-Oct 3, Monday. Winfield Household-

Rikari-mi asked to spend the day with Tanya. After learning that Jake and Christina had taken Rikari-mi to different venues, the ice princess wanted to find an activity. The ice warrior invited the royal to her house. Fortunately, her relatives were not home, and her Dummy Doll was attending school in her place. Tanya settled in the Living Room to search for something to watch. The ice warrior smiled when she found the musical she was looking for.

"These might not be up to par with the entertainment you are accustomed to. Whether or not you enjoy the theater, you might enjoy this."

"The first thing you pick." The canokian smiled. "Musicals fancy you?"

"Correct." smiled the ice girl. "Ever since mother took me to a play when I was five, I've been enthralled by the theater, particularly the dancing. Moving to the rhythm affects me more personally. However, I would rather watch it on stage than watch a TV recording. It's the wrong time of day to see a musical, nor do I think using the teleporter would be appropriate for personal entertainment."

"You don't have to go far to entertain me. All I want to do is get to know you."

"You are a guest, and it's proper etiquette to entertain you." She flipped her hair. "I am honored you want to interview me personally, but." She plopped on the couch. “Let's watch a personal favorite before you become more captivated with me."

Rikari-mi stared at the TV. "No matter the dimension, society always finds a way to entertain themselves. What are we watching?"

"A musical tale is about a thief trying to help a dying mother in France during a period of inequality in France."

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After watching the musical, the princess asked if they could watch another musical. Tanya found another about a salesman conning people into buying instruments. During the showing, the ice warrior baked cookies. Once the musical ended, the ice princess placed the plate in front of the royal, who took one and bit into it.

"Delicious." the princess said happily.

"You are being modest. I'm sure you had better."

"Regardless, they are very good."

Tanya giggled. "Thank you. My grandmother's recipe must have the right measurements, a dash of cocoa powder on top, and a touch of nutmeg. I loved spending time with her."

"Hmm." Rikari-mi happily chewed on the cookie. "Your grandmother must be a wonderful woman."

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"She is, I am named after her." She sighed. "Though her memory is fading, she faintly remembers me."

"Oh, I'm sorry, dear."

"It's fine. I won't go into it," she said, glancing at her hand as white mana began manifesting. "She and the rest of my family would be distraught at my command of the essence of ice and facing vicious foes." She looked at the princess with sorrow. "Sometimes, I wonder why I was picked. I was an arrogant brat who was influenced into thinking I was better than everyone. I befriended someone who turned against me when I unknowingly slighted her. Most of the friends I abandoned still won't talk to me. One of them I reconnected with, but we are mere distant acquaintances."

"Having too much pride can lead people to lose themselves."

"Indeed." Tanya sighed. "I was unpleasant, mimicking Rita and her clique. I even insulted a boy for thinking he was at my level. I called him a pimply joke of a person who needed to steamroll his face. I had very little regret at the time until after." She closed her eyes. "I became a Radiant to protect my father from one of Magarette's misfits."

"Mistress M?"

"Correct, I refuse to call her by that name. She was an arrogant cur who believed she could manipulate me!" She scoffed. "I am no one's puppet to abuse. Not to her, nor Rita. Initially, I chose the crystal to protect my father. Now, I want to be a better person... no, atone for being a spoiled harlot."

"Do you still believe you are a bad person?"

Tanya brought up her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. "I still feel guilty, like I have not atoned," Tanya's voice lowered. "I know I never killed anybody or done worse than that, but I was a bully. I mocked people, made them cry, and did what Rita Gonzales said until my eyes opened when she threw me away." She whimpered. "All this because Daddy was a powerful attorney at a prestigious firm." She exhaled sharply as she was about to cry. "I need to call him."

"Right now?"

Tanya's eyes widened, then chuckled sadly. "Sorry, when my mind is plagued with those issues, I want my father to protect me, even though I became the Ice Radiant to protect him. I always preach to love yourself and let no one break you. My encounters with Rita since thwarting the Mistress have made me stand up to her instead of feeling fear."

"I read that the Mistress was specifically interested in you."

Tanya shivered. "She wanted as her protege for her crusade. If she believed I had the potential to become like her, then I can’t allow myself to turn."

Rikari-mi clasped the ice girl's hands. "The Ice Crystal believed you had the potential to perform good acts. Would it choose you if you were still that version of yourself?"

"Probably not."

"Maybe, or it would still choose you if it sensed some compassion in you despite being influenced by Miss Gonzales." The princess stood up. "If you feel you need to improve yourself, I think you need to look at the crowd you are with. They can define you. You have a group here who will continue to influence you in a way Miss Gonzales has not. That's what I think."

Tanya wiped a tear from her eye. "I appreciate the comfort."

The blonde royal sat down. "I don't mind. Even if we are not close, I might offer advice that might help. You would have to tell me if I am overstepping."

"I don't think so," the ice girl said, facing the TV. I have confided in Javo about this. He seems like a man who won't judge you harshly. He told me I'm a flower who won't easily wilt through any storm. He can be charming."

"He is." nodded the canokian. "Take his word to heart to be that flower."

Tanya nodded. "Of course."