21st Noble Lion Moon, 908 – The Morning After

Erasmus groaned as the fog hanging over his mind lifted. Lightly shaking his head, he cracked his eyes open, the accounts of last night still a haze. He struggled to recall when he passed out, though he clearly remembered what transpired beforehand: the New Chariot army launched a night assault on their camp. He recalled going out to battle and…

Chasing down Darby.

Erasmus' eyes fully snapped open. "Darby?"

"Uuuuugh…" Erasmus looked over her shoulder and could hear the penguin sitting behind him, though he couldn't see him. The room was too dark.

No. No, it wasn't dark.

Erasmus realized he had a blindfold tied around his eyes.

As clarity returned to the Glameow, he analyzed their predicament, deducing they were tied back-to-back in chairs. The rope pinned their limbs down, giving very little movement beyond the gentle twitches of struggling. Erasmus, in particular, had all four of his paws locked down in box-shaped shackles, preventing him from unsheathing his claws.

"Darby?" Erasmus growled quietly. "Darby, wake up!"

The penguin prince shook his head and finally opened his eyes, smacking his beak together tiredly. "Whaaaaaat? Huh?" Darby looked down at himself and realized he was tied up. "Eh? What happened?"

"Are you blindfolded, by chance?"

Darby peeked over his shoulder and noticed the Glameow wearing a white cloth over his eyes. "Can't say I am."

Erasmus groaned. "They must have realized how my Eyes of the King worked from last night." He growled at the prince. "I told you straying too far from the knights was a bad idea."

Darby rolled his eyes. "Oh, calm down. This isn't so bad."

"Oho! I couldn't agree more, my little captives~!" Erasmus and Darby turned toward the sound of the voice as Liber hopped into the tent they were being held in. Liber dumped a pitcher of wine down his mouth, which curled into a wide smile. "In fact, one could call this the best day of our lives!"

Erasmus growled. "Release us immediately!"

Darby smirked. "You better listen to him. You are not in any position to be threatening me. Do you know who I—"

"Ohohohoho! I know exactly who you two are." Liber hopped closer to them, his sickly-sweet breath wafting in their faces as he laughed. "You two are my pawns to putting an end to this foolish resistance. You should be honored to play such an intrinsic part in my plan."

Erasmus glared. "What plan?"

Liber threw himself back and cackled. "Why, to force your allies into surrendering themselves to the New Chariot Empire!"

Western Alliance Camp

The morning was tense with confusion and distress, knights standing guard outside the ruined state of their camp in preparation for the New Chariot soldiers sent to greet them. Fulbertus took charge of overseeing the negotiations with Serell and Linota requested by Gaufroi to provide support.

Linota growled. "What was the prince thinking? We should've kept a better eye on him last night."

Serell sighed. "Things were so chaotic last night that we didn't think to protect him. This is all our fault."

Fulbertus scoffed. "You two can throw blame at yourselves for another day. I don't intend to let this injustice slide, especially with my charge in their clutches, too."

Linota rolled her eyes and whispered to Serell, "Well, if one good thing came out of this whole mess…" He snickered awkwardly. She shook her head and asked, "What exactly does New Chariot want with these negotiations? Why not just continue the assault?"

Fulbertus glared. "I imagine they're beginning to understand the threat we pose. They're finally taking us seriously, which poses a disadvantage on our end. At the very least, they opt to end this battle peacefully. Though, they're probably aiming to diminish as much of our forces as they can while Sir Matthias is away in the north. We can't show weakness now."

Serell grimaced as he looked toward the hills. "Well, here's to hoping you can find a way out for us."

Marching over the hilltops, an armored Claydol with a legion of soldiers following in formation descended upon the campsite. Fulbertus raised his hand, silently ordering a few knights to bring out a long table and two chairs. Once it was set up, Fulbertus took his seat at one end of the table.

With the army closing in, he pressed his hand to his temple and thought, Princess, can you hear me?

"Loud and clear, Sir Fulbertus," Evangelina's voice rang through.

I may need your help with this one. Try to get as much as you can on their generals. We need all the exploits we can muster if we want to save the princes and win this battle.

"I will see what I can do."

Once he lowered his hand, the Claydol finally arrived and took his seat at the other end of the table. His many eyes focused in on the Beheeyem, shining with unending curiosity mixed with cold resolve. Just by one look, Fulbertus could tell this was a man of great intellect with an ironclad mind made to witness the horrific acts of war. Bloodshed seemed second nature to such learned eyes.

Fulbertus' eyes blazed briefly in a psychic aura before he reined in his temper. "I didn't expect New Chariot brutes to declare a temporary ceasefire for more…peaceful resolutions. You're not the savages I pinned you as."

The centurion scoffed. "You will have to thank my partner for these circumstances. I would've declared a ceaseless bombardment on your camp until everything was razed to the ground. I would've made sure not a single one of you was left alive. Still, our orders are to capture as many of your soldiers as possible for our colosseum, even if we have to kill over half of them to get the job done."

Fulbertus huffed. "Charming. And who do I have the pleasure of addressing for these hostile hospitalities?"

"Chief Centurion Janus. No need for introductions. I am aware of your reputation, Sir Fulbertus. An impeccable mind of the Wick Kingdom from the reports." Janus glared over the Beheeyem and toward the camp. "And, if the reports are to be true, Sir Gaufroi of Senbo is here, too. He will not be joining us?"

"He opted out and put me in charge of handling the meeting."

"Hmm. How unfortunate. I was hoping to see the man who lobbed off the arm of Lord Martius with my own eyes." Janus chuckled. "Centurion Liber, my partner, doesn't see much value in the enemy. He underestimates them, treats them like the hounds they rightfully are. However, I am much older and experienced in war, and I've seen many battles between the few skirmishes we had with the west decades ago. I know better than to think such degrading thoughts, and I know the strength the west poses to us."

Fulbertus glared. "So, Centurion Liber proposed this as a way to come to a compromise?"

"We know very well contending against the Black Knight would lead to our destruction. Very few of our superiors can hope to challenge such fearsome power. So, as long as your ilk cooperate, we can avoid a nasty massacre from unfolding."

"…" Fulbertus growled under his breath. "Yes, wouldn't want that. Now, what do you want in exchange for the princes?"

Janus chuckled. "That depends entirely on what you're willing to give up for their safety. After all, the death of two princes wouldn't do well for the morale of your kingdoms. So, best you take these negotiations seriously."

The Beheeyem huffed aloud before nodding. I don't know what you're up to, Sir Gaufroi, but I'm trusting you to get us out of this mess. I'm not sure how long I can stall them.

Janus raised one of his baubles, gesturing a soldier to lay down a scroll and unfurl it across the table. "Shall we begin?"

New Chariot Camp

"Ohohohoho~!" Liber spun around Erasmus and Darby, guzzling down pitcher after pitcher of wine while hiccupping with glee. "What wondrous tidings await us soon! Once Janus returns from relaying our demands, it will be showtime. Will tragedy befall the Western Alliance, or will they rally together in one final act of foolish heroism to save their beloved princes? Oh, the drama leaves me in suspense~!"

Erasmus groaned. "Somebody kill me already…"

Darby scoffed. "I envy your lack of vision at the moment, my friend. The clown they left to entertain us is a disgrace to his craft."

Liber stopped spinning and laughed at Darby. "Ah, the arrogant son of Wilkin Tetrarch. How fun~!"

Darby smirked. "My reputation proceeds me even outside the west?"

"Oh, I couldn't give less of a hoot about you, but your father was quite the pain back in the day. The Dark King of Wick, we called him. Charging into battles that didn't concern his kingdom and laying waste to many soldiers. He even partook in a few battles against the empire. Killed a commander at his age. I wonder how he'll react knowing his heir was in our clutches."

Darby laughed. "He would pity your untimely demises for daring to assume I was your helpless captive."

Liber smirked. "You're the spitting image of him, that's for sure. Brash and arrogant, though dangerously so in you case."

"Listen, this has all be educational, but I believe it is in your best interests to release us immediately before that untimely demise I prophesized becomes reality. You stand before greatness, and my legend has only just begun."

Erasmus growled. "Darby, now is not the best time to be antagonizing our captor."

"Oh relax, Erasmus. We are perfectly fine. If this clown lays even a hand on me, he will be skewered on the spot."

Liber laughed. "What a bold claim. And what makes you so confident in this fact?"

Darby laughed back. "Well, since we are in private company, I suppose I can pull back the curtain on my little surprise. You see, my family is well-connected across Virdis, and we can acquire virtually anything we desire. My father sought only the finest protection for me as I serve my kingdom in war, and I believe it is something your people fear more than anything."

Liber raised his brow. "Oh?"

Darby smirked. "Feast your eyes on the man tamed the bane of the New Chariot Empire. I am the charge of the renowned war criminal, the Roar of the Wastes!"

Liber and Erasmus' eyes widened. "WHAT?!"

Darby laughed. "That's the look I was waiting for! Yes! You may now bow to your superior!"

"The Roar of the Wastes?!" Erasmus yelled. "That's the so-called guardian angel you've been referring to?!"

"Are you surprised, my dear friend—"

"Surprised?! That is not even close to the description of my horror! Why on earth is your family connected to the most dangerous man in Virids?! And why would tell anyone that?!"

Darby rolled his eyes. "Oh, lighten up. Anyone can be bought with money. Or, other connections, I suppose…" he mumbled mostly to himself.

Liber trembled back. "Th-The R-R-R-Roar of the Wastes? The Howl of Thunder? The man who decimated Fort Scutum, our impregnable fortress, in a single attack?! The man who singlehandedly slaughtered countless droves of our soldiers?! That Roar of the Wastes?!"

Darby laughed madly. "Yes, yes! That's the very once!"

"Oh Nero…oh Nero!" Liber bent over the floor, covering his head and trembling in fear. "Have mercy! Have mercy!" He closed his eyes and wept loudly.

Darby held his head up proudly. "That is what happens when you mess with a prince. I am the rightful heir to the Wick Kingdom. Anything I desire is mine for the taking, and you would be foolish to keep us captive any longer. With one whistle at my command, he will come to my aid and raze everything to the ground. Now, be a good hound and release us."

"Oh no…oh nnnnnoooo! Waaaaaaaaah! Waaaaaaaah! Waaaaaaaa…aaaaahaha!" Darby's eyes widened as the Victreebel suddenly straightened back up and threw his head back in a drunken madness. "WAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA! AAHHAHAHAHAHA!"

Erasmus glared. "Is he…laughing?"

Darby growled. "Oi! Didn't you hear a word I said?! If you don't release us right now, I'm ordering the Roar to come down here and eviscerate all of—"

Liber lunged across the tent and looked Darby in the eye with a bloodshot, mirthful stare. "So do it."

"H-Huh?"

"Call your precious hound right now and have him kill us. Come on, little prince. I'm waiting."

Darby blinked in bewilderment before laughing uneasily. "Heh. I-I think you misheard me. I will order him to come down here and kill everyone. I am not bluffing."

Liber snickered. "I like you already, Prince Tetrarch. I expected most western royalty to be a bunch of uninteresting stuffed shirts, but you make a better clown than I do. That was the best laugh I have gotten in years."

"Excuse me?!"

"Come now, I've heard many, many men beg for their lives in the most ridiculous ways. I've heard it all. Release me, or my captain will end you all. Do not underestimate me for I was born with the strength of ten Rhyperior. If you wish harm upon me, Arceus will smite you where you stand! Those are some of my favorites. And I'm, uh…still here, obviously."

Darby growled. "You…!"

"I admit, that was quite the bold claim to make. I was almost convinced you were speaking in earnest. Have you ever considered becoming an actor?"

Darby jostled in his seat, squirming in rage. "I am not lying! The Roar is under my control, and he will kill all of you!"

Liber turned his back to the irate penguin. "You need to learn the facts of war, prince. Stories and lies don't make the man. You can embolden yourself all you want, but such pathetic displays of false power will not sway me. True strength is what counts, and you are by far the saddest excuse of a warrior I've had the dishonor of holding captive."

Darby snarled. "You want to see true strength? Here you go! Roar of the Wastes, by the command of I, Prince Darby Tetrarch, I order you to smite these heathens where they stand! Show them your true power!"

And so, they waited.

They waited.

They waited.

They waited some more.

…And nothing happened.

Liber laughed. "That's the tragedy of it. Some men believe their lies so thoroughly that they can't tell the difference between fantasy and reality anymore. Perhaps it would've worked against a weaker kingdom, but New Chariot is anything but weak. How foolish of you to believe you were strong through the lies you spoke."

"I'm not lying!" Darby yelled. "He'll be here any minute, and I'll be the one laughing at your corpses!"

Liber shrugged. "Believe whatever delusion you want. No one is coming to save you. You should've recognized that before I easily captured you two." He picked up his pitchers and hopped out of the tent. "Let me know when your so-called Roar of the Wastes arrives. Our finest imaginary chefs will whip him up the best meals only the most creative minds can think of." With laughter around him, he left.

Darby trembled with rage in his chair, rocking it side-to-side. "You don't get to walk away from me and laugh! You'll be sorry for mocking me!"

Erasmus winced at the penguin's shrill tone. Good grief. If I did not think Darby was crazy before, this really seals the deal. The Roar of the Wastes? Seriously? Of all the stupid things he could have said…

"We'll see who gets the last laugh, New Chariot scum! Any minute now, he is going to waltz into your camp and demolition everything! Come and raise Hell, Roar of the Wastes!"

But Alban didn't answer the call. Miles away from the prince's location, all he did in response was lay on his back and watch the clouds passing by.

"Tch. I will not save a spoiled brat from his own failures," Alban mumbled. "If you want my help, Prince Tetrarch, you need to be worthy of Master Terrowin's vision. You are unworthy of being his heir as you are. To earn my trident's strength, you must become what you were destined to be: a king."

And so, he closed his eyes and waited with only his finely tuned ears to monitor the state of affairs.

Western Alliance Camp

"…and with the surrender of your men, they are to willingly give themselves up to our transport wagons and be brought to Telo Martius where they will be placed in our colosseum," Janus explained. "If they have the mettle for war, they will be at home in our Centum Death Ring."

Fulbertus glared. "You intend to have our knights placed in your barbaric blood sport?"

"You look at it as so death ritual. It is simply entertainment for our people. A tradition since the founding New Chariot."

Fulbertus scoffed. "A tradition perpetuated by blood and violence. I will not have my men subjected to that kind of torment."

Janus shook his head. "How disappointing. That is not up for negotiation. My orders from the emperor stress that we always keep a fresh supply of warriors in the colosseum. Far too many…retire too early."

"I'm not putting my men in jeopardy for your so-called entertainment."

Janus sighed. "A compromise, then? I cannot go against the emperor's orders, but I am not required to place all your knights in the colosseum's custody. We would have many other uses for such able-bodied men. They would do well to operate the mines in our control or take up hard labor in the many towns we have under construction." He looked down at Linota before adding, "And I should note all the women drafted into your knighthood would be brought into public services."

The hairs on the back of Linota's neck spiked up. "Why you…" She nearly snapped at the Claydol, but cooled down when Serell frantically waved at her to stop.

Janus continued, "The same will apply to your kingdoms' subjects. With your cooperation, we might be able to gather them with less hassle and destruction. We can organize for them to be transported to the empire and brought to their new responsibilities. If they appeal to the emperor, they may even be granted the opportunity to stay as one of his loyal subjects."

Fulbertus crossed his arms. "You would have me order our people surrender themselves?"

"If you wish to end further bloodshed, then yes. We may bring tyranny wherever we go, but the emperor doesn't seek to slaughter everyone in the west. So long as the people swear loyalty to New Chariot's banner, they will be met with the emperor's boundless kindness. Then again, you westerners are notoriously stubborn."

Fulbertus huffed. "Our people are proud of their lineage. They would not surrender so easily to your demands—"

"That isn't up for debate, Sir Fulbertus. You understand that we've already caused devastation to West Virdis in our advances. A simple refusal won't slow our efforts. Agreeing to this will spare further tragedy."

"And you expect them to just agree to this? To agree to throwing away their culture to someone else?"

"You say that as if your own kingdom hasn't heralded such actions. Do you not recall how this region was founded? The western kingdoms have their own sins to answer for. Throwing away their culture for an invading force is nothing new to this land."

"Then you must know such action will be met with resistance."

"Compared to what? Now? Nothing too different, and nothing that can't be resolved with persuasion. These are the facts, Sir Fulbertus. Though you view New Chariot with contempt, both our territories were earned in blood-soaked war. We are, however, the superior power." Janus narrowed his eyes coolly. "Deny us, and die. That is the rule."

Fulbertus growled under his breath, lightly massaging his temple. "Of course…" Princess, please tell you're making progress.

"If you are referring my attempts to invade your houseguest's mind, then I would prefer to keep my mouth shut."

Nothing?

"He is the reason he got past your senses last night, I can say that much. He is a remarkably powerful psychic. We cannot penetrate his mental defenses, and further attempts may lead to him detecting me. It is taking a lot of focus not to be spotted by him."

What about Chief Centurion Liber?

"I did manage to spy on him and his camp. They have Erasmus and Darby tied down deep within their base. Defenses are sharp from what I can detect. Not a single entry point accessible without being spotted, and it seems word of the raid against Commander Auster as even employed the use of underground surveillance."

Meaning we can't launch another sneak attack like last time.

"Unfortunately."

Send word of your findings to Gaufroi. Keep him updated. He's working on a way to counterattack.

"Good luck."

Thanks. Fulbertus lowered his hand and glared at Janus as he rambled on about the next item on the list. Wish that actually meant something, though.

New Chariot Camp

"Any minute now. Any…minute now…"

Erasmus couldn't get a read on the time with his eyes covered, but he posited several hours had past since Chief Centurion Liber checked in on them last. In that time, he attempted to formulate a plan to break his shackles loose, but his concentration waned with the endless muttering of his fellow prince, his words becoming increasingly hoarse and desperate.

Darby's eyes flickered around the tent, the shadows alerting him from even the tiniest movement. "He'll…be here soon. H-He was hired to protect me. He…wouldn't leave me to die, would he? H-He knows he can't. H-He can't just—"

Erasmus finally let out the groan he was holding in. "Will you give it a rest with the charade already, Darby? You are not fooling anyone."

"Et tu, Erasmus?" Darby cried. "You have to believe me! He was hired to watch over me during the war!"

Erasmus glared. "Have you actually seen the Roar of the Wastes before?"

"Of course I have!" He then looked away with an awkward grimace. "In…wanted posters?"

"Oh my Arceus, you are crazy."

"I'm telling the truth, honest!" Darby struggled in his bindings. "I-I just need to…!" He tried to activate his Work Up and increase his strength, but it fizzled out on him. "I…what?"

Erasmus groaned. "Have you only just noticed none of our moves are working? They drugged us, you idiot. We are stuck here until someone either rescues us or…"

Darby's eyes widened. "O-Or what?"

"…" He shook his head. "We are in this situation because of you, though it is my own fault for following you in the first place."

Darby's eyes watered. "Erasmus, come on! I-I didn't think that brute wasn't going to show up or quit on me! If I had known—"

"Has it ever occurred to you we're in this mess because you're so damn reckless?!" Erasmus snapped, startling the penguin into silence. "You volunteered to fight in this war not because it was the noble obligation to your kingdom, but because you wanted to exercise your superiority against our enemy! All you have been doing since we left for war is treating everything like some twisted game!"

"But—"

"That's all you do! You never think anything through! You don't care about anything so long as you get something out of it! You put your desires so far ahead of everything else that you can't even see how sad and pathetic you are! I can't help but think your father let you go to war knowing he had a better heir to work with once you inevitably got your head chopped off!"

Darby winced. "E-Erasmus, where is all of this coming—"

"You are just so…irritating!"

It took all his willpower not to spout what he was actually thinking, but Erasmus couldn't stop the well of emotion from flooding. He had so much he wanted to say to the lecherous, vile prince that it was torture on his throat to only say the surface level grievances.

"This is exactly what happened the last time! When you antagonized the Fairy Knight and treated it like some sick joke despite the fact he spent the entire fight beating you to a pulp! You'd be dead right now if I had not intervened when I did!" Erasmus slammed his shackles against the edge of his chair. "Maybe it's your fault I ended up losing my right to the throne and my girlfriend! I had to risk my neck just to spare yours, and some days I think I made the mistake of not running after her when I should've let you face the consequences for your actions!"

"E-Erasmus—"

"You're an idiot! A great, big idiot who should've been killed a hundred times over already and had to have his ass saved a hundred times over while treating it like some masterplan! You are a disgrace to the Wick Kingdom, and I dare say everyone would be better off with you in it!"

Darby stared over his shoulder in abject shock, trembling with tears trickling down his face. Slowly, he turned his head toward the floor, staring at it as the truth finally dawned on him. Everything he did up until this point, all in the name of satiating his desires and ego…

"Have I…really been that reckless?"

Erasmus scowled. "Well, considering we're like going to be executed because of you, I'd say reckless is the least of your problems. You're a prince in name, and now you're going to die like the loser you are. Congratulations, Prince Darby."

"…" Darby clenched his teeth and shuddered. "I…I'm going to die…" He swallowed a lump forming in his throat. His stomach churned uncomfortably. "I-I'm…I'm going…I c-can't…I-I-I can't…d-die…" He shook his head. "I c-can't die yet…I c-can't—" He suddenly hiccupped, his stress causing him to vomit onto the floor. "Oh gods, I—" He vomited again, breaking out in a disgusting sob.

Erasmus winced, only able to hear the sloshing of the penguin's puke splashing on the floor. The heck? This is the same guy who nearly killed Dimitri? Good grief. I don't feel bad for him for a second, but sweet Mew.

"I DON'T WANT TO DIE LIKE THIS!"

Western Alliance Camp

"…and finally, the complete and total surrender of the western kingdoms," Janus stated. "You will go to your kings and persuade them into surrendering themselves to the New Chariot Empire. Oblige, and no further bloodshed shall occur."

Fulbertus glanced up at the sky, noting that the sun was beginning to set. Hours of deliberation and arguing with the unreadable Claydol had waned on his patience, finding no crack in the centurion's stature and resolve. He was the best they could send to handle the negotiations, he could tell.

"No," Fulbertus answered.

Janus sighed. "That is not up for debate. Your kingdoms will dissolve under New Chariot's glory whether or not you concede. You are in no position to refuse."

"I can assure you that King Tetrarch will not bend the knee so easily." Fulbertus' eyes blazed with psychic energy. "I've humored your nonsense long enough. I will not allow any of my knights, nor my allies, to be taken prisoner. I will not bow and allow you to steal our people away for your empire to prosper."

"…" Janus chuckled softly. "So, this was nothing more than some poor soul's attempt to waste time. You never had any intention of settling these matters peacefully."

Fulbertus floated out of his seat and crossed the table, alerting the soldiers to raise their spears. "The west is proud and strong. They will not surrender to the likes of a foreign kingdom who dares to raze their homes to the ground. You may have brought much hardship to the west, but mark my words that we will exterminate every last one of you. You are in no position to order us around."

Janus closed his eyes. "A rousing declaration, but hardly effective for intimidation. The west is indeed a strong collection of kingdoms in their own right, yet wrought with discord and incompetence. The Verde Kingdom had lost a king, if I recall correctly. The Echo Bell Kingdom is littered with crime. And even the Wick Kingdom can't seem to get control of their own land. From our perspective, the west is the inferior Virdis. It deserves a strong leader to maintain order."

Fulbertus scoffed. "No matter what you say of the west, we will not surrender to New Chariot."

"Hmph. Have it your way." Janus floated out from his seat. "However, words mean nothing next to action. Refusing to accept our deal comes with dire consequences, and we proved we can take hold of your camp with little resistance. The damages speak for themselves."

Fulbertus glanced back at the damaged state of their camp before retorting, "So?"

"I will give you time to think this over with the Senbo Captain. You have until midnight to give us your answer. If you still insist on resisting us, then we will have to take swift action to remind you of your place. The immediate and merciless execution of your captured princes, for starters."

Fulbertus growled. "You…"

"I wonder how strong your morale will be once you see their heads mounted upon pikes as we charge into battle to raze your camp. I bet your last words will be regret for denying our generous offer." Janus turned his back to the Beheeyem. "I'd make haste with your reflections. There's only so many hours left in the day. Your people or your pride. Which would you rather sacrifice?"

Fulbertus curled his fist and growled as Janus' eyes lit up, teleporting all the soldiers and himself away from their camp. He slammed his fists down on the table and trembled with fury. His psionic energy permeated from his body, causing the ground to shake with him.

Linota stood her ground on the trembling earth. "Sir Fulbertus, get a grip! This is no time to lose your temper!"

Serell frowned. "How are we supposed to proceed?"

"…" Fulbertus stopped shaking and lifted his head, gazing upon the hills with the New Chariot camp resting easy under the horizon. "…I have no idea."

New Chariot Camp

Silence eventually fell upon the tent housing the two princes. While Erasmus remained cool and collected in the darkness, Darby trembled in his seat with dried puke hanging off his beak, eyes wide and vacant as his bottom beak quivered. He mumbled endlessly to himself, repeating every possible variation of I'm going to die to himself.

Erasmus couldn't bring himself to pity the penguin after everything he had done, but even he had to admit seeing (or rather hearing) Darby the way he was got on his nerves. Of all the people to bring discord and strife into his life, it turned out to be nothing more than a pathetic display of princely ego hiding behind luxury. It is the same vanity he feared his brothers were falling into before he stepped up as the heir.

It disgusted him to think such a pathetic creature held up by his own inflated self-made image of himself could be considered a threat. How has he failed up until now to find the right opportunity to kill Darby? He could've easily led Darby into a dark alley, and the penguin would treat it like another of his games even as he had his throat ripped out.

What else could make this day worse?

"Oooohhhhhh princes!"

There it is, Erasmus groaned.

Spinning into the tent, Chief Centurion Liber looked upon the captured princes with a gleeful cackle echoing around him. "I have some wonderful news for the both of you!" He downed a pitcher of wine before saying, "Seems your knights weren't too keen on playing nice with us. Negotiations went horribly, but we're not a cruel people."

Erasmus glared in the Victreebel's direction. "What are you talking about?"

Liber laughed. "Your precious alliance has until midnight to agree to our demands. If not…" He leaned in close to Darby and brushed the edge of his leaf hand across his neck, causing the penguin to tense up. "We get to my favorite part of the plan~."

Darby shuddered against his touch. "S-Spare me, p-please."

"Oh? Is that begging I hear~?"

Darby clenched his eyes shut. "I-I'll do anything. I'll become your servant. I'll abandon my family. I'll be your stepstool! Please! Don't kill me! I can't die yet!"

Liber snickered. "I never expected such humility from you, Prince Tetrarch. Fear of the eternal darkness at such a young age? How tragic~. How expected of an inferior kingdom." He brushed off Darby's shoulders and held his cheeks. "Well, there is something you can do for me."

Darby's eyes lit up. "Yes! Please, anything!"

Liber's inverted lips stretched into a grin. "I want you…to beg for your life before we mount your head onto our banner."

His eyes widened, and his beak dropped open. "W-What…?"

Liber bounced away and laughed. "Oh, that look of despair you have is priceless! You really think I'm just going to spare you? No, no, no! Your death is far too important for this operation. You and your friend here aren't anything special to us. We don't care if you're royalty, but your people care. You're just a means to keep this war going. Either they fall into despair, or you become a martyr that fuels their fury and keeps this war going for fifty years! Either way, it works out in the end for us."

Darby fell back against his seat, his shivering growing ever worse. "N-No…I…I'm not ready. I was destined for greatness."

Liber cackled. "You? Greatness?! A pampered brat like you?" He shook his head and bounced away. "Emperor Nero is destined for greatness. Calling you a pale imitation of the emperor would be an insult to his visage. There's nothing great about you, Prince Darby. I guarantee…you'll be forgotten in the history books, and you'll never amount to anything. That is your destiny."

With that, the Victreebel hopped out of the tent with his laughter lingering in the air, sinking Darby deeper into his despair. He hunched forward in his chair, eyes vacantly glued to the floor with the strength to mumble about his own demise fading. Even Erasmus could sense the will to live slipping away from the penguin.

As far as things looked, even if their allies launched a counterattack now, their deaths…were almost certain.

Western Alliance Camp

Fulbertus floated into the captain's tent, massaging his face and growling aloud. Gaufroi, who was hunched over a map with an inkwell and quill at his side, looked up at the irate Beheeyem. "I…take it you couldn't convince them to leave."

Fulbertus slapped himself and groaned. "If we don't meet their demands by midnight, the princes will be immediately executed. Worst part, we can't launch a surprise attack without that Claydol noticing."

Gaufroi nodded. "Yes, Evangelina gave me the intel on their leaders. I suppose you have a plan?"

Fulbertus shook his head. "Nothing I can think of. Their camp is being guarded from every possible angle, and teleportation has been rendered unusable for a sneak attack. They can strike us at any moment, and they can kill the princes before we get the chance to breach their perimeter."

Gaufroi closed his eyes. "How tragic."

"I did consider launching an emergency teleport to retrieve Sir Matthias, but I'm worried they'll hijack that as well. He won't be done with his mission for the next few days, and we don't have the time to teleport his group back to us." Fulbertus sighed. "I don't know how to get around this. King Tetrarch is going to kill me if anything happens to his son."

The status of Darby Tetrarch meant little to Gaufroi, but his life was unfortunately tied to Erasmus' fate as well. It was a tricky dilemma to overcome, having to save the prince they've been secretly plotting to assassinate, but Gaufroi's role as Erasmus' protector came first.

Fulbertus finally looked at the old Ursaring. "What have you been doing all day, anyway? You said you were going to find a way to save the princes. We have six or so hours before they make good on their threats."

Gaufroi huffed. "I'd assume you were jesting. Relying on an old relic like me to come up with a strategy? That kind of work seems more suitable to the younger generation."

Fulbertus groaned. "Are you seriously being petty at a time like this?"

"Depends. Do you truly trust me to save the princes?"

"…" He sighed. "I do. I put my faith in you, Sir Gaufroi."

Satisfied, the Ursaring stood up and marched toward the tent flaps, pushing one open to gaze upon the setting sun. "Every possible route for ambush will be monitored by the enemy. We can't launch a sneak attack under these conditions. And they'll be wary of any tricks we try to pull."

Fulbertus glared. "So, what's the plan?"

Gaufroi smirked to himself. "Their threats only hold up if they have immediate access to kill the princes. But what if we force them into attacking us instead?"

"…Huh?"

"We have a limited time. I need you to gather a list of knights to the storage tent. It's time I revise an old tactic I used back in my heyday."

New Chariot Camp

Every second that passed meant another eternity of dread looming over Erasmus with only the darkness forced upon him to stir his uneasy mind. With no indicator for the time of day, his death could be in five hours or five minutes. Despite all that, he had to remain strong to find a way to freedom.

His body was weak from the drugs administered into him, preventing him from summoning strength through his claws. However, the guards weren't regularly keeping them drugged, and he could feel his strength returning as the minutes ticked by. He wasn't sure if it would be enough to break free. Even if he did escape, his current condition would leave him half as efficient to take on the guards. Tactics would be his way of surviving the night.

An entire camp of soldiers stood in his way toward freedom. He needed some way to even the playing field.

"…I was destined for greatness, you know."

Erasmus' ears perked up, the miserably somber penguin finally speaking above a whimpering tone. He inwardly groaned over Darby's arrogance still bleeding through his despair, but he wasn't in the mood to yell at him again. "Pardon?" he grumbled, deciding to humor the prince.

Darby sighed. "All my life, my father told me I was destined for something greater than the Wick Kingdom. I never wanted for anything else but power. I was born to rule. I could have whatever I desired, and I knew no fear of the world. Even in the times I put myself at risk, I was always in control." He clenched his teeth, shuddering with a few sobs. "B-But now…now I'm stuck here waiting to have my head cut off! Oh gods, why?! Why did this have to happen to me?!"

Erasmus groaned. That's what happens when you raise a prince without restrictions. Amazing work with your spawn, King Tetrarch.

Darby hung his head, tears trickling into his lap. "If I had known this would happen, I might've stayed back at the castle with my maids! I could be getting pampered right now, not tied down to be used as a decoration for their war banners!"

Erasmus nearly growled at the thought of what Darby did to his servants. Ah yes, the women you brainwashed and conditioned over the course of several years. You poor, poor thing.

Darby looked over his shoulder, tears flooding down his cheeks. "Erasmus, what am I doing wrong?"

"…" Erasmus groaned. "Where do I begin?"

"I'm a failure to my father. My destiny…everything I desired—"

"And that's your problem right there," Erasmus interrupted. "You are so focused on what you desire that you can't see what your role as a prince truly is."

Darby sniffled. "I…I don't…understand."

Am I seriously lecturing him on this? If my claws weren't tied down, I'd have slit his neck open by now. Erasmus paused a moment, taking in their current predicament. Then again, our lives are tied together. If he dies, chances are I'm dead immediately after. And I don't know if the others will be able to rescue us in time. I can't escape on my own.

A troubling solution came to Erasmus' mind, and it made him hiccup in disgust.

I hate this so much, but I want to live through this war if I want to see Dimitri well again. And if I die here, what will become of my darling rainbow, Adenine? Would I selfishly let myself be killed and leave her with the sting of my death? I know I would be devastated if something became of her. As such, my best chance of getting out of here…is to work together with Darby.

His stomach somersaulted the moment he thought it.

Absolutely wonderful. Can't be helped, I suppose. What is the worst that could happen?

Clearing his scrambled thoughts, Erasmus let loose a deep sigh and explained, "Everyone has a role to play in this world, Darby. That is what I believe. Some roles are small, and some are unfavorable. However, we are not destined to the roles handed to us. We hold the power to choose our roles, and sometimes the roles we choose are the ones truly destined for us. As the former heir to the Talbot family, I held up my role to one day lead my kingdom. I served to make Senbo a grand land for all, and to one day tear down the borders that divided us from the other kingdoms."

"…" Darby raised his head. "Then…what's my role?"

"That is not for me to decide. It is your choice." Erasmus glared. "However, I can tell you lack direction in your life. You are held up in prominence under some destined role or power, thus you let yourself fall into vice without earning your place as prince. You are merely going through the motions rather than earning the conviction of a king."

"…" Darby glared. "I lack conviction?"

"Has every decision you made in your life, decisions of great importance, hinged on your absolute conviction rather than the will of others?"

"…No. I guess I've always…followed orders from others."

Erasmus nodded. "Darby, if you don't want to die here today, you need to have the strength and will to break yourself free. Neither of us will be able to escape on our own, but we might be able to scrape up a victory if we work together. But we cannot survive this night if you do not pull yourself together and fight like you mean it. Stop treating every interaction like some elaborate game. If you want to be a king, act like it."

Darby blinked his tears away, finally raising his head all the way. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "How do I become a king?"

"Sacrifice your desires for true strength." Or something like that. Honestly, I am making half of this up.

It seemed to work. Darby curled his flippers and exhaled fiercely from his nostrils. "I…don't want to die here. I refuse to die here."

"And I refuse to die here, too." Erasmus glared over his shoulder, sensing the penguin prince staring back at him. "We are the kings of our lands. Are you prepared to show their commander what being a king in the west means?"

Darby glared back, darkness sparking out from his eyes. "What's the plan, King Talbot?"