Cherry slowly stirred from her slumber. She opened her eyes and saw her sister's lap. She noted a little wet spot on Ivy`s lap. She wiped her mouth and rubbed her eyes. She looked up at her older sister.
Ivy opened her eyes. She felt something moving and she saw Cherry. "Good morning Cherry," Ivy said.
Cherry smiled. "Good Morning," she responded. They looked around and saw Emeraude and Rubis fast asleep. Cherry added, "We should make them breakfast."
Ivy nodded. "Yeah, let's see what we can find in the kitchen," she replied. She wanted to make sure they were being useful.
They got up and made their way to the kitchen, their bare feet padding softly against the cold tiles. Ivy opened the cupboard and frowned. "There's nothing here," she said, turning to Cherry. Ivy opened another cupboard and saw there was nothing.
Cherry's face fell. "Nothing? What are we going to make for them?" she asked.
Ivy thought for a moment, then a determined look crossed her face. "There is a pool of water which means we can get fish. Also, we can follow the river down to fina a town and buy some food," Ivy responded. "Princess Vivi gave us some gold," she added.
Cherry's eyes lit up and nodded. "That is a good idea," she replied.
Ivy smiled and took Cherry's hand. "Come on, let's go," Ivy remarked. They both wore their shoes and slowly walked towards the elevator at the start of the floor. They saw BM with her eyes closed. One of the tanks of purple liquid was almost drained.
"Let's go," Ivy said as they got to the lift. Cherry tilted her head curiously. "Ivy, how does this lift work again?" she asked.
Ivy remembered that BM pressed a button. She saw it and pressed the button. They watched the doors slide open. "That worked," she remarked. She pressed another button inside the lift.
The elevator jolted to life, and Cherry giggled at the sensation. "This is fun!" she commented.
Ivy smiled, seeing Cherry happy. They got to the top and the doors opened. Ivy noticed a strange, metallic smell growing stronger
The doors slid open. "Let's go and get them breakfast," Cherry said. Ivy nodded. They started walking in the cave when suddenly Ivy's heart stopped. In front of them were several bodies, sprawled across the floor, unmoving. The color drained from Ivy's face, and she quickly covered Cherry's nose and eyes with her hand.
"Cherry, don't look," Ivy whispered, her voice shaking.
"Why? What's wrong?" Cherry asked, her voice muffled by Ivy's hand. She thought Emeraude did the same thing yesterday when they walked.
"Just keep your eyes closed," Ivy insisted, guiding her sister out of the cave. The sight and smell of the bodies made Ivy's stomach churn. However she had seen death before. She fought the urge to vomit.
They stepped outside, the fresh air a stark contrast to the horror Ivy had just witnessed. The bodies had cut and open wounds. It looked like some were missing organs. Ivy took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Cherry peeked up at her, worry etched on her young face.
"Ivy, I know there was something bad there," Cherry replied. "I am not a little kid," she said.
Ivy knelt down, her hands still trembling. "I know, Cherry. You are mature and smart but that was too much," Ivy replied. Her face looked a little green.
Cherry nodded, her small hand gripping Ivy's tightly. "I am sorry," Cherry apologized.
"It's fine," Ivy responded. She looked at the sun. "Let's go and get them breakfast," she added. Cherry nodded.
As they were about to walk off, suddenly a group of dozen wearing purple suits, red afros, and white masks approached them. They had machetes which had stains of blood. Their clothes were dirty.
Cherry looked nervous. She held Ivy`s hand. Ivy was scared. The men approached them. They started to laugh. Ivy was about to walk on side when a man blocked them. She saw the white mask. It had a smile on their face. The red afro looked creepy. She took a step back. Another man blocked their path. He was wearing the same thing.
"Let us go," Ivy said. She was terrified. They had a bad vibe coming from them. The men grabbed Ivy`s hand. She panicked.
"Let my sis go," Cherry shouted.
Another man wearing a purple suit, white mask and red afro grabbed Cherry and picked her up. "Cherry," Ivy said as the man pushed her down. The man smiled. His machete raised in the sky. Ivy thought it was over for again.
"Ivy," Cherry cried. She had tears in her eyes. She thought they found something, somewhere they could be together.
At that moment, a woman with long slender legs wearing black heels descended. She had a thin black tail with a heart at the end. She wore black shorts that went above her knees. Near to her hips, two small black wings were seen on each side. She was wearing a black transparent shirt showing her black bra. Her face looked like Vivi`s. She had large eyes and a big smile on her face. Her hair was neatly done. She also had two small twin horns.
She kicked one of the men wearing a red afro who was holding Cherry. Cherry went into the air and was caught by the women in her arms. Cherry looked at the stranger. "Princess Vivi," she remarked.
"I am A.S.S NT, not Vivi," NT replied firmly.
Cherry looked confused. Ivy saw that Cherry was safe. She saw the wings. Ivy screamed, "Please, save my sister!"
The man raised his blade, preparing to strike. Ivy's heart pounded as she realized it was too late for her, but at least Cherry would have a chance to live.
"Ivy!" Cherry cried out, tears streaming down her face.
As the blade swung down, Ivy closed her eyes, bracing herself. Her last thought was a silent plea for Cherry's safety.