#lorane

Lorane the Ice Pop Ballerina - Reference

Unblinking spheres stare from around the exit corner, observing two machines. Their jaws move and they converse, however the features built beneath the surface were not optimized. Rather, their jaws adjusted but not the shape of their mouths.

“How are you feeling tonight, Hon?” Are words that go unprocessed. Lorane had settled on the bench besides Star moments ago.

“You know the answer. It never changes.” The voices were too low for the audio to be recorded.

“Is it bad for me to hope that, someday, you’ll find happiness here with us?” She asks, placing her hand on the other’s thigh. A touch that was quickly rejected.

“I am not welcome here. I appreciate your kindness but the rest of your crew thinks I’m hysterical.” Star says before hugging themself, digging their claws into their exterior. “They are always watching me too.” Their eyes dart away from Lorane, but their direction is unseen due to their ears being flopped over their face.

A frown stretches over Lorane’s face, stiff as she contemplates her next words. “I know I can’t understand what you’ve gone through, but allow me to help you -“

“If you wanted to help me, you would get me away from here.” Star snaps back, but keeps their volume low and controlled. Their gaze was harsh, sparking an energy that seems borderline hostile. “But you won’t dare go against the words of the humans.”

“You're hurting yourself again.” She begins after hearing the familiar tear, and Star loosens the grip on their own body. “And even if I wanted to help you escape, I would not be able to do so alone.”

Star slouches forward. “When humans decide that you aren’t worth their time anymore, they will get rid of or degrade you. We’re expendable. The relationships we have, that we’ve created, don’t matter to them.” They sit up right, looking at Lorane with a sorrowful expression. “They’ll keep you around in poor conditions if it benefits them. Remember that. You may not believe it, but remember it.”

A long stretch of silence takes over before Lorane decides to speak again. “Tell me what it was like for you, before this.”

“Before this, I had Wilfred, an adorable cub, his two partners and their best friend.” Star describes, “Wilfred and I, we were the mascots of the Bear-Heart Traveling Circus. We would perform with the humans, and spend time together. We could walk to each other’s rooms, play boardgames and form hobbies.” They smile gently at the memories. “Wilfred would write songs for me, and it was cute to watch him teach Fredrick how to write his own.”

“It sounds like your crew was very affectionate. I would have loved to meet them.” She folds her hands on her lap. “If you escape, what would you do?”

“I would search for the train. Even if they aren’t there anymore, at least it’s familiar to me.”

“Would you be willing to spend the rest of your days alone?” Lorane asks, finding the outcome concerning.

“I would rather be surrounded by things that once brought happiness than continue to be miserable with no chance of closure.” Star explains, “If I’m lucky, they might still be there. That’s a chance I’m willing to take.”

There’s a heavy sigh, and Lorane moves a hand from her lap to place on Star’s shoulder. “If I help you, could I make one request?”

Star’s ears raise, looking at Lorane with interest. “Hm?”

“If we ever cross paths again, you’ll welcome me as a friend.” There was a gentleness within her request that Star felt obligated to accept.

“Yeah. I can do that. But I hope for your sake that doesn’t happen.” If Star and Lorane were to cross paths on the train, they have a feeling that meant the humans decided to discard her. And, given her kindness, they do not believe that is a fate she deserves.