Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel Cinematic Universe, Inhumans or anything else you may recognize
So, with my rewrite of 'Iron Fist' Season 1 done, the next thing on my list was 'Inhumans' Season 1.
The image for the story is by Craig Hamilton.
I have never seen 'Inhumans', but I know how much of a disaster the show was, and Scott Buck, the guy behind it, was also behind 'Iron Fist' Season 1, and the later, much-criticized, Seasons of 'Dexter'.
Huh? *Makes an exaggerated thinking face* I'm seeing a pattern here, are you all seeing it as well?
Now, since I've never seen 'Inhumans', unlike 'Iron Fist' Season 1, my rewrite won't even try to work within the framework of the canonical plot.
In the 'Iron Fist' Season 1 rewrite, at least the basic idea remained the same- Danny Rand's parents died in a plane crash, he was raised and trained in K'un-Lun, but is back in New York in present day, while Harold is publicly dead but secretly controlling his company via Ward for The Hand, and Danny befriends Colleen who is secretly their member, but unaware of their true nature.
But at best, only around 4 or 5 scenes from the actual show made it to my rewrite, and out of them, only one remained mostly unmodified.
But here, since I've never seen the show, my plot will be completely different. Also, I've not read most comics about the 'Inhumans', I only saw them in the 'Infinity' comics storyline, in which I did find them really great and intriguing, and Black Bolt's fight with Thanos was *chef's kiss*
Having said that, I still figured they deserved better than that disaster of a show, so I did my research on the characters, their powers and personalities, and the various plotlines in the comics, before picking one that I felt would actually give readers/viewers some emotional investment in these characters and their struggles.
I also researched the actual show to see what exactly went wrong, before coming up with this rewrite.
Like the actual show, this will have eight 'episodes', and that's about the only similarity, LOL! And like in my 'Iron Fist' Season 1 rewrite, we will eventually have stuff that the budget can't handle, but that's what this site is here for, HA!
This will be less like a traditional comic-book superhero show, and more like a political drama, taking inspiration and cues from the 'Mahabharata' (I'm a Hindu so I believe in it, but even without any of that, the politics in it are very fascinating), 'A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones' and 'The Witcher'.
This fic shall also be canon to my 'When Legends meet' series like my 'Iron Fist' Season 1 rewrite. But remember, I will also rewrite the second half of the 'Iron Fist' Season 1 fic in 'When Legends meet' to involve the larger MCU and larger Marvel Universe in general before finally doing my version of 'The Defenders' in 'When Legends meet'.
But with this fic, there will be no rewrite in 'When Legends meet', when the Inhumans show up in it, this rewrite of mine will be canon there.
Of course, those who're not interested in that series don't need to concern themselves with all this, but just making it clear for those who're reading that series or want to read it.
Rest In Peace, Tony Todd. He passed away the day I finished this chapter. I knew him as Candyman in 'Candyman', William Bludworth in 'Final Destination', the voice of Zoom in 'The Flash', the voice of Darkseid in the DC Animated Movie Universe, and the voice of Venom in Insomniac's 'Spider-Man 2'. We shall all miss him very, very much.
Chapter 1- Behold…The Inhumans
Attilan, a sprawling city filled with people and technology beyond any seen on the rest of Earth. Or Earth in general, because Attilan was not a city on Earth.
It was a city on the blue area of the moon, created eons ago, gleaming with a beauty thought to exist only in works of fiction.
People were seen working in the lower levels that were filled with smoke and dust and sounds, an Inhuman using her power to basically sweep the area with a small burst of water, as that was her power, summoning a small burst of water at a time, which dehydrated her, while another used his power to lift a large piece of debris, at a 90 degrees angle, walk forwards with it, and then keep it at the site where the construction was going on, as he could lift decently heavy things, but only walk with them at a 90 degrees angle.
Like that, the Inhumans in this part of the city toiled and worked, as one by the name of Taran said to them. "This structure has nearly been formed. Let us try and finish it soon, and rejoice, since this would be done."
Hearing his words, they seemed to feel more hopeful, as that was his power, inspire people with his words, which caused the female one with the water power named Daris to smile, before it faded, as she asked. "But then there would be another after this, right?"
"Yeah, and then another", the lifted by the name of Naros added. "This never seems to end. Why is it that we have to do this, toil forever, while they", he pointed towards the palace, "get to enjoy sitting in there."
"Because our powers aren't too great, and come with major drawbacks", Daris pointed out.
"But does that make us lesser?" Taran asked, causing some other workers to look at him. "No one questions a waterfall that cleaves through the mountains, as to where its source is, because its strength is its identity." He looked up, then at the rest of them. "So why is it that our identities are reduced to being nothing but workers in this level of the city? Because our powers aren't too great?"
"Its that Royal Family, and the Genetics Council", Naros said with a scoff. "The Council especially, deciding how to govern this city the way they deem fit. I am surprised they let the King sit on the throne, considering what his power did."
The rest paled a little, before Taran pointed out. "From what we know, there is conflict between the Council and the Royal Family, as the Council has never been in favor of the King, but they had no choice at the time." He shrugged. "Either way, it does not matter, even if the King and Queen want to change things, the Council has too much power, and won't let them."
"And that is if they want to", Daris muttered.
"We never know, they've only been ruling us for two years now, and have only finished consolidating", Taran pointed out, before frowning. "But….you do speak true. Would they truly care?"
The Royal Palace was the most beautiful and glamorous building in this great city beyond the humans of Earth. Constructed ornately, with intricate carvings all over, everything gleaming like they were the stars seen in the night sky.
Inside, the Royal Guard, consisting of Gorgon, stood on duty, and in the hallway, the young Inhuman Crystal was seen playing with the Inhuman dog known as Lockjaw, Crystal chasing him as he teleported away, causing her to laugh.
"Lockjaw, no teleporting, otherwise I'll use my ice-slides!" Crystal said with a chuckle as he appeared behind her, and barked, causing her to turn and chase him, passing by the Royal Guard, including Gorgon, who looked at them, then shook his head.
"She still does not grow up", he muttered to himself while standing still, hands behind his back.
In his room, Karnak sat, his eyes closed as he meditated, trying to concentrate and focus his mind.
And then, there was the bedroom of the Royal Couple, where Medusa, the Queen, sat on the bed contemplatively, looking down, her hair subtly moving, the weight of the realization hitting her.
Her husband, Black Bolt, the King, stood at the balcony, looking down on the city, his face showing his conflict.
Ever since he had been born, Black Bolt had been confined in a sound-proof chamber, being tutored to control his voice.
At the beginning, he had understood why it was necessary, but did they really have to wait sixteen years before letting him out? He had understood the reason for keeping him inside much earlier than that, and would not have spoken a word while outside.
So, he understood the unfairness of it, being judged on the basis of your power, and being put in a place where you didn't want to be put.
The caste system did the same thing to the other people, confining them to the lower levels so they could toil for all of their lives with no hope of anything else.
Medusa had started visiting him when he was in the cell, learning to communicate with him via sign language, and during these meetings, they'd fallen in love, Medusa coming to very much agree with his point of view about the unfairness of it all.
Yet, they had not been rulers for too long, and the Genetics Council was opposed to them, due to the great power Black Bolt wielded, which clearly frightened them, yet at the time, there was no other choice to be made by them.
Still, it was risky to make moves that changed things with the Council breathing over their necks, especially due to certain rules that were biased towards them, as the Genetics Council had been created to keep the Royal Family in check, but the one who'd drafted these rules clearly had not thought about the part where the Genetics Council needed to be put in check too.
One wrong move, and the Council would try to use it as an excuse to depose them. They might be the rulers, but they were trapped too.
And Medusa knew things were about to get even worse when the Genetics Council found out what she'd just realized.
As her hair continued to move subtly, she looked down at her stomach, putting her shaking hand over it, her face showing just how tense she was, before she smiled, because no matter what happened, this was hers, and her husband's.
"My King", she called out, making him turn around to face her, as she looked at him with her smile, letting a tear of joy roll down her cheek while she stood up, walking to him, finally breaking the news.
"I am with child."
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.
Black Bolt looked at Medusa, and then at her abdomen, a happy smile crossing his face while his eyes were filled with joy, as he knelt and grasped her abdomen gently, embracing it, Medusa smiling as she embraced him back, before he stood up and they shared a loving kiss.
After that, they parted, Black Bolt looking towards the balcony, then back at Medusa, using sign language to talk.
"This is a moment of joy for all of us."
Medusa nodded. "Indeed it is, my King, but…." She trailed off, grasping her abdomen again, her smile turning into a little frown. "The Council….."
The good mood instantly evaporated, Black Bolt shaking his head as he looked down, nodding glumly.
"They have never been on our side due to us wanting to reform the caste system", Medusa noted grimly, then sighed. "And now that I am with child, they might try to use their own authority to do to him what was done to you."
Black Bolt's eyes widened in utter horror. That was something he would never allow to happen! He shook his head vigorously, assuring her nothing would happen, and Medusa nodded, holding his hand, even as both were unsure of what to do now.
"Things have not been easy recently", Medusa said as they sat down together. "Your cousin Triton reports that there are more like us on Earth, and there is persecution of them down there too."
She sighed. "Of course, even if somehow, they are allowed to come here, it won't be much better, considering here we persecute them based on powers."
Black Bolt nodded sadly, pointing at his own mouth, Medusa agreeing. "Indeed. While it was understandable to keep you in the chamber when you were younger, you should have been let out sooner." She looked ahead at the city's high buildings herself. "And now, they too suffer because their powers are not as great as ours, all because these rules were made years ago, and our previous generations did not dare to go against the Genetics Council. Already, they hate us, because Triton got sent to Earth on this mission to observe ones like us since we first heard that they arose."
Her hair moved a little, and she shook her head. "What will we do?"
Black Bolt grasped her hand tightly, and she grasped his, the two looking into each other's eyes, an understanding passing between them. Whatever happened, they will be with each other till the end of it.
And then, Medusa finally said. "Let us tell the rest of them."
Black Bolt nodded in agreement.
A while later- Crystal, Karnak and Gorgon were gathered with Black Bolt and Medusa as well, Lockjaw standing nearby.
Crystal looked quite excited. "This is joyful news! Our family is getting another little member." She looked down at Medusa's abdomen and made a cooing sound, causing the rest to chuckle, Black Bolt simply smiling. "I look forward to meeting you."
Lockjaw barked, seemingly in agreement, as Medusa agreed. "I can feel it, the life inside of me, and I can't wait to bring this life into this world." And then her expression turned grim. "Yet…..there is a pit of unease inside of me."
"Because of the Genetics Council, right?" Karnak asked, Black Bolt nodding in response. "Chancellor Arcadius shall try to find an excuse to start a conflict over this."
Gorgon scoffed. "As if, he can start a conflict over looking at him too long. I will rip his head off right now if I can."
"Now, now", Karnak said, Black Bolt raising a hand, causing Gorgon to roll his eyes. "Let us exercise caution. They are not on our side, but trying to incite violence is nothing but a flawed strategy."
"Only thing flawed here is taking what they throw at us", Gorgon snarled.
Black Bolt looked at Gorgon and shook his head, making him shrug and look down, as Crystal asked. "What will the Council try to do?"
"Nothing good, I fear", Medusa said, before holding her husband's hand. "But that does not mean we will take it lying down. They may have the laws biased towards them, but we are the Royal Family of the Inhumans."
Mahabharat soundtracks 34- Pandavas All Together Theme plays
"And we shall face this", Gorgon added. "Together, always."
Medusa smiled, keeping her hand forth, as Black Bolt put his over hers, then Crystal put hers over theirs, followed by Gorgon, and finally Karnak, with Lockjaw barking in support.
"Together, always."
They lowered their hands, Karnak noting. "I believe it is best to get in front of this already, as the Council will try to cause problems even if not told soon enough."
"You speak true", Medusa agreed, looking at Black Bolt, who nodded in agreement again, while Gorgon walked out to join the Royal Guard again. "Let us meet the Council, husband." She shrugged. "Besides, we want to fight for change in the caste system, so let is begin by fighting for this child."
Together, Black Bolt and Medusa started making their way to the Council chambers, when someone walked towards them from the other side, making them pause due to who it was.
Black Bolt acknowledged him via sign language and a nod, Medusa translating for the person in front of them.
"Brother."
Maximus the Mad looked between husband and wife, a smirk on his face as he did a mock bow. "Greetings, my King and Queen."
Black Bolt just nodded, as Medusa asked him for her husband. "How are you?"
"Just living, which is not possible in this palace", Maximus shrugged, Black Bolt shaking his head, trying to assure him he could be part of them if he wanted.
He started moving his hand to grasp Maximus' shoulder, but Maximus moved away. "I just needed to meet a worker of mine, which is why I'm here."
Medusa inquired. "And what is of the utmost importance between you and this worker?"
"Oh, can't really say..." Maximus replied slyly. "But I appreciate your concerns." With a smirk, he leaned in closer and added. "My congratulations on the child, by the way."
The King and Queen shared a surprised look at the fact that he knew, before Medusa thanked him on both of their behalf. "Thank you, Maximus."
Maximus then walked past them, the two watching after him, as Medusa said to Black Bolt. "I always feel he is scheming."
Black Bolt looked at her, Medusa adding. "You and I both know what he is capable of. Remember the Kree emissary?"
Black Bolt nodded sadly, hoping Maximus took his offer, and stopped scheming, before the two walked to the Royal Guard, consisting of Gorgon himself, the gold-skinned and white-eyed Alaris, the reptilian-winged Asmodeus with green skin and scales, the suited Drive who'd super-speed, the glowing white-eyed Nahrees, the reptilian Neifi and the lion-like Flaidermaus with fangs, claws, fur and wings.
There was also one called Chynae with gills and water-generation abilities, but she'd been sent to Earth alongside Triton.
"We are proceeding towards the Council Chambers, to speak of important matters", Medusa said to the Royal Guard, before ordering. "Accompany us!"
The Royal Guard all bowed to the two, before standing on either side of them as they started walking towards the Council Chambers together.
Very soon, the King and Queen, alongside their Royal Guard, were in the Council Chambers of the Genetics Council at last. There was the center of the chamber, where the one giving a statement stood, to allow the rest to hear them.
Tapestries were there in the background, on the walls, showing past Council members, with the ground shining, the reflections of the ones standing visible on it, while there were statues of the past Council Members as well as the past rulers surrounding them.
At a large table raised to a height, right next to the center itself, sat the Genetics Council, led by none other than Chancellor Arcadius, who looked at Black Bolt and Medusa with narrowed eyes, clearly trying to scrutinize them, and gold fillings in four of his teeth could be made out.
On his left side sat Targon, a being who looked like a were-lion, having the mane and face, but the body was of a human.
On Arcadius' right side sat Porcal, who was like a porcupine, sharp quills sticking out of his body.
Then on Targon's side sat Cynas, a one-eyed Cyclops-like lady, while on Porcal's side sat an alien-looking blind creature named Videmus.
After that, at the corner was Furgar, a bulky and green figure who resembled a frog, and on the other corner was Sapphiras, her entire body made of gold.
This was the entire Genetics Council, whose power was to some extent greater than even the Royal Family, as they decided who to put in which spectrum of the caste, and even made rules for the Royal Family to follow.
Rules that had not been followed.
The Royal Guard took their positions on either side of the room, as Black Bolt and Medusa stood together in the center of the chamber, looking up at the Council at their table.
"Greetings, Genetics Council of Attilan", Medusa began the proceedings with a little bow, Black Bolt bowing alongside her, as the Genetics Council lowered their heads in greeting too, before lifting their heads up.
Arcadius then replied. "Greetings, King Blackagar Boltagon and Queen Medusalith Amaquelin-Boltagon."
Cynas finally made her inquiry of them. "Why do you come before us today?"
Black Bolt took a deep breath, sharing a look with Medusa, before looking at the Genetics Council, and gesturing to Medusa's abdomen, placing his hand upon it, the Genetics Council instantly realizing what he meant with that gesture of his.
They shared looks of concern, some of them whispering amongst themselves, before Arcadius raised his hand, gesturing them to stop. He looked down upon the King and Queen intently, his gaze lingering on the Queen for just a longer, in a manner that both Black Bolt and Medusa clearly did not like.
Arcadius then began to speak. "I believe the Genetics Council told the two of you to not bear a child. You were forbidden to do this!"
Medusa decided to speak now, shaking her head as her hair waved. "Is it not expected that a husband and wife will procreate? I believe that was an unreasonable burden put on the two of us." With a little smile, she added. "Besides, it was not written as a rule that the Royal Family cannot procreate if said so by the Council, only given to us as an advice by you, which we did not follow."
Arcadius showed no reaction, but it was clear that he was fuming internally, as were the rest of the Council. True, their words had to be written up to be considered the law, and there had been no written law forbidding the Royal Family from procreating if the Council forbade them.
But they had expected their words to be followed either way. The Royal Family had always done that.
How dare these two not follow?
Sapphiras spoke now. "You speak true, in that this was not a law, and simply given as an advice, but if we gave the advice, it was done for the good of the people, and we expected it to be followed."
Medusa shook her head once more, her hair fluttering. "I say again, it is only natural that a husband and wife would procreate, expecting us to follow an advice such as this is simply putting an unreasonable burden on all of us."
Targon growled. "The burden was put on you because of the people!"
As Black Bolt and Medusa stared at the Council, Arcadius took over once more. "The two of you wield great power, some of the greatest that our world has known."
Black Bolt shook his head. His power might be great, but the cost at which he had it meant it was ultimately not worth it, unless they were in a threatening situation.
Arcadius continued to speak. "And because of that, you were given this advice, for an offspring of yours would wield even greater power, and the balance we have shall be shaken." He declared. "This child could tip the balance of power, my King. We must ensure he serves the greater good of Attilan… not just the interests of the Royal Family."
Medusa had it with him and replied as her hair seemed to lash out for just a second before being pulled back in. "He is our child, Chancellor. Not a tool for the Council's ambitions."
That made the Council glare at her, especially Arcadius, while Black Bolt looked at her in concern. He agreed with her, but he did not think she would say something like that to the Council, since they did have power, and had been here for as long as the Royal Family.
Gorgon wanted to say many things himself, but he was only here as part of the Royal Guard.
"We have no ambitions but to serve the people of Attilan, my Queen", Arcadius finally said after recovering himself. "That is why we have castes, to make sure the people work and live according to their powers, but a child like this, his power might be beyond all of us and threaten this balance we have maintained for centuries."
Black Bolt shook his head, then used some sign language, while Medusa translated what he was saying. "How exactly do we decide whose power is more useful and whose is not?"
For a few seconds, the Council were silent, then Arcadius asked finally. "What do you mean by that?"
Black Bolt continued to use sign language, and Medusa translated for him. "All of us have powers, some wield greater power, others wield lesser power, but how does that decide what place do they have in our society?"
Arcadius looked stricken on hearing that, and they noticed he was almost shaking. Furgar began to say. "This is an ou-"
Arcadius lifted up his hand before Furgar could finish his sentence, deciding to keep words like 'outrage' and 'disrespect' out of this for now. While they did have some power over the Royal Family, it was clear the two of them were not going to back down so easily either.
Against them, they had to act calmly, and not give in to anger and lash out, which would make it clear that they were rattled by what Black Bolt and Medusa were saying, and that in turn would increase support for the Royal Family since they seemingly asked the right questions and that enraged the Council.
Arcadius finally said. "This meeting is ended for now. We hear what the two of you are trying to say, and I say unto you that we need more time to ponder upon what was discussed here, before continuing the discussion upon these matters and making our final decision."
Black Bolt nodded, Medusa saying. "We accept." They did a low bow that the Genetics Council returned, after which Black Bolt and Medusa walked out of the chambers, holding each other's hands, the Royal Guard walking with them, three including Gorgon in the front, the remaining three in the back, and the Council watched as all of them went out as one.
Gorgon whispered to Black Bolt and Medusa. "They are riled, I would say keep pushing."
They shared a look, wondering how to proceed now.
Arcadius looked at the rest of them, and said. "This is quite the troubling news." None of them seemed to disagree.
Karnak was meditating in his chambers once more, and heard a knock, opening his eyes and walking to his door, opening it to see Black Bolt on the other end. He stepped aside, letting Black Bolt enter, then closed the door.
"How did the meeting with the Council go?" Karnak asked Black Bolt, who looked down sadly, shaking his head, and Karnak knew what that meant. "This was to be expected, truly." Black Bolt nodded at that; they all knew what the Genetics Council was like.
Karnak gestured to a chair, and Black Bolt walked to it, sitting down upon it, while Karnak sat down on a chair opposite from his. "What did the Council say?"
Black Bolt used his sign language, explaining it. "The Council said they forbade my Queen and I from procreating for our child would have great power and threaten the balance of Attilan."
Karnak looked almost amused by the Council's argument. Balance of Attilan? When had they cared about things like that?
He then asked Black Bolt his next question. "And what did you and Queen Medusa say in reply?"
Black Bolt smiled, using sign language to convey the rest of it. "She said the Council only said that as an advice, it was not a law, so we chose to ignore it. Besides, it is natural that a husband and wife would procreate."
Karnak had to chuckle at that, commenting. "That is just what I would expect from Queen Medusa." His face then turned neutral as he analyzed the argument of the Council, and easily saw the flaws in it. "The Council might say they care about Attilan and the balance, but truly, they care only about their own power."
Black Bolt or Medusa could not publicly criticize the Council like this (well, in his case, he also could not speak due to what his power was capable of), but Karnak was not wrong either, and Black Bolt nodded in agreement.
"The caste system has been part of Attilan for centuries, but we both know the flaws there too", Karnak commented. "It is not about power, it is about how someone uses the power. Your power is great, but you exercise control upon yourself so as to not use more than needed."
Black Bolt looked down sadly, remembering a certain incident, as Karnak put a hand to his shoulder. "I know why that incident still troubles you. But you were only trying to stop the Kree with whom Maximus was associating. The deaths were a tragedy, but you are not that kind of person anymore."
Black Bolt gave Karnak a grateful look as Karnak continued. "But either way, the Council wants to hold onto the power they have, and they are afraid that the great power this child would wield will threaten that power, as such a child can change things." He looked at Black Bolt with a fierce gaze. "But of course, it is us who must begin the change if we want to be an example."
The fire in Black Bolt's eyes matched the one in Karnak's, who added. "The Council is afraid, cousin. A child from the Royal Family threatens their control. The flaw in their arguments… is that their true fear is the fear of losing their power."
Black Bolt nodded, and then the two looked ahead, knowing this was only going to get worse.
At the same time, Medusa was walking outside the palace, some of the Royal Guard behind her, those being Asmodeus, Drive and Nahrees as she took the long winding paths that led downwards, to the lower-caste sections, which surprised the Royal Guard.
"My Queen", one guard who was Drive said. "Why are we here?"
"This section is part of Attilan, is it not?" Medusa asked, her hair waving subtly in the direction, and Drive nodded, acknowledging that. "Besides, if there is truly trouble here, you are all here to protect me, are you not?"
Drive nodded as Medusa added. "And then there are these." Her hair waved briefly, after which she walked into the lower-section, the Royal Guard following her, and they saw children playing with their powers, one of them throwing thorns at the other as that one raised a barrier to defend himself, the thorns shattering, both laughing at that.
Then, they went further into the industrial section, feeling the thick air filled with dust, and smelling the scene of machinery oil, which was when Medusa ended up seeing Taran and some other workers about to finish their construction, as Medusa looked at what they'd done, making quite a decent-looking structure.
"Your hard work is much appreciated", she said to Taran, who turned around to see who it was that had complimented him, and when he and the rest saw Queen Medusa, they bowed to her, before she commanded. "Rise."
They did just that, as Taran said. "It is an honor to be graced by your presence here, Your Highness."
"I am just here to meet the people", Medusa said to him, looking at the other workers. "How are the conditions here treating you?"
"Like they always have, Your Highness", Naros replied to her. "There is no change at all."
Medusa nodded, her hair moving subtly. "We hear what you are saying….."
"I am Naros, Your Highness", Naros gave his introduction.
"And I am Taran, Your Highness", Taran told her his name.
"My name is Daris, Your Highness", Daris gave her name to Medusa as well.
Medusa nodded, getting their names, then told them. "Like I said, we hear what you are saying."
"What does that mean?" Taran inquired.
"I have heard of the discontentment that the people of Attilan have", Medusa told them all, "with the caste system."
Their smiles turned slightly into frowns as they exchanged looks, before Daris asked her. "And?"
"I can understand why you all feel in such a manner", Medusa assured all of them. "And my husband, the King, he understands your plight himself."
Regardless of their cynicism, they could agree to that, considering he'd literally been locked up for most of his life due to his powers. He might be the King now, but he knew what hardship was like, and how one's own power could cause one to be put in a place where they did not want to be.
Of course, in his case it was more understandable due to the destructive effect his voice had, which they'd all seen, but they could imagine how he felt about it all as well.
But in spite of all this, these were people who had faced the injustice of the caste system for a long time.
"Even if he does understand", Taran began. "Will there be any changes?"
Medusa held Taran's gaze, reading the tension and the quiet yearning that had hardened behind his eyes. She had always seen the caste divide from her side of the throne room, from a distance — but here, among the workers in the grit and smoke of Attilan's industrial district, the weight of their struggles was tangible.
Taran sighed heavily, lowering his gaze before he spoke to her. "The Council doesn't care about us, Queen Medusa." His voice was edged with weariness and exhaustion. "We need things to change for the better."
Medusa glanced at Naros and Daris, catching the quiet nods of agreement. She could see in their faces a bitter acceptance — one built over years of knowing their fates were bound by a system that rarely rewarded their labor or dreams. These were not merely subjects; they were people, longing for a better life, and Medusa felt that ache deeply.
"They will…" Medusa said, a note of determination in her voice, "if I have anything to say about it."
The workers' expressions shifted subtly, doubt flickering with a cautious hope. They had been told many things by those who ruled above them, but promises were often whispered down from high and seldom materialized. Yet here was their Queen, standing not in the splendor of the palace but among them, her words resolute, her tone devoid of royal pretense. She met their gazes, one by one, wanting them to feel her sincerity.
Daris spoke up, her voice hesitant but slightly bolder than before. "Forgive me, Your Highness, but words aren't enough. We've heard many promises over the years, but the Council —" she stopped herself, almost as if weighing her next words. "The Council doesn't listen. They don't understand the cost of their choices… for us."
Medusa nodded, understanding the burden of Daris's words. The Council only had their own interests in mind, considering they were trying to control the future of hers and husband's bloodline, all to keep their own power. And they were trying to control the caste system in the same way.
"Daris," Medusa said softly, "I hear you. And I won't turn my back on you, or any of you. My husband and I both know what it's like to feel as though your voice is silenced…" She trailed off, deciding to not talk more about that for now, because regardless of the Council trying to make life harder for her and her family, they were still better off compared to these people, so she stopped herself.
Yet, a quiet murmur moved through the crowd of workers. Some exchanged glances, as if daring to let their guard down, while others seemed more skeptical. But Medusa could feel the shift.
Taran crossed his arms, brow furrowed, but there was a touch of curiosity in his expression. "And what will you do, Your Highness, when the Council opposes you? They have kept the caste system intact for as long as any of us can remember."
Medusa's gaze did not falter. "The Council is powerful," she acknowledged, "but we are not without our own power." She felt the weight of her words, knowing they implied a choice that might set her and Black Bolt against some of their long-time advisors, if not all of them. But if change was to come, they would have to be willing to stand up for it — for the people, for Attilan.
Naros, who had been quietly watching, spoke up. "We… we want to believe you, Your Highness. But we've had nothing to believe in for so long."
Medusa took a step closer, her voice soft but unwavering. "Then let us give you something to believe in." She reached out, resting her hand lightly on Naros's shoulder. "If we do this, it will not be easy. It will take time, but change must come."
For a moment, there was silence, and then, one by one, the workers began to nod. It wasn't an outpouring of applause or cheers, but Medusa could sense the beginning of something — a fragile hope, a spark that could grow. And as she looked around at the faces in the crowd, she felt it: the beginning of a promise she intended to keep.
She and Black Bolt had to make a better Attilan, an Attilan that their child would rule justly one day.
Maximus was pacing in his own stone-lined chamber of his private quarters while looking at a chemical in a tube as he passed it from that tube to another, already knowing of the Council's argument with Black Bolt and Medusa, as well as Medusa going out to meet with the lower-caste people.
All because of his trusted aide, Varek, who could hear sounds from any direction if he put his ear to the ground, or to the wall, and focused in that direction. Varek usually hid himself while wearing a robe around his body and crouched to the ground in various corners where such sights would be considered normal, and then he listened to everything, before giving the information to Maximus.
Maximus knew just in what direction the winds were blowing, and he intended to ride with them, because the apathetic Council and his silent brother were both unfit.
Mahabharat Star Plus l Mahabharat Jukebox l All Characters l All Mantra l Mahabharat 7:59 to 9:26 (Shakuni theme) plays
"Too much power in the hands of these fools," he murmured to himself, a faint smile pulling at his lips while he analysed the chemical fluid, leaning his face in closer to inspect it. "Perhaps it's time to share a little more… with those who want to make the right choices."
There was a knock at his chamber, and he opened the door, allowing entry to Varek himself.
"Are they ready?" Maximus asked, his tone low but filled with anticipation.
"Yes, my lord," Varek replied. "The representatives from the industrial section and agricultural section. The ones who have been vocal about reform. They've been trying to address the Council, but…"
"But they've been ignored," Maximus finished, a look of satisfaction crossing his face as he put the tube with the chemical back in place. "Good. Bring them to the lower hall." He then asked. "And what is Medusa doing?"
"She has spoken to some workers in the industrial section, and reassured them", Varek informed him. "But we can still pull them to our side."
Maximus nodded.
Soon after, Maximus descended into a smaller, secluded chamber beneath the main palace, where the representatives — workers' leaders, most of whom had endured years of hard labor without a whisper of relief from the Council or the Royal Family— waited with anxious looks. There was Kivar, a stoic man who had organized various peaceful protests in the city's industrial section; Shaya, a fiery orator from the agricultural sector, known for rallying her people for fairer treatment; and Ryn, a craftsman who had once petitioned for representation on the Council only to be denied without explanation.
The murmurs died down as Maximus entered, and they eyed him with suspicion, while also bowing to him. They knew of his royal status but had never been addressed by a member of the Royal Family outside of official appearances. They watched him, unsure of what to expect.
"Rise, and I thank you for coming," Maximus said, nodding in mock respect as he took his place at the center of the room, looking each of them in the eyes while they rose up. "I know that the Council has… refused to listen to you, and that you have felt abandoned."
Kivar, with his jaw clenched, took a step forward. "It isn't just that they won't listen, my Lord. We've been made to believe that nothing will ever change. We've been trying to address the issues for years, but they ignore us. What do you want from us, Prince Maximus?"
Maximus gave a sympathetic nod, carefully keeping any hint of his true intentions out of his expression. "What I want is to see justice done. My family claims to rule with wisdom, but if they ignore the people of Attilan, are they truly wise? Are they truly just?"
Shaya, her gaze fierce, crossed her arms as she replied. "With respect, my Lord, we know well enough not to expect charity from the throne. Many of us have tried. We've been dismissed and silenced."
Maximus's smile was thin and cold. "The Council fears change. They cling to an ancient order, unwilling to consider a future where everyone has a voice. But I am not afraid of such a future. I believe Attilan should be a place of opportunity… for everyone."
The three representatives exchanged uncertain glances, intrigued but wary. They'd been met with empty promises from the upper echelons before. But as they watched Maximus's sincere expression, they sensed a rare opportunity — perhaps, finally, a crack in the castle walls they'd been knocking against.
"You say you believe in opportunity," Ryn said cautiously. "And what do you gain from this, Prince Maximus?"
Maximus met Ryn's skeptical gaze and leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "My loyalty is not to tradition. It is to Attilan. To the people. Attilan deserves a leader who listens to the people. I believe our city needs change — bold change. The Council and my brother will never change things. But with your help, I can, and if I am to help you, I need to know you are willing to stand with me."
There was a moment's silence, and then Kivar nodded. "If you stand with us, we'll stand with you, my Lord. But this change we seek… it cannot be half-measures."
"It won't be," Maximus assured, his voice smooth as silk. "Together, we can build a new Attilan, one where every citizen has a voice and a fair share of power. But I will need your support — your loyalty." His eyes flashed with conviction. "For only with unity can we break the chains that bind us to the past."
Slowly, each of them nodded. Despite their reservations, they felt something different in Maximus's words, a resolve that was rarely seen among those in power. Here was a prince, they thought, who might actually care about their struggles — and they found themselves daring, perhaps foolishly, to hope.
"You may go now, but I shall be speaking with all of you once more, as well as others, because all of us together shall build the united Attilan", Maximus said, and they bowed once more.
Then, as the representatives left, Maximus allowed himself a moment of satisfaction, his lips curving into a smug smile. The seeds were planted. Soon, his own name would carry the weight of change, of revolution. And once the throne was his, all of Attilan would answer to him.
In his chambers, Black Bolt stood, silently contemplating his position. He loved Medusa dearly, and he already loved the child they were going to bring into the world. He also distrusted the Council, and yet…they had served with the Royal Family for centuries, and the Royal Family was supposed to be loyal to them. That was the law.
"Being King is quite the burden", Black Bolt mentally said to himself. He stood on the balcony, overlooking the city, and Medusa walked towards him, standing by his side, her hair fluttering.
"I know what you're thinking", Medusa said to him. "You worry for our child, and you think of the change we both want to bring, yet, you also think of the Council."
Black Bolt nodded at that, using sign language. "You are my wife, Medusa. And I will stand by you, as well as the rest of our family. And while I distrust the Council, I do not wish to make them lose faith in us just yet."
Medusa put her hand to his shoulder, her hair fluttering a little more as they looked at each other. "You're torn, I know. But this is our child. He will change Attilan, one way or another. And it is we who must begin the change."
Black Bolt used sign language. "I will protect our family. But I cannot ignore the Council… not yet."
Medusa could see his point, and spoke. "Whatever happens, we will face it together." They smiled, and shared a loving kiss, before looking down the balcony together, holding hands.
The Council stood together in the ancient temple of Attilan, made out of ancient and powerful stone, carvings all over it, and statues of the ancestors of the Royal Family, which now included Black Bolt's own parents.
Ancestor-worship was what they practised in Attilan, and that was what the statues of this temple represented.
But the Council was not here to worship any ancestors, especially considering they won't be getting any blessings or the sort, due to their opposition to the Royal Family to keep their own powers.
A young boy sat in the center of a temple on a pedestal, meditating, an empty plate near him, with some crumps of food left, meaning he'd eaten before falling into meditation.
"He shall tell us more", Videmus said as they looked at the boy. "And then we shall decide what to do."
Arcadius nodded, and called out to the boy. "Oracle Ulysses!"
Ulysses opened his eyes, seeing it was the Genetics Council.
"Oh! Greetings Genetics Council", Ulysses said awkwardly as he stood up and bowed to them, and they bowed back.
"Greetings, Oracle", Arcadius said in reply. "We are here for your advice regarding a matter of grave concern."
"What is it?" Ulysses asked, wondering what had the Genetics Council so rattled.
"The Queen is expecting", Arcadius said, and Ulysses blinked once in mild surprise.
"Right."
"We forbade them from bearing children, unfortunately our advice was not followed", Arcadius said to him.
"I mean…." Ulysses began. "They're in love and married, so-"
"We are just concerned of the great power such a child could have. It would be unprecedented", Arcadius tried to say to Ulysses. "Just…Oracle Ulysses, I request you- use your powers and tell us what you see regarding the child."
Ulysses could absorb information and energy from the entire world into his brain, and generate visions of a possible future, while speaking about it as he went into a trance. Of course, the future he mentioned was only a possible one, but an Oracle's words were always taken seriously.
Ulysses looked up, and then down, before raising his hands to either side and closing his eyes, his mind gathering all of the information and energy as he breathed in and out deeply. Then, he opened his eyes, and they were glowing red, Ulysses seeming to be possessed.
After a few seconds, he finally spoke.
"Born of silence and strength, the child will rise. The future of Attilan rests upon his shoulders, but beware: he will bring both creation… and destruction."
At that moment, the Genetics Council shared looks of horror, Sapphiras saying. "Attilan is in trouble, as are we!"
"What do we do now?" Cynas wondered.
"Those insolent fools!" Targon snarled about Black Bolt and Medusa. "How dare they defy us?! Now look- because of them we are all doomed."
Arcadius then raised his hand, a smirk crossing his face. "This is good for us. We can use this against the King and Queen. We can prevent such a future too." He turned to face the rest of them. "You know how."
All of them looked at him, as he said. "Do not worry, Attilan shall continue like it always has." Ulysses came back to normal, as Arcadius gave him a slight bow. "You have our gratitude, Oracle Ulysses."
Night had now fallen on Attilan, as Black Bolt and Medusa sat on their bed, looking at each other.
Karnak stood outside the palace, in the shadows, seeing the Genetics Council walking to their chambers, his arms crossed as he scrutinized them with his gaze, all of them whispering amongst themselves.
They walked off to their chambers, not noticing him, as Karnak stared ahead, knowing the storm that was coming, as he thought of how to protect his family and the kingdom.
Black Bolt and Medusa continued looking at each other, her hair fluttering a little, as they held hands, and Black Bolt then put his other hand on too, looking down at her abdomen, his eyes saying he was going to be there for her and their child.
Medusa smiled, and then they lay down on their bed to sleep.
Ending credits play.
And that ends 'Episode' 1. Already better than the show, isn't it? And I hope the Royal Family's reasons for wanting to reform the caste system make sense too, since I want rhyme and reason to their characters.
I know Crystal and Gorgon haven't gotten much to do yet but they will. Meanwhile, I hope you all like Black Bolt, Medusa and Karnak so far, and are invested in them. Plus I hope Black Bolt's and Medusa's relationship won you over here.
The Genetics Council are already hateful, while Maximus is more of a 'love to hate' type.
I'm using soundtracks from 'Mahabharat 2013' that aired on 'Star Plus' here, mainly the ones without any lines, but those that have lines, just ignore the lines as they refer to specific people or events in the Mahabharata.
Mostly because this version of 'Inhumans' Season 1 takes some inspiration from the Mahabharata, and I've never seen the actual 'Inhumans' show, while I feel some spectacular and masterful soundtracks from 'Mahabharat 2013' do fit the scenes well.
Taran was named Erik in an older draft but I changed the name on Brainstorm Sorcerer's suggestion as Marvel has another Erik who fights for the rights of his race (in a very extreme manner but ya know what I mean).
So we got the Royal Family wanting to reform the caste system due to how much the lower castes suffer, plus Black Bolt and Medusa have a baby coming, and the Genetics Council is against them for this reason.
While making up this version, I realized I'd missed Triton and not given him a thing to do, so I just had it that he was sent to Earth to see the Inhumans who've come into existence there, tying that bit to Seasons 2 and 3 of 'Agents of SHIELD', which had done such a great job at setting the Inhumans up, but then they didn't give 'em a movie, and this show got given to one of the worst showrunners in existence, and the actual show is what we got.
Black Bolt, Medusa and Maximus have the same actors as in the show. I hated 'Multiverse of Madness' but Anson Mount seemed pretty good in his cameo. I like Serinda Swan as Zatanna in 'Smallville', and decided I'll keep her. Iwan Rheon was the perfect casting but they botched it all.
Crystal will be played by Sadie Sink, Karnak will be played by Andrew Koji, Gorgon by Michael Shannon, and Arcadius by John Glover, thanks a lot to HRwriter897 for the castings.
For the rest-
Taran- Ian Ziering
Naros- Joe Dinicol
Daris- Laura Vandervoort
Kivar- John David Washington
Shaya- Isabella Merced
Ryn- Taylor Lautner
Varek- Kellan Lutz
Ulysses- Jacob Elordi
Targon- Steven Yeun
Sapphiras- Jennette McCurdy
Porcal- Spencer Boldman
Videmus- Tom Felton
Cynas- Danielle Panabaker
Furgar- Josh Peck
Thanks a lot to gussygus28 for all of these castings.
And for the rest of the Royal Guard-
Alaris- Zachary Quinto
Nahrees- Inbar Lavi
Neifi- Kevin Michael Richardson
Drive- Ansel Elgort
Flaidermaus- Vladimir Kulich
Asmodeus- Frank Welker
Thanks a lot to gussygus28 for these castings too.
And now, I hope you all enjoyed and see you all next time with another 'Episode'.