The flower had planted its roots deep and thick. It had no intention of going anywhere, not while its petals still grew bright and wet and heavy with blood. But its hold over its host seemed to be weakening, or perhaps it was simply trying a different tack, but the white of Anna's eye grew ever redder as she staggered forward, following Neo closer to the presence that she could not identify.

Another wave of mental energy broke out and washed over her body as she spoke in an even more deeply honeyed voice. "You're adorable, Neo. So small, so fierce, Neo. You fit in my—nngh, arms, Neo," she continued, her footsteps getting jerky, slower, until she stood all but stock still again with her body swaying back and forth almost imperceptibly. Like a flower searching for sunlight, or a weed begging for water.

"Neo..." The word came out dry. On the cusp of exhaustion. But the flower had one last trick to incense its next bit of fertilizer. "I can show you Emerald, Neo..."