= = = = = = = = = Chapter 4 - Kiko stared at Quil, feeling her heart sink as the words set in. "What do you mean, 'the exit is closed'"? Quil sighed and with a pained expression on his face explained, "It means you can't go back anymore. I don't know who you are or where you came from, but you're stuck here." It was numbing at first, then painful, then gradually the feeling of dread washed over her. She felt a deep chill in her bones and her chest. Her vision blurred as the tears rushed out like the rain. Rain? She looked up as best she could and saw that the moon had been completely covered. The small drops flew past her and quickly formed puddles on the ground. "I'm sorry." Who was that? Kiko thought, her head all fuzzy. She couldn't think straight anymore. The overwhelming feeling made her almost tipsy with confusion. Right before she closed her eyes and fainted, she saw a pair of hands reaching towards her and gently touching her forehead. = = = = = = = = Chapter 5 - Quil watched as the girl fell backwards and collapse against the tree. The rain was falling heavier now and the sky let out a rumble in the distance. "I have to help you. So, please accept my discourtesy," He whispered softly and then picked up Kiko in his arms. ............. "Do you have news on the crystals?" "No, my lady." "You do know...you only have 1 moon left, Taimada." "Yes, my lady." "Hurry up. I will not have my patience tested." "Of course, my lady." Taimada stood, then address the queen with a quick bow before leaving the crystal throne room. She looked out the window at the ferocious snow storm. It seemed to be mocking her. "Failed your duties again?" "Shut. Up." Taimada snarled and gripped the sword by her side. "My my my, I'm so scared," the voice laughed, "You know if you attack me, the queen will have your head!" Tai narrowed her eyes, took a deep breath, and turned to her sister. "I don't care that you're the Queen's favorite. I don't care that she'll take you as the next general. And mark my words, when I find the Lapis, she'll praise me for my hard work and you'll be nothing but a pile of ashes." "Ha ha, very funny," Serval snickered, "We'll see about that. By the way, there's intel on the prince." "The prince?" "Yes, him, you idiot," Serval rolled her eyes, "Rumor is that Calypso is having him on border duty now. Isn't that just amusing? And just the other day he caught a strange trespasser on the West Garden. Now, if someone were to take this opportunity to infiltrate the Shades' royal palace, hmmm.. Well doesn't that sound enticing?" Taimada smiled, "Oh, it sure does." "Do spill me the tea after you find that crystal." "Perhaps," Tai shrugged and walked off into the long icy corridor. Serval watched as her sister disappeared into the darkness then laughed to herself, "Once you realize that I've already located the final piece, .... oh just you wait. It'll be such a magnificent show to watch. = = = = = == Chapter 6 - It is quite natural to sometimes dream. To dream is to hope for something great to happen to you, as Kiko once believed. But, this was different. She found herself in the garden once more. The sky was a strange shade of red, almost like... She felt the ground beneath her shake and the shadows scream curses towards her. She ran and ran and ran through the maze, panting and praying for an exit. Too late. The ground collapsed and she fell into the abyss of darkness. "Oh dear, we do have ourselves a nightmare. Are you alright?" Kiko gasped for air as she awoke to a strange scent of herbs and a woman looking down at her with concern. "Who are you?" Kiko demanded as she leapt up and grabbed the pillow to defend herself. The lady stared at her and, much to Kiko's surprise, started to laugh. "I'm Splash," she said, trying to regain her composure, "welcome to my apothecary. I'm actually a nurse, but I've got to make the potions and medicine as well. You must be Kiko. Prince Quil told me to take care of you." "Quil? Whozat?" "Dear, you may want to refer to him as either 'Your majesty' or 'Prince'," Splash said cautiously. "Oh," Kiko looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of that strange boy again. "WAIT, PRINCE?!" = = = = = = = =
I hate Lapis Lazuli so much rn have fun reading words, I'm lazy.