Prancing down the streets paved with smooth white stone, a light blue mechanical dragon carries two passengers who are settled on its back. The passengers, Lily and Emma, are enjoying the beautiful architecture that surrounds them–Lily looks especially mesmerized, unable to keep her head in one place for more than a few seconds.
"Wow, this is so cool! Lily had never ridden on one of these before…what is it?"
"Can you see the carriage behind us?"
"?"
She wants Lily to look behind? Okay…there really is a carriage behind us…! Hey, there's a white robo thingy pulling it. It looks like this one…kinda. What was it called again? Mother never taught me about them!
"Ooo, that's a…wait, Lily knows this one…it's a ro…it's a…robo"
"Robotic dragon."
"Hey, I was just about to say that–no fair!"
Aww, now Emma is gonna think Lily is dumb. Adults know way too much…how do they do it?
"That type of robotic dragon is controlled and steered manually, whereas this version is automatic. It specializes in transporting small loads of passengers at a quick rate without the need for a driver–making it highly efficient, but also highly expensive to afford."
"You seem to know a lot, Emma. That's awesome, I think…you really are an adult."
"I only know what I need to know. That's sufficient enough for me."
As they continued along the ride, the streets only seemed to become more and more lively. Be it houses, fountains, stores, restaurants, sign posts, street lamps and all kinds of buildings and landmarks alike, there is one common denominator; they are decked with aquatic color banners and decorations as far as the eye can see. The sheer amount is so overwhelming, but Lily does her best to physically point out as many as she can.
"Those decorations are so pretty, don't you think so too? Is there something special going on? It feels like a big birthday party."
"It is preparation for an upcoming event–in which you will be filled in on the details soon, as needed."
"A special event? That sounds very fun!...Vex will be there too, right? We can't celebrate without him…Lily doesn't want to."
"...Rest assured, you will hear more about Vex from my master. We will arrive shortly."
"!"
Upon healing the word "master" from Emma's lips, a shiver ran down Lily's back, all the way to the tip of her tail, making it straighten out.
"M-m-master? No, don't tell me…"
Emma is a slave?! Does that mean her master wants to make me his slave too? No no no no no no no, not again–never again!
Each breath Lily takes becomes heavier than the last, her eyes cannot focus on anything but the stable saddle she is sitting on. Heavy breaths. Picking up this sudden change in behavior, Emma peaks her head over her shoulder, finally taking her eyes off the road.
"Is there a reason for your reaction, Lily?"
"You said that you have a…master…and you are a demi-human like me. So…are you really a–"
"Yes, I am a slave."
"So your master wants to make me a slave too?!"
"Lily, why are you letting these baseless fears creep into your mind? The only slave my master ever needed has been me and me alone–you would be far from adequate to even be a stand-in."
"But…don't you hate it? Aren't you very sad?...! I know, Vex can save you like he saved Lily! I'll just ask him to–"
"What makes you think that I need saving? Let alone desire this supposed salvation. You assume the relationship between my master and me is based on shallow words alone. To me, my 'master' is my leader who I deeply respect. I am not this victim 'slave' that you assume me to be–rather, a faithful servant who supports her leader's vision. He has changed my life for the better, so why wouldn't I willingly serve him for life?"
"...Vex has changed Lily's life too. He's Lily's hero…"
"And how would you feel if someone tried to tear you apart because of how they view your relationship?"
"Very…sad."
"Now you understand how our circumstances are more similar than you assumed. I am glad."
"Sorry. Lily didn't mean to–"
"Please withhold your apologies–those are unnecessary. You have committed no transgression against me. Instead, please prepare yourself."
The robo-dragon comes to a gradual halt. Right before them, a large cathedral towers over them.
"We have arrived."
______________________________________
Past the robust glass doors of the cathedral, a few people here and there are fellowshipping inside a sanctuary that reaches the sky. Blue and green light, tinted by the stained glass windows, give the building a natural lightning that feels somewhat aquatic, further bolstered by the deep blue tiles.
"Wow, so amazing…"
This place looks like the one in Gannet with that Nazz lady, but even bigger. My head is spinning–there is so much to look at! And so huge!
"This way, Lily."
Shaking her head in order to snap out of her trance, Lily became aware of her current situation–there is a sizable gap between her and Emma. Emma, waiting ever so patiently, extends an open hand towards an entrance to a hallway.
"Oh…sorry. Lily got a little distracted."
"We are almost at my master's office. Enjoying the beauty and splendor of the goddess' cathedral is more than encouraged, but I will kindly ask you to stick close to me as you do so."
As Emma and Lily walk through the long hallway, all the way to the back, they are stopped by a barrier with a sign above it that reads "Authorized Personnel Beyond This Point". Lily absentmindedly walks into it, stumbling backwards upon impact.
"Oof!"
"You must be circumspect of your surroundings. This area is inaccessible for unauthorized guests, as the sign states."
"What is that? It felt so…squishy. Lily doesn't feel hurt at all."
"Thanks to a member's curse–brother Rudy–we were able to build this intricate barrier system of rubber. I need to deactivate it so that we can pass through. Please wait there."
Emma steps over to a wall panel in the shape of a circle. She places her hand on it, a light flashes. Momentarily, the rubber barrier bars disappear, paving the way freely. A robotic voice speaks.
"Access granted."
"Amazing, that was so cool! How did you do that?"
"I am simply deemed authorized to do so by my master. Please continue forward."
Lying just beyond the barrier, a small spiral staircase ascends. At the top, a metallic door with an illuminated sign titled "Apostle Zateon" is there. Lily furrows her brows as she does her best to comprehend it.
"Apostle…Za…te…on?"
"Yes, you read that correctly. By the expression on your face, I know that you have several questions. However, I ask you to restrain yourself until the appropriate time–just beyond that door, my master awaits you. Are you ready to proceed?"
Lily doesn't understand why this person wants to meet me so badly, but Vex should be here too…! That's it! Maybe he and Vex are best friends, so of course he would want to meet Lily too. As long as he knows Vex, then he should be a good person. There's no need for me to worry!
After sorting her thoughts, Lily proudly looks up at Emma and gives her two big thumbs-up.
"Very well, let's proceed without further ado."
Emma carefully presses her open palm against the center of the door. Shortly afterwards, the door lifts upwards, revealing a laboratory-like space. Near the center of the room, a man dressed in a black priestly robe with royal blue accents leans against the front of his desk, a friendly smile spreads across his face as he watches his new guests approach him.
"Eh? Coming into my office without knocking? How unbecoming of you, Emma."
"I humbly apologize for my impoliteness, master. I assumed that you already were aware of our presence, therefore–"
"Oh, never mind that! You've brought an honored guest to me, just as I requested. Come on, you can come closer. Please, there is no need to be shy."
"Okay!"
This is the man who knows Vex? Emma's master? That scar on his face is a little scary, but other than that, he seems like a nice person. He looks so glad to see Lily!
"I'm assuming that my assistant told you about me beforehand, but let's formally introduce ourselves, shall we? Please, you go first."
"My name is Lily! I am Vex's friend–he is my hero!"
"Oh ho, what an energetic spirit; I can see a twinkle in your pretty eyes. I am Apostle Zateon, a faithful servant of our beloved goddess here in the country of Fraus. I am beyond pleased to meet you at last. Long last."
Zateon extends his gloved hand towards Lily, taking her hand and firmly shakes it with unwavering eye contact.
"Wait, do you know the goddess? Does she speak to you too?!"
"Affirmative. We apostles are well acquainted with our goddess–some of us more than others, but that is neither here nor there."
"Really really really?! Then, did she mention to you about–"
"Lily, please keep in mind what we discussed before entering."
Emma, who has been waiting quietly behind, speaks out a gentle chastisement. Although lacking sternness, Lily could feel the weight behind Emma's words. She bites her cheek.
"Oopsie."
"Worry not, for I understand your giddiness. In fact, I fully expected it. There is a particular matter that I would like to discuss with you. It's important that we waste no more time, so please–have a seat."
Zateon gestures towards the empty space before his desk, giving Emma her cue. She momentarily rolls a rolling chair into that space, where Zateon is pointing.
"Whoa, this chair looks so fancy."
"Only the best for my guests, and nothing less–especially fellow believers of our goddess. Let's both take our seats. Emma, remain on standby, please."
Emma bows her head.
"As you wish, master."
As Zateon goes around his desk to take his seat, Lily gets well acquainted with her chair…by spinning around.
"Wheee!"
"Ahem, it would be ill-advised to make yourself nauseous before we even begin our conversation."
"Right, sorry Apostle Zateon!"
Lily stomps her feet hard against the fuzzy rug, stopping her spinning instantly. She pats her face as she straightens her posture.
Come on Lily, you're not a little kid any more! A weak and immature little kid can't save mama!
"How about some sparkling water for the both of us?"
"Yes, please."
"Emma."
"I'm on it."
In compliance with her master's orders, Emma goes eastward into another section , leaving Zateon and Lily unaccompanied for the first time.
"Well, in the meantime, let's go ahead and begin. I'll allow one question before we get down to business."
"Only one question? Anything?"
"Yes and yes. Not counting those two questions you've just asked, of course."
Should I ask about the goddess lady? No, maybe where Fraus' crystal is? Oh no, there are so many questions Lily wants to ask! But without him…nothing else matters as much.
I've decided!
"Do you know Vex and where he is right now? Lily expected to meet him here."
"That's two questions, so I'll answer with a simple 'yes'. However, don't be disappointed–that man will come up in our discussion."
"Ah, okay then. Thank you!"
"Two glasses of sparkling water."
Emma places the glasses on the desk, the cup placed in front of Zateon is much larger in size and made of colored glass whereas the one in front of Lily is nothing noteworthy in comparison. Regardless, Lily nods her head and eagerly takes a sip.
"Ahhh, burp. Excuse me! Lily's sorry about that."
"I appreciate your manners, Lily. It seems as though you were taught well."
"Yes, my mother taught me a lot–I love her so much!"
"That's great to hear. Children bringing honor to their parents is a delight to witness. I will also indulge for a brief moment."
With only two fingers of his left hand, Zateon lifts up the glass to his lips. As soon as the aforementioned brief moment is seemingly over–the second the glass departs from his lips–Lily clears her throat.
"So…what are we going to talk about?"
"It's a deep conversation, but rather simple to follow–I expect you to answer honestly."
Zateon holds his fingers into the air, Emma places a photo between them. He then carefully brings the photo to the desk, slowly flipping it over.
"Does anything in this photo…"
"?"
"...look familiar to you?"
"?!!!!"
The photo, in high quality, reveals a close-up of a woman being mauled by a monster. More specifically, a giant green lynx. Zateon grins.