"Mister Igor?"

"Yes, Sokila?"

"...will I ever be able to go outside?"

"And what would you do?"

She frowned. "...I dunno...hang out with Shinji, I guess...?"

"What would it accomplish, at this point?"

"...it'd make me feel better...your other 'Tendants were also able to leave, weren't they...?"

"The circumstances were different, as you well know. But do not be disheartened: a time will come, when your current existence will not be so limited."

"...kay..."

xxxx

/Wednesday: June 17, 2015/

/NERV-03, Southern Outskirts of Darmstadt, Germany/

Mere miles to the west of the Rhine, NERV-03 sat to the south of Darmstadt, in a relatively isolated forest. Some would have considered it an odd location for NERV's Third Branch.

Alas, more typical locations such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, or any other number of larger cities were inhibited by a number of factors: the increased military presence in the cities, inconvenient competition from various NGOs in the fields of cognitive psience and metaphysical biology, the numerous dead zones in places stricken hard by Angel Syndrome in the past, and myriad other reasons.

Honestly, however, it had to do with the simplicity of converting an old GEHIRN facility into one fit for NERV's use. Thus, the question would have turned as to why GEHIRN had originally chosen this region to build its facility here, back in the latter years of the second millenium.

The biggest draw - besides its relative isolation - was the mental imprint of Frankenstein Castle, looming large in the cognitive world. Despite its gloom and stark character, it provided stability and mental security precisely because of its historical weight and the cultural impact of a certain novel. Little wonder, that GEHIRN's old facility had been built underneath the foundation of the castle, if cognitive psience had been the reason for its existence.

Alas, such historical exposition was not something that Asuka Langley-Sohryu worried about on a day-to-day basis. Beyond training, participating as a subject in NERV's various experiements, assisting the A.T. Task Force, the German military, and the United European Armed Forces in various Metaverse operations...she had very little in the way of free time.

Which was why the upcoming meeting with Director Kirijo was...not exactly one she was looking forward to. It had nothing to do with the fact that Mitsuru was stone-cold and could terrify anyone with a glance. Or with the fact that, despite being a woman in her late forties, the Director and her Persona were capable of schooling practically anyone in the training arena. Nope. Not at all.

She briefly gazed at the digital clock on the wall: 05:47 AM. Still got over seventy minutes. Maybe she could risk getting another half-hour of sleep? With her Evangelion, she could literally skip to the Director's office in the blink of an eye.

A gentle knock sounded on the door to her room. "Asuka, it's almost time for the meeting with Director Kirijo," said the temperate voice of a young woman from outside.

"...seriously, Sister Mary?" she grumbled, refusing to move a single inch from her bed. "It's not until 7 AM!"

"Well, knowing the time you tend to take getting ready, I felt it best to make sure you had sufficient time to freshen up."

Asuka narrowed her blue eyes. "...this is all because I left you behind in Iceland, isn't it?"

"Why Miss Sohryu, that would be utterly petty of me!" Her voice sounded slightly too cheerful. "After all, I am only following the commandments of my order when accompanying you onto the field of battle."

"Yeah yeah," she grumbled. What a world she lived in, where religious and clergy had actual applications on the battlefield. Like something out of a verdammt anime. "Just give me five more minutes..."

Without ceremony, the nun opened the door, flicking the light on. "We both know that five minutes will translate into fifteen," lightly admonished the young woman, who appeared no older than twenty based on the condition of her face. Bearing a dark blue habit and a white hoodless scapular, the only signs of her order's militaristic nature were the outlines of body armor barely visible through the folds of her clothing. Brunette hair was almost completely hidden by her white veil, but her chaste and modest appearance did nothing to mitigate the delighted humor in her teal eyes, magnified by red-rimmed glasses. "If you'll hop into the shower, I'll go ahead and prepare a suitable outfit for your meeting with the Director."

"And knowing you, my room will also look spotless by the time I get out," growled Asuka, trying to ignore the layers of dust gathered in various places; she was rarely in this room as it was. "You seriously don't have to."

"Consider it a lesson in humility, Miss Sohryu," cheekily said Sister Mary Makinami, tertiary of the Third Order of St. Jeanne d'Arc. "Now, up and at em'! The day is short, and time's a-wasting!"

xxxx

/Director Kirijo's Office, NERV-03, Germany/

"A twist of fate."

The office of Director Mitsuru Kirijo was a strange creature: classical and affluent in design, yet bearing the effects of a martial mindset. White furniture with floral patterns and elegant tea sets would have clashed with the weapon racks along the wall, holding a variety of rapiers, fencing sabres, hunting rifles, and handguns; large canvas paintings of various rural and urban landscapes did not mesh with the flat-screen monitors displaying tactical maps and news feeds. In isolation, it would have seemed chaotic; however, it was all bound together into harmony by the will of its occupant.

Said occupant was facing away from Asuka, who was standing at attending on the other side of the Director's mahogany desk; Sister Mary Makinami was silently sitting in a distant chair, hands folded and eyes closed as if in prayer. As for the Director...if there was one word to describe her, it would be regal. A trim black business suit with a white blouse clung to her form with immaculate precision: not too tight, not too loose; not too revealing, or slovenly; long hair the color of red wine was wrapped into an elegant bun, with not a single lock out of place. The crimson sash wrapped around her waist added a touch of color. "A twist of fate was the only reason I lived during Second Impact." The Director's arms were crossed; a callused yet elegantly manicured finger tapped her elbow. "At my father's request, I was to travel overseas to inspect the European offices of the Kirijo Group, as preparation for attaining greater responsibilities in the company." A slight pause. "Because my private plane was in the air, I was spared the entirety of Second Impact's carnage. My father, his associate Eiichiro Takeba, our main office in Tokyo, the majority of our holdings throughout the world...were not so lucky." The finger kept tapping to some unknown rhythm. "I could have very easily perished that day. In this world, a twist of fate can be all that stands between life, and death...so tell me, Sohryu," she said, punctuating her word by turning on her heel. Her characteristic ribbon bow tie, colored a vibrant rose red, clashed with the stern glare of her right brown eye; the other was hidden by a curtain of hair, tapering down to her cheek. Only the slight wrinkles around her eyes betrayed the fact that was a middle-aged woman, and not someone in the prime of her life. "Why exactly would you take such a reckless gamble?" demanded Mitsuru Kirijo, Director of NERV's Third Branch.

"...it wasn't reck-" Asuka's retort was silenced by the slight pursing of Misuru's lips. "...okay, it kind of was reckless. But it's not like I left Iceland in bad shape..."

"That is the only reason why you've not been subject to harsher discipline. The assigned A.T. Agents were rather upset at how suddenly you seemed to abandon the field of battle. Your otherwise sterling performance in the field may mollify potential detractors...but do not forget that in the eyes of the world, you are still a child."

Asuka couldn't help but snort at that. "That hasn't been true since the Valentine Treaty, and you know it."

"...a fair point," she admitted, with a knowing smile. "However, legal realities mean nothing in the face of stereotypes driven by biology and history. There are many who despise the power you wield; don't give them additional reasons to hate you."

"...yes ma'am," relinquished Asuka, swallowing her pride. Mitsuru Kirijo, despite her severity, was one of her staunchest defenders; no reason to burn that bridge unnecessarily. "I understand."

"Good. You will have remedial training with me this evening. I must ensure that your skills in the cognitive world are enough to mitigate any future incidents of recklessness."

"...do I have to?" complained Asuka. "I'm not in the mood to get thrashed by Artemisia today." A raised eyebrow was her only response, which was enough for Asuka to relent. "...understood, ma'am."

Director Kirijo nodded. "Good. Now..." she turned towards one of the flat-screen monitors along the wall; with a few swipes, she had changed the display to that of a still image. It depicted a crimson cross of light, taken from one of the skyscrapers in Tokyo-3. "Are you familiar with this image?"

"Can't say that I am," admitted Asuka, even though it did do funny things to her insides. She despised that feeling: one of slight nausea, localized to the back of her spine. "But it's certainly interesting."

"Yesterday, based on the classified reports that I've read, this was apparently tied to the death of one of these mythical Angels that you and the First Child have constantly been talking about these past few years."

"...wait, seriously?" Asuka's attention had been grabbed. "Really? How do they know?"

"Given such an unusual phenomenon, it stands to reason that it is tied to something far beyond a mere Acolyte or Ghost. Furthermore, based on testimonies from those at the scene, the Acolyte perished in a manner similar to that of a separate Acolyte from the ninth of June...the same day that Ayanami claimed to have defeated an Angel within a cognitive dead zone."

Asuka remembered that report; there had been a bit of buzz about how - whatever the First had done - a mental void had just up and dissolved in a matter of seconds, which was something unheard of. "...that's just correlation though."

"Admittedly so. There won't be any confirmations of causality until the Third Child awakens; he's been unconscious since yesterday. However, two data points in such quick succession aren't something to ignore. Time will tell if Commander Ikari believes a more permanent reassignment is warranted."

Asuka hummed noncommittally, trying to burn the image of that bloody light into her brain. "...so, it was the Third who did it, huh?" She hadn't even heard of a Third Child being found until last week, when scuttlebutt about a rather explosive arrival into Tokyo-3 had made its way to Europe. "...only a newbie, and already making waves." A brief impulse of jealousy was overtaken by curiosity. "...I think I'd like to meet him, one day. See how close the rumors match reality."

"Perhaps that day will come sooner than you think," warned Director Kirijo. With a brief shift of stance and tone, she went into full 'imperial' mode. "There are reports of lingering Ghosts that emerged last night within our operational theater." Said theater comprising Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. "There are some hot spots that require our intervention. You will deploy within thirty minutes."

"Yes ma'am," acknowledged Asuka, not even bothering to protest the remedial training session taking place on the same day. Knowing Mitsuru, the fact it was scheduled for the evening - instead, of say, noon - would have been considered sufficiently merciful on her part. Turning on her heel, the Second Child turned towards Makinami. "Let's go, Sister Mary."

"Very well, Miss Sohryu."

All in all, it was just another day in the life of Asuka Langley-Sohryu.

xxxx

Shortly after Asuka and her attendant had departed, Director Mitsuru Kirijo sat down for a rather important meeting with Commander Ikari and the other directors of NERV's various branches. Sitting down at her desk, Mitsuru quietly poured herself some tea, quietly sipping as she waited for the conference call to begin.

As the clock rolled over to 8:00 AM local time, three video streams opened up on her monitor, showing the administrators of NERV's three main worldwide facilities. She subconsciously catalogued various details about the gentlemen in question, as well as the facilities in question.

NERV-02, located at the Metaverse Experimentation Facility on the outskirts of Area 51 in Nevada, local time of 11:00 PM; its research focus was on artificially reproducing the powers of Evangelion. The Director of the Second Branch calmly readjusted his slim eyeglasses, brushing a lock of long brown hair behind his ears. Clad in a gray turtleneck and a beige jacket, Shuji Ikutsuki bore a wan smile. "I sincerely hope you have good information to share, Commander. It is quite late, after all," he commented in a rather stilted manner. Former consultant for numerous multinational firms and research universities, including the Kirijo Group. His network of informants and Top Secret security clearance within America's Department of Defense are why he managed to become the administrator of a location so close to Area 51. For some reason, despite having nothing but a perfectly pleasant professional relationship with the man, he always came off as...unsettling. She wasn't quite sure why.

NERV-01, located near the MIT Campus on the outer edge of the Boston Dead Zone in the American state of Massachusetts, local time of 2:00 AM; its research focus was on fully cataloguing the various ways that cognitive and metaphysical changes could impact people in the real world, especially with regards to Evangelion applications. The Director of the First Branch tried to mask a heavy yawn, the light of his monitor reflecting off of his large eyeglasses. "At least it's still yesterday for you, Director Ikutsuki," tiredly remarked the relatively scruffy-looking man, his brown hair coming off like a messy mop instead of its usual slicked-back appearance. "We're still going over the data from today's Acolyte and Ghost encounters along the East Coast..." wearily said Dr. Takuto Maruki, his blue tie appearing just as haggard as he. Former research assistant of Wakaba Isshiki. Pioneer of various medical applications for cognitive psience. Not exactly the most gifted of administrators, but his amiable personality and relationship with the research staff were deemed more important given the First Branch's specialties. Despite occasional bouts of demeanor that she would call 'excessively casual', Mitsuru found him to be a relatively trustworthy individual.

Lastly. of course, was NERV HQ, located in Tokyo-3 along the Hakone caldera, local time of 3:00 PM; the face of Commander Gendo Ikari, gloved hands folded stoically in front of his face, rendered the man as an unmoving statue. The reflection of his orange shades rendered his expression impossible to measure as a result. "Numerous UN and government officials have been requesting my presence since yesterday. Until the Third Child awakens, they've had to deal with our relative paucity of information." Gendo Ikari: husband of the late metaphysical biologist Yui Ikari, and one of the administrative directors of NERV's predecessor GEHIRN. A very aloof yet domineering individual. If Ikutsuki came of as unsettling, then Ikari was simply distasteful to interact with. After all, one could be professionally distant without being unpleasant about it. "This meeting will be short, but it involves a matter of dire importance, as it pertains to the A.T. Task Force. This information is confidential, not to be repeated outside this call; however, I do expect that you act on it and seek appropriate countermeasures."

Mitsuru quietly sipped her tea, briefly ruminating on NERV's reputation amongst various NGOs, government agencies, and paramilitary groups; 'Japan's stealth attempt at taking over the world' was one of the more common ones. Given that the chief administrators of all four of NERV's main offices were of Japanese ethnicity, she couldn't exactly begrudge such an opinion, however unfounded it otherwise was. "Very well, Commander."

"Based on testimony from the Chief Warden of Tokyo-3's Cognitive Protection Center, the Shadow of a law enforcement officer was absconded from its cell without any evidence of intrusion. Then, per A.T. agent Misato Katsuragi, that Shadow was then found in the location corresponding to its source's geographic location in the real world, near the eastern shores of Laki Ashi. It was at that point that the officer in question transformed into an Acolyte."

Mitsuru briefly parsed through Gendo Ikari's words, getting to the point in a matter of moments. "In other words...you suspect that the Angel, prior to its defeat at the hands of the Third Child, rendered the Cognitive Protection Center's defenses worthless."

"An accurate summation," coolly said the Commander.

Whatever tiredness that Dr. Maruki had vanished in an instant. "W-W-What? How can that be?" he asked in disbelief. "But that's impossible! The Cognitive Protection Centers were mentally formulated for the sole purpose of isolating Shadows from subversive influences in the Metaverse, and to keep them in locations not corresponding to any physical double in the real world; even if their corresponding human was afflicted with Angel Syndrome, it only resulted in the Shadow going berserk within its cell! All past occurrences of this type followed this pattern!"

"Then this is either an outlier, or the beginning of a new trend," cautioned Ikutsuki.

Indeed; that had been one of the selling points of the Cognitive Protection Center model: to not only make judicial administration of the cognitive world a simpler task, but to ostensibly provide greater protection for Shadows. Up to this point, that had indeed been the case. "What could have caused such a change in tactics?"

"We can only speculate," bluntly answered Ikari. "There was no anticipating the possibility that an Angel could simply slip past the walls and barriers of constructs within the cognitive world, even one as robust as the Cognitive Protection Center."

"...then...instead of keeping Shadows safe, we may have only made it easier for Angel Syndrome to afflict them...?" muttered Maruki, looking positively distraught over this revelation.

Given that Dr. Maruki was one of those who worked on the proof-of-concept for the Anti-Terror Task Force, it's only reasonable that he's so affected by this development, thought Mitsuru. "Are we going to inform the appropriate officials?"

"No," answered Ikari. "Tokyo-3's detachment of A.T. agents have already been informed that the Shadow's abduction was due to a failing of their own systems, and the official reports will reflect that."

"I see," calmly acknowledged Ikutsuki. "I suppose operational security is not the only motive for this decision?"

"If it becomes public knowledge that the Cognitive Protection Center model has such a glaring weakness to the Angels, then there will be an unwarranted degree of panic. Furthermore, there will be some shortsighted officials who think that disposing of the model is necessary, even if it meant releasing untold Shadows back into the proverbial wilds, which would increase unpredictability and introduce unneeded chaos. However, we can utilize the methods at our disposal to prepare countermeasures in an orderly fashion."

"...and if a similar incident should occur in the future...?" asked Maruki.

"Then we will do what we must to mitigate the potential consequences."

Short, brusque, and brutally to the point; such was the Commander's style, who had no apparent patience for even the simplest of niceties. "Was there anything else, sir?"

"No. I expect to be apprised of any countermeasures you desire to implement. Ikari out." The man's image winked out, leaving the three Directors by themselves.

Ikutsuki sighed heavily. "Well, I suppose I know what I'll get started on, tomorrow."

Maruki merely groaned heavily.

"Ah Director Maruki, at least you don't have an upcoming appointment for a tire rotation on your vehicle," lightly said Ikutsuki with a slight grin. "After all, you'd only be more tired than you already are!"

Mitsuru resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "I believe that will do it for now gentlemen; you should get some sleep. I, on the other hand, have a long day ahead of me. Director Kirijo out." With those words, she ended her connection to the conference call. Hmm...what a vexing development. She sipped the last of her tea, which had since become lukewarm. I'll need to make some calls and get out ahead of this.

xxxx

/Neo Hagakure, Outskirts of Hakone Academy/

Toji Suzuhara had been a bit of a fugue thus far today, complete with a forecast of mental fog and a side order of bewilderment. An understandable state of affairs, given the extent of yesterday's events. The debriefing conducted by local law enforcement and the A.T. Task Force had been...thorough. So much so, that he had possessed little energy to even go through the motions at school.

Ikari still hadn't woken up. Kensuke had been working at NERV since yesterday.

Nagisa had been less forthcoming than usual.

("My apologies, Toji-kun," said Kaworu Nagisa, a strange expression on his face. "The Boxing Club is meeting today...and I have some frustrations to work off, alas.")

He had never known the silver-haired boy to even acknowledge that frustration was a thing.

The Class Rep hadn't even gotten on his case at all today, which had been a small mercy.

("...Suzuhara-san, did something happen yesterday?" Hikari Horaki's stern expression was marred by an almost motherly concern. "...you can always talk to myself or the faculty if you need to.")

It was why he was sitting at small table at Neo Hagakure, idly nudging at his ramen with a pair of chopsticks. He couldn't even muster the focus to savor his food, which allowed the other patrons' various conversations to filter through.

"-there was a lot of commotion today over at Tojo & Sons. I actually saw police leading a guy out in handcuffs!"

"I'd heard a lot of rumors about that place from my older sister; she said it was someone called Kuro Takehide..."

"-that giant red cross was seriously scary-"

"For real?! It looked kinda cool...!"

"-did you hear about the Acolyte? Who was it...?"

"I think it's on the TV..."

Toji briefly glanced up at the television; it was showing an image of the man who had nearly killed him yesterday.

"-the Anti-Terror Task Force confirmed that yesterday's most recent public victim of Angel Syndrome was Noboru Hanamura, a Private in Tokyo-3's Department of Community Safety. This comes as an especially heavy blow to local law enforcement, who had considered it a coup to land the latest scion of the lauded Hanamura family, going all the way back to the legendary exploits of Officers Yosuke and Chie Hanamura in the mid-20th century. Funeral arrangements will be handled by-"

It was strange to consider, that that man - who had nearly killed him several times yesterday - would have people who would mourn him. It further drove home just how horrible Angel Syndrome was, afflicting anyone - good or bad - without rhyme or reason. And I just happened to run into it twice in the last few months alone...

Were it not for Misato Katsuragi, he'd be dead.

Hell, were it not for Ikari, he'd also be dead.

And all he could show for it was moping in front of a bowl of ramen. Damn it, what the hell am I doing...? He was alive...but what did that really count for?

A hand suddenly dropped onto his table, placing a '2-for-1' coupon be his arm. Toji looked up with surprise; the hand belonged to a high school student at Hakone Academy, one with dark blue hair and eyes colored a cooler shade. "Mourning?" he inquired with a slightly raised eyebrow.

Toji blinked. "Er...how did you...?"

"I know the feeling," he muttered, with a heavy tone that said little, yet communicated so, so very much. "Have a bowl for your friend." He then walked away, hands in his pockets.

Toji frowned, looking into the broth of his current bowl. It accurately described his own feelings right now: murky, and full of so many things.

"Last one to finish has to buy for everyone!" With the challenge sounded out, the trio of Kenji Tomochika, Toji Suzuhara, and Kensuke Aida dug into their Hagakure Bowls, with the gusto typical of teenage boys.

But sitting around wasn't going to accomplish anything. If nothing else, despite the near-death experiences of yesterday, he had managed to finally give his condolences. Rest in peace, Tomochika. For real, this time. With that said, he finally dug into his ramen with vigor, feeling just a little bit more normal. But only just a bit.

xxxx

As Toji Suzuhara dug into his ramen, the blue-haired student silently walked down the rows of tables, heading towards the exit. However, he did briefly stop by another small table, this time occupied by a high schooler from Hakone Academy: a student with neatly cut silver hair, bearing eyes of stormy gray. Befitting such tempests, they focused with devastating intensity on one of the televisions portraying the story of Private Hanamura's demise; they were still going over the man's family history, showing aged black-and-white photographs of Noboru's great-grandparents: a man with loose spikes of hair and a woman with a rather distinctive pixie cut. "Narukami." With practiced nonchalance, he dropped another coupon onto the table, this time for a discount on the Beef Bowl Special. "The same offer applies to you."

"...you should follow your own advice, Arisato," he calmly replied, not taking his eyes off of the TV. "But thank you."

The blue-haired student quietly shrugged. "Already paid my respects a long time ago." With those words said, Arisato then put his headphones on, and proceeded to depart, acting as though he did not know the other young man at all.

By now, he had a lot of practice with acting at a distance...emotionally, or otherwise.

xxxx

/Asuka's Room, NERV-03, Southern Outskirts of Darmstadt, Germany/

Sister Mary Makinami smiled lightly as she applied a cooling balm to Asuka's left bicep; the girl was resting on her bed, tiredly sipping from a pack of apple juice. A minor guilty pleasure, all things considered. "Director Kirijo was as strict as ever?"

Asuka grimaced, trying not to show the pain she obviously felt. "...that's putting it mildly."

"She is only concerned with making sure you're at the best you can possibly be."

"Pfft. She has only two speeds: zero, and OW, WHY."

"Pouting doesn't become you, Princess."

Blue eyes narrowed with practiced irritation. "...m'not a princess," she grumbled.

"Then don't act like one," answered Sister Mary with a cheerfully condescending smile. "Just imagine how bratty you'd be without me."

"...I'd probably have fewer headaches."

"You'd also have someone who likely wouldn't 'get' you." A bit of silence from the younger girl prompted her to add, "as I seem to recall you complaining about so very much not even three years ago-"

"Okay, okay! I get it, I get it." Asuka laid her right arm over her eyes, briefly giving off the air of a dramatically tired debutante. instead of what she truly was: a child soldier, exhausted from another day of mortal combat against the corrupted remnants of the dearly departed. "...wonder if there's ever going to be an end..."

The nun raised a neatly trimmed eyebrow. "And I remembered you always boasting about how great a warrior you are."

"...even warriors need a break," muttered the young girl. At times like this, she was truly grateful that the redhead possessed even a modicum of trust in her, to let even a hint of weakness show.

Of course, Sister Mary knew better than to voice this aloud. The girl's pride was a tricky beast to wrangle with, even with all the growth she'd had since awakening her Persona. "Shall I read you a story, Miss Sohryu? It's been a long day."

"...you know my favorite," murmured Asuka, slightly rolling over on her side to face the wall.

The nun quietly got up, going over to a large wardrobe; kneeling down, she opened the lowest drawer, revealing a proverbial treasure chest of mementos, in the form of books, pictures, certain toys, and various knickknacks. She grabbed a weather hardback book, bearing the title of Dornröschen: the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, translated into German. Pulling up a small chair, Sister Mary opened up the book with practiced motions, and began to read. "Dornröschen, der Brüder Grimm...Vor Zeiten war ein König und eine Königin, die sprachen jeden Tag: 'Ach, wenn wir doch ein Kind hätten!' und kriegten immer keins. Da trug es sich zu, als die Königin einmal im Bade saß, daß ein Frosch aus dem Wasser ans Land kroch und zu ihr sprach: 'Dein Wunsch wird erfüllt werden, ehe ein Jahr vergeht, wirst du eine Tochter zur Welt bringen.' Was der Frosch gesagt hatte, das geschah, und die Königin gebar ein Mädchen, das war so schön, daß der König vor Freude sich nicht zu fassen wußte und ein großes Fest anstellte..."

She continued until Asuka's wearied breathing relaxed. Even then, she kept reading, if only to provide her ward a pleasant sound to sleep to.

She wondered what the young girl was dreaming of.

xxxx

Asuka dreamed about reading the story of Sleeping Beauty to someone else.

For some reason, that always put her at peace, even if only subconsciously.

xxxx

END OF 6/17/2015

xxxx

/german translation of Sleeping Beauty
/was pulled from here: germanstories . vcu . edu / grimm / dorn_dual .html