Chapter 16

As Salem continued enjoying her carefree days with her family, she began feeling restless and insecure, as if all the good things in her life were not yet deserved. Soon she took to monitoring her surroundings, checking in on every person she knew while expecting something to go wrong at any second. But no matter how terrible she felt it seemed, at least for a time, that things truly were stable.

"There has to be something else," Salem muttered to herself as she paced the halls of Alia's now clean mansion. "What about that Kalis guy, he baited me into meeting Cora. Maybe he knows more about my flower. As for Alia, it seems her secrets are still too difficult to decipher. I need someone to teach me more about all this light and dark business. Gods, if only I wasn't such a simpleton."

But as Salem continued to lose herself in her own self-deprecating thoughts, she suddenly heard a feminine voice come from a nearby room.

"Is that Ali?" Salem wondered as she followed the gentle noise. "I wonder what she's cleaning this time."

Suddenly the red mother's eyes widened as she entered what she then realized was a bathroom of sorts. Unbeknownst to her, she had just walked in on the doll, who was carefully bathing themselves in a nearby pool of luxurious design. Having not actually tutored the whole of Alia's abode, Salem had no idea there was a spa of sorts with its cozy cave-like structure at the edge of the house. She then stood amazed by the sight as she analyzed every last detail around her.

"You're telling me this whole time Alia had this? Looks better than anything in the Strand honestly," the red mother thought to herself as she brushed her metallic heel against the smooth marble surface of the floor. "I really should have taken a bath here."

Salem continued inspecting the rocky walls and neatly designed appliances of the spa before her gaze inevitably settled on the naked figure in the water. Rarely had she ever taken much of an interest in women, but as she stared at the smooth pale backside of the doll, she felt her crimson eyes widen with amazement. Although she would never admit it in public, Salem believed at that moment Ali was beautiful.

"She's gorgeous," Salem envied as she stepped closer to the doll. "Never would I have guessed that decent dress was hiding such a petite yet feminine figure."

The red mother then turned to her left to see Valor patiently patrolling the halls.

"Hey! Psst!" Salem whispered, so as to not alert Ali to her presence. "Come here Valor! Take a look at this!"

"Is something wrong mother?" The orange Valekry replied as he tip-toed over to Salem. "Has someone snuck in?"

"No silly, look over there," Salem snickered as she pointed to Ali, who's petite back was still exposed. "Isn't she just a snack? I mean I'm not into girls or anything but-,"

But as Salem turned to witness her child's reaction, she noticed Valor had abruptly left the scene and placed himself behind the doorway.

"What are you doing!?" Salem frowned.

"It's rude to stare at women when they are undressed Salem," Valor replied with a disapproving tone. "Especially when they are unaware of your presence.

"Well look at you, all gentleman-like," Salem laughed before coming to a sudden realization. "Well actually, maybe it's better I raise you to be a proper man."

"You shouldn't stare either."

"What do you mean? I'm a lady too, it's perfectly normal," Salem shrugged before staring down at her own chest. "Besides, I'm a bit more of a lady than she is."

"Are you sure about that?"

Salem growled at Valor for a moment before understanding what he really meant.

"Wait, you don't think I-,"

"I'm no expert, but I don't think most women peep at other women in secret."

"Oh come on, it's not like she's my crush or anything."

"Then you should have no problem greeting her properly, and bathing with her as a normal woman would. I shall stay out here and guard," Valor taunted as if testing Salem's honor.

"Pfft, I don't have to do anything."

"Are you envious then? Too ashamed to walk over there when her beauty puts yours to shame?"

"No!"

"Are you nervous then? Does she make you feel like you have butterflies inside?"

"Why you-," Salem stammered before realizing how easily she had been played. "You read too many books Valor."

"I'm just using common sense."

"Fiiiiine," the red mother groaned before stepping towards Ali. "But don't you listen to us!"

"I will give you the privacy you need," Valor replied before continuing his patrol.

"When did I raise such a polite man?" Salem shrugged to herself as she began removing the accessories from her hair. "He couldn't have gotten all that from just a book."

After waiting a brief moment to collect her thoughts, Salem waved to the doll and called out to her.

"Hey Ali!" She exclaimed as she looked down at the glowing white lights of the spa.

"Oh? Salem," Ali smiled as she dropped her yellow sponge and turned to face the red mother without any form of covering. "It's good to see you."

"Ah yeah Ali it's nice to see you to-," Salem gasped as she stared directly at the doll's front side. "Uhh-why aren't you covering that with anything!?"

"Oh? Well, when Alia taught me to bathe myself she said it was best to undress and properly scrub your joints to ensure your movement stays smooth and easy."

"Oh, that pervet just wanted to stare at your small little boobs didn't she," Salem thought to herself as she looked around for a towel. "I mean, they do look nice for someone with no chest."

"Do you bathe often too Salem?" Ali interrupted the red mother's perverted thoughts as she reached for a brush next to her.

"As much as I can, although I will admit I had no idea this spa was here."

"Alia didn't come here often either I'm afraid. I miss the times she'd take care of me."

"Can you not bathe yourself?"

"Not as well as she did. Alia made painstaking efforts to clean every inch of me."

"Yea I bet she did," Salem whispered under breath. "I remember when Alia had her hands on me, she didn't make her interest in women exactly subtle. So maybe, she cared for her creation after all?"

But as Salem began removing the red dress that sparsely covered her pale body, she began to hesitate.

"Wait, how old are you again?" The red mother stammered as she held tightly to the black lingerie hugging her rear end. "I don't want to really get naked in front of some kid."

"Well as a doll, I don't quite age like a real girl would Salem. But, Alia did model me after herself. And from what I can tell, she was an adult when she looked nearly identical to me."

"Oh, so she was just really petite then?" Salem muttered. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, Alia was fully grown from what I know. And she made me to mimic herself."

"Well that makes me feel better," Salem lied as she tossed aside her underwear.

Stepping into the hot water, the red mother did her best to conceal a blush as her chest became obscured by the misty spa. But as she continued to stare a the doll, the feelings within her heart shifted. Once, she may have looked at Ali with a perverted gaze, but after hearing more about her maker, Salem began to feel pity and remorse.

"Here little doll, let me get that for you," Salem smiled warmly as she gently snatched the comb from Ali's hand.

"Will you help me with this?" Ali questioned with wide eyes.

"Yes, I will. And after this, get changed alright. I want to take a bath by myself."

"Alright then," Ali giggled.

As the night came to an end, Salem patiently cleaned the doll with a careful hand, her mind no longer stuck in fantasies of beauty and lust.

____________________________________

"Alright listen Corian, buddy, it's not that serious," the hooded man spoke to himself as he continued watching over Alia's home from the rocky cliffs of Lacuna's edge. "Just go down there and say hello to her."

Cracking his gloved hands, Corian stepped closer to the lit-up mansion before nervously preparing for his descent. The man hadn't washed in days, yet somehow his black hair seemed still fresh and combed, while his sharp dark blue eyes produced a faint glow in the shadows. Thus was the lifestyle of Corian, who hadn't a smidge of real confidence regardless of how handsome the Flora had designed him to be.

"Just like, jump down there. I mean it wouldn't be your first time falling with extreme style," Corian laughed as his voice became louder.

"What are you," a grating metallic voice growled at the man. "Speak swiftly or die."

"Oh shit!" Corian jumped as he turned to see a tall red Valekry that had somehow snuck behind him. "Who are you exactly?"

"You first."

"I'm uh...a human."

"Liar, those primitives could never reach this station."

"Yea well, I'm an ancient human from a time where we actually had a place in the universe. Mind introducing yourself too?"

"I am Anger, child of the woman you currently stalk. The only reason I haven't killed you is because-."

"She's bored out of her mind? Desperate for new leads? Yea, I could tell," Corian laughed.

Anger hissed in response as he unsheathed his bloodstained mace, "Don't test me."

"Listen, buddy, I get it, you gotta protect your mistress. That's what a good man does."

"I am not a man."

"Well I mean orange down there seems to think he is."

"My brother Valor is a fool. But nonetheless, he is a talented warrior, and you do not want to make an enemy of him."

"Well if you stopped interrupting me, I could explain the part where I don't want to hurt your mom."

"Elaborate."

"I searched this whole damn city for her, for crying out loud!" Corian motioned towards the glittering city of Lacuna in the far distance. "I just want to talk to her!"

"The last woman who wanted to just talk nearly killed her."

"That dark-skinned girl? Don't even get me started on her."

"We removed her when she presented herself to be a threat."

"The hell you didn't, she sandbagged trust me. If that *thing* wanted to win, she'd eat you alive."

"Elaborate," Anger snapped as he registered the new information. "Is there something you know that we don't?"

"Interested?"

"Only if you are not lying and you can speak of our enemy in good faith."

"Well if you think I'm not trying to deceive you, then take me to that girl, and I'll explain everything."

"Hand over the weapon first," Anger's singular eye squinted with suspicion.

"Wow, I expected you to get all cocky not going to lie. What's with you Valekry and being so unusually humble," Corian shrugged before unbuckling his blade from his black pants. "It can't be this easy can it?"

Anger stared at the man's blade for a moment, amazed to see how well-kept and ornate it seemed. Forged with a perfect diamond shape and several sapphire gems, Corian's blade was clearly dated, yet still sharp as ever, as if crafted by a master smith. Such exquisite detail on the blade momentarily provided Anger with a sense of relief, as he felt the black leathered handle to check its quality.

"You know of us Valekry? And you carry this fine weapon? Perhaps you are not a primitive after all," Anger nodded.

"Well don't speak too well of me," the young knight laughed. "But if that's all you need, I'd like to see her now."

Anger placed the man's blade on his metallic hip before leaping down from the cliffs with blinding speed. He had no intentions of further small talk and was soon interested only in the fulfillment of his mother's desires. Corian of course posed for another shrug before chasing after the pensive Valekry.

"Hey, hold up!" Corian stammered as he nearly fell down the cliff. "Wow, you are a rude one."

_____________________________________

Deep within the center of Ina's royal bedroom, two thin blades clashed together with effortless precision. Both prince and princess danced effortlessly around each other, their art clearly honed by years of repetition. But despite their great skill, only one of them seemed amused by the practice.

"Always keep your eye on the enemy brother. Not even for a second can you let your guard down," Ina huffed as she raised her white and blue jeweled rapier toward Ocelot, its edge inscribed with a strange language the prince could not understand.

"Why we must do this sister," Ocelot groaned as he leisurely countered Ina's attack with his own blade, its shape identical to hers yet seemingly more simple and mundane.

"It's for your own safety. I want you to be able to protect yourself."

"But don't we have guards for that? It's the only thing they're good for."

"There may be a time when you don't have them, or me."

"Why worry about such things."

"Because you're worth the worry, now on guard!" Ina yelled as she lunged toward her brother.

Despite her frail appearance, the pale princess proved to be more than superior when it came to combat. According to legend she was trained by the finest Valekry swordsman even as a little girl and had much to show for it. Even as her brother put up a more valiant effort, he was inevitably disarmed.

"My, my you're very good at that," Ocelot scoffed, attempting to reclaim his sword.

"You can always ask Korus for more lessons."

"These days he seems far too busy attending to those...things that call themselves children."

"Don't be rude brother." Ina scoffed. "Salem's children aren't so different than our dear Korus in terms of how she loves them. They deserve good treatment."

Noticing his sister was unusually defensive, Ocelot narrowed his eyes and continued to throw insults and criticism. And just as he expected, Ina soon became increasingly offended, nearly throwing her sword to the ground out of frustration. She was never one to handle stress with grace. In the past, the princess had usually just fallen apart when faced with any kind of pressure at all.

"Well I'm sorry, it just doesn't add up. Do you call Korus your child?" Ocelot sneered.

"No, he's just Korus. But that's not the point. We have to respect our guests or-."

"Oh that's right, he can't be your kid, not when you try and get him in bed with you."

"Ocelot stop!"

"Or what? Exactly," the prince smiled, knowing he had closed in on his sister just the way he wanted. "I've seen the way you dress around him."

"And why is it your concern?!"

"Because it affects me! Just like your newest stunt with that girl Salem. Tell me, do you really plan to just throw the crown at her?"

"This isn't about her," Ina shook her head as she began catching on to her brother's game. "You just want me to speak with her more, is that it?"

Ocelot nodded, his suspicion towards Salem still demanding attention. From the moment he saw her, nothing but distrust and hatred consumed his heart. And while he would never admit it, there was no real or logical reason to be so hateful toward Salem in the first place.

"She's a good girl. She deserves better after what she's been through," Ina sighed. "I will give her space for now, that's all you need to know."

"Isn't she just some pretty whore from the surface who was deflowered at like ten?"

"Don't be like this Ocelot. There is more to her than that."

"You mean to say, she seems familiar. I understand that."

"How could you?" Ina snapped. "You refused to see her with me!"

"You know my feelings towards her. She cannot be trusted, no matter how much you want to help her."

"Ocelot, we are sad little children born from nothing. She is much the same, and like us, has no place to call home. If we can't help her, then how are we to save ourselves? Let alone deserve anything?"

"Ina, who is she among millions like her? Look around. This city is dying, and we cannot stop it. Our protectors take their own lives, and we wilt in our own boring agony. Something has to be done. And I refuse to waste away!" Ocelot scoffed as he stormed off in the direction of his room. "Lacuna is at the brink, and you refuse to see it."

Soon Ina was left cold and alone, her heart aching to speak the truth - the same truth only she had known and had sheltered for so long. But the princess knew better than to ruin the last relationship she had left. In her mind, some secrets were better left hidden.

"For what was a mere flower compared to a goddess? What is stagnation in flowing water." Ina whispered to herself. "I'm sorry Ocelot, but the truth will break you."

The princess finally collapsed to the ground as her frail form gave out. At that moment she wanted desperately to just sob and let her emotions drain out onto the cold crystal floor. But as Ina wallowed in silence, she realized how empty she had truly become.

"Am I really still this powerless?" Ina sniffled. "After all these years?"

"Come now my lady, you can't give up so easily, not after everything you've done," a soft masculine voice spoke to the princess as he walked through the open doorway.

Ina looked upwards to find an outstretched hand before revealing a tender smile.

"You've come to save me yet again Korus?"

"Always and forever Ina."

"Whatever would I do without you," Ina giggled as she embraced the machine with open arms, pressing her pale chest against its rough surface. "Is there any news from Salem?"

"I'm afraid I bear nothing but a hostile message from a machine less patient than I."

The knight was clearly troubled, as his powerful voice gave way to the fearful uncertainties that dwelled beneath all his grandeur and honor. He had done all he could to ensure the many threats of Lacuna were kept at bay. But now after the arrival of Salem, it seemed everything was falling apart.

"My brother will not tolerate disturbances any longer," Korus sighed. "Salem has caused enough damage to warrant a swift death, or at least that's what he believes. Redrix will not hold back, not after he's begun to suspect her role in our brother's deaths."

"You know why we cannot allow that. What of the others? Can he not focus his attention on them?"

"Redrix can only see so much. Salem is in plain sight, where as many other threats are not. The logical next step is to deal with her."

"Then stop him!" Ina gasped.

"It is not my jurisdiction. And Redrix will give only one chance for the girl to yield. If she is to be associated with any further violence, he will take her into custody. If she is then found guilty of her crimes, she will be promptly executed. He commands half the Valekry navy, he's not exactly going to take our intervention lightly."

Ina seemed to lose her temper, furiously defending all she knew of Salem. Her extensive knowledge of the girl seemed unusual even for Korus. He struggled to understand why his princess was so concerned with the red girl.

"Ina think about this, we can't afford another civil war, not with my other brethren plotting their schemes."

"Korus she is everything."

"Ina-,"

"I said it can't happen!" The princess cried. "Find her, ensure she does not invoke your brother's wrath."

"She moved to Alia's old layer, surrounded by an army of her creations who now seem loyal to her. Any attempts to get too close would be hazardous at best."

"Then send someone to watch."

I have tried to consult our spies, but they do not answer. Some kind of field remains over the old house, even after the owner's death. As for the Tella who usually specialize in espionage, well they either don't seem to care enough to help us or they love the girl.

"What? They've noticed Salem? What about her?"

"It's hard to tell but, something about Salem has them...practically drooling."

Ina gave the knight a flustered glare, telling him all he needed to know. She was well aware of her people's perverted gaze and typically refused to even mention it. If there was any reason for Salem to be publicly coveted, it was likely for a sexual reason.

"The way she dresses doesn't exactly help," Korus muttered.

"They're like dogs. Gawking at her body, wishing for a taste. Whether or not she indulges in that is up to her," Ina scoffed with an unusual amount of spite in her voice. "I can't believe she'd do that though, not after what the surface dwellers did to her."

"Ina we both know things are not always that simple. I will accept Salem's decision no matter what she does."

"Of course, you will," Ina sighed, realizing she had taught Korus to always respect the agency behind a woman's body. "Anything else?"

"Well speaking of outsiders, there is a silent wind that follows Salem from afar. It's hard to say who or what he is, but a human has been spotted outside the city."

"Tell me, Korus, do we control anything?" Ina groaned in frustration. "Is there a point to a crown without power? You told me that true strength is where the people believe it is. If Salem...my-."

"Please, not in here," Korus interrupted.

"Then where!" Ina cried. "Where can I be who I really am? Is my life so dangerous that I cannot ever truly live it? What would our mother say to us now."

"She would be proud. Of both of you. Stay strong Ina, the people need your mercy."

"Or her wrath," the princess frowned as she tried her best to take Salem off her mind.

For once Ina was glad to be caged in the palace of Lacuna, where she could not face the proof of her own failure.