Okay, last chapter before the time skip.
ThatAnon: Hope Kai is portrayed to your liking
Chapter Four
Odd days passed by after Kai harshly disowned Freyan. For a day or so he'd been practically unresponsive to everyone. Dranzer wanted her husband back and so arranged a ball to help Kai get over his anger. She'd spent many nights alone in bed while Kai paced and fumed. A day before the ball Kai seemed a little different. He hadn't gone to bed, more now out of fear for Dranzer's wrath. The weight of his actions smothered him in misery so much so that the weather grieved with him. Rain fell from the clouds above, filling the air with its gentle song. Dranzer found Kai sitting limply on his throne, slumping miserably. He flinched at hearing his wife approaching but she did not stop. Once Kai's face was engulfed by Dranzer's cleavage he shattered, too exhausted to hold anything back. Gou and Aqua had been helping to look after Rikuugo over the days, only now noticing Kai's grief. The hour was still somewhat early but that didn't stop Kyoya from entering the throne room. His knowledgeable eyes found the King and Queen embracing, taking the children out so they could have some peace. He knew Kai wouldn't want the kids seeing him in such a state. Dranzer rocked back and forth with Kai in her arms, singing softly to him. He grasped almost desperately at Dranzer's dress like a child who had just fell over and hurt them self. The quivering of Kai's body slowly eased with Dranzer's soothing. "It's not your fault." She whispered softly in his ear. "If you're going to blame anybody, blame Hiromi. Had Freyan the freedom of his own will, he would never have abandoned Rikuugo."
For a good portion of the day Dranzer sat with Kai in her arms. He needed love not punishment. Even the kids joined in after dinner. Rikuugo felt unwelcome and so kept his distance, finding solace in Kyoya's company. Suzaku also grieved with her King, occasionally pressing her golden beak to his cheek in comfort. Come evening, Kai ventured out into the streets, wanting to be alone. True Kai was grateful for the comfort his family provided but he needed space to come to terms with Hiromi's greed and his attack on Terra. The boy had done nothing wrong by trying to keep the family together yet Kai unleashed his wrath onto him. Terra should not have to suffer for the actions of a selfish mother and tied down father. Absorbed in his thoughts, Kai unintentionally ignored the citizens who tried to soothe him. Only the shrill scree of Suzaku could bring Kai out of his own little world. She was calling for him. Assuming his dragon form, Kai made haste back to the castle. Heeled boots slammed into the floor as Kai landed heavily, spying a puffed out Falborg kneeling before Dranzer. "What's going on? Why was I summoned?" "My lord. Please forgive my intrusion but I bring horrible news. Lord Salamulian…is dead. He was found this morning with a knife wound to the chest. Furthermore, Johnny has assumed control of the Amestryan halidom and is leading his men this way as I speak. I don't think it was Salamulian who planned to dethrone the Queen." Nobody liked the deep growl coming from Kai given the circumstances.
Once again Kai stayed up all night. He couldn't sleep knowing his sworn enemy was marching toward the capital. Asking around, he discovered Tala had completely vanished. It didn't bode well. The feud between him and the wolf rider went back to the time of their fathers. Ser Auron had killed Commander Timofey Ivanov in cold blood according to Tala and Wolborg. But in truth, the former advisor's brother had committed treason against the King, giving classified information to the warlords scattered across Fiorre. Had Commander Ivanov not forced Auron's hand by attempting to kill Queen Drinzer he would've gotten off with banishment and a severe beating. Wyborg's father had been in charge of punishment at the time and he was a ruthless man, not one to be crossed. Kai knew he'd have to tighten security just in case Tala had gone skulking to Johnny in order to get back at him. It was no secret that Tala had watched his father die. Avenging Commander Ivanov was all Tala cared about. Kai wondered if telling Tala the truth would dissuade him. Probably not. It was a common trait of the Ivanov family to treat truth as lies. The possibility of Tala being a father crossed Kai's mind. Had the wolf rider sired a son while in hiding? Or was he still set on taking Yonah for his own? Dranzer found Kai sitting on his throne looking incredibly moody, eyes heavy with the lack of sleep. The ball wouldn't be for a while yet so she dragged Kai to bed and refused to let him leave it. Sighing in frustration Kai closed his weary eyes. Dranzer stayed with him devotedly. No more than an hour later Kai began to get restless, tossing his head from side to side. Dranzer had wondered when another premonition would come.
The hour of the ball was at hand. Despite lacking the desire to attend, Kai dressed in his smartest clothes. Dranzer had warned the band not to play Eternal Harvest given the current state of Kai's mind and they understood. Yonah hugged Kai tightly as he entered the hall. Max settled for a handshake and Ventus just smiled. Yonah's first born had not yet met Rikuugo, immediately nervous of the abandoned boy. Svarog dipped his head down low, allowing Kai to pet him half-heartedly. Once seated, Kai promptly fell asleep. Nobody had the heart to wake him, leaving the grieving King to sleep. Whenever he became disturbed, Dranzer held his hand and that seemed to be enough to calm his anguish. Gou and Aqua spent their time running around with some of the children sired by the knights. Three of those children belonged to Syldra and Aster. Two girls and one boy. One little girl was Syldra's twin. The boy was identical to Aster in almost every way. Their last little monster was a mix of them. The front of her hair was minty green, the back a plum purple and she bore an eye from both parents, the right belonging to Aster. All three looked to be the same age as Taelyn, Kyoya and Cryska's son. Syldra and Aster hadn't changed much. They stood devotedly behind Cryska to keep her safe. The Dwaelven White Mage appeared to be several months pregnant. After one child ventured out onto the balcony, they ran to their father all panicked. Svarog went to investigate, his yellow eyes narrowing.
Kai woke to the bellowing roar coming from the Alvaris Wyvern, moving hastily to the balcony. 'He's here.' Kai's cape billowed angrily as he halted the band from playing another note. "Prepare for battle! Try not to kill too many of them. It would ruin my plan otherwise." This was the first Dranzer had heard of a plan, watching with worried eyes as the Firosian army made haste out of the hall. Max remained with Yonah as Kyoya did with his wife. Aster left Syldra to look after their children. For now Kai was content to stand on the balcony and watch the battle play out. Svarog rooted himself beside Ventus, urging the other children to huddle under his wing for safety, curling around them in a mound of nasty spikes. Seeing no sign of Johnny at the head of the Amestryan army made Kai very uneasy. As the first arrow flew, Kai could contain Brynhildr no more as the fallen God came forth, flying into battle already in rage mode. It was hard convincing the dragon to hold back from using his full power. The Firosian's worked efficiently to tire the opposing force, killing only a few men. Johnny's location became known in the castle as he emerged from a hidden passage. His destination, the ball room. First he disarmed Kyoya with a dagger to the shoulder then Max by attacking Yonah which prompted the defensive blonde to shield Yonah from the flames. Brynhildr's attention was drawn by the distant scream of Aqua. The force of Kai's rage allowed him to assume control of the demon, hoping he wasn't too late. Dranzer backed away from the Amestryan knight as he approached her with a raised spear. Johnny would've succeeded in stabbing the Queen had Svarog not shot spines at him.
A hard, fiery tail sent Johnny rocketing into a wall. Brynhildr landed close by and pinned Johnny down with his back foot. Gou curiously peered out over Svarog's back to see what was going on, witnessing Brynhildr breaking Johnny's spear with his powerful jaws. He could feel the presence of his father radiating from the mighty beast. "D-Dad?" "That's not your father, Gou. 'Tis Brynhildr. Former God of Fiorre. He's been using your father as a vessel for over twenty years. Stay back and don't move." Gou turned away when blood came into view thanks to Brynhildr sinking his teeth into Johnny's shoulder. Kai persuaded him not to kill the Amestryan just yet, wanting to make an example of the man who made his life hell. Being careful not to jab his bloodstained fangs into Johnny's chest, Brynhildr carried him outside, hovering over the battlefield. A few archers tried to shoot the dragon down but fierce flames singed the arrows before they could reach Brynhildr. "Men of Amestrys! Witness now what will become of anyone who dares to oppose the Queen again! This foul maggot killed your leader, Salamulian, because he would not March to war against the Queen! Especially now the King has returned. Learn from his mistakes and strive to become a better nation of Fiorre!" Johnny put up a useless fight before Brynhildr used every ounce of force he had to crush his ribcage. The Amestryan's blood stained Brynhildr's flaming scales, the body of Johnny McGregor falling to the ground. With their commander dead, the Amestryan army laid down all weapons.
Dranzer was so relieved to see Kai returning she almost hugged him. The sight of blood stopped her midway. Aster was carried into the room by Falborg, bending knee to his King. "We're awaiting your orders, my lord." "Very well. I need somebody capable to take control of Amestrys to avoid this happening again." "If I may be so bold my lord, but who do you have in mind?" Kai turned the Dwaelven hammer master with cold eyes. "I was thinking you would suit my needs perfectly, Aster. Of course you're free to decline if that be your wish." "I would accept on one condition, my lord. That I get to take my wife and children with me. Life would be pointless without them at my side." "It's a deal. Do be sure to keep in touch." Aster bobbed his head, turning to face Syldra. She wasn't too keen of the current situation. Was there truly nobody else Kai could trust to take leadership of Amestrys? "My lord, is there nobody else?" Kai faced Syldra with mild sympathy. He knew she wanted to stay and be by Cryska's side when the baby came along. "Would you rather I sent Kyoya and your sister, Syldra? I did have one other person in mind but as I'm sure you're aware he's not in my good books right now." Kyoya could see only one solution, stepping gingerly towards Kai while nursing his shoulder. "Then we'll go too, my lord. If you'll allow us that is." "If it be your wish to go with them, Kyoya I will not stop you. The wellbeing of your family comes before duty to your King." With the decision made, those leaving for Amestrys went to get ready for a long journey. To take his mind off the battle, Kai stood out on the balcony in dragon form, knowing Seaborg planned to douse him in water. His reaction to getting soaked was funny.
Gou allowed Falborg time to dry Kai off with wind magic before approaching his father. The boy had questions, Kai already knew that. And he would do his best to answer. "Dad." "Yes son?" "That man who tried to hurt mom. You…you killed him didn't you?" "Technically it was Brynhildr who killed him. But I suppose in a sense, yes I did. You see Gou. Ever since I was your age, if not a little older, it was my responsibility to protect your mother. Being King does little to change that fact. I only did what was necessary to keep my family safe. I don't expect you to be able to understand the burdens I've shouldered. But when you come of age, I'm sure it'll show you the way. A wise King does not seek out war, Gou." "So then what does a wise King do? Does he wait for the war to come to him? So that his family is safe?" Kai lowered his head, whiskers dancing on the wind and eyes glistening with pride. Gou hugged Kai's muzzle tightly, truly happy he hadn't gone away again. "That's right Gou. One day the sun will set on my time here. And when it rises again, you will be King. Everything the light touches will be yours. Promise me you will never go into the dark places, and that you will rule this country with the wisdom of your forebears. A Hiwatari is very susceptible to darkness, Gou. To thwart it, we must keep a bright light close by at all times." "I promise. Dad. If you have to keep something bright close to you everyday, what is it?" A pang of hurt resonated in Kai's chest at the words he spoke next. "It's my family, Gou. 'Tis the brightest of all lights."
It warmed Dranzer deep down to see Kai finally bonding with Gou. She wondered what his premonition revealed. Svarog uncoiled from around the children, stretching gladly. He growled in supreme content as they all scratched his side. Kai turned to look at the source of all the noise, thinking to himself that Svarog really was just a big softy. He figured the Alvaris Wyvern had been beside them all since they were born. "Dad can we go down into the garden? Please?" "Maybe another time, Gou. I'm quite tired no thanks to Brynhildr. I'm going…to go catch a few winks. Look after your mother while I'm gone." "Yessir." Kai kissed Dranzer on the cheek as he passed by, making her go bright red, watching his tail sway from side to side as he walked, regaining human form some way down the hall. Dranzer thought to herself how odd it would feel when Kyoya was no longer around. Returning to her throne, she set her hand upon the orb used for long distance contact. Dranzer felt it was her duty to tell the other three minor rulers of Fiorre about Salamulian and the uprising led by his only heir against the capital. During a talk with Griffolian, Dranzer discovered that Salamulian had in fact disowned Johnny and wanted Phoebus to take his place. The now mature Baron had a son who would one day take over from Griffolian when she retired and had another child on the way. Dranzer first relayed the information to Kyoya and the Dwaelves, wanting Kai to have some rest before disturbing him. Phoebus was summoned to the capital so he could be briefed on the situation. Kai woke up no more than an hour later, finding his wife in the company of Phoebus…and Salima. Nobody had told him where the White Mage vanished to.
Dranzer hurried over to Kai the second she noticed he'd come out of the bedroom. "Dranzer what's going on here?" "Kai, I found out that Salamulian requested for Phoebus to take his place instead of Johnny. Is that…acceptable?" "Did this come from Griffolian?" Phoebus stood from his chair and offered Kai his hand. With much reluctance Kai accepted the offer. "It did my lord. Mother apologises for not saying anything sooner. She'd hoped that Salamulian would get in touch and tell you himself. I can assure you I'm not the rambunctious Baron I used to be. I'm ready to accept the responsibility lord Salamulian wanted to pass onto me." "You've grown up a lot, Phoebus. Very well. I cannot deny Salamulian's will. I had no quarrel with the desert marquis, only that nephew of his. Salima, 'tis good to see you again. I trust Phoebus has taken good care of you?" Said White Mage smiled warmly, a child in her arms. It was a little boy no older than four with Phoebus's every feature. Kai wasn't blind to the huge bulge of Salima's stomach. "It's good to see you again, my King. Word came around that you'd returned but we thought it best to leave you be for a while. But that didn't stop mother I hear." "Aye she was incredibly eager to talk my ear off. 'Twas my first time actually meeting her in person. I will go with you to Amestrys. There's one thing I need to do to ensure an uprising never happens again." Dranzer didn't like Kai's tone. She worried he was going to do what Valken had done to him six years prior.
Phoebus and Salima were apparently already prepared for their move to Amestrys but not for the heat. Even Kai, host to a fire God could barely stand the pressure of the sun on his back. For now he was in dragon form, his crown kept in place by his now longer more majestic horns. Amestryan's from all over town stood outside the mansion Salamulian had called home. Horrified gasps echoed at the sight of Johnny's limp body tucked in Kai's jaws. Phoebus raised his hands for silence and thankfully he got it. "People of Amestrys! I come before you today in regards to the will of your beloved marquis, lord Salamulian! He knew that if his only blood heir rose to power he would start a vile anarchy, starting by wiping out the King and Queen! To try and prevent such rebellion he selected a new heir to his legacy! That heir is me, Phoebus, son of Griffolian, marchioness of Galvena! A little earlier today baron McGregor attempted to kill the Queen in person! If not for our King, we would have no Queen. I know there was a time all care seemed to vanish from the castle but it was not the Queen who turned away from us. She was forced to marry a Homunculus who did everything in his power to rip apart what Queen Dranzer's family worked so hared to build. He assumed control of her army, silently turning us against each other. As I'm sure you heard, the knight commander was banished. In his absence, he plotted against that Homunculus. At first, he came back to the Queen as someone else, knowing he could do nothing but watch his country die otherwise. Only after the one day war was his true form revealed. He stands before you now as your King! All hail King Kai!" 'Oh please. Spare me the sentiment.'
The people of Amestrys cheered loudly but all went silent when Kai stepped forward, the tips of his sharp claws scratching against the stone platform. Everyone from the oldest man to the youngest walking child bent knee to their King. Kai released Johnny's corpse, allowing it to hit the floor with a loud clang. "Good people of Amestrys. I am sure you grieve for lord Salamulian. Although I never met the man myself, I too am wounded by his departure. While it is true I never got along with baron McGregor, I never laid a finger on him until today when he attempted to kill my wife. Anybody who dares to rally under his name will meet the same end. I ask now, for anyone who might have had intimate contact with this poor excuse of a baron to step forward. I do not intend to hurt you in any way unless you rebel." A mass of muttering erupted but one respect demanding roar from Kai stopped all chatter. No more than three girls stepped forward, one round with child and another had a little girl clinging to her hand. "What will you do with us, my lord?" Asked the most petite girl of the three. "Just promise me these innocent beings will not turn out like their father. I know the pain of losing children. None of you knew Johnny's foul intentions. But I will warn you now. If any of these children try to start another uprising when they're older I will kill them without a second thought." "We'll do our best, my lord." Stammered the pregnant girl. "Thank you for sparing us. I promise you won't regret it." With the matter solved, the girls returned to their homes.
The folks of Amestrys welcomed Phoebus and his family with open arms. Kai told the newly crowned marquis to inform him if anything went wrong before returning home. Dranzer had hope when Kai came home since he was not drenched in blood. "Kai what happened?" "Turns out McGregor has a daughter and a child on the way. Fear not, I spared the lives of the three girls who slept with him. I made them promise to ensure the children do not turn out like their father." "And the people of Amestrys?" "They are glad to have a compassionate marquis and a baron to spoil. Phoebus will let us know if anything seems off." Kai stretched with a yawn making Dranzer laugh. "All these kingly duties are tiring me out." "Have a drink, love. Maybe that will help ease your tiredness. You can't sleep all day." The kids all rolled their eyes as the cuddle their parents shared turned into them going into the bedroom. The grin on Kyoya's face told Gou it was the Mage's fault. "Uncle Yoya, did you put something in dad's drink?" "What makes you ask young prince?" "C'mon spill!" "You're not old enough yet, Gou. Maybe once you're a little older I'll tell you. Run along now, your parents need some peace and quiet from time to time." Gou obviously wasn't satisfied and would've gone into his parents' bedroom if Kyoya didn't drag him off by the wrist. It was a good thing too. No thanks to Kyoya's little prank Kai found himself suddenly incredibly horny. Dranzer was thankful however. It had been quite some time since Kai last made love to her. She longed to have another child with him. Dranzer had often dreamed of having a castle full of little Hiwatari's. Whether Kai would comply or not was hard to determine.
The next day, no rain fell. Kai's mood appeared to be brighter but he still preferred to be alone most hours. Kyoya had received a thorough pasting for spiking Kai's drink. While walking out in the garden Kai passed by Veneficium. The statue would sometimes emit sounds or the eyes would light up. Kai figured the fallen God was almost ready to come out of hibernation. Children ran around happily, paying no mind to anybody else. Kai stopped walking when he heard what sounded like stone cracking. Glancing curiously at the statue of Max's father he found it was starting to crack open and glow. Kai sent somebody to fetch Max right away, praying his brother in law would make it in time to witness the awakening of his father. All movement in the garden stopped as the statue began to shake, the auragetting brighter with every passing second. Max came staggering to a halt beside Kai as the stone began to crumble away. "F-Father?" "Stay back Max. He might not be fully awake yet." To contradict Kai's words the moss covered rock crumbled at a faster pace until none was left. Veneficium looked different than before his slumber. The hard back scales that used to be blue were now black, underside purple. Veneficium had taken on the colours of Genbu, Draciel's familiar. All the yellow details had turned white but everything red stayed the same. Feeling a surge or energy, Veneficium soared into the sky and unleashed a refreshing cry. Coming back down, he was immediately grabbed by Max who was crying tears of joy.
Veneficium remembered why he'd been forced into hibernation a century earlier than planned. Max had suffered a horrible injury and died from it. Unable to stand losing another child, Veneficium poured his very being into reviving Max, thus triggering hibernation. "Father you came back!" "How…long have I been sleeping? Kai? I never thought I'd live to see the day when Fiorre would crown another King." "Well Veneficium you're not the only one who's been asleep. Not too long after the war Yonah's health took a sheer nosedive. I took her out to Silver Creek Hollow to find the cure. My memory is foggy after that but I woke up some time after. We came home to find we'd slept for five years, just like you. A lot has happened since our return." "Yes I know. I've watched over this city in your place, young King. Now where's that grandson of mine? I owe him five years of cuddles and gifts." Kai and Max were glad to see Veneficium hadn't changed, leading him inside. When they all stepped into the throne room, Ventus shrieked in horror and hid behind Svarog's wing. Yonah was sat nearby with the other children, unable to believe her eyes. "Come now, daughter. Is that any way to greet your father in law? You've become a fine young woman, Yonah. Don't be shy, I won't bite." Veneficium hadn't changed body wise, only his colours were different so Yonah was able to identify him as her father in law, gingerly hugging his neck. "I'm so glad to see you awake. We were all so worried when you turned into stone." "And I am deeply sorry for putting all of you through that. But I feel refreshed enough to live for another century at least. I see Svarog is all grown up." Said Wyvern growled venomously at Veneficium.
He calmed to Yonah's petting, becoming as docile as a kitten. Ventus refused to come out until the "scary monster" went away. The look on Veneficium's face was priceless. "That's not a monster, Ventus. He's your grandfather. Remember that statue out in the garden? That was him. You see Ventus your Grandpa turned to stone because he used up all his energy saving Max. Now he's woken up and wants to see you." "Gwandpa is a Dwagon?" "That's right Ventus. He's the former God of Aquallis." "But that would mean…Gwandpa is a demon." "Yes but he's a good demon. Do you know what that makes your dad?" Ventus shook his head as Yonah pulled him close to her breast. "Being the son of a God means Max is a Demi God. Half human half God. That makes you half Demi God." Ventus felt less intimidated now, coming out of hiding. That didn't stop him from running though, meaning Veneficium had to work for that cuddle he wanted. He managed to catch Ventus eventually, shrinking down to his human form. Just like his demon form, Veneficium's hair and eyes changed. Now he looked almost identical to Draciel. "I got you! You're a lot faster than you look, Ventus. Do an old man a favour and slow down a little. I'm no spring chicken." "You can turn human?" "Of course. This body is my vessel. I only turn into a dragon if I need to. You probably don't remember this Ventus. But the first time I held you in my arms you cried in fear." "But I not afwaid anymore." Veneficium was so happy he almost hugged the air out of poor little Ventus.
And that solves that. I had originally intended to have Kai kill Tala in front of his son for the same crime his grandfather committed only Tala's son would get the benefit of an explanation and the order to become a better man than his father ever was. The next chapter will take place around 11 years after the events of this one and I'll start bringing in other princes and princesses.
