The ticking of a clock was the only thing interrupting the heavy silence.
A single person was attending, casually drinking wine while lazily sitting in her chair.
Then, the forms of the Advisors emerged one by one. The bloodthirsty, the erudite, the politician, and the chained. Finally, the presence of the Nothing had arrived, though it remained out of sight.
"LET THIS MEETING COMMENCE, WE HAVE…MUCH TO DISCUSS."
The Politician spoke first. "It has been a few days since the unveiling of the play of the Queen, and the results of which-."
"Have been glorious! Such bloodshed, such horror, it was a beautiful cacophony of misery and horror that was unmatched in the war!"
The chained sighed.
"Of…course, you…would…enjoy…that."
"WE enjoyed it, it is in our nature. To cause misery, and to suffer upon humans, to make their every waking second in fear of us. The dreams we experienced, the tearing of their bodies, oh they made a piece of beautiful music from their flesh."
"It…was…immoral! It…was…not…its…intention."
"Not to mention," The politician spoke. "The unexpected deaths of a significant portion of the Atlesian elite renders the knowledge gathered by the shadowblades inert. The play harmed us in many ways and would take years before our capabilities to manipulate and influence the elite to reach pre-play levels."
"I agree," The Erudite spoke. "It was to subsume, not kill. My estimates guessed at potential deaths but after the showing of suicides. The mauling and bone masks were a factor that did not appear in the estimations."
"I…refused…to…allow…experiments…on…people."
"Even on those on Timeless Redemption?"
"...Even…them…though…I…understand…the…urge…to…experiment…their…lives…are…forfeit…however."
"Besides the point. The main function of the play has worked to its purpose. The dreams of those affected have allowed multiple meetings, some of which committed suicide, but the news has pointed to PTSD as the cause." The Erudite pulls out a book.
"We have obtained deep knowledge of the inner workings of the Atlesian Elite, and with data retrieved from Houyi, we now have proof of Atlas's experiments. The first is the Atlesian Knight 200 Model-A, it has a substantial intelligence upgrade compared to its predecessor and while less armored and designed to be more appealable. The schematics plucked from the minds of one of its investors show that it is capable of proper a "war form"."
"An attempt to improve the public image of warfare…I do remember the stir the 130 "squire" model caused around the world." The politician responded with a hint of admiration.
"The second experiment is the AK-290 "Paladin" Mobile Suit, a rather fearsome invention designed to serve as Atlas's powerhouse against the Grimm, armed with multiple missile launchers, collapsible fists, and dust cannons. It is capable of autonomous combat alongside Knight units and is a part of the "Automated Warfare" doctrine. Rather worrisome considering the harm it could inflict upon our kin's Shadowblades."
"The original plans of the project were slated to be released last year, however, Authur Watts, head scientist of the Atlesian Robotics Division, was killed during the prototype unveiling and reduced to a "pile of gore and blood" three years ago."
"It has to be stated that Arthur Watts was known to be very prideful, and before the incident, went on a rant about Pietro at a party. Publically calling him a "Senile, old blubbering troglodyte whose mere existence degrades the value of PhDs, who thinks that shoving the very essence of man into a tin can is worth more than a money laundering scheme". Before going on a tangent on his coworkers and investors, using a variety of words and insults involving squids, plants, Grimm, automata, and a cereal brand."
The Bloodthirsty gave an amused chuckle.
"He does have a way with words~."
The Erudite side-eyed The Bloodthirsty before continuing.
"Finally, we have Project P.E.N.N.Y…" The Erudite went silent.
The entire room went silent at mentioning Penny. The Queen takes a deep sigh, one filled with regret.
"Pray to tell…" She spoke in annoyance. "Why was there a CHILD at the Celestial Theater?"
Even the Nothing did speak, for the Play would not be suitable for children, Penny's existence was an enigma for the ancient individuals in the meeting.
"We…defilied…a…child."
"Not just a child…a creature of steel."
"How did Atlas create a cosmic mistake such as ourselves? Wouldn't a creature of steel create international intrigue or outcry from all of Remnant?" The Politician asked curiously.
"Atlesian technology is astonishing. Automata, shields made out of light, the librarians would have a field day examining them. Perhaps they found a way to duplicate the soul…or they have possessed a relic of the Old World, from the time when Luna hadn't waged her war, and when magic teemed the world like Grimm. Or they have discovered and exploited a source of Aetheric Moonstone. The powers of the Moon Shattering God could animate a machine…"
"You…are…ignoring…"
"That we have."
"Corrupted a child!" The Queen and Chained both shouted.
"THE CREATURE OF STEEL POSED AN INTEREST. WE SHALL DIVERT SOME RESOURCES INTO HER DISCOVERY, WE WERE CUT OFF THROUGH UNKNOWN MEANS WHEN WE WERE MAKING CONTACT."
The gaze of Nothing then fell upon The Chained.
"MORALITY IS A KEY FOR WHICH WE HAVE STAVED OFF THE WORST. WE DO NOT CARE FOR THE HUMANS, THEY LIVE AND DIE AS ALWAYS. IT IS THE CYCLE THAT SHALL ETERNALLY TURN. HOWEVER, THE DEFILEMENT OF A CHILD IS A MISTAKE THAT REQUIRES RECTIFICATION. WE SHALL PURSUE A MEANS OF A CURE FROM OUR CONTACT."
The Chained looked at The Nothing worried.
"Will…that…mean…"
"WE SHALL EXPERIMENT UPON THOSE UNDER TIMELESS REDEMPTION." The Nothing interrupted. "A NECESSARY EVIL REQUIRED FOR THE RETURN OF INNOCENCE."
The gaze then falls upon everyone.
"THIS MEETING HAS BEEN ENLIGHTENING, WE DID NOT ASK FOR A REPORT ON YGGDRASIL, AS THE SITUATION HAD STABILIZED TO THE POINT WHERE THE MONARCHY IS STILL SEEN AS STRONG. YOU ARE ALL DISMISSED. GLORY TO YGGDRASIL."
"Glory to Yggdrasil!" Everyone repeated. The four advisers turned to liquid darkness as always and left. However, The Queen and Nothing remained in the room.
"SHE HAS NOT BEEN FOUND."
"I know…"
"SHE IS A TRUE INHERITOR. SHE MUST BE FOUND AT ONCE."
"Remnant is vast, it's easy for a person to disappear among the untamed wilderness, and she can easily handle the hordes of Grimm."
"WE HAD HINDERED OURSELVES. YOUR LOVE HAD PROVEN TO BE A DETRIMENT. SHE IS USING WHAT WE TAUGHT AGAINST OURSELVES. OUR SERVANTS STILL STRUGGLE TO FIND HER. THE SEEDY UNDERBELLY OF MANTLE, THE DESERTS OF VACUO, THE WILDERNESS OF ANIMA, THE FORESTS OF VALE. THEY HAVE SEARCHED, AND FOUND NOTHING."
"Houyi mentioned a plan to uncover her within Anima, and Vacuo City was recently cleared-."
"IT IS NOT ENOUGH, WE DESIRE HER PRESENCE NOW!"
"I assure you, the Dusk Princess shall return to Yggdrasil, and all shall be right in the world once again."
"...DO BETTER."
The Nothing's presence left the room, and Lusus was all alone, besides the ever-present ticking. She takes a deep sigh before getting up from her chair and leaving the room.
Lusus walked the empty hallways before turning and opening a door. She enters a large drawing room, luxuriously decorated by high-quality furniture ordained with onyx, draped in fabrics of white and black. The moon shines brightly as Lusus walks to a chair in front of a window and sits down.
She looked at the full moon, occasionally looking at the glittering stars from time to time, it was relaxing. A bit of comfort from the stress of being Queen, or worrying about if Ruby was sold into slavery or maimed or…
She takes a deep breath, before exhaling. The more she focuses on her daughter, the more it would get worse for her. She once again focuses back on stargazing, admiring the enigmatic patterns that she can occasionally pinpoint as being the same as the ones in Luna Naturae.
A person is heard walking in her direction. She does not look but knows who it is. The person sits down in an unoccupied chair next to Lusus. They place down a cup of tea at the small table between them.
"Wonderful aren't they?" The person spoke, their voice was feminine, ancient, wise, and regal.
Lusus did not speak.
"If you are worried about the Dusk Princess," The sound of tea being sipped is heard. "I can assure you that your doubts are unfounded. To watch her grow from behind the curtains was a splendid experience."
Lusus again did not speak. The unknown person sighed.
"Tell me…what does your "daughter" mean to you?"
"W-what?" Lusus asked, almost insulted.
"What does Ruby mean to you, my lady?"
"She's my daughter, what do you insinuate by that!"
The companion calmly sips their tea.
"The child will usually enjoy the love of the parent, but for some, they will find no joy. Some exist due to mistakes and bring stress and abuse to their supposed sanctuary. Others exist solely to bring fame and fortune to their households, with their well-being only maintained so long as to either maintain appearance…or continue to satisfy their parental guardian's pride. And others are cursed to simply have a monster for a parent."
"Is Ruby a mistake, brought about through impulsion? Does she exist to bring you pride and uphold your standards…"
Lusus knows there was supposed to be more, but the companion is smart enough not to say it. It would be contradictory to its goals after all.
Monster, was she a monster?
"Yes! Yes! Monster, murderer, genocider, hypocrite, tyrant! KILL FOR PLEASURE! Killed for lies. Nonononononono mercy! Mercy, mercy mercy mercy, kill, kill, kill, kill, consume! Castigate to oblivion! Submit to the blade, you did this! Everything was lost because of you! No love, only hate! Bring suffering to this world, and MAKE THEM PAY FOR THEIR CRIMES! You brought nothing but death and destruction to Remnant, jump from the ruins of Twilight, and end your suffering once and for all… GIVE ME BACK MY CHILD!"
A discordant symphony of voices screams out in Lusus's head. It was overwhelming, the voices of the sins she had committed just…screeching in her head. She closes her eyes and grips the chair tightly, their words are deafening in her ears…until her mind focuses on Ruby. The voices get quiet and quieter as a memory played in her head. Lusus was looking at a mirror in her bedroom, and a young Ruby was playing with her hair and asking questions. She didn't say anything, but Lusus knows from her heart.
"Ruby…is my world. Everything feels so much more lively…when I'm with her. As if the passage of time slows down specifically so I can make her smile, so I can protect her, teach and comfort her. There's so much I want to say to her right now, and I wished she was here so I can apologize for my transgressions. It feels as though there was a piece missing from my ancient soul, and she was that piece."
The companion sipped her tea once again.
"I see. And your hallucinations, they have returned when she left?"
"Yes…"
"Hold on to your memories of the Dusk Princess, as fleeting as they may be. Your guilt, your urges, and your trauma are being overstimulated by the thought of any harm occurring to the Dusk Princess. Like a predator, it would seek to prey upon your mind and influence you to indulge in it, or it would seek to evolve through outside forces. A mind is a fickle person that holds contradictory ideas that can be detrimental to the shell that is the person. Your memories shall serve as a ward against these visions. Or if it's too much, the Fruit of Knowledge should be willing to burden tor troubles. Though I doubt it could handle a mind as old as yours."
"Hmmm…"
Lusus sighed. She was about to say something when the sound of multiple footsteps entered the room. The group quickly surround Lusus, though they did not come in front of her.
"Why is My Lady sad?"
"Is there a problem My Lady?"
"I don't like seeing My Lady sad…"
"Does My Lady desire to be pleased?"
Their voice was similar, ancient and feminine, but young. One of them bumped their head against her arm, and Lusus would raise her arm to have their head patted. They made relaxed sounds as their halo floated in Lusus's vision, she felt the hands of the others on her body, trying to relax her.
Lusus chuckled.
"Something you found amusing?" Her companion curiously asked.
"Oh nothing~, just a reminder of those Mistrali books that the Solar Raven is fond of reading. A very specific "trope" that Huginn likes to complain about, is present among them."
The companion finishes their tea before standing up.
"Well, the visage of the false moon shall dim within a few hours, you should sleep when you can, your mind will deteriorate otherwise. The signs of tiredness are present in your eyes. I also apologize for their actions, they are still young and haven't been taught properly. They should know better than to bother you."
"It's ok, some companionship is something I desire nowadays."
"May you have a peaceful, silent sleep. Come along now, your…Lady desires her solitude for now."
The group quickly left Lusus, and she was once again alone. She looked at the moon one last time before getting up and stretching, letting out a tired yawn.
"At least you're probably doing better than your mother, Ruby."
World Note: Like on the surface, Luna Naturae follows a "day-night cycle". However due to the perpetual twilight of the false night sky, "day" on Luna Naturae will be when the false moon dims and the sky becomes more vibrant with colors, illuminating the entire region. "Night" is when the false moon brightens and the sky darkens, stars are more easily seen without the nebula-esque haze of "day" blocking the view. Theories about the First Era Duskborn from librarians believed that the dominant religion of the era was Astrology and that draconic and divine worship would've been suppressed under the Blood Queen. While Moon and Monarch worship would've been retooled to serve the Blood Queen's interests.