Work Text:
It was Ragatha's second adventure since arriving. To say this was the worst thing that ever happened to her was the understatement of her lifetime. One moment, she was a real estate agent living a comfortable life - the next, she ended up in a pixilated torment where life literally had no meaning anymore.
The only person that attempted a connection with her was this chess piece named Kinger, but even then he looked startled every time he saw her. She didn't hold it against him, she saw how everyone else was like here. She had the feeling that this place was quick to get to you one way or another.
At least Mother isn't here.
She didn't get a chance to breathe before Caine shoved them through the portal. Apparently the adventure was some sort of candy theme, with the paths made of caramel and toffee - and the air smelling of peppermint. Ragatha had to admit, this place was stunning.
The goal of the adventure was as typical as every other hero's journey narrative, rescue the Princess from the Sour Lemon King and earn your prize. It was supposed to be simple…until Ragatha got kidnapped by his henchmen and thrown into the same cell as the Princess.
She felt completely and utterly humiliated.
"Are you alright?" a soft voice jingled.
The doll turned, only for her heart to skip a beat. It was the Princess. Despite the roughness of her kidnapping, her hair was neat and her dress was still intact. But her smile, her smile had to be the most beautiful smile she'd ever seen.
"U-uh yes! Yes, I'm sorry," Ragatha spoke, flushed. "I'm just having a bit of a tough day."
"That's understandable," The princess spoke with genuine kindness. "I'm sure you didn't ask to be kidnapped."
"Neither did you," Ragatha sighed, bringing her knees to her chest and resting her chin atop of them. "I hope the others find us soon."
"Oh! It must be relieving to have such trusting friends to come and find you," The princess beamed, her smile bright.
How can a person's smile be so perfect? Ragatha pondered. "Well, I only met them a week ago," Ragatha told her. "I don't think they'll be too worried."
"Oh, I apologize, I shouldn't have assumed," the pink woman quickly spoke.
"It's okay," Ragatha attempted to smile at her. Though she didn't seem to find the energy to do so. "I'm just…not at my best right now."
The princess's brows furrowed with concern, scooting closer to the ragdoll, "Is there anything that I might be able to assist you with?"
Ragatha turned to her, "I-I wouldn't want to impose!"
The princess shook her head fondly, "As Princess of the Grand Candy Canyon, it's important that those who step into my kingdom are seen and heard. And even if this may not be my kingdom, you've already done such a great service by going out of your way to save me. Please, let me hear you."
Ragatha felt warmth rush through her, clearing her throat, "How's the best way I can explain this. I was taken away from my home a while ago. And every time I miss it, I also feel weird about it. Sometimes my home wasn't nice, I had people there who didn't really like me. But I still miss it."
When her eyes met the princess's again, Ragatha felt a pang of shame. Did she seriously just spill her guts out to a random stranger. God she was such an idiot, "Sorry! I didn't mean to talk your ear off."
"Please don't apologize my dear! I did ask after all," The princess hummed. "Maybe it's not just home you miss? Maybe you miss the missed paths you could have taken? And that's alright to miss it even if it isn't for those reasons. It's okay to miss something we've known out entire lives. And I'm sure these aren't the circumstances you expected, but once you see through the cracks - maybe you can find a silver lining."
It was the first time Ragatha felt a big lighter since coming here. No one in her life ever bothered or cared enough to listen to anything she had to say, whether good or bad. Even from her own mother. But here was this princess, made of nothing but code, who showed her such kindness that she had never received from anyone back home.
"Darling, you're crying," the princess wiped away a tear running down Ragatha's cheek.
"Heh, sorry," Ragatha rubbed it away. "You're just…probably the sweetest thing here."
The princess giggled, leaning in closer to the ragdoll. "Say, you never did tell me your name."
"I'm…Ragatha," for the first time, Ragatha didn't feel ashamed saying her new name.
"You have such a lovely name," the princess smiled warmly again. "I am Princess Loolilalu. But you can call me Loo."
"Thank you. Loo," Ragatha smiled back. Wanting to savor this moment for as long as she could.
It wasn't long under the rest of the group coming to rescue them, taking the princess back to her kingdom. Ragatha paid no mind to the reward they were granted, solely focused on Loo as the princess took her hands in hers.
"Will I see you again? My dear Ragatha," she asked. Despite her smile, Ragatha could see the pleading look in her eyes.
"I'm not sure, maybe we will one day?" Ragatha gripped her hands. "But, thank you, for all that you told me. It means a lot to me than you realize."
"I'm so grateful that our god has given me such a wonderful new companion," Loo lifted Ragatha's soft hands, placing a kiss on each one.
Ragatha didn't fight back the blush rising on her cheeks, her heart thundering in her chest. She nearly whined in disappointment when the portal reopened.
"I suppose this is where we must part," Loo sighed sadly, letting go of Ragatha's hands. "Until next time my dear."
Ragatha wanted nothing more than to stay. But she wasn't sure how Caine would feel if she were to stay behind. Waving goodbye to the pink princess, she stepped back through the portal
Hopefully that wouldn't be the last time she saw her.
.
.
.
It was as though her prayers were answered.
Finally, after so long, they were returning to the Grand Candy Canyon. Ragatha had to contain her excitement, forcing herself to not run through the portal as soon as it appeared. Not caring to even here what the adventure would even be about. She was going to see Loo again, after so long.
When they arrived at the castle, she nearly squealed in joy when seeing her emerge from her castle. "Loo!" Ragatha cheered. "Loo! It's so good to see you!"
"Oh," the princess blinked, startled by the ragdoll calling her name. "Hello my darling, it is wonderful to meet you."
Ragatha let out an airy laugh, "Meet me? Loo, it's me, Ragatha."
"I-I'm sorry my dear," the princess furrowed her brows. "I believe we've never met."
Never met.
Ragatha's world shattered. She started trembling. She didn't remember her.
"Dear? Are you alright?" the princess looked at her with such kindness and worry.
Ragatha wanted nothing more to cry and beg for her to remember, "I…I'm fine, my lady." She forced herself to smile. "You reminded me of someone I knew a while ago. H-how can we help?"
The princess still looked worried for the ragdoll, even after explaining the mission for her group to complete. Even offering to join to make sure that Ragatha would be alright. Still as kind as the last time she saw her.
It was only until they got back to the circus did Caine explain.
"The NPC's always get reset every adventure!" Caine explained proudly. "If they were to remember everything, it would get their minds all warped up! Soon they'll start questioning things, and the last thing anyone needs is an NPC going through an extensional crisis!"
Ragatha only felt numb the whole time. Ever since she met Loo, their small interaction was the boost she needed to get to know the others. She even spent and formed a bond with Kinger - learning about his interest with anything to do with bugs.
If it wasn't for Loo, she wouldn't have been able to cope as well as she did.
It wasn't even Loo's fault, she would never blame her. But it didn't help when she was reused or they had to revisit the canyon for adventures, and she had to see her beautiful smile every single time.
And only be reminded that the princess wouldn't remember her the next time she saw her.
.
.
.
Now she was here, the circus becoming second nature to the ragdoll. Kinger had remained, but new faces had joined. Like a purple bunny and a little jester - with her first adventure being nothing more than the candy canyon itself.
And when the princess emerged from her castle, saying in her melodic voice how grateful she was to see them.
Ragatha could only hold the memories to herself when she saw that oh so familiar smile again.