Authors note: This chapter may mostly be from Yuyu's POV. I'll try and make it interesting/fine to read. I may try and... 'expand' her usual POV style to make it a bit clearer what's happening. I feel in previous chapters I may have been a bit messy with that, as I've been trying to emulate how the twins speak in the show, and have that be their 'inner voice', I'll try and make things clearer, or may even change her style entirely for the sake of this chapter. I'll see how I go.


Yayaka

I didn't have too many things to gather. Sayuri had my Cocona rock and my metal leaf already, and the only other things of mine in Flip Flap were in Hidaka's room, and I had no intention of going back in there any time soon. It felt pretty weird to be going to someone else's house that wasn't Cocona's… And even then, it was pretty weird to be walking around town with someone older than me. Beyond the times when Cocona's 'grandma' took the two of us out somewhere, it never happened, so I wasn't really sure what to do. I didn't know if I should talk or anything, so I just stayed silent the whole journey.

We got to Sayuri's house, and she clicked the lights on, to reveal... An awful lot of movie and anime posters, in addition to a lot of DVDS and Blu Rays on her shelves. A quick glance at all of them revealed none I recognised. Otherwise, the decoration in the place was pretty sparse, leaving only a desk for her laptop (where my rock and leaf were), and a clothesline (complete with clothes) hanging from the ceiling, which split the space into two. A peek behind it revealed a plain bed, and yet, more movie posters. I suddenly remembered that I was in someone else's house and thought that I probably shouldn't just go and look through all of their belongings, and retreated back to the main living area, feeling like an intruder. I guess I am in a way… I don't exactly live here after all…

"It's fine if you want to take a look, I'm not hiding anything back there." Sayuri's voice made me jump, and I twisted around, feeling as if I'd just been caught doing something I shouldn't have been, even though she just said it was okay for me to do so. I've been here for maybe a minute, and I already feel out of place…

"Do you watch many films, Yayaka-chan?" Sayuri asked. She was giving me a friendly smile as she spoke.

"Not really had the chance," I said, a little surprised by the question. Not because of its content, going by the posters on display, it was only a matter of time before Sayuri asked me about the subject, but still, it was really weird to be dealing with an adult who was treating me… well, nicely. It made suspicious. "…Is there something you want from me?" I asked.

Sayuri blinked, confused at my question. "I don't want anything from you," she said.

This doesn't make any sense… "…Then why am I here?"

"Because you seemed upset by something and I wanted to help you." Sayuri said. I was shocked by how… genuine she sounded when she said it. I hardly know her, and she's showing this much concern for me… It wasn't the first time this'd happened of course, I mean when I first met Cocona, she was just as worried about me as Sayuri was now. An adult wants to help me... If that ever happened to me back in the orphanage, it was far too long ago for me to remember. Almost any memories I had of that time were pretty much erased by everything Asclepius made me deal with… But if being around Cocona and Papika has taught me anything, it's that there are kind people in the world, and that sometimes, they really do want to help. To experience this from an adult was a new one for me, but out of everyone at Flip Flap, I was glad it was Sayuri at least. I don't think I could take Salt's heaviness or Hidaka's… Hidaka-ness.

"…And this isn't a part of some weird scientist experiment or something?" I had to ask. It felt too good to be true.

Sayuri looked confused, but answered "I don't think so. Hidaka-san just-"

Part of me knew Sayuri was innocent, but all that really registered with me was Hidaka's name, and I felt myself tense up. I didn't have my weapon belt with me, but my hand went to my hips anyway, as a reflex, even though the person I considered an enemy wasn't in the room.

"…wanted to help you." Sayuri finished.

My eyes narrowed. I know Sayuri just said this wasn't an experiment, but now it's been revealed that a scientist is part of the reason behind all of this. He has to be planning something, by having me be away from Flip Flap for a while… "Why?"

It was a little while before Sayuri spoke, as if she was choosing her words carefully, which made me a little more suspicious. "I'm honestly not too certain. He said you were stressed out, and that I should try and help you how I can."

He wanted Sayuri to help me? Now I began to wonder just how much of Sayuri's concern for me was real. "…What else did he say?"

"That was it, honestly. I don't know much about the situation myself."

I got the feeling she was telling the truth. My hand dropped back to my side. "Why are you helping me?" My question was more genuine curiosity now, more than paranoia.

"Because you were crying and seemed distressed," she replied. I waited for her to say more, and she didn't.

"…That's it?"

"Yes."

We stood there for a while, as I stared Sayuri down. She didn't blink, or look away, and her grey eyes showed nothing but honesty.

"Okay." I let myself relax. Time will tell if it's a mistake to trust Sayuri, but for now, I was away from Flip Flap and from Pure Illusion, away from mad scientists and the insanity that I've been a part of for so long. A break has been exactly what I wanted for a long time, and although showing the amorphous kids all around town, and playing at the arcade was nice, it wasn't nearly enough time away from it all. Who knows, being here might help me chase that damn voice away that keeps wanting me to switch. "There's one thing I don't get though…"

"What's that?"

I was a little startled why she'd asked a question, when I realised, I'd said that last part out loud. Well, I guess I should ask what's on my mind. "Why were you asking me if I watched a lot of films?"

Sayuri chuckled. "Because I wanted to get to know you better. I don't know a lot about anyone at Flip Flap, even though we've all been together for a long time. We don't really get the chance to talk or hang out a lot." She paused. "Well… That and it's an excuse to show someone new all of my favourite movies."

I blinked, as Sayuri turned her back to me and began searching her shelves. The statement was probably a pretty normal one to make in any other situation, but to someone who's life revolved around going to another dimension, with barely any social interaction, the fact that my time was probably going to be spent sat around watching various stories and seeing other worlds, rather than being able to wander inside those worlds myself, and not being able to touch or feel them... it was going to be a completely different experience to say the least.

"Oooh, we have to watch this one!" She said, pulling out a DVD case. "Come on!" She seemed so excited by the idea that she was simultaneously struggling to take the laptop out of her bag, while sitting down at her desk, and also trying to keep the DVD in her hands. I found myself a little amused at her eagerness to show me one of her favourite films, and went to help her set everything up.

Then we began to watch the movie, an activity that would probably be my life for the next week or so...


Yuyu

Strange without Yayaka around. Apparently went to stay with Sayuri for a while. Miss her.

Spent time working with Hidaka in his lab… Was part of trade. Hidaka said he could fix my arm. Said I would be assistant to him in return. Told me new discoveries.

Necklace Yayaka threw at him is amorphous. Also, more detail.

"You and your brother are both made from the same amorphous of Mimi's, yes?"

"Yes."

"That's what I thought… Cocona said how Mimi took the amorphous' power away, to prevent her, Papika, and Yayaka from transforming in Pure Illusion, and how she and Papika overcame that and transformed by themselves without that power…" Transformed by themselves? Thought to be impossible. Cocona is Mimi's biological daughter. Must have some power. Possible. "…but the amorphous' power is still gone, having drained away…" Turned to face me, "being made from amorphous, it's dangerous for you and Toto to go into Pure Illusion. The power has been taken from all the other amorphous, but you guys weren't there when it happened, so the effect is slowly taking hold on the two of you, whenever you go there."

"Reason for Toto's illness?" Reason for freezing? Not told him about that. May have just been world's influence. Need to test.

"Yes… HOWEVER!" Sudden excitement in his voice. "Nyunyu is made differently from you two!"

"Differently?" Tilted head to side.

"She's made from this amorphous, and that's why she wasn't effected!" Held out small half-amorphous, smiling. No explanation. Mildly irritating.

"Request information."

"You see… This isn't Mimi's amorphous! Or not entirely Mimi's!"

Strange. If not Mimi's… "Cocona-onee-chan's?"

"Yes! …Well, maybe. It's probably one of Mimi's but, it has definitely been influenced by Cocona, by being in her possession… Do you know much about it?"

Shook head. "Belongs to Yayaka." Saw replica in Pure Illusion on the floor. No amorphous, only chain, along with jacket. Gave them both to her.

"I need you to carry out an experiment." Hidaka said, hand to glasses. "Test my theory: If you wear this amorphous, or carry it with you, you should be fine in Pure Illusion. You'll go with Cocona, because her power should keep you safe there if the amorphous doesn't."

And if not safe? What if necklace amorphous loses power? What if Cocona has no power? Couldn't ask. Am assistant. Should follow orders. Pure Illusion with Cocona-onee-chan… Can ask her about something. Good time to ask. Nod. Took amorphous from him.

"Before you go… I think there was something else that was a part of our little trade…" He grinned. Looked down at bad arm. I copied. Being assistant not only part of trade. Surgery required…


Found Cocona easy. Writing in notebook while talking to Papika. Both smiling. Small smile of my own. Cute together. Smile gone. Need Cocona.

Approached. They looked at me, slight confusion for a moment. Wearing Yayaka's jacket. real one, not copy. No sling or cast for bad arm. No longer needed. Left sleeve mostly hollow. Must look odd.

"Request from Hidaka: Go to Pure Illusion with Cocona-onee-chan."

Cocona seemed to accept this. Stood up, alongside Papika. Expected Cocona to comply. Instead...

"Yuyu?" Cocona said name, in question. Not clear?

"Request: Go to Pure Illusion with Cocona-onee-chan." Repeated order.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" She asked, looking at bad arm. No, not bad arm. No arm.

"I'm coming with you!" Papika said. Sounded determined.

"Not required," said to her. "Know coordinates of a safe world." Memorised long ago in case.

"Co-orbit-nuts?" Papika didn't know word.

Nodded. Before could say more, Papika spoke again.

"You might not need me there, but me and Cocona promised we'd see Pure Illusion together," She took Cocona's hand. Smiled at her, "I want to explore every world, old and new, and I want to share every adventure I have with you."

Rhyme likely unintentional, but Cocona smiled. Bumped her forehead to Papika's.

Promised to see Pure Illusion together. Share the experience... A nice promise. Cute. But also hurt to think about. Someone to share Pure Illusion with... If experiment fails, going to Pure Illusion unwise. Could result in destruction. But want to go with Yayaka again...

Papika spoke. Aimed at me this time. "I can't let the two of you go alone, anyway, Yuyu. If you run into danger, you won't be able to defend yourself, and I don't know if Cocona can transform without me, which means she might not be able to defend herself either." Has a point. "Besides, Toto, Yayaka and Nyunyu had trouble getting out one time, right? Me and Cocona are really good at making a Hole now. We won't get stuck, and we won't leave you behind either. We'll both protect you while we're there!"

Toto, Yayaka, Nyunyu stuck in Pure Illusion. Couldn't get out. No problem with Papika and Cocona. Bond with Cocona alone may not be sufficient to leave. Has many points. Nodded, accepting Papika into group. She smiled.

"Come on then! Let's go!" Papika excited. She ran off, pulling Cocona with her. Ran after them. Conversation while going to Thomasson.

"Pure Illusion has coordinates?" Cocona asked. Must be curious from previous statement.

Nodded in answer... But also confused. Asked, "No coordinates needed?"

"No," Cocona answered. Pause. "Is that how you got to Pure Illusion at Asclepius?"

Nod.

"Well… we don't do that here."

Tilted head to side. Strange. "How then?"


Cocona and Papika took me to Thomasson. A little wary of thin path, but no large concern. No risk of losing Yayaka's books. Papika went across with me. Agile. Would react to help if required. Cocona stayed at other end, saying encouragement. Held hand out like Yayaka did. Made it across.

Was taken to metal cupboard. Opened to reveal two levels. Upper and lower. Papika clambered into top one. Cocona seemed slow to move. Went into bottom compartment. Looked up at Papika. Looked down at Cocona. Looked up again.

"Where do I go?" Asked, unsure.

"Go with Cocona!" Papika said. "It'll be easier for you to get out if you only have one arm."

Another good point. Hunched over and stepped into lower part of Thomasson. Cramped with Cocona here Would be difficult to fit us both if I had gauntlet. Cocona held out hand to me.

"Now, we take each other's hands, and synch up our hearts," she said. Papika's hand came down from above. Cocona took it, not needing to look. Slowly reached out for her with good arm. Gripped Cocona's remaining hand. That part done, but "...'Synch up hearts'?" Sounds illogical. Heart is a muscle. Organ required for survival. Synchronise heartbeats maybe?

"We need to all think and feel the same!" Papika explained. After that, silence. Hard to describe, but air in there… changed. Cocona's eyes closed, focused. Couldn't see Papika, but could feel same focus from her. What are they thinking?

Felt scared. Uncertain. Might not be able to go this way. Mind is different. Made from amorphous. Not real human.

Toto and Nyunyu could go with Yayaka. Amorphous and human.

I can go.

Sudden feeling... Bond between the two. Felt it reach out for me. Closed eyes. Thought of time at arcade. Could work as a team then. Create music.

Papika helped me in arcade. Shot zombies attacking me in House of the Dead. Said she would protect me in Pure Illusion. Trust her. Focused. Cocona. Sister. Defeated troublesome enemy in fighting game. Trust her too...

Felt a connection with them.

Go to Pure Illusion.

And then... a pull.


Opened eyes... and was no longer in Thomasson.

World of light, pastel colours. Land solid. Looked soft as clouds. Dead white coniferous trees. Shone like polished marble. Cocona and Papika gasped.

"It's so pretty!" Papika said. "Cocona! Look at this!" Took her hand, and went to investigate further. Smiled as watched them. Big eyes, curious of available sights. They laughed together, fascinated and joyful. Began to get further away from me, wanting to explore.

Can't leave them. Can't defend self. One arm. Face fell, annoyed. No weapon. No armour. In school uniform again. No temperature regulator. Hand and feet felt cold. Rest of body seemed fine. Looked at necklace. Touched with good hand. Warm. Am safe... For now.

Need to talk to Cocona.

Approached them. "Cocona-onee-chan"

They both jumped, startled. Seemed lost in world. Forgot I was there. A little hurt... But also understood. World looks nice. Want to show Yayaka. Thought made me nervous. Not sure why. Cocona and Papika looked at me, waiting for me to talk.

Nervous. Can't talk.

Cocona spoke. "Did you want something, Yuyu?"

Should reply. Can't reply. Trouble speaking. Fingertips felt cold. Feet cold.

Freezing?

Papika spoke next. "So, why did Hidaka want you and Cocona in Pure Illusion?" Looked at her. Hard to speak. Hand went to necklace. Warm. Felt a little stronger.

"Experiment to test necklace." Took hand away, revealing the amorphous. Cocona seemed alert.

"I saw Yayaka wearing that earlier," She said. "It looks like the necklace I gave her not long after we first met... why do you need to test it?"

"Might be same one. Need to ask Yayaka." Pause. "Yayaka achieved half-transformation with necklace. Theorised amorphous." Tell the truth about freezing? Unsure. Didn't want to freeze. But original purpose for visit, to test necklace... Looked between Cocona and Papika. Could get to Pure Illusion with them. Can trust them. "Toto's reaction in other world due to body failing. Made from amorphous... Same for me."

Used hand to pull chain up over my head. Threw in Papika's direction.

Instant cold. Pain. Like frozen nails impaling my bones.

Forced to kneel.

Frost gathered at feet. Thickened. Hunched over. Icy prickles over back. On legs. On arm. Hair and head, dome of cold. Eyes felt dry. Freezing. Solidify... Can't move...

"Yuyu!" Cocona and Papika. Worried. Cocona here first.

Warmth. Slight, but there. Put her hands on my shoulders. Face contorted with worry.

"Yuyu! Are you okay?!" Urgent. Desperate question. Small waves of warmth from her body. Slight aura of power from her. Could move a little. Shifted closer to her. Felt a little stronger.

"Yuyu!" Papika. Knelt next to me. Necklace in hands. Arms around me... Warmer than Cocona. Much warmer. Fierce cold going away... Felt Papika's hands move. Putting necklace back on me.

"Papika… stop," I said.

"But why?!" Sounded distressed, "You need it, don't you?! Please, take it!"

"Part of experiment," gave explanation.

"But it hurts you!" Papika worried about me. Her and Cocona both like Yayaka. They care.

"Hidaka requested experiment. Remove necklace."

"Yuyu..."

"Cocona may have power in Pure Illusion, like Mimi. Might be okay around Cocona without amorphous. Want to test."

Pause.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Cocona asked.

Nod.

"Papika, take the necklace and stay a few steps back," Cocona ordered.

Papika hesitated. Wanted to deny request. Gave in. "...I'll take it away for the experiment, but only if you promise me, you'll wear it again as soon as it's over, and you never take it off."

Nod. "Promise."

Became colder when Papika moved away. Only took three steps away. Warmth replaced with chill. Biting like teeth… But not completely immobilising. Body was cold. Weak. Warmer near Cocona. With removal of amorphous, could feel power again. Cocona's power. Felt something twitch… invisible bond? Looked at Cocona. She returned gaze. Brown eyes seemed… sharp. More alert than usual.

"Can you feel it?" Asked her.

No real reply… Not with voice at least. Brown eyes changed colour. Leaking into blue. Magenta swept along her hair as it lengthened. Power around her grew. Reached me. Coldness chased away, replaced with heat. Stood up. No ice. Melted. Could lift arms… Arms? Looked at left sleeve. Could feel… something…

Power went away suddenly. Cocona gasped. Eyes and hair returned to normal. Collapsed.

Warmth around me disappeared. Fell like Cocona. Cold frost forming. Flicking across skin…

Papika's movement immediate. Passed necklace to me. Put on my hand. Warm… Slowly, managed to lift arm. Put over head. Wearing again.

"Cocona!" Papika cried her name. Shook her gently. Worry. Arms around her. "Cocona! Are you okay?!"

Felt worry too. Didn't mean to hurt Cocona-onee-chan…

No need to worry. Cocona's eyes blinked open. Brown again. Hair short and blue. Looked at Papika.

"Cocona…" Papika sounded happy and sad. Pulled Cocona closer. Cocona's arms went around Papika.

"I'm okay, Papika…" A whisper. Cocona's lips touched Papika's cheek. Both pulled away. Stared deep into the other's eyes. Papika's wet with tears. Cocona's… full of unknown emotion.

Watched, curious. Thought about the flooding world. Yayaka held me like that…

Became aware of me again. Cocona's cheeks went pink. Coughed. Spoke: "Yuyu, what was that?"

"Vague question. Don't understand."

"What happened? I transformed without an amorphous—"

"Made of amorphous."

"Did I hurt you?"

"No." The truth. Unexpected. Thought self being used as power source would hurt. Didn't. "Wanted to see if only safe in Pure Illusion with necklace." Results… inconclusive. Was near Cocona. She half-transformed near me. Was warm near her. Similar to Yayaka with necklace. Didn't freeze… But influence of transformation? Or influence of presence? Unable to determine. Can't test again. Promised Papika would keep necklace on now. Have something to ask Cocona. "Request for Cocona-onee-chan while in Pure Illusion."

"What is it?"

"Teach me to sword fight."

"Teach you to sword fight?" Cocona sounded confused. "Where did you get an idea like that?"

"Arcade. The fighting game. Papika picked a character. Fought with one sword." Looked at Papika. "Can't defend self without arm." Defective with bad arm, defective without it… Back to Cocona. "Will be able to with sword."

Cocona unsure. Papika liked idea. "You can teach me, too! I wasn't a very good sword fighter in the game. I could probably learn from you as well!"

Cocona hesitant. "But… I don't know how to sword fight."

Confused. "Weapon in Pure Illusion is a sword."

"Well… yes, but it's quite big and heavy. I don't think you can use it, Yuyu. Besides, I can only make one, I can't give you or Papika a sword."

"We can use tree branches!" Papika exclaimed. "Or I can make my own sword, and Yuyu can use a tree branch."

Sudden idea. Opportunity for second experiment. "Possible. Theory: Cocona is Mimi's daughter. Has power to manipulate Pure Illusion." Nodded to tree branch. "Can try and make a sword."

Papika momentarily puzzled. Likely not what she meant. Perked up soon. Turned to Cocona. "Can you really do that?"

"I... don't know... But I can try." Walked over to a tree. Shoes left black footprints on cloudy pastel land. Faded after short time. Picked up pale marble branch from ground (two feet long). Seemed to struggle holding it. Saw nearby tree-shard on ground. Took it, and placed in skirt pocket. Hidaka said 'first batch' when wanting samples. 'Get on Hidaka's good side'. Bring him this.

Cocona looked at branch a while. Waved it around. Tried taking in one hand, and almost fell. Lopsided weight? Branch looked even thickness all sides. Odd one side is heavier. Papika went over, curious. Took branch from hands. Held at either end. Removed one. Branch tipped to ground. Papika swung branch upwards, caught it. Removed other hand. Same happened, branched dipped. Swept hand along branch, to middle. Picked it up, no problems.

"It's heavy in the middle..." She said. Handed it to me. "You try, Yuyu."

Received branch. Moved hand along all parts of object, to confirm Papika's statement. 'Heavy in the middle'. True. Unsuitable for close combat? Stepped away from Papika and Cocona. Tried swinging.

Noise as branch cut through air. Swing. Slash. Stab. Stab was silent. Branch almost flew from hands. Surprise ranged attack maybe. With chain, can retrieve weapon.

Turned back to Cocona, holding branch out. "Change shape of item."

Brown eyes looked uncertain. Papika put hand on Cocona's shoulder. Nodded and smiled encouragement. Cocona closed eyes, hand over branch...

Nothing happened.

Frowned. "Failed attempt." Not possible after all? Dissapointment. Annoyance. Defective. Will remain defective until Hidaka fixes arm.

Useless...

"What if you transform?" Papika asked.

Another idea. Papika good for ideas. Spoke, "Suggestion: Apply transformation rules to object."

Papika smiled. Slipped hand around Cocona's on branch, interlocking fingers. Papika's hand on other side of branch too. Cocona put her hand near Papika's free one, linking fingers. She smiled too. Both pressed foreheads together, brown and blue eyes met.

Bright light. Warm, and powerful aura from the two of them. Could feel a bond. Their bond. Strong. Close. Unbreakable. Light was blinding. Pastel colours of land bloomed into each other. Like looking into multicoloured suns. Had to look away, close eyes.

Eventually... light dimmed.

Eyes opened.

Cocona and Papika transformed. Wearing armoured battle dresses. Looking away from each other now, down at branch.

Not branch.

Hands still connected, holding onto mottled grey javelin. Both ends sharp points. Length of weapon, minus middle, was bladed. Swirls of white amongst grey.

"Did... I do this?" Cocona in disbelief.

"It changed!" Papika exclaimed.

Both amazed by outcome. Admit, am also surprised.

Reached for handle near middle with hand. Both let go so I could take it. Eyes widened a little, surprised. Compatible? Weapon felt heavy under hand. Weight no longer in middle. Spread out evenly. Still a little heavy.

Swipe. Slash. Whistles as blades swept through air. Sharp. Weapon cumbersome, but may be able to adjust. For practice anyway.

"Suitable for now." Said out loud. Both girls looked pleased. Cocona summoned sword. Papika put her hands to blue gems on her gauntlets. Little jealous of Papika's transformation. Gauntlets... Weapon I could use… Pulled handle out of gem. Blue crystal sword.

All armed now.

"Commence lessons."


Fighting with Cocona and Papika a different experience to before. Were enemies a few days ago. Now allies. Not fighting against them to harm or claim amorphous. Fighting to practice.

Although made of amorphous and granted power when in Pure Illusion, I was not as fast as previous times. Cocona amorphous only helps so much. They limited their power for an 'even match'.

Kept wanting to punch with arm. Felt arm should be there. Wasn't. Phantom limb. Forced to use marble spear.

Papika's crystal sword had blunt edges. Enthusiasm to sword fight made it difficult to defend attacks from her. Papika didn't land hits, but came close. Wondered if on purpose because of my condition. Possible. Cocona told us to be careful. Instructed at times. Papika listened to start with, but tired out fast.

Enthusiasm has advantages and disadvantages.

Javelin took adjusting to. Thrusts and stabs better attacks than swings. Can target weak points. Papika had a number. Didn't hurt though. Shouldn't. Same side now. Armour might have protected her, but didn't want to hurt by mistake.

Yayaka hurt. No physical pain, but hurt. Want to help.

Attacks became less aggressive. Would like to claim due to tiredness, or weakness from surgery.

Truth was worry over Yayaka.

Felt invisible twitch in connection.

"That's enough for now, take a break, you two!" Cocona called. Relieved. Not physically tired, but mentally tired. Break is nice.

Papika slumped over. "Phew! It's a lot harder than it looks!" Flopped onto back, panting. Cocona walked over to her, leaving fading trail of footprints. Praised her for efforts. Gave advice. Papika nodded, tired smile on face. Cocona touched lips to Papika's head. Walked over to me.

"Is this your first time fighting with something that isn't your arm?" Cocona asked, curious.

"No." Sat down. Cocona joined me. Continued to speak: "Asclepius made me for close combat. Experience with other weapons too."

"Then why did you want me to teach you to sword fight?"

"Too long since previously used." Thought back to past. "Only one day experiment. Originally given variety to work with. Then gauntlet was created, to make up for defective arm. Showed talent with gauntlet. Other weapon possibilities disregarded."

"I would have thought they'd let you use whatever you wanted."

"Did. Wanted to use gauntlet. Nice to have working arm." Looked at no arm. Will be fixed. Hidaka said so. Impatient. Annoyed.

"It bothers you, doesn't it?"

"Defective with old arm. Trade with Hidaka. Originally only wanted as lab assistant. Requested new arm. Exchanged old arm… But still defective." Bitter. "Asclepius could have made normal arm for me. Didn't. Could fight with gauntlet. No other weapons needed. No more training for other weapons after gauntlet. Only cared about Pure Illusion."

Cocona listened. Seemed to want to speak. Not sure what to say to that. Changed subject. "So, what's it like at school for you?"

"Seldom go to school. It's okay. Classmates friendly" when they spoke to me. "Toto more popular than me. Academically, both get good results."

"What are your last names?" Cocona asked.

Tilted head to side. Odd question. Answered. "Kokomine."

Cocona blinked. Startled? "That's my last name…"

Nod. "Asclepius chosen. Made from Mimi's amorphous. Asclepius gave us her last name." Small smile. "Cocona-onee-chan."

"You don't have to call me that, if you don't want to. Just Cocona is fine."

"Will consider it."

Pause.

Twitch in connection again. Same as when Cocona stopped training.

"Question for me?" Asked her. Didn't seem to want to ask herself.

"How did—" response cut off. "Well, yes. Are you okay, Yuyu?"

Asking if I'm okay? Unusual. Only happened when injured normally. Didn't know how to react.

Cocona continued, "I mean… You fought well today, very well, for someone who hasn't used a weapon in a long time…" Sounded nervous. "But you…" Gulped, "You seemed distracted, or like you had something on your mind, and I uh… wondered if you wanted to talk about it?"

'I never asked to go to Pure Illusion! I never asked to be taken by Asclepius, and forced into a world where I nearly burnt to death on arrival! I watched ten other kids die... and there was nothing I could do to save them! ...Scientists never care!'

Put hand to chest. Heart ached. Want to help. Can't help. Defective arm. Defective support... Toto would know how to help if he was here. Wasn't there. Isn't here.

Only me. Can't help. "Yayaka hurt... Worried."

"Yayaka's hurt?" Cocona concerned. Sounded urgent. Papika looked upset too.

"Not physical hurt. Hurt by past, working for Asclepius. Memories."

"I can understand that." Papika's voice. Both turned to her. Person-shaped black mark on land where she was lying down before. Footprints behind her, standing near us now. Sat down. "Asclepius isn't a good place to work for."

Looked at Papika. Head tilted to side. "Papika... Papikana?" Names similar. Related?

Papika nodded. "Yeah. That's me."

"...The same Papikana?" Confused. "You're fourteen. Papikana was nineteen when escaped from Asclepius facility. Followed Mimi into Pure Illusion. Lost."

"I was chosen by Asclepius from one of many to be a partner to go to Pure Illusion with Mimi. They didn't treat anyone very well there. The only thing on Earth Mimi knew was the room they isolated her in. She knew there were other people, but that was about it. She didn't even know what a lake was, and she couldn't believe me when I told her how big it was... I shared the world I knew with her... and she shared the world she knew with me.

"The only people at Asclepius who were nice to her were Doctor Salt and myself. Mimi would take me to Pure Illusion, and Doctor Salt was a researcher, the son of the head scientist at Asclepius. I think he fell in love with Mimi, because I told him how she never saw a lake, and Salt spoke to his father to give us all time to see it...

"Time went by, and Mimi got pregnant. She didn't want any child of hers to have the same fate she did, so she wanted to run away from Asclepius. I said I'd come with her, because she was my best friend, and I didn't want any child of Mimi's to be locked up in a room all their life either... But Asclepius caught us as we were trying to escape, and Mimi tried to save Cocona the only way she knew how..."

Papika's voice became sad as she spoke. "Mimi gave into her darker side to keep Cocona safe. She attacked Asclepius' base and took her daughter into Pure Illusion, where they could never find her… and I followed her because something was wrong with Mimi, and I wanted to help..." She swallowed. Voice became strained. " I leapt in the Hole after her, and when she saw me… she gave me Cocona. I wanted to ask why, but… the fear in her eyes... There seemed to be something really wrong with her, and she was… afraid. She let a darker side of her take over, and I think that was the last action of the good Mimi, trusting me with her daughter, before she became lost in Pure Illusion… and lost in her darker self.

"I ended up alone, in a hollowed-out tree, caged by its roots. I don't know what happened exactly, but I think the good side of Mimi saved me, like how she trusted me with Cocona. I was stuck there for a long time and lost my memories. I grew older and older... And then when I would have died, I felt... something. I remember after that, that I was made young again. A little kid... I think it was Mimi, giving me another chance at life… And in that time, I remember, there was someone outside of my cage... She was only there sometimes, but she was there. Watching over me... I thought at first it was Mimi. It looked a lot like her, but she was different.

"It turns out she was the same age as me, and she'd visit from time to time. I could feel something in me. A... pull. My memories were lost, but something about her smell… It was familiar. A good, warm smell. I felt drawn to her. She wasn't bad. I could feel it. She was just curious about the girl in the cage. I couldn't remember anything at all, but the girl who kept coming to see me. Then one day, I was hungry. It was the first time I'd felt hunger in so long… But she was there. She found some fruit and gave it to me, and asked if I was feeling better. It helped a little… but I think I ate a bit too much and gave myself a stomach ache!" She smiled. "And the girl said she'd stay with me until I was completely better, because she didn't want me to be lonely... She was so kind." Papika took Cocona's hand, and turned to her. "She is kind." Pressed her forehead to Cocona's. Cocona's cheeks went pink "I think Mimi made us the same age, so I could protect her daughter and keep her safe. All I know is, I'm happy she did. I loved my gentle Mimi, but I love, love, love my dear Cocona even more..." Both were smiling, content. Happy.

Papikana survived... Ran away to Pure Illusion. Reborn as Papika. Unusual, but made sense. Smiled. Happy together... 'love'? Sounds nice... Wouldn't mind something like that… Felt pang of something in chest, watching them. Smile gone. Made me remember, being trapped in a dimension within Pure Illusion that reacted to Cocona's emotions. Yayaka and Papika were outsideof the dimension. Fighting over Cocona I think. Papika nad Yayaka sat back-to-back. Yayaka spoke about me and Toto…

And about Cocona—

Sudden noise. Quiet. Thought I heard faint voice. Looked around. Nothing. Odd.

Papika spoke again, concerning original statement of mine. "Yayaka will be okay, Yuyu. I worked for Asclepius, like Yayaka, and I'm okay, aren't I?" Smiled in attempt at reassurance. My face remained blank.

Cocona added, "Asclepius isn't around anymore, either. Yayaka isn't alone. We're all here for her, and we'll help her how we can."

'Help her how we can'. Nod. "Want to help Yayaka."

"We can do that. We can... ummm..." Cocona seemed lost for suggestions.

Papika had an idea, "We can go see Irodori-senpai!"

Cocona wasn't sure. "How could that help?"

"Yuyu could paint something for Yayaka! A gift to let her know she's thinking about her!"

Tilted head to side, thinking. Painting? Could give it a try. Yayaka expressed interest in my sewing back in Pure Illusion. Said it was good. Wonder if talent translates to painting... "Would like to try."

"Well... Yayaka did seem to like the illustrations in my story books when we were younger..." Cocona turned to Papika. "But Irodori-senpai said she couldn't be bothered with painting last time we saw her at school, are we sure that would be a good idea?"

"We ran into her in town, remember? She said any of us could drop by the art room any time we wanted!"

"Can try." Wanted to sound enthusiastic. Was monotone. Annoying.

"But what about Yuyu's arm? Won't Irodori-senpai wonder why that's missing now?" Cocona asked.

Mouth became a thin line. Irritating… but has a point. Was last seen with two arms. Being seen now with one… But Cocona continued talking. "We don't have to go right away, I suppose… We could give Hidaka some time to build your new arm, and if it's ready before Yayaka comes back to Flip Flap, then we can go there. If Irodori doesn't want to teach you, I think she'll be fine to let you have a look at the equipment, or try using some of the supplies" Cocona turned to me, "You and Toto look about the age where you'd be moving on to a middle school, we could say we're showing you around. We can talk to Yayaka for you while we're at school too. We'll tell her you're worried about her."

'Moving on to middle school'... strange thought. Haven't aged since created. Never had to think about another school. Asclepius sorted that out. Might change with Flip Flap… 'We can talk to Yayaka for you while we're at school too. We'll tell her you were worried about her.' Papika and Cocona worried about me earlier, when removed necklace. Knowing someone worries about you. Knowing someone cares… Can be nice. Nodded.

"It's decided then!" Papika stood, fists up, determined. "When Yuyu has a new arm, we'll all go see Irodori-senpai at the art room!"


Authors note: Sorry if this chapter ends suddenly, I didn't really know what else I could add/how to end it so I've just sorta left it in what I feel is an awkward place. I'm not happy with this chapter, it's been completed for over 2 weeks to be honest, and I wanted to try and sort it before posting it but... I'm not sure, I'm gonna leave it as-is as I feel it establishes too much to discard or completely re-write for what I have in mind.

I only had 3 background shots to work with for creating Sayuri's house, as it is seen briefly in episode 13 of the anime. Ok, I don't know if it's a house or an apartment, but the Flip Flappers Pure Memorial book that comes with the collector's edition of the Blu Rays says 'house', but I hardly mention the size of anything, so I think I kinda ended up making it an apartment...

Also, good GOSH it was difficult/slow progress writing Yuyu's section(s). You'd think with her using less words it'd be easier, but it isn't. I'm used to writing a lot, and I kinda ramble when I write, so having to force myself to cut down on that and try and be as minimal as possible for Yuyu's sections... it's a challenge to say the least. I'm trying not to make her parts/sentences/thoughts too long in places because I'm a bit worried I may make her too much like Yayaka. I'm hoping I managed to pull that off, and continue to do so, because I have a number of Yuyu sections of the story in mind.

A NOTE ABOUT CHARACTER AGES: I have no idea how old most of the characters in Flip Flappers are, it doesn't really say, not even in the Pure Illusion Memorial book, so I'm just taking a guess and going by the sort of ages/things in Sailor Moon (the 90's anime specifically). In Sailor Moon, the characters start off 14 years old and are in middle school (the age I imagine Cocona and Papika are). In the third season the characters in Sailor Moon are 15 and working towards getting into highschool (Irodori being a 'senpai' to Cocona suggests she's in the year above, and therefore 15), and after succeeding in entrance exams are in highschool at 16. The Twins I picture being in their last year of Japanese Elementry school, so around 12 or so. Nyunyu... I have no idea about honestly, maybe 9/10 years old? She's definitely younger than the twins