Perfect Pet: Ancestral Bonds

The hike out from the desert was a long and very quiet one. Sonico still couldn't get over the loss of her new friend, Meracle, while Alleyne struggled with the conflict of having given in so easily against her real Mistress. Too many times she's tried to attempt an apology for her actions, but even she knows her words would sound like all the others she's given her Mistress. So an apology like that would only be beneficial to herself and therefore hardly an apology at all.

Eventually, their feet touch upon grass as they come to the outskirts of another plain where they're immediately greeted by the sight of a manor built as though to overlook the desert. At the front are a pair of maids waving their hands as though beckoning the two travelers closer. Alleyne and Sonico exchange glances.

“I'm...sure it won't be like last time.” Sonico insists looking around the vast and empty plains. “I'm sure.”

Still just a little hesitant, Sonico tugs Alleyne's lead as they approach the manor seeing that the two maids have been shackled together by their wrists, ankles, and even their collars. They were both elves, one with blue hair wearing a black ballgag in her mouth as the other has blond hair matching with Alleyne's but had her eyes covered by a blindfold.

“Um...” Sonico says wondering how she's supposed to address them.

“We are Gemini, do not be afraid.” The blond elf speaks, while devoid of emotion still felt relaxing to Sonico. “Please, our Mistress would like to speak with you.”

The two elves turn in unison holding out their free hands gesturing for Sonico and Alleyne to go up the path that will lead them to the front entrance. Sonico first tightens her grip of the wide ring and takes a deep breath.

“I'm sure it won't be like last time.” She repeats as she starts down the path tugging along on the leash bringing her pet close behind while Gemini closes the gate and follows behind.

Seated inside what looked to be a parlor, Sonico glances around from her spot on the couch while Alleyne kneels down at her Mistress' side. The room itself was brightly lit from the windows and while the walls were decorated with many ancient artifacts, the room itself looked to serve no purpose other than to entertain guests. A luxury Sonico had often dreamed of instead of living in her one room for everything hollow. Gemini stands in the doorway leading into the kitchen facing toward them.

“Is there anything you require?” The blond elf asks as the blue haired one simply watches as though waiting for a response. Sonico was still a little uncertain over which one to address when a voice comes from the stairway.

“Water.” A woman calls coming down. “For the both of them.”

“Yes, Mistress.” Gemini replies before going into the kitchen.

Sonico looks around at the stairs seeing a woman in a tan shroud making her way down. Her tanned skin and snake style headdress reminded her of Menace and it didn't help that the woman exhumed an air of authority that Sonico found a little displeasing. The woman with dark hair and straight style eyeliner approaches the two and extends a hand formerly hidden from beneath the shroud.

“I am Ishizu.” Sonico looks at the hand before deftly taking it into her own.

“S-Sonico. This is my pet Alleyne.”

Ishizu gives Sonico a light shake and only really glances to Alleyne before taking a seat across from her guests. The way she had looked at her, a look filled with disdain to make the elf feel like she was nothing in her presence. It was enough to even make Alleyne a little timid.

“My slave informs me you have been inside the pyramid.”

“Yes.” Sonico answers opening her mouth to speak again but it was clear how Ishizu wanted direct control over this conversation.

“Why?”

“Wh...what?”

“Why did you enter? For what purpose?”

“A-Alleyne was taken. I wanted to get her back. Did...did we do something wrong?”

“And inside? Tell me what you saw.” Ishizu's tone was becoming more and more demanding causing Sonico to panic. Realizing this, Ishizu calms herself down and tries to reassure the rabbit with a smile. “My apologies, it's just I haven't spoken to anyone who set foot within the pyramid for quite some time.”

“May I ask why it's important for you?” Sonico inquires hoping it doesn't get her yelled at again.

Through the doors, Gemini returns. The blond elf carrying a large bowl in both hands while the blue haired elf has a glass in one hand and a small cup over a saucer in the other. Before Sonico and Alleyne are even given their water, Ishizu is handed the saucer and cup taking the latter off to have a sip. After a moment she nods as Gemini gives Sonico her cup and rests the bowl down in front of Alleyne. Sonico takes a few big gulps of the water then looks down at Alleyne nodding.

“It's okay, Alleyne. Sulpa. Sulpa.” She gently orders as Alleyne looks down into the bowl. She lowers her head dipping bits of her hair inside as she rests her lips close and begins to lick the water out. Sonico giggles petting a hand over Alleyne's back feeling much more at ease as Gemini steps back to the wall. “Thank you.”

“Think nothing of it.” Ishizu replies with her kept smile. “I suppose though I should answer your question. I'm a treasure hunter, as you can tell. My hunts have taken me across the globe and now I seek the Amaran treasure.”

“Treasure?” Sonico asks taking another, yet smaller sip of her water.

“I'm not certain what it would be, but there are rumors that before her betrayal to Menace, Anarista hid a portion of Menace's treasure to keep for herself when her real Masters came to claim the kingdom. I aim to find that treasure. However, given that the entirety of the kingdom is covered in sand it would take a million lifetimes to try and dig it out. My hope is to use Menace's altar and revive a fallen servant of Anarista's, someone who would know the treasures location.”

“Altar?” Sonico asks before remembering the room where Menace meant to sacrifice both herself and Meracle. “It's...still there.”

Sonico answers much to the delight of her hostess.

“And Menace? She was the one thing keeping me from entering myself. But if you two made it out then something must have happened with her.”

“She was taken away by a wave of sand...as well as our friend.”

“And the altar?” Ishizu asks once more getting a bit demanding. This time though it didn't look like she was going to calm any time soon.

“I...I don't know. It seemed like the entire pyramid collapsed under the weight of the sand.”

“But you both made it out. So there's to reason there is still an entrance.”

“I...I guess?” Sonico asks now growing more worried as Alleyne looks up from her half empty bowl.

“You must show it to me tomorrow.” Ishizu states as Sonico looks down to Alleyne.

“Um, ac-actually...we're kind of in our own hurry. I'm trying to take Alleyne home and--”

“Take her home rich.” Ishizu interrupts.

“What?” Sonico questions.

“The treasure. Obviously for your efforts you'll be well compensated. I understand your feelings of hesitance in going back, but at the very least sleep on the offer. If for nothing else, then to just recover from your travels. It could not have been a comfy journey. I'll guide you to your room and your pet can rest with Gemini.”

“My...I...” Sonico feels Ishizu take the ring from Sonico's grasp and offer it out to Gemini. The blue haired elf takes hold of it as Alleyne looks up to Sonico who still looks a little troubled who was still too timid to say anything, so instead she just nods to her pet before following Ishizu upstairs.

“Tul a. Lle mistress nauva varna yassen lye.” The blond elf states as Alleyne turns keeping on her knees.

“Lle naa fluent e' yuuyo languages?” She asks as Gemini nod their heads in unison.”

“San' eller naa somethien amin ask tanya lle teach amin.” Alleyne replies.

“Lye naa a' elea a' lle comfort, ed' order en' lye mistress. Lye will answer ai' request lle caela.”

Alleyne's glance turns a bit to the side as her cheeks begin to turn a bright shade of pink. “T-Teach amin a' say amin naa sorry.”

~<:<<<<<>

Coming down the hall, Sonico glances around while every so often taking another sip of her water. She had thought that Ishizu kept the majority of her collection down in the parlor, but there are even more trinkets and decorations up on display along the walls and on shelves or tables.

“You've certainly been doing this treasure hunting a long time.” Sonico compliments looking a hanging war mask over closely as Ishizu stops in behind the curious rabbit.

“Yes. I dare say I cannot live without any of this.” Sonico looks back as Ishizu smiles. “Surely you have such an equal passion as my own.”

“Oh. Um...not really. I haven't had much time to get into anything of the sort lately. I've just been trying to get Alleyne home, so...I suppose that's my hobby.” Sonico admits with a giggle.

“Mmhm. You live for your slave?”

“Pet, actually.” Sonico corrects. “I've been teaching her tricks lately.”

“I see. It's just I've never seen anyone use such a hefty collar on a pet before.”

“Alleyne was wearing it when I bought her.” Sonico says coming away from the mask to face Ishizu. “And the chain, which has been welded to the collar.”

“Someone must really want her in bindings then.”

“That's kinda one of the reasons I'm taking her home, to find out what's happened.”

“May I ask you something, and I certainly hope you do not think it too forward of me.”

“You can ask me anything, Ishizu.” Sonico says with a smile.

“Why did you purchase her? Seeing her collar and chain you must have known she could have been a threat.”

“I just...sort of thought she could maybe have another chance at life. She didn't look like she deserved to be at the mines, after all.”

“Were you also lonely?” Ishizu inquires as Sonico stares back at her caught a little off guard before collapsing to the floor, her empty glass rolling along to the wall as Ishizu steps over her and approaches the banister looking down at Gemini on the first floor. “Is the slave out too?”

“Yes, Mistress.” The blond elf replies.

“Prep them.” Ishizu orders before taking her leave back to her bedroom.

-=o=-......'*=*'

Sonico is stirred from her slumber when she feels her body being jostled about. She still couldn't see however and tried to open her eyes only to find everything around her still dark. Just when she begins to panic, a hand quickly comes up over her mouth as she hears Gemini whisper to her.

“Don't scream. Mistress will know you're awake.” Sonico nods as Gemini continues. “Please understand, we did not mean any harm upon you or your pet.”

Sonico makes a few noises as Gemini removes her hand ready to cover once more should the rabbit girl begin screaming.

“Where is she?”

“Shackled to you right now. We are just putting the finishing touches to your outfit.”

“Outfit?” Sonico asks looking down still seeing darkness as she brings a hand up to her face feeling out the blindfold over her eyes. She goes to remove it when her hand is grabbed.

“Leave it. This is how Mistress wants her Gemini.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Mine and Rena's time serving the Mistress is coming to an end. Once you lead Mistress back to the altar where she performs her ritual, she will perform another and cast the two of us aside.”

“Why? Why would she do that? What is Ishizu after?” Sonico asks as Alleyne looks over, a ballgag resting deep in her mouth before looking down to see Gemini putting the finishing touches to their maid uniform.

“Mistress believes herself to be a descendant of Anarista. She intends to resurrect her from the tablet offering her body as a vessel that the two may rule as one.”

“What?” Sonico proclaims when she hears footsteps coming in the doorway. Uncertain at first who it is, she gets an idea when she feels Alleyne beside her bow at the waist to simply play along. Sonico quickly does the same as she feels a collar tightened around her neck followed moments later by a chain going to Alleyne's. “Please...don't do this.”

“Do what? Follow my family's legacy? Take what is rightfully ours to begin with? You will soon be made to see my way, Gemini.”

“We...we aren't--” Sonico begins to protest.

“You are now. Bring them.” Ishizu orders as she leaves while the current Gemini takes hold of Sonico's hand bringing her and Alleyne out of the room.

~~~~~'' '' ' ~~~~~~

An hour later, Sonico can still feel the heat of the sand even through her formerly polished shoes as she and Alleyne are led back through the desert. Every so often she can feel the blond braid along the side of her pet's head bat along her cheek acting as perhaps the only comfort she has available to herself in all of this. She groans over the thought of what was about to come when she feels a light squeeze on the opposing side of Alleyne. Gemini was attempting to get hold of her attention.

“What?” Sonico whispers, almost in a harsh tone of voice. It was getting more and more difficult for her to trust the pair that now walked alongside them.

“Please believe our intentions are not to cause you harm.” Gemini pleads.

“Ordinarily, I'd be inclined to believe such a sentiment, but coming from the two who waved us to their home, dressed us up, and are bringing us back to a place I really don't want to go back to...I don't say this very often, but I can't really find it in my heart to forgive you.”

“That is understandable on your part, but know this will all end well for the both of you.”

“What? By becoming you? How is that even possible anyway?”

Sonico feels her hand being pulled up and then the wind of something catching along her face startling her into silence. It was Alleyne bringing a shackled hand up to block Ishizu's strike on her actual Mistress. She glares at the woman before them who wrestles her arm free and steps back.

“You would do well, Gemini, to keep your other half shut. Less I remove your complete ability to speak.” Ishizu warns before continuing on as Alleyne turns to Sonico to see if she was alright. There wasn't anything physically wrong with her so she lowers her arm back down and resumes the pace.

Soon, following Alleyne's silent guidance, the group finds themselves in Menace's chambers through the hole Sonico and Meracle had created earlier. The room had lost it's luster as a result of the sand storm that swept across the pyramid, but the halls were still accessible as Ishizu grabs and lights a torch to help guide their way. It isn't long after that they find themselves walking along the inside of the altar where the stone slab still rests. Alleyne looks around for any sign of former inhabitants but finds nothing. Even the remains of Setra were long gone as Ishizu takes to the tablet.

“Yes. Yes, yes, this is it. This is it! My grandmother, she rests in here. But not for much longer.”

“Grandmother?” Sonico asks. “I thought she was an ancestor.”

“Mistress is a long living being.” Gemini answers. “She has survived this long by stealing the life essences of ourselves.”

“Yes,” Ishizu confirms, “And seeing as you're both running dry I require a new Gemini to work with. Especially as I will require a whole new lifetime to gather slaves, get them working, rebuild my glorious kingdom!”

“No!” Sonico shouts. “Y-you can't!”

“You will learn, over time, that this is the only course left for you. Now...silence! I must revive my grandmother.”

Alleyne rushes to stop her, but is stopped by the combined forces of Gemini keeping her back. They both shake their heads in unison as Alleyne looks for another way around. Unfortunately, Gemini's interference causes Alleyne to miss her chance as a bright light shines up from the altar.

“What...what's going on?” Sonico asks only seeing the light from around her blindfold.

“Yes...yes! Anarista! Arise! ARI—no.” A spirit does arise from the stone, but it doesn't appear to be Anarista but a red haired maid brandishing a scythe and lengthy pigtails. “You...who are you?”

Alleyne notices the scythe and quickly throws up her guard prompting the maid to shake her head clicking her tongue.

“Fear not. I am only hear to collect a fallen soul.” She says calmly as Sonico remembers about Meracle and steps forward shouting.

“No! No, you...you leave her alone! Give her a chance! She could still be alive!”

“Hm?” The maid tilts her head and giggles. “You're a funny one. I really can't wait to see how you die.”

“Who are you here for?” Ishizu demands. “Take her and leave! I am awaiting the arrival of my grandmother!”

The maid turns looking down at Ishizu.

“I'll answer your second question first, simply because it's more fun that way.”

“I...I asked one question.”

“Really? Hm, that's strange. I suppose you haven't figured out Anarista isn't coming.”

“Wh...why?”

“There it is!” The maid giggles into her hand playfully. “She's not coming because she was never sacrificed. Besides, she wouldn't come for you anyway even if I let her.”

“If you...what are you!”

“A soul harvester.” The maid answers. “And your soul has no connection to Anarista's.”

“Impossible.” Ishizu objects. “She is my grandmother!”

“No...” The maid replies resting a finger to her lips. “Your grandmother was a slave without a name because Menace never gifted her with one. She died cowering in a corner of a whipping for improperly laying out Menace's sandals, if I recall.”

“No...that...no!” Ishizu steps back as the maid smiles down at her.

“So it seems you wouldn't get to summon her either!” She laughs. “Because she was never sacrificed! But...you do get the chance to see her again.”

“Wha-”

Ishizu is interrupted as her body is slashed by the maid's scythe striking her down to the ground, killing her before she even lands. Alleyne then watches as a shining blue orb rises up from Ishizu's body only to be swallowed whole by the maid who licks her lips then gags a little.

“That was a disgusting one.”

“Um...” Sonico begins drawing the maid's attention. “Do you mind if I ask you something, Miss. Harvester?”

A little annoyed, the maid turns and sighs flicking up a bit of stray red hair from her face. “The living, so quick to get things done.”

“I'm sorry, it's just...if you were just here for Ishizu, does that mean Meracle is...”

“Listen,” The maid says in a harsh tone swinging her scythe down in Sonico's face as the rabbit remains unphased having not even felt anything from it. But then, why would she? The scythe wasn't meant for her to feel. Yet. “I happen to have a very important job around here, I can't be wasting my time answering mortal concerns. You hear me?”

Sonico does, however, feel the tenseness growing in the harvester's voice and it frightens the rabbit down to her knees pulling Alleyne with her.

“I'm sorry, Miss. Harvester, I'm dreadfully sorry.” Sonico shivers as the maid looks down at her and giggles reaching a hand out. Alleyne notices this and attempts to stop her but her wrist was still shackled to her side while the other was like lifting a weight with how far her Mistress was to the ground. The maid just smirks though over Alleyne's protective tendencies and continues reaching out hovering a hand over Sonico's head twitching the rabbits ears as a result.

“Hm...rather peculiar. You intrigue me, rabbit girl.” Sonico brings her head up still blind to the room as the maid grasps her scythe balancing herself off of it. “So I'll tell you. This is the first time I've ever been here since Menace's days. So I haven't the foggiest idea of who this Meracle person is or where she's at right now.”

Hearing that brings a fresh ray of hope to Sonico as she begins to smile. “Thank you, Miss. Harvester. Thank you!”

“For what?” The maid asks before shaking her head. “Whatever, no need to answer. And stop calling me Miss. Harvester. My name is Airi and I hope we can meet again. But...for your sake, maybe not so soon.”

Giggling, Airi hops into a light she creates above her as Gemini approaches the stone resting a hand over it. The blond elf looks over to the blue haired elf who nods. “It was as we thought.”

“Huh?” Sonico queries looking toward the two. “Did...you know this would happen?”

“No. But we knew Anarista was not in this stone. We assumed, in her confusion and use of open magical force, we could steal it and use it against her. With the two of you set to be her next Gemini, we believed she would not have struck back so swiftly. In that moment of hesitation, we would have killed her ourselves.”

“Oh.” Sonico lowers her head. “So...bringing us here...”

“In any account, the two of you should depart at once.”

“What?” Sonico asks feeling Alleyne rising up beside her.

“We are going to destroy the stone and we are uncertain over the after effects it will cause. Therefore, it would be wise for you, who will no longer be needed here, to leave.” Gemini states as the blond rests her hand down on the stone followed by her companion.

Alleyne nods and turns taking Sonico away.

“Thank you for the opportunity you provided us. We won't be long now.” Gemini states as Sonico looks back a little confused.

Once outside the pyramid, Alleyne and Sonico can feel the walls beginning to tremble as Gemini thrusts their magic deep within the stone looking to destroy it. Alleyne glances up and sees Airi still there hovering up watching the pyramid. Once the two reach down to the sand, the entire top of the pyramid caves in and moments later two shining blue orbs fly out toward Airi who consumes them, this time with a delightful look on her face before disappearing into another light.

“What...what was that?” Sonico questions having felt the rumbling only for Alleyne to pat the back of her hand. “Alleyne?”

Alleyne looks over to Sonico and figures it best to keep this from her, even when the ability to speak returns to her, and simply guides her Mistress through the sand back to the manor. The entire time Alleyne wishes she could talk to Sonico, knowing now she had the words trained into her mind to tell her. Words that her Mistress would understand. But the gag keeps them from getting out not to mention the fact that the pair are quickly tackled down by a blur of blue.

“MEEEEEEOWWWWWW!!!” Meracle shouts joyfully, her tail swishing in the air as Sonico catches her breath quickly.

“Meracle?” She questions as Meracle removes Sonico's blindfold to bring light back to the rabbits eyes as well as her own visage. “Meracle!” Sonico shouts in equal joy trying to hug the cat girl resting up on her chest but with her wrists still shackled down there isn't much she can do.

“Hold on,” Meracle points out. “We can get those off real quickly, meow!”

“We?” Sonico asks as Meracle's ears flicker and she races off with a smile. “Was...she wearing a leash?” Sonico again asks as she and Alleyne sit up to see Meracle kneeling next to a blond haired woman in a small bit of armor.

“Is this them?” She asks Meracle who nods her head. “I see.” The woman approaches the two with a hold of Meracle's leash as the cat girl follows close behind.

“Meracle?” Sonico asks before glancing upward at the blond.

“My name is Sharon, I hear you have had dealings with a companion of mine.”

“Um...” Sonico replies looking from Meracle to Sharon still standing about them with an all too serious look about her face.

“Tell me everything you know about Branwen.”