Thion 3XQ: Journey [ON HOLD]

Momo, Elkie, Nayeon and Jeongyeon had insisted on coming along with Sana, Jihyo and Tzuyu to speak with the Queen. Elkie basically begged them to go since she really wanted to go to the Royal palace and meet the Royal family, she basically invited the other three to come along. They weren’t really sure why Tzuyu and Sana needed to speak with them, whenever they asked both of them would give a very vague answer so they all knew that it must’ve been important. Tzuyu wanted it to just be the three of them going but Jihyo assured her it’d be no problem to bring more people. The Royal palace was a few hours away from the base, so they all took a hover van and drove there. Jihyo left the vice captain, Jennie, in charge to run the base while she’s away. Tzuyu had offered to drive them there but Jihyo insisted she relax since her shoulder was still healing. 

Tzuyu wanted to sit in the passenger’s seat next to Jihyo but Elkie quickly took her spot. Nayeon and Jeongyeon sat on the backseat together, Momo sprawled out on one seat all to herself which only left her to sit next to Sana. Sana thought that they must have planned the seating positions so that she and Tzuyu could sit next to each other. She mentally shook her head and rolled her eyes at her friends for doing that but a part of her was glad to sit next to the girl. They would be driving for a while so hopefully she’d have a chance to talk to Tzuyu all throughout the car ride but Tzuyu seemed lost in thought just staring out the window. Eventually, Sana fell asleep, she unconsciously placed her head on Tzuyu’s good shoulder. Tzuyu was a little surprised by the action until she saw the girl sleeping so peacefully. She could hear Sana’s calm breathing which she thought was a bit soothing. She scanned Sana the little detail of Sana’s sleeping face, how her lips were slightly parted. She then remembered the night they slept together drunk and her cheeks got red. She tried to wipe the memories of that night and focus on something else, specifically what she’d say to the queen. 

 After a few minutes, both shoulders began to slightly hurt but she didn’t want to move and wake Sana up so she endured the pain as much as she could. Luckily, they were almost at the palace estate. They were met by guards at the estate’s entrance.

“Name” The guard said in a stern voice, through the window. Sana woke up with the sound of his voice. She rubbed her eye and whispered a slight ‘sorry’ to Tzuyu after she’d notice where her head was, she saw how a handful of other armed guards surrounded the vehicle. 

“Captain Park Jihyo of the Vesta Base” 

“State your purpose” 

“I have an important meeting with the Queen”

The guard touched his ear piece and looked through his eye glasses to confirm the meeting. Once he saw it was approved he let them pass through. Jihyo thanked him and drove through the estate’s gates. There were many trees along the path which the girls, minus Jihyo, all  thought for some reason was fascinating. Jihyo had been here before, countless times for meetings and other gatherings. About 15 minutes later of driving they could finally see the palace come into view. It was massive, it was divided into five buildings all connected together. Each building was different in size, the tallest building was so high up they couldn’t see the top of it because it was hidden by the clouds. They were all in awe and Jihyo smiled when she saw their reactions. They had all seen pictures of the royal palace but to see it in person and up close was a whole new experience. Tzuyu thought it was too big of a place for only a few people to live in, but the princesses were never allowed to go outside so there were many rooms to entertain themselves with. 

They arrived at another gate where they’d ask for Jihyo’s name and once they confirmed it, they let them through. They were greeted at one of the buildings by a few guards and the head guard. She smiled when she saw Jihyo park the van. 

“My, my it’s been a while Park” Dami said while smiling as she approached the van. Jihyo smiled as she got out of the car. “Been too long” 

Dami looked towards the group of girls that were getting out of the car. They were all staring at the palace in amazement and excitement. “This must be the kids you mentioned” 

Jihyo nodded. 

“Which one’s the hero?” Dami and Jihyo were watching the girls as they excitedly talked to one another. Tzuyu had been staring at the clouds trying to see the top. 

“The tall one with the jacket” 

“Oh.. poor kid” Dami softly said. “I’m sorry again Jihyo, I know you and Saerom were real good friends” 

Jihyo pursed her lips and nodded. “She was a good person, and so was her team” 

Dami smiled sympathetically and placed her hand on Jihyo’s shoulder. 

“Welcome to the Royal Palace, you all can call me Dami. The Queen and King are waiting for you inside. I’ll have someone carry your bags to your assigned rooms” 

“Ah thank you” Tzuyu said as she bowed along with the other girls. 

“Come along now” Dami said as she ushered them inside. The inside of the palace was immaculate. Everything looked so expensive, the walls were coated in silver and gold. Jeongyeon could feel her eyes hurting by how blinding it was. Dami good hear the gasps of amazement coming from them. She led to a room where it levitated and took them towards the room where the queen was. Nayeon had to grip the handle bars because she felt a little motion sickness by it. 

“Are you okay?” Jeongyeon said as she patted her back. 

“Yeah I’m fine” Nayeon said as she rubbed her temple. 

“Don’t worry, after a few rides you get used to it” Dami opened the door. “Well here we are” 

They all started coming out. “The Queen and the King are inside, as well as the princess. They’re here to greet you but your meeting with them will probably be tomorrow since it’s so late” Dami informed them, specifically Tzuyu who nodded. 

Dami led them into the throne room that was massive. The walls were painted a soft dark blue with big statues of the past Queens. At the center was four thrones, with the Queen’s being the biggest. They were all intimidated by the sight as there were guards in every corner of the room, as well as by the pathway leading directly to where the thrones were. They all walked carefully and closely together. Jihyo thought it was kinda funny watching them intimidated. As they grew closer, Siyeon said “Welcome” 

Siyeon was sitting at the center while Hendery was sitting beside her in his throne. Mia and Jisun were sitting beside both parents in their own thrones. 

They all bowed as Jihyo said “Your Majesty” 

“Captain Park, what a pleasure to see you again. How have you been?” Siyeon asked. 

“I’m doing okay. It’s nice to see you and the King and the princess as well” 

Siyeon scanned the different faces in the room. “And who might you all be?” 

All the girls minus Tzuyu said their names, she was on the far left. 

Mia looked seemingly bored at first, because she was, she saw the same boring people everyday and was tired of meeting new boring old strangers, but that changed the minute she spotted Tzuyu among them. Her eyes lit up and she felt her heart skip a beat. It must be love at first sight. She thought Tzuyu was incredibly beautiful. 

While Jisun just sat there wanting to leave to go back to reading in her room. She didn’t care much for these people in front of her, or for people at all. Unlike Mia, she liked being in her room alone with her books. 

Siyeon turned to look at Tzuyu, who was wearing a Vesta Base jacket. “Ah you must be the young SGT that brought the captives back home. I’ve heard great things about you, you’re a hero” 

Tzuyu slightly flinched at the word ‘hero’ she would have to get used to people calling her that even though she hated it so much. She bowed. “Yes, your highness” 

Mia’s ear perked up when her mother referred to Tzuyu as a ‘hero’. She had heard about someone from the base saving captives who were taken, despite her whole team being wiped out. She didn't expect to see the hero to be so young and so attractive. 

“What is your name?” Hendery said. 

“My name is Chou Tzuyu. I’m a rank 1 SGT from the Vesta Base” 

Tzuyu.. What a lovely name.. Mia thought to herself. 

“Oh Jihyo, you told us she was young but I didn't know she was a rookie, that's amazing. She deserves something special. Right Honey?” 

“Of course. We’ll throw a big ball in your name. How does that sound?” Siyeon proposed. 

“That’s very kind of you, your Highnesses but that isn’t necessary” 

“Oh don’t be so modest. It’ll all be in your honor and you can have anything you like” 

Tzuyu started fidgeting with her hand. “Uh with all due respect I don’t want one. But there is something you can do for me” 

Siyeon smiled, she liked Tzuyu’s modesty and humbleness, she thought there was something about Tzuyu that made her.. special. “Well what is it?” 

“W-Well I-“ Tzuyu began speaking but was interrupted by Dami. “I’m sorry to interrupt your highnesses but you have a meeting with the Minister” 

“Ah you’re right.” Siyeon said then looked back at Tzuyu “you can tell us tomorrow then. Since it’s late, we’ve prepared room for you” 

“Thank you, your Highness” Jihyo said. 

Siyeon started getting up along with Hendery. “Well enjoy your stay and I will see you all tomorrow. Have a good night” she said as she started walking out of the room along with the King and their guards. They all bowed as she left. Jisun began walking back to her room with her guards when she saw Mia walking towards the group. 

Tzuyu took a deep breath, she was nervous speaking to the queen. Jihyo patted her shoulder “It’s okay” 

“Yeah Tzuyu, it went well” Momo said as they all huddled together. 

“You’ll get to talk to her properly tomorrow” Jihyo said. 

Tzuyu suddenly felt someone poke her shoulder and she turned around to see Princess Mia, along with her guards, smiling at her. “Hello” 

Tzuyu quickly bowed and said “O-Oh hello princess” 

“You’re pretty” Mia said with a smile. The rest of the girls stared at the interaction, especially Sana. 

 “O-oh thank you, princess” Tzuyu awkwardly bowed. 

“How old are you?” She asked in a sweet voice. 

“Me? I’m 21..” 

“Oh really? I’m-“ 

“Mia!” Mia was interrupted by Jisun who was calling her to leave. Mia rolled her eyes at her sister then turned back to Tzuyu. “I’ll see you later Tzuyu” she said with a wink, while Tzuyu bowed. She then left along with her guards. 

Nayeon nudged her. “What was that all about?” 

“What do you mean?” Tzuyu asked. 

“Ooooh seems like the princess fancies Tzuyu” Elkie teased. 

“What? Don’t be ridiculous. She’s a princess” Tzuyu scoffed. 

“Tzuyu even I can tell that she does” Jeongyeon said. Momo looked towards Sana who had an unreadable expression on her face. 

“Alright alright, it’s time to get you kids to bed” Jihyo said. They all agreed to head for bed, they had a long drive here and most of them were tired. They all bid good night to each other and went in their rooms, they each had their own room with different passcodes for them. There was also a guard at the end of the hallway they were sleeping in. They all got ready for bed and went to sleep. 

It was a few hours into the night when Sana suddenly had an urge to use the bathroom.  Unfortunately for her, her room didn’t have a bathroom. She’d have to use the one down the hall. “Ugh” she didn’t want to bother the guard at the end of the hallway. She tried holding it in but it made her restless. She decided to just go to the bathroom. She opened the door and informed her guard that she’d be using the bathroom and the guard led her to it and waited outside. 

Meanwhile, Mia was awake and somehow sneaked out of her room to go to the guest rooms. She managed to sneak by her guards, she had done this many times already but was still unable to successfully sneak out of the estate. She headed towards the room and she had Dami tell her earlier before what room Tzuyu would be staying in. 

Mia sneakingly let herself into Tzuyu room, since she’s a princess, she had access to basically any room in the palace so she didn’t really need to know Tzuyu’s door code to get in, she used her handprint and it immediately opened for her. She tiptoed across the room and almost fell because the room was so dark, she tripped on the edge of the bed 

Tzuyu rubbed her eyes “Princess?” She said in a hushed tone. 

“Hi” Mia whispered.

“Princess, w-what are you doing here?” She checked the clock beside her bed and it was midnight already. “why are you here in the middle of the night?” 

“I came to see you” 

“W-What? Wait why are you alone?” Tzuyu noticed that there were no guards with her. Usually, any member of the royal family had to have guards around them at all times even in their own home. 

“Oh don’t worry about that. I sent my guards away for some alone time with you” she said as she placed her hand on top of Tzuyu’s hand. She simply sneaked away from her guards instead of sending them away. 

Tzuyu looked at her hand and slowly got off the bed. “Princess, I really don’t think you should be here right now. Your guards must be looking for you and if they find you in here you and I will be in trouble” 

“Oh that’s no problem. I’ll tell them to not get you in trouble then” she said smiling. She really wanted to just be around Tzuyu and maybe have her cuddle her to sleep. 

“Yeah.. Princess I’m sorry. You really shouldn’t be here so late at night” Tzuyu started walking towards the door and opened it. 

“Well..” Mia sat up and walked out but stopped at the doorway and turned to face Tzuyu. “Can I come here after I’ve finished my piano practice?” 

“Yeah- I mean I guess so?” 

“Great. I’ll see you then” It caught Tzuyu off by surprise when Mia suddenly kissed her cheek. She didn't have time to react. 

“Good Night Tzuyu” Mia said, smirking while Tzuyu stiffened. 

“Uh-yes goodnight Princess” she bowed and Mia walked away. She quickly closed her door, wondering what just happened. 

From the corner of the hallway, Sana was watching them. She was coming back from the bathroom when she heard some voices. She wondered where the guard went, since there had been no guard in sight. She stopped when she noticed that Tzuyu’s door was open and that she was talking to someone… wait.. It’s princess Mia! When Mia kissed Tzuyu’s cheek, she gasped. She felt a bit uneasy after seeing all of that. When Tzuyu had closed her door and Mia had left, she quickly went back into her room. How was she supposed to sleep well after that?

-

Tzuyu woke up early and got dressed. Jihyo had told them all to be up early. When they all went out of their room, Tzuyu noticed Sana looking a bit tired. She was about to ask her about it when Dami came and led them into the room where they’d have their breakfast. It was one of many dining rooms in the palace and it was grand as well, the table was long and big for just the seven of them. They began to all take their seats and wait for the food. Tzuyu walked up next to Sana. 

“Hey Sana” Tzuyu said while Sana just walked right past her to sit next to Elkie. Tzuyu didn’t think much of it though and went to sit next to Sana at the table. 

“How did you sleep?” She asked Sana again. But Sana turned her head to talk to Elkie and Nayeon. Sana wasn’t exactly sure why she was ignoring the younger girl, they were both single and Tzuyu was free to do whatever. But somehow she was annoyed by it all. 

Okay what was that about.. Tzuyu didn’t know why Sana was ignoring her, she tried to recall if she’d said something out of place. Momo sat next to Tzuyu after seeing what Sana just did to her. 

“Hey Momo, what’s up with her” Tzuyu whispered. The doors opened and the waiters began bringing in their breakfast which consisted of waffles, pancakes, bacon and eggs. 

“Uhm..” Momo didn’t know if she should tell her. Earlier in the morning Sana had told Momo that she’d seen the princess walk out of Tzuyu’s room and give her a kiss. She wanted to tell the younger girl but she was also very hungry and just wanted to dig in on this breakfast feast. 

“Momo come on” Tzuyu whined. She needed to know what she did wrong. 

“Ugh okay, she’s a little upset” 

“Why?” 

“Well.. she saw the princess walk out of your room last night, she also saw the kiss”

Tzuyu’s eyes widened. “But it was only on the cheek! B-but it’s not like that. I didn’t know she was awake” 

Momo eyed her suspiciously. 

“No it’s not like that” Tzuyu groaned. She was sure Sana couldn’t hear them talking, the others had been eating and talking with each other.  “Wait is she jealous or something?” 

Momo flicked her in the forehead. 

“Ouch” Tzuyu rubbed her forehead. “What was that for?” 

“You're so dense sometimes” Momo took a bite of the waffles that tasted like heaven. It was soft and buttery. 

“What do you mean?” 

She swallowed before she spoke. “Of course she’s jealous” 

“Why would she be?” 

Momo flicked her again. “See you’re so dense” 

“Wait-“ Tzuyu was interrupted by Jihyo. 

“Okay the Queen and King are a bit busy right now so they’ll meet us again later” Jihyo announced. “You can tell her your plans then” she looked towards Tzuyu and Sana when she said that. “But for now, Dami explained to me that you’re free to go in any room you like so long as you have guards with you. Got it?” 

They all nodded and said “Yes Captain”

They all continued eating while still making small talk with each other. Tzuyu was lost in thought as she ate, thinking of a way how she was going to explain the misunderstanding to Sana. Wait- why did Sana need an explanation? It’s not like they’re together or anything.. she just felt like she had to. 

After breakfast, Jeongyeon suggested they try out one of the rooms. The Palace has hundreds of different rooms that each contain something different in them. There were doors that could take you anywhere in Zanerth you want to go, well not really, it merely gave realistic illusions of different places. There were door games, sports, movies, food etc. These were made so that the princesses could have and experience everything they wanted without having to leave the palace. It was a way to protect them. 

Jeongyeon insisted they go into the theater room to watch films in 5D but Elkie wanted to go to the arcade room but they all ended up going to the theater room. Jihyo stayed back to catch up with Dami. The four girls along with two guards walked to the theater room and went inside. It was dark and resembled a theater, there was even someone managing a snack bar in there.  

Before Sana could go in, Tzuyu pulled her back by the wrist. “Hey can I talk to you?”

“I don’t want to talk you” 

“Okay look, whatever you saw last night was a misunderstanding, nothing happened” I don’t know how she got the passcode to my room but she was only in there for about a minute and the kiss well I don’t know? It took me by surprise” 

“Really?” 

“Don’t be upset with me.. we still need to talk to the queen and I need your help. Okay?” 

Sana thought about it and realized it’s pointless to be upset with the younger girl. She wasn’t hers so she had no reason to be upset.

She sighed. “Okay” 

Tzuyu felt a little relieved. “Okay well sit next to me” 

“Why?” 

“Back in high school you were scared of horror movies so I figured you might be scared of this one. It’s supposed to give you a realistic experience” 

The room was dark and Sana was grateful Tzuyu couldn’t see her blush. She finds it cute how Tzuyu remembered that she hated horror movies. Chaeyoung used to love them and she’d always make them watch it with her. 

“You just want to sit next to me” Sana teased after she’d calmed down a little, they both were walking towards their seats where the others were. 

“No I don’t” 

“Then why do you want me to sit next to you?” 

Tzuyu shrugged. “Just because..”

“Because what?” 

Tzuyu sat in the seat behind Jeongyeon and Sana sat next to her. Momo wiggled her eyebrows and smiled at Sana when she saw the two sitting together. 

“Nevermind that. Look, the movie's starting” Tzuyu pointed at the screen. They sat in silence for the beginning of the movie. It wasn’t that scary yet until the ghost started whispering and Sana could feel it whispering in her ear. She was gripping the seat so hard and Tzuyu noticed her knuckles were white, she looked at Sana’a face and her eyes were shut really hard. She decided to drag Sana out of that torture. She grabbed her arm and walked outside. One of the guards followed them. 

“Is it over? Where are we going?” Sana still had her eyes shut. 

“You can open your eyes now, we’re not in the room anymore” 

Sana slowly opened her eyes to find Tzuyu staring at her. 

“Why’d you bring me out here?” 

“It didn’t look like you were having fun in there. You were scared shitless” 

“Well who wouldn’t be. I could feel someone whispering in my ear” Sana wiggled her body as a chill ran down her spine rendering how it felt. 

Tzuyu chuckled. “Yeah yeah. Want to try another room instead?” 

“Sure, what room should we try?” They both started walking down the hallway, with the guard following behind. 

“I don’t know” Tzuyu was reading the door signs. “You decide” 

“Hmm..” Sana scanned the signs until her eyes landed on one that said ‘Trampoline’ 

“There” she pointed towards the door. 

“The trampoline room?” 

“You said I could choose” 

“Okay let’s go” They both walked towards the door. “Can we enter that room?” Tzuyu asked the guard and he nodded. 

She opened the door and the room was filled with trampolines, the walls and ceilings were trampolines. The guard remained outside while the two girls went in. “Wow” Sana’s eyes lit up. “This is cool” 

Tzuyu started lightly jumping. “I feel like a kid” 

Sana started jumping harde as she giggled. “You are a kid” 

“I’m not” 

“Sure you are” 

“You’re the one who’s jumping around like a kid” Tzuyu said as she watched Sana jump up and down. 

“Come on Tzuyu jump with me” Sana said as she grabbed Tzuyu’s hands to make her jump higher. After a few seconds Tzuyu gave in and started jumping higher. 

“Watch this” She said as she ran towards the wall trampoline and put one foot up on the wall to push herself to do a backflip. 

“Woah.. I wanna try” Sana tried to attempt to try what Tzuyu did but she ended up falling on her back, which made Tzuyu burst into a fit of laughter. 

“You’re laughing but that hurt” 

“I’m sorry” Tzuyu said while still laughing which made Sana start laughing as well. She liked the sound of Tzuyu’s laughter. 

They jumped around for a while before doing one big jump that caused them to bump heads and both fell back.

“Fuck” Tzuyu said as winced. She gripped her forehead and her shoulder. 

“Ouch.. Tzuyu you have a hard head” Sana said while holding her own forehead. 

Tzuyu couldn’t answer because she was trying to let both the pain from her shoulder and head subside. After they had calmed down a bit Sana asked “Is your shoulder okay?” When she saw Tzuyu holding her shoulder and staring at the ceiling. 

“Yeah.. I took a pill this morning so it doesn’t hurt that much” 

Sana moved closer to Tzuyu, their shoulders were almost touching.

 “I’m sorry” Tzuyu suddenly said after a few minutes of silence. 

“Sorry for what?” 

“I don’t know… lots of things. I just feel like saying sorry to you” 

“Okay weirdo” Sana chuckled lightly. “Are you nervous to talk to the Queen and King?” 

Tzuyu sighed. “I guess.. I mean yeah I am. I’m not sure how they’ll react or what they’ll think.” 

Sana turned her face to the side to look at Tzuyu. “Well I’ll be there with you”

Tzuyu turned her face to the side just like Sana had done. They were facing each other. Sana brought her hand to gently stroke Tzuyu's hair and then her cheek. All the nerves Tzuyu was feeling suddenly simmered, her touch was soothing. They stared at each other for a few seconds before Sana started leaning in, their lips almost met until Tzuyu’s phone rang. 

She scrambled to find it in her pocket and sat up. “Hello?.. Yeah. Okay, heading there right now” 

“Who was it?” Sana asked as she sat up. 

“It was the Captain. The queen is ready to speak with us” 

“Oh” 

“C’mon let's go” Tzuyu said as she helped Sana up. They both walked through the door. The guard was waiting outside for them. The duo then headed to the theater room to find the other girls. Once they informed them of Jihyo’s message, the group walked to where they had eaten breakfast. Jihyo was waiting for them along with Dami. 

She then took them back to the throne room. Where the Queen, King and princesses were waiting for them. 

“Oh Hello, how are you all enjoying your stay?” 

They bowed and then Sana replied. “Its nice, thank you for making us feel welcomed, your highness” 

Siyeon smiled. “I’m happy to hear that, now Tzuyu” 

Tzuyu came forward when she heard her name being called. “Yes your highness?” 

“Have you thought about what you wanted or would you rather talk about what you came to do here today? The Captain said you had very important business with me today so I’d like to hear it” 

“Uhh yes. I have thought of something and well your highness, we would like your permission” 

“Go on” 

“One of our friend is on planet Thion and we would like-no we need to get her back” 

“I thought you’d rescue everyone?” Siyeon said with brows furrowed. 

”We did but…” Tzuyu knew that lying to the queen and king was illegal. Jihyo had warned her not to lie also. 

“We did but..” 

“But what?” 

Sana held her hand to help her to relax and to show support. Tzuyu calmed down a bit when she felt Sana’s warmth. She took a deep breath. “She’s a Thions”

The room went silent as the words left her mouth. mia and Jisun were surprised by what she had just said. Siyeon furrowed her brows. “What?” 

Sana gave her hand a light squeeze. “W-Well we promised to go back for her, you see she helped us when we were there. She saved us and if they find out they’ll kill her” 

Siyeon stared at her for a few seconds then turned to Jihyo and chuckled. “Is this a joke, Captain?”

Jihyo looked at her and shook her head. Siyeon then noticed that they were all serious, her smile from her face vanished. She cleared her throat. “Well what do you want me to do about that?” 

“All I want is for you to grant access for us to go back and get her” 

“You would have to use one of our ships wouldn’t you?” Hendery asked. 

“Y-yes” 

“So you want me to grant you permission to use our ship, endanger your life and others for one Thions?” Siyeon crossed her hands and placed them on her lap. “You were there first hand weren’t you? When your team was obliterated? You should know that is a very dangerous request”

“I-I know but I’ll be extra careful this time. I can go alone if needed, all I need is a ship” Tzuyu tried to convince her. 

“As an SGT you know you can’t go alone” Hendery said. 

“Why would you risk your life and the life of others for one Thions?” Siyeon questioned. She couldn’t believe or understand what Tzuyu was saying. 

“She’s not just a Thions. She’s.. a friend. A good friend who saved my life and Sana’s life. Without her we wouldn’t be alive, without her I wouldn’t have been able to save all those people. She’s the reason why this whole group is alive please… they’re not all bad no. Thions are not bad, they just don’t know any better” Tzuyu took a breath and Sana rubbed her back. 

Siyeon thought for a moment. “As much as I want to help you, I can’t. I won’t allow it. I will not let you endanger your life like that” 

“Wait, your highness it’s not only about that one Thion but there are other species trapped. They’re trapped in containers like a zoo. I don’t know what they’re doing with them but I can’t just sit around knowing they’re helpless species rotting in those containers. Who knows what they’ll do to them?” 

Siyeon stared at her trying to process what she had just said. “Containers?” Hendery asked. 

“Yes containers, it’s like a jail cell. I’m not only asking to go back for that Thions but for those species as well” 

“Tzuyu, you do realize what you’re asking for right? I’m supposed to protect Zanertheans”

“Don’t you care that innocent lives are in danger? Who cares if they aren’t Zanertheans or not?” Sana was starting to get upset but Tzuyu whispered for her to calm down. 

“I’m not sure you understand how powerful Klanta is. He’s called Klanta the Superior for a reason. There’s a reason why none of the planets actually go to Thion 3XQ” Hendery said. 

Tzuyu was starting to feel hopeless. The Queen and King were set on denying them permission. She didn’t know what to say to convince them. 

“You have a good heart Tzuyu. But you need to let this go. I’m sure the leaders of those other planets will help those species get back home. It’s not your responsibility” Siyeon tried to reason with her after she saw Tzuyu’s somber expression. 

“Your highness, all I’m asking for is a yes” Tzuyu begged. 

“You’re just one person, how are you going to save all those lives all alone? I can’t let you endanger yourself or others. I’m sorry. It’s best to not upset Klanta” 

“But I-“ 

“I’m very sorry, Tzuyu but I can’t allow it. You’re a good person” Siyeon said. “I like you, all of you. I’ll allow you to stay one more night then you go home and forget about the Thions and the containers” she stood up from her throne. “We’re done here. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your stay” She started walking off along with Hendery and their guards. Siyeon did like Tzuyu and she did feel bad but it was her duty to protect her kind, she had to do what was right for her kingdom and for Zanerth. 

Mia thought Tzuyu was brave and selfless for trying to save those other lives. She felt herself falling in love even more. 

Tzuyu felt hopeless, she wasn’t sure what she’d do now, she had expected this but she had a little hope that the Queen would say yes. She turned to Sana and said “I’m sorry” 

“Don’t be, you did your best” Sana rubbed her arm. She was upset and disappointed but it wasn’t Tzuyu’s fault. 

“You did well” Jihyo said as she patted her back. The rest of the girls also agreed and tried to make her feel better. But Tzuyu felt like a failure. 

As Jisun was about to go back to her room she noticed Mia looking dreamily at Tzuyu. Jisun then eyed Tzuyu and a thought crossed her mind, she walked up to where the group was. 

“Chou Tzuyu” Jisun called. 

Tzuyu turned around to see Jisun standing there. “Yes, Princess?” 

Jisun turned to her guard and said “Can you give us a minute?” The guard left but stood from afar watching them. 

“I think I know a way to help you” Jisun said to Tzuyu, the whole group was listening. 

“What do you mean?” 

“It means I can help you with your little situation” 

“Really? How?” 

“Hold on. I’ll help you, if you agree to take my sister on a date” 

“I-I’m sorry princess but what?” Tzuyu wasn’t sure she heard that right.  

“If you take my sister on a date I’ll help you” Jisun said nonchalantly. 

“Uhh..why?” Tzuyu didn’t know what to say. 

“My sister’s birthday is coming up and she’s always complaining that my gifts suck, and she’s clearly into you so this will be a nice little gift for her. Don’t you agree?” 

“Uhhh- I-uhm” Tzuyu didn’t know what to respond. She looked between the girls for help, she noticed Sana’s concerned face. She didn’t want to say ‘No’ to a princess, plus she thought that Jisun had to have some kind of power since she was a princess after all. She could actually be helpful and it’s just one date.. that’s not too bad..but.. She didn’t really want to go on the date but she had no other choice. She felt Elkie nudge her when she hadn’t given her response. With reluctance Tzuyu said “Okay, I’ll go on a date with her” 

Momo and Nayeon looked towards Sana who had her arms crossed, with a surprised look on her face.