A good amount of time had passed since that night, weeks, maybe months. The people of IceStorm were still trying to protest against Fraizen Rosenmary's authoritarian and cruel government, but their voices remained ignored.
Slady and Ferinish had managed to settle in that icy region, renting a house away from the kingdom where they could live freely, without unwanted visitors.
Ferinish was becoming increasingly less distant with Slady, as he felt a deep connection with his friend, someone who could understand him without words. Something that seemed almost supernatural to him.
But, of course, the presence of two such powerful people would not go unnoticed by Fraizen's watchful eyes.
***
It was just another ordinary day. Slady had managed to reestablish a connection to speak with his adopted daughters from afar, something difficult considering that IceStorm lacked a stable internet connection due to the extreme weather conditions.
Ferinish was in the kitchen preparing lunch. She was tired, as she woke at the slightest movement around her. But Slady noticed everything.
"Need some help?"
He asked.
"No… I just need to learn how to cook… better."
She swayed slightly, leaning forward. Slady quickly stood up and wrapped his arms around her waist. Ferinish let herself fall into his arms, exhausted from sleepless nights.
"Sorry…"
"Don't apologize, I'll take care of this."
Gently, he laid her down on the bed. For a moment, Ferinish's usual coldness faded, revealing a small, sweet smile. Slady stroked her face with the back of his bionic hand, a natural, almost automatic gesture.
He left the room to cook, since Ferinish, having spent so much time in simulations, didn't know how to prepare food. He put on an apron and started working in the kitchen. The smell of food was irresistible, reaching the room where Ferinish woke up, sitting on the bed and feeling her sore muscles.
"I didn't know I had trained this much…"
She murmured.
A few minutes later, Slady entered with a plate of food, placing it on Ferinish's lap. She looked at the meal, then at him.
"My arms and wrists are sore. Can you help me?"
Her mouth opened, making the request clear. Slady analyzed her quickly, noted her sincerity, and sighed, beginning to feed her carefully.
"Thank you, Slady."
She closed her eyes, savoring each bite, reopening them eagerly for the next piece.
After lunch, Ferinish lay down on the bed, partially opening the neckline of her kimono to feel the cold air on her chest. Slady left the room to eat alone, and while he ate, he sent messages to Elisa.
***
"We miss you, Slady."
A heart emoji.
"I miss you too, but I want to know if you're taking care of yourselves. I've been really worried about you."
"Shaphira and I are fine. Victoria and Faller helped us, but we preferred to be alone to learn to be independent."
"Good. But don't be stubborn. I don't want anything bad to happen to you."
"You taught us well. We won't get hurt. And when you come back, we'll let you know and welcome you with lots of love. We love you."
Another heart emoji.
Before Slady could respond, Elisa went offline, and he turned off his phone.
***
Suddenly, a loud knock echoed at the door. Slady opened it slowly.
"Fraizen requests your presence at her castle."
It was Carolina Silver, standing at attention, her spear tapping the ground.
"Don't be so formal, Carolina. What does Her Majesty want?"
She sighed, relaxing slightly.
"Since you arrived in IceStorm, you've shown exceptional performance in the invasion of Inférius, especially in collecting Renkatas. Fraizen wants to see you."
Ferinish appeared beside Slady, asking:
"Do you know why?"
"Honestly, no."
Slady and Ferinish exchanged glances for a few seconds before looking at Carolina.
"One moment…"
Slady said, closing the door.
Carolina looked visibly annoyed but waited patiently. A few seconds later, Slady and Ferinish opened the door, now battle-ready. Ferinish wielded her sword at her side, her expression serious; Slady carried two pistols and lines of razor wire in his pockets.
Carolina's eyes widened.
'They're definitely ready for anything.'
She thought.
"Let's go…"
She said, turning and starting to walk, expecting them to follow. Both hid their weapons better, alert to potential castle soldiers.
***
In the kingdom of IceStorm, in front of the imposing ice castle, Slady and Ferinish observed every detail. Facing Queen Fraizen, known for her cruelty, would not be pleasant at all.
The soldiers bowed to Carolina, showing respect to the queen's guardian. Upon entering the castle, Carolina led them to the queen's chamber.
"Speak quietly and respectfully,"
She warned before opening the door.
The room was luxurious, with many elements made of ice. Beside the queen, a soldier showed silent rivalry toward Carolina, exchanging eye rolls with her.
In the center, Fraizen sat on her throne, her hair crystalline and her eyes dark blue like shards of ice. Her gown made her imposing, sovereign, and powerful. She stood, approaching them, and the air around became almost suffocatingly cold.
"So you are Slady and Ferinish?"
"Yes,"
They replied in unison.
"Perfect. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Fraizen Rosenmary, Queen of IceStorm and Glacial Destroyer."
She placed her hand on her chest and bowed in introduction. After sitting again, crossing her legs elegantly:
"I'll be direct. I want you two to be my subordinates."
Carolina and the soldier beside her were surprised. Slady and Ferinish responded without hesitation:
"No."
"But you will have everything you need: money, power, respect, authority, and, of course, the honor of serving me,"
Fraizen said arrogantly.
"I just want to go back home. I don't want to live here."
Slady said.
"And I don't want to serve anyone."
Ferinish added coldly, hand on the sword hilt.
Fraizen's face hardened, furious at their audacity.
"How dare you… humans… you should thank me for being alive in this region!"
Pointing at Slady, veins bulging at her temple, she formed an ice stake and threw it. Slady stood still, and Ferinish cut it in half with her flaming blade, protecting him.
Behind Slady, Carolina and the other soldier attacked, but he opened his other mechanical eye and, with his bionic arm, pulled out the razor wire lines.