A week had passed since Frost’s visit to the Golden Index. A Talon was given to Sana and Aster was formally invited to join them on the Floor of Amalgamation if she so wished. Stella was allowed to come along, but the two refused for the moment.

The was so much more Aster wanted to see of the world, and lost time to make up with Stella in their home that nurtured them. Revy was also given the opportunity to ascend, but like them, she also wanted to stick around until at least she believed she was ready.

Frost prepared, beginning by ordering the construction of additional homes. Anna and Ignis were mostly in charge of the urban developments on her Floor. A village not too far away from their manor was under construction. Skeletons of homes were built every day by the kind Ignis, aided by the Moons.

She was a busy person. Ignis juggled between studying physiology with Frost, as well as frequenting H10 to fix Carpalis’ hand. While her efforts were mostly fruitless, her levels in Gene Expression had risen a decent amount. It was only a matter of time before Ignis would reach a breakthrough.

Meanwhile, Ignis was also responsible for designing her very own Atelier Item. These, however, were not created using the blueprints of the Retrofitters. They were proposed as mass produced items that would be given only to the White Doves who were incapable of defending themselves.

These items would come in the form of various shapes and sizes. Some as daggers, backpacks, belts, or even pins. Ignis took the opportunity to spice up her apparel, now wearing a fuzzy mantle with a badge that clipped it above her chest. The badge was redder than her hair, appearing like a mound of flesh with skeletal fingers mimicking the legs of a spider.

A single, crimson eye sat in the center of the badge, never blinking as it rolled and stared at simple stimuli. This eye was the result of Frost’s teachings, as well as her proficiency in Gene Expression.

However, the eye could not see anything beyond a dark blur. It was an incredible feat all things considered, and it made the dream of healing those with disabilities from birth a reality now.

Ignis smiled to herself, humming a pleasant tune as she continued laying down the foundations for the Moons. She took pride in her work and was happy that she could do something that not even Frost could.

Her scary gaze disappeared in these sweet moments.

“The Moons like her, huh.” Cer hummed, trying to stir her sister up.

She stood beside Ber at a place where a fountain was planned to be installed, right in the middle of the village of Moons. ‘Moon Village’ is what they unanimously decided to call it.

“Not closer than me, that’s for sure. Hah! Finally. The world’s starting to appreciate Ignis!” Ber was just happy to see Ignis in her element.

She was so young and yet she took on a leadership role and strode further than even veterans could. With Moons no less.

“Funny how Moons get along with people when they’re told to get along. Mission first, emotions last.” Cer said, keenly observing the scenery. “Heh. Can’t go showing this side to the world. Seeing a Moon get emotional makes us look weak.”

“Half-half.” Ber shrugged. “I stopped caring after I Corrupted. Maintaining face at this level is a given. Not for you though.”

“That’s my phase of the moon. Nothing I can I do about it.” Cer smugly said, pointing her thumb at her chest. “Gotta be proud to be a Moon. No compromises. But that doesn’t mean we can be cast aside like we’re scraps. Gotta give Frost some credit for treating us right. You think that’s enough to offset that dumb decision she made?”

“Dunno. Letting people Corrupt is so stupid.” Ber sighed, but she couldn’t really judge Frost because in the end, the alternative was worse.

“Right!? Frost isn’t always right. If it were up to me, I’d just go ‘whack’, ‘zap’, ‘boom’ on the Beholders and call it day. Like they can do anything about it. Let them give us the Nex they take. Why the hell do we need to make compromises for them!?”

Cer was not the only one bothered by Frost’s decision. There was a divide amongst the Moons and Stars regarding her stance on allowing Oboros Infinitas to churn people into Corrupted. Their sole purpose was to rid the world of this evil, but now they knew that their efforts were futile.

Ateliers slept with the Corrupted. They even housed them, whereas Moons were left to rot on their own. Frustration did not do the wrenching in their hearts justice.

“It’s a stop-gap measure until we find a way to make Nex without going to these insane lengths.” Res suddenly spoke, joining them as she brought along a rose. “Are you two just going to stand here playing guard or are you actually going to help? Ber, you were supposed to start cooking an hour ago.”

Res complained, glaring at the two as she brushed a thumb against the thorns of the rose, adding:

“They’re still under the effects of Serum G. They’re not going to complain, so someone has to speak for them. Don’t neglect them.” A warning was given to the two.

“We’re on our mandated break.” Cer barked as Ber nodded furiously.

“How about we mandate breaking your legs?” Res sharply retorted.

“So I can get eaten? Sign me right up!” Cer shouted out loud, causing several Moons to look over at her like she was insane.

Ber’s nodding instantly shifted to head shakes.

“Anway, listen. Don’t get so serious. We’re not children anymore.” Cer then brushed Res off, sighing. “Look … don’t think that we’re children. For your sake. Dial up the filters if we’re bothering you.”

Cer then tapped her eye, making Res grumble.

“Not necessary. It’s tuned perfectly. I’m not changing what’s been working for the last thirty years.”

Indeed. Res had been wearing her Atelier Item for as long as she could remember. The lenses were her eyes in every sense of the word.

It was a part of her. Res became defensive all of a sudden at the mention of her sight as she fiddled with the rose.

“What about damages? It’s been a while since you got a checkup.” Ber reminded her, looking down at the rose in Res’s hand before patting her back with her tail. “Wait, but there’s no more Retrofitters. How about this – Let’s get Frost to strongarm ImpulseWorks and send out an Impulse Artificer or something!”

“Now you’re thinking!” Cer shrewdly chuckled. “Heh. We do a little invoking of our power, and bang – we get anything we want. So – Are you getting a checkup before the Blooming or what, Sis?”

“The fact that I know this is a rose is enough.” Res adamantly stated. “… it’s this time of the year again. I hate you two for being so persistent.” She growled, right before her eyes widened, almost in terror. “No – I mean –! I didn’t mean to –!”

“It’s ok, Res. I’m sorry for being mean.” Cer embraced her first, nuzzling her face into her neck. “… the Blooming’s coming soon. I was just worried about you because this is the first time we’re bringing someone to meet ‘her’.”

“You can’t hate us. You love us too much. None of us are going to Corrupt from something as small as being told we’re hated. Besides!” Ber embraced them both like an older sister watching over her siblings. “I’ve already forgiven you~!”

“Yeah… Mmn.” Res melted into their embrace, finding renewed strength.

It had been a while since they huddled like this. It used to be so much more common until they crossed paths with Frost. Not that it was a bad thing. It just meant that they were slowly getting over the trauma that chained them down.

Res held out the rose and fondly smiled.

“I think she’ll love this. Mother loved red roses.”