A/N: The chapter ahead is raw, which means not been proofread yet nor edited.1***
The Zin Draji Teivel went back with Prince Vyldread purring, fast asleep in the Ki'zaar's arms. Prince Valor is carrying Prince Valerian, while Solana is flying around them using her butterfly wings. Lord Feryzen is a few steps behind them.
As they walk, the people of Vernignac Empire followed their stride with silenced, gaping mouths, eyes filled with astonishment. Surprise quickly followed. The shock of seeing such a creature, one that symbolized both immense power and greatness, left many feeling as though they were witnessing a dream. The Zin Draji Teivel descents were a stranger to them; majestic beauties of their own, yet they are more fascinated about the sleeping dragon than their faces.
"A-A---DRAGON!"
The children pointed out, thus, the noises followed. When they tried to crowd around the Zin Draji Teivel descents, the Imperial Knights stepped in to forbid them, leaving the path clean and open for the great dragons.
Emperor Maxism is waiting for their return by the Palace's gates. They left to give them privacy earlier. The dragon never left his mind, and he's very excited about it. Who wouldn't? A mythical, legendary dragon exists!
Prince Vyldread stretched his arms and feet and turned around and around that he almost fell from the Ki'zaar's arms. He yawned, and then he opened his eyes.
"Oh, he's awake! My baby uncle is awake! Hi, baby uncle!" Prince Valerian announced and lean over to reach his head. Prince Vyldread looked to him. When Prince Valerian's hand is near, he opened his mouth to bite him.
"Uwaah! Daddy, he's biting me again! This uncle is bad! I don't like him anymore!"
Prince Valor swayed him while patting his back, agreeing, "Right? He's a bad uncle. We don't like him."
Prince Vyldread smiled and spread his wings to 'hug' the Ki'zaar. Prince Valerian was stunned and was rather shocked. The new Prince is... Is stealing his father!
The Ki'zaar is very happy that his brother likes him.
"I'm so happy. Valor never hugged me like this. Vyl, you make me happy."
Prince Valerian gasped dramatically while holding his chest. Proven! It's proven that the new Prince bewitched his father!
"But... But Dad! I always hug you!?"
The Ki'zaar chuckled and nodded, "Hmm. I'm happy, too---"
Prince Vyldread started crying to get his attention. Prince Valerian gasped again, much deeper and more dramatic.
'No way! My Uncle cut me off!?'
Emperor Maxism is smiling at what he's seeing. Prince Vyldread might not be a dragon but a snake, too. At least, that's what he thinks.
Emperor Ohms stepped in to see the dragon closer, "Interesting. But its size seem too small for a great dragon. Estimating that he's lived thousands of years, why is he small?"
"He never left their land. Probably, the food is scarce. He's alone, without an adult to supervise and look after him. That must be why he's malnourished," Emperor Maxism shared his insights.
When Prince Vyldread caught the sight of them, the first thing his eyes see were their concealed aura. And it instilled feared in him. Something he's never seen before.
That's why when he cried, he shoot Star Blast everywhere with his eyes closed, destroying infrastructures and even wounding some knights. He must kill the threats before him. Kill or be killed.
"V-Vyldread! Calm do---"
The Prince flapped his wings and soared high in the sky. There, he prepared himself to charge a much powerful blast. The Ki'zaar is ready to absorb his attack, but he didn't expect the Prince to create a black hole between his mouth.
"T-That---!" Prince Valor couldn't believe it. The power he's been struggling to control all his life, the reason why he's kept everything to himself, why he's aloof and always careful that it's bothersome to some extent already---is being used by the youngest Prince effortlessly.
Prince Vyldread is about to release it, a size enough to dissipate the whole Empire to dust, when Solana popped out beside him like a mushroom.
"Hmm? What's that? That looks scary. Let's not do that. My Mommy will be angry," she said with her ever sweet voice and smile.
Prince Vyldread blinked. He slowly closed his mouth. The size of the Blackhole shrinked until it's gone.
"Yey! That's a very good dragon! Come, I found a garden behind the Palace! Let's play hide and seek!" She dragged him to descend.
"Kuya Valy, come with us! Show your wings! I want to see your wings!"
Prince Vyldread's cheeks reddened while looking at their hands. He giggled and wiggled. Prince Valor grimaced.
On the other hand, Prince Valerian doesn't know how to respond to her invitation and request.
His wings? He haven't learned how to unfurl his wings yet. He didn't even know how to shift to a dragon then to an Ancient yet as well. Oh, how embarrassing. He's ashamed.
Prince Vyldread felt his shame and doubts to himself, that's why he laughed and made faces to tease and mock his nephew. He even showed off his wings. After that, he flew away, dragging Solana to the place she said.
Prince Valerian wiped his tears away. He's heartbroken because he's a broken dragon.
"Daddy, I don't like him. I don't like my new uncle at all!" He cried on Prince Valor's shoulders, "He's so mean! I'm a dragon, too! Right, Uncle? I'm a dragon! I will learn how to transform into a dragon! I will learn how to breathe fire and fly as a dragon! I'm a dragon! I'm a great dragon!"
Azarese couldn't stand the sight of seeing her son cry so pitiful, turned her back around. Emperor Ohms held her back by grabbing her arm. He knows what she will do. She will go to the young dragon Prince and kill it.
"Let me go, Xirquit."
"Don't even think about it."
She glared at him. Emperor Ohms only smirked and shrugged.
"My son," the distressed Ki'zaar went to get his son, but he refused to be taken. Prince Valor grinned, thinking that he won because the Prinsiaze refused to be with his father.
"Teach him." Azarese removed Emperor Ohms's hand off her, crossing her arms when she faced them.
"Teach my son the basics, or I will kill that thing. It's easy to kill a blood relative while it's still a stranger to you, speaking from my experience. Ignore these Vernignian idiots and do your duty as a father. Seeing you lacking is like sprinkling chili powder in my eyes."
"Mi'zaar, do not use that tone and words to me. Let's not create a rift between us. Let's not hurt each other."
Azarese rolled her eyes on him as a reply and sashay away. Emperor Ohms sighed then chuckled.
"When did she become so feisty? Another son wouldn't hurt at all." He said, but he's thinking about it as he check her out. Emperor Ohms unconsciously bit his lower lip. Emperor Maxism, who's observing him, slowly looked away, pretending that he didn't see anything.
~
And their fear has come. Prince Maximilien...is finally awake.
"W-What! What is that bug!?"
Is what he called the dragon when he first saw it. The young Prince tilt his head in confusion, analyzing Prince Maximilien. He sniffed his smell and immediately bared his fangs when it's the same as Emperor Maxism.
"Ha! You're looking for a fight? Fine!" He opened his hands and caught the guns he summoned in the air, "Come at me!"
"Hep, hep, hep!" Emperor Maxism went between them to mediate what's growing or they will be blown away. He spent millions of money, efforts, and time in remaking the Palace! He can't let them destroy it just because they don't like each other!
"Nah-uh. Not indoors. There's a proper place for mock fights---"
"Step aside, stupid old geezer! I'm gonna kill that bug." The Prince grinned viciously and reloaded his guns.
Emperor Maxism picked him up from the back of his shirt, "I'm taking this little shit with me. Claxiord, I will leave them in your hands! Ciao!" And he sprint away so the Prince won't have the time to whine and resist.
Crown Prince Claxiord lowered his head, "Then please, follow me. Your rooms are prepared. We're preparing a small feast for you. Why not for us, if you will ask, because we will not celebrate until my Aunt is awake. May I also share my thoughts to you?"
Prince Valor looked at his uncle, then to the Ki'zaar.
"You may."
The Crown Prince's head lowered even more.
"My father is a responsible and good man. He may not seem like it, but he's trustworthy. He may seem like a simpleton, act stupid and unserious, but he's a quick-witted and very intelligent being. He is a very considerate and good father as well. Please trust my father and put your faith in him. You will not regret building a good relationship with him. He will do anything for us and will not stop until he get what he wanted. Forgive me for saying this, but he's like you, great Ki'zaar. He will lay waste on this planet just to avenge my Aunt. So, I'm hoping you can see and understand the root of this. Your revenge is not yet done. Our matter might be related to yours. If we help each other, we will find out the reason behind all of this."
The Ki'zaar heard him. He listened.
He turned his back around and walked to the windows. He stared at the clear skies above and imagined seeing his subjects soaring, flying, and circling.
His revenge is not yet done.
The Crown Prince pointed it out sharply. It is true; he's not yet done. What he did before was not enough. He wanted to know who's behind the all of it; from the death of the Creator to the banishment of their patron Deity. Too many secrets, too many mysteries---and they're all still unanswered.
"Why would I need you, humans?"
Prince Valor stared at Crown Prince Claxiord who's still bowing.
"Because our creators were friends, so we must be, too."
The Ki'zaar slightly turned to look at the Crown Prince.
"Your creator betrayed mine,"
"Framed and accused." The Crown Prince defended, so the Ki'zaar looked away again.
He sighed.
"Stand straight and bring me to your Aunt. I will see them."
Lord Feryzen smiled.
Prince Vyldread floats over the dead bodies of Aviana Lavender and Colt Forest. He pointed at them while looking at the Ki'zaar. He's confused and wondering. First, because why they are asleep. Second, because he feels safe with Aviana Lavender Lee.
He descended on her chest and curled on it.
"Even in death, my Aunt is as comforting as when she was still alive. A safe place." Crown Prince Claxiord uttered with a sad smile.
The Ki'zaar stepped closer and caressed the Prince's head. He smiled. Prince Valerian pouted and buried his face on Prince Valor's shoulder. Solana is watching from above, flying.
"She's pretty," she smiled.
"Yes. And she's an amazing person. She's a fashion designer, too. Just like Aunt Givenchy. She's very girly and loves color pink. Therefore, her brand is for the girls, children to teenagers."
"Oh, I want to see!"
Prince Vyldread joined her in the air. They played, forgetting about Prince Valerian who's feeling smaller and smaller as time goes by.
"Prinsiaze, please cheer up. Soon, you will fly," Lord Feryzen consoled, but the Prince turned to the other side to not see him and ignore him.
The Ki'zaar sighed. He must do what he's asked to do so he can focus on his son again. He must be feeling jealous and envious.
Emperor Maxism wished if he could resurrect them back to life. He don't know how; but he get what he meant by that. He saw it happen before, so he just have to do what Emperor Ohms did to Watts's soul and it will be done.
But how?
"Should I?"
Their heads all turned to Emperor Ohms who's coming their way with Prince Vars in his arms. He's feeding him. Celia is behind them, pushing the machine that supports the Prince.
"I will do it. And I can teach you about it sometime,"
Crown Prince Claxiord's chest beat fast and loud. It's like a drum. Since when did Ohms Xirquit became kind?
"Lovely idea. You may." The Ki'zaar steps aside. Emperor Ohms now can see the bodies. They were preserved.
"My boy, see the greatness of your Dad," he said and positioned the Prince upright. He extended his hand, activating his power and beginning the ritual.
Now, their souls became visible in their naked eyes. Aviana Lavender and Colt Forest were standing on the other side, looking at them.
"I told you not to," Aviana Lavender.
"A-Auntie!"
They jumped in surprise when the doors were blasted open. There stood Emperor Maxism with Prince Maximilien sitting on his shoulders, pulling his hair.
Aviana Lavender felt weak.
"What's that? Ah, it's that bug again!"
Prince Vyldread stopped from playing with Solana in the air and frowned at him.
Emperor Maxism carefully dropped the Prince to the ground and traced the steps that led him before his sister's soul.
Colt Forest encased his wife's hand in his hands, preventing her from leaving. She doesn't want to see the Emperor. She hates him. She hate him.
"I will avenge you."
"And that would change everything?" Aviana Lavender faked a smile. Her tears chased each other down her cheeks.
"I will avenge you," the Emperor said again. This time, he was crying, too.
"This time, I will. Tell me how do you want it. I will hunt those bastards. I don't care if the Deities are backing them. I will hunt them, I will haunt them. Give me another chance, baby girl. Last chance. Please. Come back to me. I love you, baby girl. Please?"
Emperor Maxism went down to his knees.
"W-Why... Why is my pet crying!? You!" Prince Maximilien snarled at Aviana Lavender and stood in front of the Emperor.
"How dare you, bitch!? This is my pet! Only I can make my pet cry!"
Emperor Maxism smacked his head lightly.
"Ouch!" But the Prince is dramatic.
"Don't call her that. She's my sister. She's your grandma."
"An old hag related to me!?"
He smacked the Prince again but a little bit harder.
Aviana Lavender opened her eyes. Colt Forest was the first to get up so he could help his wife. Aviana Lavender went down and stood before the Emperor and the Prince. Emperor Maxism stand up. They looked at each other with tears in their eyes.
"I want..." Her fists clenched, "I don't want them to die. I want them to go through hell forever, for eternity. I want them to suffer. Every day and night must feel like hell for them. All of them! Even their families, their daughters, and their sons! I don't care! I want them all to suffer more than I did! All my life I've been good, so why must the bad and evil come after me? I... I don't u-understand. What did I do to deserve such horrors, K-Kuya? What..did I ever do?"
Emperor Maxism pulled her for a tight hug. Now, she's back in her reliable brother's arms. She feels safe and assured that the worse will come to the bastards that did bad things to her and her husband.
"Generational curse, it is. What my baby girl wants, my baby girl gets."
~
"Kuchi, kuchi, ku~ Cutie Varsy~ Kuchi, kuchi~" Prince Valerian sang in a high-pitched tone while gently tickling the youngest Prince's tummy.
Prince Vars stretched himself and curled up while laughing.
They're in the Palace's living room. Emperor Ohms is resting after performing the ritual and he's carrying his son. Prince Valerian is with them; his father is discussing matters with Emperor Maxism about the piece of their land. And later, he will meet King Liorei to see Daro.
Celia served snacks for the Second Prince and warm milk for the youngest.
"Wao~ Cookies! Solana!"
Solana, flying over their heads with Prince Vyldread, descended to the ground to eat. Prince Vyldread is flying beside her, staring at the snacks with curiosity.
"Do you want?" Solana offered a cookie to him. Prince Vyldread pulled his head back a little, then smelled the cookie.
"Try it!" Solana smiled. Prince Valerian frowned.
"Hmmp! Dragons don't eat cookies!"
"But you're a dragon, too?" Solana said back to him, confused. Prince Valerian blushed, embarrassed.
"B-But I am in my human form right now! He's a dragon! Don't feed him that. It's our snacks! Only for us!"
He pulled her hand away from Prince Vyldread and even pulled her to his side. Prince Vyldread didn't like it and pulled Solana back to his side by pulling her clothes.
Emperor Ohms watched them while smiling. He's feeding the Prince who's recovery is going smooth.
"Baba... Ba..." Prince Vars babbled while pointing at the dragon. Emperor Ohms caressed his head and kissed him.
"Yes, that's a dragon. Do you want a pet like that?"
Prince Vars only smiled and continued drinking his milk.
Suddenly, Prince Maximilien arrived with a set of attendants behind him. He's groomed and looking fresh out of a nice bath.
"Wow. Look at these peasants gathered in one place," he intro with a smirk and crossed arms.
"You're here, too," Prince Valerian, who's already annoyed, talked back.
"I meant you. Can't understand basic sentences? You're really a dummy!" The Prince taunted and laughed. Prince Valerian glared at him.
Prince Vyldread laughed, too.
"Oh? I heard this bug is a dragon." The Prince approached Prince Vyldread, observing and studying him. When saw Prince Valerian reaching for the plate of snacks that Prince Vyldread pulled from him earlier, he shoved it aside. The cookies fell to the ground.
"Oops. Didn't mean that. My hands slipped,"
"You did that on purpose!"
Prince Valerian stand up and stomp his foot. Solana hold his hand, "Kuya, don't fight. There's a very cute baby here!"
Then they all looked at Prince Vars who's done drinking milk. Emperor Ohms seems to be asleep.
Prince Maximilien went to the youngest Prince.
"It's ugly like you, Valerian. It's scary!" Then he pinched the Prince's cheek, hard until Prince Vars burst out crying.
Emperor Ohms slowly opened his eyes. When he caught the sight of Prince Maximilien hurting his son, his hand covered the Prince's face before slapping Prince Maximilien away with the other.
The Prince flew to the other side.
"You fucking Vernignac rat. How dare you?"
He pulled Prince Maximilien back to him just to slap him again but to the other side.
"What---WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?"
Prince Maxigaufeas, who saw what the Emperor just did to the child, was horrified. He immediately ran to the Vernignac Prince who is now crying. His head and mouth were bleeding.
"Mommy! MOMMY! UWAAAH! MOMMY!"
Emperor Ohms's sight turned red now that he sighted the bastard he hated most.
He raised his hand, about to shoot a fire arrow to Prince Maxigaufeas, when the angered Empeore Maxism blocked his way.
"What are you doing?"
"Aside, Maxism. Or stay. This arrow will go through anyway."
Prince Vars's cries became louder and louder until he's breathless. The machine beep continuously, showing that his vitals were pumping fast and high, face so red and turning violet.
"Fuck! My son! Celia!"
Emperor Ohms stand up, trying to calm down the Prince, whilst Emperor Maxism gathered the other children and hid them behind him. When Prince Valerian found the Ki'zaar, he ran to him. He's scared.
Azarese broke through the floors down to the living room. Unusual, she looks sick and red.
"What's happening? Why is he crying? Where is Watts!? Celia, summon him at once!"
She composed herself and went to see Prince Vars. Emperor Ohms passed him to her, thinking that it will help their son feel better. Azarese gently caressed the Prince and kissed his head.
"Hush, Mommy is here. Mommy is here, my love. You're safe. Hush, my sweet boy---" She saw the nail mark on Prince Vars's cheek.
"That son of a bastard pinched his cheek!" Emperor Ohms accused while pointing Prince Maximilien.
"Mommy! I didn't! No, I did---because he was cute! I didn't mean to, Mommy!"
Solana gasped. The Prince just lied!
"T-That's not true! You said he was ugly!"
Prince Valerian and Prince Vyldread nodded.
Celia returned with empty hands. Franchetti Xerene refused to send his son.
Prince Vyldread landed on the Prince. His weight is light. Then, on him he curled and hid inside his wings. He began purring, calming Prince Vars seconds after.
They could finally breathe freely again.
Emperor Ohms marched to Prince Maximilien, but Emperor Maxism and Prince Maxigaufeas stood against him, hiding the Prince behind them.
"No. He will apologize! Don't hurt him again!"
Emperor Ohms found it so ironic and unbelievable to hear Prince Maxigaufeas stand for the Prince.
"Stepping in as a father now, I see."
Prince Maxigaufeas was taken aback, then hardened himself. There is no time to be conflicted. He must protect the child from the Emperor.
"I am not. I will never acknowledge him as mine, but I won't just stand on the sidelines after witnessing what you did! You hurt the child! If you call that discipline, then your methods are too extreme---"
So the Emperor gave him the taste of his methods of discipline. A single punch was enough to knock Prince Maxigaufeas unconscious. Emperor Maxism didn't let it slide and punched Emperor Ohms harder. The Emperor didn't budge.
The only thing that's enjoying the drama was Skadi Eira who's flying over the Empire, looking through the roofs.
"That's enough,"
Azarese said while palming her head.
"Enough?" Emperor Ohms looked at her over his shoulders with a glare, "Our son was hurt. If it went on, we could've lost him. Your Vernignac bastard hurt him, Empress! If you won't exact your authority, then I will."
"ENOUGH!"
Azarese shouted, scaring them all, especially the Princes in her clutch.
"You already did! Twice, Ohms Xirquit!"
Emperor Ohms clenched his fists.
Azarese summoned the door and opened it. She passed the Prince to Celia. She's trembling.
"Get inside, Maximilien. Release him after a week, Door. Suck him in if he refuse to get inside." Those were her final orders before Hands stretched themselves to return to her room---the Empress's room (Empress Clastigaufeas was kicked out of it).
Emperor Ohms was satisfied about her punishment and smirked. The door opened for Prince Maximilien.
"I don't want to! I DON'T WANT TO! Mommy, I'm sorry! I don't want to!" He screamed while holding onto Emperor Maxism tight.
"Boy---"
"NO! I will be alone there! You said---You said you won't leave me! VALERIAN THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!"
Prince Valerian's eyes widened.
"Do not blame my son," the Ki'zaar sternly said, though he's feeling bad for the Third Prince.
The Door began sucking him.
"NO! I DON'T WANT TO! G-GRANDPA! GRANDPA, I DON'T WANT TO! PLEASE, I WILL BE ALONE INSIDE! MOMMY! I'M SORRY!"
Emperor Maxism held onto him, too.
Emperor Ohms sliced his hands. Prince Maximilien screamed again, begging. He let go Emperor Maxism's sliced hand, reaching out for another but no one would reach out to him.
And before the door could suck him in completely, he called a name.
"KUYA ZODDY!" He cried out loudly in fear and hope.
So the invisible First Prince teleported in front of him to hold his hand. He's standing still, holding Prince Maximilien's hand gently but his force was strong.
He made himself visible, in flesh. Prince Maximilien's eyes widened when he saw his eldest brother's smiling face. His eyes squeezed his tears out.
Prince Zodiac stepped back, pulling him out. He embraced Prince Maximilien who hang on him desperately while crying uncontrollably.
"Close yourself. Forget my mother's orders and listen to me," he said to the door, but it remained open. It's lost. Who should it obey?
Prince Zodiac's eyes glimmered, looking at the door with a half smile.
"Obey me."
So, the door closed and vanished.
He then tap his brother's back, "See? All you have to do is call me, Maximilien. You're so stubborn. Let me see,"
He cupped the Prince's cheeks to see his injuries. His sweet smile turned empty. When he kissed Prince Maximilien's head, the Prince lost consciousness. He caught him in his arms.
He raised his hand to his side, to Emperor Ohms.
"No one hurts my brothers."
A force sent Emperor Ohms's body away before exploding.