Pac-It-In had always been one of his favorite food joints. So much so that he would always pester his dad to take him there. Going there was always a blast, mostly because due to having been the dictator's son he always got his meals for free. What would normally be a fun trip was instead filled with an atmosphere of sadness, anxiety, and all sorts of unpleasant sensations.

Pac was seated at one of the tables, just staring at his burger and fries which were more than likely cold by now. Spiral was there too, having taken Pac there to try and cheer him up. But Spiral was far from in a good mood either; upon hearing the news both of them had wept harder than before.

He wondered where she was now. The Nether Realm? Some other form of afterlife? Was that where his family was?

He remembered the funeral, and how it had to be a closed casket event. Her parents had attended the service as well, and Pac was surprised with what they were like. They were of the Hippie sort, with unusual names that only seemed to fit. Starchild, and her husband Moondog. They were nice folks, and didn't seem to blame Pac for the death of their daughter in spite of what he thought. The service was also chock full of people he had never met, all of which being from a place called Maze High. Students, teachers… all had shown up to mourn the girl, and honor her bravery.

It had been a week since it all happened. A week since their victory over Betrayus. A week since Cyli's passing.

During the first few days poor Pac had to get settled into his new position, as he had absolutely no idea how to run a civilization. But eventually with some help, he managed to get some first executive orders in place. The first thing he did was pardon and knight Mr- SIR C for his assistance. Next, he got to work overturning each and every unfair policy Betrayus had put in place. And third, he tore down that eyesore of a statue of the late dictator in the garden. With all that done, he needed some rest and time to himself for once. That was easier said than done, as other patrons at the eatery just pointed and whispered at the poor kid.

But he paid no heed to their unwanted attention, as his mind was chock full of other things. Could he really do this? Who was going to take his place once his reign was through? What exactly were Betrayus and Buttocks doing down in the Nether Realm?

He just continued to pick at his food, and Spiral noticed his friend wasn't going to eat.

"Hey Pacster. You wanna head back?"

"Okay…"

They went over to one of the city's many transportation tubes, and stepped inside. WHOOSH. They were propelled through it quickly yet safely. They landed at the end of the tube, one that led to the Round House.

They went in, and Pac just went into the office that now belonged to him while Spiral decided to leave his friend alone as he felt it was best.

He stood at the window that overlooked the city of Pacopolis. It was pretty, yes. He held his hands behind his back, and sighed. He always knew the time for him to rule would come, but why did it have to be like THIS?!

He had lost not one but two people he cared deeply about in one sitting. He had already done enough crying, so now the pain was all inside, a dull throbbing anguish. But there was no time to sit and stew in his own juices. He had a planet to rule, amends to make.

"Mom", he began, "Dad… Auntie… Cyli… DAD… I hope I'm making you all proud."

So the boy just kept staring through the glass, wondering. Wondering just what this new life had in store for him. Just where this new road would lead.

-THE END-