Coldsnap: Harbinger of Ice

Chapter 50: Shifting Tides

While Coldsnap ventured to Earth to meet with Dr. Duncan Drevis and obtain her upgraded outfit, Keena returned to the Tidal Throne and greeted Hydraxus. She approached him cordially, maintaining the illusion of normality. However, she had other plans for him.

"Good afternoon, Master," she said. "Do you have another lesson for me?"

"None right now; for the moment, we can afford to get lax. We saved the planet; I'd say it's time to relax. A week ago, you showed valor, undertaking no small feat; getting to see you in action was really quite a treat. To that end, the others and I are just glad you're okay......for we have waited long for this fateful day."

"So I'm free to go on a date with Coldsnap?" Keena asked excitedly.

"There is one thing that's left; the table's already set; I've arranged to throw a party.....it will be the most fun yet! It will be later tonight; won't you join us for a while? After all, out of everyone, you've gone the extra mile."

The water mage grinned. Of course she couldn't say no to a party; lively, energetic environments were always her forte. Plus, it would be the perfect opportunity for her to enact her plan. No longer would she continue to be a simple Mage Aspect like the others; she would become a Sect Leader, just like Coldsnap and Firebird before her. All that remained was to get rid of the last obstacle in her path.

"Of course, Master," Keena replied. "What time will it be?"

"7:00PM ERT on the dot; I highly suggest that you give it some thought."

Without hesitation, she agreed, taking care to ask one more question to make sure her scheme would fall into place perfectly. "I'll be there. If you don't mind me asking.....what will be served?"

"I would much prefer to keep that surprise on the shelf; but you're free to head to the kitchen and see for yourself. I've taken much inspiration from Earth's diverse fare; it'll definitely peg your taste buds.....oh yes, this I swear!"

"Oh, is that so.....? Well.....I guess I'll go check it out, then. I suppose I can stay for a while.....then I'll go hang out with Coldsnap. See you tonight, Master!" Keena said as she made for the kitchen.

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Once she entered the two rectangular double doors with circular glass windows, Keena was greeted with the sight of several Water Sect chefs hard at work putting together the food for the party. From where she stood, she could spot at least two chocolate fountains, several plates of stacked sandwiches, a large, elegant-looking shrimp platter with a big tub of dip in the middle, and three tall pots on stoves near the left wall, each one filled to the brim with water and a different variety of pasta.

Once the workers caught sight of her, however, they immediately stopped what they were doing and addressed her politely. "Good afternoon, Keena," one of them said. "What brings you here?"

"Hydraxus gave me the opportunity to come back here and see what you all are up to," she explained. "So far, it's looking pretty good; keep up the good work, you guys!"

"Thank you," the head chef replied. "We do our best to bring a very Earthly feel to every dish we design; hearing such positivity from someone so close to Hydraxus brings us great motivation indeed."

"No problem! But......there is something in particular I was hoping to see," Keena continued.

"Definitely, young lady. What might that be?"