All the man geared up and were ready to leave.
Richard spoke "You said you're going to make her cry…but the once who will cry in the end are you all."
"I wish you all the best."
And Richard leaned back and waited for the referee to come and get him.
In less than 5 minutes an explosion of cheers were heard.
The referee came in to the waiting area and called for him.
"Did you already know she was this strong?"
"Of course, she can take out over 100 soldiers on her own and take them down in less than 10 minutes." Richard stood up.
When he was next to the referee he said, "And she is the only one who can rival The Moon King on the battle field."
"So how long do you think you can stand against her?"
"Last time I stood against her for 4 and a half hour, but now I'm not sure."
Richard walked out to the fighting area.
Marika turned around and smiled 'Finally a worthy opponent has appeared.'
Richard smiled at her "Treat it as a real fight."
'And don't hold back.' Marika smiled.
Marika bowed to Richard in respect and took her stance.
Richard did the same.
"Why do they bow to each other?"
Kevin said "She only does that to show her respect to an opponent who is equally as strong as her."
"And he does it because he acknowledge her strength."
"Ohh"
"So brother what do you think their time will be this time?" Kevin asked Dante.
"Hmm it's hard to tell… after all sister has grown a lot in a span of 4 months"
"Do you think it will be shorter or longer than 4 and a half hours?"
"4 and a half hours!?"
Dante and Kevin turned around and saw the shock on the faces of the man.
"Yeh there last sparing match lasted for that long."
"Oh my god…"
Kevin and Dante turned around.
"I'll record this so everybody at home can watch this later."
Kevin casted a recording spell and Marika nodded at Richard.
Marika started to charge at Richard and he block her strike.
Finally the dance of swords took off and Marika had a smile on her face the whole time.
Everybody watched in how the fight was unfolding in front of their eyes.
Neither one of them gave way for the other and Marika started to show at least 3 advanced moves on Richard.
"How many more do you have hidden."
'Roughly 12 more, but I don't think you'll be seeing them all.'
"Then I need to work harder to make you show them to me."
Marika took her distance and then said to Richard, 'Let's make it more interesting'
"What do you have in mind?"
Marika pulled a blind fold and blindfolded herself.
"Are you sure?"
'Of course I am, who do you think that thought you the advanced version of the senses'
"Do you have a spare?"
Marika smiled and gave Richard one.
"Look brother they are going to fight each other blinded." Kevin said exactingly.
Dante looked at them and then said "Kevin pay very close attention to her every move."
"Is sister starting to teach us by using this match?"
Dante nodded.
"Oke."
Dante and Kevin started to keep their eyes close on Marika.
Marika giggled 'Seems that my brothers know what I'm up to.'
Richard smiled "Well you are a great teacher after all."
Marika and Richard resumed their match.
Everybody was shocked at the sight of seeing two people fighting like the way they did before and even they blindfolded them self's
They couldn't pick up on each other's body language, so most people thought this fight would be tricky and stalling on movements, but that didn't seem to be the case.
All of the opponents who face Marika before were totally aw struck.
They hit the 2 hour mark and Marika wanted to finished it up. because she could only spend 3 more hours with Richard before he would be called back.
Marika directed on sword towards Richards shoulder and the other went to his head.
But just as Richard predicted this movement to block it, Marika changed the course of her second sword and landed under his chin.
Richard then drop his sword and surrendered.
It was dead silent and Marika and Richard both took of their blind folds.
And they both bowed to each other again and shook each other's hand.
"Nice fight."
'Let's do this more often.' Marika smiled.
Suddenly a loud cheer was heard.
Marika and Richard bowed and waved to the crowd.
The organizer came up with the reward for the winner
"This year we have an unbeatable Queen of the Sword! Let's all give her an loud cheer!"
The man gave her a golden sword and placed a Tiara on her head.
The man then asked "Your sword skill is unique and you're a one of a kind dual wielding swords women. Who taught you?"
Marika looked at everybody. "My skill is self-taught, my techniques is self-made."
Everybody started to cheer even louder for her especially the women.
'But I do have currently two students who are being taught by me' and she waved at her brother to come over.
She hugged them, 'These two are currently studying under me, so in the future you'll be seeing this sword art not only by me but also by them.'
'And for all the girls out there, there is no shame in wanting to learn the way of the sword. And if any man will oppose you, then come and find me and I will teach you.'
'And girls know this, there are man out there who don't mind strong women or women who can wield a sword.'
'So never ever let a man stop you from becoming who you want to be.'
All the women cheered at Marika's words.
"You really captivated their hearts." Richard said with a smile.
Marika smiled and was hugged by the 3 of them.
'I'll be back next year so train hard and don't bore me.'
Everybody in the crowd started to laugh.
Marika wave at everybody and left the fighting area.
Kevin and Dante also took their leave and went to the mansion to show Derick what they witnessed today.
Marika and Richard left the completion area and resumed their walk over the festival.
Marika spotted a stall who was selling lanterns for the closing ceremonies, She walked over and looked at all the lanterns.
"Is there any that caught your eye." Richard asked her.
'Well they all did. The craftsman ship of these are so fine and delicate.'
The women of the stall came up to her. 'You have good eyes miss.'
'How long does it take you to make all of there?'
'Well I'm working on them all year around to make these many, but I do get help from time to time.'
'Do you also take orders from customers, if they want a particular design?' Marika asked the women.
The women nodded.
Marika whispered something to the women and gave her a piece of paper.
The women took the paper and whispered back to Marika. 'I can make this, when do you need it?'
'Not anytime soon, If it's done by next year that's fine, and I would like 2 of them if possible.'
Marika picked up a lantern and payed the women for the lantern and for her order.
Richard then asked, "Are you going to light one at the closing ceremony?"
Marika shook her head 'This one is going to be a souvenir of my day with you today.' And she smiled a warm smile.
Just as they left the stall Richard got a call from the ministers that there was a small problem regarding the closing ceremony.
Richard looked a little annoyed but the Marika said. 'Just go, I'll be fine by myself until the promised time. I'll just wander around a little longer.'
Richard gave her a kiss and left for the castle.
When Richard was out of sight she message the ministers that he was on his way and thank them for the distraction.
Marika started to go the were the ceremony was being held and meet up with Dantis.
He showed her were Richard would be standing an light the first lantern.
Marika looked across from it and saw a big (Salix babylonica) weeping willow.
Marika then said 'I'll be over there, and I will be in my final form.'
"But how are you going to light the lantern?"
'I already arranged for my brothers to do that for me.' Marika smiled.
Marika went back an changed her cloth, she put on the dress that Richard bought for her and took the hooded cape she wore at Cinis engagement party.
'You look so lovely dear, I wish you all the best'
'Thank you.' Marika smiled at the women.
Marika walked back to the weeping willow and had a different lantern with her.
Marika waited till it was dark and all her brothers and father appeared under the willow.
"You really cooked up a surprise for him and you even hid it so well." Luca said.
'Of course, he wants to announce our engagement, but that would be to boring so why not give the people something to talk about for day's to come.'
Richard approached his place to light up the first lantern.
Marika whispered 'Oke light it.'
Luca light the lantern and placed it in the water, Marika changed in to a dragon and Dante and Kevin casted an illuminating spell.
Marika started to hum a and began to sing.
We are here to guide you back to the place where you should rest
My dear friends and family.
We will always remember you to our last breath.
In our heart you shall always exist.
Richard was surprised but light his lantern and also put it in the water
I'll guide you on the road and be your light on this journey.
When we reach our destination we shall bid goodbye.
We will keep walking the road you paved for us.
And keep the future you wished for.
Everybody started to light there lanterns while Marika was still singing.
When she was done with her song she looked in the distance until the last lantern past the bridge.
Marika bowed to everybody and Dante and Kevin stop the spell.
Marika changed to her 7th stage and started to walk up to the bridge
When Marika appeared in the light again everybody started to look at her in awe.
'She is so beautiful' A women whispered.
"Who is she?" A man asked.
Behind her were Luca, Dante, Kevin and Derick, they all were wearing formal cloth that represented Virtus et Caeruleus Viridi.
Dantis gave Richard a little nudge, he was frozen on the spot because Marika looked so beautiful.
As he walked over to her Solis, Caelum, Khai, Regina and Nova came down from the sky. Also Luna, Noir and Spike were behind him.
When Marika was halfway on the bridge she bowed to Richard, everybody behind her did the same.
'I hope I haven't offended His Majesty and your people for lighting the first lantern? I just wanted to show my respect to the ancestors of Your Majesty and his people.'
"How could I feel offended, you really have honored us with the lighting of the first lantern and the beautiful song you sang for all our ancestors Queen Yumaria." Richard smiled.
All the people saw how lovingly their king looked at The Queen of Virtus et Caeruleus Viridi.
A few children from the crowed ran up to Marika and asked "Are you a fairy?"
Marika giggled a bit, 'No I'm a dragon.'
"But you look like a fairy now."
Marika crouched down to the level of the children and petted their head.
'Than I'll be a dragon fairy for you children how does that sound?'
All the children looked happy and hugged her.
Then one of the children asked her. "Are you going to marry our king?"
'Do you want me to marry your king?'
"Yes we would like that." One of the boys said to her.
"Then we have a dragon fairy queen." The other boy said.
Marika smiled at the children 'I don't mind, if your king wishes to marry me I won't object, but you have to ask your king if he also wants to marry me.'
The children turned to Richard "Your Majesty do you want marry the dragon fairy queen?"
"I do" and he petted their heads "Actually I wanted to marry her for a long time now." Richard said to the children.
All the people felt relieved from the bottom of their hearts, their king who had refused to marry so many times, finally found the one he wants to spend the rest of life with.
The crowed started to cheer for Richard.
Richard then knelled to her and opened a small box, "Yumaria will you marry me and stand by my side until the day we breath out our last breath in this world?"
Marika smiled lovingly at Richard 'I will, and even at the end of this life, I'll search for you in our next life, because one life with you isn't enough for me.'
Richard placed the ring on her finger and kissed Marika.
Everybody started to cheer, clap and even whistle.
"As everybody is my witness, I, Richard Lunam, King of the Moon kingdom and ruler over Lunae Lumen, officially announce my engagement to Queen Yumaria Viridans ruler of Virtus et Caeruleus Viridi!"
All the people cheered for them
"Long live King Richard!"
"Long live Queen Yumaria"
Marika shocked up by the cheers of everybody she felt so happy.
'Thank you, every one, for blessing us.'
Marika hugged Richard.
"When is the wedding?!"
Richard looked at Marika "What do you think?"
'Spring will be nice.'
"You mean in 8 months?"
Marika nodded
'We hold a wedding here and we hold one in Virtus et Caeruleus Viridi!'
"As you wish my love."
"Our wedding will be in the spring of next year!"
The crowd cheered again.
"Let's start the planning of an festival in honor of our King and Queen."
Marika and Richard walked over to the crowed and they all genuinely congratulated the both of them.
Luca and Derick looked at the both of them.
"Now she finally achieved on of her many desires." Derick said.
"But the rest will come over time. I'm happy to see my sister finally is at the starting point of the life she wanted to live for a very long time " Luca said.
"I have a bad feeling about the announcement." Dante said.
"Don't worry uncle Dante, they did it on purpose." Khai said.
'Yeh we heard mommy and daddy talking and they planned it this way, to see who will oppose to them so they can take those people out.' Regina said.
"But still I can't shake this feeling."
"Uncle Dante really there is no need to worry, because our mommy is a dragon who stands above all other dragons." Nova said.
"What do you mean?" Luca asked.
"Our mom is not only a descendant of The Azure and Founding Green Dragon Clan, she also hold a position as The Ruler over all Dragons. She is the Guardian over the 3 worlds."
Luca looked at Solis "So it is true?"
Solis nodded "Yes, it's all true. You know I can see her future so I knew it from the very beginning when I met mom."
"Nova how did you know about it?" Luca asked.
"Well even though mommy's magic is damaged, her energy pool is way bigger than any other dragon. If she gets her magic restored it would be twice the size it is now. And for some reason I can just tell because her aura feels familiar."
"Then who was the last Guardian Dragon before her?" Derick asked.
"That was prince Magna." Nova said.
"Then are all double colored dragon automatically inertial the Guardian Dragon?"
Nova shook his head "Although cousin Ivy is also a double colored dragon she doesn't have the energy pool like mommy."
"But Dragons who inherit of both parents are the best candidates, but as long as the Guardian Dragon is alive any other double colored dragon is equal to any other dragon."
Luca petted Nova's head "Alright."
"Now let's all say goodbye to her and go home."
Everybody nodded and went to the castle do say goodbye to her and Richard.
"I see you tomorrow sister, because we have a lot to talk about snakes."
'Alright, I'm curious what you guys have found out.'
Dante walked up to Marika and gave her a hug and whispered his concerns to her.
Marika smiled and patted his head.
'Don't worry, it's all going to be fine.'
Derick and Kevin also gave her a hug.
And her children thanked her for letting the witness this moment.
'Luca can you drop of the kids off at The Forest of Eternal Night?'
"I will."
Everybody had left and Richard hugged her from behind.
"You really surprised me today, when did you come up with this?"
'Oh I got the idea this morning, I talked it over with Dantis and the ministers.'
Richard smiled, "Well you achieved what you wanted."
"You made this an unforgettable Moon festival, not only for the people, but also for me."
Marika smiled.
'Now we have to wait for all the opposes to start to make noise.'
"We will hold an engagement banquet in a week, and let see how much noise they can make."
Marika nodded, 'They were wise enough to keep their mouth shut because of all the people that were there.'
'But I like a party that is lively. Let's see how much trouble they are going to make.'
Marika had a smile on her face.
[Next day]
Marika arrived back at Virtus et Caeruleus Viridi and visited the black smith first.
'Uncle Smithy!'
"Little Lady! Your finally home."
Marika smiled at the man 'Well I'll be home for 2 more day's and then I have to leave to pay a visit in the human world.'
Marika took her swords Magister and Curatorial 'Can you perform some maintains on these two?'
"Sure little Lady."
Marika then said, 'Uncle Smithy can you round up everybody tomorrow including the wolfs? I have an announcement to make.'
The man nodded.
Marika went to her palace to meet her brother.
When Marika arrived she met with Luca, Cinis and Aron.
'So what are those snakes up to?'
"They will plan to try and assassinate you today or tomorrow." Aron said.
"In doing so, they want to trigger you and The Moon King and start attacking Ignis." Cinis said.
'How stupid.' Marika sighted.
Marika looked at Aron 'So how does the rest of the clan think of this idiotic plan?'
"Most of the clan doesn't agree what they are doing, and fear for a war and their lives."
Marika smiled 'Did you offer them a place of refuge?'
"I did."
'Good, I'll take them in and you take care of them up north'
"Sister it's too risky what if a few slip through!" Luca said.
'My dear brother, I'm a women who lived on the edge for her whole life. You think I can't handle a few little snakes.'
'And besides if they are in my territory it's easier to have an eye on them and catch them.'
Marika then turned to Cinis.
'Cinis what do you think is Aron ready?'
"I think he is, but having someone to supervise him for the time being would be for the best."
Marika stood up and walked over to Aron 'Seems you know how to think like me and that is great.'
'Starting tomorrow you'll be on your own and I leave the North up to you. I have Cinis, Dante and William check on you from time to time.'
Aron was surprised and hugged Marika.
"Thank you for believing in me…"
'Do you have a name for the new establishment?'
Aron nodded "I chose the name Queentia meaning possibility, opportunity, chance. Your Majesty gave me that and I thought it would be fitting." Aron smiled.
Marika nodded, 'You even have a good sense with naming. And the name in its self doesn't only represent what I gave you, but also what you are giving to the people who will start to lives there.'
Marika patted Aron on the shoulders.
Marika heard a knock on the window and she walked over to see who was there.
'Sky! What are you doing here?'
'Does Ray know you're here?'
Sky shook his head.
Marika gestured for Sky to sit on her shoulder.
Sky sat down and then she saw six young eagles landing on the windowsill.
Marika walked over to the window and gestured for the birds to come in.
Marika sat down on the couch and told the birds to do the same.
'Sky did you find the youngster and did you take care of them?'
Sky nodded.
'And now you thought them and they don't want to leave you?'
Sky nodded again.
Marika looked at the six youngsters.
'So you six also took over the sense of duty from Sky?'
The eagles looked at Marika and set on top of her and nuzzled her.
'Alright, alright.' Marika giggled.
Marika was think for a moment and looked at Aron, Cinis and Luca. 'Do you guys mind raising an eagle? The can be very helpful to you, sending message and keeping an eye on place you can't. And above all else they are great companions.'
Marika called for William and told him to bring Canus and Cillus over.
When they arrived they saw seven eagles sitting on the couch.
"Sis why is the blood king's eagle at you place and six additional eagles?" Canus asked her.
'Well long story short, Sky took care of them and now the six of them are looking for an master to server.'
Marika saw from the corner of her eye on of the young eagles picking on the smallest.
'HEY!'
Marika picked up the trouble maker 'You better stop that behavior, I don't tolerate bullying you hear me.' And she put him down again.
'Alright, do you guys want me to designate you to someone or do you want to pick for yourself?'
The eagles screeched telling her to designate them to someone.
Marika picked up the trouble maker and placed him at Canus shoulder.
As Marika was done designating all the eagle the weaker and smaller one was left.
She pick her up and said, you'll be staying with me.' And placed her on her shoulder.
Canus then looked at his eagle and said, "Whenever they are going to visit us you better not pick on her again or else…'
"But sis why did you take the small and weak one?"
'Marika grind, for two reasons, one is she reminds me of Lenis and Ivy, and second…'
"She has the biggest growth potential" Aron said.
Cillus walked over to Aron "Congratulation on your official in statement as Duke of Queentia."
Aron bowed to Cillus, "Thank you Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty can I barrow Canus for a few days?"
Marika looked at Aron and saw what he was thinking. 'I think that wil be a good idea.'
'Cinis you go back with your father.'
'And Canus you stay with Aron and learn a thing or two, oh and Canus don't you kill my new Duke.'
"But what about that bastard in the dungeon?" Canus whined.
"Don't worry brother, I will bring him to the edge of death in your stead."
"Plus I can't let you have all the fun now, can I?"
Canus looked a bit disappointed but and handed over the bag of healing pills to his brother.
"Fine…"
'By the way Canus since you have been torturing that man, how is Lenis doing with that women?'
"I think you should send Luca over…"
'Canus???'
"I didn't do anything I swear, I just kept an eye on him because… well torturing someone for the first time can be mentally straining and let's face it, Lenis isn't a person who would easily physically harm a person."
'Alright.'
'Luca…'
"I'll go with them, asses his mentality and give him some advice on how to torture someone mentally."
'Thank you brother, you're the best.'
Suddenly a call came and Marika picked it up.
"It's you again, is Sky with you?"
'As rude as ever, DO YOU… have any idea to whom your rude to?'
"So what if I'm rude to a women who knows no manners."
Marika sighed in annoying's 'Ahh whatever…I don't have time to deal with a nag like you.'
'Yes Sky is here and he brought me over six young eagles.
'Now if you don't mind could I speak to His Majesty Caedis.'
"Why would I let a unmannered women like you speak to My King?"
'Well wasn't Ray the one who made the contact spell in the first place?'
'Now shut up and leave, before I ask him to cut your tongue.'
"How dare you…" "Clause that's enough!"
"Yes Your Majesty."
'Ray if you ever get tired of him just let me know, I'll come over and kill him myself.'
"I'll keep that in mind." As he laughed.
Sky came up to Marika and landed on her shoulder.
"Sky why did you go over without letting me know, now you brought trouble for her, you know how nagging Clause can be."
Marika petted Sky, 'Maybe if Clause isn't such a control freak and trust Sky like you do then there wouldn't have been a problem.'
'But what's the deal with him, he knows Sky likes you the most and is loyal to you.'
'The only reason Sky likes me is because he knows of my nature and we are good friends.'
'The reason he came here was because of six young eagles who needed a person to serve. And I did ask Sky if you knew he was here and since you didn't I was about to call you anyway.'
'Oh yeh I want to change the place of our meeting in a week, I'll be heading to your castle.'
"Are you sure?"
'Are you worried for my safety? Or for the possible anger of Richard if something happens to me?'
"Both."
'No need to worry, I'll take Canus with me he will cut of a man's arm if they so much as point at me.'
'At least that is what he did last time in The Sun Kingdom anyway.'
Ray started to laugh. "Alright, now I'm more rest assured."
'Good, now I will send Sky back home and I'll see you in a week.'
"Alright Yumaria see you then."
Marika ended the call and sighed a big sigh 'How are you able tolerate a man like Clause, Sky?'
Sky screeched and turned his head, Marika laughed, 'Maybe I should try that too.'
'Now Sky you better head home, before you give Clause more reason to nag at you.'
Marika brought Sky back to window and he took off 'Have a safe trip home!!!'
Marika turned around 'And looked at all the young eagles.
'Now you all have a Master to serve, you better listen well to your Master.'
All the eagles bowed to Marika and landed on top of her and nuzzled her and flew back to their new Masters.
Marika called for William and he opened a portal for Cillus, Cinis and Luca.
Just when William closed the portal and wanted to go back to Richard a man came running in to her office in a panic.
"Your Majesty! We have a problem!"
'What is the problem?'
"The Night Wolf Clan…They are here causing trouble… saying there are 2 of their clan members are here."
'That's correct, so what of it?'
"They want them to be handed over because they betrayed their King and his Kingdom."
'What did you say!'
'Where are Noir and Spike now?'
"They are currently with aunty Lia."
'And where are those troublesome wolfs now?'
"They are outside the village gates."
'William could you be a dear and pick up Noir and Spike for me and after that bring Richard over?'
'Because I am about to lose my patience.'
Marika looked at the man 'You bring me those troublesome wolfs that are at our door.'
"Yes your Majesty." And the man ran back.
William first brought Noir and Spike after that Richard.