Queen of the zodiac ( zodiac city duology #1) [ undergoing revamping]

The zodiac city

The elders council meeting

The grand chamber of the Zodiac Elders echoed with hushed voices and contemplative murmurs as they gathered to discuss the recent passing of Queen Charine. In this magnificent hall adorned with symbols representing each zodiac sign, the somber mood weighed heavily on their shoulders.

Elder maxinda , a stalwart guardian of tradition, spoke first, his voice a deep rumble. "The passing of Queen Charine is a grave matter, not only for our city but for the world as well. Her rule and the concept of 'royals' have kept the flames of war at bay for over two centuries."

Elder Selene, the custodian of ancient wisdom, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, she introduced the 'royals' to ensure a lasting peace among us, With her gone, the foundation of our society can crumble, and the old animosities can resurface."

Elder Lyra interjected thoughtfully. "We must tread carefully. We have evidence suggesting that Queen Charine's demise was at the hands of the descendants themselves. We cannot reveal this to the people, for it would incite fear and unrest."

The council members exchanged grave looks, acknowledging the weight of their decision. Just as Elder Lyra ended her sentence, the chamber's massive wooden doors swung open with a resounding crash. Rayla, her vibrant purple hair cascading around her shoulders, stormed in with her close friend Michael by her side.

"The people deserve to know!" Rayla exclaimed, her voice echoing off the chamber's high ceilings. "They deserve to know the threats we face. If the descendants were able to take down the Queen of the Zodiac, how much more vulnerable are we?"

Michael added his voice to the protest. "Are we going to pretend not to notice the 'accidental' deaths of past royals? This secrecy is tearing our society apart."

The elders frowned at the young duo, their faces etched with concern. Elder Zephyr, the composed leader of the council, finally spoke. "Children, we granted you the privilege of participating in our meetings to consider the students' opinions. But do not forget your place or the trust we have placed in you. Do not make us regret it."

Amid the tension, one elder raised a crucial point. "What options do we have to choose the next queen? Queen Charine had no heir, and her ruby chain was lost to the Air Clan over 150 years ago."

Another elder sighed deeply, running a hand through their graying hair. "That's why I summoned the oracle."

In that moment, as if summoned by the very mention of his name, the oracle emerged from the shadows. He was a short, wrinkled man, yet his eyes held a profound wisdom that betrayed his appearance.

As the elders and students of the Zodiac City Council gathered in the grand chamber, a heavy atmosphere of uncertainty and foreboding settled over them. The short, wrinkled oracle, whose name was known to none, stepped forward. His voice, though fragile, carried an undeniable weight of authority.

"The fate of our Zodiac City," the oracle began, "now rests upon a path divined by the stars themselves. The late Queen Charine foresaw the possibility of her own passing without an heir and having lost the ruby chain of appointment to the air clan 150 years ago, the Gods and goddesses have taken this into their own hands

"Oshee naa nyumo ogbei le he atse " the elders chorused bowing down to the mention of their supreme beings

He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in. The council members leaned forward, their eyes fixed on the oracle as they hung on his every word.

"The next queen," the oracle continued, "will not be chosen through mere lineage or appointment. The stars have decreed that she shall rise through a battle, a contest of strength, wit, and character."

Elder Selene furrowed her brow, seeking clarification. "A battle, you say? But, oracle, how can we pit our own against each other in such a manner? It goes against the very essence of the peace that Queen Charine sought to maintain."

The oracle's eyes twinkled with an eerie luminescence as he replied, "Indeed, Elder Selene, it is an unsettling path. But the stars have deemed it necessary. This battle shall not be one of death. Just defeat using the elementals.

He raised a withered hand, and in the air, constellations appeared, forming a celestial circle above their heads. Each sign began to shine, their light illuminating the chamber.

"The queen shall be chosen from among five candidates," the oracle declared. "Grade 1 royals of the Zodiac Academy, Grade 2 gerists of the Zodiac Academy, Grade 2 royals of the Zodiac Academy, Grade 3 of the Original High, and Grade 4 of the Original High."

"The original high?" Then elders exclaimed "thats just a normal school. Their teachings and curriculum don't match with ours"

"Do you dare question the heavens?"

The council members exchanged thoughtful glances, realizing the magnitude of the prophecy.

"Because of the upper hand the royals have on both gerists and original high. They are not to use their extra powers except when battling with themselves "

The oracle concluded, "The battle shall be fair and just, guided by the principles of our zodiac signs. Each candidate will be tested, and the stars themselves shall choose the one who is most worthy. But remember, should you forsake this path, the fragile peace Queen Charine built will crumble, and the anti-peace revolution may thrust our world into chaos."

As the constellations above them dimmed, the council members nodded in solemn agreement understanding the gravity of the oracle's words. They agreed to conceal the true nature of Queen Charine's passing from the people, opting for a narrative that would not incite panic but allow the city to mourn their beloved queen's natural death.

As they departed the chamber, the council members knew that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges. The prophecy of a battle for the throne hung over their heads, and the destiny of the Zodiac City rested in the hands of the next queen who would emerge victorious from this unprecedented conflict.