It had been roughly three days since Orianna's revival. Grandma Victoria had quietly informed all of the maids about Orianna during that time, but she didn't tell them the truth of where Orianna came from. She had told them that Jenifer Krell had found her by accident during her most recent assignments off world. It made sense since Jenifer had just gotten back from assessing the progress of the culture on a world at the edges of the Kavros Clan's territory.
During those past three days, Angela, grandma Victoria and a few female other relatives that Maxine didn't even know she had came to visit Orianna to see how she was doing. However, all of her male relatives were all banned from entering her room for the time being. Madam Neshan had cautioned them that since Orianna had a body now that she might have a powerful reaction to the presence of any man, besides Maxwell. Unfortunately she wasn't able to specify what kind of reaction that it would be. She could scream in terror or become extremely violent.
To ensure that Orianna remained at ease, Maxine kept her main body with her at all times, so that both herself and Hellen could be there for Orianna. And through their combined encouragement, Orianna was able to walk properly within two days.
Unfortunately, Maxine wasn't able to find time to spend with Emily due to focusing her efforts to caring for Orianna. Let alone to read the book Turan left her, but when she finally managed to read it's contents, she found it contained all of the variations that the Shadow Lord form can take. However the part describing the appearance of a Shadow Queen or King caused her some concern. It's appeareance was almost identical to her own Shadow Lord form, but thankfully she had never used her Shadow Lord form where anyone could see.
In that section, the book described the many possible abilities of the Shadow Queen/King. Some of them she had like her ability to recreate any kind of essence and others she did not such as the ability to control someone like a puppet through their shadow. However the ability that the Shadow Lords hoped for the most was the ability to summon one of their ancestors that had ascended to a higher plane. It made sense for them to hope for that. It would practically ensure their dominance within this plane of existence if they had a deity stage cultivator leading them. However she found a missing page where it was going to describe what might happen to the summoner once their ancestor was summoned. Yeah, that's suspicious as fuck. I am definitely not going to reveal my Shadow Lord form. Although I may not have that ability, but it's better to be cautious. However, this was clearly not the reason Turan gave her this book, so she continued to read.
She was startled when reached the later half of the book and she found that nearly an eighth of the it was dedicated to identifying and methods of elimination of what they called a Shadow Demon. It was a mutation of the Shadow Lord bloodline triggered by extreme emotional trauma that would normally cause insanity. Is this what happened to Orianna? This mutation forces mana, ki and essence to combine in a single core to create a new form of energy. This new energy is highly unstable, but overwhelmingly powerful. It wasn't very specific on how strong, but it hinted that a Shadow Demon is quite possibly as powerful, if not more, as a Shadow Queen/King. Unfortunately, the unstable nature of this new energy errodes what sanity the Shadow Demon has left and changes them into a vicious and cruel psychopath. What made matters worse is that the mere presence of a Shadow Demon will cause a constant effect similar to dragon fear on anyone possessing the Shadow Lord bloodline. So, she was a Shadow Demon and never will be again as long as I can help it. To do that, I need to keep Maxwell here to ensure that since he has as stabilizing effect on Orianna.
Before Maxine put the book away, a small piece of paper fell out from it. Hmm? What's this? It looks like a message from Turan.
'I only gave you this book to you so hand it to your grandparents. They need to find the developing Shadow Demon within your clan. I would have given it to them myself, but they are more likely to kill me than to listen to anything I have to say. Believe me when I say that this creature does not need your pity and compassion. When you find it, kill it without mercy. For it will not show you any. -Turan.' is what the message said. Turan can go fuck himself. I will not allow him to kill off Orianna. She has suffered enough as it is.
Maxine really didn't like Turan in the first place, but this cinched it. However she still needed to find a reason to keep Maxwell at the Kavros Clan and she knew that she would need to reveal the contents to at least grandma Victoria if she was going to accomplish that task. It was necessary to keep Orianna's mental state stable.
Maxine used her spiritual sense to search the medicinal gardens. Thankfully that place was within range and she was able to find grandma Victoria. She had taken ambassador Sutton there to show off their wealth.
[Grandma, Orianna needs Maxwell to stay,] Maxine said abruptly via spiritual sense.
[Why do you say that? She has been fine so far without him constantly coddling her,] Grandma Victoria answered.
[I found this information in a book that my Shadow Lord observer gave to me,] Maxine said as she sent the information regarding Shadow Demons to grandma Victoria. For a moment, Maxine could sense grandma Victoria's intense concern even from here. However she quickly calmed down.
[Do you think Orianna will become a Shadow Demon?] grandma Victoria asked with an unnatural calm.
[Not as long as she keeps getting better, and that's why we need Maxwell to stay. You saw the stabilizing effect he had on her a few days ago,] Maxine explained.
[How do you suggest we keep him here? Maxwell is one of Earth's best warriors. They are unlikely to agree to a request that he stay for any length of time,] grandma Victoria said.
[Ambassador Sutton would agree in a heartbeat if you told him that Orianna has strong feelings for Maxwell. The prospect of a stronger alliance through the use of the marriage between those two would be too tempting for him to pass up and it would at least get him to stay here for an additional month or two,] Maxine said.
[Hmm, I believe you are right, but how would I explain how Orianna met Maxwell in the first place? We can't simply say that Maxwell was housing Orianna's soul up until a few days ago. He wouldn't believe it. Even Boreas had a hard time accepting it when I told him,] grandma Victoria reasoned. Hmm, good point.
[Just say that Orianna insisted on meeting him after she saw a recording of my match with Maxwell,] Maxine suggested.
[That might work, but it would bring up other questions. However those are easily dealt with. Is there anything else?] grandma Victoria asked.
[Nothing right now, but I will be taking Orianna into your flower garden in thirty minutes or so with Madam Neshan. Keeping her indoors all the time isn't good for her mental health. Is there any chance Maxwell will make an appearance? Orianna has been asking if she could see him,] Maxine said..
[I'll see what I can do, but no promises, Maxine,] grandma Victoria said before gently cut off their spiritual sense connection.
Maxine switched her full focus back to her main body as her clone started to make it's way to Orianna's room. She intended to take Orianna out for a walk with her main body to make her feel more secure on the chance they encountered a man along the way.
Orianna was currently extremely bored while sitting on the bed. There were only so many activites and games that they could do in a room. "Madam Neshan, can we take Orianna for a walk through the botanical gardens a little later?" Maxine asked and saw that Orianna perked up considerably.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
"Of course, a bit of fresh air will do her some good, but as you know, I will have to accompany you two," Madam Neshan said.
"Yay!" Orianna shouted joyously as she energetically bounced out of the bed.
"Before that, we need to make you more presentable," Maxine stated as she looked over Orianna. Her hair was in some disarray and she was wearing a very wrinkled dress. It didn't bother Maxine or Madam Neshan when she was just around them, but it was completely unacceptible for going outside.
Orianna quickly opened up the wardrobe and picked out a dark blue satin dress. After she got it on, Maxine helped her brush and style her hair. Unfortunately, the only thing Maxine knew how to do correctly was a braid, but it didn't feel right ot force Orianna to have the same hair style. Thus she left the majority of Orianna's hair hang loose as she made two small braids that started at Orianna's temples were joined together with a hair tie near the base of her skull. As a finishing touch, she pinned the Kavros clan's symbol on the hair tie. After she was done, Maxine guided Orianna over to a full length mirror to let her see what she looked like.
Maxine saw herself in the mirror just before Orianna did. She was wearing a high necked dark green dress. I really wish I hadn't let Orianna talk me into wearing this damn thing. It makes me feel like a medieval nobleman's daughter and to top it off, I can't use my legs to fight while wearing this without flashing them my panties. Although I have to admit, it looks good on me.
"I look amazing. Thank you," Orianna said after she saw herself in the mirror and hugged Maxine breifly, "When will we be going?"
"As soon as my clone gets here," Maxine answered, "Which should be in a few more seconds." Once her clone arrived, it switched places with Maxine and the three of them went for their walk.
On the way, Hellen came out of her resting state and exclaimed, [Oh, my! The both of you are dressed up quite beautifully. Where are we headed?] I am only wearing this dress because Orianna wanted me to.
[We are going to the botanical gardens for some fresh air and meet up with grandma there,] Maxine answered while keeping Orianna in on the conversation.
"And maybe Maxwell too right?" Orianna chimed in with a hopeful expression on her face. It's a small miracle that she can be positive about anything after the hell that she has been through.
"Yes, he might be there. No promises though. He is one of ambassador Sutton's bodyguards afterall and might not be able to come if the ambassador doesn't," Maxine answered.
"He still might be there though," Orianna said happily with a smile. Her positivity was so infectious that Maxine ended up smiling as well. Even Madam Neshan chuckled lightly.
[It's so good to see you smile, Orianna. You have no idea how much joy it brings me to see it,] Hellen said happily. Orianna opened her mouth to reply, but her mouth froze half way open asher complexion immediately turned pale. The next instant she hid behind Maxine.
Maxine tracked Orianna's line of sight roughly and saw Boreas roughly thirty feet away with a concern written all over his face. God damn it. I can appreciate that he is worried about her, but I was intentionally taking a roundabout route to avoid any men. I didn't account for him hiding from my spiritual sense. I thought grandma told him to stay away from her for the time being. Fucking moron. But still, it seems Madam Neshan was right. Although, I was expecting that she would flip out and scare the shit out of me again instead of this. I am not complaining but still it makes me wonder why she is showing fear.
Maxine gave Boreas an angry glare before turning around to calm Orianna. Madam Neshan was a step ahead of her and was already soothing Orianna, "That's just your grandfather, Orianna. He just wanted to see if you were alright. Nothing more. He isn't going to hurt you."
"Please, make him go away," Orianna begged in a weak voice while trembling.
"He left already when he saw that he upset you," Madam Neshan replid calmly.
"Really?" Orianna asked as she checked over Maxine's shoulder and she seemed to calm down, "Can we keep going to the gardens?"
"Yes, we can. Just know that if Maxwell is there, he may be accompanied by other men," Madam Neshan cautioned, "Are you sure you still want to go?"
"Yes," Orianna asserted. Orianna is either a phenominal actor or her love for Maxwell is overriding her fear.
"Alright," Maxine said and gently took Orianna's hand as Madam Neshan lead the way.
They were far more careful this time and avoided everyone on their way to the botanical gardens. It took them nearly three times as long to get there, but they still managed. It was fortunate that the botanical gardens quite close to the mansion. Otherwise the chances of encountering other people would have risen exponentially.
Once inside, Maxine retracted her spiritual sense. There was no need for it since there were almost no men within the botanical gardens. It was an unspoken rule that men were not allowed unless they were accompanying a woman on a date. However normally such things happened later in the day so Maxine was safe to relax for a while.
Orianna was looking around with wide eyes at the various plants all around them and her eyes finally settled on a blue flower shaped oddly like a teardrop, "What's that flower called?"
"Aqua's Tear," Madam Neshan said.
"It's beautiful. Can I have one in my room?" Orianna asked.
"I'm afraid not, child. Your clan only has three of those flowers within these botanical gardens due to how difficult they are to cultivate," Madam Neshan said.
"Couldn't I just pick one and keep it in my room until it wilts?" Orianna asked.
"You could try, but you would most likely get your hand burnt in the attempt. It's protected by a barrier from all but the insects and small birds that pollenate it," Madam Neshan said, "It is used to preserve the plants in their natural state as much as possible."
"Oh," Orianna said disappointedly and started walking down a path that was lined with various flowering plants and small trees. Maxine and Orianna followed behind her.
Orianna wandered around the botanical gardens for quite some time. Maxine wasn't sure how long she followed Orianna for, but eventually she heard grandma Victoria's voice in the distance slowly approaching them. Orianna had apparently heard her and showed a smile as she started to quickly walk in that direction.
Maxine scanned ahead with her spiritual sense and saw that ambassador Sutton was with grandma Victoria along with all of his bodyguards. She quickly caught up with Orianna and grabbed her shoulder gently to remind her that she was there.
"Now this area has some lovely tropical plants from a planet called 'Tolekan' by it's inhabitants. As you can see, these particular plants have peculiar colorations compared to any other plants within the botanical gardens," grandma Victoria said as she came into sight.
Orianna flinched in fear when she saw ambassador Sutton, but seemed to gain courage when her eyes landed on Maxwell. She appeared to have some internal conflict before she started running to Maxwell. Maxine followed behind Orianna with Madam Neshan beside her.
"Maxwell!" Orianna shouted happily just before she hug tackled him. Maxwell hugged her to his chest happily as Oriana buried her face into his shoulder. Ambassador Sutton looked at her curiously, and did a sudden double take when he noticed Maxine.
"Victoria, is this your other grand daughter, Orianna?" ambassador Sutton asked cautiously after he recovered but he failed to notice that Orianna was trembling slightly in Maxwell's embrace.
"Yes, this is Orianna. I'm actually quite surprised to see her out of her room. She hasn't left it since we found her," grandma Victoria said.
"Since you found her? When was that, if I may ask?" ambassador Sutton asked.
"Quite recently, the place my clansmen found her at was quite far from here by your standards. It was not the most pleasant of places. The things that she witnessed there caused her to be absolutely terrified of men," grandma Victoria said sadly and Maxine finally noticed that Patrick was sweating heavily with his eyes glued to Orianna's figure. Oddly, Meagan was also looking at Orianna nervously. Hmm? I can sort of understand why Patrick is having an issue. He might on some level realize it's the same person that tortured him in the other timeline. But why is Meagan having a similar reaction?
"That is quite unfortunate," Ambassador Sutton said.
"Yes, it is," grandma Victoria said, "And that is the reason that I'm overjoyed that she took such a keen interest in Maxwell. He is likely the key to removing her fear of men altogether. If she had not met him, she may have very well stayed in her room for years before venturing out of it."
"As I told you before, I have to contact Earth before I can authorize Maxwell staying here, but I will do my best to convince my world's leaders of the merits behind that course of action. Now I would love for you to explain to me why this particular plant is purple," ambassdor Sutton said as he walked a short distance away with grandma Victoria. Maxwell and Emily were the only two that stayed behind with Maxine and Madam Neshan.
Orianna appeared to appreciate the fact that the ambassador decided to give her some space as did Maxine. It gave her an opportunity to be near Emily.
Maxine walked up to Emily while smiling, but before she could do anything, Emily gave her a glare before she practically yelled at her via spiritual sense, [Why didn't you tell me that you had a twin sister?!]
[It's not like I didn't want to tell you. I have just been so busy taking care of her that I just couldn't find the time. Do you forgive me?] Maxine said apologetically as she hugged Emily's waist.
[Alright, but you will be telling me all about her later,] Emily insisted and Maxine only nodded her head in assent. Maxine felt the eyes of several people looking at them, but she didn't care if they saw her being intimate with Emily. She just wanted to be next to Emily with her real body for a change.