Yellow hoped that she would trip and split her head open with every step she took. Perhaps the Fates would be more kind if she took the measures into her own hands and simply threw herself at the floor. After all, whatever comes next would be much, much worse.
Ariana said nothing as she escorted Yellow down into the depths again, matching her every step with an elegant glide. The poor girl wondered if her master would start with the beatings first before gracing her with a fast death. Maybe hang her over a fire and cook her flesh to feed her Arbok with. At least some Woopers would be spared death that day.
Why hit Silver? The little spoiled brat-slash-prince that waltzed around in his father's kingdom… and Yellow smacked him! Right in the face! In her panicked and woozy memory, Yellow couldn't even remember if she drew blood. Did Silver cry? Or scream? Or smile at the fact he had her head in a vise?
Her knees grew weaker. Giovanni is going to flay her alive for hurting his only son. Precious, innocent, unbearable son that deserved to be smacked and smacked hard. If Yellow was going to be killed for it anyway, she should have hit the color off his head. Might as well earn the torture.
Before Yellow knew it, the girl was inside Giovanni's grand office again. Her skin trembled right off her tiny bones. Hard, short breaths were getting caught in her throat, making the young girl huff. She was going to die. She was going to die.
Or if they put too much work into her, Yellow was going to wish she would die.
"Child, walk forward," Ariana scolded, "Must I drag you?"
Drag her alive or dead. Yellow followed without comment.
Archer was there— to gloat or keep her alive long enough for it — as well as Lancelot. The boy glanced over towards Yellow, but said nothing. She could see a small cut on the boy's lip as well as a light redness across his cheek. Clearly, Archer's strike wasn't the one on trial here today.
And there the boss was; Giovanni in all of his power and glory. Nothing amiss, nothing out of place. Perfectly settled in his chair behind the desk with a stern-yet-charming smile across his face. Instead of his suit, he was wearing an evening jacket with a loose collared shirt. A red "R" stitched across his right breast.
But in his lap was the precious, precocious heir with the nasty attitude. Silver. The boy was breaking priceless ink pens with random scribbles and drawings across blank pages, littering the entire area. Dark smudges and black stains began to quickly settle on the wood and paperwork as a result.
Writing her death certificate. How fitting. Yellow swallowed as Silver shot her a nasty smile before returning to his important work. What a horrible child. Resentment of his privilege and lot in life boiled in the pit of her stomach. Nasty bully knew nothing except his father's warm and loving security.
No wonder everyone hated that kid.
"I see you're still in high spirits," Giovanni said, making Yellow pale. Was that a joke? A nasty little joke? Humor exists down in the depths too. "Ariana, your student is getting taller. Perhaps she will grow."
"Am I ever wrong?" Ariana replied, pushing Yellow forward slightly, "Bow, child. Like I taught you."
Right. That. Yellow bowed the best she could before Giovanni waved it off.
"For now, let's leave that alone," he said, "Not much time before Silver's bedtime—"
"Father, I want to stay up," Silver interrupted him, now pulling at Giovanni's casual jacket with ink-covered hands, "I want to stay up with you! You said! You said!"
"Not now, son," his father said, pushing away the hands and ignoring the stains, "Amarillo. Silver came to me with an interesting—"
Yellow blurted out the first thing that came to her mind. "I'm sorry, Master Giovanni!"
Lancelot's eyes widened, shooting a hot glance at her. Yellow trembled, feeling vomit rise up. Maybe if she threw up, her death would be less appetizing. Some Pokemon defend themselves like that. What could she do anyway? Urinate on herself? Die conveniently? Hold her breath—?
"I'm sure your master would be happy to address anything you might be apologizing for," Giovanni said, moving on as Ariana dug her nail into Yellow's collar, "It's good to be honest, Amarillo. Perhaps it's when you're too honest that it causes problems."
Archer took the chance, "We should let her speak, Master Giovanni."
"No need!" Ariana shot his suggestion down, "I already know. Little Amarillo is anxious, I'm sure, and ready to clear her name. Child. Don't interrupt Master Giovanni. You know you shouldn't."
Yellow caught Lancelot staring right at her this time. In a single second, she knew what he was trying to say. Say nothing. Don't incriminate yourself. A part of her breath escaped into the void before her knees locked herself upright.
Giovanni waited a moment before clearing his throat.
"As I was saying," he continued, "Silver has requested that he wants more socialization amongst Team Rocket. He feels quite lonely, especially with my absences. In this case, I agree with him. So Silver has asked that you be his assigned playmate in a proper, controlled setting."
Yellow felt a thud against her chest, "What?"
Archer jumped in right after, "Master Giovanni, while I understand the request—"
"Understand it quite well then!" Ariana cut him off, "It seems Silver wants to have my student as a playmate. I think it's quite wonderful! I can clear her schedule right up, Giovanni, as it's not an issue."
"It is an issue," her colleague countered, "Amarillo is still feral and still refusing to cooperate. She could bite Young Master Silver."
"Hardly, we fixed that already! Why, Silver wants it!"
Yellow couldn't hear anymore. She wasn't even sure she was in the same plane of existence as her mind swirled. What was going on? Wasn't she going to be brutally tortured and dismembered? Isn't Silver going to cackle over her grave and dance merrily on it? What was going on here?
Lancelot's face did not change a bit. Instead, it seemed he opted to stare at a hanging wall clock. His feet and legs were straight, giving no bend or sway to the conversation between the two Executives. Yellow almost wanted to call out to him, but shied away when she felt Ariana's nails on her collar again.
Strangely, Silver seemed to enjoy the chaos. He absorbed the fighting of both Archer and Ariana as he kept drawing. Only after a minute did the boy grin at Yellow again, as if to remind her that he still held her life in his hands.
"I believe Silver is old enough to make his own choices," Ariana said as her words collided with Archer's, "Amarillo is a fine young lady now. Why, who else would he play with? Your student? Silver does not like your student."
"If this request had to be fulfilled, Lancelot is calmer and much more obedient. Silver needs a grounded… acquaintance, not a hissy little girl."
Giovanni started to rub his temple, "Enough. Both of you."
Archer and Ariana stopped immediately, suddenly aware of Giovanni's movements. Ariana left Yellow's side briefly, stepping towards Giovanni in a very cautious manner. Her words changed from a gloat to a gentle tone.
"Giovanni? Are you feeling alright, cuore mio?" she asked as Archer pulled Lancelot to let the boy stand behind him, "Shall I fetch for some medicine?"
"Your petty and useless bickering is quite grating," Giovanni said, "Silver has made his request. He wants to play with Yellow. He desperately needs socialization among his peers and he has requested Yellow. This is all very simple to understand. Or did I promote the wrong Executives?"
Archer shook his head, maintaining his composure, "No, Master Giovanni. I understand. I just think—"
"Then keep it as a thought," Giovanni's blunt retort sliced the Executive's voice in half, "Silver. I will change your schedule to accommodate this. It will be Tuesday and Friday evenings. Ariana, I expect you to do the same for Amarillo."
Quite frankly, Yellow would rather keep her schedule the way it was. Ariana, however, returned back to her spot before resuming her arrogant demeanor. Silver seemed to watch the female Executive before returning to his drawings.
"Of course," Ariana said, "It is done. She will be there."
It was only then that Yellow noticed Lancelot's expression. While it all seemed so cold and emotionless, there was a longing and hurt within him. The girl knew it was not a coincidence; Lancelot was feeling left out again. He was denied another pleasure and luxury of life in the realm of harshness.
Was Archer going to hold it against the child? Yellow feared the thought of the boy receiving another strike for something he had no control over. It wasn't even fair; it was all part of some childish game that Silver cooked up to torment her. Lancelot shouldn't get hurt too.
She wanted to fess up right then and there. Simply throw herself at mercy and take whatever was coming. But fear kept Yellow silent and seized up.
"Father," Silver spoke up, "I want Saturday too. Saturday too."
Giovanni brushed away Silver's hair, suddenly smiling, "No, dear boy. You have lessons that day. Two days will be fine."
Whatever tension was with the Rocket boss left. Yellow saw Silver's brighten up at his father's attention and his insolence melted away. Goodness. In the depths, there was a genuine love here. Perhaps Giovanni spoiled the boy, but he did not do it maliciously. This man would move the earth and stars for his son.
Silver seemed to be keeping Giovanni's mood at bay and the heir was happy with his father. So Ariana took the opportunity to scoot Yellow out there as quickly as possible. Archer did the same with Lancelot, but Yellow could hear Archer's low voice speaking to Lancelot as they were moving out of the halls.
"This is better for you," She overheard Archer say, "You must focus on your responsibilities. Servants know their place."
"Yes, Master Archer. I understand," Lancelot replied, but it sounded hollow.
Yellow wished she could run after him and hug him so tightly that not even Archer's rebukes could tear her away. Lancelot was her friend, not Silver. She would rather play with him and make him happy.
Alas, nobody except Silver gets what they want.
x
The next day as Yellow was walking towards her morning tutoring, she saw Petrel heading down the hallway. He smiled and waved at her, winking as he passed. Yellow noticed that his gait was considerably faster as if he was trying to catch up with someone.
She turned and saw Petrel run right into Proton as the teenager was leaving the training room. In seconds, Petrel's grab grabbed the scruff of Proton's collar and hauled the grunt down the hall.
"Oh, let's have a chat, Elite Captain Proton. An-Executive-to-pal kind of chat."
"Petrel, wait, wait—!"
Thunk! Whatever nearby door opened, Proton was tossed into it like a sack of potatoes. Petrel entered shortly thereafter and the door shut behind him. Yellow almost wanted to stick her head in and see that bully get what was coming to him, but from the sounds of it, she didn't have to.
There was one loud voice and it was definitely Petrel's. There were two loud smacks and there was no way it was from Proton's hand by how hard it cracked in the air. After some shuffling and some things being knocked off, the loud voice quieted down considerably.
"... fucking get over it, Proton. I'm not telling you again."
Petrel's voice carried out as he exited the room, leaving the younger man behind. Yellow stared at him in a perplexed manner before the Executive smiled again at her. He waved once more and turned around to head back down the hall.
Yellow could hear the door slide back open and she scrambled down the passageway, hoping he didn't catch her spying. The girl didn't need to be in his crosshairs and as far as she knew, Proton was dealt with for now.
x
"Be strong, Amarillo," Ariana said as she gently pruned the Vileplume's massive petal, "If Vileplume senses weakness, she will douse you with toxic pollen. I imagine you look no bigger than the prey she eats."
Yellow could sense a pattern with Ariana's Pokemon. "Yes, Madame Ariana. But how come you can touch her petals? Aren't they poisonous?"
"Toxic," Ariana corrected her, "There's a difference. And I have certain skills that help. A high immunity also helps. When you're old enough, you'll be able to concoct your own mixtures as I do—provided, of course, you're actually paying attention."
The child looked around the evil, twisted garden around her. Of course, it made sense. Ariana must be growing plants and making potions like a witch in old fairy tales. Finding her power within the earth's venom and owning the plants to help her accomplish it. But still, even nature bites back in spades.
"Madame Ariana, how do you know how to make the… uhm… helpful stuff?"
"Antidote."
"Yes, Madame Ariana. Anti-dote."
"That's why we have a plethora of little creatures to help. Don't we?" Ariana said, peeling away the upper layer of Vileplume's petal, "These Pokemon can be more than food and entertaining circuses. They can help us find antidotes."
Yellow paused before widening her eyes, "But Vileplume's poison—toxic—kills them!"
"It doesn't kill you, child, so it's a benefit to us," her master said, "After all, unless you offer your own life up to be murdered, you should be grateful. I couldn't make antidotes or medicine if I didn't have Pokemon to experiment on."
Experiments. That was a new word to Yellow. Ariana seemed to pick up what she was trying to convey in her expression.
"Experiment means to test. Team Rocket would not be here if Giovanni did not see the value of experimentation. Humanity would not be here if we did not test on Pokemon," Ariana clarified, "Your food, your clothes, and even your medicine… well, all that came from those experiments."
"They're dead from them," Yellow stoutly replied, knowing how this conversation would end.
"Not always. Many do benefit. One medicine found from one experiment can benefit all Pokemon. One potion can completely heal a Pokemon in times of difficulty and that came from experiments. Are you to deny the goodness in that?"
Yellow paused, "... One potion can? Like I can?"
"Yes, dear Amarillo. I am not cruel to be cruel. I, like my colleagues, am a scientist at heart. Archer has his silly little dissections and I have my poisons. But while our methods are unusual—" Ariana waved her hand over the waiting Vileplume, "We have learned many things to further Team Rocket's own research. To further mankind and Pokemon alike."
"... I thought… it was about power, Madame Ariana?"
"Is power not a way to stay safe? If you were powerful, Amarillo, you would be where I am and not worried that Vileplume would eat you."
The Vileplume smiled and shuffled in a small happy dance. Yellow could sense the thought of devouring her flesh and bones gave the Pokemon joy. Shivers went down her spine, making her nod towards her master.
Of course, if Yellow was in Ariana's position, she would not hurt Pokemon. She would help them. Her Pokemon would be kind. Powerful, but kind. And surely, somewhere in the world, that existed as well?
x
After Yellow exited her lesson with Ariana, she spotted Lancelot waiting outside of Executive's hallway. He was standing idly by, possibly lost in thought, as her footsteps made him straighten up.
A beat went by. "Oh. Madame Ariana was done?"
"Yes," Yellow said, shuffling her books as Lancelot relaxed again, "What are you waiting out here for? For Master Archer?"
"Mm. Sird managed to catch him before our lesson and he went with her. He told me to stay here," Lancelot said, "I guess you didn't see him come out either."
"No, sorry. How long do you have to wait?"
"I don't know. Forever."
Yellow glanced down the dark Executive's hallway before heaving a sigh. Her shoulders slumped slightly, making her bend her head towards the floor.
"Lancelot, I'm sorry. I didn't… ask for Silver to do that," she said, making sure to not drop her books, "It's… a long story."
"I figured," Lancelot said, keeping an eye out for Archer, "But why are you apologizing to me? You shouldn't apologize. That's weak. It doesn't matter to me if you go play with him or whatnot."
It was hard to tell from Lancelot's face if that was a lie. But Yellow just knew. She knew it was a jealousy brewing within his soul, just like her own jealousy of others doing better than her. However, it was better to agree with him than drag Lancelot through the dirt and glass shards. He dealt with that frequently enough.
"What did Master Archer say? After you left?" Yellow questioned, making Lancelot shrug.
"Nothing. He was glad I didn't go. These things distract me," Lancelot said as if he was repeating something from memory, "I have to focus. I get… distracted easily. Master Archer said so. And he's always right about these things."
"Is he?"
Yellow felt her words crawl back into her throat as Lancelot stared through her. Both of their heads turned towards the ceiling, scanning for a sign that someone was watching. After a few seconds, Lancelot went first.
"Of course he is," Lancelot stated, glaring at her, "Master Archer knows me. Stupid question."
"What is a stupid question, Lancelot?"
The two children whirled around and saw Archer standing at the hallway entrance. He tilted his head towards Lancelot, directing his full attention towards the boy. Lancelot gave a small bow, keeping his demeanor calm.
"Amarillo asked me if we have tutoring tomorrow. I said yes, Master Archer," Lancelot answered, straightening back up, "To me, that's a stupid question."
"Hm," Archer hummed, "Interesting. Lieutenant Sird has finished with her field report. We will simply make up for the lost time. Lancelot, come. Amarillo, I suggest you find your tutor and ask them questions, not my student."
Yellow nodded before bowing her head low, "Yes, Master Archer."
"Are you waiting for a sleigh ride? Go."
Well, Archer was in a fussy mood. What Pokemon crawled up his butt and died? Yellow felt her body turn around and began to walk away from the two. She could only imagine Lancelot having to deal with that short temper every single day of his waking life.
After a few steps, Yellow felt her body get woozy. Blinking, she shook her head to get the sleep knocked from her eyes. Maybe after all this terror and work, she was exhausted. Unfortunately, she had so much work to do and…
Another step. It felt like the energy was dripping out of her.
"Something wrong, dear little child?" A gentle, velveteen voice asked, "Ah. Ah. Ah. You're very tired. Let me help you."
Yellow looked up, seeing the strange pigtailed, purple-haired woman again. It was the lady called Sird, the one that Lancelot pointed out when they first left Giovanni's office. Now that the forest child was up close, she could see the strange and sharp features of the woman's face.
Everything looked so… pale. And prominent. Even her eyes seemed like glass. Yellow wondered if this woman had ever seen the sun before or if she was allergic to the daylight. Her neck felt like it craned forever looking up at this tall woman. The poor girl cringed, forcing a step backward from this odd woman.
Sird leaned over and lifted the bottom of Yellow's book stack towards her. Sharp, fast shivers went down every inch of Yellow's skin as she felt her energy slowly return to her. Part of Yellow's head bobbed up and down to indicate appreciation, but the woman didn't notice.
"Everything alright?" The woman said, resting her chin on her hand as if to observe Yellow closely, "You seem flushed. I don't think I've met you, sweet little child. Unless I'm mistaken."
"You're Sird."
"My name seems to carry far here. Tell me, what is your name?"
Yellow swallowed, "Amarillo. People call me Yellow. Nice people."
"Ah," Sird said, "I am a nice person. Sometimes. Regardless. I haven't seen you before. You must be new. Team Rocket must recruit young nowadays… and such a little thing you are. What sort of person would recruit a small little thing like you?"
"Oh… well… uhm…"
Yellow felt a hard thud in her chest. Information was valuable in Team Rocket; who isn't to say that Sird was angling for some to get ahead? And even idle conversation could reveal the most intimate of secrets, something that Archer seemed annoyed about earlier.
No wonder Lancelot worked to come out on top. Gathering knowledge was a top skill here.
"I don't know," Yellow heard herself say with a tiny bit of confidence, "I'm here."
"Interesting," Sird said, gliding by her, "Well, Yellow. Archer was kind enough to show me out of the hallway, but I haven't been here in so long… mind showing me where I should go next? I am particularly interested in getting rest. On my feet all day, you understand…"
Yellow blinked. Residence? What was that? "I don't… know… I only know my room…"
"That's alright. Residences are usually grouped together. You can take as far as you can and I will figure the rest out," Sird said, smiling at her as if it was all so easy, "I would hate to upset Archer with such a silly question. He seems to dislike that."
True. His scolding rang in Yellow's head. She swallowed again, looking towards the Executive's hallway. This was none of her business, personally, but nobody should have to deal with Archer's temper.
"I don't know…" Yellow mumbled, now unsure, "My room is locked up and stuff… and…"
"Just invite me along, my dear child. Easy as that."
It did sound easy. Yellow felt a part of her wither away into exhaustion. It might just be easier for everyone if she showed her what she wanted so Sird would move along. No wonder Matori was aggravated at the very sight of Sird. Talking to her was tiring.
"Well, I…"
Suddenly, Yellow felt this pounding headache from nowhere. Using the book stack to support herself, she pressed her fingers against her forehead. Ow. It was starting to hurt really bad now. Ow. Ow.
"I… I have to go," Yellow said, feeling the pain ebb more and more, "Sorry. I have to go."
Before Sird could say anything, the girl immediately flipped around and ran back towards her room. It was some time before Yellow could collapse on her bed, feeling the pain rise again from the back of her skull.
What was that? Why was her head hurting? Groaning in pain, she pushed her pillow over her head to block out the light and noise. Everything felt like it was rattling around up there. Yellow couldn't even imagine standing up straight right now.
All she could do was close her eyes and hoped she would eventually be knocked out from it long enough to sleep.
x
This time, Yellow did dream.
She dreamt of fire. Of smoke.
Mother Fo—
Mother Forest is not here.
"But she's burning!" Yellow kept screaming out above the flames, "She's burning, she's burning—!"
Mother Forest is not here.
"Water!" the girl threw her hands up, trying to grab at the flames, "Water, please, water!"
The smoke choked her. Flames grew wider and hotter. Burning. She's burning away. All burning away. Everything in Yellow's life was burning away. Her body flung forwards to avoid the intense fire, throwing herself at the smoky ground.
"Please! Moth—"
Mother Forest is not here.
A loud, howling screech came across the fire as if the earth was in pain. Yellow covered her ears, feeling the intense headache return. It was so nauseating and painful that she could not even lift her tiny head to suck in the remaining precious air.
Long, burning vines began to reach out towards Yellow as if to grab her and drag her back into the fire. Yellow screamed whatever she had left as she crawled away, trying to work through her horrible pain and nausea.
Insolent child.
Yellow, in her confusion, cocked her head towards the now-incinerated vines. Who…?
Insolent child. Did I care for you? Did I not love you? How dare you. How dare you. I am your mother.
"Mother…?" Yellow croaked out, unable to comprehend the madness suddenly going on in her head.
Mother Forest is not here.
Insolent boy! Both of you! Insolent, insolent! I loved you!
Mother Forest is not here.
I was your motheMother Forest is not here I WAS YOUR MOTHER, GIOVANNI! I AM YOUR MOTHERMother Forest is not here. Mother Forest is not here. How dare you HOW DARE YOU DISOBEY YOUR MOTHERMother Forest is I AM YOUR MOTHMother Forest is not here
Come to your mother. Both of you.
Yellow felt the painful, fiery vines wrap around her ankles before she woke up.
In seconds, Yellow vomited all over the floor.
x
"Well," Archer said, wiping away the thermometer as Yellow curled up in her bed, "No temperature, Ariana. Possibly nerves. Something terrible must be eating her up inside."
No kidding. Yellow said nothing and stared at the threads in her bedsheets. Ariana folded her arms, rolling her eyes as she waved her colleague out. Luckily, the vomit had already been cleaned up well before either one of them got there, so they didn't have to work around Yellow's sickness that much.
"Yes, yes, all well and good," she said, "I appreciate you stepping in, Archer, but I'll take it from here. Next time, I'll ask a crystal ball for an answer since you're so unhelpful."
"Medicine can only heal the body sometimes," Archer replied, putting his medical equipment back into a satchel, "I find that confession is the best cure in disobedient children. Perhaps whatever she apologized for yesterday has taken her humors."
Archer was still on that. He wasn't letting it go anytime soon. Like a dog to a bone.
"Do try to keep your advice somewhere else. In a place where I don't see or hear it, preferably," Ariana said, "I will handle my student."
The other Executive finished packing up, giving a curt nod before leaving. Ariana sighed, turning her attention back to Yellow.
"Child, you are trouble," her master sighed, "How did I get saddled with you?"
"I'm sorry, Madame Ariana," Yellow numbly said, "I'm sorry."
"You should be. But being sorry doesn't help, hm? Take action instead of feeling sorry."
Ariana pulled out a cool cloth, setting it on her forehead. It did make Yellow feel better, even in her state. Her head pounded as the older woman pressed harder on the cloth. The young girl swallowed more as the dry throat itched.
"Bad dream, Amarillo?" Ariana asked, much kinder now, "Archer isn't one for silly notions, but I know from experience that bad dreams can make one sick. You must have had a terrible one to make you so ill."
Yellow nodded, "Yes, Madame Ariana. I had an awful dream."
"About?"
"Fire. Burning."
"I see. It is a terrible memory you carry. We all have them, Amarillo. But if we're strong, we don't lose sleep over them."
Odd statement. Yellow looked up at her master's face, feeling the cool cloth press against her head again. What bad memories do Executives have? What sort of things do they carry into their lives that could cause the loss of sleep?
Ariana brushed her student's hair aside, "You're full of questions, Amarillo. You want to ask me about my bad dreams, I'm certain."
"Yes, Madame Ariana. But I was scared."
"It's also a terrible conversation. Asking people about dreams is a guaranteed bore," Ariana said, "Dreams should be kept to yourself, I believe. Nobody wants to listen to whatever chemicals cooked up in your brain on a certain night. Besides. Dreams pass. You are still here and alive."
That sounded worse, but Yellow didn't correct her. However, Ariana pulled up Yellow's covers towards her neck to make her feel more comfortable. She smiled as if nothing was wrong before standing up.
"I will give you the morning, but you're still attending your afternoon tutoring and training," Ariana said, "And don't bellyache about it. If I hear one peep, Amarillo, you'll soon discover real discomfort."
Yellow nodded, thankful for the moment of relief before she fell back asleep.
x
Ariana allowed the door to shut behind her as Archer was waiting. She gave an aggravated sigh upon seeing him, making her displeasure clear as she walked by him.
"I'm so glad my fellow Executives have no work to do except wait around for gossip," she stated, "Aren't you busy with something? Or are you intent on stalking me now?"
Archer took her complaint in stride, "That girl is hiding something."
"I have it taken care of."
"Do not lie to me, Ariana. I already deal with that from Lancelot."
"Good thing I'm not then."
"You don't find it one bit suspicious that Silver wants to play with Amarillo as well as her sudden illness?"
Ariana pressed a few buttons on a panel, pulling up an electronic screen. In seconds, the video feed of Yellow's room appeared along with Lancelot's. Her fingers typed a password, allowing access to multiple rooms.
"No idea what you're referring to," Ariana said, "Surely, you check the feeds. If nothing happened, then nothing happened."
"I did, Ariana. And I found some missing," Archer countered, "Specifically, days ago. I check my feeds on Lancelot quite often. But I was busy with his disobedience and couldn't get to it fast enough."
"And? You blame me for your time management problems?"
"No. I blame you for having a password anyone can guess."
Ariana stopped, turning to face him, "Excuse me?"
"Your password into the system," Archer pointed to the screens, "We both know it's Silver's birthday. I think you are being careless with your children, Ariana. And of course, you should change your password so this doesn't happen again."
There was no adequate response to Ariana's anger as she shoved the screen back into its slot. Her eyes flashed with fury as she composed herself for a toxic response worthy of bringing her colleague to his knees.
However, part of her knew Archer was telling the truth. As annoying as he was gloating, he was right. The password was Silver's birthday and she had spent so much time with the boy to console his loneliness…
It would be hell before Ariana admitted it to the pretentious prick though.
"Are you saying that you believe Amarillo or—"
"I'm saying only one of them is smart enough to know how to put in a password and it's not the one who gets baffled by alarm clocks."
Ariana glanced towards Yellow's room before shrugging, "I'll look into it. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. Now do be lamb and bother someone else for once. I can't imagine the lovely conversation you could have with anyone that isn't me."
"Do find out what they're hiding," Archer reminded her, "And I'll find out from Lancelot."
"Oh yes, the little rat. Still skulking around for information, much like you?"
"Ariana, my dear friend, I know my student well. Whatever he finds out, it is because I allow him to find out. Unlike you, I keep him on a tight leash. Something Silver could benefit from before he grows old enough."
Low blow. Ariana pretended to not let it bother her.
"Silver is a prince. You have a servant," she stated, "A servant that messed everything up, mind you. Something I know you have a great deal of knowledge about."
Archer's face didn't change expression, but she knew she struck a chord. In seconds, his arm swiftly pressed the warp tile.
"Change the password, Ariana."