[i]Clack.[/i] The Empress desires applause. [i]Clack.[/i] She shall receive it. [i]Clack. Clack.[/i] But it shall not be thunderous. [i]Clack. Clack. Clack.[/i] "Hail Your Imperial Majesty, Nero IV. Hail, the rose of civilization. Hail and a thousand times more, hail! I, your faithful servant, have returned with the Princess Redana Claudius. Just as I promised I would." Bella offers a sweeping bow that does not make allowances for the fact that she is still carrying Yue. The other girl bites down an 'eep' and scrambles to cling to the right places not to be dislodged by the gesture. Not that she, y'know, enjoys being carried by tall muscular women. Not at all! But she's a weapon, right? She should stay in her sheathe or... whatever. "Across this vast galaxy, I have carried your will and your dreams with me. I returned to your light when no others could. When the gods demanded I burn for my obeisance I lifted your banner yet higher in response. To Olympus, I carried your Crown. In the Endless Skies, I spoke with your Voice. Even here where it is least welcome of all, I, Bella Hostilius Tredecima Mosaic, have remained your loyal Praetor." A crown is presented. It is not the crown of rose thorns that is meant to be a gift. It is an old, discarded relic, rendered ugly by years of improvement and therefore neglect, rendered uglier still by the insistence of a second empire clinging to even more bankrupt aesthetics than the first, as forgotten and unwanted as the head that bore it these uncountable parsecs. The Imperial Regalia clatters as it reaches Nero's feet. Bella's lips split into a fangtoothed smile. "I return my borrowed title at last. I know you wanted other flowers for me than these. Yes, I know it. All I have ever wanted was to call you my Mother. And nothing could be more revolting to you than this. Even still, I see that you love me. Even still, through all your games and deceptions, I have perceived... even held your heart. I know what I am to you. No matter your disgust, you are even so the woman who took a more active hand in raising me than any in my entire confused existence." Her feet are planted in place as though she'd been cast in bronze on the spot. Exactly where she belongs. Next to Redana, at the end of everything. Her golden eyes are bright and clear, almond irises roving in their pools with the calmness of a cat on a high fence. Her hands part, and she claps again. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Palms burst and claws clack together. Bella's smile grows wider still. And then it breaks, the fangs receding under her painted lips as her expression softens. "I'm very sorry, this is so many words to say that I think Your Majesty is an idiot. Like mother like daughter, right? Where would either of you be without me? Ahhhhh, it's so fucking [I]funny![/I] How many centuries of planning did it take? How much scheming and lying did you need to do? How many resources did you have to pluck out nothing for this? And in the end, neither one of you are standing here to say one word to the other if I didn't love you both more deeply than the universe should even allow! Ahahahahahaha! "You [I]are[/I] an idiot, though. Listen, Dany is about to tell you a whole bunch of things about how she doesn't want your dumbass crown, or this ridiculous farce of a plan, and how she just wants the same thing she always has, which is freedom. Not just for herself but for everybody, everywhere. Because she's seen the stars. She's tasted the journey. And she knows better than to want to sit on her ass and watch a bunch of stuck up pricks playing with toys. My beautiful Redana might have started out just as stupid as you, but she's learned all the lessons of a universe you turned your back on. Trust me when I say you can't possibly overcome her, Your Majesty." Her tail lashes behind her, the way it does when she is about to pounce. But what she does instead is unwind the iron bound muscle of her body with liquid grace. She takes several steps to the side, counting the Codexia as they watch her, so careful not to approach Nero even a single toe's distance lest she present a threat. Then she throws her shoulder forward and throws Yue forward, and this time the "Demon Swordswoman" can't keep herself from squeaking with fright. Or from landing on her adorable butt. "Hey! What'd you do that for! What is even the point of all thi-mph?!" "Wait your turn cutie," Bella shushes her with a claw, "This is a matter for the Imperial Court." Free from burden, Bella spreads her arms wide to either side, basking in the quite and beautiful fires lit just for her (just for her!) and dips into a second, sweeping bow. She lifts her head high when her hair brushes against the ground and her eyes sparkle with the promise of the hunt. "But it's ok! Your other, [I]better[/I] daughter is right here, Your Majesty! I'll make it all work! I'll make it all better! I won't even take the glory, I'll give all of it to Redana even as I burn myself to nothing for the sake of your dream. The Empress will be weak! The Empire will be strong! Just the way you taught me, mother." She lifts herself up and holds her Diodekoi gauntlet to her lips, lapping at the claw. "The only thing I ask is that you prove to me you know better. Show me you're not as stupid as I think you are. See this girl? This random, scrawny asshole?" "H-hey..." "She is literally the first hapless dork I came across when I landed on this planet. And not remotely the most special. I don't think I can really make it any fairer than that, right? And you've got, what, 30 Codexia here? So hit her. Hit Yue even one time and I'll drag this planet to the underworld myself. I'll make your every dream come true. But it's not gonna happen without me. So let's see the magic, Your Majesty." "Ok now hold on a darn minute! When exactly were you plannin' on lettin' me on this little plan? You just up and drag me anywhich way into a burnin' throne room in front of a golden shortstack and now, what, [I]I'm[/I] supposed to save the world? Ain't she your mom? At least ask nice first! Like I'm not about ta not fight but a lil' politeness doesn't hurt, y'know?" Bella yawns. "...Anime tea party." Yue's sword shines brighter than a setting sun. She lifts it parallel to her shoulder and plants her feet in a light, airy stance. "Oh their butts're as good as kicked."