The Flux's Flower

The Coronation

Nano was hustled out of bed and into the dress. Any complaints she had were either ignored or dismissed. Out on the courtyard, a crown awaited. Embedded into the dress'gloves, at the back of her hands, were the Flugel Eye gems, except these ones seemed...almost alive.

"Wait, this is all very sudden. What's happening?"

It is your time to become queen. I original planned it for a week from now, but the activation of the Key has...forced my hand

"Key?"

Another artifact. When used, it allows the user to launch various weapons. More importantly, when combined with two other artifacts, it can create the Pure Lens.

"The pure lens?"

Also known as the Taint's Bane. Shining light through it forcibly burns away Taint and Flux

Nano perked up. "A cure!" She threw her guards aside with her powers, and began to run towards the gate, concentrating on breaking the seal that had thus held her inside the castle.

No!

 Mother 's magic echoed across the courtyard, sealing the doors and trapping Nano. Nano whipped around, creating a taint barrier to hide behind "Leave me alone!"

Mother always knows best. You will listen to me... 

Nano's taint barrier wrapped around her as the crown floated up, possessed by Mother's being. "No! No! Leave me alone! Go away!" Nano struggled against the Taintacle's grip to no effect as the crown floated over her head.

Or I will subjugate your will to my own.

The crown came down, and Nano felt incredible power coursing through her. She blasted away the Taintacles and flew up, arching back and screaming. "Get...Out!"

You will obey me, child!

"I hate you!" Nano shook her head. She curled up, causing rainbow energy to gather around her. She blasted the energy out, the wave echoing over the horizon. Her mind, which had been a storm of one will versus another, suddenly grew quiet. Nano opened her eyes, which were glowing purple.

No you don't. After all, you're a good, obedient daughter

"Yes, Mother."

~~~~~~

Lalna had been half asleep when the ship suddenly rocked and pitched sideways. He scrambled to his feet and yelled up to Shadow

"What the hell?!"

"Massive energy wave, temporarily shut down the engines. I'm working on it."

Lalna felt the tingling feeling of free fall "Define 'temporarily'."

"Shut up and help me get Darkstone back in the air."

Lalna used his technical knowledge to direct Shadow in making propulsion corrections. Not long after, Darkstone was back and on course, at which point, Lalna piped up "You said this was a flying fortress. What was that then? An anti aircraft nuke?"

Shadow looked out of the cockpit towards the horizon. "It came from your castle. I think there was a battle"

"If you got that much from an energy wave, I have to ask. Who won?"

Shadow was silent for a moment before shaking his head. "I don't know, but I don't think it was good"