Welcome to Gaia! ::

The hallways were notably silent as she neared Zinkenite’s office, a contrast to the usual sight of officers engaging in casual conversations or carrying out tasks for a General. But given it was early afternoon and not late evening, the quietness seemed fitting for this time of day.

Meridiana paused in front of his door when she sensed no aura coming from the other side; not a Sovereign, a General, or Mauvian could be felt. But that did not mean it was necessarily empty. From experience, she knew that a new recruit with a medallion, such as the one worn around her neck, could hide an aura completely, and so she knocked and waited a moment longer before checking if his office was unlocked.

The knob turned, and she opened the door slowly.

Although not here, per se, the light that filtered out into the hallway was what she hoped was an indication that Zinkenite was somwehere in the castle still; stretching his legs or getting a late lunch at the cafeteria, perhaps, or talking with another Sovereign or their Queen.

Looking around the empty office, Meridiana felt a pang of disappointment at not being able to see his reaction. However, in hind sight, this was likely for the best. At least this way she wouldn’t feel inclined to sing, and likely embarrass him in the event that someone were to pass by. But if it’d at least earn her a smile, she’d do so gladly.

Time, however, was limited, and she did not want to be caught here loitering longer than truly necessary. So she stepped inside, her shoes making a soft clicking sound as she walked further into his office.

His desk was kept neat and orderly, everything in it’s own place; a stark contrast to the chaos and clutter she’d seen in a couple General’s offices. A stack of file folders and documents piled high on the side, a testament to his dedication to the responsibilities his rank as a Sovereign demanded of him.

Meridiana remained near the center of the room, lest she be accused of snooping, and opened her subspace pocked where she withdrew the small cake, a note card with an elaborate ‘Z’ scrawled on one side, and a box wrapped in blue paper that was tied with a silver ribbon to tie it all together. Each item was carefully placed in the center of his desk, where she knew they could not be missed.

“Happy Birthday,” she whispered before retreating out into the hallway.

As she turned to close the door quietly behind her, a voice to her right nearly made her jump right out of her skin in surprise but somehow managed to remain composed. “Excuse me?” Meridiana turned, clearly confused as to why there was a young girl standing out in the hallway.

She had no aura, no marks on her chest or forehead to suggest she was a corrupt, and the dress she wore was not military in design like other officers. “I asked if you were leaving so soon again,” in not so many words but- still… Fingers laced behind her, Xyla leaned forward slightly so the two were similar height.

Again? Meridiana’s eyes narrowed skeptically at the civilian as she combed through recent memories of where or when they would have met. ”I don’t know what you mean,” she replied almost coldly, a note of skepticism hanging on her tone since she did not know why they spoke to her with a level of familiarity. ”Nor do I know why it matters.”

Xyla hummed thoughtfully, ”Twice…” She held up two fingers as she rocked back on her heels. Eyes alight with intrigue and perhaps a measure of humor at the repetitiveness of this corrupts visits. ”Twice now you’ve come, and twice now you’ve gone. Twice now you’ve sought attention or confirmation, and twice now you’ve left disappointed and lonely.”

Confusion was quickly replace by an annoyed expression, ”You- you lied to me.” This civilian was no ordinary girl but a Mauvian in glamour.

”Me?” Xyla held a hand against her chest as if she’d suddenly been wounded. But the smirk on her face revealed that she felt no shame. ”I did no such thing.”

”You implied he wasn’t back, that you were essentially staying in his office without his consent.” At least that’s how she understood it, since this guardian cat seemed to enjoy speaking in riddles, like they were a cross between Yoda and a Cheshire where very few comments actually made sense.

”Again, I did no such thing. You merely assumed incorrectly. Defeated so easily.” she tsked. ”Worried your eagerness would be ill received.” Again she hummed as she circled the Corrupt Senshi of the Succubus as if she were someone to be appraised.

”Precious,” Xyla purred. ”He should be back soon, you know. Shall I let him know you came by?”

”I am not here for your amusement. And no, that will not be necessary” The note Meridiana had left on his desk would be enough.

This, this was exactly what she’d hoped to avoid.

The thread of worry pulled taught, like razer wire cutting into her heart. A fine-line reminder of how foolish this plan of hers truly was and the mistakes she’d no doubt continue to make. Meridiana withdrew into herself and hid the hurt behind a mask of professional indifference.

”I do not owe you a reason or explanation. Today is a special day and I was delivering a gift. If Zinkenite trusts you enough to share, then, by all means, enjoy a piece of cake. It does not matter,” the lie came so easily that even she almost believed it. Although she refused to admit it outloud, especially to this blue-haired mauvian, Meridiana had hoped to see his reaction, maybe laugh a little, and step away from the mundanity of their daily routines if only for a few minutes.

”Do as you please, but I must be on my way.” She stated simply before teleporting herself back to Destiny City lest she say or do something that would cause more problems than anything.

”As I please, hmm? That is quite the invitation.” Oh the trouble she could get into watching the drama of this Corrupt’s life unfold before her.

For now though she’d let things be since there were other engagements that needed her attention. It was only by chance that she ran into the same woman here since she’d been on her way to Prehnite’s office originally. ”Fortune favors the bold, dear Succubus. Perhaps try not fleeing so quickly.”