~At The Royal Palace Of Deviluke~One Year After The Enthrontment~

We look from high up the sky at the grand palace in all its glory, home to the King of Deviluke. There is a seemingly gigantic line of people there, which reaches from the palace to even the city itself, a few of them obviously from Deviluke, and most of them that came from all around the universe! All of them to have a meeting with the current king of Deviluke and of the known unified universe. A black cloaked and hooded figure then is seen approaching the line from the side and stopping there, before looking at its length toward the palace.

Hooded Figure: ...

The unknown figure then proceeds to walk straight to the palace, walking beside the line of people, with the said people not really paying attention to him, till he is about to reach the gate.

Random Line Person: *Annoyed* Hey, pal! *Points Behind* The end of the line is that way.

The hooded figure stops for a moment to look at the one who said that, only to turn his attention toward the gate again, much to everyone's slowly increasing protest. One of the two Devilukian guards by the gate takes notice at the commotion, along with the reason, and approaches the walking figure, who stops almost immediately as soon as he sees the approaching guard.

Devilukian Guard: Halt! Excuse me, sir, I know your case must be urgent-

The hooded figure, while the guard was talking, pulls back his hood to reveal himself.

Devilukian Guard: But you will... *Slowly Realizing* Need to wait... Like...

Some of the people who watch also seem shocked, realizing as well who that person is.

~Inside The Palace~In The Throne Room~

Through the closed big luxurious doors, the throne room can be seen. Large and awe-inspiring, with the right dose of intimidation, fit for any king who could be considered as "king of the universe". Speaking of the king, there he is, sitting upon his throne, donned in his glorious white and blue armor with a trim of gold, and the golden crown upon his head, reading a piece of paper he is holding with one hand, while at the moment two human-looking individuals, one blue-colored and the other red in skin and suit, are arguing with each other in front of the throne. They also obviously both have the same face.

Blue: *Serious* He's been sending spies and saboteurs in my territory, showing complete opposition against the peace treaty we have between us! All red, my men have seen them!

Red: *Serious* No! You're the one who's been sending those against mine, showing that you're against that peace of ours with your blue boys! Like it is not enough that I have to look at your filthy blue face.

Blue: *Upset* Oh yeah?!* *Serious* You're such a shade of red, that not even one of those vampires I've heard about would be attracted to you! That's how filthy YOU are.

Red: *Upset* What did you say you blue piece of-!

Ionas: *Lowers Paper* *Serious* OK, other than the racism in this room at the moment, shame on you both by the way, according to my sources here *Lightly Slaps Paper* what has been going on at your planet is an underhanded work of a secret organization, consisting of people from both your races, in an attempt to worsen the already bad relations between you, so you will break the peace treaty, go to war, and pretty much unintentionally allow them to profit from it.

Blue And Red: *Shocked* What?!

Ionas: I will give you this file with the photos and names of the ones responsible, so you can go back to your planet and take care of things.

Ion offers them the said file, with the red quickly taking it and with both of them looking at some of the info inside.

Ionas: *Serious* Other than that I will tell you to apologize to each other for your unacceptable behavior, in front of ME no less, and have in mind *Menacing* if I hear that you began a war on your planet because of a racistic reason, or even come in front of my presence to present me with a problem in the future again, while being racists to each other like today, I will include you both in the next know "universal broadcast", make an example out of you due to your great incompetence as rulers and keepers of peace, and ensure by that way that the next rulers of said planet will actually do their jobs as they are supposed to, *Loudly* and keep the damn peace intact!

Both the individuals flinch at what the king told them, and understanding their situation, they both fall down and prostrate themselves before Ion.

Blue: *Prostrating And Fearful* We are greatly sorry, my lord! *To Red* Sorry, friend!

Red: *Prostrating And Fearful* *To Ion* We promise to never disappoint again! *To Blue* Sorry, pa-!

Ionas: *Angry* You're already doing it! What have I told about the whole prostrating and kneeling-thing? That it's forbidden! You're only allowed to bow while standing!

Both get up in an instant and bow while standing.

Blue And Red: *Highly Troubled* Sorry!

Ionas: Much better. Go now. And remember, we are in all of this together. Never forget that.

Blue And Red: *Still Bowing* Yes, my lord!

Ion presses a button on his throne's arm, and the big doors of the room open automatically, with the Blue and Red leaders turning around and running out in a hurry.

Ionas: *Sigh* What a bunch of-

Before he says more, a beeping sound from the throne interrupts him, as he looks with half an eye behind at it. A speaker can be spotted just behind of the throne, pretty much being a part of it.

Throne's Speaker: *Female Voice* I'm so sorry if I'm interrupting, my king, but the guards at the gate informed me that someone important is walking on the way for the throne room to meet you off schedule as we speak.

Ion presses a different button at the throne's arm, before leaning toward it while still pressing.

Ionas: Really? And who's so important for the guards to actually let them-

Ion that moment spots someone stopping right in the middle of the big open entrance of his throne room. He looks with surprise as the person he sees there is none other than Gid Lucione Deviluke himself, wearing a black cloak with the hood still down. Gid begins then walking toward Ion.

Ionas: ... *To The Woman In The Speaker* I think I get it now. Thank you, and tell them to keep the line stationary till I say so, please.

Throne's Speaker: *Female Voice* Of course, sir.

With that, Ion let's the speaker's button free, ending the said communication, and then presses two buttons at the same time, with the big door of the throne room closing, with Gid looking with half an eye behind him as he keeps on walking forward.

Ionas: *Smile* Well, look who decided to honor us with his presence. How have you been, Gid?

Gid: *Raises An Eyebrow* Did you seriously modified the throne to open and close the doors here?

Gid says as he stops just a few meters in front of Ion.

Ionas: It can do other things too, but that's its main use nowadays, other than me sitting on it I mean. Got the technology, so why not?

Gid: True, I guess.

Gid notices that moment how Ion keeps on pressing one of the buttons from before.

Gid: Why you keep on pressing it?

Ionas: *Seemingly Irritated* I'm seeing if the table will come out of the floor some time this month if I keep on pressing it, but apparently that's not the case. *Let's The Button Free* I'll get someone to fix it later.

Gid: *Raises An Eyebrow* You even modified it to bring you a table?

Ionas: This is where I do all of my important paperwork, so I might as well have it do so. But for now-

With a simple motion of his hand, a bone-vine comes fast from it in front of him, and a table along with a chair in front of Gid are formed out of the said bone-vine. The ex-king was actually kind of impressed by that.

Ionas: Please, have a seat.

Gid moves the bone-chair and sits down on it, with his arms placed upon the bone-table.

Ionas: So, what brings you here today after ONE year of absence? Seriously, haven't heard of you from the moment I got onto this throne.

Gid: Thought I'd drop in after so long, and have a little talk with my son-in-law and new king of Deviluke. You know, catch up.

Ionas: I see.

Gid: *Smile* So, how are things going with you now as king. Was not really paying any attention at your progress all this time.

Ionas: Eh, you know. Creating Alliances. Conquering worlds when need to. Doing trade agreements. Making new buildings and stuff. Overseeing planets and places in general. *Weary Sigh* ... Purging rebellions all around the universe... *Lowers And Shakes Head* Seriously so many rebellions, especially at the beginning...

Gid: Just give them a bit more time. People will come to respect you enough to almost never attempt to rebel against you eventually.

Ionas: *Lifts Head* I know, but it takes so much time, and it's getting so tiresome with the literal slaughter each time. *Surprised* And I never even give them any actual excuse to start rebelling about. They just do so out of the blue every time!* *Serious* And I'm not even a bad leader- I actually do a decent job so far!* *Disappointed* And yet still... So f*cking ungrateful.

Gid: *Rolls Eyes Understanding* Tell me about it.

Ionas: *Annoyed* And don't get me started with the assassination attempts. *Rubs His Temples With A Hand* I have been making universal broadcastings of executions for days the last month just for that.

Gid: I have actually seen a few from the different planets I visited. You are quite creative with the cruel displays at times. I found especially interesting that special execution I saw you using just a few days ago. *Tries To Remember* You called it...Brazen...

Ionas: Oh, the "Brazen Bull". A construct in the shape and size of an actual bull, made out of bronze, hollow on the inside, and the cruelest method of execution that could ever be think of by a hellenic mind in the ancient times. *Menacing* Slow, agonizing, roasting death. You can hear their screams on the inside while that happens to them. And with the advanced technology we have, even see through it at the same time, for everyone to witness the full extent of the execution, and know what awaits them if I decide they deserve it.* For the worst offenders that, of course.

Gid: Responsible, and understandably cruel to demand both respect and fear from your subjects. *Smirk* And to think I was not even looking for a model ruler at the time to put in my place back there. You actually make me proud, and if you know me, that's not an easy task.

Ion that moment presses another button on his throne, with a filled cup coming out from an opening at the end of the throne's arm, filled with what appears to be a hot dark-brown liquid, and then using his bone power from his hand to grab it with a bone-vine and extend it in front of Gid, with the latter having an incredulous look on his face at the whole thing.

Ionas: Hellenic [Greek Coffee]?

Gid: *Disbelief* You even turned it into...* *Sweat Drop* You know, I should probably stop questioning that at this point.

Gid grabs the cup of coffee, and Ion retreats the bone-vibe back into his hand, before pressing the button again to get a cup of coffee for himself.

Ionas: I'll be honest with you, I expected you would come back much later. Maybe in a couple of years or so, considering... Anyway, how's life for you? Did everything you wanted to do so far after being released of your duties as king? *Wink* Got into any action, if you know what I mean? *Takes A Sip Of Coffee*

Gid: ... In all honesty, no.

Ionas: Ah- *Suddenly Realizes* Wait, "no"?

Gid: *Shakes Head* Not at all. *Takes A Sip Of Coffee*

It was obvious that that got Ion by surprise. And a big one at that. It takes him a few seconds to bring back his straight face.

Ionas: Ok, just a moment. Thinking about who you are, even though you're not THE king anymore, and the fact you are a good looking man, no homo, I expected you would have more than enough "successes" till now.

Gid: *Surprised* I know, right?! Even "I" am surprised!* It's just that... Most of the times I was finding a really good looking one, she was always in a relationship already. And believe it or not, I am not the type of guy who would get between a couple.

Ionas: *Somewhat Surprised By The Fact*

Gib: And other times that I actually had the chance with a few who were free, and ACTUALLY willing... I just left them. Before anything can happen, just decided at those moments like that, to simply leave them. *Real Surprised* As if it was nothing special at all! Every time!* Like some kind of power was forcing me to do so or something. *Lowers And Shakes Head* I can't understand myself anymore.

Hearing all that, Ion starts rubbing his chin while thinking.

Ionas: *Thinking* ...* Any weird feelings when at it? Like maybe, I don't know, *Raises An Eyebrow* guilt?

Gid: *Lifts Head* Oh, what? Are you gonna tell that is the *Mockingly* "feeling of guilt"* that prevents me from doing those things now?

Ionas: Well-

Gid: *Real Serious* I am Gid Lucione Deviluke. I felt guilt, or regret, for nothing in my life. And I suggest you to not start doubting that.

Ionas: *Shrugs* Ok, if you say so. *Takes A Sip Of Coffee*

Gid: Good. *Takes A Sip Of Coffee*

After that, there is a somewhat awkward silence in the room for some seconds.

Gid: So... How's my wife and kids?

Ionas: *Amused Pfft*

Gid: *Raises An Eyebrow* Hm?

Ionas: *Somewhat Amused* Sorry, you reminded me of a joke I've heard once in older times.

Ion thinks for a moment, as if trying to decide for something.

Ionas: Well, let's start with your wife. I can say that she didn't take well the fact you suddenly disappeared some moments after the coronation one year ago. Pretty much dumping her that way.

Gid: *Sweat Drop* She was upset, wasn't she?

Ionas: Calling her upset is an understatement. More like... Downright furious.

Gid: *Sweat Drop* Oh boy.

Ionas: From the moment you left, she has been sending every day scouting parties all around the universe just to find you, and eventually inform her about your whereabouts so she can come there personally to have a word with you. *Raises An Eyebrow* I'm actually surprised none of them was able to find you till this day.

Gid: *Sweat Drop* I knew she will try something like that, so I was careful with my movements.* *Serious* Now I trust you will not tell anyone about this meeting of ours, will you?

Ionas: I will say nothing. It's HER job to find you, not mine. I have more important things to do than searching for you. *Takes A Sip Of Coffee*

Gid: *Somewhat Surprised* Oh...Ok, good then. *Takes A Sip Of Coffee*

Ionas: Other than that, because she is exceptional at politics, and pretty much good at keeping relations with other planets, not to mention her overall experience because of her old position, I decided to keep her around and help me by keeping on doing just that. She was even my advisor at the beginning to help me learn about things around, learn better my duties as king and emperor, and so on. *Surprised* I can't believe you left a great woman like that.

Gid: *Annoyed* Don't judge my decisions.

Ionas: Anyway, about your children now. Nana, *Smile* my beautiful queen*, from the moment she got her position, was being taught by her mother about how to be proper as queen and pretty much everything she needs to know. She enjoys the fact that she gets to spend more time with her mama, but I can tell she is still struggling a bit with learning her position, knowing her character. But she is still giving it her all, wanting to make her mother proud and all, and she has made quite the progress lately. *Smile* A bit more time and she might be just as good as her mother one day.

Gid:Good to know.

Ionas: Of course, because I didn't want her to rely entirely on me or the other guards for protection, and let's be honest you can never really be too safe in this position of power and even though she is strong she still lacks experience, I issued her to have combat training for most of the days each week, with Mea, pretty much my precious concubine, as the one responsible for said training, because of her understandable experience in combat, while also serving officially as Nana's personal bodyguard, just to be extra safe. Her schedule is almost full because of it, but she still gets the appropriate time for her pets, and time for herself to rest or do whatever.

Gid: *Thinks About It* I see. Not a bad idea actually.* You have thought this well.

Ionas: This is my precious wife we are talking about, after all. Now about Lala. She doing well back on Earth. Has progressed to the next grade at school there along with everybody else. Happy-go-lucky and in love with Rito like always.

Gid: *Sigh* Of course she is.

Ionas: And as for Momo, she is doing well as well on Earth with school and stuff. Feeling a little lonely without Nana there with her, but she fares well nevertheless. I'll be honest, I don't really have any notable news about my friends, and pretty much family, back on Earth. And even though we find time with Nana and Mea to talk with them from distance through the advanced computer, *Shrugs* they are not really talking about anything special going on. *Takes A Sip Of Coffee*

Gid: I see. *Takes A Sip Of Coffee* At least it's good to hear they are doing well.

Ionas: Yeah.

Gid: ... What of that Nemesis girl? Is she still using that guy as a host?

Ionas: I've heard she has recovered enough to not need to anymore and left from his body. Also, apparently, she changed enough according to what I've heard, to not want to bring an intergalactic war to the universe anymore. Or at least that's what she shows for now. *Serious* Not trusting her just yet, I know better than that.* She still sticks around trying to tease Rito about with her usual antics, *Raises An Eyebrow* and I've also heard she attends to their school now with the Principal being her pet/ride or something?* Seriously her whole situation is as weird as it can be.

Gid: *Raises An Eyebrow* Ok...* And what of that ghost. Still causing you trouble like usual?

Ionas: Kremant? Some days before I become king, he came to tell me pretty much that he is done with me after reaching such a point, and that he will just watch from then on. Have not seen him from that day, and I'm convinced that I will not ever again, *Thankful* thank God for that.

Gid: It might be a trick, you know. *Raises An Eyebrow* How can you be so sure that he is really gone?

Ionas: Watch this. *Toward The Ceiling* *Loudly* Kremant is the biggest lying pig that could ever exist!

Ion remains like that for some seconds, with the ex-king wondering what is this about.

Ionas: *Looks At Gid Again* See? If he was still among us, he would NOT lose the opportunity to correct me in a cheeky way. *Irritated* He was that kind of prick, after all.

Ion attempts to drink more coffee, but notices that his cup is almost empty and decided to put it at the other throne's arm, before pressing another button that makes the cup fall down into the opening that appears there, and inside the throne's arm, as it closes its said opening almost immediately automatically.Gid was giving an incredulous look at Ion's throne again, before shaking his head to bring his focus back.

Gid: In any case it is still better to be prepared if that ends up not being the case with that ghost.

Gid let's his cup on the table, and gets up.

Gid: It was nice talking with you, but it is about time to start moving. But before that, I have one last question. *Raises An Eyebrow* Were you truly all this time in love with my daughter Nana?* Or was it because of her status as-?

Ionas: *Raises An Eyebrow* Obviously in love with her, what are you talking about?

Gid: *Sweat Drop* Really? I mean... She is... She doesn't...

Ionas: *Realizes* Wai- *Angry* Are you for real now? Talking sh*t about your own daughter?! Just because she is not as well endowed as other women? Really now, dude?

Gid: *Sweat Drop* Well-

Ionas: *Serious* Not everyone has the same type, insulting dolt of an ex-king.

Gid: *Somewhat Insulted*

Ionas: *Serious* I will make it simple and tell you that I don't have a chest preference. Only her character, *Smile* and the fact that she is such a cutie, I mean come on*, *Back To Serious* was enough for me. *Real Serious And Seemingly Preparing To Get Up From His Throne* So "I" suggest YOU, to not start doubting that, and to not even THINK, of belittling her ever again. *Eyes Flash Bright Red For A Moment* Understood?

Gid looks at Ion surprised, seeing him being so protective over Nana. So much to not even care about the fact that the person in front of him could potentially end him if felt like it.

Gid: *Smile* ...

Gid turns around and starts walking toward the big doors, with Ion relaxing and remaining on his throne.

Gid: *Smile* You're indeed an interesting fellow.

Gid stops right in front of the big doors, and keeps his eyes forward.

Gid: You might not believe it... But I'm actually glad my daughter has found a great guy like you.

Ionas: ...

Gid: Alright, time to leave. Open the doors.

Ionas: ... You know, you don't really need to go. You can still come back and make it up to Sephie. A proper apology, a bit of vouching from me, and you two will be back together without issues.

Gid: ... I actually thought about doing just that before coming here.

Ion appears in a way surprised hearing Gid saying that.

Gid: *Shakes Head While Smiling Bitterly* But at this point, I think it's best to just leave and save myself from the imminent storm than risk it. You understand.

Ionas: ... *Shrugs* Ok. It's your choice.

Ion presses the button on his throne's arm, and the big doors open to allow Gid exit.

Gid: *Raises Hand As He Walks Out* Till next time, king Ion.

Ionas: *Smile* See you soon, ex-king Gid.

When Gid walks out of the throne room, the big doors close behind him. He stops for a moment to turn around and look toward the closed big doors he passed through not long ago.

Gid: *Smile* ... It was a good life while it lasted.

Sephie: Hello, Gid.

Gid: *Shocked Gasp*

Gid turns around fast and sees Sephie, standing before him, with a menacing aura surrounding her while smiling, and pretty much being obviously angry.

Gid: *Highly Troubled* Se-Sephie! H-How did you-?

Sephie: *Smiling But Angry* You come back to the Royal Palace and expect me to not find out? That's quite sloppy of you. Could it be because of the company you had lately? *Smiling And Menacing* Some women that entertained you way too much maybe?

Gid: *Sweat Dropping Like Crazy* N-N-No. That's not- *Awkward Smile* That's actually not the case. Y-You see, the funny thing is-

Sephie grabs Gid by the cloak on the chest area and pulls him to bring his face in front of hers, and making him witness just how mad she is through her eyes.

Sephie: *Smiling And Still Damn Menacing* I think you and I should have a little "talk" about this little adventure of yours behind your wife's back for all this time you were missing.

Gid: *Actually Scared* ...

The scene moves back inside the throne room, where Gid's scream echoes from outside for a moment, with Ion hearing it well.

Ionas: ... *Evil Chuckling*

Ion looks at a certain button, which he was seen at the beginning pressing it for some time before letting go.

Ionas: *Smirk* I knew this little alert button for the ex-queen would be a good idea. *Grin* Just as planned. *Evil Chuckling*

...

Ionas: In a way I feel bad for him... But I DID gave him a chance in the end, and he didn't take it. His fault for being a perverted fool to begin with. Let's at least hope he will change after this experience.

Ion presses a button on his throne.

Ionas: *To The Throne's Communicator* Can you hear me? I just finished with the special meeting. Tell them to send in the next in the line, please. (Time to continue with my important duties.)

[To Be Continued]