Disney TVA Royal Sentai King-Ohger

by Michael Ravencroft

King Anne Boonchuy, Queen Molly McGee, and Scientist Supreme Lunella Lafayette must take up their swords to fight off the threat of the Khaotic, but they're not the only ones. For aid will come in the form of one, Luz Noceda, the self-proclaimed "Overlord of Peace", and with her strange power, these four girls will band together to revive the ancient protector!

6. Episode 6: A King's Joy Part 1

Luz and Anne were travelling in God Kaeru, hopping along the air as cyan energy rippled through the air with each hop. Luz had taken to sitting down to Anne's left as she watched the scenery of Amphibia pass them by. Anne was at the controls, keeping her hands around the hard-light cube that contained God Kaeru's Shugod Soul. As they traveled, Anne noticed Luz's melancholy expression.

"Hey, you okay, Luz?" Anne asked.

"Kinda…maybe not. I'm just worried about how things are going back home. My friends, my girlfriend. I can't imagine what people are probably saying about them." Luz clenched her jaw as another unpleasant thought ran through her head. "Then there's the thought that Belos might hurt them to get to me."

"Don't worry, we'll talk to Molls. We'll get her on our side. After that, we'll head to Scientia and talk to Lunella. Maybe between the three of us, we can figure out some way to deal with him," said Anne.

"You still don't believe me about Belos freeing the Khaotic, do you?" Luz deadpanned.

"Look, that's…a lot…and I'm not saying I don't believe you, but…" Anne sighed. "I just would like something tangible. No offense, Luz. But what you're accusing Belos of is a crime against all of Gaea. You're accusing him of the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people during the Catastrophe, along with my parents' deaths, the deaths of my cousin's parents, and Lunella's grandmother, the previous Scientist Supreme."

Anne furrowed her brow as she remembered that fateful day all those years ago. Until now, just like everyone else, she believed that the Khaotic's seal just weakened and broke of its own accord. The Khaotic were responsible for her mother's death, and indirectly for her father's death. If not for the Catastrophe, her father wouldn't have been out there rescuing people, and he would still be here with her. Not like she faulted him for what he did, Luz was proud of her father being in the Rescue Coven, how he saved lives on an almost daily basis. But now she knew the truth, someone was responsible for all of it, the Khaotic were just as much to blame, but none of it would have come to pass if it were not for Belos' actions.

"I know…"

"And if what you're saying is true, I'll have no choice but to go to go over there and take his ass down!" Anne declared. "But that might also mean causing a war between the Boiling Isles and the other three nations. Your friends and GF more than likely will get caught up in the crossfire."

Luz paused; she hadn't thought about that. She was so focused on wanting to expose Belos and punish him for what he has done, that she forgot that that man would not go quietly. He would put up a fight and would drag the Boiling Isles' people into it.

"I'm so stupid…I should've thought about that," said Luz, chastising herself.

"Hey, don't sweat it. But the fact that he's after you because God Dragon does as you say, and you can use an Ohger Calibur, that I can see is a threat to him. Personally speaking, I don't see how you 'stole' God Dragon when he seems to like you," Anne pointed out. "That being said, that's more easily sellable to Molly and Lunella. We can start from there, and if we manage to expose that he was responsible, then all the better. 'Cause then we'll definitely have a reason to go after him under the articles of the Four Kingdoms Alliance treaty."

"You really think you can convince your cousin to side with us?" Luz asked. "I mean, she is the queen of her own nation and all…"

Anne smiled as she replied, "Molly's the most understanding person I've ever met in my life. That girl oozes pure joy. And aside from Sasha and Marcy, she's the only other person in my life who I can talk openly with. Heck, when I blurted out that I didn't want to be king, she didn't judge me, nor did she try and convince me to stay the course or whatever. If there's anyone who's going to help us out, it'll be her. Oh, we're crossing the border into Tír na nÓg now."

Luz watched through the panoramic screens in the cockpit as the scenery transitioned. It was quite the remarkable shift as the trees that bordered Amphibia and Tír na nÓg seemed to shift in color to a different kind of vibrant green. Not only that, but Luz felt a change as soon as they hopped into Amphibia's neighboring country. There were a few cities they passed by. Most of which looked made out of the trees themselves, well, less "made" and more like the trees became homes and buildings.

"Whoa!" Luz exclaimed as she pressed her face against the panel. "I've never buildings like this!"

"Oh, yeah. Those the elven homes," Anne explained.

"Oh, right! The elves! They have pointy ears like the witches in the Boiling Isles, but they're longer and have a distinct sharp point. I heard that they got into a kind of feud regarding people misidentifying them."

"Heh, yeah, but that was way before we were born." A thought occurred to Anne. "Just make sure you don't mention the words 'Elf Rage' when you see one."

"Speaking from experience?" Luz inquired with a grin.

"Heh-heh…kinda," Anne admitted.

The landscape looked so lush and green, just like Amphibia. There was almost a blue-green tint to the leaves that gave them a vibrant sheen when the sunlight hit them, and every so often, Luz could see twinkling specks of light moving through the trees.

"Besides Belos chasing after you, and…everything else…enjoying yourself?" Anne asked.

Luz couldn't help but let a smile form on her lips. "Amity once told me that she was willing to give up her status as a member of the Blight family, and her career, just so we could be together. She talked about us seeking asylum in either Amphibia or Tír na nÓg."

"That's some girlfriend. Well, if you choose Amphibia, you'll have a few perks since you know royalty," said Anne.

"You mean since I almost slept with royalty," Luz teased.

"Ugh! Dude don't bring that up! That was so embarrassing and messed up!"

*Ribbit!*

Anne shot an annoyed glare all around her after hearing God Kaeru say something. "Why do I get the feeling that Lily just sassed me?"

"She said, 'Looking to expand your harem?' Pfft!" Luz giggled.

"Oh, bite me, Lily!" Anne retorted as she puffed out her cheeks.

Just then a holographic screen appeared in the cockpit and Sasha was on.

*Ribbit!*

"Lily said, 'Speak of the devil'. AHAHAHA!" Luz laughed.

Anne's face heated up as she glanced over her shoulder. "C'mon! Jeez, I'm getting it from both sides!" Anne realized how that sounded out of context and preemptively added, "Don't either of you say anything!"

{Am I interrupting something?} Sasha asked with a raised eyebrow.

Anne quickly turned her head back to the screen and chuckled. "Heh-heh, no! No, we were just having a conversation. What's up?"

{Well, we contacted Tír na nÓg to tell them you were coming like you asked, but the thing is…}

Anne raised an eyebrow. "What?"

{I think you two need to get there ASAP,} Sasha urged.

Luz stopped her laughing fit and stood up. "What, why?"

{They said they were under attack by the Khaotic, but the person I spoke to didn't seem all that concerned about it.}

"WHAT?!" Anne and Luz yelled. "THEY'RE BEING ATTACKED BY THE KHAOTIC!"

{OW! Damn, that was loud you two.}

"Why didn't Molly put in a request for help?! Is Scientia sending their forces, the Boiling Isles?!" Anne asked.

{From what they were telling me, they were managing by themselves. But I don't like it. You two should double time it there. I'll have our forces ready to mobilize and reinforce Tír na nÓg's army.}

"Got it!" The screen disappeared and Anne spun the cube that contained God Kaeru's Shugod Soul. "LILY, YOU HEARD HER! DOUBLE TIME!"

*RIBBIT!*

"She said, 'Hang on!'" Luz translated.

When God Kaeru landed on the nonexistent ground in the air, a stronger pulse of cyan energy erupted, shooting the Shugod forward and further than they were going before. It took about two to three more hops before the capital city of Cathair an Aoibhneas came into view. That's when they saw the battle. There was a battalion of Fomorian Khaotic in the middle of a siege attack on the outer walls of the city. They were huge creatures, about eight feet tall. Their skin was a dark blue-green color, very muscular, with four fingers, and four toes. They each wielded either a doubled sided battle ax or mace. They wore thick leather armor that looked like it was made from the hide of some unknown beast, which covered their forearms, shins, chest, and shoulders. Their heads had no helmet, but their board heads had one single eye, and a single curved horn coming out the top of their heads. All the giant cyclopes had a strange symbol in the center of their chest armor as well.

"Oookay, those guys are big," said Luz.

"The bigger they are the harder they fall," said Anne. "Luz, I know you're not royalty, you have no obligation to fight. So, just stay in Lily's cockpit and I'll–!"

"Nuh-uh!" Luz interrupted. "I'm not just going to stand by and watch the Khaotic hurt people when I have the power to help stop them! I don't know why I can use the Ohger Calibur, heck, it might just be a fluke and it'll stop working for me at some point. But until that happens, I'm going to take down as many of those monsters as possible!"

Anne smirked. "Alright, let's do it! Get behind 'em, Lily!"

*RIBBIT!*

Lily hopped once more, going high into the air. This time, instead of manipulating the energy in the air to create platforms for her to hop off, God Kaeru allowed herself to go into freefall. Faster and faster the mecha frog fell, until she came down with a thunderous BOOM as she struck the earth. The Fomorian Khaotic at the rear of the battalion turned around and bared their weapons as they saw the glowing eyes of Amphibia's Guardian Shugod through the dust cloud that formed around it.

"ROYAL ARMS!"

"ROYAL ARMS!"

A flash of violet and cyan light went off in the smoke, and when they faded, two warriors burst out of the dust cloud. Luz and Anne raised their swords and slashed through two Fomorian Khaotic. Upon completing their attack, both of the Fomorian Khaotic blew up, casting shadows upon the two warriors as they stood ready. The Fomorian Khaotic army grunted and growled as they looked upon their new enemy, some even looked frustrated at being caught from behind.

"Looks like they weren't expecting a rear attack," said Anne.

"Guess they don't believe in the old term, 'watch your back'," Luz replied.

The rear line of the Fomorian Khaotic all lit up their single eyes and fired crimson beams of light straight at the two warriors. Anne and Luz swiftly jumped into the air and landed in the thick of the monsters.

"Anne, give us some breathing room!" Luz requested.

"On it!" Anne answered as she bopped the frog leg on the Ohger Calibur.

{Ohger Charge!}

Anne's Ohger Calibur glowed bright cyan as she twirled her sword around, creating cyan energy that took on the form of water. The Fomorian Khaotic saw what was happening and fired their optic energy beams at them. Anne twirled her sword around, making the watery energy flow around them in a whirlpool that acted as a barrier to defend them against the beams. As she did this, Luz ducked down and used her Ohger Calibur to cut a pattern into the ground. The Fomorian Khaotic kept shooting, and some of them were getting closer.

"DONE!" Luz yelled.

"Alright!" Anne acknowledged as he pulled the trigger of her sword, activating the finishing attack.

{OHGER FINISH!}

Anne twirled her sword around and slashed through the air, causing the whirlpool to spin out and release in a wave of energy that slammed against the Fomorian Khaotic creatures who had surrounded them. The energy slammed against the monsters around them, throwing several of them in different directions as explosions rang out.

"Okay, now what?" Anne asked.

"Now it's my turn!"

The Woman King of Amphibia shifted her gaze down at the ground and saw that Luz had drawn some kind of pattern into the dirt with her sword. Upon completing the symbol, Luz spun her sword around and struck the center with the tip of the blade. Upon striking the symbol, it began to glow green. The earth beneath their feet started to rumble violently before several vines burst forth from the ground. The vines were riddled with razor sharp thorns, and even had an arrowhead shaped thorn at the tip of each vine. With a wave of her sword, Luz commanded the vines to attack. All of them lashed out in different directions as they wrapped around the Fomorian Khaotic brutes and began throwing them into the air, piercing through them, or wrapping them up and smashing them against the ground.

"What the hell?! What did you do?!" Anne asked.

"I took a chance and drew my plant glyph onto the ground. And now we have a lot of thorny vines to help us out! Guess my glyphs are still working for me," said Luz.

Anne wasn't about to complain, considering the large vines were shredding through the enemy's numbers. Now that they had the vines helping them out, Luz and Anne charged back in and began cutting down more Fomorian Khaotic one after the other. Multiple explosions went off as Luz and Anne made short work of the brutes, with the vines providing backup by taking down the Fomorian Khaotic or acting as platforms for them to jump off to give them leverage over their taller opponents.

Just then, there was another huge impact that rocked the ground, drawing the attention of everyone on the battlefield. When the dust settled, it was revealed to be God Coinín, and standing atop the rabbit Shugod's head was none other than the Queen of Tír na nÓg, Molly McGee.

"You guys really don't know when to quit, do you? But no matter how many times I have to beat you, I won't give up!" Molly proclaimed as she drew her sword. Once she had it drawn, she flicked the rabbit ears on the sword.

{Coin in!}

Afterwards, Molly pressed on each of the transformation switches before hovering her hand over the center emblem.

"Royal Arms!"

Molly bopped the center emblem just as God Coinín threw her head up, launching Molly high into the air as she performed a flip. As she did, a crystal cocoon formed around her. When the cocoon formed, God Coinín did a backflip, launching something else towards Molly. A crystalline construct of God Coinín flew towards the cocoon, and that's when the construct crashed into the cocoon and shattered into thousands of sparkling pieces. Out of the cocoon appeared Molly, now fully donned in her Ohger armor.

{You are the king! You are the – YOU~ ARE~ THE KING~!}

{Coinín Ohger!}

Molly sheathed her sword on the belt and materialized her Kings Weapon. After switching it into archer mode, Molly swiftly took aim and shot off several energy arrows at the Fomorian Khaotic brutes down below. Each of the shots hit their marks as a series of explosions went off one after the other. Molly landed amongst the fray and began shooting more energy arrows, each one piercing through one Khaotic minion after the other. Some the Fomorian Khaotic began shooting at her with their optic blasts, but Molly swiftly shifted the Kings Weapon into shield mode and began jumping around the battlefield, using her shield to block some of the beams from directly hitting her. When Molly landed in front of one the Fomorian Khaotic, she grabbed her sword and jumped, slashing upwards with her unsheathed Ohger Calibur as a gash of yellow light appeared on the monster before it exploded.

The Queen of Tír na nÓg flipped in the air and landed again, but wasted no time in dashing through the battlefield, hacking and slashing through one monster after the other, with explosions going off in her wake. Molly came to a skidding halt, now attracting the attention of the remaining Fomorian Khaotic of the frontline. The Queen of Tír na nÓg smirked under her helmet as she flicked the ears of her Ohger Calibur.

{Ohger Charge!}

Molly's blade began to shine with yellow light as she twirled her sword in the air. When she did, many yellow, construct leaves began to form around Molly, dancing around her in a graceful manner as she continued her twirling. That's when Molly stopped her movements and took an attack stance as she pulled the trigger of the Ohger Calibur.

{OHGER FINISH!}

The construct leaves spun around Molly, hiding her form amongst a tornado of yellow leaves before that same tornado shot forward towards the remaining Fomorian Khaotic. The tornado of construct leaves rushed through the Khaotic grunts as multiple streaks of light slashed through each and every one of them. The flurry of leaves finally ended as Molly appeared on the other side of the of the monsters. Molly swiped her sword through the air just as the leaves disappeared as a series of explosions took place behind her. Each of the Khaotic foot soldiers exploded into fiery craters, however, she knew there were still more to take care of.

{OHGER FINISH!}

It was right around this time that Molly saw violet glowing flames, and cyan glowing water rush through the last of the backline Fomorian Khaotic, creating more explosions that ended with the two warriors responsible standing before the flames as their capes flapped in the crosswinds generated from the heat. Molly paused for a moment, tilting her head to the side as she squinted and looked closely at the ones responsible for destroying the last half of the Khaotic grunts. That's when she saw the familiar armor.

"ANNE!" Molly cried out.

Anne turned around and yelled back, "MOLLY!"

The Queen of Tír na nÓg dashed forward, and before Anne could react, she was tackled to the ground. Anne and Molly's bodies glowed as their armors disengaged both of their swords landed stuck up in the ground next to them as Molly bear hugged her cousin.

"I'm happy so you, Cuz!" Molly exclaimed as she lifted up her cousin.

"H-Happy to…s-see you…t-to!" Anne croaked out as she tried to get some air. And failing thanks to Molly's bear hug.

Luz chuckled at the interaction as she powered down and sheathed her sword before approaching the two cousins.

"Molly, c'mon…you're going to crush…my ribcage…dude!"

"Whoops!" Molly quickly released Anne and chuckled nervously. "Sorry, sorry. I'm just glad to see you're okay!"

Anne raised an eyebrow as she asked, "Uh, yeah. Why wouldn't I be?"

"I heard that Amphibia was attacked by Khaotic, and that you guys were having trouble."

"Oh…yeah…well, I'll give you the details back at the castle. But for now, there's someone I'd like you to meet," said Anne as she gestured to Luz.

Molly turned around and smiled as she saw Luz. "Oh, Luz, I'm so glad you're okay! After that whole attack back at the Boiling Isles I was hoping you and your…um…family? Caregivers?…Masters? Sorry, I'm not exactly sure what the right terminology here is."

"Don't worry, the Blights are okay, and it's great to see you again," said Luz. "And thanks, again, for your healing potion."

Molly shook her head and smiled broadly. "No thanks necessary. Just doing whatever I can to enhappify people's lives."

Luz leaned next to Anne and whispered, "'Enhappify'?"

"It's a Molly word, just roll with it," Anne whispered back.

"Okay, so, why don't we head back to the castle! And while we're at it, get some grub. That battle made me hungry. But no actual grubs, sorry, Cuz," said Molly.

"Heh, yeah, yeah, I know. What do you say, Luz?" Anne asked.

"Not saying no to free food. Let's eat!"

---

Anne, Luz, and Molly entered the capital inside of God Coinín. Luz marveled at the city, for her, it was culture shock after culture shock. She had read about how Amphibia was, and Tír na nÓg, but seeing was believing. Despite being a city of stone masonry, it was still littered with lush green trees spread out evenly throughout the entire city, along with waterways that freely flowed through the city, providing the trees with a healthy water. There were a few Dryads and Nymphs that would appear from time to time whenever Luz looked at the waterways or particular tree, and as God Coinín hopped away, they would wave at them.

"Are those Dryads and Nymphs?!" Luz asked.

"Oh, yeah, they help us in keeping the water pure and the trees healthy. If there's something wrong, they tell us immediately," Molly explained.

The rabbit Shugod continued to hop along until they were now above the castle. God Coinín slowly descended and landed in the middle of the courtyard. Once there, a bright flash of yellow light went off and from it appeared Anne, Molly, and Luz.

"Welcome to my humble abode!" Molly announced.

"Been a long time," Anne sighed as she remembered the past.

"This is officially the third castle I've been to in just a few days," Luz commented as she stared up at the structure. But then her shoulders slumped as she recalled the reasons for each castle visit. "I just wish it was under better circumstances…"

Anne patted her friend's shoulder sympathetically.

"Molly!" came a voice that grabbed their attention.

Anne and Luz watched as a girl with platinum blue hair rushed out of the front doors to the castle. The King of Amphibia and the Overlord of Peace instantly recognized this girl, she was at the banquet back in the Boiling Isles, and one of the most popular influencers in Scientia. Her name was Andrea Davenport. As soon as Andrea had called out Molly's name, the Queen of Tír na nÓg turned in that direction and showed a nervous smile.

"Babe, are you okay?!" Andrea asked.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. Just some Khaotic that thought they could mess with the happiness of my people. But no worries! I took care of them. Aaaaaaand…" Molly, excitedly, threw her arms out to the side, presenting Anne and Luz like a couple of prizes on a game show. "I had help in the form of my favorite cousin and her friend!"

"Aah! King Anne!" Andrea quickly went into a bow. "S-Sorry for not bowing a moment ago!"

"Don't sweat the formalities, it's just us. Plus, this is kind of an unofficial/semi-formal visit anyway," said Anne.

"I'm not royalty, but it feels awkward all the same," Luz added.

Molly chuckled and rushed back to Andrea. "C'mon, it's Anne. You know she doesn't care about that sorta stuff. We're chill here."

"Right, right, habit," said Andrea as she raised her head. "And you're…Luz, right? From the banquet back at the Boiling Isles."

"Yep, although…" Luz flared her cloak as she posed dramatically. "Recently I have taken on the title of Overlord of Peace!"

There was a breeze that blew through the courtyard, all was silent save for a lone guard who coughed a couple of times as the two rulers and one influencer stared at Luz with deadpan expressions.

"Ahem…a-anyway, I'm surprised to see you here. I would've thought you'd have gone back to Scientia," Luz observed.

"Oh, well, with all this Khaotic stuff happening, I wanted to be closer to my GF," Andrea explained.

Anne crossed her eyes and gave her cousin a scrutinizing glare. "Oh, that's right. You did say something about that back at the Empire. We were on duty, so I couldn't really get into it. But now we're away from the fanfare. Why didn't you ever tell me you got a girlfriend? Huh, Molls?"

"Oh, well surprise!" Molly replied. "We're going out."

Anne stepped in front of her cousin and grabbed her by her cape as she asked, "How…long?!"

"Um…about a year now."

Andrea, sensing some tension, and wanting to avoid causing some kind of discourse between the two rulers, quickly said, "I-It's not Molly's fault, your majesty – er – Anne – I asked her to keep it secret for the time being, well…as secret as can be. Most people in the castle know, but not outside."

"Andrea, stay out of this! This is between me and my cousin!" Anne snapped.

"Yes ma'am!" Andrea replied just as quickly.

Luz was a little afraid of what was about to happen. They had come here to seek help from Queen Molly, and Anne looked like she was about to assault her. Although, for some reason, given the somewhat aggressive actions of Anne, the guards in the courtyard didn't seem all that concerned.

"AAAH! No! Anne!"

Luz returned her attention back to the two cousins, and then paused as she watched Anne get Molly in a headlock and began to noogie the joyful queen's head.

"You sneak! How dare you keep something like this from your favorite cousin!" Anne accused.

"AAAH! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Molly pleaded as she laughed.

Andrea and Luz released sighs of relief; it was just some cousin banter and roughhousing.

"For a second, I thought an international incident was about to happen," Luz commented.

"Same here," Andrea agreed.

Anne released Molly, letting her cousin fix her hair before giving said cousin a light punch to the shoulder. "Well, belated congrats, Molls. I'm happy for you." The Woman King of Amphibia turned her attention onto Andrea. "And because I'm her family, and I love Molly, I'm legally obligated to issue this warning. Ahem…If you make my cousin cry, I will send the entirety of Amphibia's elite forces to hunt you down and destroy you!"

Andrea gulped and then nervously laughed. "Oh…heh-heh, I get it. You want to make sure I'm not going to hurt Molly. I got it from Darryl, but this feels like it hits different for some reason."

Molly chuckled nervously and stood next to Andrea as she said, "Actually…she's kinda serious about that threat."

Andrea paled as she looked at Anne. "You are…?"

Anne crossed her arms as she told Andrea, "You have no idea how many guys have hit on Molly. Freakin' aristocrats and people thinking they can take advantage of her goodwill and happy-go-lucky nature. I mean, look at her!" Anne took a step and stood on Molly's left as she smushed her cousin's face with her hands. "Do you understand how precious a cinnamon roll she is?! I've sometimes had to beat guys – and girls – off her with a stuck!"

"Literally?" Andrea asked.

"Literally," Anne and Molly replied.

"She's infamous to the point that people have called her my 'Angel of Death'," Molly added.

Andrea gulped.

Luz gulped as well, and she wasn't even dating Molly. Although, she will agree with Anne about Molly looking like a precious cinnamon roll.

"Okay, okay, Anne, you're gonna scare Andrea. She's one of my best friends, and my GF now, so don't mess with her," Molly scolded.

"Relax, just laying down the law," Anne assured as she released her cousin. "So, let's get some food."

Molly and Andrea led Anne and Luz into the castle. The design of the interior was much different from that of Neutopia Castle, less coral and shell designs, and more vines and nature designs. As they walked through the halls, another girl approached them. Luz recognized her as one of Queen Molly's entourage.

"Libby, is the dining hall ready?" Molly asked.

"It is, but uh, regarding that other matter…"

"Ah, it's okay, Libs! We'll talk about it later! C'mon girls, let's eat," Molly interrupted.

The others followed Molly, with Luz glancing at Libby who had somewhat of an uneasy feeling about her. Well, that wasn't the only thing that was catching Luz's attention. As they were walking, Luz noticed something about Molly and Andrea. The influencer had her left arm wrapped around Molly's left, having them walk arm and arm like any other couple. She saw how Andrea was blushing and smiling happily. And while Molly was smiling as well…it just…didn't feel right. Perhaps she was reading too much into it, or she was just projecting her own experiences with being around Amity. Still, she couldn't shake that awkward feeling.

The group arrived at the dining hall where a small feast was prepared for them. Molly took her seat at the head of the table, while Anne sat to Molly's right, and Luz sat next to Anne's right. Andrea sat in the seat closest to Molly's left, while Libby sat down next to Andrea. Molly glanced about the table and sighed with a small amount of frustration.

"Where's Darryl?" Molly asked.

"Oh, he said he didn't want to join," Libby answered.

"What? You did tell him Anne was coming, right?"

"I did, but…he still didn't want to. Sorry."

Molly slumped in her seat as she sighed heavily.

"Hey, everything okay with your little bro?" Anne inquired.

"Y-Yeah, everything's okay. Darryl's just…going through a 'rebellious phase', I guess," Molly answered uneasily.

Anne's expression became empathetic as she believed she understood the reason why. "Sorry, I wish we could've been in contact more. What with each of us having to take the reins after our parents–"

"Aww, it's okay! It's fine, really," Molly interrupted. "It's been four years, he's fifteen now, so it's to be expected. You know, pranking people, liking girls, and doing whatever else boys do in their private time."

Luz spat out her drink.

"Oh my," Libby squeaked.

"Pfft!" Anne went as she tried to stifle a laugh.

"What, what'd I say?" Molly asked.

Andrea, blushing, tapped on Molly's arm and said, "Uh, babe, think about the last part of your sentence, and think of the context."

"What? I just said…" Molly pondered her words for a moment and then blushed. "AAAAH! Forget I said that last part!"

"Too late, Cuz, AHAHA!" Anne laughed.

"Ugh…Anyway, dig in everyone."

The spread of food was different from what Luz was used to. There was a lack of tentacles and eyeballs, and there was a lack of bugs compared to Amphibia's dishes. But all that being said, that didn't stop Luz from digging in, it all looked so good. There was wild boar meat, fresh veggies and fruit, and all manner of side dishes. Luz dug in and was delighted by the taste of the food.

"Hmm! Wow, this is so good!" Luz exclaimed as she chowed down.

"Heh-heh, thanks. But I'm sure it pales in comparison to Anne's cooking," said Molly.

"Hmm? Anne, you cook?" Luz asked.

Anne, after taking a few bites, chuckled. "Yeah, it's something my mom liked to do, even though we had a lot of cooks. But once in a while, she would cook. And heaven help the poor saps that got in her way," Anne recalled. "So, I picked up on a few things. It's no big deal."

"Pssh, she's just being modest. Anne's really good," Molly insisted.

"I'd like to try it some time," said Luz.

"Ooh, me too! I'd totally love to feature some of King Anne's cooking on my channel," Andrea commented. "I-I-If that's okay with you, of course!"

"Heh, well, we'll talk about it. But speaking of talking, there is something important I need to talk to you about, Molls," said Anne. "Like, official royal stuff."

Molly waved off her concern. "We'll talk later, let's just enjoy the meal and enjoy the good company we have."

Libby had remained quiet most of the time, she was staring down at her food, only daring to make eye contact with Luz or Anne for a moment before darting her eyes back down to her plate. Luz felt that the tall girl was shy, so she tried to break the ice.

"So, um, Libby?"

"Eep! I mean, y-yes?" Libby asked.

"Do you read any books at all or are you a strictly TV show kind of gal?" Luz inquired.

"Oh, um, I do watch some shows, but I mostly like reading. Mystery genre mostly, but I do like fantasy stories," Libby admitted.

"Really? Have you read the 'The Good Witch Azura' books?" Luz asked, hopefully.

"I have, the author has a pretty whimsical outlook that I find refreshing. I typically go to those books to decompress from a stirring mystery," Libby replied, her voice sounding more confident as she talked more about a subject she liked.

Luz smiled, she could tell that Libby was a shy girl, she just needed to find a way to draw her out of that shell of hers.

"Libs is actually working on her own novel right now," Andrea divulged.

"Really?! You want to be a writer?" Luz asked. "Girl, being a writer was my second dream! My first dream was being a strong witch who could protect everyone, like Azura. But if that didn't go well, that was my fallback."

Libby blushed. "It's still a work a progress. But it's coming along." Libby's expression shifted a little, going back to the melancholic look she had on earlier. "But, um, that's just something for later."

Luz puffed out her cheeks, it looked as if Libby had retreated into her shell. Well, at least she got some information about Queen Molly's friends. Now for the girlfriend. "So, Andrea, how long have you and Queen Molly been going out again? You said a year now?"

Anne smirked as she pointed her fork at Andrea, "Oh, yeah. I want the deets. How the heck did you manage to sweep my Cuz off her feet?"

Andrea blushed as she rubbed the back of her head nervously. "I-I mean, we've been friends for some years. So, we knew each other well to begin with. Then I kinda worked up the guts to finally confess to Molly, and well…here we are. I've had a crush on her for a while, but I mean, I didn't think I'd have anything to offer. Yeah, I'm a popular influencer known around Gaea, but other than that, I'm nothing special like Molly."

"Andrea don't do that. You make a lot of people happy. You lift them up, and that's something to be proud of," said Molly as she smiled at her girlfriend.

"Yeesh, now I see why you hooked up. I can definitely see you two doing that whole 'enhappifying' the world thing together," said Anne as she chuckled.

Luz kept a close eye on the couple, and the more she looked at Molly, the more she wondered about this relationship. Maybe she was just being paranoid, considering that the only relationship she's ever had was with Amity. Luz was about to ask another question, but something felt off just then, and not the thing she was suspecting about Queen Molly and Andrea. Luz's head began to feel fuzzy, and it was getting hard to think.

"Whoa…"

"Hey, you alright, Luz?" Anne asked as she noticed Luz getting groggy.

"I…I just feel really tired all of a sudden…" Luz answered.

"Guess that fight took more out of you than you thought. I guess that's only fair, considering we just had a big meal." Anne turned her attention back to Molly and asked, "Hey, Molls, think we can postpone the talk for…a…a minute…?"

Anne grabbed her head, she was starting to feel tired too, like her whole body was wanting to go down for a long nap or something.

"Anne, you good?" Molly asked.

"I…I…think…I think some-something's wrong…I…"

Molly, Libby, Andrea, and Luz watched as Anne went lax. Her eyes rolled up as she quickly slumped to the left. The Queen of Tír na nÓg bolted out of her chair and hurriedly grabbed Anne before she could hit the floor.

"Aww…farts…" Luz blearily uttered before she too began to lean forward.

"Scratch!"

A pair of ghostly hands shot out of the table and planted themselves against Luz's face. The Boiling Islander was already knocked out, so she couldn't react. Scratch slowly ascended, phasing through the table as he did.

"For the record, Molls, I don't like this," said Scratch.

"W-What's going?!" Andrea exclaimed. "W-Why did King Anne and Luz just knock out?! Is the food poisoned?!"

Molly gently lowered Anne onto the floor and rushed to Andrea side. "Andrea, calm down. The food and drinks are alright…except for the ones that Scratch spiked for Luz and Anne."

Andrea looked at her girlfriend with shock. "What? Why? Why would you spike your own cousin's food and drink? Molly, tell me what's going on."

"I-It's fine, Andrea, really. I needed to do this to help Anne and protect her kingdom. I…I know this looks bad, but we have this under control. Right, Libby?" Molly asked as she looked to her first best friend for support.

Libby sighed heavily, and it was just now that Andrea realized that Libby was completely unfazed by what had just happened.

"Wait…Libby, were you in on this? Was I the only one who wasn't?" Andrea asked.

"It was better this way," Libby explained. "We'll give you an explanation later."

"In the meantime, let's get the guards in here so we can start helping Anne and get Luz locked up," Molly ordered.

Andrea was so confused right now, and she had a bad feeling that this was going to get worse before it got better.

---

(The Boiling Isles)

Amity returned to Hexside, but it wasn't exactly all sunshine and painbows. Word had spread quickly about how Luz Noceda, a student of Hexside, and the former slave of the Blight family, went and stole Emperor Belos' sword and God Dragon along with it. Effectively leaving the Boiling Isles defenseless against another Khaotic attack. Rumors were going around that Luz was secretly plotting to take the throne away from Belos, that she secretly resented witches and demons for looking down on humanity and was seeking to get her revenge by stealing from Emperor Belos and dethroning him.

It was – as far as Amity's mother was concerned – an embarrassment to their family to be associated with Luz. But Amity didn't care, not when the other kids in the school were giving her suspicious looks, not when she overheard their little harsh words spoken in whispers as she passed by, and of course, not right now as she was cornered by a two humans and a couple of witches.

"Admit it, Blight! You did something to Luz to make her go this extreme!" the human students accused.

"She would never do anything like this, not unless she was forced into a corner!" a witch student accused.

"So, spill it! What did you do?!"

Amity didn't bother answering them. For one thing, it wasn't as if they would believe her. Considering how they kept up appearances of Amity being a strict but flexible master, and occasionally berated Luz verbally whenever people thought she was being too nice to her or even appeared to be nicer to her. And many people knew that Luz and Amity had a kind of rivalry going on, with some seeing Amity's acquisition of Luz as a way to demean and demoralize the human teen more than she already had been thanks to the loss of her family. So, needless to say, people's opinion of Amity and her supposed involvement in making Luz resort to such drastic measures, was not very high at the moment.

"Why bother answering you?" Amity replied.

"What was that, Blight?!" the other witch student exclaimed.

"No matter what answer I give you, it won't be what you want to hear. Nor will it quell your anger. I know what kind of relationship I have with Luz, and I don't have to justify it to you or anyone. Think of me what you will," Amity stated, not intimidated in the slightest.

"Tch, you think you're all that, Blight!" the second witch student growled. "Let's see how you are after we–!"

"HEY!"

A fireball came careening towards the four students, forcing them to back away from Amity. The flames were quickly snuffed out as Boscha stepped between the two and glared with all three of her eyes at the three aggressive students.

"Don't you dare mess with Amity! Or you'll answer to me!" Boscha proclaimed.

"Tch, we aren't afraid you either, Barbtalone!" the human student shouted.

"You think so?" Boscha drew two spell circles and immediately conjured two huge fireballs into both hands. "Try saying that again! I dare you!"

The four students readied themselves, with the two witch students drawing spell circles, and the human students drawing their wands. However, neither side got the chance to engage as vines quickly erupted from beneath the stone floor and wrapped around the four aggressors immediately. They struggled and grunted, but they couldn't get themselves free. Boscha and Amity were confused as to who had done that, but their question would soon be answered as Willow and Gus walked up, with Skara right next to them.

"Willow?" Amity gasped.

"Park?!" Boscha cancelled her spell and stared with annoyance at Skara. "What the hell, Skara?! Why did you get Park and Porter?!"

"Backup…?" she answered with a shrug.

"It's better this way, Boscha. No one gets hurt." Willow willed the vines to bring the four students close to them. "And you four. You don't really believe all this noise about Luz being some kind of usurper, right?"

"No! But something must've made her do it!"

"Yeah, Willow, you guys are her friends! Why are you defending Blight?!"

"She's treated Noceda like crap for the last four years!"

"Because we know more about what's going on than you four, that's why. So, just keep believing that Luz wouldn't do what they're saying. The more people believe she's not some rebel, the better her chances are when she comes back," said Gus.

"Now, I'm going to let you four go, but if you try anything…" Willow smiled sweetly. "I'll just launch you out the nearest window."

The four students gulped and quickly nodded their heads in affirmation. Willow released the four students, and true to their word, they left without any fuss.

"You okay, Amity?" Willow asked.

Amity sighed as she replied, "I am. Thank you, but you didn't have to do that." Her gaze shifted to Boscha, shooting the triclops a narrowed eyed glare. "Neither did you. Why are you even here to begin with?!"

"W-What?! Should I have let those a-holes gang up on you?!" Boscha asked. "I mean, I know how strong you are, I'm not doubting you. But I wouldn't put it past those guys to try something underhanded."

Amity advanced on Boscha, causing the triclops to back up a little. "It's because of you this whole mess started in the first place! If you hadn't pushed Luz into the royals, I wouldn't have had to whip her in front of all those people! Then we wouldn't have been invited to the castle!"

The youngest Blight let out a slow exhale as she let her temper cool before she got too heated.

"I don't know if this is some stupid bid of yours to get back in my good graces, or if you're just trying to make me see you in some different light so I can go out with you or something. Either way, stay the hell away from me Boscha," Amity stated with finality.

"B-But…I…" Boscha stammered.

"Willow, Augustus, let's go," said Amity as she walked towards them.

The Plant and Illusion witch nodded and followed alongside Amity, leaving Skara behind, although, before they did, Amity nodded in Skara's direction while showing a small smile of gratitude. Giving a silent "thank you" to the Bard witch before leaving with the others.

Boscha growled and kicked the locker next to her, causing the creature to yelp in pain. Skara sighed as she crossed her arms and walked over to the three-eyed witch and stood there for a moment.

"What?!" Boscha shouted.

"So, is that what you're trying to do? Are you trying to get back on Amity's good side?" Skara asked.

"And if I am? Then what?!" she asked.

"It's not going to happen, Bosch."

"Says you!"

"Says Amity," Skara corrected. "Look, you've been so wrapped up in wanting to be with Amity in your head–"

"It wasn't just 'in my head'!" Boscha interrupted. "We had an arranged marriage, Skara! I know I told you I've had a crush on Amity since were little! I was looking forward to being her wife, and her being my wife! But then that human swooped in and stole her away from me! Ugh! I wouldn't put it past her to have done this just out of sheer spite towards me and Amity!"

Skara facepalmed herself. "Do you really believe that? You're saying that Luz had a four-year plan to drive a wedge between you and Amity by making Amity fall in love with her?"

"Pfft, at this point, I wouldn't dismiss it. She's always been weird, if anything, I blame myself for misinterpreting that weirdness as a flaw and less of a mask to hide her true intentions," Boscha stated.

"You're unbelievable," Skara complained as she began to walk away.

"Hey, where are you going?!"

"Anywhere but here right now, Bosch. And what I was trying to say before you interrupted me, is that you never noticed like I did. I saw some things between Luz and Amity, I just never said anything because I didn't want to upset Luz or cause some trouble for her with Amity, or for Amity to do something to Luz because I brought it up. But after that day, it was plain for all of us to see how much she cared about Luz. You're the only one who's in denial."

Boscha didn't have the words to respond as she watched Skara walk away. The Potion witch growled again and punched the upper locker, denting it and causing the creature to tear up from the pain.

Meanwhile, Amity was looking exhausted, something that Willow and Gus couldn't ignore.

"I think you should head to the nurse's office," Willow suggested.

"Yeah, you're not looking too hot," Gus confirmed.

"I'm fine. All this harassment is nothing compared to what Luz is probably enduring right now," Amity stated. "I just wish I knew that she was alright. She's been on the run since the attack, and I have no idea where she is. Nowhere is safe!"

That was a fact that they couldn't deny. The alliance between the four kingdoms made it clear that they were to help one another. Which means that the other kingdoms were obligated to assist Emperor Belos in apprehending Luz on sight. It didn't matter where she went, Scientia, Amphibia, or Tír na nÓg, all of them would no doubt have people on the lookout for her.

"Well, Luz can be pretty resourceful when she has to," said Gus. "I can't remember how many jams she got us into trouble and got us out of at the same time."

"True, she can be a menace from time to time, but not intentionally," Willow joked.

Amity chuckled as she recalled some of Luz's antics. Both before her enslavement and after it. "I'm sorry…"

"For what?" Willow asked.

"I know we should've told you, but Luz was just afraid that someone would notice that we were…were more than just a master and her slave. She didn't want to get me in trouble, and I hated every moment that I had to be like that in front of everyone, including you two," Amity admitted. "She was thinking of me first even with everything that was happening to her…"

Gus sighed as he patted Amity on the shoulder. "That's just how Luz is, but I guess you know that just as well as we do. And yeah, it is kinda annoying that she didn't let us in on your guys' secret, but at the same time, we understand why."

"You don't have to deal with this alone, Amity. We're here for you," said Willow.

"Seriously? Even after what I said to you all those years ago?" Amity questioned.

"We'll unpack that when this is over. For now, we can agree on the fact that we all care about Luz and want her back," said Willow. "And somehow, maybe, prove her innocence?"

Amity sniffled a little and stood up straight. "Yeah, we should. We need answers, real answers. As much as I believe in Luz's magic skills, even she wouldn't be able to stand a chance against Emperor Belos and 'steal' his Ohger Calibur."

Gus nodded. "Yeah, my dad said that the details surrounding that whole event are kind of vague. And this is just his opinion, but he thinks that the Emperor is covering something up. I mean, you just don't steal something that important right in front of the Emperor, and God Dragon, all in one fell swoop. Luz is great, but a Sorceress Supreme she is not."

"Agreed. I think it's time we did our own fact finding," Amity suggested.

"Great, when do we start?"

"GYAH!" Amity, Willow, and Gus exclaimed as they turned around and realized it was Skara.

"What did you say?" Willow asked.

"I asked, when do we start investigating?" Skara repeated.

"But…why would you want to help us? I mean, you've hung around Amity and Boscha and Luz, but you weren't exactly friends with Luz," Gus pointed out, suspicious of Skara's motives.

"Because I want to know, too. And you're right, I may not have been friends with Luz, not like you and Willow. But that doesn't mean I didn't care about her. She's a great person, and she's fun to hang out and talk to. That's why I can't believe what everyone else is saying about her. Something isn't right about all of this, and I want answers," said Skara.

Amity bit her bottom lip for a moment before retorting, "Skara, what we're talking about is something that could get us on the Emperor's bad side. I'm already disliked by the majority of the school, so I don't care what anyone thinks. If you help us, you're going to get dragged through the mud or worse."

"And we're already looked at as 'suspicious' by others since we're Luz's friends, so we don't have much to lose either," Willow added.

Skara shrugged off their concerns. "I'm cool with it. Besides, exposing a possible conspiracy sounds fun. And the crazy things you three got into with Luz sounded like fun too. Dangerous, but fun. So, now I get to have my own dangerous adventure!"

Amity shook her head but couldn't help herself from chuckling. "Alright, I don't mind. Augustus, Willow, what do you say?"

"Hmm, well, we could use the extra help. And having a Bard witch could come in handy," said Willow as she smirked.

Skara did a little performative bow.

"Fine, but any funny business and I'll make Grom look like a kitten," Gus warned. "Oh, and Amity."

"Yes?"

"Just call me 'Gus'."

"Oh…uh…I thought it was more polite of me to use your name since your nickname is something Luz and Willow use because your friends," Amity mentioned.

"And you're Luz's GF, so you have permission. Well, at least now you do since we found out," said Gus.

"Thanks…Gus."

---

(Tír na nÓg)

Luz yawned loudly as she slowly rose. She was on a bed, but Luz didn't remember going to bed. Her vision was still a little blurry, so she rubbed her eyes a to get the sleep out of them. Slowly, her vision came back into focus. When it did, Luz bolted off the bed in shock. She was no longer in the dining room of the castle; she was inside a prison cell. A rather clean and tidy cell to be honest, but a prison cell, nonetheless. The bars that made up the wall of the cell had runes carved into them that gave off a faint blue-green glow. There was a shower and toilet off to the left side of the room, each had a glowing rune next to them that Luz didn't recognize, although she was not that well versed in Tír na nÓg Druid rune magic, so she didn't know what they were for. There was also a mirror and sink below it.

"W-What…What's happening?! How did I get here?!" Luz cried out.

"Sorry, Queen Molly had to take some measures to make sure that we took you in without any violence," spoke a familiar voice.

Luz turned her head towards the bars and from the shadows stepped forward Libby. Although now she was dressed in grayish-black trench coat and matching hat like some kind of detective. "Uh…w-what's going on here? What are you talking about?"

"Luz Noceda, you're being held under the suspicion of brainwashing King Anne Boonchuy into becoming your accomplice in your crimes against your own nation," Libby stated.

"WHAT?!" Luz yelled. "I didn't do that! Is that the lie that Belos fed Queen Molly?! Look, just talk to Anne, she'll clear this whole thing up!"

"Until Molly can verify that King Anne is clear of any mind-altering substances or magics, we won't be asking her anything," Libby informed.

"Ugh! Of course, Belos would pull some crap like this." Luz began approaching the bars as she said, "Look, Libby, I'm not–!"

"Careful, Luz. Don't touch the bars," Libby warned.

Luz stopped.

"The runes on the bars will activate if you get too close. The first time will send you flying back. The second time will shock you, literally, it'll shock you with electricity until you've lost consciousness. We're well aware that humans from the Empire can't use magic without a wand or artificial staff. So, we searched you. But we didn't find a wand on you when we relieved you of your cloak and the stolen Ohger Calibur," Libby informed.

"Wait, what?! Okay, keep the sword, but at least give me back the cloak!" Luz requested.

"Sorry, but our Druids said that it does contain magical properties. Mostly defensive magic, but we can't take any chances." Libby dragged a chair over and sat down in front of the cell. "Molly's a nice person, so we put you in a cell the medium security. If you were a witch or a faye we would've put you in our maximum-security cells with more magic dispelling runes, and/or have a magic restraining collar placed on you."

"This is medium security? It's cleaner and nicer than I'd expect," Luz observed.

"Just because prisoners are put in a cell, doesn't mean they have to be gross. By the way, if you press on those runes next to the toilet and shower, it'll create a privacy veil so you can bathe and do your business. When you shower, there's another rune button that'll appear that you can use that'll dry you off quickly."

"Wow…this is convenient."

"Just because you're a prisoner, doesn't mean we have to treat you like an animal. It's our way here, plus, you'd have to do something really heinous to warrant that treatment. Murder for one. But since you haven't been accused of that, there's no need. Now, while Molly is seeing to King Anne, I want some questions answered. What exactly did you do to get King Anne to bring you here to Tír na nÓg, and what's your business here?"

Luz contemplated her options. Anne had was skeptical of her Belos story, despite it being the truth, but then again without any real evidence it was her word against Belos' word. And it wasn't like they'd believe her since she was technically a thief. Still, she had to hope for a chance that they would, even if Anne wasn't completely sold on the idea, she was willing to help her all the same.

"Okay, you want the truth. Then here it is." Luz began explaining the events that occurred after the banquet. She then went into detail about what went down in Amphibia afterwards, and what Anne was going to do when they arrived. "I didn't ask Anne to come here to Tír na nÓg, it was her suggestion to come and talk to Queen Molly. Look, whatever Belos is telling you and Queen Molly about me it's all lies!"

"There is a chance that you're telling the truth. Personally speaking, I never liked that Belos guy," Libby admitted.

"Join the club."

"Still, putting aside whether your story is true or not, it's still a fact that you took Emperor Belos' Ohger Calibur, and that God Dragon is no longer in the Boiling Isles. Your homeland is defenseless without their Guardian Shugod, and the Emperor of that land is without the ability to transform and take the fight to the Khaotic. These are still serious crimes."

Luz sat down on the mattress and sighed. "I didn't even think it would work. But after I heard what he said…I couldn't let him keep that sword! I don't know why it works for me, or why God Dragon saved me back there. But either way, I know one thing for sure. I will never let Belos get away with what he did!"

Libby studied Luz for a while, before putting her notepad and pen down. "Well, at the very least, I believe that you believe you're telling the truth. Still, I'll ask Molly if she can have the Druids examine you for any possible tampering to your mind as well. You may be under someone's control without your knowing. And if that's the case, then we can clear your name."

Luz huffed as she crossed her arms. "Part of me actually hopes that's the case."

"Well, we'll find out after Molly's through examining King Anne, and asking her some questions. In the meantime, get some rest."

Luz watched as Libby put the chair back and left. The young human witch laid back and grumbled dejectedly. Once again, Belos struck again. Luz just hoped that Anne could convince Queen Molly about what their true intentions were.

As Libby left the cell block, she let out a breath that she didn't know she was holding. A small green flash went off next to her, and from it appeared her friend, Sylphy. She was a sprite from the woods that Libby befriended and saved when she was but a child. The sprite had light green skin, with blue green long hair that flowed down her back. Her eyes were two pools of brilliant blue, while the dress she wore was forest green color.

"Oh, man, t-t-that was intense!" Libby admitted. "I mean, granted, she doesn't seem to be dangerous. But…I don't know Sylphy; this whole thing feels wrong."

Sylphy released some chirping, squeaking noises. Normally humans couldn't understand sprites, but that was due to them not having a formal language. They mostly communicated through their magic aura, transforming their chirps and squeaks into legible words that a person can understand. Of course, this only happened by the conscious choice of the individual sprite, they were normally a cautious race of faye. But ever since Libby saved Sylphy, that caution was nonexistent.

"Yes, I know, but Molly…she's…well you know how she's been lately," Libby replied. "I just wish we could get through to her somehow."

Sylphy squeaked again.

Libby sighed.

"Let's just go and see if we can convince her to do that exam on Luz." Libby checked her notes and grimaced. "Right now, I'm hoping she's either lying or under someone's control. Because the alternative means something much worse for all of us…"

---

Anne yawned, she could hear some voices speaking around her, which made her groggily reply, "Five more minutes…" For a split second she opened her eyes and caught sight of something that managed to spur her mind awake. Anne opened her eyes more and more and then yelled out, "WHAT THE FROGGIN' HELL?!"

The Woman King of Amphibia suddenly found herself strapped to a table, surrounded by a bunch of people in brown hooded robes. Their faces were obscured by the shadows cast by their drawn hoods, but their glowing eyes were clearly visible. They had staffs in their hands and above her was some sort of magic circle with rune markings native to Tír na nÓg floating above her. At the center of that circle was a pulsating gemstone with its point aimed at Anne. The Woman King looked down at herself and realized another shocking part to this situation, she was without clothing. Well, partially anyway. Her breasts were wrapped up in white bandages, while her lower half was covered by white shorts that stopped at her thighs.

"WHAT'S GOING ON?! WHERE AM I?! AND WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY COUSIN, LUZ, AND EVERYONE?!" Anne yelled as she struggled against her bonds.

"Oh, sweet baby corn! Anne, you're awake already?!"

Anne tried to move her head to the side when she heard the voice of her cousin, but an apparatus had been constructed to keep Anne's head level and steady, preventing her from turning it. "MOLLY?! WHERE ARE YOU?! TELL ME YOU'RE OKAY! UGH! WHEN I GET OUTTA HERE, I'LL MAKE YOU CULT FREAKS PAY FOR–!"

"Anne, stop struggling, you're okay! We're in the castle's magic examination room!"

"…Huh?"

The crystal stopped glowing and the magic circle disappeared. The room started becoming illuminated, allowing Anne to get a better view of where she was. She was not in a dank underground hideout like she had originally thought, instead, the room was quite clean. There were shelves with books on magic, and other shelves that had a plethora of natural ingredients from around Tír na nÓg that were used in their various potion making, medicines, and magic spells. Now that Anne wasn't as panicked, she saw that the people who surrounded her were Druids, their robes were emblazoned with the glowing emblem of Tír na nÓg. Which, if Anne remembered correctly, could only be applied via a special spell that could not be replicated, and the glow signified that only that person was a recognized official Druid of the kingdom.

Anne noticed that she was strapped to something like a medical examination table. The table rose a little and tilted so that Anne was now upright and staring forward. Now in this new position, she could clearly see Molly standing behind the Druids, dressed in her own robes, which were white to show that she was not only royalty, but a recognized Druid.

"Molly, you have ten seconds to explain why in the hell I'm stripped down, strapped to a table, and surrounded by a bunch of Druids! I thought I was about to be sacrificed to some cult's demon lord or something!" Anne complained.

"Sorry, sorry, I'm so sorry. This was the only way to exam you so that we could make sure you wouldn't resist," Molly explained. "If it makes you feel any better, all these Druids are female!"

The Druids in the room, ten in total, all removed their hoods and showed that they were indeed female, some were elves, others were humans, and some were from one of the many tribes of faye that lived in the country.

"So, don't worry, no guys saw you naked or half naked!" Molly assured.

"Least of my worries right now, Molls! Explanation! Now!" Anne demanded.

"Right…Right…Um, ladies, could you give us the room, please," Molly ordered kindly.

The Druids bowed to their queen and exited the room. Now Anne and Molly were the only ones inside, and Anne continued to glare at her cousin the entire time.

"Well? Why did a bunch of Druid women strip me, tie me to this table, and do whatever it was they were doing?"

"Again, if it makes you feel any better, they didn't strip you. I did. I thought it would be better if someone you trusted did that rather than some other people," Molly confessed.

Anne blushed as she retorted, "Honestly, no, it doesn't make it any better! Molly, if this is some secret kink you've been wanting to act out–!"

"It's not! I swear on God Coinín it's not!" Molly insisted.

"Then?!"

Molly sighed as she answered, "We were examining you for any kind of tampering to your body."

Anne blinked. "What? Tampering? What kind of 'tampering'?"

"You know, mind control spells, or potions, or even curse marks."

"Curse marks? That's a thing?" Anne questioned.

"It's a more subtle way of cursing someone. The caster merely has to touch their target and apply a sigil-like marking on that person's body. Afterwards, depending on what kind of curse it is, let's say, a mind control type, it would activate and either subtly or immediately alter the target's thinking to make them obedient to the caster. It usually shows up in the form of a tattoo, so it can be hard to tell the difference. Someone experienced in magic can tell, but a good spellcaster can make a mark that can disappear upon application, and only appear when needed for alteration to the curse's formula," Molly explained.

"Wow…You really took all that Druid training seriously, huh?"

"Know thy enemy, Anne," Molly proudly stated.

"Okay, and that's why you stripped me?"

"I personally examined your body to make sure that there weren't any curse marks. So, again, no one else saw you without clothing," Molly assured, again.

"Still does not make it any less weird, Cuz."

"I'm a professional when I exam people! And besides, how is that any different than when we were kids or adults now? Sometimes you take baths with me or me with you back in your castle! So, it's not as if I haven't seen you without clothes already," Molly pointed out.

"Dude, we have stupidly huge baths in our castles, big enough to be considered a pool. And the context of being in a bath versus this is way different." Anne let out an exasperated sigh. "Fine, that explains why you stripped me. So, the reason you also have me strapped down is…?"

"Again, I wanted to make sure you didn't resist. We weren't sure what kind of curse or mind-altering substances or spells were used on you. So, we needed to make sure you didn't attack anyone. Even without a sword, Cuz, you punch hard. Like, really hard."

Anne chuckled nervously as she recalled a memory of herself and Molly during a little sparring session that Molly insisted on having with Anne. As much as she tried to hold back, Anne gave Molly a strong punch to the gut and lifted her cousin three feet off the ground for five seconds before coming down and hitting the mat.

"Yeah…heh-heh…B-But what makes you think someone drugged me?!" Anne gasped. "Wait, did it happen when we had lunch?! Did everyone get drugged or just me?! Is Luz alright?!"

Molly raised her hands in a calming motion as she said, "Anne clam down. I'm alright, Andrea and Libby are fine, and Luz should be resting comfortably in the dungeon right now."

"Good…Good."

*tick!*

*tick!*

*ding!*

Like a bolt from the heavens, Anne realized what Molly just said. "LUZ IS IN THE DUNGEON?! WHY IS LUZ IN THE FREAKIN' DUNGEON?!"

"Anne, it's okay, you're safe. Luz can't do anything to you while you're here," said Molly in a calming voice.

"What are you talking about?! She hasn't 'done' anything to me!" Anne argued.

"Anne, it's okay, I know what's going on! Luz must've done something to you back in Amphibia, something you're not aware of. Or maybe she has something on you?! Either way, we have her in the dungeon, she's cut off. We'll run a few more tests to make sure that there's nothing wrong with your mind or body, just to be safe."

Anne couldn't believe what she was hearing right now. "Are you kidding me?! Luz hasn't done anything to me?! Did Belos put you up to this?! Look, whatever BS that creep told you, it's a total lie!"

"So…Luz isn't a wanted fugitive running from the Empire?"

"…Okay, yes, she is that. But there's more going on than we know, Molls. Just talk to her, and you'll understand. And yes, it's going to sound crazy, but there is something wrong with this whole situation regarding Luz and the Empire," Anne assured.

"I already have Libby talking to her. She's great at getting to the bottom of things, and she'll give me her opinion on whether or not Luz is telling the truth…" Molly turned around, facing away from Anne. "But, regardless, I might just have to give her up."

"Molly, no! Please don't it!" Anne begged.

"Anne…are you in love with her?" Molly asked.

"No! She's…She's my friend, Molly! She gave me the kick in the ass I've needed for the last four years! If anything, I see her as one of my best friends! Please, she has friends and a girlfriend waiting for her back home! If you give her up to the Empire, they'll probably throw her away in the deepest darkest dungeon in the Boiling Isles, and that's if she's that lucky!" Anne pleaded.

Molly bit her bottom lip for a moment before turning around and showing Anne her normally cheerful smile. "I'm sorry, Anne. I can tell you care about her. But I don't know if what you're feeling is due to some spell or drug or blackmail. Once we're done investigating, and Luz is handed off, Amphibia won't be labeled a hostile nation!"

Anne watched as Molly approached her and gently took her right hand into both of hers.

"I know you're scared Anne. I know being king was the last thing you ever wanted! And after…it happened…you were thrust into the one position you dreaded to be put in! But it's okay! I'm here for you! We're family, Anne! And I promised I'd do whatever I can to help you! Remember, I'm the queen who will enhappify the world! I'll make sure you're happy, and that my subjects are happy!" Molly declared.

Anne looked upon her cousin with sad eyes. "Molly…don't tell me you're…"

Molly released Anne's hand and took a step back. "Okay…um, I'm going to call the Druids back in so they can finish examining you. I'll contact the Empire and get things ready for Luz's extradition."

Anne watched as Molly started to walk away, but cried out, "Molly, just talk to Luz! I promise you, she's not the criminal that Belos is making her out to be! Molly! Molly!"

Molly exited the room, closing the door behind her. Once she had, the Queen of Tír na nÓg addressed the Druids who were patiently waiting. "Please take great care in examining Anne. I want you to check her from head to toe. I want to know with one-hundred percent certainty that my cousin isn't being manipulated by anything magical or by way of drugs or potions!"

"At once, your majesty!" the Druids replied.

Molly waited until the Druids filed out of the room and returned to the exam room where Anne was. Once they were out, Molly sat on a couch and sighed heavily as she ran a hand down her face.

This…This is the right thing to do. It's…It's for Anne's happiness. I have to protect her happiness. Andrea's happiness, Libby's happiness, and everyone in the country! C'mon, McGee! You don't have time to feel sad or second guess! Gotta keep moving! Molly thought.

---

Luz lay on her bed, staring up at the ceiling as she waited for Anne to talk to Queen Molly. Despite the fact that she was in a prison cell, at least the accommodations weren't all that bad.

"Two days ago, I was sleeping in a basement in Amphibia, and today, I'm in a dungeon cell. What's next?" Luz pondered aloud.

"Unfortunately, the next place you go won't be as nice as here."

Luz turned her head to the right and saw someone emerge from the shadows. They were obscured by a brown robe, with the hood drawn up to hide their face. The human witch furrowed her brow and slowly swung her legs over the edge of the bed. "And who are you?"

"Intros can be done later. All you need to know right now is that I'm here to set you free," said cloaked figure.

"Uh-huh, why?" Luz asked.

"I've heard some things about you, Luz Noceda. You caused Emperor Belos some grief back in the Empire, and word is you got Amphibia in trouble too."

"Yes to the first part, and…partially yes to the second part," Luz admitted.

"Heh, you're a real rebel aren't ya? Good. So, that being said, what do you say? Want me to set you free?" the figure asked.

Luz crossed her arms and inquired, "Yeah, I doubt you're doing this out of the kindness of your heart. I'm sure you want something from me. What is it?"

"Shrewd. Well, don't worry. If you think I'm after your body or something, trust me, I'm not," he stated.

Luz blushed and wrapped her arms around herself. "I feel simultaneously threatened and dissed by that statement."

"What? You want me to be after your body in exchange for freedom? Not gonna kink shame or anything, but probably not the best route to go."

Luz blushed harder and yelled, "JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT!"

"I got a little project I need help with. And an infamous fugitive like yourself would definitely help me with it. What do you say?"

Luz stopped hugging her body and stated, "No."

"Really?"

"Really. First off: you haven't even told me what you're planning. Second: I'm not digging any deeper a hole than I'm already in. I'm going to stay here and wait for King Anne to talk to Queen Molly so she can sort all of this out. I'm not going to mess that up and make Anne look like a liar in front of her cousin when we came here to ask for her help. So, thanks, but no thanks," Luz retorted as she turned her back to the figure.

There was silence for a few moments, but Luz could feel that the stranger was still standing there. After a few seconds, she heard a chuckle that made Luz glance over her shoulder.

"Wow, well, that's a relief." The hooded figure removed his hood and revealed a young fifteen-year-old boy underneath it.

As Luz looked upon the teen, she noticed some similarities between him and Queen Molly. "Wait…are you…are you Queen Molly's little brother? Prince Darryl?"

Darryl gave a performative bow as he said, "The one and only. And you passed my test, Luz Noceda."

"What test?"

"I wanted to see if you would take the first chance you could get to break out of here. But it looks like you have complete faith in my Cuz, and even more so, you didn't want to risk making her look bad after she stuck her neck out for you," Darryl explained.

Luz turned around completely to face Darryl and replied, "Of course I don't. Anne's taking a risk for me, and I'm not about to put her in a bind if I can help it."

"I like that. To be honest, I'm relieved to hear that. So, now I'll go ahead and break you out and we can get started with my project," said Darryl.

"Wait!" Luz blurted out as she held out her hands in a stopping motion. "Look, I don't think your big sis will appreciate you breaking me out of prison! Plus, again, it's not going to be a good look for me if I did that!"

"Yeah, well, unless you're keen on getting thrown in dungeon for the rest of your life, or executed, then you're going to come with me."

Luz got into a defensive stance as she asked, "Are you threatening me?"

"No, I'm telling you what's going to happen if you stay here." Darryl got closer to the bars. "Molly's not going to listen to Anne, she plans on handing you over to the Empire as soon as she can."

"WHAT?!" Luz yelled. "B-B-But Anne, she–?!"

"Look, I'm sure my Cuz will try and convince Molly not to, but she's already made up her mind about it before you two ever arrived in Tír na nÓg. She's convinced that you did something to Anne, either blackmailed, poisoned, or used some kind of spell to mess with her. Unfortunately, even if that's not the case, she still won't listen to Anne."

Darryl kicked the ground as he turned his gaze downward.

"You could feel something off with my sister, right? I was watching you earlier when you guys arrived, so don't tell me you didn't notice."

Luz was going to refute that but stopped as she confessed. "I didn't want to say anything, but yeah…I did feel something was off about the queen. I don't know how to put it but…her smile. There's something off about it to me."

"Even more reason why you need to come with me. Molly is going to do what she has to in order to protect Anne's happiness. The three of us have been close since we were kids, so Anne's like a big sister to me too. We're all the family we have, and when Belos told her that Amphibia was going to be labeled a hostile nation and kicked out of the Alliance, she decided what she was going to do. Do you understand, Noceda?"

Darryl stepped closer and slammed his fist against the bars.

"My sister is going to make you into a sacrificial offering to have Anne and Amphibia get back into the good graces of the kingdoms. Cousin Anne wouldn't bring a criminal here to see us unless she trusted you, so I'm deciding to trust you as well. And I know a scammer when I see one," Darryl informed.

"Part of me both wants to and doesn't want to know how you can spot one. But…if Queen Molly is really going to do that to me…then the truth dies with me." A terrible thought entered Luz's head.

Wait, Belos might even suspect that I told Anne everything about what I saw and overheard. If that's the case, he won't stop at just silencing me. He might find some way to assassinate Anne and make it look like the work of the Khaotic! But so long as I'm running around with his sword and God Dragon, I remain his top target, Luz thought.

Luz smiled broadly as she laughed in her dramatic laugh. "AHAHAHAHAHAHA! Prince Darryl, I've decided to accept your offer! You've made a wise decision to ally yourself with the Overlord of Peace!"

Darryl deadpanned. "Uh-huh, keep that energy, you'll need for my project."

The young prince opened his cloak, revealing a glowing stone in his right hand. Darryl held the stone against the bars, and the moment he did, the runes stopped glowing. The wall of bars split down the middle and parted to the sides, allowing Luz to step out and next to Darryl.

"Thank you," said Luz.

"No prob."

"So, what exactly is this 'project' of yours?"

"Oh, we're gonna stage a coup against my big sis."

"…Ooookay, I'm going back in the cell."

---

(3 Hours Later…)

"That concludes our findings, My Queen," spoke the Druid woman.

"Thank you…You're dismissed," said Molly.

The female Druid bowed her head and left Molly's office. Inside the office, Libby was sitting in a chair across from Molly as the queen sat behind her desk. Scratch was floating off to the right of the desk, scarfing down some pilfered cake from the royal kitchen.

"Nothing, no traces of mind control magic. No curse marks. No drugs or other substances in her body. No sign of anything that shows that she's being controlled…so…"

"It means that King Anne did what she did because she believes Luz," Libby concluded.

"W-We don't know that for sure!" Molly argued. "We don't know if she has some kind of information on Anne! Something blackmail worthy!"

"Molls, I hate to say it, but I think you're grasping at straws here," Scratch commented.

"I agree with Scratch on this." Libby took out her notes as she added, "Besides, Luz Noceda seems convinced that Emperor Belos is responsible for the Catastrophe four years ago. She says he unlocked the seal and unleashed the Khaotic in some crazy plan to rid the world of nonhumans, that includes ghosts, too."

"PPFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTT!" Scratch spit out the cake he was eating upon hearing that information. "He wants to do what?! That's insane!"

Molly, ignoring the fact that Scratch just spit all that cake mush onto her, wiped off the cake mush as she said, "I don't believe it. It doesn't make any sense, I mean, Emperor Belos is a witch. Why would a nonhuman want to eliminate all nonhumans on Gaea? That would include himself!"

"I know, it's highly contradictory. But Luz seems absolutely convinced that he was the culprit behind that event," Libby assured.

Molly sighed as she crossed her arms. "Okay, so, then maybe she's just a really, really, really convincing liar?"

"Or," Libby countered, "someone's controlling Luz's mind and making her do and say these things. It wouldn't exactly be out of character for the Khaotic to pull something like this. Make us doubt each other and divide our power. Because either she's a really good liar, mind controlled, a double agent for the Khaotic, or…Belos is responsible for your–"

"Y-Yeah, yeah, there's no way that's possible!" Molly interrupted. "Look, we'll have the Druids exam Luz before we hand her over. If we find out anything to verify one of those theories, then we can give that information over to Emperor Belos. If she is being controlled by the Khaotic then Anne and I can request that Luz be pardoned since she was not in her right mind. If she's a liar, then she'll be punished by the laws of the Boiling Isles Empire."

"And? What if she's telling the truth about what Emperor Belos did?" Libby asked.

Molly went silent, her confident smile fading some.

"Look, Molly, maybe we should postpone the extradition?" Libby suggested. "We don't have all the facts yet, and if we're wrong, we could be sending an innocent person off to their death!"

Molly's hands shook, but her small smile persisted. "I-I know, it's a possibility…"

"Then?"

"But Libs…she's the only family I have…Anne's been doing great so far with running Amphibia, but if she's out of the Alliance, then everyone in her kingdom will suffer. I can't let that happen to her. And then there's our people, Libby." Molly rose from her chair and walked towards the window as she gazed out into the sprawling capital before her. "I'm responsible for them too. I promised myself this kingdom would remain a beacon of joy to everyone in Gaea. Protecting their happiness is my duty as Queen of Tír na nÓg."

Scratch and Libby glanced at each other for a moment, as if coming to some silent understanding.

"Eh, not to be a downer, but have you talked to your GF since that happened?" Scratch asked.

"OH, SHOOT! I'VE BEEN SO BUSY I FORGOT TO GO AND TALK TO ANDREA!" Molly yelled as the realization hit her. "I need to go, she's probably–!"

"MOLLY MCGEE!" Andrea shouted as she burst through the doors to Molly's office, with a couple of guards following her, and looking confused as to how to handle this situation. Andrea was the queen's lover, and they didn't want to get in trouble by being rough with her.

"A-Andrea! I'm so sorry, I've just been so busy with everything going on," Molly apologized as she rushed to her girlfriend and waved off the guards. The guards sighed in relief and closed the door before leaving.

"Well, start explaining! Why did King Anne and Luz just suddenly collapse like that?! And where are they?! Did someone try to assassinate them?! Was the food poisoned?!" Andrea asked, a tinge of fear in her voice.

"Shh, shh! Calm down, boo, it's okay, I promise!" Molly assured as she guided Andrea to the second open arm chair across from the desk. "Firstly, no. The food wasn't poisoned, and there was no assassination attempt on me or anyone else at the lunch."

"Then…what happened to them?" Andrea asked, again.

Molly nervously rubbed the back of her head and admitted, "I may or may not have asked Scratch to use his intangibility and invisibility to covertly spike both Luz and Anne's food and drink with a sleep potion. Nothing illegal in the potion, just a normal sleep potion with some sleeping nettles sprinkled in for maximum effectiveness. Normally you'd take something like that right before you go to sleep because it works pretty fast but given that Anne and Luz were wide awake when the effect hit, well, you saw what happened."

Andrea was even more confused. "Why in the world did you spike their food?!"

"Uh…well…you see…"

Libby crossed her arms and sighed. "Molly's planning on handing over Luz to the Emperor. Apparently she's accused of stealing the Emperor's Ohger Calibur, as well as their Guardian Shugod, God Dragon. She was in Amphibia up until a couple of days ago, and now she came here with King Anne. Molly's convinced that King Anne is either brainwashed or blackmailed into helping Luz out. And so, to appease Emperor Belos, she's planning on exchanging Luz in return for Amphibia rejoining the Four Kingdoms Alliance."

Andrea blinked.

Molly facepalmed. "Thank you…Libby."

"O-Okay, well, that doesn't sound bad, I guess? I mean, if Luz did something to King Anne then isn't it a good thing you're handing over a criminal?" Andrea questioned. She glanced around the room and noticed the unsure faces amongst the three. "It is a good thing, right?"

"Yeah, there's a snag with that," said Scratch. "Apparently, we don't know if that Luz girl is really a criminal or if someone's just usin' her. If we're wrong, then she's either going to jail for a long time or, EECH!" Scratch used his finger to cut his own head off, severing the ectoplasm that connected his body to his head and allowing it to float freely for a moment before he reconnected it to his body.

"Then…I don't get it; then shouldn't you wait to hand her over or something? You have to be sure, or else she might be punished for something that was out of her hands," said Andrea.

Libby remained silent, instead, she glanced at Molly, letting her best friend, and the queen of their land take that question.

Molly sighed heavily and reluctantly answered, "I have to, Andrea." The Queen of Tír na nÓg got down on one knee and held Andrea's hand between both of hers. "You know, as the queen, I have to make some hard decisions, and Anne is my family. I have to protect her and her kingdom. It's for her happiness."

Andrea grimaced a little when she heard Molly say that, and at the same time, she felt a pang in her heart.

"I see…I'm not the queen, so I can't imagine the pressure you're under. Just…Can you at least try and make sure that that Luz girl isn't a criminal before you hand her over? I don't want you regretting it later," Andrea urged.

"I promise, we're going to have the Druids give her an examination later today. But as far as if I am or not, I–"

The doors suddenly burst open as a guard cried out, "YOUR MAJESTY!"

Now what, all four thought at the same time.

"There's…There's…you have to see it! Pardon me!"

The guard rushed into the room and headed towards a pedestal in the middle of the room. It was made of white stone and had three oscillating golden rings that had a sapphire crystal floating in the center of the rings. The guard waved his hand over the crystal, creating a holographic panel that he typed on before the crystal released rays of light that created a screen in the air. All five occupants looked up and watched as the screen displayed two people, two people that made their eyes bulge and jaws drop.

{AHAHAHAHAHAHA! Greetings Tír na nÓg! You may not know me right now, but you soon will! I am the Overlord of Peace! Luz Noceda!}

"WHAT?!" Libby exclaimed.

"How did she get out of her cell?!" Molly asked. "Guards! Get a squad together and check the dungeons!"

"YES, YOUR MAJESTY!" responded the guard who burst into the office as he ran out to do that.

"Why is Darryl there?!" Scratch asked.

{Heya Tír na nÓg, I'm pretty sure I don't need to introduce myself. But for those of you who are visiting, I'm Prince Darryl McGee. Queen Molly's little brother. You're probably wondering why I'm talking to you like this, and why I have this character next to me. Well, it's because this gal right here is responsible for taking Emperor Belos' sword and is in command of God Dragon!}

"W-What is he doing?!" Molly cried out.

{That's right Prince Darryl! And after conquering Amphibia, I've set my sights on another country! I speak, of course, of Tír na nÓg! I've seen the true plight of this so called 'joyous' country! And I'm here to shatter that false joy and bring true harmony! That is why I am lending my power to Prince Darryl in his bid to remove Queen Molly from the throne!}

A look of shock was plastered on everyone's faces. Libby, Andrea, and Scratch turned to Molly who looked even more shocked than they did.

"D-Darryl…he's…pulling a prank, right?" Molly asked in disbelief.

{Sis, I know you're probably watching this right now. So, let me go ahead and get this out of the way. No, this isn't a prank. I'm serious. I won't go into detail as to why I'm doing this, but you're smart, so I'm sure you can figure out why I'm going through with this little coup.}

{Tomorrow at noon, Queen Molly. Prince Darryl's forces will be in the Cathair an Aoibhneas city square. You and I will duel for the fate of your kingdom, with me acting as Prince Darryl's champion! We want to do this with as little bloodshed as possible, so better that we just duke it out. If you win, Prince Darryl will give up and so will I. The coup will be done. But if you lose, you must abdicate the throne, and then install Prince – soon to be 'king' – Darryl as the ruler of Tír na nÓg! And with this new coronation, I will have gained yet another ally in my bid to dethrone Emperor Belos! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!}

{Well, you heard her, Sis. Tomorrow, noon. Be there or this'll get really messy really fast.}

The broadcast cut off just then as Molly's legs felt like jelly, making her collapse to her rear on the floor.

"Molly!" Andrea exclaimed as she bolted from her chair and got down on her knees next to Molly. "It-It's going to be alright! I-I don't know how, but we'll figure something out!"

"Heh…y-yeah, of-of course everything'll be alright," Molly assured, her voice quaking a little. "T-This is just a really, really elaborate prank that he's playing, it has to be."

Just then, the crystal activated and displayed the dungeons, along with the guards that were sent to check on Luz.

{My Queen, we're in the dungeons, and the prisoner is not in her cell! We're going to conduct a castle wide search, and we'll update you every ten minutes! Everyone, hurry and start scouring the castle!}

The transmission ended there.

Molly hurriedly scrambled to her feet. "Anne…!"

Without a word, Molly rushed out of the door, prompting the others to follow suit. Molly ran as fast as she could, believing her cousin was in danger if this was real. She hoped not, Darryl loved Anne as much as she did, so there was no way he would harm her or allow harm to come to Anne. After a few turns and running down stairwells, Molly burst into the room that they had moved Anne to. It was a suite that was reserved for Anne whenever she visited, and currently her cousin was lying on her back on the bed, hands behind her head as the same apparatus that was in Molly's office was on. There was a news channel on, and it was currently replying the message that Darryl and Luz gave to the people.

"Anne! Oh, thank God Coinín you're alright!"

Anne turned her attention to Molly and the rest of her friends who came in behind her. "Guess you saw that too, huh?"

"I did, and I was right. Anne, she's not a good person!" Molly walked further in but stopped when she reached the border of the rune protection spell that was placed around the room.

In order to make sure that Anne still wasn't a danger to anyone, Molly had the Druids draw up a barrier spell that would restrict Anne's movements to just the bed, couch, viewing crystal, and bathroom. The windows in the room were also protected by some barrier rune inscriptions, to prevent Anne from trying to leap out through them. Although, given the fact that they were a few stories up in the castle, a fall from here would end up killing her.

"Guys, leave the room, please!" Molly ordered.

Andrea, Scratch, and Libby glanced at each other for a moment, but in the end they complied with Molly's order and left the room, leaving the cousins alone.

"Anne, tell me what she has on you! Whatever is, I promise I'll use all my power to make sure it doesn't get out!"

Anne raised an eyebrow and asked, "You think Luz has some dirt on me that's so damaging that I'll do whatever she says?"

"Doesn't she?! Why else would you bring her here?! You brought Luz here because you knew I could help you, right?" Molly moved closer and placed her palm against the barrier. "Does she know about what you told me four years ago?! Did she overhear you talk about…you-know-what? If that's the case, we can spin it somehow! I-I don't know, but just tell me so I can try and help you!"

Anne glanced back at the screen, which still showed Darryl and Luz's message to the people. The Woman King of Amphibia furrowed her brow as she thought hard about something. After a minute of silence, she turned to Molly with a smirk.

"Nah, I'm good."

"What?!"

"You probably should get ready for your duel tomorrow, Cuz."

"A-Anne, t-that's not funny, it really isn't funny. Y-You don't really buy that Darryl wants to take the throne from me. Luz must've tricked him or something, I don't know, but this isn't like him!" Molly insisted.

"I wish I could argue differently, but I haven't been here as much as I used to. And I'm sorry for that. But right now, I'm putting my trust in Luz," said Anne.

"Just like that…? You're trusting some stranger over your own cousin?!" Molly gasped.

"Don't forget, Darryl's my cousin, too. Whichever way this ends, I'll accept the outcome. Sorry, Molls."

Molly lips trembled, but she quickly let out a growl and rushed out of the room, slamming the door behind her and leaving Anne alone in her room. Anne sighed heavily, something was up, she knew it. Luz was doing her whole "Overlord of Peace" shtick, and the last time Luz did that, it was when she was trying to knock some sense into the Woman King.

Luz, I have no idea what's going on, but I'm hoping that you and Darryl know what you're doing. 'Cause Molly's on the edge…

Anne pondered for a moment as her eyebrow rose slightly.

Or…maybe that's the point?