A/N: Imma just focus another chapter on Mira and Atsuna, then I'll go onto other topics.
Dancers: Liavio: The instructor and lead dancer… is basically Olivia from Awakening, just without the shyness. Mirande (Corrin): Aside from her canon personality, there is a darker undertone to her behavior when she's alone… she's heavily concerned about her appearance, she's also slightly taller than the rest. Yserna: The second best dancer, next to Echo, who first found out about Mirande in the streets of Crynkesia… she hails from Izumo. Atsuna: The newest dancer, she's still adjusting to the stress of being on the elite team and can be shy. Echo: The best of the elite group, she's darker skinned, and the only real problem she has is her high metabolism, which keeps her just a bit too skinny.
Dandaman5: *wags eyebrows* You would, wouldn't you? Well… it might be a bit of time, still… it is one of the most heavily guarded secrets Mira has to (not) offer! However! I will promise it will be revealed. Trust me… once it is revealed, you just might want to re-read the fic with that secret unleashed… it should change how you view certain events.
Consort: Aw, there's no way I'd just off one of these girls like that! Erm, not saying this fic will be free of deaths that is. Heh… these dancers are a lot tougher than you might see at first glance. You'll see that that, when it comes down to it, they will fight back. Atsuna knows magic, sure it's Illusion magic, but a practical mind could still put such magic to use in a combat scenario.
And Mira opens up for one of her fellow girlfriends! It also seems like there's a lot more common ground than we might have first thought… makes you wonder if the rest are as driven for looks due to past experiences.
Namu Rosutoai: Lol… sorry about that, had ideas bubbling out of the woodworks and I wanted to get them out so I could… get these next set of ideas out! Besides, you could always just review each chapter individually, y'know? I got no problem with that, especially if you might need the extra room to leave your thoughts. Oh! And... ooo… snow. I like the snow… I miss the snow… we don't get snow down here in the Sunshine State :(
The death of Atsuna's mother is the last thing that ended up pushing Atsuna to do something… leaving Port Dia and going to Cyrnkensia to go even further into dancing. Heeey… waht? No, Mira finds Kaden charming, but not enough to overcome her love for Leo. She's allowed to see the beauty in other men and still have a heavy crush on Leo.
Heh… wouldn't you like to know? Maybe all of that ruff (HA!) physical contact while wrestling did something to the (definitely female) Wolfskin?
Hm… don't be so quick to assign all of them nobles as corrupt and power-hungry. The father could still be keeping appearances, but it still could've shattered his heart to make that call in the first place. Maybe he wasn't strong-willed enough to break custom to make that stand and declare he'll keep a whore's child in the first place? But… that's just me trying to stir up your own thoughts, not me making lore call outs. Oof, yeah… appearances. Well, the fic is titled 'Vanity' for a reason, looks are playing heavily into the girls here. And yes, neck to right above the waist, but also keep in mind that not every inch of skin has that burnt or sunken look.
Oh-ho! And perhaps Leo didn't mention it, because that would be rather… uncalled for? He was raised as a Royal, and I'm pretty sure that ettique doesn't include asking about why a person is wearing makeup/magic to cover specific areas of the body. The same can be said for Sakura, but… I think her healer instincts will win out by the end of the day, and she'll point them out, if only to help heal Atsuna. *clears throat* Kaden knows. What does he know? He knows, he's just too nice and considerate to bluntly state it out loud… but he does know. That's all I'm saying. (Doing this more to feed your overthinking.)
Hooked… just like how Mira *blocked with dat spoiler wall*! Erm, but yes… we'll find out what other potential scars are being hidden, and maybe… just maybe we'll get to see Mira's big secret?
Mirande lets out a small moan as she wakes up, and for a moment, she forgot why she would be so warm and cozy… then she feels a small shift literally right up against her backside and she remembers why… Atsuna's face is pressed up against the back of the neck, and she can feel the smile on her face, an arm reaches around and presses against her side, just a few inches to her front, slow and gentle breathing hits her skin. Gods… Mira unconsciously crosses her legs, she's so warm. She barely even needs the blanket at this point. She places a hand over Atsuna's hand…
What would Lord Leo feel like in this situation?
Oh, oh… yep, that's good thoughts right there… "Uh, Mira?" Atsuna groggily asks, "Why are you… rubbing against me?"
Mira squeaks, her entire face flushes an intense red, and she scoots up… just enough to remove herself from the bed, thunk! She slams on the floor, at least it's blanketed by carpet. "Oof…" She groans, while slowly reaching up for her nightgown, lest Atsuna actually sees her naked. "One… moment." With great effort and a well-exercised body… Mira successfully snags the nightgown… only for the stand to topple down and narrowly miss her.
"Gods, Mira, are you okay?" Atsuna peeps her head over the bedframe, just enough to where the upper half of her eyes are showing, and what does she see?
The stark-naked backside of Mira. "I-I-I got this…" She whimpers. "Could you… uh, look away?"
"...I've already seen your scars, but… okay." Atsuna retreats back out of sight, and with a hefty breath, Mira stands, backside still facing Atsuna, and she slips into her nightgown. "Why… are there worse scars?"
"Y-Yeah, really bad ones." A hesitant answer. "Much worse than what you have, girl." Her voice drops. "I don't want to talk about it."
"Woah woah, I… gods, I'm sorry, Mira! I… I…" Wait, did she really just sound that mean? "Um… maybe I should go and…?"
"W-wait! Atsuna! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound rude!" Mira reaches out, quickly moving over to Atsuna… who is still quite bare. She squeaks and looks away, "S-Sorry, I didn't mean to look."
Atsuna innocently tilts her head, before gasping, "Oh right, you aren't used to… nudity like this." And then in a move that captures Mira's attention… Atsuna mutters a spell and her clothes slip on… the clothes literally just… went pass her body like she wasn't there. It's like she's wearing a buttoned jacket, but there were no buttons. "Huh? What's wrong, Mira?"
"How did you do that?"
"Oh… you aren't used to that, either." She waves a hand over herself and magically covers her scars. She rubs an arm with a hand, a sheepish smile plastered on her face, "Sorry, I'm so used to waking up with one of my bodyguards, and…" She trails off, her face loses some color, and her concern rises, "Gods, I hope they're alright." Atsuna holds onto herself, her eyes wide and her breathing quickens.
"Hey, Atsuna? Breathe. You're safe." Mira reaches out to hug her. "Would you like to go out for a bit? Maybe get some tea?" She looks around and… "Charlotte?"
"Sure thing, Mira!" The blonde quickly responds, "Hey, Benny! We're heading out!"
"...Actually, I like to go somewhere else, if you don't mind… Mira." She smiles up at her, "Have you ever been to the gardens, here?"
Mira hums for a moment, "I think so? Only a few times. I prefer the canal intersection when it comes to sitting and waiting to look around."
Atsuna pulls from the hug, then clasps her hands together, "Oh… we should go, then!"
Mira simply smiles, "Of course, Atsuna… I'd love to go there with you." Anything to keep her smiling.
The sun is shining quite nicely, there's a gentle breeze, and the citizens of Crykensia are going about their daily business with seemingly little to no worry… despite the clear increase in guards. Indeed, when Mira glanced into an alleyway, there was usually a few guards walking in them. Now, she knows that her home has thieves and other petty criminals hiding deep in the shadows, it would be a miracle if there were a city completely free of crime, but…
Crykensia never had the threat of a serial killer like Hans… and on top of that, a man who's somehow managed to avoid getting caught for years. The thought sends shivers through Mira, however… there's a certain amount of security regained when she remembers that Benny told her that Lord Xander made it clear that Hans will be caught, that he won't leave this city without punishment. And… and if the Nohrian Royalty are getting involved like this?
Mira gently rubs Atsuna's hand as they walk, reveling in the warmth of another… even if that other person is a woman. The two share a smile, but the walk remains in silence, since no words need to be said. Because of that, even Charlotte keeps herself from bringing up any topics. There are far few better comforts than just existing for the other, being there… offering their everything, but all Mira wants is the touch and love.
Her heart picks up a quicker beat and her face flushes, but it's an enjoyable warmth, just… pure love and care. These elite dancers are far beyond 'co-dancers' and 'friends', heck… Mira and Atsuna recently showed off their scars to each other. Trust is so definite and… Mira spontaneously hugs Atsuna, before placing a gentle kiss on her cheek.
Atsuna, being the more shy one that she is, nervously giggles and looks away, her face completely flushed from Mira's bold action. To an outsider, this might seem like these two girls are 'together', but nope… just two women that care for each other. The two girlfriends reach the gardens without issue and once there, the silence continues as they stroll amongst the flowers, with the only difference being whenever Atsuna or Mira points in a general direction, or maybe a small gasp when a flower really stands out. Benny remained at the doorway, while Charlotte keeps a respectable distance.
Not to say that there's only flowers and plants to look at, of course.
Butterflies and small bugs fly through the air, though none of them seem too bothered by the gigantic humans walking around. Nor do the ground-based creatures are frightened. It's almost a fairy-tale depiction of life. So peaceful, so pure… so right. Nearly an hour passes before the two finally sit down on a bench and relax for a moment.
"Alright, I gotta admit… this spot has gotten a lot better." Mira smiles. "A lot more has been added since I've been here." She kicks her feet around, while still holding onto Atsuna's hand. "Do you come here often?"
A slow nod, "I do. It's so relaxing and lovely." Despite that, a sterner expression forms, "Momma had a specific kind of flower she always kept in the house," Then she… giggles? Her body relaxes and she turns to look right at Mira, "Would you like to know which flower?"
Well, Atsuna's expression has really brightened up and a beautiful smile has formed, "A rose?"
She shakes her head, "Ironically enough… it was a blossom of a… Cherry Blossom… a Sakura petal." She pauses, "Actually, to tell the truth… those two flowers aren't exactly the same, but…" She swings her legs, "I just thought it was funny, since you know… Princess Sakura."
A few minutes pass, "What was your mother like?"
"Hm…" She hums, looks up towards the sky with a smile, then asks, "What do you think a prostitute is like?" Oh wow, that's a blunt question.
"Uh…" Mira pauses for a moment, "Really… small amounts of clothes? Always showing themselves off and…" Atsuna giggles again.
"Are… are we always dressed to dance?" She asks. "Just because we're dancers?"
"Huh… good point."
"So, why would a prostitute be any different?"
Mira nods, "Alright, so she dressed as any woman would?"
"She kept herself quite clothed, she really liked keeping her 'job' and 'daily' life separate. Sure, the people would recognize her, but she would outright deny any advances if she wasn't 'working'." Atsuna looks around while adding, "She taught me many things… she was very strong-willed. She showed me that she was independent enough to raise me on her own. We never got any support from father, but she still raised me quite well. We sometimes even went to some of the better places to buy food or clothes. She had a few custom made clothing pieces for her daily life."
"Well… that's appearances, but…?" Mira leads on.
"She showed happiness everyday, even when she came home really tired and sometimes she had trouble walking, she'd pull me into this big hug and pepper me with kisses. She'd cook these wonderful meals and prepare them to how I like to eat them, before I could even get a serving for me. She'd wave other people in Port Dia down, and she'd talk to them. She…" And finally, she cracks, "Why would anyone want to… to…? I don't get it! It's not fair! She was so loving and caring and open and kind and why?!" Tears stream down and she trembles.
Mira hugs her… and apart from Atsuna's past-fueled tears and Mira's coos of assurance… silence resumes.
The two dancers returned to Mira's house, with only a few hours to spare before the curfew kicked in. "Thank you for your time, Mira… I…" Atsuna starts as they enter her house. "I think I'll return home, if you don't mind."
The thought didn't sit well with Mira, "Without your bodyguards? I'd rather you stay here with me."
Atsuna fiddles with her clothes, "I don't want to impose on you, Mira. I should really go back home."
"Atsuna, don't talk like that! You aren't imposing on me. I'm worried for you! It's bad enough we got this curfew and that… Hans out there, but…" Mira sighs, "On one condition."
"Sure thing." Atsuna gently smiles.
"Benny is going with you."
"Mira?" Charlotte asks.
"I'm not letting her go back to her house alone." Mira stands firm. "At least until you get some more bodyguards, I want Benny to be with you."
"Mira…" Atsuna breathes, "Alright, if it soothes you."
Mira smiles, "It does. So…" She hugs the other girl, "Be safe, Atsuna." The hug lasts for almost a minute, and when they finally do part, Mira also kisses the other's cheek, and waves. "I'll see you later, Atsuna!"
She smiles back, "I'll see you later too, Mira!" And with that, Atsuna leaves the house… with Benny in tow.
A/N: Ah-ha! It seems that Atsuna has a few… tricks up her sleeve! Makes one wonder just how much magical potential she's truly packing. Because now it's seeming a lot more than just some Illusion magic, and aside from that. Another safe moment of time, a trip to the gardens, and a bit more comfort for Atsuna. Though, she does go back home with Benny, and if her own bodyguards didn't come knocking on Mira's door just yet…
Days in the infirmary, unsure of where Atsuna is at, or outright dead? The call is yours, because it isn't getting answered just yet.
Hm… anyway, Atsuna has had more than enough screen and development time in a row, let's go visit another dancer, shall we? Or maybe a different topic?