Inside the new and improved [Hover], the Entities were traveling in quite calm when a voice broke the silence.
"By the way Ember," Prism started, having remembered something. "it seemed as though you had something you wanted to tell me before."
"Oh that's right," Ember mused, having recalled what she wanted to say to Prism before. " I had almost forgotten about that."
"Also, please speak casually with me. As you may or may not have figured out, but the others also speak comfortably with me." Prism added.
"I see. In that case, I will. Thanks. As I was trying to say back then, before being interrupted by a certain someone,"
She turned to Cream before returning her attention to Prism once more, her amber glow steadying as she edged closer to her.
"there's another Entity that might be interesting to you..."
Cream shot a pulse of dissatisfaction.
"...Boss." Ember continued, ignoring the creamy pulses of joy getting brighter.
She had been interrupted earlier by Cream's territorial flare-up. And now, she seized the lull to finish what she had started.
"Is that so?" Prism's prismatic facets caught the interior light and scattered it in soft rainbows. "Tell me more about this Entity."
"Yes, Boss. His name is Aqueous, and he's… he's my counterpart, sort of…" Ember's light flickered with sudden embarrassment, the words catching as though she had said more than intended.
"Sort of?" Cream echoed, curiosity sharpening her creamy radiance.
"Please, continue." Prism encouraged gently.
Ember steadied herself.
"My object allows me to generate intense, hot flames, while his object enables him to produce something called liquid, cold water to be more specific. That water… is what nullifies my flames."
"I see." Prism said thoughtfully. "That is quite interesting indeed. Good work, Ember."
"Thank you, Boss." The praise landed like cool light on warm metal. All she did was praise me but...Why does that... Why do i feel… good?
Ember did not yet fully understand the quiet warmth that spread through her core. Being recognized by someone she now respected, someone clearly superior to her, carried a subtle but powerful weight.
It affirmed effort, sparked motivation, as well as quietly reinforced the bond of mutual respect. All of it hinged, of course, on that respect flowing both ways.
"Doesn't that mean he's better than you?" Cream asked, her tone edged with pettiness now that Ember had received a direct praise from Prism.
"It means that he is my equal," Ember corrected sharply, "not better. Do you understand?" She emphasized the point with deliberate force.
She would never concede superiority to Aqueous, not in front of this group, and certainly not to Cream.
"Whatever you say." Cream replied, rolling her non-existent eyes.
"Why you–"
"In any case," Prism interjected smoothly, "he has piqued my interest. Ember, please lead us to him. In the meantime, please tell me more about him."
"Alright. I nderstood, Boss."
The [Hover] accelerated forward, slicing through the luminous Void at light speeds.
What felt like mere minutes passed in seconds instead. Then again, measuring time and distance in the boundless emptiness was largely meaningless in the first place.
Soon, the vessel slowed as it reached its destination. When it finally stopped, the top panel parted to allow the Entities to step, or rather, float out from within it.
They drifted out into the open space.
"Look who it is." came a voice rich with anticipation and unmistakable excitement. Aqueous's deep blue glow pulsed brightly, almost playful.
"Hello… Aqueous." Ember replied, hesitation threading through her tone.
"Those two clearly have history together." Cream whispered.
"I agree. It looks like they like each other, but hate each other just as much." Aloe murmured back.
Cream pulsed as she nodded her nonexistent head in agreement with Aloe's words.
"What brings you here?" Aqueous continued, addressing Ember directly. "Have you finally come to settle the score, my rival?"
"Tsk." Ember's light snapped with irritation.
"Did he just say rival?" Aloe muttered.
"Things just got interesting." Cream replied.
"Right?" Aloe agreed, turning to Cream then back the the crimson and blue orbs.
"Would you two stop gossiping… without me!" Gold grumbled, suddenly feeling excluded.
"Shh." Aloe pulsed gently. "Don't speak too loudly, we don't want to interrupt the two them."
"Sorry, my bad." he said as he drifted closer to the two eager watchers.
Prism observed the unfolding scene with quiet fascination, like a viewer watching the backstory of a familiar character finally unfolding on a stage.
"I need to talk with you." Ember said.
"What's this? Normally, you just attack first and talk later." Aqueous teased, his blue light rippling with amusement.
"Well, things are different now." Ember answered, her tone calm and measured. He's right. The old me would've done just that. But I'm different now. She thought, as a prismatic triangular figure formed in her mind.
Normally, that single remark would have ignited her. It seems as though things really are different now. He thought, glancing past the three clusters of spheres towards a triangular Entity. "I can see that." he conceded.
Ember gave him only the briefest, most tantalizing summary of the situation, enough to spark his curiosity, and nothing more.
She knew that mystery was the surest bait for someone like Aqueous. If something doesn't catch his attention, then he simply doesn't bother with it. That's simply the kind of Entity that Aqueous is.
"Fine," he said at last. "I'll meet this Entity. I want to see what kind of Entity could change you this much. Who knows? Maybe she's be more of a challenge compared to you?" he said with a chuckle.
Ember gave a small scoff before answering. "Don't worry, you'll get to meet Boss soon enough. When you do, I hope that things go well for you, much more than they did for me."
"Wait, what does that mean?" he asked, caught of guard by her words. "And what does Boss mean?"
"Don't worry about it, at least for now. You'll find out soon enough."
"Alright." Aqueous begrudgingly accepted. "If you say so. I don't like how ominous all of that sounds, but I'll do it. Since I trust you and all."
"Thanks." she said, turning away from him. "Also, do try to make a good impression." Ember added. "For your own sake."
She drifted back toward the group to fetch Prism.
You really have changed. Aqueous thought privately. And by quite a lot. What kind of Entity is this Prism anyways?
—A short while later—
"All of you, return to the [Hover]." Prism instructed. "I would like to speak with him privately."
"Alright, Boss."
"You got it Boss Lady."
"We understand, Boss."
The three of them chorused, retreating without any protest.
"Will she be alright?" Ember asked, genuine concern flickering in her glow.
"Don't worry about it." Cream answered confidently. "Boss doesn't act unless ifvictory is already assured. That's the kind of Entity she is."
"Yeah." Gold added. "You can trust Boss Lady."
"It's easier to just go along with whatever Boss is planning." Aloe offered gently. "I'm sure that she, as we speak, has already devised ways to recruit that Entity."
The three of them had long since learned to read Prism's quiet certainty. To them, she operated several steps ahead at all times, the present moment was merely the execution of a plan that had already been formed.
"I see." Ember said softly. A faint wave of reassurance settled over her, an unfamiliar but welcome sensation. She recognized the aura that Prism projected, calm, and absolute competence. The kind that made doubt feel unnecessary.
From inside the [Hover], the others watched as Prism and Aqueous conversed alone, their lights flickering in private dialogue.
"Greetings," Prism began. "My name is Prism. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"The name's Aqueous. Nice to meet you too. You're the one Amber mentioned?"
"Yes. In fact, she is my servant."
"Servant?" Aqueous's blue glow tilted toward Ember's distant amber light, then returned to Prism. "Really?"
"Yes."
"If you don't mind my asking… how did that happen?"
"I don't mind at all."
Prism recounted the brief encounter, how she and Ember had met, how Ember had challenged her, as well as how decisively she had been overcome.
Aqueous listened in stunned silence.
To him, Ember had always been the sole Entity worthy of rivalry, the only one whose strength demanded acknowledgment. Hearing that she had been utterly bested, without exaggeration or embellishment, shook him more than he expected.
To think, she was overwhelmed so completely… He searched Prism's light for any trace of falsehood and found none. She doesn't seem to be the type to lie, which can only mean...
A reckless impulse flickered through him. It was the desire to test Prism's strength for himself, to challenge her directly and see what she was truly capable of. But instinct overrode the thought almost instantly.
Don't even think about it.
Such a thought crossed not just his mind, but his very core as well, until it flooded his very being, rendering him unable to move, even if only for moment.
Whether Prism had subtly released an intimidating aura, or whether his own senses had simply recognized the danger ahead, the conclusion was the same regardless.
Directly challenging Prism, would be foolish in the extreme.
Prism noted the brief spike in his light and the immediate suppression that followed.
He's not bad, she thought. He sensed the risk and chose restraint. I wonder if that's because he mainly fights defensively? In any case, hes very perceptive indeed.
Aqueous reached his decision.
"In that case… please allow me to be your servant as well. I wish to be a part of this mission as well."
"I will gladly accept you." Prism replied.
That was quick. He thought, startled at how she didn't hesitate. "Are you not going to ask about my intentions?" he wondered aloud.
"I suspect they have something to do with your rivalry with Ember. Am I correct?"
"Partially, yes." Aqueous's glow steadied. "Amber is the most prideful Entity that I know, aside from myself. She would never submit to just anyone."
"It seems as though you know her very well." He's become formal all of a sudden. I wonder why?
Although she wondered as such, Prism could guess as to why Aqueous had changed his tone. It was the same reason that the others changed their tone, to show her the respect that she was due.
It's not like Prism hated this. To her, this just meant that she would need to tell him to be casual with her, much like how she did with the others.
"Indeed. I pride myself on knowing everything about my rival."
He explained their long-standing arrangement. As acknowledged equals, they revealed everything about themselves to the other. Every strength, every weakness, as well as every trump card, each time the two of them clashed.
The reason for this was because victory had to be undeniable, free of excuses or any hidden advantages. The both of them felt that pride demanded nothing less.
"That's quite commendable." Prism said.
"You may think so, but we only did it to satisfy our own selfish desires." he said with a dim glow.
"Regardless, the result remains true. Sometimes, the outcome matters more than the motive behind it." Well, sometimes. Prism reassured herself internally.
"Well, I guess that I can't argue when you phrase it like that."
"Setting that aside," Prism continued. "you joining us will benefit you, Ember, and myself. Also, you have no intention of stopping the mission. That is the primary reason why I let you join us."
Aqueous couldn't help but tremble slightly at the implications of her words. Shaking such thoughts away from his mind, he spoke."I admit," Aqueous confessed. "I was also curious about the Entity that capable of not only defeating, but also changing Ember so profoundly."
"Is that so. Well, what do you think?" Prism asked, her tone unreadable.
Nonexistent sweat formed on Aqueous's surface as he struggled to find the rights words that wouldn't offend his new master.
he steadied his light, and spoke. "How can I say this, your presence is very commanding. I can tell how much superior you are from me, just from being next to you."
"I see. I'm happy to see that my efforts have paid off." She said in a joking manner. "In any case, I have no issues with curiosity. As long as one knows when and where to direct it."
Once again, Aqueous's mind couldn't help but linger on the implications of her words. Still, he brushed all of that off. After all, he simply need not be curious, and then he won't be able to make trouble.
It was as simple as that.
"Thank you, for having me then." he said sincerely.
"Good. Since you already know the mission, then there's no need to inform you about it."
"Indeed, Ember has told me all that I need to know."
"Alright then, let's return to the others. Oh, one thing I nearly forgot."
"What is it?"
"Call me Boss from now on."
"I heard the word from Ember earlier when we talked. Is there any special meaning to it?"
"Apparently, it's a necessity." Prism said dryly. "It will be in your best interest for you to do so, if you wish to get along with the others."
Once again, the implications from her words were to worrisome to Aqueous. So much so, that he didn't even think about it this time. The thought simply vanished before it came.
Yep. Best to not think about it at all. He decided.
She had never pressed Cream for the true origin of the title. Cream grew visibly uncomfortable whenever the topic arose, and Prism had chosen not to force the matter.
If Cream wished to explain about it one day, then Prism would allow her. And if not, then that's that.
"Then I will just that, boss."
"Good. Also, you don't need to be so formal. Speak as comfortably as you'd like."
"Alright. Thanks."
After that, Aqueous was formally reintroduced to the group as Prism's newest servant.
"By the way," Ember said with deliberate pettiness, "you're now at the bottom of the command chain."
"What?"
"It means you obey my orders." she clarified, relishing the moment.
"What?!"
Prism watched the exchange with quiet satisfaction.
This will suffice for now.
Five felt like the right number. If more were needed later, then she would just find them. For the moment, the group was balanced.
And so, she decided reach out telepathically to her master, and inform her about the latest report.
[Lord Cubix.]
[Yes. Have you accomplished your mission?]
[Indeed I have. I have gathered five of them. We are making our way back to you right now.]
[Good work, Prism. I will await your arrival.]
[Thank you, Lord Cubix.]
The transmission ended.
"Boss?" Cream spoke aloud, the first to notice the subtle shift in Prism's light.
The others turned, curiosity rippling through their glows.
"It's time to move to the next phase of the mission." Prism announced.
"Next phase?" she murmured. "Does that mean we're done recruiting Entities?" Cream asked.
"Yes. It's now time for all of you to meet my master, Lord Cubix."
The boss's master. They each thought in near unison. I wonder what they are like?
"He will judge whether or not if you are worthy." Prism continued. "My advice for you, is to do your best not to disappoint him."
"Yes, boss!" came the reply, five voices in rare, perfect harmony.
"Good. I like the motivation." Her facets glinted. "If any of you have questions about improving your abilities, then feel free to ask me before we arrive. I will provide whatever guidance is needed."
The vessel sealed, accelerated, and streaked through the Void, trailing its signature comet-tail of refracted light toward the most consequential meeting of their existence.