Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel Cinematic Universe, Inhumans or anything else you may recognize

Thank you to everyone who has favorited, followed or reviewed this fic so far.

Thanks a lot to Brainstorm Sorcerer for help with two scenes.

And here's another.

Enjoy.

Chapter 6- Divide and Conquer

The courtroom was full of chatter due to the events that had just taken place, with Black Bolt on his throne once more, and Medusa, wearing another set of royal garments, sat down next to him, her crown back on her, while her hair had reduced in length to their usual size, the length they had when not being used for offense or defense.

Karnak and Crystal sat on their places too, with the Royal Guard standing all around, as the other courtiers continued to talk amongst themselves regarding what had just gone down between the Royal Family and the Genetics Council.

And no one could even blame them. While everyone had known of the friction between both factions ever since Black Bolt and Medusa had become the rulers, no one would have ever thought that it would end up going this far.

But it had, and now, Attilan was going to be changed because of an incident such as this. But good or bad, the other courtiers couldn't tell right now, since while most of them weren't fully opposed to the reformation of the caste system, they weren't that sure about it either, since they too were of the mind that Attilan had stood just fine for all these centuries with the caste system being the way it was.

But unlike the Genetics Council, they could only give advice to the King and Queen, not oppose them or even try and downplay them using greater power, because their power was not greater than the Royal Family at the end of the day.

Medusa, regardless of how she was feeling inside due to what the Genetics Council had put her through, managed to keep a strong face in public.

As the talking amongst the courtiers continued, Black Bolt finally raised his hand, causing all of them to stop, and turn to his direction, with any chatter pretty much freezing at that point.

It was pin-drop silence now.

"You all must be wondering why a fight broke out between the Genetics Council and all of us", Medusa herself began addressing the court, briefly looking at Black Bolt, who gave her a nod of encouragement, and she continued to address them. "It is because they tried to misuse their power and authority, all so they could humiliate me."

The shock of the courtiers increased, and they started whispering amongst themselves even more. Medusa was not going to tell them how exactly the Genetics Council had tried to humiliate her, that was something only the rest of her family, and the Royal Guard, were aware of.

Plus the Council themselves and Druna, but none of them were on their side.

Black Bolt raised his hand to silence them again, as Medusa spoke. "The 'Verdict of No Faith' that they put in effect was nothing but a trick by them, a ploy to weaken us. The test that was put forth was also part of it, it did not matter whether I lived or died, for they would have used our weakened position to kick us out of our positions of authority anyways."

The courtiers did not reply, just listening to what Medusa had said, and absorbing the implications of her words, all of them quite shocked at this, as none of them had expected the Genetics Council could be this bad and use tricks such as these to step over the Royal Family of Attilan itself.

Karnak noted. "Most of them were injured in their scuffle with us, and have been kept prisoner. Chancellor Arcadius and Porcal are on the run, but they lack any power and connections as of now, and we shall be able to find and imprison them soon too." With that, he gave out a sigh. "However, the Genetics Council were just a symptom. The true disease that festers in Attilan runs much deeper than just them."

Black Bolt nodded in agreement there. He would have said more but the courtiers did not understand sign language, unlike his family.

"The power balance was one-sided when the Genetics Council was in power", Karnak said to all of the courtiers. "For all their talk of balance, they did not mind that the balance of power always tilted to their side, and they used that to step over us every time we had a disagreement with them, and we had a lot of those times recently." With that, he declared to all of them. "Because of this, while we will eventually appoint a new Genetics Council, it shall not be keeping an eye on genetics anymore."

The courtiers were shocked again and started talking amongst themselves while Karnak continued to speak. "No, we have decided they shall be called just 'The Council', and the power balance between us and them shall be equal. And, this new Council shall be appointed based on the suggestions of the people. Not just the courtiers like all of you, but all the people of Attilan."

Now they stopped talking, realizing what Karnak meant, as one courtier asked. "Are you saying the entire Attilan will have a say in who gets recruited into these positions?"

"Yes, that is exactly what we are saying", Medusa said in reply.

"But wouldn't that be a hassle?" Another courtier asked.

"We shall take care of that", Karnak shrugged.

"What if the ones chosen by the people turn out to be selfish and corrupt?" One more of them asked.

"And the Council we already had wasn't selfish and corrupt?" Medusa asked with a slight edge to her voice, which made that courtier shut up.

"This new Council shall work alongside us, and sometimes opposed to us, depending on how things go, for the betterment of Attilan, for its people", Karnak announced to the entirety of the court. "But the important thing is that the balance of power shall be equal, and we will try our best to always arrive at a reasonable decision that is for the best of Attilan and its people."

With that, Medusa then declared. "This court is adjourned."

Soon enough, the only ones left in the Court were the Royal Family themselves, plus Lockjaw, who was lying down and being petted by Crystal.

"Some of them are in disagreement, but we will have to show them the results when the time comes", Karnak told the rest of his family. "They will see that this shall start the development of Attilan soon."

The rest of them nodded, while Karnak said. "Still, with the Genetics Council done for, there is a power vacuum that exists right now, so we need to tread carefully for now."

Crystal had some doubts herself. "If what you say is true, then Maximus would be waiting for a chance like this. How can we fight when the battle is already rigged?"

"Maximus will not find us such an easy conquest", Medusa said in reply quite strongly.

But all of them stopped as the King's hands began to move in sign language.

"When the time comes, we will fight, and my brother will fall. This I swear."

"That is exactly what I like to hear!" Gorgon said with a grin, Lockjaw barking lightly in what seemed like agreement too.

And then, Black Bolt did a sign which seemed to join all of them together, placing and treating the entire Royal Family as one.

All of them were aware of what this little sign meant, having seen it many times, and being in agreement with it.

"Together, always."

And then, all of them said it together as well.

"Together, always."

Inhumans intro plays as a flash of Lockjaw teleporting is shown, followed by a flash of Crystal raising her hands to either side as wind blew around her, and then a flash of Gorgon slamming his hooves on the ground as everything shook, and then a flash of Karnak meditating, after which there was a bit of Maximus standing as a wave emanated from his head, followed by a flash of Medusa's hair moving, and then a flash of Black Bolt, slowly opening his mouth, and at the end, all of them except Maximus standing together before the title screen is shown at the end of it.

The Darkward End of Attilan was a world apart from the towering spires and glistening domes of the city's upper districts. Narrow, shadow-choked alleys twisted in impossible mazes, the air thick with the scent of decay and desperation. Crumbling structures leaned against each other as though sharing the burden of their disrepair. The streets were alive with whispers and murmurs, people huddled in corners, their faces etched with hunger and hopelessness.

This was where Maximus had chosen to make his next move.

The flickering light of makeshift torches cast jagged shadows on the walls, illuminating a gathering of lower-caste citizens. Darrek stood tall among them, his strong frame tense with anticipation. Beside him were Lia, Kivar, Shaya, Ryn, Naros, and Daris, all drawn by Maximus' promises. Taran lingered at the edge of the group, his arms crossed, his expression a mix of unease and intrigue. He couldn't deny the truth in some of Maximus' words, yet doubt gnawed at him.

The man himself stood atop a broken column in the center of the square, his plain garments blending with the crowd yet somehow making him stand out. His voice, rich and magnetic, carried over the gathered masses. Locking eyes with his audience, he exuded a sincerity that masked his calculated intentions.

"Brothers and sisters of Attilan," Maximus began, his arms spread wide, "look around you. Look at the homes you struggle to keep standing, the food you struggle to place on your tables, the sickness that claims our children because we lack the resources to save them. Is this the greatness Attilan promises? Is this the future we deserve?"

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd, some nodding, others whispering to their neighbors. Maximus' words were like oil on a fire, stoking the simmering anger and despair in their hearts.

"Yet," Maximus continued, "while we scrape by, the Royal Family enjoys untold luxury. They stand above us, untouchable, dictating our lives, deciding who we are allowed to be. And now, their true colors have been shown. As I told you all before, they have overthrown the Genetics Council—not because they sought justice, but because the Council dared to question their rule."

Darrek clenched his fists. "So they did attack the Genetics Council? Is all of that true?"

Maximus turned his piercing gaze on him. "Oh, it's true. The Council asked only for answers—to try and gain more clarity on these reforms and discuss them, and also on the child of the King and Queen, to get a better idea. And for these questions, they were struck down, their chambers left in ruins. Does that sound like justice to you? Does that sound like the actions of rulers who care for their people?"

"No!" Shaya shouted, her voice trembling with fury. "It sounds like tyranny!"

Maximus nodded solemnly. "Exactly. Tyranny. Blackagar Boltagon is no King; he is a tyrant who uses silence to mask his disdain for us. And Medusa? She is no better—a manipulator who hides behind her husband's shadow and a veneer of compassion, using words as weapons to keep us docile."

"But what about the Genetics Council?" Lia asked, her voice hesitant. "They were no saints either. They upheld the caste system too."

Ryn nodded at that. "You and I both know that we tried to meet with them for discussions on the caste system, but nothing ever came of that."

Maximus leaned forward, his tone shifting to one of practiced sympathy. "Ah, Lia, Ryn, you're not wrong. The Genetics Council was flawed, yes. And they too upheld the caste system. But they were a check on the Royal Family's power, a necessary balance, and at least they did not fool us regarding their true intentions. Now, with the Genetics Council destroyed, who is left to stop the Royals from trampling us underfoot? Who will ensure that the tyranny of the Royal Family is put in check?"

Naros stepped forward, his voice edged with bitterness. "They've done nothing for us. Look around! Our lives haven't changed. If anything, they've gotten worse."

Maximus gestured dramatically to the crumbling buildings and desperate faces around them. "Indeed, Naros. Look around. This is their legacy. They claim to be saviors, yet they allow this suffering to continue. And now, they aim to solidify their power by bringing a child into this world—a child born of tyrants. As I have said before, the child will be just like the two of them, and the child is already influencing them from the womb, making them worse than they are."

The crowd stirred, anger bubbling to the surface. Ryn shouted, "Another tyrant, the child truly is! Just like all of them!"

Taran, still lingering at the edge, raised his voice. "I hear you, Prince Maximus." He looked at the rest. "I hear all of you too." But then he said. "However, as was pointed out earlier, the Genetics Council did not care about us either, while I still want to believe that Queen Medusa and King Blackagar Boltagon did." He looked at Shaya, Ryn and Kivar. "The three of you were invited to sit in their court, alongside some others. Some say it was only to insult the Genetics Council, but if they truly were as bad as it is claimed, would they even go that far and give any time to the likes of us?" He asked. "What if they truly want peace?"

His words had an effect on everyone, and they seemed to listen, trying to see his points and considering them, and finding him sincere.

Then Maximus turned sharply, his expression one of practiced incredulity. "Peace? Under their boot? I have said it before- Don't be a fool, Taran. They promise peace while holding the reins of power tighter than ever. They'll tell you whatever you want to hear, do whatever you need to see them do, so long as you don't question their authority. Is that the kind of peace you want?"

With that, the effect of Taran's voice on the people was gone, a fleeting moment of doubt, swept away by Maximus' words like a wave.

Taran faltered, his doubt growing. "But... they did promise to reform the caste system. Maybe they—"

"Empty promises!" Maximus thundered, his voice slicing through Taran's hesitation. "They've had a good deal to change this system, yet here we are, in the Darkward End, living in filth and squalor. If they truly cared, would we still be here?"

The crowd roared in agreement, their anger a living thing now, feeding off Maximus' words, too taken in by his charisma to point out that he himself lived in luxury and not in the Darkward End.

Daris stepped closer to Taran, placing a hand on his shoulder. "He's right, Taran. Look at where we are. Look at what we endure. We can't trust the Royals anymore."

Maximus spread his arms again, his voice softening into a coaxing tone. "This is our moment, my friends. The Council are weak, the Royal Family is losing control over themselves, and the child will rule over us like a tyrant. This is our moment—to rise and take what is ours!"

Shaya raised her fist in the air. "For the people of Attilan!"

"For our freedom!" Ryn echoed, his voice hoarse but fervent.

Maximus smiled, his work nearly complete. "Together, we will rise. Together, we will reclaim Attilan. No more castes, no more tyranny. Just equality and freedom for all."

The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices echoing off the dilapidated walls of the Darkward End. Taran remained silent, his heart torn between the despair Maximus highlighted and the hope he still clung to for the Royal Family's promises. As he looked at the faces around him, alight with newfound determination, he wondered if he was the fool Maximus claimed—or if he was the only one seeing through the cracks in the man's words.

The Darkward End was the last place anyone would expect to find members of the Genetics Council. It was precisely why Arcadius and Porcal had chosen it. The two men huddled in the corner of a damp, crumbling tenement, the stench of decay and rot making them both wince with every breath. The dim glow of a sputtering lamp cast flickering shadows across their faces, etched with desperation and fear.

They could hear the cheering from Maximus' manipulated and controlled crowd all the way till here.

Arcadius' once-imposing figure seemed diminished, his robes torn and stained with dirt, his usual air of superiority eroded by their circumstances. Porcal, who had always been meticulous about his appearance, including his quills, looked even worse. His fingers twitched as he brushed at his sleeve, as though trying to rid himself of invisible filth, while his quills were filthy and some were even twisted.

"This place," Porcal muttered, his voice thick with disdain, "it's unbearable. How do these people live like this?"

Arcadius sneered, pulling his cloak tighter around him. "They live because they don't know better. They've never tasted true power, true luxury. It's just like this lot to wallow in this... filth."

Porcal grimaced, his gaze darting to the sagging ceiling above them. "And now, so must we. Do you realize how far we've fallen, Chancellor Arcadius? From ruling Attilan to hiding in the shadows of this wretched pit."

Arcadius' jaw clenched. "Silence, Porcal. We are not defeated. Not yet."

Porcal scoffed, his voice trembling with anger. "Not defeated? We've lost everything! The Council is broken and imprisoned, our chambers are desecrated, and our authority is stripped away. The Royal Family has won."

"For now," Arcadius said, his voice cold and calculating. He leaned closer to Porcal, his eyes gleaming with a flicker of defiance. "But they have not crushed us completely. They underestimate us, and that will be their downfall."

Porcal shook his head, his fear overcoming his anger. "You think we can recover from this? We planned everything—everything—to perfection. The child would have been ours, a puppet to control Blackagar Boltagon and Medusa, to bend the Royal Family to our will. Now, we're nothing more than fugitives!"

Arcadius' lips curled into a bitter smile. "True power doesn't die, Porcal. It adapts. They may have forced our hand, but they've left us alive. That was their mistake."

Porcal frowned, his brow furrowed. "And what now? Without the Council, without our resources, what can we possibly do? Blackagar Boltagon and Medusa will hunt us down."

Arcadius' expression darkened, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "We are not without options. The lower castes are rising, stirred by discontent. The chaos is fertile ground for allies... even unlikely ones."

Porcal's eyes widened, realization dawning. "You mean... him?" The cheering in the distance seemed to echo in their ears. "Him?"

Arcadius didn't answer immediately, his silence speaking volumes. Instead, he looked down at the cracked stone floor, his fingers tapping rhythmically on his knee. Finally, he said, "We may despise him, but he understands power—and how to wield it. If aligning with him serves our purpose... so be it."

Porcal's face twisted in distaste. "That madman? He would sooner destroy Attilan than see it ruled by us. He's unpredictable, Chancellor Arcadius. Dangerous."

Arcadius nodded, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "Yes. But he is also desperate, just as we are. Desperation can be a powerful motivator. And by joining him, we can also look like Champions of the people. Besides," his voice dropped lower, "As you know, I have a... contingency plan. One that might ensure Blackagar Boltagon never stands against us again."

Porcal froze, his gaze sharp now at this point. "Ah, yes, that, which we created."

Arcadius leaned back, a sly smile creeping onto his face. "Yes, and let's just say I've it as I've prepared for this eventuality. Blackagar Boltagon is a King, yes, but even a King can be brought to his knees with the right leverage. And now, we have just the thing for him."

Porcal swallowed hard, his voice barely a whisper. "Do you think this will work?"

"It will," Arcadius replied smoothly. "For it is insurance. The kind we'll need if we're to strike a bargain with Maximus—or anyone else, for that matter."

Porcal's unease deepened, but he didn't press further. Instead, he looked around the squalid room, his expression grim. "And if he refuses? What then?"

Arcadius' smile faded, replaced by a steely resolve. "Then we adapt again. We will survive, Porcal. We will see the Royal Family brought low, and Attilan remade in our image. It is only a matter of time."

Porcal nodded reluctantly, though his discomfort remained. "Let's hope you're right. Because if you're wrong... we'll end up as corpses rotting in this cesspool."

Arcadius' eyes burned with cold fury. "I am never wrong."

The two men sat in tense silence, the flickering lamp casting their shadows on the crumbling walls like specters of a bygone age. Outside, the muffled voices of the impoverished residents of the Darkward End echoed through the streets, as well as the cheering crowd, both a constant reminder of how far they had fallen—and how far they still had to climb to reclaim their power.

As the lamp sputtered and dimmed, Arcadius' mind churned with schemes, his fingers brushing against the concealed device in his cloak. Whatever it took, he would ensure that Blackagar Boltagon, Medusa, and their child would never see the throne again. And if it meant making a deal with him, so be it.

For power, Arcadius would pay any price.

Medusa stood in hers and Black Bolt's private chambers, looking ahead at the balcony as a tear rolled down her cheek, but when it fell, her hair caught it.

Mahabharat (Flute & Humming Version) Sad BGM plays

It didn't do much though, as the scene of that hand-knife of Sapphiras cutting her robes flashed through her mind, and she could still hear the clatter from her crown falling and hitting the ground.

The laughter of all the Council members echoed in her mind.

"Make way for the naked Queen!"

The tears continued to fall, more rapidly now, and she screamed, her hair lashing out as they hit the walls, forming cracks at first, before she struck the walls harder, and the cracks deepened, the walls even breaking now, more holes forming, before she screamed once more and fell to her knees, her tears continuing to fall.

She was like that, and did not care how many seconds, minutes, or hours passed.

Until she felt a hand to her shoulder, and looked up to see Black Bolt, looking at her, sadness and guilt in his own eyes.

As she looked at him, he embraced her, his head over where her baby bump would be, and she could feel his body shaking with misery due to the fact that he had arrived just a few seconds too late, and his guilt at this was affecting him.

Tears rolled down his cheeks, and she knew that if he had the ability to speak without destroying, he would be screaming himself right now.

For a few minutes, they were like that, not King and Queen, but husband and wife, comforting each other, for what she had gone through, and for his failure in not being able to stop it in time, all because he had thought at the start that they could perhaps resolve things diplomatically with the Genetics Council.

What a fool he had been!

While Arcadius and Porcal were on the run, they would not be spared either, just like the ones who were already in custody.

They parted, looking at each other, as Black Bolt told her mentally. "I'm sorry. I should have come sooner."

Medusa patted his shoulder. "I do not hold any anger towards you. We all underestimated them."

Black Bolt looked down sadly. "I should still have come sooner."

"If we underestimated them, the greatest fault lies with me."

They turned to see Karnak at the doorway, looking glum himself. He walked inside, sighing. "I am the one who analyses everything for flaws, from structures to situations, to people. And even I did not realize what Arcadius wanted to do to you." He knelt down near them. "And for that, I am sorry."

Medusa knew this was gnawing at him, and assured him. "Apology accepted." Regardless of their failures, the culprits were the Genetics Council. They were the criminals and the root cause of all of this.

And it was them that she blamed for everything.

"But this does mean we need to make our reforms as quickly as possible", Karnak said, putting a hand to Medusa's shoulder. "And catch both Arcadius and Porcal. If the Genetics Council could do something like this to the Queen herself, just imagine what they would do to the common people." The two paled on imagining that as Karnak added. "If they would do this to their Queen, who knows what other violations they have committed in the past."

He was right, they could have easily done horrible things in the past, then used their power and authority to hide the fact that such things had even happened.

Medusa nodded, wiping her tears, as Black Bolt did the same, and she said. "You speak true, Karnak. The time is to start doing what we have kept promising the people, and secure the future of Attilan."

Black Bolt nodded, as did Karnak.

The gardens of the palace were quiet. Crystal sat near the stone bench by the central fountain, her knees pulled up to her chest, her arms wrapped tightly around them. Her normally vibrant features were shadowed, her eyes rimmed red, and tears streaked her cheeks. In public, she had put on a mask, but now alone, it crumbled. The faint hum of the fountain's cascading water was the only sound until Lockjaw padded over to her, his tail wagging faintly as he pressed his massive, warm head against her leg.

She reached forth and stroked him absently, her fingers tangling in the soft fur behind his ears. Touching Lockjaw, her lifelong companion, offered a fleeting sense of comfort.

For a moment, she could almost pretend things were as they had been.

Almost.

But the memory of what she'd done to Furgar burned brightly in her mind—his screams, the way his body convulsed under the sheer force of her lightning, and the overwhelming rage she'd felt when she unleashed it. The thought made her stomach churn. If Gorgon hadn't intervened…

The heavy thud of footsteps approached, and she looked up to see Gorgon standing there, his expression unreadable. He held a large jug of water in one hand and two cups in the other. Without a word, he sat down behind her on the bench and poured a cup, handing it to her, gesturing to his side.

She took it but didn't drink, simply holding it in her hands as though she didn't know what to do with it, while she stood up and sat on the bench. Lockjaw climbed up beside her, his bulk pressing close as he rested his head on her lap.

For a moment, neither spoke. Then Crystal broke the silence, her voice shaky and quiet. "Am I a monster, Gorgon?"

Gorgon's brow furrowed, his head tilting slightly. "What? Why would you say that?"

"I... I nearly killed him," she whispered, her eyes wide with disbelief at herself. "If you hadn't stopped me, Furgar—he might be dead. And for a second... I wanted that. I didn't care. I just wanted to hurt him, to make him pay for what he did to my sister Medusa."

Her voice cracked, and the tears came again, spilling over as her body trembled. "That's not who I thought I was. I thought I could never do that. I thought I was different. But I wasn't. I'm not."

Gorgon set the jug and his cup down on the ground and leaned forward, his large hands clasped together. He took a deep breath before speaking. "Crystal, listen to me. What you felt back there—that wasn't wrong. It wasn't evil. What the Council did to Medusa... to all of us... it was unforgivable. Of course you were angry. Of course you wanted to protect her. That's natural."

"But the way I did it..." she said, her voice barely audible.

Gorgon sighed, his gaze softening. "You're not a monster, Crystal. You're someone who loves her family deeply, someone who has a heart big enough to carry all that pain and anger and still feel guilty about it after. That's not the mark of a horrible person—that's the mark of someone with compassion."

She shook her head, her tears falling onto Lockjaw's fur. "But it doesn't feel right. It feels like something inside me changed and broke, Gorgon. I've always believed that things could be better, that if we worked hard enough, we could fix everything. But now..."

He put a hand on her shoulder, his voice firm but kind. "You've seen the truth of this world, Crystal. Politics—this whole mess with the Genetics Council and then Maximus—it's a game for schemers and cynics. They twist the rules and exploit the innocent. It's ugly, and it's cruel. But that's the world we live in."

Crystal looked up at him, her eyes searching his face. "Then how am I supposed to survive in it? How do I fight people like that without becoming like them?"

Gorgon gave her a small, sad smile. "You fight them by remembering who you are. You're strong, Crystal, stronger than you know. But strength alone won't be enough. You'll need to steel yourself for what's to come—to harden your resolve."

His hand moved to rest over her heart, his voice softening. "But don't lose this. Don't lose your compassion, your kindness, or your hope. That's what makes you who you are. That's what makes you better than them."

Her lower lip trembled as she looked down, her hand coming to rest over Lockjaw's head. The giant dog gave a soft whine, pressing closer to her. She ran her fingers through his fur, anchoring herself in the simple, unyielding love he offered.

"I don't know if I can do this," she admitted. "What if I fail? What if I can't be strong enough?"

"You're already stronger than you think," Gorgon said. "You faced down all of the Genetics Council alongside when it mattered most, and even threatened Arcadius himself. And when it became too much, you stopped. You let me pull you back. That's strength, Crystal. Not just power, but knowing when to use it—and when to hold back."

She let out a shaky breath, nodding slowly. "I'll try."

"That's all anyone can ask of you," Gorgon said, pulling her into a gentle hug. His large arms wrapped around her, holding her as she cried against his shoulder. "You'll get through this. We all will. And when the time comes, we'll stand together—like family."

Lockjaw barked softly, his tail wagging as though in agreement. Gorgon chuckled, rubbing the dog's head. "See? Even Lockjaw thinks you've got this."

Crystal managed a small, watery smile, wiping at her eyes. "Thank you, Gorgon. I needed that."

"Anytime, young one," he said, giving her a reassuring squeeze before pulling back. "Now, get some rest. We know we are going to be having more long days."

Crystal nodded, leaning down to hug Lockjaw tightly before rising from the bench.

Gorgon added. "Besides, Lockjaw mauled two of them too, we don't see him as a monster, do we?"

"Nope", Crystal said while shaking her head, and petted his head, while he wagged his tail. "He is the best boy."

Then, she began to walk off. As she walked back toward the palace, Lockjaw following close behind, she glanced back at Gorgon. For the first time since the Council's attack, she felt a flicker of hope. It wasn't much, but it was enough to take the next step.

Karnak then appeared in front of them, as Crystal turned to him. "Oh, hello Karnak."

Karnak looked down at Lockjaw. "Would you mind if I borrow your friend for some help?"

Crystal looked down at Lockjaw, who barked, and she shook her head. "No, I don't think I will, or him for the matter."

Targon, Videmus, Sapphiras, Furgar, Cynas and Druna were all restrained to chairs, cuffs around the wrists and legs, with a ring of sorts that was a few inches away from their neck coming from the back of the chair.

Cynas, Furgar, Sapphiras and Druna had been treated for their wounds, just enough to keep them alive, not to alleviate their pain, as they didn't deserve that. Even now, groans escaped them every few seconds, especially Cynas, as her ass had been bitten off.

Targon and Videmus weren't as injured as the rest of them.

Karnak was crouched on his own chair, looking between each one, his trained eyes focused on the panting by Druna, gulping by Cynas, the scorched Furgar's blinking, Videmus rubbing his index and thumb together, and the corner of Targon's lip twitching.

Each a microexpression that let Karnak read them like an open book, lasting less than a second, but enough time for him.

Sapphiras was harder to read, being made of metal meant her expressions were different from one made of flesh, but Karnak liked to learn. Many had mocked him for never undergoing Terrigenesis.

They were about to learn why he never needed it.

"I think I'll spare us all about ten seconds by forgoing what you're sitting in." All five clenched their fists, Targon and Sapphiras pulling as they did, though the latter cried out in pain. Druna was too ashamed to respond.

Anger in the rest of them.

Karnak almost smirked, they were so simple.

He knew he'd get nothing from Druna, she was only used by Arcadius for information and sex, and paid in like. The little she did know, she'd already told them earlier when confessing of what the Genetics Council wanted to do to Medusa.

"Let's cut to the chase and talk about what all you will lie about until your throats are dry and our children succeed us. The truth."

Karnak hopped off the chair to his feet and paced across from the prisoners, keeping each one in view.

"We'll never talk." Targon, always so impulsive.

"That's alright," Karnak waved him off, "I never had much faith in words. In my experience, everyone lies, only some are better than others, and very few of those others know what to look for."

Targon was all talk, information from him would be irrelevant, Aracdius would know not to confide to him, knowing that, Karnak casually stopped by his chair and leaned on the Inhuman's chair. "And very few of our people know of the secrets the Genetics Council have tried to keep to themselves. Their plans, tools, all to usurp the power of the Royal Family." Karnak's eyes scanned the remaining four for weaknesses. They all had them, some more than others.

Time to see which one cracks first.

"We know Arcadius would prepare data, recordings, anything he can get his hands on to give him the edge in turning Attilan against us. It's why the Royal Guard scoured every inch of his and Porcal's rooms."

Two of them tried to hide their smiles. Karnak tilted his head and walked from the immobile Targon to stare at Sapphiras and the scorched Furgar.

"But we got it wrong." Karnak crouched again to look up to both of the bound Council members. "We should have started with one of your rooms."

"You're not making sense." Furgar snapped before crying out in pain, but Karnak's eyes saw the one shoulder shrug by the scaley Inhuman.

Nodding, Karnak agreed. "I'm not. To someone like you." Someone not bound by their laws that they made up to control them. "How about we move on and take a look in your rooms, see whether I'm full of it or not."

No reaction, the Inhuman left unchanged by Terrigen tilted his head. "No, not in your room, above it."

He took a chance and got what he wanted.

The scaley and burnt lip of Furgar moved for less than a second, as did his burnt brows, it was all Karnak needed to know.

A chuckle left the Royal cousin as he patted Furgar's knee, making him scream again due to the pain it caused him.

"Thank you for everything."

"What?"

"He didn't say anything!" Videmus shouted.

Still grinning, Karnak looked at the Inhuman with no eyes.

"He didn't have to." Without even a second to respond, Videmus and the rest of the Council were left to rage as Karnak strolled to a wall before it opened and shut behind him. The Inhuman looking up at his taller and hooved cousin waiting on the other side for him, alongside Lockjaw.

"Okay, how'd you do it?"

"You weren't watching?" Karnak teased Gorgon, who already was annoyed by him. "He told me everything."

"All I heard was denial."

"The lips say one thing, but the body contradicts the words. I'll show you the trick one of these days." "Absolutely not."

Gorgon walked faster than his large frame implied to get away.

"Last time gave me nightmares about reading eyebrows."

Lockjaw barked as Karnak chuckled, and said to the good dog. "Now this is where you come in, my friend."

He barked again and wagged his tail.

The first light of day was just breaking over Attilan, casting a muted glow across the city's towering structures. Medusa and Crystal stepped out of the palace gates, the air between them quiet but heavy with unspoken thoughts, the former's hair flailing time and time again.

They made their way down toward the lower districts, the vibrant opulence of the royal grounds gradually giving way to narrower streets, crumbling stone facades, and the unmistakable signs of neglect. The market square, which should have been bustling with activity, felt subdued. Traders muttered among themselves, their eyes casting wary glances at the Royal Family. Groups of citizens lingered on street corners, speaking in hushed tones that quieted further as the sisters approached.

Medusa's sharp eyes caught the resentment in their stares, the barely veiled distrust etched in their faces. Whispers floated through the air, just loud enough to be heard by them.

"First they destroy Council, now they come here?"

"They've never cared before. Why now?"

"It's all for show."

Crystal winced at the words, glancing toward her sister. "They hate us," she said softly, her voice tinged with hurt.

Medusa stopped walking; her hands folded in front of her as she surveyed the scene. "They don't trust us anymore," she said, her voice steady but low. "And why would they? We've ruled over them, but we've never truly ruled for them."

Crystal nodded, her expression hardening with determination. "Then we change that. We make them see we're on their side."

Medusa turned to her, her lips curving into a faint smile. "That's exactly what we need to do. But words won't be enough, Crystal. The caste system has been here for centuries, and has driven a wedge deeper than anything else. No grand speech will fix that."

Crystal looked down at her hands, flexing her fingers slightly as if testing her own resolve. "So, what do we do?" she asked. "How do we make things right?"

"Radical reforms," Medusa replied, her tone decisive. "We'll need to go beyond what's comfortable—beyond what even the Council or the nobles would tolerate. It won't be easy, and it won't happen overnight, but it's the only way. We need to show them, not just tell them, that we're different."

Crystal tilted her head thoughtfully, her gaze drifting to a child sitting on a stoop nearby, clutching a worn blanket. The child's hollow eyes watched them cautiously, as though unsure if the Royal Family of Attilan were friend or foe. "Do you think they'll believe us?" She asked.

"They'll believe what they see," Medusa said, following Crystal's gaze. "If we're truly on their side, they'll feel it in their lives. In their homes. We can't just promise change. We have to bring it."

Crystal nodded, her earlier doubts receding as Medusa's resolve bolstered her own. She glanced at her sister, hesitating before speaking. "Medusa... what they did to you—the Council—are you all right?"

Medusa's expression softened, a flicker of vulnerability breaking through her regal composure. "It was... difficult," she admitted, her hand unconsciously resting over her stomach as her hair rose for a bit due to the memory before going back down. "For a moment, I thought—" She stopped, shaking her head, her hair also shaking vigorously. "But I'm here now. And so is the baby. That's what matters."

Crystal reached out, placing her hand over Medusa's. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "You didn't deserve any of it."

Medusa smiled faintly, covering Crystal's hand with her own. "And I saw what happened with Furgar, and what you were thinking about it. Gorgon told me."

Crystal's cheeks flushed with shame. "I... I didn't mean to lose control. I just—when I saw what they did to you—I couldn't stop myself."

Medusa gently cupped Crystal's face, her expression tender. "You stood up for me, Crystal. You fought for me when I couldn't fight for myself, just like the rest of them. Don't let guilt overshadow that. You're stronger than you know."

Crystal's eyes filled with tears, but she managed a small smile. "Gorgon said something similar. He told me to hold on to my compassion. To be who I am."

"And he's right," Medusa said, brushing a stray tear from her sister's cheek. "You have such a good heart, Crystal. Don't ever let anyone take that from you—not the Council, not Maximus, not anyone."

Crystal threw her arms around Medusa, hugging her tightly.

When they pulled apart, Medusa looked out over the streets, her expression resolute. "We have a long road ahead of us," she said. "But we'll walk it together."

Crystal nodded, her own resolve mirroring her sister's. "Together."

As they continued their walk, the whispers and wary stares followed them, but the sisters stood taller, their bond stronger than ever. They had a city to heal, a people to win back, and a future to fight for—together.

The dim corridors of the Genetics Council's compound loomed eerily quiet. Furgar's quarters lay in a secluded wing, seemingly untouched since the Council's arrest.

Karnak led the way, his calculating gaze scanning every surface, every crevice, his thoughts racing ahead of him like a game of chess. Gorgon followed close behind, his powerful frame tense with anticipation. Lockjaw trotted beside them, his tail wagging, though his nose occasionally twitched as if detecting something unusual.

"Furgar's quarters are this way," Karnak said, his voice as precise as his movements. "And based on his reactions, I believe what we find lies near here."

Gorgon scoffed. "Typical Council nonsense. Always hiding the truth from the rest of us and pretending to care about the wellbeing of Attilan."

Lockjaw barked, the sound echoing faintly in the empty hallway. Karnak glanced back, the faintest twitch of a smile on his lips. "Let's also hope Lockjaw's sense of smell is better than Furgar's sense of secrecy."

They reached the ornate doorway to Furgar's quarters. Despite the grandeur of the gilded carvings, a heavy padlock secured the entrance. Gorgon stepped forward without hesitation, gripping the lock and snapping it apart with a single twist of his wrist.

"Subtle," Karnak remarked dryly, pushing the door open.

The interior was lavish, with datapads and cabinets. Karnak moved swiftly, his sharp eyes scanning every corner, while Gorgon used brute force to pull aside heavy furniture. Lockjaw sniffed at the walls, occasionally pawing at a specific spot before growling softly.

"It's here," Karnak murmured, noticing Lockjaw's consistent focus near the far wall. He stepped closer, tracing his fingers along the grooves in the paneling. "A secret chamber."

"How do you know?" Gorgon asked, stepping up beside him.

"Because Furgar wasn't clever enough to build something I couldn't see, or Lockjaw couldn't smell," Karnak replied, pressing a concealed latch. A faint click echoed, and a section of the wall slid open, revealing a narrow staircase descending into darkness.

Lockjaw barked excitedly, wagging his tail as if to say, I told you so.

"Well, this isn't ominous at all," Gorgon muttered. "Let's see what the Council's been hiding."

Karnak patted Lockjaw, who wagged his tail harder. "Good boy." He barked happily.

The stairs led to a hidden room filled with rows of sleek consoles and holo-projectors. The air was cold and stale, and faint hums from dormant machinery punctuated the silence. Karnak immediately moved to the central console, brushing off a layer of dust. Lockjaw sniffed around, growling softly at the machinery, while Gorgon kept watch, his eyes scanning the room for any hidden threats.

Lockjaw suddenly started pawing at another wall, and Karnak touched it. "A fake wall. Must be how they escaped." So this place hadn't been untouched since the Council's arrest. "They must have a mechanism to shut everything off after escaping, hence this place looking untouched."

"They really did try to cover all their bases", Gorgon noted, then gestured to the console. "What's that about?"

Karnak activated the console with a few precise touches. The holo-projector whirred to life, casting a pale blue light across the chamber. Dozens of recordings appeared in mid-air, their titles scrolling in an alien script. Karnak's fingers danced over the interface, selecting one at random.

A holographic meeting materialized before them. The familiar figures of Arcadius, Furgar, Sapphiras, and the other Council members appeared, seated around a table.

The first recording, with a very recent time-stamp, began, with Arcadius saying. "The Royal Family grows complacent. Blackagar Boltagon's reign has softened them, and Medusa's... condition presents an opportunity."

Furgar replied. "Her pregnancy is unprecedented. If the child inherits powers beyond control, it will threaten the balance of Attilan, as the prophecy itself says."

Sapphiras added. "Which is precisely why we must act. We cannot allow another uncontrollable element within the genetic pool."

The recording ended abruptly, transitioning to another, more detailed discussion, with an older time-stamp, about a year back.

Karnak's sharp eyes narrowed as he read the accompanying files, opening a set of documents labeled Project Ascendant.

Sapphiras was saying. "Our studies suggest that offspring of the Royal Family are likely to possess multiple genetic anomalies. Beyond Blackagar Boltagon's destructive voice or Medusa's hair manipulation, their child could exhibit entirely new phenomena. Perhaps even Maximus' abilities could be seen in the child."

Cynas replied. "Triton's powers have unfortunate drawbacks but are useful. If bred strategically, similar powers could benefit us. The same applies to Gorgon's ability to generate shockwaves and Crystal's elemental control."

Arcadius finally said. "Any child of theirs must be controlled. Raised under our guidance, it would ensure loyalty—and give us leverage over the Royal Family."

Videmus nodded. "Agreed. If Blackagar Boltagon or Medusa or anyone else resists, the child's life can be... negotiated."

Karnak's jaw tightened as he listened. "They've been plotting this for years. The child isn't just a target—they see it as their key to controlling the future of Attilan."

He pulled up another document, scanning the lines of text. It outlined specific genetic projections for each Royal Family member's potential offspring:

Crystal's children: Potential mastery of dual elemental manipulation—fire and ice.

Gorgon's children: Enhanced durability and strength, capable of generating and withstanding seismic force.

Blackagar Boltagon's and Medusa's children: Hair manipulation intertwined with sonic destruction, and perhaps mental abilities, amplifying each other's power.

"They're not just targeting King Blackagar Boltagon and Queen Medusa," Karnak said grimly. "They're targeting all of us. Any child begotten of the Royal Family is a potential pawn in their schemes."

Gorgon clenched his fists, his voice thick with rage. "So, this was their plan all along? To steal our children and turn them into tools? Weapons?"

Karnak nodded; his expression unreadable but his eyes blazing with quiet fury. "They see the Royal Family as a threat—not just now, but for generations to come. And they're willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their dominance."

Lockjaw barked sharply, as if in agreement, his tail thumping against the floor.

Gorgon paced the room, barely containing his anger. "Then we need to expose this. All of it. Let the people see what the Council really is—liars and manipulators."

Karnak turned to face him, his voice calm but firm. "We will. But we must do it strategically. If we act rashly, Maximus will twist this to his advantage."

Gorgon huffed, his hands tightening on his mace. "Strategic or not, these bastards are going down."

"They will," Karnak assured him, shutting down the console. "This chamber and its evidence are the Council's undoing. The truth always finds a way."

As they ascended the staircase, Lockjaw trotting faithfully at their side, Gorgon glanced at Karnak. "You're sure this is enough?"

Karnak's expression was grim but resolute. "It has to be."

Black Bolt, Medusa and Crystal looked at the documents and recordings, eyes wide in horror and fury, looking like they wanted to go down to the prison and rip apart all of the Council members, then find wherever Arcadius and Porcal were hiding, and shove Porcal's quills up Arcadius' rear.

"Those evil scum…" Medusa said in a growl, her hair lashing out and cracking some columns, before she restrained them.

"They are not going to get away with this!" Crystal snapped, Lockjaw barking in agreement.

"So, should we get ahead of this?" Gorgon inquired, looking at Black Bolt.

Black Bolt gave a nod, and that was all the answer the rest needed.

"How did you figure out it would be hidden in Furgar's quarters though?" Crystal asked Karnak, wanting to know.

"I looked for how they reacted based on my words", Karnak explained to them. "The impulsive Targon was the quickest to deny, and the first to be ruled out, as he'd nothing to hide. Then I mentioned secrets, which they all knew about, and reacted." He smirked. "I just needed to say the right thing."

"And then…" Medusa trailed off.

"Two hid their smiles as they were happy the Royal Guard looked in the wrong place, meaning they knew what we needed wasn't in those rooms", Karnak continued to tell them. "And then the one shoulder shrug alongside the denial by Furgar indicated the contradiction between words and body. That was the only chance, looking within his quarters to find the secret, which Lockjaw helped with." Karnak patted the dog's head as he barked happily, Crystal smiling. "I knew I was right by that upper lip curling like a snarl for less than a second. Barely concealed scorn."

"I have to learn how to do that!" Crystal said excitedly, causing Medusa to chuckle.

"Trust me, you don't", Gorgon said in reply, before asking Karnak. "Why did you target Sapphiras though? Not that I mind, she deserved it." Medusa had a dark look on her face briefly at Sapphiras' mention. Arcadius was the instigator, but she was the one who'd done the evil deed.

"She knew about the information, but not where it would be", Karnak said to them.

"How would she know?" Crystal wondered.

"Because she and Furgar are sleeping together. Passion and excitement tends to loosen the tongue, unless your good at it."

"Can we just back up to how you just said they were sleeping together?" Crystal asked in revulsion. "I mean, how..."

"Isn't it obvious?" The interactions between Furgar and Sapphiras when they weren't fighting against the Royals, how he would smile at her, flash her a glance and then shift his gaze, and she would raise her chin, revealing her embarrassment at his actions."

"No, I mean, not how you knew, I mean...how..." Crystal trailed off, but Karnak got the idea, and went, "oooh".

How could they have sex when they're...like they are.

"Oh that...yeah I got no idea. I only find the flaws."

"Yeah….I think I don't want to learn that", Crystal agreed with Gorgon.

"Anyways, I believe it is time to tell everyone", Karnak now said with a smirk that was matched by Black Bolt's own.

The courtyard of Attilan was alive with murmurs. A rare gathering of nobles and commoners stood shoulder to shoulder, filling the expansive stone plaza. At the front, a raised platform served as the stage where the Royal Family would address their people. Black Bolt stood at the center, his imposing presence silent but commanding, Medusa by his side, her gaze fierce and resolute. Karnak, Gorgon, Crystal, and even Lockjaw flanked them, each with a role to play in what was about to unfold.

The Royal Guard was there too, on either side of them, with Gorgon standing at a position between them and the Royal Family, signifying he was part of both. Other soldiers were present behind them.

The air was tense, charged with anticipation and doubt. The nobles whispered among themselves, their robes shimmering under the pale light of Attilan's artificial sky, while the commoners eyed the Royal Family warily. The divide between the classes was palpable, a chasm that no mere words could bridge—at least, not yet.

Medusa stepped forward, her voice carrying the weight of a queen and the vulnerability of a mother. "People of Attilan, we have gathered you here not as rulers speaking to subjects, but as one part of this society addressing the whole. Today, the truth must be laid bare."

The murmurs grew louder. From the back of the crowd, someone shouted. "What truth? More excuses?"

Crystal stepped forward, her face pale but determined. "You've all heard the rumors. It is claimed that the Genetics Council simply questioned us, to protect Attilan from us. But what they've truly done is far darker."

Karnak nodded to Lockjaw, who teleported away with a low growl, only to reappear seconds later carrying a device from the secret chamber beneath Furgar's quarters. Karnak stepped forward, connecting the device to a holographic projector. The light shimmered, and the first recording of the Genetics Council meeting came to life.

The holographic forms of Arcadius, Furgar, and Sapphiras appeared, their voices echoing across the courtyard.

"The Royal Family grows complacent. Blackagar Boltagon's reign has softened them, and Medusa's... condition presents an opportunity."

"Her pregnancy is unprecedented. If the child inherits powers beyond control, it will threaten the balance of Attilan, as the prophecy itself says."

"Which is precisely why we must act. We cannot allow another uncontrollable element within the genetic pool."

The crowd gasped, their eyes widening as the Council's voices betrayed their conspiracy.

Medusa stepped forward, her voice being heard over the crowd. "This is the same Council that you were told simply questioned us. But hear this—they never cared about you or us. They only cared about keeping power for themselves."

Karnak activated another file. This time, schematics and documents filled the air, detailing Project Ascendant and the genetic projections of the Royal Family's offspring. The accompanying audio played, the cold, calculating voices of the Council filling the air.

"Our studies suggest that offspring of the Royal Family are likely to possess multiple genetic anomalies. Beyond Blackagar Boltagon's destructive voice or Medusa's hair manipulation, their child could exhibit entirely new phenomena. Perhaps even Maximus' abilities could be seen in the child."

"Triton's powers have unfortunate drawbacks but are useful. If bred strategically, similar powers could benefit us. The same applies to Gorgon's ability to generate shockwaves and Crystal's elemental control."

"Any child of theirs must be controlled. Raised under our guidance, it would ensure loyalty—and give us leverage over the Royal Family."

"Agreed. If Blackagar Boltagon or Medusa or anyone else resists, the child's life can be... negotiated."

The commoners began to murmur angrily, while the nobles exchanged uneasy glances.

"They planned to steal our children for a long time," Crystal said, her voice trembling with barely-contained fury. "Not just Queen Medusa's, but any child born to us. They wanted to raise them as tools. Weapons."

A noblewoman stepped forward, her face pale. "But why would they do this? We thought the Council has always upheld the balance of Attilan!"

Medusa turned her fiery gaze to her. "They upheld their power, not balance. They used the caste system to divide us, to weaken us, so they could rule unopposed."

A commoner shouted. "And what about you?"

Medusa nodded. "We have sat on the throne, yes, and we did not act fast enough in your interests, which is on us, but we want to change that"

The murmurs grew louder, but this time they were less accusatory and more contemplative. Medusa stepped forwards; her voice raw with emotion. "I've walked through the lower districts. I've seen your pain. Your anger. You deserve better. And we can't undo the past, but we can fight for a better future. Together."

A middle-aged man from the crowd stepped forward. His clothes were patched and his face lined with years of hard labor. "And what about the caste system? You say you'll change things, but how?"

Karnak spoke, his tone even. "Radical reforms. Equal representation. The Genetics Council used the system to create division, but we will dismantle it to build unity. Now of course, all professions must be carried out still, but we will make sure the divide is not based on power, rather a person's skills and interests. Not to mention, regardless of what work anyone does, they will be given basic amenities and a comfortable lifestyle. Because everyone living amongst us has a right to that."

The man hesitated, but then nodded. Others around him began to murmur in agreement.

Black Bolt raised his hand, and the crowd fell silent. Then Medusa spoke. "The Council has betrayed all of us—nobles and commoners alike. They sought to control us through fear and lies. But together, we can rise above their schemes. The truth is on our side, and so is Attilan's future."

The final recording played, showing the Council discussing their plans to use the unborn child to manipulate the Royal Family.

It was Arcadius himself.

"If Blackagar Boltagon resists, we'll use the child's life as leverage, even Medusa's. He will serve us, or he will lose everything."

Medusa's voice was heard across the courtyard. "These are the people who claimed to do this for the good of Attilan! They wanted to use an innocent child to control us all. Is this who you want leading Attilan?"

The crowd erupted, shouts of anger and outrage filling the air. Cries of "No!" and "Down with the Council!" echoed across the courtyard.

Mahabharat soundtracks 38 - Title Track (Instrumental Version) plays

Lockjaw barked, his massive form bounding to Medusa's side as if to punctuate the moment. Medusa knelt and placed a hand on his head, her voice strong and clear. "We need you now more than ever. Not as rulers over you, but as allies beside you. Together, we can make Attilan stronger than it has ever been."

The crowd roared its approval, their anger at the Council now shifting to cautious hope. The Royal Family stood united, a symbol of change, as the people began to rally behind them. The chasm between the classes, though still wide, had begun to narrow.

And for the first time in a long time, Attilan felt the stirrings of unity.

Ending credits play.

Well, this big one is done too, and I imagine a lot of you were satisfied.

Arcadius and Porcal do have something of a plan though, as you can see. And Maximus' manipulations have not ended.

But of course, now the truth has been revealed, and we just have two more 'episodes' to go.

Thanks a lot to Brainstorm Sorcerer for his help with the scene of Karnak interrogating the Genetics Council.

Hope all enjoyed and see you all next time with another chapter.