Yzma the Empress

Episode 1: The Lost Battle

On the throne of the palace
So Yzma had done it, she was sitting on the throne, wearing her big purple gala outfit that she had dyed a long time ago for when she was crowned empress and Kuzko just watched from below as his arch enemy, who every week was in charge of devising a plan to turn him into a different animal, posed on the throne, happy to have fulfilled her proposal because she had finally won.

Of all those evil breads that he had proposed and had not achieved, he had finally succeeded and it is not that he had devised a more elaborate plan, but he too, had some blame, he was clumsy, insensitive, mean and above all a cretin, he had not been transformed into a llama, whale or rabbit again, but here he was like the last time, totally defeated, dejected, being reduced to nothing and looking from below, towards the throne where Yzma was sitting, next to Kronk and despite the fact that they had become friends, from so many moments at the Academy, he had not been able to fully understand how they had ended up this way, with Kronk on the other side, was he still his friend, he wondered?

Pathetic, alone and defeated, Kuzko was at the bottom, nothing had changed in terms of his current life, he still had Malina, Pacha and Chicha by his side, only... without his throne.
And seeing how Yzma rejoiced as empress, decided to go to Pacha's house, Yzma who had only been in charge of trying to make him fail school, so many times that he avoided it, was about to and came out victorious, defeating Yzma, this time, it could not be like that and he had been defeated, he thought to himself that perhaps this was a lesson that he deserved and that he should understand anyway, that finally that way of being of his, he deserved it and it was not for more, Who would want a selfish, mean emperor, a total cretin to rule?

Although he had asked himself this question before, his answer had finally arrived.

With these thoughts in mind, she lowered her head, thinking about everything before, Malina came running minutes later, surprised to see that Yzma on the throne had triumphed, Malina said nothing, she just looked back at Yzma who was sitting on the throne, she hadn't seen them, she was still busy choosing what kind of purple tapestry she should put on the walls, so fond of purple that she could finally enjoy what she wanted so much, to show Azma, Yzma's mother, that she was not a loser, as her former classmates from the Academy had sung to her, then Malina, standing next to her, looked at Kuzko and although she couldn't look at his face, she could see how downcast he was, then decided to approach him.

-Kuzko, are you okay?
-Malina, Kuzko replied, What a surprise? He sighed to himself, I'm sorry I couldn't become emperor, I just... I know, I was a fool, a complete idiot.

-Kuzko, don't say that...

-No Malina, it's okay, I know, I deserve it, so many times they saved me and just… Kuzko sighed

Malina just looked at him in despair, she still thought that something could be done, but she didn't know what, she could still come up with a plan if only...

-Malina, Kuzko continued, I think it's time to go home.

Malina just looked at him sadly and nodded slightly, she understood, it was not a good time to continue, maybe tomorrow, she thought.

Then Kuzko walked towards where Malina was, he looked at her very lightly without raising his head too much, walking with his head down, they prepared to leave the throne room, they crossed the door and left the palace, their old palace that had been their home for more than 19 years, waiting for a father who never returned, now he was lost, everything was.

As he descended the final stairs, Kuzko looked sadly at how his home and his dreams of returning to the throne were completely lost, lost because of his enormous selfishness that had blinded him to everything, all this time completely and only taking care of making his pride greater.

They left the palace together, Malina did nothing but look at Kuzko and think about coming up with another plan, but her thoughts were mixed with the concern she felt for him, who looked completely dejected, she knew he was right, he had been a complete idiot, mean and inconsiderate, but still, deep down, she loved him, she wanted to see him back on the throne, she knew that Kuzko would be a great emperor, if he learned not to be a jerk and inconsiderate.

Kuzko was getting better, so many lessons learned at school had taught Kuzko to be better than even Malina had thought he could be, now that had been overshadowed when Yzma had finally won.

Following the path laid out, after leaving the palace area, they arrived at the market. It was late but there were still people, very few of them distinguished by their last purchases before the market was ready to end its sales. Kuzko just walked dejectedly among the people, wondering how he let himself be carried away by Yzma's impudence. Lost in his thoughts and immersed in his sadness, he almost didn't notice Pacha's presence.

Who was doing his usual shopping at the market before returning home, Pacha, who looked as smiling as ever, could notice that Kuzko was not in the best situation, he knew of Yzma's previous plans, he had interrupted part of it, but halfway there he had no more information and hoped that Kuzko had succeeded, he also hoped that Kuzko would rise as his emperor, he had learned so much that he knew he could achieve it and be the great emperor that the nation of the sun needed, but now looking at Kuzko's face he knew the truth, it was not the answer he was waiting for, he finally spoke.

Kuzko, how did it go? Oh, I see it wasn't very good.

-Hello Pacha, Kuzko replied without showing much interest, Yzma won, he replied.

-Kuzko! What do you mean Yzma won? Everything was going so well last week and I was really hoping that…

-It was my fault, Kuzko interrupted, I finally realized that my selfishness didn't help at all, Yzma's plan wasn't the most elaborate, but I didn't help much with that.

-I'm so sorry Kuzko, was the only thing Pacha managed to say, before hearing a sigh from Kuzko.

After sighing, Kuzko raised his head slightly.

-Don't worry Pacha, Yzma always wanted the throne and maybe it's better for her to rule, you don't deserve an emperor as selfish as me.

Pacha had decided to respond to this by pointing out the great change that Kuzko had had since the day he met him, but when he looked at Malina, he knew that it would not be the best option, at that moment, Kuzko only wanted to be alone and he understood it.

-Well, he replied, we can go home, both of you get in my cart, I'll take you up the hill.

-Thank you Pacha, Malina replied

Although his immediate concern was evident in his tone of voice, Kuzko didn't answer, he just limited himself to climbing onto the back edge of the wagon with Malina and they began to be taken out of the bustling market, the advance was calm and constant, Malina occasionally turned to look at Kuzko, wanting to cheer him up as she always had, but now was not the right time, she had helped Kuzko so many times to become emperor and they were so close to achieving it, they had already avoided two arranged marriages, both Kuzko's with Princess Lalala, and hers with Guaka, even when Yzma's plans could succeed again.

Continuing down the road, up to the corner of her hill where the roads divided, Malina couldn't find a way to cheer Kuzko up. She had thought that giving him something special like at Christmas would lift his spirits and make her feel sorry for Pacha, but she felt that they could save that for later. Finally, she put her hand on Kuzko's shoulder, when Pacha's cart finally stopped, so that Malina could get off at the division of roads and head to her house.

Kuzko didn't react to Malina's touch, he knew they had arrived at where the roads divided and he also got off the cart, before Malina could say anything, Kuzko headed towards Pacha.

-Pacha, I will accompany Malina to her house

- Are you sure Kuzko? We won't be there long now, Pacha replied.

- I'm sure, Kuzko replied, I want to accompany Malina, if you don't mind.

-Of course not Kuzko, Malina said while looking at him worried, I appreciate that you want to accompany me.

-Well, then we will be waiting for you at home for dinner, don't be late, Pacha replied.

-Thanks Pacha, Kuzko nodded.

And with that Pacha headed to his cart and taking the reins of his llama, he decided to continue his way home, leaving Malina and Kuzko at a distance, I hope Kuzko is well, he thought as he walked away.

-Malina, Kuzko said as they began to walk to her house, I'm sorry for everything I've put you through until today, I always dedicated myself to being self-centered and I didn't notice what I had around me, I had everything I needed and I didn't know how to value it, I still miss the throne, I won't lie to you, it was my only wish, to return to it, to what I had and knew for so long and maybe now it's over forever, I'm sorry I failed you and Pacha and everyone who was helping me, maybe I don't deserve so much help from you, Kuzko finished with a sigh.

-Kuzko, we will find a way, don't despair, there must be something that can be changed,

I mention Malina, interested in the expressions on his face, Kuzko had not raised his head since then, he slowed down a little and without enthusiasm, Kuzko continued

-Malina, maybe, but for now it's not appropriate, I would like to go back in time like that time with the watch that Kronk was going to give you at your flower party and that I broke, but it's not possible, I want above all to apologize to you for having failed you, you were always supporting me and guiding me on the right path and I just wanted to talk about myself and how great I was, so many times I ruined your life for me, I've been mean and I feel like I deserve this, I should have been more honest with everyone and not let myself get carried away so much, I wanted the throne so much, that now I have nothing in return.

Malina looked at Kuzko in the light of the setting sun, her crystal-clear eyes shining in the light that was slowly setting behind her. Malina knew that he was speaking with all sincerity as she appreciated the fine features of his face, his bushy eyebrows and his dark skin that she liked so much.

-You have us, Malina replied calmly, trying not to sound desperate.

Not letting their eyes stop meeting, she knew that despite all of Kuzko's mistakes, he always vindicated himself from what came before, she had hope in him, he could even be the best emperor the sun nation had ever had, he just had to continue and learn as he had been doing all this time.

Walking more slowly, they stopped at a bench halfway to Malina's hut, where they sat down without realizing it.

-You have us, Malina commented again, we will help you return to the throne, not all is lost Kuzko, there are still ways, I don't know which ones yet, but there are, don't give in to despair, today would be time to rest, but tomorrow at school we could come up with a plan, Yzma won't be around and we still have Kronk in this, I know, he can help us a lot.

-Maybe something can be done, Malina, but for now I don't want to know anything related to the throne.

Kuzko looked at Malina, looking into her brown eyes that looked at him intensely, looking at her hair pushed back and her face showing a slight smile on her lips that expressed some hope, Kuzko was grateful to her for having helped him so many times and he, however, rarely limited himself to thanking her for her help, most of the time, emphasizing how great he was and downplaying Malina's achievements.

Kuzko then looked away, breaking the exchange of glances between Malina and him, perhaps it was not a good time to comfort his feelings in her, so he added with his gaze set on the horizon.

-Look, I... thought about it for a moment, he said, I want you to have a good night, totally dejected, Kuzko had decided to leave Malina at that moment, he had no more energy for anything.

Then Malina placed her hand on Kuzko's cheek, he was dejected, she didn't want to let him give up, even though everything seemed lost.

Then Kuzko looked into her eyes again, she still hadn't changed her posture, she looked at him with those beautiful brown eyes, still with hope in her gaze, then he knew that the throne wasn't as important at that moment as seeing Malina smile again, seeing her happy as always and trying to win all the competitions that were put in front of her, he wanted to at least make her happy, then she removed her hand from his cheek.

-Malina, crossing his eyes with hers, took the hand she had placed on his cheek and continued, I would like to give you everything that would make you so happy and I wish you hadn't had to go through so many problems because of my selfishness, Kuzko stopped to look at her more intensely, lifting Malina's face with his other hand so that they could look at each other and now their eyes shone at the edge of the sunset on that chaotic day for both of them.

-So many things that I ruined and plans that I destroyed, Kuzko continued, I regret having ruined your date with Ramón by trying to sabotage it, I admit, I was jealous of you and I didn't want to see you with him, but with me and I also regret having ruined your date with Kronk, when you decided on him, at that bachelor auction, I was sure that you would choose me, because I was the coolest thing in your life, I admit that I cheated and asked Yatta to bet on me, I was a fool to use the palace money for that and now I am nothing special, I am just a guy who is nobody anymore, after this Kuzko broke his gaze when looking at the horizon, lowered his hands, released Malina's hand and looking at the edge of the horizon, continued.

-Since my father disappeared I only knew how to be more than an emperor for everyone, that throne was very important to me, to get there and be crowned as my father would have wanted of me, to continue with the only legacy of the family that is me, no one in the palace had taken it upon themselves to challenge me and scold me like you did and even with all the difficulties, you never abandoned me, you were always supporting me and I wasn't there as much for you, I'm so sorry Malina, I have failed you, when I finished I let out a light sigh looking down.

Malina looked at him in the profile of the light that fell at dusk, she knew that he had not been the most considerate all the time, but he had improved, he had even been a gentleman on some occasions, he had surprised her when not everything was about him, she wanted to tell him how much she would support him to regain the throne and while she mixed her thoughts with the right words Kuzko got up from the bench and walked away a few steps watching as the last rays of the sun set behind the hills, Malina got up from her seat, walked towards him and looked at the sunset behind her, she didn't know how to continue encouraging him and that overwhelmed her.

So, as the sunset ended, Kuzko turned completely towards her, he knew it was time to leave Malina at her house and return to Pacha, even though he wasn't very convinced.

-Malina, it's already dark, said Kuzko without knowing what to say, it's time to...

-I know, Malina interrupted.

Kuzko lamented inside as the night separated them, perhaps the next day he would no longer have to go to school and would not be able to see her anymore, he thought that Yzma's mandate as empress would perhaps change many things, including being banished so as not to have more problems with the throne, his thoughts mixed at the edge of the night that slowly began to rise.

-Malina, Kuzko continued, maybe tomorrow we won't be able to see each other anymore because of Yzma, I don't know what will change from now on, but I don't think it will be good things, I will try to talk to Kronk, I also owe him a big apology for everything.

With this Kuzko approached Malina, while looking into her eyes, he realized how beautiful she was in the moonlight, so beautiful she was, standing in front of him, she had been with him all this time, he had not stopped to appreciate her beyond a few glances throughout his time at the Academy and now he was admiring how beautiful she was, he had liked her since he met her, but after going through everything and failing, he knew that the throne was not the only thing she wanted, he was always sure that she wanted it, but he had never had the opportunity to clarify his feelings, beyond having heard Malina talk to Yatta on some occasions, then for the first time he was not sure if she felt the same about him.

Kuzko moved a little closer, until he was very close to her and with his hand he slightly raised her face so that their gazes could meet, baldly for the last time he thought, he looked into her crystalline eyes, which were so beautiful in rhythm with the moonlight and slowly moved his hand towards her cheek with his thumb close to her gaze, he could notice the sadness in the girl's eyes, who returned his gaze with hope placed on him.

Then Kuzko knew that Malina trusted him even in this situation, when he had already lost his hope, he knew that she trusted him to achieve it, even if he had lost everything, he didn't care if he was the emperor, he couldn't hide his thoughts from her nor his feelings, so he knew that this would be the right time to show them to her.

Malina could feel Kuzko's breathing near her and was starting to get nervous. She raised her face a little higher and looked into his eyes intensely. She could see in him the sadness of what had happened, she could see his surrender and how sorry he was, but above all she could see that he was looking at her in a way he hadn't done before, with such tenderness and devotion that it made her feel very special at that moment. She remembered that Kuzko had already declared his love for her before and that she hadn't disliked him, but their relationship hadn't advanced any further than that and now they were there face to face, looking at each other intensely.

Feeling her heartbeat increase, Malina just admired Kuzko's features, his thick eyebrows that had always accompanied him, his eyes that now looked at her with great tenderness and his lips that she had already reciprocated before but now, with this new sensation that he transmitted to Malina just by looking at her, she was stupefied.

Then Kuzko tilted his head and slowly brought his lips closer to Malina's, he closed his eyes and leaned in close enough to kiss her tenderly, at the contact they both felt like they melted into one and the sensations of warmth became more intense with each moment they maintained contact.

It was the most delicious kiss she had ever tried with her, a light kiss with passion and sadness, her kiss was the sweetest of all, it was so passionate and Malina enjoyed every moment wishing it would never end while she felt an inexplicable sensation that made her want to continue with that wonderful kiss.

Enjoying that encounter and not knowing what would happen between them tomorrow, Kuzko finished kissing her and slightly moved his lips away from hers, he opened his eyes and kept his gaze on Malina's glow, without removing his hand, he just looked at her.

Malina didn't say anything at that moment, she was surprised that Kuzko could kiss her in such a soft and tender way, she just stared into Kuzko's eyes while nothing else existed in her world, finally, Kuzko calmly removed his hand from her cheek and placed it on her shoulder, with a soft voice he added:

-Good night Malina.

He waited for her response, but she didn't mention anything, she was still fascinated by the encounter they had had and she still felt the sensations running through her entire body, it had been wonderful, then Kuzko knew it was time to leave, he slowly removed his arm from Malina's shoulder and turned around calmly, he went down the hill and a few steps away he looked at her, who looked perplexed and beautiful sitting on the bench, Kuzko continued on his way to return to the crossroads and return to Pacha's house, perhaps his only home from now on.