[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Ykr0chB.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/zCtOt85.png[/img] [h1][color=ff7360]Loni Rodriguez[/color] & [color=15A663]Moriah Motta[/color][/h1] [h3]Tuesday. 10:30am.[/h3][sub]with [@AtomicEmperor][/sub][/center] [right][code]New Leopold Building.[/code][/right][hr] Loni wasn’t woken up by an alarm clock, but by tiny hands insistently patting her face. “Maamaaaaa… Maaaa…” [color=ff7360]"Solo cinco minutos más, Mijita…"[/color] “Mama, up! [b]Up![/b]” The patting turned into more insistent slapping and Loni opened her eyes with a groan. Normally Vin was there to deal with ‘mornings’... How they got up early while staying up so late, Loni didn’t understand. Even with Luciana more on Loni’s sleep schedule than anything… The little girl always woke up after eight hours of sleep like clockwork. With them staying at Sin Sisters now, she’d even been able to go to sleep before Loni finished work for the night. All her grumpiness washed away at the sight of her daughter. She stood on the bed with one hand on Loni's shoulder, the other hovering above her face. Messy curls framed her chubby face which broke into a grin now that Loni was awake. [color=ff7360]"Buenos días, Cariño."[/color] Loni reached up a hand to rub Luciana's head, pushing herself up into a sitting position. For a moment, she was confused about where she was. It wasn't her pastel pink room, punctuated by insect posters. Oh right… she'd moved into Sin Sisters for now. Luciana brightly responded with what was probably a morning greeting in response, followed by whatever was on her little mind. She toddled away from Loni, hands grasping the top barrier Loni had put up on the bed to stop her from rolling off. She started to wave one hand at Loni, babbling insistently. [color=ff7360]"Alright, alright, I'm gettin' up."[/color] Loni laughed, going to lift Luciana up and over onto the floor. Then she pushed down that side of the bed gate to get off too. Luciana didn't wait for Loni, running over to a large empty space where the toys Vin brought over for her were spread across the floor. She started playing by herself with little giggles and cheerful babbling. Loni had planned to go to the attached hotel's restaurant for breakfast but… Luciana would just end up wanting to run around. It was easier to ask for something to be brought up. No one was going to be upset if she ordered room service, after all! At least, Loni knew Momo wouldn't have a problem with it. In the time that they were waiting for food, Loni managed to corral Luci away from her toys for a moment to get her ready and dressed. Then, she went through her morning stretch routine while watching the little girl play. It was a bit more difficult to get her to eat. She really didn't want to be confined right now, kicking her legs and arms around when Loni picked her up to put her in a high chair. Eventually she stopped protesting and pouting long enough to let Loni airplane a bit of cut up pancake into her mouth… then she was all smiles, grabbing the cut up pieces with her hands and shoving them into her mouth. When she was done eating, Loni let her free with a sippy cup filled with warm milk to drink while playing. That left Loni to actually eat some food herself… It was just a little more difficult when it was just the two of them. Just a little! Not that Loni was dependent on Vin or anything. She could deal with them not staying here every night! After all, Vin had said they'd [I]would[/I] stay when it worked out work wise. Just they had an early shift today so it was easier to stay in their apartment. Which was fine, because someone needed to check on Archie, Loni's pet giant millipede. Completely assured of her ability to parent alone, Loni went about actually getting herself ready. Some time to choose and outfit before sitting down to do her makeup. "Mama!" Loni turned her head to look down at Luciana, pausing brushing blush onto her cheeks. As she got her mom's attention, the little girl smiled widely. She puffed up her cheeks, patting them with her hands. It took Loni a moment to understand, before she laughed. [color=ff7360]"You wanna look pretty like Mamá?"[/color] Luciana threw up her hands, excitedly babbling. Loni smiled, putting down her makeup brush and reaching down to lift Luciana up onto her lap. One hand held her there, while the other reached out for a clean makeup brush. She gently brushed it across Luciana's face as if she was really putting makeup on. Luciana giggled, body wriggling in her lap even as she did her best to stay still. It was so cute... Warmth bubbled up in Loni's chest, wiping away any of the lingering worries from the day before. [color=ff7360]"Close your eyes, Mijita."[/color] Luciana scrunched up her face, closing her eyes. Loni dabbed a smaller brush across her eyelids lightly. Finally, she got her daughter to imitate her pursed lips- to loads of giggles- and pretend to put lipstick on. [color=ff7360]"There! Perfect, just like Mamá!"[/color] Loni beamed down at Luciana as she babbled excitedly, little arms flailing all over the place. She put her back down on the ground as she started to wriggle against Loni's arms. Luciana didn't immediately totter away. Her hand grasped around Loni's nightdress, tugging at it insistently while gesturing towards the door. Though most of what came out of her lips was unintelligible, Loni could figured out some of it. [color=ff7360]"Mamá's still gotta finish getting ready, Baby. I ain't even dressed! Once I'm done we'll go out, alright? I got somethin' special planned... And we can go find Aunt Momo first!"[/color] Really, Loni planned to ask Momo if she'd come along. After all, it was much more fun with more people! Less lonely too... Not that she could be lonely with her daughter around. She just loved spending time with more people. [color=ff7360]"That sound good?"[/color] After seeming to think about it, Luciana nodded and ran back over to where her toys were scattered. She plopped herself down in front of the piece of paper she'd been scribbling on. Loni watched her with a soft smile. She was blessed to have such a perfect little girl. Then she turned to the mirror, going back to finish getting ready. [hr][center][h3]12pm[/h3][/center][right][code]Sin Sisters.[/code][/right] Loni's plan to grab Momo as soon as they were ready was foiled by her boss having a client meeting. But that was alright. But it wasn't a problem! Loni was about to keep the both of them entertained by going outside to the nearest patch of grass to play. Of course, playing ended up being a ‘find bugs' game where she told her daughter all about whatever they found… which wasn't so much here. But there were some spiders, woodlice and even a butterfly! By the time they went back inside as morning moved to early afternoon, Loni was helpfully informed by one of the other girls that Momo had moved from office to the main bar. That did make Loni feel a little worried… was she busy? Did she need to man the bar all afternoon? Not that it was an issue! It was as simple as asking and accepting a rejection. Then her and Luci would just go on a little date by themselves. The club wasn't too busy yet, but it was starting to fill up for the lunchtime rush. Businessmen looking for some relaxation on their lunch break… Loni weaved through the tables easily, ignoring any gestures from clientele with a bright, polite smile. She wasn't working, after all! She kept a tight, careful hold of Luciana against her chest. She wasn't going to put her down and let her get lost or go up to any of the customers. No way! Even if the little girl was looking around with wide eyed excitement and waving graspy hands around. But it was a different story when they went behind the central bar, and she saw her Aunt Momo. Luciana wriggled so much that Loni [I]had[/I] to put her down so she didn't drop her. [color=ff7360]"No running, Baby, hold my h-"[/color] “Ahn Mo!” Luciana completely ignored her mom's soft whisper, throwing her hands up in excitement and shooting forward as soon as there wasn't something holding her back. She barrelled right into Momo's legs with an excited squeal. The little girl grabbed whatever fabric was nearby and tugged, looking up with big, brown eyes. She looked especially adorable, dressed in a pink checked pinafore dress with a puffy skirt over a long sleeved shirt. Her curly hair was done up in cute pigtails with matching pastel pink bows. “Ahn Mo! Ahn Mo!” [color=ff7360]"[I]Luciana!-[/I] I'm sorry, I shouldn't have let her go!"[/color] Loni immediately, panickedly, apologised. She was dressed pretty cutely herself, if still revealing enough (though nowhere near as much as normal) to not stand out here. A low cut v-neck, pink floral dress with a loose short skirt with lace around the edge. Her own hair was pulled back into a single ponytail, strands already falling out, with a more subtle bow that matched Luciana's. She held both their coats under her arm, hands coming up to frantically wave. [color=ff7360]"Maybe I shoulda left her in the back… Luci, you need to listen to Mamá…"[/color] By the time Loni made it to Momo, big strong arms were already scooping the little girl up and hoisting her into the air. [color=15A663]”Luci Bambiiiiiii!”[/color] The massive woman was dressed up for a working bar shift, bedecked head to toe in serious designer business wear. Her blouse was wide open at the front, either side clinging to the mounds of flesh and muscle that she'd bound tightly to her chest. The mass of hair she carried on her head cascaded down her back like a cape, a small tiara band keeping most of it held back from her face. She had seen Loni the night before, having stopped upstairs to insure the room was taken care of before ultimately making her way back to her own home. But with Vin there, she hadn't put in a great deal of affection toward Luci… It didn't feel right, but giving the little girl an unequal reception wasn't right either. So Momo was quick to make it up, cracking open a can of soda and letting the little girl sip the sweet treats with a very controlled hand. [color=15A663]”Ooooh, yummy huh? Remember, Luci… Blue! Blue can! The red one? Is gross!”[/color] she playfully teased the baby before turning her head to Loni directly. [color=15A663]”Slept well up there, Honeysuckle?”[/color] she asked the woman with a wide, joyous smile. Some others working the bar also greeted Loni, one of them immediately shifting focus to making faces at Luci while she sipped her soda. Luci giggled, slurping at the can with loud [i]mmms[/i]. Her attention constantly switched between it and the silly faces, constantly smiling and laughing. With her daughter so happy, it was easy for Loni to further relax, responding to Momo’s smile with a bright one of her own and greeting everyone else. [color=ff7360]"Yeah, we slept great! There ain’t any lumps in that bed… Ain’t that right, Mijita? You could sleep anywhere, huh?"[/color] Luci pulled back from the can to stare at Loni with absolutely no understanding in her eyes. But her Mama was smiling, so she smiled and babbled as if she did understand. Then she turned back around to Momo, patting her to get her attention. “Ah ee? Peh! Peh ee!” After saying whatever wise words she had to say, Luci started patting her own cheeks while staring up at Momo with shining eyes. Loni tilted her head, before laughing. It was that same motion she’d made earlier… Of course she hadn’t actually put anything on the little girl, and she always looked adorable- always would- but it was cute how she was trying to emulate her. She not so subtly gestured to her own makeup. [color=ff7360]"Tryna show off how I made you all pretty like Mamá, Baby?"[/color] “Peh ee!” Luci repeated, puffing up her cheeks. At first, Momo was confused. Not exactly quick on the draw when it came to little things like these, “pretend” had never come naturally to the Matriarch. Reality was broad, and with magic even moreso. [color=15A663]”Ohhhhh… Momma did your makeup, my little Ladybug? Well… Lets take a look at that together, huh?”[/color] The one arm carrying the little girl rubbed a spot of bare skin; the hand that grabbed playfully at her finger. A dart of color, like some kind of octopus shape, darted up Luci’s arm and into her shirt, climbing up to her face and spreading out into a very even-coated layer of makeup just like her own mother’s. With the free hand, Momo lifted the palm to face her and Luci. All at once, it turned shimmering and became reflective like silver, clearly showing off herself, Luci with her fresh makeup, and Loni in the background with her own big smile. Momo’s joy was clear. [color=15A663]”Oh yeahhhhh! I can see it now, mamacita! You are soooooo pretty! Ain’t she, girls? Ain’t she just the prettiest gal in here!”[/color] “Too good for this place, Mo!” one of the other girls behind the bar joked, causing the group to laugh behind Momo. [color=ff7360]"That’s right, she’s really gonna go places."[/color] Loni joked back, leaning in to rub the top of Luci’s head. It was only a joke in that Loni didn’t think this place was [i]bad[/i] at all. She loved Sin Sisters… But she also hoped Luci could go somewhere beyond her simple life. Maybe university! Or something! Luci absolutely basked in the attention, giggling and babbling completely incomprehensible but excited words. She didn’t really understand what had happened, but she could recognise some of the change in her reflection, gasping and patting her cheeks again. She wriggled in Momo’s arm, stretching herself up to just about manage to fling her arms onto her shoulders in a little hug. [color=ff7360]"Aw, Mijita, que preciosa!"[/color] Loni couldn’t help but turn from the joke to also lavishing her daughter with love and attention. A few more Spanish exclamations escaped from her lips before she realised why they were here in the first place… and it wasn’t the makeup. [color=ff7360]“Now, Baby, you gotta tell your Aunt Momo why you’re all pretty.”[/color] “Ah.. Peh ee oot! Bih oy! Uhn Mama!” Momo liked to think she spoke Luci’s language… But there were just some times that life proved her wrong! One day, the little girl would speak English, and Spanish… Probably Italian. Whatever other Latin language crept into her life. But for now, it was a whole lot of [i]nothing[/i]. But that couldn’t kill Momo’s joy. Not much could, but that was an easy thing to shrug off. [color=15A663]”Oh? Yeah? Can you tell Momma that one too? That way her and Auntie Mo can work that out together?”[/color] However, there was a few seconds that Momo had extra in her head. Deep little processes allowed to ruminate and birth themselves as full fledged ideas. Then the translation appeared as if it were in front of her. [color=15A663]”Oh, wait! Toys!? We’re going to get a bunch of toys for Luci!?”[/color] Momo’s eyes widened, happy to take the burden of the mistake if it came to that. There was no reason that she couldn’t take the financial aspect of it in stride, after all. Life got easier like that after everything settled back down… Now, with things coming back into frame riding a dark cloud, she’d take all the pleasure she could get. She’d need the memories, maybe. Momo’s head spun to one of the other girls behind the bar. [color=15A663]”Hey, go get my coat? I’ll call Teo, she’ll be happy to work until I get back”[/color] There was no need to ask her. Loni almost never had to ask… The presumptive, sometimes pushy Matriarch easily inserted herself into the lives of those around her. Luci let out an excited squeal at the promise of a bunch of toys, little hands throwing up into the air. “Oy, bih oy!” Loni had only promised her [i]one[/i] big toy… But that didn’t matter now. She practically beamed at Momo essentially inviting herself along without knowing what exactly was planned. It made it so much easier for Loni. It was why she’d had Luciana ‘ask’ in the first place. Who could say no to that little face? As much as Loni was bright and confident, she didn’t like imposing. [color=ff7360]"There’s this ‘Thanksgiving Week Festival’ at Crystalline Mall- y’know, the real big fancy one! We were gonna go yesterday, but couldn’t cause y’know… So we’re going today, cause I ain’t workin’ today and ain’t gotta worry bout crossing the bridge now! I read there’s lotsa stuff for kids… and adults too! And buncha the shops have discounts cause’ve it."[/color] Momo was more than happy to tag along, and even add a pitstop of her own. [color=15A663]”Of course, Junebug! I had Marco and Regina go over there yesterday, actually… If you’d had a list we could’ve gotten everything taken care of [i]for[/i] you… But, this is better! Are we uh…-”[/color] Having already rescinded the makeup spell, Momo let her free hand move to pinch Luci’s earlobe in a gentle way. Her hands were so big, she practically grabbed the whole ear… But for a moment, the little girl wouldn’t be able to hear a thing; just a little rapid earcleaning. It’d feel good for the little one, a ticklish sensation that would make her laugh and forget all about the odd sensation of a blocked ear canal. [color=15A663][i]”-shopping for Christmas too? Or are we saving that for later?”[/i][/color] For Christmas? Oh shit, she probably should! Last year she hadn’t thought about it in advance, and ended up getting presents [i]after[/i] Christmas because she’d spent her entire paycheck for the month… But it hadn’t been so much of a problem when Luci was only one. She loved the boxes the gifts Vin and Momo got her more than she did the gifts themselves. But this year was different! She was way more aware of things. [color=ff7360]"Oh yeah, probably should start that! I gotta spend all’a that money I got last night too- Wait…"[/color] She shoved her hand into her bag, pulling out her phone. Anything she earned was put into the bank as soon as she could so… It should all be in there. Should be… Loni went a little pale as she looked at her bank statement. Didn’t she get loads after doing two shifts yesterday? Where’d it… oh. Well, she had her credit card! So long as she paid it off. [color=ff7360]"M-maybe later! I gotta save to get some real good presents, y’know."[/color] While she didn’t break her smile, Momo’s eyes spoke to Loni in a way that they had before. They were absolutely accusatory, but only in the way that a knowing mother looked at their child when they’d done something foolish. Not [i]wrong[/i]. Just admonishing. [color=15A663]”Does my money have cooties? Is my money orange? Does it have a little man in a top hat on it?”[/color] she asked with a very flat tone. [color=ff7360]"N-No, but you can’t buy [i]my[/i] Christmas presents for me. That ain’t how it works, then they’re presents from you, ain’t they?"[/color] It was an ‘argument’ they’d had before, and one that Loni was very stubborn about. After all, Momo already paid her! And showered Luci with gifts! And of course, it was better to redirect it to that age old discussion rather than admitting the reason she had no money right now was because she spent her two days worth of saved salary on a super expensive, rare pal for Archie. [color=15A663]”Oh, how would you know what gift is for Christmas and which isn’t? Especially if I withhold [i]all of them[/i] until December twenty-fifth… Then they’re [i]all[/i] Christmas. Now, come on! Don’t you worry about your wallet, just let me handle it.”[/color] she said, finally releasing Luci from the depths of hearing loss now that the discussion was slain. But Momo’s coat was already there, and so was her cellphone. [color=15A663]”Ah, shit… Alright. Lulu, be with Momma, honey. Auntie’s gotta make a phonecall. Oh, and is the car coming?”[/color] she asked the same Adept who brought the coat. She in turn nodded, and Momo threw a thumb up. [color=15A663]”Great. Loni, Baby, I’ll meet you in the lobby, give me… Ten minutes maximum.”[/color] [hr][right][code]Crystalline Mall, Cloverfield North Side.[/code][/right] After a short wait, and a bit of a drive, the three reached Crystalline Mall. The largest in the city, it was named for its large glass roof that expanded upwards in ‘random’ geometric shapes. It was the peak of luxury, representative of the state of the North Side of the city and one of the first things rebuilt. It wasn’t a place that Loni had visited very often. Nowadays they were strict about people like her coming into the North: if she couldn’t provide shift times, they would let her in. But she’d managed to come a few times… But it didn’t mean the place filled her with any less awe. Inside, the wide ground floor walkway was bustling with life. The permanent stores and restaurants all had signs for ‘deals’ for the special Thanksgiving Festival. There were large, digital displays describing what was going on. From special screenings in the mall’s cinema, to small [i]rides[/i] that had been set up in the large circular hall in the centre of the building. Shopping events, kids events, even late night cocktail and wine tasting sessions. Right from the entrance, there were extra little popup shops and stalls. Many were akin to what would be found at a carnival: cotton candy and popcorn stalls, all sorts of mini games. Of course, since this was a rich person event put on for rich people, all the ‘prizes’ and goods sold were of much higher quality than would be found at a normal carnival. Some games were even to win designer jewellery and watches… With exorbitant costs to enter. As for the Thanksgiving theme? It was likely just an excuse for the extravagant event… But there were staff members dressed up as the event mascots near the entrance. One was a massive, plush looking turkey with golden feathers. The other was a… Purple dragon? Like the kind you’d get in a kid’s cartoon… It was very on the nose for anyone who [i]knew[/i] what’d happened a year and a half ago. “Tih-en! Mama, down! Down!” Luciana wriggled excitedly in Loni’s arms, hands flailing in the direction of the turkey mascot. [color=ff7360]"That’s a turkey, Mijita."[/color] Loni corrected gently. She looked down at her daughter with her best stern gaze- which wasn’t very stern at all. [color=ff7360]"If I put you down, you gotta hold Mamá or Aunt Momo’s hand the [i]whole[/i] time, alright?"[/color] Luci twisted around to stare up at Momo, babbling something completely incomprehensible. But her expression was comedic and over exaggerated, as if she was saying ‘what a ridiculous request’ and expecting agreement from her Auntie. For Momo, the ride had been wonderful. As unsafe as it usually was, with her in a Vehicle, impacts were anything but troublesome. Hence, Luci was allowed to play on the open floor of the limousine, with Momo sat cross-legged at the front in case there were any emergency stops threatening to send the poor girl flying. Instilling her with that sense of safety and insulation probably wasn’t [i]good[/i] in terms of actually raising an obedient and well behaved child… But, fuck if she wasn’t going to know what fun was. When Momo was born, she only knew “fun” from memories that weren’t hers. The rest of it was hard fucking work… Meaning, she had no time to faust that sort of sensation upon a baby girl. Not when she was surrounded by people who destroyed hard work, and consumed pain like snacks. The battle-hardened and tested Adepts of Cloverfield… And they planned on adding a few more to their visit roster. A happenstance call in the car saw Momo inviting her Matriarchal Desciple, a teen that Loni only knew as “Little Sister”. With her, an escort that Loni would know much more intimately, especially from the Cataclysm days. Ruth L’mata, a Lesser Dame of the Whispering Flesh, and one of the only other fully-fledged Matriarchs that Momo allowed to remain in the Twin Hills specifically. She was what many Matriarchs considered “Failed Product”, as she invariably did not meet certain criteria that the Ladies of Culla weren’t so kind about. But, her heart and soul were bigger than any other Matriarch that Momo had known. Of course, it was compensation. She felt there were things left to prove, and Momo had no problem taking advantage of that [i]little[/i] quirk. But for now, it was just Luci, Loni and Momo… And the latter was staring at the golden turkey with a massive grin on her face. [color=15A663]”Luci… Come here, love. Stand next to Auntie, okay? We’re gonna race! We’re gonna race, and we’re gonna go see the big Turkey together! You see him?”[/color] Momo giggled, squatting down and pointing a finger toward the Turkey as she motioned with the other hand for Loni to put the girl down. Loni was a little nervous to put Luci down. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Momo- she did. Just there were lots of scary people around! Scary, rich North Siders. Sure, she’d grown up running rampant on the streets of the Lower District… But down there no one was going to kick a snotty nosed kid just for being poor. Vin was insistent they could smell it. The poverty… It was why she was always paranoid when out and about in this part of the city. Then again, Momo wasn’t… So it’d be fine! She’d probably notice Luci going to run towards something interesting before the little girl started moving. [color=ff7360]"Don’t run too fast, I don’ think your Auntie’s pride can take it if you beat her by too much, ‘kay?"[/color] Loni jokingly lectured her daughter as she bent down to put her on the ground. As soon as her feet hit the ground, Luci toddled over to Momo. She threw her hands in the air with an excited giggle. “Way! Way!” She repeated the same word a few times, hopping up and down in excitement. But even though she wanted to run to the turkey immediately, she did know what a race was. They had to go together! “A tih-en!” Of course, what was more fun than a race against Auntie? Only one thing. At least in Momo’s experience, there always seemed to be [i]one thing[/i] Luci loved. That she would [i]never[/i] say no to. [color=15A663]”Tachi, Baby… Say Tachi for Auntie? Ta-chi. Taaaaa-Chiiiiii”[/color] she paused, attempting to push Luci’s speech in a particular direction before she got too distracted by action. “Taaaa… Taaa-ti. Taaaa-tiiii!” Luci tried her best to copy Momo, brow furrowing. “Taa- Ta-di. Ta-di!” [color=15A663]”Yes!!! That’s [i]plenty[/i], Baby! Oh mio Dio, I’m so proud of you Chiquita!”[/color] Momo cheered, her arms hoisting into the air and wrapping around the little girl. [color=15A663]”And for that? Dragonflyyyyyyy! Draaaaaagooooonflyyyyyyyyyy!”[/color] Momo excitedly intoned, snagging her by the coat and swinging her high into the air. As she recognized what was happening, Momo made sure to brace Luci. She had a tendency of getting overexcited, and Momo had managed to catch her every time… But the panic wasn’t worth it. So, preemptive bracing brought Luci over seven feet into the sky, held tight around the chest and legs so her arms could splay out like a bird. Just how she liked. [color=15A663]”Get her wings flapping, Momma!”[/color] she laughed, swinging Luci down to Loni. Luci squealed in delight, arms shooting out to the side and waving up and down. “Daffeeee, Mama!” Loni was watching close enough- with no insects in this place to distract her, thankfully- that she easily hopped forward to ‘catch’ Luci. Her smile was bright and joyous, even though she didn’t start to make the surprisingly accurate buzzing she normally did. Because there were so many people around, she could feel them staring… But she wouldn’t let it actually affect her daughter’s enjoyment. [color=ff7360]"No, no…. Not a dragonfly, you’re a beautiful butterfly! They’re way better than airplanes, ain’t they? Cause Mamá can be a butterfly too."[/color] Loni laughed, holding the wriggling toddler above her head with ease before spinning around and gliding her back towards Momo. Of course, Luci didn’t care if she was an airplane or a butterfly. As long as she was being swung around in the air, she was delighted. Momo’s arms relaxed slightly, however. The reluctance to play along from Loni wasn’t typical… She didn’t want to give Luci the sense that there was something wrong, so her arms started to go through the motion that they usually did, but slowly. As if building up the anticipation… She [i]had[/i] to ask. [color=15A663]”Momma?... No [i]wings[/i]? You okay?”[/color] she asked gently. [color=ff7360]"Of course! Is just- busy, y’know!"[/color] Loni’s arms jerked forward, motion more frantic than normal. There was a little panicked look in her eyes as they darted around. Her being flustered or even frantic was common, but panicked? Not around Momo, at least. Because they were always in places where Loni felt safe and comfortable. Not a rich person mall. Yesterday hadn’t helped, with the Bakery owner’s immediate judgment of Loni and the other South Siders. It had just reminded her of how they really viewed someone like her… As Luci slowly came back towards her, Loni shifted her whole body forward, lowering her voice into a whisper. [color=ff7360]"They can smell that we’re from the South- Vin says so. I don’t wanna draw any attention cause then they’ll know and Luci could get hurt."[/color] Momo’s eyes said everything that her voice didn’t have to. [color=15A663]”Loni… Make the noise. For the love of your daughter.”[/color] she said with a stern, motherly guiding hand. Loni trembled just a little bit, eyes going wide. All the ‘what ifs’ ran through her head… But hadn’t she promised herself she wouldn’t let any of it get to Luciana? So if she had to endure a few stares, words or kicks, what did it matter? So long as she protected and kept safe her little light. As she took Luci with steady hands, the practiced to perfection buzzing sound escaping from her lips. It was quiet at first, then loud enough for the three to hear. Luci flailed all her limbs excitedly, delighted laughter only getting louder. There was immediate feedback from Momo, her face brightening with joy once more. [color=15A663]”There we go! There we goooooo! Dragonflyyyyyyy: Gooooooooooo!”[/color] And then Momo began to slowly but surely start to spin and walk toward the turkey mascot. The constant rotations weren’t tremendously fast or breakneck, nor was her sauntering pace. It was so Loni could keep up, and keep making the noises. This was [i]always[/i] a team effort. Whether or not Loni was nervous, didn’t matter. It was all important to push through those nerves, for the sake of one’s inner Joy. She resolved to talk with Loni about it after they had a moment to themselves… Dispel this notion of bad faith that had built up once and for all… But, they eventually flew right up to the turkey, and Momo took charge. [color=15A663]”Mr. Turkey! This is Ms. Dragonfly! Please, say hello to her!”[/color] she barked in her incredibly loud voice. “Why hello there, Ms. Dragonfly!” The turkey was clearly paid very well, putting on a goofy pseudo-turkey accent and cheerfully greeting Luciana. “You must be famished after flying around everywhere?” Luci excitedly threw out her hands, leaning forward in Momo’s hold towards the turkey. The man in the suit moved himself so she could grab some of the golden feathers, letting out a chuckle reminiscent of Santa Claus as she tugged on them. “Yes, you’re very smart, little dragonfly! For that, you deserve a treat, don’t you?” Before pulling anything out, the turkey looked past Luci to the presumed parents. At least it looked that way, with how close Loni had ended up shuffling to Momo. [color=ff7360]"Oh- of course!"[/color] Loni nodded her agreement, doing her best to soften her accent a bit. “Looks like Momma one agrees, what about… bigger Momma?” [color=15A663]”Oh, if you didn’t, I’d be insulted Mr. Turkey! Please, may it be your most special treat you have!”[/color] Momo said with a genuine smile… It wasn’t veiled so much as it was a fully obscured threat. None the wiser, Mr Turkey pulled a gold foiled egg out of his pocket. In an adult hand-wing thing it looked small, but it was almost as big as Luci’s grasping hand. “There you go, Little Miss Dragonfly, the special-est treat we have!” Luci giggled excitedly, immediately putting the gold foiled egg in her mouth. Her lips crinkled the foil and her brow furrowed in confusion. [color=ff7360]"You gotta take of the foil, Mijita."[/color] Loni laughed, not particularly concerned it had gone straight into her daughter’s mouth. After all, she’d eaten all sorts as a kid that shouldn’t be eaten, and she was fine! [color=ff7360]"Give it to Mamá, I’ll unwrap it."[/color] “Nooooo!” Luci stubbornly held onto her now damp prize. [color=15A663]”Hey, Miss!”[/color] Momo intoned, sliding Luci back into a more comfortable position. [color=15A663]”Now, you give that to Momma… And you say [i]thank you[/i] to Mr. Turkey for your gift that I know you’re gonna love! Say it? You say [i]’Thank you Mr. Tadi!’[/i]”[/color] she directed the girl to the mascot with a finger, giving him her massive smile to encourage the interaction just a moment more. Luci’s little face scrunched up for a moment, before relaxing again as she handed over the golden egg to Loni. She babbled away as she did… Perhaps giving instructions to make sure her Mamá took proper care of it. She wriggled a bit in Momo’s arms, looking at the turkey mascot with a bright smile. “Ban oo tadi!” She did her best to imitate Momo. “You’re very welcome, Ms Dragonfly.” The Mascot said brightly back. If he could smile, he probably would have- unfortunately the plush turkey head covered up anything like that. “Make sure to enjoy your treat and your day!” Luci giggled in agreement. [color=ff7360]"Here, lil dragonfly… Don’t bite it all at once!”"[/color] Loni handed the unwrapped chocolate egg back up to Luci. The little girl stared at it, then at the gold foil in Loni’s hand, before putting together that it was the same thing. She took a tentative little nibble, before nibbling more at the taste of sugary goodness. [color=ff7360]"I knew she’d love it here!"[/color] Loni grinned, seeming to have completely brightened up. [color=ff7360]"Normally Luci hates when Mamá shops, don’t you, baby?"[/color] Luci looked up from carefully eating her chocolate egg to babble her agreement. [color=15A663]”There’s nothing to hate when Auntie’s here too baby!”[/color] she laughed in return, handing Luci back off to her mother fully to let the little girl be. As they walked away, Momo grinned and turned her face to Loni. [color=15A663]”Did you hear Mister Jive Turkey? He thought we were fuckin’.”[/color] she laughed. [color=15A663]”I guess nobody’s heard of people having female relatives these days…”[/color] she laughed to herself, looking around the mall’s main area. There was a carousel that Momo was already endeavouring to take a ride on with Luci, but that could wait. [color=15A663]”So? Where to first, my sweet Ladybug?”[/color] Loni was laughing at the thought of Momo being Luci’s other parent… If that was the case, there’d be no way Loni could carry around her daughter like this! Loni bet she’d be double her current size... But there were much more important things to think about. Where to go, where to go… Loni highly doubted there was a pet shop here that sold the kind of substrate she needed for her new millipede, so that wasn’t an option. Maybe she could get some plants for the new tank she’d ordered? [color=ff7360]"A bit of shoppin’ first? Then we’ll have a big appetite to try out all’a the stalls they got."[/color] Loni spoke as if she wasn’t a Green Adept who could eat and convert food to magic fuel relatively easily at any time of the day… But it was more for Luci, who was happily munching on her chocolate egg in Loni’s arms. She’d probably get a bit sleepy after it, as well… The time spent shopping should be the perfect amount of time for her to wake back up! [color=ff7360]"I wanna get some plants- oh, and a new outfit for Thursday! Gotta have somethin’ nice to change into when I ain’t on the floor."[/color] She hadn’t mentioned anything about insects yet, besides the period of distracting Luci and then dealing with the dragonfly vs. butterfly situation. Maybe that was a blessing? All of the Deer’s creatures were loved similarly, thus there was no reason for her to be averse to the pet store… She’d save it for a little while… Maybe if Loni was just a little tired, she’d not buy any creepy-crawlies that the other hotel guests may be averse to finding on sojourn from her room. [color=15A663]”Let’s save the complicated stuff for last then: We don’t want to be carrying around pots of plants and babies who are tired for too long, will we? Let’s hit some real stores. I haven’t really had the chance to actually [i]bring you[/i] to one of these shops, have I? We’ll go to one that’ll be able to cater to both of you. And we can get Vin something too, huh?”[/color] Momo asked warmly. Loni smiled brightly, the thought of shopping more than enough to give her extra energy. It really was something she loved, even if it was normally restricted to online shopping and the occasional trip to a shop in the North when she had time around work. [color=ff7360]"I dunno if Vin'll wear anythin' from here, they're surprisingly fussy… Maybe it's a chance to get them to dress nicer!"[/color] She had a little bounce in her step, causing Luci to giggle in her arms. The little girl still had her mouth mostly full of chocolate as she diligently and carefully ate it. It had melted onto her hands now too, but Loni wasn't too worried about that. She always carried baby wipes around. [color=ff7360]"And no, we've never really been properly shoppin' together… It's always loadsa gifts and work, work, work."[/color] She giggled at that. [color=ff7360]"Not that I mind. Nothin' worse than not being busy! But real shoppin' is way more fun… I never got to go to many of the shops here. Last time I came was with some of the girls cause Kayla said there was this amazin' smoothie place. It [I]was[/I] pretty good, but I dunno with the price…"[/color] Loni looked down at her daughter for a moment, her voice turning more singsong. [color=ff7360]"But we don't gotta worry ‘bout the price when Aunt Momo's about, do we, Mijita?"[/color] As if Loni ever really worried about the price when actually shopping… the credit card came out, and that was that till she hit the limit. Luci had no idea what Loni was asking her, just that it was to her, so she just nodded sagely. [color=15A663]”You know as well as I do that Vin likes the way I dress. As long as you know their measurements, I know just what to get.”[/color] Momo insisted. Her great, long legs took striding steps, though Momo paced herself so as not to lose Loni in the dust. [color=15A663]”I’ve been wanting to get them some really nice things after what happened on your last birthday… It was hard enough getting anything sourced into the city at that point, but still… That look I got? I felt so terrible after…”[/color] She had only gotten a gift for Loni. At that point, apparently that wasn't the problem. The problem was, frankly, unknown. Momo felt the abject distaste directed toward her, and she didn’t stick around. Couldn't. Loni nodded, grimacing a little bit. She was very in tune with her twin, which made it difficult when there was discord between them and Momo… which there had been since that time. There’d always been a little bit on Vin’s side, but it only got worse. Loni had never understood why it was there in the first place and no matter what she said Vin brushed it off. She didn’t like it, but just put it to the back of her mind because the two rarely interacted. But it was going to happen more, with Vin staying at Sin Sisters with her… She wasn’t sure if Momo gifting Vin things would help. Hopefully? Hopefully! It’d be a start. [color=ff7360]"They were goin’ through a really hard time then… It wasn’t all [i]that[/i]."[/color] Loni said, with little care for her twin’s privacy. [color=ff7360]"Cause they expected it to just be the three of us… And they really missed their partner, I think. It was like I had other people and they didn’t, then I got all these gifts too. At least, that’s what I think. They ain’t really into tellin’ me things so I gotta use the twin sixth sense."[/color] Loni hugged Luci a bit tighter, though she was still smiling. [color=ff7360]"I bet they’ll love some nice clothes in their style! They never buy anythin’ for themselves… I gotta force ‘em too when whatever their wearin’ falls apart."[/color] [color=15A663]”I do need your advice on what to say… I think [i]‘I want to be friendly with you so please accept this bribe.’[/i] isn't gonna work.”[/color] Momo replied simply, looking longingly at Luci's chocolate egg before gripping her hand together tightly. When she released the grip, there was a couple more identical eggs sitting in her palm. Thoughtless, Momo popped one into her mouth and nearly wretched. She'd never excelled at product synthesis. Ingredients, single materials, and metallic products were all leagues different. She could form a fully built transistor and stick it onto a motherboard for a quality working part… But making a chocolate confection? She knew how to make a cacao bean. She knew how to synthesize milk. But the precise ingredient list escaped her. She didn't understand how her Uncle had synthesized sweets and pastries all those years instead of fucking baking… The second egg wasn't any better than the first. Both were beyond dark chocolate, and tasted like bitter wax rocks that she had to chew through. With a grimace, she tossed them both into her mouth and swallowed without further chewing. [color=15A663]”Though… We should talk about [i]that problem[/i] while we walk. My sweet Ladybug? When has a wealthy client ever given you the feeling that they [i]know[/i] you're a Southie?”[/color] Momo asked rather sternly. [color=ff7360]"That ain’t the same."[/color] Loni stubbornly responded. It might seem to Momo like she was in a much more argumentative mood than normal, but it was just that she kept hitting topics that Loni was absolutely sure she was right about. [color=ff7360]"All’a the clients are from the North, and they [i]do[/i] know we’re mostly from the South. But it’s… what’s the word? Uh- transactional? Somethin’ like that. I’m somethin’ they buy, so a lotta them don’t really see me. If they ever saw me in the street, the best they’d do is ignore me- and only ‘cause if they did somethin’ they know you’d never let ‘em back."[/color] It was blunt, but Loni had grown up in poverty facing discrimination. Then those fears had only been fed by Vin’s attitude and what they’d gone through. She didn’t think they were entirely right, cause Vin thought they were all bad. But she knew a lot would judge her. Especially cause of her upbringing, her job, and the kid she’d had so young. Momo rubbed her nose in embarrassment. Of course that was the wrong example… the dynamics were all wrong. Or maybe it was a matter of perception, or- [color=15A663]”I don't ever want you to feel scared. Or intimidated.”[/color] she spoke quietly, but with great intensity. Being so close physically, Loni would be able to feel the temperature rising off of Momo's body. [color=15A663]”But you understand, there's no sixth sense. And, more to the point, you're more wealthy than any of these vapid airbags. You've been bestowed great and valuable gifts that they will never have. How could you let their perceptions destroy your joy?”[/color] she asked sincerely, voice sounding incredibly contemplative. Loni furrowed her brow a little. She wasn’t really sure how to explain it. It wasn’t that she was scared… and it wasn’t just about any money she had now. They [i]could[/i] tell as soon as she opened her mouth, even if Vin was exaggerating about the smell thing. But she was used to it. Didn’t care, really, cause she could take most things thrown at her. [color=ff7360]"It ain’t like that. I ain’t scared- just a lil nervous. I don’t care what anyone says ‘bout me… I just don’t want Luci to hear."[/color] She spoke quietly too, her daughter still thankfully distracted by the now half finished egg. She was really savouring it. [color=ff7360]"I don’t want her to think she’s less than ‘cause her Mamá’s a highschool dropout Southie stripper. She ain’t, and she don’t understand yet, but she will. I don’t want her to suffer like I did… Y’know, even in the South there’s the judgment. All’a my teachers thought I’d end up sellin’ my body or somethin’, so most of ‘em never bothered. They concentrated on the ones from the good areas who had a chance. But Luci don’t deserve that. It ain’t about my joy, it’s about protectin’ her."[/color] She spoke about heavy internalisation discrimination so openly, like it was nothing. It was just so normal to her. It wasn’t that she had confidence issues or anything. She loved her job, and most of her life. She’d just accepted her place in the world. She was comfortable with it. But like all mothers, she wanted her daughter to have the best she could. This was, of course, what Momo got for not running a traditional Culla Branch. Outsiders did what they pleased, while the small core of Cullan members maintained the beliefs and practices that kept them afloat. It’d never been easy for Loni to entirely accept that emotion was a spectrum, and that abject ecstasy was on one end, and total despair was at the other. Cullans recognized this totality without pain or fear, allowing themselves to strive for the “good” end of the spectrum. The ultimate belief was that a Green Adept with their Joy was the most basal and powerful source of confidence that one could experience. That if she could only embrace such a lifestyle, and reject the apathy within that caused her to see the world with such sad eyes… She’d be free of rich and poor. Free of worry and concern. [color=15A663]”You’re an Adept of the Twin Hill Coven. One day, Luci will be too. And we will both be there, to help her learn that the only truly important thing in life, is her own devotion to Joy. Struggle will evaporate before her, and all these fears you have as her mother will go with them. I have sworn so before, but I’ll say again: I’ll never let this precious larva pupate into a nightmare. Never.”[/color] Loni admired Momo, but she struggled to not feel… Lesser when she talked about something like this. Loni felt her life was filled with Joy, but she didn’t have devotion towards it in that way. Her upbringing had been coloured by suffering and her Mamá’s teachings. Her Green Lux was her connection to Vin, to Momo, to the coven, but her Black Lux was the only connection left to her Mamá. As much as she hated it, it was still there within her. She wasn’t ‘pure’ in that way. Luciana wouldn’t be either. She’d be born with that Black Lux too. Even if she didn’t have it, even if she did just have Green… could struggle really evaporate like that? Would her struggle have evaporated if she’d just been a bit more dedicated? Not just joyful, or chasing life’s pleasures because it was the only thing she could actually do… She knew that Momo would protect Luciana. And maybe it would be different for her daughter, raised surrounded by Adepts and love. Loni had only had Vin and a Mamá who was away more than she was home. [color=ff7360]"I know you won’t."[/color] Even as Loni agreed, there was a hint of frustration in her voice. A feeling she tried to suppress of not being understood. But that wasn’t Momo’s fault. And she was used to it… Such a small thing was nothing compared to those who couldn’t understand her at all. So she wouldn’t bring it up. [color=ff7360]"I don’t think I’m gonna just stop worryin’. Ain’t it natural for a mother to worry? I know my Mamá did… I dunno, I just don’t think it’s such a big deal. So long as I keep Luciana safe ‘n happy, nothin’ else really matters. [i]She’s[/i] the most important thing in [i]my[/i] life."[/color] Loni hoped Momo would understand that. She should, shouldn’t she? Momo simply smiled and lifted a large hand to rub the top of Loni’s head. [color=15A663]”I believe that one day you’ll understand what I mean. I believe that all of this talk won’t be in vain, and that you’ll pull it all out of thin air. I know you’ll get it. Now, come on… I want to show you something.”[/color] Holding Loni’s shoulder, Momo cut for the nearest service corridor, and slipped down behind a department store into a stairwell. Taking it down, the Matriarch cleared her throat. [color=15A663]”I’m just about due for visiting here, so I figured why not bring you along? You’ve never seen one. One of my [i]secret places[/i]. There’s reason for that; but you know how much I love and trust you. And, of course, Luci. You’re both incredibly special to me.”[/color] The stairwell led into the parking garage of the complex, this one meant for employees. There were people hanging about different entrances smoking cigarettes and taking their breaks. None of them paid Momo or Loni much attention as they walked through, though Luci’s presence didn’t exactly scream [i]typical[/i]. After a short walk, they came to another doorway that looked to lead back into the mall. But when Momo opened it, Loni would find a staircase, once more, leading downward to the depths. Another of Cloverfield’s massive holes. Of course this one was filled up with concrete… And, per usual, the bones and corpses of dead Paranormals. However, due to the way the bodies were cleansed through Green and amplified through Orange Lux, there was minimal impression that could be made through any connection via Black Lux… For obvious reasons, the Cullan construction crew responsible for laying the foundation work of the building specialized in Paranormal repair. And what was more Cullan than using magical dead bodies as support joists for the subfloor? It would still feel incredibly eerie on the waves that made it to Loni, being such a strange kind of sensation that lingering death didn’t usually have. Had there been such a thing as a “happy” corpse? They didn’t seem sad in their position… Momo had [i]told[/i] Loni about these places before. Told them all, that there were places in the city that were sacred, and that in the event of an emergency, they’d be given patrol of those places. This [i]must be[/i] one of them. [color=15A663]”Do you know what this place is, Loni?”[/color] she asked calmly, a smile on her face as she turned back to coax her dear disciple onward. Loni shuddered, trying her best to cut off her connection to Black Lux so she didn't feel those occasional waves of odd, lingering death. But it wasn't something that could just be turned off… So she just held her daughter a little closer. [color=ff7360]"Well it's one of your sacred places where you…"[/color] She trailed off, one hand coming away from her daughter to awkwardly gesture. How did she word it? Create children? That wasn't right… How had Momo worded it when she first explained it to Loni? She didn't remember. [color=ff7360]"With one of your… children?"[/color] As with all of Momo’s [i]Lugar Apartado[/i], the path ended in a thick, massive, magically enchanted door. Loni would be able to feel the rush of Green Lux as Momo willed the door to open by physically changing a small pin’s material from something magnetic, to something not. A simple shift that made her doors physically impossible to open without a great deal of raw power, either magical or physical. Most would probably need both… Tumblers rattled about inside the framework, until eventually the frame swung open like a vault door. The inside was, like the others, a sterile brass and copper room beautifully adorned with some of the most articulate metalsmithing that Loni would’ve ever seen. Reminiscent of the safety grates that lined the walls of the upper rails in Sin Sisters, these were telltale for anyone knowledgeable about Culla, as well as the sacred geometry of the Deer itself. Momo ushered Loni in, closing the door behind them. Even the light that came alive was somewhat copperish, an orange light bathing the place in its hue. [color=15A663]”Spot on. You… Said when you’re a mother, you’ll worry. You know, I do?”[/color] As she said that, the great vat in the center of the floor opened, revealing a pool of deep emerald green within. And inside, was a baby girl just a bit younger than Luci. A year and a half of progress. [color=15A663]”Maybe I mentioned my sweet Fiora? Taken from me, as I hadn’t made good in my diligence to protect her. She’d be nearly ready now. Instead, I’ve… Started something new. Imagine having ten at once, Loni? Pretty crazy, right? Why would I want ten?”[/color] she giggled, moving toward one of the massive freezers and pulling out a large sample to begin defrosting in the machine. Loni stared at the place with wide eyes. It was a lot to take in. The little girl suspended in a pool, growing in a way that was completely different from normal human biology. Or was it that different? Loni didn't pretend to know the science well… But Luci had grown inside her stomach, so maybe it wasn't so different at all… Luci shared that look, looking an awful lot like her mother in that moment. Having finally finished her chocolate egg she leaned forward, sticky hands waving towards the big, emerald pool. [color=ff7360]"Not just now, Mijita."[/color] Loni said softly, shifting Luci to one hip so she could awkwardly pull some baby wipes out of her shoulder bag. She tried to think about what Momo said as she cleaned her daughter's hands. Why ten? Loni knew it was a different process, normally there was… only one, right? Was it for safety? But then… she couldn't imagine raising ten, to only choose one in the end? Surely Momo wasn't planning something like that? Was she? [color=ff7360]"I don't know."[/color] Loni answered honestly. [color=ff7360]"It ain't… cause you're tryna make the most perfect… child, is it? Or… safety?"[/color] As one of the bronze clad clockwork machines spooled up into a frenzy, the frozen sample from within liquefying in a matter of moments, Momo smiled and nodded. [color=15A663]”It’s certainly [i]safer[/i]. But, in the Whispering Flesh, ten is a sacred number. There were [i]ten[/i] women who gave their lives to make the first Matriarch. Ten sisters born in the hills of Italy, that would later become Culla.”[/color] The machine snapped to a stop, hissing and unlatching so Momo could pull the vial and slide it into another machine. This time, it shook like a rabid animal latched to a piece of meat. [color=15A663]”The rule is always one-for-one. You make a single Matriarch to replace yourself. But, that rule is purely based on a world where Matriarchs couldn’t do what I can. My own Mama… Cracked that mold. Broke it apart, in fact. Now, most Matriarchs born are Nutype. They’ll be as strong as me, probably. So what can I do?”[/color] she giggled. [color=15A663]”Break the mold again. See where this new age of discovery takes us. But, that means doing interesting things! New things. Means making changes too. Honey, if you [i]really[/i] feel scared up there? Around all those people? I want you to think for one second about what may be under your feet. About all that stuff that they just don’t know about. And I want you to teach Luci how to smile even when she’s [i]not[/i] happy. Because she’s set to inherit this world after you, and you can give her everything… But who will give her all of that if you can’t? She’ll learn. Like you did. And you’ll teach her. Won’t you?”[/color] Momo’s hand reached out, brushing against Luci’s cheek to keep her calm while the machine made a terrible racket. But, Momo [i]knew[/i] Luci didn’t like things like that. Loud, violent rattlings or motions were usually a surefire trigger. Luci reactively went from flailing about and reaching to get down to withdrawing back towards the safety of her mom. Her little face leaned towards Momo's hand while her own hands grasped at Loni. Loni held her tightly, gently rocking her through the loud, scary noises. She was once again thinking through what Momo said as she comforted Luci. It was normal for Loni to take a little more time to think about things before responding- at least when it was things out of her comfort zone. Was teaching Luci to smile no matter what right? She wanted her to always be happy. But that was unrealistic. She couldn't protect the little girl from everything. She could just give her the best chance possible… [color=ff7360]"I do wanna give her everythin’… Like, earwigs! They'll watch their babies even if it means they don't eat, and move ‘em and stuff. Or burying beetles! They raise their young in a corpse- but the Mama beetles fight off intruders to defend their young. I want to be like that for Luci. I want to protect her and make sure she's happy even if I gotta sacrifice myself. I [I]would[/I] if I had to. I ain't scared for me, it's for her…"[/color] Loni's bug speech enthusiasm tapered off a bit. [color=ff7360]"Do you really think I can give her everythin'? But I dunno if I have all that much to teach her… I've just kinda floated through life, really? I dunno if I can change that much."[/color] Momo pressed her fingers together tightly, shaking her hand with some dissatisfaction. [color=15A663]”Loni… It’s [i]precisely[/i] your ability to waltz through life which will be your biggest gift to her. If you can impart that sense of happy-go-lucky pluck, and she manages to carry it around with her throughout her life? That’s the Joy!... Oh, I know you’ll never quite get it love…”[/color] As the machine clicked off, it stopped all its blustering before unlatching itself and allowing Momo to pull the fully prepared slurry from its container. As she manipulated the thick Green Lux infused material, it glowed at the points where she tugged at its magical fabric. Regardless, she leaned down and planted a kiss on Loni’s cheek, then Luci’s cheek. [color=15A663]”Come, bring her. Show her. This is Armina.”[/color] Once more, Momo walked to the edge of the pool and knelt down. [color=15A663]”Look, Luci! Look!”[/color] her finger pointed out and down into the emerald pool at the baby girl inside. Her hair was already long, and contrasted starkly. [color=15A663]”You know, Lon? It’s funny. You’ll be in charge of her. In a way, you’ll be her Godmother. See, she’s… My special girl. Reach out to the Lux, you’ll feel something familiar. Something I bet you’ll be surprised about.”[/color] Loni tilted her head, looking at Momo with a wide eyed stare. She'd be like the Godmother to… the baby? The one who'd come out as strong, if not stronger, than Momo. [color=ff7360]"What d'you mean?"[/color] She asked unnecessarily, since she was going to reach out anyway. But there was Luci to worry about first. The toddler was wriggling in Loni's arms, leaning forward with excited coos and ahhs. Her little hands reached out, desperately wanting to touch the strange emerald pool. Loni wasn't sure if she actually saw the other little girl inside, or recognised her as that, but she was certainly enthralled by what she was seeing. “Mama, dow! Dow!” [color=ff7360]"Only lookin', Baby."[/color] Loni said softly as she squatted beside Momo at the edge of the pool. She put Luciana down between them, one arm wrapping around her daughter to stop her from immediately running forward. Luci leaned over it, little arms still stretching out even though she couldn't actually move any closer. [color=ff7360]"Hmm, do you see the lil girl in there? Just like you."[/color] Luci giggled and Loni smiled softly at her. Then her attention turned to the pool. She'd feel something familiar… that she'd be surprised about… what did that mean? Well, there was only one way to find out. Loni trusted Momo completely, so once she was sure she didn't need both arms on Luci, she reached one hand forward towards the liquid. And there it was… Just on the other side of the pool, that sensation that Loni had been told to suppress ever since she’d started working at Sin Sisters. Inside that little girl, magic already swirling about her in such profusion as to disperse through that emerald water, was a powerful mote of Black Lux that was absolutely straining and dragging at every single wall and floor in the entire place. And in that moment, the whispers of the closest layer of the dead spoke to Loni’s connection, and something strange was within… [i]Every single one was singing in unison.[/i] And their choir was harmonious and full of Joy, and clattered about the miracle of the Horned Wolf. And the choir was warm, and they sang as they poked at the heavy copper walls. And they hugged her. And they hugged the child. And in that hug, not a single one of them cared about a thing. No pain, no fear, no heartache of loss as so many dead did. And in that nothingness, they were strangely [i]happy[/i]. [color=15A663]”I only know that it's working because I can stand being around her. I told you that I’d never ask you to contribute anything, and I still won’t. But, I think… She’ll be able to teach you things that I never could. And you’ll do the same for her. And, in that, Luci will grow up knowing you as her Mother, but Armina as a Sister.”[/color] she intoned with a gentle voice, looking at Loni and Luci with that little smile. [color=15A663]”Let her touch. It won’t hurt her; I would never let anything hurt your little larva”[/color] Loni stared at her hand in the pool with a mixture of awe and discomfort. It was that strange, conflicted feeling whenever Black Lux was involved. The familiarity… like her Mamá's magic, cold but comforting, or Vin's, both brutal and protective in the same moment. But there was also a fear whenever she heard the dead. Memories of all those spirits her Mamá summoned that drained her of her life. But it did feel different here. A warmth where there wasn't normally one. A gentle hug. It was nice, joyful, even through her lingering fear. [color=ff7360]"She has Black Lux?"[/color] Loni was still shocked enough by it that she asked the obvious question. It was just so strange… especially after that constant confirmation that she was [I]right[/I] to suppress that part of herself and her magic. She shook her head, moving herself to crouch behind Luci. She let the little girl get closer to the water, gently guiding her to crouch down while keeping an arm around her torso. Luci let out a joyful giggle as her hands went in, wriggling them around and splashing water across the surface. “Mama, ha!” Loni obliged, free hand gently moving back into the emerald water for Luci to hold and play about with. The sensation of the Black Lux pushing outwards made it difficult to entirely concentrate, but what her daughter wanted was more important. Anything for her daughter… And for a daughter of Momo's, a future Matriarch, to be her Sister? It was comforting, but… [color=ff7360]"Why? Why did you mix in Black Lux?"[/color] [color=15A663]”Oh, so many have tried and failed to break the ceiling. The dome above us, so to speak, which keeps the laws of reality working as they do. As intended. I do it, simply, because someone must break the ceiling. If anyone else can be my contribution, it’s my Black Sheep. Armina is the name of a Necromancer from the stories of Culla. One who came to burn the walls of the city down and end the Whispering Flesh.”[/color] she giggled. [color=15A663]”It’s a name we give to girls who we think will be troublemakers. And, with her contributors, I expect quite the personality. It’ll be some years yet, but… Well, if anything happens, she’s yours to keep safe.”[/color] She was regarding the Apartado, but assumed that Loni would take it as if she meant in the event of her demise… Which wasn’t ever going to be a problem. If Momo died before things were finished, after all, things would promptly end. And, if it were after, she’d be a Matriarch. There wouldn’t be any problems. [color=15A663]”But, simply? If I didn’t do this, nobody would try what I’m trying now. We would remain cloistered and ignorant as a Matriarchy. And I’ll do the same with the other girls. I’m solving two problems at once, you see: Integration of separate Lux signatures into the greater Green current. But also, the Hounding. The sickness we experience around strong Black Lux signatures. If I were to succeed in bringing her to term alone, she would revolutionize the Whispering Flesh’s capabilities.”[/color] she seemed so proud as she allowed the slurry to dissipate into the pool. Loni nodded with wide eyed awe. It was a lofty goal well above anything she'd ever thought of. Just the existence of someone like Momo, of Matriarchs, was beyond her simple world. At times like this Loni was reminded of how far beyond her Momo was - but instead of feeling insignificant, it just made her feel blessed that someone like that had chosen to be so active in her life. She was, at the end of the day, someone content with her simple life and aspirations. She could appreciate people with goals far beyond her without jealousy. As for keeping the girl in the pool safe if something were to happen… Loni didn't even want to think about that [color=ff7360]"Wow. That's amazing… I bet you'll do it. If anyone can, it'd be you."[/color] She smiled with bright confidence at Momo. [color=ff7360]"Hmm, what d'you think, Mijita? Will Aunt Momo solve all'a those problems?"[/color] “Yeah!” Luci giggled, throwing her hands up and throwing drops of water all over Loni. She didn't understand at all, but she could feel the pride and positivity… the answer could only ever be yes. [color=ff7360]"That's right, Baby. You ain't gonna have to worry as much as me."[/color] Loni wrapped her arms around her daughter, pulling the little girl between her bent legs and against her chest. One hand gently tickled her stomach and she let out little laughing squeals. Still smiling, Loni looked back over her daughter’s head at Momo. [color=ff7360]"Will it… Help you with the Houndin'? Or is it just gonna be Armina and any made after?"[/color] [color=15A663]”I’ll never connect to the Hound’s shade. I’ll be dogged the rest of my life. But, Armina will [i]hopefully[/i] open the door for future generations… Which is why my dear Kin-Sisters never bother with this sort of thing. We tend to focus on our own longevity, which means improving the quality of new generations is second in the Guiding Hand’s priorities. Only Matriarchs in positions like mine are afforded the time and space to push the envelope. It’s why my Grandmothers were able to birth my Mother, and why she was able to birth me: The first and second generation of the Nutype.”[/color] Her hands slowly reached out to play with Luci’s before she stood and stretched, the chilly flask still in one hand. [color=15A663]”But, the point of bringing you here… You’re nervous. Shaken. I [i]hope[/i] that seeing joyous glory will help you focus on what’s good in life: What’s best. But, I also know that I’m no psychiatrist, and that there’s no panacea for fear. A child is born, it leaves the womb; yet the womb was only as safe as the Mother. All else is illusory, isn’t it? This big copper room is just a womb too, it can be crushed and pierced and stabbed and rent from its seat. Her safety isn’t this place, or that place. It’s you. Your mind, your soul, your attitude… Your confidence is shaken now, but in a week? You’ll have brand new doubts, and the old ones will have faded back.”[/color] Loni smiled up at Momo, nodding. Sure, she didn’t entirely understand everything that Momo said. Sometimes it was hard to follow when it wasn’t said so simply. But she got the message at the end. She was the one who kept Luci safe… And always would, until she could protect herself. Just like her Mama had her. But she and Vin had also had each other… [color=ff7360]"I know. Vin always used to say I was a scatterbrain - forgetting things super easily! They’d always bring it up when I was worrying, to say it’d go away. They were always right… It’s hard adjusting still, being in the North after growing up not. Yesterday… I helped get rid of that [i]thing[/i]! But the way the owner looked at us… I know she was judging us. I can read it. So I guess that was still lingering."[/color] Loni scooped Luciana back up into her arms, tickling her belly as she straightened up. The toddler giggled and flailed her little limbs about. [color=ff7360]"I’m gonna keep her safe… and give her a better place to grow up in than I had."[/color] Momo took a clean, deep breath. [color=15A663]”You’d neglected that last bit… [i]What[/i] cafe was it? Diner? I can’t for the life of me remember you mentioning any of the details!”[/color] she laughed casually, not wanting Loni to pick up on the subtle question’s intention. As she spoke, she was moving to replace the cylinder and gather her things. The child was fed, and had a nice bit of socialization with some faces that would be pivotal later. Momo’s subtle pull on the child locked in the memory of watching Luci play in the water, and of Loni’s gentle and tender matronly love. No matter what, this girl would [i]always[/i] love the two of them. She’d have no choice, it’d be sheer compulsion. So was the dreadful little programming, the conditioning slowly over the period of defenseless years. Millions of psychoactive triggers… She may not have been a psychiatrist, but she knew [i]exactly[/i] what she wanted. [color=ff7360]"Uhhh…"[/color] Loni tried to remember. It had been somewhere she really wanted to go, but there were so many places. She looked down at her daughter, continuing to tickle her. [color=ff7360]"Where was it, Mijita?"[/color] Luci’s babbled answer was complete nonsense, of course, her arms flailing up to try to capture Loni’s hands. Loni let her, laughing as Luci started to playfully bite at her fingers. [color=ff7360]"Oh! Cozy Bakery… I’d seen about it online and always wanted to try it. Never had the chance till then… The macaron I got from there was nice, wasn’t it?! I never got to drink my coffee… Now I can’t really go back, can I?"[/color] [color=15A663]”What!? Oh, love, you’ll be going back. How about next week, we’ll go together and I bet they’ll recognize you. Hell, I bet they’ll give you the best seat in the house…”[/color] Moriah’s voice trailed off into her smile, spiraling down into her chest where a well of lava gave a single bubble of gas up to the flames of fury.