#unitylucario

I feel a grin form on my face as Tetishuri strides into the throne room, her signature cool smile on her face - and said smile widens somewhat upon seeing me.

“Teti!” I shout happily, standing up from my throne. Throwing courtesy to the wind, I run up to her and pull her into a hug - yet keeping enough distance so that we don’t impale each other with our chest horns.

“I see that you’re feeling better, Nefi.” She chuckles, returning my hug. Her gaze looks at my eyes, her smirk widening. “I see that your servants have done a great job with your makeup, since those bags under your eyes are barely noticeable.” Her eyes twinkle. “Still staying up late playing that handheld~?”

I pout, giving her a playful shove. “It’s not my fault that the games are addicting!” I say indignantly.

That handheld is a small gaming console from overseas, said device having been gifted to Tetishuri by a small Lopuny, in which Tetishuri then gifted to me. I’ve had such fun playing with it ever since I figured how it worked, and it has been the best form of distraction to keep me dwelling on...recent events.

“You still have your royal duties.” She chuckle at me, giving me a playful shove back. “It would be unfortunate if the Queen of Venhara were to oversleep after staying late playing games.”

This is one of the things I love about Tetishuri, for she treats me like a friend instead of a queen when we’re out of the public eye. She has been one of my strongest pillars in keeping me sane.

“But I haven’t come here for pleasantries, sadly.” Tetishuri then says, her smile turning to a frown.

And all pleasant things have to end, it seems. Can’t help but be unsurprised, as much as I hate to say. With a heavy sigh I turn and walk back to the throne, sitting down on the plush silk cushion and resting my hands on the armrests.

“Guards!” I shout to the Sapphire Warriors standing by the throne doors. “I shall be holding no more audiences for the day.” I glance at Tetishuri, and another thought comes to my mind. “You are all dismissed.”

They nod their head, but I could notice some of their expressions of disappointment. It’s very clear that they wanted to listen to whatever it is that Teti has to say, but they obeyed nevertheless. As the throne doors close behind them, my gaze turns back to Tetishuri.

“What is it that you have to tell me, Teti?” I ask, tiredness filling my voice.

“Sand Striders Abasi and Massika have returned.” The leader of the Sapphire Warriors speaks, straight to the point as always. “They have found more tracks, this time severa morel pairs of them.”

The pit in my stomach grows bigger. “M-More?” I stutter, my eyes widening.

She nods her head grimly. “It seems that whatever caused those tracks after that storm, there is more than just one creature.”

I grab my head. “By the Queens...” I whisper.

“The Sand Striders followed the tracks to the end, however the tracks ended just as suddenly as the first.” She finishes.

I’m not sure if I should be feeling this worried or not, but after being informed by the Guardians of Twilight of what they dealt with recently...

...I feel that I really should be worried.

They fought what seems to be a Scizor whose origins are completely unknown, possessing a power whose likes has never been seen before. On the day of its death, a large storm appears in Venhara followed by the tracks of something completely unknown.

Am I...overreacting? Am I getting incredibly stressed for no reason?

It is...a coincidence, for such events to happen within the same day. Perhaps something else caused that storm, such as a rogue Thundurus or Tornadus.

...Yet that doesn’t quite explain the tracks, and the concept of a rogue Legendary isn’t really that much better...

“...Tetishuri?” I eventually ask after a lengthy silence.

During this period the other Lucario waited patiently, and upon me saying her name she nods her head. “Yes, Nefi?” She responds back.

“I’d...like to ask you a question.” I slowly continue, my voice apprehensive.

“Ask anything, I am here.” She responds again, giving me a comforting smile.

I wait for several more minutes, contemplating my choice of words.

“Am I...making the right choice?” I finally ask, my voice hesitant.

Tetishuri walks over to me and pulls me up from the throne and into a warm embrace, allowing me to rest my head on her shoulder. “You are making the best choice from the information that you know.” She answers into my ear. “You are worried for your kingdom.”

I feel myself relaxing. “I’m not overreacting?”

She pulls away, looking me dead in the eyes. “We both heard what the Guardians of Twilight told us. You are no overreacting. You are acting in response to a possible threat to the kingdom, as a Queen of Venhara should.”

Whatever doubt that clouded my mind vanishes completely after hearing those words. “Thanks, Teti.” I say softly to her, a smile of relief forming on my lips.

“Anything for my Queen.” She simply responds back with a mischievous smile.

I give her a playful shove. “Come on, you know I hate it when you call me that.” I whine. “I have to deal with it enough when we’re under the watchful eye of the public!”

Tetishuri merely laughs in response. “But I enjoy the reactions that it brings!”

I stick my tongue at her.

She blinks at me before crossing her arms. “Sometimes you make me wonder how old you truly are, seeing how often you behave like a pup.”

A blow a raspberry for further measure.

She raises an eyebrow in response. “Yes, I often wonder indeed...”

As a formulate a retort, Tetishuri speaks up again - cutting my train of thought from forming a brilliant response. “Before I forget, I do have one more bit of news - positive this time.”

"Well, that’s a welcome change.” I sigh.

Tetishuri nods. “I’ve received word from the Guardians of Twilight. There has been a slight delay, but the Night Watcher that’s coming to investigate will be arriving in two weeks. They’ve assured me that it’s one of their best for this environment.”

Now this caught me curiosity. “Best for this environment?”

She nods again. “Their skills are considered unparalleled in desert climates among the Guardians of Twilight. If there is a threat in our kingdom, this Night Watcher will surely find it.”

More relief fills me. “That’s...very assuring.”

“I agree, however I feel that some of the Sand Striders will probably have a bone to pick with this Night Watcher.” Tetishuri smirks.

I blink. “Bone to pick...?”

Her smirk grows. “An expression I picked up during my most recent visit to the Guardian of Twilight’s Headquarters.” With that she takes a step back, bowing her head. “As much as I’d like to continue this conversation, I have a few duties left for me to attend. I will see you again later today, Nefi.”

Without another word she turns and walks towards the giant doors.

A scowl forms on my lips. “You still didn’t tell me what that expression means!”

No response came from Tetishuri, who is currently opening the giant pair of doors with a push of her hand.

“Teti! What does it meaaaaan?!” I shout before running after her, my behavior surely being something that would bring great shame to the Venharan Queens before me.

--------------

[Location: Venhara - Dunefields of Den] [PoV: ???¿?¿¿?]

...

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...

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...

...

...

“Happy Giving Day Ren’Gul! This is from me to you!”

“You...got me a gift?”

“Of course! Sure we’re still getting used to each other, but I thought that since we’re going to be working with each other for a long time...perhaps I should give you something! Because...why not?”

“I’m not sure if I should accept this, I don’t have a gift for you in exchange...”

“Oh come on, just take it already. I much prefer giving out gifts than receiving them anyways!”

“If you insist...”

...

“Is this a...?”

“Yep! It’s one of those audiobooks that you listen to! I know that you’re a big fan of this series and after looking through your collection-”

“Wait, you broke into my room?!”

“-Not that it matters, but yeah! I saw that you were missing this one so I went out and got it for you!”

“...”

“You alright Ren’Gul?”

“Delilah...”

“Yessssss?”

“Never break into my room again.”

“...Oh.”

“But besides that, thank you. I greatly appreciate your gift.”

“Yes! Woo!”

“...”

“If you wish for me to leave, I will do as you wish Asmund. However since this land celebrates this ‘Day of Giving’, I thought to give you a gift as a way to participate in it. You do not have to accept it, but I thought that perhaps-”

“Why...do...you...keep...insisting...”

“...Excuse me?”

“Have I not made it clear that I care nothing about you, Minato? Your attempts at ‘befriending’ me will continue to go nowhere, I couldn’t give a flat fuck for anyone...and that...includes...you.”

“I s-see, in that case...I will just leave this here...”

“...”

"My greatest apologies, I won’t bother you again.”

...

...

“That freak finally got the message, it was only going to get to the point where I would have to beat it into him...”

...

“Of course he left the box here... He expects me to open it, hell...fucking...no.”

...

“God damnit... Fuck it, fine. I’ll check his fucking gift.”

...

“What the fuck is inside here? Is that a-” 

...

“...God...fucking...damnit. Why won’t he just leave me be like I fucking want?!”

...

“...Fuck...”

“Oh Vency~”

“AHHHHH!"

“Oh come now, no need to scream like that! It’s only lil’ ol’ me!”

“THAT’S THE ENTIRE POINT! GET AWAY FROM ME ARTEMISIA!”

“Aww, careful Vency, you might hurt my feelings. It would be a very rude and ungrateful thing to do, especially since I have a gift for you.”

“...A gift?”

“Mmhmm~”

“...And it’s not...a trap is it? To get me close to you so you can imprison me again?”

“My hugs aren’t meant to ‘imprison’ you, Vency. But yes, it’s not a...trap.”

“...”

“Sigh Please come here, Valence. Just this once I promise I will not touch a single hair on your head.”

“Okay then... But you better keep your word!”

“Yes I promise, now come here! Open it!”

...

...

“Is this all...candy?”

“Mmhmm! And not just any kind, but candy canes shipped directly from that one store that you love so much. I made sure to give you a large amount so that you won’t run out anytime soon~”

“I...”

“Hmm? Valence, is something wrong?”

“Okay, now I feel bad.”

“Oh? That’s perfectly fi- OH!”

“Okay, first of all...this is the ONLY time I will hug you with no problem. Just don’t start thinking that I will be doing this again in the future!”

“Alright Vency~”

“HEY HEY HEY! DIDN’T YOU JUST PROMISE NOT TO TOUCH ME?!”

“Oh come now, I’ve promised not to touch a single hair on your HEAD. Not to mention that I’ve already given you my gift, so I see no reason as to why I shouldn’t hug you~”

“LET GO OF ME! HELP! I CAN’T BREATH!”

“Hush, stop being dwamatic my widdle Vency~”

“Greetings, your majesty.”

“Hmm? Oh! Teti, come now. You know that there’s no need to be so formal when we’re not in the public’s eye, you’re a very good friend of mine after all.”

“Hee, force of habit Nefi. It’s ingrained into me to show respect to the Queen of Venhara after all~”

“Yes yes, but we’re in private. Nevertheless, what brought you here? Is it something important?”

“Why yes, yes it is important~”

“...And what is it? There’s no need to be so vague, Teti.”

“But I enjoy riling up your interest, Nefi~”

“Do NOT think I will not command you to tell me, but for the goddess’ sake don’t force me too because I’m currently not in the mood to give out orders.”

“HA! Fine fine, Nefi. I’ll tell you.”

...

“What...did you just pull out from behind you?”

“Firstly before I tell you, let me explain the reason why I have it. I thought that I’d partake in a holiday that’s celebrated in Separatia. It’s called the Day of Giving, so to have fun with the festivities I have a gift to give to you~”

“Oh my- Wait, is that...one of those portable electronic devices? The one where you play games on?”

“Why yes it is~ A particular Lopunny gave it to me, but since I don’t find any interest 'gaming’ AND that you’ve been wanting one for a while...I thought that I’d give it to you.”

...

“AHHH! THANK YOU SO MUCH TETI I LOVE IT!”

“Grk Careful Nefi, if you squeeze any harder we might accidentally impale each other with our chest spikes.”

“Yes yes, sorry. But YES! I’ve been wanting one of these for a while but could never manage to getting one for myself. Teti, I could kiss you right now.”

“Oh my, imagine the scandal if someone were to hear this right~”

“Quiet. Now...I must see how I turn this thing on...”

“It’s actually quite adorable seeing you like this. First you were the Queen of Venhara, now you’re an energetic pup~”

“Ohh, that’s how you turn it on! And look at the screens, look how they light up! Is this how I start a game?”

“I’m not too sure, Nefi. But I’ll leave you be to figure it out, I’ll take over whatever remaining duties you have so you can have all the personal time you need.”

“Yes! Christmas sweaters! Thanks Jubei”

“Oh my, it even goes well with my luscious coat~”

“I’m glad that you both are enjoying your gift, I’ve decided to go with sweaters since they both go well with your coats...and that it would be nice to have something warm to wear during the winter.”

“Yeah, and even though I’ve got Fire-type genes it can get rather chilly. So yeah, thanks a ton Jubei!”

“Indeed, as much as my black coat is beautiful...it doesn’t do too well when it comes to fending off the chilling air. So I greatly appreciate your gift as well.”

“Hey Venya~”

“Groan What, Kendra?”

“Mine looks much better than yours.”

“Did you just-”

“Can you two NOT do this?”

“Ooooh, I wish to geeve my geeft next~ Tis one to Chevalier~”

“M-Me?”

“Why of course! Eet ees te Day of Geeving after all! Right, Alicia?”

“Indeed! Everyone receives a gift, and zat includes you, Chevalier.”

“Yes, and I steell love the rum you have geeven me. I never would ‘ave tought of te shy Chevalier to geeve me such potent speereets~”

“W-Well, I know t-that you love it...s-so...”

...

“Yessssss?”

“Komm jetzt, Elisabeth. He is obviously nervous, so give him your gift.”

“Very well! Now Chevalier, my geeft to you...is tat I shall take away your virgeeneety~”

...

“W-W-W-What??”

“Oui, monsieur~ Just you and me, een the bedroom, weeth soft lighting and te rum for us to share~”

“I-I-I-I-I-”

“Hör jetzt auf, Elisabeth! You are terrivying him! Cease with your teasing and give him your actual gift!”

“Fine fine, I weell stop playing. Cheval- Huh? Where deed he go?”

...

“Elisabeth...?”

“Yes, Alicia?”

“Zat was too var.”

You have witnessed numerous events that have transpired on the Day of Giving, whether in the past...present...or future.

Moving my attention away from them, I spot Jubei standing amongst the crowd. With a grin I wave over to her before marching to her location. “Yo Jubei, how’s it going?” I shout over the sound of the crowd.

She gives me a look, the look of a ‘mon who’s tired of some shit that’s happening. “As well as you can expect.” She sighs back, her voice difficult to hear due to the noise.

I frown at this. “Hey, don’t be that way.” I nudge her with an elbow. “You tried your best, but sometimes things just happen in the end.” I crack a grin again. “But hey, no worries. You and I will be here to pick up the pieces!”

She gives me a glare.

“Okay okay, shouldn’t have said that.” I admit. “But still, what’s done is done.”

The Gothitelle rubs her temple. “Indeed, although it does not mean that I’m not dreadin-”

Her voice gets drowned out by the sound of the crowd as it increases due excitement, by whipping my eyes around I see Tetishuri stepping out into the open. On her face is smirk as plain as day, although I know she’s saying something due to her lips moving...but the exact words were lost to me.

God damn I didn’t expect this many people, hell...I didn’t realize we had this many members in the GoT to begin with.

The noise increases yet further when Venya steps out as well, although mix into the cheering are several distinct jeers. In response the Mienshao merely sticks up her nose, treating them as if they’re below her.

Heh, that’s Venya for ya.

The noise quiets down when the pair of Mimes step into the center of the hall, presumably because they’ll be explaining the rules.

“This is a Sparring Hall, not an arena...” I hear Richard mumble to himself, the Mime rubbing his face with annoyance.

“Oh hush, this is going to be awesome!” Maria says excitedly before turning to the two. “Now, since we have a large audience I will be telling everyone the rules of the spar. Will that be fine with you both?”

Seeing Venya and Tetishuri nod, Maria then turns to the crowd with a twirl on her heels. “Alright people! Here are the rules of the fight!” She shouts enthusiastically. “We will be going with a more traditional battle! Both sides will be only using their weapons, no abilities or powers! The battle will continue until either one of the participants taps out or is knocked unconscious.” The energetic Mime flashes the two a grin. “That fine with you both?”

“That works for me.” Teti chuckles.

“No matter what rules that will be placed, I will succeed regardless.” Venya says confidently, brushing her hair.

At this the crowd cries out, loud ‘ooos’ and ‘oh snaps’ being heard at the comment.

“Well those are fighting words!” Maria exclaims before turning to the Lucario. “What do you have to say in re-”

“Can we just get this over already?” Richard interrupts her, giving her an annoyed glare. “This place needs to be freed up again so people can use it, so let’s just start this.”

Maria crosses her arms. “Fine fine.” She pouts. “I’m just having fun.”

The Male Mime rolls his eyes before turning to the two. “Both of you draw the weapons you’ve brought.” He orders them.

In response Venya whips out her fans and opens them, their blades sliding out in a blink of an eye. Tetishuri however slowly pulls out her two Khopesh’s, the crescent black weapons glistening.

Richard opens his palms before channeling his energy towards the weapons, after a few brief seconds the blades become shrouded in a bright pink aura, signifying that the barrier has successfully surrounded them so that they won’t cut.

But that won’t mean that they won’t hurt, since if they hit you hard enough they’ll definitely leave some nasty bruises.

“It’s done.” Richard nods, looking satisfied with his handy work. “Now we can get on wi-”

"PREPARE YOURSELVES!” Maria shouts over him, which she receives a displeased look for her efforts. “On the count of three, this battle will begin!”

Venya and Tetishuri meet each other’s gazes, the glare of the Mienshao connecting to the smug eyes of the Lucario.

"ONE!” Maria starts, the two Mimes backing towards the crowd in order to avoid being in the field.

“TWO!” The two fighters tense, taking their battle stances as they prepare themselves for the battle that will soon start.

Yet the ‘three’ doesn’t come, when I look over in confusion I see the female Mime purposefully waiting it out in order to extend the tension.

“Oh for Arceus’ sake...” Richard growls before shoving Maria out of the way. “BEGIN!”

Both Venya and Teti glance over at him, looking caught off-guard.

It took him a moment before he realized why they’re just standing there, in which he facepalms.

“Fucking-” He stops himself, with a loud sigh he continues. “Fine... THREE!”

“So you’re asking me to drop the challenge?” She repeats, her smile unfaltering as always. At this point the Lucario finishes putting on her top, one of the last remaining pieces of her attire.

“Aye.” I nod simply, averting my gaze slightly in order to conceal the guilty look in my eyes for looking at her.

The Lucario hums to herself as she picks up a golden comb, the unique designs showing that it’s Venhara of origin.

“I admit, I highlone am not responsible f'r making this request.” I continue. “I cameth hither to asketh thee of this is because of Jubei, f'r the lady fears the aftermath of this dare.”

Her gaze never leaves the mirror as she continues to straighten her hair. “Is that so?”

“Forsooth, which is wherefore I beg thee to reconsider.” I press, now looking at her again. “’S the Face of Venhara, peradventure would ‘t be irresponsible to square Venya?” Realizing that the wording may come off as accusing, I quickly continue. “I cullionly nay offense of course, but I worry yond others may bethink of this being petty f'r thee to continueth through.”

Satisfied with how straight her hair is, the Lucario begins the process of creating small individual braids in her hair before attaching a golden end-piece to each braid. “It is very considerate of you to come to me on this, Pahaliah.” She tells me, her voice showing no sign of her taking my words in a wrong way. “In fact, I admire you for confronting me on the matter.”

While still braiding, she turns her head slightly so that she can look at me better. “I can understand why Jubei wouldn’t wish for this to go through, since she’s looking out for her friend.” Her smile grows somewhat. “And for you to do this for her as well, you truly are a considerate individual.”

She turns back to the dressing table, her gaze fixated on the mirror. “But I don’t think of this as being petty, nor would my people. Venya DID insult me and issue a challenge, in which I accepted under her terms.” Tetishuri lets out a snort of amusement. “What becomes of her will be her fault alone, and even if I can understand Jubei’s worries...she will have to let Venya suffer the aftermath.”

Finishing the last braid, the Lucario then proceeds to apply the last of her jewelry before standing up. Giving herself a once-over, she then turns to me with a sad smile on her face. “So even if I admire your efforts, I must decline. This challenge has been set and I fully intend to carry it through.” She turns back to the mirror, and begins to apply the blue eyeliner to her face. “And let me entertain the thought of that I declined, how would that make me look?

I feel a frown form on my beak at her answer, but I didn’t blame her for I fully understood.

“The fight begins in only a few hours, so if I were to decline in the last minute...” She lets out a chuckle. “It would make me seem very cowardly, would it not? As a representative of Venhara, it is my duty to not only represent its beauty...but also its strength. It would be an insult to my kingdom and my people if I were to back out at the last minute.”

“I understandeth perfectly, Tetishuri.” I sigh.

Now completely presentable, she gives herself a final nod before turning back to me once more. “Please Pahaliah, call me Teti.” She says warmly, but said smile didn’t last long. “Again, I am sorry. But in the end, this befalls upon Venya.”

I nod my head. “Forsooth, but I did see nay harm in at least trying to convince thee.” I shrug my shoulders. “I personally already kneweth the answer, but yond didn't stand ho me from trying.”

“An admirable trait.” She grins. “You truly are a member of the Holy Templar.”

I feel my blush return again. “W-Well-” I scratch the back of my head awkwardly, but much to my dismay I couldn’t piece together a response.

Of course the Lucario looks very amused at this. “You are very adorable when you’re all flustered.” She snickers.

That didn’t help my situation at all.

“Nevertheless, as much as I enjoy teasing you...I must continue to get ready.” She says, her smile becoming more relaxed. “So as much as I appreciate your company, I need to prepare.”

I nod hastily. “A-Aye, I shall leave thee at once!” I give a quick bow of my head. “’T would beest a pleasure to speaketh to thee again, Teti. But f'r anon, I shall see thee in the Sparring Hall.”

With that I turn and make my way out of her chambers as quickly as possible, still feeling very awkward. But just as I make it to the door, I hear her call out to me.

“Hold on Pahaliah, I have a question to ask you before you go!” She laughs.

I feel myself freeze, with an awkward laugh of my own I look back at her. “What is't yond thee wish to asketh of me?”

She’s currently leaning against her dressing table, a playful smile on her face. “What is the stance of the Holy Templar on lovemaking?”

“W-What?” I feel my brain halt. “Couldst thee care to r-repeat what thee hath s-said?”

She rolls her eyes, her smile never wavering. “Lovemaking. I am curious if the Holy Templar views it as something sinful.”

I quickly shake my head. “Nay! ‘T is a natural thing in the eyes of Lord Arceus, we would nev'r ponder ‘t to beest sinful!” Now I do have a question of my own to ask, but I’m almost too afraid to voice it. “But if 't be true I may, wherefore is't yond thee asketh me this question?”

Her smile widens ever so slightly, the playfulness shifting to something...sultry. “It is indeed a natural thing. Us Venharans view it as something to not be alienated, but instead embraced.” She lets out a quiet laugh. “If I may also say, even though I have a preferences for males...” Her gaze matches mine, her eyes twinkling. “...I am always open for experiencing the joys of my side of the spectrum~”

...

At that moment I feel my jaw drop, the only sound coming out is a confused squawk.

“I’ll just leave the offer open for now.” She continues to laugh. “But to just let you know, I’m only staying here for a few more days before I must depart back to my homeland.” She crosses her legs. “But if you’re open to the idea, perhaps you could visit me tomorrow at ten in the evening?”

The completely flabbergasted expression on my face seems to be the next most funniest thing to her, seeing how she’s struggling to not burst out laughing.

“It’s perfectly fine if you decline, I’ll understand.” She covers her mouth with a hand, trying her best to control herself. “But the offer is open nonetheless, so take your time and think over it. If you’ve made your decision to accept, then visit me at ten tomorrow at nightfall.” She removes her hand from her mouth once she’s fully gotten control over herself, her smile now much kinder. “But if you decide not to, then you don’t need to show. I won’t be offended, it’s your choice alone.”

With that she stops leaning against the dressing table and proceeds to make her way to her closet. “But until then, see you later Pahaliah~”

With my brain working enough to at least do simple actions, I manage to nod dumbly before leaving her chambers. Even when the door closed behind me I could only stand frozen outside her chambers, still trying my best to process what happened exactly.

...

When I stepped into her room, I had many ideas of how that would’ve ended.

“HeartGyaaru?” I repeat after she compliments on my ‘cosplay’, even though the name is unfamiliar to me I couldn’t help but smile broadly. “I’m afraid I’m not cosplaying as this ‘Nubia’, however I am flattered that you enjoy how I look~”

When she asked for a selfie, I feel my smile grow tenfold. Surprisingly enough it’s fairly uncommon for others to ask to take a photo with me, not to mention this is also a good opportunity for me to spread my reputation since I am the ‘Face of Venhara’ after all. I open my mouth to agree, but the energetic Lopunny quickly cuts me off to introduce herself, perhaps out of fear of being rude.

This child is full of energy, it reminds me of my youth.

“It’s my pleasure, Hus.La.” I chuckle. “I am Tetishuri Toa, Ambassador and ‘Face’ of Venhara.” I place a hand just under my chest spike. “But if you may, I would much prefer to simply be referred to as ‘Teti’.” I place my other hand over my hip, above one of my sheathed weapons. “As for your request, I wouldn’t mind it in the least to take a ‘selfie’ with you. In fact I’m overjoyed~”

The more I look down at her the more I realize that there’s a certain problem with taking this ‘selfie’, specifically a height difference. I stand almost twice as tall as her, so it would make the selfie rather…awkward.

Then an idea struck me.