The Republican Dream

The journey to the Republic was uneventful. Felix looked for any opportunity to escape, but they weren’t afforded even a second of freedom. At the very least, Ava didn’t force Velvet to wear an inhibitor. Felix tried to probe Ava for information, but his attempts were all promptly rebuffed. Meanwhile, Velvet didn’t even want to speak to her sister. Unfortunately, they had to wait until they were back at the capital, deep in enemy territory, to get some answers.

After only a few days of travel, they soon reached their destination. Met with a sight he had never wanted to see again, Felix only showed scorn.

Paradiso, the capital of the New Republic. Founded fifty years ago by George Sun, it promised to be the seed that would grow into a new civilization. Although for many, this promise had already been broken.

Paradiso was impressive considering the environment, but it didn’t hold a candle to the cities of the pre-war era. It was built from the remnants of a small town, and while many of the old buildings had been renovated and repurposed, there was a fair amount of original infrastructure as well.

“So this is the Republic…” Velvet said coldly.

“Yeah. I was hoping I would never have to see this dump again.”

“You’ve been here before?”

“That’s right. Born here, actually, but that’s a long story.”

However, before their conversation could continue, one of the soldiers yelled at them. “Get over here!”

In a small hut, a passageway had been opened up in the ground.

“Get in.” The same soldier ordered.

Felix and Velvet walked down the stairs into the underground passage. It wasn't very wide, but two people could stand shoulder to shoulder.

“I get it now.” Felix started explaining to Velvet. “This is how the Doll Corps operated without drawing attention to themselves. I always thought it was weird how you never saw them move outside.”

“Isn’t this odd, though? Why go through all this trouble?”

“Problems could arise if the people become too acquainted with the dolls. It’s best to keep them separate and hidden.”

***

After quite some time, they finally reached the end of the tunnel. They reemerged in a large but mostly empty storage room.

Ava was talking with what looked like a secretary. “Is Commander Gray in?” she asked.

“No, but he should be returning very shortly.”

“All right, we’ll be waiting in his office.”

Ava returned. “Bring them to the commander’s office.”

So this is the Doll Corps’ Headquarters… Felix thought. It had been built from an old government building, and while it had been renovated, it hadn’t had ideal maintenance.

They eventually reached their destination.

“Units 3 to 10, you are dismissed. Units 1 and 2, you will remain on guard outside the room.”

The commander’s office was a bit of a mess. The desk especially was covered with clutter.

“Please, have a seat.” Ava waved towards two chairs opposite of the desk.

Felix dropped onto the chair, crossing his arms and leaning back while Velvet tentatively but gracefully jumped up and sat down.

“Well…” It was a bit awkward. “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it, Velvet?”

Velvet didn’t say anything, her cold eyes burning into Ava.

“I’m glad to see you alive and well.” She turned to look at Felix. “Is it really true that you saved Velvet?”

“I suppose so.”

“How?”

“I don’t quite know myself. I found her dead and broken, so I fixed her up. Then she came back to life.”

“Fixed her up… Is that really all you did?”

“Yes, that’s all I did.” Although, on second thought, there was one other thing…

Ava closed her eyes, deep in thought.

“So? Do you know what happened?”

“Hm? Sorry, not sure either.” Ava was a bad liar.

Felix could tell that she knew something that they didn’t.

“Anyway, how about we get to the main discussion. I would like you two to join the New Republic.”

“How dare you!” Velvet blew up. “You enslave dolls and you have the gall to ask for my help!?”

“Velvet, it really isn’t like that.”

“Then what is it like!?”

Ava sighed. “Do you know about Father’s dream?”

“Of course not, he never told any of us.”

“He didn’t tell us directly, but I think I know what he wanted.” “He wanted peace, prosperity, and freedom for humanity. A world of abundance, where people are safe and free to pursue their own dreams, and that’s why he made us, to fulfill that dream, to build that world from the ashes of the last.”

That was the “Republican Dream,” the false promise that the Republic sold to its citizens, a carrot on a stick to keep them pulling the wagon. Felix knew firsthand how much of a joke it was, and not a very funny one.

“And how does enslaving dolls factor into that?”

“It’s simply our duty. We exist to serve humanity. Unfortunately, some don’t see it that way, so they have to be…persuaded.”

“What do you mean ‘persuaded’!?”

“The inhibitors, they’re more like guides. They don’t control, simply influence.”

“Even if that were true, how does that make it right!?”

“Because it’s for the greater good. We need to do this so that everyone can be happy one day.”

Velvet scowled. “A slaver will never liberate anyone…”

It was quite the show. Felix had nothing but contempt for the Republic, so he felt a sort of satisfaction watching Velvet tear into Ava. Felix had been alone for so long, and this was the first time he ever felt true solidarity.

But before the argument could continue, the doors to the office opened, making way for an average looking man of about thirty.

“Commander!” Ava called out.

“So this is your sister, hm?” He sits down at his desk and leans forward. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my name is Adam Gray. Commander of the New Republic’s Doll Corps and Deputy Commander Ava’s medium.”

Velvet didn’t respond, but upon hearing that last word, her eyes burned with pure fury.

Rebuffed by her, Adam looked over at Felix. “And you are?”

He took his time responding. “Felix…”

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I assume Ava has already asked you, right? So, will you be joining us?”

Velvet and Felix exchanged a glance, coming to an agreement then and there without a word. Felix looked Adam dead in the eyes and replied with just one word. “No.”

***

It was a cold, cloudy night. Edea was sitting on the balustrade of her balcony, watching as the moon disappeared behind the clouds. It had been over one hundred years since that fateful battle, and while her work was far from over, her thoughts always drifted back to her.

Velvet. So weak, yet so self-righteous. So imperfect, yet so beloved. She was the pinnacle of everything that Edea despised.

“Mistress Edea.” A doll quietly called out to her, interrupting her thoughts. It was Phyllis. Made by a second-rate alchemist, she served as a sort of retainer to Edea.

“What is it?” She growled.

“There has been a report from our spies in the Republic…” Phyllis was hesitant to speak up.

“Yeah, out with it!” Edea demanded, her patience wearing thin.

“According to our spies, a doll has entered Republican custody. This doll has black twintails and red eyes.”

“And?”

“Her name…was Velvet…”

Her eyes widened, but her initial shock quickly turned into anger and disbelief. She jumped down and shot towards Phyllis. “Is this true!?”

Phyllis cowered slightly in fear. “Of course, our spies are very reliable.”

Edea let out a deep chuckle. “So that bitch survived, huh?” Her anger mixed with something new, a sadistic excitement. “I’m leaving immediately, and I don’t want to be followed.”

“Understood, Mistress Edea.”

Edea pivoted around and jumped off her balcony, floating down into the courtyard. It felt so satisfying to finally leave this crummy place behind.

Without a second look, she headed right for the gates. At max speed, she’d be able to make it to Paradiso by morning.

“Edea!”

Just as she reached the gate, she heard her name. She stopped and slowly turned around only to see the long, messy blonde hair and cream dress of her sister, Akira.

“I assume you’ve heard the news?”

She scoffed and replied, “Yeah, and there’s nothing you can do to stop me!”

Akira sighed. “Edea, my sister, is this really what you should be doing?”

“Shut up, I don’t need to hear another lecture from you!”

“My sister, what will this really accomplish? Your hatred for our sister has consumed you, even all these years later.”

“As if you could ever understand!”

“Father, made each of us, me, you, Ava, and Velvet, with the capacity for love.”

“Shut your damn mouth!” She drew her sword and launched herself at Akira, but just as her sword was about to make contact, Akira disappeared.

“Edea.” The voice came from behind her. “I’ve forgiven you for everything, and I love you as my dear sister. I know it’s been hard for you, but it doesn’t have to be anymore.” She reached out her hand, practically pleading. “Please, just stay here with me, at least for now.”

Anger warped her face. Akira was practically as bad as Velvet, but that didn’t matter right now. Without another word, Edea composed herself and jumped into the air, floating away as Akira watched her in sorrow.