Chapter 27: Prismatics
“Seriously, I just can’t get over that interview!” a girl giggled.
“Right? She was so cool! Not only did they beat a bunch of gods, but then to be all cool and come out like that, talk about badass!” another girl gushed. “And knowing that she’s trans like us!? Eee!”
“Why don’t you two just kiss already,” a boy teased.
“Umm… well… we’re not… I mean, she’s too cool and pretty to like a loser like me.”
“H-huh??? But you’re so cute! I’m the uncute one!” the first objected.
“Girls, your both pretty. Just start dating already. We all know you like each other,” Carmen said.
“You’re just annoyed that we’re not talking about how cool you are, aren’t you?” the boy laughed.
“My ego is not that fragile,” Carmen pouted. The others laughed as she sighed. There was a jostling sound as the doorknob for the classroom turned and opened, Vivi and Erika entering the room. “You’re late.”
“Sorry, Mrs. Brier wanted us to come back after school let out,” Erika explained.
“Let me guess, more Todd being a creep? They really just need to move him to another class.”
“He knows you’re a lesbian, right?” the boy asked.
“I still can’t believe he started hitting on her after all the crap he pulled,” Erika grumbled. “She becomes a celebrity and suddenly he thinks he can try to woo her.”
“I’m so exhausted,” Vivi groaned.
“Hear that girls?” Carmen announced. “Leave Viv alone today, ‘kay? Keep the fangirling to a minimum.”
“We’ll try!” one of the girls in the room giggled, the collective of girls huddling together in the corner trying to keep to themselves. Vivi sighed as she and Erika sat down.
“Still funny how this basically became your fanclub, right Viv?”
“Of which, I’m the number one member,” Erika giggled as she hugged her girlfriend. “And hey, don’t sell yourself short, Carm. Plenty of the girls here are super into you, and I know you’re into them too.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Carmen deflected, her brightening cheeks betraying her facade.
“So much for it being our school’s GSA,” Vivi chuckled somberly. “Sorry again about that George.”
“Eh, it’s okay. The other guys may have gotten scared off, but at least I’m not the only bi,” George chuckled causing Carmen to groan.
“Wait, were there even any other guys who were interested?” Erika asked innocently, George chuckling darkly.
“Guys being cowards aside, have you seen Chi or Riri?” Carmen asked. “They haven’t shown up yet.”
“Oh, I think Chi is making out with her girlfriend,” Erika giggled. “As for Riri, I think she mentioned going out to meet up with Sue.”
“Oh, right, Sue did mention we were finally going to hold that celebration, huh?”
“Oh? A celebration? Are we invited?” George asked.
“Were you not here for that?” Erika asked. “Everyone in the Prism Club is invited.”
“Are we seriously calling ourselves that now?” Vivi asked.
“Sorry babe, you were outvoted on that.”
“Damn, being popular must be rough,” George observed. “But you kinda only have yourself to blame for it. Makes me wonder, do you regret that interview?”
Vivi sighed, a gentle smile gracing her lips. “Not at all. I’ve gotten letters from so many people thanking me for coming out and saying I helped them accept themselves and come out. And sure, the attention is kind of draining, but…” She glanced over at the other girls in the room, trading glances with several of the girls who came up to her after the battle, each thanking her for her support. They could be clingy at times, but she knew it was because she meant so much to them. “It’s worth it.”
“That sounds nice…” George said, rubbing his finger. There was a small silence as Vivi just watched George fidget in place. The plain human boy hadn’t changed from The Collision and the ensuing mist unlike many of the girls in the room, and yet… There was a buzz from George’s pocket. “Oh, I have to go. It was nice chatting with all of you. I’ll see you next time,” he said grinning excitedly as he headed for the door.
Moments later, Carmen spoke up. “So, when’s she gonna crack you think?”
“Carmen, you know it’s not good to speculate about that kind of thing,” Erika scolded her.
“Oh, come on, all the trans girls in here clocked her when school started back up and even we caught on.”
“Hmm? But Eri noticed that a while ago,” Vivi stated.
“Mama’s just taught me to respect people’s personal space on that kind of stuff. I mean, we don’t want to accidentally scare her off,” Erika stated.
“Yeah, but I think Vivi and your mama are proof enough that helping them crack earlier can be better for them.”
“You don’t gotta call me out like that.” Vivi pouted.
“Oh, so about that celebration party…”
* * *
“This is Gabrielle Torres, reporting live from Salt Mountain Country Club. Tonight is a special celebration for Phoenix’s local magical girl team, the Prism Girls to commemorate their victory over the revived god, Zeus, of Greek myth,” the feline reporter explained. “It’s been one month since the magical girls and their allies launched a campaign to intercept Zeus on his way to seize the abandoned Fort Newton in the Rocky Mountains. I have here Agent Medi of the newly formed Magical Investigations Division. How are you doing this evening?”
“I’m doing well, Gabrielle,” Medi said with a graceful smile.
“There’s a large number of rumors and speculation regarding the recent operation. People have been quite confused as a result of the partial information that’s been circulating. Is there anything you’d like to say about the situation.”
“I can’t go into too much detail, as much of it is still under going review at this time. However, I would like to clarify the nature of Zeus’s siege and objective. Particularly a critical revelation about the origin of the Magical Mist…”
* * *
“I can’t believe you guys got permission to talk about Gaia,” Annie remarked to Roth as they both stood along the wall of the ballroom. The agent wore a rather simple tux, which delivered a critical contrast to Annie’s own outfit, a ravishing shimmery red dress with a dark sash at her waist. The dress opened up at the bottom, revealing a wine red tulle underlayer giving her dress more volume, giving her an elegant vibe, punctuated by her red gloves and her straightened long red hair draping along her back. “I expected the government to hide it.”
“There were certainly an effort to do that, yes. However, it quickly became clear that that would become rather unreasonable. For starters, Amaterasu and Sue’s homeland is interested in starting relations with Japan.”
“Ah, so it’s a matter of trade disputes. They don’t want America to be left behind,” Annie scoffed. “Typical.”
“Realistically, it’s irrelevant. Japan has easier access and more immediate relations to their homeland anyway. But there is more to it than that. Other nations are quickly learning of Gaia anyway, and given early observational data, there’s concerns that our neighbors beyond our own portal won’t appreciate us much.”
“They’re xenophobic then?”
“And a theocratic regime.”
“Charming.”
“Unfortunately, we have suspicions that war might be unavoidable given their temperament, but we’re hoping to avoid that. That said, there is a desire to begin relations with them. Remember that kingdom you mentioned beyond the portal?”
“Oh yeah. It looked like something out of a fantasy novel.”
“Not a bad description. It’s a kingdom called Biosia, and coincidentally, Zeus’s attempt to invade caused a panic for them that deposed their ruler. From what we can tell, there was some kind of power dispute, and the tear growing outed that they were trying to cover it up, causing their rulers to be deemed incompetent and thrown out. Fortunately, the new ruler is a woman who had been trying to oust her brothers over their loyalty to the church. We’re hoping that she might be more willing to work with us.”
“Huh, I was kind of afraid they’d be a group of misogynist jerks. Nice to learn I’m wrong.”
“Don’t get too excited. She seems to be a minority for Gaia. Although, from what I’ve read, I think you’d like her. It sounds like you’d have some particular interests you’d probably enjoy talking about,” Roth revealed.
“Oh, she sounds fun,” Annie chuckled. She looked across the room, spying Melody waving her over. “Ah, seems I gotta go. Let’s talk more later.”
“Of course,” Roth said, waving her off.
Annie crossed the room, approaching her girlfriend. Melody smiled as she approached, turning her wheelchair to reveal her short layered blue and teal dress. “Did you two have a good talk?” Melody asked.
“Yeah. He was catching me up on their plans to talk about Gaia and stuff. What have you been up to?”
“Greeting guests mostly. Ami and Sue arrived and went to see Isis and Hori earlier. More importantly, I think she’s finally coming over here.”
“Took her long enough,” Annie chuckled.
“Melody! Annie!” Marina called out as she approached the pair., her glittery blue dress fluttering around her thigh. “How have you been?” she asked as she twirled her bright aqua hair around her finger.
“Eh, same old,” Annie chuckled. “Hoping that I can get back on track for my teaching degree.”
“Oooh, don’t want to stay working as a magical girl?”
“We don’t intend to stop, but it’s not a real job,” Melody giggled. “And neither of us want it to become one. Last thing we want is to become police officers,” she said, Annie nodding in agreement. “More importantly, you’re looking great. Love what you’ve done with your hair, blue really suits you. And you’re looking a lot smaller.”
“Thanks.” Marina blushed. “It’s taken some doing to reduce our muscle mass. Brie and I have both been feeling a lot more comfortable lately. And Thermia’s been great at supporting us too, right sweetie?” She looked to her side only to find no one there. “Huh? Thermia?” She pouted. “Uh… hold on. I’ll be right back.”
“Here I thought she’d finally come talk to us,” Annie sighed. She glanced over at Melody who balled her dress in her hands. "You okay?"
"I... It's complicated. I don't know if I'm ready for this... I understand she's apparently changed, but... Those were the worst days of my life," Melody explained.
"Mel..." Annie frowned. "It's okay, you know. Just say what you're feeling. You don't have to forgive her, if you don't want to, but allow yourself the chance to decide that for yourself.
"I know you're right," Melody chuckled softly. "Just... if I go too far, stop me, okay?"
"It's okay, I'll be right here for you."
“I found her!” Marina declared, dragging Thermia over to them, the flame goddess wearing a showy fiery orange dress with an open back and a deep v-neck exposing her prevalent cleavage.
“R-Rina…” Thermia mumbled. “I…”
“Just talk to her, it’ll be okay. She’s nice, I promise,” Marina urged her. Thermia fidgeted as she looked at Melody and frowned, matching Melody's own. “Thermia, you promised.”
“I know… I just…” She took a deep breath and looked at Melody, her gaze darting between the floor and the mermaid. Melody's fingers tensed against her wheelchair as the goddess trembled. Then finally, Thermia settled her gaze upon Melody, took a deep breath and closed her eyes. “I… I’m sure you don’t actually want to see me or anything, but… I’m really sorry for kidnapping you!” she nearly shouted. She sniffled and trembled. “What I did was awful. I know you’ll never forgive me, and I don’t have an excuse. But I’m sorry. I’m so sorry…”
Melody sighed. "I..." She looked upon the frightened woman with frustration. "Thermia,
I… I don’t know if I have it in me to forgive you. What you did to me… It was one of the worst things that ever happened to me, and an apology isn’t going to make that better.” Thermia sniffled and nodded. "You stole me from my girlfriend. You treated me like some kind of trophy. And your followers-" Melody stopped short as she watched. Thermia cringed, tears gathering in her eyes. Melody frowned. "Thermia..."
"I was awful..." Thermia whimpered. "We all were... If I weren't such an awful person... Maybe they'd still be alive... Many of them weren't good people, but..." She began to cry.
"Thermia... You've been beating yourself up about all of this all this time, haven't you?" Melody asked, Thermia avoiding her gaze. Melody took a deep breath. "I'm not sure if I can forgive you, but-"
“No, it's okay. I don't deserve it, I-”
“But,” Melody continued, surprising the goddess. “What Vivi said when those reporters interviewed her… I want to make the world a better place too. And... I think that part of that means not lingering in the past." Thermia looked at her with awe and confusion. "Thermia, I want to move past all of this and make a better world, for all of us, including you. I might not be able to forgive you, but I am willing to move forward and accept that you want to do better too. I just want all of us to have the chance to heal.”
Thermia stared at her, tears dribbling down her cheeks. “I… I don’t deserve that… But thank you… I want to do better. I want to make a better world too. E-even if working together is hard… And if it’s ever a problem, I want to do better, and…” She looked at Melody again. “Thank you for supporting my girlfriend with her water magic.”
Marina giggled. “You’re really silly, you know that Thermia?” She hugged the fire goddess. Likewise, Annie hugged Melody and smiled at her. "Thank you Melody. We'll make it up to you. I promise."
"You really don't have to," Melody chuckled awkwardly.
"Maybe not..." Thermia sniffled. "But we both want to try. And... I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you." Melody looked at her curiously. "I... You see... I know how I acted with you, but at the time... Your song, it was hard to hear, because it... All of my doubts just bubbled to the surface listening to you." She took a breath. "Melody, your singing is a gift. It took a while, but it helped me realize what I was doing... What I became..."
"Thermia..." Melody said with a hush. She brought her fingers to her throat and thought for a moment. "You know, I've been thinking about what I want to do next. I've always enjoyed singing, and... Maybe... Maybe I'll try that."
"You have a lovely voice. I'm sure you'd do well." Thermia smiled. "Thank you again, Melody. And we'll be rooting for you." Marina took her hand, giving Melody a smile and then looking at Thermia who did the same. The two nodded.
“I’m proud of you,” Annie whispered. “You didn’t have to be that kind to her, and yet…”
“I just don’t want to punish someone even more when they’re trying to make up for their mistakes. You know?” Melody explained.
“Gosh I love you,” Annie giggled. "And I agree with them, your voice is beautiful."
"Not going to tease me for wanting to go into music with my name?" Melody laughed.
"I don't think even Carmen would do something that low."
“Marina!” another voice called, the former war goddess looked up to see her sister wearing a simple white dress running towards her.
“Athena!” Marina smiled.
“There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere,” she fretted. "You didn't run into any problems, did you? Some of those security guy seem kind of off, and-"
“Sis, it’s okay. I was just trying to support Thermia, that’s all. And we’re in good company here. No one’s going to start insulting us. I mean, heck, do you think the girls would let someone be transphobic here?”
“I mean, maybe not, but some of the agents…”
“It’s okay sis. We can handle ourselves.” Marina smiled gently, Athena frowning. “Thanks for worrying about me though. It means a lot.”
* * *
“Suzuha, a little more to the left. Almost… Stop! Pefect!” a woman declared as the shutter of her camera clicked. She changed positions, trying various angles as she took pictures of the yuki-onna and the blue haired woman beside her. “Thanks so much for chance to take your picture, Miss Artemis,” the photographer said joyfully as she pulled herself off the ground, nervously scratching the base of her long rabbit like ear in the process. “And that idea to make an ice sculpture of the moon was a great idea sweetie. These pictures are stunning.”
“It’s my pleasure Adri. Your wife deserves the credit for the sculpture though.” Artemis smiled. “Speaking of, thank you for the advice Suzuha. I’m really excited to go try out those shops you mentioned.”
“Of course. It’s the least we can do for our goddess, isn’t that right Chi?” Suzuha motioned to her daughter.
“Wrong moon goddess, Mom,” Ichika chuckled. “My goddess is right here,” she said turning to Sue, who grinned.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, ma’am. And I take it Adri is your other mom?” she asked, Ichika nodding in confirmation. “I could tell from your camera work. Your daughter has learned a lot from you, hasn’t she?”
“It’s not the only thing she picked up from me.” Adri smirked at the shy sheep-like girl beside Ichika, hiding behind the yuki-onna’s sparkly silver dress.
“Christine, you don’t have to hide. They’re nice,” Ichika urged her.
“Y-yeah…” Christine mumbled as she stepped forward. “Um… it’s nice to meet you all.”
“Oh, aren’t you just the cutest thing,” Artemis giggled.
“Oh, so you the sweet ball of fluff that my daughter’s been talking about?” Suzuha cooed in a cool timber.
“Y-yes, ma’am!” Christine yelped a bright blush claiming her cheeks. “I… um… have heard a lot about you. I really love your work.”
“What a flatterer,” Suzuha chuckled. “What do you think dear?”
“So… fluffy…” Adri stared at the girl.
“Do you wish you were as fluffy as she is?” Suzuha said as she rubbed her wife’s ears. Adri let out a low moan as she leaned into her wife’s touch.
“Mom, we’re in public,” Ichika scolded her.
“Not like a bunch of us are queer women,” Sue noted.
“Aww, you’re really getting in that spirit, aren’t you, sis?” Ami laughed as she hugged her sister from behind.
“Did you have a good talk with Isis, sis?”
“Yeah. I think we’re all set now.”
“All set? Are you two getting ready to leave?” Ichika asked with a somber tone.
“Quite the contrary actually.” Ami grinned. “We’ve actually decided to stay put for a bit of cultural exchange.”
“Really? They don’t need you back home?”
“Eh, Susano-o can deal with things there for a while.” Sue shrugged. “He always goes off to have fun while Ami and I have to work. He gets to pick up the slack this time.”
“Besides, it’ll be a good chance to learn more about Dracluce. MID is going to be in a better position to learn about them than we are,” Ami said confidently causing Sue and the others to laugh.
“I’ll take whatever excuse I can get to keep you two around.”
“In all seriousness though, Isis and the others are planning to help your government build a community in the area near where the portal is. With our powers, we’re hoping to move it somewhere less isolated, but wherever that is will still need a lot of work to build something new.”
“So, what, do you mean like a city or something?” Adri asked.
“Something like that,” Artemis confirmed.
* * *
The youthful goddess stood off in the corner quietly watching the other guests from afar as she fidgeted with the glass of water in her hands. She watched her sister and niece talk with the Grecian goddesses. They made it look so easy to talk casually like that. She made a small sound as she shrank into herself.
"You're Steph, right?" the goddess practically yelped as the young woman approached her. She looked at the girl, her long white fox tail swishing behind her. "I'm Palu."
"P-Palu?" Steph repeated. "Y-you're Lilith's daughter, right?"
"Mhmm. So, what are you doing all alone?" Palu asked.
"I... I don't know. I just..."
"A little shy?" Palu asked. Steph nodded.
"I understand how you feel. Changing a lot is scary, isn't it?" Steph looked at Palu cautiously, slowly nodding in response. "I went through a lot of changes not too long ago. If it weren't for Mistress Lilith I... wouldn't be here right now."
"Mistress? I thought she was your mom."
"Ah haha." Palu blushed. "I... Uh... We took a long time to figure out what we meant to each other. And I had to hide my identity and..."
Steph giggled. "You two are silly."
"Maybe a little..." Palu said scratching her cheek. "So... Mom said you've been struggling with getting back with your family, right?" Steph nodded again. "I can relate. I have a sister now and nieces that are more like sisters and a cute nephew-brother. It's confusing, complicated, and... amazing, don't you think?"
"Are they here? I've heard a lot about them, but I haven't gotten the chance to talk to them."
"Not yet. I came here with Thena. I'm sure Mama and the others will be happy to meet you though." Palu grinned. "In the meantime, want to meet Thena and the others?"
"I..."
"Come on, it'll be fun!" Palu said, offering her hand. Steph slowly nodded and took it, following her to the others.
"Oh, Steph! There you are!" Hori cheered.
"I'm glad you're here sister." Isis smiled gently. "Athena, Marina, Thermia, this is my sister Steph."
"We've met," Athena chuckled. "You have a fair bit in common with my sister, you know."
"Athena..." Marina pouted. "Unless you mean we both have sisters who don't stop teasing us."
"Oh, that would be Hori," Isis chuckled coolly.
"I have no idea what you're talking about. I do nothing but give her a shining example."
"That one's a bit of a stretch," Thermia sighed.
"I don't get it," Marina frowned.
"It's a joke about shadows," Steph grumbled.
"Have you been hanging out with Chi and Carm?" Palu asked.
"Oh please, I bother my own goddess thank you," Hori scoffed.
"So... Melody then." The group started to laugh.
"I'm glad you decided to join us, Steph," Isis said.
"Yeah..." Steph nodded.
"So, any word from Vivi and the others?" Athena asked.
"Oh, they should be almost here." Palu looked at her phone. "Oh, looks like they're actually just getting in!"
* * *
“Big sis, look! It looks like the moon!” Wisp eagerly pointed at the ice sculpture in the corner of the room. Her long green dress fluttering about as she hovered in the air. “Do you think Chi made it?”
“Nah, it was probably her, Mom,” Carmen noted. “It looks too detailed to be Chi’s.”
“Chi makes plenty of pretty and detailed things though.” Wisp pouted.
“Yeah, but she’s not as much of a perfectionist about it as her mom is, trust me. Then again, what to you expect from a fashion mogul.”
“Speaking of style, you owe me a drink, Carm, cause you’re outfit is out of place like I thought,” Vivi giggled as she looked over her best friend. Carmen huffed as she crossed her arms over the showy and glittery golden two piece she was wearing, which exposed her midriff.
“I bet Chi’s mom will like it.”
“Of course she will,” Erika laughed. “She loves showy pieces like ours. Plus, we get to rock these outfits together, right?” Erika gracefully splayed her hand over her cleavage as her other hand traced her exposed waist.
“Oh, please, you’re wearing that for Viv and we all know it.”
“Teehee,” Erika giggled innocently. “Well, since she said it, what do you think of my outfit, cutie?”
Vivi’s eyes lingered on her girlfriend’s outfit. The short cropped lime green top caressing her chest and split maxi skirt exposing her leg summoning an in tense heat to Vivi’s cheeks. She looked dotingly at Erika as her eyes warmed to a precious pink. “You look really hot, babe.” Vivi cooed, Erika giggling in response as her own cheeks lit up.
“And you’re gorgeous,” Erika cooed as she eyed Vivi back. She wore a revealing soft pink cocktail dress with several layers that resembled petals along the skirt with shiny tidbits along their edges. The dress came in around her chest, emphasizing them as a strap of cloth on both ends looped back behind her head, allowing her wings to freely flutter about as she stared at Erika.
“Kiss~” Leah encouraged them, gently pushing Vivi forward. Vivi chuckled and leaned in for a kiss.
“Yay!” Palu cheered as she approached the group. “You two are so cute together! I want a girlfriend too!”
“You’re sure to get one with your charms, sis,” Leah giggled as she pet the fox girl. "Did you have fun with Athena?"
"You know it! Had fun hanging out with a new girl too."
“You two have become a real nuisance, huh?” Carmen chuckled as she eyed Leah playfully posing, her pair of demonic wings fluttering playfully, Palu posing cutely beside her, causing Carmen to blush. “Stop that.”
“Admit you’re into me first,” Leah teased.
“Now, now, Leah. Leave Carmen alone,” Cheryl interrupted. “She can admit it when she’s ready.”
“Why is everyone harassing me,” Carmen groaned.
“Hark, thee fair maiden!” a girl’s voice interjected. “You seem to be in need of a spot of aide,” said Riri, attempting to charm Carmen.
“Oh my gosh, this is like a bad anime sketch.”
“Because your life is like an anime?” Riri grinned.
Carmen sighed her lips cracking with a grin. “Alright fine, you win.”
“Mother, you’ve created a bunch of monsters,” Mary sighed.
“They’re your family dear. Besides, you know you want to join in,” Lilith teased, Mary glaring at her.
“Alright, girls, enough teasing each other. Come on go spend time with your friends,” Tiamat said, clapping her hands to get their attention. “And you stop egging them on.”
“Oh, you know you enjoy it,” Lilith giggled.
“You’re lucky you’re cute.”
“Remind me to hire you for babysitting later,” Ceridwen said, approaching the pair. Cleo chuckling at her suggestion beside her.
“Keep looking,” Tiamat stated. “Lily and I aren’t staying here past the spring.”
“I would like to get home,” Lilith admitted. “And Arizona summers are miserable.”
“We’re not moving back with you Mom,” Mary sighed.
“I keep trying to convince her,” Cheryl grumbled. “I don’t like summers here either.”
“I have a good job here, and I don’t want to move the kids again while Vivi and Leah are so late into school.”
“So, maybe in a few years then?” Lilith haggled. Mary sighed again.
“So, what do you need a baby sitter for anyway?” Tiamat asked.
“To watch Wisp,” said Ceridwen.
“Oh, did you two finally hook up?”
“What can I say? We bonded a lot over our talks about witchcraft,” Cleo chuckled.
“Really, when?”
“I think it was when I taught her about the Spell of Awakening and how it awakens young witches and helps change themselves to their true forms. What was it you asked dear? If it awakened girls like Vivi?”
“I meant with her accepting herself as a girl,” Cleo fussed. “You were the one who made it dirty by bringing up her awakening as a succubus.”
“And yet, you were accepting of my advances, weren’t you?” Ceridwen stroked Cleo’s cheek, causing her blush to deepen.
“Okay, but you two should be able to watch over Wisp fine, right?”
“Well, Roth has asked me to help support MID with some stuff, which could take me to Gaia at some point, and Carrie wants to try opening a potions business,” Cleo explained. “We’ll probably need some help keeping an eye on Wisp every so often.”
“We do live next door you know,” Cheryl pointed out. “Seriously, don’t worry, we’d be happy to support you.”
“Are you sure?” Cleo asked.
“You’re practically family now as far as we’re concerned,” Mary reassured her.
“Oi, you lot!” Hori called out as she ran up to them. “Stop dragging your feet!”
“Oh, Hori, is something wrong.”
“Wrong? You’re all wasting time instead of getting ready for the picture.”
“Hori, what did I tell you?” Isis grumbled.
“The camera crew are getting antsy though,” Hori complained.
“Calm down, it’s not that big a deal,” Isis chided her.
“It’s okay,” Cheryl spoke up. “I think we’re all ready.” The others nodded and began to enter deeper into the ballroom, gathering at the back nearby the moon sculpture where various others stood. As the crowd arranged itself, six girls stood at the front.
Annie tapped her glass with a small fork, gathering the attention of the others. “Good evening everyone. I’m Prism Red, and thank you for coming. Tonight we celebrate our victory over Zeus and his gambit for total power.” The room cheered in celebration, calming when Annie rose her hand. “But that’s not all we’re celebrating tonight. These past many months have been a trial for many of us. As our world has and continues to change, we all found each other and stood beside each other, forming a community strong enough to resist Zeus and brave the new world around us. For your support, we of the Prism Girls have nothing but the utmost gratitude.
"For me in particular, it's been a series of trials. I suddenly found myself caring for these rambunctious girls," she said glancing to the others laughing to themselves. "I was working to be a teacher, but let me tell you, they don't quite prepare you enough for how stressful it can be, or how satisfying seeing them blossom is," the room filled with laughter. "It wasn't always easy though. Being separated from my girlfriend was tough," she explained, while in the crowd Thermia grimaced, reassured by Marina's grasp, matched by Melody holding Annie's. "There was our conflicts with the police and the public backlash against us too, but we worked through it. We all did...
"That all said, there's one among us who has faced more than any of us. And we'd all like to give her the chance to speak to you all." She turned to Vivi. "You ready?"
"Yeah," Vivi nodded as she stepped forward. "Hello everyone, I'm Prism Magenta. I guess a lot of you might already know that." Chuckles filled the room, prompting her to chuckle back. She took a breath. "Becoming a Prism Girl is probably... no, it is the best thing that's happened to me. As I'm sure most of you know, I'm transgender. If you told me a year ago that I'd start seeing myself as a girl, I'm not sure I'd have believed you. Either that or I'd probably get really self-concious."
"She'd be a sputtering mess!" Carmen declared, causing another wave of laughter to fill the room.
"Uh... No comment," Vivi continued. "Anyway, when the Magical Mist first showed up, when I first saw myself, a cute, small, pink haired girl, I didn't know how to respond. It was overwhelming and strange. But above all, I was filled with this impossible energy. I wasn't able to understand it at the time, but I finally recognized myself for the first time. And ever since then, I've had the most amazing people around me, supporting me, helping me accept myself and pushing me to grow more and more." She looked at the audience, a bright smile on her face. "I've become who I am now thanks to them.
"Whether it be Yellow being there as my best friend all this time sticking with me as I started to change, Red's kindness and warmth taking me in when I was all alone, or Cyan's eagerness to accept me, or Blue's patience as she helped me put the pieces together, or finding a new sister in Green. I've grown so much thanks to all of them," she said, tears beginning to fill her eyes. "Thank you, all of you." She looked to the others, each smiling in their own eager way.
"And that goes for everyone else too. Sure family could be stressful at times, but I've found myself getting so much closer to my moms, my sister, even my brother, who couldn't make it today." A cheer echoed through the room as Leah answered her sister, Mary and Cheryl giggling beside her. "The friends I've made through MID as well have given me so much hope for how the world may change for the better," she said, trading a knowing smile with Medi and Roth. "And to the goddesses who have supported my friends and I, thank you for helping us get this far. I promise we'll make this a world you can all be proud of," the goddesses smiled gracefully, quietly trying to stifle Riri's attempts to mimic Leah. "And to my own goddesses. Thank you Athena, for everything you've done for us and for me." Athena nodded back with a thoughtful grin. "And to my grandmother and my new sister, Palu. Thank you for making all of this possible, even if all the teasing was a little much at times."
The room erupted with applause for the girls, their friends, and family alike, Vivi blushing and giggling from all of the attention. "Oh, and one last thing." She nodded to a certain green haired girl near the front of the crowd, motioning her forward. "Thank you to my girlfriend for being there for me through all of this," she stated as Erika approached her and took her hand in her own. "Thank you so much," she whispered.
"You know, Vivi, you're really silly," Erika giggled.
"Huh? Why do you say that?" Vivi pouted.
"Because..." Erika turned to the crowd. "Tonight is to celebrate this amazing ladies," she said motioning the others forward. "So, give it up for the Prism Girls!" The room erupted again with even louder applause. "See. Tonight is for us to thank you, not the other way around, silly," Erika cooed. "So, thank you Vivi. For everything." She said as she kissed Vivi on the lips. Vivi's eyes fluttered, her eyes becoming a bright pink as she sank into her girlfriend's embrace, her tail wiggling behind her as her wings wrapped around her lover.
The room grew louder yet as a cheer filled the room. "PRISM GIRLS! PRISM GIRLS!"