[ This chapter may contain familiar content. But don't ignore it. It's necessary for you, the plot and characters included...]
"Alright, alright, this is what happened..."
Queen Lysandra leaned forward, her tone growing somber.
"The Land of Qush was once a peaceful, beautiful place where the five tribes lived in harmony. That was, of course, until the Aerithians arrived. They wanted to exploit our resources, claiming to bring 'progress,' but we refused. I personally drove them away, and trust me, they didn't leave quietly."
"You did?" Ella asked, her curiosity evident as she propped herself up on the bed.
"Yes," Lysandra said with a faint smile. "On luminous golden wings, wielding light lasers, arrows, and sunburst spears."
"Sounds amazing! Like a battle angel," Ella said in awe.
Billy grinned. "I can picture it."
Lysandra waved them off with a small laugh, her chair swaying gently. "Battle angel? That's far too generous. But yes, I succeeded... only to return and find that they had left behind something far more dangerous than their armies."
Ella leaned closer. "And what was that?"
Lysandra's eyes met Billy's, and her gaze lingered. "A question," she said.
Ella frowned, confused. "A question?"
Billy answered for her. "The question that tore the land apart: 'Who among you(the 5 tribes)is the strongest?'"Ella only stared between them questioningly. 'Billy knows what she's talking about and I don't know...'
"Exactly." Lysandra smiled proudly at Billy before turning to Ella. "That single question planted seeds of jealousy, pride, and greed. The tribes began to fight each other, each claiming superiority. My tribe, the Ulthar, was the strongest... until the Inaru tribe discovered the...."
"" Dark Orb....mom how's that connected to Ella and my powers?" Billy asked standing up.
Queen Lysandra gazed at his seat which started glowing and pulling him like a magnet. He looked back and realized the effect. He tried to resist at first.
" Patience Prince Billy, I'm not sure Ella's mother narrated to her anything." Lysandra softly and assuring.
Billy eventually sat and turned to Ella. " Did she?"
" She only narrated to us about hating the king's favorite son and how to eradicate 'competition'," Ella answered resting on her back on the bed.
Billy took time to understand her and then turned to his mother nodding.
"Okay.The Inaru tribe, upon realizing the dark influence of the orb, sealed it away in a Stone Box, buried deep within a fortified chamber. But the orb was really cunning. It called upon someone strong and ambitious enough to rescue it and wield it's dark power." Lysandra said and then paused.
"Who?" Ella asked.
"Dashara," Lysandra replied. "The most formidable leader of the Eresh tribe. She became invincible, wielding the orb's power, but at a great cost. It corrupted her, turning her into a monster. She destroyed countless lives, including many from my own tribe. She was a common enemy, so the 4 remaining tribes joined forces and successfully banished her to nothingness along her dark tribe."
Ella's brow furrowed. "" Da...shara... that name sounds familiar to me."
Lysandra nodded knowingly. "It should. Her story lingers, even in whispers. And during that final battle, it was when I met him... and later, her."
"You mean... Dad and Mom?" Ella asked hesitantly.
"Yes, but separately. One at a time."
Before she could continue, the door burst open. Catherine, the maidservant, entered, her posture stiff and voice urgent.
"My Queen," she said, bowing deeply.
Lysandra rose from her seat, cheerful despite the interruption. "Catherine! It's good to see you."
"It's my pleasure too seeing alright, Your Highness," Catherine replied, straightening up.
" So, what's up Kate?" She asked.
"Two men are waiting to see you. They said it's urgent."
Lysandra's expression darkened slightly as she nodded. "Lead the way." She turned back to Billy and Ella. "I'll be back shortly, children."
She then rose and left, her story hanging in their minds. Billy sighed in disappointment.
" What does the story has to do with me?" Ella asked.
" She told me that you are connected to my powers, somehow," Billy answered.
" That means... I might awaken my powers like you?" Ella asked with enthusiasm.
" Well, I am not sure. But...I hope so," he replied and she looked away with a smile.
---
Meanwhile, in the Dark Forest...
Kai and Elara walked cautiously beneath the towering trees. The air felt different here—calm yet unnervingly still. One particular tree caught their attention. It was massive, its ancient roots twisted into an arch that framed the entrance to an ominous tunnel.
"Something feels off," Elara murmured." What do you think Kai?"
"Beautiful,serene, special and unique. I think we should establish our kingdom here once we're done, don't you think so?"
Elara gave him a sidelong glance. "Maybe. But I think this place is like this for a reason."
"Or maybe it's an illusion," Kai said thoughtfully, his tone skeptical.
Before they could debate further, the Dark Orb materialized above them, crackling with purple lightning around it.
{"And here we are, my friends,"} the orb said, its voice strangely cheerful. {"I can sense... the other me. Just beyond that tunnel. Are you ready to face what lies ahead?"}
The orb floated toward the cave entrance, its glow illuminating the pitch-black interior before disappearing into the darkness.
Elara teleported to the entrance, her expression unreadable. "Looks like we're in for more adventure, son."
Kai hesitated, glancing back at the forest before following her. "Yeah. A scary one this time."
As they stepped into the tunnel, the forest behind them faded, and the air grew cold. The faint light of the orb guided their path as they ventured deeper into the unknown.
---
Thanks for making it this far.
To be Continued...