[hr]ATTN: [@PaulHaynek], [@The Irish Tree] (Eula/Liliana), [@AzureKnight] (Shizuka) &[@Rezod92] (Kerry)[hr][hider=Before The Dance (Collab: AzureKnight & Rezod92)][quote][color=royalblue]"Ohayo, Kerry-san."[/color][/quote]

[color=fff79a]"Oh, hey Shizuka. Didn't realize you joined me."[/color], Kerry responded as the ronin joined her in watching Alice train with one of her spears.

[quote][color=royalblue]"Alice is indeed a skilled warrior. It seems she's adept with any weapon that she gets her hands on."[/color][/quote]

[color=fff79a]"Yeah, no kidding. You saw the way she used Gringor's axe back when we all trained together. She's like a grandmaster of arms. She's....incredible."[/color]

[quote][color=royalblue]"If you didn't mind Kerry, I wanted to talk about last night. I...want to apologize to you."[/color][/quote]

Upon hearing the apology, the hornet gave her full attention to her leader as he continued.

[quote][color=royalblue]"Suggesting that you leave the island all together wasn't the message I wanted to give off. I know that in spite of everything, you're still a warrior and a mercenary, but above that you are an honorable one. You don't quit until the job is finished. That being said, if you or Alice need anything, I'm here. That includes Gwendolyn as well."[/color][/quote]

Kerry stared at Shizuka, processing his vow to support her and Alice in the future to come. Then, he would see a look of doubt mar her features before a shadow obscured her eyes as she looked away.

[color=fff79a]”Honorable, you say? Heh…..Yeah…”[/color]

Her hand fell on her belly.

[color=fff79a]”I….haven’t exactly been like that, as of recently.”[/color]

Shizuka examined the sober change in Kerry's expression. 

[color=royalblue]”I imagine that there's something you wish to tell me? In which case, I'm all ears.”[/color]

The hornet sighed as she leaned back, her back flush against the tree’s bark. Might as well get straight to this issue, no need for posturing.

[color=fff79a]”A few hours before the Varjans tried to siege Terauchi Temple…..I stole from a monk.”[/color]

Shizuka’s expression did not change at Kerry's confession.  [color=royalblue]”There’s more to this story, I hope?”[/color] He asked. [color=royalblue]”You do not strike me as a petty thief, let alone one that would steal from a simple monk.”[/color]

[color=fff79a]”There is. Was just getting to it.”[/color], Kerry sighed as she confessed. [color=fff79a]”It all started after we got back from training…”[/color]

At that, she told everything that happened. Her reunion with Relica. Meeting up with Eula. Going to the first village after a run-in with Varjans. The monk playing a lame prank and the subsequent beating got from Relica. That’s when Kerry stole his money. She even told Shizuka about the fight she and Eula almost had.

[color=fff79a]”After fending off the Varjan siege and talking with Eula again, I felt like shit over what I’ve done. It’s why I resolved to give that monk his money back as soon as possible so that this doesn’t bite us in the ass later.”[/color], Kerry concluded, looking at her leader to see his reaction.

No anger was roused within Shizuka at Kerry’s confession. A calm and neutral expression was maintained on his face. 

[color=royalblue]”I see.”[/color] He finally said. [color=royalblue]”I suppose, as your captain, I should be more upset. While I do feel that what you did is ultimately wrong, I actually understand the sentiment. In the past I would’ve essentially done the same.”[/color] Shizuka looked off at the morning sky, some rain still drizzling around them. The sound of the droplets pelting the foliage nearly drowned out the grunts and sounds of the lance swings performed by Alice. 

[color=royalblue]”It can be said that the monk was in the wrong as well. While from his point of view, it was a simple antic in which nothing of real consequence would come about. To us, however, we’re having our time wasted in an endeavor where we’re risking our lives for people who despise us. Honestly, having his wallet taken could be seen as him getting off easy.  However, two wrongs don’t make a right, yet you are aware of your misgivings and wish to make things right. I believe that’s worth something. ”[/color]

He then turned back to Kerry. [color=royalblue]”As for your fight with Eula, it wouldn’t be the first time that members of the force have butted heads. And as you’ve said, ultimately nothing came of it and you were able to settle the matter. So, as long as you stick to your word of returning the man’s wallet, that’s all one can ask for.”[/color]

[color=fff79a]”I intend to.”[/color], Kerry vowed as turned her attention back to watching Alice train, her hand subconsciously going to her belly. [color=fff79a]”Heh……Things really do get put into perspective when you’re expecting.”[/color]

Shizuka looked at Kerry’s stomach; her future daughter. [color=royalblue]” I understand that mamono biology is rather different. When are you expecting Gwen? Is there anything you need right now?”[/color]

[color=fff79a]”Well, given Alice’s Wonderlanian nature, Gwen is coming along fast so it’ll be soon. More or less a month, I wager.”[/color], Kerry, answered with a grateful smile. [color=fff79a]”We’ll worry about her arrival when we get to that bridge. For now, let’s focus on beating these Heavenly Strike pricks.”[/color]

At Kerry’s dismissal of worry, and her mention of conquering the Heavenly Strike mission, Shizuka couldn’t help but smirk. [color=royalblue]”Very well then.”[/color] He said with a chuckle. [color=royalblue]”I understand that it was quite a difficult mission- both Alice and Gringor couldn’t complete it alone and the latter was heavily injured, no? Alice herself was able to defeat three by herself and bring them back as prisoners, but they were killed during the attempted siege. I can only hope that the training you all received will help see you through. Honestly, it sounds like a quest that I’m more equipped for. Did you remember my movements during the exercises? It sounds like those students use similar step techniques to mine.”[/color]

[color=fff79a]”How could I forget? You move as fast as we do. I may not have taken part in this personally, but from what I’ve heard, you may need that speed. Though, they may not expect someone with a spear performing the same technique.”[/color]

[color=royalblue]”Indeed.”[/color] Shizuka responded. [color=royalblue]”Reverse engineering their technique and applying it to a different weapon may be cheeky to some, but it should prove a brilliant strategy in the coming bouts. There is one concern I have though. ”[/color] He said, rubbing his chin.

[color=royalblue]”They’ve been referred to as students so far. That tells me that there must be a master. If that’d be the case, then we can’t treat them the same way we’ve treated the trainees. Perhaps it would be best for Takeshi-dono to come as an advisor. If need be, I may need to take them personally. Some of you coming have yet to even face the style yet.”[/color]

[color=fff79a]”Hmmm…..Point taken.”[/color], Kerry muttered, looking off in the distance in thought. As she said, she has not taken part in this quest, so this will be the first time she has fought these students. It begs the question: If the students were enough that Alice and Gringor retreated…

[color=fff79a]”Then their master must be on another level. Honestly, if Varjans weren’t around, I would’ve voted to just leave these guys alone. But, we can’t let that technique fall into the wrong hands, especially not to those goddamn lunatics.”[/color]

Shizuka nodded in agreement. 

[color=royalblue]”They already tried to curry favor with another skilled swordsman, Kazenosuke of the Dancing Blade. Trust me, he may be a bit of a lout with a bad attitude, but you’d rather have him as an ally rather than a friend. That all being said, having a team of strong fighters should make everything easier for us.”[/color]

Shizuka then looked at Kerry’s stomach again. [color=royalblue]”I still can’t help but be wary of a pregnant woman taking part in battle…”[/color]

[color=fff79a]”I know my limits, Shizuka. I’m not even showing that much right now.”[/color], the merc responded, alleviating her leader’s well-intended concerns. [color=fff79a]”But, if it will put you at ease, I will not take on missions when I’m near due delivery. On this, you have my word.”[/color]

[color=royalblue]”Heh, I suppose given your stubbornness, that’s about all I can ask for. But, knowing that she’ll be there as well puts my mind further at ease.”[/color] He said, looking back at Alice. The way she wielded that lance, one would think she had trained with it all her life. 

[color=fff79a]”True, I am in good hands. Though…”[/color]

Kerry’s eyes narrowed as she studied her lover’s spearwork, taking note of the way she moved her body, where she placed her feet, how little she wasted a movement. It all felt so….familiar?

[color=fff79a]”I…feel like I’ve seen this.”[/color]

Shizuka noted that Kerry seemed to be eyeing Alice training more intently than before, then she spoke. 

[color=royalblue]”Is that right? Not the first time you’ve seen this style of fencing? Perhaps it’s a common school in Wonderland?”[/color]

[color=fff79a]”In all my travels, there was only one other time I’ve seen this kind of spearwork. Look at how she’s moving. It’s like she’s marching to a beat. Very unique and definitely something you wouldn’t find in a school. So the fact that it's so familiar to me is….No, it can’t be a coincidence.”[/color], Kerry stated, voicing her thoughts. [color=fff79a]”Also, technically, that isn’t “Alice” right now. That’s Cecilia.”[/color]

[color=royalblue]”Cecilia…?”[/color] Shizuka was puzzled at Kerry’s correction. The woman they were looking at certainly had an appearance that Shizuka never saw before, but her chi signature was more or less that of Alice’s Albeit it felt more…human than before. 

[color=royalblue]Another persona?””[/color] He asked. [color=royalblue]I believe Carroll mentioned that Alice used to be human. Is this…who she used to be?””[/color]

[color=fff79a]”Yup. This is her as the Queen of Rebellion, before she took on the [i]title[/i] of Alice. She’s also way older than any of us…..or anyone on this island, as a matter of fact.”[/color]

[color=royalblue]”Queen of Rebellion, huh?”[/color] He said, lightly laughing. [color=royalblue]”That’s quite the moniker. Thanks to Carroll, I know how long lived she is. I also was able to view some small windows of her past life through Carroll. She’s had quite the journey…”[/color]

He continued to watch Cecilia, her movements as though she were prancing to a military melody, but her strikes were true and precise nonetheless. 

[color=royalblue]”I should let her know that I appreciate her and Carroll staying and helping us. Her relationship with the force has been rather…’rocky’, we’ll call it. But, here you go, getting hitched with her and bringing a new life into this world.”[/color]

[color=fff79a]”It was…not what we were expecting to happen, but it did.”[/color], Kerry sheepishly replied, scratching the back of her head. [color=fff79a]”But we’re not regretting it. Gwen is a blessing…and I’ll make damn sure that when she hatches, there’ll be no Varjan dark cloud hanging over her head.”[/color]

With those words, Kerry walked into the clearing to speak with her lover.[/hider][hr][hider=Intermission Fairies (Collab: AzureKnight & The Irish Tree)]It was with poise and grace that Cecilia fought on, utilizing spear techniques familiar to Kerry, while Liliana sort of stared at the Rebellion Queen from a far-off bush, wondering to herself a very, very good question:

[center][color=f49ac2][i]"Who the heck!?"[/i][/color][/center]
She certainly smelt like Alice…and had a similar magical funk about her that reeked of Wonderland…and Alice was prone to changing faces roughly every few narrative cycles of relevance but…something felt different. Plus, where was Carroll? Usually (barring that time Alice went a little evil when they were rescuing that girl from the Varjan ship) they’re inseparable. And, now she was dancing so…

Whimsy would groan inside of her sword, the intolerable smell of sawdust burning permeating the air as Liliana rubbed her brain cells together hard enough to start a fire. At least until Liliana gave up on thinking as Kerry came in, spotting Shizuka soon after. He was definitely Carroll’s husband-to-be, so she should ask him where the sword was.

[color=f49ac2][b]"Shizukaaaa! I’m super confused!"[/b][/color] Liliana said, as if that was anything new. [color=f49ac2][b]"Alice got a new form, and that was cool and all, but then she and Carroll did a…like a…fu-sion-ha thingie and then that was another new form…but now, THAT’s another new Alice, so…a-anyways, where’s Carroll at? She’ll know!"[/b][/color]

[color=royalblue]”Ohayo, Lili-chan.”[/color] Shizuka barely managed to get out before she went on another one of her frantic rants. [color=royalblue]”Uh, easy now, let's slow down a bit.”[/color] Ironic coming from a master of the God Step technique. 

Shizuka attempted to calm her down by gently padding her shoulders with his index fingers. 

[color=royalblue]”To my understanding, Alice's current form is that of Cecilia, the human that she was originally.”[/color] He explained to Liliana. [color=royalblue]”I imagine that Carroll could certainly provide a better explanation than I. Likely, she's nearby since I can sense her chi.”[/color]

Liliana would nod at Shizuka’s explanation, before saying: [color=f49ac2][b]"Then, let’s go find Carroll!"[/b][/color] using Size Trick to stand at human height. She would then look to Shizuka for direction, since she wasn’t the chi-sensing type.

[color=royalblue]”Very well then, let us go.”[/color] Shizuka happily replied. However, before setting off with Liliana, he turned to Kerry and ‘Cecilia’. The two seemed to be conversing about something, with the supposed subjects being enough to draw his attention. The ronin wasn’t usually the type to eavesdrop on others’ conversations, but he felt that it would be worth it to learn more about Alice as a whole, even if it was just a little bit. 

[color=royalblue]”Lili-chan, I’ll catch up in just a moment.”[/color] Shizuka told his fairy companion. 

He decided to nestle over by a tree, attempting not to get too close to the pair of mamono. He was suddenly taken back to his days as an assassin; he doubted he could effectively mask his presence from two seasoned monstrous women, but he at least had enough respect to not make it blatantly obvious he was snooping. Shizuka would lower his chi until it could barely be recognized as more than a simple hush on the wind, not making it any different than the spiritual essence that a squirrel or small bird would give off. 

Listening to Shizuka say that he would catch up later, Liliana would shrink down and kick her feet while they dangled off the drooping leaf of a nearby herb, humming as Whimsy waited for something interesting to happen. Liliana might have followed to eavesdrop, but she just figured Shizuka had to use the can. Or a bush. Or a canned bush.

Queen of Rebellion

Bridgette 

A Promise of Love

Kerry and Cecilia, who had transformed back into the Alice form from before, were having a conversation about various subjects. Apparently Kerry had run into someone who was close to Alice years ago, who had used the same fighting style. That explains why Kerry said it looked familiar, he thought. This, along with the reaffirmation of their love, seemed to make up the bulk of their discussion. But, more importantly, being able to hear a bit of memoirs into Alice’s past provided context to Shizuka as to why she had decided to abandon the taskforce in the first place. 

Shizuka understood that every member of the taskforce had joined of their own free will, and therefore they also held the right to leave whenever they wished as well. Who was he to force them to constantly risk their lives for a people who ultimately wish they were dead or gone anyway? However, it admittedly did put a sour taste in his mouth that he’d have one less ally to assist with the coming hardships. For all he knew, Alice might still decide to leave at any point in time.

He wouldn’t know what to say to her if that’d be the case. Would he just say goodbye for the second time? He didn’t know how to feel about that…

Instead of pointless dwelling on these thoughts, he thought it best to leave her to her devices for now, and focused back on his fae teammate. [color=royalblue]”Sorry about that, Lilli-chan. Let’s go find Carroll now.”[/color] He said, walking back up her resting on a flower. 

Liliana would flutter beside Shizuka as he returned, taking a perch on his shoulder. [color=f49ac2][b]"No worries! Nature calls sometimes."[/b][/color]

Shizuka’s face dawned a perplexed look; It appeared Liliana had a misunderstanding of sorts. [color=royalblue]Nanda?”[/color] He replied to her. Deciding that it wasn’t important, he ignored her statement and led them to where they might find the demonic weapon Carroll. 

After walking a bit, they would’ve eventually spotted Carroll, who along with Eula, where fishing down by a pond. 

[quote][i]"[color=808080][i]I always have something in mind, but a relationship is between two, and I, alone, am one. So, we make decisions together.[/i][/color]"

[color=C48BD3][b]"I would like to keep exploring these feelings. I want to get to know you better, and to keep protecting people by your side."[/b][/color]

"[color=808080][i]That's something I'd be glad to do. However, there is one problem that you have to take with the utmost seriousness: I have a goal, and that goal will take me home. If you follow me, you'll never return here. You'll live and die in Wonderland. Can you do that, truly?[/i][/color]"

[color=C48BD3][b]"Is there truly no coming back from Wonderland? You’ve returned from it."[/b][/color]

"[color=808080][i]I was born there. I am immune to Wonderlust, the draw of Wonderland, once a foreigner has come and gone... The corruption makes the body ache and carve returning. Like homesickness on steroids.[/i][/color]"

[color=C48BD3][b]"...There is still a lot of world for me to visit…"[/b][/color]

"[color=808080][i]Indeed. I cannot make you follow me. However, I cannot stay behind, once that door opens...[/i][/color]"

[color=C48BD3][b]"...I…"[/b][/color][/i][/quote]
Liliana stared, eyes shimmering at the romantic scene before her, all the while wondering…

…[color=f49ac2][i]"Whozzat!?"[/i][/color] as she stared at the regal figure lewdly holding the hand of that automaton that Liliana spoke to that one time. The one that was always getting beat up, or something, since all Liliana knew was that she was always off on a mission or getting fixed up.

It would seem that Shizuka found himself again eavesdropping on another private conversation, albeit unintentionally. [color=royalblue]”That’s Eula.”[/color] He said. The automation girl who assisted him during the Honey Trap mission appeared to be talking to…Carroll? Well, if Alice can spontaneously change forms, it stood to reason that Carroll could as well. The chi, though altered somewhat, was unmistakable. 

Rather than interrupt, Shizuka thought it would be more polite to simply let them finish their conversation. He was, afterall, in strong support of allies building rapport with one another.

Liliana blushed heavily and covered her mouth. So many innuendos were going over her head! SO much hand-holding! How audaciously lewd! Liliana had a feeling that this was what Lotus got up to with her husband when the other Bladeflowers weren’t looking.

[color=f49ac2][b]"W-Won’t she get pregnant from doing that?"[/b][/color] Liliana whispered shyly, pointing at their interlocked fingers.

[color=royalblue]”Uh, no Lili-chan…people are not able to plant seeds in such a way…”[/color] Shizuka replied to Liliana. He thought that the Fairy Queen must not have had the “birds and the bees” talk with her as of yet. Odd, considering her species.  

That aside, he supposed that it was an interesting take away in the fact that Caroll and Eula seemed to have a budding romance. Part of the leader in him wasn’t sure how he felt about members of the taskforce falling in love with each other, as sometimes it can lead to unnecessary drama and unforeseen circumstances. They would just say it’s in their nature, appealing to their biological predispositions and emotional needs, and some of the other members have already beaten these two to the punch. 

He tried not to listen in too intently, but he wondered when they’d be done conversing. 

Liliana blushed and covered her eyes, still pretty sure this was getting Eula double pregnant. [color=f49ac2][b]"B-But that’s what Rosebud said…and she said to never let a boy I don’t know hold my hand…"[/b][/color]

…Perhaps, all fairies were just a tiny bit stupid.

Shizuka was getting to be somewhat curious of the conversations and logic the fairy realm held, if not only for just how odd it sounded. But he’d have to put that on the back burner for now. 

Focusing back on the automation and cursed sword, quietly nestled together fishing. Lacking a proper fishing rod, Carroll made one out of her arm with her amorphic properties; one had to admit the sight of Eula sitting on her lap as she held Carroll’s arm and used it to cast was rather cute. 

[color=royalblue]”I suppose since both of them are girls, Rosebud’s words may not apply here?”[/color] Shizuka said, unsure as to whether his logic could be applied to the world of the fae.

[color=f49ac2][b]"Shizuka, girls get pregnant,"[/b][/color] Liliana said with all the confidence her three braincells had, now believing Shizuka didn’t know where babies came from. [color=f49ac2][b]"Pretty sexist to assume they can’t."[/b][/color]

Shizuka stared blankly at Liliana for a moment, unaware of how she arrived at this assumption. [color=royalblue]”...I’m quite aware, Lili-chan. If they couldn’t, [b]I[/b] certainly wouldn’t be here today.”[/color]

Shizuka felt that he was being inappropriate, watching his two teammates in an intimate moment from the shadows like some lecherous pervert. Lili would probably think nothing of it, the little ditz, but perhaps they should head back and wait for them there instead of engaging in all this prowling. 

[color=royalblue]”Lili-chan, those two seem to be having a private moment. Perhaps we should head back and await their return. Us standing here feels…wrong.”[/color]

Liliana let out a small whine. Shizuka was right but…it was so fun to watch! [color=f49ac2][b]"B-But what if this is all some dastardly hand-holding plot to kidnap a member of the task force! Also, duh, Shizuka, boys come from storks, girls come from seeds. Everyone knows that."[/b][/color]

…Unshakeable. Invincible. Her head was like iron, impenetrable to logic.

Liliana would sit up and say: [color=f49ac2][b]"But, maybe we should leave ‘em be. Not knightly to eavesdrop."[/b][/color]

The wanderer had forgotten that he was talking to what was, essentially, a child. The birds and bees aside, Shizuka would carefully get up from his position and lead Lili-chan back to the temple; he was mindful not to alert Carroll and Eula. 

[color=royalblue]”Lili-chan…”[/color] He started. [color=royalblue]”Perhaps it would do you some good to speak with some of the more mature members of the taskforce about the finer points of procreation.”[/color]

Shizuka would feel a shift in the air; a sense of Mana, moving, and converging. It wasn't a simple exchange in the currents, but a direct force acting upon it.

...as they reach the path to the temple, to his immediate right, Cecilia would be walking up the path, with Kerry in her arms, before Eula would land on the path to his left, carrying Carroll, and about to blast to end of the path.

In a single moment, Fate had brought them together in a single place.[/hider][hr][hider= At The Foot of the Stairs to Heaven (Collab: Enkryption, The Irish Tree, AzureKnight & Rezod92)]
"[color=00FFFF]Liliana[/color]/[color=808080][i]Shizuka[/i][/color], [color=00FFFF]what are you[/color] [color=808080][i]doing out here[/i][/color]?"

[color=f49ac2][b]"Nothing!"[/b][/color] Liliana said with the most guilty look on her face ever, cheeks flushed red. [color=f49ac2][b]"Definitely not being told I need to know how babies are made by Shizuka!"[/b][/color]

[color=royalblue]”Ohayo, Cecilia-san, Carroll-san”[/color] Shizuka said with calm politeness, looking at the Queen of Mushrooms and her cursed weapon who had just arrived at their side. [color=royalblue]”I had originally come out here to have a brief chat with Kerry-san about last night, I hopefully gave her some good words of reassurance and reconciliation. I then ran into Lili-chan who was curious about your…new appearance, so to speak. I thought Carroll-san could give a more detailed explanation than I could.”[/color]

Shizuka still couldn’t help but feel a bit of awkwardness when Carroll was present with other people, due to aiding in her “recovery” that one time. While Carroll apparently did forget about that, somehow that made the ronin feel even more awkward. 

With Kerry and Eula present, however, perhaps the secret would be outed, one way or another.

[color=fff79a]”Oh, right. Some of us don’t know about that.”[/color], commented Kerry as she placed her feet back on the ground. [color=fff79a]”Well, better it be known now than during a critical mome- Wait a second…”[/color]

The hornet leaned toward Carroll, eyes narrowing as her antennae twitched.

[color=fff79a]”Carroll, your aura is…There’s something else in it. Spirit energy. It feels almost…no, [i]exactly[/i] like… ”[/color]

Kerry snapped her head toward Shizuka…Then back to Carroll…Before falling back to her ronin leader, a smirk on her lips and a knowing gleam in her eyes.

[color=fff79a]”Heat of the moment, Shizuka?”[/color]

Crossing her arms, Eula would nod at the scene at hand. [color=C48BD3][b]"I see. So Shizuka is sexually harassing Liliana,"[/b][/color] she said, completely misjudging the situation based on Liliana’s words. [color=C48BD3][b]"As for Carroll’s appearance, it seems that each time she enters her blade form, whoever unsheathes her will affect her appearance."[/b][/color]

"[color=808080][i]Something like that,[/i][/color]" Carroll says. "[color=808080][i]It’s more of a mate thing, but whatever,[/i][/color]" she says, before bonking Eula in the head, "[color=808080][i]And, no, the Crass Hornet with little room to talk about doing anything in the heat of the moment, looking as she does, all barefoot and pregnant..........[/i][/color]" Carroll glared at Kerry, "[color=808080][i]...is referring to the fact that, at some point, prior to losing my memory, the samurai and I slept together. A dalliance, I have no regret over. Men fall at the feet of Mamono. It happens. However, there are unresolved matter between he and I, and they will rear fruit another day. Be that as conversation, a sex, or both.[/i][/color]"

"[color=808080][i]I remember well, her name, Yuriha, and her form,[/i][/color]" Carroll says, shifting her [url=https://i.imgur.com/dTibnBZ.png]shape and self[/url], "[color=9aceeb][i]and her voice, and every moment spent on that beach, in a desperate bid to feel wanted. So, yes, it was the heat of the moment - mine. Not his. Don’t cast stones so readily, Hornet.[/i][/color]"

[color=royalblue]”So…you do remember.”[/color] Shizuka said to Carroll, who seemed to be changing her appearance yet again. Of course, who would it be than his old love, Yuriha. [color=royalblue]”You mimic her voice perfectly. The candid, dainty way she always spoke. Heh, you know, at first, I didn’t know how to feel, seeing you like that.”[/color]

[color=royalblue]”What happened during that time was her needing aid, which I gave her. We’ll leave it at that for now.”[/color] Shizuka said, now addressing Kerry. He then snapped towards Eula, not forgetting the little comment she made. 

[color=royalblue]”I should be offended at how quickly you paint me as a lecher!”[/color] He spat.

"[color=9aceeb][i]To be fair, you have done little to hide your emotions at the sight of me. I could feel you, as I fished,[/i][/color]" Carroll says, before shifting back to her Eula-ified Form, "[color=808080][i]Unresolved emotions are what I fish for. The hopeless. The confused. A life I can enrich, as the Third Princess of Wonderland.[/i][/color]"

"[color=808080][i]Selfishness is why I can never claim to be a good person,[/i][/color]" Carroll smirked, before she added, "[color=808080][i]I'd never believe you the type to go for a fairy, anyways,[/i][/color]" she flicked her tongue out, the end forked and splayed, "[color=808080][i]A head so empty could never match my game, in any case.[/i][/color]"

[color=royalblue]”You’ve already explained to me who you are, so much so that I personally feel your words are merely a front to mask your true feelings.”[/color] Shizuka responded. [color=royalblue]”For right now, however, are you fine with entertaining Lili-chan’s curiosity? Or course, because she’s right in front of us, Cecilia could answer her question directly.”[/color]

"[color=00FFFF][i]Eh? What am I being involved in,[/i][/color]" Cecilia asks. "[color=00FFFF][i]You were spying on us dancing, you didn't get your answer?[/i][/color]

[color=f49ac2][b]"Lady Alice, boys come from storks, right? Shizuka’s telling me they don’t,"[/b][/color] Liliana said, pointing at Shizuka as if he’d done something wrong.

[color=fff79a]”HUH!?””[/color], Kerry exclaimed, bewildered by how much the fairy believed that. [color=fff79a]”Lili, people, much less boys, aren’t born that way! That’s just a myth to avoid a awkward talk!”[/color]

[color=royalblue]”Indeed.”[/color] Shizuka said. [color=royalblue]”I’m still trying to figure out how she and I got into that conversation in the first place. However, that is NOT the question I was ref-”[/color] Shizuka stopped mid-sentence, squinting at Cecilia. 

[color=royalblue]”I was simply watching you train for a brief moment, the same as Kerry-san!”[/color] He retorted, continuing to deflect accusations thrown at him haphazardly. [color=royalblue]”But, nevermind that, Lili-chan simply wants to know why you’ve changed your appearance yet again.”[/color]

"[color=00FFFF][i]Lili, listen,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, "[color=00FFFF][i]Fairytale, Wonderland, Pandemonium, the Realm of Mamono, and the Material Realm, these five worlds have their own rules for how children come to be,[/i][/color]" she says, "[color=00FFFF][i]Some are similar, and most are not. Shizuka is neither right nor wrong, and neither are you. How Fairies are born are not how Humans are born, nor how I was born on the Material Realm.[/i][/color]"

[color=royalblue]”Cecilia-san, this whole talk of lives born and the nature of copulation was brought up originally as an afterthought, but it wasn’t what Lili-chan had first questioned. It was in regard to your changes in appearance and personality!”[/color]

Shizuka’s mental exhaustion was piling up. At this point, he wouldn’t be surprised if Liliana herself had forgotten what she originally was curious about…

"[color=00FFFF][i]Would you like to shut up, and I'll get to it at my pace, or would you like someone else to tell the story, Shizuka,[/i][/color]" Cecilia asks. "[color=00FFFF][i]Unless you've the knowledge to explain how my existence works?[/i][/color]"

[color=fff79a]”Can I tell’em?”[/color], Kerry would ask her lover.

Cecilia shrugged, "[color=00FFFF][i]Knock yourself out.[/i][/color]"

The merc would clear her throat.

[color=fff79a]”To put it in a way that Lili would understand…Cecilia is Alice and Alice is Cecilia.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2][b]"Yeah, I can understand that easily enough!"[/b][/color]

[color=fff79a]”Ugh, what I’m saying is that Alice is her…..front. Cecilia is her true self.”[/color]

Shizuka had been the one pushing for this, and the main point was that Liliana understood the matter well enough. However, admittedly, Shizuka himself was having a hard time understanding what Kerry’s words meant. Thankfully, he still had some glimpses into Alice’s life from when he was fused with her. 

[color=royalblue]”Lili-chan, perhaps you could say that Cecilia is the main personality, so to speak. All other instances of Alice that we’ve seen are personas. Masks that she wears that each represent a different entity. Is this accurate, Cecilia-san?”[/color] Shizuka said with a snarky tone, returning the sass she gave him earlier. 

"[color=00FFFF][i]Boiled down to brass tacks, yeah,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, "[color=00FFFF][i]In a more earnest explanation, each was one more chance I had to try and win,[/i][/color]" she says, "[color=00FFFF][i]I have one left in the tank. If I die, I die. No more chances. The next time, Alice, the Queen of Diamonds, dies... so, too, does Cecilia, the Rebellion Queen.[/i][/color]"

Cecilia looked to the sky, "[color=00FFFF]I wanted to soften that blow with a silly anecdote about The Birds and The Bees. I hope cutting that was as satisfying as you wanted.[/color]"

[color=f49ac2][b]"So…y-you mean…you died when you went home for a bit?"[/b][/color] Liliana asked.

"[color=00FFFF][i]A single vorpal strike through my skull, severing upper from lower, and so cleanly that I never felt it, or acknowledged the fatal regeneration,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, "[color=00FFFF][i]Exile, enforced.[/i][/color]"

[color=fff79a]”A simple yes would have suffice, along with not providing a brutal mental image for Lili, don’t ya think?”[/color], Kerry inputted, deadpanned at Cecilia’s blunt explanation.

"[color=00FFFF][i]I'm taking too long, apparently, so short and bittersweet,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, cutting a cruel side-eye at Shizuka.

[color=f49ac2][b]"...Who did this to you Lady Alice?"[/b][/color] Liliana asked simply.

"[color=00FFFF][i]Someone I aim to kill, and take her throne,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, "[color=00FFFF][i]Alice Kardia.[/i][/color]"

[color=fff79a]”The Queen of Hearts herself.”[/color]“

[color=f49ac2][b]"She’s a bad guy, isn’t she?"[/b][/color]

"[color=00FFFF][i]From a certain point of view, yes. From a standpoint of how the world works, no,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, "[color=00FFFF][i]Lilith's daughter, she is neither benevolent nor malevolent, but beholden to the subjectivity of her Realm. They worship her...[/i][/color]" Cecilia narrowed her eyes, "[color=00FFFF][i]I revile her.[/i][/color]"

[color=fff79a]”She also just so happens to have a…”[/color], Kerry paused, glancing over at Carroll. [color=fff79a]”Actually, I think our friendly neighborhood Cursed Weapon ought to tell you.”[/color]

"[color=808080][i]I’m not a mind-reader at range, Hornet,[/i][/color]" Carroll says. "[color=808080][i]If there something about my mother you would like to share with the class, since we’re bonding so awkwardly this morning?[/i][/color]"

Shizuka’s expression softened a bit upon hearing Cecilia’s explanation of her current situation. He listened intently, then sighed. [color=royalblue]”Forgive me, it wasn’t my intention to sour the mood. Carroll had allowed me to be privy to some tidbits of your past, albeit simple bits and pieces. If there’s things you do not wish to speak on, you’re well within your right not to do so.”[/color]

"[color=808080][i]I’ve gone too much of my life exercising that right, for weal and for woe,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says. "[color=808080][i]Perhaps, I’d be best to stop doing that...[/i][/color]"

[color=f49ac2][b]"...I don’t care who Lilith is, or who her daughter is, but nobody gets to kill my friends and get to keep eating bon-bons and other nice things! Tell me where she is, and she’s eating dirt for dessert!"[/b][/color] Liliana promised, raising Whimsy overhead.

"[color=808080][i]She resides in a place you can never go, unless you never want to return,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says.

[color=fff79a]”In other words, Wonderland obviously.”[/color], chimed in Kerry. [color=fff79a]”Unfortunately, we can’t do that right now, what with the Varjans and all.”[/color]

[color=C48BD3][b]"It would be a one-way journey, essentially, and as such it should only be taken with careful consideration,"[/b][/color] Eula explained, figuring Liliana really didn’t think things through.

But, despite that, Liliana would respond with: [color=f49ac2][b]"Well…Alice left. So, that means you totally can."[/b][/color]

Eula…could at least see SOME of the logic in that.

[color=fff79a]”Eeeeh, it’s more complicated than that, Lili.”[/color] Kerry spoke, crossing her arms.  [color=fff79a]”I may not have been there myself, but I heard stories of mercs who ventured to that realm during my travels. See, what happens is that when you leave, you get this strange sense of yearning to return to Wonderland. Sure, you can go days, weeks, even months without wanting to, but the feeling doesn’t go away. It [b]never[/b] goes away. The yearning only gets more overwhelming over time until one day…you just go. Straight back to Wonderland, never leaving again. So yeah, all roads lead to that realm if you go there.”[/color]

Liliana pouted and folded her arms. [color=f49ac2][b]"But…I know for sure some fairies have gone to Wonderland and returned…"[/b][/color] she said, looking to see if Cecilia could explain that.

Kerry turned to Cecilia as well.

[color=fff79a]”Have there been exceptions?”[/color]

"[color=0F53BA][i]I was born on Earth, and reborn in Wonderland. I'm inoculated. I can come and go, because I am no longer foreign to the Realm,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, "[color=00FFFF][i]From the moment you step foot upon the soil, you are poisoned for life. Likely, those Fairies left and never returned; their departure covered up as state secrets,[/i][/color]" she says, "[color=00FFFF][i]That, or someone from Wonderland visited them, since it would seem my Band of Diamonds has been looking for me.[/i][/color]"

"[color=808080][i]And, you're confident they are still alive,[/i][/color] Carroll asks. "[color=808080][i]It's been close to a millennia. Even Io couldn't last that long, and she's far sturdier than your lot.[/i][/color]"

"[color=00FFFF][i]Kerry has fought Bridgette. If Bridgette's still alive, no shot the others are dead,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says. "[color=808080][i]I have no way to get a message across Realms without risking death, however.[/i][/color]"

[color=fff79a]”Well…Maybe I can do that for you.”[/color] - Kerry suggested with a supportive smile, despite knowing the consequences of such a life-changing decision.

"[color=00FFFF][i]I couldn't willingly let your divorce yourself from your family forever on a lark,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, "[color=00FFFF][i]I wouldn't be able to reconcile such a thing with your family, either. I wouldn't even know how...[/i][/color]"

[color=fff79a]”My family would grieve for me for a time, no doubt. But they’d understand. They did when I took on life as a wandering mercenary, knowing full well what such a life would bring. How one of these days could be my last in such a profession. It came with the territory, as they say.”[/color], Kerry chuckled before fixing the mad hatter with a serious gaze.

[color=fff79a]”I’ve already committed to ending my traveling days to settle for a future as your wife. It does sadden me, the prospect of never seeing my parents and sisters in person again and I’m sure as shit I’m gonna cry about it, but for the sake of our future and Gwen’s, I am willing to do this for you. For us…This is worth it.”[/color]

"[color=00FFFF][i]Right, so... sweet speech, but you can commute back and forth,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, "[color=00FFFF][i]You just can't stay, but you aren't barred from here. By forever, I meant, there's no curing Wonderlust. I have no idea how to explain that without it sounding... bad.[/i][/color]"

"[color=808080][i]In any case, the problem is that we left Wonderland in a state similar to the world that Cecilia came from,[/i][/color]" Carroll says, "[color=808080][i]Likely, they've continued, so we can't tell what the technology is like. But, last we check, rifles were commonplace, and a Civil War was waving.[/i][/color]"

"[color=00FFFF][i]There's no telling what grounds are held by the Ever-brilliant Diamonds and what's captured by the Ever-beating Hearts,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, "[color=00FFFF][i]I couldn't stomach the idea of you going alone with Gwen and nobody to watch your back, while you're focused on watching hers.[/i][/color]"

"[color=808080][i]I concur, as well,[/i][/color]" Carroll says, "[color=808080][i]Add to that, we have no Wererabbit to stumble upon a March Hare's hole, and no way to stay connected to you on the other side...[/i][/color]" she crossed her arms, "[color=808080][i]I wouldn't consent without meeting that bare minimum. As the Third Princess of Wonderland, Queen's Blade of the Queen of Diamonds, I would slice you down, metaphorically, so much mother could not, physically.[/i][/color]"

[color=fff79a]”Would’ve been nice for you to lead with that before I made that speech and made a fool of myself. Oughta bean-pitch you in the head with a rock for that.”[/color], Kerry muttered under her breath, blushing. [color=fff79a]”ANYWAY, I still have Bridgette’s broken handle. I can use it as a guide to maybe find a March Hare’s hole around here. It’s a stretch, but it’s something. And Cecilia, you’re out of your damn mind if you think I’m going in there while still pregnant. I’ll do this AFTER I laid Gwen’s egg. As for the lack of communication between realms…Well, Carroll, unless you have something like an empathy link ritual you can perform on Cecilia and I, you're gonna have to have a little something called faith. Shizuka needs to be here to lead the taskforce, so it’s a choice between having Lili or Eula to go with me if you’re so against me going by myself.”[/color]

"[color=00FFFF][i]I’d far rather you take Gringor,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, "[color=00FFFF][i]As much of a brick wall as he is, he’s able to take a hit and heal with a meal. Neither Liliana or Eula can boast the same,[/i][/color]" she says, "[color=00FFFF][i]Shizuka cannot leave, not because of something as stupid as this silly taskforce, but, he’s already on the cusp of Incubization, and will be swarmed by everything [b]she[/b] has to offer.[/i][/color]" Cecilia titled her head to Carroll, "[color=00FFFF][i]Thanks to someone, he’d a markedly increased scent that’s like blood in the water. And, Wonderland’s sharks are dragons --[/i][/color]" Cecilia cut her eyes to Shizuka, "[color=00FFFF][i]-- the fetish of a certain someone.[/i][/color]"

"[color=00FFFF][i]The odds are not stack in his favour, but Gringor is without temptation - though, I’ve yet to test myself against the wannabe king, so...[/i][/color]" Cecilia drifted off, chuckling, "[color=00FFFF][i]As to you, missy, Mad is but a state of mind, but not my state of being. You are the one that has chosen to embark upon this mission, being as you are, so, yes. Yes, I do think you would charge recklessly into danger, if you think you can score.[/i][/color]"

Kerry could tell from Cecilia’s tone, she wasn’t being heedlessly cruel, but concerned by the million variables; thinking, overthinking, and rethinking everything that could possibly happen from start to finish.

In short: she was worried.

"[color=00FFFF][i]For now, we’ll table this discussion,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, "[color=00FFFF][i]As soon as Gwen’s egg is laid, she’d going inside my hat, and she’d stay there, until this affair is all said and done, or I die,[/i][/color]" she says, "[color=00FFFF][i]That goes for all eggs, egg-likes, seeds, and infants that are born as a result of my Royal Court.[/i][/color]"

"[color=808080][i]Oi, don’t just lump me in with you. I’m far more cautious than you are,[/i][/color]" Carroll says.

"[color=00FFFF][i]Yeah. So cautious that you reek of desire for the robot, and you still remember the snake lover’s lover,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, dryly, "[color=00FFFF][i]I don’t care if you get knocked up by lover boy, and knock up robot girl. You are still my Queen’s Blade. What I say, goes. Especially, now...[/i][/color]"

Carroll narrowed her eyes, before heaving a defeated sigh, and giving a one-handed half-bow, like a proper demon attendant, "[color=808080][i]Of course. I am but a sword to swing.[/i][/color]"

"[color=00FFFF][i]And, I am the one mad enough to swing you,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says.

[color=f49ac2][b]"I…I…"[/b][/color] Liliana said, unsure of just…what to do anymore. Alice was her friend, and she’d already promised but to go somewhere with the expectation to never be able to return to her fellow Bladeflowers, to her Queen, to Rosebud…it terrified her. Petrified her. The Bladeflower’s wings would wilt a bit, doubt and anguish clouding Liliana’s mind before she would hang her head. Even if Wonderlust wasn’t a “stay forever” thing, Liliana had promises to keep too. The promise to stand by Rosebud’s side. To travel the world with her. Her vow to her Queen. And…

Liliana had a million excuses surging to the forefront of her mind, before the fairy’s immaturity won out over all other parts of her.

She shrunk down and flew away, needing time to think, uncharacteristically leaving without a word.

[color=C48BD3][b]"...I know little of that fairy, but she seems close with you, Cecilia. I’m of the opinion she shouldn’t go. If the Queen of Hearts is as cruel and powerful as you say, someone without conviction will get in the way,"[/b][/color] Eula said, coldly analytical as a thin trail of shimmering dust followed Liliana, the scar Alice had given her wing leaking out some of it as she flew.

"[color=00FFFF][i]Bold, coming from someone who’s only confident thought is what taste better for breakfast and what taste better for dinner. A discussion of conviction is nothing one you want to engage in, Automaton, when you can’t be trusted to kill Humans for the better good of Humans,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, matching coldness with coldness. "[color=00FFFF][i]Speaking frankly, you are the one I trust the least - even less so with my sword. If it comes to it, I don’t believe in you to do what is necessary, because that sparking brain of your is rife with a stellar lack of conviction.[/i][/color]"

"[color=808080][i]Alice...[/i][/color]" Carroll growled.

"[color=00FFFF][i]If she wants to speak her mind so freely, so, too, shall I, with equal freedom. I don’t want Liliana to follow me, any more than I want Kerry to precede me, however, you, Eula, I do not want involved at all, because I can trust Kerry and Liliana with my life,[/i][/color]" Cecilia crossed her arms, "[color=00FFFF][i]All I can trust you with is my menu. That’s how useless you are.[/i][/color]"

"[color=00FFFF][i]And, furthermo --[/i][/color]"

A sharp impact of flesh on flesh echoed the paved path, followed sharply with the sting of green blood splattering the ground, as Carroll towered over Cecilia, and held her bloodied hand to a side - fingers turned to blades, dripping with blood from the vorpal gouges in Cecilia’s face.

"[color=00FFFF][i]You hesitated,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, pulling back on her right arm... sliding her fist out of Carroll’s chest. "[color=00FFFF][i]Did I strike a chord, hm? Or, did you... Ah...[/i][/color]"

Carroll sneered, "[color=808080][i]A blade breaks before her user.[/i][/color]" Cecilia rolled her eyes, before huffing, and dusting herself off, as her facial wounds sealed shut and healed; at the same time, Carroll’s chest wound was sealing, and closing tight. "[color=808080][i]Feeling better, then?[/i][/color]"

"[color=00FFFF][i]Haaa...[/i][/color]" Cecilia sighed heavily, before turning. "[color=00FFFF][i]We’ll reconvene after breakfast. Liliana and I need to have a serious discussion, without outside compilations.[/i][/color]"

For the briefest of seconds, Eula felt herself lose a smidgeon of control, spooling up her right arm’s stun gun, before she clenched her fist and stopped it, stopped herself, and let Alice’s words wash over her. …She…wasn’t wrong. What position did Eula have to criticize others when she was no doubt the weakest among those gathered?

Biting her lip in frustration, Eula would calm down just in time for Carroll and Cecilia to trade blows. Now, it wasn’t her place to talk…that was for after everyone’s heads had cooled.

[color=fff79a]”Okay, everyone chill the hell out. Clearly, there is a lot to consider and digest in the coming days…and that’s on top of everything else we’re dealing with right now. Liliana obviously needs to think it over, so I agree that Cecilia needs to have a talk with her. Eula…I think you’re already aware of your problem. Question is, when the time comes, will you have the strength and will to do what you must do? For your sake and everyone else’s, you best find that answer soon.”[/color], spoke Kerry before turning to Shizuka. [color=fff79a]”And the day has barely gotten started.”[/color]

Shizuka made no attempt to interrupt the conversations the girls were having with each other, as he felt it wasn’t his place to speak at this point in time. He paid no mind to Cecilia’s comments about him and Carroll, and could well tell that her words were born from worry and calculated concern over the well being she would bring on this expedition of hers. 

He watched as Liliana, bewildered by what transpired, flew away to be with her own thoughts for a while. A bit of a somber expression bore onto Shizuka’s face, this being the result of what she originally inquired about. 

[color=royalblue]”For now, it seems that all respective parties have said their peace. As Cecilia has stated, this is best sorted out amongst yourselves without outside intervention. No use in wasting energy arguing, as a steady mind is vital in these times. So is a full stomach as well. I don’t know who’s preparing breakfast this morning, but I can volunteer to assist. I could use something to keep me busy this morning regardless.”[/color]

"[color=808080][i]Well, I’m making breakfast for myself and Eula,[/i][/color]" Carroll says, "[color=808080][i]I might be a sword, and a princess, and all that, but, above all else, I’m the best damn cook in Wonderland,[/i][/color]" she boasted, thumbing her nose, "[color=808080][i]So, you’re free to join, if you like.[/i][/color]"

"[color=00FFFF][i]If you’re cooking, I’ll arrange drinks and deserts,[/i][/color]" Cecilia says, before clapping, and her mycelia changing colors and arrangement; replacing the dark-skinned redhead with her pale-skinned alter. "[color=976f29][i]To breakfast, then![/i][/color]"

Shizuka chuckled a bit at Carroll’s boasting. [color=royalblue]”I suppose I’ll take you up on that offer then. I’m not too familiar with Wonderland cuisine, but I presume it’s a far cry from the fish and rice we’ve been eating for the past few weeks?”[/color]

"[color=808080][i]I can cook anything,[/i][/color]" Carroll says, "[color=808080][i]If fish and rice is all I have to work with, then I need carrots, celery, avocado, and some soft cheese,[/i][/color]" she ticked off her fingers, "[color=808080][i]Think you can create a party with those foods, my Sweetoothed Queen?[/i][/color]"

"[color=976f29][i]Heh,[/i][/color]" Alice smirked. "[color=976f29][i]Barely a trifle.[/i][/color]"

[color=royalblue]”Goodness, I see you certainly don’t skimp out, on the battlefield or in the kitchen.”[/color] Shizuka said. [color=royalblue]”Do you mind if I offer a hand for food preparations?”[/color]

"[color=976f29][i]You’ll need to be invited, so...[/i][/color]" Alice motioned forth, as an invitation appear between her fingers. "[color=976f29][i]It’s Carroll’s kitchen, so you better be ready to work.[/i][/color]"

[color=fff79a]”You keep holding parties like this, the locals are gonna talk. But it helps with morale and livens up the dull place, so who cares?”[/color], the hornet commented with a shrug, hands on the back of her head as the group began walking back toward the temple. [color=fff79a]”Just so you know, Carroll, my standards are kinda high. I’ve been all over the world, so I have a pretty wide palette when it comes to food.”[/color]

[color=royalblue]”Oh, I will be, worry not Cecilia-san.”[/color] Replied the ronin. [color=royalblue]”I would never argue that my culinary arts compare to my skills with swords and sorcery, but I believe my experiences as a traveler myself should be of use. Combined with Carroll-san’s direction, I’m sure the food will turn out just fine.”[/color] 

"[color=976f29][i]I can only throw so many at once, and once Gwen is born, all my parties will be employed in keeping her, and any others, like her, safe within my hat,[/i][/color]" Alice says, "[color=976f29][i]The Zeroth Birthday Party, frozen in time until the world is safe.[/i][/color]"

Alice turned back to the assembled, and winked, "[color=976f29][i]That means, no need for condoms~![/i][/color]"

[color=fff79a]”Alice, please! It’s not even midday!”[/color]

Eula shelved a groan away into her processing banks, thinking this was not the time to begrudge levity.

"[color=808080][i]Nrrggg....[/i][/color]" Carroll grumbled, crimson in the face as she marched by, absolutely singled out.

Alice smirked, and looked to Shizuka and Eula, holding the invitations. "[color=976f29][i]Better hurry~[/i][/color]" she cooed, with the subtlety of a truck made of bricks carrying a freight of bricks driven by a bull into a shop made of glass selling fine china.

Eula held a slight smile as she reached her hand out, accepting the invitation. [color=C48BD3][b]"I look forward to cooking with you all."[/b][/color]

Shizuka took the invitation from Alice’s hand, inspecting it for a moment. The paper used was of a decadent and regal material. The hand-writing was also exquisite, as expected. 

[color=royalblue]”I humbly accept as well. I’m sure the other members are rather famished, let’s not keep them waiting.”[/color] He said. 

Alice smirked, as she turned, and scooped up Kerry with a secretly snaked vine; slithering them under Kerry’s lightwear, and bringing her to her arms. "[color=00FFFF][i]As for you, I am not called the Rebellion Queen for no reason...[/i][/color]" she whispered, as she started forward, while Eula and Shizuka moved to catch up with Carroll.

In the back of her mind, she was thinking about Liliana, though. She’d set a plate of sushi aside for her, and see it found her, once she sensed the Fairy was calm enough to talk.

For now, they'd have breakfast to get to…

Once more in Alice’s arms, Kerry blushed and rolled her eyes at her lover’s antics…yet made no move to remove herself.

[color=fff79a]”Always the flair with you…”[/color], she commented with a giggle.

Such was life with a Mad Hatter. Never a dull moment in an ever-lasting party. By time Alice got to the top of the stairs, Carroll would be taking over the kitchen - bursting with ingredients from nowhere - and breakfast would become a far more interesting affair, as she got to work on drinks and sweets.[/hider]