"You heard me... I don't want to rise from the dead anymore. Take a look at the world you are in, young Layla. It isn't a nice place... There's so much war and death going around unlike the place I used to thrive in..."
"You are the Brine King, ruler of the Dead Sea... I don't think living things would affect you that much..."
"It does. You need living things to die. With the balance tilted to only one side, the entire realm will soon meet its extinction. The seas I used to sail on before I became part of the Water Grid were mesmerizing... And fantastic to swim in."
"They used to be as blue as the skies and were so filled with life. But now... Well, there is a reason that I became King of the Dead Sea."
The Dragoon kept quiet as she played with her fingers, not knowing how to respond.
"What was she like?"
"Pardon?"
"What was Vastra like when the two of you met? You sounded as if you knew her from a closer relationship than usual. And from a time before you were the Brine King..."
"That's true... She and I were close friends back then. When normal humans existed."
Layla widened her eyes and leaned forward in excitement.
"Are you truly that old?! Wow... What were they like? Were they giants? Or... Or did they have tails?"
"Calm down... Also, that was highly offensive. But no, the humans weren't giants nor did they have tails. They had our heights when we were in these forms and had no powers."
"No powers? How did they survive? Not even horns or wings?"
"No horns or wings. They survived with what they could, and they didn't live very long. From what I recall, they only lived to be about 70 years on average. Way back, according to some random old book, humans used to live in the hundreds range."
"They seem kinda boring... I thought they would be more fun," complained Layla, pouting.
"Despite all that, they lived happily and almost harmoniously. They found ways to live life to the fullest and surpassed expectations that even the Gods would be confused. And Vastra... Oh, she loved them as if she was Gaia herself. Caring for them like a loving mother."
"She enjoyed her time there as she helped at the local churches and orphanages. Her realm of expertise was well within little children and pregnant women. She used to advise expectant mothers while also playing with the kids."
"She sounds like she would be a very good mother. But I'm confused... Why would such a being be cursed? It doesn't make sense, wasn't her heart pure? I know if I were the ruler, I would've tried everything to help her out of that curse-"
"The ruler and government were the ones who cursed her. She may be a Goddess but she was only a minor God. Compared to the others such as Tiamat or Leviathan, we stand no chance against those forces. And I tried everything I could to stop it."
"Even risking myself to be cursed the same way that Vastra went through. But, my punishment wasn't so severe as compared to her."
The area started to tremble and the clouds above the dupo started to darken, similar to how it was when Layla asked the same question. The Dragoon took a deep breath and steadied herself. She knew that she had to get more information about Arakaali.
"Despite whatever she did... Despite the blood that she has shed, you still respect her as a Goddess. What could she have done to warrant such a horrid punishment?" asked Layla, looking at the Brine King's sorrowful face.
The King internally freaked out as he finally saw the Dragoon's expression. For the whole conversation, he barely saw Layla since he feared looking at females. Even in life, he was never good with the opposite sex.
But now, the Brine King found himself staring at the girl with shocked eyes.
"Did I offend you? Maybe I have gone too far... I'm sorry and understand if you don't want to answer my question," apologized Layla, glancing away from the Brine King's gaze.
"No... It's just that you remind me of her... Of Vastra. The same young look filled with hope and joy. Adventure and life. As for your question, it wasn't too far. You are going up against her as an enemy. I don't expect you to feel pity for this version of Arakaali."
"And maybe it would be better for you to view her as an enemy and not let your emotions cloud your judgment. If you hesitate against her, at how powerful and uncontrolled she is now, you will die in her hands like how many others fell victim."