As they were traveling back to their home, Ryuu decided to make a stop in one of the sapphire caverns he created. "Darius, you and Turquoise go on ahead. I'm going to stop and grab a few gems for crafting tonight. William and Tatsuya will come with me. We won't be long. Plus, we want to make sure Darius gets checked out by Chel since she's still here." Ryuu said while mostly looking at Turquoise.
"That's cool with me. I can escort her back." Darius said while giving a thumbs up.
"That's fine. I'll see you home, Dad." Turquoise said while walking ahead. Darius sped up to catch her. Ryuu and the others walked towards a cavern.
"What all did you guys do with the person who summoned Dad?" Turquoise asked Darius once the other group was out of sight.
"It was a meeting; they were asking about something that happened the other day with Amatesa, and then they chatted in private. We mostly stood around for a while until Ryuu and the other man asked for us to spar." Darius explained. "The dude was strong; he had 4 arms and was massive. He smacked me good in the head. I ended up winning, though."
"How mighty of you," Turquoise giggled. "Who was the other man there, the one that invited you?"
"Benjamin, some elite looking guy. He looked like he had a ton of money. It didn't seem much like a fighter, though." Darius said.
"Most of the rich people aren't fighters. Dad is more of an exception, but since he is a master of water, along with having land, they treat him like an equal. But they typically look at fighters as beneath them. Savages really, since 'sophisticated' people don't need to fight to accomplish their goals. I dislike those people. They are all the same, and they only look at me as some bargaining tool for their growth." Turquoise said in an irritated voice.
"Why would they consider you a bargaining tool?" Darius asked.
"Well, you know my father is an elite, but my mother is as well. She's the queen of the Cobra snakes, and I'm the princess, you could say. I'm her oldest daughter and of marrying age, so plenty of people try to ask for my hand for a treaty. Either the man themselves or their son." Turquoise explained while Darius was shocked.
"I didn't know you were part cobra, too. So a dragon and a cobra, you're mixed like me. Is that why your eyes are two different colors? And your hair is so unique?" Darius excited asked
"Yep, the cobra family is a mostly green color, and dad is mostly blue. So I came out with a mix of both. They named me Turquoise for that reason as well. The best of both worlds." Turquoise said proudly.
"I bet, that's really cool. It's great that neither of your parents decided to offer your hand in a marriage either. I've known of some other princesses, and they are usually offered off before marrying age. That's great you keep to be yourself." Darius said.
"Yeah, Dad was adamant about it. He said if he didn't have any input, he would just make the other family disappear." Turquoise laughed. "Dad can be so extreme at times. But I guess Mom took it seriously as she never demanded me to marry anyone. She would mention there were men, but I didn't bother. My younger sisters aren't so lucky. I have a few younger siblings from moms new husband, and well, he didn't feel the same as my dad. So, some of my sisters are already scheduled to be married. This is another reason I enjoy being with Dad. I just get to live my life without any 'princess' pressure."
"Your dad is cool. Ryuu is an awesome person. I wish I got to know my dad. I only know he just loves women and was apparently very charming, hence me. But he was apparently a God. I'm a lot stronger than normal humans, and my powers excelled quicker than others; plus, lightning isn't something a normal human is born with." Darius explained.
"Sounds like the son of the God to me. Typically, hybrids get attributes from both sides. For me, I obtained the dragon's durability and some strength while getting the cobra's stealth and other attributes for... precision fighting to summarize. Oh, we're here. That was a fast trip." Turquoise pointing out the cave.
"It always feels like a different length each visit. That magical veil is crazy." The two enter inside. Rae is reading a book named "Solar's Fire Mastery," while Lea is next to her reading a book about Western fairies.
"Hey Chel, I'm back." Turquoise waves at Chel and then walks over to hug Lea, who squirms trying to wiggle out the hug. Turquoise just laughs. "I missed you too. I know it's only been an hour, aren't you happy for me to be back?" Lea just looks back at her book and covers her face with it.
"Lea doesn't like talking, does she?" Darius asked.
"No, she doesn't. But she can telepathically speak to you, though. She just doesn't. She likes to keep to herself and her book." Turquoise says as she stops hugging Lea. "Oh right, hey, Rae, do you mean checking over health? He was fighting earlier and took a big hit."
"Sure, though I can just look at him and can tell, now that you mention it. You aren't afraid of a little fire, are you?" Chel asked as she ignites a small flame on her fingertip.
"No, I'm not afraid of a little fire." Darius said as he stepped closer.
"Good!" As Chel said , a huge flame engulfed his head. Shortly after, it stopped. "How do you feel?"
"I feel great. I've never seen fire used for healing. How is that possible?" Darius asked.
"All elements can heal; you just have to specialize in it. The fire can burn away any imperfections, and the warmth brings a healing sensation. Not many fire users do that because fire is incredibly destructive, but someone as versed as me can do healing. You should be okay. it didn't seem like it left any lingering effects, but if anything changes while I'm still here, let me know." Chel smiled.
"Absolutely. You guys are so nice. I wonder what Turquoise's mom is like." Darius pondered. Turquoise froze for a second and then responded.
"She's not much different than us. However, she is a queen, so she can be... Much at times. But anyone can be, so no big deal. You probably would want to rest up tomorrow anyway. Probably spend time with your mom." Turquoise quickly stated.
"I would, but my mom is back in my home town in the north. But I could use some rest, and I need to get food for the house." Darius said.
"Good idea!" Turquoise exclaimed.
"Your dad will be back, though? He didn't do anything that would keep him from coming back? You didn't mention what all happened." Chel asked. Turquoise summarized the events for her. "Hopefully, he doesn't take long to pick up whatever he needs. He might be grabbing some sapphires. He might use one for persuading for your extended stay here."
"I really, REALLY, prefer being here. It's so much more quiet that I can hear clearly, and the only person younger than me loves silence. I like visiting my mom but I prefer to stay here." Turquoise explained.
Just then, Ryuu and the others had arrived. "Sorry for the delay; I just had to get something together for tomorrow." Ryuu said to Turquoise.
"I'm glad you are back, though. You are letting me stay longer, right?" Turquoise questioned.
"I'm for it as long as your mother also agrees. It'll be just her coming, so you don't have to worry about her new husband. Don't be so anxious; everything will be fine. But I'm here. What all did you need me to do?" Ryuu asked.
"Don't go anywhere. You ducked out last time, and mom got irritated. So just stay here." Turquoise said sternly.
"You are so bossy. Are you sure you are my daughter? If it wasn't for those dimples when you smile, I wouldn't have thought you were mine." Ryuu mockingly said.
"Haha, Dad. Alright, everyone makes sure Dad doesn't run anywhere. I'm not letting you out of my sight." Turquoise said as she grabbed his arm. "You are now captured and not allowed to leave your home."
"Well, I guess I'm not going anywhere. I wonder what I should do to pass the time?" He asked, knowing what the answer would be.
"Let's see some cool water tricks. Don't you agree, Lea?" Lea raises her hand and smiles, too. Also showing dimples. Darius also raises his hand.
"Master, I'd love to see some cool tricks, too!" Darius said, jumping into the conversation.
"Since I'm here, how about I act as your fire assistant? This would be a fun way to pass the time." Chel volunteering herself.
"You guys, have a great evening. I'm going home early. I won't be needed for tomorrow, so I'll be on the lookout for your next call." William excused himself for the evening, and everyone said their goodbyes.
For the rest of the evening, Ryuu would do tricks. They were really combat spells that he manipulated to be flashier. Twisting the moisture out of the air and freezing it. Lifting everyone by using the water in the body to have them float. Creating an ice sculpture that Chel used fire to create ice people. They even did a combination that had the water and fire run parallel to each other, creating a small electric bounce between the two elements. Eventually, they were joined by Amatesa and Rae. They were sparring with each other and were tired but still joined in for the fun. Amatesa wanted to see how long she could hold her breath under water. So Ryuu created a water bubble for her, and she held her breath for 30 minutes straight before Ryuu decided to drop the bubble. They called it a night, and everyone circled up. Ryuu reverted back to a bigger dragon form, and everyone huddled up to sleep through the night. Except for Darius, who slept on a couch.
In the afternoon, the next day, Ryuu was awoken by several pokes to his head. Finally, waking up, he sees a familiar face. "Good morning, Ryuu. You are still the heavy sleeper as always." Turquoise's mother had arrived and snuck in.
"Mirage?" Ryuu said, shaking his head.
"No, I'm real, not a mirage today." Mirage laughed.
"That joke is older than you. I can't believe you still use it." Ryuu started stretching, which signaled everyone to wake up, except Amatesa, who continued to sleep as her head hit the ground when Ryuu got up.
"Apparently, she's a harder sleeper than you. Must run in the family. Happy to see me, your favorite Ex wife?" Mirage said with all smiles.
"My only ex-wife currently." Ryuu said.
"Once you're up, let's head outside to chat. I'll be waiting for what I have brought." Mirage said as she headed outside.
Darius, who had already been up, was quite surprised at the interaction. As Ryuu grabbed a box and walked outside, Darius walked over to Turquoise. "How did your mother get in without any alarm going off? She even navigated here without an escort." Darius questioned.
"She's sneaky. Most reptile families are, but ours is especially gifted. She managed to make no noise wearing a full-length dress." Turquoise explained.
Darius was shocked by this. "Wow, you really are the best of both worlds. Are you as stealthy?"
"Not as great as her, but good enough for most people. I did practice with her, but I'm still far behind." Turquoise said while stretching. "I wonder why they went outside first. She usually skips past him and approaches me. I think they are planning something."
Just then, Ryuu and Mirage called Turquoise outside to speak with them privately. "So, we know this back and forth from both homes has been a challenge for you. You're old enough to decide on who you would rather..." And before Mirage can finish, Turquoise cuts her off.
"I want to stay with Dad! Uh, please? Trq.uoise said quickly and then shifted.
"That was so fast; you didn't even have time to think it over. Let's spend some time discussing it." Mirage tried reasoning.
"No, I've already decided. You already said I'm old enough." Turquoise responded why Ryuu just stands back as he knows what is about to happen.
"You need to give it more thought. You have siblings with me to consider as well." Mirage's tone starts to get harsher. "Are you sure you actually thought this over?"
"Yes, I can visit, of course, during special events." Turquoise said quickly.
"Let's discuss the pros and cons of both options." Mirage tried to steer the conversation; however, Turquoise wasn't having it. This back and forth went on for a while until Ryuu jumped in.
"OK, let's just calm down. Turquoise made up her mind. She'll be here with me; however, she's always welcome to travel back whenever to stay with you. We can easily arrange for quick travel in case anything comes up. Problem resolved." Ryuu said while standing between them.
"Fine" in unison from the mother and daughter.
"I brought you a gift. I was hoping that you at least show it to everyone else with it on, but it can't be helped. Here you go." Mirage hands her a crown with gems across it. These gems are filled with magic from our family. You don't ever have to take it off; it can become transparent as well. It protects you from any mental invaders." The crown is similar to a headband but sturdier. It has several green gems across it. With the Cobra emblem engraved as well. Turquoise eyes lit up.
"Thanks, Mom, it is beautiful." As Turquoise went to hug her forgetting that moments ago, they were close to fighting.
"And this is my gift to you. A necklace with our gems along with ruby's and emerald's gems as well. This was why Rae and Chel had dropped by to help me get this together. Tatsuya had also made a trip to get the green emerald from our dragon neighbors who heard of your coming of age. This will give you a larger mana pool to draw from. And could be used to enhance your powers as well. There's more to it, but a little mystery is always nice." Ryuu puts the necklace on Turquoise. She's starts to get teary-eyed. It was one of the few times both of her parents were together, and she felt like their special child.
"Would it be okay to take a picture together? I want to be able to remember this moment." Turquoise asked.
"Yes, we can do that." Ryuu summoned a ward to his hand and then tossed it a few feet ahead. "We can use this, everyone group and smile." Turquoise wiped her face, and Mirage pulled the three of them together for a family photo.