A/N: The chapter ahead is raw, which means not been proofread yet nor edited.1***
"That reminds me..." Her attention shifted to Watts who was among the audience standing on the sidelines, "Come forward, Watts Xirquit."
Anxious eyes turned to Watts Xirquit. Even Prince Zodiac who's just standing by his side looked up to him. The somehow light atmosphere became grim, and Watts Xirquit took a deep gulp before proceeding to walk and stand before her.
Franchetti Xerene seek support by holding her husband's hand tight. Her chest is thumping fast. Her mother instincts are ringing: her son is in a dire situation and he will get hurt.
She knows Azarese will, because even if it's already Watts, she won't hold back. Seeing him hurt is a pleasure to her.
"Did I fail to make myself clear to you, Watts Xirquit?"
Watts lowered his head. His stares met Emperor Maxism's. The Emperor is worried for him. He picked up the danger that will soon bite Watts. And whose fault was that? His.
"I-I'm sorry..."
Azaress scoffed in disbelief.
"Despite my firm orders, you defied and disobey me. Whose decision was it? For the operation to happen between them?"
"The lady, Your Imperial Majesty. Aviana Lavender willed. Therefore, we acted according to her wish---"
Azarese loudly stomp her foot, breaking the floor and causing a quake.
She stand up and went to him. And then she slapped him. Emperor Maxism's eyes widened.
"I only wanted to delay it, but I never said that it will never happen. And you didn't even wait for me to gain consciousness? To ask for my permission? Their lives are mine! Even yours! Your incompetency boils my blood!"
And she hit him again. Much stronger than before that he fell to ground with bleeding lips.
"I-I'm sorry... I was wrong. Please forgive me."
The Ki'zaar hid the horrendous sight from the Prince.
How could she do that? To her husband, the reason and cause of her Conquest, of all people? Was there a slight in time? One that made her change her relationship with him? Because if there is none, then she will never do such thing.
He didn't know that everything about her has changed.
"You must be punished. I don't want to give any of you an idea that you are a weakness and a soft spot to me." She stated before turning around to return to the throne.
"Celia!" She called out, and Celia passed through the wall behind her with her head low.
"Your Imperial Majesty, you called for me?"
"Do the honor of punishing Watts Xirquit. Flog him for an hour. If he break eye contact with me, the punishment will be transferred to Clastigaufeas Vernignac."
Celia's eyes opened abruptly to look at her, to make sure if she heard things right. Then she searched for the First Emperor and found him already on his knees. He just accepted it and he's willing to face it.
He's wrong. He shouldn't have let it be. Now, he must face the consequences as fearless as he was when he defied her.
"Your Imperial Majesty, he is... He is the First Emperor..."
Azarese stomp her foot again. When she stand up and turned to Celia, she hit her with her clenched fist.
"Why do you keep questioning and doubting me!? Are my words not absolute!? I AM THE EMPRESS OF ALL! WHO DO YOU THINK ARE!?"
Celia immediately dropped to her knees, "Forgive me, Your Imperial Majesty. I will never again."
Azarese ran after her breath and went back to her throne.
Celia then stand up while pulling a whip from her space storage. She positioned behind him.
"Please forgive me, First Emperor."
Watts smiled at her, "It's okay. I won't hate you for this, Celia."
Celia faltered. She... She can't... To him...
"Hit him as hard as you could. If I see you holding back, I will punish you as well." Azarese warned her.
"Stop! Do it on me instead! It's not his fault! This matter is between---"
Eins controlled Celia's hand to whip Emperor Maxism's face.
"Shut the fuck up and just watch. Or do you want it to be your wife? Choose. Watts Xirquit or your bitch?"
Emperor Maxism palmed his bleeding face. Prince Maximilien was startled awake, but Emperor Maxism buried his face to his shoulder again and rocked him to sleep. A child must not see this.
"Do it now," she announced while looking at him, so he breathe in and looked at her eyes, too.
Are they really just going to stand as their son get whipped for something so simple? Their lives was not hers to manipulate, yet they are hopeless when standing against her. She don't need the power of others. She don't need the Ki'zaar. Just Azarese alone is enough to destroy all of them without magic. She can do it with herself and Hands.
Celia wrapped her hands around the handle of the whip and exerted force into whipping him. Watts grimaced from the severe pain he had to endure. The first whip already cut his clothes open, baring his bleeding back. It's the first lash. Just the first in the first second. What more the next ones coming, for an hour?
Azarese tried to hide it with her hand, but they saw her grin between the gaps of her fingers.
She's... She's enjoying it.
"Call... Call Ohms." Franchetti Xerene trembled. She didn't want to see it, but she couldn't take her crying eyes off of her son.
"Call him NOW."
Voltage Xirquit blinked and nodded. While Azarese is still occupied, he left the throne room and called Wattroid to transport him to the villa where Ohms is.
Now, guilt is numbing Emperor Maxism. Because of him, Watts has to suffer. He only wanted to help but it his kindness doomed him instead.
"This is sick," the Ki'zaar couldn't help but utter helplessly.
Azarese's love drunk eyes smiled as wide as her grin. Her face is flushed in red and they could literally see her eyes turn into hearts as she enjoy watching Watts Xirquit get lashed.
"But he's cute, isn't he? My cute husband. I'm so proud of him. He's enduring it. My baby..." She licked her lips.
"What..." Ohms couldn't believe his eyes, "What the fuck is the meaning of this!?"
He took large steps and made it beside Celia, where he forcefully snatched the whip from her and threw it away.
"What are you doing to Watts!?"
He couldn't understand what was happening at first when his father spawned our of nowhere and woke him from his fulfilling sleep with his son. He was annoyed because his father wanted to drag him out somewhere, ending his bonding with his son. The Prince was left with Wattroid.
Now, now that he sees what is happening, he understand now.
"Ahh, the show is ruined."
His ears clapped. His aura spread like black fumes as he glare at her.
"Show? You call this a show?"
His fists whitened from clenching it very tightly.
Azarese flashed a bored look on her face, "Step aside. I'm punishing him. Celia, continue---"
"YOU WON'T DO SUCH THING TO MY BROTHER!"
Celia flinched and immediately lowered her head as her eyes shut.
Ohms gasped for air before going down to rescue his brother. He checked his back---and he lost his mind. His flesh was opened by the deep lacerations he received. He could even see the bones of his spine and ribs. That's how ugly Watts's state is. It was...cruel.
"AZARESE!"
He was about to go and punch her when Watts hold him back. He's still looking at her, he's not looking away. Because if he do, Empress Clastigaufeas will suffer the same punishment.
"P-Please... I-I'm... I'm okay..."
Ohms's heart skipped a beat. The look on his face darkened even more.
"Okay? You call that 'okay'?"
Watts formed himself to smile. Azarese smiled at him..
"You heard the man. He knows how to take punishment---"
"Shut up. Don't make me do it. Mom, Dad, take him."
"N-No, K-Kuya---" Watts tried to straighten his back, only for him to cry out and writhe when he finally felt how painful his wounds are. He was trembling and his tears just came down pouring from his eyes.
Franchetti Xerene didn't waste a millisecond and jumped in to take her son, but Azarese yelled not to.
But when Ohms turned around, her trauma resurfaces violently when he, in the cruelest act of manipulation and revenge, mimics the image and appearance of King LIFE.
Every walk he take to get to her made her move back just to get away from him.The fear she thought she had conquered returns with a vengeance, making her feel small and powerless again.
"D-D... Don't..."
The Ki'zaar was left in place, astounded by Ohms's audacity.
Ohms smiled at her emptily, but the image she could see was her father smiling at her. It's the same. It's the same.
He touched her cheek. Gently, she caress it. Then it went down to her neck, where he choked her.
"Azazel, but you are a good girl, right? You are a good girl."
Though they are very well aware that it was a foul play, they couldn't deny that she deserved it somehow. It's equally destructive, but maybe the impact of it to her is much worse.
And when Ohms kissed her cheek lightly, she folded. Her dilated, traumatized eyes became emotionless and lifeless as a single trail of tear cascaded down her face.
The Ki'zaar's blood boiled.
"You---"
Ohms gave him a warning look before straightening his back. However, when he turned around, his eyes became as wide just like the others.
A translucent figure of hand is on his face, blocking his sight in a hazy view, but the face he saw through it...is the same as his.
Emperor Ohms sighed in disappoint. He's shaking his head slightly while smirking.
Why is Emperor Ohms's soul here? They thought he's gone, too?
"You failed my expectations, copycat."
There, he pulled Ohms's soul out of his body and possessed it.
Their jaws fell open.
Ohms pivot and looked at himself as a soul.
"You---! That's my body!"
Emperor Ohms hissed. The body adjusted to his form: he grew a bit taller and his build a bit more toned. He stretched and snapped his neck. He opened his eyes. Glowing and bluest.
"You're right. This is your body. That's why," he smirked mischievously and raised his hand, "---I am going to absorb you. You're fucking weak, it hurts my pride. Once you're in me, you will see how great I am. You're nothing against me, even if we're of the same name and face, Ohms Tesla Xirquit."
Emperor Ohms disrespected him by absorbing him quickly before he could even say what he wanted to say. He brushed his hands together after it's done. He looked at each of them and smiled wide with open arms.
"I'm back! Are you not going to hug me? The better and best Ohms is here. Where's my hugs and kisses? Mom, Dad?"
Franchetti Xerene and Voltage Xirquit were stunned.
He chuckled and dropped his hands, but he waved to Prince Zodiac first before that. Prince Zodiac felt cold. How? How did he see him?
"Take my brother and leave. I will handle the matters right myself from now then on," he stated, so Franchetti Xerene and Voltage Xirquit took Watts away and never looked back.
Emperor Ohms turn to his side and scanned Emperor Maxism from his head down to his toes. When nothing about him piqued his interest, he ignored him and climbed the stairs to see his wife.
He went down on one knee and touched her hand. Then he brought it close to his lips, where he kissed it so tenderly.
"Hush, my wife. The bastard is gone. No matter how vicious you become even to my sweet brother, I will never do something to underhanded like that. Call me a gentleman." He smiled and looked at her. He kissed her palm, then her fingers, the he licked her thumb and sucked it.
Azarese flinched and blushed. The Emperor glide his eyes on her body. He fit her waist in his hands and knead it, going up, until he's cupping her breasts.
"They're bigger. They must be very heavy. I can help you with that. I'll carry them like this," and he squeezed them. Azarese blushed harder and slapped his hands away.
She's yet to control herself completely. She's still trembling. Emperor Ohms chuckled and sent the Ki'zaar challenging stares. The Ki'zaar glared at him.
"So," he sat on the empty throne beside her and crossed his legs. He smiled on Emperor Maxism, "What is it that you want again?"
Emperor Maxism couldn't speak. He's just looking at him, trying to imagine a scenario from the future. Ohms Tesla Xirquit, an Emperor? On the throne, beside Azarese? The future is in ruins. They can't be together. They will be too powerful and unstoppable.
Azarese collected, married, and multiplied with the most powerful men there is in Cosmo-Vale.
"Is it too surprising to see me on the throne? Well, who would've expected it? Ohms Tesla Xirquit, a Conqueror, an Emperor. I own your empire, Maxism. Because I am THE Emperor."
See? The only person he couldn't stand is Ohms. They're not compatible. He just couldn't stand him. People alike can't stand each other.
"Wow, good for you. That's so nice," he cheered sarcastically and clapped his hands.
Emperor Ohms smiled even wider, "Right? You know what else is nicer? Maxigaufeas, dying."
Emperor Maxism frowned at him.
"If you will try to negotiate, convince me, too. Not like I care about Maxigaufeas's bastard at all. It's surprising how you know about your soul. I wonder who told you that? Rather, who gave you a vision?"
Emperor Maxism looked away. Prince Zodiac crossed his arms.
Emperor Ohms clapped, "Celia, where is my son?"
Emperor Maxism brushed his eyes when he saw the look on his face. Were his eyes fooling him? The Ohms he's seeing right now looks so soft and kind that it's scary.
"I will get the Prince, Your Imperial Majesty."
"Yes, you should. I want to meet him. I want to see my baby."
If by shooting himself will wake him up from this dream, he would've done it without thinking twice. Even when with Watts, Emperor Maxism has never seen the conceited Ohms Tesla Xirquit wear such a mask. Is it because he's from the Other Side? Did something changed him?
Soon, Celia returned with the Prince in her arms, wrapped in a royal swaddle. She carefully passed the Prince to his father. Emperor Ohms almost tear up now that he's finally seen him.
"The very first Prince untouched by his mother's curse. My glorious son, in the end, my efforts were worth it."
Celia flashed a smile as she bow.
"The Prince developed the immunity and resistance to magic, My Emperor. Please spare my shortcomings if I failed to present the Prince in his best health. We improvised ways to help him grow into a healthy child,"
"Celia, it's alright. I will look after him now. He will be a very, very healthy baby. My Empress, have you seen our son? Look at him, he may be the first to look just like you,"
The Emperor stand up and knelt before Azarese as he present him their child. It was the first time Azarese sees the Prince. And though the Prince is not in his best condition, she only sees the good in him. In her eyes, he's perfect. Nothing about him is wrong.
"What is his name?" Azarese gently caressed his cheek. The Prince fluttered his eyes, his face follows the touch of her fingertips.
"Vars Hertz Xirquit-Warlock."
Seeing the look on her face, the Emperor laughed.
"Really? Whats gonna be next? Ampere? Joules? Current?"
Emperor Ohms's glorious laughter went louder.
"I have to keep the streak pure, my Empress. Did you not like it? I can't think of a good name if I were to mix our names up."
"I should've been the one to name him. Look at his eldest brother's name. It's very beautiful. Zodiac Astrophel Nikolai Xirquit-Warlock. Ko other name can go to that level,"
"I think Valerian Anulus Ecliss Zin Draji Teivel goes harder than that. Right, Second Prince?"
Prince Valerian looked up to his father who's staring at Emperor Ohms. He's trying to look through him but he can't. Emperor Ohms know, that's why he concealed his inner self. He raised his hand to the Prince.
"Come, Second Prince. Meet your youngest brother. Don't be afraid; you are a good brother."
Prince Valerian waited for the Ki'zaar. He's sucking his hand because he's anxious. Emperor Ohms is a bad person, he thinks. Is he being sincere to him? He will trust his father, then.
"Do you want to, my little dragon?"
His face brightened up mad nodded.
"Hmm! I... I want to see him..."
The Ki'zaar smiled and closed the distance between them. He bent over. Azarese showed the youngest Prince to him, exactly when he opened his eyes.
"Wow~ Daddy, look at his eyes! They're like Kuya Zoddy's eyes! W-Wow! His eyes have different colors! How!?"
Prince Vars yawned. The Second Prince giggled when he lightly poked his brother's cheek. Prince Vars caught his hand.
"Oh, he hold me! Daddy, look!" Prince Valerian laughed warmly. The Ki'zaar only smiled and kissed his cheek.
Emperor Ohms pat the Second Prince's head.
"Promise him that you will be a good Kuya to him, too. Prince Vars will soon grow strong. While he's still weak, he will need protection. Can I cound on you, Prince Valerian?"
The Second Prince's eyes shimmer. He giggled and nodded.
"Okay! I will protect Vars! We will always play and we will be together forever! He's my baby brother and I'm his Kuya. I will be a good Kuya to him just like Kuya Zoddy! It's a promise, Vary! Kuya Valy will always be here for you. Oh, our nickname sound the same! Vary and Valy! Daddy, I think we're meant to be brothers!"
Prince Valerian's energy shoot to the sky and continued to yap happily. He only stopped when Prince Vars had enough of his excitement and cried while still holding his hand.
"Oh, don't cry, baby. I... I think he likes me!" And he yapped again. Prince Vars put his finger in his mouth to bit him with his gums. He's yet to grow teeth.
"Hihihi! Stop, Vary! You're tickling me!"
Azarese caressed the back of his head and kissed his forehead. She kissed Prince Vars, too.
Prince Vars seemed to cover his ears when Prince Valerian went on with talking. He shook his head from side to side, giving his brother the signal to shut the fuck up because it's already annoying and irritating him.
"My little dragon, I think the Prince is sleepy," the Ki'zaar lied to not hurt his feelings.
"Oh, really!? Then, I will read him a book! I have a favorite book---"
Prince Vars gave his brother an annoyed frown and cried again.
Prince Valerian just won't stop.
Emperor Ohms stand up.
"Celia, take the Princes and look after them. Leave the Third Prince behind. Nobody likes him."
Emperor Maxism clicked his tongue from that. Thank goodness Prince Maximilien is asleep. If he heard that, he will throw a fit. He won't let, even an Emperor, talk shit about him.
"Daddy, I will play with Vars! Can I bring my toys?"
The Ki'zaar put him down, "Of course. But don't bring the crystal ball, alright? And the tiny star your grandfather Feryzen gave you. They are dangerous."
"Okay, Daddy! Thank you!" The sweet second Prince kissed his father's cheek before going with Celia who's already carrying Prince Vars. He forgot about Prince Zodiac, but it's alright since he wanted to stay, too.
"So,"
Emperor Ohms flicked his finger to give the Ki'zaar his own throne beside Azarese. Now, they're all seated with the Empress in the middle.
"You have lots to say? Then speak now while you still have your tongue intact, Uncle Max."