THE MOMENT
"You're kidding," Vivi chuckled. She stared down at the prince on his knees.
"Not at all, Princess," the Prince stressed the title to show he was serious. "You've saved the world. And now, there's nothing left for you to do. Save me from a lonely life. Your new purpose could be being a good wife." Vivi rolled her eyes at him. He was an NPC; it wasn't worth being mad at him, nor wasting time explaining her real age. Luckily, they were interrupted. A black portal opened next to Vivi and a rainbow-haired teen stepped out.
"Hey, Monday," Vivi said. "Looking for me?" Vivi was questing alone. It was the only reason she could think of for Monday arriving then and there. Monday nodded.
"I need a favor, please," she said. Monday extended her hand towards Vivi. "Handshake?" she asked.
"Who are you?" The Prince asked. He stepped between Vivi and Monday. "What business have you with my Princess?"
"Are you sure?" Vivi asked. She walked around the Prince and ignored his outburst. "You're going to waste a Luna slot on spiders?" Monday shook her head.
"I've thought quite a bit about what I can do with different Unique Abilities. It's not a waste. I'm investing in permanent silk production. And, with a little more effort, maybe a line of clothes," Monday said.
"Oh wow," Vivi said. She reached forward and shook hands with Monday. "Good luck!" she added.
"Thanks," Monday said. She felt a tickle run down the back of her neck as her new ability kicked in. It was an unexpected sensation and she tried not to focus on it. Monday could feel thousands of tiny legs just under the surface of her skin; they were eager to pop out. It was going to take some getting used to. "Can I ask you for another favor?" Monday asked.
"I think you've wasted enough of my Princess' time," the Prince said. He stepped between them again. "The world is safe and her place now is by my side," he said.
"Sure, what's up?" Vivi said. She stepped to the side and Monday followed with her attention.
"It doesn't have to be right this minute. But, sometime soon, can I get your input on what spiders are good for what? Especially if you use certain ones for tailoring."
"I was wondering why you picked me," Vivi smiled. "Sure. I finished this quest. I've got time right now if you're not doing anything else."
"But, Princess!" the Prince interrupted. "We have a wedding to plan."
"Nice, thank you," Monday said. She pulled a black card from her pocket and dropped it on the floor. "Ready when you are," she said. Vivi stepped forward next to Monday.
"Where are you going?" the Prince asked. He began to panic when both girls started sinking into the black hole at their feet. "You're obsolete! You're nothing without me! I decide your purpose!" he said.
"I feel bad for NPCs sometimes," Vivi commented while the Prince grew angrier.
"Why's that?" Monday asked. As she carried on the conversation with Vivi, she sent a discreet Whisper to her boss.
[I got the ability you told me to. -Monday]
"He's only got his programming," Vivi said. "He won't ever know what it's like to decide your own purpose."
"Yeah," Monday agreed as they sunk below the floor and the Prince disappeared.
[Good job. - Mldy] Melody replied while Monday shared her thoughts.
"I can't imagine how empty that life is."