A brilliant golden sphere hovered in the luminous Void, his radiant hue pulsing with quiet satisfaction.
From a short distance, two other Entities observed him. One a sharp, refracting triangular prism, and the other a softer, creamy orb that drifted close beside her.
I've never seen those two before. the Entity thought upon seeing the two. From his perspective, it looked as though the two Entities were looking at him. I wonder who they are.
He had just only recently completed his object, which was a creation that he himself regarded with deep pride. It shimmered beside him, distinct and original, and not a mere echo of his own form.
Maybe they're here to admire it. I can't blame them, it's really impressive. It's probably the best anyone's made around here. Gold thought to himself, his lights flaring with pride.
The notion was pure self-flattery, a comfortable bubble of conjecture to inflate his already buoyant mood. Still, it wasn't entirely baseless. After all, crafting an object that is truly new was rare among their kind, the Entities, and only a handful of them had managed such a task.
I've already shown it to everyone else I know, I might as well let these two see my object too.
As the thought lingered in his mind, Gold saw the two Entities began to glide towards him.
Prism approached first, her prismatic facets catching and scattering light in delicate rainbows. Cream followed faithfully at her side, making sure to float as gracefully as her abilities could allow her.
"Greetings," Prism announced, her voice clear and measured. "I am Prism, and this is my servant, Cream."
"Hello," Cream added, her tone polite but carrying a faint edge of protectiveness.
"Pleasure to meet you." Prism continued smoothly.
"Hey. The name's Gold," the golden sphere replied casually. "What can I do for you?"
Cream's glow tightened almost immediately. "You could start by showing some respect when addressing my boss."
Cream wasn't being hypocritical.
The only reason she spoke with Prism they way she did, was because Cream was given permission to do so in the first place, by Prism herself.
All that said, she still expected others, especially those who were, or would be considered strangers, to recognize Prism's authority, as well as respect it, and her. At least, until Prism herself said otherwise.
It was simple loyalty, and nothing more.
Then again, perhaps there was a bit of hypocrisy within her behavior. Even so, Cream herself wasn't aware of it, much less cared about it at all.
"Your... boss?" Gold echoed, genuinely puzzled at the word. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Calm down, Cream." Prism interjected gently.
"Sorry, boss." Cream murmured, her light dimming slightly in apology.
Prism refocused her attention back to Gold, and spoke. "I am seeking Entities that possess a particular quality, and I have reason to believe that you are one of them."
"What kind of quality?" Gold asked, his tone unchanged. He was blunt, and informal, the same way he addressed every other Entity he's met and talked to before.
Gold had never grasped the subtle gradients of social deference. To him, formality felt like favoritism, and favoritism felt unfair. As such, he chose to instead speak to everyone in the same manner.
He was direct, equal, as well as unfiltered. Whether that stemmed from a principled belief in equality, or simply a lack of social finesse, was debatable.
Rather, it wouldn't be a stretch to assume the fact that it was because of both reasons. If we're talking about Gold, then such both reasons were a very high possibility.
Prism began to explain her mission to Gold. Just as she did with Cream, she kept the details, regarding her mission, measured.
Gold's light flickered with uncertainty. "I... don't really get it. Could you say that again?" he requested, slightly embarrassed.
Gold wasn't pretending not to understand, or trying to be difficult. Rather, complex explanations simply slid past him.
In fact, the more words Prism used, the murkier his understanding became, until the whole explanation became nonsense to him.
I see, Prism thought to herself, immediately understanding the situation. It would seem as though he needs simplicity.
Prism adjusted her sentence without irritation.
"Alright then, listen carefully..."
She rephrased everything in short, clear statements, repeating key points patiently until the golden sphere's glow steadied.
"I think I get it now." Gold said at last, though uncertainty lingered in his voice.
Cream let out a deep sigh of exasperation. Of course, without a mouth to begin with, she was simply going through the motions.
Prism could understand how Cream was feeling in this moment. After all, she also felt somewhat a little bothered by Gold's meager comprehension ability.
The only difference between Cream and Prism, was the fact that Prism was capable of masking her emotions by not showing any reaction, whether it's vibrations or pusles of light.
As for Gold, he wasn't entirely confident in his grasp of the explanation, but comprehension was no his main concern anymore. Rather, for him, there was something far more important to think about in this moment.
So, they really did come for me and my object. This is perfect timing since I wanted to show it off anyway. And maybe... His brain started calculating. Maybe I can turn this chance to get something better for myself.
A half-formed scheme began to take shape in his mind, born of opportunism and overconfidence. Essentially, it was a bad sign.
"You'd better understand," Cream cut in sharply. "This is an important mission. If you can't even follow such a simple explanation, then there's no point in recruiting someone like you in the first place."
Prism allowed Cream to comment without interference. She wanted Cream to voice her own thoughts freely, corrections could come later if needed.
Still, Prism couldn't help but wonder Why is she being so defensive? In the end, it was a thought that would never be voiced, and would remain as such.
"Who said that I even want to be recruited?" Gold shot back with a scoff. His confidence was so great, that he would be making a wide grin if he had a mouth to make such an expression. They want me, for some reason. Doesn't that puts me in a strong position? Then I can use this to get something out of them.
I see, quite interesting, Prism noted silently, a faint spark of curiosity in her core.
Cream's light flared with indignation. "Do you have any idea what an honor this is? To be chosen for something this significant?"
Prism still allowed her to continue. A part of the reason for this was to see how the two arguing Entities would converse with one another.
Not just Creams reactions and response, Prism wanted to see Gold's reactions and response during the course of the argument.
That said, Prism was ready to intervene should the need arise. For now, she was simply content just being an observer.
"Not really," Gold replied with a casual pulse. "It sounds like a lot of work. I only do what I want, when I want. And right now, my object is what I want to work on."
To put it simply, Gold was just playing hard to get, or at least he was trying to do so anyways. The strategy seemed sound in his mind. Rather, it had no flaws.
All he had to do was show some resistance, force them to bargain with him, and then he would name his price. He had no idea how badly he had misjudged Prism.
"What?!" Cream exclaimed. "Do you even hear yourself?"
"Yeah, I do. Maybe you two should try motivating me. Who knows, I might just agree if you do."
"Don't be stupid!"
"Who're you calling stupid? I'm not stupid!" Gold snapped.
"Then stop saying stupid things!"
"Stop calling everything stupid!"
Their argument spiraled, with their voices overlapping in bright, heated pulses until Prism decided finally intervene.
"That's enough, Cream." she started. Prism made sure that her tone was not reprimanding Cream, but simply stopping her and Gold's argument. "If he chooses not to join us, then that's his decision."
"But boss–"
"Forcing him to participate would defeat the purpose of this task entirely. That is something that my master wouldn't want. For the Entity in question, as well as for his master."
Cream pulsed slightly in acceptance, letting her emotions finally calmed down.
"See? Even she agrees with me," Gold said triumphantly. Yet inside, nerves flickered through his golden core. Wait... this doesn't feel right somehow.
Just as she had calmed down some more, Cream's feeling rose again from Gold's attitude, even if only slightly. Still, she chose not to let her emotions drive her in this moment.
She turned her attention from Gold and back to Prism. "Are you sure, boss?" Cream asked, feeling a bit hesitant.
"I'm sure. After all, there are many other Entities that are better suited, as well as more eager, that would welcome the opportunity to take part in this mission."
Others? Cream thought, then her light dimmed slightly. Boss never mentioned that before. Maybe she had found someone when I called her over. In that case...
Cream felt bad thinking that she had called Prism to come and see if Gold was a candidate to recruit for the mission.
Why was this the case?
This is because Gold ended up being, well, Gold. Because of this, they, especially Prism, wasted time as well as effort on Gold.
As such, Cream felt like Prism would've used that time and effort on recruiting the Entity that Prism may have been on the way to recruit before she had called her over.
Of course, Prism didn't think this way. Rather, Prism was occupied with more important matters at the moment.
What is it you ask? Simply put, Prism was scheming. Indeed, she was coming up with ways to not only counter Gold's poor attempt at a scheme, but also try to benefit from it.
"Forgive us, for having wasted your time. Now then, if you will excuse us." Prism said calmly, turning away to leave.
"It's fine." Gold replied automatically. No, it's not fine! he screamed internally.
"Let's go Cream, we should move on to the next candidate." Prism told Cream.
"If you say so, boss." she replied, trailing behind her boss.
Prism had already assessed Gold thoroughly in those few exchanges.
As such, she was able to recognize the pattern almost immediately. Bravado masking insecurity, as well as opportunism without any proper foresight. The bluff was already in motion.
He'll crack. And if he doesn't, then the replacements are plentiful.
Wait, come back! Gold thought desperately. In this moment, his pride warred with panic.
Was this a bluff?
Or were they truly indifferent?
Gold simply didn't know.
That said, the fact that he had mere moments to decide only added to the pressure that was already beginning to suffocate him.
[Cream, follow my lead.] Prism sent privately.
[Alright, boss.]
The two of them started to hover away from Gold, slowly, as if waiting for him to take action.
"Wait!" Gold called out, brighter now with urgency.
There it is, Prism thought, her nonexistent lips curving into a cunning smirk.
She pivoted slowly, her facets glinting. Beneath her composed surface lay a cold, precise mind. Always calculating, always prioritizing the mission and her master's will. Fairness mattered, but results mattered more.
"If... if I decide to join–" Gold began, stumbling.
Prism cut him off smoothly. "Forgive us, but we cannot linger with those who hesitate. Perhaps my initial assessment of you was mistaken." Her tone was calm, yet it felt cold and indifferent, at least to Gold.
"Exactly," Cream added with a bright pulse, her tone somehow happy. "If you're not going to help, then don't hold us back."
Cream had caught on to Prism's intention quickly, and matched Prism's tone perfectly, perhaps a touch too sharply, but still effective.
She's aggressive. Prism noted privately. Maybe her earlier argument with him had become too personal for her?
The two began drifting away once again.
Wait! Please don't go! No matter how hard Gold tried, the words seemed to fail to come out.
Gold hovered frozen for a heartbeat, then started following, openly, with no attempt at stealth. He was too preoccupied with salvaging the situation to worry about appearances.
For once, real effort stirred in his usually idle thoughts. Indeed, the gears in his nonexistent brain spun in overdrive, trying, wishing, and even wishing to come up with a way to correct his mistake.
[Boss, he's trailing us.] Cream reported.
[Good. He's the predictable kind. Entities like him fold under pressure quite easily.]
[I didn't expect him to be this stubborn... but you handled it perfectly, boss. As expected of boss, you're really amazing!]
[Even so, don't get accustomed to seeing this side of me.]
A faint twinge of guilt shimmered through Prism. Manipulation, of anyone, let alone someone limited like Gold felt distasteful. That said, necessity overrode that discomfort, in this case at least.
It was the cleanest path forward. At least, one that I could think of. Lord Cubix, I'm sure that you would've found a kinder, and more effecient way to solve this situation. If it's you, then surely that would be the case.
Still, she set that feeling of regret aside. Right now, the mission demanded progress, and thinking of such things might only slow her down.
Gold kept pace behind them, neither too close nor too distant. A golden streak trailing the prism and the cream orb through the glowing expanse.
Prism and Cream continued onward, their purpose undeterred, while their reluctant shadow followed behind, already half-convinced he had chosen this path himself.