Scene V
The room was eerily silent. No one moved a muscle, nor made a sound.
And everyone's gaze was directed right at Emilia.
The pale servant girl sank to her knees, her hands over her face. Her shoulders began to shake.
"Emmy?"
Cordelia and Billy moved closer.
"Is that true?"
Emilia looked up, shuddering. Tears rolled down her face. "I-"
Everyone leaned forward.
Emilia sighed. She could tell that defeat was inevitable. "Yes. In a sense."
"What do you mean in a sense?" Billy whispered. "Are you or aren't you?"
Emilia shook her head. "Please, I-"
"WHO ARE YOU?" Cordelia snarled. "WHO EVEN ARE YOU? ARE YOU EVEN OUR FRIEND? DID EMMY EVER EVEN EXIST?"
"Okay, someone explain what's going on now!" Ronan thundered. "Which one of them is the enemy?"
Everyone save Emilia and the chained up prisoners started yelling.
"Stop." Emilia wailed.
Silence.
"Emilia?"
The indigo haired girl cringed, her heart screaming.
"Is it true?" Mattias asked, hurt and confusion in his voice.
Emilia winced as tears poured down her face. "Yes."
All the air was sucked out of the room.
Tron, Ronan, Mattias, and Billy rushed forward, but Emilia held up her hand.
"I understand that you are angry, but please let me explain-"
"WHY SHOULD-?" Tron bellowed, but was cut short as Leslie stomped on his foot.
"ENOUGH!" Leslie roared. "Let her speak! She saved all of our skins, let her SPEAK!"
The men backed off. The room was silent once more.
Emilia shot Leslie a grateful look before speaking.
"My father was once the king of these lands. But under his rule, it was called the United Lands of the Poseidon Ocean."
"So you lied when you told us that your father immigrated here from Anna's kingdom." Billy guessed.
Emilia sighed. "Yes, that was necessary due to Anna's schemes."
Anna snorted from her spot on the wall. "Oh, joy, here we go."
Everyone glared at her. "Do you mind?" Mattias asked.
"What?" Anna looked innocent – or tried to anyway. "I've heard this story a million times."
Brume stared long and hard at the silly girl he worked for. "Anna, dear? You're in this story."
"Well, even my glory gets boring after a while." Anna sighed.
"Anyway." Emilia continued. "Anna's kingdom waged war against mine for quite some time. Cordelia, you know this. Your father fought at my father's side, as well as your mother."
Cordelia nodded. "Yes. At some point, my mother sacrificed herself to summon a god to turn the tide in the war. I was barely a year old. Father and the king – er, Emmy's father – sorry, it's just so weird – were distraught, which led them to storm the king's land and kill him, at the cost of their army."
"Yes, Anna's father. He brainwashed my aunt and forced her to make the sacrifice that spurned the attack." Emilia whispered.
Cordelia frowned. "But I just said my mother did-"
Emilia raised an eyebrow.
Cordelia sat back. "Oh, my God, my mother was your father's sister? How did I not know this? What the bleeding-?"
Ronan put a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure Emilia will explain in a minute."
Emilia's eyes were misty again as she continued. "At some time during the war, both Cordelia and I were born. And after it was over, when I was about five, I had a vision. A god told me that a tyrant would take over my kingdom, and I would have an opportunity to save it."
"I'm guessing that was Abyss?" Mattias asked.
Emilia gave the thumbs up.
"Hold it." Billy held up a hand. "Let me see if I'm getting this right. Emmy's father, the king, went to war against Anna's father with Cordelia's mother and father, who were related. At some point, the woman died, and the resulting battles led to everyone dying."
Emilia nodded again. "Pretty much."
"Sad story." Billy stepped back. "Please continue."
"Well, then life returned to normal." Emilia smiled fondly. "Billy traveled from his land, and we became the best of friends. Father ran the kingdom as always. But then, what remained of the Evil King's land rose up to attack the surrounding lands."
The servant's faces darkened as they remembered the attack.
"Father sent Delia, Billy, and I to hide in the tower while he fought. Thanks to an earthquake, and some godly intervention, some boulders were shaken loose, and you both" – she pointed to her two friends – "were hit in the head."
"And by the time I came out, everyone was dead, Anna was in command of the continent, and no one remembered I was the rightful princess. No one in the kingdom could tell, since my father kept me hidden from sight."
"When I confronted Anna in private, she told me that as long as she had influence over this kingdom, the people would be under the spell. If she wed someday, she would hand over the kingdom to me. Otherwise, it was all hers. And if the others found out, death would follow."
King Yu whistled. "Well, that clears everything up. Such a terrible plan on Anna's part, though. I'm sorry for your loss, Emilia."
Mattias put a hand on Emmy's forehead. Delia sat down next to her. Billy took Emmy's hand. No one spoke for a while. Until Anna processed that sentence. And got mad.
"Uh, hello?" Anna screeched. "It was brilliant! Emmy didn't have what it took to be a strong ruler-"
"And yet, she outsmarted you." Cordelia snarled. "She outmaneuvered you in your own game."
"That may be true, but now what happens?" Anna taunted. "Who will rule this desolate wasteland?"
"You mean it isn't obvious?" Yu cut in. "It should be the one who was supposed to rule this land from the very beginning!"
"So, you mean you're letting me go?" Anna squeaked.
Yu looked at her. "HECK NO. I MEANT EMMY."
Emilia's jaw dropped. "Really? You're giving me back my kingdom?"
Yu sighed. "Yes, and not just because you deserve it. You getting the kingdom back is the best choice there is. That way no more wars will be waged and this place can rebuild."
Emilia beamed. "I don't know what to say."
"Don't thank him." Mattias warned. "Running a kingdom is not as easy as you think."
Cordelia raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? Who do you think did all of Anna's required paperwork?"
Billy groaned. "Behold, the reason I have a fear of writing."
Everyone laughed.
Mattias paced outside the balcony door. The conquering heroes were due to make a speech in ten minutes . . . and preside over Anna's trial.
He was dressed in his finest garb and his most constricting crown. Normally these things calmed him, but today, they only added to his worries.
Emmy. His poor, sweet Emmy. How was this dainty little girl supposed to run a kingdom? It was madness!
"Mattias?"
The Desert King turned to behold the indigo-haired girl. No longer shabby, her hair was washed, curled, and piled atop her head in an elaborate bun. She was dressed in a long, dark blue dress with a breastplate of gold. A slim, gold circlet sat on her forehead.
Mattias smiled, despite his worries. "You look lovely, dear. Is that breastplate your father's?"
Emilia nodded. "I thought it the best way to honor his actions and bravery."
"Indeed." Mattias noted the girl's shaking hands. "Nervous?"
Emilia looked up. There were tears in her eyes.
Without a word, Mattias pulled the girl into a hug. She didn't object, burying her head in his shoulder.
Mattias stroked her back. "Do not fear, Emmy. Everything will turn out all right. Trust me."
"I do." Emilia whispered. "I trust you."
"Good." Mattias kissed her forehead. "Now, buck up! This isn't like you!"
Emilia giggled. "Yes, I suppose I am being a bit blue today."
The trumpets – on key this time – sang out.
"That's our cue." Mattias stepped back and held out his hand. "Shall we?"
"Where have you two been?" Cordelia hissed. She was dressed in her silver breastplate, with a sharp blue dress underneath. "We've been waiting forever!"
Leslie grinned at her two friends as they waltzed to the balcony. "Leave 'em be, Delia. Besides, today is supposed to be a day of joy, not accusations."
Cordelia nodded. "I suppose." But she eyed Mattias suspiciously the whole time.
Billy sneezed. "Jeez, why is standard traditional dress made of cotton? I'm allergic to cotton! Before the celebration is out, I'll be swelled up like Anna's ego!"
Rosie laughed as she watched the herald scratch at his blue, gold, and silver tunic and pants. "It is a tradition, love. Do not worry, it makes you look fantastic."
Ronan and Tron snorted behind their hankerchiefs. Leslie gave them a look.
The trumpets blared again. "And now, announcing our saviors, the herald Bill of the Alit bloodline, Leslia Montreras, Lady Knight Cordelia of the Kamishiro bloodline, and our rightful queen, Kamishiro Emilia!"
King Yu trumpeted over the crowds, he and the rest of the allies seated on a platform before the Front Door. He tossed a wink up at the balcony.
Cordelia stepped forward with her friends, smiling when Emilia blew a kiss to her subjects, as was custom.
The crowd of peasants, who had been oppressed for far too long, cheered and screamed wildly, elated to be free of Anna.
Cordelia felt Ronan step up behind her and place a hand on her shoulder. "Scared?" He hissed.
"In your dreams." Cordelia whispered. "But I don't know about this queen thing."
"Get used to it." Ronan murmured confidently. "You might be one in a few years."
Cordelia looked at him sharply. Ronan just smiled and kissed her cheek.
Emilia was addressing the crowd. Confidence and vitality poured from her shoulders. "I am aware of your hardships under Anna's cruel regime, and there may be more to follow. But what I do know is that if we work together, we can restore this kingdom to its former glory!"
Everyone screamed their support, throwing flowers and hats into the air.
"I will have statements on the new government system after the celebrations are over." Emilia's tone grew serious. "But first, we must deal with certain traitors to the crown."
Cordelia and the others looked down at the platform, where Anna, Shingetsu, and Brume were being dragged onto the stage.
The crowd began to call for an execution, but Emilia held up a hand. "I am aware of all they have made you all suffer, and have taken that into account with this case. But I feel that, since I know what makes them tick, killing them would be a kindness to them at this point. So there will be no execution."
Cordelia looked at her friend. They had argued for a long time to reach this decision, but Cordelia thought that Emmy had the right idea.
"Instead, I have come to this conclusion."
The crowd leaned forward with baited breath.
"These three will be sent off on a ship, unmanned by anyone, off into the unknown, with limited supplies. They will be turned away if they reach any town, should they make it to land, and will be forced to live like we once did, to atone for their sins."
The three captives started to wail, just as the audience roared their approval.
"All in favor?" Emilia called.
"ALL IN FAVOR!"
"Then, let us celebrate!"
The music was just as upbeat as the audience that night as everyone danced and laughed. There would be no work for a week for the parties in honor of the new queen.
Leslie waved at everyone she knew as they passed. So many people had congratulated her for being a hero, but she had deflected it all on the three friends. They were the ones who had paid in sweat and blood for this revolution.
A hand tapped Leslie's shoulder, and she heard Tron's laughter as she jumped.
"You're mean." She stuck out her tongue.
In turn, he stuck out a hand. "Shall we?"
Leslie took his hand, and Tron whirled her out onto the dance floor. She giggled. "Why so sudden, Majesty?"
"Well, our kingdoms are going to become good friends for the foreseeable future." Tron twirled her around. "We might as well try to get along."
"Absolutely not!" Leslie purposefully stepped on his foot. "I intend to challenge this friendship as often as I can."
"Does this mean you're going to step on my feet whenever possible?" Tron asked, pulling her close.
Leslie leaned in. "Of course, your majesty."
Tron grinned. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Billy clinked glasses with Rosie. "Cheers. And to many more years to come."
Rosie giggled. "I certainly hope so. You're going to be the Representative of the People! Isn't that exciting?"
"Oh, yes." Billy sighed. "But it sounds like a lot of work! I'll be so tired."
Rosie swatted his head. "Now, now. Don't complain."
Billy grabbed her hand and kissed it, winking roguishly. "I have you. Who's complaining?"
The Queen of the Roses turned as red as her name. "Certainly not me!"
They both giggled for a while.
"I wonder if everyone else is having fun?" Billy murmured, stroking his chin.
"I saw King Yu, Queen Victoria, and the Duke partying." Rosie reported. "Tron and Leslie are dancing, and Emmy and Mattias are on the balcony. I don't know where Ronan and Delia are."
"I bet he's confessing his love!" Billy sighed.
"It must be so romantic!" Rosie squealed.
"DIE!" Cordelia' sword fell towards Ronan's head. "You hear me? DIE!"
Ronan's sword clashed an inch above his head. "I reject that message! YOU die!"
Cordelia and Ronan were not inside partying, like normal people. Instead, they were in the front courtyard, sparring like there was no tomorrow.
"I have to admit – I'm going to miss this immensely when you go back." Cordelia huffed, hopping away to catch her breath. They'd been sparring for four hours now, and she loved every minute of it.
"Same." Ronan grunted, wiping sweat off his forehead.
Cordelia assumed a defensive position again, trying to guess what his next movements would be.
Ronan stood up and grinned. "But, do you know the disadvantages of fighting someone you like?"
That threw her off. Cordelia didn't even have time to ask him what that meant when he reached over and kissed her.
"You usually end arguments like this." He whispered once they'd finished.
Cordelia grinned. "Sounds fine and dandy to me."
Emilia laughed. "Oh, look. They're kissing!"
Mattias chuckled as well. "I never thought I'd see the day King Ronan kissed a girl."
Emilia leaned back against the king, feeling at peace. "Do you think they'll marry someday?"
Mattias hugged her. "He'll probably propose to her, and she'll say yes if he beats her in a fight."
Emilia couldn't help giggling at the thought. "What about Billy and Rosie?"
"We'll have to coach him through the entire proposal."
"Leslie and Tron?"
"They'll drive each other up somebody's wall."
"Us?" Emilia pressed, turning to face Mattias. The Desert King smiled down at her, and Emilia's heart fluttered.
"Only if you're looking for a king." He murmured.
"I think I might be." Emilia pulled him into a soft kiss, grinning when he laughed.
Emilia looked up at the stars. It could have been her imagination, but she thought she saw her father smiling at her.
'Thank you, Father.' She thought. 'I've found my way back home.'
Disclaimer: YuGiOh! and YuGiOh! ZEXAL belong to Kazuki Takahashi and Shin Yoshida, respectively. This is the work of a crazy fan.
Tali: I'm back! Yeah, sorry for the long wait. This year was soooooo looooooong and sooooo paaaaaiiiiiinnnnffffuuuullll.
Zexal: Tali-chan will attempt regular updates soon. We really don't know what is going on with everything.
Drexal: One more chapter to go!
Everyone: THANK GOD!