Chapter 10

Alia sat with great unease alongside her doll. She rarely ever appeared in public without some kind of mask. But now more than ever, she needed her true self to be seen. In order to draw out the one she intended to see, Alia had been located deep within the city of Lacuna. Every part of her plan was meticulously crafted from start to finish. Even the most irritating factors - such as the Tella and their obnoxious behavior, had all been carefully accounted for. It would seem only one piece remained out of place for the dark-skinned girl.

*Where is Salem*

"Alia, why are we here?" Ali whispered as she attempted to sit still. "I've never seen so many people."

"Be quiet, and don't use my name," Alia hissed, pinching the doll. "We must convince her to trust us."

Ali reeled back in pain but did not give in so easily, "It's not right to deceive someone."

"She doesn't know us. We must take advantage of that."

"But, who is she?" Ali shrugged, her inquisitive nature becoming more obvious by the second.

"A girl much like me. Cursed and estranged from this world. She has no idea what lies ahead, and I must show her. No matter the cost."

Completely avoiding a response, Alia began to direct her doll's attention toward whatever distraction she could find. Currently, the pair had positioned themselves squarely near the center of Lacuna in one of the highest and most luxurious towers. A long golden strip lined both the interior and exterior of the building, creating a strange plant-like shape that jutted out toward the sky. The whole establishment was like a winding spiral of nonsense and flair, with countless stairs and elevators placed around a progressively smaller set of transparent floors.

"It's like a broken vase," Ali thought to herself as she took a seat on a large red couch near the middle of the open floor.

From what the doll could see, most of the building's walls had been replaced with glass both purple and pink. And just like the surface vessel Salem had boarded days ago, the furniture of the Tella building was posh and goddy, their velvet surfaces creating a distinct smell of fabric in the air.

Ali began to feel almost sick wherever she looked, the strange colors and overly feminine decor surrounding her were far too much to comprehend. The young doll had never been outside after all. But as far as Alia could tell the Tella's peculiar architecture was not special at all. In her mind, it was just as chaotic and goddy as the planet below.

"They call this building the strand, how ridiculous," Alia spoke as she directed Ali's gaze to one of several lounges situated around the building. "Just like the humans down under, they can make whatever they want but it always ends up the same. A distraction."

"You know humans?" Ali questioned, remembering the name of the peculiar species she had read in her maker's books.

"Unfortunately, I used to live with them," Alia sneered. "All they ever cared about was riches and pleasure. Everything they ever made reflected that fact. Their cities, their religion, their ambitions, it was all some sick game. But these Tella are even worse. They think they're better when in reality, they couldn't be more similar."

"But aren't they special? The humans haven't made a place like this from what I know," the doll pondered as she recalled what little history she knew.

"Fancy technology doesn't make you special. I've lived on Peruvia nearly all my life, and that fact is the only truth I ever learned. It's a big planet filled with all sorts of power and danger. No one is special."

"I'm sorry you feel that way," Ali replied in a monotone voice as if she was unwilling to agree with her maker's rants.

"Hah! Look at you, finally learning a little sass," Alia laughed. "Though I suppose that's as mean as you can get huh?"

"I didn't mean to offend, I just don't understand."

"You don't understand what the word mean is all about?" Alia giggled as she pointed toward a metal pit in the corner of the room. "The machines over there. The soldiers with red armor. Look at what they do for the entertainment of their makers."

"I...That's terrible!" Ali shielded her eyes as soon as she realized what took place in the bowl-shaped pit surrounded by the Tella audience. "Why would anyone do that!"

Nestled tightly in the corner of the luxurious Strand lay a fighting pit of sorts, with several Valekry currently engaged in what could only be described as gladiatorial combat. It was a normal ritual for the Tella, who much rather preferred watching their servile combat machines perform rather than themselves. As the carnage unfolded Ali turned away and clutched her bear.

"You'd be surprised what a lack of purpose can do to a species," Alia smirked as she watched the show with wide eyes. "Gotta say though, they make good fighting machines. Those Valekry are still the best model I've ever seen, and I've seen everything."

"You had us sit here on purpose didn't you," Ali sighed, her mind racing as she began to better understand her maker. "You wanted me to see it."

Alia ignored the comment, not wanting to risk revealing Ali's true nature. She knew the doll was never designed with a blank slate. In fact, something intelligent and powerful lay beneath her innocent mind. It was then imperative the doll remained oblivious.

"Just watch the show," Alia muttered to herself.

Many Valekry of all classes and positions had been assembled near the pit, ready to slaughter each other at a moment's notice. Whether or not they had consented was a complete mystery. For in typical Valekry fashion, they had refused to display any cowardice or hesitation. The Tella on the other hand were more than willing to express their amusement. For them, the whole affair was simply another desperate attempt at finding fulfillment.

"It's not their choice. They fight to entertain us," Alia explained. "They're just like you really. Someone built them for a reason."

"Do they...at least please? Are their makers happy?" Ali mumbled as she noticed her maker's persona transform.

"Yes...they do. Does that justify their pain? Of course not. It never will. But where's the fun in torment if you can't slap it on the innocent from time to time?"

The doll realized then she was being taunted and did her best to ignore it. Alia on the other hand spoke almost like a different girl, poking and prodding her creation with pointless insults. The whole situation was very concerning for Ali, who had long taken notice of her maker's attitude, as well as her lack of clear motive.

Finally, the doll's mission had become more clear to her. Something was eating her maker from the inside out. And while there was no cure or solution in sight, Ali would vow to find a way to save her beloved Alia, no matter the cost.

"I don't understand," Ali whimpered, her reaction only partially genuine. "Why is it alright for something to feel pain?"

"Look harder," Alia hissed like a snake. "It's all very obvious."

"Those people are, having fun?" Ali guessed. "The machines are, fighting. But they don't seem scared."

"Exactly. Do you know why the ladies have fun? And why do the machines seem content? Their entire existence revolves around what they believe to be their destiny. The machines are grateful because they can kill like they were built to kill. The women laugh and sneer because they wallow in their misery. That's why they drink at their little lounges and play with each other in disgusting ways.

"The Tella are miserable? They seem happy."

"It's a farce I can see through. They do not have a purpose. They have forsaken it. Without the satisfaction of fulfilling one's mission, they will simply end," Alia whispered as she stared at the robotic carnage.

"Can we help them?"

"You could. Imagine what would happen if I gave you to them. They would tear you apart. Piece by piece, until there is nothing left to take."

"Would you really do that?" Ali shuttered in fear, her more feminine voice escaping through her mouth. "I would be afraid."

"Fear not little doll. You are reserved...for another. Only she can hope to save those wretched creatures."

Ali continued to ponder with all the wit she could muster. Something had to budge before it was too late. But like always Alia seemed five steps ahead, as not even her insanity could hold the dark-skinned genius at bay.

__________________________________

After several hours of arguing in the night, Salem finally came to a decision with her children. She would be willing to encounter the strange girl in her dreams regardless of the danger. At first, the group considered ignoring the threat altogether under the pretense that it may be a trap. But surprisingly to Salem, it was Anger who advised some kind of action be taken.

"You claim to have seen a purple spirit the day your friend perished. If this is true, then I cannot deny the danger this enemy poses to you. Were they to attack again, I could not guarantee your safety," Anger explained, fully acknowledging what Salem had experienced.

The group stood pensively in Cora's garden as they planned their next move. Valor was still rather new to the scene but seemed rather intent on listening as he fiddled with a book in his hands, his body resting on the old staircase leading to Salem's room. His mind was young yet sharp, fully capable of adapting to any information thrown his way. In fact, the energetic machine was unusually eager to sharpen his skills in any way he could, whether it be through rigorous training with the blade or long study sessions in Cora's library. When all was said and done Valor seemed just as smart as his comparatively cold brother.

"Thank you," Salem stammered as she sat herself down on the wooden chair she had used so many times before with Cora. "I appreciate your support, you don't usually-."

"Well I won't pretend to know what you two saw that day, but this mysterious villain does seem dangerous," Valor interrupted, knowing full well the tension that could very well arise between his family. "Perhaps it is not the best idea to run headfirst into danger."

Valor may have given sound advice, but the creature within Salem's soul would not so easily be denied its conflict. A great strain was placed upon the red-eyed mother, clouding her judgment and foresight. Having had enough of whispers and mysteries she decided to side with Anger. With her children at her side, Salem set out to meet the strange girl known as Alia.

"I saw her face as clear as day. She knows something even that princess does not. As long as she remains a mystery we are powerless," Salem smirked as she spoke in the most elegant way she could. "We leave tonight."

After sending a message to Ina, Salem was well on her way aboard yet another sleek vessel. She hated the Tella's mode of transportation, but just this once she was willing to give it a try. The urges she felt within her heart were rather clear on the great distance between Alia and herself.

"It's the called the Strand?" Salem asked as she stepped outside of Cora's home to board the vessel she had requested.

"You described a tall plant-shaped building in your visions did you not?" Valor replied, holographic map in hand.

"It's more like a message really, but yes. That is where I am being called."

As far as Salem could tell, a massive tower near the center of the station was chosen to be the focal point of the meeting. Its design did indeed resemble that of an overgrown plant, reminding Salem of her own irritating parasite. And as the group drew closer to their destination, it became apparent how closely the building resembled the typical Tella culture. Even the landing pad chosen for Salem was obnoxiously large, its structure resembling a something of twisted lilypad.

"Are you certain your presence will not incite another conflict?" Anger asked, his usual skepticism still untamed.

"It could very well be worse this time around," Salem frowned as she stepped out of her transportation. "But this time I won't be so easily taken by surprise."

As always, Salem's loyal children were at the ready as their mother walked confidently into the Strand. Their physical prowess would prove invaluable when it came to dealing with any curious onlookers. But who could blame the Tella for gazing upon the crimson goddess, whose attire appeared more stunning than ever before.

Unlike before, Salem was uninterested in posing as an adopted child. Her black metal legs had been polished with a crimson sheen that perfectly complemented her eyes, which when placed alongside her sharp black heels, gave her the sound and appearance of a mature goddess. In conjunction, a black dress with transparent sleeves and red floral patterns lined her vertically exposed chest. Salem's hair had been styled to be sleek and straight, with a red jeweled hairpin on the left side creating an air of both cuteness and eroticism around her. The whole city soon realized the new girl in town was in fact the prettiest.

"Do you see her?" several Tella whispered to themselves around the Strand, their own fashionable dresses seeming rather dull in comparison. "Her figure is so perfect!"

"I just think she's cute with that hairpin," another Tella whispered closer to Salem's back.

"Cute!? She looks like an experienced woman with that hemline!"

Every step Salem took reflected that of a divine goddess. Though such a desirable appearance was not on accident, as the mother had grown rather sick of her own insecurities. She was certain from her time with the humans that her beauty and seductive power were unmatched; all she need do was embrace it. In Salem's mind, now was the time for confidence and power, especially with such an opponent on the horizon.

"I do not understand one thing, Mother. Why can we not form an alliance with this woman?" Valor questioned, seemingly unaware of the rather inappropriate game his mother had indulged in.

"It's not just that she's dangerous. She killed my friend. My only friend in what feels like millennia. And for that, I want something in return."

"I see," the young Valekry hesitated. "You want revenge."

Salem continued to follow her senses with great determination. She could feel the strange flower within her shiver and bloom as she drew closer. Anger himself could detect a mild sensation, his fist clenching with even greater might than usual. An unexplainable air of prejudice and toxicity soon enveloped every corner of the lofty tower.

"Personally I think it's a beautiful location," Valor smiled as he climbed the endless transparent stairs that lay before him, sensing his family's unease.

"Don't be too sure," Salem growled as she reached the top of the Strand rather swiftly with her mechanical legs. "Look there."

Across the room lay a strange metal bowl of sorts, filled with violence and cheers. It was the fighting pits of the Strand that gained Salem's attention, causing her to grimace and squirm. She hated the idea of machine life being used in such a wasteful practice, especially after she had taken such a liking to her own artificial children. Valor on the other hand seemed unphased, as if he had come across the one true evil he was always certain existed in the world.

"How despicable," Valor muttered in a deeper tone. "I have read of such things before. Words could not describe it."

Anger of course did not react in the slightest. He did not care.

"Greetings Salem," a familiar voice echoed across the room. "I'm sorry to meet you in such a place."

"Korus!?" Salem gasped, turning to greet the silver Valekry that had saved her life. "I did not expect to see you here."

"Fret not. I come in peace. Ina was simply worried you were being rash by traveling so deep into the city. She is well aware of the dangers that may lie in the Strand," Korus explained as he walked passed Valor, who seemed entirely obsessed with the heroic model that stood before him.

"Amazing," Valor thought to himself like a giddy child. "He's a real knight, just like the tales suggest."

Salem glared at Korus with great suspicion. She had already learned of Ina's more innocent deception, as well as her unmatched intelligence. If Korus was indeed here to monitor Salem, it had to be related to Alia. The red-eyed mother groaned with impatience before deciding to dispense with the pleasantries.

"So then. Where is she,"

Understanding exactly what Salem meant, Korus leisurely gestured in the correct direction.

"She doesn't exactly blend in. Please tread carefully," the silver machine sighed as he pointed towards a red lounge placed in the center of the floor.

Salem's heart began to pound as her vengeful eyes settled on a peculiar pair of girls who sat comfortably on a red couch. She then clenched her delicate fists and released a rather disturbing hiss. As far as Salem could tell, she had officially encountered her enemy.

____________________________

"Very well then," Salem paused for some before taking a step towards her foe. "Let's say hello shall we?"

Unknown to Salem, her youngest child hadn't followed along. His usually sharp wits had seemingly been deluded by a strange desire that brewed within. To him, the very thought of being forced to fight and die all for the sake of another's enjoyment was despicable at best. But unlike Korus, Valor showed no restraint when it came to his beliefs. His will to act had completely overshadowed any rational way of thinking.

Valor knew in his heart he had to put a stop to the fighting pits of the Strand.

"Oh look…here she comes," Alia snickered, watching closely as Salem strutted towards her in her flashy attire. "Just as fantastically indecent as I imagined."

Salem soon stood confidently in front of her foe with a battle-ready glare. But Alia knew she could not rush the encounter, and began calmly tapping the seat next to her in a gesture of friendship. Salem thought to respond with a mighty slap but stayed her hand as she sensed the unexpected presence of another. Beside the dark-skinned girl sat a petite doll, whose expression revealed great sadness.

"What are you," Salem thought to herself as her eyes widened. "Some kind of toy?"

Ali's reaction towards Salem was that of dumbfounded admiration. Her confused, saddened, and curious expression spoke volumes as she stared deeply into the eyes of the scantily-clad woman. Never before had the doll seen such a beautiful figure before, causing her to freeze on the spot.

"Cora would have loved her," Salem continued to mumble, scanning the doll's appearance with great interest.

From what Salem could see, every facet of the doll's existence was defined by tragedy. Her feeble sense of frailty was only magnified by her rather cutesy attire. A simple white dress with a knee-length skirt had been perfectly tailored around the doll's flawless body, while the fabric of her top donned a wonderful tint of light purple identical to her eyes. Additionally, a thin set of transparent stockings had been wrapped tightly around the legs creating an aura of innocence and grace around her. And despite the doll's obviously petite frame, she was even a bit feminine upon further inspection, reminding Salem she was in fact still staring at an adult frame.

"She's even got a cute little bow pinned to her chest," Alia bragged. "Done checking out my creation?"

"What's your name?" Salem murmured out loud.

The doll stammered as she struggled to overcome her timidness, "My name is Ali ma'am, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"My name is Salem. It's a pleasure to meet you as well."

"And I'm guessing you know who I am aye?" Alia laughed, her facade becoming more and more apparent to the doll.

"I could never forget you after that day. I know what you did."

"You know, you're not the first one to give her a good stare," Alia joked, quickly changing the conversation. "She is mine. Made to be beautiful. Though that's not to say you aren't quite the looker yourself."

"Need I explain what happened to the last person who said such things to me?" Salem frowned.

"No one gave a damn about Pyri. So for one, you have excellent skin tone," Alia continued without a care in the world. "Bright red eyes and perfect, luscious hair too. And lets not even get started on the curves. How old are you again?"

Salem hissed in response. The mother had little patience for games of subtlety and lies, especially after witnessing the manipulative capacity of a single flower. She could even feel something hiding beneath the exterior of the girl named Alia - its power just waiting to be unleashed.

Alia then smiled before unveiling her most unexpected move yet, "If you like the doll so much, why don't you have her? Take it as a gift of sorts."

"What if I say no?" Salem asked, with clear hesitation.

At first, Salem's plan was to simply enter the Strand and kill Alia in cold blood. Any dialogue that might happen between the two girls was simply supposed to aid in satisfying her lust for vengeance, so as to not waste any time. It then came as no surprise that Salem never excepted to encounter the cute doll, whose soothing presence had already nullified her bloodlust.

"You won't refuse," Alia winked as she acknowledged the mysterious connection between Salem and her doll.

Ali herself was unsure of what to think. But no matter how confusing things became, she could always count on her maker to reveal the truth through some spectacular plot. The little doll then had no choice but to stay silent and follow along.

"You think you can just walk away from this?" Salem growled as she stretched out a hand towards Ali, intent on pulling the doll away from her enemy. "I came to kill you for what you did. Don't play stupid."

"Oh don't worry, I'm not done with you either. But let's not rush things you impatient harlot. Have a talk with the doll, find your bearings, and then we can settle our affairs."

"Why you-"

But before the unbearable encounter could progress any further, a loud cheer from the crowd echoed through the room. Salem could hardly believe her eyes when she turned to witness Valor leap into the Strand's largest fighting pit, intent on bringing its injustice to an end.

"Oh, a bit hasty are we? Can't say I blame him," Alia laughed. "Those dense half-breeds have no respect at all for synthetic life. But we are so different aren't we Salem."

"Shut up already!" Salem yelled as she looked towards Anger with worry on her face. "We are nothing like you."

Salem's eldest son motioned for his mother to stay behind without hesitation before rushing after his reckless brother.

"Fool," Anger muttered as he calmly jumped into the pit. "I should have known you would lose focus."

As he began disrupting the fight, Valor half expected to hear a barrage of yells and curses. But of course, the Tella only cheered as another spectacle entered the fray. Valor's brethren stared with confusion before resuming their battle. Before the young machine could even make his word known, a sharp-edged blade narrowly scraped his eye, informing him he had, in fact, entered the fray.

"Not on my watch," Salem clenched her fist, a red aura appearing around her empowered frame. "I'll make them stop."

But as the enraged mother began to focus her crimson power, she felt a hand squeeze her shoulder gently, as if asking her to stay. Her eyes widened as she then sensed an unknown power creep into her body.

"Why stop him? He's calling them out as what they are. Brutal, vile, and intolerable monsters," Alia whispered into Salem's ear. "I'm surprised to see you had such bravery inside you."

Alia then snapped her black fingers, summoning a violent torrent of black dust that froze her surroundings in place. Salem gasped as her body was flung into an invisible realm beyond the expanse of reality, sending her crashing into an empty floor eerily similar to the one she had faced the night before. From an outside perspective, it seemed as if the two girls merely disappeared in a flash.

"Alia? Salem?" Ali cried out, realizing she was all on the red couch. "Where did you go?"

_____________________

Back in the arena, Valor was doing his best to evade every attack, having not yet even drawn his own blade.

"Wait just a moment comrade! Is this really what you want to do?"

The Valekry did not respond, his mind only concerned with the most simple of instructions.

With his back against the wall, Valor finally unsheathed his blade, its shape seeming rather mundane as if given to him by a disappointed brother. But even with a less-than-stellar arsenal, the young machine began to dance with his weapon, deflecting every blow directed at him with ease. Once his opponent was properly distracted by the seemingly unstoppable defense, a large mace came crashing into its primary eye, destroying it with a violent crunch.

"Brother?!" Valor stood in shock as he watched Anger enter the fray. "That was a foul play, sir, he was directed at me."

"You play with them too much. Kill and be done with it," Anger growled in response, his mind still unconcerned with honor and glory. "Now for the sake of our mother, fight with me."

Valor lowered his head in shame, before finally listening to what his brother believed to be reason, "Very well then."

Soon enough, the two brothers stood side by side, ready to face any threat. At least a dozen Valekry had already entered the arena - a fact Valor had previously ignored. And according to Anger, it was entirely possible they would have to kill every last opponent in order to survive. As long as the Tella audience remained present in the arena there was no other choice but to fight.

"I'm sorry comrades," Valor sighed as he readied his blade. "I promise you I will find a way to stop this."

_________________________________________________________

"Do you know where you are little serpent?"

Salem gasped as she woke in an imaginary void. From what little she could tell, Alia had transported her into some personal prison. And just like the last empty plain she had visited, the vast expanse was cold and lonely.

"Do you even know why I call you that, or why you're here?" Alia taunted. "Well, what if I told you I didn't send that little flower just to mock you and kill your friend? No, I wanted to wake you up. Get you going."

Salem struggled as she began to feel rather humiliated. Her entire body had been consumed by the gnawing darkness summoned by Alia, its consuming tendrils tugging at her body and grasping onto her limbs. Her reckless attempts to escape only resulted in further embarrassment. It wasn't long before Salem became exhausted, her body collapsing onto the floor as she began to pant.

"Oh no, do please keep struggling. It's so entertaining to watch," the dark-skinned girl laughed as she began to circle Salem's restrained body. "Everyone loves the obligatory bondage scene."

"You really think this is new to me?" Salem groaned as she began to accept her situation. "I've been through it all."

"I'd imagine so." Alia laughed. "You don't really seem like the frail sort of girl.

"How do you even know me?"

"How could I not? We are all connected in this cursed city. It is the centerpiece of this fantastic curse."

"What are you even talking about? Was your whole plan just to educate me?"

"I mean only to introduce you to the problem," Alia motioned as she began to control the reality of her space like a personal backdrop. "Does the concept of duality mean anything to you?"

"Two opposing forces, ironically dependent on each other," Salem coughed, her body still held tightly by the arms jutting out from the floor. "I've read a book before."

"Oh really. I didn't know they let harlots read. But then again you're special, aren't you? Some kind of savior here to break the wheel?"

Salem produced an inquisitive look. She never saw herself as a saint. But more importantly, she knew Alia was not stupid enough to misjudge her.

"Have you lost your mind?" Salem frowned. "I'm no heroine, nor even a decent person."

"Who can say for sure?" Alia smirked. "There's still so much for you to know about yourself and this world. You roamed Peruvia for so many years yet you never even scratched the surface of life's mysteries. You never asked why you felt so much pain-why everything seems so horrible and dull."

"If you think I'm going to be swayed by some cynical garbage."

"Oh I wish it was cynicism, but it is reality," Alia sighed as she snapped her fingers. "Light and dark for example."

Suddenly, a blazing heat rose over the horizon and transformed the black abyss into a white inferno. Salem could see nothing as a wave of heat washed over her body, causing excruciating pain. She might have even screamed if not for her rather impressive display of tolerance.

"Ironic isn't it? That light can replicate its foe with such intensity. In some ways, its blistering fire serves as an opposite to the cold and damp. But in this hellscape, one can find it hard to see any difference between the two," Alia explained as she slowly began to cool the area around her. "Wouldn't it be a shame if something was in control of all that pain?"

"To hell with your games!" Salem screamed as her body finally felt relief. "I've wandered this hell longer than you've been alive. Your little sob story doesn't scare me. So what if life is a dreadful experience? I'll do what I want with it. Break it, turn it into a game, only I decide! I am done wandering the world like a lost little girl!"

"Exactly!" Alia beamed as her darkened skin began to shimmer, "You are starting to realize what they want."

In a blink of an eye, Salem was suddenly returned to reality. She flailed about for a time, only to realize she was back in her seat safe and sound. Ali turned to face the awestruck girl, placing a gentle hand on her arm with soothing reassurance.

"Now, I do hope you've learned a little something. Lord knows they have," Alia smiled as she pointed back towards the pit, her own body having been relocated into her chair just like Salem.

"Anger. Valor," Salem gasped as she watched her children fight valiantly. "I have to help them."

"Don't be too hasty. As I said, they'll be fine," Alia hissed as she gestured towards Salem, reminding her who was in control. "I planned this whole thing out you know. Once they're done playing games over there you should rest, and spend time with my doll. This horrid place as much nicer rooms once you really reach the top."

"I don't want your damn doll," Salem hissed. "I have my children, and most certainly still want to kill you."

"That so? Well if you really feel that way, guess I'll just have to kill her."

"What?!" Salem gasped, her eyes shifting to witness Ali's shocked reaction.

The doll looked on with wide eyes as if she had been betrayed. She didn't even bother to open her mouth, her mind consumed with guilt and confusion. All Ali truly desired in her heart was to be of service to Alia. And from what little she understood, it appeared she had failed at that task.

"I made her for this. If you won't take her she has no purpose to exist," Alia sighed. "So once you leave I'll make sure to-."

"Fuck you," Salem spoke calmly as she clenched her fist. "How could you do that to your creation? Didn't you just finish ranting on about how similar we are? Fine then, I'll take better care of her than you ever did."

Ali was surprised to see the care and passion in Salem's eyes. She never would have guessed the pale mother had such interest in machines, it seemed almost too good to be true. Ali continued to look on in silence - her mind unable to handle the sudden adoption.

"That's the Salem I know. You got a big heart hidden behind all that hatred and trauma."

"Only for them," Salem sighed, standing closer to Ali as she continued to worry for her children.

Despite being outnumbered by several waves of reinforcements, the two Valekry continued to entertain their audience as they bested every foe in the arena. But the unscheduled event could only last so long, as the formal security of the Strand finally arrived to set order in place. A group of light red Valekry then entered the arena with a quickened pace, armed to the teeth with proper armaments designed to kill from a distance. From their point of view, Anger and Valor were illegal entries who had violated strict orders to entertain the Tella through controlled methods. The penalty for such a crime was of course, rather simple.

"Hold your fire, hold your fire!" Korus bellowed as he placed his silver frame between the guards and his friends. "They are not deranged I assure you!"

A taller Valekry emerged from the ranks with a bellowing voice, "You understand the rules more than anyone shipmaster. Disruptions of this scale are punishable by death."

"And you Captain, understand who made those rules," Korus retorted as he pointed toward the commander's orange pauldron.

According to the law Korus spoke of, Valekry who bore bright orange was in fact connected to the princess. When it came to the honor guards specifically, they were heavily decorated as personal servants of the crown. Korus was then carefully aware of who he spoke to, and how he had been given the rank of security captain by Ina herself.

Recognizing Korus's rather polite threat, the captain lowered his rifle and ordered his group to stand down.

"I see," the captain shrugged. "If only the princess would make up her mind."

"It's not as if the creators care you know," Valor interrupted as he pointed towards the Tella, their faces appearing rather amused. "So why should you?"

"And what are we without care? Nothing but the frenzied thralls that plague our world," the captain continued to argue.

"Possibly," Korus sighed. "Or, we have simply begun to accept our own free will. You know why they chose to fight. You understand why he cannot allow this injustice to continue. After All, It is just as you said. What are we without heart? I should have put an end to this practice ages ago. My only excuse is my own cowardice and desire to keep the peace. But these two brave knights stepped forward, and did what was right."

Valor watched Korus with increasing interest as he whispered silently to himself, "What a humble knight he is. I must take notes."

Conceding his dispute, the captain angrily signaled his squad to depart. But he of course was not the only leader to show great disappointment that night.

Korus waved his arm in dismissal, "Go on, take care of your mother. She appears to need the help. And Valor, we will talk of your actions later."

Valor would have defended himself if not for the steel grip of his brother pulling him toward Salem. Once the brothers had reunited with their mother, they were relieved and confused to find Salem still standing near the dark-skinned woman. From their point of view, Salem wasn't well-known for making friends.

"I would have thought your distraction would be capitalized on," Anger glared at Valor. "Be glad our enemy appears merciful."

"Merciful indeed, look, she's even giving us a gift. A new friend?" Valor replied.

"Joy," Anger sarcastically remarked, his usual tone having wavered slightly. "Another distraction."

From what the brothers could see it would appear timid the little doll was finally being transferred to Salem as agreed. Ali couldn't help but feel like the sudden adoption was yet another setup designed by her clever maker; and as for Salem, she already began to feel remorse for the doll in clear defiance of the cruel woman who made her. Alia smirked with an uncomfortable amount of confidence as Salem reached out to Ali with a gentle hand.

"Come now little Ali, she doesn't want you anymore," Salem sighed as she carefully lifted the doll out of her seat.

"Alia," Ali whined as she was taken away.

"Oh, I'm sure we'll see her again."

The doll gave a sullied look toward her owner - her mind still searching for the reason why she had been sold like a toy. But like with all things concerning Alia, only time could tell what she had planned next.