It has been six months since Master Shik’wa began training with Kelsey, Mai and Saige. Master Shik’wa stands across from Kelsey, Mai and Saige, in the backyard, as Gregory is beside Master Shik’wa. “Well I have trained you three in as much short time as I could’ve. Now it will be up to you three to prove yourselves in battle.”, says Master Shik’wa. “Thank you for all you have done for us Master Shik’wa.”, says Mai. The three then bow in respect.
“Oh, you’re quite welcome. And I hope, Saige, that that demon training helped.”, says Master Shik’wa. “I’m sure it has.”, says Saige. The four then leave the shack and wave goodbye to Master Shik’wa as they go. “Goodbye master!”, says Mai. “We won’t forget you!”, says Kelsey. “Goodbye and good luck, you three!”, says Master Shik’wa.
“Wow, six whole months gone by like that.”, says Kelsey. “Yup.”, says Mai. “So next now is Diamante Kingdom.”, says Saige. “Wow, you already got your mind set on that, huh.”, says Mai. “Of course I do.”, says Saige. “Just watch it about how you talk out loud about it.”, says Gregory. “Alright.”, says Saige.
“That reminds me, I found us a way to get to Diamante Kingdom, by the way.”, says Kelsey. “Really? Wow, how?”, asks Gregory. “Just follow me.”, says Kelsey. The rest of the group then follow behind Kelsey. They arrive at Queen Evelin’s palace, which still has a long line infront of it. “This is just Queen Evelin’s palace with the huge ass line. What are you expecting? We just waltz on by everyone?”, asks Saige. “Just follow me.”, says Kelsey. The four sneak to the side of the palace and then Kelsey throws a pebble at a window on the second floor. Tigerlily pops her head out. She then throws down a rope ladder*.
“We’re not sneaking into Queen Evelin’s palace.”, says Gregory. “Don’t worry, she’s totally fine with it. Come on. White Talon, Mai are you coming?”, says Kelsey toward Saige and Mai. The two look at eachother and shrug then start climbing. “You three be careful.”, says Gregory. “Why don’t you come up to Gregory?”, asks Mai. “Yea, Greg. Come on.”, says Saige. “I don’t think I’ll be able to fit through the window. Just go on without me. I’ll keep watch.”, says Gregory. “Alriiight.”, says Mai.
The three climb up and get inside the window. “Nice to meet your troupe, Blue Phoenix.”, says Tigerlily. “Whose Blue Phoe- ooohh.”, says Saige. “Me, of course.”, says Kelsey. A light-skinned middle-aged woman then bursts into the room, sporting short orange hair and a long lime green dress. “Ah, Tigerlily. It seems you have guests.”, says the woman. “Is that Queen Evelin?”, asks Saige. “Yes.”, says Kelsey. “Mom, knock first.”, says Tigerlily. “My apologies dear.”, says Queen Evelin. ““Mom”??”, says Mai and Saige in unison. “That’s what I forgot to tell you guys, Tigerlily is Queen Evelin’s daughter.”, says Kelsey. “Yup, she’s my bundle of joy. Now it’s nice to meet you again Blue Phoenix, but who are these two?”, says Queen Evelin.“They’re friends of mine and of Blue Phoenix.”, answers Tigerlily. “Oh well it’s a pleasure to meet you.”, says Queen Evelin.
“Mom, what’d you come in here for?”, asks Tigerlily. Queen Evelin explains, “Just to check on you. The guards said they saw a group of four approach the side walling and wanted to bring it to my attention. Now, you know how I feel about you bringing around new people, Tigerlily.”
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Tigerlily sighs, then says, “I know mom.” “Would any of you like cookies? Or to join our group yoga session?”, asks Queen Evelin. “Is yoga a food too?”, asks Saige. “No mom, they’re good.”, says Tigerlily. “Oh alright then. Just give me a holler if you change your minds. Have fun with what you’re doing you four.”, says Queen Evelin. Queen Evelin then closes the door behind her. “Wow, she seems very nice.”, says Mai. “Mhm.”, says Kelsey.
“You guys care to explain to me what’s going on? Blue Phoenix, I get this is your troupe, but who exactly are these three people you’ve brought along?”, says Tigerlily. “Sorry, my name is Mai. And this is Saige. And the guy outside is my stepdad, “Gregory””. We’re kinda long time friends with Kel- uh Blue Phoenix.”, says Mai. “Wow, okay then. Well a friend of Blue Phoenix is a friend of mine.”, says Tigerlily. “So, could you tell us, why is there such a long line to your palace? I mean I know you’re royalty, but...”, says Mai, just before getting cut off by Tigerlily. Tigerlily explains, “Oh it’s just a long line of people here to seek enlightenment from my mom. She’s famous across the land for her ability to give soulful advice and to guide people through yoga. So a lot of people line up for that.”.
“Interesting.”, says Mai. “Next thing, hey yo Kelsey.” says Saige. “Ahem, it’s Blue Phoenix.”, says Kelsey. “That’s what I said, “Kelsey”. Where’s this way into Diamante Kingdom you were gonna show us?”, says Saige. “They want to know that!? Blue Phoenix, are you sure they’re worthy to know?”, asks Tigerlily. “Oh they should be plenty. They’re heroes in their own right too. Infact before coming to the Emerald Kingdom, we slayed many demons together.”, says Kelsey.
“Wow. Wild evil demons though, right?”, says Tigerlily. “Of course.”, says Kelsey. “Wooow.”, says Tigerlily. “So you helping us or not?”, asks Saige. “I just wanna know why you want to get into Diamante Kingdom.”, says Tigerlily. Saige and Mai go quiet for a bit, then Mai speaks. “Gregory told us not to tell anyone.”. “Yeah, but they got a way in.”, says Saige. “I don’t know.”, says Mai. “Screw it. A-”, says Saige, just as Mai covers his mouth. “Dumby you can’t reveal that easily. First, Tigerlily...”, says Mai. “Yes?”, asks Tigerlily. “Do you promise not to tell anyone of our plan?”, asks Mai. “Can I tell my team? They’re the ones that help me safeguard this route into Diamante Kingdom.”, says Tigerlily. “How many people are in your team?”, asks Mai. “Seven, if you count myself and Blue Phoenix.”, says Tigerlily.
“Okay. You can tell it to your team, as long as you tell them to keep it secret. Can they keep it secret though?”, says Mai. “Yeah, totally. You can trust them.”, answers Tigerlily. “Okay.. soo...”, says Mai, just before Saige cuts her off. “We’re hunting down Azrael, who’s also my dad, who is hidden in Diamante Kingdom, so we can take him out once and for all.”, says Saige.
“WHAT!?”, shouts Tigerlily. Queen Evelin bursts in and everyone looks with surprise. “What? What’s happening?”, asks Queen Evelin. “N-Nothing mom, we were having a private conversation.”, says Tigerlily. “Ooo, was it gossip? Spill the tea.”, says Queen Evelin. “Out mom!”, says Tigerlily. “Fine.”, says Queen Evelin as she slowly closes back the door behind her. “We’re gonna need to change locations.”, says Tigerlily.
Later on, Gregory, Kelsey, Mai, Saige and Blue Phoenix find themself at the abandoned building connected to the side of a mountain wall. “Okay. Here we are.”, says Tigerlily. “I still can’t believe you told her, including the part about Saige’s family connection.”, says Gregory. “I didn’t, Saige did!”, says Mai. “Pretty much.”, says Saige. “Either way, we need to keep this secret from anyone else.”, says Gregory. “Hey, I’m still telling my group. But don’t worry, they know how to keep a secret.”, says Tigerlily. “Very well. So this way that leads to Diamante Kingdom. Where...”, says Gregory. “It should be right here. Follow me.”, says Tigerlily.
They walk and see a tunnel in the wall, decayed, and leading outward to pitch black darkness. Tigerlily explains the cave. “This way should lead directly to Diamante Kingdom. But be careful, you’ll have to dress warm for it, cause it leads straight to an icy cavern. There’s also a certain route to take or else you’ll get lost. We can guide you through though.”. “This seems perfect. Though getting out may be a problem, we atleast have our way in. Thank you.”, says Gregory. “No problem. Glad to help fellow heroes. We use these ways to smuggle out trapped in Diamante civilians all the time. We could use it to help you get to Azrael.”, says Tigerlily. “Again, can’t thank you enough.”, says Gregory.
