With the group steadily growing, and destined to grow larger still, Prism resolved to craft something more practical than four separate entities drifting in loose formation. Individual travel had sufficed for a while, but efficiency mattered now.
She shaped a long, rectangular vessel of multicolored material, its surfaces faintly refracting her own prismatic light. The top panel parted smoothly like an eyelid, revealing a spacious hollow interior lined with the same softly glowing substance.
Once everyone entered, the lid would seal soundlessly. Propulsion came from an internal lattice of Prism's own refracted energy, the craft moved several times faster than even the swiftest entity could glide unaided, trailing a delicate comet-tail of rainbow light in its wake.
Inside, the four companions settled into the cushioned glow. The vessel hummed faintly, a low harmonic that felt almost comforting.
[It's kind of nice now that there are more of us,] Cream thought toward Prism.
[You say that, but you keep fighting with Gold.]
[That's just how we are.]
[Don't you ever feel bad arguing with him all the time?]
[It's… more complicated than that.]
Telepathic exchanges between Prism and Cream had become routine. There was no secrecy intended. Cream simply delighted in the private channel she had learned from her boss. The intimacy of thought-to-thought speech felt special, a quiet proof of their bond.
"If you say so." Prism replied aloud, her tone carrying the faintest trace of amusement.
"Yes, I do." Cream answered cheekily, her creamy light pulsing with satisfaction.
For the time being, Prism restricted telepathy to Cream alone, at Cream's own insistence. "It shows that I'm your first subordinate," Cream had explained. "It also shows that I hold a position above the others."
Neither Aloe nor Gold objected to the arrangement, so Prism allowed it to stand.
From now on, both reported to Cream first unless Prism directed otherwise. It was a small hierarchy, but one that gave Cream visible pride.
"What are you two talking about?" Gold asked, his golden glow tilting curiously.
The question landed like dry tinder on embers.
"Mind your own business." Cream snapped.
And just like that, the familiar rhythm began.
Here it comes, Aloe thought.
"I just wanted to be part of the conversation too." Gold protested.
"Clearly this is private." Cream shot back.
"Then make it unprivate."
Silence.
All three lights stilled for a heartbeat–except Prism's, which remained steady, though inwardly she registered the sheer audacity of the phrasing.
"I… meant public." Gold corrected, his glow dimming with sudden embarrassment.
I feel like he did that on purpose, Aloe mused. Or perhaps he didn't, I cannot properly tell with him.
Even the perceptive Aloe would hit bumps when it came to assessing Gold. That's just how unpredictable his lack of proper intelligence made him.
"Do you even hear yourself when you speak?" Cream demanded. "If you actually thought before you say things, maybe we'd include you."
"Shut up! Of course I can think. That's why boss included me on her mission."
"I meant in the conversation." Cream said, exasperation coloring her tone.
"I knew that."
I am not so sure you did, Aloe thought quietly.
Aloe remained silent, lost in observation. The pattern was unmistakable now, one sparked, the other eagerly caught flame.
The longer Aloe watched, the more convinced Aloe became that neither truly wanted the argument to end. They seemed to relish it.
Their relationship most closely resembled siblings, constantly bickering, yet unmistakably bound. Beneath the barbs lay a strange, stubborn care, expressed in ways only they understood.
Finally Aloe spoke.
"You two should stop fighting in front of the boss."
"You stay out of this, Aloe!" Gold flared.
"Hey!" Cream's light surged protectively. "Don't ever talk to Aloe like that. Apologize now."
Gold's glow stuttered. Regret pulsed through him visibly.
For a brief moment, silence enveloped the interior of the vessel.
Prism listened without reaction, content to let events unfold.
"Well?" Cream prompted. "We're waiting."
Gold's light softened further.
"Sorry, Aloe. I shouldn't have yelled. You were only trying to stop Cream and me from arguing."
"Do not trouble yourself," Aloe replied gently. "I am okay."
Aloe was the sort of presence that could be trodden upon without complaint, and would likely apologize for being in the way. Forgiveness came to Aloe as naturally as glowing.
"Thanks, Aloe." Gold said, genuine gratitude warming his tone.
"Be grateful Aloe is nice and forgives easily." Cream added pointedly.
"Why are you the one upset about this?" Gold muttered.
"It is alright, Cream." Aloe interjected calmly. "All is forgiven now."
Aloe spoke to forestall another round.
"If that's what you want, I'll let it go." Cream conceded.
"Thanks a lot, Aloe."
"No need to thank me."
The three reached a fragile truce. Temporary, of course, everyone present understood that, but welcomed it nonetheless.
Hopefully they will stay calm for a while, Prism thought. Though, I wonder how long it will last, and what small spark will set them off next.
After the tension ebbed, Cream turned to Aloe in a gentler tone.
"By the way, Aloe…"
"Yes, what is it?"
"I've noticed you always speak so formally. Even to us."
"Now that you mention it, you're right." Gold added.
"Am I not supposed to?" Aloe asked, genuinely puzzled.
"I'm not saying it's bad," Cream hurried to clarify. "I just thought… we were closer than that. You know, like friends."
"But we are friends," Aloe said quickly. "At least, I hoped we were."
"No–no! Yes, we are friends!" Cream's light brightened. "That's why I'm asking. How about you speak more casually with me? Like how I talk to you."
"Me too!" Gold interjected.
"Shut up! This is a private talk between me and Aloe."
"There you go again with the private conversations. I'm Aloe's friend too, you know–"
"Okay," Aloe interrupted gently, foreseeing the collision. "I will try to speak more casually with you."
"Hey, what about me?" Gold asked.
"You too, Gold. You are also my friend. I will speak more casually with you as well."
"Thanks, Aloe."
A new layer of connection settled among them, or perhaps it had always existed and only now received its proper name.
It's good to see the three of them getting along like this. Prism reflected with quiet relief. Even if "getting along" sometimes sounded suspiciously like bickering.
Sure enough, only minutes later Cream and Gold found fresh fuel for disagreement. Something trivial–a comment about speed versus maneuverability, ignited the next round.
Not this again, Aloe thought as the familiar cadence resumed.
Aloe attempted to mediate while Prism simply listened, offering neither intervention nor judgment.
Better to let them sort it among themselves, Prism decided. No reason for me to step in every time. Perhaps I have already accepted that this is simply their way. Having subordinates is far more complex than I once imagined. I find myself second-guessing my responses, wondering how best to guide without stifling. Each exchange teaches something new. I wonder… is this how Lord Cubix feels when he contemplates about me?
The rectangular vessel glided at super sonic speed, cutting a graceful arc through the luminous void. Behind it stretched a long, shimmering trail of prismatic light, like a comet born of refracted rainbows, marking their path toward the next destination.
Inside, three voices rose and fell in familiar discord, while one watched, one mediated, and one steered them all forward.