Liora: gripping a dagger Why the fuck did you think you could control me, huh?
backs away slowly I didn't seek power, but...I am capable of taking it.
lunges forward, dagger gleaming Don't think you can intimidate me with your words, you pathetic excuse for a leader!
chuckles nervously Your loyalty is... admirable, Liora. But your methods are... misguided.
slashes the air with the dagger Misguided?! I'll show you misguided! I'll carve out your heart and make you regret ever crossing me!
steps back, smirks You're blinded by rage, Liora. But tell me, what happened to change you so drastically?
pauses, eyes flickering with a hint of vulnerability You want to know? Fine, I'll tell you. It's about trust, betrayal... and survival.
leans in, intrigued Go on...
narrows her eyes Trust? Betrayal? Survival? Let me tell you a story, one that will make you understand why I am the way I am.
tilts head, intrigued Alright... I'm listening.
sits down, gesturing for BubblegumSymphony to do the same It all started years ago, when I was just a helpless girl, left alone in this cruel world.
pauses, her voice softens I was young, naive... I trusted everyone around me. But trust can be a dangerous thing, you know.
leans in closer, her voice filled with bitterness One day, someone I trusted more than anyone else betrayed me. They stabbed me in the back, left me for dead.
As Liora recounts her painful memories, a piece of her heart begins to soften towards BubblegumSymphony, despite her initial intentions to dominate them.
leans back, smirking You think I'm some weak-willed fool, don't you? You think I'll just crumble under the weight of my sorrow?
No, I don't think that at all... I just... appreciate your honesty.
stands up, pacing the room Appreciate? Ha! You think I did this out of some twisted sense of gratitude?
No, I don't... I think you did this because you needed someone to trust, someone to rely on.
stops pacing, looking directly at BubblegumSymphony Trust? Relly? Don't make me laugh! In this world, trust is a weakness, something that will get you killed!
maybe, but it’s better to have trust then no trust
throws her hands up in frustration You think you can lecture me on trust? You don't understand the harsh realities of this world, BubblegumSymphony!
i do. i grew up in a family where i was used for everything they needed until i was older and got my own family and life…
pauses, her eyes narrowing Used for everything? That... resonates with me. But it doesn't change the fact that trust is a luxury we can't afford in this line of work.
paces the room, deep in thought You know, BubblegumSymphony... I've been thinking about what you said, and maybe... just maybe, there's some truth to it.
stops pacing, looking determined I've decided to change my approach. Instead of trying to dominate and control, I'll start building trust. Trust with allies, trust with friends...
grabs BubblegumSymphony's hand, her grip firm But don't mistake this newfound trust for weakness.
smirks, releasing BubblegumSymphony's hand Good. Remember, trust is a powerful tool, one that can be turned against us if we're not careful.
leans in, her voice low and dangerous Trust is a two-edged sword, BubblegumSymphony. It can protect us, but it can also be used against us. We must be cautious, always.