Part 8

They finally set sail for Angfroest. The sea was calm, and they reached the region in just one day. The area looked peaceful, and the inhabitants were kind—perhaps a bit too kind, as Eucalyptus thought. After three days of walking with their Velostrider, they arrived at the region's largest city, Swindon. The city’s rules were strict, but the people remained friendly. The Heart, a powerful organization, ruled this region, and Eucalyptus quickly learned that its leader, Lysa Moonshadow, was also the Queen.

Finding Lysa was no easy task; they searched for days. During their search for Lysa, they encountered several amusing mishaps. At one point, Eucalyptus mistook a local gardener for Lysa and spent an hour discussing royal duties with him before realizing the mistake. Another time, they ended up at a lively festival, where Moki was mistaken for a performer and was pulled into an impromptu dance-off, much to his embarrassment. Additionally, they once followed a mischievous child who led them on a wild goose chase through a maze of market stalls, only to discover it was merely a game. Each mishap added a layer of humor to their quest, lightening the mood despite the challenge. After a week of searching, they finally secured an appointment with her. However, only Moki was allowed to meet her, as Lysa didn't consider Eucalyptus's organization serious enough to merit attention.

Alone, Moki entered a grand palace and found Lysa, who looked divine, like a goddess. He bowed respectfully and began discussing Liberty's mission. "No," Lysa responded coldly. Confused by her demeanor, Moki pleaded, "Please, we need your help."

Lysa stepped closer, her voice sharp. "I have my own people to protect. My kingdom is safe, and I want nothing to do with the Cross."

The tension was thick in the air, as if a fight were about to erupt. Desperate, Moki begged, "Lysa, we really need you."

"Leave now. I don't want you or your foolish mission in my kingdom," she said icily.

"No," Moki replied, surprising Lysa with his defiance. For a moment, there was silence—then the fight began. Lysa commanded plants, while Moki used his ability to turn into a ghost. In the heated battle between Moki and Lysa, Moki used his ghostly ability to float above the ground, dodging Lysa’s aggressive vine attacks. As Lysa commanded plants to ensnare and strike him, Moki phased through them and used illusions to confuse her. Despite her efforts to trap him with a thick protective barrier of foliage, Moki’s agility allowed him to outmaneuver her. He eventually materialized behind Lysa and, with a swift but non-lethal strike, defeated her without causing any harm. As Lysa lay on the floor, she suddenly laughed. Surprised and confused, Moki took a step back.

Lysa stood, now appearing friendly and warm. "I'm sorry, dear Moki. I had to test your strength—I couldn’t trust a weak leader."

Moki, realizing the reason behind her behavior, laughed nervously. "Come back with your companions," Lysa said. "My friend AïKa will prepare tea for us all."

When Moki returned to his companions, he decided not to mention the fight. Instead, he told them that Lysa was kind and had invited everyone for tea. Eucalyptus was thrilled, though it was unclear whether it was due to the tea or the meeting itself.

When they all gathered with Lysa, they were struck by her beauty and commanding presence—she truly was a queen. She smiled warmly, holding a cup of tea, and invited them to sit around the table. Lysa and Eucalyptus got along well, laughing together as if they were old friends. But soon, the conversation turned serious: the Liberty. Lysa was impressed to learn that they had already recruited three other organizations, even more so when Eucalyptus revealed she had accomplished this in just two months.

Lysa then said something important: in one month, all the organization leaders would meet in Anclona. Everyone turned to Moki—why hadn’t he told them? But Moki looked just as surprised; he never cared about such meetings and hadn’t bothered to get the information. Lysa continued, "I will join the Liberty on one condition: you must promise never to bring conflict to my region." Her tone was kind but firm, and they all understood the gravity of her request.

Eucalyptus nodded solemnly, "Of course, Lysa. We promise—never, ever!" She smiled warmly, though her tone was serious, and her smile was infectious.

And so, Lysa joined their organization. The upcoming meeting of all the leaders would be crucial; Asael wouldn't attend, but perhaps the leaders of the Tear and the Triangle would...

PART 9