The Flux's Flower

The Fountain

As Nano inserted the final capacitor, the railgun whirred to life. She didn't want to do this, but last time she had try to sabotage something, Mother had taken control of her body. She was stuck in a realm of suffering until Mother fixed the issue and exited her body.

It was for your own good. After all, a queen must be well defended

"Mother, please stop reading my thoughts. And calling me a queen" Nano hated the title that Mother gave her, but even worse, she was starting to see signs of it. The taint bent to her will easily now, after a few days of training, and she was worried that she was making it too powerful for Lalna to get through alive.

Your friend is of little consequence to the plan. Whether he gets in or not is of little concern. After all, you are the only one who can control the portal.

Nano put her hands on her hips in indignation "Mother! May I please have some privacy?" Then, realizing what mother had told her "Wait, portal? You mean to the Nether or End? Anyone can control those."

Ah, now you're interested. No, this portal is on a much grander scale. Your fool of a friend built a castle on a magical hotspot, placing his fountain right on the intersection of multiple ley lines. When channeled properly, this fountain can be turned into a gateway through time and space. All that's needed is you and your key.

"Lalna is not a fool!" Nano felt a bit awkward shouting at the air in front of her, but Mother was starting to bother her."He's my best friend, and if you keep calling him a fool, i'm going to- ack!"

Nano was suddenly lifted into the air and couldn't breathe. Do not ever talk like that to me. You will follow your destiny, whether your friend comes to save you or not. I am simply here to guide you, but do not think for a second that I will hesitate to discipline you. Understand?

Nano nodded, unable to speak. Thank you. Now be a good girl and set everything up like I told you. Your coronation is not far from now

Nano fell to the floor, gasping and retching. She reached to her necklace for comfort, as Lalna's gifts gave her that, but remembered that she had stored it in her sword for safekeeping. She knew how important that flux-infused sapphire was, and smiled to herself for throwing even the smallest of wrenches into Mother's plan.

As Mother's presence disappeared to another part of the castle, Nano stood.She looked at the exit, and with a wave of her hands, closed the door. She smiled once more. "The best liars are the ones that are disciplined against it." Nano looked down at her hands, taking on a quieter and more somber tone "I just hope I'm not lying to myself..."