Regroup.

The parlour is quite lovely, and yet again rather alien to what you're used to seeing, even elsewhere in this fantasy world. There are sofas and chairs, yet made of materials you haven't seen, with the base of each looking like a combination of polished marble and coral. A rainbow of flowers line silver vases, and directly in the center is what appears like a brazier. Instead of a roaring flame, however, there's an orange crystal, and from here you can feel that it's radiating heat. There are three others in the room presently. Kailani sits on a two-person seat across the room, Candy says sideways on a chair with her legs over the armrest, and... Snow sits on the larger sofa. Yet, she's also right beside you.

"You're back!" Candy throws her arms up, or rather sideways given her awkward position.

The second Snow stands up. Immediately, she reaches back and starts untying her top.

"Noo!" Snow swims forwards and right through the illusion of herself undressing. "You said you wouldn't do that!"

The fake Snow disappears in a waving blur.

Candy cackles. "Didn't you think it was suspicious I'd make such a promise out of nowhere?"

Kailani puts a hand on her head. "Oh dear. How are you, Kyle?"

"Good." You nod. "Very good."

Meanwhile, the queen hovers behind with a big smile. "You're all so funny and cute! Well, have fun. I've got duties to take care of, so make yourselves at home."

"Stay safe," you say. "And hopefully we see each other again soon."

A hint of colour appears in her cheeks before putting her palms against them. "Oh my. You're so sweet." Then with a giggle, she turns and slowly swims out from the room, leaving your group alone with your thoughts.

You think about telling Kailani and Candy right then, though you grow worried people might be listening here. Instead, you look to Snow, nod, and then swim your way up near the heat of the central crystal. "I know what we've gotta do next, team. But first I gotta ask. Candy. Do you know anything about the Demon King who claims this part of the sea as her own?"

"Ah. Gwynevere?" she replies.

Immediately, Kailani vaults up from her seat. "You know the name of the Demon King? The Deep One? She Who Lurks in the Dark?"

"That's right. I dated her brother for a short while."

You cross your arms. "Is this a bit or something?"

Candy finally sits up in her chair. "No!" She lets out a loud, long fit of laughter. "For real. I'm not joking. I knew his sister was dangerous, and that she came down here to basically start her own little empire of darkness."

"So do you know where we can find her too?"

"Maybe look for the nearest evil castle."

"You don't know."

"I do not."

Kailani looks to you with wonder in her eyes. "Did you really decide to come here and save us yet again, this time from the Demon King herself?"

You clear your throat. "Oh, uh. I mean, not exactly that, but--"

"What a hero~!" Candy exclaims.