Chapter 7: Dark Lord Cinder- The Crowning of the Lion King

When Raven woke up Cinder told her something that shocked the lion Faunus to her core, "W-What?! Did I hear you right? My coronation is happening today?! What about the liberation of Menagerie?!" Cinder asked. She is currently wearing the outfit that was in her room. Except for the crown, Hope has it. She and Raven are waiting for someone to tell them it's time. The wait makes Cinder uneasy but having her mother around calms her nervousness.

"The plan was to have you pretend to be a king but when Ironwood found out you were royalty, he suggested making you a real king. Saying it will boost morale for the troops and show that faker what a real king is all about!" Raven said with a smile.

"He said that?!" Cinder gasped.

"Well, you were one of his top students," Raven smiles but frowns, "It's unfortunate Vernal, Ven and Winter can't make it. Due to being busy with their respective missions. It's thanks to them we can hold your coronation in the first place. And the army Ironwood brought with him," Raven smiles again and puts a hand on Cinder's shoulder, "I know the responsibility you're about to take is massive but don't forget they are people who can share the burden," Raven said and hugged Cinder.

Cinder smiles and hugs her mother back, "Thanks, mom." she sighs, "It's just so sudden. When I came here, I thought I was going to help these guys with liberating Menagerie. Being crowned king of the Faunus was the last thing I thought that was going to happen," Cinder smiles sadly, "I doubt me being king will stop the Keyblade war,"

Raven nods sadly, "Yeah, we Keyblade wielders are a stubborn lot,"

Cinder laughs, "That's true," she gets up and walks to the mirror, "I still can't believe it's happening. Ever since I was a child, I was told I'm going to be the ruler of the Faunus. To lead them to an age of peace," she looks at her hand and conjures darkness, "To be their beacon of light," Cinder closes her hand and dismisses the darkness, "Funny how things turn out,"

Raven smiles and pets Cinder, "Look on the bright side, you can finally go by the name your father and your previous mother gave you,"

Cinder nods, "Well, one of the names,"

They hear a knock on the door, "It's time," Raven said.

Cinder sighs and nods, "Yeah,"

Raven heads to the door with Cinder behind her. Opening the door, it was Ironwood who knocked. He had soldiers with him.

"Ready?" Ironwood asked.

"I am," Cinder nods firmly.

Ironwood smiles, "Good, we will escort you to the place where the coronation ceremony will be held,"

Cinder and Raven follow Ironwood to the church's main hall, "Wow, did you set everything in the day I was sleeping?" Cinder asked.

"Your father had your coronation planned out and gave those plans to Hope. As well as sending everything needed to this church. Saying they will be safer here than at his castle," Ironwood explains.

"He made the right choice," Cinder said sadly.

"That outfit you're wearing is from your father. He asked the Moogles to design an outfit for you. He told them you're a fan of King Arthur, so they came up with the outfit you're wearing now," Raven said.

Cinder is surprised, "Really?! How did they know what my measurements will be when I turn 18?"

"I presume the Moogles held on to the design and only made it when you turned the proper age," Ironwood said.

Cinder can hear the sounds of battle outside, "How is it going?" Cinder asked.

"Well, the enemy is surprisingly weak. My guess is they didn't expect for me to get involved," Ironwood said.

"I bet they bribed you with a lot of money so you won't," Raven laughs.

Ironwood laughs as well, "Well, you should see the look on their face when I said no," he then looks over his shoulder and asks Cinder, "Why didn't you tell me you were royalty?"

"In my defence, General, I'm a royal Faunus. Humans tend to hunt down Faunus like me," Cinder said.

"That's true but know that you have my full support," Ironwood smiles.

Cinder is stunned, "Really?!"

Ironwood nods, "Yes, Humans and Faunus have been at odds for a long time. So it's high time to show what can happen when our two races work together,"

Cinder smiles and nods, "Actions speak louder than words as they said,"

"Indeed," Ironwood smiles.

As they keep walking, Cinder notices both the Resistances and Atlas soldiers salute both Ironwood and Cinder, "This is so awkward," Cinder thought.

Raven, Ironwood and Cinder were silent until they reached the door to the main hall. A Resistance and Atlas soldier was guarding the door. Ironwood nods and the soldiers open the door. Before they enter, Raven whispers to Cinder, "They are cameras inside broadcasting your coronation to the whole world. As you know, I can't show my face but I'll be watching from the shadows,"

"I understand mother," Cinder said and walked with Ironwood into the main hall. Nuns come up from behind and lift Cinder's cape and walk with her. Cinder looks behind her and sees one of them is Aerith who mouthed the words, "Congratulations!"

Cinder smiled and mouthed "Thank you,"

More soldiers were inside the main hall as well as civilians. She identifies two of the civilians. They were the mother and child she saved yesterday. Cinder smiles and waves at them. They smile and wave back. Cinder waves to the other civilians as well. She spots banners with her symbol on them.

On the other side are Hope and other priests. His back is turned and she can hear him doing some prayers. With them are two well-known and important people to the Faunus, Ghira Belladonna and Sienna Khan. Both of them are ex-leaders of the White Fang. Ghira stepped down as leader and Sienna took his place. However, Sienna was overthrown.

Adam must be very surprised to see her alive. It takes more than a simple stab in the gut to do her in.

Ghira and Sienna approached Cinder and kneeled to her, "We are honoured to take part in this historical moment for our people," Ghira said.

"We will support you with everything we have to make sure your rule will last for years," Sienna said.

Cinder notices both of them are holding something, Ghira has a sphere in his hand and Sienna has a sceptre. Cinder knows what they are. Ancient Faunus relics that once belonged to the first Faunus King. Ghira and Sienna stand back up and hold out the relics to Cinder. Cinder takes them and carefully holds them. They are very old after all.

"Do you vow to lead our people to an age of peace and prosperity?" Ghira asked.

"I do," Cinder nods, "We've been stuck in the shadows for too long. It's high time to show the world how brightly we can shine,"

"And do you vow to defend our people against those who pose a threat to us?" Sienna asked.

"I do," Cinder nods again, "I'll protect our fellow Faunus with my body and soul, I'll end the slavery of our kind once and for all!"

Both Ghira and Sienna nod. Pleased by Cinder's answers. They take back the relics and walk to Cinder's side. They gestured for Cinder to turn to the people, "Long live the King!" the people shouted as did the Faunus who were watching Cinder's coronation.

Know that the people accepted her. She turns to Hope who walks up to her along with the other priests. In Hope's hand is the crown that he will put on Cinder's head. Though it looks kinda small, Cinder knows the burden it holds will be great. But she will bear it.

Getting down on one knee, Cinder closes her eyes and lowers her head. She hears Hope utter one more prayer and felt him place the crown on her head. "Rise, King Lightning," Hope said. Hearing one of her true names being uttered felt refreshing. She's been going by Cinder for so long that she almost forgot it.

Standing up, Cinder gets up and turns to the people again, "I present you, Cinder Lightning Farron! Newly crowned King of the Faunus! May her reign be long and prosperous! Long live the Lion King!" Hope shouts.

"Long live the Lion King!" the people shouts as did the people who were watching on their scrolls, computer or TV. They were those who were watching that are against Cinder being King but it's too late to stop it now.

The nuns that were holding Cinder's cape took it off and soldiers came up holding a breastplate and helmet. The breastplate had a light brown pelt around the shoulders and the helmet was in the shape of a lion's head, it even had a mane that is the same colour as the pelt. Cinder holds out her arms so they can put the breastplate on her. She then takes the helmet and tucks it under her arm.

Ironwood then approaches her. He bows to her and said, "The battlefield awaits,"

King Cinder nods, "Yes,"

The General escorts the new King to an airship that is waiting for them outside of the church. The hatch closes as soon as they get inside and takes off, "The target is the bridge. Our goal is to cross it and break through the gate. Once through we'll storm the castle, disarm the bomb and take out the false King. We can't fly over the walls because there are anti-air guns on the wall. So we have to get through the gate to take out those guns."

"Bomb?" King Cinder asked.

"Our spies discovered the enemy plans to use a bomb to destroy this whole city and build anew," Ironwood explains.

"Not if we have something to say about it," King Cinder growls and puts on the helmet.

Ironwood smiles at Cinder, "I'm eager to see the power of a Darklord up close,"