Four hours later they ascended above the clouds and a sight of awe greeted them, a colossal black castle with towering spires perched on a massive black platform suspended in the air. Sun rays pierced through the darkness reminiscent of Bran Castle infamous as Count Dracula's abode but with an even darker ambiance. Black-winged lizards and large bats soared through the skies momentarily causing Lily to mistake them for vampires before realizing their true nature. Around the palace small houses dotted the landscape inhabited by individuals with small black wings. Their features included black hair, pale skin and piercing red eyes yet they donned ordinary attire like humans. Touching down at the castle gate they were met by guards who greeted them with respectful bows.
Eco shrinking in size addressed the guards ‘Is Queen Carmilla present?’
The guards nodded and the one on the right replied, ‘Please wait a moment.’
Patience rewarded them as a young man dressed in black butler attire complete with polished patent leather shoes approached. His appearance exuded an eerie charm sporting vampire fang and a black suit with a high vampire-like collar. His short black hair, red eyes and pallid complexion resembled that of a corpse.
‘It is an honor to have you as our esteemed guest.’ he spoke directing his attention towards Eco.
Eco nodded in response and flew ahead, leading the way into the castle. Lily couldn't help but wonder about Eco's identity. Though he shared a name with the man who had once employed the bird as a familiar their personalities and characteristics differed significantly leading her to conclude that they were not the same person.
As they traversed through a labyrinth of halls, chambers and expansive rooms they eventually found themselves in a long dimly lit corridor. On the walls hung posters featuring faces that bore a striking resemblance to wanted posters.
Intrigued Lily inquired about their identities asking, ‘Who are these individuals?’
‘They are those who have passed away within our clan’ the man explained.
In a moment of serendipity Lily's gaze fell upon a poster showcasing the face of a young girl she recognized.
The girl aged around 14 or 15 possessed short lustrous hair and adorned numerous piercings. Her pale skin and heavy eye makeup completed her distinctive appearance.
She immediately recognized the familiar piercings and felt a pang in her heart.
An inexplicable weight and pressure settled upon her chest prompting her to instinctively clutch it. The others too halted in their tracks, their eyes fixed upon the poster.
‘Do you know her?’ the man inquired sensing their reaction.
Lily still processing the revelation about the girl on the poster felt Celestia's reassuring grip on her left hand. Celestia stepped forward explaining to the man the circumstances surrounding Lily and her sister's journey and how the portal had brought them to this world.
Sighing the man shared that the girl on the poster had committed grievous deeds and had led others astray resulting in her expulsion from the clan. Despite her banishment her bloodline still connected her to the family and thus her image remained on the wall.
‘I understand why you've come’ he said casting his gaze upon Lily who nodded in response.
They continued their way until they arrived in a grand hall dominated by a tall black throne. Seated upon it was a woman exuding an air of elegance and authority. Her pale complexion, slender frame and long black hair along with her red eyes and small black wings characterized her as Carmilla. As they entered all present bowed before her and the man introduced Lily and her companions.
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Carmilla regarded Lily with eyes filled with sorrow and expressed her condolences acknowledging the loss Lily had endured due to someone from her clan.
Lily swiftly apologized, ‘I am sorry for annihilating your city in my rage.’
Carmilla shook her head gently ‘We both bear responsibility. I had believed I had control over my clan unaware of their infiltration into your world. By the time I discovered the truth it was too late. She was banished long ago and has since passed away.’
Lily placed her hand over her heart feeling the prickling sensation dissipate and she smiled. The tension between them seemed to dissolve as they mutually apologized to one another. Invited for coffee, Lily and her companions accepted graciously led to a spacious living room offering breathtaking views through tall glass windows overlooking the city.
Vampire Queen had revoked the bounty on your head.
However, her concern for the bounty had diminished now that they had reconciled and found common ground. As they sat and ate in peaceful silence Carmilla suddenly spoke up revealing a request she had in mind.
Lily nodded, taking a bite of a delectable white cake with a hint of vanilla.
In a swift motion Carmilla produced a note hastily jotting something down before passing it to Lily. Reading the note attentively Lily's expression grew more focused.
‘The system is listening,’ she affirmed and with that she retrieved a red stone stating, ‘you can speak freely now.’
Lily listened attentively as Carmilla expressed her concern for her scattered people and requested Lily's help in locating them. Lily readily agreed, addressing Carmilla as her Queen, and informing her about the other quests she had received from various powerful individuals.
Carmilla clarified that her request was not a quest assigned by the system but rather a personal plea.
She, like everyone else had been captured by the system and was forced to flee her world when the portal emerged. She had taken it upon herself to save her people.
Lily couldn't help but wonder if Carmilla's people would accept her assistance. To gain insights she turned to Aaron Arba and Jun De seeking their opinions on the matter.
Jun De replied, ‘You emit a strong spiritual flow which animals are naturally drawn to.’
Arba added ‘We all carry secrets within us that are yet to be unraveled.’
Aaron wearing a serious expression disclosed ‘In truth there's something I need to tell you.’
The group leaned in their curiosity piqued eager to hear what Aaron had to say.
Aaron recounted his encounter with an old man who had bestowed upon him a mask after he was attacked by beasts. The old man had prophesized that one day someone would come who could heal Aaron's face. That was why Aaron had always concealed his visage behind the mask.
Lily found it increasingly difficult to dismiss the notion of fate, especially when even Aaron presented such a story. The mask had captivated her with its beauty resembling an authentic leather Oni mask.
‘I believe you Aaron. And after hearing my mother’s words I realize I need to start embracing the concept of fate even if it goes against my desires’ Lily confessed her emotions growing more complex.
Suddenly Celestia interjected her voice filled with certainty, ‘In fact I had a dream that a beautiful woman would one day save me and I'm certain that woman is you, Lily.’
Lily's eyes widened in surprise and a mix of determination and trepidation filled her heart. The intertwining threads of fate seemed to weave a complex tapestry around her connecting her with the destinies of others. She knew that her path would not be easy, but she was determined to fulfill her role and help those in need.
Lily's companions stood by her side united in their shared purpose. They could sense the gravity of the situation and the importance of their mission. They understood that their journey would lead them into uncharted territory where they would encounter trials mysteries and perhaps even answers to the questions that had been haunting them.
As they made their way toward the Queen of Grasshoppers the landscape around them shifted and transformed, reflecting the challenges that lay ahead. Lily felt a surge of anticipation, a mix of excitement and apprehension. She was prepared to confront the unknown and face the trials that awaited her.
With each passing moment the bond between Lily and her companions grew stronger. They were no longer just a group of individuals brought together by circumstance; they had become a team bound by trust friendship and a shared purpose. Together they would face whatever challenges awaited them supporting one another and drawing strength from their unity.
As they ventured forth Lily couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious figure guiding their path. She yearned for a meeting a conversation that would shed light on the enigmatic forces at play. She knew that finding answers wouldn't be easy, but her determination burned brightly within her. She was ready to unravel the truths that lay hidden to embrace her role and fulfill her destiny.
The journey ahead was bound to be arduous, filled with twists and turns. But Lily was ready.