Qlipoth Fort, the Great Guardian's Office.
The heavy atmosphere felt like solidified water, suffocatingly oppressive. Sunlight struggled through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, casting dim patches of light on the exquisite red carpet, yet failing to dispel the faint chill lingering in the room.
Bronya stood alone by the window, her silver-grey hair shimmering where the light caught it from behind. Her back was turned to Natasha, Seele, and Clara, her figure appearing particularly solitary and burdened.
After a long moment, she slowly turned around. A deep layer of exhaustion veiled her refined features. Only deep within her eyes did an unwavering determination remain.
"The situation... is as I've described." Bronya's lips parted, her voice low. Each word landed like a heavy pebble dropped into a calm lake, stirring ripples of unease in the hearts of the three women.
"The game, Aetherium Wars, has been contaminated by a substance called a 'meme'. The future of Belobog..." She paused, her gaze slowly sweeping over the three faces before her, each showing different emotions, finally resting on Seele's tense expression. Her tone grew heavier.
"Hangs by a thread!"
Natasha gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her ear, a subtle worry creasing her brow. She nodded slightly, her voice maintaining its usual calm rationality. "I understand. As a doctor, saving lives is my duty. If this is truly the only way to save Belobog, I have an undeniable responsibility."
Clara clutched the mug in her hands tightly, watching the steam rise from the hot drink within. Her small body seemed to curl inward slightly, her young face etched with unease and worry. She timidly raised her head, her clear eyes filled with confusion, her voice barely a whisper, "Big Sister Bronya, really... is this really the only way to save everyone? Clara's a little scared..."
Bronya walked over to Clara's side, leaned down, and gently stroked her soft white hair.
"Don't be afraid, Clara." She softened her voice, speaking gently, "I'll be right here with you. We'll face everything together. Besides, you really like Big Brother Daziel, don't you?"
Clara nodded slightly.
Seele remained silent throughout, her arms crossed over her chest, leaning against the cold wall. Her head was slightly bowed, bangs obscuring most of her face, making her expression unreadable. Only her tightly clenched fists and the slight tremor in her shoulders betrayed the turbulent waves crashing within her.
Suddenly, Seele snapped her head up. A sharp light flared in her previously dim eyes, staring straight at Bronya. Her voice trembled uncontrollably as she demanded, "So, Bronya, have you... and Daziel... already done that kind of thing?"
The question struck like lightning, shattering the stagnant air in the room. Everyone's attention focused on Bronya.
Natasha and Clara both showed surprise, looking towards Bronya simultaneously, their eyes full of questions, quietly awaiting her answer.
Bronya's body stiffened slightly. She didn't avoid Seele's accusatory gaze in the slightest and admitted frankly, "Yes. Daziel and I have already done that kind of thing."
She paused briefly, seemingly trying hard to calm the storm within her heart. "However, Daziel... he was very gentle. He didn't do anything more intimate, he just... used other parts. So, right now, I am actually still... intact."
As she said this, a rare blush touched Bronya's voice, and a faint pink spread across her fair cheeks. Even her breathing became slightly unnatural. She couldn't help but recall the events of that day, the embarrassing position, the slippery sensation on the soles of her feet... And those black silk stockings she wore last time, confiscated by Daziel...
"Damn it!" Seele slammed her fist violently against the wall behind her, the impact producing a dull thud. Her voice was thick with anger, unwillingness, and a trace... of barely perceptible bitterness. Complex emotions intertwined, threatening to completely overwhelm her.
Bronya watched Seele quietly, the emotions deep within her own eyes complex and hard to read. She could understand Seele's agitation and anger at this moment. Because between them, it wasn't just a superior-subordinate relationship forged in battle, but a bond between best friends who trusted and relied on each other.
During those days in the Underworld, it was Seele, with her determination and free spirit, who had brought hope to Bronya like the dawn's first light. And Bronya, with her courage and conviction, had fought alongside Seele, ultimately joining hands to save Belobog. On that cruel and freezing night, they became each other's strongest support, warmest solace.
Bronya knew well how much Seele cherished this bond between them. And now, a new threat had quietly descended, forcing them to face such... such an embarrassing and difficult-to-mention price.
Seele also understood in her heart that they would eventually grow up, have their own lives, find their own partners – it was an inevitable future. But what she couldn't accept was that Bronya had chosen to tell her about something so significant only now. It made her feel neglected by her best friend.
"This was my own choice, Seele. You... you don't need to be so angry." Bronya's voice held a faint tremor. She tried to soothe Seele's emotions, but it seemed weak and inadequate.
Seele took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down, forcefully suppressing the surging emotions back into the depths of her heart. She abruptly turned away, her back to Bronya, her voice low and repressed.
"I... I'm a bit messed up right now. Let me be alone for a while."
Before her voice faded, she strode quickly out of the office without looking back, leaving Bronya, Natasha, and Clara standing there alone, looking at each other.
Silence spread through the room, an invisible tide slowly drowning out all sound.
After a long while, Natasha was the first to break the silence. She looked at Bronya, her tone gentle but carrying a hint of gravity. "Bronya, have you... have you really decided? This... this is no small matter."
Bronya gave a bitter smile, her eyes filled with helplessness and exhaustion. "Natasha, you know very well, I have no choice. For Belobog, I must do this."
Clara also spoke up timidly, her young voice carrying a touch of resolve. "Big Sister Bronya, Clara... Clara is ready. Because Clara isn't a child anymore!"
Looking at the two before her, a warmth surged through Bronya's heart, dispelling some of the turmoil clouding her mind. In this battle, she was not alone.
Seele wandered aimlessly through the cold streets of Belobog. Without realizing it, she found herself outside the Golden Theater. The biting wind carried snowflakes, ruthlessly striking her face. The icy sensation calmed her agitated mood somewhat.
She leaned against the cold metal railing, overlooking the bustling Overworld of Belobog. Geomarrow heaters radiated a warm glow, like stars in the sky, beautiful yet distant. Although she was born in the harsh environment of the Underworld, originally separated from the Overworld by a chasm, this snow-covered frozen land was, after all, the home where she grew up, where she fought. It was the place she swore to protect!
Memories of her time with Bronya in the Underworld flooded her mind like a tide. Those days of fighting side-by-side, supporting each other, flashed continuously in her mind like carefully edited film clips, clear and vivid.
She knew perfectly well in her heart that Bronya made this choice solely to protect Belobog. She also understood that she should support Bronya without reservation, instead of being alone here, lost in thought, adding to her worries.
However, whenever she thought about Bronya having already... with Daziel... Her heart felt as if squeezed tightly by an invisible hand, sending waves of suffocating pain. That feeling, like watching her best friend being "ruined" in an unspeakable way by a man she had a decent impression of, filled her with uncontrollable anger and sadness.
She couldn't control her emotions right now. Various complex feelings rampaged through her chest, threatening to tear her apart completely.
"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" Seele pounded the cold railing again, strike after strike, as if trying to vent the pent-up frustration and unwillingness in her heart.
Just then, a familiar, gentle voice came softly from behind her.
"What's wrong? Hiding here sulking all by yourself?"
Seele spun around abruptly. Reflected in her eyes was Natasha's gentle face, tinged with concern.
"Natasha..." Seele's voice was a little hoarse, carrying a subtle choked sob.
Natasha slowly walked over to Seele's side, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her, gazing together at the Overworld dotted with heaters.
"I know you're feeling terrible." Natasha said softly, her tone gentle and full of understanding. "But Lady Bronya... she's doing this for all of us, for all of Belobog."
"I know..." Seele lowered her head, her eyes slightly red, her voice low and suppressed. "But, I just... I just..."
"Just what?" Natasha patiently prompted, her voice soft, like guiding a lost lamb.
"...Just feel unwilling!" Seele suddenly looked up, tears shimmering in her eyes, her voice filled with grievance and confusion. It was hard to imagine that the usually straightforward Seele had this side to her.
"I don't know why I feel so unwilling. Anyway, I just feel... awful inside, it's strange."
Natasha was silent for a moment, seemingly choosing her words carefully, before speaking slowly. "Seele, everyone can see the feelings between you and Lady Bronya. Your bond is deep and precious, irreplaceable by anyone."
"But, ultimately, you two are just friends. No matter how close friends are, they must stop at the boundary of friendship. There are some things beyond our control. All we can do is... try our best to do what we can."
Seele bit her lip tightly, almost drawing blood from the tender skin. She remained silent, the light in her eyes dimming.
Natasha continued, "I know you've always been the fearless Seele of Molten Rift, charging into the fray. But this time, what you need to do might not be swinging your scythe, but rather... standing behind Lady Bronya, supporting her in a different way."
"Support her?" Seele's voice held a trace of bitterness and confusion.
"Yes, support her." Natasha said firmly, her eyes filled with trust and encouragement. "Believe in her. Believe that she can make the right choice. Believe that she won't let Belobog be ravaged by that so-called meme."
"Because she is the Great Guardian of all Belobog. She carries everyone's hopes and future on her shoulders."
"..." Seele fell silent again, her lips pressed tightly together, gazing complexly into the distance. The struggle and conflict within her heart were like rolling tides, difficult to calm.
Time ticked by, second by second. The biting wind howled past, messing up her hair.
After a long while, she slowly raised her head and looked at Natasha. The light of hope rekindled in her eyes, like sunlight breaking through clouds, warm and firm.
"You're right, Natasha. I should trust her, support her."
"Mm." Natasha nodded, a relieved smile appearing. She patted Seele's shoulder and added, "Besides, think about it. Mr. Daziel is a righteous person. At the critical moment, he'll definitely exercise restraint. Between him and Lady Bronya, maybe... it's not as bad as you think." Natasha's tone was slightly joking, trying to lighten the mood.
Seele's mouth twitched, as if wanting to smile, but in the end, she just let out a soft snort. Much of the gloom in her eyes dispersed.
"Hmph, let's hope so," she muttered, her tone carrying a hint of reluctance, but mostly relief.
Natasha nodded slightly, a gratified curve lifting her lips. "This is the Seele I know. After all, I watched you grow up in Boulder Town. I know you best." She said softly, a subtle tenderness in her voice.
Seele took a deep breath, her chest expanding, then slowly exhaled the pent-up frustration. She slowly turned around, her gaze piercing through the biting wind towards the towering Qlipoth Fort not far away. Her eyes gradually became firm and gentle, like a flame quietly burning amidst the cold winter.
"Bronya, you can't hog this kind of thing all to yourself," Seele murmured her best friend's name in her heart, her voice low and powerful. "I'll be with you, protecting Belobog! If you can do it, why can't I?"
Qlipoth Fort. A solemn and dignified atmosphere enveloped the entire building. Especially in Bronya's office, a suffocating sense of oppression permeated the air.
Bronya sat alone behind the large desk. Piles of documents stacked high on the tabletop were like continuous mountain ranges, almost threatening to engulf her slender figure. Her delicate brows were knitted tightly, her exquisite face marked by fatigue. Faint bluish shadows were visible beneath her eyelids, clear signs of having worked continuously for a long time. She rubbed her temples, trying to dispel the waves of weariness washing over her, but with little effect.
Just then, a soft, rhythmic knock sounded on the heavy wooden door, exceptionally clear in the silent space.
"Come in." Bronya didn't raise her head, her voice calm and slightly hoarse, devoid of any emotional fluctuation, carrying only a faint weariness.
The heavy door hinges creaked lowly as the door slowly swung inward. Seele's figure appeared in the doorway.
Hearing the sound, Bronya finally looked up. When she saw it was Seele, a trace of surprise finally surfaced on her previously calm face, her cool eyes widening slightly.
"Seele? Why are you here?" Bronya's voice held a hint of confusion, a touch of surprise, and an imperceptible thread of joy.
Seele walked up to the desk. She gazed at Bronya, her clear eyes filled with sincere apology. The previous anger and confusion had vanished completely, replaced by deep self-reproach.
"I'm sorry, Bronya." Seele's voice was low and slightly hoarse, like morning mist. "Earlier... I shouldn't have lost my temper with you."
Seeing Seele's sincere eyes, Bronya's lips curved upward slightly into a gentle smile. "It's okay. I understand how you feel." Bronya said softly, her tone full of understanding and tolerance.
"No, you don't understand." Seele shook her head gently, her tone carrying a trace of annoyance, a touch of self-blame. "Just now... I was too selfish. I privately thought you shouldn't have told me something like this only now."
"I was only thinking about my own discomfort, without truly considering your feelings, your situation." Seele's voice gradually became clear and firm.
"Bronya, go ahead and do what you need to do." Seele looked up, meeting Bronya's eyes directly. "I will support you, in that... decision."
Although the slightly NSFW words swirled on the tip of her tongue, she paused slightly, ultimately choosing not to say them aloud. Even though, as an Underworld 'little delinquent', she could be said to have seen plenty of such things. But when it came to herself actually doing it, she couldn't help but feel shy.
Bronya looked steadily at Seele, a warm current instantly surging through her heart. The previous fatigue and pressure seemed to lessen considerably. She knew Seele finally truly understood her choice and had let go of her resentment. This was immense comfort and encouragement for her.
"Thank you, Seele." Bronya's voice choked slightly, her eyes welling up a little. This understanding and support were incredibly precious to her.
Seele walked over to Bronya's side, reached out her arms, and gently hugged her slightly cold body, offering silent comfort and support with her warm embrace.
"Together, we will protect Belobog." Seele's voice was soft yet firm. "My own body... is nothing compared to that." This sentence was the truest reflection of Seele's heart at that moment.
Bronya hugged Seele back tightly, her weary body seemingly revitalized.
Of course, best friends have to face things together, even if it means...
Using the same one!
___
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