The Queen of Rivule

The next day arrived and I was packed up to head out onward to the next Kingdom. I made my way outside, placing my bags upon Nebula's saddle then mounted her back. I looked back, noticing Claire, Inoka, and Cyra walking outside as well to see me off.

"Well, I suppose it's time I head off," I said, smiling warmly at the three of them.

"I hope to see you soon, my love. It would be nice if you gave us a little courtesy visit in the future," Claire said, a bittersweet smile tugging at her lips.

Cyra stepped forward, holding out a familiar axe toward me. "Please take this parting gift, Lord Ryoma! Take good care of Fiamma!"

I stared at Cyra for a moment, my gaze shifting between Cyra and the battle axe. Gently taking it from her hand, I held it up and gazed upon it. "Are you sure you wish to part with your finest creation?"

"I can always make more, and it would be nice to have it be put to good use instead of it collecting dust. With your Crest of Blaze, it should come in handy y'know!" Cyra answered, her eyes shimmering with delight at the fact that I accepted her gift.

I smiled at Cyra then twirled the axe around, putting it away in my personal void. "Thank you, Cyra. I'll be sure to make good use of Fiamma."

Cyra smiled at me, nodding her head with a bright smile.

I held the leash of Nebula's bridle, preparing to set off on my journey once more. "Alright, I suppose I should be heading off now. The day is still young."

Claire waved at me, her smile slightly brightening. "See you soon."

"And stay safe out there!" Inoka added, waving at me as well.

I nodded at the two then clicked my teeth, setting off to the next Kingdom. As the girls watched my retreating form, Claire and Inoka couldn't help but to feel a tug upon their hearts, not wanting to see me leave them. The three retreated back into the castle, getting ready to start their own day.

Nebula galloped down a path, leaving Pyroc and heading to Rivule since we couldn't necessarily enter Therris due to their "No Men Allowed" rule. Upon leaving the Pyroc area, we noticed the one burning trees shift over to trees blooming with life, river streams flowing down a set path, and the sights of aquatic beasts swimming alongside us.

I took in the sights, a smile stretching across my lips. "Rivule is pretty beautiful and we are just within the outskirts of the kingdom. If the outskirts is this beautiful, just imagine the kingdom itself.."

Upon nearing the kingdom, I began to hear beeping sounds. I noticed the beeping was coming from me and I took out my C-Gadget, the device extending to show the translucent screen. I noticed Sera upon the screen and smiled at her.

"Ahh, Sera Merylla. What can I do for you?" I asked, bringing Nebula to a leisurely stroll.

"My C-Gadget picked up your signal, so I'm assuming you're close to Rivule. It's also nice that the gadget is working as intended," Sera said, her tone as dry and stoic as always.

I chuckled softly at her, nodding my head. "It works well. I haven't really been using it much, but what what I've done with it, it's pretty easy to figure out."

"Good...good. Oh yeah, I should tell you that Queen Tsuna isn't here at the moment. I don't know where she ran off to, but she told me she'll return soon," Sera informed.

"Got it," I said, giving her a nod.

Suddenly, I began to sense a dangerous presence around me. Nebula sensed the presence as well, coming to a complete stop. Sera noticed me looking around, my expression now serious and focused.

Without warning, a burst of water flew toward me, but my aura deflected it and I turned to the direction which the blast of water came from. I got off Nebula and looked at my C-Gadget. "Sera, I'll talk to you later. I have some business to attend to."

"Understood. If you need assistance, I am a call away and I'll send in Emergency Procedures," Sera said.

I nodded, ending the call then pat Nebula's neck, sending her off away from the battle. "You can show yourself now, unless you're too much of a coward to battle me face to face.."

A man made his way from behind a tree, his intense gaze meeting mine. His dark colored hair was styled in a low ponytail, he wore a blue kimono adorned with a familial emblem designs on his back and sleeve. He carried two weapons, a nodachi and a katana, both of them surrounded by water aura.

"Keen senses. I expected nothing less from the Emperor of Eyica," The man said, his tone firm and resolute.

"And you are?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"Hailing from the Atren Empire, I am Rayne Mori. You haven't forgotten me have you, Emperor?" Rayne said, his gaze aiming to pierce my soul.

I closed my eyes then smirked, a soft chuckle escaping my lips. "Well, well...Seems like my old enemies continue to resurface. You've caught me at a good time it seems. The queen isn't at the Kingdom, so I have some time to play with you in the meantime."

Rayne unsheathed his nodachi, getting into his stance and took a deep breath. "This time...I will avenge my fallen kin... especially my sister. This will be the end of you, Tyrant."

I uncrossed my arms, opening my eyes to meet Rayne's intense gaze. I summoned my sword, getting into my stance then my eyes began to faintly glow. "Then let's duel, Mori."

Rayne let out a battle cry and lunged toward me as I launched myself toward him. Swinging our swords, we clashed intensely, each sound of metal clashing ringing out in the air. Rayne dodged my next attack, countering with a swift vertical slice but I parried his attack, knocking him off balance.

I countered with a kick to knock him back, following it with a vertical slash and sending a massive cutting wave toward him. Rayne recovered onto his feet, his eyes flashing with determination. He bellowed as he sliced the cutting wave in half, dispelling it.

"Oh, I see you've gotten better. This will certainly be interesting," I chuckled as I began to pace around.

Rayne paced around with me, pointing his sword at me. "I've trained night and day for this moment. Novis told me you were going to be heading to this kingdom next, so I had to plan out my strike. Things won't play out the same like it did five years ago. I vowed that I will kill you and I will!"

Without hesitation, Rayne summoned two serpents made from water and launched them at me. I sliced both serpents in two with ease, a smirk playing on my lips. Rayne dashed toward me and summoned another serpent, merging it with his nodachi then slashed in a circle. I blocked the attack, grunting slightly as I was pushed back by the force of his attack.

Rayne rushed after me, swiftly slicing four times in one swing. "You won't dodge this!"

I chuckled softly, parrying all four slices then countered with a heavy blow to his midsection. Rayne grunted and coughed in pain, rolling backwards along the ground then crashed into a nearby tree. I lowered my arm and smirked at him, watching him struggle to rise to his feet.

I stepped forward, my gaze piercing his soul. "You know, Arashi would be very disappointed in your performance. It's a shame she truly did die in vain."

Rayne growled lowly at my taunt, his eyes flashing with anger. "Don't you ever speak of my sister's name again! I swear on my life, I will kill you even if it's the last thing I do! I will avenge the Atren Empire!"

"Except that empire is under my command now. However, I won't stop you from doing what's right in your soul. You won't succeed, but I'll give you an E for Effort," I chuckled, my tone taunting and condescending.

Rayne became enraged at my taunts, letting out a bellow and his water energy surged around his body. He stomped his foot down, getting into his stance once again. "You will fall by my blade!"

I chuckled and got into my stance as well. "Don't push yourself, or else you might faint from exhaustion.."

Rayne prepared to launch himself toward me, but felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked back, noticing Lythia behind him. He scoffed at her, lowering his sword. "What do you want?"

"Alastor told me to stop you. If you continue to battle against Ryoma, you will die. He's not even trying against you," Lythia said, her gaze meeting mine.

I stared at her and the Crest of Manami began to faintly glow on my hand. I lowered my sword then closed my eyes. "Before you obviously disappear, I want to speak with you, Lythia."

Lythia stared at me for a moment before walking forward and signalling for Rayne to retreat. Rayne walked backwards, planting his feet upon the calm waters then mimicked the properties of the waters, merging with it.

"I'm listening," Lythia said, crossing her arms.

I walked forward, holding the obi of my kimono and locked eyes with her. "Why are you working with Alastor? What have I done to you to make you go against me?"

"You killed my sister. I can never forgive you for that. You slaughtered her in cold blood...her lifeless body upon the bloodstained throne, the blood along the throne room... You're a monster," Lythia answered, her tone cold as she watched me approach her.

I stood in front of her, locking eyes with her. "Is that so? Do you even know the truth? Are you aware of why Manami betrayed me which led to her untimely death?"

"What truth? That you sought revenge after she tried to dethrone you? How you mercilessly didn't give her a chance?! How you led your Empire into Civil War and caused all other Empires strife with your conquest? You're just a Tyrant! Nothing more... nothing less..." Lythia retorted, her gaze unwavering.

"She only betrayed me... because Alastor was threatening your life along with your son's. She did it to protect you." I said, my tone calm and steady.

"What..?" Lythia asked, her tone a mixture of confusion and disbelief at the sudden revelation.

"It's true. She never wanted to hurt me. It's Alastor's manipulation that brought her upon that path. It seems like he manipulated you as well," I said, closing my eyes then let out a soft sigh. "Whether you continue to follow Alastor or turn against him, that choice is yours. However, let this be known...he isn't one you can easily trust. He always has a hidden agenda.."

Lythia stared at me for a moment, her eyes narrowing down at the fruit of my words. She shook her head and walked backwards. "Hmph..! Like I would let you convince me that easily! Even if what you said is true, it still doesn't change the fact that your conquest ruined Eyica for the worst."

Before she left, she summoned an army of aquatic lizard soldiers, each one wielding a spear or a sword. I watched as she disappeared, leaving me to deal with the army alone. I closed my eyes then let out a sigh, taking a glance at my Crest of Manami.

"I tried to convince her, but I guess it's going to take more than words to prove to her that Alastor isn't trustworthy," I said quietly, watching her Crest faintly glow upon my hand.

Looking out at the army of Lizardfolk, I summoned my sword to begin my long battle against them. Suddenly, a neigh was heard, causing me to look back and noticed Nebula galloping toward me with a woman on her back.

The woman had a distinctive and captivating presence with an ethereal and regal air. She had a serene yet commanding expression, with piercing blue eyes that exude confidence and authority. Her lips were painted a striking shade of blue, adding to her unique appearance.

Her hair was a stunning, icy white, intricately braided and styled in an elegant updo. This meticulous hairstyle enhanced her sophisticated and otherworldly look. She wore a light, flowing garment with subtle regal patterns, possibly a Yeshan kimono or a similarly styled robe. Her attire gives her a traditional yet timeless elegance, hinting at a connection to my home Empire.

"My, my~ Look what my favorite Emperor has gotten himself into~" The woman said in a alluring tone, a soft giggle escaping her lips.

I smirked at the woman, chuckling softly as she approached me. "If it isn't one of my favorite consorts, Tsuna...no Queen Tsuna."

"One of your favorites? I'm not your absolute favorite?~ Well that certainly breaks my heart," Tsuna said, reaching into her kimono and took out a bladed then summoned her dagger. "But I guess since you're here, I've got time to change that..~"

I chuckled and looked at the Lizardfolk in front of us. "How about we deal with this issue first before we deal with you changing my mind."

"Alright. How about we play a little game? If I kill more Lizardfolk than you, I get to drag you to my bedroom, no questions asked," Tsuna said, licking her lips.

"And if I end up killing more?" I asked, glancing at her.

"Mmm, you're still getting dragged into my bed either way..~ It's a win-win situation...besides we've got five years worth of catching up to do. Don't think you can get out of this," Tsuna giggled, fanning herself slowly.

I let out a soft laugh at her comment. "Alright...let's play the game then.."

Tsuna got into her stance then launched herself toward the Lizardfolk. I dashed toward them as well, leaping forward and striking down the opposing Lizardfolk with Tsuna. The Lizardfolk rallied, trying their hardest to overpower the two of us, but our strength allowed us to easily overpower the army.

With a glance from the both of us, we nodded at one another, shifting my sword into its Omni-Protector Form. My sword turned into a claymore, exuding powerful aura around the blade. Tsuna launched orbs of water toward me and I swung my sword, knocking the orbs toward the Lizardfolk. Each orb that made contact exploded, the strong force of the explosion blowing the Lizardfolk away.

I rushed forward and swiftly slashed in a circle, causing an updraft that Tsuna could use to become airborne. I tossed my sword in the air toward Tsuna. "Let's see if you still got it!"

Tsuna laughed as she caught my sword. "Oh darling, you know I do!"

With a powerful cry, Tsuna flipped downward, slamming the blade along the ground and caused a powerful shockwave. She slashed in a circular motion and threw my sword. I warped to my sword and encased it in light energy, jabbing it into the ground and causing a light explosion.

Tsuna grunted softly as she guarded her eyes from the blinding light, a smirk playing on her face. As she looked up once th light dimmed, all that met her was an empty field. I took my sword out of the ground, resting the blade against my shoulder.

"Oh my..~ Seems like you've gotten stronger since our meeting..~" Tsuna said, making her way toward me.

"I can say the same for you, though our opponents were rather weak. They didn't even stand a chance.." I replied, a soft chuckle escaping my lips.

Tsuna walked past me, closing her eyes and giggling softly. "Follow me, darling..~"

I followed behind her and my sword disappeared. Nebula hurried after us, her hooves echoing in the air with each trot. I couldn't help but steal glances at Tsuna's figure as it's been a while since I've last seen here.

"So, Queen of Rivule huh? Mind explaining to me how this came to be?" I asked, resting my hands behind my head.

Tsuna fanned herself as she led me to her kingdom, smiling proudly at her accomplishment. "Ahh, it wasn't easy at all. Climbing up the ranks from a lowly village girl from Yesha to Queen of a nation didn't come without hard work. First I had to learn how to be Queen, so I took some time learning how to be a Ruler in Genten from a Warlord named Motochika, who ruled over the Kingdom of Mizu."

"Next, after learning to march to his beat and making my own beat to have others march to, I heard about the Civil War here in Uthea against the Queens and Kings. There was no Queen of Rivule prior to my arrival so I took it upon myself to slay the King in a battle, thus the Kingdom crowning me as their rightful Queen~" Tsuna continued, glancing back at me, covering part of her face with her fan.

I hummed at the revelation, a proud chuckle sounding in the air. "Ahh, so that's what you were doing for the past five years."

"Mhm~ And now with me being Queen, I saved the Legendary Leviathan, Rivule, from the clutches of that wicked King. Can you believe it? Me bonding with one of the four Legendary Elemental Dragons? I've always wanted my own legendary beast and now I do~" Tsuna said proudly, a smile tugging on her lips.

The two of us began to near the kingdom, but I noticed the Kingdom sat at the top of the waterfall with no way of reaching it. I glanced at Tsuna and watched her walk forward then stopped in front of the lake ahead.

"There is usually a bridge here that allows people to enter the kingdom, but I can raise and lower it at anytime. I lower it to stop intruders from making it to the kingdom, but for you...I can raise it~" Tsuna said, her Crest of Rivule shining on her leg and causing the bridge leading to the kingdom raising up.

With the bridge raised, Tsuna and I began to make our way to the kingdom. With that, my new adventure within the Kingdom of Rivule began.