Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Hmm…?”

Thelema looked around. She moved from her resting position, to standing, and stretched her limbs.

“What is this?”

She snapped her fingers, the sound echoing off of her surroundings. She was… home.

Her memories were clearly not in accord with the reality she now interfaced with. Without difficulty, nor friction, her body was her own, and she moved simply as she willed. 

She took command of the shadows, raising a servant…

No, she didn’t. She tried, but ultimately, as she reached into the shadows with her mind, they became inert. 

“Did they do it?”

She didn’t have any way of contacting anyone, and at the very least, her room was as she left it.

She sighed, scanning the room for a note or something of like kind.

No? Nothing? 

She opened the door of her room, and a faint smell in the air piqued her curiosity. Following it through several corridors, she eventually came to the likeliest culprit; the main kitchen. Who, or what, would she find there? She opened the door…

“Thelema-onee, good morning.”

Serapeum looked up for a brief moment; there she was, cooking in the Nutriscu estate main kitchen, and Tsavorae’s eyes were fixed on the pan.

Thelema began to puzzle things out; Tsavorae would not usually be found near here, nor idle. Serapeum… she didn’t often visit her at the estate, she was always at her library. 

Thelema surveyed the area once more, scanning the scene, “Good morning, little Sera, Tsavorae… what exactly is going on here?”

Tsavorae looked to Serapeum, and received a nod. She answered:

“You’ve been asleep for two days.”

“Hmm…” she accepted this explanation for the time being, “what happened to my pet?”

Serapeum answered for her this time, “Songque-nee is sleeping in today, but she will wake up soon. Lantern-nee, can you…?”

“Mm. I got it.”

Serapeum left the stove to Lantern’s supervision, taking the opportunity to walk over to Thelema. She hugged her, and murmured, “Serapeum didn’t want to stay alone in the library, so she came here, but Thelema-onee wasn’t waking up. Lantern-nee and Songque-nee stayed here with me. Was this okay?”

“Of course, my little Sera…” Thelema received her debrief in the softest voice; she held her close. Serapeum nodded into her shoulder, “is Thelema-onee feeling okay?”

“Quite,” Thelema whispered back, “it seems this body of mine required a touch more time to recover.”

Serapeum nodded, and seemed to let go of Thelema for a moment, but thinking better of it, she turned to kiss Thelema first. Thelema accepted her timid kiss, and hugged her a bit tighter. 

“Little Sera-chan, one has become bold…” Thelema murmured, only for Serapeum to timidly shake her head.

Changing the subject, she gestured towards Tsavorae, “Serapeum is teaching Lantern-nee to cook,” Serapeum let go of Thelema for real this time, and made her way back to the stove.

“Flip it like this…” Tsavorae murmured to herself and Serapeum proudly looked on.

Thelema headed back towards the door, and called out without turning around, “Where is little Que sleeping?”

Serapeum answered with some difficulty, “Um… ‘the first courtier's quarters?’”

“My thanks, little Sera.”

Thelema opened the door to the first courtier’s quarters and held aloft her attendant bell. She gave it the customary shake, and watched as Songque reflexively sat up.

“Whass… Thelema-sama…?”

She yawned and opened her eyes, only to see Thelema standing before her.

“Ah! Thelema-sama! You’re awake…!” Songque looked to be on the verge of tears, yet still bowed her head before her.

“Little Que, lift one’s head.”

Songque did so, and received a sharp flick to her forehead.

“Ow…”

“Now, rise.”

Songque rose from the bed and shuffled nervously in place. Thelema pulled her close, and hugged her tightly.

“Th-Thelema-sama?!”

Songque, froze in surprise, but cautiously hugged her back.

Thelema was silent for a moment, but eventually whispered, “Little Que, what was the cost for this… dream of ours?”

“D-dream? This isn’t a dream, but… it’s… well… master Baiji’s legacy.”

“One will regale me in full at a later time. For now…” Thelema stroked her hair, “one has not disappointed her mistress.”

“Ehehe… wait, what was the flick about, then?”

Thelema teased her with softly uttered words and even softer caresses, “your reward.”

Songque was red in the face, but she nodded, “right, um, you found Sera-chan and Lantern-nee?”

“One is correct, and now I shall return.”

Songque nodded, “right. I’m so happy that Thelema-sama is feeling well…”

“Little Que did well,” Thelema paused, watching her shift and shuffle her feet.

“…I did.” Songque’s demeanor was cracking as Thelema praised her, and perhaps without realizing it, held onto Thelema’s waist. 

“My my, little Que… one could ask for her mistress to stay by her side for a few moments longer.”

“…I couldn’t,” she murmured.

Thelema took a breath and sighed. She took a moment, then pushed Songque back down onto the bed.

“Hwaa—?!” 

Songque did not fall gracefully or composed in the least, and winded herself.

“Wh-Thel—” 

She was gagged immediately with Thelema’s glove stuffed into her mouth, then had her head tilted up by Thelema’s hand beneath her chin.

“My pet needs to be disciplined, does she not?” Thelema leered down into her eyes, and let go of her. Songque met her eyes, and nodded tearfully.

“Very well.”

Chapter Text

“Remember to conduct oneself properly from the outset, my little Que.”

A naked Songque clung to Thelema, something only made possible by being a good girl during her discipline session. She nodded while nuzzling Thelema’s neck, with an “mhm,” to cap it all off.

Thelema gently petted her hair for a few more quiet moments. Songque was still glowing red, so she wasn’t quite ready to see the others yet. Thelema kissed her one more time, and promptly left the room.

Songque let out a sigh and collapsed for a moment, soaking in the afterglow. Thelema’s words still rang in her ears; ‘Hide not your desires, for I will always see them as they are. Shame me not by neglecting my pet’s needs. My pets will always have care waiting for them, and to refuse or neglect it is to scorn me.’

Songque felt that Thelema had changed a little. She insisted on indulging her, and Songque was still grappling with this new reality and set of expectations that defied her previous experience handily. Perhaps it was because Thelema had dismissed her retinue before slumbering, and who of her closest remained but the Shus? 

Regardless, Songque knew that Thelema would deny anything of the sort, as well that she would look down on such speculation. She shook the thoughts from her head the best she could, instead electing to think about the gentle kisses and firm touches from Thelema mere moments ago.

She did find herself mildly resenting the fact that Serapeum and Lantern were the first to see her upon her awakening, but it was simply a matter of chance. She considered the previous night the prospects of sleeping alongside the otherwise comatose Thelema, but Serapeum wanted Songque with her anyway.

Songque straightened her back, and began dressing herself once again…

Lantern was always a little on edge when it came to Thelema. Not because of any particular singular experience, but because every interaction with her in the past was balanced on a knife’s edge. Thelema’s modus operandi often beheld of leveraging her debts and personal interests, despite the tacit mutual respect in one another’s ability. 

Lantern periodically found herself taking an expensive solution to a particular case, so Thelema’s resources seemed to make the situation go from a bleak and impossibly difficult to a meager manageable.

With these feelings, Lantern excused herself after finishing her food. She would dutifully acquire and deliver supplies for Serapeum’s sake, but as for the rest of her time, she might find herself idle.

Perhaps she might end up back at the estate to work anyway. She sighed to herself, the prospect was exhausting. 

But since she was always exhausted already, a little more exhaustion wouldn’t necessarily make any real difference, right…?

“Thelema-onee, will everyone be okay?”

Serapeum’s “everyone”… she was concerned for all of Langqiu. There was little purpose for Thelema to personally concern herself with each and every citizen’s hardship, but…

“They grew dependent on the shadows, but as you know, Oxia remains indebted to Langqiu. Perhaps all of Langqiu will find themselves dependent on the good graces of Oxia for a time. Perhaps the products of our old world materials will be favored over the constructs of ‘data,’ perhaps not. The pragmatism in the heart of that ‘Entropy’ is very interesting.”

Serapeum nodded from Thelema’s lap, “Entropy-nee is nice to me.”

“Of course, little Sera-chan will always be beloved by all~,” Thelema playfully planted several soft kisses upon Serapeum’s cheek, neck and collarbone.

She giggled as she received these, a tad ticklish, “hehe, Serapeum is feeling loved.”

The interaction was somewhat interrupted by Songque chiming in, “Sera-chan~ I love you lots too!”

When she caught Thelema’s gaze, she was a little surprised. She thought she might be admonished, but Thelema’s face held a small smile, and her eyes were quickly back upon the girl in her lap.

Serapeum’s next words caught her off guard, “Would Songque join the Union now?”

“Eh! But…” 

Songque’s gears were getting stuck in her head.

Thelema weighed in, “perhaps little Sera-chan is testing the depths of your love?”

Serapeum nodded with a somber expression, “I know that no one can join the Union now.”

“Ah! Well…” Songque couldn’t earnestly say that she would, but… “I would certainly consider it, for Sera-chan.”

Serapeum’s small smile belied her understanding, and Songque nervously smiled.

“Thank you, Songque-nee.”

Thelema pet the girl on her lap a few more times before making her own agenda known, “there is some accounting that I shall concern myself with, perhaps I shall yet hire servants.” 

She helped Serapeum off of her lap, but the smaller girl squeezed her hand, “Thelema-onee…”

“Yes, my dear?” 

She made a request in her soft voice, “Can you rest for today, not working? Serapeum is concerned…”

“Hmm? I feel quite well. But if little Sera-chan is missing me, and wants to spend today with her Thelema-onee, I shan’t disappoint her.”

Serapeum nodded and embraced the still sitting Thelema from her standing position. Songque let out a small gasp of surprise as she watched Serapeum steady herself by holding Thelema’s cheek, to then initiate a proper deep kiss that Thelema readily reciprocated. She felt herself blushing, seeing this from the pair, enough to exclaim “You two…!”

Thelema smiled at her, “Is there a problem, my little Que?”

Songque shook her head, “N-not at all, I’m just a little surprised.”

“Mmm.” Serapeum bashfully looked away, despite being the bold initiator just a few seconds prior. 

“A-anyway, I should go check in with some people on Amber Street. I’ll see you two later!” Songque fled, leaving the pair.

“What a silly one she is…” Thelema remarked, only once she was certainly out of earshot.

“Thelema-onee… will you play with Serapeum today?”

“Of course~”

Chapter Text

Serapeum was suddenly a little more shy, now that everyone else had left them. Thelema took her hand, squeezing it; Serapeum gave her small, gentle smile. 

“Sera-chan, shall you like to accompany me for a stroll?”

She nodded, and thus they took to the courtyard, which had been kept well by Thelema’s shadow servants. Rose hedges, potted lilies, and a dozen more flowering plants were in various stages of bloom.

“Thelema-onee, will you be able to care for all of the flowers?” Serapeum’s question broke the silence.

Thelema squeezed her hand, “I would like to, but we shall certainly need hands for hire… there are three gardens to tend on the estate.”

Serapeum nodded, and knelt to pick up a fallen flower bud from the walkway. She placed it on the soil, returning it to the earth.

She turned to smile at Thelema, “Serapeum would like to try tending a garden, if Thelema-onee thinks it is alright.”

“If one desires to do so, I shall teach her as I can,” Thelema helped her up, “if little Sera-chan has anything at all that she wants to do, anything at all that she needs… I will see to it.”

“Thank you, Thelema-onee…” Serapeum fondly reached for her cheek, “just now, your smile was very bright.”

Thelema held her smile and looked thoughtfully, “why, I wonder? Is it the delightful Sera-chan?”

“We—I like when Thelema-onee is smiling, so I will try my best.”

For a single moment, pain flashed across her face. She was strong, but the dissolution of her Union was a deep wound that would not heal quickly. 

Serapeum began to look away, and lowered her hand, but Thelema took both of her hands. She placed one back onto her cheek, and clasped the other. She said nothing, and Serapeum’s glassy eyes met her own again.

With the hand on Thelema’s cheek, she pulled her a little closer. Thelema bent the rest of the way, meeting her lips. 

Serapeum sought her, slipping her tongue past Thelema’s lips. 

Thelema indulged her, returning the kiss with her own.

For all humans, this was a type of ‘Union’ still within reach, no shadows required.

Hot tears streamed down Serapeum’s face, and Thelema gently wiped them away.

“Let us sit a moment,” Thelema took her by the hand to the courtyard’s viewing bench. Serapeum rested her head on Thelema’s shoulder, while Thelema held her close with both arms.

After a few minutes of quiet rest, Serapeum murmured, “Thank you, Thelema-onee.”

“Of course, my dear Sera-chan… you may stay by my side as long as you wish. One need not be alone,” she paused, choosing her words carefully, “if she deigns never to leave my side, I continue to hold my little Sera-chan forevermore.”

“Is it a promise…?”

“A vow.”

Serapeum murmured quietly, “if I hadn’t seen Thelema-onee’s thoughts, maybe it would be a little hard to believe that she means every word. But I know she does.”

“Little Sera-chan would take a peek from time to time, to ease her anxiety, wouldn’t she?”

She nodded and closed her eyes, “If I close my eyes, I can still see my Thelema-onee’s thoughts now. Her gentle heart is so very warm.”

Thelema smiled to herself; many would dare cry blasphemy. Yet the ones who had served her, the ones who had remained by her side, year after year, would doubtless hold the unquestionable belief that Thelema’s heart was always gentle. 

Serapeum opened her eyes, and straightened her back. She stood, but when Thelema made to join her, she gently shook her head. She put her knees down first, one on each side of Thelema, lowering herself into Thelema’s lap. Now, she could kiss Thelema willfully from above, and for a moment, she did so.

When Serapeum pulled away for a moment, Thelema reflected, “Sera-chan… I suppose you likewise yet remember as much; that end that we found together.”

Serapeum took a deep breath, and nodded “yes.”

“I thought as much today, since the very first time that our lips met. Oh how troublesome, that a symbol of love would dare remind us that this moment may not be ours to keep.”

“But Thelema-onee… did your dreams ever taste this sweet?”

As if to remind her, or perhaps to help her forget… she kissed her again, softly, gently. To allow the sweet taste of love to linger upon their lips.

The crease in Thelema’s brow seemed to drift away, “perhaps not.”

Chapter Text

“…”

Lantern stopped and turned around. She would take the long way around to the kitchen, after she spotted Serapeum and Thelema kissing in the courtyard. She didn’t want to intrude upon them.

Her mind wandered, when about was the last time she had experienced intimacy? …and nearly laughed at herself. 

‘Who do I think I am, anyway?’

She knew her role. It was to fight, not to love.

She found her way to the kitchen cellar, and stowed the rationed supplies from Oxia. It would be some time before Langqiu could subsist independently without the Fear Gathering. The farmland would be gradually reclaimed, fresh produce would be grown, and the vigor of life in Langqiu would return. At least, that was the hope. 

Oxia’s stores of food derived from ‘Source Matter’ didn’t seem unlike Fear Gathering to her, but what did she know? 

She remembered the offer from earlier…

Entropy was helping out with the distribution of supplies, and after a short greeting, seemed to recognize her listlessness.

“If you’d like, you could work with the Data Research Institute, guarding new Source Matter expeditions. Even if the Sea of Data’s beasts aren’t quite as dangerous as Langqiu’s shadow beasts, there is still a need for people who wish to take on the work.”

“I’ll think about it.”

Lantern hadn’t intended to think about it much, but…

“Okay. Most days, you’ll just need to head inside and ask for Chenxue… ah, you don’t have any trouble with her, do you?”

“…mmm. She was just doing her job.”

“Okay. Good luck!”

“I didn’t say I’d do it.”

Entropy smiled and waved, almost as if she hadn’t heard her. 

Right now, Lantern didn’t have anything to return to doing. At least, before Thelema awakened, she was tasked with keeping Serapeum company. Now…

She found herself heading back to the Anchor. Might as well inquire sooner rather than later. 

—

“Eh? It’s Lantern!” 

She turned to see Senadina at the Anchor.

“Yo.”

“Yo! Playing it cool, yeah? Oh, is everyone alright?”

This girl had too much energy.

“Probably.”

“Ehh! Weren’t you staying with Songque and Sera?”

She rolled her eyes, “yes. They are all fine.”

Senadina stepped a little closer, throwing her off-guard with her enthusiasm, “I’m glad. How about you?”

“Uh…”

She forgot how to answer, as she was fighting her combat instinct the entire time Senadina was pushing into her personal space.

“Hm?” Senadina smiled brightly, “You don’t need to hold back. I’m a great listener.”

“…I’m fine.”

“Ehh… if you say so. Oh!” Senadina seemed to remember something, “I have something for you! Where is it…”

She pulled apart the bag she was carrying, and eventually handed her a fistful of lollipops.

“You probably needed more, right? Since you can’t just use the shadows for them anymore. I found some! I hope they’re to your liking.”

“…thank you.”

Lantern found this surprisingly thoughtful, not just meddlesome. She pulled out her own bag and added them to her (as Senadina had thought, rapidly dwindling) stash of candies. She took one of her own lollipops out, and offered it to Senadina.

“Ooh! For me? I wasn’t expecting an exchange, but thank you!”

She shook her head, “Mmm. It’s still only one, for… however many this is.”

Senadina popped it into her mouth without delay, only to realize she needed to hold it for a moment to speak, “Yeah! Don’t worry, I can get more sometime. Or you can too, if you look for the sweets shop. But not the shop run by Miss Sweet. Hehe… bye bye!”

Senadina skipped away suddenly, lollipop in her mouth, humming to herself.

Lantern felt as though she had just weathered a storm… At least the storm brought her lollipops. Not so bad of a storm, after all.

—

She entered the building that Entropy had indicated, the Data Research Institute, and started wandering around. Eventually, she was approached by someone.

“E-excuse me, are you a Langqiu resident? You wouldn’t happen to be lost, would you? Can I help you get to where you need to be?”

“Mm. I was told to ask for Chenxue.”

The nervous aide seemed to sigh with relief; an easy enough solution had been presented, “Oh! Alright, I’ll see if I can call her. Just a moment.”

Lantern continued to wander around, finding herself in an exhibit area of some sort. There were various pieces of technology inside glass displays, of which she could only imagine what they did. The descriptions on placards, while readable, didn’t mean anything to her. 

She did eventually recognize one of them—the ‘pulse emitter’ that Entropy carried. She read its description, finding out that it was a ‘non-lethal weapon for self-defense.’ Her interest evaporated.

“Looking for a new toy?”

Chenxue spoke to her suddenly from behind, as if she had always been there.

“Nope.”

Lantern shook her head without turning, still idly looking into the display. Chenxue walked up beside her.

“I suppose a non-lethal weapon would sound pointless to you. We certainly have the ability to modify one to your tastes, though.”

“It’s fine. I was told that you might have work for me.”

Chenxue’s answer was almost disinterested in tone, “Yeah, I heard that Entropy made that offer. I had to check and see what the schedule was like, but she was right. We could use a capable fighter like you to keep our teams safe in the areas we haven’t secured. It might be boring, though.”

“It’s fine. Do I get paid?”

“Of course.”

Lantern thought aloud for a moment, “What could I even buy in Oxia to take back to Langqiu?”

“That’s up to you. Professionally, I can only offer you a job, not a reason to do it.”

“What about personally?”

Chenxue looked at Lantern, a mysterious smile on her face.

“Hmm… some new, stylish clothes, maybe a bit of light make-up, a few luxurious accessories. You’ve got the face and figure, so turn some heads. Enjoy life with a partner or three.”

“Huh?”

Lantern was completely taken aback. She had no idea how to respond.

Chenxue repeated herself, “So, professionally, I can only offer you a job, not a reason to do it.”

“Right.”

Chapter Text

The gang was free for lunch, so Entropy took lunch at Ms. Sweet’s restaurant with Helia, Coralie, and Chenxue.

Chenxue broke the ice, “Has everyone been able to find time to relax? You went through quite a lot in no time at all.”

Helia jabbed Coralie, “Honestly, Coralie might be relaxing too much. I don’t know if she has even moved since we got back.”

“It’s fine. I still move when I need to. Speaking of which, I certainly had to move for us to—“

Helia cupped her hand over Coralie’s mouth to interrupt her, “Ahhh, you’re right. My bad. We can leave it at that.”

Senadina looked blankly between them, wondering what that was about.

Chenxue nodded to herself, “Ah, so it’s like that.”

Senadina was still lost.

“Chenxue-neesan, you picked up on what they’re talking about?”

She simply smiled back at Senadina.

Senadina remembered something else, “Oh, I met Lantern!”

Entropy nodded, “Me too.”

Chenxue nodded, “Same.”

Senadina was indignant of having her thunder stolen and pouted, getting a laugh out of the rest. 

“Does that mean Lantern was on this side of the Anchor?,” asked Helia, receiving another nod from Entropy.

“Chenxue-neesan, if you saw her, she must’ve followed up on my offer?”

“Yeah, she came looking for work. I had a chance to chat with her.”

Senadina interjected, “We exchanged lollipops!”

“She does have a sweet tooth, yeah,” Entropy took Senadina’s hand in an attempt to rein in her excitement.

“Oh? Interesting. Very interesting.” 

“It’s a little concerning that Chenxue-neesan is finding that interesting,” Entropy explained to the foreign pair, “she can be a bit aggressive in her curiosity.”
Chenxue seemed to find this a particularly novel piece of information.

“A true scholar,” Coralie nodded in understanding.

“Can you elaborate?” Helia turned to Coralie.

“No. Sorry, Princess.”

—

“Songque-nee, how is everyone?”

Songque arrived back at the Nutriscu estate, and Serapeum chatted with her in the dining hall. 

“Oh, on Amber Street? It’s going well. I think everyone is trying to do their best, even though it’s a little harder to get used to relying on Oxia for now.”

“I hope it gets easier for everybody soon.”

“It will! What did Sera-chan do today?”

Songque only remembered why she had left in a hurry that morning after she asked, and she tried to backtrack, “Ah, you don’t need to tell me anything you don’t want to.”

“I don’t mind,” Serapeum shook her head, “Thelema-onee spent time with me in the garden.”

Songque brightened up, “Ah, like a date?” 

“Is it a date if we kissed lots?”

“Well, you don’t need to…” Songque knew that Thelema always had a soft spot for Serapeum, but since dealing with the backlash from their false Zodiac Astral Ring fragments, they had seemingly become nigh-inseparable.

Songque bit her lip, and idly pressed her pointer fingers together, “Thelema-sama is treating you well?”

Serapeum shyly nodded with a smile on her face. Songque knew that this was love.

“Ah, it’s so…! You’re too cute when you’re thinking about Thelema-sama, Sera-chan.”

She was a little surprised by this outburst from Songque, but kept her smile nonetheless.

Chapter Text

For Lantern, her first assignment was rather uneventful. The Data Research Institute had sent the requisite surveyors and field engineers to quickly secure a potential Source Matter site, and Lantern was their guard.

A few curious data anomaly monsters had taken an interest in the group, but Lantern’s shots dispatched them with ease before anyone was remotely endangered. 

‘Did they really need me for this…?’

Lantern had her doubts, but the staff seemed grateful for her presence. The expedition was completed after four hours, and she was done until the next day’s expedition.

“Good work out there.”

Chenxue greeted her, tossing a candy to her. Lantern caught it, and raised her brow.

“Do you normally throw candy at employees?”

“Yes. Ask Entropy if you feel the need.”

“I’m good. Thanks.”

Lantern raised a hand as she left towards the lobby and exit. Once outside, she examined the candy before tasting it.

‘Sweet...’

—

Lantern headed back to the library; she promised Serapeum that she would keep an eye on it. Not only that, but she had a room on the first floor, tucked away in a corner. It was as much her home as anywhere else; she had a stash of supplies and scant few personal effects. 

“Oi. Any trespassers?”

She called out to the presumably empty halls of the library. She would do a round, just in case.

There weren’t any signs of recent activity as she swept through the first floor, nor the second. She checked Serapeum’s room—grabbing the stack of books that she had requested. She made her way back down and into her room; it remained undisturbed.

When she had first entered, she almost hoped that there were some troublemakers holed up in the library for her to flush out. She headed back out the way she came in, locking the doors in the process. 

Perhaps the library would open back up to the public soon. Perhaps not. It wasn’t for her to decide.

‘Back to the Nutriscu estate, huh…’

Another walk preceded her, the mild dusk at her back.

Was there a point in her life that she had wished for this?— and was this really the life that everyone else wished for? She couldn’t remember, and she didn’t know.

—

Serapeum was alone in the study. She had claimed it as her own place in the Nutriscu estate.

“Yo.”

Lantern announced her arrival with a soft knock and a greeting.

“Lantern-nee, welcome back.”

Serapeum stood from the desk, and made her way over. Lantern set the stack of books on a table. 

“Um… was there any trouble?”

“Not at all.”

“Okay. Thank you.” Serapeum found her way to her side and gave her a small hug.

“It’s nothing. Need anything else?”

Serapeum shook her head. 

“Okay. I’ll be back around in the morning.”

Serapeum waved farewell and Lantern wandered off. 

—

For Lantern, the following days followed a rather uneventful routine. The expeditions remained a task that she could handle with ease, but one day, she had only a short check-in. The expedition had been canceled.

“Hey. Come with me for lunch out.”

She wasn’t sure if this was a casual request, or an order from Chenxue, who had defied social conventions before, and she didn’t seem likely to follow them now.

“Are you paying?”

“Yeah.”

“Fine by me.”

She walked with her to the nearby cafe, which seemed to have a sort of ongoing event featuring samplers of a dozen different cakes.

They were seated and Chenxue ordered for both of them.

Lantern looked over the promotional ad wearily.

Chenxue spied her weary gaze, or at least, presumed as much.

“You like sweets, don’t you? Or is there another problem?”

“I do, but this is a lot of cake.” She pointed at the ad. 

“It sure is.”

“Is it expensive?”

Chenxue shook her head, “Not at all. And, I’m paying, so you don’t have to worry about it anyway.”

“I see.”

She loosened her tie, habitually.

Chenxue endeavored to do the impossible and struck up a conversation, “How are you liking Oxia?”

“It’s strange. But so is Langqiu.”

“Oh? How so?”

Lantern took a moment to think about her answer.

“Langqiu doesn’t feel like the place I knew anymore. Oxia doesn’t feel real.”

“I understand. Places change, especially with the shadow calamity. People change too. The fabric of society here is spun from threads that you haven’t seen before, so you’re a bit lost. The world has moved past the days that Miss Lantern, or Miss Tsavorae of the Lantern Organization, was needed on the front lines of the fight. Am I right so far?”

Lantern didn’t, couldn’t answer immediately, as a tray of small cakes arrived before each of them. She observed Chenxue’s technique in plating and eating and followed suit.

After a few minutes, Lantern spoke up, “you’re not wrong.”

“Here’s an easier one: how’s the cake?”

Lantern plated a second piece, and took a bite.

“If they’re all like the first two… good. Very good.”

She seemed to glow as she helped herself to another forkful. Not literally, for now.

“Good.”

Chenxue watched Lantern as she ate—her gaze went unnoticed in the time that Lantern dismantled and devoured two more cakes. She did eventually notice.

“Um, can I help you?”

Lantern had a few pieces of whipped topping on her cheek, and Chenxue could only smile.

“I was wondering how long it would be before you caught me. I’m simply enjoying the show.”

Lantern was unsure how to take this, and her silence almost declared her unease, so Chenxue elaborated.

“Don’t take it too personally. I just happen to make it a hobby of mine to watch cute girls enjoying themselves.”

Lantern ate another cake, and took a small break for water. She wasn’t sure what to make of Chenxue, but…

“I don’t mind. The cake is very good.”

“Good. I’ll invite you again sometime.”

“If you insist.”

“I do. Look here, for a moment.”

Chenxue licked a finger and used it to wipe the whipped topping from Lantern’s face, only to eat it thereafter.

“Thanks.”

“Mhm.”

—

Lantern had grown accustomed to using the wireless communication device as part of her job, communicating with the expedition leads, but she noticed a new message from somebody else. It was clear who.

“Thanks for the treat today.🍰”

“I should be thanking you. Thanks.”

She soon crashed into an early slumber, her stomach filled with sugar and honey. Not a bad day…

—

Chapter Text

“Little Que, what did one have planned today?”

Songque was serving an early breakfast to Thelema when she was asked this.

“Um… nothing important.”

“Is that so? I have finished reviewing the estate’s affairs, and would like to hire capable hands. One will find suitable candidates on my behalf. An experienced head maid, two studies under her, and two groundskeepers.“

Thelema pulled an envelope for Songque handing it to her,

“Once the estate grounds are well-kempt, I will consider others. The salaries and benefits are outlined inside. Schedule interviews immediately, from tomorrow.”

Songque opened the envelope and reviewed the terms, “it shouldn’t be too difficult to find people… but Thelema-sama?”

“Hmm?”

“I have two questions. Will I need to vacate the first courtier’s quarters? And… were you thinking of me being eligible as the head maid?”

Thelema looked exhausted as Songque finished her questions.

“Little Que. Yes, vacate the first courtier’s quarters. One may choose; leave the estate, or, have your choice of the chamberlain suite or the bedchambers. I will not answer your second question.”

“Okay. I will consider it… wait, what? Are there bedchambers other than the master’s…? And are you sure? The chamberlain suite is the second biggest, right?”

Thelema stared at her in pity, remaining silent.

“Um… Thelema-sama…?”

“My poor little Que… owing to one’s confusion, I am withdrawing my offer of the chamberlain suite. I expect one to be able to find the bedchamber from where she stands.”

Songque stood silently for a moment, trying to remember the estate map.

“From where I stand…?” Songque looked out the large window; her view was of the garden, and little else.

“…take three steps back, then turn ninety degrees clockwise.”

She watched as Songque followed these instructions, looked blankly onward, only to immediately exclaim, “oh!”

She thought for a moment that Songque had figured things out. out. Unfortunately, she had not.

“Wait, where will you be staying, Thelema-sama?”

“…perhaps I have grown overly fatigued. Surely my little Que wouldn’t struggle to understand if I hadn’t failed to articulate my will.”

“Huh…?”

“…come closer, dear.”

Songque hesitantly approached her.

“Closer.”

Songque was at her side, and Thelema pulled her ear, leaning in to whisper.

“Best remember where one belongs, pet. Know one’s place and give all one's body and soul.”

“…y-yes, Thelema-sama.”

Thelema sat back upright, “tonight, return just after dusk, posthaste.”

—

During the late afternoon, Thelema carefully swirled a glass of wine before sipping from it. She spoke to the one that she held beside her.

“Little Sera-chan, does one find this a pleasing respite?”

“Yes.”

They sat on the balcony that best served the garden, sharing some baked sweets that Serapeum had prepared. Rather than the bench at ground level, this balcony had a high-backed chair and a side table for them to share.

“Thelema-onee.”

“My little Sera-chan?”

“May I?” Her hand crept to Thelema’s holding the glass of wine.

“A sip to taste, then.”

Thelema relinquished the glass to her, and Serapeum carefully took a sip before giving it back to Thelema. 

“Bitter. And sweet.”

“Not to one’s liking?”

Serapeum shook her head, “I’m not sure.”

“Perhaps I will find something more to  one’s taste for us to partake in together. Old wisdom is that it is best to keep consumption to a minimum as a young lady, but I will not stop one from doing as she pleases.”

Serapeum poked her cheek, “Thelema-onee, aren’t you a young lady?”

“Why if I beheld all old wisdom, I would be long dead and deposed.”

Serapeum nodded, and took the glass from Thelema again. She tried another sip, and set it on the side table.

Thelema pinched Serapeum’s cheek, “Oh? Has one decided that I’ve had enough?”

Serapeum shook her head again, and cuddled up to her, prefacing her words with a mild pout, “Thelema-onee doesn’t hold me or kiss me when she has a glass.”

“My, this must be remedied… pray forgive me, Sera-chan?”

Thelema pulled her into a kiss; of course, later, Serapeum gave her forgiveness.

However, later is then and this is now. Serapeum’s whim was to be kissed. Serapeum pushed herself closer and felt Thelema’s breath on her lips, and took Thelema’s hand into her own.

“Thelema-onee…”

She was already flushed from the gentle exchange, but this wasn’t nearly enough. She pulled Thelema’s hand down, between her legs.

“Good girl,” Thelema murmured, “Sera-chan knows what she wants.”

Thelema’s still-gloved hand began to wet; she considered trying to remove the lace but Serapeum didn’t seem interested in allowing this. She was holding Thelema’s wrist still, angling herself onto her fingers. After a moment, it was clear that Serapeum was satisfied with the position she settled on, as she let Thelema’s gentle rhythm take the lead amidst a gentle moan. 

Serapeum’s gentle breath turned ragged, and she hungrily kissed Thelema. 

Thelema indulged her, giving in to all that Serapeum desired. 

Her tongue, for Serapeum to nibble;

Her arms, for Serapeum to lean into;

Her thighs, for Serapeum to straddle;

Her fingers, for Serapeum to rub herself against;

And finally, her ears, for Serapeum’s word: “more.”

It wasn’t clear to either of them, ultimately, from where this new hedonistic proclivity stemmed; perhaps it is simply a means to fill the heart’s gaping hole. Perhaps it was born of a desire to become closer to bear Domination, to share the burden of sin, or perhaps all of these reasons and more coalesced into this particular form of ‘desire.’

If Serapeum now sought Pleasure, Thelema sought Union, and thus they would try, struggle, and fail to collide once more, never to truly again be that consummate whole.

Even so, climax was a more candid affair, and Serapeum slowed herself to a stop. She rose a little to slide the pulled down panties off the rest of the way, and Thelema deftly rose to carry her inside.

She lightly protested in an airy breath, “Thelema-onee, you didn’t need to carry Serapeum…”

“I will relish the opportunity, my dear little Sera-chan, for the times you carried me still ring in my heart.”

Serapeum smiled fondly, the warm afterglow and warm memories melding into one. 

—

Chapter Text

Entropy was becoming more familiar with the streets of Langqiu by the day; her temporary role was to deliver food rations to those who didn’t have the ability to travel for them. 

Oxia’s sudden increase in food production to compensate for feeding Langqiu was met with the typical growing pains; transportation and storage needed to be scaled up too. Until the more efficient local distribution centers with delivery staff were set-up, they needed part-time help to fill the gaps.

“Thank you dear.”

“Of course. I’ll be back in a few days. Stay well.”

She finished her delivery for the grandmother with a bad back, and stretched her own limbs once she had stepped back into the sun. 

As she made her way back to pick up another delivery, she saw Lantern walking in the same direction. Noticing one another was inevitable at this rate, so she called out to her.

“Hey, Tsavorae-senpai.”

Lantern turned around with a mildly confused look on her face, wondering who was calling her, though her expression changed when her eyes met Entropy’s.

“Oh. It’s you. Hey.”

“Entropy.”

“I remember.”

“Right. Sorry, I just called out because I thought it might be rude not to, if we’re headed in the same direction.”

“Mmm. Actually, this is convenient. You know how to use one of these things?”

Lantern pulled out an Oxia-made smartphone.

Entropy nodded in surprise, “Oh, yeah. Did you need help with something?”

“I’m supposed to be able to have my job schedule, but it isn’t showing up.”

“Ah, are you working with the Data Research Institute? Probably… just need to make sure that you give the DRI App permission to modify your Calendar App.”

Lantern’s eyes glazed over to Entropy’s explanation, and instead, she held the phone out.

“Show me.”

“Of course. Let’s see…”

Just as Entropy thought, the error was simple, but for someone who didn’t have experience with such devices, it was simply impenetrable. She fixed the permissions and checked the Calendar App.

“Looks like it’s good now. Thank you.”

“No problem at all.”

Lantern pulled a familiar candy from her pocket, “here.”

Entropy accepted the gift in a straightforward manner, “Thanks.”

She did laugh to herself in her head, though; she had now received Chenxue’s candy indirectly, which felt like a hidden video game achievement.

Lantern started walking with her towards the Anchor, “Oxia technology is complicated. Good, though. I don’t have to remember the schedule now.”

Entropy nodded, “Many small conveniences add up to more time to spend on more important things.”

Lantern’s voice was flat, “I could use less time.”

Entropy gave a small chuckle of understanding, “Ah. I suppose you’re still in the state of mind to fight all the time?”

Lantern shrugged, “Somewhat. I still didn’t like being idle, before fighting. Now, I’m helping with deliveries when I’m not working as a DRI expedition guard. Still, deliveries finish by the afternoon.”

“Forgive me, but… are you perhaps open to suggestions?”

“Shoot.”

“You could study in Oxia and pick up some new skills, or maybe start a hobby? The Data Research Institute has virtual courses available on basically every subject you could think of.”

“Mmm. I had to tinker with the Lantern Organization tools a lot without understanding them at all, ‘cause no one who was left alive knew how they worked. If I can make better tools for everyone to use, maybe they will be safer next time.”

Lantern at least seemed determined enough to pursue *something*.

“That’s a good place to start.”

The pair arrived at the Anchor and bid farewell, with some new thoughts on their minds. 

—

“Gold?”

Songque nodded, “Yeah. Is there a demand for it…?”

Entropy considered that the Source Matter yields for gold were likely quite low, but didn’t know how this interfaced with the economy in Oxia.

“Let’s ask Chenxue…”

Entropy sent a message to Chenxue, ‘would Langqiu residents with gold be able to sell it in Oxia today?’

She received a call shortly thereafter, and put Chenxue on speaker, “Entropy, who is asking?”

“It’s Songque asking on behalf of Thelema Nutriscu.”

“Right. Gold is mostly used in electronics, gold jewelery is less desirable than it was 100 years ago… is it pure gold bullion?”

Songque spoke up, “like, bars?”

“Yes.”

“I think she has it in bars and coins. She wants to hire people to work the estate.”

Chenxue took a moment to answer, “let’s see… typical wages are likely a kilogram of gold per person per year.”

Songque nodded along, “…oh?”

“Our gold market is less than a hundred kilograms per year, mind you. Almost all of it is Source Matter, not reclaimed. A contract with the DRI that pays out credits over time would let her pay salary without upending the market.”

Songque was at a loss, “Chenxue, do you know everything?”

Her gentle mischievous laughter filled the air, “Hehe. As much as I’d like you to fawn over me, I don’t. I do have the ability to look everything up. You could say that knowing how a library is organized has a similar effect—I don’t know answers so much as I know where to find them.”

Entropy elaborated, “Oxia has become very good at storing information. Not everyone is as skilled as Chenxue in finding and applying the information as knowledge, though.”

Songque nodded along, “I think I get it.”

“Hehe. Now, both of you are sweet-talking me? I better go before it gets to my head. Bye bye.”

Chenxue was off the call as quickly as she had come on.

“She’s so dependable,” Songque shrugged, “I’ll head back early and see if we can get things sorted out. Thanks for the help!”

“No problem.”

Entropy waved as Songque departed from their brief meeting at the cafe. A few minutes later, Senadina arrived.

“Oh no! Did I miss Songque?” She was clearly disappointed.

Entropy patted her dejected head, “Haha, yeah. She drank her coffee, we chatted, I called Chenxue for information to help her out, and then she left to go take care of things.”

Senadina sighed, “I was totally going to come straight here, but!” she suddenly perked up, “Listen! I found Helia playing with the street cats!”

“Oh?” Entropy listened attentively.

“She left after I tried to talk to her. Ah, maybe because it was a little embarrassing?”

“Was she talking to them?”

“Yeah! In a normal way.”

Entropy laughed, “What’s a ‘normal way,’ exactly?”

Senadina pawed the air, “You know, like… nyaa?”

Entropy nodded with a smirk, “quite normal, I say.”

“Right?”

—