. "Are you sure no one will see us coming?"
"Oh of course they would. If they could."
"They can't?"
"Not with me here no. Consider it another little gift from your pal Bear-Bear. My mere prescience evokes stealth."
"But Corian said he was able to sneak around here too."
"And you seriously don't think Ina noticed? She's just sweet like that, now come on."
For what felt like hours, Ali crawled along the tight spaces of Lacuna's hidden passage, her feelings of exhaustion matched only by her desire to reach Salem. Bear-Bear on the other hand seemed rather amused, as if seconds had passed for her. Even as several explosions rocked the space near the pair, Bear-Bear seemed confident in her work. Ali took notice of this and tried her best to focus as well, knowing full well her partner wasn't exactly a fool. But as she drew closer to the palace the doll's hands slid across something wet, the floor around her beginning to feel much colder.
"Relax honey, it hasn't been long at all thanks to me. We're almost there," Bear-Bear whispered. "Just start climbing upwards."
Despite what her friend had told her, Ali felt immense confusion as she continued to crawl forward. Her once dark and dusty path all of a sudden transformed into a pale white surface with blue lights. It was as if, for a moment, she had stepped into another station entirely.
"These aren't the same vents," Ali muttered to herself. "The palace is built on a different foundation."
"Ugh tell me about it," Bear-Bear shrugged. "Never wanted to see this stuff again."
But before the doll could ask for clarification, she once again bumped her head against the ceiling, this time nearly breaking through as a result.
"A wooden floorboard?" Ali winced. "Does that mean-?"
The doll then gasped as she looked through the cracks of the floorboard, her eyes fixated on what appeared to be a pale woman lying on a large bed.
"Salem!" The doll gasped, realizing what kind of peril her partner had ended up in. "Hold on!"
"Wait!" Bear-Bear stammered. "Don't just crash through! What about the sneaky tricks I just taught you?!"
But the plush spoke too late as Ali clawed her way up towards Salem. In a surprising display of strength, she pushed past every last obstacle and practically threw herself at the red mother. And after confirming her partner was in fact not deceased, the doll then took a deep sigh of relief.
"She's not gone yet. There's time," Ali smiled. "I'm here Salem."
"Cool!" Bear-Bear huffed sarcastically as she began throwing a fit across the room. "Don't even thank me! Just wait over there for sleeping beauty to finish with the dramatics!"
Salem's vision faded in and out of reality, her mind warped by her flower's weakened state. She had never quite realized how dependent she was on its power, nor was she aware how effective one parasite would be against the other. But as she began to grasp reality once more, a sense of confusion swept over her.
"Did that bear just move?" Salem muttered to herself.
The outline of a pale doll then came into view, causing the red mother to shut her eyes once more as if trying to shut out an illusion. But after a pair of soft hands began ceasing her face, Salem finally accepted her surroundings.
"Hold still Salem," Ali spoke with confidence in her voice. "I'm here for you."
A warm feeling then washed over Salem, her flesh brimming with new life. Whatever the doll was doing worked to great effect, causing the red mother's words to finally escape her mouth more clearly.
"Ali?!" Salem gasped with renewed energy. "How...how did you get here?!"
"Please be still, don't worry about all that," Ali explained as her hands hovered above her partner's chest, a sickly black glow emanating from them as she spoke.
"It's not safe here little doll!" The red mother lamented. "You shouldn't have come!"
"I'll be fine Salem. I've finally realized my true purpose. And with Keira at my side, you won't have to worry about me."
"Who? And why is that little toy of yours moving?!" Salem complained, clawing her way off the bed, her elbows struggling to support her all the while.
"Oh? This is Bear-Bear, same as ever. I thought I told you about her," Ali smiled softly as she pressed Salem back down onto the bed. "Now please hold still."
"I...I'm just glad you're here."
"Always Salem," the pale doll smiled as a mechanical hand caressed her face. "It's what I was made for."
"I thought it was a childish joke," the red mother chuckled, loosening her stiff attitude as she began to truly appreciate Ali's presence. "Your toy can move?"
"She's my friend. And thanks to her I can help."
Salem stared at the doll for a long while before releasing an unusually tender smile. At that moment, she had placed all her trust in Ali, letting go of what little reservations remained. She had accepted the doll's role in her journey to resist fate and was grateful to have her assistance.
"My children...are they-."
"Fighting to reach you at this very moment."
"I should be helping them."
"They could not walk the same path as Keira, but rest assured, they will find you. You raised them well. Take your time Salem, move only when you are ready. And when the time is right, I have faith you can fix all of this."
"Thank you, Ali," Salem breathed deeply. "For all of this."
"And me too!" Bear-Bear squeaked as she climbed atop Ali's shoulder. "It was hard work getting in here!"
"Don't mind her," Ali sighed as Salem produced an annoyed expression. "Bear-Bear can be a little sassy."
"A little?!" The plushy continued. "Honey if I wasn't so damn good at venting through these stupid alien hallways, we'd be screwed! A little gratitude from time to time would make me a lot less sassy you know."
"Thank you too little bear," Salem groaned as she picked herself up. "Both of you have done so much for me."
"Are you sure you'll be alright?" Ali stammered.
"That...prince stabbed me in the back. Guess he must have a flower as well, no way it would have injured me so badly otherwise. But I should be alright after...whatever you did."
"Salem," the doll grimaced for just a moment. "My power...-"
"Can be answered later. I'm tired of mysteries and riddles, I've got a little brat to find," Salem waved Ali away, clearly too groggy to notice the strange power that had rejuvenated her.
"Salem the palace is in chaos," Ali tried her best to slow down and explain. "Just listen for a moment!"
"I know Ali. I do. Everything Ina feels I...-"
"So you do know what is at stake."
"First I have to find her through all this madness. My brother may have locked the palace down but it won't stop us."
"What if Ina doesn't listen to you?"
"She will. I know she will. We can do this together, as we always should have."
"But Salem-."
"There has to be a reason she didn't tell me about Ocelot. If not I...I don't know what to do."
"All the other flowers..."
"No. This will be different. I can't just be some killer. I won't fight her. She WILL explain what she has done Ali. Mark my words."
Salem then gently pushed the doll aside before standing on her own two feet. Before Ali could even speak a word, she was silenced by the red mother's determined gaze, the energy behind its crimson glow speaking volumes. Salem was rather fed up playing games.
"I recognize the potency of your abilities," the red mother gestured towards' Bear-Bear in a respectful tone just before leaving the room. "Keep her safe."