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AD 2179, 5/7, Sector 7 – Kokonoe’s Laboratory
Ignis Hollyhock has never much cared for Kokonoe Mercury. The woman is crass, loud, and all too stubborn for her liking. These sentiments do not come from nowhere. The two are in the middle of a rather nasty disagreement. One that strains their already tenuous relationship.
Ignis’ ultramarine eyes glare harshly into Kokonoe’s own gold eyes.
Ignis cries, “What do you suggest then? There’s no merit in doing things by half, Kokonoe!”
Kokonoe shouts, “I suggest we stop wasting our time on wild goose chases! Fully mechanizing the human body is impossible. Even if you could, it wouldn’t mean that you should!”
Both women are out of breath, and a silence falls over the lab as they take a moment to regroup.
Ignis huffs, “Very well, if you insist on averting your eyes from the truth, then I shan’t force them there.” She looks down her nose at the half-beastkin. “Whyever you decide to ignore your potential, it is folly.” She turns on her heel. “Do try to keep your limitations to yourself, dear.”
Kokonoe scoffs, “Cut the crap, Ignis! We both know they’ll never sign off on this, so drop it!”
Ignis glowers over her shoulder. “You’ll see in due time that my methods will get results, my dear Kokonoe.”
With that, the younger woman storms out of the laboratory, mind racing over what experiments to run next time. She must succeed.
AD 2179, 5/8, 2nd Hierarchical City of Iwatsuchi – Delphinium Opera House
Relius Clover has dealt with quite a few snags in his plans since reawakening eighty years after his disappearance into the mouth of the Black Beast. Securing funds posed very little challenge, at least for the basics of civilized life. However, additional resources, like those needed for experimentation and say, building a vessel? Now those were hard to come by these days.
As he works on his latest creations, a mechanical flock of birds, Yuuki Terumi’s green, shadowy form manifests at his side.
Terumi grouses, “When are you going to stop playing around and get serious, Relius?”
Relius hums, “What exactly do you mean, Terumi? Haven’t I already taken the steps to secure my position in your little organization?”
Terumi huffs, “But that still doesn’t get us anywhere close to what we need.”
Relius chuckles, “All in good time, my friend. Just be patient. Ah.”
Relius watches with satisfaction as the Ars Magus takes hold, and his automatons begin to twitch before taking flight.
Relius smirks. “Now then, I believe that I’ve a show to prepare for. If you’ll excuse me.”
AD 2179, 5/15, 2nd Hierarchical City of Iwatsuchi – Delphinium Opera House
Relius contently sighs as he brings the band to their rumbling crescendo. The head of the violins, and thus, by all rights, his second, Ignis Hollyhock, has once again proven to be a powerful challenge to direct.
The young woman is incredibly skilled, dare he say, even rivaling his own ability to lead the dance of instruments, but that makes her headstrong and stubborn. He finds her… invigorating.
Relius allows himself a smirk as her eyes meet the lenses of his mask.
She raises a critical brow in turn, putting away her instrument carefully before striding over. “Have I done something amusing, Maestro?”
Relius hums, “Amusing? Hardly. But I appreciate your challenge, Miss Hollyhock. The spectators certainly enjoyed our little battle. I can’t say the actors feel much the same, however.”
Ignis huffs, “Let the divas throw their toys out the pram all they like. We both know who the real stars are here.”
Relius nods. “That we do, indeed.”
Ignis pauses for a moment, then gestures to the curtains. “Mister Clover, would you kindly accompany me for a moment? There is something I must discuss with you.”
Relius quirks a brow, but nods with a slight bow. “Of course, Miss Hollyhock.”
Ignis nods and promptly pivots towards the back of the opera house, towards…
Relius smirks. So, she’s found out about his workshop. How interesting…
Over his shoulder, Terumi scoffs, not saying a word, or needing to, to convey his vexation.
Ignis throws open the door with finality, eyeing his mechanical pets with a softer expression than he’s used to seeing on her stern features. She turns to him, a grave seriousness in her eyes. “Mister Clover, I am fascinated by your designs.”
Relius grins. “I am honored, Miss Hollyhock.”
Ignis sighs, locking the door behind them. She then turns to Relius with a calculating gaze. “Mister Clover, how familiar are you with science?”
Relius hums, “One could say that I am quite intimately involved with the art, Miss Hollyhock.” He leans in closer. “Tell me, what exactly does this conversation portend?”
Ignis hums, “That depends on how you answer my next query. What do you know of Sector 7?”
Relius’ grin widens into a calculating smirk. “I am quite familiar with the rumors of their existence, but have not had the good fortune to make their acquaintance. Unless…?”
Ignis nods slowly. “I am a scientist, much like yourself. I have many questions for you, Mister Clover. I expect you to answer promptly and honestly. In return, I shall provide answers, where I can, to your own doubtlessly varied inquiries.”
Terumi huffs quietly into Relius’ ear, “Guess you’re moving on up in the world, eh?”
Relius doesn’t respond to the jab, maintaining his composure. He nods to Ignis. “A fine bargain, Miss Hollyhock.” He sits down onto his stool and gestures for her to occupy an old plush armchair in the corner. “Tell me, what would you like to know?”
Ignis eagerly begins. “How do they maintain their intelligence after the process?”
Relius raises a brow. “Process?”
Ignis scowls. “Don’t play me for a fool, Mister Clover. These animals have obviously been mechanized. But their intelligence remains intact. How have you done this?”
Relius’ grin dims somewhat. Ah. He supposes that most scientists would assume something similar, that his pets are built upon nature’s foundation. It can’t be helped. He sighs, “You misunderstand, Miss Hollyhock.”
Relius calls a bird to his finger with a whistle, and the little creature obediently settles there. He then carefully cracks it open to show…
Ignis gasps, “Ars Magus?”
A little gyro whirls around a dark core of seithr.
Relius nods. “It’s a simple design. Unfortunately, seithr can only sustain itself so much, before the end.”
Ignis nods. “I see…” She sobers somewhat. “Then I’m afraid that I might not have as many questions, Mister Clover.”
Relius hums, “Oh? Tell me, were you hoping to… I see.” He grins wide once again. “Most would consider that research quite troublesome, Miss Hollyhock.”
Ignis huffs, “I am not most, Mister Clover. I believe that the human animal, like all animals, is inherently flawed. There is so much more to be done to evolve us, to bring out our potential.”
Relius nods. “I agree wholeheartedly, Miss Hollyhock. However, I’m guessing that your colleagues do not feel the same way?”
Ignis stiffens minutely. “What makes you say that?”
Relius hums, “You took a great deal of risk, revealing yourself to me like this. That must mean that someone is stifling your research. Am I wrong?”
Ignis, to his surprise, doesn’t glance away. Instead, she straightens, as if rearing up against his challenge. Relius’ grin broadens slightly.
Ignis huffs, “Let’s say that were the case. What would you recommend?”
Relius’ grin gives way to a thoughtful furrowing of the brow. “Hmm… That depends on several factors. Tell me, what methods of improvement is your opposition pushing toward?”
Ignis huffs, “Partial mechanical enhancements. A measly measure. I don’t believe in doing things by half, Mister Clover.”
Relius nods solemnly. “A wise choice. I have dabbled with such things in the past, and whilst effective for a time, the results were… disappointing, to say the least.”
Ignis’ eyebrow rises. “Mister Clover, are you saying that you’ve created viable artificial limbs before?”
Relius nods. “Indeed, I am.” He glances at the clock. “Ah. It’s drawing rather late. I’m afraid that I have a prior engagement.” He offers Ignis his left hand. “It was a pleasure speaking with you, Miss Hollyhock.”
As Ignis takes his hand, he makes sure to gently caress hers. Her eyes widen.
Ignis stares at his hand. “Mister Clover, this is…"
Relius smirks. “Good evening, Miss Hollyhock.” He releases his grasp and strides away.
As he exits the room, he hears Ignis murmur, “How… interesting.” His smirk widens somewhat.
AD 2179, 5/21, Sector 7 – Ignis’ Laboratory
Ignis focuses on the power she derives from within herself, a secret she closely guards. Along her fingers dance the very ions around her, within her. Power, in its purest physical form, at her fingertips. She calls this power, simply, ‘Detonator.’
As she works along the seams of the limb she’s spent the last week carefully crafting, she uses the ions to create thermodynamic energies, sealing the seams shut far more elegantly than any mere blowtorch could.
When she finishes, she carefully examines the prosthetic. Its interiors are based on Kokonoe’s designs, which Ignis has taken great care to emulate without being caught. It should work, but first…
Ignis focuses the ions into an electrical current, mimicking that of a nervous system’s impulses. As she touches the shoulder, the arm twitches. A few experimental current pulses lead to finger twitches and hand clenches.
Ignis smiles triumphantly. It’s a small step, but a step nonetheless. She sees now, how Relius was able to craft a limb for himself, at least so far as her knowledge of this allows her to see.
She pauses, considering. Relius himself is an enigma. It’s as if he came out of some other time, with his antiquated mannerisms and dress. Oh, but it is refreshing to meet a gentleman. In fact, she cannot wait to meet with him again. After all, she’s a bargain to uphold.
AD 2179, 5/22, 2nd Hierarchical City of Iwatsuchi – Delphinium Opera House
Relius sighs as he closes the door to his workshop. Another successful show.
Terumi hums, “You know, that Hollyhock certainly couldn’t keep her eyes off of you.”
Relius raises a brow. “I’ve provided her with valuable data. Of course, she’s fascinated. However, that isn’t quite enough for our purposes.” He mutters, “What else can I…!”
A knocking falls upon the door. From the other side, a voice. “Mister Clover, may I come in?”
Relius grins, calling back, “It’s open, Miss Hollyhock.”
Ignis lets herself in, locking the door behind her. Her eyes… are fascinatingly bright.
Ignis sighs, “I wanted to apologize for my lack of fairness last time. I believe we struck an accord. I am here to uphold my end of the bargain.”
Relius nods slowly. “I see.” He pulls up a chair for her. “Please, have a seat. I’ve no pressing engagements, so we shouldn’t be interrupted this time.”
Ignis smiles sharply. “Thank you, Mister Clover.”
Relius sits. “But of course, Miss Hollyhock.” He steeples his fingers. “Now, I believe you still have questions?”
Ignis huffs, “They can wait, of course. I’ve a debt to pay. You’ve given me a running start on K— my colleagues, after all.”
Relius hums, “I’m afraid that you’ll find my questions rather banal, Miss Hollyhock.”
Ignis raises a brow. “You? Banal? Perish the thought, Mister Clover. Dare I say, but you are quite the interesting enigma.”
Relius blinks, then smirks. “You honor me, Miss Hollyhock.” He then sighs, “Very well. Tell me, what does your organization look for in, say, an applicant?”
Ignis hums, “Typically they must have a good grasp of the sciences, and be willing to take a stand against the NOL and their Ars Magus. Our goal is to purge seithr from the world, to restore the old ways. At least, that’s the official line.”
Relius nods. “I see. So, those with an interest in mastering both science and Ars Magus would be unwelcome, I take it?”
Ignis nods. “Unfortunately, yes. I do wish you’d give up on that silly pursuit, Mister Clover. The sciences are all that we need to understand the world.”
Relius raises a brow. “Is that truly what you believe, Miss Hollyhock?”
Ignis sighs, “What else is there, Mister Clover?”
Relius pauses for a moment, considering. Ah, yes. A hint should more than suffice. He smirks. “What do you know of the soul, Miss Hollyhock?”
Ignis stares at him strangely. “The… soul? Why, Mister Clover, I hardly make time for superstition.”
Relius grins. “Superstition, you say?”
Ignis narrows her eyes. “What are you implying?”
Relius hums, “I’m implying nothing, Miss Hollyhock.” He leans in closer. “But I would hardly dismiss something as mere superstition before I had all the data in front of me.”
Relius manifests one of the porcelain-like arms of his Drive, Marionette. He uses it to pinch Ignis’ hand before it dematerializes before her eyes can properly process the phenomena.
Ignis stares at her hand with something between wonder and fright. She glances back at Relius. “Mister Clover…” Her face sobers. “I… I have to go. I’m afraid my sister will worry without me at home. Please, pardon my abruptness.”
Relius hums, “Of course, Miss Hollyhock. Please, do be safe on your way.”
Ignis hurriedly nods, the strides out of the room.
Relius allows himself a chuckle once she’s gone.
Terumi manifests with a cackle, “Oh man, did you see her face?”
Relius hums, “Indeed. I wonder what conclusion she’ll draw next…”
Terumi whirls around, looking at him peculiarly. “Relius, don’t tell me…”
Relius furrows his brows. “Tell you what, Terumi?”
Terumi cackles again, “Oh, nothing!”
AD 2179, 6/8, Sector 7 – Ignis’ Laboratory
Ignis sighs. Another birthday, another year older. Another year closer to the end.
She’s just put the final additions on the small mechanical creature, a rabbit. Focusing her power, she creates a small spark of nuclear energy, and uses it to ignite the core of the gyro within.
The rabbit begins to kick and squeak, and Ignis smiles wickedly. Oh, but she’s finally done it.
She leans in close, murmuring, “And not a soul was needed, little one.”
She’s been thinking about the parting words of Relius more than she should. What had he meant? Surely a man who has such a mastery of the sciences can’t truly believe in something as silly as the soul, could he?
She shakes her head ruefully. “Why can’t I stop thinking about him?”
She stares forward with vexation as her creation meanders about her laboratory.
She should be celebrating. After all, this phenomenon proves that science can create artificial life, fleeting though it might be. That’s more proof in her methods than she could’ve dreamed of before she’d met Relius.
Ah, but that’s the part that’s so vexing. She’d needed the help of a man she hardly knew. She narrows her eyes. She would have to remedy that. She’s been so caught up in replicating his methods, that she hadn’t taken the time to get to know him properly.
As she begins to put away her supplies, her doors are shoved open.
Kokonoe stomps in. “Ignis! What the… hell?”
Kokonoe stares at the rabbit, which blinks back at her. The image is almost... comical.
Kokonoe shakes her head, glowering at Ignis. “Didn’t I tell you to drop that crap?!”
Ignis stares disdainfully at her peer. “As I recall, this is my lab. You’ve no power over me, my dear Kokonoe.”
Kokonoe huffs, “Oh yeah?” She slaps Ignis’ emulated designs down on the table. “Then how about the board? Think you’re above them?”
Ignis glowers. “Blackmail? Are you serious?”
Kokonoe leans into her face, hissing, “You’re damn right, I’m serious. Drop this shit, Ignis. Or I’ll drop you.”
Ignis can only glower at Kokonoe’s back.
Kokonoe calls back, “And destroy that thing. It’s an eyesore!”
Ignis fingers bite deeply into her palm. It takes nearly everything she has not to scream.
AD 2179, 6/12, 2nd Hierarchical City of Iwatsuchi – Delphinium Opera House
Ignis storms back into the workshop, her eyes ablaze. For the past weeks she’s had to carefully purge her research in such a way that she may recover it at a moment’s notice, but that damn Kokonoe has given her no peace. Damn that… that… Grimalkin!
Relius turns to her slowly. “Miss Hollyhock. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Ignis flushes, realizing how she must look. She breathes deeply, trying to regain her composure.
She reopens her eyes a moment later to stare determinedly into Relius’ mask. She murmurs, “Mister Clover, what exactly did you mean, about the soul?”
Relius smirks. “Why, Miss Hollyhock, I thought you hadn’t the time for such… superstitions.”
Ignis huffs, “I may have been… rash, in my dismissal of such data.” She strides to site beside him. “Mister Clover, I’m afraid that the breakthroughs you’ve helped me achieve have been for naught. K— my colleagues have seen fit to sabotage my efforts.”
Relius nods. “I see. I suppose it can’t be helped.” He stares at Ignis. “Tell me, what do you think I meant?”
Ignis sighs, “I… I’m afraid I don’t know what to think, Mister Clover.” She meets his eyes. “What I can say is that I think it has something to do with…” She hesitates. “With this.”
She allows her power to flow to her fingertips, causing electricity to spark from them. She waits for his response, swallowing thickly. She’s never shown this to someone before, not even her own family.
Relius nods, grinning. “Well done, Miss Hollyhock. Well done… indeed.”
Ignis’ eyes widen as puppet arms, like those made of porcelain, manifest from Relius’ being.
Relius hums, “These powers of ours, are known as ‘Drives.’ Put simply, they derive from souls.” He sighs, “The soul has power, Miss Hollyhock. More than you can imagine. It is the foundation of all life, of existence itself.”
Ignis’ eyebrows are high, her eyes wide. She whispers, “Does this mean that…?”
Relius nods. “Precisely. Most who know of them believe that the Drives that we derive from our condition, the so-called ‘Union Phenomena,’ is a response of the body to some disease. That is not entirely accurate. The response is not just of the body, but the soul that governs it.”
Ignis nods. “I see. Like a mind and body respond to an infection, so too does the soul…” She glances at Relius. “Tell me, do you think a body could be mechanized, but have the soul linger?”
Relius smirks triumphantly. “But of course. It would simply be a matter of processing. The body would need to accept the mechanization, or perhaps a transfer of consciousness between forms could be viable. It depends on what tools are available, really.”
Ignis grins wide. “So, I was right! Oh, Kokonoe shall—!" Ignis freezes, shocked by her own openness. She turns to Relius cautiously. “What do you intend to do, now that you know what I am?”
Relius shrugs. “Why have I a need to do anything, Miss Hollyhock? I am in the same boat, as they say. Revealing you would gain me nothing.”
Ignis slowly nods. She smiles. “I take it that the name shall not be forgotten?”
Relius nods. “I am loathe to ignore any data, Miss Hollyhock, but from what I gather, this, ‘Kokonoe,’ would hardly approve of either of our studies.”
Ignis nods severely. “She will doubtlessly try to stifle my research from here on.”
Relius pauses, then gently takes her hand. “Miss Hollyhock, how would you like to make another bargain?”
Ignis blinks, then narrows her eyes. “A rather Faustian one, I presume?”
Relius nods. “In a manner of speaking…”
Ignis hesitates for but a moment, then grips the hand firmly. “Tell me, what do you have in mind?”
As she says this, she could swear that she hears a cackle just behind her ear…
AD 2179, 11/13, 2nd Hierarchical City of Iwatsuchi – Delphinium Opera House
Relius hums contently as he awaits Ignis’ arrival. With the information she’s given him about Sector 7, he will doubtlessly be able to warm the hearts of their greedy director’s board with ease. It’s almost tragic, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
However, he can’t say the same for Ignis. Ever since she’s delved into her research on the soul, she’s gradually made herself all the more… invigorating. Seeing her is like breathing fresh air. Her mind is sharp, her wit, sharper still, and her soul radiates with an ambition that, dare he say, almost eclipses his own.
At his side, Terumi cackles, “Man, oh man! She’s really gotten into your head, eh, Relius?”
Relius huffs, “I hardly think she’s become that much of an influence, Terumi.”
Terumi scoffs, “Yeah, right! Like you weren’t mooning all over her just now!”
Relius narrows his eyes, “And what of it? Surely you don’t have an interest in my love life.”
Terumi sniffs, “Think about it, Relius. If the two of you got hitched, you’d have all her knowledge at your fingertips! Wouldn’t be hard for her to sneak off with a few spare parts here and there…”
Relius glares at the spirit of his ‘friend,’ irritated. “I am hardly going to use her like that.”
Terumi allows a moment of silence to pass.
Relius flushes slightly. “Ah.”
Terumi grins maliciously. “See? You’re all in on this one, Relius, old buddy, old pal!”
Relius hums, “Not quite.” He smirks calculatingly. “After all, that still leaves you.”
Terumi stills. Then he murmurs, “Watch it, buster.”
Relius grins. “I do believe it’s high time the two of you met, officially.”
Terumi glowers. “Why the hell would I want to speak with that bitch?”
Relius chuckles, “Come now, Terumi. And you were speaking of her so glowingly before.”
Terumi scowls, and dissipates as the doorknob begins to turn.
AD 2179, 12/4, 2nd Hierarchical City of Iwatsuchi – Delphinium Opera House
Ignis eyes the thing at Relius’ side. She takes a calm, measured breath, then huffs, “I suppose that proper introductions are in order.” She extends her hand to the spirit. “I am Ignis Augusta Hollyhock. Who might you be?”
The spirit huffs, clearly gritting whatever it has for teeth, “Yuuki Terumi.”
Ignis turns her eyes to Relius doubtfully. “I don’t think they like me.”
Terumi scoffs, “He’s literally standing right here!”
Ignis hums, “So you are.” She positions her hands properly in her lap. “Tell me, Mister Terumi, how is it that a soul can survive without a vessel for so long?”
Terumi sneers. “Oh, I’m all kinds of special.”
Ignis nods. “I see…” She turns back to Relius. “Why did you feel as if we should know one another? I hardly doubt he’ll aid in my experiments.”
Terumi mutters, “Damn right.”
Relius sighs, “Because, Ignis. There is nothing I can keep from you, if you would say yes to my next request.”
Ignis’ brows shoot up into her bangs as he kneels before her, carefully taking her hand. This is…!
Relius murmurs, “Ignis Augusta Hollyhock, I, Relius Clover, would like to court you.” He kisses the back of her hand, looking up at her thoughtfully. “Would you do me such an honor?”
Ignis feels her heart beating faster. Relius certainly possesses the qualities she looks for in a hypothetical partner. Brilliance, ambition, even that hint of darkness that she craves.
Ignis grins. “Why, Relius Clover, I would be delighted.”
AD 2180, 4/30, 2nd Hierarchical City of Iwatsuchi – Delphinium Opera House
Ignis grins wide as her father, Abner, walks her down the aisle.
Their courtship, seen by the public as scandalously brief, has been anything but for her.
At the altar stands Relius, looking debonair in his white and lavender tuxedo.
Several NOL officials are in attendance on Relius’ side, in lieu of any family.
None of her associates at Sector 7 had been willing to attend, and her lab has been demoted in retaliation for marrying the new rising star of the NOL’s Engineering Corps.
Not that she cares. Relius has his own workshop for her to conduct her more… taboo research. Kokonoe shall not be able to stifle her now. Indeed, no one will.
As they say their vows, Ignis does her best to keep the wicked delight off her face. It would ill suit a bride to look like she’s about to devour her groom, after all. But oh, how her heart thrills as he raises the veil. She knows now what dwells behind that mask, and she cannot wait to see them again. Those wonderful pools of azure…
Their bargain, Faustian as it might be, is sealed forever; with a searing kiss, and an everlasting vow.
AD 2181, 4/20, 2nd Hierarchical City of Iwatsuchi – Clover Estate
Ignis sighs as she finally holds her baby girl. She murmurs, “Hello, Ada Regula Clover.”
The baby girl groans and twists in her arms, but doesn’t wail. Her spirit is strong. Excellent.
Ignis glances up bemusedly at her husband, his mask discarded, the pools of azure resting in his empty sockets bathing the room in a dim, comforting light of the same hue.
Ignis huffs, “How did you become a midwife again, dear?”
Relius hums, “I learned much, in my youth.” He turns to Ignis. “She has a strong soul. I’ve no doubt she will inherit a Drive of her own.”
Ignis nods. “Any way to indicate what it might be?”
Relius shakes his head. “No. We shall merely have to wait and see.” He leans in to kiss Ignis. “Congratulations, Ignis. You have done so well for us.”
Ignis huffs, “Of course, my dear heart.” She tilts her head back. “I am Lady Clover, after all. Mother Nature will hardly cause me distress.”
Relius smirks. “Indeed.” He kisses her once again. “Now then, what would you like? Chianti?”
Ignis hums, “Perhaps a nice rosé, just for tonight, of course.”
Relius nods, snapping his fingers. Marionette manifests and fetches the drink from the shelf, and pours it carefully into a glass.
Relius takes Ada with great care, murmuring, “Hello, my little one.”
Ada huffs and pouts.
Relius chuckles, “I’m afraid that mother is busy right now, so your business is with me.”
Ignis watches contently as her husband plays with their daughter, sipping her wine thoughtfully. Let’s see that Grimalkin stop her now, she muses darkly.
AD 2186, 5/5, 2nd Hierarchical City of Iwatsuchi – Clover Estate
Ignis tiredly huffs, “Ada, stop playing with your brother like that.”
Carl’s giggles cease as Ada pouts and gently uses the bronze puppet arms of her Drive, Automaton, to set him back into Ignis’ arms.
Ada sniffs, “I just wanted to see him smile, mother.”
Ignis nods. “I know, dear. But you mustn’t move him too much. He could get sick.” She rocks him gently. “That’s it, sweetie, go to sleep. Mother will wake you when you need to be awake.”
Ada sighs, “Why couldn’t father stay home longer?”
Ignis smiles patiently. “He had… other matters to attend to, my dear.” She lays Carl beside her and pats the bed. “Now, come here. I believe we could all use a little rest, after all the excitement.”
Ada beams, hopping into bed. “Mother, could you recite that story for me?”
Ignis nods. “Of course, dear. ‘When angels stop their flight, when priests fall silent in fright…’”
AD 2195, 4/2, 2nd Hierarchical City of Iwatsuchi – Shebalve Docks
Ignis huffs, “Carl Areli Clover, you will hold still.”
The soon-to-be nine-year-old pouts as Ignis wipes his tears and snot away. “B-But mother, this is embarrassing!”
Ignis sighs, “That’s why I told you to be ready to say goodbye, my little one.” She stares into his eyes. “You carry a great responsibility, Carl. You are the first of your father’s children to attend his academy. Do you know what that means?”
Carl huffs, “That I must be collected and poised like a gentleman at all times, and do you proud.”
Ignis smiles, kissing his forehead, prompting a squirm. “That’s right, darling.” She pats his back. “Now, board the vessel and find your seat. I will write for you after your first week, to check in.”
Carl pauses, then pulls her into tight hug. Ignis returns the gesture, humming thoughtfully.
Normally, Ada would be the one to see him off, but given their codependence, Ignis thought it better that she attend to the matter herself. That girl must learn to let her brother live his life, and Carl must learn to let Ada go and strive forth for his own ambitions.
Carl releases her and sighs, “I’ll be waiting, mother.” He then rushes off to the ship as the last call sounds. He calls back, “Tell Ada I’ll miss her!”
Ignis sighs, then calls back, “I will, darling!”
Honestly, these two will be the death of her.
AD 2197, 6/8, 2nd Hierarchical City of Iwatsuchi – Clover Estate
Relius sighs as Ignis floats at his side. He turns to her with a smirk. “Happy Birthday, Ignis.”
The Doll stares back at him, her face unmoving, but amusement dancing in those beautiful eyes.
Relius huffs, “Yes, I know. I’m being sentimental again. Still, it is rather fitting, that we celebrate this one. Your first as you truly were meant to be.”
Ignis’ claws delicately cradle Relius’ head as she places cold lips upon his.
Relius chuckles, “Darling Ignis…”
Terumi’s crass voice breaks the moment. “Oh, c’mon, already! Haven’t you love birds had enough of a farewell tour?”
Ignis extends her claws in warning, anger burning in her eyes.
Terumi rolls his own topaz eyes. “Sheesh, I was just kidding.” He glances at Relius. “Can’t the missus take it easy for once?”
Relius huffs, “Enough, Terumi.” He turns back to his beloved partner. “Ignis, forget him for the moment. Let us depart. I believe that we have some interesting phenomenon to observe, after all.”
Ignis reluctantly retracts her threatening appendages, shooting Terumi one more look before following Relius.
Relius sighs, “To think, we never would’ve met if not for Kokonoe…” He chuckles, “We’ll be sure to thank her, won’t we dear?”
Ignis’ blazing blue eyes are all the answer that he needs.