[b]Adila![/b]

You wrap time around yourself and Hornet. Around you, the darkness leeches away into the water, leaving the debris bobbing on the waves, washing up against the roots. Garthim drop into the water, going limp, letting the waves bob them up and down as they become inactive. You give Hornet the gift of time enough to come to terms with your presence. To let her know that you aren't going to leave.

Finally, she looks up at you through her goggles. "What do you want me to do?" She asks, still guarded, but... but listening. For once, she's listening to you, fully intent.

***

[b]Alina![/b]

This is not how you wanted to meet Oberon again.

The way you imagined it, you and Rita were going to hold hands and then punch him in the face together, while Adila set his stupid cape on fire and Kazelia zapped all of his magic out of him. Then Ourania would send him to Tree Jail until he learned his lesson, and maybe she'd be willing to give you and Rita her blessing, and all of Hyperborea would know that you, yes, you... you saved the world with the love of your life.

The love of your life who you have to believe is still alive. Nemie wouldn't let her drown. She wouldn't let anyone drown.

You are tossed at Oberon's feet when Cassian snaps his fingers, and with your hands bound behind your back, you don't exactly manage to break your fall. At least you don't crack your chin on the marble floor, managing to twist so that instead you smack the side of your head. You bite down on the monogrammed handkerchief and let out a winded grunt through Cassian's cologne-drenched scarf. Accent of Feloria is meant to be [i]dabbed[/i] on, idiot.

Oberon puts the toe of his boot under your chin and lifts your head. "Well, well. I hadn't even sent out wedding invitations, but it appears our bridesmaid is already here." He's sitting in an ornate garden chair, and you know, you [i]know[/i] whose chair that is. How dare he? "And she brought my [i]disobedient[/i] daughter." He tosses an elaborate cube from hand to hand, and a soft sound of singing rises from it. His face twists in irritation as you both register the sound. Then he looks down at you, and his smile is [i]wicked[/i].

***

[b]Kazelia![/b]

The Puzzle-Box clicks open, and you're expelled from its depths: you, Kyouko, and Shiva! A quick survey of your surroundings reveals that you're surrounded by Garthim, that Cassian is standing back but not quite far enough back, and that your father is holding Alina.

She's sitting in his lap, and he has one arm wrapped around her with casual possessiveness. Like she's a new toy, or another one of his artifacts. Something he can do with as he pleases. "I would think twice before doing anything rash," he says, and strokes a finger down Alina's cheek. "My wedding is happening whether you like it or not. Now stop that ridiculous singing and promise to behave, or I will have to put you back in time out and... break your toys."

[hider=Overlord Custom]Oberon has taken [i]Now Who Told You That?[/i] He still... [i]dislikes[/i] your songs, but they no longer act as his Weakness. His new weakness is SECRET, but is available for use in this episode...[/hider]
"Why do you continue to fight for these princesses?" His tone is acidic, and even though you know you shouldn't be listening... "Take this pathetic little brat. She only tolerates you because she thinks you can give her back her gumdrops and tickle fights, or whatever her kingdom had to offer. There's no [i]room[/i] for someone like you in her world, Kazelia. It hurts me to watch you struggle for her."

And his words sound so... reasonable? Maybe there's magic in them, maybe he's just trying to offer some twisted parental guidance, but... it's hard, suddenly, not to look at Alina and see a silly cotton candy bit of fluff. Oberon is real. Oberon is [i]solid[/i]. Alina could be washed away so easily...

[Erase your Bond. Alina no longer fills you with joy.]