Disclaimer: I don't own Megaman Starforce.

There was no time to react; no time to question what was going on or how he could've fixed it. Now all Cepheus could do was try to prevent the rebellion from escalating. Too bad there was no way to do that.

If he let the military continue their crackdown on the revolutionaries, that will only spur more to rise up in their place from the so called atrocities and fight the government. If he ordered the soldiers to withdraw though, not only would he appear weak, but he would allow the revolutionaries to gain ground and become better equiped. This was a typical lose lose situation for Cepheus

Still, as things looked right now, Pavo would have a lot to answer to when he returns. It's hard for even Cepheus to believe that his brother had absolutely no part in this. If the ever growing accusation were true, then that would mean Pavo had no trust in his brother and decided to resort to violence to get what he wanted. Their father would be ashamed.

Behind Cepheus and the crowd of people surrounding him, Ophiuchus jump of the wave road she was traveling on and ran to her king at top speed. She too had just learned of the atrocity and knew that her king would want her immediately. "Your majesty," she said giving a small bow, "have you heard what's happened recently?"

The king didn't have to look around him to know that the people surrounding him were currently glaring at him for letting violence erupt in his kingdom. He could feel their anger and resentment without even turning his head. Was he a failed leader? His people hated him. He let a rebellion grow inside his planet. What did they expect him to do though? Was he just supposed to magically know that an armed resistance was forming against his rules. He guessed that there were a few signs, including the growing protests and Pavo running away, but that wasn't enough for him to see a full on rebellion forming. Of course this all would end up marring his right to rule. Maybe he should just surrender control over to Pavo. It might prevent the rebellions and stop his brother before he openly committed treason. Right now no one could prove Pavo orchestrated these acts of rebellion, but when things escalate, his hands will be red with the blood of the fallen and there's no hiding that.

"Yes, I just watched a news report with these lovely people." Cepheus said, watching the expressions of his citizens surrounding him. Hey, why not try and earn a few points with the public while he was at it? It's not like it could hurt. "I'm going to head back to the castle, maybe even give a report to the council. I want you to tell General Cygnus that I am authorizing any force required to keep these rebels at bay. Also, I was him to move some of his reserve troops to the rural sectors for further support in case more rebellions sprout up. He should also be on alert for any organized forms of resistance."

Ophiuchus gave a small bow. "Yes, King Cepheus. Be careful. We never know what these rebels might try." She then got back onto the wave road and headed for General Cygnus to relay her king's orders.

Not long after, Cepheus left the crowd and too got on the wave road, except he was heading in the exact opposite direction, and, while he knew his destination, he had no idea what journey was in store for him.

The rebels were definitely not the smartest bunch. Disorganization among the ranks and formations was expected since they were just armed activists. Even the weaponry, which amounted to just simple swords and a few shields, was understandable. What didn't make sense though, was their choice for a uniform color. Flamboyant red. Of course very few of the rioters actual wore the uniform due to there being so few of them, but the higher ranking rebels could definitely be seen wearing their colors proudly.

This made them easy picking for Taurus. He became nearly unstoppable after going berserk from all the red encompassing his vision, plowing into numerous rebels and setting others on fire, ignoring anyone who tried to attack him. His armor was too strong to be destroyed by their feeble weaponry. He was already known among his soldier brethren as being a battle hardened veteran due to all the virus hunts he went on. He was even recommended for the old kings personal guard before he died. True, this was his first real battle with other sentient beings, and his comrades were having a little more trouble holding them off the rebels, but this was also a lot more fun. He got to fight people on equal ground as him and crush them beneath his feet.

Looking around, Taurus noticed another group of rebels approaching them. One wearing a red uniform. Two explosion erupted behind them, destroying the nearest building. It now matched the entire district with its obliterated exterior and rubble. Taurus didn't care though. This people were against the king, so they deserved what they got. Besides, he only wanted his next kill.

The FM-ian ox snorted, releasing fire all around him before charging into the startled group of rebels and grabbing the man wearing a red uniform. The soldiers still alive from the charge tried to up to defend the leader from this red demon but were too slow. A breath of fire was all it took to bring them to ashes.

"Please, don't kill me!" the rebel wearing red cried as he felt Taurus press against his neck. "I will tell you whatever you desire! I'll even pledge allegiance to the king! Just please don't kill me!" he continued to plead.

Taurus ignored the man in his last desperate attempts for life as the ox pressed harder against the man's neck, snapping it off his body like a twig.

That was easy, too easy. He needed a challenge, something to really test his strength and give him a rush of adrenaline. Was no one a match for him?

"Taurus!" someone shouted as they came running up to the fiery beast."The general wants you to go ahead of the main force and eliminate any squads in your field of view so we can retake the complex and destroy the rebels' headquarters!"

Looks like there was more work to be done, and more fun to be had.

Cepheus just couldn't believe it. His own council, perhaps his most trusted advisers and confidants, went behind his back and ordered the eradication of these rebels. True, there was really no other choice, but the king was confident he could come up with a more peaceful solution if he only had more time. Too bad that was the one luxury he couldn't have.

Soon more rebellions would appear in different areas, and this could turn into civil war. Planet FM would need a strong, confident leader to lead them past this turmoil and destruction. Is that a job Cepheus could handle? Would he be able to stop this fighting before it consumed his planet?

A knocking came from the door near Cepheus, drawing his attention to a single guard. "Sir," the soldier began, "The leader of Planet AM requests to speak with you. He, with a small party, is already on his way via wave road."

This was expected. Cepheus thought that the AM-ian king would try negotiating with him after the FM-ians eclipsed them militarily. Though, the fact that he was doing this after the first signs of full on rebellion was troubling. Perhaps the AM-ians were planning on helping the rebels against the government. It would be hard to fight of an AM-ian attack if there was a war within Planet FM too. Did Planet FM need to grow it's military even more?

"Hmph, so Sagittarius has finally decided to come after father's funeral. Tell Cygnus that I want him to put down any more rebellions before they even start. We shall show no weakness in front of the AM-ians."

"Yes, You Majesty," the guard said giving his best salute. Cepheus still noticed the slight tremor in the man's hand and could tell that the guard was nervous.

Even in his own castle things appeared to be amiss. Could this be because of his advisers, or himeself? Either way, the king knew he would have to put on his best poker face.

I know this chapters was short, but the next chapter will be a lot longer and hopefully quicker too. I had a bit of writer's block with this. If you have any thoughts, then please review!