[hr]ATTN: [@PaulHaynek] (), [@The Irish Tree] (Eula/Liliana), [@AzureKnight] (Shizuka), & [@Rezod92] (Kerry)[hr][hider=Scene I (Collab with AzureKnight and Rezod92)]

Dozens of emotions and thoughts swirled in Shizuka’s mind currently, trying his best to hide it on his face. Carroll’s words had instantly changed his world, more so than anything else that happened since he had been in this remote region in Zipangu.

[color=royalblue][i] I am to be a father by Cecilia-san as well…?[/i][/color] He thought to himself. But moreover, he wanted to know something else from the wayward queen. Eventually, he made his way over to her. Standing right in front of her, he would let his thoughts be known.

[color=royalblue]”Cecilia-san.”[/color] Shizuka started. [color=royalblue]”You were going to follow your own path, whilst not telling me that you’d given me a child?”[/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]Carroll talks to much for a sword. It’s the fashion of a Mad Hatter to overspeak, our speciality even,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, not addressing Shizuka with a look, her attention on her dagger, "[color=4169E1][i]That’s a bold claim, however, that I’ve given you anything of my own freewill. Mine is a proxy pregnancy - not my choice. Carroll’s mistake, made mine.[/i][/color]"

[color=royalblue]”....I see.”[/color] He responded. What she said was likely true, now that he thought about it. When he ravaged Carroll, his seed must’ve been shared to Cecilia - who was then Alice - and now she was made a mother without any say. 

[color=royalblue]”I can understand this is likely awkward for you as well. But…why did you intend to say nothing on the matter?”[/color]

Cecilia sighed, before flipping her dagger like a coin; catching it - tip, then tail; tip, then tail; over and over; mulling over what to say...

"[color=4169E1][i]By the time it would have been a problem to concern you with, we would have been on the sea to Salvarsion.[/i][/color]"

In matters of Truth and Lies, the Truth will out to those you trust. Cecilia hated that she trusted Shizuka, even if she couldn’t pinpoint why in her own hazy memory.

[color=royalblue]”Still. Don’t you think it’s a bit impersonal and a bit too…detached?”[/color] Said the swordsman. [color=royalblue]”I’m certainly not one to talk about being open with one’s feelings, but this is sort of important, wouldn’t you agree?”[/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]Important, in a sense. I wouldn’t disagree, but... you weren’t to know,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, plainly, "[color=4169E1][i]It’s not out of cruelty, but respect. Forgiving a mistake you couldn’t have know you’d make. I’d be remiss, hypocritical, too, considering how Gwen came to be,[/i][/color]" she says, "[color=4169E1][i]Bedding the Hornet after a single proposition? Not too dissimilar to bedding a Cursed Sword after one sparring session.[/i][/color]"

"[color=4169E1][i]Difference is: Mamono can afford to play fast and loose. Humans, with your finite lives, cannot.[/i][/color]"

Cecilia caught her dagger by the tip, "[color=4169E1][i]I never planned to tell you, because I never would burden someone else with matters I can handle. That’s why I’m going to save my people, the Chessmates, whoever of them remains, once this matter of rescuing your Lord is done, and his son is placated.[/i][/color]"

[color=royalblue]”...? My Lord?”[/color] Shizuka said. Pausing for a moment, he could only respond with a light chuckle. [color=royalblue]”I hear and understand you, Cecilia-san. I still would’ve like to learn that I was going to be a father from the woman who’s supposedly giving birth to my child, but I respect where your sentiments came from.”[/color]

[color=royalblue]”Ironic that Kerry and I would end up in similar situations, after I scolded her.”[/color] He said. [color=royalblue]”As for the coming battle, I certainly don’t intend for our children to end up orphans. This wayward blade that serves the teachings of Teikoku Arashi will see to our victory.”[/color] Shizuka said with a calm surety. 

"[color=4169E1][i]Yes, your Lord, Hideyoshi or whatever his name is. Takeshi’s father. I wasn’t listening to his prattle, once the objective was clear enough,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, "[color=4169E1][i]And, it’s an egg. Literally. Not a child,[/i][/color]" she placed her hand on her belly, wistfulness overtaking her expression, "[color=4169E1][i]Not yet...[/i][/color]"

In the span of a moment, Shizuka can see her run the painful gambit of acceptance that: [i]what’s inside her... will never know her.[/i]

Lasping in her magical disguise, Cecilia’s belly swells with the presence of the heavily defensed egg. Same as Carroll had. The truth lain bare.

Shizuka could feel the permission to approach, engage, but he would have to take it of his own accord, because he could tell that it was just Cecilia’s Mamono Instinct speaking.

The Chessmate underneath hadn’t given her permission.

Shizuka was oddly amused by Cecilia’s dismissal of Lord Takeshi and his imprisoned father. Rather than ponder on it, he decided to follow Cecilia’s invitation and began walking closer to her. He then gently placed his hand on her belly, rubbing it. 

[color=royalblue]”You know, it’s funny, I…think I was almost a father once. A long time ago, back when I was barely an adult myself. I always just keep my nose in the dirt and just thought everything would fall into place if I just kept swinging my sword.”[/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]I’ve probably sired countless children, but I’ve never mothered one,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, "[color=4169E1][i]Mad Hatters are notorious cheats, talkative and crafty. My husband was stolen by a Mad Hatter, then I stole her throat and what was mine...[/i][/color]" she looked up, "[color=4169E1][i]My first child was truly born as most are: by force.[/i][/color]"

Shizuka listened intently to Cecila’s words, ironic since he likely saw glimpses of her past, and vice-versa. 

[color=royalblue]”You and Carroll-san already knew what happened to my lover. To Yuriha… It’s something that I’d like to avoid either you or Kerry-san having to go through.”[/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]I’m a fair sight more tempered. Kerry’s reckless, but not foolish,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, "[color=4169E1][i]Still, the sentiment is appreciated.[/i][/color]"

Cecilia flipped her dagger, and removed her hat; the weapon disappearing within.

"[color=4169E1][i]Do you judge me, Shizuka, knowing my first act as a Mamono was to do as Mamono do, and take another woman by force, pushing upon her a child that has never known me, and lived as a symbol of revenge, because I have never claimed to be more than a Human,[/i][/color]" Cecilia asks. "[color=4169E1][i]I judge me. Every day. That line I hold firm to is  thinning, the further and further I stray from my cause. And, for a brief moment... I thought... that revengeful side of me had forced herself upon Kerry.[/i][/color]"

"[color=4169E1][i]What if... next time... I’m not so lucky?[/i][/color]"

[color=royalblue]”I do not think it is my place to judge you, Cecilia-san.”[/color] Said the ronin, flatly. [color=royalblue]”You had a new existence forced upon you, one that you didn’t ask for or had time to acclimate to given the circumstances. But, not all mamono are bad. Yuriha, she was so warm and jovial. She was always happy, doting, and more than anything, my well being always came first to her.”[/color]

Without thinking about it, Shizuka placed his hand on Ceclia’s cheek. [color=royalblue]”You seem to feel remorse for your past actions, which means you have a conscience. As for Kerry-san, she is a mamono too, you know. That act seems to be moreso a display of passionate feelings between consenting adults. If she has any regrets, she hasn’t voiced them to me.”[/color]

Shizuka began to rub some of his fingers through Cecilia’s hair as he spoke. 

[color=royalblue]”You are you, Cecilia Lewis. A queen, a proud warrior, and a lover. If you feel your strength or heart waver, think of us.”[/color] He said in a reassuring tone.

"[color=4169E1][i]You’re more charming than you let on, Bandit~[/i][/color]" Cecilia mewled, tilting her head with a smirk.

[color=fff79a]”Quite so, isn’t he?”[/color]

Invading the close space between Cecilia and Shizuka, Kerry appeared, her upside down face glaring at the ronin as she hovered above the duo.

[color=fff79a]”Not enough to put a baby in Carroll, you had to put one in my husband by proxy, as well? Speaking of which…”[/color]

The hornet whipped her sharp gaze toward the mad hatter.

[color=fff79a]”You! At what point were you going to tell ME about this!?”[/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]Somewhere south of Never, and north of Ever, due east of For, and west of Evermore,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, before pecking Kerry’s nose with a cheeky kiss.

[color=fff79a]”D-Don’t be cute about this, Cecilia! ”[/color], protested Kerry, trying her damnedest to not blush from the romantic gesture. [color=fff79a]”Communication and trust is a must and you know that!”[/color]

Landing beside the ronin and mad hatter, the hornet pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed.

[color=fff79a]”You wanna know the clusterfucked up part about this is? I know how much this means to Cecilia to be carrying a child, so ultimately, I can’t and won’t call for her to abort it.”[/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]Most of my lovers communicate from their knees, and trust on their backs,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, "[color=4169E1][i]You’re the first to do either on her feet.[/i][/color]"

Cecilia’s expression turned solemn, "[color=4169E1][i]As for that second... even if the roles were reverse, and the worse was to be the case... my people are like few... or all gone... so, you’d have to kill me to stray me off the path.[/i][/color]"

[color=fff79a]”Don’t be so dramatic…is what I would say if I didn’t know you know you so well.”[/color]

Walking over to her lover, Kerry gently took Cecilia’s face into her hands.

[color=fff79a]”Definitely wasn’t expecting Gwen to have a half sibling on the way.”[/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]I’m a lifetime of surprises,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says.

[color=fff79a]”Uh yeah, no shit there, Madam Socialite.”[/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]Queen Socialite, thank you. Mad Hatters are Ladies of the Court,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, smugly.

Kerry rolled her eyes as she turned her attention back to Shizuka.

[color=fff79a]”You’re taking responsibility, by the way. I know you know, but it has to be said.”[/color]

Shizuka drew an innocent smile at Kerry’s first words when she arrived. 

[color=royalblue]”As I’ve been told, the matter was not my fault.”[/color] He responded, although he frowned at Kerry's other statement, but did at least somewhat understand the sentiment.

[color=royalblue]”Indeed you are correct, I certainly didn’t expect to end up in the same predicament you are in Kerry-san, but here we are.”[/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]Predicament is rather harsh,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says. "[color=4169E1][i]Situation, perhaps.[/i][/color]"

[color=royalblue]”I say predicament for the sake of our children, their well being is what matters.”[/color] Shizuka responded.

[color=fff79a]”That goes without saying.”[/color], Kerry concurred. [color=fff79a]”Seems Gwen won’t be the only one who will need a safe haven from this shitstorm.”[/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]That could be said of many children,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, "[color=4169E1][i]Perhaps, I am just being selfish, however.[/i][/color]"

[color=fff79a]”No, that’s just you being a dad…”[/color]

Kerry smiles as it was now her turn to give a quick peck on Cecilia’s nose.

[color=fff79a]”...and now a mom.”[/color]

Cecilia crinkled her nose, before chuckled, "[color=4169E1][i]I really can do it all, can’t I?[/i][/color]" A beat would pass, before she stretched her arms, "[color=4169E1][i]I suppose, I’ll have to give my earnest to this hovel,[/i][/color]" and looked to the horizon, "[color=4169E1][i]I can’t return to my homeland a disgraced Queen, after all. Or, King, as it were. I’ve one Queen, after all.[/i][/color]"

"[color=4169E1][i]A Queen Bee, if you will,[/i][/color]" Cecilia smirked. "[color=4169E1][i]Though, I have aims for more. That part of me is selfish, and greedy.[/i][/color]"

[color=fff79a]”As long as you don’t get too greedy, it’s healthy to want things. With this news though, we definitely have to speed things up. So much so that I think even Liliana might notice.”[/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]Depends on what “too greedy” means,[/i][/color]” Cecilia teased.

[color=fff79a]”What? Me and your Diamonds aren’t enough?”[/color], Kerry quipped back, playfully bumping her lover with her hip.

Cecilia smirked. "[color=4169E1][i]You're something else,[/i][/color]” she says.

[color=fff79a]”You know it, mi amor.”[/color], the hornet replied with a wink.

Cecilia purred, Eskimo kissing Kerry's nose, as if they were all alone in the world. Mad Hatters were painfully affectionate, but classy about it.

As silent as an owl in the night, a fairy would fly away with secrets held tight beneath her wings. Things she wasn’t meant to hear after innocently trying to find some way to have confidence in the coming battle.[/hider][hr][hider=Scene II (Collab with The Irish Tree, Rezod92, and AzureKnight)]Shizuka decided to remain silent and smile at the scene of Cecilia and Kerry displaying affection toward one another. It was nice to see that Cecilia was slowly opening up to those around her, all things considered.

Public displays of affection that weren’t downright illegal didn’t last long, which left the matter of Eula and Carroll. Tucked away in the privacy of their own shared room, Carroll had opened up about the matters of her unborn child, and where to go from there. However, before they could press into the meat of the conversation, the metallic twosome would be visited upon by the fleshier side of the affair.

“[color=808080][b]I see a closed door means little, nowadays,[/b][/color]” Carroll says, narrowing her eyes. “[color=808080][b]Judging from the look on his face, you’ve exchanged your half of the conversation...[/b][/color]” she says, opening the floor for the swordsman to speak, “[color=808080][b]Well, out with it, then.[/b][/color]”

[color=royalblue]”You know, Eula-chan, I imagine that you have some words for Cecilia-san as well. If you have anything to say, now would be the best time.”[/color] He said to the automation.

[color=C48BD3][b]"I’m not sure what I would say,"[/b][/color] Eula admitted before looking down at her hand, gently tracing a finger around the outline of the hand that Carroll had exchanged with her. [color=C48BD3][b]"Her prior children didn’t rise concern in me, although it would be nice to meet them…"[/b][/color]

Oblivious to how this might technically be a breach of trust to suddenly find that your lover was pregnant with someone else’s child, Eula would estimate just how heavy a cursed sword baby had to be, being made of iron and all.

[color=C48BD3][b]"Also, Shizuka, even Shizuyama customs usually include knocking before entering."[/b][/color]

[color=royalblue]”My apologies, but I thought it appropriate that you should be made aware of the situation as well.”[/color] He said with an innocent smile. [color=royalblue]”I hope you can overlook it just this once.”[/color] He looked at Carroll as well, noticing the annoyance in her tone and expression. 

[color=royalblue]”Please excuse me, I promise I’m not the type to disturb those who are in their more…intimate moments.”[/color]

“[color=808080][i]We were just talking about the future...[/i][/color]” Carroll says.

[color=C48BD3][b]"A moment need not be private to necessitate knocking. If I barged in with you in the bathroom, knocking would be a bare minimum social etiquette piece,”[/b][/color] Eula said, before, in a surprising display of playfulness, she would gently knock her hand twice against Shizuka’s sword sheathe. 

Shizuka chuckled lightly at Eula’s teasing, eyeing her as she demonstrated etiquette using his blade. 

[color=royalblue]”The future, eh? Seems that’s what everyone’s talking about this morning.”[/color] Shizuka said. Gazing upwards briefly. [color=royalblue]”Children are a blessing, but having only obtained them before a fierce battle might be looked at as a curse.”[/color]

Shizuka looked around at the women around him. They were all technically a family now, in a sense. 

[color=royalblue]”But, you could also say that it will steel our resolve all the more, giving us the will to fight with everything we’ve got!”[/color]

[color=C48BD3][b]"We can only hope that a victory here gives this land the momentum it needs to end this war,"[/b][/color] Eula said, raising a clenched hand before transforming it into her stun blaster. 

“[color=808080][i]Wars don't end on hopes and dreams alone...[/i][/color]” Carroll says, holding her free hand.

"[color=4169E1][i]The cost of peace is blood spilled and bodies felled,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says.

[color=fff79a]”Whatever it takes.”[/color], added Kerry with a twirl of Dusk before planting it to the ground. [color=fff79a]”Our children will have a future. That’s not a promise, it’s a foregone conclusion.”[/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]It will be, no matter what,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says.

Shizuka looked around at everyone, he could see the determination and confidence in their eyes. They really were a family now.

[color=royalblue]”Well then, when Takeshi-Dono gives the word for the start of the mission, let’s not disappoint. For the future of our beloveds. Let their future be our strength!”[/color]

A knock would come at the door, showing someone didn't lack of manners. [color=f49ac2][b]"Um…is anyone in there?”[/b][/color] A familiar fairy asked. 

“[color=808080][b]Goodness, someone that can knock, and it's the brainless Fairy...[/b][/color]” Carroll says.

Eula would go to answer the door, finding a pensive looking Liliana standing at the door. [color=f49ac2][b]"Is Cecilia here? She wasn’t in her room, and I…I needed to talk to her about something.”[/b][/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]Something being,[/i][/color]” Cecilia asks.

[color=f49ac2][b]"Something important,”[/b][/color] Liliana said, her body language conveying a strange look of insecurity that few had ever seen the fairy express. 

"[color=4169E1][i]You pregnant,[/i][/color]” Cecilia asks, quirking an eyebrow. "[color=4169E1][i]I didn't do it. I think.[/i][/color]”

[color=f49ac2][b]"No! Its about something else important. Can we talk? …Alone?”[/b][/color] Liliana requested, while Eula looked back at Cecilia to see how she’d answer. 

Cecilia tilted her head, before shrugging. "[color=4169E1][i]Alright, then,[/i][/color]" she says.

Eula would get out of the doorway to let Cecilia leave, wondering what Liliana had to talk about that was worrying her so much…[/hider][hr][hider=Scene III (Collab with The Irish Tree)]Cecilia would follow Liliana for as long as she wished to lead, curious what the Fairy wanted to discuss.

[color=f49ac2][b]"First of all…I’m sorry. I overheard most of what you all were talking about. I just thought everyone was getting excited before the big battle and…"[/b][/color] Liliana would shake her head, pink locks flying around. [color=f49ac2][b]"No. I’m not making excuses. I eavesdropped, and that’s wrong, and unknightly, but I did it so now I know and…a-are you all..really leaving?"[/b][/color]

Cecilia's expression was unreadable, as she reached into her hat, and retrieved her cigarettes, before sitting on a chair that was invited into existence. "[color=4169E1][i]Never took you for the nosy type,[/i][/color]” she says. "[color=4169E1][i]To answer: yes.[/i][/color]”

[color=f49ac2][b]"I see,"[/b][/color] Liliana said simply. [color=f49ac2][b]"That's probably for the best…right? Babies aren’t safe here, and…a-and…"[/b][/color] any attempt by the fairy to be rational and composed, sensible and mature was cracking at the seams as tears started to hit the dirt, dripping from her face as she held back quiet sobs. As much as she didn’t want a goodbye to happen…and as much as she rationalized it, she didn’t want to say those words.

The scent of sweet dreams in the form of smoke would be ushered into the air from between Cecilia’s lips, as she exhaled. "[color=4169E1][i]For the best, no. Hardly. I have plenty of safeguards... for myself and infants alike,[/i][/color]” she says, "[color=4169E1][i]I never wanted to be here. I thought I could find belonging, but my home is beyond the sea and beyond the veil. And, they both need me.[/i][/color]”

"[color=4169E1][i]Takeshi won't divert aid to Salvarision or Wonderland, so why should I continue supplying aid to Shizuyama,[/i][/color]” Cecilia asks.

Liliana didn’t have an answer. She wished that she did, but she didn’t. Once Lord Oja was free, the war effort would probably turn around, but it would get tenser in the temple once the monster-hating lord was back in control. 

"[color=4169E1][i]Leaving isn't just for the sake of myself, but the fact that we represent a united front within the Taskforce that isn't under Takeshi’s thumb,[/i][/color]” Cecilia says, "[color=4169E1][i]If the Varjans are the threat without, then Caroll, Eula, Kerry, and I are the threat within,[/i][/color]" she says, "[color=4169E1][i]and when faced with threats within and threat without, you clean house first and foremost.[/i][/color]"

Cecilia blew smoke into the air, "[color=4169E1][i]Lord Heido will put us to the sword before he does anything else.[/i][/color]”

[color=f49ac2][b]"Whimsy keeps making fun of me for not knowing what to do. But…I really don’t,"[/b][/color] Liliana said, wiping her eyes. [color=f49ac2][b]"I know you’re probably right. I’m dumb, but I’m not stupid."[/b][/color] Despite the logic of it, there was difficulty in Liliana’s mind. She’d promised to help, but could she really turn away from her vow and go somewhere else? She could already imagine Peony and Camelia making fun of her for chickening out. 

"[color=4169E1][i]What you do is what your heart tells you to do,[/i][/color]” Cecilia says, before flicking ash off her cigarette and offering it to Liliana. "[color=4169E1][i]You are dumb, but you aren't stupid, just confused and brave with a path before you that demands you acquiesce to fear.[/i][/color]"

[color=f49ac2][b]"Cecilia…I-I need time to think. And…I think I need to do it alone. Really alone,"[/b][/color] Liliana said, holding Whimsy up, then turning to Cecilia and offering her. [color=f49ac2][b]"Can you keep Whimsy out of trouble before the battle?"[/b][/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]I'm not doing anything important, so why not,[/i][/color]” Cecilia says, "[color=4169E1][i]If she misbehaves, I'll just eat her.[/i][/color]”

Liliana nodded, before shrinking down and flying off somewhere, leaving Cecilia with the uncharacteristically silent sword, and the worrying prospect that, for once, Liliana was going to be thinking for herself.

Cecilia kicked her feet up, and watched her flutter off.

[color=ed145b][i]"...So that’s it then? Not going to ask her to come with you?"[/i][/color] The sword in-hand spoke, despite being made now of petrified wood, Whimsy was still awake.

"[color=4169E1][i]Not my place. It's hers,[/i][/color]” Cecilia says.

[color=ed145b][i]"What was it she said, she’s dumb but not stupid? …That’s a laugh. She’s the stupidest fairy I’ve ever seen. She really would stay for people that hate her guts just because she promised someone something vague. She really would hold onto hope that maybe, just maybe, everything’ll all work out, like its some fairy tale where she’ll be able to help everyone get a happy ending. …What a joke. With Alice gone, she doesn’t even have any friends left here."[/i][/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]Neither do you,[/i][/color]” Cecilia says, slicing through the bravado with a simple blade of truth, "[color=4169E1][i]There's no-one here for you. The sharp-tongued blade made of wood, because, without Alice, the only other sword here doesn't even remember you...[/i][/color]"

The usual back-biting whit and brattiness of Whimsy didn’t seem there as she said: [color=ed145b][i]"Yeah. That’s why me and Liliana are a perfect match. Left all alone because we keep trying to hold onto something we weren’t ever going to get."[/i][/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]Says who,[/i][/color]" Cecilia asks. "[color=4169E1][i]That stupid Fairy was brave enough to seek out Alice,[/i][/color]" she says, "[color=4169E1][i]What will you do?[/i][/color]"

[color=ed145b][i]"Don’t know yet. Guess I’ll just do whatever feels best at the time like always. Whether that’s running away, or getting burnt in a pile with my stupid wielder."[/i][/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]Not convincing. But, if that's the lie you wanna believe, I won't stop you. It's her decision. It's your decision. Not mine,[/i][/color]” Cecilia says.

Whimsy was quiet after that, feeling that she’d said her piece and that was all that needed to be said.

Cecilia blew smoke into the air, listening to the sounds of nature.

An hour or so would pass before Whimsy spoke again, asking a simple request:

[color=ed145b][i]"Hey…would you mind holding Carroll in one hand and me in the other for a bit?"[/i][/color]

"[color=4169E1][i]Something on your mind,[/i][/color]” Cecilia asks.

[color=ed145b][i]"Yeah. I never got to talk to her again after she lost her memories,"[/i][/color] Whimsy said.

"[color=4169E1][i]Fair enough,[/i][/color]” Cecilia says, "[color=4169E1][i]I can humor that much. The rest is on you.[/i][/color]”

Whimsy was patient and quiet, waiting and hoping that Carroll would be willing to talk to her.

Cecilia would return to Carroll and Eula’s, before letting herself in. A queen did not seek invitations, for she was always invited.

“[color=808080][i]Knocking is not difficult...[/i][/color]” Carroll sighed.

"[color=4169E1][i]We need to practice some. I'm not swinging a sword while rusty,[/i][/color]” Cecilia says.

“[color=808080][i]And she's here for... moral support,[/i][/color]” Carroll asks.

"[color=4169E1][i]I'm trying something out. Dual swords styles aren't beyond me. Don't sound so jealous,[/i][/color]” Cecilia teased.

Carroll rolled her eyes, “[color=808080][i]Whatever...[/i][/color]”

[color=C48BD3][b]"I’ll leave you to practice then. I need to get started helping prepare rations for the battle,"[/b][/color] Eula said, leaving Carroll, Cecilia, and Whimsy alone.

“[color=808080][i]Shouldn't be long, I hope,[/i][/color]” Carroll says.

Cecilia shrugged, "[color=4169E1][i]We’ll see.[/i][/color]”

Carroll would assume her sword form, and take Cecilia's right hand, as she switched Whimsy to her left. She would wait, as Cecilia headed for the clearing they'd felled, and started simple katas.

Once they were connected, Whimsy would stand within the shared mental space the two swords would have, tensely asking: [color=ed145b][b]"So uh…how have you been?"[/b][/color]

“[color=808080][i]Ulterior motives. Unsurprising...[/i][/color]” Carroll says, narrowing her eyes; she was still the same as she was, not yet the Carroll that Whimsy was looking for... yet.

[color=ed145b][b]"We haven’t talked much since you lost your memories, but I won’t pretend that we talked a lot before that. But…I always admired you. Since…we’re alike and all,"[/b][/color] Whimsy said, candidly honest to the one person most like her.

“[color=808080][i]In a sense,[/i][/color]” Carroll says, “[color=808080][i]I’m not her. Not that one. That Carroll. That memory that's inside you. I can't pretend to be, either,[/i][/color]” she says, “[color=808080][i]I'm curious, just what you would like to happen.[/i][/color]”

[color=ed145b][b]"I figured that much. As for what I want to happen…I dunno. Miracles don’t happen to swords,"[/b][/color] Whimsy said, awkwardly running a hand along the petals that extended from her right elbow. [color=ed145b][b]"...I guess…I just wanted to say goodbye, even if it only means something to me. If Liliana doesn’t go…then, we’ll never meet again, most likely. Big world and all."[/b][/color]

Carroll would approach, slow and delicate, her stride measure, military, yet regal. “[color=808080][i]You're so small,[/i][/color]” she says, stooping down a little, “[color=808080][i]For someone named Whimsy, you are quite the pessimist...[/i][/color]”

Carroll smirked, before capturing Whimsy’s lips, and holding them blissfully hostage, and time would stop, as the scenery changed from the forest to a serene lake of fire, under a moonlight night, against a fallen castle, ruins of the past...

“[color=808080][i]Goodbyes are not forever, but, in case we never met again,[/i][/color]” Carroll says, in the form of the Academian, as she placed her hat on Whimsy's head, “[color=808080][i]I shall endeavor here so that you might remember me forever.[/i][/color]”

Stunned by the moment of intimacy, Whimsy would pull the hat down to cover her blushing face, running away without saying goodbye as her blade form suddenly launched from Carroll’s hand and away.

“[color=808080][i]Pffft! Get back here, you![/i][/color]” Carroll giggled, giving chase.

Cecilia would watch as the two swords “dueled” in midair, the romantic affairs of weapons ever a mystery…

“[color=808080][i]Running away is so unlike you![/i][/color]” Carroll snickered.

Cecilia sighed, as she waited for them to get over themselves.[/hider][hr][hider=Curtains (Solo Post)]Night was falling, as Cecilia sipped a cup of tea. "[color=4169E1][i]Did you remember, as well,[/i][/color]” she asks, as Carroll sat down.

“[color=808080][i]Bits and pieces, here and there. I remember... the motive... the mission. I remember, enough...[/i][/color]” Carroll says, lifting a coffee pot and pouring her cup. “[color=808080][i]Alice.[/i][/color]”

Cecilia's unflappable expression was betrayed by a momentary bristle, before she sighed, "[color=4169E1][i]Alice.[/i][/color]”

The tension was thick between the two. Alice was a distant memory, unbidden, like an itch beneath the skin.

She would be needed for one last ride, it seemed.

"[color=4169E1][i]Well, then... one more ride, eh,[/i][/color]” Cecilia says, extending her hand.

“[color=808080][i]We'll make it count,[/i][/color]” Carroll says, taking her hand.

As they clasped hands, an old agreement was rekindled, and an old figure looked to the future...

"[color=976f29][i]And lo, it seems...[/i][/color]"[hr]"[color=976f29][i]...we’ll be taking the outside,[/i][/color]" Alice says, "[color=976f29][i]Take your lapdog with you, Takeshi. You'll need him more than I will.[/i][/color]"

Smirking confidently, Alice winked at Shizuka, before drawing Carroll, and looking to the castle.

"[color=976f29][i]So shall we humble them...[/i][/color]”[/hider]