Cinia Pacifica Posts

Time is ticking, with but a few days left till the submission deadline, I hope those of you planning to storm the contest at the last moment are preparing well.

Just don't forget to submit not a second after the deadline, but before it.

Once again, good luck to all the participants.

beary phunny

Hope you get fucking killed, Imagin-whatever.

i claim Hoshimiya Ichigo from Aikatsu!

is way better than mr attentionwhore

butthurt is showing

prolly should stab himself or something

Kancolle girl.

I think.

Not so much into Miku, but what's free is free I guess.

It's funny how I like how the onahole looks but not the character herself.

Plebeian.

i wonder what he is a vanguard against

(This is a Joint Post Starring: TheLoneGentleman and Cinia Pacifica.)

Leona, Krieg, and Louise returned to the camp near the border of Origin’s territory. Krieg had a wrathful look upon his face, but he looked at no one, and kept his focus forward. Hector who was right behind him glanced at Louise who was at the side of the Queen.

“That was a rather interesting treaty signing,” said Hector. “You sure know how to get your way.” Louise only glanced at him in return. A tall brown-haired knight with some stubble about his chin. His armor was rather ornate. White with gold trim. The sword on his back just as flashy.

“Flattery won’t get you anywhere,” Louise replied curtly, flashing a charming smile brimming with her everlasting confident, as always. It was as if her little †˜scene’ with Edile was a lie as she was perfectly calm and collected now.

“In this life it has gotten me everywhere,” answered Hector. Veldin grimaced as Hector kept talking. He hated the sound of that man’s voice. Hector noticed this, but paid him no true attention. ”Will you be traveling with us now, High Priestess?”

“You must be quite the talker then,” Louise chuckled, playing along. She wondered what kind of low-class ladies he had tastes for. “Mn, I shall be accompanying for the duration of the war, I suppose. Changes to plans are possible, however, so I cannot guarantee it for certain.”

“I see, talk of you has you all over the country. A busy woman indeed,” replied Hector. “But where are my manners. Sir Hector Kevlin, at your service.”

“High Priestess – Louise Marguerite,” Louise replied, naming herself and her title. “But then, I suppose you knew that much.”

“A pleasure, now we just have to make this treaty work long enough to see Cain taken down. I will do my part, but I can’t say I trust Arkasia to do the same.” said Hector.

So that’s indeed what this is about, Louise smiled, having her doubts confirmed.

“I wonder about that,” Louise stated without taking a moment to consider further, despite having her head cut off, she could say the same for Krieg’s side, too. In all honesty, this treaty was already shaking in its boots. However, what they didn’t know what that they were punishable if they’d break it. “Cain is our mutual enemy; it is in our interest to join forces; they can not do it alone.”

“And in the chaos that will be sure to follow his fall. Which side will you take?” Asked Hector.

“Side, you say, between Krieg and Arkasia?” Louise asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Of course, they are two strong military leaders after all. Without opposing viewpoints, there will no doubt be conflict when this is said and done. Arkasia may have lived, but her honor died with Nero,” answered Hector. “As well as her sanity. That woman surely has seen better days.”

“I must agree regarding her sanity but… I’m afraid I’d prefer to be neutral,” Louise answered. While she agreed that Arkasia had lost her mind, she disagreed with something; Arkasia was hardly someone worthy of being a military leader now. Knights stuck around out of trust and honor, which was respectable, though.

“That may cause more harm than good. The people will support the High Priestess. Choosing a side will ensure that the conflict ends quickly. Saving more lives in the end,” said Hector.

“Or, I could put a stop to any conflicts before they take place,” Louise replied without a thought. “It’s alright as long as neither of them can’t reach each other, yes?”

Hector laughed, Leona III and Krieg looked back at him strangely. “And how would you pull off that feat?” Asked Hector.

“I shall leave it to your imagination,” Louise replied with a smile and a racy wink. Hector smiled back before he turned his attention back to the front. The camp was coming into view, and he was looking forward to relaxing. As they arrived, Krieg turned to Leona III, waiting for her to speak.

“Me and the High Priestess will be heading back to Masario. My daughter is on the way here, and will bring along most of the royal guard. I will return to join you in a few days time, at the next objective,” ordered Leona III. Louise smiled at Krieg as she opened a portal to Masario next to her, and stepped through. Leona III followed shortly after, as the portal closed.

Kreig punched where the portal used to be, splintering the wood of a tree. The tree almost came falling down. Hector raised his hands trying to calm the commander. “Now now, this isn’t good for your blood pressure, old man,” joked Hector.

---

Appearing in the throne room of Masario, Louise and Leona III was glad to see it empty. At least for now; it was just the two of them. “Well, that much is done. The royal guard will ensure that Krieg stays in line. They have orders from me to deal with him if it becomes necessary,” said Leona III.

“I wonder about that,” Louise answered. “I suppose I have grown somewhat skeptical… but they have yet to prove to me that they are perfectly loyal,” she stated with a shrug.

“The royal guard have been at my side since the old days. The only newcomers being Fenfang, and Zhou. Who have more than proved their loyalty to me. Trust them. They will get the job done,” answered Leona III.

“That I hope so,” Louise answered. “I will try to, but take this to your advantage – a third party observation – such as one from me – is sometimes not biased; best for peering into what lies beyond a facade,” she advised her queen.

“What do you see when you look at me?” Asked Leona III curiously.

“A mad queen?”

Leona III laughed, and it echoed slightly in the large empty throne room. “Perhaps you are right, I don’t know how you stay so sane in this world of ours.”

“My, my, I wonder how myself,” Louise replied, placing a hand before her mouth to suppress her urge to chuckle, she figured most of the horror poured out to Edile some time ago… but that was certainly not how she usually did it.

“Soon old relics of destruction like me will be useless. I might as well put myself to use somewhere before handing off the throne once again.”

“I thought so,” Louise said, closing her eyes, “you never quite wanted the throne, but to simply do what she couldn’t… tough love, hm?” Louise felt sorry that she did not notice this motherly feeling of Leona III at first. Then again, she never got to be a mother to be able to tell.

“I don’t want her to change who she is for this world. Peace isn’t a terrible thing to wish for. Just something that lies at the end of a bloody path. I’ll walk that path in her stead…” said Leona III looking at her young looking hand.

“But that is not what you were meant to do anymore. You have once left the throne – your responsibilities, along with the disappearance of your power… that would be the case, usually,” Louise stated, shaking her head. “Even if she is young, she is still a queen, and must eventually learn that every monarch – no, ruler – must do what they must; be it a bloody path or strict laws; it is her responsibility, for the sake of her people.”

“You’ve rid her of the opportunity to grow and learn from experience, my dear. However, you are much more dependable, and a veteran,” Louise stated the good part of the deal, “as you have done this before, I suppose with your powers back, you are merely here to do what you could not in the past. My only qualm is with who returned the power, and for what motive…”

Leona III opened her mouth slightly then hesitated. Playing the events of what happened in that church again in her head. “What would you do to them if you knew who it was?” Asked Leona III.

“Depends… but I think I have a clue on who made Cain the way he is now… and if that is the case, she will ruin the world as soon as anyone fixes it, anyway,” Louise said with a frown unbefitting of a lady.

“Rhea, that day it was her who restored my power…” said Leona III quickly. “I wasn’t sure what to do about it. I still am not, but I need this power. I need it.”

“I knew that,” Louise replied, showing the sly smile she almost never showed. However, her eyes gave a glint of silver glow that demonstrated pure rage born from madness. She hasn’t quite forgiven of Leona III for hiding this, and will likely never do so. That presence of immense spiritual power that went beyond her imaginations disappeared momentarily as it had appeared, and the eyes were of ordinary emerald as she had always known “You may have hid it from me, however, I have found out not only that… but the fact that her monks are puppets, too. I suppose that is good for you – for the numbers,” she sarcastically said those words.

“You will regret playing the puppet. However, you are my queen… I will watch over you – as promised.”

“The entire church are puppets then? What does that say for the people of Masario?” Answered Leona III, holding her head to her forehead. “If you get the chance – as you watch this puppet show – to cut the strings, do not hesitate.”

“It may cut your source of power, it may sever your temporary advantages, and it may deride you of your opportunity to fulfill objectives – are you sure, even then, queen?”

Albeit Louise didn’t know about the entire church, all she knew was that some members were puppets.

“I’ll just have to work fast won’t I?” answered Leona III.

(This is a group post Starring: TheLoneGentleman, Cinia Pacifica.)

The group walked through the forest for a few hours before Edile stopped them. ”We are to wait here,” said Edile. “The signal should come soon. In the meantime, I would like a word Arkasia,” Arkasia turned to Edile.

“What is it?” Asked Arkasia.

“In private, come this way,” said Edile walking off toward a grouping of trees. As Bael and Morgan tried to follow, she raised her hand. “It’s fine. This will only take a moment,” Arkasia was suspicious of Edile, and felt her hand drifting dangerously close to her hilt, but she dropped her arm when Edile turned to her with a smile, before they entered the cover of the trees.

Someone was there, but Arkasia couldn't see past the trees just yet. As the figure came fully into view she saw a head of gold, and gritted her teeth.

“What is the meaning of this Edile?” Said Arkasia.

“We need to settle this bad blood between you for this to work,” answered Edile.

“There is nothing between me and her that can be settled with words.”

“Now, don’t be like that,” the head of gold replied eloquently and gracefully as ever, as she extended her arms in both directions. “A word can touch more hearts than you may believe, sometime.”

“Speak your pretty words to Nero then,” answered Arkasia.

“I have no powers that grants an audience with the dead, unfortunately,” Louise replied with honesty, even though Arkasia knew that much, “but I could have a word with his executioner, perhaps?” She said as her head tilted slightly; trying to figure out who it was that killed Nero. Then she realized the obvious – she had no idea who Krieg ordered for the execution itself. A lack of information flow was a problem in this world, after all. Even Louise wasn’t perfectly prepared for everything.

“What would that do? Veldin has no remorse about what he’s done. Veldin, like you, is responsible for his own actions,” answered Arkasia walking closer to Louise. ”Or should I say your inaction.”

Louise shrugged, at least she did get to know the name – Veldin. She wondered if it was someone she met back in Arkasia when she went to collect the device for her own plans. “That is a pity, I suppose he was only obeying orders,” she said, feeling puzzled. Well, there’s only one other person I suppose… Rhea, was it you who schemed to have her removed to place the pawn that is Krieg? I can’t quite tell whose pawn Krieg is… however, she thought.

She sighed. “Even if you say inaction, there was no better opportunity than to discover the corruptions of the state,” Louise confessed, now showing a serious expression. “You wanted me to look into things – I did. Then things don’t exactly go as planned… and now you throw tantrums. Nero died. Yes, your knight passed away, but this is not the sugary and peaceful world – as we all know it – such tragedies are everywhere,” Louise said. “If you want to point blades, point it to the corruptions of the world I’m trying to find a solution to.”

“Do not patronize me, witch,” answered Arkasia drawing her blade, and pointing it at Louise. “I don’t need to clean the world. I’m staring the corruption, in my own life down, right now,”

This was strange, it was as if reasoning and logic was completely lost to this person. It was in fact Arkasia’s request. Yes, from Arkasia itself, now she conveniently ignores that fact.

You ungrateful little…

Louise looked at Arkasia’s eyes with a piercing gaze; ignoring her blade. She expected such insults, so she didn’t pay any heed to them. It wasn’t the first time that she had heard these words getting tossed at her, either. In fact, †˜witch’ was the word she was most associated with in a few of the other worlds she travelled to.

“Violence will never wane your pain – remember it well, young leader,” she said those words solemnly as she shook her head – then sighed yet again – as if pitying her, but seemed sad at the same time.

“So you simply brand me as the corruption of your life… does that mean you only care about yourself, and not your country? Has it always been that way, then? ”

“For what purpose had you fought all your life, Dia Arkasia?” Louise questioned.

Arkasia found herself breathing heavily, her hand gripping her blade handle tightly. For a moment, as Arkasia thought on Louise’s words, her blade lowered slightly. “I fought for the people, to keep them safe. After you came… it was just one misfortune after another. No matter what I did, something always undid all my efforts,” answered Arkasia. “And at the epicenter of each one. I always found you standing there.”

“...And exactly what glorious plans and ambitions of yours had I thrust – to their ruins?” Louise asked reluctantly, unsure what Arkasia was talking about. She doesn’t even remember doing anything special after coming to the world and getting to know Arkasia. The only other time something happened was when she dragged her to a fight against a cursed representative in the battle of Raltese, as far as she could remember. She wondered if Arkasia had doubled or even tripled her doubts about her before concluding that her delusions were in fact the truth.

However, there was one thing she could think of, the fact that someone said how Louise came back to this world at most perfect moment, after which things begun to… happen. Undoubtedly, Cain had started to pick up on his plans after she came back, and that’s when Arkasia’s security was identified to be fault – with spies being uncovered one after the other. That was a long shot on Louise’s part, though. She didn’t know if Arkasia was necessarily talking about it. She was wondering if she was over-thinking about this now.

“This war. I planned this for years, and thought I knew just what I was getting into. Everyone that I laid trust in, was a devil in disguise. While you may not be directly harming this world. You sure aren’t helping. Your presence brings chaos.” Arkasia’s blade raised once again.

“A person who made long plannings… is it?” Louise said, finding it rather questionable. While she sounded noble and pious, it sure wasn’t backed up by the corrupted state. Who exactly did she trust? Most of her subordinates turned against her in the end, they were indeed devils, what had she done wrong in trying to unveil more devils, however? Louise knew not. Was taking off a veil maintained by simply duty so bad? She wondered. “Are you certain that you can claim – without a doubt – that it wasn’t for the best, though? This war would’ve have definitely brought your side a decisive defeat had I not listened to Leona III. Your country could never bring Cain to his knees with how corrupt it was.”

“For the best? Easy for you to find such meaninglessness in human life. When have you put your neck on the line for anyone else? You went to Krieg, and sold me out to save your own hide.”

“My hide? A-Are you implying that I cannot defeat Krieg? That is a grave insult,” Louise said, pouting, because she in fact did lose to Krieg in the small bout of fight. However, what she did not point out was that calling †˜for the best’ meaningless was absolutely foolish. She didn’t know if Arkasia was pitiful or absolutely deluded. Since when did the bigger leaders willingly sacrificed, anyway? Who would lead the people otherwise? Did she think she could take on the church? How naive was this girl? What nonsense. If she was guilty, almost every leaders of Masario were just as guilty. “Albeit… we made a peaceful negotiation, and came to an agreement. I have to admit, I didn’t think it was enough of a reason to take an action against you.”

“I’m implying that you have no honor,” answered Arkasia.

“And this is what †˜honor’ brought to your country; a State infested with spies and a corrupted chain of command,” Louise replied, shrugging mockingly. “My action may have paid a price, but at least I got to delve into the state of affairs far more than you could’ve – who, no doubt spent more time in the papers, unfortunately – my point is still undeterred.”

“The price wasn’t paid by you...” said Arkasia her arm shaking slightly. “Why do you get to live? While those uninvolved are slain. What justice is that?”

“The price was exacted by someone who had other plans… and I definitely didn’t compose these plans.”

It wasn’t even a price, it was simply a consequence. No one made her a deal informing that Nero would die before she agreed a deal out with Krieg, after all.

“Oh, are you implying that we should simply lay down our hands and ears, letting the corrupt do as they please, in fear of the uninvolved ones – getting involved? We’re talking different things here.”

“Nero’s death was an unexpected twist of fate – that was beyond me to predict.”

“No, I’m saying we sever the head of the serpent, before anyone else can get bit by it.”

That was an out-of-place reply, it held no attachment to the reasoning Louise used to explain her motives to Arkasia whatsoever, and she found it strange; it was as if she was talking a computerized program who only held a set of answers for its conversationalists. Was she so blinded that she could no longer be reasoned with?

Louise concluded – this person was mad.

“So that is your answer...” Louise’s words were cut short. A spray of blood rained over Arkasia but a wind sent it flying, painting the trees red. A slight smile showing on her face. Edile shouted as she sent branches to restrain Arkasia, but they came far too late. The High Priestess’ head rolled along the dirt as her body went limp, and dropped. Arkasia dropped her blade as it stuck into the ground at her feet.

“Arkasia! Do you know what you have done?!” Yelled Edile. Arkasia looked down at the body of Louise, and said nothing. She had wanted it for so long that it became an obsession, but now that the deed was done she didn’t feel satisfied. This didn’t give Nero back, and her honor was not restored. The branches grew tighter as Edile walked towards Arkasia.

“Satisfied? Back down to the earth yet?” A voice asked mockingly, and it definitely was not from the body that Arkasia now looked down on with a hint of fear.

“Or is Nero whispering sweet words of praise and gratitude to your soul now?” A sarcastic hoarse chuckle escaped from the voice as soon as she was done talking, albeit it was somewhat faint and disturbed; she still managed to speak her words out, holding the same hint of gracefulness in it, as ever. It was almost as if nothing had actually happened. It was a baffling situation.

“When I said devils in disguise, I meant it figuratively,” said Arkasia trying to calm herself down. She was sure that it was still Louise’s voice. Edile breathed a sigh of relief.

“37” the voice said.

“This is the 37th time I was struck down.”

Louise’s head dissipated into the air like sand, before a flash of light from her neck emanated.

“I never imagined it’d move past 36 so soon, how commendable,” Louise said as her head revealed itself from the light. Her skin, those same pair of emerald eyes, and the voice were there, with not a single dent or a spec of dirt on them, anywhere. Her hair could be seen slowly growing back up, this was likely because something like hair was not made out of meat, but was still a part of the body. She touched her neck as if to assure herself that she was once again – alive.

“Why is it that the uninvolved die when I don’t? Well, that has a rather simple answer to it; it is because I simply cannot die,” she stated the big fact calmly as she picked herself back up, and dusted her clothes as if they were more important than her life itself. “So, what will you do now?” She smirked, asking the question, as she put up her hand towards Edile, requesting her to stop.

Lowering Arkasia, Edlie withdrew her branches. Arkasia ran her hands over where the branches were binding her. Bael, and Morgan had arrived and were looking over the situation confused. Owain and Ari had their swords drawn, waiting for Arkasia’s order.

“Stand down,” said Arkasia looking to Ari and Owain.

“...Do you still wish to point a blade or no, Arkasia?” Louise asked one last time. She was at her limit now, she was a woman of much pride after all. She wouldn’t simply bear with torture all day, especially when she knew that getting beaten up now wouldn’t make the situation any better. However, she also made sure to remember Leona III, and Edile’s words – that there is no real point to fighting each other now.

Arkasia took the blade from the ground and swung it clean, before sheathing it. “This is pointless,” answered Arkasia. “Is this the test you were speaking of?”

“Yes, this wasn’t what I had in mind, however…” admitted Edile.

“I suppose the vengeance is finally pointless to you, then. Good, I am glad that you realized it,” Louise said, smiling. “Now we can go back and get the treaty ceremony going,” she said, hoping that Arkasia was indeed done trying to fight.

Arkasia walked past Owain, and Ari wanting to be as far from Louise as possible. “Let’s get this over with, and go home,” ordered Arkasia. Ari looked at Owain, hoping maybe he could explain what was going on, but found the same amount of cluelessness on his face.

As the knights and the guardians left, Edile too, was about to take leave of the bloody mess. However, Louise was frozen still in place. Edile turned with a puzzled look, and urged Louise to come along. Yet, it was as if she just woke up from a reverie. Her smile was plastered into her face, and it was slowly becoming obvious that it was very forcibly kept up in place.

“Edile… I have a favor to ask of you,” Louise said with a low, hoarse voice.

“What is wrong? Did your throat not heal properly?” Said Edile walking over to examine her.

“Promise me that you’ll… not tell what I’m going to do to anyone… please.”

“What are you about to do?” Asked Edile looking more than a little confused. Louise was acting far from her usual self, and was reluctant to answer. Edile sighed, giving in. “Fine… now wha-” Louise wrapped her arms around Edile, burying her face into her chest. Edile looked down at Louise, and held her close. Even though Louise was much older, in this moment, Edile felt some motherly attachment to her.

“I… I-I was so scared… !” Louise muttered with a raspy voice. Eloquent speech, elegant manners, and the good graces were likely out the window by now. They were all – in the end – to keep up appearances – to be the ladylike figure she had always wanted to be when she was but an ordinary priestess as a child. Louise knew it all too well, herself. Edile was likely hearing the words of an eighteen year old Louise now – who had been frozen in time for over a millennium. She was indeed injured thirty-seven times in her life. However, it was in fact the first time she was beheaded, and so suddenly at that, too. Who wouldn’t be scared? Who wouldn’t feel fear from losing their head, even for a moment? Imagining it vividly was already a feat in itself.

Tears rolled down her translucent-skinned cheeks, and she could hardly hold back her uncontrollable emotions that flowed out like a raging tide – as her body quivered – while she held Edile’s figure tightly – as if desperately grasping something to hold onto – before she’d fall into a neverending pit.

“It’s me who wants to ask why I still live!”

“I never… ever, asked for this. I lost my child. I lost my lover to a mastermind who changed him forever. And now I’ll lose Durran… and yet… I feel so terrible that I get to selfishly live on. I lived with an empty hole in my heart; never to experience love again… and only live for Ishtar’s objectives of world peace,” she confessed. Her worries and sources of pain were uttered one by one. She was just like any other person, wanting to confide about her problems with someone, and have someone to talk to about such things. However, she usually deemed that no one would understand her pain, that she’d not be so respectable if that were the case, and some may use them to her disadvantage, and she couldn’t put toss it all out to someone important to her, either. “I feel so terrible that a humanly emotion of fear – an instinct – for survival awakened in me.”

Edile listened to all of Louise’s fears, and pent up emotions that she often hid behind that facade of elegance. Even though she had seen into Louise’s spirit many times, never did she experience the type of emotions she was displaying now. Even Edile’s sight had its limits. “I never had a child of my own. I raised my sister, and the village. I can’t imagine to understand the pain you are going through,” began Edile, and then it hit her. “You… you want to die don’t you?”

“That’s right… I’m just tired of everything… and yet, I selfishly want to do so much more… that is why I feel so guilty. To live is to feel… the pressure of my fortune, memories of the passed beloveds, and my properties,” Louise answered, still holding her body with tears falling down restlessly.

“Isn’t to die and leave us to mourn just as selfish?” Answered Edile. ”While you are forced to stay alive. There are others who are as well, and they seek to harm this world. I have a selfish request as well. Will you hear it out?”

“Dead ones are meant to be mourn for though… that is just how it is,” Louise responded. “I decided that I’d deal… with Cain… yet I am pitifully struck with the want to avenge my child. That is why I wanted to stop Arkasia – for I know what she feels.”

“What do you wish of me… ?”

“Cain and Vejovis means to do this world harm in their own ways. Until those two are dealt with. Will you stay with us a little longer?” Asked Edile. “I will do all in my power to help you after that, but they must be dealt with.”

Louise finally parted from Edile, wiping her tears before sighing; to make a smile, with yet a stern and dedicated expression.

“I give you my word – I will deal with: Cain, Rhea, and Vejovis, for they are this world’s current source of plague and instability,” Louise pledged – placing a hand over the center of her chest – speaking in a grand tone befitting of herself. It was what she herself had decided to do especially, she wanted to especially deal with Rhea, for what she did to Cain, it was arguably the only true reason their child had died.

“I am but one person in the end, after all, so I may not be able to deal with them all on my own,” she admitted. Even with her powers, those who could live beyond the scope of an ordinary human being – likely possessed powers comparative to her own. In fact, she had assumed that it is possible for immortals to slay each other. Why else would she go to face Cain? It’d have been a pointless venture had she assumed that it was impossible otherwise.

“...I don’t exactly plan to leave after they’re gone. While I want to die, I equally wish to live on and see the future with my own eyes,” she stated solemnly with her eyes closed. “If I die, then I die, and that’s that – for that is ordained by fate; I can not go against it.”

”I ask no more than that,” answered Edile with a smile. ”The future I will fight for, is not for me, but the young of our generation.”

“Indeed. Let us be on our way, lest we wish to incur her wrath further,” Louise said with a chuckle, still wiping the last of her tears. “I apologize for what I did, really.”

(This is a Joint Post Starring: TheLoneGentleman and Cinia Pacifica.)

Louise entered a different room behind the halls. It was as if entering another world; all kinds of electronics – equipments abnormal to the inhabitants of the other world existed here. Holograms, computers, machines, and finally – the staff members all working under Louise’s instructions. Noises of whispers and clicks and clacks from typing in keyboards echoed across the room as Louise reached for a particular device. Inserting the key – a different monitor opened up below her, along with another sparkly golden keyboard.

Louise typed in the keyboard. Keys were pressed in swift succession and her hand was almost a blur as she did so in a hurry. The discussion earlier had actually put them somewhat behind the schedule. So she had to make up for lost time now, by doing her work frantically.

“This should do the trick, now that the timer is set… ”

“You may have it start up when the dance starts, yes? Such magnificent planning!”

“I am pleased of the flattery but… this is a very basic trick, anyway, time is ticking!”

Louise soon left for the party hall.

After Louise re-entered the halls, she graced the guests with her presence once again, before going up to the stage to announce the beginning of the dance segment of the party. The group of otherworldly guests turned to her as she stepped onto the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is that time of the night,” Louise begun, she spoke calmly – apparently cool and collected as usual, but anyone could sense the excitement that her voice carried.

“Ready yourselves and your partners, for we are about to start the dance floor! Please pair up. Even if it is a stranger, it may be more fun than you think,” Louise stated grandly. “Life is but a journey of exploration, never fear the limitless possibilities. That aside, we’ve prepared the System. Expect a pleasant environment. The maids will be taking pictures – as you’re done, you’ll be handed the pictures of your dance. So don’t hold back, and show off your skills!”

“We will hold a poll among you guests, and the best pair of dancers will be awarded with a prize,” she added.

The guests were overjoyed, and cheered before turning among themselves to look for their partners.

Saren gripped Leona III’s hand possessively. She smirked and leaned up against him. Leona III often wondered just what was going on in that man’s mind. It was this moment that helped solidify what she always hoped to be true. Though she wished they would have done this long ago. Past Saren, Leona III could see Kudzu and Margaret pairing up. Kudzu with his hand around her waist. “Well isn’t that scandalous,” said Leona III with a smirk.

”It would seem that we are both without partners,” said Durran. Edile looked at the rest of the group pairing up.

“I had planned to just watch,” admitted Edile.

“Now, that is no fun. Come on, let’s have at least one dance. I don’t bite,” answered Durran.

“Knowing who you are, I can’t say I completely believe you,” answered Edile. Durran smirked and shrugged holding out his hand. Edile hesitated for a moment, and then sighed placing her hand in his.

“Just one dance,” answered Edile.

---

As Durran and Edile stepped forward into the dance floor and took position, the musicians begun to play their music. It was sweet, enchanting, and simply lovely. As the pairs begun to dance, the floor around them changed shape.

Not only shape, in fact, they completely lost their every visible substances!

The area around the dance floor warped, and much to the surprise of the guests who came from another world – they found themselves absolutely bewildered. Instead of the floor, they found themselves dancing atop a sea of stars and space. It was simply a magnificent view. The light shown from below and the dancers were literally glowing. It was a mystifying experience.

“Perhaps this is what this world’s magic is like,” said Leona III looking at the floor. It was as if they were dancing on the sky, but just like the real stars you couldn’t just reach out and grab one. It was simply an image.

One of Kudzu’s fear came to surface as he felt he was going to fall into space. “Really, heights?” Joked Margaret. “With a man as tall as you? That is nothing short of ironic,” Kudzu swallowed hard and stood up straight.

“Laugh if you want. There is no shame in wanting your feet firmly placed upon the ground,” answered Kudzu. Margaret chuckled as she looked up at him.

“True, but it is not where your feet are placed that is the issue here,” responded Margaret. Kudzu had both his hands on Margaret’s waist. She took his right hand and intertwined their fingers. “At least you got half of it right,” Kudzu laughed awkwardly admittedly not being the greatest dancer.

“It has been a long time since I’ve done this,” answered Kudzu. “Hopefully I still remember how...”

Durran was already guiding Edile through the steps. She was quick to learn , which saved Durran a great deal of time. Within a few minutes, she was matching his pace, and only one time did she step on his toes. “And you say you don’t like to dance?” Said Durran.

“I never said I didn’t like too. This world’s dances are just so different. Then what I am accustomed too. You sure you want to dance with an old woman such as me anyways?” Said Edile.

”You don’t seem very old to me. Matching pace with a †˜young’ man like me,” joked Durran knowing she could tell his years.

“Good point,” she responded. Soon, the music began to quiet down as the next song started. Suddenly there was a tap on Durran’s shoulder.

“Now then, may I be your dance partner next?” Mizuki asked, interrupting the two as the first music ended.

”I don’t mind,” said Edile about to walk away, but Mizuki stopped her.

“I meant you,” said Mizuki, giving an enchanting smile. Edile looked at her in surprise. Durran chuckled and walked to the side of the dance floor.

”Have fun you two,” he said with a smirk. As he reached the side however he was immediately ambushed by women wanting the chance to dance with him as well. Sighing he took one by the hand as the others groaned in disappointment.

---

The last dance was now in session, and the musicians were preparing themselves for the final piece. Louise stood just behind the dance floor that was now enhanced with a look of a mysterious grassy plain. It was the field used for the dance session that ended moments ago. It was soon to be changed back to the starry space.

Louise found Durran just stepping out of the dance floor. She approached him, remembering her promise to him.

“How is it, enjoyable?”

“For an evening meant to take our minds off our worries, it has gone quite well,” answered Durran. “You did well with this.”

“Huhu. As expected of me,” Louise boasted with her nose sky-high, as always. If she could sell her confidence, she’d be a billionaire without her other businesses. “The final dance is soon to begin,” she said, beckoning towards the changing environment.

“Shall we?” Durran said holding out his hand, and in response her hand was locked without a moment’s waste. “Mhm, let’s go. I am tempted to outdo the other pairs tonight,” she said, giving a mischievous winked.

As the other pairs saw them, they nodded. Durran had already gotten a couple of compliments on his dancing, and Louise was already known to be an expert. They would be a hard to beat couple for sure. As they reached the near center of the dance floor, Durran and Louise turned to each other. Placing his his hand respectfully higher on her waist, as she brought her hand to his shoulder. Their other hands intertwined as the music began.

Durran looked into Louise eyes, and began leading her into the dance. As far as he was concerned, no one was in the room – they soon entered a world of their own, as the stars appeared around them, and the view of the space returned. He wanted to remember this moment with her, as it may be one of his last.

Even though his pace was a bit fast, Louise elegantly matched him as they stayed in rhythm. They were both used to each other already, and both knew why. They had done this before. At another time, and in another life. Spinning Louise out she separated from him for a moment, twirling elegantly and intensely, putting the crowd in awe; the attention of some of the other dances was stolen in that moment, and some of them even messed up their own steps. After a few moments she spun back into Durran as he took her hand, and she fell into his embrace.

”I think that may have done it,” whispered Durran with a slight laugh.

“It has been so long since that happened,” Louise replied, giggling happily like a little devil. “I wonder… was that a century ago? Two century ago? ... How long… I can’t tell,” she spoke. Spoke to herself, likely. A melancholic expression welled up.

“We have been alive quite a long time. At this point time is unimportant. We live moment to moment,” said Durran. “Memories chasing us. Regrets consuming us.”

“Regrets, is it? There are times I feel that I should have noticed… certain things, earlier,” Louise said, looking into the distant past, even as she looked at Durran normally. “Sometimes, I wish I could go back in time, but then I remind myself of my achievements… so I end up reasoning myself against it,” she laughed as she stated. Indeed, they do say †˜all is well in the end.’

“My memories aren’t mine, but I live with them anyways. I am luckier than those made after me,” answered Durran. Then he noticed that in that time they hardly dancing, as if they were frozen in time. “I almost forgot where we were…”

Louise sighed, “I thought you had good memory?” She chuckled, before returning to the dance along with Durran. They started with the steps yet again. Louise lead themselves right back, almost as if they had never stopped. “Lucky, or unlucky? Wouldn’t it be better if you didn’t know it all, and were simply innocent to the horrors?”

Durran’s face was grim, but he forced a smile. “But then when you wore your mask, I wouldn’t know what was behind it,” answered Durran.

“Which mask are we speaking of, and why do you wish to know?” Louise asked, pursuing the topic.

“The one you wear for the sake of your allies. If you are hurting, you should let them know,” answered Durran.

“Hurting? Why’d I be hurting?” Louise asked, her facade was clearly starting to crumble as she tried to maintain her expression.

“You are not as hard to read as you think you are. Though I have had time to study,” answered Durran. ”You haven’t been the same since we went into that cave. What did you see that I could not?” Durran looked worriedly into her eyes as he waited for her response

“...Are you picking a fight with me?” Louise scoffed openly, letting her distaste known. “Even now, I am a renowned actress. Just that… these things...” she said, never really finishing her sentence. The song began to quiet down in that moment as the floor began to change back to normal. Even their dance ended.

“What things?” Durran insisted. “Please tell me.” The music stopping didn’t stop Durran from trying to get answers. Even as people were probably waiting for her to speak.

“That woman… she told me how… they turned Cain the way he is,” Louise answered. It felt as though she was pulling out thorns attached to her heart as she spoke, and the prickling pain inflicted upon the heart would make her hesitate. However, at the same time, she really angry about it, all the while being sad, and regretful. She wasn’t even sure how she’d respond to Cain now, when she’d meet him. It shattered her long-standing feeling of wanting revenge for her lost daughter. Many things had simply changed, and she was still sorting her feelings. Actress or no, no one was perfect, not even Louise. Durran may think she is easy to read, but that’s likely because she can be careless at the worst timings, perhaps.

At the end of the day, Louise was but a person who too, was born as a human. Even an immortal being can have emotions. And emotions were the very roots for imperfections. At the same time, emotions were – of course – necessary poison for humans to have.

Durran didn’t understand what she was talking about. He always knew that it was Cain’s spirit that lead to his downfall. “That can’t be… who is the woman that told you this?” Answered Durran.

“The woman of snakes, who else?”

Not being able to see that woman infuriated Durran. “You killed her, didn't you?” Answered Durran. “Are you sure she wasn’t just lying to you?”

“It is plausible… with how she is able to change from Divine to Cursed, she is particularly dangerous and mysterious,” Louise answered, with a serious face. “Besides, I’ve seen thousands of expressions before, it wasn’t hard to tell that she wasn’t lying at her last moments.”

“Tch, that doesn’t excuse anything he did,” said Durran mad at Cain, or maybe mad at himself for being so easily manipulated.

“I… I don’t want such people living freely and causing these atrocities. I will end this with my own hands, definitely.”

“Let us talk later,” said Durran. ”I think they are waiting on you…”

“We shall speak after the other dance,” Louise said, equipping herself with her usual, charming smile before she left, Durran, the other dancers, and the dance floor. Indeed, the musicians and the other pairs had stopped. She was far too absorbed into that conversation earlier, thankfully Durran wasn’t engrossed too much to notice the awkwardness.

Mizuki awaited Louise’s arrival as she stepped up into the stage – once again – and took up the mic just as she did.

“I wish it lasted longer.”

“I have a schedule to keep.”

“Says the one who was conversing with a lover.”

“Well, there are exceptions...”

The crowd laughed.

“Haha. Anyway, that was quite fantastic, I didn’t think you’d arrange the Aikatsu System into a dance party like this.”

“Indeed it was. It went beyond even my expectations, despite it being me who supervised its production.”

“I was quite surprised by the project when you told me. To think it came such a long way is quite amazing. I hope we get to sell this magnificent product a lot.”

“Hopefully.”

“Now, don’t we have an announcement to make?”

“I suppose we do,” Louise said, then faced the crowd in front of her before she continued, “ladies and gentlemen, I hope the most of you had enjoyed the dances. We will now release the result of the little contest we held,” she then welcomed some gauges that showed up at the top of the hall. It was likely hidden somehow.

“This will show us which pair gathered the most attention so far, thus deciding the winner.”

Each of the gauges above represented the pairs by displaying their faces beside them. Durran found himself wondering how they’d have a detailed picture of him taken like this. Louise’s one seemed to be pre-taken as her attire in it was different. The colorful bars within the gauges began to rush towards the right from left.

“It is...”

“A tie?!”

The Mizuki and Edile pair, as well as the Louise and Durran pair was in a tie. Leona III and Saren came in with somewhat lower bar, but they were just behind the tie.

“Then, I suppose it is the win of you two, Mizuki and Edile. It’d be strange for the organizer to win, anyway,” Louise laughed as she announced.

“Then, we’ll be taking our tiaras,” Mizuki said with a giggle.

”We really won?” Said Edile, blushing slightly. Dancing with Mizuki felt like being taken by a tornado. While wild and unpredictable, it was somehow serene. To sum it up: it was exciting. All she did was match the girl’s movements the best she could.

“You sly thing, you already knew the prize was a diamond tiara, didn’t you?”

“Indeed, and we all knew that you had one for yourself, anyway!”

“And there you go; letting out the cat from the bag…! Anyway, now Edile can officially call herself the queen of her nation!” She joked.

The crowd laughed yet again, albeit some people were rather surprised that these two spoke so casually about diamond tiaras. Just how confident about their security were these two?

Soon after that, Edile and Mizuki were given the photographs taken of their dance, and then they both received the diamond tiaras. Of course, the other pairs received the photos, too.

Saren and Leona III looked at their pictures and laughed. “You are really too tall,” said Leona III. The couple looked like a rich old man and his young mistress even though they were around the same age. They were sure that is what people also thought about them, but they really didn’t mind. After all they would most likely never see these people again.

“If Krieg saw this picture, he would shred you to pieces. These came out great,” said Margaret holding the photo in her hand. Kudzu laughed loudly

“That makes me want to show it to him all the more,” responded Kudzu. Margaret still wasn’t sure what she would do when Krieg found out, but that seemed far off that night.

“Ooh, this photograph is perfect, one where I performed the twirl,” Louise commented, standing beside Durran as she looked through the few photographs handed to her by the maids. They came out freshly made from the cameras. She felt that the maids were especially attentive to all of Louise’s dances. Then again, she only hired apparent fans of her as maids, anyway.

“They really did, the technology in this world is a wonder,” said Leona walking up to them and looking at the device in the maid’s hand. “What is that called? I think I heard someone say, †˜camera’?

“Yes and there are even ones that can capture a moment in motion,” answered Durran. Through his time messing around with Louise’s phone he learned a great deal about them.

“Indeed it can, these †˜cameras’ happen to capture images in high-quality, there are other products capable of the same feat, but not quite on par… for example,” Louise explained, then flipped out her phone that Durran thought of moments ago. Black, slick, and smooth from a single glance. She remembered showing this to Durran and Kudzu the last time they came here. Even to a person unfamiliar with the technologies of the world; Leona could tell it was a special product to behold. Louise clicked a button after she put the phone towards Leona, and there was an unfamiliar noise. It was a shutter noise.

“See? It may seem clear enough to most, but us perfectionists begs to differ,” she shrugged as she showed the display image containing Leona’s newly-taken picture.

“So different devices are better? Why not just use the better one?” asked Margaret walking up with Kudzu.

“This one can also be used to talk to people very far away. Better than any spirit signal could reach,” answered Durran. The group looked at the phone in wonder. Mizuki laughed, unable to believe that she finally met a group of people so excited over phones.

“That is correct, in fact, I can talk to anyone in this world with this model as long as they have a cell phone, and I have their contact details,” Louise explained. She didn’t wanted to talk about the holographic features, they’d just think those are magic. “It has many other applications, but those are more complicated features.”

“Im guessing you wouldn’t let us take a few home?” Asked Leona III.

“I can give some for free,” Louise said carelessly, or rather, openly, making some maids woo out, “but you cannot contact people as there is no signal there. While the other features will indeed be usable – as I had done so myself – you’d need electricity, and very specific means to supply it with charge. In other words; you’d have to come back here every so often to have it charged up.”

Leona III let a spark go off in her hand. ”I can’t just charge it myself,” asked Leona III. A couple of guests took a double take, but decided it was their minds playing tricks on them.

“If you do it like that; you’d be breaking these poor things,” Louise frowned at her friend with a displeased look, “maybe if you can tune in with the charging adapters, however...” she begun to ponder, if Leona could at least control herself, maybe they could have a temporary †˜charger’ there. A maid swiftly appeared at Louise’s side and whispered in her ear.

“Mistress Louise, the dinner – as per your instructions – had been setup. We’d like to guide you all to the room…?”

It appeared that the formal dining hall was prepared for the feast. The maids then guided the group to the table.

“Ah good, I’m starving,” said Kudzu patting his stomach.

”You just ate most of the food that was laid out!” Exclaimed Durran. Kudzu shrugged him off and walked towards the dining hall. Leona III and Saren followed behind them hand in hand.

---

Durran had excused himself from the dinner, and made his way out to the balcony. It wasn’t like he needed to eat anyways. His body didn’t need any food or water. It was made to simply absorb spiritual energy. Even bleeding him dry couldn’t really end his life. Thinking about what Louise said before, he peeled back his right sleeve looking at the snake mark as it slithered slightly. Suddenly, the door to the balcony opened again, and he hastily pulled his sleeve up. Looking at who it was, he saw the woman he pledged his life to.

“Didn’t like that food either?” Asked Durran.

“I love it, however… I have a habit to not over-eat,” Louise answered as she entered. “I don’t know what you’re hiding but… well, I do not mind providing privacy,” she said, turning around to leave.

“Don’t leave. Not again…” said Durran, not sounding like his usual confident self.

“Oh dear, so you were lonely, after all?” Louise playfully asked, but she stopped as requested, turning to face him again.

“That image of you walking away… I guess that one would hurt me the most,” answered Durran. ”Each of us avatars. Has part of Cain’s memory. I don’t know why they split it up like that, but mine. Is that day when…” Durran began to choke up as he gripped his arm tightly.

Louise’s eyes widened from shock and realization. She didn’t think that it’d have develope into a serious situation so soon. Was it a blunder of observation on her part? Regardless, the answer to that could wait for now. She walked up to Durran and held his shoulders, “what’s wrong, is something happening? Is he… taking over you soon?” She asked with a worried face.

“I don’t know, but lately. That memory is all that I can think about. Adair went through something similar the last time we spoke. He still had his self control for quite some time after. I think that I will be fine… for now,” answered Durran. “I want to forget what I did to you, but then I’d have no memory. Adair was the lucky one,” Durran chuckled awkwardly. “Those memories died with him though, and that scares me. What if I cannot get them back?”

“...Why would you need them? Why shackle yourself to the past?”

“Why?”

“Did Adair had memories of the times I had with Cain? Even if he did; how does it make anything better, Durran? He had memories of a time I wish I had never lived in… ! If I hadn’t become a happy and deluded woman, we wouldn’t have to see such dark days in your world today,” she stated her current opinions of her past. She really did wished that such a thing hadn’t occurred. Perhaps she’d have a family today if that event hadn’t taken place. After a short bliss, what followed up was an unforgettable storm that was haunting her even now.

“Lost memories are best lost – newer ones can always be made, you see.”

“New memories…” muttered Durran. “Do I deserve to lose the old ones, Louise?”

“If you lose them, you lose them,” Louise answered, not quite giving the more complicated concept a damn. “If that is the decision of fate – I would let it go. I do not condemn you, Durran. I do loathe Cain, however.” Indeed, Louise considered them as two different people, just as the others did so far.

Turning to Louise, he smiled. “I guess with the time I have left. I should be doing something more worthwhile,” answered Durran looking into the dining room. The others were having fun talking among themselves and having good food. “Once that march starts; it’s all or nothing. I want to leave no regrets.”

With her hands finding their way past his neck, and into his back; Louise gave Durran an embrace before she let go of him the next moment.

“Thank you, for everything,” were the only words she could leave behind for him as she soon departed the balcony for the halls again. Watching Louise start to walk away his chest tightened. Reaching out he seized her wrist and pulled her back to him. Looking into her shocked eyes, he gathered his courage, and pressed his lips against hers.

Louise’s mind was blanked out as she was kissed so deeply out of the blue. Her eyes naturally closed, and for a moment she lost herself. She didn’t know anymore what was right or wrong. All personal promises, common sense and reasonings in her mind – were cast into the air; forgotten. Each words and mental barriers she had against him began to fall off. It was… refreshing, as if chains and shackles were taken away from herself.

She had been holding herself back from Durran for so long – ever since she met him back in that prison establishment – knowing that he had feelings for her, yet she’d begun to fall for him, without even realizing it herself. She feared that the history was repeating itself, and it made her scared of the future even more so.

When did it become this way? Why, again, like this? Why?

She couldn’t forgive herself. She couldn’t forgive herself for giving in to him like this. For letting him steal a kiss like this. Because she knew that she’d come to regret it very soon.

Ever since the tragedies of her life, she knew that the fate denied her of her true happiness. She’d never find just the right man, and those who’d be †˜right’ by her standards would simply pass away after some time. This process repeated over and over, and she somehow kept herself sane to an extent, regardless.

And it was about to happen again…

No – she thought. This man will not last long.

At least… until he goes, I suppose I’ll entertain him.

With that… their kiss grew deeper…

With that excuse… she decided to keep up with this farce a bit more longer.

Durran slowly drew himself back, cupping Louise’s face in both his hands. The both of them had given in to their desires, but the thought of regretting this was in the back of both of their minds. But in this moment, neither of them cared, but Durran felt as if he had done something brutish.

“Forgive me,” he said, his hands slowly releasing her.

“A-Anyway, we should get back, they may be done by now,” Louise turned to go back. This time she was sure that she wouldn’t be pulled back. Her heart was racing. Her cheeks was tinted beet red. The blood spiked up even to her ears. She took deep breathes to contain her beating heart, and she definitely couldn’t show this to Durran – it was simply too embarrassing. She almost came into a crashing course against the wall because she wasn’t even walking in the right direction for a moment. How long has it been since she felt this way?

To think even I have fallen… a woman’s heart is so complicated, yet sometimes so simple.

Finally, Louise left the balcony after calming herself down.

(This is a Joint Post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman and Cinia Pacifica.)

As everyone came past the portal, they found themselves under an evening sky, right before a beautiful rose garden glistening under a dim golden flash of light. There was a long red carpet laid out – that lead straight into the mansion starting from the main gates that Durran and Kudzu could not remember seeing the last time they were here. Guests seemed to be walking into the mansion, most were couples with their arms linked closely – laughing and talking joyously as they moved into the premises. They were no doubt graceful and elegant in how they did… almost anything. There were decorations over the large mansion that greeted their eyes, and there were definitely lights brimming all over the place. The mansion was no doubt tall, appeared robust, and it wasn’t anything like back home. The place somewhat held the smell of the ocean, too.

It seemed that the music nor the party had truly started. Guests were not likely here, not all of them, anyway. Louise checked her cell phone, and she learned that there were still a good twenty minutes they could use.

A girl draped in black attire, with white apron-like cloth put over her uniform – a maid – ran over to Louise after spotting her before the garden.

“Mistress Louise, the preparations are ready, and the guests are arriving now – as you have wanted,” the maid reported.

“Excellent, it seems like everything is going just as planned, so far. Would you please escort these people to the dressing room?” She asked.

The maid gave a deep bow with her head immediately, it was quick yet carried a certain sense of grace in it. “Understood, Mistress.”

“Treat them with care – they are my special guests for tonight.”

“Understood,” the maid answered Louise again, then faced the so-called †˜special’ guests, “please, right these way, ladies and gentlemen,” the maid then led the way.

---

- Boy’s Room

Kudzu and Saren glared at each other as they looked through the selection of suits. Durran looked at them curiously. As they got undressed it seemed as if they were comparing muscles. Kudzu was definitely the more ripped of the two. He smirked at this, and continued getting dressed.

“Have you gotten soft in that pampered castle, Saren?” Taunted Kudzu.

“It won’t matter how big you are when I cleave you in two with an axe,” answered Saren. Seconds later the two began exchanging blows. Durran shook his head in disappointment, and simply worried about getting himself ready for the party.

---

- Girls Room

Leona III had a pile of clothes that she was deciding on. There were so many interesting dresses in that closet, that she was having a tough time deciding what to wear. Most of the dresses were not only fancy, but largely different to what they were used to seeing. Some of the fabric felt completely foreign to the touch, in fact. A lot of these dresses were actually designed and sewn by Louise herself, some others bought out purely for her desire to collect. Edile quietly went through the selection finding one or two that she thought suited her. Her slim figure was something that she was proud of, and Louise had quite a few dresses that suited her… Suddenly she heard the sounds of fighting coming from the other side of the curtain.

“Boys will be boys,” said Leona III, trying to strike up conversation with Edile. She had felt Edile looking at her the whole time that they were at the house. For a leader, Edile was strangely shy.

“I suppose you are right,” answered Edile as she began towards the fitting room. As she walked in a maid held out her hand and asked for the garment. Confused, Edile simply did as asked and handed the dress to the maid. The maid looked at the clothing and then went to a drawer. She returned with a set of two cards that she handed to Edile.

“Please place these cards into these slots over here, and walk through the machine when the entrance opens up,” said the maid with a slight bow. Looking reluctantly to the machine, she strolled over to it holding the card in her hand. Placing it on the machine, it lit up; accepting the cards. As it happened, the curtains to the ornate machine parted in front of her. Looking into the machine, she was having second thoughts. Suddenly, a force pushed her into the machine. Leona III chuckled as Edile flew into the machine. She had already gotten her own cards from the maid.

Inside the machine, symbols of leaves flew around her as her clothes vanished. Covering herself in embarrassment, she wanted to out of that machine. Feeling something tight against her skin, she noticed that the dress was forming around her. Coming out of the machine, on the other side she was surrounded by mirrors so that she could get a look at herself in the dress. Turning, she hadn’t noticed the back was so open.

“They look good on you,” said a maid overlooking her to make sure the machine fitted her correctly. “If this dress isn’t to your liking, you may choose to change again, but we’re almost running out of time as the party will start…”

“N-no this will be fine,” answered Edile. Suddenly there was a flash behind her, and Leona III came walking out of the machine like a model. With a white and purple deep cleavage short halter dress. She was using this opportunity to show off as much skin as possible.

“You look fabulous, almost as much as the Mistress herself,” the maid complimented.

“Thank you,” answered Leona III posing a few times. Edile looked at her in disbelief. With such an outfit, there was no way she would ever think she was the queen of such a religious nation. Margaret entered the room and looked at the two of them. Margaret was already wearing a red gothic dress from home. Louise had already said that it would fit in at the party.

“Come now, the party is about to start,” said Margaret. She had a maid behind her who was ready to escort them to the hall. Leona III waked towards Margaret, eager to get to the celebration. Edile brought up the rear getting used to the shoes that came with her dress.

---

Durran, Edile, Leona III, Kudzu, Margaret, and Saren came down the central staircase linked to the halls, when they appeared from behind the doors to find the carpet before the stairs; they almost winced at the excessive gold-lightings greeting them. The group could then see a group of musicians to one side as they walked down, and the rest of the guests on occupying the middle of the hall. The other side – which was the left from their view – had many tables parked; topped with plates. Plates of food. Rich food that could make almost anyone’s mouth water with gluttonous impulses. They seemed like nothing they had witnessed back in their respective homelands. Durran and Kudzu couldn’t really compare what little food they had here previously, either. They were beyond fancy and expensive for cuisines, and seemed to shine, in some strange way perhaps. Perhaps it was just them getting hungry.

The maid walked to the side, not wanting to be too close to the guests. “Please enjoy the party,” she said before backing away from the group with her head bent.

They spotted Louise standing below the staircase, but some meters away… in amidst a vortex of people clad in fashionable attires. They could see many deep colors adorning women – many were balancing a provocative party-dress look with elegance and grace, as so did Louise with her black-lacy dress. It was rather a simple one, at first glance. However, one could see sparkling materials decorating the dark, jet black skirt, with chains and both frills hanging from it.

It was truly unique.

There was no other way to describe the mystifying feeling it radiated.

Louise gave a tender smile at the sight of the group from over the crowd that surrounded her, as if she was completely fine and not surrounded by a crowd at all. It almost made Leona III wonder if she was as busy as Louise, now.

Moreover, she – along with the rest, excluding Durran and Kudzu – started to wonder what the deal was here. The people were certaining speaking in different languages, and their manners were nothing like what they knew back in their homelands, nor did their facial features seem even a single-bit similar to the people of their towns. The architecture was foreign, and the attires were of a quality never-before-seen.

The biggest mystery was the lack of spiritual energy in the air.

Ever since they stepped past Louise’s portal, it’s as if they came to a place almost completely devoid of spirits. Louise almost always gave off little spiritual energy, so it felt all the more abnormal. They had many questions in mind as Louise finally walked out of the group of people, waving at them casually as if she parted from a few female ladies from a corner. That was how relaxed and used-to-things Louise seemed.

“If she is this busy, I would hate to see what their queen is going through,” said Saren looking at the spectacle. Durran was staying off Leona’s radar and not making himself the center of attention, but that seemed to draw her to him more.

“You have been awfully quiet there,” said Leona III as she scanned over him. She sensed nothing from his spirit, which only furthered her suspicions of him. Suddenly Louise called them over, breaking the silence.

“Welcome to my party, ladies and gentlemen, how does it feel here?” Louise said, her hands were cupped around her abdomen – and around the black belt that she wore – as she stopped before them.

Leona III broke her stare with Durran, and looked to Louise with a smile. “It’s devoid of spirits, but with that comes some matter of peace. Sometimes dealing with them all can become a burden,” answered Leona III.

“Well, we’re the only ones here who has spirits, so its a relatively peaceful place in that regard,” Louise answered normally in a carefree manner.

“So who is this man here?” Said Leona revisiting on the man who was with their party. She swore she had seen him somewhere before but could not place him.

“Durran, my bodyguard,” Louise answered swiftly. Louise noticed Durran trying to look away. Or well, reluctantly looking in response to the conversation. Unfortunately, the more he’d try to hide, the more curious one would get. Louise noticed this. Perhaps it might’ve been a better idea for Durran to act more casual. “He has been protecting me as I visited various… places for my activities,” she added.

“Then he is from here as well? I sense no spirit from him. Is he capable enough to be your guard?” Questioned Leona III.

Louise let out a rather mysterious smile, and shrugged. “Who knows,” she answered. “But I am safe despite fighting a monster recently, so there’s that,” she informatively added.

“I am more than capable enough,” answered Durran.

“It talks,” said Saren laughing. Leona III looked at the group strangely, but decided she would give the man some slack.

“Fine, I will try and just enjoy myself tonight,” said Leona III. “That is why we came after all right?”

“Correct. Please, enjoy and relax,” Louise said, giving a nod, her casual smile coming back up. “Allow me to welcome you all again – to my grand party. I welcome you all to a new world,” she said, spreading her arms wide in a grandiose manner.

“So is this where you go to when not in our world?” Asked Saren looking out of a window, and seeing the beach nearby.

“This is but one of the many worlds I’ve travelled to after leaving your world,” Louise answered. “There is no world other than ours where people are born with connections to spirits. That is why you can never feel spiritual connections when you leave that world,” she explained. “Well… there are some †˜magic’ wielders with interesting abilities around, but that’s beside the point.”

“I’d implore you all to place aside your ranks and positions in your respective societies for now, and enjoy yourselves here. The technologies and facilities here have much to provide – especially to those fond of novelty – from food, to technology, to different people. I have much planned for tonight.”

“Guess we should get to know the people of this world. Come now, Saren,” said Leona walking off towards a group of people. Edile opened her mouth to say something, but decided to wait till later. Kudzu and Margaret went to get some drinks while talking about what happened the last time they met.

“They seemed to have paired off rather quickly,” said Durran looking to Louise and Edile.

“I didn’t expect Margaret and Kudzu to do this again but… well, I suppose I’ll at least announce the party’s start, I shall join you two in a bit – perhaps I can show more exhibits of this world to you two soon,” Louise said, before strolling off towards a maid, and a particular beautiful lady with very long purple hair, it was of similar length as Louise’s.

The two then went up to the stage that was located beside the staircase.

The mic gave away a sharp noise as Louise and her apparent friend stepped onto the stage. It seemed like her friend stood beside her, but not exactly behind the mic.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” Louise begun with a greeting, giving a bow, it was slow and deep; graceful and elegant with how her head was pressed down, but she made sure to take some distance from the microphone so that her temple wouldn’t bump with it. “I’d like to thank you all – for gathering here on such short notice,” Louise said, with a natural smile she spoke to the crowd, apparently used to giving such speeches. “This would be the… hmm, I suppose, the 10th party held here? I apologize, for lacking the time to organize such gatherings. Tonight, we have prepared quite a number of surprises for you guests in the party, and of course, we have a very special guest right here… ”

Louise’s friend walked even closer. Louise took up the mic and moved it before her friend’s mouth.

“Hello, my name is Kanzaki Mizuki. Tonight, I will be joining you all in the party alongside my old partner – Mysterious Louise,” she announced cheerfully, yet she kept herself properly contained and composed, similarly as Louise. “And I suppose us two gathering can only mean one thing – look forward to it!”

Louise’s friend and her then got really close. Their hands and palms joined, as well the entire sides of their bodies – that definitely connected through the dresses, in fact. They then made a peace sign over their eyes, apparently doing something… unique. The people started cheering for this. Cheering hard, strangely enough. Louise’s guests from the other world likely didn’t know what the guests were excited about, but it was definitely because Louise and Mizuki were members in an idol unit finally having a reunion.

“We hope you all – my dear guests – would enjoy them,” they spoke in unison – cheerful and lively. Neither of them held the image of being cheerful girls, but they did it. It’d seem almost miraculous to those who didn’t know about these two.

The silence was broken as a loud round of applause took place.

(This is a Joint Post Starring: TheLoneGentleman and Cinia Pacifica.)

Returning to Margaret’s house, the two entered into the living room to find Margaret and Xavier talking next to the fire place. As the two entered the room, Margaret turned to them. “Back already?” She said looking at Durran. His clothes were shredded and stained with blood. Louise, however, had not a scratch on her. “She sure works you hard doesn’t she?”

“Keeps me in shape,” answered Durran.

“I had some exercise too… one must always stay in shape – they say,” Louise said in a matter of factly manner, before flashing a smile with confidence, like usual. “... Perhaps getting sweaty isn’t such a good idea, however,” she openly stated her feelings of disdain. Louise truly hated smearing her dress with sweat, but then sweat was but a necessary function of the body, so she’d have to simply deal with it.

“Nothing is wrong with a woman getting sweaty,” answered Margaret. “That is what showers are for after all.” She looked around before her eyes fell back to Louise. “Where is that larger fellow. You haven’t brought him lately.”

“He is in Origin – you will find him at the party… I have told you about the party, I believe?” Louise replied. She couldn’t believe that she was looking forward to meeting Kudzu. Kudzu of all people. Just how badly did this woman want to cheat and fall into the depths of depravity? Louise sighed hard internally.

“Yes, It sure is going to be interesting. I’m unsure about what I will wear though,” answered Margaret.

“Leave it to you, for that to be your main concern,” answered Durran.

“It’s going to take place soon… if I’m calculating times correctly,” Louise stated, taking a look at the time on her cell phone. “I’d best fetch Kudzu soon. I want to transfer all the guests from around here at once,” Louise said. By †˜from around here’, she meant this world altogether. Most of her guests did not know that the party was to take place outside of the world. That was one of the many surprises she planned for her guests.

“That is going to take a lot of power,” said Durran. “Will you be okay after that?”

“Well, all I need to do is first bring everyone here, then take them all together to my estate – as I had just stated,” Louise answered, pretty much repeating herself. “It should be fine – for someone such as myself,” she said, making it sound assuring.

“The hardest may be Leona III. As the the queen, they will go crazy once they realize she is missing,” said Margaret. “I miss the old days when she was just a mom.”

“I’m tempted to leave a secret camera just to see the fuss… ehehe,” Louise murmured to herself as she snickered with an evil smile. She’d definitely not do it, but the temptations were rather high. “Well, we’ll see. I’ll… do something about it.”

“You said that cameras were what the people on the… television used, correct?” Asked Durran.

“Ah… yes. It allows you to record anything that the lens catches. By †˜lens’, well… I suppose that’s its †˜eyes’. When I get the data, I can even duplicate them easily, and spread them around,” Louise explained.

“That’s pretty annoying. Especially if someone catches something you don’t want getting out,” commented Durran. “Imagine if we caught Kudzu and Margaret on film that one time… this house would be done,” Durran laughed a bit.

“That’s where it’s fun though! Albeit, it never happens with proper security, like in my case,” Louise replied, prideful that her wealth and power provided her full-proof security. “I’d love to catch them doing that, and then go blackmailing them,” she joked with a giggle. It didn’t sound any less evil than the last. “Anyway, I’d better get going about now. I hope you don’t mind temporary guests, Margaret.”

“You better not record anything that happens here if I allow them to stay here,” said Margaret glaring at the two of them.

“My, my, should you be saying that while indulging in such slovenly activities? Regardless, I lack the resources and time to do such things,” Louise answered. Then faced the other way. “I don’t want to add more enemies to my list, either.” She then teleported herself to Leona’s castle.

---

Inside the castle, Leona was getting her belongings ready for her trip to Raltese. Sitting on her throne, she was preparing Masario to run in her absence. Advisors and government officials alike were swarming her with questions, and papers to sign. Across the room, Louise elegantly strode in. People stopped, and bowed to her as she passed them by, before scurrying off to finish their work. As Leona III noticed her friend approaching, she signed on the last paper before standing up to greet her. Walking down the stairs from her throne, she stood in front of Louise with a smile.

“Being queen is a lot more taxing on the hands than I remember,” said Leona III waving her hands around.

“Especially at times of war, yes,” Louise replied with a bland face, as if that has been obvious for decades. People are supposed to be busy either preparing for war, or preparing themselves to flee from the battles, after all.

“Maybe I should have taken the throne once all of this was over,” joked Leona III. “So why have you come today? Did something else happen at the church?”

“The party draws near. In fact, it is taking place today. I have come to pick you up – my dear friend,” Louise replied, giving a magnificent bow with her head; pretending to be a retainer to the Queen for once.

Leona III looked around at the people behind Louise holding papers, and other things that demanded her attention. Their faces said it all. She smirked and laughed slightly as she ushered Louise away from them.

“Any plans to sneak me out of here? I could say I’m sick!” Whispered Leona III.

“I was planning to charge you for my transportation services, but I’ll let you off the hook for once,” Louise chose her words wisely, with her eyes deeply closed, as if having spared her just this time, because she was special. “I mean, I wouldn’t want to abandon my Queen, now, would I? You’re going to be sent Margaret’s place.” Louise then flicked her wand, and Leona III immediately fell through an oval-shaped rift created just below her. “Now… I suppose her darling is the other person to be invited.” The group of people looked to Louise expectantly seeing as she just disposed of the queen.

Louise turned to the people behind her with a smile. “The queen seemed bored, and well, stressed; so I’ll be doing something to improve her… mood, you see. She shall be returned to her throne by tomorrow, rest assured.” Louise herself then disappeared from the scene herself. She thought that perhaps the hallways would be a better spot. She’d then ask the guards about Saren’s whereabouts.

There was an orchestra of complaints that Louise walked out on. Of course, no work could continue until the queen returned, which meant their work was to be delayed a full day. As she walked down the hallways, she was surprised by the lack of guards, but ran into someone just as good. Zhou was leaning against a well in the hall waiting for something, but when he laid eyes on Louise, he stood up straight. “Afternoon, High Priestess,” greeted Zhou.

“Good afternoon. Would you happen to know where Saren is at the moment?” Louise asked, as soon as she greeted. She hadn’t a moment to lose here. Being a busy woman was quite tiresome.

“Out where he always is. The gardens,” answered Zhou. ”Why do you need him?”

“For the Queen,” Louise said as if reciting the line for raising military morale, then smiled. She dared not to perform the military salute. “Thank you. See you soon,” She thanked tersely, vanished into a portal yet again; now making way to the garden. Today was a very busy day indeed.

Louise then jumped down from a portal that opened up in the air over the spot just before the garden, and landed gracefully. Krieg looked to his side to see Louise appear out of thin air. “You really could learn to approach people like a normal person,” said Krieg.

“Perhaps, one day, if time permits me to do so,” Louise replied with her eyes closed, but she held a smile nonetheless, apparently in a good mood. “I need you to be the queen’s escort for a day and night – up to the task?”

“Do I not already watch over her sufficiently?” Answered Saren. ”Is there another threat I need to worry about?” Saren turned to her expecting to hear bad news.

“You’ll be her escort in the party, the news may not have caught up to you yet – but she is already out of duty now,” Louise answered. “Your status is set aside in the party, so you have to be careful about her well-being. Am I wrong?”

“I was not told about a party. Where is it being held?” asked Saren. ”Royals don’t understand just how much needs to go into security for these events.”

“Do not worry, my estate has more security than all of Masario with what I can afford,” Louise answered, apparently very confident. As they say, technology reigns supreme, hence her belief. However, mostly because corrupt authority could hardly get the best of the best. They have to keep security lax to an extent to protect their activities, anyway. “The location, however, is a surprise – I wouldn’t want to divulge it now.”

“I’m not a huge fan of surprise,” answered Saren. ”Especially at times like these...but if the queen needs me. I will be there.”

Louise raised the wand to Saren’s face; teleporting him away in the very instant he was done speaking. “Now it’s that lug that’s left.”

---

Kudzu was standing in the center of town watching as people went about their business. It was a big contrast compared to his life in the dead landscapes near Agreyus, but he was finding himself adjusting to it quickly. While the people’s skills were not the best, he found most people in Origin accommodating. Kudzu smiled as he heard the sound of a portal opening behind him. Louise walked up next to him, with the sound of her heels on the stone street of the village center.

“You finally have a need for me, do you?” Asked Kudzu keeping his gaze forward.

“Have you behaved well?” Louise asked, ignoring the question. Despite the inquiry, she planned to go inside Sonnelion’s shop to ask the owner how he did, regardless. She’d have to confirm Kudzu’s answer there, too. Whatever the answer would be, anyway.

“Is the village on fire?” Answered Kudzu with a smile.

Louise, too, smiled. It was an innocent and cute smile. And that might’ve been why it’d be mistaken for a devilish one. She faced the Sonnelion shop across the way, and went towards it instead. She had business there anyway, may as well ask.

She uttered as she entered it, “time to get a real answer,” she mumbled. As she walked into his shop, she heard the sound of Zelis hitting a burning piece of metal. His shop was warm even before she got into it. But as his work consumed him he did not notice as Louise entered his store.

“Good day to you, Zelis. Hardworking as ever, I see,” Louise greeted Zelis as she entered the shop. Warm air mixed with the scent of steel and fire danced across the sight. Giving the metal one more hit, he turned to see what small voice he had just heard. Flicking up his visor, he saw Louise standing in the center of his shop.

“Ah Louise, what brings you to my shop? Oh, or should I say High Priestess?” Answered Zelis with a smile.

“I wished to confirm if Kudzu had been behaving himself. He can be such a handful, after all… ” Louise answered, stating her reason or the visit, giving a magnificent bow with her head as he faced her.

“He’s been a puppy. He spent most of his time in the forest hunting, and showing most of the young hunters around here how its done,” answered Zelis. “You have nothing to worry about with that one.”

“I must say… that’s weirdly impressive,” Louise replied, seeming surprised. To think that Kudzu would actually behave himself. Thank the gods.

“I shall acknowledge it, then, and treat him his reward… that said, I had a request to make, too,” Louise begun. “I’d like to have you craft a weapon befitting for my bodyguard – Durran. He’d love to have a better blade to fight with,” she said, reminding herself how Durran mentioned that he’d prefer to have a much better blade to fight alongside with.

“That thin red-headed man? He seemed nice enough. Couldn’t sense a thing off his spirit, though. Is that man trustworthy?” Asked Zelis.

“Yes, yes he is,” answered Louise. What else could she say? He did so much for her already, if it was an act he’d have nothing to gain from helping her to this extent, she earnestly believed.

“Hmmm, if you say so. I suppose I can’t judge a body by its cover. I gave Kudzu the benefit of the doubt after all,” answered Zelis. “If I remember correctly, that man was carrying a katana, correct? One of those thin blades.”

“Yes, otherwise Japanese Blades,” Louise said, albeit in this world people likely wouldn’t understand the name.

“Japanese?” answered Zelis.

“A-Ah, never mind,” Louise waved her hand dismissively with a forced smile. “But yes, he seems to fancy those kind of blades.”

“Alright, I will see what I can do. I don’t have any of those in stock that I would consider worthy to give out. Come back in say… two days, and I will have something ready,” answered Zelis.

“I thank you,” Louise responded. “I shall provide a proper payment in the mean time,” she added, before turning to leave the shop. “Thank you for your time, I shall take my leave now.”

Zelis chucked at her mention of payment. He hadn’t charged any of Razta’s friends so far, and he probably wouldn’t charge Louise either. He made more than enough money making weapons for the soldier. Especially now when war was certain, the orders were coming in bundles. ”No problem, it is my job, after all,” said Zelis flicking his visor back down as he raised his hammer giving the metal a good hit.

Calm down, you don't need to respond to every kind of attacks and stand firm where you are. Those who have problems with your event will seek to talk it out on their own without having to neg rep or whatever.

That's just a little advise from someone who's been hosting shit here for a long time. Not that I think you didn't know already, but calling out to neg reppers is the last thing you should do as a host.

Dealing with third world problems?

Though that's a collection of tough issues rather than a single one.

I'd think education should come first, and I don't mean the teaching respect, listening to others, or whatever (total waste of time in my opinion, by the way). There are so many children around the world unable to study despite the amount of government funded schools out there.

Over-populated countries could always use more quality education, especially higher-education.

http://vocaroo.com/i/s1RVy55ltrw2