I'm back from the dead! It's been hmmm 2 MONTHS OoO. I'm so sorry! And oooooh, I have a Guest Review! Never expected to do this but...
Guest Review Responses:
Person: Thanks so much and ofc I'm continuing this till the very end! These OCs are my babies!
Okay, I'm officially siked I got a guest review! Keep em coming and it might inspire me to update even more. Funny how I have 100 views on this thing and I update. It's my Milestone, sad but it is. Now, my ramblings have stopped and here's Chapter 2!
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(Mother Nature Palace)
For the umpteenth time, Emily Jane, or known as Mother Nature, strolled through the halls of her extravagant palace. She occasionally passed by small, square, decorative tables, each set up with a bouquet of flowers in a delicately patterned vase. The golden walls glowed against the white tiled floors, contrasting yet blending together in a unique way. Mother Nature was immune to this beauty, focusing more on trying to find the person she sensed inside.
Most of the servants roaming around hadn't tried to stop her. That is until a cinnamon haired boy holding a tray of tea decided it was high time somebody did something.
When Mother Nature rushed past him, he politely intercepted her. "Are you alright, Lady Nature?"
Mother Nature paused and turned her attention to the boy who bowed quickly. "I am fine, Peter. By any chance, are there any guests?"
"Yeah, Yuki-Onna just came in a while ago." Peter's sea blue eyes glanced at the tray in his hands. "Actually Lady Nature, I was going to deliver this to Yuki-Onna right now."
"Hmm, where is Yuki-Onna at the moment?" Mother Nature asked.
"Oh, right! Yuki-Onna's currently at the private gardens. Would you like for me to escort you there, Lady Nature?"
Mother Nature replied, "Yes, that would be highly appreciated."
Peter stepped out of the way. "Right, this way my lady."
They both walked briskly through the halls until reaching two intricately designed, stained glass doors. Peter opened them both and revealed the most elegant garden in the lands.
Hedges, trimmed to perfection, guarded the area against intruders. Trees were scattered orderly around the area, some blooming flowers that were not in season yet. Waves of thousands of different rippled from each tree, blending together in perfect harmony. A few servants meandered over the area, tending the vegetation. A whitewashed trail led from the house to a sparkling patio at the center of the garden. Two cherry trees were set to each side of the patio, a large tea table in between. In a pink, cushioned seat was none other than Yuki. Once noticing the arrival of her queen, Yuki stood and swiftly, but gracefully, curtsied.
Mother Nature walked towards Yuki, green dress dragging behind her. "You may rise, Yuki-Onna."
Yuki obeyed, sitting down once Mother Nature had. Peter brought over the tray of tea and was about to leave when Mother Nature raised a baggy sleeved arm to stop him.
"Before you leave, I would love to thank you for helping me."
Peter bowed. "You're welcome, Lady Nature. Is there anything else you would like?"
Mother Nature dropped her hand. "No, that is all. Although, I would appreciate it if you escort any other guests here."
Peter nodded and left the area.
"So," Mother Nature drawled, facing Yuki, "Why have you come, Yuki-Onna?"
"This is about Jack-sama," Yuki replied.
Mother Nature poured out two cups of tea as she said, "Did he react poorly to my rescheduling?"
"Um yes, but that was not why I came," Yuki answered.
"Sugar?" Mother Nature held out the small sugar bowl.
Yuki blinked, surprised at the abrupt interruption. "I suppose so. Three cubes please."
Mother Nature dropped the sugar cubes into each teacup, mixing creamer in as well. She handed Yuki a flowered cup and sipped from her own.
"Why did you come?" Mother Nature began.
Yuki sucked lightly on her lip. "Jack-sama has been…kidnapped by Khione and Hel."
"What?!" Mother Nature dropped her cup, shattering it on the table. Fortunately, the spill hadn't hadn't stained Mother Nature's green dress before she evaporated the drink away. "Where were you at this time?"
"I had gotten knocked unconscious while trying to defend him," Yuki responded.
"No," Mother Nature whispered, resolve slightly falling. Thus, Mother Nature started picking up the broken pieces, so it looked as if she hadn't said anything. "Are you absolutely positive it was them?"
"Yes, Lady Nature." Yuki looked at her hands that were placed in her lap. "When I woke up, there was nightmare sand."
Mother Nature's face lit up with hope. "That could mean that it was my father! It must be Pitch Black."
"One situation," Yuki paused, "I fought against Khione."
"Khione could have teamed up with Pitch."
Yuki continued, "Hel knocked me out with a shadow. Pitch cannot manipulate shadows."
Yuki took a bundle of cloth from the empty chair beside her and unwrapped it in her lap. Inside, there was an uncorked, small, cracked, glass bottle. The worst part was that the bottle was halfway full of black sand.
"Also, this." Yuki handed the cloth to Mother Nature. "Pitch would never store his sand in a container if he could make it easily, like what Heikka has told me."
Mother Nature stared at the glass in unconcealed horror. "Oh no, what will Hel do once she knows?"
Yuki took the parcel back. "Lady Nature, Hel does not have the tomb. It will be like last time."
"I wished this was the case. However, Themis reported the tomb has been taken. Hel has finally found him." Mother Nature shook her head.
Yuki glanced at the door, noticing Peter's arrival. "Lady Nature, you servant has arrived."
"Hmmm, what is it, Peter?" Mother Nature faced the teen.
Peter bowed respectfully. "You have more guests, Lady Nature. It is Lady Themis and Lady Anemone."
Peter opened the door, but his grip slipped and it slammed into Anemone's face.
"Ow!" Anemone groaned, holding her bruised nose.
Peter's eyes widened. "Lady Anemone! I'm terribly sorry! Here, I'll bring some ice."
"Neh, it is…" Anemone trailed off when she realized Peter ran off, "Okay."
Themis walked up to the patio and sat down next to Mother Nature. Anemone placed herself with Yuki, adjusting her yellow, ankle low dress and flicking a long strand of white hair out of her face.
"I presume this is also terrible news?" Mother Nature pursed her lips.
"Yes," Themis said gravely, "There is an even larger epidemic spreading now ever since both Maat and Adrestia turned out missing."
"Also, the North Wind lost her connection with Jack Frost," Anemone added, "Where is he?"
Mother Nature sighed. "From what Yuki-Onna has told me, Jack is currently Hel's captive."
"Have you called the other Seasonals?" Themis questioned.
Mother Nature grimaced. "No, I actually have not thought about that."
That was when Peter came back, ice pack in hand. He rushed over and handed it to Anemone.
"Again Lady Anemone, I apologize for accidentally hitting you."
Anemone accepted the ice. "No, it's alright, Peter. No need to say sorry."
"Yes, now be gone." Themis glared at Peter, who interrupted their conversation.
Peter softly whimpered under the stare. Before he could leave, Mother Nature called him, "Peter, may you please do me a favor?"
"Anything, Lady Nature!" Peter nodded his head.
Mother Nature smiled. "Send a message to the Seasonal Sovereigns. They must report at once to the throne room for an impromptu meeting. Only deliver this to the Sovereigns, the Head Seasonals and balance leaders will be called upon later. Understand?"
"Yes, Lady Nature!" Peter dashed off as soon as Mother Nature dismissed him.
"Care for some tea?" Mother Nature inquired once Peter left, pouring three cups. "Unfortunately, it may be a tad cold."
"You should have told your servant to retrieve more," Themis side commented.
Anemone rolled her eyes. "What's gotten you in such a funk?"
"I thought we agreed that you would stop with your informal language after becoming a deity." Themis peered at Anemone.
"Well, that was in the Dark Ages. I'm a grown woman now." It was true, for Anemone was now in her early twenties.
"You still act like a child, at least with your authority," Themis replied, "You cannot continue letting your spirits roam unrestricted."
Anemone stared at Themis, leaning in closer. "At least my people aren't afraid of me."
"So? That shall leave you with no one if there is not a drop of fear in your system." Themis locked eyes with Anemone.
Anemone glared back. "Since when were you, my boss?"
"I am merely an elder advising a childish ruler on how to guide her citizens," Themis smugly replied.
"CHILDISH?!" Anemone's nostrils flared. "When in the name of Zeus am I childish? I'm only giving my people happiness which is never given to yours."
"You have no idea—!"
Mother Nature interjected, "This is unlike both of you to argue over valueless ideas."
Anemone rose an eyebrow. "Isn't that what we typically do?"
Mother Nature persisted, ignoring Anemone, "Why have you brought this up now when we were talking about how to liberate my Winter Sovereign?" Her voice held a sharp, protective edge like a mother's.
Anemone winced. "Before arriving, we were debating on whether or not I should strengthen my power over the wind spirits."
Mother Nature sighed. "Themis, I have already told you multiple times that you have no jurisdiction over whatever Anemone does."
"I do when I am involved." Themis crossed her arms.
"How are you even involved?!" Anemone shouted, "It's my duty, my land, and my kingdom!"
"Well, it is not my fault for your failure to uphold justice and law in your land," Themis snarled.
"Would you two quit it!" Mother Nature hollered, finally cracking.
"Lady Nature!"
"What?!" Mother Nature responded, tone icy.
She turned around and faced a frightened Peter with Yuki by his side.
"How did you…" Mother Nature looked over to Yuki's seat and back. "...get there so quickly?"
"That is beside the point," Yuki stated.
Peter added, "Lady Nature, the other sovereigns have arrived and are waiting in the throne room as you wished."
Mother Nature rose from her chair. "Thank you, Peter. Do you wish to attend as well Anemone and Themis?"
Both women nodded, standing up.
"Alright then, Peter and Yuki-Onna, please guide us to the meeting room."
After going through countless corridors, the five of them finally reached a set of large, oaken doors that led to the Throne Room. Peter, with help from Yuki, opened the doors, revealing a stunning view.
The hexagonal room, including the doors as one wall, was divided into five sectors.
One section was a complete winter wonderland, snowdrifts used as foot rests at the ends of two differently sized ice thrones. The other section on the left side of the doors, was a spring utopia, flowering vines adorning another pair of thrones, these ones made of stone.
To the right of the doors was a summer oasis, the sparkling lake sitting in front of marble thrones reflecting the two trees behind the seats. The final sector on the right side was an autumn day, two pumpkins rested underneath towering, multicolored trees, granite thrones in between.
The final area, parallel to the entrance, had a large throne and harmonized all the four seasons together. The selenite chair's armrests swirled with vines, the left producing a rainbow of colored flowers, the right blossoming with grapes. A bright summer's sun shone through a frost veiled window, illuminating a sense of mysticism.
Only three people occupied the room, each on the taller divans of spring, summer and autumn, the place where the Sovereigns sat.
The Spring Sovereign wore a silk, pink gown designed with a pattern of vines across her chest, earthen brown hair in a braid weaved with matching flowers.
Unlike Spring, the Summer Sovereign was clad in a full sleeved, black blouse with trails of red, orange and yellow that resembled fire at the collar line and ends, adding an effect to her solid black pants. She kept her curled, tangy red locks loose.
The male Autumn Sovereign wore a crisp, red collar shirt and brown khakis, mixing with his dark brown hair.
Yuki swiftly went to the smaller throne for winter, Mother Nature placing herself on the largest throne. Two golden seats sprouted from the ground beside Mother Nature, Anemone going to the left, leaving Themis with the right.
"Now," Mother Nature proclaimed, "May this meeting begin!"
"Wait," the Summer Sovereign interrupted, "Where in the world is Jack Frost?" Her golden brown eyes flickered with slight annoyance. "Is he coming late again?"
"That was uncalled for, Bedelia Doiteain!" the Spring Monarch, Erantha, scolded, "You know that he is pressured with both of his duties."
"So?" Bedelia shrugged. "He could always quit being a Guardian. The title really isn't anything valuable."
The Autumn Sovereign noticed Mother Nature's twitch, so he ended the argument's spark by saying, "Why have you called us Mother Nature?"
"Thank you Ashun," Mother Nature began after Bedelia and Erantha turned around to face her, "I have called you all here to decide on a grave issue involving the Winter Sovereign."
"Please do not tell us that he will be replaced!" Erantha's eyes grew with terror.
Bedelia also joined, "Yeah, he's the only nondestructive Sovereign in over a millennium." Ashun nodded his head in agreement.
"Oh heaven's no, I have no interest in another seasonal leader." Mother Nature chuckled softly.
"Then, what trouble did he land in again?" Ashun asked.
The small grin on Mother Nature's face fell. "Jack Frost has been kidnapped."
"Hold on," Bedelia rebutted, "Who and how did they kidnap Frost?"
Yuki politely responded, "Summer Sovereign, Jack and I were at his pond when Khione ambushed us. With her was also Hel."
"You let Jack get kidnapped?"
Yuki blinked at Bedelia's harsh tone. "Of course not, I was knocked unconscious for defending my Heika. I suspect that nightmare sand was in use for the glass bottle full of it that I recovered from the scene." She then unwrapped the evidence and held it up.
Ashun broke the pregnant period of silence. "I know this is very important; however, the last time Jack was kidnapped by Hel, Lady Themis and Lady Anemone had not come to help us find him. Why are they here now?"
"Good observation!" Anemone praised, "We came because the fate of the universe is possibly at stake. We cannot tell you all why right now because it's a long story, and we need a plan."
"We truly do," Erantha spoke, "However, I believe we should not tell our Head Seasonals about this affair. Gods know they do not care for Jack Frost as we do."
Mother Nature crossed her long, thin fingers in her lap. "That is why I sent only you three the message. Any suggestions for how to start?"
"I have one," Bedelia announced, "Tell the other guardians about this situation!"
"But, we are the only ones able to do anything about this," Erantha disagreed.
Bedelia merely waved her hand in a dismissive manner. "They can still help us. Also, they are entitled to know what happened to their Guardian of Fun. I mean, wouldn't they notice sooner or later?"
"I agree that is what we should do," Ashun said, "However, we need to create a plan before going."
"Nope." Bedelia winked. "We could just plan with them."
Mother Nature placed her arm on the handrest. "Since there are no further ideas, I will follow what Bedelia has told. Agreed?"
The others gave a dignified nod.
"It is settled." Mother Nature rose from her chair. "We shall leave immediately."
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Yes, it's short xD I'm sorry for the long wait for something only 2,528 words (Not including AN). Please forgive me. I don't want to make excuses sooooo a gift for all those who continue reading: I will explain any questions (PM or next chapter your choice) to the best of my ability with minimal spoilers. And, I've been wondering if I should also include a list of OCs with my Norse (and soon more) dictionary. What do you think? Leave it in the reviews!