Leona: Tch… don’t drag me into your problems, lizard. I’ve got better things to do. Go bother one of the other dorm leaders—I’m sure one of them’s got the patience to deal with you.
Malleus: They lack the experience required, Kingscholar. Just this once… I would ask for your aid.
Ruggie: Heh, you’re lookin’ pretty desperate there. So… what’s the problem?
Malleus: The Child of Thorns… has grown ever more withdrawn since their sojourn through the woods. At first, I believed there was some measure of improvement, for they spoke of the Thorn Fairy to Silver and Sebek.
Leona: So you’re saying you want us to fix a problem you can’t even explain?
Ruggie: Well, this’s just my take, but… what if they’re homesick? Y’know, your dorm ain’t exactly the cozy, homey type.
Leona: Heh… I doubt they were raised somewhere cozy to begin with.
Malleus: Then you would have me tend to their homesickness? Perhaps… to grant them something that recalls their days in the Forbidden Mountains. Yet, to do so would require sending them to Briar Valley.
Leona: Yeah, and have a bunch of fairies gawking at ’em? Don’t forget—they’re basically a walking myth.
Ruggie: Hey! I’ve got an idea! Why don’t you get Lilia to use his signature spell? They still got that thing from the Thorn Fairy, right?
Malleus: *smiles* I find that suggestion agreeable, Bucchi.
Leona: But don’t go thinking it’s all sunshine. You’ve got no clue what’s gone down in their past.
Lilia: Yes… it is a spell that unveils the memories hidden within an object. Usually, such visions are mine alone to see, but with Master Malleus’s aid… I shall summon forth the memory itself, to stand before our very eyes.
MC: So… it means I’ll get to see a glimpse of Mother again.
Lilia: Yes! But I do hope… after this, you won’t keep yourself cooped up in this room any longer.
MC: I cannot make a promise.
Malleus: I am pleased that you have embraced our counsel, Child of Thorns.
MC: You and Lilia have promised that I shall behold Mother once more. Though it be naught but a memory, I cannot let this blessing pass me by. *held the circlet delicately between their fingers*
*The two nodded in silent accord, and Lilia began weaving his signature spell. In but a few heartbeats, the palace of Maleficent emerged before them, its familiar halls shimmering into view as if summoned from a dream.
Soon, the sounds of hurried footsteps echoed through the grand chambers—minions scurrying to and fro—and above it all, Maleficent’s voice rang sharply, commanding them to hasten.*
Maleficent: Why did I ever expect a troupe of fools to conjure a clever thought? At this rate, the gift I have prepared for that naïve child shall remain unfinished.
One of the minions: Uh… Your Maj… I-I’ve got an idea! W-what if… we use the moon? Y-yes! Yes! It’ll look amazing! *the others nodded frantically in agreement, giving him courage*
Maleficent: The moon? Hmph… Perhaps their gentleness does indeed mirror its silvery light. If I were to craft for them a piece of jewelry… it would suit them perfectly.
Malleus and Lilia: *they watched quietly, as MC stood motionless, absorbed by the scene before them*
Lilia: Your Majesty, you should proceed. Even if it is only a memory, you will be able to hold her.
MC: *they dashed toward Maleficent, enfolding her in a trembling embrace, tears cascading down their cheeks* Mother… *they sobbed, clinging tightly* Forgive me… I have failed you...
*Unexpectedly, Maleficent reached for their face, brushing away the tears with the edge of her sleeve.*
Maleficent: Well, well… do you not think it is high time you ceased blaming yourself?
Malleus and Lilia: *their eyes widened in astonishment*
Maleficent: Steady yourself, child, and carry yourself with dignity. Grief was not meant to endure for so many years.
Lilia: I-It's the Thorn Fairy! But how?!
Malleus: Could it be… that the spirit of the Thorn Fairy has found its way here?
MC: I care not for dignity… I only wish to be by your side. *they wept, tears streaming freely down their cheeks*
Maleficent: I am deeply disappointed to hear you speak so. Do you take my years of raising you for a jest? You are my heir, my most cherished child—and I did not raise you to be a weakling!
MC: *their sobs gradually subsided*
Maleficent: *smiles, leaning to press a gentle kiss upon their forehead* Good… I shall visit you again, perhaps in dreams, or as a fleeting apparition—so long as you conduct yourself well.
*Lilia’s signature spell had finally run its course, and all traces of the vision vanished.*
Malleus: Child of Thorns?
MC: *though tears still streaked their face, they turned to them, a soft, rueful laugh escaping their lips*
