Daughter of Mother Earth

Chapter Twenty-Four

Just as she finished drying her hair, someone knocked on the door.
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The door opened to reveal the lady from before. She guided Crystal back to Leo, who also looked like he had a shower. His curly black hair was still slightly damp. Cal returned and brought them back to the room with Festus. A few minutes later, Jason and Piper came back with Khione and Zethes.

Once Leo saw Khione, he started combing his hair back.

Khione turned to Jason. "You may have fooled my father, but I am no idiot. Next time, I will have you a statues in the throne room."

Khione turned back to Crystal. "I thought we decided that the dragon would stay in that box."

Crystal nodded. "I recognize that you made a decision, but given that it's a stupid-ass decision, I've elected to ignore it."

Khione's eyes flared pure white. "Careful, I don't forget an insult. Ever." She turned and literally stormed up the stairs. About halfway up, she turned into a blizzard and disappeared.

"Crystal, look you made her mad! Is she mad at me? Man, that was my date to the prom!" Leo looked sad.

"Shut up, Leo." Crystal growled.

Zethes sauntered over to Crystal and lifted her chin. "Be careful, beautiful. The winds between here and Chicago are ill-tempered. There are many other evil things stirring. I wish you would stay, you'd make a pretty ice statue."

Crystal frowned and pulled her chin away. "Thanks, but I'd rather eat my left arm."

Piper stepped up, "Storm winds aren't our worst problem, right?"

"No, something worse, but we can't tell you." Zethes shook his head.

"Let's go guys. We need to get to Chicago." Jason said.

Cal suddenly picked Crystal up from behind and hugged her. He was cold against her back.

"Cal... Can't breathe!" She wheezed.

"Don't get destroyed. You're cool. Next time- hockey. Pizza." He set her down.

"Sure thing, Cal."

"We should get going." Leo glared at Cal and grabbed Crystal's arm.

They climbed back onto Festus and took off. Looking back at the castle, Crystal had a feeling that was the coziest place they'd be at for a while.

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As the city of Quebec got smaller, Crystal relaxed more. Jason and Piper were having a conversation behind her and Leo steered Festus in front of her. He'd been quiet since the small event in the ice room. Crystal reached in his backpack. Pulling out some sandwiches, she passed them to everyone. A special cheese and avocado sandwich for Piper.

Suddenly he said, "You know, I still can't get over Khione. She seemed so pretty and nice."

"Alright, you know what Leo? Snow might be really pretty and sparkly and whatever, but when you are close, it's cold, wet, and nasty," Crystal said. "You have to get over her. If you don't, I swear I will smack you so hard, your pointy ears will fly off your head."

"Alright, fine. I'll just go to prom alone." Leo took a bite of his sandwich, shrugging.

"Don't worry, you'll get a date." Crystal finished off her sandwich, eyes drooping.

Finally, she slumped against Leo, and fell asleep.