Guardian Of Ancient Wood

Chapter 60

 Queen Guaya wore a flowing dress that mirrored the serene blue of the phosphorescent water, creating an otherworldly aura around her. The fabric seemed to dance with the rhythm of the cave's enchanting glow, emphasizing the ethereal nature of the surroundings. With each step, Queen Guaya moved gracefully, as if she were gliding on water or soaring through the air. Her movements were fluid and deliberate, showcasing the elegance befitting a queen. The hem of her dress trailed behind her, leaving a subtle trail of luminescence in its wake.

Queen Guaya's presence exuded authority, yet there was also a softness to her demeanor, hinting at a more maternal aspect. Her eyes, a deep and thoughtful blue, reflected wisdom and a sense of responsibility. As she approached Blaze and Furie, the cave's phosphorescence played upon her features, creating an almost mystical aura around the Guardian queen.

Queen Guaya stood before Furie and Blaze with a calm demeanor, her eyes reflecting a mixture of sincerity and regret. She greeted them with a simple, "Hello daughters," a term that irked Furie and fueled her resentment towards the queen who had never played a motherly role in their lives. Furie couldn't hide her displeasure, and her eyes rolled at the mention of "daughters." Guaya, however, seemed unfazed by Furie's visible disdain. Instead, she acknowledged the importance of their meeting, saying, "Thank you for meeting me here. I really wanted to talk with you two."

Blaze, clearly holding on to the anger and hurt of being abandoned, raised a hand in a dismissive gesture and furrowed her eyebrows. "You don't need to act like a Queen here. You are nothing to us, Guaya. Abandoning us at birth has made you the villain." The atmosphere in the phosphorescent cave crackled with tension as the three women confronted their complicated past. Guaya's expression shifted between remorse and determination, realizing the magnitude of the emotions she had to navigate.

Guaya, her regal composure holding firm, acknowledged Blaze's resentment with a measured nod. "I understand your feelings, Blaze. And you're right, I owe you the truth." Furie, though harboring her own anger, saw an opportunity to unravel the mysteries of her past. She interjected, "Then tell us about our origins. Who is our biological father?" The Queen hesitated, a momentary flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. "Your father is a Guardian—a powerful one. His name is Ignatius, the Fire Guardian."

Blaze and Furie exchanged glances, the revelation sinking in. Furie felt a mixture of surprise and curiosity, while Blaze's features contorted with a fresh wave of emotions. "Ignatius," Furie repeated the name as she tried to process the information.

Guaya continued, her tone softening as she delved into a painful chapter. "Ignatius and I, we were once close. But circumstances and responsibilities led us down different paths. I couldn't keep you in the Guardian world; it was too dangerous, and I feared for your safety."

Blaze, unyielding in her quest for truth, demanded, "Why didn't you tell us this before? Why keep it a secret?" Guaya sighed, her eyes reflecting the weight of her decisions. "I thought it would protect you. I thought keeping you away from Guardians would protect the three of us." She could only acknowledge how wrong she had been. "But I see now that the truth is necessary. I want you both to understand that despite the choices I made, my love for you was never in question."

Furie's expression softened slightly, but she couldn't let go of all her resentment. "Where is he now?" Guaya met Furie's gaze with a mix of regret and determination. "I have no idea. He left me when I told him my decision and how giving you two away was the best. He disagreed with me." Furies and Blaze were both glad that one of their parents was not totally awful. But Guaya's revelation left Furie and Blaze in a state of disbelief. Where was their father?

Then the Queen suggested that they could try to contact him, if they wanted to. Now, they had their father's name so they could send him a message sphere. The idea of having the opportunity to connect with their elusive father stirred both excitement and trepidation within them. Furie, ever curious, asked, "Do you really think he'll respond to us if we try to contact him?" Guaya nodded, her demeanor earnest. "Ignatius has always been a mysterious figure, even to me. But perhaps, as his daughters, you might have a chance to reach him. I believe he cares deeply for both of you."

Blaze, still grappling with the whirlwind of emotions, questioned Guaya's sudden willingness to facilitate this connection. "Why help us now? What's in it for you?" The Queen's gaze carried a mix of regret and sincerity. "I want you to be prepared for the challenges ahead. The Guardian World needs our support, and not our vain dispute. The Duel prophecy can wait for now."

Furie exchanged a glance with Blaze, and despite their reservations, a shared determination flickered in their eyes. "What challenges are you talking about?" Furie inquired.

Guaya retrieved a small, ornate crystal from the folds of her dress. "This crystal holds some unique knowledge. I have been trying to find out the mystery behind the shadow creatures and the increase of their attacks. My crystal has not been very clear, but what I understand is that more is coming." The sisters took the crystal, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly glow. Guaya's parting words were a mix of caution and hope. "Be careful, my daughters. The path we are embarking on is not an easy one, but we have the strength to face it -for our world."

The Queen just finished her sentence, when noise was coming from one of the tunnels in the cave. The three women faced toward the sound of the steps and could notice how there were more than one person coming toward them. Who were they?