Those two days have passed, it’s time for the meeting.. Everyone...

Sorry, I just- I won’t bore you with the details.

Alright, let’s get going. They’re on their way, I’m waiting at the teleporter for them. Dart and Vexalan were a bit busy, but they’ll be here shortly-

“Demitallis!” Dart shouts, followed by Vexalan. Looking around, hundreds of my siblings sit on top of the buildings, staring at the teleporter and me. “We’re here! Where’s the queen?” He says, as he stops next to me.

Demi - “She’s uh- She’s on her way.”

He simply nods at me, and walks over to a bench to sit down. Vexalan decides to sit next to him. She smiles at him, with her eyes closed. He breathes slowly but heavily, as though he’d been through exercise not too long ago.

“My Queen. We have arrived.”

Everyone quickly looks at the teleporter to see four soldiers bowing to their queen. Fingsk stands next to her, with a large cuttlefish man. The queen looks at me, then leans over to whisper to one of her Guards. “I-Is that it, the puddle kid?” The Guard looks at me, then back at his queen, to shake his head. “No my Queen, that one seems to be at the lake heir stage.” She nods, then steps forward. She’s a betta, or a Siamese Fighting Fish, if you would..

“You know, it’s not so scary when it’s out of the water.” She says, as she looks back at her guards, who worriedly follow her. She’s absolutely gorgeous, she’s wearing a dress that beautifully accentuates her colors. She looks around, to see all of the children staring at her. “Wait a minute- is the lake heir the only grownup here-”

Demi - “I’m the youngest person here.”

The Queen, the Guards, even Fingsk, everyone loses power in their jaw, and they jawdrop. “Wa- Wait- Does that mean I attacked-” Fingsk just crouches to the ground holding his head. The queen just stares at me and all of my siblings for a moment. “Oh… So that’s why he couldn’t complete his mission…” She just stares at Fingsk, as he gives up what’s left of his dignity, against a pillar..

“What do you mean?” Vexalan steps up and asks, surprising the queen and her guards. “Ah- Right.. Fingsk, he runs an orphanage... “ Vexalan looks back at the powerful great white shark man, then back at the queen. “Him?!” The queen just nods. “Yes, he was providing his services to the army to help with funding.” Everyone watches as Fingsk finally gets up, and stops disappointing his entire species.

He walks up and directs the queen to Dart. “M-My Queen, you should meet Dartingkamble-” Her eyes widened in surprise. “Wait- the Kambles- Would that even be legal?...” He just shrugs, and shows her to the sleeping shark boy. “He really is- He’s so tiny, but he’s got so many fins already, but he’s so frail- He’s got more fins than ME.” The queen and her guards just stare at a sleeping Dart, who starts to wake up again.

He stares at the queen for a moment, then looks around. “Oh, you’ve arrived..” He begins to stand up, and everyone backs away. “Were you all watching me sleep?” The queen presses her thumb against a spot on his neck, his eyes snap fully open, and his fins flare out. “Megas really ARE covered in fins, the way you megas swim must be fine tuned to perfection-” While she investigates his fins, he speaks up. “Um.. About that..” She looks him in the eyes, as he tries to look away. “What’s wrong?.” She says, trying to press him for the answer. “I- I…” He starts trying to pull away, towards the bench.

“Dart can’t swim.”

Vexalan is the one to break the news, like tearing off a bandage. Everyone just stares at him for a moment, and it’s a repeat from when they learned I was the youngest here. Dart finally breaks away from their Queen, and hides behind a bench. “You’re joking…” The queen stares at Vexalan in disbelief. Fingsk over there is a marble statue. Vexalan just shakes her head slowly. “You’re not joking…” Dart pulls himself up from behind the bench, and stares at her, his cold expression unwavering. “It’s- It’s fine..” He finally manages, as he looks away.

The queen on the other hand, isn’t having it. “N-No! Don’t worry, I’m going to get you the best teachers money can buy- uh-” And she’s already forgotten his name… She stands there and scrambles to find his name. Dart on the other hand, speaks up before one of her guards could. “You don’t even know my name.. It’s fine, you don’t need to go out of your way for me. Or because I’m a mega. My sister is a prodigy at swimming already.” The queen sighs, but grabs his shoulders anyways, while sitting on her knees. “No, I can’t let such an injustice happen to the rebirth of the megalodon demihumans! Don’t you worry, I see this all the time, children always get over it!” She says, with a nervous smile, as she looks over at the cuttlefish man, who slowly shakes his head. Dart’s face shows no sign of hope or relief, and she finally lets him go.

“Your Majesty, if you’re done investigating my brother, we’d like to invite you and your associates to the meeting area.” Thankfully Vexalan seems to know what she’s doing. The Queen just stares at her, then smiles. “Oh, you’re so cute!” She says, as she hugs the little cat girl. Vexalan can’t seem to figure out how to deal with the queen, until one of the guards walks up, and whispers in her ears, causing her to finally drop her. “I’m sorry, I don’t get out very often. I was just so relieved when it was a bunch of children, I didn’t think you would be so serious.” She just laughs for a little while, as everyone makes their way to the designated building. “Sorry about the rushed work, we weren’t expecting to be inviting you like this.” She just giggles, then waves her hand. “It’s quite alright, I think it’s very cute. I’m surprised you didn’t decide to use your castle back there though. I’m sure it must have many rooms for us to talk in.” Vexalan and Dart stops, eyes wide open. They both looks at me.

Dart - “Can we use your personal teleporter, Demi?”

Demi - “Fine.”

I envelop everyone in the room in my watery mass, and teleport us to the top of the Castle, into my room, pushing them all the way up to my surface again.

“Oh my, you’re so soft! You’re softer than my bed.” The queen says, as she presses against me. The guards and Fingsk slowly manage to catch their breath. “Please don’t ever do that again.” Fingsk says, as he stares at us. “Sorry, I felt like this would be the best place to conduct a meeting like this.” Dart says, as he climbs out of my nest, and a chair folds up from the floor for him to sit on.

Everyone soon follows, The queen’s guards keeping a close eye on her. She sits down, facing Dart and Vexalan. “I quite like it up here, you must have had a wonderful view of the awakening.” She says, as she looks around. “Oh yes, we were very excited, we had just about left Pangea when it finally happened. We even got to see him fire it off.” Vexalan happily says, as she taps her shoe against the floor, causing a Table to rise up from it. Thank you Neotopia!

Demi - “But enough of that, we have important matters to discuss. I’m looking to start a new age of puddle kids, who no longer eats everything in sight, but instead helps and acts as productive members of society. And to start doing that, I need to improve relations with you and your people, your majesty.”

She nods slowly, as she searches for a face to look at. “Alright, I get it. And in return, you can use your immense lake heir strength to deal with Pollux and his little crime syndicate!” Immense? She claps her hands, as everyone looks at her.

Demi - “I.. I don’t know if I would say IMMENSE…”

She stops clapping slowly.. “What, are you NOT strong? You were carrying yourself just fine..” She says, as she approaches, then looks at Fingsk, whose arm is currently in a cast. Could have sworn Glant fixed it up.

Demi - “Well, I’ve never tested my strength really. Aside from breaking Fingsk’s arm over there, but I think Glant fixed it up with his Life magic.”

Everyone drops their weapons at the mention of Life Magic. “Wait, ACTUAL Life magic?” The Queen says, as she looks around for my brother Glant. “Oh, ah- Yes, but he can do even more! He’s a Beholder demi-human, he can wield both Life, and Doom magic. He used his Life magic to restore Fingsk’s lost essence, when Demi broke it.” Fingsk holds up the arm that’s in the cast, revealing that it’s already healed up a ton. Everyone retrieves their weapons, as the queen stares at it for a moment. “Yes, the Doctor did mention that the arm was basically healing itself all on its own. He said the only thing he COULD do for it was put it in that cast.” That’s Life magic for you, it’ll spread essence, and make you immortal. She looks at me again. “Enough of that though. How heavy IS your body, Demitallis?” She says, bringin’ up my weight.

Demi - “Oh, so you wanna’ talk about my weight, huh?”

Vexalan and Dart backs away from the table. “Is something wrong?” The oh-so kind Queen says, smiling happily as can be. “Demi doesn’t like to discuss her weight, your highness.” Vexalan tries to whisper, from behind a pillar, but quite literally everyone here can hear her. The Queen looks at her, then at me. “Really? You would think she would be proud of her weight. It means she grew up very healthy.” Oh, I never thought of it like that…

Demi - “Alright well, I didn’t think of it like that, so you’re forgiven. But anyways, I’m around one million gallons of water in mass. My maximum size however, is about one hundred times that.”

Everyone just stares at me again. The Queen starts thinking to herself. “Man, you puddle kids really do take the cake when it comes to being massive. That size, do you think if you tried, you could pick up Ryleth? The city is pretty self contained, and if your resting strength was somewhere in the billions, then I don’t see why you COULDN’T, provided you’re carrying it while resting.” She says, as she thinks to herself.

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Demi - “Yeah, I actually decided to visit the ocean for a bit, obviously well outside of Ryleth. You see, I still have to hold the crushing force of the ocean overtop of me. So while I’m in my nest, I’m at maximum power, while I’m underwater, depending on what depth I’m at, my power varies. And while standing, my power is fractionated out to each dropplet’s individual strength. My essence specifically lets me take over water, and anything that has the CONSISTENCY of water. Mana that has been condensed into a Liquid is very light, but it’s weak and it’ll slowly dissolve into nothingness. While a heavier water would obviously take more of my strength. Ice is something I can actually spread my essence in too surprisingly. Then we go to enchanted water, which can have any number of effects. Currently I’ve enchanted my water to store more mana, allowing me to store multiple times the amount of mana I originally could. Of course, it doesn’t let me generate it faster. And that’s basically all you need to know.”

Everyone slowly nods at the explanation, until the Queen speaks up again. “But wouldn’t the water above you just help with the crushing force, wouldn’t you be immune, since you ARE the Water?” She says, taking me by surprise..

Demi - “Oh. Dang, I didn’t think of that. But yeah, I’m pretty strong in the water, so I guess there’s nothing to worry about for me then.”

The queen just smiles and nods, then looks at Vexalan and Dart. “So, Dart, will you and your sister be visiting our kingdom? We’d be honored to have the first two megas in hundreds of years.” Dart just looks away, and thinks for a moment. “Yeah, I guess it’s for the best. Try to keep blood from Kass though, her blood-highs tend to send her into a frenzy.” The others cringe a little at this, but obviously tries to hide it. “Yeesh, sounds like a handful, my blood-highs just make me sleepy..” Fingsk says, causing everyone to look at him. “Still, not being able to swim though, I’d probably be on a blood-high all day, at least I’d be happy..” He mutters to himself, as he looks away.

Dart simply nods, and looks at the Queen again. “I’d be honored to visit your kingdom, your majesty. Vexalan here of course can’t, she’s a feline demi-human.” Vexalan just smiles with her eyes shut. “Yeah, sorry.” Everyone just stares at her, only now noticing the cat ears. “For a child, you’ve got good control of your instincts, I’m impressed.” The Queen says, resting her head in her hand. “Please, I would never~” She just hugs Dart, taking him by surprise. “Besides, he’s a shark, too many metallics.” Dart does a double take- “Why do you know that?” She just continues to hug him, not answering.

“Anyways.. Just curious, but are you from the Genillion clan, Vexalan?” The Queen says, staring at her light gray hair, as she finally lets go of Dart. “Oh, I think I heard Lex mention something about that, I never really was interested though..” She thinks to herself for a moment, while the Queen continues. “Oh, they were a clan of lightning wielding assassins. I figured your biggest problem would have been using lightning underwater.” She looks at the queen, then sparks up some lightning in her hand, watching it dance across her fingers. “Oh yeah, that makes sense, I’d probably end up doing more damage to my friends than my enemies. Still wouldn’t be a problem to me though, I can absorb lightning for a short lived boost. But all the minerals in the water would make controlling it impossible, unless I used a Mana Line, instead of a normal Mana Bolt.” She continues to mutter to herself.

The Queen motions everyone’s attention to the Cuttle-Fish Man. “Moving on, the chief of police here; Mr. Graldin, will be providing you with information on Pollux Bask. The Genesis Family will be working with the police force to bring Pollux Bask to justice. It’s amazing, not only do we get rid of the largest crime lord in Ryleth, my people will be able to rest easy for the first time in their life, and it’s all at no cost of the kingdom whatsoever.” She claps her hands, as their groups cheers. Wait a minute..

Demi - “YEP. Right, I should mention, I HAVE created my own offspring, it turns out I can control how their personality comes out. The one I’ve made here is Arivan.”

Arivan moves out of her much smaller nest.

Ariv - “Hello.”

Demi - “Arivan is a bit of a test run of what I can do, so she’s a little simple. Not that she’s dumb of course, she’s just as smart as everyone else. But there’s just less to her. It’s kind of hard to explain. Anyways, I figured she could help introduce the puddle kids back into the wild.”

The Queen just stares at my daughter, as she approaches the table. “So she would be the next generation of puddle kids, that’s a good idea, there’s very few people in the kingdom who have ever even seen a puddle kid now. Alright, I think this could really work.”

Demi - “I don’t mean to be rude, but I was told that there would be some representatives that would be attending this . What happened to them?”

“Right, the delegates were supposed to attend the meeting, but none of them showed up. I’ve been a little worried about them, since they were nowhere to be found, it’s currently under investigation though, so I just hope the police force can find them.” So that’s why they’re not here. The queen looks out at the ocean, and stretches. “Anyways, I think I’ve satisfied my curiosities. It’s about time I returned to my people.”

Demi - “Really? Does uh- Mr. Graldin have nothing to say, before he has to leave?”

Graldin just kind of look away, and scratches the back of his head, with a pensive look on his face. “Oh- No, he’s a mute, his assistant usually speaks for him, but he was too busy with other work.” Graldin simply closes his eyes and bows, then stands up with everyone else. “Well, it’s been nice getting to meet you, your highness.” Vexalan says, as she steps over to the elevator with Dart. “Oh, actually- Before I DO leave, I did want to meet the boy you said could wield Life and Doom magic.” Vexalan and Dart stop short because of this. They look over at me expectantly.

Demi - “On it.”

Vexalan and Dart step back over to the table, as everyone sits down again.

Demi - “Hey, Glant, I need you at the top of the Castle, my room.”

Glant - “Oh, are you conducting the meeting there?”

Demi - “Yeah, we figured it would be a better place to conduct it. Anyways, the Queen wanted to see you, she was curious about your Life and Doom powers.”

Glant - “Veyta will be there shortly. Also, I have to know. Have you forgotten to learn the Queen’s name?”

Demi - “Oh yeah, she never told me..”

A few reconnections here, a few reconnections there, and~

Demi - “Uh, your Majesty, I don’t mean to be rude- But what by chance, is your name?”

“I dunno’!” She just shrugs happily. As the guards facepalm. “Her parents were killed before they could tell anyone.” A guard replies. “Yes, all I know is the word; ‘aitia’ is supposed to be at the end of my name. At least my daughter has a name though. It’s; ‘Stalaitia’ if you were curious.” Huh. She continues to smile happily, as the sound of fast footsteps come from the side of the castle.

Veytatasm lands on my floor, after having run up the side of my tower. “Veytatasm has arrived!” She throws her arms into the air, then disappears, Glantinazor taking her place. “And now Glantinazor has arrived.” This manages to confuse everyone, as he approaches the table, then sits down.

“Welcome, Glant.” Dart says, as he looks at Glant. “Yes, welcome indeed. So you’re the Glant I’ve been hearing about? Is it true that you can wield both Life and Doom magic?” She says, as she begins to lean over, staring at him. “Yes, I’ve had them ever since I was born. Life magic has been quite helpful. I even used Doom magic to kill a forest guardian.” They looked surprised at this. “Is this true?” The Queen asks, surprised. “Well, he had help, from basically anyone who can fight. But he did most of the work.” Dart says, thinking back to when we fought Growlgith.

“Veyta arrives again!” Veyta shouts, arriving once again in my room. “Alright, what are we talking about?” She continues walking up to the table. “Oh, you must be Glant’s sister, he was telling us about this time he killed a forest guardian.” Veyta laughs at this a little, for some reason. “It was ME who killed Growlgith, Glant just blasted him with a wave of Doom. I still have the broken sword with Growlgith’s blood on it, if you need proof.” Oh yeah… She sits down finally, and rests her feet on the table, forcing the chair back a bit. “So, you’re a warrior, Veyta? How often does Glant have to heal you?” The Queen says, surprising the both of them. “Oh, all the time, I’m always getting banged up.” Veyta happily explains all the damage she’s taken over the years.

“Well, it’s been nice, your highness, but me and Veyta have training to do.” Veyta looks at him confused. “We do?” Glant grabs her arm, and pulls her off the chair, as he himself stands up. “Yes. We do.” He teleports away with her, obviously back to the primary teleport pad. Rushed off a little suddenly there..

“On that note, I think it’s time you’d return to your people, we’d hate to take up anymore of your time.” Vexalan says, as she and Dart stand up. “Alright, Alright~ I’ll leave. Come everyone, it’s time to go.” And with that, they’re gone. Yeesh, I was starting to think that would never be over. Still though..

“I’m almost jealous, I’d love to visit Ryleth, I heard the kingdom is contained within a single massive building.” Dart nods, then folds his arms. “I’ll have to tell you about it when I return then.” Vexalan giggles at this, then thanks him before leaving. Dart sighs, then looks at me. “What was it like, swimming with Kass? I haven’t gotten the chance to, on account of my disability.” He sits at the edge of my nest, his legs hanging over the rim.

Demi - “Honestly, I’ve never seen somebody move like that in the water before, she was absolutely amazing. I.. I don’t know what to tell you, that you don’t already-”

He holds up his palm, signalling me to stop- “That’s enough, Demitallis. I’m just glad she’s as great at swimming as she ever was.” He looks away, staring at the endless sky.

Demi - “How about martial arts? Her passion is her martial arts, maybe if you let her teach you some stuff, she might be okay with your inability to swim.”

He looks surprised, like he had never thought of it before. But no, he stomps at this feeling, returning to that broken expression. “No, I promised her I would swim with her, I just have to figure it out.. That’s all I need to do…” He says it like he’s in a trance, nothing else could be more important to him.

Demi - “Isn’t that a bit short sighted? What about when you DO learn to swim, what then?”

“I don’t know. All I know is I promised to swim with her, and that’s exactly what I will do.” He stands up, sure of his goal. There’s a certain purity to such short sighted ambition, but still..

“I get it, but if I can’t even do this for her, then there’s nothing left for me. I’m grateful for your concern, but right now, I need to focus on learning to swim.” There’s no convincing him..

Demi - “Fine, but take care of yourself at least, you’re still my brother. I care about you.”

He nods at me, then finally leaves me to my room, deciding to take the elevator.

Arivan decided to go back and rest in her nest again, after the queen had left.

I guess it’s time I finally visited Ryleth, I’ll go ahead and gather everyone willing to go.

End of Chapter 22: “But enough of that, let’s get started.”

“Thank you so much!”