Nagini, Maliz, and I began to make our way to the Aquarius Kingdom, Amethyst Empire. Based on the pictures Nagini showed us, the kingdom looked beautiful, covered in their gemstone, the Amethyst Crystals. The kingdom was absolutely stunning, with their beautiful landscapes and aquamarine fields. I couldn't wait to get a closer look at the kingdom.
"Alright, I know we are only coming here to search for Maiken and the Sacred Arms, but this could be a great chance to recruit the Aquarius Zodiac Knight and get her to our side," Nagini said, leading me and Maliz toward the kingdom.
I nodded, understanding the reasoning for the slight detour. "So, Nagini, Misao is also a member of the Infinity Council correct?"
"That's correct. She's number five of the council, also known as The Divine Miko. Me and her didn't get along that well at first. In fact I used to hate her because I thought she would hold us back during our mission to save Shangqui from Bai Xang and Terminus," Nagini explained, crossing her arms as she began to reminisce about her ancient past.
Nagini chuckled to herself, letting out a thoughtful sigh. "That was maybe four centuries ago."
"Four— You're 420 years old?!" I blurted, my eyes widening with shock.
"Technically, 425, but you get the picture. I was also technologically and scientifically centuries above my time due to my immense knowledge, this was before I was even accepted as the Ruler of Science," Nagini said, chuckling softly and hummed.
"Who's Terminus?" Maliz asked, unable to keep the question within.
"Terminus is one of the strongest if not the strongest force of evil...no scratch that, Terminus IS All-Evil. When you think of evil, you don't think of The Fallen. Oh no, this is tame compared to the atrocities Terminus has committed..." Nagini explained, looking over her shoulder at Maliz.
"You think a Fallen Legend is bad with their unforgivable sin? No, Terminus is way worse. He is the Primordial God of Evil, The Original Terror. A man who was so evil, the Sovereigns banished him below the Five Realms into a Domain called, The Abyss," Nagini continued, her heart racing just by thinking about Terminus.
"And you fought him?" Maliz asked, her eyes wide with a mix of admiration and shock.
Nagini smiled at her admiration and awe, looking forward into the distance. "We were lucky enough to not fight the real Terminus at the time. We fought his Human Reincarnation who is the Ruler of Abaddon, The Dark Son, or as they call him...Chaos."
The name Chaos sent shivers down the spines of both me and Maliz. Having not met him, his name still instinctively made us shiver. We glanced at each other then turned our gazes back to Nagini, admiring her strength more than ever.
"But anyway, that's enough about the past for now. Let's focus on our task at hand. Starting with the Aquarius Knight," Nagini said, continuing forward.
We continued through the woods of the St. Goken District, noticing travelling maidens upon the path to and from St. Goken Academy. As we traversed, I began to sense Zodiac Energy nearby then looked around for the source. Nagini noticed that I was alert, watching as I made my way off the path to Amethyst Empire and followed the source of energy.
Once I made it to the source, my eyes widened as I was suddenly captivated by the beauty of a woman standing in a spring enjoying the natural feel of the waters against her bare skin.
The woman appeared to be ethereal and otherworldly, with a serene and almost mystical presence. She had long, flowing white hair and pale skin, which gives a ghostly and ethereal quality. Her eyes were large and light-colored, possibly blue, adding to the otherworldly effect.
She was naked, having a beautiful, slender figure and she wore a white lace veil to cover her head, her expression serene and beautiful. The presence of glowing blue butterflies surrounding the woman added a magical and enchanting element, showing that the woman had a connection to nature or possess some form of magical ability. She also donned the Aquarius Symbol upon her shoulder, the sigil glowing an ethereal light.
Once the woman turned around, sensing Zodiac Energy as well, we locked eyes and were silent. A gentle breeze blew and the sounds of nature filled the air. The moment felt... serene.
"Darling! Where did you run off to?" Maliz called out, her voice echoing out through the forest.
As the woman heard Maliz's voice, she summoned a fog around the area and disappeared from the area. Soon the fog cleared and I noticed she was gone. I turned around and noticed Maliz and Nagini approaching the area, stopping once they noticed me and the beautiful springs behind me.
Nagini looked around, knowing I wouldn't run off without a reason. "You sensed something didn't you?"
I exhaled softly then looked at Nagini with a smile. "Probably a false alarm or a misdirection trick someone played on me. Let's continue to the Kingdom. No need to waste more time."
Nagini and Maliz nodded, making their way back to the original path. I looked around one last time, noticing a scepter laying on the ground. I picked it up and noticed a gemstone resembling an Amethyst Crystal shining on the top of the ornate staff. I glanced at Leona and Sephora, the both of them nodding and smiling at me.
I nodded back, hurrying toward Nagini and Maliz. The three of us continued forward along the path to Amethyst Empire. I looked at the scepter in my hand once more, knowing it had to have belonged to the beautiful woman I noticed in the springs.
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Nestled between the shimmering azure waters of the Celestial Sea and the towering, mist-cloaked peaks of the St. Goken Mountains, the Aquarius Kingdom, or the Amethyst Empire, was a realm where magic and nature intertwine in a breathtaking tapestry of vibrant life. The kingdom was renowned for its stunning landscapes and ethereal beauty, characterized by lush, aquamarine fields that sway like waves in the gentle breeze, dotted with clusters of radiant amethyst crystals that sparkle under the sun, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the land.
The architecture of the Amethyst Empire was a harmonious blend of elegance and functionality. Grand palaces and quaint towns were adorned with intricate designs and shimmering gemstones that seemed to pulse with the very essence of the sea. Buildings constructed from translucent crystal and iridescent stone reflected the kingdom's aquatic theme, with spirals and curves mimicking the flow of water. The capital city, Aquaria, was a magnificent sight, with its floating gardens and cascading waterfalls that plunged into serene pools, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and enchantment.
"Wow...I am sure the girls would love it here. This place is one of the most beautiful places I've seen in forever. It nice to see a Kingdom not corrupted by Darkness's Influence for once," Maliz said softly, marvelling in the presence of a beautiful location.
"It is nice here right? We should visit this place again if we have the time to in the future," I said, following behind and looking around the beautiful city of Aquaria.
At the heart of the kingdom laid the Amethyst Palace, an opulent structure that rose like a jewel from the landscape. Its towers, each shaped like a spiraling conch shell, are topped with luminous orbs that glow softly at night, illuminating the kingdom in a warm, inviting light. The palace was a sanctuary of wisdom and governance, where the ruling Zodiac Princess, said to be a wise and compassionate leader, was said to possess the ability to commune with the sea and its creatures, ensuring harmony between her people and the natural world.
The citizens of the Amethyst Empire were known for their affinity with water magic, often seen weaving spells that enhance their crops or summon gentle rains to sustain the land. They celebrated their connection to the ocean through vibrant festivals filled with music, dance, and elaborate displays of aquatic wonders. The kingdom is also home to an array of fantastical creatures from neighboring Kingdoms: from shimmering merfolk who guard the shores to majestic sea goats that glide through the depths of the Celestial Sea.
"Well, we explored the entirety of the kingdom just about. No sign of Maiken or the Sacred Arms. Time to go back to St. Goken—" Nagini began.
"Halt," A woman spoke behind us, capturing our attentions.
We looked at the woman, and I noticed the same stunning woman I encountered at the springs standing behind her with the same serene expression. Our eyes met once again, her cheeks heating up and forming a small blush.
The woman before us looked like the Zodiac Princess of Aquarius Kingdom, having a captivating and elegant appearance, combining elements of traditional attire with a mystical aura.
She had long, flowing sky blue hair, styled with intricate braids and adorned with floral accessories. The sky blue hair gave her an ethereal and almost otherworldly presence. Her eyes were a striking and vivid amethyst purple with a hint of blue, which stood out prominently and add a sense of depth and mystery to her gaze. She had a fair complexion with a slight blush on her cheeks, enhancing her delicate and refined look.
She is dressed in a traditional-style garment, inspired by a royal kimono, featuring layers and a high collar with intricate patterns. The clothing was adorned with floral and butterfly motifs, which complemented her serene and graceful appearance. She wore elaborate hair ornaments, including flowers and what appeared to be decorative pins, adding to her sophisticated and elegant look.
"You all don't look from around here. My Knight told me she had an encounter with a male weapon lion motifs, so I'm assuming that it's you, punk!" The woman glared, pointing at me with authority. She also noticed the scepter I had in my hand, her suspicions on me growing. "And not only are you a peeping pervert, but also a thief?!"
"Whoa now, my Lab Rat is the furthest thing from perverted and a thief. Yeah he steals the hearts of many women, but he is a respectable young man!" Nagini stepped in, defending me and wrapping her arm around me defensively.
"Then why does he have my Knight's Bearer Staff and how do you explain him gawking at her pure, unclothed figure?!" The Princess scoffed, walking toward me and snatching the ornate staff from my hand.
Maliz's left eye twitched by the blatant disrespect the Princess showed toward me. "All of these snarky, snooty, assholes are starting to get on my nerves. St. Goken is just filled with rude hags like you huh?"
"H-Hag?! I'll have you know, I am as beautiful as the sky islands and the Water Bearer, Althea! I won't have you coming to my kingdom disrespecting me! Especially not by a gothic dressed peasant like you," The woman retorted, eyeing Maliz up and down, sizing her up.
Maliz chuckled darkly with an annoyed smile. "Oh, you really want me to break your stupid face huh?"
I stopped Maliz from stepping forward and the Aquarius Knight stopped her Princess from becoming more amped up more than she was by holding her back. Maliz and the Princess glared at each other then scoffed, turning away from one another. Nagini sighed softly, scratching her cheek with her finger, shaking her head.
"Maliz, you're almost as bad as Ashina, picking fights with someone at the smallest inconvenience," I sighed as I held her back from the Aquarius Princess.
"Lady Aria..! You can't just pick fights and get mad when they fight back..! You started this!" The Aquarius Knight grunted, trying her best to hold Aria back.
"Darling, she's disrespecting your name! I'm not gonna let another woman who woke up with an entire log in her ass try to paint you as the villain!" Maliz scoffed, slowly relaxing in my arms.
"Let me go, Charity! This gothic prick wants a fight, I'll give her one!" Aria grunted, trying to break out of Charity's hold then sighed, finally calming down. "Know what? It's not even worth it...Guards!"
Suddenly, a group of armored knights surrounded me, Maliz, and Nagini, surprising each of us and Charity. I let go of Maliz and she summoned her scepter and looked around at the knights around us. Nagini crossed her arms, tilting her head as she looked around, knowing we weren't going to escape confrontation easily.
"Lady Aria...He didn't—" Charity began, but Aria stopped her by placing a comforting hand on her arm.
"My dear, Charity. It's alright. You don't need to stick up for this creep and his entourage. Let the knights deal with them," Aria said, watching as the Royal Knights inched closer to us.
I rolled my shoulder and sighed softly, my Solar Peridot faintly shining. I noticed it wasn't shining as brightly here and noticed a holographic interface appear in front of me.
[Fire Damage is weakened by 50% due to the Vapors formed within the sky gardens and islands. The Sun can not shine upon you..]
'Hm...a field effect around the kingdom to weaken fire users and strengthen water users huh? Interesting,' I thought, looking at left arm.
I closed my eyes then rose the sleeve of my long coat, revealing my claw rings which began to expand into my Serpent Gauntlet, my Rainbow Fluorite appearing in the orb of the gauntlet and shining brightly.
I transformed into my Ophiuchus Drive, my long coat becoming white robes with a white serpent wrapping around my waist. White Clouds formed around me, showing my mastery of my Ophiuchus Drive. I opened my eyes, my Yaoke forming in my eyes.
"Alright, let's show then what's up," I said, getting into my stance.
Maliz and Nagini prepared themselves for a battle, their gazes focused and ready. The knights rushed toward us and rallied, launching slashes at us at great speeds. The three of us dodged their slashes and rushed forward to engage in the battle.
I glid forward, palm a knight upon his torso, staggering him then landed a double leaping kick, launching myself and the knight in the air. I slammed my fist upon his torso, slamming him down upon the ground, his body bouncing back up from the impact of my strike. I landed on top of him with a powerful stomp, a blast of white lightning crashing down and shocking him.
Maliz swiftly dodged each slash and thrust of the Knight's sword, smirking darkly as she used her dark energy to flip him upon his back then hovered forward with a sweeping kick into a rising uppercut. She trapped the knight in her dark aura, draining his stamina then walked forward, red lightning crackling around her entire body. She delivered a devastating blow to his midsection, causing him to fall onto his knees and holding his stomach.
'The hell..? How are they beating my knights so easily? These are Royal Knights, the best in my front lines..!' Aria thought, biting her lip nervously as she watched us take on her knights.
Nagini swiftly evaded each of the Knight's strikes then got into her Serpent Stance, her stance dropping low. She delivered three swift sweeping kicks to the knights, knocking him off his feet then slashed upward with her claws, trailing green energy behind her then landed a devastating blow to his stomach, knocking him back. A serpent made from her energy rushed toward and struck his neck, causing a small magic explosion.
Charity was in complete awe, her eyes sparkling as she watched is effortlessly take down her fellow knights. Her gaze focused upon me specifically, shimmering with admiration. 'Wow...I've never seen such martial arts of that caliber. They are so amazing..'
After taking down the last Royal Knight, I dusted myself off then reverted to my normal form, my initial attire returning upon my body. I fixed my long coat and looked at Aria. "Are you ready to actually calm down and listen or do I need to show you a thing or two about respect..?"
Aria puffed her cheeks as she stared at me then rolled up her sleeves, walking toward me. She threw a punch at my chest, albeit a weak strike that barely made me budge. "You Lions are always so prideful and it gets on my nerves! You stupid, insufferable beast!"
I watched as Aria wailed weak hits on my chest and looked around at Nagini, Maliz, and Charity. I looked down at Aria and noticed her panting, taking a break from wailing then began her rapid strikes once more. I grabbed her wrist and gently pushed her back. "Listen, we didn't come here to fight. And I definitely didn't steal her Zodiac Weapon. Why would I need to when I have two Zodiac Crystals?"
Aria looked a bit surprised at the fact that I actually pushed her back, her gaze meeting mine with stubbornness and a hint of admiration at the fact that I actually put my hands on her.
"Allow me to formally introduce myself. My name is August Eyica, The Leo and Ophiuchus Zodiac Knight as well as the Leader of the Pride. Standing to the right of my is my Mentor and my mad scientist, Noxius Nagini. To the left is one of my girlfriends, Melinoe Maliz Hades," I said, introducing each of us.
Aria crossed her arms and huffed, turning her nose up. "Why didn't you lead with the fact that you were Zodiac Knights and members of The Pride?"
"You didn't give them the chance, Lady Aria.." Charity said softly, holding her hands together in front of her.
"Hmph! That doesn't explain the reason why he was a Peeping Tom and watching your bare beauty in the Amethyst Springs," Aria scoffed, her gaze meeting mine once more intensely.
"He wasn't being a Peeping Tom either...he just happened to sense my Zodiac Energy and encountered me in a vulnerable state. He never did anything to me...I know he's not the kind of guy to be so lewd.." Charity said softly, a blush settling on her face as she slightly shifted. "But it is the first time a man has ever seen me naked..."
Aria grumbled softly, trying to find any excuse to paint me as the bad guy, but couldn't then let out a sigh. "Alright...you're innocent. I'm sure you came here for a reason so follow me inside the palace. Let's chat."
Charity watched as Aria made her way inside the palace then turned toward us, bowing. "My apologies for Lady Aria. She can be a little headstrong and stubborn but she means well. Please don't mind her strong personality."
"It's alright, I have a headstrong Princess of my own in Peridot Kingdom. I'm sure she and Aria would get along well," I said, smiling at Charity.
Charity softly giggled at my comment, looking at me with a soft blush. "Come inside. I'd love to get to know you three a lot more."
I nodded then looked at Nagini and Maliz, both of them shrugging, not minding another detour. With that, we followed Charity inside the palace to have a chat with Aria in the throne room.