"Your Majesty, what a pleasant surprise! Of course we'll accompany you," Brie said with a bubbly smile. "You look perfectly alive and well to me. What do you think, Sora?"
"I think he looks handsome as ever. Thank you for the visit and the invitation. Where would you like to take us?" Sora asked politely.
"You will see when we arrive," King Joseph said.
The three of them got into the back of a very large and luxurious armored car. The back was large enough to fit 8 seats, like a limousine would on Earth. Sora and Brie sat on the rear seat, with the king to their left and the guard to their right.
Two additional guards sat up front, which had a large seat with two places to sit. A control panel sat in between them. One guard entered coordinates into the digital screen where the steering wheel would be. He gave a thumbs up to the King and raised a fortified wall using a button on the control panel.
"Woah, I've never seen a car like this. Can they hear us through that wall they just put up?" Sora asked.
"No they cannot," the large, muscular guard stated kindly. "We should arrive in about twenty minutes so please, make yourself comfortable. There are snacks and refreshments behind your feet. Feel free grab whatever you would like."
Despite his large stature and intimidating face, Sora and Brie realized how kind this guard always treated everyone.
"Sora, I wonder how strong that guard is. I don't want to use inspect with the King present."
"I had the same thought, are you sure you're not just reading my mind" Sora joked. "If I had to guess, I'd say he's probably stronger than Levi."
"That's what I was thinking. Did you notice the King fell asleep almost immediately after getting into the car? What do you think he meant by accompanying a dying King for a ride?"
"I'm not sure. It looks like we've traveled pretty far North already. Look at the trees, they have frost on them. I wonder if we will see snow?"
"I hope not! I don't like the cold weather!"
"We've already traveled past the vampire settlement. Do you know of anything else that exists in Northern Exteria? From what I understand, the north just has frozen terrain and giant mountains."
"That's what I was taught in school too. Hey, so I wanted to talk to you about something your Mother told me—"
The car slowed to a stop in the middle of the frozen terrain. About an inch of snow laid on the ground and the trees steadily shook with a crisp, frosty breeze. The clouds hid the sun and dropped snowflakes gently.
"Well, we're here. Sora could you please give us all that wonderful safe flame magic? I don't want to freeze to death before we've had a chance to talk," the King asked with a laugh.
"Safe flame," Sora said and allowed three small, white flames to float into the chests of Brie, the King and the guard. Sora's activated internally. The guards from the front seat each held a door open for the four to step out.
Brie and Sora took the left door and the guard and the King took the right and despite the frigid temperature and crisp breeze, the King smiled as he stared off into the distance.
"Sora right over there," the King pointed to an area, a giant valley, about 300 feet away. "What do you see over there?"
"System. Use analyze."
[There is a unique magical barrier hiding a civilization inside of the valley.]
"Are you talking about the magical barrier your Majesty?" Sora asked politely.
"Yes! Good. Brie, now you. Look right over there and tell me what you see.
Brie used her analyze ability and to her amazement, she saw through the barrier and noticed a giant city, alive and bustling with people. She could see and hear the liveliness of the city and she exclaimed, "There's a city behind a magical barrier with a large amount of people! Who are they, your Majesty?"
"Elves," the King said with a smile. "I recently found their settlement after over one hundred years of searching. I never would have imagined they relocated so far North."
"Well, your majesty, didn't the humans originally persecute the elves?" Brie asked.
"Indeed. That's why, when the time is right, you and Sora must do your best to win them over," the King said.
"So we're not going to meet them today," Sora said with a frown.
"No my dear Sora, you are not. Celeste, I think it's time you finally served a new King. You can reveal yourself dear," the King said with a wide smile.
"Wait, that name…" Sora said.
Suddenly the large guard's body completely changed into a beautiful blonde goddess. Despite being shorter, her skin radiated and her kind golden eyes gave Sora and Brie a wink. She wore a beautiful white dress with the navy blue cloak the King wore.
"Sorry, but I wasn't lying when I said I was close!" Celeste said calmly. Her voice sounded angelic.
"That's so cool! So you can speak and hear people telepathically, turn invisible, use healing magic and are a shapeshifter! These powers are only known to the gods. What a pleasure it is to finally meet you," Brie exclaimed.
"Yes and I'm glad you trusted me," Celeste said with a smile.
"So, your Majesty, how long have you been aided by a goddess?" Sora asked.
"Since your Father disappeared, actually. Celeste replaced him on Exteria and brought word he passed the trial of the gods and became one himself. After that, Celeste has helped me track down the elves! Now that I've found them and my condition has spread throughout my body, I have left all the details in this note," the King stated.
He handed Sora a letter, sealed with the King's seal. He also handed him his crown, his cloak and explained a few last details.
"Choose whichever color you'd like. I'm sure you've noticed everyone wears a unique color to the council meeting. If you wish to stay with black, by all means, go ahead. Celeste my dear would you like to join his party? I believe they form a seal," the King stated.
"Certainly. Sora, anytime you're ready."
"System please initiate a seal with Celeste Grace with the same conditions as the others with another special condition. She is to remain incognito and use her guard form as my royal bodyguard when necessary."
[Initiating Seal. Seal complete.]
"I accept and of course, only the two of you and King Joseph know my true identity. I look forward to meeting your party members formally," Celeste said with a smile.
"Well, I'm afraid the demons and werewolves will no longer abide by my 'no war,' declaration Sora. I'm sure they'll be upset and start rumors that you killed me. That is what the note is for. It's instructions to follow you as the next King and Brie as the next Queen," he said with a smile. "I'm going to spend my last days with the elves. I wish you good luck and may the gods bless you. Do not return here until you are certain you can win the elves over."
The King gave Celeste a hug, as tears filled her eyes.
"No use shedding tears my dear Celeste. I miss my wife. I'm so grateful you chose to aid me. Take care of Sora and Brie like you did for me and all will be fine."
He gave Brie a hug and whispered into her ear, "I'm sure the two of you will have gorgeous children one day. Take care of Sora and ensure he follows the correct path. All of you. His party is very important."
Finally, he gave Sora a hug and said, "your eyes Sora. Don't overdo it when you unlock them. It's a gift like this world has never seen, I'm sure of it. But gifts like those come with extreme drawbacks, so be safe. Dorian will be your biggest ally. Find the rest of the lost races before the demons do. You and Brie will make a great King and Queen."
He turned slowly, giving the world one last glance and walked toward the barrier. As soon as he approached the barrier, he muttered a magical spell. The barrier opened, he walked in and the barrier closed.
"Shall we return to your mansion and schedule a council meeting?" Celeste asked.
"Sora, I still need to tell you about what your mother said," Brie politely mentioned.
Sora stood in shock. He was now King of Exteria, the elves existed, a goddess was now in his party, and war was certain to follow.
"I guess we all have a lot to talk about," Sora said. He failed to hide the fear in his voice.
Brie gave him a hug and a kiss. Celeste used her telepathic communication to remind them both everything would be ok.
'Will it though?' Sora thought to himself as the three of them returned to the car.