#Tallest Kii

[messinwitheddie]

(Tallest Totti and Kii belongs to @messinwitheddie)

I’ve thought about your other tallest and this one I picked up on after reading up how Kii and her swormmates were saved by their tallest while his hive was being raided. It’s sad that he died protecting them with his body while his people stampede his ass to death. I thought on a alternate timeline where he didn’t die and the invaders were fought off. He spends some time with this little particular smeet for a while before she’s taken away to start her basic training. To be honest I thought tallest Totti was Kiki’s father, so I drew these as if he was. I wasn’t sure what his color palette is, so I gave him Kiki’s to resemble.💚

I still wanna know what his story about😅

[thunderclaw100]

[Kii belongs to @messinwitheddie ]

(I had this in my head for a while now and had to draw it out or I’d go mad if I didn’t!😅)

Tallest Miyuki was in the middle of talking with her wardrobe staff. They were showing her a few selections of silkwear and pictures of her next body armor. Miyuki is feeling picky today and had been flipping through one clothing to the next. Her mood has been sour lately and it’s because more than one thing that’s been on her mind. First: not being allowed to be with the Irken she loves. Second: loosing her sworm. Third: Only getting to eat a certain amount of food. Her waist is not getting any smaller and people have been talking about it.

“Uugh! What now?!”

Miyuki felt her pak buzzing and it can only mean one thing. A control brain his hailing her, and she knows which one. She got up from her lounge couch, dismissed her drones and then leave her chambers to reach to room where the green control brain is awaiting her arrival. Miyuki, already knows this is going to be a an discussion about another one of her foolish antics, if she can remember whatever is was.

“Greetings, material brain. You wanted to speak with me….again?” She said without a hint of annoyance. The green control brain made a robotic noise. The screen in the front static before a hologram figure appears in Irken form. Kii stands before Miyuki, with her materialize orange wardrobe and a cape to add a bit of flow to it. She looked as radiant as the day she was in her younger years.

“Tallest Miyuki, what we’re you thinking? Leading that soldier on like that, with your lovey-dovey nonsense?” Kii said. Hovering towards Miyuki. Staring her down with those green, judgmental eyes of hers.

“I don’t understand….what did I do wrong?”

“I’m talking about that little talk you had with that cadet, Red! You dult!” Kii spat.

How the heck did she find out about that? Miyuki was in her private chambers, where no telepathic link to the control brains can reach her. Surely Red did not say anything about this after their talk, right? Miyuki looked up at the material brain. The disappointment she was giving her. Or was that disgust?

“Cadet Red needed a little comfort and a nudge in the right direction he wants to be. He shared his pain with me and I did the same with him.” Miyuki told her. Feeling a little anxious with the way Kii is circling around her like a defenseless prey.

“You’re encouraging him to embrace attachments to another drone. Have you learned nothing from our discussion of Spork?”

That was a low blow to Miyuki’s chest. Why bring up something that will bring nothing but heartache? The green control brain stopped moving around and stood in front of Miyuki.

“Spork’s situation is different from cadet Reds. I don’t get why you’re so against drones falling in love? Surely you felt love once, my maternal grace.” Miyuki said. Kii turned away from her.

“Love….I had no need for such a weak emotion. I had many sires, but no male was good enough to satisfy me. I hated them all and wished for their demise. They did not give me what I want but I’ve seen what they’ve done to our females, Miyuki. Kii shutters.

“pfft but aren’t you now connected to two males?” Miyuki smirked, hand on her hip. Why would Kii say she hates males if she allowed herself to be linked with two other former bodied tallest? Did they have anything to do with why she’s so angry at the world?

“Sox and Hitz? We have history together. One I wish not to speak of. They are part of the problem but I have always have a dislike of males in general. This empire relies on pure strength and intelligent alone. There is no room for romance and petty little feelings. I did what I can to make sure OUR gender stays relevant to this day! You have no idea what these men have done to us in my time. I don’t expect you to understand. You’re too young. Kii told her. Clenching her fingers in reminder of an incident in her past. Miyuki’s eye twitch.

“Forgive me for being so blunt but you’ve completely lost your mind. I have lead this empire forward to a bright future. You’ve seen the massive, right? With it we can make our travels for conquest more efficient than ever. It shouldn’t matter what our drones do with each other as long as they contribute to our goal.”

Miyuki went on and on. Countering the mother brain’s criticism of her. But the further she speaks, the more angrier the green control brain was getting. Kii hovered over to her.

*SLAP!!*

Miyuki eyes widen in shock as she touched her left cheek. Kii is in hologram form but that sting from that slap felt all too real. Kii was fuming with anger. “NEVER HAVE I MET SUCH INSOLENCE FROM ONE OF MY OWN FEMALES! You do NOT get to speak to me as if I am a mere smeet, Miyuki.” Kii snapped.

“I’m sorry…..I didn’t realize I was venting out on you, my grace. I just didn’t think it should be a problem for me or any other female to love….”

Kii growled. She felt the urge to slap this woman again but regain herself. “I told you before, during our last conversation that I will not have you ruin the work I put into making our females worth more than what they are. You remind me of another female tallest I’ve once had measured. But even she did not talk to me with such disrespect! How dare you?!”

“But I was just trying to-“

Kii clamped her hand over Miyuki’s mouth. “Do not interrupt me! You were supposed to be the example for all Irken females. A symbol that shows WE can carry ourselves with pride and dignity. That we let NO fucking male determine what we should be and how we should live.”

Kii removed her hand and hovered back a little. Miyuki looked at her with wide eyes. “Stars….who hurt you?” She said.

“Men hurt me. Just like they will do to you if you don’t sharpen up on them. Don’t think I don’t know what you did behind my back. I may not reach you in your chambers, but I do have drones who will watch and listen to everything you do, Miyuki. You cannot hide behind my blind spot. Can’t you see I’m trying to save us? A man’s world has brought nothing but tyranny and injustice.” Kii said. She turned around to get ready to return to her own duties. Miyuki had one more thing to say.

“Material brain? All I ever wanted is to make you proud of me. Not just as a female but a leader who wants to make a difference in our world. From our own history, we’ve been through so much already. I only wished you’ve seen the better side of our accomplishments and not dwell in the bad parts that lead the Irken empire to where it is today. Hardship-“

“Do not speak to me about hardships, Miyuki. I’ve seen them. I LIVED through the ones that brought me up and broke me down! You know NOTHING about real hardship until you put yourself on the line of it. Kii’s hologram figure phases out for a few seconds. Her system still needs to be checked upon, so she needs to go.

“From now on, I don’t want you getting close to that Spork soldier. Only when he is needed for important work or used as your escort. I do not want to see any of our females taking after you and your sneaky performance with a male. Disgusting! You may go now, Miyuki. Hail the maintenance for me. I need a system repair.”

“As you wish, maternal brain….” Miyuki bowed her head respectfully. Then turned away to leave the chamber the same time Kii’s hologram figure disappears. This talk has left the tallest feeling conflicted and a bit hurt. Miyuki touched her left cheek, where the green control brain has slapped her. It still feels tender, and it made her rethink her actions, and hold her tongue the next time she is summoned by the control brains. Miyuki said nothing to her drones when they saw her. Then she returned to her chambers to reflect.

[monsoonceroom]

Tallests Kii & Delta & their swarm of 14. They never did get together in life so this is kind of a what if.

Kii belongs to @messinwitheddie while Delta belongs to @a-wanderin-whirlybird. The smeets are from yours truly.

[itsloriel]

Beauty Of Universe

The tallest waterfall in Japan with a single uninterrupted downstream, is the Nachi Falls. Also part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range .

[narlowemcfarlowe]

"I wouldn't consider myself as one to start shit. I know that past Irken leaders have a reputation for exploiting those around them and I really want to make it up and treat others with respect. My tallests can admittedly be somewhat of a nuisance, but I honestly can't blame them. None of us were ready for such high positions of authority, it was mere fate that brought us here. With that in mind, I always make it a priority to contact them on the Massive and see how they're doing, I'm sure deep down they get stressed too... I definitely would. I like building relationships with my assistants as well, I want them to know that I see them as more than drones working for my benefit and that I truly care about them. However, I've been getting some "criticism" from the control brains for this. My pak has been upgraded to where I'm capable of seeing their physical projections. Thankfully they don't berate me much, as they see me of being little worth, but when they do It's always maddening.

I despise Kii the most out of the three. Don't get me wrong, Soxx and Hitz are miserable squares as well, but whenever they badmouth me, they're straightforward and snappy about it. If one were to ask them for any sort of excuse, they'd be the types to go "because I said so" and leave it at that. But Kii is an absolute lunatic; even in her immortality and limitless power she still finds a way to be a miserable hag. Whenever she's mad she resorts to insulting me, insulting my appearance or calling me a slut for what she perceives as me "seducing" my colleagues when I'm simply building rapport with them, only to turn around and make herself the victim, constantly whining about her past experiences like a spoiled child trying to get her way. Sometimes I'm ashamed to be a woman because of her.

Again, I don't like to start shit, but after having her hit me below the belt so many times, I decided to do the same to her. So I asked her in a sarcastic manner, "Why are you calling me a whore for wanting to make friends, when you were the one to sleep with five different men for your selfish desires of having your own little toy soldiers?".

She showed me her true colors after that, going absolutely ballistic and barking about how disrespectful I was for daring to question her. I stood there unimpressed in an attempt to threaten her irrational authority. I could feel my brain cells deep frying themselves every time she said something along the lines of "I bled for days!". It amazes me hearing drones say such positive things about her appearance, as if she were some awe-inspiring heavenly entity, when all I saw in her contorted, teary-eyed grimaces was one word: hypocrisy.

I don't regret it one bit and I'd do it all again just to see her act like the absolute scum she truly is."

Just an idea I had with my OC Kreit lol

Kii belongs to @messinwitheddie

[a-wanderin-whirlybird]

Ok More Irken ocs! Let's learn a bit about High War Priestess Fifi, Tallest Delta, Modern Frylord Flapjack, and Brewmaster Apprentice Ion!

Thred and Tallest Ophelia belong to @monsoonceroom and Tallest Kii, Coddle Drone Kiz, Soxx, Hitz, and Shakkin belong to @messinwitheddie

HIgh War Priestess Fifi of Hive Cadaver:

Born to a swarm of 104 smeets in Hive Cadaver Fifi is Swarmmates of the Tallest Delta

The two were born hand in Hand and fifi has always adored her Brother

Where Delta is soft, loving and emotional Fifi is Harsh, Prickly and aggressive her only glaring weakness being her deep love for Delta, her best friends @messinwitheddie Tallest Kii and her Wife Thred who belongs to @monsoonceroom

Fifi has the Hive Cadaver third eye dead center of her forehead and had been placed in the Priesthood training since she could properly speak

Fifi has always defended Delta from the rest of the Hive and has even murdered her fellow drones to protect Delta.

She is not above blackmail, Murdering or torturing those around her if it means those she cares for are happy and safe.

Fifi loves her work as the High War Priestess and often throws herself into it for her own pleasure

She met her Wife Thred during the early Alliance Negotiations with Tallest Ophelia

It was through Thred she found a love of Modeling, and will gleefully model anything Thred makes but only for Thred

Tallest Kii gifted Fifi and Thred with a smeet during her earliest experiments with her Smeeteries

The Smeet sadly died young in the bombardment of the smeeteries, it was the only time Fifi couldn't preform the Passing rituals for herself. Delta had to take over while Thred and Fifi mourned

Fifi cannot stand Spicy food which her Hive is known for, preferring fungus and Creamy foods.

No sweet tooth on her at all, she wants salty and Umami flavors

She had a major falling out with Kii shortly before she died in her own Hive, she deeply regrets the words said and sticks to the land of the living alongside her Brother and a roster of Priests

Fifi specifically haunts the Death world's, revealing herself to the Mortuary Drones to teach them proper death rites and inducing many to the Priesthood under Soxx's nose.

She also takes the time to Infuriate and Saratoga soxx at every turn ensuring he can't always be present or watching as her Priests, both living and dead, do their duty

Plus she hates Soxx and it brings her glee to see him suffer and fume

She still pauses her duty to visit Thred and their Smeet when she can, even bringing her smeet on trips to Kii's Smeeteries to tell her daughter about who Kii used to be and how Kii helped give Thred and Fifi their precious Smeet

Tallest Delta:

Final Tallest of Hive Cadaver

Has a Third eye square on his Chest, something rare amongst the Tall Members of Hive Cadaver

He started off as a small Drone and skyrocketed to 7ft over night practically while in the midst of his Priesthood training

He is incredibly close to his swarmmate Fifi and adores her greatly

Delta is an incredibly Kind and soft Irken, he craves equal standing with those close to him and is a Romantic at Splooch

He fell in love with Tallest Kii during their first Meeting, a skirmish Kii initiated to induct Hive Cadaver in her Alliance

During the Final Irken world War Hive Cadaver had been neutral as was tradition so they could preform their rituals where needed

But due to the nature of the conflict Hive Cadaber was being pushed out of the battlefields, unable to preform their duty as Hives assumed they were coming to kill more drones

Kii and Delta forming an Alliance saved the Hive from being choked out

Delta fell in love with Kii's sharp tongue, stern nature, and awkward kindness. But he especially loved how she respected him as a Fellow Irken, not just another Tallest

Delta never acted on his feelings for he saw how soxx and Hitz treated Kii and vowed never to cause her such grief

The two danced around eachother constantly which frustrated Kiz and Fifi endlessly

Delta was also great Friends with the Oracle Tallest, Ophelia. The two often exchanged jokes and stories over snacks and tea.

Delta died after he attacked Tallest Soxx in retaliation of the Bombing of Kii's smeeteries

Watching both his beloved Crush and his dear Sister break as so many loves were lost was the final straw

He attacked Soxx first but Delta never invested in long range weaponry and died when soxx bombed Hive Cadaver alongside his own troops

As he died Delta was approached by Lady Death herself, she had come to guide her loyal Priests to the afterlife as a way to thankt hem for their service, but Delta had another idea

He begged Lady Death to allow him to Linger, alone if he had to, to keep Kii company

His fellow Priests who served alongside him protested as one, Insisting they remain as well.

Lady Death was Moved and agreed so long as Delta and his Priests continued their Life and Death Rituals for their fellow Irkens

In Death Tallest Delta resides by Kii's side. Never wandering unless called by his fellow Priests or Fifi to give a rite or to pass on a message during New Years

Delta is resigned to Kii never noticing him, and Mourns how her grief and hunger for power and control is twisting her and harming her

Frylord Flapjack:

A pale green skinned, and fat female drone. She is only an inch shorter than Gir and runs a Breakfast bar in a major Snack system

Flapjack is incredibly shy and always fears she is failing somewhere. Incredibly anxious but sweet she Loves feeding the masses and mixing amazing Waffle batters

Flapjack trained under Sizz-Lor briefly before being transfered from Food Courtia to a new system dedicated to Breakfast specifically

There she trained under several Frylords and recieved a promotion upon the creation of her signature Waffle Syrup

The Syrup is simular to Maple syrup with a burst of subtle smokiness at the end

Flapjack has a major crush of Gir but doesn't know what to do with it, she isn't even fully aware it is a crush, thinking she simply admires her fellow Frylord

She eventually opens a Speakeasy of her own in her resteraunt to help put the Resisty alongside a Rogue drone named Ion

Ion studied under Brewmaster Shakkin and met Flapjack through Shakkin

The two worked together to assist the resistance while ensuring their fellow drones were fed and Given the best drinks possible

The two slowly fell for one another with Ion being the one to ask Flapjack out

Flapjack agreed eagerly and the two have been together ever since

Flapjack is currently trying to dodge investigations from the Red Brain who is suspicious of Flapjack's supply chain

As such Ion and Flapjack are currently living in different systems and Flapjack can only send letters via Gir

Once the investigation is over Flapjack plans to Propose to Ion, Gir has volunteered his Cantina for the service

Secret Brewmast Ion:

Ion is a Pale blue green smeet with Icy blue Fuzz around her neck and covering her antenna, forearms and shins. She has large Pink eyes with fuzzy eyelashes and is considered a rare beauty.

She is however, a defective Irken who was slated to be culled in the smeetery but was saved by the Ghost of Tallest Dava and taken to a smuggler on the edges of the empire

Ion grew up with 4 other defective drones in the Underworld of Irk hiding from the empire until she decided she would become a frycook

The smuggler, a Drone named Triton, forbade thus and told Ion if she left she could never contact any of them again

Ion agreed to this and left, driven to do what she could

During her attempts to re-smuggle herself into the empire and their kitchens and bumped into Brewmaster Shakkin who saw quite a bit of himself in Ion and helped her hide

It was while Shakkin was assisting Ion in entering a kitchen workforce that he discovered Ion's natural talent for Drink mixing and Brewing

Shakkin took her as his apprentice, entering her into the system as an anonymous Apprentice

Doing so required a great show of skill to convince the Red Brain and the Tallest it was worth not know the Apprentice/Future Brewmaster and to have their Pak left unentered in the system

Ion invented a drink that Celebrated the accomplishments of the empire (thiugh she fully disagreed with the conquests) and it was accepted gleefully

Ion often hid in one of Shakkin's Brew Barrels on his Back so she could be present with high ranking Generals and learn in the field

During a trip to a new snacking system Ion met the newly promoted Frylord Flapjack and fell for her instantly

Ion spent a lot of time getting to know Flapjack before revealing herself to Flapjack

The two eventually opened a speakeasy Cantina and Ion asked Flapjack out

Flapjack agreed and the two have been together ever since

Currently Ion is moving between Gir's Cantina and Shakkin's Breweries while Flapjack is under investigation she misses her Darling a lot

[itsmarjudgelove]

The tallest waterfall in Japan with a single uninterrupted downstream, is the Nachi Falls. Also part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range .

[mia-japanese-korean]

Nachi Falls, Muda Tomohiro, 2008, Minneapolis Institute of Art: Japanese and Korean Art

black and white photograph of stream of falling water against textured black ground; blue-grey, rust, and silver mount; mounted as a hanging scroll Muda Tomohiro has spent much of his thirty-year career photographing sites sacred to Buddhism. He began in the Himalayas in the 1980s and in the 1990s produced major series based on sacred Buddhist sites in China and Indonesia. In the mid-2000s he turned his attention closer to home, to Japan’s Kii Peninsula (where he was born) and, more specifically to the peninsula’s sacred Kumano region. This black-and-white photograph of a cataract is immediately recognizable as that region’s Nachi Waterfall, which has been worshipped since prehistory as the physical manifestation of a Shinto god, or kami. Since the arrival of Buddhism in the 600s, Nachi, Japan’s tallest waterfall, and the surrounding Kumano region have formed the backdrop for a singular fusion of Shinto and Buddhist practices, with Nachi waterfall imagined as the physical manifestation and paradisiacal abode of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Nachi waterfall and nearby Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine are one of three syncretic temple-shrine complexes in Kumano and are among the most sacred sites in all of Japan. Size: 40 1/2 × 18 3/4 in. (102.87 × 47.63 cm) (image) 75 3/4 × 24 5/16 in. (192.41 × 61.75 cm) (without roller) Medium: Inkjet pigment print mounted as hanging scroll

https://collections.artsmia.org/art/136100/

[hitogatarock]

takt op. illustration novel # 4

Twinkle Star : "Listen to Me"

a special short novel entry for the game takt op. Destiny by the City of Crimson Melody by Ishihara Sora ( 石原宙 ).

Illustrator: Koyoi Mitsuki (こよ���みつき)

All translations are belongs to me, make sure to credit properly if you plans on sharing this! Enjoy reading!

Link source • twitter post

——————————————————————

character appearance in order + color code : Twinkle Star , Destiny , Carmen , Walküre , Fledermaus , Jupiter

——————————————————————

"—Twinkle, twinkle, little star ♪

—How I wonder what you are ♪"

It's almost Christmas, the one we've been waiting for! I've been humming my favourite song all morning, looking for my favourite ornament that I've had tucked away in my room. Rummaging, rummaging, where did I put it? I found it at an above-ground rummage sale about a month ago, fell in love with it and bought it.

"—Up above the world so high ♪

—Like a diamond in the sky ♪"

You definitely need that for Christmas, that twinkling, diamond-like star in the night sky. Put it on the tallest part of the big Christmas tree!

Ah, yes, do people know about this? Kii-chan is a Musicart of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, but originally it was a piece that Mozart arranged. It was derived from an old French song, and the lyrics are completely different. It's not a song about stars, like Kii-chan is singing now. It's a little sad song with a little child as the main character—.

"Ah! Found it!"

I've finally found it! In a corner of my closet, carefully tucked away in a wooden box, I found a star-shaped ornament made of glass. Kii-chan bet my eyes are shining like stars right now!

"Hah..... it's still pretty."

It looks like a jewel. If you pinch the decorative string with your fingers and bring the ornament up to eye level, you can see a little bit of rainbow colour through the light coming in through the window.

......... Itching.

......... Tingling, eagerly, impatiently.

"........Let's show it to everyone!"

I can't keep something so beautiful to myself. I'm sure everyone will say, "Wow, it's pretty!" I bet everyone will be impressed!

I ran out of my room and hurried to the cafeteria, my footsteps making a clattering sound. There must be someone there, right? Then, just as I thought! I found Destiny drinking tea on the terrace! A little further away, there's Carmen, eating her breakfast sandwich!

"Hey, look, look, Destiny! This is Kii-chan's favourite star!"

First, I go towards Destiny and proudly hold up the star ornament in front of her and show it. Then, without changing a single expression on her face, Destiny said,

"Good morning, Twinkle Star."

"Y-Yeah, morning...."

Because I didn't get the response I was expecting and it was kind of anticlimactic. I'll ask again carefully.

"Um, is that all......?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"That's why!" This! Kii-chan's favourite star—!"

In front of Destiny's eyes, I show the star-shaped ornament with all of my might. Then, after staring at it for a few seconds with a cat-like stare, Destiny slowly placed the cup on the saucer and said.

"It's a precious thing, isn't it? If you handle it so roughly, it will break."

"~~....... That's not what I meant!"

I can't get my thoughts across and I noisily flap my hands and feet. If you look at Kii-chan's forehead now, you'll see that the gap has gone up between my eyebrows and it's like an accordion! Come to think of it, Destiny is like this. I can't quite get through to her, or she's just a "too obvious" person.....

And then— click, clack.

The sound of high heels approached from behind. I turned around and saw Carmen, the Musicart with sallow skin and wavy black hair.

"Ah! It's Carmen!"

"Good morning, Twinkle Star. You're looking good today."

Carmen's always been fashionable, and I'm pretty sure she likes jewels, flowers and pretty things! Then surely she'll understand this star!

"Hey, hey, look! Isn't this star beautiful~!"

"Oh my, yes it is. But Kii-chan is much prettier, isn't she? Ufufu. See you."

Carmen pats Kii-chan on the head as she pass through me and winks away. She returns the tray with the empty sandwich plates and coffee cups to the return slot, and leaves the cafeteria with a quick step. It's as if she can't be bothered with Kii-chan. Why? She usually listen to me properly.

"Well then, if you'll excuse me too."

"Ah, Destiny..."

Then, Destiny gets up from her seat and leave the cafeteria with her own tea set, which she has put away. So Kii-chan is all alone in the cafeteria.

"Come on~! Why doesn't everyone listen to me~!?"

Even Kii-chan can't withdraw silently like this! With strong, steady steps, I went downstairs this time to look for another Musicart, and there she was! Near the entrance, I found Walküre staring at the front of the noticeboard with a serious face, as if she wouldn't miss a single word!

"Walküre~!"

When Kii-chan waved and ran up to her, Walküre looked back at me and greeted me.

"........Twinkle Star. Good morning."

Then she gives a small bow. Walküre always uses honorifics for Ki-chan. Though from her looks, Walküre looks like the older sister, but Kii-chan is treated as a senior because I started fighting as a Musicart earlier. Even when I told her to stop using honorifics, she wouldn't stop, and her super-serious and stubborn attitude is exactly like Walküre!

"Hey, look! What do you think of this? It's a star made of glass!"

Without even saying hello, I immediately showed off my favourite ornament!

Walküre gazed at it with interest, putting her hand on her chin. "This is..." she muttered.

And then her eyes lit up.

"That shape........ is not bad..."

Wow, good reaction! Yes, yes! It's a cute shape! Kii-chan is so happy I jump up and down on the spot! Then Walküre continued,

"I was inspired by the spikes on that star. How about a new weapon, the 'Morning Star'?"

"You fighting freak!"

I exclaim involuntarily. Why do you look at this beautiful star and think about weapons!? Walküre is stupidly serious, she's always thinking about fighting! With that in mind, Walküre looked as if she had remembered something, and quickly bowed her head to Kii-chan.

"Well, excuse me. I have somewhere to go."

Then she turns her back on Kii-chan and walks away.

"Eh? No way.... But I want to talk...."

Why? Why won't Walküre listen to me too? Kii-chan reached for her back, but she didn't stop. Then, by chance, Fledermaus passed by ahead of us.

"Well, well, well. Isn't this Walküre and Twinkle Star? You two get on so well together."

Usual tone of jestery. At times like this, she usually make fun of Kii-chan, but I was glad that only today she called out to me.

"Fledermaus! Hey, hey, will you listen to Kii-chan's story?"

"Oops, you're asking for help with a problem? But too bad, Dr. Fledermaus' counseling room is full at the moment. You can make an appointment at ........ right, it may be a month or so before that."

"No way....."

She usually jokes around and says all kinds of things that annoy Kii-chan. Why doesn't she pay attention to me today?

"Fledermaus. Have you got time for frivolous talk?"

"Yes, yes. I know, Walküre. Well, then, Twinkle Star. If you're clever, I'll bring you candies next time."

"Jeez! Don't treat Kii-chan like a child!"

Fledermaus waves a fluttering "Yes, yes" and walks out of the entrance with Walküre.

"........"

Kii-chan is alone, again. Why doesn't everyone listen to Kii-chan? I looked hard for the star ornament at the market, you know? I thought people would be happy with cute Christmas decorations. Christmas is an annual festival. It's a day for the whole family to eat good food and have fun. It's Kii-chan's favourite day.

"To Kii-chan, all of the Musicarts are family......"

Kii-chan has no real family. I think I used to have one, but they're gone. There are no memories left at all. That's why I thought everyone in Berlin Symphonica was my family.

"In the end, Kii-chan and the others were only brought together to fight."

What is a family, with a father, a mother, an elder brother and a younger sister..... I've seen them in picture books, but I don't know. Kii-chan should not be spoilt by her family. Should she be a good adult and just focus on fighting? If I do that, will they praise me for being good?

....I want a family. A family would surely listen to Kii-chan's stories. If I sign a contract with a Conductor, will the Conductor become my family?

A kind father Conductor?

A wonderful mother Conductor?

Or a cute sister Conductor, or a cool brother Conductor!

Imagining it might make it a bit more fun.

Then a group of adults in military uniforms rush past Kii-chan, communicating with someone somewhere.

"The three Musicarts who are leaving for Austria today are Bolero, Nutcracker and Fledermaus. The Conductors who will accompany them are currently undergoing final confirmation. I repeat—"

I see...... That's right.

I remembered that today was the day that the expedition to Austria commences. So everyone was busy preparing for that. That's why they couldn't listen to Kii-chan's story slowly. Especially for Fledermaus, today's the day she would head for the frontline.....

"Whoa? What's that, it's looks cute."

"......Eh?"

Suddenly, a voice calls out to me from behind and I turn around. Jupiter was there. Jupiter looked at the glass star in Kii-chan's hand from many different angles, and happily says,

So, Kii-chan became very happy.

"A glass star? Where did you find it? Let me see a bit."

"~~.......!"

"Jupiter~~!"

"Hey! What the hell! Don't give me a hug all of a sudden! I was training earlier, I'm all sweaty and dirty!"

"I don't care about that! Jupiter~~~!"

"Dammit! Don't push my head around!"

Come to think of it, Jupiter and Kii-chan woke up as Musicarts at about the same time. So, I've known her as a Musicart for the longest.

"Don't look so glum. There are busy days like today. Besides, everyone is always looking out for Twinkle Star."

"Always thinking about Kii-chan...?"

"Yeah."

I see..... Perhaps...... Kii-chan remembered. Everyone was too busy to listen to me, but they didn't say "Today is the day of the expedition". They didn't say that so that Kii-chan wouldn't have to worry about it. Everyone....... was thinking about Kii-chan! Because we are "family"!

"I love Jupiter! I love you all!"

"Wha—What's all of a sudden. I'd be embarrassed if you said that....."

After all, the Musicarts are my family and the Symphonica is my home!

"This one's for Jupiter! A glass star!"

"Eh, are you sure? It's important to you, isn't it? I've been given a good luck charm before....."

"It's fine! Instead, let's find a prettier star together!"

Still looking for stars, let's decorate the Symphonica with a lot of stars. When a new family member Conductor arrives, I hope they will think this is a beautiful home. I hope they will think of Kii-chan as a wonderful family member.

And together, we'll sing my favourite song!

— From "Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman", "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"'s original song

Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman,

(Say, listen to me, Mama,)

Ce qui cause mon tourment.

(I want to know why I'm so worried.)

Papa veut que je raisonne,

(Papa wants me to grow up to be a good person,)

Comme une grande personne.

(like a great person somewhere.)

Moi, je dis que les bonbons

(But I don't care about that.)

Valent mieux que la raison

(I care more about the candies.)

——————————————————————

— translator notes : is it just me or does twinkle star's entry is much longer than I thought? but I felt it's really long because of her interactions with other musicarts🤔 but she's one lovable child huhuhu I hope you enjoy, as always! my guess for next week is either valkyrie or nutcracker btw! Also I decided for koumori I would use Fledermaus for upcoming en translations for takt op because Bat sounds weird lol.

——————————————————————

[endasogiizhik]

ANISHINAABEMOWIN SONG: “Don’t Forget Who You Are” by Helen Roy

I’m going to do my best to transcribe the lyrics as she writes them in Wiikwemkoong dialect, then in a more western Minnesota dialect way. Plus the translation as the video gives it. Long post ahead!

CHORUS: gegawa anenidanige e-aawi-yin gego wanendangen e-aawiyan Don’t forget who you are. gegawa anenidanige agaa-bi-njibaa-yin Gego wanendangen gaa-bi-onjibaayan Don’t forget where you came from agaa-bi-iyaajig jibawaa iyaa-yin gaa-bi-ayaajig jibwaa-ayaayan Those who came before us (note: actually translates to “before you”) kii-miininigonaanig awaa-ni-aanikenanimang gii-miinigonaanig waa-ni-aanikenanimang Gave us what we need to pass on. 

oowadi gichi-gaaming gaa-bi-njibaajig owedi gichi-gamiing gaa-bi-onjibaajig The ones who came from across the waters dizhigiizhiwewiniwaa agii-biidoonaawaa odizhigiizhwewiniwaa ogii-biidoonaawaa Brought with them the language they spoke.

gadiniwewininaa agaa gegoo anaabadasino gidinwewininaan gaagegoo inaabadasinoon The way we spoke was “useless” anidawenidaagawasinog agii-akidowag andawendaagwasinog gii-ikidowag It wasn’t needed, they said. 

dinaadiziniwaa anishin agii-inenidamowag odinaadiziwiniwaa onizhishin gii-inendamowag They thought that their way of life was best kii-bagidinaanaa idash e-inaadiziying gigii-bagidinaanaan idash e-inaadiziyang So we set aside all those things of our ways.

miinawaa akina agaa-bi-debawetamang miinawaa gakina gaa-bi-debwetamang And all that we believed from long ago kii-maadijii-niinimizi-mi idash gigii-maajii-niinamizimin idash Then we became weaker.

CHORUS

gegawa anenidanige e-aawi-yin gego wanendangen e-aawiyan Don’t forget who you are gegawa inenidanige apikaaniziyin gego inendangen bakaaniziyan Don’t think differently of yourself. agaa-bi-iyaajig jibawaa iyaa-yin gaa-bi-ayaajig jibwaa-ayaayan Those who came before us (note: actually translates to “before you”) kii-miininigonaanig awaa-ni-aanikenanimang gii-miinigonaanig waa-ni-aanikenanimang Gave us what we need to pass on.

makawendan akina e-temigag maamapii akiing mikwendan gakina e-atemagak maampii akiing Think of everything on this earth e-maawanji-gaachi’iging miishikoons e-maawanji-agaachi’iging mashkos From the smallest blade of grass biinish e-maawanji-ginoozid mitig biinish e-maawanji-ginoozid mitig Up to the tallest tree akina ninadan gegoo naabadadoon gakina nandan gegoo inaabadadoon (note: nonda is Odawa, in MN it is onow) They have their purpose.

getezijig apane igii-bi-iyaawag getezijig apane gii-bi-ayaawag There have always been elders agaa-bagidanazigoog gidinaadizininaa gaa-bagidinanzigoog gidinaadiziwininaan Who would not let go our ways of life miidash gonadag zaam nango mii dash gonda onzaam noongoom (note: gonda=ongow) And because of them we live on geyaabi ge-ni-nji-bimaadiziying geyaabi ge-ni-onji-bimaadiziyang We will still live on. 

CHORUS

gegawa anenidanige e-aawi-yin gego wenendange e-aawiyan Don’t forget who you are gegawa abagidananige gibimaadiziwinim gego bagidinangen gibimaadiziwinim Don’t let go of your life.  gaa-bi-iyaajig jibawaa iyaa-yin gaa-bi-ayaajig jibwaa-ayaayan Those who came before us kii-akinoomaagawanaanig awaa-ni-inaadiziying gigii-gikinoo’amaagonaanig waa-ni-inaadiziyang Taught us the way to be in life. 

[messinwitheddie]

Oh tallest Kii~ forgive me if this is too vulgar, but out of all your pregnancies. Which sire drone was your favorite squad wielder?😉💚 how many have died before you become pregnant, if I may ask?

Kii "Your question is... vulgar and quite personal... It is devoid of shame.

I never reflected upon this before your intrusive inquiry, but... I suppose if I must pick a "favorite" siring drone, that drone would be my former imperial medic, Kram.

Kram was not very impressive in terms of height, but he was more intelligent than the average drone. Three times he impregnated me and three times our smeets died while developing in my shmoop-shmizz. It was discouraging, but I pursued my goals with other specimens. ALL of the others proved to be equally disappointing and all pursuits were for not. It knows the story.

... I never executed a siring drone simply because I found their performance lackluster, if that is the question.. I never executed one because I found one unsuitable for siring duties either, just ordered them out of my lounge.

I have personally ended many a stupid, smaller drone for questioning me or insulting me. Not even my stupidest siring drone would be quite that stupid.

[thunderclaw100]

(All three belong to @messinwitheddie)

The first pic is Kii taking a moment of hesitation and probably second thoughts about joining forces with Soxx and Hitz. She’s concerned about what her own subjects will think of her now that she has no choice but to work with both of her enemies.

Second pic is about Hitz trying to persuade Kii into getting one of his paks installed into her back, but she put up a very long fight before she finally caved in and let him do it. Soxx is just there for moral support. He does not want to argue with Kii. That woman has a snakes tongue. Her insults stings!🤣

“Kii, my dear. This will benefit you SO much more than just that small, out of date device on your chest. With my paks, your intelligence will grow quicker than the average rate.” Hitz told her on a charming tone. The female tallest is starting to regret coming here in the fist place. Kii refused to meet with them last time but after a threat from Hits, saying he’ll have her dragged out of her hive with all of her subjects watching. His and Soxx’s troops are at her door right now. Safety reasons to make sure it’s not an ambush on the both of them while they are in one of her empty rooms. Kii’s antenna twitched at another attempt to get her to agree with their demands. It’s humiliating and she hate herself for it.

“You want to put one of those contraptions on me? No. I saw the way those paks turn irkens into mindless slaves to it. And the smeets….” She shutter.

“The smeet factory was a success! You were there when we presented them to you.” Sox siad.

“THE SMEETERY WAS MY VISION! YOU DESTROYED MINE AND REBUILT IT IN YOUR HIVE! KEEP THAT USELESS SCRAP METAL AWAY FROM ME. I WON’T BE MANIPULATED BY YOU TWO!”

Kii snapped at the two men. The mention of her smeetry. The one thing she invested in as an alternative to her hives population problem and to make sure that no other female drone have to go through the

“Why can’t you find some other hive you can harass?” She spat. Glaring right at the red-eyed tallest. Sox said nothing but Hitz smirked.

“What other hive? Did we not take care of them all?”

“Curse you both….” Kii almost forgot what they’ve done to the others. Most of the damage was Soxx’s fault but Hitz played his part in it as well.

“Remember what we’ve told you. With the combination of my control brains, Hitz’s paks, and your smeetery. We can make a one hive nation with the most powerful technology and triple the army numbers that can outmatch all other forces.” Soxx said. Hovering up to her. He hoped his more softer tone will get to her. Kii looked irritated right now.

“I don’t trust either of you. And I do not believe my drones will come to terms with your method.”

“Then make them understand. You’re their tallest. They should listen to you and following your orders without question. This is what we’re aiming for.”

Soxx told her. This is all coming down on Kii too fast. “Isn’t an alliance enough for you already? She said.

“Yes but it is incomplete if you do not comply. There will be new additions to the pak’s function that I’m working on and Soxx agree with me that you should also wear one. Unless….you want things to return to the way they were between us?” Hitz grin as soon as he saw the change in expression on Tallest Kii’s face.

“That will not be necessary. Give me time to think this over. Until then you can see yourselves out.”

With that being said. Tallest Kii exit the room with a puff of anger and irritation. Soxx leans towards Hitz. “Do you think we should’ve told her the whole truth of our plan? About the control brains and what we are going to do with our bodies after it’s finished?”

“Patience, Soxx. She’ll come around soon. Tallest Kii can be reasoned with. After so many centuries pressing her to make alliance with our hives. She’s bound to give in. Now let us be off. Hitz lead the way out the door. Soxx trailed behind him.

[monsoonceroom]

Hive Terra

In the months leading up to the completion of Irk's first spaceship the Gigantium, meetings were held by Hive Litore's former members in an attempt to take advantage of the situation. It was agreed upon that they would rather die trying to escape than stay any longer under the rule of Hitz, Soxx, & Kii. A plan had been made to stage a coup on the ship & fly deeper into space instead of going back to Irk. One source of debate was whether or not to have a Tallest if they were to make a new home. Many former Litorians were not keen on a new Tallest if it meant being ruled by another tyrant. They felt that even their Tallest's for ages have relied on oracles & therefore the oracle alone should reign. Others were hesitant to dissolve the Tallest title completely as the only oracle alive was just a smeet & unfit to rule. A compromise was eventually reached that they'll still have the Tallest & Oracle rule side by side once Ophelia's son, Kly, reached a suitable age. Whether the title of Tallest will continue will be up to future generations.

Finally, on the day of launch, thousands of Irken's occupied the Gigantium. Most were of the dissolved Hive Litore while there were several hundred from the current Tallest's respective hives. Included on the journey were at least a dozen coddle drones & their swarms. They were snuck onto the ship & hidden in a secret room before the official boarding. Included as part of the stowaways were Kly & his coddle drone, Ru.

Several hours into the flight, the Taller Irkens held a party to celebrate their planet's achievement of space exploration. The Irken's from the other hives drank heavily while the former Litorian's sipped their cider sparingly. Meanwhile, outside the party, communications were cut & panic started to set in among the shorter drones outside. Hearing the distress, those still sober at the party took it as the signal that the coup had begun. They drew their weapons & slew the drunken partygoers so that their own chosen Tallest would be uncontested. When they exited the room, they were met with the sight of shorter drones swearing their loyalty to this new interstellar hive while surrounded by the corpses of those who still followed the three tyrants. With the ship now theirs, they sailed onward in the hopes of finding a new home.

After months of wayward flying, the Gigantium finally reached a planet far from Irk & the rest of the galaxy. The tired Irkens were ecstatic & couldn't wait to take root in their new home. They were enchanted by the lush greenery that covered the land but were also wary that the beautiful flora may have hidden dangers. Sure enough they were not the only sentient species on this new planet. When a scouting team was sent out, they were accosted by those who called themselves the Fae. The team was taken prisoner & brought before their High Queen where they recounted their tales of woe. The Queen's heart was softened & asked to see their Tallest. Tallest Basa was a humble man whose humility further won over the Fae Queen. She agreed to give them land to live on as well as send out her own scouts on how to teach them to survive the natural & unnatural perils of this new world. In return, they were to give a tithing of 1/5 of whatever they produced, be it fruits, vegetables, livestock, cloth or precious metals every 7 years. The Irkens were more than happy to offer tribute to those who had shown them mercy in this strange land.

To the former Litorian's, Hive Litore died when Ophelia did & a hive on a new planet deserved a new name. After much discussion, it was decided that Hive Terra would be the name of their home. Irk seemed like a distant memory now as they even renounced the term Irken in favor of Irthen as a way of appreciating the planet they now inhabited. Tallest Basa became a parental figure to young Kly who eventually took over as Oracle when he was old enough. Generations later, the mantle of Tallest was no longer a ruler, but one entrusted to protect the Oracle.

The current oracle of Hive Terra is Oracle Delphi with her Tallest guardian & brother, Gigos. The bottom row from left to right is Frylady Dulce, Head of Maintenance, Head of Merchantry, & Head of the Nursery (all currently unnamed).

These are the Weavers of Hive Terra who are in charge of the oracle's wardrobe. From left to right they are Head Weaver Haberda, Spin, & Haberda's daughter, Fleecie.

These are some examples of what the citizens of Hive Terra look like & the clothes they wear. Sleeveless clothes are seen as lounging wear & are worn when not working.

The Fae's unnamed High Queen & her daughter.

There's more to come for Hive Terra, but that'll be all for now. This took hours as I wanted to make sure I had everything for them. This meant combing through various sketchbooks trying to find what I was looking for. I had a lot of ideas for the Fae princess as she's supposed to be a young Ms. Bitters long before she became a teacher. Anyways, enjoy my first art post & IZ lore drop for 2024 & hope y'all have a Happy New Year.

[jgmh30]

Nachi Falls (那智滝, Nachi no Taki) in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, is one of the best-known waterfalls in Japan. With a drop of 133 meters (and 13 meters wide), it is the country's tallest water fall with single uninterrupted drop; however, the tallest waterfalls with multiple drops in Japan are Hannoki Falls, at 497 m (seasonal), and Shōmyō Falls, at 350m (year round). There are two rocks at the top of the falls that are the guardian kami of the falls and the Shinto shrine. There was also a Buddhist temple here that was destroyed during the Meiji Restoration (late 19th century). Many shugenja and star-crossed lovers have leaped from the top of the waterfall in the belief that they will be reborn into Kannon's paradise. Early each morning the Shinto priest make offerings to the waterfall in a ritual. In 1918, a Sutra mound was excavated at the base of the waterfall and found to contain many important archaeological artifacts, including statues, mirrors, altar fittings and Sutra cylinders. These are now displayed in the Ryuhoden (“Treasure Hall”), located next to the Sanjūdō Pagoda (the 3-story pagoda). These Sutra mounds were created by priests in times of war to hide their treasures but also many items were buried in this way as a result of the belief that the end of the world was coming at the start of the 10th century. Believed to house a kami called Hiryū Gongen worshiped at Kumano Nachi Taisha, it is part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" UNESCO World Heritage Site. #dreamdestination #waterfall #waterfallvideo #jgtravelhopes #flowingwatercalmsme #nachifalls (at Nachi Falls) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJbI80vFPNz9RQKoNrc-6sMqxegl8-qy-JmTnw0/?igshid=qgr0cp0jqqsg

[narlowemcfarlowe]

"...In a sense I feel useless, I long to have a deeper meaning in these vast open skies. I mean, some Irkens argue whether producing female smeets even has a purpose anymore. While many Irken women oppose this opinion... I sadly kind of agree. Granted, there's little sexual dimorphism between male and female irkens, so there is no difference in physical capacity between the sexes so they can both perform equal amounts of labor, if anything females just have more muscle and fat around their lower bodies. Even then I've heard other women argue that in the case of the smeeteries failing that we could be used to repopulate, but, I don't know. Only a few women are selected to serve this role in said scenario, and what even is there to raising smeets in this day and age? These paks render them fully precocial the moment they'd be born. There's no chance to truly nurture or bond with them, they're just told to "report for duty" where they'll be trained as cannon fodder. It's unfulfilling without a true sense of motherhood or fatherhood as deeper and meaningful intimacy is forbidden "for the sake of the empire". Male or female, there's really no purpose in an Irken's life other than to be a plaything for those lousy old brains. I've heard childbirth was especially brutal in the past, with relatively high mortality rates for the mothers. The control brains use this as an excuse for those miserable smeet-machines, but why couldn't we just have found ways to make it safer instead of creating cloning factories that reduce our species to nothing but emotionless toy soldiers? I guess whatever Kii couldn't have, no one could have... What a selfish bitch."

I wanted to practice writing by making a monologue for my main OC, Kreit, if she were a part of this hybrid AU (credits to @messinwitheddie as I've mentioned before in other posts)

I've always imagined Kreit being a higher-up in the empire, perhaps being in charge of Irk's infrastructure while tallest Red and Purple are on the Massive. Despite her genuine care for her fellow Irkens, she has always sympathized with the Resisty, mainly because they were an outlet for her to sneak out and complain about the control brains and the overall rigidness of Irken life, but as she interacts more and more with them, she learns the horrors and atrocities of the Irken Empire.

[a-wanderin-whirlybird]

So UUUUH @messinwitheddie @sketchydesertghost I wrote a thing with Kii and Ophelia and Delta in life... its the first time Delta and Ophelia met and Fifi is there being... well Fifi. (Also some Hive Cadaver Lore) Enjoooy!

First Meetings

Tallest Delta fidgeting nervously with the hem of his robes. They were standard Priest Robes, ones all Tallest Priests wore to any kind of diplomatic meeting. Delta and his sister, High War Priest Fifi, were walking to the Meeting room in Tallest Kii's Hive to meet a new Ally. Delta firmly believed in Kii's judgement.

"Stop fidgeting Del." Fifi hissed to her Swarmmate. Delta let go of the Henry and pouted. 

"You know I'm not good at this Fi. What if I make a fool of myself and our Hive before this new Ally? Not to mention how that would reflect on Lady Kii, Our Hive rarely ends up in any kind of Alliance! We dint have any kind of protocol for this. It was already considered unusual that I aligned us with Lady Kii. If I make a fool of us- Ow! Fifi!" Selta stopped in his whispered rant as Fifi kicked his leg.

"You're spiralling again Del. Stop it. You will be fine. You always are around Kii. I'm more concerned about this Ophelia character." Fifi growled, talons flaring as she flexed her hand. Each small talon was tipped with ornate silver claws. Ideal for both battle and corpse preparation, they could slice through flesh and a few softer metals with ease. Delta lightly shoved his much smaller sister. 

"Stop that! Not everyone is out to get us. I'm sure Tallest Ophelia is an upstanding individual. From the information Lady Kii sent us it appears she is an Oracle, and the real deal too." Delta said. The meeting room was drawing closer.

Light spilled out into the Hall, showing the colors on Delta and Fifi's robes. Fifi wore a lighter set of robes. It was all a single layer of soft, cotton like material in vibrant greens and yellows. For those of earth reading this the robe resembled the Lunar Moth. It trailed behind her in short twin tails and a hood adorned with fuzzy accents covered her head. A simple cloth belt was tied about Fifi's waist and a Bow on her right side. 

Delta's robes were much heavier. Many layers of Cloth of varying lengths adorned his form. The sleeves looked like Atlas Moth wings, and an array of earthy tones peaked out from under one another. Delta had practice moving in these robes so he glided into the room with ease. If it came to it Delta could also Fight in these robes. 

"Tallest Delta. On time as Usual." Kii said as Delta and Fifi entered the room. She was standing besides a Fuzzy Tallest. Tallest Ophelia, Delta guessed. 

"We try to be Lady Kii." Delta said. He saw the small twitch of Kii's mouth, the ghost of a smile, when he and Fifi entered. It sent his Squeedlysplooch fluttering, but he steeled himself and swallowed the feelings. This was important. Kii was not interested in romance. Only friendship. And Delta had sworn to give her that. 

Besides, it wouldn't do to suddenly wax poetic in front of a stranger. 

Fifi tilted her head, a wry smile spread across her face. 

"We dont like leaving people waiting Kii. Though you've done that plenty." Fifi Teased. And just like that, the last vestige of tension left Kii and she relaxed.

"Hush. At least I have some manners." Kii retorted with a small smile. Delta watched Tallest Ophelia observe the exchange in the background. She looked shocked and confused, as many did when Fifi fearlessly teased Kii. 

"Either way. Tallest Delta, Allow me to introduce our new Ally. Tallest Ophelia of Hive Litore. Tallest Ophelia, this is Tallest Delta of Hive Cadaver." Kii introduce Ophelia, who stepped forward upon hearing her name. Delta gave a small bow, antenna sweeping apart as he did so. Ophelia returned the gesture and gave a small smile. 

"It is wonderful to meet you Tallest Delta. You do your Hive proud." Ophelia said Delta fought back the blush, but he Knew everyone saw his face flush a dark purple. 

"I thank you Tallest Ophelia. I have heard many good things about you as well." Delta said.

Shortly after the meeting commenced in earnest. Delta stayed as focused as he could throughout. Occasionally Fifi would interject and either Kii or Delta would respond. Tallest Ophelia did not engage Fifi, watching on instead. 

A recess was called when Kiz entered the room insisting they took a break after several hours.

"Thank the Weaver. Delta was starting to repeat himself again and Kii was falling asleep." Fifi said walking over to Kii who huffed. "Be as mad as you want Kii you need a rest. Ill join you and Kiz while My Brother gets to Know Ophelia."

Fifi was hard to dissuade when she got an idea. She took Kii's hand and practically dragged the tired Tallest away. Delta knew Lady Kii would scold her for such public displays. But Fifi never cared. 

Once the two left Delta turned to Tallest Ophelia and noticed a strangled expression. Delta laughed nervously and waved a hand. 

"My apologies my Swarmmate can be a shock to many." Delta said. Ophelia nodded.

"Are you not mad with her for Insubordination?" Ophelia asked. Delta shook his head. 

"No. How can I be? Fifi is my Swarmmate, my sister and our High War Priest. I would never ask her to change anymore than I would ask Lady Kii." Delta explained. "She and Lady Kii became good friends a while back, and for that I am glad. Neither fear speaking their minds, and though this may cause some problems they often move past those times with ease."

"Strange. Tallest Kii had informed me that your Hive has many different customs, I did not expect…" Ophelia trailed off and Delta figured out what she meant. 

"In Hive Cadaver anyone with a third eye, regardless of size, can become a High Priest. They run the Council of Rituals as we call them. Many decisions in regard to our practices must go through them first. Its incredibly rare for both the Tall gene and the Third Eye mutation to exist." Delta pointed to his own third eye in the center of his chest. It peered right at Ophelia through a white veil that draped over it. 

"As such the council ensures our practices remain intact, even when they must change. The Tallest, when lacking Priesthood training, do not get a say in such matters. Rather they run the day to day business for the Hive. Fifi is the High War Priest. She memorized every single ritual connected to war and preforms them regularly. As such she holds near equal control of our Hive's armies in these times." Delta explained.

"But you have the eye and the training. Yet you do not hold power above her." It wasnt a question. Ophelia stated it as fact. Delta smiled widely. 

"Well yes! We both went through priesthood training as cadets together. I did not reach my current Height until I was already a full fledged priest. I was something of a late bloomer. Fifi always protected me and helped me. As Tallest and a Priest I am in a rare and strange position. I have say over our customs but not enough to fully control it. However I am in charge of our day to day lives and alliances. I place my trust in Fifi and the rest of the Priests and advisors to ensure we maintain a proper balance of power. Hive Cadaver has always operated this way and it has done us well." Oohelia seemed to consider this before smiling.

"I was correct." Delta blinked in confusion. "You are an upstanding man Delta. You are aware of your duties and the emotions and wellbeing of those around you. I mean no offense when I say, you are ill suited for war. Had times been better, you would flourish beyond where you are now."

Delta blinked again, unsure what to say. Only for Ophelia to suddenly sidle up to him and firmly slapped his shoulder. 

"You are a fine friend to Tallest Kii. But why don't you ask her out?"

"EH?!" Delta squeaked and flushed, his whole head down to the tops of his shoulder turned deep purple once more. 

"I do not need to be an Oracle to see how you watch her. Yet you keep your distance!"

"It-I! I don't want to pressure her. Tallest Soxx already does that enough. My feelings are not worth hurting her." Delta admitted. He could not stop the twinge of sadness that laced his voice. "I will be content simply as her friend and ally."

"Hmmm. That is noble of you." Ophelia said, letting go of Delta's shoulder. "But its painful for you. Your love is strong. Strong enough to transcend the boundaries that all the living must follow. And I'm confident that you will one day get to show Kii how strong your love is. And how kind it is." 

It felt like a prophecy. It sounded like one too. Delta had received enough prophecies and messages from Lady Death to tell. But in this moment it did no good to linger on it. 

"Th-thank you Ophelia." Delta said with a sigh. "Now I believe we should catch up with my sister and Lady Kii before they decide to start throwing things." 

Ophelia laughed. "Yes, lets!"