Karnage: Please forgive any errors, thank you fellow Daoists *bow*

V2 Chapter 12-

Sol and the Queen Lamia Zeeqala, Zee's mother, was currently having a chat near a stream of water-

**

[The Ancestor that chose you, is called the Emerald Shimmering Serpent-Dragon, amongst the Ancestors he is one of the oldest and he is a bit notorious amongst the Ancestors for being a loner and a bit of a radical.

His true name is "Leviathan", the Ancestor of True Poison. All serpent beasts that wield poison descended from him. Did you know, of all the Ancestors, he was the only one who had not chosen an heir...until now] -Queen Lamia

Sol hearing this listened intently without disturbing her, his gaze focused as he listened and committed all this information to memory.

[Child, now that you are chosen as an heir; in the future you will surely have quite a few battles to fight. The Ancestors are all old fogies who have absolutely nothing to do, having attained the pinnacle of power; they live in the dimensions created by themselves and rarely ever wander out.

The only joy these old fogies have is when their heirs fight to the death to prove which is stronger and they are able to see a mini version of themselves, which gives them a sense of fulfillment as a legacy should] -Queen Lamia

Sol wondered how powerful the other heirs were and couldn't help but ask-

[How powerful are the current heirs? and why do the Ancestors choose heirs to do battle for them? Why not fight themselves?] -Sol

Sol's voice contained a bit of dissatisfaction as he thought about fighting for someone else. The Queen mulled for a bit and then said gravely-

[These fights between heirs are not to be taken lightly as each and every single one of them are absurdly powerful! The Ancestors cannot fight each other because of their ascended status, so when there is discord or an argument to be settled, they choose an heir to do battle in their name! Or perhaps do you prefer if they do battle and destroy several thousand planets including this one?] -Queen Lamia

Sol hearing this nodded his head as he understood, but was also quite shocked. To destroy worlds, how powerful must they be?

Seeing this the Queen let out a sigh and continued relaying the information-

[These Ancestors settle disputes and gamble on their heirs as it is the only sort of entertainment that they have. In the future, other heirs will surely come looking for you and you will have to fight quite a few bloody battles. Most heirs right now, you absolutely cannot fight them or you will die because they are all creatures mentioned in legends.

Each and every single one of them have quite a formidable reputation and even us Lamias would not dare go interfere with them or trespass on their territory. Heirs are the true kings of Magnolia, the true beasts that rule this continent.

Luckily, your arrival has remained quite silent and I doubt your Ancestor would reveal your existence to the other Ancestors while you are still this weak. You have a great deal of time to prepare and I whole-heartedly believe you will be ready when the time comes, however you must not slack off at all; or in the future you will certainly regret it] -Queen Lamia

Sol upon hearing this nodded as he looked at the Queen solemnly, the Queen upon seeing this felt relieved Sol wasn't like the humans she met before. She sensed no fear from him at all, but rather a tinge of excitement flashed in his eyes that she did not miss and the Queen let out a tired sigh as she looked at Sol.

[Well all in all, this is what you needed to be aware of. Now on to other things, you know what's going to happen to Zeshala now?] -Queen Lamia

Sol showed a confused expression of worry as he looked at the Queen.

[What is it?] -Sol

The Queen laughed as she looked at his worried expression.

[Lamias can only conceive during mating season, once it occurs they get pregnant very easily. The pregnancy period is much more different than humans, and happens over the course of a decade. Your child won't be born for another ten years and within that decade, Zee will remain in our nest until she gives birth. Obviously for safety reasons as she can't be allowed to travel along with you] -Queen Lamia

Upon hearing this Sol nodded, how would he take her on his journey filled with unknown dangers? However...he still wanted to be with her and separating was still hard. The Queen then hesitated for a bit before speaking once more.

[You have a human fiance right? I think you should talk with her before you see Zee again. If your human fiance is against Zee, then you will have a choice to make] -Queen Lamia

[Yes..I know..] -Sol

Sol nodded as his face subconsciously lowered to the floor in dejection.

Upon hearing the Queen's words he felt extremely terrible, he liked Claire, when he had regained a few memories he knew how important she was to him and he would definitely go find her and make sure that she was safe. That was something he had to do no matter what, as not only was it an order from his parents but he himself wanted to assure her safety.

That much was a given, but...he also did not like the thought of another man having her, and it gave him a terrible bitterness in his heart. What could he possibly say to her? He was sure once she learned of Zee; she would also have feel this terrible bitterness. Sol was sure if it wasn't as bad as this then it may be even greater once she learned how far they had gotten and had conceived a child.

What could Sol do? He liked her very much and she was his rightful fiance, but Sol was sure that he loved Zee. Also, he had met Zee first before regaining his memories and made the promise of becoming her mate before everything happened.

The more and more he thought about having to choose between them made Sol's eyes filled with despair as a sharp pain filled his heart. In the end he resolved himself to be rejected by Claire, and he would do his utmost to take care of Zee; however he still had an obligation he had to fulfill. Seeing Sol's pained face, the Queen smiled radiantly.

[It seems you are not a fool, I approve of you and my daughter no matter what the outcome. Any man who can make that face after having another woman is not trash. After all, most men in Magnolia wouldn't blink an eye after taking more than one woman. If you can make a face like that, at the very least I can say you deserve multiple women more than those kinds of guys] -Lamia Queen

As the Queen said this Sol looked at her strangely.

[Are you not upset? Will Zeshala not like this sort of thing?] -Sol

A heavy trace of worry in his tone as he looked at the Queen, who gave a chuckle.

[Originally, If Zeshala had fell in love with her mate, I would have preferred that it be between her and her mate alone. The circumstances this time prevent that from happening and I am okay with that seeing what sort of person you are. I know no matter what, you would always have a place for her in your heart and I can feel you strive to become powerful and one day you will gain the power to protect her for any foe; what more can a mother ask for?

Besides, Lamias are different from humans anyway, some sisters have shared mates before, it is not an uncommon occurrence. If a mate candidate is powerful enough and will give a good seed, the sister can share if she wants and this is taught to all Lamias from an early age, Zeshala is no exception.

I know my daughter best, Zee has no opinion at all on the subject of multiple women as long as you treat her the way you always have. In fact, that girl is probably extremely worried about your fiance; she even had reservations in her heart when she wondered if to go through with the mating.

I knew because I followed her when she entered our archives section searching for clues about mutant hybrids. It was because of that, I knew you existed. I could read that girl's expression like an open book, and I knew she had acquired a mate that she was hesitating with.

It didn't take much to put it together, it was only when I talked with Old Black and Glowy did I truly get to the bottom of it and find out you had a fiance. You see, I'll tell you something others don't know.

Lamia's aren't supposed to fall in love with their mates Sol, especially humans. No matter what, it usually always ends badly for us. People say that we are vengeful and hatred filled women, but that is the biggest lie ever placed on us. It's just that Lamias love deeply, we love so deeply that the hurt distorts into something else.

Because pregnancy takes ten years for a Lamia, the mates of the Lamias usually find other women by the time they have given birth. Some even forget about the encounter completely as if it never happened.

This is precisely why we do not allow young Lamias outside to choose a mate until they are properly able to suppress their feelings] -Queen Lamia

Hearing this Sol nodded, he had came to the same conclusion himself and was the major reason why he resolved himself to accept Zee's feelings. Sol could see the Queen wanted to talk a bit longer and did not disturb her, he realized she was actually quite worried about Zee and her expressions were that of a tired mother.

[May I make a suggestion? This isn't words from a Queen or a mother, but words from a woman. Tell your fiance the truth when you meet her, everything from beginning to end without leaving out a single detail. Tell her all of your feelings and all of your troubles.

Tell her how you feel about Zeshala and tell her how you feel about her. If she decides you are a worthy enough man then she will stay with you, if not then she will leave but she will still respect your honesty] -Queen Lamia

Hearing this Sol nodded as his gaze drifted off into the stream of water before him, his beautiful eyes like jewels as he stared at the tiny fish inside.

[I had never intended to lie to her, no matter what I won't run away from a confrontation of the heart. I am not that weak, not that brittle and fragile] -Sol

Hearing this the Queen nodded approvingly with a smile, she hesitated for a bit and then asked.

[Are you regretting--] -Queen Lamia

[Never..No matter what, those were my true feelings. I am absolutely certain that I would do the same thing again if given another chance, even a million times. As much as I don't want to lose my fiance, I absolutely cannot lose Zee no matter what; she is already mine and I don't care what or who I have to lose to keep it that way.

Indeed I must find Claire no matter what and make sure she is safe. However, If she does not wish to accompany me, then it can only be fate. I feel guilty, I feel terribly guilty that I've betrayed her but I will not apologize for those feelings. Zee is important to me, as much as she is; and now because she carries my child, even more so] -Sol

Before she could even finish her sentence, Sol had long answered without hesitation with great resolve echoing in his voice. Sol spoke these sentences extremely decisively, he would admit his guilt and wrong in this matter; but he will not apologize for it's outcome. Wouldn't it be the same as saying he regrets having ever met Zee?

The Queen smiled warmly as she heard these words, she knew for a fact that no matter what; Sol had no intention of giving up her daughter. The Queen had built a mental profile of Sol after meeting him and she had been impressed several times already.

Though she still had some reservations in her heart about Zee's relationship, after having met Sol personally; she had become much more relieved and viewed him favorably in the end.

(Kind, Honorable, Passionate, Wrathful, Honest, Decisive, Brave, Ruthless, Intelligent and Just...He possesses righteous qualities which are hidden beneath the cruelty and darkness in his heart) -Queen Lamia

As she looked down at Sol with a warm gaze, Sol had not noticed and was still looking at the tiny fishes. The two continued to chat for quite some time, the Queen gave him quite a bit of information about the surrounding forests and even gave him a few maps. She warned him about places that he should visit and places he should avoid, Sol committed most of this to memory and listened diligently.

**

Zee's mother and Sol had finished talking, and Sol was currently within his cave with Zee who wore a confused and worried expression.

[What...did mother say?] -Zee

Sol smiled at her and ran his fingers through her hair as he brought her head towards him. There was no resistance and it felt almost natural to Zee who lifted her head for a kiss.

*Kiss*

[She approves of us, there is no longer a need to be afraid. Everything is fine and there is nothing we need to hide] -Sol

Upon hearing these words, Zee's shoulders finally relaxed and she looked at Sol with relief and warmth in her eyes. She leaned her body in to him and rested her head on his shoulder as she let out a few tears, Sol said nothing but kept her in a firm embrace. She finally looked up to his eyes and asked softly as the words in her voice trembled.

[You...You're leaving soon?] -Zee

Sol felt his heart clench as he heard her voice, but steeled himself and replied. As he spoke he brought Zee's forehead to touch his own and they both locked eyes, during the year Sol had become much taller and was able to look down into her eyes which gave her a feeling of security.

[Temporarily, I must fulfill my parent's wishes. I will be back before you know it, for now focus on keeping our child healthy and safe and await my return. The days will pass quickly, I assure you. To cultivators like us, what is ten years? We will have eternity together] -Sol

A stream of glittering liquid fell from Zee's eyes as she nodded, she opened her lips to say a few words but were unable to get them out. Seeing her like this, Sol felt warm in his heart, it was a complete contrast of their first meeting and it would be a lie to say he did not enjoy it. After all what sort of young man would not have his self esteem boosted when such a marvelous woman made such faces for him?

The embrace between the two lasted for quite some time and they were not disturbed for the entire day and night, there was no need to mention the activities within the cave as the two were preparing themselves to be separated for quite some time.

**

Zee and Sol had awakened early in the morning and both set out to the river where Sol had surfaced when he came here in the beginning. Zee led the way, followed by Old Black and Glowy and the Serpent Falls Generals, quite a few young baby serpents also came rushing to the scene with sadness in their tiny little eyes.

Sol seeing this group couldn't help but smile, he knelt on the floor as he opened his hands and produced quite a few failed poison remnants and fed the baby serpents. These little guys all adored Sol greatly as he acted as a babysitter and he took great care of them, feeding them and increasing their toxicity with his poisons.

One could see hundreds of unwilling eyes in the forest staring at him, Sol seeing this let out a laugh and motioned for them to come over. In a flash over a hundred baby serpents came crashing all over him, even some big ones who had grown quickly.

This sort of sight would make any normal human run in horror away from it all, however Sol felt nothing but warmth in the sea of serpents and he scratched their scales like he had always done.

[Do not worry, I will return soon. How could I ever part from this family?] -Sol

Sol gave them reassuring words and eyes filled with love that pacified them to an extent. It wouldn't be strange to say some of them were much closer to Sol than their actual parents because of the amount of time they spent with him. He taught them how to hunt, how to detect an unfavorable situation and the weaknesses of beasts.

He fed them abnormal recipes along with a mixture of his enhanced blood that made them incredibly dangerous and powerful killing machines. Sol wasn't a single bit worried about Serpent Falls and he knew the upcoming generation that he molded with his own two hands would be increasingly terrifying.

Sol looked at some of them and saw they already had the makings of variants and abnormal types. He could tell in the future, no one would be able to look down on this place.

He took out his wind-horn instrument and played a light tune, eventually it caused the tiny serpents who swayed their heads lovingly to the music to fall sleep. After giving them a last glance of warmth, he shifted his gaze to a gathering nearby and approached.

**

This Group consisted of the older heads, and whom Sol had to give his last good-byes too. Zee's mother along with the Lamias, Glowy, Old Black, Vritra's parents, The Peak S-Rank generals, the Hydra and the Flood Dragon. He chatted with them for quite a while, they laughed and joked around and spoke about when Sol first arrived.

[So...It's time to go huh...We are going to miss you dearly, but I have faith you'll return soon. Remember not to make us wait too long alright? Ahh I'm going to miss you!] -Old Black

Old Black walked over to Sol in her human form and gave him a warm lasting hug like an elder sister. She fiddled with his hair as her eyes flashed with a strange light that she disguised well enough and she let out a giggle.

[Make sure you kill everything powerful enough to give you a fight to become stronger! Bwahahaa! You've always done that anyway!] -Divine 5 Headed Hydra

The Hydra let out a boisterous laugh as his five heads nodded enthusiastically.

[Remember to be careful of the water during your journeys, lots of dangers lurk within the oceans, rivers and streams. Be vigilant my brother and always keep an eye out] -Flood Dragon

The Flood Dragon looked at Sol solemnly with eyes filled with reverence as he spoke, he nodded and crossed his arms revealing his huge gleaming claws.

Vritra's parents came and rubbed their heads on Vritra and on Sol, they still could not speak yet but their eyes showed what they wanted to say.

[Don't worry Auntie and Uncle, I will protect Vritra with my life. Besides, there are very few beasts stupid enough to tangle with him] -Sol

Sol made sure to calm their worries as he rubbed their heads.

The Queen glanced at Sol and looked at his face for a bit, she took her hands and grabbed his cheeks, she then fiddled around with the cheeks and made a funny face and laughed out loud.

[You're not bad looking when you keep your mouth shut. Remember what I told you, okay] -Queen Lamia

Sol upon hearing this became red with embarrassment and nodded, the feeling the Queen Lamia gave off was like a warm motherly gentle aura which also contained a bit of strictness that Sol did not dislike. He was also happy she no longer acted cold towards him, as she had indeed became part of his family and the two had bonded by the stream during their talks.

Zee seeing her mother so close with Sol became astonished, as far as she knew not long ago her mother wanted to kill him. The Queen upon seeing Zee's surprised look laughed beautifully and immediately hugged her daughter who became red faced, and whispered in her ear loud enough for only Zee to hear.

[I'll talk to you later and give you the details, he is indeed very different from a mutant hybrid..Your choice in men is much better than mine, so do your part and patiently wait for him] -Queen Lamia

Zee nodded obediently and was quite happy that her mother came around, but still she wanted to know the reasons as to why. She knows her mother's strictness better than anyone else and knew she must have discovered something incredible.

Finally the last of the group was Glowy, who had been fidgeting since the beginning. A look of uncertainty in her eyes as she looked at Sol. She had basically taught him her techniques and had trained him until he had become powerful enough to stand toe to toe with her.

Now he had become powerful and was getting ready to leave, Glowy became very attached to Sol and Old Black knew this. So with a quick shove from Old Black, Glowy appeared and could no longer hold it in. She hopped over and gripped him tightly immediately crying loudly.

*Sob* *Sob*

[You have your way with master and now you're leaving!! You beast! You pervert! *Even louder sob* I hope you stumble on a rock and break your manhood in many different ways! *sob*] -Glowy

This scene was followed by intense laughter as everyone looked at the slightly immature grown up that was Glowy.

[Don't worry yourself, I will return soon enough and we can go create genocide soon like always] -Sol

Sol rubbed her red hair as she sobbed loudly, to Sol, Glowy was very much like a doting older sister that seemed like a little sister. The gathering upon hearing the term "genocide" being calmly thrown around by Sol and Glowy in order to ease the departure had sweat bubbles formed on their head. They couldn't help but think Glowy and Sol were innately ruthless.

They all finally said their good-byes and allowed Zee to escort Sol out.

**

The two had entered the river and Sol was being led underwater by Zee who held his hand tightly. The two swam underwater for quite a while, Sol didn't need to hold his breath as Zee directly applied water-magic to help him breathe. At some point in time they had both joined hands and begun staring at one another as they swam.

Finally they had appeared before a strange hole, Sol knew this hole was the waterway in which he came from. Zee had searched endlessly to find it and succeeded after a few months. This waterway led directly to Earthernvale and Sol knew this but was also happy, because it was also a direct route to Serpent Falls.

The two floated before the hole, as they embraced tightly underwater. They kissed for a single last time and streams appeared in Zee's eyes, Sol tried his hardest as a man and suppressed them. He looked at her with love and she could tell his feelings as they were plain to see.

After a while the two reluctantly separated as their fingers that remained entwined struggled to let go.

(...I have to let him go...for now..If I don't do it like this... I won't let him go at all) -Zee

Zee pushed him into the hole and made a few gestures with her fingers, the water flow reversed and Sol felt himself being forced into the hole and pushed with incredible power into the waterway.

His fingers gripped on tightly the edges of the waterway as his skin flayed from the sheer force of the water, he looked at her and screamed words that were inaudible which only became bubbles. The look in his eyes however, relayed what he meant to say. Zee forcefully removed his fingers from the edges of the waterway and Sol immediately became sucked in and disappeared from her sight almost instantly.

[...I love you too..] -Zee

As she could no longer see him, she broke down in tears once more as she said those words to herself. She remained at the entrance for quite a while and stared at the deep dark hole before once more returning to Serpent Falls.