BOOK 1 - Destiny (Shonen Anime Style)

Chapter 25: Queen Mara

Ravi, Leah and their respective ghosts were guided by Petra and some other awoken guards to the highest part of the Vestian Outpost. There, they found another building: the queen's palace. Though more than a palace it looked like yet another dungeon.

After following Petra around the place, they finally reached one last door. "Queen Mara's chamber is just past here. Don't make her wait" the awoken guard claimed as Ravi and Leah tensed up and gulped. Though, they now at least knew the queen's real name: Mara.

At any rate, behind the door lied the throne room. Though more than a throne room it seemed more like a prison cell. An old and crappy room with another hole at the very back from where the purplish light of space could come in. There was a path/bridge that led straight towards the throne, but beneath all of that there was a pit filled with spikes.

'This place is... so weird' Leah thought with a bit of uneasiness.

As they finally stepped in front of the throne, they noticed an awoken man standing right next to it. He had short black hair with some hair bangs covering one of his yellowish eyes. He was wearing dark pants, boots, gloves, a black long cape, and a long-sleeved shirt with many accessories... like a chest plate, and a belt for many weapons and gadgets.

"We are here, your highness" Petra said in an extremely well-mannered way.

"The queen doesn't have time to deal with these... pests..." the awoken man claimed while staring at Ravi and Leah with disgust. Something that annoyed both of them.

"These... pests... just helped us caught one of the most wanted criminals in the Reef, Uldren" Petra then replied with defiance. "Besides, I wasn't talking to you"

The awoken man called Uldren took a step forward and stared directly at Petra's eyes. "You better watch your mouth when talking to me, Petra Venj. Don't forget I'm your prince, which means you are under my leadership too"

"The only leadership I follow... is your sister's, queen Mara"

After such amazing display of conflict from both the awoken guard and the awoken prince, there was an uncomfortable silence that suddenly took over the atmosphere for many seconds, until finally... some other person intervened out of nowhere.

"That's enough, Uldren" an unknown female and soft voice said.

Then, the owner of such voice showed herself from behind the throne and stepped up front. She was a very beautiful awoken woman with white bright hair to the base of her neck, and light-blue pretty eyes, who was wearing a skin tight purple and dark brown suit. Though this one looked more modern and... royal... than the one Petra and the other guards were wearing. There was no doubt... That was queen Mara.

"You are going to scare my guests" Mara continued while leaning on the back of her throne. "Petra, you can leave now"

"As you wish, my queen" Petra replied and did as she was told.

Now... Ravi, Leah and their respective ghosts were alone in the throne room with the awoken queen herself and her brother. The tension could be felt in the air.

"Okay then..." queen Mara began with a smirk as she took a seat. "What brings you to the Reef, voyagers?"

Ravi and Leah looked at each other and nodded. It was now or never... It was time to learn as much as they could about the Black Garden and where to find it.

"Go ahead. Tell me why you are here" queen Mara asked once more as Ravi and Leah kept on thinking hard about where to begin. "Oh... I'm so sorry... That's not the proper way to start a conversation, is it?"