When we returned to the throne room, the doors had been just reattached, before Cadenza had thrown them off the hinges again. Celestia looked up, her mane deflated. “Oh, hello there Cadence, How can I h-” My sword was once again flung at her, making another hole in the throne.
"Auntie dearest…” The icy tone of the Princess of Love caused me to nearly flinch, even after my sword was telekinetically taken.
Note to self: In our absence, Cadenza has unlocked a new level in fear.
Higher than Fear Turkey? Absolutely. Name?
Fearasauros Rex.
Agreed.
“We agreed to be open and honest about our prisoners, and should they escape, yes?” Cadenza slowly walked up to Celestia’s throne, her pink magic having never let go of my blade. “Just as I informed you of Sombra’s and of Tirek’s return…” She popped her neck, her eyes never leaving the elder alicorn, “Why did you not inform me of Illua’s escape?” She smiled sweetly… too sweetly.
“Cadence, That’s why I invited you here originally. Morning again, Illua, Shining Armor..” Celestia’s hooves took hold of her cup, her magic beginning to sputter from the stress of the morning. “Has Discord gotten a hold of you yet? Is there more you wish to bluster about? The Elements will be here shortly.” Celestia’s eyes had glazed over, matching the dullness of her flattened mane.
I shook my head, quirking an eyebrow. “No. Why would you of all people want to know his whereabouts regarding me? Either way, Cadenza, sword please.”
Cadenza returned my sword with a flare of her horn, taking a seat amongst the renewed wreckage. “Illua, how about you and Shiny run along while I talk with Auntie.” Sounded like a question, but both of us knew what she meant.
“Alrighty love, I’ll see you later. Illua, come on, I think I know a place you’ll like.” Shining Armor chuckled nervously, shrugging his head in one direction. His eyes told the story. It’s gonna be bad.
“White Knight, Let us be away and leave the royalty to speak above us~” Nyx spoke, raising one of my hands in a dainty manner, mocking Celestia’s old mannerisms. The light snicker from Cadenza broke a smile on our shared face. Who the source was, Nyx or myself, I didn’t care.
With Illua and Shining out of the room, Cadence resecured the door, her eyes coldly boring into Celestia. “You knew years ago that I loved her, and made vows to her.”
“I know, and you knew I disagreed with your choice, especially due to her violent nature.” Celestia’s mane began to flow once more, her quivering slowly disappearing. “You also knew that I told you that she was on a path to death, destruction, and chaos. She could have released Disc-”
“That’s not the point Celestia!” Cadence voice rose, her wings flaring. “I continued my duties as the Principle of Love, continuing to help it flourish despite my own lover being encased in stone. I broke my vows to her for the sake of it and the good of the ponies out there, took the throne of an allied country, and I am pregnant with the daughter of my husband.” Cadence’s tone became quiet, as she took a seat at the table. “I just wanted you to tell me when Illua had escaped.”
“Cadence…I–” Celestia swallowed. “I couldn’t have known that she would have released so close to everything. I am not omnipotent, though I wish I was like my mother.” Celestia stepped down from her throne, bringing herself to her niece’s level. “I also have made many mistakes, and I have been trying to correct them. I have learned in the years since my sister’s return that I am not suitable to rule alone, and I need external voices, from all levels. To solve problems like Illua–”
“SHE WOULDN’T EVEN BE YOUR PROBLEM AT THIS POINT!” The pink princess’ voice cracked at the end of this sudden outburst. “I would have whisked her away to the frozen north, given her land and title to live her life as she wished, and even try to show her that the nation you fostered after her petrification had merit, even if it wasn’t perfect.”
Heavy, thick silence filled the room. “You… you never mention any of this–”
“I would have fought for both of you, so I wouldn’t have to choose again.”
That last remark shamed Celestia into silence, if only momentarily. “I’m sorry.”
“You’ve been saying that a lot lately. Do you even mean it?” Cadence’s fury left her as she sighed. “But that’s not for me to answer for you. Twilight’s down the hall, which means the Elements aren’t far behind.” A new teapot and a set of dishes appeared, wreathed in Cadence’s magic. “Might as well set up for the girls, and hear your thoughts out. It’s the least I can do as a fellow ruler.” Cadence’s animosity slowly retreated under the guise of civility, but the occasional glance from her let Celestia feel its veiled sting.
Celestia recomposed herself, her mane resuming it’s ethereal flow amongst the dissonance inside her. “Thank you. I wanted to talk to the girls about perhaps journeying out to the east. Our distant Kirin relatives haven’t been too talkative lately, and Emperor Zarkesh of Zipangu has been… Silent to say the least.” Celestia began laying out her plans, placing maps and diagrams upon the table. .
Cadence quirked her eyebrow at Celestia. “That’s mildly concerning, given their technological prowess.”
“Well, there’s more to today’s discussion… and I desperately need the help.”
Cadence snorted. “Now more than ever.”
Shining and I seemed to have a lot in common. Defensive of our loved ones to a fault, hobbies only those close to us would ever know about, a high level of integrity. Admiral traits in almost anyone. I could see why Cadenza fell for him.
“So, Twilight mentions you’re an adept combatant?” His question brought me out of my thoughts. “You managed to defeat a rampant dragon and take on the Royal Guard with no casualties or permanent injury.”
I shrugged. “A samurai in the garden is more valuable than a gardener in a war.” I couldn’t remember the exact quote, but it fit.
“I’m guessing a samurai is like a warrior?”
“Yup.”
“Good bit of wisdom.” He continued to lead me away from the castle, heading to the north side of the city. “So, In college, I had some friends who were dragon-kin exchange students, from a place called Zipangu. They got homesick often, be it for food or festivities, so we’d come to this side of town.” A set of crimson arches and a wall sectioned off what appeared to be a unique district to the areas around it. “Your sword reminded me of this area, so I thought maybe you might have some relation?”
Chinatown? I didn’t expect this to develop..
Chinatown? Is that what this is called?
No, no, My world called it Chinatown, but it effectively was a district in my city that was occupied by descendants of immigrants from the Eastern Countries. Food, tools, artists, and merchants you can’t normally find would always be hidden away in these areas. Man, I wonder if they have something like dumplings or lumpia…
My internal excitement began to show on my face externally. “It’s been so long since I’d been around an area like this.”
Shining began walking in. “Then welcome to Sukoshi-Machi. Come on, I've got some friends I’ll introduce you to.”
Weaving through the crowd of a market strip, the calls for fresh fish, the smells of fresh street food, and the variety of people… It reminded me of Earth with my brother. However, what caught my eye wasn’t the variety of ponies… It was the species that was bipedal. “Shining Armor, what species are those?” I gestured to one of the bipedal dragons.
“Ah, Kinfolk they call themselves. They and the Kirin, ponies with draconic features, are both species that immigrated from Zipangu. They have an emperor and a very different society than ours, but their work is impeccable, their art astounding, and a few are employed at the Crystal Empire for research and development.” He whispered, with a few of them giving me a strange look… as if they knew me and didn’t at the same time.
Shining Armor stepped into a building just off the street. “In here.” He walked in like it was nothing, but I stepped into a wall of incense, spices, and smoke. “Kokusho? You here?” the white knight called out.
“Crystal Emperor, how great it is to see you once again.” A bassy voice came from further in, as my ears picked up the clinking of armor. “I see you brought a guest.”
“Oh Celestia…” He facehoofed, but under it, he was smiling.
Kokusho, decorated in dark armor lined with golden trim, stepped between the shelves. He was tall, easily over six feet, with wicked claws and a deep bronzy hue to his scales. His tail was forked at the end, and where wings could have been, were a second set of rippling muscular arms, ending with more dextrous claws. “Welcome to my Shop, wanderers.” His voice held a familiar accent to me, but it was comforting rather than off-putting.
However, His amber eyes widened, before kneeling suddenly. “Oh, forgive my disrespect, Madame of the Flowers.” I looked between Shining Armor and Kokusho, confused.
“Uh… I’m sorry?” It was all I could vocalize.
“M-Madame Ylbe?” Kokusho looked up finally, tilting his head.
“Kokusho, this is Illua. She’s been imprisoned in stone in Celestia’s garden for a long time…” Shining Armor’s eyes narrowed a bit. “Kokusho, I came for another reason entirely, but I now have to ask… Is this… Yell-bee a similar creature to Illua?”
My heart shuddered. Another Human?
Ooh, and it’s a woman too~
Shush you.
Kokusho nodded. “Yes, Madam Ylbe, the Witch, or Madame, of Flowers, and Emperor Zarkesh’s adopted daughter. She is similar in appearance to Illua here. She’s a known treasure of our empire, being so powerful for one with no scales, and just as beautiful.” He rose back to his pads, scratching the back of his ridged skull. “I apologize for my display. I mistook you for another.”
I waved my hand. “It explained the looks I was getting, so I appreciate that. But that raises other questions I have. Other humans, species like myself, exist in Zipangu?” Shining Armor wandered off, but his ear was always pointed towards us. He’s listening for intelligence. Maybe he is more clever than he appears.
Kokusho shook his head. “Until I had received a letter from my Uncle, we believed she was unique. A one of a kind. However, they had found another, one as tall as I am, and even more armored than I am. He seems kind, but was given the Emperor’s blessing and a Mission. As to what, I would not know.” His frilled ear flicked towards Shining Armor.
Oh, they’re not just friends, they’re contacts. “So uh….” I was at a loss for words. Not just one, but two other humans exist in this world. How many others were sent here?
“But enough of that, What can I do for you, Madam Illua? I have many items and friends here in Sukoshi-Machi, and I would be honored to introduce you to them.” He took my hand in one of his, leading me deeper into the shop.
I sighed and let him lead. It would have been rude not to.
Celestia’s lips quirked into a smile as the Elements walked in, their chatter bringing a bit of peace to her heart. “Welcome girls, how has the last two days been?”
“Outside of our concern for Illua, I’ve been quite fine, Princess.” Twilight’s eyes glittered as she saw Cadence, but she was containing herself.
“Mighty fine, I reckon. Your beds here are always a treat.” Applejack’s honest response still made her grin..
Your Majesty, it’s been nothing but a delight since the, erm, rough start.” Rarity, generous as always.
“The Bakers won’t let me help them taste test still.” PInkie’s pouting was short lived, before she sprung back to form.
However, Fluttershy and Rainbow were both quiet, which was unusual for at least one of them. No matter. Celestia thought. “Well, I thank you all for coming once again.” Celestia swallowed, as Luna joined the room, her eyes bearing the dark circles of her nocturnal nature. “I wanted to discuss with you all today what will happen in the event that I am struck down during the duel with Illua.” The room went silent with gasps.
No time like the present. “So, I know you, Twilight, are familiar with the concepts of the Domains, Principles, and Elements, the foundation of magic in its highest forms. I also know you all are familiar with being the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony. Well, I am the bearer of three of the domains. As a result, it has gifted me with an understanding of how our world works at its core, and allows me to use some of the most powerful magic the world will ever know.” Celestia sighed. “These domains always need a bearer, and will find themselves a bearer if there is not one.”
The Elements looked between each other, gears beginning to turn. “So, you’re telling us you’re preparing to die? That ain’t going to happen Princess. Illua, despite her rough nature, isn’t so unforgiving.” Rainbow spoke with full confidence. Luna and Cadence grimaced slightly at the comment, sharing a look.
Fluttershy looked away. “Rainbow, I… I think you might be wrong in this case..” she quietly retorted. “Illua’s behavior is akin to elephants over in Zebrica. They don’t forget wrongs done to them or their herd… and they don’t forgive.”
The rest of the table began to share concerned glances, while the butter yellow pony rubbed her arm. Celestia’s smile widened, but it held sadness. “This is why I want to discuss this now. While I’m going to remain hopeful that Illua will not kill me, I cannot take that possibility out of the equation. As such, I have a few assignments for you in the meantime.” Celestia unfurled a scroll onto the table. “In the event of my death, Luna will receive the knowledge needed to move the sun and keep our world running. Girls, your job will be to find the bearers of Nature, Energy, and Balance.”
Twilight’s ears perked up. “So, we’ll be searching for ponies with powerful energies and hopefully preventing them from becoming villains?”
“Oh that will be so easy, all we need to do is find them, throw a party for them, and become their friends! It worked on Discord!” Pinkie excitedly bounced around the Table, whilst said Discord phased in.
“Well, I’ll say it should be easy for you all to find whoever may acquire these powers, but It won’t just be ponies, I can almost assure you. It could be a Kinfolk, a Breezy, A dragon, or even a Human could acquire said Domain. The Domains have ever been fickle about that.” The draconnequs chuckled. He began pouring tea for the ponies around the table, floating over them.
“Thank you, Discord. I made sure to pack some cookies for the two of us later.” Discord got an affectionate nuzzle from Fluttershy. Cadence simply hid her smile behind the fresh cup of tea.
“Discord, have you spoken to Illua yet?” Celestia cleared her throat.
He shook his head. “I’ve seen her from a distance, but it’s not appropriate to speak to her yet. She needs space at the moment, and she will encounter him soon enough.” He sipped his own tea.
Luna’s eyes narrowed. “Discord… What are you implying?”
“Frustaz has been spotted at the Equestrian Border. He smells like Zarkesh.” Discord’s nose crinkled at the name. “I’m also positive he’s escorting his Princess, who’s disguised, if the communications from Star Strider are to be believed.”
“I don’t rightly know what you are going off about, but I seem to have lost the plot.” Applejack rose her hoof. “Can Y’all explain this tangent of y’all’s?”
“Zarkesh, you say? Isn’t he the Zipangu Emperor? They have such a delightful style that I can never truly replicate, but I believe it’s simply because I have never met one of their artisans..” Rarity’s question was followed by her own ramblings.
Celestia groaned internally. “One thing at a time, please.” Celestia returned the scroll, using a quill to point to the different articles. “This scroll is meant to effectively be my final orders and will, in order to make sure Equestria will continue to run and function after my passing. It is my hope that It will not be necessary, but I wanted you all to know I’m prepared for this event.” The slight nods around the room bolstered her confidence.
“Now for the subject of Frustaz, also to be known as Illua’s brother–” Outside of Luna and Discord, more gasps filled the room. “--Ahem… He’s one of the reasons Hearth’s Warming exists, and he was Luna and I’s caretaker after our own mother’s passing. However, it wasn’t until recently we pieced together that He and Illua were siblings, displaced by time and space.”
“So we can host a family reunion for them! Applejack, can you help me do that, you have a large family, you’d know how to run one, right?!” Pinkie’s bouncing intensified, the squeaks of her hooves becoming ever more frequent.
“Pinkie, You gotta calm down, The Princess wasn’t finished..” Applejack tipped her hat to the Princess as Pinkie sat back down, her eyes only marking the motion in her mind.
Celestia summoned up a crystal, using it to display the armored human. “He looks roughly like this, his armor last I knew being damn near invulnerable, and his armaments being absolutely devastating.” She let the crystal play, showing him armed with sword and gun alike, defending a young Celestia and Luna from monsters that no longer exist. “His sleeping coffin has disappeared from its hidden location, and it seems as Emperor Zarkesh has found how to awaken him. As such… I’m concerned that may be the reason our diplomatic interactions have lessened. With this in mind, do you think you could intercept him and renew contact for us girls?”
“Of course, Princess! If he’s escorting their princess, we could even make contact with her, and host them at the castle?”
“That sounds like a fine Idea, Twilight. Auntie, don’t you agree? We could also facilitate that reunion, and hopefully derive some goodwill from Illua as well?”
Celestia’s smile widened. “Yes. That is a great idea. Discord, If you wouldn’t mind informing us which port they’d been seen at?”
Discord sipped his tea, as a second mouth spoke for him. “”They’d been seen coming from El Nera.”
Star Strider pulled the boat towards the Equestrian port, Ylbe and Frustaz sitting calmly in the small craft as it slid across the water. “Thank you, Star Strider. I say, you are delightful company. Not many who’ve carried me have been as talkative as you.”
“I appreciate it, Princess Ylbe. I try to make everyone comfortable, especially since the waters sometimes aren’t the friendliest.” The violet maned Thestral shrugged, pulling out a crystal.
Ylbe arched an eyebrow. “And what’s that for?”
“I must report your entrance to Equestria, so that you’re not accosted for any reason. I would hate for you to be arrested simply for being a dragon and an armored Kinfolk.”
“Has that happened before?”
“Ponies get fearful of those they don’t understand or outnumber. It’s partly why I act as ambassador between the El-Nerans and Equestria.”
“And what of the Kirin and Kinfolk that I know immigrated?”
“They have a district called Scaletown up in Canterlot, but they call it Sukoshi-Machi. Great people, great food.”
Ylbe hummed, her tail flicking back and forth in mild annoyance. “Star Strider, do you get vacation time?”
“I have some coming up in the next few weeks, I planned to go travelling for a few weeks.”
“Then I invite you to Zipangu. Show this at the border, and you’ll be given the best hospitality we can show you.” Ylbe pulled from her under-wing bag an emblem, placing it upon the thestral’s hoof. “I don’t have many of those, but your service to dragons must be recognized. Frustaz, come along.” She smiled once more at Star Strider, before the odd pair disembarked, allowing him to make his report.
A few dozen steps later, Frustaz spoek up. “Why invite him?”
“His ambient energy taste’s good, and he’s a good point of contact. I’d rather keep some good relations with Equestria, especially if my father wishes to eventually rule the world.” Ylbe giggled.
Frustaz stopped in his tracks, grunting. “Th-That’s a little f-fucked… Th-that you’re keeping M-me trapped like Th-this then..”
Ylbe’s head snapped to Frustaz, the dark coloring of his armor fading slightly as he spoke. “Frustaz.. Or Jayson?”
“Akina… I remember you now…Why did you lie…” The Darkness on the armor reasserted itself, the armored male standing back up. “N-NO IM NOT GOING BACK INTO THE DARK– I apologize for that, Madame Ylbe.”
Ylbe shuddered. How does– He remembers me from the hospital? Does that mean… Is he That Seinaru’s brother?... Memories of the kind older brother who was joined at that lucky girl’s hip filled her mind, always inviting others to join their games, and the goodbyes they shared when that girl left the hospital.
Burning tears of jealousy stung her eyes, despite the pitter patter in her chest blooming. “You’re fine Frustaz. We have another errand I forgot about.” Father is going to be pissed at me. She slipped close, and whispered into the Knight’s ear. “I’m sorry Jayson. I’ll fix this, now that we’re out of Zipangu allied lands.”
She began to walk, the husk following her into the lands of Equestria. I must find someone who is adept at resolving curses and geas.
In the darkness of the mind, Jayson fumed, staring at the Dark mask’s interior. “So it was Akina. She grew up beautifully. But, she’s similar to Naru..” He began to examine her behaviors since they met, humming as the blackened simulacrum followed the transformed dragon.
“She’s done nothing but take care of me, making sure I was shown kindness and hospitality. However, I need to know if she knew I would be consumed as I am right now.”
His own thoughts became a trip of his own down memory lane, remembering the sickly girl who would join Him and Naru on their adventures, be it Crystal Chronicles or Neverwinter Nights. “She was always a mage, in everything we played… She’s even a mage here.” He snickered. “But ambient energy tasting good?... Does she have some succubus mixed into her? If I could access my inventory of my own accord, I could call that favor from that void-bound chimera for questions…”
His thoughts stopped as she apologized to him, past the simulacra. “.... She’s been keeping up appearances. Old habits die hard, huh?”
It had been hours, but the amount of Kinfolk who mistook me as Ylbe was astonishing. They wanted to provide tributes, gifts, and lodging, as if I were genuinely that important. Kokusho and Shining Armor helped to explain the misinformation, which helped a lot.
Kokusho, as I learned, was an anomaly amongst kinfolk, having the extra arms, much like how wings were uncommon amongst them as well. However, it was celebrated and appreciated, rather than outcasted. A very inclusive species as I came to learn, as we sat down at a place known as Ramen Don’s.
“You see, Kinfolk love our various differences, as they allow us to explore and interact with our world in ways others would not, and experience the beauty of our lives.” A bowl stacked high with a unfamiliar meat with a blue tinge was set before Kokusho, who pulled out his own personal chopsticks. Another bowl was set before Shining Armor, filled with green noodles and various vegetables. “What would you like?” He asked, gesturing to the board above us.
I looked up, mildly panicked. “But we hadn’t ordered yet.. Uh.. Can I get the Omni-Ramen?” Don, the owner, nodded, and began frying up some more of that blue meat. “How did–”
“Kokusho and I used to come here weekly when I was in training. Don’s been around for a long time, and knows exactly what we order.” Shining, using the provided chopsticks with his magic, brought those green noodles to his lips and slurping. “Man, I have missed this up in the Empire.”
“Lady Illua, would you like to try the kuraki?” he offered a piece of the meat. I took it gratefully, nibbling it.
Oh god that tastes wonderful.
It’s buttery, savory, and spicy all at once…
And I think you ordered something with it.
Oh I’m excited for this.
“So, how do you like?” Kokusho grinned, with me grinning back like a fool.
Don set the bowl before me, piled high with Kuraki meat, soft boiled eggs, onions and sprouts and all the good fixings. The four of us ate in satisfied silence, enjoying our meals.
As we left, Kokushu hummed. “Lady Illua–”
“Please, It’s just Illua. I’m no lady.”
“Very well, Illua. I must ask, How are you preparing for your Duel?”
I sighed, scratching my head. “I’m sharpening and fixing my gear, and stretching in the mornings and at night, and I’m practicing spells that I’m going to need for the battle.”
“But Mentally, what are you doing? You seem distracted, even when you’re focusing on what I have been showing you today.” His ridged brow raised, questioning me further. Shining Armor smirked.
“Oh you knew this–”
“Kokusho is one of my best friends, and has always been able to intuit when someone needs help. Let him.” The white pony nudged at me.
I frowned. “Well, I’m talking to some people about my past and emotions, and… It’s been rough.” The shopkeeper nodded as we began walking back to his shop. “I’m out here, having a great time in the world my enemy made, but I’m walking with the Pony who replaced me, who’s nothing but a great person, and It..” I felt the tears start. “It hurts. It hurts so much knowing what I’ve lost and what I have to destroy for the sake of others.”
Shining Armor and Kokusho halted in front of his door, watching me. “You seemed so accepting earlier… Is this how you’ve actually felt?” I nodded at Shining’s question, tears beginning to fall. “So that emotional processing… Illua, I would not have stuck around you like I have if that was–” Kokusho put one of his claws on Shining, shaking his head. Taking his other claw, he guided me inside, where I just broke down.
“Illua, do you hate Shining Armor, for something he could not have known?” Kokusho knelt down to my level, pulling me into a very warm embrace.
“N-No, I can’t hate him, he’s so god damn nice, and he’s friendly, and he’s–”
“Do you think he would have taken your love, knowing you were not a statue, but a person?”
“No–”
“Then shed these tears, like the scales that must be shed. Become stronger for it, and use your renewed strength for the good of yourself and those closest to you.”
“That’s partly why I’m around, Kokusho.” Nyx spoke up from the nearby mirror, having rest her head in my reflection’s lap. “I’m sorry we haven’t met before, but I’m Nyx. Her other half effectively.”
Kokusho simply nodded. “a gifted Twinsoul, I see... Illua, please return home. You’re welcome to come back after your duel.” He helped me to my feet, and wiped away my tears. “And when you come back, tell me of your victory over the one who ruined your happiness.”
I nodded. "Thank you, Kokusho. I'll need to bring you some of my craft to thank you then... Have a good evening." Still sniffling as I cast a sigil, taking me back to my treehome in the middle of the Everfree.
As the Sigil closed, Kokusho turned to Shining Armor. “Armor, you know you are one of many thorns to her, yes?”
“I’m well aware of it now.” the Pony rubbed the back of his mane, frowning deeply.
“Then you know you must be gentle with her. Her heart may be encased in a steel shell, but just as dragon’s have thick hides, there is a soft skin underneath, just between the scales.”
“Kokusho, you’re wise beyond your years, you know that?”
“I’d hope so, otherwise I would never sell anything. Haha.”
“I’m going to head back to the castle, let Cadence know of the situation today.”
“Tell the Empress I said hi, and she should at least send me a message more often, I’ve been holding a gift for you all since your wedding and you never picked it up!”
“Then give it to me!”
“No, I’m giving it to her!”
“Kokusho!”
“ARMOR!”
I was so drained from the day, I simply dropped into my fur bed, letting darkness take me…. However, I opened my eyes a moment later to Luna and Nyx standing some distance away, in front of a portal in a grey realm. “What the…”
“It’s good of you to join us today, Illua.” Luna bowed, before looking over at Nyx.
“Hey, I didn’t bring her in this time.” Nyx raised her hands defensively.
“It’s fine, I’m just sure I’m lucidly dreaming this time, and… That’s the portal into my own brain, ain’t it? Does not look healthy at all.” I frowned, looking at the amalgamated frame.
“Will we be safer since she’s lucid with us tonight?” Luna asked Nyx, earning a shrug from the night spirit.
“More than likely, since she’ll have more control over the structure and entities inside. Lulu, can you get us to your memory theater easily?”
“I should be able to, just a little concentration and energy?”
“Yup. Lead the way.”
Oh It’s gonna be a night, ain’t it?