Winning Vote:
[X] Ascot
[X] Verify
[X] Private
[X] Ambience Synesthesia
July UE 0084
The Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Umi Ryuuzaki looks at the figures of Clef and Ascot in the distance.
She looks at the ground for a second before leaning back into Caldina's embrace.
"I...I guess I like Ascot." She murmers.
The three Chizetans make a noise of delight.
"I mean..." Umi pauses, thinking of how to phrase things. "Ascot's nice. And considerate...you think he grew up so quickly just cause he likes me?"
"Honey, there's no way he didn't." Caldina confirms.
Umi nods in understanding.
"I mean, Clef is also a good person, but..." She trails off, the most obvious thing not needing to be said.
After a few seconds, Umi's face morphs into an expression of terror.
"Oh god. I'm going to have to introduce him to my parents." She moans.
"That sounds like a problem for future you." Caldina says. "Didn't you say you were exhausted? You should probably get some rest."
Umi sighs as Tarta and Tatra giggle before giving her a quick embrace.
Frontier Fleet, Island 1, Kinryu Memorial Hospital
You are Alto Saotome, and you've been watching over Sheryl since you woke up at 5 am.
Although you desperately want to help Sheryl now, you have no idea what Sophia is offering. As such, you had Uruz squad force Sophia to write down everything about the proposed treatment before sending it to some trusted doctors for review. There's neither the time nor subject pool for actual trials, but they should be able to tell you if it will be able to help.
Sheryl's Condition-Roll 1d20, worsen her condition on an 8 or lower
Roll 19
Thankfully, Sheryl's condition seems to have stabilized for now, and she no longer has to be under 24/7 watch, not that that's stopped you from staying by her side.
For the first time since they had to use the defibrillator on her, she stirs.
"Sheryl!" You say urgently.
"Alto...?" Sheryl says weakly.
"Yes, it's me, Sheryl." You say gently, taking Sheryl's hand into your own.
"Alto...did you stay with me the entire time?" Sheryl asks.
"Yes." You say.
"Thank you..." Sheryl brings her other hand up.
You realize what she's trying to do, and put her other hand on your cheek. Sheryl gives a weak smile.
"There's something that may be able to help you, but the source is...suspect. We're having the doctors review it to see if it will work. Can you hold on until then?" You ask.
"Ha! I'm Sheryl Nome. Of course I can!" Sheryl says confidently.
You squeeze Sheryl's hand to reassure her, and she does the same.
Buckingham Palace, London
You check your face in the mirror one last time as the limousine Euphemia sent to pick up you, Diana, and the girls nears Buckingham Palace.
The girls are wearing their best dresses, Nina and Yukari wearing what they got in Talbadiya, while Lucia is wearing what Yukari got for her shortly after. Diana is wearing a white low-cut dress that she got from a friend, along with complimentary jewelry and matching white sandals.
You, meanwhile, are wearing the dress that Euphemia gifted you.
It's a black dress, translucent in areas, that goes down to your shins. A ribbon of the same color is tied around your waist, and transparent black silk armbands are wrapped around your upper arms. Matching jewelry meant to compliment the dress takes the form of a single silver necklace, and your feet are clad in black heels. The entire ensemble is completed by a single short black glove on your right hand.
You had asked those who had brought the dress over where the other glove was, only to be told there was only the one.
You close the mirror and look around the limo. All of you had your makeup and hair done by the best beauticians Euphemia could provide for the occasion, and as such, everyone looks stunning. They'd even managed to make Lucia's cybernetic eyes appear more natural without using contact lenses.
"I still can't quite believe that you have connections with Britannian Royalty, Honey." Diana says quietly.
"I'm surprised she invited us in the first place." You say. "I didn't participate in the final assault on Britannia."
"You think it'd be rude to ask why she put this together in the first place?" Nina wonders.
"I'm sure there will be an opportunity to ask." Yukari says.
"Looks like we're here." Lucia says.
The limousine stops, and a pair of soldiers in honor guard uniforms walk up and open the door.
You get out first, followed by Diana and the girls. As promised, there are no cameras or media presence-this is a private affair.
As the five of you are escorted toward the palace, you see Nina Einstein at the base of the steps, accompanied by someone else.
Who is it?
[ ] Clovis
[ ] Cornelia
[ ] Marrybell and Oldrin
[ ] Nunnally and Alice
A/N: A bit shorter this time. Please vote, discuss, and critique!