𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙡 ♥︎

Chapter 70: Heir to the Throne

"How is your presence here possible?" Stoicia asked, approaching the scantly clad woman in red, metallic knee-high boots. There was obvious disbelief in her eyes, but she managed to put it aside for the moment. "You should be dead. Even more so since the Prince ran your core out."

"Should be dead?" Red Shoes raised an eyebrow at her remark, smirking lowly to herself. "I am though. What you're seeing right now is nothing more than a ghost, haunting you for not saving your dear friend."

"..." Stoicia closed her mouth and deadpanned at the 'Ghost', clearly choosing not to believe in the story. "Really?"

"..." Red Shoes glanced to the side and pursed her lips. "Mmmmm... I mean, not really, but it's on the table, I guess? You know what, I'll just rip the band-aid off and explain."

The busty researcher wandered back, her boots clacking against the wooden floor of the study room until she eventually reached the desk in the back. She sat on top and crossed her legs, using her hands to support her weight from behind.

"After Hare, the Prince of Raptures, made easy and quick work of me, you showed up in an attempt to retrieve my barely alive self." Red Shoes listed, retelling the story Stoicia was more than familiar with. "But then, some complications occurred, yada yada, and now my core is inside your chest."

"...!" It finally clicked into place.

Her core! That must the reason this vision is happening in the first place. It should also explain the voice that has been constantly nagging her whilst awake.

"Your... core..." Stoicia murmured in a whisper, looking at the ground.

"Yep. And due to the insane regenerative factor our Queen has given you, your core should have either consumed it, or merged with it by now." Red Shoes added, closing her eyes and swaying from side to side on the desk. "That's how I'm able to communicate like this, even if I'm not alive."

"Think of me like a Mirror for the Red Shoes that was once alive and well. I inherit her motives, personality, speech patterns, everything down to the last drop." She stopped, opening up her eyes and looking up at the ceiling. "And... her ambitions of the past..."

"What?" Stoicia, confused, approached the Nikke. "Nevermind that, so that's the reason this is happening? I understand now, how do I get out?"

"... Hmm? But you just came in? Why's the rush?"

Red Shoes got off the desk and approached Stoicia, putting her hands on her shoulders when she got close enough and stared into her eyes. "There's still so much that has to be discussed, I cannot let you walk away this soon!"

"And besides, the reason you're here in the first place is due to overheating while on a rapture killing spree. It would be best to remain with me until your body returns to normal temperature."

"..." Stoicia narrowed her eyes, taking hold of Red Shoes' wrists and forcing her hands off her. "Don't touch me," she said in a harsh, spiteful tone. "And do not act like we were ever considered comrades. The only connection I've ever had to you is being tasked with retrieving your lifeless body."

"Do not act like we are equals. Because in the eyes of my Queen, and in my own, I am the superior one. In strength, durability, and versatility. Your knowledge, while vast and important, has already been surpassed by Faraday."