The grand library of the kingdom was aglow with the flickering of candlelight. Kiron, Butler Xonim, Fenris, Queen Safira, and Drac were all buried in books, determined to find the information they sought. They had been reading all night and showed no signs of stopping.
Butler Xonim excused himself for a moment, leaving to retrieve a new ring for Queen Safira. He filled it with all sorts of trinkets before returning to the library, bringing with him food for the group who had not yet taken a break.
Queen Safira slammed her book shut in frustration. "Dammit, all we have are types of hexes that are useless, possible ways to break them, and ones that might possess them," she exclaimed.
Drac closed his book as well, a look of defeat on his face. "There's nothing on the Supreme Ultimate Love Hex. The strongest we have is the soul steal, and even that scares me. Lilith is a frightening Darkling," he said.
Butler Xonim stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I think the only option is him. I know you don't like owing anyone favours, but he owes you plenty," he suggested.
Queen Safira stood up, about to make her decision, when she was suddenly stopped...
"Your Majesty, I also need to give you my report. It is urgent," Butler Xonim said as he approached Queen Safira.
Queen Safira nodded for him to proceed.
Butler Xonim began to recount the events of the kingdom. "The Dark Phoenix clan had a massive clash with the Silver Wing clan. The Silver Wing clan emerged victorious, with no casualties on their side," he reported.
Queen Safira listened intently as Butler Xonim continued. "The trade routes are still going strong, with no interference from other races," he added.
"Butler Xonim, how are my mines doing?" Queen Safira asked.
"Your Majesty, they are doing splendidly. We have yielded massive amounts of Adimite. The extras have been stored in the vault and the profits we made from the rest are still soaring," Butler Xonim replied with a smile.
"Good. And how are my crops doing?" Queen Safira asked.
Butler Xonim bowed his head. "I'm so sorry, Your Majesty. Forgive me, please," he said.
Queen Safira's expression turned serious. "Butler Xonim, what happened?" she asked.
Butler Xonim bowed again. "We are going to need to order food, Your Majesty. Rouge half-hydras damaged a huge amount of your crops when you were gone. We got there too late," he said.
Queen Safira smashed the wall with her fist, her anger boiling over as she thought of the Hydra God's offspring. "That damn bastard... he needs to control his children. They're getting out of hand, mating with everything and disappearing."
Drac stepped forward, his smirk hinting at his mischievous thoughts. "Your Majesty, if I may."
The Queen turned to him, her eyes blazing with determination. "Speak your mind, Drac. I trust you completely and have your full support."
Drac chuckled. "Let's use this as an opportunity for some fun. The squads are eager for action. Why don't we have Kiron find those little bastards and let the squads get some practice in?"
Queen Safira's smile grew wider, stretching from ear to ear. "Let's teach that scaly Hydra a lesson he won't forget. Do it, I'm tired of these runts thinking they can do as they please. Anything higher than the Genus rank and you step in, Drac. But first, Kiron, do as he says and make sure there are no surprises before we head to Planet Ipotane."
Kiron bowed respectfully. "Yes, Your Majesty. Right away." And with that, he vanished into the light.
Queen Safira then turned to face Drac and Fenris. "Are you two ready?"
They nodded in unison.
"Good. Butler Xonim, tell Smaug she's in charge while we're away. But we'll be back soon."
The butler bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty. Safe travels and bountiful rewards."
With that, Queen Safira and her companions set off towards Planet Ipotane at full speed. The Queen carried Fenris as she was faster, and they began their journey with a sense of purpose and excitement.
Queen Safira, Drac, and Fenris arrived at the swamp lands where the Haren Turtle Clan resides after a day-long journey at Queen Safira's incredible speed. Drac struggled to keep up, but she mercifully slowed down a bit to allow him to catch his breath.
Upon landing, the guards at the gates were in a panic. They were not expecting the Queen of Dragons to arrive at their doorstep. One guard approached her, asking why she was there, and she simply replied that she was there to see King Myrtle and to be let in.
The guards quickly obliged, knowing full well that she could easily break down the door or fly straight to the palace.
Queen Safira strode into the city, her presence commanding the attention of all its residents. They stared in awe and bowed as she walked by. Making her way to the palace, she was greeted by the guards there, who were similarly taken aback.
Just then, the turtle general, Tilda, appeared. "I was wondering what that powerful energy was that breached our atmosphere and made its way to our gates."
Queen Safira smirked. "I see you're still as slow as ever, Tilda, to reach the main gate."
Tilda chuckled. "Not my fault you're ridiculously fast. Why are you here, Queen Safira?"
The Queen's expression softened. "Is it so rude for an old friend to drop by for a visit?"
Tilda made a face, "No, not really. He's busy, come back on an appointment, shooo."
Queen Safira crossed her arms, "What, sleeping as usual? Tilda, I need to see him now."
Tilda replied firmly, "No, he is busy meditating and increasing his power. No one is allowed to disturb him."
Queen Safira's eyes gleamed, "Good, then he won't mind me checking his concentration skills. Show me the way, now. I won't ask again."
Tilda exhaled deeply, "Aahhh, why do you make my life so difficult? Now I'm gonna get into trouble for this. Follow me," she turned around and led the way.
Queen Safira chuckled, "See, not so hard... why did you make it so long and drawn out? How're the little runts doing nowadays?"
Tilda could only cry on the inside, "Much better after you saved them. Thank you for helping me."
Queen Safira smiled warmly, "Good to know. Is he keeping them guarded now?"
Tilda nodded her head and continued walking.
Tilda couldn't help but ask, "Say, Queen Safira, what's this about? Maybe I could help you and save my ass?"
Queen Safira shook her head, "No, unfortunately, I need that old fart's brain."
Tilda "But you are…"
"Ahem, Tilda, drop that quickly," Drac saved her from a beating.
Tilda breathed deeply and looked at Drac, understanding his panicked face. "Could his wife help you, Queen Safira?"
She received another head shake from Queen Safira.
"Ahhh, fine then," Tilda sighed.
They made their way through the palace, all the guards bowing as they passed. It took them 30 minutes to get to the Zen Garden, where the King was meditating.
Sitting on the floor was a bold man with a long white beard. He was dressed in a specially designed shirt that was tailored to the green turtle shell on his back. The clothing was green with his clan logo, paired with brown pants and sandals.
Before Tilda could speak, she heard...
"Yoohhh old man, wake up. I know you sensed me earlier. Your soul scan is as easy to read as ever and slow to retrace."
King Myrtle responded, "Hmmmm, and I see you are as polite and patient as ever, Queen Safira."
Queen Safira chuckled, "I try my best. Patience isn't my strong suit, and never will be. I'm not slow like you, see?"
King Myrtle sighed, "What do you want, Safira? Thanks for ruining my long meditation."
Queen Safira stepped forward into the garden, "Sheesh, can't an old friend stop by without needing something?"
Tilda chimed in, "Old friends, yes. You never stop, it's always something with you. Luckily, it's never drama."
"That's because we like to get things done, unlike some beasts", Drac added.
King Myrtle, who was known for his cunning wit and ruthless tactics, raised an eyebrow at the queen's comment. "What is it, Safira? Just spit it out and leave when I say no. I'm sure it's one of your usual things that no one can do."
Queen Safira fidgeted under the king's piercing gaze. "No, this one you can. I need the knowledgeable brain that you always brag about to answer some questions I've got. Can you help me?"
King Myrtle rolled his eyes, "Seriously? Well, there we go. Was that so hard? Ask away. I can definitely help if I can."
The room was filled with guards, all of whom were freaking out at the heated argument between the two powerful figures.
Queen Safira looked around the room, then stated firmly, "Alone, if you don't mind."
King Myrtle lifted his hands in surrender. "Guards, leave us be. It's alright."
One guard stepped forward, "But sir, we can't leave you alone with the Dragon Queen."
King Myrtle's response was sharp and confident, "Yes, you can. If she wanted to kill me, she wouldn't have shown up in her humanoid form. Plus, there's nothing you could do anyway. Tilda will stay to ease your minds. Now go."
The guards quickly left the room, knowing that what the king had said was true. They had seen Queen Safira in battle before, and it was not a pretty sight. The stage was now set for the queen to reveal her true intentions to the king, but what could they be? Only time would tell.
King Myrtle and Queen Safira sat in the throne room, discussing the latest rumours and legends of their kingdom. Suddenly, Queen Safira turned to King Myrtle with a curious look in her eyes.
"Ever heard of an Ultimate God Love Hex?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.
King Myrtle, taken aback by the question, coughed and his bright green eyes widened in disbelief. "Hahaha... Queen Safira, are you going nuts? I thought even you would know the answer to this one. Nothing like that can exist, it's impossible."
Queen Safira raised an eyebrow, intrigued by King Myrtle's reaction. "Why is that? Care to share with us?"
King Myrtle chuckled, amused by Queen Safira's ignorance. "Oh my Queen Safira, you forgot your basics... Hexes are made by Darklings, ones comprised of pure and utter darkness, falling just short of that Darkness God."
Queen Safira was not satisfied with King Myrtle's answer. "But we have records of demons with hex abilities, plus there are gods as well. Couldn't they have done it?"
King Myrtle burst out laughing, holding his face in his hands. "Hahaha... Queen Safira, you need to read more."
Queen Safira was getting mad now, being laughed at by King Myrtle. "Why King Myrtle, tell me now!" she demanded.
King Myrtle took a deep breath, still chuckling. "You really don't know, Darklings and that main God bare so much darkness they are incapable of love. How can they make a hex spell with something they never can experience?"
Queen Safira's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, what? No, it's impossible," she whispered to herself.