{ S I D E S }

//-// 3 //-//

As Artist sat slumped against a wall, the voices seemed to fade. They had successfully gotten Claire to run, leaving the command switch off for now. They thought about ways out of this, trying to remember things mentioned when they were still in the lab. Something clicked, a familiar name. Koningin. Dutch for candle, that name was an interesting one. Belongs to a forgotten queen, the Candle Queen, who in the past was a harsh ruler but due to popular belief she is loosening up her rules. Why did that name come to mind? Of all the people, why someone in the Old City? They thought for a moment, and it seemed the controlence was blocking a memory from them. They struggled before throwing the block out of the way, uncovering a key.

{Flashback}
"Is it really ready?" Someone asked, a young Artist couldn't see anything, presumebly their eyes were closed.

"Yes, it's ready. I've decided the two people to control it would be me and, who better, you my queen." A man replied, Artist wanted to move and say something, perhaps open their eyes, but they couldn't.

Artist could feel the woman's glare on their skin, "Are you sure it's alive? I can't see it's eyes, Dapper."

"Be patient, Koningin." Dapper replied as the flashback faded

{Present}

Artist smirked a little, "The Old City is where I might find help. Unusual, but worth a try." They mumbled, getting up.

Third controlence spoke up, Hey now, hold up! You can't go confronting her! Don't. She'll be just as bad as Dapper!

Artist ignored it, and began to make way towards the Old City.

-(In a more 'closed' off part of the city)-

Koningin sat on her throne, bored. Ever since she had restored her kingdom nothing was really happening. She sighed, and looked at her crown, mumbling under her breath as it engulfed itself in fire. She sat it back atop her head and looked down as a guard came up to her.

He bowed, "Queen, you have a visitor."

"Bring them in." She said, yawning.

Her eyes alit when she saw who it was, could it be? The small child (small in her standards is around the size of a doorway) stood there, looking at her all so desperately.

"You? Marina?" She smiled at the sight of them.

The child smiled, "I go by Artist now." They bowed slightly.

"What could ever bring you here?" She asked, ignoring them.

Artist explained the whole situation, and the queen looked intrigued.

"I figured you're the only one who can stop the order?" Artist looked at the puzzled queen.

"As I am against the Rabbits actions, I don't know if I would betray Dapper. Even if I do, I don't know if i'd stop the command." The queen rubbed her temples, "Give me time to think about it. For now you can stay here until I decide. Guards, give Marina a room."

Artist looked at her, "I told you my name is Artist." They said to her as they were escorted off.

Was this possible hope?