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Description

Chelthiea’s eyes opened moments later, half-lidded and hazy as she sat up.

Before she woke up, she swore to have been in a place where it was cold, isolated, gloomy, and very much like a nightmare. But before her senses now was sunlight flickering through trees and casting leaf-like shadows upon the wooden floor, vines climbing through cracks and ceilings, plants and pots, windows spanning rooms and horizons, and books labeled in words such as ‘cases’ and ‘law’. She didn’t know why and when it started, but for some reason it was like she’s never seen any of those before.

It was... the law library, wasn’t it?

Her breath hitched, and as if searching for validation and something to tie her to the unreal familiarity, her fingers frantically tapped the floor, taking in the texture. Yes, it was a silly validation, and there was a distant, unrecognizable voice in the back of her head saying “The floor is dirty”, but all she begged for was to belong to this place. She has to belong.

And like an answered prayer, It was, indeed… the law library, the dearest part of her home and the beginning of her promises... Strange. Were all those events dreams then? No matter. She won’t have to face it anymore.

As the warmth and harmony of the sun and wind embraced her, she stretched and groggily propped herself up, holding her cheeks between palms with a smile. And the more she thought about it, laughter spattered out as a sweet, satisfying feeling filled her chest.

But… Perhaps it wasn’t time for celebrations yet. Interrupting her thoughts, a small yet cautious voice came from behind. “What are you doing here?”

Right. She had to move along and see her siblings!

With a turn, she lifted the child swiftly and twirled as she hugged her.

“I’m here, and I haven’t gone anywhere!”

This was right. To hug one of her beloved people really was a good feeling. She wondered, how could she let go?

SLAP!

Well, there goes a reason to let go.

The brunette blinked as silence settled in the empty room, the sound of pain bouncing against the walls.

“Do excuse me, but invasion of personal space isn’t appreciated.”

The little lady sounded nothing like her sister. She was defensive, as if waiting to start a fight. When she pulled the other away slightly to get a look on her face, she didn’t look like her sister either.

It wasn’t her. It… I-It…

“Oh my word? OH MY WORD?! Y-y-you’re… Are you my child?!”

“Huh?” the child, who was her exact look alike, blinked back in confusion, replacing her previous expressions of contempt. This was certainly awkward.

“Where’s… Where’s Father?”

“Obviously, he’s in the office handling his usual CEO stuff, contributing to the economy.”

A businessman? Ehhh? What on earth was going on?

She put the young girl down and continued to stare dumbly.

“B-but... I thought an 11/10 nice guy from the legal department was my future. Also, I didn’t tell anyone yet, but there was a capital bishounen radar-triggering senior in the forensics department. What happened?”

The young girl furrowed her brows and crossed her arms over her chest, maintaining her irritated look. “What are you even talking about?”

“My umm… Mr. Husband.”

“What? N-no, you're not my mother! You’re not even dating anyone. You said you were gonna be Miss Chelibacy Noelle Grayse Roselake, remember?” she answered, shaking both of her palms.

Then what else could she be? A doppleganger? A shrunken clone? A doppleganger’s child? A secret younger sibling? Either way, she feels sort of sorry. Maybe she should apologize to Mr. Husband for giving him a Chelthiea Noelle 2.0. Seriously, it’s like someone stuck carbon paper on this child’s face. Still, wow. She can’t believe she even got married. But good gucci shoes, she’s already blushing and screaming loudly on the inside!

“Mmph… I’ll just call you M&M then. As in mini me.”

“Okay.” she responded with a nod.

…

“Wait, I just recalled that I’m angry at you! I slapped you too.”

“EH??? Oh, that’s right. You did...”

“but I thought you were just being tsundere…”

“What did I do, though?”

“Everything. You ruined my life!”

Good grief, someone hold her orange juice. What's going on? Is M&M emo or what? Is she living one of those dramatic family movies? Like, are they estranged? This is the most confused she has ever been. Hello, Mr. Karma? Where you at and what you doing? Such things need explanation.

With a sigh, she crouched down to speak eye-to-eye.

“First of all, you need to state some clarifications. Second, what will you charge against me? Third, please turn in some evidence. Do you, by chance, have an affidavit ready as well?”

Man, never has Chelthiea imagined a day where she’d go pro se, but now she’s in such a state with her own daughter. Absolutely amazing.

Obviously, the girl could only tilt her head then respond with an exasperated sigh. “Why would there even-- Could you just, put down the attorney attitude for now? If I say you did it, then you are guilty as charged!”

“Good grief, what have I been teaching you? You know it doesn’t work that way. Remember what President Washington himself signed a day before the proposal of the Sixth Amendment? Provided th--”

“Please put it down, geez!”

With a squint, she rested her cheek on her palm. Well, okay. The justice system is cracked and it’s not like this is a real trial anyway.

“Speak up.” she said, solemn and soft-- almost encouraging for someone who just decided to play along to her arrest.

M&M looked down. It was like she was a little frightened and nervous of opening her mouth despite being the one who brought about this situation. She honestly couldn’t remember what she’s done or if she even really did anything, but it really seemed as though it was serious to her.

“Of course... I don’t have evidence of any kind.” she managed to respond meekly.

Oh, boy. She’s already lost the case before it’s even began. But… the tone of her voice was much, much different from how it sounded earlier. It was almost… pitiful. Sad. A sound familiar to how she felt on helpless days.

“Even so, you must keep going. You’re a plaintiff, aren’t you? That is your stand. That is your responsibility. Tell me. What have I done?”

Was she speaking decently for the situation? Did she sound cold in any way? Was she wording it out a little too roughly? Although she tried to be careful, there was no way in telling, and she was certain it didn’t really do much. Rather than such a ‘trial’… this child just needed someone to listen and open up to.

“I don’t know.” came her unexpected reply.

Chelthiea froze in place.

But of course… Upon putting herself in her place, she realized she wouldn’t know what exactly she should say either. But perhaps...

“Did I break a promise?”

No response.

“Did I… fail to protect you?”

Once again, no response but silence and a lowered gaze. The girl clutched her skirt tightly and took a light breath, gathering courage.

“How can you do that if... you hate me?”

For the first time, their eyes met directly and she heard a crack in her voice, leaving her dumbfounded.

She was right. Who could do that to someone they loathe? And of course there was no evidence but the way she was around her. How could any exist if what was wounded was the unseeable psyche?

She wondered what she was supposed to say when she didn’t remember what kind of relationship they had before waking up. Tell her it wasn’t true, even though there’s a possibility that there really was? Ask her for forgiveness that she might not have the right to?

Now the reminder of herself that this small figure gave her went beyond just appearances, touching corners that no one knew of. This child didn’t bear any hatred for her, no. It was a feeling of… abandonment. Something she feared and something she thought she’d never put others through.

Nothing knowing what to say, she slowly drew closer and placed her palms on the other’s cheeks, smiling both apologetically and gently.

She wasn’t sure if it was right, but…

“I’m sorry.”

Even without an answer, the child bit her lip, holding back the pain in her widened eyes.

She knows how pathetic her existence was. Ever since the beginning, she never did anything right. Not looks, not personality, not talking, comforting, being herself, nor even learning how to stand strong and look after herself. Not even keeping her self-depreciating thoughts away.

But she had to talk about everything with her. To try to make things better. To change things and keep her from becoming a mess.

“But let me take it back.”

SLAP!

There goes slap #2… At least it wasn’t on her face again, though. Just the hands this time.

“Excuse me?! We were on the process of reaching a settlement, and you go and take back the only thing redeeming you?!” she scoffed, obviously very offended. “Absolutely unacceptable, Noelle--”

“I wasn’t done yet…”

“Oh, you weren’t? Umm… Sorry. Go on.”

Pff…

She chuckled then laughed. Good grief, this moment wrecker. “Needed an icebreaker from the drama anyway.”

“A-anyway, just go on with what you were saying earlier before I decide I’m bored of listening. Also, refrain from touching my face, please. The filth will make me look uglier.”

Wow, so her hands were filthy. With a cough, she cleared her throat and went on.

“Please allow me to take back the apology for everything I’ll be doing. Say that I did hate you and did many bad things. But as presumptuous as this seems… from now on, I’d like to try my best in repenting and caring for you. I want to be better. I want to learn how to love, and I want you to receive that love before anyone else. Of course, you don't really have to forgive me immediately, but... Will you give me that chance?”

She extended her hand towards her, smiling gently.

M&M simply stared for a moment, an unsure gaze on her hand and face. And with much hesitation, she stepped forward and placed hers above.

“I’m... in your care.” she mumbled.

With that, Chelthiea stood up and locked their fingers, turning around to where the sun shone with a brighter smile and a light heart. “Thank you.”

“M&M, you’re not ugly despite looking like me, by the way. I’ll fight whoever says that, even if it’s you yourself. And don't call me Noelle. I'm older than you.”

“...Good luck with that.” she chuckled.

“Oh, right. Can I ask one more question?”

“What?”

“Mr. Hu--”

.
.
.

“MR. HUSBAND!!!”

She screamed like a squirrel whose tail had been stepped on, sitting up with arms up to her chest in fists.

What.

Okay, what just happened? Was that… Was she dreaming? Is that what it was?

She blinked once again as she was brought back to reality-- the dark basement.

So basically, she married a businessman, and maybe they decided to live in her residence, considering she was in the law library. Then, she met her future daughter to whom she shared an estranged drama relationship with. Fortunately, they made up, then as she was about to ask a question about said ‘spouse’...

Wiegenliar, why. Why was it cut off at the good part?

“If you’re gonna play games with me, then make it satisfying, dummy pudding-head pervert mansion! FUGUE YOU!”

Insert frustrated screams.

But… she was happy. That dream was confusing for the most part, but it did end well (?) Maybe she didn’t mind.

And for the first time, Chelthiea Noelle did not wake up with swollen eyes and thoughts of “I just have to make it through another day.”

Fugue the mansion, though.

I wanted to make a complex background but ghhh time has run out, so here's a draft of the BG I planned...

I also wanted another part, but yup this is the finale of the basement event. RIP hands.

Also RIP schedule and grades.

The thing is... Chel got nightmares every. single. night even before this one //Mara is a witness to this//. Despite this nightmare supposedly being about her greatest fear tho, she's slowly gotten over it so she's not all drama queen and angst-y. //Even though she's still self-depreciating hahaha... //sHOT

Obviously, M&M isn't actually Chel's 'daughter'. It's the immature and hurting side of Chel herself who looks for someone to blame for her sufferings but just bc she can't do so, she blames herself. Thankfully tho, current Chel doesn't do such a toxic thing anymore bc boi for once she actually matu-- //hIT BY CHEL

So what is her greatest fear anyway? Well, she fears being isolated and hated, but like ur stereotypical shounen hero(-ine), she's more scared of giving up when she still has options and can turn things around. She also fears not being able to move forward especially in terms of chara- self-development.

Description

Chelthiea’s eyes opened moments later, half-lidded and hazy as she sat up.

Before she woke up, she swore to have been in a place where it was cold, isolated, gloomy, and very much like a nightmare. But before her senses now was sunlight flickering through trees and casting leaf-like shadows upon the wooden floor, vines climbing through cracks and ceilings, plants and pots, windows spanning rooms and horizons, and books labeled in words such as ‘cases’ and ‘law’. She didn’t know why and when it started, but for some reason it was like she’s never seen any of those before.

It was... the law library, wasn’t it?

Her breath hitched, and as if searching for validation and something to tie her to the unreal familiarity, her fingers frantically tapped the floor, taking in the texture. Yes, it was a silly validation, and there was a distant, unrecognizable voice in the back of her head saying “The floor is dirty”, but all she begged for was to belong to this place. She has to belong.

And like an answered prayer, It was, indeed… the law library, the dearest part of her home and the beginning of her promises... Strange. Were all those events dreams then? No matter. She won’t have to face it anymore.

As the warmth and harmony of the sun and wind embraced her, she stretched and groggily propped herself up, holding her cheeks between palms with a smile. And the more she thought about it, laughter spattered out as a sweet, satisfying feeling filled her chest.

But… Perhaps it wasn’t time for celebrations yet. Interrupting her thoughts, a small yet cautious voice came from behind. “What are you doing here?”

Right. She had to move along and see her siblings!

With a turn, she lifted the child swiftly and twirled as she hugged her.

“I’m here, and I haven’t gone anywhere!”

This was right. To hug one of her beloved people really was a good feeling. She wondered, how could she let go?

SLAP!

Well, there goes a reason to let go.

The brunette blinked as silence settled in the empty room, the sound of pain bouncing against the walls.

“Do excuse me, but invasion of personal space isn’t appreciated.”

The little lady sounded nothing like her sister. She was defensive, as if waiting to start a fight. When she pulled the other away slightly to get a look on her face, she didn’t look like her sister either.

It wasn’t her. It… I-It…

“Oh my word? OH MY WORD?! Y-y-you’re… Are you my child?!”

“Huh?” the child, who was her exact look alike, blinked back in confusion, replacing her previous expressions of contempt. This was certainly awkward.

“Where’s… Where’s Father?”

“Obviously, he’s in the office handling his usual CEO stuff, contributing to the economy.”

A businessman? Ehhh? What on earth was going on?

She put the young girl down and continued to stare dumbly.

“B-but... I thought an 11/10 nice guy from the legal department was my future. Also, I didn’t tell anyone yet, but there was a capital bishounen radar-triggering senior in the forensics department. What happened?”

The young girl furrowed her brows and crossed her arms over her chest, maintaining her irritated look. “What are you even talking about?”

“My umm… Mr. Husband.”

“What? N-no, you're not my mother! You’re not even dating anyone. You said you were gonna be Miss Chelibacy Noelle Grayse Roselake, remember?” she answered, shaking both of her palms.

Then what else could she be? A doppleganger? A shrunken clone? A doppleganger’s child? A secret younger sibling? Either way, she feels sort of sorry. Maybe she should apologize to Mr. Husband for giving him a Chelthiea Noelle 2.0. Seriously, it’s like someone stuck carbon paper on this child’s face. Still, wow. She can’t believe she even got married. But good gucci shoes, she’s already blushing and screaming loudly on the inside!

“Mmph… I’ll just call you M&M then. As in mini me.”

“Okay.” she responded with a nod.

…

“Wait, I just recalled that I’m angry at you! I slapped you too.”

“EH??? Oh, that’s right. You did...”

“but I thought you were just being tsundere…”

“What did I do, though?”

“Everything. You ruined my life!”

Good grief, someone hold her orange juice. What's going on? Is M&M emo or what? Is she living one of those dramatic family movies? Like, are they estranged? This is the most confused she has ever been. Hello, Mr. Karma? Where you at and what you doing? Such things need explanation.

With a sigh, she crouched down to speak eye-to-eye.

“First of all, you need to state some clarifications. Second, what will you charge against me? Third, please turn in some evidence. Do you, by chance, have an affidavit ready as well?”

Man, never has Chelthiea imagined a day where she’d go pro se, but now she’s in such a state with her own daughter. Absolutely amazing.

Obviously, the girl could only tilt her head then respond with an exasperated sigh. “Why would there even-- Could you just, put down the attorney attitude for now? If I say you did it, then you are guilty as charged!”

“Good grief, what have I been teaching you? You know it doesn’t work that way. Remember what President Washington himself signed a day before the proposal of the Sixth Amendment? Provided th--”

“Please put it down, geez!”

With a squint, she rested her cheek on her palm. Well, okay. The justice system is cracked and it’s not like this is a real trial anyway.

“Speak up.” she said, solemn and soft-- almost encouraging for someone who just decided to play along to her arrest.

M&M looked down. It was like she was a little frightened and nervous of opening her mouth despite being the one who brought about this situation. She honestly couldn’t remember what she’s done or if she even really did anything, but it really seemed as though it was serious to her.

“Of course... I don’t have evidence of any kind.” she managed to respond meekly.

Oh, boy. She’s already lost the case before it’s even began. But… the tone of her voice was much, much different from how it sounded earlier. It was almost… pitiful. Sad. A sound familiar to how she felt on helpless days.

“Even so, you must keep going. You’re a plaintiff, aren’t you? That is your stand. That is your responsibility. Tell me. What have I done?”

Was she speaking decently for the situation? Did she sound cold in any way? Was she wording it out a little too roughly? Although she tried to be careful, there was no way in telling, and she was certain it didn’t really do much. Rather than such a ‘trial’… this child just needed someone to listen and open up to.

“I don’t know.” came her unexpected reply.

Chelthiea froze in place.

But of course… Upon putting herself in her place, she realized she wouldn’t know what exactly she should say either. But perhaps...

“Did I break a promise?”

No response.

“Did I… fail to protect you?”

Once again, no response but silence and a lowered gaze. The girl clutched her skirt tightly and took a light breath, gathering courage.

“How can you do that if... you hate me?”

For the first time, their eyes met directly and she heard a crack in her voice, leaving her dumbfounded.

She was right. Who could do that to someone they loathe? And of course there was no evidence but the way she was around her. How could any exist if what was wounded was the unseeable psyche?

She wondered what she was supposed to say when she didn’t remember what kind of relationship they had before waking up. Tell her it wasn’t true, even though there’s a possibility that there really was? Ask her for forgiveness that she might not have the right to?

Now the reminder of herself that this small figure gave her went beyond just appearances, touching corners that no one knew of. This child didn’t bear any hatred for her, no. It was a feeling of… abandonment. Something she feared and something she thought she’d never put others through.

Nothing knowing what to say, she slowly drew closer and placed her palms on the other’s cheeks, smiling both apologetically and gently.

She wasn’t sure if it was right, but…

“I’m sorry.”

Even without an answer, the child bit her lip, holding back the pain in her widened eyes.

She knows how pathetic her existence was. Ever since the beginning, she never did anything right. Not looks, not personality, not talking, comforting, being herself, nor even learning how to stand strong and look after herself. Not even keeping her self-depreciating thoughts away.

But she had to talk about everything with her. To try to make things better. To change things and keep her from becoming a mess.

“But let me take it back.”

SLAP!

There goes slap #2… At least it wasn’t on her face again, though. Just the hands this time.

“Excuse me?! We were on the process of reaching a settlement, and you go and take back the only thing redeeming you?!” she scoffed, obviously very offended. “Absolutely unacceptable, Noelle--”

“I wasn’t done yet…”

“Oh, you weren’t? Umm… Sorry. Go on.”

Pff…

She chuckled then laughed. Good grief, this moment wrecker. “Needed an icebreaker from the drama anyway.”

“A-anyway, just go on with what you were saying earlier before I decide I’m bored of listening. Also, refrain from touching my face, please. The filth will make me look uglier.”

Wow, so her hands were filthy. With a cough, she cleared her throat and went on.

“Please allow me to take back the apology for everything I’ll be doing. Say that I did hate you and did many bad things. But as presumptuous as this seems… from now on, I’d like to try my best in repenting and caring for you. I want to be better. I want to learn how to love, and I want you to receive that love before anyone else. Of course, you don't really have to forgive me immediately, but... Will you give me that chance?”

She extended her hand towards her, smiling gently.

M&M simply stared for a moment, an unsure gaze on her hand and face. And with much hesitation, she stepped forward and placed hers above.

“I’m... in your care.” she mumbled.

With that, Chelthiea stood up and locked their fingers, turning around to where the sun shone with a brighter smile and a light heart. “Thank you.”

“M&M, you’re not ugly despite looking like me, by the way. I’ll fight whoever says that, even if it’s you yourself. And don't call me Noelle. I'm older than you.”

“...Good luck with that.” she chuckled.

“Oh, right. Can I ask one more question?”

“What?”

“Mr. Hu--”

.
.
.

“MR. HUSBAND!!!”

She screamed like a squirrel whose tail had been stepped on, sitting up with arms up to her chest in fists.

What.

Okay, what just happened? Was that… Was she dreaming? Is that what it was?

She blinked once again as she was brought back to reality-- the dark basement.

So basically, she married a businessman, and maybe they decided to live in her residence, considering she was in the law library. Then, she met her future daughter to whom she shared an estranged drama relationship with. Fortunately, they made up, then as she was about to ask a question about said ‘spouse’...

Wiegenliar, why. Why was it cut off at the good part?

“If you’re gonna play games with me, then make it satisfying, dummy pudding-head pervert mansion! FUGUE YOU!”

Insert frustrated screams.

But… she was happy. That dream was confusing for the most part, but it did end well (?) Maybe she didn’t mind.

And for the first time, Chelthiea Noelle did not wake up with swollen eyes and thoughts of “I just have to make it through another day.”

Fugue the mansion, though.

I wanted to make a complex background but ghhh time has run out, so here's a draft of the BG I planned...

I also wanted another part, but yup this is the finale of the basement event. RIP hands.

Also RIP schedule and grades.

The thing is... Chel got nightmares every. single. night even before this one //Mara is a witness to this//. Despite this nightmare supposedly being about her greatest fear tho, she's slowly gotten over it so she's not all drama queen and angst-y. //Even though she's still self-depreciating hahaha... //sHOT

Obviously, M&M isn't actually Chel's 'daughter'. It's the immature and hurting side of Chel herself who looks for someone to blame for her sufferings but just bc she can't do so, she blames herself. Thankfully tho, current Chel doesn't do such a toxic thing anymore bc boi for once she actually matu-- //hIT BY CHEL

So what is her greatest fear anyway? Well, she fears being isolated and hated, but like ur stereotypical shounen hero(-ine), she's more scared of giving up when she still has options and can turn things around. She also fears not being able to move forward especially in terms of chara- self-development.