XXXI: Serpentara

Kaizer, Darcia, Lucius, and Gertrude found themselves greeted at the shore by a graceful Serpentine named Isyra. She exuded warmth and friendliness as she slithered closer, her flickering tongue producing hissing words of welcome. "Welcome to Serpentara, Lost Child of Nocturnastra. Please, follow me this way."

Guiding them into the verdant heart of Serpentara's forest, Isyra's melodious voice resonated with joy as she sang songs of praise to Alessia, filling the air with enchanting melodies that seemed to uplift the very flora around them.

"Alessia, oh sacred one,

In your light, we find our home,

Through your grace, we're not alone,

In Serpentara, our spirits are sown.

Your splendor guides our way,

In your realm, we humbly stay,

Oh, Alessia, we forever pray,

With you, we find our day!"

The group followed Isyrus cautiously until they emerged from the forest into a lush plateau, vibrant green grass swaying gently underfoot. The rare sight of such open land in Sanguine felt refreshing. In the distance, Serpentis, a city shone brightly in the darkness, illuminated by a mixture of the foliage's natural light and the flickering orange glow of lanterns. Isyrus guided them with a watchful eye.

"We are almost to Serpentis, our proud city," Isyra hissed with pride. "Please watch your step. The terrain may be flat, but snake holes are scattered about."

As they continued their journey, the anticipation of what awaited them in Serpentis grew.

Isyra paused, her slitted eyes fixed on Kaizer as she explained their faith. "We worship Alessia, The Scorpion. She is a being far beyond a Vampire, she is a Goddess. However, we do not place labels on our faith in her. It is simply a reverence and respect for the Serpentine Prophecy that has been the subject of many celebrations in our culture for nearly a century."

Kaizer nodded, absorbing this information. It was surreal to think of his mother as a deity to an entire race of beings. "That's fascinating. I never knew the extent of her influence. How does this Prophecy relate to me, if you don't mind me asking?"

Isyrus smiled, revealing her sharp teeth. "The Serpentine Prophecy foretells the coming of the Lost Child of Nocturnastra, a figure of great importance. Your arrival, Lost Child, is believed to fulfill this prophecy. It has been passed down through generations, and now, you stand before us."

Kaizer exchanged glances with Darcia and his friends, his look saying, 'Should I tell her that The Scorpion is actually a curse?' Darcia, knowing his thoughts, shook her head.

Lucius let out a sudden shout from the rear of the group, drawing their attention. They spun around to see him at the bottom of a massive snake hole, waving up at them sheepishly.

Kaizer couldn't help but quip, "She did say watch your step, Lucius."

With an amused grin, Lucius extended his arm toward Kaizer, signaling for assistance. "Yeah, yeah, now help me out of here."

Kaizer, chuckling, grabbed Lucius's arm and pulled him back to solid ground. Both of them wore goofy grins as they rejoined the group. Kaizer turned to the others with a casual tone. "Alrighty, let's keep moving." He reached for Darcia's hand, their fingers entwining once more, and they resumed their journey toward the radiant glow of Serpentis City on the horizon.

As they reached their destination, Kaizer inhaled in awe. Serpentis City sprawled before them as they passed through the stone gates, immersing them in a world of snake-people. The city had a distinctly rustic charm, reminiscent of ancient rural India.

The houses, constructed from a medley of clay, sand, silt, and stone, lined the narrow winding streets. Their terracotta hues and intricate designs added an earthy, yet vibrant quality to the cityscape. Ornate wooden balconies adorned the buildings, providing shade and a touch of rustic elegance.

Market stalls with vibrant fabrics and exotic spices spilled onto the bustling streets. Snakelike beings in colorful attire, some with hoods resembling cobras, darted to and fro, bartering for goods. The air was filled with the fragrant aroma of street food, and vendors sold exotic fruits and sweets, their vibrant colors rivaling those of the flowers that adorned the city.

As they ventured deeper into Serpentis, they noticed the city's central square, a bustling hub of activity. Here, snake-people gathered around a grand, intricately carved stone well. The water within was crystal clear and cold, a source of life and sustenance for the Serpentine inhabitants.

The sound of enchanting music filled the air as musicians played traditional instruments beneath the shade of ancient trees. The serene atmosphere contrasted with the vibrant chaos of the markets, offering a moment of calm reflection.

Throughout the city, they saw temples adorned with intricate stone carvings, paying homage to Alessia, the Scorpion Goddess, with offerings of fragrant flowers and candles. The gentle, melodic chants of prayer echoed through the air, creating an ethereal ambiance.

Kaizer, making eye contact with a passing Serpentine, raised his hand in a friendly wave. To his surprise, the Serpentine responded with a warm, toothy smile and a wave of its own.

"Your people are remarkably friendly, considering they're snakes," Kaizer remarked, his attention drawn to the kind demeanor of Serpentis' residents. "It reminds me of Elephasia."

Isyra, the Serpentine guide, nodded her massive snake head in agreement. "We are a peaceful race, distinct from the bloody chaos that plagues the rest of Sanguine. Our primary desire is to lead fulfilling lives in the eyes of Alessia."

As Kaizer continued to ponder the significance of the prophecy, he posed another question, his curiosity burning. "I'm still struggling to grasp the full importance of my role in your Prophecy, Isyra. Could you elaborate on what the Prophecy specifically says about me and my mother? And why are your people so devoted to her?"

Isyra chuckled softly and pointed toward the ceiling of Sanguine above them. "The Prophecy speaks of the Goddess Alessia's offspring, who will serve as the catalyst to shatter the ceiling that confines us within this dark realm. The Serpentine sought refuge here to escape the horrors of the Elder Vampires, and for countless ages, we despaired of ever returning to our true home, especially since the Realms were divided. But Alessia's Promise, our guiding star, has instilled hope in our hearts, telling us that one day we will once again roam freely in Nocturnastra."

Kaizer's understanding deepened, and the Serpentine's devotion to their Prophecy filled him with a newfound sense of purpose. He envisioned the ceiling of Sanguine parting, unveiling the world to all the supernatural beings who yearned for it, granting them the opportunity to reclaim their rightful home. A warm smile played on his lips as he embraced this vision of hope and liberation.

Gertrude's voice held a hint of nostalgia as she spoke from beside Darcia, her words seeming to resonate more with her own thoughts than with the group. "Even after all these years she's been gone, my daughter never ceases to amaze me," she said, a reminiscent smile gracing her lips.

Isyra led them to what appeared to be a Serpentine synagogue, a place of worship for their community. The building was a magnificent structure made of clay, sand, silt, and stone, meticulously crafted into intricate designs. Its walls bore carvings that told stories of their people's history and devotion to Alessia. The entrance was adorned with ornate stone arches, and as they stepped inside, they were met with a grand interior.

The ceiling was an impressive dome, painted with vibrant murals depicting the Serpentine's connection to Alessia and their journey to freedom. The synagogue's interior was illuminated by softly glowing crystals embedded in the walls, casting a warm, ethereal light that danced across the ornate patterns and richly colored tapestries. Serpent-shaped motifs adorned every corner, and the pews were crafted from fine stone and polished wood.

In the center of the synagogue, there was a beautifully designed altar where a statue of Alessia stood, surrounded by candles and offerings. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of reverence and tranquility, and the air was scented with fragrant herbs and incense. It was a place where the Serpentine gathered to express their faith and gratitude to their Goddess in a serene and spiritually uplifting environment.

Isyra led them toward the altar where the statue of Alessia stood. The half-woman, half-Scorpion figure was sculpted with exquisite detail, capturing both her grace and power. Candles flickered around the statue, casting warm, dancing shadows on the polished stone floor.

The air was thick with reverence as they approached the altar. Isyra gestured for them to kneel before Alessia's statue. "Here, you may offer your own prayers or thoughts to Alessia," she whispered, her voice filled with reverence.

Kaizer, Darcia, Lucius, and Gertrude each took a moment to reflect on their journey. With their eyes closed, they silently spoke their thoughts, sending their wishes to the Goddess.

'Alessia,' Kaizer prayed. 'Mom. I hope I get to meet you one day—in person.'

Afterward, Isyra led them to a side chamber where they were greeted by a group of Serpentine elders, their scales shimmering in various shades of green and gold. The elders welcomed them with wise smiles, inviting the group to sit on intricately carved stone benches.

One of the elders, a venerable Serpentine named Vossir, spoke with a voice that resonated with wisdom. "We have been awaiting the Lost Child of Nocturnastra for many generations, and now you have arrived. The Serpentine Prophecy has guided us, and we believe that your presence here will help us fulfill our destiny."

Kaizer nodded, humbled by the responsibility placed upon him. "I will do my best to assist in any way I can," he replied earnestly.

Vossir continued, "Your mother, Alessia, is a beacon of hope for our people. She's shown us that even in the darkest of times, there can be light. Our connection to the Scorpion Goddess is strong, and through her, we have learned to persevere and maintain our faith."

Gertrude, listening intently, felt a swell of pride for her daughter's legacy. She spoke up, her voice filled with emotion. "Alessia was a remarkable woman, and I'm honored to have been her mother. I can see that her influence has touched your people deeply."

Isyra nodded in agreement, her slitted eyes reflecting the shared respect and admiration they held for Alessia. "We believe that your presence here will strengthen the bond between our people and the Goddess. Together, we will work toward the fulfillment of the Serpentine Prophecy and the liberation of all supernatural beings from the confines of Sanguine."

With their spirits lifted by the Serpentine's warm welcome and their newfound sense of purpose, the group began to discuss their next steps. Serpentis City held potential allies that could aid them in their mission to save Alessia.

As they continued their conversation with the Serpentine elders, they couldn't help but feel a deep sense of hope and unity. The Lost Child of Nocturnastra had found his way to Serpentara, and together with his friends and newfound allies, they were poised to make a difference in the supernatural world.

The oval stone table in the meeting room served as the center of attention, and Kaizer, Darcia, Lucius, and Gertrude sat there across the Serpentine elders. The room itself was adorned with intricate stone carvings and softly glowing crystals, lending an aura of ancient wisdom to the proceedings.

Kaizer, leaning forward on the table, with a deep breath, began to share his knowledge with the Serpentine council. "My friends and I have ventured here from the Black Forest to seek your assistance in reaching the Underworld. We face an obstacle. You see, the Barrier that prevents you from returning to your home is actually a timeline splicing machine, invented by Zykor the Reptilian. I've never met him, but I think he might have locked down the Barrier while I wasn't looking... or something."

"The reason I say that is because when I tried to use the Barrier to go to the Underworld myself, I was denied access. The machine required an administrator password. I've heard he's still in the Overworld, and if he's the guy who built the blueprints, he has to be the one behind my failure to timeline travel."

"Maybe he thought you were a hacker or somethin'," Lucius said, shrugging, arms crossed as he sat at Kaizer's left, his legs resting on the table.

The elders' eyes slightly widened at hearing the profound revelation. The eldest of the Serpentine elders, a venerable Serpentine named Vyshara spoke up, hissing her apologies, "I apologize deeply for the disappointment, but we have no such knowledge of how to go to the Underworld. We have always tried to avoid that horrific place. Have you seen it?"

Kaizer nodded. "Yeah. I've seen it. I know of the horrors you speak of, too. The bodies—"

"Ahem," Gertrude interrupted. "We all know that it's a terrible place, and must I remind everyone that my daughter's in there? My daughter, my baby girl, is in Acheron. Now can we move on with finding the solution to get her out?"

Kaizer nodded respectfully. "Of course. Sorry, Grandmother."

Gertrude accepted the apology with ease, smiling. "Oh, it's okay. I just get a bit queasy, that's all."

Lucius interjected. "Acheron?"

The Serpentine elder chimed in to explain. "The ancient, original name of the Underworld. It is said to be a dark omen to even hear it, so most do not ever say it. However, you cannot go around fearing to say a word—that's madness!" The elder nodded at her own logic.

Darcia, poised and elegant, sitting comfortably beside Kaizer, added, tapping into Kaizer's memories, "Alessia, The Scorpion, is at the heart of this conflict. She is not just a deity but a being burdened by a curse, one that is trapped inside her by the means of a second heart, the Abominable Heart. She is trapped in Acheron, chained to its floor and to her desire to find her Lost Child. She's enslaved the entirety of the population in Acheron, and she's forced them to search for Kaizer endlessly. She is growing desperate, her curse growing the longer she yearns, her Abominable Heart growing with it."

Lucius, his legs resting upon the table as he leaned back casually, hands in pockets, his voice filled with curiosity, chimed in, "We've learned that Alessia's Scorpion form was a result of her curse, unleashed in her anger after Kaizer was stolen away by Queen Hundred and the Cauldron. This curse has imprisoned her in a form she never wished for."

Gertrude, her presence nurturing and wise, shared her insights. "To break this curse and restore Alessia back to her human form, we must go to Acheron and deliver Kaizer directly to her."

The Serpentine elders listened attentively, their slitted eyes reflecting their deep consideration of the matter. Vyshara spoke with a measured tone. "We thank you for sharing this knowledge with us, Kaizer. It is clear that your quest is one of great importance. I wish we could be of more assistance to you."

Kaizer smiled, understanding in his voice. "No worries, Vyshara."

Vyshara replied with a toothy smile.

Gertrude, seated gracefully beside Lucius and facing the elders, inquired with an air of elegance in her voice, "Do you have any knowledge of individuals within this city who might lend their aid to our cause?"

Vyshara, her serpentine form gracefully leaning forward, her robes cascading, responded, "Within The Forest of Tabitha resides a highly regarded shaman. While not known for his loquacity, he harbors a deep eagerness to assist The Lost Child of Nocturnastra in their quest."

Vyshara continued, her scales shimmering with a hint of concern. "But you must tread carefully when it comes to Tabitha. It is a forest charged with the powers of nature itself, a force that can crush even the noblest of intentions. Beasts of all kinds, large insects, and carnivorous plants roam. I advise you take Isyra with you. She will lead you in the right direction."

As their plan took shape, Kaizer, Darcia, Lucius, and Gertrude stood at the threshold of a fresh adventure. Before them lay the enigmatic and perilous Jungle of Tabitha, a place fraught with mysteries and dangers, yet harboring the promise of unlocking the path to their quest's triumph.