I gaze up at the large gate for a few moments before shrugging it off, the size appearing miniature compared to what I have seen on my adventures. That's when I realize I am still holding the Guard's hand. I quickly yank my palm away from her, causing her to look at me as if I wronged her.
I ignore her reaction as I wave my hand towards the "large" silver gate, "Let's get going, shall we?"
She goes to say something but says nothing and instead walks up the hill, me trailing behind her. As we get closer, the guard protecting this gateway glances at us, quickly recognizing the Royal Guard. He reaches out and opens the gate with a simple pull, as if the heavy duty lock doesn't exist. He bows his body towards her in respect, "Mrs. Reinstau."
She bows her head towards him before calmly continuing to lead me. As we walk through, we pass through several gardens which immediately excite me. These gardens aren't any regular gardens, they appear to be pools of saltwater...with a rock like substance colorfully growing from within them.
I point at the colorful structures beneath the water as I ask, "What are these?"
She stops walking and slowly gaits back towards where I am. She looks down as the colorful rocks appear in her vision. She clears her throat before explaining, "We don't really know. They came from some weird worm creatures we found but they never appeared to do any harm and instead even helped the wildlife inside flourish."
I look closer as small fish begin to appear in my eyes, swimming around happily. I smile underneath my mask as I stand, scratching my new ears which I am still adjusting to.
'My hearing has slightly increased, but it's mainly the feeling. They feel fresh which feels odd compared to the rest of my body.'
I nod to myself and begin walking over the bridge we were standing on, "Let's get to the Queen's chambers."
She nods and quickly waltzes past me, hurriedly trying to get in front of me. I let her pass and silently follow her towards the chambers...when I suddenly begin to hear faint struggling noise, pained breathing entering my ears. My eyes go wide as I try to quell myself, clenching my fists as we walk towards the Queen's throne room.
'It's alright Kurayami, maybe it's just kinky people? Some people are into that stuff right?'
But as we get even closer, the pained noises become clearer as my senses begin to fight with my common sense.
Moments later, the door opens, revealing Amelia, Emily, and Lana staring at a pale faced Soca, who's being hit with wave after wave of heat from a weirdly colored Alpha Pillar.
*Ping!*
My eyes narrow as I stare at Soca, immediately thinking of a solution to get her out. I immediately have an idea as I see the queen sitting on her throne calmly, her gaze crossing across my body.
After a few moments of tense silence, the Queen's Royal Guard steps forward, "This is the man whom you requested."
"What is your name?" The queen asks, not giving even a moments breath of silence between the 2. I clear my throat as my demonic voice leaves my throat, "Kurayami, Divine Beast. I would like to know how I can refer to you?"
She sits silently for a moment before saying, "Queen Novar."
I bow my head to her in a sign of respect, trying to make sure the Alpha Pillar doesn't do anything to Soca. I came to the conclusion the queen is a beast tamer since the Alpha Pillar hasn't made any sudden movements or attacked anyone.
I suddenly hear Queen Nodar speak to me, a demanding tone in her voice.
"Would you kindly remove the mask?"
I think for a moment before shaking my head, "I would rather keep my mask on thank you. It will not restrict any conversation we have in the least."
She glares at me as her eyes become thinner slits, as if I disrespected her entire being. Emily and Lana have a grim look on their face as Amelia hides a sneer. Soca can barely speak as she sputters out, "N-no."
Queen Nodar purses her lips as a high pitched whistle escapes. The Alpha Pillar releases Soca in moments as it launches at me, its speed near impossible to see from everyone's perspective...except mine.
Time slows as it moves at a near crawl, my slit eyes already tense in anger. I raise my hand as my shadow jumps with life, a shrill screech leaving the abyss like darkness. Moments later, agonized screeches echo through the throne room. Queen Nodar's eyes go wide as a wave of shock flows throughout the room.
Thrashing sounds bang against the white floor as cracks form, blue and purple colors flashing and entangling between eachother in a frenzy. Screeches from 2 different beings fill the room as fire and sparks rain. Moments later, the smaller blue being is hit away, soaring across the floor before hurriedly scrambling up.
The Alpha Pillar has scratches and marks covering its carapace, a small crack even revealing itself on its tail. The massive purple and white Alpha Pillar stands in the middle of the room, a pissed look in its eyes. The floor underneath its legs is scorched, the heat from the small tussle having slightly melted some of the ground.
Before anyone can question anything, I open my mouth, taking advantage of this moment. "Yogan, return to me."
Yogan shows no hesitation as he turns around crawling towards me as he curls himself around my body. I reach out and softly let his head, staring at Queen Nodar, "Attacking someone for doing nothing wrong is against my morals. Your lucky I have a reason for being here or else your entire kingdom would be destroyed. Now I will keep my mask on, you will listen to what I have to say, and do it peacefully. Am I clear?"
Queen Nodar gulps down a ball of saliva before silently agreeing, causing everyone in the room to barely maintain their cool.
'Who is this guy?!'