Queen of Darkness WATTPAD VERSION [Inter-Universal Protectors: Book 3]

75

"Oh, this is bad," Ema said, running her hands through her hair. "We've lost our most powerful fighter." She stopped in her pacing to turn to Xix. "No offence, girl, but she is far stronger than you."

Xix narrowed her eyes. "Thank you for that." She pushed to her feet, brushing wet dirt from her knees. "We have to go after them." 

"How?" Ema waved a hand at the lake. "We can't breathe underwater!"

A throat was cleared from behind. The two women faced Kayla who waved shyly. "I can."

Ema blinked. "Oh. Right."

"You can't go alone," Jay said. "I'm coming too." 

Kayla shook her head.

"Why not?"

"Because you are a better land fighter," she said. "Besides, I have a feeling Xix is the one who needs to come with me for this."

Jay glanced between the two women. "Are you sure."

"I am."

He sighed. "Alright." Jay unclasped a pendant from around his neck and handed it to Xix. "This lets you breathe underwater."

"Thank you," she said, putting it on. "Okay, we will be back as soon as we can. Look after the others." Xix turned to the Terpolite man. "Keep an eye on him."

* * * * * * * * 

Underwater was more impressive than expected. The crystal-embedded black stone continued, the crystals causing a faint white light to light the water. Multicoloured corals swayed here and there on an unseen current. Fish of different sizes, shapes, and colours darted around, spooked by the unforeseen intruders. A single pathway led deeper into the cave. It was this path Kayla and Xix followed.

"I can feel a strong energy ahead," Xix said.

Kayla nodded. "I will follow you - oh."

They stopped at a fork in the path.

Xix looked between the two. "This one." She swam to the right. 

As they continued down the path, more passages appeared, splitting off the main one. They stopped at a dead end. 

"I do believe we are in a labyrinth," Kayla said, turning around.

Xix hummed in thought. "That's problematic." She tapped the wall. "The energy signal is coming from this direction."

"Then we find another path going that way."

"And hope we don't get trapped," Xix said to herself, pushing off the wall to follow Kayla.

The pair reached many dead ends, having to turn around each time to find a path leading to what they presumed was the centre of the labyrinth. It seemed to go on forever. Each time the two believed they had found the correct path, it would split or twist and turn until they realised they were going around in circles. After what felt like hours, Xix had had enough.

"This is ridiculous," she growled, reaching what must have been the millionth dead end. 

Kayla floated beside her. "Are we any close than we were?"

"Yes."

"That is something, yes?" Kayla retreated slightly until reaching a path to the left. "Let's try this one."

Xix sighed. "Fine. But I doubt it will lead anywhere."

* * * * * * * *

It was when they reached the end of the pathway when Xix realised something. Never had she been so wrong in her entire life. They had reached the centre of the maze. Her body positively hummed with energy. Xix followed the feeling as Kayla waited on a stone at the centre of the chamber, blue-green tail swaying idly in the light current. 

Xix swum around the outskirts of the chamber, hand running along the rough stone. She stopped at the furthest side, feeling something loose. She plucked a stone from the wall, turning it over in her hand. It was covered with engravings in the Old Language. Yes, this must be what she was feeling. Her power was dancing from this stone. 

Xix clutched it in her hand. "Okay, we can go now." She spun around and grimaced. "Ah. Perhaps not."

The three Light Eaters hovered at the entrance to the chamber like dark wraiths. Kayla swum to Xix's side, the Terpolite woman moving backward as she held the stone to her chest. It hummed in her hand. She glanced down, finding a faint red glow radiating off it. The Light Eaters moved stalked closer. The glow intensified. 

Oh!

Xix lowered her voice. "How fast can you swim?"

Kayla gave her an amused smile. "I am Zer. We are one of the fastest species."

"Even if you have to pull someone else with you?"

Her emerald eyes widened. "Oh. I see." Kayla nodded.. "That I can do. Be sure to hold on."

"Believe me. I will."  Xix eyes the Light Eaters prowling before thing. "Just don't go extremely fast until I say so."

"What about the maze?"

"Don't worry about that. I have a theory."

"And if you are wrong?"

Xix bit her lip. "I guess we will have to cross that bridge when we get to it."

Kayla let out an amused sound. "You are definitely Amneris' sister."

"I'm choosing to take that as a compliment. Get ready."

Together, they swum forward. The Light Eaters followed each movement with ease, their focus completely on the pair. Xix came to a stop barely a metre away from them, Kayla hovering behind her.

Xix addressed the creatures. "I know you are only doing your job, and I mean you no harm. But you have stolen the light of my friends. I would like it back."

The Light Eaters stopped pacing, listening to every word. 

"I have a feeling you will not give it up willingly. Please, if I am wrong, just give it back so we can leave you in peace. No one has to get hurt."

One, no doubt the leader, lowered its head, assessing her. Its eyes appeared to rest on her bracelet. It turned back to the others with a low growl. They too stared at the bracelet. Something in their eyes darkened.

Naka's voice flashed through her mind. I know what you're tryin' to do, chickie babe. It won't work. 

Oh, so now you want to help, Xix shot back.

Now, now. Can't let anything happen to my new Guardian. Come on. It'll be fun.

I'm a not letting you possess me. I have a plan.

He laughed, the sound strangely filled with joy. Yeah, yeah. I saw. I can read your thoughts, you know.

Xix grimaced. "Now he tells me," she muttered. 

She could practically see his sly smile. You know what the stone is but not how it works. I do. Your friend can still help us escape. I am merely . . . offering some assistance. You are yet to learn how to channel my power. That will take time. If I use my power for you, you can help your friends right now. Sounds good, eh?

What's the catch? Xix asked, eyeing the Light Bringers. Yes, they definitely would not give up the power without a fight. 

No catch, he said sweetly. 

Xix sighed. "Something very strange is about to happen," she said to Kayla without turning around. "I'm not entirely sure how it will end, but when I say to get us out of here, you have to get us out of here, no matter how weird I act."

"I trust you," Kayla said. 

"Famous last words." Xix took a deep breath. "Okay," she said, knowing full well Naka could hear her. "Do it."

The God grinned as he spoke. Your wish is my command, dear Guardian.

As his power filled her body, Xix groaned, "I am so going to regret this later." 

She erupted in an explosion shadow.