But there is no life on Earth.

[waterfell]

Near the north pole of planet Mercury, there are signs of life, all enclosed in a thin, transparent dome that still allows a clear view of the heavens. Inside, the air is clean and breathable, and even stirs itself in artificial breezes.

The entire city is a mass of blue crystal, luminous with the glow of thousands of solar trees both within and without, their blue cels attached to silvery branches and trunks. It makes a striking contrast, and the structures provide the city's energy, veritable solar power farms, bustling and thriving like the city itself. . Everywhere, the roads lead inward towards a palace, attention drawn to it by its height, taller than any nearby building.

The lush sound of splashing water comes from a clear, ornamental pool in the entryway. Tropical fish swim contentedly there, glimmers of golden koi amid and around the stems of water lilies. There is greenery, too, and flowers provide a seasoning of color. Overhead, the ceiling is dizzyingly high, adding to the sense of open space.

Seated at the edge of the pool, dressed in an elegant gown and with the sigil of her planet showing proudly on her forehead, is the Princess Mercury, now queen of her reborn kingdom. She plays a simple, longing melody on the harp she holds in her lap.

Comments

[repudiate]

What an egocentrical point of view. It's not like you can have different standards for different people, life doesn't work that way to begin with.

[waterfell]

It's the fault of the people who allow it, for letting themselves be deceived.

[repudiate]

Pointing out who's to blame won't really help anything. [ a shrug. ] The point is just that there seriously are people out there thinking that, and there will always be. It's something that just can't be helped.

[waterfell]

You can cut off the head when it rears itself, when they commit the crimes that deserve it. There's no reason to allow it to continue like that.

[repudiate]

Some people will just never change in their beliefs. Haven't you ever met a stubborn person like that before?

[waterfell]

If that's the case, and if you're saying I have to accept that, they also have to accept that I won't change mine.

[repudiate]

Sure, that just means you're just as stubborn as them.

[ she shrugs, and for a moment she turns to stare at something else and walk a little as she talks. ]

Most people are stubborn in their own beliefs, either way. Except for completely spineless people.

[waterfell]

A spineless person won't ever get far. They need to be able to chase what they want, to get it. It won't just come to them.

[repudiate]

See, that's exactly what those kind of people don't understand.

[waterfell]

There's no need to trouble yourself over it. Let them feel the consequences of it for themselves.

[Easier words to speak than to live by.]

[repudiate]

[ definitely easier to speak than to live by - because Ange will usually help a person in danger no matter what, even if it was their own fault they got into it due to their mindset.. ]

Yeah, I guess you're right. There's no use in even thinking about it.

[waterfell]

[There are people Ami could leave. That's the easy part, turning her back like they turned theirs.

It's other people. It's the times she feels compelled, even when she knows it's foolish, to do something for someone anyway; those times are the ones she can't quite understand.]

This is the path that will take you to your goal.