- Allie -

It got worse and worse.

It started with a single tooth.

It was even one of my baby teeth so I thought it was just normal and tried to ignore it.

I went to eat, drank a bit more of the nectar than might've been good for me, and interacted with the others as usual.

Millie is troubled at the moment.

She got a vial with a weird-smelling violet drink and I guess I know what it does.

The nurse repeated again this princess' declaration that she would be allowed to take care of the smaller children as soon as she drinks it.

Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't even consider this offer, but she cares so much for them that it's troubling her.

Owen's case is kinda the opposite.

He's very tempted to drink this stuff to get stronger but only so he can oppose them better.

I don't know if this creature lied to him but the source is all too ominous.

Yet I didn't know what to say back then.

Now I'm much more certain that I need to talk the others out of this.

This is because my other teeth are right now falling out one after the other.

This and my back's itch is not only driving me crazy, but now I also got a painful strain there.

I need to warn them, but I can't.

My mouth feels so numb and more teeth are loosening by the second, falling out with a bit of blood.

I just want to cry whenever another dislodges and I can't prevent it.

There's nothing I can do but endure.

Yet it's so hard.

While I want to go to the others I'm afraid of being seen like this.

If I could at least speak!

(A)

Without my teeth, I wouldn't be able to speak properly even with practice.

Yet those weird insect sounds are produced deep within my throat.

My mouth doesn't do a thing for this.

Maybe I lose a bit more spit than usual without them.

(H)

Huh?

Wha-?

It's her!

Why is she here?

This is my room!

(H)

Poor state?

Poor state?!!

(A)

(H)

(A)

(H)

(A)

(H)

If someone knows what is going on then it's her, the one who's responsible for everything.

(A)

(H)

Preparing?

(A)

(H)

(A)

(H)

At this moment she comes dangerously, and intimidatingly close.

Then her four arms rush out and grasp me.

I'm struggling, but she's much taller and stronger than I am.

And has more arms.

Hold still, or I won't be able to inspect you properly!> (H)

The command hammers into my mind.

She claims this chance by securing me with two arms and prying my mouth open with the other.

I would bite her, but my front teeth were the first to go, so there's no way I could cause any harm.

Tears stream down my eyes while she continues to look inside.

(H)

She seems to be done and feels almost exhilarated.

(A)

(H)

(A)

(H)

I don't even know what she's saying.

Only that her words describe something like a bone in my mouth.

A long line that will replace my teeth.

I don't know if that's a good thing.

(A)

(H)

Drone?

What does she mean by this?

(A)

(H)

Naturally, I'm troubled!

My whole body is changing!

(A)

(H)

(A)

(H)

(A)

I reach for my back and truly, there are small nubs where the itch is the worst.

I think I confused them before with my backbones.

I'm growing wings!

Oh my god!

The teeth are already bad enough, but now even wings?

I remember how they looked on that weird lady.

They were so big!

And now I'm also gonna have to deal with it!

(H)

No... No, this can't be!

I'm a human!

This can't be happening to me!

(A)

(H)

RAAAHHHH!!!

I'm hitting her with all my strength, but my fists just knock against her hard surface.

(H)

(A)

"Splikch!"

Wha-?

Th-there just came a spike out of my hand.

I-it's embedded in her body.

Not only her dress, I, I think I hurt her.

(H)

She grasps my arm and pulls it out.

There's truly a black-brown spike protruding from my palm and there's a strange shine to it.

(H)

Promptly she slumps down on my bed.

(A)

(H)

Oh my god, what have I done?!

I, I injured this princess!

I don't know how such things are handled here, but if I did such a thing to even a minor noble the death penalty might be considered lenient!

For such a capital offense they might even kill all my acquaintances!

No, no, please not!

(H)

(A)

She stares at me.

Contemplating, supposedly my verdict.

(H)

What is she saying?

Isn't she angry with me?

Doesn't she want to get back at me?

(H)

I am scared and don't know what to do.

Yet at this point, the worst thing I could do is go against her.

So I hold the arm with the spike towards her.

It's weird seeing it in this state, and there's a strange, hollow feeling inside my arm.

(H)

She fiddles with my hand for a while.

Then she grasps my wrist, yanks it back, and promptly the spike slides inside.

"Splotch"

Some weird liquid escapes from the hole in the middle.

(H)

I don't even know what to reply.

I mean, I'm still dealing with the fact that I just stabbed her.

This is all just too much at once.

And now she again stares at me!

Then she, slightly wobbly stands up, moves in my direction, and puts all her arms around me.

(A)

(H)

She's hugging me!

I'm in her embrace!

(H)

I don't know what to say.

She's responsible for what happens to me.

She caused it!

She forced this on me!

But, but this just feels so genuine.

When was the last time someone told me I'm important?

That my life is worth something, not just a burden?

It stings somewhere deep inside me.

You are mine and I love you!!!> (H)

"Wh-whaaaahh!!! Sob! Whaahhh!" (A)

I'm crying.

I don't even know why, but I feel safe when I'm held like this.

And I feel her words inside me.

Not just commands, but something deeper.

Something that makes me glad.

I don't know.

It's just so determined.

So true.

A certainty that someone's there for me that I didn't feel since my parents died and I was alone with my brother.

She has strength I simply don't possess on my own.

Strength to protect me.

And although I'm snotting and crying all over her dress she just remains like this, holding me until I'm finished.

I feel safe.