and something grows.

[rosestolilies.livejournal.com]

[Wherever you are, so long as you're here already, a vine unfurls, and unfurls, and unfurls until it's holding a lifesize mirror. For a moment there's only darkness in it, and then someone steps out of the shadows and into view: a woman.]

You're here already! Isn't it wonderful? I hope it's wonderful. You see, I've been working so hard to make things right; there's still work to be done, of course, but I think it's good enough for now, don't you? I'm so happy to see you! All of you. It's been a long time...

Oh, oh, did I forget to introduce myself? I was so excited.

I'm...

[Her gaze goes distant, her expression misty and faraway.]

I am the Queen of Hearts.

You're going to love it here!

[Without further ado, the mirror curls back up.]

Comments

[moonmartyr.livejournal.com]

... They are. [ now that Himeko mentions it -- yes. It really is a gran garden. ] But I'm glad you're okay, Himeko.

[sunsanctuaried.livejournal.com]

Why wouldn't I be? [she just smiles happily, apparently not too bothered by the strangeness of the situation.] The Queen seems like a nice person, doesn't she?

[moonmartyr.livejournal.com]

[ ...yes, this is literally sunshine and daisies, Himeko, but that does not make it okay.

Although, voicing her true thoughts would make this -- well, upsetting Himeko is her last desire. Still. ]

Himeko, this is... very unusual, isn't it?

[sunsanctuaried.livejournal.com]

Unusual? Oh! You mean being brought here?

[she pauses, as if considering this for the very first time.]

You're right! Where is this, anyway?

[moonmartyr.livejournal.com]

[ ah, typical Himeko. ]

I ... I'm not sure. It's obviously a garden, but... [ She blinks, looking over at the vine. Her expression sharpens. ] She said she'd be working on it for a long time.

[sunsanctuaried.livejournal.com]

It does seem a bit strange, but a garden like this would take a lot of work.

You don't think... she could be a bad person, do you?

[moonmartyr.livejournal.com]

[ That is excatly what she thinks. ] She might be an Orochi.

[sunsanctuaried.livejournal.com]

...what's an Orochi?

[moonmartyr.livejournal.com]

[ ....what. Himeko. She leans in closer -- ] You know what they are, Himeko. The... bad guys. [ That is what... Himeko called them, after all. ]

[sunsanctuaried.livejournal.com]

Oh! [she nods, understanding... she must mean the Nine Days, right?] If she is one of them, we're in a little of trouble, aren't we?

[moonmartyr.livejournal.com]

Yes. And all these people, as well...

[sunsanctuaried.livejournal.com]

We have to find a way to help them then!

[moonmartyr.livejournal.com]

I agree. [ ... she looks Himeko up and down. Neither of them are prepared for battle. And how? Summon Ame-no-murakumo? That didn't work last time. And last time... well. ] We should make sure she isn't a decoy, for now.

[ ... In the end, she doesn't know what to do. ]

[sunsanctuaried.livejournal.com]

We should be careful. Don't do anything reckless, Chikane-chan. [she glances around the garden, getting caught up in admiring it again for a moment.]

Maybe we can just relax for now and wait to see what happens?

[moonmartyr.livejournal.com]

[ ... this isn't... normal for Himeko. ]

I... Yes, of course. That... might be best for now.

[sunsanctuaried.livejournal.com]

[She pauses, before staring at Chikane for a while. It's taken her a while to notice since she was just hoping that perhaps Chikane was finally acting more normal, but this shift is a bit too sudden...]

Um... are you alright, Chikane-chan? You aren't hurt or anything, are you?

[moonmartyr.livejournal.com]

I'm fine, Himeko. [ she blinks. ] Do I not seem alright?

[sunsanctuaried.livejournal.com]

No, you're doing just fine! In fact, you're doing very good!

[yeah, maybe Chikane-chan's finally just gotten her act together. She's acting more like nee-san than ever...]