"However, we should validate whether the Princess' son-or sons- are legitimate for the throne or not."

"I see your point, Lord Sampa, but they already have titles and claims to the throne. They have done since birth. It's up to the Emperor to decide who succeeds him."

"I just want to add, can Princes Gohan and Goten be eligible for the throne through female royalty?"

"Only His Majesty decides that. Anyway, back to the matter at hand..."

The Ox King sighed and slouched a little further in his makeshift throne. He'd been at this meeting for what felt like eons and still the court officials had not decided what to discuss. A group of his lords had emailed him, urging him to attend the meeting and not one of them had asked him a single question.
It didn't help either that they were discussing about his family as if he wasn't in the room at all. At that moment, he didn't feel like his role meant anything anymore. Instead of a King, a puppet was sitting in golden and regal chairs and wearing a crown. A good reason why he should step down and let Chichi take over.

They're treating my daughter and grandsons like puppets too, he thought. Now that I will not take.

His irritation grew as he spotted one of the Lords with earphones plugged in. His eye twitched in annoyance. An hour of his time had been wasted.
On either side of the 'Emperor' sat his elder brothers. Aku couldn't help but notice his younger sibling's unusual tense posture, clenched fists and a sweating forehead.

"Are you alright, Danny?" The Ox King twitched at his childhood nickname and turned to his brother. He forced a smile onto his face and began to readjust his wristbands.

"I'm fine," he lied.

The ginger prince frowned. He could see through the false statement like glass. Aku could see that his brother despised the long meetings whiling away the minutes and something was bothering him greatly.

"Thinking of Ju-Long, huh?"

The Ox King's silence told Aku that his guess was true. The Queen's death had affected the monarch greatly. He had felt despair in the past without his queen and wife, but a sparkle had been left in Chichi's wake. The King saw so much of Ju-Long in his daughter that it would be hard to spot any differences save for their appearances. Both women had wild and independent characteristics and a strong sense of confidence and leadership. Unfortunately, both women could scare the living daylights out of people when they were angry: Another trait Chichi shared with Ju-Long.

No wonder he felt nervous for the battle.

The Ox King rubbed his temple. "I think I've got a headache, Aku," he groaned. "I don't feel right."

"Then you should rest, Daniel," Nathan interrupted, coming to life from the King's right, concern lingering in his almost velvet-like voice. "There's no need to strain your mind."

"Exactly. If you don't want to sleep, take some tablets," Aku added. 'Or paracetamol, if you really feel down in the dumps." The prince proceeded to rub his sibling's back, to which the King brushed off.

"I'm not a child, Aku. I can take care of myself," he grumbled.

Aku blinked, holding up his hands in defense. "Hey, I was only trying to help. Don't get worked up."

The lords finally stopped talking and noticed the tension growing ever so slightly in the room.

One lord spoke from the long table below the high seats. "Are you alright, your Majesty?"

"Yes, yes, I'm fine." The Ox King waved away the Lord's concern, turning towards the nearest maid. "Cheng, bring a glass of water and some tablets please."
The nurse replied with a meek 'Of course, Your Majesty' and scurried off out of the courtroom.

The Mao brothers and the court officials continued to discuss topics for a few more minutes until it was time for lunch to start. Daniel was about to call off the meeting when the golden double-doors burst open.
Chichi, followed by Bradley and his wife Shanumi, strode into the room as the sound of scraping chairs and rising figures echoed around the grand hall.

"Their Imperial Highnesses, Princess Chirakayna, Prince Bradley and Princess Abisade Shanumi have joined us-"

Chichi held up a hand to silence the vizier, who was left staring bewildered at the trio. Neither of the young royals looked amused, especially the wife of Goku.

The Princess, still wearing her casual outfit, drew to her full height, her back straightened, regal and powerful like the royal she was. The heir to the throne marched over to the long table with lords seated around it, leading down to the three brothers on their thrones. She did not look happy. The denied announcement was a sign that no nonsense was tolerated.

She slammed her hands onto the table, causing many lords to jump.

"I demand to know what the problem is," she spoke, her eyes boring into every one of the Lords'.

One of them was brave enough to speak up. "W-what do you mean, Your H-Highness?" He gulped.

"You know very well what I mean, Lord Fai. Speak. Up."

As far as the Ox King knew, Chichi had never shown an interest in politics as a young child, although her studies and lessons on the subjects were always first class, so he was surprised to see her willingly enter the court, followed by Bradley and Shanumi no less. He, and the rest of the court, knew they had to tread lightly as the heir could explode with anger at any moment.

The Princess' eyebrows furrowed. "I demand to know why you think my Gohan and Goten aren't eligible for the throne."

Lord Fai was lost for words. "Well...I... I simply-"

" I heard everything. They are both healthy boys. Gohan is extremely intelligent for his age, and I'm sure Goten will follow in his footsteps. They are strong and keep has a big interest in astronomy and history, which links him to his heritage."

"I-We-"

"Gohan's even the one who brought up the idea of returning here."

"Y-Your Highness, i-if I may-"

"I don't know how much you want from me," Chichi snapped. "First you bombard me with emails, begging me to come back, using my father to guilt ride me into this mess."

"Chichi-" the Ox King interrupted. He noticed her eyes switching between black and green. Her emotions were spiraling out of control. "Please, listen-"

Then when we do come, you don't want my children to rule after me, should they wish to?" Chichi spat. "It's ridiculous! Pathetic!" The force and pressure from Chichi's strength created a small crack in the table.

"Miss-" Lord Fai desperately tried again, trying to get a word in. "Please can I speak-"

"Sit down and shut up!"

The man sat down faster than the speed of light.

Bradley decided to intervene, placing a hand on his cousin's shoulder. He whispered a few kind words to the Princess and she immediately relaxed, the green hue gone.

"My children are as every bit as legitimate as Lola and Emmanuel are," she stated in a calmer voice, regaining her royal characteristics.

"That's right," Shanumi called out. "And I'd like to know why you're even in the room. Some of you don't even talk, like this guy over here," she remarked, walking over to the man with earphones and yanking them out of his ears.

Another Lord rose from his seat. "You shouldn't treat a government official like that," he sneered. What a fine display of etiquette. Clearly you Omoredian people know nothing about manners."

The entire room was silent as the rather offensive remark was uttered. The dark-skinned beauty could only stare in shock and disbelief.

Bradley, and Chichi, were seething with rage. The older cousin finally spoke.

"You better watch how you speak to my wife, Lord Guiton," he hissed.

Lord Guiton just stared at the royal. "But sire, it is the truth. Despite the tension between our two kingdoms-"

"The tension doesn't exist anymore-"

"Give me a turn to speak," he snapped. "Despite the tension between the two kingdoms, the unease about the Oxanian-Omoredian civil war many years ago has lessened greatly." The lord paused to adjust his glasses. "Your union with a Princess of Omorede and the production of the royal twins who stand for two monarchies instead of one are the reasons that I think Prince Gohan is not legitimate enough for the throne."

Bradley pursed his lips. "I didn't marry Shanumi to steady some stupid war," he flared. "I married her out of love. Chichi did the same when she married Goku, so I don't know how you can put her sons in another column."

"I agree, honey," Shanumi added again. "The reason we're here is to help and protect others, not sit around and sip tea. Gohan and Goten are good boys. We can't understand what your problem is."

Lord Fai glared at the foreign Princess. "My point still stands," his voice raising. "Prince Gohan has only a half of royal blood and this-"

"ENOUGH!" The Ox King's voice suddenly boomed.

Not a single sound could be heard. Everyone was shocked that the King had shouted, since he was usually quiet.
Chichi had never seen this side of her father before; it scared her. The temper about her lessened, and a small, timid woman was left behind.

"Father..." Chichi began, addressing her sire formerly. "I-I-"

"You will not disrespect a member of court, Chirakayna," Daniel snapped. "The same goes for you, Bradley. Shanumi." The Ox King spoke to them not as a father or uncle, but as a King adressing his subjects.

The trio lowered their heads in shame, very much resembling a child who had been caught doing something wrong. Aku shook his head in disappointment. Nathan still hadn't spoken a word.

The irate monarch turned to the opposing Lord, glaring at him in turn. "Lord Guiton. I expect more from you. You know the rules when showing respect to a member of the Imperial Family."

Lord Guiton began to stutter in response, only to be silenced with the wave of a bronze hand.

"You have served my family for well over forty years, and I trust you greatly. But I cannot tolerate insults targeted towards my family."

"A thousand apologies, Sire," the Lord replied, although he didn't sound sorry at all. His eyes downcast, bowing slightly towards the King.

"It's not me you should apologise to," the Ox King responded, gesturing towards the three royals. The lord murmured his apologies to each of them.

Finally free of stress, the Ox King clasped his hands together in a sense of finality. "Well, I guess that concludes today's...meeting," he strained. "You are all free for the rest of the week. The court is now dismissed."

The grand courtroom suddenly became filled with the sound of chairs scraping the floor and books snapping shut. The atmosphere returned as the lords' voices came to life, medium-loud murmurings and short conversations flying across the room.
The Mao-Bankole couple turned to leave as well. Chichi saw and began to follow until the snapping of fingers awoke her from her dazed trance.

Her father was in no mood for games. "Chichi, stay behind. I need to talk with you."

The heir briefly hesitated, blinking in surprise. She gathered her confidence and shuffled over to her father, who was still staring down at her.

The King knelt before his daughter, his burly height still towering above her, placing his hands on his shoulders. He sighed again, looking at his daughter with apologetic eyes.

"Chichi," he began, "You haven't been talking to me for the past few days. What's up?"

Chichi couldn't answer the Ox King, her eyes anywhere but on his.

"Please talk to me, sweetheart."

"..."

"Chichi, please. What's bothering you?"

The widow sighed and poured her heart out to her father. She told him about the preparations for the battle, the coronation and her loneliness without Goku. The bottled-up emotions inside of her spilled out before the King. She began to sniffle.

"I told Bradley the same thing," she sobbed. "But I can't help worrying. What if I embarrass you- and Gohan- and everyone in the family-"

"Your mother was proud of you," Daniel blurted out.

Chichi's eyes widened. "Wh-What?"

"She wouldn't like to hear those words coming out of your mouth."

"She... Wouldn't?"

"Yes. Wherever she is, I know that she'd be proud to have a daughter like you. We are all proud of you and you know it," the king reassured, smiling at his daughter lovingly. You have the power within you. Unleash it!"

Chichi wiped her eyes and smiled gratefully at her father. Thanks, Dad. I really needed that talk."

The king nodded. "So did I," he agreed, pulling off his helmet to run his hands through his hair. "Gosh, I need to get back in shape," he chuckled, "Or I'll become fatter than I already am. Wanna spar?"

"Okay," the Princess replied, beaming, as the duo left the empty courtroom.

"Thanks for the spar, Piccolo!" Gohan exclaimed, collapsing onto the ground, clearly exhausted. "Gosh, that was an intense workout. You've never revealed all this power you had."

The Prince had been allowed a break from his studies by his mother. He thought to use the time to catch up with Piccolo and his other friends to fill them in on his experiences for the past few days.

"No, problem, kid. You've got promising powers," Piccolo smirked. "I guess I needed a spar too. Your father's gone, Vegeta hates my guts and your friends are too weak."

Gohan tried not to wince at his father's mentioning. He sat up and then blinked at the Namekian's last comment.
"You're my friend too, Piccolo."

"If you'd never come into my life, Gohan, I doubt I would have anything to fight for." Piccolo crossed his arms, his cape billowing in the air. "I owe that to your father."

"You really think I'm worth fighting for?"

"Yeah, you and the planet. If not for your birth, I would have destroyed the Earth," he confessed, to which the preteen cocked his head in confusion.

"I never told you about my history, did I?"

The younger warrior shook his head.

"Well, I'll start from the beginning," he sighed. "My father was King Piccolo Sr of demons. He wanted to take over the planet."

Gohan nodded with interest, urging him to continue.

"Your dad, who was only fifteen at the time, couldn't stand the thought of the Earth in peril. So he battled my father until he lost. Goku blew a hole into my father's chest.
My father, realising he was dying, decided to carry on his legacy and have someone to take over. Not only was I meant to kill Goku, but I was destined to become a King as well."

Gohan's jaw dropped in surprise. "You're a Prince too?"

"Please. It shouldn't still be shocking," Piccolo complained. "There are so many royals in this Z Gang that only Krillin, Tien and Yamcha are singled out. Even Chiaotzu's an Emperor."

"Woah. Imagine if Vegeta finds out that we're royal." The hybrid's tail beat the ground in amusement. "He would have a fit, that's for sure!"

"The idiot wouldn't be able to handle the fact that intergalactic royals exist," he quipped. "These new royals are here to stay."

"And we're both demon Princes, as well as alien Princes!"

"Speaking of demon powers, well done on controlling the shift in your strength." Readjusting his turban, Piccolo moved into a meditating position, floating a few metres off the ground. "Being a child, I thought your body wouldn't be able to handle the strain. However, you've proved me otherwise."

Gohan smiled in gratitude, pulling at the tattered remains of his cape. "I don't know how I'm going to explain this to my Mum. This outfit was new," he lamented.

"I can fix that. "Clothes Beam!" The Namekian roared, as a beam of Ki surrounded the hybrid, engulfing him in light. An exact copy of the royal outfit replaced the previous disaster.

The Saiyan-Human Prince smoothed down his navy tunic. "Thanks, Piccolo. That was really helpful. Now I won't have to face my angry mother! Hah, there was this one time..."

Piccolo grunted and blocked out the nonsense told by his former student. He had to meditate in peace, but interrupting the boy would upset him. Besides, he probably could find interests in his human friends.

"Don't you have any friends your age?"

The twelve-year-old paused and stared at his teacher. "You're my age, Piccolo."

"You know what I mean."

"You're only four years older than me, at least in Earth years."

The Namekian did not respond.

"Alright, fine," the human pouted. "I don't have any friends my age. Apart from that year I was training to fight the Saiyans, I met a group of kids with no home when I washed up on the beach. These kids called Chico and Rom found me. Their leader was Pigero and they were awfully nice.
At the time, they accepted me as their own and I truly felt like I had someone to play and talk to. We even stole fruits." He giggled.

Piccolo listened to Gohan tell his crusades with the orphan children. He had never known about this, so the information was surprising to him.

Gohan suddenly gasped. "Lime!" He slapped his forehead, clearly disappointed with his memory. "How could I forget? She's probably one of my closest friends! I haven't seen her in a year."

"Why don't you go and talk to her, then?" The Namekian inquired. "I have to meditate now. I'll talk to you some other time."

"Okay. Thanks Piccolo! You're the best! Goodbye!" the excited Prince cried, a white aura surrounding him as he blasted off into the clear blue skies.

Piccolo stared at the disappearing dot. He shook his head. "Kids."

Gohan flew for the next twenty minutes. At first there was nothing but water, but as he flew on, the rippling dark waves faded into brown, dusty roads, showing farmers and villagers and workers carrying out their daily duties.

The second heir paused at an arched sign, reading Chazke Village.

Gohan was no stranger to villages, so he was surprised at the fact that it was deathly quiet. He couldn't wrap his head around the many questions plaguing his mind.

Why is this place deserted?

Where did all the people go?

Why can I hear myself breathe so loudly?

Where is Lime?

The Prince landed before the gateway, in pure shock of the lack of life.
He began to walk slowly through the village, his head turning left and right to examine the emptied houses. Doors swung on their shattered. Tumbleweed occasionally blowing across the ground.

"Where is everybody?" Gohan asked to nobody in particular. His raven eyebrows furrowed.

"When Dad and I left this place, people still lived here. Was there some sort of threat that forced them to move away?
Cell was destroyed. So there's no way they could have run from him."

The boy continued to murmur to himself. He wasn't paying attention to where he was going, so when he crashed into another being and toppled over, he almost shrieked.

The smaller, stout man groaned as he sat up, the hybrid following suit. "Gosh, I need to get glasses..." he breathed.

Gohan started to splutter apologies to the middle-aged man. "I-I'm so sorry, sir," he stammered. "I didn't see where I was going. How can I make it up to you?"

"Well, you can start by pulling me up, kiddo."

"Oh-ah, sorry." The man held out a hand for Gohan to hold. The Saiyan gripped the man's hand, pulling him to stand.

"Wow, you've got quite a grip there, kid," the man stated happily, although his wrist throbbed with pain. "I'm surprised my hand hasn't fallen off."

The hybrid scratched the back of his head. "I get my strength from both my parents."

The man smiled. "Hey, don't I recognise you from somewhere?" He looked up, clicking his fingers as if remembering something. His eyes lit up in realisation. "Oh! You're that Prince, right?"

Gohan suddenly wished he had his purple gi on instead of his royal attire. "Yes Sir, I am."

"Princess Chirakayna and Son Goku's son?"

"Yup."

"That explains it. You've been all over the news lately, what with the Princess' return to the monarchy. We all thought Bradley would take over. He's a nice lad.
Anyway, I'm Cheng. Hui Cheng. Former advisor of His Majesty, your grandfather," he announced, holding his hand out to shake.

"You knew my grandfather?" Gohan asked, shaking Cheng's hand.

"Oh yes. When we weren't working, we had great fun together. I'm just a regular old farmer now. Anyway, why have you dropped by?"

"I was looking for one of my friends. I thought she was here," the boy sighed, kicking the ground with his boot.

"What was her name?" Cheng inquired. "I might know her."

"Lime. Lime Lao. Her grandfather owned a shop here."

"Lime! That little terror. Always causing trouble. No, she doesn't live around here anymore. Or her grandfather."

The preteen was crestfallen.

"Cheer up, kiddo. She's not the only one who moved," Cheng reassured, placing a hand on Gohan's shoulder. "Lots of people couldn't live with the memories of Cell lingering around this village, so they moved away. The only ones left are me and two other families down the street. You can check Taipei Village, lots of people moved there."

"Thank you for your help, Lord Cheng." Gohan bowed to the farmer, who followed suite. "I'll let my grandfather know I saw you!"

"No problem. Tell him we should meet sometime!" Cheng called, waving to the Prince as he entered the skies once again.

Bradley and Shanumi, hands intertwined, strolled through the grand palace halls, examining the numerous portraits and photographs. The Duke pointed at a painting he didn't like, muttering a comment in the Duchess' ear, who laughed in a reply.

"Come on, it's not that hideous, Brad," Shanumi giggled. "Cheer up, okay?"

"I'll try. I just can't stop thinking of what that low-life said to you," the father-of-two snarled. "Are you okay?"

"For the last time, Bradley, I'm fine," the dark-skinned woman replied. "I've forgiven him already. Maybe he was upset about something before the meeting."

"Maybe, but he still shouldn't have taken his anger out on you. Or Chichi. I hope she's alright."

"So do I. Text her."

"Alright," Bradley announced, whipping out his phone from his pocket. He quickly typed a message to his cousin, pressing send.

Mimi & I are worried. U ok?

-Brad

"Chichi's a strong woman," Shanumi said suddenly, leaning on the windowsill of a nearby window. "You should be proud of her."

"You have no idea how much, 'Mimi," Bradley replied. "When she's near you, you just feel...safe, and warm," he confessed. "It's like when I'm around you."

The Omoredian Princess pushed his arm playfully. "Look at you, you charmer," she quipped.

"I have to be."

"Chichi's lucky to have you as a cousin," Shanumi whispered, snaking her arms around her husband's waist. "I kinda wish she had an easier life, though. Having an alien husband and children isn't easy."

"Hey, I'm three quarters human," Bradley pouted.

"And that single demon quarter is screaming at me to unleash it," she retorted.

The prince smirked. "Unleash?" He mocked, raising an eyebrow. "Mrs Mao-Bankole, what are you planning?"

"I'll never tell," the Princess winked, moving her arms to Bradley's neck. "Let's take Chichi and Gohan shopping tomorrow. They need a break from all this catastrophe. Then they can stay at ours and I'll cook your favourite."

"That sounds delicious." They paused for a kiss. Bradley pulled his wife closer to him, one hand cradling the back of her head. Their intimacy was interrupted by the buzzing of Bradley's phone. The couple broke apart, needing oxygen. Bradley read the message received from his cousin.

I'm fine. Going 2 spar with dad. I'll meet you both in the ballroom at 5pm. Then we'll go out for a drink. See u later. Xx

-Chichi

The duke showed the text to his wife and then proceeded to text back.

K. Be careful x

-Brad

"Come on, let's go and check on the twins and Goten, then pick up where we left off. We've got four hours," Bradley winked, grabbing the policewoman's hand. They raced down the hallway.

Don't cause trouble 4 once!

-Chichi

Lord Guiton walked down the hallways of the royal palace, grumbling to himself quietly. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he glared at the maids and butlers that darted past him and scowled at the many portraits staring down at him. He pushed past all the other officials, who where gossiping about him, of course.

The Lord wasn't happy. First he had been humiliated in public, simply for expressing his opinion. Then he was forced to apologise for it, in front of all the other Lords and Ladies and the royals. It was embarrassing. Mortifying. Ridiculous.

Guiton had served the royal family for forty years. Forty was a long time. He had seen two monarchs in his lifetime. Hell, he had known the Ox King since he was a little toddler, hiding behind his mother's legs! That same toddler from all those years ago stood before him and everyone, mocking him. Laughing at him. He still couldn't forget the Ox King's father, King Damorus. He growled at the demon King's name. Damorus was even worse than his sons. Always rejecting his comments and snapping at him. He didn't get the respect he deserved.

The Lord stopped at an old painting of the imperial family. King Damorus, in his kingly robes, stood on the palace balcony with his wife, Queen Nadia and their three children. The three brothers were much younger in the picture. The simple painting brought back a memory.

Twenty-year-old Guiton, the newest member of the court, sat in a regal-looking chair just below the steps to the throne of the King and his firstborn son. The younger Princes, Aku and Daniel, sat on the steps, side by side. The Lords and Ladies were in a tough debate of who would succeed the King after his death-or abdication, should it ever come up. Shouting and yelling flew across the room of the great hall as the gathering of people tried their best to make their voices heard.

"Your views are unacceptable! We do not approve of this!" shouted one Lord.

"This is directly insulting the King! Watch your words, idiot!" screamed another.

Guiton couldn't handle the insolence in the room any longer. He stood up from the chair, clearing his throat. The shouting immediately ceased to nothing, all eyes on him.

Clearing his throat again, he began to speak. " I say that we let the King make the decisions. After all, he is the one in control. There is no need to shout and bicker like children. Even Prince Daniel," gesturing towards the young royal, "Is more behaved than you at the moment." The Lords and Ladies looked on in shame.

"I agree, Lord Guiton," small voice rang from behind him. Everyone in the room turned their heads towards Nathan, the Crown Prince. The heir wore a colbalt green tunic, accompanied with a black jumpsuit, black boots and gloves. The look was finished with a golden crown and a red cape with fur on the shoulders.

The eleven-year-old Prince crossed his arms. "My family and I have discussed the matter at hand. We have come to a decision that we hope you will agree with," he smiled. "Prince Daniel, my younger brother, has shown the potential in court and listens to all the comments you have to say. He takes pride in his work during his lessons and studies. He has a great knowledge in politics and martial arts.

Now, as I have made clear to you before, I find my royal tasks to be a burden. I wish to expand my horizon in learning and visit new places. I wish to help the poor, the sick and people who just don't know their way in life. In two years I will be joining the West City Boarding School for Boys and Girls, so obviously I won't attend court as much and I won't be home for a long while.

I, Prince Nathan the First of the Oxanian Kingdom and Empire, officially denounce my title as heir and Crown Prince and I hereby pass the royal authority directly to that kid over there," pointing over his shoulder to Daniel, who was dancing triumphantly with Aku.

"I'm going to be Ki-ing! I'm going to be Ki-ing!" he chorused happily, dancing the Running Man.

The entire courtroom was silent and then the shocked and furious cries of the officials erupted again. Nathan dropped his crown onto the velvet carpet and turned on his heel, his cape whooshing dramatically in the air, and walked out of the great hall, a giant smirk on his face. "Sorry, but I just wasn't cut out to be King!"

Guiton, still standing up, stared after the former Crown Prince in disbelief. His widened eyes left the disappearing figure and rested on the new Crown Prince cheering beside him. He was in total shock of what happened. A few moments ago, a royal was speaking to them all in a confident voice. In his place, a commoner walked out of the room, almost mocking the officials.

"What in the HFIL just happened?" he whispered to himself, wiping sweat off his forehead with a handkerchief.

"Language," the five-year-old Crown Prince giggled.

"ENOUGH!" The King roared, rising from his seat in anger. The officials immediately shut up again, scared beyond belief. This was the last straw for the monarch.

"I will NOT tolerate behaviour like this in my court. My eldest son has made his decision and you must accept it, whether you like it or not. My youngest is more than qualified to rule. You should follow Lord Guiton's example and behave!"

"If I may speak, Sire," Lord Fai, voiced timidly, attracting the King's attention. Damorus sat back down on his throne, his sons climbing onto his lap. His arms held them almost protectively.

The King relaxed into his throne. "Go on."

"I think we can't trust the words of the newcomer just yet," he announced, fixing his glasses. "He was right in suggesting that we leave the decisions to you, but we are members of the council. We are here to assist you." Fai locked eyes with Guiton during the last sentence, who snarled at him in return.

"You may be right, Lord Fai. But young Guiton shows potential." Damorus rubbed his chin with two fingers in thought. "However, he is young and needs more experience. Guiton, you are dismissed from the Imperial Court for six months. In that time, try and find your way until you settle in."

Guiton was shocked for words. "But...Your Majesty...I-"

Damorus held up a hand to silence him. "I have made up my mind."

The twenty-year-old frowned. "I stood up for your son just now! How could you reject me like that?"

"My view does not change. Please leave, before I lose my temper again."

Guiton knew he could argue no further. Pursing his lips, he turned away from the king to gaze at a proud and smug-looking Fai, grinning with all the other officials. Now it was him that looked like the idiot now. He glared at Fai, turned on his heel and stalked away, the lingering snickers and laughs following him.

"Mr Fai, that was pretty mean," Daniel finally spoke up. The new Crown Prince clambered off his father's lap, gaining a grand posture for a small boy his age. He stared up into the eyes of the Lord, not fazed by his intimidating gaze. "Don't you pity him?"

"Pity? Good riddance, I say," one Lady scoffed. "He's no more than a spoilt little boy."

"But he was a nice man. He stood up for Nathan," he argued back. "He didn't do anything wrong. So why did you persuade daddy to send him away?"

"You'll understand soon enough, little Prince. He needs to be tamed, that's all," another stated.

"He said the right thing," Daniel shouted, stamping his little foot for emphasis, which shook the building. "And I say he's innocent-"

"Daniel, calm yourself," the King interrupted sternly, placing a large red hand on the boy's shoulder. "He'll return in six months, and in that time, he'll be a worthy advisor. He is young, with not enough experience of the world," he continued, his voice much calmer. "Lord Fai was right."

But Daniel couldn't believe Lord Fai. Fai could be a trickster for all he knew. He saw how the Lord almost goaded his father into agreeing with him. He was no fool.
The little five-year-old's mind was beginning to develop rapidly. He picked up the crown previously dropped by his brother and fastened it to his head, just between his growing horns.

"This is my first order as Crown Prince," the child boldly stated. "From now on, if any Lord is disrespectful to a royal or another Lord, they will be dismissed from court permanently." The royal darted out of the courtroom, leaving his father, brother and officials staring after him too, as if he had dropped the title like Nathan did.

The angry little Prince turned round the corner and stopped at the sight of Guiton rubbing his eyes. The Lord did not notice his presence until he cleared his throat, making him jump.

"Oh-uh, Your Highness," he said, bowing towards Daniel, who did the same. The royal smiled, and shivered a little. The halls were colder than usual. He pulled his crimson cape around him.

"Did you hear the rest after you walked out?"

"I did, yes. Thank you, Your Highness." Guiton slid down the walls, coming to rest upon the floor, his back against the wall. His head tipped back, sighing in frustration. The Crown Prince sat cross legged next to him.

"All I ever wanted was to be part of something, to help people," uttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "To reinvent myself after the war." Daniel dipped his head in confusion.

"Your father never told you?"

The boy shook his head in reply.

Guiton laughed bitterly. "Of course he wouldn't. Self absorbed bastard."

Daniel flinched at the comment, his ears not used to hearing such crude words.

"The war was between the Oxanian Empire and the Insang Empire. I'm Insangian, that's why I look so pale. This was about ten years before you were born. Damorus wanted to trade his gold for a portion of the rich lands owned by the Insangian Empress Yania. She refused, as she needed the land for her people to grow food. Your father was angry, so he invaded Insang, ordering the deaths of millions of innocent people. I was only nine when it happened. My father was thrown into prison, my mother and sister were killed. All my friends suffered and died under your father's hands." the young man clenched his fists in anger.

Daniel placed a hand on Guiton's arm in sympathy. "How could my daddy do such a thing?"

"I don't know," Guiton replied. "So I changed my name. I was from the family of Guizha. I couldn't live with the loss of my family so I had to create a new identity. I lived on my own, living on scraps for as long as I could," he sighed. "Eventually an Oxanian family took me in and cared for me as their own. I owe them my life to this day."

Guiton-or Guizha- continued to tell the young Prince about his ruined life. They talked for half an hour more until it was time for Daniel to go to bed. The little Prince stood from his seat and voiced his thanks. He began to leave.

"Your Highness, can you promise me something?"

Daniel stopped in his tracks. "Yes?"

"When you become King," Guizha began, "Will you promise to not become like your father? To stand for something good? Please, I can't go through this torture again," he pleaded.

The Crown Prince nodded triumphantly. "I promise!"

"Good," Guizha smiled sadly at the boy. "I trust you." He blinked in surprise when he felt a small body clinged to him-he realised the royal was giving him a hug.

"I trust you too, Mr Guizha, the boy whispered. "I have to go now! Goodbye!" Daniel detached himself from the young man and ran down the corridor. He soon disappeared from sight.

Lord Guizha sighed at the memory. Daniel hadn't become completely like his father, but he still humiliated him in the court like his father did all those years ago.
Even after the six months, he was treated like a child, his views shot down and rejected. The booming 'enough' from both kings still rang in his head, the sniggers and laughing racing around in his mind. He could stand it no longer.

The war-ruined man turned away from the portrait in disgust and walked out of the palace. He stood waiting for a few minutes until a little figure appeared from inside the bushes.

"It's about time, brat," he scowled. "Let's get out of this hellish place."

No more promises. No more humiliation.

Guizha was out for revenge.

OMFG, I AM SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG. I started to write this chapter a few weeks ago but I forgot to save and I lost half of it. Then I went to a German exchange in September so I couldn't write anything. However I changed it a little. I hope you like this chapter! Let me know what you think.

Omg I just realised Guizha sounds like Geezer XD

Which makes sense, because Guizha is an old man in this story.

Reviews please!