As she soared through the sky, Roxane Shailyn felt the warmth of the sun on her skin, seated atop her beloved dove. The mythical stone she had seen in her dreams weighed heavily on her mind. She desired the power it possessed. With it, she could prove to her father and people she was worthy of the throne.

"What do you think, Mystic?" she asked her majestic white dove.

The dove tilted its head before releasing a high-pitched chirp. "What do you ask of me, Roxane?" asked Mystic. Her voice was like a soft melody in Roxane's mind.

"Can you land on the top of that coast redwood tree?" Roxane asked. She held on tight to the reins as Mystic gracefully dived and touched down on the highest branch.

"Now, can you tell me what is bothering you, little one?" asked Mystic.

"I have this deep desire, craving to possess the very essence of a mystical stone that keeps showing up in my dreams," said Roxane. She closed her eyes, releasing a sigh before biting down on her lip as she contemplated.

"Why do you crave an object you have only seen in your dreams?"

"I can feel it within my soul that it exists, Mystic."

"Okay, have you seen where it's hidden, or do you know where to find it?" asked Mystic.

Roxane bit her lip as she tried to remember where it was located. She growled and her wings unfurled in her frustration. The only thing she could recall was the sight of a cherry blossom tree.

"Take your time, little one. Close your eyes and take deep breaths. Picture the stone then its surroundings."

Roxane felt her muscles loosen as she took a deep breath in and released it. She listened to the soothing voice of Mystic as she pictured the stone. "Go south," she said as the image formed.

She heard the rush of wind and felt the reins tugging in her hands as Mystic took off into the sky.

"Where am I going, little one?"

Roxane smiled as the image became clearer. "The resting place of the nine-tailed fox."

It took less than an hour for them to find the place. Mystic landed lightly, and Roxane leapt from her back with a soft thud.

"Who dares to enter the forbidden woods of the nine-tailed fox?" asked a voice. A low, menacing growl punctuated the question.

Roxane felt her eyes widen as she locked gazes with the white nine-tailed fox. Its orange eyes glowed brightly. She held up her hands in surrender. "I mean you no harm or disrespect. I am here for the mystical stone."

"You dare to say you mean no harm when you're here for the stone," roared the fox.

A deep crease appeared in Roxane's forehead as she furrowed her brow in confusion. "I don't understand. I've been seeing it in my dreams and I thought it was calling to me."

The fox narrowed its eyes as it tilted its head. "You don't know what the stone is? How can you want something you don't understand?"

Roxane dropped her hands and glared at the fox. "I know it holds extraordinary powers," she snapped.

The fox's dry chuckle echoed in her mind. "That it does. Do you know what was laid to rest in this forest?"

"Yes, a nine-tailed fox like you." Her wings stretched wide as her irritation grew.

The fox bared its teeth. "Careful, fairy, you're in my territory." It circled her slowly. "The mystical stone you came here for was once the heart of a nine-tailed fox. You will have fire as a weapon and you will outlive your people and lover. You will gain the strength of a giant and can teleport wherever you want to go in this world."

Roxane's breath caught in her throat as her eyes widened in shock. She had no idea what it truly was.

"Do you still wish to have its power?" asked the fox. Amusement danced in its eyes. "Do you still wish to take my heart from its resting place?"

Roxane slowly exhaled, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with the fox. "If it will grant me the power, I need to be queen. Then yes, I will take your heart."

"Those eyes of yours tell me you will be a great queen. A sincere melody resonated from your heart. I will leave the last of my powers to you. Take heed, the moment you use my powers for evil is the moment you lose it," said the fox before it disappeared. And in its place was the floating mystical stone.

Roxane's hands trembled as she reached out to take the stone. She felt the energy from the stone course through her body before it suddenly vanished from her grasp.

"You did great, little one." Mystic voice echoed in her mind.

Roxane grinned widely as she leaped onto Mystic's back. With her newfound power, her twin brother would never get the crown. She could save her kingdom from the destruction she knew would come if he ruled.