THE VEXOS CHRONICLES: MENACE

Written by VanillaMetal

Edited by son_of_heaven176 and eatpraylove

Editor's Note: This is a companion story to Chapters 19-21 of my fanfiction The Vexos Chronicles: Lost Luster. If you are completely new to the Vexos Chronicles series, then please read chapters 14-16 as well so that you have the entire background.

Having said that, please enjoy!

Chapter 1

The second of Epombria.

A single day.

A single chance.

Such a limited span, and yet so much came to pass on that fateful day. A potential tragedy ... thwarted.

That morning, Duke Caligo Profunda Prove had been so sure he would succeed, though perhaps that was just because of his haughty personality. He was proud to the end, and he wasn't afraid to look down at those whom he deemed to be below his stead.

Princess Xenia and Margrave Demophilus. Mother and son. Both heirs to the throne that had been freed up by King Zenoheld's death. Something which would naturally warrant a lot of investigation, even if merely to confirm that it had really happened. It was hard to believe that Zenoheld had been killed, and not just him, but his son, Prince Hydron, as well. Untimely, to say the least.

Some would have cheered about it. Caligo, for his part, saw it as a great loss…and also a great opportunity, if he played his cards right. Of course, the only person worthy to continue Zenoheld's legacy was Caligo himself, but as fate would have it, two stood in his way.

When Zenoheld left the planet, Caligo had spent his time pondering his options, wishing to ensure that nothing went wrong. But when that blasted Spectra showed up the other day, it all came down to 2 Epombria. Caligo would stealthily erase both Demophilus and Xenia so that he would become the successor to the throne. And for a moment, it had even seemed like he had succeeded. However, he had overstepped himself. There were possibilities that he hadn't accounted for, and that was what landed him in his present captivity. Trying to assassinate someone who was set to take on such a lofty position was simply asking for trouble if you didn't have the perfect plan in place.

Of course, at the time he had believed he did. He had assumed it was foolproof. Get rid of Xenia when she was at her most vulnerable and outnumbered. It made so much sense, and yet he had failed. He did not even think for a second that Spectra Phantom would be able to engineer a way for Xenia to slip from his trap. And one should not forget that worthless Makhaira, letting the Royal Guard get beaten by lessers and hirelings.

That burden of failure weighed heavily upon him as he was carted away that night to be locked up. Of course, doing so ensured that he couldn't try anything else…but it didn't stop him from plotting away inside his own head. It didn't stop him from pondering all he had done right, and all that had gone wrong to lead him to this point.

The plan to murder Princess Xenia had seemed successful at first, but ultimately failed.

The plan to kill Margrave Demophilus… Clearly, he was alive. And as Caligo was marched off to his cell to await the next day, his curiosity burned. How did Demophilus slip his grasp?

…

It was only a few hours after sunrise that Xenia, Rutilius, and Caligo left the planet. King Zenoheld and Prince Hydron were dead, but some things needed to be seen to before that could be considered an absolute truth. At the very least, due to the challenge that Caligo issued, a formal investigation had to be conducted to confirm that Zenoheld was dead, and that the circumstances did not disqualify Xenia from succeeding to the throne.

Demophilus, meanwhile, remained behind, staying in Xenia's summer palace. A peaceful place...a perfect place to spend some time alone and clear his head a little. This palace suited someone of Xenia's demeanour. She carried herself well, and looked youthful yet refined at the same time. She was gentle yet firm, which was why she was so loved in March Magnalba, and why would surely make a good Queen of Vestal.

Demophilus could see why people followed and trusted his mother, and he did respect her, even if they were different in more than a few ways. She had a little more tact in some respects, though that was understandable. He was more inexperienced compared to her, being only her son.

But that wasn't to say that he doubted his own abilities. Should the worst occur and Xenia fall, Demophilus believed that he would be more than worthy to take her place. Surely he would be a good king. That thought gave him a small measure of comfort, though he also hoped that the position would only pass to him through natural means. Nobody wanted their parent to be murdered.

As Demophilus paced and passed the time through the hallways, he thought about how her new position would put her at risk regarding precisely that: murder. His mother was now the rightful queen, and after her, he would follow. However, such grand positions also brought with them a host of risks. Royals were never truly safe, no matter what they did to shield themselves. It didn't matter how many men you travelled with, or how many guards you had shielding you while you slept. At the end of the day, anything could happen, and easily when you least expected it. Zenoheld was proof enough of that.

Demophilus did have a habit of cautiousness when it came to such matters, careful to watch both his own back and his mother's. However, there was only so much he could do. He didn't have eyes on the back of his head. He didn't hear every single whisper that passed through these corridors…

It wasn't quite paranoia. It was simply called 'being wise'. Even if it was just for her sake.

Though Demophilus and his mother may not have always seen eye-to-eye, the idea of her being killed was enough to turn his stomach. It may have looked all too easy to sit there on a fancy seat and deliver orders to others, but it really required a great deal of bravery.

Bravery he'd have to summon if something really did happen to her.

Demophilus tried not to dwell too much on that possibility. Instead, he made his way dutifully onward so he could go and deliver the necessary message to the citizens of planet Vestal. It was time they came to know the truth, after all, however bitter it might be.

He shot a glance at his mother's throne as he approached it, then stopped before it and turned towards the communications staff that would transmit his message to all Vestal. The same image of him before his mother's throne would soon pop up in every home and upon viewscreens all across the planet. Whatever they were currently broadcasting no longer mattered at that point. This was most definitely urgent news.

How would the people take this? Would there be outrage, or cheering?

Demophilus' throat was quite parched.

Still, when the time came, he delivered it well. Stiffly, sure, but well. That was all that could really be asked of him.

"People of Vestal, I am Margrave Demophilus Alexandros of the House Epipuron, son of Princess Regent Xenia Alethina of the Houses Hestia and Epipiron."

Introductions came first and foremost. After all, despite his mother being the regent, he couldn't assume that everyone on Vestal would recognize him. He made it precisely clear just who he was, and he followed on to make the core announcement of Zenoheld's death precisely clear as well. No point in beating around the bush when it came to this matter.

After the announcement, he concluded,"Let us pray for our leaders as we await their safe return."

Speeches were rarely fun to deliver, especially when the news was so morbid. The noon broadcast spread word from his own mouth that the former King Zenoheld was reportedly dead.

Xenia had left with Rutilius and Caligo so she could confirm the truth of it all, but it seemed that it really was the case. At the very least, it wouldn't be a wasted trip, as she'd be able to find out exactly what happened to him. Confirm the details, and who or what had been responsible for it.

However, something irked Demophilus, particularly after he finished his public statement and took some time to walk around on his own. Hands clasped uneasily behind his back, he thought of who had accompanied her. Particularly Caligo.

Demophilus had spoken of him during that speech, in terms that couldn't quite be considered 'endearing'. Not that anyone could rightfully blame Demophilus for his distaste towards the man. It was crystal clear that Caligo just wanted to be king. Anything else was surely either courting for favour, or otherwise just an outright farce.

Caligo Profunda Prove, Duke of Amauros. From first sight, Demophilus didn't like him. He habitually sneered, he had a big mouth, and by the way he carried himself, you'd think he thought he was at the top of the world. Oh, he certainly desired to be, that was for sure.

Yet for how little tact he showed, there was a certain slyness to the duke. Caligo certainly had no issues with speaking his mind, and it was clear he didn't respect Xenia as much as he ought to. Given that she was his mother, Demophilus didn't exactly appreciate that facet of the duke. Yet even Caligo knew not to push things too far.

Demophilus couldn't deny it: he was concerned for his mother's wellbeing. He didn't like the idea of her being out there with Caligo, even if she did have some protection with her. What if Caligo had something up his sleeve? It was clear what he wanted, and whether there was proof of King Zenoheld and Prince Hydron's deaths would be the deciding factor. Depending on what they found, it was hard to say just what he might do. How far would he go for the sake of taking the throne in his own grasp?

Sighing, the margrave tried to keep his mind clear. That was what staying here was supposed to help him with in part. He recalled what he had told the citizens to do, and retained that statement for himself, too. Await her safe return…

He ought not to worry so much, especially when it was all just speculation and he was in a position where he couldn't easily do anything about it either way. So he kept his expression steely as always, and continued on his way. He had a friend waiting for him in his study, and it would ill behoove one of his stature to keep him waiting.

…

Caligo had known that Demophilus was a suspicious one. And in this case, the little whelp would have been wise to feel so uneasy and suspicious. Caligo really did have something sinister in mind, and Xenia wasn't the sole target either. No, it would make little sense to kill her off and do nothing about her son. After all, what Caligo wanted more than anything was to be king, but if only Xenia died, then Demophilus would easily slip into that position instead. And if he did, he would no doubt take extra precautions given his mother being murdered, and Caligo would certainly be a possible suspect in his eyes. Whether Demophilus had proof of the murder wouldn't really matter; Caligo suspected that a King Demophilus would definitely try to have him executed at even the slightest suspicion.

That was why the duke had wisely decided to kill two birds with one stone. Take them both out simultaneously, both the dear Princess Xenia and her dislikeable son. Genius, at least in his own oh-so-humble opinion.

That was why, before leaving the palace, he had planted some seeds to ensure Demophilus would also be dealt with while he was busy with Xenia. After all, it wasn't as if he had the ability to be in two places at once, and they'd have to be eliminated at roughly the same time if this was going to work out smoothly.

His plan? Well, it really was as sly as someone like Demophilus would suspect from someone like him. Caligo intended to distance himself from the act as much as possible, in order to keep himself clean in the public eye. He had to maintain his image after all, given that he wanted to be the ruler of this planet. No point in getting his own hands dirty if someone else would happily do it for him.

He had placed the task in the hands of someone who was actually a genuine member of the Royal Guard, but who harboured hatred for the Princess Regent and her son, and genuinely wished to see Caligo in their place. Someone who could stand at the head of the operation and be trustworthy with it, who wouldn't turn tail and run or, Goddess forbid, reveal the duke's plans at the slightest provocation. No… he had to be right for the job, and this guard seemed to be so.

Caligo had given his orders: after he gets off-planet, make sure that Demophilus dies. But he had to be careful about it: he had to be discreet enough that Caligo would be able to pin the blame on someone else. And Caligo had the perfect "someone else" in mind. Things had to be arranged in such a way that Caligo wouldn't be suspected, so he had considered who would also seem likely to commit such a crime.

Why, Spectra Phantom, of course.

After all, Spectra had tried to pass himself off as a hero fighting "the evil King Zenoheld" during that pirate transmission of his a few months before. Of course he would take any advantage to rid Vestal of the Royal Family. It all made such sweet and perfect sense.

There were a lot of things for Caligo to consider though, even if he had it all figured out so smoothly. If his plan was to fail for whatever reason, and he was placed under such a suspicious eye, it would be treacherous. It could be the end of the line for him, and Caligo wasn't willing to face that when he had already gone to so much trouble to get the advantage on Xenia. Killing her successfully only for his intentions to kill Demophilus to fail afterwards would be incredibly bitter.

No…he wasn't going to lose. That was impossible. Caligo Profunda Prove never lost.

The plan was simple, and he was sure the one he had chosen to spearhead the plan would be up to the task. He would keep an eye over the proceedings and make sure that things didn't get too messy. He'd ensure that Demophilus was killed as the primary target. He and his allies would deal with everything at the palace while Caligo dealt with Xenia at the same time.

So long as Demophilus was dead, any extra fallout didn't matter. Honestly, the duke really didn't care who else ended up getting caught in the firing line. As long as Xenia and Demophilus were dead, anything else was mere details.

True, the populace would probably take some time to warm to the changes. They had just lost King Zenoheld and Prince Hydron, and they were soon going to lose both Princess Xenia and Margrave Demophilus to boot. Tragedy after tragedy after tragedy…

Still, even Caligo could afford to have some optimism. He felt he deserved it. He also firmly believed that once he took his rightful place upon the throne, people would soon grow used to him being their ruler. And he would finish what Zenoheld had started: the complete and utter subjugation of New Vestroia. After all, Caligo only wanted what was the best for the Vestal people. They needed room to expand, and no amount of oversized animals would get in his way.

…

Caligo's traitor, his little mole, had also held similar thoughts in his head as he wandered calmly through the halls of the summer palace, hands clasped behind his back in such a dutiful manner that one wouldn't even suspect what was about to happen.